Frosty Trees (Lena)

[Tashe]

I'm cold. Silence. I'm cold. More Silence. I'm co-- "Alright, geesh! If you knew you were going to be cold why did you follow me out here?" Because I didn't want to be stuck with that creepy Brown and his following eyes. "You think everyone is creepy." ... so? "Ugh. If you're cold go back inside." But I don't want to. Too many pairs of eyes. If E'iah had a mark for every time he had the urge to smack his forehead with the palm of his hand, he would be rich. Not even slightly rich, no, it would be more along the lines of insanely so. Viveth was just that type of Dragon. As the months had passed, the Bluepair had worked diligently on their issues. Most particularly Viveth's paranoia and E'iah's fear of getting too close to the hefty male's mind. It had taken a long time to get to the point they were at, but in the end it had been worth it and was still worth working on.

Speaking of the cold, the Weyrlingrider had never been this cold in his life. Hyphen was a seaport, it rarely got this cold even in the winter. At this very moment he was wearing two winter shirts, a jacket and a very thick pair of cotton pants whose legs were stuffed as far down into his knee high boots as possible. It was so cold E'iah was even wearing a scarf and gloves to match his bundled attire. Casting a glance back at his vivid Blue, he sighed before tugging off the scarf. A gust of wind stung his newly exposed skin in turn making him shake like a wet dog. Around Viveth's neck the long piece of material went before being tied in place. "It won't do much, but maybe it will help a little." Trying not to shiver, the Weyrling pulled the furry collar of his jacket up around his neck. ... thank you mine. No one else would be this nice. They'd just let me die of the cold and--- At that point, E'iah zoned out of Viveth's tirade. Usually by the time he counted to one-hundred and twenty, his Dragon would have either a) switched topics or b) stopped talking in favor of alertly watching his surroundings. Looking up at the trees above him, E'iah inspected the layer of frost that seemed to have coated everything.

"Looks like I'll be getting a frost covered Birthday this year, eh Leifa?" The pretty, albeit a little dim, Green poked her head out from inside of his clothes to chirp sweetly. Wasn't this fun? She liked walking. Oh look a pretty leaf! But its so chilly! She chirped again before nuzzling E'iah's chin and returning to the warmth of his clothing. Only the tip of her nose could be seen poking out of his fuzzy collar. Rubbing the tip of her nose with his finger, E'iah sighed before continuing his walk down the path. The river gurgled slowly to his right, while the forest (like most of the Weyr right now) was generally silent. None of the normal birds or animals seemed to particularly like the cold either. Too bad, he enjoyed listening to the bird calls...

[Rei]

Erilena was not one for cold weather. At all. She much, much preferred to be warm. Unfortunately she also preferred to be active. So after her shift at the infirmary the weyrling decided to take a walk with Feyrianth. That way she could spend time with the green and get some activity in before she eventually headed to the kitchens to cook dinner. So, bundling herself up in her riding jacket and throwing on a pair of pink gloves with matching scarf, she started down one of the well worn paths. Humming as her booted feet crunched through the frosty grass she looked back at Feyrianth who was amusing herself by trying to make ‘smoke’ rings with her breath.

Sadly she was failing at it. Where her darling Fey got the idea for smoke rings Erilena wasn’t exactly sure but if she had to bet she would blame it on K’sel. Oh well there where worse things the dragon could be exposed to and besides trying to make smoke rings was better than her adding to her already quite large collection of shiny objects. It was getting to the point where she had to beg the green to get rid of some of the things. (Either that or get rid of some of them while she slept and hope she forgot about them.)

Tail wagging from side to side Feyrianth suddenly bounded forward and trotted towards Erilena before arching her neck and giving a musical trill. Oh look there is someone up ahead. A blue. One of the younger ones. Erilena’s gaze followed Feyrianth’s, catching site of the bundled human gazing at the frosted trees and the half grown blue by his side. The color of the dragon was a bit familiar but she hadn’t really interacted with many of the newer weyrlings. The greenrider had been quite busy lately and so unfortunately some things got overlooked. Still that dragon looked familiar. Oh wait…hadn’t Eliah impressed blue? Yes and it had been bright as well if her memory served. So then the figure ahead could very well be the younger boy. Pausing momentarily as Feyrianth gave a thunderous croon Erilena waited as her dragon pranced towards the blue pair.

