Good morning Sunshine (Tags Avu)

[Rei]

Vega awoke and stretched on T’rid’s bed. He fluttered his wings and regarded the weyrledge. Dim light was filtering into the room. It was time for his to wake up. She never slept this far past sunrise. Hopping over to her, The blue gently nipped her ear. He was forced to dance sideways as she pushed at him mumbling. The pale flit whistled and watched his curiously. She was awful close to the frilly’s pet.

Raylin was comfortable, why the heck was Vega being such a pain this morning? Excuse her for wanting to sleep in for once. She snuggled against the warm weight pressing against her. Her mind dimly thought it was Ebolath until her sleepy thoughts finally registered that Ebolath was neither that small nor that warm. Confused, The weyrling opened her eyes and blinked once or twice to clear them. When the object in question came into focus she cried out in alarm, flung herself out of the bed, and fell gracelessly to the floor when her ankle protested the sudden application of weight. Unfortunately, even if T'rid slept through her scream he probably would not sleep through the fact that she took most of the furs with her when she fell. Surely the cold air would wake him if her cry did not.

Ebolath awoken by hers frantic state of mind and the noise jumped up quite suddenly, her movement sending poor Stupid flying. Thankfully he landed in a pile of clothes that were haphazardly dumped onto the weyr floor. Confused the green gave a soft warble and turned her attention to the bed. Raymine? What is wrong? Are you ok? Catching sight of hers on the floor the green turned her attention to the other human. Did you push mine? I told you she was a cover hog. There was no ire in the green's words in fact her tone was predominantly colored with amusement.

[Avu]

He hadn't moved through the entire night.

The bronzerider was still dead asleep, and showed no signs of life: While it was true that he'd been sleeping less and less lately, he'd also been sleeping more deeply, especially when all three of his mindmates -- especially Corinth -- were asleep. As thus, T'rid hadn't noticed the fact that Raylin was so extremely close to him, and even if he had, he probably wouldn't have cared, not because he wanted her there, but because he was just too tired to care and didn't find her proximity that alarming anyway. His position was not very dignified; his face was pressed against the pillow, buried there, arms under said pillow to hold it there, sprawled on his stomach, fully clothed. Somehow, he managed to make it -- along with the fact that Mir had wriggled over to curl up in the small of his back -- quite comfortable.

As it was, to him, and as it would have remained, had the warmth that he hadn't even registered till them moved very suddenly and a loud cry erupted very close to him, and along with the warmth went his furs, and Mir, who had been curled on top of the furs. The blue flitter went flying, wings punching the air as he managed to right himself, sleepily falling down on the now fur-less bed, as he chirruped a bewildered protest to the abrupt awakening -- and then, with a squirm, took the place on the pillow that had been vacated by Raylin and went back to sleep again. However, it was not destined to be, for not only had he been woken, but Corinth, Stupid, and T'rid had, too, and Mir resigned himself to drama with a slight sigh as his eyes tinged with resignation.

Drama was the last thing on T'rid's mind as the bronzerider propped his chin on interlaced fingers, eyeing Raylin, clearly unimpressed. Stupid, on the other hand, had time for perhaps one squeak of alarm before he was flung into the pile of furs and promptly resurfaced, blinking rapidly. Eeeee? he queried, mimicking Raylin's scream. Eeeee. Eeee? Why eeeeee? Neither Corinth nor T'rid answered the brown Salamandyr; the former was watching Raylin with a mix of frustration and amusement, and the latter was still staring at her, eyebrow quirked at her reaction. At Ebolath's question, the bronzerider groaned, pressing his face back into the pillow before he answered, voice muffled. "I didn't push her, Ebolath, she -- er -- well, um, what did you do?" At this, he raised his head, eyebrow raised again.

Corinth gave a slight snort, dropping his head back to the couch. Ebolath, will you please inform Yours that she is /not/ helping Mine sleep as much as he needs to? There was a touch of amusement in the bronze's voice, though the frustration was there, too. He would not have woken up had Yours not screamed. What a short time ago that this weyr had been so peaceful and quiet...Stupid squirmed out of the furs, perching on top of them and peering at Raylin. Eeee, bad Stupidmine, eeeee? Push 'm, push 'm? the 'mandyr asked, slithering down the pile of furs to crawl up onto Ebolath again and curling up.

"And what, exactly," T'rid went on, rubbing his eyes and brushing his hair back impatiently, "Is so horrible about this? You were the one who fell asleep on my bed."

[Rei]

Raylin shook her head deciding she didn’t trust her voice enough to answer yet. Ebolath crooned uncertainly. Mine? Corinth says he is not happy that you are not letting his get the rest he needs. He says had you not screamed his would have remained sleeping. There was clear hesitation in the greens voice and Raylin could tell she did not feel happy relaying a message that was bound by nature to upset her.

The girl shot a apologetic look at the bronze. “I..I’m sorry Corinth.” She stuttered. “I just wasn’t…” She trailed off feeling miserable. What in Faranth’s name was her problem? It’s not like he was the one trying to snuggle with her. She stared at the floor trying to get some semblance of control over her emotions.

