A Day of Freedom(Open!)

[dragon]

Finally! T'rad thought this to himself as he walked around aimlessly, or so it would seem to others. Chores, lessons, there was nothing left to do at the moment except enjoy the freedom. T'rad was taking Paleoth on yet another 'tour' of the weyr and the pair couldn't be happier. Paleoth's mood was playful, excited, and happy. The blue was a bundle of energy this day, he was usually like this when T'rad would play games with him, or what the blue considered to be games. The mood was reflected back to T'rad who seemed to have a little bounce in his step as he wore quite a smile. Paleoth held himself high and bounced along behind T'rad. After all, the blue was playing follow the leader.

T'rad noted many of the surroundings and people in the bowl. Certain dragonriders, some familiar and some not, walked by amongst the weyrfolk and even the caminar. The boy hoped to see one of his fellow weyrlings that he was on good terms with, but he couldn't see any. Likewise he was also looking for that caminar woman, Aleda, that he had met some time ago when he was still a candidate. But he did not find who he was looking for. Infact he found it strange he hadn't really seen her since before the hatching. He simply shrugged his shoulders and continued to look on amongst the people as he walked by.

Where is our destination now, leadermine? Or are you too busy looking around to remember? T'rad knew the blue was starting to get a bit aggitated at the thought of his game getting interrupted but T'rad would reassure his playful blue. Do not worry love. I'm simply looking to see if I can find any of your fellow clutchsiblings to play along with you. I thought you might enjoy the added company. T'rad smirked, it worked. The blue's mind eased at that thought and was now more excited than ever, if that were possible. Perhaps Runimeth and his will join us? Or another? Or are you hoping for the female? T'rad blinked, perhaps more than was necessary, and became a bit flustered at his bonded's words. He knew exactly what Paleoth was talking about. What?! Where did that come from? I've...never even thought about that-I mean her until now. Besides, it's impossible and I don't really care about that sort of thing. I'm going to be a dragonrider, like my parents before me. That's my main focus. Paleoth was now amused with the boy's response. Such noble words. I think T'rad is starting to become interested in females. Paleoth was having his fun teasing the poor, flustered boy. But T'rad was 16, perhaps a little later than others, but his interest was starting to peak. He noticed them more than he use to, stared a bit longer than he would allow, ponder more than he should.

T'rad shook his head furiously as if to shake off all thought of the conversation. Our destination will eventually be the lake. T'rad tried to convey this to Paleoth as cool and unemotional as possible, and succeeded. Paleoth would grin if he could, he considered this his victory, he won his little game. He decided he would play this game more often. It amused him and he would likely win more often. Though the dragonet was likely to forget soon enough. For now, we're in the weyrbowl. I figured we could look around here for a bit and watch the people. Sometimes interesting things happen if you wait and watch. T'rad continued now as if the conversation never happened. Paleoth ignored it now, his victory was absolute. The bulky blue looked around at the crowd of people with interest, hoping something good would come about. The blue dragonet's tail swished playfully as the pair watched.

[neopanther]

