An Important Duty

Writers: Devin, Eimi
Date Posted: 7th June 2006

Characters: D'ren, Almonteo
Description: D'ren is assigned to take the Harper Hallmaster to a meeting at Amber Hills
Location: Amber Hills Hold, Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 12, day 3 of Turn 3

Almonteo

He'd double-checked when he was given the assignment. Sure, he was a bronzerider, but he wasn't even in the wings yet and conveying the Harper Hallmaster was an important duty. But it was confirmed, so he flew Menanth down to the Hall's temporary quarters. Landing far enough away not to blow dirt and sand at his passenger, D'ren slid easily from the bronze's neck and walked up to Almonteo. "Good day, Hallmaster," he said with a bow. "I'm D'ren, rider of bronze Menanth, and I've been assigned to convey you."

"Ah, thank you most kindly, D'ren. My duty to you and your dragon," the Hallmaster smiled as he handed the young man his satchel. "If you wouldn't mind tying that to your fine bronze I would very much appreciate it. We'll be going to Amber Hills Hold, please."

"Yes, sir." D'ren got the satchel securely fastened and then turned to help Almonteo up. "So, um, how do you like Dolphin Cove?" he asked, a little awkwardly.

"It's beautiful here," Almonteo smile, taking the young man's hand and vaulted himself up behind him. One thing about being Hallmaster, he had a lot of experience getting up and down from dragon's. "This looks like a mighty strong lifemate you have here. I dare say, he'll be outflying everyone when Threadfalls soon, won't he."

D'ren smiled, blushing just a bit. "Menanth certainly thinks so, sir.
Thank you for the compliment."

"Not at all." The Hallmaster took hold of the bronzerider's belt for safety. "I'm all settled back here."

"Alright." D'ren nodded and told Menanth to take off. When they had attained enough height, they winked /between/. Although he had a good amount of experience, D'ren still found himself counting the seconds spent in black, cold nothingness: one . . . two . . . three . . . Then they were out again and spiraling down to the courtyard of Amber Hills Hold.

"Thank you, D'ren," the Hallmaster smiled as he took his things back. "I shouldn't be more than a candlemark, I hope. I saw the Gather ground over there should be big enough for your Menanth to stretch out in the sun, and I'm sure the Hold kitchens will be open for you while I conduct my business."

The bronzerider nodded. "We'll be waiting for you, sir."

Almonteo gave the young man a friendly slap on the back before ascending the stairs to greet the waiting Woodsmith Hallmaster. It was going to be an uneasy negotiation, to be sure. The Harper Hall depended on the Woodsmith Hall for wood for their instruments, and not just any wood, _quality_ wood. Of course with two Halls, a Hold, and countless minor holds and cot holds to be repaired after the earthquake, not to mention the rest of their usual demands, wood for instruments was far down on the Woodsmith's list. The Harper Hallmaster was there to employ every trick he knew to get them bumped up a little higher on their list of priorities.

After nearly two candlemarks, a young drudge finally found the bronzerider with a note from the Hallmaster. "I apologize for my delay, and I will be ready to meet you in front as soon as you are ready," it said.

D'ren thanked the drudge and patted Menanth's arm. "Come on." They made their way back to the front courtyard. Although he'd been waiting longer than he thought he'd be, he didn't mind. The kitchen staff had been very nice to him, giving him snacks to munch on, and he'd spent the rest of the time sitting with Menanth and chatting. "Did your meeting go well, sir?" D'ren asked as he came up to the Hallmaster.

"Yes, thank you," Almonteo smiled. He was hoping for more, but it went as well as could be expected, and a Harper knew better than to give away everything that happens behind closed doors. "Are you expected back at the Weyr soon?"

"No, sir." He'd been allowed plenty of time for the assignment. "Would you like me to take you somewhere else?" "Yes, actually. There's a canyon towards the south there," the Hallmaster pointed, "breaking up that string of foothills. I'd like you to take me to that first ridge. It's just a short straight ride."

"Ok," D'ren said, wondering why Almonteo wanted to go there. He got himself and the Hallmaster strapped in and Menanth took them on the short flight to the ridge he'd pointed out. When the bronze came to land the Hallmaster slipped of the young bronze's neck. He walked to the edge of the ridge and looked down acorss the valley. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is," D'ren smiled, taking in the view. "This is my first time at the Hold and I wanted to take a good look at it." He smiled at the young man apologetically. "I know you and your beautiful bronze could have circled over, but the ground goes by so fast from dragonback. I like to take it all in at the same time."

"We don't mind," D'ren said. Then hesitatingly, he asked, "Um, sir?
Could I ask you something?"

"Sure," the Hallmaster odded as he turned to look at the young man. "Anything. What's on your mind?"

"Well, I've been thinking that after I graduate . . . maybe I could take a few classes at the Hall again? I was a harper before I Impressed, and I know I won't have much time to study, but . . ." he shrugged and smiled weakly.

"There seems to be a few riders who are interested in classes. We'll be starting some courses geared towards riders. If you like, we can add you to the list."

D'ren perked up. "Really? I'd be very thankful, Hallmaster."

Almonteo held up his hand. "No need to thank me, D'ren. It's your right, since these classes are set up for dragonriders. When you enter your wing, talk to your wingleader and see if you can fit our classes into your schedule and we will go from there."

"I will, sir." D'ren nodded. "What rank were you when you Impressed," the Hallmaster asked curiously.

"Just a Junior Apprentice, sir." The bronzerider answered.

"Well, that's still a start, lad," Almonteo smiled, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "Journeyman Tarney will be teaching some basic music theory. How are you at that?"

"Pretty good," he said honestly. "I like anything to do with composition."

"Tarney is a composer. Perhaps his class would be a good place for you to start."

D'ren nodded. "I'd love to take his class."

"When we get back to the Weyr I will give you a list of classes and times. When you are assigned to a wing, take the schedule to your wingleader, find out when you will be available, and come talk to me again."

"Ok." D'ren smiled. He had thought he was done with harpering once he Impressed, except for as a hobby, but now he had the chance to make it more than that. "Thank you, Hallmaster."

Last updated on the June 8th 2006

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An Important Duty