[Glasscrafter/Weaver] The Sound of Bells. (Open)

[glamourie]

The sound was high pitched and melodious, with a sweet echo that made Ka’rys tilt his head slightly. He surely made a comical sight in the glass crafter tent. His chair was pulled up to where the wind chimes were hanging and he’d turned it backwards to rest his knees on the seat. Leaning forward, the bronze rider was actively batting the chimes, causing the metal bells to bounce gently off the carved crystal figurines. Each touch set the air with a steady ringing that made Ka’rys smile slightly. He fully intended to buy a set of the chimes and hang them in his and Savitri’s weyr, somewhere. It was just a matter of picking out which ones were his favorites. The figurines came in many selections, but he was leaning toward ones that distinctly resembled starbursts. Clear crystal, ear starburst was tipped in gold, giving them a decidedly elegant appearance. From the way the glow-light reflected on the surface, it was obvious that the chimes were beautiful. The bells themselves were polished silver and very thin, hollowed out. Elegant.

So far at the Gather, Ka’rys had purchased almost nothing. He’d bought a cup of klah from Kalerary and gave her a tip big enough that she’d glared at him (which he ignored). He intended to buy some baby supplies for the child that Savitri was carrying, but that really depended on what the gold rider purchased first. He refused to buy a crib or cradle, instead settling for wooden pieces he could put together himself; he was actually pretty good at building things, having gotten experience with Kale. There was no need to pay so much for something he could reproduce decently. Blankets and clothing were another story, but he was pretty sure that his lovely weyrmate was handling all of that. Anything she needed from him, she’d just come demand. Far be it from ‘vi to be bossy.

One hand lifted. The bells chimed. He cocked his head to the side and then sat back on his knees.

For all appearances, Ka’rys could have passed for a much younger man. He was thirty-one turns of age, but he definitely didn’t look it with his dark brown hair cropped around his face as it was. He had cut off some of the length, which made him look older, but all in all, the turns were kind to him. He was dressed in a pair of black slacks with stitching up the side in bronze, and his tunic was long-sleeved and a dark brown shade that rivaled his hair. He’d looped a black leather belt around his waist, and for once he was wearing boots, of the same material as the belt. He made a habit of not wearing his knots when shopping, so as not to be seen as overly wealthy. Yes, he had quite an impressive selection of marks, no, he didn’t intend to spend all of them at that Gather. People tried to swindle those who they thought could afford it. Ka’rys wasn’t a fool.

He was, however, very fond of bells. Music in general, actually. He’d taught himself to sing growing up at Fort, a hobby that he almost never showed off in front of others, and all-in-all, he was decent at it. If he had more time he probably would have tried to teach himself an instrument as well. As it was, the bronze rider was usually very busy. The only reason he wasn’t toddling after Savitri carrying bags was because she had Aliscia with her, and he very much did not want to have to put up with the greenrider’s presence more than he had to. She was on his wing. He tolerated her for drills, and he would have done just about anything to keep her safe because of that, but by Faranth, he was not going to carry her bags and look the part of a perfect manslave in front of her. So off he’d went. His intention was to huddle around Kale, but she told him off most efficiently, so he left… to… find something to amuse himself. Wind chimes were doing nicely.

Do you intend to buy any of them? Ciceroth inquired, amused. Or just play?

I really do want to buy some. I just don’t know which kind. Ka’rys scrunched his nose up slightly. The bronze was plowed out on the ground outside the hold, making a show of the way that sunlight danced off his hide, and if he knew Ciceroth at all, he was sure the bronze was attracting attention. He did so love being fawned over. “Starbursts or moons, starbursts or moons,” he repeated to himself, one finger coming up to bounce off the crystal. “Which to go with…”

[Rei]

Raylin leaned against Ebolath, letting the wind caress her bruised body and spirits. Why don’t you go down to the gather mine? “I don’t want to. I don’t even know why you forced me here. I didn’t want to come. My family is here remember? I don’t want to have to deal with then and I don’t want to see anyone!” The last line was yelled in frustration to Ebolath who recoiled as if she had been slapped. Curling in on herself, she regarded her bonded with yellow whirling eyes. I’m sorry. I just don’t think you moping over Calistoth’s flight is doing any good for anyone. What do you know Ebolath? I’m over it. I’m fine. You are decidedly not fine. Suddenly a dark blue form uncurled from his position on the green back and gave a unhappy warble.

They had interrupted his nap again with their arguing. Shrieking in rage, Arrogance scolded his bonded and the green one. Did they have to be so loud? He was trying to sleep. Surely they could see that? What where they both blind? Giving an irritated flick of his tail and a hiss he sprung into the air, his large wings catching the air expertly. Giving a snort he soared into the thick of the gather, not even bothering to let his bonded know what he was up to. She didn’t need to know. She obviously didn't care anyway. Maybe he could make her care? Raylin watched him leave with disinterest and Ebolath crooned apologetically after him. I think we upset him. Good.

Arrogance swooped around a stall until a noise caught his attention. Chirping in confusion, the blue hovered in place for moment before he spun around with a decisive flick of his tail. He eyed the bronze rider curiously until the man made the jingle noise again. Interesting…could it get louder? With a final flap of his wings the blue flit landed on the pole where wind chimes where hung. Fluting he curled his tail about the pole for balance and leaned down to tap a chime. As it jingled his eyes whirled curiously. As his grip on the pole loosened he was forced to flare his wings for balance. The displacement of the air cause the chimes to jiggle again! Giving a triumphant chirp he gripped the wooden pole with his back talons and began to beat his wings in earnest, causing a cacophony of sound to assault those nearby. What fun, and look everyone was paying attention now.

