Knife To Know You

[Minajerie]

"Hah-Ha!" Using her table knife Andilay speared a big piece of meat off of Rayn's plate. A challenging smile on her face.

"Hey! Give that back! I was gonna eat that! If you don't I'll...!" Rayn pouted, smacking her own table knife on the table with a small hint of promised malice.

"Oh, please, your as scary as a buttered muffin." Andilay brushed the threat away with a look of perfect ease.

"I'll take that as a compliment seeing as how you don't seem to remember Auntie Agnes' muffins..." Both women shiver in revulsion.

Andilay stabbed the air with her knife, the piece of meat still dangling on it. "Those were not muffins, those were rocks covered in bread crumbs for camouflage." She made a small swirling gesture that almost made the meat go flying. Almost. "She's trying to kill us, I just know it."

"Aww, Auntie isn't that bad. She just shouldn't cook." With a quick move Rayn skewered the meat piece that Andilay had stolen and whipped it off the offending enemy knife and into her mouth. After she was done chewing she said, "At least Uncle Ben's cooking is good."

"You have to many family members." Andilay smiled into her klah. It was good, and it was fun to tease Rayn.

"And you have too few."

[Dragon]

G'han yawned lazily as he took a seat next to the two girls. Azure was perched neatly across his shoulders, ready for food. It was time for the blue flitt to be fed. G'han really couldn't explain the yawn, and he didn't know of a person who could explain a yawn. It was just one of those things that happened. He really didn't take note of the girls at first, he just chose an empty seat. He picked up a piece of meat and tossed it at Azure after he had crawled from the bronzerider's shoulders to the table infront of him.

The blue flitt gobbled it up quickly and G'han sighed as he shook his head. "Eat a little slower, you act like I never feed you", he lectured. He then looked over to the two girls and waved, his expression changing to that goofy smile of his that he often gave. "Hello there. Nice to meet you. My name's G'han, rider of bronze Gerenanth-the-pain-in-the-rear", he introduced himself. The bronze gave an irritable snort at his ledge. His rider hadn't hidden that from him at all.

[Minajerie]

Rayn wiped off the meat juice from her knife before using the tip to lightly scratch at her scar (children, don't try this at home). Her face looked thoughtful as she looked over the bronze rider, however, she chose not to say anything just yet. She would, once Andilay had accepted his introduction. She was weirdly proper that way.

Andilay raised an eyebrow at the man, and glanced over to her partner, Rayn to see the woman scratching at her scar with her knife again. "Would you cut it out with that odd habit of yours? You'll poke your eye out with that knife one day."

Rayn rolled her eyes and slammed her knife into the table, embedding the knife into the smooth wood. "There, y' happy Andy?" She rested her cheek on her fist, her thumb picking up the action of rubbing her scar.

Andilay sighed in defeat. The younger swordwoman could be so difficult sometimes, it almost felt like she was the older sister chastising the younger for doing something bad. In a way, it was exactly like that. Turning her attention back to the man... Er, dragonrider, she managed to pull a half smile into order. "It is nice to meet you, G'han of the bronze rear thorn Gerenanth. My name is Andilay." She lightly took the tip of her knife in her other hand, gently spinning it with her callused fingers. "And I am a sword for hire, new found candidate, and whittler extraodinair."

Rayn couldn't help but chuckle a little at her older partner's introduction. "Oh yes, very extraordinary!" Since Andilay had introduced herself, that meant Rayn was free to do so as well. "I am Rayn, also a sword for hire, new candidate, and am a lover and saver of animals."

[Dragon]

G'han tossed a bigger scrap to Azure as the young women introduced themselves. With any luck, it would keep him occupied long enough for G'han to actually make decent conversation without him butting in for more.

"My my, what excellent introductions", G'han sounded impressed. Swordswomen, for hire? That was a new one, and it certainly intrigued the bronzerider. He had trained hand to hand, and he could handle a staff well enough, but beyond that he really didn't have much experience with weapons. But a sword of all things? G'han couldn't ever recall someone he knew owning one. "Swordswomen for hire? I'm afraid I may not make enough to hire you", G'han admitted with a smile and empty hands extended to put emphasis on his point.

Unfortunantly those extended hands only came as an invitation for Azure to slither into them. "You gluttonous flitt, there's no food in my hands!", G'han exclaimed loudly and systematically parted his hands so that Azure was dumped on the ground. The flitt made a near hissing sound that surprised the bronzerider, but he threw him another scrap of meat to satisfy him. He then turned back to the two women. "Ignore him. He eats twice his body weight in food. It's really a bother", G'han near apologized to the two, but the comedy in his tone wasn't lost, nor did that goofy grin of his fade.

