Splash!

[M'kel]

((ZAP! Italiano!))

Finally, a free day! It felt like he'd been working harder as a Weyrling than he ever had as a candidate, yet he'd complained about the work load back then! Now the work was different, of course, with chores and lessons centering around Aramunith. R'tivor could hardly complain about that, for he loved learning new things about his dragonet and learning how to work together. And few things were actually a 'chore' with the sweet green. He treasured the moments he could sit in quiet and oil her sleek hide, or help scritch an itchy spot.

But it was still a relief to have heard the announcement that today was all for himself and Ara, to do as they pleased! Thus, R'tivor had slept in, but not too long, because he wanted to enjoy the day, breakfasted quickly, and asked Aramunith what she most wanted to do.

Her answer, and he had been quick to agree, was a trip to the Lake! After all, he'd asked Trilia to meet him there ages ago, and they hadn't had a chance until now. Hopefully she would get the flitter mail from Sprite to meet today, and, also hopefully, she wouldn't be caught up in Jr. Weyrwoman duties!

As R'tivor neared the Lake, crossing the sand that bordered its lapping shores, he glanced around to see if anyone else was near. He had also hoped to meet up with some of his other friends amongst the Weyrlings, whom he'd seen in class and at meal breaks but hadn't really spent much time with. For a moment, he thought of L'kev, who was still spending most of his time in the Infirmary, and the lad felt a pang of guilt for failing to visit his friend thus far. He really ought to go and see the other boy after some time at the Lake...

The Weyrling pair paused long enough for R'tivor to take off his shoes and socks and roll up his pants, then they stepped into the cool blue water.

"Mamma mia! I've-ah neva seen the watt-er so-uh clear-uh."

Aramunith turned her whirling eyes on her rider, excitement bubbling over in radiant blues and greens.

You said you would teach me to swim today, mine! Can we still do that?

Although they'd come to the Lake for bathing in the past, Aramunith had yet to venture deep enough for her toes not to touch the bottom. The little green was nervous, but excited nonetheless to try and learn this 'swimming thing'.

"Once-uh you get in-to it, you'll a-be a-swimming better than-ah me-ah!" R'tivor replied with a grin, splashing his toes in the water a little. He just wanted to get used to the coolness before wading in any farther...

[Spiffy .th !]

ooc: Bobs your uncle, he's Norfolk, cun'ry style!! (My local dialect, not well liked but funny x] I'll explain, d'n' yous worry!)


Stopping to look back, as he had done many a time recently, only compounded L'kevs small belief that life was out to get him. With what had happened... before... and then Impressing to his wonderful Parith and gaining a gammy leg, and then this Thread-damned flu icking up everyone in the Weyr, he hadn't had a spare moment to himself in sevendays! Why, he wouldn't be surprised if the infirmary became his permanent home! He sure hoped not though.

But today, today he was free. No lessons, no bandages, no healers fussing over him because he couldn't get up, so weak he was, he couldn't wait to get outside in the sun and just do what he wanted. Which at that moment consisted of sunbathing, oiling Parith in the sun, and meeting up with his friends he hadn't seen since candidacy, outside. He just wanted to get out! Meet up with somebody that wouldn't fuss over him like he was an invalid, even if he technically was one.

Even so, some part of his sensible mind said that if he wanted that badly to get outside, the Lake would be good. That way he could swim and cool off, and it would do him no end of good to get some of the pressure off of his still tender leg. Unfortunately the sea was too far for him to walk this day, and he couldn't ride Parith yet so he couldn't go see the local dolphins, as he had had precious chance to do since his arrival and none at all since Weyrlinghood took over his life.

So the lake it was, accompanied as always by his brown dragonet and a crutch (well, that was a recent addition). Settling himself down on the sand, he let out a whooshing sigh of relief, stretching himself along the soft sandy shore. "Ah, 'as be'er!" /Ah, that's better! he mumbled, laying his crutch down beside him in case he should need it to get up, though he aimed not to. Ah thought we'd ne'er get out o' there. 'As a grand day fo' swimmin', eh Mine? Parith said, at once relieved and hopeful that he too would get to stretch his legs this day. "Hang on fo' a bit, 'Rith, I've to oil you fust, les' you crack yas hide," his rider replied, breaking from his relaxation to pull the tub of dragon oil from his pack which has been dumped unceremoniously on arrival.

