Why can't you love me (open)

[Maggie]

((OCC: Both Genner and G'lin could use someone to talk to! Pick one or both!))

Genner sat down at the table where G'lin was picing at his supper. He could tell that his son was in a bad mood. He wasn't entirely certain why, though, but Doom's angry hissing and the fact that Anablimyth, who was still tiny enough to be following his rider into the dining hall which couldn't be normal, was curled up behind G'in, his eyes whirling a sullen yellow. "Gennesk is doing better," he offered tentatively. "He's complaining and plotting against Slosk, of course, but the dragonhealers say he'll make a full recovery. Mouse is with him now."

G'lin put his fork down with an audible click. "That's nice."

Genner sighed. "Is that what you're angry about? He's not going to hurt her. I left him alone with you several times when you were little, he knows how to be gentle with a child."

Anablimyth made a snorting nose, his eyes flicking to orange. G'lin stayed outwardly calm, however. "Did she like the story you were reading her earlier?" Genner nodded. Dangerous waters. He was treading in dangerous waters, he could tell. G'lin was too much his mother's son. He remembered discussions like this with Talin, discussions that had started out all too innocently and devolved inito angry shouting and fist fights. The making up was the only thing that had kept them together so long. He had never been good at detecting exactly what it was that made either of them snap. "You know, I can count the times you did that for me on one hand."

Genner frowned. "You lived with your mother. You were far. I read to you when you were with me. You needed to be with Talin. I was still there for you."

G'lin glared. "That's not what you said when I went to the Hall."

Genner fought the rising anger. "You chose that. I offered to bring you to the Weyr instead. You could have stood as wher candidate. You might have been Searched sooner."

"You disowned me!" G'lin stood. He certainly had his mother's flare for the dramatic. "You disowned me, then you suddenly show up here after four turns and you expect everything to be forgotten and forgiven? Then you take in some holdless brat instead of letting the creche take her..."

"I didn't leave you to the creche, I left you with your mother! Besides the fact that I am not the one who adopted Mouse, Gennesk is," he snarled. He had expected G'lin to understand, now. It should have become clear when he had Impressed why it was that Genner could not have ever understood or accepted that his son would become a Crafter.

G'lin glared back at him, a snarl curving his lips. "Well then you can tell Gennesk that I hope that this, one, at least, doesn't disappoint!" The weyrling stormed out. Anablimyth uncurled and hissed at Genner like a particularly large angry snake before storming elegantly out after his rider with a cape-like swish of his wings.

Genner sat in silence a moment, glaring daggers at any who looked like they were even thinking of looking his way. Of course G'lin couldn't understand. He hadn't seen the looks on those stupid, wherry-faced, hypocrite holdfolk when he arrived at Tillek after his mother died. He hadn't even known she was ailing. They hadn't kept a close correspondance, neither of them was prone to chattering. They had been falling all over themselves thanking him for helping to rid them of "that menace". He wasn't even sure that they realised that the "monster" they spoke of had helped raise him and still, even half mad with grief still called him her Hatchling. It had been Gennara's wish, the High Reaches alphahandler who had gently broken the news to him had said, that he be the one to go cull Gennask if she passed first. She knew her hatchling. She wouldn't be scared. She would understand. And she had. And he had had to grit his teeth and bear the congratulations of the Lord Holder who couldn't understand that he had just murdered the beast that had been the closet thing to a second parent he'd ever had.

He'd seen their faces flashing in front of his eyes when not a Turn later his son had expressed his ambition to leave dragonkin behind and join the ranks of the slobbering masses who would turn on those who guarded them in a second without an ounce of regret. If it had been purpose Gelin had wanted, Genner ould have offered it. Fort was not the best of Weyrs, but it was still a sight better than Hold or Hall. When Gelin had refused, he'd left the Weyr he'd tolerated for the sake of being close to his son to return to the quiet comfort of home and the closeness of the High Reaches handlers who had sat with him when the Holder had sent Gennask's faded green hide to him as a reward.

He had thought that G'lin, back in the folds of the Weyr and with a dragon could understand, now, why his father could not bear to see him turn his back on the only life Genner had ever known and understood. But riders were different and Dalibor was different and G'lin might never fully understand. He would never see anything but a father who had chosen to leave. Genner glared at his food, bitter now. He had the night off due to Gennesk's injuries, but maybe he would go find Lachan and see if he could relieve the man of some paperwork. Or he would join another team and go hunting. Killing things might relieve some of the memories.


G'lin was shaking with rage as he stormed down the hall. He shouldn't have done that in public, but he hadn't want to confront Genner within Gennesk's hearing. The wher was sensitive, he didn't want to upset him and he wasn't the one G'lin was angry at anyway. He stopped, punching the wall hard once he was halfway to the barracks. If you hurt your hand, you won't be able to fiinish my new scarf! Anablimyth protested. He coiled his long tail around G'lin's legs in an odd type of hug. We still have a while before bed. You should join Doom and I in our nightly fashion trend observation and commentary, the blue suggested, trying to cheer him up. G'lin gave him a weak smile.

"Yeah, maybe."

[princesal]

Andakora! Andakora! Push that boulder towards me! I'm sure I can lift it. This mighty bolder! No! You should bring it to the dining hall, and then I will wait until pretty ladies come in and I will push it! No I will shatter it into a million grainy pieces... sand! I will turn it to sand! Ha ha! The mighty Lemminkath will make you into sand mighty bolder!!

"It's bigger than you are."

Anda was looking at the boulder that had caught her blue dragonlings eye, she had been getting used to the fact that he liked to show off. Especially when she realized that he was doing it around her as well, such as his bravado about turning the rock into sand. He reminded her a lot of her brother, and on more than one occasion she had caught herself starting to laugh the way she used to.

