A Shiny ^^

[reqqy]

Salenth stretched. A moment of probing revealed that His was still couched in sleep. The horizon was just beginning to lighten. A yawn parted the bronze's great jaws. He was coming to get used to this - being constantly separated from His in a physical sense. It still did not please him. His youth pressed in on him. Only the fact that it was a physical separation rather than a mental one allowed him to weather it with grace.

His long wings flared, membranes catching the breeze. All is quiet? The watchdragon, a blue by name of Ylleth, responded, No one has come or gone in the last few candlemarks, according to the wherhandler. Though S'rei and Salenth technically had little say, they'd managed to maneuver old friends into the watches of the night when things were most dangerous - when Selenitas's defenses were at their weakest. Ylleth was a Benden transfer. It was something of a risk, Salenth noted, if anyone was to take a closer look, but their reasoning was sound. A transfer would be quicker to note a dragon that didn't belong. One of C'leon's. Even a few extra seconds could make all the difference. Good.

His sinuous form spilled over the ledge, mingling with the fall of clear, fresh water. The bronze loved to swim. He often began his mornings with a dive into the river below, allowing the shock of the cool wet to fully wake him. Salenth hit the water almost noiselessly. He allowed the current to carry him a mile's distance before shifting to begin his swim upstream. By the end, his hearts were beating with a pleasant quickness.

This had not been his morning ritual four turns before. Both he and S'rei, however, had taken to swimming in the predawn hours while at Fort Weyr, if only to keep themselves in shape. War had been looming. Everyone felt it, but only the bronzepair knew it for fact, and they determined that they would not find death in the turns of their own past if they could help it. There would always be a difference between a peacetime and a wartime weyr. It was ironic, really. Had that mistake not happened, Fort would never have taken the bronzepair in after the attack on S'rei...fourteen turns ago now. They likely would have died at the hands of whoever instigated the attack. Salenth didn't often think of the good consequences come from his mistake. It was enough to make his brain hurt. Even now, he released that to the warming air. The sun was now mostly above the line of earth in the east.

Something in the flare of light caused a flashing behind the water. Salenth paused a moment in his strokes. It continued to shimmer, and he forged his way upriver, closer and closer to the thunder of the falls. A boulder. Standing in the shallows, the bronze lifted his wings, water streaming down the edges like a vast umbrella as he gazed upon the glistening rock. Golden, but with veins of amethyst and jade. Beautiful. A flash of Aslath invaded his mind's eye.

Curiosity caused him to lay a taloned foot upon the boulder. The fit was nice, if perhaps a tad big. He considered. Then, having decided, the bronze began carefully digging around the gleaming, brilliant boulder, uprooting it from the river silt with care.

It was something of a struggle, taking to the air with the boulder clutched to his chest, but he managed. They were still not getting along. When he argued with her, he was wrong, and when he didn't argue with her and simply bowed to the inevitable, he was wrong, too. Sometimes Salenth wished he could be ReiMine, who only seemed to need to get Aslath's to want to Rise in order to get back in her good graces. The gold had just risen, and would not again for another turn. Another turn was too long to endure this alienation. Salenth knew himself. He would not always wait for her mind to change - he would move on.

For now, though, he couldn't think of it. For now, he worked as he could to try to help her to understand, or at least to speak to him with something other than the coldness that he'd come to associate with her voice. The boulder that he bore upward, up to her weyrledge, was golden and beautiful. Just like Aslath. She hadn't thanked him for the beasts. She'd summarily forgotten he'd even tried to speak with her. That didn't deter him from bringing the huge shiny as a sort of peace offering.

It truly was beautiful.

She truly was beautiful. His gold. His once-gold.

He landed on her ledge. The queen of the weyr was within, not out here in the open, so he had plenty of room. Salenth deposited his gift within sight of the opening, though enough off to one side so that she could still exit with ease, and settled down to wait. His hide still glistened with moisture. His eyes closed beneath his outer lids. The Weyr slept.

But not for long.

[Administrator]

The night was oddly peaceful for Aslath. Hers mind was at ease, and she felt that things were going quite well for her, herself. Her beautiful children were doing well and getting stronger with each day, and she wasn't quite so angry with Salenth anymore. She didn't want to get too close to him, but he no longer could make her angry just by being in her presence. The hurt was fading, she found, which was a relief both to her and to Shmee. The previous evening, Shmee had remarked to her that she was glad that she wasn't acting like a pouty child anymore. Even though the queen resented that analogy, it had relaxed the both of them quite a bit, as it was quite true. She grunted in her sleep, curling up in a tight gold ball where she lay in her weyr. It was so warm, and this space was so comforting. Lonely, though. But she was used to loneliness. She would never admit that she wanted someone-- a bronze-- to sleep with.

