I missed you so…. (Tags T’rid)

[Rei]

Ebolath started a steady circle down to Blossom hold. I find it amusing that you decided to follow him. You miss him that much? He hasn’t even been gone more than a few days. From the green's amused tone it was obvious she was teasing. I don’t care. I don’t want to stick around for Hepaticath’s flight anyway. Raylin replied. Upon waking she had a desire to visit T’rid that she just couldn’t ignore. He surely wouldn’t mind seeing her right? It hadn't taken long to convince Ebolath. Afterall Ebolath was more than strong enough to make the straight flight.

Ebolath rumbled as she back winged to land close to the lake. Reaching for Corinth’s mind she found it without to much trouble. Corinth? How are you and yours? Mine demanded we come see you both. I do hope you are both well. You should tell yours that, mine hasn’t been sleeping again. Raylin smacked her dragon’s neck. “Tattletale.” The green turned and fixed hers with a sharp look before lightly touching her tongue to her bonded’s face affectionately. I love you to Rayminelove. Plus T'rid told me to tell. Raylin snorted dryly. "Your my dragon Ebolath." Craning her neck the green searched the beach.

Corinth where are you? Surely it couldn’t be that hard for a bronze to hide. Perhaps he wasn’t by the lake? Or maybe she was just overlooking him. Raylin fidgeted in her seat on Ebolath. “Would you let me down now? We’ve been flying for hours. I’m stiff.” Crooning apologetically Ebolath flopped down on the ground and practically flattened herself to allow hers an absurdly easy dismount. Raylin rolled her eyes. “Ebolath I’m not an invalid.” She remarked as she slid off her beast’s neck.

Ebolath raised her head and gently nuzzled hers in the midsection. Batting her dragon’s nose away Raylin fixed her with an exasperated look. “Seriously love I’m not going to break.” Arrogance chipped reprovingly from Raylin’s shoulder. He didn’t bite her however. Solely for the fact that Ebolath had promised she would no longer let hisslave oil him if he did so. Leaping off her shoulder he circled above, checking out the beach. Wherever they where, he would no doubt find something to amuse himself. The weyrling watched her pet for a minute and then turned back to Ebolath to unhook her riding straps. “Might as well make you comfortable love.”

[Avu]

The wherry had time for one warning shriek that was cut off halfway before talons buried themselves into the wild creature’s sides, a triangular muzzle dipping down neatly to cut the spinal cord. Death was instantaneous and relatively painless as Corinth twisted to avoid running into the trees on the other side of the clearing, the bronze actually twirling midair before he came down to land neatly next to T’rid, who was watching him from the shade of one of the trees in question. The bronzerider smiled as Conspiracy’s head rose out of his collar, the brown firelizard uttering a questioning trill. Stupid, too, was in his shirt; he could feel the Salamandyr’s heart beating against his stomach, where the dark brown creature was curled up, fast asleep. It was Corinth’s first kill – his first time eating since they’d arrived at Blossom Hold. They’d been welcomed warmly; the Blossom Holders never seemed to have anything against dragonriders, even those skiving off duties, and, to repay for that, T’rid had decided to hunt Corinth out of the Hold; Corinth probably needed the exercise anyway (the bronze had indignantly protested that he was not in dire need of exercise at all, which was true, but that didn’t stop T’rid from commenting on it).

I need exercise, definitely, came the bronze’s smug comment, as he dropped to the ground with his kill and laid the wherry open, the entrails steaming as they spilled over the ground – but only for an instant, for, next instant, the small bronze leaned forward to snap them up hungrily; blood stained his muzzle as he pushed his nose into the opened stomach of the wherry, seeking the most delicate pieces, his tongue forking out to drink the warm blood; the dragon crooned his contentment, eyes whirling rapidly. He was a very light eater, but he could probably, T’rid mused, watching him in amused disinterest, take down two more wherries before he finished for the next sevenday or so…and by that time, no doubt Hepaticath would have already Risen and been Caught. They’d probably be back at the Weyr in three or four days, actually. He was pretty sure that at least one of the bronzes had already blooded when they’d left the Weyr.

And then – Corinth’s head came up, eyes focusing intently on something that T’rid could not see, and, very softly, the bronze spoke to him, almost wonderingly: Ebolath…? T’rid blinked, and then pushed himself off a tree to make his way to Corinth’s side, jumping over the wherry and managing not to slip in the blood that soaked the grass below his feet as he shaded his eyes with one hand, squinting up at the sky. A green dragon – no doubt she couldn’t see them, but Corinth could very much see her, and T’rid could, too, though not as clearly. The bronzerider turned towards Corinth questioningly, one eyebrow rising, and then Corinth left his kill abruptly, taking two steps to the side and wiping claws and muzzle on the grass before he huffed quietly at T’rid, bowing his neck. Up, he stated, and T’rid, obedient for once, mounted the bronze, rubbing bare feet against Corinth’s shoulder absently. Ebolath says that Hers wanted to see you, and that Hers has not been sleeping well.

He rumbled in amusement at T’rid’s response before he launched himself neatly into the air, striking out towards the lake – towards Ebolath. Fair skies, Ebolath. Mine and I are doing very well indeed – and Mine is happy to see you, but he says that once we return to the Weyr, he is going to sedate her and/or tie her to her bed. Oh, yes; there was something very deliberately suggestive about that, but the bronze left that inflection out of his tone – he rather doubted Ebolath or Raylin would understand it anyway. We saw you land; we come. Just out of the forest, he blinked between, and reappeared just above Ebolath, circling in to land as he crooned pleasantly at both green and Rider. Mine was hunting me out, he explained. He did not want the Hold to have to support my ‘insatiable appetite’. He exaggerates. As he finished, the bronze landed neatly next to Ebolath, and dropped his neck to let T’rid drop to his feet before he moved to the side that Raylin was not on and sprawled down next to Ebolath, crooning as he draped his neck over her back.

There was still blood on the bottom of his foot. Ew. T’rid rubbed his foot awkwardly in the sand for a moment before he tilted his head and smiled at Raylin, and then, moving behind her, plopped his chin down on her shoulder, winding his arms around her waist as he spoke into her ear. “You, my dear greenrider, are asking to get yourself killed. Didn’t I say Ebolath would tell me if you weren’t sleeping? Ebolath, Ebolaaaath, thanks – do you have a preference to how I sedate her, or do you think I could just ask one of the Healers? I bet they’d help me…”

[Rei]

Raylin had just removed her flight straps, and Ebolath pranced in place churning up the sand as Corinth landed. Her eyes whirling in intense azures, she crooned happily. Raymine ~ Corinth says when we return T’rid plans on sedating you. Or tying you to your bed. Whichever comes first. He does, does he? The comment might have been amusing if Raylin was sure T'rid wouldn't actually attempt it. As it was he might.

