A little off guard and unprepared [Z'ves]

[Shiny]

The recently-cleaned hide of his dragon was cool to the touch; J'ash's fingertips brushed against it as he walked the length of his dragon slowly, inspecting him. The blue-and-green dragon lowered his wings so that the pretty blond could check them carefully. The injuries attained from the aerial battle between Craivaruth and Kaaoloth months ago had just recently healed - if there was still any kind of tear in either wing's membranes, flying would render the Blue immobile once more. Running his palms over the slightly more opaque scar tissue, J'ash decided that the Blue's condition was good enough. It was time to learn to fly again.

Sensing J'ash's apprehension, Craivaruth flicked his tail, the singly-tapered tip whipping gently against the young man's side. The weather is not that bad, J'ashmine. I can handle it. Sighing with a hand absently resting against the large beast beside him, J'ash scanned the sky with metallic gray eyes. The dark blanket of night was slower than usual to recede as the overcast, wintry sky choked out whatever sunlight it could. It was very early, but J'ash had chosen this time for a reason: Craivaruth would be relearning how to fly, and he didn't want them to get in the way of Wing drills, or whatever else would be going on later on in the day. He also didn't want others to see their failure, as he was sure there would be a lot of that (after over half a turn of not flying, how could there not be?).

"I know... I'm just worried. I don't want you to get crippled. We've had too many close calls to afford another one." It will be fine. J'ash kneaded his tired eyes with his nimble fingers before expertly mounting the small Blue.

His very straight brown-blond hair had gotten a little longer since before the Invasion ("enough's enough", he'd say while trying to maintain a decent length with a blade), the locks falling just short of the middle of his back. The recent events of the Weyr had caused him - and everyone else - huge amounts of stress, resulting in the loss of several pounds. He was a stick to begin with because of his feminine body type; now, he just looked unhealthy and frail. The Wastelanders had invaded the Weyr, things had been weird between him and his boyfriend (was it safe to call the Weyr bicycle J'on his boyfriend?) for the past seven months... Not to mention the culling that had gone on at Millieth's latest Clutch...

After tethering himself to Craivaruth and checking it twice, J'ash tied his hair into a ponytail at the nape of his neck to prevent it from whipping into his face while they flew. He put on his riding leather headpiece and then slipped the goggles over his eyes. As soon as he grabbed a hold of the jutting bone of the ridge in front of him, Craivaruth launched forward, the ground vibrating under his heavy footsteps.

J'ash braced himself against the huge downward force that threatened to bash his skull into the ridge in front of him as the dual-coloured dragon thrust into the air with his powerful haunches. "Whoa!" the Bluerider exclaimed as he was suddenly thrown to one side, saved only by his grip and his tethers. The Blue was hardly in control of the flight and they were hardly off of the ground. The pumping of his wings was without rhythm, leading to unequal weight distribution - a rookie mistake. Cold wind whipped J'ash's face as they gained altitude fast. The Bluerider gripped the dragon's ridge harder. Stay close to the ground! If we fall, we'll get hurt! You think I'm doing this on purpose? Jaggedly, the pair followed a volatile path that was roughly downward.

The muscles of Craivaruth's wings had become weak over time without usage; they were burning with the performance demanded of them. Craivaruth refused to give up despite the protests of his wings, but finally, the wings won. His right wing shut down under the strain. The pair slowed to a stop at the apex of the latest upward motion; J'ash left his insides behind as they began to fall. The Blue was doing everything he could to slow their fall, but to no avail. Too scared to emit a single sound, J'ash squeezed his eyes shut and braced himself as the ground rushed up to meet them.

[Rei]

A flash of slate blue against an equally dark sky was almost imperceptible. Lucith was whipping his thin and whipcord body around in quick warm up maneuvers. Z’ves leaned low on the thin neck, short black hair whipping back as he grinned. Seamless as always, the maneuvering of the blue. As close to perfection as physically possible. Dressed in warm flight gear to ward off the chill of the morning the rider was completely comfortable. After all Benden was far colder than this. Suddenly Lucith pulled up and whipped around in a tight circle.

