Chop, chop (Open, weyrlings especially)

[Invisible]

The knife flashed as it was brought down on the tough flesh. It caught a bone and veered off from where it was meant to go. This minor accident resulted in minor cursing on the part of K’mar who was not as adept with a knife as some of the other candidates. At least he hadn’t cut himself yet like a couple of the others had. He kept getting asked if weyrlinghood was like what he expected, everyone curious about the finally impressed K’mar. The truth was, he’d never known what to expect and always stammered up a vague answer before claiming some duty to get him away from the conversation.

If he’d thought that impressing would steer him away from his dependency on wine he had been mistaken. Not a day went by when he was unable to resist the lure of grapes. He hadn’t been caught yet, and to be honest, thought he likely would not be. He’d been sneaking his need for so long it was habit ingrained in his very being. Volsteath had never chided him for it, but he didn’t quite seem to understand it either. For now, however, there was chopping to be done. Butchering was one of his least liked chores, but everyone did it and Volsteath had been making him promise to not appear to be slacking off in anything.

Currently the rather plain brown (an opinion of others and never of K’mar who thought Volsteath the most amazing brown ever) was watching the knife arc through the air. And then I made him promise to tell me everything he heard while his rider talked to his father,[/color] he was telling K’mar. Why does it matter, Volsteath? Because, K’mar, his father is a wingsecond. I think we might do very well there. If I know what it means correctly. But we will have to choose our spot carefully. It is important we are in the right space.[/color]

Wingsecond? Isn’t that a lot of work? K’mar stopped talking to focus on trimming meat around the bone that had caused him trouble before. K’mar, it is a good position. You can get around and get to things. You should make friends with the weyrleader. Make sure he will trust us when we graduate, yes? Make him realize what an asset we will be to him.[/color] K’mar laughed out loud and dropped several hunks of meat into a bucket. Right. I’ll talk to the Weyrleader. Like he’ll think we should be in his wing. Volsteath paused to exchange greetings with a green who entered with her rider. Soon a few more weyrlings wandered in to take up other knives and butcher what soon to be hungry dragons would eat.

[Selvagem]

H'tio & Runimeth, Jh'na & Mirabeth
My greetings, Volsteath, Mirabeth warbled as she took up a crouch beside the brown, eyes whirling a hungry orange at the sight of the meat, My, that looks good.

Jh'na was busy discussing the theoretics of strap-making with H'tio, and passed only a cursory nod to K'mar as he took up a knife from a nearby holder and reached for a bloody haunch. Both H'tio and he had dressed simply in old and dark-coloured working tunics: no point spoiling their better clothes on a messy and bloody affair such as this.

"...I don't think that should be, Tio, my father says my uncle had to make straps from old as well as new, or it'll be a waste to use new ones just for fist straps."

H'tio frowned a moment, and nodded, "True, that makes sense. Maybe candidate gossip isn't the best place to pick up on this. Anyhow, food first."

Runimeth rumbled his approval of his rider's words as he settled onto his stomach beside Mirabeth and Jh'na, his head flicking to observe the others, It seems we are early, H'tio my lad. There are far fewer of the weyrling class here than I would expect.

And one too many, H'tio nodded politely to K'mar as Jh'na had, with not a hint of how he felt about the other brownrider as he took up knife and bucket to begin his own butchering.

You should not say that of him, Runimeth chided him softly, That boy has been through a great deal and lost much.

He has gained much too, the gray-eyed boy began slashing at his haunch, slivers of meat falling into the bucket beneath. Jh'na was doing better, having used all manner of tools in his Simthcraft days, but neither was doing any better than K'mar. The green weyrling sighed softly.

"This will take some getting used to."

---

Th'dis & Guiyath
The bronze-pair entered the room several minutes after H'tio and Jh'na, having taken longer at the bathing pool than the other weyrlings. Th'dis, giving his bronze a full bath for the first time, had had quite a bit of difficulty: he was not all that big a lad, and Guiyath was a large and well-built dragonet. The delay had caused consternation with the bronze at first, but he had quieted as they began the walk to the butchering grounds, and Th'dis rubbed his sore muscles while enjoying the peace.

He perked up at the sight of the knives and meat, even while Guiyath thrilled softly at the thought of food. Here were things he understood, things he had grown up with and were adept at. Almost eagerly, he grabbed knife and chunk of thigh, and began slicing long slashes of meat into the bucket with consummate skill. The bronze, settling peacefully beside him with a warble, turned to look over at the rest of the weyrlings present.

Th'dis, the voice was low and thick, I like this Volsteath and his rider. They could do us much good.

What sort of good? Th'dis was too contented and occupied with butchering the meat to take much note of his dragonet's thoughts. Guiyath snorted lightly.

