Quiet Morning (Open!)

[kysseh]

I did not like how she treated my playmate, Mine, but I miss my clutchmother.

The sudden declaration from the golden queen curled on the shore drew a startled exclamation from her rider, the young woman standing fully upright in the waist-deep water to eye her mindmate. Hepaticath had been strangely quiet on the topic of Aslath and Shmee's demise. She had keened in mourning but said little else on the topic, and Savitri had been briefly concerned that the queen was actually happy about it. It was no great secret that Hepaticath had been outraged at the senior queen, but it would have been a stretch to think that the humble and loving queen had actually delighted in her 'rival's' demise. Now, though, Savitri's concerns were allayed, and the young woman, lightly clad for swimming, ran an idle hand through her long damp hair.

"I know. I miss her too... and Hers," Savitri admitted quietly, allowing her gaze to drift to the bag that sat beside the gold dragon on the rocks. All of her skills as a healer... and she had been powerless to stop what had happened. She had kept busy and tried not to dwell on it, mostly because it had been heartwrenching to hear the dragons mourn for their lost queen. Shmee had been the break in the corrupt lineage of Selenitas' history, and now, that symbol of hope was gone. She grimaced and lowered both hands to the water, cupping them to lift water to her face in a feeble attempt to wake herself up further. It was very, very early, barely past dawn. It was only sleeplessness that had brought them here. Neither female had rested peacefully. "It's to Kaegan now. I hope she knows what she's doing."

Not missing the mild relief in Savitri's tone, Hepaticath lifted her head and turned to give Hers a reproachful look. The queen had been quiet and slightly off-color as of late, due to grief and not to lack of care, but she was not so oblivious as to miss the fact that Hers was not keen to be senior. In Hepaticath's mind, it was her birthright to lead. Millieth and Hers were not of Selenitas. We could lead, Mine. But it is not ours. Not yet. the queen said with complete practicality, lowering her head back to her crossed forelegs. Ciceroth's will be frightened of you now that you are more important.

This time, it was Savitri who glared. "I'm the same as I always was. I just.... will be busier now. He'll understand that," she grumbled, though the fact that her queen, now rumbling with quiet amusement, was sound enough in mind to tease her. Great gold beast. Savitri swore she had never asked for this, even if she would never trade her lovely mindmate for all of Pern. "Stop being such a weyrling," the young woman added fiercely, wishing she could have slept in a little longer. Shards, but she needed a nap...

[Rowana]

G'tor was lost in thought as he tossed a small stone into the river. He hadn't been able to sleep well since Aslath and Shmee's deaths. He didn't think anyone had. He hadn't even known the pair personally, but that didn't matter. The Weyr just seemed empty and lifeless without them. Finally, he had given up on sleep and decided to go down to the river. He didn't feel like fishing or any of his usual water sports. Today it was simply a relief to be outside and somewhere peacefully familiar.

Tor. Ruskeath's voice was subdued but calm. The brown's presence was a great comfort to his rider. Knowing that they, at the very least, would always be together. Hepaticath and Hers are here.

G'tor looked up, a little startled. He hadn't expected anyone else to be up this early, much less one of the queen riders. He had actually never met Savitri, but felt compelled to at least say something. With the facts of Shmee's death still suspect, it was probably safest to stay with the young queen. Just in case. Star, curled tighter around his neck and stared at the others with fear and distrust. Her tiny white body could barely be seen under G'tor's unkempt hair.

G'tor approached Savitri and gave a small, polite bow. "Good morning." His voice lacked it's normal cheer, but there was still a hint of kindness. He could understand why she, of all people, would need to get away for a while. Ruskeath followed behind and his head dipped in respect to the young queen. Greetings to you and yours, he said solemnly.

[kysseh]

Savitri had been trudging her way out of the shallow water when Hepaticath alerted her to someone else's presence, the gold crooning softly in greeting to the brown and His. Someone else awake early, hmm? Savitri was didn't bother with modesty over the fact that her wet clothes clung to her body. She wrung out the hem of her wet shirt as she moved to seat herself on a rock, Shadow crawling up from out of her shirt to give a silent yawn and shake the water droplets off himself. The white 'mandyr didn't like being awakened like this. His humanpet really needed to stop with these early-morning excursions, she did.

