[6.10.2707] Enjoying A Rest (ANY)

[sorra]

Kiyoni sat by the lake watching Elliwodth splashing around in the lake. Rivi was trying to help the green get clean, but they only seemed to succeed in getting each other wetter. Kiyoni giggled as she watched. Elliwodth turned her head toward her rider.

Will you not help me get pretty? the green whined. The little is trying, but we both need a good bath. As do you. Your hair is a mess.

The young rider rolled her eyes. It looks like you two are doing just fine. And I just got a bath this morning thank you very much.

She loved her green dearly, but at times Elliwodth like to interfere with things that didn't concern her. Although Kiyoni knew she'd give in before long and join the two in the lake.

[Kendrall]

G'rett was just finishing up with his daily responsibilities when he heard Coth reach out to him. G'rett? Are we almost finished? Judging by the sound of his bonded's voice, Coth was a bit agitated and impatient. Rare, given the Bronze's normal penchant for being even-tempered. But something had the dragon on edge. And G'rett resolved to find out what it was.

He let out a long sigh just as he entered his new weyr, where he found Coth waiting. He'd just been recently promoted to Wingleader of Stardust Wing - by Q'del, nonetheless - and was still getting used to his new role and responsibilities. He was now tasked with teaching his wing various tactics on how to deal with Thread...which meant variations on the current formations, along with splitting off into elements, or wingpairs, to coordinate efforts. Between that, keeping up on his craft, and trying to locate as much scrap metal as he could, he'd little time for much else these days.

"What's gotten into you, Coth?" G'rett walked over to reach up and playfully rub his bonded on his head. Coth's eyes were orange, which indicated something had riled him up, but quickly faded to their familiar blue. You've been busy all morning, the Bronze complained. I know we have new duties as Wingleader...but I could use a bath. It's too hot.

The Rider couldn't help but give a soft chuckle. "I suppose you're right." He looked over at the nearest candle to find it was only roughly midday. "We have a bit of time, so let's not waste any more." G'rett grabbed the familiar riding gear and cinched the leather straps before mounting up. The lake, then?

"Yep." G'rett urged his bonded to start moving, and after a brief sideways scramble down the large passageway Coth leaped into the air, and spread his wings just as soon as gravity took hold. The mighty Bronze caught a wind current, and rode it all the way to the lake without expending too much energy. G'rett looked down to see a Green dragon splashing about in the water, and what appeared to be her Rider over on the shore. Looks like we'll have some company, Coth. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that's Elliwodth down there. Which means Kiyoni should be here as well. Let's check in on them, shall we?

Yes, my G'rett. Let us do so. It will be good to see Elliwodth and hers again. With that, the pair soared down and came to a soft landing near Kiyoni. G'rett slid down from his saddle and waved at the young woman. I have to remember she's older than me, even though it's only by a turn or two. Most Wingleaders would try to impose their authority on others, but not G'rett. He was still respectful of those older than him, and Kiyoni was no exception. "Hail, Kiyoni," he called out to the Searchrider. "How are you this fine day?"

Coth merely blinked as he watched his bonded walk towards the young woman, then turned to look at the Green before mentally calling out to her. Greetings, Elliwodth. It's a fine day to be at the lake, is it not?[/b]

[sorra]

Elliwodth was just about to try to pressure her rider into getting into the water when she caught sight of Coth gliding toward them. The green crooned softly. Company! She liked that idea. And the bronze was always nice. Good day handsome bronze, she said turning her head to see him better. It is a very good day to be at the lake. Except Mine doesn't want to come in.

Kiyoni chuckled as she saw Elliwodth settle a bit. At least she'd have a bit of peace while Coth was there. Rivi flitted over to her shoulder and cheeped a greeting to G'rett.

"Hello G'rett," she smiled. "I'm just fine. I thought I'd enjoy the lake while I still had a bit of free time. How about you and Coth?"

[Kendrall]

G'rett simply nodded at the blue firelizard, then gave Kiyoni a soft smile before responding. "I never imagined I'd be busy with my new workload, now that I've been recently promoted to Wingleader of Stardust Wing." He frowned briefly, fingering the new insignia on his shoulder. "Not that I'm complaining too much, but sometimes I wish someone more experienced gave me a crash course on what to expect, how to keep my wing focused, and so forth." Shaking his head, he sat down near Kiyoni. "Coth doesn't seem to mind too much, but then again he doesn't have all that paperwork to do," the young Wingleader smirked at his bonded, which prompted the latter's baleful gaze in return. It's not like you asked for us to be promoted, my G'rett. Besides...how do you say it? I don't do paperwork?