The sun began to slowly rise in the sky, and it was gradually that the queen began to wake up. She had no reason to be awake, so just lying in her weyr kept her happy. Hers was still sleeping, for Shei was still doing so, but she doubted it would be for much longer. It was like clockwork; She would always wake up just as the pink in the sky was fading. Then Shmee would get up, take care of the babe, then go up for breakfast... So Aslath would have a little bit more time for herself before flying Shmee up. She yawned.

But she opened one eye. It was for no particular reason. Maybe she had wanted to see the light of day, hoping that it would make her stop being lazy, or maybe she wanted something to fill her eyes as she lay in her cave. But what she saw made both eyes snap open. It was a shiny. And that shiny definitely wasn't there when she had went to sleep that night. Rumbling sleepily, she stretched out and yawned again before slowly rising. Groggily, she staggered over, her eyes trained on the shiny with a curious glint. It was like a little child waking up to presents, and Aslath liked it. There was a sort of mystery to this shiny, but it wasn't an unsettling one. Her innocence was enough to keep her from thinking this was anything suspicious. She approached the boulder and quickly nudged it. There was a bit of dirt on it, but even it couldn't hide the beauty. She crooned. It was such a nice shiny...

But she was being watched. Turning her head, she blinked in surprise. Salenth? Was the the one who brought her the shiny? Her eyes whirled pink in embarrassment as she backed off, trying to pretend she hadn't been so excited over it. Salenth. Good morning,[/color] she said mildly, trying to act cool. Then, pretending she only just noticed the boulder, she added, Were you the one who brought me this rock?[/color] Good, good, pretend it was just a normal rock... Even though, secretly, she thought it was a gorgeous gem. But she couldn't let Salenth see how much she liked it. She wanted to know his motive first.

[reqqy]

The bronze heard her stirring. He might have cracked open a lid, at another time. Now he simply waited and listened. It had occurred to him to just leave the shiny for Aslath without a word, but that seemed...a disservice. His only purpose for doing things that way would be to avoid her. The bronze's pricked pride would not allow him to do anything that might justify her claim the night of the Hatching Feast. He would not avoid her simply because conversations were typically unpleasant between them.

That was S'rei's territory.

Listening, he heard her still, could almost feel the indrawn breath and the tightening of the muscles beneath her hide when she must have noticed him. Salenth still didn't attempt to see her. Not yet. Not even when her voice came. It was removed, and that pained him slightly. In the end, though, the tone behind the syllables of his name had warmed just a tad. No longer did he feel the ice in them. Good morning," he returned, a quiet solemnity to his tone. Meekness.

She was calling it...a rock. Salenth was mildly disappointed. He hadn't seen the way she approached it, of course, and could only go by what she'd said. His lids finally did lift, however, the male stirring to look at his once-weyrmate. What to say now? That he'd thought she might like it because it sparkled? That would sound patronizing if she truly found nothing in it to like. Might sound patronizing anyway. He couldn't very well say nothing, though.

Yes. I - A pause, uncertainty marking his manner. I found it at the base of Selenitas falls. The water had worn it smooth. It glowed. I thought it was very pretty, when the sunlight hit it. Another hesitation. Males weren't supposed to like things just because they were pretty, but Salenth figured the admission was the lesser of two evils. His voice softened to a near-whisper. Tentative.It's color reminded me of you. I thought you might like it...but I guess it is just a rock.

Shaking himself, he levered himself up and stared out over the falls, trying not to let his disappointment show too much. Why had he thought she'd like this boulder? Just because he did? Just because...she was young...and female...and it gleamed like a miniature sun in the growing light? He was being foolish again, it seemed. Salenth had a keen desire to leave, now, but something held him back. His head swiveled, and he regarded Aslath from the corner of his eye.

Yours and Mine...they are doing better now. It was half-questioning. It was also the only acknowledgment that Salenth had made of the division that had sprung up because of the wall between Aslath and himself. Things were strange like this. Surpassingly strange.

[Administrator]

Something odd was about Salenth, Aslath thought. He wasn't normal. At least, he wasn't acting how he used to act around her. Normally, he was firm, knowing, and strong. He sounded so much smaller now. It was odd. However, she remained the strong one. She couldn't let him back into her life so easily. Just because he was lying there, so innocent... and warm... after he brought her a shiny... She grunted, dismissing those thoughts from her head. She needed to concentrate on the task at hand: Figure out what Salenth's deal was, and why he brought her the shiny. She gave him a long look, as if trying to suck the answer through her green-blue, whirling eyes. This was a good sign. She wasn't going to rip him to pieces. Rather, her scrutinizing gaze was ready to listen to whatever he had to say this time, unlike last time. She was more patient now that she wasn't so broody anymore, so he stood a better chance this time.

