Moving out; moving on

[Desert]

Who flies?[/i][/color] The emerald currently perched atop the Spire reared back, bugling his challenge to the big pale-colored beast that appeared in Crystal Caverns airspace. The strange dragon outstripped even most of the emeralds in size, and as it circled closer, its wings took on an oddly jagged shape. Even more strange was that atop the crown of its head sat a conical construction woven of wicker that shaded the dragon's eyes from view.

Wygith of New Cove Weyr, ridden by A'res. Daisyth is expecting us,[/b][/color] the stranger replied, unfazed by the watchdragon's truculent challenge. He couldn't honestly blame them; everyone was still on edge even though time had passed with no sign of further hostilities from Black Sands. The big bone was actually gratified to see that not all of the watchers had relaxed; most of them, now accustomed to seeing the bonepair in and out, gave him only token challenge. Some had even stopped bothering altogether, merely acknowledging his arrival as they would anyone from their own Weyr.

The emerald returned to sitting alertly and allowed the bone to pass. Wygith glided past the Spire and went into a lazy spiral, descending with leisure into the Crystal Caverns Weyrbowl. As they drifted further and further down, the big male sent out a questing tendril of thought, seeking a most familiar mind. Daisyth? Dearest to my heart, we are come.[/b][/color]

Ever since Daisyth's Flight, life had never been the same. It never would be again, and as far as Wygith was concerned, that was all to the good. They had become complacent in recent Turns, and it was high time to shake things up. This was a time of renewal - a time of new starts. It was time to climb out of the rut and do something with their life.

The bonepair had made a habit of spending all of their free time with Daisyth. Sometimes that meant the two parties meeting up at a third-party location - they had visited the beach where they had first encountered one another a few times - but mostly it meant A'res and Wygith making the transfer from New Cove's muggy heat to Crystal Caverns' glittering splendor. Neither of them were bothered by this; after all, the goldpair still were not exempt from all the duties to their Weyr. The next golden queen was not yet ready to take up the mantle of authority, and no one trusted the magma Medeath or her prickly rider Diardi for that position.

But that would not last much longer, and A'res had been thinking. Once the new queen was ready, Daisyth and Llaina would have no more to contribute to their Weyr. That existence would be a depressing one for them, given the influence they had once held. The best thing would be for them to leave the Weyr and find a new home. New Cove was not suitable, for few of the original five colors lasted long, for one reason or another. Neither of the bonepair wanted to tempt fate. Nor did they want to test the patience of their amber Weyrking, for Xyurith had been through much in recent times. Another queen rendered sterile by Black Sands would be too much.

So it would have to be somewhere else. And, wherever the goldpair went, if they were wanted, A'res and Wygith would follow. Neither of them minded leaving New Cove; they had no real attachments there, and Wygith had already shown his support as much as he could to Silvyth when her last clutch hatched. His clutchsister would still have the big bone's silent support no matter where he happened to be, and if she was going to get on the road to recovery, she didn't need him hovering around like a broody spring.

Hearing no immediate reply from Daisyth, Wygith touched down at the usual meeting-point inside the Weyr: on Daisyth's ledge. He crouch to let A'res dismount, and the bonerider stood with one hand on Wygith's shoulder as he scanned the Bowl. "Where are they, Wyg?"

I do not know yet.[/b][/color]

Well, this wasn't the first time they had arrived when the goldpair were busy. Wygith settled onto his stomach to wait, and A'res sat on the bone's foreleg, leaning against the ashen slope of his shoulder. "If Daisyth doesn't reply in a few minutes, you can try again," A'res told his dragon, unconcerned. He had patience, and all the time in the world. Drills were done for the day, and on the incredibly slim chance he was needed before the sun rose tomorrow on New Cove, it was hardly impossible for anyone to reach Wygith. His Wingleader knew where they were, for even though they took as much time as they had free to be with the goldpair, they were careful not to shirk their duties.
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[Lyrikitty]

She knew the moment they entered the skies above the Weyr they were here. Daisyth's head lifted abruptly from her couch, a strange sensation prickling over her hide as an Emerald bugled a challenge. That could only mean one thing. Who else would be here, what other creature could make her heart race at just the thought of their arrival? Her knowledge was confirmed as the dearest sound on all of Pern save that of Llaina's voice entered her mind, seeking her out and telling her they were here. Her maw tilted up at the corners as she rose and stretched languidly, a soft groan sliding past her lips as she did. Wygith. Thinking the Bone's name made the Gold feel giddy, her eyes wheeling joyful colours as she made her way out of her weyr. We missed you. Llaina is in a meeting with one of the Holders, but she should be done soon. It appears his daughter was kidnapped.

