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Princess_Feylin Vice Captain
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 Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 7:30 am
B'shir glanced at his bronze bondmate and considered how to answer that. Sakneth had made it clear early on that he considered himself an expert on females of any species, but equally clear that he was unimpressed with women on the whole. He didn't seem like the type who would flirt with everyone as much as he would flirt with specific people for specific purposes.
"Ah. No. Not really. Only the ones that he finds extraordinary." B'shir realized not for the first time that having an inexpressive face didn't necessarily make him a good liar. Not that he was lying, but he wasn't being completely truthful. "It's a little hard to describe fairly while he's taking such a keen interest in our conversation."
Sakneth, who had definitely been eavesdropping on the humans, thwacked B'shir's calves accidentally-on-purpose with his tail. He sometimes hated that B'shir's years of training with Rath had taught the young man to conceal his thoughts at times from his bond. Rath, of course, had been born with that faculty, but that didn't mean he wanted his bondmate to be able to keep things from him. Like the way he might have finished that sentence if Sakneth hadn't been attending so closely to the conversation.
I don't speak with them often, Sakneth answered truthfully. It was only made a lie by the way he made himself seem as though he regretted this fact, when he really prided himself on it. There was only one other bronze among their clutchmates, and Sakneth tended to view him as more of a rival than a potential comrade. The other colors weren't worth talking to, in his esteemed opinion, unless they could be useful to him in some way, which he didn't foresee happening.
You know what's fun? Swimming. There's a kind of weightlessness to it that I imagine is a bit like flying. And Rath says it will make my wings stronger for when I'm allowed to fly. It wasn't the most graceful subject change, but it was one that keenly interested him, and he thought maybe he could share this enjoyable activity with Sharath. Maybe she liked it, too, and then they'd have something in common. Or, if she didn't already know about it, she might find out that she liked it and remember that he'd suggested it. That would be good.
"We should probably clear out of the doorway," B'shir remarked. "Others may want to use it, and between us and the dragons there's not a lot of space."
His calves smarted.
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Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 12:47 pm
Amelia's expression grew amused as he gave his explanation, "I see. And does he find many extraordinary?" She leaned in towards Bashir as if to gossip, a mischievous smile upon her lips as she shifted to block Sakneth's view, voice dropping low so only the rider could hear, "'Course, I'm just teasing. There's... a brown from the same clutch he dislikes, right? I remember there was a scuffle between the two. Thought they were going to kill each other. How's that been?" The topic switch was quick as she thought over what she knew of B'shir and realized it was very little.
Sharath tossed her head at that comment, a little skeptical, but let it slide as the topic changed, Swimming? Mine does not know how to swim so we avoid the lake. How do you swim if you drag your wings through the water? She arched a brow at that, imagining a fairly awkward attempt even if it apparently strengthened flight muscles.
Amelia glanced around and laughed, "Oh, right. Sorry." Backing off, she moved over to her dragon and offered the treats, unafraid of the mess that handing the morsels over left on her fingers. The callouses were stained patchy black and grey anyway.
Sharath gratefully accepted the treats and wolfed them down with a purr of pleasure, smacking lips and licking her chops.
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Princess_Feylin Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:59 pm
B'shir was able to answer Amelia's next question easily. "Very few. At least if you mean extraordinary in a good way. There are any number of dragons he finds extraordinarily dull or slow or unimpressive. Well, you get the picture. Teharth, the brown you mean, is held in the lowest of regards, which limits my socializing a bit, since it's really a bad idea to put the two of them in the same room."
He looked at Sakneth, who was partially preening, having construed his rider's words as compliments. B'shir wasn't surprised by Sakneth's interpretation, and supposed he ought to be grateful he hadn't Impressed a dragon who required constant reassurance. Shibra, his green firelizard, was demanding enough when it came to that, though she mostly tended to make her demands of Sakneth, who she inexplicably adored. For the moment, she was sleeping on his cot, as far as B'shir knew.
"Someday, when Sakneth's too large to follow me around inside the Weyr, I look forward to actually holding a conversation with Teharth's rider." A normal person might have smiled. B'shir just put his smile into his voice.
I don't drag my wings, Sakneth answered proudly. I flap them to help me move forward. Water's thicker than air, so it builds muscles. I'm sure you could do it if you tried. You should teach yours to swim. Then you could come to the lake with B'shir and I.
The bronze didn't quite make the connection that learning to swim would have to take place at the lake, nor did it occur to him that avoiding the lake simply because Amelia couldn't swim was a little unusual, and that others who couldn't swim still went there with their dragons. He was perceptive, but not always thoughtful.
