Cracking of the knuckles.

[ruckseite]

Usually when one enters the blackness, fathomless cold of between, they either sit there numbly or they say the rhyme to pass their urge of wanting to look around in the span of a few heartbeats. The rider, this time around, kept his eyes glued to the black, barren void. His heart pounding, almost wishing him to count the beats, yet all he could think about, breathe about was what he would finally see when they burst out from between. However even though the blackness clawed ice at his wide unseeing eyes, he couldn't help but tilt his head this way and that way as if he could spot something human, something tangible to latch his gaze onto.

Of course he couldn't, and by the time he turned his head to the left for the third time, the warm shock of the Great Cliffs Weyrbowl struck his face. Wind gushing out of him with a gasp, he coughed raggedly. One gloved hand coming up to cover his mouth, politely perhaps but for no need, a soft sound halfway between a dry sob and a laugh escaped him quietly as he took in the grand view. Eyes of the forgotten color darted towards the Watchdragon and he raised his gloved hand high and steadfast. Skyward fist held as strongly as if he was commanding a Weyr in a 'Fall.

A ripple of sinew, lithe muscle all draped in a smooth and well-oiled bronze hide, writhed beneath the rider's heavily clothed knees. Great sails of burnished living metal scooped the large thermal beneath them and propelled them higher above the 'Bowl. The feel of a large barrel expanding as air was pulled in raised a giddy spirit within the dragonrider and an idiot's grin was plastered on his face. The exultant bellow exploding on the Weyrbowl's stone encirclement was second to none from this dragon. The sonic boom of his break out of between also sent it's own clatter of sound around the Weyr. The presence and mind of the bronze dragon would be of a friend that the Watchdragon would know no ill-intent was here. -I come as a friend, my friend.- The half-sly greeting to the Watching dragon's mind was a bit of a nudge to say introductions would be had all around at the base of the Weyrbowl.

Unable to stop himself any longer, the man astride the massive beast suddenly howled out his own cry of glee, however it did not quite echo off the Weyrbowl like the dragon's did. -You will yowl yourself hoarse,'Mine-

"Ahh, but I think this occasion, this Arrival, is something I would be eager to lose my voice over, my dearheart. I cannot contain myself." The piloting bronze would feel the grin on his rider's face and a soft humming croon murmured from him in return, luminous eyes a'swirl with greens and blues.

Reaching the end of the warm updraft the great dragon banked to the left to begin a lazy, lazy spiral down towards the foot of the Weyrbowl. Passing by the Weyrleaders' tiered weyrs , the great animal sent a warble towards the numbered alcoves, inset from their weyr-ledges. The claw marks of turns gone past wearing the stone into a ribbed appearance. The sun, now feeling hot on their backs prompted the dragonrider to unbutton his leathers and let his jacket flap in the wind almost akin to a heralding flag. Bringing one hand up to his face, he bit onto the leather of the outer glove, the one used for extra warmth in both climate and flight. With a tug of his head, excited eyes still wandering around the locale in wonderment, the outer glove came free of his hand, leaving his hand clad only in a light leather glove--one used to ensure there were no ropes burns or the like while in a jostling flight pattern. Copying the movement with his other hand, the man, short hair whipping in the balmy wind, hooked the gloves onto the saddle and rested his hands on the great spire of his dragon's neck.

The bronze tilted and twisted his head this way and that as he took in all that was around him. As gleeful as his rider astride, it was noticeable that he hadn't ceased his earlier crooning. The sound almost a form of the classic Hatching hum, however one could say they were Hatching all over again at Great Cliffs.

The long draconian body undulating smoothly along the wind as he glided ever downward, tilted a bit more and soon dove at the ground with claws flexing for impact. Suddenly arching his body down into himself he performed a bit of a forward somersault as he continued diving downwards. The rider giving a loud whoop of laughter, hands tightly wrapped in the leathers he typically used for Thread-Fighting. After all, this was a long trek, and one he intended to end here and stay here. It was only natural that he brought what he could realistically picture himself needing that wasn't already here and wouldn't deplete the Weyr's stores needlessly if he could help it.

