Open Arms (Tags R’ven)

[Rei]

Erilena made her way through the dim light of dusk, very much a woman on a mission. The night sky was clear of clouds and the first stars where just starting to wink into existence. The spring night held a little breeze, but nothing uncomfortable. Thankfully she had a shawl draped over her shoulders to help keep her warm.

Each determined step was mirrored by Feyrianth as the green followed in the lengthening shadows. The days at the infirmary had been long and emotional for her. At times she almost regretted her decision to take up infirmary work. However, every time she thought of giving it up, Erilena found the inner strength to go on somehow. It was something she felt good doing. Her soft leather sandals made almost no noise as she approached the lighted forge. Her destination.

Tucking the small wooden basket she had brought outside the door, she cleared her throat. Would he even be here? “R’ven?” Her voice was soft and hopeful. Erilena hadn’t been able to come and work on their little project since the attack happened. Before Fort she had been there, almost every evening, and some of their little project had already been completed, but still. The weyrling felt guilty. She hadn’t really even explained why she hadn’t been coming around.

Hopefully he wasn’t upset. Had it really been so long ago? Catching sight of his rather large figure in the orange light cast from the fire, the weyrling began speaking. Slow at first and then more rapidly. Her voice was far from completely steady, in fact it was rather shaky. This was a new feeling. Why was she so nervous all of sudden? It was like she couldn't breathe. Then again in was probably more a product of her rapid speech than anything else.

“I uh. I’m sorry I haven’t been around. Really I am. Oh and Demi is doing better, he…”Cue a random, nervous, verbal flood of explanations that she just couldn’t stop. Because that was sure to make R’ven feel better. Right?....Stupid, stupid, stupid. The silent mental scolding did nothing to stop Erilena’s tumbling words however. Finally, having blurted everything in one huge rant, she blushed and then flung herself at him. In her experience hugs usually fixed everything.

Feyrianth thankfully suffered from no delusions of such silly thoughts. Why would they be mad? She crooned softly as her eyes searched the darkness. Tril? The green twirled on the spot as she searched for the brown. Where are you brothermine? Because her favorite brown brother would be thrilled to see her obviously. There was no reason why he would not be. Humans where so silly.

Are we playing hide and seek now? He had to be around here somewhere. Her four wings flared briefly outward before she tucked them against her back again. Tril where are you? Her voice held a playful soft musical tone. If they where playing a game she wanted in on it. Suddenly her attention was taken by a blink of light and she padded slowly towards the glimmering. Maybe it was a shiny? Yay for distractions!

[rii]

If not for a little shared message between dragons R'ven wouldn't have been at the forge. The idea of Erilena attempting to avoid him had never crossed his mind. Alright, to be honest he may have given into the thought that Erilena was still peeved at him and maybe holding a grudge for him refusing to allow her to aid the fall brown fortian rider. Alas, the world did not center around him and he knew she was busy with helping out the infirmary. He too had been put to work in helping rebuild the damaged (and new) sections of the weyr and picking up the debris of the late Main Hall. The charred trunk of the behemoth tree that had once held the structure became something of a eye sore where it stuck out of the river..

As it was, R'ven was leaning the small of his back against one of the counters and idly flicking little bits of a branch into the heart of the coals. He used to in trouble for it. Yet he didn't see his uncle around to smack him upside the head for it, so he continued on in faint fascination of how quickly the little twigs disintegrate into ash. It was likely due to his dazed state that he didn't hear Erilena call his name.

And then suddenly was there beside him, 'causing R'ven to startle and quickly drop the branch much like a guilty child caught red handed. A smile began to form but R'ven's expression faltered into confusion when the green weyrling instantly launched into a rapid succession of words that left the former smith's brow furrowing and the corner of his lips tugging down into a frown. Most of what she said was lost to him (despite his effort to catch it all), but still, he didn't interrupt.

His hand was just reaching for Erilena's arm, to try and comfort her unusaul nervous babbling and maybe slow her tongue. But again R'ven found himself a bit baffled when the girl ended her rambling with a hug. The smith's arm were held apart from his body in an awkward stiffening. And he hesitated, just a second or two, before one arm curled lightly around the middle of Erilena's back. With his free hand he briefly touched her hair, stroking it in a soothing motion that was unsurprisingly familiar to him.

"It's okay." He voiced, not even having the slightest clue what was wrong but the desire to comfort Erilena was something he couldn't ignore. Easing her back, to gain a bit of personal space (not that he was complaining, not at all) R'ven let his head cant to the side as he gave her a half-teasing smile. "I sent Bonnie a couple of times to the infirmary to see how you were doing.. but she tends to get easily distracted and ends up sending me images of the various flitters and salamandyrs there.."

R'ven turned his head, settling a long suffering look on the green flitter who would currently occupied with trying to figure out the purpose of a set of small tongs. Upon feeling the attention from her mindmate, the green fluted musically and fanned her wings around her olive body in a manner that was clearly flirtatious. R'ven gave her a light snort before shifting his attention back onto Erilena. "You told me how Dmitri was, but.. what about yourself?"

Maybe that would bring light to the source of her uncharacteristic rambling. Maybe she was just tired from long days spent at the infirmary? Reaching up with both hands this time, R'ven gave Erilena an appraising look as he pushed the hair away from the sides of her face. "Do you have a hair tie?"

