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[Dragon]

K'dan sat by the lake. He had just finished washing Hydrath and now the dragon was enjoying the cool lake's depths. K'dan, on the other hand, simply looked out over the ocean. He had so many things to think about. He had returned to the weyr with quite a bang, appearing at the Masquerade and surprising Akki. He allowed a smile to cross his lips. He should have known the response she'd give. After all, he hadn't said a word about his return and the next thing she knew he was kissing her hand.

He had enjoyed himself that night. He was someone else completely. He wasn't the socially awkward K'dan he had been when he was first at this weyr. The smile remained on his face. His time as a weyrling here was something special. He had went through some of the best and worst times of his life here in this weyr as a weyrling. But now? Now those were just memories and he was transferred back. K'dan was a full fledged rider. He felt old, thinking about things this way.

I do not think you are old. I still think you're quite childish. Hydrath's voice rang in K'dan's mind. I'm the childish one? You throw a hissy fitt worse than Shadan. K'dan shot back to his dragon as he cocked his head, a smirk replacing the smile.

But Dark Moon was also a place where he fell in love, and where he lost it. That smirk was quickly replaced with a frown. Such things were hard to get over, especially when you were as intimate with someone as K'dan was. Hydrath was right, in a way. K'dan knew he was just a boy, as foolish and clueless as they came. K'dan had to learn his lesson, he had to grow up. And K'dan still considered himself still in the growing up process.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

G'han was running, trying to get some exercise done before the day set. The light was already starting to hint it would fade to dark. Rukbat was just starting to set. This was G'han's usual routine. When he came along to the lake, he saw a figure in the distance sitting by the lake. He decided to draw in closer and see who it was.

As he got closer, the figure started to look familiar. But G'han couldn't quite place it. When he was just within a few feet, he knew exactly who it was. He had heard K'dan returned to the weyr at the masquerade. Akki had informed him of that, and of the way she greeted him in return. G'han had laughed when she told him. It was very typical of her to do that sort of thing. G'han shook his head and smiled at the thought of Akki. Lately things had gotten...confusing, at best, with her. It was hard to pin down what was going on between them. But G'han wasn't overly worried about it. He'd just let the cards fall where they may and see what comes about.

When he was close enough, he stopped right behind K'dan, sat down with him, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Well well. Long time no see! I haven't heard a word from you since you left. You think you can hang around our old stomping grounds and not say a word to me?", G'han mock chastened his bluerider friend, he even wagged his finger at K'dan.

Gerenanth landed into the water with a loud splash. I know you're here Hydrath. You're just as guilty as yours for not having said a word to me. And Gerenanth was acting much like his rider, for once. Though part of his pride had been wounded. Afterall, he considered himself close to the young dragon and any dragon who was any dragon always spoke to Gerenanth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

K'dan jumped a bit when a hand was suddenly placed on him and someone sat beside him. But that smile returned again once he saw it was G'han. "Oh yeah, sorry about that. I guess I've just been so busy getting use to being here...again", he tried his best to apologize. K'dan had to admit to himself that he hadn't said a word to G'han since he came back. Funny how they'd break that long time silence here at the lake.

The lake had been where many memories were made. K'dan could remember the hand to hand combat training G'han gave him. He also remembered the many swimming races they held, and how G'han didn't always win them. He also remembered the dragons playing in the ocean, how Gerenanth always tried to be like the blues and hide in the water with them, but Ebbeth and Hydrath were just too good for him.

Gerenanth had landed near Hydrath. Infact, the blue had to quickly dart out of the way so he wouldn't get hit. Sorry Gerenanth. K'dan has kept me quite occupied with the re-adjustment. The blue spoke beneath the water, but didn't care to give himself away. Gerenanth would have to find him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Eh, it's fine K'dan. You know I'm just messin'. I'm part to blame anyway. Even if I have a better reason", G'han said and waved his hand to wave off any apology K'dan would have. He smiled at the boy then looked out over the lake with him. "Good times we had here. Good times", he said simply.

You are forgiven young one. But only when I find you. Show yourself. The bronze spoke slyly then dove under the water to look for the blue.

[Minajerie]

Andilay had come to the lake for some sword practice. Nothing like a nice straining of the muscles and then cool dip to end the day. And that's the part she was at- the cool dip. She had peeled off her training leathers in favor of some lighter skimpier swimming clothing... and a thigh sheath for her favorite dagger. She went nowhere without a sharpened piece of steel on her- even bathing.