The pair spent the next few minutes in silence as L'kev oiled Parith from head to foot, upon which point Parith flung himself gaily into the shallows of the Lake. Repacking his pack and slinging it on, it took L'kev a minute or two to get up, using his crutch as support and followed his dragon on up the beach. Parith was having a gay old time splashing about in the shallows, so much so that he was streaks ahead of L'kev when he stopped abruptly. Standing in front of him was a human, likel;y a little wet now from Pariths antics. Startled, the little brown glanced around, noticing the little green not far away, and froze where he was in the water. Mine! Who're these? the shy little dragon asked his rider, distressed. L'kev paused at his dragonets distress, trying his best to decipher the mangled images he was being sent of a human from what looked like knee height, finally piecing it together as someone he knew. Retivor! No, wait, he had Impressed, hadn't he? 'As OK, Parith, 's'a friend. Who's else? 'Ere's a green my age 'ere too. So he did Impress! A green? Whoa...

Pretty soon L'kev was stumbling up the beach towards his friend as fast as his limp would allow him, arriving by R'tivor rather breathlessly.

"Ret... R'tivor! Blast me... Good t' see you at last... You Impressed!" he managed to gasp out to the other Weyrling. He must sound like a total buffoon, but he didn't care, he was past caring about what he looked or sounded like at the moment. What with his gammy leg and sore throat and all his time in the infirmary lately...

Parith, however, had broken from his previous frozenness and was now looking from one rider to the other, then back at the green dragonet in the water, not quite sure what he should do. He had never met either of these two before. In fact he had met desperately few of his clutchsiblings so far so was understandably quite bewildered, especially considering that he was shy at the best of times, despite his bulky appearance.


ooc: Ach, that sounds terrible, so hard to get it into writing! *sobs*
EDIT: Ah! Ah found some I'd missed, so's I's corrected it x] Yeah.

[M'kel]

((I think it's hilarious, Spiffy! ^_^ Turned out really well))


The water really wasn't nearly so terrible as one may have first presumed. With Rukbat to heat the surface waters and an upturned face alike, the Lake was becoming far more inviting with each passing moment. Aramunith had waded in up to her knees and extended her wings over the surface, raising and lowering them slowly as she gazed transfixed at her reflection. She tilted her head to the side, watching the rippling green face that shifted with her.

Shall we go deeper now, mine?[/color] Aramunith asked, turning eagerly whirling eyes touched with blue and green on her rider.

"But o'course, m'lady," R'tivor replied instantly, eyes flashing open from his meditative state to beam downward at Ara. Except that...it was not Ara.

The whirling eyes gazing up at him belonged to a brown dragonet. And they looked more frightened than excited.

"Now, who dost thou belongeth to?" R'tivor murmured in surprise, casting around him for a likely Weyrling. "Fear not, l'il one, I will help thee find theirs." He turned hopefully to his dragonet, since the brown one was being rather silent and unhelpful, understandably o'course. "Aramunith?"

As shy or more so than the brown dragonet, but too kind-hearted to let fear hold her back, Aramunith reached out tentatively, I am Aramunith, and this is mine. Whither be yours? We can assist, if thou requires it.

But their questions were soon answered, for L'kev came hobbling up the beach on a crutch, an anxious expression painted across his face. "This one tis yours, then?" R'tivor called, glad to have found the brown's rider and even more glad to learn it was L'kev. He had not seen the other Weyrling since Impression, and he'd been eager to meet the comely brown who'd paired with him.

His friend's excited greeting brought a grin to the lad's face, and he nodded exuberantly. "And good morrow to thee, also, L'kev! Impress I did, to the beautiful Aramunith." He gestured with a broad sweep of his arm, and Aramunith dipped her head in welcome. R'tivor felt a flicker of uncertainty, wondering if the surprised look on L'kev's face was a response to her green hide, but his smile slipped only a little. "And who have I had the pleasure of meeting, just now?" He glanced down at the brown dragonet to explain his query, then looked back up with a horrified expression.

"Praytell! Thy leg! Does it pain thou? Shall I help thee sit?"

[Spiffy .th !]

ooc: Aww, shucks, but I'm hopeless at medieval accents >.< Hmm, here goeth!