Outside Trilaranth didn't respond from where he laid against the far wall of the forge (the stone was pleasantly warm against his fawn hide). The setting sun had painted the world around him in shadows of burnt oranges and reds leaning toward brown; for once helping him to blend in... as long as he didn't move. Narrowed eyes whirling with green, Trilaranth watched as his sister padded around with her attention flitting to the nearest glimmer of metal.

If I told you where I was hiding, Feysistermine, wouldn't that spoil the game?

[Rei]

Perhaps it was bad of her but Erilena hadn’t noticed R’ven’s surprise. If she had she likely would have felt bad about startling him. Thankfully though such went totally unnoticed. As his arm curled around her and his other hand stroked her hair the tears that had been building ever since the attack threatened to release. But somehow she kept them down. Now wasn’t the time to cry. Badly as she wanted to, she didn’t want to make the man feel bad. Not for her. It was comforting being held so and it was reluctantly that she let him push her slightly away. Part of her hadn’t wanted the hug to end. Looking up at him she had to blink against the water forming in her eyes to get a clear picture of his face.

R’ven’s half teasing smile caused one to flit across her face as well. “You where spying on me? Better be careful doing that. You might learn things about me that I would have to hurt you for.” The green weyrling replied in a light teasing tone. Erilena’s voice was obviously happier. The tremor was gone from it and it came steady now, normal. Relief flooded her now. He wasn’t mad. He hadn’t ever been mad. It was surprising how good that fact made her feel. She silently chided herself for being so silly. Then his hands where pushing her hair back and she closed her eyes against the sensation for a moment.

Opening them again Erilena sighed. “I’m ok. Just drained. Tired. Mostly emotionally, it’s bee quite a ride. One I sometimes wish I never wouldn’t have signed up for.” Raising one hand she cupped it over R’ven’s and gave it a light squeeze. “Really I’m fine, but I’m afraid I neglected to bring a hair tie. Now I wish I would have.” Smiling softly she pulled away but kept her grip on the hand she had cupped. Turning it over she traced a line over his palm with her other hand. “I’m glad I go the chance to see you. I missed you.” It was true she had found herself thinking of R’ven time and time again in the infirmary. It had surprised her at first and then she grew to accept the fact that he was in her head for a reason. Erilena had missed him.

Titling her head up to examine the brownrider’s face Erilena suddenly felt a tiny bit self conscious. “I uh, brought you dinner. Well really us. I haven’t eaten yet and I bet you haven’t either.” Shifting her feet and dropping his hand she gestured outside. “I went to the kitchens after shift and got a few things. I figured we could have a picnic and talk because we haven’t got a chance to lately.” Turning back to R’ven she smiled softly. “That is if you want to.” Nervously she unconsciously bit her bottom lip. “If you have other plans I understand.” Hopefully he didn’t have other plans, but it was a possibility.

Feyrianth nudged the small bit of metal with interest until her brother spoke. Whirling around she crooned softly. I suppose that would spoil it. She admitted reluctantly.

Hmm if I was a Tril….where would I hide? The green said aloud as she craned her neck and began a search. In the bushes? Nope. Behind this big pile of wood? Nope. Rounding the corner she strode right past him before snorting. Oh this was harder than she thought. Could I at least get a tiny hint? She asked plaintively unfurling her four wings and tucking them back against her back in a gesture of impatience.

You are very good at this brother dear. One would think you practiced. She accused playfully, eyes searching the growing darkness for even a hint of her favorite brother. Nope still no Tril but there was that shiny again. She would have to remember to take it before they left.

[rii]

The faint glistening quality to Erilena's eyes did not escape R'ven's notice. The stress of working in the infirmary had to be weighing on the girl's shoulders – especially someone as kind-hearted as Erilena. For a moment R'ven felt a flash of protectiveness and desire to keep Erilena from spending too much time in the infirmary just for the simple fact he didn't want to see her become so dulled and drained by it all and only to end up like some of the other healers there that had become so... sharp and abrasive.

Whatever teasing had come to mind about his spying on her dastardly rogue-centric deeds was lost as he observed Erilena tracing his palm. R'ven was only sent further into his sudden quiet demeanor by her words. Curiously his hazel eyes swept over her face. Missed him? There was something being said there that he wasn't hearing, or rather on a subconscious level was refusing to acknowledge.

"You make it sound as if we live an ocean apart and only get to see each other once a turn," He teased softly while his mind refused to stop repeating her words. Glad to see him. Missed him. It was starting to make R'ven feel a touch awkward – a strange sort of nervousness that he had only encountered with a few girls over the turns. "I'll just have to swing by, instead of sending Bonnie, and convince you into taking a break from all that stress."

Eyebrows raised to his hair line as he turned his gaze in the gestured direction. "I, er.. " R'ven started, stopped, tried again and stopped when Erilena continued. A bit jittery, wasn't she. After a moment R'ven simply ended up smiling at her rambling; being amused and touched at the same time. It was clear as day that Erilena was nervous about something–what, he had not a clue, but in his experience he found behaving in a calm fashion usually put others at ease. So with a carefree smile R'ven stood from the counter and edged toward the doorway.

