a peace offering (raining)

[Zephyr]

You’re being a baby. That means a lot, coming from an actual baby. I’m not a baby, thanks. You don’t have to be a jerk too! Maybe Kai felt a little bad for calling Shobhaith names, but only a little. He was currently preoccupied with loitering near the feeding grounds, Sho currently tearing into a herdbeast behind him. The weyrling was sitting on the fence, literally, squinting over at the weyrling barracks in the distance. If you weren’t a baby, you’d be over there by now. Stop making points and eat your food. You aren’t doing a very good job terrifying the herdbeasts.

With the allure of food calling, the purple dragon decided his rider was a loss and returned to eating. K’ius kept staring towards the barracks, finally making up his mind when he heard Sho’s voice.

Can I eat that?

It was such an odd question coming from a blood covered dragon that Kai had to spin around to see what it was that Sho wasn’t sure about. He was about to tell him that if whatever it was was inside the fence, he could eat it…until he saw that what it was happened to be a tiny, shivering mass of orange and white fluff. “No, wait…that’s not normal.” Jumping off of the fence on the inside of the pen, the boy made his way over. It was a good thing that there weren’t any other dragons around in their immediate vicinity, because he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop them from eating both him and the shivering fluffball.

He picked it up, and it proved to be a very skinny, very frightened little kitten with dirty fur and not much energy. “It’s a feline…a very young one.” Shobhaith was curiously examining the kitten, but his massive nose was proving to be more hindrance than help. Kai batted his nose away, glaring and tucking the kitten in his arm. It immediately tried to squeeze itself under. “You’re scaring it, you big oaf.” Huffing, the dragon pulled away and returned to his herdbeast. What’re you gonna do with it? Amazing it hasn’t gotten eaten already. In certain light, it almost looks like a wherry…or at least a wherry chick. Those things are tasty.

“Should probably just let you eat it. Might be a better life than what it has.” He should have known what was going to happen next, because he could feel Shobhaith thinking, and when the purple looked up next, it was with distinct amusement coloring their bond. You know who loves felines? Al’dr loves felines. You should see if he wants it. I’m definitely not eating it now, and you’re so scared, you could use the little kitten as a shield.

Despite the glare he got from Kai, and the blatant disapproval and muttered “Shut up and eat!” Shobhaith was more amused than he had any right to be, but he returned to his food, and K’ius knew the dragon was right. The kitten wouldn’t survive on its own, and he didn’t need any more pets. Their weyr was like a terran zoo as it was…and Sandr had Vin. He was still unsure about his course of action, but the kitten was a warm presence against his ribs and he huffed a sigh before leaping the fence and making his way to the weyrling barracks.

The barracks were pretty familiar still. They hadn’t been moved out for very long, and it struck the boy how fast weyrlinghood passed…he doubted Sandr’s would pass as quickly. He froze for a second when he saw that someone had moved into his old room…probably one of the sub-king riders, but he wasn’t sure if it’d been the purplerider or not. He didn’t go that far though. Fortath had told Shobhaith which room they were living in, and K’ius walked down the hallway, the kitten not having popped its head out from the safety of the boy’s arm, and he was sure that the overpowering scent of dragons wasn’t helping matters much. “S’okay baby.” Kai cooed absently, stroking the kitten’s head once before he knocked on his best friends door.

He just had to keep telling himself that this would not be weird. This was his best friends, and things could be exactly as they had been before the hatching…at least until he graduated…then who knew?

[Raining]

So, I think I misjudged you.

Al'dr from his spot on the bed removed his arm from his eyes to peer over at Fortath who was sitting there, tail curled around himself with the forked tip lightly tapping. "How d'you figure?" he asked head back down on the pillow his arm back over his eyes. After the meet and greet lesson, all Al'dr wanted to do is head back to sleep... after the necessary oiling and washing. Though Fortath was having none of that.

You have no drive, and you are actually a terrible wingman. You're also really lazy,
"and....?"
I'm sorry, its not you... its me, and then there was a dramatic pause, no you're right its definitely you. I'm sorry this partnership isn't working for me.

At this point Al'dr rolled to his side, in attempt to play along with this seriously, though the corners of his lips were curved into a smile -- just as clear amusement thrummed through their bond. Fortath's eyes swirled a gentle blue as he watched his bonded. Al'dr cleared his throat, "I don't know how to break this to you..." he began, propping his head up. The blue canted his head some as he waited for Al'dr to continue, "but tough wherries, you're stuck with me sweetheart."

