Logs:You Got A Friend In Me
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| RL Date: 23 July, 2012 |
| Who: Azaylia, Brieli |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: After lessons, Brieli and Azaylia decide not to talk about politics. Instead it's boys, weyrs, parties and friendship. Their dragons carry on a conversation of their own. |
| Where: Weyrling Barracks, High Reaches Weyr (STILL!) |
| When: Day 24, Month 4, Turn 29 (Interval 10) |
| Weather: A spring flurry brings in a little late snowfall, though there is no accumulation as the flakes spiral to the ground on a dizzying breeze. |
| Mentions: Hattie/Mentions, N'rov/Mentions, E'ten/Mentions, K'del/Mentions, Iolene/Mentions |
| Weyrling Barracks, High Reaches Weyr Tucked off the back of the training room, the barracks are a huge, high cavern that stretches far back into the stone of the Weyr. Both of the longer walls are lined with couches for the dragons, enough for a couple of Pass-sized clutches at once, each matched with a cot and press for the weyrling dragonrider. In this day and age, however, the couches in the back have been allowed to grow dusty with long disuse. Hearths are spaced between every few couches to heat the big room. For decoration, there are a number of tapestries on the walls, looking almost as beat-up as the couches out in the training room, but scattered flower pots with their bright blooming contents provide a cheery touch. Additionally, some of the couches have had graffiti scratched into them over the Turns that were never quite cleaned off: smears of chalk messages or even rough pictures, some not fit for young eyes. In many cases names and dates have been painstakingly carved into the rock, a record of those that once made their home here. With the completion of the lecture, many of the weyrlings are eager for lunch. Many fly off to their weyrs, the novelty of having them still fresh in their minds. Azaylia watches them leave, blinking past the flakes that manage to land on her face and lashes. With a subtle sigh, she walks back into the barracks. Their barracks. She and Brieli's, Hraedhyth and Iesaryth's. The tawny gold is still for a bit longer, following at her leisure with firm steps. Rather than head for her too-small couch, she drops heavily onto the ground to sprawl there with casually whirling eyes. "Now who?" Hraedhyth will give a gruff growl. "Oh fine." Azaylia will wave off with a laugh, "As long as you're not bothering anyone..." Iesaryth watches the others fly off with a snort, wings rustling in the light snow. As Hraedhyth sprawls, the other gold looks over, spreading her wings, poised to fly. « There is another ledge across the bowl. » She's likely said that before. « Or you can visit mine. » Sort-of-hers. As good as? It has a nice view, if not high, and there is certainly room for her sister. As for her rider - Brieli already knows she's on her own, falling into step next to Azaylia, sliding her hands into her jacket pockets. "Still hopping ledges?" she asks, unnecessarily. "She really doesn't like being alone." Azaylia looks surprised, though she really shouldn't be. Of course Brieli is there, has been during the talk on how to avoid injuries, and will be in the barracks until they're assigned their own spaces. "Oh, no. ...I mean, yes." She corrects with a laugh, "Yes, she is. But right now, she's talking to another dragon. She's getting better about not being too rough." A glance to the side, "Like, I don't think she talked to the bronze the other night." THE bronze. "But boy, did she have plenty to say to me." A tease from the weyrling, all is well. Hraedhyth answers, « If I can curl up with you. » If not, « I was going to visit Vysravth. » A bronze, not a weyrling but young yet, takes off somewhere near the barracks. « Or him. » No preferance it seems, other than a warm body. Wryly, "Why not. I'm sure it wouldn't have made things any worse." Brieli's expression is a combination of a whole lot of things; frustration, annoyance, concern, an odd sort of relief - that's been fairly common the last few days. She's all over the place. With her own sidelong glance as they enter the barracks, curious, "Why doesn't she like him anyway? Iesaryth doesn't really understand." Nor does her rider, apparently. As for the gold, there's a draconic mental shrug, the warmth of her welcoming tide. « Of course. » Iesaryth never minds affection, though she is amused by Hraedhyth's