Attack of the Kiwis! (Tags Row)

[Rei]

Ucky. Look Yucky. Why eat hairy fruit? Much better things to eat. Harmony remarked from her perch on a lower branch. High above Darmori was reaching for a hanging vine which those so called ‘hairy’ fruits hung from. “Because they are delicious and you don’t eat the skin silly. I bet you’d like them if you tried them.” Think not. You kill yourself for hairy fruit I not eat. Silly Mori. Shaking his head the teen reached a bit further out from the branch he was clinging to, fingertips barely brushing the vine. “Darn it. Just a bit closer and maybe…”

Below the tree Darmosk was sprawled out in a dirt wallow he had dug. Tongue lolled out and flopped in the dirt, the bronze looked to be the picture of complete contentment. However he was actually being quite wary. There had been a guard who had liked to pick on his, getting up and personal, until the wher had decided enough was enough. The rider had seemed to take offense to the bronze’s retaliation of ripping the seat out of his pants. As such the large male was on careful guard for any and all approaching figures. Darmosk may be sweet but he wasn’t stupid and he was protective. A good guard wher actually. Although by just looking at him such was hard to believe. Snorting some dirt away from his nostrils the bronze titled his head to get a view of his. Who was… dangling precariously from the branch, before a rustling noise not far off drew his attention.

Head coming up the large male stretched and slowly rose to his feet. Standing at attention, his head raised and tail board straight, Darmosk rumbled out a low growl until he caught the familiar scent. Oh he knew these ones! Barking happily his tail wagged furiously back and forth before the wher gave a welcoming croon. Distracted for a moment Darmori looked down at his wher and promptly lost his balance. Thankfully he was able to grab onto a nearby branch to steady his flailing. “That was close. Jeesh. Don’t scare me like that!” The handler scolded his wher before looking again at the dangling kiwi fruit. Darn and he had been so close too.

Kill self for hair. Knew it come to this.

[Rowana]

For once, Roivao was glad he was a wherhandler, even if the cost still pained his heart. They had a touch more freedom than the riders to keep to their normal routines. Even venturing as far as the borders of the jungle was allowed within reason. Whers still had to hunt and felines still prowled after all. The walked help the older man to think. It was sometimes a dangerous thing for someone like him, but it was needed on occasion. Roisk trotted just ahead, sniffing around for signs of danger. The whole situation had the large bronze on edge. It was hard to defend his handler and his kin when he didn't know who or what the enemy was just then.

A familiar smell caught in Roisk nose and he brighten considerably. With a light bark of greeting, he cantered forward to greet his younger kin. Riosk nuzzled Darmosk affectionately and purred deep in his throat. Then he glanced up the tree at the dangling human with some concern. Was that safe, he inquired of Darmosk. Surly the boy should be more careful.

"Who is it?" Roivao came around a tree. He knew it wasn't an enemy, but he was still wary, knife ready at his side. The sight of Darmosk with Roisk helped him relax. Then he frowned, realizing what was missing from this picture. "Where's..." Harmony's voice made him look up and his eyes went wide. Tiida, wrapped around his neck was quick to add her own comments. Handsome boy think sooo clever, she chided, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She could talk fairly well for a green, though she rarely bothered these days. Think he climber. Maybe think flyer next.

"Darmori?" Roivao's voice was just loud enough to carry into the tree. "Are you...what are you doing?" He couldn't keep the worry from his tone. What was it about this class of wherlings and climbing trees? He seemed recall Ximera pulling a similar stunt months back. Just his luck to be surrounded by dare devils.

[Rei]

Darmosk’s whole body wagged at the nuzzle. Maybe he should be so excited due to the fact that it was Roisk and not someone like one of his sisters. But gender never mattered much to the bronze. He loved all the whers equally. Even the standoffish ones. An overzealous tongue lapped at the side of the older wher’s face before the younger of the males titled his head. His? Oh yes. Craning his neck Darmosk considered for a minute before offering. His often climbed the trees for such things as fruit and just in play. He was skilled at it but yes. It could be dangerous. His tended to get careless when he was after something like the little dangling fruits. Butting his head against Roisk’s chest the bronze crooned. He would tell his to be cautious. He had said so at the beginning in but his was forgetful at times. Looking up Darmosk crooned to his and passed on another word of caution before leaning companionably against the other wher. Where Roisk and his out for a walk? Or where they scouting?

