Party Down at the Beach (EVERYONE JOIN!)

[M'kel]

Everything was ready. The fishing net was in place for a game, the sand had been raked free of sharp pebbles, and the dock was clear of boats. M'kel had arrived early to supervise the last of the preparations, lazily drifting down on Tirenth rather than walking the stretch of the Valley. He was feeling rather hard done by at this time, as he'd spent his whole morning supervising and had yet to have any fun himself...so he decided to take a break and lounge by the fire as the first 'guests' began to arrive.

Not that it wasn't far too hot of a day to be sitting by a fire...but because M'kel was eagerly eyeing the roasting meat, stealing slices whenever they finished, before the drudges could remove them to set them on the table. He was receiving a few glares, it was true, but the juices that rolled around on his tongue and down his chin made it alllll worth it. The Weyrleader was stripped down to his shorts, and his bare chest was already starting to redden slightly in the sun. He would have to get someone to help him apply that cream, M'kel reminded himself thoughtfully, glancing around for any potential ladies.

Just do it yourself! Tirenth groaned, bubbles rising up from where he was crouched on the ocean floor a short distance out to see, eagerly in wait for any dragons who wandered in.

But Tirenth... M'kel practically whined. It would be so much more enjoyable if someone else were to do it...don't you like it when I oil you?

Fine, I'll do it then, Tirenth replied, his tone utterly serious, before he ruined it by snorting with amusement and causing more bubbles to rise.

Grumbling under his breath, the bronzerider reluctantly took his dragon's advice and dumped a container of the goop on his stomach, beginning to spread it in.

[B'kay]

B'kay scowled as he instructed Syth to settle in the clearing near the roasting pits. The kitchen staff workers that were wedged into the dragon's neck ridges behind him were chattering away, all excited to have been chosen to tend the cooking for the party. He had seen M'kel out in the water, lounging away, and assumed that Tirenth was submerged somewhere nearby.

Sure, the Weyrleader gets to float in the clear blue waters while he had to ferry pots, pans and food-staff back and forth.

This is the last load, they said so, Syth tried to soothe his rider, though the dark bronze was looking longingly toward the cool water as well.

The rider sent his dragon a mental nod, but said aloud, "Hang on tight, now, everyone, we're coming in for a landing," and took no care to instruct Syth to land gently.

The two older women grunted as Syth pounded into the sand, but the young lad who'd accompanied them let out a whoop. The woman behind him boxed his left ear, and the boy was still howling as his brown, bare feet hit the ground.

Without dismounting, B'kay released the cargo straps, and the bundles of cookware clattered and clanged as they fell from Syth's shoulders.

"M'pans, m'pans, they'll be all dented!" the oldest woman shouted, and shook her fist at B'kay as Syth leapt, showering the passengers with sand.

His checklist finally complete, B'kay had Syth land on a rocky outcropping just long enough to remove his harness and hang it on the rocks, before springing back aboard. He headed out to sea, careful to stay as far from M'kel as possible, and dragon and rider dove together into the crystal-aqua surf.

As he surfaced, he found that they had been joined by several curious shipfish, and B'kay laughed as he watched their antics. They swam around Syth, with obvious invitations to play, and B'kay gave the dragon the nod.

There he floated, watching the black shadow of his bronze frolic under ... and occasionally above ... the waves with his new friends.

Ah yes, this was just what the overworked Weyrlingmaster needed.

[D'gellin]

"Oh would you look at that, Lanny! They've thought of everything!" D'gellin declared with an appreciative smile, leaning over the side of his bronze to see the beach below. There was a flurry of activity among those still setting up, but it appeared the first party-goers were beginning to trickle in. And with that as his invitation, D'gellin directed Lancetoth to land nearby.

Oh! Look! There are shipfish over there! Lancetoth announced excitedly, watching as they played with Syth farther down the shore, their lithe bodies leaping over the surface of the water. He started to trot off in that direction but D'gellin, who had just hopped down, tugged at his dragon's riding straps. It wasn't enough to stop him, of course, but it got his attention. Let me take these off first. The last thing we need is to ruin them in the water... He explained as he set to unbuckling the leather. Still a longer process then it should have been, but D'gellin was learning. As soon as he was free, Lancetoth dove into the water. Aren't you coming, D'gellinmine? The water is perfect! Not yet. The young bronze rider dodged a swim for the moment, choosing instead to head for the food. He snagged a glass of some very refreshing looking drink with no one the wiser.

