If you go down to the woods today [E'rra]

[lyonza]

Garrett sat up in his bed, the heavy drapes across the opening to his bedroom blocking the light that might filter through from the ledge. He reached over and flipped open the glowbasket that was on the table next to his bed, flipping the sleeping furs back while stifling a yawn.

Morning, dearheart, he said to Iroth where she was lying on her couch as he ambled past to the bathing area. She didn’t stir a wingtip as she rumbled a greeting before dozing off again. Garrett smiled indulgently and stepped into the water. As much as he wanted to have some klah while he was getting cleaned up, he knew that it was better for him to wake up completely before getting his morning fix.

A relatively quick bath and short hunt for clothing let him reach his goal of breakfast and klah sooner. He usually made an effort of being in the dining cavern for two out of the three meals a day since not everybody felt at ease enough to head to his weyr if they wanted to talk about something that required his attention.

His leather pants, boots and a fitted tunic was all he needed since he wasn’t going outside – he left the jacket hanging on its peg as he went through his access way into the lower caverns and headed for the dining cavern. He detoured past the kitchens first, sticking his head through the door, looking for the head cook.

“Worren!” he called out as he stepped into the big room. The head cook came over at a stately pace – no-one rushed him. “Worren, I wonder if I could bother you for something please?” Garrett asked while smiling brightly. The head cook gave him a raised eyebrow and grunted. “You are a dear,” Garrett grinned. He had come to know the cook’s moods well. When he was yelling, then you know you had trouble. If he just nodded and grunted, all was well.

“Worren, I was hoping I could raid the pantries for a picnic I want to have with someone special. Would you mind letting me loose back there?” He wasn’t quite wheedling, but it came close.

“Garrett, the last time I let you loose in the pantries, I had to reorganize everything. Tell me what you want, and I’ll get it sorted for you. I’m guessing you want some wine as well?” Worren’s raised eyebrow had turned into a semi-scowl.

“If you don’t mind,” he started, then thought a moment. “Is there some of the Benden white left? And maybe just some fruit, cheese, some meatrolls, sweet things too…” he looked up. “I’ll leave it to your good judgement, dear Worren.” He smiled widely and patted the man on the shoulder before disappearing out the door.

He had breakfast and then mulled over a second mug of klah, his plan of action. He nodded with resolve and got up, walking towards his weyr with a big smile.
Iroth, my dearest. Please ask Novath where his rider is?

So, you’re finally doing something other than moon at each other, are you? She asked still a little sleepy. Iroth sat up and wandered out onto the ledge to catch some sun. Novath, she called to the black dragon, Mine wants to know where Yours is.

[missing]

E'rra, was seated at the desk in his room pouring over scrolls. It wasn't out of any real interest in this case, but Novath had been relentless these past few days and this seemed like a better training option to the blackrider. He still ached from the drills his dragon had put him through yesterday.

He sighed, he'd just read over the same line who knows how many times. His mind kept wandering to a certain greyrider and he kept thinking he saw the man out of the corner of his eye. Maybe it had been a bad idea to show him the area... no, he smiled remembering the time they'd spent together and the look of delight on Garrett's face when he'd seen the colors shining around the room.

He had to focus though, if he wasn't careful... You aren't actually studying are you? E'rra groaned, Novath can't we just take a day off? Humans need breaks sometimes and you could probably use one too. Then both of us will be refreshed and more fit for training.

Novath grumbled, E'rra had known he would which is why he usually tried to appease his dragon. He did agree that training was important, but Novath tended to forget that E'rra was human sometimes.

Novath was about to respond when he received Iroth's question, He is in his room currently avoiding training by pretending to read a scroll while thinking about Yours. The black did not sound happy about that fact, Should I let him know you're asking?

Novath? Dear one are you alright? We can practice more if you like...

Novath let out a mental sigh, No you're right, you need a break, he would never admit to needing one himself,I don't want you to end up hurt Mine. Please take all the time you need.