He craves power, and he has strength. He thinks he is wise, and he hides much.

Is that supposed to be good? Th'dis began to raise his head, understanding finally what his dragonet wished to do. A frown pricked at his brows, and he forced himself to smile, remembering that he was supposed to be enjoying what he did. He scrapped bone with the knife, and turned the thigh to begin on another side.

That is good if used wisely, Guiyath turned to regard Volsteath directly, his gaze like rock, his mind as heavy as granite, Speak to him.

Th'dis let a wry smile wander over his features as he glanced casually at K'mar. The brown weyrling was not at all far from him, and easily within earshot. He nodded to him by way of greeting.

"Congrats K'mar," he said quietly, "He's a fine and healthy dragonet."

Guiyath rumbled his agreement, eyes fixing on Volsteath. The touch of his mind was like concrete, solid and impenetratable, and liable to crush another thoughtlessly at a whim, Greetings, Volsteath.

[Invisible]

Volsteath lifted his head to regard the green that greeted him. For his clutchsib he had an amused Good day, Mirabeth. It is nearly time for me to eat. But I will be sure not to get in your way. If yours is not fast enough I am sure K’mar will share.[/color] Volsteath’s tone, so shady and sly with something fun hidden underneath, always found a more playful place when speaking to a green. It was never too early to get on their good side. Useful and no threat to any place he might wish for later. When he got older he would consider it useful to gain an advantage in their flights, but he was too young yet to grasp that facet. For the arriving weyrlings K’mar just offered a nod back. If they didn’t want to talk to him he wouldn’t push himself on them. It’s not like he cared what they thought of him. Besides, butchering meat was not easy so it was best to focus as much of his attention on the task at hand. Especially since he could feel the beginnings of Volsteath’s hunger.

So, he was a little slow in responding to Th’dis when he spoke to him. Looking up from where he’d been trying to cut through a particularly tough piece of fat K’mar nodded lightly. “Hello, Th’dis. Thank you. He’s certainly trying to get all his growing out of the way.” There was less stress in discussing Volsteath and weyrlinghood. It was a topic he could wander around in without getting lost. “Guiyath looks well, err, as well.” That was stupid sounding. Shush, K’mar. You do fine. They have a reason for speaking to us. We must find out what it is.[/color] Volsteath, after sharing this with his rider focused on the bronze near him. Ah, Guiyath. It is always pleasant to have you about.[/color] He wormed up under that strength of granite with his own voice. Lurking in the shadows and promising all manner of good times without being direct. It is nearly time to eat. Yours cuts better than K’mar.[/color] It never hurt to compliment.

[neopanther]

It had been a very, very long and tiring day, he'd learnt all sorts of things on how to care for Xyruth, also he had learnt that Xyruth was going to be rather hard to get used to, being a constant presence in his day to day life. The blue, when awake, was energetic, bouncing off of the walls, thrumming with vitality. And the young dragon was always, always pushing his feelings onto his bonded.

It made Ez'ki feel rather queasy.

Ez’ki-Mine. Eeeez’kiiiii miiiiiiiiiiiine[/i] The dragon chimed. His stomach grumbling audibly, pressing his ravenous hunger onto his bonded as he spoke

“Xyruth, yes?” Ez’ki turned, looking down at the hatchling. His own stomach growled loudly at the feelings forced upon him by the young one. He widened his eyes, how uncouth! How could a dragon’s hunger make him hungry! Pushing aside his exasperation, he listened to the words of the dragonet.

Yes. I’m Hungry; and I want food.
So, you wish me to drop my chores and my learning and immediately see to your needs?[/i] The blue took on a happy tone,
Yes! Now you understand. The blue creeled gently and turned around, tail lashing behind him. Ez’ki tutted, placing down the oil vat he had in hand, and followed his little one towards the weyrling barracks.

He diverted his trip to his cot, from which he grabbed a knife, leaving the room, he set himself before a bucket. He glanced up at the other Weyrlings, his clutchmates. “Hello.” He said with a smile, he’d not managed to have a chance to talk with many of them as of yet, yes the odd one, here or there, but not a great number of them at all.

He took a rather large chunk of meat, for he could feel his bonded’s feverish hunger lapsing over their link, it was making his own stomach growl in an unsightly fashion. But, in the last few days he’d learnt how to cut the meat rather well, he’d managed to not have an accident, the trick – he found – was to keep the blade sharp, and run it against the fibres of the muscle. It worked efficiently and meant the meat wasn’t completely unappetising to his rather fussy little life-partner.

As Ez’ki set about his task silently, the blue was finding his bonded rather dull. He literally bounced into the room,
Good day to you all! Volsteath, Ruminenth, Mirabeth, and Guiyath! The blue was just so energetic, the complete opposite to his bonded.

