Drops of Unburnished Gold ((OPEN))

[britalia]

Iseulyth was in a foul mood. The gold’s tail tapped ceaselessly in an endless rhythm of annoyance, while her eyes whirled the most unsatisfied array of colors she had ever boasted. Sullenly, she shifted on the ledge, her forelegs crossed and her chin buried on the soft hide. The queen sulked, and only her rider knew why.

Calista’s lips twitched as she watched those of the Weyrhall laugh and talk merrily, having a good vantage of all present from her seat of honor on the raised dais. The Weyrling rider was in much better spirits than her dragon, but she did not like it when her beloved acted so. Beside her sat a Wingleader, a man seasoned by age and practice who was filling her head with stories of his bronze’s prowess in his younger days. The young Weyrwoman was not exactly all that interested in his stories, but what he told her of flights and the queens of before was horridly interesting. You would do better to charm those of your own age, Mine. At least then I might have someone worthy of me. Iseulyth said, sniffing with disdain. No one asked, you wonderfully arrogant beast. And I am not charming C’ren, just learning a great deal more than I knew. Now hush. Calista returned, turning her attention and her most polite smile to the bronze rider. The weyrling’s amber gaze eventually managed to slip from the dragonrider’s face as he went on, and she found herself watching the green and blue riders flirting at their tables. She was pulled from her thoughts when the old man put her goblet before her. “Well, gold rider, old Ewenth is ready to get his sack of bones in our weyr, so I’ll bid you goodnight.” The Wingleader said, then stood and began to stride out. “Oh, yes….goodnight C’ren.” The raven-haired woman called, hoping he hadn’t noticed her inattention.

Well, I’m so happy you spent the last candlemark listening to some outdated man’s stories. I’m sure Ewenth will be a fine mate for me. Her queen spat, her voice irritated and sour. The woman scowled. Oh, there are plenty of bronzes that fawn over you, beloved, now stop acting like a wherry. The gold grumbled moodily, and then continued her sulking. Calista sighed, her amber eyes gazing heavenward in an act of exasperation. However, behind her annoyance, she saw the truth that lived in her dragon’s words. Iseulyth was a lovely queen who had many bronzes fawning over her, but her rider hadn’t forged very many relationships. While it was true she knew many bronze riders and had a fair few friends of both gold and brown origin, she had no man she could call her own. The raven-haired girl found nothing wrong with her, for many men had told her of her beauty, but somehow she had no forged relations of any kind of romance. Now, it was beginning to tell on her Bonded’s behavior. She did not like having a rider that did not share her love of teasing bronzers.

I am not acting like a wherry, but you are acting like a blue. Always to yourself and never interested in any play. Don’t you ever want a real man for company instead of all those brown riders you like to spend time with? Iseulyth responded hotly, angered now. She allowed her whirling gaze to take in all the bronzes that spanned Sodalis’ heights, and snorted grumpily. Calista sighed. Darling, you try me at times. The weyrling rider replied softly, and pulled her goblet before her, staring into the clear, gold-tinted liquid that filled the dainty glass.

[fallinrayne216]

"...and so you can see, the plan is full-proof. Right, K'mar?" The fellow bronzerider stared intently at K'mar, his face scrunched up at his nose like it always did whenever he was talking about something he considered serious. K'mar always had to grin, if not laugh, whenever he saw the old dragonrider's face. His expressions were always emphasized with such feeling that his face came out in some twisted form that made K'mar want to burst out laughing. Right now, D'ran had the top half of his body practically covering the table up until just a few inches short of K'mar. He wasn't kidding when he said he was working on his dramatic close-ups.

D'ran's face looked like someone had washed it and let it dry in a crumpled lump. Then when it was finally unfolded, all you could see were wrinkles rather than the picture behind it. His eyes were a dark, dark brown, although most were convinced it was like two small black beads. They were only that small because they were so far in his face that his large and bushy, gray-ing eyebrows made them shrink in size, not to mention his large, pointing nose. It wasn't just pointy, it was wide as well, to match his swollen lips. And every time he got angry, his large eyebrows would draw together in such a way that his eyes popped out from the sides. Or when he thought too hard, his forehead would crease to cause multiple wrinkles in similarity to the ones on his nose. At times he would even suck on his lips in thought, and the outcome made them even larger and a brighter red than before.

K'mar was struggling not to laugh at this expression now, and was finally saved the trouble when the question was repeated. "Do you mean fool-proof, sir?" He smiled as the other dragonrider leaned back and cleared his throat in a small rumble. "Yes, yes, boy. Now can you tell me I am right?" It was hard for K'mar to say. Not only did he have little to do with the weyrbrats, but he still didn't know how everything was run in that section since he was Hold-born. "Well, when you say it that way of course it sounds reasonable. I just don't have a weyrbrat of my own to really say anything final on it. Maybe try the Weyrleaders." The man shook his head sadly and answered in a gruff reply, "No, no. They have more important matters than this."

K'mar smiled and stood. "Cheer up, D'ran. Maybe you should actually try talking to them instead of me for once. They are the ones who will make the changes." Not only that, but K'mar was terrible at giving personal advice. He didn't have any kids, so it wasn't something he had a right to give advice on either. Well now was the best time to escape the situation. If he had stayed seating, the poor old man would probably rant about another problem he just happened to come across in his personal life. How come everyone who needed advice came to the one guy who was terrible at giving it? Running his fingers through soft, black locks, he said his goodbye to D'ran.

