Feast and festivities

[Tenma]

Trev heard something so he turned around, but he was too late and Christae's fist landed on the edge of his jaw, spinning his head slightly to the side. Trev stumbled and grabbed his jaw. Right before he could launch back at her the others stopped him, not wanting this to get worse. He cursed lightly under his breath, "This isn't over deadglow." He snapped quietly. The man turned around and left before anyone else could do anything.

A bit shocked by Christae's actions, the other three quickly followed after their leader. Jiro stayed a moment longer. "Please take care of my son." He bowed respectfully before raising his hand in a goodbye gesture toward K'lor and also heading out.



Hali stood there, completely shocked. It was like her brain was working slower than normal as she processed what had just occurred.
Orylith, though still angered by the man's words, looked worriedly up at her new rider. Mine? The little green questioned.
Hali seemed to snap out of it. She looked down at Orylith, then around at the others. "I am sorry about the disruption. I think that I will go to sleep early." Hali bowed to Christae. She turned to the entrance and left the room at a fast walk with Orylith hot on her heals. She really just wanted to be alone to think for a bit. Besides, all of the excitement had been a bit much for her. It would be a good idea to go to sleep early. Orylith agreed with her on this idea as they headed for the male weyrling barracks.



Jorath walked over to his mine, looking up into the young boy's eyes. Mine, I am a bit confused. What is going on? Jorath glanced around at the others, as if expecting them to answer even though J'kel would be the only one that could hear.
"Mainly, we have one awesome Weyrwoman." J'kel replied to a grin. His smile quickly disappeared at Akki's words. His put his arms on his hips in an almost girlie position. "That isn't true. If I wanted I could just walked off and never talk to you again. But you don't see me doing that, right? So obviously I want to be your friend, therefore I must not think badly of you." J'kel crossed his arms and nodded his head, agreeing with himself. He was quiet for a moment before immaturely adding, "So ha."

[Akki]

Hasima had been watching the quarrel silently, to scared to become a part of it. She squeaked when Akki was hit, but was frozen to the spot and couldn't help her friend even if she wanted too. Rimith, staying by Hasima's side, growled as loudly as she could however at the man. Her hand flew up to her mouth as she saw Christae hit the man. Never in a million turns did the girl expect the hatching feast to be like this.

Akki's eyebrows definitely rose up when Christae made contact with the man. "Holy shards." She whispered under her breath. She thought she had seen Christae mad before, but nothing ever like this. She had never really seen the WW lose control over herself. Akki understood why the woman did it though. The man had refused to apologize, refused to show common decency and, though it might have not been the best way, Christae had reacted to the rudeness of it. I will make sure the men leave without creating any more disruptions. If I see them stray anywhere other than the way they're supposed to, I will say something. Or correct them myself. Ebbeth told Akki,. The rider knew her dragon well enough that she knew that the blue was partially hoping that the man would do something that would allow Ebbeth to happily sit on him in return. Clearly the blue was going to hold a hatred for that man for a while.

Akki rolled her eyes and lightly, and in a friendly way, hit J'kel across the head with her hand. "J'kel, you and I are similiar. We both lack common sense. There for, even if it is the truth you wouldn't walk away and never talk to me again." She pointed out as she pointed a finger towards his chest, waiting a second before poking him there. "So ha." She replied, just as immaturely.

[Tenma]

J'kel stood there for a moment. "Are you trying to insult me or yourself?" He questioned with a blank look in his eyes.

((Very, very, very short. Ahhh!!! Sorry.))

[Akki]

Akki tilted her head to the side, placed one long finger on the side of her chin and made a long 'Hmmm' sound. After a moment, she lifted the finger into the air as if she had some important declaration. "Both of us. But it wasn't an insult. Merely a fact that I pointed out. And you can't take it the wrong way since we're friends, right?" She said giving the boy a thumbs up as she winked at him happily. But in the back of her head, her thoughts were still lingering on at what happened at the feast and were still berating herself for ever opening her mouth to the men.

[Tenma]

"Hmm.." J'kel scratched the back of his head while Jorath looked up at his rider. "Yes, we are friends." He smiled, still confused about what she had said. All he caught was that she had asked if insults matter because they were friends. He was quiet for a moment, trying to figure everything out, but he just gave up. "Akki, don't worry. You are a fine dragon-rider and you are bonded to a fine dragon. You are even as good as me!" He exclaimed happily, not quite catching that that was probably an insult, not only because he was newer to this experience, but because he wasn't that great of a rider yet. All he really knew what how to feed a dragon.