Come on my one! I am hungry, and you could be a bit happier this fine morning. He nudged up against Ez’ki who smiled. Ez’ki threw a piece of meat into the pale, used his free hand to gently scratch at the blue’s eye ridges. He was oddly fond of the blue, he hated him at times, resented the way he pushed him, and actually made him work, but it was a complete and unrelenting love for the creature. Even if the beast did irk him a great deal.

[Selvagem]

H'tio & Runimeth, Jh'na & Mirabeth
Mirabeth swung her head lightly to regard Volsteath as he answered her, and the soft twinkle of her mind hinted at a coy giggle. The green dragonet was still far too young to think about wooing and being wooed, but at the moment she was pleased with the brown's attitude, and his offer. She settled more comfortably onto her belly, tail curled elegantly around her legs and wings hanging at her side like skirt-sails.

That is kind of you, Volsteath, I appreciate it.

She would have said more, but the brown's attention drifted away to the bronze dragonet bespeaking him, and her own was caught by the rambunctious greeting shouted by Xyruth as he bounced into the room. She snorted once, haughtily, and did not even deign to flash the blue a glance.

Boys...

Come now, lady of the emerald sails, surely he isn't all that bad, Runimeth rumbled softly as he caught the drift of her thoughts, He is very much amicable enough.

To you, perhaps, Mirabeth sniffed at him, But he creates such an awful racket.

Only because he is so energetic, the brown's tone was gentle, Not all males are alike to him, as you may judge by me.

The green shook her neck at him, but made no reply. She was comfortable with the brown's company, a sensation fueled by the friendship that their weyrlings shared, and did not wish to argue with him. Runimeth turned to warble softly to Xyruth, eyes whirling a soft blue.

A bright mornig to you as well, Xyruth. You are indeed highly lively today.

H'tio chuckled to hear his dragonet speak, and inwardly he blushed pride to know how big a heart his Runimeth possessed. So unlike Mirabeth. She suited Jh'na well, with his gregarious and happy-go-lucky nature, but H'tio would sooner have quit being a Healer than hoped to Impress such a green. Beside him, Jh'na sighed as his knife slipped sideways yet again, and spoke out loud, to no one in particular.

"I hope someone is having better luck at this than me."

---

Th'dis & Guiyath
Th'dis nodded gravely at K'mar's reply, even while a hint of a smile glanced through his eyes. It amused him to hear the brownrider hesitant - he had always thought K'mar to be a man of fey temper and odd moods, with a sharp tongue for any occassion. That he could be uncertain was...not something that the bronze weyrling had ever envisioned of him.

"Yep, Guiyath is well. I'd expect he'll be growing fast too," he glanced at the rest of the weyrlings, "All of them will."

If the bronze dragonet was affected by the hints and flashes that Volsteath presented, his rock-hard consciousness gave no sign of it. Instead, he seemed to draw in on himself, a brooding mass of stone, about to fall. Truth was, he was very drawn by what Volsteath seemed to be, beneath the surface, but with the instinctive cunning of his kind he felt sure he should not show it. So he didn't. He answered instead.

I am glad to hear that, thick and gutteral, a mind-voice to scrape the ears, and the soul, It would have saddened me if you didn't enjoy my company. Mine may cut better, but yours has the size, and the experience.

He turned to regard K'mar as he spoke, eyes whirling blue like any dragonet contented to wait for his food. His thoughts were blunt as an unsharpened knife, Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were to work together, sharing food and sharing strength? Who might stand against such a pairing, I wonder?

[Invisible]

Volsteath had not, as yet, found any use for the rather annoying Xyruth so his arrival was greeted with silence. He turned his head to stare at the blue and then redirected his focus to his conversation. That might be worth something. He was pleased to make note that Mirabeth had the same feeling as him, at least by her actions, in regards to the blue. It would be something worth recalling later and so as K’mar continued to wrestle the meat into eating order he was told She does not like the blue.[/color] K’mar blinked and paused in his work. It’s not like he was not nearly used to having someone else in his head, but the out of nowhere comments that seemed random still caused him pause every now and again. Ok, Volsteath. Umm. I’ll remember that? He was awarded gratitude from the sneaky brown and for a brief moment that hint of good times in the background was shown to him clearly. There was indeed a party and he had earned a place in it.

“The good news is with the larger dragons we should get to riding sooner,” K’mar said to Th’dis. It was certainly not meant as a slight to any smaller dragons present so he didn’t think to lower his voice. Not that it couldn’t be taken that way. Still, his next comment might serve to mollify some. “It also means we’ll never finish washing them before the smaller ones. All that hide.” He turned his gaze to Volsteath for a moment to look at the brown. Not that it mattered. He could be as big as a lake and washing him would never be a chore.