She was simply floating in the lake's waters (she had decided to not be a good patient and was getting her arm wet anyways), when a familiar bronze sheen passed beneath her. Diving she nabbed a neck ridge of Gerenanth's and gave the bronze a hello caress. Letting go she kicked to the surface and lightly broke it, only letting her face above the water. If Gerenanth was here... then so was G'han... Maybe he'd like to go swimming with her? A sly smile spread across her face.

Lightly scanning the beach she found two males sitting near the shore. Well... hopefully G'han wouldn't get too jealous if someone saw her in nothing but a flamboyantly colored breast band and loincloth- her usual swimwear. At least she wasn't naked.. heh.

She slinked out of the water a god deal away from them- out of sight like. Andilay loved a good surprise. Sneeking up behind them she tried to decide what to do... if it was Rayn's beau, she may have held him at knife point and asked 'guess who?' But since this was her 'good friend' and his buddy... maybe a provocative hug instead would suffice.

With the speed and silence accredited to an assassin Andilay wrapped her arms around G'han's shoulder in an loose but affectionate hug. In a low and teasing voice she said her question anyway, while lightly pressing her body into his back. "Guess who?"

[Dragon]

K'dan looked out over the waters as well. "Oh? Good reason? Would that have to do with this new position I hear you've aquired?", K'dan smirked as he posed his question. Yeah, it didn't take him long to figure out G'han had moved up to wingleader position. All he had to do was ask the right people. Like say, Akki?

"Very good times", K'dan agreed with a nod.

Hydrath slinked further under the water, if that was possible. I never made finding me an easy task. Even for your forgiveness, you'll have to work at finding me. Hydrath remembered the old game he and his dragon friends would play. Find the blue in the water.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gerenanth responded warmly to the touch, but said nothing to Andilay. A dragon didn't often speak to another rider. Only to their dragon. Gerenanth only made such exceptions like Akki or Rhia. Those he had known the longest and whose dragons he was closest to.

"Yes, yes it does-", G'han replied, agreeing to K'dan. But his response was cut short as he felt a warm body pressing against him in a hug. The voice he recognized immediately as his new "friend". Or friends with benefits. Or whatever they were calling it now. G'han was managing to find himself in relationships he couldn't explain. Friends, but more than friends, but not weyrmates or steady or anything like that. He really had no explanation as to what these things were.

"Is it the Weyrwoman? I bet it's the Weyrwoman. Why Christae, what are you doing so provocatively close and pressing yourself on me like this? I always thought of you as more lady like", G'han turned around with a grin to discover Andilay, scantly clad as she was. "Oh, my apologies sweet. With such stealth, I only thought the elegance and grace of the Weyrwoman could sneak upon me in such a manner", G'han's grin grew wider if that were even possible.

I will find you, young one. Do not doubt that. I've grown adept at this game. Whether or not Gerenanth actually had was in question. Still, he managed to slink his way underwater behind Hydrath.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

K'dan jumped slightly as another person seemed to join them so suddenly. When he looked over, his eyes nearly wanted to pop out of their head. How was G'han so lucky? Was it because he was a bronzerider? K'dan couldn't figure it out. But here was a scantly clad girl hanging all over him.

[Minajerie]

Andilay punched the man's shoulder, not softly either. She was a full force kinda person- though she pulled back a little. "Ha, ha, G'han. Are you trying to foreshadow something? I highly doubt I'm gold material. The recent gold thought so too." She ran a hand through his hair and smiled. "Though, I do enjoy my time with a certain bronze rider... Oh, Hello."

Andilay straightened up and looked at K'dan. "We haven't been introduced. My name is Andilay, candidate and..." She pulled out her dagger and gave it a spinning throw up in the air, before catching it and re-sheathing it. "...sword for hire. You are...

---

Admin's Note:[/hr]" Andilay stretched out a welcoming hand, not really caring that she was introducing herself to a stranger while being so scantily clad.

[Dragon]

G'han laughed when Andilay punched him. He wanted to wince, but he was better than that and it'd only be out of the reaction to it. G'han really didn't expect a hard punch. "Dont worry babe, another one will come by and she'll be all yours", he said with a smirk.

"And I'm sure a certain bronzerider enjoys his "time" with you", G'han said with a chuckle and a smirk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

K'dan simply listened as the two went back and forth like they did. G'han seemed different than the last time they knew one another. He was obviously a bronzerider in regards to his lady luck. First Akki, now her. Then there was Rhia before this. K'dan was sure there were other women as well.

