Distractions {Rawign}

[lilliana]

Mariyelle yawned, picking at her food as she tried to keep away from the boredom that consistently tried to take over her body. Wasn’t there anything a rider whose dragon was asleep could do? Well…maybe a normal rider. But one like Mariyelle?

She doubted it.

So here she sat, eating some random food and sipping at her klah. There were distractions a plenty…if only the green rider hadn’t been so picky. Shells, if all else failed, she could have gone to the Records Room. There she wouldn’t have felt so…awkward and alone. But nope. Arvenith had expressed her displeasure plenty of times when she had done so in the past, because it was ‘so far away’, and it had taken Mariyelle ‘so long’ to get by the green’s side when she awoke. Which meant she was here. Absolutely delighted, as everyone could see by the small, half-frown Mariyelle wore upon face, gazing at her plate blankly. She was having a splendid time. Absolutely splendid. Sharding, sleeping dragons.

Looking about, Mariyelle attempted to focus her mind on something...some distraction. Anything? Anyone?

[glamourie]

"Excuse me," greeted Rawign quietly as he came up form behind Mariyelle. She was sitting alone, and that made her an easier target to approach than most. Rawign was hungry, but he hated sitting by himself; it made him feel so isolated and alone. While he would never be a social individual, hardly enough to consider friendly at the best of days, sitting alone was not usually a good sign. He knew enough about himself to know that if he didn't force himself, he wouldn't approach anyone socially. It was how he was. Unfriendly, antisocial, and generally aloof. He was trying to remedy that by talking to other people - and not sitting alone any time he was eating. "Is this seat taken ...?"

He was such a fool. Rawign was not a social individual and he felt awkward addressing anyone. He made a point to know most dragonrider names, so he knew who he was speaking to - Mariyelle of green Arvenith though the name was useless to him, since he'd never really acknowledged the girl before. Nevertheless, he stepped around so that he was standing at the other side of the table as he addressed her, hoping that she wouldn't say the table was fully occupied. He'd leave if requested, but the last thing he wanted was to be left alone again. Stupid, stupid.

Why did it suddenly matter? He didn't know. But it did. For some reason, it did. The more he thought about it, the more Rawign became angry with himself and his own behavior. Who did he talk to? Cezine. Marra, who hated him. Keliris, who probably wanted him to 'accidentally' walk outside in Threadfall. Kaliran. That was it. Hardly counted as a good social group. He didn't think any of them would miss him if he was gone and something needed to be done to remedy that. So it was that he approached ... someone else. He felt stupid, though, standing at the other side of the table with a slight smile. "You're Mariyelle, right?" he asked, hoping his voice sounded more confident than he felt; as far as he could determine, it did. Goodie. "I'm Rawign. I don't think we've met before..."

[lilliana]

Wait – who was talking to her? Mariyelle fought not to whirl around, or shrink back into her meal and act as though she didn’t hear him. Hadn’t she wanted a distraction? Well, then, this would be the perfect thing! The green rider turned slowly around, making a small smile come to her face as she did so. “Erm…no. Of course not. You can go right on ahead and sit.” Shells…what had she just say? She didn’t like or want company.

What could she do, though? Shells…Mariyelle didn’t want to be rude, but she didn’t know how to go about conversation! Why had this person chosen to sit with her, anyways? Did he feel bad for her? That was probably it…shard it. She shouldn’t be a person to be felt sorry for. She had Arvenith, did she not? Her life was astounding! Mariyelle’s eyes darkened for a moment, but it could easily be mistaken as a trick of the lighting, for when she blinked and turned her head a bit, it was gone. After all, she couldn’t be rude…hadn’t she asked for this. “Hello...”

Realizing he was still standing, Mariyelle beckoned towards the empty chair, trying to mask the almost nervous demeanor that hung around her. “Yes…I’m Mariyelle, of green Arvenith. It’s…nice to meet you, Rawign.” He was a Healer, and a Candidate – that much was told to her by his knots. “Er…no, I don’t believe we’ve ever met. However, if that’s not the case, may I ask how you are aware of my name?” It was strange, having not yet introduced yourself, yet having the person know your name. It was one of the things that just screamed ‘weird’…although, she supposed, there were people who were respectful enough to learn riders’ names. But she hadn’t even memorized the names past the gold riders and some of the bronze riders. Looking back up at Rawign, she forced a smile back onto her face.