The chaos caused Ebolath to raise her head. Umm mine? I think the little Arro is making trouble again? I told you we upset him. Raylin groaned. “Shard it all he is worse than a two year old. If he breaks anything I swear I am going to shut him in my trunk and never let him out.” She fumed before starting down towards the gather. That wouldn’t work Raymine he would between out. Well then I’ll leash him. I have enough to deal with without him making trouble. Where is he? The tent that has the shiny noise makers. Ebolath that doesn’t tell me...nevermind I’ll follow the noise.

As Raylin approached the glasscrafter tent she frowned. “Arrogance! Get over here now!” The blue paused for a moment and hissed. Why should he? He was having fun and she was being a brat! He was not going to listen to her. He didn’t have too. The green weyrling stomped. “I mean it! Get over here.” Arrogance merely hissed and clambered higher. He sat on the top of the pole with wings spread chattering down at her insolently. See she couldn’t make him listen. Give him one good reason why he should come down. Maybe then he would consider it.

[glamourie]

Fire lizard. Distinctly not his. Ka’rys lifted his head and watched the young blue in interest, his own movements ceasing all at once. His dark brown eyes remained snared on the creature, accusing, but he did not offer any words. Each noise the little monster made caused Ka’rys to tilt his head ever-so-slightly to the side, and his fingers drummed on the back of the chair methodically. There was annoyance on his face, undeniable, but he did not speak. The glass crafter, a man in his upper forties, turned to shoot the fire lizard (and Ka’rys) both horrible looks, but the bronze rider simply watched… watched and waited. He mentally touched on Ciceroth, silently pleading; couldn’t he do something about the little annoyance? It was tempting to snatch the monster by the tail and fling it out of the tent forcefully, but most people who owned fire lizards (himself included) did not respond well to their pets being brutally thrown about like rag dolls. Even if they had it coming.

“Arrogance! Get over here!”

Turning his head, Ka’rys fixed Raylin with a look that might have frightened some. It was definitely not a pleasant expression, from the slight narrow of his eyes to the clenching of his fingers around the back of the chair. When she continued to fuss verbally at the fire lizard, he decided to take matters into his own hands -- literally. Obviously, polite words weren’t going to do the trick and it was pretty clear that the girl - Raylin, wasn’t she? - didn’t comprehend that. Ka’rys did, and he had no patience for ornery critters. He slowly uncurled from his chair and stood up, his hand moving to dust himself off. His mind brushed Ciceroth’s again and he could just feel the mild agitation on the bronze’s part. Not at all happy to be disturbed solely to take care of a fire lizard. It figured.

STOP IT OR I WILL EAT YOU! the bronze actually ‘yelled’ - directly to Arrogance, but the message was also mirrored to Ka’rys. There was enough force in his tone that almost every fire lizard would be quivering; those that weren’t would probably be shocked between from surprise. The disturbing thing? He probably would have eaten the fire lizard. Or at least flamed it. Ciceroth had no tolerance for loud fire lizards after Ras, and he only put up with her because she belonged to Hepaticath. Having one that was virtually nothing to him was enough to try the normally-patient bronze’s nerves most effectively. The effect might have been more dramatic if he roared to follow it, but… meh. Ciceroth wasn’t in the mood, and besides, the blue wasn’t near enough to hear and see just how impressive he really was. If the yelling didn’t work, Ka’rys was on his own.

The bronze rider flinched at the sudden loud voice in his mind and lifted one hand to rub his ear nervously. Ciceroth yelling actually upset him on a personal level. He always felt like he’d made a massive screw-up when Ciceroth got that angry and while he’d asked him to deal with the blue, he hadn’t expected… to be yelled at. Of course, it wasn’t him, and Ciceroth was not the least bit angry, but the frustration was enough to make Ka’rys want to go out and rub him down with oil. Ciceroth’s emotions were often mirrored strongly on Ka’rys, enough that even green flights had him going completely under. Frustration and anger were no exceptions. He shifted his weight and glanced up above him to where the little monster had flown to, trying to deduce how efficient Ciceroth’s outburst actually was ---

Do you suppose he got the message?

Faranth, I hope so…

[Rei]

Raylin was far from unobservant and when she caught Ka’rys look she shuddered slightly. What was he so ticked off about? It’s not as if she asked Arrogance to make problems. He just did. The little snot! Speaking of her blue she tore her widened eyes away from Ka’rys to rest them on the fire lizard who was still busy scolding her. Flaring his wings and rocking animatedly. The blue hissed and battered her mind with all the elegance of a raging heardbeast. He told her she shouldn’t wake him. Did she understand now? He didn’t like to be woken.

Raylin tried to think of anything that might possibly persuade him to come down. But all that was present where slightly violent thoughts. How did you even barter with such a creature? Thus far all her attempts had been highly unsuccessful. It soon became apparent however that the green weyrling did not have to persuade him because someone else did an effective job. Without warning Arrogance suddenly shrieked in fear and literally dive bombed his bonded, colliding into her head and tangling himself in her hair in a attempt to bury himself into it. “Ow, ow, ow, ow, Arrogance you snot. Stop your fine.” The girl tried futilely to pluck him from her hair but the blue was having none of it.

Was she crazy! Something was going to eat him. Let go. Now! He would bite her if she didn’t! Raylin immediately let go and the blue flit detangled himself to press against her neck, peeking around as if trying to catch sight of his possible attacker. His had better protect him if it came to it. She should. He had picked her after all. He supposed he loved her. Maybe. The green weyrling sighed and stroked the flit’s eye ridges causing him to lean into the comforting caress. Bowing slightly to the shopkeeper and offering an apology, she then eyed Ka’rys with a trace amount of fear in her gaze. “I really am sorry about him. I just can’t seem to get him to behave. He’s pretty much uncontrollable.” Arrogance cocked his head and preened. The threat already entirely forgotten.

