Mental Prisonbreak {Wide Open}

[Avu]

How many flats in a F Major scale?

“Huh?” T’kal looked up at his brown, his bright amber eyes quizzical. “Oh. Um, one flat. B flat.” Yes, that sounded right. “Why?” he added, although looking up at Leweleth gave him a crick in his neck. He was sprawled flat on his stomach on top of the waterfall, staring out over Selenitas. You were thinking about—the urges. I can feel it. What scale has no flats or sharps in it? “Sorry, Leth, I can’t help it…C Major.” The young man rolled over onto his back, running both hands through his violently red hair, lines of anxiety in his face. “It just—I don’t know, I—I can’t help it, I—I hate it.” I know you cannot help it. Don’t feel badly, Kalmine; you will get over it. That’s correct, by the way, the big brown added. You are remembering again—that’s a good sign, isn’t it? “It seems like we just got here,” T’kal murmured indistinctly, still staring over the Weyr.

We kind of did…? I mean, it hasn’t been so long since we left High Reaches. “It’s changed.” Changed—of course. “I meant, how I see it…” T’kal smiled crookedly, a dimple appearing in his left cheek. “That sounds awfully poetic and all, doesn’t it? But I mean—” He fumbled for words. “I appreciate more.” I think that’s a good thing, Kalmine. How many sharps in an A Major scale? “Um, three—C, F, and—G sharp?” T’kal answered automatically, although the last answer sounded feeble. What about a B Major scale? “Five sharp—F, C, G, D, and A,” T’kal replied obediently. He grinned. “I’m not thinking about it, Leth. Don’t worry.” Good. The brown spoke in immense satisfaction.

They were silent for awhile, both looking out over the Weyr. There was a sad wistfulness about both of them. I’m…really sorry for High Reaches, T’kal said indistinctly, mentally, rather than break the silence which held them both as if by a spell. I have you back now. You came back. Leweleth’s mental tones fell into the soft, stricken tones that they always did when speaking of High Reaches, and another jolt of guilt drove away the yearning for the drugs again. Poor Leth—all alone—it didn’t help that most of the other Weyrlings had put their dragons through the same or worse. T’kal clenched his jaw, his gaze flickering from hungrily looking over the Weyr to Leweleth. The only steady support his life had had—his Leweleth.

They fell into silence again—T’kal had, of late, after returning to the stable sanity that Selenitas Weyr provided, been feeling incredibly guilty after Leweleth told him about how terribly scared and lonely he’d been—his insides roiled at the very thought. Not for desire for the drugs, but for guilt. How could he have left Leweleth alone? I do not remember the fear. I don’t think about it, Leweleth assured him, crooning as he nudged his head into T’kal’s lap, looking like a ridiculously oversized feline kitten. Don’t feel guilty—I have forgotten and you don’t need to feel bad for it. T’kal pressed his lips together gratefully, wrapping his arms around the great brown head and pressing his cheek against Leweleth’s. I will always love you.

Thank Faranth for Selenitas…T’kal closed his eyes tightly, allowing himself to cry for the first time since their homecoming to Selenitas, his tears stopped by Leweleth’s dark brown hide. The brown’s wings closed around him reassuringly, forming a brown cocoon around him as he hugged Leweleth’s neck.

Some of the Weyrlings had stayed at High Reaches—or so he thought—would they come back? Could they come back, after some of them had left? What a nightmare…

[Tashe]

/You're spying again./ I'm not spying. What kind of girl do you think I am? Although the truth was Saraina was indeed spying on the Dragonpair, but lying was an automatic defense mechanism for her. Ever since she had noticed the presence of the Brown and his rider, the young woman had instructed her Blue to hide up on the sturdiest tree they could find while still in reach, using his listening and visual skills to 'investigate'. Don't they look familiar. /Well of course. Do you not remember them? That is my annoyance of a Clutchbrother Leweleth and His T'kal./ T'kal? The one I used to pick on? /You picked on everything that moved Mine./ True that... wait. Weren't they one of those traders that went to that Weyr who pretty much stole them? /Now you remember./ Lets go for a visit, hmm? /As you wish Rainmine./ Leaning forward as Hokth launched himself off of the tree, nearly breaking off most of the almost dead top branches, Saraina crossed her wrists over the thick pommel strap. As they arrived at the riverbank, the Bluerider watched as the wing beats stirred up the sand, waiting to jump down until Hokth knelt slightly.

Patting the Blue on the leg, the young rider glanced over at the Brownpair, acting as if it was the first time she had noticed them. The sand beneath her boots gave way as she began to walk toward the man she had spent a third of her weyrlinghood with, along the way she adjusted her blueish-black sleeve, it had begun to fall down. Slinking forward until she drew up closer, Saraina eyed the Brown and his Rider before speaking. "Well well, now. Who do we have here? Is that T'kal?" He certainly had changed during his time at High Reaches, he looked different than that of the boy in her fuzzy memories, but maybe that was the only reason why. He had been one of the Weyrlings that had left Selenitas for the brand new Weyr, and Saraina remembered distinctly calling a few of them particularly bad names. F'rah had been furious with the Riders that had convinced the Weyrlings to leave, since when they had done so, Shmee and S'rei had not given them permission to do so. It had come as a shock, a big one. Shaking her silky mane of raven hair out of her face, the Bluerider allowed a small smirk to cross her face, it was one of her more common facial expressions. It was one that looked as if it fit with her face, making it look as natural as a normal smile.

