Had I known how to save a life [Rei]

[rii]

How many is that?
"Eleven."
And that's a good number, right?
"Oh.. it could be higher."

Jenna said it nonchalantly, but it was enough to spur Versaith into scouring the beach yet again. The green padded over the damp area constantly washed clean by the in coming waves. She raked her claws here and there, no real patience to the task as she simply tried to do it as quickly as possible. Sea shells was her goal - and her rider had added challenge to the task by specifying what size and shape she needed. And, and she had to do it before Her's finished another hair braid. Frantic, Versaith finally spotted the tan and white conch-like shell, scooped it up in her jaws and shook it clean in the water before racing back to land at the Jenna's feet.

"You almost didn't make it back in time," She finished braiding up the small bit of hair. Versaith deposited the shell into the waiting palm, and Jenna tied the end of braid around it. Once released it joined the growing collection of miniature braids she had made at random in her past chin-length hair. Should probably cut it soon, but for now she'd do one of the few things she how to do to fix it up. No one to impress, or anyone that would even really like it, but it made her feel nice regardless. About as dressed up as she would ever get.

More? With an musical clink of shells from nod of Jenna's head, Versaith set off again, eager to do the task faster than her last attempt. Only, Jenna ever so forgetfully forgot to count away the seconds and commented that Versaith was just a second off from beating the record. It did well to keep the four month old dragon content and busy. Otherwise the green found ways to cause trouble.. usually with other dragons. Not the most wise thing to do with some of the irritable wastelanders.

So, no lessons that day and chores already done, Jenna had set out to take a long walk. No one stopped her, and the beach wasn't too far away. The trails were well worn and marked all the way to the ocean; and she had once heard a fire lizard hatching had taken place on the sands. Thus she went and upon arriving settled down, sandals off and feet buried in the warm sand, with intention of lingering a good few hours in relaxation. Her eyes followed Versaith as she ventured further and further down the line of damp sand to find the right sized shell.

[Rei]

Lucith flipped his tail back and forth idly, lazing in the sun as his rider swam not far away. Eyes half lidded he was just drifting off into a doze when movement caught his eye. The response was instantaneous the slate blue uncoiling in a lightning fast movement and springing to his feet, talons digging into the sand and a hiss in his throat. The hiss was cut off when he realized what the moving object was. A baby green? How….odd. Did she have any scars? Maybe she needed some.

Slinking forward Lucith started in the baby’s direction. As he drew closer his maw parted in a macabre smile and his pace quickened. Perhaps just a scare? Something to make her squeal? Would she squeal? As the blue drew closer he lowered his head and gave a low growl his larger form whipping around Versaith and cutting her off from the rest of the beach. Hello baby. Are you lost? Teeth flashing white in the sunlight he lowered his head. Why so far away? Don’t you know there are monsters lurking here? Tail snaking around Lucith created a half circle with his body and dug his talons into the wet sand. Nostrils flared as he tested Versaith’s scent looking for fear but willing to accept about anything. Even anger after all if she struck at him he was justified in reaction.

Z’ves floated lazily on the ocean waves, one eye opening as he caught the rush of odd movement and thought through the bond. Lucith wasn’t normally allowed so much free rein and the bastard was taking full advantage of the momentarily freedom. A snarl curling up one lip the bluerider started back to shore. However he was taking his sweet time. No sense in rushing. Through the blue’s eyes he had seen the very young dragon. Which meant her weyrling couldn‘t be far. The mental reins had been put back in place and his dragon was under complete control again. Although for all intensive purposes it sure didn’t seem that way to the spectator. Vicious idiot Lucith was. He clearly needed to learn manners again. A brief pang of shame and slight fear came across the link at that thought and Z’ves smiled. Wading the final feet back to shore the bluerider nonchalantly wrung out his hair.

Plenty of time to get to the dragons now. With a lazy stride he started to approach the distant beasts, whistling a lazy tune on on the way and scanning the horizon for the frantic weyrling he was sure was going to show up very soon. Until he or she did show Z’ves was content to be lazy and unconcerned. Once they did show up however he would have to be properly horrified. Bad Lucith. How dare you ‘play’. as he got closer he schooled his expression into something disproving although underneath it all he was very amused. What was it about greens that got his blue’s blood all in a fury? If he wanted to he could find out but it didn’t matter. Lucith’s little tantrums had brought him some of his best playmates.

