Picnic for two?

[twitchie]

{desc=For Kila!}The sun was sinking, and the sky was fading to a deep maroon. The air still had a lazy breeze to it, more of a warm sigh than anything else.

The lake was pretty too, the glassy surface reflected the ashy clouds like a mirror. A dark shape quickly shattered the smooth and flat water surface, that shape obviously a dragon. A very deep blue-black head bobbed over the waves, popping under once or twice into the warm but nice water.
There were several wild pillies rummaging about on the far shore, seemingly not pleased with the blue in the lake. Perith didn't mind, he was hot and did need a bath. The warm water soothed his itches nicely for now, however, so he was not complaining.

Yrri had a small setup of her own. She and Perith had stayed inside the better part of the day. She had been copying records and even found time to tinker with a few of her handmade instruments. But now she had come out to the lake for some fresh air while she ate her supper.
She had a small blanket on the ground, with room enough so another person could easily sit cross legged with her. Not that she expected company, but she had spare food as well. The girl had even managed to talk the drudges into giving her two bubbly pies. Why two, Yrri didn't know. She hadn't really thought about it..

You look like you are on a date with yourself. [/color] Perith mused, surfacing with a fish in his jaws. He gave His a tilted glance before swallowing the slimy prize.
It's a nice evening. Besides, there's room and food enough for someone to join me.
Did she really look that funny sitting alone? Her cheeks tingled with heat at the thought that someone might judge her, and she took a hesitant bite of a meat roll. Yrri liked the taste of the cold salted meat. But even that didn't distract her from feeling awkward.
Don't start that pity thing. You know how much it irritates me. [/color] Her blue sounded firm and almost cold, but at the same time there was love through the bond. I'm sure someone will come around. Maybe they'll join you...? [/color]
That was as close to a comfort as Perith would ever get, so Yrri was satisfied to wait...

[Kila]

Summer, 6th Turn, 11th Pass


Sh'len emerged just as Rubkat touched the top of the cliffs, shooting
its dying rays upwards and painting the sky with tragic beauty. The
GreenRider smiled up at it with admiration, hiding his eyes behind the
brim of his wide straw hat. His mother would be beside herself if she
saw him looking at the sun, or for being out before it was fully down,
but she was far away. Nivoth thought that it was good for him to be in
the sun for short periods and Sh'len trusted his lifemate more than
anyone on Pern. He was perfectly content having her as his one and only
love. He had Jay too now of course (the Blue flitter was riding quietly
on his shoulder), and the three of them made a queer but happy little
family.

MIIIIIIIINNNNEEEE! Nivoth squealed as she alighted
and bounded gracefully across the Bowl to her bonded. Sh'len face split
into a smile and hurried to meet her, hugging her muzzle as she wrapped
him in a full body embrace. It feels so good outside Nivoth- I wish I
could have been out with you today, he said, though he was happy
just to be there with her now. Summer was a tricky season for him:
during the day the sun was at its deadliest, but summer nights were
blissful. He looked forward to sunset all day. Oh me too,
Mine. You know I would have loved that too. But we are together now! And
that makes your Nivoth ever so happy. What would you like to do,
MineOwn? Shall we walk? It feels lovely by the lake- I was in there
today. I think you would like it too. We could stick in our
toes!

Jay squawked as Nivoth babbled, taking off to avoid being smothered.
Sh'len held in a laugh. That sounds like a great idea, Nivoth, he
agreed as he always did. Let's do that. The Green cooed, clearly
pleased, her eyes whirring happy hues of greens and blues. When she
uncurled from around Sh'len Jay sought out his shoulder anew, burrowing
into the boy's white/blonde hair. He was still fairly small, having
hatched not long ago, but Sh'len was not completely acquainted with him
and was put on edge by his burrowing. Be gentle,
Jay! Nivoth warned the Blue, knowing Hers would be upset if he
was scratched. She did not want their evening outside to turn into a
trip to the infirmary. Jay chirruped, offended. He would never hurt his
human! It's okay, MineOwn, Nivoth soothed him,
nuzzling away his worries and nudging him toward the water.