D'gellin took a swig of his drink, trying to look casually cool leaning against a tree. He really hoped he looked cool. All his time spent chasing Lancetoth around had trimmed him to a respectable wiry state but he still had that childish quality to him, much to his distress. No six pack for D'gellin. :< For his own indulgence he liked to pretend it was almost maybe a four pack. As if. The young bronze-rider heaved a self-pitying sigh. Would he never grow up? Always in the shadow of the buff! And not a lady to his name, past or present!

It was just as he'd pushed himself away from the tree to go cool his feet (sharding sand was almost as hot as the Hatching Grounds!) that he got knocked off his feet instead. Sputtering on salt water, D'gellin pushed his hair (which really needed a trim, he was starting to look pretty scruffy) out of his face. HA! I got you very good D'gellinmine! Lancetoth rumbled in delight from where he stood in the shallows of the water, tail arched in a way that suggested he'd used it to shoot a respectable wave of water at his rider.

LANCETOOOOTH! D'gellin whined, flopping back on to the sand. So much for playing it cool. Now he just looked like a drowned feline! "You are so going to pay for that!" He yelled, flipping nimbly to his feet and dashing to the water. But despite the edge in his voice, D'gellin couldn't hide the smile on his face, eyes alight with the challenge.

I believe not! The young bronze declared, attempting to splash His again. But in his over-eagerness, and D'gellin's agile duck, the water went awry. Never once did they pause to consider their antics might get others wet. Well, maybe it crossed D'gellin's mind, but he rather thought that would be funny.

[Journye]

Luneth gracefully glided down to the beach, enjoying the feel of the warm sunshine on her algae green hide. Calysta smiled and slid to the ground as soon as Luneth, settled to the ground.

Calysta was wearing a pair of short, shorts, showing off her shapely legs. She was also wearing a folded dark blue scarf, tied around chest, covering her enough to be decent, her blond hair was done up in a simply braid, the tip of which tapped between her shoulder blades as she moved. She smiled and stretched before removing her green's straps and a sack she had brought with her to put them in. She tucked the straps carefully into the sack and glanced around, glad to see that her brother hadn't arrived yet.

Luneth shook herself as her rider removed her straps, turning to nuzzle her rider before heading toward the water. She paused at the edge, feeling the sand shifting under her feet as the water moved against the shore. She tilted her head and looked at the water before she finally moved out into the water, moving gracefully.

Calysta smiled as she watched her green move out into the water, laughing softly before heading toward the bonfire already roaring despite the heat. She sniffed the air, smiling bright as she scented the cooking meat. She had skipped breakfast this morning getting ready for the party.

She spotted M'kel and glanced around before walking toward him, tilting her head as she spotted him spreading some sort of cream on his stomach. "Good afternoon Weyrleader M'kel," she said cheerfully, bowing her head politely. She watched him for a moment before speaking, "Do you need some help putting that cream on your back?" she asked, willing to help the handsome man. She might still be a Senior Weyrling, but she could still enjoy herself in some ways.

~~~~

Journye was glad that C'lyn had allowed her to come to the beach party. She had been upset when she heard that Healers were not allowed to have a free day, but C'lyn had told her she could go.

She smiled as she watched her Lucaith romp in the water, laughing as he splashed about without a care in the world. Come into the water mine, it feels really good![/color] Lucaith paused in his splashing to look at his rider.

Journye smiled and shook her head, laughing. Maybe later dear heart, she told him, stretching her legs out.

Journye was wearing a simple one piece swimmer suit, modestly covering her figure, but it couldn't hide her curves. She wore her hair in a simply pony tail, the edges of the birthmark in her hair line at her bangs visible with the white discolored bangs pulled back. She had grown more comfortable with her bi-colored eyes and the discoloration to her bangs thanks to living at the weyr where no one made fun of her for it, her little blue helped as well.

~~~

Bediverth stood on the sand and watched his rider splashing about in the water, snorting softly. Mine, why are you splashing about like that?[/color] he asked H'ter.