Ebolath flickered her tail tip against the stone floor clearly uncomfortable with the way things were going. She touched T'rid's mind and tried to (privately) explain hers's behavior. He did not understand hers the way she did. I am sorry for accusing you T’rid. Please forgive mine for waking you. She really did not mean to. She is just silly. She fears most males. I am most pleased she does not fear you. Perhaps she was startled unnecessarily. The green gave a loving croon to hers and included everyone in her next statement. I am sorry for flinging you Stupid. Do you forgive silly Ebolath? Yours just startled mine, he is not bad. He did not push her.

Raylin pushed her hair out of her face and rubbed her ankle. “I guess nothing was really bad about it. I’m sorry I woke you. I apologize for hogging your bed.” She managed to raise her head and look him in the eye. “Really I’m sorry.” She tilted her head to the side taking in his messy hair. Even just waking he was still nice to look at. How fair was that? The weyrling was sure she looked completely horrible. “If it bothers you we won’t visit anymore.” She dropped her gaze to stare at the floor again. Shards she was being stupid.

Vega had winged to the dresser at his’s cry. He now returned hesitantly to the bed, alighting next to Mir with a cheerful chirp. He lay down next to the older blue on the pillow and looked from his to T’rid. Ebolath gave a worried snort at Raylin’s comment. Not visit? Her eyes took on a worried color. She liked her friends, she did, and hers liked T’rid. He was hers's friend why would they not visit? The small green’s tail tip swished back and forth across the floor, the only thing betraying her nervousness besides her now yellowish eye color.

[Avu]

She was...scared? Of him? No, that was inaccurate, T'rid thought, still extremely sleepy, she wasn't scared. Just -- startled, perhaps. And now? She was apologizing to Corinth? What for -- ? T'rid shot the bronze dragon a dark look and received a blank, impassive stare in responsive, almost defiant. "Overbearing broody queen," he muttered -- nobody could ever accuse T'rid of being overly friendly in the mornings, because quite the opposite was true -- but nevertheless, Corinth, speaking very calmly now, the frustration fading, spoke to Ebolath. I suppose it can't be helped now. Mine should have known better in the first place. He was very much aware that Yours was -- was inhibited, though not to this degree. Angling his head to eye His again, Corinth huffed slightly. But nevertheless -- assuming there is a next time -- (Mine says there will not be one) -- please ask her not to repeat the performance? I would much prefer he stayed asleep.

As Ebolath addressed him, T'rid buried his face back in his pillow again, squeezing his eyes shut. He was well-aware he needed more sleep, but...he wasn't sleepy anymore. Great. With a sigh of resignation to wakefulness, the bronzerider pulled himself back up, propping himself on his elbows and resuming the former position, chin on interlocked fingers, cheek pressed against one set of knuckles as he cocked his head to watch Raylin. "Nice to know," he commented dryly, eyebrow arching at Ebolath's comment. So she wasn't afraid of him. "Well." A slightly disapproving gleam in his eyes, T'rid tipped his head towards the (now rumpled) shirt. "In case you needed a verbal, straightforward statement, there was nothing intimate." He rolled onto his back, flopping down again and addressing the ceiling. "You'd be much more sore than you are now." He wasn't friendly, no, but neither did he yet have the energy to be openly sarcastic.

Stupid cooed anxiously from his perch on Ebolath's back, eyes sparkling as he fastened them on T'ridHis as he spoke. However, as Ebolath apologized for flinging him into the pile of furs, Stupid whistled reassuringly, nuzzling her on the neck (the nearest place he could reach other than her back, and her back wasn't very -- very romantic, was it?!). No 'ology. Norra fault yours, silly Stupidmine fault issa his. Silly Stupidmine. The large brown Salamandyr nodded emphatically, and was about to curl up again, but at Raylin's comment, his frill went entirely up in alarm and a pitiful whine emerged from his throat. Not come back?! But -- but how would he see his lovely, lovely best friend if Raylin didn't come back?! (Granted, she wouldn't be able to come up to T'rid's weyr in a short while, growing as the Weyrlings were, anyway, but there was still that lovely short time, and then she'd be flying soon and she could fly up to see him. They were only on the third level!) Worra see pretty'lathshine 'gain? he queried hopefully.

...?

Not come back? T'rid rolled over again, pushing himself up on his elbows to stare in vague surprise at Raylin. "I..." He paused, cocking his head to study her for a moment. The Weyrleader did like Raylin. The greenweyrling was...possibly one of the few people he did like the company of, and put up with. And Corinth enjoyed Ebolath's company, too -- not that it was worth mentioning, really. Corinth got along with more or less everybody -- and so did Stupid. Part of him was tempted to tell her that she was welcome back, but he merely shrugged. "Suit yourself. It's all the same to me, one way or the other." His gaze turned to Mir, the blue yawning and then chirping a polite, if unenthusiastic, greeting to Vega. Was he ever enthusiastic? No; it didn't come as a surprise. However, Mir didn't squirm away from Vega, content to share his pillowspace with the other blue.