"Good morning," Savitri returned, flicking the brownrider a polite smile. She was not one for rubbing elbows with all kinds of people. They tended to want to fawn, which resulted in her wanting to kick. Or smack. Or yell. She did not have an immediate preference among the three. "Couldn't sleep either? It's the grief. It's made the weyr go quiet," she said simply, twisting her long hair to wring out the water. It was getting far too long, apparently, given the water she could squeeze from it. A haircut would be in short order. "It's odd... without them here." 'Odd' was a good word for it, she supposed. She didn't have another adequate term for it at the moment, anyway, so that would have to do.

Hepaticath rumbled quietly, turning her head just enough to get a better look at the approaching brown. Such a somber creature, if still a very polite one. And to you and Yours as well. You do not have to be so formal, though. Mine and I do not require it. she returned, arching her back a little and then resettling down on the rocks. Ahhh, that was better! The rocks had been digging into her belly. What brings you here so early in the morning? Most are still asleep. she inquired curiously, though her tone lacked its usual energy. That would return, in time. Just not for now.

Shaking her head at her mindmate's ease in starting conversation with any creature, Savitri aimed a slightly less stiff smile at the brownrider and gestured with her chin at a nearby rock. "You can sit, if you like. I don't mind the company." He looked familiar, but she couldn't place him. Poking the white 'mandyr that perched on her shoulder didn't help either; Shadow had no images of the man for her to reference. Shardit. Time for awkward introductions. "Savitri of Hepaticath. I think we've met, but I don't remember. Things have been a little overwhelming lately," she said, her tone suitably apologetic. She liked to remember people after one or two meetings. That she didn't know him irked her. Time to rectify that, she supposed.

[Rowana]

"Too quiet," G'tor agreed with a sigh. He sat down on the offered rock, surprised at how tired he felt. He supposed he shouldn't be, though, since he hadn't slept well in recent nights. He nodded at her introduction. He knew who she was, of course. It was a rider's duty to at least know the names and faces of all the queens in his Weyr. He was not at all surprised or offended that she didn't know him in return. From what he recalled, they had never actually gotten the chance to meet face to face before. G'tor, however, had never been one to be intimidated by rank. Goldrider or no, Savitri was still a rider like the rest of them.

"It's alright," he assured her. "I'm G'tor of Ruskeath." He waved up at the brown dragon beside him. He was starting to relax a little already, his voice taking on a more easy and friendly tone. He gazed thoughtfully into the river for a moment before speaking up again. "It certainly won't be the same anymore," he agreed.

Ruskeath's eyes swirled a peaceful blue at Hepaticath's response. She was certainly more open than he had expected and it helped him feel more relaxed around her. The brown settled himself in a comfortable position, his tail dragging lazily in the water. Mine could not sleep, he explained. He thought fresh air would help. And Ruskeath would never dream of letting G'tor go anywhere alone at a time like this. What brought you here? He asked curiously, though he expected a similar answer.

[kysseh]

Smiling a bit ruefully, Savitri tossed her wet hair back over her shoulder and attempted to sit comfortably on her chosen rock, which was now more than a bit damp as a result of her sodden clothes. He was a polite one, but he wasn't fawning. This was enjoyable. She had not had a good conversation in awhile, and though she was not a social creature most of the time, being isolated did not suit her well either. His introduction elicited a more genuine smile from her, and the young woman nodded in understanding, committing both names to memory and hoping Hepaticath would, at the very least, remember the dragon. The gold was good about those sort of details.

His statement set her chuckling, and she almost absentmindedly reached up to stroke the sulking white 'mandyr on her shoulder, running her finger down his skinny, whippy little tail. "Nothing is going to be the same. Killing the weyrlings, trying to kill her and Kaegan.... those changed things for the weyr. Outright killing Shmee? That's... I almost hope it was some kind of tragic accident and not an intentional act. I don't want to be part of the war," she said, shaking her head and running her fingers through her damp hair. "Have you been here long, G'tor, or are you a new arrival?" The question was stated with polite curiosity, but, really, Savitri was trying to place him in her mental categories of people to trust or not. He seemed forthright enough, and she appreciated that. That did not make her any less cautious, though.