Well, at least he didn't seem to notice (or, if he did, he said nothing about) how she had so admired the boulder. To further support that story, she flicked her tail in a bored manner as she walked a couple feet toward Salenth-- not too close, but enough to show that she had, erm, lost interest in the boulder and was focusing on him. She snorted.

It was rather cute, as she thought about it more and more. His behavior was so reluctant, and even though it was unlike him, it was still sweet. He was surrendering his charge to her mercy. He was allowing her to be the one who was the leader in this situation. Yet his words surprised her even more. Startled, she blinked as she digested the words. The sentiment was so sweet that she lifted one leg as if to take another step forward. However, she stopped herself, placing it back down awkwardly. It reminded him of her? Her eyes whirled slightly more faster, and the barest hint of gold could be discerned if one looked close enough.

Oh... Yes, it is... very pretty, and I do like it,[/color] she replied, half-surprised. She paused. She needed to remember to be cold. Building herself back up, she went on. I thank you for the thought,[/color] she said formally, but her eyes still gave her away as a little more gold threaded through.

She continued to watch him, even as he looked away from her. She couldn't tell he was disappointed, but she was eager to figure out how he was feeling. She knew, almost for sure, that he still cared for her. Why else would he bring her a shiny? So at least that was one thing she could safely assume about him. Why did she keep trying to be distant? In a way, she wasn't really mad anymore. Perhaps it was her pride that was keeping her away. But it had taken him long to finally approach her. He hadn't come to her when he had first arrived back, and he had seldom spoken to her since then. Her resolve hardened, but she still couldn't help feeling a weak spot for the bronze.

Yes, they are,[/color] she replied slowly, absently sparing a glance back to the entryway to the weyr. Does Yours enjoy caring for the hatchling?[/color] She almost asked if His had missed living with Salenth, but she thought better of it. She didn't want him too suspicious of her thoughts, of course.

[reqqy]

Her calm regard had been all that had convinced him to continue. Salenth - after playing simple wingdragon for the last few turns - had developed a certain knack for feeling dragons out. He was not the same as he'd been. Still ambitious, still forceful when he came to a decision, Salenth had been forced to learn a bit of tact and humility. This truth was especially obvious now. The male wanted Aslath back more than he'd ever wanted to lead Selenitas. Not back as a weyrmate, per se, but at least with the same comfortable interaction they'd shared before. Fear that bearing down too strongly, that arguing with her and thrusting logic her way, would somehow ruin any chance of returning to that ease naturally led toward his adopting this submissive role.

Even if the fact that he respected her space and didn't fight with her seemed to have annoyed Aslath even more. Even then. Better annoyance than unbridled, unforgiving anger.

With His now taken up with Hers, Salenth could bear the thought of eternal separation even less. Because ReiMine would always remind him of what he'd lost, and every ounce of happiness would be understood as something that he could no longer - could never - have. She'd spoken of love, his fledgling gold, so long ago. He'd thought it silly. Yet it was the thought of returning to Selenitas, of seeing Aslath again, that had kept him going. Was that not love? Maybe not. Whatever it was, though, it couldn't be that far off.

The bronze was on the brink of moroseness when he saw the half-step, the falter. Salenth didn't regard her directly. He was afraid she'd put up a wall, such that even so small a move would no longer break through. Something strange in the soft whirling hues of her eyes. The words seemed to tumble out of her of her own volition. Though the male hadn't been moving before, an utter stillness now suffused his form. It was almost too much to hope that his gift might have penetrated part of that wall she'd erected. Almost. Yet her words, the language of her form, suggested just that.

For the first time, the bronze came to regard his former weyrmate directly in acknowledgment of her question. He would do anything for Shei, the bronze stated quietly. No room for doubt in that. Just the fact that he knew the child's name should be indication enough of how highly S'rei valued his daughter. Mine is content. And peaceful, for the first time since we found ourselves in the before-Pern. He was frantic for the longest time. Not entirely peaceful. The distance between Salenth and S'rei was a strain, even if it was one that could be weathered with relative ease.

We wanted - He had to pause. We wasn't important. Not anymore. I would rather have been here with you. When Morsrath's took Yours. During her clutching. Your flight. If I could have been... Could haves. Would haves. They were completely worthless, in the grand scheme of things. Salenth subsided into quiet, contemplative misery. I'm sorry, he added, the words a soft caress, barely noticeable though they spoke from mind to mind.

