Discussing pasts and planning futures*OPEN TO ALL*

[catilena1890]

Relina sat at the edge of the lake, looking up at the late-night stars as Soranith and Zorn swam in the water. Faine should be arriving any minute. I am nervous, even though I planned this, why? Relina said, expecting her friend to be arriving shortly.

You have never discussed your past, this is true?[/color] Soranith asked Relina, coming to the edge to look at her. Relina nodded and laid back, crossing her arms under her head.

Yes. But I want Faine to know about me, all my friends should know who I am and why I am the way I am. Relina said, not quite sure if that made sense.

Doing new things is hard, but if you do them often enough, new things become regular things.[/color] Soranith explained. Relina sat up and looked shockingly toward her dragon.

Are you saying I should discuss my past with ALL of Dark Moon? Relina asked.

I am saying you should be open to others. You wished for a dragon to teach you to trust others, that means more than just one person. You do not nessisscarily need to tell everyone about you, but having more than one human friend would not hurt, mine. Soranith has more than one human friend, as does Zorn. Mine should too.[/color] Soranith said in her sassy tone. Relina sighed and laid back, watching the stars while she waited for Faine as Soranith went back into the water.

[Marnark’tranarprol]

Some of the stars were blotted out for a moment by a shape that was indescernable in the darkness for a moment, before it moved again and plainly became a human shape. "You think much harder, and smoke will start pouring out your ears." Remarked a distinctly masculine voice that went from being over head to parked on the ground not too far away.

But after that, not much came out of the person for a bit. Until ... "Is that little dragon a black, or something else? Something else, I'll wager. In this darkness anything would look black. Hmmm ... by the size ... " He trailed off.

Green Came the reply, before yet another dragon trundled past and plopped into the water to paddle around. Being an adult bronze, Geth displaced a lot of water, sending waves licking all the way up to where the riders were sitting. Hello Soranith. he greeted, to the weyrling.

[Akki]

A small tear formed in the corner of Faine’s eye as she opened her mouth, a loud yawn escaping.

She was tired, that was for sure. It was late now – the stars were out and shining brightly. She didn’t want to go to bed yet though, Relina was waiting for her at the lake. She practically skipped down towards the lake, whistling softly before a shape came into view. Oops wait, make that two shapes (Not including the dragons, of course). Apparently Relina and her weren’t the only ones who were out visiting the lake at such a late time.

“Sorry I’m late.” Faine grinned as she approached, lifting a hand to wave before she realize she was cradling a tray of food. Meat rolls, sweat rolls, berries; your name it, it was on that plate. The redhead blinked, staring at the tray with a frown, she didn’t remember picking it up. Shards, her hands were at it again. “Oh! Um. I brought food with me?” It came out more as a question than a statement, a weak cover up for her kleptomania. Oh well, maybe no one would notice.

Now that she was closer she could make out the shapes. Relina was one; an older man the other. She hadn’t met the man before but since there was a large dragon frolicking in the water she assumed he was a rider. “I’m Faine.” She introduced with a smile and a nod of her head.

[Minajerie]

V'dann had noticed Faine all the way back in the kitchens... in fact, he remembered something about Relina and a meeting and something something something... Whatever. He liked Relina, she was much like a wild feline unsure of how to take a stranger's kindness. So, when the candidate had nabbed a tray of food (Which he wasn't really sure she meant to do, but still seemed a wise gesture) he nabbed a large pitcher of klah and a few cups, tucking a few extra into his belt pouch.

He followed the red head out toward the lake and paused a moment, soaking in the night.

What are you doing mine? Snooping in someone elses business? Thats a no-no, you know.

Well, I kind of know her...

---

Admin's Note:[/hr] I wanna know more. You know me, I'm a friendly guy. I like having plenty of friends... I feel left out compared to my flocks back home. I'm out of the loop.[/i]

Well, just remember, I warned you, and come back soon. I don't like staying up here all the time by myself... healing is boring.

The blue rider chuckled and moved on. The sooner you heal, the sooner you can frollick about like the other hatchlings. It shouldn't take too long. He smiled as the response he got back from Funornth was nothing but a grumble of ascent.

When he neared the small group he couldn't help the large grin that spread over his face. "Sorry, hope you don't mind me inviting myself. I brought Klah?"

[catilena1890]

Soranith turned toward the bronze who had joined her in the water.

Greetings Geth. You have come for a swim? Or perhaps yours has come for mine? Either way, enjoy the waters, the lake is nice tonight.[/color] Soranith told him. As she finished, the bronze dragon's rider approached Relina, remarking her deep concentration, startling her. Relina sniffed at the rider and turned away, not appreciating the interruption, and was just about to snap at him for interrupting her thoughts when Soranith entered her mind.

