When fighting she smiles by mistake (open)

[missing]

C'yan leaned back against the grass just outside the herdbeast pens as Viviath fed on a fat bovine. She smiled at her dragon's hunger. She had gotten so big in these past months, had they truly almost been together for a year now? Funny how the months seemed like days when you were happy. True she didn't have many friends outside of Viviath and Jolly, who was currently enjoying their new weyr, but she was a dragonrider now and didn't need anyone else. She didn't even care about the glares and whispers at her back anymore, Viviath loved her, and that was all that mattered.

She watched with delight as the object of her affections enjoyed her meal. Viviath lifted her head from the bovine to look at her bonded, Mine, don't you think you should at least try to make friends.

C'yan sighed, it seemed her dragon was not going to just forget about this one, "If you have to work that hard at a friendship then you're just forcing it, besides, they already have their preconceived notions about me."

You do like to throw them...

"Maybe you wish you'd Impressed to someone else?" the flash of hurt that struck C'yan made her immediately regret her words, "I'm story my love... I didn't mean it, I'm just... irritable, I'm sorry."

You know I don't want anyone else Mine. You're Mine, and I wouldn't have anyone else.

"I know, I shouldn't have said such a thing..." she sighed, it was no wonder she couldn't make friends if she managed to hurt even her own dragon.

I'm not hurt Mine, I just worry about you. when C'yan didn't answer she turned back to her meal.

She closed her eyes, leaning back against the grass, the chill of the winter ground seeping through her jacket, how quickly moods could change. Probably another thing she should work on.

[lyonza]

K’nar took the free time they had every morning to take Rudoth for a walk around the Bowl. He knew the stout blue dragon loved spending time with him, in fact the little dragon loved the attention he got. It hadn’t become a problem yet, but K’nar knew at some point it was going to be an issue. So he spent as much time as he could with the dragon to reassure him that it would always be the most important in his life.

He watched as a green dragon went about eating her food, her rider sitting nearby. He couldn’t quite read her expression, but it wasn’t one of complete contentment. Before he knew it, Rudoth was practically bounding over like an overexcited puppy to greet the person he hadn’t met yet. The little blue came to a halt near the girl, extended his neck and lightly prodded her with his nose.

Mine, tell her I say hello, Rudoth said, before he turned his head towards Viviath. Hello, I’m Rudoth, he said just in case the bigger green didn’t know it. Are you enjoying the food? Mine still has to cut it for me, but it makes me love him even more.

K’nar came up to where Rudoth was still standing over the girl. “Rudoth, come away. Can’t you see that she’s busy,” he said even thought it was abundantly clear that she wasn’t doing anything at all. “I’m sorry, he’s sometimes just too happy to see someone new and then he loses all his manners,” K’nar said. “I’m K’nar and this is Rudoth. He hatched a few sevendays ago from Orlaith’s latest clutch.”

You didn't tell her I said hello.

[missing]

C'yan felt something prod her, and immediately rolled away and jumped up into a fighting stance, Viviath's voice screamed in her head, No! It's just a hatchling!

That brought C'yan back to reality, she looked down and saw Rudoth there and relaxed slightly. Only slightly though, because where there was a hatchling there was a... Ah, there. She saw K'nar walking up to her and her eyes narrowed, "You really should warn him not to sneak up on people, he's lucky Viviath warned me in time." She wasn't really angry at the small blue, but almost attacking a baby dragon had rather scared the shit out of her. Most people in the Weyr who had been here for any length of time knew that sneaking up on her was a bad idea, but then he looked new.

Viviath paused in her eating to look at Rudoth, The meal is very good thank you. I think if C'yan had to cut my food up still she'd constantly be preparing meat. Viviath was still young herself, so it hadn't been so long that C'yan had in fact been prepping her food, I'm sorry about Mine, she doesn't like anyone sneaking up on her... She really can be quite nice though.

C'yan took a deep breath, her heart was still racing as she shook her head, "No he's fine, I was just startled," she didn't recognize the boy, or his name, but he somehow... looked familiar, "I'm C'yan, over there is Viviath. I kind of figured, we've only had the one clutch recently, and I'm in the weyrling class ahead of you." She looked at Rudoth, "I'm sorry, but you really should be more careful."