The duo made touchdown. Bronze claws latching onto the planet beneath as if they would fall away, tail whip-cracking against the ground audibly for emphasis of arrival and of their jubilation. The landing was smooth for the rider, however much his dragon physically displayed his enthusiastic landing, and he soon pushed up his goggles and ran his hand through his wind-wild hair, back to hang from his muscle-corded neck.

A bit of a tan he was sporting indeed, however the expression on his visage was a myriad of ecstatic pain and adoration of the impossibly large 'Bowl floor. Head cocking to the side slightly, his eyes traveled along a faint delineation of old claw scores in the well-packed dirt. Formation lines...Gatherings... supplied his mind as if one occurred just yesterday. Faranth it feels like yesterday. -Well, perhaps we will have one shortly with the entrance we made.- came the low chuckle of his second half. Sitting pretty, the bronze kept his wings half-unfurled for display, tail tip winding this way and that in the dirt, lean neck arched grandly as if he was a Terran peacock strutting for a mate. Maybe he was? Maybe he wasn't. Either way he wanted to make a good impression (the dragon snorted at his own 'funny' of that pun) on the people who would be out shortly to see the ruckus.

Adding to the mess of noise came a shrieking gold firelizard. Her mind a tapestry of joys and jubilations and calling for the nearest throng of colored firelizards to greet her, as any self-respecting queen flit does. She soon settled herself atop the bronze dragon's head as if a mockery of a crown on the bronze sculpture. Her tiny tail looping around one of the head-knobs of the dragon she herself began the arduous process of 'looking pretty' as well.

Amused and pleased, the dragonrider sat back in the saddle, hands resting on the warm body beneath him, feet coming out of the saddle stirrups to dangle and swing back and forth lazily. Only a few things to note of oddity on this dragonrider, some were unseen, and one was noticeable. The top portion of his left ear was cut clean off. About a centimeter had been taken off from a scoring during a nasty and gnarled Threadfall. It had healed over since then but nevertheless the rider lived on thanks to all that was and ever will be. A gusty sigh left him as he calmed himself, eyes sliding closed he could feel the burn of excitement humming through his veins and hammering his heart. Faranth he felt old...for good reason too.


Glorious breath.
Calm and serenity.
Wild energy for life.

Claws down.
Security of home.
Wings tucked.


-Baizynth! Gaveneth! Dysmeth, my beautiful! Alvoradath! All of you! Come out! We have arrived!-

His heart absolutely hammered in his chest.

X'cer with his beloved Bronze Lossoth was home.

[Ampara]

Ampara missed the ruckus and Dysmeth only just missed her summons by a mere breath, though no doubt it would be related to her later in detail, the cold of between melting in the warm light as they appeared at the highest point above there weyr that human and dragon could tolerate for an extended length of time. They had been absentee from the weyr, their weyr Dysmeth would reiterate with pride that ran as deeply as the ichor in her veins, for a good portion of the morning and then into the afternoon. There was no explicit dragon-to-dragon communication with the watch, everyone knew when the queen was home and usually when she left too. There was a presence that most queens had, and it was acutely felt even when visiting another weyr where the dragons were not under their command; it was simply impossible to escape notice one way or another.

As it was, Ampara had been to visit the Lady Niceta, attempting to renegotiate their tithing agreement so the weyr could loosen its belt and have some breathing room. Lord Feyotlian's unfortunate misplaced anger was affecting them more deeply than she'd like to admit, and so far their well stocked supply rooms (with careful doling out and strict inventorying procedures) had been maintaining the weyr's integrity. They'd agreed on some minor tweaks, and also upon getting some more regular trade in exchange cutting back on the more exotic things that the weyr could live without for a while, or 'indefinitely' might have been the more accurate statement.

