Making Her Way...

[Wolf]

Oh dear Gerenanth, did I not make myself clear? You may ask anything concerning me, my rider is a different subject, even you should’ve known that. She shook her head in mock disappointment. If you care to know so much why not ask her yourself, see how she responds then, Rasth rumbled amusedly, already picturing Aarora’s face in her head. Hers would answer such a question quite smartly; she was always prepared for such matters to present themselves. Perhaps Hers was smart to come up with premeditated answers to various scenarios, and here she was, always chastising her for being so paranoid. I will tell you this, he amuses her. Now her reply may not have brought the bronze any closer to discovering what he truly wanted to know, but at this point Rasth was fine with that. You may not be the best there is all the time Gerenanth but I can imagine you one day managing to be the best there ever was, she complimented him. Her words were very weighty, but in her personal opinion she didn’t see why he couldn’t achieve such a difficult task. Too, such a high paid compliment might help him to be less disappointed by her lack of an answer to his own question.

“Where would the surprise be in that, G’han? I don’t expect you to do that, even for me...” she trailed off, leaving him to think over what exactly she meant by that. “I thought you’d like it” she grinned, having still been over at the counter when having responded to his few comments. She was standing before him without his knowing what she’d even wanted to eat or drink.

Another smirk was tugging at her lips though quite different this time, the mischief written all over her face-like last time-couldn’t be mistaken. Despite what contemplations were running through her head she got even closer to him, it taking nothing to close in more distance. She continued to look up at him in that same interested manner. “Well I’d like to hear it sometime...” she said more quietly, remaining still. She could see the effect she was having on him, and she could not deny a yearning in her own body. She was certain that she could feel Rasth, yes feel, her physically flinch. Regardless, no voice entered her mind, and she remained right where she was. Aarora’s body was in close proximity to his, she could feel the extra body heat mingling with hers, making that enticing sparkle show in her eyes.

[Dragon]

My mistake. Clearly I was not paying attention to detail. Gerenanth really wasn't a detail kind of dragon, never did focus on them. Since I made such an obvious error, may I be allowed a retry? The bronze nudged the green again, lightly, at such a compliment. You flatter me too much. Gerenanth couldn't help but be impressed at the compliment given.

"Of course not", G'han replied to her. He didn't expect her to expect him to do that. Surely she gathered to some degree by now how he was. "Surprises are always nice", G'han admitted. But now she was standing oh so close to him, and he got no response as to what he could fix her. He certainly wanted to show her some of his more gentlemanly qualities.

He could see the smirk and it's meaning clearly, she was up to something. There was some thought going through her mind right now and she liked it. But as to what specifically, G'han couldn't tell. Then G'han got it clearly as she inched closer to him. She was close, right there. G'han wanted to just freeze on the spot. He didn't really know his next move because this one seemed a much faster pace than he anticipated. He could think of so many things he could do right now. But which one would benefit him best?

Well, if she could get this close to him then he should be allowed to get closer. And that he did. He leaned his head forward and rested his forehead on hers, their noses touched. "Talk about up close and personal, right?", G'han asked with a chuckle. He then fell silent for a moment and allowed a warm smile to play his features. This would be enough for him. He had to admit, this was as personal as he'd gotten with anyone lately. Nose to nose in the kitchens with a greenrider. Probably wasn't the smartest idea overall. Especially since he could hear the faint rustling and whispers of drudges who decided to keep their distance and talk amongst themselves about what they were seeing.

G'han didn't move his head, but he did dart his eyes some distance away before looking right back in her eyes and shrugging casually. Rumors about him were flying left and right, it was all in good fun for him. None of them were really all that bothersome. Though there was one awhile back that did wreck alot of things for him. He could only hope he wouldn't find himself in such a position again as to be caught up in such a devastating rumor. But G'han let the thought fade. Right now he was content.

[Wolf]

I permit you to retry, yes, but only because I’m so kind. Now she’d taken to complimenting herself apparently. Does this mean you’d like me to compliment you less? she asked, baiting him. I must say, it’d be a strange request Gerenanth... She was having a good time, not often did she experience such delightful fun. She did not at all mind the bronzes contact, actually, she endorsed it. She butted him back in the same playful-manner, wanting to get in on this possible show of affection.

Aarora wasn’t apt to knowing what G’han would do next. Her closeness was likely a struggle for him, or so she suspected by both his expression and stiff posture. Really too she could see how he had options of whether or not to act, and in what way, thing was-how would she respond to those chosen actions? One would have to wait and see. She was thinking of many things, and one of those things happened to be what she wanted him to do, which he’d never know of course. As far as he was concerned she was drawing him in, which seemed to be working to her satisfaction. She was all for toying with people, giving them a bone and then taking it away just as easily. She didn’t exactly enjoy crushing people, but at the same time she didn’t like to give them the full one-hundred percent. Perhaps she’d give them a five percent here and there, a ten, twenty, thirty, and so on. She led certain ones up to things, for it made it more fun for the both of them that way. And it always left them wanting more...

