Before the Fall [Execution Escape] [Open]

B'jin honestly wasn't sure if he were surprised, or relieved, by the number of people that had opted to join the growing crowd of people at dawn on the day of the execution. The dragons would be keening within a handful of hours, mourning the loss of one of their own, at the hands of their self appointed leader. It was not a good set-up, and B'jin was more than eager to be out of the way. The meeting of Weyrlingmasters that R'nya had called up just the day before had surprised B'jin; by the end of it, however, he had been more than relieved. He'd been thankful.

The greenrider had no idea what S'kef was playing at, or if it had been S'kef's idea or R'nya's or someone else entirely to send the youngsters and the goldriders and whomever else opted to tag along  well outside the immediate area. There had been a lot of discussion on the best course of action to take in order to get everyone outside of keening distance. With many of the dragons aware of what would be happening that day, they needed to be sure not even a whisper would reach them. Trips between would be required. That, of itself, was no big deal. The problem was the Weyrling classes, who had yet to do any such travelling and the youngest of them which had Hatched barely a month before.

B'jin was very stressed. His class were only just settling into flying. They were getting good at taking off and landing, and they were becoming quite skilled in basic flight patterns and at recognising when their fellows were in good form, or when they were ready to take a rest. B'jin was very pleased with them all... But he wasn't not in the slightest convinced that they were ready for the task of flying between – especially not on their own. If he'd been given more time, the greenrider would have packed them all up a week ago and turned it into a camping expedition. Set out, explore, have some fun. None of them would have even had to know what was going on back home. Oh, he would have preferred that!

Instead, he'd been fretting and pacing. He'd been tugging on his hair in frustration and just about sent the blonde locks standing on end from all the times he had run his fingers through it. He'd alternated between sulking unhappily and demanding affection from R'nd, and being waspish and grumpy with him. He just needed to figure out a safe way to get his kids outside of the Katilan district, and he had to figure it out within the next handful of hours. Why was dawn approaching so fast? He didn't remember going to bed,but he did remember startling awake from a nightmare and kicking R'nd in the shin, the same time his flailing had hit the other in the chest (or the nose, or  the stomach or the arse – the greenrider had no idea as he had then promptly managed to fall out of bed.) before landing on his arse on the floor with a loud thump, and a string of half whispered curses.

With the 231 clutch having just graduated, there were only the three clutches left to take care of. The mid-year clutch by Tyrrisath was a year old, and they were capable of winking between and were more used to the longer rides. The youngest would have their dragonets loaded up on the larger adults, and carefully ferried. It was B'jin's class alone that was causing the man so much trouble (not that he was at all required to worry about the other two), and he was still being stretched in two directions as he dressed – actually donning proper dragonrider leathers that hadn't seen the light of day since his last wing practice – and plaiting his hair back with jerking movements that belied his stress. R'nd's light touch was reassuring, and B'jin leant against him quietly for a few moments, before the stress bubbled up once more and the greenrider began wriggling anxiously. What was he going to do?!

The desire for the swiftness of the jump between was hard to beat away, and B'jin was very torn between the two options. The trip would be so much easier – but his kids weren't ready yet, not by a long shot, and they were still well over a month away from learning the theory of how to jump between. He wasn't prepared to lose members of his small class over such a thing as S'kef being a power hungry bastard. The risk would be too great without such stressers hanging over their heads. When he finally came to the conclusion to fly the Weyrlings straight, B'jin relaxed visibly and cuddled against R'nd once more, huffing out a deep sigh. Teaching harper lessons was so much easier! “Shall we?” he asked mildly, kissing the bluerider with gentle affection before stepping away after a lingering pause. What would he do without R'nd?

Moments later, B'jin was standing before the gathering that had come together, voices hushed in the predawn as they waited for Weyrlings and their masters to gather. B'jin collected up his own group, checking their riding straps and looking over their dragons with a critical eye. Strained muscles and dodgy strap work would not go down well today! It shouldn't take them long to get out of the immediate vicinity of Katila – five or six hours, surely – but the greenrider was still questioning the weyrling's ability to make it that far, especially straight.

We should take them between. Larrikith said, her voice gentle against B'jin's mind. They are strong, they are not stupid, and we have many here to guide them individually, she pointed out reasonably, blowing warm breath over her fretting rider. Relax, you will just stress them out.

They don't know how to go between, though! B'jin bemoaned, before startling when larrikith rumbled a soft laughter, her eyes glowing warmly. All dragons know how to go between, you silly man.

---

Stressed B'jin is stressed lulz. He'll cave and take them between. We may or may not lose an NPC. I dunno... Send me a PM for yes or no, xD I'll go with 'no' unless I get enough PMs to make yes definite. Lol. You can suggest a colour too if you want.
We're not losing the ditzy bluerider though. He's too epic. Someone adopt him? He thought brown dragons fly blue. C'mon, that's adorable <3 xD

T'lian wasn't sure what to feel.

He didn't like the dragonriders. He never had. He didn't like the old leader and he didn't like the new one, either. He didn't like the investigation and its accusations, its anger, or its callousness. He especially didn't like having his own name dragged into issues that he wasn't involved with, especially when they asked his opinion only to dismiss it moments later. That alone gave him reason to believe that something wasn't right. He was certain that someone other than the man being held accountable had actually committed the cruel act, but what could he do about it? He'd told them everything he knew, and while he knew enough himself to know that something was wrong, whatever missing pieces he needed to figure it out had been withheld from him.

He imagined he'd never know. He wasn't important enough to know. That was a shame, even for a bronzerider. As T'lian sighed and leaned against Khaduceth's foreleg, eyes wandering off in the direction of Katila, he realized that he felt sorry for the man. Was it pity, mourning, or both?

"This is fucked up," he muttered, stroking Fellis as the little blue clung to the front of his shirt. Fellis chirped gently and nuzzled into T'lian's collarbone with his tiny, blunt snout. "Shh...it's all right. I'm going to take you far away, somewhere safe."

Was it bad that he worried more for Fellis than for Khaduceth? Khaduceth was strong, and even at his young age he seemed calm and unconcerned in the face of such nasty business. T'lian didn't doubt that the dragon fully understood what was happening, and it wasn't exactly that he didn't care, either. To Khaduceth, Tal's safety and comfort was simply more important than anything else. Maybe the dragon would feel greater sorrow later, when the urgency faded and T'lian was 'safe'. Maybe that would take so long that the dragon's short memory would save him from any true stress.

Tal kind of hoped so.


Don't worry. We will go far away, and Fellis won't have to hear any of it. By the time we return, it will all be over. How funny it was, that Kahduceth was fussing so much over little Fellis. In a way it made sense, though. T'lian was preoccupied with soothing the little creature himself, and his concerns were Khaduceth's concerns. It was so absurd that he sighed in frustration.

"I know," he said, patting the dragon's leg before walking away. He'd been trying to ignore B'jin's frantic pacing and obvious discomfort since his arrival, but as B'jin approached to inspect Khaduceth's straps, Tal couldn't stand it anymore.

"Dad," T'lian whispered as he approached, stepping close to B'jin and looking at him with sad eyes. "Are you okay?" Please say you are, or at least that you will be. Lie to me if you have to.

There existed in every person a calm place.  R'ana's weyrling master had been a prick of the worst variety, but the one good thing he had done for her was teach her how to get to that spot inside her mind.  He had called the process finding her center, though Shanith called it the counting and sitting thing. 

R'ana had woken early, rolling from B'run's bedfurs before the sun was even up.  Wearing her own leathers for the first time in months, she had buckled Shanith into her own leathers, and headed for the gathering of those who would, for one reason or another, give the execution a pass.  Shanith and her had arrived quietly, among the first. 

The greenrider had expected that, and found them a good spot to sit.  When she was sat comfortably, she dug in her pocket for her pocket for her worry beads. Pulling the string out, she asked Shanith to nudge her when she needed to be aware, and closed her eyes.  She started counting first, finding her rhythm, then linked her breathing to ten counts, inhaling for ten, then exhaling for the same count. 

Emotion roiling inside her blocked her from her calm place.  She touched each of them with her mind.  Uselessness was first.  She couldn't save Crucilith.  She couldn't undo what T'shiro had done.  She couldn't even stand with D'ren and be a supportive presence.  She could however, help get all the weyrlings to safety.  She could keep her dragon from wreaking panicky havoc.  She wasn't useless.

When the uselessness faded into the deeper recesses of her mind where it wouldn't affect her now, it took the worst of her frustration with it.  It was unfair that she was deemed weak for being female.  It was unfair that Crucilith would have to die today.  It was unfair that D'ren was all but crippled from T'shiro's actions.  It was what was.  What was and what should be were two different things.  Acknowledging this was enough to fade the frustration from R'ana's mind. 

Her emotions began to fade away, her thoughts flowing until she was left with that space in her mind that was endless birght, cool calm.  She left the feeling wash over her and into Shanith, the dragon leaning into R'ana's mind and soaking it up, her eyes whirling a slow and mellow blue. 

Shanith lifted her head, then nudged R'ana, breaking the contact.  "Thank you, love.  Can you ask Larrikith if we can be of any use to B'jin and his class?"  Shanith crooned agreement and R'ana leaned against her dragon, watching the dragons and people with an alert, quiet calm. 

Shanith reached quietly for Larrikith.  R'ana's back from her calm place!  Can we be useful, or does yours have all the help he needs for this?

S'jin  pulled on riding leather and make sure Araith straps were on properly and straight. He was thankful that they learned all about taking care of the straps properly and he had been following the instructions diligently.  S'jin was nervous.

He didn't like the business that was about to go on and he was glad that he and Araith would not be taking part in it but going to a far away place.  He sighed softly and tried to clear his thoughts from Araith  she didn't need to be getting his thoughs and feelings about all this bad business. He concentrated on keeping calm thoughs and just waiting for orders from their weyrling Master. 

S'jin knew that  B'jin would see them all safely well away from the area. He had complete confidence and trust in his weyrling Master.  Course he had never told B'jin this or shown it to him.  S'jin nibbled his bottom lip as he looked around and watched the others start to gather.  He noticed Talian no wait its now T'lian He had to remember that now that they have all taking there new names.

He looked over to Araith still his heart was troubled. He still felt nervous about the new weyrleader and wasn't sure how much he believed him. He was pretty trusting of most people though but the rumors  and actions of this man made him be nervous about him.

He wasn't sure yet where he would throw his alliances he might just stay neutral but he didn't think anyone deserved death. Specially not a  dragon who did no wrong and who is being caught in the crossfire of this.  He think exile would of been better but he'd  not make waves about it.

R’nd had done his best to keep B’jin stress-free and distracted from everything since they found out about the execution but it had been a struggle. His adorable greenrider would cling and cuddle at times or be grumpy and snippy at others. The cuddling was obviously preferred even though the bluerider could still barely recall a time when he wasn’t very good at that act either. It was easy to hold B’jin though and relax together in silence or share silly stories or ask little questions. It had become something comforting, familiar, and even something R’nd looked forward to so there wasn’t a single issue in devoting the evening to the task he had set for himself. Even the grumpiness aimed at him wasn’t taken personally and R’nd continued to react appropriately with a nod of agreement or knowing when he could slip in with a smile and a kiss to the nose to bring B’jin back down to a neutral mood.

That morning, however, wasn’t quite as comfortable when he was so rudely awakened by a kick to the shin that left him mid-groan before an elbow caught him just below the ribs and turned the groan into a pained coughing fit. Apparently he wasn’t the only one troubled at times by nightmares! Moving went slowly after that for a bit as R’nd hobbled around his kitchen to toss together some klah to help them both perk up before returning to get dressed himself. When he noticed B’jin looked like he was about to have another stress attack, he slipped up behind his lover, hands resting lightly on B’jin’s waist. “Hey, we’ll make this work. You’re one of the most imaginative and creative,” R’nd purred the words and gave a nuzzle to the greenrider’s neck to punctuate one of the areas his lover was very creative in, “men I know and you’re clever as well. By the time everyone gathers, you’ll have an idea on what to do and we’ll relax together in the sun when we get them all moved.” It was a softly whispered promise before R’nd fell silent to hold B’jin for a few moments, pleased when he felt the man relax a bit in his arms.

