But, what if...? (Moo)

[Kaya]

15.08.26 | afternoon | beach

I think they're coming along in their studies quiet well, a satisfied voice said. Rilora and Archith had just come from a short meeting with Inoria and her Sunlance, Zaranyth, to talk about the new weyrlings. While Rilora was pleased with what they'd seen in the classroom, Archith was still on edge. She walked with her Gold along the Weyr Bowl, headed in the general direction of the ocean. Her Queen needed a moment to sort things and calm down. It wasn't like Archith to show so much interest in every day Weyr matters, but they were her own children, Rilora figured. That probably had something to do with it.

I still wish there was more we could do for them. I know there's only twenty six, but someone ought to have already volunteered to be Zaranyth's assistant! Archith was back to her demanding self since the Hatching, though her focus was still around her dragonets. She felt herself fretting about them more often than she cared to admit. It was Rilora's quality to worry and she ought to take it back!

It's perfectly natural to be concerned for those you care for deeply, Rilora mentioned, trying to calm her agitated Gold. Shouldn't she be happy after hearing how well her children were doing in their lessons? Sometimes the Gold made no sense to her Rider. They're doing excellent so far. Please calm down.

Still though, they've only covered the easy stuff. Things are going to get harder. There's anatomy and healing, firestone handling and the few who think they want to be mothers first have to fill out their applications and even then they might not get picked. ...it could hurt them, Mine. Archith kept fidgeting as they walked. She herself wasn't used to caring this much, to having her heart battered by each concern she could imagine. Maybe I just need a good rush in my wings...

Rilora decided to oblige her dragon. The though crossed her mind that the type of take off speed Archith had planned would toss her hair, but some tangles would be worth it if Archith felt better. That was how their bond worked: give and take, with an extra helping of understanding.

The Gold beat her wings as hard as she could to release the tension she felt inside. They were up in the air in no time flat, though Archith had no intention of staying up with Rilora. She wasn't harnessed and so nothing but the straightest of flight would suit her Rilora. Archith dove back towards the beach as soon as she was able and touched down in the water's shallows. Rilora might get the fringe of her skirt wet, but only if she wasn't careful.

Thank you, love, Rilora slid down her Gold's side into the water, which caught one edge of her skirt, which had slipped. Hiking it back up, Rilora moved into even shallower water and finally into the surf, which was much nicer to walk on than the grainy, stick-to-everything dry sand. Hopefully some time at the beach would help Archith feel better.

[Moo]

Oooh, take your boots off!

Why?

The sand feels extra nice. The Tiger buried his feet in the sand, forked tail wriggling with excitement. Do what I did!

D’gan laughed, then removed his boots, as requested, rolled his pant legs up, and sank his feet into the cold, wet sand. Very nice, he thought with a smile.

Oh, I know. The Tiger gave him a look of smug satisfaction, eyes whirling a fast blue.

It’s been a while since we’ve been to a beach, hasn’t it?

Yes! came Mosiliath’s eager reply. We should come here more often, Mine.

We will, but first we should meet with the Weyrwoman. We owe her our thanks.

And an apology, came a slightly less excited reply.

In time.

D’gan kept an eye out for a large Gold heading toward the beach, as he was instructed by a man in passing. You didn’t happen to get that man’s name, did you?

No, did you?

He left so fast I didn’t have time. Well, if we find him again, we’ll introduce ourselves properly. D’gan shifted his boots to his left hand, riding jacket draped over his back. For a while they did not speak, and together they strolled along the shore, enjoying the salty air and the vastness of the ocean. Though not long after they set out, he spied exactly who he was looking for. Not too far away was the Weyrwoman, walking alone in the surf, her Golden Queen aloft in the sky. Mosiliath, he noticed, had quickened his pace, but he said nothing.

Once they neared her, D’gan spoke loudly over the crashing waves, “Weyrwoman Rilora, Queen Archith? A moment, please, if you will.”

Mosiliath took careful steps toward the Queen, wings pressed tight against his body in an attempt to appear small and unthreatening. He kept his head bowed and waited to be reprimanded, unsure if he should speak first or not. His eyes slowly shifted from blue to the green-yellow of his worry. It was not normally like him to act in this manner, but then again, he had never interrupted a Hatching before. He felt that appearing presumptuous would get him nowhere.

D'gan rested a hand on Mosiliath's flank. Don’t worry. Everything’s going to be alright.

