I'll be the thorns on every rose (Tags T’san)

[Rei]

Elysia was oh so annoyed. With nearly everything. Even her dark hair bound back into it’s tight ponytail. (It was still managing to find a way to get in her way after all.) Pinning it up had only worked for so long and now it was swinging around again with every movement she flowed into. Should have just sharding cut it like she wanted but noooooo. S’rei liked it. Just like he liked babies. Another annoying unspeakable topic that continued to rear its ugly head every time something reminded the bronzer of his lost child. It was an issue that tended to plague her at the worst times. Like now when her mind had decided it needed to bring up everything that had ever bothered her. A growl left the woman’s throat as she flowed into the next movement her leg lashing out at her imaginary opponent before she pivoted into another strike, her blade lashing through the air. As she continued in her self exercise Elysia’s moves became more furious, dangerous, each move containing a bit more violence then the one before it. Each slash, kick, or punch letting loose some of the irritation running through her currently. Today her imaginary opponent was someone very familiar to her. Her father. Didn’t matter that the bronzer was long gone and dead. Never coming back. In her dreams he was sometimes very much alive. Yet another irritation.

Perhaps the unintentional catalyst of her excess irritation and violence was the faintly glowing green dragon laying curled up not too far away. Onyth’s tail tip twitched as she watched her bonded gracefully flow from one move into another. One could hardly tell the dragon was proddy. At least not by looking at her. Most of the female’s hide was too dark to truly glow like some of the lighter colored greens. Instead the lighter colored markings of green ringing her eyes and running in a dorsal stripe from nose to tail tip just shimmered faintly. It could be excused as a trick of the light really, unless you looked rather close. The only outward manifestation of Onyth’s condition was an increase in her desire for company and play. Unlike some greens she didn’t get snappish and aloof. Instead her rider seemed to display those latter traits for her. The greenrider was certainly, at least, more snappish then usual. So no the fact that Onyth was proddy was not lost on Elysia. She was too in tune with her dragon to miss it. In fact the woman could predict nearly down to the minute that her green would rise. Wouldn’t be for a good sevenday yet. Which did nothing to ease her current frustration level. Thus the impromptu self sparring. The greenrider needed to release the built up tension in some way.

Would be nicer if she had a partner though. Iskierka, E’rro, A’emi, anyone she could stand really. Well that significantly narrows the list doesn’t it? Onyth asked her rider before unsheathing her talons to wash them in a manner similar to a cat. Slowing to a stop Elysia snorted and flicked her ponytail back over her shoulder. “Love do me a favor and silently look pretty. Is that so hard to ask?” The darkly colored green ignored her rider’s snappish comment in favor of swinging her head around and towards a small rustling sound in the surrounding mountain foliage. It seems you have a watcher. The greenrider blinked and turned to narrow her eyes in the direction Onyth indicated. Human or animal? Human I think. Oh really? Bending Elysia picked up a small rock and without further ado winged it hard in that direction. Lets see if her spy liked that. Such a sweet greeting my Elysia.

[Ember]

It was purely by accident that T'san found Elysia. Him quietly watching her fight an invisble enemy, however, was entirely intentional. That much aggression wasn't really a good thing, though it was kind of mesmerizing in its own way. He was torn between going and seeing what was wrong since Elysia was one of his friends and he liked to think himself a devoted friend, and leaving her be because Elysia was also a rediculously private person. The brownrider continued to quietly watch as he considered those options.

Ultimately, he decided to leave her alone, only for Dsoleth to give sharp mental twist to the bond that had him jumping and giving away his position. He knew exactly when his position had been given away, too, because Onyth looked in his direction. Apparently his choice had been changed on him. Thanks a lot you clod, he thought at the too-smug brown. He adored Elysia but she could be one scary wench when she wanted to be and he didn't want to press her. As the rock was thrown at him he automatically went to catch it with his hand.