Our wing mate seems to have forgotten how to fly. Pitiful excuse for a dragon that he is. Hmm. Leaning slightly over the side of his beast’s neck, to catch a glimpse of what his blue was speaking of, the bluerider watched the pair struggle momentarily. J’ash. That was the boy’s name. Part of his wing. His odd dragon had been out of commission for the past months, due to an injury he had sustained before wasteland took over actually. Hadn’t met the boy but for the small meetings the wing had. Even then J’ash seemed less than happy about interacting. Suffering from the same malady all the Selenitas rider’s seemed to suffer from. Ignorance. Well…

The dragon beneath Z’ves gave a surge forward. He’s falling. Shall we watch him break? No. Help him. Go. With a snort of obedience Lucith fell in a freefall, rushing towards the plummeting dragon pair. Drawing closer the slate colored blue spoke, his voice as cold and chilling as the early morning winter air. I am going to help you. Don’t move unless you want to be impaled. Leveling out above the other dragon Lucith’s back feet clamped on Craivaruth’s wing joints, clasping them carefully.

Don’t shut your wings. Keep them open and stay as still as possible. Wings pumping double time the dragon was able to steady the two toned dragon into a controlled glide. When it was obvious that Craivaruth could come to a gliding stop on his own, without harming himself, Lucith let go and angled into a glide of his own. Back winging the sinister looking blue settled a length ahead of the other dragon.

Good boy Lucith. Z’ves praised with a pleased mental brush and a pat to the dragon’s neck which begot a rare croon from the male beneath him. Slipping off his dragon the man pushed his flight goggles to the top of his head and called out to J’ash where the boy still sat upon his dragon. “Hey you okay?” His voice was polite and friendly. He had watched J’ash from a distance and had decided awhile ago to capitalize on an attempt at communication if the chance ever arose. The bluerider had thought that he might have to wait until the odd pair where finally cleared for actual wing drills. But obviously he had gotten a lucky break. Z’ves could evaluate the boy for potential now. Fun.

With a bright smile he tilted his head. “You’re not just going to ignore me are you? I promise I don’t bite.” Lucith gave a soft rumble at that. Not yet anyway. Indeed.

[Shiny]

Faranthwe'regoingtodiewe'regoingtodiewe'regoingtodie! Panicking surely was not helping the situation, but J'ash had been hesitant to comply with Craivaruth's desire to practice flying in the first place, and this was exactly the worst-case scenario he had been envisioning. His knuckles were white under his gloves from the tightness of his grip on Craivaruth's ridge; eyes squeezed shut, he tried to keep some sense of direction through the disorientation of falling. Just when he thought they were going to be a pancake, they were stopped.

Cracking an eye open as if looking would suddenly cause them to fall again, J'ash looked at the colour-bisected dragon. Had he suddenly gotten control over his wings? Two talons were gripping Craivaruth's wings by the joints, a slate-coloured dragon he'd never seen before above them, working extra hard to set them steady. A surge of gratitude gushed forward; J'ash simply sat in awe, watching the dark dragon save them, contemplating the kiss he was going to give to whomever was its rider.

Disgruntled by the sudden change in motion, Craivaruth sharply threw his head back to look at whoever had grasped his wings. An angry roar died to a quiet growl as J'ash mentally worked at restraining the Blue. Especially since the fight between Kaaoloth and him, he had been extremely sensitive to others in his space, and absolutely detested being touched by anyone that was not his rider. They are helping us, Crai. Please, just give them a chance. We'd be injured if it wasn't for their help. Angrily, Craivaruth complied with both his rider and the instructions of the slate-coloured dragon, and only shifted to make gliding easier.