The trio made it a few dragonlengths down the shore before Nivoth
spotted Yrri. There were other people by the lake, but she stuck out-
sitting alone. Oh mine, look, she said, stopping
abruptly. Sh'len followed her gaze and saw Yrri. She looks
so lonely... You should go talk to her! Nivoth was incredibly
empathetic and could not abide anyone being unhappy. She often spoke to
strangers who looked like they were having a bad day, but she liked
making Hers talk to them even more. Sh'len needed more friends and the
world needed more love so it was a perfect setup. Nivoth decided that
she liked this stranger very much and she had an inkling that she and
Hers would get along very well.

B-but Nivoth! Sh'len protested. What about our walk? The
Green let out a trill of laughter. Silly Mine, we have all
night to walk. Someone needs you now. Her Rider stuttered
and wrung his hands, openly distressed by the suggestion.
Please, Mine? she interrupted, imploring.
We have to make everyone love each other. There it
was: her mission, the thing that made her tick. Sh'len knew that he
would wound her if he said no (which he could not do) but he was far too
shy to approach people the way she did. It was a dilemma he faced every
time she invoked his aid. Well... okay, he finally agreed,
defeated. HOORAY! You are so good, Mine, she
exclaimed. Jay added his voice in agreement, urging his human on.

To save him the agony of walking there in dread, Nivoth seized him by
the shoulders and took to the air without warning. Quick as a wink she
deposited him next to Yrri and her picnic. Hello!
she sang cheerily, never once thinking that she might be intruding.
Sh'lenMine would like to join you. Hope you don't mind. I
will be in the lake. Have fun now! Out of reach again before Her
could protest, she arced into the sky above the Bowl and dove into the
water with a dainty splash, leaving the two Riders utterly surprised and
on their own.

Sh'len found it in him to close his gaping mouth and turned from where
Nivoth had disappeared to where Yrri sat before him with trepidation.
His face turned an astonishing shade of red and he tugged down his
floppy hat to hide it. "H-h-hello," he stammered, being left with
no other choice. He was immediately embarrassed; he never knew what to
say to people. He took the cue from his dragon, though he would have
given anything to turn and flee. "Could I s-sit here with
you?".

[twitchie]

While Yrri wasn't expecting a very bouncy green dragoness to present a guest for her picnic, she couldn't say that she was upset or alarmed. Ok, actually, she choked on her meat roll for a second, but after a quick cough she recovered.

She noticed right away, given Sh'len's stammering, how uncomfortable the poor man was. Knowing that, she felt all the more confident that this was meant to happen. She understood what it was like to feel like a total fool in front of people, although her problem was mainly focused on being in the company of woman. She'd been picked on something terrible by the women of the crèche, and since then decided that being a lady was not her thing. Sh'len might notice her attire, a tunic and leggings that had been somewhat crudely restitched to fit her lady figure.

When Nivoth's mind voice touched her own mind, she stood up, grinning from ear to ear boyishly. "Hello Sh'len, my name's Yrri." She held out her hand to shake his, if he chose to. She motioned to the little setup she had. "I wondered if anyone else might be around, it's a lovely evening and I'd be more than happy and glad actually if you'd join me." There, she'd actually found someone or she'd been found by someone.
His dragon seems... nice. [/color] There was a wave of bashful emotions that poured through the blue's bond, and the dark colored male looked about himself critically, as if swimming lazily like he was did not suit this first impression. Yrri almost laughed out loud at the sudden change in her bonded's nature. Sure, he was nearly 3 turns, but he hadn't really ever shown much interest in females at all... Talk to her, she'd love your company no doubt. The blue did not reply, but ruffled his wings excitedly.
Hello! I am Perith, and I see Yours and MineOwn have met already. Do you like to swim? The water is nice and the fish are fun to catch if you enjoy the taste of them... His tail wagged ever so slightly, and his eyes were the brightest shade of green.

