Green Dragons and the Ways of the World - Chapter 3
Chapter Summary: Mating flights have a way of ruining plans...
Wake up! Akayath mentally touched her rider. Something is happening.
Ren roused. That’s rather vague. He responded to her as he drew his tunic over his head and walked out to the edge of their weyr. It’s not even light out yet. He complained.
Climb on, I’ll show you. Ren did as his dragon asked, and she flew them to the western side of the Weyr, and faced the ancient Star Stones.
What am I supposed to be looking at?
Akayath’s eyes whirled a reddish orange as she and her rider hovered in the air. The Red Star aligns! It’s coming back!
“Thread?” Ren asked out loud. “That’s impossible. They altered the orbit of the Red Star centuries ago so we would be Thread free.” Akayath rumbled underneath him. Ren patted her neck.
I know what I’m talking about. Her voice sounded a bit pouty.
“I’m sure you do, but I’m certain that we will be just fine and that there will never be another Threadfall. And please, for the love of dragonkind, please don’t mention this to the other dragons.” Ren requested of her. There was only so much drama he could take at a time. “While we’re out, why not get bathing and oiling over with for the day?”
Akayath’s answer was to shift direction to the lake, and landed on the shore just long enough to deposit her rider before she dove in. Despite having a warm bath in his quarters, Ren splashed some of the cold lake water on his face to finish waking him up. He should have had Akayath stop at the lower caverns for him to get some breakfast. There would be time enough for that though.
A few other early risers joined Akayath in the lake, among them Azaroth and Hiroth. Only one of the dragons was accompanied by his rider. G’irou nodded at Ren in greeting. Despite having opened up somewhat, he still had a habit of not speaking unless spoken to first, and saying as little as possible. It made for a rather quiet, but somehow natural friendship between the two.
G’irou frowned, noticing three dragons, but only two riders. “Why isn’t that blue’s rider with him?” He asked.
Why is Azaroth’s rider agitated? Akayath asked, letting the water slide off her body as she crawled out of the lake.
He’s upset M’haru didn’t accompany Hiroth to his bathing. Ren informed her. He had to admit, he was amused at the idea. Surely the dragons could bathe without their riders. It was just nice to have someone help scrub the hard to reach places.
Akayath snorted, shaking some of the water off of her hide. Some of the water hit the two men. Ren hid his amusement behind a well placed cough as G’irou looked indignant.
Hiroth says he is perfectly capable of bathing without his rider. Though he scolded me for getting the two of you wet. She sounded a bit abashed for that.
I didn’t mind. I can’t say the same about G’irou though.... In fact, judging from the growling that G’irou was making, he had not appreciated the shower caused by the green dragon.
“She didn’t mean to get us.” Ren tried to calm him. “Akayath also informed me that Hiroth says he’s capable of bathing without his rider.” He smiled a little.
“I suppose that is true. It just seems lazy though.” G’irou murmured.
“It may seem lazy, but M’haru does work hard at taking care of Hiroth. I’ve never seen a dry patch of skin or any other sign of neglect.” Ren had no idea why he was defending the missing rider. He sighed internally. This was the free day he had been looking forward to for such a long time. Why had Akayath wakened him so early for something that was not possible? The thought sent a slight shudder through his body. Thankfully, it was cool enough that it wouldn’t be too odd a sight to the other. He strode off back towards the Weyr, intent on getting some food in him and away from the stoic bronze rider.
He wasn’t sure why that had rankled him the way it had. It wasn’t as if he actually cared about the blue’s rider. Or maybe he was starting to, after the time in the South. They definitely weren’t attached. Ren took a breath and leaned against the nearest wall.
“Ren? Are you alright?” S’haru asked as he happened to pass by his old friend.
“Ah.” Ren nodded, taking a deep breath. “It’s warm today.” S’haru looked at him oddly. The weather wasn’t any different that it usually was. There was a slight crisp to the air as autumn was settling in. S’haru grabbed his friend’s arm.