J'ash was thankful for the ground they landed on and had the impulsive desire to hug it, which he ignored. Taking a moment to let his heart stop hammering against the inside of his chest, he took off his riding cap and shifted his goggles to the top of his head, his bangs flayed by the goggles so he could actually see who had helped them. Soothing circles were rubbed into the side of Craivaruth's neck to try and calm his negativity. The dragon simply watched the slate-coloured one with red-tinted eyes. I don't like him.

J'ash's attention was drawn to the sound of a human voice. Dammmn! They'd been saved by a hottie. And that he was - strong build, black hair, charming smile... But wait... Why hadn't he seen him around much before? Suddenly sensitive about his visible scars, he readjusted his goggles to allow his bangs to fall in his face again. At least now they'd be somewhat hidden.

His metallic gray eyes turned cold at the realization of who it was. A Wastelander, one he'd seen at the occasional Wing meeting. Just great. Saved by the enemy... Craivaruth began to rumble dangerously, but it soon simmered down again at the command of his rider. They are Wastelanders. We cannot trust them. They just helped us, Craivaruth. "I'm fine," the dirty-blond said stiffly, watching the attractive male with disapproval in his gaze - which was very much toned down from his usual Wastelander-glare, since they did just do them a great favour. Please, J'ashmine. Do not get associated with him. I have a bad feeling.

I don't plan to, but I have to cut this guy a little slack. "Ch." A snide smirk flashed on J'ash's face before he slid off of the malevolent-looking dragon. There, he and the Wastelander were equals now, though he wouldn't willingly get any closer. He so wanted to be rude and say something along the lines of 'ignorance is bliss', but...

Crossing his graduation-jacket-bound arms over his chest, he observed the handsome man with mixed emotion, while trying to maintain an unusual icy demeanor. "...Thanks." A moment's pause, and then J'ash tacked on something that he would probably later regret. "I guess I owe you one." Craivaruth rumbled in warning, causing J'ash put a hand on his side in comfort. I don't like this. Stop talking to him. It'll be fine. Nothing's going to happen.

[Rei]

Lucith paid as much attention to Craivaruth as he might an annoying fire lizard or mandyr. Which was to say not very much at all. Temper the other seemed to possess and although part of the blue wanted to poke at the strange two toned dragon and show him what a fight really was... It was sadly against the wishes of his. His wanted to play with the rider which meant Lucith did not get to hassle the other half. Annoying. But despite the small inward spark of annoyance the blue’s eyes whirled in calm greens and blues. Always outwardly calm the male was. Unless he was not kept under rein by his bonded, then he quickly became…unstable. But Z’ves had an unshakable control now and Lucith merely sat back on his haunches tail winding about his feet.

Oh hostile. Still with the glaring even after he had saved the boy. Well that was okay. Nothing worth breaking ever came easy. They always had to be gently coaxed along. J’ash. Yes this one would do. I thought you wanted to play with the girl with the uppity green baby. Jenna? I did. She hasn’t been around much and besides she’s a weyrling. And this one is a wing mate. Tch. That’s of little consequence. Breaking a weyrling would be far more…noticeable. Blue eyes fixed themselves on said wing mate and Z’ves gave another friendly smile, completely unfazed by the open hostility of his…partner was displaying. “Well that’s good. I’m glad you weren’t hurt. That would have been very unfortunate seeing as how you two just go into the air and all.” Keeping the tone conversational and friendly the bluerider took a few steps toward J’ash as he dismounted.

Not close enough to invade any space and not close enough to let Craivaruth have a clear shot. Nope just close enough so that he didn’t have to scream from lengths away to be heard. With a wave of his hand Z’ves dismissed the comment about owing him. “Oh you don’t owe me anything. I’m just happy that we where around to help. I’d hate to have heard that you just got clearance to fly only to be grounded again. That would have been very bad news.” With a warm smile he readjusted his gloves and then a thoughtful expression crossed his face. “Hey Lucith and I are just doing some warm ups. If you want we could spot you? That way you two could work on strengthening his wings without having to work about eating the ground?” Get some fragile trust built up between them. The spotting should help with that. “Neither of us mind helping and the sooner you guys get into the air the better the wing will be as a whole.” There a reason to keep the boys mind from coming up with ones of his own. Let him think it was solely for the wing that he was offering.

