Blue & Bronze, Black & Red | 73.13.28 (Moo/Open)

[Moo]

With a laugh, N’kio wiped the water off his face (as nothing could be done about the water on his shirt and pants) and followed Elora out, not failing to take the opportunity to watch her as she walked out of the water. Yes, he thought, those clothes suited her just fine.

“Oh no, please, feel free to ask questions. I don’t mind at all.”

Once on shore, N’kio ambled over to Metanath’s side and sat down, one knee to his chest and his back against a wing. “It’s one of the things I like about you, actually.” He gave her a small smile and idly ran a hand over his beard. “I guess that means that you’ll have to visit Cliffside one day. I’d recommend a Gather – they’re the busiest up top, but they seem to be the most fun for you Weyrfolk. By the way, you never told me where you were from." His eyes glimmered with curiosity. "Or is that a secret I’m not supposed to know?”

Metanath, a little disgruntled from the water his Rider brought over, turned his attentions back to Saphireth. His eyes softened. It can be, he answered, though most of the time it is hard work. Lots of flying to do – which I don’t mind – but after a while, it does tire you out. My favorite days are the ones where we aren’t expecting new ships in port; we can relax and rest more. On those days, we just have to be careful and watch the children.

He felt N’kio tense against him, then relax a moment later. Metanath pulled his head around and gave his Rider a knowing look, but said no more on the subject. He directed his gaze to Elora.

What do you and Saphireth plan on doing, once you are no longer Weyrlings? Will you stay here at the Weyr?

[Nicole]

Elora sat down on the grass next to Saphireth, reaching down towards her pants and unrolling them. "It's not a secret. I just have no attachment to it, hence why I left."

What she meant was that it wasn't much of a secret -- she, herself, wasn't associated with the Hold. And if somebody, say, visited and asked around, most people wouldn't remember her or couldn't link her name with who she was.

But there were the few - and probably the few that N'kio would have interacted with - that would know exactly who she was. And for that alone, she tried to avoid mentioning it.

It sounds like a lot of work, replied Saphireth to Metanath, her mental voice quiet and content. As for after Weyrlings?

"I hadn't thought about it." Elora looked up at N'kio, a thoughtful expression flashing across your face. "I hadn't thought about anything after getting Searched."

[Moo]

“That’s alright. Impressing a dragon is usually what most people think of first. Still, there’s plenty of time in between to think about what you’d like to do with your life.”

Retrieving his boots from their spot near Metanath, N’kio pulled on his socks and began to lace up his shoes. “One of these days I’ll figure you out, Elora.” Exactly what he intended to learn he wasn’t quite sure – but it sounded like a good thing to say, and she was still much of a mystery to him.

While his Rider pondered different professions for Elora, Metanath took the opportunity to reply. It is a lot of work, but I don’t think I would want to do anything else. It is satisfying in its own way, and you get to hear a lot of stories, which I like.

“Don’t forget the scars,” added N’kio, looking up at Metanath and then to Saphireth. “Though they’re not nearly as pleasant as a story.”

We have a few of those as well, but Elora already knows that, he hummed.

[Nicole]

Saphireth and Elora were quiet for a moment. Saphireth looked at Metanath, noticing scars and bumps and how different their colors were, while Elora pulled on her boots.

Both thought about it for a moment.

I would want something more peaceful.
"And I would want something that doesn't have so many people depending on me." Elora reached up and began to braid her hair. "I'm too self-invested to want to put our lives on the line for that."
We are part of the Weyr.
"Oh, that's not the same."
What would you want to do?
"I don't know. Explore." Elora glanced over at N'kio. "I'll invent my own job. Weyr ambasaddor."
What would that entail?
"I go and talk to people and make them like the Weyr, and you just sit there and look pretty."
... I can do that.

Elora's mind finally processed the comment on figuring her out, and she smiled slightly at N'kio -- not a false one, but one that brightened up her eyes. It was sweet that he wanted to know her.

Of course, if it was up to her, he never really would.

