Logs:Family Ties
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| RL Date: 1 April, 2013 |
| Who: Aishani, E'sren |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: Aishani and E'sren meet, dragons talk. The riders have sort-of backgrounds in common. |
| Where: Eastern Bowl, High Reaches Weyr |
| When: Day 21, Month 5, Turn 31 (Interval 10) |
| Weather: The sky is clear today. The air remains cool and damp, but the weather is overall pleasant today. |
| Mentions: Hattie/Mentions, D'kan/Mentions, N'ky/Mentions |
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| Eastern Bowl, High Reaches Weyr Ringed by rough granite walls to all sides but one, this end of the huge bowl narrows from the even broader plain to the west, continuing the ever so slight downward slope toward the blue and green of the Weyr's lake and surrounding foliage. More open to sun and wind than the western bowl, but less frequented when there aren't weyrlings in residence, the bowl's grassy tufts keep the topsoil in place and thicken into a bloodstained meadow within the feeding pens that adjoin the lake. At the base of the surrounding cliffs lie entrances to several caverns, including the dragon infirmary and the weyrling barracks: the former to the northwest near where the spires begin, the latter opposite to the southwest. Both archways are large and dark enough for any dragon to pass through, but it's the infirmary's that is haunted by faint smells of redwort and numbweed, as though over generations they have seeped into the very stone. To the southeast, between the weyrling area and the lake, there are a handful of structures built into the floor of the bowl, standing out amidst otherwise an empty space. Spring brings with it a much needed break from the constant cold of winter, this morning is clear if a little dewey, and the sun is doing everything it can to break through with some warmth that will probably be a little more enjoyable in the afternoon. Still, it's nice, and E'sren is taking advantage of this to take a run around the bowl. Finished now, he returns to Ahruth, a bright beacon of blue that's impossible to miss, where his towel and jacket lie on the ground, watched over by the little (less little with every day) dragon. He's patting down the sweatier parts of himself and catching his breath in these moments, walking slow circles around his lifemate to cool down. The clear skies certainly make for a nicer day to be out walking, out in the world and the Weyr, so there's a fair bit of traffic, most of which do pay attention to the bright beacon that is Ahruth, still taken with the dragonet-ness of the weyrling pairs. They won't be cute forever. Far across the bowl, Iesaryth watches from her ledge, as is her custom - perhaps it's the queen's attention that has her rider, picking her way through the mud of the bowl, shifting her steps toward E'sren and his lifemate, a faint smile about her. "Morning," Aishani offers easily. "And my apologies." There's usually a whisper of ocean, the trace of salty breezes lingering near, but the tide slips in slowly, bubbly seafoam atop the waves that break and slide along the shore. Iesaryth can see Ahruth from way over there. They all grow so fast. There's a wonder to that, mild surprise; she can't remember doing that herself. (Iesaryth to Ahruth) He might know he's being watched by his clutchmother, but Ahruth hasn't intruded on her. Respectfully he might calmly return her dragon-y gaze with his own, other than that she's allowed her private watching. E'sren's hand is passing down along the blue's neck as he passes by him, pausing there on one of his shoulders when he sees Aishani approaching. Instinct tells him he should salute her so he does, crisp and neat but with a friendly smile that comes easily to him. "Morning. What are you sorry for?" There's nothing loaded about that question, although it could have easily come across as something more meaningful, all things considered. Once the queen edges in on his mind, Ahruth will lift his head to tilt it towards her and give her the curl of his jaw that looks so much like a cunning smile. To Iesaryth, Ahruth is as bright on the inside as he is on the outside. To add to her seafoam bubbles and slow tide, a pink rush of sunrise on the horizon, the kind that make people stop and go 'oo'. More words-y perhaps than most dragons, he's quick to use them now. « I'm almost taller than him, you know. » She must, she can see him, just a foot or so away from being above his rider. Beam. Iesaryth likes to observe everything, so it's likely not just Ahruth in her regard, but he's definitely of greater