"Inside, stop staring at the boulder."

I am intimidating it with my mind! I think I saw it flinch!
"... it's a boulder."

Always helpful, Anda and Lemminkath both turned to enter the weyr, just in time to see a boy punch a wall. Frowning, Anda fixed her woven hat. What was with people and rocks today? "...try your head, that might be a little harder."

Her words weren't meant to be rude, but be the youngest and only girl out of a clan of brothers, and you didn't hold punches, especially not when you could get them in. You also didn't spend a lot of time around them without being able to pick up on body language, and with a gentle push, more like a SHOVE from Lemmin, she walked forwards.

"Hey, you. We're going fishing. If you don't know how, you're about to learn." Her tone didn't offer him a choice, and she could feel Lemminkath looking at the other blue, curious about them, and trying to decide the best method of showing off. She walked off, and Lemmin stood there, until he stood up on his hind legs and tried to reach towards the ceiling, opening his wings as stability.

Look! Look! I can almost touch the ceiling! He wasn't that close at all, but obviously he didn't seem to accept that as a reason. Anda would be back within a couple moments with two rudimentary fishing poles, and her leather roll of flies. "I'm Anda, this is Lemminkath"

And you're pretty! He nearly shouted at Ana.

[Maggie]

G'lin glared at Anda. He didn't know her enough to snap at her, though, so he schooled his expression back into politeness. And as reluctant as he was, fishing sounded good. "Are we allowed to fish in the lake? If not we'll have to ask the Weyrling Masters for permission to leave the Weyr." He paused. "I'm G'lin. That's Anablimyth and the flitt in a cape is Doom." He patted the little black's head.

Doom eyed Anda critically. He hopped over to her shoulder, starting to rearrange her hair, muttering things to himself in flit. Ana looked over at Lemminkath, puffing himself up happily. Finally, someone who recognised his superior fashion aesthetic! He preened a bit, maying sure that his nice silver scarf was falling perfectly. It matched Doom's cape, today. He was wearing his eye-protects, though not his nicest ones. How he had acquired 3 pairs was a mystery to G'lin. He suspected Gennesk. Thank you. I believe in the importance of dressing well, even for every day matters, he told the other blue, givinghis rider a very smug look. We also style and dress G'lin, my associate Doom and I

[princesal]

Anda shrugged, "There are ways to fish without killing. I'll show you." One of her eyebrows seemed to be permanently quirked in his direction, that was a good jab she had given him, and there had been nothing back. G'lin hmm? She'd try to remember that. When Doom landed on her shoulder, immediately the frown on her lips was only second to the glare in her eyes, especially when the little firelizard touched her. Not even thinking twice about it, she reached up and pushed him off. Already the itchy gross sensation of someone touching her was making it's way down her spine.

She didn't like it.

"Here." She held out one of her fishing poles, and started leading the way. She'd used some of the flies she had without the sharp hooks, instead the corked ends, so that it'd be easy to toss the fish back without harm. She enjoyed fishing, as did Lemmin (thought he preferred to eat them), and it was relaxing. There were worse things to do then spend you time enjoying the lake.

Turning on her heel, she headed back outside, Lemminkath stayed for a little bit longer, eyes lingering on Ana. You look very nice, very fashionable. You must be the best dresser in all of Dalibor. Maybe you could arrange something for my special lady, Andakora. She doesn't really care what she wears, but I think she misses her niece bringing her dresses. A sharp whistle stopped Lemminkath's train of thoughts, and had him chasing off after Anda, long tail whipping back and forth with happiness.

What are you doing?
She's really pretty, Anda, and so small! She must be a special color, like... like a really pretty dragon. I'm going to catch her when we're old enough.
The same way you're going to catch every female dragon you see.
Yup, don't worry though, your my for keeps!

She couldn't help the small smile that came from the knowledge that Anablimyth was indeed a blue dragon, a blue male dragon, and Lemminkath had no idea. "Why did you pick a losing fight with a wall, G'lin?"

[Maggie]

Doom hissed in offense. He fluttered awkwardly, got his wings tangled in his cape and crashed to the groud in a heap of fabric and wings. G'lin stared down at him. "I told him the cape was a bad idea." He glared at Anda. "What did you do that for?" He picked the flitt up, untangling him. Doom was hissing like an angry wher, his eyes whirling red. He scratched the little black's eyeridges, trying to soothe his wounded pride. "No more capes, ok, you?" He was assaulted with images of Anda in very unflattering clothing, her hair all mussed. "I know, I know, but we can't all be as fashionable as you and Ana."

He followed Anda outside, a still sulking Doom on his shoulder. Ana trotted after him, head held him as he preened under the attention. Of course we can design something suitable for your Andakora. My G'lin makes very pretty dresses, when he wants to. I have seen his work. It is highly fashionable and unique, influenced by pre-pass vintage looks!

G'lin shrugged at the question. "It's not really important. I got into an argument with my fatheer again and punching the wall is more productive than talking to him. It's not a big deal."

[princesal]

Pausing for a moment, Anda raised an eyebrow at the hissing flitt, not at all bothered by the fact that it was throwing a tantrum. "I don't like to be touched. I shouldn't have to carry a sign around that says, as my personal bubble should not be violated, even by a flit."

He was only trying to be friendly, c'mon Andakora, it was only a flit.
What I choose to do with my body is just that, my choice. If I punched G'lin in the face right now, he'd most likely get angry, and be hurt because he doesn't like being hit in the face, or punched. I don't like being touched, I can get as angry about is as I care to, and anyone who has a problem with that can suck shells.

Lemminkath pressed his head against Anda's hip, as it was, sometimes she couldn't even stand Lemminkath doing it, and after Doom had made her feel uncomfortable, she pushed her dragons head away briskly. Instead of appearing hurt, he opened his maw, letting his tongue flop out dope-like, and did a tumble over the ground.