(Buahahaha. Salt to the burns anyone? x3)

[Avu]

T’kal had nearly fallen asleep leaning against Leweleth—he had somehow maneuvered herself between the brown dragon’s forelegs, curled up loosely with his head resting against Leweleth’s chest, staring at nothing in particular. You’re thinking about /them/ again! Leweleth accused suddenly, his tail lashing in agitation as he brought his head down sharply, his nostrils flaring as he pushed his muzzle into T’kal’s stomach. “Ouch!” T’kal protested, shoving the muzzle away. “I wasn’t—well, okay. A little. But I wasn’t too much and I wasn’t planning on doing anything stupid, Leth. And you’re way too big to be doing that.” Don’t think about /them. “I’m not trying to.” How many flats in a—? The brown cut himself off sharply, his head raising sharply from T’kal. Kalmine, we have company. “C—?” T’kal mumbled, pushing himself up in time to see Hokth and His approaching.

“Well, well, now. Who do we have here? Is that T’kal?”

He…vaguely remembered her. Kind of. In the back of his mind, some little voice that had been locked up at High Reaches Weyr had reemerged and informed him solemnly he knew her before. But the memory was too vague to place; he just knew her. Her name, her dragon’s name—both were obsolete. In fact, what exactly she’d done to be remembered was completely forgotten, too. T’kal just stared at her, completely nonplussed. What was she smirking for? For some reason, the expression seemed to…fit. Fit her. Kind of…? She is Sariana of blue Hokth. T’kal physically twitched in shock. He hadn’t thought Leweleth would recall anything of the sort—the brown was hard pressed to even remember scales with their sharps and flats, and T’kal had had days of fun trying to drill that into the brown and teach him to sing. Before…High Reaches, that is. How do you know? he asked nervously, still staring at Sariana, although he nodded slowly in answer to her query. Yes, he was T’kal. Or so he thought, anyway—he could never be too sure anymore these days. When you—when you were—when— Leweleth faltered, shades of terror flashing briefly into his eyes. When you were /gone/, that’s how I distracted myself. It’s like you with your scales. I remembered the names of my clutchsiblings.

The Brownrider pulled himself into a vaguely standing position, still leaning against Leweleth’s comforting bulk as he eyed Sariana—assuming Leth’s memory held—with slight anxiety. Her smirk was…discomfiting. “Um, yes. I’m T’kal. Leweleth says you’re Sariana, and your blue dragon’s—H—Hokth?” His tongue stuttered over the name and he winced as Leth tucked his wing around him, pulling him to the brown gently, lovingly. You are worried. Why are you worried? T’kal answered immediately, his thoughts already organized—a lovely change, that made!—What if she hates me? What if the entire Weyr hates me? I shouldn’t have been an idiot; I shouldn’t have gone to High Reaches—I’m not half as strong as I was, both mentally and physically; I’m just a hindrance to Selenitas. What if they all hate me? The thought was a depressing one.

[Tashe]

"Oh, thats sad. I'm hurt you don't remember me, after all the fun times we had. You know, when we were Weyrlings. Before you left." Placing a hand on her chest before lifting it to make a small motion from left to right, Saraina cocked an eyebrow. "Though I suppose, it's only natural that you'd forget about me, having been away so long." Her icy Blue eyes shifted to look at Leweleth, the Brown had grown taller than she had remembered, the difference between their Dragons was now a pronounced one. Slipping her hands into her trouser pockets, Saraina slouched slightly, taking up a casual stance that was rather comfortable. "Whatever." Pretending to be only slightly hurt, the Bluerider resettled her gaze back upon T'kal, her smirk toned down to a minimal. "So, Brownie, what brings you back /now/ of all times? Did you get tired of the oh so appealing High Reaches? Hmm?" She knew nothing about the Weyr, save for her initial distrust of the Wherryheaded promises that they spued. No Weyr could stay out of the Weyrwar or trouble for long, at least not until Benden falls and a truce happens between Fort and Selenitas. Secretly, the Bluerider rooted for Fort to win the War, from what she had heard Fort was a much better place than Benden.

Flaring his wings slightly as he looked to his clutchmate, Hokth scrutinized his Brother, eyes slowly swirling in amusement. /I am glad to see, that a Clutchmate of Mine, has the memory to remember us petty ones. So long have you been missing from our halls, I have oft thought that those clutchling snatchers were just another Benden killing plot./ The Blue pulled back his lips slightly as he gave a sharp dragonic laugh, swinging his whip-like tail into the soft ground, the normal snap it would make was now a low thump. /But I suppose it was not. To bad though, a good fight would have made a wonderful story.../ Cocking his head to the side Hokth half lidded his eyes, the expression was not to far off from a smirk, as long as a small portion of teeth was sticking out. /So what happened to the Weyr that sounded so tempting that you both chose to leave Selenitas? Did it fall to pieces? Did it get enveloped by the War?/

"Though it really ain't my business... I'd still like to know. I mean, Weyrlingmaster F'rah was pretty upset at those guys. You should 'ave seen him! He was all flustered and made all of us go into the big room and wait there 'til he could access the situation. Man, he was a gnarly shade o' red." Throwing her hands into the air as she shrugged, Saraina then put her appendages back where they were originally. "That plus the Weyrlin' massacre. He lost a lot o' Weyrlings that year. Made 'im really sad."