interest, given the givens. As for Aishani, she returns the salute in a way that's probably not the best for someone meant to be an example, but given she's about four or five turns younger than the weyrling, well. That might be a tough one to begin with. Sliding hands into her jacket pockets, "For not introducing myself earlier, I suppose. I'd say for ruining the party, but..." A tilt of her head. "I don't know that it would have ruined yours. I'm Aishani." She looses a hand again to offer it over. Pretty! Iesaryth can admire it, for all she's somewhat more analytical most of the time. There's a romance to it that appeals to her sentimentality. When she speaks, it's in a light tenor that she seems to enjoy using. « You are. She says I grew quickly as well, until the end. I can see what she means, but I don't remember what it feels like. » She's proud of him nonetheless, look at that! Aw. (Iesaryth to Ahruth) "Oh, got it. Well I didn't really do that either." Good point? "And definitely no ruined parties here. If it was in danger, it would have been like shin splints or something. E'sren." It used to be Chase, but he's grown out of that, at least with new people because it's confusing. He wipes his hand on the towel first before offering it over in likewise fashion, just in case, and clasps it around her smaller one; a sudden grin occurs, big and boyish. "It's nice to meet you." And if he says that with a little more... emphasis than necessary, well. « It feels itchy most of the time, » Ahruth kindly fills in for her, opening the connection a little to give her a sense of that restless stretchy feeling, a phantom sense. « And sometimes pain-y. » He doesn't give that one over, that would be terrible, but does wash the sky in more pinks and some purples since she seems to like that and he's eager to please. « But bigger is better. You'll always be bigger than me. We read that in a book. » (Ahruth to Iesaryth) With a little grin, "I suspect you've been a bit busy. And likewise." Aishani didn't seem all that concerned with the state of E'sren's hand, but the towel was likely appreciated nonetheless. Her grip is firm for all that her hand is slender, and if she seems a little entertained by the sudden enthusiasm, well. Girls. "I'll assume things are going well, as we'd have heard otherwise? How are you finding it so far? Other than exhausting?" The last is said with a wry tone, a quirk of lips as she turns her attention to Ahruth now. She can look through Iesaryth, but the gold's so far away. « Oh, yes. » Iesaryth is familiar, even now - though not so stretchy now. « That does not go away ever, but it is less and easier to care for. No pain though. » Unless there are injuries, but that isn't anything Ahruth needs to think about just yet. Waves reflecting the colors of the sky, « I will be. But there are things that are easier to do if you are smaller. You will fly faster, perhaps. » (Iesaryth to Ahruth) Ahruth is basking in the attention although it isn't overly obvious. Maybe when Aishani looks at him too he stretches his wings a little to show the girls how pretty they are when they're like this? Instead of a show of vanity, which it could easily be were he any other dragon, it's more like a dealer showing off the finer points of a well-crafted vehicle. See these? They're gonna get you where you wanna go. "Um. You said other than exhausting right?" E'sren laughs and tilts his head, his hand reclaimed after their introduction for rubbing the back of his neck. "It's good. I mean it's crazy. But awesome. No complaints, no regrets. I worked a lot before, this is just really really new. Is that normal?" To Iesaryth, Ahruth takes a mental note, even if he might forget it later. « Oh good, » he sighs, relieved. Maybe their sky and waves need a little birdy? He makes one out of paper and sends it sailing across the sky, bright purple and cheeping. « I am going to fly very fast. » The bird suddenly takes on a more flesh-filled form and sprouts glorious feathers in all manner of purples and zips around like a crazy thing. « Vroom. » Hands back in her pockets, Aishani still has that grin about her as she watches the not-so-little blue, his wings, the way they stretch out. "They're all so bright," she says, seemingly out of nowhere - but for whatever reason it's come out, she seems pleased, though a touch abashed for the sudden observation. Glancing back to E'sren with a little laugh, "Sorry to have taken your answer. It's just I remember that quite vividly." It's not like it was exactly long ago either. "And... is which part normal? I don't know if there's 'normal', but... things