As Corinth dropped his rider off Ebolath settled and stopped her prancing, although her tail tip still swished back and forth. Oh what did you catch? I hope you finished feeding. I would hate to have interrupted your meal. She said with a bit of worry. As the bronze draped his neck over her back, the young green swung her head around to nuzzle her bronze friend affectionately. I hope you do not mind the company. It is much warmer here than at home currently. The nights have been almost frosty there. Ebolath rubbed her head against Corinth’s. Mine was wishing yours was around to snuggle with, but he wasn’t. She has missed him. This morning she was insistent that we visit. Raylin rolled her eyes at her dragon before turning to catch T’rid’s smile.

Giving a return smile of her own, the green rider leaned back against T’rid. Bringing her arms up to encircle his, she locked him in place. “You my dear bronze rider have been sorely missed.” She said softly, almost caressingly. Leaning her head against T’rid’s, Raylin wiggled back into him, careful not to crush the pets he had hidden in his shirt. “I am not asking to get myself killed. I have been cold and uncomfortable. I can’t sleep when I am worried about things, you know that.” The weyrling explained rubbing T’rid’s arms. Ok so it wasn’t the total truth, she had been wracked with insomnia. However, not all of it was due to her mind running rampant in the quiet of her weyr. Exhaustion without the ability to sleep. If it was a pregnancy symptom, it was a horrible one. Maybe she just needed to thoroughly exhaust herself before turning in for the night.

Ebolath snorted dryly at her bonded and crooned at T’rid. I am not sure how you go about sedating a human. She tilted her head and fixed him with an undeniably curious gaze. Perhaps if you explain it to me I would have a better answer for you. The green flicked her tail tip in punctuation. The broadcast was given to all of them and Raylin shook her head as the green's voice trailed off. “He is being silly Ebolath.” Pulling slightly away from T’rid the green rider turned to face him. “You wouldn’t sedate me would you?” She pouted and stood on tiptoes to kiss the tip of the bronze rider’s nose, pulling away playfully, before he could react. Was she being deliberately teasing? Perhaps.

Ebolath flopped down on the sand and fixed the riders with a amused gaze before turning to lick Corinth‘s muzzle. The sand is very warm here. Have you gone swimming yet? The green swung her head out to look at the sparkling water. Raymine says there are dolphins here. I have never met a dolphin. Rolling slightly to her side she wriggled against the warm sand. Oh this beach was so nice. It didn’t have the salty ocean wind with it’s stinging sand. Rumbling in bliss, the young green concentrated on warming herself. I think I like this place. Raylin turned to Ebolath and smiled warmly. “You would darling. It is a very nice place isn’t it? Especially if you can sun and swim without being disturbed.” Whatever else could a dragon want? Ebolath returned coyly, bringing up one forefoot to paw gently at Corinth. You should lay with me. The sand is very comfortable.

Turning back to her bronze rider, Raylin stepped forward to wrap her arms around T’rid’s waist again. “So how long are you going to hide here?” Bringing up one hand she wormed it under his shirt to rub his back. “Where have you been staying? Not on the beach surely?” Suddenly the desire to just touch him was totally unbearable. Her mind worked in less than innocent ways and Raylin blushed, dropping her head to rest it against T’rid’s chest. He smelled nice. A combination of Corinth and something else. Whatever it was it suited him.

[Avu]

Ebolath’s enthusiasm made Corinth’s eyes whirl in amusement as well, the bronze crooning quietly. He was just as pleased to see her as she was him, though the bronze did have some sense of dignity – he wasn’t going to show it as much, though the bright cyan shades that dominated his gaze were proof positive of his delight at the green’s arrival. Ebolath was his favorite female, she was. Humming pleasantly, he flicked his tail, and then nuzzled her slightly at her question. Oh – was she worried? She oughtn’t to be: Corinth always ate lightly; his stomach wasn’t used to receiving large meals – he could finish eating later, and it wasn’t like he was desperately hungry. I didn’t finish, but it’s okay, he assured her, his tongue flicking out to touch her shoulder affectionately. If you’re hungry, I can show you where we can hunt – I’m not extremely hungry to begin with, and you’re much better company than Mine is. The statement was a mixture of a compliment and teasing, the latter directed more at His than at Ebolath. I’ve only taken down one wherry, so far, though, the bronze added.

As the green went on, Corinth dropped his head contentedly against her shoulders, rubbing his head up along her spine thoughtfully. Frosty, had it been…? T’rid said it was probably much, much colder up North; the idea of it being so cold – almost bewildered Corinth, to whom the coldest temperatures had been relatively warm, considering that he’d never actually gone North. I’m very sorry Yours has been cold. Hepaticath has chosen a rather inconvenient time to Rise, apparently, was the bronze’s amused comment. He had nothing against Hepaticath – would have Chased her – but the idea of having rank and a baby to take care of at the same time had made T’rid throw up out of sheer anxiety, and Corinth had agreed to leave as soon as Hepaticath showed signs of imminent Rising; he didn’t want His to dread the hatchling’s arrival because he had no time for it.

T’rid hadn’t expected Raylin to…basically hold his arms in place, but he wasn’t complaining, either. Her words made him tilt his head slightly to one side, his chin still planted on her shoulder, and one eyebrow quirked upwards in amusement. Missed? He’d been gone for…what, three days now…? Raylin’s excuses for not being able to sleep, however, had his other eyebrow joining the first, his mouth pulling disapprovingly to one side. “Hence the sedation,” he pointed out, ignoring Conspiracy as the firelizard poked his head out of his collar, fluting curiously at Raylin. “You should’ve gone to the headwoman and asked to borrow furs or something – or you could have taken mine; I wouldn’t mind as long as you told me about it so I didn’t think someone had randomly decided to go around depriving people of furs…” She could also have slept on his bed: He thought his bed was comfortable – it was definitely extremely soft, and, having grown up in the South, he piled furs on when it got colder.

Ebolath’s answer to him made T’rid actually bounce thoughtfully, and he glanced slyly at Raylin before he spoke. “You can sedate humans by way of herbs,” he explained. “Needlethorn can be used for injections if she flails around,” he added, smirking slightly. “It won’t hurt – but some plants make humans go to sleep. No dreams, so there won’t be any nightmares, and we can choose how long she sleeps, too, by the dosage.” He nodded seriously at the green, ignoring Raylin for the moment. “We can ask a Healer, too, to make sure it won’t hurt her or the baby. And yes, I would sedate you. I’d rather sedate you than see you looking like you haven’t slept in months on end,” he added, switching to addressing Raylin without so much as a pause for breath, though he crinkled his nose as kissed the tip of said feature. “I bet Ebolath would help me sedate you; nobody likes a sleep-deprived Rider, so Corinth has informed me…”

Rumbling in amusement, Corinth bowed his head, letting Ebolath talk. Her questions and comments – swimming, dolphins – made him lower his head to nuzzle the green slightly as she lay down, and he obediently sprawled out farther on the Sands. Much like a feline, Corinth could take up a lot of space when he wanted to, and for the moment, he stretched himself full-length. I’ve been swimming, yes. Mine has been too, and the undercurrent of smug deviousness made it clear that T’rid had not wanted a swim at the time. I’ve been sleeping on the beach, though; it’s /very/ warm here…and yes. There are dolphins here. Mine has seen them – he says he met a dolphineer. Dolphins can, apparently, talk to humans. Not like we do, but they can… He couldn’t comprehend how, but they did, apparently. They can also tell what hatchlings are – female or male. If Yours wants to know, she could probably ask and they would tell her.

