Sometimes goodbye’s the only way (Open)

[Rei]

Cr’oph ran his finger lightly over the box Meagan had given him at the last graduation ceremony. It was hard to believe that little girl he grew up with was gone forever. It had been weeks now but he still missed her. Sure he never went out of his way to visit her every day. But she was still his sister and he had still loved her. Just knowing she was around and safe was good enough for him. Now she was gone forever and no amount of pinning would bring her back. M’kai had taken it harder than him but the bronzer had known his brother would. He had been there when it happened, he had taught her class, he had been the first there when the unspeakable had happened at Benden. Cr’oph had expected his brother to be more torn about it. Still no matter what it wasn’t M’kai’s fault.

Sighing the bronzerider walked away from the box on his dresser and went out onto the ledge to lean against the side of his bronze. You are still upset about the death of your clutch sister. I understand such Crymine but the time for mourning is over. It has been almost three sevendays now. You will never forget her but it is time to say goodbye. "Yeah I know big guy. It’s just hard to believe that she’ll never come back. She could be a sharding pain but I only wanted the best for her. I hope she knew that." You know she did. Silence followed the short mental conversation for a few moments before Cr’oph went inside to fetch his riding straps. Mavenath was waiting already crouched to allow his rider and easier time of affixing them when he returned. Where are we going? Beach please.

With a rumble the bronze leapt skyward and made his way to the distant shore. As they drew closer the large male back winged to a stop on top of the rocky cliff overlooking the beach. Dismounting Cr’oph approached the edge of the cliff and looked down at the breaking waves crashing against the rock. He could feel Mavenath settling down behind him as his eyes moved form the waves out over the endless expanse of the sea. Beyond that sea was Benden. Another place he had had to make goodbyes to. Life was like that it seemed. Full of goodbyes and not near enough hellos. Sometimes my rider goodbye is necessary. Picking up a rock the bronzer chucked it as far out as he could. "Yeah I know but it doesn’t make them suck any less."

[Lotty]

Alone little bronzer... Do you want to have fun? We'll see... Cr'oph was being observed by a very stealthy Bendenite with an itch for adventure. C'zan had been bored ever since coming to the sleepy southern weyr and put on Selenitas' version of probation...which all in all was more like being put in the time out corner than anything. Sad. It was like they were all afraid that he was going to do something, as if radical dissidents raging against the J'lorin machine were bad or something... But that was such a somber subject, and the bluerider had cracked the first of his smiles since the drug addled ones in the caverns months ago. He had shaken his babysitter off of his trail for a while and that was reason for celebration.

Got any plans for the bronzie... Nothing too bad. I recognize him from Benden, just curious as to how loyal he is to his tropical paradise. As always he plans were in deception and goading, not physical altercations. But if it came right down to it - he considered the red haired youth again - he was more than confident in the outcomes. Either way it would be a bit of color in this drab grayscale environment, so he approached ever so slowly. Viaqueth was waiting alone closer to the Weyr where the dragons of Ephemerae could casually take turns keeping tabs on him. Grounded was not a fun situation.

The slip of a man untangled himself the scrubby underbrush he had been sneaking around to approach the young almost-rider with silence from the mouth, but enough noise in his steps as not to scare the guy out of his wits. Unarmed C'zan did not need a knife pulled on him, Well not yet anyway... Now, now...you know no matter the circumstances it will be labeled as my fault my dear... Too true. They need their bronzeriders here don't they? So few. He decided to go to closer and sat on the edge of the outcropping down the way a bit. He was close enough however, for his voice to carry over the breeze, "Too short..."

He felt something prickle at his skin. Little claws ran up between his jacket and his shirt, just barely poking through the cotton, until a head popped out underneath the outerwear's heavy fur collar. Tiny little menace she was, and appropriately named too, See you. Clumsymine watch. So sneaky you not... Oh joy. Mi'rah was near by. He should have suspected that the Wingleader would have sent a salamandyr chaperone. Say what you will about his people skills or that ridiculous stutter, C'zan knew the man was about as dumb as a fox.

