|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 8:40 pm
It was hot. Not just a little hot but so hot that Kallista was literally drenched in sweat at the thought of getting dressed. Before she came to Ista, there were always ways to cool off... Drinks, the shade of a skybroom tree, even the occasional venture into a cool body of water. But at the Weyr, unless she felt like flying anywhere, there was only the lake. Which Astarteth insisted on visiting at least once a day to make sure that she was seen by all. And to get clean as well. Mentally, Kallista thanked E'rik for cutting her hair. She was sure that by now, her head would have been too heavy to deal with if she still had her thick locks.
I wish to be oiled. I am near the lake, on the shore. Come and be seen! Astarateth demanded. Since the green had started acting proddy, her ego and attitude had grown past that of a queen's into something much more ferocious.
The lower Caverns were on of the few places that a cool breeze seemed to stay. Sighing, knowing she would get no peace from her green until she arrived, Kallista left her sanctuary. Fine. Fine. I just oiled you this morning. What happened?
The oil wore off. Please Kallista? Please? And now, her Astar sounded like the little green she had once been.
Grumbling but not denying her dragon, the rider made her way to her weyr, grabbed a rag and sweet smelling oil. She took the time to change into one of her more ragged shirts. A sleeveless white that only reached her midriff and a pair of soft, worn brown pants rolled up just past her knees. Just over a turn of caring for a dragon and a short lifetime of running kept the green rider in shape. Coming beloved.
Hurry! I think I see a bronze approaching! Astarteth straightened herself up and placed one fore paw over another, trying to look demure but alluring at the same time.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:01 pm
You will be the death of me, thought A'dan in the direction of his lifemate, the great bronze's fanning wings on either side of him spread wide to catch the late-afternoon heat rising from the earth. If you keep dragging me out here seven times a day for bathing, I will fry into a fritter. The tall, blond rider had already begun to look a bit sunburned, and the shirtless condition required -- or at least optimal -- for bathing the dragon only exacerbated the problem. At least he was browned a bit beneath the faint burn, he thought as he adjusted the hide bag that contained his supplies across his chest.
You will not fry, replied Sigranth, amused as he slowed their descent, near to the edge of the lake. I will shelter you. Besides, you always miss a spot beneath my wing.
A'dan snorted aloud as the great bronze beast circled above the lake, both of them peering down to ensure they wouldn't land on anyone. The only one there immediately in this ridiculously hot hour of the day was a sleek, rather lovely green which A'dan took notice of, arching his brow. Where was her rider?
She is no lovelier than me, thought Sigranth in his direction, sulking. When I am oiled properly, at least. Still, perhaps she would be charming... Sigranth touched down as daintily as he could manage, arching his long neck down to let A'dan jump to the ground. He would wait to offer a greeting -- she would speak first, or there would be no conversation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:18 pm
Astarteth stood up and stretched out her wings properly. She was lean and very well proportioned; the green twitched her tail slightly, watching the bronze and his rider land close by. Turning around slowly, trilled a greeting to her rider. I am here! Took you long enough.
Kallista looked over at the bronze and his rider. An older man that she did not know. Then again, she had not yet joined a wing or had the chance to be introduced to many other riders. Rag in one hand and jar in the other, the green rider was unsure of how to act. Should she say hello first or wait until he said something to her? Many of the other riders were starting to take notice of Astarteth and as a result, herself as well. Already, she and T'ka had spent several nights talking about the day their greens would Rise.
You worry too much! And you are slouching. Stand up and be proud of yourself. Astar bullied her rider. The green settled close to a large rock so it would be easier for her rider to oil and spoil her.
Straightening, Kallista shot her dragon an angry look. Nodding at the other rider, she moved towards the boulder and quickly scrambled up. She wanted to ignore him but knew if she didn't say anything, Astarteth would never let her hear the end of it. Besides that, manners and tradition were ingrained deep into who she was... She would never forgive herself for being rude to a higher ranked rider than herself. "Hello, bronze rider. I see that your dragon has dragged you out in this ridiculous heat as well. My name is Kallista of green Astarteth. Do not mind us, Astarteth is demanding of a scrub and oiling. If she does not gleam, then she is dirty."
Astarteth snorted but did not object to her rider's comments. Closing her first set of eyelids, she curled her tail around her body and watched the bronze intently. Though only a green, Astarteth's ego was that of a gold's...easily. She toyed with the idea of ignoring him while making herself look good but decided that that might get boring very quickly. Greetings. I am Astarteth. Have you come to enjoy the sun and water?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:39 pm
"Good afternoon, Kallista," said A'dan, once the introduction had been made. He offered a mild, pleased smile, and a short bow as he reached into the sling bag for his own oiling implements. "I am A'dan, of bronze Sigranth. He is of a similar mind to yours... this is the third time we have been down here today." Gentle exasperation was in his warm voice, but he smiled anyway. "It is a result, I think, of too much sunning. He quite enjoys the over-hot weather."
Sigranth's whirling blue gaze was drawn to Astarteth after her voice purred to him, open and pleased and confident, as if he had not noticed her until she spoke to him. If a dragon could have smiled, he would have. Half-lidded, he sank down comfortably to offer a sleek bronze side to his rider, lifting a wing. Greetings, Astarteth, Sigranth half-purred to her. I have. The sun is delightful today, yes?
