Row, Row, Row Your Boat... [7.10.2707] (ANY)

[Kendrall]

Jaysen was still getting used to his new regimen as a Candidate. Up at the first candlemark; another candlemark to bathe, dress and eat breakfast. Chores for two marks, followed by lessons up until midday for lunch. A mark of free time, then chores or craft study for three marks. Another mark to change his clothes and square away his quarters until dinner. Free time until dusk, curfew at sunset, lights out one mark past that. Fortunately for him, it was in the afternoon and he'd just eaten lunch...and he chose to focus on his craft for those three marks until he was required to bathe and change. Sailing and fishing. It was something he'd always been good at, and he had his journeyman's knots to prove it. Had he only been an Apprentice, Jaysen would be required to have someone go with him in case of a capsize...yet having grown up at Azure Isle, the young man was an able swimmer long before he ever learned how to walk. Drowning was the least of his worries. So was having his boat capsized.

Arktos had told him when he first arrived that there might be an opportunity for him to teach the sailing and fishing classes. There wasn't much call for either one, but at least there was always the swimming classes he'd be able to help with. Yet Jaysen's heart ached to be on the waves again, just him and his gold firelizard against the sea. The weyr lake wasn't comparable to the open water, but it would have to do. He'd heard there was a larger lake just to the south, but until he either had written permission or graduated as a Rider, he wouldn't be allowed to go there.

Misty was at her usual place on the bow of the canoe, her wings stretched out to either side and her neck and head into the wind, enjoying the breeze. She'd always loved the water, and Jaysen was glad for her company this afternoon. The young man himself was clad only in his breeches, his boots and tunic discarded and laying in the bottom of the boat. His back was to Misty, every so often looking over his shoulder to see where he was going while pulling on the oars. But his eyes would often trace the shoreline, a few people here and there either enjoying the afternoon sun or learning how to swim or fish. So far he hadn't been asked to help with either, which was a bit of a disappointment to him. But as long as he was able to be out on the water, that would be just fine with him.

[fellis]

Edilon was sitting by the edge of the water, ignoring all of the activity going on around him. His attention was focused on the sketchpad in his lap as he raced to visually record the beauty of the lake in this moment. A box of colored sticks lay on the ground beside him, and he was trying to make the perfect color for the sky and the water. His father had passed by earlier, asking why he wasn't enjoying himself more, and Edilon had replied that he was enjoying himself perfectly well. M'lym had then proceeded to badger him about how he should learn to swim, leading to an argument that drew the attention of the people trying to relax nearby. Edilon had pointed this out, and M'lym finally stalked away.

Now, Edilon sighed and glanced up to take in the lake once more. Now he saw a canoe gliding across the water with a gold flitt at the bow. Or was it the hull? Oh, how was he supposed to know. Edilon's gaze darted from the pretty gold to the attractive young man lounging in the canoe. Edilon felt his face grew hot and he ducked his head down, pretending to focus on the drawing again. When he thought the blush was gone, he lifted his head again.

"Jaysen!" He waved, grinning. "You two sure make a pretty picture there." The words were sincere in more ways than one, but Edilon hoped that Jaysen didn't hear anything more than an aesthetic comment. Edilon didn't think that Jaysen was likely to return his feelings. Of course, he had to yell to be heard over the water, and a nearby cluster of weyrbrats who knew him giggled. Edilon glared at them.

[sorra]

Kiyoni smiled when she caught sight of Jaysen. She was glad to see that the young man had settled in alright. She had felt awful for just leaving him, but she really hadn't been up to talking to many people. She stayed on the shoreline and watched while Rivi darted over to say hello to Misty. Elliwodth was splashing around in the lake, enjoying the day.

Storm sat up straighter on Calyssa's shoulder when he saw Misty. Calyssa giggled as she watched her bronze take off to visit the gold. Calyssa thought about going over and saying hello, but it appeared that Jaysen was busy with Edilon. Which was fine. It was nice to talk to everyone, but she figured she'd find him later and see how his canoe ride went.