She spoke to both dragon and man, her tone opbviously amused at the mention of the kidnapping.

That particular occurance had been anything but. Daisyth had specifically suggested Skrull Search the child and take her by any means needed. She'd make a fine rider, and Impress to something special without doubt. Daisyth was aware that had Riki been Searched by any other Weyr it was highly likely the girl would find herself bonded to a queen-ranked dragon, but the idea of Riki astride a dragon seen commonly on Pern seemed somehow wrong to the Gold.

Daisyth made her way to Wygith's side, dipping her muzzle to gently press it under his chin, crooning sweetly. She had missed him dearly, even if it had been only hours since they last saw eachother. She always did. He was a great part of her life now, and she would never look back at her former existence and compare it with this newfound world. To do so might cause her sadness for all she had missed out on for so very long.

-----

Indeed, Llaina was in the Meeting Hall, arms crossed and staring down a livid Rileson. "You don't understand! That... That THING stole away my daughter! It attacked me, nearly killed me, and then stole her! How can you calmly stand here and deny my claim?" The man was red-faced, his tunic torn open at the chest to reveal the scar left from B'ach's assault. It was obvious they had been arguing for awhile, as the formerly hot klah on the table was now room temperature, and Llaina's expression was dangerously close to boredom. As the Holder stood panting in front of her, the woman arched a brow over her intense eyes.

"Are you done yet? I will look into the matter promptly, I assure you. However I cannot do anything for you or your daughter while you are wasting my time bellowing like a wounded herdbeast. I will be in contact with Skrull as soon as possible and I can assure you, the Weyr will do everything it can to take care of it's Holds." Her tone was diplomatic, but edged wit warning. Her temper was getting short and she didn't want to spend much longer listening to this man. She had never been fond of him, and while she silently agreed that perhaps the Skrull Weyrleader had overstepped his bounds, she wasn't going to tell that to Rileson. She'd take it up with B'ach as soon as she was able to see him and hopefully settle the matter quickly. This was a headache that would come back and haunt her repeatedly until it was dealt with.

Mollified somewhat, Rileson huffed and turned on a booted heel to storm out, leaving Llaina to fall into a chair and rub her temples. Mine? Wygith and His are here. If you are done with business you should come see him. You will feel better. There was no denying that.

Just the thought of being able to see A'res made her feel a little better, and she rose from the chair, leaving the two cups of cold klah where they were and hurrying to the ledge where the rest were waiting. Promptly the woman dashed forward when she saw A'res, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him fiercely. "You've just made my day immensely brighter, I hope you know that." The faint lines on her brow denoted she'd been stressed, but was relaxing swiftly now that she was among the Bonerider and his dragon. "How were drills?"

[Desert]

Wygith, when Daisyth emerged from the inner chambers of the weyr and approached, let a fond croon roll from his muzzle. He accepted the caress from the gold and leaned into it, nuzzling the gold as contented blues and greens saturated the wheeling gems of his eyes. We missed you as well, my heart.[/b][/color]

A'res smiled slightly. He hadn't ceased to be flattered that Daisyth would project her voice into his mind of her own; it was something that encouraged him, for it meant that she liked him more than most. Him, personally, rather than just as an extension of Wygith. He took it as a good omen, and he tried to return the favor as much as possible.

"You're looking well, Daisyth," he greeted politely. He started to say more, but the gold's additional comment gave him pause, and he raised an eyebrow, not sure whether or not to be concerned. Someone had been kidnapped? If Daisyth seemed only amused at the situation it can't be too serious, but it was enough of a non-sequitor that he remained perplexed.

