Time for a replacement

Writers: Ang, Chelle
Date Posted: 24th May 2012

Characters: Z'hren, Qorri
Description: Z'hren finds it's time to get his boots replaced
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 6, day 15 of Turn 6

}: You know, one of these times, you are going to fall flat on your
face … or on me :{ Garreth chided gently as he lurched to the side to
avoid his lifemate.

Z'hren swore and picked up his right foot, the sole of his boot
flapping from the toes to nearly halfway down his foot. He'd lost
count of how many times he'd tripped over it the past few days but he
simply didn't have the time or energy to get a new pair made. ** Now
that would be a shame, wouldn't it? I'd certainly squish you ** he
teased back which made the little brown snort.

}: I am too quick for you to get near me. Besides, I can always hear
when you are about to fall. You make a little squeaking noise :{

"I do NOT," Z'hren answered out loud, causing those around him to look
at him curiously. "Oh all right … let's get this taken care of." He'd
only been there a short time but after checking with one of the
weyrlingmasters, he was told to send for Headwoman Qorri. The thought
of summoning the woman almost made him change his mind but after
tripping for the third time on his way back to his cot, he knew he
couldn't put it off any longer.

** I just hope she's in a good mood … ** he bespoke to Garreth who
curled up on his wallow to wait for the very important person.

Almost giddy at the excuse to avoid watching over the skinning of the
herdbeasts, Qorri came herself instead of sending an assistant. She
didn't mind preparing meat, but it was such a messy chore. Walking
into the weyrling barracks, she stopped in the doorway. "Allright,
which one of you is it then?"

Z'hren had chosen a cot far from the entrance since Garreth had more
strength to get there compared to some of the greens so he didn't see
the woman but he and his brown sure heard them. "Over here," he
called out and stood to meet her halfway but his boot had other ideas.
Not getting more than five steps in, he tripped and with arms
flailing, nearly landed on his brown.

}: See, I told you I was faster than you;{ Garreth preened as he sat
beside his lifemate with head raised and what could only be laughter
trickling out the long throat.

"Oh shush you …" he grumbled. Sitting up slowly, he began unlacing
the offending boot, the urge to toss it far away from him strong but
not strong enough for him to actually act on it. Of course, as he was
doing so, a quick little melody and words bloomed in his head which
brought Garreth's attention back to him.

}: That is nice ... and funny. You should remember it :{

Chuckling, Z'hren grinned at his brown and said, "At least you know
your limitations. Now be polite and bring the Headwoman over."

Happy to help, Garreth waddled over to where the Headwoman was
standing and with motions, asked her to follow him. She was bigger
than the other girls here and he was curious about her smell. It was
warm, sweet, and meaty. }: She is making me hungry :{

Z'hren burst out laughing.

Usually she wasn't around the dragonets much, though she did have
contact with them every now and again. Qorri thought it was
interesting how they grew into the big creatures she knew. Following
the brown, she came upon Z'hren. "What's your size? And is that your
only pair? If it is, we might as well try to find you three pairs
while we're at it."

The laughter ended abruptly and he was quick to stand up, even tired
as he was. "I have no idea what size I am, tens, maybe? Yes, it is my
only pair and that's why I haven't dealt with it. I'm used to my
sandals," he answered with a grin as he handed over the broken boot.

}: Is that what this is? :{ Garreth asked as he ambled up with a
sandal in his mouth. }: Tastes good! :{

"No, Garreth! Drop it," Z'hren said with a groan.

She took it and tried to judge size. "Well put your sandals on, bring
your socks, and we'll see if we can find you a fit." She lead him
outside of the barracks towards the Lower Caverns, then carefully
through the tunnels to one of her storage rooms. "Stay near the
entrance." She uncovered a glow and attached it to her belt to see by.

Pulling the now soggy sandal from the brown's mouth, Z'hren put it on
with a grimace, grabbed a pair of socks and followed the Headwoman out
of the barracks. He glanced back to be sure Garreth was following but
he didn't have to worry. The brown wasn't letting him out of his
sight.

}: Can she give me one of those? She must have lots, right? Where is
she going? :{ the brown rambled as they walked. He took everything in
as if he'd never seen it before. Most of it he hadn't but they'd
walked to the dining cavern so it shouldn't be such a surprise.