T’rid tilted his head to one side, smirking slightly as Raylin came back, wrapping her arms around his waist; her touch on his back made him tilt his head farther, though her questions made him smirk slightly. “I’m planning on hiding here until Hepaticath decides to Rise, and no. Blossom Hold has rooms.” He quirked one eyebrow curiously at the greenrider, and added absently, “Corinth’s been sleeping on the beach, though – as he’s apparently just told Ebolath. Hnn. How long were you planning to stay? – straight flight’s far too long for you just to stay an hour – were you and Ebolath planning on staying, too?”

[Rei]

Actually I wouldn’t mind a meal. Ebolath replied rolling over to face Corinth. After we sun I would be glad to join you hunting. Straight flight is more tiring than I thought. It wasn’t bad but I would enjoy resting my wings for a bit. Rumbling thoughtfully, she leaned into the bronze’s caresses happily. What besides wherrie is on the menu? I am not picky, just curious. Indeed Ebolath was all for trying out new food sources. The comment about her bonded had the green crooning thoughtfully. Raymine is ok, but thank you very much for your concern. I will have to make her collect more blankets. Corinth's comment about Hepaticath was thought about carefully before Ebolath replied. The green was not sure if the bronze was disappointed that he could not not give chase. Hepaticath has indeed picked a unique time to rise. I wonder who will catch her? Ebolath turned her head towards T’rid as the rider began speaking about hers.

Raylin frowned as T‘rid went on about “borrowing”. “I don’t want to take things from you without asking and I couldn’t ask with you and Corinth gone. I didn’t want to bother you, in case you wanted to be left alone for a bit. As for asking the Headwoman, I wasn’t aware I could do that.” She paused before commenting. “Note to self.” The green rider scowled as the bronze rider continued to speak to her dragon about sedating her. No way was she going to allow that, if she could prevent it. Raylin would just have to outwit him if push came to shove. If Ebolath helped however, that might prove to be problematic hmmm. Bribery might or might not work where Ebolath was concerned. The green was very concerned about her physical state lately. In fact Ebolath fussed over Raylin more than anyone, intentionally keeping her bonded from physical exertion whenever she could. She was worse than a broody queen. Especially now that she had somehow got Arrogance on board. The little blue demon delighted in tattling on Raylin. Whatever Ebolath was bribing him with it was working.

Ebolath listened carefully to T’rid and when he finished she rumbled. It sounds complicated. However I trust you. I know you would never to anything to harm mine or our hatchling. If we need a healer I am sure Checkoth’s would be willing to help. Or Hepaticath’s. She would be more than willing to help as well. Hepaticath’s likes mine she does. The green flicked her tail and craned her neck before rumbling and speaking to only T’rid. I would help if you if you thought it necessary. However I would prefer if you try to persuade her first. I agree with Corinth I do not like it at all when mine is sleep deprived and fussy. Turning back to Corinth she nuzzle him gently.

With Ebolath’s attention back on Corinth, Raylin defaulted to redirecting T’rid’s thoughts away from sedation. “I’m planning to stay as long as you’ll let me.” Moving her hand up the green rider trailed it slowly down his back lingering at his waistline. At the same time she hooked her leg in T'rid's and pressed herself up against him shamelessly. (Still aware of Stupid, she intentionally avoided where the mandyr was located). All her reservations where off for now, Raylin wanted the bronze rider. Whether it was hormone related or not, she didn’t care at the moment. Surely T'rid wouldn’t complain either. If he did, she would just claim it was payback for his jumping her after Calistoth’s flight. Removing her hand from his hip Raylin wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him demandingly. Tangling her hand in T'rid's hair she broke off for a moment to kiss down his jaw line. “I’m thinking we could find plenty to do to keep us busy.” Raylin purred breathlessly. “Unless you aren’t interested?” The last line was stuck on quickly and a small bit of a catch was noticeable in her tone. What if he didn’t want her? Perhaps her fears had no base, but they where there nonetheless.

Oh yours has been swimming? How far did you throw him this time? Ebolath rumbled in amusement, sprawling out so she was partially draped over Corinth. Dolphineer? The young green said the word carefully, mulling over it. Is that like a dolphin rider of sorts? I was not aware that dolphin’s could speak. That is interesting I suppose. The comment about the hatchling drew an amused rumble from Ebolath. I am afraid mine is too busy trying to fly yours at the moment to worry about the hatchling’s gender. I never asked her what she would prefer, but I suppose it would be rude to interrupt her now. She seems quite busy. Switching gears she crooned to Corinth. What are you hoping for? I am not sure which gender I want. Both would be nice. I suppose I do not care either way as long as it is healthy.

[Avu]

Mm, yes. Sunning was important. Corinth crooned pleasantly in response; according to T’rid, Corinth spent ridiculous amounts of time sunning – clearly it meant he was lazy. The bronze (in a nice, lazy tone) resented this – but he did spend much time sunning, and he wasn’t complaining about another half-candlemark or so. Straight flight, though – how long was it from Selenitas to Blossom Hold? Corinth rumbled thoughtfully – but he didn’t know. He’d never flown straight once T’rid had gotten the coordinates, and he always did have the coordinates; the watchdragon at Blossom always provided accurate ones. It probably was tiring, though, for Ebolath; greens were not known for their stamina. If you would like herdbeast, the Hold does have those, and we did not go very far, but I’m sure we could find other things, the bronze said thoughtfully. We could probably also find wild runners. It depends, I suppose, on how far you’re willing to fly. He decided not to mention the fact that if she was tired, they’d probably be better off with Hold herdbeasts; he’d rather pick two out of the herds than exhaust Ebolath.

Another low croon at the green’s words, and Corinth twitched his tail slightly as he nuzzled Ebolath. She and Ciceroth /are/ weyrmates, he pointed out. It seemed reasonable to assume she would favor him – even if she didn’t end up picking him. Wingleading bronzes seem to have a better chance at catching queens, he added, thinking ‘out loud’ to Ebolath. Millieth will have taken Gareth away, and I am not there – so Ciceroth is the most likely, though there are other bronzes…Jaymith, and Idith. Salenth. If they’re interested, anyway. He yawned, shrugging one shoulder lazily. He wasn’t disappointed, and it was clear in the thoughtful, impersonal tones of his voice as he considered the idea of Hepaticath’s Flight. He was a little lusty, true; the last he’d Caught was Aslath – but he rather preferred greens in any case. They weren’t…arrogant, demanding, and they didn’t treat His like dirt, like Aslath and Hers had – he didn’t mind if people didn’t like T’rid, but when the Senior queen and her Rider made it blatantly obvious that T’rid was worth nothing, Corinth took that to mean he, too, was inferior, worthless – and he didn’t like feeling that way.

