Tidal Graduation

[Rei]

Sel’n adjusted his shirt for the fourth time in five minutes. You look fine Fussypantsmine. Please get on with it. No one is going to eat you. Besides most of the weyrlings look bored. Come on everyone is waiting. The longer you put it off the worse your anxiety will get. Kaaoloth said in a bored tone from his position sprawled out behind the podium. Ok, ok, you big nag I’m coming. The Weyrlingmaster stepped out of the classrooms and exited the barracks to make his way across the training field. No one could fault him for being nervous surely? He hated crowds absolutely hated them. That, combined with the fact that this was the brown rider's first graduating class, made him nervous and a bit jumpy. Thankfully, they had decided to have an outdoor ceremony, At least it was a pleasant day. The other weyrling classes where starting to arrive and take their places in the chairs set up in front of the make shift stage as Sel'n appeared.

Striding up onto the stage Sel’n nodded to a few of the weyrlings who mumbled greetings and waited for the crowd to take their places and settle down. After everyone had settled Vanity scrambled out of Sel’n’s sling and frilled. So many people to look at her today. Oh my. Did she look ok? Suddenly the green mandyr began to preen. The brown rider ignored her and cleared his throat for attention. “Good Afternoon weyrlings and riders. We are gathered here today to celebrate the graduation of the Tidal weyrling class. Unfortunately only three of our weyrlings are graduating this round. I am proud to announce that these young riders display all of the qualities Selenitas has come to expect of their dragon riders.” Smiling he waved to the front row where the three graduating weyrlings where to sit and he found...only Tr’esn sitting there? Raising his eyebrows the Weyrlingmaster shook his head and continued nonetheless. “Congratulations are to be extended toward Tr’esn of Oquith, R’wign of Checkoth, and M’ta of Behruth.”

Sel’n paused for the applause and held up his hand for silence. “Unfortunately due to his recovery M’ta will not be joining us. He will accept his knots at a later time. R'wign also appears to be late." Pausing for a moment he continued. "As I call your name please come up and accept your knots. After you accept them you will have the option to make a short speech before returning to your seats. You are by no means required to." Vanity frilled once and put in her to cents. Not. "Afterwards you are all invited to attend a banquet that will be held in honor of the graduating class on the far side of the training field.” The brown rider gestured to the other side of the field where drudges where setting up on tables set out especially for this purpose. “Would Tr’esn of Oquith please come up to receive his knots?” Sel’n stepped back to pick up the green rider’s knots and smiled as Tr’esn approached.

[Avu]

He was alone, and Tr’esn wanted, more than anything, to disappear into a little hole in the ground. Most of the attention was on Sel’n, but he was the only one in the row, and it made him feel…very, very vulnerable; the greenrider’s face was flushed, Tr’esn squirming slightly in his seat. Avia was crooning happily in his ear, the small green firelizard’s eyes whirling so rapidly in her excitement that Tr’esn got dizzy just looking at her; her emotions were contagious, but Tr’esn just could not be happy with the graduation – Oquith wasn’t entirely as happy as the green might have been, either. The green dragon was delighted that Behruth and Checkoth would be graduating with her; she adored both of the browns – but Qualuth and Wymeth were not graduating, and that she had to leave them behind to move into a wing (probably the queen’s wing) made Oquith very sad. At present moment, the green was sprawled a few dragonlengths away from the gathering, her head resting on her forepaws, wings draped over her back, eyes whirling almost as rapidly as Avia’s, but not nearly with the same brilliant shade of blue.

Where is Checkoth’s?

Tr’esn actually jumped, making Avia almost fall off of his shoulder; the firelizard squeaked in alarm, clinging to his shoulder, and the greenweyrling winced, one hand coming up to dislodge Avia’s claws gently from his shirt. He hadn’t worn anything extraordinarily fancy – just nice; it wasn’t an event that he expected his two closest friends to attend – K’iel and Vashti – because they hadn’t graduated and…he didn’t want them to feel badly for it, but…another part of him wanted them to be there for him. Hmm. I don’t know, he answered Oquith, keeping his face upturned nervously to watch Sel’n as the brownrider began to speak; he blinked, and then swallowed nervously, nudging Avia off of his shoulder so that the green wouldn’t hamper him when he made to go up to get his knots, hoping that the green wouldn’t protest.

She didn’t, and promptly jumped down to thrust her muzzle against the ground. Look, look – a flower; Hers needed a flower, he did, to make him pretty – “Avia!” Tr’esn whispered, lips barely moving. “Hush – “ Avia flapped both wings, the flower clutched in her mouth as she hopped onto the chair again, fluting around the stem. Tr’esn reached out despairingly for Oquith, and the green dragon crooned, a single crystal note, and Avia gave a surprised squeak and then vanished between to the green’s side. The mention of his name made Tr’esn actually bow his head, embarrassment flushing his cheeks. He’d have been okay with a simple “okay, you’re done” – he didn’t really want a big ceremony at all. The greenweyrling ground his bare heel against the ground nervously, and then his flush drained out of his face at the idea of actually giving a speech. He hadn’t planned for it – should he, to give R’wign more time to get there – ?

Qui… he begged of the green, even as he stood at his name, smiling weakly at the Weyrlingmaster. It wasn’t Sel’n’s fault that he felt nauseous at the simple thought of actually being the center of attention of so many people, let alone delivering a speech. He…didn’t have to, did he…?

Check, Checkoth~ Oquith crooned mentally, seeking out the mind of the brown. It’s graduation – is R’wignYours coming? He’s late – Mine is lonely – are you coming; where are you…?

Tr’esn had moved onto the stage by then, focusing on not tripping. He hated that he had to go barefoot, but he – he couldn’t walk with shoes on, and he’d rather be barefoot than manage to trip and completely sprawl onto the ground in the middle of his graduation. His cheeks flushed at the thought, and as soon as he reached Sel’n, Tr’esn actually pressed against Oquith’s mind for reassurance; the green crooned loudly from her position off to one side of the festivities, and Tr’esn raised his eyes to meet Sel’n’s, managing a weak smile as he accepted the knots – the single loop that marked out a rider, and a strand of green twisted around the loop to signify that he was a greenrider. Clearing his throat nervously, Tr’esn nodded at the brownrider. For a moment, he didn’t think his voice was going to work as he turned over the knots in his hands awkwardly. Then –

“Thank you.” It came out almost as a whisper, and Tr’esn bowed his head, fighting the urge to actually squirm. “T – thanks,” he repeated, louder, before, in a vague attempt to…somehow…buy R’wign more time to make it, and because he thought he was supposed to, somehow, he offered his hand for Sel’n to shake, bowing his head again, this time deferential, grateful, at the same time.