"Oh yes. I'm K'dan. Old friend of G'han's before we left the weyr and went our respective ways. Only to find ourselves back here again", K'dan introduced himself.

[Minajerie]

Andilay gave G'han a raised eyebrow look. "Oho, you think so? Perhaps, perhaps. You just like having a stronger woman nearby, don't you?" She chuckled lightly and ruffled his hair again. She loved playing with the bronze rider's hair. Call it a sign of affection. Or a simple girly reaction to something soft. Whichever. But remember that the girly comment might get the commenter a pummeling.

Andilay turned a raised eyebrow K'dan's way. A person who wouldn't shake hands was frowned upon in swordswomanship. It was a way to size up a person- and Andilay wanted to like this friend of G'han's.

She glanced meaningfully from his face to her hand. "It's nice to meet you, K'dan."

[Dragon]

K'dan frowned, realizing he hadn't shaken the girl's hand. He had been so distracted by her...lack of clothing that he overlooked the hand. "Oh, sorry", he said, and shook her hand. "Likewise", he said to her in response.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

G'han laughed. "Stronger? Maybe I just like someone who I consider equal. I usually keep the good ones around. No fun if I can't get any sort of entertainment. At the same time, you get just as much entertainment. Fair trade I say", G'han commented back. He closed his eyes when the girl ruffled his hair. Clearly he was pleased by this and his affection for this swordswoman was growing.

[Minajerie]

Andilay's eyes narrowed in laughter as she took and shook K'dan's hand. "Distracted by my jiggleys? I understand not many woman are as bold as I am, are you enjoying the scenery?" Just to be a little more distracting she gave her upper body a little shake, making her boobs jiggle. She enjoyed distracting men. It was a popular tactic with her... got her out of a scrape or two as well. Of course, she had been a newbie back then, but what could she say? Old habits and all that.

Andilay stuck out her tongue at the bronze rider. "Yes, you are entertaining, and my equal at wits... though I do enjoy one upping you." She gave him a quick sly smile.

[Dragon]

K'dan turned away, face slightly blushing. He still hadn't really gotten over his shyness around the opposite sex. Especially when they were scantly clad and jiggling around for him. "Oh. No. I didn't-", K'dan was tongue tied trying to explain himself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

G'han chuckled at poor K'dan's expense. "Come on Andilay. K'dan's always been a little lady shy. He's one of those real honorable nice type guys you here about. Nothing like me", G'han said with a snicker and nudged his friend. G'han may have enjoyed it, but he'd atleast stop it after he got to see the reaction.

Speaking of which, G'han really wanted to talk to K'dan about what happened with Nike. But with Andilay here, distracting the poor kid, he thought it might not be a good time. But he turned his attention to Andilay. "Yes. The rarest things are to be treasured", G'han said with a smirk, referring to being one upped.

[Minajerie]

Andilay shrugged and smiled at the bashful man. Honorable men were so cute. She'd have to introduce him to Rayn later. The new brown rider might enjoy his company- getting to know on another and such. Perhaps she'd get over her dislike of men if she met more good ones.

She ruffled G'han's hair again and bent down to kiss his cheek. "Now your just being sweet. What's a tough girl to do?" Brushing the hair away from his eyes she smiled. "I never did ask if I was intruding on something. If I am, I can go play Marko Polo with the dragons."

[Dragon]

"G'han. You don't have to say it like that. It's not like that at all", K'dan was now flustered by G'han's praise. He really didn't think of himself like that. He always thought he was just socially awkward around the other sex.

"Oh, nothing really", K'dan answered the woman. K'dan was sure she wasn't interrupting anything.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

G'han smirked as she ruffled his hair more and kissed his cheek. The bronzerider always enjoyed lady attention. Especially the scantly clad kind. "Adapt. That's what all the good fighters do", G'han said with a wink. G'han's area of expertise may have been different, but both Andilay and the bronzerider had the common term of fighter attached to them. There were certain terms and ways he could word things that would allow him to better communicate with the swordswoman. Even if it was in a joking manner.

G'han was actually going to say something when K'dan answered for him. Oh well. G'han would just ask K'dan later then. "Nothing at all", G'han said with a smile. Sit. Join us.

[Minajerie]

Andilays expression softened. "Ahhh, point." Adapting was important to swordspeople, but adapting to a sweetened G'han could come with consequenses. Like getting attatched. And from the looks of him, G'han wasn't ready for that. So, for now, she would adapt a little, but still treat the playful flirt as a playful flirt.