He went back to pretty Ana, and when they got to the lake, stopped in front of the small, but older dragon.

Oh! Watch me! Watch me! Lemminkath ran over to the water, and after spinning around a few times, found a suitable rock, picked it up in his maw, and threw it with all his might into the water. Did you see how far I threw it? I can do it again, especially for a pretty lady like you, Ana.

Anda sat down, crossing her legs as she did so, and opened the leather that held the flies. Pulling out one that was made of dyed feathers, she grabbed the line on her pole, and switched it out for the hook. "Alright then, I won't ask questions. Here, see this red one? You can use that, have you done catch and release before? The red and yellow have no hooks to harm the fish. If you catch, throw back."

Her tone was no nonsense, and whether G'lin did or did not grab the fly, she'd set the leather down. "The red is called Crooning Blood Drop, the yellow is Buzzing Beauty. Depending on the season, and the local fish, they have different desired results. Don't even need bait." There was a definite touch of pride in her voice about that.

[Maggie]

"Well there's a way of making him stop without throwing him on the ground like that. He's just a baby. You could have told him to leave before shoving him." He set Doom on his shoulder. The flit arranged himself artistically on his owner's shoulder, still hissing and grumling insults in flittish. The gesture oddly reminded him of Genner who was very prone to reacting first and then getting offended that his behaviour wasn't well recieved.

He stared blankly at the lures. "No. I've hunted a bit before. My mother took me out a few times. But we never fished. I have no clue how to do this."

Ana stared at Lemminkath blankly. Then, as understandng set in, his eyes whirled yellow and he drew himselfup to his full yet still tiny height A lady? You think I'm a lady? Why would you think that! My delightful cornflower colouring should be a very large clue that I am most definitely male!

[princesal]

"Fine." There wasn't much more she wanted to say about the situation, and her new tone suggested it. She wasn't offended, but if she was it'd be difficult to tell. Hearing that he had never fished before, had both of her eyebrows raising, and she reached up until she was able to snag the line from the pole she gave him to use, and change the lure out for the non-harmful one.

"These are basic poles with a rudimentary reel, it will crank in, but unless you use a leather thong to lock it, will unwind." She undid the leather strap on her own, catching the line with her finger. "Do the same, if you don't hold it with your finger, the line fly has enough wait that it will unwind." With one hand, she whipped the fishing pole back, loosening her finger and getting a bit of slack, and then whipped it forwards, letting go. "you release you finger when you whip the pole forward." The line and lure arched through the air before landing with a quiet 'plunk'. "That's a cast."

She kept her finger on the line to see if anything took it as she started to slowly reel the line back in. "Go slow, keep your finger on the line, you can feel if a fish nibbles. If it bites, yank the pole back with a sharp jab, this will hook the fish, or it will snap it's mouth close to swim away. Reel it in then, and see what you catch." Looking away, she stared at the way the light hit the water, she had been happy to know there were several kinds of fish living there, some large mouths, some small, some stripes some white bellies. It was good fishing.

Lemminkath blinked at Ana for a moment, before moving his tail to cover his face almost bashfully. Your so small, and pretty, and delicate! I like ladies, they're beautiful, you're beautiful too. He rolled over, playfully, batting at the air towards Ana, before jumping back up with delight, Sorry, can you forgive me, Ana? I'll make it up to you... Anda can weave you a net you could wear, you'd look like a cute fish! I like fish!

my skills aren't bargaining chips...
whoops?

A hmph of amusement came from her nose before she could stop it. No matter how much she tried, she couldn't be mad at her own blue dragon, even if he was foolish lots of times.


----


What time was it? Frowning at the candle that marked the time in his weyr, W'lin frowned at the bottle of wine that was just waiting to be opened, and the plates of food he had ordered up were cold. Normally around this time, he would have seen his weyrmate already. Leaning back in his chair, he crossed his arms and frowned.

He better not have gone and gotten himself hurt.
Gennesk would have told us. I'm sure he just got busy. It's not like you told him you were sending for dinner.
It's CALLED a surprise. I was going to give him one of your teeth.

Chyurath chuckled inside W'lin's head. I was wondering why you kept that around. Let me ask Gennesk.

W'lin was getting moody, and sulked further in his chair. Yeah, make sure I'm not interrupting something important.

Yet again, Chyu's rumbling laughter washed over W'lin, sometimes he got into snits, and with the gentle encouragement that he should eat something, hoping that would calm his moodiness, he did spear a cold piece of white flaky fish. Gennesk? Where's Genner? W'lin was expecting him, and is getting snippy.

[Maggie]

Ana was mollified at Lemminkath's apology. It was completely ok as a mistake if it was a complimentary mistake. She could teach my G'lin to make nets. He is a weaver. He is very good at making items of fashion. He puffed up, showing off his scarf more.

G'lin attempted to imitate her. The line flew out backwards over his shoulder as he flicked it back and he squeaked in surprise. Doom hissed his snide disapproval at his clumsiness. "It's harder than it looks," he admitted ruefully. "I'd probably have an easier time fishing with a net."

***

Gennesk sounded highly disapproving when he answered, very unhappy at his handler's behaviour. What would Delicious think? And his Mini-Mouse! Maybe they'd take his Mini-Mouse away! Genner-mine is être fight Mini-mine, he said sullenly. Is be drink lots red-stuff, is be break things, is be talk Delicious. Delicious is be help Gennesk smart Genner-mine.