Ampara yanked her riding helmet off her head, feeling suffocated by her own thinking. The warm breeze whipped past her face, catching her hair in reddish streaks as it blew backward. She took a deep breath, inhaling the smells of home, tendrils of hair settling in and cupping the curve of her face. She'd left it down, only tucking it up under the helmet. It added a flair of the dramatic to her persona by leaving it down even if it made her appear more youthful than she was, besides she had no desire to appear severe with Niceta, overbearing weyrleaders were certainly as bad or worse than absentee ones. She could only hope that Feyotlian's vendetta wouldn't permanently damage the weyr's representation in the hearts of his holders, knowing that they all couldn't agree with him. She'd had sleepless nights over the thoughts of leaving them scared stiff in the face of thread without the weyr above to protect them, but her hands were tied. If he was not going to tithe then she had no choice but to withhold the weyr's end of the bargain. It was quickly becoming a disastrous situation, and she did not want to imagine what happened when threadfall came and went. Perhaps though in the face of his holder's distress and displeasure he'd be forced to resume tithing.

Oh Dysmeth is this really my life? Problem layered on top of problems with a side of record keeping and figuring all day?
Well we can't have adventures every day. I would never have a bath if that happened, and we can't lead a weyr if we're gone all the time. Maybe once a sevenday?

Ampara laughed. She liked the sound of that. Dysmeth was slowly gliding downward, taking her sweet time in getting to the ground. It was too nice to not take advantage of the air time. That was their peace and quiet, and she could never have enough of it.

I think you just gained another problem.

She had been waiting for that statement to come, knowing that Dysmeth had become silent and then on the heels of silent pensive.

Well, let's have it then.

Lossoth has returned.[/i]

They both fell silent, dipping lower and lower as their mind turned over the new information.

Nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so...

Dysmeth surged upward suddenly, and Ampara grabbed for the riding leathers even though she was securely strapped in, taken by surprise so much that she just reacted. She found that as the time passed Dysmeth had fewer and fewer surprises for her, their thoughts became more attuned; however, they still lacked the ability to predict the other exactly at any given moment.

What was that for?
To keep you on your toes and clear your mind. We should be glad if he wishes to return. He will be useful if he remembers that you're the one in charge now. Just relax.

Ampara sighed, and let her head loll backwards, some of the tension running out of her shoulders as her vision was filled with blue sky and clouds. Dysmeth was right but there was still...

Shh. You're weyrwoman, that's all there is and all that matters.[/color]

The gold was angled downwards once more and Ampara focused on the way the light played off her dragon's hide, clearing her mind. She seemed to be the first one arriving. Where were the others? Certainly they would have heard... (Dysmeth by this time had gotten the picture of the arrival from the watch), but she didn't need an entourage.

Dysmeth landed softly, near enough to Lossoth that once her rider dismounted it would be no great distance to walk. It was always good to give the humans some space. Ampara swung down easily, glancing around to see if any were to join her before she approached Lossoth. She didn't speak yet.

[cevara]

Gaveneth never missed anything. Therefore he was on top of the hardly discreet arrival of his and Cevara's friends almost from the moment Lossoth burst from /between/. A thrill of excitement ran through the large brown, and from high on a cliff ledge where he was often found sunbathing, he bugled a merry greeting. Despite everything that had transpired, Gaveneth had missed Lossoth. He was certainly not the type to get tangled up in the messy world of politics, and was quick to forget misadventures when friends were involved.

Mine! Gaveneth's racing mind touched his beloved's. Practically bursting from excitement, when she did not respond within half a second he pressed more urgently. MINE!!!

Down in the Dining cavern next to the weyrbowl, Cevara herself could hardly help but notice all the clamor echoing above. Rising from a half eaten meat pie and drained mug of klah, she had already started for the passage that would lead through the Lower Caverns and up to the 'Bowl. Mulling over what could be going on, her thoughts were distracted when Gaveneth called to her.

