Peaceful Day [Jenth]

[Missa]

It is lovely here, isn't it? The sun is warm, and I am comfortable here.

The barred wriggled slightly to bury herself deeper in the sand, the first lids over her eyes closing in contentment as she rested. Valiant rested on Beka's shoulder still looking at the water rather wistfully, but even when given permission to go play, he merely curled his forepaw around her ear in a protective gesture. Sighing, Beka raised one hand to rub at his stomach, the other running back and forth over the ground distractedly. She hadn't been here since not long after she'd graduated, that had been long before Mermaiyeth's flight, and it had been back when her friendship with Aleyi had been tentative... Well, more than it was now.

Nothing had really changed since then, except that Mermaiyeth had struck a claim on Jerglith and he on her. Zadari had said that green's rarely chose the same dragon several times in a row though, and it was very possible that Mermaiyeth would choose a different mate the next time she rose. Personally she'd prefer it if Mermaiyeth chose Jerglith again though, it would make things in her small world that much simpler, and she liked simple things. Rather than a messy situation that she wasn't well equipped to deal with.
That is just because you haven't learnt properly. You laugh well enough with Jegalith's. Mermaiyeth noted, lifting her head slightly and Beka shrugged.

"I don't know what's different though. I like it here, Mermaiyeth... It's very peaceful."

[Jenth]

Kayth glided lazily, feeling good to stretch his wings for the pure enjoyment of flying. It had felt like too long since he and D'mas had had any time just to themselves, without Weyr business chewing at the back of their minds. D'mas could honestly say he was sad that Kayth had been out flought by Wuith, but had he really lost anything? Not the love of the weyrwoman who admitted she felt their relationship was political, and with L'han back in the role it was like he had only been holding the position for the more experienced tanrider.

Either way, the bronzerider had not disgraced himself or brought ruin to the Weyr. It was an achievement, if nothing else.

Nayarath is not the only female I can chase. Next time I will make a catch you will be happy with.

The thought made D'mas cringe slightly, to think that his dragon has trying to set up possible love matches. Was he really that hopeless?! A rider who rides bronze would normally have his pick out of any ladies, and a good number do. He however was not one of them.


Hey look, it's Mermaiyeth! From their height she was not much more then a silver-green patch of color, but trust the dragons to know. Kayth was already desending in wide circle, letting out a bellow to announce their intention to land. At least he was conciderate, even taking care not to blow sand over the barred.

[Missa]

Mermaiyeth looked up in mild surprise at the sound, though her eyes quickly changed to a delighted whirl of blue.
Kayth! She hadn't seen much of him since he'd caught Nayarath, the silly gold had then gone and picked another male. Certainly, that was a bad choice, Mermaiyeth thought if she had a choice out of Kayth and the current weyrleader, she would have chosen Kayth. He was after all, a fun bronze to play with. He liked playing in the water too - an act that had endeared him to her.
Kayth, hello! It is good to see you! See, Mine? I told you today would be a good day.

Beka however, was of two minds about that, and the glare she shot her dragon was evidence. Yes, she might have been slowly relaxing around D'mas, but that was before he'd been the weyrleader. He wasn't now, but at the same time, Beka wasn't sure he'd still be the same person that had taught her how to take jokes and laugh with a person in the first place. She wasn't sure if D'mas had changed, wasn't sure if she wanted to find out, and certainly didn't want to be shoved into a conversation with him when she had no idea what to say.

Protectively, she pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around her knees and letting Valiant eye D'mas off without even scolding him. After a moment though, the blue obviously recognised him and chirped in a happy greeting. Traitor. After a moment, Beka took a deep breath and glanced up, managing a half-natural smile.
"Hello, D'mas... Sir? Um... Oh never mind, I'm no good at this." Giving up half way through her polite, formal attempt at a greeting, Beka flopped her head back into the circle of her arms. Now, if she was lucky, he'd see that there was no hope of conversation and go.

We have not seen you, you have been busy also. but I have missed you Kayth, and Mine missed you, D'mas. But don't tell her I told you, she'll scold me.

[Jenth]

Valiant was greeted by happy chirps, Memory and Eron appearing from their play with their wild brethern while Kayth had flown too high for them to reach. The barred and brown were egar to play with the blue, and happy to have found those familiur to them.