[glamourie]

Smiling his thanks, Rawign pulled his chair out and then plunked down into it effortlessly. The movements were lazy and rather like flopping as opposed to actually sitting, but like most of what Rawign did, there was a disturbing grace to it; he was definitely an agile creature most of the time. He leaned forward, arms folding on the table top, long black bangs curling around his face. He had a couple pieces of fruit with him, his entire 'lunch' so to speak, and he settled down to nibble on one of the pieces. Having grown up in Nerat as the son of a fisher, Rawign ate a lot of meats growing up - fish, roast, things of that nature. Upon leaving Nerat, the desire to eat such things had minimized to nearly nonexistence and while he was not a full vegetarian, it was considerably more common to find him nibbling away on a piece of fruit or bread rather than on any kind of meat. He had finicky eating habits.

"It's nice to meet you as well," Rawign replied smoothly enough. She seemed quiet, and in a way, that made him considerably less nervous. Maybe his mind was tapping into the Healer part of himself, or maybe it was just because he was more comfortable with people who seemed as outwardly uncomfortable as he felt - whatever it was, he found it easier to talk to her once he suspected that she wasn't going to launch into all the latest gossip around the Weyr.

As for her question, Rawign offered her a pleasant shrug before smiling. "It sounds creepy, but I make it a point to memorize all dragonrider names, as well as their dragons. Most craftsmen, too, if I can help it, though I don't know them all." He'd been raised in the belief that it was the duty of all the people at the Holds to know the names of dragonriders, simply because they were the ones who protected them from Thread. He'd been teased for that fact before, but he wasn't going to deny the truth Rawign tried his best not to lie to people. "You are a rider, and it is my responsibility, therefore, to know your name. At least in my opinion. I've been told I'm a bit off, though. That aside, I've also seen you about from time to time. If it isn't too rude to say, may I ask how Arvenith is doing?" In his experience, most riders seemed to like it when people inquired after their dragons, and he was trying to make casual conversation...

[lilliana]

There appeared to be a slight blush on Mariyelle’s cheeks, although she quickly ducked her head to hide it. Shells, she didn’t enjoy conversation. It was really nothing she had ever liked, much less excelled in, so it put her in a fairly awkward position whenever she was inclined to speak. The rider knew she’d have to get over her insecurities – no, maybe it was no longer an insecurity, it was just that she was a little…shy?

Shells! Was he insane? To memorize all of those names…Of course, everyone memorized the golds’ names, and their riders, along with a lot of the bronzes’ and their riders. However, to memorize every dragons’ name, along with their riders, and then most of the craftsmen. What did this boy do with his time? However, even as she thought this, Mariyelle knew that her amazement was not fully genuine. After all, she had ‘found the time’ to go and read so many Records Mariyelle thought her brain would explode, on some of the ‘better’ days. But a good explosion…not that she would expect anyone to know what she meant. And, anyways, this was respect, pure respect – even for a green rider such as herself, straight of Weyrlinghood and too scared too lose her virginity, even in Flight. Not that, thankfully, anyone Rawign would have talked to would have told him that much. She quickly changed her thought process, and brought a smile to her face. “Not creepy…well, not fully creepy. Respect isn’t creepy…most of the time.” Her smile turned into a loose grin, as she looked up at him.

About to continue, Rawign changed the subject. She didn’t mind – she wasn’t comfortable with that subject (most subjects, actually). And anything Mariyelle might have disliked in the abrupt change evaporated when she heard what the knew subject was…Arvenith. That green! She could talk about her for days, and it would hopefully break the ice. “It’s not too rude at all, Rawign,” Mariyelle assured him, her grin turning back to a respectful smile for a moment, before it was replaced by a slightly…more constricted grin. “She’s doing quite well. Full of advice, nowadays, although I heard that most dragons are. Not that I would change her -- especially when her advice proves to be useful, even helpful. Currently, my darling’s sleeping. That’s, actually –“and at this Mariyelle blushed again “-why I’m here. She doesn’t like me going to the Records Room – she says it’s too far away, so it takes too long to get to her. No true, of course, but dragons like to embellish.”

In her talks of Arvenith, of course, her grin had gotten into an almost dreamy state, and the green rider did not correct it now, instead just waiting until it gradually changed back into a small half-smile.

[glamourie]

Respect and creepiness actually went hand-in-hand for Rawign, but he didn't point that out as it might have sounded rude, and that was the last of his intentions. Truly he did not mean to make her uncomfortable - or anyone - but his tendency to memorize names seemed to do that a lot. A lot of that stemmed from the fact that names and faces came easily to Rawign. Memorization was truly one of the things he was best at. It came naturally to him and had helped him more than once when he was at Healer Hall, competing for the recognition among his fellow apprentices. He wasn't outspoken (and, in fact, much of the time when he spoke it was soft, barely audible, especially in crowds), and he wasn't dynamic. Truly there was nothing he would have deemed memorable about himself except that when he put his mind to remembering to do something, he always did it, and he always did it to the best of his abilities. Rawign always put a lot of effort forth to things he wanted to do. He took a lot of pride in his own abilities and in the things he did. As a result, he memorized and worked harder than most people would. And he'd never complained about it.