[glamourie]

We’re coming, Oquith - tell Tr’esnYours that I am sorry. Yes. I am very sorry. R’wignmine was - R’wignmine was - We’re coming.

There was a definite thread of embarrassment in Checkoth’s mind voice as he responded to Oquith. He’d tried to convince R’wignHis not to do it. He really had. But no amount of explaining how inappropriate it was had convinced him not to. In fact, the more Check fussed, the more amused R’wignHis seemed to be, much to Checkoth’s chagrin. Didn’t he understand how special it was that they were graduating, especially since they could not go between anymore? To be fair, Kaaoloth’s could have held them back, he could have kept them from graduating for it but he didn’t because he was nice and the little furry wasn’t that bad. R’wignHis had even named her Empress and she was very good about keeping track of R’wignHis and making sure he didn’t get into trouble, see, see? So why was he so - so - why did he feel - Checkoth did not understand. He didn’t understand and he was very afraid that they were going to get into trouble and not graduate because R’wignHis wanted to behave badly. How he wished he could talk to Behruth and get His to make R’wignHis to behave!

The two-tailed brown touched down next to Oquith and leaned over to rub his head against her neck before squirming over behind her. His wings flared over his face as he did his very best to hide behind the green and himself, as though that could make him disappear. Why did R’wignHis always pick the important times to act silly? Couldn’t he do it when he was alone talking to the MeiraWherhandler? He didn’t want to get into trouble…

The fire lizard fair (minus Hazard and Ellie) arrived before R’wign did. Even Collision was awake, with an evil glint in his eye that may or may not have told that something was up. Five fire lizards all swept across the training field and then up to the podium, where each of them landed all around Sel’n. Interestingly, none, not even Roxie, dared to land on the weyrlingmaster, though the green flit turned to look at Vanity with a distinct look of disdain. Crash, on the other hand, offered the salamandyr a pleasant, complimentary (and undeniably flirtatious) flute, his tail waving back and forth amiably. She was a pretty one, wasn’t she? Much prettier than His tended to be. Even though His looked very pretty today (but the big brown was mortified and Crash didn’t know why, what was wrong with looking pretty?).

What was wrong indeed?

R’wign approached the podium from behind Sel’n, and only the group of weyrlings present for observation would see him… for the moment. Then he swept around, and walked toward the row Tr’esn had just departed, and his entire outfit became clear… along with the source of Checkoth’s horror.

The dress was purchased for him by Jermayan for the Gather, but R’wign had his own outfit for that occasion. He’d saved it for just this occasion. Long and colored like an avian’s feathers, with blues and violets making up the majority of the shades, though definite edges of green were visible on the sleeves, it was most assuredly a… noticeable getup. The top was tight enough that it was very obvious R’wign was flat chested (he’d considered stuffing grapefruits down the front but Checkoth begged him not to and on that, he was willing to indulge the brown’s horror), and the bottom was tight enough around his backside to show it off - probably the aim of the dress designer. The sides were slit for movement, and R’wign had no problem prancing around in his usual manner because of it. He was wearing a pair of flat shoes that looked definitely bizarre with the fancy dress, and his black curls hung loose, recently washed and for once not tied back - he’d even brushed them over his face for a more feminine effect. He hadn’t bothered with jewelry, aside from the shiny gold fire lizard perched on his shoulder, rattling her pinions nervously; like Checkoth, she wasn’t quite sure what to make of Hers’ get-up.

R’wign put his hands on his waist, looked up at the podium, and then gave Sel’n a mock salute before turning to nod politely at Tr’esn.

“I prefer to think of myself as fashionably late, not simply ‘late.’ True stars never arrive on time.”

[Rei]

Sel’n smiled as Tr’esn took the stage. The green rider looked nervous. That was expected and Sel’n smiled gently. “You don’t have to speak if you don’t want to Tr’esn.” He said softly and took the weyrling’s hand to shake it. “Congratulation’s Tr’esn. You are now a full fledged rider of Selenitas.” Kaaoloth crooned softly and touched Oquith’s mind. Congratulations to you and yours. As Checkoth descended the large brown snorted in clear amusement. What was his rider wearing? Checkoth? Is that the only thing yours has to wear? I am afraid he looks rather silly. Sel’n wasn’t as amused. In fact the Weyrlingmaster’s eyes looked like they where about to bulge out of his head. The fire lizards where noted but not immediately worried about. What in Faranth’s name was the lad wearing? The brown rider was more than suspicious, The gather incident was remembered, and frankly the man had no desire to repeat the scene.

From the crowd a bronze fire lizard winged to R’wign’s opposite shoulder. D’nar didn’t bother to try and hold Hero back. He was too busy laughing along with a few other weyrlings. Landing, Hero fluted softly to R’wign. What was he wearing? Turning to Ellie he crooned affectionately to her. Was hers being silly again? It seemed so. Making himself comfortable the bronze stood straight on R’wign’s shoulder and curled his tail around the healer’s neck for stability. He didn’t want to hurt Ellie’s and use his talons. He liked Ellie’s, he did.

Vanity eyed the flitters with distaste and had almost decided to hiss at Roxie, when Crash fluted to her. Frilling in a curious way she skittered down her bonded to eye Crash. Pretty Vanity. Vanity Pretty. See Vanity? See beautiful? If this ugly flyer could see how pretty and beautiful she was then he was all right in her book. The ugly winged one could not hold a candle to her bronze but attention was attention.The green mandyr ignored the other flits. They where beneath her. She was better than them. Sel’n watched Vanity skitter towards the Crash with just a bit of anxiety. The little harpy was good protection. Damn her.

Clearing his throat the Weyrlingmaster managed a nervous smile. He waved Tr’esn off and forced his features into a mask of calm. “Well there you are R’wign. Just in time. Please come up and accept your knots.” His voice was level and calm. The brown rider absolutely refused to let R’wign intimidate him. It was silly. For Faranth’s sake the lad was wearing a dress. A revealing dress at that. Picking up the brown rider’s knots he waited for the graduating weyrling to take the stage. Faranth just please let him behave.

[Avu]

Checkoth says R’wignHis is coming, and that he’s very sorry.

