Of Sandy Beaches and Long Hair [Ithanna]

[Shiny]

Why exactly are we here again.

J'ash looked over at the grump abjectly sprawled out on the sand and smiled sympathetically. "We're here for some relaxation. You've been working really hard at learning to fly again, you deserve it. I know you love the beach. The sun's out, the sands are warm... Sunning would be ideal, don't you think?"

Snorting, the dragon raised himself so that he was lying upright. Dark teal wings unfolded and began to pump up and down slowly, clouds of sand puffing out of the way and effectively into the rider's eyes. With an arm up, long hair whipping messily in the wind, and rapid blinking set in motion, J'ash moved out of the way. Question punctuated by coughs, he tearily asked, "do you have to do that here, of all places?" I am exercising my flight muscles. They have to get stronger. Wiping tears from his eyes, J'ash sighed and slid to a sitting position against Craivaruth's backside, out of the way of the miniature sandstorm the Blue was creating.

Combing his fingers through his shiny brown-blond locks, he whined. "I'm going to have knots now." His complaint was perhaps filed but not responded to. He continued to straighten and smooth the wind-blown locks with his fingers in a frustrated manner. Poor Craivaruth was in such a rut that he didn't even take note to not mess up his rider's precious hair.

"I miss J'on..." Fumbling with a particularly nasty knot, he paused, and then continued again once it was taken care of. "He made me realize looks aren't everything." He was easy, so no wonder he didn't care what you looked like. Rinagth betrayed our friendship, and J'on betrayed your relationship. He hasn't made it up to you yet, has he? And it's been how long? Start liking someone else. He's probably already slept with half of the Weyr by now. Frowning, J'ash smoothed his hair to flow over both shoulders. Talking to Craivaruth while he was in a bad mood was no fun...

[Tashe]

The sky was passed slowly above her as she moved and the bows of the trees flickered by like quickly moving bugs. Ithanna was actually rather comfortable in the position she had wiggled herself into on on top of her pudgy Green. At first, she had been sitting normally on Iwyrth's shoulders but eventually got tired of it. So instead of slumping forward onto the Dragon's neck she fell backward and settled her top half between the Green's wings. Her feet swayed back and forth over Iwyrth's shoulders in rhythm to her walking, it was needless to say she was content. It was hard to believe that her little bitty Greenkitten had grown so big already! Eight months old and already sixteen feet long. Time was passing much too quickly. Gone were the days were she could hold Iwyrth in her arms like a baby filly. Now, Iwyrth could hold her in her grasp if she wanted to. Almost a year. They'd been so busy it felt like she'd lost all of the Green's time as a baby. Perhaps this is what it felt like for couples who had children... Glancing up from her stomach and back to the sky, the Weyrling sighed.

They were going to the river for a swim. Ithanna finally had time for a break between her beastcrafter duties, meals, lessons and her infirmary duties, so they weren't going to waste it. And because they were going swimming, the girl was dressed accordingly. It was warm enough despite being December to wear her grey, high hemmed shorts... well, as long as she wore her thick cotton top with it. It was still a little chilly after all. Her ankle boots matched the color of her shorts and made a nice contrast with the dark blue of her shirt. Since she wasn't mucking around with the animals or running around in the dirt for weyrling class, she felt ample opportunity to actually dress like a normal person. Ithamine, we're here but uh... there seems ta be a... well I don't know jus' how to describe it. Instead of sitting up to look herself, she borrowed Iwyrth's eyes instead. Looks like a bi-colored dragon. Don't know what she... he?... they're doing with their wings though. Mayhaps they be throwing a tantrum... Never know until you find out. They're in prime sunning area, we're going to have to go over there anyway.