Hm, I suppose it could be worse. Fortath hummed in faux thought. "if I didn't know any better, i'd be offended."

I think K'ius is coming... "yeah? You don't sound too thril-- shards I didn't even ask you if it was okay. I'm so sorry... if this is a bad time or too soo--" The blue chuckled cutting him off with a wave of his tail, Relax Al'drLove, I'm just happy you aren't hurting anymore, "There's something else..." No, i'm fine... I promise, "You're lying, but I won't push it," Fortath's resolve remained firm and when there was a knock at the door the blue moved to his couch nudging over a sleeping Vin. The cat trilled in surprise and moved... to lay down on top of the dragonet, as Vin had a habit of sitting on people and things.

Al'dr got up, a little worried about Fortath, but the blue didn't want to talk about it. He just hummed and told him to answer the door, trying his best to look like he was casually lounging instead of worrying about the Purplerider. The weyrling opened the door and his expression lit up as he offered Kai a crooked a grin at his friend. "I didn't think you were gunna make it," he smirked clearly teasing. He opened the door wider to allow and gestured for Kai to come in, "the room isn't as large and luxurious as yours used to be but---" he cut himself off as his eyes flickered to an orange fluff in K'ius' arms... whether it was a noise or you know its orange. "What is that?" he asked with a slight cant of his head.

Fortath meanwhile whistled a polite greeting to K'ius despite his worries, but he was putting on a brave face.

[Zephyr]

His smile was wide and bright when Al’dr opened his door. For a second, he forgot about the little ball of squeaking fur trying to make its way under his armpit. “Think you’d honestly be able to keep me out?” He faux winked at Sandr, stepping into the room and looking over to Fortath. Guilt assaulted him immediately. Sho had thoroughly reamed him out last night for being such a dick to the baby, even if he wasn’t consciously aware of doing it. This wasn’t the blue’s fault, and he really was thrilled for his best friend, even if this felt like it was splitting them apart as surely as Kai avoiding him when he’d first impressed Shobhaith.

The boy smiled at the dragon. “Hey, Fortath! Sho’s been practicing his terrible pickup lines for you. He’s going to be a terrible influence on you, never listen to him.” Then Sandr spoke and Kai’s attention snapped back to his friend. “Oh! I forgot…” He pulled the kitten out from under his arm with a petulantly indignant yowl and held it up by the scruff of the neck towards Al’dr. “I found this while feeding Sho. He almost ate it. Thought you might be interested.”

If Al’dr wasn’t interested, Kai wasn’t sure what else he was going to do. He didn’t want to keep the kitten…Titania might end up eating it if he did…she still might. That was a scary thought, and Pony cheeped out her agreement from where she was curled around Kai’s neck. Titania was a very scary red indeed, she agreed with the boy.

[Raining]

Any doubts about this meeting lessened considerably when he saw Kai's smile. Finally things were feeling back to normal, the crooked half smile he had greeted K'ius with widened. "Nah... knowing you, you'd probably break my door down," he laughed.

Then Kai's smile was for Fortath and the blue dragon looked immediately taken aback, or surprised rather. His worries about seeing Shobhaith's again dissipated and he didn't sense anything else coming from the boy. His tail flicked cat-like, and the cackled draconically You can tell him I look forward to hearing them, he replied touching the boy's mind briefly amusement brushing Kai's mind, before retreating back, his spirits lifted a bit.

Al'dr's attention was suddenly piqued when Kai pulled the fluff from his arm and handed the kitten to him. The boy's expression practically melted, his eyes softening and his hands immediately reached out to take the mewing kitten. "Ohh Faranth Kai, how could I ever say no, lookit its face~" he gushed suddenly. Fortath perked up, and to Vin's displeasure his couch moved. The blue interested to see what His was holding approached the boys his snout sniffing at the orange feline but not getting too close sensing the kitten's distress.

She's so small... Al'dr I would like to name her, Fortath interjected taking a seat next to Kai's feet to get a better look. Since Kai greeted him so friendly-like he figured it wouldn't hurt to show Kai that he was okay and that everything was fine. Al'dr laughed, go for it, I don't have anymore names left,. "Faranth, thanks for not letting your dragon eat her, I'd have to... I don't know tell Sho we can't be friends anymore" he'd laugh, fondly looking at the kitten in his arms, petting her gently.

