Chop, chop (Open, weyrlings especially)

[neopanther]

Ez’ki looked up, it would seem Salina graced herself as their level now, was she honestly suggesting perhaps it would be her who done a ruthless thing to keep them all asleep for an hour or two longer. He was just about to snap back a retort, opening his mouth before shutting it again, he had planned to comment upon how J‘fel must know that they were kind of close, and that Ez’ki would then be seen as the perpetrator, or the influence. However, was that true anymore?

Sad? Oh! Yes, yes as is mine, I think I said that, but oh well, yes, I agree I think they are both being wherry headed, mine being incredibly so, but then who is to tell him not to be something that his naturally? The blue chuckled. He turned upon himself catching a bite of meat from the bucket before turning back to Deoneth, he nudged her shoulder with his nose
playfully.

We have grown! I hope to be big, you wait, I’ll be the first blue to grow larger than a bronze. His senseless ambition sprouting once more. He sat down, humming to himself proudly.

I know I’ll be fine, Mine would never see harm done to me, nor I to him, so we will be safe. He flexed his claws in what was supposed to be a menacing way, but with eyes whirring pleasant blues, and vivid greens, he looked nothing but endearingly silly.

Ez’ki smirked at what Z’dayi had done, but he somehow felt a little subdued since Salina entered the conversation. As though he was almost withdrawing from said conversation, almost.
“Mmm, nice try, but I think I’dalyn might just realise that that is in fact a piece of meat and that you didn’t have eleven digits to start with.” Ez’ki turned his tone to a slow almost monotone, as though trying to reason with the retarded, as he spoke to Z’dayi, a grin lining his features as she finished.

It was then he let that grin fade, as he addressed Salina, “I’m not sure that would be an appropriate thing for a junior Weyrwoman, though my opinions mean nothing, even if they are far from to your detriment.” His tone was cold. It was quite amazing how he could change so swiftly, from the man who could mess around with the boys, and have a laugh and a joke as well as anybody, to someone so cold, rigid, and withdrawn.

Mine! Stop being so stubborn, you foolish wherry, Deoneth’s is only trying to initiate a conversation. Which! Might I remind you, is a great deal more than what you’re doing.[/i] the blue said privately to his bonded, anger flourishing in his voice, eyes whirring a little faster, streaks of anger tarnishing their previously perfect colour.
Well so she should! It would be her place to apologise, not mine. Ez’ki almost growled back to his young bonded, who mentally retreated from Ez’ki, as though scorned. His tail and head dropped a little, Ez’ki looked at the blue. The flame haired teen, knew he was stubborn, and that his pride stood in his way, a great deal, but, that was just who he was, and it would take a sharding lot more than that to get him to bow; I didn’t mean that towards you. I’m sorry Xyruth, I know I’m stubborn, I know it’s beyond the stubbornness of a burdened herdbeast, He sighed, I, just wouldn’t know where to start. Forgive me Xyruth?

The blue turned from the golden queen, stood beside his bonded, eyes looking up at the young weyrling.
I don’t think it is I you should search for forgiveness with Ez’ki-mine.[/i] The blue nudged his bonded’s knee with his nose, mentally he talked to Deoneth straight afterwards,
I think mine is too stubborn for this
Returning his thoughts to His, Mine, if you can ask me for forgiveness why cannot you ask her?[/i] The Blue’s tone quiet, though again his distraction fell into place, snapping up a few of the last pieces of meat. I think I would like to be oiled, by tail is itching.[/i] Ez’ki smiled, a quick glance towards Salina displayed how he felt regarding the matter, before his attentions fell back to his bonded, Ez’ki rubbed the little blue’s eye ridges, the creature crooning softly in response.

The young rider felt he was not the one who should be apologising, but then, he was the elder of the two, and despite him not being in the wrong as far as she thought, it could be best that he just ‘manned up’ and talked to her, after all, why would he forsake a friendship like theirs, over J’fel? What worth was J’fel to Ez’ki? None? Yes, that sounded about appropriate.

But perhaps a few more minutes just to settle his mind a bit more wouldn’t kill either of them.

