I Don`t Want To (Jack)

[kia]

She’s going out to forget they were together
All that time he was taking her for granted
She wants to see if there’s more
than he gave she’s looking for...

The scenery here was more beautiful than her old home. Here there was still plenty of place to roam and explore. It still had not been ruined by human and Rider expansion. What she meant by that thought was the ever increasing population to Western Continent had not taken over the land yet. The land still reigned supreme here and it would be a while longer before that was over turned. But she hoped she would still be young enough to watch the land flourish before she its demise among man. Such depressing thoughts, especially since Thread was coming eventually and she was going to have to fight it. She let out a sigh. Not only Thread was coming, but there were renegades that ran/flew loose out there, making this land hostile. At least the renegades had figured out a way to work with the land. She ought to suggest that next time she saw Fajra, but the Weyrwoman was always so busy. She was raising a child and training her Junior. So why would she take the time for an OrangeRider? Yeah, sure, Oranges were sub-Queens, but at times she felt like her rank was a rare Fighter dragonrider rather than a sub-QueenRider.

Flare was curled up around the woman`s neck, always so loyal and always watching over his Mine. Sure he would get distracted every now and then by a bug that was a possible meal, or maybe there was a Flight. But his Mine`s happiness was all he looked for. Kind of like a dog doting on his master. Except this was not a relationship where the dog loved only the master despite the constant abuse. Nia reached over and gently with a fingernail started to scratch the eye ridges near Flare`s eyes. The Fire Lizard seemed to give a Fire Lizard`s form of purring, enjoying the scratch. No, Nia loved Flare as much as Flare loved her. In fact, for a sort time, Flare had been her only friend. A devoted friend that stuck with her till the end. And he had been the only male (save for her father) that had not looked at her as a tool but saw her as "someone," if a Fire Lizard could. Ah, she was rationalizing in her mind again. That was typical of her to analyze things. She could never go a moment without her mind wondering things.

And you are still doing it, came the loving voice of her Orange, Nikianeth.

I know, love. But isn`t that how they taught us? she asked.

There was a light rumble somewhere. Was that Niki responding or just another dragon around here making the noise. But the silence did not last long after that.

They taught us to think about the situation carefully when we are in meeting with the Weyrwomen and flying in Wings. Not to think about every little detail when we are by ourselves. And you and I both know that this thinking was not from our lessons. This was because of the constant abuse by...

Hush! I don`t want to think about that. It is in the past now. It never came true. We both know that now. Or else we would not be here, Nia responded, closing her eyes as she leaned up against the stone wall that was outside her weyr. Flare sensed the sadness and hurt that was coming from his Mine`s memories. He sat up and seemed to lick her gently with his small tongue. The strange feeling made Nia open her eyes and looked down at those calm, relaxing, whirling blue and green eyes. Other than Niki and Flare, she wished she could find a friend that was as accepting of her as these two close beings.

...He was always giving her attention
Looking hard to find the things she mentioned
He was dedicated
By most suckers hated
That girl was fine
But she didn’t appreciate him

[jack]

It wasn't really in either B'rak or Shoth's nature to explore. B'rak always worried about intruding on another private property, and Shoth just finding exploration beneath him. They liked to stick to a regular schedule, and did so with almost complete success. But every once and a while they found themselves drifting from plans, perhaps too deep in conversation to realize where their feet had taken them--especially when they were both actually walking.

"Honestly, I think you've gone off the deep end."
A loud scoff sounded above his head, the white-haired rider not bothering to look up, Mine, Mine, Mine. You know I'm right. I'm always right.
Now it was B'rak's turn to scoff, grinning up at his partner with an arched brow before shaking his head in mild disbelief, "Uh-huh. You weren't right about the last Flight."
I was right about the Brown being from elsewhere.
"You were wrong about the 'lovely''s intellegence...or so you say."
I was right about being wrong.
"You can't be right about being wrong."
I can.

