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Post by Kendrall on May 28, 2010 22:25:37 GMT -5
The rainy season was still another two months or so away, but G'rett half-wished it already begun. Ever since he was little, the Bronze rider never did like the summer season even though he was born during this time. It had always been too humid, too muggy; all he had to do was to be outside for no less than a tenth of a candlemark before sweat covered his brow. He preferred the relatively "dry" heat of the forge instead of this steam bath, but there wasn't much he could do about the weather.
Coth likewise often echoed his Rider's sentiment, but chose to show his discomfort in a different fashion...which was the case one particular early morning when he and his bonded were out in the middle of the bowl...
If it isn't too much to ask, I could use a good bath and oiling, my G'rett. Then perhaps later, we could head down to the lake? He merely looked at G'rett through bluish eyes, fixing them on his Rider, earning a grunt in response. "You mean," G'rett spoke, letting his voice show a trace of humor mixed in with sarcasm, "you'd like a bath and oiling because you and I both know this humidity doesn't do much good for you. Although the idea of heading down to the lake seems tempting, I'd have to make sure we're not scheduled to fly any patrols today." He wiped his forehead with the back of a hand, shaking off the beads of sweat that were already starting to form. "It's barely past the first candlemark, and already it feels like I'm not just breathing in the air, I'm practically drinking it."
Coth merely blinked, not quite fully grasping the element of sarcasm, but instead stretched out his neck to rub his muzzle against G'rett's shoulder. I wish I could do something to ease your discomfort. Perhaps after you see to my needs, I can help see to yours?
The Bronze rider had to think that one over, as he watched one of the drudges bring up the necessary buckets of water, oil, brushes, and cloth before retreating back to the lower caverns. G'rett couldn't help but think about just how cool it had to have been down there instead of outside in the sun...
G'rett? Coth blinked at his companion, snapping him back to reality. "Oh, right. I nearly forgot. Sorry about that, Coth..." G'rett blushed as he dipped one of the brushes into the water, then started to gently scrub his dragon's hide...
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Properly caring for Coth's hide took roughly two candlemarks or so, something which G'rett had done countless times before. But this time, as did the past few, seemed different. What was it that rankled him so? Oh, that was right. The recent Flight which he had lost. He had been barely edged by one of the other Bronze riders, and didn't take the loss quite so well. Instead of finding the nearest object to bash, or finding the first female drudge to spend the night with, or getting obnoxiously drunk...he had chosen instead to focus that energy into something else. Sleep. G'rett had never been one to take losses so well, and this last one felt like he'd been totally abandoned. Had it not been for Coth to try to encourage him, there would have been no telling what trouble the Bronze rider would have stirred up.
He decided he'd need to pay a visit to Toniel, but could never quite muster up the courage to have a face-to-face conversation with her. Especially since she'd been with Q'del. It would have been too awkward of a situation to get himself into, and even more damning if he tried to get out of it. Cybele was another matter altogether. She was nearly ten turns older than he, and G'rett typically treated her with dignity and respect. It wasn't the fact Cybele was the Weyrwoman and had two children whom were growing up rather quickly; no, he just wasn't sure how he could relate to someone much older. Never mind the other female Riders; G'rett had never been close with any of them, even during his time as a Candidate then as a Weyrling. He had chosen to remain focused on his studies, not giving any room for a true relationship. He simply didn't have time, and now he felt that was starting to come back and haunt him.
Spending time with Coth was one thing, which brought him great joy. The rare opportunity to work with his hands was another, as was practicing with the various weapons he'd created over the past four turns. Dueling was forbidden, but that didn't necessarily mean he couldn't choose to keep up on his skills. His only foes were Thread and tunnelsnakes. He couldn't do much about the former, but he could do something about the latter. That is, if he ever came across any.
G'rett let out a sigh as he finished rubbing in the last bits of oil into Coth's hide. He supposed he'd have to find out if he was scheduled to fly patrol that day, or if anything else needed to be done. Perhaps Coth was right. Spending some time down at the Lake would do him some good.