Harmony bristled at Tiida’s words her frill spines flaring outwards before she scraped them against the branch in a threat display. Need speak polite Tiida one. Watch mouth or stop speech at all. The words had the threat of a command riding on them. Polite and sweet the largest of the queen mandyrs was, but insults to hers where tolerated mildly at best. She of course was free to tease hers but that luxury was hers alone. Oh Harmony loved her subjects but she did demand obedience and that extended to all. Except of course her dam who she disliked on principal alone. Hadn’t love her from birth and even had the nerve to insult her just out of the shell. Only her Mori had loved her. False mother Dementia was. Digging her talons into the bark Harmony made her way up the tree to where hers was now perched. Clambering to a branch just slightly higher then him she crooned down. Have company now. Tiida’s. The words privately spoken where factual in tone. Hers needed more interaction yes. Friends where good things to have.

Looking up at his gold and then grinning Darmori nodded before answering Roivao. “Hey Roi! Up here. Be down in a sec.” If he could get those shard blasted kiwis that was. Stretching forward again he squinted his eyes as they locked on the prize hanging just out of reach. “I’m um trying to get some kiwis. Harmony just started eating again so I thought I could tempt her with these.” The large gold gave a trill. Already said no want hairy fruit. Insist he does. Mori like hairy fruit. Not see why. Chuckling the bronze handler reached just a little further and finally was able to curl some fingers around the vine. Ah! Success! Finally! “You want any Roi? Plenty up here and I don’t find sharing.” Easing back toward the trunk and dragging the vine with him he grinned. “Have you ever eaten a kiwi?”

[Rowana]

Roisk watched the young man in the tree with concerned interest. He didn't seem to be falling. Well, if Darmosk wasn't too worried, he supposed it was alright. These young humans really aught to pick safer pastimes in his opinion. The solid ground was where ones feet belong, not climbing about like monkeys. The air was the domain of fire lizards and dragons. Roisk settled onto the ground, letting Darmosk lean on him willingly. It was good to have company. No, they were just out walking, he explained. Roivao had been more moody of late and it was worrisome.

Tiida balanced on Roivao's shoulder and spread her large wings. She frilled, curling gracefully around her human's neck before she answer. Queen Harmony might be, but Tiida didn't really care. Darmori was off limits, she could handle that, but she hadn't talked to another of her kind in some time and she wasn't about to stop now. Tiida very polite, she answer sweetly. Always talk pretty. Whether she meant the things she said or not was another story. Shiny queen need lessons? she suggested with a purr. Roivao batted his salamandyr on the nose. "Shush," he told her softly. "Don't start. She's bigger than you." He wasn't in the mood to deal with an fight between them just then. Tiida older, the green pointed out hotly, only to him. Roi shook his head. "I don't think that counts for much."

Roi looked back up at Darmori and ventured a wave in reply. His frown deepened at the others attempts to reach the fruit. That did not look safe. "Hello...um...are you sure that's safe?" He held his breath for a second, sure he'd see Darmori fall. Instead it looked like he'd finally gotten the vine. Good, Roi relaxed a little, though he'd feel better once the boy was back on solid ground. Why Precious never tempt Tiida? the green asked in a sulky tone. It didn't seem fair. "I did," Roi pointed out, remembering what happened after Misfit died. "You wouldn't touch anything." Precious try harder? Tiida asked hopefully. Roivao shrugged, choosing to answer Darmori's question first. "I haven't," he admitted.

[Rei]

Darmosk yawned and flopped down next to the older bronze. Laying his head on the other male's back, his tail tip twitched once before he half lidded his eyes in contentment. Walks where nice. Darmori often went on them. Perhaps they could start walking together? It was always more fun with family along. He could even show the other wher their vale of pretty moon flowers. Problem was they where not really in season anymore so there where not many left. But this summer surely they could go see them. His did not mind sharing and there where moths there! Many moths. All different moths. Tekivisk liked them so surely Roisk would to. Sure in this knowledge Darmosk rumbled happily his head turning so he could watch his as he lazed about with the other bronze. His should come down and be friendly. Wasn’t it bad manners to stay in the tree?

