Queen and vassal (Raelwyn & Aeriath)

[HG]

Nothing like a nice walk in the evening. Drills were done about two candlemarks ago and after he had washed up and had dinner even bathed his Bronze. Now he was enjoying the breeze on a quiet, beautiful evening. His Bronze, Zorometh was laying on his own ledge admiring the view. He was only slightly fidgety on his ledge now. His rider in his infinite stupidity had invited the Weyrwoman on a walk. A WALK! What in the name of all that was Pernese was he thinking?!! The woman would not fall for it. He had convinced himself of that but had not deterred his rider. Now they were waiting and likely to be stood up. They were doomed to fail before they had even begun.

At the rate they were going, Nienoth stood a better chance at winning the Queen. Of course he did partly blame himself. He should have known the other Bronze would be showering her with attention. In fact Nienoth was likely not the only one. His rider was convinced however, that this idea of his would at least seperate them from the others. Good or bad, could it really hurt to be different? Zorometh took in his rider's confident, happy mood. Why not enjoy the evening even if they ended up woman less for the entire night. You did this to me on purpose. Do you not want to win?

Anyone who knew D'seus knew that he could not stand losing. He HAD to win. Suffice to say he was competitive to a fault and had almost gotten himself killed being too competitive with other riders. Which was why his dragon had forbidden him to ever duel again. You know I care a great deal about being the best. However, women do not like to be treated like a trophy. They want attention but attention as they are feeling, thinking beings with their own personal interests. I would like very much for the Weyrwoman to get to know me a little and for me to get to know her. It is best that you listen to my advice. I've gone after more women than you have greens.

Greens do not interest me. Zorometh could rarely find a green worth the effort to chase and his rider disliked flying dragons with male riders though he generally found a stand in for those times. It was not the same as pure dragon lust. Human women are different from dragons then. I would say a female dragon would prefer to be treated like a trophy. To be admired and told that she is the best of everything and everyone in the world. Human women can be that way too. First though they have to believe that you know enough about them to truly think those things. Otherwise its just words without true meaning. Women do not like being the same as other women though. In that you are right.

He knew better than to compare a Goldrider to a normal woman. If she was late, she had a good reason and he would never say a word about it. Women tended to be late in his experience. There was always a good reason although he suspected most of the time it really was that they had a hard time choosing what exactly to wear and what shoes would match. D'seus smiled, he had worn a casual outfit, for this was a casual evening. His tan pants were neither loose nor tight. His shirt was a white button down with the first two buttons and last two buttons undone. It fluttered in the breeze which made him smile more. She would probably find him too casual for this meeting but he would much rather be comfortable and himself.

[firethorne]

You are going, then? The queen asked curiously, not bothering to even move from her very comfortable spot. Aeriath lounged upon her ledge, trying to soak up the last heat from the sinking sun while sprawled out with her paws dangling over the side of the stone. Her ledge was huge, naturally, but when the gold stretched out that far on her side, even her mammoth slab could not hold her entire bulk.

A little half-smile dancing on her lips, Raelwyn quirked a brow as she made her way over to her wardrobe. Yes, love. Neither you nor I have anything of importance to see to this evening, it will be a nice break in the day. The goldrider barely even blinked as she pulled out fresh clothing, not even needing to pause long enough to consider what she would wear. Unlike most women, she had a very firm set in her mind of what clothing she would wear at which times, and she never strayed from that. For working about the weyr, the same practical clothes as everyone even down to the last greenrider wore. For evenings in the weyrhall, simple shirts and skirts. For Hatchings and Feasts, her best dresses. Check, check, check. The Weyrwoman had her life planned down to the last letter. Being utterly confident and sure of herself didn’t hurt.

For a moment, the queen was silent, then snorted softly. Then for your sake, my beloved rider, I hope he is more attentive than his dragon. Aeriath was still sore over that fact that only Nienoth seemed interesting in giving her the attention she rightly deserved as a beautiful gold, and held a grudge against the other wingleader because of it.

Raelwyn sighed. Love, I have a feeling Shadow Wing must have been in the middle of drills that day, or I’m certain Zorometh would have been right there too. Unable to keep from laughing softly at her dragon’s sullen attitude, the Weyrwoman shook her head as she pulled on her clothes. Her shirt was green and made of light material, circling around her neck and under her arms to leave them bare in the Southern heat. Her skirt fell to mid-calf, made of the same light material as her shirt, and a darker shade of green. Sliding her feet into some simple sandals, the goldrider paused to brush her hair.