[Rei]

It was the lounging Mavenath rather than Cr’oph that first noticed the slinking bluerider. His large head tracked the man's progress his calmly whirling eyes betraying nothing. Crymine. Seems as if we have attracted something of a watcher. Oh really? Isn't that nice. Perfect timing he has. Why would you prefer to be able to cry? I’m not going to cry you idiot. Sure. Mave…. Oh the angry voice. You threatening me with something? Tell me how well has that worked in the past? The silence stretched on for a few moments before the bronze rumbled in amusement. Exactly. Shifting the dragon yawned purposely displaying all his teeth for the watching riders benefit. With a snap he closed his maw and resumed his watch of, presumably, the sea.

Cr’oph for his part didn’t do much of anything. He continued to stand in the same spot his blue grey eyes only going to his companion when he spoke. A humorless chuckle was given. “Yes maybe if my aim was really good I could hit that dolphin I am aiming at.” With a shrug the bronzer picked up another rock and pulling back winged it violently out towards the sea. Tucking his shorter hair back behind his ear he turned to regard the bluerider with maybe a small bit of interest. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.” He is new. You should pay better attention like I do. His dragon is one of the ones currently grounded. Grounded? Why? That I do not know but I do know they are new to Selenitas and that they are being watched. Well aren’t you a nosy nelly. Keeps your neck safe as well as my own.

Cr’oph didn’t respond to the bronze. Mavenath had always been a nosy watcher and was always on top of what was going on. He didn’t miss much. Ever. Knocking the heel of his boot against the rocky ground beneath him the bronze rider turned to face the sitting man. His voice, the accent, marked him as from Benden. Cr’oph in fact had the same one. Although the red head couldn’t say he remembered this particular rider. Which didn’t really mean much. He had only been a candidate at Benden after all. Born there true and met a bunch of riders but this one wasn’t ringing any bells. At least not yet. Picking up another rock Cr’oph weighed it on his palm. “Out for a bit of a walk?” The bronzer wasn’t much for idle conversation. He preferred action. However he had limited options with people he had just met. Conversation was sometimes necessary.

Mavenath’s tail tip twitched. Don’t you even start.

[Lotty]

"Thought you were aiming for Benden..." and why wouldn't he? That was where he was from right? A wicked sort of smile cracked on his face, which could only mean one thing: C'zan was endlessly amused. So this Cr'oph was one of those he noted as another rock was lobbed into the sea. So much anger at such a young age was never a good thing, and the bluerider, though not unknown to have his own bouts of violence and aggression (C'zan was willing to admit that he could be a hypocrite) was quick to pick up and roll with this, "Dulls the pain does it? Your display of masculine prowess?" Not that any other method of release would have gone without criticism. Had he been singing a song the bluerider would have called him a wuss, had he played the stoney front he would have been labeled as soulless. The Bendenite was just passively antagonistic...if that was at all possible.

It was good that he hadn't been seen...that is if the boy was being completely truthful. It could be a lure, a way to pry some more and C'zan was not at all about any kind of games being turned onto him. He was going to be the one running the show and so his next words were measured and calculated, "Funny, I've seen you...hard to see with rings around the eyes though," there was a bit of a joke in there, and why not? Humor was a good way to lower defenses and to loosen up lips...well so long as those lips weren't his own. He couldn't afford to talk to much, especially when he was still on probation.

He was reminded of his status with every prickle of Peccadillo's nails. The green wasn't going to be shaken off he knew, but did she really have to be such a literal thorn in his side? You are just jealous. You want one of your own. Nonsense. He suspects you. Of course. That just means I must make friends with a certain someone then... The blue dragon considered it for a moment. He wasn't exactly privy to befriending the Selenitas dragons, but he had begun to warm up more since being assimilated into a wing, Mavenath...Yours yes is speaking with mine? I very hope they play together well. I hope that mine did not intrude on anything... Polite as one should be as he treaded questionable waters.

"Out for a walk or jog or hike or swim...maybe out to talk," but that was all that he would give. That was all he could give, because believe it or not it was the truth. It was not in his initial plans to run into this guy, but as soon as he saw the shine of his dragon's hide and the greeness in the man's visage, he just had to investigate, "Don't know your name though..."

[Rei]

“Aiming for Benden?” Cr’oph gave a bitter laugh. “Why would I do that? Here or there it matters not. It’s the same for me.” In truth it was. The bronzer held no allegiance for Benden and really he held none for this place either. His ties where to those he cared about and no more. Perhaps in time Selenitas would mean something to him. But then again he had grown up at Benden and that place mattered nothing to him after it had taken the lives of his parents, and Selenitas had claimed Megs. Reaching down for another rock the red head tossed it up and down.