Well, there seemed nothing for it but to wait. The meeting would be over soon, according to Daisyth, and he was willing to take the gold's word. She usually wasn't wrong. A'res liked to think that this was partly because Llaina made sure to wrap things up promptly in order to see him the sooner, but he tried not to let ideas like that get to him. She had duties just as he did, and their respective Weyrs took priority over personal calls.

If only they could eliminate at least one of the obstacles keeping them apart and shorten the distance between them!

A'res barely reached that stop in his train of thought before the stepping of human feet grew louder, closer, and he recognized the woman that had thrown herself into a run until she collided with him, nearly sending them both toppling over. He laughed, his cheeks heating up slightly at the enthusiasm in her greeting, and wrapped his arms securely around her shoulders.

"I'm glad," he murmured, heart set aflutter by her statement. A'res nuzzled his face against hers and sighed in contentment, pulling Llaina close as if unwilling to ever let her go. The turn of events that had begun with a chance encounter, a coincidence as both riders sought to flee from their pain, and led to this moment with both of them entwined in each others' arms, still mystified the bonerider. After all that had happened in his life, he had almost given up the thought of having something that made him genuinely happy - something that he would not give up for the world.

With the briefest, playful touch of his lips to the side of Llaina's neck, A'res loosened the fierce embrace and pulled back his head so that he could look into Llaina's face. "Drills went as usual, nothing to report. Daisyth gave us some interesting news, though; something about a kidnapping?" He raised his eyebrows, hoping she'd explain. If it was Crystal Caverns business he wouldn't press, but curiosity tempted him to ask.
[/size]

[Lyrikitty]

Llaina shot Daisyth a scolding look, one the Gold chose not to see as she mocked innocence by blinking slowly a sif perplexed. "Daisyth wasn't supposed to mention that, but I see no harm in explaining." The Gold rumbled softly and returned her attentions to her dear Bone. She already knew what was happening and had no need to listen as her rider explained. That meant she was free to look at the magnificent creaure who had deftly stolen her heart.

"Skrull has been in need of candidates, particularly one for their Wraith egg. Daisyth here has been in touch with a girl from Solse Hold for many years, exactly why no one is sure, however at the mention of the need Daisyth mentioned the girl to Skrull's Zenith. Apparently the Weyrleader acted rather quickly on Daisyth's advice and took the girl a short time ago, assaulting the Holder in the process and injuring him. The girl is fine, I'm sure of it, however the matter of Rileson's treatment is going to have to be adressed. Personally I never liked him, and while I think he deserved what he got it should have been handled differently. I understand Skrull hasn't really had much interaction with Pern society for some time, but it still isn't acceptable." She subtly guided A'res towards the dragons, so they could sit comfortably and talk. "It's really nothing major, yet, but I'm sure it'll become a headache soon enough."

She shrugged vaguely, hiding the knowledge of how very stressful the situation was going to end up being. Matters like this never went smoothly, as she expected nothing less than a proper apology from B'ach would even begin to settle the Holder's anger. She had no intention of the taken girl being returned to Rileson though. From what she understood it'd be a death sentence, and Llaina wanted no blood on her hands. She also suspected Daisyth would be furious should the girl return to Solse. The last thing she needed was for the Gold to do something drastic and foolish.

It was a valid concern. Daisyth, for all her normally sweet nature, would be outraged should Riki end up back in Solse and doomed to a death most likely at her own small hands.However the Gold remained calm, merely observingher mate and listening half-heartedly to Llaina. Wygith really was rather stunning, and the mysterious touch added by his hat detraccted nothing. She doesn't know of what she speaks. I worry for the child, but I would not endanger the peace when already there is trouble from Black Sands to worry about. I am sure their recent silence will be short lived. An evasive assurance offered to Wygith, the Gold unsure if her had been listening to Llaina or not. If he were he would likely have worried about the Gold's future actions as well, and she did not wish him concern for no reason.

[Desert]

A'res allowed himself to be shuffled closer to the two dragons and took a seat on Wygith's foreleg, pulling Llaina down with him so they could sit eye-to-eye. He listened to her explanations, eyebrows furrowed in concern, and when she finished, he leaned his head to the side in thought, then shrugged. "It sounds to me like your Holder has every right to be upset. Even if he's not a pleasant person - and his unpleasantness is his most notable trait from what I hear - with his people forcefully taken by a beast he's never seen the like of, for no reason he is aware, and hurting him in the process, I'd be rightfully miffed if I was in his position, too. I can't really say much on the matter, since I'm just a Southern bumpkin, but that's the way I see it. Not knowing anything about the girl that was Searched, or the rider that Searched her."