Perhaps if he played his cards right he could get J’ash to agree to accompany him to the main hall for breakfast afterwards. Little steps towards the big goal.

[Shiny]

Craivaruth's eyes turned a slightly redder hue at the lack of a reaction from the slate-coloured dragon. He was being treated like he was nothing important, nothing the other couldn't easily take. The calmness of the dark dragon's blue-green eyes only made Craivaruth feel as though he was being treated like a child. He could pack a punch if he wanted to - in fact, he could probably maim Lucith for life if not end it completely. How dare he patronize him?!

With a hand stuck to Craivaruth's side as if to physically stop him from leaping at Lucith, J'ash kept his eyes glued on the other Bluerider. A clear lack of trust if anything else was visible in those gray orbs, but the ice that had just been present was beginning to melt at the words being spoken. J'ash was not a cold person naturally; keeping up his ice facade was impossible when such kind words were offered to him. Still, this was the enemy (well, sort of?) they were talking about... confused with how exactly he should feel, J'ash simply watched him blankly as he approached slightly closer. If anything, J'ash was now curious about this man.

Was that a hint of a shy smile on J'ash's lips? "We were very lucky to have someone here to help us, weren't we, Craivaruth?" The Blue rumbled angrily in response. I agree that we would have certainly been injured without their help, and I am grateful for their one helpful deed, but we should cease contact with them immediately. I sense something strange, something I really don't like. That Lucith has these... weird vibes I can't describe rolling off of him like stink from a Beastherder. But they're our Wingmates, and this man seems to be kind enough... We need to learn to work with them.

With an expression that was a far cry from his normal happy one but one that was still a great improvement over the coldness he'd just exerted, J'ash agreed, eyes straying off to the side in a slightly shy manner. J'ash was uncomfortable with all of these mixed emotions, especially because the man was so attractive. "...I think that would be an excellent idea. As much as your... history is off-putting for Craivaruth and I, we need to learn to work together. We are on the same Wing, after all. And honestly, I see no other way that we could practice flying without the help of another rider and dragon, as things stand." It sounded like he was trying to convince himself to even his own ears, but all that he had just said was true.

With that said, J'ash reached back to tighten the pony tail his silky hair was captured in and readjusted the goggles over his eyes. His androgynous, thin form climbed up to his riding position between Craivaruth's ridges after he'd slipped on his riding cap. As he worked at tethering himself to the angered Blue, he spoke, keeping eye contact to a minimum. "Since we're supposed to be working together, I think knowing your name would be useful. I'm J'ash," the extension of his name was almost forced. The still nameless man was starting to ease away J'ash's false, cold exterior with his smooth-talking and friendliness, but the beautiful boy was still feeling off-put by it all.

Once all four participants were ready, J'ash gave the signal, and Craivaruth took several bounding leaps forward before pumping his wings - this time in unison - for liftoff. The shakiness was almost bad enough to ground them again, but knowing the other Bluepair was there to spot them eased J'ash's mind a little. (It eased Craivaruth's a little too, but the Blue still refused to acknowledge the fact that they were being helped by Wastelanders.)

[Rei]

Oh there see how. Pretty boy did have a nice voice and even a hint of a smile for him. It only made Z’ves flash J’ash a bigger smile. “History. It can be such a problem can’t it? I assure you though nothing Lucith and I have done has ever been under our own direction. Have to obey orders and all that even when you don’t like them. The higher ups gave my blue and I our lives back. We have to replay that debt. I am extremely sorry however for any pain it has caused you. I don’t like the orders I am given all the time but you know how it is. Sometimes you don‘t have a choice.” With a light frown the bluerider even managed to make the statement sound….sincere.