[Xinnai]

Salina wasn't sure what she should do at that moment, finding the male bonding moment-Z'dayi to Ez'ki-rather irritating, but enjoyable nonetheless. Action was decided for her as laughter burst from her mouth, soft and trilling and full of her apparent amusement as she shook her head at the impudent bronzerider, smile flashing warm and genuine. She was Salina, bonded of Deoneth, once more.

"Oh, well...let me see. May as well be a pinky, if only to make it look rather even." She winked, though she watched Ez'ki carefully from the corner of one eye, still catching the other weyrling's rather gruesome show. How was he going to take this? Coldly, it appeared, his words clearly in reference to their argument. His words to Z'dayi had been almost sweltering from heat in comparison. She felt the rejection lash against her, brutally strong for something so small, though she kept her face carefully cheerful.

"We'd have no need of the meat if I were to cut off a finger, whether it were appropriate for a junior weyrwoman or not." Her grin flashed wickedly, eyes holding Ez's solidly as she brought her knife down, acting out the scene, the knife just touching her skin before she laughed, shaking back her hair. "I think we'd all find it quite handy."

Deoneth did not find herself getting caught up in the blue's energy like her rider did with his. Or had. She was like a rock within the storm, though she was feeling far from complacent. He did turn a certain switch within someone.

They both are. I do not see why they do not just get over it and forget. They should be able to. She heaved a mental sigh and then watched Xyruth as he bumped her shoulder, feeling affection for the little blue; tenuous, but there.

I think you could try but I think it is better to be you. Try to be the best and strongest blue you can be and do not measure yourself up to others. You are you and I am me. Mine is her and Yours is him. We can't be one another.[/color] Pleased with this logic, the gold sent another considering glance towards Volsteath before dismissing him. She turned back to the blue before her, eyes wheeling with humor.

I can protect you too. He cannot take on me![/color] She shifted, hunching down defensively, her already lithe hunter's muscles rippling beneath her shining hide, striking a much more fearsome pose than the scatter-brained blue had. But only if it comes down to it.

Deo watched, confused for a moment as Xyruth seemed to grow angry, before realizing it was because of his Mine. She watched dragon and then rider for a moment, great opal eyes shifting from them before her head was bobbing in what could only be construed as a nod.

Mine is trying, but Yours does not seem to want to. She is stubborn too but she misses Yours. I do not understand why. She has me but she still misses Yours. It hurts her when he won't speak or look at her. It hurts her very much.

Deo turned, wings flaring slightly, her sinuous neck twisting to allow her to look over her shoulder, eyes hooked to Salina's. Immediately, the girl was bending down, eyes meeting eyes, her face concerned only for her bonded.

What's the matter, darling? Are you hungry? Do you itch? I'll take care of it. She reached out, scratching at the gold's eye ridge comfortingly, eyes worried as they looked over the fast-growing queen, who had even more mass today than she had even the day before. Nothing seemed to be the matter.

No. I just wish that you did not hurt so much for Xyruth's Mine. I am here, your Deoneth is here, so you do not need anyone else. But you feel like you do and I do not understand.

Salina knelt, ignoring all manner of things scattered across the floor, only thinking of soothing and comforting her other half as she stroked both hands down the gold's neck and shoulders, eyes meeting her, shocked and ashamed.

Oh no, darling, no. I could never need anyone but you. You've been the best thing to happen to me. But Ez'ki-Xyruth's rider-he and I were very good friends. Kind of like you and Xyruth are getting to be? And we had our fight and I'm trying to make amends but I don't know exactly how. We're both very stubborn.

I've noticed. Deoneth's tone was unintentionally wry before she rubbed her wedge-shaped head against Salina's chest, almost knocking the girl to the ground. The queen had grown much bigger. The blonde merely smiled and hugged the gold gently before pulling back. When she spoke, it was soft.

"Would you like to eat?"
I am ready now. The weyrwoman stood as Deoneth turned back to Xyruth, determined. And when she got determined, there was nothing that could shake her. She looked back at her rider, who was offering meat and looked back at the blue.

Our Mines need to make up. This isn't right.[/color]

[blueaid]

Z'dayi laid that fake-finger on the fringe of the table and chop-chop-chopped it into smaller chunks, then from chunks into a bloody pulp; even if it had been a finger, it wouldn't be recognizable as such in its current barely-chunky, mostly-liquid state. Not even food at this point, just a mess on the edge of the table, he scooped it off with the broad side of the knife, by way of his messy palm, and dumped it on top of Tremaith's pile o' chunks. Kind of like meat-zest. His hand left a smear across his tunic when he wiped it and turned, eyes demonic, toward Salina with her laughter.

