On the Morning Tide | 74.01.11 (Nicole/Open)

[Nicole]

Forget about the people around them; she didn't care about them, she just wanted the man who had stroked her arm and her face and made her forget all the reasons she hadn't wanted to be involved with somebody while she was at the Weyr.

"You sound so surprised." She lifted a hand, ignoring the smell of fish on it and running it through her hand. Her fingers sent the strands into messy lines around her head. "Who said I was making fun?"

No, no, why was she admitting emotions? The realization of what could have happened washed over her in a sudden motion and she nearly cringed from the effort of not letting it show on her face. Instead, she turned to glance at the pile of fish-things next to her. Thoughts flashed through her mind quickly. That was close. Be glad it didn't happen. But it nearly did. And that's bad enough. Or is it good enough? It is N'kio. I do like him. I just - I'm complicated.

Well, if there was one thing that she knew wasn't complicated in her life, it was talking. So she turned back to him and flashed a smile.

"And you're right. I will have to pass on those, but because I can only imagine that they'd taste best when dipped in something sweet to lick off. Why don't we stick with something more... normal, for today?" She raised a brow at him, eyes glittering.

Maybe he wasn't so bad. Maybe getting close to him wouldn't be so bad, if it was half as fun as talking to him was.

Even if it is twice as dangerous.

#

Saphireth hadn't noticed she was staring in the direction of the markets until she nearly walked into Metanath, refocusing her steps as they made their way onto the warm sand. It squished underneath her feet, like mud but not like mud, and the stood there for a moment to adjust to the sensation. It had been a long time since she had felt sand underneath her.

Why would you desire danger? Saphireth waved her tail in the sand, turning to look at the swoosh of an arc it left behind her. That seems nonsensical, in a way.

Nonsensical was one of Saphireth's favorite words, something that had surprised her Mine when she found out. Saphireth supposed it was because it was uncommon for dragons to have favorite words. But nonsensical applied to many things she came in contact with, and she liked being exact about what she was saying.

[Moo]

“Yes, well, it doesn’t normally work out that way,” replied N’kio, casually watching her hand as she ran it through her hair.

When Elora glanced down and away, he took a moment to gather his thoughts. They were both treading deep water, and one wrong move…Well, any move at all could spell danger.

At her suggestive comment, he smirked. “Better watch that type of talk, miss Elora,” he laughed lightly, resting the thin crate against his side. “But perhaps we’ll have to put that to the test one day,” he added in a softer voice, his gaze lingering over her eyes and face.

But enough had already happened today, and there was no need to add more fuel to the fire that was gossip. It was bad enough that it looked they had shared an intimate moment, and being shirtless didn’t help their case much – but if further word got around, it would not do well for their reputations. Elora’s more so than his own. It didn’t matter much what happened to his, but he didn’t want to ruin hers by pushing things too far.

With a tilt of his head, N’kio gestured to the counters near the back and began to walk towards one. “Come on, we’ve spent enough time here. Still have those Marks I gave you?”

#

Metanath hummed with amused pleasure at Saphireth’s words and actions. The beach was a good first choice. He led the way toward a throng of trees not far from the ocean, his wings held slightly aloft as the sun’s rays quickly warmed up his hide. So much for that swim in the water!

I like that word, nonsensical. It feels nice to say, he commented, turning his head to look down at Saphireth.

But you are correct, it is a bit strange to desire such things if you have not been exposed to it. I was never a very adventurous weyrling growing up, but ever since I began to live beside the ocean, life in a Weyr has turned into a not-so-attractive living option.

His eyes glimmered as he passed through a small tunnel of trees and into a cool, grassy opening covered beneath the extending foliage. Gaps through the tree line gave them a view of the ocean, but on the whole, they were protected from the heat and the sun by the trees.

The children and I –

Metanath hesitated, a gleam of alarmed yellow cycling through the blues and greens, and continued once he assumed that neither Saphireth nor Elora knew.

We like to visit here on good days. Sometimes there are firelizard nests to be found, so watch your step. But yes, living by the ocean assures that each day is different from the last, and it seems I have grown to enjoy a life where that is a reality. I do not wish to grow stagnant and off to the side, though perhaps when I am older that will no longer be a concern. A Weyr is safe, and full of drills and routine, but I – like Mine – can’t help but crave a different life.

[Nicole]

Elora liked it when his voice got soft. She liked it when he skimmed her face as if he was trying to decide what he wanted to touch first.

Liked it a bit too much, in fact, so when he changed the topic and began to act as if nothing had happened, part of her was relieved. Even if liking him wasn't a terrible decision, it was just as friends or bed-buddies, right? Nothing more than that. Nope. Not at all.

