New Friends, Old Faces [E'iah]

[Ruby]

Ten had assumed that Hyphen would be approximately like Selenitas, or her island home on Ista. She'd been to the hold, of course, once for a Gather and once to search Roselle, who had later impressed Green. But... well, apparently she'd never really looked at the place she would now be living, likely forever. It was mountainous and rather harsh, with the exception of the guest quarters where the wealthy from all over Pern came with their different customs and identical noses in the air. Hordes of rich folk were never really Ten's style.

Every time she caught herself complaining, though, she remembered her engagement, and smiled. She'd have moved to any hold on Pern to avoid that. Her only regret was hurting her family, and having to keep her presence a secret from Quinnian. She'd met the young Lord Heir a few times and figured he'd need all the friends he could get, but she needed to lie low for a while.

Her first order of business after moving in and getting settled, though, was to find E'iah. In a hold so adverse to riders, they would have to stick together.

She knocked on his door just after dinner, balancing a small plate of dried and candied fruits in the other hand. Milanie's influence was very much still in effect, and Ten was likely more made-up than her younger classmate had ever seen her, and more put-together, too. She hadn't seen E'iah in two or three years now, not since the Summit, and it wasn't like they'd been the best of friends. Classmates, yes, but that was over six turns ago now. She'd kept tabs on him and Viveth just as she kept tabs on the rest of her class, but hadn't gone out of her way to get to know him especially well. Well, now she had plenty of time to make up for past slights! Right?

"E'iah? Are you there?" She wondered, vaguely, if he was expecting her, if anyone had bothered to mention to him that she was coming. As she straightened her skirt, she decided it hardly mattered.

[Tashe]

Although his parents lived in the inner city near all the nobles, and had offered to rent him out part of the house, E'iah had chosen to live in a more enjoyable environment. When he was reassigned to Hyphen, the Bluerider had immediately insisted on living on his own and had quickly and efficiently procured a place that suited both his wishes and his families. Near the west edge of the hold proper was a bakery run by a kind old woman and her family, whose bread and other pastries were sold cheaply and were pretty much to die for. In exchange for a modest price, as well as working in the bakery once or twice a week for a few hours, E'iah got to occupy the upper story of the shoppe. Although since Viveth couldn't fit in his new home with him, he had to loan some money from his parents to build the Dragon his very own place to live. The Bluerider's lodgings included a small living room, and two bedrooms. One of which he had converted to a workshop for his Woodcrafting. He shared a bathroom with the other second floor tenant (the woman's nephew), but he didn't mind that all too much. They often had different schedules and rarely ever needed the bathroom at the same time. The Gaurdsman was always neat and tidy, he was also was a nice guy, which helped them get along.

As of this very moment, E'iah was slumped over his worktable trying not to zone out as his father lectured him for the 50th time about keeping his workspace clean. Cleaning it twice a day obviously wasn't good enough if Elizzian could find a small deposit of wood dust in some random corner. Oh my, what if some potential client came in and looked into that corner and saw some dust! Chaos, disaster. It would be the end of the world. Or so his father made it sound like. Clients are your life, the motto that E'iah always had to bite back responses to. Woodcrafting wasn't his life's priority, Dragonriding was. But he wasn't about to fight with the man who was not only one of his sources of pay, but also the MasterWoodcrafter assigned to Hyphen. Picking himself up and straightening his green vest, he convinced his dad he needed time to work on his projects and he was only preventing him from doing it. Well that and he was expecting company. But he didn't elaborate much on the matter even when pressed.

Opening the door so his father could exit, both of the men stopped moving so as not to run into the woman outside his door. Elizzian turned to his son and gave him a look, one that asked him who this was and also conveyed that they would now have to speak later on this. The older man glanced momentarily at the woman before turning to his son with a "I will see you tomorrow," and pleasantly excused himself from their company. The look in his father's eye concerned the Bluerider immensely. Now the whole family would know a mysterious woman came to call at his home. With a sigh, he turned to give a proper look at the woman. There was immediate recognition, not a strange mysterious woman at all. "Tenlie? Wow. Hi." He recovered quickly, opening his door and stepping aside to make room. "Come in, please. Take a seat. Don't mind the furballs sleeping in front of the fire." Koulko was resting in the armchair while Rishin was snoozing in front of the couch and coffeetable.