Tali, Fortath announced to them both a pleased hum resounding in his throat. "Tali it is, then," he grinned probably looking like the biggest suck. "Thank you Kai, she's perfect... and shards you can sit anywhere, make yourself at home," he babbled as he went and rummaged through some things for a small dish, and filled it with water, setting the poor girl down beside the dish. Fortath was immediately at her side, trying to send calming thoughts to her. Don't worry you're safe, he purred, cooing at her gently. The kitten mewed pitifully hesitant, but she tucked herself under Fortath's arm and just sat there. This dragon... wasn't so big, and he was warm.

"So we had a, lets introduce yourself 'lesson' earlier," he mentioned taking a seat, "with a ball and everything." he snickered. "I can't wait until we can fly, I can only imagine how it feels."

[Zephyr]

He was taken aback by his friend’s reaction to the kitten. Sure, he knew the guy liked cats, but he didn’t think he’d ever see him gush over anything like a little girl. It was really, really…adorable. He had never been so glad that he hadn’t let Shobhaith eat something in his entire life, especially if he got that kind of reaction out of his best friend. “It’s nice to know you’re happy to see me too and not just the cat.” The sarcasm in his tone was obvious, but he was smiling, a small chuckle coming out as he watched the guy.

Absently, he reached down to stroke the blue’s head, scratching a bit behind his headknobs as rider and dragon conversed. He laughed, winking down at Fortath as he spoke. “I don’t think Sho would mind too much. You know how he gets when he’s full. No regrets.” The name that Fortath chose for the kitten surprised Kai. “It’s a nice name. I like it.” Then Sandr looked at him again like that, and he couldn’t help but smile. It was hard to believe that anything had ever been strained between them.

He hadn’t been going to say anything, but he fell onto the other weyrling’s bed, watching as he took care of the kitten. He thought that she might have some traumatizing fear of dragons after having been inside a pen full of frenzied feeding ones, but she seemed to take to him right away, which was good. “I think you might want to try and get her some milk…isn’t that what you let cats drink?” K’ius actually knew very little about cats besides what experience he’d had with Vin, but it sounded right. “And maybe get some food in her as soon as possible. She’s pretty skinny.”

Then Sandr was talking, and Kai’s full attention snapped to the other boy. There was a ghost of a smile on his mouth, and he snorted. He didn’t have all that much faith in authority. A’bar was cool enough, and Kai could tell he actually cared about the weyrlings…he just didn’t take well to someone telling him what to do after having such a domineering father. “That must have been fun.” The Rainracers probably wouldn’t be having many more lessons with A’bar in the infirmary, and Kai made a mental note to go and see him, but had the nagging suspicion that the guy wouldn’t want to see him out of all the weyrlings, but he remembered his first few. He gave another shrug, settling back onto his elbows, glancing back to Fortath and Tali as he did so, pulling Vin into his lap and stroking the cat as he spoke. “It’s really disorienting at first…and kinda scary, being up so high like that.”

There’s only one person K’ius would admit being scared of anything to.

[Raining]

He watched as the kitten completely ignored the water in favor of just attempting to hide. Vin wasn't this scared when he found him... maybe because he wasn't under threat of dragons eating him. "He'd call my bluff, hard to hate the big guy.." he responded as Fortath cooed soothingly at the kitten, lowering himself to her level.

"Milk is actually bad for them, unless its from their mother or whatever. Funny enough, I spoiled Vin though... I guess he didn't turn out too horrible." he'd snort.

Al'dr rummaged around for something for something he'd be able to feed her with. He managed to find some dried meat, it would be no good unless he softened it up for her. Vin can chew on it, but the newly dubbed Tali may have a hard time with it. He'll have to grab some kitten favorable food items later when he was in the Dining Hall.

He grabbed another dish and poured a little bit of the water in it, and then drowned pieces of the dried meat. Hopefully with the water and the bit of food, she'll regain her strength. The boy pushed it closer to Fortath, who seemed to try and encourage her to eat from it. Tali hesitantly stepped forward and sniffed warily at the food. She listens about as well as Corvin does, the blue mused. Felines are...a lttle different from canines and firelizards. Stubborn, and independent. I can see why you like them. I will take that as a compliment?

"Got to hear some of the dragons too, so I guess that was neat" he chuckled... some of them were definitely interesting.