Part of her brain kept repeating that over and over again as she sashayed her way back towards N'kio, reaching into her pocket and presenting him with his own Marks. "So what are we eating, sailor-boy?"

#

I do not like routine. But I do not like danger, either. Perhaps that is why I like Elora's idea of visiting places and teaching. I could try to get over my shyness for that, I think.

Saphireth leaned her face closer to the sand, snorting out once to watch it go flying everywhere. Her eyes whirled with amusement as she looked back up at Metanath, watching him disappear into a tunnel of trees. Flexing her wings absently, she scampered after him, kicking sand in her wake.

The shade was much cooler. In the safety of the shade of the trees, Saphireth's mind began to race.

May I ask a series of questions that may seem invasive? You can refuse to answer if you so choose.

[Moo]

There’s not a better cure for shyness than travel and new experiences, Metanath replied, minding where he placed his feet as he walked around the small, seaside clearing. You and Elora would have a nice time traveling, I think. If you are serious, and you need help charting your journey, or finding maps, I know N’kio would be glad to help.

Noting the cool tone in her voice, Metanath tilted his head at Saphireth. That was out of the blue, but…He sat down in the sand and nodded slowly. He wasn’t sure where that question came from, but figured it wouldn’t be too much of a risk to agree to her questioning. It was probably something along the lines of work or travel or living outside the Weyr, anyway, which wasn’t a big deal.

At least, that’s what he hoped her questions would be about.

I see no reason why you can’t ask me them. If they are too invasive, I will be sure to let you know. Fire away…so to speak.

#

“That’s not up to me, actually,” he said, retrieving the Marks from hand and moving on up to one of the free vendors. Without even asking the price, he handed over an amount of Marks and paid for their purchases – he had been here long enough to know the approximate price, anyway. N’kio turned back to Elora and this time, motioned to leave the market.

“I won’t be preparing this for you today, but if you were interested, you could always eat them as is.”

He shrugged his shoulders and stepped into the stream of passing dockworkers, making his way toward a small, blue-painted ship along the quay.

“It’s not bad, but the octopus is a bit strange on the way down. Sticks to your throat if you’re not fast enough, but certainly something you’ll have to try at least once.”

He quickly smiled at her over his shoulder. “Maybe on your next visit to Cliffside?"

[Nicole]

"Depends. Is that next visit an offer of octopus or an offer to cook for me?"

She flashed him a smile of her own as she carefully followed his path, doing her best not to lose him among the dockworkers. It wasn't hard. His hair was a beacon all on its own.

"But yes to either. Where are we off to now?"

#

Thank you.

For a moment, Saphireth didn't speak, partly out of shyness and partly to compose her own thoughts. Instead, she curled herself up underneath one of the trees, once again putting her head on her front claws as Metanath walked around.

Once she reminded herself that she now considered Metanath a friend, and that friends could ask questions, she took a deep mental-breath and began. The questions poured out of her at a rapid-pace, and with each one she slowly sat back up until she was looking up at him, eyes whirling thoughtfully.

Why would you be interested in a firelizard hatching? Why would you choose something dangerous like the ocean over something dangerous like a forest? Why does the Weyr seem like a less-attractive option, besides the routine thing? And why did you stumble over the fact that you associate with children? Because typically that means you're lying or hiding something, and you don't seem like a liar, and if you're hiding something you don't have to answer the question which is why I prefaced all of this with an invasion of privacy notice.

Saphireth blinked and tilted her head.

Please try to answer in order, if possible.

[Moo]

Smiling to himself, N’kio balanced the crate in one hand as he shuffled through a gaggle of local prostitutes, who were currently speaking amongst themselves and watching the general procession from the sidelines.

“Either one, but I’m glad to hear you’re still up for any challenge. Not that my food will kill you, of course,” he laughed. “We’re going to the Galley – technically, that’s a term for the kitchen found on large ships, but in this case, there’s a small boat in port with that name.”

Turning down one of the smaller extensions of the dock, N’kio stepped around the wet ropes and headed up the gangplank of the blue, wooden ship. “As it happens,” he continued, “the crew aboard specializes in preparing whatever you bring in. It’s not the sort of ship you can sit down and eat on, but it’s nice if you’re short on time. We’ll have to find you a place along the main dock or in the Hold itself if you want to sit down and eat.”

#

Metanath kept quiet and listened carefully to the barrage of questions from the small dragon. She had a quick mind, that one, and had clearly been taking notes. At her addendum, he nodded his reply, straightening up his forelegs and sliding down into a resting position. It was going to take more than a brief moment to answer her questions.