Parith said nothing until His arrived, feeling a little more sure of himself in his presence. At last he turned to Aramunith to reply to her, but fell short. She really was a very pretty damsel, to be sure, and his throat figuratively caught for a second.

Mi'lady, I am named Parith, and this be-th Mine, L'kev, he managed, quietly but surely, and paused, unconsciously puffing his chest out a little. Mine seemeth very glad to see thy human, he added, uncertainly.

L'kev, however, waved off R'tivors sudden concern, no doubt noticing his affliction for the first time. "Nay, I need not thy help, friend. My woes lieth in getting back up again," he said, lowering himself down his crutch as if to prove the point was sound. Sure, it proved to be more trouble than it had before the hatching, but it was not something he couldn't now handle on his own. It did annoy him though.

He laid the bag and crutch on the sand beside him, away from R'tivor, in case he wanted to sit down too. "How hath life been treating thy, R'tivor? Well I hope, not this retched flu that hath been going round."



(yep, that sucked >.<)

[M'kel]

((Nonsense, Spiffy-poo! Twas superb!))

Aramunith watched shyly for Parith's reaction to her, since he seemed hesitant to speak until his rider was near. When the brown Weyrling turned back to her, gazing at her without speaking, the little green looked down at the water, wondering if she had spoken out of turn. Upon receiving his introduction, however, she dipped her head again, graciously this time. It is a pleasure to meet thee, Parith. I am glad thou art nay lost, and that yours has found thee again. Mine also seems pleased to see yours this day! Perhaps, since they art friends, we might be seeing each other often.

Momentarily embarrassed by such a bold (at least in Ara's eyes) statement, the little green paused, before continuing in an excited tone, Praytell…hast thou ever swam?[/color] The green dragonet was relaxing more with each passing moment. This brown was not aggressive nor overly excitable, and she was warming quite quickly to him.

The growing confidence and happiness pulsing through the bond from his Aramunith gave R'tivor a boost, diminishing his uncertainty as he met his friend's gaze. It pained him to see how careful L'kev was in lowering himself to the sand, but his friend was clearly improving. R'tivor very much doubted that he could have walked at all for the sevenday after the Hatching. At least L'kev seemed in good spirits, despite everything that had happened!

When L'kev commented on the sharding flu that had been assaulting the Weyr, R'tivor shook his head, his lips pursing with the frustration all the Weyrfolk were feeling. "I hath been fairly well, considering the plight of others. A few dizzy spills, occasional nausea…" he flushed slightly at that, "but otherwise, I hath fared decently. And you?" That would be awfully cruel of Pern, to catch L'kev with a bout of illness while he was still recovering from his injury!

Belatedly, R'tivor registered the subtle movement of L'kev shifting his bag and crutch aside. Oh! The other lad was making room for him to sit. Up to his ankles in the Lake water, R'tivor glanced at Aramunith, but she seemed content for the moment to speak with Parith. The Weyrling supposed that he could sit for a time; he really ought to catch up with L'kev! Maybe when, or if, Trilia arrived, he could coax L'kev into the water. He did want to teach Ara to swim today.

Decided, R'tivor took the few steps out of the water, crinkling his nose as dry sand instantly stuck to his bare feet, and seated himself beside L'kev. "Thou hath been in the Infirmary for some time, now. I beg thy pardon for being a negligent friend. I should have visited."

[Spiffy .th !]

Parith was buoyed considerably by Ara's positive response. She liked him? He surely hoped she did. he didn't have any other friends yet... And I most assuredly hope that we will meet again! the brown babbled, nodding his head emphatically, if not slightly comically too, since his neck was still a little out of proportion with the rest of him. that small fact, however, would be noting but an advantage to the youngster for some time yet. He could impress other dragonesses in other ways...

Nay! Parith stated, almost proudly, though I am more than willing to try it! He said with nary a pause, already waddling purposefully further into the waters until they reached up to his wing joints. A stray wave crashed into his side and he found himself with a face full of water, spluttering, most embarrassed in front of such a pretty female. Oh dear, that hadn't had the effect he had been trying for... he looked back at her, a little sheepishly.

