Shared Desires (Kia)

[4horseshowgirl4]

It was a pleasant fall afternoon, the briskness in the air a welcome change from the sweltering heat of summer. A light breeze ambled through the air, though little of the autumn zephyr reached inside of the Weyrbowl. It was busy enough, with dots of activity here and there, but generally peaceful; the atmosphere lacked the thick tension that had so characterized it when the renegades had come to call. A few braved the cooler waters of the lake, though most preferred not to swim at this time of the year. A large figure swooped through the sky far above the stone ground, a dragon, of course.

L'ven and Valleth were on a practice fly. The Bronze was quickly losing any clumsiness in the air he had shown on his first few months of flying, but practice made perfect, after all, and neither of the Weyrlingpair would settle for anything less. They were determined to prove their mettle; both to themselves and, though neither would mention it to each other, to a certain Greenpair. L'ven was growing frustrated, both by the constraints of Weyrlinghood and at his own social awkwardness. He was fairly certain Lynx was interested enough in him, and Faranth knew that he was interested in her! However, he could never... quite make the impression on Lynx he hoped he could.

Valleth, too, was attracted to Gneith, but, as he was easily enamored with almost every female dragon, this was nothing special or unusual. Gneith had never shown him any special attention, so he would hardly keep his interests in her alone, except for the fact that he had competition. Another dragon was after Gneith, and another Weyrling was after Lynx, and, for the Bronze, that would not have bothered him especially, except for the fact that the other pair was their clutch's other Kingpair. Valleth longed to prove that it was he, not the bigger Iron, that was the most worthy male. He and His had already secured the position of Wingsecond over the Ironpair, but it rankled the Bronze nonetheless that the big lug was trying to worm in on his females!

L'ven, too, was irritated at K'ber in general. K'ber's trying to make a fool of him in front of Lynx had just added fuel to that fire, but it was not the root of the issue. L'ven would not have been able to like K'ber even if the Ironrider had acted like L'ven's best friend. K'ber and he were vying for Lynx's attentions, and as the Weyrling was naturally competitive, he longed to show Lynx how superior he was to the somewhat reclusive Ironrider. If only he were better with women! Still, he refused to allow K'ber to win. He would not fail. He would not.

L'ven's desires echoed Valleth's own, but while they shared a common goal, neither found the need to discuss the issue. They knew each other well enough at this point to intuitively feel the other's frustrations and longings, and know at whom those emotions were aimed. Discussion was not necessary. The problems and the hopes were there, and that was enough. In much the same way, both were looking ahead to their graduation and shortly thereafter when Gneith (and, later, Callistath) would Rise. Truly, it would be the dragon that Caught those two who would be the victor. L'ven wasn't sure which prize allured him more: Lynx or the position of Jr. Weyrleader. Considering how strongly ambition pulled at him, it was a measure of the fierceness of his attraction to Lynx. Yes, it was true that there would be other dragons competing for both; but to L'ven, it was between him and K'ber. Only them, and of course the beauties Flying, would matter.

L'ven sat easily on Valleth's back, well-balanced and relaxed. He, too, had swiftly learned to fly as well as his dragon, though the job was not nearly as difficult for him. Still, there were subtle things to learn; L'ven's weight seemed almost insignificant to a creature so large, but he could help or hinder the Bronze's grace in the air, and he was aiming to perfect his skill at the former. Valleth swooped low over the lake, letting his tail bounce against the cool surface at his lowest point, leaving a spray of water behind him. Then, he altered his course with one flap of the great wings, they were climbing, the dragon's nose edging near vertical, the human gripping on the fore neck strap to avoid being thrown backwards.

As they neared the tops of the cliffs that formed the Weyrbowl, it was time to try a new trick. Valleth pumped with his wings again before tipping his head backwards, the rest of his body following. His belly was to the sky for a moment, L'ven still gripping that strap for dear life, a moment of nervousness overcoming him. But then, Valleth had finished the turn and was diving again, performing a graceful half barrel turn so he was facing the lake once again. The duo pulled out of the dive close to the ground, and, backwinging furiously, Valleth landed almost daintily. Here, his increased skill was more evidenced; L'ven was hardly jolted.