"You'll be known across Pern as the nine-fingered weyrwoman. They'll write ballads of you. Now come here..." He reached even, toward the goldrider, like he would catch her hand and do away with the superfluous digit right then and there. But, before there was time for much reaction, Tremaith intervened with a pointed impression. A sense of the absurd. The idea of the line, and Z'dayi juuuuust about to cross it.

The recently wielded knife landed with a clatter at the edge of the table and Z'dayi could only shrug apologetically at Salina, then at Ez'ki. "Not allowed to take up butchering, so says Tremaith. Haveta find someone else to hack off your fingers, little goldrider."

His eyes landed levelly on Ez'ki for a moment longer than glibly necessary. "Though seems more like you two're at each others' cold-shoulders than throats." Nonchalant, uninvolved despite being pointed, the bronzerider moved away to assuage Tremaith's offended sensibilities with morsels of meat.

[neopanther]

Her eyes held his, but his held nothing but cold disregard. The joker in him perked as he heard her words, he couldn’t resist, and the words had escaped him before he had a chance to curtail then. “find it quite handy, eh? Very funny miss,” A humoured jibe in her general direction, a taste of their former friendship, before it was revoked, and Ez’ki shied away again.
Mine... please? Ez’ki chose to ignore his little one’s request.

No, I think mine is being beyond stubborn now, he is just being stupid. The blue’s confusion fuzzed around his head like a static shock, But, Deoneth, I know I am me, but I am just saying that this me will be a big me His tone gave off happiness, and frivolity. I would never wish to be you, nor Tremaith, nor even Volsteath, because then Mine wouldn’t be mine, even if he is as blastedly stubborn as he is.

The blue watched as she pulled her fearsome pose, ,a great deal better that what he had shown. I think any dragon would be a fool to argue with you... I’d not like to see you angry. His words were as close to timid as they could probably get. The blue shifted his wings impatiently; he could not sit still if he was offered an ultimate prize. It was just his nature to be fidgety.

The blue looked at Deoneth, eyes whirring peacefully, I think Mine would like to make up with Yours, but I think his... pride has been a little battered, through whatever had happened, and well, I think he’s still licking his wounds. The blue looked over at his bonded, a small amount of pity waivered over their mental link.

What is it Xyruth? What are you and the Queen talking about? Ez’ki said, almost as though using an appropriate ranking pronoun, and not saying Deoneth’s name would make it a little easier to accept that his and her bonded we still close to them.
Nothing Ez’ki-mine, just about or clutch siblings, and what we think of each of them. The blue lied faultlessly. It was only because he did not wish for his bonded to think he was conspiring against him. For Ez’ki could presume that rather quickly if he knew what they were conversing over.

Hmm? Yes, make up, they do, I think it would be best to leave it out of a public situation though, mine will be able to redirect his conversations, he’s even doing it now, see, he’s pulling from Z’dayi... Perhaps it would be best if they met, and he was effectively cornered. Then perhaps they will straighten out the creases in their friendship. The Blue purred, happy that his plan sounded quite feasible.

Ez’ki wondered what the blue had really been talking about , he could sense a little dishonesty about the blue, but he could not pin down quite as to why the creature would lie. Surely it would not be over his and Salina’s former, and now broken friendship? The blue wouldn’t even care about that. Ez’ki drew a canister of the oil he would use for his bonded, feeling his little one’s irritation worsen.

“You can certainly use a knife can’t you Z’dayi?” He stated almost rhetorically, eyes darting momentarily to the mess Z’dayi had made, before the boy quickly shed the best part of it onto Tremaith’s food, wiping the remnants into a rather ghastly mess on his clothing. Ez’ki unwittingly let his distaste show, looking from the red stain up to Z’dayi’s face, before shaking his head and turning back to the task at hand.

[Xinnai]

"Oh yes." She let out another little laugh as she returned to her station, brushing her hands absently across the pants she wore. She could never get used to the things, having worn skirts for the entirety of her life. But they weren't practical now. "Salina, the nine-fingered Weyrwoman at Telgar!" She raised both hands, fingers wriggling before she picked up her knife.

