Rumbling Stomachs (Jack)

[kia]

For once, O`ris was asleep in his weyr and actually resting. He had been thinking about her, but fell asleep doing so. He thought about her often, but not too often where he felt like it was stalk-ish. He even had Rhyolith to help him to think of other things from time to time. Their usual topics were going over past lessons, talking about O`ris` past (which he was very reluctant to talk about), and Lira`s obsession about not letting O`ris near any other Greens. Lira had chirped in annoyance, but O`ris and Rhy laughed. They had merely been teasing the Green. Once Lira was comforted, O`ris settled down for a nap.

He woke up with his stomach growling, calling out for food. Rhyolith looked up, her eyes whirling in shades of green. Would you like me to accompany you to the dining hall? she asked him. O`ris could have sworn that he saw Rhy smiling at him. But he smiled despite his hallucinations. “How did you know I wanted you to come with me?” he asked.

Because I can read your mind, she replied, standing up.

Together they made their way to the dining hall. Rhyolith sat down next to his chair as he started eating. She layed her head in his lap, her eyes whirling. Mine, you know I love you, right? she asked. O`ris smiled again, chewing up some wherry meat and swallowing it before he spoke again. “Of course. And you know I love you too.”

Good. Because I know that you and I are going to make the best Cyan and Rider team out there, she added.

[jack]

It didn't seem like it had been that long ago that Durian had found herself in an almost identical situation to this, wandering about the Weyr at night with an age-old habit of midnight snacking. As the times before, Reggae was curled about her neck, the pretty pink rattling on about something or another to Mesreath, who although seemed to be able to understand the majority of what the flit said, also seemed to be ignoring her. Durian smiled, glancing down at the Brown, who patrolled at her side but a shade ahead, looking for all the world like a guard dog. His neck was arched subtly, head up and wings tucked carefully against him, his eternally red eyes whirling with conflicting ideas.

"Are you really so against me eating at night?" Durian asked aloud at last, grinning slightly when the dragon shot her a look, not replying. "You know, there's nothing dangerous in a dining hall. Just because its a place to eat, doesn't mean something will try to eat me." A light laugh slipped from her lips and she reached out, lightly scratching the Brown's eyeridges, an action that made him give a soft sigh of appreciation.

He really had been loosening up, for the most part, Durian mused. He wasn't nearly as bad as he had been, at least letting her do what she wanted and no longer trying to push her around. He was able to show his affection in less blunt ways, finding that the occasional touch of his nose to her knee was a much better way to sooth and protect than rudely shoving her to a safer local. And His was strong, after all...she needed a partner, not a babysitter. Mesreath, thankfully, was figuring that out.

As the trio exited the kitchen, Durian with some bread and dried meat in her arms and Mesreath proudly carrying a bowl of fresher meat in his mouth, they caught sight of the other weyrlings, Mesreath instantly letting out a warning growl. Durian, who had begun to take the growl more as a 'look' than the 'backoffintruder' Mesreath meant to make it, glanced to the group, waving softly. "Oh, hello! Didn't know anyone else was up at this hour." Grinning a true tomboy's grin she shuffled over, tucking a bit of her hair--which was growing much too long for her taste--behind an ear, "Mind if we join you? Mes won't bite."
The dragon snorted.
"Even if he may want to." The girl added, "translating".

[kia]

Before Mesreath`s growl and Durian`s question, Lira chirped when the other trio entered the dining hall. O`ris looked up from where he sat and blinked, wondering what Lirawas chirping about. Then he saw the Brown dragon, the same Brown from the Hatching. A shiver went up his spine slightly, remembering how aggressive the Brown had been. Rhyolith looked over at Mesreath, but didn`t react in a nervous way O`ris`mind was going. Mine, it is just Mesreath. Why are you so nervous around him? she asked.

Because of how aggressive he was at the Hatching. Don`t you remember?

Rhyolith snorted Are you seriously going to judge him for that one time? He has his Mine with him, and she seems very nice. Invite them over. I would love to know how Mesreath is doing.