L'ven could hardly contain his joy. This was what Dragonriding was about. There was a beautiful, working partnership between human and dragon. Everything had gone right in that flight. What could make the afternoon better? L'ven's stomach answered him with a slight lurch as he thought about what could answer that question, but there was little chance of that. He leaned forward to wrap his arms around Valleth's neck despite the dragon's protests that that was not dignified before untying the straps and slipping off.

[/font]

[kia]

Lynx stroke Pretty absent-mindedly as she walked slowly to the edge of her new weyr. She stood next to Gneith, looking out as the sky painted a pretty picture before her. She could not be happier any way. She had her dragon, her Fire Lizard, her own place, and no one trying to force her to be something that she was not. Things like this made her day very enjoyable. She leaned up against Gneith, smiling, glad for once that the dragon did not need to be oiled today. With Gneith growing steadily every day, the dragon was always complaining about itching or her hide starting to stretch out on her. the same went with Pretty, who would start reaching her full length eventually. Both of them were growing, but both of them were still mischievous. One morning, they had decided to scare the living Jays out of her by both bugling at her, reminding her that SHE would have Impressed the loudest dragon and the loudest Fire Lizard on Pern. After swatting Gneith on the leg and scolding Pretty for what they had done that morning, she had been easy to forgive them and took them to get food. Yes, mornings like those and the way Dalibor lived was definitely exciting for her.

Mine, look! Gneith said, her eyes focused on something that she could see in the sky.

Lynx stopped stroking Pretty and looked up. There, she saw one of the largest dragons in this Weyr. She smiled as she recognized the dragon and the Rider. L`ven and Vallenth. She quickly put Pretty on Gneith`s back and grabbed her riding straps. She put them on Gneith, telling the Green to stay low to the ground and to drop them off at the Weyrbowl. But, as she was putting the straps on, Gneith rumbled lowly in a sound that did not please Lynx. She looked up and saw L`ven and Vallenth doing something she had never seen them do before. Vallenth was rising in the air, and yet he was not. They were going to a back flip. Lynx`s eyes focused on the Bronze dragon and his Rider, mentally saying words to Faranth`s ghost to keep the two alive. She held her breath, her heart pounded, everything felt like it was going slow. Too slow for her tastes. She let out a sigh of relief when the dragon returned to normal position and landed gracefully in the Weyrbowl. Lynx quickly climbed on Gneith`s back, mentally telling the dragon to head for the Weyrbowl, but her heart would not stop racing. Was it wrong to worry about those you cared for or like?

Gneith landed. Lynx took the moment to tell herself not to act worried. L`ven was fine. In fact, he deserved praise for such and amazing defeat. She slid of Gneith`s back with a little more grace and ease due to Gneith was smaller than Vallenth. Lynx smiled up at L`ven, her eyes giving that sparkle that 1) she was glad to be here, 2) she was glad to see him, and 3) she was thinking or planning something. "Hello, L`ven. Been a bit since I last saw you. And what a great way to see you again, seeing you on dragon back and performing skills that the other Weyrlings have not attempted. I would say that you are ahead of the class if you can do that in one try and succeed," she complimented him. She still had not decided between K`ber and L`ven, and she may never until Gneith Rose. But, until that happened, she loved hanging out with either of them, still learning things about them and what made them them.

Gneith slowly moved up to Vallenth, crooning to the Bronze, her eyes a beautiful blue to green color. She was glad to see Vallenth. They did not hang out much. But every time they had hung out, she had enjoyed it and been pleased with his company. Hello, Vallenth. How are you and your Mine? We saw what you did today. That was magnificent! Mine was worried for Yours and hoped he would not fall out. That comment made Lynx look at Gneith quickly before looking back at L`ven with a slightly pink tinge in her cheeks. Other than Callistath, you are definitely a pride of the class and a good representative for all of us if not a perfect role modle, she continued, complimenting him. She had picked her tricks up from watching and listening to Lynx. And, like her Mine, she meant her words.