lack of standard. « How flattering for Vysravth and I. » Follow me! She takes off, gliding across to the queens' ledges. "I wouldn't let her." Azaylia answers quietly, a secretive smile on her lips for Brieli's nightly visitor. Teehee. The shrug is for a lack of understanding, as well as to do away with the light coat so she can toss it over to the end of her bed. "I'm not quite sure. I definitely think it's some sort of jealousy. But then everything gets kind of jumbled." Another quiet admission, "I don't even think she knows why she doesn't like him." Hraedhyth is snapped out of whatever trance she may have been, lurching to action and loping along the ground. « Then I will join you. » Flying is nice, but it is also good to work out otherwise unused leg muscles. Iesaryth's shadow falls near the brawny dragon as she follows, wings utilized only when she needs to get up onto the ledge. "So annoying. It's never been an issue before, why then?" Brieli's really irritated about this, even days later, throwing her jacket at her pillow rather viciously. "Not enough that we're not out of here yet... but it makes Iesaryth all... twitchy besides. She doesn't like feeling owned. Trapped." It even makes her wriggle a little, as if she's the one caught in the net. Glancing over Azaylia's way, "I wondered. It's odd. I wonder if it's like how her sire thinks, or something else. It doesn't seem quite the same." Iesaryth wouldn't have Hraedyth coming to her ledge if her sister made her feel trapped; she is welcoming after landing and flicking the snow from her wings. Come in, look around. If Azaylia is surprised by her friend's anger, she's learned to at least not let it show. Instead she offers gentle concern, "The way I felt it," Through her bond, "It was kind of a 'straw that broke the runner's back' sort of thing?" But where her dragon has firm opinions on the matter, her weyrling is far more accepting. She dusts her pigtails free of snow, catching Brieli's glance and offering a smile. "Hraedhyth likes it. She doesn't feel trapped at all. And as much as she wants to protect Iesaryth, she wouldn't ever want to control her." The offer is accepted to it's fullest, flinging slush from wings and paws before trotting in. She'll inspect the weyr, snort at this and that, but all in all. « It is good enough. » Though her Sister deserves better. It might just start to be noticeable that things related to the Weyrleader really tend to make Brieli angry. Isn't that odd? She never seems to mind talking to K'del when he's around, but when he's not? Things like this. Staring at the pillow for a few moments, she blinks and snaps out of it, shaking her head. "Whatever," she says, dismissing the whole thing with a wave of her hand, no longer wanting to think of it. "And I know Hraedhyth wouldn't. It just bothered her." Sitting down on her cot heavily, "Are you finding everyone else as insufferable about moving as I am?" Iesaryth settles down to look out over the bowl as Hraedyth looks around, content to allow her to wander. « I like it. The ledge is large enough for visits and I can watch who comes and goes. » Perhaps her sister should check out the other ledge nearby, later. Azaylia doesn't make it a habit of mentioning K'del, not unless another one of their debates springs up. It could be because of the other weyrling's noticeable agitation, or for her own reasons entirely. The subject is dropped, and she sure isn't going to pick it up again. "Not really, no." She sits on her own cot with less force, legs outstretched as she leans back onto her hands. "I mean, if I were alone, maybe? If I have to be stuck in here with anyone, I'm glad it's you." Hraedhyth clearly doesn't share this sentiment. She'll finish her inspection of the weyr and walk back over to Iesaryth, curling against her Sister's side with a contented huff. « I do not like how low they are. That others can reach us. » Shadowy enemies who could climb the steps and wait to attack theirs. Undoing her muddied boots, Brieli mutters, "I feel like they're rubbing it in." But she might; she's a little touchy about the subject, especially now that Iesaryth has left her to her own devices. That's just adding insult to injury. Grudgingly, "It's better now that it's only us, but still. I mean, I do understand. I know things are in transition right now. I'd just... I've never had my own space." In light of her general need for privacy, it might be rather attractive - aside from any other obvious reasons. As the other gold curls up with her, Iesaryth resettles her wings so as to make things more comfortable, rests her head on the stone. « You will have to live in one. It is the way of things. You could more easily protect the other queens. » See, there's a plus! "I'm sure they don't mean to." Azaylia supposes, a glance spared for the opening of the barracks. She leaps at actually having something in common with the other weyrling, "I've never had my own space, either. I slept with my family, and then dormitories for a long while... It actually feels kind of scary, thinking about being alone." Though there's Hraedhyth, so it won't be all bad. "Though playing hostess to my own space does sound fun." « Maybe. » She isn't completely sold, even if acting as added security does sound pretty appealing. « I think I will visit often. » Not just Iesaryth, but all of her people. And by 'visit' she obviously means 'steal their space and cuddle them against their will.' "Mm." Brieli sounds skeptical about that - and she might well be, for some of the weyrlings. Who might not feel a bit smug about the two girls about to get the best weyrs having to tough out a few more weeks on cots? Crossing her legs up under her, "Does it seem scary? I am so looking forward to it. Not that I mind your company, Azaylia. Or minded sharing in the past. It's just going to be a nice change. And yes, people can visit, or you can visit people - it's not like you'll be holed up in there, day in and out." Iesaryth considers Hraedhyth's visitations for a time, before suggesting helpfully, « You might have to ask before visiting. I am sure few would say no. » But it would be more polite. Azaylia decides now to take her boots off, pushing with one foot and then the other to let them flop where they may. "A little. The weyrs are pretty big, especially the ones we're getting." The important thing is, it's something that makes Brieli happy. That keeps the smile on her face, even as she flops backwards and spreads out across the cot, knees still hanging off the side. "I can understand why you're looking forward to it. Though... don't suppose I have many people to visit." Something she's used to saying, until she actually runs down her mental list. "Oh. Actually..." She's made friends during her stay at the weyr, huh? Hraedhyth rumbles low, « But if I ask » and this is the important part, « Then they will have time to run away. » So clearly a surprise attack is better. With a slight smile, "Maybe you'll get used to it. You never know. There's some definite benefits, like not walking to the baths." Brieli doesn't look as if she's embarrassed at all by Azaylia's suggestion, but her cheeks might color a little, even as she says loftily, "There's lots of reasons I'm looking forward to it." Though it might be interesting if she were asked to list them at the moment. Looking over at the other weyrling incredulously, "'Actually...' - you seem to know most people around here. You could have a party. Make people bring gifts. Booze and knick knacks." The ledge Iesaryth has claimed would be plenty wide enough for a party in good weather. The younger gold has to ask, « Why would they run from you, Hraedhyth? I would think most would be honored with your company. » Azaylia crosses her arms, tucking them under her head as she looks up at the high ceiling. "Is one of these reasons from Fort?" She'll tease without even an attempt to sound coy or disapproving. "You're lucky. Have a boy travel all that way to see you." Wistful note doesn't taint the happiness in her voice. She sits up suddenly, eyes wide though it isn't clear if she's scared of the idea or approves. "A party? It'd be nice for people to just relax, even for a night." A laugh for one suggestion in particular, "I wouldn't make them bring presents. But drinking and eating- that does sound like fun." Even if she might end up hiding in a corner, politely asking if anyone needs anything. Hraedhyth gives a mental shrug, « Some do, even if I do not warn them. I think some would become many if I asked first. » It doesn't seem to terribly bother her, head still lifted high as she keeps watch. « Honored? I believe that some of our people may fear me. » "It's not really that far, once you can go between." Brieli tries to make it sound like it's less of a big deal than Azaylia's making it, examining a ragged thumbnail with a grimace. She doesn't say