Proddy Much?? (Open)

[firethorne]

Though I love you, ridermine, there are times you bore me senseless.

Smirking, not even bothering to look up from her record skins, the Weyrwoman of Refuge quirked a brow and chuckled to herself. Is that so, my precious queen? What would you have of me, then? Raelwyn's nose had been buried in paperwork since early morning, and it was now midday, the sun shining high in the clear blue skies. Of course, the goldrider only knew so because of the images from her dragon, sunning on her ledge and thumping her tail rhythmically in boredom. Sighing, Rael smoothed the skins down on the table before her, standing and arching her back, stretching her muscles in a glorious way.

Blinking, the gold hummed lowly and shifted, curling her body upright instead of laying on her side as she had been. You have been filling my head with accounts of twoleg food so long the great light has moved from low to high. I want a bath. And I want it now. Swinging her massive head around to stare at her weyr entrance, the glittering queen let out a short trumpet, her eyes whirling with impatience.

Turning to stride across the stone floor, the Weyrwoman grinned to herself, easily recognizing this terse attitude from her usually sweet gold. The sunny queen had been growing brighter and brighter each day, her luminescent hide starting to shimmer with iridescence even as night fell. There was no mistaking her glow and pissy attitude. Aeriath would soon Rise. Raelwyn was immeasurably pleased by this, of course, having been worried that her dragon had not Flown in three turns. It was about time a new clutch hardened on the sands of Refuge. Smiling apologetically, the Weyrwoman sent her queen soothing and loving thoughts. Let's go the lake, Ari. You need some pampering, love. Rael had indeed been sending runners all over the weyr since morning, requesting more foraged fruits and grown vegetables from their small, surrounding farms. Their supply was growing a bit low for her liking, but that had been taken care of, now. At this moment, it was time to see to her dragon.

Throwing off her clothes, Raelwyn pulled on a light shirt and skirt, pinning her hair up to keep it out of the way. Jogging out to her ledge, the woman grinned as Aeriath shoved her huge head against her body, humming with pleasure. Come on, love. Stepping lightly onto the gold's outstretched foreleg, the Weyrwoman settled between the large neckridges, holding on tightly as the sunny-colored queen leapt up and glided down to the bowl. Arching her neck, Aeriath flicked her tail and tilted, knowing the sun would gleam against her light hide and practically make her sparkle. She was a good queen, but even so, she had her vanity. Smirking, Raelwyn, wisely, decided to keep her own council on that.

As her rider gracefully hopped to the ground, Aeriath hummed and jumped up, diving into the waters of the lake with a mighty splash. Breaking above water, the gold shook her head, taking her time swimming back to shore. The sun is warm and the water is cold. It is good.

Smiling tenderly, Raelwyn waded in, reaching down to grab some sand. Let's get you scrubbed off, love. I know there is an itchy spot on your shoulder to see to first. Still humming with pleasure, the great queen rolled her body slightly, presenting the problem-spot to her rider, heaving a sigh of contentment as the Weyrwoman scrubbed vigorously against her skin.

As much as I love you, Ari, sometimes I wish I didn't have to clean all of you by myself. Have I mentioned you are massive, my love? Snorting, the gold flicked her tail and sent small splatters of water at her rider. Grinning playfully, Raelwyn slapped the queen's shoulder, winking at her. Easy, love. I was only teasing.

Mostly.

[Marnark]

Nienoth slipped from the edge of the forest as he witnessed his lovely Queen headed to the water. To bathe! So pretty. He was wise enough to keep his mental and literal mouth shut though, as much as he wanted to croon to her adoringly.

For a moment he sat down, though the seating was entirely ambiguous. Too much fidgeting and wiggling to really be called sitting still. His was busy with something his-ish. Leaving the bronze to his own devices for the time being. Of course, of late, his own devices had been completely and totally revolving around Aeriath. Watching her, admiring her, all that fun stuff.

