Never too cold! (Tashe)

[Rowana]

Tor, I really think it is too cold for swimming. Ruskeath was curled up on the shore of the river, his tail clinging tightly to his legs. It was colder than he was used too, though not cold enough to be a problem. Tervain and Star were hiding underneath one of his legs. They didn't see the point in being outside either and had only come, like Ruskeath, to make sure their bonded didn't do something stupid. Seemed like it was too late for that.

"Nonsense, Rusk," G'tor chuckled at his dragon's concern. "It's never too cold for swimming! I can't go getting out of shape, can I?" Ruskeath leaned closer as G'tor started to take his boots off. With all the training, I do not think that is possible, he pointed out. These days, it seemed like all they did was train. Even when it didn't involve flying, G'tor had extra training in melee combat and aerial tactics. It was started to show on the brownrider's face. He was never one to complain, but he did miss the peaceful times when he could take a couple hours to go fishing or swimming.

"Yes, well, this is more relaxing than having my wingmates show me just how bad at knife fighting I am," G'tor ran a hand threw his hair. Ruskeath crooned soothingly. You are getting better. "Not good enough. How can I be their 'second if I can't even train at their level? I'm not sure who though I'd be good for this job." G'tor shook his head. This is why he needed a good swim. It was always good for clearing the head.

You should not be so hard on yourself, Ruskeath tried to console him. G'tor ignored him for the moment and concentrated on the pool of water formed by a bend in the river. He stretched his legs and arms before taking a deep breath. With a whoop of delight, G'tor dove into the icy water. He came up quickly, shaking water from his hair. "Hey, that is cold!" Told you, Ruskeath chuckled.

[Tashe]

Closing and opening her wings as they walked, Millieth shook her head with admonishment. Mine I think you should take this step by step. I know but its frustrating. I want to be more a part of the Weyr, my Weyr. I should be doing something more than just domestic... crap! Slowly going stir crazy? Who her? I'm not allowed to fight period, which I don't mind. But I'm starting to regret giving up the Queen's threadfighting wing. Paperwork is well, boring. At least the other Queenriders have Healing to take up their time! But me? Nothing. Well except for Kai. Yes but power is something you need to control gradually. I'm not sure walking up to Salenth's or Ciceroth's and demanding to be able to do something more is wise. Well I know that, I was just fantasizing... Win the power. Some of the best Weyrwomen were manipulative. I do not know if that would work for you... but... Yes? Kaegan would not hear the rest of the Queen's idea until later on that night, for something down the river had stolen her attention. So wrapped up in their conversation neither of them noticed the slowly growing specks up river until they were well in Millieth's sight. Azaran chirped happily and uncurled himself from around Kaegan's neck so that he too could see what had lulled them from their trance.

I do believe that is Ruskeath. Ruskeath? Kaegan gave an audible 'hmmm' as she tried to recall the Rider who went with the dragon. She'd never met him herself (consciously, since Flights hardly counted as meetings) as far as she could remember, but the Dragon's name rang a bell. His rider is... Wingsecond G'tor? The Gold rumbled an affirmative as she stepped forward, making Kaegan scramble to pick up her lazy pace. Apparently Millieth was in the mood to speak with the Brown. They entered hearing range as soon as the male Rider surfaced and called to his Dragon, although the Brown had probably already caught their scent or seen them from the corner of his eye. The Gold rumbled in greeting as she approached, shuffling her wings once before pulling ahead and slipping up near the smaller male, giving him little time to protest. If that was even possible. Who'd complain about laying next to her on a cold winters day for a little bit of a chat? Close enough for comfort but definitely not touching yet. Hello Ruskeath. She left greeting the Rider up to Her's.

"If you think this is cold, try jumping into a River near Lemos in the dead of winter. Ice Wherrie dives were what we littles called them." Truth be told she hadn't done that herself in more than ten or so Turns but time didn't erase her memories. Crouching near the edge of the river, she offered the Brownrider a smile. "I hail the brave swimmer and offer a good day's greeting." Wrapping her arms around her legs she felt Azaran stir and leap off of her shoulder to scurry off somewhere. In fact he had sensed the presence of another flitter and was on a search to find them. If his Human and her biggoldie could have companionship so could he right? "I hope you do not mind the intrusion Wingsecond. Millieth deemed it necessary we took a rest in our walk and thought a bit of company wouldn't hurt. As long as the company was willing of course."

[Rowana]

Ruskeath was the first to detect Millieth and Kaegan's approach. Good day, Millieth, he greeted warmly. Though he'd rarely spoken to her outside of flights, it was always lovely to have company. He didn't really mind being close to a queen, though not too close, and he had no trouble speaking with her. True, she was his queen and deserved a certain amount of respect, but he didn't see why that should mean they couldn't have a friendly chat. Does Yours often swim in the cold as well? Tor usually waits until it is warmer than this.

G'tor blinked and tried to rub the water from his eyes. I thought I saw something gold, he muttered. You do. Millieth and Hers are here. What?! G'tor spluttered a little and almost fell over in the water. Why didn't you warn me? He didn't usually mind talking to queenriders in general, but he was usually not wet, shivering, and half naked. G'tor glanced up at Kaegan and offered a weak smile back. "Ice Wherries? That could be too much for my Southern blood," he chuckled. "Good day to you too, Weyrwoman." It felt stiff, but he didn't want to be rude. "And I don't mind the company." He paddled lazily back towards shore. "If you don't mind me being a little unprepared to have it?"