When he made his choice, and his forehead rested against her own, she was wordlessly staring back into his own eyes, wondering if she was about to do what she thought she was—and then she let the thought die for her own good. She smirked, speaking in a low whisper, “Isn’t it best that way?” Aarora placed a hand on his chest and ever so gently pushed him back, just so that their contact was broken; brushing past him, her shoulder purposely touching his as she went past, her hand trailing off his chest until their contact was completely broken. She glanced over her shoulder like she had before, giving him a smirk that was up to him to decipher. She went to pouring herself a cup of klah, setting it on her left side while she pulled herself up on to the table, sitting there with her legs dangling. She took the cup into both hands, watching the steam rise from the hot liquid, now smirking to herself as she pondered over what had just taken place, and what he was thinking about right now. “So,” she started off, “where to afterwards?” She braved sipping her drink, drawing it away from her pale lips when the heat burned her mouth.

[Dragon]

Of course you are. Alright. Do you like your company? Gerenanth was now the one shamelessly flirting. I suppose that does sound a bit silly. Compliment me all you like. The bronze corrected himself and stretched his neck and lifted his head high and proud. When the green nudged him back, Gerenanth bumped into the green again. This time, however, he allowed himself to stay. A permanent touch.

Meanwhile, G'han and Aarora were doing some touching of their own. Forehead to forehead, nose to nose. To G'han, this moment seemed to last an eternity. It was such a short period of time, but time itself seemed to stop. Each staring into the other's eyes. "I'd say it is right now", G'han responded to her. When she put her hand on his chest, a million thoughts flooded G'han's mind. He had to wonder just what her next move was. But unfortunantly it was the one he was hoping it wouldn't be. However, it had it's own flair.

Aarora did push him away, but it was slowly. The touch seemed to linger for so long. It was as if they were connected in some weird way. G'han liked that connection. As she pushed him back, G'han allowed a hand to rest on hers. Lightly his fingertips brushed the back of her hand as it continued to just rest on his chest. By now she was done pushing, and was going to walk past him. But even so, that hand remained. If that hand were positioned right, she could certainly feel his heartbeat. It was slower, harder than usual. The pounding seemed near deafening to the bronzerider. There seemed to be no other noise but that pounding. But then, it stopped abruptly. As soon as her hand left his chest, his fingers trailed down the back of her hand, then down the back of her fingers until there was no contact left. When there was no more contact, the sound stopped. All other noise seemed to fade back in.

As she walked behind him, her head not yet turned to smirk at him. G'han shook his head quietly. What was that all about? G'han wondered to himself. Was this greenrider-Was Aarora affecting him like this? Him? The cool, level-headed, go with the flow G'han? G'han quietly took in a deep breath and turned around to face her. Now she was turned back and smirking at him. G'han was too stupified to wonder what that meant. But it seemed she didn't need him to do things for her. All other thoughts shrugged off now. Well, if she didn't need him to act gentlemanly then that was fine by him.

"I don't know", G'han said simply as he walked slowly over to her. He leaned against the table, just to the side of her. "We've still got the hatching sands, the lake...", G'han trailed off. She'd been here for a bit, so some places she'd have to know already. So he'd skip those. He smiled over at her. "...my weyr", he continued with a wink. "But that's where we end. Makes sense. Started out at your weyr, end at mine", he finally said, more casually. Clearly the tone didn't indicate any certain ideas he'd have about the two of them in his weyr. Not in that way, anyway. He did have plans, however.

[Wolf]

Do I like your company? she repeated back to him, wondering where he was going with this, or if he genuinely wanted to know. Why yes Gerenanth, I love your company very much so. Rasth looked to her bronze companion when he remained against her, her eyes whirring a fast mix of blues. If I was a human I’d be blushing Gerenanth... she revealed to him. His show of affection was making her fluttery, and she wasn’t at all used to feeling this way. For Rasth’s flights had been mere temporary moments, moments that faded once the male dragons went to flying others after her. Aarora didn’t help the situation any by never staying with any of the riders, refusing to be committed to anyone for too long a period of time.

When G’han had touched her hand with his own, she felt long dead tingles start up all over her body, just from his simple touch, for to her it meant so much more. She’d hoped, but not expected, for G’han to go into slow motion time. She’d really done a number on the poor man. His heartbeat had made her head spin, her thoughts having been bouncing back and forth to possible things that could be running through his head, and her mind continued to do so even after she seated herself.

