Looking Over the Caminar

[neopanther]

Ez’ki sat, knees drawn to his chest, elbows propped, joint upon joint, supporting his chin with his hands as he looked out over the Southeast of the bowl, where numerous caravans were stationed. As he looked on, he counted a vague number before getting bored at a sum of 20. Shards, but the number of those had grown, he could have sworn this time last seven-day, there were only a dozen or so. Perhaps the Caminar bred like rabbits. The idea amused him greatly, his mind spinning off onto a perfect line of distraction from his former thoughts.

The sun was beginning to mark the end of her day, the sky filing with a slight amber hue, sinking towards the horizon slowly, a few clouds streaked across an otherwise barren sky.
Ez’ki-mine. The rider-to-be was beginning to tire of hearing that a little, the blue seemed to like the endearment.
“Yes Xyr?” He vocalised, eyes remaining fixed upon some invisible spot in the sky of great interest, his mind drifting elsewhere.
We should probably get going back to the barracks soon, I’dalyn said that any who were not back by nightfall...[/i]
Ez’ki interrupted, “Yes, nightfall Xyr, we are barely into twilight.” His words were distant, distracted, but Xyr knew this wasn’t directed at him, it was just because Ez’ki felt he had a great deal to think over, and – in a method of aversion – he sent his mind to a vacant space. It was just how his bonded was.”We have a few hours yet.”

Xyruth’s attentions were caught by feather that floated past, the blue looked skywards, could not see the source of this mysterious floating feather. He sniffed at it, the feather abruptly entering his nostrils, making him sneeze, and shake his head side to side in an effort to rid himself, a second sneeze succeeded in this. Ez’ki watched from the side, brows furrowing as he looked at his dragon sidelong and every confused.

“You’ll learn one day that not everything goes how you think it will.” Ez’ki smirked, “But for now, that was kind of funny.”
The blue almost angered at this, instead settled for indignant. Mine! I’m not here for your amusement.[/i] The blue brushed up against Ez’ki, Red hair passing over blue hide, You’re here for mine.[/i]

Ez’ki laughed, loudly, but fortunately there was no one around to hear it, as the pair sat atop a small hill, in the middle of the bowl, “You’ve got some front Xyr, you know that?” A smile broad on his face as he shifted one arm, draping it over the small dragon’s shoulders, the blue settled to a sit beside his bonded.
I believe I do, but then so do you Ez’ki-mine. Ez’ki smiled, and let his gaze drift off once more, his mind following slowly.



I think it would be safe now. The blue called towards a certain gold hatchling.

[Xinnai]

Salina was back where the weyrlings were laboring away, butchering meat and generally sloshing through menial tasks that were not pleasant at all. But the goldrider had finished butchering and was feeding her queen from the mountain of meat she'd cut.

Both gold and rider were distracted by their separate thoughts as Deoneth took meat from Salina, their pondering different but pinging off the same wall. Ez'ki and his blue Xyruth. Deoneth was thinking of her scheme with the blue and wondering is his Mine would ever calm down enough for them to go see them. It had seemed ages since the two had left. Salina was thinking of the rider, and deeply regretting her words at the feast so many nights ago. It had been reflex, a wall springing up for defense. But Ez wasn't the enemy...Just his words, his thoughts and feelings upon the rather touchy subject of a certain man.

Salina's thumb drifted over the empty spot on her finger, one that already contained a slightly white band of white about it, showcasing the ring that was usually there but had been neccessary to take off because of the day's task. Maybe Ez'ki was right, but Salina didn't believe it. He just didn't understand Weyr life...But neither did she understand J'fel. Everyone could see he was head over heels for his much older weyrmate, so then why go chasing after other skirts? She sighed, shrugging slightly. She didn't know.

Mine?[/color] Deoneth interposed quietly, her metallic voice hardly a whisper. Let's go for a walk. We'll get some fresh air before we are to go back to the barracks.[/color]

Salina nodded, realizing that her gold had consumed the entire mountain of food. Was it really possible? She eyed her bonded's stomach doubtfully, but it seemed to be bulging only slightly. Shards.

Picking the image from Xyruth's mind, Deoneth led them forward, her rider content to follow. But when they went to the bowl, to a place they'd never gone walking before. A place where you couldn't walk. She frowned, rounding the last corner and then screeched to a halt, stiffening and glaring, shocked, at the blue pair before them.