[lyonza]

While Iroth was talking to Novath, Garrett went about his quarters to gather together a few things that he felt would be needed. He tossed a fur off his bed over to the ledge while he went about the room gathering a few more things that he put in a holdall. He smiled as he took the pendant that E’rra had given him that first night and put it on. He tossed the heavy flying jacket over to the growing pile of things.

Iroth settled on the ledge, her head on her forelegs. Yes, please tell Yours that Mine is looking for him. She turned her attention to Garrett. Why are you looking for him? Are you planning something?

Yes, I am as a matter of fact. Please tell Novath that I would appreciate the company of his rider in my weyr whenever it is convenient for him. He heard her snort of amusement.

Mine said that he would like the company of Yours in his weyr whenever Yours sees it fit to join him. I think he has something planned for them to do that doesn’t involve training.

Garrett just laughed at her and kept rooting around for things he thought they might need. He knew that the head cook would put something together that would be great and all the things that went with it – utensils, cups, plates and whatever else they might need.

The only thing he hadn’t decided on was where they were going to go. He’d get E’rra’s thoughts on that before they headed out. He shook his head and changed his mind. It would be a surprise, Novath would just have to take their destination from Iroth.

[missing]

Novath chuckled to himself, which surprised his rider, Well that's a sudden mood change, what's so funny?

Iroth says Hers requests your presence in his weyr whenever you have the time. Iroth says he has something planned for the both of you that does not involve training.

E'rra heart soared, and Novath's laugh echoed through his brain once more, Do I need to bring anything?

Just yourself I think, although a riding jacket wouldn't hurt. It's still rather chilly out there for you humans.

Yes mother, he stood, pushing the chair back under the desk before grabbing his jacket from the back of it and striding out to where Novath waited for him. He was trying not to run or look overly excited, but from the amusement whirling in his dragon's eyes he would guess he was failing miserably. He swung up on Novath's back and the black launched himself from the ledge, gliding out a bit before banking to land on Iroth's ledge.

E'rra saw the pile of things nearby as he swung off Novath's back, "What the..." he clamped his mouth shut turning to Iroth and bowing his head in greeting and placed a finger to his lips with a smile. He could hear Garrett rummaging further back and made his way towards the sounds.

He hesitated outside the curtain to Garrett's room, wondering if he should enter or not, and then decided he'd deal with the consequences later. Lifting the curtain out of the way very carefully so as not to make any noise he saw Garrett, who was apparently looking for something or another. E'rra came up behind the man, ready to dodge if he surprised him too badly, and wrapped his arms around Garrett from behind, "Iroth says you wanted me for something?"

[lyonza]

Garrett checked the pile of things by the ledge entrance. The blanket, some pillows, the holdall that he had shoved some things into before he disappeared into his room again, missing E’rra’s arrival. Iroth would have grinned at E’rra if she could and she nodded her head back at him in response.

Novath, she greeted him. You did well during the flight, she admitted, the memory still fresh enough to recall it. Maybe next time things will go your way.

Garrett was rooting around in the dresser for something he remembered having when a pair of strong arms went around him from behind and he let out an undignified squawk. “What the-?” he twisted around a bit to see who was man-handling him, his expression softening when the words and the face in front of him sunk in. He put on a lofty expression. “Yes, I have need of your company – I missed it too much lately.” He turned completely in the circle of E’rra’s arms and put his around the blackrider’s neck. “Hey handsome,” he said and kissed the man soundly.

He disentangled himself from E’rra’s arms, turned back to the dresser and found what he was looking for, putting it in his pocket and closing the drawer. “I thought we could go off somewhere that wasn’t the Weyr today. I have this urge to go find a tropical beach and get out of the cold a bit today.” He grabbed E’rra’s hand and led him back into the living area, the nearby bed way too tempting which could ruin his resolve and they wouldn’t leave the weyr at all.