G’han’s latter thought proved to be off when she took another testing sip of her klah, and waved a hand over to where the meatrolls were splayed. She then said after licking a drop from her lower lip, “Could you be a dear and snatch me one of those?” Her indication of the meatrolls was hard to miss. She still felt some lasting shudders going through her, just at the mere thought of how intensely their shared moment had been. “Ending off at your weyr?” she chuckled, putting the hot klah next to her again, her hands resting in her lap. She was pretending to be clueless, just to be that ever loving tease. Her fingers laced together, her hair cascading over her shoulders when she leaned forward a tad. “Are you trying to indicate that I never go back to my own weyr G’han? For if we were to end at yours, and then have that be it, well... surely that has some other implications that I’m beginning to wonder if you’d thought of formerly, and now are simply adhering to.” Tricking people up on their words was a game she played only with those she thought could handle it; G’han was fully competent of handling it, or at least he’d look adorable trying. Whether or not his tone had indicated these ideas, she’d decided to play on them.

“I love the lake, I never pass up an opportunity to swim,” she told him, continuing to leave her cup where it was.
What did I say about swimming? boomed Rasth’s voice, in a very motherly tone.
Rasth, stamp out your fire would you?
Don’t think I was blind to that little display going on in there, I felt what you felt, and I don’t want the boy... I mean man, to be hurt. My apologies for calling him a boy, I’m just so used to all of this dating back into your teens. Rasth had meant her comment to be as offensive as it had sounded.
Are we the same, you and I? Look at you with his bronze for goodness sakes, I’d call that far from innocent behaviour, Aarora shot at her, innocently smiling to cover-up the vicious conversation going on in her head.
How was I to know that other bronze wasn’t going to stick around? I trust Gerenanth, there’s something different about him. The only thing not making me swoop down there to get you is that I feel G’han is different as well! Faranth forbid we may have found our matches. I’ll not speak too soon, for I’m used to anything romantic going belly-up for the both of us.

Amen, Aarora agreed, a heartbreaking note to her voice.
And not because of me! Rasth harrumphed.

[Dragon]

I like to be sure of these things. Gerenanth responded finally, absolute in his thoughts now. Now I believe it is your turn again. Ask away. Gerenanth enjoyed continuing this game of theirs, it was the most fun he could have without moving too much.

G'han looked over at her and seemed to snap out of some thought. "Hm?", he questioned with a hum. "Oh! Right, sure thing sweets", he said as he gave her a thumbs up and casually walked over and grabbed a meatroll for her. "Best of the bunch, just for you", he said as he walked back to where he was and handed her the meatroll. He then went back to leaning against the table next to her.

By now the drudges seemed silenced. If there were any around, G'han couldn't tell. He could only assume this indicated they thought the best part was over with. But between Aarora and G'han, one couldn't be too sure. And there went Aarora, starting off with something again. "That would be where the tour stops. Where, and when, you wish to go after is your business, of course", G'han commented in a casual tone and a shrug.

She could take whatever meaning from him she liked. But if she questioned him, he'd give his answer. Though he didn't mind throwing in something subtle, something left unsaid. "I still don't know how well the lake is suited to swim in", G'han responded to her joy of swimming. Even if this was after the clean up, he still had no idea how good of an idea that would be. "If I did know, I'd start swimming again. Good exercise", G'han commented offhand as he took a sip of his own klah. He noticed his food was untouched and decided to take a bite of his pie.

[Wolf]

It is indeed my turn. Rasth thought of what she could ask, trying to conjure up a way to ask a two in one question. Do your feelings reflect that of your riders? Now, this is a question that is geared towards you Gerenanth, so therefore answering it reveals nothing about your rider, but remains a fact about yourself. It seems that the green was like her rider at this moment, trying to twist her words to her benefit. She already knew, for the most part, how Gerenanth felt about her currently, but his clarifying how he felt about her would be nice... She sure wouldn’t mind, too it’d have her know whether or not his riders intentions were indeed true. Clarifying on that as well would help ease her mind, if only a little.
What, are you trying to get him to admit that he wants to sleep with you? Kind-of presumptuous isn’t it? Rasth asked Hers, rumbling laughter bellowing forth in her mind. She was not often sarcastic with her rider, nor did she often tease her, she only set her straight most times-trying to get her to realize things-as she was now.
Got it Rasth, she replied simply.

She chuckled at him calling her ‘sweets,’ though she didn’t correct him, preferring to let him call her whatever he liked. “Thank you my lord,” she teased, taking the meatroll from him, her hand brushing against his when the delivery was made. She took a dainty bite, savouring the taste, for this was all she planned to eat, so she might as well have it last. She drank more of her klah, draining the cup by half, she knew how to chug it back. Munch, and then drink, munch, and drink, and thus it had taken her not long at all to finish off her meatroll and drain the full cup. “That’s true,” was all she said in response to his explanation. She walked over to the sink to place the emptied cup in it, not wanting to leave the drudges to figuring out what was used and what was not. She could help them along some; it was the right thing to do in her eyes.