"I would love to eat. Any place you had in mind..? Can't say I've ever been on a pinic." Rubbing the side of his neck, R'ven glanced toward the forge before back to Erilena. "I only came here because Fey told Tril that you would be coming. I figured you wanted to finish making those beads. So I think it's safe to say I didn't have any other plans."

Trilaranth tail gave a small flick of amusement, but other than that he gave no form of response to spoil his 'hiding' spot. Exactly who was humoring who here. Before Feyrianth could trod too far away, the brown ease onto his legs and attempted a lazy tackle on her flank. He only got half through the attempt when his nose caught an alluring aroma. Not quite raw meat, but cooked, Trilaranth wasn't terribly picky when it came to things that tasted good. And all too much like a curious dog, the brown padded over to the wooden basket to inspect the contents. Does yours normally carry around all this food?

[Rei]

Erilena smiled softly as R’ven spoke, the light teasing in the tone making her relax slightly. There that was better, back to old patterns. There was no need to be so nervous, it was silly, he was the same R’ven. “Not oceans apart no, but in the infirmary time alternates between crawling and racing. It’s disorienting.” She replied softly. “You should come visit and drag me away occasionally. I promise I won’t kick and scream. Although Kalierre might.” The greenrider offered in a happy tone and then chuckled at the mental image that brought. Big smith against her mentor. It might be actually amusing, although there really was no doubt as to what the outcome would be, Kali would win. The woman was tough. Scary even.

Her eyes drifted back to the brownrider as he started to move towards the doorway. The smile on his face put her more at ease. There much better. His reply to her offer caused her to smile brightly and she giggled slightly. “You’ve never been on a picnic?!” She put a look of mock horror on her face before striding quickly over to him and grabbing his hand. “You poor thing. You’ve been so neglected. You’re in luck. Just so happens I found the perfect place on our way here.” Nodding she tugged on his hand to guide him out the door. “It’s a really nice night.”

Feyrianth whirled around as Trilaranth was in mid lunge, she prepared to backpedal to avoid when her brother suddenly paused. Confused the green flared her nostrils as well, to see what was so alluring. Oh perhaps it was her bonded’s picnic food. In another half moment her guess was proven right and the dragon rumbled in amusement at the brown’s words. No she does not often carry so much food, but she wanted to feed yours. With him being so much bigger she thought he would eat a lot. That thought had been amusing to Feyrianth. She was happy her brother had come out of hiding. Just as Trilaranth started to nose at the contents of the basket the green spoke. Be careful brothermine there is a…

Before she could finish the thought Leo leapt from the basket and onto the brown’s nose. Clinging to it he crooned. Hi!hihihihi. He said ecstatically. Mine. Love you mine. Feyrianth crooned softly and finished the sentence. Leo in the basket.

Erilena was on her way out with R’ven when she felt her dragon’s excitement. She’d probably found Tril. Feyrianth that little sneak. She hadn’t told her she had spoken to Trilaranth. Speaking of the brown. There he was with his big head poking at her basket. The weyrling dropped R’ven’s hand to put both hands on her hip. She was about to open her mouth to scold when Leo leapt onto the dragon and she giggled. “Leo you silly thing.” Hurrying over she reached up to gingerly pluck the mandyr off the brown’s nose. “Sorry Trilaranth.” She said with a pat to his muzzle as Leo squirmed out of her grasp to fling himself at her neck and wind himself as far around it as he could. Love you. Love mine. Love love love.

In a much better mood Erilena laughed and reached down to pick the basket up as her other hand stroked along Leo’s back. With a happy twirl she faced R’ven. “Coming?” With a come hither gesture she turned and started down a well beaten trail. With a rumble Feyrianth touched her muzzle against Trilaranth’s neck. Come Trilbrothermine. Crooning back to R’ven she spoke to him before padding quietly in her bonded’s wake. Come along Tril’s. Not that he wouldn’t come. She just wanted to make sure. Her bonded had been looking forward to this.

[rii]

R'ven made a face at the mention of dragon lady Kalierre. He had absolutely no interest in butting heads with that northern woman. R'ven had no experience being at odds with the healer, but he had seen her scorn be dealt onto others to learn from their mistakes. Shaking the images from his head, R'ven followed in Erilena's wake– nearly bumping into her as she came to a sudden halt, and motherly scolding body language. The smith's eyes shot over to the source and a wry smile soon appeared. "Sorry, I think he's taken on my appetite.."

The brown in reference was canting his head to the side in an effort to try and see the blue smudge clinging to the tip of his nose. His tongue flicked over the end – trying to dislodge the mandyr or eat him was up for debate, but Trilaranth didn't get to do much else as the female human removed the creature. Lovely female she was too. The brown rumbled his thanks, eyes whirling with blues as he trustingly presented an eyeridge to her. What is a Leo–it did not taste good. Because of course Leo had to be part of the food that was in the basket..

Even before Erilena beckoned to him, R'ven was loyally following the green weyrling – because of the basket in her hands, or because it was her was up for debate. Bonnie fluted softly as she zipped by them both, making an extra loop around Erilena so that the olive green could get a good look at the blue salmandyr. Why, hello there~

R'ven continued to find his gaze drawn to Erilena and he had to wonder exactly whose emotions he was feeling – Trilaranth's affection for his sister, or Bonnie's desire to flirt with Leo (or so he blamed any of his associating feelings on his two mindmates). Taking a few long strides, R'ven caught up to his fellow weyrling and attempted to peek inside the basket much in the fashion his brown had done a moment earlier. "Where's this spot?"