She glanced over at Ez, her eyes horribly hopeful for one second as he caught her at the pun she hadn't even intended to make. She felt the hope rise and then crumble to smithereens as he quickly withdrew. She glanced back at her table, staring sightlessly at the rather gruesome meat still designated to her.

She looked rather like Z'dayi now, the knees and calves of her pants stained slightly with blood. Oh well. It couldn't be helped. She offered the meat to Deoneth, who turned to take it, not quite snapping it up because she was better than that, but she was close.

As she chewed, she spoke again with Xyruth, that determination still there. She wasn't going to let this go. They are both being stubborn. And stupid. She stretched, shoulders rolling. She glanced quickly at the blue, baffled and amused. Yes, you are right...she conceded, But if you are trying to be the size of a larger dragon, are you being you? Are are you trying to be like them but in you form?

She took another piece of meat from Salina, who looked over at the two boys who she'd joined in with, her face entirely devious as she chopped another piece of meat and tossed it onto the mountain she had formed. "Well...If Tremaith says so, I guess you can't then." She tossed the bronze a look of mild affection and then shrugged, turning towards them, leaning against her station and gesturing with her knife as she spoke.

"But, what if I could do it? Pinkies don't take much effort. Just a quick chop and you're done." She spoke not as if she were talking of chopping up fingers, but discussing the weather or a previous lesson. "Even then, considering rank, maybe if I were to slice off just a little we might be granted a little leniency. You know, just the first digit or something." She had ignored the bronzerider's carefully aimed jibe, glancing over at Ez'ki slightly, but the bluerider appeared to be unconcerned.

Deoneth sighed. I think both their prides have been hurt. Mine doesn't like that Yours doubted that she could make a decision for herself. Mine is very good at that.[/i] The gold defended her rider, though she thought that Salina was just as much at fault as Xyruth's red-haired Mine.

She accepted another bit of meat, chewing thoughtfully, her eyes carefully pensieve. Her Mine couldn't know what she was planning. She wouldn't be angry, but she would tell her that it was none of her business and she could handle herself just fine. But her Mine couldn't...She loved the blue's Mine, not as much as she loved her of course, it wasn't even close, but enough that it hurt her. That was unacceptable.

Yes, I do see...Could you get Yours to go somewhere? Get him to leave here and I'll get Mine to go too. Maybe then we could make them forgive each other? It wasn't the best of plans, but it seemed logical to Deoneth. And the two humans needed to be friends again.

[neopanther]

Ez’ki watched her silently from the corner of his eye, she held hope for the moment he spoke, but she to crashed as he pulled away again. So, she obviously still wanted his friendship. But how could that exist if she wouldn’t listen to him? If she would just throw up walls of iron defence at his opinions, shoving him away like he was worthless. He found himself angering slightly, His jaw clenched and he looked away snappishly, to make sure that he couldn’t look at her, so he couldn’t get any more angry. He could feel his tongue swell in his mouth, a slightly bitter taste forming.

Mine, what is the matter? The feelings and the general strength of Ez’ki’s emotions were lapsing over their mental bridge, confusing the blue’s feelings, his eyes colouring slightly with anger in the reproach of his bonded’s
Nothing. Ez’ki said in an effort to placate his bonded.
You cannot hide it from me Ez’ki love. It’s her isn’t it? Deoneth’s?[/i] Ez’ki gave a mental grunt of neither acceptance nor denial, but that was proof enough for the young blue.

I think you should talk to Hers. For, you two are rotting without each other, Deoneth’s tells me it is so also with Hers.[/i] The blue walked over to his mine, bumped his head affectionately against Ez’ki’s hip, looking up at his bonded, trying to comfort him as best he could.

He began to aim his thoughts at Deoneth once more. I shall, I think we shall go now, do not follow us for a while if you don’t mind; I feel it will get worse with mine, if you don’t let him calm himself first. Turning his attentions once more to Ez’ki who was tightening the lid of the oil canister with a white knuckled grasp. Bangles clanging about as he did so. A certain Blue ceramic one forgotten in his mind joining in, in the musical collisions.

Mine, I think we should go for a walk, how about to the hill, in the Weyrbowl? It is pretty there... and the sun will be out.[/i] He knew how to get his bonded’s mind away from his thoughts.

