Hatching Feast (Happy Holidays Clutch)

[kyra]

Alyzin fluttered his wings at the sound of him taking a message. A’der smiled at the firelizard and laughed. “Well looks like he’s ready to take a message anyways.” He said with a smirk. He didn’t want Pala’s sister to get into trouble for taking something that wasn’t hers.

"Oh! His hide is beautiful, look at the markings," Laura leaned over to inspect the Bronze more carefully then looked up at Alyzin, "They seem to get along well already." When A'der pointed out his sister Laura turned to look, "Oh, she's very pretty... What's her dragon's name?"

Menorath seemed to enjoy the attention from the younger girl, even Alyzin perked up a little. “I believe they get along because they have me in common.” His eyes flickered over to his sister who was talking to another boy who also had impressed a Green. “Her name is Zyika, and her bonded is Imanith.” His eyes flickered back to Pala, “She was the second one to impress…we had just barely gotten to the sands and the small little green thing about tackled her.”

A’der looked over as a new person joined them. “I’m A’der and that bronze over there is Menorath with the little burgundy Alyzin on top of his head.” He said holding out his hand to shake the new person’s hand.

~~

Akri couldn’t help but laugh slightly at his lame line. He was funny she would admit that. Sure she had been at Western for a few turns, but never really gotten to know anyone here. “Well that’s always nice to hear.” She smiled brightly. She was known throughout the Weyr for her tripping experiences and some days she wondered if she needed to crawl on the ground instead. “How have you been lately?” She asked the bluerider curiously.

~~

Zyika sighed slightly as she saw the other Green press against her bonded’s legs. “Imanith…” She said softly. The little green looked back at Zyika But, Mine. She is talking to me. The green pouted much to Zyika’s shock. Zyika shook her head slightly as Imanith turned back to Elvith.

I’m Imanith, and mine is the shy Zyika. She stutters a lot too especially around new people. But it’s good you are fine. We are too…just I want to meet everyone and Mine keeps stopping me. So when I saw another Green I had to come!

Zyika looked at L’en, she wasn’t really sure how to respond to his question. What she wanted to say was she was sorry for Imanith barging in, scaring his Green, and everything else. “I..I’m…not sure.” She managed out before giving her full focus to her Green. Mine…he asked who you are. “Zyika, and Imanith.” She said not really looking at him.

[missing]

Nadhari noted the narrowing of the eyes, but she honestly had expected a reaction along those lines. She'd been to enough Hatching feasts to know that Holders often would use this opportunity to bombard the Weyrleaders with questions and requests.

Nadhari turned a bit to see that Lumina had closed her pupils once more and her eyes were glowing again, she sighed wondering if the little beast was doing this on purpose. She reached over and scooped her up to show the Weyrwoman, "This is Lumina and she's supposed to be laying low, but I don't need to tell you how clutching females can be," she imagined a Dragon was much worse about it, but Lumina did love showing off an awful lot for something that a wherry considered a morning snack.

"She's actually why I'm here. She's a glider. I don't know if you've heard about them or not but we recently discovered them on our island. This one has clutched twice now since I bonded with her and as our Weyr is rather... well, empty at the moment I thought it would give the babies a better selection if I brought them here. You could either distribute the eggs as you see fit or keep them together and let them Impress as they will, like with firelizards. And of course I can answer any questions about their diets, behaviors, growth..."

---

Pala smiled at Alyzin, "Well I don't have anything to write with right now, I didn't really know she was here and I barely had time to bandage this," she held up her hand with the cut she had re-opened, "bathe, and dress."

"Oh, I seem to remember that bugle right around when I reached the Weyrling Barracks..." she smiled at the thought of the Green tackling Zyika, "I bet you were surprised, although, probably not as shocked as she was. So, does Imanith hate you and chase you around seeking retribution for Alyzin as you worried?"

She looked over at the new person with a smile, "I'm Pala and Kumath is the lazy one keeping away from the festivities," she pointed over to where Kumath lay. Ordinarily she would probably be one of the ones asking the boy questions and rambling on, but as the boy was obviously uncomfortable with that she kept her mouth shut, albeit with some difficulty.

[A'dion]

So, A'dion knew he'd probably be in the proverbial wherhouse. He hadn't missed the Hatching, he just hadn't been next to Talaria when it had occured. Zevranth hadn't been able to keep himself still, so he'd circled the Weyr, his humming having mixed well enough with that of the others to not be noticed except by his mate. Either way, they both figured they were wherhoused. And if they were, Talaria and Orlaith could expect grovelling. Lots of grovelling for forgiveness.