The dark-skinned youth shook his head, laughing happily, "Alright, alright. You can be right then. But that doesn't mean you can predict Flights. You aren't a Queen--you're a King. King's don't have that sort of ability. I don't even known if Queens know when they're going to fly..."
They're only Queens, after all. They certainly can't do such a thing.
"Only Queens, he says...."
It is true, and you know it. There will be a Flight soon.
"Okay, okay. I'll take your word for it, Shoth. But who exactly, is supposed to be Flying? Kalith has flown, and so has Annith. If its a clutching dragon, as those are the only ones your thick head seem to understand exist...." He frowned, scratching the back of his neck thoughtfully, "..then I can't imagine who it could be."
Is there not a Sub-Queen here?
"Uhm...I believe so...but.." He stopped, not realizing that the very dragon and rider they were speaking of were in the Weyr he had paused by, "I still say you just want to have children to boss around."

[kia]

Nia heard noises. Not incoherent noises that suggested something or was just sound, but actual words. And it sounded like a man... talking to himself? She was reluctant to look around, but she did not need to. He was coming up closer. She was up against the inside wall of the stone door, watching him as he spoke through the side of her eyes. He was talking about Flights? And clutching dragons? And children, which she could only guess where little dragons since that is what she had picked up from what she heard. Not to mention that she noticed the riding knots on the man`s jacket that suggested that not only was he a Rider, but a high ranking Rider. That made Nia a little nervous, mostly because she had not met a lot of people around. Sure there had been that one BrownRider- Lio was it?- that had been trying to woo her into something before he decided to leave, deciding to call another time. Niki had later told her that he had found solace in another person`s arms that day after talking to Lio`s dragon.

The man paused next to her weyr. She blinked and stayed where she was. She was always so nervous about meeting new people, something that made her stand out among others in her old Weyr. Normally those who were shy were either still really young or they were unsure of their place, rank, or position in the Weyr. But one thing that her leaders had always commented on was how strange she was of a sub-Queen rider that was shy. She should be out there, holding her head high in the air, aware of the position and rank she was in. But she was always nervous. Growing up had made her nervous.

Mine! Stop doing that! You are disrespecting the position you already ARE in! Stop being so scared and go out there! Talk to him! You are going to be a recluse and people will forget you. But I am determined not to be forgotten! I won`t be! Nikianeth said quickly, rumbling from where she was before she got up. She stepped out onto her ledge and yawned, spreading her wings to catch the sun rays.

Flare wrapped himself protectively around Nia as she slowly moved herself out from when she had been standing at. She looked at B`rak and stood there, looking around. She had to act casual, making it look like she had not heard his conversation. That would be rude, eaves-dropping on someone`s conversation even if it was with their dragon out loud. “Sorry. I heard noises and wondered what was going on,” she said, trying to be casual. “I hope I was not interrupting anything.”

[jack]

As B'rak mused, Shoth appeared behind him, looming over his Mine like a small building. He arched his neck subtly as though peering down at the man, curiously inspecting his inner thoughts even as he listened to those outloud. It was Shoth, not B'rak, who noticed Nia first. The Bronze kept his tongue oddly still, a slightly bemused look in his eyes even as B'rak glanced back at the dragon, clearly hearing a less than savory comment.

Blinking, the white-haired man turned from Shoth slowly, glancing with growing realization to the Weyr he was standing by, staring at the woman for a moment. "Oh, I'm sorry!" He squeaked at last, the fact that he'd been speaking aloud dawning on him for the first time, "Shoth is so loud inside an out, I completely forgot that my mouth was open."

The youth gave a sheepish laugh, an apologetic look on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck, Shoth laughing loudly behind him.
Ha! Such foolishness, Mine. The dragon rumbled to all present, looking a tad too smug for a creature who supposedly 'hadn't realized either'. Altogether too pleased with the situation the dragon turned, his attention on Nia now. Mine may be rude, but so are you. He commented brasquely, I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you didn't realize how important the conversation between myself and Mine was, but you knew that we were conversing and spoke anyways. He gave a soft scoff and lifted his chin, flicking his tail as he came to B'rak's side, softly urging him on. Female squishies are such common things.