T’rid smirked widely, his attention focused on Ebolath. As the green more or less gave her permission to drug Raylin into unconsciousness, he bowed to the green, seriously nodding at her as Stupid stirred – and then woke, the brown Salamandyr squirming up his shirt to peer at Ebolath. With a squeal of blatant delight and surprise, the brown leapt out of T’rid’s shirt, skittering across the sand with Conspiracy fretting after him, the firelizard following Stupid nervously, till he could rub his entire body against Ebolath, not at all put off by the fact that Corinth was clearly curled around said green. Love ‘lath, Minelove petlath’s, the brown proclaimed, sleepily flopping onto the Sand – Conspiracy flopped down right next to him, clearly determined to protect the somewhat insane creature should he be…spontaneously buried by sand, or something of the like. Silly Salamandyr…

Any other time, he might have thanked Conspiracy. At the moment? T’rid was distracted, and he was not complaining, either. Raylin was being…very distracting. Some impersonal part of him recognized it as probably a reaction to pregnancy, but – that was okay. Both hands slid around the greenrider’s waist, sliding up the hem of her shirt; T’rid ignored Corinth’s low croon of amusement as Raylin kissed him – very demandingly. It was almost surprising; so much for her being a prude…? But he responded nonetheless, kissing her back. As she pulled away, speaking for a moment, the bronze rider closed one eye, tilting his head at her playfully for a moment. Did she really – not interested? Oh, definitely. (It should be noted that he was being sarcastic.) Quirking one eyebrow, he smiled before he leaned down, pressing his cheek against the side of her neck as he kissed her shoulder – which put his mouth nice and close to her ear for the words that followed: “I could show you better than I can tell you…”

Corinth rumbled quietly, the sound muted as he rolled over, deliberately placing himself between T’rid and Raylin and the Hold in general, Ebolath’s draping herself over him made the bronze croon again, reaching up to nuzzle her affectionately. About one and a half dragonlengths, the bronze said cheerfully. You should have heard him shriek. He taught some of the Holdbrats very nasty words, I’m afraid… The quiver of laughter made it clear that he was not at all abashed by this; the Holdbrats in question had adored Corinth – they’d crawled all over the bronze. They do not Ride dolphins. I’m afraid I’m not actually certain what they do. Dolphins know the sea better than humans though, do. We will mention it to Yours later, perhaps, once they have finished Flying? he added. He kind of wanted to know…His wanted to know, too, though he wouldn’t say it. You have absolutely no preference? Corinth added curiously, flicking his tail. I would very much like a girl, though I’m not adverse to a boy, either…I think Mine would prefer a girl as well. Oops… he added, stretching with a false casualness and extending both wings to shield their errant Riders.


--fade?--

[Rei]

((Fade in <3))

Raylin awoke with a start. It took her a moment to remember where exactly she was and why exactly she was there. Shifting her body, she was amused to find she was completely tangled with T’rid. Smiling she kissed his forehead. For the moment the green rider was content to just be. Closing her eyes she sighed, the sound happily content. The weyrling had no desire to wake T’rid, unless she had to, and so she stayed almost absolutely still. If she moved a bit closer for the warmth his body afforded who would blame her? All in all she was happy. Extremely so. Actions spoke louder than words after all, and this time T'rid had not been consumed in run lust. It had just been them and it had been just as nice, if not more so. Propping herself up on one elbow, Raylin refocused her attention on the bronze rider. “T’rid? Are you awake?” The words where whispered as she brushed his hair back from his face. His breathing was steady and even, but she was almost positive he was awake. “T’rid?”

As Raylin spoke Ebolath rumbled from her position beside the pair. I thought you would sleep forever. You two are remarkable unobservant when you are involved. Raylin snorted at Ebolath and blushed hotly before carefully untangling herself from T’rid and searching for their missing clothes. So much for taking her time in waking. I am afraid Arrogance stole your socks. The green commented dryly before helpfully dropping their clothes unceremoniously beside the pair. Nuzzling her bonded she kept her wing unfurled as a tent of sorts. Corinth went to look for a good location to hunt. After you are both dressed we will both go hunting. Thanks to your flight I think I am rested enough to hunt for a bit. You two will be ok without us?

The mention of food made Raylin’s stomach growl and she almost laughed. “I am sure we will be fine darling.” Ebolath rumbled. Corinth hasn’t gotten back yet. Stupid is around here somewhere, I think. You have plenty of time to get ready. But I would hurry if I where you. I am afraid I already had to chase some curious holdbrats away. The green rider nodded absently. Note to self no more lovemaking in public places. No matter how good of an idea it seems at the moment.

((Short x.x ))

[Avu]

Note to self: Sand. Not good.

That incredibly intelligent note taken, T’rid squeezed his eyes shut tighter, against the glaring sun, almost subconsciously curling his arms tighter around the greenrider; his. She was moooooving. How cruel of her! “Nnn,” he protested, squirming slightly before he sat upright as Raylin moved, blinking and then glancing quizzically at Ebolath. Only Ebolath…? Where’d Corinth disappear to now…? Yawning and rubbing his eyes, the bronzerider tilted his head sideways, curiously watching as Ebolath dropped…clothes. Right next to them. Clearing his throat, T’rid squinted up at the green for a moment before he grinned at her, rolling onto his knees to pick out his clothes from Raylin’s. He’d come barefoot, so at least he didn’t have to bother with footwear. T’rid blinked for a moment longer, oddly loathe to get dressed. He didn’t usually hop right up and get dressed; T’rid had a habit of waking up, burying his face in his pillow for awhile, and then (very reluctantly) rolling out of his bed and half-entering and half-falling into the bath in the mornings…pity there was no bath right here…

Finally, he stood up, and his first words were not to Raylin, but to Ebolath, even as he hopped into his clothes; as soon as he’d straightened a very wrinkled shirt (with a Conspiracy-shaped patch of smoothness; clearly the brown firelizard had fallen asleep on his shirt at some point), T’rid looked up at Ebolath, stretching before he commented seriously, “I figured out how to make her sleep without sedating her…ouch! Stupid!” The impromptu addition to his comment came accompanied with a sharp yelp as the bronzerider jumped, and then pulled his shirt away from his chest to squint down it. “That is so not my pocket, Stupid,” he informed the occupant sternly. “And I’m going to have to trim your claws – that hurt…”

The Salamandyr trilled indignantly, frilling at him before he clawed his way to T’rid’s shoulder, and then added a sweet croon to Ebolath. Mine ‘lathpet love fin’sh, he informed her (because it definitely wasn’t obvious to begin with) before T’rid crinkled his nose at the Salamandyr and then turned to Raylin, and smiled slightly at the greenrider just as he caught the rumble of her stomach; his nose crinkled again and he placed himself between her and Ebolath’s wing before he gently pushed back the membrane to look around outside. No Corinth. Corinth? he queried, rather unnerved by the bronze’s absence. He couldn’t have – wouldn’t have – gone back to Selenitas for Hepaticath’s Flight; the bronze was reasonable enough to understand that, this time, he actually had a decent reason for not wanting rank – but then, where was he…?