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Post by Kit on May 31, 2010 20:22:56 GMT -5
Quindara sighed, brushing the damp strands of her coppery hair out of her eyes yet again. It was blasted hot, even here in the lower caverns, where she was stuck doing laundry during her chores time. Even Shadow had deserted her, he was out frolicking in the lake. Well...Shadow wasn't really frolicking, more like submerged up to his nostrils, watching everyone else playing. She couldn't wait to have her own dragon When she was a full rider, she wouldn't have to trouble with these menial chores, at least, though she'd been assured the work was no less.
She never doubted that she'd Impress. Her brother was the Weyrsecond after all, surely that was indicative of something in their blood. The drum tower tolled noon. "Finally!" she exclaimed aloud, getting a sharp glance from Headwoman. She didn't give a whit what that woman thought right now, she was starving. She practically ran for the dining caverns, but it was just as stifling hot in there, if not worse. It was enough to put her off her appetite. So, remembering Shadow, she grabbed a few things from the night hearth and headed outside to the lake shore.
There she was greeted by her firelizard, who nuzzled her cheek and began to share all the things he had observed. It was mostly people and dragons trying to relieve themselves from the heat, and a few young lovers flirting. Nothing interesting. She settled on the bank with a meat roll and chewed on it thoughtfully.
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Post by Kendrall on Jun 1, 2010 12:54:16 GMT -5
G'rett was gone for nearly a half of a candlemark before returning to his quarters. He wasn't scheduled to fly patrol that day, so that was a good sign. "Coth," he said. "Perhaps I'll take you up on that offer." The Bronze managed to give his best imitation of a nod, then lowered his head in order for his Rider to mount up. As soon as G'rett was settled, the dragon scrambled down the large passageway and leaped into the air, spreading his wings just as gravity started to take hold.
G'rett had always loved to fly on the back of his dragon. The sheer exhilaration was enough to rejuvenate him, and taking Coth through a series of acrobatic loops and barrel rolls just for the thrill only added to his joy. This wasn't just flying, it was dancing in the air. It wasn't long before they finally reached the shoreline of the lake, and the pair both looked down. Here and there, dragons and their Riders were trying to find relief from the heat.
Think we should make quite an entrance?
The Bronzerider had to laugh aloud at this. Coth was in a playful mood, and this was a good sign indeed...but G'rett knew what his dragon was up to. Just land near the shoreline first, will you? I'm still fully clothed.
Sorry, my G'rett. But you could do with a bit of cheering up...Hold on tight! With that, Coth dove, and swooped down at an angle toward the deeper part of the lake. G'rett clung tightly to Coth's neck, and within moments, landed with a loud SPLASH!, sending waves in several directions as the pair went underwater.
G'rett emerged from the surface first, followed by Coth. The latter's eyes were blue, eliciting a guffaw from his Rider. "Never underestimate a dragon's sense of humor," G'rett said as he started to swim toward the shore. He had to give a bit more effort due to his boots, but eventually managed to climb ashore. Finding a spot to rest, he pulled off his boots, then finally his tunic, baring his tanned, athletic torso. Coth submerged for a moment, then rose, spouting water out of his nostrils at his Rider. "Hey!" G'rett objected, then laughed. The Bronze merely blinked, then turned to look around. That was when he noticed the young copper-haired girl sitting off by herself, her black firelizard flittering about. Coth turned to look back at G'rett before finally coming ashore and rested.
Do you know who that might be? G'rett looked around until he figured out whom Coth was referring to, and he shook his head as he looked at the girl. "No idea, Coth. I think I've seen her around a few times, though. One of the Candidates as far as I know."
Shall we introduce ourselves? G'rett had to think this one over, then shrugged. "We'll see if she noticed your grand entrance first." He waved at the girl, then leaned back against Coth and waited.
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Post by Kit on Jun 1, 2010 16:24:54 GMT -5
After satisfying the pangs of hunger in her stomach, Quindara leaned back, casting her eye over the sparkling weyr lake. It did look inviting, so she shucked off her sandals and rolled up her pants, intending to wade a bit before she had to go to craft lessons. Her master wouldn't care about a little damp.