O`ris nodded to Rhy, glad that he had her. She was so calm and reserved, unlike him. And he loved her for it. He looked up at the girl and gave a light smile. "I don`t mind one bit. After all, with it being this late, a little company might help calm my nerves. Walking around at night by yourself, even with a dragon in tow, can make you a little nervous. Unless you are use to it," he replied, offering her any of the seats around him

Rhyolith watched Mesreath for a moment before speaking to him. Hello Mesreath. How are you and your Mine? I hope everything has been going well for you, the Cyan spoke politely.

[jack]

Durian grinned, sliding into a seat across from O'ris. As she took a starved bite of her meal, Mesreath plopped his own bowl down on a chair beside her, giving the other three a steely stare before hesitantly taking a piece, swallowing it quickly before glaring again. "You don't like being out at night?" The girl interrupted Mesreath's glare-down, "I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't be out when the sun goes down--its almost like I was meant to be a wherhandler instead."

A light laugh and Mesreath snorted, nudging His gently. "Of course, if I were to Impress a wher, then I would never have been able to meet Mesreath. For all the trouble he is, he's the light of my life for sure." Seemingly pleased with the compliment--although he recognized it immediately as an attempt at soothing him--the dragon settled, chewing thoughtfully on another piece before plopping his head on the table where he could easily watch everyone.
I am well. He replied curtly, his attention stuck to O'ris and seemingly uninterested in his sibling, As is Mine. Were she not, I would be even more unwell than she. A red eye turned, locking on the Cyan, Common courtesy asks you the same.

[kia]

He smiled lightly at her. "I didn`t say I didn`t like the dark," he replied. "I just haven`t been here long enough to become fully use to the creaks and sounds of night here. Even when I arrived at my first Weyr when I was thirteen Turns, it still took me a Turn to finally get use to it. And, then again, it could just be old habits popping up in the back of my mind that make me look over my shoulder every few minutes at night." He finished the small meal that he got. He didn`t want a large meal so when he woke up the next day he would not be hungry. Whatever was left on the plate, he broke a third off to give to Lira and offered the rest to Rhyolith. He took a sip of his klah and let the warm liquid slide down his throat. This was what his stomach really wanted. He then looked back up to Durian. "I suppose we all wonder little things, such as you being a WherHandler. Honestly, I could never give up my Rhyolith, despite the many, uh, questions that roll around my head." He looked down at her Brown before looking back up at her. "Durian, am I correct in your name?" he asked, wanting to make sure he had her name before he continued the conversation.

Lira was happy to have a small meal this late at night. She did not care what time it was. If she was hungry or if it was free, she was more than willing to happily eat it. She then looked up and noticed that her Mine`s new friend had a Fire Lizard as well. Well, shortly after noticing, she was quick to check over the Fire Lizard and dragon to make sure it was not another Green. But, happy that is was a Brown dragon and a Pink Fire Lizard, Lira was more than happy to share her meal with Reggae if the Pink wished. Lira loved to make friends so long as they weren`t Green. She didn`t want any other Greens near her Mine. She chirped her invitation to the Pink, sending her the image of the food on the plate that could be meant for THEM is Reggae joined her. After all, a Fire Lizard`s mind was different from a dragon`s mind.

Rhyolith took a nibble of the food on the plate. The food was relatively good. And it would seem her Mine was going to be here for a while. She could afford to take her time in eating this meal. She looked up at Mesreath, her eyes still whirling slowly in the many different shades of green and blue. She knew why Mesreath acted the way her did. Were she in his position, she might have too. But she had come out as Rhyolith, a beautiful Cyan dragon that Impressed to O`ris, not Mesreath, the noble Brown dragon that Impress to Durian. My Mine and I are well. He still is trying to get use to the fact that he Impressed finally after so long. He also thinks about many things, often causing me to worry about him. But usually he is fine and just needs a little nudge of encouragement. But you and your Mine do look very happy together. After all, we dragons do know who we want as our Mine. There is no wrong in our choice, only correct ones when we Impress, she replied, keeping as polite as possible. She wasn`t being polite because she was trying to prevent herself from getting annoyed with Mesreath. She was being polite so she could watch Mesreath, his Mine, and the little Pink and get to know them better. After all, if she was going to be able to learn anything, it was best to watch and ask the right question.

