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Post by B'kay on Jun 4, 2008 8:53:15 GMT -5
Ravyna smiled as the better light touched the faces of the gentlemen. She hid behind her pride in Renegade as she gaged expressions and features. They did appear to be brothers, so that much of the story was true. "Guest", however... ? The inflexion in the elder's tone kept nagging at her, and Ravyna was nearly certain his heart had inserted an unspoken "unwilling" before the word. But how could that be? Even she, hold raised and surrounded by wealth, had childhood dreams of Impressing a dragon, wishes that the great beast had not become extinct. The Weyr rarely housed "guests", per se, at least not long enough that they'd be missing the chance to ride.
Still, she smiled, and observed. And there, that spark as the younger saw Renegade. Hadn't she used her runner to lure out that spark a hundred times, nay a thousand? Hadn't that spark precluded every race on the eastern seaboard, lining her pockets with marks for survival after she'd run away from her hold?
"Why certainly," she said sweetly, allowing her pride in Renny show, and her smile to broaden. "As long as you have my permission, he'd be happy to receive your admiration," she chuckled. "He's a vain little beast."
The spark always meant that the man admired good runners, and knew enough about them to see quality at a glance or touch. Often it also meant the man was a gambler. She glanced at the elder, Treylis, and thought that perhaps he was not quite as readable as his younger brother, not quite as ... loose.
That smile remained hidden. Still, she wasn't sure. Yes, Renny was a vain little beast. Vain and deceptively small. She couldn't help wondering if she'd run into this man before, perhaps carrying away his marks from a race. She always raced in desert garb, her face and form hidden, after all. And there had been so, so many over the turns ... the faces were a blur.
"So," she said with a touch of understanding in her voice. "I take it you have runners at home? If you're going to be staying for a while," she continued innocently, "It certainly would be possible to transport your favorites to the Weyr. Our Beastmaster, Caltrain, has a history of training race runners," she stretched. "As you see, he's been working the wall of the bowl into a fine stable. And if you're staying permanently, of course, Renegade's stud fee is very reasonable."
She flashed a smile that spoke of humor and sincerity, while judging the man's face for any trace of inner response.
Igrainth's thoughts whirled through her mind, touched with both amusement ... and suspicion. What are you doing, Mine? she asked, tilting her head to the side like a curious pup.
Just talking runners, my sweet, just talking runners.
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Post by Kitari on Jun 4, 2008 16:15:29 GMT -5
After his slight show of humour, Treylis was surprised to find himself watching Ravyna closely, wondering if she would appreciate the joke. He thought he caught a flicker of a smile in her eyes, but her face remained impassive in that regard. Then, however, her eyes took on a distant look, and he realized that she must be communicating with her green dragon. It was such a bizarre occurrence to watch and almost made him feel as if he was intruding on a private exchange, causing him to glance away for a moment. Whatever the dragon had said must have been found amusing by the girl, for she laughed lightly before moving around him to her stallion. The Lordling couldn't help but bite his lip slightly in displeasure that he had not elicited a similar response.
As Ravyna proceeded past him once again, this time leading the bay stallion into the Bowl, he fought to keep his brown eyes from drifting downward to her swaying hips; after all, she was the one who had foiled his magnificent plans of escape! Besides, he'd never felt relaxed enough around a woman to make many advances, nor had he the time for such frivolity. It was a busy job learning to manage a Hold. Somehow Aclaryn had always found time for such things, the slacker that he was. It was yet another area in which Treylis found himself being secretly jealous of his rival.
Dismissing these thoughts roughly, the young man strode out of the Stables at Ravyna's call, deciding to play at complacency for the time being. Once he had her lulled into a false sense of security, though, Treylis was determined to attempt an escape once again, even if it meant going on foot. After all, he couldn't go back to the Lower Caverns and face that kitchen worker whose chore he had so haughtily shirked. Not to mention his obligation to Hold and Father, of course.
