The sun was setting over Alabaster Weyrhold, and J'rin sat with his beloved Maiahn, leaning up against Amitath, watching the colors being painted across the sky.

Below, the otehr dragons from Amitath's clutch and their riders were preparing to leave, as the two-turn contracts expired at dawn.

Though Kulerth was grown and J'rin could leave Alabaster at any time, Maiahn was in no way ready to leave.

Darkness fell, and with it came quiet in the bowl. One by one, the stars came out, sparkling like shining gems in the inky-blue-black vastness of space. Nights like these are favorites of lovers... and starcrafters.

Maiahn snuggled closer to J'rin, and he knew, as he'd always known, that he couldn't live without her.

You don't have to. Amitath said, his voice confident in J'rin's mind, even though the blue was sleepy.

It was well into the morning when J'rin and Maiahn made their appearance the next day. There wasn't a single rumor that they were a couple - it was known as fact.

They broke their fast together, with a fe other late-risers. Someone called for Maiahn's help shortly after they'd finished.

J'rin heard footsteps, and turned to see another rider coming up behind him. It was V'yan. "You're not packing." he said, taking a seat.

"I'm not leaving." J'rin said matter-of-factly as he set down his mug.

"Why not? Everyone else is eager to 'go home.'" V'yan said.

"Everything I need in the world is here, V'yan, and until Maiahn is able to go back to East Rock, I'll be staying with her." J'rin explained.

You've got that right. Amitath confirmed, as sure as ever.

V'yan nodded. It should figure that J'rin was rather attatched to that girl - he had turned down the Search for her (though the bold blue Amitath had him anyway!)

"So what will you do until then?" V'yan asked, conversationally.

"More of the same... Whatever Shard and Lord Holder Engell want me to do." J'rin said, "Maybe Amitath and I will Search out some East Rock Candidates for Alabaster's next clutch."

What do you mean, Maybe? Amitath demanded.

Okay, we WILL. J'rin sent back, his own tone becoming more sure ever day.

V'yan nodded. "Oh, I nearly forgot." he said, reaching into his beltpouch. "Here's your wages, J'rin." the Searchrider said, handing a small pouch to his fellow Searchrider.

J'rin tipped the marks out into his hand, pleasantly surprised not only at the value, but that they were tailorcraft marks.

J'rin wondered why V'yan was delivering his wages, and V'yan was likely wondering what J'rin was doing for Engell on the side!

His craft had become his hobby, but he was still very good at it.

J'rin Impressed at Alabaster Weyrhold part of the Kshau Protectorate. Background from Boogie Jack's Web Depot.