Another Dancefloor (Aeriath

[Marnark]

He was totally exhausted, even after a solid night of rest. But it was totally worth it. Totally. Neinoth was the proudest turkey in the whole of Pern, and probably wasn't going to come down off that high for a long time coming. Curling about Aeriath a little bit tighter, he blinked one eye at the dawn long since come and gone. Mmrph. He didn't want to move. And not just because he was tired. He had Aeriath to snuggle with! Of course he wasn't going to give that hard won prize up.

Lifting his head he touched his snout gently to Aeriath's neck, confident in the ability to touch her. Touch her all over~ at least for now. She was his, all his. And he was all hers. Not that he had ever not been. It had just taken her awhile to realize it. A low contented rumble thrummed from his chest as he squinted his eyes shut again happily, one wing drooping limply across her side. His Lady was all his~~

Neinoth's stirring and waking (not to mention his noisy happiness) inevitably awoke A'lez from his own slumbers. For a moment he was completely disoriented and not at all sure where he was. Shaking off the haze he quickly realized that this was definitely not his usual place of waking. The form lying so nearby was also slightly mystifying, until he managed to not only recognize her, but remember the events recently transpired.

At first, he thought he must be having some warped dream, but no. He wasn't. That really was the Weyrwoman. One part of him wanted to pull her over and snuggle with her a bit without ever bothering to actually get up, but the stronger part was the one that won. Heaving a sigh, he rolled over and sat up.

Now what? This certainly was not what he had expected to happen, when he'd prodded Neinoth into the air despite Aeriath's clear order to stay behind. Neinoth always wanted to win ... and maybe some part of A'lez had wanted that, too. But he honestly had not expected the oaf to succeed.

Being Weyrleader now was not at all what concerned him. It was everything else surrounding the situation that did. Raelywn. D'seus. Oh, Faranth. D'seus was probably going to want to knock his lights out now, despite the supposed understanding of these things happened when bonded to dragons. But dragons aside, D'seus had still claimed Raelwyn as his own.

And worse ... Neinoth. The Bronze was going to be stoked for a long time coming. He'd never hear the end of it now. A'lez rubbed his face with one hand, and cast a look over at the two dragons before turning slightly to look at Raelwyn again. A small smile touched his face for a moment, despite himself. She sure was pretty.

[firethorne]

She could vaguely feel that soft touch as her bronze nosed her neck, and Aeriath slowly pulled herself from the warm haze of slumber. Rumbling softly, the gold raised her head slightly, nuzzling Neinoth on the cheek affectionately while she cuddled against him a bit tighter, enjoying being so close her mate. Good morning, my bronze. The queen purred, rubbing her neck against his like a rather satisfied feline. Yes, her bronze now. The events of her Flight had been unexpected, and nearly frightening, but despite all that had occurred, Aeriath stood by her decision. Neinoth was a good bronze, and His would make a fine Weyrleader. The dragoness did, however, plan on bespeaking Zorometh later, to inquire after his health. At this moment, she could tell that he was slumbering, as she had softly and very distantly touched his mind to see, but he was alive and still with them, and so she could wait to speak with him until he was rested.

She still held Zorometh in high esteem. He was her former mate, and he had been a fine consort for her. Attentive and protective, the bronze had fought valiantly for her, and she was attached to him in a way that went beyond simple camaraderie. She was worried for him, and her anxiety would not be eased until she heard his voice.

However, it was Neinoth that held her greatest affection, now. He was her new mate, and she was his. Despite her loyalty and affection for Zorometh, Aeriath held one bronze higher than him now, and he was pressed against her at that moment. Do I not look radiant this morning? She asked with a laughing trill, arching her neck so the early sun could glint across her iridescent hide. The queen was eager to hear compliments from her new mate, eager to show her affection for him in many ways that only a gold could. Of course, Neinoth was about to learn that Aeriath was fairly high maintenance, and required many compliments and quite a bit of fawning to keep her happy. Yet, if he was willing to do so, she would be the sweetest dragoness he could hope for.

