Working it out (Any)

[mc16neo]

It was his day off from chores and Kegin felt something for the first time. For the first time he felt humiliated. He felt like anything he said seemed childish and unheard. This was not acceptable to him. He wasn't a child just forgotten or inmature. He was someone who had faced more pain then a thread scored rider. he had lived his life running from his older brother. He had to deal with someone, who was his blood, wanting to kill him. The scars on his body proved he was a fighter and as such he would not just sit around a sulked. He was more of a man of action. Kegin headed to the Weyr Bowl and proceeded to run it. He had to run it twice with the other candidates and found it calming. He was able to think while he ran. The size gave him plenty to look at in a view of dragons and those walking by. He proceeded to do lap after lap.

It was clear that he would never fit in. It was clear that many may not like him. And it was clear that he didn't give a Sharding Shell what any other thought of him. For a lone candidate to be running the Bowl by himself it seemed odd but he enjoyed it too much. He had finished his second lap when he felt like he would fall. But Kegin could not afford such a treat. He continued to push himself harder and harder. He knew that running would increase the amount of endurance the body had, and Kegin wanted more.

He was about half way around the bowl a third time when he tripped and went to his hands and knees. He fell over onto his side, then rolled over to his back. He looked at the sky, sweating and tired. His legs ached as much as his lungs and his body wanted nothing more to do. He looked at the sky, at the flying dragons, and wondered not for the first time what it was like to fly with a partner. His eyes looked around the Weyr and he thought how strange it was to be an outcast of a place made to become closer to those you live with.

Kegin sighed and felt his frustration melt away as he saw the bigger picture. Now if only there was someone else that would add him in it. Someone who didn't run off instead of talking to him. Someone he could be friends with.

[seneth]

Living in a Beasthold there was never such things as days off, for day in, day out, the beasts would need feeding, mucking, brushing, training, herding, carting, riding, and all the other manner of things. Even during Gathers the beasts came first and yet Bicran wouldn’t want it any other way. Some might see as dull drudgery, but no one could doubt that the beastholds kept food on the table, offered transport for the holders and hides on their backs. Even in the Weyrs they offered similar services, caring for the beasts that fed their dragons and riders. The source of blood for risings, and the mountain of feed for growing dragonets. It was amongst these beasts, runners and canines, that Bicran had settled in as a Candidate in Eastern Weyr. But now two turns on, 3 failed hatchings later, he found himself here. Darkmoon Weyr, still a Candidate and yet to gain permission to carry out chores with the Stablemaster.

With a long sigh the tall, almost brute like Candidate, scuffed his boots in the dust. If he could avoid it he didn’t want to face up to the Candidate Master to tell her he’d prefer different chores. He could almost imagine her reaction….well he couldn’t, but he sure it wasn’t going to be good. The lad grimaced brushing a frustrated hand through his pale blonde hair. He was no Harper, he couldn’t magic up clever words to convince another person, let alone a woman. Give him a raging runner, or a stubborn herdbeast any day! He sighed brushing the dust from his trousers, a pale blue eye following the escape of his young canine.
The runt had clearly filled out and grown since their arrival at the Weyr, with its short white pelt covered in spots and patches of black. Its tail and head perked high in curiosity. After a quick glance back at Bicran it almost seemed to grin at him before prancing into the Weyrbowl.

Watching the tail dash behind the corner Bicran bit back a smile, Doesn’ matter what some healers say…yeh can’t tell a’young animal its hurt and shudn’t run… He chuckled, slinging his work jacket over his shoulder. The morning had been cool, but now with the sun high, he was grateful for his sleeveless shirt. To think two turns a go he was almost as bad as the pale candidate. A true dimglow, despite the misleading colour of his skin. Its naturally tanned hue, a blessing under the Southern sun. Even if it did make his eyes and hair stand out all the more…He liked to think it was his personality rather than his appearance, that secluded him from the others. But that didn’t matter now, that pup could be anywhere, he winced as he jogged round the last bend into the Weyrbowl.