[Moo]

N’kio smiled and nudged Metanath. “They talk like us,” he whispered.

Distracted by Saphireth watching him, Metanath quickly adjusted his wing and ignored his Rider’s cry of protest when he hit him in the head. He rumbled his amusement. Out loud, you mean?

Wincing and rubbing the back of his head, he nodded, only brightening when he noticed Elora smile at him. “Explorer and Weyr ambassador?” He paused in thought and lowered his hand to his lap. “That’s not a bad deal, actually. If we weren’t part of the Watch, it sounds like something we would do – or, would have done when we were younger. I almost envy you for that. You could travel far, Elora.” But hopefully not too far. Rolling down and wringing the water out of his pants, N’kio lowered his eyes until he was satisfied with the results.

“I think you would be very good at that job.” He looked up and watched her twist her hair into strands. He decided to go out on a limb. “You’ve already got me convinced that they Weyr might be a good place to live – were it not for my first and only love, that is, I’m certain I would move in.”

Except I don’t like those small birds, remember? Metanath sniffed and looked up at the sun – they still had a little time on their hands. He glanced over at Saphireth. If he were bolder, he would have agreed with her statement of sitting there and looking pretty. She was pretty, for a dragon of her age. But then again, he was not his Rider, and so he kept quiet.

[Nicole]

Elora's smile grew broader as Metanath thumped N'kio on the head with his wing. "Really think I could travel far?" I can't imagine myself going anywhere. It's just a daydream. "And I still don't understand your love of the ocean. Maybe it's because I've never been there."

Saphireth looked away from Metanath towards her Rider. I itch.
Well, stop growing.

Elora stood back up, stretching absently before glancing at N'kio. "Do you have time? Saphireth's itchy, so I need to oil her. Metanath, if you leg has been hurting, I can rub that again, as well." Despite being tired, Elora could make time for Metanath. After all, they had made time for her.

[Moo]

“Never been?” N’kio stood up and wiped the seat of his pants for dirt. “Oh, then we have to fix that, even if it means borrowing you and Saphireth for the day.” He considered her next request for a moment, and then looked up at the sun. “Yes, we have time enough,” he said with a nod. “Break’s half over, or soon to be.”

Metanath sat up at the question-disguised-as-a-statement and his blue eyes whirred faster. No, I couldn't ask that of you. It would be too much of an inconvenience. It is not necessary. He rolled his shoulders carefully, the leather riding tack swaying. Though I think I will need to be oiled before we go, so… Metanath turned and looked down at his Rider, then back to Elora, before rising to his feet. N’kio and I will be joining you and Saphireth, if that is alright.

“Not much I can say about that,” added N’kio. “If that’s what you need, Metanath.” He couldn’t argue with that statement; luckily he had the foresight to store some oil in one of their riding bags. “Yeah, we should take care of that now,” he said with a mischievous grin. “You get awfully cranky with sunburn, and no one wants to deal with that.”

[Nicole]

Do you sunburn? I do not. Or have not yet. Saphireth shifted her gaze back to Metanath, looking over at him. Mine says I will not yet because I am too busy growing to do something as irksome as sunburn.

Elora resisted the urge to laugh and took a few steps backwards. "If you could wait just a moment..."

And she turned and took off at a slow jog towards her quarters, swinging in and snagging one of the four large oil bottles now residing there. She returned back a moment later, still jogging and not a bit out of breath. "Ta-da."

Why did you say ta-da? You did nothing spectacular.

Once again, Elora resisted the urge to laugh. "And now I'm set. If you change your mind, Metanath, let me know. I can always put your lump of a Rider to work and have him oil Saphireth while I oil you." Saphireth's head swiveled to stare at N'kio. "And I don't think there's a way for you to kidnap us until we can fly."

[Moo]

I do like the sound of that, actually, Metanath admitted with a purr, giving a side-eye to his Rider. You should put him to work. He doesn’t have to fly around all day. He snorted with amusement and moved closer, ready to have the flying straps removed. He was hoping to catch his Rider in another compromising situation – which was a good source of amusement during a break – much like the first time Elora had offered to help.