H'ter shook his head and laughed, splashing water at his brown. Don't be a dull shell Bedi! Others are playing too. Come on in, the water is cool and it won't hurt you to have some fun on a free day, he told his brown gently, grinning as Bediverth finally ambled into the water.

Before long, H'ter had his brown splashing and rumbling with draconic laughter.

~~~~

S'lem coughed out a mouth full of water as Griflith splashed his rider in his enthusiastic play. S'lem shook his head and chuckled, missing the arrival of his scantily clad sister and her green.

Griflith was more then happy to splash about and swim in the water and was pleased to have gotten his normally quiet and reserved rider out into the water. S'lem laughed and was enjoying himself, casting appreciating glances at the women about.

[C'lyn]

L'kas yawned and stretched, running a hand through his hair, mussing the already unruly sun blond curls even more. Like many other males her hand stripped down to just shorts, leaving his tanned, toned chest bare.

Seath was contentedly sunning, leaving the swimming to others for now, dozing in the bright sun.

L'kas looked around the people already gathered, grinning as he watched the Senior and Junior Weyrlings splashing about. He did a double take when his gaze landed on someone familiar.

He could only stare for a long moment, waking Seath from his nap. And why didn't you tell me Myari and Valyiath were here? he asked his bronze. Seath didn't even open an eye as he snorted You can't tell me your really surprised they followed us. Go easy on her.[/color] he warned his rider.

L'kas glared at his bronze before striding across the sand to Myari. "And what are you doing here?" he snapped, grabbing her upper arm.

Myari yelped and looked up at L'kas meekly, offering a sheepish smile. "Enjoying the free day?" she commented with a soft laugh. L'kas shook her gently and shook his head.

"You know what I meant," he said, looking down at her. Myari narrowed her eyes and pulled her arm free from his grip, putting her hands on her hips.

"Oh, get over yourself L'kas! I had as much right to come forward as you did," she snapped, stomping her foot. "You didn't have the right to just leave me behind. I'm glad you worry about me, but I'm as much a dragon rider as you and its mine and Valyiath's right to fight Thread when it comes!" she said, smacking her bronze rider friend right across the face before stalking off to find better company.

L'kas blinked and watched her storm off, raising his hand to rub his sore right cheek, pretty sure there was a bright red hand print there. Seath rumbled softly with laughter. I told you to go easy on her,[/color] he said to his rider. Oh, shut up Seath, L'kas said, making a face,

[Skye]

A'idin shook his head as he stepped out of the water, shaking droplets of water from his sandy blond hair. She walked out of the water, not bothering to dry off since the warm sun would soon dry him. He, like many other men, was stripped to his shorts and leaving his darkly tanned chest bare.

Gaelrtih was still enjoying his swim, floating calmly in the water so that he could both sun himself and keep cool. A'idin walked up the beach just in time to see L'kas get slapped by a blue rider he didn't know. It was all the brown rider could do no to laugh loudly at that. He quickly turned and headed toward the bonfire, chuckling and shaking his head at the bronze rider's bad luck.

~~~

Skye pulled her rich, auburn hair into a simple pony tail to keep it out of her face and off of her neck. She was dressed in a simple, dark blue swimmer suit, something rather modest for her. Keeping her covered, but showing off her figure all the same. Though the back of the suit was completely open, leaving her back bare.

Her fair skin was already turning red and she couldn't find any of that special cream that the healers had made for such a thing. She sighed and looked around, spotting M'kel at the bonfire.

She was still upset with the man and one of the Senior Weyrlings had already approached him. She arched a brow and tilted her head, looking the Weyrling over, at least this girl was older then the one the Weyrleader had approached at the Gather. With a shake of her head she made her way over to M'kel and the girl, he after all had some of that cream she needed.