What is this? she demanded sharply.
Mine, please, [/color] Deoneth pleaded softly. Xyruth and I think that you and His should make up. You are two parts of a whole and do not function without one another. You're rotting from the inside out. You're in pain. I do not like it, Mine. Please try?[/color]

[neopanther]

Ez’ki remained in his state of complete contentment in distancing himself from everything physical, his mind was currently swimming blissfully in nothingness, as he gazed out over the caravans. Xyr filled with an equal contentment at what he knew was going on, silently between he, and Deoneth. It made him highly amused, his tail swished side to side in anticipation.

The emotions waivered over to Ez’ki’s mind, bringing it gently back to reality.
“You can’t even keep your mind still for a moment can you Xyr? You’re like, I don’t know, something intolerably active.” He shook his head, a gentle, distant smile forming on his lips,
perhaps, but you’d not have me any other way, perhaps the activity that was once yours, you delegated onto me.[/i] The blue chirped cheerfully. Feeling that Deoneth was getting ever closer, his nerves began to rile a little, excitement and tension riddled his system. Xyr was not too bothered that Ez’ki was so attached towards Deoneth’s, he thought they were a good strong pair, and that they were nice! He did – occasionally – wonder why his bonded did feel the way he did about her, but then he resumed to the fact that they were just good friends, which it seemed was what they were.

The blue looked from the corner of his eye, shifting his neck around slightly, tying to be inconspicuous as he heard vague noises behind them, ah they had arrived, but Deoneth’s was being awkward already it seemed. He fought he urge to go bounding up to the, for the closer they were the better, and especially if Ez’ki failed to notice their encroaching upon him and that currently extensively large personal bubble of his.

[Xinnai]

At Deoneth's words, her rider nodded, still feeling like an iron rod was jammed against her back, holding her straight and cold. She exhaled softly, working to relax herself, thawing herself out. She was here to apologize, not fight.

She saw that Xyruth saw her and smiled. The blue was certainly a little character and devising a plan with Deoneth? That had been bold. The thought made her relax further as she looked at the back of Ez'ki's crimson head, feeling nerves jangle within her stomach. Deoneth pressed against her, mind and body, relaying comfort and strength. Salina smiled down at her dragon, rubbing her head in thanks, before she took a step forward, feet scraping softly against the rock as she took another and a third-standing suspended between her dragon and her friend.

"Ez?" she called, voice soft and slightly hesitant. She bit her lip and then inhaled, reminding herself that he was her best friend. Or had been. Would be again. There was no reason to feel nervous or sick to the point where she thought she might vomit. She drew her cloak of serenity about her, the solemn-eyed girl once more. But she had a gold at her back now, rather than just her own iron strength of will. And that helped immensely.

[neopanther]

He turned, unthinkingly, looking up at the familiar voice that called him, but he balked. Stumbling back and away from her as she approached. He found his feet, “Shards Salina!” He said as she frightened him half from his wits, he laughed for a second, then his mind clicked, and dispassion kicked back in.

He stood, bold, fierce, and towering before her, refusing to back off again

Come on mine! It’s not like she will eat you! Though the Caminar might if you get any closer...[/i] the blue joked, trying to add a jovial tone to the conversation which was promising a sour turn.

Ez’ki decided to ignore the blue for a moment, the wind blowing in his hair making it sweep across his face, irritable, he pushed it away, sweeping it behind him, and letting the wind catch it as much as it wanted there, “What can I do for you weyrwoman?” He asked, his tone falsely polite, pressed and tearse. He asked though, purely through a sense of duty, if not, he wouldn’t have spoken at all. His eyes stayed fixed on her, he didn’t wish to remove them, not for a moment, for he was not guilty here, he just had her best interests at heart, it was not his fault if she refused to accept them.

[Xinnai]

As he leaped up, laughing, surprised, and said her name, said her name for the first time in what seemed forever, hope fluttered and rose to those otherwise emotionless eyes. It was quickly gone, crushed once more as he straightened up, seeming to draw himsef up to the height he so rarely used, face cold. And when he spoke, it was like he was stabbing knives into her heart and twisting them about cruelly. When had she been reduced to being addressed as weyrwoman? When had she gone from Sassie to Salina?