A'dan rolled his eyes a touch at his lifemate's maneuverings, and shook his head, uncapping his oil with a chuckle as he soaked a large scrap of ragged cloth with it. "I hope that you are well and that the heat and illness have not gotten to you," he murmured by way of conversation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 3:29 pm
"Dragons. You would think that with all this bathing and oiling, their hides would just fall off. No one ever told me I was going to have to play mother when I Impressed." Kallista said this with soft amusement. Her eyes were only for her green.
Unfortunately, her greens eyes were currently only for the bronze.
It was what? Three or four days since the last Hatching? She knew Kyllae had recovered but Gh'lan still in the Infirmary. Kallista knew this because T'ka had worn herself silly looking after them and Haanyath. Opening her jar and soaking her rag, Kallista leaned forward and began to work on Astarteth's back ridges. "The sun seems to make me darker but thankfully I have not gotten ill yet. I did have run in with lice but seemed to come out the winner. What about you? Managed to stay away from Ista's plagues?"
That feels quite good. Rub harder. Astarteth crooned happily. Getting her back itched or rubbed had to be her favorite activity. She kept her wings and tail close by so as not to accidentally hit her rider. The sun is always delightful. It is when the rain comes and does not stop that it is no fun to be outside.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 4:11 pm
"It is worth it, I think," said A'dan with a soft chuckle as he plied the cloth along the great bronze side, smoothing oil over the soft hide and massaging it in, until it shone softly with his efforts. "Mothering them, that is. They do pay it back, in their own way. At any rate, I'd the plague for awhile, but I'm feeling considerably better now. All that remains is a bit of a sniffle, though I confess even that's heading off." He gave a small snuffle, shaking his head with slight exasperation.
Indeed, half-purred Sigranth, rumbling softly. But today, we may bask, yes? He nearly reached out and nosed the lovely little green, but instead, he simply shifted, sidled a little closer, drawing a snort from A'dan.
You are flirting, Sigranth, A'dan thought in his direction.
Perhaps.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 4:50 pm
Astarteth opened one of her outer eyelids to look at Sigranth. She did not miss his movements but only acknowledged them by tucking her tail a little closer to her body.
"It is worth it. To have your life completed, especially when you didn't know it was missing a piece. But that is just me," Kallista replied a little moodily. What was Astarteth up to? She had very blatantly flirted with another male before.. It was a little unnerving as Astar's mood was rubbing off slightly on her rider. Trying to stay focused on the hide and not stare at A'dan (whom she could privately admit was cute), Kallista continued on. "Have you two been together for long? Astarteth and I have been together for...almost...14 months?"
Yawning and stretching her front legs out, Astarteth shifted so that her length was to her advantage. Carefully, the green moved so that Kallista could reach her neck ridge and wing joints. And I plan on basking all day. Maybe sleep a little. I have already eaten for the week.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 5:32 pm
"I have been with my Sigranth for seven Turns," replied A'dan with a small chuckle, tugging a golden curl off his sweat-dampened cheek. An accidental dimple winked in one sun-browned cheek as he flashed her a smile, before turning his head back to his own work. Sigranth was leaning into him a bit as he found a drier patch of hide to massage oil into, long fingers having shed the cloth now. He was having to fight to keep his dragon's mood confined to Sigranth only. "He can be hard to handle, but he is mine..." There was low, warm affection in his voice.
Perhaps you would like company here, hummed Sigranth, low and soft, shifting so that his smooth hide gleamed in the light, to exhibit himself in the best way possible. He wanted to be admired, damn it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 6:48 pm
"I don't think I would change Astarteth for all the snow or sand in Pern. She is mine, she chose me. I wonder how we will grow... I mean, you have been with Sigranth for seven turns. I know a few older riders who have been with their dragons for decades..." Kallista never really thought that far ahead. How had her thoughts turned so serious? Shaking her head free of such burdening thoughts, she returned A'dan's grin without thinking. White teeth flashed as she tried to be friendly.
Kallista climbed and sat on top of Astarteth. She had tossed the rag back on the boulder and was massaging the wing joints, putting a lot of muscle into it. Sweat trickled along her skin, causing it to itch and tickle. "I swear, it seems the more I clean her hide, the dirtier she manages to make it."
Astarteth, in the meanwhile, would have been purring had she been a feline. Instead, she sighed and allowed her head to droop lower. You know all the best places to scratch.
In response to Sigranth, she merely chuckled mentally. Her eyes were whirling a slow and lazy blue of utter contentment. I am allowing you to talk with me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:18 pm
"It becomes as if you never were without, I think," replied A'dan with a mild chuckle as he bent his back and thumbs into the taut muscle beneath Sigranth's wing, obliging the way Sigranth wistfully lifted his wing -- it was as if the ache was his very own, and the soft rumble the big bronze emitted was deeply pleased. "As if your own mind was always so large..." Absorbed in his own thoughts and the warm affection the arrogant bronze bathed his mind in, A'dan found his mind drifting for a moment, giving a low grunting huff as he pushed hard at a particularly stubborn knot. The heat was exhausting, but not to Sigranth.