Now, though, he just couldn't help himself. He wanted to get closer.

Slipping into the other side of the lake, he swam across it over to where the Gold was getting her spa-bath. Standing up out of the water, he edged closer to her, not sure if he was going to be welcome or snapped at. Dipping his snout into the lake, he sucked up a giant mouthful of water, before leaning over as far as he could reach with his neck and dribbling it on the Queen.

Help her bathe, yes? Hopefully that would go over well. Hopefully she wouldn't see it as spitting on her!

[firethorne]

Heaving a sigh of contentment as her rider rubbed that pesky itchy spot away, Aeriath's humming deepened, her eyes slowly closing. Mental communication was no longer needed between woman and dragon, their bond so deep and so pure each knew the wishes of the other without the need to speak. Raelwyn moved on from her shoulder, down to the gold's side, her small hands scrubbing deliciously hard. The sunny-hued queen shivered in pleasure, becoming so very pliant beneath the Weyrwoman's experienced and talented hands. This is what she had been wanting all day.

Smiling tenderly to herself as waves of satisfaction and delight rolled off her beloved dragon, Raelwyn scrubbed as hard as she could, wanting nothing more than to pamper and soothe the queen. Aeriath was beginning to get proddy alright, but the Weyrwoman had been rather busy as of late, and they did not get to spend time together just being girls nearly enough. Her sweet gold deserved an afternoon of nothing but relaxation. Scooping up more sand and pressing against her queen's haunch, the Weyrwoman paused as she caught movement from the corner of her eye. Green gaze darting to the other side of the lake, Raelwyn felt a smirk curve her lips as she recognized the approaching dragon.

Oh, love, it seems we have a visitor. Chuckling slightly, the woman reapplied herself to scrubbing Aeriath's flanks.

Mm. I do not need company, Mine. I am content with my bath.

Her smirk growing even larger, Raelwyn quirked a brow. Even bronze company, my love?

Blinking, the queen raised her head slightly, her eyes sliding open as she gazed at the newcomer. Watching with a whirling regard as the bronze edged closer, Aeriath observed him silently, contemplating welcoming him or growling in warning. Quite generally, the gold would have been more than pleased to croon lowly and invite one of her lovely bronzes closer, but the queen was proddy now, and she considered which to do. Watching curiously as he dipped his head into the water and leaned over her, Ari finally resumed humming deeply in her chest, settling down and allowing the other dragon to shower her with attention.

Raelwyn chuckled lowly at the bronze's attentiveness, idly wandering where A'lez was. Making her way towards the queen's head, the Weyrwoman paused and inclined her head to the other dragon. "Good day, Nienoth." She said warmly, then grabbed more sand to rub on Ari's lowered neck.

Yes, good day, Nienoth. Aeriath finally said, her voice low and slow with lazy contentment. I have more sand on my haunches, my bronze one. The queen said pointedly, waiting for him to wash it off. After all, she was glowing and beautiful and perfect, and soon she would Rise and make her bronzes prove themselves. It was good of Nienoth to be so attentive.

[Marnark]

Good day, Aeriath's Nienoth answered pleasantly, happily scooping up more water and showering that on the golden Queen again. He was completely elated that she'd accepted his nearness, and even was allowed him to stay! But of course, pampering a Queen usually put a body in her good graces. Nienoth hadn't lived as long as he had and not figured that one out. Marvelous day, Aeriath Queen. It was a good thing he could still talk even with his mouth busy with showering her in cool water that just made her freshly scrubbed hide sparkle.

Of course, my Queen. I will attend to it. Anywhere else that needs special attention? Nienoth acquiesced, pouring more water over her lovely, oh so lovely haunches. But he knew better than to do anything more than what he'd already miraculously been granted to do. Sitting down in the water near where she was sprawled out so languid and perfect, Nienoth was quite happy to keep showering her in new water as her rider scrubbed her down.