Ruskeath was relaxing in her presence, Hepaticath noted, and the young queen rumbled softly in contentment, her grief diminishing in the face of a comfortable conversation to be had. Her clutchmother would not have wanted her one and only queendaughter to grieve forever. No... Aslath would want Hepaticath to be strong and happy, though the young gold could not deny missing the older queen just a bit. Just... a very little bit. The fresh air helps with clear thinking, Mine often says. We came out here because trying to rest was useless. Mine could not sleep, and I could not sleep well. Hepaticath admitted, idly flicking one shining wing and then tucking it neatly against her side again. Many are not sleeping well now. Mine says this is normal for humans.

Savitri snorted softly, rolling her light green eyes at her dragon's candid statements. "Stop saying that like humans are such unusual creatures, Hepaticath. We grieve, and we worry, and it disrupts out sleep. You all just.... look off-color," she said pointedly to her mindmate, which elicited a startled sort of look from the queen. Hepaticath's eyes suddenly whirled a worried yellow, and she glanced at her own hide to be sure it was not a shade off its usual honey-gold hue. The unusual display of vanity startled a laugh from Savitri, and the young woman simply shook her head. "You're ridiculous," she informed her dragon, smiling a bit when the queen huffed. "So easy to tease..."

[Rowana]

G'tor managed a brief smile at Savitri. It was nice to see someone able to laugh, even a little, at a time like this. At least he wouldn't have to worry about her handling herself in what was bond to be a tough transition for everyone. "Me neither," he agreed. "It's bad enough knowing the North is a mess without it coming here." He tossed a loose stone into the water and watched the ripples swept away by the current. He hoped it would never come to war, but he knew he was powerless to stop it if it did.

"Not exactly new." G'tor was slightly amused by the thought and not at all upset at the implication. It wasn't as if he had ever distinguished himself among other brownriders. "Ruskeath is from the clutch before Aslath hatched," he explained. It wasn't even that long ago, he thought. Yet it seems like an entire age away.

So it seems Ruskeath agreed with Hepaticath's assessment. I have never known mine to have trouble sleeping before. Ruskeath's mind voice held a hint of amusement. Usually he has the opposite problem. <Me?> G'tor shot indignantly. <You're the one who spends hours sleeping in the sun everyday!> Ruskeath did not back down and was actually pleased to be able to elicit a positive response from his rider again. I learn from example, he explained mildly.

G'tor shook his head in disbelief and chuckle softly. Between Ruskeath's humor and Hepaticath's vanity, the day was starting to look brighter than it had a few minutes ago. "At least our dragons haven't change much," he said hopefully.

[kysseh]

Savitri flicked a reluctant sort of smile, working her fingers through the damp hair that fell over her shoulder. She briefly debated going for her comb, but she decided it was not worth the effort for the moment. There would be plenty of time for that later, and she did not wish to be rude to her new conversation partner. "I don't think we were ever really free of the war. Now it is just... more real. As callous as it sounds, I'm glad Shmee is the only casualty so far. If they eliminate a few of the bronzeriders, we're terribly short on leaders. And Kaegan... she's northern, but I don't think they would hesitate to get rid of her." The young woman shook her head, frowning at the thought. No, they could not afford to lose another queenrider... nor any of their bronzeriders, for the precious few that they had.

Her expression turned mildly apologetic at G'tor's words. She should have noticed him before, though that was water under the bridge now, to be certain. The brownrider did not seem upset by her ignorance; in fact, G'tor seemed a bit amused. Perhaps, like Ka'rys', he liked to fade into the background. "You've been here far longer than me, then. I feel ridiculous. I'm glad I know you now," she said simply, her expression quirking back to a smile at his amusement over their mindmates' consistent behavior. "No, they don't seem to have changed too much. She's still picking at me and being as ridiculous about her hide as always. What mischief is he up to?"

Mine normally does not sleep very much, but she is sleeping even less than normal, which makes me upset. Hepaticath commented, though it was clear her comments were aimed at Savitri. The queen pretended to ignore the glare she received in response. The opposite problem? He sleeps too much? she inquired, her voice tinged with bemusement. I did not know that humans could sleep too much. They should know to wake up early. It is our job to be lazy, not theirs. She rumbled with amusement, snorting softly at the thought of Hers sleeping all day. Such silliness! Humans are the oddest of creatures.

