Forgive me? Please? (tags T'rid)

[Rei]

Ebolath banked sharply from the feeding grounds making Raylin pitch forward and impact against one of her ridges. “Darn it Ebolath! What was that for!” Suddenly the weyrling’s eyes narrowed. “Ebolath! Where are you going? Take us home! Do you hear me!” The green ignored hers. It was time for hers to get a grip, and who better to shake some sense into her than Corinth and T’rid? T’rid, in the greens opinion, was very good at making people listen even if they didn’t want to, and hers was being increasingly stubborn as of late.

Ebolath hovered above Corinth’s ledge for a moment and then dropped softly when she found it empty. Corinth? I am sorry to bother you, but would you and yours mind if Raymine and I visited for awhile? Mine hasn’t seen yours in awhile and she is too stubborn to tell me that she wants to. The green’s “voice” had been starting to change and take on a sweet musical quality. No doubt because she was rapidly maturing. Even with her coming maturity she retained the sweet childlike nature she had been born with. Much to Raylin’s relief.

Raylin was far from relived right now however. In fact she was pissed. Ebolath! You little snot! Take me home! I don’t want to see him. Don’t you understand? I can’t. I don’t want too have to see what I did to him. Please Ebolath. Her dragon was far from swayed however. As much as she wanted to just listen to hers and do as she was bidden, Ebolath knew that this was perhaps a way to shake hers out of her funk.

The weyrling green crooned in greeting. T’rid. Come out. I want to see you and mine does to. Although she is to stubborn to say she does. Ebolath! I mean it! Raylin's tone had taken on a almost hysterical quality. This couldn't be happening.

Giving a little shake to entice hers to dismount, Ebolath snaked her head around to eye hers in amusement. So do I Raymine. Now get off. I am not moving and I already told him we where here. She spoke with a soft almost pleading tone and Raylin reluctantly slid off her dragon’s back to glare up at the beast.

[Avu]

T’ridMine, T’ridMine, I hope you are awake. Ebolath is here with Hers. They wish to see you, the bronze reported, his tail flicking as, a distance away on the riverbank, he sat up. Corinth liked watching the caravan, though due to the flighty nature of some of the Holders regarding his size and how easy it would be to step on them or their hatchlings, he preferred to stay a short distance away. Very often he went there now, especially when His was not doing anything in particular or had no need of him. Since he had been oiling Conspiracy and Stupid, it seemed a lovely time to go watch[i/]. I suppose they’re old enough to fly now, aren’t they? They had been for a time, but he hadn’t seen any of them in flight, and whether or not the Siege had affected the Weyrlings’ plans, Corinth did not entirely know. I’m coming, Ebolath, he added, unfurling his wings to take flight.

Only Corinth’s warning assured that the bronzerider did not spill the bottle of oil he was using when Ebolath’s voice sounded in his mind; it had been well over a month since Ebolath had bespoken him, after all. Conspiracy twittered in quiet alarm as his pet’s hand stopped moving over his hide, but by now, he was mostly finished anyway. Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, T’rid set Conspiracy aside carefully; the brown’s broken wing healed wrong; the only way to correct it would be to rebreak the bone and T’rid refused to hurt Conspiracy like that. He didn’t need the brown to be able to fly anyway. As it was, Stupid was the first onto the weyrledge. The brown Salamandyr had not missed Calistoth’s glow, and as he crooned loudly at Ebolath, the brown positively hopped with excitement, throwing a glance at the other green’s weyrledge.

’lath, ‘lathmine, lookit, lookit ‘listoth! he crooned, wriggling as he skittered across the stone to rub his entire body along Ebolath’s foreleg, frill trembling with suppressed glee. Ebolath was his, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t adore Calistoth, surely? She’d see that, because she was smart, she was. Lookit, ‘listoth pretty? he added hopefully. She would see that Calistoth was pretty, wouldn’t she? Yes, yes, yes; she was pretty. Very, very pretty…

“Leave her alone,” T’rid muttered – the sound would probably prove inaudible, since he was still halfway across his weyr when he said it – and then paused at the edge of the weyrledge. One eyebrow rose slightly, and he tilted his head to one side, appraising Raylin for a moment. Physically, she looked fine. No bandages or slings. To be fair, T’rid only had a sling for his broken arm; the slices along shoulder and palm had since no longer required stitches, and bandages didn’t do much for cracked ribs. Emotionally…she did not look as if she was exceptionally delighted to be there. Gee, that was encouraging. “You don’t look too happy,” he observed, hazel eyes half-amused as they lingered on Raylin for a moment before he glanced at Ebolath. “Corinth’s – “

– present and accounted for, the bronze interrupted briskly, backwinging to land neatly on the edge of the wide ‘ledge. He was small enough to fit with room to spare, fortunately; the ‘ledge was made to accommodate the largest of bronzes, and Corinth hardly was. Lookit, issa bronzestupid, came Stupid’s cheerful observation as Corinth reached out to nudge Ebolath lightly on the shoulder with his nose, snorting softly at Stupid. Hello, Ebolath, and my greetings to Yours as well. You’ve not come for awhile – we’ve missed you. That was as close as T’rid would permit the bronze to get to outright saying that he had missed the greenpair; his friends were far and few between, but the few he did have – T’rid didn’t like it when they vanished on him. Possibly the reason why he preferred not to have friends: The less friends, the less chance of hurting.

The bronzerider glanced at Corinth fleetingly, and then slouched casually against the wall behind him, loathe to step entirely into the sunlight. “You missed the Hatching,” he commented dryly, though his voice lacked any true accusation. “Where were you that Ebolath could come but you couldn’t?” Actually, if he remembered correctly, Ebolath had said that Raylin had refused to come, but still. Silly Stupidmine!

[Rei]

Corinth’s voice drew a excited whistle from the green. Her bronze friend was going to be there soon. Oh how she had missed them all! Raylin felt a momentary pang of pain for her green. Ebolath’s adoration for her friends was contagious and she was so excited. How could Raylin have torn her away like that… because she felt she had to? Was that selfish? Clearly so. Faranth why did everything have to be so hard?

