Catching Walks

[kevna]

Tak'ril - Bronze Agureyth

He stood leaning against Agureyth, his eyes trained on the water. He was barefoot, his loose trousers rolled up mid-calf, and his white long sleeve was unbuttoned at the top, sleeves rolled up to the elbow. It had been getting warmer, and it made the beach even more alluring. He carried his shoes in a little sack, and his jacket was slung over a shoulder. It was mid evening, the sun was high enough in the sky he didn’t think he would need it, but he came prepared just in case. Maybe Joia would need it.

They were planning on meeting for a walk, and he couldn’t wait to see her again, so see her eyes sparkling, and the smile she gave so freely now. He couldn’t wait for that too.

As much as I love scratches, mine, it feels better when you scratch more than one area.

He came out of his reverie, turning his eyes from the ocean to look down at his hand that was indeed scratching his bonded’s growing shoulder, and he had to have been doing it for a while because the area was starting to flake.

“Oh, sorry Aggy. I was just… thinking.” He rubbed the cheek she had kissed, remembering the feeling, and with the other hand he rubbed the area he had been scratching.

Why are you nervous? We are going for a walk. I love walks. You love walks. We really should go for a run soon though.

Tak’ril chuckled. “Why, am I getting fat?” No, it helps when you are nervous or distracted. And you have been very nervous and anxious the last few days.

The young man knew he was referring to Joia disappearing, and then reappearing. It had caused a lot of stress, but relief as well. Still, he had been feeling wound up, and obviously his bronze had caught up on it.

“We will go for a run in the morning.” Okay, good. Plus, I’m getting fat. I ate too much today and I itch. Tak’ril, caught by surprise, let out a belly laugh, and threw an arm around the bronzes neck and gave him a strong hug.

Alyx

[Alyx]

Joia and White Tellamuth

‘What?’ Nothing. There was humor there that Joia wasn’t sure she really liked. She peered at Tellamuth from under the towel, pausing in the attempt to dry her unruly brown mane. ‘You are staring.’ I’ve just never seen you like this is all. It’s interesting. Joia smiled at him and then returned to trying to her task. ‘I just want to be clean. Is that okay?’ Of course, but you are less concerned with the clean part, and more concerned with how you will look for your friend. It’s not a side of you I’ve seen. ‘Well, I am concerned about how I look, he’s my friend.’

Tellamuth rumbled softly. Just a friend? ‘Well..’ Joia paused, pulling the towel away from her head. She ran her fingers back threw the damp strands. ‘More than I friend, I guess.’ She tossed the towel over the back of the solo chair in her new weyr, crossing the small area to reach for Tellamuth physically. The White stretched his neck, pushing his head into her hands; her fingers curled along his jaw, tracing the well-formed lines.

‘After what happened, I didn’t want to be here. I thought I was losing my mind; I was hearing things, fighting with myself. S’bol wouldn’t let me go home, no matter how much I told him I didn’t want to be here anymore. I didn’t want to stand again. I… I didn’t want to be hurt again.’ Tellamuth flooded their link with warmth and support. I take it this Tak’ril helped? Joia smiled. ‘More then I think he knows. Between him and N’ova, it made being stuck here, well, bearable.’ Tellamuth’s blue-green eyes spun softly.

‘Not only that, but they pushed me to try again. N’ova was blunter and more annoying about it, but they both are the reason I took the chance to go back.’ She smiled. ‘And that got me you.’ It is what friends are for. Tellamuth’s voice was warm, refusing to let Joia again dwell on how dark she had been before she Impressed to him. Well, you best finish getting ready, you don’t want to make him wait too long for us. ‘Right.’ Joia ran her hands over the dragon’s eyes ridges one more time, then spun away to finish hunting up clothing.

They had only been in their new weyr a single night and Joia had yet to unpack much of anything. The basics were about all she’d dug out; her packs from the Candidate Barracks had been added to the few she had returned from the past with. It was so odd, to pick up shirts and skirts she hadn’t seen in nearly two turns that still looked perfect. She dressed quickly, tossing the pale shirt on over her shoulders. The skirts were scattered on her bed; she didn’t know if she’d ever go back to wearing them honestly. Rider’s leggings seemed to be her new normal, her comfort, her proof in a way she’d changed.