Haven't seen me? But I've seen you. I had to know everything as Nayarath's mate, golds are a lot of hard work... But i'm free now! Kayth seemed almost happy to be free of Nayarath now, but as the senior queen she could be quite judging. The coppery bronze was curious by nature, and the topics of said curiosity wouldn't always be acceptable since it meant making a fool out of himself. Wuith was probably much more suited, the older tan having time to shed childish habits.

Now it seemed that the only ones not getting along were the riders...

"What's that supposed to mean? I'm not Weyrleader any more, I'm happy to just be second but I wish it didn't feel like I was the only one able to do it..." With a half hearted throw he tossed his jacket further up towards the tree line, well away from any water. Shards, if only Kayth hadn't chased Nayarath, hadn't caught... With the mess Y'xem had left behind L'han and he had spent so much time and effort returning the Weyr to proper order. Now it was just like a bad memory, forgotten and left in the past.

"Now when did I ask you to be formal with me?" Playfully he gave her a light poke in the belly, but the small smile he gave looked completley empty...

[Missa]

Golds are nosy. That's why they're hard work. Mermaiyeth responded, amusement whirling in her eyes at his excitement. She'd always liked Kayth, he was a wonderful friend and he wasn't... All... Grown-up maybe, most bronzes were too far up their own tails to be any good at conversation, but not Kayth. Mermaiyeth may be a polite and stern dragon most of the time, but she liked to relax and play around too, on those occasions, Kayth was always willing to splash around in the water with her. Which was always fun.

"You out-rank me, don't I have to be formal?" Beka had never understood the intricate games of the social circles, after all she'd learnt most of her life to duck quick and stay silent when a man was around. So how was she supposed to understand this whole weyr... second... thing? She understood that she had to bow to the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader, but D'mas wasn't a Weyrleader anymore, he was a second or something, and that... That only confused Beka further. After a moment she wrinkled her nose at her own thoughts and opened her mouth to say something, only to giggle when he poked her.

"I don't really understand the ranking system. I never did." That seemed like a far too complicated matter for someone who couldn't read or write, and completely useless to someone who couldn't stand being around... people of a general matter. Mermaiyeth crooned softly from her spot, eyes a whirl with pride for her rider when Beka forced the blush to fade from her cheeks and settled a more serious expression on her features.
"I'll try again. Hello, D'mas. It's good to see you. And don't poke me." With that , she promptly poked him back.

For Mermaiyeth, she was delighted. She remembered vaguely the terrified girl that had been her rider so long ago, remembered the night terrors - that she still had... she remembered because it was something to do with Beka, but now she laughed and smiled more often, she was more likely to play as well, rather than hang back. And she weas thankful, because it was all thanks to Kayth's and Jerglith's that Hers had become stronger.
I am glad you are free, I missed your conversation.

[Jenth]

"When did you start worrying about rank?" D'mas flopped down on to the sands besides her in the sands. Technically he had out-ranked her from the moment he impressed, the rarer bronzes were leaders while common greens filled half the fighting force, but that had never seemed to bother her before. "How can you not understand after all this time? Its the same as in the fighting wings, if the leader is down the second takes his place."

I missed them too, lovely Mermaiyeth Kayth started diging himself a small wallow in the sand, they could be here a while. The sand felt so good against his hide, kicking it up so it went all over him. And now I'm all sandy, lets swim! Without waiting for a reply he ran out into the lapping waves chirping like a firelizard.

D'mas watched his dragon with with a slight cring. How had the bronze stopped himself facting like that infront of Nayarath? The gold hated all things unessesary and Kayth was full of unpridictable compulsions. "I still cant believe Nayarath chose the over grown firelizard of mine..."

[Missa]

"I never did, I just followed everyone else's example and... Well... I never really did understand it, you know? I still don't. I guess I vaguely understand it has something to do wtih size or something, since the golds are the biggest. But I still wasn't sure... What it meant for... Well you personally. I don't really know how I should treat you, or... If I should just do what I want and treat you normally. Does that make any sense?" She looked worried now, worried that she'd annoyed him or angered him as she looked up from where she'd been watching the dragons, then in an effort to lighten the mood she smiled.
"I'm good at pretending I know stuff so people will leave it alone. There's a lot I don't know that people probably assume I know."