Anyway, the Weyrleader slowly and silently made his way up behind his Weyrwoman ... and rested his large hands onto her shoulders, kissing the back of her head,

"Good afternoon, my dear. How much did you miss me?" He asked arrogantly, but affectionately. His hands slid down her arms to grip one of her hands and bring it up to kiss the knuckles, grinning that charming grin at her.

Zevranth nearly whined at Orlaith, who had seen fit to ignore him for not being at her side.

But, my mate! I was near, I saw them hatch! I would not miss such an important event! My beautiful Queen, please speak to me..! The Bronze didn't like begging, but he absolutely adored Orlaith, so she was worth begging forgiveness from.

Kenessia, meanwhile, simply stood apart from the rest of the celebrators. She herself had been on several missions to bring much needed staff back to the Weyr. So far, no weyrs had been able to spare any staff for Western, and she had returned to the Weyrwoman empty handed. Now she stood in the hatching feast, feeling more like a failure than she should have.

Oh, where is all the wonderful Blues and Blacks? I miss Rayth ... oh! Kenessia, go talk to him! She threw an image of A'zael into the Greenrider's mind, and the woman turned as red as a Burgundy's hide,

Loriath enough, please.

You're no fun anymore, Mine. So she sat herself down and began to flirt, unabashed, to any male who would listen to her. Kenessia covered her face in loving shame of her dragon, and wondering if she'd ever be able to get the female to stop.

[Zen]

M’kal shook his head with a chuckle, “I do feel sorry for you… I’m sure you have no trouble attracting the pity of pretty women either, and poor you, you can’t even enjoy them.” He chuckled again and sat back, taking a sip of his wine. The Blackrider smiled grimly at the Bronzer’s mention of G’brel’s… well… poor decisions. “Yes… it’s really a wonder Talaria snuck A’dion through like she did….” He sighed, thinking back. G’brel had been so furious. Orlaith had actually spoken of her own accord to Sabath to get him to come and help sort things out. “Telgar may have more than enough but we are sorely lacking in the larger male colors. I’m thankful Western is not a terribly large place or I don’t think we’d be able to manage when Thread returns. Honestly I think we’ll be hard pressed enough as it is….”

M’kal looked wistful as Z’mer admitted he didn’t particularly want to have to deal with the pressures of leadership. His dark gaze spotted Talaria through a break in the crowds, with A’dion behind her, bringing her hand to his lips and he forced his gaze elsewhere. It grated on him that the two made such an impressive pair standing at the head of the Weyr with Zevranth and Orlaith, both large for their colors, behind them. Sabath was about as large as a Black could be, but he was no where near as impressive as Zevranth when it came to such things. He sighed without really realizing it, “If only Sabath-….” He felt himself redden in the slightest and coughed, drinking deeply from his wine. He wasn’t going to continue that thought.

“Hm? Who? Oh, G’brel…. Well he…. He was… traditional… old fashioned really. Well, he still is, but now his ideas aren’t affecting the whole Weyr. I don’t think he was horrible just… living in the past, maybe? The one real frustration I ever had with him was that he didn’t seem to realize how close Thread was… is… to returning. He tried to run the Weyr like it was the middle of the Interval and not the end of it. He wasn’t truly a bad Weyrleader and Talaria was the only one who ever had any real problem with him, but the Weyr was just ready for a new leader, one with a different style… more progressive, I think.”

M’kal had lived out the majority of his life as a dragonrider at Western and he had sensed that shift in the Weyr slowly over the past ten Turns. He had no doubt G’brel could have led Western until he died of old age had there been more time until the next Pass, but that wasn’t so, and at the end everyone felt he was selfish and paranoid when he no longer accepted Bronze and Black transfers into the Weyr. Then Talaria had wanted to have A’dion take over G’brel’s Wing and demote him to a simple Wingrider and, feeling that was just too much, M’kal instead offered his own Wing to A’dion so the old Weyrleader could keep his, content with a Wingsecond position of the Wing he had previously led for Turns. The only leadership position that really mattered to him was the Weyrleadership and as of so far Orlaith not only preferred Bronzes, but simply hated Sabath, and Sabath was not good at helping the situation at all. Why he even chased the Gold these days was beyond him. The only reason he could think of was just to insult her further.

~

Nyx nodded at that, “Your help with the Greyrider, and the Goldrider too even, will be appreciated, of course. I had a lot of help from Talaria when you and Iroth came along. Didn’t know the first thing about what to tell a rider with a clutching female. It’ll be easier this time around, now that I’ve done it once, but it wasn’t exactly yesterday and better they hear some things from those who have experienced it than secondhand.” Although she only rode Burgundy she still found it easier to relay and relate with Bronzeriders and Blackriders, even with Greenriders, than she had with Garrett when Iroth had hatched out.