Long and lithe, both dragon and weyrling were walking away from the lake. They had that fantastical gift of free time. Ez’ki had just finished bathing Xyruth. Xyruth was getting into a ritual habbit of nagging his bonded for a few more baths than strictly necessary. But Ez’ki was okay doing that, because it wasn’t particularly strenuous, though, with the rate Xyr was growing he could see it soon was going to be. The blue hummed pleasantly beside him, eyes whirring with a spectrum of content. So what do you wish to do?[/i] Ez’ki had been succeeding recently in distracting his bonded all day, success was granting him a full nights’ sleep, for which he was incredibly thankful for.
I think we can cope with socialising a little, what do you think?
I Think that would be a marvellous idea, though why are these people with this dark skin tone around everywhere mine, I have meant to ask you before now.
They are Caminar, my father always said they stole his trade, J’fel thinks they are stealing children, though he covers his intentions well, you remember what K’mar asked on in our last lesson? The dragon gave a general noise of understanding and let his bonded continue, Well they are the Caminar.
Ah, so these are the ones the Weyr faces controversy over then It was now Ez’ki’s turn to make a quiet noise of agreement.
Ez scanned faces, smiled, nodded, inclined his head, and greeted this one and that one, he had gotten to know quite a few since his arrival at the Weyr, he was a charming lad, and there weren’t too many who despised him.
The blue bounced on ahead, weaving through people who usually made a surprise noise at the sudden contact, the smiled, and laughed down at Xyruth, he was already rather known to be a cheeky young one. The headwoman had said it on a number of occasions already. But ahead Xyruth noticed a certain other blue dragon who was far too small to be considered grown, thus, it was his clutchsibling!
Mine, I do believe it is Paleoth and His over there, can we go greet them?[/i] The blue asked enthusiastically, his mind sparking to Ez’ki’s with its usual over the top vim and vigour.
Sure, we may as well, they’ll have about as little to do as we do.
Ez changed his course to intercept that of the other blue weyrling, T’rad, other than a feew woff hand dcomment’s they’d never had a conversation, well now was a chance.
“T’rad, long time.” He smirke,d knowing it had only been a few hours since they had been sat in weyrling lessons.

[dragon]

Yes. Someday you will grow to be very big. Judging by your build already, you may likely be a bigger blue than most. T'rad was reassuring his inquisitive dragonet. Paleoth was worried about his size. He didn't want to be considered small for such a long time. He saw other blue dragons and wished to be big and stand out, for Paleoth loved attention. Paleoth was pleased with the boy's comment. He rather liked the idea of growing up to be one of the biggest blues. Though T'rad hid from his bonded that only time would tell. The dragonet still had much time to grow and mature and there was no definent way of telling what his size would be in the future.

His thoughts, however, were interrupted abruptly. He turned around and cast a smile to notice his fellow weyrling, also bonded to a blue dragonet. "Ez'ki. Enjoying the freedom as well I see?", T'rad grinned, happy to see a familiar face. Paleoth fell right in line, greeting Xyruth. Hello Xyruth. How are you and yours on this fine day? Perhaps you will play with me and mine? The dark, bulky blue dragonet swung his handsome head around and drew his snout close to his fellow blue. As if it were a dog greeting another. Paleoth was obviously excited to see another clutchsibling, and of the same color no less. His head moved around gracefully, as if inspecting Xyruth but the blue was simply curious in nature.

T'rad simply chuckled a bit and shook his head as he watched Paleoth. The blue's tail was swishing furiously in an excited, playful manner. So furiously, that resting on the ground it flung up a small cloud of dust and looked as though he were sweeping the ground.

[blueaid]

Resting in the sparse shade of a low-slung ledge, the steps leading to one of the ground weyrs supplying support for his back, Z'dayi was doing a fine job of slacking off this lovely afternoon. There were probably a few things waiting for him back at the barracks-- laundry he could fold, a little extra gloss to apply to his dragon's hide-- but he was committed to indolence today. His legs stretched out in front of him, his arms crossed over his chest, and his chin lowered against his neck while he dozed in this stolen shade and let the bowl pass him by unawares.

That is until the owner of the ledge came along and nudged the dozing weyrling with his foot, issuing an imperious "harrumph!" and a disparaging comment about weyrlings in general. The bronzeling stirred reluctantly, cast a hazy look up at the frowning dragonrider, and unraveled himself from his slumber with a sheepishly apologetic smile. Fortunately, being young and handsome and "rakish" as they say, he slipped away with little more than a brusque warning not to be so lazy in the future.

Just in time to see Paleoth and Xyruth nose-to-nose as he cut across the bowl in the rough direction of the barracks, Z'dayi veered his course. He didn't downright intrude on the two bronzeriders, his long steps coming slowly upon their meeting, but it was obvious that he'd be upon them by and by. Tremaith was nowhere in sight, no tattered-looking bronze dragonet on the scene.