being new, being difficult but not bad. I think that's normal. If anything is." There's a few gulls that try to follow, but when the bird sprouts feathers and zips around, they're lost in its wake, squawking. « It won't be long. » Iesaryth sounds sure of that, promises that. « I will race with you. » Ahruth will probably be faster, true. But her wings are big. It could work. (Iesaryth to Ahruth) She might be feeling feelings about her observation, but it's all good with E'sren. He just regards the dragon at his side with her, agrees. "Yeah, they are. I can see him from a mile away I think. It's cool because I always know where I left my stuff." Like this morning! Actually speaking of, he bends to pick up his jacket and shrugs it on, drapes the towel over his shoulder. "I think that's what I meant. Not bad, just intense. I'm getting used to it though, which was the part I was worried wasn't going to happen. I was pretty overwhelmed at first." He kind of pauses before asking this, but he just has to. "How're things with you?" Because they can keep talking about him the whole time or he can risk an awkward moment by trying to open it up a little for her. Race? The purple bird gains a friend, a bright green mate who passes the purple bird up and flips on a wing to cheep a challenge before scooting off. The two zip along together now. « Not to win though. Just to fly together. » He has to make sure that's clear, just as neither of those birds ever really 'beats' the other in their endless, tiredless careening. « I would love that. » (Ahruth to Iesaryth) "I meant more... they're intelligent. But that too. I imagine that does help." Shani seems to think that both amusing and pragmatic by her tone, knowing where your things are. "It makes it more difficult to lose him in the dark too. You'd think that wouldn't be an issue, but..." She gives E'sren a little shrug. He'd be surprised? Lips quirking into a wry smile, "Well, you have to, yes? Otherwise, if you don't get used to it, you just end up curled up in a ball somewhere. But... the first few days are... a lot." Fine brows might arch a touch for the pause, but; "They're all right. I've been to Fort to see Elaruth's clutch, things seem reasonably quiet there." A little wistfully. Must be nice. The spray from the crash of the waves reaches up to the little birds flying around, foamy and light. « Yes. There are places to see. Even the mountains here to fly over. » Iesaryth enjoys that, enjoys buzzing the snowy mountain peaks. « It will be soon enough. It is what you are meant to do. » With or without his rider, but she finds with is better. (Iesaryth to Ahruth) "Oh. Yeah. Intelligence. Maybe brighter than me." Seeing as how he way did not pick up on that. E'sren has to laugh at himself, grinning that eye-squinting grin of his. It's a laugh too for the idea of losing the dragon in the dark, even if it is a very real danger. The mental images alone. His nod agrees with her again, the only choice is to adapt and succeed or be totally left behind, which isn't even really an option so. "Quiet? That's weird." Right? He's still grinning. "What's that like?" « What I am meant to do. E'sren says I am meant to be 'awesome'. He only uses that word when he's talking about something good so I hope I am awesome soon. » Ahruth's little sigh is little and restless, like so many little dragon sighs before it. « We should fly all over the place when I can. You can show me all of the things. » (Ahruth to Iesaryth) Ruefully, "She's smarter than I am." Aishani sends a glance across the bowl, towards her dragon on the ledge, who is likely looking rather pleased with herself at the moment. "She knows she's smarter than... just about everyone. It'd be more frustrating if she were wrong." Her attention shifting back to E'sren, she has her own grin, still a bit wry, as she has to admit, "I think I'd likely get bored. What would there be to do if things weren't interesting?" To Ahruth, Iesaryth promises, « You will be. » Awesome. And whatever else he wants to be. And as for places, things... Iesaryth can show him so many, even if it's not the same as flying to them yet. She takes what she doesn't remember from Shan's memories to show them off; colorful jungles and far-off mountain ranges, oceans and lakes and rivers. "I get that." It's one thing to be proud for no reason, another entirely to be proud because you're just that good. Or smart, in this case, and E'sren casts Iesaryth a respectful squint. It's interrupted by his laugh, a rough bark, and he's grinning again. "Right? We'd all just be mosying along our day to day. No breaking news. Although I