That's Crazy Talk (Open to all!)

[dragon]

It was a bright and sunny day that presented itself to Telgar weyr. It wasn't too hot at all, with a pleasant breeze sweeping in on occassion. It was the kind of lazy, feel good day some dreamed of. D'ray had taken it upon himself to enjoy such a day. Any duties he may have had would be done at a later time. Why let such a pleasant day go to waste?

As it was, D'ray was taking time to do what he often did when he found some free time. He had made his way over to the caminar and was chatting up a merchant or two. They likely didn't expect the brownrider to buy anything, the young man rarely seemed to have sufficient marks on him. But he was a friendly sort who would go out of his way to show he was no enemy of the caminar, unlike some dragonriders. By now the discussion had leaned towards some of the "crazy adventures" he would go on. D'ray's smile, comical tone, and laugh seemed to put a smile on quite a number of faces and this time seemed no different.

Pharoth found his free time best spent lounging on his ledge. The beast of bulk was sleeping unless his interest was provoked. By now the brown was half asleep and half listening to the conversation his rider was having. His rider seemed so interested in being social and keeping open relations. Not that Pharoth wasn't the same, he'd certainly chat up a dragon or two if he wasn't too intent on sleeping. However, finding no other around to really talk to, the dragon was content with sleep. Eyes shut and his massive body curled up as best it could. It would be an odd site.

[Invisible]

Baristath lounged on the ledge of a green whose flight he’d won several days ago. The brown was occupied with his latest love while they both still remembered each other that way. This left H’gar with time to spare as Ramla was going to be busy working still. In all their turns together he’d never convinced the headwoman to take part of a day off just to enjoy themselves. It was something he’d become accustomed to and when this fine day occurred he never even thought to search her out. Instead he decided to take advantage of her business and do something she would frown upon.

His steps took him eventually to where the Caminar had gathered. He brought nothing much in the way of marks as he’d no one to buy anything for. H’gar was just out to stretch old muscles and enjoy the lovely day knowing all too well how winter was right around the corner and getting out then was a chore. Despite his general good health he couldn’t deny his age when the wind blew the cold in from all directions. The old brownrider smiled if anyone looked his way and didn’t try to engage anyone in conversation. As he got nearer to where D’ray was he noticed the younger man and altered his steps so he might happen upon him.

[dragon]

D'ray probably should have been more aware of the older brownrider's approach. However, the young man was just too into his conversation with a certain merchant he'd happened upon. The merchants always seemed the friendliest of the Caminar, to D'ray anyway. He mused that it was because they had something to sell and that was a simple enough explanation for him.

"...and that's when she said", D'ray was mid-sentence when he paused to notice the older man approaching him. D'ray nodded to the merchant, as if to apologize for the interruption. The younger brownrider was quick to turn and flash that comical smile of his. "Well well. H'gar, how's it goin'? What's a nice day like this bringin' you over here for?", D'ray asked in the usual comical tone as he extended a hand to shake the older brownrider's hand.

[Invisible]

Having come to a stop several feet away H’gar tried to not interfere in the story. D’ray always had some story to tell. Truth be told H’gar was rather pleased to not be in the man’s wing. Oh, he was fine enough to run into on a sunny day, but the old man thought constant company might make him retire just to be far from it. His smile when he was noticed was nothing but genial however. “A pleasure to see you, D’ray. I thought that was you I heard.”

As for what he was doing one hand lifted to wave around at the few merchants about. “I thought to see what all the fuss was about.” Now he moved closer to the other rider and grinned once more. “Been keeping busy in Blizzard? You guys have been doing pretty well lately in the games. Lost a few marks on ya even.” Of course any time H’gar bet he was likely to lose his marks.

[dragon]

"Oh sure. Busy enough", D'ray replied happily. Truth be told, not as busy as others but for D'ray his response was likely truth. The brownrider grinned when H'gar mentioned losing marks. "Should have bet on Blizzard then, if you wanted to gain marks", the rider was joking, as full of ego as it did sound.