[Administrator]

Aslath grunted softly at Salenth's words. She was startled that he had managed to call the hatchling by her name. Even Aslath had trouble remembering, and Shei was her rider's life. It was odd. She didn't resent Salenth for it. Her feelings toward his actions were just indescribable. How could Salenth, a dragon who learned that Shei existed only a few short weeks ago, remember Shei's name and not she? It made her feel mildly guilty for her rider because of it. Had she not been trying to remember enough? She truly hadn't even thought about it. But it had come to Salenth with such ease... She shifted uncomfortably. Why did he do it, then? Was he trying to prove something? Aslath loved that little hatchling just as much as Shmee, but she had taken no thought into remembering her name. It wasn't as though Aslath actually spoke to little Shei. Nevertheless, she made a mental note to try and remember the babe's name, so that Salenth wouldn't look like the superior of the two.

But why did she care, anyway? Salenth was supposed to be nothing to her, but here she was, trying to match him, trying to ignore how much that shiny was sparkling, trying to pretend that she wasn't forgiving him. She wanted so much to remain mad at him for leaving her and Shmee for those months, but since she had been less hormonal, it was harder for her to be angry at this. It was easier for her to see reason, and easier to feel guilt. She regarded him for another long moment as he spoke. Once again, he spoke of a before-Pern, something that she didn't quite comprehend. But it didn't bother her as much now as it did those weeks ago. She just let the subject go now. She would try to understand it more on another day. Right now, they needed to try and figure something else out.

Was he frantic because he wanted to see ShMine?[/color] Aslath asked quietly. Did he worry that she was dead?[/color] She didn't know why these questions tumbled through her mind into Salenth's. She found herself aching for details concerning what had happened after their disappearance that she had to restrain herself. Her eyes whirled avidly, yet their color never darkened again. Were you worried that I was going to die?[/color]

The last question had been asked before she could think about it once again. An embarrassed pink betrayed her in her multi-faceted eyes. She knew S'rei had missed Shmee. She probably could safely assume that S'rei had been scared for Shmee, but with Salenth's behavior until today, she was unsure about him.

Until today, of course. Until the shiny.

His next words was all he needed to answer her question. However, she managed to keep a stony expression throughout the whole thing-- until his last words. She softened a little. Hesitantly, she strode closer to the bronze. Gently moving her head so that the forehead rested on his, she huffed lightly, letting her warm breath swirl around his lower face. It is all right, love,[/color] she replied softly. She couldn't stop herself. She had been waiting to say words like that. It wasn't quite a croon-- not yet-- but the words were tender. It was hard to be distant when seemed so sincere. On one hand, she felt weak, but on the other... relieved.[/size]

[reqqy]

The line of questioning penetrated Salenth's sober mood. Why was she asking about ReiMine? The feelings of His seemed obvious enough, even if someone weren't bonded to him as the bronze was. Of course that was one of the reasons the man had been frantic! One of them. And the other? He'd been afraid that they'd never find a way back. They had no point of reference. It wasn't as if they knew how to time it - things just happened. Salenth, too, had been worried, but he'd always had faith in His. They'd find a way back. After all, there was the young Salenth at Fort they'd seen from a distance, and neither remembered their older selves somewhere in their pasts.

The veteran bronze regarded her in silence, wariness holding him steady. What did she intend? She seemed - but it was hard to believe that, after the cold, cruel treatment directed his way. He hated how she appeared to want to think the worst of him, her accusations stinging, not because they were true - in most cases they weren't - but because she even thought they could be true. This must just be some sort of trick. Another way to wound him. She would approach like that, and then screech at him, shouting for him to leave and to stop telling lies and demanding some other sort of explanation as to why he and ReiMine had disappeared. Or maybe it would just be her claim that he hadn't sought her out, that he hadn't spoken to her. Another falsity. That - was ReiMine. Salenth couldn't explain that one, but it wasn't him.

Then they were touching. He was still unsure as to how to react, and hadn't truly answered her earlier questions because of it. Aslath had made it abundantly clear how much she hated him over the last tendays. It was hard to get his mind around anything else. His eyes closed. Treacherous, treacherous words. He felt his skepticism, his wariness fading, and it couldn't. Couldn't...Then he'd be open, vulnerable, and she could go for the underbelly. Yet it did fade. How long had he waited for this? Thought of her warmth at his side during the cold winter nights in a time of fear and war - in a past that was suddenly real and inescapable? How many days were spent, flying for a queen and a weyr for which he had no loyalty, playing the game only to stay alive long enough that he could return? How many times had the doubts stolen across his mind in a moment of weakness, insisting that, when he came back, there would be no Aslath, no Selenitas? Just Benden. How many...?

What Aslath wouldn't do, Salenth did; he crooned. Though he hadn't been noticeably stiff before, his body quite clearly relaxed now, the male arching his neck slightly so as to make the contact between them more solid. He almost couldn't believe he was touching her again. When he'd first arrived on the Hatching Grounds he had thought to go to her immediately, that she would welcome him and all would be well. A foolish notion. But he'd never thought she would be so - bitter. Not when he'd just been overjoyed to find her alive, even if they had been too late for Salenth to defend his place at her side.