The changed topic seemed to ease her and he was grateful that his diversionary tactic helped. The last thing he wanted was awkward silences or to make her weary of speaking to him. Rawign was comfortable enough with himself to acknowledge that he had the peculiar talent to tire other people when he didn't try, and someone who seemed annoyed or at least uncomfortable with being bothered was likely to want him to go away, if he couldn't find an even ground for conversation. He'd suspected asking after her dragon would accomplish that nicely, and it had. Good. Arvenith was the right name, too, that was equally good. He'd been worried he might have mistaken her the greenrider of Anemith. A names! Complicated.

"Isn't advice a good thing?" he inquired absently. "Sometimes, I wish my firelizard could give me advice. All he ever does is fly up and start chattering my ear off wanting food, though. If he could speak, that's all he would say, I fear. 'Feed me, feed me! I hunger!' - With how he carries on, I'm surprised no one has accused me of neglect." He shook his head, then smiled. It was a playful, lopsided expression, no doubt amused by her words, though also somewhat secretive. "The Records Room can't be all that fun. Bit dusty, I expect, and empty. I quite agree with Arvenith: not the place for someone to spend all their time. I, personally, hide in the jungle or at secluded places down the river. I won't tell if you don't."

Actually, he liked the records room too, but Rawign tended to hide in plain sight if he wasn't in the jungle. The trees gave the air of serenity, and the river... Well, the river used to give him a similar vibe, as though it were the most peaceful place in the world. Not that he could think of it the same way anymore. His little spot was ... erm, forever different in his memory. He shoved those thoughts out of his mind before looking up at the ceiling. "Do you mind if I ask you a question, Mariyelle? You seem like you might be one of the better people to ask... Well, a question other than that one..."

[lilliana]

Mariyelle had finally paused for breath, and she had to fight to keep from ducking her head. She would not do that, here – she didn’t have to. As herself, rider of Green Arvenith, she had no need to hide her smiles…shells. That didn’t work for her. A rider had told her once that if she acknowledged her rank, she might be able to banish her shy feelings. Well, now, that was a lie…look at her, now! Looking more silly than anything else…Mariyelle bit back a sigh, although the smile stayed upon her face. She liked that smile…it was nice. Strange, but nice…great. Now she was deeming her smile ‘strange but nice’. Rolling her eyes, Mariyelle’s smile tensed a little, shrinking.

However, at his words, the green rider let it grow once more. Rawign had a firelizard! Mariyelle had never had one…it would be nice, though, to be sure! “You have a flitter?” she asked, truly interested. “I’ve always wanted one…I’ve just never been able to find a clutch. What is he like – other than, of course, hungry.” Smiling at the candidate, she went on. “Is he a bronze? A brown? Blue?” However, as soon as she said this, the rider looked down, a blush mantling on her cheeks. She didn’t know what made her turn amazingly shy once more, but…Mariyelle could be strange, in that way.

Rawign continued his speech, and Mariyelle slowly looked back up. However, this time her eyes held an almost indignant look, although a small half-smile was back on her lips. “It’s not fun, per say…” The rider searched for the right words. “It’s…interesting. And anyways, I don’t spend all my time there – only when Arvenith’s sleeping.” Which, consequently, was a lot of time, but that’s beside the point! She became silent for a moment, listening to Rawign, then spoke up quietly. “It’s not dusty, anyways – I cleaned there the first day. And, the only problems with the jungle, or places down the river, is that people might stumble upon you by accident. People never come into the Records Room.” She smiled, a soft smile that didn’t lack friendliness – it was just quiet. “I won’t tell, I can assure you…unless someone does come into the Records Room. The emptiness is so solid that I can be sure it was you who told the person that someone was hiding in there…” Mariyelle gave him a mock glare, trying to force herself to loosen up.

What? A question…? It must be important, if he was asking if he could ask. And she was one of the better people to ask? Well…Mariyelle personally thought he must have had a little more than klah when she wasn’t looking – nobody ever asked her anything, unless it was factual, or Arvenith. “Well…erm…I’m not sure if I’m the best person to ask, Rawign, but you can ask.” The nervous way that he was stumbling over his words confused the green rider, and also made her more interesting. What could be so important…? Shrugging slightly, the girl looked towards Rawign, waiting for him to continue with his question.