/Mother was horrified also. Loosing so many of her children and foster clutch! Let alone all of the younglings that were going to Ride them./

[Avu]

T’kal was bewildered, and it showed in his eyes as he stared at Saraina. Was he supposed to know her? Had they been…friends? Enemies? I don’t suppose you’d know, Leweleth? he asked nervously. The brown snorted softly. Sorry. I don’t. T’kal might have replied had the girl not brought up the fact that he had left; he flinched as if he’d been struck, Leweleth’s eyes flashing in concern as he brought one wing around T’kal again, nostrils flaring. She hurt you! It’s…nothing… He shook his head wordlessly at Saraina as she started in on him again. Shards, did the entire Weyr feel this way? An intense desolation exploded in the pit of his stomach and tingled through T’kal; he fixed his bright amber eyes on the ground—perhaps if he looked up, he’d see the girl’s feet—if that. Only half of her words were really registering; with each sentence, though, T’kal couldn’t keep himself from shuddering, closing his eyes and shaking his head, mouthing words that wouldn’t quite come. “I just wanted to help,” he protested in a mumble, the words sounding feeble even to him.

Leweleth kept his wings folded around T’kal as he turned his head to stare at Hokth. The blue dragon had never stuck out in his mind particularly; even if he had at first, he had soon faded, becoming just another name, like every other dragon that ran through his mind when he had been feeling desolately lonely. At least if it was a killing plot, we would be together, Leweleth mumbled, without explaining. He’d much rather be dead with T’kal, together, than to go through that terror again. And even more terrifying, T’kal had had no self control at all. Nobody had, and Leweleth had eventually gotten around to blaming himself for the Brownrider’s troubles. It didn’t tempt us, he added, his voice sinking even lower as he curled his head around T’kal’s feet, the boy automatically slumping against him, still looking everywhere but Saraina and Hokth. Kalmine suggested we help them, and then come back but—he—it was—difficult. He flicked his tail in an almost dismissive gesture at the last questions. I wish it was.

Saraina…the words she chose made T’kal suspect she was the type of person that liked to know things. He sighed reluctantly as Leweleth hummed reassuringly. “It was great there,” he said flatly, “At first. Nothing we had to do—just drink, have fun, laugh, have sex with whoever, anything we really wanted to do. And then they—I—drugs.” The word sent a shudder through him as the all-too-familiar urge hit him; he repressed it firmly. “They got—things—that made you—not…not right. And I—I didn’t want it. But it was hard to—quit. I was scared, and Leth couldn’t help me—nobody could—I wasn’t—wasn’t—” His words were becoming even lower and more incoherent as he went on; he cut himself off and started again. “When M’vorn started getting ready to come back, I came,” he finished, his voice monotonous again. It was easier to say things like that when he wasn’t speaking so personally.

The brown dragon flinched again, his hide shuddering against T’kal, as he spoke about ‘Mother.’ Mother—the queen. Aslath. Oh, Faranth…listlessly, he tucked his tail around his haunches, his eyes clear shades of anxiety and pain, gray shades dominant. I wish we hadn’t gone, he muttered. But it’s too late now… Unfortunately.

[Tashe]

"Drugs?" The smirk faded from her face completely, no longer was she interested in poking fun at the Brownrider, this business had turned serious. If High Reaches was using Drugs like Benden, then the Weyrleaders had to be informed about it, in fact he should go and make a report about them if they were doing anything that might be connected to the War. /Rainmine, it sounds like the boy is talking about Drugs for humans. Leweleth doesn't sound like he had drugs used on him./ It couldn't help but ask, no? /I agree. Just in case./ Sighing as she organized her thoughts, the Bluerider ran a hand through her hair before placing her fists on her waist. "Have you talked to the Weyrleaders yet? You should really tell them, if the Drugs were enhancers of any kind then they need to know, especially if they were used on the Dragons too." Drugs, Drugs, Drugs! Where all the Weyr's except Selenitas using them now? Even Fort? F'con had said that when he left, they weren't using any there, but now? Farnath, War was a tricky game that always threw something at you when you think you've got it pegged.