I missed you terribly, he told her, softly. Not once have I Chased since that time, not even Grenostith. Of course, if he had, things could have gotten very complicated, very quickly, but that didn't change the fact that he truly had no desire to. Not a day passed that I didn't think of you, didn't wonder how you and Yours were - what would be waiting for us when we got back. If we could. He fell silent. He hadn't intended to say anything like that. Salenth didn't draw back, but he was now anxious. If she wanted to hurt him, it would be easiest now.

[Administrator]

Aslath blinked a few times. Salenth had crooned to her when she did not. What did this mean? She remained silent as he continued on the motion that she had begun, moving to close the distance between them even more. She didn't stop him. Why was she aching to feel his warmth against her hide this much? All she wanted was to be mad at him, but that was dying away so quickly, especially now as he was crooning for her again, visibly relaxing at her touch and trying to extend it. For a brief moment, she could imagine herself as his weyrmate once again, close and loving. She was rapidly losing her control to him. He was being as sweet as he used to be, and she honestly had missed him. She had missed him enough so that it had hurt her when he came back with no warning, and had made her angry to not have been the one to know of this first. Did he not trust her enough to not even send her a word saying he was safe when he had come back from that before-Pern?

The croon she finally let out was low and quiet. Letting him deepen their touch, she gently nuzzled his head as he began to speak. His words were touching. She was warming up to him, she thought dismally, but it was sweet. Not even a green?[/color] she asked hesitantly. He hadn't Chased since he'd left her? She still had trouble understanding that it was beyond the few months that he had disappeared for, but if it was a before-Pern, it made things different, somehow... She just couldn't understand. Well, whatever it was, it must be significant. And had he resisted the lusty call of Grenostith?

I had dreamed of you coming back,[/color] she told him quietly.But I had lost hope when you did not respond to my demand that you return. I thought you were dead.[/color] There was a long pause before she went on. I had tried to move on, but it was too hard. I had said once that I loved you and you had trouble understanding that. I tried to blame it on my bonded missing Yours. I tried going on, but she always reminded me that just like she loved hers, I love you. I did not choose Ciceroth because I loved him. That is not the case. He was a good sire, and the best suitable that could catch me. He is nice, but I do not like to cuddle with him.[/color] Unlike Salenth. Oh, how she had missed him...

Fortunately for the bronze, Aslath was not going to hurt him. He might've deserved it, she thought drolly, after how he had kept her hurting. But she wouldn't. Warily, as if expecting him to change his mind, she moved slowly, taking her head from his neck so she could move beside him. Still with extreme care, she lay beside him, watching the color of his eyes to see if he spoke the truth. The slightest hint of falsehood and she would get up and leave him. But she hoped not. She wanted to have a strong relationship with him again-- but only if he spoke the truth.

I, too, thought of you every day,[/color] she replied softly, almost shyly. His body was warm, she thought dizzily. It had been so long since she could lay like this with another warm body, and Salenth's scent was as familiar as ever. Like a deep spicy fragrance. She had missed it. It was... very lonely without you here,[/color] she added slowly. And even more lonely since he had returned, she thought privately. It was torture with him being back and not close to her. Of course, she hadn't helped that, but she felt her reason had been justified. So why was she giving it all up now? Why was she forgiving him?

[reqqy]

Ah, there it was. Quiet croon. So soft, he almost missed it. So, so long in coming, he almost didn't recognize it. His head dipped. The male was overcome after a moment. He'd thought - he'd thought that he couldn't possibly take much more of Aslath, of her personal, vindictive hatred. Though old memories (a wonder he could remember!) and old attachments were strong, though the beacon he'd built of her over the four turns was not easily torn down, the despair and - yes- anger had been gradually overtaking all those other things. What had possessed him to bring her that glowing stone, still resting on the other side of the ledge? He still could not say. After the argument the night of the Hatching Feast he'd sworn he would not make any overtures toward Aslath ever again. Yet she was the first one he thought of, the first one he missed when he awoke each morning without anyone by his side. When had he come to desire, to need her like that? It was almost frightening.

If Salenth had a choice, he would not be bound to any dragon in this fashion, and certainly not a gold.

He had no choice.

She questioned him. If he'd been human, he might have smiled, as it was a question like he remembered her questions. Devoid of fire. Almost shy. How could a green possibly compare? Salenth responded, just as quietly. It felt so familiar, like any other conversation they'd had all those turns ago. A warmth gathered and lingered in his belly. No. No, Aslath. I thought about it once or twice. When Mine was at his lowest point, and neither of us thought we could ever return to you or Yours - I thought about it, he stated honestly. But even though I thought that I should move on, I could never dredge up the energy to stand, yet alone chase. The desire simply wasn't there.