Really Cr’oph was debating lobbing it at this bluerider’s head. “Of course it doesn’t make me feel better. It’s just something to do.” He said in a deadpan voice. Doesn’t feel as good as cracking it against your skull right now would. Such dark thoughts my Cr’oph. Be careful what you think. I fail to see how bashing this rider’s brains in will make you feel any better. He seeks to rile and you give him what he wants. Yeah, yeah, I know. Bunch of bullshit if you ask me. Winging that rock off into the surf as well the bronzer grinned. Fun to imagine though. His bronze stayed silent at that.

C’zan’s next words caused Cr’oph to chuckle. “Technically it isn’t camouflage and technically I’m not supposed to even be wearing it, rebel that I am.” Snorting that those words he picked up another rock. “Can’t say I’ve seen you before now so we are even.” Tossing his last rock into the crashing waves the bronzer turned and stuffed his hands in his pockets. The man’s answer caused a flicker of a frown but it quickly faded. “So then, just feel like picking at me or what? On a pleasure stroll? Weird time of year for that. Maybe your just trying to escape from something. Believe me it follows you.” With a small smirk his eyes narrowed on the other rider.

“Sorry I’m not much of a conversationalist. My sister just died. Tends to take the light out of things for awhile.” Blue grey eyes went to the surf and then back to C’zan as he inwardly debated. “C’roph of Mavenath.” The introduction was out before he could think twice and he absently tapped his boot against the ground before sinking down to sit cross legged on it. “So. Now that I have introduced myself shouldn’t you return the favor. If we are hell-bent on being polite and all that happy runner shit.” Mavenath had to resist the urge to snap at his for that and settled for a irritated snort. Couldn’t his rider pretend to get along with anyone?

Mavenath watched the interaction between humans with an impassive gaze, his large body sprawled sphinx like across the rocky ground. The brush to his mind, while unexpected, caused not a flicker of movement. Greetings Viaqueth. I to hope they get along well enough. Mine is only human of course. I am sure yours means no insult. That fact was actually debatable but the bronze was polite and it showed in his words and tone. Yours did not interrupt anything per say. Mine is merely thinking of his late clutchsister. Living in the past currently like silly humans are wont to do. I trust you are faring well? His tail tip twitched slowly back and forth in a metronome like movement as he kept watch on the two humans before him. At least there where only words being thrown.

[Lotty]

"Well as hard as you were throwing...." one would think that they would at least waste all of that energy on aiming at something, but apparently throwing and acting and doing for the sake of it was a special luxury reserved for the upper echelons, because C'zan was never spared a chance - in his own weyrlinghood or even in graduation - to just do things. Shards, look at him now, he definitely couldn't just do things, especially with Mi'rah around constantly like some kind of humorless, nasally, neurotic ghost haunting his every move, "To each his own is how the saying goes..."

Cryptic as always the man decided not to elaborate, and instead let the words drift off into the sea breeze as he merrily went about kicking his legs over the side of the cliff and all and all doing his own thing. He refused to seem bothered by Cr'oph's bratty little attitude and worked instead to diffuse the redhead's flame. Everyone should just chill out like him... "Escape? Hmmm perhaps, but I don't think I'll be doing any of that..." and with a deft flick of his wrists he was barely able to catch the tail of green Peccadillo and held her out in front of his face and over the ocean as she broadcasted back her displeasure. Drop her he could, but then he didn't know that the tiny little mandyr had good enough wings with which to fly.

Sneakyslave let go! Don't know what good you! Know revenge Peccadillo do! The rider was clearly amused and replaced her back onto the furry collar of his jacket where she straightened up and hissed, Mi'rah would know about this yessss. She would tell all! Not that C'zan was exactly worried about it, the Wingleader was unlikely to do anything really but maybe bore him to death, "I wasn't aware that we were being polite? But if you insist then I am C'zan of Viaqueth.." somehow his Igenese really showed in the pronunciation of his name and the words rolled off of his tongue, "this is Peccadillo, but she is not mine...babysitter."

