Dune looked up into the stands, shortly after getting to the hatching sands, and noticed his friend Nimble sitting with a pretty golden wolf. That was all he had time to see before the eggs began to hatch, and he turned his full attention to them. He noticed the unusual fire-colored dragon that his friend Fernfrost Impressed, before he was knocked down by a small silver hatchling, almost in the fire's path.
Dune! Help me! He cried, having narrowly escaped from several girls and younger boys who had all tried to "Impress" the poor hatchling. Please, get me out of here! There are too many people. The hatchling tried to hide in his robes. "Braeth, it's alright. They can't bother you any more. They all see you've chosen me, and have gone to find other hatchlings. Let's go get you some food. Then you'll feel better." Fernfrost helped him up and they walked together to the kitchens.
Dune looked over his growing Braeth, noting how his silver hide shone. He liked to think it was mostly due to his care of the weyrling, but he knew better. Braeth took excellent care of himself, and usually the only thing he actually needed Dune's help with now was oiling. The silver had come a long way from the hatchling begging for help at his hatching!
DunOats, the Greater wolf that had accompanied the elf from his home, looked at her friend and his dragon with a distinctly amused expression on her face. Unlike some of the Greater wolves, and most of the winged wolves found here, DunOats couldn't communicate with her friend, but he had learned to read her body language over the years.
"You think it's funny that I got such an independent dragon, don't you?" He asked his old friend. When she didn't answer, as he knew she wouldn't, he looked back at his dozing dragon. Braeth raised one lid to look sleepily at his bond. You know she only does it to annoy you. Why do you always fall for it?
"Yeah, I know, but it's gotten to be a staple of our relationship. I think she might actually be disappointed if I stopped. Besides, it doesn't actually hurt anyone." The elf patted his bond on the shoulder. "So, what would you like to do today? We could see if 'Frost and his dragon are up for a contest."
The weyrling stretched for a moment before replying. I don't know, but first I'd like something to eat. The wolf jumped to her feet, looking eager. She may not be able to speak to her companions, but she could "hear" Braeth's telepathy, at least when he was speaking to Dune. If he was speaking to just another dragon, she might catch pieces, but not often. She knew she got tidbits whenever Braeth got his meals.
"You're both right, first things first. Let's get you some breakfast!"
Continued...