[prp] Hearts of Gold [Marty/Olliah/Nyara + dragons]

[Sweet Symmetry]

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Nyaranau [HR] - 19 - she/her/hers - Weyrling of Gold Mictecath

Though they had entered their third month of weyrlinghood, Nyara was still somewhat surprised to find herself taken aside, along with Marty, and given goldrider lessons. Fate baffled her in some ways: Mic was so perfect, and certainly they were well-matched, but to make her a Queen and Nyara a queenrider… well, it was almost like a cosmic joke of the practical kind.

Still, she smiled as she watched Mictecath and Anakumath together. It became even more pleasing to note Fianth’s arrival, along with Olliah: the loving queen could do no wrong in Mic’s eyes, and Olliah was easy to follow and learn from- even for someone as dense and stubborn as Nyara.

Mama! It is so good to see you! As was her norm, any hint of queenly composure was lost as Mictecath raced towards her dam, throwing herself into an earnest hug of the bigger gold’s leg. The growing dragon's childish glee was reminiscent of her days as a fresh hatchling, and Nyara’s smile was tender and warm as she watched. Ana, come quick! Let’s make this a group hug before we begin our lesson. Any excuse for a cuddly dragon-pile was a good one in Mic’s esteemed opinion. Nyara tried- and failed- to stifle a snort of laughter.

“Morning Olliah. Hope you’re well.” She greeted, bobbing her head in respect. “What’s on today’s agenda?”

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I don’t know what this is but it’s here and now it’s a thing yay. Maybe a Weyrwoman lesson? Or some basic training? I’m not sure haha.

demon_pachabel

Uta

 

[demon_pachabel]

There was a diligence to Marty that was thankful to find that training made sure her's and Anakumath's time wasn't wasted. Between the two of them, an idle mind was nearly impossible to find, always filled with thoughts of this or that sort. Worry for all of her clutchsiblings, worry that something was being left undone, worry, worry, worry. Martirae found herself fighting with a vicegrip of a feeling that threatened to devour her if she didn't keep her beloved focused on anything else to keep her worry at bay. It simply was easier to work and distract, then try to battle an anxiety rooted somewhere they couldn't dig it up.

Such anxiety was notably weaker during their time with the older goldriders. But there were times it was palpable.

Anakumath watched with no small amount of uncertainty as her cousin bolted to join Fianth, eyes whirling with familiar yellows as she peered between Mictecath and her mother. It's okay to want it, Martirae leaned mentally into her lifemate, familiar with the want. It wasn't the same, after all. Still, when invited, the darkest of the three golds slowly drew closer - and lower - ready to be chased away at any moment. Not that she'd ever been denied a place in any circle of affection.

Martirae, on the other hand, kept a physical distance - mostly wariness, even after a few months. It was impossible to describe why she felt the need to guard herself at all times. Perhaps it was that vice trying to squeeze her heart in half.  

[Uta]

Olliah might have been a busy woman, and might have often struggled to find time to call her own--but one of the duties she most enjoyed was getting to spend time with the newest gold riders of the Weyr. Just as she had enjoyed spending time getting to know Alumet and Zenobiath, the dark haired woman now got to enjoy better getting to know Nyaranau and Martirae, as well as sweet Mictecath and Anakumath.

"Good morning, ladies," she greeted both cordially even as her eyes turned to watch the antics of the dragons. Though she would likely never experience the joy in motherhood as some mothers might, she could always enjoy it through Fianth. How lucky she had been to have found a gold as maternal as she, and one who always seemed to brighten when babies were near. As a clutching queen, it was good that the gold had such fond hearts.

Mictecath, darling, how good to see you! And sweetest Anakumath--don't be shy, dearest. You are always welcome near. The golds words were full of love and tenderness. Her eyes whirled a bright blue in joy, though tinges of purple swept through as she looked upon the two golds. She loved them both equally--even if Anakumath were Rhianth's, was she not close to her sister? Was she not her adorable niece? Fianth wanted nothing more than to bond with her as much as she wished to bond with Mictecath, and all the other hatchlings. Still, the older gold wouldn't force herself on any of them if they did not wish it, even if her hearts pined.

Leaning her head down, she nuzzled Mictecath, and then, if Anakumath allowed it, also went to nuzzle the darker gold.

Glancing away from the dragons, Olliah looked back at the two women. "Nyaranau, Martirae, please, make yourselves comfortable. I trust you and Yours are well? They're certainly growing at an impressive rate." In fact, the two young golds were as large, if not larger, than some of the Weyrs fully grown greens! "Today, we're going to expand a bit on some goldrider history, but outside of High Reaches Weyr. Then, once you've had enough of such tales, we'll wrap up the lessons with a bit of hidework and clerical tasks that need to get done."

The young women wouldn't be expected to actually do any of it today, but within the sevenday they'd start getting a bit more hands on and by the end of the month would even be assigned tasks helping to shadow some of the junior weyrwomen. "I bet the two of you are just thrilled," she mused with another warm smile.