To begin with, hatchings – any hatchings – are always a source of entertainment for most dragons. Even though they are small, and generally annoying, it is nice to see them from time to time when there haven’t been many dragons in the Hold. To your next question…I’m not entirely sure why. I feel it was what I was chosen to do, with N’kio as Mine. Though the forest is nice, it is too cramped for my taste, and you do not get as much wind as you do on the sea. The flying is nicer on the ocean, if a bit more dangerous to the inexperienced.

He took in a deep breath and continued, tail swishing in the sand. As much as I enjoy following the rules, the Weyr is a bit too formal. I enjoy the familiarity of Cliffside more. It is more comfortable than the Weyr, and that is perhaps for the elite feeling you spoke about before. As far as your question about children…

Metanath shifted his shoulders as he considered his response, but kept his eyes fixed on Saphireth. I am afraid it is not my place to answer that one. You would have to speak to my Rider about that.

[Nicole]

I will not ask him, nor will I tell Mine. Neither are my place. Saphireth kept his gaze, tilting her head ever-so-slightly to the left. But I hope whatever you are hiding will not hurt her, more for your sake than hers.

Her eyes whirled quickly and she turned away, focusing her attention on the water slowly lapping the ocean. I do not like firelizards. And I do not know if I like forests or the Weyr or the ocean. I do not fly.

She sat and stretched, claws leaving long marks on the ground beneath her. What is it like to fly?

#

Elora glanced around her as they walked, noting the women and the men and even the occasional child. She judged none of them (except for, perhaps, the one sailor who eating a raw fish on what appeared to be a dare. Yuck.) and continued to follow N'kio down the path.

The Galley's occupation made her smile, and she nearly opened her mouth to ask another question. So if I brought you in, would they prep you for me to- but she realized very quickly that they had met the limit for innuendos for the day.

So instead she just nudged him. "Will you be eating with me? And we can go wherever you'd like. You're the one still on the clock."

[Moo]

To his credit, Metanath did not look down or away when he heard Saphireth’s thinly-veiled thread. For one thing, she was still quite small, and if he wanted to overpower her, it would be very easy to do so. But there was no need for that – and he knew the threat was nothing he wouldn’t have said about his Rider. He drew up his wings in a stretch and nodded briskly.

Do not worry about him. If there was any cause for alarm, I would not have let him get so close to you or Elora. I know him well, and he is a good man, but his life is his own, and it is not my business to speak out of line. He refolded his wings and rubbed his nose against a forearm. But I can tell you that, at least in my mind, it is not a great deal. Just personal.

It really was a perfectly normal thing that N’kio was trying to hide – but he knew he couldn’t break his Rider’s trust; even if it was Saphireth he told. He learned long ago that there was such a thing as a difference between one’s public and private life, and that it was best to keep quiet on subjects you weren’t sure about.

Though he was sure they would love Saphireth.

With a great sigh, Metanath shifted his weight to one haunch and buried his claws in the sand. Is there a reason why you do not like firelizards? It was no secret that they were annoying at the best of times, but they did serve their purpose well, and particularly here at Cliffside. As far as the forests or the seas, you have plenty of time to decide, if you decide at all. I would not worry over it.

His eyes lit up at her final question. Flight, he started, as if tasting the word for the first time. His eyes whirled in thought before he continued.

Flying is that deep, satisfying stretch you take after you wake from sleep. It’s the feeling of the sun on your hide after spending time in the shadows, and the cold water you swim in after the sun grows too hot. It’s the promise of rest after a hard day of work.

Metanath’s tail twitched in the sand as he nodded to himself. It is one of the most natural things you could ever do. To have all that power for yourself, that freedom…it’s almost indescribable until you take your first flight. Then he realized what he had said, or what it sounded like, and his eyes turned a brief, nervous yellow. In weyrling training, I mean. Your first, actual Flight will be something…entirely different.

#

N’kio nudged her right back. “I’d like that very much.” He smiled over to her. “Unfortunately, you are right about the work. There’s still plenty that needs to be done.” He carefully avoided letting his eyes linger on any part of her body as he turned them to the sea.

“In particular,” he added, shielding his eyes from the sun with his free hand, “those three ships we met at sea. They need to be docked and examined, and written up accordingly. That’s the biggest priority right now.” With a slight frown at the thought of leaving Elora for work, he moved ahead in the line at The Galley, and when it was their turn to approach the counter, he handed over their small variety of sea life before moving to the bow of the ship to wait.