L'kev couldn't help but chuckle at his dragons predicament, though he watched him carefully just in case. Not that he would be able to help him if the need suddenly arose, but still... Careful Parith, I wouldn't wish to have to save thee from drowning. I would never, Mine! His dragon responded, shocked at such a presumption.

L'kevs thoughts were quickly diverted by R'tivors question. Alas, I fared little well. He struggled a little, trying not to make it sound pathetic, but also not like he was boasting about it to his friend either. Pern can indeed be a cruel place; first this, he indicated his leg with a sweep of his arm, then the flu, I was left so weak I had to spend yet more of my precious time in the infirmary. He smiled ironically. And I blame thee not for not visiting me, for I would likely not have been aware of it even if thee did chance upon the time to do so. It is reassuring to me that others were perhaps better off than I in this instance. I look forward to catching up with our peers soon, now that I am able.

He smiled over at his dragon in the waters, remembering the hours he had to spend oiling the little feller, when he realised that Parith should have ben further in than he was. Mine... I'm floating! the dragonet peered around him in such surprise that he sent the thought out to Ara and hers too by mistake. I'm floating! he said again, more triumphantly now. L'kev realised that he was sitting bolt upright. Flushing red, he slowly relaxed, assured that his dragon hadn't got himself int too much trouble. Ok, congratulations. Try kicking thy legs and return now, pray?

[D'gellin]

Aramunith's?[/color] Helennith inquired of Hers as Trilia ran a brush through her hair. Yes, I pointed her and R'tivor out to thee at the Hatching Feast. The young girl reminded the hatchling with a smile, pulling her straight ebony hair into a long ponytail. R'tivor be-ith a sweatheart, and I am certain Aramunith shall be just as kind. She assured her uncertain dragon, running a hand along the delicate golden neck. And we shall be hither, at the lake. At this, Helennith's whirling eyes all lit up, and Trilia smiled in response. If there was one thing her dragon liked, it was the lake. (And glows. Trilia had been finding a lot of glows hidden about Helennith's bed as well as her own, but that was a topic for another time.)

With that settled, and Helennith as well as her fire lizard in tow, Trilia set out for the lake. She'd scarcely gotten any time to spend with her friend, and the prospect of seeing him again outside of lessons would be such a treat! And yet...and yet...What troubles thee, my heart? Trilia asked with a small giggle as Helennith ducked behind Hers, little butterfly feelings tickling their mental link. Aramunith and hers art not the only ones present.[/color] The miniature queen squeaked, wide eyes darting up to see ahead of them and then quickly back down, as though fearful of being caught staring. As the lake came properly in to view, Trilia was surprised, and maybe a little hurt to realize that, indeed, someone else was with R'tivor. Trilia hesitated, suddenly having to switch gears. This wasn't a special visit between two friends but rather a group now...and the weyrling wasn't prepared to share R'tivor!

She huffed, crossing her arms self-consciously. Well, so be it. This would be good for her anyway, she supposed grudgingly. As of yet she'd dedicated little time into learning the names and faces of her fellow Weyrlings, though she could name most of the girls from her days in the candidate barracks. As a Jr. Weyrwoman (the title still gave her a funny feeling in her stomach when she thought of it), she certainly should be acquainted with her comrades. Tis alright, Helennith. Tis only a fellow weyrling. Come, let us introduce ourselves. She encouraged her dragon, touching her bonded in assurance before leading the way forward, posture perfect. Oh I am aware he be-ith a weyrling... Helennith murmured anxiously, though she didn't elaborate.

"R'tivor!" Trilia called ahead at last, waving a hand high above her head to draw his attention. "Tis so good to see thee again!" She was borderline jogging, heedless of the splint still on her leg from the break before the Hatching. At least she didn't have to hobble around on crutches anymore...speaking of which: "And hello to thee as well." She added to L'kev, nodding her head politely. She couldn't help the once over she gave the lad, however, suddenly feeling shy. Oh, she should have worn something other than her old sundress! L'kev was quite handsome, even with the crutches! Hopeless little girl... "I hope I hath not interrupted anything." She said to R'tivor. Trilia was, however, honestly happy to see her friend again, and suddenly couldn't stop smiling even if she tried. Oh she was this close to launching herself at him with a hug! That, however, likely wasn't appropriate... Helennith, meanwhile, stayed close to Trilia, wary of making the first step at hellos to Aramunith and Parith. She instead busied herself by paying attention to Trilia's conversation, pretending she hadn't noticed them so she wouldn't be obligated to initiate her own conversation. She was sure she'd mess it up somehow! And oh they wouldn't like her for it...