While his rider adored him and made conversation the brown in question was focused on Guiyath. He endured the stone in his mind and rather than fight it just found dark corners where he might escape it and let it slide right over him. They seem to be getting along. K’mar will need to make friends.[/color] There was something in the way Volsteath said the word friends that implied he meant something entirely different, but it was impossible to grasp that slippery meaning. To try would just crush it. We might work together[/color] he mused to the bronze in that considering tone of his. Were it advantageous to us both. There is much we could accomplish together that is for certain. Although I would never think to stand beside you, Guiyath. I would be content merely to assist you.[/color] From the shadows where he might work his own deals to his own advantage. Or in a way that the bronze might not like.

[rizu]

Mine, I think the others are getting food now... And I am getting hungry.

The boy blinked, placing down his favored flute as he finished his song, before walking over to where his dragon lay curled, stroking the wedge shaped head as he scratched his eyeridges softly.

"You're hungry? Alright, time to get your belly full of meat again."

The pale blue's hide shone brilliantly, he had recently been oiled. T'nur was an earlier riser, something that Kithath seemed to enjoy, and in the spare time of waiting for the others to be ready as well he had washed/oiled his bond, and played a soft melody for the blue. Kithath showed immense interest in the small and thin instrument, and in the pretty tones it made. Together they headed off to meet the others, once more into the task of cutting meat to feed their lifemates. Upon entering the were quite a sight. A small, skinny framed boy, and an equally bony looking hatchling. The pale blues of his hide only seemed to make Kithath's appearance seem even more breakable, though the blue moved about with as much ease as all the other dragonets.

Greetings, clutchsiblings.

The blue gave all there a friendly, though not over-excited, greeting. His whirling eyes switched from one to another in turn, before he settled besides his T'nur, curled as his gaze continued to suck in everything they could see, learning about those whom he and His would be spending plenty of time with for a long while. From the boy a silent nod was given to those already there, T'nur occupying a more desolated spot before he started with the arduous wok of shredding meat off bones and into the pale. His bandaged fingers showed the boy had already met knife with skin a few times before. T'nur always seemed to cut himself slightly every now and then. They were minor wounds, nothing too great, but at least it seemed he was getting better at it. The boy had only managed to cut himself once thus far...

You are getting better at cutting, T'nur.
{You think so, Kithath?}
Oh yes, it's much better than before. And you are wounding yourself less, too.

While T'nur continued witht he task at hand, Kithath gazed around. The dragonet remained where he was, though humming the tune His had been playing on a flute earlier that morning. It was barely audible for human ears, though surely his clutchsiblings would be able to hear it.

[dragon]

T'rad woke up perhaps earlier than he intended to. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, still a bit sleepy and let out a great yawn.

About time you woke up! Paleoth was already awake and full of energy. But T'rad had to wonder how long that lasted. The dragon was definently odd for one of his color, not just his size, but his character. He had his highs and lows, he was quite moody. But for now, the blue was full of energy waiting for T'rad to wake up.

"It's still fairly early. What do you mean "About time"?", T'rad asked with yet another yawn escaping his mouth as he got up and dressed in what he considered work clothes. Paleoth decided not to answer as T'rad went to bathe him. Paleoth didn't seem to like it all that much. He never stayed still for such things. Paleoth was already becoming fussy over it but his mood would only get worse as he became hungry while T'rad was finishing up. T'rad felt his blue about to whine yet another complaint and spoke up before he could do so. "We're going soon enough, but I need to oil you first", T'rad said quickly and sighed. Paleoth seemed to know how to dirty himself up, but the weyrling had to wonder how he could get so filthy without noticing such a thing. After he finished bathing him, oiling was next on his list. Once again this was not something Paleoth liked. He couldn't stand staying still for long and his mood only worsened as he was hungry throughout the oiling. T'rad finally finished oiling the blue and he had to admit his dragonet was a beauty to behold after he was thoroughly cleaned. But it did take some time to get him in such a state. Even though Paleoth knew such a compliment had been paid to him by his bonded, this still didn't settle his mood. He was becoming a bit cranky over an empty stomach. T'rad walked slowly towards where the others were, already feeding their dragons. Paleoth seemed to affect him in ways he never thought. But T'rad just assumed it was all a part of being bonded. Paleoth was getting annoyed at T'rad's slow pace and walked speedily into the room before him, giving his greetings to all who were there.

Hello clutchsiblings. Paleoth greeted as happily as he could. T'rad simply walked in, grabbed a bucket and knife as well as a chunk of meat and sat down. He seemed to be in a bit of "bleh" or "meh" kind of mood. But he did brighten up long enough to greet everyone. "Hello all", he said simply with a half smile and a wave before he began cutting the meat. He seemed to stare blankly at it as he did so. He didn't seem to have all too much trouble with cutting the meat, but there was the occassional slip up. So far T'rad was in the clear, he hadn't cut himself or messed up cutting the meat, yet.