Then he should have approached me after his drills were done.

Sighing, her rider shook her head again. Obviously, Aeriath was not going to be moved on this matter. However, the queen thrived on compliments, especially from bronzes, and if Zorometh was quick, he could alleviate her foul mood easily enough. Setting her brush down, Raelwyn strode out of her weyr and padded over to her gold’s head, scratching her eyeridge’s with practiced hands. There, love. If Zorometh bespeaks you, be nice. Humming a soft reply, acquiescing to her rider’s words, Ari watched her stride down the lengthy stairs silently. She would have gladly flown her down to the bowl, but her skirt prevented that. Heaving a sigh, Aeriath sat up so she could watch Hers meet the man. For his sake, that bronzerider had better treat her well.

Approaching the wingleader, smiling to herself as she felt her gold’s protective stare, Raelwyn glanced over his figure. Well, it seemed they were both opting for causal, which suited her just fine. The light breeze stirred her hair, which she had left down, for once. Most of the time, her work required it to be pinned away from her face, so the woman enjoyed her chances to let it flow freely. “Good evening, Wingleader D’seus.” Smiling, the Weyrwoman inclined her head to the tall, rather handsome man, privately pleased. He had been the only bronzerider to actually bother to invite her to something so simple, which intrigued her, to be honest. She had no doubt it was mostly because her Aeriath was glowing rather noticeably, but it was still a nice gesture. Of course, the queenrider was a vivacious, strong personality, so anything social was pleasant to her. An evening walk with a wingleader would suit her nicely. “I hope you and Zorometh are both well? Convey my greetings to him.”

[HG]

Are you going to bespeak your Gold then? Of course! Zorometh answered with a vehemence that suggested the Bronze was slightly nervous. She's angry with me. He added hesitantly. Why ever would she be mad at you? And why had his dragon not mentioned this earlier. If the Gold was mad at his Bronze he was not so certain her rider would be so favorable towards him.

Nienoth helped her bathe the other day and we were busy...and she will be angry I have not doted on her as much as he has. Oh for Faranth's sake! She's a female. Females respond favorably to pretty words. So think of something nice to say and maybe bring her something as a present to apologize. They like humble apologies too. Anything to make him be wrong and have themselves be right. Women were without a doubt his most severe fault.

Although when the Weyrwoman approached he was scowling, at the sound of her voice, his face visibly brightened. “Good evening, Weyrwoman Raelwyn. ” He smiled, she had dressed similarly in style to himself. That meant they both planned on being comfortable. “We are both well. Other than one of us being stubborn...” He glanced in the direction of his weyr. If that dragon did not bespeak the Queen he was going to flay him with a flame thrower! He let his gray eyes move to rest on the Queenrider again, “ Convey my greetings to Aeriath as well.” He did not need to ask if she was well. Her dragon may be proddy and glowing to show how she was but the Queenrider herself seemed to be glowing too. “If you don't mind, might we drop the formality? Call me D'seus. Wingleader is a mouthful to say in casual conversation.”

Zorometh was quick to do as his rider suggested but he was trying to think of a suitable gift and was as usual at a loss. So he decided it was best not to waste time on it. Aeriath, may I come to your ledge? Once she permitted him to come to her, he could apologize and pledge his undying devotion. At least thats what he was hoping to do. He had never been as suave with females as his rider. Although he had tried before for Aeriath and failed he was determined to impress her now.

“I'm sure you have been busier than usual lately with Bronze and brownriders vying for your attention.” He spoke in a light and somewhat forward way, he was confidant enough in himself not to let their ambitions bother him. “I'm not much different from them I guess, as I've waited till now to have a talk with you.” D'seus found he was trying not to look at her the entire time. She had always been beautiful but she had also been taken and now was free. “Come I have a wonderful path planned.” He held out his hand for her to take. It was less formal than taking an arm and somehow more intimate to him. Now he could go on talking about himself forever and thoroughly bore her but he would rather hear about her.

“How has the Dragon Shield been doing? I've heard good things but they are your pet project so you must know the most about them.” He could only hope things were going well. D'seus had always supported that idea of hers. In fact he generally got along with her professionally. They rarely saw each other in leisurely places, because they were both rather devoted to work.