Aclaryn wasn't feigning complacency at all, it seemed. After eyeing Treylis briefly, he had proceeded to admire the stallion and compliment its breeding, smiling cheerfully as if their intense discussion had never taken place. That was another characteristic that irked him about his brother; he was far too carefree! Issues such as this gnawed at Treylis for days. Sometimes he even wondered how one mind could handle so much stress.
Treylis's dark gaze now shifted to the stallion, which he was better able to view in the natural lighting of the Bowl. Despite himself, he couldn't help but soften somewhat, for it was a fine runner indeed. He could clearly see the pride etched on Ravyna's face, and it was well-deserved. In fact, he was rather surprised that a runner with such excellent breeding wasn't in a Lord Holder's stables. Of course, it wasn't exactly unimaginable for dragonriders to take whatever they wished from the Holds, including prize runners.
"He is very handsome, indeed." Treylis consented, although his eyes drifted to Ravyna as he said it. Staring at the runner only reminded him more painfully of his distance from home, where his own runner was undoubtedly growing anxious at the lack of exercise. They used to ride frequently, and none were allowed to ride the beast except for Treylis. He was as possessive as Ravyna, it seemed.
Next his gaze was pulled inexorably up to the dragon that he had been struggling to ignore up until this point. Treylis had to admit that they were impressive creatures, to say the least. He was surprised at the lurch his heart gave at the thought of riding one, his very own, but he quickly quashed this feeling. Those were the fancies of a youngling listening to Harper's tales. For a soon-to-be Lord Holder, dragons were simply a new inconvenience, unneeded in a Threadfree world and a burden on harvests and mined materials. Besides, he reminded himself firmly once again, he did not actually have the potential to Impress. This was a political ploy and nothing more.
As Ravyna spoke once again, informing the brothers that they could potentially have their runners brought to the Weyr, Treylis's face darkened, and his teeth clenched as he bit back a retort. He did not plan to be here long enough for such a thing to be necessary. She must be playing with them; she must know why they were really here. Obviously she had seen right through his feeble declaration that they were 'guests'. Was she trying to soothe him like a child, telling him he could bring his favourite toys along to a place he did not want to go? The indignity of it all!
Or, a calm voice interjected in an attempt to cool the anger that threatened to bubble over once again, perhaps she was simply being nice. Maybe she did know about their position, but rather than mocking it, was sympathizing with it and offering reassurance. Perhaps she was simply telling him that there was no going back...
These back-and-forth thoughts were becoming quite wearisome, and Treylis's shoulders sagged slightly in uncertainty. He was over-analyzing everything, as usual. Her playful comment about her stallion's stud fees certainly did not hold any malice. Just because she was a dragonrider in this Weyr didn't mean that she was a supporter of its practices. She may be as powerless as he. And it was an amusing suggestion.
"I'm afraid that this is not a permanent arrangement," Treylis replied, a small yet charming smile appearing briefly. He hoped that the exhaustion he was feeling over his sevenday of stress and desperation wasn't showing. After all, a Lord Holder's son must remain composed at all times, no matter his inner turmoil. "Although I do appreciate the offer. Good studs can be hard to come by." All right, he may not be a flirt like Aclaryn, but he could still be witty. And she was cute...
((OMG. I can't believe how long this one is. Obviously I am really enjoying this character! lol))
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Post by B'kay on Jun 4, 2008 17:31:05 GMT -5
The elder brother, Ravyna thought, looked most preoccupied as he followed her from the stables. But then his focus sharpened as he looked at Renegade.
Yes, these brothers knew a good mount when they happened across one, and Treylis' quip about 'good studs' did not slide past her. She gave half a grin, not ashamed to enjoy the teasing, until a thought brought her up short.
And it was not her own.
Why was that funny, Mine?
I, uh... Ravyna's face blanked and then turned slightly pink, before she fought down her visible reaction. Shards, she was a weyrling ... it was so hard to remember that sometimes, especially with two such handsome and virile young men giving her their full attention. It's all right, love, it was just-- It was just -- "what"? Ravyna struggled to keep her smile light and her eyes from betraying her as she fought to find an explanation that would satisfy a young dragon without leading her thoughts to where they did not yet belong.