Honestly she’d been incredibly nervous about how she would teach him everything he would need to know until Talaria had reassured her that she would be helping out in that area. When it came to the generally awkward Flightsex lecture she still liked to have a Greenrider help her out for that perspective on the whole ordeal. She could explain how it was for one with a chasing dragon well enough but it was different for the one being chased and she didn’t trust herself to explain it well enough so her Greenrider Weyrlings would understand how it would be for them.

Nyx stuck out her lip in a pout, “Well they should help… I mean, Western is only ten Turns old, compared to the others which are all hundreds of Turns old…. It’s like taking a hatchling dragon up to a ledge, pushing it off and telling it good luck with the flying for them not to help!” She knew quite well that Talaria didn’t at all think of her Weyr as a hatchling dragon that needed to depend on others and she would get a sound lecture from the other woman if she ever suggested such to her but like it or not they were still a young Weyr and could still use a little help here and there.

Nyx thought about which Weyr would be most likely to help them. Talaria herself was originally from Benden… would that make them more likely to help? Then again, they’d already given up a Queen to the cause of Western, maybe they would think they’d helped enough. Perhaps her own Southern would help, she would feel more at ease going there to ask, though she supposed if Talaria put out the request to all the other Weyrs then they might be lucky and get an offer to help without having to personally beg for it.

“Well, if we do need to visit the other Weyrs with the request, having you along will make it much more fun, and probably easier… as much as so many say they aren’t colorist, a Greyrider is still going to get more respect than a lowly Burgundyrider.” She emphasized the title sarcastically and then laughed, and laughed further when Garrett went on about how he had scandalized G’brel by Impressing the only Grey to hatch from Greth and Orlaith’s clutches. G’brel had been Holdbred, that was apparent, and though he could hide his disdain for those riders that seemed to prefer the same sex he could not hide his discomfort when he was around them. As if any of them would actually want to be with him, or something. She was sure G’brel had seen Iroth’s Impression to Garrett as some kind of personal blow.

Nyx could not help the girlish giggle when Garrett returned to her little ‘escapades’ comment, “Oh, perhaps… but there were others you had nothing to do with as well.” She thought about what she might be able to send over to Crescent to help the new weyrlingmaster out. Perhaps she could even send him a personal message with a little advice, that couldn’t hurt. She raised an eyebrow at Garrett at his predictable comment as to the weyrlingmaster’s appearance, “That’s the only reason you want to help him, isn’t it? To get in his pants?” She laughed, only half joking, “Well, that’s nothing I wouldn’t do.”

She let herself enjoy the dancing in silence for a moment before going on, “So, since everyone else is talking about it, you suppose Iroth will rise again soon? I’ve realized that a Pass means females rise more often, and that means I’ll have even more Weyrlings to deal with. I don’t know how I’ll ever find any free time. I mean, potentially… if Iroth starts rising somewhere around twice a Turn… and Orlaith once a Turn instead of once every two… I could have something like five Weyrling classes at once. Not to mention the newest Grey and Gold will start rising in some two turns from now and then what will I do with myself? I’m definitely going to need some more assistant weyrlingmasters at that point, that is for sure.”

~

Talaria listened to the girl’s explanation. A Glider. A pet then. Talaria was not a pet person. Firelizards had their uses as messengers when you had no dragon or no time and needed to get messaged across as soon as possible, but as of so far Gemtails seemed incredibly useless if you asked her, except that Emerald variety that could be used as guards, maybe. Looking at Lumina she didn’t think Gliders would be that incredibly useful either, but she also didn’t know anything about them. If it couldn’t be made useful then it wasn’t worth the time if you asked her.

“No, I haven’t heard of them until now. Everyone seemed to go crazy for Gemtails when they were discovered, though, so I’m sure these will be no different….” As Nadhari was offering her Glider’s clutch to the Weyr, she managed a rare smile. Even if she didn’t think highly of having creatures around simply to have them, a lot of people seemed to enjoy them and would no doubt be delighted to have a chance at owning one of these new and exotic pets. So long as the girl wasn’t expecting something in return, anyway….

“Thank you for the kind offer… since no one here is likely to know much about them, it would be appreciated if perhaps you could record some basic care information about them? Only one hide would be needed, someone else can copy it to be distributed to those who Impress from your clutch. Wouldn’t want them to be mistreated out of ignorance, after all.” She went visibly tense as someone came up behind her and hands came to her shoulders, turning out to be A’dion, though she didn’t really relax with the knowledge.