Paleoth wanted to complain at how slow his bonded was going, but he knew T'rad was just being careful so he wouldn't slip up and ruin his dragon's meal by some chance. Paleoth decided it best not to interrupt him, he did want quality in his food. Instead Paleoth opted to sit beside T'rad and watch how he cut the meat, though probably not the best idea considering how hungry the blue was. This would seem to make him hungrier and desire the food even more. Despite this, Paleoth waited with patience, something T'rad didn't expect but didn't pay any mind to.

[neopanther]

A little streak of unnerve flicked through Xyruth’s mind at the green’s sudden and off response. His head dropped, and his tail lowered as if apologetic for being that way. But he soon turned his attentions back to those who considered him to be good at what he was. He approved of the bronze already, the green and that brown were currently on his undecided mental list. He would reserve his thoughts upon them for now.

Well there is no reason to be dreary now is there, Rumineth? We are all hatched, well and with our bonded’s, even if they don’t cut meat fast enough to fill the pit in our stomachs. The last part was shared emotively with his bonded. Ez’ki tutted, laughed and shook his head, replying to the rhetoric of Jh’na,

“I might be a little defter than you, but I don’t think it’s satisfying that one quick enough. Be thankful yours has patience.” He smiled warmly, he couldn’t help it, his bonded was impatient, and Ez’ki liked to dawdle upon the road of life.

Turning around sharpishly, Xyr looked at the two new blue entries to their ranks, Eyes whirring fast, excited to be meeting with his clutch siblings again. The skinny blue and his equally skinny bonded were one pairing of them,

Hello there Kithath, Happy to see you can join us. And to you Paleoth The young dragon dipped his head in a mild greeting before turning to harry his bonded into cutting faster once more. Ez’ki chuckled to himself at the words of his dragon; Xyruth was far too energetic, far, far beyond the point of normality.

“T’nur isn’t it?” He looked over at the younger, skinnier male, something about the kid struck him as haphazard. But in a good, innocent manner.

[rizu]

Hello there Kithath, Happy to see you can join us.

The blue lifted his head in the direction of Xyruth, eying the other blue for a second before rumbling warmly. The skinny blue got to his legs, sauntering over to where Xyruth was. He stopped half way to look at his bond.

Mine? May I go over?
{Huh? Oh, well... Of course you can Kithath. You don't have to ask me.}

Returning to nudge his head against the boy's thigh softly the dragon wrapped his slender and almost bony tail around one of his ankles, a show of affection, before releasing and going over to Xyruth. Reaching his clutchsibling he blinked, stretching out his snout enough to sniff the other, almost touching Xyruth's own snout, before he finally spoke.

How have you been, Xyruth?

Pleased to lie down once more Kithath did so, nor having a better view of the bronze, the two browns, the green and the other blue.

"T’nur isn’t it?"
"Wah- Ouch!"

Focused he had been in his little bubble, sure that no other human contact would come his way, before the voice of Ez'ki reached his dainty ears. Surprised, the boy managed to slip lightly, scoring another small cut on his finger, which he promptly cleaned in his clothing before sucking lightly. Only when he was sure it had stopped bleeding did he release it, sky blue eyes looking at the red head in a shy manner before he gave a small, and somewhat shaky, nod. His voice was even more shaky.

"Ye-yeah. I-I'm T'nur..."

He quieted down, looking over to see where his bond was. The blue met his gaze, crooning softly. Do not worry T'nur, I am here. Nothing will go wrong. Go on, talk to him. The musical tones of his mind voice were soothing, enough to calm the young T'nur enough so that his voice didn't break the next time he spoke.

"You are Ez'ki, right? A-and that's Xyruth?"

[Selvagem]

Jh'na & Mirabeth
The place began to get crowded as more and more weyrlings made their way to the meat stacks to salvage food for hungry dragonets. The growing weight of their presence and the subsequent sense of their combined hunger started to make itself felt to Mirabeth. She hissed softly through her teeth, and turned to bump her nose into Jh'na.

Do hurry up, Jh'na. There will be too many of them for comfort soon.

What's wrong with that? the boy's thoughts carried an undercurrent of humour: he liked big crowds and the bustle and talk they generated, More people means more warmth.

It means more jostling and crowding, Mirabeth scoffed, And they'll get blood and dirt and oil all over my sails.

Oil is good for your hide, Jh'na cursed as his knife slipped, cutting a huge, irregular piece out of the main chunk. The green began to whine.

But dirt and blood...? Oh Jh'na, how could you bear to see this happen to your Mirabeth? I'll be so mucked up I'll be laughed at for days...

