Getting Settled (open)

[missing]

E'rra was starting to get used to things at Western. He'd just finished unpacking and setting up the things that had arrived today, and the rest of the day had been rather productive as well. He watched from his ledge as Novath sunned himself in the grass of the weyrbowl. The black had eaten today and didn't seem to find any aversion to the bucks here as opposed to Telgar. E'rra smiled, they could fit in well here hopefully.

He'd spoken to Z'mer some earlier that day, learning some of the essentials of the Weyr. As much as the Bronzer annoyed him sometimes E'rra was glad he was here, it was nice to know someone.

The Blackrider stretched out his arms, Novath had insisted that being new was no excuse to slack on practice and seemed to be happy to use that as an excuse to lengthen their usual drills. Needless to say E'rra was desperately in need of a bath. Well, at least he didn't have to share the public bathing caverns.

He stripped of his clothes and tossed them into the basket before grabbing a clean set and heading down the short passage that lead to the spring access. He set the clothes on the bench and grabbed up some sweetsand. He sank into the water with a groan of pleasure as the warmth of the water sank into his sore muscles.

[lyonza]

Garrett stood on his ledge next to Iroth where she was sunning herself. “Are you comfortable, my love?” he asked as he idly stroked Smoky’s head. The little gemtail was curled up next to Iroth’s head in the shade where the sun wouldn’t bother him too much. A piece of fruit was lying next to him – he had brought his ‘hatchling’ another offering. Garrett picked it up as Iroth replied.

I am, thank you. And I’m just looking at the potential mates out there.

“You mean Sabath doesn’t hold your interest?” he teased her.

Maybe, maybe not. The new one that arrived the day of the Hatching has a pleasing form, she said as she looked out over the bowl where Novath was sunning himself.

“I can’t believe that you are even looking at another dragon,” he said.

I can look, it doesn’t mean I will choose any other than Sabath, Iroth sniffed at him.

Garrett laughed. “Well, Novath does have a very pleasing rider too. I wanted to go and ask him if he was settling in alright and all that.”

You don’t fool me.

“It wasn’t meant to fool you, it is part of my duties after all to make sure everybody is happy here.” That was mostly his duty but he didn’t have to take it that seriously. “Ask Novath if E’rra is in their weyr and if its OK if we dropped by.”

Iroth opened an eye. Alright.

Garrett picked Smoky up and took him inside to put him on the bed while Iroth spoke to Novath.

Novath, Mine wants to know if Yours are in the weyr and if he can ‘drop by’ to enquire about Yours’ well-being, or something like that.

[missing]

Iroth's tone was not lost on Novath, he chuckled, Mine is currently bathing, but he usually doesn't take very long doing so, I shall inquire for you. To his rider he sent, Iroth says that Hers is wishing to drop by and check on your 'health', shall I tell her you are busy? The Black's tone very clearly said that he would be very upset with his rider denied them a visit.

E'rra mentally sighed, he was already after the Grey here, the Queen was obviously spoken for and E'rra certainly had no desire to be be Weyrleader anyway so that was just as well. Wait... Iroth was... that was Garrett's Dragon wasn't it? He had to confess the speed with which he had arrived at the Weyr had left most of that day a blur in his mind, but he did remember the man. E'rra smiled, Tell Iroth they are more than welcome in our weyr.

Novath chuckled again, rising to take off for the weyr.

I thought you were relaxing for once?

I am not about to have a Grey in my weyr and not be present for the occasion. Novath did not explain himself further, but then he really didn't have to. Luckily they had a much larger area than the Black actually needed for himself, so there was plenty of room. He landed on his ledge, making his way over to his area as he sent a reply to Iroth, Mine says you would be most welcome, he seems to wish to inquire after the health of Yours as well.

E'rra rolled his eyes, but let the comment slide as he rinsed off and grabbed a drying cloth. He quickly toweled off and pulled on his pants and boots. Somehow he'd forgotten a shirt, better a shirt than the pants though he supposed. He went out into the main area en route to his living alcove and a shirt.

[lyonza]

Iroth snorted. Well then, if he’s bathing I’m sure Mine would really like to drop by. Her tone indicated exactly what she thought Garrett should be doing. It has been too long and Mine is lonely.