get why some people might prefer it. I'm just not used to a lot of quiet time." He regards her for a quiet beat. What he says next comes carefully. "My family knew yours. In the same way any of us nomads know the other nomads." Likely with no idea what's in store for him, Ahruth has settled into that promise with all the comfort such a mother-promise can bring. Nothing bad will ever happen, and you will be awesome. He never expected to get such a mental eyeful, but he wonders at all of this imagery as it comes, adapting to it quickly. « Ocean, » he thieves, riding the word out like a wave. It's familiar because it's so like she is. « I want to see that. » (Ahruth to Iesaryth) "I think it sounds nicer than it would actually be, the idea of quiet. That's what a few days off is for. On the beach or off somewhere else." The last sounds a bit reminiscent, Aishani a little 'if only' in this moment, but if there's any reason she can't go away, well. She's really behind it. "I'm not much used to it either. I'm used to keeping myself busy." That last from E'sren after his pause has her regarding him more closely, dark eyes curious. Lightly, "I suppose your family still might, though we-- they've kept their distance from most of the regular routes over the turns. There's no sense in everyone..." Being painted with the same brush. It's not the best thing to tell him, but Iesaryth knows it won't last forever; it's better to be confident now. And it's easy for her to overestimate what a young dragon can understand, take right off - her images slow, focus on the oceans so like hers. First, the coast nearby at Tillek, chilly and less inviting than the queen's tropical ocean - for more reasons than one. « This is near. But we must take care there now. » Human issues. (Iesaryth to Ahruth) "Yeah, I figured. I mean I don't think I ever met anybody more than just superficially passing each other on the way. But... there's a kind of loyalty I think that runs in all of us. And I know my mom's been real sad to hear about some things." Talking without really talking, perhaps out of respect but also perhaps to not presume, E'sren treads lightly. Just in case. But even when treading lightly, he shows backbone enough to approach the topic at all, to look her in the eye. "I don't know enough about anything, I mean we kept to ourselves when all that shit, sorry, stuff, was going down before, all I ever go on is whatever feeling I get from somebody." The vaguest suggestion of a pair of hands turning that image around, touching it as if to feel the cool in the water. Ahruth's appreciation for the alleviation of sensory overload is felt through their bond. « Does this place have a name? » he wants to know, his young voice pitched soft as if in reverence for the place, even if they only visit it here. (Ahruth to Iesaryth) With a nod, "I remember... a little about that. Not much, but it makes sense. And... I can imagine. I... I just hope that things now-- or then... won't make everything more difficult." Aishani can flash E'sren a brief smile for his mother, appreciative, before lowly, "Well, most of the people who made it back from the mines are back. So you can pass that on, if you like. A little worse for the wear, but alive." And that's the main thing. She seems to likewise appreciate the candor, not offended; honestly, "You probably remember more than I do, really. I... was only nine, and the time after... gets a little fuzzy." She admits that slowly, as if she's not even sure she should. « They all have names. They like names. » The people, not the places. Why should rock and earth and water care? Iesaryth wonders, but still: « Tillek. » She adds some boats to the water, crisp white sails billowing in the wind. (Iesaryth to Ahruth) She was only nine? This brings E'sren's grin back in full force. "I'm older than you? So you were nine, you're like... nineteen now? Twenty? Sorry, I mean no disrespect. I just think it's crazy that I'm older than you." Crazy and a little bit funny. "You seem so large and in charge most of the time. Maybe I just built you up. I will tell her that, about the mines, the people. She'll be glad to hear it. I have a big letter to write, that's one more thing for it." There's something about what she said that he circles back around to, and though he's still smiling as if this somehow makes it all ok, his eyes betray him a little, dark and serious. "Maybe because it's easier to kind of gloss it over. If it helps, you don't seem so bad to me." Skipping 'I'm kidding', he just grins again instead. Ha. To Iesaryth, Ahruth copies. « Tillek. » Names. « Everything I know has a