Didn’t want to push J’ash too much. Not on this first interaction. It was important that this go smoothly. That he took his time and was careful with how he acted and what he said. Z’ves wasn’t an idiot and he had turns of practice that this particular art. Had waited months in fact, before, for something to pan out. Never was good to rush. The result was always worth the wait.

Lucith said nothing and reacted in no way negatively or positively to any of it. In fact he may have well been a statue for all the movement he caused. The barest trace of a tail flick. The gentle whirling of calm blue green eyes. Reaching for Craivaruth’s mind the blue brushed it the words still icy. I will not touch you unless it is necessary. Consider me… Peace of mind. It was tempting. Oh so tempting to add a snarling smile to the end of the sentence but the small blue didn’t. Instead he merely crouched near his rider patiently waiting.

“J’ash.” Z’ves gave another charming smile and a small half bow. “Well met then J’ash of Craivaruth isn’t it? Z’ves is my name. Z’ves of Lucith.” Almost nonchalantly he reached up to stroke his dragon’s neck. Giving a nod then he mounted the blue in one smooth movement. “We’ll await your signal then.” He said cheerfully as he adjusted his flight straps. One hand absently patted the hide beneath him. Good boy Lucith. Easy does it now. Stay close. No crowding and keep your teeth to yourself or I’ll kick them in. Understood? Lucith merely brushed a brief ‘Yes’ across his bonded’s mind before they leapt into the air powering upwards and then falling into position above and behind the other dragon pair.

(Skipping ahead if you dun mind)

The morning past by pretty uneventfully and by the time Craivaruth had grown too tired to practice anymore Lucith had gotten a decent warm up. As both dragon pairs finally landed Z’ves removed his helmet and flight goggles and shook his dark hair loose, running his fingers through the mess. Well then that wasn’t so bad. Maybe he’d feel the other out and possibly invite him to the main hall for some klah or something. Crowded places always gave a false impression of safety. Getting J’ash away from his ‘unsure’ dragon for a little bit would be nice.

Taking off his gloves one at a time he waited for the other blue?rider to say something, preferring to let the other speak up first this time. Then Z’ves would have a better feel for what his companion was currently thinking anyway. See just how much be might be able to push this time.

[Shiny]

Whatever ice that remained in J'ash's gray eyes melted as he listened to the words of integrity coming out of Z'ves' mouth. Certainly someone as villainous as J'ash had originally thought Z'ves was would not be able to weave such statements from thin air. The Bluerider soaked up every word like a dry sponge thirsty for substance, and his broadest yet smile emerged. "I'm certainly glad to hear that. It would be a shame for someone as friendly as you to go into my bad books. I still don't like the fact that you're a Wastelander, but... I can understand being forced to do things you don't want to do. Especially to repay a debt."

The small Blue pressed against J'ash's palm, tail flicking around to lightly hit the Rider in the knee. Do you hear yourself? He's winding you around his finger. Don't listen to him. It's not only Lucith that has those weird vibes - His does, too. But J'ash simply ignored the apprehensive dragon by mounting him and adjusting himself into his proper riding position. Focus on flying, my dear Blue.

Craivaruth's exhaustion wore against J'ash's mind as both pairs landed. The Blue almost collapsed under his own weight. Undoing the tethers that attached him to his dragon and taking off his headgear, J'ash slid from atop him and turned to rub his side affectionately. You did a great job, Craivaruth. If we keep practicing like this, we'll be back in the sky in no time!

The feminine young adult looked over his shoulder at the other Bluepair, relieved to see that they hadn't left already. They needed to be properly thanked. "The both of us are truly grateful for your help. We've probably accomplished more today than we have over the course of the whole week." I could've done it on my own, grumbled the bi-coloured dragon, which earned a glare from his Rider.