But she never did go into the lake, because just then, a bronze dragon dove in with a tremendous splash, washing little wavelets far up onto the shore. Quindara had to smile at that, being a dragonhealer, she had a love and respect for dragonkind that went deeper than most Candidates. It amused her to see the great beasts so playful. But when she saw the rider, still fully clothed, swimming up to the shore, she nearly collapsed into full-throated laughter. The rider made quite a sight, and she was willing to bet his dragon was not the least bit ashamed. And the bronze proved her right shortly, spouting water at the rider as he pulled off his boots.
He was a fine looking rider, she decided, as he pulled off his shirt. The sight brought a pleased smile to her face and a twinkle to her eye. She'd been a few months without a dalliance, perhaps it was time to make a new acquaintance, though it would do to be cautious with the Hatching so near. He waved at her, sealing her decision. She walked over, Shadow occupying her shoulder like an ornament.
"Hey, bronze rider," she said as she got closer. "I see your dragon gave you a soaking. Its a good day for it."
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Post by Kendrall on Jun 2, 2010 10:51:08 GMT -5
G'rett cast a studying eye up and down at the young woman who was now approaching. She was about above-average height, probably about four to five inches shorter than he was. Long, copper hair worn in double braids. A rather lithe, sparse figure, sort of like a dancer's...but that only added to the Bronze Rider's sudden interest. He had a weakness for natural redheaded ladies, much like his father. And this particular young woman very much fit into that category. He felt a stirring that he hadn't felt in a while and did his best to keep his composure. He also had to wonder if she would prove to be hard to handle. If so, he'd be up for a challenge. But if he was right, however, and the girl walking up to him was only a Candidate...G'rett knew he would have to wait until after this young lady impressed to either a Gold or a Green, then survive her training as a weyrling before he could do anything about it.
Yep, she'd be a prize to catch, when that day ever came. He would look forward to it.
Coth, on the other hand, didn't know what to make of her. He merely blinked, and lowered his head to get a closer look at the young woman and her black firelizard. As he did so, G'rett stood up, grinning at the redhead's comment. "Coth's come a long way since he was a dragonet," he said, smiling warmly and giving his companion a playful rub on his head. "You wouldn't believe how timid he was of just about everyone and everything. Now that's he's older, he's more even-keeled. More at ease with himself and the world around him."
The Bronze turned his gaze towards his Rider and blinked, then rubbed his muzzle against the latter's cheek before focusing back on the girl. G'rett chuckled as Coth did so. "I've never been one for this heat and humidity, so Coth suggested we come here to the lake for a while." He then offered a formal bow to the woman, then held out his hand. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, m'lady. My name is G'rett."
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Post by Kit on Jun 2, 2010 22:47:14 GMT -5
Quindara noticed his appraisal of her. She hoped he liked what he saw, she certainly did. Especially the long hair, there was something about long hair that gave her a little shiver. Plus, he was nicely lean and muscled, even more so than the average rider, which suited her just fine. Yes, he was just about perfect..except for the sideburns, she wasn't to crazy about those... but that was a minor detail. She gave him a winning smile before turning to Coth.
"What, a big strapping bronze like you, timid? I can hardly believe such a thing." she said playfully, before turning back to the rider and trying very hard not to stare openly at his bare chest. "But I've seen many a timid dragonet. Most get over that as soon as they get to flying their riders. I suppose its hard to be timid when you're bigger than just about anything else. I've never been timid, myself, so I suspect I'll get a lifemate scared of its own shadow just to teach me better."
Shadow chirped at this remark, perhaps finding it amusing, or maybe he was agreeing. "I'm not fond of the heat much either, and Shadow kept sending me images of how nice it was out here, so I thought I'd take my lunch outside. I'm quite glad I did."
She grasped his hand firmly shaking it, but her face had an amused smile. "I'm Quindara, Candidate and journeyman dragonhealer. I'm equally pleased to meet you, though no one's ever accused me of being a lady." she said with a chuckle.
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Post by Kendrall on Jun 3, 2010 12:25:31 GMT -5
G'rett couldn't help but return the redhead's smile, returning it with a playful roguish grin of his own. If this young woman wanted to play, well...he was definitely interested. Play the game, indeed. But he would use every trick in the book he knew to win when it was time. He'd already decided he liked the looks of her, and therefore just had to get to know her better. Once again, he regretted the fact he didn't take any time to pursue any relationships shortly after he graduated to be a full-fledged Rider, and desperately wanted to put his disappointment in losing the last Gold flight out of his mind.