** We're going to a storage room where I can get some boots. And no,
I'm not asking her to give you a sandal! She needs them for the
people of the Weyr ** the young man answered automatically as they
kept up with the quick moving Headwoman. As she told him to stay near
the entrance, he gratefully said, "Of course. I wouldn't want Garreth
to get into anything."

The brown stuck his head between Z'hren's legs to get a look at the
large room and the bouncing glow. }: OOoooo … this looks like a fun
room! Will we all get to come here again? :{

** Absolutely not! You'll be too big for this place soon **

}: Hmmphh :{ Garreth plopped down and pouted. That made Z'hren smile.

It didn't take her long to collect a few pairs that seemed to be near
his size. Qorri came back with them all in a carisak. She didn't want
to have to walk far, so she brought Z'hren to a nearby bench in the
tunnel. "Try these on," she offered as she kept an eye on the dragonet
nearby.

Following and sitting as directed, Z'hren slipped on the first pair
and noted how big they were. "Umm, these are a tad big but would work
maybe for the winter with thick stockings," he said with uncertainty
as he looked up at the Headwoman.

Garreth was still looking into the storeroom and as His and the other
were dealing with the boots, he scooted a bit closer. The brown was
careful not to move much and was constantly watching the pair to see
if they'd notice his movement.

Z'hren tried another pair and barely got his foot in. "Ouch ... no,
no, these won't do," he said without even trying the other one.

She put those back into the carisak and looked at the third pair.
"Last one, then I'll go searching for another." Turning around, she
couldn't help but watch the brown. Dragonets were interesting
creatures, so different from mature ones.

Every time Qorri looked away, Garreth inched a bit closer to the
doorway until his snout was firmly inside the room. His eyes whirled
with delight as he looked inside and smelled all the interesting
smells. }: Mine! It smells so good inside ... :{

** Stay out, Garreth! Qorri will get angry ** Concentrating on
putting on the boots, Z'hren wasn't watching Garreth at all and had no
idea of Qorri's interest. Slipping them on, he smiled and nodded.
"These are perfect!"

At the words, Garreth pushed further inside until only his wriggling
behind and tail were visible.

"Good," she replied before heading toward the entrance to find more.
She stopped right behind the brown and looked down. "You can't go in
there since there are things that might hurt you. Now if you'll excuse
me so I can get by?"

So engrossed in the room, he didn't hear the Headwoman approach until
she spoke. Garreth squealed in surprise and scampered backwards into
her legs then turned to hide behind Z'hren. }: Is she angry?! :{

Z'hren grinned at Qorri and patted the brown's snout. "No, I don't
think she's angry but you were lucky you didn't go inside. You'll
stay out now, right?"

}: Fine ... but ... :{

"No buts, Garreth. I said no, Headwoman Qorri said no so you won't go inside."

Flopping onto the ground and curling up, the brown yawned and bespoke
}: I promise I will not go inside. Wake me when we can go :{ This
little adventure was hard work and he was tired.

Smiling at the brown's antics, she headed back into the stores and
came out with a boot pair that was the same size. Giving Z'hren the
carisak to carry them in, she looked down. "So is that all you needed?
You should probably get back soon."

Accepting the carisak, Z'hren stood and nodded. "I believe it is.
Thank you, Headwoman," he said while mentally nudging the brown awake.

Yawning widely, Garreth got up and moved slowly towards the Headwoman.
He stretched his neck and gently prodded her hand, saying sorry in his
quiet way.

"Garreth says he is sorry if he upset you. Have a lovely day, ma'am."

Locking the storeroom up, she turned around to face the weyrling,
smiling at the dragonet's contact. She gave his eyeridges a good
scratch. "He's fine. Just a young little creature learning. When he
gets older I won't be able to reach him."

"I'm sure you'll always get the chance to reach them, Headwoman. I'll
be sure he bends to you whenever he sees you," he said as he and
Garreth headed back to the barracks, boots slung over his shoulder in
the carisak.

Garreth, following slowly due to not wanting to leave the nice feeling
hands on his ridges, looked back and gave out a mid-range rumble and
lifted his wing as a way of saying goodbye to the Headwoman. Then he
scampered up to Z'hren and said }: Now you will not fall flat on your
face. Pity ... :{

Z'hren sighed and patted the brown on the head.

Last updated on the May 28th 2012

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Time for a replacement