So pretty ~~~~

Nienoth knew it was probably naive to think that pampering the Queen so would earn him any extra points when it came time, but hey. It couldn't hurt his chances, either. Now if only his would get his rump in gear and try flattering Aeriath's a little more than he did. Nienoth knew that might help him win! But noooooooo. His was stubborn that way and did not do anything just because Nienoth wanted him to.

[firethorne]

Smiling to herself as the bronze replied, Raelwyn worked her way down her dragon's neck methodically, taking care not to miss a single speck of the glorious golden hide. She had promised her precious queen that she would be pampered and fawned over, and her rider intended to do just that. Of course, it did not hurt to have a wingleader also showering Aeriath with attention as well, indulging her whims alongside her. Between the two of them, the gold would surely be pleased with her bath.

A deep hum thrummed through the queen's chest as Nienoth returned her greeting, the protective lid sliding over her whirling eyes so she could still observe the wingleader when she wished but no water would bother her. Oh, now this she could get used to! Her beloved rider on one side, and a nice, handsome bronze on the other, content to please her in any way she asked. A shiver of pure delight danced from her nose to the tip of her tail as another shower of cold water dropped across her, washing the sand away to reveal her shimmering hide.

Grinning to herself as she watched the bronze and her queen, the Weyrwoman couldn't help but be rather amused at Nienoth's actions. She had never seen another dragon find such a clever way to help give Aeriath a bath, but she knew that he was certainly earning himself points with the gold. Finished with the current side of Ari's neck, the woman moved down to her chest, water dripping on her as well. Ah well, it was of no consequence. Every rider eventually got soaked when bathing their dragon, even the Weyrwoman. By now, she certain knew better than to wear white.

Mm. Perhaps my neck now, my dear bronze. Arching her neck slightly to give the wingleader a better angle, the gold flicked her tail against his flirtatiously, sure to blink coyly at him as she did. My Nienoth, you are a good bronze to see to me so. Others could learn well from you.

Wisely, Raelwyn only grinned and kept silent.

[Marnark]

Nienoth edged a bit closer, shuffling his feet and haunches in the water. Closer, and further along her prone form, trying to stay out of hers' way at the same time. Toes and talons sinking into the cool sand of the lake floor, there was hardly a better place to be spending the afternoon, in his opinion.

Right away. He agreed, in response to Aeriath's request. Leaning over, he dribbled more water, this time along her neck, making sure that every inch of her glorious hide was wetted and rinsed. It would not do to miss a single spot. Fetching a fresh mouthful of water, he resumed where the last had fallen short.

Earning such a glorious bit of praise from his Queen made Nienoth giddy all over. She was happy with him! That was always a good thing. Of course, my Queen. You deserve no less and much more. He answered, as humbly as he could muster given his rather fluffed up ego. He was a Bronze, after all, and he knew it. It was utterly impossible for him to be totally humble. They well indeed could. I would endeavor to teach them but I fear my council would fall on partially deaf ears.[/color]

Case in point. Despite the fluffing she'd done to his ego, he had to go help, too. I would get mine out here to help, too, but I am afraid he thinks he has better things to do. I have yet to make him understand the truth. He apologized, sincerely, scooping up more water.

[firethorne]

Heaving a great sigh, the gold felt perfectly content to laze about while Hers and a handsome bronze spoiled her utterly. It was a wonderful afternoon, more than making up for the horrid, tedious morning she had endured listening to her beloved rider issue constant commands for twoleg food. Aeriath was generally far more tolerant of such things, but as proddy as she was, it was a miracle she was acting as mellow as she had. Nienoth quickly acquiesced to her wishes, which only contributed to the queen’s rapidly improving mood. Tilting her neck this way and that as he ran cool water over her golden hide, Ari hummed in response.