Only Oquith’s encouraging statement made Tr’esn’s smile come off as even vaguely genuine; he nodded at Sel’n’s words, his gaze distinctly grateful: Faranth be thanked that he didn’t have to speak – he probably wouldn’t even be able to stammer his way through a single sentence, not with so many people – so many eyes – he was very nearly trembling as it was…he swallowed hard, and then nodded as Sel’n took his hand, head still bowed. Full rider of Selenitas…the responsibility of a full Rider…at least he wouldn’t be on one of the upper level wings immediately, Tr’esn consoled himself shakily – and Oquith would take care of him…Oquith would. His lovely green would never let him get hurt…he raised his gaze to look at Oquith even as he took a step back, preparing to leave the stage; he didn’t know how else to stall so that R’wign could have a few more seconds to hurry up and arrive – and then blinked as Checkoth arrived, actually grinning at the brown’s actions.

Oquith crooned a delighted greeting to Checkoth after pausing to croon politely in response to Kaaoloth’s congratulations, turning her head to nuzzle one of her two favorite browns in return as he landed next to her and – and why was he – what was he doing…? He couldn’t possibly hide behind her – Oquith was positively tiny for a green, topping out at just barely eighteen feet in length, and Checkoth was probably very much visible to the entire crowd. Surely they had to fix that! Oquith sat up straighter, edging sideways to deliberately place herself right in front of Checkoth, and then flared out both wings, casually sprawling in front of Checkoth. Noooo brown here, of course not; why would she be hiding one of the graduating browns…? Noooope, there was definitely no sign of Checkoth…(never mind that she was still too small to completely hide the brown) – he wasn’t here~ Nevertheless, Oquith turned her head curiously to half-look at Checkoth, and the green asked quietly, Why am I hiding you, Check…? I mean – why do you want to – oh.

…oh.

Oh, Tr’esn agreed, staring at R’wign; he wasn’t sure whether he should laugh or die on the spot – the latter because R’wign did not seem so inclined and Tr’esn felt that somebody should – considering his outfit; it looked – it looked…absolutely ridiculous. The greenrider tilted his head slightly to one side, a half-smile lingering around his lips as R’wign stopped directly in front of them, proclaiming himself to be fashionably late. And then, as if on cue, and as if he didn’t have enough firelizards surrounding him around, another bronze swept in to land on top of R’wign’s free shoulder, opposite his Ellie – and Hero was rapidly followed by his own Avia. The small green didn’t actually land on R’wign, but she did have a flower clasped in her mouth: A very bright yellow flower that went fantastically (in Avia’s opinion, anyway) with R’wign’s dress, and he looked so pretty! So pretty! Maybe he could give Hers dressing advice; she’d like that, Avia would – but he forgot that he needed a flower; no outfit was complete without a flower~

Tr’esn was grinning now, biting his lip and bowing his head to keep his amusement from Sel’n; he didn’t want to offend the Weyrlingmaster by not taking the Ceremony seriously enough or something – and he actually laughed – albeit softly – as Avia hovered just above R’wign’s head to deposit her flower very gently on the brownweyrling’s head, twittering happily at him. Now it was perfect; did he like that? Maybe she should go find him a whole bunch of flowers; then he’d be even prettier. Hmm, hmm – Hers needed a flower first, though – did he want her to get a flower for him, another one, while she was getting one for Hers? She could – Avia would –

Er – Checkoth…? Does – does Yours want to be a female…?

[glamourie]

Checkoth squirmed onto the ground behind Oquith, but did not answer her question. Her wings flaring made him crouch down lower in an attempt to further hide himself, as if pressing his belly to the ground would make him disappear. His shame was evident from the rapid whirl of his eyes to the nervous flick of his tails back and forth. Then all at once both of them went still and he peeked out from underneath one of Oquith’s wings to see R’wignHis moving toward the podium and his eyes went pink with embarrassment. Why did His have to be so silly? There was a time and a place for such behavior and - and - graduation wasn’t it. But R’wignHis looked completely unabashed, unashamed, not even slightly reluctant. He thought he was justified. Checkoth wanted to burrow into the ground. He loved His, he did. But sometimes? Sometimes he didn’t understand him very much. Were all humans as confusing as his beloved R’wign? Oquith’s Tr’esn did not seem so confusing. Maybe it was just a hazard of him having picked the best person of the lot. Yes, that must have been it… Oquith’s question went ignored, primarily because she figured it out for herself. He nuzzled into the ground more firmly. Bad R’wignHis. Bad.

R’wign quirked an eyebrow at Sel’n, an amused smile coming across his face. He didn’t move immediately because a weight settled on his shoulder, and then - and then another on his head. His eyes went crossed to see a green sprint of light above him and he smiled before removing the flower from adopt his head with one finger. Hero was primarily ignored (he was used to the bronze by now). “Why thank you, gorgeous,” he said shamelessly (ignoring the laughter in the process. “It goes just fabulously with my dress. I can’t think of a better accessory. Trust a lady to know the right thing to wear.” He lifted one hand and tucked it behind his ear, careful not to dislodge Hero in the process. “There. Now I’m just the prettiest brown rider there ever was or will be, and I have you to thank. Thank you, Avia.”

Twittering her confusion, Ellie looked around R’wign at Hero. She squirmed nervously before fluting, just loud enough that the bronze could hear. She had no idea what he was doing, Hers, but at least he looked semi-nice. She would’ve preferred his normal clothes, but well, Hers was odd, he was. Then again, he was Hers, so he was allowed to be odd. Such behavior would have been unacceptable on anyone else’s, because they weren’t Hers. That reason in mind, the gold bobbed her head back and forth before nuzzling R’wign’s chin. Avia received a curious look, and a peep of greeting, though Ellie’s gaze fell back on the flower and she couldn’t help but chirrup in amusement. Hers really was quite silly… But if he was happy, that was all that mattered.

And he’d noticed Tr’esn’s grin. For better or worse, R’wign had noticed it, and that was all the encouragement he needed.

“Knots? For l’il ol’ me? What a gentlemen you are, Weyrlingmaster, waiting and letting me go last,” he said playfully before sauntering up toward the podium. He was careful not to step on the ends of his dress… or the feline tailing after him chasing the hemline; Empress thought the outfit quite spectacular for her little claws to dig into. Sel’n looked entirely too calm. Too calm for what he was planning. This was a revenge tactic, and by Faranth, he was going to have his revenge if he had to strip naked and give the man a lap dance. He was not above doing so. In fact, Sel’n should have considered himself lucky it was just a dress at the Graduation. It could’ve been worse. He could’ve been tied up naked with Lennae in public, with something like Free Entry painted over his backside. Though, doing that was tempting if his efforts to get a Rise out of Sel’n didn’t quite work.