[jack]

The teenager gave a smile, taking another bite of her bread. "I suppose I could understand that. Although, I haven't been bothered by sounds since I was very little. When you live as I did, the only sounds you ever worry about are footsteps and heavy breathing." She gave a laugh, absently reaching out to Mesreath, and stroked his nose fondly. "Oh I would never give up Mesreath. For all the trouble he is, he's the world to me. And he's only so bad because he's over protective--its in his nature."

Reggae shifted from preening her wing, tilting her head to the side at the image, before turning her gaze down. She blinked, twitching her tail, then gave a cheerful trill in reply, eyes whirling happily as she glided down to the table, taking up a piece of bread in her paws.
"That's right, Durian." Durian replied, grinning as she watched her flit, "And this, of course, is Mesreath. The pink is Reggae." She glanced up at him, "I know your name is O'ris, and your dragon is Rhyolith...but who's your flit? I don't believe I've ever met her."

Mine is strong. Mesreath rumbled in response, his eyes on His and slightly closed in appreciation of the hand on his eyeridges, She is the perfect Mine, and I will be the perfect dragon as well. He gave a soft yawn, reaching down to nibble at the bowl of food remaining, She does not worry, however...therefore I worry for her....for all her strength, she is but a Mine.

[kia]

"I know the feel, looking over you back for the sounds of breathing and footsteps. I may have lived a similar life to yours, but growing up I had my own reasons of looking over my shoulders," O`ris replied, frowning slightly with the memories. He could remember it well. After all, it hadn`t even been a Turn since he arrived here at Dalibor and escaped those painful walls and rooms. He could see their faces, sneering at him, as his friends cowered in the corner. And he had been the only one to stand up to them. Why did they come after him?

Rhyolith crooned affectionately at O`ris, nuzzling the leg that she was closest to. He looked down at her and saw those beautiful and loving eyes gazing up at him. The memories slid away just as quickly as they had surfaced. She was here, not them. And even Durian was kind to him. Dalibor had definitely been the perfect place to transfer to. Wouldn`t his cousins be proud! That is if he hadn`t already cut off communication between them and himself.

Lira was happy for the Pink to join her in the meal. Lira`s eyes were a joyful blue, glad to hopefully make another friend. Of course Yulari would always be her best friend, but Lira didn`t mind making friends with others. The Green took some of the meat that was on the plate, nibbling on it, and leaving the rest for the Pink to eat so they could share.

O`ris smiled at the Fire Lizards. Life seemed easy for them. He kind of wished he was one, but if he had been he wouldn`t have Impressed Rhyolith. He looked up when Durian asked him about Lira. His smiled widened. "Her name is Lira. I`ve had her for a long time now. My first Impression, I guess you could say. Though she has a strange quirk about her. She doesn`t like other Green Fire Lizards, dragons, or Watch-Whers around me. she doesn`t mind them when it is just her, just around me she will get protective. Rhy says it is because she is jealous and loves me," he said with a shy smile.

Rhyolith chuckled lightly at Mesreath`s comment. You are right. They are still Mines for all their little differences. But that is why we are here. To make sure they are safe and won`t get hurt. Mine`s only issue is his mentality. Then again, it is why I chose him. He`s not dumb, but he needs the proper guidance into being someone that he can be, Rhyolith spoke lovingly about her Mine.

[jack]

Durian gave a light laugh, eyes soft even as they looked far past O'ris. "I doubt your life was much like mine." She mused after a moment, smiling distantly, "It wasn't like I was a weyrbrat or a drudge...or some wherry-brain." She shook her head, letting the memories fade as her hair settled and she grinned, "Life's tough without a home--but its all fine. I don't regret my life--its made me who I am."