[princesal]

The moment Lemminkath had come up with reasons for why he thought Ana was a female blue, playing a bit dumb, had Anda very surprised. Her expression stayed schooled though, but inwardly she was surprised and a bit impressed. She was starting to notice a few things about her other half that made her believe that he was most certainly not as foolish or 'dumb' as he'd let people believe he was. It was an ability that Anda didn't have, and may never gain, being too rough around the edges, and coarse in her personality to be bothered to learn, but Lemminkath seemed to have a flair for... not getting in trouble.

Oh yes. Anda doesn't find it her favorite, but her entire family, except her youngest brother, are part of the fishercraft, so she knows how to do a lot. My special lady is a hard worker. Luckily her weakness is fishing, so we can avoid doing work.

He mentally whispered, as if it was a secret. Truthfully, Anda was seeing this as a job right now, she had to teach G'lin how to fish... even if the way he just cast his line was utterly ridiculous... and possibly hopeless. Frowning as she saw that it flew backwards. "You let go too soon. If your finger is the only thing stopping the line from unraveling, then you have to be aware of what your finger is doing. Release to early and, well you saw. Release to late, and you'll see. If there was a hook on that you could have skewered someone behind you. Try not to do that."

If any of her family was listening, they'd recognize the same, almost authoritian tone that her father had when he was trying to explain something to someone, and he didn't want to spend hours. Thinking back, she pulled her own line in a little bit, there were curious brushes, but no bites yet. The curious brushes though, held promise, there were fish here, and they were hungry. "Hold onto the line, and use your finger to point where it goes. Point to where you want the line to when your casting forward, your finger will release the string then, you will have a better cast. Don't depend on nets."


----


Chyurath was surprised by Gennesk's answer. It's alright, Gennesk. I'll let W'lin know. The Iron looked back as his pouting rider, and waited for a moment, thinking about Mouse. The small child had quickly become known, and Chyurath had to admit that she was quite cute, and quite small. Regarding her, W'lin had kept his thoughts and feelings so closely guarded that Chyurath didn't know if he was alright with the situation, terrified, or angry. There was something there, but Chyu couldn't tell.

Ah...
"I heard."

That clipped tone, complete with the motions of pushing his chair away from the table and standing up, meant that he upset. "... he's drunk, shards."

Are you going to go yell at him?
"No. Tell Gennesk to keep track of the situation. If something happens and Letorin needs help, tell Gennesk to tell you, and I'll come get by stupid giant. What the shards did he think that getting drunk would help?!"
What are you going to do?

W'lin paused, grabbing the bottle of wine, and wandering to his bureau, and hiding it behind. Just what he needed was Genner coming back to the room already drunk, and then seeing a full bottle of wine. His eyes wandered over the entire scene of the room. The nicely plated food, the candles that he had since blown out. Snack, who had definitely grown, was curled up on some linen, Aurora was gnawing on an animal hoof, Nality was off chasing down dinner, and Snoozle had followed Nality out (and at the moment, was giving W'lin waves of brrr-ing love as she met with other pillies). The bed had fresh linen on it, furs piled high too.

Sighing, he grabbed the plates, and with some smooching noises, Snack's ears swiveled and he raised his head, knowing that was the 'I get a treat!' noise. W'lin put both plates on the ground. Snack jumped down, and Aurora jumped up, and both started enjoying their owner's dinners.

"I'm going to go talk to G'lin. Find out what the shells happened before I try and wrestle with my drunk weyrmate."
Do you want me to bring you?
"No, just find out where they are."

Chyurath first re-iterated everything to Gennesk, and then with a rumble, sent a question to Ana.

Anablimyth? Where's is G'lin? His step-mom wants to talk to him.
"If I wasn't angry at someone else right now, Chyu..."

All he got was a sharp tooth smile, as W'lin headed out of his quarters. He started towards the weyrling barracks, making the general assumption, though once Chyurath told him the actual location, he'd start heading there instead.

[Maggie]

G'lin raised an eyebrow at her. Already upset by his argument with his father, he didn't really appreciate the brusque tone. He tried again half-heartedly, the line flying out ahead, not very far. "I don't know. I may just not be cut out for this," he muttered.

Chyurath wishes to tell you that W'lin wants to talk to you, Anablimyth told his rider suddenly. He sounded like W'lin was concerned for you. And angry at Gennesk's stupid handler. Gennesk is also very angry. Not at you. The little blue sounded very triumphant, corkscrewing his body a bit in a self-indulgent preen.

G'lin looked over at his dragon, then at Anda. "Ironrider W'lin is looking for me," he said, trying to sound apologetic and not flustered.

We are by the lake learning how to fish. My G'lin is not very good with it, but he will be excellent at making nets and I will then design new, beaitful avant-garde outfits out of netting, Ana told Chyurath, sounding pleased with himself.

[princesal]

Watching G'lin's attempts at casting a line made her watch with a touch of amusement against her lips, her eyes watching the line. His comment, made one arch above her eye. "If you were perfect at it, I would be telling you how to cast. And if you hooked every time, it'd be called Catching instead." Her words did seem a little coolish, sounded almost as if someone had made her do this, as if G'lin was a punishment. Lemminkath, who had been watching, ran to the rescue...

... and by ran to the rescue, he meant that literally. He charged the two of them, planning to skid and stop between them, his head overhanging the water, except that his plan had been read loud and clear by his chosen, and as he came nearly galloping, she shifted to the side, and used her arm to use his inertia to propel him into the water. With a splash he scared away whatever fish might have been there.

Whooooaaaa!

He didn't seem to upset by what had happened, and if anything, swung his neck and tail around, rejoicing in what had happened.

Ah yes! I had wanted to swim with all the fishies! They make delicious snacks. Ana! Ana! Did you see the splash I made? Come watch! I bet I can hold my breath forever!