Yes, I do. She agreed, sounding rather flirtatious. After all, was she not one of the last queens on Pern, one of the only mothers left to carry on dragonkind? Aeriath was a rare, rare flower indeed, and she deserved such attention and praise, did she not? How sweet of you to say. The gold lifted her head after her neck had been washed completely clean by her good, handsome bronze, and swiveled her face towards him. How foolish of them. Perhaps they do not wish to please their queen as you do.

Moving along her dragon’s chest and around to the other side, Raelwyn was careful to keep clear of the bronze, mindful of those large feet. Beginning on her queen’s shoulder, the Weyrwoman only smiled to herself as one side of their conversation echoed through her mind. She could only begin to guess what sort of things the wingleader was saying to Ari.

Blinking, the gold regarded Nienoth silently for a moment, weighing his apology. Better things? I cannot imagine what is more important than me. Rustling her wings slightly, stretching them out a big to give Hers more room to work, Aeriath moved her face closer to the bronze. Does he find Mine displeasing? I do not see how. I have chosen her, so she is a perfect specimen of a twoleg. Surely he realizes her beauty is surpassed by only me.

Nearly falling into the water as she heard those words out of her gold, Raelwyn’s brows shot up in surprise. Ari! She hissed, thumping her dragon gently on the shoulder, Do not say such things about me! About you, love, of course, but not I.

Snoring, choosing to ignore her rider’s protests, the queen moved her face even closer to Nienoth, trilling lowly. You are a good dragon, my bronze. You please me. Yours should learn to attend to your advice. Arching her neck high, the sunny-colored gold hummed flirtatiously. My chest now.

[Marnark]

Nienoth fluttered a bit, not really sure what to say now. It was a place to tread carefully ... he could either please her, or dig himself an early grave. There was little middle ground. So he tried very hard to think very carefully on what he might say. I cannot say, my Queen. I cannot speak for them. I can only speak for me, and I can only order them so far. he explained, hoping that would do. After all, it was true. He did not wield the awesome power of command that she did, only able to control his wing through respect or the rare bit of intimidation. But I assure you, I will always do my best to please my Queen in any way I can. He swore. And it, too, was true, to a point. She was a rare flower indeed, and because of that, there was no other Queen to steal the lusty attentions of the Bronze when it came their time. For, Bronze was Bronze and no Bronze would say no to a Queen, regardless who she was.

Right now, Aeriath was the Queen of his eye, only Queen on Pern or not.

I cannot imagine, either. For I keep telling mine, nothing is more important than our Queen and hers! But he is a strange one, mine. It is not that he does not respect or admire you or yours... I don't understand him. I know he realizes the perfection, but he insists on not being obvious? I do not understand how admiration is to be known if it is not made blatantly obvious? Do you know, perhaps? Nienoth answered, genuinely confused by the backwards mannerisms of his. If a fellow wanted a lady, he wasn't going to win her by not chasing after her! No? Of course, he was a dragon, and he thought like a dragon.

Encouraged, Nienoth puffed out his chest, proud to be called a good dragon by his Queen. She had seen his efforts and was glad for them. It made him feel giddy all over. I will always endeavor to please you, Queen Aeriath. He answered, stooping to pull up a fresh mouthful of chill water from farther out in the lake. Moving his head back over to her, he obliged her request. Instead of just letting the water dribble out of his mouth, though, he pursed his bottom lip and pressurized the water with his tongue, making the water jet onto her chest, washing the sand away in a gentle pattering of water that was not raining straight down.

She was so beautiful~~~~~

Nienoth could not wait till the day when he would earn the right to curl up with her and nuzzle that lovely golden hide all day. Being so close and not touching was excruciating!! Nienoth would not deny it; he wanted his Queen. Wanted her all for himself!