Stupid’s little skittering claws where clearly heard as he shot out of the weyr, and made a beeline for Ebolath. The green crooned in adoration and lowered her muzzle to flick the very tip of her tongue lightly down his back. Oh Stupid! I have missed you so. Now what about Calistoth? The confusion in the green’s mind voice was evident. Turning her head so she could look towards the other green’s ledge she caught a glimpse of the glowing hide. Yes Calistoth is very pretty. She trailed off as T’rid’s voice carried over to the pair.

Flaring her wings slightly Ebolath crooned, the noise obviously adoring. Hello T’rid. Mine is mad at me for the moment, it has nothing to do with you. She is more angry than unhappy. Because yes T'rid clearly needed an explanation. Ebolath was determined to make this visit as pleasant as possible. if it was nice hers couldn't make excuses to not see them.

Ebolath broke away at Corinth’s voice and her eyes followed the bronze as he back winged, the whirling orbs shooting with blue. His nudge drew a happy croon from Ebolath and she rubbed her whole head down his neck in a clearly affectionate gesture. Oh we have missed you all so much as well. It is so very good to see you! The happiness and excitement in her tone was unmistakable. I promise we will not stay away for so long again. Mine has had the depression and I made her come. It will do her good to see her friends. Ebolath pressed her tail tip against Raylin’s shoulder and pressed her forward forcing her to take a few steps toward T’rid. Go on Minelove. Speak to him. They have missed us. Oh and Corinth said hi.

Raylin stumbled forward a few steps and turned to look back at Ebolath. It was hard to be angry with her green when the dragon was happy for once. Biting her bottom lip, in a unconscious gesture of nervousness, she looked up at T’rid just in time to hear his question. His tone held no clues to his current mood and that was beyond frustrating. The weyrling looked the bronze rider up and down for a moment, noting the sling and paling slightly. Other than that very obvious reminder of the attack, he looked, well like T’rid.

“I..I didn’t want to come. I wasn’t busy I just didn’t want to have to see anyone.” The truth was better than lying at this point. Besides Raylin had always been a horrible lair. The bronze rider would see through any excuse she even tried to make. Stepping forward she laid a hand on his sling. “How’s your arm? I’m sorry I haven’t been around. I’ve been afraid to.. I thought you might. I couldn’t.. I didn’t mean.” She was speaking too fast and all her words where running together. Shards.

Ebolath gave a reassuring croon before rubbing against Corinth’s neck again. She touched Raylin’s mind and accompanied her words with a pulse of love. You are doing fine Rayminelove. Take it one step at a time. You are bound to confuse him if you keep running on like that. Relax he isn’t going anywhere. Her words where broadcasted to all those present on the ledge. The green had nothing to hide and she trusted those present. They where friends and so also, in her mind, family.

[Avu]

Stupid arched his back, purring. His entire body rubbed along Ebolath’s foreleg, the brown Salamandyr’s head rubbing up and down the green’s leg in a blatant display of his affection for her. Another low purr emerged from the Salamandyr, and he crooned audibly – quite a feat for such a small creature – as she licked him. Her voice was one he had sorely missed; the Salamandyr remembered every single green that was nice to him, and Ebolath was quite possibly number one on that list. Missed ‘lathmine, missed you, he cooed earnestly in response – because yes: To Stupid, Ebolath was his. She was clearly fond of him, was she not? And no other male had claimed her! Well – Corinth had, but as a friend and daughter, not as his. His claim was first. Nonetheless, he bounced in excitement as she glanced at Calistoth. Fly ‘listoth, he said eagerly. Fly soon high far…

T’rid spared his Salamandyr a very blank look – deliberately deadpan. He’d rather be Threaded than let Stupid Chase Calistoth; the green’s reputation was not a good one and likely he’d be shredded to pieces. At least he trusted Corinth to see past Calistoth’s beauty. Stupid…not so much. His gaze flicked deftly to Ebolath as she addressed him, though, and he cocked his head at the green’s words. Angry at Ebolath, but not at him, and it wasn’t unhappiness…? Okay, sure…he could deal with that, he supposed. As long as she wasn’t going to dissolve into tears or anything, the bronzerider was okay. He blinked once, and then nodded at the green, the motion half a shrug. She didn’t sound distressed that Raylin was upset with her, so for the moment, he’d rather stay out of it. He was hardly a peacemaker between Bondeds.

Corinth’s rumble was softly amused as the bronze sprawled out on the weyrledge, half-curling his body around Ebolath and Theirs in a semi-conscious possessiveness. Of all his hatchlings, Ebolath was the one he liked the most, though he rarely thought of her as his hatchling. I will remember you said that, he teased softly, nuzzling Ebolath again. And if you stay away too long I’ll make Mine hunt Yours down. How successful would he be? Probably not very. But that didn’t mean Corinth didn’t fully intend to try. I’m sorry Yours hasn’t been…well. Depression was as good as illness, as far as Corinth was concerned. I am afraid Mine is not necessarily the best at cheering people up, but I’m sure he can try.

The bronzerider glanced at Corinth for a moment, something decidedly like amusement flickering in his eyes before Ebolath nudged Raylin forward and his attention turned to the greenrider. His head was tilted sideways curiously as she stammered out what could be a kind-of explanation. It was honest, at least. The bronzerider shrugged one shoulder – something that had become habit since his arm had been broken. It hurt to move both arms, and by now he wasn’t even aware of the gesture. “You didn’t miss anything. Nothing worth seeing except the Impressions.” Quite a cryptic comment, considering that most people loved watching Impressions, but then – T’rid preferred maulings, and he did not approve of one of the newest bronze-weyrlings (hi there, D’nar).

The touch on his sling was only vaguely noted; he could barely feel her hand through the heavy fabric anyway, and he shrugged again – and then smirked slightly at her stammering. He could hardly understand what Raylin was trying to say, but it was…amusing nonetheless. “It’s fine. Considering.” – considering how badly it’d been broken, it was positively great, but he forfeited pointing that out. The last thing he wanted was people considering him an invalid; it frustrated him beyond anything else. They could hate him if they wanted to, but if they thought he was an invalid…he nearly interrupted the flow of words right then, but Ebolath did so before he could protest it, and his smirk widened slightly. “Listen to your dragon; she’s got more sense than you’re showing.”

