Friends On Fire (Zeph)

[Kiran]

Imber had quickly discovered that Hikkikoth was more than introverted - he was downright a hermit. Loathe to leave their rooms for any reason, she was forced to devise ways to lure him out. But his possessiveness of his rider meant she quickly discovered that the easiest way to get him out and about was to leave herself. He followed closely. The thought made. Imber smile. It wasn't that she was irritated by him, no, he needed her as much as she needed him. It just surprised her that her other half would be so different.

Today was no different. Hikkikoth sulked as she made her way out of their rooms to the firestone sacking, where their chores we're for the day. They had been taught about properly selecting and bagging it, and they weren't out to work with it. It would be a long time before they were ferrying it to the wings, after all. But it was still something to look forward to, eventually.

Imber walked into the large station, grabbing a few sacks on her way from the pile of them kept handy for those who were assigned it. Glancing around, she saw candidate and weyrling alike doing the work. Some Weyrlings didn't have their Bondeds near, some did. Imber had to by virtue of Hikkikoth not wanting to leave her side for a moment. The black was loath to be alone. Imber had to admit, she was loathe to leave him alone besides, as the black was kept to his own thoughts and devices when she wasn't, and that never meant good things. She herself had to teach herself to keep her own thoughts light and merry, which was hard for the girl. There were times she failed and found them leaving to her black, who took them and ran with them. Death and gloominess often haunted the back of her mind for days afterward unless she occupied him.

At least this was something for them to do, which they could do together. Sort of. Moving into the piles, Imber caught sight of another weyrling, one that was older and had impressed at the last hatching. She moved forward, a smile on her face. Hikkikoth growled behind her. Was he going to dare speak to His?! Imber ignored it and began bagging next to the blue weyrling. Her black would deal with it. Besides, worrying over her meant he wasn't thinking about himself. She shot the boy a small smile as she worked, keeping to her old habits of silence.

[Zephyr]

“I just don’t understand why we still have to do the same chores as the new weyrlings! I mean, we can fly, Cirruth!” Re’on whined to the blue dragon, who was sitting behind him, firestone sack suspended from his jaws. The blue was fairly certain that Re’on was supposed to carry the sack himself, but he didn’t want him hurting himself. You complain a lot. He observed as the boy dropped more firestone into the sack. “It’s just the principle of the…”

He trailed off when he realized that his dragon wasn’t listening anymore and looked up to see the cloudy blue’s attention somewhere else. Someone’s coming. One of the new weyrlings. Re’on turned to see, and watched the girl approaching them. She was pretty, maybe a little young. Cirruth nudged him forcefully in the back and the boy rolled his eyes. I’m not going to flirt with her. She’s too young! Like that would stop you. Be nice. I don’t want you getting in trouble.

Long used to the blue’s worrying nature, Re’on smiled back at the girl. He tried to keep it out of his face, but the smile was the most winning and charming one he could manage. The boy fell silent, pushing the blue back as he grabbed the full back and worked on tying it to his back. As he was tying it, he turned to look at the girl.

“Hi there.” Cirruth was a steady presence in his mind, eyeing the growling black hatching carefully, wings shuffling worriedly. Be careful. That baby doesn’t look friendly. To the black, Cirruth cooed nervously. Calm down. No one is going to threaten yours. What’s your name? When he was younger, Cirruth was loathe to talk to anyone but Re’on. That’s not how things worked and it was far, far too dangerous, but sometimes he knew, it was necessary.

Re’on had meant to go to the hatching to support his favorite candidate, who he had heard had not only impressed…but impressed a subking. He made a mental note to go visit the boy later. For now, he turned his focus onto the girl again. “Your dragon is gorgeous.” He said to her, the corner of his mouth quirking into a grin. “I’m Re’on, and this worrywart is Cirruth.” Cirruth snorted indignantly behind him, still carefully focusing on the hatchling.