The gold's teasing and bright mood washed into her rider, pulling Raelwyn from the depths of sleep. She was exhausted, her body utterly spent as it always was the day after a Flight, and even the Weyrwoman had her days when she wanted to do nothing but sleep. Like now. Despite that, however, the blonde yawned and sighed, stretching her body lazily before turning over, her eyes fluttering open. What she saw, well, wasn't exactly what she was expecting. Raelwyn blinked once, catching sight of someone that certainly was not D'seus looking at her. It was, instead, A'lez that was seated on the edge of her bed, though his was face was unreadable.

Quickly, her surprise melted into a smile, and the Weyrwoman sat up as well, taking the furs with her to keep her chest covered. It was a bit silly to do, she supposed, considering he had seen, and likely touched, every inch of her body the night before, but it just seemed inappropriate to reveal herself when the dragons were not involved. After all, they were not lovers, having only woken together because of the lust of their queen and bronze. "Good morning, A'lez." Raelwyn said pleasantly, pushing her wild, disheveled blonde waves behind her ears. "I hope you and Neinoth are both well this morning?" Unlike most situations like this, the Weyrwoman was not awkward in the least, having woken to a new man in her bed nearly every time her dear gold flew. Of course, one had struck her fancy more than the others, and she had to admit that she was falling for him...

At that, her emerald eyes widened, and the Weyrwoman jerked with surprise as memories came flooding back. Ari! How is Zorometh? D'seus? Please tell me he is alive?! She asked fearfully, terrified that something awful had happened. With a little rumble, Aeriath assured Hers that they were both alive and well, and resting in the infirmary. The blonde heaved a sigh of relief. Good. She planned on seeing the both of them at her first opportunity. But for now, however, Raelwyn switched her attention back to the bronzerider seated near her. The woman smiled again, reaching over to retrieve the robe that lay in a heap by her bed. Grabbing the blue material, the Weyrwoman stood, shrugging into the robe and turning to face A'lez as she tightened the waist.

"I'm not certain what type of schedule Illume keeps, but if you would like to get washed up, I'll send down for some klah and breakfast while you bathe. My bathing room is there." Her green eyes then wandered over his clothing, scattered about her floor in a wild pattern, her own joining them. "Ah, and you can use one of the robes in there as well. I'll have my maid gather and wash your clothing." Raelwyn added with a grin, her emerald eyes sparkling. It was his first morning as Weyrleader, after all, and he needed to relax and enjoy himself a bit. She would see to it that he did, as well, but after she had accomplished that, she had to get to the infirmary. She had to see D'seus.

[Marnark]

Neinoth squinted his eyes shut again, before opening them and feasting upon the lovely appearance of the lady next to him. Marvelous morning, my Queen. he greeted in turn. He'd been quite happy to amuse himself while she slept, but was even happier now that she was stirring, awake. Now he could really butter her up, and without the fear of irritating her by waking her for it. And oh, the butter he would apply! The sweetest kind he could conjure, to be sure. Twisting his tail about hers in affection that was maybe a bit possessive, Neinoth rubbed his head over her shoulder and along her long, graceful neck in return caresses. Most radiant, my love. None is more so! And not just this morning, but well through the day. he purred, meaning every word he said.

Messy and unkempt or not ... Raelwyn usually looked lovely. But somehow not being presentable added a level of attraction to her that just was not normally seen. That ... that was certainly going to be a sight to haunt the dreams of any red blooded man for a long time coming. "Goodmorning, Weyrwoman." He greeted. A glance was shot toward the dragons again, and he laughed softly. "Indeed we are well." A'lez looked at her again, in no apparent hurry to move from where he was seated. Even if he was sitting there in the buff. Her decent, unruffled modesty only made her all that much more alluring, though, much more so than if she'd been trotting around without a stitch on. "I trust you slept well?" He could only hope ... there really was no telling what all he'd done to her.

Raelwyn's sudden expression of horror confused him momentarily, before he managed to piece together what she must be thinking about. He clearly remembered; startlingly so, witnessing that crash through Neinoth's perspective. He'd seen it all, from start to finish. Neinoth, how is Zorometh? A'lez prompted. Why should I care? Neinoth replied, entirely distracted by Aeriath's presence and getting to cuddle with her. Neinoth! A'lez scolded in silence.

Neinoth grumbled in the back of his mind as he listened to what Raelwyn was saying, watching her as she dressed. There was nothing lewd about it, but neither was there any embarrassment or denial to it. It just simply was. Or maybe not so simply. It had its hidden tears in the fabric of his mind, just like everything else did. Some part of him enjoyed watching her move, while other parts knew that he shouldn't.