Crash, from his perch, twittered musically to Vanity and flared his wings, showing off. He was very young for a fire lizard and it showed; he wasn’t all that much larger than Vanity herself. Never the less, he had no problem strutting around making quite the show of his bronze hide, and the way he glittered in the light. Each note of his voice was complimentary, telling her how wonderful and pretty she was. He liked females of all kinds, he did, and she was so much prettier than His was, although the dress was very pretty too (but he didn’t understand why His was dressing like a female). Flipping his tail, Crash bounced forward, fluted, and leaned down playfully. Wouldn’t she come and see him? He didn’t want to land on her perch, he didn’t, that would be rude, but he wanted to be closer to the pretty, he did. She was the prettiest pretty of all the pretties he’d ever seen and he was very impressed by her, he was. Such a good pretty. He ignored the glare Roxie was offering him and Vanity, and flicked his wings some more. The approach of His was all but ignored. More important things to focus on!

Outwardly ignoring Crash (but pleased by the fact that the bronze’s natural flirtatious behavior was working to his advantage), R’wign stepped right up to Sel’n. The stage made him more visible, but R’wign was anything but shy. He liked being the center of attention, and this was most assuredly a good way to be that. “Are you going to put them on me?” he asked, his hands smoothing down the sides of his dress to accent his… lack of hips; on a female it would probably have been a very sexy little number, but… he lacked the curves. “Or do I have to put them on myself? Do I get to give a speech, Sel’n? I’ve got one all prepared. Please, oh please?” His movements made Empress pounce on the end of his skirt, and R’wign resisted the urge to twitch. He would not show Sel’n how agitated he was with her. Besides, most people would’ve thought the kitten cute. He didn’t. He didn’t like felines. She was… growing on him… though…

What? Checkoth asked, startled into looking up at Kaaoloth by the question. I - no. He insisted on wearing that. He said he had to dress up for Yours, Kaaoloth. He said it was important that he wear it. I tried to talk him out of it, I did. I’m sorry. Please don’t be mad at him… Embarrassed, he nuzzled Oquith’s side, and then addressed her last question to her privately, He does not want to be a female, no… he wants to punish Kaaoloth’s for giving him the fuzzy on his feet. The one attacking his dress… The only fuzzy he likes is the Mothfeline…

[Rei]

Hero whistled to Ellie. Yes hers was a bit odd but he didn’t mind. His was odd as well. Apparently his couldn’t even tell gender right. His was a silly bronze he was. The bronze flit chirped a hello to Avia as she dropped the flower and then settled on R'wign's shoulder for the ride. He would stay as long as Ellie approved, he would. His didn’t mind in the least. In fact his rather thought hers was a funny sort. But his liked Ellie’s he did. In fact D’nar was almost doubled over in laughter. R’wign was, for lack of a better word, hilarious. The healer was really one of the most amusing people the bronze weyrling had ever met and although the healer could be slightly annoying at times, he really did like the brown rider.

Sel’n almost flinched back as R’wign flounced up onto the stage. Sharding Faranth. Clearing his throat and trying not to let his anxiety show he raised an eyebrow. Whatever the lad was planning, it was obviously an attempt to embarrass him. All this for the feline? Said feline looked quite busy trying to capture R’wign’s skirts. Surely he couldn’t be that angry over a small cat? It wasn’t like he had forced a mandyr on him or something. Perhaps he should have just gone with the flitter egg? Tr’esn’s presence was still vaguely noted and he hoped the green rider would act as a buffer of sorts.

Vanity practically purred as she leapt from her bonded’s leg towards the bronze. Smart. Smart Flyer. Vanity beautiful, pretty, very. Green queen Vanity. The green said in a purr. Of course she would come see him. He was obviously smart if he could recognize her beauty. Vanity had her mate true, but she didn’t mind basking in positive attention. It was hardly cheating in her mind. The green was great and beautiful everyone should recognize it. This bronze ugly certainly could, and it made him acceptable. He should be impressed! She was impressive! Vanity skittered right up to the small bronze and preened just for him. Showing off her brilliant green hide. She had just been oiled, wasn’t she shiny?

Sel’n almost considered grabbing Vanity but she was to far away now. Damn. So much for the little harpy protecting him. Turning his eyes back to R’wign he gave the lad an exasperated look. “R’wign. You can pin them on yourself and you may give a speech as long as it is appropriate.” He stressed the last word and gave the lad a stern look. He was certainly up to something. The weyrling rider’s movements where unnerving the man just a bit, but he refused to let it show. If this was going to be a battle of wills so be it. He most certainly would not back down. Kaaoloth rumbled his amusement and gently brushed against Checkoth’s mind. Do not worry Checkoth. As long as he does not harm mine I do not care. Mine can be teased. It might make him a bit less rigid although I doubt it. Teasing will hardly kill him, just make him a bit uncomfortable. I dare say yours is amusing. Congratulations on graduating. I am sorry if he is embarrassing you but bondeds do that from time to time. They are silly creatures indeed.

Touching his bondeds mind Kaaoloth explained privately. Checkoth says his insisted on wearing the ridiculous layers. I dare say he is flirting with you mine. Sel’n gave a rather put out vibe. I do not find this funny Kaaoloth. Of course you don’t. You rarely find anything funny. This is a graduation Kaaoloth not some harper performance. The large brown did not comment instead he watched R’wign intently. This should be amusing.

[Avu]

Avia almost fell out of the sky in delight as both Ellie and Hero greeted her, and trilled a very musical reply back to both gold and bronze firelizards, and added on another series of chirps and twitters: Wait, wait! She’d get them pretty flowers too, then they could match Ellie’s humanpet – see, he’d kept his flower, wasn’t it pretty?~ He thought so, too! The compliments forthcoming from R’wign would have actually made Avia preen if she hadn’t been hovering above his head as not to mess up his pretty, pretty hair (Hers had very curly hair, too, but he never did anything with it) and attempting to preen would have meant dropping to the ground in a very undignified landing. The green chirped again, pleased, and twittered again before she darted off, shooting above the heads of the crowd to swoop to the ground; it was very clear that she was scanning the ground for flowers. Hmm, hmm – Hers needed one, and Ellie and Hero needed one, and so did the bronze on the stage and the little green squirmy worm thing, and maybe Sel’n too – yes. How many was that, again…?

Biting his lip to prevent the laughter from spilling, Tr’esn kept his head bowed, though he did glance occasionally at Sel’n to check the Weyrlingmaster’s reaction in a mixture of guilt at finding amusement in R’wign’s…blatantly making fun of the Ceremony (he was pretty sure it was supposed to be a very serious occasion) and nervousness; Tr’esn liked R’wign – he didn’t want him to get in trouble…Tr’esn tilted his head to one side, eyeing Crash and Vanity in amusement for a moment – before he glanced back at R’wign and the feline pouncing at his dress, wondering vaguely if they were even allowed to bring felines; he’d actually wanted to bring Moth, just because the feline made everything a game; she’d make him feel better, in any case…but he hadn’t been aware that R’wign had had a feline…hnn.