Evening. The four winged dragon said cheerfully including the human in her speech as well out of a desire to be friendly and polite. Oh wait she knew this little male. He was the one that had oh so nicely built her a fort to play in by the river. Feyrianth remembered him but his name sadly escaped her. It was oh so hard to remember names sometimes. Dipping her head towards the bundled human the green gave a soft chirp and nudged him. By this time Erilena had caught up and she lightly put a hand on Feyrianth’s jaw shoving it.

Watch where you put your head darling not everyone is as steady or big as R’ven you might hurt someone on accident. Giving the blue weyrling a warm smile the greenrider gestured towards Feyrianth as the dragon obediently moved her head. “Sorry E’iah. She gets way too excited sometimes.” Pushing her hair behind her ear and readjusting her scarf she gave the bluerider a warm smile. “Feels like I haven’t seen you in forever. How are things? I never really got to thank you for humoring Feyrianth with the fort idea either.” Some friend she was sometimes. Maybe she could make it up to him somehow.

[Tashe]

Two things happened when Feyrianth spoke her greeting. E'iah turned on his heel to look and Viveth skittered around to 'hide' behind His, using the boy's body to block his head from view. Although it probably didn't do much to hide him seeing as the Green was well on her way to being fully grown, if she wasn't already. "Hello Feyri -ohf." Sandwiched between Feyrianth's nose and Viveth's, E'iah was having trouble standing let alone trying to pat the mature Dragon on the nose. When the female moved her nose and he was able to breath again, the Weyrling rocked forward so he was standing on his own two feet again. Miine they're trying to trick us! They're going to use their feminine wiles I know it. Why else would they sneak up behind us?! Send them away! Lets run. We can out run them I know it. Because he didn't want to embarrass the Greenpair he spoke to Viveth mentally. Stop it. I knew them before you were even a gleam in your mother's eye. They are some of the nicest people I've met here and I trust them. He knew it wasn't the Blue's fault, but he had to keep trying to teach him to think before he judged people. He was going to add something else but Erilena's voice drew his gaze from Feyrianth to the girl herself.

"O-oh hello Erilena. N-no don't worry about it, she's always a nice change from... from some of the Greens in my class." One in particular. Evil little thing, guh. "I was happy to... she really wanted one and I thought she'd really enjoy it so... yeah. There's really no need to thank me." Waving his hands slightly in front of him, E'iah smiled hoping that the Senior Weyrling didn't think that building Fry the Fort put him through too much trouble. Because it really didn't. It was a simple thing, large yes, but it certainly wasn't a home that would have to last for generations. Just long enough till Fey got tired of it right? You're talking to yourself again. "Huh? I'm not talking to myself." There was a pause when E'iah realized he said that aloud. "Uh-uh..." Rubbing the back of his neck the Weyrling looked down as he scuffed a boot on the ground.

"Things are fine I guess. Weyrling lessons are hard..." So is working on my Bond with Viveth. "I haven't had a lot of time to work on my craft and with this frost... I can see that the trees aren't fairing to well." Walking to the nearest tree he broke off a small section of bark and brought it back to Erilena. "This is a tropical tree. Its not used to cold weather. See the bark?" He tore it in half like a piece of soft jerky. "Its supposed to be more elastic than this. Harder trees like Mahogany and Pine will be okay... but these guys are looking a bit sickly. And we've only had a month of frost so far..." Dusting his hands off he laughed nervously before tucking them into his pockets. "I'm doing it again. Digressing into other topics." It seemed to be a reoccurring defense mechanism. "So how have you and Feyrianth been? Anything interesting to tell?" A pause. "Oh I'm sorry. This is Viveth. He's um... a bit paranoid... about everything. Though he's okay right now."

