A World Half-Forgotten

[Zirin]

J'dol chuckled as she asked him a dangerous, dangerous question. "Hmmm," He hummed, as if taking the time to think about it. "Terrible, terrible things, I assure you." He replied with a teasing tone. He hadn't even realized he had said that out loud... perhaps he needed to spend more time in his own head. He smiled as she snuggled into him; however, and subconsciously his hand started to draw patterns on her arm.

The moment of peace was just that: a moment. All too soon reality decided to come back and slap him in the face. "I don't doubt it," J'dol commented sadly, "We've barely had a break as it is, I can't imagine them letting Iirla and the mutant boy get away without more harassment." The latter was said bitterly. The section of Trelis that saw the mutants as a bad thing hadn't forgotten about the first male to break a bunch of rules. Riding a mutant, becoming a weyrwoman... the title wasn't the only thing that was making the job difficult. He had never felt such disgust from others before.

"There's not much we CAN do, sadly. For the sake of the Weyr we need to keep Kayath and Izanycorth safe... but it means we don't exactly have elbow room for fighting." He was bitter about it of course. J'dol was born to be a fighter, not stay on the ground in false safety because his dragoness could lay eggs; if she even did. Talath had risen long ago but Kayath didn't seem to be showing any inclination to do the same... or if she was he hadn't seen it. "The only thing we CAN do is find some way to get them to lose their rank but... its not exactly a foolproof plan." He sighed again. Leaving everything in the hands of rutting dragons... "Sometimes I wish I could just let Kayath tear them all apart."

His tone softened at her next words though. "Likewise Ara." He looked at her warmly, "I would have been very sad to lose you." The sudden pressure of a finger in his side caused J'dol to twitch. A smirk spread across his face. Of COURSE he worked out. Despite beign perfect anyways, working out made him MORE perfect. He subconsciously flexed under the woman's wandering fingers.

"Of course," He replied, his smirk never wavering, "It wouldn't do if you had nothing to run your hands over, now would it?"

Kayath rumbled in amusement before tossing the pillow back, taking no notice of the feathers that were beginning to escape their pillow-y confines. Though she didn't normally like sharing her weyr, she had to admit that she felt more relaxed now than she had in a while. Though she'd never admit it out loud, she was glad the green was back home, and if it wasn't for the green's injuries, Kayath would have invited her to dance. She crooned to herself and nuzzled Avirith's side.

[Wish]

Ara smiled at the comment of allowing Kayath to just tear them apart. "I'm sure that Iirla and Panille feel quite the same. I think Avirith is a little too.....innocent to do much damage." There was a hiss from the cave, but even that in itself wasn't all that threatening. Maybe that was just because it was her dragon though. Yawning, Ara cut the movement off quickly with a laugh as J'dol mentioned running his hands over his body.

Oh, that was an interesting idea! "Weeeeell....since I do have something to put my hands on." She teased him with half-murmured words and a glance at him through her lashes. Her hands on the other hand were moving up to his arms, admiring what they touched and bringing her closer to him until there really wasn't anywhere left to go. Sighing contentedly, Ara closed her eyes again and resumed drawing invisible patterns on whatever she was touching, which as she peeked from behind one half-lidded eye, was his bicep.

Maybe it was because she was feeling so safe. Maybe it was because she had grown up and wasn't quite so scared anymore. Maybe she just was sick of their little games. Maybe you're not really Alyara and were replaced by someone in the rebellion in order to gain insight and instead decided that taking a little rolling around in the bedfurs might be more interesting? "I really hate her sometimes." The very familiar blush crept along her cheeks as she hid her face against his side.

Oh come on! You think you're sick of the games? Try the rest of us, just sharding tell him so you two can go dancing already, be happy, and give us some less grief and confusion? The green hissed, slapping her tail against the ground and catching the pillow between her fangs. "Easy Avi...I swear, she gets so touchy this time of the season. Definitely not looking forward to that with all of S'vrin and Ar'rex's followers around."

She sighed and blew a lock of hair from her eyes, twisting it with one finger. Finally it had grown back out to its normal length. I'll think of something to cause trouble! I can always pull an Iliath, we two bring all the bronzes and browns to the yard! Oooh, and some of those darling garnets are old enough now too. Avirith wiggled her hips a bit in her place, fluttering her wings before keening at the twinge of soreness.