"So where do the two of you hail from? A nearby hold? Some distant land, perhaps?", G'han asked genuinely. Not that he was poking fun at the two at all, but he certainly had his interest finely tuned. Gerenanth, however, scoffed at his rider. If that name sticks, I am going to squash you. G'han showed no outward signs of response to his dragon's remark, but he did give a mental shrug to his dragon.

[Minajerie]

Andilay smiled and quirked an eyebrow at G'han. "I doubt you would need us to guard you. After all, several feet of scaled dragon tipped with teeth tend to make people think twice about bothering a dragonrider."

Rayn made a gestured toward G'han, taking in his full appearance. "That and the fact that you look lean enough to take care of yourself means you are not a worth while prospect for an employer." Rayn skimmed the kitchen area and added, "In fact nobody here is. We would have to move on and perhaps sleep on the road."

Andilay smiled. "One can only afford luxury when one is getting payed. And even then, it is still a luxury, and therefore taken in moderation."

Rayn mock shook a fist at Andilay. "Darn your practicalities! If it wasn't for you we would be.."

"Face down in a ditch somewhere? Yes, I know." When Rayn gave her a mini glare Andilay smiled sweetly back at her partner.

The flitt made Rayn's eyes go large with want, making Andilay give her a glare. No more pets unless they were staying, Rayn knew this well. But still, she wanted a mini dragon so forcefully! Even a little glutton like the blue flitt on the table.

When G'han asked about home towns the two women exchanged a dark look. Both women had had less than pleasant memories of them, and wished to keep them out of mind. Andilay, taking the initiative replied. "We come from all over. We travel to were the work is. Rayn's family is also in the guard for hire business and that's where she learned the trade. I've known swordsmanship all my life and turned it into a profession out of... necessity."

[Dragon]

"I dunno", G'han shrugged as he leaned back in the chair and looked up at the ceiling. Yes, he was lean enough to take care of himself. But that didn't mean he could use some bodyguards. "I could be a pretty big thing in this weyr, lots of people could be going after me. In large numbers I might need a couple swords for hire", G'han jested. It was just like him to make up a story and run with it as though it were his reality. "Either that or I think having body guards would be cool", G'han looked over at them with a grin as he reached out with his fork and lightly jabbed a piece of meat, put it in his mouth, chewed it, and swallowed.

"Life of a traveler then? Must be a fun life. It sounds like an adventure to me", G'han spoke up. He leaned forward again and rested his elbows on the table before him. He then laid his chin in his hands. Azure looked up at him, gave a chirp, and flew to the top of his head to rest there. G'han sighed in defeat. "You know, this little guy can be quite a pain when it's around feeding time. Otherwise, he can be fairly well mannered", he commented, while his eyes peered up to his flitt.

[Minajerie]

Rayn's lips twitched with the promise of a smile. "Well, if you were such a 'big thing' you should have the funds to have us at your back. After all, with us standing behind you, anyone wishin to give you a hard time will think twice. If they don't," here, the promised smile appeared, but as a malicious smile that promised pain, "we will set them straight real quick like."

Andilay snorted in her klah. "Must you be so cruel when I am drinking? I canna enjoy it."

Rayn looked at her older partner with a quiet look contempt. "Enjoy the cruelty, or the klah?"

"Both, of course. You are so entertaining, and klah is so satisfying." After saying thus, Andilay took another long swig from her mug. "Adventures are all well and good. It is nice to meet new people and see new sights all because the money moves."

Rayn smiled joyfully when G'han mentioned the little flitter. "I don't care if he is rude or well mannered, I just want one of his siblings! He is soooo cuute!"

Andilay made a look of disgust at her younger sword-mate. "Must you sound so shrilly feminine? And you do not need another pet. Your shards'n kitten is enough."

"He is well mannered, he just doesn't like you. We should stay here for a time. If you get a pet, I bet your attitude towards the small footed would change." Rayn made puppy eyes at Andilay who mearly frowned and huffed, looking away and not giving in.

[Akki]

Dinayth trotted to the entrance of the Kitchens, pausing and turning behind him. If he could have tapped his foot with impatience, he would have. Why are you walking so slowly. You have longer legs than I! Move faster. The almost black dragonet snapped. Z’ayr often wondered how Dinayth was a male; he was clearly such a princess. Z’ayr thought he was flamboyant, but Dinayth was like five hundred Z’ayrs combined into a tiny dragonet body. It seemed almost impossible and yet there Dinayth was, living proof. Z’ayr rolled his eyes dramatically behind Dinayth’s back, stepping to the dragonets side.