Where are you going? K'mar filled his cup with klah and scanned the dining hall with his crystal blue eyes. To whoever is sitting alone and will not ask for advice. The bronze snorted. You might as well just get used to it and try to give out good advice. You could actually become popular with the womenfolk. K'mar laughed at His. The truth was that many girls had crushes on him, but he turned them all down. All they wanted to do was flirt and have sex and that was it. Hadn't anyone heard of a relationship? Those greens were just too much with their constant mood swings as well. If they weren't happy one minutes, they were the next, and visa versa.

Calista sits alone. K'mar tried to pinpoint the gold weyrling and found her easily. Being that she was the only one at the table during such a busy time, it was easy to pick her out among the crowd. Maybe she wants some company then. He began to glide his way over to her in his normal stride. K'mar wasn't the kind of guy to show off his looks, but he wasn't the silent or shy kind either. He was the class jokester and was always good for a laugh. Well, maybe he could brighten her day. The wingsecond made his way to her table and cleared his throat quietly for only her to hear. With a curt nod of his head in greeting, he spoke. "Is this seat taken? If not, would you mind if I joined you?" Talzynth of course had taken that time to introduce them before K'mar had the chance.

Greetings, Iseulyth. Mine and I would like to join you, if that is alright? I'm Talzynth, and Mine there is K'mar. Too bad neither of them knew what type of a mood they were in, even though nothing ever bothered K'mar enough anyway. He luckily had no temper, and was the best person to rant your opinions or emotions on without having him shout back like most others would. Maybe that was why everyone came to him with their problems.

[britalia]

I try you, then? Perhaps you should try to get some men following after you. I know your pet brown riders keep you company, but you need to get some pets of your own rank. Iseulyth hissed, red tinging her eyes now as the argument between dragon and rider continued. The woman sighed, tapping one finger against the table in slow rhythm. Trying to keep her temper, the weyrling replied as calmly as she could, I am not interested in having a endless parade following me like love-stricken fools, Lyth. I do not wish that. Calista’s voice was soft and low, but anyone who knew her well enough could have picked out the dangerous tone that flavored her words. Blinking, the golden one snorted and settled down further, done with trying to convince Hers that she deserved an entire Hold of men fawning over her.

Shaking her head, the raven-haired woman tucked a stray wisp of onyx silk behind her ear, taking a small sip of her white wine. Her amber gaze took in the room once more, lingering fondly on a few brown and bronze riders whom she spent happy times with. Tilting her head to the side, the girl could feel someone approaching, and dropped her gaze back to her wine. Did she want company right now? With a quick, soft sound, he gained her attention, and the weyrling’s face slowly raised to meet with the Wingsecond’s. She had seen him about before and vaguely recognized him, but no name rose to meet the face. Swiftly, her eyes took in his features, studying his face and lovely blue depths before she smiled slightly in reply. ‘Cute....’ “It is taken no longer, bronze rider. Please do.” Calista said softly, waving one olive hand towards the seat beside her.

Iseulyth was still sulking quite unhappily when the bronze spoke to her, and the queen perked up quite noticeably. This Talzynth was a bronze, and a Wingsecond to boot; he would please her very well. Ahh, yes. Greetings Talzynth, you and Yours are most welcome. Do join me. The gold’s voice was all milk and honey, and her tone was most inviting. She love this more than anything; flirting with her bronzes.

Tilting her head to the side, Calista smiled as she caught the conversation between her gold and his bronze, almost bemused at her bonded’s behavior. “Well, I would introduce myself, but it seems our dragons has already taken care of that.” The queenrider said lightly, raising one brow. She wondered briefly what the Wingsecond wished from her, but it really didn’t much matter. He could perhaps be sweet, and she wouldn’t mind that type of company.

[fallinrayne216]

Have you ever met these two before? The question was directed at K'mar, even if it took him long enough to respond. I have seen them in the Weyr, although I couldn't recall a time I have ever spoken with her one on one like this. Why do you ask? The bronze's mood seemed to brighten even more, if possible. Oh, no reason. I just want to make this first Impression a good one. K'mar was about to make another comment but bit his tongue to hold it back instead. Not that biting his tongue helps when communicating through the mind, but it was the thought that counted. That bronze just made him think too much. He grinned and then focused his attention back on Calista.

He raised his eyebrow in response, and a smile was quick to spread on his lips. "Ah, so you do know me. Or, you know what I am rather than who I am." His eyes sparked in laughter. He figured she only knew him because he was Wingsecond, not because he himself had done anything to draw attention to himself. Well, that was the way nowadays. He quickly piped in on Talzynth's side of the conversation. Knowing Talzynth he was up to no good. I thank you, beautiful Queen. May I mention that you are glowing more and more each time I see you. K'mar chuckled at his foolish bronze. Are you her stalker? How would you know? The dragon was quick to answer though, letting Iseulyth listen in if she wanted to.

How could I not see her every day when she's brighter than the Dawn Sisters combinded? K'mar laughed and shook his head. You truly are a dimglow. He grinned and returned to Calista, who had been distracted as well. "Yes, it seems that they have, doesn't it?" Without a pause he raised his klah to his lips to let the hot liquid rush down his throat. Ah, there was nothing like fresh, hot klah. His own azure eyes locked onto hers for a moment, his grin never fading away. She probably didn't want to talk about Weyr business, and he didn't either, so he could scratch that out. But what was she interested in? Runners, swimming, flying...what?

"So what's a young woman doing sitting all by herself in the dining hall? Don't you have any hobbies? Like riding runners, or perhaps swimming?" He was terrible at riding runners, and it was difficult for anyone to get him to ride one. It was a complete embarrassment to himself every time he got on, more like, every time he attempted to get on one. Lets just say that swimming was about the only skill he had that did not have anything to do with Talzynth. Flying he was amazing at, but on ground, he had some work to do. But that was him, and he wondered what others did in their spare time. They couldn't all wander to the dining room and plan on sitting alone, now could they?

