Do You Remember?

Writers: Estelle, Francesca
Date Posted: 8th April 2025

Characters: R'kede, Iskara
Description: R'kede and Iskara reconnect after many Turns.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 4, day 5 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: Ç'pier

R'kede

Iskara wasn't sure what to think about their new Wingleader. After
M'gan's disappearance and the lackluster temporary leadership of N'mon,
she'd begun to wonder if their Wing was seen as such a second-rate
assignment that they couldn't even find a capable bronzerider to take it
on.

Still, the annoyance of the other bronzeriders had been fun to watch -
and Osherith and his rider were a Windswept Islands pair, although their
paths hadn't yet crossed at Dolphin Cove. So, when her turn came to meet
the Wingleader, she arrived at his office with a sense of curiosity,
wondering whether he'd remember her.

"It _is_ you," were R'kede's first words to the greenrider. Her hair
was shorter, her muscles perhaps more formed; although she 'd had an
athletic build already as a teenager. And, of course, she was a young
woman now, not the Candidate and apprentice seacrafter he'd interacted
with Turns prior at Windswept Islands Weyr. "I saw your name and
wondered." His new office wasn't fully decorated yet, but he had
managed to get two brightly colored armchairs for the space. He sat in
one and gestured to the other. "Do you remember when you beat me in
the sailing race? I had been so sure I'd win. I'm still not sure how
you managed it." He smiled at the memory.

Iskara's usual poise softened for an instant and a genuine smile lit her
face at the memory as she sat down. "I remember, and I'm not sure
either. A good dose of luck, I expect." The winds were changeable and
tricksy around the islands, but it had been one of those glorious days
when everything had gone right, the breeze catching her sail and sending
her skimming over the water like a firelizard in flight, and she still
remembered the exhilaration of her triumph. "I don't know that I was a
very gracious winner, but in my defense I was quite young and it was
something to beat a full Journeyman!"

"I probably wasn't a gracious loser either," R'kede said, smiling at
the memory. "Do you still go sailing? I'll admit I haven't been in
quite a while."

"Not since I came to Dolphin Cove. I suppose I've been so focused on
learning the Weyr's territory with Hylith that I haven't thought of the
sea." She'd been trying not to think too hard of the islands, too, or
why she'd left. "I must be very out of practice, and I don't know the
waters round here. But perhaps I'll find time to learn, one day."

He hadn't planned on bringing this up so quickly with anyone in the
Wing, but their shared crafting background and love of the water made
R'kede curious to hear her thoughts. "Speaking of water," he said,
eyes sparkling, "what do you think about doing some drills in the
water?"

"In the water?" She'd never heard of such a thing before, even back at
her old Weyr, but was immediately intrigued, her imagination picturing
what it might involve. At least, it'd be a change from the same old
formations and ropes drills. "You mean, with the dragons swimming?"

"I haven't come up with any good ideas to get dragons swimming with
riders," he confessed. "But, let me know if you think of something.
I'm thinking more throwing weighted balls while treading water, or
some friendly competition with timed water activities."

Iskara thought of afternoons she'd spent in the water as a weyrbrat and
then apprentice, playing different games. She'd not had so much time
since Impressing Hylith, but perhaps she'd still remember how to win?
"It sounds like fun. Some might say too much like fun for a wing drill,"
she added, amused. "But it'd be good for exercise and coordination. Most
of the weyrfolk from here or the coast weyrs would know how, but not so
much the inland ones and the holds."

It was a relief to have someone else see the benefit of water drills.
He knew he would face skepticism and would need a few allies. "I think
we all could use a bit of fun," he said with a smile. "But, I am
planning on waiting a bit before getting us in the water. Give
everyone a chance to get to know, and hopefully trust, me."

He leaned forward a bit. "Well, Iskara, I'm glad to have you in the
Wing. Good to have a friendly face. I hope you'll tell me if there's
something I should know, or if you have any ideas."

Iskara considered mentioning the problem of Ç'pier, but her instincts
told her to keep this first meeting positive and anyway, if these water
drills went ahead there was nothing like being half-drowned to send an
unwanted wingmate a message. "Of course, Wingleader. And
congratulations," she added. "It's good to see someone from the Islands
being recognized." Some of the wingriders had been sniffy about his
promotion, but it gave her hope that one day, perhaps she'd be more than
just a wingrider.

"Thanks. We'll show everyone what we can do."

Last updated on the April 22nd 2025

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