Who's Got the Snickerdoodles? (Erilena, K'sel)

[Ember]

Nuoth spotted the place she and Erilena were supposed to meet before her rider did. Her friend had said they should have a picnic, and why not? It would do good to just relax and hang around with her friend. The green landed a good distance from where Erilena was and walked the rest of the way. No need to stir up the air near her after all. They'd picked a good day for it. It was sunny and quiet. Good, good. Nephele leaned down from Nuoth's neck as the approached Erilena and smiled. "Heya. Think you could give me a hand getting down the food I brought?"

Mother brushed his head lightly on Nephele's cheek just as Charming popped in and landed on the opposite shoulder. The girl snorted. "I told Charming there would be food. I guess he decided to join the fun. I'd introduce you to Diva but she decided to stay with my boots instead," she told her friend. She wiggled her socked toes to emphasize the lack of footwear. She had other shoes to wear, of course, but she'd decided not to wear them. Besides, her green firelizard was just as likely to screech at her owner for taking her posessions without her permission. Not worth the effort.

Thankfully, Diva had settled for the boots while she changed into something other than her night clothes. She figured it was because the green worried someone would take the boots if she went after Nephele's clothes. That and she trusted Nephele to know who they really belonged to. It sure wasn't because the clothes rightfully belonged to the girl. No, everything belonged to Diva. There was nothing that wasn't claimed by the green, including Nephele's other mindmates and her. Charming found it amusing. Misfit was offended by the idea of any besides Tiida or Nephele claiming him. Mother was as tolerant as ever. Nuoth ranged all the emotions. She loved the green, but she was a pain. Still, she'd managed to escape the green for a while so Nephele was happy.

Nephele might not have been in such a good mood if she knew who else was invited to the picnic. She was still blissfully unaware of the fact that her friend had decided to invite K'sel too. The day would likely turn out very interesting. Nuoth crouched down low to assist the two people. "I brought some fish and cheese sandwiches. Please tell me you brought something else." If not...well, they could always save some for tomorrow and do another picnic lunch.

[Rei]

Erilena was busy spreading out the blanket to perfection when Nephele and Nuoth arrived. The thunderous bugle of greeting from Feyrianth was proof enough of the small creatures delight. Oh she didn’t exactly understand just what a picnic exactly was but her friends where coming and that was exciting in itself. The weyrling giggled at her dragon’s enthusiasm before trotting to Nuoth’s side and offering a hand. “Just pass stuff down. I got a spot all set up.” Leo poked his head out from his customary hiding place in Erilena’s breastband to croon in delight as he heard a new voice.

Hi! He called before scampering up Erilena’s outstretched arm to Nephele. Finally making it to the other greenrider’s shoulder he rubbed himself ecstatically against Mother. Love you ~ He coursed before leaning over to lick Nephele’s cheek. Oh how wonderful. Giggling he fell backwards and his bonded caught him with a disproving click of her tongue. Silly thing. “It’s ok I am sure I’ll get to meet her soon anyway.” Tucking Leo into her pocket she smiled warmly. “I am sure there will be plenty of food for the pets to. I don’t mind them hanging around.” Truly she didn’t she loved Nephele’s flitters. They where very well behaved.

Taking the last of the offered food she patted Nuoth’s shoulder affectionately. “Thanks Nuoth. You better go see Fey before she bursts in excitement.” True to Erilena’s words Feyrianth did look fit to explode in excitement. The smaller green was literally churning up the grass with her prancing. When the older green was finally released from duty Fey charged towards her, four wings extended in happy bliss. Drawing close the younger green closed her wings before rubbing her body against Nuoth’s legs. Crooning she spoke. Oh it is very good to see you my Nuoth friend. It has been too long.

Erilena smiled broadly and hugged Nephele, being careful not to crush the food. “Oh Nephy. I would be silly if I didn’t bring something also.” Skipping to the spread blanket she dug in the small basket she had brought. She pulled out a bowl of mixed fruits and warm rolls. “See. I have a few hardboiled eggs for the flits and Leo to.” Those hadn’t been easy to acquire. Straightening up she gestured for Nephele to add her food to the spread. “Now we just have to wait for our other guest.” The woman replied with a small secretive smile. “Oh. I think that’s him now.” As soon as Erilena had quit speaking Feyrianth bugled yet another greeting. This one directed at a sandy colored brown. Oh more friends.

