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 Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 7:25 pm
((This is sort of a first-come, first-serve RP. Just looking to further develop Darcir but am not really interested in a huge group RP. So the first one who replies gets to be the one he meets. . .as one-on-one is easier and folks don't have to wait on each other.))
It was his second day at the Weyr, though his first full one, and Darcir felt ridiculously out of place. Not only had he spent the evening of the day previous attempting to settle in to his (rather drab) room with a messy and chattering fool-of-a-roomate, Merik . . . but he'd been thrust off to introductary classes and shown a list of chores he'd be expected to complete the following sevenday.
It was crazy.
There were candidates crammed left and right in various alcoves and quarters, and they ranged from all sorts of backgrounds and experience. It amazed Darcir that the Weyroman and Weyrleader would actually send their dragons out on Search to bring back candidates, especially with the over-crowding problem within Ista. Very impractical, as far as he understood, but at the same rate if dragons had been tethered inside, he might not have gotten away from his home.
Currently, the long-haired and serious man wasn't sure which was better. . . . a life as a candidate or being forced in to marriage. At least here he didn't have to listen to his mother go on and on about his 'age' and the need of him to produce an heir all his own, etc. Her nagging had been replaced, it seemed, by a roomate that didn't know when to shut up but at least he'd gotten away from Merik for now. (Hopefully.)
Still dressed to a tee, though his dark tunic was stained with grime and water, Darcir refused to seek out 'drab' clothing. Perhaps if he Impressed a dragon he might, especially after watching older candidates feed their mounts but for now his stubborn pride refused to allow him such a thing. It was the one comfort from home he had yet to give up, even if his title and rank had been stripped. Just because he was doing dirty work didn't mean he had to look like a slob. . . .
The afternoon sun was hot on his back as he wiped some sweat away from his brow. Morning classes had been interesting but far too short; the candidates had been sent out to complete chores until and after lunch. . .but they offered the candidates a few hours free time before evening meal and evening lesson. Though his work was mundane and disparaging, at least it was work. . . He'd put his heart in to the cleaning, allowing him to focus on the task at hand and have an excuse not to converse with others.
So many strangers and Darcir found himself at a loss on what to say or how to communicate anything but work or business. Easy-going conversations were something he struggled with and didn't know exactly how to begin. But such talk wasn't necessary when one had things to accomplish, correct?
Heaving a heavy sigh, the man reached up to untye the chord that held back his hair. It was a tangled mess already and he wanted nothing more than to cool off and refresh. . . The weyr lake looked inviting, but he hesitated approaching. Other candidates and riders, and even some dragons littered the lakes edge and Darcir understood he was not exactly appropriately dressed. Still, if he rolled up his pant legs he could cool off up to his knees. . . .
Moving to a quieter side of the lake, the dark haired young man reached down to roll up his pant legs. It was a bit uncouth of him, to be sure, but bathing in the shared commons with strangers sounded even less appealing. He'd bathe later that evening after he was certain his chores were through. For now though, a little wade in the water might do him some good. . . .
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Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 12:18 pm
Uncouth? J'riar liked to think of himself as the epiphany of social grace and style! And that made it perfectly all right for him to be stripped down in nothing but his pants to go swimming in the lake with Ianquith, of course. The little green dragonet had sighed and protested at his lack of decency, but had no choice to reluctantly agree that he was wearing pants, and that they were, for now, alone in the lake.
"And even if we weren't," The shaggy-haired herder spat out a mouthful of water, "M'sure no one would mind, my little love. Why, they'll be looking at you instead of a grungy, stringy wherry like me!" And he firmly believed in that statement, carefully feeling for the bottom of the lake with a long leg to make sure it wasn't too deep for his dragon. Though no longer a hatchling, she was still tiny enough that he could fuss over her health.
As sinuous as a serpent, the little green seemed quite happy in the water--it was good exercise, and simultaneously getting her clean! I think you are very handsome, Mine. But if you had better manners... She let that thought trail off, even as Hers snorted with protest.
"Good manners, right. Where do I start then, my dear? Fill me with your few weeks of ever-flowing wisdom?" He grinned and paddled alongside her, content to just spend hours like this with his lovely lady.