…..
With tail held high the young canine managed an awkward shuffle run, its broken left foreleg bound up tight. The Weyr had so many smells, so many things to see and taste! But not the stuff that covered its leg, he’d gotten into trouble for tasting and chewing that. Something told him he might get into trouble again, but not now. Now was the time to explore! So with his tongue lolling out and tail wagging he eyed the lone person. Its smell, strong, the canine blinked as Kegin fell. More out of curiosity than anything, he bound up to the person. He, Soot, was no bigger than the man’s calves, maybe slightly taller because of his high pointing ears, but not by much.
As he neared the man he offered a cautionary sniff, sensing no danger, he approached. His curious nature bringing him to hover his head over the man’s upturn face, his tongue aiming a passive lick at Kegin’s jaw line.
…..

Bicran shielded his eyes to scan the Weyrbowl for the small canine, hoping not for the first time that young Soot wouldn’t become dragon food.

[mc16neo]

Kegin was relaxing and enjoying the rest. He looked at the sighed and then closed his eyes. He was almost about to fall asleep when he felt something wet. His eyes opened thinking it was raining but the moment he saw fur he rolled to the side and was on his feet ready to fight. He let out a bit of a growl as he moved. His body stayed low and he watched the canine. Flashes of past attacks minding it's way into his mind. "Not this time." he said. He lowered and picked up a handful of dirt to use to blind the canine once it attacked.

Kegin was beginning to start up his normal defense of finding everything and everyone that did not fit in place. The canine was here but then were was Konta and Rogin. Or even the brown flit that was kept. He didn't like the fact they sent the canine alone. they were planning something as they always have. What would be the best course of action? Everything about him screamed attack. He wanted to be sure they learned he wasn't easy prey. Kegin readied himself and was about to make the first move.

[Minajerie]

Laughter. Clear and sweet.

Blissy had been sewing, her chore given to her by the Candidate Master. And since sewing could be done anywhere, why not outside? She had chosen a nice rock, semi-secluded from passers by, but still gave her visibility through the sparse flora shading her to see others come and go. She had plenty of light to sew by though, which was all that mattered on her chore end of things. So she worked and people watched.

And she had been watching the big brute run laps. Much like the lithe taller woman ran laps. But he did so more desperately. Like he was running from something, instead of just running.

She was surprised, in all honesty, when he collapsed so close to her little hide-away. He seemed utterly spent... But then the canine came up to him, all honey and enthusiasm, intent to lick written all over his giddy little hide. When the man jumped up and away from it, looking like he was set upon by monsters, all she could do was laugh. It was so comical! The pup there looking worried but still willing to give affection. For that's what puppies were affection and energy rolled up in a big ball of fur.

"Hey now. Leave the pup alone. He just wants a little loving. Isn't that right, honey-boo? You just want to spread the looooove." She happily set her sewing down next to her pack and cooed to the obviously injured canine. She enjoyed animals, especially young ones. They were still children, just children of a different race.

[mc16neo]

The appearance of the girl confused him. He was set to move but was forced to paused. He looked more closely at the pup and took a sigh of relief. Kegin took a deep breath and looked at the girl. "I'm sorry, is this yours?" he asked. "I just had a relapse is all. Thought it was a different canine." Kegin smiled a bit apologetically. His eyes moved over her. Most would think he was checking her out. But in truth he was checking for threats. He stood normally in a calm and relaxed position. He didn't want to set her off if she was a threat.

By the looks of her hands she was a weaver. The fingers nimble and used to dealing with a thread and needle. He looked at the pup and smiled. He knelt down and held his hand out to it. "Sorry pup. Didn't mean to scare you. Forgive me?" he asked. He didn't mind pups but he at the same time feared Canines. Maybe it was the size. Pups he could handle but not adults. "My name is Kegin. What is yours?" he asked.

[seneth]

Sighing Bicran spotted a flash of white and black pelt in the distance, a flash of pink brushing against yet another new friend. With a slight grimace the lad shook his head, canines weren’t people they were trained to work, or so his father had taught him. Even at this age they could be trained the basic commands...he had tried. But all young Soot wished to do was explore all four corners of the Weyrbowl seeking new targets to lick or play with. Maybe cause he was a’runt… At the sudden movement in the distance, he stopped in mid step not quite sure what the other lad was doing. Suddenly deciding it wasn’t friendly he eyed the approach of the female whilst running to the pups aid.