She turned her head slightly, trying to hold down the tears that threatened. But the hurt, the moisture, loomed as she glanced back at him, expression heartbreaking because of its hopelessness. She inhaled deeply, trying to keep it at bay but as she blinked, a tear spilled over and streaked down her pale cheek. And her breath for clearance of mind became shakey, threatening on the edge of a sob.

"I'm sorry. I just thought-Never mind. It's of no importance." She turned to leave but Deoneth stood there, resolute, blocking her way.

Salina. Try harder. You are not trying. He means much to you. I can feel it. Do not give up. I'm here.

What do you want me to do? She nearly screamed mentally. He won't listen to me, Deoneth! He won't. There's nothing I can do.

Just try... Turning her thoughts to Xyruth, she mentally pushed the blue towards action, bearing down with her rank. Get Yours to do something! He hurts Mine and himself.

Salina turned slowly towards Ez'ki as Deoneth spoke to his blue, her face rigid, controlled, even as the tears swam in her eyes. "What do you want from me?" she demanded. "Do you want me to fall on my knees and grovel? I'd do it Ez'ki, but I don't know what you want me to do. What do you want me to do?"

[neopanther]

Shards. She had to go and do it didn’t she? Her eyes were almost swimming. He could feel himself weakening. He scratched at his hair line for a moment, as though thinking , his face showed a little of the turmoil that went inside.

Okay okay! But there’s not use in me pushing him he’ll do it on his own, he’s just got to be strong enough, fix his mind straight... give him time, I understand he hurts to... just, let them... let them be. We cannot fight all of their battles... The blue said to Deoneth, then returned his thoughts to hiss bonded. Just tell her what you think. You are logical enough. Ez’ki’s jaw was set, resolute, but the rest of him wasn’t He took a tentative step towards her.

“But you do.” He said slowly, as though it would make him understand, “You do know what I want.” He offered a little smile, “I just want you to realise...” He tried to maintain a level head, “That perhaps, perhaps ... I might have a point. I know I know you can look after yourself, but it won’t stop me from caring, it won’t stop me from wanting to punch J’fel really hard in the face for making you care for him when he lets you down, yes when.” He was speaking faster and faster, the last part was almost snapped at her. He shook his head, growled at himself, “Look, I’m not any good at this, I can’t do anger... it just makes me angry. Please, look I’m sorry if I was childish, but I actually care for you, I don’t want to see you hurt. And I know J’fel’s type. It’s written all across him. Trust me there Salina... I’m not trying to control you, I’m trying to stop you from getting hurt. Even if you don’t like it.

“But I’ll tell you this, if you won’t even listen to me, then there’s no point in us being friends.” He shook his head, taking another few slow steps towards her, he looked down to her and smiled. “Now don’t cry will you?”

[Xinnai]

Deoneth subsided, watching the action play out before them, feeling her rider's emotions and if Xyruth's hurt her Mine, she'd have to hurt him back because her Mine loved him and he couldn't toy with that.

Salina watched him, shaking with the variety of emotions that swirled into her, making her feel a bit dizzy with their force. The anger, the frustration, the desolation loomed foremost but so many others pushed behind them that it was difficult to separate one from the other. She tried to press the hope down as he took that hesitant step towards her. She was exhausted from all the hope she'd had to crush.

She listened to him, at first frustrated, her brow knitted over her eyes as she stared at him. She had just asked him what she wanted and he was saying she knew? Obviously she didn't know or she wouldn't be asking him! But as he continued, she felt that hope rising predominant, fluttering within her. It was an effort for the goldrider to remain still as she gave a watery laugh as he said how he wanted to punch J'fel in the face. She just kept feeling those wings brushing against her, getting bigger and bigger as he continued, his words flowing faster as he seemed to grow frustrated.

And then he took another few steps, looming down at her and asking her not to cry.

She stood suspended for a moment, wondering if this were a dream. She'd had so many dreams where they made up but this had to be real. It was real. She launched herself at him, wrapping herself about his waist, head buried in his chest as she began to sob, crying even though he'd asked her not too. But she tried to speak around them.