[lyonza]

Rudoth was surprised when the girl jumped up and looked like she was going to attack him. He gave a squeak and hunkered down, trying to make himself as small as possible. K’nar! he shouted, sounding terrified. K’nar came running up, his heart in his throat. “I’m sorry!” he said and knelt down next to the little dragon, hugging him close. “I know he’ll know better next time, but you acted like you were expecting an attack.” Who would expect an attack in the weyr with her dragon nearby? He rubbed his hands over Rudoth’s headknobs and scratched his eye ridges to calm him down. “I’m sorry again,” he said as he leaned down to hug the small dragon to him.

His scare over, Rudoth went nearer to Viviath, but kept back far enough so he won’t be in her way. I think Mine will be happy when I catch my own food. Does Yours still bathe and oil you that much? He just glanced over at C’yan. I didn’t mean to startle her, but I like meeting new people and dragons.

K’nar smiled. “Nice to meet you, C’yan. I haven’t seen you around before now – I come walking this time every day. You’ve moved out of the weyrling barracks already, right?” Rudoth, hearing that she’s talking to him came back over and sat next to K’nar. Mine, tell her I’m sorry. And that I said hello.

He smiled fondly at Rudoth. “He said he’s sorry and that I must tell you he said hello as well.”

[missing]

Her black eyes flashed with anger at the question, "Some of us weren't born in a Weyr! And without Viviath I would not be here still so I wasn't about to let my skills vanish! Funny thing about attacks, it's the one's you aren't expecting that get you in trouble, I'd rather apologize now than be unable to later." She took a shaky breath, calm down you're supposed to be trying to be nice. Her eyes closed as she let her breathing calm her. When her eyes opened again she was looking at K'nar, "It's not your fault you didn't know, neither did he."

Viviath's eyes, which had previously been yellow, were now settling into a calmer shade of blue, Of course, I'm still growing so my hide still needs frequent oiling. The task seems to relax her though. It's not your fault, she learned to fight and be on guard from her father. She knew this from the memory of C'yan's father and brother training that was currently prevalent in C'yan's mind.

"I've been here for a few turns, I didn't Impress my first time standing," not that anyone was surprised, "Viviath doesn't always eat this early, but she is growing still so she's allowed to fall out of schedule. You look familiar somehow... I'm almost certain I haven't seen you before but... Mind must be slipping," she smiled at Rudoth, "Hello Rudoth, and you don't have to be sorry, you didn't know. Although usually someone warns newcomers about me before they get the chance to learn the hard way. Oh well, I'm sure you'll hear the rumors eventually." She shrugged, flopping back down on the grass as if falling, and yet she managed to land without so much as a thump, "To answer your earlier question, yes, we've recently been moved into our own weyr. To be shared once another is assigned of course. Imagine Viviath's delight when she found out the slot was open for a burgundy."

She laughed as Viviath's rumble of approval reached her ears, "I think she just likes looking at them. Must be like a nicely muscled body for us or something. You might not partake, but it's always fun to look." C'yan didn't seem to care at all that she had just met this boy and was already talking in ways that a holderbred girl should never speak in, especially not in front of a boy she barely knew. Oh how angry her mother would be, the very idea made her laugh harder.

[lyonza]

K’nar was taken aback at her anger. He wasn’t sure how to respond to it but she seemed to get it under control fairly quickly. “I guess I never really thought about it much,” he admitted, “I only know the basics of self-defence.” He smiled then. “Rudoth will know better next time. I on the other hand will probably forget and end up on my ass for my wherry-brained forgetfulness.” He grinned, hoping she took it as the joking thought he meant.

Rudoth was completely confused now. So, she leaned to fight because she wanted to? Does she always expect an attack? He wanted to do something to make her smile at least, but he had no idea what.

“I just arrived, but I stood my share of hatchings at Telgar before I came here.” He shrugged. “My mother wasn’t surprised that I stood more than once.” He smiled down at his dragon. “I fed greedy guts already and did his bathing and oiling. I get up way before the sun does and I’m usually done with that part of the morning chores before the others get up, so we have some free time while the rest bathe and feed their friends.”

He shook his head. “I can’t think why I would look familiar, but I won’t argue that. I guess I have a familiar face?” He listened as she explained to Rudoth and after a quick conversation he spoke. “Well, Rudoth said its OK, he got over the fright, but he doesn’t understand why people would be warned about you. He likes you,” K’nar added and sat down a bit more sedately. “Who spreads rumors? I have better things to do that listen to half-truths and malicious mouthings.” He was angry on her behalf – no-one should have to put up with that kind of thing.