[Rei]

As T’rid gaze was on the ceiling he didn’t see the blush that crept over Raylin’s pale face. “I never accused you of intimacy. I doubt you would harm Ebolath that way. For all your negativity you are still a good person.” Nor to I harbor the idea that you would want me anyway. She added privately to herself. “I was just…startled I guess.” What more was there to say about it?

Raylin absentmindedly examined her ankle, more for the sake of avoiding the awkward silence than actual concern. It was a nice black and blue color now. She experimentally tried to wiggle her toes. When they cooperated she gave a relived sigh. Not broken then at least.

Ebolath watched the two humans and gave a low rumble as Stupid nuzzled her neck. Although she barely felt it, she appreciated the gesture. I will give mine your message Corinth. I do hope she wants to continue to visit. I know she appreciates yours being friendly to her and I would hate to not be able to visit anymore. We will not stay overnight anymore even if the weather is bad. I do not wish yours to lose sleep. Nor do I wish mine to act so silly again. The green gave a huff and lay her head down on her forepaws. He will not eat you mine. You need not act like a frightened wherrie.

Raylin shot a glare at her mind mate and almost missed T’rid’s next statement. Didn’t matter to him? The weyrling turned her attention back to the Weyrleader. Well that wasn’t surprising. What did really matter to him? It seemed not much in the long run. She clambered back up on the bed and stretched her sore ankle out. “Well if it’s all the same to you I guess I will continue to visit then. I do not mind your company at all.” Truthfully she didn’t mind his company in the least, in fact she rather enjoyed it. “I am sorry for waking you. I can only imagine the stress you must be under. If there’s anything I can do to help feel free to ask. It’s the least I can do for your kindness to me and my little green.” Sure maybe he didn’t think he was being kind but he was, well in his own way it seemed.

Ebolath’s eyes went back to their customary blue green as she realized that hers was planning on continuing a friendship. She would not lose her friends after all. Good. She shifted her weight and looked up at Corinth. If mine wants to help yours I will offer my services as well. Is their anything you would have me do? The green asked enthusiastically her eyes whirling in brighter shades. I do not know how much help I can be but I can try.

Vega sensing a return to calm yawned and curled up on the pillow. His was not planning on going anywhere for the moment so he might as well sleep. Perhaps he would go find something to eat later. The smaller blue was not put off by the other flitter's unenthusiastic greeting. If anything he was happy the blue wasn’t loud and boisterous like the green frilly.

[Avu]

The look Raylin earned was one of frustration, a mild irritation, and a slight amusement. Naive, wasn't she? Especially for Holdbred. Had she chosen to fall asleep in the bed of a Holder man of T'rid's age -- he hated his age, he really did -- would almost undoubtedly have tried to take her. Perhaps not a dragonman, though. Generally, they had some honor, in Selenitas Weyr at the very least -- but still, if she hadn't even thought of it, then...what was with the incredible overreaction? Had she never even slept next to a man before? T'rid frowned vaguely, and then shrugged, dismissing the point. Whatever. If she had panic attacks every time she touched a man (fully clothed, no less), that was her problem, not his. Mir cheeped peevishly from his pillow, and T'rid cocked his head to eye the blue fire lizard, arching one eyebrow slightly, but Mir merely looked at him and then returned his attention to Vega, earning a dry snort from T'rid.

Mine doesn't mind Yours staying overnight, I don't think, Corinth responded thoughtfully, stretching slightly and yawning. And nor does he expect you and Yours to leave if she is injured and the weather is so bad, as long as she doesn't -- doesn't get startled again. The bronze pulled himself to his feet, head swinging around vaguely in the direction of his mindmate, before he padded down the hallway towards the Weyrledge, commenting quietly to Ebolath, I wonder if the weather's cleared yet? It ought to be quite a nice day...you know the way it is, after a rain; everything cleaned... It was an attempt at changing the conversation, and quite an obvious one, perhaps, but he felt it was necessary. No need to linger on Ebolath's Rider's lack of confidence around men.

So, wait. She would come back? T'rid didn't know quite whether to receive that as good news or neutral, so he merely nodded, shrugging, and then rolled himself off the bed, rushing one hand through his hair and glancing after Corinth. "...help?" He paused, stopping short as he stood up, preparing to follow the bronze dragon. "No. No, there's nothing. Not much." He shrugged, shaking his head slightly. "There's changes being set up, but those will be Weyr-wide, and you'll hear of 'em, then. So there's nothing -- not now." He sighed. "I'm going after Corinth -- see if it's cleared up at all. If you're coming...do you need help getting to the Weyrledge, or can you hop? And..." One eyebrow lifted slightly. "You aren't going to loose your balance, only having one good leg and all, and fall off -- are you? Because if you're planning on it, I think you'd probably be better off in here."

