Everything you ever...(Tag Raylin/Farryl)

[nightingale]

So much as she hated to admit it, it was becoming painfully obvious to Saeo that no amount of eye makeup was going to destract a casual passer-by from the angry red gashes dominating her left cheek.

"It's like having a second head..."

She mused darkly, scowling at her reflection. Across the room, Cherilith made a small, sleepy noise. The little blue raised his head ever so slightly, inner lids still shut.

Saeomine, your red paint is very pretty! Maybe if you put more on the other cheek? Or maybe more of the nice-smelling water...Cherilith does like that water...

The girl smiled wryly in spite of the frustration that threatened to make a mess of her eye paint for the second time that day. Oh, what did it really matter anyway? It wasn't as if anybody was going to be looking at her. She planned to spend the night of the Hatching Feast in a state of near isolation if at all possible. She just hadn't the strength for socializing right now...

[Rei]

"What’s like having a second head?" Raylin asked curiously from the doorway as she strode in Ebolath dragging her feet at her heels. The little green wasted no time with introductions however preferring to waddle over to her clutch brother and snuggle against him. Hello Clutchbrother mine. I am so sleepy do you mind if I join you? Raymine has come to see yours.

The new Weyrling watched the progress of her dragon and smiled before turning back to Saeo. “Well it doesn’t look to bad now that the healers stitched you up.“ She offered. “Just thank Faranth that Neikolai’s new bonded didn’t decide to attack you instead of Pasine.” Raylin repressed a shudder. No one deserved what that blue had wrought.

“Actually I guess it isn’t Neikolai anymore huh?” She hoped her desperate attempts at a conversation went well. She was still feeling a nagging guilt for leaving Saeo on the sands. Ebolath raised her head and crooned to hers. It is ok Raymine. She will forgive you. The little hatchling stated in a comforting tone before half lidding her jewel faceted eyes. Raylin smiled “Ebolath says you will forgive me. Your blue is darling what’s his name?”

[nightingale]

Shells. She'd been spotted.

"Neiko is still Neiko -his attitude problem just has a physical form now."

Saeo murmured dryly, careful not to meet Raylin's eyes in the mirror as she noticed her standing in the doorway. She focused her attention instead on watching the girl's infant green wander over to join Cherilith on his couch. The blue said nothing, but made a small sound of pleasure as his Clutchsister cozied up against him. It wasn't long before his outer eyelids drifted shut and he was sleeping peacefully. Great, Raylin was trapping her with contented dragons.

"His name is Cherlilith,"

She sighed reluctantly, brushing her mouse brown hair into a position it could never hope to keep.

"and I really do not see what I have to forgive you for. Now what is it you want from me? Shall I pin your hair up for the banquet? You can't be planning on wearing it in that matted runnertail."

[Rowana]

"Saeo?" Farryl poked her head around the door. She had heard the mummer of voices and thought it was a sure sign that her friend had arrived. She wanted to see how Saeo had faired after her experiences on the sands. "How are you feeling?" She stepped more fully into the room. She was pleased to see Saeo up and talking. The injuries looked much better now that the healers had had a chance to attend to them. Raylin was here too and Farryl beamed a smile at everyone. "Congratulations to both of you," she greeted warmly. She hesitated to come in further without permission. She wasn't sure if she had been interrupting the conversation.

Peppeth and Tille had no such reservations. Revived by a brief catnap, the newborn dragon came bounding into the room with her tiny green friend spiraling over head. The two had bonded instantly, united by a similar love of people and new things. Farryl could already tell she would have quite a chore keeping them both under control. Peppeth when to her clutch siblings and immediate greeted the with enthusiams. <Peppeth is so pleased to meet you!> She circled them once, then snuggled into Cherlilith's other side. <May she join you?> she asked eagerly, though she did not wait for a reply before settling herself down with them. Tille was not in the mood for sleep and set about poking her nose at Saeo's mirror, fascinated by the shiny reflections within it.

[Rei]

Raylin kept silent there was no need to make things worse by allowing herself to say something she would regret. “Cherlilith? He has a lovely name.” She said in as cheerful a tone as she could manage. It still sounded fake. She fell silent again as she regarded to two sleepy hatchlings. The new weyrling sighed. She couldn’t keep playing this game of false comfort.

“Saeo come off it. I know your mad at me for my actions on the sands. I feel bad enough without you pretending everything is ok. I was torn. Ebolath had just bonded to me and my mind was completely wrapped in her’s there was no room for anything else. You understand don’t you? You had the same feeling with Cherlilith. I couldn’t tear myself away from her to help you anymore than I could tear my own soul out of my body.” Her voice was quavering at this point and tears were beginning to run down her cheeks but she ignored them. “If you want to keep acting coldly towards me that is fine but don’t expect me to play pretend.” Raylin fell silent after that having nothing else to say.