Although the Bluerider still felt a bit apprehensive about the fact that these two individuals were Wastelanders, many of his insecurities had been broken down. He now had some level of trust in them. Craivaruth, however, was a different story. Biting his lip in contemplation, he stared at the Bluepair for a moment, considering what he should say next. J'ash felt as though he owed Z'ves. But what could he do...? The fatigue in his mind could only make him think of klah. A nice, warm cup of klah. Nothing quite like it. Perhaps the other Bluerider was up for it. "It's still morning yet I feel like I could sleep. I think I need some klah so I can get through at least half of today. Do you... feel like getting some klah with me?"

What do you think you're doing? I'm asking Z'ves if he wants to get some morning klah with me from the Main Hall. What does it look like?I told you not to trust him. You aren't going to listen to me, are you? He's perfectly fine, Craivaruth. I know you don't trust him but I think there isn't a problem in tr- You're just filling the void J'on left behind with someone else. That statement made J'ash retract his hand from the Blue's side. The Greenrider certainly had left a huge, gaping cavity in J'ash's chest. Ever since their last talk, J'ash had been trying to fill it with the love he received from his friends, but still he felt lonely and abandoned.

Glancing over at Z'ves, he mulled over Craivaruth's words. Wouldn't that be a good thing? I'd be happier than I have been...

The Blue suddenly tore away from his Rider. Fine. Have it your way. Don't come crawling back to me when you realize I was right. Throwing a dangerous look back at the other Bluepair, he growled protectively. If you touch him, you will die. Before J'ash could try to talk to him, the Blue was gliding away in short spurts, landing every so often when his wings refused to carry him further, heading back towards their weyr to rest.

J'ash turned his attention back to Z'ves after he watched Craivaruth with hesitation. "I'm sorry about him. He's not the friendliest dragon around."

[Rei]

When J’ash spoke up Z’ves gave a bright and friendly smile. “Klah? That sounds wonderful. I could really use a cup and company is always welcome.” And so it begins. Commented Lucith with only the barest trace of amusement in his icy tone. His dragon. He seems to dislike us quite a bit. Shame. After we kept him from becoming a multicolored crater on the ground to. The bluerider gave a mental shrug. Won’t matter in the long run as long as we can keep him from interfering too much. The slate colored dragon gave no comment to that instead crouching to allow his rider an easier dismount. Unsnapping the harness from his dragon Z’ves let Lucith take it gently in his mouth and rubbed briefly at the blue’s eye ridge. For the most part the blue pair was giving the image of trying to politely ignore the obvious fight between J’ash and his dragon. Whatever they where arguing about, likely them, it was over soon enough. As Craivaruth began his awkward hop glide home Z’ves gave J’ash an apologetic smile.

“Oh no. It’s fine don’t bother apologizing for him. It really is okay. Lucith has problems in that area as well on the occasion. Moody is what I call it.” With a soft chuckle he gave a pat to Lucith’s neck. “Off with you then, and careful of the straps.” With a rumble that was more a growl and a quick flash of teeth the small blue shot into the air and performed a loop before breaking off to wing in the direction of the canyon. Watching his dragon for a moment the bluerider turned back to his companion and grinned. “Make quite the grumpy pair don’t they? Now where were we? Oh yes you had said something about klah. Please after you.” With a polite gesture for J’ash to take the lead Z’ves fell into step more or less beside the younger rider.

Traveling in silence for the first few moments the man gave J’ash a quick examination once his back was turned and then broke the silence again, his voice warm. “Craivaruth did really well. If he keeps working like that you guys will be airborne completely again in no time. If you don’t mind the help Lucith and I don’t mind working with you more often. Would be good for wing coordination and all.” Not to mention for furthering the bluerider’s own pursuit. “So where you born here at Selenitas or…..?”

Seemed like a good opening question to Z’ves. That was what this was all about after all. Getting to know the kid better. Building up and keeping that fragile relationship, strengthening it. Knowing when to push and when to back down. It was a subtle art. One he had almost perfected over his turns of life. That didn’t mean he always succeeded. But most of the time the bluerider was very good at picking the right victims. Oh the Benden rider normally preferred females. But…on occasion a man or two caught his fancy and J’ash? Well he was just ambiguous enough to be very, very interesting. Hopefully that interest held. Time would tell.

