Drinking Buddies

Writers: Ames, Heather
Date Posted: 5th February 2014

Characters: H'vack, K'lvin
Description: The two men become drinking buddies.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 5, day 10 of Turn 7

Rubbing at his eyes, H'vack breathed out a frustrated sigh. One of the
weyrlings had been injured in training today and that had led to a
long day of follow-ups, hidework, and meetings. It was far later than
he would have liked, and he was still sitting at his desk.

Pushing the hide away from him, he leaned back in his seat and
stretched. What he really needed was a walk and a drink. The rest of
the hidework could wait until the morning. Today had been a more
stressful day than he'd anticipated.

Rising from his seat he headed out to the main Weyrbowl. It was late,
but as always there was still activity throughout the Weyr. The Weyr
truly never slept. He made his way down to the kitchens. There were a
few workers still around.

"Point me to the where I can find something hearty to drink?" He asked
one of them. The girl looked at him as though she'd been caught doing
something in trouble. She gave him a sort of shrug. H'vack sighed.
Clearly some of the night staff didn't get much attention. He asked a
little more clearly. "I'm looking for a good strong drink, girl."

She finally nodded, not speaking, and pointed towards a far wall.

K'lvin was already seated, a drink between his hands that he had been
working on. The bronzerider always enjoyed ending his evening with a
strong drink if he could. There was just something soothing and
relaxing about it that helped him rest later that night. Not to
mention it was a lot better than sitting in his weyr alone. His
daughter was with her foster mother for the new few evenings in a row
which left him with a little more free time on his hands.

H'vack pulled a bottle off the shelf, popped the top and filled a mug
with his chosen drink. Turning, he noticed there was someone else
sitting in the main area nursing what appeared to be his own cup of
drink. H'vack raised his glass in recognition before taking a rather
long swig of the soothing liquid. He knew many men didn't wish to be
bothered when nursing their woes, so he didn't instantly approach the
other man, just stood where he was for a moment, deciding what to do
with himself.

"Have a seat." K'lvin said, kicking out the chair near him for the
other dragonrider. The bronzerider was still in the process of meeting
people at River Bluff and making friends. Drinking friends were
always the best kind in his estimation.

"Thank you. Much appreciated," H'vack replied, taking the offered
seat. He hadn't gotten all the names and faces down since his own
arrival, but he was pretty sure he hadn't seen this bronzerider around
before.

"New to the Weyr? Visiting the area?" He asked.

"New, actually. Just arrived a few days back." K'lvin revealed,
lifting his cup to his lips for another drink, "I am K'lvin, my dragon
is Xmrenth."

"Ah," H'vack replied, "I've only been here a few months myself.
H'vack, dragon is Rilarth. I'm the Weyrlingmaster here now." He nodded
and added, "Nice to meet a fellow rider who enjoys a good evening
drink."

K'lvin smirked a bit at that, "Yes, I have been surprised by the lack
of dragonriders down here in the evenings. It is a different
generation I suppose." The bronzerider lifted his shoulders. He
supposed the Weyrlingmaster and himself were probably near the same
age if just a few Turns different.

H'vack snorted, "Aye, I think many of them are still too busy chasing
after skirts and the like to come down and enjoy a nice cap to the
evening. I know, for me, it sure helps me unwind."

"Agreed." K'lvin saw far too many dragonriders that spent most of
their time chasing women, or men, rather than actually being a
dragonrider. "What brought you River Bluff?" He asked.

"The position actually." H'vack replied. "I'd worked under so many
other Weyrlingmasters I wanted a chance to finally prove myself in the
spot. When I heard they were actively seeking a qualified candidate, I
applied." He spread his hands wide on the table. "And lo and behold
here I am. What about you? What brought you here?"

"My daughter," K'lvin answered truthfuly, "she lived with her mother
growing up. When I decided I was ready to get out of Dragonsfall I, by
some wild stroke of luck, managed to convince her mother to let her
come with me here." The bronzerider lifted his shoulders. Perhaps
Cylena wanted some time now with her new weyrmate, K'lvin didn't care,
as long as Kylena was with him.

"Ah you have a daughter," H'vack remarked. That was something he
didn't have, or at least didn't _know_ that he had. There had been a
few instances over the Turns, but none had been confirmed by the
mothers, so he could only speculate.

"How old is she now?" He asked.

"She is eight." K'lvin said, a hint of pride in his voice at the
mention of his daughter. The bronzerider would have never guessed
himself to be the "proud papa" type but when it came to Kylena he just
couldn't help it.

"That's a good age. Far enough past the baby stage to be more
enjoyable. Has she considered yet if she'll pursue dragonriding?"
H'vack knew that most weyrbred children opted to Stand, but some
preferred other means. It was still a few Turns off before young
K'lvin's daughter could even consider joining the candidate ranks.

K'lvin set down his mug, his brow furrowed a bit, "You know she hasn't
really said yet, but her mother is a healer. I figure she'll either
follow suit or perhaps try to Stand. Either way the Weyr offers her
good opportunities." Much better than she would have received had she
been born a holder.

"It definitely does," H'vack replied, "If she's ever curious to find
out more about Standing and all before the time comes, send her my
way. I can show her around and let her know what all would be involved
for her." Of course most any rider could explain the process, but
since H'vack worked with the young ones to train them it was a natural
offer for him to make.

"I will definitely send her in your direction then. You know how
children are, 'old dad, he's as old as Faranth what could he possibly
know about anything?'" K'lvin lifted an eyebrow with amusement as he
spoke.

H'vack chuckled at that. He was enjoying the conversation and the company.

Last updated on the February 8th 2014

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