"I normally run them early, but I am quite sure they'll be more than happy to wait for me." A'lez answered. Probably every last one of them was going to relish getting to sleep in this morning. He really should get out of there quickly, and not tarry ... especially since he was intruding. But he was also quite drawn by the notion of just that. Why leave in such a hurry? "A bath sounds nice." He agreed, dragging a sheet off the bed and wrapping it around himself as he stood up, tucking one corner into the fold to make it stay. At least, so far as he could tell, everything was alright. She didn't know, and he wasn't going to tell her.

You are awful. I go to all the trouble of winning a female for you, and you still persist with this internal grumbling. What is wrong with you, mine? Neinoth groused. And since you asked, Zorometh is fine. Wounded, but he'll heal.

Thank you, but keep your big nose to yourself. A'lez answered. I have my reasons. He smiled in return to Raelwyn's glittering smile, pretty sure that if he was in the way she'd have just sent him packing. "I can take breakfast in the hall as usual, if that would save you an inconvenience." He offered.

[firethorne]

Rumbling softly as the bronze's tail wrapped about her own, Aeriath relished the touch, knowing that she was treasured. The queen demanded only three things from her mate; affection, protection, and worship. Perhaps the last of the three was a steep price to pay for her companionship, but the dragoness knew how important she was, how lovely, how beautiful, and she expected to be treated as the rare jewel she was. However, her last mate had given these things easily, and it seemed her new consort would do so as well. She crooned to Neinoth as he caressed her shoulder and neck, enjoying the attention immensely. It is marvelous, indeed. She agreed, in a rather pleasant mood already. It is a new morning. Aeriath said, her mindvoice a bit softer. New it was...in more ways than one.

Oh, yes, how very astute of you to point out, my bronze. The queen quickly agreed, trilling in pleasure as she once more nuzzled his cheek affectionately. Indeed, I am radiant far more often than just in the morning rays. Aeriath hummed contentedly then, laying her head upon her mate's front paws. The queen loved to be in constant contact with her chosen consort, and the more loving touches they shared, all the better she found it. The gold was a very affectionate creature, and she craved affection in return.

A smile was given in reply to the man's words, though inwardly the Weyrwoman grinned. She had a feeling that they were both 'well' indeed, but Neinoth was likely the happier of the two. After all, he had desired to have Aeriath for himself for quite some time, and now he had been granted his wish. He was doubtlessly proud. This time, however, it was Raelwyn's turn to give a gentle little laugh, the silvery sound innocent in it's mirth. "Yes, though I could stand to sleep more, I must admit." However, the queenrider privately recalled that she had slept very little, though the rest she did garner was deep and blissful. After she had managed to come down off the high of the Flight and the lust had been sated, sleep had come quickly, though now she was feeling the effects. The blonde rather thought she would be tired for more than one day. Not that she really had anything to complain about, from what she remembered, though. Most of Aeriath's Flights were nothing but a blur of tangled limbs and heated sensations, but there was always that last little wisp of consciousness before she fell asleep, that moment when her mind became her own again and her body found the release it had been seeking. Raelwyn always, somehow, remembered that part. Of course, the various dull aches and tender spots on her body were enough to tell her that they had apparently gotten pretty inventive, and she was immensely glad that she rarely blushed.

With a grin, one that made her eyes light, the Weyrwoman shook her head and laughed brightly. "Oh, I doubt that any of them are going to complain about having more of their morning to themselves." She agreed, gesturing invitingly towards her bathing room. "Of course, take your time." Raelwyn said, smiling at the bronzerider after he had tied the sheet about his waist. The blonde had averted her eyes when he stood, again knowing that it was probably silly of her to do so, but her modesty was unwavering despite whatever they had shared the night before.