Coth, on the other hand, was oblivious to the girl's tone of voice when she spoke to him, but merely blinked at her, his eyes a deep blue. He did, however, did his best imitation of a nod in her direction...along with some commenting of his own at his bonded.
This one seems...playful. A bit bold and straightforward as well. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to get to know this one, my G'rett, but do be cautious.
G'rett merely rubbed Coth's muzzle with a free hand in response. Don't worry, my friend. I'll be careful. He then chuckled when the girl commented that she might Impress a dragon that was scared of its own shadow. "You never know," G'rett said. "I was fortunate enough to Impress Coth when I did, but I would've settled for him being a Brown or a Blue." He shrugged. "I've heard some Riders aren't satisfied when they Impress something they perceive as being a 'lower rank'. They should be thankful they've managed to Impress in the first place." He made a face at the thought before continuing, nodding at the firelizard which was introduced as Shadow. "I've never had a firelizard before. I never bothered standing at a hatching since I've been with Coth. He's taken up most of my time, and it's been well worth it. I wouldn't trade him for anything else on Pern." The Bronze dragon merely rubbed his muzzle against his Rider's cheek in response, but his eyes were still focused on the girl. "I wasn't scheduled to fly any patrols today, actually," G'rett said, his voice suggesting he was relieved. "Not that I don't mind flying patrols - I don't - but they do tend to be rather tedious."
Finally, he had one piece of the puzzle when the redhead introduced herself. "Well met, Quindara," he said. But when Quindara said she was a dragonhealer, both Rider and dragon tried hard not to let their disappointment show. It was easier for G'rett to conceal this, but Coth's eyes briefly flickered to a greenish-yellow. The Bronzerider looked at his bonded, and blushed slightly before he turned back to Quindara and explained. "Coth has never been overly fond of healers. When he hatched from his egg, he practically stumbled all over the sands and complained constantly as if he were in great pain. The Healers tried to help him, but he kept running away from them. In the process, he accidentally cut into a few of the other Candidates' legs." G'rett winced, recalling with clarity what had happened that day. "Hopefully, Quindara, if you manage to come around on a regular basis, Coth just may get used to you."
Harumph. She's a Healer. I have never trusted them. I see no reason to do the same with this one.
G'rett simply looked up at the dragon and arched an eyebrow, and mentally scolded his friend. When Quindara Impresses, Coth, you'll just have to get over your insecurity if you decide to give Chase to her bonded. Especially if it's either a gold or a green. And you know I'm right.
Coth merely blinked at G'rett, his eyes shifting to a more predominantly green. ...you needn't remind me. Very well, then. I'll give this one the benefit of the doubt, as you say.
G'rett turned back to Quindara, mock surprise on his face. "I'd never accuse you of anything. Except, well..." He blushed. "Not giving me the chance to get to know you better."
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Post by Kit on Jun 3, 2010 14:26:42 GMT -5
"I won't deny I'd like a gold. I was raised to be a leader to some extent, before I was Searched, and I certainly don't mind the extra responsibility." Or power or status, she thought to herself. "But those people who think a blue or green is somehow, lesser, are daft. Its just a difference of size, and to some extent, personality. Plenty of people aren't suited to be leaders, but they make good dragonriders. And dragons are just the same. Blues and greens are important for the wings too, for their agility. If I didn't Impress gold, I'd want a blue. But some of the other dragonhealers and I are taking bets for how long it'll take for the new colors to show up in dragons. That would be interesting to say the least."
She smiled up at Shadow, tickling under his chin with a free finger. "Firelizards are charming little creatures and they make lovely pets, especially for those who aren't likely to Impress. But as much as I love Shadow, I know he's nothing to compare to a dragon."