Garrett noticed Novath suddenly taking off for his weyr and his brow furrowed. After Novath sent back the reply, Iroth sat up. Novath says that we are more than welcome to ‘drop in’ at their weyr.

He looked at his shirt, knowing the pants were fine and pulled on a light jacket. It was winter after all and even the short distance across the Bowl and to the top near the Rim to E’rra and Novath’s weyr would be chilly. He got on Iroth’s back and braced for the leap and all-important downstroke as Iroth took to the sky. All too quickly they made it to the ledge and Iroth landed daintily.

Thank you, she said to Novath, as she settled herself to wait while Garrett spoke to E’rra. Garret in the meantime slid from her back, straightened his clothing and strode deeper into the weyr. “Hello!” he called out as he stepped into the main area, just as E’rra walked in without his shirt.

Whatever else he was going to say fled his mind as he took in the sight before him.

[missing]

Unfortunately Mine is unnaturally shy for being brought up in a Weyr, Novath seem confused by the fact, He's been thinking of the private bathing area in our weyr for days. Why is Yours lonely? E'rra certainly finds him attractive enough.

"Novath perhaps you shouldn't say such things?"

Showing concern for her rider is not something I should do?

"That's not what I meant. And I assume by letting me hear about the lonely part you were trying to drop hints. Stop it."

But if we were to catch her in the upcoming flight, Novath let that dangle.

"She said her rider was lonely not her, mating flights are not the same cure for loneliness for a rider as they are for the Dragon. If you remember correctly from those times you caught Gold and Grey riders with female dragons," those had been some interesting mornings, some annoying when the rider thought this meant the elusive E'rra was now 'hers'. After a while he'd simply elected to have a stand-in, much to their dismay. He'd often found the practice a bit rude to the other rider, but more polite than explaining to a woman that he didn't find her attractive in the sexual sense at all.

But he's not a woman.

"Novath, if there is one thing I've learned through the turns is that one is usually lonely when they already have someone they desire," He hadn't been at the Weyr long but with those asking him if he would participate in the upcoming flight, there were also those who warned him off. There were as many tales about the viciousness of Sabath as there were of Garrett's one-sided attraction to M'kal and, less to do with anything, M'kal's attraction to the Weyrwoman.

They're here. Novath moved to the side, leaving the couch open to Iroth if she wanted it, Welcome to our weyr, it's usually warmer there, and it's out of the draft. Having just come from outside Novath didn't really care too much about the draft at the moment.

E'rra heard Garrett call out just as he walked in. What was he staring- Oh! He coughed, "Sorry, I got distracted talking to Novath... I'll just... Be right back... Please make yourself comfortable." He turned into the narrow opening that lead into his sleeping area, but he wasn't really far enough away to discourage conversation or to not be seen.

He pulled out a tunic at random, concerned more with covering himself than the color or style, but then most of them were shades of white or black so he couldn't really go wrong. He pulled on the black tunic over his head before coming back out again, "I apologize for that..."

I don't think he does.

Hush dear one.

[lyonza]

Iroth kept silent for a moment. Mine is just lonely because Sabath’s rider has shown no interest after our previous flights and Mine has not found any other that drew his interest. I am hoping this changes; I do not want him to be alone.

She looked curiously into the weyr when Novath moved out of the way and she went in as far as she could after Garrett dismounted. She stretched her neck out in Novath’s direction. I am not too concerned about a draft. Your courtesy is appreciated but unnecessary at this time, she said before settling on the ledge.

Garrett managed to snap his teeth over the Oh, don’t go through any trouble for me, that wanted to jump out and just appreciated the view as E’rra went to get a shirt. He looked around and sat down on one of the chairs in the common area. He pushed down the disappointment and settled for appreciation at the fit of the shirt.

It is good to see you liking someone else. Sabath’s rider will unfortunately never look at you the way you want him to, Iroth said.

I know, he replied, not wanting to have that conversation right now.

“Not to worry, it’s not like you were running around without pants,” he said without thinking, then started laughing to cover the awkwardness. “I’m sorry, but I sometimes speak without thinking.” He opened the jacket he was wearing and settled in the chair.