[Kiran]

Imber was surprised when the other weyrling acknowledged her, but wasn't displeased. It wasn't a bad thing to get to know other people, especially with her overly-protective hatchling in tow. Hikkikoth wrapped himself around her legs as she continued to bag firestone, hunching down as the other dragon spoke to him. Tell h-him-m I d-don't-t-t wan-nt to talk! He c-can leav-v-ve m-me alone! She glanced down at him, letting him know clearly that she certainly would not do that. Then she looked back at the man beside her.

"Thank you. Your blue is also quite handsome." Her voice was quiet but sure, and Imber wasn't afraid to return his smile shyly. "His name is Hikkikoth, and I'm afraid he is quite shy, so please do not take offense at him." Imber directed her words at Cirruth, since the blue was going to be blatantly ignored by the black if she didn't say something. Hikkikoth wrapped his tail around her ankles, upset that she was speaking to the man. ImberMine, I am-m han-n-nds-some too, yes-s-s? You don't n-need t-to speak-k-k to him-m! How dar-re he t-talk to you!

Imber reached down to pet his headknobs, which assuaged him somewhat, but the black continued to eye the pair balefully. "He only recently hatched as well. At the double hatching. I'm afraid that he is a bit protective of me, but he will outgrow it, I'm sure." She didn't know it for sure, that was a bit of a lie, but Imber didn't want them to be offended by Hikkikoth's behavior. Better to write it off as a result of the hatching. Besides, it was possible he would. She simply needed to wait and see.

"How old is Cirruth? He seems to be a bit older than a season, but I admit I'm not that good at judging ages. She decided to push Hikkikoth's boundaries a bit, leaving the firestone sack on the ground for a moment to come over and take a better look at the blue. The black followed obediently, but almost seemed to move in a way that was meant to trip her up and keep her from getting too close to the other dragon and his rider. "Hello there, Cirruth. I'm sure that you're a wonderful dragon, and that you make your rider very proud." Imber was quite clear in her praise, meaning every word, but also deliberately trying to get her black used to her speaking to others.

[Zephyr]

Well then.

Cirruth stared down at the black hatchling, who’d rather pointedly not answered his question. When Re’on poked him in the side, he stood up so his rider could finish tying the bag to his back. He decided that if the hatchling didn’t want to talk to him, he wasn’t going to force him to. His gaze shifted to the girl as she spoke and he rumbled lightly towards her, tail flicking back and forth as Re’on grabbed another bag off of his belt and started to pile firestones into it.

“I’m not surprised.” He started, standing up to eye the aforementioned hatchling. He certainly was clinging to her ankles like a little snake. “I heard about the hatching.” Even if he hadn’t been there. Everyone had heard about that hatching. “It must have been hard for you.” He remembered the wher hatching he had stood at…Damask’s. A baby brown had nearly ripped a man apart before its mother had killed it.

How in the world had Kalesk let things get so far?

Re’on wasn’t ashamed to know more about whers than he knew about dragons…he had been a wher candidate for turns before he’d impressed. He’d never expected…it didn’t matter. Cirruth had chosen him when he was sure that he wasn’t going to be chosen by anything. He moved his hand over to rest on the blue’s neck, his fingers twitching against the hide. “At least you impressed, and he’s a very nice looking black.” Re’on smiled winningly down at the dragon, even if it didn’t seem pleased to see him at all.

When she asked her question and walked forward, Re’on let go of the dragon and stepped away to give her room. “He’s eight months, almost nine.” He watched with amusement as her dragon tried his best to keep her from getting close to the blue. Cirruth, for his part, sat quietly, allowing her to get close with only a twitch of his tail. Re’on was caught off guard with how far they’d come from the day he’d hatched. Hello He greeted her politely, even if Re’on could tell the twitching of the tip of his tail was distinctly nervous. I worry about Re’on a lot. He does silly things sometimes. Like bring his firelizard to a hatching. Cirruth still had the scars from Hera’s attack littering his head, face and neck.

He stood a little straighter at the compliment, spreading his wings out a little. Thank you.

