He was himself. Pure and simple as that. Xekelvan didnt care one way or another what anyone thought of him. The could either accept him or get over it. He hated the small-minded holdbred people. He longed for something greater, but it seemed he was stuck in this life.
It wasn't all bad. He had admitted that much. He was craftbred after all, and he loved what he did. What annoyed him were the holdbred apprentices and others who always looked at him like he was some sort of freak and no the craftsman he was.
He was an excellent vintner. Some of his wines when properly aged were the best in the area...at least in his own opinion. They certainly weren't frowned upon by his craftmasters. Xekelvan was good at what he did. That was all there was to it.
"Hey Xek, are you going to sit there musing all day or are you going to help me harvest these grapes. We need these for the new pressing. Aneris just had a hatching and Master Tandel wants to gift them the first of this pressing to honor them. It's the first clutch in a couple of turns after all. Many people were worried, you know."
"Yeah. Yeah. I know all of this, Grannek," the red haired journeyman replied. "I was at this morning's meeting too, you know. Let's get this done. I have a vat of something new I'm working on that I need to check. It's sure to knock you and anyone else for that matter for a loop."
Xekelvan was very proud of his work even to the point of arrogance. He was quite excited by his latest endeavor. It was going to be better than quikal, amberglow, and clearfire. It packed a punch and a half as well as having a nice flavor. He was eager to get this large batch finished and introduced.
"I don't care about you new project, Xek, but yeah, let's get this done. I don't want to be out here with you longer than necessary."
"Why is that, Grannek? Afraid I might come on to you and invite you back to my quarters for a wild threesome. You do have a cute butt, you know. I'm sure my girl would be interested in you."
"You're a wher, Xek. Finish the sharding harvest yourself." Grannek threw down his basket and headed off.
Xekelvan's sexuality was widely and it was the cause of daily disdain.. He refused to hide himself like so many others did. Grannek was not the only one he had to deal ith on a regular basis. There many here that had issues with him. He didn't care though. He wasn't changing for anyone.
"I will, Grannek, and thanks for the long look at that sexy rear of yours," he called to the other man as he walked away. This wasn't the first time he'd worked alone, and it wouldn't be the last. He made a mental note to pay Amarin a visit later. She'd help him de-stress.
Bright blue eyes scanned the rows of grape vines, and he cursed. There many left to pick. Perhaps he'd chosen a poor moment to pick a fight with Grannek, but the other man had started it. He had merely defended himself. Xekelvan sighed. He'd have plenty of time to think it over as he harvested the grapes.
One would think that after seven turns in his craft and dealing with the people who lived here his whole life he'd be used to it by now, but it never ceased to aggravate him when people wanted to make his sexuality an issue. It always did because to him it proved their ignorance. Besides hadn't they learned by now that whether he liked boys or girls or both, he was still a sharding good vintner. It never seemed to matter. His work was laways overshadowed by who he chose to share his bed with. It was one of the reasons he had cultivated a relationship with Amarin. Not only was she charming, witting, beautiful, and a good companion, but for a while it had dispelled the rumors, the disdain, and the stigma. Then invariably he'd gotten drunk one night and hit on one of the guys who inevitably literally hit on him. The man had nearly broken his jaw. Xek had gotten away luckily before the man could hit him again. It was one of the good things about his athletic build. He could be intimidating if he wanted to be or escape as necessary.
He had almost finished the back field when a shadow covered him from behind. "If you mean to harm me," he said in a clear voice, "I'm armed. If Master Tandel sent you, I'm almost done. If you're anyone other than Amarin, leave me alone. I'm working." He didn't cease pulling the grapes from the vine he was working on.
"You sure have a strange way of greeting people, sir. I hope your hall doesn't treat all guests this way." A male voice tated simply from behind him and slightly to his left. "I suppose I have the right man though. You must be Xekelvan."
The journeyman turned around and found himself face to face with a man dressed in flying leathers. He had long dark hair and a handsome face. Xek couldn't help but smile. "That I am. Who do you happen to be?"
"One who would make your life easier. I'm R'del rider of green Aalyith. I'm here on Search. My green sensed you from overhead. We want you take you with us to Aneris. We've already cleared it with Master Tandel. Seems you've made a name for yourself around here as a trouble maker. You'll be right at home with us."
"To the weyr? On Search? A greenrider?" He realized how stupid he sounded, but Xek was quite surprised. The redhaired man took a deep breath. "Pardon me. You want me to go to the weyr on Search because I'm like you?"
"Right. You belong with us. At the weyr, no one will ridicule you, and I'm sure you'll find more than a few people to keep you company. Besides Aalyith says there's a dragon waiting for you. All you have to do is agree, get your stuff, and come with us."
What could he say? He'd wnated an outlet, an opportunity to escape, and here it was staring him in the face. It was a chance for change. A chance for something better, and he couldn't let it go. Amarin would understand. "Okay. Let's go."