Iwyrth purposely jostled her rider by shuffling her wings, making a noise that was very akin to laughter. Stepping out she trundled happily over to the strange looking Dragon. Hullo there. Would you perhaps be a willin' to stop the wee sandstorm you're cookin' up? I am Iwyrth and this wee one on my back is me Rider. We'd like ta share this spot with you, if you aren't minding. She paused. My, your coloring is most interestin'. Very, how do the humans say it... very cold? Cool. Oh yes, very cool. Rocking into a sitting position before sliding down off of the Green's back, the Weyrling stuck her landing with the grace of a seasoned Runner rider. Hands clasped behind her back, the blond shielded her eyes from most of the sand until she got out of range and by the two colored Dragon's rider.

"Hello there." Smiling she bent at the waist so her head wouldn't be so high in the air. "I've got three things to say, and then you can shoo me away if you want. First, your hair is pretty, it reminds me of a silky mane. Second, that frown should be turned upside down." She paused, her face making it obvious that an idea just struck her. "You should let me braid your hair. When I was younger and had much longer hair, my brother would braid it. It always made me feel happy. Something about the feeling of having your hair played with..." She shrugged slightly and tilted her head slightly to the side. "Oh and I'm Ithanna and thats Iwyrth. I guess I lied, I said three when I obviously brought four topics up."

[Shiny]

Well, this wasn't so bad, Craivaruth noted grumpily. He was here with his favourite person in the world, his beloved Rider, and the sands were quite warm... Maybe relaxing wouldn't be a bad idea. Someone's coming, J'ash nudged the dragon mentally, causing him to look over. His wings lost a little of their dedicated pumping at the distraction.

J'ash felt Craivaruth's grumpiness spike again and winced. The dragon didn't much like the company of other dragons; he preferred to be around humans. The pair seemed to be heading directly towards them; a slender girl with chin-length hair and what appeared to be her Weyrling.

The colour-bisected dragon snorted as Iwyrth began to talk. You say my colouring is interesting, but you probably mock my gender. I am training, and we were here first, so I kindly suggest you find another spot to sun. "Stop it, you! You're getting sand in the pretty lady's eyes. You can do that to me, but not anyone else, please. And be polite! Sharing is caring," the comment along with a chiding nudge of J'ash's elbow in his side made the Blue snort in upset before slowing his wings to a stop. Folding them neatly against his back, he observed Iwyrth with swirling eyes of mixed emotion. Self-conscious was he about his colouring, but perhaps this Green truly did not mean to hurt him or mock him. The young one certainly didn't deserve the snarly attitude he had just displayed, and Craivaruth was all about justice...

Fine, Green one. You may sun here. Then, to J'ash, he spoke. How did she not know the word "cool"? Are all dragons that out of tune with human dialect? No, you're just an oddball, Crailove. With that, the blue-green dragon bent his short neck and rested his head on his crossed limbs. Several layers of his translucent eyelids closed. He didn't expect Iwyrth to attempt conversing again, especially with the mood he was clearly in. J'ash scratched the back of his head, eyes darting between the Green and Hers. "I'm sorry about him. He's in a rather bad mood..." patting the sunning dragon's side lovingly, J'ash continued. "We've been under a lot of stress lately. Who hasn't, in these crazy times? Damn Wastelanders," a sigh escaped through pretty lips.

J'ash blinked at Ithanna as she spoke. The result of her speech was a grin that stretched softly but firmly across J'ash's face. Although the smile was but a fraction of his happiest, most luminescent expression, it was an improvement over the frown that had just taken precedence of his features. His metallic gray eyes gained a certain joyful glint at the human contact. "First of all, I would never shoo someone away. So don't even consider leaving an option," he paused for a moment. "And I don't mean that in a creepy way." Good going, J'ashmine. Sh'up. Although he was now red with embarrassment, he continued on anyway. "This big lump is Craivaruth, and he insists I inform you that he is indeed a Blue. My name's J'ash. It's very lovely to meet you, Ithanna."