"Ez, I-I'm s-s-so sor-ry! It's al-all my fault a-and I was being s-so stupid! I know you c-care about me and th-that's why I d-did it! I don't w-want you to ever b-be disap-pointed in me and I'm so sorry! I g-guess you feel so bad b-because you're so much l-like him and I'm so sorry, Ez! I'm j-just a stupid l-little wherry and I d-don't deserve you for a b-best friend." She tried to extricate herself from him, but her arms locked tighter about him and she sniffled. "I'm sorry. I got your clothes a-all wet." She sniffled again and then pulled back, eyes clear, her face slightly red and showing the tracks of her tears as she smiled at him.

"Please, are we made up now? I couldn't stand it! All I could think about all day was you and you had a point and I know it but I thought you were insulting me but you weren't and, oh, I'm so stupid!"

[neopanther]

Ez’ki laughed, gently, far from mocking, his arms circled over her shoulders, his hands gently stroked down her hair, “I thought I told you not to cry?” He placed a gently kiss to the top of her head, “C’mon, shhh, its nothing. Forgotten, all gone, we were both stupid, I think it was more a case of crossed wires.” He cooed softly to her.

See. the little blue Xyruth beamed with pride for his bonded, I told you they’d be fine, mine was just being stubborn, and it just easier to let him work his own way out of it. The blue sounded placated, for a moment. His wings shifted, ruffling them back into a comfortable position as he stood, approaching the pair, he nudged at Salina’s leg, looked up at the girl, eyes searching almost to ask if everything was okay.

Ez smiled at Xyruth, “Looks like some one’s concerned too.” He smiled, “anyway, yes, we are made up, and you’re not stupid, don’t call yourself that. You’re peraps just a little stupid over that J’fel. And I’m not jealous before you mention it.” He warned her. “and don’t worry about that, just so long as you stop crying they’ll dry won’t they?” He questioned with a smile. Though one little part of her words caught on him, making him feel rather particularly bad, I guess you feel so bad because you're so much l-like him He felt a little taken back to hear the words.

He wasn’t... was he? He wasn’t like that arrogant, smarmy bronze rider? Surely not.
Don’t worry, you aren’t like him, you are you, and you are not him.[/i] The blue tried to replicate the words said earlier by Deoneth, though failing regally in that department. I mean... hmm. You’re not like him! He’s just odd.[/i] The blue came to conclusion, not finding any real evidence to tell his bonded and Jordeth’s apart in a basic sense.

Ez’ki gained no solace from his bonded, but thanked him all the same, then asked Sassie, “I’m not am I? I’m not really that like him am I?” He looked perturbed by this fact.

[Xinnai]

The motions were soothing, were comforting as she felt her own little personal world fall back into line as he stroked her hair, dropped a kiss to her forehead and crooned about how they'd both been stupid and everything was fine now.

"You did tell me not to cry but I didn't listen. I'm just too happy. So happy tears." She laughed and squeezd at him. "Yeah, just a very large, gaping account of a misunderstanding. Mostly from where I stand."

Deoneth settled back, sitting on her haunches, tail curled catlike about her front feet as she watched, eyes whirling with a smug and satisfied light. Yes, you were right. They are fine now.[/color]

Salina glanced down as Xyruth touched her leg, smiling delightedly and turning back to Ez, still beaming. She wasn't sure if she could explain it even to herself, but she knew that dragons didn't hand out approval easily. And the simple gesture of nose pressed to leg made her feel approved of.

"Yes, he is, isn't he?" She smiled again and glanced down at Xyruth, cautiously giving his head a quick rub. "I know you're not jealous, pal of mine. I know you care." She chose not to speak about the subject of their break up, if it could be termed that, but instead glanced back up at her best friend and stepped back, regretfully letting her arms slide from his waist.

Deoneth trotted over, rubbing her head against Salina's front as the girl scratched at her eye ridge, eyes still slightly wet. "Thank you," she whispered fervently. "Thank you so much, Deoneth."
Of course. You were hurting and Xyruth's was hurting. It was only logical to scheme to get you two to make up.[/i]
"Thank you," Salina repeated, vaguely listening to Ez's words. She shifted look at him, eyes a bit distant after the conversation with her gold.

"Hmm? Oh, no, not really. You don't flirt with every possible woman you can and he does." She shrugged. "Insofar as that, that's all the difference I see. You're a bit kinder too, and erratic, a little more hyper. But setting that aside..." Another little shrug as her eyes snapped to his face, watching him carefully. Would he be mad for drawing the parallels between him and the man he seemed to hate?