“It is good exercise. I swam all the time back home... well, this is home now,” Aarora corrected herself, walking back to G’han, and at the same time checking to see if he was done eating. She didn’t want him to feel rushed. “No hurry, you can take your time.”
Like she’d said, she was in no hurry. She didn’t mind just lounging around and talking. She had passed by to see the lake already, and her curiosity had too brought her down to the hatching sands. Then of course she’d been down to the temporary Candidate Barracks, and her work had also branched over to the Weyrling Barracks. There weren’t too many places she had left to see, it was more G’han’s company she’d sought out today, and in that she’d not been dissapointed.

[Dragon]

My feelings? Gerenanth questioned. He had figured this was simply a continuation from the last question she'd given him. Why of course. G'han also strives to be the best he can be and never settles for anything less than the best. Which was true. G'han had a daily exercise routine. Any duties he had, he always tried to improve on. Any skills he'd need, he brushed them up as well. It was all about continuing to move forward and never stopping until he hit a wall, an impassive point in the journey.

G'han gently bumped the hand that dared to brush against his. She was certainly about contact. "Someone can't keep their hands off me", G'han spoke slyly with a smirk. He leaned his head back and let out a yawn. Not that he was tired, it was just one of those things you couldn't explain. G'han took to quickly finishing off his food and washing it down with the klah. He wanted to finish, however he didn't want to seem rude by scarfing it all down. So he allowed some quiet time as he leaned in closer to her while he finished off his food and beverage.

G'han looked up at the ceiling for awhile, thinking about all the good times he had at the lake here. He then looked over to Aarora with a genuine smile. "I've always enjoyed swimming here. Interesting things happen", G'han spoke up, still a bit dreamy over remembering the glory days. Days when racing meant who could swim faster. "Any more questions before we continue to our next destination?", G'han asked, shaking off the dream like state.

[Wolf]

Rasth was not afraid to be the one correcting Gerenanth, she wanted her information all right. Oh Gerenanth, this green had been speaking of romantic feelings. She was referring to herself in third person, did she always do that? She stopped to think over how it sounded somewhat odd before refocusing on Gerenanth. Rasth needed to cover all her bases here, and that involved discovering whether or not her rider was in a safe place. While it seemed to her like she could not be any safer with anyone else, there was never such a thing as being too cautious, especially when it involved her life partner.

“Is that what you tell yourself G’han?” she retorted, now eyeing him playfully. “I can’t say I have any questions left, though...” she trailed off, a full-blown smirk on her face as she stared him in the eyes. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed you checking me out.” And that’s what she left him with, heading for the exit. Like in her weyr she stopped to lean against the doorpost, waiting for him. Instead of staring off into space she was still staring over at G’han, studying his expression for embarrassment or discomfort, anything of the sort would earn her a score. “I’m just tickled pink to see where we’re going to head next,” she laughed, having enjoyed her time with him thus far. She’d admit to that, perhaps not directly to him, but to herself at least.
G’han was likely finding that Aarora was good at this whole teasing game, but he wasn’t bad at it himself, so in certain areas they’d find themselves being matched-up quite well. Aarora, being who she was, preferred to have the upper-hand, for it put her at an advantage.

Where are you hoping he takes you next? Rasth asked Hers while waiting for Gerenanth to give her an answer.
I can’t tell you that, she chuckled, not laughing at Rasth’s question but at the image in her head.
Oh Mine! You’d have him take you right on back to his weyr and abolish the whole tour, wouldn’t you-wouldn’t you?[/i][/color] Rasth hissed.
... Her silence was duly noted by her partner.
“Hopefully we’re headed somewhere exciting. I love excitement even more than the next girl,” she spoke sarcastically.

[Dragon]

Romantic feelings? Gerenanth blinked those eyes of his. He looked down in the general direction of his rider. You've certainly got my interest. Which was a feat for any female dragon. Gerenanth had a horrible attention span, so there weren't many things to hold his interest for s long. And I can safely say mine is quite interested in yours. A reflection, yes? Gerenanth continued. It is my turn again, yes? Gerenanth questioned.

"It's not about words, it's about actions", G'han replied casually, eyeing the hand that had just brushed against him. The same hand that lingered on his chest. G'han raised an eyebrow to her next statement. "Oh?", G'han questioned. He put his hands behind his head and eyed her at a sideways glance. "I can't hide it. I've been stealing a few appreciative glances. Can you honestly blame me though? I'm in the presence of such a beautiful greenrider", G'han responded to her and winked after he was finished. He had just upped his end of their game. From pretty to beautiful.

"I say the lake. We'll then hit the hatching sands on the way to my weyr", G'han told her of his ideal path. They could spend some time relaxing at the lake now. G'han raised his eyebrow again as he walked over towards her. "Excitement is something you make, not something you arrive to. Not a place, but a feeling", G'han replied as he stood next to her. This time it was him who woud get ever so closely to her. He was now just an inch away from his face touching hers. But this time he leaned even further to whisper in her ear. "Ready for the lake?", he whispered, lips brushing against her ear before he pulled away with a casual smile on his face and an arm extended.