Faine comes, as does another, Funornth's rider.[/color] Soranith stated. Relina sighed and shook her head, turning to the bronze rider.

"I do not claim the lake for myself, but I do not know who you are. I am about to have a conversation with a friend, and I would appreciate it if you did not eavesdrop." Relina said with as little venom in her voice as she could muster.

Be nice mine.[/color] Soranith snapped. Relina was about to retaliate when, just as Soranith said, Faine and V'dann appeared, bearing food and drink, and Relina raised a brow at the two.

"I see, well, no need to waste that then, but V'dann..." Relina started.

Mine, remember what I said.[/color] Soranith rushed.

But. Relina started.

Do not argue with me. Zorn tells Soranith Funornth's mine fed you two when you first arrived, be nice.[/color] Soranith said, reflecting on the lire-lizards thoughts as he grew excited about V'dann's appearence for that reason. Relina sighed, defeated by her dragon and flit, and moved over to make room for her friends.

"Never mind, please, sit. I have much to tell you. Bronze-rider, you may stay if you wish, you may benefit from the information I am about to give anyway." Relina said with more relaxation than she truly felt. If not for Soranith, Zorn, and Faine, she might not have had the strength to open herself to others as she was about to do. Faine had to know, it did not matter if there were others who knew as well, Soranith said that it would be good for her anyway, so for her sake, and Faine's, she would try.

[Marnark’tranarprol]

R'anl looked over at Relina for a moment. "I don't know you, either, so I guess we're fair. I'm R'anl." He introduced. "Point out the eaves to me, and I promise I won't drop them." He quipped, though he did understand her point. He climbed back to his feet, and dusted himself off before looking over at Faine. Though no one could see it in the dark, his brows peaked on his face with curiousity at her statement-question.

Before he could say anything, though, someone else arrived, also, announcing klah. Well ... it was a bone fide picnic, wasn't it? "Well ... " he started, before blinking and looking back down at Relina. "Alright." He answered, at suddenly being told he could stay after all. He really didn't have anywhere else to go or be ... and Geth certainly wasn't going to be talked out of his swim just yet.

I have come for a swim, yes. Mine does not know yours ... at least not yet. It is night time, now ... and nice and cool. Mine and I have come from a place where it is currently snowing and hailing ... during the day both of us rather feel like we can do little more than crawl across the ground and melt. Night time feels good. Mine will not admit to this, but it can be seen in how he slows down during peak hours. Geth explained. I admit it's making us into somewhat of night owls, until we get adjusted. So ... I swim. Nice and cool.

[catilena1890]

Yes. The night is nice, the water is nice. I shall sleep well tonight. I hope mine will as well. [/color] Soranith replied as she moved through the water. Relina was not feeling as good as her dragon however, for she was extremely nervous. Why wouldn't she be? She was about to discuss her past with total strangers. She grew more uncomfortable as she looked around her, wondering if there was a chance that she could turn back from this.

Soranith feels your stress, mine. Be calm, I am here, Zorn is here, mine is safe.[/color] Soranith assured her. Relina took and deep breath and regained her composure, smirking at her visitors.

"Well then, since I do not know where to begin, why don't one of you start me off with a question?" Relina said in a proud tone.

[Marnark’tranarprol]

"Okay. I'll bite." R'anl offered. "What is this about? Information? About what, exactly?" He asked, rather bemused. But he did sit back down again, as she had asked, crossing his legs before him and resting elbows on knees in a relaxed fashion.

Maybe eventually that tray of rolls would eventually make it over to where he was sitting ... they sure smelled good!

I have no doubt that yours will sleep well, as well. Geth assured the young green, rolling over in the water to submerge his top half as well. Keeping his legs tucked in close to his long body, he kept rolling until he was upright again. Lifting his head from the water, he shook it a bit and snorted out the water that had flowed into his nostrils.

[catilena1890]

Thank you Geth.[/color] Soranith said, paddling up to the edge of the lake to hear what Relina had to say. The bronze-rider's arrogant words annoyed Relina and she crossed her arms and closed her eyes, her right eye twitching.

"I originally invited only Faine to this little meeting to discuss my past with her. Soranith tells me I should be more open with other people so that is why I am allowing you and V'dann to listen." She explained harshly, though she didn't mean to sound that way.

Be nice.[/color] Soranith commanded her. Relina breathed in deeply and let it out slowly.

[Akki]

Faine glanced over at V’dann and grinned, “And he brought klah! We’re set!” Hopefully since V’dann brought something to drink it would look like they planned this. That way Faine wouldn’t have to admit to grabbing them without even realizing. “Congratulations also.” She added to the lad with a nod of her head and a large grin.