All right, all right, Jh'na responded good-naturedly as he checked the bucket, It's about a quarter filled, should be enough for the first round. We can come back when the others are done to get more.

Mirabeth crooned her gratitude as she rose, her tail brushing affectionately off her weyrling's legs, You're wonderful! I'll go choose a corner.

The green strolled off, picking her way daintily through the group, giving Xyruth a wide berth. Jh'na looked over at Ez’ki with a wry grin as he picked up his bucket.

"Sorry about that, she can be...fickle," he winced, hoping the boy was not too offended by how Mirabeth behaved towards his blue, "So much for patience, haha."

He nodded to H'tio and started towards his dragonet, who was already waiting impatiently at the other end, well away from the main group.

---

H'tio & Runimeth
Runimeth rumbled his agreement at Xyruth's comments, even as his stomach began to complain, That is true. But I will rather let that pass, seeing as they are all doing their best to cut meat for us.

The brown dragonet turned to look at each newcomer as they came, his soft and pleasent tone returning each greeting as it came, Good day to you too Kithath. And to you as well, Paleoth. A pleasent day it is.

H'tio raised his head from his bloody hands, Who are you greeting, Rune?

Everyone, the brown thrilled softly, enjoying the tune being hummed by Kithath, You have a fine voice, blue Kithath.

H'tio nodded politely to T'rad and T'nur in turn, to match his dragonet's actions, before turning back to slicing the meat. His bucket was barely more filled than Jh'na's, and he sighed as Runimeth's hunger began to filter into him. A side-glance told him, amusingly, that K'mar and Th'dis were exchanging words. An interesting thing to note: Th'dis had never struck him as much during their days in Candidacy. Things were different now, of course: the thirteen-turn-old boy rode a bronze. Improbable though it had seemed then, it was impossible to miss him now, and H'tio could not help but feel that something was up between K'mar and Th'dis.

He felt his own stomach rumble. Again. All thoughts of conspiracy forgotten, he stabbed the knife hard into the big thigh meat he was cutting, plunged one hand into the bucket, and scooped out a handful of meat for Runimeth.

Here, eat this mouthful first Rune. You shouldn't have to wait so long.

My, that is very considerate of you indeed, H'tio my lad, the brown dragonet took the meat gratefully, Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated.

---

Th'dis & Guiyath
Guiyath raised his head as more dragonets entered the room. To each greeting he received, he returned a mental touch like stone: an acknowledgement, a hint of a welcome, nothing more. His focus was still more on his conversation with Volsteath, and his mind hearing out what the brown had to say.

Th'dis, for his part, nodded to the new arrivals by way of greeting before turning back to K'mar, "That's true. Guiyath's gonna' be a lot of hide to wash. But it doesn't matter, cause he's mine. I look forward to riding. We'd have our whole lives to do that, but I still look forward to it."

He chuckled, a rare event for the naturally expressionless boy. His bucket was nearly filled already: a few more good slices would finish it. Spending three turns in the kitchens could really teach you how to fillet and handle a meat stack, even if your arms were not half-developed enough to do it as well as the grown cooks.

Guiyath, to his credit, made an attempt to catch the slippery meaning that he sensed only too well behind Volsteath's mention of "friend", with the result that he got nothing as his powerful thoughts simply obliterated the brown's implications. He was on his guard already, and had been so throughout their conversation, and this only served to strengthen his resolve for wariness. Yet he needed no understanding of meanings underlying words to grasp that Volsteath meant to use him if he could. That was clear enough from the brown's statement about advantages. The other dragonet would only be on his side so long as an offer could be made to his benefit. Guiyath had no qualms about that: he intended to do some using, too, for the good of his rider and himself.

Yes, a voice like chipped marble stone answered Volsteath, So will Th'dis. Friends are important.

His head flicked to gaze at the brown, eyes whirling the pale orange of hunger, Indeed. It is good that you see things that way. Because, well, lets say I would enjoy crushing the one who ousts me. Especially...were he a brown.

Eyes the hue of pale fire locked into Volsteath's, accentuated by the reddish brows of the powerful bronze dragonet, It will be advantageous so long as we can agree on that.

In such manner the warning was delivered, with a calm frame of mind and a tone of rock that left no doubt of its sincerity.

[Invisible]

It was not so much that Volsteath was not aware of more of his clutchsibs entering the immediate area as he was not interested in speaking to them. He paid attention as best he could around conversation and gnawing hunger to who seemed to be close to whom. As K’mar was nearly finished with his bucket of meat he sent a more urgent hunger to his rider. Ok, ok, Volsteath. I’m almost done. Satisfied that he would eat soon the brown turned his mind back to the crushing bronze near him. K’mar was content, it would seem, to just work in companionable silence near Th’dis. There was little else he could think of to say to the other weyrling.

