K’hi gave Tirrath one last swipe with the oiling cloth. “There go, Tir. All set.” Tirrath gave a knowing rumble. Today was no ordinary day. Today was their last day was weyrlings. Training had seemed to take forever, and they finally got to join a wing now. K’hi planned to transfer to Ryslen – East Rock’s primary Weyr – since it was so close to home. K’hi missed his family, even though he hadn’t heard a thing from them since he’d Impressed. Was it because he was with K’mer? Were they being shunned?
Tirrath wrapped a wing around K’hi and pulled him close. We are together, and K’mer makes you happy. What more can you want?
K’hi sighed and leaned into the vibrant blue. “I want to go home.” K’hi whispered.
“Tomorrow.” K’mer said, entering from behind Tirrath. “East Rock will be proud of us, love.” The greenrider said, boldly pulling K’hi away from Tirrath and into his embrace.
Us. The thought ran through his mind. Would East Rock welcome them? He was the son of a Lord Holder – if Sanjoral had been Searched, the Hold would have fallen to him – but he wouldn’t have a wife, and no heir… K’hi shook off the thought and brought K’mer into the weyr.
***
“You’re quiet tonight, K’hi.” K’mer said, all but prodding K’hi through his evening routine.
“Lost in thought.” He replied distantly, stopping to gaze at Tirrath and Unath twined together and happily asleep.
“Come then.” K’mer called from the bath, “let me clear your mind.”
***
Morning came, and with its light, the rush of frantic packing. The transfer had gone through. K’mer and K’hi were going home to East Rock.
As the blue and green landed in the weyrbowl, Unath reported to her rider. Tirrath says his rider wants to get separate weyrs. K’mer would have fallen off of his dragon if it hadn’t been for the riding straps. Getting a grip on himself, K’mer unfastened the straps and slid down, Unath looking on worriedly.
“K’hi?” he called, and the bluerider peered around his dragon. “What’s this about separate weyrs?”
K’hi swallowed hard. “I… think we should see other people.” K’mer’s eyes went wide, and his mouth hung open. “I think my family would like me to settle down and raise a family.”
K’mer stared. “But K’hi… a GIRL?” Tears began to stream down the greenrider’s face.
“I’ve heard just about enough.” A third voice began.
K’hi looked up. “Shells! I mean… Hi Im’mel!” he said , startled as Sammir bounded up to him.
“First off, welcome home boys.” Im’mel said, smiling at his brother and K’mer. “Second, K’hi, this is the Weyr, not the Hold. You don’t have to do anything but what your wingleader, the Weyrleader, or the Weyrwoman tells you. If you want K’mer for your weyrmate, have fun. If you feel the need to watch babies, I’m sure Sanjoral and Keyanki would be happy to see you – or wait a while. Jeniae and I might need babysitting.”
K’hi gawked. “But Im’mel… Jeniae’s…”
“I know, I know. Just a greenrider.” Im’mel interrupted, “and Sanjoral is heir now, so I can love who I choose too.” K’mer nodded. He understood. “Any questions?” Im’mel asked, “Or should I show you to your weyr?”
K’mer nodded. “Who’s my wingleader? I’d like to report in.”
“Already done.” Im’mel said, reaching into his pocket. “You and K’hi will be flying with the Crimson Blade Wing.”
K’hi gawked. “We’re in your wing?”
“Yeah.” Im’mel said laughing, “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Besides, I know you’ll behave.”
K’hi laughed. “So where’s our weyr? We have some making up to do.” He said.
Im’mel pointed to a wide ledge above the feeding grounds where a brown basked. “See that brown? That’s Nadornth. He’s been keeping your ledge warm all morning.” The brown leapt from the ledge, and floated easily down. “Evening meal is in two hours – don’t be late.”
“Ok Im’mel!’ K’hi said, vaulting to Tirrath’s neck.
“You’ll be meeting the rest of the Wing then.” Im’mel said as K’mer mounted. “I’m sure you’ll all get along just fine.”
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