Closing the door once the Greenrider had entered, E'iah fiddled with one of his earrings before talking again. "I'd heard that we'd gotten a new watchrider but I didn't know who till I got your message about coming over. It will be nice to have another rider around. Holders are nice and all, but they don't understand what its like to have a Dragon attached to your mind. Plus Viveth should be happy that its one of his clutchmates and not a complete stranger." By this time, Rishin had woken up and was enthusiastically investigating Ten's shoes. "That's Rishin, she's friendly. And that black blob of fur and eyes is Koulko. If you're lucky he may deign to let you pet him." Smiling he paced over to where the other rider had settled herself. "Can I get you anything? I have drinks... though its mainly wine, tea, and Klah." He paused. "Oh, by the way, the man that left here was my father. I should warn you that my entire family will now gossip about a pretty woman coming over to visit." He laughed slightly. "I'll make sure to straighten it out tomorrow. My mother will be crushed to learn you're not a secret marriage prospect I've been hiding from the family because of some reason or another."

[Ruby]

Ten looked momentarily surprised when E'iah opened the door, joined by a man who could only be his father. She recovered quickly though, beaming at the older man and sketching a curtsey. Curse her mother's re-training - Dragonriders did not curtsey, after all, not to Holders. They were proud and should demand respect, right? Well, Ten wasn't that sort of Rider, so she finished the dip (completely missing the significant look E'iah's father shot his son). When he excused himself, she nodded politely, making a note that she should introduce herself properly next time she ran into the family in the dining hall. She hadn't known E'iah's family was from Hyphen, and suddenly it occurred to her how little she knew about her Blueriding 'sibling'. She felt vaguely responsible.

She kept smiling, though, and when she spoke her voice was bubbly and excited. "E'iah! So nice to see you." Crossing the threshold, she held out the plate of candied fruits, offering it to him. "I brought some candies for you from Ista - they're my favorites, redfruit and mango and pineapple. Not too sweet." Since he was busy with the door, Ten set the plate on the coffee table, then reached down to pet the dog in front of the fire before taking a seat on the sofa. Arranging her skirts, she turned slightly to get a good look at the bluerider, who seemed just a touch uncomfortable. Well, no surprise there. "Honestly, I did no know I was coming myself until about a week ago. Rajnith is not pleased - apparently her quarters at Ista were more to her taste - but I do believe she will come around in a few weeks. At least there is a male dragon here to add to her entourage."

By now, the dog - Rishin, apparently - had woken up, and was sniffing at Ten's shoes. She giggled, reaching down to pet him again, as a muffled pop heralded the arrival of one of her own pets. Quixote settled on to her lap, cuddling close. "Rishin and Koulko, lovely to meet you," she said, addressing the pets. Then, turning back to E'iah, she added, "This is Quixote, he'd been a little needy since the move. I apologize, he was supposed to wait, not barge in like this." The purply-blue snuggled up under her arm, casting a curious look at the other creatures in the room, especially E'iah. Ten ignored him, saying instead, "Tea would be lovely, I do believe it is a bit early for wine, no? And I think I've had enough Klah already today, adjusting to the time change is unpleasant, to say the least."

While E'iah busied himself with drinks, Ten reached down to scratch Rishin under the chin, doing the best to hide a sudden blush. "Is that so? I guessed he was your father, you two look quite alike, but I had no idea you had secret marriage prospects," she said, still blushing but with a hint of teasing in her eye. "Am I outing you by accident? Are you seeing other girls secretly?"

