Definitely Unexpected / 3073.09.24

[Shoki]

Mau was walking back toward the weyrbowl, Quimyenth following her with a spring in her step. The weyrling was holding a length of leather in her hands, looking pleased at her newest acquisition. It was the last thing she needed to get started making a turnday gift for one of her friends. There would likely be enough left over to get started on another project if she needed to. Qui was very interested in Mau's project, mostly because she had been gathering things for a while now, and didn't understand how it would come together. She had dutifully inspected every last thing that Mau had gotten though, from the small hammer to this new length of leather. It smelled kinda nice.

The pair continued on their path, coming across a man and his black dragon. Qui looked at the full grown dragon for a moment with curiosity but didn't say anything. Mau on the other hand was all smiles.
"Good Afternoon." The wyerling was always happy to give out pleasantries, and occasionally it met a lot to people. Other times they cared less. Still, it was a nice day for a lazy greeting.

[Moo]

“Oh!” he exclaimed, and both he and Metanath turned at the sound of another voice. A Weyrling pair, nonetheless. N’kio smiled. “Hello there. Afternoon, you say?” he asked, and glanced up at the sky. “Unless I’m mistaken, which does happen, I don’t believe the sun is high enough for an afternoon just yet.” He shrugged noncommittally, still smiling as he looked back down at them. “But I understand what you’re saying. By the way, I’m N’kio, and this is Metanath. Who are you?”

Metanath dipped his head politely, once his name had been mentioned, but kept quiet as he observed the small Green and her Rider.

It was then that N’kio noticed what was in the Weyrling’s hand. “Ohhh...Could you tell me where you purchased that leather? I’m actually in need of a good leatherworker, but I wouldn’t know where to find one here.”

These must be from the Hatching we heard about, Metanath murmured to his Rider, the slightest hint of curiosity turning his eyes a deep jade.

That must have been an exciting time. I love Hatchings. Hey, speaking of...When's the last time you've flown?

Really.

Now, now, there's no harm in planning.

There is when you do it!

[Shoki]

"No?" Mau looked up at the sky and frowned a little. "I coulda sworn- Ah well." Her features melted back into a smile. She thought it had been much longer discussing with the leather man then it was apparently. Not too bad, she could get this project started before chores. "It's a pleasure to meet you N'kio, Mentanath." She nodded to each of them briefly then stepped to one side, to more easily gesture at her green friend. "This is Quimyenth." The small dragon looked at her rider for a moment, then tilted her head at the pair and nodded. Qui was somewhat anxious over the fact she was so small right now, which is why her eyes were whirling with curiosity still. "You can call me Mau."

Mau's eyes glanced briefly at the length of leather she was holding before registering his request. "Oh, sure! It's just around...there." She pointed distinctly then blinked in surprised. Down where she had just pointed there was a man appearing, walking out of the area she had just come down. "Hey, that's him actually." Quick as anything she dashed over to the man, flagging him down before he could take a quick left. Quimyenth trotted after her rider, having a definite bounce in her step. The green arrived to listen to her rider ask if the man wouldn't mind one more sale quickly. He supposed it was alright so Mau quickly waved N'kio over.

[Moo]

“Ah, thanks very –”, and then she was off. He shook his head at Mau as she chased down the man in question, but when she beckoned to him, both he and Metanath set off at a jog. They reached her side quickly, and once there, Metanath moved to stand next to Quimyenth.

“Thank you very much, Mau,” N’kio smiled at her, and then turned to face the leather worker. “My apologies if I’m keeping you,” he prefaced. “I appreciate your waiting. I was wondering if you had any untreated hides available? I would need around seven or eight, depending on your stock and prices. I will need to examine them individually, as they need to be strong, but if any of the hides tear while I’m testing them, I will pay the full price.”

Metanath eyed his Rider. Curious…why wouldn’t you haggle?