Naturally, that was the only calm moment for the morning. When he arrived at the gathering location, dressed in his riding leathers like a good role model, R’nd could feel the tension and anxiety coming from weyrlings and dragonets alike. All of weyrlings knew him in some way and while B’jin’s class knew him the best in a more professional role, he left them to B’jin and went over to first greet the older weyrlings and then moved to the youngest ones. Kerrin – it was so hard to think of him as a green weyrling now let alone as K’rin – was the ultimate goal but the rest of the class was greeted first and then his young friend was checked up on. “Ayyonth said he wouldn’t mind moving Ajaaskath but he’s not sure about you. Something about how you look like you put on a few pounds.” R’nd patted K’rin’s thigh and then laughed as he dodged a fist to his arm from the weyrling and was berated mentally from Ayyonth for making up stories. “All right fine, he wants to shuttle you both.”

He continued chatting with K’rin a little longer, trying to find something normal about the day he wasn’t at all looking forward to before moving on. If nothing else, he had to be helpful to the Weyrlingmasters and the senior dragonriders and continue to look calm and confident while friendly and open to everyone. It wouldn’t do to have the weyrlings see everyone panicking. A smile and a small chat with dragonets would help make it seem like a routine field trip for everyone. R’nd hoped anyway. He also hoped B’jin had decided on a plan for what to do with his class.

Rhaedalyn was beside herself with anxiety and fear. She had seen the notice on the board the day before and stood frozen on the spot as she read the statement thrice before someone shoved her aside so they could read it as well. She was pretty certain someone helped her to a chair back at the Dining Hall as well and for all she knew it could have been Aradissicath with how out of it she was. They found the culprit who had attacked D’ren! But they were going to execute him. She was so torn! D’ren was a sweet man and he had been kind and patient with her so anyone that would do him harm had to be a horrible person but this seemed so extreme! She did her best to relax over night but come morning, only a little sleep had been had though anxious fire lizards and Aradissicath’s sleep schedule didn’t help much either. Her sweet dragonet hadn’t quite grasped the concept of time and when it was appropriate to sleep and talk just yet.

Rhaedalyn, a dragonet, and three flitters followed the rest of the class to the gathering location where they would meet with the other two weyrling classes and anyone else that wanted to go with them outside of the boundaries. It was nice to know there were other kind people in the Weyr on such a horrible day of convicting an evil man. Her pretty girl was far too young to be subjected to the affects of losing one of their own and even Rhaedalyn wasn’t looking forward to hearing that sound again. The keening was something you couldn’t easily shake from memory and when the weyrling that should have graduated recently was lost between Rhaedalyn thought her ear drums would burst and that the tears would never stop falling. So much pain in those calls!

Are you remembering to breathe? Rhaedalyn gave a squeak of surprise when the calm voice filled her mind and hazel eyes snapped down to look at the dragonet. “Of course I am! It’s as natural for me as it is for you.” In truth, she wasn’t certain if she had been remembering to breathe or at least more regularly before being startled. Not only was she upset over the event of the day but some of her closest friends were missing from the group and it wasn’t sitting well with her. Mevrit was going to stay in her – formerly their – room or do some chores while the execution happened, stating the keening didn’t bother her and that she was more manly than some of the men in the Weyr. That had made Rhaedalyn giggle over such a scandalous thing to say but she understood. Still, she wished Mevrit was there with them! R’nya was another obvious missing person. He was always with them! He was their protector and it didn’t seem right to have him away at such a time of need either. R’nya knew how to soothe the girls and calm them down without even trying and he would make sure the trip out was safe. But the Weyrleader still came first and he had need of R’nya so the goldriders and the hopefuls were out of luck. The way Rumour and Whisper kept disappearing in turn made her suspect they missed R’nya as well and kept going to check on him.

This is like one of your stories, you know. Aradissicath pointed out as she nosed at Rhaedalyn’s hand, urging a gentle petting to begin. “How so?” Of course she gave in and even dropped to her knees to sit for a moment and give the gold proper attention as they spoke. Well, there is someone that was in trouble, a hero, and a villain. The hero is about to deal with the villain, right? Everything is going to end happily soon. We’re only missing the romantic man to sweep the pretty wo—oh! Rhaedalyn frowned at the sudden distraction that took over her dragon before following Aradissicath’s gaze and subsequently nearly dying of shock. Z’ia! What was he doing here?

Rhaedalyn quickly got to her feet and dusted off her pants – since riding in skirts was frowned upon – and walked as casually as she could over to Kahleena, Aradissicath hot on her tail and Muffin beating her to the destination to steal Kahleena’s shoulder. “Look at all the dragonriders coming to help!” She said conversationally with what Rhaedalyn hoped was her usual smile. It was the only way she could think of to point out that Z’ia was there without actually pointing him out and that was the only reason she could come up with as well as to why the cheerful man was with them. Well, rumour had it that his dragon was timid and perhaps Aveleth didn’t want to be near the action of the day either and Z’ia’s obvious concern over his dragon warmed and melted Rhaedalyn’s heart all over again. What a sweet man!

“Rhae!” Kahleena squealed, obviously excitable as she bounced to meet her friend, throwing herself at her spontaneously for a hug. “Isn’t this exciting?” She asked brightly, quite clearly not referencing the reason they were there, but the fact that they were. They were going on an adventure! Okalinath crooned a greeting to Aradissicath as she joined them, the adult-sized gold nuzzling her young sister with gently swirling eyes.

A pout suddenly formed on Kahleena’s lips and she sulked, shoulders drooping. “My Weyrlingmaster said I’m not allowed to ferry you,” the pout was clear in the girl’s voice and brown eyes were sulky. Okalinath snorted, nuzzling Kahleena’s back as she spoke gently to Rhaedalyn and Aradissicath; They do not wish to risk losing us all, should we fail the trip between, her voice was mildly amused. She had no intention of failing the trip between, but unlike her sulking rider, Okalinath could quite clearly see the relevance of their thought process. Losing one gold would be a terrible blow; losing two so young would be beyond awful, particularly with the day’s events already lined up!

Kahleena continued to pout until Rhaedalyn’s words finally registered, and the girl blinked, her expression brightening once more as she looked around curiously. Besides the three weyrling classes, and most of the female candidates, there was a significant number of dragonriders present. “There are so many of them!” Her eyes were wide; she and Okalinath had decided after some random conversation that only enough would come to ferry the babies, the Weyrlingmasters, and a mix up of their assistants to help carry the non-riders. It was startling to see so many others present!

Kahleena, we are to join the others. Okalinath spoke softly, her head having risen to peer in the direction of their weyrlingmaster and then lowering it once more to breathe warm air on Rhaedalyn’s face and lick Aradissicath’s nose as Kahleena brushed her hands over her long split skirt. The girl had taken a rather strong shine to the skirt that Weyrwoman Tsuen had made her; it was split down the middle to form pants, the legs, pleated and used a lot of material, created a full skirt effect while still allowing her to ride easily. Kahleena loved them!

“See you when we get there!” Kahleena grinned, eyes sparkling, before moving in the direction of her class so the man could go over the straps Okalinath was sporting and make sure nothing was amiss. Kahleena knew the day in and of itself was an awful one but she was choosing very firmly to look at the bright side of it – perhaps the only bright side – and that was the adventure! The trip between and a day spent with other girls and dragons far further from the Weyr itself than she’d gone since she’d come South! It was going to be such fun!

It was all S’kef’s fault, of course. He had timed it all to make B’jin’s life as awful as possible. If the bastard had waited another four weeks before deciding to kill some poor fuck, B’jin wouldn’t have had to stress about getting his class between nearly so much! The topic would have been covered on a theoretical level, and the kids would have been prepped. The baby draognets would have been old enough to cope, too, and the whole scenario would have been irrelevant.

But nooooo! Instead, he had to go and make B’jin’s life a walking disaster, and decided some poor bastard had to be thrown between so soon after the latest clutch had hatched that naturally the right thing to do was to send everyone way out whoop-whoop where they wouldn’t have to put up with keening dragons! Of course, the excuse was so the latest clutch did not all panic and suicide or some bullshit. B’jin was not even sure how that worked. Dragons died well, not all the time, but-! Still!

You’re raving again, love. Relax, Larrikith’s tone was slightly amused as she interrupted her rider’s thoughts before becoming distracted herself as Ayyonth arrived. Perking up, the little green trotted over to the blue, and then followed curiously when he tailed after R’nd to go and meet with K’rin and his little green. Larrikith did not speak to anyone, and her opinion of K’rin was likely as hit and miss as the fresh weyrling’s was of her rider. Besides, Ayyonth was hers, and R’nd was B’jin’s and that little green hussy was going to cause issues in the future! A carefully neutral but clearly calculating look was given to the hatchling, Larrikith sliding perhaps a little too close to Ayyonth’s side as she came to a halt.

B’jin looked up with a small, only slightly forced smile as Talian spoke. “Yes,” it wasn’t even a lie – not at that particular moment – B’jin currently being distracted by Larrikith’s subtle veins of jealousy though he appeared to be ignoring the dragon as he finished looking over Khaduceth’s leather straps, giving a slight jerk to one line and frowning at it for a moment before nodding. A change in the colouration of the leather made it look weak, but a solid jerk proved it was nothing at all. “These are very good, but you will need to make another set soon. They’re getting small.” That much was given away by the tightening across the brown hide and the lack of excess leather after buckles. Bloody dragonets!

B’jin gave Khaduceth a pat on the shoulder before realising he was patting a brown and jerked his hand back unconsciously. The action turned into a swipe of hand over the top of his braid, tugging on the end before puffing out a sigh. “Mount up, guys,” B’jin instructed his class, an order being issued by the Weyrlingmaster of the class before their own, while the new classes were all paired up with an adult dragon to shuttle their dragonet and young rider.

“Daddy!” Amorandii’s squeal was high pitched, especially in the early morning air, and B’jin’ turned with a slightly surprised expression in time to catch the flying form of his almost-seven year old daughter as she threw herself into his arms. Indamor followed much more placidly, giving his father an apologetic smile at losing the excitable girl. “Mother said she’d take Amorandii, if I can ride with you.” Indamor’s avoidance of his mother’s blue – and all blues, if he could get away with it – was still an unanswered curiosity for B’jin, but he had not bothered to prod the child further on the topic.

“Of course,” B’jin replied, smiling softly as he put Amorandii down and brushed her dress back out, the little girl bouncing over to Talian and throwing herself at him for a hug and a sloppy kiss on his cheek as soon as it was in reach. Khaduceth was given a fearless pat, and was the recipient of another sloppy kiss, before the girl was bounding off once more to find Indamor’s mother and her ride for the day. Indamor waited patiently as Larrikith nuzzled at Ayyonth’s cheek with a lick before trotting back to where B’jin was with his class.

Finished delaying, have we? the green asked cheerfully as Indamor climbed up with dignified practice, and strapped himself on. I believe he will be fine, Shanith. We are going to be leaving now. Your assistance may be needed on the other end, though. First times between can be emotional. While she was speaking, B’jin swung up shortly thereafter, ignoring her comment as he turned his anxious gaze upon the small class he was responsible for. “Alright kids,” B’jin’s voice was low and serious, demanding attention without rising or being threatening. “Larrikith is going to feed your dragons an image, and we will be travelling between on her signal. If you want to arrive alive, stay out of your dragon’s mind, and keep your thoughts to yourself. Hold tight, and try not to piss yourself!” With the last, not quite sarcastic, comment, B’jin instructed Larrikith to take off, the little green actually launching herself traditionally into the air along with many of the others.

Alright! This is where we are going. You all know how to between, and doing so with your rider is no different. Ready? Alright, let’s go! The green vanished between with an anxiously fidgeting B’jin and a quietly watching Indamor.

They arrived half a breath before their entire class made it cleanly through the black nothingness, and B’jin gave a shameless whoop of success as Larrikith spiralled down for a landing.