[firethorne]

Shifting slightly as Hers moved about, scrubbing every inch of hide, Aeriath weighed the wingleader’s response silently. It was true enough that he did not have the power to order other dragons as she did, for none of their kind would ever disobey a queen. Any command she gave would be followed, and if she so desired, the gold could have called every bronze and brown down to her paws at that moment to apologize for not attending to her as she wished. However, as much as Ari loved compliments, she was not so vain as to disrupt the entire weyr for them. Besides, if they didn’t think to come please her on their own accord, then she didn’t want their attentions. Forced interest was worthless to the queen. Finally, she said, At least there is one bronze who will do so. I suppose neither of us can know the minds of others, but they will know my displeasure with them soon enough.

Blinking, the gold was both frustrated and amused by Nienoth’s reply. Frustrated that his rider did not understand the importance of she and her rider, but amused greatly by the bronze’s confusion. Humming softly, Aeriath chuckled mentally, flicking her tail against him coyly. Mine has always said most men do not have any sense when it comes to females. I find you to be the exception, my dear Nienoth. I agree, if one does not express their appreciation to the object of their desire, how then shall the lady know of his admiration? I cannot explain it, either. Tilting her head to the side, the queen contemplated their discussion for a moment, but no revelations came to her on the subject. No, she was just as confused by his rider’s actions as the bronze was. If Nienoth’s realized the utter perfection of her rider, then why did he not show it?

Shaking her head, the Weyrwoman decided she had been silent long enough. From hearing Aeriath’s side of the conversation, Raelwyn understood well enough what they were talking about, and tapped her gold’s side gently. Human women are not like dragons, love. We are not…made to be admired openly as you are. You deserve all the praise and attention of every dragon here, sweet, but I am not to be won as a prize. That is not how I wish to be courted. Rael could feel the confusion from her queen as she replied, a smile coming to her lips as she did. Ari did not understand her sentiments, for they seemed foolish to her, but nonetheless, she finally dipped her head in acquiescence.

How strange. I will not say I agree, Mine, but your wishes are always more important to me. Turning her attention back on the dragon beside her, the gold hummed in pleasure at his words, her claws kneading the sand beneath her as he sprayed her chest. As you should. This pleases me much, my Nienoth. How very clever of him to think of such a thing. Would not such an attentive, intelligent bronze make a fine mate for her? The sunny-hued queen regarded the dragon before her thoughtfully. There were only four bronzes for Aeriath at Refuge, which sometimes displeased her. In her mind, she deserved a full wing of bronzes to cherish and fawn over her! However, Raelwyn was always worried over their dwindling numbers, so the gold tried not to dwell on it very much. She did not wish to upset Hers. For a moment, the dragon considered touching her nose to Nienoth, then decided against it. No, she was the beautiful, glowing queen of Refuge, and no bronze had earned the right to touch her now! They soon would, though. Very soon.

Ah, her rider had moved on. My other shoulder, sweet Nienoth. Aeriath trilled, watching him with eyes that whirled in pleasure. After a moment, she added, When Mine has finished scrubbing me, we shall take a swim, you and I. The water is too pleasant, we must enjoy it. She did not ask. She stated. After all, what bronze would ever say no to a queen?

[Marnark]

As you deign proper, fairest Queen. Nienoth agreed, shifting his feet on the lake bed as he washed her off. It wouldn't do to lean too far and go a-sprawling in the mud, after all. It would not only be horribly embarrassing, but it would also serve insult to the Queen! Nienoth was not one to tolerate that, much less be the culprit himself.

He did revel in the notion that the Queen found him to be an exception to a frustrating rule. It made him feel quite good about himself and confident at the same time. Which was good! Like any Bronze worth his salt, he liked being flattered just as much as any Queen did. And of course, a compliment from a Queen had ten times as much weight as any compliment from anyone else. And a hundred times the weight of one from one's own Rider! It was also quite flattering that she was agreeing with his assessment of things. He made plumb sure to make sure to not miss a single spot on her lovely hide, rinsing her off a few times over just for good measure. That, and it gave him something to do, allowing him to stay closer for longer.

