Bored Candidate, Idle Time (3073.9.5)

[Moo]

Metanath said nothing in response, more than content to be flying with those who appreciated it. With a few downward thrusts of his wings, he cleared over two small Greens and leveled out with relative ease.

“I like that quality in a woman,” N’kio commented. “It sounds like you aren’t afraid to try new things, either. Nor do you shy away from these heights, like some do. You may make a fine Rider after all.” He looked over Metanath’s side and caught sight of the lake in the distance. Hey...there's an idea. He grinned mischievously.

Down to the lake? asked Metanath, sensing what his Rider had in mind.

Not as deeply as we have done, and no spirals, but you know what to do. In ten.

As Metanath angled his tail to line up with the body of water, N’kio readjusted the hand on her waist and moved to whisper in her ear. “Not bothered, then? Lean forward, toward his neck. Hold on if you wish.”

Five.

Having said that, he leaned back for purchase, shifting eagerly where he sat, calves tightening their hold on the dragon.

Without warning, Metanath dropped in the sky. Wings pinned against his sides, he fell at an angle toward the glimmering surface of the lake, the air screeching in protest. The wind buffeted him from all sides, but he stayed his course. All around him was a blur of green and blue and bursts of color from dragon hides, yet his eyes were fixed only on the fast approaching water. Closer and closer and closer and when they were nearly upon it, his wings snapped open and beat hard against the air.

N'kio leaned forward, hips rolling as he reached and took hold of one of the straps to his right, his free hand now against Elora's lower back in an effort to keep her where she sat.

Metanath gurgled to himself. Water sprayed around them and wet his hide as he extended his hind legs, claws carving the surface of the lake. And just when it seemed he would crash into the water, he pulled at the sky with his wings, muscles straining and body undulating as he lifted himself once more into the air.

Not too bad.

I could say…the same for you… panted Metanath, catching a warm gust of air. But how did she fare?

[Nicole]

The feel of his breath on her ear almost distracted her from what she was saying and she instinctively followed his instructions, angling herself forward, absently curling her hands around the saddle. "What-"

If Elora had had the breath to curse from the shock of suddenly dropping, she would have; the pressure pushed her back, and she was glad she was the one strapped into the saddle. (Part of her brain panicked for a half a moment, wondering if N'kio was okay; then she realized that she had no control over it anyway. Or any of it, really. Surprisingly, she didn't mind.) The world whirled around her, becoming a blur of color as they neared the water.

Just as she was sure they were going to crash into it, Metanath pulled up, spraying them with water as he yanked himself back up into the air. The part of her brain that was still working noted that this could probably be one of the reasons why he had such tense muscles, dragon or not.

The rest of her was preoccupied with her fast heartbeat and her beaming smile and how her breath was coming just a little too quickly and how her left foot was bouncing up and down excitedly. She was vaguely aware of N'kio behind her, and part of her wanted to calm down, to seem like she wasn't impressed or excited, to keep that air of being constantly in control.

But damn, that had been fun.

"You know-" she paused to take a small breath, turning her head to glance over at him, "I would have laughed if you had fallen." And she grinned at him, eyes sparkling, unable to help herself.

[Moo]

He laughed and his grin matched her own. “It’s a good thing we’ve been practicing, then!” As Metanath reached a calm spot, he sat up straighter, his attention on Elora. “I have before, actually,” he admitted. “At the point where he pulls back. But that was when I was a bit younger, and not fully aware of my dragon’s movements. Still just as foolish, but I’ve learned a thing or two along the way.” His mind began to wander once he noticed her quick, shallow breaths, thoughts racing as he wondered if that was how she sounded when she –

He grew weary of bruises, so he learned quickly when to move, offered Metanath, delicately interrupting the train of thought he knew his Rider was considering.

N’kio rolled his eyes at the memory, and at his dragon. “Now, don’t you go trying this,” he warned, in an attempt to be serious. “Not yet, at least, or I will have to laugh at you. And then, you know, sort of feel sorry for you…because it does hurt.”

Best to practice in a soft field, but we live on the ocean. All sharp rocks and steep cliffs there. It's a good thing he could swim. Metanath circled away from the lake and began to move toward the Weyr Heights, wondering if he would catch a glimpse of their Queen when they passed over. He had few interactions with dragons passing through Cliffside as of late, and firelizards were too annoying to count as such.

[Nicole]

"What's to practice? I'm not a rider." Elora smiled, trying to calm her excitement - and her heartbeat - as Metanath leveled out and began to coast through the air. "No need to worry there."

She turned her head back to the front, absently leaning back into N'kio as she looked around. She might like the world better if she could see it from up here all the time. Up here, the little petty things didn't seem to exist; it was only the big picture.

Oh, sweet eggs, when did I get so thoughtful? Nope. No thoughtfulness. Thinking stops now. Just enjoy the view.