[Wolf]

You’ve held my interest as well Gerenanth, not only are you a smooth talker but you’re a lovely sight. Rasth did not wanting his admitted affections to go unreturned on her part. Is he now? Well, I’m glad that this is the case; otherwise I’d be quite the hothead concerning how he’s carrying on with her. I assumed that there was an interest there, as you can tell, but there’s surely nothing wrong with making certain ones assumptions. It is in fact your turn Gerenanth, ask away. Since it is only fair, my range now stretches past myself but to my rider, seeing as a question about your own rider was answered by you without complaint. What reason would G’han’s bronze have to complain about letting Aarora’s dragon know that his rider liked the greenrider? If anything G’han would want Aarora to know, and thus he’d want to know how she felt in return. How would G’han respond, she began to wonder, if he heard that Aarora shared his feelings? What if he was to hear that she didn’t share his feelings? Surely the first would ensure a far better outcome. If Gerenanth asked, she’d answer, it was as simple as that. She would be honest, and to the point, not throw out distractions and hard-to-decipher riddles.

“And what actions of mine would you care to offer up as an example bronzerider?” Every time she spoke his title she changed her voice to sound more enlightened. “Beautiful, now that I like even more. Oh I’m not blaming you at all G’han, I don’t mind if you want to sneak a peek now and again. Go right on ahead,” she told him, giving him permission. She bit her lip gently, looking up at him. “Just don’t hide it is all,” Aarora shrugged. She fluttered her eyes a couple times, chuckling at her own actions; arms folded behind her back now, her legs extended out before her. She was idly staring down at her shoes, listening to what he had to say for the time being, nodding understandingly when he named off the three places they were going to head to, the last of the places being his weyr of course. She was chuckling again when he gave her a mini lecture on her use of the word excitement, and just as she was lifting her head to reply she found that he was a whole lot closer then he’d been before.

With his face only an inch away from hers she froze in place, eyes all sparkly and wide. Now it was him taking control rather than her, she liked a man with guts. She shuddered when he whispered to her, the feel of his lips brushing against her ear causing her to close her eyes and unbeknownst to her lean into him a little. When he pulled away she was left dumbstruck, taking special care to catch his every move, no matter how small. When his arm extended she looked at it as if all of a sudden his gesture was foreign to her, once back in the reality of the moment, she took his offered arm. She covered up for her off-guard reaction by saying: “Do you whisper to all the girls G’han, or am I getting special treatment?” “The lake it is, let’s go,” she announced, urging him onward, wanting to leave what had just happened behind for now.

[Dragon]

So now it extends to your rider, does it? Very well. Gerenanth responded to her. He had to think about this for a moment. This meant he got the opportunity to guard his rider, to say the right thing that he'd be allowed some insight on. What does yours think of mine? It was honestly a vague question, but answered rightly and it'd serve Gerenanth's posted. He felt he trusted the green enough to get something out of this question.

"Your hands seem to find their way to me", G'han answered. "Not that I mind really", G'han added offhand. He really didn't. Let her hands wander all they want. "Oh? But I have such fine trying to steal glances when you aren't looking. It's such a fun game. But I'll throw you more obvious ones. Better a woman knows she's appreciated, right?", G'han said with a smirk. Oh he'd have no problem eying her up and down while she was watching him do it. Just like he had no problem sneaking glances as well.

G'han did an obvious once over, looking her up and down for affect of the previous conversation. "You get special treatment", he said to her. "Who knows? Maybe that will be our favorite form of communication", G'han offered jokingly, but he sounded so casual as he said it. "Lake it is, sweet thing", he answered her as they linked arms again and headed off to the lake.

By now they were passing people, from weyrfolk to dragonrider. Some didn't care or notice, a couple whispered here and there. But none of it really bothered G'han. They strolled casually to the lake, arm in arm. It took some time, since G'han insisted on a pace that would allow him to drag out more time with the greenrider, but they had made it to the lake. G'han led her to one of the stones to sit on, and helped her on it. "And this, my beauty, is the lake", G'han said to her, standing on the stone with one arm linked to hers while the other stretched out to show the lake before them.

"By the way. I believe it's your turn? I did say beautiful", He said to her with a wink as he shifted ever closer to her.

