Mawgrim

Painful chapter to read. Now I see where the farm comes in to the story. Those parents are hateful and the kind of religion that encourages such attitudes equally so.

Nice set up for the story, giving a good overview of the history and background before zooming in on the characters.

Okay, so I'm guessing the bullying escalated even more until Liam struck back (as anyone would) and the worst happened. And Rhys Clarke is obviously the sort who is good at playing adults so they presume he wouldn't do anything wrong, as we've already seen in the classroom. No one is going to believe quiet, outsider Liam's story.

This is making me think of the two lads involved in the Jamie Bulger murder. I hope I'm wrong.

A great short story which is complete in itself, but which could also continue if that's where you want to take it.

Craig is still feeling uncertain, although the phone call from James boosted his confidence slightly.

That sums her up fairly well. In canon, she's portrayed as a bit ditsy (after all, she keeps R'mart overdosed with numbweed more or less the whole way through quite a lot of important events in 'Dragonquest') but I reckon that's just an act that's served her well over the Turns.

Craig got home as darkness began to fall, parked his car on the snowy drive, then let himself into the house. It was warm; he always kept the thermostat on low for Jerry’s comfort. Jerry was curled up on his favourite armchair and immediately jumped down to greet him. You are never alone with a cat. ‘How’s it been for you?’ he asked, receiving a plaintive meow for an answer. He always talked out loud to the cat. It made the house feel slightly less empty. ‘Want some food?’ Jerry knew t

This story is a continuation of Fellow Travellers, which ideally should be read first. After getting home following being stuck in the snow, Craig reflects on his meeting with James. Even now, the whole experience feels like a dream and he wonders if James will contact him again. Or even if that would be a good thing? His life wasn't meant for Hollywood endings, after all.

Oh no! Looks like Aleks might be in serious bother. And just when it all seems to be going so well with Maks.

I’d never heard of a Yankee Swap before, but it sounds like much more fun than the usual Secret Santa, where you have to keep the crap you get and pretend you like it!

Sometimes it takes outsiders to see the obvious. Telgar Weyr needs to change it's ways. This is one of the occasions when the Pernese policy of total autonomy doesn't do anyone any favours.

Absolutely. They've been tolerating it so far because it applied to everyone.

One reason why he's not changed anything yet, even though he doesn't wholly agree with leaving the system as it is.

D’gar was pleased to see a large number of riders squashed into his weyr the following afternoon. Everyone from Fort had attended, even T’mudra. As he made a rough head count, he realised that almost everyone who had been seconded from the five other Weyrs were there. He also felt slightly nervous. There were older, more experienced riders present, even a couple of bronzes. Yet they were all waiting for him to speak. He cleared his throat. ‘I’d like to start by thanking you all for being he

It's not quite so shocking this time around. I knew this was going to happen sooner or later. But yes, it does make you reassess your priorities.

Waiting for CT scan results is a bit like being the cat in the box. You aren't sure if it will be good or bad news, if indeed you will be pronounced alive or dead once the result comes through. Today, I got the news I - kind of - expected. Not for any particular reason except my usual cautious pessimism and the feeling things had gone too well for too long. You can tell by their tone of voice, even before they actually say anything. The lesions in my liver are spreading and there is a need to review my treatment. It's weird, but I'd been preparing myself for it. I drew The Tower in a Tarot spread the other day. I've been feeling occasionally sick. None of that may have meant anything, but you always read portents into perfectly normal events with hindsight. So, what am I going to do? Stop drinking, for one thing, although I haven't exactly been drinking a lot. Less than 4 glasses of wine a week, with meals. Keep exercising. Write as fast as I can. Hone my life back down to the essentials - enjoying each day, eating well, taking time for myself. I think I will take the house off the market. Don't need that stress. I've been almost feeling 'normal' again recently, thinking about the future and stuff like that. Suddenly, focus has shifted back. Suddenly, life feels precarious and very precious. I want to stay healthy for as long as possible. I want to get things finished. Only I may not have as much time as I'd hoped.

Aleks is just getting in deeper and deeper. I have a bad feeling that all his scheming will come undone and someone will get hurt.

Lovely story. Starts right in the middle of the action and has a great buildup of tension.

Happy Anniversary. Your post just made me check when I joined and realised I’d missed mine as well!

Have really enjoyed each chapter of this story. With all of the extended 'family' growing up and now little Gustin arriving, I look forward to many spin off stories.

That's right, named after Paul Benden. Other holds named after the original colonists were Tillek, Boll, Nabol, Telgar, Bitra and Lemos.

It's on the way! Depending on life, I'm hoping it will be ready by next weekend.

All other colours will obey a queen dragon and Solth is enforcing a rule which doesn't stop them eating entirely. But yes, they are unlikely to be content or happy on only eating a small meal rather than gorging themselves until bursting, which is the usual draconian tendency.

None of Pern is particularly democratic, but remember that Telgar Weyr was desperate for help and if it looks like they are about to lose the services of 40 or so dragons and their riders they may decide to bend their rules.