Simple. I don’t know the quality or price he is selling at, and know of no other merchant here to base my prices on. Besides, if the hides are good, I may yet make another friend here. There could be deals later on, if I find I prefer his business over another's. Wouldn’t you think?

Makes sense to me. You know what you’re doing after all.

[Shoki]

Mau smiled a bit more and stepped to the side, indicated she wasn't going to be dealing here. She already had what she wanted from the merchant. Still, it didn't look like she wanted to left quite yet. It had less to do with Mau herself and more to do with Quimyenth. The green was looking at the black again. Was she going to get that big? What was that going to be like? Mau had told her that from what she heard green dragons were on the small side, but Mau didn't know all of the colors well. Qui wished she knew how big she would be, but Mau had said to be patient. Qui didn't know if she could be patient though.

The leather worker seemed unperturbed at being stopped so suddenly and seem equally ambivalent toward the trouble of having another deal to make. "Seven or eight hides, huh? Well I can get you them. However I only have about four hides at the moment that I think will meet your needs. I can get more by tomorrow, so it's up to you if you would like a few now and the rest later or if you need all of them at once." The man seemed fairly confident his wares would hold up to the rider's tests just from the way he spoke. It was unclear if this was from experience or not.

[Moo]

“Well,” said N’kio, scratching his beard in thought, “I would prefer to get them all at once, if possible. I might be in the Weyr until midday, depending on…on the rest of my work here. However, I cannot guarantee that I will be here until then. After midday hits, I must return to my Hold. If you are able to retrieve three or four more hides while I’m here, I would appreciate it – but if not, then I should have little trouble returning around dawn tomorrow.”

Metanath, satisfied with the part of the conversation he paid attention to, nudged at his Rider’s mind. How long do you think it will take with Elora? I do so long for the salt air again…it feels much too warm now in this Weyr. His eyes lingered on the trees, his tail twitching. Too many plants today.

You’d be asking the wrong person. Why not find Elora and ask her yourself? Surely you can do that.

He snorted, indignant. Of course I can, but we are dealing now. I will find her later, if she does not find us first. Metanath lowered his eyes to Quimyenth, and his face adopted a gentler appearance once he noticed her watching him. He was not going to talk first, but her curiosity intrigued him. What was so fascinating?

Oh, we definitely have to find you a rising female. Paying even the slightest attention to a young dragon? This is more serious than I thought. N'kio resisted the urge to snicker. I’ll start asking around once we get back.

Your wit even astounds me. Do go on. You're so clever.

Now, now, remember: we're buying more hides because you've gotten fatter. Not to mention, the harnesses need repair.

He raised his head. It's muscle, first of all, and I would call that shoddy craftsmanship if it needs repair.

Not my fault you get so close to the cliffs.

Well, next time I'll let you fall!

I'll spare you the trouble and jump off myself!

Metanath's eyes spun light blue. How considerate, thank you. He rumbled softly as N'kio ran a hand against his neck. Did I win that one?

Only because I let you.

Good enough.

[Shoki]

The man looked unreadable for a moment after hearing the rider's circumstances, apparently thinking hard about the situation. It took a moment to arrive at a decision and he started to speak again. "That being the case I will see about getting some by midday. If you prefer, you can return before you need to leave. If I can get them I will be back in that room there." The leather worker motioned to a room down the hall he had appeared out of. Apparently he used it to sell his wares. "If not I can guarantee them by tomorrow. Sound fair?"

Quimyenth was still staring when she was poked by Mau. The action startled her but she quickly regained her composure and looked at hers quizzically. The dark haired girl gave the green a pair of raised eyebrows in response and motioned at the black then toward the barracks. The green looked displeased at the ultimatum but resigned herself quickly. Her attention moved to the black dragon and started communicating properly.

What's it like being so big? Do you have trouble getting into places?

Mau sighed a little bit, happy that Qui wasn't being so energetic at the moment. There was time enough for that later.