[Wolf]

It’s not like Rasth didn’t know he was going to ask, she’d be a dimglow to think he’d just skip right over the question. It had been the first one he’d cared to ask, no? Its come to this, has it? she said to him, seeming almost... sad. Her mood had drastically changed in a matter of mere seconds, not to mention her expression, which was getting sadder and sadder as she turned her head away from him, eyes now whirring a mix of worried colors. She’s very taken with yours; she has been since the first day upon her arrival. She centered him out, if he hadn’t noticed. Mine has the tendency to feel needed, wanted, otherwise she tends to get miserable due to loneliness. The dragon puffed a large amount of air out of her nostrils, a draconic sigh. She made a small creeling sound, folding her wings tightly into her side as she continued, Her past experiences with bronzerider’s, or even brownrider’s at times, has not been well spoken-of. The Weyr we came from has an unattractive record of her history with men. I impressed to her when she was in her teens, and inexperienced as she was with flights, she did not at all comprehend that sometimes flights were a one-time thing for many a male dragonrider. My first... she paused to clear her throat, not fond of the topic, flight didn’t go so well. The bronze I was with was the mate of the Jr. Weyrwoman’s Gold. Rarely did he participate in green flights, but on the rare occasion it happened, which upset the Jr. Weyrwoman and her Gold both, but nevertheless it did occur. Aarora, like I said, young and inexperienced, did not quite grasp the concept that a rider and his dragon did not always stay with the pair. Thus, she fell for the older bronzerider, and was sorely broken when he returned to the Jr. Weyrwoman the following morning. His bronze too left me with little regard, though I’d expected as much from the beginning. I can’t help but blame myself, if only I’d picked a different bronze, perhaps then Aarora wouldn’t have gone through such heartache. Rasth creeled again piteously, never having before relayed this tragic tale to anyone. Gerenanth was the first, and what she hoped would be the last. She still hadn’t turned back to him, feeling hot shame rising inside of her.

“I like being appreciated,” she said, tilting her head into his arm in a friend-to-friend manner. She’d made a clicking sound with her tongue when he gave her the once over. “You really are addicted, aren’t you?” she played at. She coloured a bit when he outright replied that she was receiving special treatment from him. A part of her was getting this pang of familiar fear, and she picked a spot ahead to fix her eyes on. “Sweet thing,” she said with a small smile, thinking over the name. “That’s your best one yet I think; it’s got a certain appeal to it.” She passed right over his teasing comment. When others glanced at them she didn’t pay even the slightest bit of attention to them, as if they didn’t even exist. The only two people she registered in her mind right now were G’han and her, and it was likely for the best.

“Wow, in all its splendour,” she said, the light breeze brushing up against her face. “It feels so good out here, wait, did you say your beauty?” she asked him, raising her eyebrows when she looked up at him, a comical expression taking over her face. Aarora revealed a toothy-grin, thinking of what to answer to his question that had followed.

“Something to best handsome... How about admirable or impressive?” she asked, quickly saying, “I like the last one. You are impressive after all G’han,” she teased him, making puppy dog eyes at him. She’d taken note that he seemed to be getting closer, keeping a careful watch.

[Dragon]

Gerenanth was silent for a moment, pondering on how female dragon/dragonriders and male dragon/dragonirders might have very different experiences. How many other female dragon and dragonriders felt this? So I see. Gerenanth then had to do some wondering of his own. But he kept it a secret to himself. Quite insightful. Mine is a sturdy fellow who can give enough attention. He would do well in taking care of yours. Gerenanth spoke up, nudging her neck with his snout.

"Then you're around the right guy", he responded to her. It was true, G'han knew how to give appreciation. "Perhaps", G'han responded again. Maybe he was addicted. She was certainly nice to look at, that was for sure. "But I think you're a little addicted", G'han noted as she rested her head. When she made mention of his nickname he smiled. "It only gets better dear", he spoke politely.

He allowed some quiet time for her to take it all in. She seemed quite elegant with the wind blowing against her. G'han gave another appreciative look, with a half smile to go with it. But it stayed at her face and didn't linger. After some time he did comment back. "Yes, I might have said that. I have this tendancy to claim things that are latched onto me. It's a bad habit really. I'll have to break it one day", G'han said jokingly with that goofy grin, but he didn't sound too committed to breaking that habit even if he was joking.

"Oho!", G'han exclaimed surprised. "Two? I think that's cheating. But for a pretty greenrider such as yourself, I'll let it slide. I'll just come up with two of my own", G'han responded to her. He allowed a couple minutes of thought as he stroked his chin for affect. He then removed his hand from his chin and snapped his fingers, settling on two. "Adorable and gorgeous. Those two are quite fitting", G'han told her.

He allowed another few moments of silence. The arm that was linked to hers, G'han allowed his hand to wander and find hers. His fingertips lightly brushed the skin on the back of her hand. She was certainly soft to touch, and G'han liked that about her. Something about when they touched like this seemed to intoxicate G'han, as if he were caught up in some electric moment. Though this was pretty tame considering what had occured in the kitchens earlier.