[Kendrall]

Jaysen looked over in the direction of the shore and saw someone wave and shout a compliment at him. From what he could recall, the boy's name was Edilon, and was considered a weyrbrat. Still, he seemed like the friendly sort, and simply waved in return before focusing on pulling the oars. He could see out of the corner of his eye one of the dragons splashing about, and spared a glance in that direction. It was Elliwodth, Kiyoni's bonded. Turning his head back to the shoreline, he saw Kiyoni and Calyssa both, and flashed a grin at them. Jaysen had always liked Kiyoni, but she was more of an older sister to him. Calyssa, on the other hand...Jaysen wasn't sure about how he felt about her, but he considered her a valuable friend nonetheless. Although he had been sorely tempted to ask her out. Relationships between Candidates was one thing, letting them blossom into something more mature was another. It would be dishonorable of him to take advantage of Calyssa like that. No, he'd wait until they were both a bit older.

Misty, on the other hand, crooned when she saw Rivi and Storm head in her direction. Leaping off her perch near the bow, she flittered around for a few moments and trilled something at both males before diving into the water, as if daring them to follow her. Within a couple of minutes the queen firelizard shot out from the waves as if she were mimicking one of the sea creatures back at Azure Isle, then dove back under the surface again, her hide glistening with droplets of water. Shaking his head at his companion's antics, he steered the canoe closer to the shore and gave Calyssa a warm smile. "Would you like to join me, Calyssa?" he asked.

[sorra]

Kiyoni returned Jaysen's smile before going back to watching Elliwodth. She was glad to see that he had made a couple friends already. Having friends made being a candidate much easier.

Rivi and Storm chittered happily as they watched Misty. Before long the bronze and blue dove in after her. They were both ready to play.

Calyssa smiled as she watched Jaysen. She hadn't meant to disturb him, but in a way she had been glad he had paid attention to her. She glanced over at Edilon, hoping she wasn't niterrupting. "Hi, Edilon," she said cheerily before answering Jaysen. "I would love to. As long as you don't mind," she smiled.

[Kendrall]

"Kiyoni," he shouted to his adoptive older sister as he set the oars down and stood up in the boat. "You're always welcome to join Calyssa and me if you want." He then gave the younger lady a warm smile, and held out his hand for her to take so she would have an easier time climbing aboard. He felt a bit of a stirring, but mentally shoved it aside. Now wasn't the time. No, he needed to remain a gentleman towards Calyssa, especially when others were about. Perhaps after they Impressed and became Riders, if his male dragon won her female's Flight...he'd consider requesting a leave of absence for them both and head back to Azure Isle. It would be there when he'd ask Calyssa to be his weyrmate. Granted, there was never a guarantee his dragon would always catch hers when she Rose...nor his dragon winning another's Flight. His heart would always belong to the sea, as that was his first true love. Yet Calyssa was slowly creeping into his soul, his spirit. He would remain true to her no matter how rough the seas became.

It was an odd sensation at best. Perhaps Misty would be able to help him do something about it. He suspected the queen firelizard actually liked Calyssa, based on her playing with Storm. Which reminded him. Casting a brief glance over his shoulder, he saw Misty lead Storm and Rivi both on a wild chase through the gentle waves and water, the gold trilling at both males happily but teasingly. He chuckled and looked back at Calyssa, whom he was waiting on.

[sorra]

Kiyoni looked back toward Jaysen. "I think I'll take a raincheck!" she called. "But thanks." She didn't want to disturb the two and possibly Edilon. Besides, she really needed to get Elliwodth washed and get caught up on some reports that she still had to turn into Arktos.

Calyssa accepted Jaysen's help and stepped into the boat. It had been a while since she had been in a boat. Actually the last time being with Bradan. She quickly pushed those painful memories away. She liked Jaysen and she wanted to concentrate on him. She knew she was young, but she couldn't help herself. There was jsut something about Jaysen that she really liked and she definitely wouldn't mind getting to know him better. She giggled as she watched Storm.

The bronze was still happily chasing Misty with Rivi close behind them. The three firelizards were quite fun to watch actually.