"Nothing up there about getting involved in the War? No snippets of information that you might have heard in passing? Anything about shipping certain kinds of Drugs to either of the two Fighting Weyrs?" /Rainmine, it might help if you make him feel not scared./ What? /Look, he acts like one that is uncomfortable./ Arching an eyebrow a fraction of an inch, Saraina shifted her gaze onto the sandy ground, shifting her temperament into one of her many facades. How she thanked her history of pick-pocketing and stealing. "Oi. Sorry, I bet ya' have only just come, probably not the best time to face the Inquisition, eh? Working with F'rah 'as made my mind jump into business like a snap of my fingers. I've probably made ya' feel unwelcome." Flashing the boy the best smile she could muster up, the Bluerider relaxed her stance, casually standing with a slight slouch. "But 'cha aren't. Selenitas needs all of 'er Riders, whether they be 'ere or there. No ones' going to really bother ya' about coming back, 'cept those of us with dark senses of humor."

/Well you are back now. If you and Yours are worried, don't be. If the Weyr can accept Rath after what he did, you both have nothing to be worried about./ Flicking his whip-like tail, Hokth tapped a rhythm on the ground, his demeanor changing subtly. They'd get more information for a report if they were nicer, though, the Blue didn't quite understand why His was so interested in his Clutchmate and His. They were fun to poke fun at, but other than that, they were good for nothing else.

[Avu]

Of course they'd pick up on the drugs. T'kal snuggled closer to Leweleth almost unconsciously, half-burying his face in the brown dragon's shoulder as he nodded reluctantly, repressing a shudder at the desire that the mere mention of drugs pricked. Sharditall, he had to learn to stop...You are recovering slowly, that's all, Leth encouraged firmly. Do you need me to help you? T'kal considered, and then swallowed. I think I'm okay. But it was definitely there now, a niggling desire. He shook his head at Saraina's query. "No, I would've thought - M'vorn - he was the leader. If - if anyone talked to the Weyrleaders, I - think he would've." T'kal paused, stifling the desire briefly before continuing. "It wasn't an enhancer, I don't think - it kind of - blurred everything out, made you - forget. Everything..." What kind of an enhancer would do that? "And it was just for the people...not dragons." A sigh. It would have been, perhaps, better if Leweleth had been with him in that terror, instead of both of them alone - but no; if that had been so, he wouldn't have been able to pull out.

He shrank back in the face of her questions, shaking his head, wordless now, frozen with surprise at the yearning for the drugs. Shardit...shard it all. "I - no. I don't remember a-anything..." A quiver; he wished he had heard something; perhaps then he might actually feel accepted within the Weyr, bearer of needed information - but he hadn't. He'd merely been a refugee...You don't have to talk about if you don't want to. Leweleth's muzzle hovered inches from T'kal's hair as he exhaled lightly, anxiety in his mental 'voice'. I...don't know. Uncomfortable, yes, but he needed to get it out. Saraina could be used as an outlet, yes? Of sorts.

The girl's surprising speed at shifting topics made T'kal blink warily, although he accepted it without question. "It's okay," he mumbled, reddening slightly. "I expected it." Actually, he'd been surprised at the lack of attacks set upon him when they'd returned. Selenitas certainly wasn't naive, but - he'd expected a complete barrage of people demanding to know everything. There had been surprisingly little. He preferred it that way, of course - but it was still surprising. They are happy to see us back, Leweleth commented simply. I - I'm glad... T'kal responded honestly, loosening his grasp from Leweleth and sliding into a half-seated position against the brown dragon's flank, nodding as Saraina said as much. "Anyone I should avoid?" he asked, a wry edge entering his voice, although he was perfectly serious - he would love to just fit back in, as if he'd never gone.

Leweleth had calmed considerably at the blue's comment. He nodded slightly, although his gaze was still on Saraina, slightly confused as to how the girl had changed tactics at such alarming speed. I suppose so...Kalmine is worried, though. His tail flicked in anxiety. And it doesn't help that he still sometimes wants the drugs - addiction, unfortunately. The brown sighed as he cocked his head sideways at His indulgently. He's getting better...what have we missed, then? They had been gone for a Turn, after all; a lot could happen in such a short time.

[Tashe]

/Maybe Your's should see the Human Kalierre, she might have herbs to help him curb his... addiction./ Kneeling so he could lie on the warm sand, Hokth wrapped his tail around his body before speaking once more. /Oh lots. Lots and lots for sure... I'll try and narrow it down to the most important for you./ In all truth, the Blue only remembered the most important anyways, since they tended to float from Sara's mind into his. /The Weyrwoman ran away, Rainmine says its because she was upset. Millieth's clutch hatched, and all of them impressed, none have died... oh, then we found out where Aslath's was hiding, but uh... Benden took her before we could find her, mind you we didn't know at the time who had taken her./ Arching his neck slightly and closing his eyes, Hokth picked both his brain and His's, receiving an annoyed mental twitch in response. /Weyrleader S'rei left to go find her, and then Benden came and attacked us! They drugged our water supply, so we Dragons couldn't do anything! They brought Mother's and took Millieth's and tried to kill them by throwing them into a big fire thing. But Riders saved them. Mine put up a good fight, she lead the Weyrlings in the time of the fighting, she was so brave! Facing full grown Bronzeriders./ Casting a glance at His, the serpent like Blue made a noise close to that of a contented purr, though it only lasted a few brief seconds. /Everyone found out that Rath and His betrayed the Weyr, hence the reference from before, but that nasty C'leon was driven off our home! He was no match for Selenitas Riders! Many of his Bronzes died in the battle, they wouldn't leave without a fight./ His lips pulled back slightly as he touched upon those foggy parts of his memory, it was like someone had put a big neck cloth across his mind, not letting him see the secrets behind it. /Um... Mother's and Millieth's were safe, they eventually got better... when Aslath rose she was caught by Ciceroth. Salenth returned, pretty soon after that... uh... Aslath had six and ten eggs, one of them was a Queen egg, and her name is Hepaticath. After that nothing really else... Kirayuth caught Millieth when she rose. Now her Clutch is on the sands./

