Written In The Stars [Site Event - WA Grad]

“This is it.”

It is.

Human and dragon both sat outside the small hut staring at each other. Valerian wondered if he was supposed to feel any different that day. He thought maybe he did but then changed his mind. Impressing Veeth had changed everything and while he always loved dragons before, he had been introduced to a whole new level of love and had to adjust to sharing his head with Veeth and dealing with flights. He could say he felt different after the Hatching but right then, two turns later, he still felt the same as he had the day before and six months before. Maybe the feeling would come after the ceremony and the honorific was bestowed upon him. Valerian doubted it since that would only result in receiving new knots to wear and everyone calling him something new.

Speaking of that, Veeth wouldn’t tell him what name he had chosen. I have yet to decide, the blue added as he listened in on Valerian’s thoughts. He doubted that was the case. Veeth was easy-going but he didn’t think his dragon would wait until the last second to decide something they would be stuck with forever. He knew his name yielded a handful of options and B’jin seemed intent on getting one of the more outlandish and horrible ones selected. So long as he had vowels in the honorific, Valerian felt he was doing well no matter the choice.

It wouldn’t be long before he had the final answer so it wasn’t worth spending too much more time on. Getting to his feet, Valerian dusted his legs and backside off since he was already dressed for his big night. Even with all the formal portions of the night with speeches and what not, Valerian knew the night was going to be fun as well. Sure, there would be dancing and he’d likely sing a song or two but he had made sure the night would be special and one to remember thanks to the song he wrote for B’jin to sing. It was special for a multitude of reasons and no doubt the greenrider hadn’t picked up on them. He likely hadn’t given the silence that came from him. If he had read the lyrics properly, he would have had a reaction by now and Valerian was still alive so he knew that wasn’t the case. It wasn’t a bad song – especially not for the quality given his superior writing skills – it was just a unique song made for the occasion.

“Don’t go too far after the honorific naming. I know you’ll want to hear the song in its final form and in B’jin’s voice as well.” Veeth still loved his writing and Valerian didn’t want the blue to miss out. He hoped the entire population turned out to marvel at the great duo they made as writer and singer. First they just had to get through dinner, speeches, and receiving a new identity. For two turns Valerian had denied being a bluerider since he was more than that but tonight was all about becoming just that. He would be a bluerider first and if lucky he’d still be a Harper second. In the end, all he really wanted to be was Valerian whom was a bluerider and Harper among other things. Maybe that would be where he felt different. Would he still want his own identity after receiving knots and a new name? Again, he’d find out in a few hours but first he had to get there.

Mounting up, Valerian directed them skyward and Veeth took off, making lazy upward spiralling circles until he reached a height he wanted. It was their last flight as weyrlings, something that Valerian felt should be cherished. It was still something almost innocent and pure. Once he was a full-fledged dragonrider, there would be wing practices and more chores. They would still have freedom but it felt like they were about to step into adulthood and the simple days of youth would be behind them.

At least we will be away from G’rem and his stick soon. That man was a little scary. Veeth chimed in after a few minutes of soaring where the wind currents took them around Katila. Valerian laughed and nodded in agreement. G’rem wasn’t the worst man within the weyr but he wasn’t the most pleasant either. He certainly wouldn’t be missed in their daily routines. Let’s head to the Square now and see him for the final time as his students.

Valerian?

Yeah?

I love you. Valerian smiled and patted Veeth’s neck. He knew his dragon worried over the honorific thanks to how much time was given thinking on it but Valerian couldn’t tell if there was more behind the declaration or not since Veeth was being oddly secretive. Maybe it was nothing more than that and it was only a way to say the given name a final time before they entered into something new. But Veeth would still be Veeth and Valerian, despite a new name, would still be Valerian. They both had to lighten up and the evening’s festivities would be perfect for that. I love you, too, Veeth. Valerian replied as they landed. A hug was given to Veeth’s neck once he dismounted. There wasn’t a point in looking either of them over since even with sitting outside, Valerian still looked good in his trademark angular cut shirt and Veeth shone almost as much as a gold rising with the oiling he had had that afternoon.