She gave a playful laugh, taking a bite of the meat, and swung her legs absently. "She's very pretty." She added, commenting on the flit, "Reggae and I have been together for a long time too. She's been my partner for many years--I'm just glad Mesreath hasn't tried to eat her yet." She snickered, "Faranth knows he's threatened to a thousand times already."
Reggae, finished with her bread and with her paws full of meat, snorted and snapped her tail, turning her eyes on Mesreath. He scoffed at whatever image she sent at him, and leaned forwards, blowing a gust of air hard enough to send her head over heels. An angry squawk sounded from her maw as she righted herself, putting down her snack in favor of stomping over and smacking him hard across the nose with her tail before moving to safety around Durian's neck.

Durian laughed and reached up, lovingly stroking the Pink's neck. "She's a firecracker though. I don't think Mes could honestly eat her if he tried."

Mesreath gave a soft grunt at that, gulping down two pieces of meat in defiance before settling. Mine is perfect. He repeated stubbornly, wrapping the tip of his tail around her leg, I will be stronger than you, or anyone, in order to make up for any faults others see in her. His eyes flashed, a glimmer of a darker red in his stare before it softened, an almost blue color swirling for a moment, One day, no one will see Mine as faulty or unwanted. She and I will be the best.

[kia]

O`ris nodded. "We are all different and live different, but sometimes similar lives," he said, musing over the comment himself. After all, he was relatively tough, one of the qualities Rhyolith had picked him for. "But I don`t regret anything either. Life has it own ironies, and I am caught up in it. I cannot say I have much to complain about." But with the comment about his Fire Lizard, his side smile returned. "Thank you. Lira is certainly special to me as much as Reggae and Mesreath are to you. You`re Pink is certainly pretty too, different from most Pinks I`ve seen," he said with a chuckle. "But I mean it in a good way, because it makes her stand out as her own being. I would never trade Lira or Rhyolith for anything, not even a chance for, well, that comment is best left for inside my mind," he said, looking down at the Cyan that was staring at him.

Lira gave a few short chirps, her version of laughing. She liked Reggae already. Certainly a Fire Lizard with that much personality should be her friend. Lira pushed some meat over to Reggae, offering it in peace and friendship.

Of course you are stronger than me, but who says I am not strong in my own way? Rhyolith pointed, her eyes whirling slightly faster but never changing from their green color.

[jack]

The teenager gave a light laugh, finishing up the remnants of her meal. "Ironies, huh? Heh. Maybe so." She glanced to Reggae, who was finished as well, and then to Mesreath, who had begun to tap his claws on the bowl he held.

"Well...its getting later by the minute, and I'm beginning to get rather sleepy." The girl gave a soft chuckle, rising to her feet with Mesreath on her heels, "Maybe I'll see you around, hm?" he grin twisted, "And maybe I'll get to figure out what pretty lady--I assume--you would almost consider trading your life for." She laughed, giving a wink, and began to head on, followed by Mesreath.

Everyone has their own strength. Mesreath mused as he followed his, I suppose you would be no different.

[kia]

O`ris watched Durian as the girl spoke, saying that she would like to figure out what kind of person O`ris would be willing to trade his life for. He felt guilt wrench at him for even letting the first part of those words slip out of his mouth. He laid a hand on Rhyolith neck, scratching it gently as if seeking forgiveness from the Cyan. He blinked when she winked at him and he looked down, almost embarrassed like that someone would wink at him like that.

Rhyolith watched the Brown leave. She gave a satifying rumbled in her throat. No, I would not be any different if I had my own strength, she replied.

As O`ris sat there thinking about what Durian had said, he looked down at Rhyolith. "I`m sorry, love."

There is no need to be sorry, Mine. You love me and that is all that matters. We will show the world someday what we really can become, she replied.

"I don`t want to think about this any further. I`m getting tired again finally." With those final words, the trio got up and headed back to their own weyrs.