Relax a little [tags Kat]

[Kisha-Ra]

Darya, you are supposed to be relaxing with me. Please stop wriggling around and glaring at the little ones. Azrath sighed and opened one eye to look reprovingly at his rider. The blue felt a change of scenery and a little relaxation would be good for both of them, so he had nagged Darya into coming down to the river and basking on the rocks with him. Unfortunately she wouldn’t relax at all, and her squirming around, and mental grumbling was keeping Azrath from truly relaxing. Sunning is supposed to be relaxing, you could at least make the effort.[/I]

I really can’t believe you dragons find this a good way to spend your time. I could be doing something useful. That mending or something. Darya grumbled and sat up to scrath at her splinted arm, an action that caused her to give the green firelizard and bronze salamandyr who were curled up together nearby a completely foul look. If looks could kill Imp and Bit would probably be vaporised by the force of that glare.

Grumpy. Stop look at I. Do not like. Imp looked up, displayed for emphasis on his statement and curled his tail tighter around the current love of his life. A’ath you make stop.

I am trying Imp, but she’s just not cooperating. I think she’s just jelous that you have a mate and she doesn’t. I should find us a pretty greenpair to share out weyr with. Becoming weyrmates seems to be going around recently. Maybe you could have a hatchling as well Darya.[/color] Azrath rumbled slightly and shuffled his wings. He’d only made the suggestion because he knew his rider couldn’t stand human young.

Darya made a few in articulate strangleing sound before glaring at Azrath. I do NOT intend to become weyrmates with anyone, much less have any children. You infuriating blue… Darya trailed off as Azrath rumbled. ‘Stop laughing at me, infuriating beast. Besides you talk and talk but you never catch us a pretty green do you?’ This time it was Azrath’s turn to be speechless.

[kat]

It was no pretty greenpair that happened to be heading down to the river on that day. No, instead it was a bluepair, only instead of a female rider like Darya, there was a middle aged man upon the blue's back. This blue was dark in coloration, impossible to miss against the bright blue skies overhead--save for at night, when he became nerly invisible. Sevorth--for that was the blue's name--spotted the other blue dragon long before his rider, who was staring mutely off into space, did.

I think I found us the perfect sunning spot, L'ian. There's a nice, wide spot in the river and you're going to oil me after you give me a nice bath.

L'ian muttered something indecipherable under his breath, before retaliating, "you don't give me orders, dragon. I'll scrub you and oil you because I already planned to, not because your sorry blue hide told me to." He rested his hand on his chin, looking down and finally seeing what Sevorth was seeing. His eyes widened a bit, as he scowled. "Pick another spot, Sevorth, or you can bathe and oil yourself!" He'd spotted the blue and what was that blue's rider down below. It was bad enough that there was someone else there--worse that it was a female! "Keep going!" he ordered, though by then he could feel it was a losing battle, the irritation as the blue did just the opposite battering him full force.

Instead of listening, Sevorth shot back, you'll bathe me and oil me, or else you will walk back to the Weyr! With that, he shot downwards without warning, giving L'ian a nasty jolt that nearly made him bite his tongue. "Sharding useless wherry headed lout of a blue beast!" he cursed as they descended, until Sevorth landed fairly close to Darya and Azrath, snapping his wings shut and offering a greeting. Good afternoon to you and yours! Do you mind if mine and I join you? I am Sevorth, and this ugly creature on my back is L'ian!

L'ian slapped his dragon's shoulder, but refused to slide down, instead grimacing and offering the slightest quirk at the corner of his mouth in Darya's direction. He was fuming inside, but now there wasn't much he could do about it since his stupid dragon had asked to join. Still, he eyed Darya, recalling seeing her around the Weyr but not recalling her name. It wasn't like he'd ever formally met her, being the hermit that he was. He knew the names of the important people only because he had to, and that he'd been there a full turn now. He even avoided the hatching feast, though Sevorth refused to let them miss a hatching. He supposed hatchings weren't so bad, as everyone was focused on the sands and what was going on, and not him. He made a point to leave right after the last egg had broken the shell and Impressed, however. There was no chance anyone would try to strike up some conversation with him that way, after all. Yes, L'ian liked his privacy, and his time alone...far more than was normal.

[Kisha-Ra]

Azrath considered himself saved by the other blue who approached. Like Darya he tended to put his lack of success in romantic ventures down to his age being an undesirable attribute, however he didn’t intend to admit as much to his rider. Instead he drew attention to the other blue by prodding at the descending form with the white tip of his tail. Well you are safe enough for now Darya. As handsome as he undoubtedly is I have no interest in other blues.

Darya followed Azrath’s gesture with her gaze, and agreed with his assessment, the approaching dragon was darker than Azrath himself, and quite strikingly marked. He was also burdened with a grousing rider. Azrath caught that thought and rumbled softly, nothing like them eh?

Hello bigstarsorth! Imp is I. The little bronze salamandyr unwrapped his body, though not his tail, from around Bit and chirped cheerfully at the blue dragon. Of course he didn’t mind another giant! Did he really have to bring another grumpy though?