Um... Ianquith hesitated, a bit flustered at being put on the spot. You should... Her whirling eyes gave away how hard she was thinking, her neck arched sharply with surprise as they landed on the long-haired man sitting by himself on the shore. You could go say hello to him!
"Eh?" J'ri paused to squint, faintly making out someone off in the distance. "Well, isn't it up to the lady to keep the gentleman company?" He really shouldn't tease her, but he couldn't help himself.
Ianquith quailed.
I... I w-will g-go say hello f-first, but t-then you have t-to! She was much more tentative now, shyly swimming to the shore a polite distance away so she could awkwardly shake herself dry without accidentally spraying the young man. Then she would approach, her head down and uneasy eyes occasionally darting to the other before she dipped her head in a slight bow.
"She says hello!" J'riar called out with amusement, swimming closer as well if only to add his moral support for the tiny dragon's sake.
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Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 1:22 pm
Pant legs rolled up to his knees, Darcir felt pretty ridiculous. His mother would be appalled at such behavior, and if he were to swim he'd ought to strip out of his grungy top as well. Then again, naturally self-conscious despite being assured he was good looking, removing his shirt in front of so many strangers wasn't something he preferred to do at the moment. Let the sun soak in to his black tunic. He'd lived on Ista Island long enough to tolerate the intense rays and stifling tropical heat.
Flipping back some of his disheveled hair, the dark haired man looked up from his handywork only to spot a green dragon slinking his way. Such a sight stopped him from rising, and he sat on the shore with a moments confusion and surprise. What on earth was the little thing doing. . .? Was she lost or confused or . . . .? And was that a bow!?
His knitted scowl dropped as he raised a brow in complete and utter surprise. A . . . bow? Dragons understood such formality? No. Way. His own Liu was well mannered but he had never taught the little creature to actually perform such signs of respect. Yes, dragons were intelligent and empathic but . . . . well. . . impressive, especially from one that wasn't exactly fully grown.
She was by no means small though, and Darcir wasn't entirely sure what he was supposed to do. Where was her rider anyway? Glancing away from the green, a voice called out that she was apparently greeting him. Well, that much was obvious but . . . why him? Her body language and seemingly submissive behavior was also a bit surprising. . . he'd never would have guessed that a dragon could be shy.
"Uh. . . " He started, turning his hazel eyes back on the green dragonet before him. Clamping his mouth shut, he cleared his throat and decided to begin again. It was just a dragonet, after all. . . . even if she was larger than he'd imagined. "Hello to you then, m'lady." He offered, remembering his stuffy manners. Yes, he acted a bit differently around girls than he did other men and there was no need to be rude. Especially as she had bowed. Dipping his own head in return, he almost felt a smile tickle the edges of his serious expression.
Almost, but not quite.
Unsure what to do next, he looked over from the dragon to where her rider was still swimming. "Greetings to you as well." There. He wasn't conversing and idling his time with pointless conversation, he was being polite. There was a difference.
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Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 3:18 pm
Ianquith watched him hesitantly for a moment, noting his surprise and reaching out for the strength of Hers so she wouldn't shrink away and hide. Maybe this hadn't been a good idea; she loved to watch others, but interacting them was different, a little more frightening than she liked. And then he spoke back, which made her eyes whirl a little with surprised pleasure. M'lady! Almost like what Galliath called her... He... He is polite, Mine, I like him... But she quickly made to scoot behind J'riar's legs as soon as he'd gotten out of the water, peering around them to watch the young man.
"Afternoon." J'riar nodded absently in turn with a grin, ruffling his wet hair with a hand so he wouldn't drip all over himself. Well, more than he already was, of course. "She's not normally so forward, but she's trying to teach me manners, see. Hope you don't mind, though she does thank you and add you're very kind." His grin was a bit more affectionate now, eyes sliding out of focus as he listened to whatever else she wanted to say.
Introduce yourself. Came the soft chide.
Shards, that was right. "Sorry, I'm J'riar, rider of green Ianquith." He held out his hand for the other, wet as it was. It had never really occurred to him that the man didn't want to talk, and he was going to remain happily oblivious to that fact until there were enough hints that he simply couldn't.