"M'kel, do you have any more of that cream, I'm already starting to burn," she said, gesturing toward her shoulders and back already turning red with a slight pout. She smiled to Calysta and nodded, looking the girl over, admiring her choice of clothing before turning her attention back to the bronze rider.

~~~

Kimber gently coaxed Ferth into the shallows, smiling at her little brown. "See, the waves are gentle Ferth," she said softly.

Ferth pawed slightly at the water brushing along the shore, rumbling softly. Kimber couldn't help but admire the way the sun sparkled on his wonderfully colored hide. She loved his coloring almost as much as she loved him. She had been surprised when the little brown chose her as his life mate, but she was thrilled as well.

Kimber glanced up at her twin sister who was already splashing in the water with her green. Kimber was glad they had both impressed and she turned her attention back to her little brown who was venturing out into the water with her, she was standing in water up to her knees.

~~

Emberlyn laughed softly Emmith splashed her with her tail, sending small splash back at the green. Emmith spread his wings and again Emberlyn found herself marveling at the golden chartreuse along her wing membrane edges.

Emberlyn stood for a moment and simply admired her beautiful green , feeling the love Emmith had for her washing over her. And to think, she hadn't wanted to stand. She smiled and hugged her Emmith for a moment until the green wriggled free to continue their play.

[Shikai]

Alana waded through the ocean, her arms trailing through the waist-high water. Gwynevith followed behind her, the picture of grace as her golden limbs carried her along, leaving a wake in the shallow water near the shore. The goldrider looked back toward the beach, watching the weyrfolk enjoying the beach party in their own ways. She couldn’t help but feel very out of place, having never attended an event of this kind. You should go talk to someone, mine! There are many fine bronzes and their riders about. The dragon commented, also observing the party, but in a different manner than her rider. Alana scoffed. Who, M’kel and D’gellin? Syth and his are here as well. Gwynevith added coyly, gently nudging her rider. Why don’t we go say hello?

Yet before Alana could turn to dissuade the dragon from approaching Syth, water came crashing down over the pair. Alana stood in silence for a moment, salty water dripping from her soaked hair and swimming clothes, before turning to look in the direction the splash had come from. It was D’gellin and his, a boy she recognized as one she had seen with her brother T’ren in the past, and had impressed at the same hatching as she had. Folding her arms resolutely over her chest, she marched toward the boy, Gwynevith beside her. With Alana’s height and the gold’s size (for while they were still weyrlings and Gwynevith wasn’t quite fully grown, she was a fast approaching her full size, which was on the large side even for queen’s standards) the pair could certainly be intimidating when they wanted to be, and there were few who wouldn’t be unsettled by the glowering queenrider and her dragon. After a long moment, she spoke, her tone gruff.

“You kids ought to watch where you’re splashing. After all…” Here she couldn’t keep up the façade any longer, and her face split into a mischievous grin as she waggled a finger at her fellow weyrling. “Someone might decide to get revenge and splash you back! Gwynevith!” She called to her gold, and the dragon spread her wings, using all her bulk to push a torent of water back toward D’gellin and Lancetoth. Now this, Alana was more comfortable with! So what if she was a queenrider, she had numerous younger siblings and had often played such games with them.

[D'gellin]

This was bliss. Maybe D'gellin wasn't a particularly tall or handsome sort of fellow, and maybe he didn't always act his age. But Lancetoth always seemed to have a way of making things like that seem so unimportant. Because they weren't important, right? Who needed muscles when you had Lancetoth? D'gellin could stand being un-cool as long as his bronzen brother was with him. He laughed aloud at this, hearing the same rumbling echo from Lancetoth as they splashed, ducked, and took watery hits. The young bronze was definitely winning, but that didn't detract from the fun. If anything it made D'gellin more determined to win! However one did that...Was there a clear means of victory in a water fight? He didn't think the words 'I surrender' were in Lancetoth's vocabulary.

Opps.

Opps? D'gellin smirked. A little late for that, isn't it?

No, I mean, Gwynevith and hers are coming this way and they do not appear happy.[/color]

D'gellin furrowed his brows, looking warily over his shoulder to the beach. Had they committed some sort of crime by splashing in the water? But everyone else was splashing too! Or...oh. The tall queen rider and her dragon stood before the reckless pair with less than friendly expressions. More importantly, the rider, whats-her-name. Ala-something. Alana? - That sounded right. He really should know his fellow weyrlings' names by now - was soaked. D'gellin had a theory how that happened.