[glamourie]

She sounded so excited over such a simple thing as a firelizard - it was almost charming. Rawign smiled, tilting his head to the side. "He's blue," he said softly. "He was wild. I found him on my way to Healer Hall four turns ago. He pretty much just begs, though. Sometimes he's useful. He can take some signs and cues from me, so he knows what hand symbols mean when I'm in the infirmary and need something. He's good about that, but I have to reward him with food or he becomes bitter and upset, silly thing." She wanted a firelizard, eh... Rawign tilted his head slightly. He happened to know for a fact that hidden away, locked with no access or anyone save him and Marra, was a decent-sized firelizard clutch that they had found. When it hatched, they would have to invite everybody, although if left to his own devices, Rawign would have fed them all himself and had Marra come with him to do so. He happened to love firelizards, and he didn't think most of the Weyr could appreciate them. He was critical of people as a rule, though. "You might get your wish, you know. Firelizards clutch all the time, you never know when someone might find eggs. Don't worry."

Strange, but... Rawign found Mariyelle's almost shy, withdrawn demeanor to be comforting. Strong women frightened him. Like Cezine. He liked her well enough but.. she unnerved him, ever since that day at the river. He'd never admit it aloud, though. And then there was Marra, who he was only beginning to be comfortable around... which was strange in itself. Strong women - personality-wise - were unusual to him. In a way, he was used to quiet strength, not the aggressive strength that many of the women in the Weyr exuded. He was doing better in that he didn't panic at the slightest flirtatious remarks anymore, but it would take him awhile to become used to them. He felt more comfortable - more at ease - with women like Mariyelle, who were quiet and shy. At least he knew they wouldn't push his personal boundaries and he could hope not to push theirs.

His smile widened slightly as she glared at him and he put his index finger against his lips casually. "Don't worry, I won't tell a single person. Your secret's safe with me," he teased, just as Beggar appeared from between to perch on his shoulder, leaning forward with his wings spread to get a good look at the greenrider. Then, the little blue chirped. Casual. Rawign looked down. "This is Beggar. He must have sensed we were talking about him. Beggar, that's Mariyelle." Beggar gave a winning twitter before gliding over to Mariyelle's shoulder, very bold. His eyes were on her food and he nudged her chin expectantly, earning a sigh from his pet. "He wants some of your food. I told you, he begs."

That thought trailed off, though, as she said that he could ask his question. Rawign bit his tongue, leaned back, and looked up so as to avoid eye contact. Staring up seemed to be a theme of his. "It's rather odd, but I was wondering - I don't really know who else to ask, you seem as good as any and can answer as well as anyone else - but... is it hard, standing on the Sands...? Being a dragonrider? I've.." He shook his head. "I'm wondering... see, I'm a candidate, but... I've never seen a Hatching of any kind, and I'm..." Afraid. He didn't say it, but his demeanor probably did. "I don't know very much about dragons, aside from.. general facts. I grew up in Nerat. I guess what I'm asking is if you'd be willing to teach me about dragons, some, when you're not terribly busy. I know you don't know me - and I don't expect you to say yes if only for that reason. But as the Hatching is fast approaching, I can't think of any riders I do know to ask..." And her personality was disarming to him, so she was more acceptable. He had a feeling she wouldn't laugh at his fears, though that might have been a naive thought. He didn't really know her well enough to say.

[lilliana]

A blue…aww! That was cute. Mariyelle couldn’t help but giggle quietly at the thought of a little blue begging food from the cook or random people who happened to have food. Smiling, the green rider shook her head – f’lizards could be…strange, and Rawign’s blue seemed to be just that. “He sounds adorable,” she told him, a jovial tone in her voice that had become present the moment she began talking about flitters. However, at his next words, the green rider shook her head. “Nah, I don’t think so. I rarely leave the Weyr, and I’m never around when flitter clutches hatch. It would be nice, of course, but I think that it’ll stay a dream for awhile, unless I actually start searching for a green’s clutch around the nooks and crannies of the Weyr.” She shrugged lightly, a frown coming to her face. It would be nice, very nice of course, if she get to a clutch. But Mariyelle wasn’t the optimist, and she wasn’t going to act as though she was. However…possibly she would start looking about the Weyr more for a green’s forgotten clutch. It would be nice.

This was comfortable. It was interesting, the conversation, the person she was conversing with…it was comfortable. Mariyelle was beginning to warm up to the candidate. There weren’t very many people she warmed up to…not many at all. In fact, the green rider didn’t have any friends, being a very non-social being. She was shy, and didn’t like conversation. However, she was fine with this. He wasn’t too bubbly, wasn’t too persistent for her to keep talking…and the general topic was fine. Comfortable, definitely. Rawign wasn’t even shy, like herself, which was strange. He was quiet, at least the side of him the green rider had seen, and Mariyelle enjoyed his company. Surprising to her, certainly, especially seeing as how most people she wanted to sharding run away from when they tried to engage her in some type of conversation.