Yrri focused on Sh'len, hoping her warm smile might give him some comfort. "Please, I don't mind if you come and sit with me. I have meat rolls and a bubbly pie to spare, if you don't mind food from a stranger. It'd be rude for me not to offer, you know." A sqwack and a shrill peep from above presented the two flits of Yrri, green Aanekas and black Schrikken. The duo took to Yrri's shoulders, but Aanekas set to bickering at the flighty Schrikken and soon they both were airborne. Schrikken squeaked a hello to Jay, and dove toward the lake. Aanekas gave a brassy and quite loud greeting to the blue, and followed her black sibling.

While the flits played, Perith waded toward Nivoth. He studied her, and found he quite liked how happily she moved about, as she found joy with every step she took. And Yrri watched Sh'len kindly, hoping he might not feel too terribly awkward for long...

[Kila]

Much to Sh'len's relief Yrri did not reproach his sudden
appearance- to the contrary in fact. He gave a tentative smile when she
buoyed up to greet him, offering her hand and inviting him to sit and
share her food. He took her hand awkwardly and shook it in greeting, his
grasp as light as his smile. "Nice to meet you, Y-yrii. It is
nice out." On that at least he could confidently agree. Nivoth
watched happily from the lake, nose and eyes peeking out of the water
like a crocodile. Everything was going according to plan: Yrri looked
happier already!


Sh'len sat down on the blanket when Yrri did. His stomach rumbled at the
sight of the food, which made him blush all the more, but he accepted
her offer to share graciously. Jay was looking at the food with interest
as well, adding his hunger pains to his human's. Sh'len picked up a
meatroll, broke off a piece, and fed Jay first, little by little. He
seemed less bashful as he tended to his pet, caught up in the task as he
was. He we clearly fond of the little Blue and it made him less anxious
to do something familiar.


"Lucky for me that you had room and food for two," he ventured
shyly. Yrri had been kind to him thus far so he thought it was safe to
proceed with caution. Her clothes were a little odd, but Sh'len had no
room to judge other people on their appearances. Besides, she had a nice
smile. Half of him wanted to keep looking at it and half of him wanted
to hide beneath his hat. A sudden shift in Nivoth's attention brought
his own back to the lake. "Is that your dragon?" he asked,
spotting the Blue heading towards his lifemate. He could feel that
Nivoth was delighted to have some company of her own.


Oh! Hello Perith! she exclaimed when the Blue
approached her. Nivoth popped her head the rest of the way out of the
water and swam over to meet him. I love swimming.
Do you? You must if you're in here. She trilled with laughter,
tickled by her own silly question. It's the best when it's
warm, and when you're hungry and there are fish to eat! Nivoth
was oblivious to his bashfulness, being immune to such emotions as she
was. Mine and Yours are on a picnic! she continued
with excitement, absolutely enchanted by the idea.
Hopefully Yours will not mind. Mine is a little shy, so I
just dropped him next to her. She looked a little lonely, so I thought
it might do both of Ours some good to meet up. She fluttered her
wings above the water, clearly pleased with her plan.

[twitchie]

This was fun so far, and Yrri was thankful for her luck. As Sh'len settled down next to her, she couldn't help but notice how much feeding his own flit calmed him down. He looked quite... cute when he let his guard down, and he also had a sweet smile. Hopefully, Sh'len wouldn't think Yrri was rude, but she stayed silent while he fed Jay, and took a chance to give the man a second look over. He was pale, more like white as a ghost. And he looked slim in an almost worrisome way. But he didn't seem sick at all, and besides all the clothing he hid under, he seemed perfectly fine, so she didn't bother worrying.

When Sh'len spoke up again, she nodded her head, her roughly cropped locks shifting slightly. "Oh yes, that is my blue Perith. He's very glad that you joined me..."
Schrikken abandoned his game, and crawled up next to Yrri. He snuggled and wiggled into her lap, trying to weave inside her tunic. He used to hide in her tunic, but he'd grown too much since then, so she had to set him into her lap. The blacks eyes whirled green as she pet him.