“Fine...” He said, his voice sounded taught, fraught even, as though he were overstretched, but it was his anger, it removed his eloquence with lightning quick speed. He could feel hi entire body almost rigid in comparison to its usual fluidity.

“I’ll see you all later.” He forced, along with a smile to his other weyrling companions, before placing away the last few pieces of his attire, and heading for the door. Mentally cursing himself.

We will be in the Weyrbowl, though give us time if you please. And, just, by the way, of course I would still be me, I am the grandest of all in our company, save for yourself. The Blue dragon gave a flash of his bonded’s confidence, though out shone the flame haired teen with regard to his ambition. The blue walked after his bonded, trotting away, weaving about the male’s legs as they went, trying to slowly ebb away the anger that was pending somewhere in Ez’ki’s system.

[blueaid]

Crouching, his arm flung across the tattered-cape shoulders of his dragon, Z'dayi assumed a languid posture, one of decided disinterest in the mute quarrel between Salina and Ez'ki. His schooled expression maintained the certainty that this was none of his business. The flash of disappointment that shone in his normally merry, normally lazy eyes belied his efforts.

But he said no more to the matter. His efforts to draw out their poisoned friendship were rebuffed, and he moved along conversationally without retracing the subject. "Nah," he began in answer to Ez'ki. "Just got the hang of hacking meat real quick. Too bad it ain't a marketable skill outside the barracks, huh?"

Tremaith didn't bother with feigned disinterest. His keen eyes went steadily between gold and blue, and he radiated a feeling open to them both-- A sense of silliness, of the comical childishness of two people who can't just confront things. And then the overwhelming sense of surety that Z'dayi would take the bull by the horns!

[Xinnai]

Salina ignored Ez'ki, slightly tight-lipped as she finished butchering the last of her meat, finishing with a small sigh for a job well done. She eyed the veritable mountain beside her doubtfully. Would Deoneth really eat that much? Surely she couldn't...

Deoneth, for her part, was not thinking about food, but rather putting her rider before the neccessity for perhaps the first time in her young life. She watched, deciding to remain quiet as anger swirled once more within the blue's expressive eyes. It would be His that upset him.

At his words, she put forward a feeling of consent, slightly absentminded as she realized just how empty her stomach was. She twisted about, hide picking up light from the glows as she did. Her tail flicked once and was still.

That will be fine. I will get Mine out there once I am done eating. Certain pleasure was contained in the fact as she butted at Salina, head bumping against her demandingly now that she had conceeded to the need to eat.

Salina nodded vaguely at the bluerider as he exited, forcing herself to think of his rank rather than her comfortable nickname. It seemed there was no hope to salvage their friendship then. She felt a burning in her throat and decided to laugh at Z'dayi's comment rather than give in to the tears she felt threatening. She was stronger than that and she still had her control, her serenity. She wrapped that about herself like a stole as she answered the bronzerider.

"Too bad indeed. Of course, Z'dayi, if you ever feel like giving up life at the Weyr, I'm sure you'd be accepted as a butcher at the Hold. Why, your skills are extraordinary!" She chuckled once more before she began to feed Deoneth, who sent one last thought after the blue.

We will be there. Calm your rider down first. Let him vent what he needs to and tell me when he's done. We will be there. She was so sure of her couse of action as she smoothly directed her thoughts towards Tremaith. He was such an interesting creature...pushing feelings and images on rather than the loose words that most did. Deoneth found it intriguing.

Yes,[/color] she agreed, are right. They are both acting very childish and humoressly. Yours has helped greatly for Mine though. She knows others recognize it now. Perhaps things shall be better soon.

With that, the little gold settled back comfortably to her meal, feeling quietly pleased with the day's work. She was socializing with those in the Weyr, in her Weyr, as she quietly thought of it. It was the other queen's more, but it was hers too and she would protect it zealously. Such as getting Hers and Xyruth's on good terms once more. That was important. Speaking with Tremaith was important too.

[Selvagem]

(OOC> Sorry for this uber delay everyone )


H'tio
H'tio nodded wryly at T'rad's comment on K'mar, a crooked grin turning his lips as he took care not to glance in the other brown weyrling's direction. He sliced down the final bits of meat into his bucket and knocked the tough bone back to the stack for the drudges to clear.

