Lunch on the River {Lark}

[Zirin]

They had been playing a game of avoidance for well over a week now. Sticking to their weyr as often as possible and only going out to distant locations where there would be no chance of running into the Weyrlingmaster. She had been confused, she had claimed. Therefore, J'dol had removed half of the confusion by making sure they never ran into eachother. He supposed it was for the best. Ara seemed to be a woman of commitment; J'dol not so much. it would not work out. So, as it was, Kayath was groaning about another day stuck on her ledge while J'dol contemplated his options. There were plenty of people he could like. D'rian, for one, some of his own classmates would work. D'tri would have been on the list if Kayath hadn't expressly forbade him from hitting on the 'little wench's human'. Kayath suddenly perked her head, and within moments she was on her feet. Mother has called us Mine! She has a surprise for us. How exciting! I do deserve a good surprise after being cooped up in here all week.

J'dol grimaced, but grabbed her harness nonetheless, feeling guilty for making her unhappy. Once saddled, they took to the air. Approaching the river, J'dol didn't at first notice Avirith and Ara nearby, he had been so concentrated on other things, but as he dismounted, he noticed them.
Shards and shells! The last thing he wanted to do was deal with her, why would Inali force this on him.

Avirith? Kayath asked in confusion. Despite what the green thought, Kayath didn't hate her. She had been avoiding Avirith purely because that was what Hers desired. She wasn't so quick to forget how kind Avirith had been to her at the sun caves. J'dol groaned, cursing again as he tried to figure out what to do. Running away was just too uncool, so he couldn't do that, and he had been told to come here by the Queen. He had no option but to stand there awkwardly and pretend to brush something off Kayath's leg. Even his firelizards understood the situation, and were hanging back on Kayath's head.

[Lark]

So they were here finally? Ara got up, brushing off her pants and lowering her eyes to the ground. There was a moment, brief and fleeting as it was, where she felt unsure of everything. Not her choice, but her here...looking like she did. It was the first time she could remember ever worrying about her appearance, and her hand tugged at the short edges of her hair, wishing she hadn't cut it that afternoon. As if suddenly realizing she had done this, Alyara stopped and stood still, then slowly lowered the hand to her side. Above her in the trees, Aries chirped. The gold was watching J'dol with a careful gaze, and Excalibur had wrapped himself neatly around her shoulders and neck like a coat.

"So, Inali wanted Avirith and I to go over chewing and flaming since Kayath seemed less than thrilled with the idea. She wants both methods to be known. After all, when she is close to rising at different times, and there is thread, we do not want to use flame from stone. However, the rest of the time it would be more efficient to use it and allow her to fight thread higher up in the sky since the Subs have staying power and grace." She moved her hand and signaled Avirith to remove her wing and reveal the stones underneath. "It is Inali and Loraketh's orders...." she didn't want to be the one teaching them.

Avirith crooned gently to Kayath, tilting her head to the side. How about we make it a game. If you win, I'll tell everyone at home that you, Kayath, beat me and are the best flaming Topaz ever hatched. The green partially hissed to sound less than enthoused with the idea hoping it would gain Kayath's interest. Oh yes, harming one's own image in favor of another's is a great move Avi. The dragoness snorted, flicking her tail so that Alyara was toppled over into the river. Sputtering, she came back up for air and clung to a rock in the middle. "That. Was. So. Not. Fair!" Trying to swim a bit, she gasped suddenly and held her side. "Shards." She had hit it pretty hard.

[Zirin]

He could see her out of the corner of his eyes, but it took him a moment to realize what it was that seemed so off about her. She had cut her hair! Well, it looked good on her, not that he would say something. It would just cause more 'confusion' as she called it. He still thought it was stupid. He was obviously better than some run of the mill bronzerider, too bad she didn't see it. As she spoke, he finally looked at her, keeping his face calm and uninterested. At least, his expression was like that until Kayath realized what it was she had said.

Oh I will NOT do such a thing. Mine can use a flame thrower all the time. Thats what Golds do and that is what I will do. She huffed, his tail swishing in agitation as she spoke. She didn't care if it had been her mother's orders. She didn't need to chew 'stone. They hadn't gotten along just fine with the flamethrower part of the lesson, and no one had put up too much of an argument during class, mainly because she wouldn't listen to a word anyone said. She tilted her head as Avirith added in her own two cents. Yes... upstaging the green and finally getting the recognition she deserved... tempting, tempting. it wasn't enough though, no it wasn't.