Opps.

Busted. That wasn't a word D'gellin was accustomed to using. He was very good at weaseling his way out of conflicts. But he found himself drawing a blank. Him! Of all people! Of all the times! When Alana finally spoke, D'gellin got the distinct feeling his theory was correct. Well it was just a little water! I mean, come on! But then her cool expression fell apart. And D'gellin found himself grinning in return. They weren't in trouble. Or - he froze at her next words, watching as Alana called Gwynevith to action. No, wait, yeah, they were definitely in trouble. He threw his arms up for protection with a futile "Hey-!" as he braced himself for impact.

All he had time to register was Lancetoth's appreciative thoughts of the queen before they were submerged. The traitor. Even when getting dunked the bronze thought highly of queens! But then, D'gellin supposed, that was a rather applaudable wave she'd produced. When his head broke the surface of the water the first thing he saw was Lancetoth. Who was covered in little patches of seaweed and looking a little uncertain what to do about that. Splash the queen back? A sorely tempting option. D'gellin was, meanwhile, caught in laughter. "That was brilliant!" He looked over at Alana and Gwynevith now. "But I hope you know that one good splash always deserves another." His smile was impish. "Lancet-"

D'gellinmine, there's something on me! Lancetoth cried suddenly, making D'gellin spin back toward him with wide nervous eyes. What do you mean? There! On my wing! He unfurled one wing, trying to shake off whatever it was. D'gellin had almost reached to pull himself up to the bronze's back before he saw a fish flop into the water and dart away. A fish. A little fish. Pfft. Now don't you laugh at me, D'gellinmine! I could not see what it was! But D'gellin was already laughing again. "The mighty Lancetoth, done in by a fish! And here I thought you liked them."

[Shikai]

A’clayr sat on the sand near the water, his outstretched legs just barely ahead of the darker, wet sand, to ensure he would stay dry unless a particularly large wave were to come up. He looked out at the water, watching the many pairs of both Jr. and Sr. Weyrlings splashing about blissfully, enjoying the day with their lifemates. It was not the first time he had observed such antics, but it was the first time he had done so with complete understanding of the bond between dragon and rider. His own Atoth was beside him, lying on the sand, his rust-tipped muzzle pointed at the water as he joined his rider’s observation.

Finally, a party! A’clayr loved such events, although now that he had a young dragon, he was even more strictly forbidden from flirting than he had been before, shard it. Yet for his beloved Atoth, it was a sacrifice he was more than willing to make. Atoth provided him with the most extraordinary kind of unconditional, unwavering love and devotion. Why would he ever need to chase girls (or boys) again? That wasn’t the reason he had been such a shameless flirt anyway, really just seeking flings for amusement over serious relationships, but it was easier to tell himself he didn’t need them if he ignored this fact. No, he would simply have to find another way to enjoy the party.

But it was difficult, with everyone running about in their swimming attire! A’clayr included, although the lad had made sure to slather plenty of protecting cream over his chest and back so he wouldn’t get burnt. Sadly, he seemed to have the type of skin that was more prone to burning than tanning after prolonged exposure to Rukbat’s waves, even though he wasn’t terribly pale. Atoth had helped his rider, walking behind him and pointing out the spots that needed rubbing in, although he didn’t understand why his was so concerned with making sure none of the white, pasty stuff was showing. From his position on the beach, A’clayr looked around, searching for a way to entertain himself that didn’t involve flirting with a pretty weyrling. He looked out to the water and splashing dragons again, and then to Atoth.

Looks like they’re having fun. He commented to the brown, a hidden question in his tone. Indeed, but I would prefer to stay here, A’clayr-mine.[/color] Atoth responded. A’clayr folded his arms over his chest, throwing a pouting look at his dragon. Oh come on Atoth, it’s fun! Let’s go in the water, you’ll see! Atoth let out a draconic sigh. Must we, mine? I fail to see how such amusement can be gained through throwing water at one another. It looks rather undignified, if you ask me.[/color] A’clayr grinned at Atoth, rising to his feet. “If you wanted dignity, you picked the wrong rider, Atoth!” The brown snorted, reluctantly getting to his feet, and eyed the ocean water somewhat warily. Nonsense, there could be no other for me. Perhaps I just need to teach you to have some pride, hm?[/color] The dragon replied, faint amusement in his voice. It was A’clayr’s turn to snort in derision. Pride and dignity don’t get you anywhere anyway. There’s no point, it’s better to just enjoy yourself without worrying if it’s beneath you. So what if you look silly? Having fun is good. Now come on!