"Yeah, somehow I don't think you're flying anytime soon, let along rising sweetheart...thank Faranth." I'll run then. That had Ara laughing, shaking her head before a thought crossed her mind. "Have you actually ever been told what it's like? I mean, Kayath won't stay on the ground forever...one of these days her hide will start to glow." Instead of being flirtatious though, Ara's voice grew more quiet and somber. How would she handle him in the arms of someone else...and oh Faranth she may even lose him to another guy. Not that that was bad if it made him happy....but still. Didn't that bring back memories.

"I'm sure she'll be great on the sands though. I'll wager she clutches the first second generation Sub-Queen too! Of course, that means paperwork for you with all those candidates. I can help if you want...it'll give me something to do. I already have a plan to stay out of the wings as long as I can. Besides...Inali needs me right now, with how she is Inoria and Talian are probably not getting much attention." She quieted for a while, listening to his voice if he chose to speak, and loving the quiet just as much.

There was something though that she wanted to say, something she was so worried to say. Avirith nudged her again, her opinion about it all already stated. What if he.... Except that was it wasn't it? It was what if. She didn't know how he'd react, and she never would until she said something. Taking in a deep breath, she trembled a bit as she tried to make herself say the words in her head. Finally, she was able to get eleven words out. Eleven little words that would probably change everything....hopefully for the better.

"Do you remember what I said that night in the woods?"

[Zirin]

"There's no doubt many of us feel that way," He chuckled, "The problem is numbers. We had few enough as it was, and they all decided to run off to the rebellion." He said angrily. Then, realizing himself, glanced apologetically at Ara, glad for the small distraction from Avirith. He couldn't help the slight, nervous gulp at the greenrider's words coupled with the oh-so subtle movements that brought her even closer. He knew the battle would cause people to change, but he hadn't expected Ara to become so... so forward. His eyes watched the almost melodic movement of her fingers, perhaps a bit too intently.

Her sudden outburst in response to Avirith, therefor, caught him completely off guard and he realized that he had definately missed something going on between rider and dragon. Even Kayath didn't quite seem to know what was going on, based on the emotion of confusion he got back from her. Oh... rising. It's a shame you aren't male Kayath, He joked at the large dragoness, to which he got a rather angry response from. As if she would be just a male! Hmph!

"We.. never really had a formal lesson, if that's what you mean." He replied, "What with everything that's been going on. We've been told a bit though, about blooding and so forth." He stretched a bit to get more comfortable. "I don't really think I'll have much of an issue. It's not like I'm completely inexperienced." There was no way the cocky tone of his voice could be missed. Of course, the fact that he wouldn't be in complete control of himself while under the effects of dragonlust didn't cross his mind at all. He was more than experienced with what he would be doing, after all, and that cockiness left no room to worry about the 'trivial' matters. Besides, he was looking forward to being able to have a no-strings-attached night of fun with someone random. In truth, however, Kayath rising hadn't exactly been a prominent thought in his mind, and it was only Ara's comment that made him realize it could be happening soon. Her sister had risen a while ago... Kayath's day was on the horizon.

Of course I will. Kayath replied for all to hear. I AM perfect, and only the best will catch me. So obviously I will lay a perfect daughter as well. She shook her wings proudly, quite confident that her first clutch would be a major success. Don't get ahead of yourself princess, you still have to Rise. He groaned at the mention of Ar'rex and S'vrin. "Kayath, do NOT get caught by one of them. There are some people I'd just rather NOT get in bed with." He shuddered at the thought.

"It's boring work... but it's not bad. I'd rather do paperwork than deal with those stick-up-their-asses leaders. You don't have to help, though I appreciate it, really. Iirla seems to be having a tougher time though..." His voice trailed sadly then, and he couldn't bring himself to talk about Inali. To J'dol, the silence felt tense, though in a weird way he didn't entirely mind it. Though, the longer it went the more he wanted it to end. His wish came true... but in a way he wanted least of all. Every fiber of his being tensed at that simple phrase, and he had to look anywhere but at the beautiful young woman cuddled against him.

"I..." He choked out, afraid of where this was going. He didn't want to know, didn't want to even acknowledge that he had heard. But they had privacy this time, and in his own weyr he had no where to hide. Finally, he choked out an answer, though a rather meek one. "Yes..."