I will NOT be the best flaming topaz. She replied haughtily, That topaz-wannabe from the younger class can have that honour. She has to be best in something, since I am best in everything else. No, I don't need firestone. Then suddenly all eyes turned as a splash was heard and Kayath's comment, coupled with the image of Ara toppled in the water made him laugh. It felt good to laugh, Kayath acknowledged silently, though the laughter ended when Ara seemed to be having some sort of trouble. J'dol jogged into the water, pulling off his riding shirt as he moved to try and avoid getting his gear too wet.

"You appear to be in a spot of trouble, teach." He replied, swimming closer and offering a hand to help steady her. Sure, he was still upset with her, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to help her if she needed it. Spazz was quick to launch himself into the water, thinking they were now playing a game and wanting to join in. Above the water, below the water, up around in a circle, the blue chittered as he flew in crazy loops. Bit just stretched lazily and chirped a greeting to the other nearby flits.

[Lark]

He was actually going to help her...and he...oh...wow.

Ara shifted her glance to the side and blushed lightly, hoping J'dol wouldn't see it. "Sorry." She didn't know why she was apologizing, but right then she was. Of course, she may just have been saying sorry for a lot of things. "She's not going to be easy." The greenrider shook her head slowly, still holding her side. "That's going to bruise probably..oh well." She bit back a small wince as she gathered herself up and stood a bit wobbly in the river.

Looking at J'dol, that damned blush came back, and she could feel the warmth spreading straight over her face. "Go ahead and continue laughing...you can't do much more really. I've already made a fool of myself." She was meaning more than just falling though. Mumbling something about being a clutz, the greenrider wadded back to the shoreline. I don't need a hero...I don't need a hero. She just had to keep telling herself that.

She didn't need to be saved or coddled...she just needed to be her. Looking over her shoulder to check if her weyrling was following or not though, Ara found herself not able to meet his gaze. The ache in her heart told her enough. She still wanted him...too bad she had burned that bridge though. It's amazing he hasn't run off on me again yet. Wiping her hands on her pants to dry them, she rubbed Aries' side as the gold came to land on her shoulder.

"I'm find love. I'm fine." The gold chirped unhappily though, not believing Hers. She could feel the pain too! "Enough." The stern order shocked the gold into chirping and flaring her wings. Sighing, Ara put a hand to her head then turned to Kayath. She had had enough of not being in control of herself, her weyrling, her who sharding life! "You listen here Kayath. You are a Sub-Queen. Your job is to protect and serve your Weyr in the best ways you can. Yes clutching is one, but you will always clutch. However, that's also by fighting thread. Now, you could be down at the bottom of the wings with the Queens, but it would be much more efficient and serve a better purpose if you yourself could flame them away. Thread is your enemy, and by Faranth look to the skies you silly, spoiled girl! That's the red star, and it gets closer by the day. So what are you going to sharding do about it?"

[Zirin]

She still blushed like a maiden, J’dol noticed now that he was in the water with her. He couldn’t for the life of him figure out what she was apologizing for… bringing him into the water? “You don’t have to apologize… it’s just water.” He hoped that was it, otherwise he’d look like a fool. Not that he already didn’t, but still. “Now you see what I have to deal with.” He added with a hearty chuckle, deep and playful like it always was. He would have offered to help her up but she seemed quite adamant about avoiding him. It made sense, she didn’t want to lead him on; she already had her bronzer.

“You’ve made a fool of yourself? Ara I just ran into the river in a frantic hurry to save you from the evil, scary, wait-deep river. “ She seemed to be going through those unhappy moments again, and if it would make her laugh, J’dol was willing to attempt the part of a fool. They both were, really. It was why they were here. He walked after her, the water on his skin reflecting the light and making him shine with every step. He was expecting her to try to suggest something they could do about Kayath, but her sudden rant was unexpected to say the least. He stared dumb founded as she faced off against his topaz. When he looked at Kayath he couldn’t help but break into laughter once more. The large topaz had dropped onto her haunches, her wings and neck drooped in such a way that she reminded him more of a guilty puppy then a dragon!