Usually it is I who says that to you. But thank you, Mine.

[Kaya]

There's just something about feeling the cool sand between your toes. And if you take your foot out of the water it really feels quite cold. ...and also thinking about getting the sand out from under your toe nails later. I try not to think about that, Rilora rambled, passing through each phase of interacting with sand. It is nice. She buried her toes deeper and resorted to thinking don't think about fire lizards to try and ignore what would be the sand's revenge later.

The Gold listened to her Rider's trail of thought. It wasn't that it was particularly interesting, but that she could focus on something else that captured her attention. Still, the Gold felt compelled to feel the air under her wings again. How long had it been now since her Flight? Oh her children... I'm going back up- Archith had started to say before she noticed the Tiger and his Rider approaching. Her wings flared out as she fell behind Rilora but when she saw the others she didn't take off but instead let the breeze fill her sails. She could wait. Just a little longer...

Rilora had seen the others coming but thought nothing of it. It was the beach. Many Weyrfolk came here to unwind. The waves caught the hem of her skirt again which made Rilora expel with agitation the deep breath she had been trying to take. Ooo, if these incoming waves don't stop getting my skirt wet-

D'gan's voice interrupted her threat.

"Ah- ...of course." Rilora replied curtly. Her anger toward the ocean was diffusing and she made an effort to keep it in. Her skirt would dry, everything would be fine. "You're that TigerRider from the Hatching," she ended her statement with a forced smile to try and look more polite. Pleasantries were something she was good at, but ever since she'd Impressed Archith's mood had a way of making every day she was upset harder. "Ahem, beg your pardon, I don't believe I've gotten your name yet, KingRider."

[Moo]

D’gan stood a respectful distance from her, placing his boots and jacket on dry sand. He gave her a small smile. “My sincere apology, Weyrwoman. I am D’gan, a transfer from Fort Weyr. I would have spoke sooner to you, were it not for our ill-timed arrival. My dragon’s name is Mosiliath, and I believe he would like to speak to both you and your Queen.”

Without further introduction, the Tiger walked forward and bowed his head in turn to the Gold and her Rider, clearly ready to get this off his chest. Weyrwoman Rilora, Queen Archith, he said, speaking so all could hear. I wish to apologize for the manner in which I have entered your Weyr. He kneaded the sand before him out of embarrassment, the muscles in his shoulders jumping with his movement.

It was a rude and unbecoming show from one of my age; had I known you had clutched, my Queen, I would never have acted in such a way. My only reason for this was excitement from our first advent to Rainbow Mists Weyr. I do hope that, in time, you will forgive me for my unseemly entrance. I am very sorry.

D’gan noticed Mosiliath’s eyes slow their whirling and return to a light blue. He couldn’t help but smile to himself at how nervous his dragon had been. You can be very endearing, he said to the Tiger. You spoke well. I am proud of you. He could have sworn he heard a great mental sigh from his dragon. His heart warmed at the thought; he treasured these small revelations.

Mosiliath stood a little taller and readjusted his right wing just so, making certain that the scar tissue would not stick out awkwardly. I appreciate the comment, Mine. He looked to the radiant Queen in the sky and wondered, quite innocently for his age, what it must be like to have a whole brood of dragonets to look after. He did not pass this on to his Rider; the Tiger knew of his Mine's feelings on children. Best saved for another time. Time alone.

"In what way may we be of service to you, Weyrwoman?" asked D'gan, speaking once more.

[Kaya]

"Ah, D'gan then. Well met," Rilora replied as was proper. It was almost an automatic response now, though she made an effort to store away his name for future recall. She turned to look at the Tiger instead of his Rider at D'gan's prompting. She prayed Archith would take it well. She seemed to be in a bit of an uncertain mood today.

The Queen turned her attention to the Tiger as he spoke. It hadn't been one, but two Tigers who had caused a ruckus at her Hatching. It was almost enough to make her believe that they were worse than Crimsons. Almost...but not quite.

Mosilliath, newest of dragons,... she paused, as if mulling over his apology and its merit. He had stopped interrupting the moment she asked. And yes, he was here apologizing. I appreciate you coming to me about this. It was of the utmost importance that the attention be on my children. You may not have heard of the Hatching's imminence, being a transfer and not merely a dragon returning home. If you don't mind, I would like the names of your commanding Wingleadership so I might confirm your character on our next visit. ....are you from Fort? ...most new ones are. Another pause. Ahem, in any cause I insist that if you've no other pressing matters, you accompany Mine and I along the beach.

