KH: Who is R'kig? P1

Posted on Fri Mar 28th, 2025 @ 8:27pm by Gold Rider Lana & Blue Rider R’kig

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: Kymos Hold
Timeline: M2 D29

R'kig sighed a bit. He had enjoyed showing Raen how to play some of the games. It had helped him remember for a bit what it was like to be happy. Now though he was at a loss. Should he follow Nerlyn’s suggestion? Maybe. A Gather would be the place to do it.

The blue rider stopped at a stall first to grab a mug of ale before he decided to walk down toward the stables. He had always enjoyed the runners so it was a good place to start.

Johu was just coming out from the stables when he noticed the older man coming towards him. He offered a smile before nodding respectfully seeing the knots. “You have missed most of the races I am afraid, blue rider,” he admitted as he leaned over to tie his hair up into a runner tail easier.

R'kig stopped when Johu spoke to him. “That's alright. I really just came down to see the runners,” he admitted. He hadn't really expected any of the races to still be going on.

“A dragon rider looking at the runners well I never.” The man grinned more as he looked up from getting his hair up. “Runners are normally boring to you all?”

R'kig shrugged. “Guess i’m not a normal rider,” he chuckled. “I've always liked the runners. And it is always interesting to watch all the jockeys handle such magnificent beasts.” Rizerth grumbled in his head but R'kig shushed him.

“Magnificent beasts? You cannot be a rider.” The man declared laughing. He had really never heard of anyone who lived in a Weyr describe a runner as that. It was normally all about the dragons and he did not blame them he would have given a lot to be a dragon rider but he was too old now. “I am Johu by the way. I am one of Far Sites' beast crafters and one of the jockeys.” He held out his hand.

The blue rider smiled. “I like all animals,” he answered. Animals couldn't disappoint you. “R'kig of blue Rizerth. Pleasure to meet you Johu.”

Johu shook his hand before pulling back and indicated around them. “So would you like a tour blue rider?” Johu had no more races and he was not due at any celebrations for a while and most of his work was done.

“Really? I would like that,” R'kig answered. It would be nice to see where all the runners were and just what needed done.

“Really but do not go telling everyone otherwise everyone will want to know.” He said with a wink as he turned and led the man along the stable stalls. “Thankfully Kymos has big stables so we do not need to use temporary ones for them after travelling.” Johu was relieved for a little bit they were not travelling.

“Dragon rider’s honor,” the blue rider grinned. He wouldn't tell a soul. “oh that is nice. I'm thinking temporary stables probably aren't the best.”

“Not when we have travelled by road on trailers for a sevenday.” Johu commented. It was the only way to get runners where they needed to be but it meant they travelled with them to make sure things were safe. “Felines like runners if we are not careful.” He admitted thinking to the time when he had come face to face with one which was why he had never been able to impress as he had been injured.

“Hmm I hadn't thought about that.” He hadn't realized how much had actually gone into keeping the runners safe and in good condition. “shards, that had to be scary,” he said, thinking about felines.

“No one ever does. But we are lucky at Far Site that the Lord Holder and his children work just as hard as us to maintain them.” Johu was sure that he was luckier than people from other holds as Far Site worked to maintain the species and bloodlines. “Sometimes.” He said darkly before he smiled masking the memory.

“I had heard the Lord Holder and his family take great pride in their runners. and I see their jockeys and handlers must as well.” R'kig was impressed. “You okay?” He asked, recognizing that look.

“Was just thinking of the feline attack a few turns back. They got very close.” He shook his head. “Come on. Come meet Thunder. He is the Runner I race.” He explained leading the man further into the stable towards a runner that was jet black.

“Shards. Was anyone hurt?” It wasn't actually any of his business but he couldn't help but ask. “That sounds great. Thank you.”

“They were but they are better now.” The runner looked up hearing the familiar voice. “Blue rider meet Thunder.” He said leaning over the stall to smooth the Runner.

R'kig figured it was better not to ask anymore about that topic. seemed like a very sore subject. The blue rider smiled as he stepped up to the stall. “Hello Thunder. Aren't you a handsome boy,” he crooned.

“He knows he is very handsome. Very proud he won his race today.” The beastcrafter laughed as the runner nudged him. “He does not get rode as often as he should nowadays but he certainly enjoys racing days.” It was sad that Oseben’s widow avoided the stables and his daughter was too small to ride him but maybe one day once he retired.

R'kig chuckled as he reached out to scratch the runner’s soft ears. “Why doesn't he get rode much anymore?” He asked curiously. The runner looked like a prime example of health and power.

“He was Lord Oseben’s runner before he passed away.” Johu explained sadly, watching as Thunder turned his attention to the new person.

“Oh,” R'kig answered quietly. That explained a lot. No wonder no one really rode the handsome runner. “Poor guy. He doesn't understand.”

“I think he does. He terrorises the stable hands but we get him out when we can. Just wish that we could get him out more or his wife or someone could ride him more. He is a powerful beast, takes obstacles like they are nothing.” He said quietly. “My favourite runner to race.”

“He sounds amazing. No one else in the family rides?” He asked curiously. He couldn't imagine letting such a beast just sit in a stall. It was no wonder he terrorized the stable hands.

“They all ride. They are all beastcrafters in their own right, even the youngest Lady Senabena but it takes a strong rider to tame this one. I believe they all thought to not replace their brother too but I think I will talk to them soon.” He would let the dust settle from the races and then speak to the beast craft master.

R'kig nodded. “I can see that. I am sure it's hard.” He continued to scratch Thunder's soft muzzle. He could understand their concern and he was sure they didn't want to feel like they were replacing Oseben.

“It has to be.” He had not been there the night that trouble had come to his home having been visiting family but coming back had been bad enough to the silence. “But anyways what else would you like to see? Got to show off to a dragon rider venturing down here.”

R'kig laughed softly. “I don't know. I think Thunder will be hard to beat,” he grinned, his troubles fading away for a moment. “I've just enjoyed being around the runners.”

“Well I am sure they appreciate being appreciated by someone other than beastcrafters.” Johu smiled back. “So what do dragon riders do at a gather then?” The man looked lonely. They normally travelled in groups so it was unusual.

The blue rider considered Johu's question. “This is the first Gather I've been to in a while. Earlier I was teaching my nephew how to play the games. Also most visit taverns, the food vendors, listen to the Harpers. I've heard a few find a bed partner for the night,” he shrugged.

“Lots of options for you then. I am going to wash up and head to the Gather Square tonight. Should come along, bet it has all of that.” The beastcrafter suggested.

“Sure. As long as you don't mind a tag along I don't have anywhere to be." It would be nice to have a friend. And one that wasn't worries about him all the time.

Johu smiled a little as if him or anyone would mind a dragon rider joining them. He would be surprised if he was the only one when not everyone was invited to the ball only wingleadership and the Weyrleaders. “I really wouldn’t mind at all.” The beastcrafter drawled.

“Thanks,” R'kig said. At least he wouldn't have to be by himself for a bit yet. He knew K'ron and Nerlyn would be at the ball.

He scratched Thunder a little more before he locked up the runner again making sure the second bolt was on before he whirled around to look at the man. “Come on then.” The man said indicating they should leave to at least head in that general direction.