[Rei]

Calistoth will rise soon? Oh then that is why she is glowing. Cherilith intends to chase her. Ebolath kept her broadcast to Corinth’s weyrledge. Looking up at the larger bronze she crooned. Do you intend to also chase Calistoth? She is very beautiful. The green crooned happily as Corinth curled around her and, (mindful of Stupid) she flopped down next to him. Leaning back into him she returned his nuzzle with one of her own. The green's next statement was given privately to the bronze.

Mine might be confused if yours tried to hunt her. She has never been chased. I do not think she is good at hiding so he would easily find her. The amusement in her voice was hard to miss as she looked over at the rider pair. That is ok if yours is bad a cheering people up. Mine will feel better just speaking to him I think. Ebolath flicked her tail tip over at Stupid in a remarkable imitation of a come hither gesture. You may climb on me if you want little one.

Raylin had listened partially to what T’rid had been saying. Missed nothing but the impressions huh? Well she had heard who had impressed. So in actuality, it probably didn’t make a difference. His bland comment about his injury made her close her eyes in a momentary lapse of control but it quickly passed.

The weyrling bristled at his next comment however. “More sense huh?” Raylin sighed heavily. Might as well get the whole sharding thing off her chest so to speak. “I didn’t want to come because,” another pause as she collected her thoughts. “I didn’t want to see what I did to you.” Biting her bottom lip and looking down at the stone ledge the weyrling continued before he could interrupt.

“I didn’t want to hurt you anymore so I figured it was easier to stay away. That way I couldn’t hurt you, either intentionally or unintentionally. I’m sorry. I guess I just hadn’t figured out how ask you for your forgiveness and I still haven’t figured out how to ask. I know I can’t take back what happened. So many people that I care about got hurt. You got hurt protecting me. That probably bothers me most of all because that was directly my fault.”

Tears started to form in her eyes but she wiped them away before they could become a problem. “I’m so sorry. Cherilith told Ebolath that you almost died. If you would have... I don’t know how I could have lived with myself. I don’t know if your arm will ever be the same and I’m sorry. Please..will you forgive me? I really don‘t think you should but I‘m asking anyway.”

Raylin kept her eyes fixated on the scared stone for the whole outburst. Mainly because she couldn’t trust herself to look up at T'rid. If she did catch his gaze, she would cry, almost certainly so, and that was the last thing she wanted to do. The weyrling had learned from a young age that most men where immune to tears. Her father and her brothers certainly had been. Besides, tears signaled weakness and the last thing she wanted to appear as was weak. No matter how true or not that fact was.

Ebolath had listened to the speech in silence offering wordless reassurance. Pressing back into Corinth she uttered a soft croon. Mine is so silly. She still will not forget. I wonder why humans dwell on things so much. I know some don’t but an awful lot of them do. Her words where only for Corinth this time. She didn’t want to risk offending anyone, and the bronze would almost certainly not be offended.

[Avu]

Cherilith wanted to Chase his newly-claimed green, did he? Stupid’s frill rose in agitation, but he flattened it again. It wasn’t Ebolath’s fault that Cherilith wanted to Chase Calistoth, after all, and he crooned quietly to her, thoughtfully winding his body around Ebolath’s leg again as his tail flicked thoughtfully. ’rinth not, he protested, glancing agitatedly at Corinth at Ebolath’s question. Not – Stupid Chase, ‘rinth /not/…’rinth? The brown’s tail flicked, the last word clearly a plea. He couldn’t Chase if Corinth did! Because then T’rid would – would – well, neither of the two had yet discovered how it would affect Theirs, but Corinth had already emphasized it would not be good, and therefore that they should not Chase at the same time. Leaning down to huff directly on top of Stupid, the bronze’s tongue flickered out affectionately at the Salamandyr. No…I don’t think I shall, he answered thoughtfully. I think I shall give your Cherilith one less competitor…and Stupid wishes to Chase as well. There was no doubting the amusement in that one statement.

The bronze rumbled in quiet amusement, and he flipped his tail, the tip skimming over the stone surface of the ledge. Very good, then. You’ve moved into the Rider Weyrs, have you not…? It will be all the simpler if you have. They made lists, they did, of whose weyr was whose. A pause, and he curved his neck around Ebolath, resting his chin lightly on the stone ‘ledge. She likes to speak to him? She is unique, Yours is. He was only partially joking; T’rid could even agitate Corinth, never mind anyone else he set his mind to. Sarcasm, he claimed, was a talent – but the only useful thing it had ever done was serve to amuse Corinth when it was directed at someone who actually deserved it – and that was all too rarely. He watched silently as Stupid took a leap onto Ebolath’s flank, and then curled up directly between her wings.

Stupidmine hunt ‘lathpet, the brown mused. Why?

T’rid was – rather uncharacteristically – silent as Raylin spoke. His face was unreadable as the greenweyrling spoke; his head stayed at a tilt. Contrary to Raylin addressing the weyrledge, his gaze never left her face. Was she…serious? A perverse twist of amusement and frustration rose up, almost snake-like, inside of the bronzerider, and he had the hysterical desire to laugh. Did she know how ridiculous her reasoning was? He’d known perfectly well that he could have died. It was his choice. Corinth didn’t blame her – and when it came to judgment, T’rid trusted Corinth more than he trusted himself. He flicked a curious glance at the bronze, who was silent, watching Raylin as intently as he had been. T’rid exhaled slightly, trying to remember – hadn’t he already insisted he’d forgiven her once before? He thought he had…but those first few days in the Infirmary were hazy – and what was there to cry about?

He was not entirely unobservant, after all. T’rid paused, staring at her a moment longer. Obviously she would take his answer very seriously, and yet…he wasn’t sure exactly what he could say that she would believe. As funny as it was, he had a feeling that the only thing she would believe was if he condemned her to some horrible fate. So he took two steps forward, aware of Corinth’s wave of amusement as he realized exactly what His was going to do, and raised his right hand to push her chin upwards to make her look at him. And then T’rid kissed her, full on the mouth. It lasted only an instant before he pulled away again, and spoke as if it had never happened. “I don’t think I need to forgive you,” he said, quite seriously. “There’s nothing to be forgiven for. You didn’t make me do anything. You’re going to make me lecture you if you keep blaming yourself, though.”