Yes? I assume you know what's going on? The delight in her bonded's mental voice could hardly be veiled, just as the confusion in hers was evident.
Lossoth and X'cer not-Mine have come back!
What? Really? When...permanently? Her bonded mentally shook off her questions. On his cliff ridge he stood and stretched, flexing his impressive wingspan before diving into flight.
I do not know but they are in the Weyrbowl now and we have been asked to come greet them! Hurry Mine! I am already on the way.
Yes, I am coming, I will be there shortly after you.

Quickening her stride to an easy jog, Cevara could feel the heat of the day grow closer as she approached the exit to the cool caverns and glimpsed the sun outside. Gaveneth did not have to tell her for her to guess several others had been invited to this homecoming gathering. Certainly Ampara would be there shortly as well. Her prediction proved correct as she gazed out into the 'Bowl and saw first the form of the beautiful Dysmeth and then the Weyrwoman swinging off her back.

"This is bound to be awkward." She muttered to herself, steeling herself for any situation. She personally was glad to have X'cer back. Not having a Weyrleader present was a terrible strain on the Weyr, and whether Ampara wished to admit it or not, she could certainly use more experienced help with the tricky Hold situation. However as far as personal rather than professional relationships went...well Cev had spoken to Ampara enough to know that remained to be seen. In any case, this was bound to be an uncomfortable encounter. For her part, she intended to be as friendly as ever.

Letting out a third joyous bugle, Gaveneth landed with agility surprising for his bulk near Lossoth and across from Dysmeth. Greetings brother Lossoth I have missed you! Good day my Queen! The brown sported one of those fearsome, toothy grimaces that passed as a dragon's smile. Unable to contain his excitement, he jumped up and took flight several feet off the ground again before landing back in his spot permanently. Mine should be here very soon. She was eating....Oh there she is!

Gaveneth had excellent timing as usual as his lifemate could be seen striding briskly across the 'Bowl over to the three dragons and two riders. Giving a wave to both X'cer and Ampara, grin broad, she broke back into a jog to close the distance quickly.

"It's about sharding time you showed up!" The tease to X'cer was obviously good natured. Pulling up her jog near Ampara, and nodding to the other woman, she placed her hands on her hips to catch her breath.

[K'ivan]

((Blah, its bad... but at least its something?))


K'ivan looked up briefly as his weyrmate got up and left the table. He glanced over at her food, noting she'd at least eaten half of the meat pie. Then he looked to his own plate, and realized he hadn't touched any of it. His klah however, was gone. Frowning he followed Cevara's retreating form until she was out of the Dining Hall, then turned back to what he was doing. They'd managed to share a few sacred moments together this morning, and she'd actually dragged him into the Dining Hall to eat, with only mild protests on his part.

Well met Lossoth, fair skies to you and welcome back. From his shared ledge Baizynth dropped down and drifted on the rising currents to glide into the Weyrbowl. He circled it once as he leveled off and adjusted his speed, then gracefully settled not far from where the women were standing. Loping over to Dysmeth, he sat down, the tip of his truncated tail twitched back and forth. Hello Dysmeth, Gaveneth. Baizynth felt rather silly greeting Gaveneth, since he lived with the brown; however it was polite.

Lossoth has returned. The bronze stated to K'ivan. The Dragonhealer looked up from the report he was studying and frowned toward the Weyrbowl. Yes... I've been expecting him to.. this is his home.[/i] Then he went back to studying the report. He had a lot to do, and he was sure the former Weyrleader would understand. Over the past few sevendays the multiple knots on his shoulder hung heavy therein.

Despite that, it had been a personal blow to his pride that Ampara did not seek more his advice in the matter of the Hold, at least on a Weyrwoman level. As soon it was obvious there was no Weyrleader, K'ivan offered his assistance to Ampara. While he was busy with his personal responsibilities as well, which included dealing with the tithe issue from a Guardian's point of view, he saw no reason for Ampara to attempt to deal with the situation alone. He did a great deal for the Weyr and was there whenever she asked him for counsel or advice, ensuring that what duties he could perform in the absence of a mate for Dysmeth, he did. He wondered why so many felt Ampara was shouldering the 'heavy burden of leading the Weyr alone' when she had not only K'ivan but Klissi as well for support.