Ebolath raised her head from it’s position next to her clutch brother and crooned soothingly to her bonded, the little hatchlings eyes begging to twirl a light orange. I Love you Raymine. I am yours and you are the most beautiful creature on Pern. I will always be here for you.

The girl turned to look at her bonded but was distracted by a voice at the door. Raylin turned to see Farryl standing in the doorway. “Thank you. Congratulations to you to.” The dark haired girl managed to choke out before wiping a hand across her face to obscure her tears. She managed a smile as Farryl’s tiny dragon and green flitter Tille bounded into the room. It was hard to be upset with two bubbly creatures amusing you with their antics. Hello Clutchsister Peppeth. Of course you may join Clutchbrother Cherlilith and I. Ebolath said merrily her eyes regaining their happy blue color.

[nightingale]

"You don't need to pretend anything!"

The girl cried in frustration, pale skin flushed beneath her freckles.

"I'm not...I don't want to be angry with you! It just...it hurt! Standing out there on my own, wondering if anyone even cared that I was there...and I know that I've no right to feel that way because I have not only my life but the most gorgeous little dragon pern has ever seen, which if far more than poor Pasine can claim! But...but right now...I just...I feel wretched...and I need some time to sleep it off..."

She winced, blotting at charcoal stained tears with a nearby hand towel as she felt them stinging into her fresh stitches. STUPID stitches! They hurt every time she opened her mouth and made her look like some kind of world-ravaged accident victim...

Cherilith raised his sleepy head in tandem with his green Clutchsister, his sleepy eyes whirling a concerned yellow-orange.

Saeo? Why is my Saeo upset? It's nothing Cherlilith, go back to sleep. Saeomine is upset with Ebolath's? No, I'm just -

The girl's attention was firmly jerked away from reassuring her dragon as she realized that Farryl was at the door. With shame and frustration she rubbed at the hopelessly smeared charcoal on her eyes, trying to avoid making eye contact with either of the girls

"Thank you Farryl."

She murmured, only halfway suceeding in keeping her voice even and calm.

"Please, come in."

[Rowana]

Farryl hesitated before coming fully inside. It did seem like she had interrupted something important between the two. They even looked like they had been crying. Farryl wasn't sure what was up, but decided not to ask. It was probably private and besides, now was the time to cheer them up before the feast. As if in agreement to this sentiment, Tille had moved from Saeo's mirror to the girl's shoulder. She squirmed around, throughly exploring the lengths of hair.

"Tille, stop it!" Farryl scolded, before smiling at the other two. "Thank you," she answered happily. She paused a moment, trying to thing of a way to change the subject and cheer them up. Remembering the feast, her smile grew wider and she went on, "What are you both going to wear?" she asked brightly. "It won't be often we'll get to dress up all fancy like this."

Peppeth purred loudly for such a small size. She was tired, but she didn't want to sleep until the other humans were happy again. Sadness was so, well, sad! It wasn't fun at all! At least her Farryl was trying to help. Soon they would all be having fun again. Peppeth gave a tiny yawn. She hoped it would be soon. She would rather go to sleep feeling happy than feeling sad.

[Rei]

Raylin turned back to Saeo and a shocked expression crossed her face. “Saeo I didn’t mean to make you cry. I just…..I.” She paused and Ebolath gave a croon of encouragement to her bonded rising from her curled position beside Cherlilith. Raymine we may leave if that is what you wish. The weyrling gave a shuttering sigh. “I am not going to the feast. You can plan out what you are wearing with Saeo. I don’t want to celebrate when I am feeling so miserable. I am sorry for bothering you Saeo. I have no right to demand things of you. You are in pain and I am sorry for upsetting you further.”

Raylin turned to leave and Ebolath stretched before trotting after her. Goodbye Clutchsister Peppeth and Clutchbrother Cherlilith. She said happily before butting against her mind mate’s legs. Vega suddenly winged into the room and gave a soothing croon to Raylin before settling onto her shoulder and rubbing his head against her cheek. Why was his so upset? “I will see you later Farryl have fun at the feast.” She said forcing a smile as she walked to the door Ebolath trailing after.

[nightingale]

"Raylin, you hold your place right this minute or so help me I'll tear my stitches out chasing you down!"

Saeo growled, resenting the fact that she had to lift herself upright like an enfeebled old woman to keep from re-opening anything that had been stitched or scabbed shut earlier. Tille received a small, affectionate stroke from the girl as she made her way across the room toward Raylin. She hated leaving Farryl to watch something like this from the sidelines, but it needed to end. Now.

"We're friends!"

She cried, colourless eyes flickering miserably within dark smears of charcoal.