Catching them up on whats happened? /How did you know Mine?/ You were picking my mind for information, I deduced you were telling Leweleth. /So smart Mine! I knew you were Mine from inside the egg, your mind was so strong./ Stop with the flattery, I know you love me. /Fiiiine./

"The opposite of what Benden's drugs do. Huh." Taking physical advice from her Blue, Saraina crossed her legs and dropped to her bum in a smooth motion. "Avoid? Well lets see... try and avoid Z'hin, M'meer, E'rro, Mutasim and possibly Rawign. Rawign and Z'hin poke fun at people, and Mutasim is likely to punch someone if they're being to annoying. On the other hand, E'rro is a Benden Weyrling who F'rah knocked out when 'e attacked 'im, his Dragon forced him to stay... so he's full on bitter. 'E won't hurt ya' physically, but boy, I've seen his verbal abuse, its pretty bad. Worse than mine by a long shot. M'meer is still bitter 'bout the High Reaches taking you guys." Shrugging slightly, the Bluerider stretched her crossed legs out in front of her. "Though of course, I don't know everyone in the Weyr, so I think... if ya aren't annoying, you'll be fine."

Giving the boy a smirk, though this one was certainly modified to be more playful, Saraina flicked her long hair out of her face. "But they're all holed up in the Infirmary, watch duty or in Candidate lessons. So, I doubt yer going to have to worry about running into them." Pausing for a moment to think about what he had said earlier, the young rider's smirk/smile widened, remembering something about her own past. "Ya know. I used to be addicted to something..."

[Avu]

Leweleth snorted softly, considering Hokth's suggestion. Kalierre...Is she a Rider? Perhaps I can contact her Bonded about it, the brown offered, pleased. I'll talk to him about it later. Thank you. The brown dragon settled in to listen to Hokth's ranting of the current events, head tilted thoughtfully as each one flicked through his mind; he transmitted them automatically to T'kal as each one was named. Weyrwoman ran away? Aslath's? Curious...Millieth's clutch Hatched, none died - that was good. Benden took Aslath's - that was bad! Salenth's gone? That was bad too. Very bad...then Benden came...bad. Riders saved Aslath's and Millieth's...good. He crooned, half-amused and half-pleased, by Hokth's description of His fighting the Bronzeriders. T'kalhis would have fought had he been there, but that was nothing to brag about, so Leweleth didn't respond. Rath? Rath betrayed the Weyr? But Rath had Flown Millieth. Oh. That was horrible. Now, then. Salenth's was back, but only after Ciceroth had Flown Aslath. So Ciceroth's was the new Weyrleader? That was important to know. Kalmine, did you hear? Ciceroth's is the Weyrleader now. Ciceroth's being? ...I don't know...I don't like bronzes. New queen, Hepaticath. That was important too. And Kirayuth...so Rath was no longer Junior Weyrleader. Also good. Thank you, you've been very helpful, Leweleth said serenely, dipping his head slightly to Hokth.

The opposite? Perhaps so. T'kal shrugged noncommitally. Didn't you say Benden drugged the dragons...? Maybe they used that stuff, those drugs from High Reaches... he offered absently. That would be overly complicated, you know, I don't think that's possible. Probably not, T'kal admitted, and then turned his attention back to Saraina. Z'hin, M'meer, E'rro, Mutasim, Rawign. He stifled a sigh. Five people certainly could seem like a lot, couldn't they? "All right," he agreed after a pause, storing the information away. Any sign of any of those five meant he would bolt. Just completely drop everything and bolt - at least, he would, until he figured he'd recovered enough to take care of himself. Now he was hardly in good physical shape. "I don't think I'm too annoying," he stated, a slight confusion slipping into his tones. "I don't try to be." If he was or not - nobody had ever told him that he could remember, unfortunately. You are /not/ annoying, Leweleth said firmly.

T'kal was distracted by Saraina's smirk. She seemed to love smirking, didn't she? Why she did bewildered him slightly, but then, T'kal knew he wasn't nearly as intelligent as he'd once been. Sigh. He visibly relaxed when she explained the reason of her smirk (or at least, part of it). Very good...now he wouldn't be slinking around corridors trying to hide from everything that so much as twitched. That would have been undoubtedly painful. Her confession made his golden eyes widen, slightly shocked as he turned to look at her fully for possibly the first time. Before he'd been addressing her shoulder, or her ear, but never had he actually looked straight at her. "To what?" he asked, bewildered. Drugs weren't exactly widespread, were they?