B'rak, who had been half-way to opening his mouth before Shoth had interrupted, furrowed his brows, lightly flicking the dragon, who ignored the action entirely. "I'm sorry," He chirped after a moment, giving Nia another apologetic smile, "He's a bit of a wherry's behind most of the time. You weren't interrupting anything important, I assure you." A light laugh and the Bronzerider stepped forwards, offering a hand. "My name is B'rak, and the under-sized wherrybrain behind me is Shoth."
Under-sized? I beg your pardon, Mine, but I am perfectly sized. Those others are chunky and over-weight. I am slim, fit, and in magnificent condition. The Bronze gave a soft snort, almost seeming to frown as he rustled his wings, You should follow my example, Mine. You're beginning to become a bit round yourself.
B'rak snorted, unable to hold in a laugh, and glanced at his partner for a moment. "Of course. And the bulge in your belly is an egg, isn't it?" he turned to Nia and gave her a cheerful wink.

[kia]

Nia watched the man before the dragon approached. He was a Bronze dragon. So she had been right in her guessing that the man was a high ranking Rider, which was a good thing she figured. It meant that she was able to read the knots here considering she was from a different Weyr. As the man was apologizing and explaining himself, his dragon was laughing and then quickly turned his attention on her, calling her a rude person and saying that they were having an important conversation. Well, how could she have known? She cannot hear other dragons. She was not a HAD. Right as she was about to say something, she heard a loud roar. Niki.

Rude? How dare he call my Mine rude? He is the one that is rude. He should treat you with respect! That is not a way to treat a lady, much less my Mine! the Orange shouted in Nia`s mind as the dragon burst out from her weyr and landed on the roof of the weyr. It was a good thing that the weyrs were made of rock and carved from mountains, letting them be natural ledges for the dragons. The Orange glowered at the Bronze, her eyes a dangerous orange and red color. She would not stand to have her Mine insulted, even if it was a King dragon. You need to watch your mouth when you address Mine. She did not know that he was talking to you. For all she knew, she could have thought your Mine had some mental issue and was talking to himself like a crazy person. Flare agreed with Nikianeth and lent his voice with a protective hiss.

"Nikianeth!" Nia shouted, worried that the dragons would cause a fight and the first person she could have a chance at being friends with would have nothing to do with her for it. "I guess it is my turn to apologize. My name is Armania, but please call me Nia. This is Flare," she said, pointing to the protective Blue Fire Lizard that was still hissing at Shoth, "and that is my Orange dragon, Nikianeth. She just gets really protective around me, and that does not help with Flare`s already protectiveness." She sent an image to Flare to be quiet after she said that comment. The Blue chirped in her ear and moved himself, climbing up Nia`s head to get a better view of B`rak. The Blue tilted his head and examine the man before figuring the man was not a threat. With that, Flare returned to his place on Nia`s shoulder and neck, wrapping his tail loosely around her neck.

Nikianeth looked down at her Mine and then to B`rak before Shoth. Well, she liked the man better, she had to agree. At least he had not berated Nia with insults. But she kept her eyes on Shoth and kept a defensive position. She was not about to let this Bronze insult her Rider again. She would not let the Bronze get away with it. And the Orange was filled with ideas, ideas that she was sure Nia`s little Blue would agree to help her with. But she would wait. Her Mine was here at the moment. She did not want to hurt her Mine.

[jack]

The dragon's bright eyes wandered away at the loud booming of the angry Orange, a displeased and slightly bored look boring steadily into the other creature's gaze. Since the Flight, Shoth had found himself being a more reserved individual, not wasting his time to insul--...okay. So not much had changed.