[4horseshowgirl4]

L'ven was turned to face Valleth's sides, slipping around the dragon to undo his riding straps, so they were resting, unsecured, on the Bronze's back. Valleth's stomach was rumbling, reminding them both that he had not eaten in a few days now, but it would not be good for him to eat so soon after their flight. {Go back to our weyr and get a nap. We'll go hunting in a couple of candlemarks,} L'ven said, thinking that he himself might go to the kitchens and find some company. Sharing a conversation with someone other than Valleth, preferably over sweetrolls and klah, sounded most desirable at the moment. Valleth touched L'ven's mind in assent and began to step away from him, but then, he froze. L'ven had begun to walk away from the Bronze, towards the kitchens, but he felt Valleth's attention shift to something, and, almost involuntarily, his own head swung around to see what was enrapturing Valleth so.

L'ven's heart skipped several beats. His eyesight was nowhere near as keen as Valleth's, but there was no mistaking the dark green hide on that ledge, and the flurry of movement around the dragon... Lynx and Gneith! And then, they were soaring off the ledge, soaring towards them! Valleth bugled a rich, powerful welcome, his voice rending the quiet autumn air. L'ven raised a hand as they approached as a greeting, his palms already beginning to sweat nervously. What was he going to say to her? Did he look alright? What if they were mistaken and the Greenpair just flew past them? Valleth rumbled quietly in amusement as His's silliness. They were only females! Beautiful, wonderful, desirable females, yes, but being nervous was not going to win them over!

To L'ven's great happiness and anxiety, Gneith landed in front of them, and Lynx slipped off of the Green's back, coming forward to talk to him! L'ven smiled as she approached, genuinely glad that she was here, nervous though it made him. And, Faranth, she seemed to get prettier every time he laid eyes on her! His eyes met hers, and he suddenly felt a little weak in the knees. Mine, you are being absolutely ridiculous. How can you expect anyone, including Lynx, to respect you if you lose your head upon seeing a pretty girl?

[/color] Valleth scoffed. It would not do if L'ven ruined the pair's chances to have a pretty Greenpair all to themselves! L'ven was about to reply scathingly, but Lynx began to speak, and she quickly captured all of his attention.

And did he blush. She was being incredibly complimentary, flattering him, and he was not used to such liberal praise. He turned a color to rival Shiobth's hide. What... what could he possibly say that would come anywhere close to such kind words? You are hopeless. Compliment her back! Be suave![/color] Valleth said, coaching. "Hello, Lynx," he said, pausing for a moment while thinking of what to say next. Had Valleth a hand, he would certainly be facepalming. His was hopeless. "Yeah, uh, it was Lira's Hatching last time, right? But at least I don't have to share you this time," he said, smiling wryly. Better.[/color] "And thank you," he added, though those words hardly did the job of expressing his gratitude for the flattering words. He would cherish them for a long time.... though there was no need to tell Lynx that. "But if this behemoth can do it, I bet you and Gneith can do it twice as easily. You two are so skilled and graceful in the air... it takes a man's breath away." He did not specifically say that it was he who enjoyed watching them fly, as that could be misconstrued as a little creepy, but he could still be complimentary and try to be flirtacious, could he not?

Valleth opened his wings before resettling them against his sides, subtly showing off his large wingspan before moving regally towards Gneith, his croon an octave lower than Gneith's but just as affectionate. Like Lynx, he was well-schooled in the art of flirting, though he tried to be as gentlemanly as he could. When he reached her, he gently extended his nose to touch Gneith's, dark green eyes whirling peacefully. Quite unlike L'ven, he was at ease around Gneith, though no less ecstatic about her attentions, naturally. She is as good at this as your Lynx,[/color] he said privately to L'ven, bowing his head in thanks at Gneith's compliments. You are too kind, Gneith,[/color] he said, noting with pleasure the exclusion of Detritath's name from the other metallics in their class. I am sure my attempts at acrobatics cannot rival what you can do! Besides, I could never be as gorgeous as you![/color] Valleth said, rumbling.[/right][/font]

[kia]

Lynx smiled at L`ven`s compliments. It was true. The last time they had seen each other it had been at a little Green Fire Lizard`s Clutch Hatching. But, she was glad it was just them alone. She like K`ber a lot, as much as L`ven, but she liked spending time alone with both of them. It gave her a chance to get to know them better, become more familiar with who they were, to know what it was about them that made her like them soo much. She chuckled lightly when he said that Gneith and her flying took a man`s breath away. She hoped. She was not a girl anymore. And L`ven and K`ber were certainly not boys. "Thank you, L`ven. But Gneith and I have much more to learn. Maybe we will get lucky and end up in your Wing when we become Wingriders eventually," she replied. The turned on her flirting smile. "So, how have you been? Every time I see you, I swear you are getting stronger. I can see the effects of you caring for your dragon. And Vallenth is looking wonderful, too, by the way," she said, complimenting them both.