Friends then[/color] Volsteath told the bronze with a leak of amusement to cover his normally secretive voice. Without us they would likely not be so. It will be work to accomplish it.[/color] For the warning given so strongly there was just an amplified amusement from the brown. The hidden celebration hinted at in his tone swelled for a moment. My desire is not to be crushed by one such as you, mighty Guiyath.[/color] How sincere he could sound when he wanted to. There was no way to doubt his words when he spoke thus. It was easy now because it was the truth. He had no desire for the bronze and his rider to interfere with whatever plans he might make. Best to get on his good side now. Who knew where it would take him? And K’mar who would come along for the ride.

[dragon]

Greetings Xyruth. The blue greeted his clutchsibling of same color. Paleoth then turned his gaze to Runimeth. Yes, it is a pleasant day. But T'rad is being slow today. I don't think he agrees. The blue clearly let him hear the conversation with the brown.

T'rad gave a mental sigh and was tempted to roll his eyes, but that'd be much too visible. How his dragon could impulsively say such things was beyond him. It wasn't so much he disagreed that it was a bad day that it was Paleoth's mood changed his. T'rad decided to not pay attention to Paleoth's conversations as much as he could. He looked down into the bucket, it was getting there but he still had some cutting to do. As another slab of cut meat hit the bucket, T'rad turned to acknowledge H'tio's nod. He decided to take the oppurtunity to talk to him, atleast for a moment. T'rad knew he would have to get to know and get along with the rest of the weyrlings and so far he didn't seem to have a real connection with any of them, unlike how some had. K'mar or Th'dis seemed to have the same idea as the two talked. "Hello H'tio. Your Runimeth is looking fine and healthy today", T'rad greeted and complimented.

Paleoth watched as Runimeth ate. This only furthered Paleoth's aggitation at T'rad. Look! Runimeth's bonded fed his! Hurry up so you can feed yours!", the dragonet said hurridly at his bonded to speed him along. T'rad simply rolled his eyes and looked at the bucket. I feed you a piece and that will hush you up long enough for me to finish? The dragonet agreed to this and T'rad threw him a piece that Paleoth chewed and swallowed with angst. Slow down Paleoth. You'll kill yourself eating like that. T'rad scolded his dragon, hoping the blue wouldn't choke.

[Selvagem]

H'tio & Runimeth
Runimeth, chewing his meat placidly and thoroughly as H'tio had instructed him, turned to glance at the blue dragonet who had addressed him, I don't believe your T'rad is the only one being slow, Paleoth. Thus far all the boys I have observed have been slow, a tad clumsy even, with the exception of Guiyath's. But they say that he was raised in a kitchen, and learned there.

H'tio, for his part, chuckled as he listened in on their conversation through Runimeth's mind. It still amazed him how much he could hear and see, feel and smell, through a dragonet's senses. The world had suddenly expanded...no, it had exploded, and now offered avenues of awareness he had never seen before. Jh'na, he knew, felt the same way. They had talked about it in the nights, when the dragonets were sleeping and all the world was still. He smiled as he resumed his cutting and turned to T'rad.

"Thanks, T'rad. Your Paleth is in good shape. And I wouldn't worry about your speed if I were you: all the dragonets complain."

H'tio my lad, Runimth rumbled, I don't think that is a fair statement.

Of course, H'tio grinned at the brown, All except you, marvellous Rune. Here, have another piece before I start cutting again.

The dragonet took the meat with a warble of contentment, eyes whirling blue, My eternal gratitude. You are indeed a remarkable choice I have made.

---

Jh'na & Mirabeth
In a secluded corner well away from the others, Mirabeth ate slowly and daintily, and Jh'na watched her as he had never tired of watching her eat. He admired the line of her head and neck, the soft motions of her jaw as she chewed, the light flashing her throat as she swallowed. She was a work of living art, his Mirabeth, and he felt glad again for the ritual he had delibately put himself to do through at the Touching to ensure he Impressed. Superstition, some might call it, but it really worked. Greenriders, he knew, were not the most valued of riders in a Weyr, but that reality had yet to hit him with any force. For the moment, he was simply entranced by his dragonet.

Don't stare, Jh'na, you begin to embarress me.

Ah, my apologies bright green lady, he turned to look at the others, hand still lifted and offering the next ball of meat, Is this better?

Very much, thank you.

That's great, Jh'na watched the blues and their weyrlings taking their turn at the meat stacks idly, wishing wistfully that he were amongst them. Sitting alone at one corner was...strange to him. He knew H'tio could have done it easily, and did do it regularly for hours on end when he was studying Healing, but Jh'na much preferred to be in a group at any time.

You have me, am I not enough?

