The Dragon's Bauble
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: Halyonix, Heather
Date Posted: 24th June 2025
Characters: Saibra, I'serin
Description: Aluneth brings Chioneth an unconventional gift.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 7, day 16 of Turn 12
Notes: Snow (16°F)
Mentioned: Galgaith
His rider was busy speaking with someone about a Hold issue. Aluneth,
unneeded, calmly waited nearby, listening in with one ear while taking
their surroundings with the other. From what he could gather from
I’serin’s mind, they would be there a while, so Aluneth settled his
wings comfortably against his back and let his faceted gaze roam over
the nearby cliffs and rocks. Big boulders, little pebbles, banded,
plain, jagged, smooth -- all types were present the longer he looked.
Which would have been of no note had not one of them caught the
sunlight in a distinct way.
Aluneth plodded over. It was not a gem, nor was it a metal. That much
he could tell. It was a rock but it gleamed gold, green, and bronze.
He pawed at it experimentally. It moved. Carefully, he applied his
talons and leverage until it was free of its wedged state. Now in his
paw, he turned it over to admire the coloring.
**What have you found?** his rider inquired curiously.
}: A gift for Chioneth, :{ Aluneth answered. His mate was not one for
affections, though she did enjoy his physical presence on the Rim. He
was not one for compliments, though he did wordlessly voice his
adoration of her when the moment struck. Perhaps a trinket such as
this? Something to remind her of him and their clutch?
He tucked the rock between his forepaws, watching it with fascination,
as I’serin concluded his business. He detected amusement from his
rider -- a bronze dragon bearing a shiny rock! -- as they departed but
he paid it no mind. Did not humans gift their mates with shiny objects
to prove their devotion? The rock was tucked snugly against his body
as they reappeared over the Weyr. Aluneth deposited I’serin off at his
office and then went to search for his mate. }: My queen, I have
something for you. :{
The senior queen’s jasmine hide was almost completely buried. }:Up
here, by the Summer Lake,:{ she sent to her mate. It had taken quite a
bit of work and wallowing, but she had burrowed herself into the snow
until only her whirling, iridescent eyes could be seen. _Well_, that’s
how she pictured herself. No other dragon would have the decency to
tell her that her entire rear-end and headknob were quite visible.
Aluneth was careful not to spray her with snow as he fanned his wings
to land nearby. He did not share her whimsical moods but he
appreciated how unique they were. Taking a cue from his rider, he made
a courtly draconic bow, extending one paw with the shimmering rock
forward. }: For you, :{ he rumbled adoringly.
Chioneth’s head perked up with interest as she peered down at the
thing the bronze held. }:What is it?:{ She sniffed at it with her
narrow snout. }:Is it something to eat?:{ Her jaws were already
opening to test it with her teeth.
Her bronze mate tilted his head to the side. He had not thought to
nibble on it like it was firestone. }: I hope not, :{ he answered. }:
It does not feel like firestone to me. :{
The gold’s tongue lolled about, giving the stone a proper pick test.
}:No, it’s not for eating.:{ Chioneth determined. Her talons tightened
around the bauble. }:I love it.{ Swirls of blue cascaded through her
multifaceted eyes. A male had never brought her a gift before, at
least, not that she _remembered_.
}: There is gold there like Galgaith, :{ he pointed out, using a talon
to mark that specific shade on the rock. }: And gold like you. A
copper like myself. Green and blue for our children. Our clutch is
represented. :{
A rock that represented _them_. Chioneth found herself incredibly
charmed by the idea. Rising up and casting off the blanket of snow
from her back, the gold lifted the bauble in both talons. }:Yes, this
will look quite nice on my weyrledge.:{ The rarely affectionate gold
stretched out her neck and rubbed Aluneth’s. }:Thank you.:{
The bronze rumbled happily as he leaned his cheek against her neck. }:
You are welcome, my queen. Would you like to hunt? I am hungry but
will hunt for you first if you desire. :{
}:I would like to hunt, but let me take this to my ledge first.:{
Chioneth tucked the stone against herself for safety as she sprang
upward on her powerful, sleek haunches and headed back toward the
Weyr. Aluneth, rumbling proudly at his beautiful mate, followed.
Last updated on the July 15th 2025