Reeling in her line, Anda leaned over so that her elbow was resting in the fold of her knee, and she let her jaw rest in her hand. "If you were on a boat, you'd be turned into boots." Lemminkath reacted to that with bounding out of the water, wings raised up. Clamoring onto the edge, he used claws to find purchase in the dirt, and scrambled up, immediately making his way loudly over, and presented a colored tongue that licked over Anda's face, accepting the grimace as a grin, and then proceeded to do the same thing to G'lin

I always make a splash!

And with that, wings still up in there, pranced over to Ana, to impress the smaller blue, and possible to lick him as well. He wouldn't headbutt Ana, sweet small pretty little Ana.

At the mention of an Ironrider, Anda looked at G'lin, her mind racing. Even though she wasn't one to search people out, she did take note of those who rode higher ranked colors. Her mind finally narrowed it down to two Ironriders, both of whom she had difficulty understanding why they were looking for G'lin. "Have you done something?"

----

I'm sure you will. Have you ever given thought to the intricate patterns of lace? It would be less abrasive on skin. Chyurath was happy to indulge the petite blue, he had a fondness for miniatures. He thought they were quite cute, especially when they got upset, as W'lin was prone to doing. So much huffiness in a smaller frame. Even at his angriest, W'lin was still pretty darn adorable to Chyurath, and those feelings extended to all that were under the average size. It would be a very tempting thing indeed to not try and chase the small cyan when she would eventually rise.

When he heard that they were by the lake, W'lin changed his direction, he wasn't far from where Ana had said, and he headed there.

What are you going to say?

Shrugging, knowing that Chyurath could feel the sensation well enough to know that W'lin didn't have an answer, he didn't give him an actual answer. He really had no idea what he wanted to say... he avoided these kinds of things because he wasn't very good at them. Maybe lacking compassion, maybe just disliking people in general. But he loved Genner, and G'lin would one day be fighting thread alongside W'lin on dragon back... so... so he was going to try. G'lin was a nice person too, and knowing that Genner had over indulged... and that there had been a fight between them.

Well, I'm impressed that you're doing this.
It's not intrusive?
It probably is, but you're allowed to be. You are his unofficial step-
Wise choice, you overgrown lizard.

Chyurath checked back on Gennesk, before telling Anablimyth that W'lin would be there soon. Soon was perhaps an understatement, as W'lin was not only outside already, but could see them in the distance. G'lin's dragon being a lighter shade of blue helped, though he couldn't place the other blue dragon that was running around like his very long tail was on fire. One of the new weyrlings, the one that got bit by the orange... a mild injury, and almost nothing in comparison to the hatching itself, but it had still happened, and stuck in W'lin's mind.

Walking closer, he ran a hand through his hair, the stress related white segment, being pushed behind his ear. "G'lin?" His eyes darted to the girl, he could feel her eyes on him, and in knee jerk reaction, he glared at her.

----

This was the first person she had met in Dalibor that hadn't welcomed her with open arms. Amazingly, Anda found herself feeling a bit more at home when the Ironrider glared at her. She also added him in as an IronRider, having not seen him or his dragon about during the panic of the poisoned herd-beasts. If it wasn't for the knowledge that he was, in fact, an IronRider, she never would have guessed.

Oh! Are we having a party?
Why don't you go make some music?

She sent a few images to the dragon, and he ran over to a rock and started to tap out a non-existant rhythm with his tail. Surely he was harper material.

[Maggie]

G'lin watched Lemminkath run up to his rider and bowl her into the water, a small smile of amusement on his face. "I suspect fishing is useless now," he said. He put the fishing rod down. "I'll stick to making nets, I think. I know how to play to my strengths and this isn't it."

He laughed as Lemminkath licked him, reaching out to scratch the little blue's eyeridges. He felt the swell of disapproval from his own jealous blue. "You'd like Gennesk, I think. He's a licker too. Sometimes. And he is good at flirting. You could share tactics."

Lace! I do like the way you think, Chyurath. Although I do also wish to experiment with the harshness of netting. As an outer garment, of course. It will be very modern, edgy, avant-garde... Not at all mainstream, very unique! Grunge-shic! His eyes were whirring a very fast, happy green. All kinds of ideas were going through his brain. He curled up nose to nose with Doom, exchanging design ideas to cheer up the still hissy black.

"W'lin is my father's Weyrmate," G'lin explained, staring at the ground and shuffling a bit in embarrassment. "Gennesk must have sent him. Or something. It's a bit of a joke, you know, since we have similar honorifics that he's my other mother."

He looked up as W'lin approached, trying to keep his expression neutral. "Ironrider W'lin. I'd ask to what I owed the honour, but Ana told me that Gennesk has talked to Chyu, so I suspect you know." He paused. "Um, this is bluerider Andakora. She was teaching me to fish."

[princesal]

"It can be relaxing." But she had to agree, fishing was pretty much a pointless effort now. She didn't need to catch fish to enjoy the calming activity (at least to her), but now that there was none to catch and release, it would probably seem pretty pointless to G'lin. Setting her own pole to the side, she made quick work of taking off the special flies, and replacing them back into the leather roll she kept them. Taking out a hooked anchor, she fitted it to the end of the string, proceeding to do the same with the other pole. Hooking each by the reel, she spun it until it was tight, and locked it in place, so that nothing would unwind.

Listening to G'lin explain who W'lin was, had Anda actually looking at him, instead of out at the ocean. The embarrassment surprised her, and yeah... as he showed up, she could see why.

The IronRider was... young looking. If she had met the two of them together without any other explination she would have thought they were brothers, because of the similar honorifics. Other mother. This was a very strange weyr, wasn't it... one that she was now a part of.

Standing up, she greeted the IronRider, holding out her hand in a traditional greeting. She noticed the pause, W'lin's eyes lingering on G'lin for moment, before loosing any possible warmth, as he looked at Andakora.