[Lotty]

I think we can preface this with: K'sel didn't know. He didn't know Nephele didn't know that is... Thus he was actually quite excited and not prepared for the onslaught of weird that was on the horizon. Ironically it was his dragon that was not looking forward to the whole experience. Why you might ask? Well, the brown had decided one morning that Nuoth was silly. There was no rationale given to the rider, just that she was silly. Of course K'sel could make some conclusions, but Pettahth was remarkably tight lipped about it all. Nuoth was another one of those goofy greens that he had little tolerance for and he frankly didn't want to see her for the time being.

"You are rapidly earning the title of The Worst."

Hmmpf. I just don't want to go.

"You don't have much of a choice...you are my ride and besides...they want to see you," K'sel tried to reason with his dragon as he ran a comb through his hair one more time. Oh yes, he was putting effort into this today. Not that it really mattered. His hair - as it seemed to be for all dragonriders - more often than not would fall into its usual place, but his attire would at least remain intact. Not that it was particularly different or special garb for him, it was just crisp and new; a pair of sturdy and snug trousers and another one of those white shirts with the low and loose collars. K'sel thought that anything else would be trying too hard.

Especially considering that basket of cookies was working against him. He should have never told his mother about this little lunch date...nope, never...but who else could have helped him put together a dish for the picnic? Nobody, and it was moments like that that he loved his mommy. It was just a shame that he had to carry the fresh batch of baked goods in a frilly, girlish, basket that was complete with a big bow. Come on...really? He really shouldn't have cared considering certain people still called him Kasella and even he thought he had his...moments so to speak, but that didn't mean he needed to be carrying around a wicker cookie purse. He snatched up the basket with a thread of disdain...

"Let's go..."

After another ten minutes of fighting and flying they eventually were able to show their faces. Pettahth landed neatly in the clearing, all the while greeting Feyrianth right back. She was an almost-clutch sister, so she was extra special. However it took at prodding from the rider for the brown to speak to Nuoth, and although he didn't utter her name, it was a close enough compromise, Greetings greenladies, how are you? The young man who was aboard swung off the dragon, cookies in tow, and still blissfully unaware that he was going to be a surprise.

"It's a nice day for a picnic isn't it?" He asked as she strode to the edge of the blanket. Weather. Weather was always a safe subject with him, and the longer they could stick with the safe stuff, the better. He gestured with the frilly basket, hoping that one of the girls would relieve him of it as he explained, "They're...snickerdoodles..." he said the word cautiously. Even he understood the humor in a guy like him saying such a light and bouncy word.

[Ember]

Nephele let Erilena take her contribution to the little picnic as the little blue mandyr her friend owned scampered up her arm. Leo was the only mandyr the girl knew that she actually liked. He was adorable and loving. She smiled at the interaction between the blue and her bronze as Mother nuzzled the blue. She could just barely see them out of the corner of her eye. She was pleasantly surprised at the lick and gave him a quick little pet before he fell to her friend.

"Diva's not like my boys," she warned Erilena, though there was a smile on her face as she talked. "She's a real odd one. Lady Holder of all she sees. I'm glad these two won't be any trouble for our lunch." Nephele dismounted easily and quickly freed her dragon from the riding straps. They'd likely be there a while so the more comfortable her green was the better. The girl snickered at Erilena's suggestion, glancing at the four winged green who did indeed seem very excited. Nephele gave her beast a companiable smack on the shoulder and let her have her own fun.

Nuoth returned Feyrianth's croon pleasantly. She lowered her head to nuzzle her friend. At first it was a tentative show of affection but it grew more confident after a moment. It is great to see you again Feyrianth. It has been a while. The green paused uncertainly for a moment before adding, I have missed you. Are you and Yours well? She cared about everyone she met but she cared even more about Feyrianth's wellbeing than most.