Catch it he did, with a sharp slap into his palm that had him yelp. "Elysiaaaa, that wasn't very nice," he whined, moving forward and putting him into view. "I know you haaaate me but did that really warrant trying to brain me with a rock?" He tossed said rock to the side of her feet with a cheeky grin. "What brings a femme fatale like yourself way out here with no one to be all...fatale-y with, darling?"

[Rei]

The look Onyth fixed T’san with was almost feral. Though she chased it with a sweet and alluring croon. Dipping her head in acknowledgement towards the brownrider the dragon went back to washing her newly sharpened talons, an almost rough sounding purr of amusement starting in her throat. Elysia watched her green out of the corner of her eye, as if daring the beast to say anything but Onyth remained blessedly silent. Well silent except for the thick amusement crossing the bond. Of all the males to come and see hers. Salenth’s friend? Oh how amusing.

The dark haired greenrider almost felt bad at the sound of the rock smacking into T’san’s palm but really more of Elysia was just a bit amused and somewhat impressed that he had managed to catch the piece of stone. She had thrown it quite hard after all. The brownrider’s whine was distinctly less amusing however, in fact it bordered on annoying. She got enough whining out of the other males in her life. (flits included) Didn’t need to add his in too. Her eyes followed the path of the rock as it was tossed back to the side of her feet.

Lifting her head one of Elysia’s eyebrows raised at T’san’s grin before she finally spoke. “If I had known it was you I would have thrown a bigger rock. I’m surprised I missed your head actually. It is so large you would think it would be an impossible target to miss.” Despite her aggravation the tone the greenrider delivered the words in was quite pleasant. Almost too pleasant. Really it wasn’t the man’s fault that he had stumbled across her when she was in such a mood but well apologizing or trying to soften things just really wasn’t Elysia. You got what you got with her and apologies were about as rare as gold dragons. They came once every few turns if you were lucky. Her nose wrinkled slightly in his direction at the other question. “Oh I’m looking for felines to eat. They tried to eat me so I figured maybe being catty would draw them out and I could return the favor.” The woman was mostly joking. Mostly. She did have a bit of a vendetta against felines but she was nowhere near suicidal enough try and hunt them on her own. Still his question begged a return one.

“So what exactly brings my favorite annoyance out this far? You stalking me? I know I’m gorgeous love but do try to be more discrete? Then again I am more likely to start shedding clothes when being watched. Crafty canine aren’t you?” Okay now she was teasing him. Elysia almost couldn’t help it. When she was around T’san everything always came back to playful banter, usually with some innuendo stuck in there. Even when she was annoyed apparently. With that she hooked a finger at him in a come hither gesture. Come closer plaything. Couldn’t very well interact properly when he was so far away and hiding in the bushes like some twelve turn old peeping tom.

[Ember]

T'san eyed Onyth rather neutrally. He was well used to dragon antics and even if she had been threatening him in any way he knew Elysia wouldn't let her do anything. The days of the greenrider threatening to gut him were long gone. The memory brought a faint smile to his lips which may have been misinterpreted as directed to the green dragon. The brownrider flexed and shook out his hand discreetly. Had he been smarter he really would have just moved aside or something but no. He just had to catch it himself. He felt Dsoleth rumbling in amusement in the back of his mind and flipped him the mental bird.

"Hey now!" The brownrider paused, letting it build for a moment before adding, "My head's got every right to be huge when it's attached to this." T'san gestured to his body while winking at Elysia. Still, the tone tipped him off further to the fact that the greenrider was so not alright. He didn't know what it was and likely never would but he was determined to help somehow. If it meant letting Elysia get her kicks out of him...well, so be it. He could make it equally fun for himself too, most likely. He laughed at her answer, shaking his head. "I think they might be scared off by you. You should try acting like a defenseless little girl."

Elysia's teasing brought about a lascivious grin on T'san's face and he said, "You know I can't resist you, babe. I think of you everytime - woof!" He considered avoiding the initial question but he figured if he told her a little about what was bothering him she might be a little more open. If not to telling him, then at least letting him make it better. "That said, you actually aren't the reason I'm out here? You'd be a far better reason." The brownrider paused, thumb drifting over the sore spot on his hand idly. "It's been a turn." He knew he probably wouldn't have to elaborate since Elysia had been there.

