Success isn't Bittersweet [open]

[wolflover1458]

It was some weeks after the hatching. The first few had all been a strange rush of activity for the both of them. Even Therion, who had been preparing for this for the last few Turns, had found herself somewhat overwhelmed at first. There was so much to caring for a dragon that she hadn't been prepared for or hadn't completely understood.

Not that she was complaining. It was just that she had needed some time to adjust to the busier schedule. It had taken some time, but she was fairly certain now that she understood just what it would take. With all the business of being a new Weyrling, it had been hard for her to get out and do anything. It would have been nice to just relax afterwards. But then, Weyrwomen were the leaders of the Weyr, and if she intended to do that, she had best be ready to work. She didn't need to relax as long as she had the kind of work she wanted to do.

She didn't, yet. But she would soon. Very soon. And after a few Turns she would find a way to become Senior Weyrwoman. Being, of course, highly qualified for it. Therion might be a young Weyrling, but she was already certain she was more fit to run the Weyr now than either of the women with several Turns more experience. To think someone else might be able to handle it better would be to turn against everything she loved about herself.

Kiiroth did not think in the same way, although Therion tried to not let herself be annoyed by this. The dragon was simply somewhat different from her rider. She still remembered that without Kiiroth, she would be nothing, and so she loved the dragon above all else.

Since Therion had somehow managed to find herself with a smidgen of free time in the day, Kiiroth had wanted to take the chance to go out to the Weyrbowl, to look around and just relax. So that was where Therion had taken her. There were several other dragons there as well, but she made no move to approach them. She shouldn't have too.

Kiiroth was beside her rider. Although a young creature, she was already higher than Therion, and didn't seem to be showing signs of stopping her fast growth. The only reason her shadow was small was that the sun was too high overhead to produce a large one. Her wings, still far too weak for any sort of flight, were tucked securely against her body. She simply lay next to her rider, glancing around the place that was her home while Therion contemplated things.

Now was supposedly the time when she was too discover all the bad parts about Impressing to a Queen, but the truth was she was still loving it. The whole Weyr knew who she was, the Weyrwomen noticed her (finally), and she was easily the most important of her classmates. In fact, she was the most important of all the other silly Weyrlings right now. She would be the most important Goldrider soon too. It was almost hard to believe she wasn't already. Those sharding other three were covering up Kiiroth's glory. Now she would have to work that much harder to get herself noticed. But she would do it. She'd already come this far. She could manage a little more.

Kiiroth had no interest of her own in this subject, although she would occasionally suggest that Therion consider just enjoying the role she was in now, and to try being content with it, before she tried to jump to the front of everything.

Therion felt rather mixed over this. She adored Kiiroth, but she couldn't stand the ideas the dragon seemed to have. She was never completely sure how to feel when they had these conversations. It bothered her immensely that she couldn't sort out why they couldn't just get along perfectly as she'd always imagined they would. She'd expected her Queen to agree with everything she wanted. She loved Kiiroth, but the fact that she didn't just confused and annoyed her. She didn't want to dislike Kiiroth. The dragon was supremely important, after all, but she still felt as though she was somewhat discontent.

For the most part though, life was good. With a little more effort, it would be getting even better, no matter what Kiiroth might think. Therion was on a roll; she wasn't about to stop now.

[Yuu Kanduet]

There was a rhythmic beat of thuds as B'hari jogged his second lap around the lake in the center of the Weyrbowl. Maximuth had joined him for the first half of the first lap, but B'hari sent him off to go sun or swim because the growing Bronze kept looking longingly towards the beach. Now the Bronze was emerging from the lake where he had been floundering and coming up to where B'hari was drawing to a stop with a curious expression on his face.

What is it? You haven't been in the water long.

Reaching out so that he could rub the Bronze's face with his hands, B'hari took silent comfort in the feel of his dragon. Maximuth had quickly grown used to the frequent touched and rubs. It was almost as if B'hari's was only capable of showing affection through these touches because even Maximuth had felt the brunt of many a tongue lashings.

My Golden sister is right over there. It would be prudent of us to say hello.

Looking over in the area indicated by the Bronzes broad muzzle, B'hari saw not only the growing Gold, but her tauntable rider as well. A slow grin spread over B'hari's face as he panted lightly from his run, and Maximuth bumped him hard with his snout. Without thinking, B'hari's hands came up and braced themselves against the Bronzes face with his fingers fanned against the warm hide.

Maximuth nipped lightly at the hand closest to his mouth, and B'hari ran his fingers over the Bronze's front teeth before withdrawing his hands.

Mine, you should not continue to alienate the Goldrider. Did you not explain positional respect to that drudge the other day?

B'hari started walking in the direction of the Gold and her rider with his Bronze in tow.

That was different. I taunt Therion because I have come to respect her. Maybe one day I might even be moved to think of her as a friend. Because of that, I must treat her as cruelly as possible.