He raised a brow at Kai from his spot on the floor, "I didn't know you were afraid of heights. And Sho is pretty tall, should have impressed a pink eh Kai?"

Then there was suddenly a green fire lizard in his room, but just for a brief moment, before she was gone again. Al'dr stood up, "Shards that looks like... Bip... Bit?" he questioned aloud. He remembered her briefly at their lesson, perched upon Argotath. "Uhh... K'var's flit.." You feel a bit worried...

[RavenSong]

And then the door opened. Violently. K'var stood there, his normally-jovial face looking stone-sober and quite annoyed. He crossed his arms, blocking the doorway, glaring at the two boys.

"I thought so," he said. "Argotath told me that Shobhaith's rider was in here, but I didn't believe him until I sent Bip in here. K'ius, you know full and sharding well that the first six months of Weyrlinghood are strictly regimented. You know that any time taken from the dragonet is abusive. I -know- A'bar told you the rules in -your- first lesson." He narrowed his eyes, pointing at Al'dr.

"And you. It hasn't even been more than twelve candlemarks. I told you your dragonet is an infant. What parent has time to socialize with a newborn in the home? I know from experience: none of them. I told you that the most important thing in your life right now is the bond between you and your dragonet. That means you focus on Fortath. Nothing else. Not even friendships. I -sincerely- hope this is just a -friendly- discussion and not what Argotath thinks it is. He's probably a bit skewed, given that I've set him on watch of the Barracks to make sure one of the Candidates doesn't come nosing around here after a couple Pinkriders."

He crossed his arms once more, looking between the two young men.

"You have three breaths to give me an explanation. I cannot for the life of me think of any explanation that requires a Senior Weyrling who should know how the first month of Weyrlinghood goes, some felines, a newborn dragonet who is barely a day old, and a brand new Weyrling. Especially since any problems should have seen an immediate summons of Argotath so I could come deal with it."

He looked back to K'ius.

"You're a Rainracer. Ask V'kyr about my ability to sniff out children doing what they shouldn't be. I raised him."

[Zephyr]

K’ius? “I’m not afraid of heights, wherrybrain. It’s just scary for anyone to be up that high. Just wait until you get in the air.” And a massive grin split his face as he grabbed one of the guy’s pillows and threw it at his face with a laugh. “I’ll be laughing my ass off when you’re crying like a baby.” K’ius? Shobhaith was a little more insistent now, and Kai soothed the indignant cat in his lap while he probed the purple’s mind.

Sho? What’s wrong with y… Someone’s coming your way. Confused, he sat up a little higher, frowning at the wall as he tried to make sense of what Sho was saying. What? Who? You’re gonna have to be a little more specific than that, Sho. Argotath’s. Who’s that, Sho? I don’t have every rider in the weyr memorized.

A few things happened in short succession. A green firelizard who was clearly not Puck popped into the room, then disappeared just as quickly, and as he was staring at the void the green had filled, Sandr and Sho reached the same conclusion at almost precisely the same time. K’var Then, before he had a chance to react, the man himself bust into Sandr’s room and Corvin, who’d settled down from Kai disturbing his sleep yowled loudly and bolted for under Sandr’s dresser, not before digging his claws into K’ius’ groin area in his shock…and Pony gave a fearful cheep, clawing at Kai’s shoulder’s in her haste to get somewhere safe…which just happened to be under Fortath’s wing.

“The shells?” Kai cursed in pain and surprised as he doubled over, ending up looking up at K’var nearly from an upside down position. I tried to warn you. You didn’t listen. Not my fault. The purple weyrling was still a little shocked at the weyrlingmaster’s presence and the accusations the man was tossing out. As he started to get over his shock, his eyes started to narrow.

“Nothing is the matter, sir.” Kai had a problem keeping his composure around authority, and the boy’s nerves were already starting to fray. “There was no reason for Argotath to be filled in on the situation. I don’t know what your dragon thinks, but we were just talking.” He rubbed a hand over his face and through his hair, standing up so that he was in a more dignified position. “I found a stray feline, and brought it to Sandr…Al’dr, and came to congratulate him on impressing. That’s it.” There was more to it than that, and both he and Sandr knew it. But there was no reason for K’var to know it, and K’ius faced him, a defiant glint in his eye.