Stop fretting. Let’s go. Tellamuth’s laughter flowed into her mind, and Joia stuck her tongue out at him. Oh, so ladylike. ‘Hey, I never claimed to be a lady.’ Thankfully. Joia pulled on her boots quickly and snatched up her Rider’s coat. Pulling it over her arms, she settled it with a shrug and swung easily up onto the White’s shoulders. Tellamuth pivoted in place bonelessly and headed for the exit.

Straps? Joia smiled, leaning over Tellamuth’s shoulders. ‘I trust you.’ He rumbled, launching off the ledge into the sky over the Weyr. Joia tightened her legs against the White’s shoulders and collar, feeling the wind whip around them as they glided. ‘No telling D’rew.’ I would never. She smiled, leaning forward to press her hands against his neck as Tellamuth powered forward, sharing her exhilaration as they made their way to the North. She closed her eyes, leaning over his crest further, feeling his warmth as they traveled.

It was over far too soon. We are here. Joia pushed up, leaning carefully to the side to look down at the Shore, making out the shape of Agureyth against the beach. Tellamuth dropped downward in a slow spiral toward the man and Bronze, trumpeting a greeting as they did. Hello again, Bronze Agureyth, Tak’ril. Tellamuth’s voice spilled over the opened link as he touched down as carefully as he could, trotting a few paces gracefully toward the waiting pair as to not unseat Joia with a sudden stop.

Joia smiled, waving to the Bronze pairing as she slipped off Tellamuth’s shoulders, running a hand over her dragon’s neck before facing Tak’ril completely. “I hope we didn’t make you wait too long? I haven’t actually unpacked yet, so it took me a bit longer then I planned to get out this afternoon.”

kevna

[kevna]

Tak'ril - Bronze Agureyth

The tall young man was mid hug when they heard Tellamuth’s trumpet of greeting. He looked skyward to watch them descend, the whiteness of the dragon brilliant in the sun and causing the weyrling to squint. They looked magnificent together, so natural. He raised his arm in response to the greeting, moving away from his bonded, and the bronze pranced a bit, trumpeting back. Together they watched the pair spiral down, and Tak’ril reached with his free hand feeling for the bracelet he had made for her. He would give it to her this time.

Hello brother Tellamuth and Joia! The young dragon joyously called out, but quickly switched to mind speak with just his human.

They do not appear to have riding straps; we should inform them of the dangers this can cause. We do not want either to get hurt. Tak’ril frowned in concern at the knowledge,  which was coming increasingly clear as they spiraled closer. He withdrew his hand from the bracelet, which he kept hidden securely in his pocket. But his concern dribbled away and his heart fluttered as they landed.

I am sure they are aware of the dangers. It’s not our place, let’s leave it alone. We cannot judge that which we cannot do. A smile came over his face as Joia expertly dismounted.

That seems sensible… But there was doubt in the bronze’s voice. The dragonet was slowly turning into a strict rule abider, and what the young man had said was against his growing nature.

Joia started speaking and Tak’ril felt caught up short. She looked so carefree. Tak’ril smiled wider as the bronze hopped over to stand next to Joia and the white dragon, bumping Tak’ril ever so much and nocking him off balance. He chuckled as he caught himself, shaking his head, and then moving to join his bonded in standing next to them.

I am glad you are here!

“No, the wait wasn’t too long at all.” And it was worth it, he wanted to add, but decided against it.

I was getting my scratches in anyway, so that we can just explore the beach without me needing more scratches.

“I hope this isn’t putting you out, we-we could have waited a few days for you two to get settled.. It’s a little selfish of me-us,” He motioned to Agureyth, “we just want to hear all about you and Tellamuth.”

I am not selfish! But yes, I want to hear all about your first flight, how it felt, and betweening, what is it like?