[neopanther]

Xyruth virtually beamed as he took a few steps away from the pair, Ez’ki letting his arms slide from the bonded of Deoneth as the Blue watched on. He stretched his wings out, quite large for such a small dragon. Streaks of vivid colours riddling them through, the blue curled his toes as he stretched like a feline. Shaking himself thoroughly releasing his muscles as he did so. Obviously quite satisfied.
Well, what can I say, I’m just rather good at this.

Suspicion rose.

Why was Sassie thanking Deoneth? This sounded mildly like a scheme. He looked down at Xyruth, who – feeling his bonded’s suspicion was beginning to retreat, a guilty tone flourishing over his mind. You. You done this didn’t you?
The Blue creeled gently, I... I did have a claw or two in it. Though Deoneth helped![/i] He shifted the blame quickly, knowing he would not chastise the young queen, but might well do him. But all is well that ends well. Right?[/i] The blue asked, seeking approval, he knew he had done right over all, but his bonded might not like the fact the dragon was not over a month old and already meddling in his life.
Yes. Ez’ki replied a gentle smile lining his features as he looked from Xyr, to Sassie and back to Xyr, Yes, it has ended well, I really should thank you...
Not necessary mine. It is as it is, all is solved, and we are all content once more. Though do not argue with Her’s again will you?
Ez’ki laughed, and voiced his response, “Not if I can help it at all Xyruth...” He smiled, he took her hand in his, lacing his long fingers through hers, and gently pulled her towards the spot where he had previously been sitting, watching over the Caminar.

Guilt shrouded his expression. The parallels she was giving between him and J’fel were scarce and barely present. “Shards...” He muttered under his breath, looking a little scared. He’d never thought himself like That before. He sunk to the floor, patting the grass beside him, urging her to sit with him. Xyr pranced to the other side off his bonded, flicking his tail playfully at Deoneth as he went. “I didn’t think I was all that much like him...” Ez’ki drifted off, not to impressed. The he shrugged, trying to put it to one side (likely a side he would dwell over later), he chirped up, “You forgot to say I was better looking by the way.” He mentioned casually, eyes still facing forwards, though the lopsided grin that lined his lips was evidence enough.

The blue became distracted again. Speaking to Deoneth now, What do you think kit will be like to fly? The blue’s mind drifted, along with the sparse clouds, then the caravans below caught his eyes, intrepid colours marking the bowl, as he looked down, Why do the holdermen shun the Caminar? He asked, his curiosity, and extreme lack of attention span no less evident than that moment.

[Xinnai]

Salina and Deoneth watched the interchange between blue and rider avidly, both slightly wary. Salina did not mind the scheme, knowing that her gold had done it for the best, but she knew Ez'ki might react a little differently. He did react strangely to some things...

The girl sighed softly as she saw Ez'ki laugh, saw him soften and speak aloud to Xyruth even as he took her hand, fingers lacing through hers adeptly before he tugged her to where he'd been sitting. She followed, hand wrapped within his, swamped by it, but comforted. This spoke of friendship, of love, of loyalty and care. The things she'd been missing.

She rested her head against his side, thumb tracing idly over his skin. She settled to the grass beside him, head shifting to his shoulder now. She gave his hand a quick squeeze. "It's fine, Ez. I know you despise him, but you two are made of the same stock."

Deoneth settled beside her bonded, stretching out with a low sound of contentment after a playful little snap at Xyruth. Eyes were whirling slowly, almost sleepily, as she laid her great wedge-shaped head within her rider's lap. Salina stroked soft scales before laughing eyes turned to her companion and her hand transferred to his cheek, giving it a quick rub.

"Undoubtedly you are better looking." She laughed softly, giving him a wink.

Deoneth looked out over the edge of the ledge she laid upon as Xyruth's question swirled within her mind. She thought upon the question lazily, shifting wings and spreading to them the sides as she relaxed. Wonderful. Enchanting. Freedom. Frightening.[/color] As to the next question posed to her, she thought upon it much more deeply than the first, sifting through facts she'd gleaned from Salina. When she 'spoke', her tone was thoughtful, just rasping softly with the sound of metal on metal. The real reason is because they are different. The holders do not trust the Caminar because they are different and they do not understand that difference and why it is there. The reason they have made, the one at the forefront of their minds, is that they think the Caminar have stolen their young. They do not trust them for this.