"I'm glad to hear it. I was actually kinda glad to see you again. And Gerenanth too. He's such a sweety." At the sit and join us part, Andilay decided that she needed a comfier spot. Like G'han's lap. "Why thank you, I think I shall." Wrapping an arm around his neck she happily lazed on the bronze rider, a smug smile on her face. "So, hows life?"

[Dragon]

"But of course, my dear", G'han said in a very high authority sort of tone. It was only mocking. G'han wasn't serious of course. The bronzerider rarely was. Life was a game to be played. There were times of duty and times of fun. Those were the two divisions for G'han. He really didn't do much that didn't fall into those two categories. "Never doubt my wisdom", he added.

"Gerenanth? A sweety? You must mean some other dragon. That bronze hide has only served a pain in my rear. He's like a representative of the brand of arrogant bronzes from Telgar. "Don't be so quick to judge just yet. I'm sure he only let you sleep near him so he could get a little body heat out of you", G'han picked on his dragon, though Gerenanth was too distracted with Hydrath to care.

The bronzerider was loving this all too much. He wrapped his arms around Andilay's waist and kissed her cheek. He'd save poor K'dan the rest of the public display he wanted to do to Andilay right now. The kid could only take so much. "I'm glad you find me so accomadating out of all the spots here. I'm sure K'dan's lap would be much more comfortable than mine", he responded. He wouldn't, however, spare him from further teasing.

"Life's grand. It's been dropping beautiful women into my lap lately", the bronzerider had a grin as he patted Andilay's bare leg. It was obvious what he was getting at with that joke. "I feel sorry for my friend, though. All these women flocking to me. There has to be one I can send his way. Any ideas?", G'han rubbed her sides gently with his hands as he continued to mess with K'dan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"No no. That-that's alright. I'm perfectly fine without a woman-without anyone, I mean. Keep them", K'dan said with an awkward smile and a shakey tone in his voice. He scooted an inch away, obviously uncomfortable with G'han's words and even some of his actions.

[Minajerie]

"I shall remember that... and doubt sparingly. After all, a girl has her own prerogatives." She relaxed in G'han's grip, enjoying the attention he gave her as well.

"Naww, I think he just likes me... and I'm terribly warm. But you know that already, don't you? Well, Gerenanth found out first just how much body heat I store. Though, you certainly tried to beat him to it with the whole sleeping in cleavage thing." She shrugged and pressed against him a little, as if he needed a reminder or example of what she was talking about.

"Oh, I think I should introduce him to Rayn. They might do each other good. She's rather harmless next to shy ones. She may even start to baby him... you saw her with Z'ayrs dragons. If they are cute and petable, she'll pet them. And shy and stammering will definitely go up to possible pet factor." She glanced at the agitated blue rider and gave him a warm smile.

[Dragon]

"Now now. I do believe I got to experience your body heat first. Gerenanth just got to sleep with you first. As awkward as that sounds", G'han said and laughed at his own words. That really didn't come out the way he wanted, but amusing nonetheless. "I believe I one upped him, however", he added.

"Rayne? Maybe. K'dan's a pretty likeable kid and loyal as any canine companion. We'll have to throw him at her and see how it works", G'han said with a smile and leaned in close to the kid.

"She's about as good lookin' as this one K'dan. Hear that? Luck out and she'll pamper you. Guys love being pampered by pretty girls. Common fact", he harassed the bluerider a bit more. He then turned to Andilay. "I always thought K'dan was pretty adorable. He gets so bashful around girls. What couldn't Rayne possibly like about that beet red face of his when you mess with him enough?", G'han continued, talking to Andilay. G'han was trying to be as tame with Andilay as possible with K'dan around. But with her sitting in his lap with barely a thing on her made it hard.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh stop it G'han. I'm sure this Rayne is a really nice girl, but she doesn't need to be thrown on me or baby me. I'm just fine by myself", K'dan responded, trying to get G'han to stop teasing him. The thought of another woman sounded nice. But was K'dan ready for it? He wasn't quite sure. And he didn't want to put this Rayne out by having her forced on him or have her pamper him. He really didn't want to inconvienence anyone.

[Minajerie]

Andilay wiggled a little in G'han's lap, just to tease him. He was holding back, and she knew it. 'I believe you would be correct in your beliefs." She started tracing random things on his chest, which, unfortunately, was covered by a shirt which she had gotten a little wet. "Sorry about my being wet. Didn't mean to get you damp."