[Moo]

“Nothing to practice yet, anyway. Just making certain you know…” he trailed off as she leaned into him, surprised, even though he knew she was preoccupied with the landscape. The heat between their bodies was warm and pleasant; much better, N’kio thought, than the dripping cold of those we rescue at sea. “It could be dangerous,” he finished, voice a bit softer than before. He moved his hand back to her side, his touch light.

“It is quite nice up here, though, isn’t it?” He looked around at the Weyr below. “The scenery is a definite improvement, I must say. Nicer on the eyes than Cliffside.”

It’s very green. I like that.

Maybe once we get old, and can no longer keep watch, we’ll come and live here.

Perhaps…

[Nicole]

"I've only ever visited Cliffside once. Didn't have a chance to look around much, so I can't compare." His hand skimmed her side. The corners of her lips twitched up slightly higher. "But I like it up here, much better htan I like it on the ground, maybe."

Too much information? Not really. Too personal? Perhaps.

Elora really needed to began to start watching what she was saying.

[Moo]

He nodded. “There is something about the skies. Perhaps it’s the freedom…not only from the ground, but from your troubles as well. You could go anywhere. You can think up here. I can’t imagine going back to the ground. Water and air, that’s all I need.”

I agree. I cannot help but feel sad for those who have lost their dragons...A life of clipped wings is none at all. He flew on, circling the Weyr Heights and the dragons beneath it. No glimmer of gold caught his eye, so he turned his head and set his sights for the misty hills and jungles.

“Cliffside Sea Hold is not much to an outsider, that I can say. It is a rocky and hard place, and one you’re liable to fall right off of if you’re not careful. Not where most envision their time off, yet it’s home enough. I’m afraid I do not paint a pretty picture, but you would be more than welcome to visit sometime, if ever desire strikes you.”

[Nicole]

"The hardness of a place does not bother me." Elora's lips twitched into a smile, even if that smile didn't agree with her statement or her emotions. It would help, of course, if she knew what she felt in regards to that former life.

But she hadn't figured that out yet; only that she had wanted to leave it behind. "So I might take you up on that offer sometime. Eggs knows the Weyr will bore me soon enough." Had it really been an invite? Stop analyzing things, you numbskull.

She looked around her, smiling as she felt Metanath shift direction slightly - towards the hills and jungle on the outerside of the Weyr. They looked much prettier - much more magical - from up here.

[Moo]

Metanath dropped low as he neared the jungles, skimming over the canopies, his hide collecting beads of water as he passed through clouds of mist. He looked over his shoulder at N’kio, eyes the same deep green as the foliage. I really like it here, actually. I don’t know why. Maybe it is the location…it is not near an ocean. No salt in the air. It tastes cleaner. I never paid much attention to this part of the Weyr before. Turning his head back around, he scanned the hills with zeal, jaws partially open as a bombardment of new smells hit the roof of his mouth. It feels good, he added, and a shiver slinked through his body.

N’kio grinned at his dragon’s excitement. Life seems a bit more relaxed here, doesn’t it? I like it, too. But he had turned his eyes to Elora.

Metanath rumbled knowingly, though said nothing.

“Oh, I don’t see how this place could get boring,” he replied, “but I would be pleased to have you all the same.” He paused. There’s a double meaning in that, he realized.

Hasn’t stopped you before, now has it?

No…no it hasn't.

He looked over the port side of Metanath. The trees seemed almost close enough to touch. “I hope you don’t mind a bit of work, though. We have quite the FisherCraft Hall, and are always on the lookout for an extra pair of hands. Don’t be too surprised if you’re asked to help out, should you come on a nice day.”

[Nicole]

There's a double meaning that, a small part of Elora's mind purred. And I wouldn't mind either meaning.

She very politely told that part of her mind to shove off, too busy looking around to really pay attention to what she was thinking, or what he was thinking, or what he was saying, or what she was saying. "The FisherCraft Hall was what I visited last time. Truth be told, I didn't see the work area much. I was, mmm, preoccupied."

She didn't blush when her brain finally clicked back into gear and told her to pay attention and stop being comfortable with the pretty red-headed hunk of man behind her who took her on flights because men didn't care and she still needed to have her guard up. "But I don't mind work."

Part of her wondered what it would be like to flop into the trees or the clouds. Would they be like beds? Another part just appreciated the mist. Frankly, there was so much to see and do and feel and look at that it was all a bit overwhelming. Add in the man behind her-

-it was no wonder she couldn't think straight. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. Focus.

[Moo]

Metanath could have flown forever through the mists, but the rational part of his brain reminded him that there were a couple remaining places to visit. He took one last look at the jungles, then flicked his tail and started to alter his course.