Corinth, who had been watching with an expression somewhere between amusement and exasperation, rumbled and flicked his tail. They think too much, was the bronze’s amused comment as he nuzzled Ebolath lightly. I don’t understand it, and neither can Mine. They cannot change it, after all. And then, with another rumble of amusement, he added, Please let Yours know that if she wishes to slap Mine, she is certainly welcome to.

[Rei]

Ebolath crooned at Stupid’s obvious dissatisfaction with Cherilith. However the mandyr calmed quickly enough so Ebolath rumbled and laid her neck over Corinth’s. Oh he is not my Cherilith. Merely my clutch brother and friend. As she felt Stupid curl up in between her wings she snorted, the sound content. Yes we have moved to the rider weyrs. I like having our own place. However it is very quiet now with no roommate. It took a bit to get used to it. Especially with brother Vega gone. I miss him.

Wiggling a bit to make herself more comfortable Ebolath huffed quietly. I often tell mine she is unique. She does the silliest things. I am glad she likes yours however. If she did not I wouldn’t get to see you all as often as I like. The green kept her eyes on the two riders as T’rid approached hers. She raised her head as Corinth's... mouthed hers? The young green crooned softly as a thrill went through hers that she hadn’t felt from the girl before. Did yours just touch mouths with mine? The green asked Corinth her voice amused. I will let her know she may hit him if she wants to. I don’t think she will though. She feels fuzzy not angry.

As T’rid tipped her face up towards his the last thing Raylin expected was what happened. Her eyes widened slightly as he pressed his lips against hers. Part of her yearned to reach out and pull him closer but the more sensible part of her brain stopped her. The bronze rider was injured, and besides the gesture was probably done just to shut her up. As he stepped back, she took a deep shuddering breath and swallowed past the lump that had formed in her throat. That was...unexpected but nice. Almost too nice.

Raylin pushed her hair back from her face and looked back a T’rid. “Ok I’ll stop. You can spare the lecture for now.” She said quietly suddenly feeling very awkward. He had just kissed her now what? It didn’t change anything right? He was still her friend and she was still his and he wasn’t mad at her. Suddenly making a decision she stepped forward and wrapped her arms carefully around the bronze rider, pulling him towards her.

“Ebolath says Corinth gives me permission to slap you. But I’m not going to. Thank you. For protecting me. I owe you.” The weyrling kept one arm around T’rid’s waist and laid her other hand gently on his injured arm. Tilting her head so she could better look up at his face she smiled softy at him. For once she wasn’t stuttering nervously…yet. Comfortable she was. Around him she almost always had been.

Ebolath crooned happily and her tail tip twitched. Mine is strangely happy right now. I knew yours could make her feel better. Humans are silly things but I think that at least as far as yours is concerned she will be fine. They do think too much. The green crooned happily to the rider pair from her position sprawled out by Corinth. You two may go inside if you want. The sun is very bright and mine is getting warm.

[Avu]

Clutchbrother? That meant Cherilith was one of Corinth’s sons; the bronze’s tail twitched thoughtfully at that. He was very…young, really. It amused him to have offspring, it did. He merely rumbled slightly, the vibration rippling along his neck and ribs, curling a little more tightly around Ebolath. Possessive, he was, but not consciously so. He only knew that Ebolath was his, and that he felt sorry that she missed Vega. The blue that had looked to His, Mir, was not as sorely missed, since Conspiracy and Stupid had filled that gap neatly, the two browns more than enough to distract both dragon and Rider. Nevertheless…it was still keenly felt, that lack where the blue’s consciousness had once been. I…am very sorry for the blue cousin’s death, the bronze commented softly. Weyrlings do not get marks, do they…? Perhaps Mine can buy Yours a flitter egg…? It was a thought, that. His had far more marks than he knew what to do with. He’d already promised to see if there was anyone who would decorate Corinth’s flight straps – but that was just a flight of fancy. Not really…useful.

The young green’s interpretation of kissing, however, amused Corinth, and he huffed quietly, eyes whirling rapidly as he cocked his head. Ebolath was…was she old enough to understand yet? He tapped his talons thoughtfully on the stone ledge, flicking his tail. He did, the bronze agreed, because – well, he had. It is called ‘kissing’, but I suppose touching mouths is basically what it is…it’s to show affection. Mine may have done it to make Yours stop blaming herself, too, the bronze added, a flicker of amusement entering his tone. I’m…glad she doesn’t want to hit him. Corinth cocked his head, and then flicked his tail, eyes sparkling with his hidden laughter. She looks very surprised. She shouldn’t be…

The look on her face was worth the kiss all on its own – and her silence, too. T’rid bit back a laugh as he tilted his head, one eyebrow rising. His amusement was all at Raylin’s expense; he had the feeling he could have turned cartwheels and she wouldn’t have looked any less surprised. It was probably good that he managed to keep back a smile – had he laughed, it would have probably been much to his detriment, considering he was fully aware Raylin was…to put it nicely, reserved when it came to anything even vaguely sexual. But a kiss? Really? Her agreeing to stop blaming herself, however, drew a smirk that was very deliberately triumphant from the bronzerider. Ha. Ha, ha. She couldn’t constantly blame herself anymore, could she? He wasn’t exactly going to be around her to make sure all the time, but…any amount of time away from depression was good, wasn’t it?

It was, however, his turn to be surprised as she reached out and hugged him, the bronzerider blinking rapidly before he half-smirked again, almost absently returning the semi-embrace. It was…awkward if you didn’t return a hug, after all, and he didn’t mind it so much. The smirk was replaced by a pointed glare in Corinth’s direction at her words, however, the bronzerider sniffing slightly at the dragon, who rumbled once, eyes gleaming in clear amusement. I felt the need to assure her I would not bite her head off should she slap you, he explained, sprawling indolently on the ‘ledge. T’rid half-glared at the dragon, commenting to Raylin, “Yes…he’s a very nice dragon, isn’t he.” It was clearly a rhetorical question, voiced in a clearly dry tone. But then he grinned again, a flicker of surprise visible behind his eyes. He was…not used to gratitude.