[Tashe]

/Yes. Kalierre is a Rider, a female rider. She is Green Phremath's./ Flexing his claws so they shifted through the sand, the sprightly male yawned before speaking again. /Though, I don't care much for those Bronzes... rather Bronzes in general. To possessive, they try and take the attentions of your females./ Snorting slightly as he remembered chancing upon a female, who he had a fancy for, flirting with a Bronze.

"Well thats good then. Though, I personally think that all of 'em won't bother you 'less you give them reason to." The weather felt like a continuous bout of summer, which was odd, because it wasn't. It normally started to get colder around this time of the year, but yet, nothing. Closing her eyes as she rolled her head to the side, Saraina wished it would get chilly soon, Fall and Winter were her favorite seasons. She grew up in colder climates, the Bluerider never understood why most people disliked the cold, though it was most likely because of their region. "Ah yes..." Peeking open an eye, she continued. "By the look upon your pretty lil' face, ya don't believe me. Or are rather surprised to find out that I, Sara, had a problem." She wasn't lying, his face was rather attractive, though not a usual look she would normally go for.

"I was addicted... to stealing. Way back in the day when I was still a Holdkid. In fact, the only reason I came 'ere was because I tried to knick the Weyrlingmaster's bag. Caught me though, and was determined to put an' end to the Bluebird's stealin' streak." Flashing T'kal a grin, the Bluerider moved her ankle from side to side, tapping it to an unannounced rhythm. "I continued to steal of course, 'tis a hard habit to break, still do sometimes. But only things that won't be missed... food, scraps of unwanted leather and the like. But boy, you shoulda seen me back then. Third in command of our small little group, livin' the easy life, no one ever suspected. Not as bad as Drugs I suppose, but boy, if ya ever got caught." Clicking her tongue against her cheek, she returned her gaze back onto the Brownrider's face. "Ya get put in the Brig. Southern Hold don't put up well with Theives... I was jus' lucky F'rah caught me an' not a noble or the Guard, I didn't have to spend a few nights in the clink. Though, I was being careless... shoulda had my friend's Flitter check if Styth was awake." Shifting her weight so she could wipe her hands on her trousers, Saraina removed a leather thong from around her wrist and bound her hair back, settling back onto her hands after she was done. "Got over most of the urges with the help of friends, but I still look at everything with a Thieve's eye... calculating everything from distances to chances."

[Avu]

Phremath. Green Phremath's. He had to remember these names for Kalhis' sake. Leweleth snorted softly, consigning the names Phremath and Kalierre to memory. Phremath of Healer Kalierre. I will remember, thank you. The brown dragon was already sprawled, but he elongated himself more in a stretch, absently flicking his tailtip, although his eyes were thoughtful, almost surprised. Hokth didn't like bronzes? That made two; Leweleth didn't like bronzes either. Or rather, he didn't dislike them so much as he simply was nervous around them - he hated the stuttering mess he was resigned to in their precense, but he simply couldn't help it. Bronzes scared him. They were so much bigger. Bigger and they had more authority. Scary. I don't like bronzes either, he admitted. But that's okay; T'kalmine and I were put in the Queen's Wing - are you there, too? They hadn't had Wing Drills yet, so Leweleth was quite oblivious to the members of his wing past Millieth and Aslath.

T'kal shrugged, falling silent, at Saraina's response. Well, he wasn't the type to go around bugging people anyways - he'd much rather make friends; and he'd rather just keep to himself nowadays than that. So all was good. Besides, he rarely left his weyr anymore - he still felt like an intruder - and he felt much safer with Leweleth, in the contained privacy of his weyr, than anywhere else, although he admitted to himself (although to no one else) that he'd probably feel more welcome if he actually made friends. That would only result in double-guessing himself, though. His self-esteem had definitely taken a hit at High Reaches Weyr.

Another shrug at her slight taunt, although he dropped his eyes, the corner of his mouth curving into a wry grin. It wasn't so much that he believed she didn't have a flaw - didn't everybody? (Except Leweleth, of course. Leth was perfect.) But it was - well, truth be told, he envied Saraina. She didn't seem burdened down by much; she seemed free - which was a hard thing to seem if you were addicted to anything at all, in T'kal's opinion (and he considered himself highly educated in that matter). He was interested, though, and leaned forward slightly, pressing his elbows against the crease of his knees as he considered her story. Addicted to stealing? No, perhaps that wasn't quite as bad as drugs - although perhaps, in some ways, it was worse. A sigh escaped him. "I guess all addictions are bad," he pointed out quietly. He nodded at her final comment; he knew, kind of, what she meant. After all, studying everything like that was an aftereffect, of sorts, from her addiction; much the same way that the desires were an aftereffect of his addiction. Hmm, pity..."Leth's been helping me," he said, voice still low. "He's been great...'specially since I don't think I know anyone here anymore." Didn't know them; didn't remember them...it was like arriving in an alien world.