“I just wanted to find out how you are settling in?” he said.

No-one believes that flimsy excuse, Iroth said to both Novath and Garrett.

Hush, love.

[missing]

Mine usually doesn't like the riders of those I catch, so he instead keeps another nearby. Although he seems to think it's rude of him to do so, Iroth was a Grey and had to pick who would be best for her clutches, not neccisarily to make her rider happy, though he wouldn't like to see E'rra unhappy so he could understand her hope. Novath seemed disappointed that she chose to stay near the ledge, but didn't argue it.

E'rra raised an eyebrow at Garrett's observations as he walked over to the cabinet, he wasn't a stranger to stares but they usually hid it better. Except of course during certain private moments... If he remembered correctly this one had eyed him similarly during the feast, which was strange. The Greyrider was attractive as well so he should have his pick of partners. Maybe because he was new and shiny?

He frowned a bit, but covered it up before pulling out a bottle of wine. He held up the bottle questioningly, "Would you care for some wine? It was a parting gift from an acquaintance at Telgar," he didn't really feel the need to mention the acquaintance as his father. It was Benden, good vintage too, some sort of strange thank you from S'ran for leaving. He was going to give it to Z'mer as he found drinking alone a bit strange, but since he had company he might as well.

E'rra smiled, he was fine with such things said in private. It was when Z'mer went on like he did in front of crowds of people that embarrassed the Blackrider, "It's quite alright, next time I will try to oblige you and forget those as well," he was kidding... sort of.

"I actually just finished organizing things today, I couldn't bring everything with me on the first trip what with all the wall hangings and decorations I've collected through the years..." he looked around, there were only a few out in the main area. Some carvings and sculptures in different mediums over the hearth, a rather nice glass bowl speckled with flecks of metal in the center of the table, the chairs and table themselves were even nicely carved wood, "Most of the wall hangings themselves are in my room, better protected from the elements as it- Ah, I'm sorry, that came out sounding like an invitation... I'm sorry, I was just... that really is why they're there though I promise." His face was scarlet and he turned as if to straighten a glass black dragon's egg that sat on top of the cabinet.

Smooth.

[lyonza]

Iroth was clearly puzzled by Novath’s comment. Why would yours keep someone nearby to take his place? Does he not find the riders desirable? She knew, only because it was often on Garrett’s mind, that despite the fact that M’kal wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of having to bed Garrett, he never had a stand-in do it for him. It was of course the reason for Garrett’s loneliness since he clearly liked the blackrider, yet his feelings weren’t being returned.

Maybe Yours doesn’t need a stand-in if you were to catch me, she said coquettishly. She would like to see Garrett happy, but her choice of mate wasn’t going to be influenced solely by that fact. Since no other dragon was a match for Sabath in her opinion and Novath was an unknown factor, she felt it appropriate to test this potential mate a little. What Sabath’s reaction to her being in a rival’s weyr would be didn’t even factor in her thoughts.

Garrett felt a bit embarrassed by the fact that E’rra caught him looking him over so frankly but he covered it by picking up the bowl on the table to study it. “This is quite beautiful, where did you get it?” he asked. “Oh, I’d love a glass of wine, thanks.” He was excited and apprehensive at spending time alone with the new rider. That he was attracted was no question, but how he acted on it was something else. He was beginning to realize that M’kal wasn’t the be all and end all of what was available in the weyr and he wondered what he had been denying himself.

Garrett nearly dropped the bowl when E’rra replied by next time forgetting the pants as well. He arched an eyebrow. “I will be sure to remind you of that,” he practically purred as he leaned forward to put the bowl back on the table. He looked around as E’rra explained about the decorations, making appropriate noises of appreciation.

He listened with growing amusement as E’rra stumbled through telling about the wall hangings and then apologizing and blushing at his implied invitation into his bedroom. “It’s the best offer I’ve had in Turns,” he started, “and while I do want to see the hangings, I think I will appreciate them at another time.” He shifted position to take off his jacket since he wasn’t out in the cold anymore and the weyr was comfortable enough to do without the heavy flying jacket he had grabbed instead of one of the lighter ones he owned. “You can tell me where you got all this stuff. You have impeccable taste and I’m wanting to get some new hangings and things for my weyr.” When you can see what’s going on under all my stuff strewn about, he added to himself.