All things being said, K'ivan did not have time to meet X'cer. Eventually he would catch up with his old friend; however dragonriders coming back from living at another Weyr for a few months was hardly a cause for the entire senior staff to drop what they were doing and run to welcome them home. K'ivan poured another cup of klah from the pitcher at the table. Well... greet him for me. I'm sure I'll see him around, especially since he's probably eager to start helping out with the Weyr again. Of course, Cevara knew where he was so if X'cer was insistent, he'd be easy to find.

K'ivan smiled as he read. X'cer and he shared a bond few of the others did - only a handful of the Wings who came forward in time still remained at Great Cliffs. Though each had made a life for themselves here, they were always going to be strangers in this time. So each was family to the other. This, at least, was how K'ivan regarded the others. It would be good to see X'cer again.

Baizynth's eyes whirled faster as he greeted his friend with a low warble. Its good to see you again, Lossoth... K'iv-mine knew you'd come home and here you are! He sends his greetings to yours. Instinctively Baizynth sent an image to Lossoth of K'ivan in the Dining Hall.

[ruckseite]

(yay posties! :3)


*Seeing that their arrival was welcomed as best it could be X'cer smiled a little from where he still perched up on Lossoth's neck. Casting a quick glance to Hikria as she blinked and leaped off Lossoth's head, flying up a few hand spans before winking between. How could she simply have forgotten? Chuckling softly to himself as he knew exactly where she was headed, he swung one leg over the neck ridges of his bronze and hopped to the ground smoothly.

A moment of self-consciousness swept over him and he looked down as he straightened his riding jacket a bit more around his frame from its previous TBA-eyed windblown manner. His gloved hand swiped through his dark hair to a more tame appearance and his eyes followed Dysmeth as the brilliant gold circled down and landed neatly. A fond smile slipped onto his face watching his weyrmate, She was still considered that right? Or no..? he mentally mused to himself. A quick sting to his heart made him wonder on that future. Faranth they had a son now too that he had to make sure he imprinted himself to the baby boy as much and as soon as he could. He wouldn't miss it for anything now. It might not be traditional for weyrmates to play a role in their child's life but he certainly would. He hoped she'd still be receptive to him and/or his affections.

A small twitch of the corner of his mouth attempted to ruin his friendly smile as Ampara closed the distance between them somewhat. Instinctively the bronze rider expected that a chasm had opened between the both of them that perhaps only a successful Flight might repair. It was such the way of the world as all politics ran. A swift bite to the inside of his cheek belayed that upset twitch of his mouth however, and he strode towards her as well. Politics be scored he still loved her and sure the moment now was that he wasn't the current Weyrleader, but he didn't want to come across as stand-offish to the woman he shared a bed with for as long as he can remember. Back straightening with his self-renewed confidence, chin slightly tilting up with a twinge of masculine pride still available, he strode ever closer to her and quickly wrapped his one love in a warm and affectionate hug. A pleased hum murmuring from him as he ducked his head to press a kiss to her shoulder. He would end the hug soon after however in case she had begun the process of closing her heart to him. She was still his Weyrwoman and he had to respect that much. However some habits couldn't be broken that easily.

He stepped back to a more comfortable viewing distance from her and huffed a soft chuckle, one hand reaching up to fiddle with the truncated top of his ear in a twitch of nervousness.

"It's good to see you again Ampara. I have missed you so dearly. The Weyr as well. I know things will feel a bit awkward for a while, but I know we'll come to terms with it. Though I hope everything has settled a bit more with Feyotlian and the tithes since I've been away?" he murmured quietly to her. He didn't know how it would sit with her that Lossoth flew another gold and the battle to contain his own Flight-lust ensued, but he knew to some harsh reality degree, that that was 'just politics'. However he also had an odd mix of guilt for it as he felt the bond between Ampara and himself was a strong one and that it was wrong to allow Lossoth to catch the gold.