Of course, bright lady, he smiled as he turned back to stroke the elegent jaw with his free hand, But imagine how much more pleasent it would be with some company.

You are a strange boy, yet I chose you, the green finished her mouthful and took the next lump from his hand, Well, Mine, if you really want it...I guess it won't hurt to have some company. It is getting rather quiet here.

Jh'na smiled, You are wonderfully strange too, in your own way. I'll invite some over.

Turning to the rest, he hollared loud enough to be heard, but below the volume that might anger an authority figure hanging around, "Oy! Lots of space here if you're done with your bucket-filling. No need to cluster around there."

Jh'na! That'll bring the whole pack over!

Oops, sorry!

---

Th'dis & Guiyath
Th'dis, like K'mar, was content to work in companionable silence and to listen in on Guiyath's conversation with Volsteath. He was a boy of few words himself, and far preferred to be quiet when he didn't have anything important to say. He was not the chatty sort. Yet it struck him as remarkable that he would be comfortable around the older boy. Just less than a sevenday ago he would not have thought it possible. He listened in on Guiyath and Volsteath's conversation.

That is well, the bronze kept his fiery-framed gaze on Volsteath, even as the pressure of his mind lifted intensified, then suddenly lifted, Do not think though, that fine speech will save you if that occurs. But I think you are more than what you seem. Indeed there will be work, but the benefits are for both of us to reap. Let us eat now, we may converse again after.

The bronze dragonet withdrew from Volsteath's thoughts to muse with only his weyrling privy to his meditations. The brown's reaction of amplified amusement to his warning had puzzled and then angered him at first, but a quick intervention by his rider checked his anger. This was not the time or place to get angry, and an outburst would only play to the brown's advantage. Th'dis was already forming his own opinions of Volsteath. This brown dragonet would not be cowed, not even by a larger, more powerful bronze. And he was a mighty flatterer, even if Guiyath flushed pleasure to hear his words. There were merits in Volsteath's abilities, but there demerits as well. He tapped at his dragonet's mind.

Consider: you have great power, my mighty bronze, but that brown is really slippery like an eel-fish, and very cunning. It's best to handle him carefully.

The bronze dragonet turned back to watching his weyrling cut the final slices of meat. Blunt, brutish and young though he might be, Guiyath was no fool, and his anger cooled as he understood his weyrling's words. He thought back on his brief exchange with Volsteth.

True, he conceded, He will be a slippery ally at best, and a cunning foe to contend with. While I don't doubt myself to be a deadly enemy too, you have a point. He may be more trouble than he is worth.

But he can still be useful, Th'dis finished his cutting and put back knife and scrapped bone. His mind was moving fast, He will be a lot of fuss to get rid of, I know that's what you're considering. Why not start on friendly terms, and keep it light first. Opportunity may still come later.

It is well-said, the bronze rumbled as he followed his weyrling, hauling the bucket away to make space for others at the meat stack. Despite Mirabeth's fears, the pair did not move over to her. Th'dis held up a palm in polite refusal as they found their own corner relatively near to the rest of the group, We will leave it as it is now, and see how it works out.

Aye, Th'dis nodded politely to the blue weyrlings who had just arrived, T'nur and T'rad both. He balled up a lump of meat and presented it to Guiyath, Now, my mighty bronze, food first.

[Invisible]

Since the hatching K’mar had learned that his brown would always want a little bit more. So even though he had been chopping before the others he was not the first to finish. Not just because of his lousy knife skills, but because Volsteath refused to be satisfied unless he knew his bucket was a little more full than all the others. While he finished up Volsteath finished listening to what Guiyath had to say. He didn’t bother with a farewell since the bronze had already left the conversation. Instead he directed his attention to his rider. That went well[/color] he informed K’mar who was wiggling fingers to bring life back to them after the knife. Did it? K’mar asked back as he hefted the bucket.

The brown’s answer was stopped by Jh’na’s invitation and without waiting to see what his rider would want to do he made his way to where the green was. Good day again, Mirabeth[/color] he said to her with a pleasant host sort of tone. I shall eat here if that is to your liking?[/color] Because, his tone implied, if she wanted him gone he would love to do nothing more than take himself away. He watched the green with whirling hungry eyes while K’mar trudged over to him. Jh’na got a nod of greeting as the bucket was set down. Why are we here? he asked Volsteath. Because, K’mar it is never too early to make connections. Mirabeth and hers could be quite useful to us when we are grown.[/color] Refusing to consider all the implications of that statement K’mar just took out a hunk of meat and offered it to Volsteath. To his surprise the brown did not immediately take it. Instead he watched the green. Are you ok? I am fine. I am waiting to see if she minds us here. It will be no problem to move. Although…I am very hungry. I hope she answers soon.[/color]