[Spirithawk]

Christae's nostrils flared out angrily as the man added further insult to injury by calling her a deadglow. "I do believe it is quite over you overgrown tunnel snake." Her voice dripped venom. Kaith was fuming as much as her rider was and the men exiting the cavern could easily see her gigantic bulk reared up with her wings outspread, ready to maul any one of them who caused trouble. The blue dragon was not far from her and the massive brown Mneith was nearby as well as several other dragons.

"Your son and his dragon will receive the best possible care, never fear that." Her anger cooled a bit when she herd the father's plea. He hadn't started this, his friend had.

She turned to K'lor and the rest of the weyr. "I apologize for such unseemly behavior. I beg your forgiveness for such a rude interruption and disgusting display and it is my hope that you will remain to enjoy the rest of the feast. Our kitchen staff has been preparing for this feast all afternoon.

Christae's eyes still snapped with fury but her voice was gentle as she listened to K'lor. "The disruption was not your fault K'lor so don't think that. Have a good night and thank Faranth we have you now. I couldn't imagine a lad like you with such a degenerate man as a role model. Take care of yourself and young Orylith and come to me if you ever have any problems with them or anything else again."

Rhia squeezed the lad's shoulder. "The same goes for me lad. Come to me if you need anything. I will see you for W'ling lessons day after tomorrow. Have Orylith listen for Mneith's summons."

[Wolf]

Wolf Storm smirked, nodding to Akki as she guided her brother to her. As her gaze met her brother's it was more cold then she had intended. "I've been hoping you would come over on your own, I guess you needed Akki to bring you here. What, is it too hard to come over and say so much as a hello?" A grin appeared upon her visage, taking the sting out of her words. The young girl crossed her arms, Serinth crooning in amusement since she could tell her Rider was only trying to joke around with the boy.
Your siblings dragon Ersith is a pleasure to talk to, I thought you might like to know that. It's good we get along, is it not? Wolf looked down at Serinth, beaming. "A very good thing," she replied aloud. Her gaze fell back upon R'xis, waiting for the boy to respond.

Before he had any time to it seemed that everyone's attention had turned toward a group of newcomers. Wolf pushed her way through the crowd to see who had arrived while Serinth squeezed in between people as she attempted to stay with her rider. Wolf panted, highly claustrophobic. There were a few voices she recognized, standing at a good distance to see what was going on. She knew better then to get involved, so she didn't. Her mouth dropped, literally, at Trev's comment about K'lor's Green. "How dare he!" she found herself yelling aloud, biting her lip once she realized she had done so. She watched as Akki came up alongside the boy, her pride in the girl showing immediately as Wolf's face lit-up. Even Serinth's eyes began to whirr a blue, having been whirring a deep red just before since she too had been angry about Trev's comment. Wolf had expected the Weyrwoman to intervene, and she did. 'She's so amazing that way,' Wolf thought to herself privately, though Serinth was listening in. 'She's great at keeping things under control... I hope I can be like that someday.' A small blush came to the girl's cheeks, embarrassed by her shyness.
The other dragon's are growing very angry, Serinth informed Wolf, feeling the strong emotions wafting off of them. Wolf looked to Serinth, deep concern in her eyes. Her smile fell into a frown before looking back to the scene.

Wolf was stunned, wanting to lunge at Trev, as he began to attack Akki! "Akki!" Wolf yelled, feeling a panic-attack coming on. 'I have to do something, I have to step-in!' Wolf thought, just about ready to give the man a taste of his own medicine.
No Mine! Dragonrider's are meant to be respectful, even when things get out of hand. Let the Weyrwoman and Kaith deal with this situation-there better suited for it. Wolf snorted, her eyes narrowed, her hot anger boiling up inside of her. She couldn't even begin to imagine how R'xis was feeling right now-was he even seeing this?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

R'xis was just about to open his mouth to reply when the shout's from the front of the room reached his ears. He looked off to the left where it was happening, a crowd seeming to gather there. He quickly looked back at Wolf but saw that she was no longer there. Heaving a sigh he motioned Ersith to follow him, not wanting to miss whatever was going on. 'Maybe I can help,' he thought, though he still had no clue what was happening.
What's happening? Ersith asked as Akki came into there view. A man was.... he was... hitting her? A rage like R'xis had never felt before arose inside of him. Ersith creeled aloud, her eyes whirring a rapid red. R'xis just stood there, tears welling-up in his eyes. He should have protected her... he should have been there to... He stayed where he was, knowing he couldn't do anything, especially since Akki wasn't retaliating-rather she was letting the Weyrwoman deal with it.
Mine, I'm fighting the urge to tear that man apart! Your emotions are strong, try to calm down. Ersith's tail lashed out behind her, continuing to watch the scene unfold. As Christae's fist came in contact with the man's face R'xis's eyes widened (though he guiltily felt a sense of mirth since the man was getting what he deserved).