----

It wasn't that he initially disliked anyone, he was just heavily more guarded around them. He wanted to talk to G'lin, but now that he was sitting there with a girl.

This feels awkward.
Your assuming.
Well, pardon me for expecting one of his weyrling friends.
One of the red ones?
red o- oh, D'nari?
Right, or his sister.
Yeah. Red ones... you're getting as bad as Gennesk.

Chyurath decided not to answer that, but there was no anger, just amusement. He went back to keeping a mental ear out for anything going on.

"Greetings, bluerider Andakora. How is your shoulder?" His eyes flicked to her shoulder, and it was that one question that showed he really was trying to be friendlier, even if he wasn't that good at it.

----

Her fingers flew to her shoulder, remembering when she was bitten, and her expression was unguarded, surprised by someone actually remembering... even if he didn't bring his hand to hers. Nodding, she leaned to the side, gathering up her poles, and the leather roll. "Much better, thank you IronRider. I'll be heading back now. Lemminkath?"

Hey there special lady! Did you hear my music? Oh! Someone new to- You're my friends, mother?

Gleaning that from Anda's mind, the playful blue made his way to Mommy W'lin, curious about his new friends mother... or at least sort of. Anda scattered his thoughts easily though, knocking on his head, so that he turned happily towards her.

Fish?
Fish! I want to eat the head this time!
Last time you said that you didn't eat it for an hour.
I was saaaaaaving it, it was my lucky fish head!! Bye Ana, bye G'lin, bye Mommy!

Andakora paused, clearing her throat to prevent any possible laughter from daring to form, for a moment before nodding towards G'lin. "I'm often doing chores. If you need another fishing lesson... with a net... find me."

----

Chyurath was laughing.
W'lin's face was nearly glowing red, and he looked back at G'lin, a raised eyebrow, but Chyurath cracking up was enough to make it near impossible for W'lin to keep the grumpy expression on his face. Instead he looked at Anda, as she seemed quick to excuse herself.

Don't worry, Mommy!
Oh! Don't you start, or I'm going to go tell Shirath that you were dreaming about him.
I was not! and don't you dare!

Looking significantly more comfortable now that Chyu wasn't laughing and distracting him again. W'lin stood it silence for a few moments, before opening his mouth to say something to G'lin. "Do-... What happened? I won't tell Genner unless you want me to, G'lin."

[Maggie]

G'lin smiled at Anda. He was trying not to snicker at Lemmi's comment and almost failing. He took a breath, offering W'lin a weak smile. "I'm sorry, I told her you were my father's weyrmate and I guess Lemminkath took it the wrong way."

He shrugged at the question, his smile fading a bit. "I'm just being childish, I guess," he murmured, scuffing his foot. "And I'm a little sorry I brought it up because now Gennesk is upset and having to deal with my father and I didn't want that. I just..." He shook his head violently. "He just doesn't get it and that makes me angry. Gennesk adopts Mouse and suddenly he drops everything and he's trying to be an attentive father. I mean I always got it that Gennesk came first and he couldn't be the Hold and all, but he sharding disowned me and now suddenly he's got another brat and it wouldn't be so bad but... He never apologised. He stopped talking to me for years and now it's like he's replaced me with this perfect little kid he can train to be his perfect little daughter..."

He shrugged, scuffing the ground with his foot. Ana glided over to him and wrapped his tail around his legs in an awkward hug. Doom crawled up his leg inelegantly to drape himself like an aristocratic scarf around his neck. He made his own haughty version of a comforting coo, sending his owner multiple images of beautiful accessories and scarves. The images made G'lin laugh a bit. He looked back up at W'lin, shaking his head. "You know I was really afraid when I impressed Ana that he would disown me again because Ana wasn't a wher."

I am much better and more stylish than a wher! Ana declared, miffed. Even though Gennesk does have a natural knack for fashion without understanding it.

G'lin smiled, patting his dragon's nose. "Of course you are," he murmured. "My... My dad isn't doing anything stupid, is he? Ana said Gennesk was upset."

[princesal]

After the Blue Weyrling left, W'lin's expression most certainly got warmer. He liked G'lin, and it wasn't because he was Genner's son, the soon to be rider was a good person in general. Of course, when G'lin started explaining the situation, W'lin understood immediately. Not because he had experienced the same with his parents, but because he also wasn't the most pleased with Gennesk's, and by default, Genner's adoption of the little girl.

He was sure that she was a pleasant little child, as far as children went, but he hadn't been lying when he told Genner that he hadn't thought of having children. It had never crossed his mind that he'd be a parent, and to suddenly have his weyrmate show up, and let him know about her. It was more than a little startling, and W'lin hadn't even talked to her yet.

"If he had disowned you for that, I would have made sure he regretted it." W'lin said with a bit of a grumble.

Do you want me to...
No, just ask Gennesk if Genner has gone on to do something stupid with his missing sobriety.
Yes

Chyurath asked Gennesk, but said it nicer, knowing that the brown wher was already upset, and not wanting to aggravate the situation.

"Last I heard, the giant wherrybrain was getting acquainted with a bottle of stupid... sorry." Biting at the corner of his lip, he didn't know how to exactly start the conversation... well... no... he did, but he didn't know if G'lin actually wanted to have a conversation with him about it. "Bare with me, I'm new to this whole... being nice thing."

Crossing his arms, that didn't last long as one arm reached up to latch onto the back of his neck. "I was pretty sure this was going to be about Mouse. You're not being childish. Genner is being ridiculous, you have every right to feel angry. I know that Gennesk is the one that latched onto Mouse, adopting her, but Genner is an old enough handler to have been able to put his foot down, and say no, or at least ask others. Instead, he made a decision only for himself and his wher, without caring how it was going to affect the people in his life. I don't know if it's a joke to play house, or get a second chance to be the father he wished he was for you, but it's not fair to you." or me but this wasn't about him right now, this was about G'lin and Genner.