Hepaticath's amusement only increased as Savitri let out a sudden yelp of dismay, the young woman half-standing in obvious surprise, both hands coming up to her neck to ward off the attack. Of course, that only made Shadow's priorities change, and Savitri promptly flopped herself down on the rock again, huffing in obvious dislike and glaring at the white creature that was winding his way between the fingers she held in front of her face. "You're such a pain," she told the 'mandyr, rolling her eyes when he sent her a series of mind-images, more vivid than his usual 'chatter'. "You don't have one of these little pests, do you?" Savitri inquired of the brownrider, bringing the hand and its squirming white 'mandyr closer to her chest. "If you don't, don't get one like him. I adore him, but he's.... irritating. He spies on everyone." The annoyed and rather pinched expression on her face spoke volumes about her opinion of that specialty of her pet's. Ridiculous little white creature.

[Rowana]

"Oh the usual complaints about my sleeping habits," G'tor grinned and waved a dismissive hand at his dragon, who snorted loudly at him. "And I'm afraid it's too late for me, my fate is sealed." He was quite surprised to see that Savitri not only had a salamandyr, but a white one like himself. Gently, he pried Star loose from his hair to show her. Star glared at him in reproach, but seemed mildly interesting in seeing another like herself. She examined Shadow closely, but did not loosen her tight hold on G'tor's wrist. "Though she's more prone to begging for food or disappearing to the kitchens to steal some," he admitted with a chuckle.

Humans are very odd Ruskeath agreed sagely. I hope Yours and Mine will be able to sleep again soon he added with a note of concern. I do not believe this little sleep is good for them. He could be wrong, of course, he was no expert on humans, but G'tor was much more irritable than he normally was of late. Ruskeath was glad he was taking the time to talk with Hepaticath's bonded. The two seemed to be enjoying themselves.

[kysseh]

Savitri snorted softly and rolled her eyes in the direction of the two lazy lumps of dragonflesh. "I'm beginning to think they aren't happy unless they can complain about us or our 'strange' habits," she commented mildly, quirking a half-smile at the brownrider when his dragon snorted in his direction. She briefly wondered what the dragon was commenting about now but opted to not ask, mostly because her attention was being snatched by the squirming white 'mandyr on her hand. He was doing the most adorable little flailing behavior, obviously because there was another creature of roughly his size and the same color in the vicinity. Shadow did not share well and was eyeing the other white 'mandyr with something bordering dislike, posing gracefully on the back of Savitri's hand while he tried to decide how best to evict the other creature from his presence.

Sighing at her pet's grumpiness, Savitri lifted a hand to stroke Shadow's back, rewarded by a soundless vibration which she took to be a happy noise. "At least he's not the only little white speck running around now. Food-fixated, hmm? At least she can't hold a whole lot, with that tiny stomach," the young woman mused, still stroking her little 'mandyr in an attempt to keep him from sulking. He didn't like sharing Savitri's attention in the least. "Shadow just... he's genderless, and I call him a 'he' since he's obstinate and a pain... he spies on people, particularly during... Flights." She made a bit of a face at that, sighing as Shadow sent her an embarrassing stream of mind-images in response to the word 'Flight'. "It's horrible."

They will sleep when they relax again, though I doubt Mine will relax soon. She is always very tense. It is bad for her. I toss her in the river sometimes. It relaxes her. Hepaticath explained as if this sort of behavior was perfectly normal for a bonded pair. The gold did so enjoy it when Hers relaxed. Savitri did the funniest things. Mine always says that they should sleep for at least seven candlemarks out of twenty-four, but she does not follow her own advice. Not sleeping makes it easier for them to get sick, and humans get sick very, very easily. And they become quite cranky. The queen spoke with the wisdom of one who has heard these facts quite frequently. SavitriMine lectures people often. I think she should Fly more often. She sleeps better after she Flies. Does Yours? the queen asked pleasantly, wondering if Hers was normal in that respect.

[Rowana]

"Flights?" G'tor felt himself go slightly pink. Ruskeath had participated in his share of flights over the years, though he had yet to win one. It was just the kind of compromising situation that he had always thought no one would see him in. At least no one who was lucid. The thought that Shadow might be sending the images to Savitri was more than a little unsettling.