Sorry it's jerky >> Wanted to get them there so that everyone can relax and mess around more freely =)

B'jin's response, brief and curt through it was, satisfied T'lian for the time being. He exhaled slowly, relaxing as B'jin looked over his straps and made his soft comment about Khaduceth's size. It seemed like Tal was constantly making new straps. "Maybe one day he'll stop growing," T'lian murmured, watching as B'jin gave the dragon a pat and then recoiled just as fast.

T'lian narrowed his eyes a bit, perplexed by what he'd just seen. He wasn't oblivious to the way B'jin and Khaduceth mutually ignored each other, but a younger and less mature Tal might have taken offense to such outright disdain. He knew B'jin well enough to know that the man didn't realize the signals he was giving off most of the time. B'jin wasn't passive aggressive enough to do something like that just to prove a point, too. What could it be?

Did you do something to him?

Why would I? The dragon sounded so remarkably bored that T'lian almost snorted out loud. That answered that question. Before he could say anything, though, Khaduceth chimed in lowly. I did nothing to merit his hatred, Talian. It simply is he said, straightforward and unimpressed.

T'lian froze thoughtfully, then nodded. "I see," he replied out loud. He knelt to give Andi a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek before wordlessly turning and mounting his dragon.

It had taken him an awful long time to get comfortable even sitting on the beast's back. It was frustrating to be so bad at something. T'lian had been the first among his peers at almost everything he'd ever participated in, and while he didn't want to be a dragonrider, he certainly was one. Being bad at it had never occurred to him until it became a reality, and it became painfully obvious as lessons wore on and thing like riding and flying came along. Tal had even resorted to long after-hours sessions with Khaduceth, stubbornly trying to become less of a failure and stubbornly refusing to ask B'jin for help.

It had paid off, somewhat. He was no longer the worst in his class, but he didn't think he'd get much better.

With that in mind, he wasn't sure why he was so calm going into this new challenge. Maybe it was because Fellis (and B'jin) needed him to stay calm. Khaduceth was a great help as well. He was sound and confident in his own ability to make the jump, seeing no reason whatsoever to be concerned.

Khaduceth took off, his gentle presence pressing against T'lian's curious and distantly apprehensive mind. I will not let anything happen to you the dragon whispered. He knew well that he didn't have to prove that to T'lian. They both knew it to be true already, but as always, Khaduceth knew that sometimes, words counted for an awful lot. T'lian smiled and closed his eyes, shutting himself away from Khaduceth and doing his best to ignore the biting cold.

It was strange. T'lian had experienced some unpleasant dreams about his first trip between, and he often imagined that he would lose his compose and wind up begging B'jin not to make him go. Now that it had happened, it hardly seemed like a big deal at all. Within moments they were safe on the ground, Fellis crooning sweetly and thankfully and Khaduceth silently congratulating himself on a job well done. T'lian smiled and gave him a gentle pat on the neck. "I love you." You're so god for me.

S'jin was nervous he would be a fool not to be nervous.  He listened closely to B'jin's instructions. They were going to fly between for the first time. It's ok S'jin we will be able to do it we are good for each other Araith cooed softly soothing her rider.  S'jin had to blush cause he should be the one reassuring Araith. yes beloved we will be fine i know it. S'jin replied softly and swallowed softly. He couldn't help being nervous. 

He nodded softly as  he listened to B'jin explain what they were going to do Larrikith was going to give Araith the picture and he'd have to keep his mind from interfering with hers till after they were safely on the other side. He could do this.  No correction they could do this.  He had complete confidence in his dragons abilities. She knew what to do and if he keep out of her mind while she did it  then they will be safe. It is my job to keep you safe and make sure we get there safely Araith quickly said. And it is mine to keep you safe well and happy. S'jin replied back If i can't do that then I don't deserve you Do not ever doubt that S'jin I love you. I love you too dearheart

He mounted up on Araith and they followed T'lian and his brown to the air. He took a breath in and felt the  searing cold of between he didn't imagine that it would be this cold. He waited  it didn't seem  like even a second later and they were getting warm again as they landed on the ground safely with the others.  The relief apparent on his face as he ran his hands along Araith neck.  we did it we really did. of course we did S'jin, we will always make it Araith said with assurances.  S'jin had said it  happily not that he doubted their ability to make it but he was excited they had taking their first trip between.  It should only get easier from here on out. 

S'jin quickly looked around had they lost anyone. He counted the others noticing T'lain was on the ground as well. He was happy about that. He didn't see anyone missing from the class as far as he could tell. He slowly dismounted and stood by Araith side. 

He felt a little queasy in his stomach and wondered if that was a effect of being between.  Or if it was only due to the fact that he was so nervous before they left. He sure hoped that wouldn't happen every-time. He did well at clearing his mind and not thinking at Araith while they were in flight. And he was quite happy to see that T'lian made it as well. He was a bit worried about that and about their weyrling Master if anything had happened to T'lian he knew that they two of them were close.

The reply from Larrikith had Ravana and Shanith relaxing.  Ravana petted her dragon, guaging the sun and thinking they had about half an hour until she was due to pick up her daughter and Jisralna and her baby.  She was kinda of looking forward to a day spent with her daughter and friend adn there was always the hope that today Berani would say her first word!

Ravana had been getting ready to gather up Berani, Jisralna and Leralna when she heard the low grumbles between a pair of riders over who would escort the newest gold and her rider to the hunting grounds.  The way they talked of the pair curled Ravana's lip and she took a step to put a stop to it when Shanith gave her a better idea. 

Stubborn stirred in her sling around R'ana's torso, the first sign of life from the tiny lizard since last night.  Guessing her sudden irritation with the rider pair had bestirred the flit, Ravana petted her into calmness and asked her to stay hidden for now.  There was quiet agreement, though she could sense her golden's curiousity about what was going on.  Ravana blushed a bit, embarassed she had forgotten the flit until now.  Shanith reassured her, pointing out that Stubborn would have let her know if she had needed anything. 

Shanith was asked to bespeak Jisralna, letting her now that Ravana would be later than she had thought to pick her up.  That done, she asked Shanith if she could ask Aradissicath a question.  The green responded eagerly, wanting to both protect Rhaedalyn and derail the plot to use her the pair that wanted to give her a ride were talking of.  Really trying to curry favor for a future flight when the dragon in question's age was counted in days...It pissed Ravana off.  The pair deserved time to be simply dragon and rider before the viper pit that was Katila bit them.

Aradissicath?  The dragon made an effort to be gentle and asked quietly, Might Ravana and I have the honor of escorting you and Rhaedalyn between to the gathering place?  My rider thought yours would be more comfortable if a female gave her the lift.  The green kept her tone respectful and warm, though a protective undertone showed in her voice that she couldn't hide.

Ravana and Shanith approached quietly, Ravana pausing a respectful distance away and leaning back against Shanith.  Stubborn stirred a bit in her sling, Ravana petting her and keeping an eye out for Rhadalyn's gold lizard.  She had learned the hard way about gold flits being territorial.  Stubborn didn't demonstrate that yet, but B'run's Lovely sure had the first (And second, and third, and fourth) time they had met. 

Ravana reinforced the command to hide until she felt the little flit stop stirring.  She was only still a moment, finally poking her head out and curiously chirping a bit.  Giving up on keeping her hidden, Ravana touched her muzzle and brought her carefully into the open, setting her on her shoulder.  Stubborn hid in her hair after a moment, tucking herself under Ravana's braid.  She wriggled, tiny claws adding to the collection of scratches around Ravana's shoulders and neck until she was draped around her neck like a living scarf.  When she got a hair bigger, Ravana would start trimming and filing those claws, she would!

Ravana will be coming for Jisralna, Berani and Leralna in a couple of posts! Sorry for the offbeat post

N'kal was in an increasingly sour mood, so much so that even Torath was silent and mindful of not invoking his wrath. The murderer had been found, a bronze rider...oh all dragons it had to be a bronze rider! Torath was disgusted himself honestly and had conveyed as much to N'kal the day it was announced. N'kal was horrified that any bronze and his rider could sink so low for power as to try and kill someone and his rider. Since that day he had been increasingly fussy and today...today they were going to execute the man, and equally his dragon. Torath was in a right fit over that, as the loss of any dragon was hard for almost any dragon to deal with, his concern was the younger dragons and had insisted that they should help Larrikith and her rider get the weyrlings away. N'kal wanted to see the bastard die, but knew Torath was right. Neither of them needed to witness the execution, N'kal was satisfied that S'kef had found the culprit, it was it enough for him, he would mourn the loss of a bronze, but someone that dangerous needed to be dealt with and not allowed to live, dragon or no dragon, Thread or no Thread.

We should go...Torath said gently, almost timidly. He received no response but easily heard N'kal knock something over inside his hut and flinched. I'm sorry N'kal..., he offered mildly, eyes swirling yellow and orange as he waited outside the hut, crouched down and ready to help his rider up. He already had his harness on as he knew they would be going between and no rider went without being strapped in. Torath watched as N'kal threw open his door, slammed it shut, and strode purposefully over to Torath, stopping by his head and watched his great eye swirl wildly with alarmed colors that matched N'kal's mood. He then did something he probably hadn't in turns, which was to grab his muzzle the best he could and hugged him tightly. N'kal could never imagine doing something so horrible as to get Torath killed, nothing in his life was worth anything without him, and every bit of that emotioned he conveyed to the beast in that hug. Torath crooned at him gently, no words were said between then, none were needed. After a moment N'kal let go and Torath lifted him up so he could climb into the saddle. Once settled and strapped in, a few powerful beats of his wings had them airborn and headed in Larrikith's direction.

It wasn't long before they came up on the group of weyrlings, some older, some newer, and those older riders there to assist them in getting far away from the execution. Torath circled the group, not bothering to land as they were of course late to the ordeal thanks to N'kal's delaying. He swooped down low enough so that N'kal might hear B'jin give the weyrlings instruction. N'kal listened intently and when the image was broadcast Torath received it. He continued to circle once everyone was set, though he waited for every last weyrling and dragon to go through first, it was just the sort of protective person he was, grouchy, cranky, and mean he may seem, but he cared enough to be the last one through. Once he was satisfied that everyone was between, he gave Torath the go ahead and they popped between with the rest of the group. Being assaulted with the frozen dark of between was always annoying to him, he also didn't care for the feeling of nothingness that surrounded him until they popped back into exsistance in the bright sunlight, above the entire group. He only barely caught B'jin giving a cheer, which he hoped meant he didn't lose anyone. He himself had no idea how many were meant to be there. However seeing so many gathered he felt much better and actually relaxed some

Shall we offer assistance?, Torath asked gently, feeling his rider relax some, hoping he would be open to assisting the weyrlingmaster if he indeed needed it. 'I suppose.', he grunted with the reply but patted Torath's neck, who then tucked his wings and made quick work of diving for the ground. He fanned out his wings, coming up short of B'jin and his Larrikith before landing gracefully. 'Show off...', mumbled N'kal, to which he received a full body shake in response, causing him to have to grab the straps to not be tossed off. Naturally! Now, let us be useful, to keep our minds as far from...well. To keep busy., Torath offered, trying his best to be cheerful. He moved himself and N'kal nearer to Larrikith and greeted her gently. Greetings Larrikith, N'kal and I would help, if there is any need, though it appears that you have everyone safely through. In the same moment N'kal waved a greeting to B'jin, inclining his head to the green rider. "Greetings B'jin. Need any assistance?", his voice was gruff, though no less sincere. Anyone who knew him or knew of him should know to overlook his gruffness by now, but considering how he kept to himself his temperment could be off putting, and with the anxiety over the days events...he really wasn't much friendlier then normal, though he suspected that would be the norm for the days events..

