One Hand Washes the Other
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: Heather, Sia
Date Posted: 5th December 2025
Characters: Q'vettan, Thayde
Description: Q'vettan visits Thayde with an interesting proposition
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 10, day 18 of Turn 12
Early evening was settling over the Dolphin Hall when Q'vettan appeared, a bit windswept from the hurried landing and takeoff again as Tzenketh rushed to visit the nearest Weyr while Q'vettan meandered around the Hall. The first apprentice to notice him was drafted to be his guide, guiding and awkwardly answering questions to the best of her ability before leaving him at the door to the Hallmaster's office.
Q'vettan knocked and opened the door without waiting. "I'm glad I caught you before you left for the night, Hallmaster. Can I keep your attention a little longer?"
The Hallmaster glanced at the man’s shoulder knots, but did not recognize the face. “Of course, Weyrleader…” He trailed off as he stood, hand extended.
"Q'vettan, of Barrier Lake." Q'vettan clarified, taking the Hallmaster's hand in a firm grip. "I have an odd ask, considering my protectorate has only the barest strip of ocean. I hear the Hall has apparatuses that can be used to dive into the depths?"
“Yes, they’re called aqualungs. We’ve also weighted diving bells to assist in deep diving.” Thayde raised an eyebrow. “Now I’m curious about your odd ask.”
"I'd like a Journeyman Dolphineer or two posted to Barrier Lake Weyr." Q'vettan answered, "The lake is freshwater, so I can't imagine that it'd be a particularly exciting opportunity for anyone. The lake itself is deep, wide, and prone to weather similar to what we'd see along the coastline. Far Island sees the same weather on a bigger scale. I'd like the Journeymen to work with our starsmiths on ways to make the lake itself safer, but I'd also like them to teach some folks how to use the diving equipment so we can explore the lakebed. The dragons can do it, somewhat, but there's only so much they can do without a human touch."
Thayde considered the request. He’d never dispatched dolphineers to a _lake_ before. After all, their dolphins would not be able to go there. They did, however, have plenty of dolphineers that were not partnered and could be stationed at such a place. The opportunity to teach some different deep-diving techniques was also too good to pass up.
“I think we can work that out. I would like to have my current apprentice class come and practice diving in the lake. It’s a rare opportunity for them. I’ll send along a couple journeymen and a Master as well.”
"That's very generous of you. I wouldn't be offended if you can't find a master unwilling to take on such an assignment." Q'vettan said. "I was expecting some senior apprentices and new journeymen, but I'll take what I can get. Weyrs have plenty of people chasing an adrenaline rush, so I don't think they'll be low on volunteers to learn."
Thayde shook his head. “No, I want a Master to oversee such an assignment. Lake diving isn’t something we normally do.”
"Excellent. I was hoping it would be easier, but the lake itself is big enough to surprise sailors who cross it regularly." Q'vettan said, "And of course we could have dragons dive with them, but that's only as useful as how we're able to communicate. And they don't have quite the delicate touch that human hands can offer."
“It’ll be a change for my divers, going from saltwater to fresh, but I think they’ll enjoy it - except for the part where they have to leave their dolphin partners behind.” The dolphin Hallmaster drummed his fingers on his desk thoughtfully. “While my dolphineers are there, they could teach some of yours about diving and the aqualungs, if it’s something you wish to pursue long term.”
"I wouldn't want to be apart from Tzenketh for that length of time." Q'vettan agreed, "I'm sure we have folks who would be interested in learning how to use the equipment and start diving on their own. The Weyrs certainly aren't short on adrenaline chasers, and I expect it'll be a longer-term project than your dolphineers feel comfortable doing."
Thayde was actually considering visiting the project himself. Lake diving sounded like a fun change of pace. “It’s refreshing to pair with a Weyr on a project,” the Hallmaster admitted, since he never heard from Dolphin Cove. “I look forward to seeing what we can develop,” he said as he stood and extended his hand to Q’vettan.
Q'vettan didn't react much to the comment-- eyebrows raised slightly, the slope of a frown momentarily across his face, filing it away for later-- before he smiled and took the offered hand. "Splendid. It's too bad we aren't on the coast anymore, to do this kind of work in the ocean with the dolphins, but if we're successful perhaps Bryvin would be interested in continuing the endeavour."
Expanding the Hall’s reach was an interesting idea and Thayde liked the idea of the challenge that would come with it.
Last updated on the December 30th 2025