Drinking and Dragonriding
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: 4th February 2026
Characters: Esiah, I'serin
Description: I’serin has an interesting commission for Esiah
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 11 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: Saibra
Perhaps the biggest thing that I’serin missed about being Weyrleader was staring at the beautiful map Saibra had commissioned for his office when he had assumed his rank. It made sense that such an informative thing should remain with the current Weyrleader, which was why I’serin had decided that he would have his own, albeit smaller map commissioned.
Aluneth was glad to soak up the sun of Dolphin Cove while I’serin sought out Master Esiah, knocking politely on the door to his studio once he was successful.
When Esiah swung the door open, it was clear he was in the midst of a project. A smear of paint rode high on one of his cheekbones, and his paint-flecked work apron was tied neatly about his waist.
“Weyrleader I’serin,” the harper said with a smile of recognition. “What brings you by?”
“Just Aluneth’s rider now, please,” I’serin said smoothly, surprised at the relief he felt by saying that. “I would like to commission you. The map you made for Weyrwoman Saibra of Dragonsfall territory -- I would like a copy of it made for my personal collection.”
Esiah didn’t have to question the bronzerider on which map, even though he had made plenty, because he remembered with detail the elaborate work that had gone behind such a large project. “Did something happen to it?” he asked, even as he stepped out of the way and invited I’serin into his workspace with a sweep of his arm.
“No,” I’serin assured him as he stepped in. His hazel eyes took in the workspace with the expression of someone who was curiously observing the masterful work of someone else. “It has served me well in my time as Weyrleader and I thought that it should continue in that service to the next Weyrleader. But I will miss seeing it and was hoping that you could make another one just for me.”
“Another one?” Esiah began tossing brushes in buckets of water. “I _can_ make you another map, but I can’t promise it will be exactly what you had. Each one is its own work of art.” Just like something an artist would say.
“I do not need it to be exact,” I’serin said, “but I would still like for it to be precise. I treasured its accuracy as well as its artistic style.”
Pulling his apron off, the harper glanced at I’serin. “You want something to drink? Klah? Ale? Are dragonriders allowed to drink and fly?” He grinned at the joke.
“I would be lying if I said that I had never asked Aluneth to carry my inebriated self somewhere,” I’serin deadpanned. “But klah would be fine.”
Fetching the former Weyrleader a drink, Esiah also made himself a steaming cup of klah with a bit of frothed milk on top. “To make another map like that, I’d need time, and I would need to do the work at Dragonsfall. I wouldn’t want to risk any damage of it in transport.”
“We can arrange for that,” I’serin said, perfectly willing to dedicate some of his own resources to this as well. “And, if you would like, I am certain that I can also arrange to transport you along some of the geography to update your views.”
The offer of traveling across unknown terrain on dragonback made the artist’s eyes light up. “That would be an offer I couldn’t refuse.” And, if he was honest, there was one more reason he would like to visit Dragonsfall. A certain bluerider had returned there. Esiah would like to see H’run in his element.
Pleased that it had been so easy a matter to settle, I’serin relaxed a bit. “Then I will speak with the Headwoman and see about procuring you a suitable apartment for an artist of your rank. Do you have an idea of how long such a project will take?”
“A month, minimum,” Esiah answered readily, and that all depended on the availability of getting riders to take him out to see the geography of Dragonsfall.
That was a far better timeline than it had taken to get the Holdless to leave. I’serin was definitely agreeable. “We should be easily able to accommodate that.” And more, if word spread that a master artist was in residency. It might be good trade for Esiah. “Shall Aluneth and I come get you in a sevenday? Or is that too soon?”
“That would be perfect,” Esiah smiled.
Last updated on the February 21st 2026