[Tashe]

"I wish Rajnith luck in trying to get Viveth into her group, let alone a stable conversation from him." He chuckled, gathering cups and tea pouches from their homes. "Quixote? Cool name." Pacing over to the fire, he swung the kettle hook over the fire to start boiling the water. "Its fine. I don't mind at all. My pets are used to flits so they won't bother him." He hadn't had a firelizard since Leifa, never really finding a desire to replace her. Well, perhaps replace was the wrong word. Cups and saucers were placed on the table around the fruits as well as little spoons and a small sugar pot. "Time change is awful, but fortunately we don't have to travel back and forth like some merchants do. I always wonder how they can do that so often." When everything was set in place E'iah took a seat next to Tenlie, patting his lap to get Rishin to move a little closer so he too could give her a pet or two.

"Oh, no." He chuckled. "If I only had secret marriage prospects. All the women my parents are trying to make me court seriously are all too well known." Sigh. "Of course, I'm the blacksheep of the family so none of the nice crafter and merchant's daughters appeal to me. But, I'm to be polite and ask them to parties and dinners all the same." Shifting slightly he snagged a fruit from the plate. "Pineapple right? I don't think I've ever had one. Candied or no." He tried it, making a pleased noise as he chewed. "Though I suppose, there is truth in having secret partners. I am seeing someone, though they don't make their home here in Hyphen. I don't suppose you know Vivano of Vivask?"

Scooting forward he placed the tea pouches in the teacups before getting up to get the water. "I've not told them, its not a terribly serious thing we have. Not something that couldn't easily be hidden." With a mitt, he poured the water onto the tea pouches filling both cups up before replacing it on the kettle hook. "Plus, Mother would despair and Father disapprove. They already don't like the fact I'm a Dragonrider. Apparently it makes it hard to find a wife... I don't need more drama." He sighed and sat back down. "Even after these last few turns, I still see the huge differences between Holdfolk and Weyrfolk." E'iah crossed his legs, with an awkward laugh. "Sorry. Didn't mean to ramble on about my family problems." Another piece of fruit disappeared, though half of it went to Rishin. "So, ah... You moved in a few days ago? Do you like your new place?"

[Ruby]

Ooo, gossip! Honestly, Ten wasn't a big gossiper - she didn't like talking behind people's backs - but if E'iah was volunteering, she was happy to listen! Especially if things were going well for him. Her excitement showed on her face, and she leaned in, as if sharing a secret. She supposed they were. "Vivano? No, I do no believe so. He's a Wherhandler?" Intriguing. Ten had heard of those sorts of matches, but couldn't quite figure out how they worked in practice. "How does that work out? He do no be entirely nocturnal, then, if you two are a pair? Where does he live?" Yes, it was easy to visit if you had a dragon, Ten supposed - she'd been all but banned from it in Ista, Milanie believed that any time spent with dragonriders would ruin all the progress she'd made (and honestly, it probably would), but she hadn't even considered visiting the Weyr outside of Rajnith's occasional need to rise. That was a transaction she took care of when necessary, with as little fuss as possible.

Ten accepted her tea when E'iah handed it over, cupping it carefully as he apologized for going on. "Oh, do no apologize. You haven't even heard the beginning of my family drama, and I assure you it outstrips yours by a good few dragonlengths." But... she might as well start at the beginning. "My new place is lovely, although it's hard to be so far from Rajnith. Until I can arrange something like you have for Viveth, Raj is staying in the old Wher's cave, which she does not approve of. So far, she has spent most of her time bemoaning the move, apparently Ista was much more comfortable and me marrying a greedy old lecher against my wishes was a reasonable exchange for a comfortable bed," she said, then raised an eyebrow. "See? I do have plenty of my own drama, you're welcome to go on about yours for as long as you desire."