Nephele hugged her friend back enthusiastically. When she saw what Erilena had brought she giggled. "How on Pern did you manage to get Mae to give up those eggs?" She asked as she placed her own food on the blanket. She turned a questioning glance on her friend at mention of another person coming. "Lena?" She didn't wait for an explanation as she looked up...and promptly froze. She wasn't the only one either. Nuoth was equally startled though it showed less on her. K'sel and Pettahth.

Nephele groaned. "Lenaaaa..." She didn't have time to say anything more than that as Pettahth landed and K'sel approached. She turned worried eyes on Erilena. What in the world was she supposed to do? She wasn't ready to actually confront him. If naything she'd been actively avoiding him since Diva's hatching...Mother nuzzled her encouragingly. She'd do just fine, she would! In a surprisingly normal tone Nephele responded to K'sel. "It is great weather." She took the basket and looked at it curiously. It was awfully girly....When he explained what was in it she snickered and set it down. Suspicious, she asked, "You got help from Marina, didn't you?" She was referring to his mother, of course.

Nuoth hadn't been expecting Pettahth. She felt bad still about not picking him during her flight but at the tiem she'd thought it the right choice. When he landed she fluttered her wings and actually lowered her head in behind Feyrianth slightly. When he bespoke her she felt such a gamut of emotions that Nephele looked at her with slight alarm. Oh. That was the cause. She sent comforting thoughts the green's way before she was forced to withdraw from their bond a bit or risk getting upset herself. Nuoth had an entirely open bond from her end and if she was anxious it could affect Nephele quite a bit if she let it.

Nuoth knew it would be impolite not to respond but to answer the question fully truthful would bring up something she wasn't sure she wanted to. The green withdrew her head from behind Feyrianth and drew herself up gracefully to her fullgrown height. She allowed Feyrianth to answer before she did. In her usual quiet tones she said, Greetings Pettahth. I am well. How are you and Yours?

[Rei]

A wide grin split Erilena’s face as K’sel and Pettahth arrived. Nephele’s groan was not ignored and the greenweyrling fixed her best friend with a smile. “Come one Nephy you can’t avoid him forever. It was just a flight. Things happen. No sense in breaking up a friendship for it.” She whispered quietly. The girl grabbed Nephele’s hand and gave it a quick loving squeeze before actually skipping over to K’sel and throwing her arms around the brownrider, her adoptive brother. At least that’s what they joked. “It is a nice day isn’t it brother dearest?” She giggled as Nephele took the basket. “I don’t know it think the bow actually fits. Don’t you?” Erilena nudged K’sel in the ribs before dancing backwards and out of range of retaliation. Twirling in place she winked at Nephele. Teasing K’sel would brake the ice. She was sure of it.

Feyrianth crooned softly at Nuoth’s attentions. She arched her back against the older green’s muzzle her four wings half unfurling and then tucking back along her spine. It is so great to see you as well Nuoth. Cue more excited wiggling. Oh I missed you as well. We should drag ours around more often. Maybe we could go swimming next week? Mincing the grass between her ebony talons she rumbled. I am doing quite well. Mine is doing very well also. Although she was quite content with the attention she was receiving from her green friend, Pettahth’s arrival made her very happy as well. She liked the brown very much. He was so nice. As the sandy brown spoke she crooned thunderously, her little body shaking with the noise.

Bounding forward she literally jumped at him. Pressing her little body against his chest and rubbing much like a feline would she spoke. I am a lady? It is very nice of you to say so friend Petta. Suddenly she reared up on unsteady hind legs to nuzzle his muzzle once. Had she been older she might have noticed the underlying tension in the air but being young she was blissfully unaware. Falling back to all fours the little green bounded forward the picture of youthful energy. Come on lets play! Pettahth is it, he is. Don’t let him get you Nuoth ~ She sang in a sing song all four wings spread and fanning the air in mock terror.

Erilena watched Feyrianth trundle past with a smile. “I wish she would stay like that forever.” She said softly knowing it was futile. One day Fey had to grow up. But was it to much to ask that she still retain even a bit of her innocence? “Anyway I don’t know about you guys but I am starved.” Linking her arms with her friends the weyrling began to steer them towards the blanket and the food.

