Before the Fall [Execution Escape] [Open]

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.