When the group went to leave Ersith came racing out in front of Akki, roaring as mightily as she was able. She snorted, tossing her head as if saying: "good riddance." R'xis made his way to Akki's side, roughly pushing past people. "Akki..." he said, voice filled with tender emotion. He choked back tears, hating to have to be standing there while she was being attacked. He didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around her. He held her close to him, a hand resting on the back of her head. He didn't let go of her, wanting her to feel safe-even though she was perfectly safe now since that wretched man was gone.
I wanted to kill him that entire time Ersith... R'xis told his dragon truthfully.
I know Mine but Akki is now safe, everything is going to be okay. Ersith looked back at Akki and her rider, for once not blaming the boy for holding onto her so tightly. She looked at the other's though, scanning there faces for reaction's like she had before. Then it hit her, Ebbeth was probably feeling outraged! Ebbeth, are you alright? Akki is safe now, do not worry, R'xis badly wanted to kill that man. I'm sure you felt the same way... I know I did... Ersith frowned, looking down at the floor sadly. Since Akki was a part of R'xis's life she could feel the girl becoming a part of her own as well. What a sad day this had become, rather then a happy one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When the group had taken there leave Wolf headed straight for K'lor. "Are you okay?" she asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. "That was so horrible, I'm terribly sorry." Serinth gently nudged K'lor's Green in sympathy. "I can't believe it-I just can't." She attempted to meet his gaze, fully understanding how he wouldn't want to stay for the rest of the feast. "Know that none of this is your fault, you'll be an amazing rider-I'm sure of it." Wolf's voice was soft, her gaze gentle and serene. She loved to be there to comfort people, her dragon taking on the same personality trait.

[Akki]

She grinned at J'kel and said, "And I wouldn't have it any other way. I wasn't supposed to come to Dark Moon originally. I'm glad that I did in the end. I don't think I could live a J'kel-less life.". Akki let a giant grin take over her face and she pinched one of the boys cheeks and cooed, "Geez J'kel. Why are you being so cute today? And that's quite a grand compliment you just gave me there. I'm probably going to make you regret ever complimenting me though.".

Akki gave the boys hair a tussle and cried out to the Weyrwoman, "Would it be disrespectful of me to say that could have been the best thing I've ever seen in my life? You hitting him I mean. I don't think I can hail you with anymore admiration without combusting Christae.". Akki sheepishly raised a hand behind her head, and rubbed her neck and said meekly, "Of course I have to beg for your forgiveness and understanding. I should have stayed out of it. I tried too, honest I did. I just didn't do a very good job at trying apparently.".

Akki squeaked slightly as arms wrapped around her, pulling her tight into a body and soon a hand was on the back of her hand. R'xis's hand. "R'xis, I'm glad to see you too. But I have a lovely bruise the size of Ebbeth on my side right now, and you happen to be grabbing onto it. Normally I wouldn't mind, I like being hugged. But it's slightly tender, so this is rather painful for me." Akki said with a crooked grin as she looked at the boy. "And I feel obliged to point out that I'm perfectly fine and there is or was no need to worry about me. So it's all good." She said, pausing before adding as an after thought, "Right?".

Ebbeth was faintly growling still, but only enough for Akki to hear. He flicked his tail angrily as he impatiently waited for that man to leave the weyr as quickly as possible. He knew that if the man didn't, Ebbeth probably would feel the need to snap him up right then and there. Hearing a small, female voice that he recognized he calmed down, not wanting to alarm the little brown. I'll be better when he leaves. Ebbeth said truthfully. I'm presuming you didn't hear my rant since only Akki and the group of men did. It was a nice rant. It involved me saying that as soon as they left the feast, I'd happily rip them apart with my teeth and claws if they touched my rider again. I think I scared Akki though. She's never seen me angry. The blue said, just realizing this new piece of information.

[Tenma]

((Sorry, but I already had K'lor leave.))

"No one can have a J'kel-less life, that would be the end of Pern!" He said dramatically, but it was slightly ruined by his wide grin. "Hey hey hey, no pinchie." He flapped his hands at her like a girl in a cat-fight. "Don't call me cute. Even though I am amazingly handsome, you make it sound like I am a child. I can't be that much younger than you, ya old lady." He laughed to show that he was just joking around.