Meira's death. The pain was dulling but it was still very much present, especially whenever he saw M'ta and Riaren and...the brownrider let out a breath and loosened his muscles. He'd come out to the middle of nowhere to try and find some comfort, not get all worked up about everything. The brownrider took another steadying breath before he smiled and moved towards the beckoning greenrider. "What, now you want me here? That or you're luring me in so you can properly bash my head in," he said, voice cheerful despite what he'd just admitted.

[Rei]

One whirling eye stayed fixed on T’san as the man started to approach hers. Onyth was both amused and intrigued by the brownrider. She still didn’t understand how such a man had bypassed a few of her bonded’s walls. But the fact remained that he had. Oh he hadn’t gotten past all of them, but the quirky male was still regarded as a friend to hers. Someone she liked. T’san was part of a tiny group of people that her rider would admit to liking. He should be honored really. Not very many made it even as far as T’san had. Opening her mouth in a wide yawn the green stopped cleaning her talons and dropped her head to her forepaws so she could watch the two with quiet interest.

One of the things Elysia liked about T’san? He was always making her laugh. Even when she didn’t want to. The brownrider had a type of contagious humor. His laugh was one of those where you couldn’t help but laugh along. Or at least smile. Even if you weren’t truly feeling happy. The greenrider had thus expected some type of humorous comment and when it came the corners to her lips twitched upwards in a small smile, her annoyance slipping somewhat. Her smile became a touch more genuine as he continued speaking. “Ah. You’re right. Why would they mess with the queen bitch of felines?” Hooking her hand into claws she briefly clawed the hair. “I should have been acting more like a kitten obviously.” The last comment finished with a purring lit to the end of it.

And then it was already starting as expected. The teasing. The innuendo. It always fell back to sexual things between them, though it normally rarely went beyond words. It was almost like an unspoken rule between them. You could tease and banter and be as vulgar and outright shameless as you wanted, but anything more then light and teasing touches got you dumped in the nearest river. It was both amusing and infuriating. Part of Elysia idly wondered what kind of a lover T’san would be like? But it wasn’t a thought she ever dwelled on. Mostly because really she didn’t want to sleep with him. She just wondered what type he’d be. Probably fun and quiet. He hardly seemed like the ravage you type. Though again you’d be surprised what fetishes the most unlikely people had. For example she was pretty sure E’rro probably had some strange ones. She’d bet marks on it. “You flatter me. I’m more then happy to be your motivation darling.” She purred as he approached. “Keep watching. I might give you some images to take home tonight. If you’re lucky my panties.” Her dark eyes flitted coyly to his face before they drifted to the hand he was rubbing at.

T’san’s words in obvious relation to Meira caused a brief flash of emotion in the darkness of her eyes. But whether it was pity, sorrow, guilt, or something else it was hard to tell and already gone before the brownrider got too close. Reaching out Elysia snatched the man’s wrist, bringing the sore hand close and flashing him a seductive smile before she kissed the sore spot on his palm. She was well aware of the man’s pain in reaction to the news of the goldrider’s death. He had done nothing to hide his upset on the matter. The woman’s death was something Elysia wished she could forget. Especially since, though there was nothing that could have been done, she still felt this irrational guilt for not being able to protect her as T’san had asked her at that gather so long ago. The seductive smile turned a touch playful as she released his hand. “Darling what use would I have in bashing your head in?” Her eyes drifted to his crotch. “From what I just heard I think you do that enough with thoughts of me at night.” Yes she really could not help it.

[Ember]

T'san caught the hint of a smile and was pleased. It wasn't particularly often that the goal of his joking around was to make people happy but when it was...well, being unsuccesful would be just plain sad, wouldn't it? He chuckled at her air clawing, waiting oh so patiently for her to pause in her speech. He was practically dying to say just one tiny little thing. When the opportunity presented itself he pounced on it, playfully purring out a "Mee-ow!" Satisfied, the brownrider grinned at the woman innocently. As if he hadn't just been uber weird. Elysia would probably find it funny...and/or roll her eyes at him. Either reaction worked for him.