"So I was too loud for ya, eh?", D'ray asked as he nudged the rider on the arm with his elbow. "My stories involve excitement", or atleast D'ray's did anyway. "A raised voice grabs attention. Apparently too well. Got you over here checkin' things out", D'ray continued to talk. The rider enjoyed socializing. His personality seemed made for it.

"I was just talkin' to this fella about this hold I visited some time ago. Fun times", D'ray explained to the older brownrider. D'ray always had a way of making a seemingly dull story more interesting. Whether by adding faulty or stretched out details or whether it be that D'ray found adventure on every outing, there was always something to tell about each event.

[Invisible]

H’gar wondered if that were true or if betting on Blizzard would just end their streak? He didn’t say the words out loud, but he did grin suddenly at the thought. Maybe there was a way to play those odds. The idea would have to be given considerable thought and implementation wait until he’d more marks. “Always too loud, D’ray,” he told the younger man with a quiet laugh. “But you young ones always are. When you’re my age you’ll learn the value of quiet.”

The fellow in question got a nod of greeting from H’gar before the rider turned back to D’ray. “Just out for a walk. Baristath is busy with his love of the hour and wants nothing from me.” If you miss me so much you can come oil me Baristath told H’gar with an amused grumble for his rider. He had just been oiled so knew it would not be something H’gar would agree too. The old brown nuzzled the green he was next to and went back to his nap. “I think, D’ray,” H’gar began with a grin, “That if you did as much as you say you did in your tales you’d have no time to tell tales.”

[dragon]

"I certainly hope not", the younger brownrider laughed as he held his stomach. "I'm in no hurry to get old. I may lose all these good looks, and my hair", he added, as he continued to laugh and run a hand comicaly through his hair. He regained his composure and smiled slyly at the older man. "Not that you don't look good for your age, of course. I hear you still swoon the ladies every now and then", D'ray winked as his mouth made a clicking sound.

"Ah yes. Your good ol' brown, Baristath. Didn't he win a flight not too long ago? I might have lost that one to you", D'ray spoke up, talking of the brown dragon. "Then again, Pharoth's been in so many flights that I can't remember who I lose to", D'ray added with a shrug and a smile.

You imply that I lose many flights. The brown was more than awake to hear that one and had to respond. Feeling guilty? I said no such thing. But perhaps if you weren't so lazy... His rider quickly responded mentally to his brown. Pharoth simply snorted and shifted for comfort, trying to find sleep.

D'ray grinned at H'gar's words. "Perhaps some of the details are...stretched out. But people certainly love to hear my stories. Besides, there's always time for tales", D'ray spoke up as he held his hands together and stretched his arms out, a couple of joints cracking subtly in the process. "And anyway", he began to add, "Don't you older folks love tellin' stories? That just means I'll be a fun old person when I get...", D'ray had a slight pause as he tried to find the words, "...old". Yeah, that was repetitive but D'ray couldn't really think of much else to say. He could only grin at the man after he spoke.

[Invisible]

H’gar grinned and chuckled at the younger brownrider’s words. “D’ray, my lad,” he said with a wink, “I’ll be turning heads until the moment we go between for the last time.” As vain as his words sounded there was no vanity in them. To the subject of flight’s he gave a nod. “L’en’s Ellath went up three days ago. She always was a wily one, but Baristath hadn’t won in awhile and so he figured her out.” Baristath typically only won about one in ten flights which sounded like not so much unless one realized that Ellath almost never missed a flight in the Weyr.

“You callin’ me old, boy?” H’gar asked in a gruff voice belied by the twinkle in his eyes. He had just called himself old after all not so long ago. “I got more important things ta do then go tellin’ tales all the time. I prefer to be out making ‘em.” At least when he was younger that was the way of it. These days H’gar did prefer to spend time sitting around someplace warm in the winter chatting with those his own age about ‘the good old days.’

[dragon]

"That's the spirit", D'ray chuckled as he slapped the older brownrider on the back in a friendly manner. "As long as I keep the hair, I should be alright", D'ray spoke of himself with a smirk and ran a hand mockingly through his hair. "Yup. Pretty sure Pharoth went after that one. He usually chases every green. Still got the moves, H'gar. You're still beatin' us youngin'", D'ray commented on the mention of who's flight it was.