He almost burst out laughing when Akki exclaimed that that was the best thing ever. He was pretty shocked himself when the weyrwoman punched the man right in the jaw.

J'kel was a bit taken back when another one of the weyrlings, R'kel or something (way off, lol). Needless to say, he was shocked when the candidate hugged Akki and almost started crying! It wasn't the hugging that made him feel confused, for he always hugged people, it was just the fact that the guy had been so worried, that he was almost crying. He acted like he was her father, or even weyrmate. Had he missed something? He never really imagined Akki with someone. That was how he saw it anyway. Feeling extremely uncomfortable now, and a bit left out, J'kel silently excused himself and looked around.

Found her! J'kel turned around and with a smile, finally saw Wolf, whom he hadn't been able to find since the hatching. He noticed something that really shocked him. Jorath was standing near the new gold-rider. That must have been the voice in his head. J'kel still wasn't used to talking through telepathy. He walked over to the little blue and knelt down.

Thank you He pat the dragon's head with a smile and stood back up. J'kel walked over to the gold-rider with Jorath on his heels. "Wolf! Where have you been, I have been looking everywhere for you." J'kel wagged his finger in her face, acting like Wolf was a child. He smiled before continuing, "Anyways...I can't believe you got a gold. That is soooo awesome!!! What's her name?" He asked eagerly.

Ahem. Jorath interrupted both of their thoughts. "Oh right." J'kel rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "This is Jorath." Hello clutch-sister. The bored blue said to the gold.

[Spirithawk]

Christae turned to Akki, some of the anger fading from her face when she realized that it was her outrageous bluerider that was speaking. "I lost my temper didn't I." Her voice was bemused. "I can always trust you to provide a distraction Akki. You are absolutely outrageous. I guess it doesn't pay for me to tell everyone to forget the fact that I just cold-cocked Trev. No one will forget and you guys won't let me live it down."

Her eyes flicked to some of the w'lings standing around. "Dont you youngsters dare take that as permission to punch someone. I shouldn't have done that." A grin spread across her features. "But it sure felt good to hit him even though it was wrong. I guess that just proves that I am human after all." The older goldrider caught Wolf's eye and winked at her youngest ww.

I would have done more if you had let me. Kaith growled in her mind.

What I did was enough love but thank you.

[Akki]

"J'kel! Don't call me an old lady! I'll get someone to hurt you next time you call me one. Respect your elders, you child, you." Akki said, scolding the boy as she waggled a finger in front of his nose. "Actually. I think the end of Pern would happen if there was /another/ J'kel." Akki said with a mock grimace, almost as if she was pained of that thought. Akki mouthed a silently apology to J'kel as she saw the new blue rider walk off, obviously uncomfortable.

"Look what you did R'xis. Chased off J'kel. I should keep you around more often, could come in handy next time he accuses me of being an old lady."

Turning her head to face Christae, a hard thing to do mind you since she was still in R'xis's tight grasp, she snorted with amusement. "Let you live /this/ down? Please Christae, I'll have to be sat on by a dragon in order to forget this amazing moment. This actually might be a historic moment in my life, you know.". "Instead of following Christae's example, you should follow mine. Notice how I didn't punch him?"

"Oh shards." Akki gasped. "Follow my example? This may be the only time I'll ever be able to say that seriously. Excuse me as I bathe in this glorious moment." The blue rider said, closing her eyes with a serene look on her face. She certainly looked like she was basking in the glory of that moment.

[Spirithawk]

The rest of the anger faded from the WW's face as she burst out laughing. "Akki, this Weyr would be a dreary place without you. Just don't make too big a deal about my losing my temper. We wouldn't want all of Pern to think that DM's WW is a brazen hussy that goes about starting brawls with holders." She winked.

[Wolf]

Wolf winked back at Weyrwoman Christae, chuckling softly. Wolf turned around, exploding with happiness upon seeing J'kel. The wide-spread grin on her face was full proof of that. "J'kel!" she screamed, running up to him. She flung her arms around his neck, holding on quite tightly to him. "Oh, I've missed you!" she whined, pulling back to look to his face. It felt like turns that she hadn't seen her good friend. Memories of there time spent together brought a small blush to her cheeks. He had been the one to drag her out of her hole-bringing her around to various places in the Weyr. As J'kel introduced his blue Wolf looked down to Jorath. The smile upon her face was warm as she knelt down to the blue's eye-level, motioning Serinth over.