Why should I watch my tongue? I know exactly where its going. Unlike your own, which clearly has problems determining the difference between common language and nonsense. A smug look on his maw he flicked his tail, protectively looming behind his Mine, Ah..wait a moment. You're the Orange, aren't you? His eyes flashed with cheer, a look that would have been a snide grin were he human plain on his jaws, Ha! An Orange bossing me around. He gave a soft scoff, gently pushing B'rak as though to make him move along, Stay in your place, lovely. Oranges and Queens alike are worth nothing bug hatchlings--the sooner you learn that the better.

The rider gave a long sigh and rubbed the back of his neck, giving a sheepish smile to Nia, "I'm really sorry--he's...well...he's Shoth." A light laugh slid from his throat and he stumbled slightly, pushed again by Shoth, "He doesn't mean half he says, I promise. He just talks way before he thinks, and then doesn't seriously think..."

[kia]

The was a snarl from Nikianeth`s mouth. She hissed at him, bearing her fangs at him. He was nothing but a stupid Bronze. she had not planned to say anything about what she was about to say, but the Bronze had insulted her. Insulted her! A Queen (well, that was how she viewed herself) with force behind her. Her teeth and claws were not there for looks. They were there for other things as well, some of the ideas that she was entertaining in her fairly sharp mind. I see your mind is a small as your size is. Slim? Ha! You are nothing but a dwarf to your color`s true size, she verbally lashed out, making her own Mine flinch at how vengeful the Orange was. Flare was watching the two dragons from the corner of his eyes where he laid on Nia`s neck and shoulders. It wasn`t like him and Nikianeth had not done things in the past. Nia just didn`t know about it. The Orange moved down from her place and took up her stance behind her Mine. Whatever happened next, she was going to protect her Mine.

Nia was fearful for a moment as the Orange moved behind her. But she felt a lot better to know that the Bronze`s Rider was not showing the same signs of aggression toward her as the Bronze was showing to Niki. She gave a light smile to his light laugh. "Nikianeth is just protective of me. She always has been since the day she Hatched. the worst thing you could do is insult both of us. But, at least she does not harbor any anger toward you, B`rak."

No, he`s nice, Nikianeth piped up. She turned her attention toward B`rak. Though I do thank you for at least being understanding. She only spoke because I encouraged her to do so. If I hadn`t, she would have been hiding like she always does. She needs sun and attention if she is ever to grow into her position correctly, the Orange spoke calmly and actually gently to B`rak.

[jack]

The Bronze cackled, showing off his own teeth proudly as he shifted cheerfully behind B'rak, looking all too smug for a dragon just insulted. Ha! So says the over-sized lovely. Are we carrying littlethings, lovely, or just bulging from too many wherries? The dragon snaked his neck forwards, arching it subtly as he lazily curled around B'rak, showing off his natural flexibility and power. I am in perfect shape. Powerful, lean, graceful...I could outrun you any day--especially when you look like you've just eaten our beloved Kalith.

Cackling loudly he snapped his tail, eyes whirling with challenge--just daring her to make a move.

B'rak gave another laugh, but didn't apologize again, knowing that nothing would stop Shoth's actions, and hoping that Nia had figured that out by now. "Shoth has no such excuse." He replied, smiling softly, "He's just a wherrybrain. And knows it too."

As the Orange spoke, however, B'rak's look grew thoughtful and he tilted his head subtly to the side. "Perhaps you two aren't so unalike." He rumbled, glancing at Shoth.
On the contrary, Mine. She merely wants her squishy to be less of a spooked tunnelsnake. I however, am training you to be suitable--to be the Mine you are meant to be. We are nothing alike. I am much more fantastic.