Wygith, in the meantime, was partially paying attention to the exchanges going on between the two riders, but most of his attention was on the golden beauty before him. He met her gaze and promptly got lost in it, losing himself in admiration for the beautiful creature that held his heart in her paws. So when she sent him a wary reassurance, he was initially confused; clearly she was referring to something still being said by their riders, so he lightly touched both their minds to pick up the thread of their conversation. Then, when he found Llaina's stray concern about Daisyth's reaction should Riki return, he crooned softly.

I believe you, dearest heart. Besides, even if you do lose your temper, you have me now to help,[/b][/color] he assured Daisyth, and for good measure, he let Llaina in on that comment. You only need to call for me and I will be here.[/b][/color] He arched his neck to nuzzle against the side of her neck, humming fondly for good measure.

A'res, being privy to his dragon's conversation, smiled slightly at the bone's pronouncement and reached out to squeeze Llaina's hands. "He's right, you know. If you ever need help, just ask. If we're able, we'll be here to do whatever we can."
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[Lyrikitty]

Nestled on Wygith's leg against A'res was a heavenly place to be, feeling so safe and secure, loved beyond all imagining. It was a shame she couldn't just shrug off the troubles of the world in order to stay in moments like this for the rest of eternity. "Yes, he does have his reasons to be upset. B'ach crossed a line which could have easily been handled in a more peaceable manner. Rileson deserved what he got, but it was not the Skrull Weyrleader's place to give it." She frowned, burrowing her face into A'res' neck. "I can't wait for another Gold to Rise so I can be done with this. Now that the Weyr isn't depending on us to survive each Turn, I want to enjoy the freedom that should go hand-in-hand with that. I want to be able to just ignore it all and be with you. To spend every moment with you." She closed her eyes and sighed deeply, as if by doing so she could banish all responsibility and make her desire reality.

She was touched as Wygith included her in his comment, the action bringing a smile to her lips. She had always counted Daisyth as an exception to the rule of dragons, the Gold being surprisingly social to certain humans. She suspected the Bone was not so quick to converse with people, as the majority of dragons avoided.

Daisyth dipped her head to ightly touch her nose to Llaina's leg, comforting te rider. Soon. Soon another will Rise and take my place, then we will not have to spend our hours on tedious tasks which drag us both away from where we belong. Hoping her rider would take comfort in this, she looked to Wygith. Speaking of which... I do not think it wise for Mine and myself to remain here when we relinquish our position. I think we should leave this Weyr, for it carries too many memories and will dampen the joy we fell being with you and Yours.

Perhaps a bit straightforward, but it was something the Gold had thought of before. Even as happy as Llaina was now with A'res, the woman still felt the pangs of ghosts lurking in the Weyr when he was gone. They would never be banished for so long as the rider remained in a Weyr which she had lost two Queens to, despite still having her Golden beauty to stand by her. Remaining would only drag up thoughts of the lost Magma and the fateful night when Daisyth had been robbed of her rank and glory, leaving her sterile and soon a burden to the Weyr more than an asset.

[Desert]

Smiling tenderly, A'res wrapped an arm around her shoulders and leaned his head against hers, letting his eyes slide closed happily. He could stay like this all day, with Llaina in his arms, and supported by Wygith. The big bone hummed in agreement and curved his neck to nuzzle Daisyth affectionately.

When Daisyth addressed him, Wygith tilted his head, mildly surprised. So the same thought had been occurring to them! Wygith had perhaps been the least perturbed by the distance of the group; to a dragon, distance is less of a problem since betweening took so little time. But since Daisyth and Llaina seemed to be quite ready to put behind them the Weyr that had been nothing but a bittersweet memory, he could understand. He was perfectly fine in his Weyr, other than the fact that Xyurith and Silvyth were both in awful states and it upset the big bone to see his clutchsibs so depressed.