Mermaiyeth let out a trilling laugh as she got to her feet, careful not to spray sand on D'mas and not really caring if she showered Beka who glared up at her. Before she followed Kayth into the water, she'd always loved swimming for some reason, and she was also relieved to see that being a gold's mate hadn't changed him at all, and that he was still the same Bronze she'd always enjoyed playing with. Lightly she splashed him with both wings, eyes whirling with amusement.

Beka blinked in surprise and then laughed in,
"Why not? He's a wonderful bronze, and he was obviously the best. I don't know if she cared whether he was strange or not, he's still the loveliest bronze I've ever met." She left it alone for a moment longer, then turned her head back to watch the ocean, one hand tugging at a stray strand of hair.
"I didn't mean to offend you... if I did..."

[Jenth]

D'mas burst out laughing, having to hold his stomach to stop him doubling over in the sands. It didn't last long however, but the laughter still glinted in his eyes. "You're something else, Beka! And you hide it so well, how does Mermaiyeth not give it away? She's out there playing with Kayth like he's some blue and she doesn't care that he once flew Nayarath. What we do is just a job, who we are is completely different. Does that make any sense?"

Kayth almost squeeked when the water hit his head, wings fluttering uselessly other then to kick up more water. He let out a bugled challenge, his eyes swirling rapid blue and green patterns. He was having fun! His tail came up and smacked the water with a loud crack. This was why he liked playing with Mermaiyeth, she wasn't angry all the time like the others of her color. She was like a green with a very attractive purple marking. This is fun! Why cant we live near here? Its better then the lake

"Why would you have offended me? You complimented him, and it would only boost his ego if he were listening. But he's too busy trying to keep your barred's attention on him. He's always liked her, you know..." If Mermaiyath had only flown before Nayarath, maybe things would have been different.

[Missa]

He was laughing at her! Beka's blue eyes flashed with momentary annoyance, an anger that relaxed when she realised he wasn't specifically laughing at her. His laughter was infectious though, and her lips twitched slightly in amusement.
"She hides it because I told her that I'd never talk to her again if she said anything." She shrugged, then smiled again as she looked out at the two playing dragons.
"She doesn't care. She's not really like me, she doesn't not understand. She just doesn't care. Kayth is simply a handsome bronze that has been her friend since weyrlinghood."

Mermaiyeth squeaked in surprise when his tail hit the water with a loud cracking sound that shocked her into casting Kayth a mildly annoyed look before trilling with laughter and swishing her own tail in teh water.
Because if we lived here, we would think the lake was more exciting and this special place wouldn't be special anymore.

"She's always liked him too..." Personally, she dreaded the next time Mermaiyeth rose, because she was comfortable with Aleyi again now... She also knew that Mermaiyeth adored Jerglith, but that could all change with a single spin. It was the unpredictability that really frightened her most of the time.
"And he deserves the compliment." She added quickly, "Not that he needs to try, Mermaiyeth's happy to see him again."

Another moment passed where she thought about what he'd said. One was a job, and she supposed she had to show respect then but now, he was just him. Which was a completely different matter.
"Did you get along with Kora? She's very beautiful."

[Jenth]

D'mas shrugged at Beka's question, it was hard to explain. "Kora and I got along, but it never really went past that. We worked well together, but she never had any feelings for me. It was just convenient for her, but Kora's not really my ideal woman either." They could have made it work out, but it was clear that it was over now. Kora had L'han now, a more suited match he believed but L'han might find himself thrown aside too come Nayarath's next flight.

hmmm... maybe. But there is a lot more water here, and a lot more interesting things in it Stretching out his wings to full length, Kayth let himself sink down and just float. The water was cool, the sun warm and the waves bouncy. If he wanted to he could reach down and dig him claws into the sand to anchor him but the bronze was happy to just float along.

((sorry, shorter one today))

[Missa]

"Really? I kind of figured she would be." Why she couldn't say, maybe because she assumed that those that Impressed a Gold were somehow better than other girls? She wasn't sure what set them apart from green or barred riders. Maybe it was increased fertility? Maybe that was what gold's looked for in a rider.
"I wonder if that's all romance and love is, just flights and physical attraction." Her voice gained a disgusted and bitter note to it, one she wasn't even aware of as she watched the dragons play in the water.