“Whoa, err how about we let them catch their breath and start walking first? Then maybe we can ask them to start from the beginning? Like arriving in the past, and go from there?” He gave his bonded a half smile and patted him on his forleg. He looked to Joia, “That is if you don’t mind being earth bound, you and Tellamuth look amazing in the sky, very natural.”

He started walking and wanted to grab her hand, but again refrained. What made him refrain? Was he still stuck on the way he and the old Joia had carefully treated eachother? Or was he just afraid to put himself out there? He scratched his chin and then hooked one hand in the heavier pocket.

There are many caves along this way we can explore Tellamuth, and maybe we can play in the ocean together during our free time tomorrow. That is if all our chores are done and you and your’s do not have too many duties to attend to.

[Alyx]

Joia and White Tellamuth

The Bronzeling pair were quick to greet them and Tellamuth halted; Joia didn’t both to try to hide the smile that took her lips. It was still such a novelty, to have them back after what seemed like so long. Tak’ril still didn’t seem to understand or grasp that she had been away 18 months – but still, it seemed to Joia that for him, just the simple day they had vanished from the present was too long for him to handle.

Both Tak’ril and the young Bronze made it very clear that the White pair hadn’t kept them waiting; Tellamuth dipped his head gently to nose Joia’s hip as they closed the distance to them. Agureyth’s bombardment of questions drew a chuckle from the White, who turned a wise look at his rider. I think our first Between in something Joia would rather forget, given the chance. Joia rolled her eyes, groaning unhappily. “Oh shush you.” She shoved Tellamuth’s shoulder softly, and the dragon shorted into her brown hair.

Sidestepping into Tak’ril’s shadow, she tilted her head back a little to look up at the man. “Oh, I’ll take the chance to get out of my weyr, to be honest. I’m digging through clothes I haven’t seen in almost two turns trying to decide if I’ll ever wear them again. I think I need to make a list of things to ask my mum for, so I can make homier in there honestly.” She grinned. “But at least this weyr has a door? The ones in the past didn’t have doors. It made ever of the flights... uncomfortable? Sound travels, you know?”

Tellamuth tilted his head gently, listening to the Bronze, and then reaching for Joia. Did you hear him? Joia gave a quick nod; it was easier, to hear others when it was just one or two around her. She found it easy to focus on the brassy voice of Agureyth, mostly because it was one of the very first she had heard. ‘If you want to go adventure, that’s alright with me. I don’t know what classes are tomorrow, so that might have to wait?’ Indeed, I would as if we could bring Alduntulath but I assume you would like alone time with your Tak’ril. Joia managed not to blush, and the White laughed.

Tellamuth snuffled her hair once more and then turned his attention to the Bronze. I would much like to see these caves. And tomorrow sounds like a wonderful adventure as long as we don’t have classes. Joia watched the dragons for a moment before looking back to Tak’ril. “So how much do you want to hear? Like the hatching, or like the actual jump back? It might be a long story.” Something in his eyes made her grin, and she took the impulse to snag his free hand with hers as they walked.

kevna  (sorry its choppy)

[kevna]

Tak'ril - Bronze Agureyth

Tak’ril’s curiosity was peaked, and he watched as Joia shoved at Tellamuth playfully. They were just so comfortable around eachother. Then again, he had to remind himself that they had over a turn together in the past to strengthen their bond. “Well then, that’s a story that we have to hear… Uh errr eventually that is.” He gave her one of his small half smiles, a teasing tint to it.

Oh yes oh yes, I really want to hear it, but I will be patient.

He listened to her as she discussed possibly getting rid of clothes and then having her mother send her things to make the weyr homier for her. He blinked when she mentioned the weyr door and travelling sounds and found himself blushing.

“Oh uh, yeah, well I never thought I took advantage of having a door until just now… Ye-yeah that would be-err-very awkward.” He itched his chin, trying to hide his disquiet at the conversation topic.

Why is this uncomfortable? Is not mating a normal thing?

His dragon asked, sincerely confused. Tak’ril wanted nothing more than to not have this conversation here and now.

Well, it-it is, but it is a very intimate and private thing for humans. Can we talk about this later?

Oh, interesting. And yes, because Tellamuth does want to come look at caves with me. We will be near though. I would not want you to get lost in her eyes or something.