Indeed, I am well. The south is quite plentiful, makes for health and happiness I do say... The voice was of course was from far away, closer to the weyr where frankly Viaqueth was supposed to be, Mine thinks too of the past, like of where I was hatched, but of him I have few complaints. He thinks forward a lot. Which was true, since even now the rider was thinking of where this conversation could be going and how he could exploit the situation. Of course his dwelling was downplayed a lot, this was an old school C'leon supporter...C'zan wished he could go back in time.

"Now what was all of this about dead sisters? Seems like a lot to be telling someone you just met?"

[Rei]

Mavenath watched C’zan dangle the green mandyr with perhaps mild interest. Although he betrayed nothing in his whirling gaze. When he replaced the green back into his shirt the bronze further stretched out his tail tip flicking absently. People watching was one of the male’s hobbies. After all one could learn a good many things about a person simply by watching them. One didn’t always need words. Almost absently the dragon tilted his head in his bonded’s direction. His had to be kept on a tight leash lest he do something completely asinine. Mavenath didn’t mind giving his bonded free rein but not here and not alone as it where. A soft snort left the bronze.

Cr’oph raised an eyebrow but said nothing instead he merely watched the other rider dangle the little mandyr out over the sea. It seemed a bit cruel really. But who was he to judge? Maybe he only felt a prick of concern because he had his own little menace and the bronzer knew how much they affected people sadly. He had almost been gutted once during a run, courtesy of his fat ass brown. Yeah, so the thought wasn’t nice. What of it. Placing a hand on each knee as he remained seated Cr’oph watched the other rider with perhaps minimal interest. “Oh? We are not? Sorry then. I figured you wanted to make polite conversation like the rest of the weyr. My mistake.” His tone was dry and he shrugged but listened to the introduction. C’zan of Viaqueth. Hmmm didn’t ring any bells still but at least he knew where the man was from now. Mostly courtesy of the accent and Mavenath. The mandyr was given a light smile. “Peccadillo? Nice. So she’s your personal thorn in the side then? Nice to know that the prisoners of the weyr are being held under the capable claws of mandyrs.” Yeaaaaah.

Mavenath rumbled softly. Pleasant conversation this was wasn’t it? Although such conversation tended to bore the bronze he understood the political need for such and so his return tone to Viaqueth was pleasant and jovial. Yes health and happiness. The sunshine is particularly pleasant. I am happy you find it to your liking. The large male spread his wings to better soak up the sun. It seemed he would be here for a little bit. Forward thinker hm? His on the other hand liked to think on the fly. Not that that was always a bad thing but being so reckless all the time did not bode well for his longevity. Oh I have some usual complaints about mine but in the long run I did pick him. Which obviously meant there where good qualities in the man. Cryhis just had to learn to balance better. As he matures he will get better I hazard for now I deal with his ‘quirks’. The bronze explained his tone amused. Tell me Viaqueth does yours find mine amusing? Mavenath really didn’t expect a straight answer but he was interested to see how the blue responded regardless.

Cr’oph chuckled and shook his head lightly. “My sister just passed away. During the first between lesson for weyrlings. It’s common knowledge.” Looking back over at C’zan he shrugged. “So really I’m not telling you anything that the rest of the weyr doesn’t already know. Now if I suddenly started spouting off my life story? That would be a lot to tell a person I just met.” Trailing off he fell silent for a moment and drummed his fingers against his knee. “So yeah I’m just out here blowing off steam. Nothing really against anyone. I didn’t expect to see anyone out here.” His eyes drifted back to C’zan. “Suppose I may have some off a bit rude.” That was as close to an apology as the other man was getting. He could take it or leave it.

[Lotty]

"The weyr does have it's thing for politeness. I am afraid I have no use for it, just say as little or as much as you want to say," C'zan replied before kicking both legs out quickly. Out and up actually, until he doubled over and somersaulted his way back from the ledge and onto his feet. Sitting down had started to become a bit too boring for the man and really his feet had been falling asleep, this was all so much better. He began to stretch as as he did so quipped casually back about Peccadillo's guard ability, "You doubt her capability?"

He peeked down back into his jacket where the green salamandyr had retreated. Despite not finding the deep, dark, creature he talked to her anyway, "Can you believe that Peccadillo? I think you are much more of a ball and chain that Cr'oph here gives credit for. I do not envy your master, you are a handful..." She responded like any woman would, and dug her claws into him that much deeper, although the pain did not register onto his face in any other way than a smile. Cheeky little creature couldn't even take a little bit of joking. Must be a girl thing.