[ooc: sorry I am so full of fail ;o; ]

[Rei]

Feyrianth rumbled in draconic laughter as her brother spoke, her eyes whirling in happy blues that contrasted sharply with the now mostly dark sky. Silly brothermine. The Leo is a little mandyr, not food. He is a pet. Like your Bonnie is. Only he cannot fly like your little cousin. Instead he talks and scampers. As the green walked she intentionally bumped into the brown every so often. It was so nice to be able to spend time with him again. Craning her head she regarded her brother with a whirling eye. He was getting so tall. Do you think we will learn to fly soon? I want to check the sky for shinys. If the ground has them shouldn’t the sky have them as well? It made sense to her anyway.

Erilena laughed as R’ven tried to take a peek at the basket. Deftly she switched it to the other arm and playfully scolded him. “We will be there soon enough R’ven. Now I know where Tril gets it from. Curiosity killed the feline remember.~ ” The weyrling sang in a sing song. She smiled brightly to take any unintentional insult from the words and pushed through some brush where the path forked. “This way.”

Leo watched as Bonnie circled around and chirped up at her. Hi hi. Love you~ He said happily as she flitted to and fro. What she was doing he wasn’t sure but it looked funny. Giggling his silly mandyr giggle, he fluttered his tiny wings and giggled again as he watched her.

Just past the bush she had skirted, was the clearing she had been looking for. It had a spectacular view of the night sky and a few fire bugs where hovering in the west corner. Their abdomens where aglow with soft yellow green light and they added a nice atmosphere. Smiling softly she turned and gestured to a blanket she had spread out in the middle of the grassy space before going to fetch him. “I don’t think I need to tell you that we have arrived at our destination.” She said with a small laugh before Feyrianth pushed past her and dropped her head to give hers a quick nuzzle.

Bounding forward the four winged green flared her wings and tilted her head up to the night sky. Look Trilbrother sky shinys. The little green watched the soft glimmering points of light. They are so very high. Aren’t they pretty? She asked in an awe filled tone before flopping down and gazing with wonder at the stars.

Erilena watched her dragon, as she settled to watch the stars, and then moved toward the blanket. Sitting down upon it she gestured to R’ven again and patted a spot beside her. Confident that he would be along soon enough, she rummaged in the basket and pulled out some cold meat sandwiches along with a skin of fruit juice. “There’s fruit and a few cookies too. Help yourself.” The weyrling said brightly. Taking a small bite of one of the sandwiches she watched the dragons for a bit before tilting her head up towards the smith. Leo yawned and crooned once to Bonnie before uncurling from his bonded’s neck. Scampering down he curled up tiredly on a corner of the blanket. So sleepy he was, it was past bedtime.

[ooc: Lol Rii you're fine <3]

[rii]

Well, Trilaranth stated in a matter of the fact kind of way because he wasn't the sort to be put down just because he didn't know something. Seeing as he is very small, he shouldn't be in with the food. Someone might eat him by mistake. At her question though, and true to a dragon's reputation for being creatures of the moment, Trilaranth forgot any rufflings and craned his neck up to look at the darkening sky. The moon is shiney, and it looks small enough – but I don't think you should collect it. The sky would be very empty without it. Maybe you can take one of the specks, there are many of those. I don't think anyone will notice if some of those are gone.

"I don't think a little peek–" R'ven's hand along Erilena's shoulders as the smith ducked around behind her; shifting to the side with the basket with a playful green to attempt a second look. "–Is going to get me killed. Unless there is a mysterious ingredient in here.."

Feigning a sudden worry, R'ven gave the basket a suspicious narrow of eyes. But any teasing was pushed aside as they arrived at... the smith's hazel eyes took in the little clearing already set with a blanket. A rather frank look was then settled on Erilena. At a complete loss of words, R'ven looked somewhat blankly at the green weyrling – gaze shifting to the blanket then back to her. It knocked him beyond surprised and how much of an effort Erilena had gone through just to have a bit of dinner together.

Bonnie, however, was not as stunned at her mindmate. The olive green landed on his broad shoulder, rubbing the side of her body against his jawline in a feline stretch as she chittered softly at Leo. This seemed action enough to prompt R'ven into moving. The smith took an awkward step forward before kneeling on the blanket and taking a seat next to Erilena. Bonnie returned to the air, smoothing twisting about as she steered off toward the floating firebugs. This left R'ven alone, and for once, at a loss for words. Normally conversation, small talk, didn't elude him but now he found himself scrambling for an acceptable topic.

Easing down onto his elbows, R'ven laid out with in knee bent up and just gazed up at the sky – a cold sandwich in his hand and for the time being just sitting neglected on top his chest. After a moment his eyes drifted down to his meal. "This makes me miss Hyphen."

Oh, Feysister, look– Before he could finish speaking, a green fire lizard landed on the tip of his muzzle. Her slender tail curled around the tip of his muzzle as she purred at her large brown handsome with the buzzing fire bug captured alive between her jaws. Trilaranth lowered his head so it was within Feyrianth's reach. Our Bunny has caught a sky shiny.