Queens don’t have to chew stone and they do just fine… She mumbled stubbornly, completely flabbergasted that the woman had stood up to her. She knew Hers would nto let her so much as threaten Ara either. Stupid humans. All of them. Not spoiled....

[Lark]

Avirith chortled with laughter as her rider spoke sternly to the Topaz. Never had the green thought that Hers would be that strong, but maybe the dragoness should have known better then. You have to admit Kayath, you clutchers do tend to be coddled a bit more than the fighters. She said it proudly though, without so much teasing as just plain fact. Her wings rustled a sigh as she relaxed them beside her body, and her tail wove back and forth in the grasses. I'm sorry if you're hurt Mine.

Ara nodded at her dragoness, not quite leaving eye contact with the Topaz weyrling. She still had a lot to learn apparently. Sighing, the weyrlingmaster shook her head. "Oh Kayath...do you think that the Queens choose to not flame? Sweetheart, they are incapable of digesting it. They are handicapped while you are not. It is not something that they achieved through rank. They simply just can't do it, they throw it back up." She recited part of her words from past lessons she had had Inali tell her, but it was something normally another Queenrider told Queenweyrlings, not their own normal teachers.

She turned her gaze to J'dol. She had briefly smiled at his joke, but had felt too bad about herself to actually laugh. She really was a horrible person for being so mean to him, for not admitting to herself earlier what she had felt for him. It wasn't like she could tell him now though. "Please...talk to her. I don't know how else to explain it...and honestly I'm done explaining things. I swear, after your group graduates, I'm returning to normal rider duties. No more teaching for me...I just can't stand it anymore. Everything I do, I'm scrutinized for. Besides, greenriders hardly are ever teachers. That job stands for blues or browns...occasionally a bronze."

Ara found herself staring off into the distance, Aries chirping as she tried to land on Hers' shoulders again. "I'm sorry sweetheart for startling you earlier." She rubbed the gold's eye-ridges gently. "So, excited to be graduating soon? You only have about...three or four months left probably from how we're going." She looked at J'dol, hoping he wouldn't just ask to leave now that she had finished trying to persuade Kayath. The greenrider wanted him to stay....and he had been willing to go after her before. Maybe..maybe he still..no, that's foolish to hope for.

Then why do you?

[Zirin]

Kayath snorted at Avirith’s comment, well aware that she didn’t have a decent argument against the green’s words. The sub-queens were treated softly compared to the fighters. They were given more love and attention than almost any other dragons. It was well deserved though! They brought forth more dragons, and that was important! It’s not like there was any Thread right now, so it made sense that the other dragons weren’t given the same love, at least in Kayath’s mind. She snorted again as Ara also added in her own two cents, and she was annoyed enough not to speak directly to her, forcing J’dol to do the talking instead.

“I think the issue is that she was once given a choice.” He spoke quietly to Ara, perhaps standing a little closer than was necessary, though he didn’t notice. “When they were younger, before the obsidian from Ista arrived, Loraketh took Kayath and Talath into the caves to talk about firestone. It was before we found out they could chew and clutch, but I think it’s still set in her mind that in order to be a mother she has to avoid the stone.” He shrugged and looked back at Kayath, knowing how she felt but unable to truly put it into words in a way that wouldn’t offend his topaz darling. She was afraid. Afraid that chewing would make her sterile, just like the greens. It didn’t matter that the obsidian had successfully clutched after flaming. That was an obsidian, not a topaz. There was no proof that a topaz could do both as well. Yes. In Kayath’s mind, topazes were better than obsidians so obviously she should be able to do both… yet her uncertainty was holding her back.

“I would if I could,” he admitted. “I’ve tried in the past, but getting her to chew is another story, as you’ve seen.” Then suddenly she was back into her negative mindset and J’dol couldn’t help but put a hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. “You’re a wonderful teacher Ara. Look how many of us can fly and between and flame… well… Kayath excluded. I couldn’t imagine being in the hands of anyone else. Do you think our class would be the same if those southerners were in charge?” He paused, not wanting to step over the line Ara had put in place last time they had been at the river. He removed his hand and took a step away. He was glad the topic moved on quickly. This was a safer topic.