With a charming smile Z’ves continued with a chuckle. “Feel free to subject me to twenty questions if you want by the way. Or to tell me to shut my mouth. Sometimes I can be ridiculously curious.” Waiting for J’ash to respond he slowed his pace a bit as they neared the Main Hall. He rider liked the intimacy of one on one conversation and the Main hall was normally crowded in the mornings. Hmm. Maybe he could get the kid to grab the drinks and they could relocate to a more private location. Worth debating.

[Shiny]

When people were friendly and smiled at him, J'ash couldn't help but smile back brightly. If it wasn't for the bitter aftertaste of Craivaruth's bad mood in his mind, today would have been a decidedly good day. Perhaps he could still make the best of it and salvage what enjoyment he could.

"Haha, moody indeed. At least I know now I'm not the only one that has to suffer with a sourpuss for a mindmate," his smooth voice carried a very warm, friendly tone, and he grinned at Z'ves. The man was so polite and nice! J'ash was reeeally trying to avoid thinking about him as a Wastelander now. If only he could forget it completely... Gray orbs watched Lucith with slight apprehension as he took off; that dragon somehow made him want to hide behind something. Turning back to the Blue's Rider, the young man hummed a laugh. "They do. I wonder if they'll ever get along." Probably not, considering Craivaruth was too grudge-y to ever accept Lucith as an equal, and Lucith didn't seem friendly to boot. Still, that couldn't stop the Riders from being friends, could it?

"Yes, klah! I am in serious need of some, or I'll pass out on you," he joked, happiness sparkling in his silver eyes as he beamed at Z'ves and started walking in compliance with his wingmate's gesture. In the brief moment that nothing was said, J'ash reached back to untie his silky hair and combed his fingers through it absently as he listened to Z'ves talk. "I think that would be a great idea," the pretty boy grinned. "Craivaruth might not like it, but I know deep down inside, he appreciates what you and Lucith are doing for us. Besides, even if he doesn't like it, he'd still let you two train us - he's that passionate about flying. It's really a shame he was born with such long, skinny wings. He's always had difficulties keeping up with others." The smile on his face briefly died down.

The question about his birthplace almost took him by surprise. It had been a while since someone actually cared enough to ask something personal about him. "I was born in a cothold out in the middle of nowhere. Closest thing to it was Blossom Hold." J'ash gave Z'ves an appreciative look. "Don't be silly. I don't mind curiosity. I'm actually glad someone's just as curious as I am!" he laughed, a sly smirk slowly took over his lips at the suggestion. "Twenty questions, you say?" Then a pause, and a split-second pout. "That didn't count as one."

The pair were steadily approaching the Main Hall. "How old are you? Where were you born? How did you Impress Lucith? What's your favourite hobby? Hmm... why are you indebted to the Wastelanders?" J'ash chewed his lower lip as he quieted down, nervous that he'd asked too many personal questions, especially the last one. "I mean, you don't have to answer if you don't want to... Sorry," an apologetic smile spread on his face.

Finally, they had reached the Main Hall, and were standing in the Dining Hall. "Shall we?" J'ash offered, stepping up to the table at the front of the room where some drudges were distributing klah. He gingerly took the steaming hot cup from the woman as she handed it to him, trying to avoid getting burned or spilling any of the delicious brew. There were still some piles of food that hadn't been too picked through by the morning rush - they were still a part of the morning rush, in fact - but J'ash simply waited for his companion to get his own cup of klah before moving to find a place to sit. He was never much of a big eater, but less so now, with all of the stress he had been under. He briefly tried to recall the last time he'd eaten a proper meal and failed. Oh, well. Better to be underfed than overfed.