“Uh…sure?” It was definitely a question; T’rid wrinkled his nose slightly, dropping one arm from her side absently, though the other stayed in place. “I’ll find some horrible chore for you to do,” he added, eyes widening seriously, though the drawl in his tone made it clear he was only joking. He didn’t set his friends on chores, he didn’t – and reserved the degrading and downright disgusting ones for people he didn’t like. “If I hear that you’ve been avoiding life, though, I will give you a lecture. See if I don’t.” The look was a very pointed one, and then the bronzerider glanced up at Corinth and Ebolath, glance snagging on Stupid where the brown Salamandyr was peeping curiously at them from Ebolath’s back. Why? he wondered aloud.

I’m very glad Yours is happy, Corinth told Ebolath, sincerely. She will…stay happy, I hope? If she doesn’t, I’m afraid T’ridMine will lecture her… He gave a slight rumble of amusement. I trust that you will let me know if she needs to be happy again? the bronze added, twisting his neck around to curl his entire body in a “C” shape around Ebolath. The green’s permission to go inside, however, made T’rid tilt his head curiously at the dragon for a moment, and as he met Corinth’s gaze, the bronze blinked innocently – only a wave of amusement (at T’rid’s expense) flickered through their bond.

“Since our lovely green has given us permission,” T’rid observed wryly, “Inside? Conspiracy’s probably going to throw a fit if I don’t finish oiling him…”

[Rei]

Ebolath touched her muzzle to Corinth's shoulder Yes we both miss him very much. The offer of the flitter egg caught the green’s interest and she tilted her head. Would he buy her one? I am not sure how she would receive such a gift however. No one has ever gifted her before. The young dragon paused thoughtfully. The little cousin was very close to Raymine and she was very, very upset. She still is on occasion. I do not know if she would want another. I haven't asked. Turning her head slightly towards hers, she examined the girl for a moment.

Ebolath watched hers embrace T’rid and her eyes whirled in happy blues. Her bonded was quickly forgetting her worries. At least for today. Corinth’s voice brought her attention back to him. Kissing? The green repeated softly, tail tip twitching lightly. Well she was very happy yours kissed her. Thus she didn’t want to hit him. She wanted to kiss him back, but she is not brave. I think she was afraid of accidentally hurting his arm. Indeed Raymine was very surprised. It is amusing to watch her no?

T’rid’s return of the embrace didn’t surprise Raylin as much as the kiss had and she leaned slightly into the contact. Then he was speaking and she turned her head up just in time to catch his glare at Corinth. The weyrling half turned to look at the two sprawled dragons. Well didn’t they look comfy? Ebolath was practically glowing she was so happy, and why shouldn’t she be. She was snuggled with her absolute favorite friends.

Raylin turned her attention back to T’rid as he spoke again and she gasped in mock horror. He was obviously joking by his tone, but she couldn‘t resist playing along. Keeping her arm wrapped around him she looked up into his hazel eyes, tilting her head and trying to look as pitiful as possible. “So when you say horrible how bad are we talking?” She teased in a light tone. “Because really I’m so fragile. You wouldn’t want to scar me for life would you?” The weyrling kept her voice light and playful, happy to play along if he wanted to bait her.

Raylin quickly turned serious though as he commented on her “avoidance issue“. “Really now? Well I’ll hold you to that. Still, don’t you think It’s a tiny bit hypocritical of you to lecture me when you avoid things a lot of the time as well?” She asked her eyebrow slightly raised. The green rider kept her tone even and unaccusing, so as not to offend or anger him. It would not be a good thing if she did. No, Raylin wanted this visit to stay pleasant. For her sake as well as Ebolath’s. The weyrling needed this happy comfortable atmosphere. It was nice to be happy. She had forgotten how nice.

Oh I’ll let you know. I promise. Ebolath stated to her bronze, almost purring as Corinth curled around her. She snuggled with him, blissfully content. Flicking her tail tip in T’rid’s direction, the green crooned softly to him, pressing a affectionate feeling into his mind. Tell the little brown cousin I said hi. She stated happily as Raylin let go of T’rid’s waist to catch his hand and gently tug him towards the weyr entrance. “You where oiling him? Poor dear. Here I am stealing his bonded’s attention.” The green rider stated in a slightly sober tone. Looking back at T’rid she flashed him a teasing grin. “So what kind of mess am I walking into? Or have you suddenly become a neat freak? The last thing I need is another injury.”

[Avu]

Hmm. It was an idea that would take thinking; T’ridHis had quite the little hoard for marks, courtesy of his being Wingsecond, Weyrleader, and Wingleader respectively, and he never spent them on anything. He would ask, would the bronze; he doubted T’rid would really complain. It wasn’t as if a single flitter egg would be a drain on his marks – or that he was planning on buying anything, except perhaps wine; the bronzerider had been most disappointed (hypocrite that he was) that there had been none for the taking at the Hatching Feast. Perhaps you should ask, then, the bronze suggested quietly. Just as an aside – perhaps ask her if she would be interested in attending one of the gold cousin’s Hatchings whenever they next Rise? It was an innocent enough question, wasn’t it? His tailtip twitched, thoughtfully, as the bronze arched his neck, chin resting, still, on the ‘ledge. A little, mini-Conspiracy, perhaps…?

Ebolath’s repetition of the word, however, drew a slightly amused glance from Corinth. Was she curious, the young green…? It sounded like it, the softness in her tone, and Corinth rumbled a wordless assent. Yes, kissing. It was not regarded with any particular emotion by Corinth, since His had, after all, done it (and more) in Flightlust; it was just one of those human things. You didn’t see dragons kissing, did you? The bronze’s eyes flickered in a bit of surprise, though, at her next statements. Happy that she had been kissed – well, flattering? But Raylin’s wanting to return the kiss was…surprising. It really was. Admittedly, T’rid had never been downright cruel to her, but he was still T’rid. Corinth twitched his tail, bemusedly watching Raylin for a moment. She is unique, the bronze reiterated softly, mostly to himself before he glanced at Ebolath, amusement flashing in his eyes. Very amusing, indeed…

Oh dear, was she playing a Harper today, performing as she was? T’rid’s nose crinkled slightly at Raylin, the bronzerider sticking his tongue out at her – because, yes, that was just so mature – and returning her comment as swiftly as it had been delivered. “I’m talking nightmare-horrible. You know – the chores usually reserved for Drudges.” What, exactly, would an example of those be? Considering Candidates were more or less young Drudges with a prettier name, it probably would be nothing that Raylin hadn’t done before; she’d been a Candidate quite a while, considering, before the Hatching – not one of those last-minute Searches brought in days or even hours before the eggs started cracking. And he didn’t actually intend to assign her anything anyway, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t try to think of any. His least favorite chore had always been working in the kitchens – even worse than chamberpots. At least with chamberpots, you got to go into the Rider’s Weyrs and there would be an occasional dragon on the ‘ledge…