Taking a sip of her tea, she made a polite little grimace when she burned her tongue. "Oh no, too hot still." She traded the cup for a bit of sugared redfruit, which she tried feeding to Quixote, much to his delight. "I do know what you mean, about Holders and Riders being different," she agreed, looking thoughtful. "I never thought I would say that, either. They Weyr still seemed a bit strange to me, even up until I left, but now..." She shrugged. Same-sex couples still made her a bit uncomfortable, even after having her own experiences, what with Dhavalth and Rajnith being so close. But she didn't judge, like the Holders did. Suddenly, an idea struck her. "If you do ever need a smokescreen, I would be happy to accompany you to parties and such, if you'd rather spend time with me than random holdgirls," she said, excited and earnest. "For when Vivano isn't around, I mean. I do be a good dancer, and I know how to make it look like I'm interested in my partner even when I'm not," she added, the second bit getting a little dry. "Faranth knows I did that enough in Ista. Do you think it's the Weyr? Is that why we are no longer interested in the Holders our parents want us to marry?"

[Tashe]

"Yes, he's a Wherhandler." He shrugged slightly. "He's stationed at the Weyr, so I visit him when I can or when his wanderings lead him back here, he visits for a while. Like I said, nothing serious, but I really do enjoy his companionship." Reaching down, E'iah flicked a piece of wood off of his boot with a free hand. Once that was done he settled back into the couch to listen to Ten in companionable silence. Her family troubles did seem to parallel his own, in the aspect of marriages at least. "Well, it looks as if you have those dramas well in hand for now, but I think I can help you with Raj's problems." The Bluerider moved the sting of his tea bag around to keep his hands busy. "I would be happy to introduce you to the Journeyman Stonecrafter that worked on Viveth's place, and I'd be happy to lend my craft as well. My bracing and support work is pretty good, my time in exile really helped me work on that." He chuckled, reminiscing on an old memory.

E'iah nodded as she agreed with him about the Holds and the Weyrs, and he knew that many Weyrborn people thought Holders were strange as well. He realized long ago that the two where part of separate worlds, the people might be of the same blood and bone, but most were so very different. When Ten mentioned being a smokescreen, E'iah's smile conveyed amusement and almost gratefulness. "You would? Oh, that is music on my ears. It would stop them fussing for a time." He just feared that it would only be for a few days. It wouldn't take long for his Mother to pull on her strings... He glanced back at the other Rider as her voice pulled him back from his musings. "I'd bet on it. I feel like the freedom that the Weyr provides, more particularly in relationships, allows for a near unlimited amount of choices. No one cares who you love or who you spend your time with. Unlike here. Where your friends are alliances, and marriages are for the best of your family. Politics" With a sigh he tried his tea, finding it just cool enough to sip.

"Oh, speaking of politics, I was just thinking. If we do sort of cast that smokescreen, I fear you'll be dragged into the middle of it." E'iah set his cup down and laced his fingers behind his head as he reclined. "My father is a MasterWoodcrafter and close to Lord Quentian, my Mother is a Weaver and attends to Lady Jinny when needed... ect." He sighed. "I have a feeling that Mother will find ways to poke and prod her nose into places it doesn't belong. Although you are a Rider, so no one other than my parents might care. You know Hypheners... Such a bias against Riders." Scrubbing his brow with the palm of his hand, he laughed. "Look at me, thinking about things I shouldn't care about. I was never suited for Hold life. I shouldn't be concerned, you've probably more insight into politics than I." He smiled. "Either way, the Lord and Lady are throwing a dinner party for some wealthy merchants staying at the Springs, I'd be happy if you'd join me."

[Ruby]

Rajnith, listening idly through Ten's ears without permission as usual, perked up at the sound of her own name. Are you finally getting around to finding me a better living situation, SlaveMine? My back has been sore for weeks, it will not stand. Raj, we have no even been here for weeks. Well, it feels like weeks. I shall arrange a visit with Viveth to see if this stonemason's work is acceptable, or if it is unsatisfactory like the rest of this forsaken hold.[/i] Ten let out an affectionate (but long-suffering) sigh as she turned her attention back to E'iah, although it was a bit distracting to feel Rajnith reach out for Viveth's mind. Brother dearest,[/i] the Green cooed, uncurling from her perch outside the whercave, Might I drop in to inspect your place of residence? Mine is thinking of employing the same workmen, and I wish to see if that will suffice.[/i] And maybe Viveth would consent to cuddle, it would be nice to cuddle after so many turns.