"Aye, you're right about that," his voice was carefully soft, for T'rad's ears only, "Still...Jh'na's my friend. T'wouldn't be fair to leave him with that one like that. You go with me to join them?"

Runimeth warbled a gentle yet cheery greeting to Deoneth as she entered, before turning back to Paleoth with his eyes whirling cheerfully, All our weyrlings have slow days, I would think, just as we dragons do. My H'tio isn't the most playful, I would admit, but he is the sort of boy to be such, quiet yet honest. Yet Your weyrling does come across as a very playful and adventurous sort, if I were to go by your description.

---

Jh'na
Mirabeth thrilled softly with delight at the brown's courteous manner, her head and neck arching coyly as she looked back at him. Not that she knew what it meant to be coy, even: she simply felt flattered, and acted out her feelings, much to the dismay of her weyrling. Jh'na recognized the green's actions only too well. He had seen human girls look at him that way before, not often, but often enough that he was no virgin, and the thought of his lifemate becoming so comfortable with this brown was...disconcerting.

Oh Volsteath, you are indeed kind! she took his cue and ate too, and if the sight of his greedy bolting of meat offended her senses, she gave no hint of it, It is not often that one finds such a polite male. Perhaps Runimeth and you might be friends, you are both so courteous. The rest of our brothers might be cads, for all they behave.

Jh'na, already uncomfortable with K'mar and getting more terse by the minute, was beginning to wish he had never wished for more company at this feeding. He smiled cordially as the brown weyrling finally spoke, and chuckled nervously.

"Aye, yes, you had great faith indeed. If anything, you have won this place rightly."

He blinked at K'mar's next comment on his green, and the nervousness almost became open panic. Was there some conspiracy here to get at his green...and him? He grinned, tensely, and nodded.

"Thanks. I thought so too. Still can't believe she chose me, haha."

He wished, urgently, that someone else would turn up. Now.

---

Th'dis
Guiyath watched the gold dragonet enter the room, and even as he ate his eyes rarely left her. He did not stare at her directly, of course, that wouldn't do - but he kept track of her movements discreetly, sometimes through an odd glance, othertimes through his weyrling's eyes. Th'dis felt amusement flood him at his bronze's rapt attention, but it was until a careless reach for the meat in his palm nearly nipped him before he spoke.

Careful, you'll take my hand off.

Sorry, Guiyath bumped his weyrling lightly on the shoulder with his snout, Th'dis, she is so beautiful.

I know, he could practically feel the dragonet's attraction to the gold coursing through him. No doubt about that, certainly, I never understood why bronzes feel so deeply for golds.

It is mutual, the bronze snorted, You will know when I fly.

Aye, which will be some turns yet.

Turns that will be spent in growing and learning, the bronze had lifted his head and was watching Deoneth openly, I will greet her.

His mind, as it opened to the gold dragonet, was like smooth, polished stone - curved marble that was hard to the touch yet held the cool feel of solidity, and strength, Greetings, Deoneth. Good feeding to you.

[Invisible]

Volsteath was not interested in Mirabeth for any reason he might be as they matured. But it certainly seemed that way since he did his best to take as much space as possible around her to fend off any others who might come too close. But, not even the possible displeasure of such as her would keep him from eating his fill. As he swallowed another piece of meat freshly butchered he spoke again. It is quite impossible to be anything but kind to you, Mirabeth. You have such a future ahead of you and I would be most delighted if our paths might cross regularly.[/color] He let a bit of wistfulness play through as he spoke. As if he desired nothing more for his future but that they might be friends. Surely Mirabeth would want to be a gun moll, yes? When she brought up their clutchsibs he did not even spare a glance for the others feeding. They are not like me[/color] he stated with just a hint of something in his tone that implied she was not like them either. It was a subtle flattery. Best not to seem eager.

Only vaguely aware of what Volsteath was up to it was still hard for K’mar to carry on a conversation that neither party seemed to want to have. It took a moment for him to think he might know what was bothering the boy and then he looked away, nearly hitting Volsteath with his next piece of meat when the looking away jerked his hand slightly. The brown pretended not to notice and carried on with his meal. “Umm. I don’t mean anything by it. And they’re too young. You know. Shells. I don’t think it’s like that.” Lower, under his breath, he muttered, “It’s not like I want to think of that.”