But, to her momentary relief, Igrainth's attention span was every bit as undivided as any young green dragons, and she interrupted with--
He smells funny.
Igrainth then moved close to Treylis and began to sniff, gently rubbing her muzzle along the man's back, nudging him softly, almost affectionately.
All of the carefully schooled poise and controlled expression was gone, tossed to the winds, as Ravyna's mouth dropped open, and she stared at her dragon's bizarre behavior.
"Funny?" she asked Igrainth, not even realizing she'd spoken aloud.
I do not know. I think he might be .... scared. Or worried. Or something. I do not think he is happy. I know! I'll make him feel better.
And then, the dragon rubbed the entire length of her jaw across Treylis's back, quite like a feline does when it wishes to show affection to its master.
Once done, she turned to Ravyna, eyes whirling contentedly. There, she said, Ask him if that helps. Well, go ahead, ask him!
What could she do? Her sweet dragon's act of presumed kindness had certainly spoiled Ravyna's hopes of eventually conning these gentleman into a race. She'd been hoping to gently persuade them to bring their fine runners to the Weyr ... which, of course, she would win off them, since very few on Pern could outsprint her little Renegade. But now ... Igrainth had made a direct request, and....
Aren't you going to ask him? The dragon sounded hurt.
Ravyna's heart lurched in her breast. Of course, my dearest one! She sent with all the love and soothing comfort she could muster.
"Igrainth... um, my dragon is Igrainth, and she would, uh, she would like to know if her caress helps you to .... um ... feel ... better?" Her words began in a rush, and ended in a fading whimper.
Oh, this business of being a dragonrider was going to take quite a bit of getting used to....
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Post by Shikai on Jun 8, 2008 0:22:31 GMT -5
((Sorry for the wait! D= I’ve been really busy this past week. ^^’ ))
Aclaryn ran a hand over the beast’s neck, his fingers trailing lightly over the brown fur. However, it was not the runner that held his attention, but the creature’s owner. Treylis was a nuisance. Although, Aclaryn supposed, his brother’s presence did help him hold back from accidentally letting his tongue betray his sentiments, as regrettably, the girl was a weyrling.
Treylis, however, was suddenly lacking in restraint himself! Aclaryn’s mouth opened to reply to Ravyna, a barely concealed grin on his face as she mentioned stud fees, but he hesitated for but a moment, checking himself. No, he was not to flirt with her! Even if she did seem to be coming on to him. Wait, was she? His eyes scanned her face again, searching for the something in her expression that had subconsciously given him the impression before, but while he was pondering this, Treylis stole the opportunity, interrupting with a comment Aclaryn would never have expected to hear out of him.
A puzzled look came over his face initially as he turned to look at his brother. Yes, it was undeniable, Treylis’s innuendo was intentional! The next emotions he experienced were a confusing mix of irritation and amusement. Why, of all times, did Treylis choose now to start flirting, why this girl? By Treylis’s logic, after all, she was an enemy! She was attractive, indeed, but a weyrling nonetheless. Despite his irritation at Treylis for stealing his opportunity to reply (how many times had he done that, now? It seemed Aclaryn could scarcely get a word in!), he couldn’t help but be amused. He’d never seen Treylis say something that even came close to an advance, after all. And it was funny. It was all Aclaryn could do not to snort at the remark. He would have, normally, were it not Treylis who had said it, unexpectedly.
At least he had been saved from actually answering her question, had she expected a real answer. Despite what she said, he knew quite well that there was no chance of having their runners brought over. They were candidates, but theirs served the greater purpose of providing an example to the holders. Certainly they wouldn’t spare the effort to go back to retrieve runners for two young men they were trying to make an example of.
Glancing back to Ravyna’s face, a tinge of pink that hadn’t been present before caught his notice. It didn’t seem to be directly caused by Treylis’s comment, as she had already grinned, not seeming to mind. But what then, would have caused her to be embarrassed?