[Rei]

Feyrianth backed up a little as Viveth tried to hide behind his bonded. Oh dear did I scare him? She asked Erilena softly before lowering her head and giving a sad croon. I did not mean to. I’m sure it’s okay. The greenrider replied uncertainly. The blue was a little to big to hide behind his but he was sure doing his level best to do so. At least the bluerider was no longer crushed between the two dragons. Perhaps the blue was just really shy? It was hard to imagine with Feyrianth being so personable and outspoken but the weyrling supposed some dragons could be shy. Feyrianth was not one of those dragons, as was apparent quickly when she reached forward to sniff at Viveth. I am sorry if I scared you little one. I did not mean to. Are you okay? The four winged dragon hoped he was. She wasn’t really scary was she?

Erilena tilted her head as E’iah started speaking. A small smile was offered to him. He seemed a little nervous? Maybe run off from his dragon? There really was no need to worry. In order to make him feel slightly more comfortable the women just listened politely and nodded offering him small smiles as she adjusted her scarf. “Oh it’s fine really. I’m glad it wasn’t any trouble. She loves it. She likes to play queen of the castle down by the river. Silly thing that she is.” The weyrling threw a affectionate look at the green. “She also has like half her hoard of things stuffed there which keeps it out of my weyr. You have no idea how appreciative I am for that.” Erilena gave a short laugh after that statement. Hoarding was not a behavior she encouraged. but well it was almost impossible to tell Feyrianth no. To anything. Heaven help her if she ever had kids.

E’iah’s admission that he wasn’t talking to himself had her looking at him curiously until she realized he must have been speaking about his dragon. She raised her hand and mocked a cough to hide the fact that she was trying not to giggle. No need to embarrass the poor guy further. He looked plenty embarrassed as it was scuffing his boot on the ground. Again Erilena feel silent and let the blueweyrling have the floor. Instead of speaking she offered him a warm smile and her almost undivided attention as he walked to the tree. Part of her was trying to keep Feyrianth from being to overwhelming for Viveth. The green could be a little to exuberant at times and not everyone was friendly or patient. Best to keep a little bit of a rein on her for now.

Blinking Erilena watched as E’iah tore the bark and gave a light frown in response. Eyes flicking back to the boys face she listened. “Oh that’s kind of terrible isn’t it. To be honest I’m not really liking the cold weather either. It’s nice for a bit of a change I suppose but I’ll be glad to see it leave.” For the most part anyway. It was good cuddling weather after all. Poor trees though. Almost automatically the greenrider reached out as E’iah apologized for speaking? Silly guy. “Oh it’s fine. I tend to ramble off on other things to. I don’t mind. I haven’t seen you in awhile after all. So we both probably have a lot to say.” Giving him a warm smile the older weyrling turned in a short pirouette to face the bright blue. “It’s nice to meet you Viveth. I am Erilena.” Slowly she extended her hand in case he wanted to sniff it or as an offer for a scratch should he chose to let her. “I’ve known yours for a bit of time now. Since before I impressed Feyrianth actually. It is nice to finally meet you.”

Turning her gaze back to E’iah Erilena nodded towards Feyrianth. “We are doing well. Really can’t complain. I’m apprenticing as a dragonhealer in the infirmary, lessons, chores, Feyrianth. It all keeps me really busy. But it’s a good busy so I can’t complain. I even manage to squeeze some dance lessons in every morning with my wher handler friend Dmitri.” Retuning her attention back to Viveth she smiled in what she hoped was a reassuring manner. “It’s okay. You don’t have to be afraid of Fey or I. We are probably about as harmless as you can get.”

[Tashe]

Viveth who had moved behind E'iah again, watched the Green Dragon warily. In his opinion, females were fussy and particular things and there for were best avoided. Plus they could be the most evil creatures, what with their wiles and trickery. Couldn't be trusted the lot of them. Plus this one was weird looking. Switching his head to the opposite side of E'iah when Feyrianth reached out to sniff him, he regarded her with a mixture of uncertainty and knowing. And the way she spoke to him, all nice like and so unassuming. She definitely had some sort of agenda. He just didn't know what yet. His had to be wrong. Maybe he'd try and convince his Mine that they obviously weren't to be trusted. Why? Why do you want to know? Whats it to ya? It never occurred to Viveth that the Green could be anything but sincere in her questioning. The human was even worse. Look at how chipper she was. No one could be that nice with out something evil or dark hidden deep down. She was probably like one of those black spiders who lured other spiders in and then ate them. Viveth cocked his head at Erilena in a very 'I'm watching you' kind of way. No way she was going to eat E'iah, not while he was there. Sensing his Dragons thoughts the Weyrling turned and flicked the Blue on the nose startling the male enough to cause him to sneeze, even giving a small shake of his head. Be nice.