[Kendrall]

Jaysen nodded when Kiyoni told him she'd pass on the offer, then waited until Calyssa seated herself before he sat in his spot near the bow. Taking up the oars and setting them back into the water, he pushed off from the shore. Every muscle in his body worked in perfect rhythm, much like a gentle wave action; bringing his shoulders and arms inward, tucking in his head slightly on the in-stroke, then pushing his chest out and arms and shoulders back on the push. He'd been in the sun for a while, and his upper body now had a light tan to it. Jaysen saw Calyssa giggle until he realized what she was laughing about, and turned his head to look. Misty was still leading Storm and Rivi through the waves, and the queen was now racing alongside the canoe, trilling each time she broke through the water. The young sailor himself chuckled, but still remained focused on pulling at the oars.

They were still within sight of shore, but far enough not to make out any details of the people here and there. Jaysen set the oars down for a moment, letting the current and his momentum carry the boat adrift. He wasn't breathing too heavily, but enough to suggest he needed a rest. "So," he said. "When was the last time you were out on the water?"

[sorra]

Calyssa got settled in the boat. This was all bringing back memories for her, but she didn't want to let them get the better of her. She caught herself watching Jaysen as he rowed and flushed in embarrassment at her thoughts. He was rather cute and well muscled too. Her flush deepened and she pulled her attention back to the firelizards before she let her thoughts go too far. She smiled as Storm gladly followed Misty and let Rivi keep pace with them.

The candidate quickly turned her attention back to Jayse when he started talking. Calyssa looked down for a minute. "About a Turn ago," she answered, not wanting to say anything about Bradan yet.

[Kendrall]

Jaysen could see that Calyssa being on the water was a bit unsettling for her, the way she was trying to dodge the question. He wasn't entirely sure if it was because of the way he was dressed (or lack thereof), or if something else was bothering her. Still, he thought she looked cute with her dimples. Watching her watch the firelizards race alongside the boat and smiling, then his question apparently caught her off-guard. She looked down as if embarrassed. It'd only been a turn since she was last on the water, when she lived near a river?

"I can always head back to shore if this is too uncomfortable for you, Calyssa," he said, finding himself taking a hand to lift her chin so he could look her in her eyes. "I'd never do anything to knowingly hurt you or take advantage of your trust. Never in a thousand turns would I do that to you. I have a lot more respect for you than that." He studied her for a moment. "I want to be your friend, Calyssa. I really do. If you ever need me for anything, I'll be there. Besides," he gestured at the firelizards. "I think Misty really likes Storm. A bit more than Rivi, but she doesn't mind his company either. But I'd hate to see her get upset."

He let go of Calyssa's chin, and waited patiently, wondering what he could do to help.

[sorra]

Calyssa felt bad for the way she was acting. She was really enjoying her time with Jaysen. And she really didn't mind the view of him without his shirt. Actually, it was a very nice view. He had nice shoulders and a nice. She silently told herself to stop that. She was too young and a candidate now. Think about something else.

She slowly looked up as he touched her chin. "No, no," I don't want to go back," she whispered. Calyssa sighed softly. There would be no getting out of this now. A few tears started in her eyes. She hadn't really had a real friend since Bradan and Jaysen saying he wanted to be hers brought tears to her eyes. "The last time I was on a boat I lost my best friend," she slowly said. "He had just given me Storm's egg and we were going to spend the day on the river, but then the boat capsized in a storm and he drowned. I made it to safety, but I haven't been on water since."

Calyssa giggled softly. "I don't think Storm would be very happy with me either if I made him stay away from Misty."

[Kendrall]

Jaysen nodded slowly, then reached up to brush Calyssa's tears away. He could tell she wanted to be with him, but was holding back. Until now when she told him how she'd lost her best friend after their boat capsized on the river. She survived, he did not. "I'm so sorry for your loss, Calyssa. But you don't have to worry about me drowning. I've been an able swimmer long before I was able to walk on land with both feet. My father taught me far too many lessons on his boat, and he only allowed the best and strongest sailors to go with him. Besides, I think I have another reason to make sure I come safely back to shore. And I'm not just talking about Misty. Or my family." He leaned back for a moment, contemplating his next set of words carefully. But only one word escaped his lips, and the moment he let it out he knew he'd be committed to keep it.