However, this train of thought was halted quite abruptly as he caught sight of a green mass moving out of the corner of his eye, and turned just in time to see Igrainth lower her muzzle and rub Treylis’s back. After an initial moment of surprise, Aclaryn’s face split into a large smile and he laughed aloud, unable to prevent the sound from pouring out of him as the green continued to nuzzle his brother, almost like a great, winged green feline.
Now it was his turn to interrupt. Before his no-doubt shocked brother could stutter a reply, Aclaryn turned to Ravyna, his teeth exposed in a wide grin. “The caress of a beautiful young female will always make one feel better! Igrainth’s kindness is much appreciated. Treylis just isn’t used to such treatment, is all.” Aclaryn’s eyes lingered on Ravyna for a moment as began, holding his gaze for just a fraction too long before he reached his third sentence, whereupon he cast a teasing grin toward his brother. Wasn’t that cold of him to say? Probably, but it was meant more with humor than any malice, as was evident by his tone. Besides, it was somewhat true, which made it all the better.
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Post by Kitari on Jun 10, 2008 16:38:02 GMT -5
Despite his best efforts, Treylis's gaze could not remain elsewhere, for he was somewhat...eager...to see Ravyna's response to his play on words. He was rather surprised to have said it in the first place, as he believed himself far from relaxed enough to enjoy a flirtatious conversation. Also, she was the enemy, not necessarily directly, but through what she represented. The Lordling felt that it was almost a betrayal of his principles to converse with a dragonrider on anything resembling friendly terms, as he ought to be in quiet, fierce rebellion.
Still, Treylis was remotely pleased by the half-grin that graced Ravyna's face, until it suddenly vanished. He frowned slightly at her sudden flush; had she not understood the joke initially? But no, her grin had indicated that she grasped the humour. Then why, he wondered, was she suddenly uncomfortable, and why...
All thoughts, both curious and rebellious, suddenly vanished from his mind with the approach of the green dragon's head. He froze instinctively, eyeing the green snout that dipped around him to bump against his back. His mouth fell open in shock, and his lips twitched in a manner much like that of a fish out of water. The young man barely registered Ravyna's query, astounded as he was by this dragon's touch. His first thought was that this must be a sign of aggression (after all, dragons were terrible creatures undeserving of their monstrous tithes, right?), but Ravyna thought it was funny...
Treylis was utterly confused. He hadn't even had time to react to the first nudge when the dragon suddenly switched her tactics and began rubbing the side of her face across his broad shoulders. He couldn't help but take a small step forward from the force, and just like that, the snout had retreated and the dragon was gazing at her rider. His brown eyes locked on the creature, astonishment and shock leaving him immobile and silent. What had just happened?
The explanation came from a reluctant source, as Ravyna stuttered out her dragon's query. If his eyes hadn't been bugging out before, they certainly were now. He had just been caressed by a dragon... And that dragon now wished to know if he felt better for it. Treylis looked pained. He knew that the beasts had certain powers, in that they could communicate with their riders through thoughts, but he had never considered that they might be able to hear the thoughts of others around them. If this was the case, he was very much in danger, for his plots for escape and revenge had been ever-present on his mind of late. However, this dragon did not seem suspicious of him, rather concerned. Had it sensed merely wordless feelings? Even that was a remarkable thing...
"I..." he faltered, unsure how to respond. Should he be comforted by that touch? There was something very powerful about it...that a creature as mighty as a dragon had deigned to pay him so much attention... And there had been warmth, more than that of the air blown softly from the dragon's nostrils or that exuded by her hide... Treylis was suddenly very conflicted. It was very difficult indeed to hate the dragons at such a time, when he was suddenly filled with such warmth.
Luckily (or not), his search for suitable words was interrupted by Aclaryn's snide remarks. Treylis felt his cheeks flush fiercely at the jab, and the young Lordling was quite appalled to have been so taken off guard. It was horribly embarrassing to display such a response to his brother's ploy, especially when the truth of it was all too undeniable. His honey-flecked eyes flashed in minor outrage at his brother for ruining that moment and embarrassing him in front of Ravyna. He was letting himself become far too worked-up over this dragonrider and her dragon.