Letting them go once she reached it, she gracelessly flopped down onto the soft material and began to peel and egg. Poking his little nose from her pocket Leo scrambled out to perch on her knee. Loveminelovelovelove. He said in glee as he opened his mouth wide for a morsel. His was just the best ever she was!

[Lotty]

"Uhmm," K'sel didn't think he had ever felt so awkward in his life. He usually was able to charge forward through most social situations with an arsenal of smart remarks and an apathetic front, but that promise of kindness was looming over his head and all he could do was try and smile, "Yeah, my mother...." he was cut off by Erilena. Thank Faranth for the little things right? He relinquished the basket without any complaint and braced himself as the other green weyrling threw herself on his and called him the doting brother he jokingly claimed to be, "It is Eri. Thank you for inviting me..." He hugged back lightly in sort of way siblings did before looking back at Nephele and finishing his thought, "But yes...my mom did make them and packaged them....you wouldn't want me making them...trust me," K'sel could make sandwiches. He wasn't the cooking type.

Pettahth meanwhile was equally bewildered and looked to his rider. Is this normal behavior? K'sel could have snickered, Believe it or not, you used to be fun like that too before someone got all mopey over a little... I can be fun! I am sooo fun! The dragon turned back to the little four-winged green and crooned right back, appreciative of the nuzzle, it was only then he could find time to bespeak the more familiar green. Oh Nuoth, what ever was he going to do about her? We are well, it is good to be outside. It is getting warm... A little toastier than usual, but surely it would even out in the next few weeks right? Ah well. All the conversation didn't stop him from being labeled "it".

Not exactly being too keen on playing tag (well not with Nuoth). Pettahth did his best to try and go along with it all, and he took a few very calm steps over to the green. Why did he have to be "It"? Wasn't it enough that he lost the flight and that everyone knew that he wasn't going to be doing any catching? With a bit of melancholy he stretched his neck out and poked her in the side. Tag...you're it? He then sat down expectantly. Well? What else would happen now? Would she tag him back? Pettahth you fail.

K'sel was tugged along over to the blanket and he sat down like an Indian Yogi. He would be a liar if he said he wasn't hungry, but he was patiently waiting for the girls to begin to eat first. He was trying very, very, hard to be a good boy. Couldn't they tell? He personally thought he was doing a good job himself. He drummed his fingertips against his knees as he waited. What to say? What to say? Weather had obviously been exhausted as a subject. Glancing at Erilena - almost as if for permission - the brownrider cleared his throat before turning to Nephele and making something stupid up, "This looks good...what did you bring Nephy-ele?" Smooth.

[Ember]

Nephele wondered at Erilena's words. Friendship? What friendship! They were openly antagonistic towards each other...or used to be. She wasn't entirely sure which one of them had started acting differently first but her and K'sel's relationship had shifted. She watched her friend's easy interaction with the dragonrider. And damn him for having graduated! That was so unfair! No chores or anything. At least he didn't have the advantage of between anymore. Nuoth could do that now too.

She actually managed an amused snort at K'sel's admission that it was his mother they had to thank for the snickerdoodles. "Tsk, what kind of dragonrider can't cook for themselves?" Was that actually a tease? Apparently. Who knew she could manage it. Though it was in jest she could immediately think of several riders who couldn't cook. She hadn't done much cooking but she was good enough to feed herself and not keel over from it. Her real trouble was the heat of the kitchens. Too close to the flames and she started to have trouble.

Nuoth was content with Feyrianth for company and Hers and Erilena nearby. She grew excited at the prospect of swimming with Feyrianth. She did so love to swim and it was even more fun with a friend. I would very much like to go swimming with you, Feyrianth. I am sure NepheleMine would like to come to if Yours does. She fell silent then, letting the other green bespeak Pettahth as she needed. She was thankful for Fey's presence. It was awkward near the brown, but less so than if they had been alone.

A brief brush of her mind against the brown's was usedto convey her agreement about the weather. She'd noticed the temperature going up. Hers assured her it was normal at that time of the turn. At the suggestion of a game Nuoth blinked. She was hesitant about playing games. Sure they were fun but she much preferred more laid back activities and generally avoided anythign that could be construed as a challenge. It wasn't that she wasn't confident, she was, she just didn't like the concept of winning at the expense of another.