N’kio did not think to question her preoccupation. “Hmm. I wonder where I was at that time. It would be something if we had seen each other befo—”

As Metanath turned, the tip of his wing ran through the leaves and shook the top of the tree. An angry squabbling sounded in the air.

He laughed and shifted in his seat. “Oh, this should be good.”

Distracted, Metanath paused in his flight to look for the source. All of a sudden, a fleet of small birds rose in unison from the canopy and began to circle around his head, tweeting incessantly.

You must have upset their nest or something.

Just what I needed. He shook his head and flapped upward, but the birds kept up, little wings beating hard as they chased after him. With a groan, he continued to fly around the canopy – they were very little birds, he rationalized. What harm could they do?

Then they began to dive bomb him. Ducking his head to protect his eyes, Metanath hissed as they pecked at his nose and neck with their beaks and talons. He jerked back, wings buffeting the air. They’re sharp! Oh, just hold on, you two, came his angry grumble. Quickly righting himself in the proper direction, Metanath then sped off in the direction of the Weyr Bowl.

“Perfect flying,” he said with a hint of sarcasm, patting Metanath on the back as soon as they slowed their flight. N’kio glanced backwards and watched as the frenzied cloud began to fade away as they left the jungle. “Truly fantastic. Second to none at maneuvering, if I may say so.”

You may not, Metanath snorted.

“Now,” he began, absently tapping his fingers along Elora’s side. “Was there some other place you wanted to visit in particular? I think we’ve covered all of the main areas, unless I am mistaken.”

[Nicole]

She knew she hadn't seen him before; at least, she was pretty sure that she would have remembered that beard. It was often that she ran into a red-headed sailor-

The birds sent her into a fit of giggles, and the more aggressive the birds got, the harder her giggles got. Even as Metanath sped away, she had a hard time controlling the,m. She was only able to subdue them for a second until N'kio's sarcastic comments started. Then they started again.

"Great ol' dragon, driven away by some tiny birds," she giggled, taking a deep breath and trying to control her laughter. "Proud of you, Metanath."

She managed to stop the giggles, though the bright smile stayed on her face. It didn't go away when he began tapping his fingers along her side, either. "No. I have nowhere in note to think of. Well-" There was one place, triggered by something he had said, but they didn't have to go. "-no."

[Moo]

I can’t tell if you are being sarcastic, but…thank you, Metanath replied, turning his head to look back at Elora.

She has a fantastic laugh, doesn’t she? N’kio interjected, turning their conversation private.

I found nothing funny about that situation. But while you’re taking up space on my back, need I remind you, take a look at my neck. I think they’ve drawn blood.

You are such a hatchling. You’re fine, just being dramatic. How unlike you, actually.

I can assure you, that is not the case.

Keep your secrets, then.

N’kio tilted his head and listened as Elora replied, brow furrowing as he caught her starting a new sentence. “Well, what?” he asked, looking at her over her shoulder. “You can tell me, it’s fine. I won’t bite. Where did you want to go?”

[Nicole]

There was a line, here, even if N'kio didn't see it; a line that she had drawn. Personal life versus appearances. Not everybody drew those lines. Not everybody kept things so drawn apart between what they pretended they were interested in and what they were really interested in.

And she had told him so much already, let him in so much already, let herself be affected so much already - and she had just met him. To ask about something that would be in his personal life, to take that step, show that interest...

she couldn't do it. It wasn't in her. She still had to protect herself, and if keeping people out was how she did it, it would be fine. She had always been fine alone, anyway, and keeping herself safe and keeping her reputation intact would have to do. After all, she only had herself and her reputation.

"Nah, it's nothing." She flashed a smile. "A brief fancy about flying around the Weyr again, but it's alright."

That was a lie. The only lie she had told the entire time she had been talking to N'kio, to be honest, and she felt a bit bad about it. But the sea was his territory, and sounded too much and nothing like her, and it woul dhave to wait.

[Moo]

He remained quiet as he observed her. I don’t…I feel as if there’s more here. Should I ask further?

What are your reasons? Or I should think the better question is, why are you concerned?

He ran his eyes over her profile, almost as if he were searching for the answer. Why was he so interested? It wasn’t as if she had said anything out of the ordinary when asked. I don’t know, he admitted, and withdrew from Metanath’s mind. N’kio moved back and settled more in his seat, though he kept his eyes on Elora.

“Well, only if you’re sure,” he said at last, his tone light. “It would be very rude of me if I left without showing you everything you wanted.” A slight smile turned up his mouth. “Flying around the Weyr is no trouble at all, if that is what you want. Though I expect we’ll have to keep clear of the jungles, at least for now…We wouldn’t want to lose our wings to another flock of birds, now would we?”

How touching. Yes, very thoughtful of you, Metanath spoke to them both, circling above the Weyr Bowl. We wouldn’t want that happening again – next time, the birds could be even bigger.