"It just surprised me," he snapped in Aclaryn's direction. "I didn't know if she was going to take a chunk out of me, after all." Treylis suddenly felt a wash of guilt, and he lowered his eyes, though speaking in the dragon's direction. "But it was...pleasant. I thank you for making an effort, not that it was needed, for I am perfectly...content." It was a weak lie, but he dared not display more emotion in front of his brother and this dragonrider.
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Post by B'kay on Jun 10, 2008 17:03:25 GMT -5
As if Ravyna wasn't startled enough by Igrainth's sudden show of affection for a total stranger, the response of the two men, and the subtle hints of rivalry and ... could it be outright dislike? ... between the brothers baffled her further.
The greenrider suppressed the urge to scowl ... she wasn't used to being quite so mentally upended. And of course it would have taken her dragon to initiate such a state. Despite herself, and despite the fact that she really would have liked to be annoyed by the situation, she couldn't help a small chuckle as she stroked Igrainth's silken neck.
Then, as she was wondering whether or not she should grin at Aclaryn's humor, Treylis's response brought such a reaction out if Igrainth that suddenly nothing else mattered.
"... take a chunk out of me.... "
The young green twitched at the words, and hung her head, as she backed up several steps. Her sparkling eyes dulled, and even the following comment that the touch was "pleasant" did not bring them back to their full brightness.
Ravyna's face shadowed with sorrow, and she stroked Igrainth's face lovingly. Young dragons could be so very sensitive.
She composed herself, knowing that if she came across sounding like a teaching harper scolding an errant schoolboy it would most certain rub this proud young man the wrong way.
"Dragons," she said quietly, "Do understand the words people say ... even if they choose only to converse with their own riders." She rested her cheek on Igrainth's face.
I would not have chunked him, the green said plaintively.
Ravyna smiled, and answered aloud, for the benefit of the two "guests". "I know you wouldn't have ... 'chunked' ... him, dear heart," she said softly. "Try to remember that these gentlemen don't know much about dragons, though ... and some of the things people believe about dragons in these times are very ... well, very wrong. And he did say your touch was pleasant." She scrubbed at the dragon's eye ridges playfully. "I think that means he likes you. And he did thank you."
Please tell him I You're Welcome him.
Her interaction with her beloved dragon having helped her gather control, Ravyna turned her smile on Aclaryn and Treylis. "Forgive me, I was also startled by Igrainth's response to you. She told me you 'smelled funny' ... now please don't be insulted. I'm not sure what that means, but she apparently mistook whatever she was sensing as some form of ... discomfort." Unembarrassed, she turned her gaze lovingly on her dragon. "She's very sensitive, you see, and has a strong nature to always try to do the right thing. And she welcomes your thanks, Lord Treylis."
Ravyna suppressed the thought that her dragon seemed to be taking on the role of her own conscience, and turned a smile on the two brothers, hoping it was suitably apologetic.
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Post by Shikai on Jun 12, 2008 23:31:27 GMT -5
Aclaryn’s grin broadened as he watched Treylis’s face flush with embarrassment. Really, it was only a joke! But Treylis never had known how to take a joke, he supposed. It was quite irritating, really, except when Aclaryn wanted to get such a reaction out of his brother. But now had not been such a time, and a barely perceptible glimmer of annoyance was in his eyes. Aclaryn certainly didn’t want to get into an argument with his brother in front of the greenrider!
Aclaryn froze, his body tensing in response to the nearly tangible tension in the air at Treylis’s remark. Why, Treylis, why? He mentally lamented. The situation had been going so well! It was hard to think now that just a short while previous Ravyna had been a significant threat to them. Fortunately, they were able to relax a bit, and seemed to be safe. And now Treylis had to say that! Clearly he had learned nothing about dragons and their riders, in his stay so far, which hardly surprised Aclaryn. It was quite clear to the younger brother that such feelings should never be expressed in front of dragonriders, who loved their dragons more than anything in the world. And, contrary to Aclaryn’s initial expectations, dragons weren’t all bad. Contrary to their appearance, they seemed to be quite docile and harmless, unless you were a herdbeast or a wherry!