Tak’ril laughed at the unexpected jab and hit at his bronze who dodged and started to break from them. Yes, classes are much more important, we can work around them. His voice was very serious, but it quickly changed to excitement. Quick, the biggest of the caves is this way! It has a small stream in it, and we should still be able to fit in it. I may not be able to fit in this cave soon though, mine says that I will get much bigger, so I must enjoy them now. Although I won’t have as much time soon because mine and I may start the leadership classes soon. Will you be doing those classes? Or maybe you already have?

Agureyth rambled as he trotted towards the first cave, excited to share his discovery with a friend, and Tak’ril chuckled at the serious and then childish nature his dragon presented. He wondered if he would see less and less of the childish side as Agureyth continued to age. He was definitely seeing the serious rule abiding side more and more.

He turned his gaze back on her as she asked her questions, meeting her gaze. When her hand met his he felt his heart flutter, and he tightened his newfound grip on her. The tall man blushed and looked at his feet. “Umm, for sure the jump back, and what it was like appearing on a deserted Mavros… I don’t mind long.” He squeezed her hand, “I have the time.”

[Alyx]

Joia and White Tellamuth

Joia couldn’t help but laugh just a little as Tak’ril blushed. “Yea, you don’t think about needing doors until you don’t have them. It made a few of the first Green’s flights way more public then I think their rider’s really enjoyed.” Her mind instantly remembered how uncomfortable Muze had been even days after her dragon’s mating flight. One more benefit of me? Tellamuth’s charming voice filled her thoughts at the young Bronze started away from the pair. ‘Oh, it’s a benefit I think I will enjoy very much, thank you.’ The White sent her a rush of warmth, then trotted after Agureyth.

I believe we are free for the day, but I am unsure after that. I assume we will be returning to some sort of lessons, and D’rew did mention drills would begin when we returned. As for Leadership classes, I don’t believe we are part of that course, but I will have her check when she speaks with our teacher next. Joia shook her head, smiling as the pair of dragons drifted off a bit from them. “I’ll warn you now, Tellamuth has a nose for adventure. I hope he doesn’t corrupt Agureyth into too much trouble. Normally he only sets about dragging N'ova's Alduntulath into trouble, but he seems to be expanding his circle of adventuring buddies as of late.”

Tak’ril’s fingers tightened a little on her hand and she looked down at their fingers, then back up at the young man as he spoke. “I have the time.” Joia smiled, returning the gentle squeeze on his fingers with her own. “Same. And being out here with you is so much better than being in the Weyr with, well, everyone.” She rocked a little on her heels gently. “Well, let’s see… where to start then.” What to tell, what to tell. Joia didn’t want to worry Tak’ril, and she knew for one thing that her mishap in the Betweening lesson would likely give the Bronze weyrling rider heart failure. Maybe she'd try to avoid that story.

“Well, the trip back didn’t seem all that different than any skip Between, honestly? It was longer, like.. you could count to ten at least three times. I seriously couldn’t feel my fingers or my toes when we got there. N’ova and I got to ride back on G’rett’s big Bronze.” She frowned softly. “We lost one going back. I didn’t know her or her Green personally, but I guess she was clutchmates with G’rett’s group.” Reflex, her fingers tightened on Tak’ril’s slightly again, before she shook the memory away.

She brightened again. “After that, it was mostly just setting up until the Queens rose. Reminded me a lot of calving watch on my Da’s farm. Very rough, basic goods. We didn’t get to trade or anything back there, so anything we ate was either what we took back or what we foraged or hunted.” Joia couldn’t help the grin, looking in the direction the dragons had gone. “Tellamuth doesn’t understand why the herdbeasts here just stand and wait to be eaten, he said. Back in the past, we did like, real hunting.”

She glanced at the young man with her. “I wish you could have come along. I missed just being able to talk with you. It was.. really hard, those first couple weeks back. I mean, N’ova helped, he always does, but... I missed just spending with you. And Agureyth. I regretted going back so many times like from the moment we got there, I was so sure it had been a mistake.” Joia stopped. “Oh, that reminds me; I wrote you some letters while I was back there; when I find them, I’ll have to give them to you.”