[Wolf]

Rasth wanted so desperately to believe what Gerenanth was telling her, but for this to all work out then Aarora would need to not apply the ‘flee’ tactic she had become so accustomed to. When she was nudged she responded by turning back to the bronze, placing her head under his own, closing her eyelids as she rested there, hoping and praying that this time would be different. That’s only if she doesn’t get afraid Gerenanth... she spoke more quietly, tapping into Hers’ thoughts, sensing the fear and anguish already starting to build up within’ hers. Now to relieve this fear and anguish she’ll try and convince herself, then go back on it, Rasth thought privately, in complete disarray. Being here with Gerenanth was helping a great deal to ease her worry, he was a good listener, and that’s exactly what she needed at present, someone to listen.

“You think I’m a little addicted do you?” Again she found herself thinking of how to respond, and then came up with the perfect reply, his own: “Perhaps,” she laughed melodiously. She was silent while he was, taking the quiet time as an opportunity to dwell on matters. When his voice registered in her head again, her face became expressionless. Not because he had broken the silence, but merely because of what he said next. She turned to him and that fear was now showing up on her features, “Well, don’t go breaking it now, we can’t have that.” She made her words out to be teasing, but really there was deeper meaning hidden in there if one cared enough to sift through her words. Her neutral expression became upturned lips while she listened to his next calling her adorable and gorgeous. “G’han, really now, how do you expect me to keep my hands to myself if you’re going to go calling me all of these wonderful things?” she said, inclining her head to one side some. “Oh, oops, looks like I’ve just gone and proved you right,” she said, the surprise sounding in her voice all an act. She placed a finger on her lips, feeling his arm unlink from hers only to travel down to her hand. She swallowed as his fingers dawdled on the back of her hand, stunned to silence once more by his touch. The simplicity of his actions wasn’t so much what stunned her, rather the thought that it could progress to something more was what was making her become so still like she had back in the kitchens.

Her heartbeat was starting to accelerate, but she could feel her mischievous side starting to burrow in deeper. She waited, trying to keep her mischief at bay, trying to drown and tuck away some of that ‘will to be thrilled’ somewhere in the closets of her mind. She was big on feeling, and so far with G’han there was a lot of that going on... She doubted it was about to stop anytime soon...

[Dragon]

Gerenanth fell silent for awhile, allowing the green to rest her head under his. What exactly did she mean by that? Gerenanth saw no reason to be afraid. But perhaps it was just another human matter he did not understand. With any luck, that will not happen. The bronze replied simply.


"Yeah, I do", G'han shot back with a smile. He then laughed when his own response was thrown back at him. "Nice one. Do you copy often?", G'han asked her. "I don't expect you to do anything. Where you put your hands is your business. But I do mean what I say", G'han told her, the first part joking. The second part was honesty.

"You alright? I was only joking", G'han finally asked. By now he had cocked an eyebrow and was looking directly at her. It may have come off as teasing, but there was something more behind those words. He certainly didn't mean to cause any problems.

[Wolf]

When Rasth pulled away she looked up on the bronze with true admiration, I shall keep faith bronze Gerenanth. She did not feel like moping, especially not now. It is my turn to ask you something Gerenanth, I shall make it good, she said, thinking of what to ask even as she spoke. Are you finding that you’re enjoying Dark Moon more than you did Telgar? she asked him finally, figuring it was a good question. Perhaps the bronze had liked Telgar better but duties had called him back to his home Weyr. Rasth liked this place far better than any other Aarora and she had ventured to. Having done searchrider duties they’d been to several places, given quite handsome treatment for offering the children such opportunities.

Aarora faked being disgruntled with him because of his “copy” comment, but her smile didn’t earn her any points for good acting, nor did the fact she was trying not to have a few chuckles escape out. “Well thank you G’han, I mean what I say as well,” she had him know. She cleared her throat, trying to cover up the fact that her overall emotional state had visibly changed just then, “do not worry G’han, I’m perfectly all right.” She put on her best and brightest smile just for him, truly not wanting him to think there was something a matter. “Everything right now is... why yes, perfect.” She shook her head, her curls bouncing about her head like they always did; looking down to the ground. Talking with him felt so natural, like she’d been doing this every day of her life. Usually talking to someone, for her leastways, didn’t always come as such an easy task. It really depended on the person, and G’han was one of those people she could go on and on with.

I’m really having a great time over here, and you? Rasth longed to know.
I’m quite taken with him Rasth, came her response.
What Rasth said next surprised her rider, Good.

[Dragon]

Both have their strong points. Here, I am back among my clutchsiblings and friends. It's easy to have a personal connection. But at Telgar, G'han and I were trained well in the duties of dragon and rider and just what it means to be bronze and bronzerider. However, I would say I like it here best. We learned from Telgar, but we can apply it here at our home. Gerenanth went into explaining the strong points of both and finally which he preferred.

"I was hoping you did", G'han said with a smirk. He looked down at her hand for a moment and allowed his fingers to trace further down to brush her fingers. "You're not being very convincing pretending to be disgruntled when you have that smile on your face, just so you know", G'han said to her. Perhaps she didn't try to hide it well at all, maybe it really was intentional.