“You might just have to stay up here sometime, y'know, if it’s an off-day you’re wanting to catch me on. We don’t usually take shifts here, but I think there’s a day or two where I need not pay much attention to the Hold."

N’kio ran a hand through his hair and leaned against the wooden railing. He looked over to Elora and arched an eyebrow.

“I can recommend some good places to stay. If you’re interested, that is.”

[Nicole]

If Saphireth had lips, they would have twitched in an attempt not to smile. However, keeping her mouth from dropping into a dragon grin was quite easy.

She saw, now, why Elora took such pleasure in teaching N'kio. Watching Metanath get embarrassed was fun.

I am certain that both will be indescribable experiences. She tilted her head to the side, watching Metanath. Flying being because it is mine because I am a dragon and it is what we do, and Flying for the same reason. Is there a particular reason you shy at the topic? It is natural.

Why Metanath would worry was beyond her, but it was amusing.

And being Elora's meant not knowing many things, but Flights? That was natural. That was something that would come and happen and might even be enjoyed, at least by Elora. (Saphireth had the strangest sense that it would be quite more of a challenge for her to enjoy it, as Elora seemed to know that she would go off and be hungry and challenging and such. But all the more fun for it!)

#

Elora appreciated the invitation, she did. She loved that he wanted her to visit again, to stay, to see him. She relished the thought.

But staying somewhere? Haha, no.

"Oh, N'kio." She flashed him one of her lustier expressions, all hooded eyes and wicked grins. "If I'm staying here, it'll be on invite into a personal bedroom. I don't do bed-and-breakfasts."

Knowing that could lead into another brilliantly tense moment in a public area, she looked away from him and propped herself up against the railing of the ship, running a hand through her hair. She didn't mind the moments. They were fun. But for the sake of his reputation, and hers, for now... it could wait.

She just hoped nobody here knew her. Or her reputation. Or what she had been.

She'd have to tell him at some point.

But not right now.

[Moo]

N’kio grinned to himself, looking down at the deck as he listened. “Better watch that type of talk, lass,” he replied in a low voice, lifting his eyes up to her face. “I wouldn’t want you getting into any trouble at the Weyr.”

She was looking away now, one hand tangled in that thick, bronze hair of hers, but he knew she was all ears. He had a feeling it wasn’t coyness that drew her attention elsewhere.

“You really would be missing out on some nice places,” he said with a start, just now noticing the appearance of the woman bearing food. He took the warm plate from her and exchanged some marks for her to disappear back to where ever she came from. Balancing the plate in one hand, he offered it to Elora. “But an invite like that…”

He knew where his mind was going, and he was sure she knew as well. She was the one who had said it, after all.

“Just who were you thinking of asking?”

#

It is natural enough, yes, but...I am not accustomed to speaking about Flights with weyrlings. Particularly females. No offense to you, replied Metanath with an apologetic dip of his head.

I tried to explain it to another weyrling once before – before you had hatched, in fact – and both N’kio and I agreed it felt…off. I can’t explain it much more than that.

He glanced behind him at the ocean, before turning back to Saphireth. You haven’t answered my question, though. His eyes spun blue with interest. The firelizards. Is it just because they are small and annoying?

[Nicole]

Elora dropped her hand from her hair, leaning over and plucking the hot plate out of N'kio's hands. The heat warmed her rather than burned her, and she pulled the plate towards her, looking down at the food with a small smile.

His question had her eyes drifting back up to him. She liked the look in his eyes - he seemed hesitant, wanting, unwilling, too willing, everything and nothing all at once. But there was definite wanting there. Maybe not wanting her, not right now, but wanting him to be the answer to the question.

She'd have to disappoint him.

"I can't just ask to stay at somebody's house. They'd have to be the one to do the inviting." She reached down, dipping her finger into the sauce on the plate and licking it off as she turned away from him again, looking out towards the ocean.

#

I think it was that particular Weyrlings, not all Weyrlings. Saphireth finally dropped her jaw into what could only be called a draconic grin before craning her head back towards the water. As for the firelizards?

She tapped the ground once before shaking her head. They are smaller than I am, yet they can fly sooner. It is not fair.

And, with that said, Saphireth had the feeling that she had spoken far too much for this conversation, shyness belatedly creeping over her.

[Moo]

“I guess you’ve got a point," said N'kio, scratching an itch on the back of his arm. "Some people – dragons included – might consider it rude to invite yourself in. You know which dragon I'm talking about.”