At another time, he might have been struck by amusement, at her words. Aslath was quite serious. He knew that. It was the only thing that sobered him. Salenth still didn't understand what she meant by love. Instictively, intuitively, he knew that he must love her, or at least have some sort of strong feelings for her that allowed him to forgive her for far more than he would have forgiven anyone else, to accept her abuse with relative grace. But her definitions of it were so strange. He couldn't help but think of how truly young she was, when she said such things. By her reasoning, love meant wanting to cuddle with someone. In which case, he loved a good deal of dragons, past and present, as Salenth had always liked the presence of a dragon at his side. Female. Male. Made little difference so long as they were trusted. Still, he couldn't help but be silently pleased that she just saw Ciceroth as a good sire. It was obviously a good choice, too, what with the gold that had come of it, though Salenth could still pride himself in a larger clutch.

It was - calming - to realize that the only rivalry Ciceroth presented him was the chase. He could be content with that. More than content. Though he'd suspected that must be the case, as the other bronze was not sharing her home, it was nice to hear it from Aslath herself.

Almost like a dream, watching her move around him, feeling her presence so close. He wanted this. Oh, how he wanted this, and how he'd despaired at the thought of ever being this close again. His eyes closed, all pairs of eyelids sliding down, as he soaked in her scent. As her warmth settled beside him. Oh so natural, to snuggle into the length of her side. Could it be true? Or would he wake up in another minute or so, aching for her and completely, utterly alone?

Yes, lonely. So very lonely. I would never have left if I'd known, he responded, the words hardly above a whisper.

[Administrator]

Aslath was silent as he spoke. He was speaking so naturally and gently, just like she had remembered he used to speak with her. She was lost for a moment. His words drifted through her mind in a daze. How many times had they sat before they were separated, simply cuddling at talking to each other about any of the merest subjects, or at times, about deep things such as love. So long ago she had brought up that subject! She had told him that she thought that she loved him, but she had such trouble describing it. Perhaps this was why she had concluded love meant someone to cuddle with. Well, no matter. There was certainly something deeper, even through the anger that was beginning to recede. It was just something that she didn't know how to put into words. Even more oddly, she felt no jealousy as he mentioned considering Chasing greens. The odd, warm wave was flushing her system again in a way to put the angry being in her away. A love was starting to shine through once again, beating back the hatred in her.

I... I am just relieved that you are back to us-- to me-- alive,[/color] she replied gently. The matters of Flights truly did seem trivial as she reflected on it. They were both alive, and they were together again now. She suddenly felt extremely childish. He had come back to her alive, and she had been too hormonal to see what a miracle it was. Then she had gotten worked up about who he did or did not Fly? A little pinprick of sorrow began to upset her. He had been gone for all this time, never knowing if he could return or how. Long enough to almost give up hope. It made her feel terrible. How sad and alone he must have been...

The anger was completely gone. Carefully circling his tail around his body, she nuzzled him in what could possibly be interpreted as a protective way. Or, at the very least, comforting. He wasn't alone anymore, and neither was she.

It is all right now,[/color] she said softly in response to his last statement. I will make sure that Mine does not leave the Weyr unless she is with people now, and we will never have to worry about this separation again. We are all safe.[/color] A crooned rippled from her throat like a gentle purr. Her breathing was oddly heavy, and she was trembling a little. That was how relieved she was to be back at Salenth's side. Nuzzling him rhythmically, she let the ease slowly relax her. She was feeling terrible for his sake. In this before-Pern, she knew she hadn't been there, or else she would remember it. Or, she thought so, anyway. She couldn't imagine what it had been like, but now she was finally beginning to see the shadows of how it had been. Not to mention she had felt that way herself a bit in his absence. She, too, had been alone. But for some reason, Salenth's own loneliness had overcome her for the moment.

It is all right now,[/color] she repeated tenderly. You are back. You are safe.[/color] She paused in her nuzzling and instead moved her head slowly toward his, inviting him to lay his own bronze head on it. I am sorry,[/color] she added, very quietly. The shiny... It is very beautiful. Thank you,[/color] she added, moving her tail a little to wrap loosely over his. Oh, how she loved him.

[reqqy]

He looked to her, still not quite believing what she said. Except...Aslath was not a subtle creature. If she was bitter, angry, could she truly keep her malicious intent from her eyes and tone? Salenth didn't believe so. Oh, his pride still smarted, but how could he listen to the small, vitriolic words in his heart when her ice had melted? ReiMine...was right. Unoften it was that S'rei had to get Salenth in line, but in this instance he was right. Why was Salenth fighting Aslath? If she willed it, he could not win, and he did care for her, no matter how unfair he believed her to have been. No matter how justified his outrage at her words and actions.