she's not lucky though. Lightly, "Apparently, you were brought up in conversation, if you're interested in your own visitors. Aside from those around here." The way the other girl sits up makes her look up and blink, surprised; after that, grinning, "Well, isn't that what people do when you move? Bring a gift? Would they call it a weyr-warming? Don't tell them, they might do it on their own." As if imagining that hiding in a corner, she adds, "You have to talk to people, though." Like her dragon! Iesaryth is bemused at the concept of fearing Hraedhyth, though she does have to accept that some fear queens in general. A warrior queen may frighten the timid. « They do not know you. » If they did, they would not run. This is Azaylia's 'not buying it' grin. It does not come out very often, but when it does, her eyes squint at the size of the smile. Especially at her friend's denial. "There are girls at Fort, aren't there? But he comes over for you." And thus, big deal. Her face falls only slightly, "Did I?" The curl of her lips is suddenly timid, "Oh. That's, nice but... well I don't have visitors here, even. I think Hraedhyth's too... the way she is, and I'm too plain." To risk getting close to such a savage queen. "That wouldn't be fair to whoever he is." Azaylia tries to put on a brave face, "I talk to people." Yeah, one at a time. Hraedhyth growls in agreement, « This is why it is fine. If they do not wish to know me, then it is they who will suffer. » Not by her own claws, but by the lack of her companionship. Like the kind that's making Iesaryth's headknobs look mighty appetizing. At least oversized jaws are gentle when she begins to gnaw. Arrarr. Brieli, thoughtful, "As far as I know, most Weyrs have girls, yes." As if there might be one without them. Flashing a smile towards Azaylia, she both shifts the subject and tries to be encouraging all at once in the face of timidity. "You're not plain. And I'm sure someone will like Hraedhyth for who she is, at some point. Iesaryth does." Wrinkling her nose, "Fair? Why worry about that? What would she do to them?" A pause, then she sobers. "Wait, would she do something?" She is awful bitey, as she's demonstrating with the headknobs; always patient, Iesaryth puts up with it and agrees, « I suppose. I just think if you tried sometimes, they would try in return. » She's an optimist. Azaylia blinks, surprised, "What? No. Of course she wouldn't." A concern crease to her brow, not because she's unsure but because the question has been asked. "I meant it isn't fair to set someone up on a date with me. Hraedhyth has never hurt anyone." Unless the few dragons large enough to wrestle with the gold count. "She might show some teeth, if she doesn't approve. It's never been an issue." « I do try. » There might be some insult in her crackling flames, but it's burned up quickly enough. « Do not ask me to change, Sister. I would not ask it of you. » Gnawing is nice, but that leaves Iesaryth with wet 'knobs which can't feel pleasant. So she'll go about bathing the younger gold's head with a wide, mostly-drying tongue. "I didn't think so." Brieli sounds a bit relieved even so, but she looks somewhere between annoyed with and concerned for Azaylia. Leaning forward, serious, "You're a lovely person, and you're interesting, and I don't know why you think it wouldn't be fair. Hraedhyth is honestly not that much of a burden to deal with - not for Iesaryth anyway. Sometimes, she's very funny." Whether she means to be or not. Resting elbows on knees, fingers loosely laced, "I wouldn't bother with you if you weren't worth liking." If her sister is insulted, Iesaryth will offer apology floated on the waves; « I know. I was trying to help. » But now, on this matter, she'll remain silent. Till she forgets. Aaaand now with the head-bathing. Sigh. Azaylia quiets, head lowering to hide her face some. It's not so effective with her hair up in those cute little tufts, and even if they weren't she wouldn't be able to hide behind it much. "Thank you." It's a barely uttered squeak. As for why she doesn't think much of herself, all she can offer is a bounce of her shoulders. Head tilts up just enough to peer through the few locks that have fallen, "That means a lot." Hands reach up to brush those curls back behind her ears, brushing along her eyes quickly. Ignore that. "You're... you're the best friend I've ever had, Brieli." Dragons don't count. « You will help me where it