Making a face, and scrunching up his nose while he did it, he wasn't sure that all came out how he wanted it to.

You're doing fine.
I'm really not.
The fact that you are there, trying to help him, means you're doing fine.

Even with Chyurath's assurance, he wasn't too sure.

I don't know what to say.
From what I gather... welcome to being a parent.

Frowning. "Sharding shells. I should have found Delilah, I think even Nality would be better at this. Alright, C'mere." With that, he stepped forward, and carefully pulled G'lin into a hug, not wanting to disturb firelizard or dragon. "I'm sorry, G'lin. No one should ever have to go through what you went through, or feel what you're feeling right now. I don't know what Mouse is to Genner, but I do know that he is proud of you, when you Impressed he was so proud. If an apology would help, I could tell him that, but would it mean as much knowing that I told him? If he thinks he can replace you with a quiet little girl, then he's gone simple in his old age. You are a great person!"

Pulling back, he held G'lin by the shoulders. "I mean it. You're kind, and considerate, and I'd be proud to call you family, and I don't say that lightly, because I don't even consider my own parents as family. Maybe he will train Mouse to be his perfect little daughter, but that's just it, she'd have to be trained to be a perfect daughter, while you... you are perfect just the way you are. You don't have to be trained, or put into a mold to come out the same. You're flying your own path, and if Genner isn't proud of you, then as a Dragon Rider, I am."

You're right, you aren't doing very well.

Wincing at Chyurath's words, "I'm not going to make any excuses for him, I wouldn't even know where to start. I could tell you about my parents, they're both younger than your father, and wanted the perfect child. They're both Harpers, and travel all over Pern, preforming. They tried for years to make me the perfect little Harper, 'Oh Weslin you have such a pretty voice! Come practice the routine.', I ended up not caring for them very much because of it.- My point is... I don't know why Genner chose to not be a father to you, or to not talk to you. But... just imagine if he had been."

Pausing, trying to decided what he wanted to say, "Would you be the same person you are today? He would have wanted you standing for wher's right? That might mean you would have never Impressed to Ana. You'd be a completely different person, and I like the person you are, and I'm sure your friends wouldn't want to change you a bit. Does that make it right? No. But would you change it if you could? Genner does owe you an apology, and after he pulls his head from his... well, maybe I can yell some sense into him. I could do that... my parents were Harpers, I'm pretty sure I could reach a volume that would have thread trying to run away."

Yes, that was a joke.

[Maggie]

G'lin smiled a bit, fighting back tears as W'lin talked to him. Ana made a pleased, smug sound. Gennesk had been right when he pushed Genner into a date with W'lin, at least. He returned the awkward hug. "I... I know my father doesn't mean to be hurtful. He just... Well he doesn't think. I don't think he ever really thinks about what anyone wants but Gennesk and himself." He shrugged. "I'm sorry. I... Your support does mean a lot to me. Really. You're like the fun, cool uncle I never had or something."

He looked up as Ana hissed in disapproval, silthering elegantly in front of him like a large, angry snake. He frowned as he saw Genner approaching, walking slowly and gingerly. He didn't seem like he had been hitting the wine too hard, but he knew that Genner was good at hiding that when he wanted to. The wobbly quality to his walking could simply have been from the rather large bundle the handler was carrying, clutched to his chest. He narrowed his eyes at his father, staying behind Ana and his slightly opened wings. "What do you want?"

Genner looked between his son and W'lin. "Gennesk said you were here," he said quietly. "I thought... Delicious came to talk to me." He shoved the bundle he was carrying out in front of him.

Despite his hissiness, Ana could not resist something that looked somewhat fabric-like shoved in front of him. He reached his neck out, sniffing it. His eyes whirled a sudden alarmed orange. That smells like wher!

G'lin blinked, staring at the bundle for a moment. "That's Gennask's hide." He looked up at W'lin, confused.

Genner beamed at him, a sure sign that he was intoxicated, since he rarely showed that much approval. "Yeah. Kept it for you. You and Ana can design something nice for your formal gear, when he's full grown. May not be enough for straps, but maybe, he's a tiny little Mini-Ana." He beamed at Ana, who was staring at the hide in confusion.

Gennask was his clutch-mama. His, not Gennesk's, G'lin explained to his dragon. "I..." He also stared at the hide, then looked over at W'lin helplessly, not knowing what to say. "Why?"

"You're my boy," Genner said, staring at the hide. "You're the only one worthy. You understand, you'll make something nice. And Ana has taste. You'd have got it even if he didn't, but it's even better because you're going to make something nice and stylish."

He half turned to W'lin, giving him the same proud smile, although there was a little uncertainty in his eyes. "He's got more talent than most people, my G'lin," he announced, the words sounding a little awkward and uncertain. "Delicious said I should stop not saying it. He's smart, that kid."

G'lin took the hide cautiously, looking over at W'lin. "I, um... Thank you?" He looked down at the hide, then nodded. "Thank you. This... It's a beautiful." Ana seemed to have forgotten to be angry, looking at the hide in delighted interest. It was for him! To make pretty things with! Genner most definitely was a smart man, if he recognised Ana's talent even when intoxicated.

[maruset]

It had been an interesting walk here, though Genner had not wobbled as much as Letorin had feared. Though as they got closer to the others, he hung back some. Had managed to end up talking with Genner during this, but he wasn't sure if he'd be welcomed in now that it was family.

Though it was good to see that Genner had listened some, even if he was calling him that ridiculous nickname. Really, Letorin was getting used to is, but it was still spreading to people. That just made him sigh mentally.