He’d completely forgotten about getting off of the stage, but as R’wign asked to deliver a speech, Tr’esn remembered – Sel’n’s exasperated-sounding comment made the greenweyrling bite his lip, and then he stepped sideways, gaze flicking towards R’wign as he grinned at the brownweyrling before he hopped off of the raised stage – Tr’esn really was quite graceful once he got out of the spotlight – and dropped down into his seat again – and then promptly had a flower dropped on top of his head. Tr’esn blinked in surprise as the yellow flower fell into his palms, and then rolled his eyes in exasperation at Avia as the green, clutching several flowers into her forepaws, zoomed towards the stage, depositing a flower nicely on top of first Sel’n, then Vanity, Crash, Ellie, and Hero, and then a second one for R’wign, twittering happily at each of them in their turn.

Now they were all pretty! (R’wign had only gotten a second one because the green had miscounted, but nobody needed to know that!)

Poor Checkoth – Oquith would have gotten bigger solely in order to hide him if she could have. Unfortunately, she could get bigger, and compromised by puffing herself up and straining to spread her wings as far as they would go, crooning apologetically as she glanced behind her and almost winced; Checkoth was still very much visible. She was trying, she really was…Oquith glanced up at the stage, crooning slightly. The green liked R’wign – he had protected Hers, which instantly elevated him to hero to Oquith – but she liked Checkoth, too, and she was torn between amusement and sympathy. Hers was amused, so – so she’d better be sympathetic, just to balance it out. Yes. That would work. Turning to present her back to the crowd, Oquith dropped her head to nuzzle Checkoth, who appeared to be trying to literally sink into the ground. She crooned, returning the nuzzle to her side by rubbing her head against the brown’s neck affectionately, though his explanation made her eyes whirl in confusion before she bobbed her head in understanding.

It looks nice, though, she observed, squirming slightly. I mean – if it was a gift, shouldn’t he say ‘thank you’ instead of punishing him…? Maybe he didn't know Yours doesn't like any feline but Mothfeline.

[glamourie]

Crash positively preened as the pretty came closer and talked to him. He fluted and chirruped, both complimentary, clearly telling her how amazing she was - not that she needed to be reminded. Had he turned around, no doubt Avia would have stolen his attention (Crash was a flirt with everyone female) but he was totally focused on Vanity. His wings flipped twice and he nudged at her before a flower dropped right in front of him. Pleased (and fluting his gratitude to the flower dropping sky), he picked it up in his claws and held his flower out for Vanity to take. Pretty flower for a pretty, yes, yes? She needed a flower, it would make her perfect. His tail swished back and forth as he hopped around in positive excitement, oblivious to how silly he looked. He was showing off, he was. She was the prettiest little… whatever she was, and he wanted to make a good, memorable impression. Maybe she’d remember him and like him. He liked to be liked.

Ignoring the bronze’s silly antics, Ellie turned to look at her bronze and flipped her tail amiably. She liked Hero’s, she did, and she could hear him giggling - well, at least someone was happy with Hers’ silliness. She nuzzled R’wign’s cheek again as a flower came down in front of her and she chirruped to Avia encouragingly before picking it up in her mouth. It was a pretty thing, it was, but she couldn’t wear it -- so Ellie turned, hopping in the process, and stuffed the flower behind R’wign’s ear in much the same fashion as the one on the opposite side. There. It looked very pretty, it did. Her eyes whirled her amusement and she fluted to Avia, encouraging her to come and sit with them. Didn’t she want to look as pretty as they did? She’d fit in, she would.

He didn’t want it. He tried to tell Kaaoloth’s that, but he didn’t listen and now he has the fuzzy, Checkoth explained as he squirmed against Oquith, trying to hide more efficiently. The Empressfeline is not as nice as the Moth. It likes me and it likes the little cousins, and it loves R’wignmine, but if anyone else touches it, it makes that spitting sound that felines do and R’wignmine tried to give it away but couldn’t because of that. The Empressfeline does not like others at all.. Empress was very picky about people. So picky that no human other than R’wign was allowed to touch her. She wouldn’t attack people in the infirmary for it but she did make it painfully obvious her disapproval, and even R’wign picked up on it. Checkoth squirmed and ducked his head, embarrassed. Why did R’wign have to be so silly. So silly.

The older brown’s reassurance made Checkoth croon. He didn’t want to answer, though. R’wignHis wouldn’t actually hurt Kaaoloth’s. He fixed the hurt people, he didn’t hurt them! His was good that way… He was glad to be graduating, too, but - but -

R’wign smirked at Sel’n and lifted one hand to stroke Ellie pleasantly. The third flower deposited on his head earned a smile toward Avia, before the brown weyrlingrider stepped right up to the weyrlingmaster. “I have to pin them on myself?” he asked, and he stuck out his lower lip in a very showy pout. “You’re no fun.” However, he did take the knots and pin them to the front of his dress casually. He wouldn’t ever wear them, but it was nice to have. R’wign always wore healer knots. First and foremost, he was a healer, after all. Even if he was acting more like the resident class clown. Why, oh why, did M’ta have to be missing this? He’d plotted it all out, too, got the perfect plan in mind, and M’ta was still too hurt to come down and see the show. Oh well. He took solace in the knowledge that he’d get to tell his friend all about it later on and no doubt the rumor mill would turn enough that M’ta would find out in advance. Hohoho.

Turning back to the group, R’wign winked and bowed flourishingly. “Ladies and gentlemen of the Weyr, I am R’wign, the brown trying to hide is Checkoth, and most of these f’lizards are mine. Impressing Check was the best thing to ever happen to me. It’s not every day you find a dragon with two tails,” he said playfully; he was obviously trying to be serious… or at least, pretending to be. “We started out weyrling lessons with a full class. After the attack, only a handful of us survived… and I think we’re all that much closer for it. My fellow brown weyrlingrider was unable to make this occasion due to his injuries from that attack but I assure you --” R’wign turned to look at Sel’n, and cocked his head to the side, “-- his dress was to die for. Now kiss me, you big handsome lug. This is goodbye isn’t it?” Without waiting for a response, R’wign grabbed Sel’n by the arm, forced him into a dip and kissed him square across the mouth. Then he released him (hoping Sel’n would hit the ground) and waved off. “He’s not a very good kisser, just in case anyone gets any ideas! Ta~”

[Rei]

Vanity wriggled in obvious delight. Oh this lovely bronze flyer was complementing her so nicely. He was a good flier she was. The mandyr would remember him she would. His nudge brought a pleasant croon from Vanity and then she jumped back as something landed next to her and frilled. What? Looking up she flattened her frill immediately as Crash offered the flower. The small green mandyr’s eyes whirled in pleasant blues. For her? Not even Lust had gotten her a present. Vanity practically purred in happiness as she accepted the fliers gift. He had just become her favorite flyer he had! Beautiful. Flyermine good. Like. Vanity like. She said in a blissful tone rubbing her head against the bronze’s chest.