It might have been good at that. There was nothing wrong with talking, nothing wrong with congratulation Sandr and bringing the older boy a new pet…but then Sho had to go open his proverbial mouth. K’ius isn’t getting singled out because he decided to wait for Al’dr to impress to feed me the day I hatched, is he? Well, Al’dr didn’t impress…but Ablath’s already reamed him out plenty for that…and I’m not sore about it anymore. Well…much. Shobhaith mused at Argotath and K’ius. That wasn’t really very nice of you, K’ius. I was very, very hungry. Cue the metaphorical facepalm that Kai experienced then…and he would have stopped Sho had he known what the purple was going to say to Argotath next. He didn’t get in trouble when Al’dr came by… Sho. No. Stop. That’s because they… …our weyr last night after the hatching. They were much closer than this. …didn’t know…now they do. Thanks much, Sho.

“Sharding lizard…” Kai muttered in a growl under his breath. He could only hope the blue wouldn’t look too much into what Sho had told him and he’d let it go at that. "We were just talking." He reiterated, slowly and evenly to the weyrling master. The words served as a buffer in case Argotath indeed told him what Sho had let spill.

[Raining]

Al'dr nearly jumped out of his skin, along with his newly bonded dragon. He could practically feel both their hearts racing nearly the same speed. The new kitten Tali, took off forward spilling the water dish and trembled pitifully underneath Fortath's couch. The new weyrling had jumped back a few steps and had to struggle to right himself as the couch almost flopped onto the couch. This entrance was completely unnecessary, he almost had a sharding heart attack -- how was this safe?

He knew they were in trouble the moment he saw the green flit, so in that small insignificant second he had mentally prepared himself for the onslaught. But then K'var had to burst into the room, glaring -- the scare destroyed any of his mental preparations and his mind completely blanked.

Al'dr opened his mouth wordlessly a split second after K'var finished his rant. K'ius filled the almost awkward silence in immediately, and this didn't really ease anything at all... since his friend was apart of this. This was also something he wanted to desperately avoid, but this visit was so harmless, that he didn't think anything of it when he invited K'ius over.

This was all messed up, and K'var was getting the wrong idea... today anyway. Al'dr still couldn't help but feel guilty about everything K'var just rambled about.He shot a quick glance to K'ius before he interjected uselessly, "this isn't what it looks like. It's just a friendly visit.. I'm still making sure Fortath is getting everything he needs. I'm not ignoring him, or... " he paused a moment as he hunted for the right word, "neglecting him."

Fortath slipped up beside Al'dr, Eponine still nestled under his wing. For the most part he stayed silent he knew this was't the time for any lightheartedness... even if His needed it badly right now. The weyrlingmaster was actually sort of terrifying when he was mad. Definitely not the easy-going human he saw earlier today. He tried to make himself seem, relaxed, but a couple of tail-flicks sort of betrayed that-- and Al'dr knew better.

Al'dr however had no idea what Shobhaith had just said... so he didn't think anything of Kai's reiteration.

[RavenSong]

K'var looked at K'ius, the angry look on his face fading to mere annoyance. He focused on Al'dr's explanation, nodding once.

"Good. I won't hesitate to ban you from seeing each other if I think things are beyond friendship. Keep it limited," he ordered. The comment about a sharding lizard drew K'var's attention.

Outside, Argotath regarded Shobhaith curiously.

No, he's not being singled out. I'm actually watching for someone else, one of the Candidates, just to be sure they don't break rules. It's really strict at first, but it lightens up over time, remember? He shouldn't ever have neglected you. I'm glad Ablath's stood up for you on that count, that's very, very bad behavior. If he ever does that again, you need to tell Agnith or Mifth since they're your Weyrlingmasters now. Or me. You can tell me anything, and Mine will make sure everything is fine.

Shobhaith's revelations, however, were immediately relayed to K'var once he'd reassured the young Purple.

K'varMine, the Blue said privately. Shobhaith's neglected him to wait and see what would happen to Fortath's the day Shobhaith hatched. Didn't immediately feed him. Ablath's has handled that. But last night, Fortath's was in Shobhaith's weyr and Shobhaith says they were closer than they are now. I don't think he wants you to know who tattled, though.

K'var was about to leave when he heard that. He frowned, focused on K'ius for a moment before looking to Al'dr.

"Were you in K'ius' weyr last night, Al'dr?" he asked, his voice deceptively soft. If there was any doubt in K'ius' mind that Argotath would tell, it was likely dispelled at that point. The Weyrlingmaster held up a hand to forestall any arguments from K'ius as he waited for a response from Al'dr. Once he got it, he looked to K'ius again.