[rii]

Even though the blue's weight was enough to be felt, let along heard, bounding down the beach, Versaith didn't even lift her head. She was too absorbed in her task to notice much of anything but her desire to do it as quickly as possible. It wasn't until Lucith blotted out the sun, and barred her path, did she lift her head to regard the toothy smile directed at her. The green's tail flick to the side in irritation - couldn't he see she was busy.

There are no such things as monsters, She stated bluntly, wholly unamused, while turning to climb over his tail. You're in my way. Weirdo, sniffing at her like that - tch. Versaith turned her gaze back to the sand to resume her search.

Jenna, however, was not quite as unconcerned as her dragon. Her hands were held next to her head, strands sectioned off between her fingers but frozen in mid motion as she watched the full-grown blue run up and curl around her small green. Perhaps she should have been worried that Versaith might get attacked, but the only worry that popped up in her mind is that she might be in trouble from being out on the beach. Never even crossed her mind that the blue - playing? - with Versaith might be an enemy dragon.

She hadn't moved her spot in the sand, but at least she finished braiding the hair as she sought out sight of the rider. Please don't let it be the weyrling master. His blue dragon was weird, but she was pretty sure that it was a different shade than the one currently coiling around her hatchling. When her gaze settled on the soaked, nearly nude, shape of Z'ves, Jenna absently stared a few moments before snapping her gaze to the sky. Yes, clouds were very interesting at this time of day.

Jenna peeked at the man before again looking away, her fingers separating another piece of hair to braid. She was trying ever so hard not to be worried about her appearance right at that moment, and wondering absently why she hadn't worn the nice wrap around skirt she owned. Another glance. He didn't look familiar, which meant either she had not met him yet or he was a wastelander. He didn't look scary either. Maybe she should go down and say hello?

Uhm, hm..

[Rei]

Regarding the baby green the way a starving man might a steak did not seem to be unnerving this little one. How peculiar. Lucith had to resist tilting his head in confusion. Instead he dipped his head down lower to get a closer look. Versaith’s words caused an amused snort, his grin only widening. Either this baby was fearless or just plan stupid. The blue preferred to think of her as fearless, because in all honestly he wasn’t a nice dragon. Her flight response must have been close to nothing. That made her….desirable. The little munchkin had just passed her first test as far as Lucith was concerned. Pity she hadn’t struck out at him though. He liked to maul those types. Calm whirling eyes regarded Versaith again and the blue even lifted his tail a little higher than ground level to make her climb over it more difficult.

Uncoiling from his position he lunged forward and attempted to pin her by her neck to the sand with one forepaw. The male was extremely careful not to pierce her with any of his talons. Lucith didn’t want to hurt her. Yet. Oh how little you know of the world little one. Monsters lurk in more than darkness and they do not always appear hideous. They can hide themselves quite well. The blue’s tongue darted out to touch the small green. I should know. I am one. Again he gave his macabre smile, eyes a calm green blue. In your way? Excuse me if I don’t immediately apologize to you oh impatient one. A snap of teeth close to Versaith’s face before he pulled his head back up and tilted it, regarding her as one might a peculiar insect.

“Lucith!” The words where harsh and the blue’s head whipped around to regard his, calm blue eyes the same whirling shade. Z’ves swatted the dragon’s muzzle hard. No it didn’t really actually hurt Lucith but it had when he was a hatchling and such things where so ingrained in his memory that the blue gave an apologetic croon and lifted his forepaw from the green’s neck immediately. Recoiling back from his bonded’s mind the dragon continued to watch Versaith. My apologies. The words given to both his and the green. Jenna was excluded. Lucith hated speaking to other humans. In fact he outright refused to. Unless directly ordered of course because he was incapable of disobeying his. In anything.

Giving another glare to his dragon the bluerider turned to catch sight of the young girl sitting on the sand not far away. He had caught her quick look before her gaze redirected to the sky. A small smile claimed his features before he started in her direction, absently brushing a few droplet of water off his bare chest. Drawing closer Z’ves cleared his throat even as he subtlety appraised Jenna with calm blue eyes. Young, not that that had ever mattered to him.