And, in this instance, he could only agree with her sentiment; it was nice to be back at Selenitas, away from the wars which S'rei did not - could not - weather well. His Mine had too much history. Bloodsteeped history. Salenth was ever and always pragmatic. What must be done must be done, and there was no use upsetting yourself over it. Though he found the task of fighting other dragons distasteful, it had been a necessity, and he had little trouble falling into the mindset of survival and loosing his most bestial inclinations. And it was strange, indeed, because S'rei took no issue with the spilling of blood and ichor during the fighting, either. It was only afterwards that the bronzerider struggled. Though Salenth understood much about His, this remained a mystery.

It was good to be back at Selenitas with Aslath - alive.

It seemed like an eternity since he had any dragon press so close, and as her body encircled his, Salenth almost found it amusing. He could remember the first time, and the second. The first he hadn't noticed much, too consumed by fear for His when the man lay, poisoned, fading fast. Aslath had been his anchor. No, she couldn't save his mindmate, but she'd kept Salenth from completely panicking. And the second? It had seemed awfully strange. The bronze was used to being the largest, used to protecting other dragons, and yet their roles were reversed. Not truthfully, of course. In most cases, he was more accomplished than likely Aslath would ever be. But that didn't change the feeling she elicited by wrapping herself around him, as if she could prevent the cruelties of Pern from ever touching him. Hard to believe he once felt uncomfortable with this.

How he'd missed this affectionate, naive creature. Never be separated again? That was - impossible. Someone would have to die first, if it didn't happen before that, though the sentiment was an admirable one. He sure wasn't about to burst her bubble. Salenth attempted to return the nuzzle, silent about his own feelings. Yes, he'd been scared upon occasion. But, mostly, that fear was for what they'd find upon returning to Selenitas. Part of Salenth felt that if anything happened to him, it was his fault, and that was that. No more, no less. What was death, anyway? But to be forever separated from Aslath - to forever have S'rei's overwhelming grief adding to his own when the certainty and not merely the suspicion was there - that terrified him.

Do not apologize, he rumbled, accepting her invitation. She'd often rested her head beneath his chin, hadn't she? You were hormonal, and we did abandon you, even if it wasn't by our own design. I have not been handling this well, either. Not at all. And your welcome. It reminded me of you. I was in a foul mood this morning, but as soon as I saw it, I thought I had to give it to you. A beautiful shiny for a beautiful queen. Soft croon.

[Administrator]

The flood of relief that had washed over Aslath felt like a high. All of her worrying, all of her anger, could be put aside and replaced with gentle relief and devout love for Salenth. In the few days that he had remained before disappearing, he had been an indescribable comfort, just as she had been his anchor... when? Almost two turns ago? Even after all that time, she loved him like Hers loved His. Time certainly crept up on her, didn't it? The joy of finally letting him back in was an incredible emotion. She truly had missed him, despite her behavior towards him. She hoped that he would forgive her for being so shortsighted...

She crooned again at his loving words. He was too kind to her. And he was admitting his own mistakes too, which made him even more lovable. If he tried to pin all the blame on her, he would suddenly lose his charm. But he had made mistakes, as well, and if they were both willing to own up to it, she was perfectly fine with it. Neither of us have handled this well,[/color] she agreed. I... I was too hard on you. But I was hurt, Mine was hurt. Ciceroth is a fine bronze, but he isn't the same as you. I do not want any other bronze but you.[/color] She paused. It was hard on both of us when your and Yours were gone,[/color] she added softly. Shmee had it easy because she could display her grief. But a queen dragon couldn't do that- a queen dragon had to be strong for the Weyr. Being strong was harder than it looked.

With that said, the ridiculousness of the past weeks seemed painfully obvious. She had acted immaturely. She felt so stupid for banishing from the sands. She could've acted... better about it. Next... Next time I have a clutch, you may sit on the sands beside me,[/color] she offered with a soft croon. Because hopefully, that clutch would be his. She wanted him to be her mate again. It would make her ecstatic to have his clutch on the sands again. She rumbled anxiously. Who knows? Perhaps if you fly me, I will have /two/ queen eggs![/color] Rather unlikely, but she could dream, right? She butted him gently on his breastbone. Would he want to sire another of her clutches? she thought hopefully.

He was so sweet. She was so touched by his gift to her... I will treasure it always,[/color] she told him solemnly. Nuzzling his neck where her head lay, she allowed all of her lids to close in relaxation. She should get him a gift, she thought sleepily. Not to mimic him, but to apologize for her own wrongs and show him that she missed him. She inhaled deeply. She had missed Salenth's scent. That spicy, draconic smell with an extra hint of something unique to him, but unidentifiable. A Salenth-smell.

