Promises for Later

Writers: Anika, Avery, Yvonne
Date Posted: 14th February 2015

Characters: P'ton, Ikalis, Alina
Description: P'ton lobbies for dance partners at the Hatching Feast.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 11, day 18 of Turn 7

Alina

His mother had spared no amount of effort and P'ton's new gather clothes
were impressive and fit him very well. Walking confidently into the
Hatching Feast after seeing Cirynath bedded down he looked every bit the
bronze rider, despite having just come by the title. Not only was his
carriage triumphant, but his face was lit with both joy and serenity that
came with his new bond.

"You'll save me a dance won't you?" he asked Ikalis softly, coming up
behind her unawares.

Ikalis whirled to face the voice behind her. "Oh hello there. Looking
snazzy," she said. "Congrats on the bronze. Wotsis name?"

"Cirynath," P'ton answered with a grin, his pride in his new lifemate
evident in his beaming face. "And you are looking quite lovely
yourself this evening," he commented, never having seen her outside of
either the kitchens or her other duties. "Though I miss the smudge of
flour on your nose, that's always very alluring."

"That's a handsome name," she said, twirling in place to show off the
amethyst purple dress that fell below her knees. With Alina's
assistance she'd removed the sleeves to show off her arms, but the
neckline was very modest. "I'm glad you like it."

Then his last comment registered and she reached her hand up to brush
her nose instinctively, but nothing came off. "Oh!" she chided.

He chuckled, pleased to have gotten a reaction, and his eyes danced
mischievously. "You will save me a dance won't you?"

"I will. And hey, are those new duds?"

"Yep, my mother made them for me," he looked around the crowded
cavern. "I should probably find my parents and get some food." His
stomach agreed with him giving an audible growl. "But I'll find you
later to claim that dance."

"You do that. And hey, I saved a special treat for you...you can have
it after the dance," she said with a playful grin.

"Oooh is it soft and delicious and enough to make a man's eyes roll
back in his head?" he asked suggestively knowing the description of
her pies could very well fit something completely different.

She rolled her eyes at him. "Of course it's that good. Also, you're a
_weyrling_ now. Hey, speaking of weyrlings...someone I want you to
meet."

Ikalis reared up on her tip-toes, scanned the crowed. When she saw her
friend, she grabbed P'ton's hand and dragged him over. "Hey, Alina. Do
you know him?"

Alina quickly excused herself from the knot of other young women she'd been
standing with to join Ikalis and P'ton. Ikalis she had a wide smile for,
but she was a little more reserved as she looked P'ton up and down. "I
don't think I do, but judging by those new knots on your shoulder, you've
Impressed one of Riyanth's brood."

"I am now the _very_ proud rider of bronze Cirynath," he replied with a nod
and devilishly broad smile. "I'm now called P'ton. It's a pleasure to meet
you Alina. I can only hope that we'll have plenty of opportunities to get
to know each other better now that we're both weyrlings," he added in his
usual rakish manner.

Alina cast a sideways glance at Ikalis. P'ton was apparently _very_ suited
to a bronze dragon. "Congratulations on your impression to Cirynath. I
imagine your family must be very proud." Who wouldn't be, if their son had
impressed a bronze?

"I haven't actually spoken to them yet, but my brother tells me they are.
It's probably the first thing I've done that my father won't find fault
with," P'ton quipped. When he considered the almost nonstop arguements
between he and his father before he came to the Weyr, he was still
surprised his parents had come. Despite his words, his tone was still light
and good natured. "He's probably relieved that I'm no longer his problem."

Ikalis watched their interaction with interest and a little trepidation.
She'd hoped that they'd get along - maybe Alina would relate better to a
holdbred boy than weyrbred ones - but wasn't sure if that was actually
going to be the case.

"Now he can pawn you off to the poor Weyrlingmasters," she said.

"And they've no idea what they're in for," P'ton joked. "Actually, from
what I hear, they keep us too busy and tired to get into any trouble." The
young man looked to Alina for conformation. "That the truth?"

Alina nodded. "Enjoy yourself tonight, because you'll be starting with a
very hungry dragon when the sun rises."

"Oh, I intend to! And the two of you? Planning on enjoying the festivities
to the fullest?"

"_I_ don't have restrictions, so yes," Ikalis answered. "Dancing, eating,
drinking..."

"Yeah, yeah, no need to rub it in, we know what follows," P'ton said
with mock irritation but in his current elated mood he couldn't even
begin to keep up the pretense. "How, about you, Alina, you've still
got _restrictions_ too, but are you going to cut loose a little this
evening? I'm not Pern's worst dancer. Would you consent to a dance
with a new weyrling if I promised not to tromp on your toes?"

"Only if you promise!" Alina said lightly. Any opportunity to dance,
although she desperately hoped that the music would be something she
was familiar with. There were so many different ones at the Weyr!

"You'll make a handsome pair," Ikalis said, using jesting to cover the
sudden pinch of jealousy that burned through her.

"Indeed we will," P'ton agreed. "As will you and I when I claim the
dance you promised. What fortune I have to look forward to dancing
with two of the loveliest ladies in attendance. Right now, however, I
must go find some sustenance," the young man informed them, grabbing
his stomach expressively.

"The fish is very good, and the river grain is specially spiced. And
if you don't eat at least two of the sweet berry hand pies, I'm going
to be disappointed. Did you know I started work on those right after
the humming started?" Ikalis mock-frowned at them both.

"Yes, ma'am," P'ton answered smartly "I will see that your valiant
efforts are not put to waste and eat no less than _four_! This is a
celebration after all."

Last updated on the March 6th 2015

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Promises for Later