The woman had turned, then, preparing to call her maid and assuming that he was going to bathe when she abruptly paused, his words making her frown slightly. An inconvenience? The bronzerider thought that he was an inconvenience ? Once more, the Weyrwoman turned to face him, a soft smile on her lips. "It is no inconvenience, I assure you, my Weyrleader." She said gently, then quickly made little 'shooing' motions with her hands towards the bathing room. "Now off with you, man, so I can get us some breakfast. I don't know about you, but I'm starved." With that, Raelwyn turned and headed towards her door, slipping across the hallway to knock on the door straight across from her own. When her personal maid appeared, the queenrider sent the girl to the weyrhall to bring up a rather decent-sized breakfast for she and the new Weyrleader, as well as a pitcher of klah and a healer's report on Zorometh. After the food had arrived, Raelwyn quickly read the report on the injured bronze, glad to see that he would recover well enough, but her heart still torn over what had happened. After assuring herself that he would live, however, the goldrider then went about setting the breakfast out for she and A'lez, setting the good-sized table she possessed for the both of them. She waited to pour the klah, however, until the bronzerider emerged, so it would not grow cold.

[Marnark]

Neinoth couldn't possibly get much happier than he currently was. It just wasn't possible. He arched his neck and held his own head out of the way as she laid her pretty golden head on his very own forelegs. Lowering his head after hers, he gently nuzzled the top of her head with his own snout before giving her the tenderest of licks, running his tongue up her face from her snout to her knobs. The scratchy surface of his tongue served where rider's fingers usually did, and he surely knew where the itchiest places on a dragon's head was. And just how good it felt to get them scratched. This, he could and would do for his lovely lady! Every day dawned with you in it is a bright day, Aeriath-love. he told her, with utmost sincerity, starting a new lick.

His lady! He was so happy, he finally had his lady. All cuddled up tight against his side, he never wanted to move. Or stray from her presence. It was a good job that she liked contact, or he might well have driven her up the wall for it. There was nothing he wanted to do more right then, than snuggle with the lovely gold, and pamper her until he couldn't anymore.

A'lez could completely sympathize with the desire for more sleep. And not only just from the lingering exhaustion of a flight. His dreams had been most pleasing. But it was morning, they were awake, it was time to get moving. If he'd been busy yesterday, his work was going to increase triplefold now. All thanks to Neinoth!

You're welcome.[/color] Neinoth interjected, smugly.

Wherry. A'lez answered without breaking stride in his thoughts. Which were not quite straight yet anyway. Too many directions, too early in the morning. And no klah on the system. There were all the responsible thoughts jumbling around in there, mixed up with the ones that sprouted into being just from watching Raelwyn. Pretty was a vastly inadequate word, when it came to her. Especially when she laughed and smiled. But he held his tongue. It was not something he would tell her, it was not his place. The thoughts rolling around in his head only got more muddy the more he tried to straighten them out.

This wasn't his weyr, so naturally there wasn't a jug of klah waiting for him to wake him up properly. He usually brought it to his quarters the night before, and did not care in the least that it was cold when he actually drank it. It still woke him up and got him going. But ... he didn't even have cold klah here.

She was in no hurry for him to leave, though. As much as he thought he probably should, he wasn't going to argue with her, for more reasons than one. He should leave, but that didn't mean he wanted to. He laughed softly as she headed for the door. "Don't eat anyone." he joked, before heading obediently off to the bath she insisted that he use.

It was a very nice bath, and certainly not a place he'd have ever thought to see, much less use. He certainly could use a bath, too. Get all cleaned up and presentable again. As good as it felt, and as much help it lent toward actually waking his mind up, he didn't waste much time in the warm water. Scrubbed clean, he exited the water again, picking up the robe she had said to use. For a moment he vaguely wondered if it was D'seus' robe. Which made putting it on a very strange thought. But it was better than traipsing around in the buff, for sure.

Fastening it closed, A'lez walked back out to see Raelwyn intently reading. He didn't even have to guess what was contained on that report. Standing still and silent, he just watched her as she finished reading and then set out the goods that had been brought up, a very faint smile crossing his features. Once she finished, only then did he move and speak. "When you do breakfast, you really do breakfast, don't you?" He asked, slightly teasing again as he eyed the spread. "Feeding a small Hold?"

Klah, oh blessed Faranth. Maybe now he could think, and maybe not say anything he'd later regret. Or insert his foot in his mouth. Picking up the pitcher he poured it into the mugs. Placing the pitcher back on the table, he offered one of them to Raelwyn before picking up the other and taking a hit off of it completely straight. Oh, hot klah. It was like a kick to the brain. "It looks good." he complimented as he moved for a chair to sit down in.