As you say, love. We have been thinking so as well,[/b][/color] he told her, then tilted his head to look at A'res, indicating that his rider would elaborate.

As Wygith sent him Daisyth's comment, A'res glanced at Llaina. "You've been thinking of transferring? I think that's for the best. Wyg and I will transfer with you - nothing is holding us to New Cove, and we'd rather be with you." He tightened his arms around her shoulders momentarily. "Have you been thinking of where to go?"

ooc; ugh. sorry for the shortness. Melpomene is at it again.
[/size]

[Lyrikitty]

Apparently they wer enot the only ones who were thnking of leaving. As Wygith and A'res promised to go with them, the Goldpair's hearts fluttered hopefully. They hadn't been thinking too much on location, though there was not much to chose from. New Cove was out, as canons died quickly there. "New Cove would be a choice if it wouldn't endanger Daisyth, but I understand canons do not fare well in your home Weyr. Eden is not an option, nor Fyr Amenti.. Solainoti has a rather tempermental Queen, and I think Daisyth and I have lived enough of our lives dealing with such dragons... Skrull is not a favoured option, for while it is true we would likely be safe for a time, They are likely to face severe trouble in the comming tuns..."

Llaina paused, counting off Weyrs as she listed them and trying to think of any which would actually be a good fit. "Sallarin is possible, but... I think the idea of houses and the division of their Weyr is a weak point for them, and it could mean they might try and keep you and I apart. That leave Sereg Dagnir, and underground Weyr, and Talune. Personally, I vote we see what Talune has to say." She had always been fond of the sunny, peaceful Weyr. She had been around for the day when F'st and his small Emerald had transfered there, and while she was saddened to lose one of their people, she couldn't think of a more suitable place for the pair. It seemed it was the right choice after all, for from what Llaina heard Typhith had chased a small Green there and had been devoutly obsessed with the precious little thing ever since.

Daisyth crooned softly in agreement. Talune has warm beaches where we can play, as well as many more dragons who do not think they are above a good frolic in the water. I do not like the idea of being shoved underground like a tunnelsnake. Daisyth had grown in a Weyr that she could see the sky in, and she had no desire to change that now. "What do you two think?"

[Desert]

A'res nodded. "Talune seems best. Solainoti would be a decent backup, but my first choice is Talune as well. From what I've been told, they were hit by Black Sands as well, though they already had a gold junior queen to take over from the opal Senior. I have a lot of respect for their Weyrleader, D'ron - I haven't met him personally, but from what I've heard, he's a good man. They seem to have a history of taking in misfit transfers." He smiled faintly.

Wygith rumbled his agreement. I would be pleased to stay in the South. I am wary of the beasts in the East, and the North has many memories we would do well to forget. And in the South, I will still be close to New Cove if my clutchsibs have need of me.[/b][/color]

A'res fondly patted the bone's shoulder. Wygith's odd loyalty to Silvyth and Xyurith was an interesting thing, but at that point in time, any support the two careworn dragons could get was good, as far as A'res could tell. If anything, New Cove was in even more of a bind than the other Weyrs hit by Black Sands, for Silvyth had been the only clutching queen in the Weyr for Turns.
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[Lyrikitty]

At the mention of wishing to stay in the South for the Amber and Snow of New Cove, Daisyth tilted her head. She knew Wygith could be devoted in an extreme, if his displays to her were anything to go by. She hadn't, however, been aware that this would extend to his clutchsibs as well. She'd never known how close he was to the two, unlike most dragons who did not hold such things in high regard.

Do they mean so much to you? I was unaware how hard it has been for them, I can imagine, to a degree. At least here we have other Queens who will be able to take up the mantle. She felt particularly sorry for the Snow of New Cove. All the Snows hatched since the first were sterile, going out of their way to chew stone. No Gold had been clutched on New Cove sands, and no new breed of Queen had appeared. Silvyth had been the only reason the Weyr had continued so far. What would they do now?

Daisyth shuddered to think of this. It was bad enough when the proverbial hope and future of the Weyr was taken in the form of a senior queen, but how hard must it be to not only lose that beacon of light but also the only one who was able to take that mantle in the entire Weyr?