Hero fluted happily to Avia and tucked the flower behind R’wign’s opposite ear like Ellie had. There now hers was properly symmetrical he was. The bronze flitter twittered happily to his gold mate. Hers was very pretty he was. Ellie’s question to Avia was picked up by Hero and he even moved to make room for the green. She could sit next to him. He did not mind sharing the space. Humming happily he flared his wings for balance as R’wign bowed. What fun this was.

Sel’n didn’t offer a comment as R’wign whined about pinning his own knots. The Weyrlingmaster just rolled his eyes and stood by as R’wign started speaking. Well, well it seemed the lad could be serious, and then what? M’ta had a dress as well? “Kiss yo..” That was all Sel’n had time for before he was unceremoniously dipped and kissed, then promptly dropped. The man barely managed to correct his fall to avoid jarring his injured leg. The damn thing had been giving him trouble ever since the attack. Picking himself up off the stage he practically glared at R’wign. Not a good kisser? Sharding Faranth what was wrong with this class? He momentarily debated commenting but really their was no point.

Kaaoloth rumbled in laughter, practically writhing in amusement behind the stage. Why mine I do believe you are embarrassed. Sel’n glowered at his brown before brushing the dust off his outfit and glaring at the laughing students. Trying to compose his features into something resembling calmness he cleared his throat loudly. “Now that the show is over you all invited to attend the banquet held in honor of our graduating Tidals.” Dipping in a sort bow he turned to glare at Kaaoloth. Thanks for the help! What’s wrong Fussypantsmine? I think that went very well for a graduation. You even got kissed. Lucky you. Sel’n glared at his dragon and threw up his hand in frustration. Yes lucky me, embarrassed in front of all the remaining weyrling classes. Oh give it up. You’ll miss them. You will and you know it. Sel’n shook his head but managed a smile at his dragon. Perhaps I will.

[Avu]

Avia twittered happily at both gold and bronze’s invitation to join them on Ellie’s human, and the green hovered indecisively for a moment before she swooped to land on R’wign’s shoulder, fluting pleasantly at Hero – such a nice bronze for making room for her, too! There was nothing flirtatious in the nudge she offered him; indeed, flirting had never even occurred to Avia as she peeped happily, carefully arranging her claws as not to poke R’wign inadvertently. No no no – no hurting the pretty flower-covered firelizard-post~ Avia herself didn’t have a flower; she’d given away all of hers, but she did have questions, and she felt that made up for it. Nosing at the fabric of R’wign’s dress, the small green cooed, her questions broadcasted in her fascination. What was this? Could Hers have one? This one was too big for him, but could they maybe find a smaller one? She’d like Hers to be as pretty as Ellie’s – that would be nice…

The green was not the only firelizard who approached, though – a queen firelizard blinked from between at that instant, twittering a pleasant greeting. To a casual observer, the greeting would have been directed at R’wign and all of the firelizards perched on him. Anyone who was a bit more observant would have noticed that her blue, whirling gaze was fixed on R’wign and Ellie specifically. Zesa hovered for a moment before she glided higher in the air, twirling in the air above R’wign. It was clear that she was not accompanied by Hers, since Meira was a wherhandler and therefore asleep, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t watch. And anyway, this was Hers’ brown that was graduating! And – and – Zesa fluted curiously after a moment to Ellie; what was Hers wearing…? It was – hnn…kind of pretty…?

Oh, was Oquith’s comment, the small green squirming slightly as she plopped her muzzle onto Checkoth’s back thoughtfully. Well – well – I mean, at least it’s not mean to him…and…um, at least she looks cute…and R’wignYours is – he is trying to make people laugh, isn’t he…? The green huffed; she was trying to make Checkoth feel better, she really was – but – meh. She’d be beyond embarrassed if Hers decided to dress up like that, too. But then, Tr’esn wouldn’t. She loved Hers, but he was – he was kind of predictable, and R’wignCheck’s wasn’t. But – but he was actually giving a speech. Hnn…Hers had been expecting something…very, very inappropriate. Maybe he had been wrong. Still, he looked very funny with three firelizards adorning his shoulders and another queen in the air above him…not at all the serious, stiff speech-giver, and –

“Oh…”
/Oh/, Oquith echoed Tr’esn’s sentiment to Checkoth as R’wign…forced the Weyrlingmaster into a dip and kissed him, and promptly…dropped him onto the stage. Tr’esn was torn between acute mortification on Sel’n’s behalf and the hysterical urge to laugh; the greenrider didn’t want to offend the Weyrlingmaster, even if Sel’n no longer ranked him – so he bowed his head again, though his shoulders were shaking with the laughter that he couldn’t conceal; pressing his lips together, Tr’esn was first out of his seat when Sel’n dismissed them to go to the banquet, but it wasn’t for the food that he headed: It was for Oquith and Checkoth. The green still had her wings outspread in her attempt to shield Checkoth from the world – which still wasn’t working, and probably worked even less due to the fact that R’wign had actually called attention to Checkoth – and grinned up at both of the dragons.

“Hi, Checkoth…um – “ His head tilted to one side, his amusement fading into sympathy for the brown as Oquith crooned. “Are – are you embarrassed…? Don’t be – it’s – it was really funny…” Tr’esn didn’t really expect an answer, but it still felt rude to completely ignore Checkoth in favor of his own Oquith, whom he leaned against as he pinned the knots to the front of his shirt. “It – it was a nice speech…um, up until the part about M’ta’s dress, anyway…”

[Tashe]

Oh she was late! Jogging down the corridor, Kaegan gave a disgruntled sigh. She had over estimated the time she had before the beginning of the ceremony, and had been in the middle of something when her Flitter came and alerted her to the start. Unfortunately the work she had been doing wasn't something she had the ability to just drop and resume, she had to finish the meeting before she was able to go. Slowing to a stop, she took a few breath. Was she really this out of weight? "Myahg." She pushed herself to go on, reaching the river in a considerably slower amount of time than she would have liked. Hopping onto the dock, the Weyrwoman paced over to a boat with a Candidate in it, sliding in with a huff. "To the Weyrling Barracks please." Of course, she could have had Millieth give her a lift to the Barracks, but the Queen was feeding and it would probably be too late by the time she finished up.