Tell Ciceroth’s I said hi. Raylin sighed. You could have helped with Arro you know. He doesn’t listen to me either there is no point. Would you ask Ciceroth’s bonded where Ciceroth is? I would like to say hi. Was Ebolath's immediate reply. Of course you would. But what if he doesn't want to talk to you?

[glamourie]

It took all of Ka’rys’s effort not to smirk at the blue fire lizard. As it was, he kept his face neatly blank and fixed Raylin with a stare that could have meant everything and nothing at once; truthfully, he didn’t know how he felt about her apology. Anyone who made excuses to justify bad behavior was instantly pushed onto his list of people not to consider his equals. Of course, he was in something of a foul mood, as caused by the little noisemaker; it had nothing to do with Raylin herself, but her fire lizard was doing an effective job at making him angry. He hated loud creatures. In many ways he was lucky because Ciceroth was anything but. The bronze was, in fact, quite even-tempered. For him to yell was a massive abnormality. Ah, but it had been efficient, had it not? The little blue stopped messing with the wind chimes, in any case. He was very glad for that. No matter how pretty chiming was, the excessive amount of it came to little more than noise. Noise.

“Ciceroth seemed to control him just fine,” Ka’rys replied with a definite note of amusement in his voice. If the blue hadn’t alerted his bonded of what happened, those words would have and Ka’rys offered no further emphasis. “Perhaps you need to learn how to negotiate with the little monster.” He didn’t offer any additional response, instead turning back to his wind chimes. Not a friendly sort, Ka’rys, and he had no problem showing that to everyone… except Savitri. The last time he encountered Raylin was with his daughter, around whom he behaved differently; children brought out the absolute best in Ka’rys, always had and always would. But Kalerary wasn’t with him, she was running her own stall, and Savitri wasn’t present to hold the leash on his mouth. He was a pretty enough shell, with an attitude akin to ice… friendliness just was not in his nature.

Apparently, he did listen.
Would you really have eaten him?
Of course not. He’s hardly a morsel worth picking my teeth with. He doesn’t need to know that.

Amused by his bronze’s antics, Ka’rys rose properly and put his chair back where it belonged. His decision was made by the irritating blue, for the only set of wind chimes not tangled by his wings flapping was the starbursts. Carefully retrieving it from the wooden stand it was on, Ka’rys turned back to the stall keeper and gestured to his prize. “Price on this?” he asked, ignoring Raylin entirely - at least for the moment.

“Four marks, sir.”

Ka’rys nodded and removed the marks from his pack, handing them over easily before turning to look back at Raylin. His mind raced, trying to locate her name before it was so-helpfully supplied to him by Ciceroth; the bronze really was better with people than he would ever be. “Do you intend to purchase the wind chimes that your fire lizard has tangled, Raylin, or will you be spending the next candle mark trying to repair this nice man’s stock?” The look on the shop keeper’s face made it clear he hadn’t expected the girl to do either -- but Ka’rys did. Just because she was a weyrlingrider didn’t mean she was off the hook. Part of growing up was taking responsibility for irritating pets and children. Her fire lizard definitely qualified. Just because she couldn’t control him didn’t mean she wasn’t to be held accountable for his actions. “Be advised, that’s fishing cord and it is very irritating to untangle -- you might be able to find an apprentice fisherman to help you if you ask around… but it might be easier to simply buy the three he’s gotten all tangled up…”

[Rei]

Raylin watched Ka’rys with an expression close to terror. She wanted to bolt but she stayed in place. Their was no way The weyrling was running yet. Arrogance had made a mess of things and although she wished to escape the more responsible part of her wouldn’t allow her. Arrogance snorted from Raylin’s shoulder, totally unfazed. The blue eyed Ka’rys with an indifferent stare and chirped once before starting to clean the talons on his left forefoot. Now that he knew the stupid big wing wasn’t here he was no longer afraid. So why was his? Silly slave. She needn’t be frightened. Was she scared of the small man? That was beyond silly.

The bronze rider’s comment about having better control of her pet made Raylin wince. He didn’t have to live with the monster it was easier said than. Bowing once she stuttered an answer out. “Yes sir.” Arrogance shrieked at that statement. She was agreeing with the tiny man. Figured. Well he was not staying around for this. If she wanted to be stupid, he was not one to dissuade her. The blue flared his wings and nipped Raylin’s ear hard before rising from her shoulder and blinking between to the big green. Maybe now he could get some sleep.

Keeping her gaze locked on the ground Raylin listened as Ka’rys haggled with the stall keeper. Stupid blue. She should have never impressed the little terror. That was the last time she ever ate in the dining hall. No more pets for her. None. If she was lucky Arrogance would go the same way her sweet Vega did. Ebolath could never control the flit. She didn’t think he was so bad. Annoying yes, but Ebolath did not threaten things when she saw no reason and Arrogance never actually hurt anyone. He just annoyed the hell out of people. Harmless the green said. Harmless sure. What the hell could she use to bargin. Food and attention certainly didn’t work and neither did threats. What else would be effective?

When Ka’rys next spoke Raylin flinched, outwardly startled. Turning to the stall keeper she swallowed before replying. “I’m afraid I have no marks at all. I would be happy to untangle them for you.” Sidestepping around the pole she reached up to take the tangled mess from it. Faranth fire. They where tangled horribly, this would take her hours. Not that it mattered, she didn’t have anything else to do. After this was done she would have an excuse to return the weyr at least. Ebolath couldn’t possibly begrudge her a return trip now. In fact the green felt depressed.