[Rei]

Happily Feyrianth leaned her weight against her bigger brother’s side. Yes I suppose the moon should stay where it is. The humans would miss it. Blinking her whirling eyes, she watched the stars shine for a few moments. You are right, one of the tiny ones would not be missed. There are lots and lots of them. She crooned softly. When I learn to fly I will go pluck one out of the sky to add it to my collection. A sky shiny sounds so lovely. Tilting her head upwards, she tried to imagine it glimmering in her small collection.

Erilena had noted R’ven’s surprise but she had tactfully decided not to comment on it. She liked doing nice things, and well, it hadn’t really been too much trouble. As he gingerly sat, she resisted the urge to lay a hand on his in an attempt to comfort. He probably just needed time to work out whatever it was he was feeling. It probably was nothing like the butterflies suddenly fluttering in her stomach. To distract herself she hummed softly under her breath and took another bite of her sandwich, allowing her eyes to flit to the dragons watching the stars. They looked so adorable. Sibling affection was so darn cute.

Finally her eyes went back to her classmate as he shifted. Blinking, Erilena let her eyes drift upwards towards the glimmering stars as well. The soft tone of R’ven’s voice made her swallow against a lump that had suddenly formed in her throat. Was he homesick? It kind of sounded like he was. Sometimes she got that way to. Closing her eyes she set her sandwich down on the blanket and inched her hand over to his. Laying it over the top of his, in an attempt at comfort, the weyrling opened her eyes and spoke softly. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you sad. What about Hyphen does it make you miss?” Maybe it was his family, or maybe he had left someone behind at Hyphen? Either way she didn’t want him to be sad.

As she waited for an answer the green weyrling flopped back onto the blanket and took a deep breath of the clear night air. The stars above where marvelous. The air was clear and the sky was dark enough so that they where highlighted beautifully. If Erilena could capture this moment and stay in it forever she would. Especially since R’ven was here with her, even if he didn’t exactly understand how much this little moment meant to her. “When I was little I used to sneak out of bed at night to go watch the stars, Sometimes my brother would go with me but usually it was just me. It was peaceful watching them. Sometimes it helped me to forget all the bad things that happened.” Like the attack, only as you got older stuff like that got harder and harder to forget.

Feyrianth’s attention was still primarily on the stars until Trilaranth spoke again. Lowering her head she looked in awe at the little firebug held tightly by the little flitter. Oh Bunny. It is so pretty. She said softly. What are you going to do with it? She queried with interest before turning her head to catch glimpses of the other firebugs slowly floating through the night air. If she wasn’t so comfortable she might have moved to try and catch one. But how would she keep it from flying away? Sadly the little green had come to find that some shinys just could not be collected. It seemed like the sky shines would be one of those. It was okay though, because she could still enjoy their shininess as they flitted around and glimmered. Your Bunny is very clever to have captured a sky shiny Trilbrother.

[rii]

Food set aside for the moment, R'ven shifted to sit more upright. Without really thinking about it, R'ven responded to Erilena's touch by taking her hand in both of his. Lightly his thumbs traced circles around her knuckles, eyes with that distant look as he watched the patterned he drew over the back over her hand. "Mm, what?" He blinked owlishly at her. "Oh no. No, no, no. I'm not sad."

Chuckling R'ven reassured her a smile before letting his attention returned to her hand. "If anything, this reminds me of being at home and it's nice. Really nice. I.. never wanted to come here and become part of this war." The infliction he placed in the single word was enough to illustrate his hold-bred disdain for the weyrs. He had never actually spoken to anyone about it all, and he honestly didn't know why he felt comfortable enough with Erilena to let it start to slip out. It wasn't easy being at the weyr and feeling like he couldn't talk to anyone about the issues that constantly weighed down on his conscious. He knew the reality of the situation as obviously as the next person. That still didn't change his opinion on the matter..

"I took the classes and stood the sands thinking for some reason it would help keep people from noticing that I really... really didn't want to be here. I didn't think I would actually impress. I'm nothing like these dragonriders.." His gaze trailed off toward Trilaranth and the smith fell into a moment of silent thought. He was grateful when Erilena spoke up. R'ven bowed his head, for the most part masking the pained smile that briefly contorted his features. This all reminded her of sneaking out with her brother, so.. that must mean..

Ah, alas, wasn't that always the case. Always the brother – a role he filled all too well. R'ven gave Erilena's hand a last light squeeze before releasing it and picking up his sandwich. "It's nice to get out," He commented while tilting his head up to gaze over the darkening sky. "Get away from everything, get it all out of your mind if only or a moments of peace." Smirking, R'ven ease up next to Erilena, elbowing her side in a playful push. "You need more breaks."

Clever.. Trilaranth rumbled, his wings flapping next to his body in laughter. He bobbed his head, bouncing the clinging green a few times before Bonnie had enough and sprang into the air. I think she is showing off.

The olive green in question landed on Feyrianth's head, using the other green for little more than a landing pad than any actual affection. She chittered a scolding at Trilaranth from around a mouthful of firebug. Fine, fine. He couldn't have the shiny. She was going to give it to him but now she would give it to this other dragon. Yes, this green was too big and awkward to catch anything on her own. Thus Bonnie was being every so gracious to give the shiny to the big green. Bonnie opened her jaws and let the dazed bug plop against the tip of Feyrianth's muzzle.