G'rett merely closed his eyes and shook his head woefully at Coth, then opened his eyes before looking at Kiyoni. "It's always a bad sign when a dragon tries his paw at comedy," he blanched. He let a regretful sigh. "Anyway. Coth said he was in need of a bath, and I'd just finished up my morning tasks, so we opted to come to the lake."

Meanwhile, the Bronze turned his attention away from his bonded and onto the much smaller Elliwodth, ambling into the water to join the female. Yours doesn't want to enjoy frolicking about in the lake? A pity, really. Perhaps if you spray some water in her direction, that might change her mind. Coth merely blinked at Elliwodth, his blue eyes suggesting he was up for a bit of mischief. Mine is sitting next to yours, so you might get them both wet at the same time. Then you can always claim you were simply trying to help them find relief from the heat.

[sorra]

Rivi settled on Kiyoni's shoulder and watched G'rett quietly. The young green rider gave G'rett a sympathetic smile as she brushed her dark hair out of her face. "I can only imagine the paperwork that goes with being a Wingleader. Being a Search Rider can be tough enough. But you seem to be doing great at it. And I'm sure you wouldn't have been promoted if they didn't feel you were ready."

She watched Elliwodth for a few seconds, enjoying watching the sun dance off her dragons deep green hide. She had really just bathed the green the day before but Elliwodth always wanted to look exceptional. She turned back to G'rett. "Gotta love our dragons," she chuckled. "Elli has been saying that she's dirty and she informed me that I was too," she smiled.

Elliwodth cocked her head to the side as she listened to Coth's suggestion. I like that idea. Mine is dirty anyhow and needs to be pretty again. And surely Yours wouldn't mind getting a bath, she said as she watched the two riders. Splashing them was definitely sounding appealing to her.

[Kendrall]

G'rett nearly grunted with disgust when Kiyoni suggested he was handling his new duties well. He was promoted because the leadership thought he was ready? Quite the contrary, actually. Q'del was the one who suggested to the Weyrwoman to put G'rett in the wingleader slot, replacing F'rak. The young man still wasn't sure if the Weyrsecond was merely baiting him, seeing if he would fail in some spectacular fashion...or if it was all just in his head and wouldn't have been moved up if Q'del didn't think he was up for the challenge.

Quindara had said a while back her brother shouldn't be seen as a rival. But G'rett was still smarting over that last-second loss from Aylinth's last flight, which meant Q'del - not him - had shared Toniel's bed that night. I don't know if Q'del put me in the wingleader slot just to placate me because he knows how I feel about Toniel, or if there's some ulterior motive in play.

Will you quit worrying about Demnoth's and Aylinth's? Coth's soothing voice came to his mind, and G'rett turned to look at his bonded. The Bronze merely blinked at his Rider, his blue eyes taking in his lifemate. There's no need to sort this through your mind over and over again. How do you say it...you're over-analyzing? This whole situation. We were promoted to Wingleader. Be thankful. We will do just fine. Coth then turned to look at Elliwodth, and did his best imitation of a rueful shake of his head. Elliwodth, dear heart, how does Yours handle her responsibilities? Better than Mine, I hope. I think the heat is getting to him. Do feel free to get him wet when you get Yours wet. Perhaps it will help him to calm down.

G'rett likewise chuckled when Kiyoni joked that her Green thought she was just as dirty as her dragon. "I'd have to disagree with Elli," he said, borrowing the Green's shortened name. "Though I have to warn you, the last time Coth and I were here, he decided I was in need of a bath and gave me a good soaking."

He changed the subject for a moment, since he'd wanted to get the Searchrider's opinion. "Anyway. What do you think of the current group of Candidates? Personally, I think it's too small and I'd like to see several more."

[sorra]

Kiyoni watched G'rett for a few minutes. She could see mixed emotions in his eyes, but she couldn't quite read what each one was. Of course she didn't know what was going on between him and Q'del. She didn't usually listen to the gossip going around the Weyr.