[britalia]

Calista allowed a smile to curve her lips as the Wingsecond seated himself, running one finger along the rim of her glass absently. “I know of you, yes, but I know nothing about you. I’ve seen you with Ardeo during drills when Spera goes out. I have to admit though, watching your Wing makes mine look like a flock of ungainly wherries.” The weyrling chuckled softly, her dark eyes straying to the weyrling table where those of her Wing sat. Two bronze riders, a handful of brown, and the rest blue and green. Those were her gold’s clutchmates, all a mere turn old just like her beloved Bonded. The girl had not expected to be made a weyrling Wingleader, for she thought that honor bestowed upon bronze riders with the exception of the Queen’s Wing. With the responsibility of both the care of a golden dragon and the training of a Wing, the raven-haired woman had been run ragged her first few sevendays. She now, however, was quite adept at handling both her riders and her dragon, even if Iseulyth could still be a headache at times. Speaking of which…. Lyth, don’t you ever get tired of flirting with bronzes? She asked bemusedly.

Her Beloved mentally gasped. Mine! Why, you suggest the unthinkable! To even suggest that I might tire of these wonderful dragon’s compliments is lunacy. Iseulyth said dramatically, then turned her ever-so rapt attention on the wonderful companion now feeding her ego. Arching her neck and bunching her shoulders coyly, the gold curved her neck so she gazed at the Wingsecond over her burnished cheek. I am, aren’t I? You are most favored for noticing, dear bronze. Would you believe none have told me so today? The queen pouted, her slowly whirling eyes so soft she flirted utterly shamelessly. She was endlessly pleased that she had a bronze more her age stoking the fire of her pride, and with any luck, they might just get to curl up together for a while. About to add yet another playful comment, Lyth was stuck speechless when she heard the dragon’s words to his rider. Why, such poetic words had never been constructed for her beauty before! He truly gave her the full credit that she, as a stunning gold, deserved. Why, Talzynth, do you really think I shine so? I have always thought my splendor beyond compare, but you truly do my magnificence justice. And might I add, dear bronze, that you are quite the handsome example of your color. You look wonderful during drills. The queen said sincerely, very pointedly scooting over on the ledge as to make room for a roughly bronze-sized body. Ahem. Have you ever watched me fly?

Calista was at a loss for words. You have got to be the most arrogant creature I have ever met, Lyth. The rider hissed, disgruntled when she received no reply. Her gold was obviously ignoring her in favor of the bronze. The weyrling sighed. ‘Faranth’s tail…’ She muttered in exasperation. Iseulyth could be a pain in the arse when she wanted to. Her amber eyes regained their focus after she broke contact with her Bonded, and she found herself meeting the deep gaze of the Wingsecond beside her, thinking that his blue depths were very lovely…it was nearly to sin to have them on a man. She laughed. “Oh, I wasn’t alone a moment ago, K’mar, C’ren was telling me stories of his younger days.” The raven-haired girl replied, grinning. “Of course, Lyth thought me silly; she thinks men are only for flirting.” Shaking her head, the gold rider paused, thinking about his question. He wasn’t really digging very deeply, but he had chosen things she would perhaps be interested in instead of Weyr business. Had he come to…cheer her up? Calista had to smile at that thought, and briefly touched the hilt of her rapier that hung from her belt. “Well, oddly enough, I like to spar. It’s strange, I know, but I was taught from a very young age the ways of the sword and have no strayed from that path. Of course, I also love runners, dancing…swimming. What about you? Surely a Wingsecond has better things on his schedule than spending time with weyrlings.” The queenrider said teasingly, smiling as she tossed his own logic back at him.

[fallinrayne216]

K'mar laughed and cupped his hands around the steaming klah. "It's only been a Turn, right? Well in my Wing they have all had plenty of turns under their belt. I'm sure after more practice yours will have improved." He had seen a few of their practices, but not enough to actually study how well they performed. Sure, they were not as skilled or quick as all the other Wings of the Weyr, but that was to be expected of the Weyrling Wing. He had to admit, though, they were pretty good for a Weyrling Wing when you compared with past Weyrlings he had seen. His own Wing had plenty of work to do if Thread fell. No, it would, he was sure of it. Sighing, Talzynth's conversation made his grin reappear.

If the dragon could, he would have gasped in surprise. Surely you must be mistaken! How could anyone not when you so clearly shine in the daylight? I cannot even imagine how you would glow during nighttime. The bronze was clearly enjoying the gold's company, since he was also fond of flirting. But it wasn't just flirting for him, he spoke the truth when he complimented her. As most would find complimenting less exciting than being complimented, Talzynth on the otherhand completely enjoyed making other dragons feel better about themselves and make their heads grow. You amaze me, mine. The bronze was too preoccupied with answering Iseulyth to listen to K'mar though. You are most welcome, my Queen. And thank you for the compliment, but I do not deserve such words from such magnifiscence as you. The bronze noticed the empty spot opening beside Lyth and eyed it for a moment, blue-green eyes whirling in pleasure.

Talzynth filled the spot with his large mass, and turned his head in the gold's direction. He began to croon softly in the base of his throat, complimenting her again. My, up close you are even more radiant! His eyes whirled even faster, and K'mar was grinning from ear to ear. Why who could not? Sadly I am always forced to look away to concentrate on my own Wing Practice. Maybe one time I can see you fly without any distractions, if you wouldn't mind. From that short preview, your grace has already impressed me. K'mar shook his head and chuckled. That bronze just had a way with those words. It was amazing the things he came up with. The bronze quickly reminded him that he would be like that if he actually had a woman to care for. As he always did.