Another giggle was emitted as Rawign put his finger to his lips. However, before she could reply, a blue appeared from between, quickly landing upon the candidate’s shoulder. This, of course, had to be the creature that looked to him, that they had been talking about. “Ah…Beggar.” Another giggle – his description must not have been exaggerated, if that was his name. Mairyelle couldn’t help but shake her head, before she locked her eyes on Beggar, fixed with interest. “Oh, Rawign, he’s sweet! You’re lucky to have such a blue. He’s adorable.” The creature was up in the air for a moment, before landing on her own shoulder. “Yes – you are very sweet, there, Beggar. I suppose you’re wanting some food?” Rawign confirmed this moments later, and she giggled quietly, feeding the blue some of the smaller pieces of her meal.

“There ya go, Beggar, you silly creature. I’m not going to feed you much more, you know…I shan’t spoil you. Rawign might not like it if I boost your self-esteem even more.”

Waiting patiently, ready to hear the question, Mariyelle suddenly recognized the candidate’s worry. It was her own, exactly, when her own clutch had been there, on the Sands. Except she hadn’t had anyone to reassure her, no family, no flitters…at this thought she smiled, although it was quickly gone, and she hoped the Rawign didn’t see it, lest he think she was mocking him. No…this was perfectly valid, and a common worry, the green rider assumed. She had, blessedly, stood for a small clutch, and therefore hadn’t had to wait forever. Anyways, Arvenith had found her fairly quickly…one of the first to impress, the girl believed. “It’s not hard, Rawign. Don’t worry – I’m sure you’ll be fine. Just stay out the dragonet’s way, unless you hear that voice in your head…even if you see a dragon coming at you with his eyes whirling rainbow. For all you know, he could bee looking at the person behind you or beside you. Not to frighten you – it’s just a warning.” She sighed, biting her lip and trying to find the right words to explain the rest of his questions. “I know exactly what you’re going through – I knew nothing about anything except for hatching dates, what to do right after the dragon impressed to you, and a couple other basic facts. I’ll help you out – don’t worry.”

“Being a dragonrider…well, I can tell you right now, you’ll never regret this choice, if you Impress – which I’m pretty sure you will. It’s an amazing feeling, impression…and the work you have to do, which tends to loosen up, once you graduate from Weyrlinghood, is worth it tenfold. The things you have to do are basic, but some of the things…such as flying, and chewing firestone, is simply exhilarating.” She smiled at him, trying to keep a dreamy tone out of her voice.

“You might want to know more about Weyrlinghood, or even what it’s like on the Sands…well, I don’t know. What do you want to know about it?”

[glamourie]

Adorable, was he? Rawign raised an eyebrow at Beggar as he took the meat scraps from Mariyelle, chirping and chittering his gratitude before snapping them up. His eyes whirled pleasant blues and greens, clearly quite happy with himself and the treats he received. After his couple pieces of meat, though, he ceased begging and snuggled comfortably up to Mariyelle's face. That humanthing didn't have any flitters! He was okay to sit on her! And she gave him food! He decided he liked Mariyelle, as he curled up to lay on his head in an almost comical manner, clearly circular, wings compact against his body. His tail curled about and twitched slightly, and then the firelizard went still. The little beggar, having received his food, went right to sleep without a further comment. Typical.

As for Rawign, he simply shrugged and smiled, unable to help himself. "Beggar wouldn't be him if he didn't try to weasel food out of everyone he meets. He seems to think that rubbing on people is the way to go, but he's not adverse to chittering and chattering to make a point. He'll probably show up around you now at random, begging for attention and food. If he does, feel free to swat him away," he explained with a shrug. Not that swatting would do all that much good with Beggar. He tended to, well, just take it as a sign of playing hard-to-get. He was so silly sometimes!

But the Healer's thoughts on his firelizard received an abrupt halt, as if his mind reached a brick wall, when Mariyelle addressed his question. He froze and looked down, doubting very seriously that she could completely understand what his worries were. Rawign had a hard time imagining any dragonriders being frightened of dragons, and that was his main concern. Cezine was hurt by dragons and had the scars to remember it by; he'd gotten to see them! How was he supposed to be casual around dragonets, knowing how much damage they could inflict so easily? Her advice was memorized, even if his stomach completely tied up in knots at the very idea of being near a dragon to begin with. He would probably try to avoid being hurt by hiding in the very back, as far from everyone as he could. Maybe he could shove Keliris in between him and any approaching dragons. The other candidate had made it clear he wouldn't mind being mauled. Probably would like it, deadglow boy! Right. Stay away from any dragon that didn't speak to him. Rawign made that a firm fact and decided to apply it to any dragon at all, not just dragonets. He was fairly sure he'd do better that way.