name. Iesaryth, E'sren, Cailluneth, Kazavoth. Can you please show me more? » A lilt in his voice comes from who knows where, not his rider, and he passes the time until her reply with painting each of those white sails with a pop of color one by one by one. Seeming a bit entertained by the weyrling's reaction to her age, of all things, "Twenty." Aishani smiles, shaking her head a little. "No, none taken. It's... I suppose I grew up quickly. There's a few of you that are the same age or older than me, which is... a little strange sometimes, yes. I did a lot of listening, too. To other people. It's easy to sound wise when you just repeat other people's wisdom." There's a little shrug for that, like it's not a big deal, then wryly, "I can only imagine the letter. If you put it off too long, it'll be a book, yes?" And perhaps a bit uncomfortable with the seriousness despite the smile, she glances down to the toes of her boots with a short laugh. "I didn't lose anything important, at least. Like how to tie my shoes, or punch my cousins." This time, Iesaryth won't flash places, but just fade one into the other, the greyish landscape of Tillek gaining color from Ahruth's colored sails to spread across the water and into the land, making it all bright: turquoise and deep green, bright flowers and fish and birds. « Monaco. » South. « Where I found Aishani. » (Iesaryth to Ahruth) "I think I'm the oldest of us. But yeah, it's weird. Not that I wouldn't listen to you if you sent me to my room or something." E'sren is teasing her pretty openly, you know, making a really good first impression. "And yeah, a book. I'll have to dictate to someone else after my arthritis starts acting up." Because of how he's so old. Teasing himself, teasing her, it's all fair game. "Punching cousins? I think I've heard of that one. Pretty sure I was on the receiving end a time or two. You girls might have little fists but they're sharp, pointy things." Oh, she's moving things around again. Ahruth finds his seat so as not to miss anything and oos and ahs appropriately when the next location fades in, so colorful and bright, something he can relate to. « You're not from here. » It isn't an accusation, or a question, there's no meaning at all to that simple observation. She isn't, she just said that. « I like this place. » Those colored birds from before have been following them on the tour to show up again now, flitting around in this paradise, blending in perfectly. « Oh! » He just made that connection. (Ahruth to Iesaryth) "You don't even have a room yet. The level of space you have to yourself seems to correlate with the amount someone is or isn't allowed to tell you what to do. That's why our weyr is so gigantic, with no apparent reason for it." Because clearly, no one can tell Aishani what to do. Real estate is destiny. "And arthritis. Well. Let's see how that holds up as an excuse with Meara." Dark eyes brightened, she'll loose a hand to put forth a slender hand, a fist made properly. It is probably a little pointy. "Until a certain age, you know how it is. They're all about the same, girls, boys. Not the same as at the Holds." Likewise unbothered by her origins, Iesaryth confirms, « Yes. I like it there too. We are not... unwelcome, but Shan... said some things. » As she does. « It is warm and the water is warm as well. I like to sleep on the beach. » She'll even offer the sensation of sun-warmed sand and heat from above, beating down pleasantly, the sound of the waves and the birds in the distance. (Iesaryth to Ahruth) "Yeah, see that's exactly what I mean." He reaches over to touch one of her menacing knuckles, pulls back dramatically. "Ow," he states, sucking on his wounded finger, biting his lip while grinning. "Meara isn't buying it so far. I can't get away with anything, which is really bumming me out because it's like... I can't get away with anything." And no doubt E'sren has any number of puppy-dog faces. "I actually really agree with you on several points. A, I can't wait to have my own room. Not that you were making that a point, but. And B, Holders are totally different. I never felt comfortable in any Hold like I did here, any time I was here. It's the closest it came to feeling like I was on the road, but still inside. I dunno how to explain that better," he admits, in that same decisive tone. To Iesaryth, Ahruth will wonder at it all. At the feelings, at how easily she conjurs them up. Any small amount of hero worship has doubled, if not by even more. « I love the sun, » he breathes, taking in a big lungful of warm, salty air. It's so warm here, he actually starts to droop a little