Calista brought him back to the dining hall and he nodded. C'ren, huh? He knew the man, not very well, but enough to know he tended to drag subjects on for quite awhile. A smile tugged at his lips. "Yes, well I was having a conversation with D'ran, which was quite interesting." Just thinking of those facial expressions was enough to make K'mar laugh mentally. "And Talzynth is always telling me to find a weyrmate of my own so he can finally have one specific dragon to fawn over." He grinned. Sparring, eh? Not many had that hobby that he knew. Actually, she would be the first. "Sparring? That's interesting." His fingers automatically ran through his obsidian locks. "It's like your own personal hobby since not many people have that as their hobby. I've never been good at it myself. Maybe you could give me tips some time."

He smiled, his sapphire eyes lightening once again to their original crystal, transluscent blue. "As for my hobbies, swimming and I'm good with a dagger. Flying during Wing Practice as well, but that's all Talzynth. Other than that I'm always busy with the Wingleader discussing the Weyr or Wing." He laughed before adding, "And don't even get me started with runners. They're my arch enemies and I only look like a fool on them." He took another gulp of klah, cursing mentally at forgetting how hot he forgot it was, and settled it back down between his hands. His smile returned as he looked back at Calista. "And what is wrong with spending an evening with weyrlings?" A mischievous spark flashed in his eyes as he asked the question.

[britalia]

Calista nodded, absently sipping her wine as she watched two of her wingriders cuddling on the bench, expressions of such tenderness in their eyes that she had no doubt they were recently made lovers. Arching one brow, she was half-tempted to have her queen call their dragons down and berate their behavior, but then relented. It was, after all, their only time to themselves, and had she a lover… The weyrling smiled slightly. Well, she herself wouldn’t be above letting everyone know just whom she had chosen. “It is true they have only been in Pernese skies for a mere turn…but sometimes I wonder if Lyth will put up with them long enough to have them graduate. She seems to think herself perfection and expects no less of them. Of course, the prideful thing would never think of any dragon equal to her. They are becoming more skillful in the air, though, however farther they have to go.” The gold rider said thoughtfully, then knotted her brows together in a scowl. Those wingriders were playing on her mercy. ‘That hand goes any further, brother, and I’m making you a eunuch.’

Iseulyth curled her tail in pleasure, watching as the bronze settled down at her side and twisted his head to admire her. Oh, my, what a perceptive dragon he was! She coiled her sinuous neck so that she was regarding him with one whirling blue eye, her head tilted slightly to the side so the setting sun reflected off her shining cheek to strike a glow against the golden suede hide. I am, aren’t I? I think few dragons truly appreciate just how glorious I am. She sniffed in disdain, then curled her neck so her head was below his and she looked up at him coyly. His crooning was very pleasant. It will be your great honor to accompany me sometime, dear bronze, yes? You must see my beauty in flight unhindered. My clutchmates always slow me down in drills. The queen complained poutingly, resting her downy cheek against his neck. Her eyes briefly flitted to the side to watch as the sun played lower in the air, then rumbled happily to herself. You spoke of my splendor in the night, dear bronze. It seems as if you will witness it. The haughty gold said happily, eager to hear more compliments on her magnificence.

Calista turned from her errant riders, her amber depths returning to the bronze rider’s face. His expression surprised her; now what was he grinning about? Tilting her head slightly, the woman caught the words that passed between queen and bronze and shook her head. No wonder the Wingsecond seemed so amused; his dragon must truly have a honeyed tongue to gather so much favor with her arrogant Lyth. “Talzynth must be quite the smooth talker.” The gold rider said, also grinning when her Bonded spoke of the night. Even the girl had to admit that Iseulyth was quite a sight to behold during the night, her golden hide glowing in the moonlight and whirling eyes like sun-struck sapphires. However, the problem was the dragon knew just how gorgeous she was. “Lyth seems drunk on pride.”

The gold rider paused for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully in understanding. “I know how that is. Lyth is always trying to convince me that I should have droves of men following me like love-stuck fools.” Calista pursed her lips, then added, “But I’m not that type of person. If I make a man sick for my love, I would want the feeling to be mutual.” The dark-haired rider wanted to be very clear with the bronzer at her side that she was not the type of woman to drop a man at the snap of her fingers after playing his emotions. She was, after all, not her dragon. Iseulyth liked to flirt and tease, but she wasn’t the type. And more your loss. Go back to letting Talzynth stroke your ego. Suddenly, a smile lit her face unlike many had seen in quite a few sevendays, especially since the death of Lateo’s Weyrleader. “You would want to learn? My father actually taught me to wield a sword almost before I could even speak properly. I would be glad to teach you a few fencing tips in your spare hours, if you ever wanted to learn.” The weyrling’s eyes were slightly wide, and even a dimglow could tell she was excited. Would he really be interested in something that got her blood to boiling with the heat of combat?

Turning her head to keep one eye on her wingriders, noting gladly that they had finally taken an incentive to be more proper, the raven-haired woman smirked. “Arch-enemies, huh? Well, I suppose even bronzers aren’t good at everything.” Calista said lightly, teasing gently. It was a well-known fact that bronze egos were enough to rival a gold’s. And as to the other thing…. The girl laughed. “Nothing in the opinion of Weyrlings, of course, but you don’t see too many rankers interested in what their resident fledglings are doing. Admittedly, Spera Wing is no longer filled with dragonets any more, but I have a hard enough job trying to convince others of that.”