Llaina too felt her heart go out to the New Cove leaders, knowing Kisa must be in hell. Llaina hadn't spent a great deal of time with the other woman, but all their meetings had shown the small Snowrider to be a force worth minding, and an overall likeable character. Despite all the responsibility Kisa had, the woman had always found time to look composed and under no due strain.

"D'ron is a good man. F'st and Typhith were transfered there after they finished their training, and depite Typhith being an Emerald it seems they have flourished there. I've also heard they accepted a Misery and her rider on a transfer. If Black Sands can send outcasts to Talune, we may be lucky enough for them to have use of a sterile Gold and a brilliant Bone." She smiled, taking the sting of her words away. Daisyth may be sterile now, but that didn't diminish her entirely. It made her a victim who was going to find a way to survive.

[Desert]

Wygith sighed, his eyes gaining streaks of gray. Xyurith is more like you and I than most know. N'nika had another before Xyurith. Silvyth and Hers love Xyurith and His. They have been in a bad way since the attack. They have drifted apart, and it hurts them. I know there is not much I can do for them, but I feel sympathy for them. We were the first of our kind, we three. Does that not count for something?

[/b][/color] He tilted his head, almost plaintive. He cared for his birth-Weyr, but would Daisyth begrudge him having loyalty to someone other than her?

A'res patted his dragon's neck and looked to Llaina, wondering if she had heard Wygith's statement. Very few people knew that there had been two dragonless candidates in New Cove. It was a shocking coincidence that he and Jannika's paths had run parallel for so long. Neither of them had much to do with the other before their reImpressions, but once A'res started coming out of his shell, he really began to respect the amberrider deeply. It took a lot of willpower to come out of an experience like that and keep a strong enough constitution to handle an amber king, even if Xyurith was a gentle giant by comparison.

Llaina spoke up again and A'res brought his mind back to the conversation at hand. Hearing about F'st and his emerald was encouraging, but then the bonerider's brows furrowed. "Wait, a misery? They have a transfer there from Black Sands?" He frowned in concern. "Have they made sure that 'transfer' isn't just a spy?" The last thing he wanted was to run into more Black Sands treachery when he started anew.
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[Lyrikitty]

No. It is not wrong, Wygith. You are beyond compare in your devotion and compassion, my darling, and I'd not ask for anything of you to change.[/color] She hummed softly to him, sensing his worry of judgement. She could never be jealous of Wygith's devotions, for he'd already given her so much more than any other could have offered.Besides, I am sure if I had been in a similar situation, I would have grown to feel the same.

In fact, Daisyth was fairly sure she would. If she had been the first of her color, in a world where she was not assured acceptance, she would have clung to anything in a similar situation and formed a steadfast alliance with them.

Llaina agreed fully with Daisyth, her expression speaking this before her lips ever did. She hadn't known that N'nika had lost a dragon as well, and her heart felt for the poor woman. She must be in a new breed of hell right now, with the stress of Silvyth's clutch and the Weyr's future hanging by a thread. Llaina couldn't help but shudder.

"I am so sorry... We never knew N'nika suffered such a past. Your loyalty to them is just and deserved, neither Daisyth or I could ever ask you to change it. If anything, we would do whatever we could to help should it be needed." A'res question about the Misery was warranted, seeing as no one wanted to have much to do with the vicious Black Sands or any of the spawn which it spewed forth. From what she had heard through F'st and general gossip, the Misery was no threat. "I do not think that one is loyal to D'myn, or anything of Black Sands. She calls herself a... Oh what was it..." Her brow furrowed as she tried to recall what she'd been told the small dragons was calling itself, but the name eluded her. "Well I don't ercall what they are now calling it, but the little dragon has apparently abbandoned everything possible related to Black Sands." While it was no binding contract, everything Llaina had heard about that particular occurance was positive and hopeful.[/size]

[Desert]

A'res relaxed marginally when Llaina explained that the misery had seemingly forsaken her birth Weyr. That was a good sign, but he wasn't going to make any assumptions about the miserypair's true loyalties until he met them. People the like of D'myn could easily let such a lie fall from their lips and be believed; and weren't miseries supposed to be especially powerful mindspeakers? That would make it easier for the creature to lie, even to another dragon. He wasn't inclined to extend too much hope until he knew for sure.