….
As the person he’d licked sprung up, the pup had backed away a few steps his body low. He’d never seen anything like that, so with a curious tilt of his head he offered an apologetic yawn. His tail offered a curious but hesitant wag as he eyed Kegin. At the approach of another his ears pricked and he offered a puppyish yip, his tail wagging excitedly. His little form circling around, before he noticed the person’s offered hand. With a hesitant sniff he licked the man’s fingers before circling again with a yip. But before he could paw or jump up on Kegin or Blissy, he heard a familiar growl and turned to his master. Obediently he settled onto his haunches, with tail wagging furiously and his tongue lolling happily.
….

Failing to see that the female had managed to soothe the matter over he skidded to a halt and eyed the lad. “I hopes yeh weren’t plannin’ t’hurt the canine,” He growled softly, his blue eyes and expression cold. There was nothing he hated more, than seeing some human beating an innocent beast. Even the threat of an attack set him on edge, as his eyes looked to the female suspiciously. Both of them were Candidates like him, he thought, positioning himself behind the pup. His eyes focusing finally on Kegin.

[mc16neo]

Kegin chuckled as he looked at the pup. He thought it looked cute up close. Kegin didn't mind the canine near him. He didn't feel the normal fear. Then when the boy came up to him he instantly felt the anger and hostility. He was back ready to fight once more. He kept his eyes on him. "Who are you?" he asked. "I don't intend to hurt it unless it aims for me." He was feeling tense as he waited for anything to happen.

Kegin kept an eye on Blissy. If anything went down he didn't want to get her involved or injured for that matter. He just wanted to protect himself. His eyes moved over the boy. He wanted to find any weakness, something that would show a mark to hit. Kegin honestly didn't want to fight but he would if he really had to. "If you don't start anything this won't be anything." he said.

[Minajerie]

Blissy was glad to see that the pup was no longer frightened and was indeed happy once more. Young ones were best when they were happy. She smiled when he sniffed the boys hand. She thought she remembered him from lessons... so he was a candidate like her. He was tall.

She had to echo her own thought when another boy came after the pup. He came rather in a rush, and had not seemed to notice that Blissy meant the young canine no harm. But he was also a tall man. She was beginning to feel short.

At his words Blissy crossed her arms and gave him a stern look with her steely eyes. "Now why on earth would I want to hurt the young pup? It's plain to see he already has a bit of an ailment. He needs love and affection and that is all I'll give him." She turned her steely gaze to the first man/boy who had indeed first meant the pup harm. Most likely, it had triggered a reaction unconsciously. A 'fight or flight' reaction, if you will. "Why must men think only bad of people, Hmmm? I may be smaller than you both, but don't make me go Mama on you. I can have your eyes tearing and you apologizing to each other for being dimglows so fast your heads will still be reeling."

[Kino]

Mine is it silly that when you get a break from chores and training, you choose to go and train some more? The question was posed to weyrling Tanwen by her felenic little green, following after the girl as they made their way down the hall that led to the entrance for the Weyrbowl.

Some would probably call it that, Tanwen replied to Vessayith. But this particular training is relaxing for me. Someone named Master Mercer taught it to me when I was younger and had nothing better to do with my life besides learning some glasscraft art from my uncle.

Oh, okay. Vessayith seemed content with the answer, but - as usual - a moment later found her with another question. Do I have to train with you too? Like in training lessons with my clutchsiblings and Theirs?

Not this time, love. This is just training for me, you can curl up in the sand if you want.

Oh that does sound nice! Vessayith said, adding a little bounce to her step as she did so. They were nearly to the Weyrbowl now, and as they rounded the corner she added, I wonder if the others there will train with you.

Tanwen might've asked her, 'what others,' but she turned to step through the entrance then and saw that there were a few others there - likely from the new batch of candidates, since she didn't recognize them very much. Probably not, she answered Vessayith's question; it was something she did quite often. They're likely either here to relax, or do something on their own.

Since impressing Vessayith Tanwen had been becoming more sociable towards others than when she first arrived. She'd been attempting to be polite more than she was snarky, and did her best to keep up a conversation instead of shooting insults and snappy remarks to someone. The friends she'd made at Darkmoon, along with her green love, had made her realize (or, rather, finally admit) that she probably had been trying to push others away. Training with Rhia and impressing Vessayith had helped her realize that she needed to do away with that, because she was a Rider now and she was going to have to work together as a team with the rest of the Riders whether she liked it or not.