[Wish]

Had part of her hoped that he wouldn't remember? That then maybe she could just laugh it off and forget about saying anything at all? Oh yes. Even now that he had admitted to knowing what she had said she still wondered of it would be best. The rider even had a small speech started in her head so that she could wiggle herself out of the situation she had put herself into. That wasn't like her though, or at least the new her.

Faranth she wished she could be doing anything but this right now! Not the part where he was holding her, but that they had gotten to this subject. Ara had not missed the tensing in his body. She bit her lip, worried so very worried. If she said the wrong thing, would he hate her? Would he never see her again? What if she said the right thing though? She just couldn't tell what to do, which was safer.

The pause drew itself out for a while until she tensed herself and found that her mouth would not cooperate with her mind. Why was this so hard? Why was it.....why? She almost cried out in frustration, but gritted her teeth and then closed her eyes shut tight. It ended up coming in a rush of words. "I meant it about you." Ara layers there, her body so tense it hurt. She couldn't breath, she couldn't speak. She was terrified.

Finally she calmed herself to speak again. "It was always you, but I was scared. I thought.....well does it matter what I thought then? I was stupid and wrong, such a dimglow. When I realized it....well it was already too late and I needed something to feel, anything but what I was experiencing at the time knowing you hated me. That's when you found me....when the incident in the woods happened. I didn't care at that point any more whether or not there was a consequence, I was already almost done with transfer paperwork."

She paused to catch her breath in her rushed story and more soon tumbled out. "I had to say it though. I had to let you know before I left, then you reacted like I did and thread started and I just couldn't leave....and here we are, almost. I'm a different person, or perhaps more mature is the better word? I'm not sure, and I can't stop talking I'm sorry. It's just that I know you're going to hate me again. I can't....I can't stand it when you're angry with me, I hate it. You're too special to me, not that we have to be anything more than friends. I know what you....I heard the rumors about your typical relationships. Not that I am saying....I....oh this is a mess."

She finally stopped talking, her eyes wide and her cheeks red. In an attempt to hide herself she burrowed under his arm or the pillow or something. All that suave and confident personality she had before was long gone. This was just the girl he had known before, scared that she was going to lose one of the best things in her life. There was one thing she could say though maybe, other than sorry about fifty million more times.

"And J'dol, the reason I kept saying no when Kayath was younger wasn't because I was your teacher or because of another man. J'dol, I was too afraid that you'd leave as soon as you were done. I was so convinced that your words were a lie to make me think you cared, at least until I told you about him that day. Then I realized you were always being honest. I was the one who was lieing....and I'm sorry. If anything, at least I'm finally telling the truth. Ask me anything you want, I'll answer. I'm done hiding and being a child. At least somewhat...." and with that her more normal, playful smile was back for the briefest of moments before falling.

[Zirin]

While he still wished she had never mentioned it in the first place, J'dol couldn't help but laugh as Ara began rambling. For the first time that day, he could actually see the original Ara. She just kept going and going... and he knew he should be butting in with his own thoughts, but he just couldn't do it. He should be running, he should be figuring out some escape plan... but Faranth she was cute when flustered. A moment of silence stretched after her final words. With a quiet sigh, he realized running would no longer be an option. He rolled over, effectively pinning Ara to the bed, though holding himself up so she would not be squashed. J'dol wasn't a shy young teen after all. He was well versed in the adult world, not to mentioned strong enough to force Ara to his will if he really wanted to. He leaned down by her ear, his voice a husky whisper.

"You're a cruel, cruel woman Ara," He said quietly, "Do you know how hard it is to ignore the thought of you pressed against me, screaming my name in ecstasy?" A hand moved to slip under her shirt and play lightly with the skin hidden underneath. "Do you know how hard it is to stop myself from jumping you?" He stopped then, his face serious, as he sat back to let her escape if she wanted to.