"That would be lovely, E'iah," Ten said, then her face pulled into a smile as Rajnith immediately assaulted her brain with uncertainty. "Please do ignore any reservations Rajnith shares with Viveth, she demands only the best but 'the best' must be determined by her, despite your obvious skill." She'd seen his work at Burimyu, after all. "Please let me know if you need any glass blown! Hyphen does have a forge, and I'm to work with the Mastersmith as soon as he recovers from his cold, so I should have time to do some of my own work, as well. I am still only a Journeyman, but I've decided not to progress to Mastery. Just in case... well, in case someday the Weyrs and the Holds and the Crafts do come to peace, and I'm allowed to return to Selenitas. I would like that, if I could, and I feel that the Craft would be happier to let me go if I were only a Journeyman."

Soon, though, the talk turned back to families and politics. "Oh, aye, t'would be useful for me, as well. Just in case rumors of my whereabouts get back to my family, they will assume I ran away for love or something equally dramatic. The Istans do like their stories and their harpers, and if they do think I have found someone they may be less enthusiastic about engineering my return to the hold," she assured the Bluerider with a shy smile. "I would be happy to attend the Lord and Lady's dinner. And do no worry about me and politics - I know how to navigate the upper echelon of a Hold, even if I never did enjoy it. Did you know I was to be Lady Holder, back before my cousin was born?"

[Tashe]

"I didn't know, that must have been really hard. And your family issues make even more sense now." E'iah took another sip of his tea. "Well, the dinner is around the eighth candle mark, but everyone will get there half a candle mark early. I'll come pick you up like, ten minutes before then?" Draining the rest of his drink, the Bluerider placed his empty cup on the table and exchanged it for a piece of fruit. "And don't worry, I can take a good amount of criticism from humans, I think I'll be able to handle some from Rajnith." He grinned. "Hopefully she'll find it acceptable, my friend will be all sorts of amused to get comments from a Dragon." The StoneCrafter was one of of the Dragon-okay minority in Hyphen, it was the reason they had become friends in the first place. "Thanks for the offer. I'll probably take you up on it eventually. The women of my family love interesting things, I think one of my Brother's wives has a little collection of glass pendants. Though, you should see the Mastersmith when he's sick. Its pretty hilarious. Grumbling and sneezing like an ox with the sniffles."

"But I know what you mean. Despite what my father wants, I don't want to progress any further than Journeymanship either. I share the hope of being able to go back to Selenitas one day. I hate to say it, but I actually miss Wing drills." He laughed. "Even Viveth with all his insecurities, dislikes being here. He says, and I quote, 'Its much too suspicious here. Too many humans who don't like dragons. At least at Selenitas I could hide among the others.'"

Huh! Who's that? Rajnith? Of course it was his clutchsister, there weren't any other Dragons in the Hold at the moment. That... he knew of. Stonework? He looked up and around at his home. Well, I suppose, I guess. He didn't understand why she didn't believe Their's when they said it was good work. Viveth knew that his Human wouldn't let anyone he didn't trust work on his home... less they be part of some kind of plot to get rid of him... which would be terrible! And possible. Very possible. He was startled from his line of thought by His nudging him mentally. The neon Blue curled up with a yawn, waiting for his Greensister to arrive.

[Ruby]

"Oh, not so hard," Ten assured E'iah, making a dismissive gesture. "I was no more than 8 when my cousin was born and everyone promptly forgot about me. Then, when I did show back up as a 20-something with a craft and a dragon but no husband, my mother did decide I was her new project." Ten's smile was mysterious - some mix of affection and happiness. It was only there for a moment, though, before E'iah went on. "And seven twenty sounds perfect. I'll wear something appropriately modest and fashionable," she added with a hint of amusement in her voice. It was much more amusing to plan for a dinner when someone you liked (who thought it was as silly as you thought it was) was also going. Although... Ten briefly considered her wardrobe and immediately forwarded the idea to Rajnith. She'd need the Green's advice to find something appropriate for Hyphen instead of Ista. It was a decidedly different climate, here. Luckily Rajnith thought she should ALWAYS be dressing Ten, so getting the Green's assistance wouldn't be a problem.