“It’ll be strange not to be a student anymore, that’s for sure.” He chuckled, gazing off. He’d have true freedom then, as far as relationships went. He could go back to hitting on everyone and everything. GO back to the way things had been before Kayath. I love you princess, I’d never trade you for the world. But a man’s got some needs love. He replied mentally at an angry scoff from the topaz. Maybe it was a good thing Ara had rejected him. She needed commitment where he wanted freedom. She would have just been hurt in the end when she discovered he wasn’t able to commit. You still want her. Kayath’s knowing voice cut into his thoughts. Yes… he mused, he did.

[Lark]

She blushed at his praise, scolding herself for acting like such a weyrling instead of the mature rider she was. "Thank you J'dol...but it's also just that I miss flying in the wings. It's one thing to teach the technique and mannerisms of a fighting wing, it's an entirely different ordeal to actually be a part of it." Alyara smiled fondly at the memories of her own training and the few months she had had before having to switch to a weyrlingmaster.

And fine Kayath, you can do whatever you wish. When it's my fame saving your tail though sweetheart, you're going to have to turn around and grovel at my feet. Avirith hissed a playful croon to her Topaz friend, both challenging her and hoping to still give her reason to try. "She just won't give up." Ara laughed at her green before she replying to J'dol's feelings about graduating. "Yes, it will be...so much more freedom, and yet you still have practice." She teased him slightly, them both knowing how much practice he had already had to put in to be able to between as well as he and Kayath did.

"I remember when it was my turn to graduate...Inali and Loraketh were in that class too." She smiled fondly at the memories, and then the smile faltered. You're thinking about him aren't you? Ara ignored her green for now, despite Avirith's repeating the words. Mine? Sighing, Ara shook her head. "Leave it Avi." She blushed again, realizing she had said that aloud instead of in her head. Why don't you just tell Kayath's Own that he rather be with a goldrider than you...

Ara bit her lip, pushing Avirith away mentally, eliciting a keen and chirp from the green. I don't want to think about him right now Avirith...just, please. It hurt too much. Looking at J'dol, she gave a slight smile. "I've wondered sometimes what it'd be like to get away from here.....just leaving everything. Sometimes I wish I would, there's time to consider that though. So close to Thread though, I'm not sure if I could leave Inali here by herself. She needs her friends." As do you Mine.

The greenrider chose to ignore her dragoness again, sitting on a rock near the river instead. "Were you raised here? I don't think I ever asked..." She looked up at J'dol, hoping he'd still stay....maybe, just maybe she'd be that lucky. I doubt I'll get anything more than his company though. Whatever used to be there is probably long gone.... She trailed her hand through the water, scattering a few Sunfish away.

[Zirin]

He could understand what she meant. As a sub-queen rider, he would never truly get to experience wing fighting. If thread came, he and Kayath would be in the bottom wing for safety. The closest he would ever come to feeling like a real fighter would be the thrill of feeding Kayath firestone. The topaz snorted. Is it really so important to you… J’dol remained mentally silent. In truth he didn’t want to force his princess into doing what she didn’t want to do… but he had always dreamed of fighting thread on the back of a magnificent flaming beast. Fine! But only because you’re being so pathetic about it. And only this once. You will use a flamethrower whenever possible.

She gave in… partially because of Hers, and partially because she couldn’t very well allow Avirith to parade her greatness any more than she already did. Plus, if she was right, Talath was being a copycat and putting up a fight as well. Obviously giving in meant she was better than the obsidian… right? I will make ONE flame, Avirith. One. Deal?

“Not here no.” He replied sadly, realizing just how much he missed his father. “My father raised me in Fort. I only came here because I kept failing to impress there… I see why now though. Kayath was waiting for me.” Sure, he sounded sappy, but he coulnd’t imagine a word without his princess anymore. She was the only true commitment in his life.

[Lark]

Avirith crooned happily, satisfied that she had won at least for now. We will practice soon then. Once Yours and Mine settle some...this is good, this is improvement. The green glanced toward the riders and rustled her wings together happily. Hers was happy, so she was happy. It was just that simple sometimes. When J'dol told Ara he wasn't raised here, she instantly understood the reason for the sorrowful tone. She nodded lightly. After all, he wasn't sappy to love his bonded.