[Moo]

“Fair enough, yes,” replied N’kio with a nod. “I’ll be sure to visit before we must leave. Thank you…and forgive me, I don’t know your name. You can call me N’kio, and this,” he gestured to the dragon beside him, “is Metanath. We watch over Cliffside Sea Hold.”

Metanath pulled his head high and looked down at the young dragon, which had all of a sudden began to talk to him. He blinked in surprise and shuffled his wings, but remained quiet for another moment to gather his thoughts. Such a young mind!

That depends on where I want to go. Where I live, there are caves large enough for me to fit inside. I do not mind not being able to fit into small spaces, though. I like the open air more. He lowered his head to where he was close enough to maintain a comfortable eye level. Do you...not want to get bigger?

N’kio caught his movement out of the corner of his eye, entirely privy to the conversation. So talkative today, Metanath. Feeling alright?

[summerrain]

Tera yawned and stretched. She hated being cooped up in the classroom studying. She had to take extra classes to make up for the lessons she would've taken as a Candidate, had she been Searched as one. "I wish we would get some days off," she said to the dragonet she knew wasn't far behind. They were rarely apart for long, and then only when Tera bathed. "At least we finally got you some practice swimming."

TeraMine, I know you believe that I must have meat in my diet, but I do not like it, Picosith told the child. I know not how I will feel about it come time for me to Rise, but now I wish to avoid it.

"Alright, alright," Tera said, giving in. "But you have to admit that you had fun swimming, even if it was only the river." A strange sound came from the Wood dragonet's throat, and it took Tera a moment to realise that Picosith was laughing.

I'll give you that one. It was fun!

"Told ya!" Tera said with a laugh. She looked up and saw a familiar sight. It was a familiar Rider, though she knew he wouldn't know her name. She dashed over, her childlike energy lending her speed. "N'kio! Metanath! Hi!" she called, stopping in front of them. "You probably don't remember me, but mama and papa always pointed you out whenever they could. You watched over the Sea Hold." She turned to the dragon, her hands clasped behind her back in an energetic way. "It's been a while. I kinda missed seeing you flying the skies." Just then, Picosith came forward.

TeraMine, who are these? she asked.

"This is N'kio and Metanath," Tera replied. "They watch over my home of Cliffside Sea Hold." She turned to them. "This is Picosith." The Wood dragonet dipped her head, recognising the elder dragon as one of superior rank. Her attention was caught by the color of his hide. Black, like a night without stars or moon. Like the innermost halls of the Weyr without lanterns. Then she caught another sight, not far beyond the Black. It was Quimyenth! The Wood meandered over to her ClutchMate.

I took your advice. I tried swimming with TeraMine just a little while ago, she reported to her sister.

"Mau!" Tera called, excited to be able to meet someone from her home. "Did I tell you that I grew up in Cliffside Sea Hold?" She turned again back to N'kio. "Do you know if papa came home yet? How's mama doing? I haven't heard anything in over a sevenday!"

[Moo]

At the sound of his name, N’kio paused and looked around, wondering as to how anyone here besides Elora knew his name. But at the sight of the girl running straight towards them, he knew exactly who had spoken. “I do remember you, Miss Tera,” he grinned, bending over slightly to her level. “I hadn’t realized you were the one who Impressed here, though!”

Metanath inclined his head back at Tera and her dragon, keeping quiet, yet his eyes were bright at her mention of their work. See, someone appreciates me, he teased his Rider.

“Picosith,” N’kio repeated. “Nice to meet you. You and Miss Tera were quite the talk at Cliffside! Everyone has heard the story. Glad to see you two are doing well here.”

Metanath straightened up and sat himself neatly together, his attention now caught between Quimyenth and this new, interested dragon. Picosith. Another Wood for Cliffside, Metanath remarked dryly.

I noticed. Let’s hope they do not meet the same fate as…well, you know.

Yes, of course. But they are still young, so perhaps it is us who should be concerned?