[fallinrayne216]

K'mar's eyes followed Calista's and landed on the newly-found couple. It would have been fine, had they not been weyrlings. The bronzerider quietly observed them and Calista at once, wondering if she was going to say anything to them or if she would let them pass. They were new to this sort of thing, so as long as they did not take it too far K'mar never worried about it. He would know just how strict the gold weyrling may be, but after a long moment of her watching them, she turned back around. Well well, no punishment. K'mar was happy she hadn't, and just blocked out the pair for the rest of their conversation. Their little moment together that they had didn't need to be watched like they were children with new toys. They should be old enough to know where that line lay.

The wingsecond laughed when imagining Iseulyth trying to put up with roudy weyrlings. That would make an eventful morning. His grin remained as he tried to make the idea of training the ignorant weyrlings less aggravating. "After awhile they'll get a hang of it, even if they don't seem to care if they are doing it right and don't practice in their spare time. It's only until they graduate that they're so frustrating, although a few have proven to keep their annoying moods for the rest of their lives. Lets just hope she doesn't eat any of the weyrlings before they graduate and have a chance at getting better." His grin widened and he slowly took another drink of his klah. Ah, just right.

The bronze was now completely devoted to the subject of Lyth when the thought of others not realizing her beauty was spoken. How could they not? Were they blind? He could find no other reason for such disgrace. At least those who are not blind should mention it to her. Talzynth was aghast at the thought and smoothly replied, Then my appreciation for your immense luminocity will make up for the others who are too blind and ignorant of the beauty right before them. At the gold's offer of accompanying her in flight was probably one of the best moments in his life so far. His eyes swirled so quickly that it would make many dizzy for that small moment of time. I would be beyond honored, my Queen. I can only thank you a million times over for such a show of kindness.

His neck craned upwards to look at the sun and then back at Iseulyth. Yes, very soon it would be dark and he would see her bathed in moonlight like a fallen star right before his eyes. You're right, I think I will. Although right now while the sun is falling and the multiple hues rest on your hide it's hard to think of anything being any more magnifiscent. All colors reflected from your golden hide make you look even more vibrant before, which I had once thought impossible. His compliments were flowing out without him even needing to think about any of it. He was just that awe-inspired that the bronze was finding no need of trying to come up with something to say. It was all right there.

The bronzerider chuckled and nodded. "He does, doesn't he? I don't know where it came from, but he can go on and on about one particular thing and how nice it looks. I just never saw him go on this long before." It was an interesting conversation to listen to, even if he could only hear Talzynth's side. Still, it was enough for him to get the basics of it all. I got the smooth talk from you, mine. You just never have a weyrmate to say it all to. Maybe, but I at least pick out certain features I like rather than going on and on about one. But there's so many things to say about just that one. Wait until I go on when the moon comes out. 'Oh, boy...we're in trouble.'

K'mar leaned back in his seat and gave a curt nod. "That sounds like fun, and I would love to learn something new. You wouldn't mind teaching me?" He grinned. "I don't know how bad I may be and you would have to promise not to give up on me." It couldn't be too hard could it? Of course, K'mar didn't know just how intense sparring could become. The subject changed to his lack of skill with runners, and his crystal blue eyes sparkled. "It's such a minor fault that my inability to ride runners shouldn't count as such, now can it?" He had just as much pride as the others did, but luckily he was more level-headed when discussing it. Others might get angry for being picked on, but K'mar knew it was all fun.

And what he said was true in his mind. It shouldn't count that much, so he was still good at a lot of things. Most things. Really. Flying especially and helping to lead the Wing. The bronzerider nodded at the truth in her words. Yes, weyrlings were rarely conversing with dragonriders, but he wasn't an ordinary dragonrider. K'mar was just...different from the others. He didn't show his anger or intense pride as harshly as the others, so he only appears to be the fun and laughing type. He does have a hard side, but rarely get him angry enough to see it that no one even knows about it, which was just as well for him. "True, but I'm not like the other dragonriders. So I count as an exception." He flashed a grin, daring her to counter his response.

[britalia]

Calista’s laugher joined the Wingsecond’s as she imagined Iseulyth eating their riders before they could graduate, the mental image so amusing she couldn’t contain the mirth. Chuckling, her deep voice making the sound throaty and almost hoarse, the weyrling shrugged. “I suppose they will eventually level out into competent riders, but until then I pray Faranth herself grant Lyth some patience before she puts a new meaning to the phrase, ‘flighty as a green.’ I’ll admit I’ve had to hold her back a few times from tearing into a green during drills, and I mean literally with her claws. Those greens are feisty, and she isn’t one to put up with any cheek.” The girl admitted, shaking her head as she brought to mind the incident a few days ago during drills. Sheerith was one of the haughtiest greens she had in her wing, and when Lyth had told the dragon she was too far right for the wing’s formation, Zrana would have been thrown from her back if not for the harness. She had quite plainly told the gold that she knew perfectly well where she needed to be without some queen telling her what to do. It would not have been so bad if she hadn’t added that one smart comment about Lyth’s nose being so high in the air she couldn’t see where she was going, let alone the green. The raven-haired woman had to force her not to fight.

Spera’s Wingleader sighed, and she shook her head as she downed a gulp of her wine. Thinking of that Sheerith brought too many things to mind she didn’t feel like dwelling on. She too was becoming slightly annoyed with the arrogant pairs they were dealt, and at times the woman was tempted to draw her rapier from it’s sheath and slice off a few heads herself. Her gold was certainly no better. In fact, she had an even hotter temper than her rider, and it was likely only a matter of time before the queen called her rank and put a few smartasses in their places. “Sometimes, I can’t blame Lyth for wanting to rip into some flesh, though.” Calista admitted softly, running one tanned hand through her onyx waves in a restless gesture. It was something the Weyrwoman wasn’t exactly comfortable admitting, but this bronze rider didn’t seem like one to judge. After all, just perhaps he could..... Abruptly, her amber eyes met with wonderful blue. “Will those dimglows ever learn to hold their tongues, or do even those of your wing still lash out?” Her voice was exasperated and hopeful at once; it was almost a plea for reassurance.