He pulled a bigger bag from an alcove and went over to the pile of things by the ledge. “I was thinking a picnic, some swimming. Maybe lazing about on the sands of some beach...” He let the thought trail off as he quickly folded the sleeping fur and stuffed it into the bag, taking the pillows and put them in the bag as well. He muttered under his breath as he went through the inventory. “Furs, pillows, towels...”

He finished packing the bag and dropped it on the floor again. “Do you want to sit?” he asked, suddenly realizing that he was being an ungracious host. “Something to drink?” he added as he headed over to his lower cavern access which was conveniently very close to the kitchens. “Mina!” he called down the short corridor. A curly mop of dark hair framing a cheerful face peered around the corner after a short wait. “Ah, Minamylove, could you please check with Worren if that basket is ready? And remind him about the wine if he didn’t remember. I’ll be down in a few to get it.”

He walked back into his living area and smiled at E’rra. “Sorry, when I get an idea in my head I sometimes let it run away with me and I don’t always stop to ask if others agree.” He took a deep breath and went over to his lover (Friend? Lover? Weyrmate? Partner? Lifemate?). “Tell me if I’m being a bit too much, would you please?”

[missing]

Novath freshly remembered all too well WHY he'd been subjecting his bonded to countless training, You're kind to say so. What is Yours up to exactly?

E'rra chuckled at the sound, "Well that seems like a fairly easy thing to comply to, beats pretending to read a scroll so Novath will stop trying to break me," his muscles ached even now, but somehow it was much easier to ignore that at the moment. He smiled into the kiss, "Well hello yourself."

Rather regretfully, he released his hold on Garrett, instead looking around the room as the other man found whatever it was he needed, "Funny I was just trying to convince Novath that he and I needed something similar. I'm glad you asked or else he probably would have be back in the riding straps already," he turned back to look at Garrett with curiosity, "You think it's cold here you should try Telgar out sometime. But some warmth and sunlight does sound rather inviting." He raised an eyebrow, giving Garrett a devious look as he was lead out of the bedroom.

Seemed like an awful lot of stuff just for a day at the beach, but then Telgar wasn't exactly beachfront property and E'rra hadn't done too much relaxing, beach or otherwise, so he really didn't know. Only times he'd really even seen the ocean was flying over it here at Western and during between practice drills, "Sounds nice. Do people usually bring this much to the beach? I confess being rather ignorant on the matter... Is there anything you need me to bring as well?"

E'rra smiled, "I am perfectly fine watching run around like a headless wherry." To be honest he could still feel the stiffness from sitting earlier and was rather enjoying standing up at the moment. He watched, arms crossed for comfort as Garrett went to the entrance and yelled for some girl named Mina that E'rra didn't recall meeting yet. He really should be more social but... he just didn't do well with women of any variety, "Wine? Are you trying to take advantage of me?"

"You don't have to apologize. It's a great idea, and one I could really use right now," he reached out to pull Garrett close for a hug, "I have had a distinct lack of you for long enough to make 'too much' just what I need. Not sure I will ever get my fill," he mussed up Garrett's hair with a smile, "Relax."

[lyonza]

Iroth sighed. Mine is being all giggly and positively giddy at the thought of having Yours around a lot. He had better not make mine unhappy or I will have to eat him. I will regret having to do so, but you can see why I would have to. She was quite amused at having to make the threat and it was quite evident in her tone.

Garrett raised an eyebrow. “Your dragon is driving you to train all the time?” he asked. “For Threadfall or something else?” He melted into E’rra’s arms and grinned. “I should have come to see you before now,” he said. “I don’t really have an excuse to be honest.” He was actually still petrified that this was all a cruel joke that the universe was playing on him and it would all go away, leaving him alone.

He smiled. “Well, I can’t see why Novath would not want to spend time with us, to be honest. And he’ll be glad we’re going somewhere tropical so he can bake some warmth into his bones.” He shuddered. “Telgar is practically in the arctic circle, I can’t believe anybody would live there willingly. This is plenty cold for me, thanks.” He virtuously ignored E’rra’s look as they walked back to the living area.

