The atmosphere in the barracks was weird to say the least… an equal mix of excitement and sadness. Tomorrow they all take that second step towards duty and honor. Tomorrow they go from junior to senior. Tomorrow they will go their separate ways. Tomorrow, it all goes down. Tomorrow.

For Vani and Caelisth this moment is bittersweet. Bitter for Caelisth as she contemplates leaving the only home she has ever known, and sweet for Vani as she prepares to go back to the ONLY home she has ever known.

« Can Taliveth come live with us? » The quiet glimmer of sad little stars tries to imitate her brown brother’s constant orbits, but she lacks the exuberant innocence that propels his asteroids in those impossible convolutions .

» I’m sorry love, « Vani pauses in her packing to caress the star-crossed headknob closest to her. Not that Caelisth looks like she needs the comfort, settled spinx-like with head resting upon forepaws. » There isn’t enough room for three dragons. « Love and sympathy are sent along their link along with the words. Growing up is hard.

« Well how about you and A’ndi live together, so Taliveth and I can? » Caelisth presents the alternative with all of her logical earnestness. This arrangement would suit her just fine!

Vani only just manages to conceal her amusement behind a snort. » I like A’ndi well enough, but I don’t love him. Not like I do A’hali. « Even though Caelisth is old enough to understand, the months spent shielding and limiting the flow of experience across the link are still in play. » You.. WE can fly now love, and tomorrow we will be free, finally - and you can go to the beach…and I can stay home. « There is a shy sending of what the greenling hopes will be.

« Why do you want this thing? » Vani may still feel a little residual reluctance with sharing the entirety of her relationship with A’hali, but it fascinates Caelisth still, and she loves nothing better than to figure things out. » Because I love him… and it is fun « As Caelisth grows older so too does her understanding of what is between Vani and Ohanaveth’s rider. » Not as much as I love you. « The guilt she felt when she made that discovery has faded as the bond between herself and her green has grown. »… it is hard to explain. You will understand better… Tomorrow…« Excitement and nerves clatter down the shared link like razor-winged butterflies, those thousand cuts never looked so beautiful.

The questions continue, as they always do. « If you want this thing, why are you scared? » This question draws forth an apologetic smile. » I’m not scared… Not really. But I worry that I have changed too much. That he will not want me any more. That I am still not good enough. « The caress modifies into a hug, packing long since abandoned. « If he thinks any of that, he is not worthy. I think he is worthy however so you are being silly. » Caelisth declares with the strength of her loyalty, providing comfort and support, and that all important blessing. « I chose you, that makes you the best. » Caelisth has enough confidence for the both of them, and tilts her head into the hug. Gone are the days when Vani could sling her arms over the stellar green shoulders. Caelisth has grown, and continues to grow - both physically and mentally. Bolstered by the balm of her bond, Vani vanquishes those sharp-winged nerves (The odd butterfly still remains.) » I am also looking forward to it. I have missed him… «

« Will I find a dragon like that? » Caelisth draws out the passion and adoration hidden behind Vani’s words to examine them minutely. For all that she is Vani’s other half, there are parts of her that are very different, very alien still. » Some dragons do… « Vani sends memories of dragon pairs sunning intimately in the bowl, even as she conceals a small giggle behind a hand. » But I think you’re not the type of green to limit herself. « A rather diplomatic way of sharing something that Vani is still struggling to deal with. Flights. » But that is not something you need to worry about yet love. « Not something Vani needs to worry about either. Yet.

As the cacophonous chaos continues to ebb and flow around the serene-seeming pair, the pair of them lift their heads to affectionately roll their eyes at their over-excited clutch siblings. Tomorrow is the next step towards becoming a defender of all they hold dear. But tonight? Tonight is the last night of Caelisth’s babyhood. And tonight, they will not hold themselves aloof. Tonight, the packing can wait, as can further serious discussion of love and sex and the shades in between.

» Go love, play with your brothers and sisters once last time. « Vani pushes the green towards that inner mischief she hides so well. Play is still important, and it appears a romp is just about to begin. « Not the last time surely? » Caelisth twinkles the question even as she slinks off the couch. « You also! Have fun, tell dirty jokes and confusing tales. » There is a pause in the starsong, before a familiar box makes an appearance between the constellations. « What was in the box? »

Vani laughs even as she looks over her shoulder to watch Caelisth stalk a suspiciously fluffy looking tail. » There was never anything in the box, Caelisth. « Vani finally admits. » I figured if I concentrated enough on it, WE BOTH would leave my thoughts of Hal alone… « Distraction only, Vani opens the identical box in her mind to reveal…exactly nothing. Now that Caelisth is old enough there are no more secrets between the pair. » You are old enough now for it all « The joy and the sorrow, the light and the dark, and all of the little human things that make Vani who she is. » And I have been waiting for that too… « With eyes full of love, Vani gives Caelisth a wink and a proud little smile - before finding a knot of weyrlings up to no good.

‘Twas the night before graduation…