Whaaaat? What did he avoid, other than K’lir? (And K’lir didn’t count!) The bronzerider’s eyebrow rose slightly as he blinked at Raylin, biting back the instinctive sarcastic retort and tilting his head sideways. Work. He avoided work. But he didn’t avoid life, and he wasn’t depressed. On the up side, there was no way any dragonrider would ever suicide, given that their dragons would prevent such, but being depressed wasn’t good, either. But before he could say as much (in a rather indignant tone; avoiding work was normal! Procrastination and all of that) – Ebolath addressed him, and the bronzerider glanced around and then flicked a vague smile at the green dragon. Say…hi to Conspiracy. Okay. Raylin tugging his wrist, however, made him move, the bronzerider glancing behind towards Corinth as the bronze huffed in something close to amusement. “I was just finishing oiling him – “ And then he sniffed. Very pointedly. “Your high opinion on my weyr notwithstanding, Corinth threatened me with death if I didn’t clean it. So it’s relatively clean.”

Relatively. Definition: Comparatively speaking. Which meant, in short, that it was navigable without being spotless. The floor was definitely visible – indeed, there was nothing on the floor except what ought to be there (i.e. the furniture) but the same could not be said for the furniture itself. Scrolls, bottles of oil, half-completed riding straps, a tray that had once carried food, a jar of adhesive, numbweed – they cluttered the bronzerider’s desk, stacking on either side of a relatively clean central area in which a single scroll, spread out with a redfruit and a single mark serving as paperweights, on which a rough sketch of a wing had been drawn. Clothes had been dropped over the back of the chair, and Conspiracy was curled among a thick pile of furs on the bed, the brown peeping quietly at their entrance.

“Right – anyway, I was going to say – avoiding life and avoiding work are two completely different things. Especially when your graduation from Weyrlinghood hangs in the balance. I’ll ask Corinth to ask Morendoth for a list of attendance next lesson, too.” He would, too; that was one threat he would keep. Changing tack, T’rid twisted his wrist out of Raylin’s grasp and flopped onto the bed, earning a soft squeak of surprise from Conspiracy as the brown firelizard crawled towards him. “Ebolath says hi, by the way, and where haven’t I gotten yet…? Left wing…and…what else? Pass the oil, please,” he added to Raylin, nodding towards the tiny gleaming bottle, half-full of gold liquid.

[Rei]

Ebolath listened to Corinth’s suggestion, crooning thoughtfully as the bronze finished. I will ask her and let you know. She promised, half lidding her eyes in contentment. She saw the bronze's amused gaze and rumbled softly. I am happy I picked her. Really, I wouldn’t trade her silliness away. I like her the way she is. That is why I hate to see her so sad. I want to keep my silly, happy bonded. Tucking her wings closer to her body the green shifted. Are you comfortable Stupid?

Raylin smiled wider at T'rid's reaction to her comment. Immature much? Still it fitted him. It was what made him T’rid. Made him different and unique. Cocking her head she kept up the charade. “Your horrible you know that? Just don’t make me cook please. I’ve cooked enough for three lifetimes.” Seriously she’d never cook again if she didn’t have to. It was boring, monotonous really. The weyrling would rather clean runner stalls.

The green rider flicked a glance at Corinth as the state of his weyr was commented on. “Threatened you with death huh? Death by drowning or was he just planning on dropping you from some massive height?” She trailed off as they stepped past the dragon ledge entrance. Raylin took a searching glance about the weyr, as her eyes adjusted to the change in light, and almost giggled. Clean huh? Well at least there was nothing on the floor. Perhaps that was what his version of clean was. Men. Conspiracy’s peep saved T’rid a teasing comment and she turned her attention to the brown.

When T’rid broke away from her grip Raylin followed more slowly, watching with mild interest as he flopped next to Conspiracy. Grabbing the bottle of oil as bidden, the weyrling lightly tossed it to him. Falling silent for a moment, she spoke from her place beside the bed, merely to break the silence. “I suppose I should go to lessons. Just so I graduate. If we got held back Ebolath would be upset. Besides she wants to learn to between and flame. Really, I didn’t miss much last lesson anyway. Saeo made sure to let me know that we are now free to uh…” The green rider trailed off as she tried to find a word that wasn’t well…vulgar, curt? Shard it. “Have sex I guess.”

Raylin stammered out the last sentence quickly so she could continue and not risk interruption. “She plans to find a partner before Calistoth goes up since Cherilith has his heart set on her.” She snorted and shifted in place. “Ebolath is eleven months old now. I really can’t believe it.” Turning to look at the dragon entrance she almost shivered. One more month and Ebolath was mature and due to rise... well whenever. The thought made a cold feeling of fear creep into her gut. Sharding Faranth.

Trying to push that thought from her mind, Raylin sat on the end of the bed and watched T’rid interact with his brown flitter. The normal interaction pulled on her heartstrings. How she missed her own little Vega. Blinking back tears and fighting against the stupid empty lonely feeling, she focused instead on the scroll spread across his desk. Think of something else. Stop rambling on. Just because it’s silent doesn’t mean you have to speak. But silence was awkward.

Gazing at T’rid from underneath her lashes Raylin sighed, pushing her hair back from her face. She froze as her hand brushed against the scar on her face. “Sorry for rambling on. It’s just nice to talk to you.” Focusing on Conspiracy’s tail she drew her finger along it. “I missed you.” The green weyrling’s voice was soft, barely audible. Dropping her hand she focused on the brown. “Will Conspiracy be ok? I mean his wing?” That sentence was spoken a bit louder. Change of subject was good right? Flitters weren’t awkward.