[firethorne]

When the man’s scowl melted away at her words, Raelwyn briefly wondered what had irritated him so, but her curiosity was alleviated the moment he returned her greeting. Ah, an obstinate bronze, was it? Quirking a brow, the woman gave a small smile. “A stubborn dragon? I am quite certain I have never met one.” The corner of her mouth lifted, her amusement easily seen. Everyone knew how pigheaded a queen could be, and bronzes were only slightly less so. The Weyrwoman certainly could sympathize with that particular plight. Nodding, Rael smiled at her companion. “I certainly shall.” D’seus sends his greetings, love.

Blinking slowly, the gold snorted softly. Seems like the rider has the manners between these two.

Ari…

Oh, very well! I shall behave, my rider…if I must. He has mine as well. Heaving a sigh, the queen mentally rolled her eyes at their current situation. Why on Pern she had to play nice with a bronze that had ignored her thoroughly was beyond her comprehension, but Raelwyn’s will was strong and she had quite the hold on her dragon. If the woman said ‘play nice’, well, Ari had to.

Green eyes regaining their focus, the goldrider smiled pleasantly, nodding to the wingleader. “Aeriath wishes for me to return your greeting. And I tend to agree…‘Weyrwoman’ is a mouthful, too. Raelwyn suits me just fine.” To be honest, the rider had never really put much into formality between those in the weyr, but at the same time she understood the need for it occasionally. There were times when her authority must be felt, and to have everyone on a first-name basis would be…unwise. However, this was a leisurely twilight, and the queenrider saw no harm in allowing their night to be casual. Certainly, the strict customs would return soon enough at the next Weyrleader meeting, or other such instance. Although, the woman mused, who knew exactly which man would be the next leader of Refuge? It could very well be the wingleader standing before her, or any of the other strong, fit riders they boasted. Perhaps this bronzerider would soon gain the right to call her as Raelwyn any time he wished, and then perhaps he wouldn’t. She never knew until the morning after.

Satisfied that this twoleg would treat her beloved rider well, the gold was about to settle back down on her side when the query came to her. Eyes whirling slightly faster, Aeriath tilted her head much like a feline, her tail thumping on the stone beneath her. Now there was a fine question! Not even so much as a greeting before blatantly asking for permission to bask in her presence. Letting out an ‘hmph’, the queen allowed silence to stretch between them for a few breaths, making her displeasure known. Just because Raelwyn had told her to be nice did not mean she had to be sweet. Finally, Ari touched her mind to his. Very well. Come if you wish. Mindovice lacking her usual smooth and sultry tone, the gold sat upright, waiting to see just what the bronze had to say to her. It had better be good!

Though the wingleader spoke in a rather forward way, Raelwyn was unaffected. She preferred honesty to playing at subtlety, at least when it came to relationships between people, whether romantic or not. A half-smile playing on her lips, the queenrider crossed her arms, green eyes never leaving his face. “Well, I should like to point out you are rather different, D’seus. If we would speak honestly, none have been so casual in their attentions.” It was quite true, that. Most of the riders had tried to be ‘impressive’ in some form or another, with invitations to private dinners and even, in some cases, gifts. For Aeriath, the Weyrwoman would have been pleased to receive something to honor her queen, but gifts for her…that did not sit well. Of course, there were even a few riders who ignored her altogether outside of professional interaction. Even a bronzerider. Eyeing his hand, the goldrider hesitated a moment before placing her fingers in his, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected gesture. It was not often men did not offer her their arm, which was another aspect of the wingleader that was unlike his competitors.

A gleam entered the woman’s eyes as he mentioned her little project, a satisfied smile curving her lips. If there was one thing she was proud of in her nine years of leading Refuge, it was the Dragon Shield. “You have heard correctly.” Tilting her head so she could face the bronzerider as they walked, preferring to read his reactions to her words, the queenrider continued. “Eriol has done an incredible job of organizing well-matched pairs for their patrol, and the feline attacks have been cut down by over half in our outlying lands. Just three sevendays ago, the Shields managed to track down and rescue a boy that had wandered too far from his cothold. It is not the first time. The firelizards seem to be growing more intelligent as well. For a young organization, the Shields are prospering.” Smiling, rather pleased the wingleader seemed interested in her Shields, Raelwyn squeezed his hand slightly. “Shadow Wing looks good during practice, D’seus. How are your riders fairing?”