"This feast marks the first day of the rest of our lives -as riders! This is the sort of day that we're going to miss when we're older and we're wasting it on silly tears and needless pity! Now if you don't march yourself and that gorgeous little creature you call Yours right back into my quarters immediately so I can hug you and help paint your eyes for tonight I will never forgive you!"

[Rowana]

Peppeth's sleepy head shot up in concern. Why was Ebolath leaving? Why was everyone so sad? Weren't they supposed to be happy? They had each other after all. The little green crooned in worry and confusion. Farryl patted her sympathetically as she watched in sadness as Raylin left. She had interrupted something important, it seemed. It must be serious for her to be so upset. Leaving Peppeth to cuddle Cherilith in comfort, Farryl started after her friends. Raylin had to come to the feast! It wouldn't be any fun leaving her out like this.

Saeo was doing a good job of convincing her, Farryl thought, but she decided she could add her own words. "Saeo's right," she said emphatically. "This is one of the most important days of our lives. We should be celebrating not living in the past. What's done is done. You're both sorry and that's enough as far as I'm concerned." She smiled at both of them. "You're both my friends and I want us to all be friends forever. Now let's stop this silliness and get on to the more important things. Like what are we going to wear that will make boys swoon over us?" She said the last like with a conspiratory wink. She was looking forward to this and she knew they were too, even if they were both a little upset at the moment.

[Rei]

Raylin’s forward momentum stopped and she stood stone still at Saeo’s first exclamation but made no move to turn around. "Raylin, you hold your place right this minute or so help me I'll tear my stitches out chasing you down!" Did she really mean that? Knowing Saeo the answer was yes. She felt her dragon’s questioning prod and she sent a quick reassurance through their bond. Vaguely she felt Vega’s conscious stir in another part of her mind.

"We're friends!" They were? Of course they were. Why wouldn’t they be. She turned to face Saeo at that point. Noticing the miserable look on her best friends face, her eyes let loose her own tears. How could she make her friend feel this way? She was sick of making those close to her feel miserable. Would it ever end? Raymine I don‘t feel miserable. I love you. You are mine and you would never make me feel sad. The utter confidence in her dragon’s tone left no room for doubt as the hatchling pressed her head against Raylin’s leg.

"This feast marks the first day of the rest of our lives -as riders! This is the sort of day that we're going to miss when we're older and we're wasting it on silly tears and needless pity! Now if you don't march yourself and that gorgeous little creature you call Yours right back into my quarters immediately so I can hug you and help paint your eyes for tonight I will never forgive you!" That statement was all it took to have Raylin flying across the room and pulling Saeo into a tight embrace. “Oh Saeo I am so sorry. We’re both a pair of wherrie brained twits.”

"This is one of the most important days of our lives. We should be celebrating not living in the past. What's done is done. You're both sorry and that's enough as far as I'm concerned." The dark haired girl turned to Farryl as the girl spoke and managed a small smile. “Your right Farryl. Thank you.” Do you really think I am gorgeous? Ebolath asked the entire room, her head tilted to the side as she regarded Her’s and Cherlilith‘s. Raylin burst out laughing and had to clutch Saeo for support. “Of course darling you are absolutely stunning.”

Vega winged into the room and landed on a bedpost blinking sleepily. The utter chaos of swirling emotions flying about the room was making him uncomfortable and there was no way he was going to nap now. Females, they never made sense even when your mind was entwined with one. He gave an exasperated chirp and startled preening his wings. Raylin couldn’t help a chuckle. “Vega thinks were all crazy.” She rolled her eyes, typical man. The girl peeled herself from Saeo and walked over to Farryl also pulling her into an short embrace. Turning to the girls she wiped her face and smiled broadly. “So what should we wear?”

[nightingale]

Saeo winced, visibly and audibly, as she felt Raylin's arms close around her. Hugs were lovely of course, but with twelve stitches in her chest and no numbweed to soothe them for fear she might unknowingly tug one out with a sudden movement, she also considered them very painful. Ah well, what was a little bit of pain between friends?

"Ooch! Watch who you're calling a twit Raylin!"

She gasped, a small laugh mixing in with her voice as she returned the hug as best she could.

"That's twice I've been mauled today -first by a green and now by a greenrider! If I have to take any more abuse, I shall fall to pieces!"

Farryl's commentary was both wise and appreciated, and earned her a grateful smile from Saeo. She was such a good friend -and Raylin as well. Whatever she'd done to deserve this -good friends, a blue dragon, a beautiful place to live and a chance at her dream of riding against the Thread- it hadn't been nearly enough.
She sighed gratefully when Raylin finally released her, feeling the burning in her chest subside to a dull ache as she tried to catch her breath. The mention of what they were wearing to the Hatching Feast however, drew an audible groan from her throat.