He nodded. “It must be nice to have your own weyr, I’ve always had to bunk with others. The crèche, the Candidates barracks and now the Weyrling barracks. I think the only time I had some privacy was when I did some Turns in the runnerbeast stables and I slept in the hayloft. That was before I got searched.” He grinned. “So, Viviath likes the burgundies, does she?”

He just laughed. “It’s always nice to look, but one doesn’t always want to touch, I guess.” He didn’t seem to care that she was talking about things like that, but he was Weyrbred and had no idea what was “appropriate” for holderbred girls after all.

[missing]

She nodded, she really didn't feel like telling a boy she just met about how her father was a guard for the Lord Holder at Telgar, and she had yet to hear of a Lord Holder who was truly 'loved by everyone'. She smiled at the comment about him ending up on his ass, "Only if you sneak up on me and Viviath isn't paying attention."

Well I think she had to, but... he didn't train her with a weapon. Something about it being inappropriate for their females to learn, personally she thought that was sill, she was female and she still seared thread same as any male dragon, I think she taught herself a little though.

C'yan smiled, "It happens to the best of us. Early rising is the way to be, you get a much better start to your day that way. Plus you get the better food while it's still hot," she winked, laughing a little, "Seen a few others out and about this early, but not many. Usually just the people who have duties to support the Weyr."

"I'm from Telgar Hold, but I never went to the Weyr, the only riders I knew from there were the ones who had business with the Lord Holder. I never forget a face though," she shrugged, "Maybe I saw a relative or something," the boy was from Telgar, so chances were that he had family members who were dragonriders as well. Well, she was sure she'd think of it eventually, "I'm glad, though I'm not too sure why. Enthusiasm of youth I suppose. Mostly the people who I put on their backs before Viviath came around to keep me more settled." She heard the anger in his voice but waved a hand dismissively, "I sent more than a few to the infirmary, and pain makes for sour temperaments so I brought it on myself."

"Yes we managed to get a rather nice one, bathing area and everything. I didn't have too much problem with privacy even when in the barracks really," most girls avoided her due to the shake-her-awake-and-see-what-happens thing, "Yeah she seems to, which is fine by me, I'm not really too picky on riders. Attractive is nice but male or female..." she shrugged, knowing her views were less than popular back home, "They each have their perks."

A rather devious look crossed her face, "I'm probably a prime example of that very idea." She'd often heard people call her pretty, but something like a pocket flamethrower. Small but still quite capable of burning you.

[lyonza]

K’nar just grinned. “Note to self: give plenty of warning when approaching C’yan. I’m thinking some bells on my belt?” He just winked and started laughing.

I don’t know if its inappropriate, but its strange that he teaches her to fight but not with something that can be more effective. I guess if she taught herself its OK.

K’nar nodded enthusiastically. “Oh, I’ve tried explaining it to the others, but I’m one of the few that actually rise early. I think the only other one is the Healer girl, Pala. If there are any others, I’m up and out of the barracks before they wake. I usually leave Rudoth to sleep a bit longer while I have breakfast. I guess I’m sometimes too early so I have to wait a bit for the food to be ready, but it gives me some alone time that I enjoy.” He nodded. “Yeah, that’s where my habit came from. Before I was chosen, I worked in the Weyr stables.”

He tilted his head to one side. “We might have seen each other in passing at a Gather at the Hold?” he asked uncertainly. “I’m not sure who else would have had reason to meet with the Lord Holder, not even all the bronzeriders had need to meet with Lord Holders, unless they were the Weyrleader or of high enough rank in the Weyr.” He shrugged. “It must have been a relative of some sort. If it’s from my father’s side, then I am as unsure as you – I never met him, so it could be anybody.” He didn’t sound bitter or anything, it was just a fact of his childhood and Weyr life. He didn’t think it strange at all since there were enough male figures in the weyr to be a role model.

He wanted to protest her waving it off so easily, but he had to smile when she told him that a lot had ended up in the infirmary. “Well, if they ended up there it was with good reason.” He eyed her speculatively. “Think you can teach me sometime? I’d like to learn more than just the basics.”

K’nar sighed. “Own bathing area too?” He sounded a little jealous. “I don’t have a privacy problem, I grew up in a weyr, but sometimes its nice to have your own place and not have to worry about others.” He grinned. “Well, I guess with Rudoth here I won’t really have reason to be picky either. I like ‘em just fine, no matter what the outside looks like. It’s the person that counts after all.”

He chuckled at her words. “Well, who says it’s a case of not wanting to touch, but rather being careful of getting stung.” He let a smile quirk the corner of his mouth. “I’d definitely ask first before just trying to touch.”