Perith attempted to float on the water, splaying his wings out to give him more balance. His large paws paddled the water lazily, and he watched Nivoth happily. I do like swimming. The hot summer air makes my skin itchy. Swimming is also.... fun. And it makes for strong muscles. The last part was added in an attempt to make the blue feel like this 'game' was more like training. He was slacking off, he was taking a break, but also staying fit. There's a difference you know..
They are on a picnic aren't they? They look pretty happy, Yours is nice. MineOwn enjoys his company.

Perith gave a serious nod in agreement with what he had just said, and ended up snorting water up his snout. With a shake of his head, he floundered to get his footing, and likely splashed the green a bit in the process.

Yrri tried to ignore Perith's own conversation, but she gave a distracted glance as he splashed. Good, he was having a good time, she thought, and tore a piece of meatroll to share with her flits as well. Schrikken ate his daintily while Aanekas was a bit more greedy. "I haven't really seen you around. But then again, I haven't been outside much because its so hot during the day. It cooled off nicely tonight." Yrri was glad to help along the conversation.

[Kila]

"I see," he said softly, looking out at their two
lifemates. So she had cross-impressed like he had. It was a very common
thing at Dalibor, so much so that it didn't even seem strange to Sh'len,
but it was something that they had in common. From what she said he
wondered if Perith pushed her like Nivoth pushed him. He would never be
confident or beautiful or outgoing like his Green he knew as he watched
her splash and chatter, but it was enough just to have her in his life.
If Yrri felt the same way about Perith she hid it well. Even other shy
people could seem friendly and functional around Sh'len.

Jay nipped at his fingers and the GreenRider tore his attention away
from the two dragons. He hoped it had not seemed like he was ignoring
her and come across as rude. He averted his eyes and fed the Blue
another piece of food, fretting. When she spoke again she did not seem
upset at all, much to his relief. "Yeah... a lot of people don't see
me. I mean, I don't see a lot of people. Either. I don't go outside very
much during the day." It was a jumbled explanation, but it got the
point across. He hesitated and then lifted his sleeve, revealing the
milky white skin of his arm. "I burn," he said with a sheepish
smile. As if she hadn't been able to piece that together herself. He
pulled it back down and straightened his hat. "And because it's hot
too. It is really nice outside now though. I've been looking forward to
coming out here all day." But surely she didn't want to hear about
them. Sh'len fumbled with the meatroll and switched the topic, grasping
at what she had last said. "What were you doing inside all day?"

Nivoth gasped when Perith floated to the top of the water and spread his
wings. She had not been able to see his hide very well while he was
swimming mostly below the surface, but now a lot more was visible.
Oh Perith! Your colors! I love them! The
majority of his body was a dark, midnight blue, but there a lighter,
brighter turquoise that detailed his body. There was a bit on his nose
and highlighting the tips of his wings. She was delighted by the
swirling pattern on his chest and the turquoise between his toes. When
he swiveled his head she could see a line of the lighter color going
down the back of his neck, and when he paddled she saw it ringed all the
way down his tail. It could just be the water, but Nivoth swore that the
darker blue was shimmering, flashing several colors instead of just one.


The Green paddled closer and marveled at him, floating very close and
unconsciously invading whatever personal bubble Perith might have.
You are so pretty, Perith. How do you do that? she
asked, cocking her head and watching his colors inexplicitly shift. She
had thought her light, swirly markings were pretty before, but in
comparison they seemed rather dull. The water made him look even more
interesting. Swimming is wonderful, she agreed
with a sigh, bringing her tangent full circle. You must be
very muscly too if you swim often. Compared to her lithe body
the Blue did indeed look big and strong. Yes, the water is
so refreshing after a hot summer day... Nivoth trailed off,
content as she was warmed by the sun and rocked by the waves.