Garrett looked at the pile of stuff now somewhat reduced. “Well, we need a blanket to sit on, there is no way I’m going to sit on the hot sand with my bare bot- uhm, bare legs, some pillows to lounge on, towels, hats. I think I’ve covered the basics. I’m prone to lugging things I won’t need, and then when I do need something I don’t have it. Hence the pile of stuff. You don’t need to bring anything but yourself.” He was hoping by glossing over everything to take E’rra wouldn’t notice the lack of mention of swimming trunks.

When he returned and E’rra asked about the wine he laughed. “I was rather hoping you’d take advantage of me,” he teased as he tossed the bag with the furs and pillows to E’rra. “Hook that onto your riding straps, would you?” he said as he took the smaller bag over to Iroth, snagging his riding straps along the way. He quickly fastened them to his dragon, checking all the fittings and fastenings and then hooking the bag onto a snaffle for that purpose.

He laughed as E’rra pulled him into a hug. “Flattery will get you everywhere, sir. Don’t stop. And I missed you too,” he added and gave E’rra another quick kiss before pulling away. “Hold that thought, we’re almost out of here! I’ll be right back,” he said as he ducked down the passage to the kitchen to get the basket with their lunch. He thanked the cook profusely and then ran back to his weyr.

“Come, we’re out of here,” he said as he hooked the basket to another snaffle and with a deft jump mounted Iroth.

Do you know where we’re going, dearheart? he asked as he gave her the visual of a secluded cove on the tip of Southern Boll.

As clear as always.

He called over to E’rra. “Have Novath take the location from Iroth!” and he used the signal for them to take to the air, his head snapping back on that all-important leap and down stroke of the wings.

Does Novath have the location? he asked Iroth, still keeping the visual firm in his mind. And then, as she confirmed that Novath knew where they were going, he gave the signal for them to go between.

[missing]

Mine has missed Yours... It's been distracting him, Novath had mixed feelings about that, on one hand E'rra was happy on the other hand he was going to get hurt if he didn't focus, I think making Yours unhappy is the last thing on his mind. Certainly the last thing he wants to do.

"Yeah he gets a little fanatical when he feels like he has failed somehow. And considering he already wants to train all the time, him fanatical is rather scary," E'rra shrugged, "It will come in handy when Thread falls though. I'm not really certain if he would have let me get out of all of it before today, and I was much to tired at the end of the days to do more than bathe and collapse into bed so it isn't really your fault." He watched Garrett for a moment before pressing a kiss to his forehead, "Stop worrying, you have plans for the day remember? And I, for one, am looking forward to enjoying a day with you."

E'rra waved a hand in Novath's direction as they came out into the main room, "He's stricter than any teacher I have ever had, I'm not sure he knows how to have fun."

Despite the teasing tone Novath glared, I most certainly do! Keep this up and I will have to find something more productive for you to do.

"Doubt you could get much out of me after these past couple of days," E'rra smiled, "Well I was born there and before moving here I have never lived anywhere else so... Had I known what I was missing I would have made the move sooner," he squeezed Garrett's hand.

E'rra raised an eyebrow but let the slip up go by without comment. The lack of something to swim in had not gone unnoticed by the blackrider but for now he would let Garrett have that one, "Well you know better than I do in this matter."

Oh was he now? E'rra laughed to himself as he caught the bag, "Yes sir!" He took the bag over to Novath who was still rather cross, but held still as his rider attached the bag to the straps.

"I don't intend to," he sighed when Garrett pulled away, "Holding..." He smiled when Garrett returned and nodded, "Alright then."

He jogged over to where Novath waited, leg raised, and swung up onto the black's back and strapped himself in just as Novath took off. Novath rumbled when he received Iroth's visual, She's given us the location, shall I go? Iroth winked out just as he asked and E'rra nodded.