"This is Serinth," Wolf said, the tinier Gold coming up alongside her. She touched her muzzle to Jorath's in greeting, her eyes whirring curiously.
You feel an attachment to him, Serinth sent to her rider accusingly. Her faceted eyes, like marvelous jewels, turned to gaze upon Wolf.
No love, Wolf replied, having caught the twinge of jealousy to the dragonet's voice. To his rider. The curiosity fled from Serinth's eyes as she turned back to Jorath. Wolf extended a hand to scratch Jorath's eye ridges, hoping the dragonet noticed how friendly she was trying to be. After scratching his eye ridges she turned to Serinth and did the same-so as not to make her feel left out. Serinth crooned soothingly before Wolf stood-up.

"So, what a wild day this has been, huh?" Wolf looked into J'kel's eyes, trying not to recall how disheartened she had been that the boy hadn't impressed a compatible dragon-not that she'd ever dare admit this.
It's nice to meet you Jorath. I hope that we can become as close as Your's and Mine are. Serinth had greatly appreciated his greeting. She felt very good about herself; making new friend's all over the place.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

R'xis gasped, never having thought that he might be hurting her. "I'm so sorry," he apologized, feeling ever so guilty for having caused her pain. "Yes, you'd better be alright or else I will surely hunt that man down." He cupped her face in his hands, heart pounding in his chest as he realized that she could have been seriously hurt. He looked over to where J'kel and his sister were momentarily, grinning sheepishly at Akki's claim of him having chased the other boy off.
She is okay Ebbeth, that's what counts. The female brown had an overwhelming urge to comfort the blue, though she knew all she could do was talk to him. 'Changing the subject would help him greatly' she decided. I could really go for some food right now. I believe R'xis mentioned something about a swim later on? Perhaps the water would help to soothe Akki's bruises. Ersith cursed herself, having come right back to the situation after all-though it hadn't at all been intended.

Ersith told R'xis the same thing, which caused him to smile, not having expected such a comment from her. "Akki," he whispered, his eyes searching hers. "Perhaps that swim would do you some good? Unless you'd prefer to sleep the night off, which is completely understandable." Maybe asking her now wasn't such a good-idea, should he have waited until the feast had actually come to a close?

[Tenma]

J'kel was taken aback as Wolf ran up to him, shouting that she had missed him. He considered taking that moment to turn and run but decided it futile in the room full of guests. The new gold-rider held onto his neck quite tightly, where as he was beginning to fear if she was happy or angry at him. She seemed to be trying to kill him, strangling him to death on the same day that he met Jorath, and in front of a crowd. What a horrid way to leave the world. His crazed thoughts were interrupted as Wolf released her hold to look at him. "By the first egg, it hasn't been that long, Wolf." J'kel couldn't help burst out laughing at Wolf's joyous actions. He closed his eyes and rubbed the back of his head with his hand, as he did often, causing him to miss the faint blush that settled upon the weyrling's cheeks.

He watched as she introduced Serinth and smiled. "I still can't believe you got a gold. Shards and shells, she is a queen!" He exclaimed excitedly.
Mine, don't you go favoring other dragons, I chose you, you know. Jorath pointed out.
J'kel knelt down and scratched the eye-ridges of the blue dragon. I am not favoring Serinth you dimglow. I just can't believe that Wolf impressed Serinth. I much prefer impressing you than any other dragon.
As it should be Jorath replied in a satisfied tone, causing J'kel to chuckle.

Upon hearing another voice in his head, Jorath turned to said queen. They do seem to be very good friends. Jorath replied, oblivious to Wolf's excitement over J'kel.


******************************

Miya sighed, sitting back in her chair. Well, that caused quite a commotion. The queen-rider considered, Reinath's growls still echoing in the back of her head.


((I had to put her in, even if it was that little.))

[Akki]

"Oh no worries." Akki said, waving her hand gently in the air as if she was shooing off his concerns for her, and his apologies. Akki watched as R'xis put his hands up to her face, gently cradling it before blushing slightly and said, "Holy shards R'xis. Your hands are freezing. What were you doing?". She had to admit, she said this in hopes no one would notice her blush. She wasn't very good at being all physical and such in front of other people. Well, physical when it actually meant something. Otherwise, she'd be hugging everyone around her non-stop.

