Sketching and Seething in the Sun (open)

[anhydrous]

Rukbat was high overhead, the lake all but shimmering in what had to be considered the middle of a miserably hot day. The outcropping of rocks around one edge of the water was surely hot enough to fry an egg, and yet there was the slightly-hidden form of a woman outlined against their grayish stone.

Althesia had settled her back to one such boulder, the shade thrown from the rock keeping her cool enough. Occasionally a slight of breeze would drift past and ruffle the pages of her sketchbook, but for the most part the uncharacteristically silent artist was left undisturbed.

It was a picturesque location, dragons and people sunning themselves by the water’s edge. She simply had to capture some of it. That, and she was doing everything in her power to delay the inevitable; eventually she would have to visit the weyrleader to ask about his commission. She frowned at the thought of it, hoping that if she drew out that chore long enough, he would be forced to seek her out.

Regardless, it was a lovely day to be out by the lake. Certainly the water’s edge would draw out those hoping to cool off in the unbearable heat.

[dragon]

Bath time for Arcaith. Oh how J'rad dreaded such a thing. His dress was simple, a pair of old shorts was all. After all, he was getting wet and the more clothes he had on then the more it would slow him down. J'rad wasn't in favor of being slowed down. J'rad walked out casually, carrying the necessary items but Arcaith was not so casual in entering. The bronze nosed dived into the lake, creating a huge splash. J'rad simply shook his head in silence at his dragon's actions.

Arcaith was thoroughly soaked, so J'rad began to wash his dragon. "How do you manage to get so messy? I think you do it on purpose just to make this taxing for me", the bronzerider complained. Arcaith simply snorted, as if he did no such thing. You are a fussy one mine. "And you're a messy one", J'rad replied aloud, not caring who heard him. He was far enough away for most not to hear him anyway.

J'rad look. Isn't that the woman you mentioned from before? J'rad looked over in the direction Arcaith was looking, the bronze was right. It was the woman he described to Arcaith. "Yeah. So what?", was J'rad's response as he turned away and continued scrubbing. Arcaith responded with a displeased grunting.

[Xinnai]

K'houry and Finneth were one such pair lounging. The green loved her sun and much to her rider's disapproval, had dragged him outside with her to bask in Rukbat's rays. Though he hated to admit it, the sour old man did enjoy it as he leaned back against his dainty green, eyes close as he napped shallowly, still catching the occassional hum of conversation and the splash as someone found the heat too hot to bear and jumped into the lake's cooling water for a dip.

Finneth shifted, stretching her body out long and easy, trying to absorb all the heat she could. She looked like a giant lizard as she lay there, soaking up warmth in equal parts from the air around her and the ground. One large, faceted eye opened lazily.

Look. There's that Journeywoman.[/color]
Rather than interrupt his peaceful time, the greenrider harrumphed and looked through Finneth's mind, seeing Althesia huddled against a boulder, sketching some whatsit or another.
Hmmph. Since when did they let women into the Harper Hall? All of Pern is going mad, I tell you.
If you say so,[/color] Finneth murmured, quite content to let her rider brood and rail. She was pleasant just as she was. But when she felt water splash against her, she started, making K'houry jump to his feet, light green eyes blazing.

"What?!" He asked testily.
Water got on me. I did not like it. So I moved.
K'houry growled sullenly, mood suddenly black because of his thoughts on his planet and because of this untimely interruption. He glared at the bronze pair with open loathing and then turned.
"Come on, we'll find somewhere else."

[anhydrous]

It was not unusual to see Althesia with a sliver of graphite in her hand. In fact, more often than not that was her state of being. It was, however, a bit out of the ordinary to spot her outdoors. She looked distinctly out of place, her pale complexion unnatural in her present surroundings.

She had tried to prepare for the heat, her hair thrown up in a wad with a strappy shirt barely holding her chest in place. It wasn’t really working, though. Perhaps she was just unaccustomed to the outdoors, but it seemed unbearably hot. She sighed, glaring critically at her sketchbook to study what she had managed to produce so far. Ignoring her discomfort and returning her glare out to her subject matter, Althesia sketched furiously.

Her hand was loose, lines arching effortlessly across the page. She ignored the rustling of her skirts in the slight wind, eyes trained on a particularly languid green just off the shore with her rider at her side. Nothing escaped her notice; something as trivial as the gentle slope of the dragon’s closed eyelids perfectly duplicated.

Althesia was bound to notice a bronze landing between her position and the green she had been sketching, and notice even more so as the large dragon dove into the water with his rider wading in tow. Her gaze narrowed as she realized just who that particular rider was. Lover-boy.