[dragon]

T'rad, done with cutting the meat, starting feeding Paleoth as H'tio spoke. He knew Paleoth was all too eager to finally be able to eat his meal in full. Careful Paleoth. Remember to chew your food rather than inhale it. You'll enjoy the flavor and texture better that way.

Paleoth grasped the piece of meat between his teeth and looked up at T'rad curiously before he began chewing. Why do you say these things T'rad? I just want the food in my stomach to stop the weird feelings I get. T'rad simply grinned and shook his head. Trust me on this Paleoth. Quality over quantity. You'll enjoy your meals better this way and you'll allow the food to settle and fill you. Otherwise you're likely to throw it back up and that's a mess I don't want to clean again. Paleoth looked a bit embarrassed. It wouldn't be the first or even second time T'rad would have to clean up such a mess.

T'rad turned his attention back to H'tio as he handed Paleoth another piece of meat. "I suppose you are right. I'll follow your lead then, brave H'tio", T'rad chuckled at his own words softly so as not to draw the attention of anyone. Paleoth simply shook his head. His bonded was so silly sometimes, he thought to himself as he swallowed down another piece of meat. He had to admit though, T'rad was right. He enjoyed the meal alot better when he was taking the time to chew it and taste it. He likely would have never known what meat really tasted like if T'rad hadn't lectured him.

Done with the meat he was chewing on, he turned his head to face Runimeth again. T'rad should take you and yours with me to play then. Paleoth was bold in his suggestion but T'rad wasn't paying much attention at the moment. He did, however, manage to casually grab yet another piece of meat to hand to Paleoth, which the blue took graciously and took the time to taste and enjoy. Once Paleoth was done he spoke to Runimeth yet again. T'rad can be very fun, except when he's sleeping. He's so noisey and moves around too much, yet his eyes never open and he never moves from his bed. Except when he falls off of it, then that can be pretty fun. The bulky blue gave his take on his bonded who was now paying attention to the conversation. The poor weyrling felt like smacking his head but knew that would just raise questions. Paleoth did have a tendancy to run off at the mouth, especially when he was excited or happy about something. T'rad decided not to scold his blue, his good mood deciding to let it go.

[Selvagem]

H'tio and Jh'na
H'tio smiled wryly at his companion's remarks, balling up another round stash of meat for Runimeth as he picked up the bucket. He heard everything that Paleoth said through his brown's mind, and much as he enjoyed the feeling of connection that the mental bond gave him, he was aware of T'rad's discomfort as well. His voice was soft as he replied.

"Ha, brave indeed. I just don't like leaving my friend in tight places, is all. And don't worry about falling off the bed - my younger siblings used to do that all the time. Come then."

He offered the meat to Runimeth, who took it happily as the boy closed hands over his bucket and lifted it with him as he began the walk to Jh'na and K'mar. The brown dragonet turned back to look at Paleoth as they walked, chewing slowly and steadily as H'tio had often told him to.

Oh, I daresay he will soon, the brown's tone was soft and eloquent, But you know, my H'tio can be so reticent sometimes, though he is a fair and sound lad as he is. He just doesn't say all that much, though I would encourage him to, and some things should really be spoken up for. Falling off a bed is not something he has ever done before of course, as far as I know, but in that case perhaps something can be done for the condition of our barracks' beds: someone may be hurt someday, you never know.

The brown dragonet stemmed his speech only as they reached Mirabeth's side, Oh, good day again Mirabeth, Volsteath. We've come to join you.

H'tio dumped his bucket beside Jh'na and nodded with a smile to K'mar as he began balling up the next piece of meat for Runimeth. The green weyrling was clearly relieved at their arrival - it meant he would not have to comment in return on K'mar's remark, which he hadn't any inkling of how to answer, at any rate. Mirabeth, for her part, warbled her welcome to Runimeth while pointedly ignoring Paleoth.

Good to have you, Runimeth! Volsteath and I were just discussing how thoroughly polite both you and he are, so unlike the other dragonets! Though my Jh'na was being silly and nervous about it, I cannot understand why.

Hush, Mirabeth, you'll understand soon, Jh'na grinned at H'tio and T'rad, "Glad you could join us! Pity they don't share the same mealtimes as us humans, but I guess it's just as well, or we won't be able to stomach anything while watching them eat!"