There was a sense of incredulity and exasperation from the Bronze at that. They had been over this topic often, but Maximuth just didn't understand how B'hari did things. Not that B'hari understood much of what motivated Maximuth's actions. They were as different as night and day, and it sometimes got difficult to compromise since they were both quite stubborn. When they did work things out, the two of them balanced each other's extremes.

Coming to a stop near the two females, Maximuth greeted Kiiroth.

Greetings Kiiroth, you are doing well?[/b][/color]

Unlike his Bronze's cordial greeting, B'hari cocked his head and gave an infuriating grin.

"So what brings such an important weyrling such as yourself amongst us mortals? Hm?"

[wolflover1458]

Therion had initially come out to the Weyrbowl just to let Kiiroth take a look around the place, but upon arriving she had come to just settle down and relax herself. She didn't get many breaks between their daily lessons, so she might as well enjoy it while she could. Kiiroth seemed to like having just the two of them together as well. So she hadn't, of course, been paying any attention to who was around her, and it was only thanks to Kiiroth that she was given some warning as to the arrival of B'hari and Maximuth.

Oh wonderful. One of the children was back. She tried to avoid the two during lessons (still annoyed that both Bronzes had gone to people way too young for her attention) and wasn't to bothered with them otherwise.

I like to see my siblings, Kiiroth replied. She, unlike her rider, was rather pleased to see the two. It was only right that she have some interaction with her siblings, even if Therion didn't enjoy it as much. The Queen looked over happily as Maximuth approached. I am well, thank you. It is nice to see you Maximuth.

Therion ignored the amiable nature of her dragon to the pair. It didn't matter what Kiiroth thought; she wasn't happy to see them. B'hari was always just trouble. Him and his little friend H'nuk did nothing but try to bug her. She probably should have done the bigger thing and just ignored it, but to her, that would have been like letting the two win, and she couldn't allow that. They had to learn their place, after all. Obviously it was a hard lesson for them. Jealousy, no doubt, that they could never be as important as a Weyrwoman was.

She knew B'hari's comment was about as sarcastic as one could get, but it didn't really bother her. She wasn't backing down from him.

"Well, I have to talk you guys sometimes. Otherwise you might think we were a little too divine. I can only take so much worship."

Total lie, of course. She could eat up all the worship they were willing to give her, not that she got any. Yet, anyways.

She could feel how uncomfortable Kiiroth was with this idea. The Gold had no interest of her own in doing anything but being a dragon of the Weyr, and acting as she should, while being treated as she should. Trying to go above that in some fashion was not something she wanted to attempt, and even Therion's thoughts were perturbing for the dragon, even if it was to never happen.

Calm down Kiiroth. I'm sure you'll be perfectly happy with however we do end up. Therion was sure it could be true, so long as the dragon was eventually willing to come to accept Therion's way of thinking. She really hadn't bargained for there being any differences between herself and her dragon. What an odd problem to come across.

[Inadua]

The apprentice Dragonhealer giggled as she approached the two, trying to be polite as she interrupted the Weyrlings. "Pardon me." Though her arms were full, the girl managed a little incline of her torso, bowing briefly to both Therion and B'hari.

Tucking strands of straight black hair behind an ear, Kaeul quickly went back to hanging onto a very full basket of supplies with both arms. She was being absent minded enough that she didn't give her name right away, but either of the Weyrlings would probably have at least vaguely recognized her as a help-meet for the dragon's health needs.
"Glad to catch someone not in class finally. How are you both on oil supply for Kiiroth and Maximuth's hides? They're looking splendid... But, if you are getting low on oil or need anything else for either of them, please let me know."

Kaeul had been on her way back to the infirmary, but thought it would be appropriate to stop and visit with the two Weyrlings and their dragons individually, giving them a little more personal attention. The young woman was smiling, pursing her lips together, seeming a bit sheepish as her eyes focused on the Bronze beast first, and then the Gold, doing a quick once over to check for any outward signs of ill health.

[Yuu Kanduet]

Giving another of his snarky grins, B'hari crossed his arms and cocked his hips. Therion was his absolute favorite person to tease. She wasn't nearly as dull as most of his targets. That made her fun. Though before B'hari could respond with another taunt in hopes of starting a fight just for the sake of amusement. Someone interrupted him.

Turning his head with the slow precision of someone who was annoyed beyond belief but loathe to admit it, B'hari silently studied the familiar face of the apprentice dragon healer, Kale or something. B'hari hadn't been paying much attention to her name since it was only her craft he was interested in. Did she not see that he had been in the middle of starting a potentially nasty verbal battle with his greatest opponent?

Maximuth didn't share his rider's annoyance and offered a slow but polite bob of his head in the dragon healer's direction before returning his attentions solely to his Golden sister. Kiiroth was a pleasant conversation partner, and Maximuth had never shared B'hari's mocking opinions of his siblings.