He had never expected finding someone he could flirt with so vulgarly and not end up sleeping with them. Ever. He wasn't sure how it happened that way either - it was just how things went between him and Elysia. T'san would never complain about the arrangement either. While he was somewhat curious about how applicable 'sex kitten' would be for Elysia he was equally happy to let the mystery continue to exist. Her panties, though..."That's an awfully tempting prize, you know," he paused, letting her soak that part in before adding playfully, "I'm sure Spice would love a new playtoy." That said, he really wouldn't mind her panties. If only to say he actually had them.

The brownrider eyed Elysia curiously as she grabbed his wrist. He very rarely tried to guess what the greenrider would do at any given moment. Not that it was necessarily hard to guess between them - something related to flirting and teasing was pretty much always a guarantee - but because it was more fun not to. T'san grinned appreciatively at the bo-bo kiss and he inclined his head slightly. "Why thank you, milday," he commented mildly. He outright laughed at her next words. "I see now. How very true! Then what is it you want with me now?" He waggled his eyebrows at her with that question for good measure.

[Rei]

Kitty cat claws and a meow. It was a bit too much for her not to react at and she did end up offering him a highly amused smile. Yes he was S’rei’s best friend. But was it wrong that Elysia wanted to claim him too? Maybe not as a best friend. She didn’t really have a best friend. Never had. But the brownrider was certainly someone she liked and felt at least a bit comfortable around. Completely comfortable? Nope. But then she wasn’t completely comfortable around anyone. Arguably not even really S’rei at times. So really it was nothing against T’san at all. That was just Elysia. She really wasn’t an open person. At all. Nope you had to use a crowbar to get at her and even then sometimes her walls were pretty impenetrable. Even her few intimates had had a terrible time with getting her to let them see her completely at times. Especially when she was highly upset about something.

The greenrider tilted her head up at T’san, a clearly flirtatious look being sent his way as she let a soft purr exit her throat. “I’m sure it is oh so tempting. You know how many people actually get to claim they own a pair? Not many.” Really she was tempted. Oh so tempted to touch right then and there but she kept her hands off. At his playful continuation she actually laughed. Oh he was going to give them to his feline was he? Well she could play like she didn’t know he had one. For all she knew he was referring to something much less innocent. Offering the brownrider a look of mock surprise Elysia responded. “Spice?” She allowed the back of her hand to caress his inner thigh. “Is that what your lovers call it? I would have expected something I don’t know. More humorous from you? Though maybe Spice fits if you’ve got a bit of kick in bed.” She finished with a purr, dropping her hand as if she hadn’t just been brushing his thigh with it a minute before.

Her dark eyes flicked up to catch his grin a seductive if playful smile offered in return to his title as she made a half bow intentionally gesturing with her hand to draw attention to her cleavage. “You are more then welcome darling.” Straightening back up a honest smile flitted across her face in response to the laugh. Batting her eyelashes in response to the waggle of his eyebrows she leaned forward and snapped her teeth inches from his nose. “I don’t know? Maybe you could let me play with Spice?” The feline of course. (wink,wink) “I bet he’d adore a nice rub down. I’m sure the room would be filled with purrs. Maybe a little mewling?” Drawing back she pouted her lips at him. “I think it would be fun anyway?”

[Ember]

Aha, that was a better smile! The brownrider figured at that point that whatever was bothering the greenrider was at least no longer on her mind. How to go about fixing what he didn't know about, though...Perhaps it would sort itself out in time? He wasn't sure. Sometimes, not often, he would feel a bit hurt that Elysia never shared much with him. He was in a sense jealous of S'rei. Not because he got hot Elysia sex - though that would be a good reason - but because he had the feeling the bronzerider could get her to tell him things. Maybe not everything, but certainly more than he probably ever could.