"Dragonhealing?" Tilting his head slightly he gave Erilena a small smile. "I don't think I could do healing. I mean I'm okay with blood and ichor... its the whole, do something wrong and it could do damage part." He poked his hand making it twitch dramatically then giving a shrug and a sigh. "Plus I can't run around too much. My lungs aren't... the best. But its great that you're apprenticing. Are the other apprentices nice?" If he had a tail it would have been wagging. He much preferred discussing other people instead of himself, it was much easier to control the flow of his mouth and he didn't feel the urge to seek approval. Not that he was afraid of hurt feelings, he rarely got them hurt, but he liked to keep people as happy as he could. Maybe he spent much to much time with Rishin, her canine ways always seem to rub off on him. "Dmitri... I've heard about him. Isn't he one of the leaders of the new Night Watch? Now what did they call it... The Night... Sentinel? Having fun? I bet you're a super dancer." He recalled the first night they met, when she was dancing in the rain.

When the Female addressed him again, Viveth made sure that he didn't eye her again. He'd rather not get another flick on the nose thanks. Yeah, that's what they all say. That's what they want you to think. Sneaky little females. The murmur was mainly to himself, but it was open just enough for E'iah to hear it if he was listening.

[Rei]

Feyrianth shifted nervously throwing a glance to hers. The reply was not something she had expected and it subdued her. If only a tad. Crooning softly she titled her head. Oh I was just worried that I had scared you. I did not mean any undue upset. Forgive me if I have scared you. Arching her neck after her words she backed up a few steps and lowered her head to nudge at her bonded’s back. I do not think he likes me very much, the green responded privately to her rider. With a smile Erilena shifted so she could scratch one of the green’s ridges, while still paying attention to E’iah. No worries lovebug. His rider just says he is a little nervous is all. He’ll come around. It’s nothing you did. Don’t worry.

Reassurances done for the moment she gave Feyrianth’s head a final pat and then gently pushed it back upwards. As her dragon raised her head the weyrling’s gaze went back to Viveth. In response to the blue dragon’s look she smiled reassuringly and dropped her hand. He still seemed too nervous at the moment and she wasn’t going to try to touch him for fear of accidentally setting him off in some way. It always amused her how very different dragons where from one another. Even within color’s sometimes. The most varied personalities seemed to be in the greens and blues though.

Erilena smiled. “Yep dragonhealing. To be honest I worry more than I should sometimes but I’m going better. Getting more confident to. So if you ever need anything have Viveth contact Feyrianth. I know I’m still only an apprentice but it’s okay. I learn more everyday and I’m very diligent about studying. I really do enjoy it, weird as that probably sounds.” Making a face she giggled and turned in a slow twirl suddenly finding it hard to stay in one place. Stepping forward at E’iah’s next words however she slightly frowned. Hand coming up she gently pressed it to his chest for a minute, to feel the rise and fall of his breath. “Oh. I’m sorry is there anything you can do for them?” Part of her wanted to know what had happened but it would be rude to ask wouldn’t it? Suddenly realizing that her reflexive touching was a bit rude, if not uncomfortable for the bluerider, Erilena’s eyes widened. Whoops.

Dropping her hand she gave a sheepish smile. "Oh the rest of the apprentices seem really nice. I get to work with two goldriders to. It’s interesting and so many people come through there on a daily basis for this and that. If anything you can always find something to keep busy. Which really helps when you are upset or just need to wind down.” The greenrider gave a warm smile. “Yep he’s one of the ones who got the whole night watch restarted again. He’s one of my best friends. He can come off as cold and he’s a bit of an ass at times but I wouldn’t trade him for anything. Despite all his quirks he really is a caring person. He just likes to pretend he’s not.” Really Dmitri was really important to her, almost brotherly at times and really she couldn’t imagine not having him around. Then again she couldn’t imagine not having most of her friends around. “Well I don’t know about being super at dancing but I think I do well enough. I do have a lot of fun at it. I like to surprise people with what I do know.”