It amused him that she was sure he would impress. He almost hoped he didn't, if only because his fear of dragons was not lessening any that he could notice. He'd gotten to the point where he didn't mind walking past the weyrlings and he was okay with passing the dragons themselves, save for the bronzes or golds, but... but if any of them looked at him he might have jumped out of his skin, and he was downright terrified when they made any noise. He felt physically ill from terror more than once. It was slowly getting better - the casual noises didn't bother him as much when it wasn't bronzes or golds... but... but the idea of a dragon paying attention to him made him nervous. He was doomed.

"I think I'll just hide in the back and ... hope no one notices me, actually," he admitted, bowing his head. "I'm okay with firelizards, they don't bother me. Whers don't really, either, or the ones I've seen haven't. But..." Wait, had he just said that? Realizing his slip, Rawign looked away, as Beggar lifted his head to utter an inquisitive chirp. "I don't do so well around dragons."



[ That was an awesome post, Lilli. <33 ]

[lilliana]

Aw…and now he was going to sleep! The little blue had endeared himself towards Mariyelle…no doubt that she wouldn’t mind if he came around, begging food out of her once more. She told this to Rawign quite happily, smiling at Beggar jovially. “I don’t care, really. He can come around all he likes. He’s sweet – and Faranth knows that I won’t eat all of that food!” Giggling helplessly as she reached up a hand to absently stroke the blue hide, the green rider shook her head. Shells – she was playing into the f’lizard’s tail; she didn’t even mind. Of course you don’t mind. You’re too soft-hearted to mind. What happened to my rider – the one who was shy and didn’t like anyone?

Whoah. Mariyelle hadn’t even noticed that her dragon had awoken. Half-rising, immediately offering apologies to the green, she heard a mental snort. No – don’t get up. I’m alright…I think I’ll go out and sun. There was an almost-smile apparent in Arvenith’s voice, making the rider smile partially. Alright, love. Call me when you want me…and enjoy yourself. Adding a stern tone to her mindvoice, she added, No flirting. Hah. Like she could stop that.

The Candidate was almost ignored…but not quite. As soon as the conversation was finished, Mariyelle, aware that Arvenith was still listening, turned her attention back to Rawign. “Sorry,” she told him, simply in case he had noticed the exchange. “Arvenith’s awake, but she informed me that she was quite able to take care of herself, and that I should continue our conversation.” At this, the rider grinned. However, it was almost immediately replaced by a worried look. Was he alright? It was obvious that Rawign hadn’t taken her advice very well…he might be committing it to memory, but he certainly didn’t look too happy. “Don’t worry, Rawign. Mainly what I tell you is simply precautionary. Things do happen, but really, it’s not something to dwell on. You’ll be fine.” She emphasized her words, hoping that she hadn’t made him think that this would happen to him. Precautions, that was all they were. Actually, Mariyelle was almost surprised that the Candidate Master hadn’t told them this.

Mariyelle hid a small sigh, keeping a small smile on her face. “Oh, don’t do that. Your dragon might not be happy that you have ‘hidden’ from them…” Her eyes twinkled a bit, and Rawign continued. Listening for a moment, she finally shook her head. “Well, that doesn’t necessarily change once you Impress. However, hiding from them – whether as dragonets or full grown dragons – won’t help you. It would be better if you simply confronted them – you’ll become better with them. After all, once dragons Impress, they don’t hurt you. Ever. Unless, of course, you get involved in the wars…which I wouldn’t.” However, she left it at that – sharding wars. Mariyelle didn’t see the point in them.

{ xDD This one’s shorter…my muse is slowly dieing. Sorry. Dx }

[glamourie]

Rawign watched Beggar as Mariyelle explained that she didn't mind him begging. He'd see about that. Beggar was notorious for getting under people's skins. He had a peculiar talent for it, really. Other firelizards would leave things alone, but not that blue. He seemed to feel everyone owed him food, even the people that didn't like him. He was really quite ridiculous. Fortunately, Rawign was comforted by the fact that he doubted Mariyelle was the type of person who would take the little blue's antics all that personally. In fact, she seemed rather calm about the firelizard, all things considered. How lucky for him. Some people disliked them intensely... and Beggar took that very badly. He seemed to feel that if anyone disliked him, that just meant he had to try harder. Relentless was the little blue.