[missing]

"Bells could accent your look very nicely," she smiled.

I agree, but I would also warn against staying away from her when she's holding a stick of any kind, Viviath sent the small blue an image of C'yan holding a broomstick and going through some sort of intricate dancing motions.

"Up before the kitchen staff? That's impressive. It doesn't really surprise me about the Healer though, we often forget how much work goes into keeping a well-stocked Infirmary. You're right about the alone time though... It's a good way to eat without being bothered by too many people, if any, "Must have been fun growing up in a Weyr."

She shrugged, "Maybe that's it," she had attended Gathers from time to time, her mother had insisted on it. Of course she tended to get into fights at Gathers so her attendance usually hadn't lasted too long. Not her fault guys got all gropy with her once they had a few glasses in them. She always forgot about how many weyrbrats didn't know their fathers, or have relationships with them. Her father had been such a prevalent part of her life that she just couldn't imagine growing up without him.

"Actually not usually, normally it was just for tapping me on the shoulder," she returned his gaze, a bit suspiciously, "Ah, I guess so, I'm not the most patient person but I can try to teach you what I know."

"Well I don't have a privacy problem per say, I just can't really relax when I'm expecting someone else to come in. A bath should be a place you can relax in my opinion," she got a mischievous look on her face, "So a pretty face doesn't sway you at all?"

"If you're too afraid of the sting then you don't deserve to touch," she pulled at some grass absentmindedly, "Usually a good idea with anyone, you never know who else might flip you over for poking at them."

[lyonza]

“I rather thought so myself,” K’nar grinned back at her.

Rudoth was fascinated by the image she sent him. That looks really difficult to do, but I’m sure Mine can do it. I wonder if she will teach him?

“I won’t say up before the kitchen staff, just too early for them to be finished with breakfast, and I don’t always want what’s on the night hearth. Soup for breakfast is not my idea of fun.” He thought for a moment. “I won’t say it was fun but I had a good childhood. I wasn’t abused or used as a cheap labor force, so I guess that is at least one plus.”

He nodded. “Has to be it,” he answered. His experience of Gathers were limited to the ones held at Telgar Hold, he didn’t have occasion or reason to be at any of the others in any way, nor did he have the means or opportunity to go. He had been low on the list when it came to getting rides to and from anything.

K’nar laughed. “Wow, you are high-strung, aren’t you?” He grinned like a kid getting bubbly pies. “I’ll try and be a good student, but I’ll tell you when you are getting too impatient. Just don’t knock me on my ass for that,” he said, a smile tugging at his lips.

“From what you’ve told me I can understand that,” he said. “Though getting attacked by a naked woman would be the highlight for many people,” he giggled. He returned her look. “I didn’t say that. Beauty has never been ugly, if you catch my drift.”

“I said careful, not afraid,” he retorted, “but still good advice.”

[missing]

I'm sure he can, he just hasn't had the training, Viviath finished off the bovine, We'll see, I hope she will, she could use some friends.

C'yan made a face, "No I imagine it isn't, especially soup that's been on the hearth all night... Well I'm not saying I was either, my parents were good to me, despite my being less than the perfect little sweetling that little girls should be." She really hadn't lacked for much in her life. Being a guard wasn't amazing pay, but there was always work and if you did a good job there were often extras as well. Like Jolly. She'd had a good family who took care of her and loved her, still did. She didn't like the whispers she often heard about how she acted poorly due to how she was raised, or even worse that her family had abused her. Seriously? Why did her behavior have to be anyone's fault other than her own? She realized she was frowning, and shook her head, "Sorry, off in my own world I suppose."

"I guess you could say that," she shrugged, "Just don't start calling me 'teacher' or something silly like that or I'll have to hit you in front of your dragon," her tone was light, "So when would you want to start?"

"Of course one does run the risk of drowning in that situation... but I suppose there are still some who would enjoy the trade-off," she laughed lightly, "What is pleasing is pleasing even if it isn't the most important trait hm?"

She glanced up at him. She really wished she could figure out exactly where she'd seen him before, faces usually didn't elude her this much. As a force of habit she tended to make mental notes of everything, and a refresh of information or images was like a trigger that sent her memories relating to the subject matter rushing back. For that reason she was almost certain it hadn't in fact been K'nar she had seen before, but someone else entirely.

[lyonza]

Rudoth sounded amused. I keep hearing my clutchmates saying the same thing to Theirs, but mine doesn’t seem to need such reminders. But he does need friends, whether he listens or not.