Wygith hummed in relief, nuzzling Daisyth's neck. He was glad Daisyth wasn't upset about his loyalties to New Cove; the tie he felt there was far different from the tie he had to the northern goldpair, but no less strong. He knew that should the two come into conflict, they had the potential to tear him apart. He didn't want to choose between the two. If he had to choose one over the other, he would end up un happy either way.

ooc; i'm sorry about the shortness. Desert = exhausted

[Lyrikitty]

"So... I guess that settles it? We talk to D'ron next chance we get, and as soon as we've a viable Gold ready to take over we're home free." Llaina smiled, saying the words aloud made her feel... Better. Yes, that was exactly the word she was looking for. The prospective future ahead made her feel more at ease with the tense situation they were in. Nuzzled up against A'res like this also made her feel at ease, as well as something else. Her heart gave a flutter of joy as she tilted her head to kiss his neck softly, trailing the kisses up to his chin. Oh how sh loved this man, the way he tasted, the way he looked, the caring heart sheltered in his chest, his laugh, his smile... She could go on for ages about all that. At the moment she had more pressing things on her mind, the want and need to be as close to him as she possibly could be, to feel him joined to her and cast away every trouble which caused her brow to furrow.

Daisyth hummed soft approval, the emotions Llaina was feeling bringing joy to the golden dragon. Daisyth fed off Llaina's hapiness, and times like this were ones in which Llaina was blissful. It was growing to an addictive level for the dragon, for seeing Llaina so joyful and at ease meant her formerly broken rider was finally on the right track for proper healing, a track which Daisyth alone could never fully have set. Her neck arched proudly and she looked to Wygith, rising from her lounging and stretching. I think I hunger. Would you care to joi me in feeding, Wygith? A not-so-covert means of giving the riders some privacy, should they want it, as well as a means for the Gold to fill her belly. It was true, she was hungry, just not starving or ravenous yet.

[Desert]

"I think so. I'll speak to N'nika and Kisa; I don't think they'll mind me transferring. If you can get in touch with D'ron we'll be set." He smiled, glad to see the relief and happiness on Llaina's face at the prospect of leaving. How often in the past Turns had she been able to smile like that? How often had she been able to be content, to look forward to something, without the feelings being stained and corrupted by past agony? Those had been few and far between for him, even in the time he'd had Wygith.

Then, as Llaina's lips traced a path up the cord in his neck to the hinge of his jaw, his breath hitched, thoughts derailing and heart lurching. She was very good at doing that to him. It seemed to come easily, these little gestures and caresses that set his nerves afire. A'res had never been incredibly sexually active before, since the typical male prime was spent during Wygith's weyrlinghood when he was, himself, not the most emotionally stable. He wasn't asexual, but such things had never been high on his priority list.

That, however, changed. He found himself unable to keep his hands off Llaina, platonically or otherwise. His typical habits of keeping physical distance from people reversed themselves when it came to the goldrider; even when there was nothing on his mind, he liked having that physical contact, as if to reassure himself that she was still there. She hadn't shown any sign of objecting to it, and he enjoyed having her in his arms. He hadn't predicted this happening to him, but now that it was, he was going to hold onto it for as long as possible.

But back to the way Llaina was brushing her lips tantalizingly over his skin. He heard Wygith rumble dryly but ignored it in favor of tilting his head and tightening his arms around her shoulders.

Wygith caught onto Daisyth's ploy and nodded. Yes, of course. As soon as I am allowed to move my leg I shall follow,[/b][/color] he replied, wry humor creeping into his mindvoice as he projected the words into the minds of both riders, who were still seated on his foreleg.

A'res stood wordlessly, keeping his arms around Llaina, and shot his bone a faux-sour look, to which Wygith only gaped a grin. Flaring his wings, the big bone looked to Daisyth, and waited for her to push off the ledge before he strode to the edge and fell from it leisurely, gliding down to the Bowl. He landed deferentially to the side so that Daisyth could take her pick before him.

Once the dragons were gone, A'res dipped his head to capture Llaina's lips in a kiss. The sensation of her lips moving against his never failed to send electricity arcing through his body. It was addictive.
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