Rhaedalyn had no idea who was going to help Aradissicath and her to their destination and she definitely hadn’t caught a word of any of the male dragonriders in the area talking about her. Once Kahleena wandered off to join her class, Rhaedalyn was left to her own devices which usually meant she was lost in a day dream and, unsurprisingly, her current one was about Z’ia. He was so sweet and tender with Aveleth that it made her fall for him all over again. The first month or so at Katila had been rough for her and she wasn’t exactly thrilled to be starting a new life and therefore had been a bit stand offish and pouted a lot into her food. That is, until Z’ia walked into the Dining Hall one evening. She fell in love with that innocent and fun-loving smile of his instantly and couldn’t take her eyes off of him as he sat down with friends and continued to enjoy the evening. It was soon after that that she started to open up to people, befriending V’zire and eventually R’nya as well. It was only Z’ia she couldn’t find the words for. Still, Rhaedalyn knew one day they would have a proper talk, about them, and be happy together. They already shared a gaze, after all! He’d realize his affections soon enough, she was sure of it!

That would be lovely, thank you. Aradissicath had turned her attention to the green that approached and eyes were blue as they whirled with happiness at someone approaching them. Rhaedalyn was given a look but the girl was still trying not to be too obvious in her glances of Z’ia and earned herself a nudge to the thigh from a golden nose. Someone would like to give us a lift and I said they could. But you need to pay attention first, dear. I don’t want you falling off of Shanith’s back.

Rhaedalyn gave a startled squeak as Aradissicath’s gentle voice filled her mind and she spun around to see the dragon and rider watching her. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment at being caught lost in her daydreams but Rhaedalyn nodded and smiled at Ravana. “Thank you for your assistance. I wasn’t sure who was taking us or how, actually.” That hadn’t been something she thought about and still couldn’t as her trio of firelizards started pestering her. Muffin had been enjoying a game of darting between Kahleena and Rhaedalyn, trying to get their attention and then zipping away when he had it. Rumour and Whisper, however, had been trying to check up on R’nya but they came back chittering with annoyance as Xyreith scared them away. Rhaedalyn couldn’t get a clear image but she suspected her friend was busy with the task of the day and didn’t need the flitters in his way.

Once Muffin spotted Stubborn, though, it was time for a new game and he started circling around Ravana to see the new gold. Whisper eyed Stubborn from the perch she claimed on Rhaedalyn’s shoulder but didn’t make a peep since there had been no move made to touch her property. She wasn’t entirely territorial but she wasn’t about to share her blues or Rhaedalyn with just anyone either! “I’m sorry about them. They can be such a handful!” Rhaedalyn waved a hand for Muffin to leave everyone alone and gave up when he sat on Shanith’s back.

All the shuffling around her made Rhaedalyn aware once more of what was going on and she watched Kahleena’s class take off. They arrived safely. All of them. Rhaedalyn released the breath she had held, worried about her friend and that they might hear keening that day after all. When it didn’t come, Rhaedalyn smiled again and walked up to Shanith. “So, how do we do this?”

---

ooc: Feel free to move them to the next location and dismounting! I don't mind.

As soon as Z’ia had found out when the execution would be taking place, he had been sure to keep Aveleth’s mind as far and distracted from such troubling thoughts as he could. A quiet word to J’ver had passed along the ranks and Z’ia had been beyond relieved to see the announcement go up, banishing women and young dragons from the Weyr. Of course, he and Aveleth were neither women nor young (at least, not comparatively) but he would certainly be making use of the excuse to tag along with the group of Weyrlings. While Z’ia wasn’t much of one for hanging around the youngsters, no one would question his presence with the way Aveleth was so notably timid.

The pair had arrived early enough to find a good landing spot and Z’ia had been distracted trying to get Plague and Destiny to get Chastity to come and join them. The timid little green was lingering outside D’hys’ hut, waiting patiently for the man to wake up so she could try and smother him with love without being attacked or hated on in the process. Destiny, for her part, was not a particularly intelligent firelizard; she was spiteful, and amusing, but hardly intelligent and was in the process of making Z’ai’s brain bleed when Plague finally managed to put the pieces together and drag Chastity back. Sighing when the little greens appeared from between, Z’ia snatched up Chastity and soothed her as he made his way back to where he had left Aveleth, only to find him no longer there.

Blinking in surprise and confusion, Z’ia’s curls bounced in all directions as he spun around suddenly, dark green eyes unintentionally snapping directly to where his dragon was sitting with both pristine poise and an unconscious veil of ‘you can’t see me’. The result causing most eyes to completely brush over the young blue before they even realised they were looking at a dragon. Kiddo? What’re you doing over there? Z’ia asked in confusion as he called the girls to land on his shoulders, Chastity still wrapped up in his arms. I have been here all along, Aveleth responded, head turning to watch his lifemate’s approach. Why would I move? Z’ia shrugged, figuring his dragon was right and hadn’t moved at all.

Aveleth’s gaze shifted once more, lifting from Z’ia to watch as Aradissicath and Rhaedalyn looked around in confusion for a few moments. The girl was still thinking such wonderful thoughts about his human, and Aveleth would have been terribly embarrassed and upset if he had been called out for eavesdropping on her thoughts, but they were so lovely! He didn’t listen in on their conversation, but the manner in which they both turned their attention upon a green and her rider had Aveleth wilt slightly. Too late! The blue lowered himself, curling up as Z’ia finished his approach and brushed his hand lightly over Aveleth’s eyeridge, confused by his dragon’s change in emotions.

“You okay, Kiddo?” Z’ia asked, not expecting an answer as his fingers ran over his dragon’s cheek. “Come on, people are making to move. We should get up in the sky.” Z’ia smiled cheerfully, still quite confused by Aveleth’s behaviour, but making the best of it as he scuttled up his dragon and settled down comfortably. Aveleth waited a few more moments to make sure all his passengers were comfortable, before springing aloft with practiced precision.  They waited to receive their own instructions from another dragon, before winking between, reappearing alongside most of the group.

Z’ia laughed softly at B’jin’s successful whoop, and instructed Aveleth to wind down for a landing, not unaware of the way his lovely dragon was looking around, but rather unconcerned by it. Aveleth didn’t have many friends, but there were some that the young dragon considered trustful. Z’ia wasn’t aware of any at the gathering, but what did he know? Perhaps Aveleth had made more friends when he wasn’t looking! They landed gently, and Z’ia unbuckled himself and slid down the side of his dragon, landing lightly and with feline grace before letting Chastity loose, with a firm notation to stay in sight.

A lost firelizard was all he needed! In the meantime, however… Where was the party at?! Grinning impishly, Z’ia bounced through the crowd, followed by three green firelizards as he cheerfully teased and taunted people he passed. Aveleth, for his part, watched Z’ia make his way off quietly before timidly approaching Shanith and Aradissicath, eyes swirling apprehensively as he lowered himself submissively and crept closer. Did you have a good trip? his voice was barely a whisper, easily lost or overheard, but he made no attempt to repeat himself.

R’nd grinned as they landed at B’jin’s cheer of success. The night had been spent reassuring his lover that the right thing would come to him and the day would go smoothly and so far it had gone just as predicted. R’nd was relieved that it had since losing a dragonet would be heartbreaking in and of itself but for it to be in B’jin’s class, at his urging they try it earlier than planned, it would have been devastating. K’rin and Ajaaskath were helped back to their feet but before any further teasing comments were passed between any of them, the weyrlingmaster was calling for his class to assemble, likely for a roll call and to be given instructions for the afternoon.

R’nd made his way through the crowd to B’jin where he slid his arm around the greenrider’s waist and a soft kiss was placed on his cheek. He tried his best to keep public displays of affection to a minimum but sometimes R’nd still couldn’t help himself and he was proud of his lover. B’jin had always been the ideal dragonrider in his mind and to have the man once again prove he was good at his job only made for a beaming bluerider. “Well done, love. Come find me in a bit once you’re done with the class. We can explore the area together.” He gave a wicked grin to imply his meaning of wandering off together though when Amorandii came flying at him for a hug, R’nd knew there wouldn’t be too much in the way of even stealing a kiss if they managed to sneak away for a few minutes. But, there was still an innocence to his request as R’nd had never really explored this portion of the land.

After giving the young girl her hug and giving her permission to chat with Ayyonth, R’nd slipped away again to continue his socializing. He had spotted a weyrling in the latest class that he hadn’t hung out with for a while but the intention of seeing the man was pushed aside a little longer when a familiar mop of curls went bouncing by. “Z’ia!” R’nd called out to his friend and former classmate and dashed over to catch up to him. It was odd seeing him around all of the young classes since it wasn’t the bluerider’s usual scene but Aveleth was a gentle soul and Z’ia loved his dragon more than anything else.

Rell beat him to the crew of human and firelizards, having finally abandoned R’nd’s shoulder he had been clinging to. His sweet blue was a little nervous with all of the excitement and people around but he still had his friends and while R’nd couldn’t figure out which one of the greens it was Rell preferred, it was enough to make for a chittering and happy blue firelizard that landed back on his shoulder once he caught up. “Hey, didn’t expect to see you here,” and without D’hys. R’nd was thankful D’hys wasn’t around and he knew he didn’t have to look around the group to verify that as truth. This wasn’t the older bluerider’s scene and no doubt he was at the execution enjoying the show. He would never trust D’hys. There was something off-putting about the man but R’nd could never figure out what. Z’ia obviously liked him given their tight friendship and that was the only reason why R’nd tolerated D’hys as much as he did.

“Did you help bring one of the young weyrlings over? I still can’t believe it was a clutch of greens and a gold!” R’nd laughed with a shake of his head. So many strange things happened around that clutch with the colours and who Impressed to the timing of the hatching itself. No doubt the females would be driving all the male dragons insane in half a turn’s time. A bluerider’s dream come true!

Ravana was startled when Aradissicath accepted via Shanith.  She then realized she hadn't a clue as to the logistics of the matter.  She looked around and saw how the other dragonets were being loaded up, winced and looked at Aradissicath.  It looked so undignified! 

Stubborn hid, finally coaxed out when Ravana took a moment to soothe her with a mental wave of reassurance.  She cheeped to Whisper, then tipped her head as Muffin got a good look at her, the black paws lost in Ravana's hair as she reared up to brace herself on her head, watching the blue with curiousity.  Ravana answered Rhaedalyn quietly.  "I suspect I will be finding out how much of a handful they are soon.  She's only two weeks old."

Ravana shrugged off her flight leathers and passed them to Rhadalyn, saying, "I'm thinking you can climb up first and we'll pass Aradissicath up to you.  You can hold onto her while I ride behind the two of you."  Riding without her leathers had her breaking into a cold sweat, but Rhaedalyn wouldn't have a set made for her yet, and R'ana didn't want the pair to fall off.  Shanith was a smooth flyer, but there was no point in taking chances. 

When Rhaedalyn was mounted up and settled, and strapped in, Ravana mounted up behind her, strapping herself in like she was the passenger.  Shanith was gentle as she took off, popping between within 20 feet of the ground.  They glided down gently from much higher in the air at the other end, Ravana pleased that it went so smoothly, even as her stomach twisted with fear until they were landed. 

Helping the pair dismount was quick, Ravana taking a moment to lean on Shanith after, out of everyone's sight.  The green touched the gold gently with her nose saying, Ravana will be more social when she is done with the flying for awhile.  She panics every time we have to fly and we have to go get Jisralna and the younger memebers of the family. 

Aveleth was noticed then, the whisper enough to get Shanith's attention.  She paused and reached to nose him gently.  It was good, we were careful!  She paused and added, Mine needs to go give the second part of her lifts for today, but we'll be settling down on a blanket nearby once we get back.  If you want you can join us when we get back, all of you!

To Aveleth alone, Shanith added, I'm sorry.  If you like you can give them the lift back though.  Mine heard some people talking of them like they were nothing but pawns and got upset over it, but truly she hates to fly.  She'd be over the moon if someone else gave them lifts back.

Ravana was finally able to appear composed, having hidden on Shanith's other side on the pretext of checking her riding straps.  She reclaimed her riding leathers, and remounted Shanith, saying she'd be right back. 

Stubborn elected to stay behind, winging to Aveleth and Aradissicath, the little lizard cheeping at both then hovering and asking the blue if she could stay with him while Ravana went via image.  If permission was given, she would land neatly on him and curl up in a tiny ball of black and gold.