T'san chuckled, muttered loud enough so Elysia could hear, "Intact pair?" The insinuation, of course, being that others might own ones ripped to shreds. He smiled almost innocently after his comment, though there was a spark of mischief in his eyes. The man blinked at Elysia's sudden seeming confusion. Er, wait, what? He nearly jumped at her hand caressing his thigh and his expression darkened a tiny bit. Did a river dumping need to occur? He thought he'd established that he was particularly...sensitive at the most recent dragon hatching. Then her words sunk in and her hand was gone and he grinned. Oh.

"Humourous? Elysia, you wound me! I take my penis very seriously! There is absolutely nothing sexy about naming a guy's manhood something like 'Tiddlywink.'" He winked at her then. "As for a kick in bed...well, you'll never get to find out, now will you? Are you so sure you- nevermind. I don't actually want you to ever answer that question." He shook his head, an almost paiend expression on his face. What he had been about to ask would certainly end up with mention of S'rei's sexual prowess and he really didn't need to know that. Yay for T'san's self-preservation instinct being somewhat intact.

Back to using Spice as a euphemism, eh? T'san pretended to seriously consider it. He hemmed and hawed before saying, "I dunno. Spice is awfully energetic. I'm not sure you could handle him." He rose a brow at the greenrider, all too curious what her response to that would be.

[Rei]

She felt no need to respond to the intact comment. Though inwardly it caused her to shiver in a good way. Yes Elysia found the tearing of clothing animalistic and exciting. She would admit to being slightly frightened the first time it happened but afterwards she had enjoyed it so much that she tried to spark it into happening. There was just something primal about it that got her blood running so hot. The feeling of being wanted so badly that they couldn’t take the time to get you out of your clothes properly. Yes. There was nothing quite like it. T’san wanted an intact pair did he? The greenrider made a mental note to flick one of her nicer pairs at him in the middle of the dining hall sometime. That would be sure to start some interesting rumors now wouldn’t it? Rumors which she was sure neither of them would mind too much. Innocent fun all while playing with people. It was perfect.

Purring lightly almost under he breath Elysia was oh so privately amused at T’san’s dark expression. Oh dear. Was she exciting him? Did that bother him? Really the previous conversation about his ‘sensitivity’ had totally slipped her mind. Had she remembered though it wouldn’t have mattered much. Yes the greenrider had an almost obsessive desire to be wanted. Noticed. It was just the ways she choose to do it were not always the best choices. But old habits died hard and although Elysia was much better about it then she used to be sometimes she regressed. It wasn’t that the woman was unhappy with her life. On the contrary she was more happy now then she had ever been in her entire life. It was an odd feeling sometimes she would admit and sometimes she still wondered when it would implode. Or felt a bit undeserving of it. What had she done to deserve it after all? All that aside through even T’san admiring her a little bit took the edge off that desire to be noticed. So she was pleased.

Dark eyes fixed themselves back onto the brownrider as he started speaking and she had to struggle to keep the amusement from ruining her seductive look. In the end though when he mentioned Tiddlywink it became too much and Elysia gave into the laughter. “I can tell.” Was all she managed to utter between breaths as she finally started to compose herself and straightened to raise an eyebrow at T’san. Hmm. Now what had he wanted to say? Blinking the greenrider fixed him with a thoughtful look. “No. I suppose I won’t ever get to find out.” Unless some odd circumstances happened in all honesty she really probably wouldn’t. She was curious though and she titled her head slightly before asking. “Am I so sure I what? What question do you not want me to ever answer?” See he couldn’t say things like that because now she really wanted to know.

It seemed though that he wasn’t willing to answer her right away. Or maybe he was avoiding the issue? Which Elysia guessed she could let slide in favor of responding to his latest gem. With her best haughty hair toss she replied. “Oh honey. I can handle anything you throw at me and then some believe me. I’ve already made a bronze stallion into my bitch so why couldn’t I handle a little Spice hmm?” Leaning forward she lightly snapped her teeth near his jaw before pulling back to smile playfully at him. “The real question you should be asking me is leather or lace. Your place or mine. Just make sure you can handle the claws.” Hooking her hand into a mockery of talons she clawed the air before adding. “Meow yes?”