You could feed me, too, he pointed out to B'shir when Amelia moved to feed Sharath. This was my idea, after all.
B'shir moved a short distance away from the others and handed Sakneth a chunk of meat, muttering, "Don't choke."
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Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 5:25 pm
Amelia sighed then, "Still? It's been a couple of months since they hatched... Sharath's still bossy as a Senior Queen but she's mellowed a little - I think... well maybe." She stuck her tongue out at the gold as Sharath tilted her head at the comment, as if saying 'I can hear you'. "I can see the appeal of having a moment alone to socialize as you wish. No referees to guide the match as it were." Laughing lightly, she let Sharath lick her hand clean after the tender morsels were all eaten.
Perhaps, but I will not jeopardize Mine. And Mine is perfect the way she is. If Amelia wishes to learn, we will learn. There was a bit of a bite to the words, warning Sakneth off of insisting Amelia be forced near the lake. The goldrider's phobia was one Sharath did not understand but she would not aggravate either... and no being, dragon, human, or otherwise was going to get her to frighten or hurt Hers so.
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Princess_Feylin Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:17 pm
I wish you would, Sakneth growled at B'shir in response to the dark-skinned rider's advice not to choke.
Be careful what you wish for, B'shir cautioned.
B'shir shrugged and confirmed: "Still. I do wish I knew how they knew to despise each other right away, but I suppose it's just part of who they are. There's nothing to be done about it."
Sakneth's eyes changed color irritably. He didn't like B'shir talking about Teharth. He didn't like to be reminded that the brown existed at all. He didn't remember it for himself, but he made B'shir re-tell the story of his Impression often enough that he could almost recall for true that he had attempted to prevent Teharth from hatching at all. He knew it was wrong of him to feel pleasure at the idea, but rules and concepts like right and wrong were human conventions. He wasn't a human, for which he was grateful each and every day.
It must be nice to have a choice. When Thread falls, B'shir will be in jeopardy whenever we fly against it. He paused for a calculated length of time. I suppose I will, too, but I don't worry about it like he does. He thinks some of the stupidest things sometimes.
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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 5:43 pm
She chuckled, "Yeah... they all had such strong personalities right out of the shell. I don't think I'd want it changed, though, even if it could be." Glancing fondly to Sharath, Amelia smiled, "I rather like Sharath, even if she can be a brat."
Sharath scoffed, a whuff of sound as she tilted her head to look at the bronze, I will fly and fight Thread as well. I may not flame but Mine will. And Mine will be in just as much danger as Yours. I simply will not needlessly endanger her. You are foolish not to worry about yourself, Sakneth... She sighed then, shaking her head, It is not very responsible of you. If Yours does not have you, what does he have? Nothing. You should care more. There was a strength in her tone that made it obvious she considered it a dragon's duty to be there for Theirs. It just didn't make sense otherwise. She needed Amelia and Amelia needed her, end of story.
As if to emphasize her statement, she shifted closer to Amelia, prompting a questioning look from the goldrider. Running hand the dragon's neck ridge, she queried the gold mentally and while Sharath did not answer, the feeling of unfailing devotion that emanated from her answered the question.
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Princess_Feylin Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 12:12 pm
"At least she's only a brat occasionally," B'shir said, "And otherwise a likable lady."
Privately, B'shir found he disagreed with Amelia. He and Sakneth were bondmates for life, and he wouldn't break that bond for anything. He loved Sakneth more deeply than he could express. But that didn't mean he had to like the bronze monster, or that he couldn't wish Sakneth were an easier companion to live with. Sometimes in lessons, the two of them spent enough time arguing that tasks they should complete quickly and easily took far longer than the ought, simply because Sakneth didn't want to do it the way it was supposed to be done. B'shir hated that, and he hated that he couldn't seem to control Sakneth's strong personality as well as others could control their dragons'.
Sakneth continued to gobble the meet B'shir fed him. B'shir wasn't paying enough attention to him, and he considered nipping his fingertips to chastise him, particularly when he realized that his rider was having thoughts where he wished Sakneth was more like other, lesser dragons, but he decided against it. For now. He wanted to make a good impression on Sharath. But later, when the human wasn't expecting it, Sakneth would strike. Oh, yes, and the B'shir would be sorry.
Nothing will happen to me, Sakneth said blithely. I'm very good at what I do. And so is B'shir, though you're right that he would be nothing without me.