“You’re just walking fast because you’re fat and want to stuff your face.” Z’ayr sniffed as a retort, using one hand to try and flatten his hair down a bit. He grabbed a cup of klah from a tray, flashing a smile at the drudge who held said tray as she made her way out. Who’s the fat one now? The dragonet responded sarcastically. “It’s klah! I’m thirsty!” Z’ayr loudly defended himself, shooting the critter a dirty look. He shook his head in annoyance and looked around. Most of the tables were empty; only one table had people at it. He really didn’t want to seem like the anti-social one here.

“Mind if I join you?” Z’ayr asked with a beaming smile, klah in one hand with a dragonet at his feet. Wait, who was so cute? He cast a look at the only male at the table. Eh, he was decent looking. Not exactly Z’ayr’s preference, but who was he to judge what a girl thought of the man. Z'ayr needed to stop walking into conversations at mid-point, maybe then he would have realized they were talking about a flitt and not G'han.

[Dragon]

G'han laughed. They seemed to have found a flaw in his far fetched logic. "Right you may be", he conceeded, taking a bite to eat. Once he thoroughly chewed and swallowed, he washed it down and then smiled at the two again. "Let's say we're really good friends then. Anyone dare mess with me then?", G'han suggested, the smile turned sly. Not that G'han was a moocher, but it'd be a pretty advantageous situation to be in.

"I think we'd be a pretty formidable trio", he added extra commentary. Well it was true, these two certainly seemed capable of handling themselves and they already mentioned that G'han himself seemed capable to handle his business. Wouldn't it make sense that the three of them together were even more formidable?

G'han nearly choked on the comment. He certainly didn't see Azure as cute. He was a bit of a pest, really. Still, G'han loved his little blue flitt nonetheless. He looked over as Z'ayr came to sit with them and nodded at him. He only knew the weyrling in passing. "This blue blob? Cute? I think you have the wrong blue flitt", G'han continued the conversation. "But if you stick around for awhile, there may be a flitt hatching soon and you might just get one", G'han added. Well if she was so interested in having a flitt, maybe she would stick around to get one. G'han didn't mind having a few extra people around to talk to anyway. Especially when they were of the female persuasion. G'han found it alot easier to talk to the opposite sex.

[Minajerie]

Rayn dis-lodged her knife from the table and gave the newcomer a glance. Looking at Andilay who shrugged Rayn answered. "No. Don't mind at all.. as long as I can pet your dragon... "

Andilay threw a biscuit at Rayn's head, which she dodged smiling broadly. "Show respect to the little lord. He is not as simple minded as your cat."

Rayn laughed. "You didn't let me finish! I was gonna say, but only if he says it's ok!" Rayn fended off another biscuit, but this time chose to stick it in her mouth and take a bite.

Andilay gave a nod. "Good then." Andilay looked back over at G'han and gave him a smile. "We are always looking for good friends and companions. As far as formidable... We are pretty scary alone. Put us together and people should back away."

"Back away from my love of flitters. You said there is a hatching soon? Squee! C'mon Andy! Y'know one could come in handy!! You could even get one! I'm sure they can take messages!" Rayn gave her sword partner big puppy dog eyes.

Andilay shook her head and chuckled absently, "We will see." After saying thus she gulped the last of her klah. "Ah... so good, but all gone."

Rayn looked at her in awed disbelief. "That's the third one!! Don't tell me... You want another one, right?"

Andilay smiled wide and sly. "But of course, young sword. I love my klah."

Rayn snorted. "Don't I know it. At least it brings in money from the fools who bet against you in drinking races."

Andilay laughed whole heartedly. "Too True! Ha-haa!"

[Akki]

Z’ayr nodded back to G’han with the respect one should give to a bronzerider. He hadn’t really had any actual conversation with the man but often saw him with Akki. He turned his attention to Rayn and gave her a grateful smile, glad that he would be able to communicate with some people instead of being the loner in the corner.

He carefully sat away from G’han. It wasn’t that he was being rude or anything, but flitts still made him rather nervous. He was still wary of Aesa, the gold often wrapped her tail around his neck as he slept and he was convinced that maybe, just maybe, she was trying to kill him. She wasn’t of course, she was trying to give him a hug but Z’ayr was too paranoid to accept that as an answer.

“Urrrg. Don’t show him respect, he called me fat.” Z’ayr groaned loudly, sliding into his seat. He beamed at Rayn and Andilay, “I’m Z’ayr by the way. He’s Dinayth.” The dragonet lifted his head slightly at the sound of his name, staring at his mine with churning eyes. You better treat me with more respect Mine, or I will switch and decide to Impress on that girl. The blue snorted, walking over to Rayn and sitting down at her feet. He looked up at her expectantly, waiting for the pets she more or less promised.