[Tashe]

/No. Saramine and I are in the Maelstrom Wing, with the Weyrleader. Our wing has many seasoned riders in it... unfortunately that includes having three Bronzes in it./ Once more, his claws dug through the sand. /But you have Millieth in your Wing. She is experienced in fighting, took down two Browns by herself and another older one with the help of Styth when Benden attacked us in the Air raids. Though, I would think that the Heatwave Wing wouldn't be much fun... not much to flame down in the lower levels... Though you have Dasmonthsister with you. Though it doesn't help that she thinks she's a Queen./

"I doesn't help much when you have a Firelizard who likes to take things that aren't his. Probably doesn't help that I named him after a thief either I suppose." Rolling her eyes slightly as her mind drifted to her awkward Blue Scipio, Saraina folded her legs so they were in a criss cross fashion before speaking again. "Depends on the addiction, the people yer with, and the person. Yours sounded pretty nasty, something only people with nothin' would want. Mine, I enjoyed it. I liked the risk of being caught, the closer ya got, the better you needed to be. Made ya improve yourself, plus, I liked it better as a training exercise than the ones ya do here. So boring. Good for me, bad for everyone else." The Bluerider did actually love running and training her body, but the Riders here were so boring to work out with, they would talk and work... and even the talk was nothing personal or deep. That was why she spent most of her work out time with F'con and his group of two or three people, at least their hand to hand combat lessons were interesting.

"That gives me an Idea. If ya ever feel like ya need to do something, 'ave Leweleth give Hokth a call, since I'm never far off. We'll go running. Running takes your mind off'a whole range of things, specially when yer getting tired, F'rah had me go run everyday when I was his apprentice. He'd make me run till my legs felt like that jelly desert they serve 'ere, didn't have much time to think about anythin' else but eatin' and showerin' afterward." Giving T'kal a genuine grin, since she liked talking about exercise, the Bluerider glanced back at her Dragon. /You have to exercise with F'con tonight, remember not to forget./ I know, I know.

[Avu]

Weyrleader? Leweleth very nearly twitched. Poor, poor Hokth...a regular bronze was bad enough, but to be in the Weyrleader's wing would kill Leweleth. He was - was being the key word; he didn't know if he still was after the Turn of inactivity - a highly capable fighter in Threadfall, but if he was put in the Weyrleader's wing, he would absolutely die - which would only result in being scolded, and that would do him no good whatsoever. No, it'd probably only make him more frantic than ever. The Weyrleader's wing - wow. The word was not an elated one; rather a grim surprise. Well, at least there were experienced Riders - but not one, but three bronzes? Leweleth felt very sorry for Hokth indeed. The brown paused, tilting his head as he considered. Then - He is a good Wingleader? If he wasn't, Leth felt even worse for Hokth, but surely Aslath wouldn't have let a horrible leader Catch her? Being on the queen's wing is, perhaps, best, what with the lack of Thread, the brown pointed out quietly, his tail flicking around his haunches almost defensively. We have not fought Thread in an entire Turn - nor yet trained for it. It's probably better for the safety of our entire wing if we are not in the higher wings. It wasn't that Leweleth was scared - he was just trying to be sensible.

Fire lizard - she had a fire lizard? T'kal's mouth twitched into a slight smile at the description of the blue 'thief'. "Like Bonded, like flitter," he pointed out wryly, surprising himself - to say nothing of Leth. I didn't know you had a sense of humor left. ...neither did I...[/i] Sadly enough, their life had been devoid of jokes for so long that that did count as amusing. "What is his name, then?" The Brownrider grinned reluctantly, shrugging at her comment. Well, it was true - if he'd been with people who actually cared about his sanity, he'd have stopped much sooner. But it was so easy, then, to fool himself into believing they did care, they were his friends - he'd even managed to convince himself they cared about him more than Leweleth did. He winced at the thought. "Training exercise?" That really did bewilder him (not that that was unusual these days, he admitted glumly). "I don't know - I can't really remember exercising - but - I mean, it'd be fun if you had a companion, wouldn't it?" Someone to talk to - really talk to, not just "hey," "hey," "bye," "yeah, bye" - a talk, perhaps, like this - it could perhaps be fun. He, for one, definitely needed to work out. His body felt like that of a newly Hatched dragonet - just as weak and just as unresponsive.

T'kal blinked in pleased surprise at her comment. Was it an offer of friendship? Perhaps that was pushing it a bit - but it certainly was an offer of companionship, which T'kal figured he definitely needed, as he was feeling very lonely and completely lost these days. "You'll regret that," he admitted, grinning dryly. "If not because I'm lonely, because Leth'll probably want me to make friends. As long," he added, rolling his eyes at the brown dragon affectionately, "as that person doesn't ride bronze." Surprising, really, that Leweleth's fear of bronzes had lasted the past Turn, but it had; he was still a wreck around the bigger males. Queens? Nope, no problem with them - but bronzes - Leth really did confuse T'kal sometimes. "I'd really like that," the Brownrider added, reddening slightly, so unused was he to expressing his feelings by now. It was an odd feeling - not one he particularly disliked, but different.[/size]

[Tashe]