Go for it.

Novath went between and E'rra grip instinctively tightened on the straps, though he couldn't feel it as he counted out mentally. Then it was over, and light flooded his vision. The warm air helped to banish some of the chill as he looked around.

[lyonza]

Iroth sniffed. Good, see that he doesn’t make Mine unhappy. She had heard of Novath’s drive to train all the time and she didn’t quite understand why he had to do it.

Garrett frowned. “Why does he feel like he’s failed? He’s gone fanatical about the Flight?” He shook his head. “Well, it would have been nice to fall asleep next to you, exhausted or not,” he said, smiling as he remembered that first night when they shared a bed. He peeked up at E’rra. “I’m not worried,” he said. “And the day is going to be very relaxing.”

Garrett shivered. “Well, I grew up mostly on the plains of Keroon until we moved here when Western was founded. I’ve been here for ten Turns now. I can’t believe that you didn’t explore the world to find the perfect getaway place. I swear, it was the first thing I did once I could go between on my own or have Iroth get a visual from someone else and then memorizing it for myself once I got there.” That was how he had found the cove they were going to. A Fort rider had given Iroth a visual through his dragon and once they were at the coast, they flew straight until he saw a place he liked. He smiled up at E'rra. “Well, now you’ve found what you’ve been missing,” he said with conviction and squeezed his hand in return.

“Well, you know when to bow to my greater knowledge,” he teased and he knew that his subterfuge had been seen through, but what was the use of a romantic getaway if there wasn’t some romantic happenings?

When they appeared over the water facing the cove it was clear why Garrett loved it. The arms of the small bay curved around to shelter it, the headlands breaking the surf and only a gentle swell disturbing the water. The cove was large enough for a ship to shelter during a storm and some probably have in the past. The water was clear and one could see sand on the bottom of the cove until it disappeared in a dazzling blue when it went too deep. The forest came almost to the water’s edge, and did in several places along the sides. The beach was a white crescent with fine sand and a stream emptied out near the northern edge of the beach.

Iroth went in for a landing and Garrett quickly stripped off her straps and other burdens so she could wade into the water and enjoy a swim. He shucked his heavy riding jacket and boots, stripping his shirt off as well since it was very hot already. He headed up the beach to the edge of the forest where there was enough shade for when they wanted it. He put the basket with food in the shade and waited for E’rra to land and bring the bigger bag so they could set up everything. He grinned at the blackrider as he pulled some shorts out of the smaller bag he had brought and in a quick movement removed his leather pants and pulled on the thin material.

“Did you really think I was going to tempt you all day long?” he asked as he took the bigger bag and removed its contents, snagging a hat and putting it on his head. He busied himself spreading the fur and pillows at the forest edge, letting E’rra have the illusion of privacy to change into something more comfortable. “Do you want to swim now or a bit later?” he asked over his shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of flesh that he hadn’t seen yet.

[missing]

Novath simply nodded, he was rather curious about what the pile of things by the ledge was for.

E'rra nodded, "I thought it was rather funny until he insisted that I had to join him for all of that mess. Not sure why, it's not like we ride our dragons during a flight," he smiled, "Well then you'll have to do so more often in the future. For now though, let's just enjoy today."

"Well as a weyrbrat you don't really travel too often unless you're fostered at another Weyr or your parents bring you, and my father was not the family picnic type. Then I was a Candidate and had duties, then I was a Weyrling and had duties, and then I had Novath for a dragon and he's not particularly big on free time," he shrugged.

E'rra just laughed, "And you are oh so modest as well I see."

It was a beautiful location, E'rra definitely had to give Garrett that. For the most part it was rather secluded too which, for E'rra, made it that much better. Novath landed not far from Iroth and E'rra swung off his back and started undoing the straps so Novath could enjoy the water as well if he decided to. For the moment though the black seemed content to settle down on the warm sands as his rider carried the bag over to where Garrett was setting up. When he saw the shorts he raised an eyebrow, "I don't suppose you brought any for me?" He rather thought it would be very much like Garrett to 'forget' that little detail.