What, and we aren’t still young? That hurts, N’kio smirked, and pushed back the memories that tried to resurface. Once Tera began speaking with Mau, he looked back to the man he was trading with and gave him a slight, apologetic smile. He was about to speak again when Tera returned to him a second later, questions shooting right and left.

“Slow down, slow down,” he laughed. “A sevenday? Oh, then I must apologize for them. It’s still a busy time for us back at the Hold. The weather is acting up again, yet everyone insists on being at sea. As far as your father or mother, no, I haven’t heard any ill news – if that’s what you’re asking. I would be glad to ask around, though, if you would like me to pass along a message.”

[Shoki]

"Ah. Well WatchRider, you can call me Tels for whenever it's required. Feel free to come back whenever you need anything, I'll keep some stocked just for you." Tels seemed very much aimed at customer satisfaction, presumably since it wouldn't do to get riders unhappy with him.

Quimyenth listened to the black with great attention. She had very much wanted to listen to an older dragon like this. He seemed very nice as well, so she doubted she would have any trouble speaking up here. She noted his comments, having wanted to know what it was like very badly.

I want to get bigger more then anything. I want to grow up and fly around with Mau, but Mau says I have to be patient. I just wanted to know what it was like in the mean time if I really do have to wait. The green was quite plainly anxious about growing up, something that her's didn't understand as much. Mau had said that she liked her size right now, so why not enjoy it. Qui didn't think being so small was great though.

When the wood and her rider arrived Tels took the apologetic look from N'kio as a sign to get started on his search. He gave a smile and a nod to the riders and ducked out, heading off on his mission quietly. Mau waved back at him smiling too. She liked trading with him, and she would probably have need for it later. However her attention turned on Tera quickly. The always energetic girl was always fun like that.

And? Wasn't it fun?! Now you will show those fishes what for. Qui nodded to herself, very confident of that. Mau wondered sometimes if the green was really serious or if she just had a very odd sense of humor. The green dragon neatly divided her attention between the larger black dragon and her wood clutchmate.

"I think you might have mentioned it. But that's good, you have more people that you know here." Mau listened a little to the banter between N'kio and Tera. She absently rolled the hide up in her hands, putting it under her arm as she listened to leave her arms free.

[Moo]

“Tels,” he repeated, now in between a moment of conversation. “I’ll remember! Thank you, sir.”

Metanath’s amused rumble was barely audible, but N’kio heard it clear as day. This interaction with Quimyenth and Picosith seemed to do him wonders. They had few dragon encounters back at the Hold, and even those turned out to be affairs of business. Firelizards did not count. N’kio watched the triad with interest, listening quietly in on the conversation. Perhaps there was more than one reason to return to the Weyr more often.

Yes, you will have to be patient, Quimyenth. If you hurt yourself trying too early, then you will have to wait even longer to fly. You don’t want that, do you? Metanath looked at the pair of young dragons with a critical eye.

You will grow up fast, both of you. It is far better to enjoy being small now – less time for games when you are older. Flying…I do not know if I can describe it well enough. It is more something you feel. Have you been swimming yet? It is sort of like that. You are as light as air and incredibly relaxed. You read and shape the wind and find you can go anywhere. It…it feels like freedom. It is only your thoughts, your Rider’s, and the sky. There is nothing more satisfying than that.

N’kio smiled to himself and leaned against Metanath’s shoulder; the pride he felt emanating from the dragon was both humbling and overwhelming.

But, Metanath snorted, It is not something you want to rush into. Take the time to get to know your Rider first. After all, it is more than you who will be flying. It is something for both of you to share.

[summerrain]

Picosith listened politely to the elder dragon. Indeed it was, She admitted to her ClutchMate. A sudden uneasiness overcame her. TeraMine told me that, when I am old enough, I'll be able to Clutch eggs myself, she told Metanath. I have heard from other Clutching females what they thought, and how it affects the Riders... I don't want Tera hurt... She glansed over at the child, who stood talking with N'kio. She has but a single family member here, and she's the youngest of all the... What're they called...? Weyrlings, that's it. She's the youngest. I don't want her hurt...

