Contemplations {Jilli}

[Zara]

It was still pretty early in the morning... or so she thought. She was standing, looking down over a valley here in the forests, Nevinth had grown bored and was napping somewhere in the background, a purple blob to her rider's, well, riding gear. When Eliitra had suggested a Flight, Nevinth could feel that something was bothering her, and oh Nevinth had pressed. Her dragon, of course, figured it out. Though, Eliitra thought and hoped she'd forgotten by now and was more upset with the fact she was bored than anything else. Which, she hoped was the case. Nevinth had a problem with short term memory.... and all that, but she wasn't stupid. She was certainly brave. She didn't run from a fight... usually. Unless it was the better option. She didn't seem to care that her intelligence wouldn't be considered peek by most.

Eliitra worried about those things... of herself. She was by far not perfect. But she would never let on that she thought she wasn't. She would never let on that she had a spot that hurt too. Like everyone else. She was tough. And so was her little amethyst. No one better underestimate them. Never.

Eliitra slowly sat down on a rock, knees pressed together rather elegantly and leaned her elbow on her knee, her chin on her elbow. She gave a soft sigh... and her thoughts turned to him. The him who had been so recently enamored with the gold weyrling who had been in love with Vl'kan, her class mate... Or that was the story right now. Did she love him? Hoped so, 'cause she was in big trouble if she screwed with Vl'kan. Whether from her or from Thormyth. Either way. She was in trouble.

But... Well... she felt bad for D'rian. Yes. That was the him on her mind. The special one she had been so attracted to and crushed on... much like Vl'kan had with Iirla. She sighed and slumped a little lower, her mind forming a mental picture of him... but every time she tried to imagine him and herself.... she couldn't quite... quite grasp it. Maybe she was just messed up. Maybe that was all it is. Ugh! Why did this have to be so... torturous. Now she thought she understood what her friend and classmate felt.... and why he didn't want to lose her. Maybe... in a small way, anyways. She shook off the thoughts and stood, her hands at her sides and wheeled towards Nevinth.

[jillianna]

D'rian swung the axe over and over again. these trees were the best to use for his carvings until they dried out. Luckily that wouldn't be for a month or two, but the recent rains did make for a bit more of a jarring blow every time the blade struck. As the slightly larger tree fell away from him, he sighed and shook his hands to quell the feelings of vibrations and shocks. Kelath chuffed in amusement from where he sat and watched his.

Mine, why do you do this if it hurts your hands so?

"Because it keeps me busy and helps with occupying my thoughts Kelath."

The large bronze dragon sighed and just continued to watch as his chopped at the tree until it was in uniform one to three foot pieces. perfect for his art. Picking each piece up he fit them into the large leather bags kelath had across his back. The dragon didn't mind the work, it helped strengthen his muscles. It wasnt really heavy, but His looked a bit tired, so he nudged him.

"Take a break and cool off mine. I'd rather not have to carry you back to the weyr because you did yourself in."[/b]

D'rian glared at his dragon. He wasn't tired. . . Much. No matter that this was the second tree he'd mutilated wishing it was V'lkan's head. He admitted it was getting much easier to be without Iirla, but it would take a while before he didn't hate V'lkan. That garnet rider was asking for it... no begging for it. But with his station came responsibility and the wisdom to not mutilate his own riders. He slid the axe back into it's cover and into the bag of blocks as well.

Fine. I suppose this is enough for a while anyway. He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it into his bag, pulling out a towel and a clean shirt. Wiping the sweat from his body he pulled the shirt over his head but didnt lace it. He had worked until he was quite hot, and the cooling breeze felt nice.

He walked away, his dragon following in his wake with a quiet 'thank you'. Until he saw someone just ahead. It looked like a girl, and a purple.... Nevinth and Ellitra! Well this day just kept getting better. He'd started to quite enjoy the girl's company and the little Amethyst seemed to put an amused bounce in his bronze's steps. They were a welcome pair to see today. motioning to kelath to be still, he snuck up on the amethyst rider and got up to his old tricks, slipping his arms around her middle keeping her wrists in his hands. Leaning so his face was just beside hers.

"What's that frown doing on a face so pretty?"

[Zara]

Eliitra wasn't facing the man who was approaching her. She was hardly aware of him... and Nevinth was sleeping... Or feigning sleep, perhaps because... as soon as D'rian's arms wrapped around hers... Her head lifted and she sprang to her feet, seeing Kelath's and shortly after Kelath, trotting over to him with a croon. Oh! HI! EHB! HAY and yours doing? EM is upset about something. I don't think SWLIIT...