The chosen game was less than desirable too. A game of chasing and catching. While she was distracted by her thoughts Pettahth tagged her. She watched him sit down and there was a brief moment when neither of them did anything and then...Nuoth padded towards him, nosed him gently, and moved out of range quickly. The game was on, whether she was entirely willing or not. She moved towards Feyrianth. She was intelligent enough to know that there was safety in numbers. If the two greens split up then Pettahth may hesitate and give them a slight head start.

Nephele watched the dragon's for a moment, otnr between amusement and concern for her green. She was distracted by Erilena's comments. She was pretty hungry too. She let the other girl guide her over to the blanket. She plopped herself down easily, reaching for the hard boiled eggs without a second thought. Manners? What were those? First come, first serve, people! She wasn't grabbing them for herself though. Charming landed on the blanket after jumping from her shoulder while her bronze climbed down her arm.

Nephele glanced up at K'sel when he spoke while her two flitters claimed their eggs. The lack of tension was beginning to get disturbing. The name stumble didn't escape her and she rose a brow. He'd had no problem saying her nickname before so why would he start now? Gah, it felt so weird! "I brought the sammiches," she said in response, belatedly realizing she used her younger word for them. Oops. She looked away from him to glance at Erilena. This whole chummy thing, was it really alright?

[Rei]

Erilena popped a few morsels of egg into Leo’s mouth and for the most part looked to be ignoring the conversation going on about her. In reality she was doing her best to decipher the hidden emotions behind words. The awkwardness was noted and frowned upon. Had to lighten up the mood. The hidden glances each of her friends gave her where returned with matching smiles. Oh no they where not getting out of this one. If they where every going to move on they had to move past the awkwardness of the flight. Sigh. Silly little K’sel and Nephy.

Feyrianth was doing her part as well. Get them playing. Yes friends played, silly bigger dragons didn’t they know that? Hurry. Nuoth hurry. Get away from Pettahth he is it. The little four-winged green turned in a circle. Come on Pettahth you are supposed to chase us. She fluttered her wings and then tucked them against her spine before prancing in place. Haven’t you ever played tag before? Feyrianth crouched down in a canine play bow, rump wiggling comically, eyes fixed on the brown. She was ready when he was.~

Erilena grabbed a sandwich and took a bite. Swallowing she smiled at K’sel. “Help yourself. No one here bites.” She said happily before nibbling again in her sandwich. Leo, pleasantly stuffed, clambered back up his bonded’s shirt to flop into the neck and wiggle down into her breastband. Curling up he sighed and was soon asleep. So nice where the picnics. Yummy food good. The weyrling frowned and peeked down her shirt as the mandyr fell into it. He had been sleeping an awful lot lately. Silly thing. Maybe it was the abnormally warm weather. She would sleep away the hottest parts of the day too if she could.

As she nibbled on her food Erilena took turns glancing between her friends. Finally felt like throwing up her hands in frustration. If they didn’t stop walking on eggshells she was going to have to play mediator. That was something she was not looking forward to. Third wheel anyone?

[Lotty]

K'sel was convinced that everyone else was making this way more awkward than he was. Of course he could never be the catalyst. Not ever. So he could only look at the two girls with an air of confusion - especially Eri. He wasn't afraid of eating...he was only being a gentleman, was that not what she wanted? It was the same reason he wasn't snapping back at Neph's horrible tease. What kind of dragonrider couldn't cook? Most of them? Right? K'sel didn't think he was alone on that front, but tried his best to take the failed attempt with some grace, "Well I can more than make up for my cooking failures in other ways I can assure you..." He left the comment open for interpretation.

Oh no. He was "It" again. It seemed that he had to put a little more effort into this, because he certainly couldn't keep losing. He was such a sore loser, he would never take it well, and so as the littler green crouched down, he bounced over to the two ladies in that sway back gait that suggested he was so much more accustomed to being in the air. After having learned to fly, bouncing around on the ground wasn't so much fun anymore, but for the sake of being fair to Fey, this was just going to have to do. Watch out. I'm coming to get you. He announced to the greens in a rather plaintive way, and hoping that if he didn't tag this with his snout - which was already out and reaching - then he'd get them with a wing or a tail or if he must a tongue, though he seriously doubted that either would appreciate that.