[Avu]

Yes – firelizard egg wouldn’t be too much to ask, Corinth was sure – and T’rid would have more sympathy with this project than any other, because of Mir’s all-too-recent death. The bronzerider hadn’t shown his pain – he was unalike from Raylin in that way; emotional pain was not openly displayed in depression but instead guarded – almost thoughtlessly; he really wasn’t aware of doing it – in sarcasm. It repelled people, and that suited T’rid just fine. But that didn’t mean he was impervious to the pain; he wasn’t. Corinth neglected to point it out, however; he kept His’ secrets unless they were silly ones, the type he would tell the other dragons to tease His. This wasn’t silly; it was defense. I would not think anyone would presume to say you Chose wrong, the bronze answered, flicking his tail, I would not change Mine. He is unique, too… In a much different way, but His was His, and that was all there was to it.

Stupid’s silence could attributed to a single fact: Calistoth. He could see the green, and he was positively preening in excitement, his frill flaring and settling by turns. Nostrils quivered, eyes bright with clear eagerness, and the brown literally started in surprise at Ebolath’s voice in his mind, barely biting back an undignified squawk of surprise. Very c’f’table, the brown assured Ebolath absently, and then, to avoid hurting her feelings with his lack of attention – from what he could tell, Ebolath was fine talking to Corinth anyway – he licked her, rubbing his head briefly against the green’s nearest neck ridge before his gaze flickered back towards Calistoth hopefully. Was she – was she looking?! Pretty, the pretty, was she looking…? ’listoth love? he asked Ebolath hopefully. Did his green think Calistoth liked him…? She was so smart; she’d know!

Oh, of course she’d want to know. T’rid sniffed pointedly, glancing at Corinth, who caught his gaze and preened, clearly very smug. “Actually, I think he threatened to ask the Healers to restrain me in the Infirmary another two sevendays – which is plenty enough time to kill me, apparently.” Not that Corinth would be much wrong; T’rid was quite certain he’d drop dead of sheer boredom – and even if he didn’t, he’d probably form some sort of fellis addiction. Yeah. That would be just his luck. “He seems to think they’d actually do it – which I doubt, considering.” Considering their current lack of space in the Infirmary, considering how terrible a patient he was, and considering that there really was no point. But, rather contradictory to his statement, he had cleaned up – he was not willing to risk getting put back in there, especially with K’lir on Infirmary Duty.

Catching the oil deftly in his right hand – see? He could function just fine with only one hand – T’rid tapped Conspiracy on the head lightly with the oil bottle, the brown obediently extending his wing as T’rid worked the cap off – thank Faranth for screw caps – and emptied some onto an oil-smeared rag, clearly placed close at hand for exactly this purpose. As Conspiracy arched his neck, leaning into the oiling rag as T’rid swiped it up and down his body, the bronzerider glanced up at Raylin, crossing his legs and letting her talk unhindered – though he had to work to bite back a laugh at Raylin’s expense when she commented on being able to sleep around as she desired from there on out. So Ebolath was mature, then. Mature enough to handle it, anyway. “Congratulations,” he commented dryly, unable to stop himself from that one comment.

And then – “What, is she planning on becoming a prostitute or something?” The words were out before T’rid could stop them – and he did laugh, this time at Saeo. “How’s she going about that?” If she was just – asking – there was bound to be a lot of disapproval about her, considering how soon after her dragon’s maturity it was. But whatever; her prerogative. Lifting Conspiracy’s wing with the rag gently and instructing the firelizard mentally to hold it still, T’rid kept rubbing, his eyes focused on the brown dominantly, but flickering up towards Raylin occasionally. – what? Rambling? She wasn’t rambling. He forfeited to mention it, simply shrugging his free shoulder. “I’ll be sure and let you know when you start to get annoying,” he commented dryly, but at the mention of Conspiracy’s wing, he blinked, instinctively disguising the flicker of guilt behind his eyes.

“He…probably won’t be able to fly again.” And yes, T’rid did blame himself for that much. Hypocritical, was the bronzerider, and he knew it, but Conspiracy hadn’t had his own choice – he’d followed T’rid’s without thinking, because he trusted His beyond words, and he’d ended up saving T’rid’s life and getting himself crippled in the same blow – and he’d had to watch the blue firelizard that he’d known since his birth disappear between. It was a miracle he still trusted T’rid at all.

[Rei]

Ebolath practically purred as she snuggled into Corinth. Yours is unique. I like him a lot as does mine. I like you a lot as well Corinth. You are very kind. You all have been so very nice to us. Whirling blue eyes looked up at the bronze. Thank you for that. She laid her head back down on the ledge and rumbled as she heard Stupid’s response. Had she startled him?

The brown mandyr’s caress was reassurance enough and Ebolath twitched her tail. Calistoth? The green had never met the dragon but….well she had a reputation for not being the nicest dragon in the weyr. The young green thought carefully before replying. Well I do not see how she could not like you little one. You are very sweet. I like you. I bet she would to. Ebolath had included Corinth in the statement as well and she hoped what she said was acceptable. The last thing the green wanted was her friend to be hurt.

Raylin watched T’rid as he worked. His “congratulations” made her snort the noise intended to be sarcastic. Yeah congratulations. The bronze riders laughter caused her to quirk an eyebrow and giggle in response. Saeo was her friend, probably the best one she had, but even she didn’t understand the blue rider. “I really don’t think she’s trying to whore herself around. I think she’s afraid to lose it to K’lir. Saeo is… well eccentric. A lot of the time I don’t understand her myself and I’ve lived with her for almost a year.”

The weyrling leaned forward towards T’rid a glimmer of amusement in her gaze. “I don’t know exactly how she is going about it but I do know she asked T’ke. Can you believe it? He’s the last one I would have imagined she’d ask. I would wager Saeo is asking everyone in our weyrling class that’s male, instead of asking the one person she should be asking.” Raylin leaned back away from him then as the subject changed to Conspiracy. Something in T’rid’s gaze bothered her. He would undoubtedly be sad for his mind mate. After all fire lizards where made to fly where they not. To lose that would be horrible. But it wasn’t exactly sadness, was it guilt? Why should he feel guilty? If anyone was to blame it was her.

The green rider clenched her hands at her sides. Her nails biting into the skin of her palm. Why? What the hell was wrong with T’rid. She had killed Mir and Vega and now Conspiracy had a disability he would never recover from. Staring at the bed in front of her, Raylin’s vision began to blur. How in Faranth’s name could he sit there and be so damn nice to her. “You…you don’t make any sense T’rid, you know that. Mir, he died protecting you while you protected me and Conspiracy…he won’t ever fly again and still, your not mad at me. If you should blame anyone for this. It should be me.” Her voice was strangely calm even through the tears that had been building had started flowing down her face. “Why are you still...nice…to...me.” Now he could probably barely understand her as her voice shook with her sobs.

