The CBB :: View topic - Rachel's wedding

#1: Rachel's wedding Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 9:39 pm

Orlando drove the fire engine containing himself and Rachel/Anna away from the other two and up the Tiern Pass to a quiet spot where they would not be disturbed. They had just settled themselves comfortably when thee was a soft implosion and a blast o the coldest air in the world. Startled out of their preoccupation with each other they looked up to see what looked like (but surely could not be) a beautiful bronze dragon with a good-looking man clad in leathers siting on its neck. Rachel looked at him appreciatively but decided that Orlando was better. Even as they stared in amazement the man slid to the ground. After patting the dragon’s neck he walked across to the couple.
“My name is P’lor and I ride on Search,” he said. “There is a Queen Egg hardening on Benden’s hatching Ground and my dragon Samenth tells me that you would make a good candidate for her Rider lady. Would you care to present yourself for selection?”
“Not without Orlando I wouldn’t,” declared Rachel. “I go nowhere without him.”
“He would be welcome as well,” said the strange man. He turned his head towards his dragon for a moment, then turned back. “In fact, Samenth says that Orlando could stand as a candidate for one of theother eggs if he wished.”
Rachel and Orlando looked at each other and nodded. “OK,” she said. “Let’s go then.”
P’lor helped them up onto the dragon and they took to the air. The ground dropped away alarmingly quickly, but they hid their fear out of innate pride.
“Hold on tightly,” said the Dragonrider. “We are about to go Between.”
Before either of them could ask what that was hey entered an intense Blackness, so cold that they could hardly feel their fingers, they could see nothing and hear nothing. Mercifully it only lasted a few breaths and they popped out into warmer air and the afternoon light shining onto a mountain range that was certainly not Austria. In front of them was what looked like the bowl of an extinct volcano and it was towards this that they flew. As they came closer Rachel could see that the crater was occupied. People were crossing the floor of the bowl and a group of dragons were basking by a lake. More dragons were perched around the rim of the crater - brown, blue and green - and as they watched a beautiful golden dragon flew up and perched beside the biggest of the bronze ones, twining her neck about his in a most loving way. Even Rachel the Witch was struck dumb at the sight!
They spiralled down into the bowl and landed near the mouth of a huge cave. A couple of Riders came hurrying out to meet them.
“F’lar and Lessa, our Weyrleaders,” muttered P’lor quickly, as if they could understand what he meant.
“Welcome to Benden,” said the woman. “I am Lessa and this is F’lar. I understand that you are candidates for the eggs.”
“We’ve only just arrived, so how could you know?” asked Orlando.
“Samenth told me,” said Lessa. “I can hear nay dragon you know.”
“He did tell her,” said Rachel in some surprise, “I heard him! How did I do that?”
“You heard him telepathically,” said Lessa. “You are certainly Weyrwoman material if you can hear dragons!”
“Wow! That’s spooky. I’ll be earning my nickname at this rate. I’m called Rachel the Witch. Now then, first things first. Orlando and I want to get married as soon as possible. How do we go about it here?”
“Married? Oh! You mean make a formal commitment to each other. To be honest we don’t normally bother with such things, but our MasterHarper Robinton will be here for the Hatching tomorrow, and he’ll se to that for you.”