Laughing she stepped forward closer to E’iah’s side and motioned for him to walk with her. “It’s kinda cold to just stand around. You don’t mind walking with me to you?” Crossing her arms over her chest she rubbed them in an attempt to fight the chill. “So besides lessons and such what have you been up to?” Stepping forward she mentally instructed Feyrianth to watch where she stepped and keep a bit of distance between herself and the blue to keep him calmer. No need for any unintentional accidents.

[Tashe]

The touch to his chest was a surprise to him but not uncomfortable per say. E'iah did take note of the slight widening of her eyes. He was more than appreciative that Erilena was trying to make him and Viveth feel comfortable. Instead of words he offered her a smile, not wanting to interrupt her while she continued to answer all of his questions. When the Senior Weyrling was done the Junior most patted his chest with a few solid thumps. He wanted to answer her unspoken questions. "These guys? Nah, there's nothing much I can do for them. Been like that since birth, though they've gotten stronger because I like to climb really tall trees." He made a gesture with his hands pretending to size the trees and their 'largeness'. "They complain when I run or train too hard and stuff in the air can cause me to cough really bad. Mainly smoke and ash. Like when we were in the hatching grounds and the fire started. I wasn't doing so well there." He remembered getting better when he was able to breath fresh, unpolluted air. "I just hope thread dust doesn't set me a coughing and that I can stand the thin air of the high altitudes. Or I'm in some trouble there." He shrugged. E'iah wouldn't necessarily mind being in a lower altitude wing, or helping ferry firestone to the threadfighters. And he didn't much like the thought of training Viveth to actually fight other dragons, E'iah felt like he could be more use helping teach when he got older. He and his Blue were a hodgepodge pair to be sure. "But I'm fine though!" The Weyrling tried to cheer up the end of his statements as they began walking side by side. "I like working hard. I take pages out of Rishin's scrolls! That Canine is one great worker, I'll tell you."

"Well... oh duh." He palmed his forehead with a start. "Of course I know Dmitri. He requisitioned my help to build a instrument, albeit one I've never seen before... I should remember that sooner. He and that Goldhandler were intimidating to stand next to. They're huge." And by huge he meant tall. "But anyway! That's one of the things I've been doing. I don't know if you know Brownrider M'ta, but I'm helping him improve his skills with woodcrafting. I've been doing repair work and I built Feyrianth her fort... um... I've been helping a lot in the kitchens. I somehow always get stationed there for chores. I secretly think the Head kitchen lady actually likes my help! Lets see..." As he struggled to think of things other than lessons and Viveth that he'd been dealing with, Leifa chose this moment to emerge from her warm little hiding spot.

Climbing onto the Blueweyrling's shoulder, the pretty leaf pattered Green looked around for a moment before chirping brightly. Oh she had heard other voices! Leifa jumped off of E'iah's shoulder and dropped herself down onto Erilena's, immediately starting to poke her way into the girl's scarf. "Whoa little miss, what did I say about personal bubbles!" E'iah glanced apologetically at the Greenrider. "I'm sorry, Lena. That little miss there is Leifa. She's about as harmless as a fruitfly, and about as smart as one too. I hope you don't mind the invasion. She likes to make friends."

Viveth was given no choice and his pleads were gone either unnoticed or ignored, he favored the later though. The Blue resigned himself to the fact he was stuck walking next to the bigger and older dragon instead of his Mine. The emotions coming off of His were relaxed, really no more nervousness to speak of, so even he was finding it hard not to relax his own alertness. His had said he trusted the pair and had known the pair since before he was born... so maybe, JUST maybe, they weren't going to get him. But spying was a whole different matter. Glancing at the Green, Viveth flicked his tail from side to side. You're too nice. Blunt, but that was the Blue for you. If you're too nice, nasty dragons will take advantage of you.