Part of her wanted to just run. Get away from the whole stupid situation. Climb aboard Ebolath and beg her to leave. Still Raylin refused to move. It was almost like she was paralyzed she didn’t want to move. Not until T’rid did. Faranth it would just be easier if he would rage at her and get it over with. Ebolath crooned worriedly from outside, the sound carrying into the weyr. A loving mind caress came from her green but no words. A shuddering breath was Ebolath’s only reply.

Pull yourself together Raylin. You’ll scare Ebolath. The weyrling berated herself but, strangely, she couldn’t find the strength to do so. All she wanted to do was curl up and cry. Maybe the world would leave her alone for once.

[Avu]

I’m very glad to hear it, the bronze stated solemnly, one wing curving protectively – but not possessively, for his form was relaxed enough not to hint at the later – around Ebolath. She was growing, was his greendaughter. All of them were – including the one bronze he had sired. Jaymith, wasn’t his name? – he probably outstripped Corinth by far already, for Corinth was a small bronze – very small, and his slender, almost feminine form only emphasized this. He didn’t mind his size, he really didn’t, but T’rid considered Corinth’s offspring as thus often enough that Corinth did not forget that they were, indeed, his get, and the bronze was suitably surprised to see Jaymith so large. I enjoy your company – why should I not be kind? the bronze added, affectionately nuzzling the green, gently – gently, very gently. In truth, Corinth was rarely actively upset with anybody; the only time the bronze grew violent was if T’ridHis was threatened and he could do something about it – or during Flights, and even then only occasionally.

Stupid preened, eyes glowing with excitement as his entire body rubbed against Ebolath’s hide, the brown squirming in place to express his open delight. Like Stupid, the Salamandyr proclaimed in satisfaction. Like Stupid, like ‘m, ‘listoth /will/. It took very little, in all actuality, to please the brown – a bit of excitement and affection would last the Salamandyr quite a while, and Ebolath, he’d decided, was the source from which the latter came most often and openly. Corinth was kind to him, too, but he wasn’t a green, and Conspiracy wasn’t Stupid’s idea of a good companion; he was too busy constantly fluttering over Theirs. ’listoth will…’lath does, ‘listoth will, Stupid echoed softly, purring loudly as he curled up. Corinth’s croon was high, blatantly amused now; the bronze’s tail flicked slightly. It was cute, Stupid’s naiveté – but really, what green dragon would consider him as a mate?

Haha. He really was fighting not to laugh, and Raylin’s snort only made that worse. So fussy about the topic of sex, was the greenrider; T’rid smirked openly at her. What apparently she didn’t realize – or maybe she was just being pessimistic or something? – was that simply because she was allowed to sleep around didn’t mean she had to. If any of the Weyrlingmasters told their Weyrlings to start sleeping around, he would be very, very surprised. Loosing one’s virginity was a good thing, considering the violent nature of dragon’s Flights, but still – it wasn’t unusual for someone to completely ignore that and go into their first Flight a virgin anyway. She would hardly be the first – a side effect of Searching at Holds, where moral codes were much more strict. T’rid decided not to mention this. It was more amusing without reminding Raylin of thus. He simply smirked, tilting his head playfully as he continued to rub the oil into Conspiracy’s hide.

His explanation on Saeo made him tilt his head even further, curiously, and he was about to ask her exactly who Saeo should be asking when he noticed that his comment on Conspiracy’s wing had elicited a far deeper reaction from the greenrider than T’rid had expected. His eyes became serious – confusion prominent in the hazel gaze as he stared at Raylin. She was – was she seriously crying again? Her words, though, were much more coherent than before and for a moment, the bronzerider just stared, and then, as Conspiracy twittered nervously, one wing flaring open in agitation, T’rid rose to his feet, the motion half a leap as he literally hissed at Raylin. “You are so stupid,” he snapped. “If I wanted to blame you and yell at you, don’t you think I would have already? At the moment, you’re being harsher to yourself than anyone else could be, and damn it, you are not going to make me kiss you again, are you…?”

Because, yes. A kiss was definitely the most terrifying threat…

[Rei]

Mine is upset. Ebolath said to her two companions, worry the predominate expression in her whirling eyes. The green considered getting up and going to comfort hers but she didn’t, at least not for the moment. If Raylin needed her she would be there, but there was no point in going now. The weyrling green's tail tip flickered against the ledge and she barely responded to Stupid’s ecstatic statements. I am sure Calistoth will like you and I defiantly do my little one. Leaning back against Corinth, Ebolath sighed heavily. The physical contact with the bronze had a calming effect on her that she intended to take advantage of as long as she could. Hers was going to get herself in trouble, and Ebolath didn't know how to prevent it.

Raylin jumped slightly at T’rid’s hiss and her eyes widened. Was he mad? Maybe not, just frustrated with her, and why shouldn’t he be? Another small sob escaped her and she tried to bite back the rest, shaking her head at his words. The green rider was hard on herself because well, no one else was willing to blame her and it was her fault. If not everything, then defiantly parts. Including T‘rid‘s own injury. How could he be so calm about it all?

“I’m sorry. I just. I can’t” She sobbed, voice breaking. On a whim Raylin stood and flung herself against him, wrapping her arms around his waist and sobbing into his chest. “I just…I feel so bad.” If T’rid wished to push her away, so be it but she needed him right now. Needed him to just stay, maybe say something sarcastic, anything. Anything normal.

In a few moments the weyrling had begun to regain a bit of control over her wracking sobs. She loosened her grip around the bronze rider’s midsection so he could pull away. Shard it. Everything was a mess. A mess because she had let it get that way. Because she couldn’t, or was unwilling to let it go. Raising her head to look at T’rid, Raylin sighed, the sound shaky. “No I am not going to make you do anything.” The weyrling choked out, her voice barely a whisper, afraid of breaking her momentary control. Did he think her weak? She wouldn’t be surprised. If he stayed her friend after all this, then he really was something of a saint.