He carefully remained silent the whole time Aeriath was talking to her rider, though, not wanting to interrupt what he was utterly positive was a discussion of the most high importance. When she requested that he do her other shoulder, he obliged by slipping back into the lake proper, wading around behind her, and walking back up on her other side. It would not do to kick up any sand or mud in her vicinity after all. Settling there, and flicking his tail around his feet, Nienoth sat down once more and resumed dribbling water down the Golden Queen's shoulders. Like so, or more? he asked, politely.

Of course, my Queen. I would be delighted to accompany you on a swim. he assured her, quite happily. He tried to keep that toned down, though ... being overeager was not stately after all, and bronzes were to be stately after all! How else to make a good escort for the lovely Queen?

[firethorne]

Nodding her head, more to herself than anything, the gold did not see the need to answer that. After all, everything was indeed as she decided, and no one could really deny her. Aeriath was the only queen in Refuge, and aside from her rider, who could ever argue against her? No dragon would dare, and even ranking twolegs only had the courage to approach her occasionally, and they did so with the upmost reverence. As it should be, naturally.

That is good. The gold said softly, the sand sliding off her shoulder completely thanks to her companion’s efforts. Her rider moved onward, but Aeriath did not think she needed to instruct her bronze further. He was most apt at washing her thoroughly, and she rather thought he could tell where he needed to wash next without her saying so.

Slowly whirling eyes following the bronze’s movements, Aeriath let out a contented sigh as he and Hers worked about her body. With nine turns of practice, Raelwyn had become a most excellent scrubber, and oh Faranth did it feel good. The cool, refreshing water that Nienoth then supplied afterwards only served to deepen her pleasure, and before long the gold was blinking slowly to fight off sleep. She still wished to have a short swim, however, and so decided against going back to her ledge after her bath. Besides, she had already invited the wingleader to accompany her, and would not be so rude as to brush him aside so soon afterwards. I should expect you would, my dear bronze. The queen said coyly, rather flirtatious in her mindvoice. She liked Nienoth.

Finally, quite a bit later, the Weyrwoman finished scrubbing the last of the iridescent golden hide, and let out a sigh, arching her back and stretching to work out the kinks in her muscles. How is that, love? Raelwyn asked softly, stepping lightly to her dragon’s head and scratching her eyeridges with practiced expertise.

Humming with pleasure, the gold nosed her rider gently. I am very content, Mine.

Good. Rael said with a grin, then slowly waded back to shore. I am going to have my own bath now. I know you and Nienoth are going swimming, so have fun, love. Pausing to grab her sandals that were sitting on the edge of the lake, the queenrider then made her way across the bowl towards the stairs that led to her weyr.

Tossing her head, the gold trumpeted loudly towards the Weyrwoman. Enjoy yourself, Mine. Too bad you do not have a male to aid you, as I do. Mentally chuckling, only teasing, Aeriath received wicked pleasure out of the angry stutters her rider threw back. Rather proud of herself, the queen turned and regarded her bronze companion.

Come, sweet Nienoth, let us go. Padding towards the deeper waters, Aeriath pushed away from the bottom and swam slowly through the cool water. The protective lid sliding over her whirling eyes, the queen slipped under the surface quietly, enjoying the feel of the water all over. Knowing that no dragon, from green to bronze, could defy an order from or lie to a gold, Ari posed a question to her companion. With his unwillingness to approach me and Mine, do you think Yours would make a fitting mate for my rider?

[Marnark]

Nienoth was very careful to finish rinsing Aeriath thoroughly once hers was done scrubbing her to satisfaction. No spec of sand remaining would be tolerated. She deserved nothing less and so very much more. Once the job was done to his meticulous eye, Nienoth sat back in the water to inspect the job one last time. His eyes whirled slowly in very pleased colors as he was very very glad she was so very pleased with him. It made him feel good, too, to know that he had pleased her so thoroughly. You deserve nothing less, and so much more, my Queen. He assured her, quite happy to lay on the butter as thick as he could apply it.