"And you permitted this?" he asked, his voice still soft. "Despite knowing the rules. Why? I'd like the truth. I'm letting Argotath listen so he can get answers from your dragons regarding your honesty. This is a very, very serious situation if I'm understanding it correctly. Especially since you neglected Shobhaith's feeding the day he hatched in favor of your friend. I know A'bar has already spoken to you about that, you'll hear no scolding about that from me, but it -is- a mark in your record against this friendship. Do you not understand what can happen here? Someone in my weyrling class did almost the exact same thing. Yes, -my- class, back when Argotath was a dragonet. It's not a pretty situation."

Argotath, let Agnith know that her Delilah may need to speak to K'ius about what happens to a rider when his dragon betweens. She's had first-hand, intimate experience.

Okay, Argotath responded, reaching out to Agnith to relay that information.

[Zephyr]

It was over.

It was almost like a giant weight had been lifted off of his shoulders in the split second between his thought and K’var’s words. He thought that maybe, mercifully, Argotath wouldn’t tell K’var about he and Al’dr’s meeting last night…a thought that was immediately shattered once the weyrlingmaster had posed his question to his friend. Kai froze, his entire body shaking with disappointment and an anger that bubbled up slow and steady.

Sho sensed the anger immediately. It was an odd feeling from a boy who was usually so laid back. He pulled his mind away from the blue to probe at his rider’s, which was unusually closed down. K’ius? The purple’s voice was soft and hesitant, filled with concern that he saved for his rider. When the boy didn’t answer, but the anger persisted, Sho probed a bit deeper. Kai…I didn’t know… Leave it Sho. But… Leave it. He knew Shobhaith didn’t mean to get them in trouble, but he had, and Kai couldn’t help the sinking feeling of disappointment.

Silent, the boy tightened his fists into balls and stared at K’var’s feet, seething. Finally he turned to look at his best friend, his eyes pleading. He was fervently hoping that Al’dr and Fortath would lie to K’var, tell him that Sho was mistaken, that the purple was just joking…but in that instant, he knew Sandr wouldn’t. He wouldn’t be his best friend if he could just lie so easily about something so important.

Kai felt defeated, but he wasn’t about to give in. Brilliantly defiant gaze was shifted to K’var as the man’s attention was turned to him. “There are no rules that say we cannot be friends.” He said slowly and evenly, his words deceptively soft. He knew there was no use lying to K’var. The dragons would tell the truth…especially Fortath, and the hatchling had been so tense last night. “We had a disagreement, before the hatching. Sandr just came to talk to me. Nothing happened…” Except for you confessing your love to him. “And he left soon after to let Fortath sleep.”

Omission is not a lie.

The weyrlingmaster’s next words sparked his anger into a brilliant fire, and Kai’s eyes were outwardly angry, his head jerking up to stare indignantly at K’var. “What?” He was trembling now, with the passion going through him, and Shobhaith was alarmed. “A mark against our friendship? You may be a weyrlingmaster, but you don’t dictate our lives! You can’t tell us who we can and cannot be friends with based on something that may or may not happen! I know the rules, I know we aren’t allowed to have sex, but that doesn’t mean I can’t talk to my best friend! We wouldn’t let anything happen to Fortath, and if anything even comes close to being too much for him, Sandr will tell me and we’ll back off. ” He was breathing a tad harder now and Pony let out a cheep of alarm, giving Fortath a loving pat of her paw before she went to try and comfort Kai, curling herself around his neck.

K’ius was having none of it though.

“We aren’t mindless. We can control ourselves. We aren’t going to fall into bed heedlessly. We would never do anything to risk Fortath, and the fact that you think that we don’t have any other thought in our heads is offensive!” His voice was getting louder, and he realized it at the last second, shooting a half apologetic glance to Sandr before turning back. “You don’t have to make up stories about dragonets betweening to make me fall in line. I know that nothing like that happened at Dalibor, and I’m willing to follow your rules as long as you don’t twist and lie and use them to try and keep us apart!”

He’d had enough of people who don’t know him meddling in his life and telling him what he can and cannot do with his personal life. And K’var just got the brunt of that. To hell with the consequences. Sho poked lightly at Kai’s mind and then retreated to Argotath like a frightened hatchling. I think K’ius hates me. He won’t talk to me and he’s very angry.

[/i] Usually he’d make jokes to defuse the situation, but he’d never had the anger directed at him.