Not all of us can wait on your Flying people, came the bronze’s amused, instant reply. Ebolath and I were both hungry. I just found a wild herd, too. Ebolath, Ebolath – would you like me to bring you back a herdbeast…? The tone of the bronze’s voice made it clear that he thought the herd to be easy, rich pickings; indeed, from the vague image that Corinth deigned to offer him, T’rid had to admit that the wild herdbeasts did look fat. Mine thinks Yours needs to be fed, too, and he needs to be, too. Silly humans; they think /I/ have an insatiable appetite…? I’m not the one who eats thrice a day and sometimes in between, too… The deliberately mocking tone was directed at His, who sniffed quietly before he glanced at Raylin again. Noooobody there. He was pretty sure Corinth had been using his wings as cover of sorts (he’d distinctly remembered a bronze, metallic sky, and Corinth’s croon of amusement when he’d picked up that thought) but – still.

“Are you hungry?” T’rid questioned, abruptly sitting down again and quirking one eyebrow inquisitively at Raylin. If she said no, he’d still make her eat – but he’d rather give her the chance to save her dignity. “I’m upset – Corinth abandoned us…” He tilted his head slightly to one side, the mock petulance in his tone clear before he grinned slightly at Raylin, adding (more seriously), “Are you okay…?”

[Rei]

Raylin got dressed more slowly than T’rid did and when she finished her bronze rider was speaking to Ebolath. The green rider smiled as she caught wind of Ebolath’s intentions. Swinging her head back toward T’rid, Ebolath licked his face affectionately. The green deliberately made sure her tongue was dry however, she remembered that T‘rid hated wet kisses. Did you say something about not having to sedate mine? I suppose that would be preferable. Getting to her feet the green stretched and furled her wing as Corinth spoke. Oh yes mine defiantly does need to eat. Crooning, she continued in a surprised tone when he mentioned bringing her food. You don’t have to bring me food if you don’t want to. If you prefer to though, would you please drop it along the tree line? I am afraid I would put mine off food for awhile If I ate in front of her. She has gotten a bit squeamish since she became egg heavy. Silly thing that she is. A nuzzle was given to her bonded to take any unintentional insult out of the statement. Hers sometimes took things the wrong way do to her frequent mood swings. Prevention was the best cure.

Corinth’s teasing caused Ebolath to rubble in shared amusement. I agree with you. I find it amusing that they think we eat to much. They eat far more in a seven day than we do. Crooning she turned to Stupid. Her whirling blue eyes fixed directly on her little mandyr friend. Yes they are indeed finished flying. Would you like to eat with me little one? I would be glad to share with you. The young green extended her tail tip towards the mandyr in an offer. Ebolath was positive he would accept. Crooning she searched for the little brown cousin as well. Conspiracy? You are welcome to join me as well.

Ignoring her dragon for the moment, in favor of T’rid, Raylin smiled back and half crawled over to him to sit cross-legged directly in front of the bronze rider. “Yes “we” are starving.” She replied gesturing to her midsection before tilting her head at his next comment. Her dark tousled hair fell haphazardly over her shoulder and obscured half of her face. “Why wouldn’t I be ok? The green rider replied with a soft snort. “I’m extremely content. Aren’t you? Besides you where more than gentle enough and I don’t think you are capable of hurting me.” Leaning forward Raylin kissed him softly and when she pulled back it was hesitant.

The green rider winked, before responding to T’rid’s mock annoyance, her tone deliberately false apologetic. “I’m afraid Corinth didn’t abandon you, instead he was roped into feeding my bottomless pit of a green.” Ebolath snorted at that comment but declined to respond immediately. Instead she shook from head to tail, flinging sand to and fro. Craning her neck she broadcasted to the two riders. You both need a good bath I think. Eat first then bathe. While you bathe you could look for dolphins. Corinth says they can tell what a hatchling’s gender is. You want to know don’t you T’rid? Raymine? Corinth and I want to know.

Raylin frowned at her dragon as she was pelted with yet more sand. “Ebo that wasn’t nice. I’m already covered I don’t need more of the stuff clinging to me.” Her dragon’s next comment had her rolling her eyes. “Yes mother is there anything else you would have us do?” The return words where teasing and Ebolath crooned lovingly. The explanation about dolphins had Raylin turning back to examine T’rid‘s reaction. “Do you want to know?” The green rider’s hand subconsciously went to her midsection. What did she want? Boy or girl? With six brothers Raylin knew quite a bit more about boys than girls. Not that she would mind a girl, but boys where easier. Maybe. Raylin’s own childhood wasn’t something she liked to remember and, although she had adored her mother… She still wasn’t sure she would be a good one. Not at all. In fact, thinking about the baby actually being born still sometimes terrified her. Doubt. It was normal she’d been told. But it still wasn’t easy.

You will make a fine clutch mother. Ebolath assured her with a parting nuzzle. I am going to go feed now. You should eat to. Yeah I know.

[Avu]

– lick.

T’rid crinkled his nose at Ebolath, unable to help the expression. At least it wasn’t a slobbery lick – Corinth licked him, too, though, fortunately, his licking was always dry as well (the bronze reserved slobbery licks for people he didn’t like) – but still. He didn’t protest, though; he liked the green dragon enough that he could bite his tongue and deal with being licked – even if he didn’t like it. Her comment on not-sedating Raylin made him smirk nonetheless, and T’rid glanced slyly over at the greenrider. Hmm. Not answering (vocally, anyway; he thought his smirk said it all), T’rid bowed his head slightly. Apparently Raylin just…didn’t exhaust herself enough during the day? It was odd: He’d have assumed that between chores and Weyrling lessons, she’d have been ready to keel over and die by the time the day was out. Maybe not, maybe he was wrong – but he was pretty sure Weyrling lessons had been exhausting. That was probably because Corinth had been insufferable even as a hatchling, though.

It will be no trouble, came Corinth’s assurance. I will eat here, and then bring you yours – it would be most awkward to carry three herdbeasts at the same time… He was planning on bringing two back for Ebolath. The bronze fell silent for a time, making it clear that he was busy eating, before he spoke again, the contentedness in his tone making it clear that he was sated. Humans are silly, was a generic comment. They were – whoever heard of eating every single day without fail? – and not being able to hold waste? Silly humans; clearly they needed to learn. I will return shortly, Ebolath – hang on – He cut off the connection again after a croon of amusement; T’rid blinked as the image of a herd of fat, wild herdbeasts flicked before his eyes, and then disappeared again – Corinth’s point of view.