“So that’s how it’s going to be. Fine.” N’kio shrugged, hands automatically moving to the various ties and buckles. “Not like it matters to me who takes care of you, Metanath,” he grumbled, fishing out the spare oil bottles from their saddlebag with a smirk. “If anything, I’ll take this chance and get away from you.” He reached up and pulled the riding straps off, setting them down and away from his dragon. “Saphireth seems infinitely nicer to be around.”

Metanath stretched his wings out and shot him a haughty look.

Not missing Saphireth’s stare, and ignoring his own dragon, he walked up to Elora's side. “Well, I’m leaving the choice up to you. You would have less to work with on Metanath if I oil Saphireth, though you really never know with that one. He could come up with a ton of requests if you let him. And who said anything about kidnapping? I don't think I would need to do that with you.”

[Nicole]

Do you mind?
OfcoursenotwhywouldImind?

Elora looked over at her DarkBlue, whose head was now purposefully looking away from the group. Saphireth?

The dragon blew out a sigh. He's not you. And I know you like him- -as a friend- and he's a Rider and he's nice but I've only ever been oiled by you and it's weird and I know I have to get used to it and I want to get used to it but I'm nervous.

You can talk to me while it happens, and if you get uncomfortable, we can always switch. If you don't want it, I'll happily oil you. You are Mine, after all. Saphireth's eyes swirled with happiness as she swung her head back towards Elora, happy with her Rider's use of the dragon endearment.

I can try.

"Then it's a deal. I'll oil Metanath; you oil Saphireth. You do it wrong and I'll castrate you." She flashed a smile at the sailor, turning towards his Black. "And who said I'd want to go to the ocean with you? Assuming so much."

Saphireth settled herself comfortably, spread her wings out and waited.

[Moo]

N’kio’s jaw dropped. He wasn’t sure what he found more surprising: the threat of castration itself, the voicing of said threat, or the idea that maybe – just maybe – she had been thinking of getting her hands on him in the first place. Why else would she make that threat if not for that reason? Combined with that bright smile of hers, which clearly meant she was up for it, well…the answer was nothing short of obvious, and so his ego won without any further competition.

Silently gloating, N’kio walked over to Elora and snatched up one of her oil bottles in the process. “You forget I’ve done this before. Though if it’s all the same to you, I’d much rather keep everything intact, thank you.” He handed her the small bottles he had retrieved from his saddlebag. “Here, use this on Metanath instead. It’s got a few extra ingredients in it. Helps more with sunburn than regular oil.”

That’s because I’m special, announced Metanath, who had followed Saphireth’s cue and settled down into the grass, wings held aloft. He wasn’t sure if she needed a leg up, but if she asked he would gladly consent.

“Oh, you’re something, all right.”

Turning now to Saphireth, N’kio smiled when he saw her lying in wait. “Now, Saphireth, you let me know how everything feels, alright?” he asked, deciding then and there he would start on her shoulders. Pouring some oil on his hands, he moved closer to the small dragon and positioned himself where he thought he could best reach. “I apologize in advance – my hands are a little rough.” Without further ado, N’kio began to rub the oil into her hide, moving slowly and methodically as he worked his way along her shoulders and wings.

“I think you’d have a good time at the ocean,” he finally replied.

[Nicole]

She had a feeling the threat of castration actually pleased him. Considering it was her default casual threat, she hadn't thought much of using it. Perhaps she should have.

Shrugging off the feeling, she tossed N'kio the bottle he'd need for Saphireth before turning to Metanath and grinning at him. "Shall we?"

I'll let you know if I feel uncomfortable.
I wouldn't expect anything less from you, dearest.

She shashayed over to Metanath's leg, opening the bottle as she decided to take care of his leg first. The oil dripped over his hide and her hands as she set to work, calmly using the muscles in her toned arms and back to massage the scar tissue around the leg.

To N'kio's comment on his hands, Saphireth said nothing. Probably would say nothing unless there was a problem. His hands were a little rough, but it wasn't necessarily bad, just different.