[M'kel]

((And my first post for soap opera week! Oh my…))

Rukbat was higher over the rim of the Bowl now, its golden rays dancing over the surface of the water and mesmerizing R'tivor in a trance. He looked over to his friend, L'kev, watching the other lad's thoughtful gaze sweep over the Lake, as he regarded the two cautious dragonets. It was a marvel, still, to R'tivor, how much life had changed. A mere dozen or so sevendays ago, he had first met L'kev in the Candidates' Quarters. He had been so excited yet disbelieving then, at the thought of Impressing a dragonet. Now, both he and his friend had Impressed.

They were both so lucky.

As R'tivor listened to L'kev's description of his time in the Infirmary, the lad's stomach grew cold. "You have suffered so much," he whispered. The Weyrling closed his eyes, shaking his head at the thought of such agony. First, a leg horribly gored by a rampaging dragonet. Next, being held in the grips of a terrible illness, passing in and out of consciousness as the disease worked its way through him. "I am so very glad to know that you have survived these terrible attacks upon yourself. The thought of life as a Weyrling, without you…"

A silence stretched, as R'tivor's eyes flickered open and he met his friend's gaze with uncertainty. He didn't want L'kev to mistake his words. Oh, what must the other lad think! He must explain himself, and quickly. Still, he paused. Then, "I have few enough friends in this world, and I would hate to lose even one."

He found that he was trembling slightly at the very thought. That L'kev could have died in these past sevendays; it was horrifying. When his name was called, the voice behind him, R'tivor jerked in surprise, so intensely was he focused on these thoughts. Quickly, he swiveled his head 'round, catching sight of Trilia stepping quickly over the sand towards him. A broad smile immediately transformed his features, and he stood eagerly to greet his other friend. His blue eyes flashed when he spotted the beautiful red-gold dragoness following in her wake, immensely thrilled by the sight of the little beauty. He was so proud of Trilia for Impressing a gold! Why, it almost brought a tear to his eye…

"Hi Trilia!" he replied cheerily, though with a touch of melancholy due to his thoughts. "Oh no," he looked quickly at L'kev, "you weren't interrupting anything. We were just catching up. I'm so glad to see you again; it has been too long." In fact, he'd hardly spoken to Trilia at all since the Hatching. What would she think about his Impressing a green? The familiar agonizing doubt began to flood through R'tivor, as he looked between Trilia and L'kev. His two friends. Did they truly accept him?

Aramunith, who had been watching Parith shyly as the brown dragonet boldly moved deeper into the water than she, gave a mental gasp as both she and R'tivor received his 'distress' call. The green dragonet quivered, edging closer to him in case he needed assistance while reticent to start 'floating' herself. Are you all right, Parith? Do you need help? She began to grow anxious. How could she save him if she couldn't swim?! But then, Parith's tone grew more triumphant, and Aramunith relaxed visibly, only then realizing that her wings were wide open as if she had planned to take flight. Rather embarrassed, the green dragonet folded her wings into place. You are swimming! The green was intrigued and excited by this idea, watching Parith closely to see what he would do next.

R'tivor, who had twitched in surprise at the sound of a foreign voice in his mind, smiled in relief to see that Parith was, indeed, all right. Although he was still pondering why the brown had sent the call out to him as well, there was another matter to attend to at the moment. Ara R'tivor called softly, casting his gaze down to the shy gold dragoness hiding behind Trilia. There is another friend here to meet…why don't you introduce yourself?

The green dragonet turned abruptly, whirling eyes fixing on Helennith in surprise. Another…dragonet? Why, they were starting to become quite the crowd. Aramunith dipped her head demurely and respectfully to the gold, feeling suddenly quite inadequate in the little beauty's presence. Good day. I am Aramunith. How are you? Um…would you like to swim as well?

[Spiffy .th !]

ooc: Eeep, how to do a soap opera post... I've never even watched a soap... crud.


IC:
L'kev shrugged off his friends concern, uncomfortable in such situations. It wasn't that bad, I've had worse, he said trying to sound cheerful but flamboyantly failing. Don't get wrong, he was glad that someone in this world actually cared that he was OK, it's just that it was such a strange feeling to him, he had almost become desensitised to friendship lately.