I am sorry Rayminelove. I should have listened when you said you didn’t want to come. Darn right you should have. Raylin snapped back irritated. Whimpering Ebolath shifted and curled into a small miserable ball. Things where never going to get better where they? Perhaps hers was right and they should leave. But where should they go? Besides Peppeth, Ebolath had no one to ask. Cherilith was Calistoth’s now and she couldn’t speak to him, she hadn’t heard from Corinth since the day hers and T’rid fought, and hers was avoiding Jaymith’s. No one spoke to her. Hers was mean, cold, and indifferent. Things where bad and there was no end in sight. Patience truly was a virtue. The green raised her head and watched the people below with grey whirling eyes. Raylin in turn flinched as Ebolath's own torment mixed with her own. The pain was familiar by now however, and she tried to ignore it as she began the task of untangling the chimes.

[glamourie]

Ka’rys fixed Raylin with a solid, steady stare as she spoke. He wasn’t used to being referred to as ‘sir’ - possibly because most people at Selenitas simply lacked in manners, but more likely stemming from his lack of having anything to do with anyone outside of Savitri ever since the attack. Ka’rys had no patience for the majority of Selenitas. After he got over the initial shock of the attack, his outward demeanor had shifted entirely back to who he was before he got involved with the queen rider… at least, with everyone but her. Cold, distant and decidedly unfriendly. No part of him was eager to alter that aspect of his personality, either. Connections were weakness that he did not want. Kalerary, Savitri, and his unborn child were the only ones worth forming any emotional attachment to and even then he ran a risk with just that small number… Only knowledge that Benden was probably still in shambles after C’leon’s death kept him from being expressly nervous, and that wouldn’t last. He narrowed his eyes slightly, the look emphasizing his slight agitation; more with her fire lizard than Raylin herself, though he was amused to find that she was so… obedient. Not often people actually acted on his suggestions, even if they were good ones. Southern women tended to ignore him. See Shmee and Savitri for examples.

“Stop shrieking,” Ka’rys said to the fire lizard, his voice remarkably calm. He was not above grabbing the little monster by the wings and pinning it down if it didn’t get over itself.

Dark brown eyes followed Raylin as she moved to untangle the wind chimes, and the stall owner nodded gratefully to her. Ka’rys himself grabbed one of the smaller arrangements and set to work with agile fingers, quickly pulling the fishing line apart. He was getting better at untangling things as time went on, but fishing wire was absolutely irritating to work with. He understood the necessity of having it for the wind chimes, but by the egg, he was not looking forward to how long it would take to untangle even one of the chimes, let alone all the ones that the monster had damaged. She really did need to learn to control her pet better. What an obnoxious little beast.

The silence he was offered by Raylin (aside from her acknowledgment) did not in the least bit bother Ka’rys… but he could sit for candle marks on end without speaking; he liked the quiet, it helped him to focus. He made no effort to end it, though delicate, high-pitched chimes echoed through the tent musically as he worked. Each time he pulled, another of the bells rang with beautiful music, distracting in its own way; no total, all-encompassing awkward silence for the two of them. He was actually surprised that Ophelie hadn’t shown up to play with the bells yet; she herself often sounded sweet and musical, and she very much liked bells. Probably was off with Worm or something. The green tended to spend as much time as she could with S’rei’s salamandyr, much to Ka’rys’s chagrin.

Ciceroth, sprawled out on the outskirts of the hold, brushed on Ka’rys’s mind and was surprised to recognize the girl that His was speaking to. Since the little monster was gone, the bronze settled himself comfortably. His claws dug into the rocky ground and he stretched more effectively before two layers of his eyelids fell closed. He was very comfortable basking in the warm sunlight and it was a wonder, truly, that he hadn’t fallen asleep. Ah well.

Good afternoon, Ebolath. I apologize for Rysmine being unpleasant to Yours, and hope that neither of you will take offense. SavitriCath’s is egg heavy, and Rysmine’s nerves are on end because of it, the bronze offered by way of greeting; he was significantly more friendly than Ka’rys, after all. I have not spoken to you since the attack… so very long. I hope that you were not harmed terribly in it? He didn’t think she was -- Ciceroth was good at keeping track of injuries -- but always better to ask than assume. Besides, it gave him something to talk about other than Ka’rys’s grumpiness… which actually had very little to do with Savitri’s pregnancy.

[Rei]

Raylin raised an eyebrow slightly as Ka’rys began to help with one of the chimes but she didn’t comment. Perhaps in retrospect the weyrling should have said something even a simple thank you but she couldn’t bring herself to speak to the man. The bronze rider seemed highly irritated and what would set him off she had no clue. Better not to chance it. The tinkling of the bells was a welcome break in the uncomfortable silence and she set to work with determination. Shards. Arrogance was way more trouble than he was worth.

Ebolath shifted as Arrogance curled up and gave a deep sigh. Chirping a goodnight to his big green the blue quickly fell into a deep slumber. Ebolath in turn stared at the gather far below with a blank disinterested gaze. When Ciceroth contacted her the green shifted her wings in excitement and latched happily onto the contact. She was lonely, extremely so, and the amount of happy excitement she sent the big bronze would be overwhelming to most. Oh Ciceroth! It is so good to hear you. I have missed talking to others I have. A happy croon came from the young dragon’s throat and her grey eyes even mixed with a little blue.