Of course, you can't change a person to their very core without leaving the essence of who they are at least somewhat in tact, and so Tanwen chose to abstain from walking over and meeting-and-greeting with the group in the bowl. She stepped a bit away from the entrance and gave Vessayith a bit of attention along the eyeridges and neck, then she turned to stand with her back to the dragonet, squaring her shoulders and feet, letting her arms hang down to either side, closing her eyes, and entering into the deep-breathing part of her rounds.

[mc16neo]

Kegin heard what Blissy said and chuckled. "I believe he was referring to me. And i would love to see how you try and make me tear." he told her. His body was still ready to fight just in case. He looked at Bicran, "I meant no harm to the pup. I thought it was a canine that likes to use me as a chew." he glared at him and kind of hoped he didn't get in trouble.

Then a thought came into his mind. He liked the way she talked. Maybe after this was over he could try talking to her. Maybe he won't scare her away this time. He couldn't help but chuckle even in the situation he was in. She was cute and he liked how she stood up to them. And how she used her size with them made him smile. So how was the right way to act with a woman?

[Minajerie]

Blissy seemed to visibly de-ruffle, since at least one of the taller males was willing to be... shall we say, not so aggressive. "Puppies are always looking for a chew. And think everything is theirs for the wanting. But I think I understand you. A small canine, when seen straight on in the face, looks much larger than what it actually is."

She shrugged and crouched down so she might pet the pup. She would feel short no matter what posture she was in... but she wasn't necessarily threatened by that fact. She had accepted her height long ago. She would be... on the smaller side of average all her life. But on the lighter side of things... she was always the perfect size to cuddle. And she liked cuddling. It's probably why children loved coming to her for hugs or boo-boos. She would cuddle them better. She was just a loving person like that... and it was one of the main reasons her parents and fellows were surprised she was not yet married with a gaggle of children already.

[seneth]

Sizing up Kegin, Bicran grunted at his words. “That young they aim t’lick…might play bite, but that’s normal,” The tall lad growled, as images of Kegin attacking the canine played in his mind. “What would yeh do then?” He asked softly, his voice slow masking the worst of his accent. For as long as he could remember it’d been hard for him to see things from a persons point of view. Especially, when a beast or creature was involved.

Allowing a casual glance at Blissy, he shrugged at her words. “I’ve seen many things…” He said simply with a hard light in his eyes. Turning back to Kegin at his offer of truce, “Tis you I’m thinking’ of…” He retorted with a scowl. “If you’d touched him…” Bicran rumbled, flexing his fingers. But before he could continue, the girl interrupted again. Biting back a sharp retort, he snorted at her last words. That’d be good t’see… He thought, the tension easing in his shoulders as the boy echoed his opinion.

“Fine.” He grunted finally looking to Kegin. “He might still try t’use you as a chew…” Bicran explained gruffly before adding with a sigh, “If he does, just yelp or snarl a sharp no at him…he’ll learn.” He explained, before crouching down to scratch the canine behind the ear. With hearty lick the pup stood and plodded up to Blissy where he yipped and pawed her leg for attention.

Watching the pup Bicran stood, frowned softly before nodding. “Nothin’ here would attack yeh…well except hatchlings…an’ felines if yeh travel far from here…maybe runners if yeh can‘t handle them proper…” With a smirk he added, “None here will do so on t‘attack yeh on purpose…” He reinforced with a nod. “Name’s Bicran, the canine be Soot.” The blonde lad said in way of introduction, offering Kegin his hand.
Making a point of not closing the distance between them, he waited to see how Kegin would react. Glancing over to Blissy he smiled, “Though what yeh said wont be likely t’happen…glad t’have yeh here.” He admitted before looking back to the boy.

[Kino]

Tanwen had contentedly begun her usual rounds of kicking and punching at the air in patterns that more-often-than-not seemed to imitate a sort of dance; Vessayith kept her head lifted to watch the other group in the weyrbowl, particularly the small fuzzy thing that they kept giving attention to. The green dragonet looked at Hers, then back at the group, then back at Hers. She didn't think Tanwen would mind if she went over there. They weren't too far away, and they were still in the big room of the Weyrbowl. So while Tanwen continued through with her training, Vessayith stood up from the sand and made her way towards the other three and the small lump of fuzz.