/He is good enough. Though I would have preferred to be under Salenth's command, from what I have heard, he is a talented Wingleader./ Furling his wings slightly as a human would motion with their hands, Hokth bobbed his head slightly, eyeing his Mine with a critical eye. /Rainmine would not enjoy a lower altitude wing. She likes the risk, it fills up a void she has, makes her feel even better./ Another small bob of his Head. /You did not get or train for Thread in High Reaches? Did you not preform wing Drills? All Weyrs need to do Wing Drills if they want to survive Threadfall.../

"Touche! I do seem to attract anythin' Blue like a Magnet. Usually with personality problems..." /I resent that! I do not have anything wrong with me./ "Apparently Hokth is under the impression 'e's exempt from that classification." Tilting her head backward to give her Blue an upside down wink, Sara made a noise that sounded like a small chuckle before returning back to her previous position. "Scipio. 'E's the youngest of my three Blues, and as inquisitive as a baby... no personal space issues at all. 'E's like to come and settle on your shoulder, no matter if 'e knows ya or not. Then comes Zor. E's the sensible one... usually. Very protective, 'e makes a great watch Canine. To bad I didn't 'ave 'im back then, 'e makes a wonderful scout. Then of course, Hokth. Tricky devil 'e is, likes to intimidate people, so I 'ave to watch 'im all the time. This one time, someone pushed me and 'e knocked the guy off'a his feet and pinned 'im before I could do anything. Very protective this one is."

"With or without one, fun for me either way. Some people like the solidarity, while others like people around. Personal preference Brownie, personal preference." Giving a small shrug without moving her hands from the warm sand, Saraina gave a lopsided smile at his comment. "Of that, I have little doubt, but that warnin' should also be directed back toward you. I'm rigorous when it comes to jogging. You'll see, if ya can keep up with me, then ya can keep up with a good amount of other people." She wasn't bragging of course, merely stating the truth, her endurance was good for a woman. Inspecting his face as it reddened very slightly, the Bluerider held back a witty remark and a chuckle, she was scoring a parter and she didn't want to drive him off. Hopefully he could last longer than her previous one. "If your going ta run with me regularly, I hope ya like waking up early. I get up at the same time the Weyrlings do, if not earlier, I like it when its cold and misty out side. Though, living in the North shoulda prepared ya for the cold."

[Avu]

So Ciceroth and His were good Wingleaders. Leweleth still couldn't bring himself to like Ciceroth in the least, and admitting he had respect for the bronze would only make his nervousness around the bronze worse. Better, just to keep his opinion to himself. Salenth, though - Leweleth did know that bronze well. He'd been Weyrleader when they left, after all; he felt he ought to know him well - but that didn't mean he had any coherency around Salenth either. I suppose it the risk could be considered interesting, he admitted, But I have not flown for the past Turn that I can recall, aside from that one trip back to Selenitas - and T'kalmine is not fit enough to fly long. The brown sighed. No, we did not train - oh. Perhaps we did, at the very beginning, but when drugs began to circulate, I don't think anybody was in fit shape to fly Wing Drills without a very high risk of the entire wing having a midair collision due to bad coordinates sent by their Riders. T'kalmine couldn't concentrate; I didn't trust his mind enough to go between, so no, no Wing Drills. It was a horrible feeling, not being able to trust the one person whose mind and soul were linked to yours.

Personality problems? None as bad as an addiction to drugs, probably, so she really couldn't be talking there. T'kal appreciated the joke of sorts, though, a smile flickering over his mouth. "I really haven't tried my luck getting one of those little draconic pets - maybe I will, someday." Someday when he was recovered - someday when he didn't run the risk of poisoning some poor, innocent creature's mind. Whenever that 'someday' happened to be - or if it actually existed. What a depressing thought. Scipio, Zor, and Hokth. T'kal committed the names to memory - quite easy, really, since he had no others in his memory past his own, Leweleth's, the Weyrleaders', and a select few people like Lennae and M'vorn, who had been at High Reaches Weyr. None to get confused with. Yet another depressing thought. The Brownrider raised his eyebrow in amusement, his gaze rising from Saraina to Hokth, at the story. "And who was this 'guy'?" he asked, brow furrowing absently in thought. One name. That was all it might take - one name to trigger whatever memories lingered just out reach. He was just...having trouble finding that name. At least, that was what he was telling himself and Leweleth.

What Saraina said was processed - and instantly forgotten in the face of his new nickname. Brownie? Where had that come from? From the fact that I'm, you know, /brown/? Leweleth suggested. I mean - what /prompted/ it. A frown tugged the corner of his mouth as he ran his hand through his vivid red hair - he really did need a haircut; by now his hair dropped around his shoulders (he couldn't once remember having cut it at High Reaches) - but T'kal shrugged it off. A nickname was at least a sign of some intimacy, even if it did seem more like a taunt than anything else. "Well, I mean, I haven't exercised in a while, so I'll probably have a horrible time at first, but I'm not going to back out." As if Leweleth would let him back out anyways. As if he would let himself back out. He was sick of letting his life go out of his control. It was decided: He'd exercise if it killed him. He shook his head at her comment. "I don't mind early mornings or the cold." The North was cold; he'd become used to that. As to early mornings? He'd live.