Star quickly lost interest in Shadow, as he was neither dangerous or delicious. Instead, now that she was awake, she projecting a list of her usual demands. Everything from meat to bubbly pies. G'tor chuckled and stroked her gently. "Guess I should count myself lucky then."

Indeed Ruskeath agreed heartily. Sadly, Mine has yet to Fly with anyone. I think he is waiting for me to. The brown's voice was wistful and sad. He knew he would likely succeed in a Chase someday and he had many more years before he was past his prime. He had simply done nothing to make himself stand out enough for a green to chose him yet. Perhaps if I did, Mine would sleep better too.

[kysseh]

Savitri managed a reluctant half-smile. "Yes. Flights and all of their wonderful details and nuances," the young woman admitted with a bit of a huff, stroking the little white 'mandyr and watching as the brownrider started to turn a pale shade of pink. Embarrassed, was he? "It's just flights... and flightlust. Shadow is attracted to that sort of thing." Savitri managed a bit of a shrug, her casual attitude toward sex and sex-related acts partially an act and partially an acceptance of weyr lifestyle. After having landed herself in the furs after Aslath's Flight, she found herself slightly less... bashful, about that particular topic. It was just bodies, after all, unless a person chose to make it more. Savitri chose to make it more. Ka'rys and being with him was more than just hormones and raw lust, she thought.

Of course, thinking about that incident brought up Aslath, and the young woman sighed and ducked her head, trying to put her thoughts back in order. She glanced back up again at the sound of G'tor's chuckles, quirking an eyebrow at his comment. "I guess so. She does seem better-mannered than Shadow, even if she does beg." Of course, she indulged her 'mandyr a little too much at times, which could have been the cause for Shadow's snobbery and spoiled behavior, but who knew? It could have been just his constantly-changing personality.

Yours has not Flown? Hepaticath affirmed rhetorically, surprised by this. Did not most males like to Fly quite a lot? She thought so. Ruskeath sounded quite sad about this, though, and the queen crooned in soft reassurance. You do not always have to Fly too for Yours to Fly someone. You feel as they do, and it is quite pleasant. The queen was thoughtful, tilting her golden head to one side as she considered the issue of sleeplessness. Surely, Hers knew other methods for making humans sleep more. Humans get tired easily, they do. You should make Yours swim in the sea too. It is hard work for them.

Catching only the faintest of thoughts from Hepaticath's direction, Savitri gave her dragon a curious look, wondering what the shards the young gold was up to. Hepaticath seemed to be considering how best to make humans tired. Odd. What had gotten her onto that train of thought, Savitri wondered. "They're not plotting to throw us into the water, are they? She does that at times," Savitri inquired, suspiciously eyeing the pair of dragons. She did not trust them.

[Rowana]

"Guess I should count myself lucky then," G'tor said with a chuckle. He smiled down at Star. She was starting to get a little plump. Despite his best attempts to regulate her diet, she still managed to sneak food from various places and people. She was worse than Ruskeath when he was young. Speaking of which, he eyed his dragon suspiciously. Though he was speaking privately to Hepaticath, G'tor got the sense that he was part of the subject of conversation. He and his brown would have to have a chat about that later.

Ruskeath hummed thoughtfully at the Queen's words. Perhaps he simply has not found they right one to fly? he suggested. His did seem rather modest around females. The change of subject, however, was a welcome one. Oh, Mine loves to swim. Maybe that is a good idea. He turned to eye G'tor thoughtfully.

G'tor's glance was becoming even more suspicious. "I hope not," he muttered quietly. Normally he liked swimming, he just wasn't sure he was in the mood for it right now. "If they are, someone might regret it later," he added pointedly to Ruskeath. The brown just blinked innocently at him.

[kysseh]

Savitri gave a mirthless snort, also eyeing the not-so-innocent pair of dragons with more than a little caution. She had been on the receiving end of Hepaticath's little 'pranks' quite often, and she was not keen to get tossed back in right now. Shadow would probably throw a complete tantrum over being waterlogged. "I think 'lucky' is relative. Our little white pets stop being difficult, and the big beasts start on being pains. They had better not toss one or both of the riders in. Savitri was not keen to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to the brownrider if he happened to drown. "Perhaps we'd better eavesdrop."

