KH: Tavern Talk

Posted on Fri Feb 14th, 2025 @ 1:45pm by Sr Journeyman Thalia & Blue Rider V'lik

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

Thalia grinned at the blue rider as they pushed inside a tavern to escape the sun. The healer had to admit the last several candlemarks had been the most fun she’d had in Turns, and that was entirely down to the blue rider who had her hand in his as they moved through the crowd towards the tables at the back. The tavern looked like a newer building—brighter than most she’d seen around, which was a nice change. It was good to see that Kymos was still expanding.

“Go sit down. What would you like?” she asked. This Gather had been great. It had been a long time since V’lik had truly enjoyed one, and having Thalia with him only made it that much better. They’d had so much fun before finally stepping into the tavern to cool down and collect their thoughts.

“If you’re sure, then just a mug of ale,” he answered.

She smiled up at him and nodded. “Go on.” Giving him a little push towards the tables, she watched him for a moment before turning to wait her turn at the counter. When she was finally served, she gathered four mugs of ale and went in search of him.

“It looks like it’s busy all the time, so I thought I’d double up,” she said as she approached. V’lik had learnt quickly not to argue. Instead, he did as she asked and found them two empty seats.

“That was a very good idea,” he smiled as she returned. It felt like he was always smiling when she was around.

“I have plenty of them sometimes,” she assured him with a grin, sliding into the seat opposite him. “So, how are you doing today?” They hadn’t had much time to talk as they’d wandered through the Gather, playing games and browsing the stalls, but now, in the cool tavern, they finally had a moment.

V’lik chuckled. “Quite often, you do,” he agreed, taking a sip of ale. “I’m doing pretty well. Can’t complain.” He smiled. “Plus, I got to spend the day with you.” Thalia turned slightly so their knees touched.

“The best part of my day has been you,” she admitted gently. She took a sip of her own ale and leaned back against the wall, sighing in satisfaction at the coolness.

“The perfect part of my day,” she added with a smile. V’lik hadn’t been this happy in a long time. Thalia helped bring out the good in him again—something he had thought was gone. He flashed her a smile.

“Me too.” Thalia reached out and stroked his cheek, smiling at the rough stubble beneath her fingers.

“What are you thinking?” she asked, catching a flicker of emotion in his expression. The blue rider shook his head slightly before smiling again.

“Just that I’m happy,” he admitted. “And that it’s been far too long since I’ve felt this way.”

“You deserve it,” she said simply. She knew she had only heard his side of things, but others had mentioned what he had been through.

“I’m glad you’re safe, and your daughter too,” she continued. “And that I get to know you better.” She knew about his daughter, being raised by foster parents. Nothing stayed a secret in the Weyr for long, and she had been around for the aftermath of everything he had endured. V’lik nodded slightly. A lot had happened, and he tried not to dwell on it. Some days were better than others. Since meeting Thalia, though, there had been a lot more good days.

“It was a lot,” he admitted, “but I’m glad I met you.” Thalia grinned and leaned in to kiss him lightly.

“Me too,” she murmured. She knew he would open up more when he was ready, but for now, she was happy just to enjoy his company. V’lik knew he needed to talk to her more, but he was still working things out in his head. Right now, he just wanted to enjoy their time together. He returned her light kiss.

“Thank you for not giving up on me,” he whispered.

“You’re too cute to give up on,” she teased in a low voice. She had known he needed time. And good things took time to build. He chuckled softly, reaching over to squeeze her hand.

“They do. I think I forgot that for a while.” His voice was quiet, thoughtful. “You’re helping me remember.” Thalia shook her head.

“You did the remembering all by yourself, blue rider,” she told him, taking another sip of ale and sighing happily.

“You’ve been through a lot, and we’ll take whatever this is at your pace.” She wanted him to know she wasn’t in a rush. She didn’t want something fleeting—if she did, she could have found that with any number of riders or Weyrfolk. V’lik nodded. How had he been lucky enough to bump into her? She was so understanding.

“Thank you. I appreciate it. And shards, you are perfect,” he said, smiling at her.

“Oh, shards, no—very much not perfect,” she protested, blushing slightly at his words as she glanced around.

“I’ve just been in the Weyr long enough to see the journey you’ve been on,” she admitted.

“Well, you’re perfect to me.” He was glad she knew at least a little of what had happened. He was working on getting everything sorted in his own head, and as soon as he did, he would explain it all to her.

“I promise, when I’m ready, I’ll tell you everything,” he said.

“Of course,” she replied easily, smiling as she reassured him. She didn’t need promises. He was his own person, and he had no obligation to explain himself unless he wanted to.

“Just remember,” she added gently, “that mind healers are just as important as the ones who patch you up after Fall.” V’lik slowly nodded.

“You’re right,” he admitted. He really did need to take her advice and speak to a mind healer. If for no other reason than to finally feel at peace—and to stop blaming himself.

“Mmmhmm. I want the best of you, and I want you whole,” she murmured, kissing his cheek as she turned to look at him properly. She knew Nikolai was there for that reason—not for physical injuries, but for helping riders heal mentally. V’lik smiled.

“I’ll find one and talk with them after the Gather,” he promised.

Today, though, was about enjoying the Gather. Enjoying his time with Thalia.

It was a happy day.