Final Night Together

Writers: Francesca
Date Posted: 17th May 2021

Characters: Arrilon, Chalzie
Description: Chalzie and Arrilon spend the night together before Arrilon leaves.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 9, day 28 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: Kamalia
Mentor approved.

They met, as they usually did, on the beach near the Weyr. It was late
afternoon, since Arrilon had been busy making final preparations to
leave for the Harper Hall the following morning. Some of the harpers
had thrown him a party the night before. It had been nice to end his
time there on a literal high note, surrounded by music, friends, and
laughter. He would miss the friends he had made, but was confident his
path would cross with many of them in the future. In fact, he already
had plans to play at the Vintner Hall tavern with some of them soon.

Chalzie wore the same flowing green and blue dress she had worn the
day they had met, almost a Turn ago at a party in the Weyrbowl.
Arrilon's stomach was tight, thinking this could be the last time they
saw each other.

They approached each other and then stopped, unsure of what to do.
Chalzie gave an almost shy smile, then stepped forward and pulled
Arrilon into a tight hug. They stayed that way for several long
breaths, as if they were willing time to stop. Finally, they stepped
back, but Arrilon's hand quickly reached out to hold Chalzie's.

"How long do we have?" he asked.

"All night, if you want." At his confused expression, she added, "I
told them I wanted to spend some time with my foster mother, so I just
need to be back before classes tomorrow. I know a place or two we
could go, if we don't want to spend the night outside."

"That's good," Arrilon said, relieved. All night still didn't feel
like long enough, but it was something. "I got some food from the
kitchens." He pointed to the basket at his feet. "Let's find a nice
place to sit."

The pair walked for a while, finally stopping at a secluded part of
the beach and setting up a picnic blanket. Joy soon joined them, the
green firelizard begging for food from both of them.

"At least she's better behaved than she used to be," Chalzie
commented, remembering when she was younger and would attempt to steal
food directly from their plates.

Arrilon nodded in agreement. "She's practically an adult now. She's
already had two mating flights, and I think she's due again soon."

"Good thing you're used to what that feels like. Otherwise, it could
be a little awkward at the Hall." Chalzie smiled at the thought.

Soon, they were done eating and Joy left to go play in the water.
Chalzie shifted so she was next to Arrilon and leaned her head against
his shoulder. Arrilon put an arm around her and they settled into a
comfortable silence.

"Where do you see yourself in the next five to ten Turns?" Arrilon
asked after some time had passed. They had talked generally about
future plans, but he had always danced around the topic, knowing
pushing her for a commitment wasn't a good tactic. But now that they
weren't technically together anymore, it was different.

"I'll hopefully walk the tables in the next few Turns. Then, I'd like
to travel. There's fleet duty, where we get to accompany ships, or we
can be assigned to visit other dolphin pods. I'll also be able to do
more healing work, both healing dolphins and working with healers to
help people. At some point, I guess I'll need to choose a
specialization."

"Marriage? Children?" Arrilon prompted. He quickly added, "I'm just
curious. I know that's not something you want any time soon."

Chalzie sighed. She worried talking about this would just hurt him,
but he said he wanted to know. "Maybe in my mid-twenties I'll feel
ready for marriage; I don't know. And, I love kids, so that would be
great. Again, some day. You know, that might be part of why we aren't
in the same place. You're in your mid-twenties, and you're now a
Journeyman. Marriage is a logical next step for you. Who knows? Maybe
you'll find a lovely harper, or resident, as soon as you get to the
Hall." She had to fight to keep her voice light. She was surprised by
how much picturing Arrilon with someone else hurt.

"Maybe," Arrilon replied, although he couldn't imagine it. "I know it
doesn't matter, but I think your plans sound great."

"It's still nice to hear." After a pause, Chalzie shifted her head to
look up at him. "What about you? I mean, besides going to the Hall?"

"You know, I didn't realize how good acceptance from the Hall would
feel until my transfer request was approved," Arrilon said, voicing
something he had been reflecting on over the past two sevendays. "Up
until recently, being a failed Candidate has been so much a part of
who I am. You remember when we met, when you asked me to tell my
story? I almost left out my time as a Candidate, because it's a story
about failure, and shows that being a harper was my backup plan. But
now, I'm a Journeyman, and it's easier to picture the future rather
than constantly being reminded about the past. That's part of why I
need to leave the Weyr. It's a constant reminder of the past. So, I
plan to spend at least a few Turns at the Hall and then, who knows?
It's kind of exciting not knowing. And yes," he added, "it would be
nice to have a wife and children in the next few Turns too. I don't
know how all of that will fit together."

He didn't add that he still wasn't sure what to do about Chalzie
breaking up with him. Part of him wanted to try to forget around her
and move ahead with his new life. But another part of him was thinking
of ways to both get advanced training and put himself in a position to
eventually be assigned to the Dolphin Hall. For now, he'd focus on
settling into the Hall. Then, maybe in a month or two, he'd see how he
was feeling.

"That's a great plan," Chalzie said, echoing his earlier words. "We're
both going to do well. I'm sure of it."

Some time later, Arrilon took out a small pouch he had tucked into a
corner of the picnic basket. "I got something for you."

Chalzie felt a stab of embarrassment, since she hadn't thought to get
him anything. She accepted the pouch and gently opened it, a smile
coming to her face as she saw what it was. "How beautiful," she said,
holding it up to see it better. It was a necklace, made of links of
metal, with a dolphin pendant hanging from it. A small blue gem made
up the eye of the dolphin. Her eyes filled with tears. "Thank you,
Ari. But I didn't get you anything."

"I wasn't expecting anything," he replied, his voice gentle. He didn't
add that he had commissioned the necklace from a smith for their one
Turn anniversary. Instead, it served as a parting gift.

Chalzie reached out to touch his arm, still trying to hold back tears.
Shards, but this was going to be harder than she thought. It made
perfect sense for them to separate. She really wasn't ready for the
commitment of a long-distance relationship. But, she would miss this
kind, caring man. "Can I kiss you?" she asked, not sure if that was
too much.

"Of course," Arrilon replied, holding back tears of his own. Their
lips met; love, and sadness, and frantic need mixing together. Their
paths might be heading in different directions, but at least they
could have this final night together.

Last updated on the July 21st 2021

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Final Night Together