Rumbling softly as she turned the brown's words over in her mind, Hepaticath tilted her head to look at Hers where the young woman was perched on the rock. Silly Hers, thinking she could eavesdrop. Hepaticath would pitch her into the water later for that transgression. Swimming is a very good idea. I approve of throwing Ours in. We should wait for them to be less suspicious, though, or they will run from us. the gold commented agreeably, snorting in soft amusement as Hers proceeded to glare at her. Mine suspects something.

Savitri did, indeed, suspect that her dragon was up to no good. No... she did not suspect. "Oh, I know they're up to no good. The fact that she hasn't moved means she's plotting something," the young woman growled, sending silent threats in her dragon's direction. "Perhaps we should threaten to not give them a sand-scrubbing later. Or we could threaten to make them go hunt outside the weyr for their food. That usually gets the lazy lumps' attention." It got Hepaticath's attention, at least, for the gold promptly lifted her head to give Hers a rather scathing look. The gold got to her feet, pointedly turned around, and put her back toward the humans, still facing her head toward Ruskeath.

Mine is quite ridiculous. she said simply to the brown, as if that explained everything.

[Rowana]

"If only that were possible," G'tor answered with a sigh. Eavesdropping on dragons would certainly be a useful trick in some cases, though he wasn't sure if he really wanted to hear everything his dragon ever said to another. He was certain they had some secrets that he was better off not knowing. He eyed them both suspiciously. Savitri was right. They were definitely up to something!

Throwing them in would be amusing Ruskeath agreed, his eyes dancing merrily. He glanced over at the two riders hopefully, noting the suspicious looks. I believe mine is as well he admitted sadly. I can wait.

G'tor's eyes narrowed as he caught a hint of the dragon's discussion and noted Hepaticath's behavior. "Rusk?" he asked slowly. "You aren't thinking of throwing us in the river are you?" Ruskeath looked at the water innocently. Not now, he answered honestly. G'tor relaxed slightly, but the answer had left him wary. Ruskeath hadn't said he wouldn't, just not now.

[kysseh]

Apparently, there were people who could hear all dragons. Savitri occasionally envied them for that extra bit of knowledge, but she assumed it would become rather noisy. Her head was quite loud enough as it was, with both Hepaticath's opinion on everything and Shadow's never-ending stream of images to keep her occupied. Right now, that was quite, quite busy. "I suppose it'd get a little loud, though, having to listen to them all. Still... it'd be nice to know when they were planning on being... difficult." She pulled a face and drew up her legs to sit cross-legged on the rock, ignoring the white 'mandyr who was crawling all over her hand.

We will be patient. They will let their guard down, and then we will throw them in. Mine's White Thing will fuss at us, though. He does not like getting soaked. Hepaticath commented, daintily crossing her shining forelegs and draping her neck across them. Her head was facing away from the humans, so she did not bother to hide the rich blue-green whirl of her eyes as she plotted how to put Hers at ease so that the woman would not suspect her dunking. Have you met Ciceroth and His? Ciceroth is very skilled at carrying His around and tossing him in the river. It is quite funny. Mine always laughs. The young gold snorted quietly in amusement. I have not figured out how to carry Mine around without hurting her. Is there a good way to do it?

Savitri rolled her eyes, sorely tempted to threaten her dragon in order to keep from getting soaked. "Oh, they're thinking of it. She is. I don't think she wants me to drag her outside the weyr to hunt, though," the young woman said briskly, idly lifting her hand to her shoulder so Shadow could curl up there. Her gaze drifted from Hepaticath to the main part of the weyr, farther along the river. It was very, very early, and she doubted much of anyone would be up and functional this early. Still... she did feel some nagging sense of obligation that she should return. It could wait, though. She needed this time away from the chaos.

"Were you raised here... in the weyr?" she inquired suddenly, her gaze still focused on the distant buildings in the trees. The question may have seemed somewhat random, but she was trying to wrap her mind around the melancholy that had sunk over the weyr. "I'm holdborn. Losing the weyrwoman seems to have taken the heart out of everyone, myself included, and I just don't... don't quite understand, I suppose." She had never been overly fond of the woman, but it didn't stop her from mourning. Hepaticath's peculiar brand of grieving was not making things any easier either. It frustrated Savitri to not understand.