Anywhere on Pern

Writers: Ainsley, Cali
Date Posted: 29th April 2009

Characters: Sorsha, W'lerin
Description: W'lerin runs into Sorsha on the beach and they talk about the freedoms they will enjoy after graduation.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 2, day 12 of Turn 5

Sorsha leaned against Roseth as she watched the ocean water lapping against the sandy shore she sat upon. It was getting dark, but still light enough to see the industry on the Weyr dock, not that she was worried, she could find her way back by moons light if she needed to. She just wanted to sit awhile longer, it was peaceful and relaxing to hear the sound of the water in it's unending rhythm.

Vreikeinyth was sound asleep already and W'lerin walked along the shore approaching the dock, thinking how much freedom he had gained with impressing his handsome brown and how much more he would have when he graduated from his training. Many of the weyrlings whined about the work involved, though spouting platitudes about how their dragons were worth it. He scoffed at those that thought the work was so very much. At least now his hard work went toward something truly worthwhile. When he saw Sorsha sitting alone - without that sharding _Holder_ his heartbeat increased a little. He headed her direction. "Good evening, Sorsha, Roseth," he gave a nod to the weyrling and a short bow to the little dragon.

"W'lerin." Sorsha finally recognized the shape approaching her from the shadows. She didn't understand why Ri'len didn't like him, he was always very nice to her. "What are you doing down here?"

"Just walking and thinking about what it will be like once we graduate," he answered. "Vreikeinyth went directly to sleep after eating. After all that he ate this evening I'm half expecting to wake up with a full grown brown tomorrow," he quipped. He seldom joked or discussed his dragon with his classmates, but Sorsha was different.

Sorsha smiled and patted the sand next to her if he wanted to join her. "He's growing almost as large as the bronzes isn't he."

W'lerin was more than happy to accept Sorsha's offer, wishing he could tell her how enticing she looked in the waning light. Her big green eyes were amazing. "Yes, he's bigger than some," the boy answered with some pride, though the dragonets had months to grow so it was yet to be seen how they would compare in the end. "So what are you doing here?" He turned her own question back on her, having to stop himself from tacking a sarcastic 'alone' to the end of the phrase.

"I told you I was from a sea hold?" Sorsha replied with a smile as she motioned to the ocean in front of them. "When I'm out here, I feel a little closer to home. Ri'len was talking to one of the Wingseconds so I thought I'd spend some time out here."

"I like living near the sea," he answered trying to ignore the last part of her statement Right now for this moment, he had Sorsha to himself. "The ocean is so powerful."

"And so peaceful." She added with a sigh. "I used to fall asleep every night to the sound of the water lapping against the shore. It's hard to hear in the barracks though. So much is going on at all hours of the night."

W'lerin smiled, "I remember that you said you found the Weyr loud. Once we graduate, I suppose you could find a quiet little stretch of beach and camp out - listen to waves to your heart's content. I'm sure Roseth would keep you warm." He didn't even want to think about the fact that Roseth wouldn't be the only one keeping Sorsha warm on such a night.

"It's a wonderful thought, isn't it?" Sorsha replied as she turned her head to look at the other weyrling. "To be able to go anywhere on Pern whenever you want?"

The other weyrlings dark eyes sparked with excitement at Sorsha's words. "Indeed! It is freedom beyond what I ever imagined possible," W'lerin agreed enthusiastically.

"I always wanted to go North." Sorsha revealed the little secret with a mischievous crinkle of her nose. "To Benden or Fort, to see the places of the old harper tales."

"When you say it that way it does sound rather exciting," W'lerin said, wondering how it was she always managed to make everything sound bigger, better, more wonderful. "I just want to be able to come and go as I please. Well outside of drills and fighting Thread, of course. Though now that you've said that, I think I will definitely have to venture up North as well."

Sorsha grinned excitedly, "We should go together! Maybe get a group organized and go on a restday once we can go /between/. Oh it'll be so much fun."

He liked to see her smile like that, but he had to stop himself from rolling his eyes at the suggestion of a 'group' outing. "I'd like to go, but I don't tend to do well in groups, if you hadn't noticed," he answered quietly, giving her a wry grin of his own, unable to completely resist her enthusiasm.

"Well a small one then maybe." She suggested with a sweet smile. She knew he didn't join them all very often, but maybe a few outings would help him get over his shyness. "Please? It'll be fun."

Shells she was beautiful when she smiled like that! There was no way W'lerin could deny her. "All right. I'll go."

Last updated on the April 29th 2009

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Anywhere on Pern