She set her jaw to better hold her tongue. She would not make a scene here in front of all these people, “In case you hadn’t noticed, I was in the middle of a conversation, Weyrleader.” Calling him simply by his title was no sign of respect from her, simply a cold formality. She wished she wasn’t wearing the necklace he’d given her as even more of a subtle hint at her displeasure with him at the moment, but she had hardly even taken it off since he’d given it to her.

Orlaith had seen fit to sprawl herself out on her ledge, taking up as much space as she could so that Zevranth could not land beside her. My Bronze Greth was beside me at every hatching, she deigned to inform him with an indignant sniff. She only knew because Talaria’s memories of previous hatchings had been so strong in her mind during this most recent one that she had been able to see them again and Greth had indeed been beside her. And once some other Bronze that she did not know the name of. She lay as if asleep, eyes closed, unmoving, and that little tidbit of information was the first time she had acknowledged her mate since before the hatching.

~

“How have I been?” He raised an eyebrow slightly in thought, “Just keeping our Candidates in line and busy mostly. Won’t have so many to look after for a while now, should give me more time for myself before we get flooded with them again for the next hatching.” He smiled pleasantly as he twirled her about, watching her closely in case he needed to make good on his word to keep her on her feet, “And how about you?” He couldn’t recall if Navith had ever caught her Green or not, but was definitely hoping he would next time she rose. Then again, that wasn't saying much when it came to A'zael.

~

L’en tilted his head slightly up at her, patting the seat beside him, “Why don’t you sit. You look like could use a break.” He smiled and sat back, glancing down at Elvith, “Elvy might be able to entertain her for a little while. And maybe Imanith can help her come out of her shell a little.” He laughed then at the unintended pun, “Honestly I think Elvith would have been happy to stay in her egg.”

He looked back to her, “You’re friends with my brother, aren’t you? You don’t hafta be shy around me, ya know… I’ve never hurt anyone in my life, I swear… at least… not on purpose.” He smiled softly at that, reaching down to absentmindedly rub the top of Elvith’s head.

Elvith peered warily at her smaller sister, Why would you want to meet everyone? What if they’re scary or mean? Then what would you do?

[missing]

Almost as if the Moon could feel what Talaria was thinking, Lumina glanced at a nearby table and called a small piece of fruit to her. She grabbed the bit in her paws and took a bite before grabbing it with her teeth and scrambling up to where she had been previously on Nadhari's shoulder. She widened her pupils so her eyes no longer glowed and she could eat in peace.

Nadhari shrugged, earning an angry chitter from Lumina, "They're fairly unheard of even at Southern, only just found them in the past few turns. Or rather, they let us find them. They're rather adept at hiding when they don't want to be found. Some minerfolk thought for the longest time that the mines were haunted because if they ever got too close for comfort, the gliders would throw small rocks at them from the opposite direction."

"I'd be more than happy to write something up for you, the eggs are due to hatch soon so it will be needed. They Impress much like firelizards, you can either isolate the eggs to specific people, or you may hold a mass hatching and let them have some choice in it."

She eyed the Weyrleader, not knowing that he was in fact the Weyrleader. Normally Nadhari would say something, but he seemed to know the Weyrwoman, and she seemed more than able to handle him herself. Still, she frowned, "I have been told by my sister that I should extend the welcome of Crescent Cove Weyr and Hold to you. Should you need anything that we are within our power to provide we would be more than happy to." She didn't know why her sister thought that she needed to be told to say that, it was simply common courtesy to do so... Besides, Rina was going back to Southern any day now.

---

Novath landed in the Weyr bowl and allowed E'rra to dismount. They had only just arrived to the Weyr when the eggs had hatched and had just finished settling into their assigned weyr now. He liked his area more here than he had at Telgar, he even had his own bathing area which suited him just fine. The only way in and out of it was the ledge also, which meant fewer unwanted visitors.

He would like to be there now, but manners dictated that he show face at the Hatching feast. He was also fairly certain that was even more the case with him being new, still... he hoped none of the women would wish to dance with him.

Novath took off as E'rra made his way to the dining cavern dressed in black weyrhide pants and a gray tunic, the Blackrider could feel his dragon's amusement at the situation across their bond. He chose to ignore it and continued on. When he entered the cavern he groaned inwardly, there were quite a few people in attendance, but then he really should have expected that. Against his better judgment, he made his way into the cavern and tried not to draw attention to himself.

[lyonza]

K’nar smiled in greeting. “Nice to meet you, A’der. And you too Pala.” He grinned as Rudoth settled by the other dragons and then sat down at the table. “How long have you been at the weyr?” he asked. “I only arrived as the Hatching started. The searchrider practically threw me on her dragon’s back. Luckily I had already packed.” He looked around to see if he could spot Kenessia. “I think she’s around here somewhere.”

He looked over at the firelizard. “Is he friendly?” he asked A’der.