Rilora smiled at her Queen's response. It was weighted and crafted the best she could on a day like this one. She didn't want Mosiliath to think he was entirely off the hook. But the truth was that as long as he didn't do anything else to upset Archith, he was...for the time being in any case.

When D'gan spoke Rilora looked back over to the TigerRider. "Well, it seems Archith has requested your company. Which would be a nice change to a fretting mother's dialogue." Rilora smiled, trying to ease the tension she felt. It was melting away already, she hoped, but perhaps that last comment would succeed in creating a pleasant, relaxing day at the beach. If not those words, hopefully the next ones.

[Moo]

Both Mosiliath and D’gan nodded in unison as they shared the Queen’s message amongst themselves.

That is correct. We were from Fort Weyr, yes. Our Wingleader was T’kran of Bronze Forith, who was a most excellent teacher. The Tiger straightened up to his full height, attention fixed on their Queen. We do not have any prior engagements, and would be delighted to accompany you. He still felt as if he were being scrutinized, but said nothing more; the majority of his guilt had already been removed once he had apologized.

D’gan squinted his eyes in concentration as he listened to Rilora, his head slightly tilted so her words met his good ear. “It is our pleasure, Weyrwoman,” he said at last, bending once more to retrieve his riding jacket and boots. He smiled briefly at her and took note of the change of direction in their conversation. “If it helps, my lady, while I have never personally experienced the sense of raising a child,” he started, moving closer to talk, “I have no doubt these dragonets will grow up well. One of my unofficial duties at Fort Weyr, after Thread was no longer an immediate threat, was to keep an eye out for the Weyrlings and, at times, individual dragonets. To see they were progressing well in Weyrling training, and to provide aide when I was required. Despite the fact that some might require extra help, they managed very well. Their bonds were strong. It is something every one of us has to learn.” D’gan was now at her side and noticed, with well-concealed surprise, just how young the Weyrwoman was.

Not to mention, what a lovely woman she is, Mosiliath said cheekily to his Rider.

D’gan chose to ignore him, and then turned to Archith. “Though I am sure you may worry over your children, my Queen, here they have a safe environment to grow and mature in, and here they will flourish. If there is anything I can do to help relieve you of worry, do not hesitate to ask.” D’gan looked back to Rilora. “The same is welcome of you as well, my Weyrwoman. I am here if you need me."

[Kaya]

Archith rumbled with a slight note of happiness. Good. I should be glad to get to know you better, Mosiliath. Have you been to our beach yet? The Gold asked. He had been at the Weyr for only a few days. Perhaps she could show him around a bit, maybe even take a quick glide or something. Ah, to be in the air soon. She made it a goal.

"Bond training?" Rilora remarked, interested. Archith had some particular children, that given time, might require such services. She made a note to ask D'gan if they ended up with any problem weyrlings. "A rewarding job, I'm sure. I've had a bit more experience with young ones. I come from a big farming family, y'see. Lots of younger siblings. Part of me thinks that's why they-" Rilora paused, processing her thought again. No matter how she phrased it, it didn't come out well. "I'm young, but I learn fast and I have some experience." I do my job well. she thought to herself.

Mine? Are you worrying about the other Golds again?

No! ...yes.

How about, we don't worry about anything for the rest of the day, and just have a nice time? Deal.

Rilora didn't need to answer. Archith knew. "Ah, I'm sorry. Thoughts sidetracked, Archith y'know. What was I saying? ...oh, my family. Love them very much. Go to visit them often when I can. You?" Well, it was a bit of an awkward start to a conversation after so much formality, but it would have to do. "And are you enjoying your new home? Does it live up to the stories?"

[Moo]

Mosiliath was pleased by his Queen’s words. This is our first time on your beach, my Queen. While we lived at Fort Weyr, we had little time to ourselves. It was always a rather busy place to live. With what time we did have, we only seldom went to a beach. The cool salt water lapped at his legs, and he inhaled deeply. But I am very glad we have time here. I look forward to exploring more of your Weyr, and to learn more about you as well, my Queen.

Meanwhile, D’gan chuckled at Rilora’s frankness. “I have no doubt you are doing a fine job running this Weyr, my lady. And it’s quite alright, I understand how it is with dragons. My family, however, is a different story. To spare you my long history, I seldom see my mother and father. They are both Riders themselves – my mother, Maegan, rides Green, and my father, D'rin, rides Blue – but we rarely cross paths anymore. Mosiliath is much too large—

Hey! a disgruntled voice sharply interrupted.