[HG]

He knew it. She was angry with him. Her answer said everything! Zorometh felt so nervous that his rider had to stop talking with the Weyrwoman for a moment. “I apologize, Zorometh is a bit, nervous...” Of course he would be the nervous one. He was the one who had to deal with a Queen dragon who was obviously not happy with him. Just go and be as nice as you can be. Queens are always moody this time of their cycle. I know. I know. I'm going! The bronze launched himself off of his ledge and flew to where the Queen lay on her own ledge. Good evening Queen Aeriath. I see that you are glowing with health and beauty. He said as smoothly as he could manage. After a moment's pause he continued with a voice that was smooth albeit a bit soft, I have come to apologize to you. I've been slow to come and show my affections for you. As much as he hated to admit it, this was the truth. You are the most beautiful, the most interesting and the most wonderful dragon on all of Pern. If I have not expressed myself before to you, I am eternally sorry.

While D'seus was unsure of her reaction he would not let that show. Smiling he watched as she took his hand. A hand which felt so very nice in his own. This was all going as planned and he could only think that it was because she was being so amiable about everything. That and he had quite a bit of experience wooing women. Different meant that he stood out, a word that he would never mind being described as so long as it meant he was distinguished among his competition. “I suppose that is because they are intimidated by your position and feel the need to show themselves at what they believe is their best. I think you already know what I am capable of. ” Zorometh was fifteen and Aeriath nine so they had plenty of time to know what to expect from eachother.

“Besides its much more enjoyable to be relaxed and not feel like this is some sort of interview for a position.” Quite honestly, D'seus was ambitious but if he and Raelwyn did not get along or if he found her unattractive he would not pursue her outside of work. Becoming Weyrleader was really secondary to what he wanted. If she had been a normal woman at the Weyr he would have long ago tried to seduce her. Unfortunately she was the Weyrwoman and seemed to be constantly working or meeting with other riders. Now that he had his chance he hoped he was not ruining it like his Bronze was trying to do. “Do you think we could use the Shield to help other people train Firelizards? They could be an asset for the cotholds especially those that take more than a day to ride runner back to.” Sending messages that way would be so much faster!

His smile broadened on the subject of his wing and the feel of her hand squeezing his own. “They might be a little tired of my constant need for perfection. I think drills are going well. I've had them working some new formations and I think they could be used well if...” He paused remembering the other night with A'lez. Perhaps he should not mention it. This was supposed to be a good time but she would probably be more appreciative of him being honest in his thoughts than trying to avoid the obvious. “Thread should Fall.” He felt a shiver go down his spine. Time to change the subject he thought. D'seus spoke casually next, not wanting to offend her that he had been talking about things that should be spoken in her presence. “A'lez and I were just chatting the other night about needing to form a couple of Search groups. I think H'seo's Reinth would be an excellent choice to lead one from Shadow Wing. He's got a good head on his shoulders and people seem to find him very likeable.” That would help when convincing cotholders that their beloved children were going to try to impress to a dragon.

[firethorne]

Unable to keep from frowning lightly, the Weyrwoman turned slightly, her eyes narrowing on the glowing golden form upon her ledge. She had perhaps failed to make herself clear enough to her dragon, and now felt slightly irritated with the queen. However, it was no fault of Aeriath’s that she was proddy and close to Rising, and so her temper was far shorter than usual. It was basic instinct, and even though she was as moody as a sober Bitran, the gold had still given permission for Zorometh to approach, and that was more than many of her kind would have done in her current state. “An apology is not necessary. I well know how Aeriath can be right now.” Truth be told, Raelwyn almost felt sorry for the poor bronze.

Whirling eyes quickly found Zorometh as he leapt from his own ledge and made his way to the queen’s, his form pleasing but his lack of attentions not. At his greeting, the gold crossed her front paws and stared at him silently, her ego only slightly mollified. Yes, of course she was glowing with beauty and health. She was Aeriath, the only queen of Refuge and a true lady! When did she not glow, and when was she not beautiful? When he spoke again, softer this time, the gold blinked slowly, weighing his words and the sincerity in his mindvoice. The silence stretched between them for a few breathes while the flattering compliments bounced around inside her head, the queen mulling them over. Finally, Aeriath lifted her head slightly and quirked it to the side, her tail tapping as she did. Hmm, indeed I am. I have deserved those words before now. Her eyes never leaving his, the gold paused before adding, I should expect more compliments from you though, Zorometh. You have many days of neglect to make up for.