Yours is being unpleasant to mine? That seems to happen a lot to her lately, although I do think much of it is brought on by her own dark attitude. SavitriCath’s is egg heavy! Oh do please pass on my congratulations to her and Hepaticath. The happiness in her voice was hard to miss. She liked hatchlings she did. Shifting to a more comfortable position, Ebolath rumbled before continuing. Oh I had only superficial wounds in the attack. Mine was held hostage, lost a finger, and was cut up badly. Those wounds have healed but I m afraid much of her mind has been sick lately. The young dragon shuddered and then took a chance. Ciceroth was so wise. Perhaps he could help?

Almost hesitantly Ebolath broached the subject. As I said before although I am fine, Raymine is not doing well at all. I do not know how to help. I have tried and tried, but I always fail. She has lost much of her friends including Corinth’s. I am probably the only one left and she pushes me away. I do not even feel her much of the time. Her mind is very dark and she does not care for herself well. Cherilith’s says she has the depression but I wonder if it goes beyond that now. I do not know what to do anymore. I stay and stay for I will never abandon her but I am afraid she may never be well again. I am sorry if I am bothering you Ciceroth, but I do not know who else to ask and anyone I have asked can not help. Is there anything I can do to help her? Or do I wait and hope for the best? By the end of the conversation Ebolath felt better, if only a little. Even if the bronze couldn’t help, she at least had someone to speak to until hers was finished.

[glamourie]

Ciceroth was startled by the distinctly ecstatic response he received from the young green, and rumbled his amusement; she sounded as if she couldn’t have been happier to speak to him if he’d promised her the stars. How silly. He fluttered his wings, tempted to comment on her obvious delight, when the green’s words and tone turned darker and… a hint of anger flooded his eyes, replacing the happy blue hues. There was obvious annoyance in the dragon’s posture, and he pulled himself up to his feet before throwing himself into the air. His wings caught the wind and he glided gracefully across the Hold, until he came to plunk down right next to Ebolath with an unceremonious flop that was anything but elegant. There he stretched out, until one of his wings bent protectively over the green’s body, and he rested his head next to her. He was careful not to dislodge her companion, though. Very careful. He didn’t want to have to listen to it panic in person. Feeling his bonded’s annoyance was more than enough.

Ka’rys twitched his fingers, listening as his bronze relayed Ebolath’s words and concerns to him. His annoyance showed on his face, but he kept his head bowed to hide it as much as possible. His fingers worked rapidly to untangle the wind chimes, in an attempt to distract himself from the growing aggravation he felt; there were few things he found more irritating than dragon riders neglecting their mindmates. Maybe it stemmed from being weyrbred, or possibly from his own weyrling training -- he and Ciceroth took an extraordinary amount of time to become accustomed to one another, primarily through his own fault -- but he was not at all happy with Raylin. He tugged on one of the bells, gently untangled it, and then set the chimes down on the top of the table he was sitting next to. His hands folded on top of them and he looked up, straight at Raylin, with the most penetrating look that he could muster up. Considering the level of aggravation that the bronze rider was feeling, the look was possibly one of the least pleasant expressions ever painted on his face.

“Why did you Stand?” There was a definite note of aggression in his voice as he ran his fingers over the top of one of the bells. “Ebolath is talking to Ciceroth. Tell me, why did you bother to Stand for a dragon clutch when you obviously are incapable of thinking about anyone’s feelings but your own?”

Standing up and moving as quickly as he could (which, considering Ka’rys was prone to having feline-like reflexes, was quite fast), the bronze rider turned and actually pressed his hands on either side of Raylin’s waist, pinning her between him and the table with the wind chimes. Even if she’d wanted to, she couldn’t have escaped without fighting back, and he was betting he could take her apart before she even knew what hit her. Southerners weren’t known for their expertise in fighting, and Raylin was rapidly getting on his nerves; what few reservations he had regarding her (especially considering his daughter’s blatant fondness for her dragon) were evaporating with a definite show of anger. It was quiet, cold fury, though. No yelling. In fact, his voice went lower rather than raising. Ka’rys always became more quiet when he was justifiably angry.

Little Ebolath, you can talk to me any time. I am glad that you were unhurt, and I would be honored to relay your message to Hepaticath; I am sure that she and Hers will both be very happy to hear it, just as me and Mine are. Rysmine is the sire of SavitriCath’s clutch, the bronze explained, more than aware of Ka’rys’s anger, but the bronze rider was not the only one upset; he knew exactly how it felt to be cut out of his rider’s life, and it hurt. He felt sorry for Ebolath, but more than that, he felt angry at her rider for hurting her so. He hoped that his words would keep the green distracted from her rider long enough for Ryshis to talk to her, though -- because, whether Ciceroth agreed with his bonded’s approach or not, he was positive that Ebolath wouldn’t. An angry Ka’rys was a frightening thing. Yours will be well again. Dragonriders do not stay broken forever. You will see. You should not lose faith in her, and try not to let her push you away. She may try, but she is Yours, and I know that you will always do what is right by her. He paused, then added, I… would ask that you not take offense in what Rysmine is fixing to say to Yours, Ebolath; mine is very angry with her for upsetting you so, and… he has no reservations in telling her exactly that.

Tightening his grip on the table, Ka’rys leaned forward to whisper to Raylin, ignoring the odd look the stall keeper was giving them. He was northern; he knew damn well how to be frightening when he wanted to be. “When you Impress a dragon, you take a responsibility to them, a responsibility comparable only to parenthood - something that, given your attitude toward the only creature on Pern that will love you unconditionally, I hope you never experience. When you Impress, you owe it to that dragon to trust them… because they will always trust you. You owe it to your green to be there for her. As we’re talking, Ciceroth is comforting her because she’s worried that you will never be okay, that you are broken irrevocably. Tell me, are you truly that pathetic? My daughter suffered as severe of injuries as you, and she walks proud. Are you truly more self-absorbed and childish than an eight-turn-old? Be careful how you answer, I have five blades on me and I’m not above taking you from Ebolath if you can’t appreciate her.”