Nienoth sat still as he watched Aeriath's wade out of the lake, pick up her shoes, and head off to wherever it was she was going. Returning his gaze to the Queen herself, he got to his feet, slightly opening his wings to allow the water to run out of the folds of wing sail. Certainly. he agreed, more than willing to follow Aeriath out into the lake proper. Turning, he waited for her to go first, so as to not muddy and soil the water for her with his own footsteps. Following after her and slightly off to one side, he was more than content as he slid into the water, pushing off of the shallows with his hind feet. Closing his wings up on top of his back, he paddled leisurely after her. Now that he wasn't going to be stirring up any murk just by being there, he dared to edge up just a touch so he wasn't exactly behind her, but not quite beside. He wanted to be with her, so very badly. And it was only polite to be there if she was going to converse with him. But at the same time ... he didn't want to come off looking like he thought he was equal to her. He liked to fancy he was the best of all Bronzes, worthy of her attention, but he was quite sharp enough to realize that even he, the best of all Bronzes, was not on par with the lovely Aeriath. Never would he be, either.

Everything was going so very well, and she had to go ruin it with rather difficult questions!! Nienoth paddled in silence for a heartbeat, trying to think on how to answer it. He could not, and would not lie to her. That was given. But he could try to put matters in the best light possible. For he feared that if things were not to her liking, she would reject him so very quickly, over the stupidity of his. That would just not do! He wanted her affection so very much. He'd kick his own tail forevermore if he somehow managed to piss her off.

I do think mine would, yes. It is not as simple as that. Mine respects yours quite a lot, and to his thinking does not want to bother her with trivial things. But it confuses me even there, for mine does not feel it trivial, mine just seems to think yours will think it is. Or something silly like that. Mine likes yours a lot, my Queen. But mine is also touched in the head, being all stuck on being honor bound and duty oriented. He does not want his own notions to get in the way of the fluidity of the Weyr, and the stability of the hierarchy. Mine ... he is also aware that Zorometh's is pursuing yours, my Queen. Mine does not wish to step on toes, get in the way, or cause strife in what is otherwise an operable leadership. I guess you could say that mine prefers to put the Weyr ahead of any of his own personal notions. So on one wing, I would say that he would. Because he wants to be. But on the other wing? No. Because he does have that tendency to polish up other things, never seeming to realize that yours deserves doting on almost as much as you do. So I am afraid I would have to leave final judgment to you and yours. Because mine is too stupid to realize he's being completely backward. Nienoth answered, as truthfully as he knew how to state it. But he couldn't help but deflate a little on the inside, quailing to hear what her reply would be. His' stupidity was going to cost Nienoth his place in his Queen's good graces, he feared. Stupid stupid little man!

And in a final note, he added what he feared might be the killing stroke to all his hopes. But he did feel Aeriath deserved to know the whole picture. Mine also does not wish anything he does to be interpreted as nothing more than a play for power. So he does not do them.

Stupid stupid little man!

[firethorne]

It did not go unnoticed that Nienoth waited patiently for the queen to precede him, and Aeriath felt even more pleased with the dragon. He treated her with the respect and adoration that a lady like herself was due, and she found she was loathe to leave his presence. However, the gold was already getting drowsy, and she wished to sun on her ledge and nap for the afternoon. She was able to feel the bronze at her flank, and a giddy little shudder went through her body. It was always so lovely to have an attentive, handsome dragon at her side, and soon one would earn that place. Ari knew that her time was coming, however, and it was coming soon. Well, she already knew which bronze had her favor; now all he had to do was have the strength to win.

For one moment after her question, a blink of time, the bronze was silent, then he quickly replied. Turning swiftly in the water, Aeriath spun around to face the wingleader while he spoke, her whirling regard centered upon his own. Yes, the dragon certainly had her approval, and she was already growing fond of his company, but Hers was important to the queen, and she also had her beloved rider to consider when it came time. The gold listened patiently as her companion answered her rather distinctively, and she nodded afterward.