She was still young, and so certainly not the largest or most intimidating creature that could walk over to the three. Vessayith was still very young, only a few months in age, and compared to the other adult dragons she was still quote small. At the shoulder, she only came to 11 feet, maybe 12. And of course, as she got close to the group and zoned in on the small fuzzy thing, the dragonet intended no harm. She just wanted to see what it was, really. The blue-green of her eyes gave a quick whirl in curiosity when she finally reached the group; she'd never seen anything like the small fuzzy thing before.

It wasn't until Vessayith had reached her destination that Tanwen whirled in her half-dance to face where the dragonet had been, and noticed that she was not there. She stopped immediately what she was doing, throwing her gaze around the room in a half-frantic gesture. "Vessayith," she half-whispered, half-gasped. Where are-- Even as she asked the question she caught sight of the dragonet over near the other group. Immediately after that she let out a huge sigh of relief, a breath she hadn't' known she'd been holding.

Only mildly exasperated at the green dear, Tanwen shook her head once, then resigned herself enough to interaction and started walking towards the group with the dog, and now with a dragonet.

[mc16neo]

Kegin looked at the other boy, "By that i mean there is a canine near by that has a love of attacking me." He said. Kegin showed the scares he got from the canine. "It is a regular basis. So if I see a canine i don't expect I get flashbacks." He looked at the pup and sighed. He didn't mind beasts. As long as they were good to him, he would be good to them. Kegin looked at Blissy, "That is absolutely true."

To Bicran he nodded, "I am Kegin. It was only a misunderstanding." Kegin went to shake his hand but something else threw him off. He saw the weyrling coming towards them, "Any of you impress?" he asked. "There is a rather large friend coming to us." Kegin was a bit nervous. He didn't know what it wanted and he wouldn't be surprised if it was hungry. Kegin chuckled and took Bicrans hand to shake. He looked at Blissy and moved to her. "I never got your name. I am Kegin. It is a pleasure to meet you."

[Minajerie]

Blissy happily gave the pup some enthusiastic pets, and a scratch behind his ears. She would have loved to rub his belly, but the pup seemed to hyper to roll on his back for more attention.

She nodded at Bicran. "I am glad, then. And am happy to meet you, Bicran." She paused and nodded to the other large fellow, "And you too, Kegin. My name is Blissy. And I daresay that, no, I am not the impressed to this rather fine green beauty we have gracing us with her presence." She cocked her head to the side, peering around the dragon to a form coming towards them. "Maybe it's that girl there, coming on us with all speed." She smiled again. Both at the green and at the situation. And it was indeed an interesting one.

[seneth]

At the mention of Canines that had a love of attacking he frowned. “Unless they be wild, tis the handler that’s t’blame not the Canine.” He murmured his eyes looking to the scars. “When trained t’do that…the Canine should be killed. The same if they be wild…” The lad growled softly more annoyed that any would abuse their training that way. True, some were trained to hunt or guard…but no true handler would encourage that sort of thing.

Managing a companionable smile, his eyes widened as Kegin pointed out the approaching dragon. Young though she was, he could only manage a silent shake of his head. Intrigued as to why a young dragon would approach them alone. Blinking he matched Kegin’s shake, and offered Blissy a smile. His eyes missing the antics of his Canine as he looked at the green and the approaching female.

…..

Basking in all the attention and the petting, the pup very nearly rolled over when he caught another smell. This smell was a lot like the smell of the other big things in the Weyr, but never had one been so close. Straightening with ears and tail high he sniffed at the new being, his curiosity overcoming the sheer size of the dragon. Plodding curiously forward…his movement slow, hesitant. He sniffed a near by leg before suddenly darting away. Circling back he approached again with a bit more confidence, his tail wagging. Yipping at the interesting creature, he found himself nearly falling back as he stretched his head up to look up at the green.

...