“Hello there. I should apologize for Lucith. He’s just been a bit energetic lately and I have to constantly remind him that not everyone plays like he does.” Drawing closer the rider gave a friendly smile and ran a hand through his wet hair. “Now where are my manners? My name is Z’ves. Mind if I sit here with you? The beach is always more interesting when you have someone to share it with.” Another warm smile directed towards the girl. “The shells are a nice touch. I’m jealous.”

[rii]

Versaith stumbled forward into the sand after Lucith's helpful rise of tail. She picked herself up, head swiveling to shoot the odd blue an annoyed look when his clawed foot came down. A startled yelp escaped her as she tugged and pulled to get free, resorting to shoving her own feet against Lucith's with a irritated growl. With a wing she bat her tongue away. Have monstrous bad breath, but you are still just a dragon.

What was his problem?

The scrawny green snorted out bits of sand after being freed. Lucith had already ruined her race to get a new shell back to her to-be rider. She turned away, uninterested, and started again to scour the sands. You should be sorry for wasting my time. Don't do it again. Her tail snapped irritably as she moved away from the blue and back toward the incoming waves. Stupid blue, slowing her down — oh a shell! Scooping it up, Versaith race past Lucith and toward the two riders.

Torn between sharing her own name and assuring Zves that he could sit there, Jenna lips just formed a few syllables without actually saying anything. Norther accent, definitely, which meant he really was a wastelander – he didn't look that old, but older than her by a good few years. He seemed nice enough, but for a moment Jenna peered curiously at him. "Jenna – I'm Jenna, I mean."

She felt her face begin to warm at the compliment. It reminded her of A'emi who had so carelessly flirted and flustered her all night at the feast. "Jealous? Do you want shells in your–ack!" Versaith had arrived, dumping the mouthful of sand, and one tiny shell, into Jenna's lap expecting to get praised for her actions. The young girl immediately jumped to her feet, wiping frantically at her lap while silently cursing the green for embarrassing her. The cheeks that might have hinted at a blush were now completely red.

Versaith snorted at the mental reprimanding. She didn't see the problem. They were having a good time with the shell game until these two showed up. The green shrewdly surveyed Z'ves - the guy couldn't be that interesting. Why? Because his blue wasn't fun. Regardless of Versaith's sulking, Jenna picked up the shell and brushed it off before holding it out to Z'ves with a half-grin. "Here, no need to be jealous."

[Rei]

Lucith had liked her struggling, the comment about his breath had been ignored. Of course he had bad breath. He was a dragon. Her’s was probably just as offensive. Silly baby trying to hurt with words. She would learn. Or maybe not. His sinister smile was given again to Versaith. Oh look there green had an attitude. Inwardly the blue was very amused. He hoped she wouldn’t grow out of that attitude. He liked green’s with attitude. They where fun to hunt. Fun to fluster. Fun to hurt. He wanted to mark his one already. Oh he would remember this green and her attitude, and one day Versaith would see what her words got her.

The dragon could feel his rider’s curiosity through the bond along with the comment that they would see when Versaith grew. Perhaps. Watching the baby with calm whirling eyes Lucith sprawled out on the sand, tail tip idly flicking, as Versaith continued her game charging up towards the riders. Too bad. The blue wanted to play with her some more. Maybe flip her upside down and see what reactions that caused. Or maybe just a tiny nip to see how she tasted… No. You will not touch her. A soft snort of acceptance before Lucith idly turned his attention back to the sea.

Smiling brightly Z’ves nodded, diplomatically ignoring her first reaction. Put her at ease first. Then he could get to know her better. Decide if she had any merit. “Jenna.” He repeated her name in a cheerful tone. “Well then Jenna it’s nice to meet you. I’m not used to seeing weyrling riders this far from the weyr but you’ve sure picked a nice day to visit the beach.” Noting her blush the bluerider gave another warm smile and listened to her begin to speak. Until Versaith dumped a mouthful of sand into the girl’s lap, complete with yet another small shell that is. Well then. that was what the baby green was doing routing around in the sand. Finding shells for her lovely bonded.

Quietly the man watched Jenna’s cheeks redden more before he turned his attention to the small green hatchling. “Well now aren’t you a clever girl? I bet you can’t find a blue shell though. That color is amongst the hardest to find. They are really pretty though. I’m sure your Jenna would look even lovelier with a blue shell somewhere in her collection.” Get the green away for some moments so he could have some alone time with the rider. That was the goal. He preferred to speak to this Jenna without the dragon’s input and Lucith wouldn’t work as an adequate distraction so maybe a challenge would?