She perked back up when the conversation went back to Sh'len and Yrri.
She floated out of Perith's personal bubble as she peered at them over
the lake. Ours do seem pretty happy, don't they? That
makes me happy. I thought that they would get along. Her eyes
sparkled a merry yellow-blue. She had been right, fortunately for
Sh'len. He was still nervous since Yrri was a stranger, but he was far
less anxious than usual. Her quiet kindness was making things relatively
easy. MineOwn takes a while to warm up to people, but he
is enjoying the company of Yours as well.

[twitchie]

Perith puffed up when Nivoth complimented his markings. He gave himself a second look, because he didn't pay much attention to his own hide. He wasn't the kind of dragon to take any pride in his markings, it was the work he did that counted, not how pretty he was. His frame of mind had always been to work hard for himself and better the weyr. Carry the heaviest burden, and don't call attention to himself and to not complain. He just wanted him and His to be their very best...
You are very sweet Nivoth.... He hesitated, thinking for a moment. You are a strong swimmer too. The blue did his best to compliment the green in return, but compliments were no his strength. He found praise to sometimes give the wrong idea. But if it helped, he did think Nivoth was very pretty!

While Sh'len might be shy around every stranger, Yrri really had no trouble talking to people. Well, only if the person was a girl, then she would not be as comfortable. She still felt like all women judged her, even though that was untrue. But she retained that idea almost obsessively.
"Well I like to make instruments so I was mostly tinkering today. I used to want to be a Harper before I impressed, but I still love to play. I mostly make half decent things... Maybe I can show you sometime?" Yrri was having a good time, and she noticed Sh'len wasn't stuttering now.

(Aaaahhhh so short and rushed but its atleast something??)

[Kila]

"Oh, a harper?" Sh'len said softly in surprise when Yrri
mentioned her instruments. "That's cool," he said with
admiration. He found instruments interesting, so the idea of making them
piqued his curiosity. Sh'len had no real talents himself, so it always
fascinated him to know what other people were good at. Having never been
apprenticed to a craft they all seemed mysterious and exciting. "I
would like to see them some time, if you really don't mind," he said
shyly. Even accepting the simple offer was a big deal for him (as he
hated the idea of inconveniencing people) and Nivoth cheered from the
lake.

The sun had long since set and the food had long been gone when Sh'len
sensed that Nivoth was getting sleepy. It was cool and comfortable
outside and the stars twinkled above their blanket merrily. Sh'len had
stopped stuttering and was smiling freely. There was no pressure or
expectations on their impromptu meeting, so he was relaxed enough that
he was actually having a good time. He looked out to the lake where
Nivoth and Perith were still floating when he felt her yawn. Nivoth,
love, are you okay? he asked, concerned. Oh yes,
MineOwn, just fine, she replied, complacent and drowsy.

He turned back to Yrri apologetically. "Yrri, I think I had
better go. Nivoth is getting tired and I don't think she should be in
the water if she's about to fall asleep..." And Sh'len was afraid
she'd catch a cold if she stayed in for too long, especially at night,
but he kept those phobic thoughts to himself. Nono, I'm
fine MineOwn, she protested, not wanting to disturb the two
humans. It was so good for Hers to be spending time with someone and she
didn't want to mess it up! It's been long enough Nivoth. Besides, I'm
getting tired too, he soothed her. It was pretty late; he had
completely lost track of time while they were talking. He stood up
guiltily, feeling bad to be the one to interrupt their rendez-vous and
genuinely sad to see it end. "Sorry. But, um, I had really nice time.
Thanks for letting me join you." He smiled at her bashfully, hugging
Jay to his chest, and then hurried down to the water's edge to collect
Nivoth.

Looks like it's time to go, she said to Perith.
They had had a lovely time swimming and Nivoth quite enjoyed his company
and pretty hide. She paddled back into his personal bubble and bumped
noses with him affectionately. Let's swim again sometime.
It was fun. She beamed and then splashed to the shore.
Goodbye, Perith! she called. I told
you so, Mine, she said when they were safe and snuggling in
their weyr. Nivoth smiled into her hide. You were right, he
admitted. They were very nice.