Between his own private sulking (wrought by ideas of being mauled, an idea the dark-haired boy did not welcome very readily) and staring at the firelizard on Mariyelle's shoulder, Rawign completely missed that his companion was lost in thought. He was trying to will Beggar into leaving the greenrider alone, if only because the last thing he wanted was for his darling little pet to annoy dragonriders and get himself hurt. But of course, Beggar didn't listen to Rawign any better than he did anyone else. He seemed to feel the world was his for the taking, and he need only beg and sweep around to accomplish his goals of receiving attention, praise... food. That method worked remarkably well, too. No one seemed to catch on to the little deviant's tricks -- no one, that was, except for Rawign who saw right through him. So it was that Mariyelle's words startled him out of his reverie, if it could be called even that. His eyes flicked up and he arched his eyebrows, both nearly meeting his hairline.

"I'm sure you're right." Though his words sounded confident, he was anything but. No one would be privy to that secret if he could help it, but he was terrified. As if the idea of facing dragons wasn't bad enough, he would have to deal with teeth and claws too. He wanted to curl up in a ball somewhere and hide away until all the dragons hatched. Would that truly be so unacceptable? He was a coward; he admitted it, even to himself. "I hope Arvenith slept well."

His words trailed off and he bit his tongue to avoid saying anything. 'Face your fears,' everyone said, but didn't they realize it wasn't so simple? He was around dragons regularly and while it was true he was growing more comfortable with them, they still terrified him. Being reminded of the wars in the north did not reassure him very much as his first thoughts when confronted with dragons always went straight to those. Dragons frightened him because he'd grown up in the north - nothing more, nothing less. Watching them hunt didn't exactly dissuade the notion that they were terrifying beasts and none of them seemed to give him the time of day, aside from glaring. (Or rather, what Rawign perceived as glaring, as he did not understand what the colors of dragons' eyes whirling meant, and generally assumed that if they were staring at him, it couldn't be a good thing at all.)

Again with the 'once you Impress' like there was no chance of him being left. He was sure that he wouldn't Impress. Quite sure, actually. No dragon would want him and Rawign didn't think he wanted one, either. They were frightening.

"I... but isn't it safer to stay in the--" His commentary was cut off by a very unique sound, somewhere between snorting and chirping, muffled but definitely audible. Beggar did not move, and from his steady breathing, it was clear he was asleep. The firelizard was snoring. Rawign blinked, twice, then pointed at him and stared right at Mariyelle. "He does that a lot. He'll lay right on my neck when I'm sleeping and do that. Snoring, that's what that is. Are firelizards supposed to do that?"

[lilliana]

The words were confident, and although Mariyelle knew that it was a fairly large transformation from the fears he had voiced a few moments ago, the green rider was forced to accept them as fact. No one could sound that confident, and actually not be truthful. Besides, he was already onto the next subject, and Mariyelle enjoyed talking to Rawign about her green. [color=99FF00Tell him I slept wonderfully, Mine, Arvenith put in, apparently now listening in. “Arvenith says to tell you—” Aw, forget it, love. I’ll tell him myself!

I slept wonderfully, thank you!

Great. It was simply perfect, with Rawign’s fear of dragons, that Mariyelle’s own would choose to speak directly to the boy. Although, of course, if he was to Stand, he would have to face his fears sometime…but really, the green rider didn’t practice that particular belief. Her smile was immediately drawn in, and she tensed her hand beneath the table, immediately scolding the green. Please, just don’t continue, darling. He doesn’t really like dragons…he’s afraid of them, or something of the like. I’m not quite sure, Arvenith, but really. The last thing I think he needs, at the moment, is you speaking to him. Even though he did just sound pretty confident… Yes, see, he sounded confident! You convinced him that dragons are alright, so it’s okay if I talk to him. He’s probably gotten over his fear! And I would never hurt him, so everything is alright.

And, much to Mariyelle’s discomfort, the green continued on, this time to both Mariyelle and Rawign.

The sun was at a perfect angle, but then a little bug came and decided to crawl up my flank, so I awoke. And I heard Mine talking to someone – which she never does – so I just came here to sit in the sun, away from the little crawlers! Her words couldn’t be described as babbling, persay…but, of course, it would be very close. And, although the tone was friendly, and Mariyelle had ducked her head so she didn’t see Rawign’s reaction…well, she had gotten a fairly good judge of his fear. His…immense…fear.

Arvenith-dear, please, just…don’t talk to him for awhile, please? Until I get a judge of his reaction, at least. Just…well, I’d appreciate it. A lot. Alright?