"Oh, Rayn is sweet. To animals and creatures who are small and fuzzy or cute and draconian. To men? Hmmm... how should I put this... She eats cocky men for breakfast? Yeah, that sounds about right. If your introduced though, you have a fair shot. Be your normal self, and she might start feeling motherly... which is a nice feeling and cute to watch." At the 'fine by myself' comment Andilay gave the blue rider a good once over. "You're not gay are you? Cause if you are, I know this wonderfully interesting blue rider who would LOVE to meet you."

[Dragon]

G'han was containing himself as best he could, but having a scantly clad woman wiggling in your lap was a hard thing to deal with. She wanted to tease, G'han could understand that. Though part of him did want to spare K'dan from the PDA. He was getting a vibe from the bluerider that something was up with the whole female situation.

G'han would have wondered the same thing Andilay asked. G'han doubted it, however. K'dan did get Nike pregnant. That was a pretty obvious sign he was into females. Even beyond that, he saw how those two were together in the past. If G'han had to make a guess then he'd guess things went bad between Nike and his friend. K'dan must have been pretty attached to her, so it must have hurt him pretty bad. Maybe K'dan didn't think he was ready for anyone else.

That was G'han's guess anyway. Probably because G'han had experienced something similiar, if not different in it's own way. However, instead of closing up, G'han had opened up. He had become quite the social character. To each his own, G'han thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"What? No!" K'dan answered the swordswoman. It had really caught K'dan off guard. The bluerider really didn't go that way. He preferred the opposite sex. "It's not like that at all", K'dan explained, but didn't go any further. He looked from G'han and Andilay to the lake again. No, he wouldn't explain it. Maybe to G'han sometime later, but not right now. Not to a stranger, as nice as she may have been. It could wait.

Part of him would like to meet this Rayne, but he was still unsure. He didn't even know if it was even about him being ready or not. Maybe K'dan was just content being by himself. The bluerider couldn't really explain it. But maybe if he did meet some other girl, his mind would change. He couldn't be sure at this point.

[Minajerie]

Andilay frowned and easily slid out from G'han's arms. She straightened a little and looked at K'dan. She wasn't sure if he would accept it from her, but she was gonna hug the blue rider anyways. He needed a hug. She went straight up to him and folded the man into her embrace and gave him a little cuddle. Unfortunately, it would probably have been more effective- in the motherly/sisterly way if she had had all of her clothes on. But since they were almost all the way at the other side of the lake, it was kinda hard to begrudge the fact that she was scantily clad.

She pulled back from the hug and gave him a small pat on the shoulder. "Sorry if that surprised you, but I'm an impulsive type person. And my impulse told me you needed a hug."

[Dragon]

G'han did nothing as Andilay slid from his lap. A part of him was relieved she was no longer there to tease him. He watched as she hugged K'dan, not an inkling of jealousy in him. Mostly because it was K'dan and he probably did deserve one. But the rest? G'han was still all for being single and having random flings or friends with benefits. He still wasn't sure about the whole relationship thing. If he wanted to focus on an actual relationship, then he'd have to debate between Andilay and Akki. Maybe not a hard choice to some, but to G'han it was a hard thing to decide.

So why focus on it? It was much better to just go with the flow and let life take him where ever it pleased.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

K'dan jumped slightly as the woman hugged him. His muscles tensed, his movements stiffened, and he actually turned a bit red. Especially with Andilay's jiggly bits squishing into him. Even after all this time, K'dan was still a bit lady shy.

When she finally released him from the hug, K'dan did his best to regain his posture. "Thank you. Regardless if I actually needed it", he thanked her for the gesture. "So enough of all this. How have you been taking to all the recent events? The masquerade, the hatching, etc.

---

Admin's Note:[/hr]", K'dan asked. Clearly the question was posed at G'han, but Andilay was free to give her input as well.

[Minajerie]

Andilay glanced at G'han and then back to K'dan. Well, It was a question, one that either of them could answer soo...

"The hatching was interesting. It was my first time being mauled. It was quite the experience. My sword partner impressed though, to a strong brown. That's Rayn for you, the stubborn git." She paused and chuckled a bit here. "The queen's impression was interesting too, she was quite the beauty. Luckily I didn't get mauled that time." She said mauled like it was almost a good thing, which it wasn't, but she didn't mind a little tearing of flesh as long as it wasn't the vital kind. "I'm afraid I missed the masquerade, so G'han will have to fill you in there."

She shrugged and moved to behind G'han where she decided his shoulders looked much too tense, and started to massage them.