in real life, wing tips touching the ground. zzz. Grinning in return, Aishani shakes her fist E'sren's way menacingly, which... doesn't really work. But that might be part of the act. With a little wrinkle of her nose for Meara and that puppy-dog expression, "I had several perfectly reasonable arguments for why I didn't need to cut my hair, given it's an Interval, but no. She's just immovable." There's no little admiration for that, though. "Everyone wants their own space. Though the amount of ot can be ridiculous, in my mind. And it's still terribly regimented for all it's not conservative. And at first, the rock felt... heavy." She presses a hand to her chest, as if it's sitting right there. "But maybe that's just me. Is she tiring him out?" Quickly, her attention now on the blue, faintly concerned. Look, something else! To Ahruth, Iesaryth is thinking of several things in the background, fish-thoughts busily swimming, so pleased that Ahruth is pleased, and more so that she likes what he does. « You will go there. And further south. There is so much color. » She won't show him just yet; after all, there's more than enough in the jungle landscape to look at. "I don't know what you mean," says E'sren in a suspiciously not-actually voice, as he smoothes his hand back over his buzz, where all his dark hair used to be. He didn't even have a lot of it to begin with! "No, actually, for that I really do know what you mean. It does, doesn't it? It's like... I can't see anything, ever. Until I come outside, and I can see the sky. But in there, especially when you get into the tunnels. I just hope I get a room with a view, if it wasn't so cold still I'd be sleeping out here." Right here, in the bowl. The change of subject is easy enough, especially since he's suddenly also concerned with the little dragon at his side. "Hey, buddy, you okay?" Smoothing over electric blue hide now, his hand passes over Ahruth's shoulder and the dragonet perks up. I'm awake! "I think he's getting there. Some food and a nap maybe." He gives Aishani an apologetic smile. "Probably should get going." Even if he doesn't necessarily want to. Droopy, but still trying to wrap his little mind around every detail to swallow them up, Ahruth swims with the fishes for a few more precious moments before he relents. « I'm very tired. » Disappointed with himself, and perhaps fearful of being disappointing to her, he's sheepish in admitting that. (Ahruth to Iesaryth) "The ledges have a view," Aishani offers. "And I think someone has a window. Somewhere. I can't recall. I miss hearing the rain in the same way, though. Sometimes, when there's a tent, camping somewhere... but more often than not, I'd rather the beach." Perhaps influenced by Iesaryth, or vice versa. For the apologetic smile, she has a brief, easy one, noting, "That's how it goes right about now. Eventually, you'll miss it." For all it doesn't seem like it now. "I ought to get to work myself, but we'll talk again," she promises. "It's easier to remember now that... I'm not trying to hide." So not disappointed, Iesaryth is instead concerned and solicitous of Ahruth, the waves carrying him off to where he can get some rest. « You will be less tired soon. Rest now, so you will grow. » It's not condescending; it just is as it is. He will have to wait, but it will happen. (Iesaryth to Ahruth) "That's what I keep hearing. That it'll pass. I guess it's the same stuff you hear about having kids. Enjoy 'em while they're young. I think he's more impatient than I am, about him growing up. I miss that too, by the way. The rain. I miss sleeping in the back of the cart, watching it fall and knowing I'm gonna stay dry. There's just something so damn cozy about that." E'sren rouses his winged friend with a little shoulder jostle, the blue obliges and collects himself, his long serpentine tail coiling at his side. He gives his mother one last, longing look, wishing her well in the same, and turns to go. Lingering to say, "No hiding. More talking," the world's oldest weyrling gives her one more grin and turns to catch up to his other half with a few jogging steps. To Iesaryth, Ahruth is sad to go, his mind a wash of melancholy blues. « I will. Soon. » Those little birds stay behind though, little bright bits of color to keep her company, even if they might fade away with sleep shortly. |
Comments
Comments on "Logs:Family Ties"Azaylia (Dragonshy (talk)) left a comment on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:17:09 GMT.
Awhaw. I love the dragonspeak. So cute. And, caravany-types gotta stick together~
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