[Invisible]

Time off for K’mar meant a chance to get away by himself. He took advantage of free time to retreat to his own place and enjoy much needed wine time. At least when Volsteath was sleeping. When he was awake free time invariably meant time to socialize. As much as his rider wanted to be alone the brown wanted to be with other people. There were no connections to make in aloneness. Nothing in keeping to oneself to help cement future alliances. Volsteath had been sleeping when freedom was first given and so K’mar had some time to himself. He really did enjoy his time to himself now since he knew he wasn’t really alone. With Volsteath sleeping there was no nagging about making friends. Making friends was not something K’mar had ever had much luck at. Oh, he had fellows he hung out with on occasion when he wanted to, but they were not friends.

Now he was expected to make friends. With kids even. It’s not like the majority of the other candidates were anywhere near his age. What did he have in common with kids? He didn’t even like kids. When Volsteath had awakened from his nap he had summoned his rider out into the bowl. Where other people were. They were going to socialize now if the brownrider wanted it or not. It had been especially not fun since his head injury with the others. Being on light duties made some jealous and there were a few that had said it was his own fault he’d fallen, if he really had, and that he was just trying to get people in trouble. None of this made for happy fun barracks time.

All of this K’mar reminded Volsteath of as they took a solitary turn around the bowl. Other weyrlings had been spied, but as of yet the brown did not force his rider to seek out their company. He wanted to see how things would arrange themselves first. To go into the situation well armed. K’mar was just thankful for the opportunity to not have to talk right away.

[neopanther]

Ez smirked at T’rad, “Yeah, yeah, freedom.” Something about the comment made him give a half hearted laugh. “Mmm. It’s nice to be given some every now and then, and for once I’ve actually got myself all up to date with chores.” He smiled, that was quite an achievement. He was pretty proud of that fact. Even if in the process of doing it he complained something rotten.

Xyruth turned upon himself, excitement broiling through his skin now, he nudged Paleoth’s nose away, Xyr was a very tactile dragon, quite unusual, but he really did not mind being in such a position. Yes! Of course, that sounds like a good idea. And Mine and I are perfect, thanks! How about you pair? The blue chimed, then his eyes averted to a familiar figure stalking away from them, though now the blue shared his thoughts between Paleoth and His, I think we know him.[/i] It was possible that his lack off a dragon made Xyr a little confused, but he was soon there,[color6688ff] Ah! He is Tremaith’s! Mine, call him along, I’m sure he won’t mind being part of this company.[/color]

Ez’ki smiled at what his blue had to say, he looked over in the general direction in which his bonded was showing him to be. And sure enough, he spotted the fair haired older weyrling. He straightened his features, held a single finger vertically to T’rad, indicating he should hold his response for a moment if he would be so kind, then, filling his lungs to a deeper capacity than average, He called out,
“Z-Da-Yi!” Each syllable pronounced loudly, as though the man wouldn’t recognise his own name without it, though in a playful sort of way. He jogged lazily across half the distance between them, quickly slowing to a walk. “You were planning on passing me out? Too much effort to say hello?” He smirked, pert grin that it widened to all too familiar to his features.

“T’rad!” He called back waving him over, “I’m not sure how familiar you two are, but, Z’dayi’s one of the bronze weyrlings, but don’t worry he’s none too proactive,” He introduced, “Z’dayi, this is T’rad, he’s a blue weyrling – obviously, he’s a weyrborn, not like us holderfolk eh?” He smirked looking Z’dayi in the eye, The blond must be nearly equal to his own height, though he was older, and it showed only in the fact Ez’s body was still very feminine in comparison, but he didn’t think on it too long. Rugged wasn’t something he thought of as being too attractive, so why would he wasn’t to lose the looks he had?

Ez’ki. Why do you compare so much? You and I are perfect as we are!
I never said we weren’t I just... I guess I judge most people on how they present themselves.
Is that what they call ‘shallow’? Ez’ki grunted as he looked down to his blue over beside Paleoth, still. Then his mind conceded a little.
Maybe a little.

[dragon]

A smirk played on T'rad's features in response to Ez'ki's words. But he would soon wrinkle his nose and the thought of chores. As far as chores went, weyrlinghood seemed to stack even more on him. T'rad should have realized how much busier he would have become being bonded to a dragonet. Though he had to admit, in the end, it was worth it to be a dragonrider and bonded to Paleoth. A sense of pride always fell on him at such thoughts.