Shanith took off again, Ravana trying to hide how terrified she was in the air and succeeding.  It was why she was stiff as she apologized to Jisralna when they landed in front of her and the kids.  Ravana dismounted shakily and spoke quietly.  "I'm sorry I was late, Jisralna." 

Fear was clouding her mind, but when Jisralna shoved the kids at her and scrambled up Shanith's side, Ravan grabbed a nearby, random person and pressed Berani into their arms.  She thought she was mad at her and had to set it right.  A look at her face showed only upset and changed Ravana's next action.  She wrapped Leralna expertly into the sling she had been using for Stubborn and soothed the baby quickly.  Ravana scrambled up behind Jisralna, and hugged her tight.  Shanith got what she was trying to do and touched Jisralna's mind with a sensation of love and support. 

After a moment, Berani was handed up to Ravana and placed in her lap.  Ravana sent the person running for blankets, and wrapped Jisralna, herself, and Berani up tight.  They took off, Shanith slipping between quickly and landing them neatly on the ground after another long glide down.

Ravana helped Berani down and then Jisralna, passing her the sling with Leralna in it.  Shanith fussed over the two and Ravana turned her mind to the preparations she had made for this.  She spread a blanket on the ground, beckoning Berani to her, along with Jisralna and Leralna.  A second blanket was used to form a cushioned area for Leralna, and Ravana settled with a sigh of relief, figuring if she ignored the way her stomach twisted in fear, she would not throw up.

Shanith stretched out behind them, providing shade to relax in.  Ravana called Berani to her once she was seated, smiling at her daughter.  She reached in her bag and tossed her a wrapped bundle.  When the toddler opened it, a reed pipe would show, stained in harper blue.  The one Ravana played out of her own bag was considerably more battered and black.  It was the only instrument the former harper apprentice could play with any degree of proficiency.

A curious Stubborn landed beside them, the firelizard curious about the low noise the toddler made when she blew on the flute.  She cheeped, then hummed softly, settling on Ravana's lap once the green rider reached up to pet her.

She spoke quietly.  "Would you like to learn to play, Berani?"  The way the toddler instantly beamed and picked up the flute was answer enough.  Ravana relaxed fully as she settled into showing her the barest basics, even playing a simple tune on the flute to show her daughter what the flute would sound like.  The look on her face warmed Ravana, the rider, thinking that this might help her.  Music wasn't talking but it was a way to show Berani expressing herself was a good and wonderful thing!

B’jin was positively glowing with delight at the success off his young class as Larrikith landed neatly and B’jin and Indamor both slid free, joined shortly thereafter by Amorandii as she came bounding over, her dress hem flying around her knees. B’jin turned into the light arm around his waist, throwing both his own around R’nd in glee and hugging the bluerider tightly for a moment before letting him go, face flushing crimson suddenly at the insinuation in his words; the delighted sparkle in brown eyes, however, gave promise that his flushed features did not.

His grin twisted slightly into a playful smirk as Amorandii threw herself at R’nd with her usual demands for hugs and kisses, before skipping off to annoy Ayyonth; B’jin watched her for a moment before his fond gaze shifted to watch R’nd wander off. Turning back to his class, B’jin pointedly ignored several smirking faces as his expression broke back into a delighted grin. “You guys did great!” He really was very proud of them all! That, however, didn’t mean he thought they were at all ready to do the trick on their own, or at all really, but definitely not on their own!

“Do not try it without permission. I would rather not lose any of you. We’ll be travelling between again to get home this evening, and I will begin teaching you how to do it by yourself over our next few lessons. You’re not to try it without Larrikith guiding you, and anyone that does will be severely punished.” B’jin paused, looking around the small class, wanting to make sure they were all aware of exactly how serious he was. B’jin wasn’t quite sure what he would do to punish any troublesome student that decided to try and travel between without the proper education beforehand. While the greenrider had a very long fuse, his temper was something to be feared when truly provoked. That said, B’jin hadn’t thrown a tantrum since his breakup with N’mall, and most the class would either not know of, nor care about, such an event.

“Today is yours to do with as you will. Please don’t fly too far outside the main range we’ll be occupying, and keep an eye out for felines. Your dragons might be too big to be dinner, but each of you are not.” B’jin turned in surprise as a voice spoke his name, the speaker not being recognised until brown eyes studied the face for a moment. His words were considered for a moment, before a devious expression contorted B’jin’s face, hidden behind a mocking look of innocence. He turned back to his class. “Bronzerider N’kal has kindly offered himself if you have any questions, comments or concerns!”

Indeed we did, Larrikith agreed, her tone carrying her own amusement as B’jin dumped his class on the shoulders of the bronzerider and prepared to flee. He appeared to be taking R’nd’s offer rather more seriously than she’d anticipated. It appears your human just became a babysitter. The green’s eyes swirled with amusement as she watched B’jin nip through the class to where Talian was located. He has plans with his mate, she confided with amusement, turning to look at Torath, and your offer came at just the right time.

After very cheerfully dumping his class on the unsuspecting bronzerider (though the knowing smirks on several faces of the young men in his class indicated the bronzerider may not stay so ignorant for long) B’jin slid on light feet between a few riders to where Talian was standing with Khaduceth. The greenrider swept the young man up in a hug and held him tight for a moment before letting him go again. There was no point in voicing how anxious he had been about the trip they’d just completed. Between his anxiety before they’d left and the hug he’d just given, Talian would have to have been a lot stupider than he was in order to not realise.

“Plans?” B’jin asked cheerfully, prompting the young rider to tell him if he had anything planned for the day. They wouldn’t be heading back until the evening – let all the drama well and truly be done with! – so they had a whole day to waste. B’jin was definitely going to hunt down R’nd to go exploring with, later, but it could wait a little longer! Besides, B’jin couldn’t remember the last time he’d spent lazy and companionship time with Talian, instead of classes and doctoring!

If you wanna thread them spending time together, love, feel free to start a new topic :)

Oh, yes, we certainly did! I would have liked to fly properly for a while longer if we were able to. Rhaedalyn would have enjoyed it as well, I think. She always seems so happy when she recalls past trips with friends. Aradissicath shuffled a bit closer to the blue dragon, both to get out of the way of the green pair that had to help other people and to simply be closer to the male that seemed rather nice. Careful steps were taken so she wouldn’t trip during her first impression with Aveleth. How embarrassing that would be! Satisfied with the successful journey and with the closed space between them, the little gold sat down primly, head tilting to the side to admire and judge Aveleth.

“Who are you talking to, Aradissicath?” Rhaedalyn looked up from her armful of firelizards, both Whisper and Rumour being cuddled close after everyone was safely on the ground after a rather smooth flight. Muffin was out of sight but Rhaedalyn knew he went to check on Kahleena. When hazel eyes glanced from her sweet dragonet to who was being so social, a little squeak escaped at the sight of Aveleth. What was he doing over? Of course she knew he was coming thanks to seeing him at the initial gathering location but the fact that he was near them and apparently talking to Aradissicath was hard to believe. Ever since the blue had crept on her the day Whisper hatched and announced he would help her, Rhaedalyn had been trying to figure out what he meant by that. They hadn’t crossed paths since and as far as she knew, Aveleth hadn’t done anything for her.

A quick glance through the milling groups showed her darling prince with R’nd and disappointment but also relief swept through her. She had hoped Z’ia was with Aveleth, that maybe the idea to approach them was his idea but that clearly hadn’t been the case. At least she didn’t have to stress over how to act or what to see to Z’ia just yet so she relaxed as she mimicked her dragon by slowly shuffling towards the blue. “Hello, Aveleth,” she greeted brightly after waving to Shanith and Ravana as they took off. She would properly thank them after they returned since it seemed Ravana was distracted once they landed and Rhaedalyn had to make sure all the members of her little group were fine.

“I hope you and Z’ia are well.” It was a genuine question, not one simply said as a courtesy. Rhaedalyn knew her manners and while she always did her best to show absolute attention in the person she was speaking to, there was a small handful of people – and dragons – she truly meant her words to. It also didn’t matter that the dragon might not reply back to her. Xyreith never spoke to her but it never stopped the girl from trying to befriend the bronze every time she was with R’nya. She had no idea if Aveleth would speak to her again. The one and only time had been so brief and softly spoken, Rhaedalyn sometimes wondered if she had imagined it when she wasn’t figuring out what he was helping with.

Letting the firelizards go so they could greet Aveleth by lazily swooping around his head and chittering, Rhaedalyn knelt beside Aradissicath, sitting back so her bum rested on her heels. Out of habit she went to arrange her skirts and laughed softly at her silliness over forgetting she had worn pants that day and left her hands to rest in her lap folded together.

We would be honoured, the timid blue dragon whispered softly in response to Shanith and her offer to transport Rhaedalyn and the young golden dragonet back to the Weyr when the day was done. His shy gaze shifted to Aradissicath as the little queen made her way with great dignity to seat herself nearby. Flying is wonderful, Aveleth agreed softly, watching Aradissicath curiously; he very rarely spent time with or around the Hatchlings, since Z’ia generally didn’t consider them worthy company. An option that was most likely because D’hys didn’t like Weyrlings. Adding in that Z’ia had gotten himself into S’kef’s circle (Something that Aveleth mostly didn’t mind at all, because he got to spend a lot of quiet company with Rilaleeyth! Though he didn’t like being glared at by Tyrrisath very much!) the bluerider considered himself much too good for the company of the newly Impressed, which Aveleth considered a great pity.

We, the blue’s tone carried the weight of Z’ia’s name, would be honoured to carry you home, if you don’t have other plans? his voice tapered off meekly on the end, the blue resisting the urge to wriggle anxiously with great determination though his eye colour changed dramatically to indicate his distress. You okay, Kiddo? Z’ia’s voice was almost startling, and Aveleth almost expected to see his young human striding over to join him, but instead looked over to see  Z’ia greeting R’nd. Yes, he whispered in reply, strangely relieved that his bonded hadn’t been privy to the conversation, only the emotions it had sparked.

Hello, Rhaedalyn, Aveleth whispered, barely touching her mind to speak to her and his gaze shifting anxiously to Aradissicath to make sure he wasn’t bypassing any boundaries that the gold would displease the youngster. He would hate to do that! When the little weyrling didn’t explode at him, Aveleth relaxed slightly and crooned at the girl’s enquiry. We are well, thank you! Aveleth really did like this girl! She was such a sweet creature, and so lovely!

Z’ia paused when he heard his name, turning to grin widely when he recognised R’nd weaving through the assorted crowd to join him. “Hello!” Z’ia grinned, watching with amusement as the blue firelizard fluttered around and chittered at his girls. Plague watched regally without comment, while Chastity hid in Z’ia’s curls; Destiny chittered back, however, from her perch on Z’ia’s left arm. With a sudden flurry of wings, all three firelizards took off in the same moment, to swirl and fill the air with glimmering green hides.

“Aveleth,” Z’ia explained, nodding slightly in acknowledgement that this was far from his preferred company or way to spend his time. There was nothing to be done for it, however! The bluerider would never sacrifice Aveleth’s happiness for his own entertainment, and as much as he would love to watch T’shiro be tossed into eternal darkness for something he had done, he didn’t want Aveleth to suffer. Even thinking such thoughts was dangerous, and Z’ia turned to look at his dragon as he picked up on a sudden influx of discontent from the dragon. When the young blue reassured him that he was fine, Z’ia turned back to R’nd, breathing a soft sigh of relief.

“No, we didn’t.” He smiled slightly, amused. “I think Aveleth wanted to, but he was too shy to approach any of them before they were all taken up by someone else.” The rider’s amused smile indicated he had had no desire to assist Aveleth in securing a passenger; he quite enjoyed flying with his dragon alone, and had no desire to be bogged down by some squirming weyrling and his spastic baby dragon. “Typical Krypth!” Z’ia smirked, shaking his head as he laughed with R’nd. “That dragon will go out of her way to be unpredictable.”