matters. » Hraedhyth admits, « Like when we go to Fort. » Whenever that is. And yes, now is the time to lick Iesaryth's delicious head. It won't last too long, mostly undoing the damage that her teeth have done. Soon she'll settle into stillness, leaving the brighter gold's noggin to dry. Looking a bit uncomfortable, Brieli shifts on her cot, looking at her bitten thumbnails again, "It's all right. I just wanted to say that." As for the last, well. The other weyrling isn't sure what to say for a long time, but for; "I'm not a very nice person sometimes. I'm... I'm glad I can be a good friend." If Azaylia is crying, she'll pretend that's not happening, because she has her own issues with tears. And while Iesaryth might not understand Hraedyth's need to munch on her friends, she forbears. At the idea of Fort, there might be some apprehension. Yay? « I will do my best. » That's all she can do, after all. « We might find out why we are disliked. » It might help. "I think you're nice." As for those sometimes, Azaylia's understanding knows no bounds. She won't even comment on that, it's how the other weyrling is. "A best friend." A gentle correction, but it's been made official now. Her voice doesn't quiver too much, though it sounds rough here and there. Nothing a throat clearing can't handle. Luckily for Brieli, she's far from bawling and has managed to compose herself fairly quickly. Hraedhyth growls low in her throat, far from pleased. The rumble echoes across her plains, « We are disliked because there are thieves among us. » Something the gold will not stand for. Something that tarnishes her pride, that dishonors her lineage. « Elaruth says we once invaded her lands. Stole. Claimed. It was before our time. » Yet still the warrior queen includes herself in this act of disrespect, shouldering the weighty actions of her people. Lightly, "You're just so nice that you make other people nicer. The animals probably followed you around at the Beastcraft, birds on your shoulders." Brieli can try to cover Azaylia's momentary lack of composure with a joke at least, before adding more seriously, "Without you and Iolene, I wouldn't have friends at all." With a little sigh, "Anyway -- that means that people will likely be nice to you if you have a party or a date. Or both." For that growl, Iesaryth's ocean rhythm will rise up, soothing. « I know. She said the same to me. We should learn about it. » Which is to say, they should send their people to figure that out for them and have them pass it along. « I would not like to speak to her again unless I know. » Azaylia's hands fly up, hiding her face from Brieli since her hair can't do it. She sounds mortified through her laughter, "You heard about that?" What. "It was just one little wherrychick. Journeyman Celeste had trained it to follow me sometimes." Peeking through her fingers, the smile is somewhat visible. "I think a party sounds like a good idea." She admits, arms lowering to her lap. A little hesitant at that second part, "I wouldn't mind meeting someone." Whoever Brieli has in mind. "So long as he isn't forced or anything." Hraedhyth will allow her sister to soothe her. There isn't anything they can do about it right that instant. « We will. » There's a cocking to her head that she may have inherited from her sire, « I am not sure... But I think the Fort Matriarch was making fun of me. » Not even angry, even if that is the case. Still, « She is nice. » Astounded, "You're kidding me." Brieli wouldn't believe Azaylia if she didn't see her reaction, that laughter, the embarrassment. "I can't believe it. Well, at least it was trained. I was imagining a spontaneous thing." The adoption of her off-the-cuff party idea has her grinning; it widens at her hesitant last. "How would he be forced? At knife point? Give me - us - some credit." For she does have a partner in crime. "And I think Hraedhyth might have invited him over already, so..." She shrugs casually. Same difference? Iesaryth considers her sister's words, her own conversation with the Fortian queen before; « It may be her way. She has lived long, she may know much. We are young, we may do things that are amusing. » Azaylia curls her lips in, mouth drawn into an amused line as she shakes her head. Bits of flesh are freed only so she can talk, "No, it's all true." There may be the faintest sag in her shoulders, though her smile remains, "I do miss little Pecky. Maybe I should try to train a