Harmony puffed up at Tiida’s words, a low and threatening hiss exiting her mouth before Darmori mentally soothed her. Easy Mony. I’m sure she doesn’t mean it. Hopefully anyway. The bronze handler had no desire to have to go about prying the small green out of his mandyr’s mouth. Harmony had lost a considerable amount of weight in the time Imp had been missing. Having just started actually eating her weight would take awhile to catch up and the teen didn’t want her any more stressed than she had been recently. Force feeding her had been an ordeal and if not for the help he’d received from the dragonhealers Harmony might have died weeks ago. Thankfully she was better now. Darmori could only hope that her next run wouldn’t meet with such catastrophe. Had Imp and her been together any longer his gold would certainly have died. As it was he was not looking forward to having to go through that ever again. All in all no fighting would be preferable so he was praying the two came to some sort of agreement. Harmony narrowed her eyes at the green and frilled out her spines again. Still she obeyed Darmori remaining quiet for now. Still there was no way the gold was going to let one of her subjects belittle her. For now she would just keep a careful eye on Tiida. The smaller mandyr had better behave herself.

Darmori slowly reeled the vine in and examined the fruit dangling from it. Perfect. They where even ripe enough to eat. Awesome. Taking off his shirt he fashioned a type of sack out of it and plucked quite a few of the fruits before releasing the vine and letting it swing back into place. Now to clamber back down. The blonde carefully plotted out his descent before whistling to Harmony who carefully leapt to his shoulder, claws curled inwards, and wrapped her long tail about his throat. As he made his way expertly down the large jungle tree the bronze handler spoke to Roivao. “Sure it’s safe. I’ve been climbing these things my entire life. Practically lived in them when I was younger. Only way I could hide from some of the creche bullies.” Swinging onto a lower branch he dropped to the ground in front of the other handler. Straightening up Darmori shot the older man a grin. “Never? Man have you been missing out! They are awesome. Addictive to. I could eat tons of these things but I’m sure that wouldn’t be too healthy.”

Reaching into the shirt he pulled out one of the so called hairy fruits and tossed it to Roivao, assuming the other would catch it. Pulling out another he offered it to Harmony wiggling it in front of her nose. “You know you want to try it~” Bleck! No want have hairball. Laughing Darmori shrugged and set the shirt full of fruit down before digging in his pockets for his small knife. “You can eat the skin but yeah it’s kinda unpleasant. Peeling it is a lot better. Go on try it.” Setting to work on his own fruit the handler unpeeled a slice and popped it into his mouth closing his eyes afterwards. “Mmmm missing out Mony.” Shifting the gold eyed the greenish fruit with distrust. Think not.

[Rowana]

Roisk leaned forward to put his head on his crossed legs, a position that made him look a bit like a feline. Walks were nice, he agreed. Roivao wasn't always fond of company, but Roisk was always of the opinion that the man needed to make more friends. Maybe walking with Darmosk and His would be good for them. Moon flowers were lovely and he was willing enough to see them. A pity they couldn't go now. Perhaps spending time with Roi would teach Darmosk's not to climb trees so recklessly. It seemed a bit far to go for such tiny fruits.

Tiida, for her part, had decided to ignore Harmony now. She hopped to the top of Roivao's head to get a better look at the hairy fruit that Darmori was picking. Was it tasty? Just because that silly gold didn't want any didn't mean it wasn't good. Roivao let out a breath of relief as Darmori returned to the ground. He'd never done much tree climbing, but some of the other weyrbrats had liked to dare each other to climb cliff sides. In some ways, trees were safer. He raised an eyebrow in interest at the fruit. They certainly sounded good. He had to admit, for all the time he'd been here, he hadn't ventured much into the more exotic southern fair.

Automatically, Roi caught the fruit, surprised at the rough feel of it. He eyed it suspiciously. The skin was like hairy leather. He wrinkled his nose in distaste. It didn't look delicious. He glanced up as realization dawned. "Oh," he gave a weak laugh and pulled out a small knife. Carefully, he skined the fruit, getting his hand sticky in the process. It was a lot juicer that he'd thought. Tiida leaned in closer in interest. Tiida try? she asked hopefully. "Sure." Roi passed her a sliver, while cutting a slice for himself. Delicious not! Tiida declared loudly a second later. She hated to agree with Harmony, but that was too strong.