As Corinth flopped down on the weyrledge, head craned around in the weyr's direction, he huffed quietly as he spread himself against the slightly damp, cool stone. I appreciate the offer, little one, but there is nothing...not yet. Mine needs to finish organizing things, first, and what with Wing Drills coming up, he might have to postpone it slightly 'till he's busier. And what's more -- Here the bronze dragon rolled his eyes indulgently -- Selenitas Hold has sent word that a group of caravans are headed for the Weyr. Has Yours ever been to Gather? It's going to be like a smaller Gather, though without the chaos of transporting everyone to a Hold. As if he needed more to keep him busy. The bronze's tones were entirely without irritation, though. It would be good, for His to have fun.

...maybe.

[Rei]

Ebolath rose and walked out after Corinth. Well if you need anything I will be happy to assist. Her eyes whirled in happy blues as she flopped down beside the much larger bronze. Mine has been to a gather before. She was born in Selenitas hold and they have gathers, but not to often she says. Yours will be at the caravans? Maybe I should drag mine there although she has no marks to spend.

She flicked her wings and turned her attention to the mandyr on her back. Stupid will you be at the caravans? I would like to see you there. Oh yes she would very much like to spend time with her friends.

Raylin swung her legs off the side of the bed and sighed. “I really don’t feel like hopping. If you are offering help I will take you up on it.” At his comment about falling off the ledge she rolled her eyes. “I am not that clumsy. I won’t go falling of the ledge unless it is as littered with junk as your weyr. Somehow though I suspect Corinth keeps his places much tidier than you keep yours.” The weyrling cast an eye at Corinth’s couch. The area around it was about the only clear spot in the entire weyr.

“Well if you ever need anything I can provide, the offer still stands.” She shrugged and offered a hand to the bronze rider. Suddenly the girl turned her attention from him to the direction of the weyrledge, although she kept her hand outstretched. “Ebolath says something about caravans coming to the weyr? Does that happen often? I was under the impression caravans just didn‘t show up places. Isn‘t it a bit odd?”

[Avu]

Ah, yes. Selenitas Hold had given the Weyr many a Candidate. In fact, T'ridHis had come from that Hold, though he had been Weyrborn originally. Not that T'rid cared in any way about the Hold itself, past the ocassional Gathers, and Corinth rather preferred it that way. The bronzerider's home was the Weyr, and to have him yearning to return to the Hold would have been horribly trying on the entire Weyr now that he was Weyrleader. Yes, Selenitas Hold has held Gathers, he agreed, inordinately pleased by the damp, cool rock; while the bronze, like all dragons, liked warmth, he liked the coolness just as well, and the clean scent of the world after the heavy rain. Mine may go, perhaps, if only to make sure nothing goes wrong. Caravans can not always be dependable for Gathers.

On an impulse, the bronze swung his head out and up to stare at the amount of water pouring over the lip of the waterfall -- one distinct disadvantage of having a Weyr on the third level, and on the cliffs, was the lack of visibility where the river itself was concerned. However, the gushing waterfall was enough to make Corinth slightly uneasy. So much water, there was. A flood? Perhaps not. Word would have come by now, if there had been such severe rain that it had flooded. No; more likely than not, the river was merely swollen. Difficult crossing by boat, perhaps, but flooded and impossible to cross? -- No. Weyrfolk weren't prone to panicking at the slightest sign of chaos; they would have told Corinth, who was a light sleeper.

Stupid's enthusiastic reply caught his attention, and the bronze's eyes whirled in indulgent amusement: Ooh, yes. Yesyes, yes! Many shiny gorra give 'lathshine prezzie quid quo, 'nall. He nodded emphatically, and Corinth didn't bother pointing out that he had severely butchered the attempt at saying "quid pro quo". It wasn't worth it, and besides, he got his point across fine to the bronze, and he had a sneaking suspicion that Ebolath was better than he when it came to decoding the Salamandyr's broken speech. Stupid rubbed his head thoughtfully against one neck ridge, and added, Whassa 'van? Small G'ther 'n wut?

Corinth's weyrledge, littered with junk? T'rid quirked one eyebrow in amusement. No, no! Even he had some restrictions on how he allowed the mess to grow and spread. The weyrledge was strictly off limits for trash: Too much to hope that none of it would drop and hit some poor innocent dragon on one of the lower levels -- and since lower levels were restricted for golds and Weyrmated pairs, no doubt there'd be much chaos if he managed to do it. And -- well, Corinth did refuse to -- as he put it -- sleep on anything hard that will end up poking a hole in me, and/or sleep on your shirts and pants, only to have you kick me off them because you want to wear them. Not inaccurately, as during Weyrlinghood, that exactly had occured quite a few times, though the bronze dragon had insisted that the shirt in question had smelled like His. (T'rid hadn't considered that a compliment.)

Catching her hand absently as she extended it, T'rid gave Raylin a slight tug, tilting his head expectantly towards the weyrledge. "Come on," he urged her absently, eager to get out of the weyr himself, "I won't let you faceplant...no promises, though..." Trusting her to keep up -- and deliberately keeping his pace slightly slower than usual -- the bronzerider started across the weyr. "As for caravans -- ? They wander all over the place. Nobody'll see 'em for Turns and suddenly they pop up full of stuff to sell." He shrugged. "I don't know where they stay. Jungles have adequate food supplies, or maybe they go North -- but either way..."