You should have gone to look at the hangings.

[missing]

He does during the flights... but not normally, and some of them would follow him around after. My rider is a very nice human specimen, Novath was rightly proud of that, as it was in no small part due to the high demands he placed on his rider to constantly improve.

Novath had been thinking something similar, but out of respect hadn't said so himself, True, I shall have to work to prove myself during your flight then. And from what E'rra had been hearing, he'd have an added obstacle, avoiding Sabath. He was practically giddy with the idea of such a challenge.

"I pick things up here and there, that one is from a girl in the mining hold of Crescent Cove... although I believe she now lives in the main Hold. She had this rather interesting black firelizard as well making tiny glass sculptures..." he looked around, spotted a twisting bit of red and orange glass dangling from some yellow cord from the underside of a shelf and nodded towards it, "That's one of them. I have more hanging above-" he coughed, "You know what, I'm going to stop talking about my art pieces now."

He took out two wine glasses, and walked over to where Garrett seemed deep in thought. He set the glasses and bottle down on the table before taking a seat himself. He opened the bottle to let it breathe and leaned back in the chair, "It wasn't an- Not to say I wouldn't, but it wasn't an offer, at least not in that sense. Besides, I doubt it would have been your best offer anyway. You have more than enough going for you," it wasn't flattery, he was being honest. The man was attractive, friendly, funny, adorably awkward, well-dressed, and if that wasn't enough he was a Greyrider in case those desiring power weren't moved by the other traits. And that was just what E'rra knew from their two meetings.

"As I said I just get them here and there, mostly gathers, come from crafters that I know. The glass girl is a friend of mine, I met her when her parents died... took her to the funeral actually as a favor to her Master. Next time I go see her I will make sure to let you know. Of course, I'd be happy to have you along at a gather as well." He poured the wine and handed Garrett a glass before pouring his own.

[lyonza]

Interesting, Iroth mused. And I guess that these riders weren’t too happy to have your good-looking specimen of a rider bring in a stand-in? She was definitely going to tell Garrett about this. But then again, greys and golds usually had female riders, which explained a lot.

She sounded amused at his reply. You will have to work indeed. My current mate does not enjoy having competition. It was a fact, nothing else.

“Crescent Cove? I heard their recent gather was a great success. I wanted to go, but something came up that prevented me from attending. They did send someone to the Feast and they brought some eggs of a critter they had found in the area. Some of our weyrlings and even the older riders seem interested in them. This girl does very good work, I have to say.” He got up to inspect the piece of twisted glass hanging from the cord. “You say her firelizard makes these? How ingenious and a great conversation piece as well as being pretty.” He smiled wickedly as E’rra once again mentioned something that was in his bedroom, but refrained from saying anything suggestive. "I'll have a look when I appreciate the wall hangings at a later date." Garrett sat down again, his eyes frawn to the piece of glass every now and again.

Garrett leaned forward a bit. “E’rra, I haven’t had a conversation like this with anybody before who wasn’t either angling for some kind of power in the Weyr or just trying to get into my pants, which may fit me spectacularly, yet none of them interested me in the least.” Admittedly he did want what he couldn’t have and until he met E’rra he didn’t think that anybody else could interest him. “But I appreciate your honesty and I wouldn’t mind either. I’ll admit I’ve wanted what I couldn’t have. I’m finally realizing it and I’m suffering from an attitude adjustment because of it My attitude to myself about what I want.” How he felt he could admit to something like that to someone he hardly knew he wasn’t sure. He couldn’t imagine having a conversation with M’kal that didn’t involve the blackrider feeling uncomfortable just because they were exchanging words.

“Well, you are now nominated as my decorating consultant – my weyr is a disaster and I can’t imagine having to have a meeting of any sort there, weyr related or personal. I would love to meet his glass girl and her clever firelizard.” He smiled warmly. “I would be honored to go to a gather with you, regardless of the outcome of Iroth’s flight,” he said as he accepted the glass, their fingers barely grazing as Garrett's closed around the stem.