K’nar made a face. “Ew, that stuff is nasty. I really have to be hungry or very cold before I even think of touching that. Not that the soup is awful or anything, but you know what I mean.” He waited for her to continue and shuffled after a moment when it became clear that C’yan was thinking about something that sort of distracted her. “Don’t worry about it, you can always say that Viviath was talking to you.” He grinned.

“I wouldn’t dream of doing anything like that, T... C’yan” he said with a smile. “I’m pretty much free every day at this time, since we both are early risers it could be a good time. And its early enough to have time for a bath and a change of clothes before the rest of the day’s chores await.”

K’nar let out a belly-laugh. “Drowning would be a bad thing,” he said after gasping for air. “I do believe you understand me,” he added. “There has to be some light of comprehension and thought behind the eyes.”

He caught her studying him again. “Let me guess, its going to bother you until you remember who I look like?” he asked.

[missing]

They do like to ignore some of our better advice don't they?

"I've eaten worse," she shrugged, "but after being spoiled by Weyr life I'm not sure I could go back to worse. I usually don't really need to explain myself when my mind goes wandering. This may be the longest conversation I've had with someone since getting here." She may have been exaggerating, but not by much. And most of those other conversations had been one sided on the side of the other party.

C'yan's eyes flashed when he started the 't' word, and his smile only served to earn a glare from her, "You are going to try my patience aren't you..?" She rolled her eyes, "Well mornings it is then, just make sure you wear something you can move around in okay?"

"Ah the many many holderboys who lacked that very quality, and my mother wonders why I prefer We-" her mouth snapped shut and she immediately leveled a glare at K'nar, as if it was somehow his fault she mentioned her mother out loud.

Viviath rumbled with laughter, You can't be angry at him for making you relax. It's so rare that you do...

C'yan took a deep breath and realized Viviath was right, but still, she wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea.

She nodded when he asked about who he reminded her of bothering her, "Sorry."

[lyonza]

I don’t really know, Rudoth replied. Mine hasn’t given me reason to point out anything yet.

K’nar grinned at C’yan. “No-one has had the determination and hadn’t been forewarned like me,” he said with a glint of humor in his eye. “But I can’t honestly say I’ve had worse, being used to weyr food,” he admitted. He peered sideways at her. “What was your Impression like?” he asked curiously. He liked hearing Impression stories, and he hoped she wasn’t too offended by the question.

He nodded and smiled brightly. “I test the limits and then go just a step beyond them if I can. But I’ll only call you that word if I think you deserve it. Agreed?” He nodded. “Nothing like a workout in the morning.” K’nar plucked at his shirt and pants. “This is what I have, but I’m sure it will be OK. I used to wear it working in the stables.”

He blinked in surprise as she glared at him and shrank back a bit. “I’m sorry,” he said without knowing why. He guessed it had something to do with mentioning her mother and the holder boys, but he wasn’t sure in what context it all was said.

“I’m sure you’ll think of it eventually. If you think its and answer I’d like to hear, then by all means, tell me.”

[missing]

Really? How unusual, Viviath stopped and thought about that a moment, Or perhaps Mine is the unusual one and yours is normal. It seems more likely since I don't see others of their kind throwing people around.

C'yan frowned, she usually didn't talk about stuff like that with people she'd just met. But then... before this weyrling class most people in the Weyr had been there for hers and her own class's Hatching. She looked down at the grass, "I was behind the other Candidates, I'd already stood a few turns and was thinking about leaving shortly after the hatching since I wasn't really fitting in here all that well," her own fault really but facts were facts, "Viviath came out of her shell just like her name implies, full of life. Of course she was also full of hunger and mauled the girls in front of me before I grabbed her by the nose and told her to cut it out. I'm still not sure if she was actually looking for me or if she was just shocked into Impression by my actions." She laughed at the idea.

Of course I was looking for you. Who else would I be looking for?

C'yan pretended not to hear her, "Obviously leaving the Weyr was out of the question after that," she shrugged.

"Probably should be careful with that, not everyone's as nice about things like that as I am," she laughed, it was a scary thought, "Agreed I guess, somehow I think I don't have a choice. So did you want to start tomorrow, or are you feeling lucky?"

She shook her head, "No it's alright, my fault again..." The boy had obviously been confused by her anger. Honestly she wasn't sure why he was still putting up with her.

C'yan nodded, "I'll do that..."