[G] [P] 739.11.01 | Exploration

“Err… if I say I was just quizzing you for fun and that I completely remembered Katila as well instead of admitting I forgot, do I get a reward?” T’ryn laughed again, ashamed that he had forgotten Katila’s home Weyr in the moment but also not caring that he did. He was in a great mood, already feeling more like himself, like the version of himself from a year ago. No overthinking, no complicated emotions, no drama, just having fun with a friend. “But I have no idea who led with her. I kind of feel bad for him. He probably died in the plague and only a handful of people likely remember him at this point.” That was kind of a bummer, honestly. They could be in that position one day but as long as he made some sort of impact—other than Syrendryth’s first clutch being a disaster—then they’d be in the records kept by Harpers, maybe even be a part of a teaching song!

“But yeah, Sands as well! That could be a good spot to warm up in a bit and eat.” His tone was light, but it was hard not to think again about the last time he was on the Sands and what happened. Seeing one that hadn’t been used by dragons in what was practically forever would be interesting though. Likely have its own demons and tales of woe as well, but T’ryn knew they would never know them entirely, which was also a buzzkill. But that was a part of their exploring. When they went to Benden, they pieced together some ideas of what it was like in the final days and during an active normal day with the remnants they found. But they also made up a lot of stories for what they thought happened based on what they felt.

When they made it to an entrance, T’ryn stuck his hand with the glow inside, but it didn’t help much. A large open room could still be the barracks or dining cavern. Shrugging when he glanced at Casa, he led them inside and deemed it to be a barracks when a bed was spotted. “I’m guessing the Candidate Barracks. It’s so weird what it still left behind and the condition.” He let go of Casa’s hand to go look at the bed that had seen better days. Some looked to be in better condition and he wondered if that was the way time worked or if wher handles used to sleep in here and it was one of their leftovers. He wasn’t about to ask anyone about it, even if M’ris was pretty cool and might answer. But he was still a Weyrleader and would punish them for going where they weren’t allowed.

When they had their fill of that room, not finding anything worth snooping through, they moved on and found the dining area, which was also a letdown. What was he expecting? A dinner left set up? Even if they had left during meal prep, the holders that moved in would have cleaned it up so they could use the space for themselves. Not letting the two boring rooms get him down, T’ryn smiled at Casa as he headed for a hallway. “If all the layouts are pretty much the same, then this has to take us to the leader’s office. As we walk, tell me more about that Holder who is on his third wife and still no sons?” They had spent some of the searching with mundane chatter, catching each other up on things they’d been up to, but he really did like learning what Casa knew about the region and could tell she liked doing so. Why didn’t more people see she was more than just a pretty face?