"You."

Jaysen then looked at Calyssa, realizing that this particular young girl - no, woman - very well could wind up being the one at his side when he grew older. It was a pity, really, they never met before this. Between her love for animals and his love for the sea, well...he was sure they could work something out. Her best friend whom she lost gave her a firelizard egg, and out hatched Storm. Perhaps he could give her something better...

That's when he noticed the necklace that lay at the hollow of her throat. "That's a beautiful necklace, Calyssa. I'm not sure who gave it to you, but..." He had to give her a playful, roguish grin. "I might be able to do better than that. Though I could never want you to part with it. It's a cherished treasure, a keepsake of yours. But, aye, I can do better. We sailors know of vast treasures hidden on distant islands and under the waves." He winked.

Misty suddenly sprang up on the side railing of the canoe, spraying water this way and that on her pet and Calyssa both. She shook herself rapidly, sending a fine mist over the pair, then chittered. Jaysen nearly fell over into the bow of the boat, laughing.

[sorra]

She sniffled as little as he wiped her tears away. "Thank you. It still hurts, but I'm slowly getting over it." She tried not to dwell on that day. She still loved the water and would never trade her time with Bradan, but it had been awful ending to a great friendship. She lifted her blue eyes to Jaysen. Calyssa actually smiled when he said he had learned to swim before he could walk. That was good news to her. At least she shouldn't have to worry about him drowning like Bradan had. Her eyes widened.

"Me?" she whispered in shock. Did he really feel that way about her?

Calyssa had a hard time believing it, but her heart skipped a beat at his words. They were kindest thing anyone had ever said to her.

"My necklace?" She touched the necklace that was constantly around her neck. "Thank you," she smiled. It had been a gift and she definitely wouldn't get rid of it. She looked at Jaysen in surprise. "I wouldn't expect you to get me anything," she argued. "We only just met after all." She did giggle though when he winked at her. She was definitely enjoying this.

The young woman laughed as Misty managed to spray them both. Storm landed beside her and helped soak Calyssa and Jaysen more. Calyssa did fall into the boat as she laughed.

[Kendrall]

He nodded slowly, never taking his eyes off of hers when she asked him if it were true that she was another reason for him to come safely back to shore. "Aye," he said softly. "My one regret is that we never met sooner. I'll always come safely back to shore for you, Calyssa. Always." Jaysen wanted so badly to know what she was like, to know the taste of her kiss...but he had to keep himself pure. For himself. For her. There would be another time and place for it. But it wasn't here.

He gave her a warm smile when she thanked him, but his smile only grew broader at her surprise that he'd get her something better in spite of the fact they'd just met. "Aye, we have just met. But remember where I grew up. I'll find something special just for you, Calyssa. Even as a friend, I'll do it." His words were cut off when Misty came over the side followed by Storm, both firelizards soaking them thoroughly. Jaysen had to push himself up from the bow, and grinned at the firelizards before he caught sight of Calyssa in her prone position. Clearing his throat, he held out a hand for her to take hold of, so she could sit upright again. But the twinkle in his eye gave away his true feelings for this young woman. He didn't know if it was a mere infatuation, lust, or the beginning of a true love that would both last and be tested time and time again. Jaysen sincerely hoped it was the latter.

[sorra]

Calyssa's face flushed. She had never expected to hear anyone tell her that. She smiled though as she looked up at him. "I'll hold you to that," she said softly. She nodded in regret. "We were both in two separate Holds and in different crafts." She grinned to herself when she thought about what Sertex would say about this.

"I don't know much about Azure Isle," she admitted. "But it sounds like it must be beautiful there." She still couldn't believe that he wanted to get her something just for being friends. But she got a fuzzy feeling in the pit of her stomach the more she thought about it. Calyssa laid her hand in his to let him help her up as Storm chittered in laughter. Calyssa felt her heart speed up with his touch. What was wrong with her? He was just a guy. And a good friend. Right?