(( i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd198/draig_foxglove/pupsoot.jpg This is my sketch of Soot on his arrival to the Weyr, he's curled up slightly in the pouch. ))

[mc16neo]

Kegin sighed. "Tis the point. It was a canine trained by a Renegade. But the true problem is he treats the animal so well that all it does is act on instinct. He trained Ferik as an attack canine. He hunts. But it is me that he hunts. I am the target and purpose of the training. I tried killing the beast but it just keeps coming. Nothing but muscle and teeth. A knife just glances off his flanks and I get it instead." Kegin grinned a bit.

He looked at the pup and how he acted with the dragon and laughed. It was cute. Kegin walked to the green. "Hello there beautiful Sky Queen. What pleasure do we owe your visit?" He asked. Kegin looked at the rider heading to them and smiled friendly at her. He looked back to watch the pup. He knew something so small might be missed my a larger creature. He didn't want to see a smashed pup.

[Kino]

Missed in sight by the dragon, the pup would certainly not be! In fact, the little fuzzy thing was the main reason for Vessayith being curious enough to go over in the first place. When the little creature came over to sniff at her leg, Vessayith dipped her own head down to sniff at it's back. She followed it with her eyes as it ran away and then doubled back, and when it looked up at her she lowered herself into the and to lay down, bringing her at least a bit closer to the ground.

It's so bouncy! she said to her rider, already sensing her coming towards them. Then she asked without taking her eyes off the creature. What is it, Mine? I can already tell it isn't... she paused, tilted her head a moment, then rephrased, at least should not be eat-able. So what is it! I've never seen one.

Tawnen had just reached the group as Vessayith brought herself to lay down, resting her hands on her hip as she eyed the dragonet. She couldn't exactly be cross with her though; she hadn't done anything but walk a small distance away to look at a pup. It's a canine pup, love. She looked at the boy when he offered her a smile, returning it as best as she could (there was still a thread of sarcasm and snark in it).Tanwen pointed to the pup in answer to Kegin's question.

"She's too curious to answer right now," she replied. "She's Vessayith; I'm her Tanwen." She took a breath then; the next phrase was one she was definitely still having difficulty with, but it was a bit easier this time, as she wasn't saying it for something she'd done or said. "Sorry if she interrupted or something."

[Okay...I'm sorry for the large text size. I have NO IDEA what the heck is wrong with it, because the tagging is exactly the same for text size as all of my other posts, which clearly are not this large x-x I'm done fighting though, hopefully it won't happen again.]

[mc16neo]

Kegin smiled. "No not at all. She kind of made things better. We had a bit of a misunderstanding and with her coming in we had to actually stop and forget." kegin chuckled and watched the dragon and the pup. He grinned. "So she likes the pup? That is Bicran's Soot." he said. "I am Kegin and it is a pleasure to meet you."

Kegin looked back at the other two. Blissy and Bicran had caught his attention by the way they acted with him and the pup. Bicran is defensive of Beasts and it seemed Blissy just loved them. But by the way Tanwen acted she didn't like to apologies. But then again most people don't. He just tried to keep a friendly smile and tried not to be so aggressive.

[seneth]

Bicran couldn’t help a disgusted growl at the notion of an attack canine, to think the lad before him was living proof of such a thing. Well not that Kegin was a canine, but that had been attack by one. He pointed out to himself with a nod. “Your not a’target no more?” He asked twisting his statement into a slight question. His mind not doubting the truth behind the lads words…even if it was hard to sink in. At the sound of laughter he turned to see Soot face to face with the young dragon. The first think that came to mind was dragon food…no, dragon snack! But after a while he shook the worried frown from his brows. He’d been round dragons…well at a distance, for a couple of turns now, so she wouldn’t eat the canine…would she?

..
As the large creature lowered itself down he gave a curious tilt of his head. In his mind this was good, though the pup didn’t understand why. His cool nose threatening to brush the dragons snout, his tongue poised for a sample. If only he could…he plodded too look up at the eye, before with tail wagging returned to the snout. Reaching up his good foreleg, he attempted to perch himself for a better look.
..

“I…ah, be Bicran…sorry ‘bout him,” Bicran voiced apologetically, smiling at the actions of the canine and the dragon. “He needs trainin’…meetin’ new people…and dragons be good trainin’.” He thought aloud with a soft chuckle. “Sorry If we…m’self and Soot, interrupted you and your beauty Vessayith.” Bicran said with a suitable bow to the rider. “How old be she?” He asked in interest indicating the young dragon.