Elliwodth watched her rider as Rivi joined them in the water once more. The green quickly looked over when Coth spoke to her again. She gets too stressed out, she answered. Although normally she handles them well. We both like the young ones. The lovely green seemed to laugh. I will make sure I get him wet as well. They can both use bathes, Elliwodth answered cheerily as she waited for the right time to splash them.

Kiyoni's face flushed a little at G'rett's words. "Thank you," she smiled. "Elli always seems to think I look dirty." She giggled. "Elli likes to do that too. I don't know why they find drenching us so much fun."

The Search Rider nodded in agreement. "I think the candidates we have are very good candidates, but we definitely need more. The dragonets need choices. Elli and I are going to go back out tomorrow and see if we can find anyone else."

[Kendrall]

Coth merely blinked at the much smaller Green. Anytime you are ready, then.

G'rett chuckled at Kiyoni's question about why dragons thought it was fun to drench their riders. "I've often asked that question myself. But it's always a good indication that they really do care about how we feel. Coth's been no exception to the rule."

I do my best to keep you happy, my G'rett. The Bronze's mindvoice rang clear in his bonded's mind, earning him a warm smile from the Wingleader before redirecting his attention on Kiyoni.

"Good luck on your Search, Kiyoni. Faranth knows we need as many Candidates as possible if the Weyr is to survive...and I just pray we'll have enough Standing to avoid any dragonets going between." He sighed. "The fun part will be getting them through their training as Weyrlings...though it wouldn't surprise me if Lady Cybele or Q'del ask me to step in and help with the combat lessons or flight lessons. It'll be challenging enough to ensure the Weyrlings all survive their first blooding."

[sorra]

Elliwodth watched the two riders. I will, she said, her eyes whirling happily.

Kiyoni hadn't noticed the look to her green's eyes yet. She had been too busy talking with G'rett. Otherwise she would have realized Elliwodth was planning something. Although Rivi had been watching the green and quickly took to the air.

"Thank you, G'rett. Hopefully we're able to find a few more. Yes, I would hate to see any of the dragonets go between. Especially now when we need all the dragons we can get." She smiled at the bronzer. "I'm sure you'll do fine if they do ask you for help. You and Coth seem to work together perfectly."

Elliwodth flicked her tail patiently. Without warning the green sent a wave toward the shore that would be sure to drench both riders.

"Elliwodth!" Kiyoni shouted.

You needed cleaned up, Mine. Now you look much better, the green said, unrepentant.

[Kendrall]

G'rett had very little time to react when he was thoroughly soaked by a wave of water. What the...? he thought to himself, taken by surprise by the sudden drenching. He heard Kiyoni shout her dragon's name - her full name - as if somewhat aggravated, and G'rett turned to look at both dragons.

The Wingleader arched an eyebrow at the duo, looking at them both then merely shaking his head. Coth, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you had something to do with Elliwodth getting us wet, he mentally accused his bonded.

You needed something to distract you from your rantings, the Bronze shot back, dipping his head down just below the surface of the water briefly, then shot back up and sprayed water at both G'rett and Kiyoni. Plus you need to get your mind off from work. There's always a time and place for that, but not now, my G'rett.

The Wingleader started to form a rebuke on his lips, then flinched as his lifemate drenched him again. He turned to look at an equally-soaked Kiyoni and shook his head. "It's always interesting when our dragons know when there's a time for work and a time for play. Especially when it comes to Coth."

[sorra]

Elliwodth seemed to be laughing as Kiyoni put her hands on her hips. Rivi darted around them excitedly. Elli, what was that for? And why would you soak G'rett as well? she demanded of her green.

The green snorted softly. You needed it. You were brooding again. I don't like you like that. Besides, you both needed to be cleaned up. I will not be seen with a dirty rider, she said dismissively. Elliwodth had always liked things to be neat and clean ever since she was a hatchling.

Kiyoni glared at her green, but squealed in surprise when Coth got her wet as well. She shook her head and looked over at G'rett, her blue eyes dancing. "I agree. Apparently they both think now is a good time to play," she laughed.