I cannot say that I agree with the mind of Yours, but I will agree that I understand. The queen paused then, staring at Nienoth thoughtfully, then continued. My own rider drowns in her duties as well, and does little outside of them. She thinks of this weyr more than herself, which I admire about her, but at the same time I mourn that she is consumed with it. She shares that with Yours, my bronze, and so to think that they would make fitting mates…well, it is hard to know. I do know that respect is important to Mine, and so that would please her. Perhaps she does not wish to be pursued, as I do. As for a fitting mate, Yours should do well. They are alike in their single-mindedness when it comes to their duties.

Aeriath nodded, almost to herself, then turned once more and resumed swimming, certain the bronze would follow her. After all, he was a good, attentive dragon, unlike that… And as to Zorometh, he has not so much as made his duty to me lately, let alone given me the attention that I am due as his queen. He displeases me, but I cannot speak for my rider where His is concerned. The gold did realize that she was sharing quite a bit with the wingleader, but he had won her approval, and so deserved it.

After a bit, she grew drowsier, and decided now was the time for her anticipated nap. Humming softly, the gold paused, then turned and slowly made her way back towards the shore. After such a nice bath, I should like to sleep in the sun before the dark falls. Aeriath padded out of the water, unfurling her wings and spreading them wide while she shook her body vigorously, sending water droplets flying everywhere. Turning her whirling regard towards her bronze, the queen arched her neck and trilled playfully. Farewell, my sweet Nienoth. Do try to talk some sense into that rider of yours. If he had half the lovely qualities that you possess, he would be quite the twoleg. Blinkling coyly, Ari leapt upward, gliding towards her ledge while her body shone brightly with iridescence, signaling that her time was so very near.

(Since her Flight is tomorrow, I thought now is a good time to wrap up. ^_^)

[Marnark]

Nienoth paused in his swimming as his Queen whirled about in the water to face him. For a moment his heart dropped, thinking she was mad with him, for the things he had admitted. But it seemed to not be the case, as she made remarks that made it sound as if she tentatively agreed with his assessment. It was a weight off his chest, that. He hadn't totally murdered every chance he had with the lovely Queen! Nienoth nodded, merely, in reply, quite respectful of her statements. It did sound as if his and his' ways were still a rather decided weak link in his bid for Aeriath, though. But her concern for hers as well only made Nienoth admire her even more. She was so wise!

Hearing the Queen tear down Zorometh's name, Nienoth could not help but gloat. As far as he was concerned, the other wingleading Bronze was his biggest challenge to overcome. It greatly frustrated him that Zorometh's was making better progress with the Queen's own than his own rider was. Nurrr gr gr gr ... he would definitely have to have yet another talk with his. Get him to at least go say good morning to the lady, without first having had a duty-oriented reason to have seen her.

When Aeriath moved to leave the lake, Nienoth followed her to shore, walking up out of the shallows and allowing the water to run in sheets off of his hide and out of his wingsails. When she lifted her wings and shook to berid herself of the water, Nienoth closed his water lids again, but just basked in the spray. He felt honored, to be splattered with water that was still warm from having been on his Queen's hide. The most lovely and wise Queen ever!

I will certainly talk to mine, my Queen. he assured her sincerely, with every full intention to do just exactly that. He would brow-beat the man until he did something to make Aeriath's smile and preen. Standing there in the murky water's edge, he lifted his head and soaked up the view of his Queen as she flew away to her glorious ledge to sun and nap. Oh, how he longed to join her even there, stretch out with her and maybe nibble her neck a bit!

The great bronze heaved a slow sigh, and sat down where he was, quite sad now that he was no longer with Aeriath, and no longer pleasing her well enough that she complimented him in return.

Hizzzzzzzzz ... needed talking to. After a moment he bestirred himself to go find the man and see about getting him to see the light, padding out of the lake entirely and across the ground back toward the Weyr.