D’gan rolled his eyes goodnaturedly and continued. “He is much too large to play with smaller dragons, especially Greens and Blues. We were also assigned different Wings, so between that and a lack of time, I never saw much of them, really…ever since we began Weyrling training. It does not bother me, though. Such is the way of a Weyrbrat.” He paused, and then decided to neglect including the other aspects of his relationship with his father. “I was, however, able to share some time with my younger brother before I transferred. E'ras rides a Midnight, but Haronth decided it better to sleep through our rendezvous.”

D’gan listened carefully once more to Rilora, not wanting to admit that the crashing ocean waves made hearing a bit difficult. “I will be honest, my Weyrwoman, we have not seen much of our new home, but already it is quite a wonderful place. It far surpasses the stories and our expectations.”

Mosiliath rumbled his agreement.

“Which is your favorite place in the Weyr?”

[Kaya]

Archith wasn't overly fond of swimming but seeing Mosiliath enjoy the water so much made it seem more appealing than usual. She slipped her claws into the shallows and felt the sand give way underneath them. It was at that moment she remembered why wet sand was later so undesirable but she had already committed to standing in the water so she kept walking along. At the end of this she would have a good fly and knock off as much sand as she could with a steep dive. Archith arched her neck at the complement, she liked them perhaps a bit too much but the recognition of that fact didn't bother her much. Your Rider was speaking of overseeing weyrlings. What were the ones you and Yours oversaw individually? A few of my children look to be as strong spirited as me, and I'd like to make sure they have mentors that can see them through the young days well.

"I have a Rider sibling too! The Weyr took both Lithena and me," Rilora smiled and with a bit of wry teasing added, "She had the audacity to Impress before me. I'm older than her." An exaggerated pout finished off her attempt to be funny. "She rides a Black-Green named Hrith. Sweet dragon but if she loves complements and attention more than anyone I've ever met, and that's saying something," Rilora shot a glance at Archith, knowing smile on her face.

The Gold dragon let out a huff of acknowledgement and then looked away again.

Favorite spot? A rush of places skipped through Rilora's thoughts. The ledge outside the dining hall, the upper heights on a sunny day, the edge of the jungle right up against the Weyr, they were all good spots. But were they her favorite? She knew for sure her least favorite place was at her desk. Desk work. Ug. Her shoulders slouched just thinking about it. But she was supposed to be thinking about favorite places. "Ah, I got it," she announced, "The thin side of the fireheights. On one side you can see the Weyr Bowl, and on a busy day there's a flurry of colors coming and going and lazing around, and on the other side you can see the beach and the ocean and the birds over it. With just the right weather and a lazy breeze, it's perfect." A smile covered Rilora's face. "Where is your favorite place? And don't tell me you don't have one, though if that's the tragic case then you owe me a story from when Mosiliath was a weyrling. ...you should just tell me them both anyway," Rilora finished after a pause. She was much more relaxed, and not really worrying any more. Archith's suggestion had sunk in. Thinking about favorite spots - which she was still doing - helped.

[Moo]

Mosiliath’s eyes whirled varying shades of green as Archith joined him in the water. This is true. We have looked after a number of flying weyrlings in our time, though five Riders we personally took on. Our first was a Starlight by the name of Ygheth, and we worked with her to correct bad habits she picked up in the Weyrling Wing once she was a Fighter. For the most part, however, the females had few problems – it was primarily the male dragons and Riders that came our way. He flicked his tail and matched Archith’s pace as she walked along the shore, but his eyes were watching the sea as he recalled the young weyrlings.

Next was a Brick called Droeth, though I am sure his reputation as a Brick precedes his actions. A DarkBlue female pair also came to us, but their problems were far more personal than, say, correcting wing angles. Great fliers, but both lacked confidence in their abilities when we first started with them. We also dealt with a young Bronze and his Rider, both of whom were the exact opposite and thought incredibly high of their skills.

Crath and H’mod, he nodded to himself, as if to confirm their identity in his head. They were very intelligent, very calculating, but lacked motivation to properly learn and adhere to flight patterns as well as rules. They were a slippery pair, but the situation sorted itself out, as these things tend to do over time.