[kia]

Nikianeth`s snarl was growing dangerously louder. Flare was getting very annoyed by the Bronze who was barely larger than his Mine`s Orange dragon. The Fire Lizard flitted up to a nearby rock to watch the action, his eyes orange as he stared at the Bronze. As for Nikianeth, she flexed her claws under her feet as she watched the Bronze. Oversized?! I am not oversized. I am the perfect picture of what an Orange should be. One of the tallest if not THE tallest in my colors and still SLIM and FIT enough to dodge and out fly you any day, she said with an almost sound of a snort. You, my friend, have you delusions. You are a dwarf! No wonder the Queen would pick you! She probably didn`t want her children to be cursed with your genes, making them smaller than normal. No female dragon would dare have your children. As for my Mine, she could be a perfect leader if she chose to. But because she chooses to be timid, I have to push her to be who she really can be. A woman with a Queen behind her all the way. A woman with the ability to lead. And I am not like that wherry-brained Bronze. I am a perfect lady and he is a slob!, she hissed.

Nia didn`t like the words that her dragon spoke. At least the way it sounded. It almost made it sound like they had another agenda. As if they were trying to destroy DW and take over it themselves. Far from it. She was going to feel the regret of this confrontation. The black hair woman sighed and closed her eyes for a moment to gather herself. She had pretty much already figured that Shoth was a little hot-tempered as much as her Niki was too. So, she was slightly use to these kinds of arguments. She opened her silvery-gray eyes back up and gave a slight smile. "It is okay. Not all dragons and Riders have the same personalities, but that is what makes all of us individuals," she said. Basically, the message behind it was that she understood and she hoped that they could still talk even with the wherry-brains that stood behind them. "Maybe while they are trying to resolve their own, um, differences, we could have a, uh, a peaceful talk. Where are you from?" she asked, trying to ignore her dragon.

[jack]

The dragon sneered, eyes still shockingly smug despite the insults shot at him, Careful, lovely, He crooned almost tenderly, Your hormones are clearly acting up. Best not get too riled up! You'll hurt those non-existent little-things. Cackling to himself he licked his jaws, eyes whirling with aggressive laziness, and plopped rudely down in front of the Weyr, tail curling gently around His's feet.

A dwarf? Oh contrar. I am larger than anything that would compare to my grace and athleticism. He tilted his head, giving her a pleased smirk of an expression, You may defend your oversized mass, but I don't have to defend my size. As I am this size, this size is clearly superior to yours. Besides! I doubt you could outfly a wher.

B'rak smiled softly, unconsciously leaning against the thick tail at his back. "I'm from a mining hold not too far from here," He chirped, grinning at the image of his old home, "I Impressed up at a weyr far North of here though--it was a mishap that I was even on the Sands."
Not a mishap. My orders.
"Yes, yes."

[kia]

For a moment, Nikianeth was quiet. Dangerously quiet....

"I was born and raised at Inland Weyr. So, Impressing was a dream come true for me. I was... rather surprised to Impress Nikianeth. But it was a very happy day for my father who always knew that I could be something more than I even considered myself," she said with a small smile. "But why did you say it was a mishap? Did you not want to Impress prior to Impressing?" she asked.

Move came Nikianeth`s voice very monotone-ish.

Nia turned and saw the orange and red still whirling in Niki`s eyes. "Why?"

Move now. And move the other Rider while you`re at it, she again, a small primal growl rumbling lowly in her throat.

"Niki!"

She tried to stop it, but she was too late. As soon as she shouted at her dragon, Nia moved toward the Orange to stop her. But the dragon rose in the air, the gust of wind from under the wings, knocking Nia over. Nikianeth roared with anger as she dove at Shoth, ready to tear him limb from limb. I`ll make you even more of an embarrassment to your color! Nikianeth shouted, her claws out and ready to tear at Shoth`s hide.

"Niki! No!" Nia shouted from where she had been knocked to the ground, trying to gain mental control over the dragon that was deeply enraged.