"I would bet good marks that she is not alone in watching me. After all, I am one of those prisoners," he approached the bronzerider and though it would be nature to circle his prey he doubted such a surely and suspicious character would allow for such free movements and so he was without a doubt careful, "A loose canon at that and you never know what I might do..." and so now close enough he reached out to pinch the man's cheek like an old auntie would. Between the lips of a smoochy face he cooed, "So cute we are baby bronzie," another stifled laugh, "it's ok, I appreciate your honesty..." Yeah the guy was rude but at least fun to bother, and as he settled back into a relaxed expression he mused, without regard for how offensive it might come off, on the death of all those weyrlings, "Ah so she was one of those right? There was a handful yes? Now what major fail occurred that a whole slew of Southerners were lost in something so simple? It's a wonder how they survive in general much less when under attack."

Oh dear, he is running his mouth again... The blue mentioned it as if he thought it was a bad thing, but nay, Viaqueth got quite a kick out of the various situations his rider seemed to get himself into. Yes. The blue defied expectations and did give the most blunt of responses, He is ever so glad to have found what entertainment he has in yours, but I do not play counsel to my rider. He knows all too well what he is doing.

[Rei]

Cr’oph watched the other man move with interest and suspicion. That suspicion was derived from Mavenath, who upon seeing the man move had directed all his attention that way. The bronze wasn’t trusting of this one from somewhere else. He wasn’t outwardly threatening however, nor did he react more than a slight turn of his massive head. No need to set off alarm bells. The bronzer snorted and a half smile curled up one corner of his lip. “Call me crazy but I’m not willing to trust my safety to something I could easily crush in one hand.” Not only that but mandyrs bonded strongly. Or most did. So killing one could probably shock someone enough that they could be easily dealt with at the attackers leisure. Not that he was going to make that public knowledge to these ‘prisoners’? Inwardly he was amused when C’zan started speaking to the small menace. Hmm had a sense of humor did this one.

It was hard for Cr’oph to stay still while the bluerider then proceeded to approach him. It was indeed a good thing C’zan didn’t circle him like prey because the bronzer was twitchy enough as it was. Crossing his arms the man touched the hilt of the blade he had strapped to his wrist and hidden by his jacket. It was purely instinctual. Should C’zan try anything… No way Cr’oph was going down alone or at least without a fight. Cold grey eyes watched as the man leaned over and…. Pinched his cheek? Really? The rider had to fight to keep his stoic gaze. He wasn’t sure whether to laugh or be offended really. Instead he merely stilled and when C’zan released him he rubbed his cheek. “Baby bronzie. That’s a new one. So clever.” The bronzerider ended up drawling in a dry tone.

Snorting Cr’oph watched C’zan carefully his interest in the other now a easier to read. Odd this bluerider was. “Yeah she was. I really can’t disagree with you there. Someone fucked up. Not sure how but obviously they did. That many between deaths is just….sloppy I guess.” His gaze hardened however at the last comment. In the bronzer’s opinion? Selenitas had gotten lucky so far. Once one found the weaknesses they would be easy to crush probably. That thought….was not a good one, and Cr’oph pushed it aside. “Regardless it opened eyes.” Snorting the bronzer titled his head. “I can’t say I’m happy about it. But what is done is done. You can’t bring the dead back.” Tilting his head back to look at Mavenath he shrugged. “You’re new here. Things are very different from up north. But you’ve probably already noticed that. I bet there isn’t a lot you miss.” His grey eyes watched on the other even as the bronzer picked up a pebble and tossed it briefly. “What do you get to do for fun? I mean if you’re under such close watch I bet you don’t have a long leash. Call me crazy but I doubt picking on ‘baby’ bronzers is your usual form of entertainment.”

Mavenath snorted. Humans tend to run at the mouth often. Fancy words to disguise their meanings. Simple statements seem to be mostly beyond them. A flick of his tail before the bronze rumbled in amusement. Mine can be quite amusing at times. Other times he is merely annoying. Whirling eyes continued to watch the two riders. I am sure he does know exactly what he is doing. Yours does not seem the type to do anything without thinking it through. Unlike his own rider. The straight answer pleased the bronze in a way, but as with everything else Mavenath examined everything given to him. Word and tone. The jury was still out on Viaqueth. Actions always spoke louder and he could not see the blue. Shame really.