Real friendship.

Not something that could be won, of something that happened just like that, or even something that was planed. Not at all like the sudden joyous feeling of eternal love that he received from Parith at Impression no, this was... different.

The thought of life as a Weyrling, without you… Those were the words R'tivor had said, the words that echoed briefly inside his head and sent a warm feeling up from his toes. Yes, he had real friends. He flashed R'tivor a warm smile, only to find that his friend was already doing exactly that, back to himself already. But it was not warm, it was... uncertain?

I have few enough friends in this world, and I would hate to lose even one. The warm feeling immediately sunk, replaced by a chilling coldness that seemd to come from everywhere and nowhere. To loose a friend... The words struck a chord concealed deep within him, dragging him back even forcefully to that fateful day many, many turns ago. A lump appeared in his throat and he immediately looked away, warm smile gone, replaced by a frown, down the beach to where he had come from, though his thoughts registered none of this. He swallowed, hard, as if trying to force the lump back down.

Wy did R'tivor sound like he was trying to explain himself? Why had his throat suddenly gone tight, his heart sped up, only to feel this again, after so many years? No, he had never forgotten it, buy why was it back now, and so... so different?

Yes, you would... The words that emerged were said so quietly it would be a wonder if R'tivor even heard them, directed away from him as it was to where L'kev was looking, even as it was overshadowed by the arrival of another, rather cheerier vocal.

He didn't look up, didn't give any indication that he knew Trilia had arrived, but as he felt R'tivor rise abruptly from the sand beside him he couldn't help by let out a small sigh. Of course R'tivor would have other friends, but still...

Belatedly Parith picked up on His' distress and stopped the paddling, that had been taking him around in circles in the deeper water, turning his head to face His as he slowly revolved to a stop. Mine...? The voice spoke the multitudes if emotions that his little dragon was feeling right then, concern and worry being forefront, and quickly L'kev clamped down on his melancholy as best he could. He didn't want Parith feeling that and worrying about him as he knew the dragonet would, he wouldn't do that to him. Bu that didn't stop the concerned dragonet, after looking once back to Aramunith (aww, but he was enjoying himself, but His was more important, always) from paddling frantically back to the shallowed water, out and up the sand to nuzzle His reassuringly with a wet head. MineHeart, do not be so sad. It is good to have many friends, is it not? So it is, mineheart, L'kev replied, trying to sound certain on that bug failing again, as his dragonet looked up at him with imploring eyes betraying his confusion at His's distress. Surely having lots of friends was a good thing. So why was His so upset when a friend of his had another friend. He was hardly one to talk, having only one friend himself, Ara, but he was still puzzled, and worried. Why was this bad? Had His's friend done something wrong? He glanced up at R'tivor reproachfully and only then noticed Trilia and her golden dragonet. Maybe it was them who were upsetting His! How dare they? Why was it that new people were always out to get His? the innocent little dragonet wondered, glaring at Hellenith and Hers in an uncharacteristic show of distain for the shy brown.

Even as his brown was glaring at his clutchsister, L'kev took a deep breath and urned to the now not-so-new arrivals. He forced a smile to Trilia, but it quickly faded, so instead he just tried to keep a straight face, not wanting it to go back to its previous frown. What would she think of him if he greeted her that way? Even if somewhere, now shut seep inside him he maybe, possibly felt that way about her anyway, when she hadn't even done anything worth his anger? He took another deep breath, and on the expulsion he managed a Hello, somehow.


ooc: There, is that dramatic enough for a soap opera now? x]

[D'gellin]

((lol, I think you're fine, Spiff. x] I've never watched one either (I think? xD) SO WE'LL SEE HOW THIS TURNS OUT! ;; ))

There was the merest flicker of hesitation in Trilia's gait when R'tivor greeted her. Somewhere in his words, she could sense, was the hint of...something...regret? Sadness? Was it possible he was not, in fact, happy to see her after all? Trilia's eager stride slowed after that, hands clasping self consciously together as she glanced at L'kev, a burn of jealousy unwittingly heating her face. The fact that R'tivor was a greenrider and therefore...uninterested...in Trilia hadn't been difficult for her to accept at all. Faranth knew with parents like hers, she probably had the least problem with that sort of thing in all the Weyr! Tolerating the realization that R'tivor was now off the market, so to speak, for her, however, had been a real letdown. He was like a dream come true! Gentle, kind, compassionate, understanding and handsome to boot; R'tivor was everything anyone could ever dream of in a man! And yet...he was, by default, not meant for Trilia. Not in the special way in any case, even though, if she were to be honest, she still rather liked R'tivor... L'kev on the other hand...he was a guy. Which meant he could be with her first ever meaningful crush!