[Rei]

Ebolath spread her wings and inhaled the fresh air her eyes whirling in deep blues. Stupid you do not have to get me a present. Your friendship is present enough for me little love. She tilted her head in thought. A caravan sells things mine says. They are not as crowded or fun as a gather. More like a group of travelers who sells things. There will be food there, however mine says that they will not stay long. The green lay her head on the cool stone and watched the falling water.

Raylin let T’rid set the pace, and limped dutifully after him. “Sounds a bit romantic, traveling where they want, living off the land. Bet it gets old fast though.” She replied conversationally. As they stepped out onto the ledge Raylin let go of his hand and limped to her green stroking her affectionately. Ebolath crooned and nuzzled hers before dropping her head back to the ledge.

The weyrling sat on her dragon careful not to squash Stupid. She waggled her fingers at the little brown mandyr. “Hello Stupid may Lath’s pet sit with you?” She asked him eyes dancing merrily, as she used his nickname for her lovely bonded.

Ebolath snorted. Of course you may sit on me Raymine. Do not be silly. The green crooned affectionately to T’rid not wanting him to feel left out. Come on T’rid notmine we do not bite. Come sit with us. The waterfall is lovely. I have never seen so much crashing water. Have you Corinth? When I am able to fly I want to race it. Her eyes whirled happily. Have you and yours ever raced the waterfall? Mine says we will try it. She wants to fly as much as I. Mine says it has to be a bigger rush than riding a runner. The green snorted. I tell her she is silly to be affectionate towards food.

Raylin rolled her eyes as she caught wind of the greens thoughts. “Ebolath does not understand my love for runners. Is their anything Corinth teases you about? Sometimes I think our lovely soul mates were put on this earth to drive us nuts.” She scratched Eboalth’s neck and the loving tone she used took any malice out of her words. Despite not wanting to annoy him she wanted to know more about the bronze rider. There had to be more to him than snide comments and sarcasm.

[Avu]

Stupid looked to be considering this very, very hard. He had no concept of anywhere but the Weyr; His had never been to Gathers since he'd Impressed the 'mandyr, and the sweep rides they did were merely overlooking -- all the Weyr's property. They never surpassed the boundaries, though T'ridHis had sometimes -- in a good mood -- pointed out the general directions of the two Northern Weyrs and the nearest few Holds. Sold things, did they? Sold things like food? Stupid's tongue flicked out and then back in thoughtfully as he considered it, before he merely chirped. Gorra be 'ere, soon! Excitement touched the small eyes as Stupid jumped up and down slightly for a moment, and then returned to his previous curled position, though now he was flattered, crooning on a note that soared in his joy. Wanna give prezzie, he said firmly, nodding. Love 'lath much, wanna.

As T'rid let go of Raylin when they reached the weyrledge, he shrugged at her comment. Get old, fast? How could it possibly? There were endless boundaries. No limit. Everywhere, anywhere, you wanted to go, you could -- especially in the South, considering the sheer abundance of fruit and foods. There was no restrictions, no rules, no responsibitlies except for yourself and your runner -- if you wanted. Naturally, he supposed the ones that actually wanted to sell things had to make sure they had things worth marks, but...the children had no responsibilities, or very few (or was he romanticizing it?). He envied them, T'rid did. "I don't think so," he commented quietly to Raylin as he leaned against the doorframe of the weyr. "I wouldn't have thought you'd think so, either. Corinth says you're Holdbred." To him, that was all that needed to be said.

The brown Salamandyr cooed at Raylin as she sat down next to him, and the brown even went as far as to scurry to her lap and curl up there, on one leg, peeping up at her. Share 'lathlove, he agreed amiably -- T'rid had noticed he was much happier when around greens, a fact which annoyed and amused him -- and then whistled at His encouragingly to emphasize Ebolath's offer. Comecome. T'rid unglued his shoulder from the doorframe and obediently came, leaning against Corinth instead, his back against the bronze's flank. Corinth barely noticed him past a peremptory croon, already answering Ebolath. It is unusual, these waters; they will not last long. At any rate -- they oughtn't to. His eyes were almost anxious, and T'rid glanced quickly up at the waterfall and then shook his head almost imperceptibly at the bronze reassuringly.

Mine and I often race the falls, though I'd suggest waiting till the water level is down. The dragon crossed his forelegs in the customary position -- an almost feminine gesture, but the bronze didn't notice it; his tailtip flicked thoughtfully. It is very nice, the falls, and -- have you seen any Greenflights? -- or the little golden sister's Flight; I do believe the falls are frequently used as an obstacle course in Flights, though queens tend to the open air. Runners? Bah, runners. Corinth didn't see runners as food. Herdbeasts were food; wherries were food. Runners...were not. Not really; they served a purpose and therefore had a right to real life, though the bronze thought he might be slightly jealous, too, if T'ridHis rode the ugly, brown beasts instead of him. Fortunately, the bronzerider had no use for them and thus Corinth had no vendetta against them. They are not as unintelligent as are herdbeasts, Corinth pointed out mildly, though he evasively left his own opinion out.