-

Z’mer sipped some more wine. “Oh, I can enjoy them, I just can’t dance them off their feet first,” he quipped back. “I can’t tell if you’re impressed or irritated by her coup,” he said mildly.

The bronzer nodded. “That was one of the reasons I had transferred to Western. We need more of the bigger dragons to last a fall. I’m getting more and more twitchy about when it will start. I’d have to check the calculations again, but it can’t be that far off anymore, can it?”

Z’mer doesn’t say anything when M’kal started saying something about his dragon. He had caught the look through the crowd towards the Weyrwoman. He had an idea where that thought was headed, but it wasn’t his place to say anything. “It’s a common problem,” he said after M’kal’s explanation. “Most of the older riders almost don’t believe that Thread is returning themselves. If they deny it, then it won’t happen within their lifetime.” He sat for a moment in silent commiseration with the blackrider. He was idly scanning the crowd when he spotted someone. “It can’t be,” he said more to himself. Amoneth, is Novath here? he asked.

Yes, the dragon replied. They arrived sometime earlier today.

Why didn’t you tell me? He sounded irritated.

Because I didn’t think it was relevant? Amoneth said.

Not relevant? Z’mer couldn’t believe his ears at that comment. He struggled to his feet. “I’m sorry to abandon you, but I just saw an old friend coming into the Cavern. It’s a blackrider from Telgar. I wonder what he’s doing here?” He smiled at M’kal. “I’ll be back in a bit,” he said and hobbled off to where E’rra was trying not to be noticed. Fat chance of that.

“As I live and breathe!” Z’mer said as he neared E’rra. “What are you doing here?” he asked as he pulled the other man in for a hug and a sideways kiss on the cheek. “Did you come for the feast?” Z’mer pulled himself together. “You’re looking good,” he grinned as he stood back to give E’rra a look up and down.

-

Garrett smiled. “Nyx, my darling Nyx. All you have to do is ask and I will come running. Well, I’ll take a moment to fix my hair and then join you at a sedate pace, but you get the idea.” He smirked. “I’ll spare you the awkward conversation between me and Talaria, but it was… let me say, interesting for the both of us. But she was kind to me when I was bewildered and confused.”

He nodded. “Oh, I’m being quite vocal about that, don’t you worry about that,” he assured her. “We haven’t butted heads yet, but I have a feeling it might just happen not before too long.” He raised an eyebrow at her colorist-ish comment. “You are anything but lowly, my friend. But I’ll come along to give gravitas and authority to your mission. Besides, you know I like to make some of the older riders squirm because I’m on a Grey.” He snorted. “One would think they are a leeetle more liberal, but hidebound can be like wearing blinkers no matter how liberal you are.”

Garrett grinned. “Oh, you cannot say something like that and then not dish the dirt!” he said maybe a bit louder than he intended because a few of the people dancing around them looked in their direction. He sputtered indignantly when she teased him for trying to get in the new Crescent Cove weyrlingmaster’s pants. “That is not the main idea,” he said primly, before dissolving into giggles, “but it’s a very big consideration.” He looked up towards the entrance just then and mostly missed what Nyx said next. “Yes,” he answered distractedly, his eyes on the new man that had walked in. “IF he’s around, I don’t mind Iroth rising every other day,” he said as he made a half-turn so she could look over his shoulder. “Black pants, grey shirt, looks like sex on legs. Yummy, mummy.”

He maneuvered them along the dancefloor that they would end the dance nearby and he noted the conversation between Z’mer and the newcomer. It looked like they knew each other. He was a little distracted when the music stopped. Nyx stopped and he didn’t causing him to stumble and land on his knees in front of the stranger. Garrett looked at the floor for a moment, then looked up at the man and smiled. “Welcome to Western Weyr,” he said, appreciating the blue eyes looking down at him. “Could I trouble you to help me up, please?”

[kyra]

A’der shook his head slightly with a laugh. “I vote you just don’t walk, let alone run.” He told Pala with a wicked grin. Smirking slightly at what she said about Imanith chasing him he just shrugged, “I hear if Alyzin does anything with her around she’s going to pounce I guess. Well I know cause she told me so.” He chuckled picturing the green pouncing on him. She was defiantly small compared to his Menorath.

“I’ve been here all my life, and been to many hatchings, especially when my sister stood.” He said with a shrug. He looked over at his bronze noticing that the bronze had fallen back asleep. “Menorath would chat up you Rudoth, but he’s had a very interesting walking expierence. Reminds me of Pala kind of.” He said in a teasing tone.

“Well as long as you’re not my sister, and like pranks every once in a while.” A’der said to the boy. “He is mostly lazy, but likes to scare people, other wise he loves attention and food. Food always wins his heart unless you throw a pot.”