Jarred out of his thoughts, A'dan shook his head and chuckled, faintly flushed beneath the sun-redness on his tanned cheeks. "That is always the way, isn't it? They do find dirt in the oddest places."
I do not, replied Sigranth, distracted as his faceted gaze slid over the lovely green, who seemed to be playing coy. There is dirt everywhere, and you bathe as often as I do.
Shifting with surprising delicacy for something so large, the bronze curled the forked tip of his striped tail as he craned his neck about arrogantly. You are pleased, then, with my company. It was as if there was no doubt of that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2009 2:51 pm
Wing joints massaged and oil rubbed in deep, Kallista now moved towards the center between the greens wings. It was another hard to reach spot. Privately, she wondered how a queen rider ever managed to get her dragon truly clean and shining. She commended them on that task. "I get wore out just cleaning my girl. I was thinking of what if I had Impressed a gold. I would never be finished."
I wouldn't have let you. You deserved better than a stuck up gold. Astarteth replied haughtily.
Kallista tried not to be obvious while she watched A'dan's cleaning of Sigranth. Maybe it was because Astarteth was proddy and would be rising in the next month or so but the former runner was starting to notice the other male riders more and more. Hoping her flush could be mistaken for sunburn, she went back to the task at hand. "That and constantly catering to her ego. Astarteth knows she the best green out and swears she is better than all the golds as well."
Astarteth turned and looked at Sigranth straight on. She was definitely oozing confidence and the sexuality that so well marked her color. Her tail twitched from side to side; the green allowed it to touch the bronze for a moment before bringing it back to her. It's true. I am fast and able to turn quickly in the air. Let's see a gold do that. I am pleased indeed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 2:03 am
"There is never an end to it," laughed A'dan, low and warm; he lifted his head, peering up at the woman atop the sleek young green, his gaze flickering over her briefly before a slightly annoyed ahem in the back of his head brought his attention to a dry spot just behind one of his head-knobs. Sleek and quick as a wink, the blond rider sprang up to straddle the long neck, clamping his knees to keep him in place as he worked oil into the spot in question, until it shone with supple smoothness. "Where the dragon goes, the rider follows, they say." Slightly amused, he shook his head, then he slid back down, leaning back between the wings with a deep sigh, stretching.
When that smooth green tail slid against his hide, Sigranth's eyes lidded, blue tinged with violet swimming beneath the clear lids as he regarded Astarteth in return, brazen and utterly, arrogantly self-assured. I could catch you, he replied with a low, sleek rumble. If I chose to.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 8:02 pm
You could catch me, if I let you. Astarteth replied in her sultriest of voices. She moved, upsetting Kallista's delicate balance, and turned slightly away from the bronze. She would not have some male thinking she was in the clouds for him. And hope you don't get lost in the wind.
Kallista yelped, nearly fell, made a grab for one of Astarteth's back ridges and then smacked her dragon something fierce. Her hazel eyes were now the same green as her dragon, deep and sparkling but not happy. "You stupid wherry brained beast! What in the name of Faranth do you think you are doing?"
Glaring at her dragon, she temporarily forgot A'dan. By now, her clothes were sticking to her slight frame. Gross and sweaty, she huffed and slid down off the green. "You can just stay there and be dirty. I am going to cool off. Brat!"
Kallista! I am sorry! I didn't mean for you to fall. Please don't be mad. Astarteth immediately dipped her head to look at her rider. Eyes whirling slightly with embarrassment and worry, the young green butted her mate. Are you okay?
"I am fine. I am going to wade and sit in the water for a moment. At least, get me legs wet. Care to join me, A'dan?" Kallista suddenly remembered they had an audience. "Leave these two empty headed lugs to keep each other company?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 9:11 pm
When the woman yelped, A'dan sat bolt upright, wide-eyed. Hastily the tall bronzerider slid down Sigranth's broad sturdy shoulder as the bronze lifted his head, arrogant and somewhat offended. "I wouldn't mind joining you for a swim, no," he said, attempting to avoid laughing, but there was a grin sparkling in the depths of his grey gaze. "I think they will be able to occupy one another, yes."
Perhaps you should take care and not lose your head in the wind, replied Sigranth, low and amused as he settled down, back onto his haunches, resettling his wings against his back, neatly folded. Or perhaps you do not wish for me to be there. The smug bronze turned his great head to watch his lifemate, now, pretending to play coy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 5:42 pm
Kallista wasn't sure that she would ever swim again but she was content to roll her pants legs up all the way and sit on the sands; the gentle lapping of the lake waters cooling her off. She scooped up some water and rubbed her neck and arms. Not that she was truly mad at her green but it would be a lesson for both of them. "Are you in a wing? We haven't been assigned to one yet. So lately, Astarteth and I have just been running messages and doing random weyr tasks."
Astarteth was sorry, for another few seconds, about startling her rider. Then, the green's attention was taken again by the bronze. Settling back down, she closed her wings tight and closed her outer lids. She pretended to doze off for a moment. I will know exactly where I am going. And if I take Flight, you will notice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