Quindara was taken aback by the dragon's abrupt change in mood, and the explanation. Although it was common for people to dislike the Healers, for dragons it was rare, partly due to their poor long-term memories, and partly to their usual easy-going natures. But she supposed a trauma at the Hatching might be memorable even for a dragon. It bore thinking about, and she allowed her mind to dwell on this curiousness to stave off the slight hurt and offense she felt.
But by his eye color, it seemed G'rett had managed to soothe the bronze. She allowed herself a smile. "Well now, I guess I feel sort of challenged, so i'll have to be sure you get to know me, if only to defend the status of my craft in Coth's eyes. But I'd be glad to know you better in any case." Much, much, better if she had her way.
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Post by Kendrall on Jun 3, 2010 15:51:34 GMT -5
G'rett pondered over Quindara's words. She'd go for a blue if she couldn't impress a gold? Interesting, given that blue dragons were male. It also suggested that Quindara's...tastes...ran in both directions. He gave an internal shrug. It didn't matter to him that the redheaded Candidate standing in front of him was possibly bisexual or not; he knew plenty of riders who were the same way, both male and female. G'rett himself was heterosexual; he'd always been attracted to the opposite gender ever since he was old enough to understand the desires that ran through him. But it also meant he'd have to potentially compete with Quindara if her dragon and his were Chasing the same green.
He also wasn't readily going to admit he'd never been with a woman, either, or any type of...other...activity. He'd been thrilled once shortly after his fifteenth naming-day when three girls back at Nova Hold had paid attention to him at the same time, much to the dismay and shock of his parents. But that seemed to be a long time ago, and nothing ever came about of that night he snuck out of his parents' and over to where the girls were staying. Except, of course, good conversation and plenty of eye candy for his sole pleasure.
What had also started him thinking was the possibility of other dragon colors. He'd never heard nor seen anything of the sorts; only in firelizards lately, but in dragons?
He could only have to wait and see how this all played out, but offered a warm smile when Quindara tickled Shadow's chin. Cute little thing, he thought to himself. It probably wouldn't hurt if we had a little cousin around, my G'rett, Coth mused. At least I won't be so easily bored whenever you're busy crafting something. The Bronzerider thought this over for a moment, then nodded at his bonded. "I'd have to give it some more thought, Coth." Knowing Quindara would probably ask to what he was referring to, G'rett looked at the beautiful-looking redhead. Well, beautiful-looking to him, anyway. "Coth seems to think having a firelizard around wouldn't do any harm." But when Quindara merely offered a smile in response to his earlier explanation of Coth's distrust of Healers, along with her saying she felt the need to defend her craft, G'rett suspected she was actually put off by this lack of confidence. I'd better smooth things over with her, Coth. G'rett gave a mental warning to his dragon. I know your memory isn't perfect, but by the same token it's rather hard for me to get the day of your hatching out of my head; how you reacted when those Healers came to help you out but you ran in the opposite direction instead. Right into a few other Candidates. I've never been able to live that day down. Not that I don't fault you for it, but for Faranth's sake, could you please be willing to work with me on this?
If I must, Coth gave a reassuring rub of his muzzle against his bonded's cheek. Is there anything in particular you'd like for me to do?
You could always let Quintara rub or scratch your head. That'll be a start.
Coth merely blinked at G'rett, then at Quintara before lowering his head to about the girl's navel. He gently bumped his nose against her belly, then looked up at her, his green eyes looking directly into hers, as if waiting.
Do you think she'll be able to hear me?
Doubtful, Coth. But she's a dragonhealer. It's always worth a try.
Greetings, young one. If it isn't too much trouble for you...would you please scratch the top of my head? It itches!
While Coth was waiting for Quintara, G'rett looked at the redheaded Candidate, and gave her a wicked grin when she said she would like to get to know him as well. "It's definitely worth a start, then. But I don't know if you'll be bored if I gave you my life's story."
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Post by Kit on Jun 3, 2010 16:55:23 GMT -5
"They are fun to have around. And they'll help to bathe and oil your dragon as well as carry letters. The larger colors are best if you want your flit to be able to carry out complex tasks, but they're all affectionate and obedient if trained right. I'd offer to give you an egg if I had a female. But you might ask around if you decided you'd like one. Both the Weyrwoman and her second have females." She grinned at the thought, Argent was an exceptionally lovely frielizard, and she'd always hoped Shadow would fly her one of these days. They'd make lovely children, and she probably get an egg out of the deal. But as yet, her black hadn't won any flights. She realized she was babbling a bit, even in her own mind. Usually she was more smooth with men. She took a few deep breaths.