Gneith was flattered at Vallenth`s compliment. But she knew, like her mine stated, that she had a lot to learn. She was already a very fast flyer from her time she spent with Lynx, flying over her as Lynx ran around the Weyr and in the plains on the occasion. Though Lynx called it fun and exercise, Gneith saw it as bonding time between her Rider and her. Thank you, Vallenth. Maybe Mine and I will practice it some time when we are out stretching our legs and wings, she said. Then her eyes began to whirl faster. Does the great Bronze Vallenth have any tips for us to use when we try it next time?

[4horseshowgirl4]

L'ven was relying on Valleth mentally, his mind leaning against the Bronze's like a body would against a wall, drawing off of the Bronze's confidence and ease, because L'ven surely had none of his own to use. He was nervous as he had been at the Hatching, more so, even. He just couldn't believe that she was here in front of him, flirting blatantly with him! It was obvious that she was interested, and now he just had to assure her that he was attracted to her, wanted to be with her! His heart was fluttering. He just had to act confident, act flirtacious. But, shards, why could this come so easily to Lynx and Valleth but not to him?

And here she was, complimenting him once again. She was so kind, so charming... and so, so beautiful. "And you seem to grow more gorgeous every day," he said, smiling cheekily, putting on an air of self-confidence that he hoped would stop his knees from shaking and his cheeks from turning red every time she flattered him. Before thinking about it, he quickly added, "Yes, Valleth and I have been working hard. We just have so much coming up. Graduating testing, wing drills... first Flights." As soon as the last phrase had exited his mouth, he wanted to bite back the words. That was awfully forward of him, to mention that around her, when Valleth would almost certainly be chasing Gneith... And I will win her!

[/color] Valleth interjected smugly.

His mind cast around wildly, trying to think of something else to say to cover up his rather embarrassing last sentence, and it landed on his rumbling stomach. "I, um, was going to go grab something in the kitchens, would you like to come with me?" he asked, trying desperately not to stumble over his words too much. He was struggling bravely to maintain a somewhat-confident aura, but it was difficult. His eyes gave away how desperately he wanted her to come with him, to spend time with him. It would be the first time he'd ever been able to really talk to her, be able to really try to win her over before K'ber sank his claws into her. No, no, she was far too good, too beautiful, for K'ber!

Valleth, in contrast, was clearly in his element. Of course I have tips, but I have a better idea...[/color] he said warmly, pausing for effect. Why don't I show you?[/color] He rumbled in encouragement, twining his tail gently but firmly with hers before almost stepping into the air, hovering just mere feet above the ground and using his tail to tug on hers. Come on! It'll be fun, and I won't let you fall![/color] he promised, flexing his muscles along his neck and back to show off his strength, but there was little doubt that anything but the clumsiest King could catch such a wonderful, slender Green with ease. [/right][/font]

[kia]

Lynx smiled as L`ven tried his hardest to compliment her without sounding nervous. It was sweet, she thought, that L`ven was trying. Lynx knew she had chosen a good guy, but she also chose K`ber, another good guy. But, right now, it was her and L`ven`s time. Not K`ber. K`ber had his chances in the past. She gave him another larger smile when he asked her if she wanted to go to the kitchens with him to eat. It would be like the Candidate Feast, except she was dancing and eating with K`ber. "That would be nice. I could eat a little something," she said to L`ven, walking over to him and sliding her hand and arm over his, giving him her flirting smile as usual. Yes, this was her and L`ven`s moment. And who knew. Maybe this would help her in her decision which one she liked more for when Gneith Rose.

And idea? Gneith said, as she looked at Vallenth. Then he said he could show her. Her eyes began to whirl faster in excitement at the thought of Vallenth teaching her his tricks. And at the idea of flying in the air together while her Mine and his Mine were off at the kitchens, doing their own thing. She felt something slidding across her tail as she turned to look. Vallenth was wrapping his tail a bit around hers, tugging on her to join him in the air with the promise that he was not going to let her fall. She chuckled at that statement. I won`t fall, brave. Bronze. That is why I have these wings! So I can, like you. In the air, through the clouds, and past the mountain tops, she added.

