Zartan woke with something screeching in his ear. His groggy mind briefly registered the high-pitched voice of his green fire-lizard Vinya. Slowly he opened his heavy eyelids to see his emerald friend and pet perched on his chest screeching at him.
~~hungry, impatient~~ the flit sent to her owner.
“Alright, alright. I’ll get up,” he groaned and sat up. Vinya squawked at him and clung desperately to the furs so she wouldn’t be thrown from the bed.
~~Indignation~~ she retorted.
“Don’t blame me. You were the one sitting on my chest,” the vintner shot back at her. He got up out of the bed and was very thankful today was a rest day. If it hadn’t been, he would have just slept through his first two classes. He had been teaching the apprentices about caring for the vineyard and the growing season of grapes for the last two days. The journeyman sighed and began to search for some clothes.
As he got dressed, he thought about everything that had happened recently. His mother Tanna, a former weaver, had just died of a wasting sickness last sevenday. He had gone to Fort for the funeral and had cried his eyes out as she was placed in the earth. Zartan had always been the type to think that guys shouldn’t cry, but even at 20 Turns, he wasn’t strong enough to deal with his mother’s death. His dragonhealer father, Zarhim, hadn’t had dry eyes either. In fact he was worse than his son. Zartan’s little twin sisters who were 18 and married had taken it just as hard. Especially Zarra who was 8 months pregnant with what should have been Tanna’s first grandchild.
Zartan pulled on his trous and laced them up. He needed a drink. Thinking about the funeral had brought the feelings of loss screaming back to the surface of his mind. Absently he ran a hand through his thick curly black hair.
Vinya settled on his shoulder. She was an odd flit by most standards. The green was rather intelligent and was well-trained, but she also had an uncanny taste and head for wine. Zartan had never heard of a fire-lizard who liked to drink, but his sure did. And Vinya knew that her master was going to be eating soon, so she wanted to go with him and get her share of food and drink.
The Journeyman vintner glanced in his glass before leaving his quarters. His slight tan couldn’t hide the dark circles under his eyes. He hadn’t been sleeping well since the funeral. With one last look, he headed out the door and to the dining hall. It was just about time for the afternoon meal. Zartan had been avoiding people since he’d returned from Fort Hold, and he wouldn’t have gone if hunger hadn’t forced him to.
The masters had been rather tolerant of Zartan since his mother’s death, but it was high time he got back to real life and allowed things to pass. He had allowed his grief to consume him. He had withdrawn deeply into himself and had even shunned visits from his best friend and girlfriend, Journeywoman Isedrah. The Journeyman had been forced to resume his duties after a few days. He’d taught his lessons without the feeling and warmth he usually had. Even the apprentices had noticed the change in him.
Zartan walked slowly to the dining hall. If he moped long enough, then hopefully most of the people would be gone. He didn’t feel like being the center of attention. All he really wanted was a wine skin and a few meatrolls. Vinya chirruped in his ear.
~~agreement~~ she sent.
The tall man reached up to his shoulder and rubbed her headknob. The green leaned into the caress. Vinya had been the only creature he’d allowed near him. Even though she was the most painful reminder of his mother.
The green’s egg had been a gift to Zartan on his 18th birthing day from Tanna. She’d acquired it as payment for her final tapestry before giving up the craft because of her illness. He hadn’t wanted to take it from her, but she insisted that the hatchling have someone who’d be there for a while and take care of it. Zarra and Tarra didn’t have time for such things now that they were married, and Tanna was tired of seeing her son by himself. He’d given in and now he’d had Vinya for over two turns.
Finally, the Journeyman had reached the dining hall. He was very grateful to see that most of the tables were empty. Then he groaned inwardly as he saw Isedrah waiting for him at their usual table. Now he’d have to sit down and attempt to be social.
Zartan gathered himself a tray, several foodstuffs, and a wine skin before slowly making his way to Isedrah. The Journeywoman looked extremely happy, and it was unnerving.
“Good afternoon, Zartan,” she said with a bright smile. “It is so good to see you. It’s been forever since we last talked. How have you been?”
The man pulled up a chair, set his tray down, and sat across from the pretty brunette. He tried to smile at her, but the muscles in his face wouldn’t comply. “As good as a person can be after what I have been through,” he said his voice low.
Isedrah reached across and stroked his cheek. “I know, Zar. I want to help you. Please stop shutting me out.”
Zartan pulled back from her touch and glared at her as fed Vinya a piece of meatroll. “Don’t, Is. I can’t deal with this. Not now and not ever,” he said and got up from the table.
”Wait! Zartan! I’ve been Searched! They’re taking me to the weyr later today,” she yelled at him as he reached the doorway to the dining hall.
He whirled around to face her. He glared at her accusingly. She was leaving him to worsen his pain.
“The Searchriders are still out in the forecourt. I wanted to tell you before I left, but you’ve refused company from anyone including me. I love you, Zartan. Don’t do this to me. I want you there when they come to get me.”
Something in him snapped. He was going to lose Isedrah too. He’d been pushing her away for over a sevenday and now she was going to be leaving for the weyr. What had he done.
Zartan rushed to her side finally brought out of his self pity and mourning. He started to apologize but was cut off by the sounds of dragons outside.
"They're here," Isedrah whispered.
The two ran out into the forecourt to see a large blue dragon waiting to take Isedrah to the weyr. The Journeywoman moved to the dragon's side. Zartan followed her not letting her out of his site.
"Is, I love you too. The weyr can use you better than we can. Please do well and think of me," he said and tears began down his face as he kissed her goodbye.
As the Journeywoman was pulled onto the dragon's back, the rider turned to Zartan. "You don't have to say goodbye. My dragon thinks you should come too. He says it will help ease the hurt in your heart."
A very small smiled could be seen on the man's face as he was pulled up behind Isedrah. He wrapped his arms around her tightly as if he'd never let go.
**Zartan is a hopeful at Andromeda Weyr**.
Vinya's image is from Dawn Sisters Weyr
Z'tan Impressed Blue Vinoth!!!!
This background is from Bordersnmore by Silverhair, but is no longer available.