He did smile slightly when Genner gave the hide over, and it grew a little when Genner kept talking. Well, it took the man getting worryingly drunk, but at least he had said something. That was good. And Genner had made it safely to the others.

Letorin hesitated, not sure if he should stay or leave, but he was curious how it would go, and so he lingered, watching them with curious eyes. Besides, it was nice to see Genner trying, as G'lin was his friend, and Letorin really wanted it to work out all right. And he had to admit, watching G'lin be a bit stunned was interesting to watch as well. It was something that he could tease the other about later, once hurt feelings had been smoothed over.

[princesal]

It really was somewhat of a new sensation, giving comfort to someone. When G'lin returned the hug, and seemed to lift in spirits a bit, W'lin felt... well weird. Not bad weird but good weird, he'd best describe it as a warmth in his stomach, and subconsciously swiped his hand over his mid-section.

hmm...
Yes Mine?
Am I a bad person?
No! Of- W... why would you even think that?

He couldn't have stopped the soft chuckle, or the smile when G'lin called him 'fun, cool uncle'. "It's better than step-mom." It made that sensation grow, and it stayed even as Genner showed up, wobbly. W'lin didn't turn away to hide the frown on his face at seeing his weyrmate in the state he was in.

Mine!
I just... I've never felt...
No, let me get one thing clear. You are not a bad person. I wouldn't have Impressed to someone who was bad. You are grumbly, and you have it in you to be unkind. You're somewhat anti-social, probably because you know you have an attitude. You're smart, though you don't seem to show it whenever there are others around, your big mouth is usually getting in the way, you have a short complex, which is admittedly adorable, and you hold a grudge for far too long...

Chyurath tried to continue, but had quieted when Genner revealed something so precious, the hide.

W'lin's hand lifted to his mouth as he heard the words. Why did it take wine to get Genner to say words that the sharding dimglow should have said before? He felt a slight tightening in his throat, and swallowed, nodding. "That he does..." His light colored eyes flicked to Letorin who stood slightly off to the side, and shifted slightly backwards, so as not to appear like Letorin was an outsider, or a bit of a chaperone for a wobbly Genner.

W'lin.
I'm listening. I loved H'to, right?
Are you having an extisential crisis right now because you can't identify your emotions towards G'lin? Are you having an extisential crisis because you feel like you can't care about someone?!
...
Y-YOU! YOU'RE STUPID! YOU'RE... THIS... STUPID! I THOUGHT SOME OF MY HATCHMATES TOOK THE BUBBLY PIE, BUT YOU... I WANT TO REIMPRESS!
Hey!

He gritted his teeth, and tried to remain looking pleasant, not wanting to ruin the moment, even if he wanted to box Genner's ear for drinking that much, and for not finding him first. Chyurath's upset transferred easily into W'lin's own, and became a bit of irritation. That mental belly warmth though kept him from outwardly appearing agitated, save for the tightened jaw.

MORONIC DIMGLOW! Just think of Nality, Snoozle, Snack, Aurora. That flit would be dead if it weren't for you. She would have smashed her skull open long ago, the fact that she's made it to the ripe old age of 4 is a feat in itself. I can feel you getting upset, and that's because you care. You feed them, you talk to them, shells, when Aurora got those spines in her face years ago, you took care of her. Without you, I'd be dead, simple as that. Not just because I wouldn't have Impressed, but there is a reason that weyrlings have so many classes about CAREing for, and providing, and emotional control.
But I love you, and without you, I wouldn't want there to be a me.

"Well... at least Letorin was smart enough to know a way to convince Genner to do something, tell me how you did that later. Could we please move a way from the water?"

There had been more important things to do than be nervous about being so close to the water's edge, but he was pretty sure that any moment now he was going to fall in and drown, so he was going to really appreciate moving away from it as soon as possible. He was also still being fed irritation from Chyurath, which unfortunately didn't make his words sound very tender.

"I think the two of you need to have a discussion, though it might not be in the immediate future, depending on how much Genner drank.

I don't think you understood love with H'to.
What the shards does that mean?!
H'to... you two didn't fit. He was too flighty, too willing to say that what happens in flight stays in flight, and you aren't that kind of person. Because for you, what happens in flight is that you are with you're weyrmate, and that's where you want him to be during run. H'to was your first lover, and you made it into so much more than it was. You didn't have the chance to realize that before he died. You still think about him when we're fighting thread, I want to forget him, but you won't let me.

Chyurath's words were cold, but W'lin didn't explode in anger, because... because it was true. Or at least, what was true was that if he tried, he couldn't picture a future with H'to. W'lin realized he had a green rider to apologize to, if she didn't avoid him entirely instead.

What you feel for Genner, that's you understanding love. You'll stand by him as long as he wants you. You'll be angry at him when he does stupid things because you don't want him to hurt himself, or put himself in danger. He makes you want to be a better person. But what you felt for G'lin, that was... understanding, and care, and protectiveness.
Chyu...
I'll come closer.

He felt Chyurath open his wings, and launch himself from the outcropping of rock he had been perched on. He betweened, and reappeared above the group, gliding down to land close enough that his large head took up the space between W'lin and water, so he could nudge his stupid stupid rider, and see the situation with his own eyes.

I think I realized it the moment he said I was like the Uncle he never had. Do I tell him?
That you're going to follow his progress through life like a short shadow and be there whenever he needs someone? That if for whatever reason, if something happens to Genner, you'll be there for G'lin? That you said said you'd be proud to call him your family that you really meant it? Yes, you idiot. But right now let him and his father figure out if they need to talk.

"Maybe to my weyr? I'll make a pot of klah. Letorin, you're welcome to join."