Paleoth was thrilled at Xyruth's response. The blue was successful in finding a fellow clutchsibling to play with. We are good. We are currently playing exploring and were watching people. T'rad insisted it was to find someone to play with me but I'm sure it was so he could find suitable females. Paleoth was all too happy to share his thoughts with not only his bonded, but Xyruth and his. T'rad clinched his fists and closed his eyes at Paleoth's words and turned around to face away from them, obviously a bit embarrassed from the comment.

Paleoth cocked his head to the side and looked in the direction Xyruth was talking about. He didn't look so familiar at first but it didn't take long for him to agree who's dragon this person belonged to. Even T'rad, forgetting his embarrassment, turned around to notice the familiar face. T'rad held any response or comment to himself, allowing the other blue weyrling to greet him. Soon, however, his name was called out and he was waved over. T'rad walked over with a smile on his face as Paleoth looked over to Xyruth and nudged him with his snout before bounding behind T'rad.

"Greetings Z'dayi", T'rad spoke once he made his way over and extended a hand to the bronze weyrling to shake hands. Paleoth walked over to the trio and sat so he could observe the three boys, wondering what interesting things would come about. He figured this game of exploring was taking some interesting turns.

[blueaid]

"Probably," answered Z'dayi in cheerfully quipped response to Ez'ki's question about passing right by. Even watching the other weyrling jog over seemed to cause the bronzeling a bit of discomfort, like he'd rather avoid even proximity to physical labor on this particularly lazy day-- especially with Tremaith nowhere around to send along his vibes of disapproval.

One hand thrust out quickly while his steps trailed to a slow, languid halt near the pair of blueriders, and he cashed in on a quick, easy smile. "T'rad, pleasure to make it official. Think we had chores a couple of times as candidates?" Probably not, but it was an effort to seem a part of a group that he'd been separate from for months now.

He kenned to K'mar off over yonder, glanced to the other gent, fellow older spirit, and commented idly, "Lots on restday today, eh?"

[neopanther]

Ez’ki laughed loudly as Xyr relayed the words of Paleoth from His to Ez’ki. Ez’ki stifled the laughter quickly, slowly looping an arm over the youngest of the trio’s shoulders, “A lass? Is that what you want?” He gave Z’dayi a deftly evil look, “Well then T’rad you are in the company of the best.” He flicked his eyebrows higher for a second, insinuating so much with such a small gesture.

Ez’ki followed Z’dayi’s view. K’mar. Hmmm. Ez’ki really wasn’t sure on the male, he was a brown ride,r but there was something about the kid that just caught Ez’ki in a way he didn’t like, grating on him. But not quite. “K’mar?” Ez’ki asked, giving Z’dayi a sideways curious look, before glancing back at K’mar: arm still draped about T’rad’s shoulder, little to no weight through it though.

“Right,well now you two are aquainted, unless you’re inviting kiss-ass-brown riders, then we will be off to get something in our stomachs before they are copiously captivated by liquor?” Ez’ki suggested idly.

Mine. The blue began in warning, [/color=6688ff]I am sure you are not supposed to drink whilst I am so young. Did I’dalyn not say such a thing?[/color][/i] A mental grumble came from Ez’ki to his partner in crime,
You have to learn sooner or later Xyruth. It was a complaint. But Xyr was hearing none of it. The blue growled almost threateningly.
“Okay! Okay Shards Xyr..” Ez’ki sounded sullen now. “Fine, no alcohol, sorry. But we'll still try and find a you a girl then T'rad?” Suggestions flying in T'rad's direction.

[Xinnai]

Irina was looking for a bit of mischief and was not ashamed to admit it. The kitchens were so boring. She sent a contemtuous glance over her shoulder as she walked from the pit she had just ascended from. She hated working in there. She'd much rather shovel dragon dung than work in all that steam and heat. She gave a fluttering little sigh as she walked into the open air of the weyrbowl. Ah, fresh air!