wherry? Or get a firelizard." The last bit is said quietly, while her dragon is distracted. Who knows what the gold's reaction might be at the idea. A hand flaps at the air at Brieli, "I don't know. He might be doing a favor or... something." She gives up, if only because she trusts her friend. A squeak, once the rider's identity is hinted at, "Oh." Coincidence or not, she manages a weak laugh behind her hand. "That poor man. His poor dragon." Given that Hraedhyth can seem abrasive on the best of days. But for now, she's contentedly cuddling with her sister gold. « I would like it if she was amused. » Rather than afraid, or annoyed. « Their Matriarch gives me hope. » That not all Fortians are as cracked as the shells they fell out of. Ahem. "Pecky." Brieli has to laugh, shaking her head, amused. "Perhaps a firelizard. Hraedhyth would eat the wherry eventually. You could name it Pecky, in honor of Pecky the First." With a shrug for the hand flapping in the air, "It's just an idea, nothing to worry over - I think mostly because we time together, and they spend time together, so... why not?" There's a moment for Azaylia's weak laugh, and she arches fine brows as she unfolds her legs, sliding feet back in her boots. "Has she been speaking to him more? I think Iesaryth tried to explain the way she is." Glancing out bowl-wards, "We probably should get some food before drills - tell me about it on the way?" Iesaryth is amused, so why not Elaruth? Though, she does have to float on the waves, « Others are not just the place they are hatched. You would not be so judged. » It's not the first time Azaylia is unsure of her lifemate, "I... you know, she might try to eat a firelizard, too?" She doesn't seem too worried, but it's a thought. A nod at mention of food, she's bending down and yanking her boots on tight. "Spending time together." That's an idea she can get behind more so than being someone's blind date. Her head tilts up, tossing Brieli a tolerant, amused little look. "I think she tries to understand Vhaeryth through Adiulth. And gets frustrated." Naturally. "Or she could like having her own foreign bronze to talk to. Like Iesaryth." Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Standing, she tugs on a light brown jacket. Something carelessly snatched up from the stores. Hraedhyth has had time to consider her talk with Elaruth, some things a bit more obvious now that her childish excitement and energy are no longer in the way. « I am The Exile's Daughter. » She counters, managing to sound proud of a title that isn't meant to be complimentary. Not that it matters, the gold's confidence unwavering. With an arched brow, as she picks up her jacket, "Really? Hm. Best ask her first, then. She could just try to - you know - give it a friendly bite, too - and..." Brieli makes a crunchy, squishy sound, wrinkling her nose. Standing, she nods Azaylia's way with a grin. "Nothing all that intimidating. And... I suppose that would be frustrating. That's the worst way to try to understand anyone." As they start out towards the bowl and she throws on her outerwear, "That's possible? I suppose it doesn't hurt, either way. If she's irritating someone, they'll stop talking to her, yes?" On the ledge, Iesaryth leans against her sister, letting her warm tide wash over her, loving and kind. « You are. But do not tell your dam that. » And if that bothers Hraedhyth, Iesaryth is happy to calm her for as long as their riders sit and eat in the caverns, until they all have to go to stupid ground drills in the light snow. Azaylia is laughing again, "You do a good impression of her. Llamas and my dragon. You have a gift." She can't keep up the tease for too long. It's a start. "So far she doesn't seem to bother anyone too badly. I wouldn't be surprised if poor Adiulth's rider is spooked by now. Hraedhyth's pushy." She still loves her, of course. Considerate, she'll attempt to turn the conversation back onto Brieli and her gold as they venture out for a bite to eat. Or for Azaylia, three plates worth of bites. « I won't. » Hraedhyth may not entirely understand why it would be bad, but she knows enough. She doesn't push Iesaryth's calming waves away, allowing them to soothe her into a short nap before drills. Likewise her flames simmer within her sister's firepits, ready to warm the shores once conscious and flying down to meet their weyrlings for more training. |
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