Iseulyth was immensely pleased with the reply the bronze gave her, and allowed a low, sultry croon to caress her golden throat. You, my dear bronze, are the kind of dragon all brothers of your color should be like. You have an eye for beauty and a tongue surely blessed by the flowers themselves with their own sweetness. The queen shifted her body until their shoulders lay against each other, then rested her head against his neck. The sun slipped along her body like the touch of a lover, alighting her suede hide with gilded flecks of bright gold. She was perfectly content at that moment, happy to, at last, have a bronze at her side that truly admired her as she should be and was quite the desirable one himself. Her placidly whirling gaze followed his own, landing on the slowly setting sun as she listened to his flattering words. She very nearly purred like a feline. Truly it would be difficult to imagine me even more magnificent, I admit. I am beyond compare. The arrogant gold watched intently as the sun played lower and lower in the evening sky, her blue eyes slowly turning into molten jewels as the sunlight turned dim and the dark began to settle. She stole a glance at her escort, pleased with how he appeared with his whirling eyes glowing and the white of moonlight highlighting his bronze hide. Rumbling lowly, Lyth focused her gaze back on the disappearing sun, her mind wandering to the day of her Flight.....

Calista grinned at the bronze rider, at a loss for words for how her queen was behaving. Judging by the way her dragon was acting, Talzynth was a smooth talker who already had Lyth crooning like a happy hatchling. The gold rider shook her head. “However he came by it, Iseulyth certainly is benefitting from it. From my side of this conversation, I can only imagine what words flow through your mind.” She said, allowing her amber gaze to once more wander across the weyrhall. Her wingriders were gone. I don’t understand you, Mine. You have an attractive man before you, yet you speak of nothing. You could have him, you know. The woman’s burnished depths widened. Lyth, hush. I am not you, love. The raven-haired woman returned her attention to the man before her, a slight smile tugging at her lips as she allowed her gaze to wander over him once more. Her queen was dauntless.

The Weyrwoman grinned, then tilted her head to the side as she tried to imagine herself sparring with the Wingsecond. The picture was....intriguing. Calista stood and pulled her belt straight, one hand unconsciously wandering over her sword’s hilt to check that it was secure to her belt. She strolled around to the back of the man’s chair, then rested one hand on it’s top as she leaned down beside him. “Well, K’mar, seeing as you are the exception, how would you like to spend the next candlemark getting a riding lesson from a weyrling gold rider?” She asked, a hint of humor leaking into her otherwise serious voice. She actually rather liked the bronze rider, and while she was lightly teasing him, she honestly wanted to bridge the gap between him and the beasts that she dearly loved, right behind her beloved Lyth. Grinning, she straightened, awaiting his reply.

[fallinrayne216]

K'mar laughed and drank a bit more of his klah. He knew how it was when the Wingriders thought they were so much better than their Wingleaders and Wingseconds. Especially Wingseconds. Whenever the Wingleader called for a Wing Practice with K'mar in charge, the entire Wing was suddenly full of big-headed wherrys. They knew that the Wingleader was in charge and didn't nearly give him as much trouble. And suddenly they thought they could fool around and talk back to K'mar because he was such a fun guy and didn't have as high as a rank. Well it was high enough to get Talzynth to kick them back into gear. He may be a sweettalker, but he refused to waste Wing Practices. K'mar wasn't as hard as Talzynth, but he did drop the fun attitude after too long. Usually he could keep his cheerful face on even when they were getting out of hand, but they have seen it once or twice to know what he's capable of.

"Talzynth can be like that, although I doubt he would eat any of them. He would be more into scarring their looks so that none of the ladies would even look at them. That way the dragons and riders would behave. He hasn't done so yet, but he has gotten close." It was one of the rare occasions K'mar had become serious, and everyone was glad to hear it when that specific pair was kicked out of the Wing. He could have had everyone killed while showing off like that. The Wingsecond sighed. Yes, well no need to linger on memories that he wasn't fond of. Calista seemed to be asking for advice on the riders in the future and if they would ever change for the better. K'mar gave her a reassuring smile as his crystal blue eyes stared into her burning ambers. "I admit there was one time that even I got so serious I wouldn't have cared if Tal just gave that Wingrider a scar to remember." She had said something that he knew most riders wouldn't dare say, but K'mar just felt relieved that she would actually tell him. So he offered his own to show that he wasn't afraid to tell her that either, and they were even. "Well..." K'mar tried not to look away because most assumed the worst when the person couldn't look them in the eyes.

"Most of the Riders turn out to be amazing, responsible, and hard-working Wingriders. They respect their leaders and don't talk back." He was quiet for a moment. K'mar didn't want to ruin that hope that was so evidently reflected in her eyes, but he wasn't going to lie to her. "Then there are a few who like to make our lives miserable. You deal with them day by day, but after awhile they learn who is in charge. It takes awhile to sink in to some of their thick skulls because a few of them are so big they could topple over." His reassuring smile didn't falter, which was a hard task when the subject brought up so many unhappy memories. After the Wing had realized that K'mar was going to be their Wingsecond for a long time, and maybe even Wingleader when he was older, most had quieted down their struggle against him and Talzynth. There were only a few that were completely against K'mar. They thought K'mar wasn't fit to be Wingsecond because of his laid-back attitude rather than strict and controlling. Well they didn't know a lot about K'mar, especially how stubborn and determined he was to get them to respect him.