"But before we begin, tell me, how are the two of you doing, hmm? Still settling in all right, Marti? No one's been giving either of you trouble? Are there any concerns with your lessons or even concerning your golds?" Her brows knit a bit and she looked at both of the younger ladies seriously. She knew how tricky it could be once one Impressed a queen at High Reaches Weyr--or anywhere on Pern, for that matter. The responses people had to finding out one was a gold rider could well be mixed--and rarely was it neutral.

Still, Olliah hoped that they knew this was a time they could talk about concerns or issues openly.

demon_pachabel

Sweet Symmetry

 

[Sweet Symmetry]

Fianth’s embrace was warm and tender- Mictecath’s eyes might have been shut, but she sensed the sweeping love that blanketed her, so warm and reassuring. And yet… Ana had not joined them at her urging, and Mic looked away from golden hide to blink at her sister, perplexed. Ana, my dearest sister, come… She entreated, as Fianth bent to nuzzle her. She returned her mother’s love, her hearts swelling. There were no boundaries, no limits to love.

As Olliah joined them, Nyara wore her ever-present grin, stretching her arms and inclining her head in polite deferral to her senior. Marti had never quite struck her as the smiley type- between the two of them, they brokered a serious-silly balance that was rather... unique. Still, she respected the young woman greatly, though she knew little of her. Perhaps this time- and during future lessons, too- would become an opportunity for them to bond. Maybe. One simply couldn’t force open a door that was bolted shut...

Nyara nodded as Olliah spoke, glancing back towards the gathered Queens. It was hard not to marvel inwardly at the sight- Mic had been so small mere sevendays ago… and yet, Fianth still seemed so much bigger in comparison. Logically, Nyara had a good idea of how big dragons were supposed to grow- growing up in a Weyr did that to a child… but it was much different when it was her beloved dragon. Was this a similar feeling to raising a child?

“Mic’s well.” Nyara spoke with visible fondness, aglow with fierce pride. “But I think she’s already flexing some authoritative muscle. When do you know if your dragon’s being… well, too bossy?” Nyara didn’t want to admit her dragon was flawed in any way- well, she wasn’t, after all… but where was the line between gentle guardianship and rigid control?

It was much easier to speak of her dragon than herself- Nyara had never had much issue socialising, and dealt mostly to the weyrlings and riders to whom they were introduced. The relationship with her mother was filled with affection and love, as it had in the past. And even though Ruun might have stepped down as a candidate for now, Nyara was slowly working on encouraging him to resume candidacy. As for E'dan? Well- that was brand-new- an unknown that would be shaped no doubt by her Impression to Mic, as it would have been to any other dragon.

Mic glanced towards her, sensing her rider’s pensiveness. I do what I must to protect and guide my family, Nyara. I know you understand- you do the same. Nyara’s lips twitched into a secretive smile, still unable to mask the glaze of mental communication. Yes, you do my sweet. Your heart’s in the right place. Satisfied, Mictecath turned back to Fianth. It isn’t wrong to want to help one’s family, surely? It wasn’t so much a question as a request for reassurance, however thinly guised it might have been.

“I bet Ana’s a lot sweeter, hey Marti?” Nyara grinned at her fellow weyrling, knowing only too well how much Mic adored her sister-cousin-Queen. That Mic worried about her wellbeing was not a secret in their conversations, and Nyara often found herself reassuring her dragon that all would be well- emphasising that their shoulders did not need to be so burdened.

Uta

demon_pachabel

 

[demon_pachabel]

Oh, of course! I'm coming!

Anakumath straightened into the offered nuzzle much like a feline eagerly rising into an offered palm against their forehead, leaning into Fianth's face. Perhaps it was simply selfish to wish for Papa when she was never lacking in love otherwise. It only took a little more urging from Martirae reminding her she was allowed to be a little selfish before the little, round gold also found a place to lean up against her Aunt. She did love her, after all, and she leaned her own affection into the growing pool of it, purple spreading through the anxious yellows of her near permanent expression.

Despite the invitation, Martirae folded her arms behind her back and squared up her shoulders, giving her the appearance of doing quite the opposite of relaxing. The list of the day's tasks were hardly daunting, though the way Olliah listed them off she had a distinct feeling they weren't meant to be. "Better than scrounging up busywork," she answered as to whether she was thrilled or not.

She passed a long look towards Anakumath, who had visibly relaxed into the hug-circle. The clutch on that distant beach had allowed her the good fortune to have a group of support and camaraderie long before she'd suddenly had the perceived worth that some looked at her with now. It had kept Marty from becoming an island fortress. "As much as I can. Any trouble that finds me has so far been rooted out with no problem."

As for concerns.....

"Anakumath and I have been working on most things. I worry that if we don't work on strengthening her wing muscles soon she'll grow to the point she struggles with it when we should instead be able to support the others. Is it possible to start such practices too early and end up causing more harm than good?"