He tried, rather unsuccessfully, to let Garrett change with privacy by lowering his gaze. Still, he glanced up, "I was hoping," he flushed as he looked around, obviously hesitant towards changing in front of anyone else, even Garrett.

Come on Mine, he will end up seeing you naked sooner or later.

The blackrider flushed more, I know that...

Then change! Stop being so shy about it.

E'rra sighed, turning around to remove his shirt, as long as he couldn't see Garrett there he should be alright. His muscles ached and protested the movement but E'rra ignored them as he hung the shirt up on a tree branch, "Now would be best, isn't there something about eating and then swimming?"

[lyonza]

Garrett just smiled. “I’d love to do that more often,” he said with a wink. In fact, he was planning on it and wouldn’t mind if they could get a weyr to share. It was a bit too early for that yet, but it was something to think about in the future.

He just shook his head. “Well, I learned what was needed for the beach once I found a place I liked." He looked around. "I'm sorry, but Novath will just have to get used to having a lot more free time,” he said. “I plan on monopolizing you as much as I can.” He grinned and picked up a last item that he might need.

Iroth gave Novath a look and she waddled (yes, dragons are a bit ungainly on the ground) down the sand and waded into the water with her wings held high until she was in deeper and she let them down to float spread open on top of the water. This is a good idea; it’s been too long since we’ve been here last. And now you have someone to enjoy it with, she said with approval.

I am glad you approve, dearheart.

Garrett grinned as he dug in the bag for the other pair of shorts. “I was thinking of making you walk around without them,” he teased, “but we can do that later.” He giggled at E’rra’s I was hoping. “Well, the day is not over yet, so there is time.” He knew E’rra was watching him change and he considered dragging it out, but changed his mind – the day was supposed to be relaxing and getting to know each other some more.

He stopped pretending to spread the fur and openly enjoyed the view as E’rra changed into the shorts and he was standing right there when the blackrider finished and turned around. He snaked his arms around E’rra and pulled him close so their bare chests were pressed against each other, his one hand on E’rra’s lower back. “Before the swimming,” he murmured and captured E’rra’s lips with his own in a particularly heated kiss.

He reluctantly pulled back after a while, a little breathless. “Swim. Now. Need to cool off,” he gasped and pulled E’rra along to the water’s edge where Iroth had submerged herself completely in the water, her eyes glowing like jewels just below the surface. He waded into the warm waters of the cove and ducked himself under when it was deep enough, before coming up and wiping his hair out of his eyes.

[missing]

"Good to know we're agreed on that at least," he was going to get spoiled if Garrett was over too often, but at the moment he really didn't mind.

E'rra laughed, "Oh that just means he'll push me more in the time he gets. I don't exactly want to go soft either, complacency is how riders get hurt or killed. Especially with the pass starting very soon, I've looked over records and injuries are always worse at the start of a-" he cut himself off of that train of thought, it was depressing and he really didn't want to bring down the mood of the day, "Sorry."

Novath pointedly ignored the look, and let his eyes close as he enjoyed the warmth of the sand, Mine and I usually don't do this sort of thing, but I guess it's nice enough.

E'rra rolled his eyes as he took the shorts, "You seem to be enjoying yourself anyway," the idea of him walking around anywhere other than his own weyr without pants seemed unlikely, but if Garrett wanted it he probably would.

He could almost feel Garrett's eyes on him as he changed into the shorts. When he turned around he had expected to comment on it, but was caught pleasantly off guard by the other man's arms wrapping around him. He barely caught Garrett's words before their lips met and his arms came up to embrace the other man of their own accord. For the life of him he couldn't remember Garrett kissing him like that last time. He could get used to it... that is if he didn't melt first.