[Kendrall]

G'rett merely grinned in response when Kiyoni laughed. "Wouldn't be smart of us to keep our dragons waiting, then," he said. With that, he stripped off his shirt to reveal his tanned, well-defined, muscular chest and flat stomach. If Kiyoni wanted to get a good look, she would notice the various thin white scars the Wingleader bore, the results of many a duel he'd been in while growing up. He pondered about stripping down entirely, but thought better of it. He really didn't need to give the Searchrider a show. Perhaps at some point, if Kiyoni's Elliwodth Rose and Coth decided to give Chase and won the Flight...maybe then. It really wasn't up to G'rett on whom Coth chose to give Chase to. Not entirely, anyway. And G'rett had yet to be with a woman to boot.

Shucking his boots, he waded out into the lake until the water was up to his hips and looked at both dragons. "Alright you two," he said in a mocking manner, "if you want to start a water fight, you got it." With that, G'rett made as big of a splash as possible, doing his best to aim at Coth and Elli. If Kiyoni just happened to be caught in the crossfire that was sure to come, well...she'd just have to endure being soaked once again.

[sorra]

"No, not at all," she agreed cheerily. "They'd only drench us more." The green rider glanced out at the lake. She tried not to stare when G'rett stripped off his shirt, but hey, she was only human. And he definitely wasn't a bad looking man in her opinion. Besides, there was always flights and it helped if you at least liked the one that your dragon chose. Kiyoni shed her overshirt and boots, leaving herself in a sleeveless shirt and her pants.

Elliwodth cocked her head to the side as G'rett splashed out. She looked over at Coth. It worked, she said happily as Rivi dove into the water and started splashing around.

The green bugled in surprise when G'rett managed to get her. Kiyoni burst out laughing as she stepped into the lake. "Hey! Wait for me!" She didn't want left out of the fun.

[Kendrall]

Coth blinked at Elliwodth, his blue eyes suggesting contentment before his bonded splashed him. Yes it did. The Bronze then turned to look at G'rett, dipped below the surface of the lake momentarily before rising up and spraying him with water.

G'rett could feel Kiyoni's stare when he took off his shirt. He mentally shrugged. He never did fully understand why any woman thought of him as good-looking. He certainly didn't think he was. There'd been at least one young woman in particular who was, well, chasing him. And a little competition never hurt anyone from his point of view. Especially when it came to the liberal mentality towards relationships in the Weyr. There had been the few exceptions - Cybele and J'nel before the Weyrleader's untimely passing - but it only took one Flight to cause relationships to shift dramatically. G'rett sincerely hoped he could manage to hold on to only one woman after Coth's first win, but it would take considerable luck for Coth to continue to win that Gold's or Green's Flight every single time..and lose the others. On the other hand, it probably wouldn't be such a bad thing if Coth won the Flights of two or three different female dragons, either...provided the Riders in question were also female. He knew jealousy always could rear its ugly head and cause problems for him down the road. He sincerely hoped the women Riders in question would be agreeable to share him equally.

The Wingleader shook his head woefully. Now wasn't the time to ponder over when his Bronze would win his first Flight, and whose bed he would wind up in as a result. Or how many Flights Coth would win, and how many women could potentially bear his children. He really didn't need to dwell on that particular subject. He needed to remain focused. But focusing on Kiyoni's slight build wasn't what he had in mind...

...especially when the Searchrider removed her overshirt to reveal the silken undershirt beneath that seemed to cling to her slender frame. G'rett felt himself blushing at the sight, then quickly turned away. If he had to look at Kiyoni again, he'd have to force himself to look directly in her eyes instead of letting his gaze linger. But he gave the girl a playful grin when she shouted to wait for her. Oh, he'd wait, alright. Long enough to send a small wave of water in her direction.

[sorra]

Elliwodth bugled happily and joined in the fun. She swished her tail, sending waves toward the two riders and Coth. I like this. It is a good, fun way to get clean, she said happily. The green was enjoying herself tremendously.

Rivi decided to help the dragons in getting the riders wet. He dove in the water close to G'rett, happily splashing around and creating tiny waves in comparison to his much larger cousins.

Kiyoni laughed at her firelizards antics. She flashed G'rett a smile as she twisted her hair up on top of her head. She tried not to pay attention to what he looked like without his shirt. She knew if she dwelled on that too long than she'd never be able to concentrate on anything. Although, there was always the possibility of Elliwodth's flight. And then well... Kiyoni quickly stopped before she let that thought get any further. Now was not the time to be thinking like that.

"Hey!" she laughed as G'rett managed to get her wet. She splashed into the water beside him. "Two can play that game," she grinned, splashing him back.