I want you to live on my weyrledge again,[/color] she told him, almost shyly. That is-- if you want to.[/color]

[reqqy]

At his Aslath’s – yes his Aslath’s – words, Salenth merely crooned, moving slightly to rub the length of his head along her snout. He didn’t reciprocate. If they didn’t have to bring up the confusing topic of the before-when again, he’d be very happy. Of course he’d missed her, too. Terribly. Neither he nor His had weathered the separation well. Salenth, who was ever pragmatic, did not suffer physically, but he found he had no desire to do anything whatsoever, and only participated in the necessities. It was almost like the twain of them were actually a ghost dragonpair, what with S’rei’s thinning and graying, and Salenth’s complete lack of motivation.

The equivalent of a dragon laugh greeted her next words. It would be nice not to be chased away this time, he teased gently. It had surprised him when it probably shouldn’t have, her viciousness. He could readily admit that, with both that and the way she completely ignored him thereafter, he’d become childishly sullen. Not so much at her treatment, so much as the fact that it was not what he’d imagined after four turns of separation. Salenth was not typically given to fanciful notions, so he tended to take it particularly hard when one of his rare little fantasies turned out wrong.

Speaking of fanciful notions…His tail curled around Aslath’s, the male silently pleased that she was talking about him flying her. Hard to imagine any such things would be coming from her just a candlemark ago. One queen is about as much as I can handle. Two queen daughters? If that happens, you have to promise me to put me out of my misery. Oh, the bronze was happy. Unlike His, he wasn’t typically brimming with humor, but right now just the feel of Aslath, her voice in his head, warm again, made him giddy. He seriously doubted that one of their couplings would produce two gold eggs. Maybe one eventually, but they really didn’t need anymore right now. Three was quite enough for a weyr the size of Selenitas.

Aslath might be sleepy, but Salenth certainly wasn’t. Not that he was about to move from her warmth. Just a shiny, he muttered, amused. Aslath was the true beauty, though the stone did a decent job of imitating. Then he crooned almost delicately. Of course I will. It’s awfully cold by yourself. As if that was the most important consideration. He didn’t want her thinking he meant it that way, though, and nipped at her gently. I’ve missed you at my side. We can stay like this for awhile? he questioned plaintively, at that moment sounding far younger than his eighteen turns.

[Administrator]

Aslath grunted hesitantly. It was good that Salenth could be joking about it now, but she still felt horribly guilty. I will not chase you away next time,[/color] she promised. Well, even the notion of that next time was absolutely ridiculous. nothing would ever separate them again, that was for sure! She rumbled nervously, hoping she could act normally around him now. I would at least ask you first,[/color] she joked, trying to inject some of her own playfulness into the conversation. It was good to be able to joke with him again, she thought with a mixture of amusement and relief. She had been a boring old wherryhead for the longest time when she was without him. Now they could go right back to where they had left off: to their happy ending.

Her dragon-laughter grew more and more genuine each time she did it. Oh, come off it,[/color] she teased. You would become so smug that even I would not be able to handle you if that happened![/color] She paused, then an odd, high-pitched snort rang out: a dragon-ish giggle. Or if you sired nothing but bronzes! Except... only then, you'd have competition. A bronze of our lineage is bound to be the best bronze on Pern! Like out sons,[/color] she added proudly. Elazrith and Minoath... and Tsanarth. She was lost to shadow for a moment. Tsanarth was the one who had been kidnapped by High Reaches. However, she dismissed it quickly. It was no matter anymore. The ones remaining were strong and fine. Aslath and Salenth would hopefully have more of them in the future, too...

She wiggled, snuggling closer to Salenth's body. Shards, the warmth was so good in comparison to the unwelcome cold of lonely stone. That was so nice of you to bring it to me,[/color] she crooned. She inhaled deeply again, her body rising and falling in complete relaxation. This was true happiness.

Too cold,[/color] she agreed, feeling him nip her lightly. A low, purring croon erupted from her chest. They both had suffered the awful cold at the other's hand. A bad thing, yes, but it was remedied. It was misery to endure, but with Salenth back, everything was made better. It was much better to be with someone than to be alone, she concluded. Particularly when they knew each other as deeply and well as they did each other. They had been through a lot together, she reminisced, helping when needed along the way if the other needed it. Beneath Shmee and Shei, Salenth was the one she cares the most about. He was the only bronze she wanted to live with, and from the way things happened to day, it looked like he returned the sentiment. I would love to stay like this,[/color] she replied tenderly. I missed it too much to say anything different.[/color]