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Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 12:40 pm
"Occasionally might be hoping for too much. You just haven't offended her yet." She shrugged helplessly, speaking in a matter-of-fact tone, "And she doesn't listen to anyone, and I sometimes think that includes me. I'm glad you like her though, can't have all enemies here." She and Sharath were constantly at odds as well, even if this encounter was going smoothly, and Amelia often felt lost on how to handle the strong willed, goal-driven gold.
Sharath arched a brow ridge and nodded, Good. If you were not, I'd no reason to speak to you. His last statement struck a chord in the gold and she considered her views on the matter. He was right, in a way, that Theirs would be nothing without them. She brought Amelia greatness and gave her a path far above the rest to walk... a Weyr would be theirs, in time, Sharath would have it no other way. You speak the truth, Sakneth, Ours would not be the same without us. Yours will see glory in rank and Mine will lead alongside me. That is how it should be.
Amelia, catching hints of the gold's thoughts, glanced at her lifemate and sighed. Sharath was a passionate one and nothing stopped her from being vocal about her goals and intents. The goldrider rather thought failure didn't even occur to her dragon... wasn't an option. And while that was good, it was always a bad thing too. Puffing out her cheeks, she considered for a moment that the pair of Sharath and Sakneth looked like co-conspirators plotting some grand take-over like a duo of sleuths in one of a Harper's tales.
Sharath lifted her head at that and met Amelia's gaze, questioning her. She was of neutral opinion of the bronze - she liked to be absolutely certain of someone - but a take over? Ha. She didn't need to be sneaky, she could (and would) find a Weyr - this one or another - through sheer ability. She was a queen, after all, and worthy of having her own Weyr... 'sleuthing' had nothing to do with it.
The goldriderlaughed then, reaching to stroke Sharath's head knobs. "You've confidence enough for the both of us, I think."
The young queen huffed, I've enough to see our goals through. You should agree with me more.
"Perhaps I should." Amelia responded, knowing such a comment would quiet any further insistence about wanton ambition.
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Princess_Feylin Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:03 pm
B'shir's amusement crept into his voice. "I shall endeavor not to offend her in the future as well, though I can make no promises on Sakneth's behalf. He does as he wishes, mostly."
And why should I not? I am a bronze and I am the best bronze. One day I will be the premier bronze in the Weyr and everyone will do as I say. Even Teharth. Or maybe I'll send him to another Weyr. Things would run more smoothly if I was in charge. I know exactly what to do. Sakneth sounded very smug indeed.
A large part of B'shir wondered if that was Sharath's influence and hoped fervently that Sakneth would forget this particular ambition shortly. He had no doubts that Sakneth could lead the Weyr well enough, providing everyone obeyed him, but he had no desire to be Weyrleader. He didn't think he had the requisite skills. He wasn't particularly good with people, particularly not women, and he wasn't very authoritative. All he really had to recommend himself was that he was stubborn, and that wasn't always a good trait.
You'll see, Sakneth said, this time addressing himself to Sharath, but letting B'shir listen in if he chose. I'll be the best, once I've grown. There will be glory for the whole Weyr, with spectacular dragons like you and I to make us famous.
He got the feeling Sharath hadn't quite grasped his meaning. She wanted to share credit and power with her human, which was generous of her, but not wise. Humans simply weren't as well-equipped to lead as dragons, and really should only be nominally in charge. He certainly wouldn't want to have B'shir trying to check his authority at every juncture. They would have to have a talk about that at some point in the future. B'shir's lack of ambition could not be allowed to hold Sakneth back.
While Amelia spoke with Sharath, B'shir did his best not to eavesdrop. He'd grown up around dragonriders, and so he had been adept from an early age at figuring out whether he was being addressed or a dragon was. He didn't tend to remark on what was said when the rider was talking to the dragon, and actually tried hard to forget he had heard it. Even though they didn't have to speak aloud, it still felt like bad manners.
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Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:24 pm
"Agreed, so long as you keep that in mind about Sharath as well."
A goal is good, Sakneth, but you reach far. Remember your bounds, bronze. The Weyr is mine, not yours. Foolish bronze, thinking he could top a gold. Didn't he know that bronze dragons were second to golds? They were her favoured subjects, yes, but still bound by her word. Hmph, he'd find out his mistake if he tried to creep into her territory soon enough.
Hey, nobody's taking any territory, Sharath. Stop it. When you're Senior Queen and you see someone trying to usurp you, then you can think of confronting them. Just because you share dreams doesn't mean you have to get ready to attack the guy. Amelia had stepped closer to the gold, her grip tightening on a head knob as she called Sharath's attention away from Sakneth.
Shifting her feet, the gold tilted her head away until Amelia let go and regarded her evenly, I am Gold, Amelia, it is my place and no other's. We will have it. Sakneth is wrong to think himself capable of such things... no one has to listen to him. I certainly don't.