Ignoring the Candidate who basically stared at her as if he had never expected to meet her... ever, she watched the water slip by as they finally pulled away from the dock. She was to lazy to paddle herself today, and anyways, that was what boating chores were for anyways. Letting her hand trail on the surface of the water Kaegan absent mindedly counted the ripples that emanated off of her fingers. Normally, she wouldn't actually attend a Weyrling Graduation, but she had a friend in the graduating class... plus it was one of Millieth's clutches, so she could simply peg her intents on interest if she was accused of something. Placing a hand on her belly, the Weyrwoman yawned heartily. Although it was still daytime, she felt like taking a nap, especially now that she was sitting in the sun.

"Huh?" Rubbing her eyes, Kaegan sat up on her seat and looked around, apparently she had actually dozed off. She got out of the boat with the help of the Candidate and walked down the Dock as she brushed the skirt portion of her dress. Hopefully she wasn't too late. Trotting quickly toward the training grounds Kaegan snuck around toward the back of the seating area, arriving just in time to see R'wign... kiss Sel'n. She froze behind the chair she had attempted to sneak into, a mixed look of surprise (and shock) crossing her face. And what in the name of little green hatchlings was he wearing?! Her eye literally twitched as her mind tried to comprehend the absurdity of the situation, it wasn't a surprise that a little annoyance snuck in there too. Couldn't he act normal for once? Especially for his graduation! Crossing her arms, the Senior Weyrwoman felt Azaran alight on her shoulder. The pair watched as R'wign proceeded to leave the stage, battling the need to pinch the bridge of her nose and sigh.

[glamourie]

She liked his gift! Crash practically squirmed in joy, chirruping to Vanity. He bounced a little and then rubbed his entire body against the salamandyr’s in an undeniable show of affection. Such a pretty creature deserved a pretty and she was lovely, she was. His eyes whirled happy shades of blue. Not even the crowds could dissuade him. For the moment, the pretty next to him had all of his attention and he chattered away to her. Did she like the pretty? He’d bring her more pretties, he would (so long as he didn’t become distracted by another pretty, but she didn’t need to know that). The sky was raining pretties on the shiny green because she was wonderful. Even the big blue sky up above knew how spectacular she was. He flapped his wings, fluted and rubbed against her again, totally oblivious to everything else happening around him. She had his full attention. If only His could be as pretty as she was~ Then maybe Hers wouldn’t mind His so much. Silly His. Though, it was a pretty dress. Not as pretty as she was, but still nice enough! Why couldn’t His be a female too?

Ellie chirruped encouragingly to Avia, though the green’s curiosity puzzled her. She didn’t know what a dress was? Boys weren’t supposed to wear dresses, but hers was just odd. Thoughtfully, the young gold gave an explanatory flute, before looking up at R’wign. She was glad that Avia landed on him, she was, because the little green was cute. (Ellie had privately adopted Avia, much the same way she did Crash and Grouch - they were all young enough to be her babies, and in her opinion, they may as well have been, since they did not have a gold clutch mother to look after them.) And so sweet. She only had one green daughter that sweet, Gracey, hmm. Her tail flicked and she started to peep when another flash of gold came into her view, causing Ellie to bounce back in alarm.

Zesa? Zeeeesa.

Looking up at the older gold, Ellie fluted happily and flicked her tail back and forth. She bobbed her head in the direction of R’wign’s, as though to encourage her to land. To anyone else it might have seemed odd, but Ellie liked Zesa, she did. They were having a hatchling, and they were going to share it, and raise it up right so it didn’t come out like Arrogance… or Ras. Those two were embarrassing, but it was okay, because she and Zesa were the best, and so were Theirs, which meant the baby humanling would be the best ever. Would she like to land…? She chirruped again, and then bowed her head. Yes yes, hers looked silly, he did, but - at least he was happy.

Oquith’s question made Checkoth squirm slightly and he crooned in agreement. Yes, His was trying to make people laugh and also embarrass Kaaoloth’s in the process. It was a silly, silly thing to be doing, but - well, it was His. Since when was R’wignHis ever logical? His head swiveled around as Tr’esn spoke to him and he leaned down to nuzzle the greenrider in an undeniable show of affection. He didn’t want to be too serious, Checkoth said to the boy directly. He thought it would be silly. He’s also still mad about the Empressfeline, even though she is nice to him. He doesn’t like felines because wild ones hurt him very badly before. I hope you are not offended, EsnQui’s, because R’wignmine likes you very much, and I like you as well. Please do not be mad with him.

R’wign smirked at Sel’n’s response, unable to help himself. He looked embarrassed. Good. But the show wasn’t over entirely. Not yet. R’wign sauntered to the end of the stage, though he did glance up at Zesa and whistle his own greeting to her. Once he reached the very far side, he called out loud enough for everyone to hear, “I’ll be waiting for you tonight, Sel’n. Don’t you dare be late, or you’ll be punished.” He put just enough emphasis in the last word to make it clear he meant something entirely different from the definition of the word ‘punished’ and then he leapt off the stage and slipped off toward the dragons. He wasn’t very hungry. He had a bronze rider to catch and weasel a cradle out of, after all, while he was still dressed for the occasion (just who could resist that dress, really?). He was midwalk when an almost shocked face caught his attention.

Kaegan.

Nonononono. She was not supposed to be there. R’wign froze midstep, his face blanching to chalk white as he stared straight at the Senior Weyrwoman, leaving no question as to exactly where he was looking. His entire body tensed and he felt very much like he was about to vomit. Only a cautious nudge from Ellie kept him from collapsing over. How much had Kae seen? He knew what he was wearing - oh, by Faranth, she probably thought him an imbecile. She wouldn’t understand- she probably hated him. Efficiently mortified, R’wign broke himself out of his frozen posture and bolted away from the seats over toward Checkoth. He wanted to go hide in his weyr now, yes, yes? And never come out again…?