At the compliment, J'ash's smile just grew sweeter. "Aww, thank you! I do try to take care of it as best I can. Call me a girl like everyone else if you want, but my hair means a lot to me." At the offer of braiding, J'ash blinked, but nodded. "I don't think I've ever had my hair braided before, but I do love having my hair played with... J'on used to do that sometimes..." At the mention of the Greenrider, J'ash's sudden cheeriness visibly wilted for a moment. Composing himself with a half-fake, half-regained smile, he looked up at the girl again. J'ashmine really needs to be cheered up. Thank you for attempting to do so, Craivaruth spoke as if to the open air, although it was clearly directed at the young girl.

"Come sit!" J'ash said, scooting a little so that the girl would have enough comfortable sitting space near Craivaruth. It was the first time in days that the feminine Rider had acted so excited over anything.

[Tashe]

Iwyrth was a bird, she would have puffed up her feathers in offense, instead she settled with shuffling her wings. I'd never mock someone unless it be with me friends in good sport or a wee bit of humor. I am certainly above makin' fun of others cause o' the way they were hatched. The Green chirped, a signal she was a little disgruntled. Oh kitten, don't worry. I'll see if I can get you a herdbeast bone when we get back as a snack. That cheered the Weyrling up enough to allow her to flop down next to the bi-colored Dragon, just far enough away so she could spread her wings out to sun.

"I know right?" Ithanna planted a fist on her hip while she gestured with the other. "Those Wastelanders are makin' everything difficult around here. If I wanted to stay under Northern Rule I would'a stayed at the Beastcrafting Hall. I came down here to live under peaceful conditions and finish me Trade. But no. Soon as I Impress the War finds me." She changed the position of her hands when the man introduced himself and his Dragon, her thumbs finding the belt loops on the front of her shorts. "Nice to meet you too. And course he is. He's male and I don't see any Bronze or Brown. So that means he's gotta be a Blue. Right Iwyrth?" Right. "There you go." Ithanna nodded firmly as she rocked back onto her heels. See, she was the simplicity to Iwyrth's complexity. The Green had such a complicated mind that the girl had long ago given up trying to understand and process how quickly it worked.

"You're welcome." She returned his smile with one of her own. "Tsh. I know plenty of men who're concerned about their hair, doesn't make you a girl. Just like the fact I like getting down and dirty with hard work doesn't make me a guy." The Weyrling bobbed her head at Craivaruth when he bespoke her. Quickly patting her pockets she located the ever present comb she kept with her and drew it out, plopping happily down beside J'ash. "You've never had your hair braided before? I think you'd look good with one. It would totally leave your bangs free to frame your face but pull your longer hair back all nice like."

[Shiny]

Hmph. Craivaruth half-opened one of his yellow-tinged eyes to observe Iwyrth as she flopped into a sunning position next to him. At least she didn't seem to be so disgusted by his presence as to move away. Well, then. She was forgiven. For now. I am glad to hear that. I do not judge others for their colour or status. Unless they're a Wastelander, because they deserve to be punished for what they've done. What the Green said had actually earned her quite a bit of respect in the Blue's eyes. Adjusting his wings so that the tip was barely brushing Iwyrth's, Craivaruth spoke to her. I apologize for my earlier stiffness. It's nice to meet you, Iwyrth. He let a moment of sun-warmed goodness pass before continuing on a lighter note. How were you hatched? I am of the Abandonment Egg. I chose mine because he fears abandonment, and he needs me there for him.

"That is so sad," J'ash sympathized, watching the girl with emotional bright gray eyes. "This shouldn't be happening to us. We're a peacekeeping Weyr. Those bloody Wastelanders are going to pay for what they've done..." Eyebrows sloping downwards for a brief moment, J'ash refrained from letting his anger get the best of him. "I'm so lucky I was born and raised in the South. We didn't have many problems. I grew up with a decently normal life. Came here to heal..." of the two necklaces hanging from his neck, he absently clasped onto the metal tag hanging from one that had a name engraved into it. "Life was pretty good until the Wastelanders came."