"Oh, I am sure she'll have plenty of input," Ten said, glancing up through the ceiling to where she could feel Rajnith settling in with her brother. "I am glad he will be amused, and not annoyed. This stonecarver of yours sounds like a good man," she went on. She had to assume he wasn't one of those who didn't like dragons. She filed away the idea that E'iah's family might like glasswork - no better way to get them to like her after all - and resolved to work on a few little decorative pendants or something next time she was in the forge. It would be a good excuse to practice her more detailed work. The idea of the Mastersmith as an ox made Ten laugh, though. She hadn't actually met the man yet, so now she had the image of an enormous bovine with the sniffles in her head. "Is he... friendly? The Mastersmith?" she asked once she had control of herself again. "I mean, if all goes well we will be back to our drills before we know it, I know even Rajnith would prefer that to lounging around all day," she said with a smirk. It didn't seem likely that they'd be going back to the weyr anytime soon, but they could dream, right?

Of course it is I, brother dearest.[/i] Without really waiting for Viveth's approval, Rajnith shouldered her way out of the wher cave and took to the sky, circling the hold a few times just to scare the Holders before tucking her wings and swooping towards Viveth's 'house'. It wasn't the roomiest, Rajnith decided as she squeezed her rotund green form through the door, but once she was inside she had to admire the work, even if it was a bit rough for her tastes. Hmph. Is it comfortable, at least? It does not look like much, after all. Perhaps it looks better from the couch?[/i] Once again, without invitation, Rajnith made herself welcome, crowding on to the couch where Viveth was curled up and nudging herself up under one of his wings. She didn't remember her weyrling class, really (it was too long ago) but if Viveth was her classmate and remembered anything, he'd remember how often the Green tried to cuddle with any and all of their male classmates, Viveth included. Apparently she had not changed much. Yes, it does look better from here. How on Pern do you survive in this gloomy hold, Viveth?[/i]

[Tashe]

"Ah, he is yes. Especially boisterous and helpful. He managed to pick up a healthier attitude toward Dragons in the North when he trained at the StoneCraft Hall. His name is Rasravil." E'iah blocked a yawn with the back of his hand. "As for the Mastersmith... I'd say he was friendly. In a large, lumbering bear sort of way. Like R'ven, only older, more muscled, grumbley and stoic. S'why I call him Master Bear. I dunno. 'Suppose he's the type of person you want his approval from, and he doesn't make it easy for you." Stretching, he popped his wrist. "But he doesn't go out of his way to make things difficult. He's dedicated to the job and he's been at it since before I was born. Da and him don't mix well, but I've always found him interesting to watch. He's never chased me off either, even gave me sweets a few times at Solstices when I was a little." He did like the man.

"Though he's not too fond of Dragons. Which, is an extra bump in the road. Even before he lost his Brother to the Dragon Wars, he wasn't too keen on them." As he rubbed his chin, the Bluerider reflected on how difficult it had been to get the old man to warm up to him again. It had taken work but eventually he received all his usual growls and grumps when he interacted with him. "I'm sure you'll win him over. He's got a natural affinity towards womenfolk. If he likes you he'll get all papa bearish."

Jumping about a foot into the air as Koulko jumped over his shoulder and into his lap from out of thin air, E'iah couldn't help but make a noise. It took him a moment to recover though it took the feline less to curl up and make himself at home in the Bluerider's lap. "Geesh Koul, right out of nowhere. I swear." He ran his hand over the cat's head and back, scratching between the ears and on the exposed side. He sighed. "Well, its always good to hope. Even when the chances aren't looking so good. They took almost a whole year to come up with this plan. I don't think the Nobility will give up their hold on the Weyrs so quickly."