[Rei]

Erilena gave a small smile to E’iah and watched as he thumped against his chest. Her hand went half up in a desire to stop him from possibly aggravating anything but she dropped the hand just as quickly upon noting his smile. Obviously he knew his own body better than the greenrider herself knew it. Nodding to his words the weyrling allowed herself to smile again. “Well all you can do is hope. Between might aggravate them to. I’d let your weyrlingmaster know about your condition before you try anything like that. Maybe get cleared by the healers before you try to between. I’d hate for anything to happen to you. Feyrianth and I would be quite upset. Promise me you’ll at least get them checked.”

Giving him a half stern look Erilena softened it with a smile. “If it makes you feel any better Feyrianth and I have trouble with Thread as well. More because she has so much wing area, and with her way of flying formation flying is difficult for us. We end up having to between a lot. Everyone has obstacles. It’s how you deal with them. I have faith that you and Viveth will find your niche in a wing. Fey and I will have to find ours as well. Isn’t always easy it seems.”

With a half skipping gait she started forward with E’iah at her side. “How is Rishin these days? I’d like to see her again. She has to still be my favorite canine.” Never mind the collie looking dog was the only canine Erilena had met at the weyr currently. Walking beside him the greenrider allowed E’iah to speak uninterrupted, a smile permanently on her face as the younger bluerider continued to speak. Dmitri seemed to know quite a few people for all his jerkish posturing. Silly handler. Although maybe know was a bit strong of a word. Interacted with was probably better. To his question about M’ta she nodded vigorously.

“Yep. He works in the infirmary with me. Like a helper. Feyrianth adores his brown. Although she adores a lot of dragons. She does have her favorites of favorites though.” Trailing off Erilena listened to the rest of her companions words, smiling and encouraging with nods every now and again. It was nice to see E’iah. It had been so long since she had seen him. To long really. Although that’s what happened when you got busy. Likely as Viveth grew her friend would find himself as lacking in free time as she herself was.

When the green firelizard emerged from E’iah’s scarf Erilena’s attention was quite effectively stolen. She was so pretty. The greenrider hadn’t realized the blueweyrling had a firelizard. When she met him he only has Rishin after all. As the green dropped to her shoulder and began to poke herself into the weyrling’s scarf she giggled. “No, no. Don’t worry. You don’t have to apologize. It’s fine. I like firelizards.” Raising her hand she helped Leifa in her mission to invade the scarf. Smiling brightly and tucking the pink material around the green flit she smiled.

“There you go little girl. Don’t you look pretty.” Softly Erilena rubbed the creatures eye ridges. “She’s adorable. I keep thinking maybe I should get a flit. But I just guess I’m to scared. I lost my mandyr and it hurt so bad. I don’t think I could go through that again. I still don’t really like to see mandyrs. So I tend to avoid hatchings. Both firelizard and mandyr. I just spoil other people’s pets instead. Hope you don’t mind. I’m sure Leifa doesn’t.” Turning to catch sight of E’iah again she smiled.

“You sound just as busy as I am. I kind of feel bad for not coming to see you before now. Guess I just got caught up in life. I’m glad you seem to be doing well though.” Continuing down the path she exhaled watching her breath climb upwards towards the frosty tree’s above. “Even though I’m not fond of the cold and I feel bad for the trees they still look really pretty. At night the stars are amazing to because it’s so cold and clear.” Almost idly Erilena threw a backwards glance at the following dragons. “Viveth is really pretty. Getting big to. Will you guys be flying soon?”

Feyrianth adjusted her stride so the small blue beside her wouldn’t have trouble keeping up or be forced to walk to fast. Falling into a slow easy short stride she hummed softly under her breath tilting her head to look at Viveth every now and again. As the younger dragon spoke the green softly crooned her eyes going to the human’s walking in front of her. I like being nice. I do not think others take advantage of me. I think they like talking to someone who truly cares about how they feel. I love all my brothers and sisters. Don’t you? The four winged green dipped her head in a nod and fixed slow calm whirling eyes on the blue. Silly little one.