Azrath sighed and ducked his head as if embarrassed by this salamandyr outburst. Darya might object but just ignore her. She’s very strange. I don’t mind at all. I’m Azrath, the salamandyr is, as he said, Imp, and the firelizard is Bit. She doesn’t say much though.[/color] Azrath went through the introductions rapidly, including Imp because the bronze had already spoken and Bit because it seemed rude to exclude her.

Darya was a little more suspicious of these visitors than her bondeds, with the possible exception of Bit who hadn’t ventured an opinion, she only vaguely recognised the dragon and rider, and a dragon that distinctive she felt she should recognise instantly. She simply inclined her head in reply to the rider’s facial twitch, she could only assume that was a poor attempt at a smile, rather than speak.

Azrath’s eye colour flickered briefly, his equivilent of rolling his eyes in exasperation. Well Sevorth it looks like any social side to this meeting is going to be conducted by you and I.

I too want speak.

[kat]

L'ian shifted uncomfortably in his seat, feeling the perspiration already, even though not a single word had been exchanged...at least not between the riders. Meanwhile, it seemed Sevorth was doing just dandy, obviously conversing with the other blue and potentially that little bronze thing he recognized as one of Selenitas' Salamandyrs. Obnoxious little pests, was more like it. Them and firelizards were nothing more than pets. Sure, genetically and biologically they were mildly fascinating. Truer still that firelizards were how dragons got here in the first place. Still, he couldn't help but see them as nothing more than children's playthings. It was beyond him why everyone considered it a good thing to be followed around by a miniature, constantly hungry dragon and a throwback from firelizards that had the vocabulary of a two year old and the capacity to annoy one far more. Truth was, L'ian was not fond of children, either.

Sevorth, unlike his rider, seemingly liked both firelizards and Salamandyrs, quite fascinated by the smaller creatures. When addressed by Imp, Sevorth regarded him with the same respect a dragon might another dragon. It was somewhat fair to say that he didn't consider either whers, salamandyrs or firelizards to be one hundred percent as intellectual as a dragon. However, he didn't think he was above any of the aforementioned creatures, either, for he realized that he would never fully and completely be able to understand any of them. So, when Imp introduced himself and then Azrath spoke, he addressed whom had spoken first.

Hello, Imp. Pleased to meet you, and Bit.Then, to Azrath, that makes two of us. Mine is stranger than the strangest thing you will ever see on all of Pern. Ignoring the dirty look L'ian was giving him, he went on, seems like they both just need a little prodding. Perhaps we could threaten to throw them in the river and sit on them? I don't think it would hurt them...much. He shot a devilish draconian grin at L'ian and then Azrath. Obviously he had no intention of half drowning his rider, but he was still pleased to see his bond scowl and feel his irritation. So, he went on, well, L'ian? Aren't you going to introduce yourself? You're being quite rude, you know. L'ian glared, but then schooled his looks a little and cleared his throat, offering, "L'ian of blue Sevorth."

Sevorth turned his attention back to Azrath and Imp as well as Bit, continuing, well, it's pathetic but it's a start. He let out a breath of air, akin to a huge sigh, and then settled himself down. L'ian still hadn't gotten off of his dragon's back, remaining rooted in the seat. So, Imp and Azrath, have you two been at Selenitas long? he asked conversationally. It wasn't too often he got the chance to speak with another dragon for any length of time. His lifebond just didn't play well with others, and the only place he could associate was when sunning outside the Weyr with the other dragons. Most of that time was spent wooing the pretty greens, who were amused by his antics--for the most part. Sometimes he brazenly even flirted with a gold, even though it was all in good fun, and nothing would ever come of it.

L'ian was eying Darya like she might turn into a tunnelsnake at any moment and up and bite him. He had a mind to just stay in his riding gear, in his saddle, and not move. Stupid dragon. He could have picked any spot along the river, and yet he'd had to purposely get him engaged in interaction with another rider, and a female, no less! What on Pern was he supposed to say to her? He didn't know her. He didn't even know where to begin. An introduction? Had sounded forced and pathetic, not that he really cared, though. Still...sharding blue dragon.

[Kisha-Ra]

Imp’s frill fanned up and down with pride, he was a great conversationalist and at last here was a dragon willing to acknowledge his clear brilliance by speaking to him. Azrath didn’t count on this score because Azrath belonged to Imp. Bit’s eyes whirled a little faster as the dragon included her in his speech and she wriggled free of Imp’s tail to leap into the air and flutter around Sevorth at speeds that would make anyone trying to watch her dizzy. With the green firelizard being mute there wasn’t a chirp or chitter to let on what her actions meant, if anything.

Azrath rearranged himself in a sphinx pose on his rock, for a little more public dignity than his former sprawl. Well now, Imp’s decided he likes you. Watch out. He may decide to visit you.[/color] Azrath warned seriously, Imp did like to visit his friends, and though Sevorth seemed to like Imp, Sevorth’s rider did not. Oh yes, most strange these humans can be. Mine can be stranger than most thanks to Imp, but yours need not worry, a firelizard queen asked him to stop chasing so he has.