Nyara's inquiry was answered with a shrug. "She's sweet in a more delicate way. Mictecath's love is still love."

Uta

Sweet Symmetry

 

[Uta]

Fianth was entirely too content to cuddle up to the two little queens. Mictecath and Anakumath made her hearts happy, as did all of the little ones from the clutch. She had feared that she might be spurned, as she had been with her first golden daughter, but there wasn't an ounce of Sharath in either of the darlings. Even Rhianth's often general dislike of other queen's did not seem to display in Anakumath, of which Fianth was pleased. She was a gentle queen, but she felt there was strength in kindness, gentility, and most of all, love. So, the pale queen made sure that both the little queen's were nuzzled, cuddled, and generally fussed upon in equal fashion.

The two of you are growing so quickly. Your hides look healthy, your eyes bright; it is nice to see that you are both so well matched. Are your lessons going well, beloveds? Whether it was her daughter or her niece, Fianth hardly saw a difference; they were all family, all part of the same Weyr. Rhianth had no time or interest in mothering, but Fianth could hardly get enough! It was only natural she keep a close eye on her sisters clutch, whether they cared for her or not.

When Mictecath asked her question, Fianth's eyes whirled with blue-green among the rich purples. It isn't wrong to wish to help, dear heart. In fact, it is good that you care so about your clutchmates and family. Your heart is certainly in the right place, and i hope you continue to love so mightily even as you grow. But sometimes there are boundaries. Not everyone is ready to accept your help, and some might try to push you away. While it can be difficult, you should try to remember that no everyone might be ready for the aid or advice you seek to give. She spoke to both golds, so they both might take what they would from her words and experience.

Some hearts are more independent, and all you can do is let them make their own choices. Every dragon is his or her own being; and sometimes, there are multiple paths to the same ending. There were some who would only listen if they were so commanded by a queen; there were others who fought tooth and nail to go against the sage advice of another. Fianth had met and dealt with many of all stripes, and had even been on the recieving end due to her love for Krahsujunth. Had not her own dam tried to convince her to change her mind because she believed it was the right thing for Fianth and the Weyr? Had not Eveleth tried (and sometimes still did) to get her to find another bronze male? Fianth knew her hearts, and though her mother's views did not align with her own, she also understood that it came from a place of concern and care.

Olliah, for her part, never lost her smile at the two young women. She always enjoyed getting to know the Weyr's newest goldriders. It was lessons like these where she felt as if she actually could make a difference in others lives.

"I'm not at all surprised to hear that, and I'm actually sure Eveleth would be pleased," she laughed. "That said, it likely will vary. What has she been doing that concerns you? Some dragons are just a a bit more demanding of others, and for a gold, it's almost natural. That said, you are her rider, and if you feel that she's starting to cross a line, or, not see that she's getting too pushy or making others uncomfortable, you may need to help keep her in line. It's hard to say where the line is crossed, since it varies from temperament to temperament, but you certainly want to make sure she's not just demanding it be her way or no way; or that you keep a line between being strong-willed and simply being a bully.

"Both of you know the importance of keeping the bond with your dragons loving but firm, and for good reason. It actually can be harmful if a rider complies too much with their dragon, or turns a blind eye on habits that might be trouble later. Some weyrlings are awfully cute, and small problems as a baby dragon, can turn more complicated as a full-grown adult. For a gold, she will try to resist you, particularly before she Rises, so it's good to set boundaries and limits now while they're still in such a tender stage."

Even if, she knew, it could be difficult. It was easy to turn a blind-eye on the one you loved above all else; on your perfect companion and lifemate. And yet, for the good of the bond, not to mention the good of the Weyr, ensuring that the goldriders could handle their dragons was imperative. The future of Pern depended upon it.

At Martirae's question, Olliah gave a nod and a warm smile. She wasn't put off by the drak-haired girl's nature; from what she saw it was clear the Western girl was practical and down-to-earth. Reserved, perhaps, but there was no shame in that--in fact, it might well serve her well within her new position. High Reaches was not without its flaws, and there was a particular group who had too keen an interest on the goldriders of the Weyr--and some were not afraid to warm up to them early.

"It's good to work on training, but there can be a problem to begin too soon. It's best to heed the lessons V'mel assigns you, as well as the schedule. At this stage, it's natural for the weyrlings to find strength through games and play with their clutchmates and other dragons of the Weyr. They likely should be flapping naturally, though that will likely happen more and more as they grow, and you will likely get assignments. If she's prone to inactivity, then encouraging games and physical activity is likely best. Is she prone to being less active?" It wasn't a criticism or a slight, purely a curiosity. Every dragon was different, after all, and Martirae's concerns weren't taken lightly. Some dragons needed extra encouragement or tricks to keep themselves more fit.

"That said, damage can happen if pushed too hard. Dragons are meant to be strong, and their physiology allows for a great deal of muscle to build as they grow; but they can strain themselves, or work themselves too hard to cause damage."

Sweet Symmetry

demon_pachabel