"I guess when you get on up there in age, you can't do both", D'ray responded. Of course he meant both telling tales and making them.

[Invisible]

“Dunno, D’ray,” H’gar answered with a wicked gleam in his eyes. “You’ve got the look of a man set to go bald. Prematurely even.” The older brownrider’s attention strayed a moment as a pair of attractive Caminar walked by. They required studying although he did his best not to appear too obvious. “I will say one thing for sure and that’s the scenery over here is mighty fine,” he told D’ray with a laugh. Not that he’d do anything but look. He didn’t want to imagine what Ramla might do if she found out he’d been with a Caminar woman. Best to keep it confined to the Weyr ladies.

For the subject of flights he laughed. “It’s more Baristath than me. He needs to make sure the ladies remember him.” Not that H’gar minded at all the fact they chased so many times. Even losing had its rewards. For him if not Baristath who was known to sulk for days afterwards.

[dragon]

"Aha. You kid old man", D'ray said with a grin as he seemed to raise hands over his hair protectively. "Nah. This hair isn't goin' anywhere any time soon. My hair line hasn't even receeded yet. Nice try though", D'ray chuckled as he waved a hand through the bangs of his hair.

D'ray's attention was also caught by the pair of caminar that walked by. "Mmm. I can easily agree with you there", D'ray leaned in and spoke quietly as he waved at the ladies and gave that charming smile that was quickly followed by a wink. D'ray allowed his eyes to linger longer than necessary as he kept the smile. Perhaps he would catch up with them later. There was a time to chat and there was a time to chase, now was a time to chat.

"He keeps winnin' flights and no lady'll forget 'im", D'ray's tone was dripping with amusement and a sly smile was cast on his features.. "And I just keep doin' what I do and no lady'll forget me either", he added with a wink.

[Invisible]

H’gar, who showed no signs of going bald, chuckled. “It’s the ones that fear it the worst that are the first to go,” he said with a wink. Baristath’s prowess needed no boasting from his rider so H’gar did not bother. At his age there was no need to. Their record spoke for itself. “What is it that you do anyway?” he asked with a laugh. “Other than tell tales.”

[dragon]

D'ray simply laughed off his comment about the balding, wanting to let the subject die to another. D'ray let out a stretch, enjoying the warmth of the summer day. When he settled himself, he gave a sideways glance to his fellow brownrider. "Why charmin' the ladies, of course", D'ray spoke up with a sly smile and a wink. "I do more than tell tales, but they do often help. I'm sure you've come across a lass wantin' to hear your exploits an' adventures as a dragonrider", D'ray added.

Oh if only he had a lady or two to charm at this moment. To D'ray it was just fun. He was never serious when it came to a girl and a relationship with a woman was nothing beyond casual sex. "Think we should flirt around with a couple of caminar ladies? I'm certainly game", D'ray asked with a glint of amusment in his eyes.

[Invisible]

“I never let my tales woo the ladies,” H’gar said with a devilish smile. “I let my actions make my point for me.” The older brownrider was a man of few words which might explain why he was so well liked by people. It’s hard to offend when you let the other person do most of the talking.

The Caminar got a thoughtful look before H’gar shook his head. “I’m afraid if you want to be wooing the ladies here you’re on your own. My own lady would never forgive me that pastime.” Ramla was not vocal about her dislike of the Caminar, but it shouldn’t be too hard to deduce she would be unhappy at least for her rider to be toying with the women who were a strain on the Weyr’s stores. "I jut came to have a look around. At my age that's as enjoyable as anything."

[dragon]

"Aha. I see. Got you on a rope, does she?", D'ray smiled. It was an amusing question to ask. The thought of H'gar being led around on a rope tickled a smirk in the corner of the brownrider's mouth. But he let the thought pass and move to the next subject.

"I suppose. But I hope that's never the case with me. There's so much more to do than simply look", implying girls directly with his last sentance. Oh, he loved to look alright. But D'ray was into so much more than looking. He had the energy. So why not spend it?