Mermaiyeth laughed mentally, her voice warm and amused as she ducked her head under the water for a brief moment to cool her neck before answering.
They would not be interesting if we lived here all the time. If we lived here, the lake would be interesting. I like coming here as often as I can though. It's peaceful. And I am glad we saw you here.


{I see a shorter post and raise you a shorter one ;D XD Sorry <3]

[Jenth]

"Some riders have found love, sadly only a few. Inolyn and B'can are a good pair, N'ren and Earisa I think are still together. J'reth nearly bit off R'mal's head when Aresth nearly caught his weyrmate Cerri's Venuth." Three off the top of his head, what a poor number. It seemed most riders found there attraction and affection one sided, proffering mating flights to ease sexual tension. In his time at Kora's side he had from time to time thought himself in love with the queenrider, but he refused to let the relationship be one sided and ended those feelings.

"And what about you?" He knew about Aleyi, but not about the depth of the relationship. He had never thought the barred rider to be a lesbian, but he could honestly say he did not know much about Beka and now more so then ever. It had been too long...

I saw you first, its hard to miss you. Your the most beautiful barred in the weyr, Nayarath wouldn't let me say so

[Missa]

Beka didn't personally know any of the riders he mentioned well, though she didn't say so. It was nice to know that true romance actually existed, even if in tiny amounts. She didn't like to think the entire world was just... empty of those sorts of emotions. She might not understand them personally, but it was nice to... Watch, she supposed, though that wasn't really the right word for it. It was reassuring to hear that even in a weyr, flights weren't all there was.
"Hm." She didn't say anything else though, until he asked her.

"Me?" The word came out on a squeak and she automatically curlled her knees closer to her chest protectively as she shook her head in a rapid movement.
"A-Aleyi's just a friend. She... I... I wouldn't....I can't..." Cutting her stumbling words off again, Beka mutely shook her head again. Aleyi was nothing more than a friend, a very good friend whom Beka felt very strongly about, but not romantically. She wasn't sure she could open up enough to another person.
"I...I don't know if I can like someone like that..." Whatever "that" felt like.

Mermaiyeth looked delighted at the compliment and arched her neck slightly in response,
Why... Thankyou. I am sure she would still not like to hear you say it. You are still a very, very handsome bronze.

[Jenth]

D'mas put an arm around Beka in a comforting way. She was still the same, quick to try and withdraw in on herself as she fought with the terrors of her past. But it also served another purpose, to hind the grim look on his face. The bronze rider didn't know what to do anymore. If she refused to open up, then there wasn't even a place for him and Kayth. Never in his life had someone made him feel or act this uncomfortably, with a course of action so unclear. Maybe he should risk it all on a gamble, Beka had a right to know how he felt...

Listen! Kayth turned to look at their riders, watching intently. The bronze wanted to know the outcome more then the rider.

"Not even to me?" His voice was soft, and nearly cracked in fear. D'mas was preparing himself for the regection. "You're beautiful and so strong... I think I loved you since that time at the lake..." His feelings were true, his chest feeling fit to burst. D'mas hadn't meant for this confession to happen, not here and now. But so many things had happened, and if he hadn't now then when? Never? Now just seemed like the best time.

"If I hadn't become Weyrleader I wouldn't have left you..."

[Missa]

Once, Beka would have tensed up, she would have been frightened of anyone touching her even in the most innocent of ways. She knew D'mas though, she trusted D'mas. She trusted him. The realisation was quite sudden for Beka, though she didn't move her eyes flickered to Mermaiyeth, seeking advice from her dragon. Mermaiyeth always knew what to say or do, she fixed things, but the barred wasn't saying anything right at that moment, she wanted Beka to do what she thought, wanted her rider to talk for once.

Not even to him? Beka twisted her head to look up at him in surprise, not really sure what he meant, only to have her cheeks flare with colour when he continued. He thought she was strong, but Beka didn't think so, she didn't think she was beautiful. But someone else did. That surprised her more than anything, and it made her feel... Nice? That wasn't the right word, but Beka didn't really have the words to describe anything she felt most of the time. Nice, pleasant, warm, they were pale words, and not quite right. D'mas made her feel safe and protected, he made her smile and she enjoyed being around him. She missed him when he was busy and always felt special when she could talk to him. But she didn't know what that was called.