She blushed a little. “Oh, and I made you a shirt? Well, I finished a shirt for you, while we were back there. I’m pretty sure it’s with the letters. Once I unpack, I’ll bring them to you. Just don’t hold the first few moody letters against me, okay?”

kevna

[kevna]

Tak'ril - Bronze Agureyth

Tak’ril shook his head at her words, he couldn’t imagine, and briefly thought of shy Muze whom he had met during a lunch that seemed like forever ago. He pitied her, and V’than for having to suffer knowing what was going on basically in public. His next thought put him in a dark place; what if Joia had impressed a green? His jaw clenched at the thought of it, and he took a deep breath, trying to calm his thoughts. She hadn’t; that was what mattered. His next thought was based off curiosity, but a curiosity he wouldn’t dare bring up with Joia, not yet at least. But did Tellamuth chase?

The young man was grateful when Joia spoke again, directing his thoughts from their current path. He chuckled, considering as he watched Agureyth lead the white towards his favorite cave. “I have a hard time believing my dutiful and cautious dragon will allow anyone to lead him into trouble. Tellamuth can sure try, Aggy needs all the friends he can get. I’m just glad they are getting along so well.” He looked down and gave Joia a half smile.

He let their hands swing naturally, their stroll much slower, though in the general direction that the dragons had gone. He listened as Joia began her story, tightening his grip comfortingly in response to her distress as she described the lost green. It was terrible, but his first thought was gratitude that she hadn’t been on that green. He tried to imagine longer trips between and was discomforted by the thought. They seemed long enough to him. “I can’t imagine.” He softly said, and his thumb rubbed her hand.

The brunette perked up while she described the settling in and waiting, as well as the hunting and foraging. He didn’t think he would mind a little of that. Maybe when Aggy is old enough he would take him hunting. His dragon could use a little more edge. Tak’ril chuckled again, Joia’s amusement plain. He did find it amusing the way the herdbeasts just sat there-their dragons were much entitled in this time. He thought to say just that when Joia’s thoughts turned and she said she missed him. The shells, the ball in his throat returned, and he tried swallowing it. He just didn’t know what to say, or how to say how he had felt just in the brief day of her missing. Anger? Fear? Anxiety for sure. The wonder was the worst part. The relief was the best part... No actually Tellamuth was.

He groped for the words to explain how happy he was that she had left, only because now she would stay. With him. Them really, but she would stay. Joia stopped suddenly, and because he was searching for the words, he went a step farther, but was stopped by their hands entwined. He wasn’t ready to let her hand go, and instead of back peddling like a fool, he turned to face her.

Letters. His smile returned, and he inwardly thanked his mother for her patience in teaching him his basic letters. Reading wasn’t his strength, but he could get through a letter. normally. And if there were any hard words he would ask someone for help. Realizing he still hadn’t said anything he replied. “I’d like that.” He kicked himself for not being able to think of anything more eloquent. Suddenly she was blushing, and he couldn’t help himself, he reached up with his free hand to trace the pink tinged cheek, it brought him quite a bit closer to her.

“You did?” He asked excitedly, remembering some of her talented sketches and pleased she had made something for him too. “Uh, oh no, I don’t think I could hold anything against you-I made you something too.” He let it out in a rush, knowing if he didn’t say it now, he would lose his courage. He looked down, embarrassed.

“I held onto it for too long, I was going to give it to you, but-I didn’t know how-and then you were gone-and I thought-“ He stopped, shaking his head, reminding himself that she was here and now, that’s all that mattered. His free hand went to his pocket and drew out the small object. “It’s not as fancy as a-a shirt,” He held the bracelet up, “But my sister showed me which agates are good for making jewelry, and I thought-well it has been a while...” Her eyes, just as blue as he remembered. Not that it had been that long anyway. “I don’t know if you like jewelry… but-well the agates just made me think of you.” He gave a half shrug, afraid to meet her eyes as he said it, so he kept them trained on the bracelet he held out as an offering to her.