T'rid, still leaning against Corinth, couldn't help smirking slightly at Raylin's comment and at Corinth's passing along of the conversation. "Don't worry," he said dryly to Ebolath, "When you can fly, you can bet that she'll forget all about runners -- dragonwings are the Pern-favored transportation, y'know." At the greenweyrling's question, he cocked his head mischeviously at Corinth, and the bronze rolled his eyes with a soft snort. "Ever hear the saying, 'opposites attract'? Yeah, well..." He kicked Corinth softly with one bare foot. "The question would be more accurately answered as what doesn't he tease me about..."

[Rei]

Ebolath chuffed in laughter her eyes whirling in increasingly brighter blues. If you insist, my little love I will accept anything you see fit to give me. She watched as T’rid leaned against Corinth and then again turned her attention to the waterfall. The water was rising but Corinth said it should stop soon. She hoped it was lower by the time she was ready to fly. The comment about flights drew a puzzled look from the green but she didn’t choose to pursue the subject. It didn’t sound all that interesting. Instead Ebolath chose a topic that was currently of interest to her. Do you really think she will forget all about the smelly runners? I hope so. I really want to fly. Do you think I will be as fast as you Corinth?

Raylin smiled as Stupid curled up on her and she gently stroked the little mandyr. He was quite amusing and Ebolath simply adored him. She would rather stay on the little creatures good side. “That’s the problem with things that seem ideal. They rarely ever are what they seem to be. Everyone is always questing for something better, when they should be happy with what they are given. That’s what my father used to say. I was unhappy in my old life, who could be happy when they had to run a household, help care for four little brats that aren’t even your own offspring, plus help train the runners? Some days I could barely hear myself think. Anyway the point I am trying to make is I am sure the traders children all desire a different life. Sure it looks good from the outside but when your living it from birth perhaps it’s a different story.” The weyrling fell silent for the moment engrossed with her own thoughts.

T’rid’s comment about Corinth drew a bit of laughter from the girl. “Opposites attract huh? I never was quite sure if I bought into that theory but you two do make quite a handsome pair.” She leaned back against Ebolath. “Makes life interesting I bet, with all the banter back and forth. At least you are both confidant that you love each other, perhaps that is what makes it work. He wouldn’t have picked you if you weren’t his perfect match. I like to think Ebolath and I cover each others weaknesses pretty well. Although sometimes her initiative makes me want to crawl into a dark hole and hide.” Ebolath snorted. Only because you are silly and are afraid of things I think you should embrace. You need to be more outgoing Raymine. Perhaps you need to be less nosy.

Willing to change the subject Raylin focused on the waterfall in the distance. “Did you always live here in the weyr?” Raylin asked suddenly, turning to gaze curiously at the bronze rider. “I mean were you searched or are you weyrbred? You already know I am holdbred, wherever Corinth got the information from.”

[Avu]

Stupid cooed, wriggling slightly in his excitement. The caravans were sure to have all sorts of pretty shinies, and he was certain he would approve of at least one of them as a good present for the lovely, lovely green! She might accept anything, but Stupid was positive that he would get none but the very best for Ebolath. Not only had she let him sleep on her, but she'd given him a present and that made her rank first on Stupid's list of lovely greens (a list that compromised of all the greens in the Weyr, possibly the watchdragons at the Holds, and was extremely easy to get onto and exceedingly difficult to get off of). Pretty wanna real real /real/ shiny prezzie, Stupid get, he promised her. Stupidmine marks lotsa, mine's buy. And if he didn't buy, Stupid would connive, steal, or somehow wrangle it out of those caravan owners!

Of course Ebolath wouldn't understand about Flights. Corinth's eyes whirled in slight amusement as he remembered the green's youth, and he answered her query on runners. She mayn't forget them. It's hard to comprehend, but Ours have memories that go much father back than ours do, and they remember much -- it's very difficult to make them forget. But, if it makes you feel better, she certainly won't use runners as more than perhaps an ocassional hobby once you can fly. I believe several dragonriders do have runners of their own, but it's so much quicker to go a-dragonback that most don't bother with them. He shrugged, making T'rid stagger slightly as the hide shifted behind his back. As for flying, I'm sure you will soon, and you'll be quicker than I, yes. Greens typically are, and more agile -- less air resistance.