Prettylove gold much beauty. Imp broke in, eager to explain his behaviour, he didn’t want Bigstarsorth thinking he was strange. Prettylove gold Fly, I wait I catch. Most clever I am. he expounded. Darya snorted inelegantly. ‘Don’t believe anything the salamandyr tells you, he’s got as much chance of catching a ‘lizard queen as I have of flying solo.’ Darya addressed Sevorth directly, rather than asking his rider to tell him, there was no need for that when she was stood within hearing distance. Besides the rider, still perched motionlessly on his dragon’s neck, didn’t seem the type to pass on idle chit chat.

To her immense surprise the blue’s rider actually chose that moment to introduce himself, Darya filed the names away and nodded briefly. ‘I’m Darya, this is Azrath.’ She followed the simple introduction pattern, growing just a little curious about why he was still up there.

If they keep quiet they may get along well.[/color] Azrath ventured an opinion with a slight rumble of amusement. Both of us have been here since our hatchings, though I’m much older than Imp obviously. Salamandyrs are quite a new species. They all decesend from a single queen hatched here. Azrath drew heavily on Darya’s memories for his information on salamandyrs, he thought it would interest Sevorth.

Darya gave L’ian what could only be described as a blank look. ‘So, you coming down or what? You can’t catch a broken arm.’

[kat]

Sevorth wasn't about to ask how on Pern this little Salamandyr creature was going to catch a golden queen. Nor did he want to ignore what Imp said, so instead of doing that, he replied, I wish you luck, Imp. He meant it, too, but it was not going to happen, and so he said no more on that matter, instead turning his attention to Darya, who'd spoken what he'd been only thinking. With an expression akin to a draconian smile, he told her, stranger things have happened, so who am I to say anything on the matter? Stranger things had happened, it seemed. These 'Salamandyrs' all came into existence from a single queen firelizard? What had altered that particular queen so that she had hatched these out rather than firelizard offspring? He was very curious about it, and replied to Azrath, how did that come about? It seems odd for a queen firelizard to have clutched anything other than firelizards. In regards to their riders, he added, L'ian isn't very good with others. He just can't seem to play nicely with them, for all that I've tried to teach him. He is hardheaded, though. Not much gets through that thick skull of his.

L'ian seemed to be scowling quite a lot at his dragon, and when Darya asked why he hadn't come down, he frowned a little. He must look rather silly staying up on his dragon, and she was right--her broken arm wasn't catching. So, he slid down, glaring over at his dragon as if to say he'd pay him back for this later, and then cleared his throat. "How'd you manage that?" he asked, nodding once at her arm. He wasn't about to say anything about why he'd stayed up on Sevorth rather than coming down. He was starting to think he'd never be good at talking to people, let alone women. For all that he was intelligent he had a poor way of showing it in his dealings with other people. He didn't say much, that was for sure.

If dragons could roll eyes, it was likely Sevorth would have. His bonded was so bad at interaction, it made his head hurt. How had he survived in any social community for so long without the blue by his side? He had no tact. He had no desire to interact with anyone besides his dragon, and they spent most of their time insulting each other! What on Pern had happened to create such an unfriendly being? Since their transfer here, he had made no friends. Not even regular acquaintances. He just existed and lived day in, day out, mulling about. Well, that would have to change! Sevorth was quite certain that given the incentive--force!--that his bonded could at least have one or two people to call friend. That was better, by far, than none.

[Kisha-Ra]

Imp preened happily and ignored Darya altogether. He was clearly the greatest, he’d already caught one pretty firelizard, and there were still lots left for him to chase. Yes indeed! They looked down on Imp now but he’d show them, he was fast, he was strong. He was the best!

Darya rolled her eyes at Sevorth, even though the blue had actually chosen to speak to her personally rather than through his rider. Did everyone have to encourage Imp in his wild delusions? Although Darya would be forced to admit that many stranger things had happed in recent turns. At least Ellie seemed attached to her firelizard mate, that was one piece of fortune.

Azrath also ignored Darya, although for different reasons than Imp, he simply wasn’t interested in listening to the same old complaints again. Darya really needed to play a different tune, complaining had never stopped Imp anyway. The conversation with Sevorth was far more interesting. Oh not a firelizard queen, well I suppose a firelizard queen was involved at the beginning. The first Salamandyr queen hatched from a clutch of wild firelizard eggs, although Darya wasn’t there so we only found out that part later. All the salamandyrs since are that queen’s babies. Little Dael is quite prolific.[/color] Azrath finished his quick recitation of Salamandyr history, which wasn’t all that long but was still an effort for a creature with very little long term memory, if it hadn’t been for Darya Azrath probably wouldn’t have been aware that there was ever a time before salamandyrs. Azrath only rumbled softly at the comment on their riders. Well that was a prime example of Darya’s charm.[/color] He warned.

Darya caught Azrath’s last comment and fought down an urge to poke her tongue out at her dragon. You didn’t choose me for my charm Azrath. she reminded him instead. Darya’s face coloured up a bit at L’ian’s question. ‘It’s a humiliating little story, but since so many already know it, I’ll summarise. Imp chased and caught Bit, and I took a header down a flight of stairs as a result.’ Darya’s tone suggested she was quite bored with the whole business while inside she still wanted the ground to just open and swallow her whole.