This was getting to be too much for K'sel. Really, really it was. He had too much to say, and he had to keep it all in. He was at risk of exploding and spewing forth a collection of words and phrases uncouth even for sailors if this kept up. The young man was left there cringing and fighting back his tongue, "Sammiches...." he could go there, he could call her out on the childish wording, but he didn't, "Well, I can't wait to try one.." and he reached forward to take one, and eat it. He wasn't exactly scarfing it down like Nephy was, in fact he seemed like something out of etiquette school in comparison to the girl, but it was not for a lack of tastiness. The sandwiches were totally fine, "These are very..."

He had caught sight of Erilena out of the corner of his eye. Was she? Was she looking down her own shirt? Oh no, "Don't worry Eri, you'll grow a chest someday, staring them down isn't going to hurry it along..." He did it. He said he obligatory asshole comment and now he couldn't take it back. At very least she would catch that he only said it in jest right? No...there were just so many levels at which he just violated his oath of good manners. He immediately dropped the remainder of his sandwich and buried his face in his hands and saying, "Shit," as remorsefully as he could muster. Yes, he was double face palming at himself.

[Ember]

Nephele nearly sighed at Erilena's smile. Clearly no help would be forthcoming from her friend. A bit unfair since it was Erilena who had set her up in the situation. The greenweyrling knew why she'd done it too. Charming, the little trouble maker, had taken a page from her journal and brought it to her friend. So embarassing. She'd stopped writing after that little incident, eternally thankful the brown hadn't taken it to the young man present at the picnic. She doubted she would have lived it down. Nephele's gaze fell on K'sel when he brought up ways of compensating for his poor cooking. A slight upwards tilt at the edges of her mouth betrayed her amusement.

Getting the green playing was a smart idea, whether Feyrianth knew that or not. Tension slowly melted away...yet there was still a problem. Nuoth simply didn't play games like tag. She tried for the sake of her friend though. She did so enjoy the company of the younger green and she had enjoyed Pettahth's company too on the occasions they had seen each other. She shuffled backwards easily as she avoided Pettahth. She was more graceful than he was on the ground though she thought he was likely more skilled in the air since he'd had more experience.

Nephele watched K'sel try her sandwich discreetly. It realyl shouldn't have mattered if he liked them - they were just sandwiches, after all - but it did. She was more than a little disappointed at the lack of a verdict but what took his attention caught hers as well. She looked quizically at Erilena and would have asked why she'd been looking down her shirt when K'sel cursed and hid his face in his hands. The reaction was rather amusing and somewhat relieving. She'd been wondering where the real K'sel was. Her amused snort quickly turned into a short laugh. "So the real K'sel really was still in there somewhere. I was beggining to wonder where he'd run off to," she commented, humour still in her voice.

[Rei]

Erilena blinked owlishly at K’sel as he made his comment. What? Grow a chest? The irrational little bit of anger that flashed into her eyes was smothered by Nephele’s little laugh. Sighing the weyrling took another bite of her sandwich and swallowed before replying. “I am perfectly happy with the chest I already have thank you very much.” Leaning over she smacked K’sel upside the head and then grabbed a cookie. Best not make a big deal about it. Especially now that her friends where starting to relax a bit. Maybe her ‘brother’s’ little outburst was for the best. Nibbling on the cookie she struggled to keep a straight face as K’sel took on the look of a scolded child.

Feyrianth bounded out of Pettahth’s way with all the grace a lumbering dragon of her age could possess. She chirped and flared her wings, fanning the warm air in an display of excitement. In the spirit of being fair she allowed the brow to ‘tag’ her with his tail. Immediately she creeled in mock upset. Oh no. I am it. She paused momentarily as she picked her target. Crouching like a feline ready to spring she rumbled at Nuoth. I am going to get you~! She cried before springing at the elder green. She was going for a muzzle tag and if that didn’t work she was going to see if she couldn’t get a shot in at Pettahth. Fun, fun, fun. However if they kept up like this they would probably have to go for a swim to cool down. Not that Feyrianth would complain about that. Not at all. Swimming was even better than tag!