[Minajerie]

Rayn had to hold in the squeal of glee that so desperately wanted to get out of her as she reached down and stroked the dark dragon. At first she was very gentle and after a few tentative pets she started to do it more lovingly. He was warm yet not... so odd, but wonderful to touch. She even lightly scratched his eye ridges. "Well, are you? Fat I mean. It doesn't look like your fat, but, y'know, appearances can be deceiving."

Andilay threw her hands in the air. "By Faranth! Must you pick on everyone?" She sighed and shook her head. Looking up at the weyrling(she thought that's what he was) and gave him a little scrutinizing. "I apologize for my younger sword sister. She has away with... Well. She has a way." Andilay shrugged and stood up. "Excuse me for a moment? I wish to get more klah."

Rayn absently waved for her to go, in an almost rude fashion.

[Dragon]

"Well, there's not one going on that I know of yet. But with so many around, it's bound to happen sooner than later", G'han responded as he leaned forward on the table and took another bite of his meal. "I got Azure, here, at a flitt hatching that took place at this weyr awhile back", G'han added as he pointed to the blue flitt.

By now, Azure was content enough not to bother G'han for more food so he kept quiet on the table before him. "Ah, feeding time must be over. He's not being so bothersome", G'han chuckled and rubbed the blue flitt's ridges. G'han felt a little bit nastalgic now as he looked down at Azure. It had been quite awhile since he took on the blue flitt.

[Akki]

Dinayth pressed himself into the girl, thoroughly enjoying the attention he was receiving. Because he isn’t vain enough Z’ayr thought with a silent snort of amusement. Dinayth clearly thought of himself as some sort of celebrity among dragons. When Dinayth was older, a bronze was going to very quickly put him in his place. Or at least Z’ayr hoped, the blue acted more like a gold everyday. Z’ayr blinked at Rayn before looking at himself, scrutinizing every aspect of his being. “I…I don’t think I’m fat.” He said with a small grin. He was secretly fat actually. While he looked rather svelte, he had days where he would eat non-stop. He couldn’t help it, guilty eating was the best and worst thing. But no one needed to know about that dirty habit of his, he wanted to keep that a secret.

“Guys don’t life fat, I think. So I need to stay slim and attract as many as I can.” Z’ayr explained, fluffing his hair with his right hand with exaggeration. Z’ayr looked up at Andilay and beamed at the girl. “Everyone at the Weyr has a way with something, I’m sure she’ll fit right in.” Flashes of Akki and Kira popped into his mind. Akki was clueless while Kira flirted with everything and anything. “Are you two candidates?” He asked with interest, not directing his question specifically Rayn or Andilay – Well, more Rayn now that Andilay was getting more klah.

[Minajerie]

Rayn nodded as Andilay left. "We were recently searched. I'm so glad Andilay said yes, because I don't think I would have come if she didn't. She is my sword sister, I trust her in everything. If coming was not a good idea, we would not have come. But I think a dragon is a good idea, and if, Faranth willing, we are blessed with a dragon, I think it would do her good." Rayn gave a half smile to Z'ayr, but was also slightly distracted with the petting and giving of major affection to Dinayth.

Andilay was soon back, a mug of klah in both hands. "So... do you enjoy weyr life... um... What was your name again? I'm Andilay if I haven't introduced myself yet. That happy piece of goo stroking your dragon is Rayn."

[Akki]

Z’ayr nodded, listening to Rayn as she spoke. “I’m guessing you and Andilay are like, best friends then?” He sort of wished he had a best friend. He had a fair number of friends, don’t get him wrong but he didn’t know anyone well enough to be willing to spend tons of time with them non-stop. He was sort of jealous of Rayn and Andilay for that fact, but he was keeping it hidden. He bobbed his head up and down in a rather happy nod. “Having a dragon is really fun!” He beamed before leaning in a bit and whispering softly, “As long as you don’t get a prissy dragon.”

I can hear you. Dinayth snorted. He truly was enjoying the attention that Rayn was showering upon him. He got a fair bit of attention from Z’ayr but it was still nice to get some from others. Made you feel important, you see. And the dark blue dragon liked feeling important.

“It’s Z’ayr.” He said pleasantly, not minding the fact that his name was forgotten, He wasn’t all that good with names either. He gave Andilay a large grin. “I love it here actually.” He said with exuberance. “I was at a small Hold so everything is so different here. But I wouldn’t give it up for the world.” It was clear to see that he thoroughly enjoyed Weyr life. “You were just searched right? What do you think of Dark Moon so far?”