Snapping the sketchbook shut and extending her hand overhead, Althesia waved lazily in J’rad’s direction. Oh, today was going to be fun!

[dragon]

J'rad! Look! She is waving at you! Go talk to her! The bronze was all too happy to pair his rider with someone, much to his rider's annoyance. "No", was his casual reply. By now, J'rad was atop the beast, trying to get those hard to reach places that he couldn't reach while standing on the ground. Why not? Arcaith asked, a bit shocked that his rider wouldn't greet the woman. "I have to finish washing you, that's why. And you're not making this any easier, stand still", his rider gave an excuse then commanded him.

Arcaith, however, had his plan. The bronze shook himself, like a dog shaking itself dry and splattering water everywhere. Only, this time it was J'rad that flew off like a drop of water, splashing into the lake. The bronze knew J'rad wouldn't be happy with this, but if the bronzerider wanted to be done with this chore, he'd better talk to her. J'rad's head poked out of water, obviously steaming from what his dragon had just done. Fine! But you will regret this! J'rad was furious at his bronze but he knew he wasn't going to finish cleaning him easily if he didn't atleast wave back.

J'rad stood, noticing his water was still shallow and he could still touch the bottom. He turned to face the woman and waved back. He intended to turn around and continue washing but his bronze nudged him forward. J'rad, by now, was getting highly irritated with Arcaith, but the bronze knew what was better for J'rad and the poor man needed some female interaction. "Annoying beast. You act like a green, more than you do a bronze", he muttered to Arcaith.

J'rad knew the bronze won and gave up in defeat, approaching the woman. "Hello again", he spoke, dripping from head to toe. The hot sun, however, would dry him out soon enough.

[anhydrous]

Watching amusedly, the harper folded her book to her chest and smiled in the bronze’s direction. It took a moment, but eventually the man waved back at her. At that she laughed, pleased indeed that he was playing along. Something about his facial expression told her that it wasn't his idea, but she could care less. She was dwelling on the fact that she felt the slightest flicker of recognition at that shortened gesture.

Her apathetic antics were usually simply for her own amusement, but something seemed different about this particular rider. He was nothing special, just a little angstier than most. Perhaps she just only wanted what was ‘unaffected’ by her halfassed advances. She never tried very hard, but usually they were more than enough to get the job done.

Inwardly Althesia found it entertaining that the man rode bronze. It hadn’t come up in their limited previous conversation, but she hadn’t pegged him as a bronzer. No wonder he had been so quick to assure his sexuality. Smiling and shrugging at her own ignorance, the harper was again pleasantly surprised when he approached her. With each step he made forward her smile grew, a bit of it actually genuine when it was usually quite empty.

“Hello, love,” She greeted him tranquilly. “Having fun bathing that great big beauty over there?” She set the sketchbook down between them in order to prop herself up and glance over J’rad’s shoulder, her eyes wide as she took in the shining bronze hide. One didn’t fully appreciate the size of a dragon until they were right up next to one.

As they had been doing all afternoon, the flimsy pages of her book rustled in the breeze, flipping haphazardly open to the sketch she had just been working on. She didn’t really notice, more inclined to muse over the half-naked dripping man standing so perfectly before her.

[Xinnai]

K'houry, seeing a chance to dump his bitter anger on, marched over as J'rad climbed out of the water to talk to that skanky Harper woman. It was indecent, how she was clothed! So, he'd give them both a piece of his mind. He marched over as Finneth stood and gave a cavernous sigh. The man was just so relentless.

K'houry stalked right up to J'rad and started drilling a finger into his chest, his eyes flashing. "Just who do you think you are? I don't care if you're a bronzer and I don't care if you're the bloody Weyrleader! You control your beast when you're around others. That was just rude back there!" He pointed wildly back towards the lack edge where his green still stood. "Have some decency, why doncha?"

And then he turned to Althesia, glare intensifying, making his face maniacal. "And you! Have you never heard of the word decent before? Obviously not." His waving finger was a pointing accusation as he glared, furious, at the woman. "Walking around like some-like some whore! It's not right! Some of these riders are no more than children and you go around looking like that!" He sneered and then his dropping eyes caught sight of her sketchbook.

He stopped, entire tirade just stopping. He frowned, glancing closer. Why, that was Finneth. That was he and Finneth, perfectly rendered, out by the lakeside! How marvelous...He turned back towards Althesia, forgetting entirely that he'd been yelling at her just moments before.

"Did you draw that?" he asked, watching her intently.