Talzynth's own eyes whirled in the sunset, but his crooning was much sweeter. The bronze was a bit taken aback by the large compliment he was given in return. He was never given compliments, only gave them to others rather than received any. And to have such an immense compliment from a beautiful dragon. Talzynth was beyond pleased now, and his tail glided slowly over to hers. I thank you for such a beautiful compliment, although I could think of no less since it is only natural that any words you speak match your radiance. And although my brothers have not my tongue, if they did indeed croon with such sweetness as you speak, I fear you would have been whisked away long before I would have ever chanced this meeting with you. As the sun slowly slid beyond the far horizon, its golden fingers dazzled his bronze hide that was suddenly splashed with color by the oranges and pinks of the sky. It was truly a sight to behold of a bronze looking so magnifiscent, that Iseulyth must be ten times more jaw-dropping. As his eyes scanned her length, there at first were no words to describe her. I am so sorry for not speaking sooner, but you have stolen my breath away. I had said you were magnifiscent in the sunlight, and gorgeous during the sunset, but in moonlight you glow like that of a blooming flower that no one is fit to see with their own eyes. Such jewels for eyes and the moonlight has showered you with such sparkles. Forgive me, they are not jewels, but stars themselves that have been taken from the sky.

He was awestruck, and his words were no bluff. At the moment when she had shifted for their shoulders to touch and was resting along his neck, Talzynth too was content with everything and anything at that moment. He was excited and also grateful she had made that advance, although his tail had moved towards hers around the same time. His own hide was light decorated with silver glitter, as if the stars had all fallen to sleep along his length. The moonlight was bathing him in its glorious glow so his own eyes were reflecting the same jewels as Lyth, and proving a sight to see for any female dragon, although he would never think so of himself. He was more interested in wooing the female dragons than realizing that he had good looks too. Lucky thing, that is, or he could have a huge ego. Tal sighed softly, capturing the moment in his mind and relaxing in content.

K'mar was trying so hard not to burst out laughing at the words that were spewing from Talzynth to Hers. It was incredible what he came up with, and also wondered how true it might be. How would Calista look in the moonlight--no, no no. He shook his head to remove the thoughts. Where had that thought come from anyway? Tal probably had slipped it in while he wasn't paying attention. Although...K'mar looked back at Calista. From her obsidian locks that mirrored his own to her intense, amber eyes and even the softness of her tanned skin was very attractive (although he was really thinking beautiful) to him. Why don't you make a move? I'm sure she wouldn't mind a small advance. K'mar smiled but disagreed. What are you talking about? I'm not going to make a move... That's what you think... The bronze seemed to know what he was talking about, but K'mar was still unsure. He didn't like her that way...or so he thought. And besides, she wasn't even a full dragonrider yet. There were rules against anything of the sort. And what of the couple that had been in the weyrhall earlier? No, no. He shouldn't be thinking like that.

K'mar looked up to find Calista gone from her seat. "Ca-" She leaned down beside him and his heart jumped for a second. Where had she come from? He brought the klah back to his lips and began to finish the klah...or he started to at least. Just as he was drinking the cup of klah, she mentioned riding lessons and he started to choke on it. Riding!? After clearing his throat and setting the remaining klah back on the table, he spun around. Was she serious? He couldn't ride for his life, kidding all aside. To even attempt to have a lesson...For any that had randomly wandered in and seen the look on his face would probably be in hystarics. The shock was so clearly written on his face that it was a surprise his jaw hadn't actually dropped. K'mar looked away and pretended to clear his throat again while trying to reorganize his thoughts. It was as if his mind had frozen at the very thought of riding a runner again. He tried a smile as he looked back to Calista. "I'm not sure a candlemark is enough for me to even get on the runner. Maybe you don't understand how terrible I am at riding. I--" Go! Please, go take a lesson for me! K'mar stopped mid-sentence. You know how bad I am at riding runners! Why do you want me to do this so bad? The bronze replied cooly, You would think the answer to that is obvious.... Talzynth let his tail run smoothly down hers in such a slick fashion that it even gave K'mar shivers at the thought. You owe me. The bronze huffed. No, mine. You will be owing me at the end of this. K'mar laughed a quick "ha", but the bronze was back to his conversation with Lyth. The Wingsecond turned back to Calista, determined to at least try. "Alright, I'll go. But you owe me." He grinned and stood, ready to go to the stables, or at least as ready as he would ever be.

[britalia]

Calista nodded upon hearing the Wingsecond’s words, both encouraged yet not by what he told her. Yes, most of her wing would grow into intelligent, talented riders who would respect and heed their leaders, yet on the opposite hand there who those few who would never learn honor. Zrana and Sheerith were fine examples. The girl sighed inwardly, one hand slowly fisting as she allowed her mind to wander over those that rode under the name of Spera, those who claimed the right to be riders under her wing. Most had taken to her as their Wingleader a few sevendays after their assignment, yet there were still those few who flatly refused to follow her orders. Her dragon was a queen, and she was destined to one day rule Sodalis’ skies, yet they would not heed her as their leader. More often than not, it ended in Lyth commanding their dragons to obey her and forcefully putting an end to the argument before she called on Caliath’s authority. The weyrling hated for it to come to that; she wished she could win their allegiance on her own. Deep down, the gold rider loved her position, and though she would not hold it but a turn longer, she enjoyed the feeling of leading a fighting wing. Though there were those who lived for the sole purpose of making her position difficult, nothing except sparring put her blood to boiling the way drills and training did. Were Lyth not a queen to be made barren by firestone, the girl would have leapt at a chance to lead a Wing into Threadfall.