[neopanther]

He frowned for a moment, though he actions had felt nice, and generally placated him, her words done quite the opposite.
“I never said that.” He replied, perhaps a little too curtly. “I’ve never said I despise him. I hate him for what he’s doing to you, but I don’t actually dislike the man – if that makes any sense. Yes my opinion of his has been tarred by what he doing – not so discretely – to you. But, “He paused, shrugged, “Perhaps we are two branches of the same tree.” He conceded this begrudgingly. He never really hurt people though, he made sure that each and every one of them knew exactly what it was they were in for, though without ever actually spelling it out to them. All knew he was a guy with no commitments. He wouldn’t even commit himself to being taught, or things that benefitted him, let alone something that could cause hardship and or strife.

He did smile though, a mischievously arrogant look, “mmm, so why don’t you just stay with me?” He asked, it was idle, nothing overly sexual meant by it, but it was like the words of – perhaps – a jealous older brother, the ‘if you have me why do you need him?’ Act.

Ez’ki turned so he was lying on his stomach, clothes creasing under him a little, but he chose to ignore it, he didn’t intend to stay for too long in such a way. “Why do you want him anyway Sassie? We’ve got a strong class of weyrlings, and I mean you are almost certainly one of the youngest so you’ve got our entire class, and everyone before that to choose frorm why ydo you have to go selecting one you can’t have? I mean Aderes? I wouldn’t think of challenging her, she’s got this unwritted, inhuman air of pure authority. It’s kind of scary actually.” His mind drifted on how she looked that night at the feast, she’d looked rather spectacular, there weren’t many there that night who made his thoughts divert to just them, but she was one of them. Not that he’d ever think of it, she was the senior queen, and quite a bit older than him – not that he hadn’t crossed that line in the past, but still. His penchant for beauty was quite precedented. There was possibly only one other who managed to snag his attention a little that night.

He brought his mind back to the conversation at hand.
Xyr looked towards the sky, over the edge, and towards that vacant space that cried for company, save for the few items of irrelevance that had joined it, fluff from seeding flowers, and such. I think I agree. But his mind was moving swiftly on, his mild confusion still emitted his usual electric exuberance. Confusion furrowed into the young dragon’s mind, tone and features, eyes whirring delicately with it, But, why? Dragon’s and humans are different, we’re a different group completely The blue’s ignorance was pointing out that their speciation was completely different, right the way back to their essentials. Yet we can bond, and be good, why cannot they? Also, in the argument that they are raised differently and that they work about things differently, why do t he holder or the Caminar fear the dragonmen? The blue was far to curious for his own good.
Did you hear that mine? Deoneth says that the holder folk dislike the Caminar because they are different, but aren’t we different?[/i] Ez’ki looked at his blue, who was still spacey-ly looking towards the vast horizon of blue, a mild fear twisted in Ez’ki’s gut, he didn’t think why, but answered the question of his bond,
We are different little one, the blue snorted at the endearment. but Deoneth means this in another way, she means that they are fundamentally different, we holder – the holderfolk he corrected himself at the formerly familiar words distrust the Caminar, something happened a long time ago.
What?
I don’t know Xyr, all I know is that it left us – them segregated from each other, and the trust vanished back then, it’s just how it’s always been Xyr.
Oh. The blue finished, a little more sedate in his own thoughts now. Though he still disliked the idea of it.

[Xinnai]

Salina swung to the bluerider at his words, startled fear popping into existence on her face; grey eyes going wide, skin paling even more than her norm. But as the words went on the irrational fear that had risen was put to rest once more. She let out a small sigh of relief, nodding to his conclusions.

"So...you hate him for the way he handles me but still respect him? Ez, my darling, you are a very contradictory person." She laughed, throwing him an affectionate look that underwent several slight emotions upon question. Her mobile face finally settled for devious.

"Stay with you? I would but how in the world would you handle some hormonal girl, especially when you can't tend to her in a certain way?" She winked, lips curved as she deliberately took the rather sexual side to it, putting away the slight jealousy and possessiveness that had ranged over him away to be pondered for later.

As the bluerider stretched out, the gold bonded drew her knees up to her chest, hugging them to her as she looked out at the sky that faced her, much as the dragons were doing. She sighed, thinking upon this much harder question, alabaster brow furrowed slightly in thought.