[4horseshowgirl4]

L'ven was relieved when she smiled. He wasn't sure whether this was because of his suavity or his amusing lack thereof, but the fact that she was smiling was good, right? He just wanted her to be happy. Well, he would prefer that she was happy with him, of course. He longed for her sole attention, her love, her so much that it rivaled his love for Valleth. He didn't know if he would be able to bear it if she decided she was happy with K'ber. So, no, he did not want her to be happy at any cost. He was selfish in that way. He was not one of those selfless, golden-hearted heroes in the Harper's Tales he'd grown up hearing. He might never be. But he would never fail to do his best for her, and hopefully that would be enough. Hopefully it would be more than K'ber because, despite his pure, infatuated feelings, his emotions towards her were strengthened, if anything, by his rivalry with K'ber. It was unlikely that he would be able to summon up the nerve to even talk to her unless he was fueled by the sense of urgency K'ber's presence provided.

He didn't utter a word when Lynx accepted his invitation, but the half-incredulous, half-ecstatic smile on his face said it all. His skin shivered pleasantly where she touched his arm; a moment too late, he propped up his arm like a gentleman should. Faranth, why hadn't he thought of that the first time? Well, better late than never. He reached over with his other hand to squeeze hers gently, affectionately, before strutting off towards the kitchens, an unusual spring in his step. He was content to walk with her in silence for several moments, savoring the soft weight of her arm on his, the play of the gentle breeze on his face, and both the warmth of the sun on his face and her body next to his. How could things possibly get any more perfect?

It did not take him long for his curiosity to press him to speak, however. Despite everything, he really did not know much about her, which was absolutely unacceptable. He wanted to know everything, her hopes, her dreams, where she came from, where she wanted to go. He wanted to know her as well as he knew himself, as well as he knew his dragon. He had so many questions for her; which to ask first? Well, he supposed, he might as well start at the least personal, to avoid offending her. That was the last thing he needed! "So," he said softly, clearing his throat. "Where were you, you know, before you came here?" He looked over at her, trying to meet her eyes, those ravishing green eyes. Suddenly, he was extremely conscious of how big and clumsy his feet were, and was trying desperately to keep his eyes on her and not stumble at the same time.

Valleth turned his head towards His for a moment, rumbling after their retreating form. He was quite shocked that L'ven had managed to actually bring Lynx anywhere, but he was proud nonetheless. However, His's success was not as important as the gorgeous Green with him, and he hastily turned his attention back to Gneith. I apologize,

[/color] he said warmly, But I had to check on Mine. He is getting better, but he is hopeless most of the time.[/color] The Bronze's tone was affectionate, confident, loving. It was absolutely wonderful having his attentions reciprocated for once, instead of being casually ignored whenever he made advances, but he was not ruffled by this. He had struck gold in Gneith, or, should he say, struck green.

Well, come on, then![/color] Valleth said, almost daring Gneith. Let's see what those wings can do![/color] His tail released hers and with one powerful pump of his wings he shot a dragonlength higher in the air. Then, he turned his nose back to the ground and dived the short length, claws dragging along the ground before he pulled himself higher again. The Bronze was fit and athletic, and was simply itching to show off for Gneith, display his physical prowess. His earlier slight fatigue from his earlier exercises and his hunger were long forgotten. Gneith was the only thing that mattered now!

He crooned to her, voice low and warm, circling her. He was impatient for her to join him in the air. I can show you things no one else can,[/color] he promised, though he wasn't really sure what that was besides his half-flip; he would make things up on the fly if necessary! I can show you things Detritath never could![/color] he said, swooping around her again, eyes whirling excitedly. The fact that the Iron would almost certainly be competing for Gneith too did not worry Valleth; he had beaten Detritath for the Wingsecond position, and he would absolutely beat him for Gneith! He was confident and prideful to a fault, but he was charasmatic and passionate, two traits of which the Iron certainly couldn't boast. Gneith would be his![/right][/font]

[kia]

They walked in silence for a few moments. And during this time, Lynx noticed how nervous L`ven appeared to be. But the young man did not need to be nervous around her. After all, she did like him for who he was. She did not care if he had big feet or anything. And he certainly did not have big feet in her opinion. If he had, she might not have given him a second glance. But she had. And she had given him a third and a fourth. And sometimes, especially as of lately, Gneith would tease her about staring at the boy`s, just telling her Mine that she ought to go down there and have her own Flight now and let the winner have her.