Atoth’s eyes whirled thoughtfully as he considered this. A’clayr’s words made sense, of course, but even so, he wasn’t able to cast aside his dignity so easily. The brown looked around for an alternate suggestion, and his eyes fell upon the currently unoccupied ‘inflated sack pass’ court. Mine, what’s that game over there?[/color] He asked, trying to sound innocent. A’clayr saw his that his dragon’s purpose was to divert his attention, and a soft smile played at his lips, but he decided to let Atoth have his way for the moment. Oh, you get a bunch of people, and pass the ball back and forth over the net. I haven’t played it very often, but it’s fun! Come on then, let’s try that. Maybe we can find someone!

A’clayr moved toward the net, picking up the inflated sack from where it was lying, untouched, on the sand. He tossed it up in the air and caught it experimentally a few times, looking around for anyone who would be interested in playing. He looked slyly at Atoth, who was standing several feet away, watching, and suddenly lobbed the ball at the brown.

The dragon’s only gesture of surprise was a blink, and he neatly took a step back so that the ball fell at his feet. He looked down at it curiously, touching it gently with his nose. What was that for?[/color] The brown asked, his tone half plaintive and half indignant. “You’re supposed to hit it back, Atoth!” A’clayr exclaimed. If you haven’t noticed, I require all my feet for standing.[/color] The brown replied with a tinge of sarcasm. With a sigh, A’clayr walked to the ball and picked it up, moving back several paces before preparing to throw it again. “Just hit it with your nose!” What do you think I am, a shipfish?[/color] Atoth grumbled. “Please?” A look at his rider’s face softened the brown, and he breathed a resigned sigh. Alright, throw it again.[/color]

A’clayr’s face split into a wide grin, a rapid change from the doleful expression he had used to persuade his brown to loosen up and play with him. “Great, thanks Atoth! Ok, here it comes!” He gently tossed the ball to his brown, who watched its progress through the air carefully, and stretched his neck forward to bump the ball back toward A’clayr with his nose. A’clayr had to move quickly to the left to reach it, but he ran through the sand, knocking it back toward Atoth. The dragon’s initial feelings of humiliation slowly evaporated as he got into the game with his rider, until he ceased worrying altogether and ran for the ball wholeheartedly.

Ha! I believe I get a point for that.[/color] Atoth stated smugly as A’clayr dove for the ball, but failed to reach it in time, so that it fell to the sand beside him. The dragon reared onto his haunches, displaying the large rust colored cross on his chest as he flapped his wings in a show of his victory. “Well, that may be, but if we’re keeping score, I’m still ahead of you!” He called to his brown. Not for long, mine![/color] The dragon retorted, and the two continued their game. Told you this would be fun. A’clayr thought to himself, enjoying playing with Atoth for the time being until hopefully someone would join them.

[Flamewolf]

"So, El, what do you want to do?"

It's a party for you, too! Let's look around and see if we can find anything interesting we both can do.

Minelli laughed while atop the dragon's shoulders, staring around curiously as they continued along. They'd arrived not long ago, having had some...problems...getting up this morning, including falling out of bed, getting clothes on backwards, and falling off of the green while she was trying to do a flip in the air and into the lake. Of course, Elainuth was able to scoop her out of the water by diving in herself, which only made it colder as they flew to the party without going in /between/. Now they were both more or less dry, having wandered about the different areas under the sun for a while now.

Oh, Min, how about over there! the green cried, rearing slightly on her hind legs, pointing with her nose to the beach where another dragonpair were playing. Minelli smiled a little, vaguely recognizing A'clayr, though from where she couldn't really remember. "Sure, let's go see if they don't mind."

Elainuth, being the almost ridiculously dreaming dragon that she was, leaped right over to them, spraying sand when she landed just behind them. Hello! Do you mind if my Rider and I join you? This was directed to the brown, of course.

"Mind if we join in?" Minelli called to the brown rider, smiling in bemusement atop of the dragon. "And, sorry for the sand shower," she said with a light laugh.