The weyrling was pulled from her musings by movement at her side, and she once more focused her gaze on the bronze rider to find him shaking his head. Raising one brow, she wondered just what he was thinking. Somehow, she knew it had to deal with their dragons. Doubtlessly. I find myself quite favoring Talzynth, and I would wager that His isn’t that bad of a catch, either. Care to give it a go? Now Calista was the one shaking her head. You are a shameless flirt, Lyth. Do you not care that you are swayed so easily just by his charm and good looks? Though her voice was steady, there was still an underlying note of amusement there, as if she knew it was shameless but couldn’t help but be bemused at it all. But oh how charming he is, Mine. Were you to hear the sweet things that caress my mind, you too would be under a spell. Her rider blinked at that, surprised by the sudden chord that struck somewhere inside her. Unbidden, the woman’s amber depths raked over the Wingsecond again, wondering just how alike dragon and rider were. Her quickal-colored eyes veiled. Was that charm as mutual as the good looks? Oh ho ho! Listen to you! Her queen suddenly crowed, and the weyrling instantly regretted allowing her mind to conjure that thought. Hush! The raven-haired girl snapped, looking away so that she missed K’mar’s scrutiny.

Chuckling at her small victory, Iseulyth once more gave the dragon at her side her full attention, seeking more of the honeyed words that so pleased her ego. The strangest sensation ran along her hide as she felt the bronze’s tail wrap over hers, bathing her in a wash of warmth and pleasure A croon escaped her chest, a song purer and truer than any she had sung before. This soft melody was not born of flirtatiousness or desire for attention, but out of vivid, intense delight that could be expressed no other way. Such satisfaction, such joy and enchantment could convey themselves only by the glowing of her eyes and sweet, sweet song of her melodious voice. Who had ever made her feel this way before, as if she herself was fallen daughter of the sky sent to touch the lives of mortals? His song bound her to him in a web that she couldn’t have broken even if that was her desire. My bronze, you speak truer than I ever could. Had your brothers such sweet tongues, I would never have met with the only one that is indeed worthy of me. You put my beauty into words, and weave a spell that not even I could break. Your voice alone captures me, but your words chain me fast. Tell me more, so much more. The gold said, her mindvoice lowering to a bare whisper at her last words. Talzynth spoke to her like she was a goddess, and his reverent tone stoked the fires of her pride and also tugged at her heart. She was enraptured, her eyes whirling like spinning jewels and her hide beginning to heat as if she were on fire. It truly felt as if the stars had touched her, and had left a living flame in their wake.

Her eyes strayed to the bronze’s body, and for once in her life, she found splendor in another. The moon might run it’s sliver illuminance along her hide as a lover, but every god of light in the night sky must have touched Talzynth’s body with their swords of fire. He practically glowed, every highlight of silven splendor burned as if it was molten lava streaming down his hide. His eyes glowed as they caught the beams from the celestial bodies, and coupled with his shining suede skin Talzynth shone like she had never before seen. How had she gained such a dragon for her own? Iseulyth savored the moment as she reclined easily against the Wingsecond, his body hot to the touch where their shoulders and necks met. When he ran his tail up hers with all the fluid grace of a Southern feline, the gold very nearly melted. Could she be charmed so with such a small movement? Oh yes. A low croon of approval let the dragon know he was doing something exactly right, and in that instant the queen made a decision. The great weyrling shifted, and their sides came easily together so that from their chests to their haunches they touched. Her tail curled about his with all the possessiveness a golden one could conjure, and she knew that should any other of her color want him, she would be the one they had to face.

Calista masterfully restrained herself as she watched the look of utter disbelief flood the bronze rider’s face, his expression so terribly funny she worked hard not to laugh. She was tempted to slap his back when he choked on his klah, but decided against it. As humble as he seemed, all bronzers had their dignity. A small pang of disappointment bled through her as he started to decline her offer, but hope still swam under the surface as his refusal was cut short. His eyes lost their focus, and she knew that he was speaking with his dragon. A grin split her lips. Surely Tal would be rooting for her when Lyth was so besotted with him. Her suspicions were confirmed when he, at last, agreed to go with her, and the weyrling chuckled quietly as he stood. “I owe you? Really now, when you know how to master a runner like a pro, you’ll owe me.” She said, unaware of just how close she came to emulating his dragon. Pleased that he had agreed, the raven-haired woman slipped him a quick smirk and whirled, stepping lightly down the dias steps. Unconsciously, the gold rider always moved with a fluid, smooth glide, a padding walk that she perfected and learned through turns of studying swordplay and quick movements in the practice ring. Her swift, silent steps took them quickly through the thinning crowd of the weyrhall, until they were greeted by the silver light of the open night.

The Weyrwoman’s amber gaze lifted out of habit to find her queen as she always did when entering the bowl, and stopped dead in her tracks when her depths found her lounging weyrling. The gold was bathed in the silver kisses of the moonlight, the light reflecting off her metallic hide with a nearly ethereal glow. Her eyes shone like gems that held an inner fire, twin orbs of piercing light that cut through the velvety night like arrows. She lay against Talzynth, who shone with a silver flame that bled into Lyth’s own blazing luminescence and alighted the pair with an unreal beauty. For a moment, Calista wondered if she was staring at the specters of Faranth and her mate gracing Sodalis’ high stone walls. The sight before her was haunting in it’s beauty, the pulsing auras of pure light dazzling. The gold rider then became acutely aware of the Wingsecond at her side, unable to keep her eyes from giving him an appreciative sweep. Did he have his dragon’s charm? Tryng to ignore the gilded touch of silver along the man’s own dark locks, the raven-haired girl quickly turned away. “Well, they do certainly seem comfortable.” She said lightly, sweeping silky locks out of her eyes as she tried to still the fluttering in her stomach.