She walked up beside Relina and sat down, offering up the tray of rolls. “Anyone want one?” She asked, taking one for herself with her other hand. She turned to R’anl and motioned for him to take one off the tray, “Do I know you? I don’t think so, at least. I’m Faine.” She cast a look out to the lake and grinned. The man must be a bronzerider, that was clear enough.

She paused for a second, expecting some pang of jealousy to hit her. This man was a rider and she was still a candidate…but nothing came. There was no wave of jealously or anything – which actually slightly disappointed her. Everyone kept expecting her to be sad, she felt a little bad for not feeling terrible about Impressing.

“Swapping story time?” She asked with a beaming grin as she looked at Relina before pausing with a frown. What was a good question to ask? “Where do you come from?”

[Minajerie]

V'dann chuckled and set down a few of the cups he was holding. "Well, I'm not about to look a gift runner in the mouth." He left one cup in his hand and pored some klah in to it, and then held it out to Relina. "Klah? It's only polite to serve you first, seeing as you are kind enough to let me stay."

The blue rider smiled his usual kind smile. He would be silent and listen to what Relina had to say. He wanted to know more about the new green rider. She seemed interesting, and oddly fragile. He always had an urge to help her, or try to make her feel more comfortable- which wasn't necessarily odd for him. He was a people pleaser. He hated for people to be unhappy.

[catilena1890]

Relina smiled at Faine's bizzare question and chuckled.

"Swapping story time." She replied humorously, making a small joke out of it. Relina smirked and accepted the cup of klah from V'dann, letting the smell of it play in her nostrils before taking a small sip of the warm drink. She took a breath and looked around at the people around her, Faine, V'dann, the bronzerider, they were all going to learn something about her that could be used against her in the future, and yet, she did not get the feeling that they would do such a thing. She buried the thought and smiled at Faine. "I am from a lesser known hall of High Reaches Hold. I used to be a drudge, so to say." She said, grinding her teeth at the mention of her past position.

[Marnark’tranarprol]

R'anl gratefully accepted a roll from Faine's tray. "Thanks." he said, with a nod. "I don't beleive we have met, no. I'm R'anl." He answered her, before taking a hearty bite of the roll and merely listening to what was said afterward. But at the sound of Relina's tone at her last statement, he just had to interject.

"Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing dispicable about being a drudge." R'anl said. "You should not be ashamed of it. After all ... just try to image where the Weyrs and Holds would be without drudges. They are an integral part of the whole, and the whole cannot function without them. Yes ... there are more of them than any other caste. But that doesn't mean they're worth any less." He said. "There is nothing shameful in that." He told her, kindly.

Geth snorted again, and sprawled out belly-down in the water. Are you going to save me some of that? He queried.

What? My roll? Of course not! Go get your own dinner, you mooch.[/b] R'anl scolded, silently.

[Akki]

Faine turned her head so she could stare at Relina as the girl began her tale. She nodded along as R’anl made his comments about drudges. “I like drudges, they’re nice.” She said with a beaming smile. Her mother wasn’t a drudge but a cook – so Faine was often in the kitchens with her. The drudges would keep Faine out of harm’s way for the most part, keeping her entertained in between gathering dishes and cleaning tables.

Plus they let her count things.

But she wasn’t going to admit that just now. Faine was rather embarrassed of her compulsive disorder and all though she liked Relina, she just wasn’t sure if this was information she wanted to give out. “Weyrs would be really dirty without them.” She added with a nod of her head. Oh yes, Faine was quite a fan of drudges. She tore her eyes away from the girl to stare at the bronze dragon in the water, smiling slightly at the sight of the beast. He was so large!

[Minajerie]

V'dann nodded as he listened. He wasn't one to interrupt a tale. He was a listener and, when he had listeners, he told. But he wasn't a motor mouth to never stop. Apparently, Relina had been a drudge. Understandable, it was truly surprising, the amount of dragonriders that could be pulled from such a profession. It's as if their former employers didn't know of how much a gem their drudges truly were, and only their dragons could see it. The shine of their hides reflecting the shine in their rider's soul. At least, that's what he'd like to think. Apparently, he had a bright and flamboyant aqua blue soul. Who knew?

Pulling out of his reverie he grabbed and filled three cups, passing them to first the bronze rider, then Faine, then finally partaking of the klah himself. "Please Relina, continue. You were a drudge at... a... high reaches hold...

---

Admin's Note:[/hr] Then what?"

[catilena1890]

May I have one, Mine?[/color] Soranith asked sweetly, eyeing the tray of rolls. Relina Smirked and reached over, grabbing one and ripping it in half, giving the larger of the two halves to Soranith.