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Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 3:59 pm
Darcir was still rather shocked at the ambling dragon; he hadn't thought anyone would notice the stuffy long-haired candidate, especially with how crowded Ista was. People were everywhere, but seeing as he made no effort to actually make a scene, it was easy to get lost in the swarm of faces and lovers of the lime-light. Overlooked and left alone by all but a pretty green dragonet. . . .
Stiff as he might be, Darcir could easily appreciate Ianquith. Perhaps it was his one saving grace as a candidate in the Weyr; he could scowl and glower at the overcrowded rooms, the horrible food, the overall stench of so many people crammed in a Weyr at the height of summer, and being stripped of rank. . . but he was a hard worker and a lover of beauty. The Weyr WAS beautiful, even amidst so much chaos, and the dragons were especially charming. To see Ianquith so close was rather amazing to the hold boy, though he made sure his delight was shown in no other ways than silent (and what he figured) secret praise and did his best not to stare.
He wasn't to be rude, after all.
Dragons only listened to their riders thoughts, or something like that. Darcir didn't think much about how dragons communicated with one another, or their empathy; there was something slightly humiliating about another creature reading or hearing ones private thoughts. . . . so if he didn't think about dragons hearing him, he didn't have to acknowledge that such a story might be true.
He was still very new to the Weyr, obviously.
Very kind, was he. . ? Darcir almost wanted to snort . Merik wouldn't believe that someone might think him such a thing, but then again, Merik and he didn't exactly hit it off the day previous. "Well I appreciate her sentiments. I . . will state that I am pleased and honored she braved herself a visit." Dipping his head again, hair falling to hide his features, he did add, "Though I apologize for interrupting your swim." The dripping rider (he probably was some sort of weyrling, seeing as the green didn't look full grown) had been paddling about happily in the water until his approach. Best to let them know they could both return if they so pleased.
Ah, but formality reared its ugly head once again and it seemed he was to be more properly introduced. He stared at the wet hand for a moment before remembering himself; reaching out, he shook J'riar's hand and offered them both a nod. "J'riar, Ianquith," releasing the green riders hand, he added, "Darcir. . ." Glancing down to his shoulder knot, he continued with a shrug, "Candidate."
He was still new, one could tell. His fair skin hadn't been scorched by the sun, his clothes (even if they were dirty from the days work) weren't stained or ripped and were far from typical work clothes. Unsure what else to say, the man just glanced from one to the next. He wasn't scowling, though he did look pretty serious, but it was quite apparent he was a bit at a loss. There really wasn't much else to say and he figured both dragon and rider would be delighted to return to their swim.
Ah, but if only it were that easy. A little dark green fire-lizard popped out of *between* and gave an encouraging whistle to her master. Chirruping in surprise, she swiftly darted once, twice around Ianquith and J'riar before settling happily upon Darcir's shoulder. The little green gave a welcoming chirrup in greeting the two, though her blue eyes focused mostly on Ianquith. Big green was big~! Not at all like her. . . .
Waiting a moment, the little green gave Darcir's cheek a rub and another encouraging chirrup. Manners, manners. . . . "And this is Liu."
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Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 1:20 pm
Ianquith all but glowed with pleasure at his words. She was, of course, embarrassed, but in a very flattered sense, and offered a tiny croon at him before she better hid herself away.
J'ri, in the meanwhile, was trying to figure out if Ianquith was smitten, or what her issue was before his face pulled sympathetically as the other stated his rank. "Don't even worry about it, always like getting to meet new faces 'round here... and being a Candidate isn't so bad, eh? Gives you plenty of time to get used to the place--if you aren't already, 'course!"
That was when the little firelizard decided to show up, her dark colors earning an appreciative sound from J'riar, and Ianquith immediately straightened with interest. She'd always been so fond of the little creatures, and her eyes were a delighted blue as she tried to keep them on the darting firelizard. As she alighted gracefully upon Hers' shoulder--and even encouraged him to introduce her!
How could she not be taken with such manners?
Hello, Liu, it is a pleasure to meet you... I am Ianquith, and this is J'riar, my rider.
The rider in question had never felt his little love so confident before; he always had known she'd felt more at ease with the firelizards, but to be so bold? It was relieving to see her opening up some, and he chuckled a little before speaking. "Pleasure, Liu, and what a pretty little thing you are!"