[jack]

The white-haired youth laughed, rubbing the back of his neck as Shoth curled further around him, eyes whirling with a wary patience as he moved to his feet, hiding the shifty action as a stretch. "Oh, Impressing was incredible, I won't deny that. And Shoth is--for all of his ridiculousness--definitely the best thing that's ever happened to me. But I was actually supposed to be going home from the Harperhall. A Hatching was going on, however, and the dragon just betweened there. I was mistaken for a pre-Hatching Candidate, and was dragged o--" He broke off, watching the Orange with a dawning stare as the rider spoke.

His eyes widened when she attacked, flashes of Kalith's attack plain in his gaze as he not only stood his ground but moved more into the way, spreading his arms out, "Don't you touch him!" He barked, eyes narrowed and cold as he gritted his teeth, glaring at the Orange with the same fearlessness reflected in his dragon's eyes.

With an oddly savage motion the Bronze protectively loomed behind B'rak, not stepping in front of him, but standing up on his haunches with wings slightly spread and arms out. Worthless wher of a dragon! He snarled, low and dangerous, and lunged right back, an odd amount of control in his movements.

The dragon agilely curled himself forwards, not moving from the ground, but defending his Mine as he lifted his head and claws, jaws open and teeth gleaming as he slashed at her head and chest. Touch Mine, and I will rip out your very heart, tunnelsnake!

[kia]

The Orange managed to move out Shoth`s attempt to slash at her. After all, being in the air gave her an advantage. But Nikianeth was in no mood for being calmed down. Mine, move Shoth`s Mine. My quarrel is not with him! the dragon roared, still in the air and hovering over the miniscule Bronze. She was very angry. She may not have been a Red, but when she was insulted she is quick to raise to defense. And this was the last straw. She was not about to be insulted anymore. Her Mine would not be insulted anymore. They BOTH would not be insulted anymore. The past may be in the past, but the effects still carry the long term effects. Now move the man! I will not let anyone disrespect us anymore. That`s why we came here in the first place. To escape it. I almost wonder if us becoming solitary would have been the better bet, the Orange said aggressively.

"Niki, stop right now!" Nia shouted, getting up and taking her place near B`rak. "You`re letting your temper get the best of you." And then she looked up at Shoth. "Please, Shoth, please stop with these insults. I cannot ask you to understand why they affect us like they do, but all what I can ask is if you could respect us enough to put these insults to the side and just get over it. You`re both not dragonets anymore, are you? No, you both are proud dragons. You don`t even have to speak to each other," she asked, looking at B`rak with an almost pleading look. "B`rak, I cannot ask your dragon to change, but do you think he would be kind enough to stop with these insults?"

Nikianeth rumbled in mid-flight, still not very happy. He teeth and claws were still drawn out, but she was not attacking at least. She gave a small hiss. I will stop only if he stops. I am a lady after all. I can at least be quiet if I so wished to be, she said with slight malice. After all, insults was what always got them into fights at the other Weyr. And this was why the Weyrwoman there had not been against Nia moving to another Weyr. And already Nia was worried that they were going to have to move again if this kept up.

[jack]

Neither Shoth nor B'rak backed down even with Nia's arrival, the far-too-close-for-his-taste near-loss of his dragon making even the even-tempered miner's blood boil in defensive warning. "Honestly, I don't care who started it or what insults you're replying to," He barked, glaring at Niki, "But it was your dragon that lifted into the sky and made this a fight," He turned to Nia, eyes stern but not cruel, "And that cannot be tolerated."

I don't insult, tunnelsnake. Shoth snapped, resting one clawed paw on B'rak's shoulder, not putting weight on him but rather looming, I rebuke whatever nonsense is spouted out around me. He arched hsi neck, snapping his jaws slightly, Besides! What kind of dragon would stoop to being insulted? You don't deserve compliments or praise--why should I bother? A scoff sounded in his throat as he dropped to all fours, wrapping his tail around B'rak's waist, Come along, Mine. I'm tired of this creature.