Do not gorge yourself, my dearest. She said sweetly as Soranith took the roll and ate it. Soranith looked to Geth and tilted her head.

Would you like one as well?[/color] She asked, being polite. Relina turned back to the others and tried to keep ahold of herself.

"Yes, well, not everyone feels that way Faine, R'anl. I was a drudge only because my father willed it." She said, spitting out the word 'father'. She inwardly seethed at the thought of him, and Zorn, sensing her discomfort, appeared by her side and she felt calmer as she stroked him, giving him half of her half of her roll.

"I was worked until I could work no more, given only what was needed to remain alive, and forbidden contact with anyone unless I was addressed. These were his instructions." She said, trying to avoid saying the word 'father', for it would send her into a rage again.

[Marnark’tranarprol]

Geth turned an amused look upon the little green, rumbling softly deep in his big chest. No, that is quite alright, little one. Truth be known, you should not be eating that, yourself. Minefood can make you quite sick to your stomach ... especially while you're so young. he informed her. However, it is always fun to pick on them about it. He added, eyes swirling quickly in humor. He flicked a foreleg up, splashing water all over the place, playfully.

R'anl accepted the mug of klah gratefully with a nod, before sipping of it. Wasn't the best klah he'd ever had ... but then it had traveled all the way to the lake before getting drunk, so that was only expected. At least it was wet! And sometimes? That was all that mattered. Setting the mug on the ground by his thigh, he tore a bit of roll off to munch on as he listened.

"Ah ... if you don't mind my asking... who was your father?" He asked. It all seemed so very odd to him... why would any parent want their child to be a drudge? Why not instead try to ensure they became educated in some craft or other? Those people who became drudges were usually those who had difficulty with the advanced learning of a craft. Thus the menial labor. Who ever the guy was, R'anl would not be surprised at all if he turned out to be a drudge too ... he was certainly missing more than a few screws upstairs. Or, conversely, if the man was someone important ... and she was a child he rather wished didn't exist. It happened sometimes. Sad as that was.

[catilena1890]

I shall keep that in mind, thank you, Geth.[/color] Soranith said with sincere gratitude. The question from Geth's rider, as innocent as it was asked, felt like a mental slap to Relina, her mind speeding through the memories up to Zorn's Impression.

"I'd rather not say his name, for I have not come to terms with him and his treatment of me yet." Relina said with dignity. In truth, she really hadn't thought much about her father since she got to the weyr. It wasn't until she had invited Faine into her heart that all the memories came back to her. Talking about it now made her uneasy, uncomfortable, scared. Relina blinked and shook her head, her father could no longer harm her, physically or emotionally.

That's right. No one shall harm you as long as I live, mine. I will protect you from all that hurts you. No matter what happens you are my Relina, and I am your Soranith, that is how it shall remain.[/color] Soranith said, looking at Relina rather sweetly. Relina smiled at the little green and leaned back a little.

Soranith, please come my dearest. Relina asked. Soranith wobbled out of the water and approached Relina, laying next to her and wrapping an awkward wing possessively around her. Relina pulled the wedged-shaped head into her arms and cradled it, not caring who saw. For them, they were in their own little world, basking in the love and care of each other. They would've stay that way all night, until Soranith pointed out a crucial fact to Relina.

They watch, they wait, Mine must continue. I stay.[/color] Soranith said, gently laying her head down till it rested in Relina's lap. Relina's eyes opened wide and she cleared her throat, looking at the others.

"Forgive me, this is not an easy conversation for me to have. Please, continue with your questions." Relina said, her composure regained.

[Minajerie]

V'dann quickly smothered his want to turn the conversation into a lighter direction by offering to create a mob and riot at this hold. If he had ever seen Relina actually submitted to the abuse she spoke of- or anyone really- he wouldn't just joke about it. With her here, and a dragon rider, things seemed... well, out of perspective. Though, if he recalled correctly, she was very skinny when she came to the Weyr.

"Is that why you were so starved when you reached here? Could you take no food with you? At least you have begun to gain some since then, you look healthier- but, to be worked so ruffly... it makes me angry at the idea. How did you get away?"

[catilena1890]

Relina looked curiously at V'dann and nodded. "Yes, you see, I had no idea I would be coming here. A few days before I came to the weyr, I was with a small party on a trip to Southern Weyr to trade, and I wandered off. I was at a little cove, where I found Zorn, when someone attempted to kill me. Thank Faranth, Zorn led me to safety. When we came out of hiding, though, my party was gone, I was abandoned. I doubt anyone at High Reaches even knows I'm alive." Relina said, remembering the circumstances in which she found dark moon. Soranith rubbed her head against Relina's belly as Zorn chittered happily at her.