He hated it.
[/font][/blockquote]

[Raining]

Good.
Everything was fine... this was a 'slap on the wrist' and 'don't be stupid or i'll hear about it' thing. He forced himself to keep an even face, preventing from any exaggerated sighs of relief. They weren't doing anything wrong, not today -- and Al'dr had made it clear (maybe?) that they will have to wait before anything happens. Today they slipped back into what they always had, and that's all Al'dr could ever ask for -- he was happy with this. Not even the over all disappointed look on K'var's face could break the relief he felt right now.

Al'drLove? I don't think you should get too comfotable yet...? he didn't know, couldn't know because it was just a feeling. Al'dr didn't have a chance to question it, he didn't know Fortath well enough to immediately trust the blue hatchling's gut feelings. He could... sense his discomfort, but everything was okay?

Then came K'var's question and he couldn't help the utter stunned look that crossed his face. His eyes widened, and he just froze before he tried to smother that shock with... anything else. This was not because he was caught right now, this was his reaction to everything he's caught off guard with. Well anything shocking or oh shards worthy. That and the fact that he was a really bad liar, especially when it came to direct on the spot lies. Warn him well ahead of time and he could probably swing it IF you didn't know his tell signs, otherwise... uhh no he couldn't do it.

"I... yes" he managed to somehow stammer out, "but--" and then the focus was back on Kai. He listened quietly, a little put off by what would happen, because he was right. Kai did neglect Sho in favor of waiting... and there wasn't anything he could do. But this wasn't Kai's fault. Al'dr wasn't some child that needed a hand to guide him. K'ius wasn't responsible for Al'dr's actions. He was the one to visit Kai... not the other way around.

All he had to do was explain what happened, but he could practically feel Kai's... anger. Knowing the kid for so long, he's come to know how he reacts to these situations. But before he could say anything, his eyes were quickly widening at what was coming out of Kai's mouth. "Kai..." he tried to say but he just kept going. He caught the half apologetic glance, but his own face was just in a what are you doing?! sort of expression. Faranth, Kai stop!"

He stared completely bewildered at his friend, there was practically nothing he could say right now that would make this better. Kai completely went off the handle, and... some of the things he said, he was sure K'var (or anyone with tenure here) wouldn't appreciate them -- and that's an understatement.

"I... " he started to say, now completely at a loss for words. "I admit... our conversation last night was a little..." he paused, there was nothing he could say that would make anything better. "I said some pretty awful things before the hatching, I needed to make amends. I realize it was a bad idea... but nothing happened. Nothing remotely close to you're probably thinking... I wouldn't do that to him," he tried to explain and he didn't know why he bothered.

He could have kept some of the heat off of K'ius, but that was virtually impossible now.

[RavenSong]

"You're right, there aren't rules against friendship, unless your Weyrlingmaster and I deem that you are incapable of displaying any sort of emotional maturity in this regard. And you're wrong, actually. Weyrlingmasters do dictate your lives, because your dragonet is the most important thing in your life, and we have to make certain you remember that. Always. We have to train you, make sure you bond with your dragon, and ensure you don't do anything stupid. You know the sharding rules, K'ius. I know A'bar told you what they are. He's an excellent, experienced Weyrlingmaster. I note you omit Shobhaith from your statements there. He's part of my worry too, since you neglected him in favor of human bonds once that I know of. We can tell you who you can and cannot associate with. Do you think you're being singled out, here? You aren't. I'm watching everyone. Siblings, those I know for a fact had relations before Weyrlinghood, everyone. You just happen to be the pair I caught, the pair who has one member trying to tell a Weyrlingmaster how to do his job.

As for whether or not your friend will tell you, how can you be certain? Friends are more likely to try and spare each other's feelings. I have thirty-seven Turns behind me, as well as two children. Don't you dare tell me I'm wrong. And you should be offended! The simple fact that someone thinks you're doing something wrong should tell you, point-and-fact, that you are dangerously close to actually doing it. Am I clear on that fact? I had better be."

His normally-sparkling blue eyes were hard and full of fury when K'ius accused him of lying.