Erilena flopped back on the blanket as she waited for K’sel to get a grip on himself. As she nibbled on her cookie she couldn’t help but comment. “Seriously I thought our K’sel had been replaced by some weird doppelganger.” Stuffing the rest of the cookie into her mouth she swallowed and then sat up. “I am so going to ask your mother what her secret is. These cookies are awesome. You think she’ll teach me?” baking cookies with Nephele sounded like a fun girly thing to do, especially if you added gossip.

[Lotty]

K'sel....was confused. Yes, he did get smacked in the head...but it was a smack from Erilena of all people and not exactly what he would call painful. His mother had smacked him harder for less horrible things (mostly comments about Faranth being a stupid ugly gold) and he really didn't know what to make of it all. Were neither of them upset with him? Was Nephele laughing at what he had said? It wasn't he that had been replaced by the doppelganger, it was clearly those two! He just said something that would normally get him yelled at! If they wanted him to be himself this whole time, then why was he told to be nice? Ugh WOMEN! They were so confusing. Why couldn't they just say exactly what they wanted?

Oh success! Pettahth liked games when he could win at them - typical male - and he happily ignored the fact that he was allowed to tag the green so that he could take a moment to swell up with pride. He wasn't "it" anymore, but being the biggest had its drawbacks. He was such an easier target! So much more area to tag him on, and he wasn't exactly graceful either. He tried his best to trot along though, and went with hiding behind Nuoth as best as he could. She could make a good obstacle yes? If not, he would just have to be "it" again, and well...maybe they would all pick another game before it came to that?

"The real K'sel can be a good boy too you know..." he was honestly trying to defend himself here. He was nice, he was a gentleman, he was many wonderful things as well as being a cynical smart ass, "I just hardly get the chance..." he shrugged. There was no point in arguing this point any longer. It was weird and strange and he was honestly afraid this would turn into some kind of girl moment when they would both turn into overnight mindhealers and ask him to tell them how he feels and to cry it all out. No thank you. He picked up the fallen piece of sandwich and finished it. The five second rule is multiplied a few times when in a picnic situation you see. Blankets were anti-germ areas.

Cookies...now there was a good subject change, "Teach you? Yeah sure, I don't see why not. She is always in the creche, go bother her, she probably has it in her head that you are her daughter anyway," poor Marina never had the daughter she wanted, instead she got two boys...obviously she compensated on one of them when she brandished him with the name Kasella. All besides the point though, "She used to shove those darn cookies on my brother and I all the time...I had a friend back then who would eat my share for me...so the snickerdoodles are all for you guys..."

[Ember]

Nephele grinned at Erilena's response to K'sel but didn't say anything. She would likely have taken more offence at the comment than her friend did as she had some issues with her own chest. The girl reached for one of the cookies K'sel had brought and took a bite. She wasn't really surprised that they were good. K'sel's mother had seemed like the mother that would have baked for her children when Nephele had met her. She'd talk your ear off but she seemed to be a good person.

She raised a brow when K'sel mentioned that he could be a good boy. "So you're admitting that the good behaviour until now wasn't you?" She wasn't the smartest girl but she'd been a bit suspicious of his niceness at the Blossom gather. Also, when he'd slipped up he'd reacted rather oddly. Given that Erilena had invited him her gaze flicked over to the girl briefly. Oh yes, she had her theories. Having finished his egg, Mother hopped over to her and she lifted him up to her shoulder where he really liked to perch. Charming fluttered over to Erilena instead of his girl and fluted at her pleasantly. Hello~

Nephele was well accustomed to her brown's antics at that point. She ignored him in favour of listening to the conversation. What kind of kid rejected cookies? Especially good cookies! Maybe he didn't like sweet things all that much...Whatever. More for her and Erilena. She reached for another as she finished the one she already had. She was feeling more comfortable after K'sel's little outburst. When he acted nice all the time it forced Nephele to act the same and part of K'sel's charm was that she normally didn't have to act around him.