The bronze rider was pulled from his inner thoughts as Gavaneth and Cevara soon entered the moment as well. Stepping back a bit more he half turned to give a courteous bow to Dysmeth. "You are looking ever radiant Dysmeth!" he called to her. -He is not the only one that thinks so Dysmeth- came the mental croon of Lossoth nearby, eyes swirling blues and greens with small tendrils of violet.

Turning to face Gavaneth as he touched down rather excitedly X'cer grinned outright at the brown and dipped his head. "Good to see you too Gavaneth!" A good-natured laugh rumbling from him at the joyous bugling. Lossoth sported his own happy grimace, body fidgeting as he fought to contain his growing excitement. Gavaneth's exuberance was contagious indeed! A happy warble burbled from him none the less and he forced himself to lay down so he wouldn't jump into the air doing cartwheels like a Weyrling.

Shoving his hands into his pockets X'cer wheeled on the spot on his boot heel to turn and watch Cevera's progress across the 'Bowl. "I couldn't help it! I had to work on my tan for you guys so it looks like I did something up there!" he guffawed at himself and grinned at the Weaponscraft Master. "I trust you're doing well as well? Not goofing off too much are you?" he joked back.

-'Mine, Baizynth says K'ivan-not-mine sends his welcome as well. Baizynth-His knew we would return! Can he see the future?- X'cer hid a bark of laughter at the astonished voice of his dearheart. ~No no Lossoth my love, that is a way of K'ivan saying he expected us to return. I am sure the Weyr is needing another helping hand since I doubt Feyotlian has changed his tune in the past few months. He's as stubborn as a mother wherry. Tell Baizynth to send K'ivan our thanks and hellos.~ -Oh..oh I get it..and alright 'Mine- The bronze turned his gaze to the other male sending out his message. -'Mine says thanks for the welcome and how he says hello as well and is glad to be back-

The bronze's mental voice trailed off as his long neck stretched up to peer around the Weyrbowl looking for any obvious changes to the decorum. Seeing none that were apparent he tilted his head and bugled happily as Baizynth completed his own arrival, eying his old bronze friend as he settled down. -How has the Weyr done? Good I hope?- came the conversational tone, broadcast to all the dragons present, however his head remained positioned towards Baizynth. X'cer tilted his head as well to watch the other bronze swoop down and land neatly. Flashing him a grin as well he bobbed his head at the bronze in greeting. "Hello to you as well Baizynth! I do hope you've had time to relax and have encouraged Yours to do so as well." He chuckled, knowing that unfortunately it was unlikely K'ivan had gotten time to relax. Perhaps that could be amended soon.




As if it was a magnet pulling her in, Hikria burst from between with a happy squeal overhead K'ivan where he sat reading. Her enthusiastic wing beats lifting up some of the papers K'ivan read from however not quite knocking them askew. Performing a few aerial cartwheels showily she swooped around and around before settling atop the Master Dragonhealer's head daintily. Her tail automatically looping down to hook around his ear, she minded her claws and immediately craned her tiny head down to stare at the man face to face from an upside-down perspective. Poking him on the nose with her own nose she squeaked at him meaningfully, though what meaning that was left to be found, her own face gaining that toothy grimace of an ecstatic smile. Tiny jeweled eyes gleaming and swirling a bright blue she started up a dizzying plethora of squeaks, chirps, clicks and assorted jabberings. Boldly pushing in mental images of this one HUGE trundlebug she caught sneaking under a bush why just the other day! A few other smattering images would grace the bronze rider's mind before petering out in lieu of her vocalizing. Wings covering almost the entirety of the back and sides of his head like a bat hooked onto a rock, the gold firelizard worried the man's white-blonde hair with her paws in preparation for a preening he no doubt would predict to come shortly.