"I'm not exactly sure..." she murmured, watching that bright, enchanting blue. Would she take to it someday? Would she be able to experience all the glory of being above the earth and water and knowing, deep in your bones, you were safe? "He has this way about him. Does he toy with many women? Yes. I'm not sure how to explain it...He's captivating. He has this charisma you can't get away from. He brings energy into a room." She threw a glance at her prone companion.

"In that way he's like you. But, for the boys in our class." She sighed softly, head shaking slightly. "I'm afraid in a way that they would be using me. Using me to climb higher within the ranks. You, I know you wouldn't, but you and I, no matter how well suited...We know we can only be friends, though the best friends. And J'fel...He has it all. He's Weyrleader. So, yes, he has Aderes. But he doesn't. She is leading him around, Ez, showing him how to lead and while he's making moon-eyed looks at her, she's concentrating on the Weyr. So no...Aderes doesn't factor into that. And even if they did hold some sort of love for one another...The Weyr does not hold that sort of bond to be mutually exclusive. There can be others."

Head rested upon her cloth-clad knees as she stared at the sky, thoughts whirling with all that she had brought up in the conversation. It seemed to be one of the subjects she and Ez'ki recycled through again and again. Still, though her thoughts flew, she thought mostly of the night at the feast and discreetly touched the gold and sapphire band upon her finger.

Deoneth listened to Xyruth's questions idly, feeling that fog of slumber pervading her consciousness. She shifted in the rock once more, eyes whirling still slower yet. She was set to answer when she noticed the blue's attention gone. She blinked, noting the slightly dreamy look on the blue's rider's face. She waited until she could feel the other dragon return.
Did Yours clear it up for you?[/color]

[neopanther]

The blue flexed out again, he had grown, he was all long and rangy, his body all disproportioned in a cute way, a little, but he confuses me at the best of times. The blue yawned, flexed his claws out again. You know, I do wonder what it would be like if I weren’t a blue, not – before you say it – that I would wish to be anything other. The blue sounded almost regretful, but that was the fault of what was going through the mind of his bonded, placing a sullen tone through his mind and throughout the mind, suppressing the usual over enthusiastic energy that the blue stockpiled.

Ez’ki frowned, she was making him do a lot of that recently, and he wasn’t liking it. “No, didn’t say that either Sassie, shards, I don’t respect him he’s done nothing to earn that yet. I just have no thoughts on him, he’s just there, I’ll have no problems with him if he leaves you alone.

“ooooh.” He said as though hurt, but obviously feigning, so it became a noise recognising her bitchiness. “Now don’t you even think that I’ve satisfied harder greater you.” He nodded slowly as though to emphasis his point, “don’t comment on what you’ve not experienced. But I would go there with you; you’re like a little sister to me or something.” He pondered, he still wasn’t sure on that, “don’t worry, I’d still take god care of you, but don’t worry I know that we’ll never be more than friends, unless we’re acting. He smirked, he could already imagine a vague situation where one or the other were trying to escape a dreadfully clingy partner, using the other for their benefit, but it would never impugn upon their friendship.

He smiled softly as she spoke of J’fel. He sat up, draped an arm over her shoulder and tilted her towards him, he felt far too protective of this little gold rider. You know I hate t hurt you, and that I’ll never lie to you, unless it is strictly necessary. Well, that night? I seen him pretty damn close with Althesia, and I’m pretty sure she wasn’t the only one, who got the charm from him.”

Ez laughed, “You know I’ll never let anyone use you, I’m pretty sure the rest of the class can see that much already. “ He smirked, “And I don’t think – even though they think I’m a little prissy, that they wouldn’t cross me.”

He nodded slowly, she spoke the truth, they all knew that J’fel really wanted her, but she just wasn’t having it. Aderes was too distant. Perhaps that was what Ez felt attractive about her, he winced inwardly, thinking of that as another similarity between him and that blasted Weyrleader. “But you know, as long as that arse is ‘mooning’ over her, you’ll always play second. And you are second only to her in rank. No man should treat you that way Sassie.

“Anyway.” He said diverting the subject matter, “What do you think on our class mates, and I’dalyn for that matter.” He was blunt a ever, but it was all part of his charm, as swas the smile that he held.