The notion made her feel sick. Oh shards, what if they had been having a personal meeting together, and here she came flouncing over like a wherry on fellis? First mortification gripped her, before a generous bout of spite. She had seen R'tivor first!...hadn't she? Had she? Well he was her dear friend! They'd shared broken bones, letters, smiles...and what had this...this boy shared with her R'tivor? The nerve! She was so fired up, she almost forgot that her friend was still speaking to her. Trilia's reply was almost desperate, searching R'tivor's face for assurances that he still did care about her, even a little. "It really has been too long." She agreed, reaching out to take his hands, gently kissing his cheek familiarly. Little butterflies took off in her stomach, and she only wondered if that would upset R'tivor after she'd already carried out the impulse. "We've hardly gotten a moment to speak. You have been well, haven't you? It seems as though everyone in the Weyr is ill these days." She said the last bit in a slightly hushed voiced, perhaps fearing to bring that sickness down on them simply by speaking of it.

She pulled away only moments before L'kev's less than enthusiastic reply, suddenly bristling indignantly. 'Hello'? That was it? After her oh-so-polite introduction? Oh she could have kicked him in his torn up leg... Mineown![/b][/color] Helennith's voice started in surprise, awakening Trilia to her own venom. Her eyes widened for a moment, appalled at herself. What was she thinking? One didn't go around beating people up for liking the same person! This was juvenile! She was a lady! Oh Helennith, I'm so sorry you had to hear that! The sobered little girl murmured in her mind, ashamed. It was bad enough that Trilia had such a dependency complex but to subject Helennith, innocent, lovely little Helennith to Trilia's twisted emotions was simply wrong!

Her proudly crossed arms shifted, hands cupping her elbows less defiantly as she worked to calm herself down. If this was the person her R'tivor (accept the possibility!)...liked...then she would simply have to be encouraging and understanding and kind...Or she could be proactive and make sure he really was a suitable match for her R'tivor! Now this idea she liked. "I'm sorry, I'm afraid we've never properly met before." Trilia tried again, her voice sugary sweet as she addressed L'kev. "I'm sure you've already gathered," Oh she was being a little obnoxious, opps... "but my name's Trilia." She did a proper curtsy this time. "And my Helennith." She continued, touching her gold's neck affectionately, the warmth she really was capable of showing through momentarily as she glanced at her dragon. "Might I be honored with your name?"

Helennith, meanwhile, was rather in a dilemma of her own. While she kept check on Trilia's hectic emotional storm, pressing reason and assurances on the little girl's mind almost perpetually, her own attention kept being diverted to the happy pair in the water. Oh but the swimming did look fun, and she rather would have liked to try as well. Helennith leaned against Trilia's leg, trying not to let her uncertainties show. She wasn't as brave at the other golds! Not enough to introduce herself properly, in any case. So when Aramunith made the first step, Helennith turned to the green with a self-consciously subdued but grateful eagerness. It is a pleasure to meet you Aramunith.[/color] She inclined her head as well, and despite her misgivings the emotions were sincere. I...I am alright, thank you. Um, how are you?[/color] She replied awkwardly, inwardly wincing. What a poor example of a queen she was...At Ara's invite, however, her eyes whirled a gleeful blue. Oh! I would love to sw-![/color] She halted when she glanced at Parith, to be sure he didn't mind. Judging by his glare he certainly seemed too! Her words faded after that, apologetic and hurt at the animosity That is, I wouldn't want to be a bother...[/color]

((Wow, sorry, I tend to run wild with emotional Trilia posts. o__o; A little more dramatized than normal for the theme but I'm sorry she's such a brat regardless. <xD; She let's her imagination get the best of her. I hope they'll get along later! D: > ))