She knew they had been invited to spend time with Ravana, Shanith, and whoever else the pair had gone off to grab but Rhaedalyn couldn’t help but be enamoured with the pretty blue dragon. She could admit it was one part selfishness that had her wanting to spend more time with Aveleth since he was bonded to the man she was so attracted to but for the most part, Rhaedalyn genuinely wanted to know more about the timid beast that made her want to curl up and day dream with him. He had such a pretty hide that seemed to embody dreaminess. It fit, in her opinion, since Z’ia was definitely dreamy! Deciding she would be intruding on the time with the group of friends, Rhaedalyn bounced a bit closer to Aveleth, a large smile on her face that all was well. “I’m ever so glad! Today is not the brightest of days but I think it can still be salvaged and used for more beginnings than endings.”

Was she making any sense? It didn’t matter! Rhaedalyn had her sweet girl beside her and a lovely blue before her. Even better, the two dragons seemed to be getting along well enough, which was a relief! What would she do if Aradissicath was a snob and didn’t want to associate with blues? It’d make for an awkward courtship with Z’ia if their dragons were prickly! You worry too much, dear. He is a bit on the shy side but seems nice enough. Rhaedalyn’s cheeks flushed a deep red as the gold spoke to more than just herself. Oh how she looked forward to the day Aradissicath was old enough to stop broadcasting to everyone nearby and for their bond to be strong enough they could talk privately both ways!

You may, Aradissicath suddenly spoke again and Rhaedalyn squeaked in surprise as an answer to an unspoken question came out. Again she blushed, but a slight nod was given in understanding as well. Still, Rhaedalyn took a moment of studying Aveleth with large eyes. “She means… well, I wanted to pet you, if you’d let me.” It was nice having her own dragon say it was okay to pet another since Rhaedalyn wasn’t all that clear on the limits and boundaries despite all the classes she had sat in for all the clutches she had failed – and finally Impressed – at.

Rell gave a startled squeak at the flurry of activity suddenly happening around them but soon enough was joining in, first by chirps of encouragement and finally taking wing and leisurely circling with the greens. It was nice making new friends! R’nd watched, torn between surprise and amusement, as his miniature Ayyonth left the safety of his shoulder and started playing. Hopefully Rell would continue to be that bold when B’jin came later on to explore! A little privacy worked wonders on the greenrider and R’nd was devious enough to take advantage of that fact when he could.

At the one-worded explanation, R’nd nodded. He suspected it was because of Aveleth that Z’ia was there, not the weyrlings themselves. Z’ia was a good man – R’nd insisted he didn’t befriend people that weren’t – but they didn’t share an interest in spending time with Candidates or weyrlings. Likely that was due to D’hys’ corruption but if that was all the old bluerider had managed to do to Z’ia since their graduation, then R’nd wasn’t going to fuss over it. D’hys had habits and interesting rumours attached to him that R’nd was glad Z’ia had so far avoided. “Ayyonth is a good support system, in case it’s needed when it actually happens.” Yes, they were outside the Weyr limits and most were in high enough spirits that they could continue to be distracted but R’nd still couldn’t predict how it would all play out, especially when the dragons and flitters at the execution shared what they had learned.

“Anyway, I’m sure someone will approach you now that they know you’re here,” Z’ia was a good-looking man and a fun guy. It would surprise R’nd more if no one had asked Z’ia for a lift back by the end of the excursion. His friend had arrived late and Aveleth was too shy to ask if anyone else needed a ride before but now was different and a quick scanning of the immediate area already showed they were caught up in a few gazes. Of course some could have just been his usual admirers but it seemed some were focused more on Z’ia. He was a generous friend and could share some of the attention!

“After all, there are all those new greenriders that will want to befriend sexy and nice blueriders.” R’nd imagined having a good knowledge of the blueriders and even brownriders made it easier to get through flights. He had yet to ask B’jin but his fear of spitting out the wrong question or wording it poorly kept it to himself. No doubt it would bring up bad memories, given what was already known about B’jin’s past so R’nd opted to keep quiet on the subject.

“He should be fine,” Z’ia replied lightly, smiling slightly at the offer. “We’re far enough away that communication is pretty dodgy, so unless he tries to be receptive, he should remain ignorant.” The bluerider shrugged lightly; he wasn’t overly worried and he was quite sure Aveleth was aware enough of what was going on that day to be as uninterested in any form of taking part as it was possible to be. If that required Z’ia standing on his head singing LALALALALA to help distract his dragon, he would; he was quite pleased with his doubt that it would be needed, however!

A good natured eye roll accompanied R’nd’s statement, and Z’ia smirked. “I don’t like sharing my dragon.” He hadn’t become a dragonrider so he could be responsible for ferrying people around! It was, perhaps, one of the biggest benefits of the Plague and being stuck in the south; no ferry duty! Something he’d known the lower coloured riders were often dumped with, though if they were lucky they could crown themselves searchriders – and find people who would Impress above their own station. Well; they did say that those who can’t, teach.

“A lot of upcoming greens!” Z’ia laughed, “Though I’m more interested in who scores blue, honestly. Aveleth is a lousy chaser, so those are the ones I usually pick through.” Amusement was thick in the man’s voice and he tugged lightly on a curl, letting it go after a moment so it bounced back into place. Aveleth’s lack of go-get-em in flight was something Z’ia found more amusing than frustrating though it had certainly been a very sore point in the first few years! The young blue had his favourites – notably Rilaleeyth and Astoreth – though even those girls he rarely won, though he put effort into the chaces. Rilaleeyth’s partnership with Tyrrisath made scoring her difficult, while A’liran seemed intent on turning Astoreth against poor Aveleth.

Speaking of Aveleth; Z’ia turned suddenly, a concerned and confused frown pulling his eyebrows down into a scowl. “Kiddo?” It was almost a growl, the threat clear, but hardly aimed at the dragon as Z’ia excused himself from R’nd without explanation and began striding pointedly towards where his dragon was curled up, wings half extended as he attempted to hide himself. The dragon’s emotions spiked at Z’ia’s own tumbling disgruntlement at his dragon being caused distress, and Aveleth whimpered unhappily.

~~

Rhaedalyn was not the only one to want to sink through the ground at Aradissicath’s reassurance to her rider, the young blue dragon’s eyes rapidly changing colour as he drew in on himself, anxious and distressed and incredibly embarrassed! His wings unfurled slightly, intending to hide himself behind them, but he fought the urge desperately, he didn’t want to upset either of the lovely ladies! Unfortunately, he wasn’t as swift to be sure he didn’t interrupt Z’ia, and Aveleth shrunk in on himself at the sound of Z’ia’s one worded question, whimpering in distress.

Aveleth turned his head to peer over his wing at his rider, eye colour anxious as he attempted to pull himself together and pretend everything was alright, because really, there was nothing wrong! Oh dear. The gentle word was meant to be expressed to no one but himself, but his anxiety cause him to be louder than he’d intended and Z’ia’s arms crossed over his chest as he marched around the head of his dragon, pushing the blue’s muzzle out of his way when Aveleth tried to prevent him.

“Oh dear what?” No answer was expected and Aveleth’s attempt went unheard by Z’ia as he finally rounded the dragon, still speaking. “Who do you think you are, upsetting my dragon?!” I’m not upset! Please! his voice was for Z’ia alone, a mere whisper against the edge of his mind and apologetic eyes were cast desperately at Rhaedalyn and Aradissicath as Aveleth curled in on himself, burying his face under one wing, utterly mortified, as his rider stopped suddenly in surprise.

Z’ia stood, arms folded over his chest, staring down at Rhaedalyn in surprise; expression altering from murderous rage to shock and then irritation before settling into a flat, neutral look with an underlying air of dry amusement. He stared at the girl for a moment, eyes narrowing thoughtfully and a quick glance was given to the firelizard-sized dragon sitting beside her. His gaze shifted back to Rhaedalyn and Z’ia chewed on his bottom lip for a moment. “You flattered him, didn’t you?” Exasperation lingered in the question, and Z’ia turned to frown at Aveleth, poking the dragon’s neck with a pointer finger. Aveleth groaned but didn’t move and Z’ia shrugged.

Turning back to Rhaedalyn, Z’ia’s head was cocked slightly to one side, a frown between his eyebrows; Aveleth’s voice was so low he was having trouble hearing the dragon. Slowly, Aveleth’s head came out from under his wing and snaked over to press his cheek against Z’ia’s leg. If dragons could blush, he would have become a lovely shade of purple. However, the swirling colours in his eyes and the rapid speed of them indicated quite clearly he was terribly embarrassed. Z’ia’s arms unfolded to rest one hand atop Aveleth’s head, as the dragon gently extended his muzzle to rest it just barely on Rhaedalyn’s toes. You may.

Hazel eyes glossed over in confusion and Rhaedalyn tilted her head to the side as she watched Aveleth react to something. He seemed almost as embarrassed as she was for a split second before he seemed, not exactly frightened but not exactly happy either. Rhaedalyn glanced around their immediate area to see if she could find the cause of distress and saw Z’ia coming over. A smile slid back into place as he drew nearer but a loud gasp and nearly jumping out of her skin soon replaced that positive emotion. Z’ia was angry and it was aimed at her! She had upset Aveleth in some way and now his rider was coming to deal with her. Her lower lip trembled from the shame she felt and for being yelled at. Not only was she in trouble, but she was in trouble from Z’ia!

Aradissicath bristled at the way Rhaedalyn’s hero of her fantasies spoke to her and she took a step forward to guard her sweet human. No one would speak to Rhaedalyn like that! Nothing was said, however, as the young gold studied the man that seemed to be taking in the entire scene and players before coming to a new conclusion. She still wasn’t thrilled that he had such an outburst but it did show Z’ia was protective of his dragon and Aradissicath could admire that quality, especially if it extended to Rhaedalyn one day. I called him shy but nice though Rhaedalyn also has nothing but kind words for Aveleth. She knew Rhaedalyn was useless in that moment for speaking and was putting all of her energy into not crying so she took charge addressing Z’ia in a clear and regal voice.

Rhaedalyn found the skill to nod in agreement with her dragonet though she barely took her gaze off of Z’ia. Encounters with the bluerider never seemed to go as planned! Not that she had planned this but in her head, they always went more smoothly and with less yelling and accusations. When it finally sank in that Z’ia was only worried over Aveleth and the scene only showed what she always believed with how kind and sweet a man he was, Rhaedalyn finally found herself breathing a bit more regularly and the threat of tears lessened – at least until Aveleth gave her the permission she had minutes before been after.

“I…” Rhaedalyn looked between Aveleth and Z’ia, hesitation obvious as she battled with herself over actually petting the pretty blue. Would Z’ia be mad at her again or would he like seeing someone treat Aveleth so kindly? Aradissicath gave her leg a soft nudge of the nose and Rhaedalyn caught the silent encouragement. If she waited too much longer, it would insult dragon and rider alike. “Thank you, Aveleth,” she spoke softly as she dropped to her knees to properly pet the head that had rested at her toes. It never stopped surprising her with how soft a dragon’s hide was, even with Aradissicath to pet regularly.

“You really are kind and you have such a beautiful hide. I wonder what Aradissicath’s will look like when she matures.” Of course Rhaedalyn didn’t expect her gold to suddenly turn blue over night but to have the same dreamy blend of colours and pattern wouldn’t have been a heartache to the young woman! Then again, she knew she’d be happy with whatever appeared on the shining hide of her girl. She was already the most beautiful dragon Rhaedalyn had ever seen after all.

“I’m sorry to have caused Aveleth any distress and to upset you, bluerider Z’ia,” Rhaedalyn addressed Z’ia now, giving him a bashful glance. She always hated trying to figure out how to address the dragonriders she didn’t associate with regularly but Z’ia was even harder to categorize. She wanted to call him by his name only and be on friendly terms with him but didn’t want to disrespect him by leaving out his title either since this was their first proper interaction. But, did it come out extra cold and formal now that she was a goldrider?

Aradissicath sighed and laid down beside Rhaedalyn to offer her a little more silent comfort but her neck stretched out to Aveleth instead to give him a little lick to the cheek. Whether he wanted to be or not, Aveleth was currently in the process of being claimed as part of Aradissicath’s little circle of friends. He seemed to have the same demeanour as Rhaedalyn and her and the young gold sensed a genuine interest from the blue and that was always something to cherish.