(Loool I love Hikria. XD)

[Ampara]

Ampara had forgotten, been actively trying to stamp out the memory rather, what it was like to be held so close to another human being. Holding herself aloof and aloft from the rest of the bronze riders in the weyr as time pressed onward, perhaps to such a degree she'd even been avoiding K'ivan to some extent without even realizing what she was doing, and barricading herself against the inevitable made her more weary as the days passed. No doubt in her desire to avoid unwanted attention she'd just made a habit of avoiding others, and that had compounded the problem also. She couldn't begrudge X'cer a simple hug though, and nor would anyone else so long as it didn't become habitual until things had been settled; many, many things. There was a certain behavior required of her in the advent of the weyr being weyrleader-less, and as it was her responsibility and duty she couldn't break character not even for X'cer, especially since... well... there were too many thoughts assaulting her mind to figure it all out yet.

She was forced to swallow the small lump forming at the back of her throat as just seeing him had dredged up feelings she hadn't cared to nor had the time to resolve. It was with a deep breath, inhaled softly, that she returned X'cer's hug albeit briefly, and she schooled her face into a welcoming smile, relieved that he had pulled away before she'd had to extricate herself. It was difficult trying to think and yet trying not to at the same time. Even with Dysmeth's helpful suggestions she felt off balance, even more so compounded with his affections (which she ought to have expected), but she had the game face that suggested he was at least welcome at the weyr without any wrath on her part if nothing else.

Ampara's eyes flicked to his ear, missing nothing, curling her fingers into the palm of her hand as she diverted the urge to reach out and touch it for herself, forgetting her queries, momentarily, as he spoke to her.

To her credit she betrayed no upset as he stumbled right into the awkward territory that lay between them, something she didn't wish to probe and prod at in the open weyrbowl overmuch. It would have been quite easy for her to be bitter or short with him, but she quelled the fervor of her frustrations, knowing that she wasn't just entirely aggrieved at their situation but the other ones also beyond her control.

"Great Cliffs welcomes you back X'cer, and you'll find the weyr in fine shape despite Feyotlian's flair for the dramatic." Ampara drew herself up, one hand coming to rest on her hip and the other waving away his worries. She found composure in the little bit of arrogance she did possess; of course she'd taken care of the weyr, that was her job. She had obviously glossed over the mention of awkward feelings, something time would just have to mend on its own.

Unfortunately for X'cer and Lossoth Dysmeth held more pride than her rider, and while comparatively humbled she was not so quick to be diplomatic. Despite her sage words to her rider, the personal scorn she had felt at the hands of this other queen was not so quickly forgotten she soon realized; whether Ampara's feelings confused the matter or not was uncertain.

Dysmeth regally dipped her head, acknowledging the homage she deserved, and then she fussed and preened with her wings, playing the role of 'not so easily impressed' pun perhaps intended.

Hmph, and you told me not to have ruffled feathers.
You are weyrwoman you must be diplomatic. I do not have to be the same.[/i] As her dragon's tone was bordering a bit on sullen Ampara decided to let the issue rest for the moment.

"I've been keeping her busy." Ampara spared a wink for Cevara, thinking of not so long ago when she'd asked her to run some hides to K'ivan, hardly a heavy task.

I am going to my ledge, it has been a long morning.[/color] Dysmeth excused herself to the other dragons, leaving the mental implication that it was up to Baizynth and Gaveneth to do the filling in of details, knowing they'd be quite up to the job without her to supplement.

Ampara shielded her face in the advent Dysmeth's wings sent debris their way, and watched as her queen took off for her ledge where she could comfortably survey most or all of the weyrbowl.

You have left me without a ride. What if I wanted to join you for a good brood?
You're just going to go to your office.
You don't have to be so cranky love.
I am tired of talking, that's all today has been, and there is going to be much more. Wake me if you wish to fly.

Ampara didn't realize she was frowning as she followed her dragon's form, craning her neck back further and further. She checked herself, eyes coming back into focus on her company at hand, shaking her head and shrugging her shoulders at Dysmeth's behavior.