"It's very sweet of you to be worried R'xis." Akki said as she stared at him with glimmering eyes. "But I'm not hurt or anything. Nothing serious, it was my fault really. So everything is all right." She said as she brought up her hand to his face and patted him lightly on his cheek. She pulled back from him slightly at this point, using one foot to scratch the other as she sheepishly stood there. She had almost forgetten about the Weyrling rule, the no romance involved one.

Shards, this rule was going to make her frustrated sooner or later she realized with a small frown that quickly dissapeared. Or we could drown her, then no one would need to worry about her bruises anymore. Ebbeth offered, noticing the browns attempt to change the subject which he appreciated. Will you be going to the lake, little brown? Ebbeth inquired innocently.

"Oh." Akki breathed, not realizing that. She placed a finger on the side of her chin, tapping it and tilted her head to the right just slightly. "Hmmm." She said quietly. It was probably true, the swim might make her feel a bit better and it meant she could have some fun with her friends that wouldn't get interrupted by a quarrel. "I'm not sure R'xis." She admitted with a small shrug. "But tell you what. I'll say my answer is 'Sure' right now. But if I change my mind, I'll let you know. Does that work?"

Akki turned to face Christae, hoping the WeyrWoman noticed nothing different between the blue rider and R'xis though it was hard to miss and pouted slightly. "Aw, but Chistaeee." Akki said, whining. "I was hoping that Dark Moon could have that as their WeyrWoman's reputation. I mean, I'm sure then no one else would come to disturb our weyr. Right? I think you should think about it. Or we could start a rumour about our dragons eating people like there was no tomorrow, that could have the same affect.".

[Wolf]

Wolf nodded her head. "True, it hasn't been that long, but still." She blushed all the more as he went on about her having impressed a Queen. "I know, I can't believe it!" Now that she was thinking about it, it astounded her. "It had been really unexpected J'kel, I'll say that. I wanted to thank-you, for having made my Candidacy better here. I don't know what I would've done, and would do, without you." Her smile was warm and appreciative. Her long hair fell over her left shoulder on one side as she turned her head to observe Serinth and Jorath. She kept silent, wondering what it was they were talking about.

Serinth sensed her rider's eyes on her yet continued to talk to the blue. Yes, it makes me very happy to see. I often feel how much it means to Mine that she impressed, I'm very grateful that she cares about me so deeply. I'm sure you and Your's share said feelings as well. Serinth tilted her head to one side questioningly, although she was full aware that all dragonet's and there rider's had this firm bond.
Wolf was startled by the voice that entered her head, not having expected it. Do not worry Mine, I would not give away the worry you have for the future. I know how that is to be kept between us. She was too perceptive when it came to Wolf's thoughts, even when she tried to hide them.
I trust you, no worries.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

R'xis had noticed her blush, despite her attempts to make it unnoticeable. He shoved his hands into his pockets as she pulled away some, not unaware that Christae was close-by. This Weyrling rule was already starting to annoy him severely. As long as Akki and himself were not too intimate then everything should be fine-right? "Yeah, that sounds good to me. I really hope you do come though, I can't say I'm not looking forward to it." He winked a blue eye, looking over to the food table. At least if they were further away from everyone else he knew the comfort level may be restored. "Hey, are you still hungry or are you fine?" he asked Akki, knowing there would be no sense in wandering over there if she wasn't; it would look suspicious.
Yes, I would indeed be coming! Ersith told Ebbeth gleefully, glad that he wanted to know. We would be able to talk, and perhaps even swim, together. Ersith nuzzled R'xis's leg, very content. R'xis shrunk down to pat the brown's neck affectionately before standing back up to his full height. He awaited Akki's answer, trying to come-up with a way to skate around this 'rule.' Even though he knew what he was supposed to do would he break it anyway? He looked into Akki's eyes, knowing there was no way he could live with losing her to someone else. 'There will be a someone else' he thought bitterly, 'if I let her go. She's too beautiful, too hilarious, too sweet... for someone not to notice her...' He could feel a sudden determination rising within him, which did shock him. Did she feel as attached as he was? He almost felt like-no, he couldn't go there... At least not until he was sure that she wouldn't be taken away from him. 'I'll do everything in my power.'
Ersith's voice popped into his head, which made his deteriorating energy feel renewed. So will I. If this means a lot to you then it does for me too. I do not fully understand your feelings Mine, not yet, but at some point I will.

[Akki]

"R'xis, if you keep coaxing me with food I will end up being a fat lady. And I'd torture you by standing in front of you ever day, because I'd blame you for making me so large. And then you would have to see my horrendous-ness everyday."Akki said, clucking her tongue as she gave the rider a warning. "But I can't say no to food." She sighed, with a crooked grin as she followed his gaze towards the food table.