Eliitra gave a squeak and tensed, before relaxing, her body almost melting a bit into his chest, her frown deepening for a second before turning into a smile. "Well... D'rian, I think you're going to have to help me, because I think you made my heart stop for a minute," she laughed, a rather light sound and moved just enough so that she could give him a peck on the cheek. "This frown? What frown...?" she asked him wryly. "Oh...? Wait...? My face, hmm...? You think it's pretty." She grinned, obviously messing around... only... she also just plain doubted it, not that she would let on. She didn't want anyone to know. Not ever. Not that she had a single doubt.

She still stood there, not caring that he was holding onto her, feeling her cheeks flush with heat at his proximity, though she hoped he didn't see it... Her heart was beating so quickly. He had to be aware of that He had to feel her pulse somehow... or did he? A part of her hoped not. But... would it be bad if he did?

His shirt hung open to reveal a gorgeous chest, which did nothing to dissipate the heat of her face and she swallowed a bit. OH... Faranth... This was not fair. Not at all. He had to do this when she was enamored with him and he... wasn't with her. For all she knew.... he was still in love with Iirla. And he was still hurting. She was standing very still, her muscles started to tense again. She couldn't just let this happen. "Cutting wood, D'rian? You must have enough by now for almost a Turn! I can't help but wonder what beautiful things you are going to make from it." She didn't let herself think of the statuette he had made for Iirla. That would just bring up unbidden, unnecessary, useless feelings of jealousy.

[jillianna]

Kelath rumbled a greeting to Nevinth as she came prancing over. He liked the girl. She was funny even if he didn’t understand half of the things she said. This time it came a little easier, he was growing more used to her strange way of speaking and he nuzzled her lightly.

Hello Nevinth. I am well myself, and Mine is getting better. Thank you for your concern. How are you? Mine thinks something is bothering yours. He is trying to cheer her up. he kept his voice carefully between just himself and Nevinth. D’rian would not forgive him for butting in and ruining an attempt to make the girl feel better.

D’rian couldn’t help his smile at the little tense squeak Ellitra uttered just before relaxing a bit back against him.

“Well you know I could probably think of a few ways to restart your heart… but it seems to me that It’s restarted just fine on it’s own my dear.” He rubbed his thumbs lightly over the pulse points on her wrists with a smile. She was warm, and sweet. He frowned pulling back for a moment.

“Actually I don’t find you pretty in the slightest ellitra… “ He closed his eyes for a moment, then stepped back closer to her and kissed her cheek softly. “I think you’re beautiful.” The blush that danced across her skin was charming, and he had to admit after his experiences with Iirla it was a welcome bit of proof and validity that he could still cause that kind of a reaction. He smiled sliding down to sit beside her on a fallen log.

“It’s my work. And the wood only stays good for a few weeks. When it dries out unfortunately it becomes far too difficult to deal with and splinters and cracks. Not exactly the best medium to work with. And I’ve recently had some more… interesting subjects in mind. Just whatever inspires me the most at the time.” He shrugged with one of his devil may care smiles.

[Zara]

Nevinth crooned to Kelath and watched theirs with interest for a moment before turning back to him and nuzzling him back, her tail practically wagging in excitement. TIG. Something is bothering EM. IIY! SLH! She won't admit it. IHH... Her soft croon was almost sorrowful, but after a moment, she seemed to forget about it and gave another croon, tail wagging again before she sat rather promptly and tried to still herself.

"Are you sure about that...? Because I think it just might give out again if anything jumps at me..." her tone was teasing... and just slightly flirtatious.

For a moment her heart stopped. Well that hurt. But before she had a chance to say a thing, his lips blushed her cheek and she had to clamp her mouth shut to keep from looking like a fool. It was a good thing she was sitting now... or she might have found that her knees would buckle and give out under her. That's when he said he thought she was beautiful. It created this little ache in her heart. "You have no idea how few times I've heard that. I think this is the first time." Her words were soft, but pointed. She never really felt all that beautiful. It wasn't a priority for her.

"No modesty. It isn't just your work. It's an art form. A wonderful one. That isn't any good... How long do you think you're going to spend on your next project...?" She frowned at him. "That smile of yours.. It's trouble. That's what I've decided," she said, grinning, looking him over. "Seems Nev is having fun talking to Kelath." She could feel her dragons excitement.

Yes EM! ILSTK! "You heard that... right?" The amethyst was broadcasting. Eliitra just laughed, a sound that was light and closer to a chuckle than her normal laugh ever was.

[jillianna]

Kelath blinked slowly trying to work out just what his little amethyst was saying then sighed over his mind link to d'rian. Mine, I was quite proud! I had thought I was beginning to understand her! But here I stand completely bemused and befuddled.