[Minajerie]

Rayn giggled and nabbed a piece of meat from her plate and offered it to Dinayth. "Prissy or not, he is a blessing. I'm sure deep down you both truly treasure each other." Rayn's smile was hidden from Z'ayr by her bangs, but she had no problem with dazzling Dinayth with it.

Andilay nudged Rayn's shoulder with her mug. "Well, I suppose we are like best friends. We've known each other for... what? Two years now? I've been looking after her sorry shell the whole time."

That comment managed to get Rayn out of her petting coma. "Hey! Are you trying to undermine my skills?"

Andilay's mouth twitched, hinting at a smile being denied. "Possibly. After all, you almost lost an eye once."

Rayn frowned and ran her fingertips down her scar. "But I didn't, I just got this rather nice, character giving scar added to my face. Where as you have two large scars, one that looks like it should have disemboweled you." Rayn huffed and crossed her arms in a show of displeasure.

Andilay winced. "Ooo! Low blow. But I don't have to explain a scar I received before you joined me. Well, I will say that the man who was kind enough to bandage me was H.O.T." Andilay smiled coyly and her expression was smug as she copied Rayn's posture of crossed arms.

"Hmmf!" Rayn turned away from the other woman and gave her attention back to the dragonett, obviously the loser in the mini word battle; and sulking because of it.

Andilay chuckled. "Well... I'd say that Dark Moon is... Different than what we are used too. But I think that may be a good thing. Our jobs have become... too much of a- a chore I suppose. It has lost some of that 'fire'! We needed a change of pace in our lives, and this was it..."

[Dragon]

G'han listened in on the conversation casually, finishing up what he had set before him. Conversation was nice and all, but he didn't want his food to go bad. So he happily stuffed his face and washed it all down while the two women held a conversation with the weyrling.

When G'han was finished, however, he took note of the topic of scars. "Oh? We're comparing scars now? I've got a couple nasties, one more visible than the other", G'han had finally spoken up. He pointed to the small, horizantal scar that ran about three inches along his neck. "The other one's bigger, but that's privalige only", G'han added casually with a wink.

[Akki]

“Errrr. Treasure. Sure.” Z’ayr said with a lack of enthusiasm. He was always wondering if Dinayth was simply using him, waiting for someone bigger and better to come along. Meanwhile, Dinayth was wondering the same thing about his bonded. An interesting duo they made.

Dinayth let a croon slip out of his mouth, responding to Rayn’s smile. If she stays around for the hatching Mine, I think she can become a good rider. Dinayth confided in Z’ayr, surprising the boy a bit. Since when did Dinayth say sentimental things like that?

Z’ayr rested his chin on the table, grinning as he watched the two girls banter back and forth. “I wish I had a relationship with someone like the way you two have one.” Z’ayr replied with a grin. They seemed to care free and relaxed with each other, teasing and sulking. He was most definitely jealous. He wanted a friend like that too! He had a friends at Dark Moon but none that he could really call his best friend unfortunately.

He nodded, understanding what Andilay was saying. “Just something to spice it up again for you, right?” If you wanted spice, Dark Moon was the place to go. There was always some sort of drama or gossip around here. He watched as G’han joined in, comparing scars. “You all have me beat.” The boy admitted, pointing to the tiny scar on his face – nothing compared to theirs. Z’ayr cocked his head to the side and asked with innocence, “So do you guys treat scars like trophies then? I don’t think I’ve ever met people like that before.”

[Minajerie]

Andilay tapped her chin as she thought. "Well, we can always use another friend in our circle. You seem like a nice and interesting person. I believe you will find a good 'best friend' soon. If not with us, then someone else who fits you better." Andilay showed a small but warm smile to Z'ayr.

Rayn nodded and let her mouth quirk into a half smile. "Yes, please come and hang out with us anytime. Bring Dinayth too, I'll give him some more attention." Rayn couldn't help but lightly giggle at that.

"Only shown to the privileged few? Make me wonder what, exactly, the scar is from and just what one has to do to see it..." Andilay wore an amused expression. "My scars aren't very scandalous..." She put down her mug and lifted her leather vest up to mid chest,exposing a faded scar that cut diagonally down from her left side down to near her belly button. "There is this one..." Then she simply turned her right arm in a slightly uncomfortable way and pointed to the scar that ran from shoulder to elbow. "And this one. I think that the first scar is almost like a badge. A 'Congrats, you were stupid, but at least you were strong and wise enough not to die' kind of badge. The second scar is either about toughness, or carelessness. Usually carelessness. But again, no bleeding to death, so it's all good." Andilay shrugged and smiled, taking up her mug once again and sipping from it.