You have to promise not to splash me though. Ebbeth sniffed happily. The size of your splashes could probably drown me, and maybe even all of Pern The blue said, nodding his head even though the brown couldn't see him. Akki blinked, cocked her head to the side and asked with honest innocence, "Why are you staring at my eyes? Is there something wrong with them?". She then proceeded to go cross-eyed, hoping maybe that she could see if there was something wrong with her eyes. All she did though, was manage to make herself look even more foolish than usual.

Akki never really dawdled on thoughts about other people for long. She'd meet someone, decide they were nice and that was it because from then on she didn't care what other people thought if she liked the person. It was a pretty simple way to live. She never really worried if R'xis liked her alot or not either, she figured either way she would still be with him even as a friend. Sub-conciously though, a battle was raging, saying that if her and the new rider were seperated for awhile, something could happen, someone else could come.

Akki knelt down on the ground, careful not to ruin her dress. At least, not yet. "Ersith. You're partner in crime is trying to fatten me up. You should tell him if he does try to make me even fatter, I'll have no choice but to cut off his ear." She said with a wink to the small brown, as she offered her hand to the brown not sure if the dragon wanted her to pet the brown.

[Spirithawk]

"Akki you will, under no circumstances, start spreading rumors of dragons eating people. We have enough people on Pern who are scared witless by dragons without you adding fuel to the fire." Her voice was mock severe. Her brown eyes did not miss the budding affection between the blue and brown rider.

Her voice was low enough for the two to hear, and those two alone as she stepped forward. "The W'ling rules are there for a reason. They may not seem fair but your dragon is not mature R'xis and if you two become more than friends you will push him into something he is not ready for and it could be very destructive to your dragon. I have seen the effects of such a thing. Not to mention you can't be focusing on romance with a dragonet to care for. You will not have free time as it is without courting someone. Take my advice, Ersith will be grown in a Turn and then you will be free to do as you please."

Her face showed understanding but her warning was serious. She did not want to see this young pair make the same mistake as some other riders had done. "Remember Nike. Akki, your punishment would be worse because you know better. Oh, and I do not think swimming is a good idea. You have to get up early for your first W'ling lesson and these dragonets may seem lively now but they will get tired soon and you don't want to have to drag them all the way to the Barracks from the lake. Not to mention it would be rude to our guests who are here to see you and your dragons." With that, Christae nodded to the riders nearby and went through the crowd to fix herself some food.

[Wolf]

R'xis couldn't help but laugh at everything she said, laughing all the more as she crossed her eyes. "There's nothing wrong with your eyes, there beautiful, just like you." He eyed Christae behind them, over Akki's shoulder. Taking one of his hands out of his pockets he reached over and poked the blue rider in the ribs teasingly. "You haven't had a lot to eat, from what I've seen," he said.
Ersith didn't object, rather the opposite. The brown pressed her wedge-shaped head against the girl's hand in a nuzzling action. R'xis looked down at Ersith, pleased by the dragonet's reaction. 'Good girl,' he thought, lacing his fingers together behind his head. I like this rider, the brown said, only for Akki, R'xis, and Ebbeth's ears. R'xis blushed by his dragonet's honesty. Things were going so well... in the sense that Ersith enjoyed spending time with Akki and Ebbeth too. "I like her too," R'xis chimed in, stating the obvious. He began to wonder if Akki was going to head over to the food table or not, though he was willing to go at her pace.

How was he supposed to beat this thing? It seemed like all odds were against him. He would have given anything to go the lake right now. He wasn't feeling very hungry from all of today's drama plus the crowd of people was starting to get to him. More then anything he wanted alone time with Akki...
As Christae approached R'xis could tell by the look in her eye that she had caught the vibe passing between the two of them. His stomach wrenched. 'I know what I want,' he thought to himself rebelliously. He didn't regret becoming a dragonrider, he could never, Ersith was so precious to him. As Christae came-up and spoke his face was expressionless so nothing he was thinking or feeling was possible to read. Ersith listened intently to the Weyrwoman, comprehending some of what she said. Ersith fanned her wings in anger after Christae left due to the feelings that were coming off of R'xis. The dragonet snorted, looking up at the blue rider sadly. All of a sudden R'xis didn't feel like being here. He gazed about, feeling as if all eyes were on him. So he and Akki couldn't go to the lake now it seemed... He'd be too busy taking care of Ersith... too busy with duties when all he could seem to think about was being alongside Akki. Had he embarrassed her? He must have? He didn't meet her gaze and he didn't feel like dealing with this right now. Despite the Weyrwoman's advice of not going to the lake at all R'xis knew where he was headed. If he left now he'd be asleep around the same time as the rest of the Weyrlings. He needed to clear his head, alone, try and sort his priorities. 'I know what my priorities are' he thought angrily, his anger turning to sadness like it always did. The boy wasn't very good at staying angry, not unless someone or something was forcing him to be. Rather he spent a lot of his time facing depression instead. This was by no means Akki's fault... was it his? He remembered the day he had kissed her at the lake, which made him look to her face quickly. 'I can't be here. I can't have her be the first one to leave because I did something wrong.' R'xis didn't feel like he was taking this like a man, not at all, though he could care a less since he felt like the walls around him were tumbling down.