[dragon]

"Fun?", the bronzerider asked sarcastically, with an annoyed tone. "More like torture", he said with a snort as he looked in the bronze's direction. A look of anger at his bronze's actions. The bronze would recoil, but he only knew this was for J'rad's best interest. The bronzerider looked down at the woman and questioned her, "That term again?" He was ofcourse referring to the way she used the term love. It was something about it that made J'rad aggitated and on edge, as if one such as herself wasn't fit to use the term.

Frightened by such a word, ridermine? Arcaith was quick to tease. You stay quiet. I'm only in this mess because of you. Don't think I've already forgiven you for making such a laughing stock of me. J'rad's words were angry, but the bronze knew he would be forgiven. He had only hurt J'rad's pride was all, but it was such an easy thing to do. The bronze, enjoying the comment of beautiful beast, decided he'd look as elegant as possible for the lady. Perhaps it would offset J'rad's usual mood. Though the bronze didn't help it any. The bronze seemed to pose for the woman, as if acknowledging her comment and wanting even more attention. J'rad simply disapproved of such actions but didn't show it outwardly at all.

J'rad, though, was only provoked more as someone came ranting to him. This man was stupid enough to even touch him! J'rad was now furious. He grabbed the man's wrist and squeezed it hard. "Touch me again and you'll find yourself in need of a healer. A lowly greenrider daring to touch me", J'rad spoke, a fire flickering in his eyes as he threw the man's hand away. Who did this man think he was? What right did he have to speak to him? J'rad's initial reaction would be to deck the man for being so bold, but Arcaith was nudging his rider not to do such a thing. J'rad didn't dare step back, but he stared furiously at this lowly greenrider who dared challenge him.

[anhydrous]

Althesia was beside herself as the dragon shifted his posture into a more regal standing, her smile breaking out across her face as she cooed in the bronze’s direction. “Oh, what a little treat!” Ignoring J’rad’s agitation with what might be considered a coy smile, she rested her head against the rock behind her and eyed him thoughtfully. “I think you’ll get used to it, but in the meantime, I could help you if you’d like.”

She nearly jumped out of her skin when the greenrider began yelling, having been more or less distracted by J’rad and missed his stalk of an approach. Whatever fear she had when he was ranting at her bronzer was only increased when it was turned in her direction, the wild-eyed greenrider appearing quite literally as the physical manifestation of ‘crazy.’

She stood immediately, hands fluttering to encourage the loose of J’rad’s grip on the greenrider and put herself between the two. That was, quite honestly, the last place she wanted to be, but duties were duties. Time to soothe ruffled feathers.

Without a thought Althesia plucked up the sketchbook and handed it to K’houry, pushing it into his chest so that he’d be forced to hold it instead of hit J’rad. “Yes, I did,” She replied with a forced smile. “Do you like it?” Her words were calm, albeit a bit hurried. She had ignored the whore comment. Inwardly she knew she deserved it, but hell, those were her breadwinners. You’ve got to attract business somehow.

Speaking of breadwinners, she had already turned to quite obviously offer them us as a distraction for the furious bronzerider. “Love, let’s be reasonable.” Althesia suggested levelly. Hoping that the greenrider had missed the bit about being ‘lowly,’ she attempted to turn his agitation towards herself instead. “Hush with those offensive words, and why the glare? It does nothing for your pretty face.”

[Xinnai]

K'houry had gotten into enough fistfights in his life to know the signs of one. He stepped closer towards J'rad, eyes narrowed venomously after the bronzerider, going from entertained to infuriated in a snap. "What's it to you, kid?" he challenged. "I wouldn't dare to be talking rank with me."

The skank Harper interceded then and he snorted but then glanced down at the sketchbook she pushed into his hands. Feeling almost pleasant, he flipped back to the page of Finneth. Even the sight of his lovely little green on paper soothed him. He didn't notice Althesia or J'rad then, absorbed in the beautiful rendition of his only love.

Shards, if he was crazy, he only showed it such as now, when he could swing so effortlessly from one end of the spectrum to another.

[dragon]

J'rad's angry frown deepened as this man would dare challenge him further. J'rad knew his next move, but Althesia was in his way. He growled angrily at being interrupted. He would have enjoyed making this greenrider regret challenging him. The old fool was stupid enough not to back down. But J'rad settled. The combination of this woman and Arcaith managed to unclinch fists that were already too readily formed. "Fine", he muttered to her and to Arcaith as well. The bronzerider grunted in irritation but decided to prop himself no one of the nearby rocks. The bronzerider crossed his arms and closed his eyes. The muscular arms that were once so tense and ready for a fight, started to relax. J'rad simply needed to step back and cool off, though this was Arcaith's suggestion. The rider's breathing started to become normal, previously huffing with anger and willingness to knock the man to the ground.