"It is not that simple," Lynx explain to Gneith. "Humans are different. We make things difficult. We form bonds, we break bonds, we make friends, and we make enemies. It is very intricate."

Why do you have to be difficult? Take a lesson from a dragon for once. Just have a Flight. Let the winner get you. Have another Flight later, let the other win. They both will be happy, right? Gneith asked, trying to understand humans better.

Lynx shook her head. "They won`t. Neither or them will. And when you Rise, you will understand that your logic will not work. If Det or Val was your winner, I know you would not mind if they chased Queens. But, what if your winner was chasing another Green?"

The answer was simple: Gneith`s eyes had a slight purple in them, a sign of jealousy. And the conversation had ended thusly. Lynx may have proven her point with words, but Genith would figure it our through Flight. She could only hope that the Green would be able to make a good decision. After all, she was putting her life in her dragon`s wings.

Lynx looked back up at L`ven when he spoke to her. She shrugged, not really caring where she came from, only that she was here. Actually, she did not care about her Hold. Those stupid, controlling people who had tried to make her into something she could achieve on her own in her own way. "I came from Ista Weyr before I came here. Even there, I was free, usually running off from chores and finding secret passages. It wasfun there, but I knew my dragon was not there. Which makes me grateful for coming to Dalibor. If I had not, I might would have missed Impressing Gneith and meeting nice people, such as you," she comment back, giving him a big smile. Yes, she was grateful and she would not have asked for it any other way than this.

Gneith chuckled at Valleth as the Bronze displayed his acrobatics in the sky above her. With a pump of her wings, she was in the air, following after Vallenth. Once she had caught up with him, considering she was a Green and she was very fast thanks to Lynx`s constant attention on her speed, she crooned back to him. Show me thing that Detritath does not know? That would be interesting. You know that the Iron thinks you are not good for me. He told me so after you left the little Green Fire Lizard`s Hatching. And, he told me to stay away from you, I believe, she said, replying back what she could remember and had heard from the big Iron. But, even despite what the iron had said, she thought fondly of the Iron and Bronze. She remembered what her Mine had said and she knew the truth. If it was not Gold or Copper, Gneith would be very jealous. But why should she, considering she had not even Risen yet? Her Mine`s feelings for the two Riders was rubbing off on her. Which was not bad. She did like the Bronze and Iron.

[4horseshowgirl4]

Faranth, why did she have to be so beautiful, kind, and charming? L'ven was falling for her more and more as the minutes passed, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep his head on straight. He just wanted to forget about responsibilities-- lessons, chores, keeping his weyr clean-- and just spend all of his time with her. However, he knew he couldn't. He had wanted this, being a Dragonrider, and shirking his duties would do nothing to help him impress Lynx. Nevertheless, it was easy to forget ambitions by her side. L'ven was not the most right-brained of people, and he was lost in this world of love. He had to learn from the start what seemed to come to Lynx and even Valleth so naturally, and while he was daunted, he wouldn't shy away. Lynx deserved only his best efforts!

L'ven wasn't the type to think carefully over his words before he spoke them, and now was no exception. At her kind words, he blushed again. "Me, too! That you came here, I mean, well, um, I'm glad I came too, but not knowing you would be like not knowing Valleth!" he said a bit hastily. To many girls, the last sentence would be almost an insult, that someone came above them, but Lynx had Gneith, so she would understand. "This place is like destiny," he said, taking care to articulate his words more carefully. "Impressing my first Stand here and meeting the woman of my dreams..." he continued, smiling warmly at Lynx. Had his arm not been supporting hers, he would have tried to slide it around her shoulders. He was learning.