~

Akri looked at her feet as he twirled her around, mostly to make sure she didn’t trip or fall. “I’ve been good.” She said hesitantly as if trying to figure out exactly how she had been. Truth be told she really didn’t know. “I just got back from visiting family at Benden Weyr.” She added, she spent a lot of her time there especially when her help wasn’t needed. Ask how his blue is? Isakith said to her rider in a more of a demanding tone. “Isakith would like to know how your Blue is.” She said with a slight laugh which made her stop paying attention to her feet and ended up tripping right into him.

~

Zyika sat down and bit her lip slightly. She watched her Green with a slight frown, she really would prefer to be in her own little corner safe from everyone else of course. “W..Why is that?” She asked about Elvith staying in her shell. She looked at him instead of the ground. She noticed some similarities of the two twins, but there was differences as well. She sighed, she had stood with L’en for hatchings as well but never talked to him. She rarely talked to anyone, mostly just staying in the kitchens.

Because meeting new people is fun! Plus it’s always fun to talk to them. If they scary or mean I can just pounce on them! I will protect, Mine very well. Why are you afraid of everyone? They not going to hurt you, they’re most likely more afraid of you then you are of them. Imanith rambled on.

[missing]

"I was assigned here shortly after I achieved Journeywoman status in Healercraft along with Mya... Ah, that is, the girl who Impressed the new Gold," she smiled fondly at the memory.

She face palmed, "You could just let the boy think I'm a normal girl who doesn't fall flat on her face every time her attention slips slightly, and how exactly am I supposed to get around if I don't walk hm?"

"Your dragon reminds you of me? What does that mean?"

She laughed at his question about Alyzin, "No more or less friendly than his bonded. He just prefers pranks to teasing apparently. Although he hasn't done anything to me, where as A'der... Alyzin is my favorite of the two at the moment." She smiled at A'der, eyes twinkling with amusement.

---

E'rra only barely saw Z'mer's approach as the Bronzer called out to him, and not fast enough to prevent what happened next. He squirmed against the embrace, muscles tensing as he pushed the man away, but not before he managed to plant a kiss on E'rra's cheek, "Z'mer please, I have asked you before not to do that!" The blackrider's cheeks were flushed as he noticed some of the visiting holders had taken notice and were wrinkling their nose in disdain. He could care less that they thought of him, but he hated having his friendships evaluated so cheaply.

"I have been transferred here starting today," he sighed, "You know I don't like these things, but a dragonrider sometimes must do things they don't particularly enjoy. Being new it would be considered rude of me not to attend. Please stop looking at me like that..."


His eyes widened in surprise as a man he didn't know fell to his knees in front of him. This... wasn't usually something that happened so soon after meeting someone, so he was fairly certain he had fallen. He laughed a bit at the welcome and nodded, "Certainly," he extended a hand to the man, "I apologize for laughing but I don't think I've ever been welcomed in such a way. Are you injured?"

[kickflare]

Nix of Green dragon, Metholith, bonded to Crysti, the firelizard

I wish I had an angel for one moment of love,
I wish I had your angel Your Virgin Mary undone,
I`m in love with my lust burning angelwings to dust,
I wish I had your angel tonight

[/color][/right][/size]

An almighty shriek broke the otherwise calming silence outside of the weyr. A dark shaow passing over the weyrbowl before the large green dragon settled herself neatly on the ledge, her great wedge shaped head turning up to look at her rather ruffled rider before snorting at the little green firelizard that now squealed in outrage at her bonded.

"Mine? What happened... you screamed?!"

[/b] Metholith's voice took on higher tones as her eyes wheeled in carying shades of orange and yellow, her wings still having not folded back in her concern, her nostrils flaring as her claws extended and dug into the rocks beneath her feet.

"Its okay Meth... Crysti is being a wherry again."[/color] Nix chuckled breathlessly, giving the large green an affectionate pat on the shoulder before swinging off Metholith's neck with practiced ease, although despite the amount of practice the drop from the green's neck to the floor was still painful no landing as it was the first time. Her hand reached out, resting against the warm hide, her fingers flexing so they brushed over the smooth and eeirely soft hide that adorned her beautiful Metholith.

"Crysti.... come 'ere."[/color] Nix all but growled, before chasing after the little green pest, spewing all kinds of torturous things that would never actually happened at the firelizard liek monster. "I swear by the first egg Crysti I'm going to bundled you into my bag and you can stay there until you leanr to leave my bloody riding straps alone!!!"[/color] Nix bellowed, her voice came out far louder than intended but he gussed due to the time no one would paying attention, with a shrug of the shoulder, she pulled off her spare bag and waved it around in the air after the green firelizard like it was a net. Although the noises from the firelizard sounded oddly like a cackle before it squealed in outrage as Nix lopped the bag over it and held it together.