He resisted the urge to kick or elbow Treylis, feeling that it wouldn’t improve the situation, and solemnly watched Ravyna’s face darken. This wasn’t good at all…
Fortunately, and perhaps a bit ironically, it was the naiveté of the young dragon herself. Ravyna’s smile evaporated the tension and brought relief to Aclaryn in a manner not unlike the reemergence of the sun during a storm. He smiled as well, half in relief and half because of the dragon’s terminology. ‘Chunked?’ It reminded him how like children young dragons could be. There was something so charming about it.
The innocent charm was only added to by Ravyna’s explanation of why Igrainth had nuzzled Treylis. Aclaryn chuckled aloud, and bit back a quip about Treylis smelling funny, as much as it pained him to pass up the opportunity. His last joke hadn’t gone over so well, and he certainly didn’t want to repeat the experience!
Aclaryn returned Ravyna’s smile, making it clear that no offence was taken on his end. Not that he would have any reason to be offended, but he was eager to do anything to restore the mood of the meeting to its former playfulness. He wasn’t supposed to flirt with her, of course, but Treylis didn’t seem to be showing any restraint, and Aclaryn certainly wasn’t going to sit back and let his brother do so without competition. Ravyna didn’t seem to mind, after all…And besides, maybe they were only banned from the more physical aspects of romance.
“Igrainth is certainly a wonderful dragon!” He said, in response to her loving description of her green. “A perfect match for her rider, I’m sure.” Aclaryn added, grinning, gazing steadily at Ravyna.
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Post by B'kay on Jun 13, 2008 10:41:50 GMT -5
Ravyna laughed softly, though kept her emotions level, at Aclaryn's "compliment", and turned it back on him good-naturedly. "The lovely Igrainth and her rider thank you, good sir," she said, and allowed the sparkle in her eyes to stray his way.
Oh, yes, she liked this one quite a lot, and found herself hoping he'd Impress a strapping brown or blue whom Igrainth might favor. Then followed the unsettling thought that just as Igrainth was reaching maturity, Aclaryn would most likely be entering weyrlinghood! Her mouth, which tended to sit slightly crooked on it's own, skewed slightly more to the side as she considered this predicament. But still, he was quite the charmer, and she sensed they might have much in common.
Igrainth, however, was still looking at Treylis, and reaching her muzzle toward him in hopes that he would consent to stroke her.
Naturally. Ravyna was quite taken by the one brother ... and her dragon favored the other!
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Post by Kitari on Jun 27, 2008 0:35:56 GMT -5
Treylis's emotions, which were already a swirling mixture of shame over his sudden outlash at the innocent young dragon and outrage over his brother's comment and his foiled escape attempt, were further upended by the entirely unexpected reaction from the green dragon. She recoiled as if struck, and her brilliantly whirling eyes seemed to drain of colour, far too quickly for his words to have been relayed through the rider. This was a startling realization for the Lordling, for he had not considered the dragons to be so intelligent. They understood mental communication with their riders, but he had envisioned that to be similar to a fire lizard's methods, if somewhat more sophisticated. This dragon, apparently, understood exactly what he had said.
With this also came the equally remarkable realization that dragons were...sensitive. She not only appeared hurt by his comments, but also sought reassurance from her rider, who quickly provided it. Treylis's cheeks flushed, despite his best attempts to keep his features calm, at Ravyna's confirmation of these conclusions. Her tone seemed to reflect the green's obvious pain, for it had lost its lilting tones, becoming soft and comforting for the green's benefit.
The unwilling candidate suddenly felt very uncomfortable. Although he loathed the dragonriders for stealing him away from his Holding, he had not meant to take that anger out on young innocents. This green was far from fully grown, and hurting her felt as terrible as kicking a canine puppy. When Ravyna spoke out loud to her dragon, Treylis's eyebrows raised in surprise. 'Chunked' him? It would have been a comical use of language in any other circumstance, but, unsurprisingly, the Lord Holder's son was in no mood to laugh.