The woman stepped out and shook out pretty green skirts and then set her tunic to rights, belting the light silver fabric closer to her before running fingers through her perfectly waving dusty brown hair. That was when dark blue eyes zeroed across the bowl and saw the three weyrlings in concert together. Irina couldn't help but press a hand to her suddenly butterfly-filled stomach. The blonde, the red head and another boy, blocked for now by the other two. Why, didn't they just strike a picture?

With a small cat smile, Irina set a langurous pace towards them, shifting her tunic just a little so the ripe curves of her breasts were in evidence. After all, they were boys. They'd like seeing it. She reached them then and took a few steps past their little gathering, head angling over her shoulder, smile coy and her dark lashes covering eyes with a sultry look. She wanted to have some fun today and didn't she deserve it? She hadn't had any at all after being rejected from the Hatching. She'd settled into Weyr life well, but she wanted just a little bit more.

[Invisible]

By now Volsteath had expected K’mar to make some sort of move towards one of the other weyrlings. Unfortunately for what the brown wanted K’mar continued to hang back. He did not really like some of the weyrlings and Ez’ki was one of them. Useless is what he thought of him and did his best to avoid dealing with the bluerider. He was pretty sure the kid planned on skating while using his friendship with the new weyrwoman to get away with being a waste. Sometimes he wondered about the future of some of his fellow weyrlings. Who might be traded off to another Weyr and all.

K’mar lingered back, on the fringes of where the others were. He had no intention of staying there for long. Volsteath, he decided, did not really care if he talked to the others since he was not trying to insinuate himself into the conversation. K’mar was pretty sure Volsteath was not talking to the others because he did not try to get any closer than his rider. Observation right now seemed to be the way things were going. Which was fine with the brownrider because he would rather not talk ever.

[dragon]

"No! Not at all!", T'rad spoke frantically, reddened with embarrassment.. Curse Paleoth and his open minded words. "Wait! Not no...! But not yes either!", T'rad recoiled quickly but it was too late. Paleoth's loose tongue set about an army that cornered the lone soldier. He had no choice but to surrender at this point, his back was pinned against the wall. You're so going to regret this... T'rad was not happy with his dragonet, but Paleoth was overjoyed. The blue's antics had paid off for his own amusement.

T'rad only blinked and was now redder than ever as the bluerider draped an arm over him. The poor boy was definently not liking the subject material. Even the ever curious and brave T'rad had his flusters. As a boy maturing into adulthood, girls were one of them. He remembered back to that Caminar gather he ventured into. Even then he was a bit flustered but without being teased or goaded like the situation that presented itself now, he could cover it up decently enough and carry a conversation with Aleda to discover just a little more about the culture.

"What? We really don't need to do that Ez'ki", T'rad spoke up, hoping the subject would drop. He assumed he would have no such luck, especially since he noticed part of the subject material approaching the three boys now. T'rad felt a sense of impending doom. Surely Ez'ki would jump on this situation, the situation that seemed all too convienent. T'rad sighed loudly so the other two weyrlings could hear him, it was a sigh of defeat. Luck was not on his side today.

Paleoth, however, nudged further. Xyruth. Look at this one who approaches. Would yours not think she would be a suitable female for T'rad. T'rad seems to think so. Paleoth hid his words from his rider and spoke to the other blue only, hoping it would be passed to the other blue's bonded. Hopefully T'rad would not think to look at him to blame and certainly this would continue the fun.

[blueaid]

Just after Ez'ki's comment about finding a girl, Z'dayi's eye caught on the voluptuous form approaching the weyrling trio. Kind of like how he kenned to K'mar's approach, except that he had only glanced at the brownrider. By comparison, his eyes attached to the girl like they were pinned there. "Think I see just the thing, headin' straight thisaway."

When she passed them by with that coy little look back, his brows climbed by degrees toward his hairline, and he had to bite his lip to skip loosing a whistle. "T'rad," he began in a low voice, effectively unable to not eye the girl like a child eyes the cookie jar. "You either have the best of luck or the worst of it." He reached briefly to give the younger man what was meant to be a bolstering clap on the shoulder.

K'mar, over yonder, would have to wait. Z'dayi may not be a teenager any more, but he was a man living with enforced celibacy: what he couldn't have, he could at least look at!