Sillies, Stupid stated cheerfully, rubbing affectionately against Ebolath and trilling quietly. ’rinth sillies says. Love eat, eat, he added, beyond pleased at the invitation to eat. T’rid shot the Salamandyr a dark look. “As if I didn’t already feed you,” he commented dryly. Nobody could say he didn’t take good care of his pets: He did. Stupid had positively gorged that morning – a mixture of T’rid’s attentions, and a curious Holdbrat that had positively stuffed meat at both Conspiracy and Stupid, delighted by the pair of browns. Silly, Stupid accused T’rid, and the bronzerider wrinkled his nose up at the Salamandyr indignantly even as Conspiracy, offering Stupid a distinctly disapproving noise, squeezed under Ebolath’s wing and then crooned pleasantly at both Raylin and T’rid: He was still determined to prove that he was better than Arrogance. He was no deserter! To Ebolath’s question, the firelizard chirruped a polite ‘no’; he wasn’t a glutton; he wasn’t hungry…

T’rid tilted his head sideways to look at Raylin, amused despite himself at her appearance – namely, her hair. He’d never thought that anybody’s hair could manage the same mess that his was – even if Raylin’s was far from permanent. Her statements, though, made him smirk slightly. “I had to ask, didn’t I?” he pointed out reasonably. “I’m very content, yes. Well. While Corinth’s busy feeding your ‘bottomless pit’ – and a very lovely bottomless pit she is” – he bowed as well as he could while he was sitting to Ebolath, smiling at the green to take away the sting of the words – “I guess that leaves it to me to feed you, doesn’t it…?” As far as he could imagine, Blossom would be delighted to have another dragonrider in their care; they really were exceptionally polite – T’rid actually went out of his way to be polite to them; their Hold was his safe haven at queenflights, after all – and…hmm. They should probably make sure whoever was in charge knew that Raylin was here before night fell, or else she wouldn’t get a room assigned to her. Not that he’d mind sharing with her, but – it’d still probably fluster the poor Holders.

Ebolath’s orders made the bronzerider squint and then grin, shrugging. Thank Faranth for baths…he couldn’t wait to get a bath. Again with sand not being any good…as for dolphins, however…baby – gender? Corinth would know; the bronze had expressed interest in dolphins to the Watchdragon, an old brown, who, according to Corinth, was Zolforth of R’tae. But – T’rid wasn’t really sure. He wanted to know, kind of, but he wasn’t adverse to the baby’s gender being a surprise, and – knowing, right now, made it seem much, much closer to becoming reality. For a moment, the bronzerider paused, and then he shrugged. “It doesn’t matter to me either way,” he answered quietly. “If you want to, we can get one of the dolphineers. I’ve got marks on me, too, if we need to pay for it…”

His words were cut off by bronze dragon wings; Corinth swept in to deposit two fat bucks just past the treeline, crooning pleasantly to the humans and to Ebolath before he twisted and dove straight into the ocean, almost flawlessly; there was no splash – only ripples from the point of entry – before the bronze reemerged and crooned again, making his way onto the shore. Breakfast services, Lady Ebolath, the bronze reported quietly, flicking his tail towards the herdbeasts before he sprawled, dripping wet and positively glowing, onto the sand. If you do not hurry, there will be no food left, the bronze added sternly to T’rid. You’ve just missed the last meal…

T’rid rose to his feet at the thought of missing out on food – he was hungry, too – and then offered a hand to pull Raylin up. “Corinth says we’re going to starve if we don’t hurry – c’mon, foooood~” Because that was romantic…

[Rei]

T’rid’s smirk was noted and Raylin dropped her head before he caught her blush. Really now? Keeping her head down for a moment, she hazarded a glance in his direction just as he turned to scold his mandyr. Excellent timing she had apparently. In actuality if he wanted to “help” she was far from wanting to complain. Really for all intensive purposes Raylin was normally exhausted when she got home. Sleep just never came easy, especially when your mind didn’t want to quit. Exhausting herself to the point of collapse was just something the green rider never considered fun. Further more Ebolath never let her anymore. The green completely balked when it came to hers doing anything physically stressful. Well until now. Shaking her head deftly, to get her hair out of her face, Raylin turned towards Ebolath.

The green rumbled happily as Corinth replied. She wouldn’t have to go far for breakfast it seemed. That was nice. Ebolath’s attention turned to Stupid as the mandyr spoke. Yes silly, they are most certainly very silly. Turning towards Conspiracy she crooned. I understand little cousin. The brown fire lizard’s implied comment that Stupid was a glutton had Ebolath’s eyes whirling in amused shades. Carefully scooping up Stupid with her tail, the green deposited the mandyr on her back. You may eat to your heart’s content little one. You are far to active to ever get fat after all. It was true. Chasing after green dragons was probably something close to running a marathon for something as small as the mandyr.

“Yes while my lovely green gorges herself I would very much like to eat.” Thoughts about baby gender aside for the moment, Raylin was starving. Hungrier than she had been in awhile actually. How long had it been since she last ate? Breakfast? What time was it anyway? On second thought the green rider didn’t really care what time it was. She was staying here until Hepaticath had decided to rise and mate. As T’rid returned to the topic about dolphins she bit her bottom lip in thought. “I’m not sure if I want to know. Can’t we just leave it as a surprise?” Somehow knowing made it more frightening and she was already scared enough. “Plus that way you don’t have to spend your marks. We don’t have to know, do we?” I want to know. Ebolath interjected immediately, but further words where not given for she took that moment to croon thunderously to Corinth.

Lady Ebolath? The green rumbled at the title and ducked her head, Spreading her wings she did a remarkable imitation of a curtsy. Why thank you Lord Corinth. The gesture is very much appreciated. Her voice was kept sweet and polite even if there was a ring of playful amusement to it. After a quick check to make sure Stupid was still present on her back, the dragon hopped into the air and glided over to her provided meal. Hurry you two. She offered in parting before lowering her head to rip into the first beast.

Catching T’rid’s hand, Raylin allowed him to pull her to her feet. Starving was certainly not something she was wanting to do. Especially with a baby. If she didn’t eat the hunger quickly turned into nausea, and from there a headache so intense she wanted nothing more than to curl up and die. Nope defiantly not missing a meal if she could help it. That thought finished, the green rider practically started dragging T’rid towards the hold at a fast clip, ignoring the curious looks thrown her way, courtesy no doubt of the pairs tousled appearance. Any other time Raylin might have felt a bit self conscious, but as it was the only thing on her mind right now was food. Another symptom of her condition. She now had a one track mind apparently.

Suddenly the green rider stopped dead and turned to face T’rid. “You know what? I have no idea where I am going.” She frowned and then smiled faintly at him. “I suppose that means you get to be leader.” Her voice contained a slightly embarrassed quality. Whoops?