Sitting ... in a robe. Basically a skirt. This was not something he did every day...

[firethorne]

Rumbling softly as her mate nuzzled her, Aeriath nearly went limp as the bronze began licking her face, managing to cover all of the itchiest places on her hide. Her rumbling quickly turned into a contented purr, and the queen was more than content to lay there and allow Neinoth to pamper her. Hmm. I must agree. I do rival the sun with my glory. She replied, her mindvoice soft and lazy. Oh, yes, she certainly did not want to move from this spot, not for quite some time. Of course, eventually, her bronze would have to leave to see to wingdrills and the like, but for now, she was just enjoying the attention. She soaked up her mate’s attentions, whirling eyes fluttering closed as she allowed him to fawn over her. Of course, though she appeared lax and inattentive, Aeriath knew everything that was occurring about her, particularly the things that were running through her rider’s head.

Neinoth is a good bronze. She told Raelwyn quietly, still melting under the contact of her mate. And His is a good man.

Quite used to her dragon interjecting, the Weyrwoman gave no visible sign that she had even heard the gold, grinning at A’lez as he turned and made his way towards the bath. Yes, he is. He will make a fine Weyrleader. The woman agreed, turning to face the tasks at hand.

Aeriath was silent as her rider read the report on Zorometh, but as the blonde went about setting out the food, she spoke again. But you do not like him. She stated pithily, and her rider sighed.

I like him as well as anyone, Ari. Probably a bit more. Raelwyn stated, her face smooth and unreadable as she sorted out the breakfast for her and the new Weyrleader. A’lez is a good Wingleader and I know he will make a fine Weyrleader, but I don’t really know much about him. At least, not outside of professionally. Why are you so interested, anyway? She asked, stepping back to admire the table before her.

The golden dragon snorted mentally. Because I know you are torn. You care for Zorometh’s, and I chose Neinoth. Does that not make things complicated?

This time, Raelwyn did show emotion, in the form of a weary sigh. Maybe a little. She admitted, rubbing her eyes tiredly. But that doesn’t change anything between A’lez and I. We work well together. Here, the woman’s trail of thought was halted by a very masculine voice, and she firmly ended the conversation between she and her queen. Turning, the Weyrwoman grinned at the approaching bronzerider, raising one brow slightly. “A small hold, or two very hungry dragonriders.” She replied with a smile, watching as he poured two cups of klah. Taking the proffered cup gratefully with a word of thanks, the goldrider added sugar and a touch of cream before taking the first sip of her own klah, noting that her new Weyrleader took his straight. “I don’t know about you, but I’m always famished the day after a Flight. We need to get our strength back, right?” She asked with a smile, taking a seat herself.

Filling her plate, utterly ravenous after the intense Flight, Raelwyn politely waited for the bronzerider to do the same before taking her first bite. Humming with contentment, the woman sounded much like her queen as she savored the first bite. Oh Faranth, hot food…there was nothing like it! Eyes straying to the man seated with her, the goldrider swallowed a grin at the sight of him sitting at her table in a robe. He was a rather big man, and a muscular one too, and somehow, the scene just didn’t suit him at all, which in turn tickled her sense of humor. Yet, the woman kept that to herself, instead smiling at the new Weyrleader amiably. “I hate to ruin good food with business, but I need to ask you a few things before you leave.” Raelwyn began, pausing her meal long enough to take care of the necessities. “Would you like for my maid to move your things to the Weyrleader’s quarters today while you see to your wing? I assure you that she will take upmost care in doing so.” The quarters she spoke of, of course, was the room adjacent to her own, which held a stairway that led directly down to the records chamber beneath them, mirroring the steps in her own quarters. A door joined her rooms with this one, as well, so the Weyrleader had constant access to her, whenever he had need of her. Of course, that room had stood empty when D’seus was Weyrleader, and that was the only time.

She quickly ate a few more bites while waiting for him to respond, and then she added, “Also, if you have time this evening and do not mind, I would like for us to discuss any plans you may have for the weyr.” Here Raelwyn smiled and winked, then continued, “Everyone has their own way of leading, A’lez, as I am certain you will. I’m here to be whatever you need me to be, so do not hesitate to call on me. I’m your Weyrwoman, and I’ll support you.” The queenrider hoped that she had assured A’lez of her good will, that she fully backed him and that she would stand behind him before the rest of the weyr. She loved D’seus, Raelwyn knew that much, but she still had her loyalties to her Weyrleader too.