T'rid cocked his head, considering Raylin for a moment. Her old life? She'd been unhappy at the Hold? -- well, yes, he supposed he could see that. Restricting, the Holds were, one and all, especially for girls. For males, less so; T'rid distinctly remembered wreaking havoc at Selenitas Hold where he'd grown up, but he didn't remember ever meeting Raylin -- but then, it had been over five Turns ago that he'd been there, and he rarely bothered with girls anyway. Technically, he had lost his virginity to a girl there, but it had been an impulse, curiosity, and he was pretty sure that he'd never seen her again after that night, nor had he any desire to. "That depends on the person," he answered quietly, one eyebrow rising slightly. "Personally, I would love it -- you've no idea." A vague smirk touched his lips as he shrugged. "Once you've had a taste of the freedom that comes with going between, you'll see." Oh, yes, going between on Corinth had partially sated that desire to shed responsibilities. Partially.

Oh, dear. Handsome pair, were they? T'rid and Corinth simultaneously turned to appraise the other, and then a distinct smirk curled the bronzerider's lip as Corinth snorted. Handsome -- ? "Nooo." T'rid spoke aloud. "Interesting's far too -- too gentle a word. Try frustrating, irksome -- things like that." He shrugged. "And sometimes I wonder -- I think there was something that one of the browns -- Jessereth, wasn't it?" You ask me like you expect me to remember. " -- Jessereth -- referred to as 'temporary insanity'?" With a slight smirk, T'rid nodded decisively. "Temporary insanity, definition: a short term in which a dragon lacks the sanity commonly associated with dragonkind, typically starting right after Hatching and ending after Impression to the wrong person. -- point being, Corinth's pretty sure he chose wrong. And initiative can be good," he added mildly, arching one eyebrow in slight amusement.

The query to his past made the bronzerider shrug, regarding Raylin steadily. Cue faraway look in his eye, dreamy voice, etc. -- but no. There was none of that; he didn't care about his past, nor miss it. The Hold was almost forgotten, and unlike some, it was not repressed. It had merely faded: He didn't dislike Selenitas Hold, but he didn't like it either: The simplicity of the Holders grated on his nerves. "Not always," he corrected quietly. "I was born in the Weyr, but my birthmother -- a greenrider, I assume -- sent me to be fostered at Selenitas Hold." He shrugged. "Anyway, I was Searched when I was fourteen and Impressed Corinth then -- the same clutch Aslath Hatched at. And as for Corinth -- Ebolath told him. Just a few seconds ago..."

[Rei]

I will be faster than you? Ebolath’s eyes whirled in amused shades. Are you sure? Perhaps when I can fly we will race just to be sure. She was completely excited by the prospect of a race. She had seen hers race runners and it looked like oh so much fun. Ebolath was sure flying fast would be much more enjoyable than running on smelly runners.

Raylin shivered at the mention of between. “I wonder what makes it so cold between. I’ve only been between once and I think I stayed cold for at least an hour.” Ok so maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration but it had seemed that way. “I think I am looking forward to the prospect of flight in general more. I’ve only been on a flying dragon twice. Both were pitifully short rides. Once on search and once on Corinth to the infirmary. I really can’t wait until Ebolath can fly but it will be months yet.” She scratched her dragon’s neck ridge and Ebolath crooned happily.

Both females turned their heads to regard the bronze pair as they examined each other. “I don’t think it is possible for a dragon to choose wrong.” Raylin said thoughtfully and then shrugged. “Then again who knows. The world is far from predictable. If someone had told me two turns ago that I would impress a dragon I would have thought they were nuts.” Ebolath made a purring sound. Do you think you chose the wrong mine? I am happy with my Raylin. You love T’rid yours don’t you?

“So technically you are wyerbred but where raised in a hold. Huh interesting. Ever wonder who your parents are? Or if they still live?” The weyrling paused and stretched out her ankle, it was starting to throb again. “Scratch that last question. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want too. The last thing I want to do is have you play twenty questions.”

She turned and smiled at him. “I don’t want to annoy you too badly. You may take back what you said about allowing us to come back. Oh, and I know Aslath and Corinth were from the same clutch. You had said you were in weyrling class with Shmee.” Suddenly Raylin paled and turned to Corinth. “Oh Corinth I hope I’m not upsetting you. I really am sorry about your mate love.” Ebolath crooned anxiously and rubbed her head against Corinth’s leg seeking to comfort him if needed.

[Avu]

It was not entirely accurate, saying that Ebolath would be faster than he. She would be, of course, when she flew, but only for short distances, before his endurance won out. A green simply wasn't large enough to keep endurance for long, and as if his size wasn't advantage enough when it came to that, Corinth's wingspan was much larger than was strictly necessary. It wouldn't hurt, though, to encourage the Weyrling; Corinth lacked the natural, aggressive, competitive nature that some bronzes had, and if they ever did race, he would probably let Ebolath win a few times at first so she wouldn't be discouraged. Certainly we can race if you wish it, the dragon responded agreeably, But I'm afraid we've a while to wait, yet. He didn't want her to overstretch herself, trying to fly early...