Z’ia’s gaze shifted to look down at Aradissicath, the bluerider silent as the little dragon spoke, and his eyebrows arched just slightly before lowering once more into a more neutral and natural position. “I see,” the words weren’t quite drawled as Z’ia glanced at Rhaedalyn again and caught the young woman’s nod, green eyes sparkling with amusement when Aveleth dropped his head on her toes and the girl seemed utterly lost. The hand not already occupied with resting lightly on Aveleth’s hide, gestured invitingly for Rhaedalyn to pet his dragon, who soon crooned lowly in pleasure; the sound was barely above a whisper and almost impossible to hear.

Thank you, Aveleth whispered, barely brushing against Rhaedalyn’s mind, and Z’ia shook his head slightly, bemused. The only person he could actively recall Aveleth talking to was D’hys, and even that was incredibly rare. Every time this little girl showed up, however, suddenly his dragon was all over talking! The bluerider snorted softly, the timing unintentionally at the end of Rhaedalyn’s apology, and Z’ia waved his free hand absently once more, this time in dismissal of her distress.

“Don’t worry about it,” Z’ia said lightly, a full blown grin brightening his features; while the tiny rider was completely unaware of Rhaedalyn’s infatuation, he wasn’t oblivious to a naive woman who was probably completely unaware of her attraction and how she was displaying it to him. Girls were idiots, and this one was no different with the way she was blushing and trying not to smile at him with her quirky little sideways glances. Regardless, Z’ia wasn’t about to say no to an ego buffering, even if the girl wasn’t available to bed. D’hys was not wrong about the uselessness of Weyrlings; better to wait until after they graduated to say ‘hi’.

“I’m sorry I came storming over like a thunder cloud!” Green eyes widened dramatically and Z’ia’s features twisted into an expression of shame and self-mockery at his own actions. “But, what with today… Aveleth is very sensitive – aren’t you, Kiddo? – so I really wasn’t sure.” Z’ia stroked Aveleth’s neck as the dragon continued to wheedle pets out of Rhaedalyn, the rider flashing another grin, this one apologetic as the world exploded around them into three sets of green firelizard wings and a flurry of voices.

What are you doing over here, anyway? Z’ia took the distraction of his girls to quiz his dragon, who tilted his head to look up at the three green firelizards even as he answered, going out of his way not to look at his human. Shanith brought them, but she said we could take them home, so I wanted to make sure it was okay with Aradissicath… The dragon’s voice melted away as Z’ia’s eyes rolled heavenward, and he visibly took a moment to gather himself. Of course that was why Aveleth was there. What the fuck did he want to carry around baby sluts for?

Don’t be mean! the dragon’s voice was shocked, not that Z’ia was being mean, but that he was being mean about someone who was so sweet. She was like a little human Rilaleeyth! Exactly my point, Z’ia injected dryly, before snapping his gaze back to the firelizards – who were still having a spastic fit in the skies around their heads.

“Girls!” The single word, barely spoken any louder than the average conversation, caused all three firelizards to halt mid squawk, three little heads turning as Plague glided in to land on Z’ia’s shoulder, rubbing her cheek against his own. Chastity landed prettily on Aveleth’s head, and peered up at Rhaedalyn with wide eyes; Destiny gave them all a disdainful look – what boring company! – and vanished between again to reappear wherever the group had been playing with Rell and whatever other firelizards had tagged along.

Shrugging slightly, Z’ia stepped forward and plopped to the ground, crossing his legs and letting his dragon rest his chin on one knee. Plague dropped off his shoulder to bounce up to Aradissicath, peering up at the little dragonet with an arrogant expression. Z’ia watched her with a grin, nodding in Plague's direction to indicate that was where Rhaedalyn should look (he was quite sure she was gawking at him.) “That one is Plague, I got her during that camping trip what’s-his-face took all the brats on.” Well, that might have been a bit too comfortable. Z’ia grinned sheepishly at Rhaedalyn. “I’m not good with names,” he lied effortlessly, shrugging uncomfortably.

“The one that vanished was Destiny. She’s a snot and you probably don’t want her to show any interest in you anyway, she has a tendency to be mean and is not responding well to training.” If that wasn’t a huge lie! He had her trained very well, just not in any tricks he felt little girls should know of. “That’s Chastity.” He shifted his gaze, pointing at the little firelizard atop Aveleth’s head. “She’s in love with D’hys, but he hates firelizards so it’s all very tragic.” Z’ia giggled in amusement and held his hand out to the firelizard, who creeled sadly and hopped onto his arm.

“You have firelizards.” It was more of a statement than a question and he turned expectant eyes on Rhaedalyn, enjoying the game of picture-perfect. He definitely needed to play more, if he wanted to make sure his nose stayed clean!

Rhaedalyn felt considerably more at ease as Z’ia seemed to calm and return his usual gentle state. She loved how protective he was of Aveleth but it had been a bit scary! She was far more comfortable with the calming vibe around them as Z’ia settled down on the ground and seemed content to pet his dragon. It was only when the dream of spending an afternoon in Z’ia’s company started to come true as he spoke casually with her that Rhaedalyn truly realized the position she was currently in. Z’ia was talking to her! It wasn’t accusations and it wasn’t even chore-related! Her beautiful and charming bluerider was having a friendly conversation with her!

Well, he would be if she participated in the conversation! At the moment it was mostly one-sided as Rhaedalyn stumbled over her thoughts and couldn’t form a word let alone an entire sentence! Z’ia’s words were being heard and little nods of understanding were given in return but it wasn’t until the firelizards appeared that Rhaedalyn was truly snapped out of daydreams and brought back to the moment in full coherency. She watched the fair in amusement for a moment, reminded of her energetic Muffin, before glancing back at Z’ia. He seemed to be having a conversation with Aveleth but it was amazing to see him do it so casually and still have enough focus of what was around him to control his flitters so effortlessly.

At his direction, Rhaedalyn flushed lightly and glanced at Plague. She was fairly certain she had seen Muffin hang out with that one before though it may have been Destiny her little blue was with and Plague scolding him. Aradissicath barely paid much mind to the firelizard as she enjoyed the sunlight warming her hide. One eye opened when the flitter bounced a bit closer to her and that was when she decided to show her level of interest in little green pests by snorting a good stream of breath on the creature before turning away and settling back in again. Rhaedalyn stared at them, covering a giggle behind her hand and quickly turned her attention to the rest of the introductions.

“Oh, you poor dear! You seem very lovely. I’m sure if any firelizard can make him change his mind, it will be you.” Rhaedalyn extended a hand slowly to Chastity so the heartbroken flitter could sniff her and declare her friend or foe on her own terms. A moment later and Rhaedalyn was returning to petting Aveleth and sometimes Aradissicath. It was good she had so many dragons and firelizards to keep her slight nervous fidgeting under control! Z’ia was talking to her and asking her questions! Sort of; that did seem more like a statement which was actually even better. It showed he knew some things about her and she hadn’t been completely off of his radar the entire time she had been at Katila!

“I do; three of them. I wasn’t lucky enough to get an egg on the camping trip but my roommate… former roommate, Mevrit, did and she gave it to me. That’s how I got Muffin.” She wasn’t sure where that one was but assumed he was with Kahleena or off causing harmless trouble. He was surprisingly well-behaved but he was pretty independent still and liked to have fun so Rhaedalyn had stopped worrying over his adventures some time ago. All of her thoughts over her fair brought Whisper and Rumour onto the scene and Rhaedalyn smiled as the gold landed on her shoulder and the blue landed beside her. Both studied Z’ia with remarkable interest though Rumour didn’t seem too thrilled over his presence.

“The gold is Whisper. I accidentally Impressed her,” Rhaedalyn quickly looked down at her lap and bit her lower lip. She had Impressed the little queen because she had fled from the clutch Z’ia had but she couldn’t say that! He’d hate her for sure if he knew he missed his chance at a gold firelizard. Was that why Whisper seemed a little uneasy around him? Did she remember hatching and his attention was elsewhere, or however it was it had played out to miss feeding her in time? Quickly Rhaedalyn waved to Rumour and patted his head. “This one is Rumour. I found his egg abandoned and R’nya helped me save him.” That had been an interesting night! Not really one she liked to think about either given all of the embarrassment and misunderstandings. Rhaedalyn was certain Xyreith was still going to eat her for being such a pest that night as well.

Apparently her two present firelizards had come to some sort of conclusion and after the introductions vanished. Rhaedalyn frowned and apologized for their quick departure. She had no idea where they went and would likely have died of embarrassment if she knew they went to R’nya yet again. This time they went to report on her and the man she was becoming friends with. Rumour found it to be a wonderful thing and chirped excitedly at the bronzerider while Whisper pouted and sent images of the horrible man taking Rhaedalyn’s attention. The little gold was infatuated with R’nya and thought everyone else should be as well even though it meant she’d have more of his attention if no one else had it.

Z’ia laughed softly, watching as Chastity drew away from Rhaedalyn a bit, before timidly extending her nose to take in the woman’s scent. Z’ia had found Chastity to be a lot like Aveleth – timid, withdrawn, and easily spooked – as a result, she was extremely selective in the people she allowed to be near her or pet her. As a result, he was both shocked and not surprised at all when Chastity lifted from his arm and glided to the ground before Rhaedalyn, sniffing at her toes before climbing up one leg, still snuffling the girl curiously and chittering under her breath. Aveleth rumbled something gentle, and Chastity answered him.

The bluerider shrugged, snatching up Plague before she could pick a fight with Aradissicath for the way she’d been so casually dismissed, the firelizard’s eyes a hot red of angry emotions and her claws extended, ready to do battle. She didn’t dare scratch Z’ia, however, though she shot him a disgusted look and snapped something harsh sounding out, though the bluerider ignored both the vocalisation of her disgust and the flurry of incomprehensible emotions and images. “Hush, Plague,” Z’ia murmured instead, waiting for her to settle indignantly in his lap as Rhaedalyn’s firelizards popped into appearance above them. Plague grumbled some more, though Aveleth chirped a soft greeting and Chastity gave a squeak of surprise and vanished between from where she’d been sitting on Rhaedalyn’s knee to reappear just above Z’ia’s head. She swiftly vanished against the back of his neck, hidden by the abundance of dark curls.

“She’s very pretty!” Z’ia exclaimed cheerfully, lifting his hand to extend it to the firelizard in question. “I think Plague would probably eat my face while I slept if I tried to Impress a gold.” Deep amusement lingered on the tones as Z’ia withdrew his hand and went back to petting Plague gently. The little green purred, her eyes shifting to contented colours as she wriggled, sprawling in her human’s lap gleefully. His attention was clearly on the human girl, but so long as she controlled something, Plague was happy and could put up with the silly girl and her silly firelizards and her awful gold dragon.

“Oh!” Z’ia exclaimed, slightly surprised when the firelizards both lifted off and vanished. Chastity stuck her head out by his ear, nuzzling at it as she chittered in a soft whisper. Z’ia grinned as he rubbed her nose with the hand not being occupied with petting Plague, and the little firelizard on his shoulder settled once more. “I like their names!” Z’ia’s expression was bright, smiling cheerfully. The girl might not look like much, but at least she was capable of coming up with some interesting names for her firelizards! Muffin was a bit of an odd one, to be sure, but Whisper and Rumour were rather good names!

“Did you name them?” He wriggled a little, shifting to lean lazily against Aveleth’s neck. Plague was picked up and relocated as he shifted his legs so they were stretched out before him, and he put the firelizard back on his lap on her back, rubbing her tummy and causing the generally sour little firelizard to purr. “I only named Plague” He nodded to her, “Aveleth named the other two, didn’t you, Kiddo?” Aveleth rumbled softly, but he ducked his head in embarrassment and Z’ia smiled fondly at his dragon.