All this did her no good as Coth suddenly bumped her in the belly. She gasped with surprise, both at his touch and at his voice in her mind. Ailing dragons talked to her occasionally, so it wasn't the first time she'd heard a dragon's voice, but it was still rare and surprising, considering the bronze's distrust. She suspected that G'rett had talked him into it, which was nice. It meant the bronzerider was interested, she thought, and it also meant the dragon rider pair had a strong bond, which was all to the good in her opinion.
She reached up to scratch the offending spot. "Thank you Coth, for your trust,"she said, with one eye on G'rett. This meeting was more exciting than she had hoped. "Oh, it can't be that boring, you are a dragonrider after all."
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Post by Kendrall on Jun 3, 2010 22:07:22 GMT -5
G'rett merely chuckled when Quindara took a few deep breaths to steady herself after rambling a bit about the benefit of having a firelizard. "Interesting. I'll have to look into it further. Perhaps you could help locate an egg for me...?" His grin widened even further to a dazzling, charming smile when she commented that his life couldn't be THAT boring.
"I suppose I should start from the beginning, then," G'rett said. "I hail from Nova Hold originally, and was Searched shortly after my seventeenth naming-day. My father is one of the master smiths there, and taught me everything he knew about crafting weapons and armor using only half of the ore typically needed. He also taught me how to become proficient with wielding both the sword and dagger at the same time. My mother is one of the drudges there - not a glamorous life, I'll admit, but her looks were enough to catch my father's attention." He said the last part and gave Quindara a wink before continuing.
"I do confess I've been in several fights growing up." He pointed to the various thin white scars on his chest and stomach. "I honestly couldn't tell you what the subject was, but I did manage to make quite the impression - if you'll pardon the pun - on several of the young ladies."
All the while, Coth merely closed his eyes and let out a long exhale through his nostrils when Quindara started scratching his head. Thank you, young one. You have no idea how good that feels.
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Post by Kit on Jun 3, 2010 23:13:10 GMT -5
"I'll ask around for you, though maybe one of these days we should just go out and look for a nest. Its the season for them." And wouldn't that be nice.... a day away from the weyr, just the two of them..well Coth would be there, but the bronze would hardly be a third wheel. She smiled secretively at the thought.
She listened to his story with real interest. In a way, it was better he wasn't weyrbred. Sure, the hold and craft-bred ones were a little more conservative, usually, but the weyrbred could be so insular, thinking only of the weyr, and not the whole rest of the wide world. Besides, they often thought little of her hold breeding.
"Well, now that's a fairly interesting childhood compared to some I've heard around here, that've never left the weyr since birth and hope never to leave it. But I'll give my story in exchange. My mother and father are the Holders of Green Valley Hold. Well, really my mother is, even when my father was still alive. He died of Cloudlung when I was young, and she has held in own name ever since. Anyway, I was the second child of five. My brother was to inherit the Hold, though he and my mother were not on the best of terms...nor him and I for that matter. One day, he and my mother got into a flaming fight, and he ran off. I don't know what he was planning on doing, the sharding fool, but mother made me go after him, and just as I caught up with him, and we were about to get into a mother of a fistfight, a dragon lands nearby. Searches us both. So we both came to the weyr, he Impressed bronze right away, and I've been Standing ever since. Now he's the Weyrsecond..and I am still Standing," she said, with a hint of bitterness. "But I'm still young enough not to renounce my Candidacy I suppose, its just difficult waiting."
She was still scratching Coth's head idly and she smiled at his remark, almost a gentle smile. "I believe you. Who doesn't like a good head scratching?"
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Post by Kendrall on Jun 4, 2010 9:44:29 GMT -5
Coth merely opened his eyes and looked up at Quindara. The Bronze's eyes were about as blue as the water. He seemed content, letting the Candidate scratch his head. In response to her question, he simply rubbed his muzzle against the girl's belly.