"The rumors are true, Ara. Getting involved with me in dangerous, there's no guarantee I wouldn't break your heart." His voice had a deep sorrow to it, "I don't want to see you get hurt like that." Kayath shifted anxiously in her cave, hoping the tentative peace wasn't going to be broken already. "I can guarantee that I've never hated you. I was hurt, but I hated him, not you." He tried to smile, though it likely looked awkward. He was fond of Ara, too fond perhaps, but he didn't even know himself if she would be able to escape the fate of most of his lovers. He was a man of zero ties. He wanted the freedom to sleep around and have fun without the fear of being tied down. It was that need for commitment from others that caused the young topaz rider to cut himself from them.

"Anything I want... hmm..." He chuckled, "Then tell me, what is it you want from me, Ara?"

[Wish]

She thought he would run away again, instead he pinned her down and was acting quite....well whatever it was she couldn't deny she liked it somewhat. If Ara said that she didn't want to leave the talking for later the moment he spoke against her ear, she would have been lieing. Instead his words were a splash of cold water. So he didn't hate her, he was worried about her. She felt like laughing out of sheer happiness of that discovery.

He didn't hate her! He had said as much though that he didn't know where this would lead. It was true he was scared of commitment, but it was also true that he wasn't the only one. Her fingertips traced light circles on his wrist even after he pulled away, and Ara was about to answer him when Aries chirped and flew into her lap instead. There had been enough attention taken away from her thank you!

Blinking down at the Gold, Ara shook her head and then laughed for real. It felt...nice. Although it did hurt her side, and it was only then that she realized how tired she was from the battle. The rider let her mind wander a bit, collecting her thoughts. She needed to say her words carefully. Very carefully. "I....I don't know exactly what I want. I just really would like to be sure that you won't ever stop being there, whether that's as a friend or something more."

She breathed in before continuing and the more she talked the easier it was. "I don't mind if you aren't wanting a full on relationship, Faranth knows you're not the only one in this room with commitment issues. Not to mention we both have female dragons which tends to get you into strange situations." Like dancing with two chasers when only one actually was my champion? Ara flushed with color as she looked down.

"Uh....yeah, like that. Anyway, if you want....I wouldn't mind seeing where this goes....if we were friends, but didn't worry so much about it being....would platonic be the right word?" She tilted her head, her hand that was still touching his making petting movements do that Aries kept quiet. She was starting to get egg-heavy again, having been flown by a rebel's Bronze. "This is going to be kind of random, but would you like another flit? I know you lost Bit in fall....and Aries is due to clutch in a sevenday or two."

[Zirin]

“I’m not going anywhere.” It was said so strongly that there would be no room for doubt, his gaze rather piercing as he spoke. He may not commit to relationships, but he was loyal to those he cared for. It was only then that he allowed himself to smile down at Aries, sending a silent call to Spazz, sure the little blue would enjoy the company. He chuckled at Ara’s words before leaning down in the hopes of planting a chaste kiss on her forehead.

“Don’t push yourself. You don’t have to pretend to be okay with something if you’re not.” He replied with a shrug. Of course he would love to simply bed the woman, no strings attached… but it was never that simple. Someone always got attached, and in the end someone always got hurt. “I don’t mind Kayath being a female, really,” He chuckled, “Some of those males’ riders are pretty cute.” He teased playfully, though the way she was playing with his wrists didn’t go unnoticed. He smiled at her, though with the mention of Bit, his smile lost some of its warmth, making way for another bout of sadness. A new fire lizard would never fill the place left by Bit. She had meant too much to him for too long; the constant friend and companion when he was younger. The wound was still fresh, though it was hidden by the loss of Loraketh and the others who had passed in Threadfall.

“I.. I’d like that.” He responded, not wanting her to know the idea of replacing Bit was hard on him. He lifted Ara's fingers to his lips gently while he thought. At least another one might be trainable… Spazz had never really taken to him the way bit had. The blue only seemed to spend time with him at night when they slept. As if on cue, the energetic blue arrived and bombarded Ara, squeaking and chirping in delight before noticing Aries and dropping to try to play with her, recalling her from his hatching day.

[Wish]

She couldn't help but sighing in relief when he said that he wouldn't ever leave her. That in of itself was enough to relieve tension for the next turn or two. Aries snorted, unhappy that the attention wasn't on her more. Ara ignored the firelizard for the moment, instead paying attention to the rider in front of her. "Alright, I won't pretend, but that has to go for you as well. If there's something you don't like, say so. I think we're capable of talking to one another...or now we are."