B'rak sighed, not moving with the dragon, but not demanding he still. "You can't live your life on a hair-trigger." He rumbled, frowning at Nia, "Insults happen. Some people don't like others. Shoth talks a lot. But not even Kalith could shut his mouth...and I've started to see why he keeps talking." He shifted, running his hand along the dragon's tail, "I will not apologize for him this time." He shifted, gently meeting the Orangerider's gaze, "He takes every insult he gives in stride. I believe that's a better trait to have, than to not give an insult in your life, but be affected by every one."

[kia]

"I`m not asking you to apologize for your dragon," Nia replied generously. "And I`m not asking you to make your dragon be quiet. I just think it would be in his benefit if he didn`t go insulting others. After all, that is how our dragons got into this mess. And I`m not blaming Shoth saying that he solely started this," she added, giving a glare to her landing Orange. "It was both their faults in my opinion."

Nikianeth gave a slight squawk as she felt the rage of her Mine gaining full control of the dragon. The Orange`s eyes returned to normal, somewhat, as they turned to blue in remorse. Nikianeth hated when her Mine got like this.

"But Niki really is really not a bad dragon when her temper does not control her," Nia added, still mad but her look on Niki getting a little more gentle. But she turned back to B`rak. "So, it is my turn to ask you to forgive Niki and maybe next time they meet in the future it could be on better terms."

Flare returned back to his position on Nia`s shoulder now that the dragon`s weren`t "fighting," per say. He crooned slightly to Nia, trying to get her attention. Nikianeth was next to speak now that her Mine seemed to finished. Yes, maybe another time. I wouldn`t mind that so long as there-

"Niki enough is enough."

[jack]

In my benefit?! The dragon scoffed, his tugging insistent now, I know what is best for me and Mine, squishy. Now deliberately speaking to Nia, he turned to meet her gaze, eyes whirling with annoyance, but oddly no anger, You would be best off to learn to better control your little pest's temper. Its unsightly enough in a Red.

Without another word he moved to leave, letting his tail slide from around B'rak as he leapt into the air, snapping his wings open and soaring off. As he flew he did a barrel roll and bounced off of a wall, hmphing to himself after the demonstration of his..."perfection."

"I never blame people for their mistakes." B'rak replied absently, watching after his dragon fondly, "Things happen because of them. I know that...but I still don't blame them, because there's a reason for everything. But..." He glanced at Nia, "That doesn't mean we have to hold ourselves back and continuously be limited by our mistakes. Writing them off as accidents, or a slip of the tongue, or another's fault, never works. You won't grow if you can't admit them and move on." He gave a soft laugh, "I probably know that better than anyone--what with that little ball of terror. You should have seen him as a hatchling. Smaller than a wher and convinced he was ten times as privileged as a full-blown Queen."

He gave a faint smile, eyes soft in memory. "Anyways. He may seem a harsh fellow, and he really is. But he has his ups..and they certainly outweigh the bad." He glanced at her, winking, "And one of those is a practically non-existent temper, in the sense that most of us have."

The ex-miner fell into a respectful bow, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Nia."

[kia]

Nikianeth watched the Bronze dragon, giving a "hmph" of her own as she turned her head away as she disappeared. It would be a bit before her anger would disappear. She was still even thinking of revengeful plans against him. After all, wasn`t Dalibor suppose to be a new Weyr with new chances. And since their arrival, it had all been well until this point. But, Nia was right. Nikianeth was normal a decently sweet dragon behind her temper. She just hated being insulted, which was her biggest weakness.

Nia smiled at B`rak as he gave his last words of knowledge and experience. B`rak honestly was not a bad man, Nia thought. Somewhat like herself, she also thought. They were different from their own dragons, yet they helped complete their dragons in their own special way. And somehow, Nia felt drawn to B`rak with that sense of knowledge. As for his wink, she took it in a friendly way considering what had already occurred today. She gave a small bow herself when he bowed to her. "Despite what happened, which I am going to look over, I really glad to have met you today, B`rak. It does give me some sense of relief that I did make a good decision in coming to Dalibor," she replied, waving him a farewell.