"I get that....I wonder, what it would have been like if things had not worked out like they did." She looked at Avirith, smiling gently then the smile faltered. "Such a price to pay though..." What price? The green tilted her head to the side, not remembering or understand what bothered Hers. How could she though, Ara had little to no memory and it was the lack thereof that bothered her. Of course it wouldn't bother Avirith then. Nothing love....just.....it's complicated. She shook her head, pushing the strands back that got free from the rest of her hair.

"I can't imagine what it would be like without her...she's the only thing steady in my life now...the only thing that I can care about without getting hurt..." The greenrider was half whispering as she got up to caress the dragon's head. Did she mean for J'dol to hear it? Perhaps subconsciously she did, but consciously she did not. The rider didn't want to try and guilt-trip him...she just couldn't help what came out of her mouth though. It was just so easy to talk with him, even if he was still mad at her. I wish Mine didn't think that...she's so certain you're upset with her. I don't understand why.

Avirith spoke directly to J'dol, her memory not serving her well enough to know what had happened exactly at their last trip to the river. To the green Hers was just upset about nothing, and the last thing Avirith wanted was for Ara to be unhappy. I wish she'd dance again...she's so much happier when she's dancing.

[Zirin]

Soon? SOON? I go through all this trouble and the answer is soon?! She huffed, obviously frustrated with the entire ordeal. Well. They would have to fight her again next time to chew the sharding rocks. That would teach them to waste her precious time on something she didn't like.This is silly, not improvement. Ours should just get it over with so Mine can return to being Mine. She spoke matter-of-factly as she watched the two humans.

"Price to pay?" He wasn't sure if he was supposed to ask about it, figuring from the tone that it was likely a topic that wasn't an easy one to talk about. Lost in thought as he was, he almost missed her whispered words, and regretted hearing them. Great, another stab at how pathetic he was. He wanted to get up and leave, storm away like a child. As it was, Avirith's words were the only thing that stopped him.

"I'm not mad," J'dol replied out loud instinctively. "Just sore. I'm not all sexy man beast all the time. I'm really just a big baby deep down you know." He shrugged, walking over to Kayath. He wasn't made, but it didn't mean the wound didn't still hurt, and he wasn't quite ready to completely forgive and forget.

"I should get going, I've got some... uh... things to take care of." He just wanted to get away before he made too much of a fool of himself.

[Lark]

Ara drew back as he said he wasn't mad. Avirith? Her tone was a question but testy as well. The last thing she needed was her green speaking to him without her knowing. The dragoness crooned sheepishly, bowing her head down. Kayath is right, this is silly. Her voice was a soft bell-like whisper as she reached out to nudge Ara with her muzzle. But... Ara shook her head, thinking better of it. Sighing, she noticed J'dol was about to leave. There went her chance....how could she tell him why she had done the things she had done?

"And I'm not a confidant girl in the least J'dol. I'm insecure, and just trying to find someone who wants me in their life, for whatever reason. I tend to just freak out on them when I think they don't want me anymore, or whenever something major comes up." She shook her head, moving toward Avirith. She too didn't want to say anything stupid. Instead, she looked at him and decided to give him the truth. No more lies, no more secrets. "I'm not with him anymore J'dol. He might have wanted me, but I was not what he needed. I don't know what I'm trying for here, part of me just wants to make sure everything is okay between us. I made a mistake, more than one actually."

She looked at her feet as she tightened her hold on her dragon's straps. Her hands were shaking. "And yes, a price to pay J'dol. I would never have come to Trelis if my parents had not died...if I had not lost every bit of my memory before my fourth turn. I traded that for her, and I would do it again and again." Avirith warbled as she nuzzled her rider's side, her wings rustling as she opened and closed them. She needed a drink...or two. "Either way...I'm sorry J'dol. For putting you through so much. I should know better than that, but I never claimed to not be stupid or thoughtless." She sighed and leaned against her dragoness.

A drink would definitely do some good about now. "I think I have to go too...I'll get someone else to help with Kayath if this is too awkward." To be honest, she was about ready to have someone else take over the entire class. Ara wasn't in the right mind right now to take care of them properly, but she could hold out for a few more months, she hoped. She mounted her green and looked down at him. I'm not leaving yet. Avirith stubbornly plopped onto the ground despite Ara's groan. Let him talk Mine, he won't yell at you or hurt you. I don't think he will, will you J'dol? Ara only bit her lip. Why did Avirith have to be so nosy anyway? Because you need me to be!