Nuoth fluttered her wings as Pettahth tagged Feyrianth. The smaller green sprang at her. The green may or may not have purposely let the younger green tag her. Unfortunately, with her it again, that meant Pettahth's hiding spot behind her wasn't so safe. Instead of turning around to tag him though she paused and adressed them quietly. This game is very fun but it is hot out. Could we not go for a swim to cool off? It was the truth that she was beginning to heat up but she also loved to swim.

[Rei]

Erilena chose to ignore the comments winging back and forth instead she turned to offer Charming some of her cookie. “Hello handsome. I haven’t had the pleasure of your presence since yesterday.” Giggling she stroked down the brown’s head. Finishing her cookie she glanced between her friends and smiled. “I’ll have to go hunt down Marina then.” She said happily picking up another cookie and gesturing to Nephele. “You should come to. We can learn to bake cookies and all talk about K’sel. It will be fun” She said in excitement before sticking her tongue out at her ‘brother’. There payback for the chest comment. As if she had to worry about that anyway.

Feyrianth pulled up suddenly from her dancing as she weighed the words of Nuoth. Swimming! Oh she loved swimming! Especially now with the rive so very big. There where all sorts of shinys to be had under the water. Oh yes. We should go swimming. Please it sounds so fun. Wiggling excitedly the four-winged dragon had to admit that she was getting a tad hot. Best to cool off yes, and if she found a few shinys along the way all the better! Prancing back to the blanket she nudged hers softly. Lenamine we are going swimming. Is that ok?

Erilena had caught Nephele’s glance and was about to make a comment when she was nudged from behind. Turning she shoved at the green snout playfully. “Of course you can go swimming love. You don’t have to ask permission. Your much too big to get swept away now.” Feyrianth gave an excited chirp and licked hers before bounding back toward her friends, wings spread and fluttering. Lenamine says we can swim. Last one there is a rotten egg. Oh she defiantly did not want to be the rotten egg. The green bounced over the ground, pouring all the speed she possessed into her legs. She wanted to be first!

The weyrling watched her dragon bound off with a smile. “I sometimes wish I had half her energy.” She remarked before picking up a red fruit and biting into it. To bad she had eaten so much, swimming sounded lovely. Maybe later. Turning back to her companions she considered. “So what have you guys been up to lately?” She had just been keeping busy with her lessons and the infirmary. Boring.

[Lotty]

"No," K'sel didn't like where this teasing was going. He wasn't always the best at taking jokes, but it was something he was learning to do, and so he had to resign to being mostly quiet. This silence wasn't enforced, this was just natural self preservation. He couldn't let everything get to him all the time. "It was me, it was just a me that was putting out an exorbitant amount of effort in the hope of people seeing that I am.....not such a bummer all the time," awkward, awkward, awkward. This wasn't really a subject he wanted to get into, he felt like his own journal was being torn apart and dissected, so he took all the steps necessary to gracefully change the subject.

Erilena presented the perfect opportunity as she mentioned the dragons. He turned his dark eyes over to where the trio was playing and K'sel smirked in agreement...yeah, it would be nice to have that much energy, he'd get a whole lot more done...but did he really want to? Was it a good idea to always be running full throttle? Wouldn't that raise expectations for him a little too high? Oh well...he turned back around as the brown responded to Nuoth. A swim sounded like an excellent idea to him, he visibly shook his head, Oh yes, that is a very agreeable idea... He turned to head off to the river but let little Feyrianth run ahead. He didn't want to race so much, but he'd let her think she won if she wanted. As for Nuoth, well she was free to do either.

"I've...been busy I guess?" He mused on the subject. Hadn't they all been busy? "I do my big-kid dragonrider thing. I'm not even on the little incompetent and or inexperienced wing. I'm on the slightly mediocre wing...pretty impressive right?" Definitely, because he was expecting his mouth to get him bumped back any time. Not that he usually found any reason to talk during drills, its when he did find the moment that it would be the wrong one. Typical story for him, but he was actively trying to get along with others just enough to avoid punishment. He was an ass, but he was a smart one.

"And you ladies?"