What did he say? She asked, glancing over at the pair.
"I'll be the best once I've grown. There will be glory, with spectacular dragons like you and I to make us famous." That is what he said.
Amelia laughed then, audibly, "I rather think that was a compliment you goof. I think Sakneth's goals run parallel to hers..." She continued by way of explanation. She just hoped they'd continue to get along (relatively) well.
Sharath simply harumphed and flexed her claws against the rock of the floor as she resettled her wings, It was a poorly made compliment, even if he is right. I am spectacular and the Weyr will be famous because of us.
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Princess_Feylin Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:15 pm
"I don't think I could do anything else," B'shir replied. He might have been teasing, but without the usual sort of facial cues it could sometimes be difficult to tell. Particularly when he didn't go to the effort of making his voice expressive or he felt like being ambiguous.
"Excuse me."
He could feel Sakneth shifting beside him and sense that the bronze was not pleased about something. He reached up and put his hand behind Sakneth's jaw, where the skin was very soft. It wasn't nice, but he'd learned that if he pressed there with a fingernail it would startle Sakneth out of whatever he was doing. It was, at least, more effective than trying to bodily restrain him. Sakneth was already reaching a size where he outweighed his human.
What is wrong with you? he demanded of Sakneth. You're the one who wants me to make nice with these two, and now you're getting people out of sorts?
She is trying to put me in my place. And she thinks my place is below hers. Sakneth's tail twitched irritably toward B'shir's calves. Two could play at the surprise hurting people game. Much to his irritation, B'shir shifted so that his tail was trapped between his ankles, and he couldn't follow through on his plan. Stupid human.
It is below hers. I've explained this to you before. Using pressure from his fingernail he turned Sakneth around. Your place is below a queen's. She can make you do things if she chooses. Don't push her.
Sakneth tried to look over his shoulder at Sharath, not entirely sure she could boss him if she tried, but B'shir wasn't willing to relent. You will behave. Now apologize and wish them good day.
B'shir turned to face Amelia and Sharath once more, his arm around Sakneth's neck in a gesture that could be mistaken for camaraderie until one noticed it was a lot more like a headlock. B'shir was still able to do this, for the time being. He soon wouldn't be able to get away with it. He was just waiting for Sakneth to use his tail to trip him up, but the dragon apparently hadn't thought of it.
"Well?" he said expectantly to Sakneth.
I didn't speak well before. I did not mean to imply that the Weyr was not yours, Sakneth said. He almost sounded sincere.
"I'm sorry," B'shir said to Amelia. "I think he's in need of a nap. He's getting a little grumpy." He deliberately used childish terms as chastisement for his over-proud dragon.
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Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 10:00 pm
Amelia recognized the motion well enough, having bodily forced Sharath into things before and bit her lower lip. The gold was already irritated with the bronze and she was rather grateful when B'shir took his dragon in hand. It would avoid an awkward confrontation - as she knew Sharath would not hesitate to make in painfully obvious who ranked above who here.
Amelia's hand slid around to force Sharath to look in Sakneth's direction as she nodded, "I think this one's gone too long without one as well. Accept the apology." She'd been able to tell when the bronze had said something because a flare of irritation had spiked through the dragon, causing her to lift her head further.
It probably didn't help that Amelia was trying to force some sort of closure so that when Sharath did speak it was monotone, short, and obviously insincere, Accepted.
"I think maybe some time apart would be best, B'shir. Perhaps I'll talk to you later." Amelia offered a wave and an apologetic smile as the two turned away, headed back towards their weyr.
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Princess_Feylin Vice Captain
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Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 5:34 am
"You're probably right," B'shir replied, keeping a firm grip on Sakneth. The bronze would never hurt a gold - he didn't think that was possible - but he could do other nasty things, and until the pair was out of sight he wasn't going to relinquish his hold on the dragon.
"Maybe when our breathing shadows can't follow us about all the time," he suggested. For Sakneth, it wouldn't be that long he imagined, and Sharath seemed to be growing well, too. The other option, of course, was simply to wait for the dragons' memories of this encounter to fade, and try to chip away at any negative feelings that may have developed. Either one was relatively easy.
B'shir and his bronze watched the pair go. Sakneth was calling both Amelia and Sharath as many nasty things as he could think of, but fortunately he did so in such a way that only B'shir was subjected to his temper. B'shir could live with that. Eventually he set down the empty bowl of meat and dragged Sakneth back to the weyrling barracks. There would be no treats later on that evening.
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