[missing]

I don't know, I only know what E'rra thinks on the matter and that is that it solved more problems than it caused, he wasn't sure what that meant, there were no immediate memories of any related events, just a general feeling of relief at the decision.

There should be competition for you it is your right, competition is an honor to the female flying and produces better clutches, he had always delighted in a challenge, Challenges prove that he still what it takes to keep you... if in fact he does.

"She does, although I think she is more talented than she lets on. Yes Magic makes those, he seemed to be trying to copy her at first, but people liked it so much it became a valuable marketing tool. Especially with her being so shy," he smiled as Garrett walked over to look at the piece, and then continued to glance back at it even after sitting back down, "Wait here a moment."

He got up, walking over to the sleeping area and walking out of sight around the corner for a moment. He was only gone a minute when he came back with a small wooden box and handed it to Garrett, "I saw it thinking I might wear it but with the slave driver of a dragon I have I rarely get the chance. You would probably do more justice to it anyway."

Then he'll just have to find another excuse to enter your sleeping area. Novath let Iroth hear him, his tone thick with amusement.

Hush.

E'rra took a sip of his wine, listening to Garrett. He flushed a bit at the pants comment, he really had to find out who his tailor was... and thank them. Focus E'rra. He frowned a bit at Garrett's words, assuming he meant M'kal, the rider of Iroth's current mate. He had already heard those rumors at the feast. He knew what it was that Garrett wanted, it was what he had realized he could have once he stopped caring about getting his father to like him, he wanted to be happy. The question was of course, what would make him so? It wasn't an easy question to answer.

He looked down at his wine once Garrett finished speaking, swirling it around a bit before looking back up at the Grayrider who seemed a bit... confused or surprised at what he had told E'rra. E'rra smiled reassuringly, "Well I can assure you I don't care about power, I prefer my peace and quiet which is why I left Telgar in the first place rather than fight with S'ran despite knowing I would win. Novath is another story but I act on my own in spite of his mental commentaries on this whole meeting."

Novath gave Iroth a toothy grin.

"I already told you my views on the pants... ah... well I suppose temptation would be the better word..."

Not all of them.

"With that said, you are welcome to speak to me at any time without expecting me to demand either of those things from you. I also tend to be a man of my privacy so you can also expect I won't be telling anything you tell me at the next feast. However," he set the glass down, leaning forward until his forearms rested on the sturdy table, "I do have one question, and you can choose not to answer if you don't wish to. If you normally aren't interested, why would you, as you put it, 'not mind' with me?" He didn't sound coy or flirtatious, in fact, he seemed very serious about the question.

"You do realize I wasn't offering for only if Novath catches Iroth right? Personally I don't give a sharding wit who he catches, that's more his thing. He chooses his companions and I choose mine. Besides, you seem like you'd be a fun companion for a gather."

[lyonza]

So he doesn’t really like the previous riders of those you caught, but will it make a difference this time if you were to catch me? Iroth asked. She really didn’t understand humans, but it was fun puzzling them out.

Challenge and competition will get rid of the undeserving ones. She didn’t have to say anything more on the subject.

Garrett shook his head. “It’s always the shy ones that have the hidden depths and great talent in my experience. Those who proclaim their talent and greatness are usually making up for something they lack.” He shrugged. “I could be wrong, but that’s my take on things,” he said. He looked puzzled when E’rra got up and walked through to his sleeping area only to return with a box that he handed over. “Oh, I couldn’t possibly accept…” his voice trailed off when the implication hit him. He knew without asking that it was really something that E’rra wanted him to have and not trying to garner favor. “I would do it more justice?” he asked. Again he stopped talking, trying to sort through what he was feeling. “It’s really not necessary,” he protested weakly even as his fingers itched to open the box to see what’s inside. He opened the box and peered inside.

Why doesn’t he just ask? Iroth asked. Humans’ mating habits are so complex it makes my head hurt, she complained.

As he spoke, he saw some understanding of what he was experiencing in E’rra’s eyes and he knew he wouldn’t get an answer right away. It was something he would have to puzzle out for himself. He felt relief, something he didn’t know he was worried about, when E’rra told him he wasn’t looking for power in the weyr. “S’ran is the reason you came here?” he asked, then grinned. “Iroth has been giving me choice commentary as well, I think they are conniving behind our backs about something.” Iroth snorted in amusement but refrained from commenting.