So she wondered, did she, what made between cold? T'rid appraised Raylin coolly, amused. Nobody understood the technicalities of between -- not even the dragonfolk who accessed it so often; nor yet the dragons themselves. Only the mere basics were known: How to get there, how to get out, and how much faster it made everything. "There is nothing /between/," he pointed out dryly, eyebrow arching. "Surely you know that? Hasn't the Weyrlingmaster been teaching you anything? He's supposed to teach you about the Threadfall charts, the dangers of going between, things like that. Hasn't he been?" He'd had to do some stupid flight straps check a while back, he recalled. It was better than having to teach sex ed. or something, but he saw it as simply pointless. Why should he have to check it if the Weyrlingmaster could do it just as easily? At the very least he should be paid to do it.

Wait, what? She didn't think it was possible? Oh, it was very much possible. T'rid was sure of it, especially if Raylin believed that for each dragon there was only one lifemate. That was wrong. How many people were there, on Pern? What were the chances, really, that a dragon would find his or her specific choice among the few Candidates that Stood for a clutch in these uncertain times? What if their Chosen was a day too old, restricted from Standing? No. There would be far too many dragons going /between/ for lack of lifeline; he, for one, believed that a dragon simply searched for certain qualities among the Candidates -- why else would the hatchlings look around the Sands so much instead of beelining straight towards their chosen? He didn't point that out, though -- it was far less romantic than Raylin's assumption that a dragon would never choose wrong -- and merely shrugged, dismissing the topic.

Corinth gave a short croon of amusement at Ebolath's question. It could have been taken as impertinent or nosy, but Corinth didn't mind; the bronze was surprisingly -- and annoyingly, according to His -- affectionate towards hatchlings and fire lizards. He put up with their curiosities. Not at all; Mine is quite satisfactory most of the time -- and I suppose I love him. The bronze dragon's gaze lingered in a mixture of amusement and frustration upon the bronzeride, who quirked his eyebrow up at Corinth. Of course we clash -- more often than any other dragonpair, I daresay, but overall...it's not bad. What he didn't mention was the fact that, bickering aside, they were also exceptionally close -- closer still, now, due to the frustrations and stress of shared Weyrleadership, where both of the bronzepair had needed the other to be able to easily read the other.

Weyrbred? No. No, he wasn't. "Weyrborn," T'rid corrected, "Weyrborn and Holdbred." Life in a Hold for him would have been nearly impossible: Rank was defined through blood, and he was quite certain he shared no blood with any of the Holders -- at least, not noticeably so. He shrugged at her two questions, though he didn't bother ignoring either of them. "My parents? I know some. My fostermother told me -- my mother was a greenrider; father a brownrider. Past that, I couldn't care less who they were. They gave me up, and as for their living? If they are, they didn't bother finding me, so I'm certainly not going to waste any time trying to find them." There was nothing hidden in his tone, because he frankly didn't care. They were people, that was all, and in all honesty, he had a hard time trying to love even his fostermother who had raised him. His voice entirely lacked emotion -- he sounded distinctly bored.

"Oh -- had I?" T'rid considered, mildly surprised that she had remembered his telling her that; he certainly didn't remember it. "Mmm." Corinth's eyes whirled in vague surprise at Raylin's sudden distress as to his feelings regarding Aslath's passing. He wasn't sad. Not anymore. He had been, naturally, but it had not been grief for his mate; it had been a dragon's grief for the passing of a queen, nothing more. The bronze wasn't fond of Aslath -- again, save for the loyalty that every dragon had to their senior queen. But loyalty wasn't the same as affection, and Aslath's treatment of him had soured his previous neutrality towards her. Clutchmates they may have been, but he wasn't on friendly terms with her -- not really, and especially not since Hers hadn't bothered to try to mask the tension between herself and T'ridHis.

She was not my mate, he corrected, speaking to both Ebolath and T'ridHis, and trusting that the green would pass the information to Hers. 'Mate' implies fondness or love. "You've certainly progressed from trying not to upset her," T'rid commented, slightly surprised as he leaned against Corinth. Hers had no problem treating /you/ badly, Corinth stated, And didn't bother hiding it.

[Rei]

Raylin listened to T’rid but the pounding of her ankle was a unwelcome distraction. Was it supposed to still throb? She winced. “Yes he teaches us things. I just have a hard time accepting that between can really be nothing. How does it exist if it is nothing?” She slid down Ebolath’s back to press her ankle to the cool stone and the green gave a croon. “Weyrborn.” She murmured repeating his statement. “Makes sense weyrbred would be like Danar arrogant, insufferable.”

Ebolath passed Corinth’s statement to Raylin and crooned to the bronze. I am sorry my clutch mother was like that. You deserve a nice mate. You are a very nice dragon. She fell silent and nudged hers the slightest tinge of worry evident in her faceted eyes. Raymine you are hurt and tired perhaps we should leave. “No darling it’s ok. I’m fine really.”

Ebolath snorted but curled her tail around her bonded possessively. Stupid will you find me at the caravans or should I come visit later? Raylin snuggled closer to her dragon. “Well I hope you find a wonderful mate Corinth. Aslath was stupid if she rejected you. You are beautiful and your babies are wonderful as well.” Her green picked up her head and nuzzled her with obvious affection. “Perhaps I am a bit biased however.”