J'ash put a hand on Craivaruth's side, gently carressing. "See? Nothing to worry about, Crailove. They both knew you were Blue without having to be told." Then, solely to Ithanna, "it's quite a touchy subject with him, you know. And for obvious reasons, too. That's one reason why we're a good match; we both get confused for what we're not." J'ash's adorably warm smile radiated as the Weyrling talked. "I certainly didn't think you were a guy at first glance. And I like females who don't care about getting their hands dirty!"

Something landing on his shoulder drew his attention away for a moment. "Oh, this is Tux! He's my youngest Brown Firelizard. What do you have..?" The Brown had something clutched in his talons. Chirruping as the blonde reached for it, the flit dove from his perch and swooped around, in front of Ithanna. Squawking amiably, the adorably friendly flit perched on her hand and offered a beautifully white feather to her. "Ah, that feather is a present he gave me a long time ago. I sometimes twine it in my hair... Maybe that's what he's suggesting you do," J'ash said, grinning as Tux chirped at Ithanna and rubbed his face affectionately against her knuckle.

As Ithanna started working, Tux fluttered onto her shoulder, chattering in her ear. He liked this girl, he did! While the dragons enjoyed sunning, J'ash's other Brown Firelizard took up residence on Craivaruth's headknob, preferring to act as surveillance. Protecting his human was his first priority. "So if I understood you correctly, you lived in the North before coming here to escape the Northern Rule?"

[Tashe]

S'only fair to give everyone a proper chance. Adjusting her pudge a little so that she was more comfortable on the sand, Iwyrth stretched her limbs like a lazy cat before crossing her wrist joints. Tha' Wastelanders. They come down here, talking bad about Selenitas yet they still be takin' over. Our Weyr is certainly the best one. We try and make peace. Try ta' negotiate. Bein' neutral is hard work, I say. Northern wars should be kept ta the North. Wings twitched open a smidge more, trying to find the best length in which to capture Rukbat's rays. She rumbled happily when the Blue beside her apologized for his snappiness. I be of the Selkie Egg, from the Faerie Clutch. I chose Mine because she was best suited. When she touched me egg I felt openness. Always gotta be willing to learn new things, right?

"Well I normally don't dress this nice." She picked at her clothes for a moment before returning to drawing the comb carefully through J'ash's hair. She continued to do so until a Firelizard came swooping in. "Oh, hello little Tux." Ithanna moved her hand so she could itch the Brown's eyeridges. "I'd be more than glad ta put it in his hair. It would look mighty cool too." Picking up the feather as the Flitter fluttered up onto her shoulder, she gave the little male a smile. He was really cute. And she didn't mind him perching on her, he could work with him on her shoulder since she didn't have to reach very high to get at the top of the older Rider's head. She set the feather in her lap for future use and took up combing were she left off.

"Heh? Oh yes, I grew up in the North. Only been down here in the South fer... well, as long as Iwyrth has been around plus about... oh, half a turn." Using her tool, she separated the hair that wouldn't fit in the braid from the locks that would. "I'm a Senior Apprentice Beastcrafter, with a specialty in Runner breeding. I left Karoon and came straight to the South, they need some good Runner bloodlines down here, that be for sure. Anyway, my family, they're from Ruatha. Ya' ever heard of the Ruathan Runners? Well, my family, we sell them for the Breeders. So I grew up on a Runner. At Ruatha I had a house if you could even call it that, but, my real home was roamin' the Northern plains." Ithanna began to separate the his hair into sections. "Hard life it was at Ruatha. The War hit it real bad before I was born, and when I was they only just started to put the Hold back together. Everyone gotta work up there to live. Fortunately I got ta play merchant until the parents sent me away to Karoon fer training."

"I almost felt spoiled living down here. I was glad that the Stablemaster took me in as a stable hand. Thats how I got ta be a Candidate. It was a condition. To work in the stables I had ta also be a Candidate. I swear, that man. He be just about as good at picking out candidates as he is at judging the worth of a Runner." She couldn't help but snort when she thought of her old friend. Ithanna did most of her Weyrling chores at the Stable with the old man, for which she was grateful. "I got two brothers. How 'bout you? Do you got any siblings?"