"Sorry," Tera said to N'kio, laughing a little. "It's just been so long since I've had word. Usually, mama sends letters to Aunt Sanata, who reads them to me, but that hasn't happened lately. I know Aunt Sanata has a major weaving job right now, and she probably just didn't have time." She stopped speaking for a moment, only partially paying attention to the conversation between the Hatchlings and the Black. "I heard that papa returned from his most recent SeaFaring journey a sevenday after Picosith's Hatching, but I'd be surprised if he hadn't already left again."

[Moo]

At the mention of Clutching, N’kio’s eyebrows shot up.

Metanath exchanged a look with him, but listened patiently to Picosith, occasionally nodding. Oh, you are still very young to begin worrying over that. He paused, uncertain of how best to phrase his response. I would not worry about you or Tera just yet. You both still have growing to do, and with that growing comes certain…changes.

N’kio tried hard to avoid snickering at the direction this conversation was going in. He had led a few of those himself. It makes it even worse to explain because we’re men, doesn’t it? And we would be the ones to...you know.

It was barely imperceptible, but a nod nevertheless. I understand exactly, he whispered to his Rider, then continued to speak to Picosith, choosing his words carefully. He wasn't sure how much she knew. The females are right -- Flights do affect Riders, but it isn’t as bad as it may sound, even the first times. Trust me, we know.

Only half-listening to his dragon’s conversation, N’kio blushed at his mention. Clearing his throat, he attempted to tune out Metanath and turn his attentions to what Tera was saying. “That is more than likely the case, then. Though I’ll be sure to ask around the docks, when I return, and see if I either find your father or where he’s gone off to. I’ve heard that Southern Weyr is having a gather with some new tradesmen from the North, though that could just be a rumor. Perhaps your father’s gone there.”

Chances are, if you do Rise before Tera is ready, there won’t be any contact with her and the other Rider. She will still be young, and…I would imagine…not ready for that sort of behavior. But have no fear, your Weyr will make sure everything is in order when that time comes.

[Shoki]

Quimyenth listened to Mentanath describe flying and she could almost imagine what it was like. It sounded lovely. Oh he was warning about jumping at it too soon but it sounded so exciting. She had loved swimming and it sounded even better. I suppose I can be more patient then.

Mau chuckled softly, giving her green a pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry Qui, I'll make sure that you will have plenty of things to try before then. Time flies when you are having fun. Trust me." The Weyrling gave a knowing smile to her dragon, who nodded in return.

You do have the best ideas. The Green admitted, leaving it at that when she returned her attention to the other dragons. Picosith's worries had not been much of a surprise but Qui had to admit she hadn't thought about that sort of thing at all. As a green she wouldn't clutch, not that she felt any desire to, but she would rise. She hadn't thought about how that effected Mau at all. The green turned to her rider and spoke privately. Have you thought about that stuff Mau?

Mau looked back and twitched a crooked smile. It's something that will happen. I knew that when I agreed to be a candidate. Again, you're still young, so we don't have to worry about. I'll worry when you start making eyes at the male dragons. Qui huffed, looking a little displeased. Mau chuckled. Look, we're gonna be working at this together, later. I figure its no use worrying about it until then. But we're looking out for each other, yeah?

Yes. Okay, I think I understand. The green leaned her head toward Mau, who gave it an affectionate pat. They would grow up together, and it would all be alright.

Mau listened to N'kio a little closer when he mentioned a gather at Southern Weyr. Admittedly she had never been to anywhere so far north as the Southern Hold but she liked listening to that sort of thing. The farthest she had been was when she had been taken to Lament Hold to see the Wall. They hadn't stayed there long but it had been long enough to impress upon her what had come before. But again it was nice to hear of gathers in far off places in imagine how things are there.