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Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 2:51 pm
The young green dragon was certainly charming. Despite the craziness and seemingly uncouth nature of Ista Weyr, there were benefits. The dragons, in particular, were always captivating. Coming from a minor hold with minimal dragon experience, to see them up close and so personable was rather amazing. Yes, he'd been adragonback a few times in his life, but outside of being toted to this hold or hall for whatever reason, for the most part he worked with runners. Furthermore, seeing a dragon in its natural home was a lot different than seeing them politely standing in the court yard.
It was rather strange, all of it. The dragons frequently did their own thing, gliding and flitting here or there; and the way they all seemed to interact with one another was also secretly delightful. Not only did their eyes convey their emotions (just like Liu, of course) but their body language spoke wonders too. Dragons really weren't like runners at all (not that he'd ever insult one by believing such a thing) but it was amazing to one who had only ever seen them used as mounts.
Still, Darcir's delight with Ianquith was difficult to read; his solemn expression hardly changed and he eventually tore his gaze away from the lady in question and lookd directly at J'riar. "It's a pleasure," he state formally, though it was quite clear he was unsure whether that was entirely sure. Glancing away, Darcir gave a slight snort and shake of his head. "It is a period of adjustment, to be sure, but I must say there are many things left to be desired." The food was barely tolerable, the stench of so many crammed in one spot apparent, and there was little to no privacy anywhere. "Thankfully," he added mildly, "such a title is merely temporary." Either he'd Impress and take a leap up (no matter how slight) to junior weyrling or he'd go home and return to being his father's golden child. Engagement was waiting, or some such fodder. . . .
Meh.
Maybe he'd get lucky and lost *between* on the way home if such were his fate. Being stuck with a wife for eternity sounded less appealing than facing the shuddering horror of that black nothingness.
. . . yes, he was rather afraid of between. But no, he wouldn't fess up to it either.
Liu, on the other hand, couldn't believe that Big-Green was actually speaking to her! To her of all the fire-lizards! Trilling musically, pleasure resounding in her voice, the dark green's eyes whirled a rich blue-green as she stared up at Ianquith. The little lady sent both dragon and her rider various images of pleasure, of sunning on the heights, of flying around the Weyr, and then of course of seeing J'riar and Ianquith. . . Especially Ianquith.
She was a happy little creature and very smitten by such good attention. Dipping her head, a bit bashfully, she peeked out at the pair with good humor, a soft croon in her throat.
Darcir, of course, couldn't help but be pleased. "She's a good girl," he added, doing his best not boast. "And fairly smart for one her colour and size." He didn't want to insult either his fire-lizard or Ianquith by making reference to the intelligence of a green, but he had found some unwieldy flits. . .especially here at the Weyr. "Careful though, you may make a fan for life." And wasn't the the truth. . .
The little creature, though completely devoted to Darcir, had already decided that Merik was her new best-friend. J'riar and Ianquith might shortly follow. . . .
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Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2009 8:51 am
A brow quirked faintly at the cryptic words, but J'ri was a smart enough lad; it didn't take a genius to know things were a bit... uncomfortable.... in the barracks and Weyrs both. Shards, at least he'd lucked out with his roommates both times! "Heard some rumors," He started casually, eyes shifting a little around the lake. "Some of the Candidates 'n Weyrlings are pushing for a new Weyr. Kicked up real bad when the sickness started to spread around, got everyone in sort of a panic. Wouldn't necessarily mind less crowding, but I dunno if I'd want to move Ianquith, myself." Darcir didn't need to know that he was in the ILA, of course, and it always made for good conversation! The state of the Weyr, that was.
"She's beautiful, eh? And Shards, don't even say that--Ianquith doesn't need an excuse to smuggle her home, she's already quite taken." J'ri wasn't offended by the insinuation. Surely there were exceptions to color, and Ianquith and Liu were one of them, of course! "She's much better behaved than some bronzes I've seen." He grinned, thinking of Mal's Aeron with no little amusement.
I would not, she is not mine and I do not think Hers would appreciate thievery... and it is rude. The little green snorted and puffed with embarrassment at Hers until he laughed and stroked her head fondly.