"Ugh, I'll just polish my boots and wear a clean shirt."

She sighed, wandering over to her bed and flopping down on her back.

"I'm not feeling very pretty tonight. I'll just do your hair and paint and consider that my contribution to the male population of Selenitas."

But Mine is beautiful! Cherilith broadcast emphatically, his words accompanied with concern and confusion as to why His would ever think otherwise. Carefully extricating himself from Peppeth, the little blue waddled over to Saeo's bedside, lifting himself up with his forelegs so he could stare down at her with confused yellow-green eyes. Beautiful, beautiful Saeo! Your Cherilith picked you especially because you are so beautiful and he loves you very much!

Unable to restrain an affectionate laugh at how heartbreakingly sincere her dragon's words were, the girl reached up and pulled his face to her so she could kiss him on the nose.

"Oh you big silly! I'm just complaining because I'm tired and cranky. Ahhh, but then, there's no real reason for me to get dressed up, is there? Whatever do I need a man for when I have a dragon so devoted?"

[Rowana]

Farryl smiled widely at her two friends. She was so pleased that Raylin had agreed to come and that both she and Saeo seemed to have forgiven each other. Now they could turn their attention to the equally daunting task of getting ready for the feast. Farryl had never attention such an event before, though she had been to many gathers. She didn't have much to wear beyond what she had brought and had never put paint on before. She supposed she would have to leave that to Saeo.

"Well, I've got these." She held out the clothes she had brought and shook them to get rid of some of the dusty. The long skirt and flowing blouse had probably been nice once, but after over a year of abuse in Farryl's haversack, they had seen better days. The skirt was now more of a faded brown color than red and the creamy blouse has a stain on one side. "Oops." Farryl looked crestfallen at the state of her garments. "Guess I should have washed them out days ago."

She shrugged dismissively. "I'm sure we all look pretty enough as we are." She turned to Saeo hopefully. "Especially if Saeo does our hair and faces. I bet that will do wonders more than nice clothes." She had never had her hair in more than a few braids and was looking forward to letting her friend play with it a bit. It was so good to have female friends to do these things with.

[Rei]

Raylin was back to feeling cheerful again, so Ebolath counting her work as done, waddled over to Peppeth and flopped down beside her. She gave a small croon and nuzzled her clutch sister. Having completed her greeting she exhaled and then let her eyelids fall over whirling blue eyes. Cheering people up was hard work. Raylin looked over at her hatchling and smiled.

She tore her attention from her bonded to listen to her two friends and shook her head in disagreement. “Come now you two can’t wear anything like that to a formal occasion.” She said in mock horror. “I brought quite a few dresses from home I am sure I have something you would fit in. I have kind of a collection of them.” She said a bit sheepishly. “In fact when I was searched I had a heck of a time deciding which ones to bring.” She walked out into the hallway and dumped a bag of clothes onto the bed.

“Lets see I am going the wear the green one, she neatly lay the dress on the bed before dragging out three more, I have blue, red , and a navy one left. Take your pick.” she said brightly before waving the two girls towards the dresses and sitting on the bed next to Vega. The fire lizard vacated the bedpost in favor of his bonded’s shoulder and gave a pleased chirp.

[nightingale]

Using her dragon's neck for support, Saeo levered herself upright so she could examine Farryl's formal attire with a skeptical gleam in her eye. Surely she wasn't willing to be seen wearing that? Had they been her clothes, Saeo would have tossed them in the fireplace and worn her candidate uniform. Then all at once Raylin was at her side, happily tossing a half dozen brightly coloured frocks onto the furs beside her.

"For the love of firestone, Raylin!"

She exclaimed, wincing a a small chuckle sent a ripple of pain across her chest.

"All these lovely clothes and you still insist on dressing like a boy?"

She clicked her tongue disapprovingly, running an admiring hand along a seam in the red dress. Well, now that she had no excuse Saeo was going to make sure that her friend dressed in a manner more appropriate to her gender and status, even if she had to burn the rest of her clothes.

"Lets see...the red one for Farryl definitely. She has the breasts for it."

Mine must wear the blue one! Cherilith informed the room, a happy croon rising from his throat as he nudged the sheer fabric.

"Cherilith, I can't wear a low-cut dress you silly fool."
She sighed, rubbing the creature's neck affectionately.

"I'm all scratched up like a feline's plaything! I don't need that kind of attention.."

But Cherilith would not be dissuaded. He nudged at the dress until it was a proper ball of fabric he could get his teeth around, then pick it up and draped it over the girl's head. Saeo growl in mock fury, narrowing her eyes at the smiling dragon. Mine must wear the blue one. It matches her Cherilith.