[Rei]

Erilena relaxed as R’ven took her hand in his and began to trace patterns on it. Closing her eyes she let herself just live in the sensation for awhile. Until he spoke anyway. Opening her eyes she turned her head towards her companion and focused on him. His words where all accepted with a quiet interest. The desire to comfort him as he started speaking was almost unbearable but she forced herself to keep her place and listen intently. The war. Yes she never wanted to be part of it either. Never thought she would be part of it. The fact that R’ven had never wanted to come to the weyr in the first place came as a small shock to her. Still it wasn’t too surprising either. The fact that he had forced himself to pretend to want to be a candidate when he really had no desire to be a rider made her heart go out to him.

It was almost the opposite for her. Living at the hold she almost felt at times like she didn’t belong. There wasn’t a craft she was spectacular at, felt right doing. Here at the weyr Erilena felt a bit more at ease but it was hard to accept some things still. The morals here seemed a bit messed up. She didn’t want to fight, hated the war. The greenrider didn’t have the heart for it. She didn’t like to see people hurting. It tore at her. Made her feel helpless and horrible, that wouldn’t ever go away. That part of weyr life she hated. However days with Feyrianth, peaceful moments like these, they made up for it somehow. If Erilena hadn’t been paying attention she likely wouldn’t have seen the brief pained smile that crossed R’ven’s features. However she had been paying attention, but she attributed it to the fact that he had just revealed what was probably a huge secret to her.

For a moment she lay there at war with herself. Her mind and emotions both warring for dominance over her body. Then R’ven playfully nudged her and she threw caution to the wind. More than likely Erilena would be beating herself up later, but for now what she planed to do made perfect sense.

As he eased up next to her she rolled over and straddled her classmate’s stomach. Placing both hands on his chest so he would be forced to hold them up or fall back she leaned forward so that he could hear her better. “You’re right. You’re not like the other dragonriders. You have compassion. You understand things they don’t. It’s your hold bred morals that make you different but it’s not a bad different it’s a good one. You can see things in a different light. Trilaranth proves that you belong here.” She trailed off and met his gaze smiling softly. “It is nice to get away from everything, take breaks. To be totally honest with you there isn’t anyone else I’d rather share this night with. If you think I need more breaks I’d gladly take them. If you promise to take them with me sometimes.”

Heart beating a rapid pace that made her feel as if she had just run a marathon, instead of making a small speech, Erilena leaned over and lightly brushed her lips over his. The kiss probably couldn’t even be really called one. She didn’t linger for more than a few seconds and there was barely any pressure. She drew away slowly and then blushed before rolling off him. As she lay on the blanket next to him she took a few slow breaths to clear her head.

The heart beating in her chest felt like it was about to explode from anxiousness. Oh Faranth. What was she, insane? She didn’t even know how he felt and here she was going out on a limb and making a fool of herself. Part of her wanted to curl up and hide and the other part refused to be so silly.

Feyrianth watched in amusement as Trilaranth bounced his small sister. Showoff or not she did catch a sky shiny. The green replied in a happy tone. She watched with whirling eyes as Bonnie moved to her head. Oh she had a flitter on her head! To be polite she stilled her movements and tried to get a look at the small green upon her head, which was difficult with her eye ridges in the way. Finally giving up, she turned her gaze to Trilaranth instead. Then she saw a soft glow on her muzzle and the green likely looked quite silly going cross eyed to try and get a good look. Feyrianth crooned softly as she looked at the dazed bug. She let a small shudder of pleasure go through her. Bunny had given her the sly shiny!

Look Tril. She said in a dragon whisper. The sky shiny is on my nose. The Bunny gave it to me. She brushed a loving gratefulness against the flits mind. Oh thank you little Bunny. I like it very much. The glow bug in question, still dazed and covered in flitter slobber, continued it’s soft blinking glow as it tried to get it’s bearings. Much like hers was struggling to make sense of her feelings. Feyrianth brushed soothingly against her bonded’s mind but offered no words. Hers was so silly.

[rii]

R'ven actually dropped his sandwich when Erilena's made her move. His hand were open and poised almost in a surrendering gesture (or protective gesture depending on how you wanted to read the action) where they lingered in the space between their bodies. Speechless, and once again befuddled by the green weyrling, R'ven let both brows raise to meet his hairline as he settled more firmly against the blanket and examined Erilena's posture – he had a vague sensation that he was about to get harshly scolded and he resolved himself to take it with the other cheek turned.

The former Hyphen smith honestly didn't have enough time to let the words soak in before Erilena was moving. And... R'ven promptly forgot what he was trying to make head and tails out of when lips brushed over his own. "Lena.." A low husky with a rumble that resembled his dragon, R'ven watched in a mixture of confusion and stirring affection as his classmate hastily extracted herself from him. As much as he was loathed to lose the contact, it was probably for the best. R'ven was like any other young man that enjoyed the company of a female, and his body often had different ideas and reactions despite his curbing thoughts.

Bonnie gave a little not-so-modest cheep from her perch, her head held high as she accepted Feyrianth's appreciative brush of mind. Yet a sudden flash of annoyance from the little olive green had Trilaranth snaking his neck around to observe the antics of the two humans. What Erilena was doing, he didn't understand, she obviously wasn't strong enough to restrain his – and clearly his was just humoring her by laying there. The jumble in his bonded's mind didn't help Trilaranth make any more sense out of the situation.