Ara laughed gently as her finger twined with his, a soft smile spreading across her lips. "Oh yeah, they're sharding hot. I know you're not fond of them either, but the rebels have a...oh, let's say ruggedness about them that's to die for." She placed a teasing tone in her voice, obviously goading him as much as he her. Two could play that game. "The female blue and brownriders aren't bad either." She let a small smirk take place on her face, wondering what he thought of that. Even she hadn't known that she didn't mind the same gender until Avirith's most recent flight.

At Spazz' arrival, Aries chirped, fluttering her wings and making preening motions. Good, so her loyal subjects had arrived! Trilling, the Gold watched the Blue, waiting for him to do something entertaining for her to watch. Ara simply rolled her eyes. "It's alright...if you're not ready to take on another one by the way. I understand...we lost Excalibur too." Her voice grew quiet as she remembered how the Bronze had just fallen only a few candlemarks ago during the fighting.

"So...you said you hadn't really ever been told about mating flights. Do you have any questions? I'm sure you know the whole don't let them do anything but blood thing, all riders of female dragons do...not that it matters much for greens." She paused to see if Avirith had a comment on that, but the dragoness simply swished her tail back and forth slowly. Shrugging, she went on. "It's more than just that though, and it's more than just being with someone. You're not you....you're her, entirely, completely her. You move, speak, or I should say make noises, that you normally don't. They're draconic....and it can be overwhelming the first time."

Especially if it's your first time too.

"Thanks Avi, but I don't think he'll have that problem like I did." Ara winced at the memory and shook her head. "Anyway, like I said, have any questions about that? Also, it helps if you start looking around at people you would prefer. That's what they tell the greenriders, because it's easier to curb the dragoness then...but we don't decide leadership in the Weyr. You do, so I'm not sure how that works. Besides, I have the feeling Kayath would just do whatever she pleased despite what you said."

[Zirin]

“Oh tisk tisk Ara,” J’dol let out a sharp bark of laughter “I never took you for the type to like an unshaven dirty fellow. Is it the fact they don’t bath? Or is it their…” He leaned toward her in such a way that she could glimpse a bit of his muscles through the loose top of his shirt, “… rippling pectorals?” He rolled to the side to settle comfortably on the bed, though a hand moved up to rub at his chin. He was stubbley again… more stubble-y than he liked in fact. When had he gotten so lazy? In truth, though J’dol would flirt with just about anyone, he actually preferred his men clean-shaven and well-groomed. Who knew the flirt would be picky?

“Oooh I didn’t know you swung that way. I’ll be honest, I’ve never been with a female brownrider.” He shrugged, “Besides, it’s the greenriders I’m rather fond of.” He grinned over at Ara, “You know… I’ve heard that of all riders, topazriders are the best in bed.”

He scratched Spazz idly when the blue stopped long enough to be touched, though it was a short lived moment. “I’ll be sure to stop by, Faranth knows I owe it to Aries to show her just how wonderful she is.” He reached over, offering a hand to the gold for petting if she so desired. “I never thought losing a pet would hurt as much as it did. You must miss him.”

A look of amusement was the next to cross his features, as Ara went into a lecture mode of sorts. “And here I thought I’d never get to see Ara as my teacher again.” He teased. In truth, the lessons he had received, short as they were, had covered many of the important topics of riding a clutching dragon; including the knowledge that he probably wouldn’t be aware of how close Kayath would be to rising the first time. ‘Experience would be his teacher’ was what he had been told. As far as J’dol could see, Kayath wasn’t shining any more than usual, and that’s how you could tell, right?

“Does that mean I’ll become loud and annoying?” He joked loudly, to which Kayath growled. Oh you did NOT just say that. I am a princess. I’m only loud when those fools decide to attempt to upstage me. He grinned. He had dealt with Kayath’s strong moodswings before, and having grown up in a Weyr he felt confident that he would be able to stay in control during her flight. J’dol was a cocky fool sometimes. He grinned evilly at Ara.

“If I said it would be my first time, would you… ‘walk me through it’ teach?” His voice took on an almost sultry tone as he spoke, a hand moving to rest on the greenrider’s hip. Kayath snorted again and sent Avirith a feeling of rolling her eyes before speaking to everyone. As if my puny rider could even dream of choosing my suitor. Puh-lease. His taste in men is horrible.