Tervain saw Azaran first. She pocked her head out and sniffed at him. He was a bronze, so maybe he was worth paying attention too. As long as he didn't try to flirt with her like some other silly green. She didn't take kindly to males thinking her dim or silly. Star shivered in protest to the cold air. She had chosen to wrap herself around Tervain like a little, white scarf. Her mind was full of projections of frozen Star icicles for anyone who cared.

[Tashe]

No not since Impression. Apparently she did before becoming a candidate. Crossing her legs at the 'wrists' she shifted into a comfortable position. Now a days the only time she goes swimming is after she's given me a bath. Busy she is. Speaking of the cold, why was the Southern continent /this/ chilly? Most days the frost could be seen literally hanging from trees, something she'd expect from a warmer winter day in the North but not here. First exceptionally warm and then oddly cold, what was next on the weather's agenda? The Senior Queen didn't like the rapid changes in temperature. Having lived in here for the past seven or so years caused her to adjust to the over all warmer climate, so this flip flopping was playing havoc with her perception of the South. What do you think of this weather? Mine believes it is an... what did she say... an omen or something. Although I do not think she was entirely serious when she said it.

"Of course. When one drops in on someone unannounced, that person is usually unprepared." Rocking back so that she sat down, Kaegan crossed her legs and rubbed the cold out of the joints in her left hand. She pat her pockets in search of her gloves, eventually finding them somewhere buried in her jacket. As she wiggled her fingers into the thick fabric the Weyrwoman tossed a couple of curls out of her face. Although she was loathe to say it, it was rather nice to have her hands free of Kai for a few hours. Questions, question, questions. He was at the age where almost everything that came from his mouth was a question. Sometimes he'd ask the same question three times within five minutes. She loved her son, but sometimes he got annoying. She hoped he would grow out of the Questionnaire phase soon, even if it was exchanged for the terrible twos.

"So..." Kaegan stuffed her hands into her lap. "Do you make it a habit to go swimming in the cold? Or is this a rare occurrence?" She knew that some of her Riders were extremists, taking their training to different levels so they could be better, faster and stronger than their opponents. Maybe this wing second was one of them? According to her Dragon he was part of the Fighting wing so it was possible. Who knew? Bouncing her knees, Kaegan arched her back in a stretch before sitting still. She was so used to moving it was hard for her to remain idle for very long unless working on something. "I hear its good for you as long as the water isn't too cold."

Oh there she was! He knew he had smelled a Flitter but he couldn't find her because she was hiding by the Dragon. Fluttering his wings, Azaran bounced over with a chirp. The Bronze didn't notice star until he was near the Brown's big paw. So that was where the images were coming from. He didn't like Salamandyrs, but White ones were a different matter, they didn't speak and didn't annoy him as much. He offered Star a greeting as well before flicking his tail and sitting down next to Tervain. Hello, hello. How was she? His name was Azaran, what was hers? The large male was nothing but curious. She didn't much have to worry about him flirting with her, he reserved most of his charming attentions for Roxie, she had claimed him after all. Although the Golds like Ellie and Rose were not far behind on that list. She was a pretty green yes, but unless she invited it he wouldn't try and cuddle.

[Rowana]

Ruskeath rumbled in understand. He shifted so that his hind legs were more underneath him. Tervain squawked in annoyance at having to move, but he ignored her. She was quick enough not to be squashed. Mine used to swim more, Ruskeath agreed solemnly. He too has become busy. It had been telling on his rider's face of late. Still, the new responsibilities had been good for him, Ruskeath mused. At least it distracted him from being unable to discover what happened to T'rid, a fact that still plague his dreams. It seems colder than it should be, Ruskeath went on, musing. I do not believe it is an omen. Just strange. G'tor could be superstitious about somethings, but so far the weather hadn't concerned him.

G'tor chuckled, his body shivering from the cold. "That's certainly true," he agreed. Well, if they were going to talk, he might as well be warmer too. Shaking his hair free of water, he waded back to shore. He found the towels and dry clothes he'd brought and wrapped himself in a towel. "Not usually," he admitted. "But then, I can't remember it being this cold here in a long time." He shrugged. "I was just getting a little stir crazy. Swimming helps me think." He rubbed his neck sheepishly, getting embarrassed again. He was sure Kaegan had better things to do than talk to him, but maybe she was looking for a break as well.

Dislodged from her warm spot behind Ruskeath's paw, Tervain fluttered out toward Azaran. He wasn't all bad, for a male. At least he was polite and not overly demeaning. She decided he was an acceptable companion for the moment. She trilled a curt greeting in reply. Her name was Tervain, he'd better get it right. The little worm was Star, and she would tolerate no insults towards either of them. Tervain had a soft spot towards salamandyrs, and especially the little, white one. Star was too busy trying to stay warm to pay either of them much mind. Tervain continued to talk in short little chirps. It was too cold, but otherwise she was well enough. As long as big, idiot dragons didn't squash her.