Mosiliath glanced to his Rider. We worked with a Crimson until the time of our transfer, though he was by far one of the more difficult cases. Hinith is his name. Crimsons are very quick to anger, and equally quick to retreat inside themselves when situations are too much for them to handle. At least, this Crimson was. D’gan got along well with the Rider, though. He has a way with young ones. He looked back to Archith, curiosity brightening his eyes. If you have need of us, my Queen, we would be more than pleased to offer our services.

D’gan, meanwhile, had not noticed Mosiliath’s mention, currently wrapped up in Rilora’s story and the process of hearing what she was saying. He grinned at the mention of her sister. “Ah, of course. Younger siblings…they always have it easier than we do.” He made a note of the names she mentioned, and chuckled to himself at the jab she made at her dragon – but not too loudly. She was a Queen, after all. “The fireheights,” he repeated under his breath, eyes moving back and forth between her eyes and mouth. “I’ll have to visit there soon,” D’gan replied. “Oh, my favorite place? Well…I suppose,” he paused and looked over at Mosiliath, but he appeared busy with his own conversation.

“I’m not sure if it’s my favorite yet, but I do like the waterfalls. Or is that too much of a cliché?” he smiled. “As far as a story, well…That depends on what kind of story you’re in the mood for.”

[Kaya]

Archith felt the sand shift under her feet as she listened to Mosiliath's reply. She was impressed by the variety of challenges the five weyrlings had faced. She had expected the Tiger to have mentored similar weyrlings but certainly the experience with several types was better. The more she thought about it, the more she figured weyrlings should just have a mentor anyway. Weyrlinghood isn't as perilous for some pairs who would develop good bonds on their own, but growing up, no matter the pair, is always made to be hard enough. She would take it up with Zaranyth at a later time.

It was then Mosiliath looked straight at her, the look of his eyes drawing in her attention. She almost backed up just a bit, it felt so odd to her. That look. Thank you, Mosiliath. It appears you are quite talented. I will contact you if a weyrling needs a mentor. I- she paused briefly, considering her wording, would like that. A softer tone, not quite what she was going for, but words said can't be changed. There was something strange setting into her mood and to shake it off she now certainly needed a good fly. The sky? she asked, spreading her wings.

Rilora smiled that D'gan had taken her comments so well. It seemed that today she was funny. Good. She looked over at Archith when her wings flared back out. She didn't want to be caught up in a sand flurry if they did decide to take off. The warming smile on her face turned back to a wrinkled, concerned look on her brow. Then she realized D'gan had finally decided on a favorite place. Waterfalls? "I wouldn't say cliché, just popular," Rilora commented, keeping a leery eye on Archith.

What kind of story to ask for? The best ones were ones people volunteered, interesting things you didn't know about them, stories of how they became, troubles you never imagined them getting into as kids, weyrlings... "I'd like an exciting story," Rilora settled on, hoping that her comment would elicit the kind of things she had in mind. Really, any story, though. She liked them.

[Moo]

I would be delighted, replied Mosiliath, his response ambiguous as he spread out his wings. He took care to stretch his right wing a bit more – the scarring was beginning to cramp a little. Nothing a good flight would not solve, he knew. He settled on his haunches, readying to leap into the air once she had.

D’gan noticed Rilora appeared a bit distracted, her attention wavering between him and...something. He turned to see what had caught her eye, and shared her concern the second he saw it. It was one thing for a large dragon to take off, and it was quite another for two large dragons. Particularly in the sand. “Come,” he announced, and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t think I want to be caught up in that, do you?” He motioned to a spot further up the strand, far away enough where they would not get hit with sand, and began a slow walk up to it. “An exciting story? Hmm. Let me think,” he mused.

A few ideas sprang to his mind immediately, and he resisted the urge to grin at them. “An exciting story,” he murmured again. “The interesting ones, sadly, I probably shouldn’t tell you – much too inappropriate. But, umm…I don’t really know, to be honest. Our weyrling days were trying, to say the least, though little happened that could be considered exciting. Lots of scarring, though, as I’m sure you have noticed,” he said, motioning to himself and Mosiliath. “But that isn't very exciting. You know, I might have to postpone on the story – I wouldn’t want to tell a mediocre story just to get it out of the way, particularly if I can think of a better one later – but you’re more than welcome to ask me questions…about anything, really.” He smiled over at her. "Might help me remember a more appropriate yarn to tell you."