"Right you little..."[/color] She began, then stopped, realising that she could hear the familair humdum of noise, although where she recognised the noise from was another matter completely.

"It seems that we have dropped in on a hatching celebration." Metholith's cool voice flowed into her mind, causing the young female to blush darkly. Her fingers carefully unhooked the bag allowing her green firelizard out.

"Crysti... please for all that you love be good..."[/color] she all but pleaded before poking her head around the door in curiousity, although a little unsure if she would welcomed inot the celebration. Afterall she had dropped in uninvited and caused such a racket.[/blockquote]

Greatest thrill... not to kill, But to have the prize of the night
Hypocrite, Wannabe friend, 13th disciple who betrayed me for nothing!
Last dance, first kiss...Your touch, my bliss
Beauty always comes with dark thoughts

[/size][/color][/right]

[lyonza]

Z’mer chuckled. “Have you ever thought that I wouldn’t do this if you weren’t so uptight? But if you insist, I’ll be well behaved and the perfect gentleman.” His grin suggested he probably wouldn’t do what he said, but that was neither here nor there. He just liked teasing E’rra, mostly to get a rise out of him. “And I can’t help looking, you just draw the eye, my friend.”

You really are an idiot. Stop doing that and he might like you better, Amoneth said in a disgusted tone. You are not making things better by teasing him like that.

But he makes it so easy, Z’mer said. “I’m sorry, E’rra. I’ll try and behave better in future. And welcome to Western, it’s good to have a friendly face around.” He leaned on the cane. “Forgive me if I don’t stand talking the whole time, but I’ve injured my foot and I need to sit down again.” He almost went in for another hug but was brought up short by Garrett landing on the ground in front of them.

“Got them falling at your feet already?” he asked with a grin.

---

Garrett actually blushed. “It’s ok, I would have laughed as well,” he said as he took the offered hand to pull himself to his feet. “I don’t usually fall to my knees when I meet someone for the first time.” He smiled. “I wait until the second time,” he added with an impudent grin.

[missing]

"I'm sure you act just as impudent with other weyrfolk... and holders, probably crafters too unless they're vintnercraft," he smiled a bit at the Bronzerider, "It's only because Novath has gotten even more relentless in wanting us to train every waking moment since you left. S'ran thought I was trying to show him up, but honestly I just want to make Novath happy, and he likes being the best."

You enjoy it as well. E'rra could practically hear Novath's rumble of amusement.

I enjoy being better for my Weyr and for you, my personal standing means little to me so long as I can protect those two things. He knew he was attractive, unfortunately that usually attracted the attention of women more than men.

"I doubt that very much my friend, but then you wouldn't be Z'mer if you were behaving I suppose... Just don't overdo it," probably a hopeless request, "Of course, can't have you doing permanent damage to yourself. So what did you do this time?" He nodded to the cane.

E'rra coughed politely, his cheeks a bit flushed at Z'mer's new teasing, "Z'mer you said you would behave yourself," he eyed the Bronzer with a warning glare.

"Um... well..." he didn't seem to know what to say to that, even forgetting to release the hand in his shock at the bold comment. At some point however he remembered his manners and released the hand in favor of a bow, "Ah I apologize for my temporary lapse in manners, I'm E'rra of Black Novath. I just transferred here rather short notice from Telgar. I don't believe I've been informed of your name yet." He sent a sideways glance to Z'mer.

[lyonza]

Z’mer gave a rueful smile. “You’re right. The only ones I treat with a modicum of respect are the vintners. Does that mean I’m a lush?” He looked puzzled at his own question. “Nah, I just don’t want them to hate me and give me terrible tasting wine.” He grinned at E’rra. “I’ll really try, OK?” He tilted his head to one side. “Now why would Novath do that?” he asked. “And you know my opinion of S’ran,” he added, the forming sneer a clear indication.

The bronzer gave a shrug. “You’re probably right, but I’ll make a concerted effort for you.” Z’mer gave a little bow to show he’s really serious about it. “Oh, I was worse than a newly hatched dragon. I was out hunting with Amoneth and while sitting with my feet in a stream, I got up and sliced my foot open. It’s not life-threatening. In fact, it’s more embarrassing than anything else. So, I’m not allowed to dance until it’s completely healed.”

Z’mer just grinned. “Sorry, it just slipped out,” he said. He winked down at Garrett.

---

Garrett shook his head at Z’mer. “Oh, Z’mer. I didn’t expect anything less from you. But you make me laugh, so I’ll keep you around for a little longer,” he said in a teasing tone and chuckled when the bronzer gave him a mocking bow.

