The Apprenticeship, Maybe

Writers: Suzee, Steel
Date Posted: 15th November 2024

Characters: V'tian, J'lor
Description: J'lor has a conversation with Vytian
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 9, day 12 of Turn 11

J'lor

J'lor walked toward the candidate barracks to observe the candidates as he'd discussed with R'lor. As he walked he heard snatches of conversation here and there and couldn't help but remember his own Candidacy. The conversations were almost identical.

"Hello," he said to a young man who seemed by himself and lost in thought.

"_Sir_!" Vytian jerked to attention, with a salute, though a moment later his eyes were flickering over the other, taking him in. Was he in trouble? He hoped not-- he'd been doing any and everything in order to appear likely to Impress.

"You don't need to salute son," J'lor smiled. "What are you doing right now?"

"I was reviewing my last lessons, sir." Vytian replies, and it took a moment for him to relax again, though he still stood tall. "Can I help you, sir? I know my numbers and letters, and how to organize things."

"That's excellent," J'lor smiled. "So you finished your Harper lessons?" He nodded. "And how old are you?"

"Yes sir, for the day." Vytian responded promptly. "I've been learning _so much_, and I don't doubt it's all things important for a rider to know, especially if we're to Impress well."

A brief pause. "I'm fifteen Turns, sir."

J'lor nodded with a smile. The obvious nerves were understandable. "Would you like to sit?"

".. Yes sir." Vytian responded, and sat.

" ....What can I help you with, sir?" he added. "I... haven't been at the Weyr very long-- though I told the Searchrider I was willing of course."

J'lor smiled. "Of course," he responded. "And where were you before the Weyr?"

"My family lives in a cothold, three days that way by cart." Vytian pointed. He paused, reconsidered, then pointed a different direction. "Thatway."

Another pause. "The Searchdragon only liked _me_ though. Not my siblings. And I like it better here than there, by a lot."

J'lor chuckled. Then his brows shot up. "I know the cothold you mean. Your family grows the best fingerroots. All different colors. I really like fingerroots.”

Vytian swelled a little bit. "Certainly we do." He asserted. "But Weyr life, so far, is much better. And when I Impress, they'll never be
able to make me go back." He added. "Because I'll have a dragon of my own."

"Exactly!" J'lor grinned. "You'll be independent. Do you have any other things you're looking forward to?"

".... One of the other Weyrlingmasters suggested taking up a Craft-- at least until I Impress." Vytian said. "... I think I'm going to try to learn Dragonhealing, surely that can only help my chances..."

"That's an idea," J'lor nodded. "But it's always good to choose something you like to do. For me it was people healing." He leaned his chin on his hand and looked intently at Vytian. "What do you like to do with your free time?"

"... Read. Learn." Vytian responded. "I'm not the oldest or biggest in my family, but I'm the smartest. They said no to me leaving to learn a Craft, but even they couldn't say no to a dragon on Search." He puffed his chest out a little. "I like the Weyr a lot better than I did there."

"I'm sure," J'lor smiled. "What crafts are you most interested in?"

"I like the idea of dragonhealing, sir." Vytian answered, a little awkward. "Or... or maybe Harpercraft. But Dragonhealing is better,
since it's Weyr-based."

"You can try both. It's much better to do something you really love than trying to be strategic. But basically it's your choice." He smiled and nodded. "I think that's enough for today but let's see if we can talk again. And you can always grab me if you have any questions."

"... Yes sir." Vytian responded willingly. "I will." He was already resolved to handle things himself. He'd be fine. Show that he'd be perfect for a dragon.

Last updated on the December 4th 2024

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The Apprenticeship, Maybe