Count On That

Writers: AL, Jane
Date Posted: 8th July 2008

Characters: Briata, T'vanen, Bridinar
Description: T'vanen is flagged down at Onyx Peak and meets Briata.
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 11, day 2 of Turn 4

Briata

}:Signal flag.:{
**Hmm? At Onyx Peak?**

The large bronze tipped a wing so that his rider had a better view of the Hold and of the flag flapping in the lazy, almost non-existent breeze.

T'vanen narrowed his eyes and agreed. Not that there was any reason to disagree with Qwarith for the dragon's sight was far better than his own, but the habit of talking to each other was one they both enjoyed.
**The paved area in front of the hold looks a little short for landing,** the young man advised his dragon.

}:I could manage.:{ But he wouldn't. Instead the bronze circled and descended until he was lined up with an empty field not far from the Hold. }:Don't let them complain about crop damage. Remind them I am a _large_ dragon.:{ Briata lifted her hand and rested the edge of it against her brow, helping to shield her eyes from the bright sun. She had seen the dragon, watched the beautiful beast as he encircled the hold then finally came to a landing. Once he was still, Briata lifted her skirts and began to make her way to where the creature and his rider was.

Her smile was bright as she drew closer to man and beast and she took a moment to catch her breath befor calling out to the rider, "Thank you for coming!"

"You're welcome," T'vanen said with a bow for the young woman. "This is Qwarith and I'm T'vanen. Should I -" he hesitated, not wanting to offend, "- speak to the Holder? Or the Steward?"

"My father, the holder, is waiting for you. If you'll please come with me." Briata's smile disappeared as she turned and headed off to the hold proper, glancing back once to be certain that the rider was following her.

T'vanen jogged a couple of steps to keep up with the surprisingly fast moving woman. "May I know your name?"

"Oh, forgive me!" Briata hadn't even thought of introductions. "I'm Briata. Well met, T'vanen. My father is Holder Bridinar."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," the bronzerider assured his companion with rather more warmth than the formal words usually conveyed. He had landed at Onyx Peak once or twice before as a younger rider - perhaps once more as a weyrling? - but this time he looked around him with more interest. The place was well kept, suggesting a competent holder, and while there were no obvious signs of wealth there were none of poverty, either.

Briata took a turn, leading the rider down another hall. "There was an injury at a cot, but it's a good ways away." She explained, realising she hadn't told the man why they had flagged him down. "We're hoping you'll be willing to ferry a healer. You will, won't you?" She asked, her smile flashing at him once more.

"Qwarith and I would be happy to." It was the sort of thing they were encouraged to do; simple things for dragons and their riders that resulted in goodwill between the Weyr and Hold. "Did they send ... a firelizard?" He hadn't seen any around the place and the area was colder than the creatures liked, but how else would word be sent?

"That's how we knew of the injury." Briata explained, "Someone's green came here and as soon as the message was received we put up the flag.
Ah, almost there."

"I'd rather walk a little longer, and talk a little more," T'vanen said gallantly, "but I suppose the providing healer's transport comes first."

Briata laughed softly, "Well, you're welcome to stay a while after you bring the healer back if you like."

"Really? I might have to carry on with my sweepriding, but perhaps I could visit at some other time?"

"Of course," Briata came a stop before a door, resting her hand upon the handle, but not opening it. "Dragonriders are always welcome here."

"I'll certainly call in again, then, Briata," he young bronzerider said with a warm smile. "You can count on that."

Last updated on the July 9th 2008

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Count On That