[Avu]

Stupid’s adoring coo was all for Ebolath as the Salamandyr found himself swept onto the green’s back; he scurried down her spine until he’d managed to pull himself into the spot usually reserved for a dragonrider, where the Salamandyr turned in a circle and then reared onto his hind legs, forelimbs tucked neatly against his chest as his frill went out at T’rid and Conspiracy triumphantly. See! See! Ebolath was his, she was; why else would he be allowed to sit on her? Clearly she was his green~ Stupid crooned pleasantly, and then, dropping to all fours, rubbed his entire body against Ebolath; he would have wound himself around her if he’d been big enough. As it was, he looked like he was trying to positively melt into the green on contact. Norra fat, norra gl’ton, he agreed seriously, sending a poisonous look at Conspiracy. Norra ev’r fat ‘ton, ev’r. Nodding seriously to emphasize his point, the Salamandyr purred again as he settled neatly on top of Ebolath, positively preening in delight. Love ‘lath, norra fatton… She was so niiiiiice, never calling him fat…

Twittering in amusement, Conspiracy flicked his wings at Stupid, eyes whirling rapid shades as T’rid paused to pick him up and, clicking his tongue admonishingly at the brown firelizard, dropped him into his pocket, where Conspiracy crooned and curled up pleasantly, completely content to simply stay in T’rid’s pocket – for however long His wanted him to. The firelizard’s temperament meant that T’rid positively spoiled Conspiracy, especially considering that he couldn’t fly, but Conspiracy never expected anything – which only made T’rid more likely to give him everything and anything he wanted.

T’rid coughed slightly – the sound meant to display his amusement. He was used to Corinth; when people suggested dragons gorging, they typically got blank looks – because Corinth never did. The bronze ate extremely lightly, even given his smaller size compared to the other bronzes, and very neatly. The idea of Ebolath gorging was not an unlikely one, considering that dragons were more likely to gorge when they were younger, but – some part of it was amusing, the thought of his bronze eating more delicately than a green. “We’ll leave her to it, then,” he agreed amiably, and then shrugged, tilting his head to look at Raylin, his eyes betraying his nervousness. If the baby was assigned a gender – well, then it would be so real. So close – so unavoidable, and no amount of running to the Holds would make it go away and – he really didn’t want that. At all. “I don’t think I really want to know either,” he admitted, shrugging before he glanced at Ebolath. Corinth wanted to know, too, but – the bronze was just excited; he could wait, especially if he knew that Raylin didn’t want to know.

Ebolath’s curtsy made Corinth rumble in blatant amusement, the bronze dropping his forequarters and head in what could only be described as a bow. The dragon didn’t answer, though, as the green launched herself into the air and came to a rest near the two beasts. Stupid slipped down her shoulder and, after a brief examination of the two, attacked the fatter of the two bucks – after a trill to Ebolath, he scrambled onto its side, perching right next to one of the gashes created when Corinth had plucked the creature out of the herd, and began to eat, tongue flicking out and in to drink the blood; greed flushed his eyes as he flashed an image to Conspiracy – clearly gloating – and received an image of a fat, cooked meatroll in response. The two definitely had their separate tastes, they did – Stupid adored raw meat, especially with blood to drink on the side – and Conspiracy would do anything he possibly could for a sliver of cooked, seasoned meat, and would even eat bread and cheese and the like before he resigned himself to raw meat.

“W – ” was about all that T’rid had time for before Raylin grabbed him and was dragging him off towards…uh, somewhere. Where? He had absolutely no idea, but he was pretty sure she was going the wrong way. This was not the Main Hall; the direction the greenrider was headed took them to one of the courtyards, if he remembered correctly. The curious glances they received almost made T’rid laugh as amusement flicked across his face. He’d let Raylin drag him along – see how far she got before she realized – the greenrider stopped, and T’rid nearly ran into her before he regained his balance and then tilted his head to look at her – and almost laughed out loud. “Uh, well. Yes…I think I noticed, considering the Dining Hall” – he stepped around behind her and, grasping Raylin by the shoulders, gently turned her to face a different direction – “is that way…and no, I wouldn’t dream of depriving you of the chance to lead. Just go straight; you can’t miss it…er, well, I mean, I don’t think you can now…”

[Rei]

Raylin huffed before striding forward purposely. “So kind of you to allow me to lead. Are you sure you want to risk it? We may never get there.” She teased, turning to walk backwards, keeping her eyes focused on T’rid. Statement made, the green rider turned and flicked a casual glance at a hold brat who smiled and waved before darting off. As they approached the Dining hall Raylin paused. “So after we eat what do you want to do? Bathe or swim? Either way I plan to get clean, and you are joining me.” The statement wasn’t questioning. It was worded intentionally as fact. She intended to see what kind of a reaction it got her. Playfully she winked at T‘rid, before entering the dim interior of the hall as if nothing was amiss. Her bronze rider could be oh so fun to play with.

Ebolath fed quickly, decimating the beast’s Corinth brought her in no time flat. Eating was a favorite pastime of hers and the beasts the bronze had provided where exceptionally good. Licking her chops she yawned widely. Normally her bonded didn’t allow her to eat so heavily. However her bonded wasn’t present and besides she would work it all off on the return trip home. The young green stretched thoroughly before trotting towards the lake. Slipping into it, she waded to deeper water too wash any blood spatter off her hide. Despite the fact that she often fed heavily, Ebolath was not a messy eater. It was just not proper manners to play with your food. After giving her hide a quick examination, and finding it presentable, the green exited the lake and trotted back down the beach to where Corinth was sprawled.

Sprawling next to him Ebolath crooned and snuggled against his hide. Giving a contented huff she half lidded her eyes. I do not think we are going to find out what hatchling the gender is. Pity I would have liked to know. Twitching her tail the green sighed. You know we haven’t even thought of a proper name for it. Raymine says human hatchlings do not come out knowing their names. Instead they must be given a name. I suppose they are like the little cousins in that regard. Lifting her head from the sand she nuzzled Corinth. What do you think we should name the hatchling? I am sure if we pick a good name ours would use it. They do not seem to be in a hurry to name it anyway.

Arrogance trilled happily to a drudge as she fed him small tidbits of her own meal. Suddenly the blue flit swiveled his head away from her and with a chirp he launched from the table to circle the ceiling. Dipping into a dive he pulled up before Raylin and T’rid and alighted on the former’s shoulder. Tilting his head he hissed at T’rid. What was the big idea distracting his slave like that. She had better things to do than submit to his whims. The blue intentionally ignored Conspiracy. The brown wasn’t worth worrying about. Lowering his head Arrogance creeled piteously at his. Wouldn’t she feed him? He was half starved. She was bad for ignoring him so. Raylin snorted dryly. “Sure because I didn’t just see someone feeding you minutes ago.” Arrogance chirped and curled his tail about her throat. Oh that? That was hardly a meal. The green rider sighed and raised a hand to run it down the blue flitters back. He leaned into the contact and warbled. Shaking her head at her pet, Raylin turned her attention back to T’rid. “So you said it was your job to feed me. If I find us a place to sit will you get us something to eat?” Arrogance flicked his tail in T’rid’s direction and chirped. He had better hurry he had. The green rider rolled her eyes and intentionally brushed Arrogance from her shoulder which earned her a angry shriek in return. “Please?”

