Gregor said that this life was worth the chance at being part of something greater, but in reality Arcadin couldn’t see it. Not that the dragons didn’t do an important job of keeping Pern safe, but he didn’t see how any dragon would want to be his...life partner. The idea of having a constant companion made him wary. He didn’t understand how that wouldn’t just be opening himself up to more trouble in the long run; he barely took care himself in the past, and the idea of another life so dependent on his was alien. Nor was the idea of being in charge of a
baby very appealing. But he heard the talk among other candidates, that dragonets probably favored those who had stood longer anyway, so he supposed he’d have to just see it in action off to the side.
So were Arcadin’s thoughts as he gently dug around a virulent weed. Too much soil disturbed, and he might upset the sensitive plant nearby, as well as make a mess. And when it came to the garden, it was one of the few times he didn’t want to. As he turned inward, he felt someone move next to him and snapped back to reality, dark eyes turned towards the girl.
She had a rough look about her. Most candidates did to some degree or another, but this one had hard edges in her gaze, her greeting all but a growl. Cool. Slight deviation to the usual cheer. But this was courtesy for most people, saying hi and moving on, and so Arcadin grunted in response before turning back to his work, not expecting much else in the interaction.
He yanked at the weed and pulled out something monstrous in a smooth motion. Arc made a face at it and wiggles the arm-length roots to dislodge more soil.