May I lie with you Kiiroth while our riders speak? Knowing Mine B'hari it will be a lengthy conversation, and it has been some time since I have had an opportunity to speak with you.

The Bronze had learned to just ignore his rider when B'hari started to speak to someone because if he tried to intercede then B'hari would start a long monologue of interpersonal relations for the sole purpose of manipulating them to get what you want. B'hari would go on for some time about how different people reacted in different ways and what type of emotions you needs to portray in each situation for the most favorable outcomes. Maximuth had no patience for such underhanded methods, and the two of them would agree to disagree.

B'hari had no stomach for fights between them. The first time Maximuth had snapped and refused to speak to his rider, B'hari had become distraught and apologized profusely while attempting to bury his face in the Bronze's hide. This had in turn upset Maximuth, and he immediately forgot his anger.

[wolflover1458]

Therion hadn't noticed the approach of yet another person until B'hari had turned to notice her. She had been too absorbed in what was about to become a nice fight between the two, but this healer girl had butted in. Well, she had better have had a good reason. Being interrupted was not a good way to prove she could handle herself against the more childish Weyrlings.

It took her a little while to comprehend the question she had been asked through the pure annoyance that she felt. As such, she was hardly in her best of moods (not that even that was saying much) when she turned to respond.

"I'm perfectly all right. You think I'd be willing to risk running out of anything to care for Kiiroth? I always make sure I'm well-stocked on everything she might need." It was foolish to think otherwise. Only someone that didn't understand might ask such a question. Not making sure Kiiroth was cared for would be absolutely ridiculous, and having to be interrupted over something like that was even more so.

Kiiroth choose to ignore the abrasiveness of her rider. She was often confused by Therion's need to treat everyone as inferior, and oftentimes found it easiest to just ignore it. Maximuth was kind enough to lend his attention to her so she could have something else to think about.

You are welcome by me, Maximuth. It is nice to have someone to talk too when my rider is busy. The young Queen diverted her gaze from the three people and turned instead to look at her Bronze sibling. She moved her tail to make him feel welcome to sit closer to her if he liked. Kiiroth didn't mind getting the attention in the least. She might be rather kind-hearted, but she was still a Queen.

[Inadua]

For the briefest moment, when Therion turned to answer her query, the girl's smile disappeared, worried that she'd somehow really upset the Goldrider. That moment was fleeting however, and quickly, she was all bubbly again.
"Of course! I'm sorry. I never meant to imply you would ever be capable of neglecting dear Kiiroth. She is much too precious."
The girl giggled for just a moment and then decided to be the first to leave so she could get back to her duties. "Just let me know if there's anything she needs that I can assist with, alright?"
Giving a little wave to both the riders and their dragons, Kaeul turned back in the direction of the infirmary, returning to her work.

[Yuu Kanduet]

Therion snapped out a reply at the healer, and B'hari watched impassive. He didn't really care what transpired between between the healer and the Goldrider. As long as the healer didn't actually insult Theron. That was his and H'nuk's job. Besides, Kale or whatever her name was didn't really seem the sort to go around insulting riders of any type. She was nice enough, and had B'hari met her under normal circumstances, he might have even engaged in polite conversation. However, this was a private pissing match, and outsiders weren't welcome.

The healer seemed to sense the mood, and soon departed, much to B'hari's pleasure. He watched her back for a moment as if to say that the healer was more interesting then Therion, but he got impatient too quickly. Thus negating much of the implied insult.

"You're Gold is just too precious Therion. It's a real shame you can't be half as impressive."

B'hari's tone was low and sincere sounding and coupled with an earnest look of disappointment. It was a face that B'hari had picked up early on from the many adults that sought to scold and embarrass. It was a look that the Bronzerider associated with condescending attitudes, a sort of mock haughtiness that he hoped would anger his female foe.

Maximuth moved to lay beside the fair Gold, and even boldly moved close enough to brush her side slightly with his own. The Bronze was smaller than his clutchmate, something that happened rarely when laying with one of his other siblings. It was a novel experience.

You are growing rather nicely. Have you managed to decide if you will be larger or smaller than the rest of the Golds? B'hari swears that I will be the largest Bronze, but I do not think so. Just as believe he will be rather small when grown. It is a point of discussion he prefers to avoid.

There was a low rumble in the deep barrel of Maximuth's chest. The Bronze had always loved the way B'hari was so sensitive about his height. Maximuth had tried to explain that he had not chosen the boy for his size, but the young weyrling insisted that a short Bronzerider was impossible, that he would soon go through a massive growth spurt.

Sometimes we must agree to disagree. Otherwise, B'hari and I would be fighting constantly. We do not often- as he like to say- see eye-to-eye.