When Garrett pulled away he was less than pleased. Letting go of him was the last thing he wanted to do at the moment, and yet he somehow managed it. When he spoke his voice was ragged, "Right... swimming..." His head was still foggy when Garrett lead him to the water, although he stopped when it was almost up to his knees. When he sat the water came up just under his neck, and he sat there enjoying the warmth as it washed over his aches in gentle waves. When Garrett went under he smiled.

[lyonza]

Garrett nodded. “Well, we still have to talk about the training and all that stuff sometime. Your studies still have a measure of fascination for me and I’d like to learn whatever you have devised until now. We could even train with you sometime?” He wanted to learn more, despite the fact that Iroth will fly in the queens wing and he’d never have the full thrill of riding a flaming dragon. Even so, fighting Thread was dangerous, no matter where one was during the Fall. “Don’t apologize, I share your concerns. We might even incorporate some of your studies into the Weyr’s arsenal. I think you should speak to A’dion about it.”

Novath, you should relax a little. I understand your drive to train, but time off is just as important as training all the time.

Garrett snickered. “You just make it easy to tease you,” he said. “Besides, there is plenty of time to not wear the shorts later.” The last was added as an afterthought, though the very thought made Garrett’s mind cloud over with lust.

He stood up a bit more and dove under the water to where Iroth was floating. He clambered up on her back and looked over to where E’rra was sitting in the shallows. “Are you going to sit over there all day?” he called, before balancing on his dragon’s back and diving into the water again and swimming back to the beach. He stopped in front of E’rra, ducked under the water again so when he surfaced the water sluiced his hair off his face. He held out his hands so he could pull E’rra to his feet.

[missing]

E'rra smiled, "I would enjoy it very much if you joined our training sessions some time. I do have to warn you that Novath is an incredibly strict teacher," he hoped Novath would go easy on Garrett and Iroth to start, but even going easy for Novath was tough for others, "I think that might be somewhat presumptuous for a newcomer... but if you think it would be a good idea I will do so." He had just left one Weyr due to another rider feeling like E'rra was advancing to far, and he really wasn't in a hurry to step on any toes here. He'd have to figure out a diplomatic way to go about it.

This is me relaxing, Novath said, eyes still closed.

"Remember what I told you about teasing. You might want to be more careful," he grinned mischievously

E'rra watched as Garrett swam over to where Iroth was and climbed up on her back, "Not all day no. I fully intend to engage in other activities later." He raised an eyebrow when Garrett dove off into the water and swam over. His eyes roamed the other man's body as the water ran down it. Smiling to himself he took on of the offered hands and tugged Garrett forward, "My muscles need a chance to relax first and this water is just the trick. It has been a rough couple of days."

[lyonza]

Garrett smiled. “I’d love to join you guys sometime. I guess you’ll have to take it easy on us at the start, until we get into the routine of it.” He grinned. “I won’t say presumptuous, but forward thinking. If you’re worried about going to A’dion directly, maybe talk to Z’mer first and have him go with you. You might have some ideas that he likes and would incorporate into the training regime of the Weyr if he thinks it has merit.” He gave a shrug. “Z’mer might be a lot of things, but when it comes to Weyr business, he is very focused on that.?

Garrett grinned. “And what are you going to do about it?” he asked, carefully keeping out of range in case E’rra wanted to make a grab for him.

He let himself be pulled down into the water again, and then moved around behind E’rra when he spoke of making his muscles relax. “You, sir are in for a treat,” he said as he placed his hands on E’rra’s shoulders, gently kneading the muscles. “I can help you relax these tense shoulders of yours, or I can give you a proper massage after we’ve had lunch. I’ve picked up a thing or two over the Turns.” He sat behind E’rra, pulling him back against his chest, his arms locked around the other man’s waist. “But first I just want to sit here with you and do absolutely nothing at all,” he murmured as he hooked his chin over E’rra’s shoulder.