[Marnark]

Neinoth was quite happy to lay there and lick on Aeriath until his tongue threatened to fall out of his head from sheer overwork. But even then he did not admit to it, still licking her face gently but somewhat slower. You do, you most certainly do. he agreed whole-heartedly. He refrained from adding any other comments to her though, aware on some level that she was otherwise occupied. Mostly because she had fallen silent to him. This meant a sure sign that something else had captured her attention, and Neinoth let it be, refraining from distracting her from her very utmost important business. While she was busy he continued to slowly lick her face with his tiring tongue, contemplating all the things he could do for her later in the day. Like fetch her something to eat so she wouldn't have to sully her talons on the soiled dirt of the pens, help her wash in the lake even if he couldn't help oil. He could be a pretty slick observer though, and ply compliments to her gleaming self even while making sure whomever oiled her did not miss a single spot.

Of course at the same time he knew all of that was going to drive His to distraction. Not only would His want to get some work done, but his doting on Aeriath would certainly affect A'lez's concentration ability. But he was prepared to weather that storm. His would adapt, for Neinoth was not going to allow a single moment to pass where he would not be doting on Aeriath. She was his and he wasn't going to waste a single moment of that time!

A'lez laughed a little bit, and shrugged slightly as he helped himself to some of the food that was laid out. "Neinoth isn't much of a chaser, actually, and due to certain anatomical differences between him and greens ... not really a big catcher either." He admitted. Of course the bronze never missed a Queenflight, but those were rare, far and few between. This wasn't to say that Neinoth had never caught anything before, but A'lez was pretty confident that Raelwyn had seen a few more post-flight mornings than he had. As odd as that might seem. "Greens just don't do it for him I guess."

He smiled slightly as he watched her eat, taking time to eat himself instead of snarfing everything in front of him. She certainly knew what she was talking about when she went on about starving dragonriders. On a normal day he had an appetite to match his bulk. Today it seemed exacerbated. It was really something to see a petite woman like Raelwyn really pack away the food like that, though. Where did she put it all?

It didn't take her long to settle back to business however. A'lez merely nodded at first, listening to what she said. "That'll be fine, if you feel it necessary. I can move it myself after drills if there are other things you'd rather her see to." It was going to be very strange to adjust to, if she was always going to be sicing her maid on him. She sure liked to order the poor woman around, that was for sure. But he was also of a mind to humor her, if she really did want all that. He also wasn't terribly concerned with anything sprouting legs ... most of what he had was utilitarian, rider typical stuff. Barring the outsized clothing he wore. He actually didn't really see much point in moving, if it weren't for the built in access to the records. That he would probably get a lot of use out of for ... however long until the next flight was. There was no telling how long it would be. One turn, or ten? He certainly hadn't been expecting Aeriath to go up for at least another seven turns at least. It was only one more sign to his mind that Thread really was returning. The Dragon genetics knew it.

Plans. Again he chuckled, and shook his head slightly. "Weyrwoman, I hope you realize that while I have led a Wing for many many turns, I have never before ridden Weyrleader. I am going to need more than a single day to get a handle on what all of this entails, and build a proper idea of what is going on as a whole before I can come to you with any ideas or questions." He explained. Surely she wasn't going to hold him to that appointment! Tonight was just too soon for him to have any real idea what his new job entailed. "If it is at all possible, I would also like to have council with D'seus as soon as his dragon is stable and does not need his immediate attention." Naturally the Bronze would come first, but D'seus had a fair idea what was going on at the present time, and would have invaluable insight into the hows and whys of things Weyrleaderly. While A'lez's views often diverged from D'seus', the man's experience would still be nice to have. "But thank you, I appreciate your vote of confidence." He just hoped that he could stand up to it.

He also hoped that he would be able to stand up to working so much more closely with the Weyrwoman than he ever had before. She'd been plenty enough a distraction before hand ... before when his answer to it had been avoidance of any unnecessary contact. Now, that was likely not an option. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad, so long as he kept it all on the level and formal. He would not give D'seus any reason to hate him.