[Avu]

Was it wrong of him to be extremely amused by the greenrider’s – for lack of kinder word – fail? Because he was, and T’rid didn’t try to hide it, either, walking after Raylin and interlacing his fingers behind his back loosely. His head was tipped slightly forward and to the side, and he smirked playfully at Raylin’s statement. Well, he’d stop her if she walked right past it, but the very obvious smells of food coming from the dining hall would be enough, he thought, to send warning signals to the greenrider. He certainly had never missed the dining hall when he was nearby – but then, maybe he’d just gotten used to Blossom’s layout…? Nobody could say his memory was faulty; he’d been there quite a few times before. “I’m bathing,” he answered, crinkling his nose slightly at her phrasing and sticking out his tongue at her. “Corinth swims enough for both of us, and besides, I don’t like swimming.” He did swim, though. Not by personal preference, but once Corinth pitched him into the water, he swam anyway. It was…good exercise. But not by personal preference. “Lake water doesn’t really work for getting clean, anyway,” he added more reasonably.

As they turned into the Dining Hall, T’rid’s smirk widened almost imperceptibly. He’d said she couldn’t miss it, hadn’t he…? One eyebrow rose at Arrogance’s entrance, however, and Conspiracy squirmed in his pocket, his breath coming out in a distinctly sibilant hiss – it sounded frighteningly snake-like, to the point that T’rid actually looked down to blink quizzically at the brown firelizard, whose body was hunched, eyes fixed in a glare at Arrogance. Braaaat. If only he could fly – then he’d tell that stupid brat what’s what, and make him treat Raylin and His nicely like they should be treated. Hmmmpfh! At T’rid’s light touch along his back, however, the brown lapsed into silence, nuzzling his Bonded’s hand in what could only be described as a blatant show of affection; he didn’t like Arrogance, but he’d stand for him if His wanted him to…

Raylin’s request drew a nod from T’rid, and the bronzerider sent Arrogance a brief, distinctly amused glance before he turned on his heel, making his way to the kitchens. The Drudges at Blossom Hold (namely, the women) were much less likely to hit a dragonrider over the knuckles with a spoon or something than those at Selenitas Weyr were, something that amused T’rid very much. It took only a few minutes to help himself to everything that he thought Raylin and himself could want; the bronzerider absently balanced a tray practically overloaded with food as he maneuvered through the sea of Drudges, Conspiracy occasionally chirruping to make sure nobody accidentally stepped in the way. Finally, finding Raylin, he slid the tray onto the table, and quirked one eyebrow at her. “Your slave, my Lady,” he commented wryly, and then picked a small bowl of sliced, cooked bits of spiced wherry. “This one’s for Conspiracy, but everything else is for us – and for your…uh, adorable…firelizard…”

He gestured at the rest of the tray, which was laden with what looked like a little of everything in the kitchen: Fruit juice, klah, sliced wherry wraps, salad, fruit, warm bread and butter, some kind of creamy soup, sweetrolls, slices of herdbeast, roast tubers, fish, even a stray muffin. Setting the bowl down and plucking Conspiracy out of his pocket to set him down on the table neatly to eat, T’rid flopped into one of the chairs, and gestured for Raylin to eat first absently even as Conspiracy trilled happily before he began to pick out the choice bits of meat: Yum.

Corinth watched Ebolath eat quietly, his tail occasionally flicking thoughtfully. Stupid finished far before Ebolath did; still soaked in blood, the brown Salamandyr crooned happily before he curled up in the sun, licking his chops, and Corinth shifted deliberately to curl his forepaws around the creature; silly thing, he’d get stepped on if he didn’t watch out…his eyes were lidded, languid swirls of blue coloring the multi-faceted jewels, by the time Ebolath finished and went to wash off the blood from the meal. Watching dragons eat had very efficiently driven away all Holdfolk from the area – something that puzzled Corinth immensely; he couldn’t understand why people were made nauseous by watching something as natural as eating. It was bloody, it was messy – it was nature. Another example of how absolutely silly people could be…

The bronze’s thoughts were broken off as Ebolath sprawled next to him, the bronze dragon looping his head around to rest it against the green’s back affectionately before he lidded his eyes again thoughtfully. Human hatchlings need names, yes. Mine says that you are supposed to combine the names of clutchmother and father in order to figure out the name. So we need to combine ‘Raylin’ and ‘Teriden’. Yes, he knew T’rid’s full name. It didn’t occur to him that most dragons didn’t know their Rider’s full name; he knew. He’d always known, in a subconscious kind of way; he never used it, but it was there, ready to be used. But names for humans tend to being masculine or feminine, and that’s gender-dependant…

[Rei]

Arrogance trilled happily as T’rid returned and rubbed against hispet’s chin. Oh she had a good slave she did. If only she took notes. Raylin shook her head at her fire lizard before smiling at T’rid. “So are you intending to feed a full fighting wing?” She infused her tone kept light enough to be teasing without insult. Really she was impressed. He had said he would feed her and so he had. The green rider absently picked up a piece of bread. “Arrogance says you’re a good slave. Do you still think he’s adorable?” The blue flitter was far from paying attention to his bonded. Instead he was examining the spread carefully. Chirping the blue grabbed a slice of the heardbeast and backed up until he was more or less right in front of Raylin. Plopping down he trilled at her. She should be paying attention to him. He was hers forever he was. Rolling her eyes Raylin took a bite of the bread and stroked her flitter with the opposite hand.

Before long Raylin had filled herself adequately enough that even her bottomless bit of a child was satisfied. Sipping on her klah the green rider looked about the mostly empty dining hall. It was actually quite nice even if it wasn’t well lit. Her attention was taken from the décor to her pet as Arrogance chirped quietly. Raylin wasn’t ware her flitter could be quiet. Stuffed into misery he looked. Served him right. The blue slunk over to Raylin and hopped into her lap. So full. Maybe a nap would help? Stretching like a cat, he circled once before curling up and tucking his head under a wing. The green rider absently stroked the flit. “So you fed me. Now what?” Raylin actually wanted a bath. Now that she was full she was a bit uncomfortable. Sand and sweat didn’t go together very well and she felt filthy. Not that she had minded the process of getting filthy, no that part had been very nice. Clucking her tongue, Raylin took another sip of klah and eyed T’rid with an entirely innocent look. “So where exactly are the bathing rooms?” Her mind was working in far less innocent ways however. Perhaps getting clean could be just as fun?

Ebolath rumbled happily as she felt Corinth rest his head against her. She did not mind being his pillow. Not at all. His words caused her to huff thoughtfully. Hmmm gender dependant? Couldn’t we pick a name for both genders? Then no matter what it ends up being we will have a name. The green flicked her tail tip back and forth in thought. ‘Teriden’ Yours has a nice name he does. It was nice, even if T'rid was much easier to say. Ebolath rumbled trying to fit the two names together. Raylin and Teriden. Hmmm. How about Raiden for a boy? It sounds like a male name. Opening her eyes fully, she crooned. What names do you like? I bet you are better at it than me. Of course he would be. Corinth was very smart. We could always try to push mine to see a dolphin. If I bother her enough I bet she will cave. She almost always does. The young green's tone was thoughtful.