Roi, on the other hand, found the fruit surprisingly good. His eyes widened and he cut a second piece. It was tangier than he'd thought and much stronger than the taste of northern fruit. "This is good!" he agreed.

[Rei]

His tail wagging slightly at the tip Darmosk listened intently to Roisk’s every word. Such a smart bronze he was. Shifting his head again to make himself more comfortable the younger bronze watched the riders as he replied to the other wher. Oh yes. It would be good for both of them. They would have to make them walk together. Then once they realized it wasn’t so bad they could do it all the time. Yes that was a good plan. His and Roisk’s would be good friends he was sure. Happy blue eyes watched as Darmori pealed the fruit and tried to get his sister to eat it. Darmosk’s maw slightly parted in what was clearly an amused smile as Harmony turned up her nose at the offer.

Turning his attention back to Roisk he gave a small whine. Yes it was really too bad the flowers died in the winter. They always came back but he missed them when they left. It was getting on towards fall now. It really was shame. A soft amused rumble rumbled from Darmosk’s chest at the last comment the older wher voiced. Oh his climbed things all the time. He was good at it. Darmosk wasn’t too worried. But yes. It was perhaps a big risk for such small things he allowed. But they where supposedly tasty? Not that the bronze himself had ever tried one.

Darmori watched as Roivao caught the fruit. He held back a laugh at the other handler’s first reaction. Yeah they didn’t look the best it was true. But they where amazing. He stood by that still. Harmony was watching Tiida with interest. She defiantly wasn’t going to try it herself. It just smelled funny. But if the silly little green wanted to be her guinea pig that was fine with her. Tail coiling about her bonded’s neck the gold titled her head as the smaller mandyr took a small bite and immediately rejected the fruit. There see! She knew they where gross. The large mandyr gave a dignified snort. Told you was yuck. The teen laughed. “Guess mandyrs just can’t appreciate it like we can eh?” Smiling he popped another slice in his mouth and nodded empathetically to the other bronze hander as he declared they where good. “Told you so. They are my favorites. Sometimes they can be hard to find though. I saw this vine a few month’s ago and marked the place so I wouldn’t forget to check it. Glad I remembered.”

Looking back at his shirt Darmori gave sheepish smile. “I found quite a few vines this time actually. I guess I should give some of the fruits to the Main Hall staff. I can’t possibly eat them all but I really, really wish I could.” Giving another chuckle he grinned. “Then again if I share them with you we might between the two of us be able to selfishly hog em all.” His tone made clear that he was just teasing but it was a good thought. “Actually if you wanted to you could help me pick em? I can only carry so many but I was thinking of fashioning baskets for Darmosk to carry. You and Roisk could help out if you wanted?” The handler rubbed the back of his head. “Not that I think the Wastelanders actually deserve them at all but at least it would be something unique for the dining hall?”

[Rowana]

Indeed, Roisk agreed with a happy curl of his tail. His needed more friends. Avoiding people was lonely and sad, even if Roivao was afraid of losing people. Darmosk would be a big help if he could get His to come on walks. When spring came, they could enjoy many flowers. Darmosk would have to show him some good spots. It seemed odd to do something so dangerous for little fruits, though. He hoped they really were tasty. They had to be something to risk ones neck for.

Tiida ignored Harmony. She hadn't even tried one, so that obvious made Tiida braver than the gold. Not delicious, she repeated with a wistful sigh. She coiled her tail and turned up her nose. Then she circled closer to lick Roivao's ear. Precious find delicious for Tiida? she asked with a purr. "Hmm?" Roi was busy putting another slice in his mouth. "If you like." He wasn't sure what the salamandyr would like, but he could probably manage that when he got back.

In the meantime, Roi nodded to Darmori. "I'm glad you did," he agreed. These kiwis really were much better than they looked. Whoever had thought to try eating one in the first place must have been a genius. Or else they hadn't been afraid of possibly being poisoned. "I'm sure everyone would like them," he added thoughtfully. Maybe it might even lighten up a few tense meals. He chuckled softly. "Though, I'll admit I'm having greedy thoughts myself. Here, we'll help." He patted Roisk's shoulder and he grumbled in agreement. Fruit didn't interest him, but he did like helping.