[Rei]

Ebolath looked up as Ciceroth approached and she crooned happily to him as he landed. He had come to visit her. That was so nice of him. He really didn’t have to. He didn’t. Nevertheless his presence was of extreme comfort to Ebolath, and as he draped a wing over her, she wiggled closer to the bronze’s form and laid her head over his neck before sighing. Cuddling felt so good it did. Although Ciceroth was careful to avoid Arrogance Ebolath was not.

Arrogance awoke with a hiss gave a disgruntled snort. What was everyone’s problem today? They where all out to make him stay awake where they? Well he would show them. He was going back to the weyr! There it was quiet. There he didn’t have to... Arrogance shut up. The blue gave a startled squawk and blinked between. How dare the big green scold him! He would show her. He would put pointy things in her bed he would. Ebolath snorted before shifting closer to the bronze. Sorry about him. He tends to argue and make much noise. We have yet to find an effective means of bribery.

Raylin's head was bowed and she was concentrated solely on the chimes, and so she totally missed Ka’rys’ look. Perhaps this was fortunate, because what happened next was enough to shake her thoroughly without the added initial glare. “Why did you Stand?” It was the bronze rider’s tone that clued Raylin into the fact that this “conversation” would be less than pleasant. The girl met Ka’rys' eyes and immediately wished she wouldn’t have. Ebolath was talking to Ciceroth? Before Raylin could even begin to contact Ebolath and ask, Ka’rys was moving and the urge to flee him was the dominant one in her mind. Thoughts of Ebolath took a secondary position. The green weyrling's initial instinct was to struggle but flashbacks of the attack made her freeze. Moving was bad. Don’t move! Her mind screamed, as she frantically looked for a way to escape. In a matter of seconds Raylin came to the conclusion that she couldn’t escape and the weyrling turned wide fearful eye’s back to the bronzer.

Her bonded’s fear was not lost on Ebolath but Ciceroth was proving to be a good distraction. He was wise and so the young dragon was more than willing to listen to him. I am glad I may speak to you whenever I wish. Thank you. She nuzzled along the bronze’s neck gently before crooning uncertainly. I will not let her block me if you say I should not, but I do not wish to force her into anything. In truth Ebolath didn’t, she was not the forceful type. But perhaps she would have to be to help hers. Ciceroth’s sudden explanation of his riders actions was a bit worrisome to her however. Under no circumstances did she ever like hers to hurt. No matter if it was in her own defense or not. Her rider came first. When Ebolath next spoke her tone conveyed nervous fear and apprehension. I do understand why yours would be upset with mine. I do, but please I do not want her hurt. Even if she hurts me that is no reason for her to be hurt. I promise I will try not to take offense. Oh my Raylin... The green trailed off and pressed her trembling body against her larger companion. Hadn’t they all hurt enough?

Ka’rys whisper did more for Raylin’s terror than him yelling would have. Partly because she was forced to listen hard to make out what he was saying. After he finished the girl’s face was ashen, totally devoid of color, and her eyes swam with unshed tears. The weyrling couldn’t speak. Her voice felt frozen, and at this point she couldn’t even scream. The tears began to silently roll down Raylin’s face as she stared at Ka’rys in shock and absolute fear. If he had wanted to scare her half to death he was doing a good job. Was he going to kill her? At this point the weyrling didn’t doubt it. The worst part was that what Ka’rys had said was mostly true. Ebolath…she was being horrible to her dragon wasn’t she? Her green...she had never done anything but love her. Suddenly her chest constricted and she felt as if she couldn’t breathe. She didn’t want to die.

Ka’rys had asked her a question. Something about Kale? How did she answer. What if he killed her anyway? “What do you want from me? Please don’t…don’t kill me. Your right.” The words where given in a barely understandable whisper and Raylin wasn’t even sure the voice that emerged was her own. She had never really been this terrified had she? We’ll perhaps with F’rel. But even F’rel wasn’t this cold and hateful. No the Benden bronzer had just been a sick maniac. Ka’rys was on a different level entirely.

[glamourie]

Ciceroth nuzzled Ebolath’s side as the blue fire lizard took off in a huff, and his eyes whirled his amusement. After Ras, he almost seemed mild in comparison. Almost. The obnoxious, screaming green flyer was hard to top, though. Her apology made him snort, his version of laughter. No need to apologize to him. He wasn’t the one who had a problem with noise, at least not most of the time. That was RysHis. The little cousins amused Ciceroth more than anything else; sometimes he had the distinct impression that they realized how funny they looked, throwing such fits, and did it for just that purpose. The one that looked to Ebolath’s was obviously not one of those fire lizards, though. His tantrums were more entertaining even than Ka’rys’s, and his bonded could be highly amusing when he was upset about something trivial. Highly amusing.

The green’s tension though made him tense as well and Ciceroth nuzzled her more insistently before snorting again - still amused. Rysmine would never harm Yours, Ebolath. Not only would I not let him, I do not believe the idea would ever cross his mind to do so, he informed the dragon secretively, But she must not know that. He wants her to believe that he would hurt her; he thinks that she will listen if she is afraid of his anger. He does not like that you are upset, Ebolath, but more than that, he does not like that Yours is not dealing with her sadness. Ka’rysmine lost many people at the attack. Jessereth’s, Jarcith’s… even his hatchling was hurt badly. He has lost many people in his life altogether, and he believes the best way to deal with grief is to accept and move on. Some would say that Rysmine is very cold in this respect. His tail flicked back and forth, not unlike that of an agitated feline. Ciceroth was very mobile when he was nervous. He knew Ka’rys, though. He wouldn’t hurt the girl just because she did something he disapproved of. It wasn’t practical. I promise you, Ebolath, no matter what he says, he will not harm her. He will simply scare her.