He was very conscious of E’rra holding his hand for longer than what would be considered polite, but didn’t say anything to draw attention to it. In fact, he was a little disappointed when the blackrider let his hand go. “Again, welcome to Western Weyr, E’rra of black Novath. I’m Garrett of grey Iroth.”

He waited for the information to sink in with the new arrival.

---

Z’mer just smirked, wondering where this was going to end up. With Garrett’s preferences very obvious by the dragon he rides and what he knew of E’rra… it was going to be an exceedingly interesting mating flight.

"I'll leave you two to it, I've neglected M'kal for far too long," he said and turned to leave.

[missing]

"I don't think lushes are as picky about their wines, they just want wine no matter the type or quality," he shrugged, "So you keep saying. Well, shortly after you left I was assigned to the same wing as S'ran... and well, you can probably guess his reaction to that. I thought it prudent if I transferred out. Probably should have done so long ago truthfully." E'rra didn't really react to the sneer, S'ran was his father technically speaking, but the only good thing he'd ever gotten from the man was his looks. Beyond that there was simply no father son bond to be had, so his feelings towards the man were the same as any other rider who acted like a spoiled child.

"The more you say that the less I believe you. Well at least you listen to the Healers still. You really should be more careful though."

E'rra raised an eyebrow at Garrett's reaction to the teasing from Z'mer, "It seems your particular brand of charm does at least appeal to some people." He was teasing as well, and Z'mer probably knew it. E'rra wasn't one to suffer the company of those he didn't like for long, and would most likely have found some polite excuse to leave the Bronzer's company by now if he didn't enjoy speaking with him.

"Ah, Novath will probably like her then, he tends to prefer things that fly in the face of what 'should' be. That said, I apologize for him ahead of time," he didn't explain that, but then it was was well known how males fawned over females before they rose, "I thank you for your warm welcome. It seems to be very friendly here, though good food and celebrations usually make it so."

He nodded to Z'mer, "It was good to see you again." He wondered at the expression on Z'mer's face, he probably expected E'rra to... He looked Garrett over again... Z'mer knew him too well.

[lyonza]

Z’mer nodded. “I do believe that you are correct. I do prefer a good quality if I have a choice and I won’t feel sorry for myself if I don’t get any either. Ok, I’m not a lush then.” He made a face when E’rra explained some more about the wing he got assigned to. “I don’t blame you for wanting to leave. Their loss – I know you’ll be a great asset to Western.”

He just grinned at E’rra. “Well, I know what can happen if one doesn’t listen to the Healers. I’d rather not have permanent damage of some sorts just because I couldn’t listen. And Amoneth gave me an earful about being careful. He called me an idiot.”

Z’mer gave E’rra a mocking bow. “Some people do appreciate my brand of humor. I’m an acquired taste,” he added with a lot of snickering.

---

Garrett raised an eyebrow. “You feel the need to apologize for your dragon in advance? Oh, this is going to be good.” He ignored Z’mer’s muffled snort of amusement and gave him a stink eye before raising an eyebrow at the bronzer. “But, since you’re new here I’d have to give you fair warning that Iroth is due to rise in the next few days.”

He smiled. “It is only a pleasure, E’rra and we’re glad to have you here. Its too bad you missed the Hatching this morning, it was quite exciting with the Stands Impression and some people running in at the last moment.”

He pretended not to notice the silent communication between the black and bronze riders. “Be good Z’mer, and stay off your foot or I’ll have the Healers on your case,” he said in farewell, laughing at the look the older man shot him as he limped away.

“Would you like to get something to drink? There’s wine, ale, fruit juices and the rest of the usual,” Garrett said, going into hostess mode out of habit.

[missing]

"I was of the opinion he called you that fairly often. If he's been keeping up with his usual quotas I'd bet he's called you that more than once since this feast started."

E'rra groaned at the joke, "I don't think you're capable of being good..."

---

"Really? Well Novath will be pleased," and insufferable, he'd thought they might get a day or two off to get settled in, but if there was to be a flight then Novath would want to spend any extra moment training, "I wonder if there's a way to hide from one's own dragon..." he mumbled under his breath.

He nodded to Z'mer as his friend took his leave. He'd never admit it but he was glad to have him here as well. Although perhaps he shouldn't indulge his friend's randy sense of humor as often as he did... But then if Amoneth couldn't do anything about it there was a good chance E'rra couldn't either.

E'rra turned back to Garrett, somewhat surprised at the offer. Very friendly... "Ah, I suppose so, I don't wish to take up too much of your time though."

Liar

Why would you say th- Oh... he was wasn't he?