[Wish]

Ara laughed, shaking her head. "Neither did I...and by the way, it's not the appearance that counts. It's how someone holds themselves. There's just something about a man that has confidence in himself." She smiled to herself, snuggling up to him as she pushed all thoughts of everything beyond the weyr they were in out of her mind. That all could wait till later, right now she just wanted a reason to forget. To forget, and to ignore it all. At the mentioning of being a teacher, Ara made a face somewhere between a wince, and a grimace.

"Trust me, you won't. I'd rather you be the teacher for once than me." She stuck her tongue out at him, then sighed. "It's been weird, but nice to just be a wingrider. I never really got a chance to before. They needed a Weyrlingmaster too badly and Inali trusted me." The greenrider traced the curve of J'dol's hip as he traced hers, wondering just how much longer she could stand his teasing. Already she wanted to just shut him up and talk more later. Then again, as Avirith silently put it with a mental nudge, she was being run by hormones, not thought.

"Depends, you may. It's more likely that you'll be very arrogant and even violent. Queens generally are. Even some greens are, though Avirith isn't generally. Who knows what she'll be like soon though....I'd give her a sevenday." The green fluttered her wings, testing them before warbling and tucking them in again. Perhaps two. Ara gave a half-smile to her dragoness before nuzzling into J'dol's arm. It was comfy, much better than a pillow, and she found herself murmuring just that against his skin. "About the pillow, so much sharding better than it ever could be."

She glanced up in time to see his, oh yes that was evil, glance. The rider couldn't help it, she blushed. "Th...that depends....I..." Perhaps a bad taste in men, but not women. Also AraMine, just spit it out, or better yet, let me! She's wanted you to do all sorts of dances with her since you two first met. There, all better. Ara's eyes widened and she glared at the green. Oh, you're paying for that somehow. Still talking to everyone, Avirith flicked her tail. How? You're the one thinking it...at least I'm not showing him what's in your head. Avirith rumbled with draconic laughter, shaking her head before setting it on the floor.

Ara was tempted to throw another pillow at her, but the only one left really was below J'dol and he wasn't moving any time soon that she could tell yet. "Please....I.....she's being....." Ara fought for the right words, tripping over herself and then groaning in frustration. She was not like this anymore, she was better, stronger, smarter! Not around him you're not love. The rider thanked Faranth that at least the green was talking to just her again. Avi, what if he second guesses things though afterward? What if... Girl-Please, I thought we've been over this.

Ara muttered under her breath before taking a breath and looking up at him. "I'd like to say she's being a temperamental green and has no clue what she's talking about...but then, I'd be lieing, and I promised not to lie to you again." Her eyes glinted mischievously as her voice lowered. Oh, where they were going she had no idea. At least you're not drunk this time. "Avirith, shut up."

[Zirin]

“Oh really, and what is it that I’ll be teaching, hmm?” J’dol grinned mischievously, his mind instantly going to the gutter despite his lack of knowledge on Ara’s experience. “If it counts for anything I think you did a great job… I mean, I’m pretty sure Kayath and I turned out alright. We didn’t get into too much trouble.” The idea of becoming like a raging queen didn’t sit well with J’dol, though he could see his dragoness becoming a bit obnoxious about the entire thing. He let his hand trace her side once more before moving to her back and pulling her closer once more.

“I hope I don’t end up aggressive… I like to think I’m a gentle lover,” Though he had a teasing tone, his voice also carried a slight hint or worry. Sure, J’dol was confident in his abilities in the furs. He liked to think he was able to give his lovers what they liked, and the idea that he might not be in control of that actually bothered him. Kayath grumbled audibly from the cave, though she kept out of it, not denying that she had a temper at times. He looked at Avirith. Soon the green would rise and Ara would become entwined with someone else… just as he would when Kayath rose. It was amazing that some riders were able to handle such things really; so many wanted commitments in a world that couldn’t easily allow it. He outright laughed at the blush that shot across the greenrider’s face.

“Maybe it’s a good thing it wouldn’t be my first time,” His laughter quieted, though it continued to dance in his eyes as he listened to Avirith. “My poor teacher-to-be is blushing more than a virgin hold-girl. I can only imagine how delightfully red you might get under my… careful ministrations.” The look she gave him was making it harder than ever to stop himself. He moved to pull her closer and lowered his head to whisper in her ear. “What would it take to turn you red hmmm?” His lips lowered with the intent to plant some small nips and kisses along her neck.