Chuckling briefly Z’ves returned his attention back to Jenna and accepted the shell with a return smile. “Ah and such a generous soul to. You are too kind. I’m afraid I won’t look near as good as you with this addition but that’s okay. I’ll just enjoy your beauty instead. No need to compete.” Winking at her the rider rolled the little shell around in his palm and made a show of trying to fix it into a strand of his dark hair. It was longer than it had been in the past currently. Falling almost to his chin. He would have to cut it again soon.

Finally with a sigh Z’ves gave up and gave the green weyrling a light frown. “Seems as if I’m not as talented as you in the hair decoration department. Mind doing it for me?” With a slight sheepish expression he re-offered her the shell and gave a light smile. Hmm she was cute at the very least. A little flustered maybe but she was young, so that was to be expected.

[rii]

Versaith's eyes narrowed further on Z'ves, and without even a word turned around to search the sands. She'd find that shell and prove to him that she could fine anything. He'd be all red in the face then – instead of hers being all flustered at a little sand. Versaith glanced back at them, accidentally flicking a bit in the man's direction before returning her nose to the sand. Blue shell, blue shell.

"Uhm, do the shells even come in a blue shade?" She watched Versaith's search with a touch of worry, shooting a doubtful look at Z'ves. He may not realize it, but Versaith was so stubborn that even if the shell didn't exist, she would refuse to return to the weyr until she found such a shell. Although, Z'ves additional of even more positive comments started to make Jenna doubt the genuine nature of any of them. Mocking her, was he. Jenna's eyes narrowed shrewdly on the man. The girl knew beautiful, and she knew she wasn't anything that men considered lovely in women. She was no one boy would go out of their way to meet and compliment.

Still, his request made her glance at the small shell and nibble on the corner of her lip in uncertainty. "I'd rather not." It must have sounded rude, but Jenna was never known for her gracious manners. The situation was already building toward awkward the more he attempted to flatter her, and her growing doubts of his intentions. Yet if she was wrong? "It's silly anyway."

Here she reached up to remove one of the shells from her hair, slowly unraveling the braid afterward. "Versaith just insists on bringing me more. I might make a necklace out of them later." She fidgetted with the shell between her fingers, glancing briefly at Z'ves. "You come out here to swim often?"

[Rei]

Turning as Jenna spoke Z’ves gave a light smile. “Actually they do. I’m not a liar. There is actually a group of little blue ones further down the beach. Stuck to some seaweed close to where I was swimming before. Real light baby blue color.” Shrugging the bluerider watched the young green amble off, a glance spared for Lucith as the older blue shifted to keep Versaith in sight. “I also saw a really attractive red one few days ago. Amazing what the sea can spit out when it wants to.” Giving the girl another gentle smile his face remained impassive as her eyes narrowed.

Hmm something he said not agreeing with her? Pity, but no matter sometimes you had to take shot sin the dark to find out what worked. She was quite young after all. Z’ves had to keep reminding himself of this fact. Maybe in the end she wouldn’t be such a good playmate. Darn. She was a weyrling as well, which made playing with the greenrider…tricky at best. Not that the bluerider minded tricky. No in fact he was content to see where this ended up. If this Jenna got boring there where plenty of others he could try a hand at. But right now he was content to try and make friends. Used he was to his conquests taking awhile. It just made the end benefits all the more enjoyable. All that careful and nice preparation beforehand.

Noting her body language the man half turned to ‘watch’ Versaith and give Jenna some space. “That’s fine. Your right to refuse. Just thought I’d ask.” Shrugging and playing at indifference Z’ves held the shell up to examine it again. “I will keep it though if you don’t mind?” As he pocketed the shell the bluerider gave the girl a light frown. “You don’t have to take them out on my account. I think they look nice. My apologies if I made you uncomfortable. I meant the compliments, but I understand if they make you feel awkward. I really need to learn some restraint with those I just met. Bad habit of mine. Too friendly for my own good.” A light and airy chuckle before the man folded his legs underneath him to sit. Looking past Lucith out towards the ocean he gave a small grin before deciding to answer her question.

“Depends on what you mean by often? If wing drills and other duties permit it I like to take some time to swim. Or run. Or anything of the like. Nice to keep active. Improves mood and all that.” Leaning back on his palms he looked sideways at Jenna. “You swim?”