“Now you need to be ntroduced to the eggs,” said Lessa firmly. She was obviously used to giving orders, and Rachel thought that she might as well humour her for now. It was far more likely she would be able to get her own way if she lulled these people into a false sense of security first. They made their way into a gigantic cave where the sand were hot underfoot. A group of about 40 giant eggs lay on the hot sand, and the great golden dragon they had seen outside was guarding a large gold one off to one side.
“The eggs will hatch soon,” said Lessa. “The dragonets will emerge and choose their partners. Walk around the eggs young man, feel them, get to know them. Rachel come and meet the Queen egg.” She led the way across the sand and Rachel found herself stroking the glistening egg. It was hard to the touch though she found that she could sense the life inside it, nearly ready to emerge.
After a hearty meal they were found sleeping quarters in a smaller cave that was called a weyr and they spent a blissful night in each others arms.
Early the next morning an eerie sound woke them far sooner than they would have chosen. They staggered to the entrance to try and find out more and were met by a young man clutching a white dress and tunic.
“Put these on quickly and get down to the Hatching Ground. The eggs are cracking.” He gasped.
Before long they found themselves standing around the group of eggs, which were now rocking violently, clearly about to hatch. Rachel was pulled away from Orlando and over to the golden egg to join a group of other women. She assessed them quickly - no competition here! They looked a wishy-washy lot to her. The dragons were lining the cave walls and emitting the eerie sound that had woken them. The volume rose as the eggs rocked harder, then suddenly the first egg cracked open and a tiny blue dragon almost fell out onto the sand. One of the young men locked eyes with it and Impression had been made. He was led away to feed his dragon and both Rachel and Orlando were a little stunned. This was obviously more than they had bargained for! However, at that moment a tiny bronze dragon hatched right in front of Orlando and it was too late. He looked deep into its eyes. “His name is Tagrenth,” he said in amazement. “I can hear him.”
Rachel was annoyed - here was a serious rival. Then the golden egg hatched and the young queen staggered out of her shell looking for her soul mate. Rachel grabbed hold of the tiny head and yanked it around to look into her eyes having seen that this seemed to be the trick to the thing. She found herself sinking down into that golden gaze and a voice spoke to her. “My name is Orlenth and I’m hungry.”
“We’ll get you something soon, so don’t get impatient with me,” retorted Rachel and she led the young dragon off the Hatching Ground to where the other newly hatched beasts ere devouring freshly slaughtered herd beasts. Rachel looked on with approved as her dragon almost ingested her first meal. The raw meat steamed gently in the early morning air and she made her way round the crowd to Orlando. The couple stood with their arms around each other watching their dragons, already able to here the voice of the others.
“Wait till we’re grown,” said Tagrenth. “You’ll enjoy the mating flight I promise you.” Orlenth’s smug agreement sent them into gales of laughter.
By the time the young dragons were satiated and dozing in their weyr they had been introduced to a number of other inhabitants and visitors, among them Robinton. He was a sprightly upright elderly man who happily agreed to marry them before the Hatching Feast, and make the simple ceremony part of the celebrations. Thus it was that the couple found themselves standing in front of the vast throng of people, hteir young dragons standing sleepily at their side.
“Do you D’loom promise to love and care for Rachel for as long as you both live?”
“I do.”
“Do you Rachel promise to love and care for D’loom for ever?”
“I do. And I’ll go on calling him Orlando whatever you call him here as well!”
“Then I pronounce you well and truly married. Now where the wine?”