His gaze became more frantic, Ersith's eyes whirring a deep red. "Akki I-" He slowly looked to her, managing to keep eye contact. What was he supposed to say? Akki would get in even more trouble then him if they pursued this. 'What if someone else comes along, what if I lose her? Shards she's so perfect.' The pit in his stomach grew. He had to tell her something, had to make her know just how much he cared. "Akki..." he said again, his voice drowning in affection. His throat ran dry. He took a step back as to leave; his legs turning to jelly. He continued to stare at her face helplessly. 'If I leave now, if I just leave.' He tried to find the courage within himself, wondering deep down what kind-of effect his words would have on her. Would she think he was kidding? Would she perhaps laugh and think to herself that there was no way he could already feel this way?
But you do Mine. Please don't act as if you are alone. I feel your pain for it pains me equally. We can go now Mine, get away from everyone else and enjoy ourselves. I would have no objections, I'm not all that hungry and... I want to see you happy, I also want to see your Only One happy. R'xis had a feeling that the name 'Only One', that had been given to Akki by Ersith, was going to stick. R'xis couldn't help but feel grateful that the dragonet always gave him the strength he needed to accomplish whatever he willed. R'xis took in a shaky breath, wiping his sweaty palms on his pants. Would she feel worse if he left? How could he be so cruel as to just leave her... Would she understand that he was having an emotional-breakdown?

[Akki]

"Aww." Akki said with a whiny tone in her voice. "But Christae, it'd be such a good reputation to have. No one would bother us anymore. Shards, even Thread would be too scared to ever some!" Akki declared with a nod and a grin. "Just think about it though, it'd be good.". She never really met anyone scared of dragons before, she couldn't picture. How could anyone be scared of a big old blue, like Ebbeth?

Akki lowered her eyes for a moment at the WeyrWoman's warning before looking at her in the eyes and smiling crookedly before slinging an arm around R'xis's shoulder and said, "Don't worry about it Christae. We're just friends, honest. Besides, this boy right here is too good for me anyways. I mean, a brownrider? Too far out of my rank for me.". Part of her was hurt by what Christae said, because she knew it was true, she had realized the same thing before but that same part also didn't want to believe it.

Akki looked away as the WeyrWoman said something about Nike, and her shoulders sagged a bit. It seemed like a low blow to mention the girl that she was once so close too, but then she grew apart after Tirith went between permanently and she impressed a white. Nike and K'dan, the two people that were her friends that grew apart from her. It almos thurt to think of them.

The blue rider watched as the woman walked away and turned to R'xis, ruffled his hair and grinned, saying, "Ha. She said nothing about me not being able to swim. I don't have lessons tomorrow, and there's no way you'll ever catch me attempting to carry Ebbeth back to my weyr. And no one here is waiting to see me either, so I don't have to worry about that either. If my father or brother showed up, I'd have to point out that they are a few turns late.".

Akki wiggled slightly as R'xis poked her and the ribs, and opened her mouth to let out a fake protest. "R'xisss." She whined. "You can't poke me in the ribs. Didn't we just go through this? With the bruise and all? You're more forgetful than I!". Akki rubbed her ribs, but cast a wink at the boy beside her. Scratching Ersith's eyeridges, she cooed, "I like you too Ersith. And I'm sure Ebbeth does too.".

"Are you feeling okay R'xis?" Akki asked carefully as she noticed the boy was freezing up after he said her name. She stood up, carefully because she didn't want to rip the dark blue dress by stepping on it with her feet. She snapped her fingers in front of his face, and then waved her hand in front of his nose. "Really R'xis, you okay? Maybe you should lie down or something. You look as if you're going to collapse on top of me right now.".