[dragon]

"Understandable", the boy replied simply. He remembered the days of being a young weyrbrat and how he and his friends, back then, would get in so much trouble and it was often by one prodding another to do something. But T'rad would more than often try to help his friends out of a tight spot, though sometimes T'rad didn't have the same assurance. "Hm. I see your dragon's been letting you in on their conversation as well", T'rad spoke with a sigh. "Paleoth enjoys running off at the mouth, so to speak", he replied to H'tio, explaining his dragonet's actions.

Or T'rad could stop moving so violently in his sleep. But maybe if the beds were a bit wider then he would be less likely to fall off. Yours seems like a quiet, level headed one. T'rad can be too, but he's just not very quiet. Paleoth continued the conversation as he walked beside Runimeth. Already he had taken a liking to his clutchsibling. He was polite and his words sounded very smart and thoughtful. He may not have seemed very playful to Paleoth but the blue wasn't one to be so shallow. Sure, he had his moments but this was not one of them.

T'rad followed behind H'tio and greeted the pair of weyrlings. "K'mar", he nodded politely. "Jh'na", he did the same, nodding politely as he spoke. He then sat and fed Paleoth another piece of meat. The blue took the same steps as last time, carefully chewing his food to both enjoy it and make it easier to swallow. Once he was done he would greet the green. Hello Mirabeth. How are you and yours today? You look well. The mindvoice of the blue was bold and had a commanding depth to it that most blues didn't have. It was one that anyone couldn't help but notice. Though it was so bold, his tone was also very polite to the green. T'rad was taught the ways of how to treat a lady and it was something that he even went over with the curious blue. Now he had the chance to go through what the boy taught him and being polite was key, compliments also helped.

[Xinnai]

Deoneth was lounging, rather sleepy after consuming so much food. But it would be undignified for a queen such as herself to drop into sleep here so she would not. She was holding out rather well too, if she did say so herself. Maw stretched into a yawn as she settled onto the floor; head ducked in between paws to hide it. Well, maybe not. But she'd still not fall asleep here.

When Guiyath spoke with her, pleasure speared up, bright and rich. So many connections, so many dragons. They were hers to look after, to make sure were safe. For now, though, they were her comrades, her companions. It wasn't her duty yet to care for them.

Greetings to you as well, Guiyath. Thank you. It was a good meal. Have you eaten well? There was the metallic ringing in her voice, the whisper gone in her delight. She was vibrant, glowing with it. She loved to speak with her clutch siblings. Time after time, it never failed to please her.

[Selvagem]

H'tio and Jh'na
"Well, I think Rune may do the same soon, as he gets on better with the others," H'tio sighed softly, though he smiled, "It's so strange, living with another ind in yours."

"Maybe," Jh'na chuckled, "But then I find I really like it, it's just...well, cool."

He slipped another slice of meat to Mirabeth, and grinned at T'rad, "So, I see you've met dusty ole' H'tio already. I see you know my name already, though I'm sorry I don't know yours yet. Good to meet you, though."

H'tio snorted as he offered the next ball of meat to Runimeth, '"Huh, dusty indeed! Wait till you hear him snore, T'rad - enough to make anyone fall out of bed!"

While their weyrlings exchanged friendly bickering, Runimeth rumbled softly to Mirabeth, My dear lady of the emerald sails, that certainly ill-befits you. Some of our brothers are fine creatures, not the cads you say them to be.

Mirabeth sniffed daintily through her chewing, I can't help it if they can only behave as they do, Runimeth. I didn't say all of them were like that anyhow, there's you and Volsteath...

She turned to Paleoth as he addressed her, and returned the greeting with a cool hint of satin through her thoughts, Thank you, Paleoth. Well...you seem to prove what Runimeth says. I hope all is well with you and yours too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Th'dis
Guiyath, like the dragonet he was, felt Deoneth's pleasure and mistook it for the thought that she was happy speaking to him. He flared his wings gently over his forelegs, his neck arching to take the meat from Th'dis's hands, and replied with a mindvoice that was not so much rock as it was smooth-hewn stone, elegant with polish.

Yes, indeed I have, Deoneth. It is good to hear that you have too. Mine is steadfast, though he is small. How have your days been?