D'rian couldn't help the choked laugh that escaped him. Kelath sometimes shared what his siblings and the other dragons said amongst themselves and he couldn't fault his dragon for being bewildered where this particular amethyst was concerned. It was fairly difficult to read between her bouncing abbreviated chatter.

Kelath sat on the ground with an exasperated chuckle and continued trying to find out exactly what she had said. D'rian let his attention flip back to the amethysts rider. She was soft now. No one had ever called her beautiful? He found that hard to believe. True it wasn't anything like iirla's striking visage or jillalene's snowy beauty. Hers was a sun warned natural beauty. The kind you could see after a whole day of playing in dirt' rain' or even smudged by soot from a forge and she'd still be pretty rather than pitiful looking. It was a refreshing change. He traced her cheek softly with a fingertip while he did his study of her face. Talk about being inspired... He did have a subject in mind for his next sculpture after all.

" those ista'an boys just haven't become men yet. They don't know how to approach a woman. You should have been told it every day of your life.". His smile was warm for her an he settled back against the rock. When she started talking about his sculptures he had the good grace to blush slightly at her praise and he shrugged slightly.

" Honestly it doesn't really take all that long if I can get a day or two without chores and duties.". He laughed then, soft and rich. "Trouble? Oh no, you've found me out. Whatever shall I do to make sure you don't blow my cover?"

At her comment about nevinth, the little Amy added her two cents in. He would have added his comment right away but he stoppe with a soft smile. Watching her as she laughed.

[Zara]

As if forgetting she had already said it in her weird speak... IDK. Mine is upset... She loves yours. But it hurts her. IDK why. She crooned softly at Hers. She won't tell him. She is afraid.... IT... WWW TA? She sat, looking fidgity. Hers was upset... But she kept having to remind herself why. She looked at Eliitra and felt her heart swell painfully. She rumbled happily at that and sat up again. Y makes EM happy!

Eliitra hardly noticed her dragoness for a moment, listening to D'rian. "Who am I to doubt you," she said rather softly, almost under her breath, trying to keep taht touch of sarcasm that threatened to bubble out down. He wouldn't lie to her... or she didn't think so. Her heart skipped a beat as his finger traced her face. Why did he torture her this way....? But his words warmed her and made her soft as compared to the thorny Eliitra... her outer exterior. The soft rose which was hidden away as a small bud amongst vines full of painful thorns... That's what he made her... a rose.

She unconciously pushed her cheek into his hand, her heart skipping another beat as she held back the small gasp that his touch elicited.... even that simple touch... It made her feel... precious... special. She shook her head. "Who says I'd blow your cover, hmm....?" she asked him with a cocked eyebrow.

His laugh brought a warm smile from her, and Nevinth's comment had her laughing and her eyes sparking warmly.

Oh... this was so.... fun and sweet... and intoxicating. Why did it have to be so dangerous too...?

[jillianna]

Kelath arched his neck and studied Eliitra interestedly. She loved his? That would be an interesting development... He rumbled happily and brushed his wing against nevinth's side.

Why do the humans not just say how they feel? Life would be so much simpler. Yours makes mine happier. Different than his friends. But after iZanycorth's hurt him he won't admit to love. Even though that's what it seems like to me"

Again Kelath kept his voice confined to nevinth and and settled comfortably.

D'rian frowned slightly at her mumble. Is sounded slightly sarcastic and he was again reminded of the frown she'd worn when he first got there. She leaned into his palm and he marveled for a moment at how close to perfect the fit was. She was warm.

" you'd better not blow my cover. Else I'll just have to come up with some creative punishments for you...". His smile was back, slightly hesitant this time as an idea took root in his head. He told himself it didn't mean anything but he had found himself thinking about it, about her more and more the last few days.

" I'm going to try something Eliitra. Humor me and close your eyes for a moment? He wanted to take her mind off any doubts she had about herself like she'd done and was still doing for him. There was one way he knew that he'd never received any complaints about, and he gave her an encouraging smile. It wasn't completely selfless on his part either.

[Zara]

Nevinth seemed to decide to answer his question much more directly and much more clearly that usual, suddenly becoming very serious. She just knew Hers feelings. Mine is scared. She doesn't want to hurt yours. And she doesn't want to be hurt. EM loves him too much to be the cause of his pain like the gold's was. And she is afraid to love him if he can't love her in return... She doesn't think that he is ready to love again... She blinked and her seriousness was gone and with a bubbly prance she circled him before plopping down next to him, raising her wings and resettling them against her back.