[/i] Re’on laughed at the exchange, quirking a grin at the pair of them. “Cirruth’s convinced that I’m going to die in some terrible, freak accident every time I walk out our door. He’s…eccentric.” He returned to gathering up stone after a while, holding out the bag for Cirruth to hold once more so he could put more in. “So.” He started without looking up at Imber “How are you liking being a dragonrider so far? It’s more work than you thought it’d be, isn’t it?”
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[Kiran]

Imber glanced at the man. "The hatching wasn't hard. It was... What it was." She gave a light shrug. "I didn't get injured, really. Knocked over a bit, a few scratches from an overambitious wher, but it was nothing compared to what some of the other candidates went through." The scratches had stopped bleeding within a minute, though she could feel the scabs of them still on her scalp. Washing her hair had been an interesting adventure. "Though if you're talking about mentally... I suppose I didn't come off badly that way, either." She didn't elaborate. That was perhaps a touch too grim for him. "I think it was hardest on Hikkikoth."

The black' swings fluttered a bit as Re'on smiled and told him he was handsome. The man had to be lying, and trying to get in good with his Imber, and ugh! But Hikkikoth was too shy to say anything to him about it. Frustrated, he hid his head behind Imber's legs. Imber simply reached down to scratch his headknobs, reassuring him that he was indeed quite a handsome black. The dragonet calmed a bit with her touch, peeking out at Re'on once more.

A chuckle also escaped her at the interaction between Cirruth and his rider. "I don't think Re'on would do anything to hurt himself on purpose, he loves you too much to endanger himself like that," Imber said to Cirruth. Her gaze went back to flickering around Re'on as he addressed her. "Oh, I'm sure it means that he just cares about you a great deal," she responded to Re'on's words, smiling up at the blue before returning to her work. "It is work, but I don't mind work. I like being useful. It.... It's comforting." Imber had never seriously thought about why she liked work and being useful, so it was a bit of a loss to her to explain why she liked it.

"But nine months... That means that you're flying now, right? And will be moving into your Weyr soon enough. That must be exciting. Do you have a wing you hope to get into? Any friends that you hope to be with?" Turn the conversation back to him, yes. That was a good idea. Hikkikoth liked that, he didn't want the rider being too close to his, since Imber was his! Thigh he didn't like this turn either since it meant that Imber was learning about Re'on. He couldn't win! The black's wings fluttered as he contemplated his uselessness.

Imber caught that and leaned down, holding an edge of the sack out for him to grasp and hold open for her. He did so willingly, wanting to help Imber out. She started sorting firestone into it once more.

[Zephyr]

He watched the girl carefully. Her quiet acceptance of something that had, for all accounts, been a terrible experience for most involved was unexpected. Unexpected and refreshing. He let his gaze fall to the hatchling. He didn’t understand how it could be harder on the dragons than the humans. Imagine your first moment of life being filled with nothing but pain and death, the first smell you know is blood, and being afraid that your bonded’s next breath might be your last. Re’on glanced over at Cirruth. That’s surprisingly observant. Your hatching was tame in comparison. Cirruth shrugged. We know things. Re’on left it at that, turning back to Imber.

It had been jarring for him, impressing. He had had dragon candidate lessons, but it had been many, many years, and having been shoved into that world so abruptly, he just hadn’t been prepared. He’d had to learn everything on the fly, and he didn’t wish that on anyone. But this girl, she seemed a little better off than he had been…at least as far dragon care went. “Well.” He put some more stone into the bag. “If you ever want to practice oiling, you can on Cirruth any time.” Lazy. What if she does it wrong? Re’on pointedly ignored that, even if it was a little bit true.

“Yeah…” Their first flight hadn’t gone as well as planned, and he still remembered it. “I think we still have a few more months before all that.” He chuckled, pulling the bag away from Cirruth and pulling out another. “But no. I don’t think I mind which wing I end up on. It’s a little surreal though. Weyrlinghood goes by faster than you think it will. It gets better, you know.” He says, looking at her. “Once your dragon gets big enough that he doesn’t need to be fed and oiled so often, you actually get some sleep and can have a little more fun.”