He knew where his thoughts were going with Elora, and he knew he really shouldn’t encourage this behavior. No good could come of it, as least for now. As enjoyable as it was, there were rules – and her reputation, his job, to consider. They couldn’t put those in jeopardy. How many times had he gone over this already?

“But perhaps if someone didn’t have a problem with it.”

Clearly not enough times. N’kio glanced to Elora. “If there was an open invitation given, if they didn’t have a problem with you visiting…Would you?”

#

Amusement rumbled in his chest at her answer. I did not consider that. It is a good a reason as any, I expect. He half-heartedly considered telling her about his aversion to small birds, but now did not seem the time or the place. Perhaps later.

Noticing the lull in conversation between him and the DarkBlue dragon before him, Metanath attempted to pick up on the conversation between his Rider and Elora. Shades of green and yellow spun slowly in his eyes. He didn’t know what was said between them, but the intent was clear as day.

Should we go see what our Riders are up to? offered Metanath, turning his friendly gaze to Saphireth.

I have a feeling they may be planning something without us.

[Nicole]

The silence had lasted just long enough for Saphireth to feel comfortable making a comment and not just nodding. You mean that they occasionally do not? I'm shocked. Saphireth's eyes whirled with amusement as she picked herself back up, shaking out her wings. I do not know my way around. You must lead.

#

Elora popped a piece of whatever was on her plate into her mouth, finding it surprisingly savory. A place to come eat again, she suspected, for all of its quaint charms.

But the taste in her mouth did not distract her from N'kio's comments, and a small and sexy - and she knew it to be sexy; she had seen herself smile it before - smile was weaving its way onto her face. Her eyes slid, again, from her plate towards him.

"Would I visit?"

She paused purposefully, taking the time to pop another piece into her mouth, chew, swallow, play with the food on her plate for just a moment.

"Oh yes, I would visit. I see no reason not to." Elora stirred the sauce again absently, not looking down at it; her eyes were focused on N'kio's face. "I just tend to do what makes me happy, after all."

[Moo]

With a hum, Metanath rose to his feet and shook his body free of sand. You would be surprised, then, at least for N’kio. He made his way out of their hidden spot on the beach and, blinking, stepped into the sun and the hot sand. It was about time he had returned to his post.

For most matters like these, he plans very little. Though I think an exception would have to be made for you and Elora. You two are different.

He climbed up the sand dune that connected the beach to the hills of the Hold, relishing in the feel of the grass beneath his feet – sandy as the soil may be. The ground was much cooler to stand on and heat, as most everyone knew, did not agree with him.

#

He mustered up all his restraint to keep from taking one more step nearer, moving just a little bit closer, when she directed that smile at him. A flood of warmth settled low in his stomach as he stared over at her. She knew exactly what she was doing and he had half a mind to let her continue. He felt it would be very easy to get lost in those eyes of hers.

“It’d be nice to have you,” he replied, only realizing what it sounded like after he spoke. With a slight smirk, he tried again, still speaking in a low tone of voice. Couldn’t have onlookers listening.

“You’re more than welcome to stay if you need a place. You know how to find me. Or Metanath, for that matter.”

It was only due to the sway of the ship beneath his feet that he was reminded of where exactly they were – and what sort of company they were in. This was not the time or place for another moment, like the last one they had not long ago. As the saying went, loose lips sunk ships.

Besides, he could feel Metanath probing around in his mind, and another opinion was not what he wanted right now.

“I should be getting back to work. Come and find me before you leave?”

N’kio wasn’t sure what he felt he could gain from it, but all he knew was that he wanted to see her again. Maybe the words, if any, would come then.

[Nicole]

Mine always plans, I think.

But she did not elaborate on the comment, or her suspicion that His totally wrecked any planning that Elora had set out to do. After all, Hers had set out to follow rules, and she had, except for when it came to him; had planned not to come today to flirt but had, because of him; and while it wasn't a bad thing - Saphireth knew he made her happy - she just hoped it was what she wanted.

Though being in Elora's head, she always say Elora's reasoning, and in this case the only reasons for Elora not to pursue His were... well, a rule that didn't make sense. Age didn't matter when dragons Flew; why should Rank matter?

But, as she was a dragon, that line of thought was quickly forgotten as she stepped into the grass, favoring the cool feeling against her hide over the thoughts of things that hadn't happened or would happen.

#

While she wanted to answer his invitation, he switched topics to having to leave, so Elora promised herself that it would be another day that they discussed that.

And another day yet that she would take him up on it, oh yes.

"Of course. Thanks for the meal." He had shifted closer, so she just gestured to the food instead of lifting the plate up. "I'll see you soon, a'ight?"