He knew when E’rra spoke that it was true and he’d have no worry about confiding anything in him, but he got nervous when he got to the next part. A question he hoped he didn’t have to answer just yet. “I am sorely tempted not to answer you, but I feel I should despite my nervousness.” He took a gulp of wine before continuing. “In the six years I’ve been here, I’ve never found anybody that I wanted to be with. Like I said, none of them interested me enough to want to form a closer relationship during weyrlinghood. Then Sabath flew Iroth and I imprinted or something on M’kal. I have to admit I made a downright nuisance of myself.” He sighed softly. “Then I realized that what I wanted, M’kal was never going to give me and I became a little petty about it. I would tease him subtly, giving little hints during conversations, being suggestive in one way or another just to embarrass him. I guess it made me feel better about myself, but in retrospect it was really petty of me and I’m ashamed to admit it. I guess I’ve been heading to my latest realization for a while now, probably more than a Turn and I only teased him from time to time and definitely stopped trying to get him to change his mind about me.

“When I first saw you at the feast, it was purely a physical reaction. I’m not going to lie about that. But, the more I spent time with you there and now today, I realized that this is something I’ve been looking for. You’re honest, funny, intelligent, good-looking, you have style, you come across as caring and generous. And adorably awkward.” The last was said with a smile. “You just make me want to know you.”

He looked a little embarrassed at his speech, admitting things that he’d rather have kept to himself. Garrett took another sip of wine, looking at his hands, not daring to look into E’rra’s eyes.

He smiled at E’rra’s words. “It will be great to have someone to enjoy a Gather or a feast with,” he said. “I know you’re not offering only if Novath catches Iroth,” he added and put a hand on E’rra’s arm, “which is another reason why I like you – you don’t beat about the bush. I know you’ll be a great companion at any event.”

[missing]

He seems to like Yours, Novath glanced at where the two humans sat, He usually isn't this... he's thinking he doesn't usually talk like this to people he's just met. That seems right. Novath simply nodded at what Iroth said concerning challenges.

E'rra watched as Garrett opened the box, inside was a tiny twisting flame of steel encased in clear glass, although is some parts the metal had caused the glass to darken from the iron content so little steaks of black shot through the piece. It had been fashioned into a pendant and hung on a silver chain. It obviously wasn't meant for daily wear, and certainly not the kind of wear it would get with E'rra flying as often as he did.

"I knew I really wouldn't get chance to wear it when I got it, but I couldn't pass it up," he watched Garrett's face carefully, hoping he would accept it. He was a bit worried he wouldn't like it as well, "Besides, this way I would actually get to see it worn... and it matches your dragon... Sorry, that was a strange thing for me to say."

Worried about insulting the other, rushing things, whatever that means. Maybe this is their version of a flight, he grumbled, Perhaps if Mine caught Yours that would fix their problems, it would certainly be easier than all this.

E'rra didn't hear what was said but he DID catch the mental image of catching Garrett while some other faceless humans both male and female chased after. He instantly went scarlet and drained the glass, hardly polite, but needed at the moment.

He nodded when asked about S'ran, "My father, technically. I'm a weyrbrat though so, as is often the case, we don't really have that bond." he didn't seem torn or upset by the fact, either he was over it or had buried it long ago, "You may be right about that."

E'rra had been on the opposite side of such imprints on more than one occasion back at Telgar. Listening to Garrett he couldn't help but feel a little guilty, was this how they all had felt? True it wasn't good to lead them on, but perhaps he should have been gentler with them. He felt a strange need to move his chair closer to Garrett to reassure or comfort him, but somehow managed to refrain, his hands in his lap curled from the effort as he listened.

Then Garrett began talking about him and E'rra found himself unable to look away from the Grayrider. What the hell was wrong with him? He'd been complemented before, but never like that... Garrett wasn't looking at him, and E'rra desperately wanted him to. Desperately? Since when was E'rra desperate? He growled mentally... no... that was definitely out loud.