He wasn’t sure what actually graduating would be like…he could only imagine how much work it would be, how many people rely on you to protect them…it was a little overwhelming. “Sometimes I wish I could slow it all down.” He hadn’t actually had the chance to be frank with someone in a while…he wasn’t sure he liked it, really. “Settling into your new room? I’d imagine it’s a fair bit bigger than your accommodations in the candidate barracks.” He grinned at her, his voice escaping in a low chuckle.

[Kiran]

Hikkikoth shifted a bit when he overheard the blue describe what the hatching had been like. Yes, there had been all that. No, it hadn't been happy. And his sister had ignored him because he had screwed up! The swirling of his eyes became less violent, though he still kept himself tight about her legs.

Imber, however, didn't hear it and kept a gentle smile on her face. "Practice would be lovely. It's very different oiling a big dragon from a little one. It seems easier to get into all the cracks and crevasses when they'd bigger." She looked up at Cirruth. "And he can double check and overlook to make sure I do it right. I don't want to screw it up by accident." She didn't. She didn't want a dragon to be hurt because she did something wrong, she didn't want Cirruth to hate her because she was incompetent. That would have made her sad. Hikkikoth gave a small, hesitant trill at that, not wanting His to be sad at all since she had him.

She grinned as he talked of Weyrlinghood, the excitement and the fun it was. "All the joys of parenthood, but with the benefits of flying and not having the responsibilities of a rider," she observed. "I can't blame you for wanting to slow it down." Her own Hikkikoth was sure to have big changes once he wasn't so tired and sleepy all the time. As it was he seemed to be calming down ever so slightly. Imber leaned down to gently pet his eyeridges, which made his colors swirl more slowly, a hint of blue in their depths.

"I can't wait to see how he grows and changes. I imagine that a lot stays the same, but little bits have got to change a bit. I hope he won't be so clingy, that he will want to make friends."

Her quiet confidence perked up Hikkikoth. Don-n't n-n-need fr-riends-s! His emphasis and emotions about the situation meant that he accidentally spoke so loud and exuberantly that all three present could hear him. When Hikkikoth realized that he fluttered his wings in distress, absolutely sure that the two that weren't Imber, weren't his dearest Bonded, would hate him now. After all, he was flawed and they couldn't understand that and oh! The little black skittered back and hid among the firestone, shivering with emotion.

Imber got on her knees to reach him better, reaching a hand out to touch Hikkikoth's quivering hide. "He's embarrassed about that," she explained to Cirruth and Re'on. "He... His stutter... He hates himself for it, thinks you will make fun of him for it." The explanation was given in as calm tones as she could manage, not wanting to hurt her Bonded more with her concern or the hint of panic that threaded through her heart.

[Zephyr]

Re’on ignored Cirruth’s frantic thoughts of worry as Imber spoke, brightening up at her words. It was getting more and more difficult to oil Cirruth by himself. The blue was only getting bigger, and it’d be nice to have some willing help, especially pretty willing help…not that Re’on would think that was about the girl. She was surely much too young for him…right? Still, he could be friendly with her, and the smile that spread out over his face was nothing short of completely thrilled. “Good! Cirruth’s getting kinda fat. It’d be nice to have some help for a change.” Not that he didn’t get enough help with all the candidates he talked up into helping.

His next victim would be T’yer.

At least the blue seemed contented by the girl’s words, giving a little rumble of acknowledgement. Acceptable. He told her, nudging Re’on when the boy stopped working for too long. We’ll get in trouble. He whispered to the boy…though whisper isn’t really the right word since the words were broadcasted to Imber and Hikkikoth as well…just in a quieter tone of mine voice.