Valleth, his eyes never leaving Gneith, gave a soft croon of happiness when she finally joined him in the air. He was eager for her to join him, and considering how lithe and agile she was, it was not long before the two were flying side-by-side. He returned her croon with another of his, voice easily sliding a fifth under hers. L'ven was a knowledgeable student of music if not a talented one, but Valleth had proved to be far more adept than His. His eyes were whirling the brightest blue, a tumultuous shade and circled and weaved endlessly around his pupils, but the shade quickly darked to almost a red before the Bronze hid his anger and his eyes whirled blue once more.

Mine!

[/color] Valleth exclaimed privately to L'ven, the Bronze's furious tone interrupting L'ven's overjoyed mindset. That wherrybrained Iron has been slandering us! He said I wasn't good for Gneith-- for her to stay away from me![/color] he said angrily, passionately. L'ven started, trying not to keep from snarling himself. However, he composed himself quickly. {Well, we'll just have to prove that useless lug wrong, won't we?} L'ven replied. {And obviously Gneith did not take him seriously-- she's with you now, isn't she? You know what to do better than I do,} he finished, turning back to Gneith, ending his conversation with Valleth.

Still, L'ven's heart burned angrily. He would show that good-for-nothing who was truly more deserving of the wonderful Greenpair. Most of his mind was still completely drowned in Lynx, but the most rational, logical part of it was beginning to whirl away, adding in more training sessions, plotting out more ways to spend time with Gneith, scheming up exercises to defy Valleth's massive build and make him ever quicker in the air. Lynx showed no indication of making a choice between him and K'ber anytime soon, and it only seemed logical that the winner of Gneith's Flight would be the winner of Lynx's heart. Undoubtedly, Valleth would be a competent Chaser of females when the time came, but L'ven would do everything within his power to guarantee a win.

Well, I for one am quite glad you sensibly ignored that advice,"[/color] Valleth said warmly, effectively keeping his anger from his voice, barrel rolling easily in the air (his unbuckled riding straps sliding off of his broad back as he did) before wrenching himself out of the turn and shooting upwards, gaining altitude easily. And 'wrenching' was the right word for it; the young Bronze was a skillful flier, but it was still difficult to overcome the limitations his sheer size put on him. Follow me![/color] he said, still climbing, cutting easily through the air. Just get plenty of momentum going, and then just shift your weight backwards... gravity will do the rest![/color] And with that, Valleth flipped backwards again, with considerably more grace the second time around, pulling up next to Gneith.

If anything, the desires of the boy and the desires of the Bronze became even stronger. Lynx and Gneith would be theirs. They'd work ever harder, chase after them ever faster, learn to be ever more charming. Their love for the Greenpair would only continue to grow and flourish. [/right][/font]

[kia]

Lynx smiled at L`ven as she listened to him speak. She knew that he was not trying to insult her. On the contrary, she took it as a compliment. It was true that dragons came before their human loves and wants, and Gneith was the same with Lynx. The girl looked up at him with flirty expression to let him know that his compliment had been well received. So, it had been his first time Standing and he Impressed a Bronze on the first time. That was very impressive for a Candidate. It meant that he was a strong and capable being, which made Lynx even more proud that she liked him and that he liked her. No, she was not trying to be selfish, she just thought she was putting her likes into the right people. She brought her other hand up and laid it on his arm as she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. "Well, I am glad you Impressed Valleth. He is turning out to be a majestic being, just like his Rider," she said back to him, complimenting him in return. And why not! She liked him. If you liked someone, you made them happy and feel good about putting their like into you. She just only hope that her liking K`ber, as well, would not push him away too much. But, she figured he understood that she was waiting on Gneith to decide for her.

Gneith noticed the red in Valleth`s eyes before he had tried to hide the feelings. She knew he would be angry with the Iron, but Gneith was an honest dragon. She wanted there to be no secrets between her and the two males she liked. She followed the Bronze while he quickly spoke with his Rider about whatever subject they were on. She waited until he spoke before speaking again. Yes, or else I would not be up here in the air with you. She chuckled as she listened to him explain how to do the trick they had done before. She watch Valleth do it again, watching him more carefully so she could see how he did it. And, then, it was her turn. Gaining enough momentum, she arched her back and threw all her weight around her, which succeeded in a somersault in mid-air, even if it was a bit clumsy at first. But, the Green was very proud of herself. She would have to use this trick at lessons and when she Rose. She bugled happily, her eyes whirling bright green. Look, Valleth! I did it! I really did it! she exclaimed happily.