#2: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 9:51 pm

Benden wine, I assume ROFL

Quite a twist, Pat!!!

#3: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 9:54 pm

Pat, that was fabulous. Love those books, can feel a re read coming on.

Would love to see more Rachel and Lessa!

#4: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 11:41 pm

I haven't got a clue what books this came from, but very good Pat. Not the sort of thing I usualy read, but I did find it enjoyable.

#5: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 12:52 am

Pat, that was excellent!!!

(Ellie, the books are the 'Dragonriders of Pern' series, by Anne MacCaffrey, which are absolutely wonderful!!!)

#6: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 4:33 am

Wonderful Pat, Pern books some of my favourite!

May we have a sequel on the occasion of the first mating flight???

#7: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 5:54 am

Rachel as Weyrwoman Laughing

at least she keeps the 'W'. shouldn't be so bad for Orlando. He's used to appearing in fantasy.

Just hope it doesn't come to Lessa v Rachel!

I'm glad Robinton got an appearance - now there is a solid lump of comfort!

#8: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 7:36 am

Great Pat

#9: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 7:42 am

Great Pat. Dare I hope that this is the start of a CS/Pern crossover?

#10: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:11 am

Please tell me when I have time to write a cross-over?!!!!

#11: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:29 am

By giving up sleep time? Not an option really.

#12: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 9:06 am

Pat wrote:

Please tell me when I have time to write a cross-over?!!!!

Come on Auntie Pat! You must've known that we'd ask for more????
And it's your own fault for being such a talented and inspired writer, and a lovely person, who is susceptible to shameless flattery.............. Wink

#13: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 9:37 am

Flattery will get you exactly nowhere Vikki!!! Twisted Evil

#14: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 9:39 am

yay Auntie Pat! Don't know the series, but oh thisd is good!

*chants for* MOOOOOOOOOOOOORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(you didn't think you'd get away with it...?)

#15: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:26 am

Chanting will get you nowhere! I simply have too much onat the moment! I'm not even posting to my 2 drabbles at the moment if you notice. Possibly once I get Librarian's revision finished I might have a bit more time, but I'm not starting anything else major till at least Shock and/or Guernsey is finished.

#16: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:42 am

wonderful Auntie Pat, haven't read the books but this was great. Of course more would be appreciated but i'd rather have Guernsey or More Shocks...

#17: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 11:18 am

*giggles*

this made a LOVELY bedtime story, thank you Mr. Green

ETA: do not be confused by the time of post, I had it read to me last night as I was going to bed!

Last edited by Xanthe on Tue Apr 27, 2004 1:50 pm; edited 1 time in total

#18: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 1:48 pm

I have never read these books either but enjoyed this story. Thank you Pat.

#19: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 12:26 am

Xanthe wrote:

*giggles*

this made a LOVELY bedtime story, thank you Mr. Green

ETA: do not be confused by the time of post, I had it read to me last night as I was going to bed!

*wonders who exactly was in Xan's bedroom reading drabbles to her last night.............* Shocked

#20: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:29 am

Vikki wrote:

*wonders who exactly was in Xan's bedroom reading drabbles to her last night.............* Shocked

what a nosy creature you are Vikki... and what makes you think they were in my room? Twisted Evil

#21: Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:46 am

Xanthe wrote:

what a nosy creature you are Vikki... and what makes you think they were in my room? Twisted Evil

They'd have to be close enough for you to hear them as they read the story while you were going to bed...outside your open window perhaps?

#22: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 10:57 am

they could have phoned her?? Sorry thats far too innocent isn't it!

#23: Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 11:32 am

Hmm, I didn't think of that, but it sounds very likely Nell. Darn it! Was looking for some good gossip!

Really enjoyed the story, Pat (I was too intrigued by Xan's mystery bed-time story reader to remember to say it last time Smile

#24: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 11:53 am

Xan could have been in their room..... but that casts too many flowers on her reputation (flowers...nasturtiums...aspersions...never mind)

or maybe it was the magic talking fridge:?:

#25: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 12:38 pm

Having a really good chuckle at the speculation as I know exactly who read it to Xan!

#26: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 12:42 pm

So do I....I also know how close they were...I wouldn't have thought there was any need for shouting!

#27: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 12:46 pm

Have to say I didn't expect my innocent comment to arouse so much interest... Twisted Evil

#28: Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 1:06 pm

OK, here's my guess...Chloe read it to Xan down the phone. Correct? Please put us out of out (nosey) misery, Xan! Very Happy

#29: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 1:11 pm

Well, someone read it to me over the phone, but it wasn't Chloe...

#30: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:44 pm

Nothing to me though this did make me choke reading it making mjy dad wonder what was doing so i haev a guess of four people reading it to Xan: Kathye, RTW, Liss or Vikki

#31: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:47 pm

well my guess was going with Liss but any of the other would be possible...

#32: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:13 pm

Chloë wrote:

Nothing to me though this did make me choke reading it making mjy dad wonder what was doing so i haev a guess of four people reading it to Xan: Kathye, RTW, Liss or Vikki

Of course, if it had been me, then I wouldn't be curious....... Wink

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