What is yours trying to do to mine? The brown inquired with a touch of humor. He shifted back around to Feyrianth and her comical attempt to view the firebug. With a rumbling laugh he licked her muzzle, sending the little insect tumbling into the grass where it continued to blink.

She was just stressed out, R'ven attempted to rationalize the situation by setting aside his own involved emotions. Looking for comfort, had to be (and yes, R'ven couldn't for the life of him remember what she has been telling him before her chaste kiss had blanked his mind). Erilena was just.. just... well, her and Dmitri had something going on, didn't they? R'ven would have thought so, anyway, after watching their shared story at the last gather, how they had flirted (yes, throwing meat was flirting), how much Erilena had been upset when Dmitri got hurt during the attack from Fort..

Dmitri was a good friend of R'ven's, and the smith didn't particularly like that awkward feeling of being at war with his own feelings on a matter. Usually he was quick to make his choice, and see it through to the very end. Without saying a word, R'ven sat up and edged toward Erilena and wrapped his arms around her from the side. She didn't know what she wanted – the way she had fled quickly from her actions told this to R'ven. The sign behind the pre-planned picnic in the evening just for him set aside, she was just.. just..

"Lena I–" Cue interruption in the form of a annoyed olive green flitter. Bonnie was on his shoulder, attempting to wedge herself between the two. Her handsome brown, and she didn't much appreciate these greens trying to repeatedly wedge in on her territory. "I think — shardit — Bonnie — what is with you? Get off."

Hurt by her bonded's sudden ire, the small flitter whined before fleeing between. "I'm sorry about that I don't know what got into her– ah, she scratched you.. " Grimacing, R'ven carefully probed at the small red line near the collar of Erilena's shirt.

[Rei]

Feyrianth rumbled along with Trilaranth in laughter and then returned his lick with a nuzzle. Flicking her wings she considered his question before doing her best to answer. Well. I know she was trying to kiss him. It’s what humans do to show affection. I think. Really the green wasn’t positive about that, but it seemed to be the case. If hers had told her she had likely already forgotten it.

Blinking back at the two humans she considered. Lenamine likes yours very much. I think that she is afraid that he does not like her back? To the green that sounded very, very silly but hers was still thinking it. Hers was very nice, which surely made her likeable, why wouldn’t Tril’s like her? It was all a jumble and the green didn’t really know how to sort it out. Instead she opted to send soothing waves to hers as she watched the bug blink in the grass. Poor sky shiny had such a drop. Hopefully it was ok. Feyrianth wanted to go check but she didn’t want to leave Trilaranth behind, so she settled for watching it with concern.

Erilena had just about evened her breathing when R’ven moved again. This time to encircle her in his arms. The weyrling didn’t resist the contact. In fact she moved closer for the comfort it afforded. She wanted to snuggle against his chest but was unsure how that would be taken. Blinking swiftly she tried to quiet the fear of rejection that was slowly worming it’s way into her chest. However the voice would just not be quiet. He didn’t like her. She was being so stupid. He was probably trying to find the best way to let her down without making it too painful. Why did she let herself be so sharding impulsive? Speaking. The woman lifted her head slightly to listen but the brownweyrling only got out a few words before there was a irritated pet trying to worm it’s way between them.

When Bonnie’s claws caught skin she didn’t immediately notice, probably because she was so worked up with her own thoughts. But when R’ven shooed the flitter off, and drew Erilena’s attention to it, she started to feel the tiny prick of pain. When he dabbed it she flinched slightly and then shook her head. “No it’s ok. It’s just a small scratch. I’ll survive.” She trailed off and weighed her thoughts before daring to speak. Finally she bowed her head, letting her hair conceal her face from view.

“R’ven? I….you don’t have to be sorry. I should be sorry. I…” She squeezed her eyes shut. Stupid. Stupid, why did she have to be so stupid? Curling her hands into fists she took a breath and continued. “I like you. I should have took your feelings into consideration to and I didn’t. I’m sorry.” So he didn’t like her like she liked him, but that meant they could still be friends right? Hopefully.

It upset her that she couldn’t get this right. Maybe she was trying to hard. Had she scared him off? Ok so maybe she was just bad at this. Not surprising, considering she hadn’t much practice at all in the art of courting. No she had always been the one being courted ,usually by people who she didn’t feel anything for but friendship. Alas the story of her life.

Feyrianth was confused, her bonded’s emotions where all over the place. Sad, happy, upset, angry (at herself), hopeful, depressed. It was all a jumble that seemed to just sort itself out when something else popped up. Maybe she was getting sick? That thought was enough to take her attention from the glow bug and back to the humans. The green tilted her head in consideration, but Trilaranth’s seemed to have things under control so she kept her place. Silly Lena why couldn’t you be friends? We are all friends. She replied softly before nudging Trilaranth in the shoulder. Did mine upset yours with her kiss? She didn’t mean to. She is very worried that he does not like her. Which confuses me. Doesn’t he already like her? Friends equaled like right? To Feyrianth they did. Maybe for humans it was more complicated? She wouldn't be surprised if this where so actually, humans had a gift for being confusing.

