The Risks We Take
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Sia
Date Posted: 17th August 2024
Characters: Aleriand, J'ine
Description: Aleriand and J'ine have different ideas about Turn's End celebrations
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 13, day 29 of Turn 11
Notes: Mentioned: Aikley, Jayala, Shassene
The Turn's End Gather at Emerald Falls was in full swing by the time Aleriand caught sight of a familiar bronze hide and bright green eyes in the distance. }: We're here. He said he's going to 'catch up'.:{ Iyoth supplied helpfully. Aleriand shook his head slightly at the bronze's direction, subtly enough that the people he was speaking with didn't seem to notice. With the time difference, J'ine would have just finished drills. Probably finding a drink or two before finding him.
Aleriand was discussing the typeset of The Emerald Journal when he felt a hand rest lightly on the small of his back. The contact was brief, but the intent was unmistakable. Aleriand stiffened at the touch. He stuttered through the rest of his sentence and excused himself, pulling the bronzerider along with him.
“J’ine,” he said, his voice tight, low. “What are you doing?”
J'ine's smirk faltered for a second. A mix of affection and frustration lingered in his gaze. “I wanted to see you.” His hand remained at Aleriand’s back, a small, possessive gesture that spoke volumes. He leaned in, much closer than comfortable, trying to come in for a kiss.
Aleriand’s hands came up, becoming a sudden barrier against J'ine's chest. He stepped back, breaking the contact entirely. His eyes flicked around nervously, spotting several crafters nearby who could easily turn their attention toward them. He stepped back, breaking the contact. “Here? Now?” he hissed, his voice barely above a whisper. “Are you out of your mind?”
J’ine’s smile faltered, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "No. I didn't grab your collar and push you against anything, the way I really want. What's the problem? There's plenty of dragonriders without any care for personal space-"
Aleriand's expression darkened, a mix of anger and fear flashing in his eyes. "I'm not a dragonrider. This isn't the Weyr. We've talked about this -- if anyone even suspects --"
“Then what?” J’ine cut in, his tone sharp. “You're the Hallmaster now. Why can't we just-"
"You _know_ that's not how this works. What is the matter with you?" Aleriand snapped, cutting him off. His voice was still low, but it was laced with anger. “You know what's at stake. You can't control yourself for a few candlemarks?"
"Oh, please. It's not like we were ever subtle back at the Weyr. The Printers promoted you because of your skill, not because they think you just haven't found the right woman yet! Your Journeyman is even putting us on your _schedule_." J'ine grinned at that, a bad attempt to lighten the tension.
Aleriand’s jaw tightened. "This isn't the Hall, either! My rank and my people can only protect us so much." His voice pitched a little too loud and some folks nearby glanced over. He continued again in a harsh, low voice. "And I protect _them_, too. What do you think is going to happen to Aikley if Hold gossip turns to me?"
J’ine’s eyes flashed with hurt and anger. “What is the worst that's going to happen? The Holders will clutch their pearls, but they'll get over it. They got over Jayala so quickly that hardly anyone batted an eye over Shassene-"
"No, no they didn't." Aleriand snapped. "Jayala isn't the Hallmaster because the holders didn't allow it. Shassene wasn't a popular pick either. Just because I didn't tell you doesn't mean that it didn't happen."
There was a pause then, as J'ine processed. He had been so concerned about the anti-Weyr sentiment and 'the Shadow' that he hadn't stopped to think about what was quietly happening at the Hall. Aleriand had said that Emerald Falls was the safest place for the Printers, not that it was _safe_.
But instead of caving, he dug his heels in. "I thought we were in this together."
"We are," Aleriand said through gritted teeth. "But that doesn't mean you can act like none of this matters. You grew up here too. If anyone suspects…you know what they'd do to me?"
“And what about what this is doing to us?” J’ine shot back, his voice rising despite himself. “Hiding, sneaking around like we’re doing something wrong " how long can we keep this up before it destroys us anyway?”
"Stop it! If you’re going to keep pushing, keep putting us both at risk" then maybe this isn’t going to work.”
J’ine recoiled as if struck, his anger giving way to a cold, sinking feeling in his gut. “So that’s it, then?” he asked, his voice quiet and bitter.
Aleriand’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. “Go get another drink. Or some klah. I can't keep talking about this tonight.”
The words hung heavy in the air between them. For a moment, neither spoke. Finally J'ine shook his head. "Fine. You do what you need to do, Aleriand." Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
Last updated on the August 25th 2024