"She'd like you to know she's no thief, however." He grinned with amusement. Of course, the images made him pause some, clearly surprised and unexpectedly pleased at the sendings. "Shards, I didn't know they could show images like that. Pleasure to meet you too!" Learn something new every day, eh?
The green received the sendings very solemnly, but her eyes were all but glittering with excitement and she offered a soft croon of her own to the little flit. You are very kind, Liu, Mine and I like you very much. You should come see us sometime, and bring Yours too if he would like! She'd made a friend! A very polite, small, pretty friend...
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 5:45 pm
Darcir listened to the weyrling with his typical gravity. He hadn't yet known about the ILA, though the demand for a new Weyr was obvious and apparent. At the mealtimes he had heard chatter of folks wishing away the reality of the situation; a new Weyr, freedom, etc. etc. Given, Darcir did pull a slight face at the mention of plague. . . . thank goodness he'd arrived late enough to miss the outbreak!
"Well," he started with a slight frown, "Over crowding is an issue everywhere so I've heard. But it is very upsetting to see the conditions in which rider, dragon and worker must live." Yes, he had to sleep on the floor and was certain there were others sleeping in Faranth only knew what sort of filth. "One might believe that various Holds or Halls would open their doors, if even temporarily, for people to escape." Without the threat of threadfall, why did everyone have to be crammed in the Weyr? "And shouldn't they call off Searches to outside Holds?" From what Darcir understood, and the lessons he had been taught on the various leaders of the world, history spoke of times when no dragons sought out new Candidates. With so many crammed at Ista, why look anywhere else?
There was much Darcir didn't understand. "A new Weyr makes sense but weyrlings and candidates have little sway. And even when they grow or if they Impress, rank and seniority seem to rule this place." He would know; he went from a place of power to sleeping on the floor. Ah, but to each their own. . . Darcir didn't know what went in to creating a new Weyr; he'd heard about it happening turns ago but . . .well. . . . that wasn't his affair.
Until he Impressed. . . IF he ever Impressed, he was just a hold-born boy stuck in a world that was far too different to easily understand.
Liu understood that J'riar was speaking about her. . . and complimenting her too! The little green gave an enthusiastic trill, her eyes whirling a brighter shade of blue. Absolutely beaming from the positive attention, Darcir couldn't help but ease in to a smile. It was small, but the pride and affection he harbored for his little companion was readily apparent. . . .
And Merik thought him incorrigable. Hmph. He just had to be directed to the right topics. . . dragons and fire-lizards and politics were it. It amused the long-haired lad to no end how Ianquith actually understood their conversation and subject matter at hand. Yes, he knew dragons were intelligent, but without being around one or know Impression, it was still a mystery. Furthermore, with only having Liu in his constant company, it was surprising to know that the dragons could speak and communicate much easier.
Sometimes figuring out Liu's pictures or what they meant was a bit of a puzzle. Yes, her whirling faceted eyes expressed emotion, but once again, such emotions were merely general statements. To know what she actually felt past happiness or joy or confusion would be amazing. Of course, he thought loudly so Ianquith wouldn't be offended (in case she heard) dragons were greatly superior to a fire-lizard and he meant no offense in comparing the two. . . . (Best be cautious as dragons could read minds or hear the thoughts of others or . . something. . . )
Glancing from dragon to rider, Darcir did add, "I wouldn't expect such a lady to have anything to do with such schemes. Please let her know I would never suspect such a thing, or insult her by such insinuation." Liu agreed, giving a reassuring croon to the embarrassed green dragon.
"Her pictures occassionally make sense," Darcir added, bemused. "Though usually its a mystery on what they all mean." And sometimes, of course, the images Liu sent were partially horrifying. Exactly where she flew or what window-ledges she perched upon meant he sometimes saw things he wished he hadn't. . . . Peeping fire-lizard, really.
The polite fire-lizard hummed happily, unable to stop herself from puffing out her chest in pride. Chirruping agreement to the green dragon, Liu had already been made a fan of Ianquith; she would indeed seek her out whenever Darcir was at chores or if the green dragon wasn't busy. Big-Green was friendly and Liu would put her amazing memory to good use. Unfortunately, J'riar and Ianquith would not easily be forgotten. . . .
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