And Ka’rys was obviously doing a very good job of that, if the way that Raylin froze was any indication. Part of him almost felt bad for scaring her so much, but he understood that sometimes it took fear to motivate someone into action. The attack was at the end of July; months had passed since then and if everyone else could adjust, Raylin certainly could too. She was a dragon rider, and she owed her green if no one else better than that. Dragonriders were made of stronger stuff than holders, and she had Impressed; it was in her, somewhere buried deep, the strength to overcome. She lost a finger, she was frightened, so what. He was scared, too. He lost a lot, too. Part of surviving was learning to adjust, learning to stand on one’s own two feet, learning to roll with the punches and jump right back up to keep fighting. She needed to learn that.

“What do I want from you? Good question.” He’d been lying about the blades, and someone northern would’ve picked up on it; he was very glad that Raylin was not trained to locate weapons on someone. He couldn’t have hidden more than one on his person (and he did have it, tucked into his boot) even if he’d wanted to; his clothing was too flimsy. Still, with one blade he could have done a lot of damage. He wouldn’t. He wouldn’t hurt Ebolath that way, and more than that, he wouldn’t hurt Raylin just because she was being stupid. Contrary to what he may have liked, stupidity was not a punishable sin worthy of chopping pieces off of someone. The more she believed that he was willing to do, the better, though. If she was afraid, maybe she’d take heed to his words and act on his warnings. One could only hope. “I want you to be a dragon rider, girl, not this squeamish, weepy child you’re acting like. Depression is for holders. In Impressing, you proved you’re made of stronger stuff than any of your siblings, your parents, or those that you knew growing up. You are better. Suck it up. Act like it, and treat your dragon with decency. She loves you unwaveringly and she’d die to keep you from harm. You will not find that kind of loyalty in anyone else on Pern. Ever. Respect it. Nothing like it ever comes again. Now stop your sniffling and get back to work.”

Shoving his hands away from the table, Ka’rys went back to his wind chimes, but he kept his gaze focused firmly on Raylin. It was a warning look. He’d know within minutes whether or not she listened, too. Ebolath was talking to Ciceroth, after all.

[Rei]

Ebolath listened to Ciceroth and although her eyes whirled in nervous fear she did not call out to hers. It was extremely hard however. She wanted to protect hers almost so strongly that it was an actual need. Would fear really help hers? The young dragon was at a loss. She simply did not know. However she did trust Ciceroth. If he said he would not allow his to harm hers then he was telling the truth. Still that didn’t make it any less difficult and she leaned into his nuzzling, the contact the best comfort she was going to get at the moment. Hers was indeed frightened. Very much so.

Raylin forced herself to look at Ka’rys as he spoke. She had no where to escape to, and avoiding his gaze might only piss him off more. His words cut but not as bad at the last time. The bronze rider, as loathe as she was to admit it, spoke sense. But…her? Stronger than her brothers? Her parents? The weyrling had never thought herself a strong person. Most of Raylin’s days had been lived in the belief that she wasn’t strong. Even after she impressed she had never thought of herself as a strong person. Yet Ka’rys said she was somewhere. Taking a shuddering breath the girl contemplated this fact for a few moments and then shoved it aside for later. He was speaking of Ebolath now. Her dragon. Her sweet, loving, wonderful dragon.

Ka'rys was right. She had been neglecting Ebolath, shockingly so. In fact she couldn’t even remember the last time she had bathed or oiled her. Or the last time Ebolath complained about itching. In fact she hadn’t and why? Because she didn’t want to bother her. The dragon never did anything to upset or bother her if she could help it. Raylin bit her lip hard enough to draw blood and clenched her hands. She had been horrible to Ebolath. When Ka’rys shoved himself away she flinched, but he merely told her to get back to work. The weyrling remained frozen for a minute and then tentatively reached for Ebolath. The response she got was automatic and strong with worry.

Raymine! Oh my love. Are you ok? It's all ok. really it is. The weyrling allowed the tears to claim her then and bowed her head. Oh Ebolath. I’m sorry. Really I am. I forgive you. There is nothing to apologize for. Pushing herself away from the table Raylin stood shakily. A quick glance towards Ka’rys and then the weyrling turned and sprinted away from the stall. If he followed, she would try to lose him. She had to get to Ebolath. The green dragon clambered to her feet and bugled, flaring her wings for emphasis. Mine comes Ciceroth. Tell yours she will come back, she is not running away from the chimes she wants to see me.

Ebolath shifted in anxiety and lowered her head as hers came into view. Minelove? Raylin flung her arms around the dragon’s head and wept. “Oh Ebo. He’s right. Completely so. How can you still love me after what I’ve done to you?” Sillymine I will never stop loving you. You need to realize this. You can never push me away. I will not let you. Tightening her grip around her dragon’s head Raylin kissed her muzzle. “Things will be different between us love. I promise. I mean it. No longer do you come second.” Ebolath crooned softly and pushed against the girls chest gently. Reaching for Ka’rys mind she gently brushed against it. Thank you Ciceroth’s. I will send her back to you soon.

Raylin pulled away from Ebolath with reluctance. Much of what Ka’rys had said needed to be carefully thought on but right now she didn’t have the strength to do so. Go back mine. You still have a job to finish I will wait for you here. Only then did the girl catch sight of Ciceroth. Trailing a hand down Ebolath’s muzzle, she pulled away and bowed stiffly to the bronze before starting back down the hill. Ebolath watched with green whirling eyes before turning back to Ciceroth. As the green approached she nuzzled him affectionately. Thank you Ciceroth. You are a very good friend. I am lucky to be able to call you that.