“He snores? Really? Well, now, that’s so adorable! Although, well, I don’t really think most flitters do that. At least, none I’ve ever met. But what do I know?” She didn’t have one, after all…Mariyelle just smiled, waiting for a reaction from Rawign so she could judge how much Arv had scared him. Poor boy. Don’t worry, Mine-own. Really. I won’t say another word to him until you can get how much he really does like me. How about that? The green rider snorted lightly, imagining Rawign’s ‘delight’. Ah, yes. He would be absolutely…elated, she was sure. Well…maybe… It would either help him get over his fears, or it would scare the good sense out of him.

Probably the latter.

[saberlin]

((mind if I join?))

Rilliana had been up thinking. The next clutch was about to hatch and she would once again stand and see if any egg would hatch a dragon just for her. She tried not to think about it to often but the rejection she felt realizing that no dragon from the last clutch would come to her was starting to eat away at her self confidence. Which was rediculous! She was a near journeyman soprano of the Harper Hall! She could always return there if she did not Impress... Failed to Impress more like it.

Wandering around she finally made her way to the kitchen. Maybe some Klah would help to cheer her up. A little bit of food in her belly wouldn't be a bad thing either right about now. She grabbed a mug and poured some of the delicious stuffs into it, adding a little bit of cream and a cube of sugar before moving on and grabbing one of the now cold meat rolls. Food was food after all and she was in no way about to be picky. Sipping at her klah she saw a few other people talking and decided to go over and say hello. It was high time she made a few friends around here after all, and enough time out in the trees singing.

She approached the group quiet enough not wanting to interupt their their conversation too soon. But then went up to the table and looked at the pair,

"Would it be alright if I joined the two of you? My name's Rilliana."

[glamourie]

The smile Rawign wore at the beginning of Mariyelle's answer faltered, just slightly, as the green actually spoke to him. His instant reaction was to actually whirl around to find the source of the voice before it clicked in his mind who was speaking to him and his blood ran cold for a moment. She was not the first dragon to bespeak him and ironically, the other was also a green, though Phremath was a Weyrling and considerably less intimidating than a fully grown dragon. (Phremath reminded Rawign a little of a young child - exuberant, reeking with life and enthusiasm; it was hard for even someone who looked for the worst to believe, like Rawign did, to find fault with the little green. So what if she was deformed?) At least the dragon didn't sound angry - in fact, her words implied she was happy, though Rawign was still exceedingly nervous and the only thing keeping him from turning white as clouds was the fact that he was forcibly reminding himself to stay calm mentally. He had enough self-control that he was able to keep his features relatively pleasant, even when he was unspeakably nervous.

"She's welcome," he said quietly, because he didn't know how to - or if he even could - reply to the dragon directly. He was hoping she'd be able to pick up on his spoken words, although she wasn't there, so how could she? Ridiculous. He felt like a fool, but at least he was able to keep his voice level and confident. Breaking out in hysteria would have been humiliating and he wasn't that bothered. More, he was stunned and a little uncomfortable, though that stemmed mostly from him not knowing Arvenith than anything else. Rawign wasn't used to strange dragons talking to him, obviously.

What was it with greens, though? They all seemed very outrageously bubbly, as though beaming with friendliness. Was it just coincidence that the only two dragons that addressed him directly were very friendly and both just happened to be greens? Maybe it was part of their personality. Either way, Rawign had no complaints once he coerced himself into relaxing. The dragon was outside, not there with him, and there was no way she could suddenly eat him from where she was. No way at all. "Bugs are such nuisances..."

And speaking of nuisances, that little flit was a traitor. Rawign was half-panicked, and there Beggar lay, sound asleep and snoring to his heart's content, oblivious to his person's plight! Pfft. Shaking his head, he opened his mouth to explain why Beggar snored, or so he thought -- the blue flitter slept almost completely upside down, it was hard not to make a sound and he tended to squash himself into things when he tried so it was obvious he was going to snore, but then he was eccentric. However, his response was cut off before it reached his lips as someone else came up to them, someone that Rawign didn't know though he'd seen her before and her knots made it clear exactly why. Two candidates. It was hard for him not to recognize the other candidates, though for once, it was someone whose name was not familiar to him. Funny, that. Rawign was normally excellent at remembering names. He made sport of it, really.

The Healer cast an inquisitive glance to Mariyelle before turning to nod. "I don't see why not." He didn't know Rilliana well, and he hoped that Mariyelle (who he also didn't know) wouldn't be upset at him not asking her to leave. She didn't seem like a bad sort, he'd never heard any nasty rumours about her or anything of that nature. Mariyelle seemed rather skittish, though, and the last thing he wanted was to run the risk of offending her. "Please, take a seat. My name is Rawign. That sleeping, snoring little space-taker-upper is Beggar." He didn't introduce Mariyelle as, in Rawign's opinion, the girl ought to know who she was. If she didn't, Mariyelle was fully capable of introducing herself.