She opened her mouth to say something, only to close it again. Wouldn't have left her. Like she was someone special. Beka, honestly, wasn't sure how to react. Her chest felt tight, but not in a teary way, and she wanted to cry, but not in a sad way and she felt happy. Almost as happy as the day Mermaiyeth's eyes had met hers. Confused, she simply buried her face in D'mas' chest, attempting to hide her blush when she spoke.
"I... I... I don't know... what I feel. I like being around you... an-and I miss you when I can't see you... And... I trust you, I trust you and I don't want you to leave again... But I don't know what to call this feeling, I don't know."

[Jenth]

D'mas couldn't be more happy, more over joyed! His arms wrapped tight around Beka in a hug, despite her inability to say it or understand it she had said poured her heart out. She had said she loved him... at least he thought she did. "It doesnt matter if you dont know, but its wonderful!"

Kayth let out a triumphant buggle, excited that his rider was happy. Being with Kora never made him this happy the bronze explained to Mermaiyeth. Things felt as they should, now he just needed to catch his barred and things would be right.

"We'll take things slow, it'll be alright." D'mas gave her a soft kiss on Beka's forehead, more a brushing of lips of skin. Best not over do it for today, he would go only as far he was sure Beka was willing.

[Missa]

Mermaiyeth let out a low, happy croon as her rider sighed softly and rested against D'mas, eyes whirling happily.
I don't think Mine has ever been this happy. She murmured, joyful that Beka for once wasn't thinking about all the things she still had to live up to and forget, she was simply enjoying someone's company. Like she enjoyed Aleyi's company but... Different. Mermaiyeth was completely content with the happenings, if she had thought D'mas was being mean to Hers, she would have sent Valiant, but even the blue didn't seem worried at that moment.

"I wish I could explain it. I don't like not knowing things." While her voice sounded peevish, her smile was more natural than it normally was, probably because she wasn't sure she'd ever been so comfortable with a person, or felt so ... well, loved she supposed. It was a strange, alien word to her, but funnily enough, she liked the sound of it.

The soft kiss on her forehead startled her into looking up slightly, a faint blush again, and for a moment she simply stared at him before leaning closer to brush her lips against his. She might have been frightened, but not of D'mas. Never of him.

[Jenth]

"You you don't like not knowing, but you can accept not understanding?" D'mas joked with her. With a tap on the nose he kissed her again, this time a real kiss and not just brushing of lips. She was contradicting herself, but he didn't care. He would take Beka for who she was; troubles, dragon and all. Well, Kayth would be the one making a claim on Mermaiyeth but it might as well be him. They were all in it together. Beka would hopefully one day soon allow herself to love him.

Content to let their riders flirt and frolic to their hearts content, that was exactly what he planned to do with Mermaiyeth. The great bronze started splashing around in the water, trying to get the barred's attention without splashing her. He would show her that bronzes made better mates then blues.

((All I had, work has been judging me...))

[Missa]

"I guess... It doesn't make sense. But I figure I should understand myself, if no one else." She smiled back at him, wrinkling her nose when he tapped it. She supposed she tended to contradict herself often, even if she didn't mean to. But D'mas didn't seem to care, he didn't mind that she was odd or that she sometimes went quiet thinking over her troubles. He didn't mind that she was different. Her eyes flickered towards Mermaiyeth, checking on the barred in the moment before she was distracted once more by D'mas kissing her. She'd expected to be uneasy, to tense up and feel fear. But there was nothing like that, it was just... Different.

It wasn't hard to get Mermaiyeth's attention, considering she wasn't really watching her rider. She knew she was safe, and that was all the barred needed to know. For now, her interest may have rested with Jerglith as a mate, but as Beka had thought before. That could possibly change the next time she flew. It was unpredictable and depended all on the day of the flight. For now, she tilted her head with a soft croon at Kayth and let out a soft chuckle when Valiant landed on her head with a soft chittering sound.


[That's okay my Jenthy, I love all your replies <3]