G'rett simply chuckled when Quindara suggested the two of them go look for a nest. "It's a nice idea, but I'd have to make sure Coth and I aren't scheduled for any upcoming flights. Or if I have any projects to finish up." That was mostly true; even though he was a Bronze Rider and therefore held a considerable rank, his daily tasks typically included repairing the various beltknives and daggers most weyrfolk often carried. Between that, the normal flights he was slated to run, and taking care of his dragon on a regular basis; he wasn't entirely sure he could spend an entire day away from Nova. Granted, the idea was tempting, but he really didn't want to get himself nor Quindara in trouble.
What caught his interest was when she mentioned she was the daughter of a Holder...and the fact her brother was the Weyrsecond. Shards, he couldn't help but think. Q'del is her brother. Just what I needed to ruin an almost perfect day. He tried to keep dismay off his face, and nearly failed had Coth not interrupted his thoughts. The dragon's eyes were still closed in contentment at Quindara's touch, but he could still make himself heard only to his Rider. Not to mention, find a solution to the predicament his bonded was now facing.
You needn't worry about Demnoth's, my dear G'rett.[/i] The Bronze's own thoughts entered G'rett's mind, bringing him peace. This young one may be Demnoth's younger clutch sibling, but that matters little to me. Perhaps when this young one Impresses to a female and Rises, once I give Chase and catch her... the two of you should...how do you say it...get together? Act like two greens in heat? Just to spite the poor man. Even more so if you produce a small clutch.[/i]
G'rett stared at Coth in disbelief. Since when did his bonded talk like that? The Bronze Rider couldn't believe what he was hearing...unless it was during one of his drunken episodes when he was spouting expletive after expletive and his bonded overheard it. He blinked a few times, then looked at Quindara. He cleared his throat and tried to hide his sudden discomfort. "That's very interesting," he said, his voice cracking a bit. Shard it! "Though I offer my condolences on losing your father to Cloudlung. My own father caught it, but thankfully managed to live through it, but he's the worse for it. I didn't have any siblings of my own, so I never knew what it was like to grow up playing with any brothers or sisters."
"My mother told me her grandfather had been a Rider, so I guess whatever inherent ability he had was passed down onto me." He shrugged. "I really don't know how it all works, to be honest. But I'd be willing to bet if your brother Impressed, you'll do the same before long. Probably at the next Hatching." G'rett didn't have to tell Quindara that her brother had beaten him - barely - in the last Gold flight, and he was still sore over the whole incident. G'rett had always liked Toniel, and the idea of the Weyrwoman's second sharing her bed with the Weyrsecond instead of him practically made his blood boil. On the other hand, Coth's suggestion had some merit to it. G'rett suspected a bit of his own deviousness had worked its way into the normally even-tempered dragon.
Spending the night in Quindara's bed after her own female dragon Rose and was caught by Coth definitely had merit. Or the night and the following morning. Or beyond that. He could spend a whole sevendays with the redheaded beauty, sharing her bed, after he won her dragon's flight and wouldn't care. It would definitely be the lowest setting of payback, courtesy of a Bronze dragon named Coth. To add insult to injury, if Quindara wound up choosing G'rett as her weyrmate and lover, and if they had children together. Furthermore, if her green or gold just happened to continually choose Coth every time she Rose. There would be nothing Q'del could do about it. Not a sharding thing at all.
Payback would truly be a bitran.
"Green Valley Hold, huh?" He thought it over for a moment, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, then nodded slowly. "I'll admit I've never been there. But it does give me an idea. Once you Impress and make it through your training as a Weyrling...I'd like to meet your mother. I'll introduce you to my own mother and father at Nova Hold in return."
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Post by Kit on Jun 5, 2010 13:31:25 GMT -5
Quindara could hardly help the brief flicker of annoyance that crossed her face when G'rett gave such a cautious reply to her flit nest hunting. Shards, she hoped he wasn't one of those workaholic types. Or maybe he had some other girl.... well she'd just find out. You ask the right people, and you could find out anything about anyone in the weyr. And she could always send Shadow out to watch over the rider. The little black was good at remaining unobserved. She continued to scratch Coth's head, moving to the eyeridges, dragons loved that.