Z’ia’s nose scrunched up good naturedly, and he tossed Rhaedalyn a cheerful wink. “He did, and they are very fitting names! Aveleth is very good at naming firelizards, but I don’t think I want any more. Three is quite enough! Especially all green! But don’t tell D’hys.” Z’ia smirked playfully. “He thinks I’m going to Impress the entire Southern continents firelizard population. That would be kind of funny, since he would be so grumpy about it – but can you imagine feeding that many?!” Z’ia’s eyes widened dramatically and he puffed out a deep breath. “No thanks!”

“I did,” Rhaedalyn gave a shy smile though inwardly she was practically bursting at the seams at receiving praise from Z’ia. He liked the names she had given to her firelizards! He was sitting with her, talking with her, and now a compliment of sorts. It didn’t matter what had brought them together and how gloomy the day was meant to be, not when she had her beautiful bluerider with her. “Muffin was named because I like baking and it’s a cute word. Whisper, because of how I accidentally Impressed her and spoke in hushed tones at the time. Rumour, because of the odd way I found him and the time of night I went running to R’nya’s.” A little giggle was given and then a blush. She didn’t want Z’ia to think she was a prude but he didn’t want him to think she was promiscuous either! He was clever, though, and didn’t seem the sort to come to unfounded conclusions so Rhaedalyn felt safe with her image in his eyes.

“Aveleth has wonderful naming skills, though so do you. It’s a bit naughty to use the word ‘plague’ but I can see the fun in it as well.” And she did! Rhaedalyn thought it was clever and humorous. It likely made some people uncomfortable but it wouldn’t harm anyone and the puns that could be played with the feisty green flitter seemed like they would be fun. From what she had already learned about D’hys’ stance on firelizards, Rhaedalyn imagined a lot of fun harassing the man was done.

“Oh, I agree! These three keep me on my toes as is and now that I have Aradissicath to tend to as well, I’d go insane with feeding more.” Rhaedalyn couldn’t imagine such a thing. She’d never have time to do anything if she had an army of firelizards to take care of. Feeding and oiling them would take up all the free time she had and while she loved her trio, more simply weren’t for her. Of course, if she found an abandoned egg again like she had with Rumour, it would be a tough call but she’d likely be able to pawn it off on a friend or anyone really. They were still a hot item to half the population so someone would be happy to help her out. “Though I also agree that it would be funny to see D’hys’ reaction to you having more.”

An idea hit her and Rhaedalyn gave a wickedly playful grin. “I’m sure he’s smart enough to notice that they aren’t freshly hatched but you can borrow my trio sometime to make D’hys think you have six firelizards. Muffin likes games so he’d be up for it and the other two would do it if I asked them to.” She would be the happiest girl alive if Z’ia liked the idea! She’d get to see him at least once more to set it up and she’d be a cohort for mischief with him!

Aradissicath turned her head to face Rhaedalyn but didn’t say anything. She liked all the whimsical ideas swimming around in her head and she especially liked how happy the girl was. Later, they could discuss the day properly but Aradissicath knew better than to do so now. They were still working on their bond and communicating in private. It would be horribly embarrassing for the girl if Z’ia overheard anything.

Faranth fuck me, she’s a babbler. Z’ia watched Rhaedalyn with an avid expression, nodding eagerly as she explained the reasoning behind the names her firelizards claimed, while monologuing about the girl’s brainless, and airy ways. She’d named the firelizard muffin because she liked the word? Whisper was just as much of a letdown, though Rumour actually sparked genuine interest in Z’ia. His expression barely changed, however, as the grin on his lips altered to one of mischief instead of playful interest.

“Really, now?” Z’ia asked playfully, peering up at Rhaedalyn from under his eyelashes and wiggling his eyebrows teasingly. Running to the boring bronzerider? Either the girl had no sense of style, or she had no idea how that sounded. Judging by her blush and the way she had dropped her gaze after the comment, Z’ia concluded she was somewhere between the two options, and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. The child was a lost cause! So, save her. Aveleth put in gently, his eyes swirling a little faster as Z’ia tilted his head to peer at the dragon both curiously and scandalously.

Save the girl? From what? Herself? If that is what you believe she needs to be saved from. Cryptic doesn’t suit you, Aveleth. Z’ia’s tone twisted into a grumpy variety, and the full use of his dragon’s name caused the blue to creel unhappily. The sound was a low wine, causing Z’ia to sigh and roll his eyes dramatically, petting Aveleth’s face when the dragon twisted his head around to rest in Z’ia’s lap, almost hiding the young man from Rhaedalyn as she babbled about the firelizards and her new dragon.

“Sorry!” Z’ia grimaced slightly as he leaned over Aveleth’s neck from where he was quite literally wrapped up in the dragon, and rolled his eyes comically at Rhaedalyn. I swear he picks and chooses which words I think, and slaps them together in order to upset himself!” he pet the dragon good-naturedly while Aveleth gave a soft sigh. Pausing a moment after his little explanation, Z’ia went over the words he’d only half heard from the girl, before grinning at her mischeiviously.

“That sounds like fun!” He didn’t think he’d ever end up borrowing the girl’s firelizards, and certainly once he dumped them back at Katila Z’ia wasn’t even sure he’d want to track her back down when her dragonet was old enough to cope with more interesting things occurring. She really did talk too much, and he could only imagine what gagging her would do! (Now, that was an interesting thought…)

Z’ia! Aveleth’s tone was quiet, but clearly scandalised. What happened to saving her? The blue prodded gently, tilting his head to peer at Z’ia seriously in an attempt to move his devious rider’s mind from binding and gagging the sweet goldrider. Aveleth doubted her tastes ran in that direction at all; most of the humans Z’ia seemed most interested in didn’t seem to be quite as interested in return…

That was your idea, not mine. What could I possibly gain? Z’ia glanced at Rhaedalyn and grimaced slightly before turning his attention back to Aveleth, frowning. Good opinions? Aveleth hazarded, also glancing at Rhaedalyn apologetically for excluding her from their conversation; but this was important! He couldn’t help her succeed in winning over his rider, if he couldn’t even get the man to see how beneficial such an arrangement would be, on his own terms! Involvement with a goldrider won’t win me favour, Kiddo. Z’ia was amused, and shook his head, slightly. Neither does involvement with the Rilaleeyth’s or the Weyrleader!

Z’ia blinked at the rather heavy handed statement from his dragon, looking surprised as Aveleth stood up suddenly, unwinding from around Z’ia carefully but with great determination. The bluerider watched as the dragon shuffled backwards, before taking off, and winking between. Z’ia continued to stare at the spot Aveleth had vanished from for several minutes, blatantly shell shocked. “He yelled at me.” Huge green eyes turned to stare at Rhaedalyn, a calculating air about the bluerider. There was something about this girl that had spiked his dragon to yell (Aveleth’s version of yelling, at any rate. Z’ia had never heard him say anything quite so firmly!) at him.

Z’ia studied her for a moment longer, his curiosity sparked far more by Aveleth’s demand and stalking off than eh would have otherwise ended up by any other means. “He likes you,” Z’ia stated firmly, losing a lot of his cheerful air in exchange for bluntness, though there was no anger or negative emotions bound in the words or tones. “Aveleth doesn’t like anyone, except me, and Rilaleeyth and Zeianth. He doesn’t talk to anyone but me, and Rilaleeyth and Zeianth and, very rarely, D’hys.” The bluerider leaned forward, staring at Rhaedalyn intensely, but also curiously. “He talks to you, though.” It was a statement, not a question, and Z’ia continued to study the girl, as if by staring at her long or hard enough, a sign might appear to explain his dragon’s behaviour towards her.

Rhaedalyn shifted uncomfortably as she watched the blue pair exchange private comments. The way they took turns glancing at her made it rather obvious she was the hot topic and she had no idea what to think about that. It was best to see it as flattering but Rhaedalyn couldn’t help but think of the negatives. This was the first real conversation she had had with Z’ia and he likely found her boring and not worth his time. That would be horribly tragic! She had been so convinced since seeing him turns before that he would like her instantly and a proper courting would happen that anything negative, like rejection, never occurred to her. That wasn’t how true love worked!

When Aveleth got up and winked away, Rhaedalyn gasped and Aradissicath sat up. The little gold crept a bit closer to her bonded when Z’ia started pointing out facts and how Rhaedalyn was a new factor that didn’t quite fit in. She sensed the man wasn’t entirely mad at her sweet human but curious and that was the only reason Z’ia didn’t end up with a lap full of golden hide while he got an ear-bashing for upsetting Rhaedalyn.

Rhaedalyn, for her part, sat perfectly still and listened to each statement, understanding clearly the issue. She wasn’t always the brightest one in the bunch but she had her moments and could still catch easily stated issues. Aveleth was shy and sensitive so it made sense that he kept to himself. In a way, Rhaedalyn did the same thing as she didn’t always trust and open up right away to people she met. Perhaps that was why they got along; there was a mutual understanding. There was also that cryptic message of Aveleth’s about helping her. She still wasn’t sure what that was about though!

“He talks to me,” Rhaedalyn repeated, giving confirmation that it wasn’t one-sided conversations just in case there had been any doubts. “I don’t ask anything of him and we enjoy our time together. He’s very kind.” Rhaedalyn felt like she was being judged and wasn’t sure if that answer was good enough but it was all she had. She didn’t know why she was chosen as special enough but she felt it was because she took a genuine interest in what the blue had to say and didn’t force anything on him in any way.

Rhaedalyn has very pretty thoughts. You would like speaking to her, too, if you could see them all. Aveleth is wise and knows a good thing when he sees it. Aradissicath finally broke her silence to give her version of things. Rhaedalyn had no idea how beautiful her mind was when she was lost in dreams or doing a mundane task or conversing with people she adored. Everything was usually so positive and bubbly in her imagination that Aradissicath was surprised she didn’t have more nosy dragons trying to occupy some time in there. She’s gentle and sees people differently than everyone else; perhaps even you and that’s why Aveleth likes her. Rhaedalyn blushed lightly at the last comment but didn’t say anything further. What else could she add? She’d either make it worse or it would be redundant. Z’ia’s reaction would tell her soon enough.

“He is,” Z’ia agreed, his tone still somewhat twisted between suspicious and amused. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of this little girl, and the odd attraction she seemed to be to Aveleth. His dragon really was not interested in making friends – not because he did not want to, but because he simply did not have the confidence required to get out there and introduce himself to others. That he would find such confidence to introduce himself to a gold rider befuddled Z’ia. It was so… weird!

Startled green eyes shifted to stare at the little gold when she spoke, before a grin flickered over Z’ia’s lips, brightening his expression. “Of course he does! He chose me,” he teased, amused greatly by the little gold. She had no idea to whom she was speaking, and Z’ia had no designs on informing her, or her silly rider. Pretty thoughts? Women were dull, boring creatures and Z’ia could not imagine any of their thoughts being ‘pretty’. He would much rather delve into a devious mind, preferably one where there was no clothing involved. Green eyes scanned the girl subtly; he doubted there was much under her clothes worth getting excited about, and it was even less likely her thoughts were at all interesting. Certainly, her words were not!

Then again, Aveleth was disgustingly dreamy at times, and he supposed the young blue finding the idealistic thoughts of a silly hold bred whore interesting should not have surprised him. Z’ia sighed internally; while he couldn’t see any immediate benefits to him, the bluerider would move whole mountains to make Aveleth happy. How the dragon wanted him to ‘save’ the girl, Z’ia had no idea, but a good fuck would be a lovely starting point, right? Which only left one question he wasn’t about to actually ask: How long until the dragonet could be told to shut up and cope?

“Really?” The bluerider teased gently, attentive green eyes focusing on Rhaedalyn’s blushing face and he reached out lightly to gently lift her chin up, so she was not looking down, but at him. He smiled warmly at her, amusement in the expression as he made a playful dig at himself. “What pretty thoughts do you have about the itty bitty bluerider?” He laughed softly, withdrawing his hand. “It’s the curls, right? All the ladies love the curls!” Sticking his tongue out playfully, Z’ia shook his head slightly, sending his hair bouncing around his shoulders. “But you have your own!” He exclaimed, deciding that his curls could not possibly have been the reason. Reaching out lightly without permission, Z’ia swept up several strands of the girl’s hair, careful not to actually touch her. “And of a much nicer colour!”