[neopanther]

((ooc: please excuse me, this is rushed, I am currently sitting rather boredly in the airport... shh i know, I'm very very sad))

Enter NPC females!:
Jala and Dsura were two drudges, Jala was the youngest of the three, they - like Irina were looking forward to a bit of mischief, Irina was their ringleader though, All three worked in the kitchens, Jala was perhaps fifteen at the height of it, she was petite, a little under-developed for her age. Dsura, on the other hand was reserved, but older thanm Irina, and - though she was not particularly skinny, she was well groomed and well dressed, highinlighting her form nicely, a low tunic that just gave a hint of her curves. In a coy sort of way. Jala wore trousers, the only one of the threee, she was so much more reserved than her colleagues.

"Irina!" She called as she hurried into a run to catch up with the elder. "Wait... " Her last comment, though meant to be an imperative sounded nothing of the sort.

Dsura just gave a disatisfied huff, lengthened her stride accordingly. Flicking her dark brown hair behind her shoulders, she caught up with t5he younger two easily, "Irina, you know Jala worries. you shouldn't just go charging off, you know we'll come anyway." She mentioned. Then she turned her attentions to what Irina had her eyes on. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips, seeing three males, a spectrum of colours, ages, and bodies. How nice.
Jala looked up at Irina, perhaps a little nervous, for she too, even through the curtain of her blond fringe, could see exactly what the two elder girls were looking at and for.

:Ez'ki:
The crimson haired one too gained a vision. "Mmm, Perfect timing eh T'rad?" he smirked, that beautifully elegant smugness. Ez'ki groaned a little as he spotted the brown rider edging a little closer, perhaps? "K'mar." He called, just loud enough that the brown weyrling would just about hear him, hopefully the girls wouldn't. "Just come over if you want. I don't bite." He teased, challenging the brown weyrling - almost certain the reluctant male wouldn't back down from a challenge, direct or otherwise.

"Perhaps our luck is affecting him Z'dayi." His grin became hungry for a moment, mischief and devilment flashed in his eyes as he looked forward towards the three oncoming ladies. He could see they were intent on his direction, and he would play nothing other than cool. He would let them come to him.

As always.

Aye, I believe that mine thinks the first would be more suitable for hiumself or Z'dayi, perhaps one of the others. mine seems to think she is a little... eh - I don't know the word. forward? For yours? The blue had almost directly relayed the internal thought process of his bonded. He watched, a little astounded perhaps as he leaned forward, head quirking slightly to the side. Curious as to what exactly would be going on here. He truly did not understand the thought process of his bonded sometimes. Especially where females were concerned. Ez'ki had explained - time and time agoin - that females were about 'companionship' but as far as Xyr could see he was enough of a companion for His. and even so, did that mean he was a companion for Salina? Ez'ki had always told him that this wasn't the case, it was a different sort of companionship with Salina. Like what he held with the boys. Xyruth just remained thoroughly confused.

Ez'ki gave that trademark casual come sly grin of his, and it just broadened as he seen the girls approach

[Invisible]

Volsteath looked at K’mar and then at the other weyrlings. You should be talking to them[/color] he told his rider. Making friends is very important, K’mar.[/color] He had trouble sometimes getting the point across to his rider that it was important to meet people. There was no better way to get what you wanted later. But K’mar had troubles with that and it was slow going. He thought this time things might be going his way. He had gotten K’mar out into the bowl and they were working their way towards the others.

Then trouble arose in the form of several women from the Weyr. Volsteath felt K’mar hesitate before he came to a stop. He kept his internal sigh to himself. There was no way for the brown to understand his rider’s hesitation about people of the opposite gender. He might have understood if he had been drawn to the other men he met, but it was not that either. As far as he could tell, unlike the others, his rider had no interest in anyone. Well, that would change he knew eventually.

Volsteath knew what would be said before K’mar spoke. Come on, let’s go somewhere else. There was no sense arguing with him. K’mar would not go over now that there were so many people and enough of them women. As they headed off the brown cast a look behind him. There were people to talk to. He had wanted to talk to his clutchsibs. Ah, well. There would be other times.