"I think I've required a bit too much of her patience today." She offered in explanation, the corners of her mouth twitching a bit in minor bemusement, knowing it wouldn't do if she told Dysmeth that sometimes she found it endearing when she was mad.

"In any case, we can go in if you wish," Ampara extended a hand towards the yawning mouth that was the entrance to the lower caverns.

[cevara]

Cevara fell easily back into the sharp but good-natured joking with her old friend. Unlike her weyrmate and Ampara, the weaponsmith never felt so heavily impacted by politics to make her personal relationships uncomfortable. It wasn't that she had a simplistic view on the world--far from it. She simply didn't like to dwell on bad situations. Especially at a time like this, being stuck on issues of the past, no matter how recent, wouldn't help the situation any. Golds rose, bronzes caught them. Could riders control their dragons? Yes...somewhat. But being bonded to a male dragon herself Cevara knew how impossibly difficult that could be, and even more difficult to control in that same moment the overpowering lust the rider felt.

For Faranth's sake, the last time Gaveneth chased a green she literally had to have herself tied down to prevent an inevitable infidelity. All dragonriders understood well the complexities of dragons in Flight and were as a whole forgiving people because of that knowledge. She just hoped for the sake of the Weyr and the dynamics of the individuals she cared about involved that this would be such a case. Not that Ampara didn't have reason to be upset, but she hoped that would remain a strictly private and not
public affair. Either way, as a friend of both X'cer and the Weyrwoman she was sure she'd be hearing much more about
the situation in the future.

"Well I haven't been hungover in the last couple weeks, so I guess I'm not doing as great as I could be, but am
more or less keeping out of trouble."

Keeping her voice light with jest, she followed the words up with a wink.

"And I have to say I am very angry with you. I've spent all this time you were gone replacing all the old weapons in my Hall with shiny new ones and I haven't had my old sparring partner
here to try them out properly."

At Lossoth's comment to Baizynth, Cevara's eyebrows shot up while Gaveneth simultaneously snorted at the irony. No one would be more shocked than her if her weyrmate actually relaxed for more than a moment at a time.

Cevara had watched Ampara and X'cer's interaction with keen interest. Despite their good humor, her intense honey hued eyes never missed a detail. Often actions spoke much clearer than words, and as she suspected this reunion was an awkward one. Still, Ampara handled herself with no less grace than the brown rider had come to expect from the younger woman. A knuckle rose to her lips to wipe a secretive smile off her face, and she started slightly when Ampara brought her back into the conversation.

"Oh yes, very busy indeed. Hardly have time to think these days, really." Chuckling, Cevara could not help to think that these few days have been the first in a long time that she actually did not feel very pressed for time. She had the feeling that would change again very shortly...not that she minded, keeping busy was good for the brown rider. Although the others joked about it, constant tasks really were necessary to keep the mischief prone woman out of constant trouble.

Gaveneth's eyes followed the Queen, rather sadly but with complete understanding as she left for her ledge. He never let anyone down when it came to being the Weyr gossip, least of all Dysmeth. She was right in trusting she would know everything that happened without actually having to be there.

Cevara nodded her head eagerly at the notion of returning indoors. Standing in the middle of the 'bowl with dust flying around and a hot sun beating down was hardly the right place to hold a conversation. "That sounds perfect. I'll have you know, X'cer I left half of a perfectly good meat pie inside to come say hello, and I would very much like to reclaim it before we catch up."

Her eyes would seem distant a moment, the characteristic sign of a conversation with her dragon. A few moments later, Gaveneth's voice would nudge tentatively into Ampara's conciousness. Weyrwoman, Cev-mine would like you to know to just let her know if you want her to leave so you can talk to X'cer not-mine alone. She is not sure if being here to interfere will make this more or less...strange.

[K'ivan]

((-prod-))

[K'ivan]

((This board ..as with so many others on GCW T.T is six months+ old. What's the verdict on continuing?))

[Ampara]

((Time to move on I think.))