How DO you put up with this Avirith? Kayath questioned the green with a shake of her head.

[Wish]

I often wonder just that Kayath, then I remember it's actually amusing to watch. Even if it also tiring.

Avirith curled up tighter on her side, spreading one sore wing loosely over her body so that it formed a blanket of sorts. She might as well rest, one of the two in their bond would need it, and she was almost certain her rider wouldn't be the one to take one for the team. The green gave a sigh of relief, happy to be safe and warm again. It was certainly better than up in the air fighting, whether the battle was against Thread or others of her kind.

Perhaps while they are distracted with each other, we can actually discuss the important matters at hand? How many of the rebels are here, can you tell? Some like Mine and Iliath's will be hiding out as best they can....that is if Iliath is even still alive. I think she is, but she's not responding, neither is Aphath strangely enough. Maybe do your oh-so-convenient Sub-Queen tricks and find them all? Just so we know our odds. That is as good a place as any to start I suppose. I have not heard anything from Sylencath or Nimarath either, or Talath and Chahaturth.

Ara was clueless as to the discussion going on between their dragons, partially from already minimizing the green's voice in her head and partially from Avirith keeping it from her rider as best she could. J'dol's kisses certainly didn't help her focus on anything much more than what was a few inches from her own body. Faranth, if someone walked in at the moment she probably still wouldn't even notice. Naturally his words only made her blush harder, and she fought against losing any control ahead over her actions, but still. "Do you have to be so sharding good at saying things? It's not fair."

She laughed quietly, sinking into his arms and sighing contently. "It doesn't take much to make me blush J'dol. You just have to keep talking. Blushing and well, being happy, are two different things though." Well, he could do other things to make her blush too, but she wasn't going to admit that just about anything he did would do the trick yet. Instead she rolled over to where her back was facing him and pretended to yawn....which turned into an actual yawn. "In fact I'd say your technique could use a little work, I think you've gotten a bit rusty since I've gone." She was all teasing though, her voice dripping with such sarcasm that one would have to be a complete dimglow to not catch it.

Uh, we are talking about the guy who took a sharing long time to realize you actually liked him, aren't we? I wouldn't hold my breath. Ara ignored the green's comment though, there were more important things to be doing, like keeping herself from showing how much she actually liked all this for the time being. She wouldn't just fall into his hands yet, okay, she wouldn't figuratively.

[Zirin]

Kayath rumbled in amusement. Avirith was right, sort of. The humans were amusing at times, though she didn’t understand why the two were having such difficulty with this rising business. She hoped that when her time came she wouldn’t be as silly about it. Taking Avirith’s example, Kayath stretched out a little more for comfort, though she did her best to give Avirith a comfortable amount of room. I wish I could help you with that Avirith, I really do. Kayath sighed, glancing out over the ledge to the dragons that were out and about in the ‘bowl.

Mine thinks Sithorath’s is intercepting such information before Mine can get it, even though by rights it should come to us first. I recognize a few dragons that haven’t been around in a while, but of those I could not say which are allied where… these are dangerous times… letting such information leak even to a trustworthy sub-queen like myself is dangerous.

She paused, looking almost mature as she thought, I sometimes wonder if it isn’t better to be ignorant of the odds. And yet, while I dream of ignorance I can’t help but wonder who would truly benefit from the knowledge. As to using my amazing talents… I will not contact those ridiculous leaders of yours, not while they continue to cause Mine such grief. I can attempt to contact the others, but if they won’t respond to you I can’t imagine them happily responding to their enemy. Besides that… Kayath didn’t want to break the peace at the moment. If she contacted them… what would she learn? Who would truly benefit from knowing the locations of the missing dragons?

J’dol was also paying no mind to the dragons, though he and Kayath had long ago learned to hide things from eachother; though the frequency of things being hidden was low. He understood that Kayath had some things to discuss that he didn’t need to hear, so when she did cut off their connection he didn’t usually worry too much. Besides, with how red Ara was it was hard to pay attention to anything else. Her delightful compliment earned a happy chuckle, though he didn’t stop trailing his kisses, at least not until she continued speaking. He stopped to respond, “You hurt me Ara… you make it sound like you’re not happy.” When she turned and dissed him though, his grin turned into an over dramatic pout and he pulled her flush against him.