"Argotath hatched at Ista, where I was born, where my sire was born, where my son was born," he growled, his voice lowering in pitch. He'd gone beyond Dad Voice. The man was livid, angered to a point that V'kyr had never seen. Usually people that were about to get punched in the face saw that look and heard that pitch, but K'var kept his hands at his sides. He didn't yell, but his fury was evident in every word."The dragon's name was Kyiroteletith, a blue, one who was very pale of hide and almost a Yellow in disposition. His rider didn't believe the Weyrlingmaster, and the boy, I'ktus, went and slept with a drudge. I vividly remember it, because I saw Kyiroteletith between. Argotath told me that Kyiroteletith pitched a fit right before, saying that his rider didn't love him, that I'ktus hated him, and asked me if I still loved him.

The day after, Idiktus was a shell. Our Weyrlingmaster told us to leave him be, that no punishment could ever echo what had just happened to him. He told us to mark that day in our memories and remember that the rules were there for a reason, and that a dragonet could between if they felt they were being neglected.

And if you want a Daliborean example, I'll refer you to Delilah. We've had dragonets lost between. Most of them were in between training, but ask her about S'aren and Sicriath. S'aren lives, and he quite thankfully didn't stick it in some drudge, but he still lost his dragon. Sicriath was killed by a wild wher. Sebol hasn't been the same since. Since you'll be seeing Delilah anyhow, you can ask her what it's like to be friends with someone who lost their dragon. He was one of my Candidates when I was a Candidatemaster here, and I busted his friend Xiro'el for being in the Candidate Barracks after hours. I care about you kids. About each and every one of you, regardless of my rank. I want to see you all succeed, and you'd better sharding believe that if I have to ban brothers from visiting each other I'll do it. Am I clear, K'ius of Purple Shobhaith? That is your full name, now and forevermore. K'ius of Purple Shobhaith. And if what I'm feeling from Argotath right now is right, you need to calm your happy ass right the shells down. You're scaring your Purple with your rage. He's older, sure, but since you haven't graduated you still need to be careful."

So do you. Remember Fortath, he's right there and you're probably scaring him half between! Argotath said privately to his rider. He was right, and K'var knew it.

The redheaded Weyrlingmaster took a deep breath and closed his eyes, forcing his temper back under control.

"Fortath. I am sincerely sorry you're having to deal with all these emotions, little guy," he said gently, moving to offer the little blue some affection. "You're not in trouble, don't worry. I believe what your rider says, I just need to make sure his dimglow buddy here gets it. Okay? Everything's fine right now. You're an amazing little blue. Some example I'm setting in the rage department, huh?" He chuckled at himself as he spoke to Fortath, then nodded to Al'dr.

"I don't think you're stupid enough to risk angering your own Weyrlingmaster," he said, looking the young Bluerider in the eye. "I believe what you say, as I told your dragon. I strongly advise you limit contact, though, for at least the next season. He can help you wash Fortath, and oil him, and maybe give you information about upcoming tasks, but I really don't want to find the two of you sequestered together for the next season. Keep it someplace public, please. I'll be asking that of everyone, including siblings."

He looked between the boys for a moment.

"Though I might ask that of you until your friend here can display the emotional maturity required from a brown, purple, or viridianrider. Things are expected of those colors."

Delilah definitely needs to give K'ius some information, Argotath. Warn Agnith that I've asked K'ius to ask about Sebolaren, and let her know I recommend she dress him down for this runnerdung. Maybe he should be held back a class, I don't know. I'd hold him back.

--

Outside, Argotath snuggled right on up to Shobhaith reassuringly. He was much smaller than the Purple, but he was certainly going to try since he'd run up like a scared hatchling.

I don't think he hates you, he said cheerfully. I think he's just really, really angry at K'varMine and taking it out on you without meaning to. Sometimes we have to tell our riders not to be dimglows. Between me and you, I just told Mine to remember his temper and not scare Fortath.

Reaching out to Agnith again, Argotath forwarded what K'var had to say, adding his own observations.

Ugh. He doesn't learn, the blue said. He called K'varMine a liar for telling him about my clutchbrother. I'd forgotten him. I miss him, though I don't really remember him. Shobhaith's is like a Red. He really shouldn't mess with K'varMine like this, he gets mad, and when K'varMine gets really angry I have a hard time keeping him from doing stupid things. Can Yours help keep Shobhaith's from doing stupid things? I'm worried that he's going to hurt Shobhaith, and end up scaring him away forever. K'varMine thinks he should be held back with the Blizzardbaiters. I don't know what he's done with Ablath's, though, and I don't know that Shobhaith would know either. Yours will, though, Agnith. Yours should talk to Shobhaith's.