"Why do you think I would have fun at the ocean?" The muscle beneath her hand began to relax as she gently rubbed it, soft hands gliding over Metanath's leg.

[Moo]

N’kio smiled and continued to work on Saphireth’s hide, kneading the muscles along her back before slipping under her wings and against her sides. “It’s a nice place to visit. Warm sands, clear skies – most days – and the water isn’t too bad, either.” Now crouched in front of the small dragon, he poured more oil into his hands and slid them along the sides of her chest, then down to her stomach and forelegs. “The current in this ocean moves in a circular pattern, and that keeps the temperature pretty regular. When paired with good company, what more could you want?”

Metanath slumped forward once Elora began, his eyes half-lidded and turquoise with contentment. Could you…could you do that a bit harder, Elora? He sighed heavily and a low purr began deep in his chest. Though his Rider tried his best, he just couldn’t do it like she could. That feels very nice. Her hands were soft and smooth and glided over him, and the tension in his muscle started to relax. Lulled by the motion of her hands, he closed his eyes and let her work in peace.

As he smoothed the oil along Saphireth’s itchy hide, N’kio began to feel a warmth low in his stomach once Metanath had relaxed. Oh no, not good. He remembered the last time this happened and did not intend to make it a repeat incident. He refocused his efforts with Saphireth and rubbed her sides and stomach, making gentle circles with the heel of his hand.

Mmm, it is good, came Metanath’s drowsy reply.

For you, perhaps, but not for me.

But it was too late – he already began to feel...something...through the connection he shared with his dragon. Whatever one felt, the other felt as well. He tried to ignore it this time. “Yeah, the ocean…the ocean is nice. Metanath and I used to play in it together when we were Weyrlings.”

[Nicole]

He seems distracted.
Metanath? I would hope that he's relaxing.
No, his Rider. He randomly slowed down and now he's really working hard. Is that how other people do it? You're usually so consistent.

Elora glanced over at N'kio, watching him rub the oil into Saphireth's hide with the heel of his hands. Nothing seemed wrong. And then he opened his mouth, and she could just tell from the sentence that he was definitely distracted.

It wasn't her place to comment, though the urge to tease him was there.

"I never was near water, unless it was to go for a quick swim. And even then, I never stayed long. Better things to do." She added the pressure to Metanath's leg like he had asked, arms flexing as she worked her way through the muscle. Massages had been one of the best things about her former job, both giving and receiving. Part of her was glad that she was able to put it to good-

It wasn't until she thought about massages in context of her old job that she realized why N'kio might be distracted. A wicked grin crossed her face. How does that feel? And Metanath, is your Rider... bothered... by the fact that I massage your leg? The innuendo was in every word, even if the question itself was phrased innocently.

[Moo]

"Should've expected you were an in-land girl. That narrows down the Holds a bit. I suppose I can’t fault you for not living near the ocean. If you did, you wouldn’t be saying that,” he teased, feeling more at ease once there was a lull in the connection. Metanath could be falling asleep, which was good news for him. If he wasn’t aware of what was happening, then that lessened the –

Metanath groaned when she applied more pressure. Is he bothered? His tail swished on the ground. I don’t…I don’t think so. Why would he be? The added pressure to his muscles made his leg jump and toes twitch, and the colors in his eyes swirled a confusing mix of yellow, blue, and purple. He exhaled and lay his head against his foreleg. Oh, I like that. It feels so –

“ – Good,” breathed N’kio, just loud enough to hear among the four of them. His eyes widened with shock. That did not just happen. He cleared his throat loudly and refused to look over at Elora.

If she didn’t comment, then maybe she didn’t hear it.

N’kio focused his attention on Saphireth’s DarkBlue hide and forced himself to move his hands slower, more methodically, as he applied the oil. He would not let this keep him from neglecting Saphireth. Shifting around to one side, he gently lifted a wing and smoothed oil on the underside of the membrane, and paid special attention to her wing joints. Metanath had always seemed to like that when he was growing and his hide itched.