“Rusty? Well, we’ll need to fix that, won’t we? Perhaps you would be so kind as to help me practice? Faranth knows nothing would make me happier than learning how to push a certain someone’s buttons.” He hadn’t missed her yawn however, and other than pulling her close he didn’t do anything else. If she needed to sleep, he wouldn’t stop her from sleeping here.

[Wish]

Ara smiled to herself, her eyes closing despite her hyperawareness at J'dol's proximity. Part of her wanted to stay awake, to let him prove just how good he really was, the other more reasonable part of her argued that they would have time for that later. Besides, the way he was holding her like this, it was just so comfortable, and he hadn't made a move yet to do anything else.

For a moment the rider thought one of those horrible things to herself, something along the lines of what if he's just being nice, what if he really doesn't want to. She quickly pushed that thought down though, hiding it from not only Avirith but herself. There was no reason to think of that now, definitely not. The hesitance it brought however gave room for exhaustion to set in. If it were possible, she snuggled into him more, yawning again.

"I'd just love for you to learn, and see what you have to offer...really I would. I don't think now is the time though, you may have tons of energy, but I don't." She peeked behind one half-closed eye at him, then closed it again. Instead of waking, or even fully going to sleep though, she reached behind her for his hand and brought it to her front where she hopefully twined her fingers with his.

"Maybe you can convince me to stay awake..." She trailed off as she opened her eyes and looked up at him, curving her body to see his. Avirith snorted but left the two alone, deciding that Hers was perfectly capable of handling herself. Don't be so down on your own abilities, but yes I do understand what you say. For now we must wait it seems, but don't underestimate anyone around you. Just because they are your clutch siblings even does not mean that they are your friends. However, at the same time, just because someone identifies rebel does not mean that what they fight for is a lost cause. Yours is grieved for reasons that are somewhat unrelated to the actual problem at hand. It is much larger than a few stolen candidates, and Mine agrees that it is better them be stolen than fall into the hands of Coziryth's and Sithorath's Own.

[Zirin]

J’dol’s chuckle was so quiet, that if it weren’t for the proximity of their bodies, Ara likely wouldn’t have known he had chuckled at all. He allowed her to move his hand about and twine their fingers together, and was even pleased that she seemed to trust him enough to begin falling asleep in his bed. Faranth knew he could likely take advantage of her if he really wanted to… though he respected her enough not to.

“It’s hard not to have energy when I have such an beautiful defenseless women curled up with me,” the volume of his voice had dropped. As much as he really wanted to do things with her, she was right; it could wait. Besides, he’d rather have a fully attentive partner than a sleepy one fighting to stay awake. Of course, the ego in him was saying that she wouldn’t be sleepy for long if they were to continue and he hide to fight it back down to avoid simply rolling on to her and showing her just how ‘rusty’ he wasn’t.

“I have a better idea,” He murmered, nuzzling against her. “I do believe you still owe me a kiss from that gather. Perhaps I’d be willing to let you sleep in exchange for one, hmm?” He relaxed onto the pillow, knowing he would let her sleep regardless… and Faranth knew once his adrenaline calmed he wouldn’t mind having a bit of a nap himself. Kayath, wake me if I am needed somewhere please.

Kayath’s tail twitched as she acknowledged her rider’s instructions. It isn’t so much the candidates that upsets him. For now, we have enough to stand for future clutches. It is the food, the supplies… and the dragons who leave to fight against us. As a ‘mutant’ myself, I understand the want to fight for freedom. I truly do… but there is a much bigger problem out there. The very one that stole Loraketh from us. I am willing to put aside my ‘freedom’ to ensure my home is safe from Thread. She had gotten a bit off topic and shook her head to clear her thoughts. J’dolMine is stressed because of our supplies. The herdbeasts that remain are getting smaller than ever. If the rebellion continues to steal our tithes at the rate they are… soon we won’t have the means to feed those of us trapped here. When the food runs out, the death’s will be on J’dol’s hands. She was bitter, sad, and hurt all at once. Her eyes whirled in a variety of worried hues.