That's it. Easy J'rad. Think of what will become after you bathe me. A nice warm meal with some fresh klah, then a hot bath for yourself, and a long nap. Think of how relaxing and satisfying it will be. His dragon's tone was soothing and oddly, it was working for J'rad. J'rad's one enjoyment was such simple things as these. Something unknown to anyone but the pair.

[anhydrous]

Althesia glanced between the two riders, having felt that she had somehow managed to dodge a bullet. Both were lost to their own private worlds, neither wanting nor requiring her input. Well damnit. She had even been getting a few lovely words out of her bronzer.

Standing awkwardly between the two men, Althesia compared the irritated glare of J’rad to the more peaceful glaze settling over K’houry’s face. Perhaps she’d start with the greenrider, then.

“So, you appreciate the likeness?” She said carefully, eyes set on the slight upward curve of K’houry’s transient smile. The moment it disappeared she’d snatch back her book and run for the hills. When negations failed, keeping your face free of bruises was a harper’s next objective.

[Xinnai]

The greenrider looked up, a brilliant and dazzling smile pulling over his face. Anyone who could capture Finneth like she had had his good graces, skanky whore slut or no. The wide beam on his face instantly made him look years younger and much more of a better person, even with the scar that marred his face.

"Yes, I do. Please...Could I have it? When you're finished? I'll pay you, of course," he hastened to assure he hurriedly, "I just...I've never seen anyone draw quite like this. You got my Finneth down perfectly." He unconsciously hugged the sketchbook to his chest, mistaking her wary look for misapprehension.

"Please, miss! Really. I love nothing more than my green and I'd treasure this for the rest of my life. You're to go in my good graces for sure! Please," he whispered fervently, "please will you give me this picture? Let me buy it from you? I just really want something to remind me of Finneth when she isn't around."

He realized he was babbling then and immediately shut up, his light green eyes pleading and his entire grizzled face hopeful.

[anhydrous]

Overwhelmed by K'houry's sudden good mood, the skanky whore slut blinked curiously at him. "Really, it's just a sketch," she assured the dazed man, barely managing to fit her replies between the greenrider's frantic pleas. Waiting for him to stop, Althesia eyed the posessive way he clutched at her sketches.

"How about this," she suggested slowly. "You can have the rough sketch now, and I'll do a proper painting to capture your green's," she paused, searching the air above her head for a word, "-lovliness, later." Smiling carefully, she detatched the man's hands from her book and ripped the drawing out of the binding. Nodding as she handed the scrap to the bipolar greenrider, she tightened her grip on her sketchbook and pressed her lips together tightly.

Attempting to remember a word that K'houry had slurred at her, Althesia took a breath before continuing. "Finneth's the name of your beauty, is it? Well, I'll search you two out later to talk about the payment and when she can sit for the portrait, how about that?" Her suggestion was calm, cool, and perhaps the slightest bit patronizing. Hell, this man was insane. She didn't really know how to treat him, but hoped that he'd toddle away with his sketch and not yell anymore.

With a subtle sidelong glance to J'rad, Althesia called forth her best apologetic frown. Hopefully the poor sport would take her up on her offer to help. Anything to get him back in the water and glistening again.

[dragon]

J'rad happened to look up right when she turned to him, eyes meeting. Odd how the timing was so perfect. But J'rad was still unwilling to move for the woman. However, was he starting to warm up to her? Hm. Not likely. Not so soon. Right? Well if it were the case, it was well hidden. J'rad watched as his bronze approached him a bit, coming even further into shallow waters. Arcaith eyed his rider in amusement. "What are you looking at?", the dragonrider muttered softly but Arcaith clearly heard it. You are an odd one J'rad love. Love. He'd accept the term more easily from his dragon, who he infact loved. He wouldn't dare admit such feelings even to his bronze, such pride wouldn't allow it. But both rider and dragon knew and Arcaith was more than happy to simply know it was true. This is why he chose J'rad after all. He was proud and stubborn and had a natural strength about him. He was able to instill fear and anger seemed his sharp weapon. Perhaps if that blade dulled a bit, then he'd be a very natural leader. But that and his lack of social skills did hinder him. But no one was flawless, right? Even J'rad would have to have his flaws, though they were bluntly obvious.

Wait for her J'rad. Wait for her to come here and see you. Something tells me her conversation with you is far from over. Arcaith spoke to his rider, who only responded with an audible grunt. Arcaith was quick to throw him in social situations. Quick to throw him in situations that clashed with his character. It seemed the bronze's way to try and get J'rad to change. But the man was just so hard to move. Perhaps this woman would be the key Arcaith was hoping for. Only time would tell for the bronze. For now, the two stared at each other quietly.