[Kaya]

Rilora let D'gan lead and stopped looking back at Archith. If she took off she didn't want her the front face to be hit straight on. At his mention of inappropriate stories, though she fought the expression change, a stifled smile made it onto her face. She noted the scars, which with Thread currently absent had become less common. Living in those Turns was not something she wanted to entertain.

Her face finally fell flat when D'gan declined a story. She tried to think of a springy reply to keep the conversation up. He provided it himself moments later and a wry smile crept onto Rilora's lips. "Anything?" she asked in singsong.

She was about to set into question asking when Archith finally had readied herself sufficiently to take off. The sand whirled around her, behind Rilora, as the Gold lifted into the air. She felt the strength in her limbs and quickly moved over the water to keep from spraying the Riders with a torrent of unpleasant sand. The sky was spread out over her and the water gleamed below. The low ocean spray hit her face and the smallest bit of salt burned her nose. Archith dragged her claws in the water, hoping to get off some of the sand and enjoying the nippy feeling that the combination of water and wind brought forth.

She then angled upward and climbed a bit higher and enjoyed the dancing shapes on the water. Off in the distance she thought that she saw a boat, but it was small and she wasn't sure. Nevertheless it was freeing to be in the air. A sort of dragon's smile settled on Archith's face.

Rilora had taken the launch time, once Archith was a ways out, to think of questions, and to watch her dragon soar. Sometimes she felt they had a strange bond, but she hoped that time would settled their souls in together. At last she turned her attention from Archith back to D'gan, really taking a moment to look at him. How much more time had he seen than she? ...a question-

"What is your bond with Mosiliath like?" the topic she had just been considering was the first inquiry to come to mind. "Has it changed over time? Did you imagine Impressing a Tiger as a Candidate?"

[Moo]

Mosiliath was not far behind Archith once she took off, though he was not as interested in cleaning off his claws as she was. Instead he decided to fly higher, pushing his wings down hard, preferring the altitude and the possibility of air currents to the ocean water. He wobbled in the air as the effort of rising higher unfolded the pinched membranes of his wing, but he recovered quickly. This was not the first time, nor would it be the last. He looked down and watched Archith as she rose higher, and his eyes swirled various hues of blue and green. This was a good choice, he said, not missing her cheerful expression. Even though we may fly all the time, it is still a relief to leave the ground. Particularly if you have someone to fly with, which makes it all the more enjoyable, he rumbled, taking in a deep breath.

D’gan remained quiet as Rilora watched her Queen take flight, and when she turned back to look at him, he gave her a small, polite smile in return. He had been wondering what she considered asking him before their dragons flew, with that playful tone of voice, but…perhaps he would get the chance to ask later. He cleared his throat and stood straight as an arrow under her scrutinous gaze, his hands clasped behind his back. But while she was looking at him, he took the same opportunity to look right back.

“Our bond?” D’gan asked, intrigued by the topic she had chosen. He was determined to give a good answer. “It changes even now, though usually for the better. It’s one of continual growth, and our roles are always shifting. If you don’t mind a bit of history, I’ll explain. When I was – well, a younger man – I had a difficult time following orders…working well and listening to others, specifically. I had a lot of responsibility on my shoulders to get things right the first time, particularly being the eldest brother.” He paused, and wondered briefly how in-depth he should go, and right away decided against it. It is too soon for that.

“But when I Impressed Mosiliath, everything changed. And no, I never imagined I would Impress a Tiger! At the time, I was more concerned with Impressing at all! There was a lot of pressure on me to Impress, growing up in the Weyr.” He cleared his throat and glanced up at the dragons before facing Rilora again. “Anyway, it turned out well that we found each other. Even as a young hatchling, Mosiliath had a good head on his shoulders – he was wise beyond his turns. He understood far more than I gave him credit for, and he was more of a mentor to me than any Rider I knew. Mosiliath…he sort of tempered me. Got me cooperating with other weyrlings and listening to their ideas. I learned how to follow. As we grew older and rose in rank, he became more of a father figure to me -- as well as to others we met along the way. And for the last few turns, before we transferred here, that has changed into a very deep, mutual friendship and understanding of each other.”

D’gan nodded to himself, momentarily lost in thought. “We’re better friends now than we were in the beginning. We may disagree on a few subjects, but overall, our bond now is extremely intimate. Though I suppose that just comes with age,” he smiled. "Does that answer your question?"