He led Z'ves to one of the least-occupied benches (which was still rather crowded) and sat, an exhausted sigh escaping him. His metallic eyes slid down to look at the steaming drink in his cup as he blew at it. J'ash looked up at Z'ves as he took a chary sip of the hot liquid. It was rather loud in here, but J'ash wanted to stay here, at least for a little while longer. The sound of chatter all around him was comforting and made him feel better. He'd often find himself sitting in the populated Dining Hall - even if he didn't eat anything, just so that he didn't feel so lonely.

J'ash never thought he would see the day he actually liked a Wastelander, nevermind could stand being in the presence of one. He knew he probably shouldn't be allowing himself to get attached to the guy, but he really couldn't help himself. So what if he was a Wastelander? He could ignore that fact, couldn't he? Z'ves was a nice guy on the inside. As long as J'ash turned a blind eye on his Wastelander status, they could be friends, couldn't they..?

[Rei]

Striding beside J’ash Z’ves gave his wing mate a grin. There we go drawn into conversation. That made things about a million times easier. Talk about dragons would be ignored for the time being. Craivaruth obviously didn’t like them, so keeping the bi colored dragon out of the conversation would be best for now. With an easy smile and sway to his gait the bluerider made sure to at least give the illusion of playing strict attention to his companion.

“Cothold hmm? You'll have to tell me more about it sometime. I'm afraid I don‘t know much about life outside of that in a weyr. Bet it's interesting.” He commented with an easy smile. Blue eyes meeting J’ash’s he echoed the boys laughter. “Yes curiosity can be both a blessing and a curse sometimes.” He offered lightly, tilting his head as J’ash pouted, then he then added a chuckle. “Of course not I won’t count that as a question.” Giving that same easy smile Z’ves kept going, nodding at each of his companion’s uttered ‘curiosities’. “Hmm.” That was what five questions in about the span of two minutes? At this rate the kid was going to exhaust all twenty of them in about ten minutes, providing he didn’t wait for any answers.

As they finally reached the crowded Main Hall Z’ves laughed and shook his head. “No need to apologize but let’s wait till where sitting down somewhere comfortable klah in hand before I wade through them all hmm?” With an easy smile the man melded into the crowd after J’ash. Really was a pity the place was so damn crowded in the mornings. This wasn’t even the worst it’s been either, however it seemed the hum and bustle of human traffic could not be escaped and by this point it was a little difficult to be heard above shouts and the normal idle chatter that accompanied eating. Taking his klah after J’ash was handed his, he winked at a drudge and also picked up a few sweet rolls and a red fruit. Might as well have something to munch on. Besides straight klah with nothing to soak it up had the unfortunate side effect of making the bluerider a bit jittery.

Sitting down beside J’ash Z’ves took a sip of his klah and then handed his companion on of the sweet rolls with a smile. “Here. Better to have at least something in your stomach.” He commented idly before letting his gaze travel through the crowded dining hall. Hmm. Absently taking a bite of his won roll he stayed silent for a few moments chewing and swallowing. Then he chuckled lightly. “Can barely hear myself think here it feels like. Suppose I should answer at least some of your questions shouldn’t I?” Giving J’ash a charming smile he made a show out of trying to recall the questions voiced previously. Lucky for him he had a good memory. “I’m twenty six. Although I certainly don’t really look it do I?” He added with a wink. “Born at Benden. Never knew my parents, through I assume they where dragonriders.” Taking another draw from his klah he ran a hand idly through dark hair.

“It’s pretty crowded in here. Some of the rest I’d rather not blurt out for the whole weyr to hear you know what I mean? Maybe we could find a more secluded corner here or somewhere else? If you don’t mind that is.” He added in a light tone making a show of looking a tad bit uncomfortable. Z’ves liked one on one interaction best. It was more….fun. With so many people here in the dining hall the whole meeting lost some of the intimacy and that the bluerider didn’t like. Not at all.

“Crowds bother me really. Give me an almost claustrophobic feeling.” He explained with a light smile. And to be honest that was the truth. He really did feel uncomfortable in crowded and enclosed spaces. Very much so actually.