[rii]

Trilaranth considered Feyrianth's answer while settling his mass against the cooled blades of grass. His tail tip idly swung back in forth in a lazy fashion while he turned his head to observe the two humans. I think yours is doing it wrong. The fawn colored brown concluded with firmness. Mine seems confused. I know he likes yours, just as I like you sistermine, why a show of affection would confuse him is strange... so yours must be doing it wrong.

Raising one wing, Trilaranth used the clawed point to scratched at the corner of his eyeridge – clearly unconcerned about situation that had the others so troubled. This happened often enough between the brownpair, where R'ven sense of empathy and duty clashed with Trilaranth's clear.. lack of said qualities (beyond what he farced for the sake of his. It's not like his was being entirely honestly smiling and being nice all the time – but that was the rules of engagement, wasn't it). And our bunny is upset. I have never seen her upset. She must have been trying to correct yours..

R'ven loosened his hold on Erilena as he strained to hear her speak despite her being so near. It was curious, to him, to watch her demeanor change from the playful and confident girl he knew her as, to the meekly speaking girl in his arms. At least this time he was more prepared to listen to her words and not be taken off-guard by her actions. Liked him. Of course she did, R'ven let a sad smile tug at his features, most girls did like him since he was a nice guy. But they never liked him. It usually turned into a variation of he was 'very sweet, but..' Well, R'ven knew he wasn't he most interesting individual. And Erilena.. she was interesting, very much so, with so many options to pick from – she couldn't possible like him beyond that of a good friend.

Canting his head to the side, R'ven raised his hands to push the curtain of hair aside and smooth it behind both of her ears. Part of the reason behind his action to make sure she had not dissolved into tears, the other part was a simple need to see her face as he spoke. "No need to apologize. You didn't do anything to feel sorry about. It's not like you can know what another person feels until you put your own feelings on the line.."

Brave girl, he mused with a genuine smile. Lightly he touched under her chin to bring her face back up to his own. Sweet too, for making him dinner – even if the pre-set picnic was a touch methodical on Erilena's part; the sly rogue. This only prompted R'ven smile to widen. You'd have to think she may have figured out a quick way into his heart was by the means of food..

Despite feeling honestly guilty about liking Erilena, R'ven pressed his lips to hers – a firm pressure that was unlike the chaste brush she had given him. Not at all shy about his feelings of affection toward the green weyrling, and the action should put answer to her unasked question that hung in the air.

Mine will show yours how to do it, Trilaranth stated almost lazily before laying his head down beside Feyrianth. His bonded's mine felt more clear and free of the clutter Feyrianth's had caused, so thus his must be doing things properly – and better; because Trilaranth could accept no other idea than the one that his was the best at everything.

[Rei]

Feyrianth titled her head as her brother spoke and considered his words. Hers was doing it wrong? Well that was possible. Especially if Tril’s did like hers. Her brother wouldn’t lie about such things. This the green was sure of. Quietly she settled herself more firmly in the grass her tail tip flicking back and forth in thought. Oh I do hope the bunny is ok. I am sorry that mine upset her. I am sure she did not mean such a thing. Oh no Erilena would be quite upset about the bunny probably. Turning her head to catch sight of the humans she debated. Maybe she should ask hers to try again? Then again hers seemed quite busy as she listened and Feyrianth didn’t want to interrupt. That would be very impolite.

Instead she watched Trilaranth scratch his own ridge and crooned. She settled herself more comfortably and turned her attention to the glow bug just in time to see it leave the grass and fly into the air. No worse for wear despite it’s multiple muggings. She watched it as it floated up to the sky and then laid her head down, eyes whirling peacefully despite the confused emotions on the other side of the bond. Well hopefully mine understood what the bunny was trying to tell her. Whatever it was.

Erilena was very still as R’ven moved. When he pushed her hair back she blinked up at him. Well at least she wasn’t crying. Thank Faranth for small blessings. Then he was speaking and she slightly tilted her head as she listened, afraid of what she would hear but wanting to hear what he had to say just the same. What? She didn’t need to apologize? Her heart made a little jump as he continued. Yes what he said was true, but putting those feelings on the line could be so painful. Then her companion smiled and she smiled softly in response. A small bit of her was confused and remained so until he gently titled her head up towards his own.

Blinking, her heart started it’s fast beating again. Anticipating that her mind was partly still refusing to accept. Then his lips met hers and it swiftly killed any confusion in her mind. Immediately Erilena responded, wrapping her arms around the brownweyrling’s neck to pull herself closer. She broke the kiss only to catch her breath, and then pressed her lips against his in return.

She tried to communicate with her lips what her words had failed to. Hopefully she had displayed enough of her affection to quiet a least a little of the doubts he might have had. If not she was more than willing to continue the pursuit. Pulling away Erilena didn’t quite separate from him, keeping her arms around his neck, as she laid her forehead against his and smiled. Words hardly seemed necessary at the moment but she couldn’t quite resist. “I think our food is getting lonely.” She teased softly, unwilling to be the one to break the contact.

Feyrianth did the dragon version of a laugh as she nuzzled the brown head beside her. Yes it seems as if he has shown her quite well. She remarked happily, glad that her bonded seemed much happier and not upset anymore. Obviously whatever had gone on between them had been fixed and all was well again. This was good enough for Feyrianth who was starting to get a tad sleepy. It had been a long day after all. Snuggling against Trilaranth she sighed, the sound content.