G'han shrugged when she said she was fine. He felt that might not really be the truth. But who was he to dig? He was one to let people tell him things on their own time, not his. "Perfect?", he looked at her a bit surprised. He certainly didn't expect that to come from her. "Was that your next choice of words for me? I must say I'm flattered", G'han decided to joke about it. But did she really think all this was really that great? Perhaps she enjoyed his presence more than he thought, or maybe it was just the scenery. Which ever it was, G'han decided to go a little further and allow the fingers brushing the back of her fingers to wrap around her fingers. Just two of his fingers wrapped around two of hers, no need to rush it. G'han was all about working up to something.

[Wolf]

Rasth could understand perfectly what he meant, for Dark Moon was lacking numbers, so therefore the proper training at this current time couldn’t be given to most of the riders. Now that G’han and Gerenanth had had the chance to go to a bigger Weyr and learned more of what they needed to so that they could assume a larger role, in this case the role of Wingleader, they could happily come on back to Dark Moon with no problem. Dark Moon-seeing as it was such a lovely place, and such a tight-knit group-was somewhere that Rasth wanted to get accustomed to being too. I understand what you mean, and I’m happy that you and yours had the opportunity to venture to Telgar to get-in some helpful training. Have the both of you only been back for a short while? From what Aarora understood of what the Weyrwoman was saying the both of you had just returned not long before Aarora and I arrived. Aarora had talked to Rasth about G’han becoming Wingleader the day the Weyrwoman had given him the word. It was an impressive role, definitely something to be spoken of fondly by others.

“Oh I know,” she replied, her three words covering both his first comment and his second. In truth she hadn’t been trying to hide it all that hard, she’d preferred to have him see that she’d rather not even attempt at being disgruntled at him. She’d rather remain pleased with him, regardless of her up set being a joke.
She may not have been telling him the truth, but she wasn’t ready to talk about herself, she rarely ever was. Most things she kept to herself-and Rasth of course-for when it came to Rasth she didn’t have much of a choice. Rasth was easy on her although, so it wasn’t difficult to share things with her. She realized she had indeed let the word “perfect” come out of her mouth, and when he repeated it she almost regretted it, for again she really didn’t like people knowing her innermost thoughts most of the time. With G’han it seemed a difficult task to achieve, keeping anything from him. She did laugh now, it hard not to what with his saying she was about to call him perfect. “Don’t push it bronzerider, or I might start believing you actually have an ego.” She wagged a finger at him with her free hand. When his fingers came into contact with her own she didn’t show any denial of his actions, rather, she let him pursue his handholding goal, or at least this was what she suspected he was aiming towards. She didn’t mind that he was taking his bittersweet time about it. The slower he went the more nervous it made her feel, but it wasn’t a bad kind of nervous, the kind you fled from; it was the kind you sought to feel for there was just something appealing about it.

They prefer Dark Moon as a home, so no need to worry about them leaving anytime soon. What with them now leading a Wing, needless to say they’re not going anywhere for quite some time. Rasth was using these little bits of information to reassure Aarora more so.
Oh? was all she came up with to say, but the enlightenment in her voice did not escape the green.
Do not pretend like you didn’t want to know. Her rider playing stupid with her wasn’t going to work.

[Dragon]

And Gerenanth would let her believe that was their sole reason for going to Telgar if that's what she really thought. Truth be told, there were more complicated reasons. Good thing it was all in the past now. Yes, we've only recently arrived and settled in. Gerenanth answered her.

"Me? Have an ego?", he questioned then laughed loudly. Well, he was a bronzerider and they were known to have egos. G'han had been accused of it from time to time, but he certainly wasn't known for it. "I'll try to keep a handle on this ego of mine", G'han said, his laughter now quieted to a small chuckle. He was a bit surprised that she accused him of having an ego, but it was all in good fun.

G'han allowed his fingers to remain laced around hers. For some time he didn't bother to go any further. Even the bronzerider had to wonder just why he was dragging this out like he was. Was it just for him personally? Was it to affect her in some way? G'han was known to act on impulse, rather than thought. This could certainly be chalked up as impulse. Moments seemed to pass like eternity, G'han just wasn't willing to go further. But when he finally did, it seemed insantanious. His hand slithered into hers and all his fingers laced around hers.

The moment he had been working up to, finally made happen. They were now holding hands and G'han had to admit he liked it. This touch of theirs was different to him. His heart really wasn't racing or slowing down. But he did feel a slight tingling sensation in the back of his neck. It was an intimate moment, one that G'han hadn't had in quite some time. They simply held hands, and G'han looked over the lake quietly as light started to fade over the lake and the wind continued to blow in his face. This was a moment he'd just want to put on pause and leave it.