Eliitra gently reached a somewhat calloused, slender and small hand up to his. She was a warrior, a guard. It wasn't the most... feminine career. It didn't bring men to your feet or admiration for anything but the job you did. And she was good at it. Very. But that didn't mean people thought she was beautiful. She was just good at her job. She didn't get much praise as much as the appreciation of, well... having the job, she supposed.... and some rank amongst the others. Or she did. Now she was a Weyrling...

"Ooooh....! Should I be scared? Hmmm...?" she grinned, teasing him, quite obviously. "You don't have to worry about that, silly. Why would I blow your cover...? Do I have a reason to yet? But can I trust you with that smile... hmm..." It was different this time... she noticed. She, of course, was mostly messing around...but she did, as always, say most of the things that came to her mind first.

"I dunno... That smile's been around a lot... But... I don't think you've given me a reason not to trust you... so..." She grinned and closed her eyes. She let a soft sigh escape her lips as just the feelings around her and the peace and quiet settled in... and this... him touching her like this. Little did she know what was coming... but for the moment...

Her breath, warm would have likely spilled over the edge of his palm and over his wrist in a soft, warm gust. Though, of course... she didn't notice this.

[jillianna]

Kelath nodded slowly. It did make sense of course. And amazingly he'd understood every word she said. The bronze chuckled and nuzzled her gently when she flopped Down next to him.

I suppose you're right nevinth. When faced with those prospects I suppose I would be the same.

"This smile's been lots of places alright. Usually not worth what I put it to use for. But as long as you trust me I suppose that'll be good enough... " his voice died away as she lifted her hand to his and closed her eyes. Her breath was warm across his wrist and he shifted closer. Leaning down towards her, heasitating only slightly before pressing his lips to hers for a soft searching kiss.

[Zara]

Nevinth crooned and nuzzled him back. He was so much bigger than her. Even if she was a flirt... she had a certain loyalty for this bronze... even if maybe it wasn't mutual. She of course, didn't say as much. She looked at theirs again. Does he love her? she asked, her voice painfully hopeful.

Eliitra's eyes flew open in surprise at the feeling of his lips on hers. Her heart was beating like a scared runner beast straight off into the night, but... she closed her eyes and opened her lips to him, almost hesitantly then fervently returning his kiss, searching for something as well... for what, though... What could a kiss tell you. Her hand moved down his arm and to his own face, very gently, almost as if touching something entirely too precious and fragile, ran her fingers in a feather light touch from his temple to his chin. It was sweet... searching... comforting... and... did she imagine that flare of passion that floated between them and hung around them? Oh Faranth she dared hope not.

She waited until he pulled away, her eyes still closed for a long moment, just breathing, a total calm coming over her before her eyes fluttered open and looked at him in wonder, her deep brown eyes stormy with confusion and hope which flashed together to create a flurry of questions that, for once, her voice just... couldn't make known... He was so close. She, slowly, unsure of the movement again, took hold of the hand not already on her face with one of hers while the the other gently reached towards his face, nearly trembling. "D'rian...?" she asked him softly. He had... really just... kissed her... It had been so sweet.... so soft... Obviously he was practiced... but that didn't mean that it had less affect on him.

Nevinth looked at hers, worried. EM is VC. That was all she said, her body quite a bit more tense than a moment before.

[jillianna]

Kelath rumbled in quiet approval as he surveyed the feelings running through His. It certainly seemed like he loved her. But his mind rebelled against the word in it's entirety. But just because the word was not there didn't mean that he same were true for the feelings. Tenderness, compassion, a flickering light inside his that seemed to ignite and grow stronger with each passing second as his kissed nevinth's. He tucked his head comfortingly over nevinth's at the earnest ness of her tone.

it certainly seems that way to me nevinth.

D'rian's emotions roiled like a ship being tossed About in some of the roughest storms. There was tenderness. He wanted to take the kiss deeper. Especially when she touched him, but he didn't want to scare her off. Compassion, he'd wanted to distract her from whatever had been troubling her and as he teased the tip of his tongue across her parting lips he certainly thought he had accomplished that.

He settled his free hand on her hip and tugged until she was no longer on the rough wet rocks but seated on his lap instead as the kiss ended. His eyes were darkened with passion and he made a silent praise of franath that he could still control certain parts of his anatomy. He smiled softly at her and linked his rough fingers with her small ones as she could his other hand. It hadn't been like that with Iirla. Their few kisses had been pleasant of course, but none of them had left the fire boiling through his veins and the rush of desire he still felt from ellitra.

" ellitra. You're beautiful in every way do you know that? I just couldn't stand to see that frown on your face for another instant, and well. Actually I've been wanting to kiss you for day's now...".