She caught the crack in his voice, quickly suppressed, and wondered what it was about. Her family life couldn't be that provoking, though it was interesting she had to admit. "I'm sorry to hear about your father, I never knew mine well, so I didn't really feel a loss. I never cared much for any of my siblings, so I can't say you were missing anything. Q'del can be such a jerk, and the others, well I guess I never really had time for them." She laughed, "I was caught up in my own thing I suppose. I do hope I Impress soon, after this many Turns, Candidacy gets a little boring. Arktos holds the same classes every year, down to the day. I think I could recite his lectures now."
He wanted to meet her mother? Well, that was a good sign..if not a particularly good idea. As much as she had idolized her mother growing up, being away from her for this many Turns had made her realize how she had poisoned the whole family with her bitterness. It had been good for both her and her brother to be away from that place, and she wasn't sure she wanted to return.....though once she had her own dragon, it wouldn't be so bad, she admitted. Mariusdara had not come to any of the Hatchings that her children were Standing in. By all accounts, she'd been furious to have them both Searched, essentially leaving little Quimari, barely out of swaddling clothes at the time, to inherit the Holding. "Well, if you really want to meet the woman, I suppose we might go there. But I have seen her since I left, and I can't guarantee a good reception," she said with a chuckle. "But I'd like to meet your family. It seems much more normal than mine."
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Post by Kendrall on Jun 5, 2010 14:33:12 GMT -5
G'rett chuckled when Quindara said she could recite Arktos' lessons. "They never seem to change much, though I would like to see a few changes made. I know dueling has been forbidden for about as long as I can remember, but there just might be able to make it safe for everyone involved." He gave a shrug. "Taking scrap metal, provided I can scavenge enough, and reforging them into blunted blades would be a start. We have plenty of riding jackets, and it should be a simple process of giving them a bit more padding to soften any blows. We should have plenty of helmets around; if not I can always get word to my father and ask him to ship some to the Weyr." That was true on both counts: G'rett had always looked for ways and means to improve the overall training efficiency ever since he'd graduated to become a Rider; his father, Garen, had managed to forge several helmets throughout the turns and therefore could always lend them to the Weyr on behalf of his son. "I'll probably have to have a word with Lady Cybele at some point and get her opinion."
He couldn't help but smirk when she said how she felt towards her brother, Q'del, but before forming his words, he thought carefully. G'rett didn't want to offend Quindara, but he knew sooner or later he had to tell her the truth. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "If I offend you with what I'm about to say, Quindara, I beg your forbearance ahead of time. Your brother beat me, just barely, in the last Gold flight. Aylinth's. I know he's the Weyrsecond, but every time I look at him I can't think of anything good to say. Apparently, Coth doesn't think too highly of your brother, either, but I suspect that's due to the bond he and I shares." He frowned, sincerely hoping he hadn't changed the dynamics of the blossoming relationship he was developing with the redheaded woman. "I'll be the first to admit that I like Toniel, but it's more of a close kinship. Whereas with you, Quindara..." He trailed off. Just how open and transparent should he be with her? G'rett knew Quindara was only a Candidate, and to get himself involved with her shortly before the next Hatching could spell trouble for them both. "I like you. A lot. More than words can describe. Even though we've just barely known each other. And I was honest when I said I wish you would give me the chance to get to know you better. I'd still want to explore that possibility, to be able to spend as much time as possible with you without getting either of us in trouble." He sighed, closing his eyes for a brief moment. "If I sound too forward with you, Quindara, I apologize. But I was always taught by my mother and father to be honest with others. I really do want to get to know you better."
He chuckled with Quindara when she warned him that he might not be given a good reception with her mother. "That's fine, but seeing you with me might change her mind a little. As for my own parents, my mother will probably start referring to you as her daughter before long. Same thing with my father, most likely." G'rett blushed slightly. "Once you meet them, I think you'll understand why."
All the while, Coth didn't move much or bother saying anything to his bonded. The dragon was very content with Quindara scratching the eyeridges, and made it evident with another long exhale from his nostrils, his eyes still closed.
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