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Perhaps it was irony that Lyveana found herself spending more time out of the Weyr, both while scouting territory and finding quiet places to do her paperwork. Or perhaps it was just the sad result of the abundant prosperity when it came to clutch size, and the obvious disdain of the Holders who tithed. Whichever it was, she had to admit that she was still hard-pressed to escape the depression that haunted her when she thought of the latest hatching. It had been some time since that night, most of the Weyrlings should be getting into their first lessons... she had even seen a few sporting their new haircuts.

So it was no surprise that between the constant reminders of the Hatching on the faces of those around her, and the insidious stench pervading the overpopulated Weyr common areas... she decided to brave the heat and seek some time by the ocean today. The Weyrlings had reminded her that her own hair was due for a trim, and Ruinnth had trilled quite happily at the prospect of a day spent leisurely, rather then in the company of too-many dragons or in the holds while her rider negotiated fly-overs. Naturally, the workaholic in the greenrider chaffed at the idea that she wouldn't be getting anything done, but when Ruinnth forcefully reminded her rider that keeping up the proper and professional appearance of a dragonrider was just as important as anything else, she relented to giving herself and the green the complete Do. Nail filing, hair cutting, talon trimming, scrubbing, oiling... all of it.

So, that was where they were when Lyveana remembered that they weren't likely to be the only patrons of the white sand beaches. The days were hot enough that most things were called off midday, only to resume later when the heat subsided. Weyrworkers, riders, and weyrlings alike were in attendance, and Ruinnth couldn't help but grumble along with her rider when they discovered how difficult it was going to be to find a relatively secluded spot. (For all her years in the Weyr, Lyv was still a little squeamish about getting down to her skivvies to go swimming in the presence of others.)

I like that we are going to do this today, but I do not like how many are here. Ruinnth added, echoing her rider's thoughts as the pair ambled along the crests of the dunes while watching for a likely spot closer to the water. Looking up at the green, Lyv couldn't decide if she should say something to the effect of "Then let's do something else, like work..." or just hold her peace. Ruinnth had been absurdly happy when she had relented to come down here, and had even helpfully agreed to carry the buckets of cleaning tools and Lyveana's own personal kit.

"Don't worry about it too much Rui, and look. There is an open spot right down the beach. No shade, but it'll do for a little while I take care of you and get my hair cut, yes?" She wasn't overly fond of what saltwater did to her hair, but she wasn't about to waste precious freshwater on the task either. She could wash out the salt after she was done quickly enough, and she firmly believed in doing her part to help the conditions at the Weyr... which included water rationing in her book.

It didn't take Ruinnth long to take advantage of the sun warmed surf, but her rider was a different story. Lyveana was a creature of order and meticulous attention to detail when she was uncomfortable, so it was only after setting up her square of beach cloth and arranging her instruments perfectly that she went into the water after her green, taking some soapsand with her to wash with.

Giving her scalp a good once-through, she was in the middle of a second when she caught sight of Rinfala and her fiery partner Arioth on the beach.

Bid Rinfala and the new Queen good day for me Rui, I haven't had a chance to congratulate her yet.

As you wish. Good day Arioth, my rider wishes to congratulate you and yours. The green obliged, ducking her head under the surf briefly to send a stream of water down along her neck ridges.