[Rei]

Darmosk grinned. Oh yes he would show him all the best spots. Most definitely. Looking over at the two handlers he tilted his head. It was a lot of work and risk for such small things he agreed. There had to be an easier way to collect them. One that didn’t involve trees and possible broken things. He looked over at his bonded then, watching the handler munch on the fruit. Perhaps Roisk was right and it was silly to climb to such heights just to obtain some small food. But the risk made the food taste better according to his. The bronze could relate to that a little the food that fought back always tasted better than the food that just gave up. It was odd that that was how things worked.

Bouncing a little on his feet Darmori grinned at Roivao. He didn’t really see why the man avoided them all at times. There was something about him once having a dragon and losing it. The blonde guessed he could see why that would make the other handler a bit odd. Most people who lost dragons died didn’t they. The teen couldn’t even begin to imagine losing Harmony or Darmosk. So although he couldn’t really actually sympathize with Roi he did feel sorry for him. That he was actually speaking and seemed a little cheerful though Darmori was glad for. He liked the other bronze handler. Maybe the older man would lighten up a bit who knew? That would be good. The younger bronze handler liked everyone but even so he only had a handful of actual friends. Okay maybe just Vix in reality. So if he could make Roivao a friend that would be great.

Giving a big grin to his comrade in the acquiring of the kiwis Darmori clapped his now empty hands together. “Great! We can be a kiwi picking team. Now all we need is something to put them in. I think the Main Hall has some baskets maybe. If we could get some leather straps we could maybe make some harnesses for Roisk and Darmosk.” Tapping his chin he considered. “That would mean though that it will be up to me or you to climb the tree. The other person will have to catch the fruit. Or we could take the baskets up into the trees themselves. Hmm what do you think?” Roivao was older. Maybe he would have a better idea.

[Rowana]

Roisk barked in laughter. It was true that food that was hard to get was tastier. He'd never thought of it in terms of humans before. Maybe they weren't so different from whers. Even so, it wasn't like the fruit fought back. A safer plan might be nice. He rumbled with amusement at the thought. The humans probably would do the unsafe way anyway, just for the fun of it! They were silly like that.

Roivao smiled back weakly. Darmori's enthusiasm was infectious, even if it was a little scary too. Still, fruit picking was a nice, honest occupation. It might be good to do something so innocent for a while. "Baskets sound good," he agreed with a nod. He scratched his head. It would be safer if they didn't have to climb trees, but he wasn't sure if there was another way. "I think I'll leave the climbing the trees to you," he admitted ruefully. "Just don't break your neck."

[Rei]

Joining in on the laughter Darmosk then crooned. Yes! Humans could be much like whers sometimes. As much as they tried to be all dignified and such silly things. In the end they where very similar. Or so the young bronze thought anyway. Silly fit them to. A safer plan could be worked out but he was willing ot bet that his hander at least would prefer to climb to fetch the fruits. Although whether that was because the added danger factor made it fun or whether that was the only way Darmori knew to get them was up for debate. Could go either way really.

“Baskets it is then!” The younger bronze handler announced with another grin. “Then to the Main hall! And from there conquest of the kiwis!” Another smile, this one of amusement. He hadn’t really expected that Roivao would want to climb but none the less he offered in case. “I don’t mind being the monkey. Hope you have a good eye caught I’m terrible at tossing.” Well not that terrible really, but he tended to drop things at a speed people found hard to keep up with. Then again that person was always Darmosk so maybe someone with thumbs would do a better job. Yeah…more than likely they would do a better job. But the bronze tried and that was all that mattered in the end. “Come on Roi!” The teen called over his shoulder as he started for the main hall and gave a whistle to Darmosk.

Rocking to his feet the young bronze nudged Roisk and then trotted forward. Come on to the main hall! Last one their was a rotten egg? With a howl of excitement the large wher bounded forward and charged down the path to the Main hall Darmori grinning and picking up his pace to trot behind him. Almost as an after thought he tossed over his shoulder. ‘Hurry up you guys! Kiwi’s wait for no man!” So sue him. Darmori was having fun with this, and if he could pull Roi into the adventure then all the better.