[Rei]

Vanity preened happily. This bronze flyer was smart. He would bring her more gifts? Of course he would. She deserved them and he was a good and smart flyer. Crooning as the bronze rubbed against her she trilled her happiness, extending her frill more to show off than any form of threat. The sky knew it as well? Well it should! Vanity pretty. Sky know. Bronzeflyer know. Beautiful. She said excitedly clutching the flower to her chest. She was totally ignoring Sel’n and Kaaoloth for the moment they where not telling her how lovely she was. So for now they where not worth her time. Not at all. The green mandyr turned to view R’wign then as he leapt from the stage. That was the human who complimented her at the gather. He was lovely he was and as smart as his flyer. He had complimented her too. Vanity remembered. Yours good. Verysogood. Smart yours. Kno Vanity beautiful. She explained to Crash. R’wign was smart solely for the reason that he understood her beauty obviously.

Hero chattered pleasantly to his clutch mother. Did she see what a beautiful and lovely gold he had now. Ellie was positively wonderful she was. He fluted happily his eyes whirling in intense blues as he touched Avia’s shoulder in return, the gesture protective. Craning his neck he eyed his in the crowd, D’nar getting up to make his way to the food. He waved at Hero and the bronze fluted back. When R’wign froze Hero twittered in confusion. What was upsetting him? So busy was he eyeing the crowd, he was caught totally off guard as the brown rider suddenly sprinted away. His balance ruined, Hero leapt off R’wign to circle and chirp in confusion. He could have just held on with his talons but he had no desire to hurt his Ellie’s even accidentally. So instead the bronze just followed R’wign in the air.

Sel’n flinched at R’wign’s words and the accompanying snickers and laughter. That was it, he was going to show the boy what punishment really was. Glaring at the boy’s back he started forward angrily. Kaaoloth thrust his head over the stage to impede his bonded’s movement. You are hardly being fair mine. Let the boy have his fun. You will not see him very often from now on. He is just trying to pay you back for the feline. He has always given you a hard time, you expect him to be serious now? That is foolish and besides you would feel outright horrible if you hurt him. The brown rider snarled and smacked the flat of his palm against the brown’s muzzle. Shard it all Kaaoloth. Why do you have to make sense. Your logic seems extremely flawed. If I didn’t make sense you would be stupid more often than I let you. Thanks for your confidence in me.

Sel’n paused in his conversation with the brown as R’wign froze. Hmmm. Eyeing the crowd he caught the reason for the sudden stop. The Senior Weyrwoman. Well, well. How much of the show had she seen? Enough for her to look a bit put out certainly. Had The Weyrlingmaster not been completely embarrassed, he might have found the situation worrisome for R‘wign. But R’wign had just humiliated him in front of all the graduating classes. He deserved to be scolded, at the very least, and by the Senior Weyrwoman no less. Served him right. Kaaoloth snorted in annoyance at his bonded. Very mature Selmine.

[Avu]

Avia trilled excitedly as her question was answered. A dress? A dress! She wanted a dress – could she have one, how did you get a dress…? Maybe Hers could make one! Or the humongous green that looked to Hers! Yesyes, she was good at making things; she’d definitely be able to make Avia a dress~ Hero’s nudge to her shoulder made the young green croon again; Avia was still positively tiny, being small to begin with, and a hatchling to boot, and her enthusiasm was quite disproportionate to her overall body size – something that Tr’esn found very amusing. The green positively glowed with delight as Zesa’s twitter of greeting included her, too, and Avia actually bounced on R’wign’s shoulder. Did people see her? She was a green, and all of the pretty golds and bronzes were being so nice to her! (Never mind that Hero was only one bronze…) Was she special, or were the pretty shinies always so nice? Hers didn’t like bronzes very much, but this one was so nice. So nice!

One of the two pretty, nice golds in question circled R’wign again, fluting pleasantly back to Ellie. Zesa had always liked R’wign, and so, by proxy, she liked Ellie, too. And in any case, they were going to have a shared hatchling, so she could hardly not like the gold. Her bronze son’s greeting earned a low, pleased croon from Zesa; out of her two bronzesons, Hero was her favorite; he was nicer than the other one was by far, he was. But but! He had to share Ellie with her; she and Ellie were going to have a hatchling of their own – Zesa twittered at R’wign before she swooped down neatly to land right next to Ellie, crooning to the younger gold again, eyes whirling rapidly. Hers was silly, but he looked pretty, too – he looked very pretty. She’d have to show Hers and Jabari how pretty Ellie’s was~

And – what was wrong…? Zesa fluted questioningly as R’wign froze, and from Hero’s confused twitter, it seemed that she was not the only one who didn’t quite understand why R’wign had just – frozen. And then, as he bolted, Zesa ducked her head, throwing her weight forwards to stay on R’wign’s shoulder even as Hero took to wing and Avia squawked her alarm and then, rather belatedly, jumped into flight as well, the young green twirling above R’wign’s head. What was he running from? Silly silly, he’d trip on his pretty dress and get it all messy – stop stop stop, no – he’d make his flowers fall off! Twittering her distress, Avia glided overhead, flapping her wings as hard as she could to keep up with R’wign as Zesa eventually (more for R’wign’s sake than her own) took to wing, too; she didn’t want to unbalance him with more weight on one shoulder than the other, after all. As soon as Zesa figured out where R’wign was heading, the gold sped ahead of him, twirling before she twittered questioningly at Checkoth, her question clear: Could she land on him? His was busy running and didn’t make such a nice perch…

Oquith blinked in surprise as Avia, trilling, providing her with mental images of flowers falling and dirty dresses, landed directly on the tip of her nose, the small green dragon squirming slightly against Checkoth as she snorted, eyes crossing to squint at Avia. Miiiine…? The little green Avian – ‘Avian’, the word that ‘Avia’ was derived from, and what Oquith called her – is worried about – about flowers falling and dresses getting – R’wignCheck’s, where are you going…? the green added curiously to R’wign, crooning at the brownrider running towards them. It was a ceremony for them; didn’t he want to stay and eat and – and do whatever else had been planned…?

Checkoth’s nuzzle made Tr’esn smile, the greenrider reaching up to pat the soft muzzle. He was used to draconic affections from Wymeth and Qualuth as well as Oquith, but to know that Checkoth liked him, too – it was nice. The Empressfeline – was that the feline toddling after R’wign…? Tr’esn glanced at her curiously, and then smiled up at Checkoth, shaking his head reassuringly. “It’s okay – I’m not offended, I’m not – I thought it was funny…I’m glad you like me,” he added honestly. And then, as Oquith spoke, addressing R’wign and sounding very bemused, Tr’esn half-turned to blink at R’wign, stepping back towards Oquith automatically. Firelizards had been positively swarming him before – now there was only a bronze circling him and his own gold and – oh. That was because Avia and the other queen had already come to the dragons. Tr’esn tilted his head up at Checkoth. “I – um…what’s R’wign doing…? Am I in the way…?”