However irritated she had been, Aeriath was still a gold, and golds thrived on compliments. Despite his lack of attentions until now, a large bronze was always on the list of things that she found desirable. Turning her head, the queen gazed at the other side of the weyr where a green was settling down with a blue’s wing draped over her. Ari let out a sigh. Yes, more compliments indeed. She said softly. I would not be so cruel as to leave you in such a position while I expect much of your time to only be spent on me now. You may lie on my ledge while doing so. There. That was as benevolent as she felt like being at the moment.

Rather satisfied with her queen’s more lenient attitude, the Weyrwoman once more turned her attention fully upon the wingleader, nodding absently. “I suppose that could be the case.” She agreed, thinking on the men that had endeavored to pursue her as her dragon grew brighter and brighter every day. “I know they wish to impress me, but I am more impressed with a man doing his duties than a man trying to win me over with the biggest gift.” A little smile slowly crept across her lips as D’seus spoke of her familiarity with his capabilities, a bit amused. Oh yes, Raelwyn did indeed well know exactly what the bronzerider could boast in his array of talents. He was an excellent wingleader, there was no contesting that, but she had also heard he was quite the adept womanizer. Gossip traveled quicker than a hop between in the weyr, and from her personal maid, well, the goldrider heard a great deal of it. She left it unsaid.

Laughing lightly, Raelwyn smiled fully this time and nodded, tending to agree with that sentiment. “I do not think most men realize, as you do, how they sound. Telling me how clever his dragon is, and how much experience he has had with the weyr, and how hard they would work should they ever be chosen as Weyrleader someday. I feel like a woman holding a fat purse, browsing the gather stalls and every merchant hawking his goods to me, trying to tell me how his is better than anyone’s. I hate to break it to most of them, but I have little say in the matter. My preferences do reach Aeriath, but it is not always our favored pair who claims victory.” Speaking easily of the matter, for it was familiar and common to her, the woman shrugged a bit. “I do appreciate their enthusiasm, though.” To a point.

Tilting her head to the side, Raelwyn thoughtfully considered his query, finally nodding. “I can see the advantages to having several other firelizards trained as the Shield’s are. We would have to search out more of the larger eggs, though, in hopes of hatching at least a brown. I believe one of the Shield golds are about to clutch as well. “ Humming thoughtfully for a moment, the Weyrwoman considered his proposal. Several extra flits to send out would be rather helpful for the further cotholds, and even though the Shields were generally rather busy, she was certain someone could be found. “We will have to find another outside of the Shield to start training them instead, if we begin this on a larger scale. If Eriol can spare a guard for a sevenday or two to teach another the process, we could devote that one person to only training flits as messengers. I like that possibility.”

Green eyes wandering back to the bronzerider beside her, the Weyrwoman glanced over his profile discreetly. She could see why he had been so successful with the ladies thus far; he was certainly an attractive man. When a man was that handsome, rode a bronze dragon, and led his own wing, a dangerous combination was made. Power intoxicated everyone, even the most virtuous of humans, and when mixed with physical attraction, the goldrider could easily see how many women sought him out. Well, Raelwyn was not a bedwarmer, but if she was going to be tousled in the furs anyway during Aeriath’s Flight, well, he looked like a good option to her.

“Perfection is an admirable goal, good D’seus, just do not kill your riders with the pursuit of it.” Chuckling, the queenrider slipped him a quick wink to show she was only joking, then quickly felt her good humor slip away at his reluctant mention of Thead. Brow furrowing, Raelwyn’s hand tightened reflexively around his own, unable to stop the reaction. The thought of their ancient enemy was a constant worry to her, especially with dragonkind dwindling as the turns went on. With their numbers as they stood now… Finally pulling herself from those macabre thoughts, the Weyrwoman forced her hand to loosen and her body to relax. Tonight was meant to be a fun experience, and for them to become familiar with each other outside of duty. “You and A’lez? You can always approach me with your concerns, if you wish. I would have spoken with you both.” Reminding herself this was a social occasion, the goldrider kept the slight rebuke from her voice. She liked to feel in the loop where affairs of Refuge were concerned. Well, he was telling her now. “We need new blood in the weyr, and perhaps some of our cotholders would service that ambition. The sooner they are organized, the better.”

Nodding at his suggestions, Raelwyn approved. “Yes, I know H’seo is extremely level-headed, and his Reinth is the empathetic sort. He should be able to identify well with the cotholders, having been searched from one himself.” The Weyrwoman was rather fond of the amiable bluerider, for he was easy to get along with and always filled with mirth. Smiling, she added, “If anyone could win over a cranky holder, it’s him. The searchwings will not have long to wait, I think. Ari will go up any day now.”