He stood knocking his chair over, their chairs were much too far apart and he no longer had the patience to stay in his. It was maybe a step to where Garrett sat, a slight... very slight hesitation before E'rra leaned over, placing one hand on the back of Garrett's chair and the other under his chin to tilt it upwards for a kiss that practically begged Garrett not to turn away.

[lyonza]

Iroth wordlessly agreed. Mine likes Yours too. He is a lot the same about talking to people he’s just met, so it is appropriate that they talk to each other like this.

Garrett reverently lifted the pendant out. “Oh, it’s beautiful.” His words were barely a whisper as he turned it this way and that to catch all the angles. “It isn’t strange at all, it’s quite fitting.” He looked up. “Thank you, I’ll treasure it forever.” He opened the clasp and with a little fumbling closed the catch and settled it against his chest. “It’s perfect.” He looked up with a smile. He had considered a very brief moment of protesting that he couldn’t possibly accept the gift, but something in E’rra’s eyes made him accept without any argument.

Novath’s comment amused Iroth. I think it is exactly like a flight. Yours is afraid if he rushes, then it will be an unsatisfactory flight with a small clutch. Well, I guess he’s afraid that he will spook Mine and then the relationship will be short-lived or fall apart quickly. Mine has the same fears. She fixed Novath with a look. I think catching Mine is the eventual outcome, but not something either of them wants to rush.

Garrett looked puzzled when E’rra suddenly blushed and drained his glass of wine, then he realized that it must’ve been something Novath had said to him. “Novath?” he asked, while a smiled played on his lips. He reached for the bottle of wine and poured some more for them both.

He nodded understanding. “I’m Hold-bred so I’m still unclear on how the whole family structure works in a weyr, despite living in one for six Turns. I’m guessing he was more of a fellow rider than a father figure?” He raised an eyebrow. “I know my dragon very well, I am convinced they are conniving behind our backs,” he said with a big grin.

Garrett was so involved in his own words that he didn’t notice E’rra’s reaction to it, talking more towards the table with his head down than looking at his host. The soft growl from across the table startled him and he was almost afraid to look up to see the look on E’rra’s face, fearing that it would be one of disgust. He heard the scrape of the chair and then the blackrider was standing over him, in his personal space. He practically leaned into the warmth that was so close, making a small sound of surprise when a gentle hand tilted his chin up and he looked into E’rra’s eyes.

He lifted his hand, curling it behind the other man’s neck and pulled him closer until their lips met and he embarrassed himself with a small sound of pleasure.

[missing]

Yes, you're right, this is a very good thing, Novath did hope this worked out, for more than one reason. Of course the main one being his rider's happiness, but there was also the added benefit of possibly having Iroth over again in the future.

E'rra smiled, good... he liked it. Of course E'rra thought it looked nice, he had bought it after all, but he hadn't been sure if Garrett would. Truthfully he wasn't really sure what had made him go back to the room to get the pendant, he had just suddenly felt like he should give it to him. He watched as Garrett put it on, "I'm glad you like it, and I was right... it suits you."

Novath nodded again, I think mine could do with taking a few chances here and there. Although he seems to be much less patient today than he usually is.

"Ah... yeah... Thank you," he took a more respectful sip of wine, "For some reason I got an image of you being chased as if in a... ah a mating flight, and..." he coughed, mumbling the next bit, "I caught you."

He frowned, thinking about the upcoming mating flight once again. He hoped Garrett didn't take that as him wanting Novath to catch Iroth... or think that any of this was in an attempt to make that happen. There were many who would do just that, and he was certain Garrett had come across them.

"I suppose so, but a Weyr is full of father figures so I wasn't exactly lacking in that regard. My mother was always present as well. S'ran was more of a rival than a fellow rider though, or at least that's how he saw it."

E'rra could have cheered in triumph when Garrett's eyes met his. He was surprised when he felt Garrett's hand at the back of his neck, the sensation sending a shiver down his back and causing him to press deeper into the kiss than he had originally intended, but not nearly so far as he wanted to. The sound from Garrett was music to his ears, but also brought him swiftly back to reality. He pulled back, his body and mind screaming at him in anger and frustration, "Garrett... if you continue to make sounds like that I will be showing you those tapestries much sooner than anticipated."