As the dragonrider turned to address him once more, Treylis tried not to allow the discomfiture he was feeling to show through in his eyes. He met her gaze unflinchingly, though his fingers twitched slightly when she remarked upon his 'smelling funny'. That the dragon was so sensitive as to have picked up on his anxiety earlier was yet another surprise, and the Lordling quickly stored this detail away for further consideration. This would greatly complicate his plans for escape if dragons could practically read minds...in fact, he ought not to be thinking about that at all right now!
At Aclaryn's chuckle, Treylis tensed once again, but he was able to restrain himself this time. As was to be expected, his brother dismissed the entire conflict and began flirting unashamedly with the rider. It was so typical of Aclaryn to ignore a tense situation and seek only to meet his own desires! Treylis bit his tongue, trying not to glare at his brother and assuring himself that he was feeling only anger and not envy.
Such thoughts about the lovely rider were quickly dismissed, though, as Treylis's attention returned to the dragon once again. Much to his chagrin, the green was actually reaching out towards him with her snout again. He had been sure that his rash tongue had clouded her optimism about him entirely. That had almost been a comfort; it would be far easier to hate all dragons if they disliked him in turn. But it seemed that...Igrainth, was her name, had not given up on him yet. What did she want? Treylis was paralyzed for a moment, watching that questing muzzle and unsure how to respond. As if of its own mind, his hand raised slowly to meet the green snout, and he detected a faint tremor in it before contact was made.
Her hide was as soft as suede, and his fingers moved lightly over the surface, up her snout much as he would stroke a runner. Treylis found himself dazzled by the whirling eyes, entangled in their grasp. He was no longer aware of either rider or quarrelsome brother. There was only one thing he must do at this time, and it was to ask for this innocent dragon's forgiveness. "I apologize for my harsh words," he murmured, stroking the soft hide. "I know now that you wouldn't harm me, sweet Igrainth." His tone easily revealed his doubt in other dragons, or at least their riders, a confession he had not planned on making in the presence of any dragonrider. The bruise around his eye seemed to prickle at the memory of his forced assumption of candidacy, but he pushed such thoughts away, focusing only on trying to reassure this youngling. Panther, sensing his person's desires, crooned reassuringly to the big cousin, although he doubted Treylis's assertion that this was a 'youngling'.
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Post by B'kay on Jun 27, 2008 10:44:33 GMT -5
Ravyna's light flirting with Aclaryn was interrupted by her surprise as she watched her dragon reaching toward the taciturn brother. Treylis's face was like stone for a moment, and she wondered what thoughts were going through his mind. Unable to resist, she turned to watch as Igrainth approached the man, and as Treylis's hand reached toward the soft green muzzle.
Then the man's guarded expression softened, as she was certain thousands had before when a heart was touched by the gentle nature of dragonkind, and the words he spoke were soft and sincere. He spoke only to Igrainth, of course, but the rider could make out enough of what was said to know that he had opened his feelings to her, at least for the moment.
Ravyna's dark eyes shifted from Treylis, to Aclaryn, and back, and she could not hide the tender surprise in them. What was it about this man that so drew her dragon to him? Her actions toward the man, and his unexpected response, were so strange, so touching, that the young greenrider was having trouble holding back the tears that threatened to fill her eyes.
Igrainth, too, was touched by tenderness, and the whirling of her eyes slowed and shifted to a gentle aqua blue. She half closed her lids blissfully, and sent a warm, emotion-filled breath across the man's hand as it brushed past her nostrils. When the little cousin joined in the exchange, Igrainth included him in the affection she was radiating. Then she reached ever so slowly, as if afraid to startle him, toward Treylis's head ... and lightly nuzzled his cheek.
And then, unknown even to her rider, the young green dragon spoke a single word into the mind of the troubled Treylis, for she was sure that something still worried at his heart:
Friend.
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