[glamourie]

Dark brown eyes remained focused on the table top as he worked to untangle his set of chimes. As Raylin practically fled the tent, he picked his set of chimes up and put them back on the hook, one hand coming to touch the bell. Musical jingling surrounded him and he grabbed another set, then put them down on his table again. As he went to work, he mentally reached out to Ciceroth, inquiring. Was she just fleeing in terror? Southerners were so cute at times, really. He wouldn’t have actually hurt her. The reason was simple: he wasn’t the type to do anything unless the ends justified the means. Hurting Raylin accomplished absolutely nothing. Scaring her was efficient: she wasn’t the type of person to call his bluff. Only northerners would, or a particularly ornery southerner. Raylin wasn’t brave enough to test and see whether or not he’d follow his threat through. He knew that from how quickly she was fleeing her problems. Someone who couldn’t even face off against their own problems was highly unlikely to try and stand up to a threat. Simple logic, that: When afraid, run.

She is coming to Ebolath, Rysmine, the bronze informed his rider calmly, his head swiveling around to watch the green in interest. His tail flicked back and forth and his gaze, hinted scarlet at his annoyance, fell on her rider. He was very tempted to pick her up and throw her in the nearest water source. Only the fact that she was busily being affectionate to her dragon kept him from doing exactly that. Ka’rys’s annoyance had foundation in the form of his irritation. He was annoyed at her neglect of Ebolath, annoyed that she had let her dragon be so upset over her, and even more annoyed at the fact that it took someone else pointing it out to make her understand. No doubt her friends and those who cared for her had already tried. That it took threats was not at all impressive, and he flicked his tail against the ground in agitation. Everything that the girl said just served to make the twitch all that more prominent, and Ciceroth actually snorted out loud.

She never should have come second to begin with. Digging his claws into the dirt, Ciceroth flopped over and sprawled out languidly. His eyes whirled to shades of calmer blues, and he relaxed, nose brushing the dirt. Raylin was totally ignored by the bronze, at least outwardly. He had nothing to say to her. She wasn’t his and she also wasn’t someone he thought very highly of. Perhaps it had something to do with how little tolerance Ciceroth had for people in general; he really only liked Savitri, other than Ryshis, and half the time, she irritated him, too… usually by upsetting RysHis. He was protective of his mindmate, deep down.

Ebolath’s words confirmed what Ciceroth said and Ka’rys shrugged one shoulder absently as he worked on his set of chimes. It didn’t take long until he had a second set untangled and back on the hooks, leaving only four left to work on. The stall keeper had run off to work on trying to sell some of his other wares, leaving Ka’rys primarily to his own devices. His fingers moved nimbly, and he ignored his surroundings save for an awareness bent more from paranoia than anything else. He was never completely out of touch with what was going on around him, no matter how distracted he happened to be. When Raylin left (the bronze did not acknowledge her bow at all), Ciceroth informed him, and Ka’rys did not reply with words. He didn’t need to. After almost fifteen turns, there were no secrets between the bronze pair.

Slowly, Ciceroth turned to look at Ebolath again, and as she came to nuzzle him, he crooned to her. I did nothing, he said with a hint of amusement. Aside from tell Rysmine that you were upset. He is very protective of you as he is of all young dragons… but his hatchling Kalerary likes you very much. You being upset makes him very angry with Yours. I told you he would not harm her. His eyes whirled brighter blues and he nuzzled the younger dragon affectionately. Are you happier now? I do not like seeing you sad… and if you don’t mind me saying it, you could desperately use a good oiling. Your sheen is not quite as lovely as it used to be.

[Rei]

Ebolath crooned softly and arched her neck. You where right. You are a very wise dragon Ciceroth. Her eyes whirled in muted blues as he nuzzled her. I love little Kale as well. You are lucky to have a hatchling of your own. They are cute. Would you tell her I said hi? Perhaps I will come see her soon. Would she like that? I would. The green flopped beside the big bronze again and crooned thoughtfully. I am happy now and yes I do need to be oiled. I do not mind admitting it. I am happy you thought I had a lovely sheen before. I am afraid it was never as lovely as yours but I quite liked it. Raymine is planning on bathing and oiling me as soon as she is done with the chimes. She is very nervous to go back to where yours is. I dare say she fears him now. I am sad for that, but it seemed to be needed and I thank you both regardless. I know mine can be silly but she is mine and I refuse to be angry with her. She bears watching I suppose. I love her immensely and would not want her to be upset for long.

Raylin came back to the stall slowly, and she almost trembled as she passed Ka’rys. No words where spoken as she picked her chime back up and began to work. The weyrling made a point to avoid his gaze. She couldn’t bare to even look at him. He was most certainly still angry with her. He probably even borderline hated her. That thought made a chill run up her spine but she contented herself with the fact that he would never hurt Ebolath. Nervous as she was, Raylin wasn’t going to run. Not now. She had made a promise and she was stubborn enough to keep it. No matter what. Things obviously had to change. Not only because the bronze rider spoke sense either. Also, because she was unhappy and a unhappy rider made an unhappy dragon. Didn’t she deserve to be happy? Ebolath certainly did. Perhaps the only one keeping her from being happy was herself?

With Ka’rys sitting right there it was impossible to relax and Raylin’s thoughts where all muddled up. She was nervous and still frightened. It was ridiculous, Ka'rys wasn’t even doing anything. He was cleaning up her mess for Faranth’s sake. Taking a shaking breath Raylin forced her trembling hands to still and tried to blank her mind for the moment. She had plenty of time to think later.