Three words. Invader. Of. Space. Maybe he should call his clutchsister Ios from now on. The Blue made protesting noises as Rajnith scooted her way onto his couch and curled up against him without asking. Grumbling quietly to himself, Viveth shifted to make himself more comfortable. Even if he asked he doubted the Green would leave so soon after arriving. She was lucky he allowed her to come over at all, Greens were much too fussy. And Rajnith was not the Green who would convince him otherwise. It is comfortable. The entrance is facing away from the prevailing winds and long enough so that when it rains I do not get a drop of water in here that I do not track in myself. Mine brings me fresh hay to lay on in the Winter to help keep me warm. There wasn't any in his cave right now, seeing as it was nearing summer and the weather remained warm. I do like it better than the Whercaves. Much bigger, brighter too. Good views and its away from the Hold and gawking Humans who don't like us at all. They always stared at him. Beady little eyes that glared and judged. They all judged, and he knew it, and His knew it. Which was why His had picked out the most perfect place for his new home. Viveth was able to appreciate the extra work it took for E'iah to travel to him, but he'd never say it out loud. But he often made it easier for His by flying out to near the Hold so they could take off from there.

[Ruby]

"Rasravil. I'll remember that," Ten said with a smile, passing the name on to Rajnith. Not that her Green would remember, but the act of sharing would make it stick better in Ten's mind. E'iah's report on the Mastersmith made her a little nervous, but the comparison to R'ven made her grin. Not because of R'ven himself - she didn't know the other smith that well, despite working in the same forge as him for turns - but because R'ven, in turn, reminded her of C'oar. It was a shame she'd lost touch with him over the years... in fact, she had no idea if he'd made it through the war or not. It was changing the subject a bit, she supposed, but Ten asked, "Do you have any idea what happened to R'ven? Or C'oar? I have totally lost track of the other Selenitas smiths."

Ten also jumped when the cat leaped over E'iah's shoulder, nearly spilling her tea and upsetting the drowsing Quixote, who sprang to her defense and made an indignant little squawking noise in Koulko's direction. She laughed, taking a big sip of the drink (now that it was cool enough) to keep it from spilling if any more creatures decided to appear out of thin air. "That cat must go Between just like a flit! Quixote, calm down, he is no monster. Simply surprising!" she added, reaching out to try and get a hand on the agitated Blue. As soon as Ten started trying to calm him, though, the purpley-blue flit settled back into her lap with a baleful look at the feline. He wasn't convinced that Koulko wasn't a dangerous monster, but his Bonded usually knew what she was talking about. Ten, meanwhile, kept a cautionary hand on Quixote while E'iah spoke. "I simply do not understand what the point of making us sit in Holds is. We are Threadfighters, are we not? And Thread do still be falling, last I checked," Ten said, a touch of bitterness creeping into her voice. Raj had never been much of a fighter (of thread or otherwise), but years of training had made both her and Ten passable. Waiting in the Hold while Selenitas fought Thread unless it passed right overhead did not sit well with Ten. "Do the Holders not realize they are endangering their own holds by taking away the strength of the weyrs?"

Rajnith was used to her blue brother's grumblings. Well, not used to it, but she had some fleeting memories of Viveth not being the most overt with his affection for her, which of course he had. Everyone had affection for her, after all, whether they chose to show it or not. Yes, the Whercaves are quite dismal. Well, I do not know that hay will suit my delicate hide, but I am sure my SlaveLove will arrange something more comfortable,[/i] the Green mused, tilting her head this way and that to get a good look at the whole thing. Well, it is no weyr, and I still think Ista had a better idea of how to properly treat dragons, but this arrangement will do, I think. Why is it that the humans here don't like us? The humans at Ista were more than happy to be in the presence of a dragon.[/i] It was true, too - not a single Hyphener had brought her flowers, something the Istans did fairly regularly. Clearly they did not understand what was expected of them.