He didn’t bother telling her the only reason he wished weyrlinghood would speed up. She’d find out in time if she hadn’t already. He didn’t want to be the one to tell her how hard it was going eighteen months without being able to touch anyone else. Instead, he focused on what she said, laughing lightly and returning to working…even if he was only half working, preferring to talk to Imber instead. “You aren’t even consciously aware of them growing.” He laughed, patting Cirruth on the neck. “One day they fit in your bed, and then the next day they’re crushing your bed. You don’t even realize they’ve grown. It can be a little awe inspiring.” Cirruth gave a little growl and nudged him in the back. But I’m not fat. Of course not, dearest.

Re’on blinked at Hikkioth’s words, then at Imber’s explanation. The little guy was really worried about it, wasn’t he? I know the feeling. With a glance towards Imber, Re’on half crouched, sticking his hand out for Hikkioth to sniff if he wanted. The motion wasn’t demanding if the black wanted nothing to do with it. “Hey, Hikkikoth. You’re right, friends can suck sometime.” He licked his lips before smiling warmly at the dragonet and continuing. “But friends can be really cool too. Your bonded wants what’s best for you…and it’s the best thing for you to make friends. And you know what? Real friends will never make fun of you or hate you, because real friends love you for who you are, and they love everything about you. I could never hate you, and neither could Cirruth. Actually, I think you’re a really cool dude. Imber’s a lucky girl.” He tossed a smile and a wink up at her before returning his gaze to the quivering black.

[Kiran]

Imber couldn't help but give a small chortle of laughter at the description of how fast they grew. Yes, Hikkikoth couldn't snuggle with her at bedtime for too much longer. Though he was a small black and probably would be on the small end when he was finally grown, that wouldn't seem to change that her bed would never fit all of him by the time they graduated. That's f-f-fine, I don-N't wan-n-nt to be in y-your-r bed an-nyway, Imber! She didn't let her face show how much that little snip from her dragonet hurt. It only hurt for a moment, though. Imber was used to loss.... She could stand Hikkikoth being angry at her. He wasn't leaving her, at least.

Hikkikoth turned his attention back to the weyrling as he held out a hand and spoke directly to him. It had hurt that Imber had spilled his secret. That was between them! Wasn't she his.... Friend? No, obviously not. He hated her, just like he hated everyone else. Just like he hated this weyrling and his dragon. He could have Imber! As long as they just left him alone.... He flattened himself to the ground as the boy reached a hand out to him and listened half-heartedly. What else did he have to do?

But the words were strange. They weren't the hateful, vicious things that he had expected. They weren't even vaguely mean. Friends didn't make fun of him? Well, he supposed that was true, but he didn't have friends! His sister had outright ignored him on the Sands. She had ignored him.... But Imber had wanted him. Sort of. She didn't make fun of him.

Hikkikoth shook his head in confusion. Yes, she didn't make fun of him. But what about this.... Well.... This boy.... He hadn't made fun of him, either. The black trembled slightly as he considered that. No, he hadn't. The blue hadn't either. But friends! That was too much! Hikkikoth turned a violently swirling eye at them as he curled himself even more tightly around Imber's legs. The girl paused, unable to keep working without being in danger of falling. He took a few deep breaths before tentatively reaching out his mind voice to them. N-Not f-f-frien-nds. But.... Not en-nemies. Im-mber is-s-s lucky. Hikkikoth shuffled himself slightly, then reached out to give the hand a quick sniff before retreating back to Imber's side.

The black weyrling gave Re'on a bright smile when he winked at her, then watched her black's reaction. "I think that's the best you'll get from him. You aren't enemies. I think it might take a while for friends, but he does appreciate that you think he's, as you put it, a cool dude." The black gave a huff and looked away as Imber said it, but didn't bother to deny it. That would come later in private.

But that didn't stop Imber from looking at the blue weyrling gratefully. "Thank you. I think he needs to hear that. Often, and from people other than me. I hope that in time he will calm down and relax around others." Hikkikoth snorted. He relaxed himself around her legs just enough so that she could continue working. Next time he wouldn't bother to come. He would just stay in their room! And be alone...