“Don’t leave the Weyr today.” S’haru told him.
Ren looked at him, and blinked. “I have plans.” He said, yanking his arm away from S’haru. “It is a free day after all.”
S’haru grimaced at the treatment, but apparently the reasoning behind the other’s actions were not as clear to him as they should be. “Where’s Akayath?” He asked, concerned.
Ren consulted her quickly. “Sunning herself on our weyr ledge.” He answered. It wasn’t as if she was going somewhere without him. “She said she wants a short nap since we were up before dawn.” He shook his head. It was her idea to waken him that early!
S’haru grimaced, but recovered quickly. Kaorth, bespeak Hiroth and ask him to tell M’haru to join Ren and I in the lower caverns.
It is done. Kaorth informed S’haru. Akayath will rise soon.
I know. Apparently her rider does not, though.
M’haru was waiting when Ren and S’haru walked in. He passed the pitcher of klah to them, waiting for someone to explain to him why he was here. He got that information from Hiroth, who got it from Kaorth.
“Shells....” M’haru breathed under his breath, then took a deep draw from his mug. He looked at the green dragon’s rider, then sat down beside him. “You want the good news or the bad news?” He asked, passing the basket of rolls to Ren.
Ren glared a bit. “What?” He asked, taking the offered basket. “Start with the bad, If you must.”
M’haru leaned back as he added butter to his roll. “Well, the bad news is, I don’t think we’ll be going on that outing that we had planned. The good news....Akayath will probably rise sometime today.”
The roll Ren had been about to bite into dropped from his hand as his entire body froze. He knew it would happen eventually. Just...why now, why today? “Who exactly is that good news for?” Ren asked gloomily.
“Most of the blue riders.” M’haru said, a cheeky grin on his face. “Well, one lucky one, anyway.” He said, handing Ren a fresh roll. S’haru sat down next to Ren.
“Understand now why I advised you to stay put today?”
Ren nodded, forcing the baked good down a suddenly dry throat. “Will Kaorth vie for her?” He asked nervously.
“He won’t if you don’t want us to.” S’haru promised.
“Actually....I would appreciate it if you would.” Ren said quietly. “I know you have your intended one, but....If you....I’d feel better.” He looked over at M’haru. “No offense to you. I may just leave it up to chance.”
“If you do that , you may end up with someone you’ll regret.” S’haru commented. “Is that really what you’d want?”
Ren shook his head no. He couldn’t say he wanted any of this at all, but he knew it was a fact of life.
“Then do yourself, and me, a favor, and try to influence her towards Hiroth.” M’haru said quietly. “I won’t regret anything.”
Ren looked at the other man for a long while, before nodding. “I understand.” He said just as quiet and solemnly as he could. They passed the rest of the meal in silence. After the food had been eaten, and dishes cleared away, the silence grew even more, and it was starting to irritate Ren. He finally stood up and strode off.
“Where are you going?” S’haru asked.
“The necessary!” Ren retorted, and kept walking.
“Definitely proddy.” M’haru said, smirking a bit.
“I can’t help but feel a bit sorry for him.” S’haru told his brother. “It used to be so common, but since Thread was purged....”
M’haru shrugged. “At least we don’t have to be in a state of constant readiness. Think what it would be like if we had to throw stuff like this on top of having to be ready to fly a Fall. Makes me wonder how our ancestors did it, sometimes.”
S’haru nodded in agreement. “Do you think Ren will follow through on your request?”
“I can only hope so for his sake that he does.” M’haru sighed. “Think we should warn the bronze riders which green is about to rise?”
“It might help save some embarrassment.” S’haru commented. “Though we can’t stop those that want to try to fly her.”
“True.” M’haru laughed a bit to himself. “As much as I’d like to the one, I almost would want to be there to see the look on any bronze rider’s face if they awoke next to poor Ren.”
“Don’t even voice that opinion in ear shot of him.” S’haru warned him. “I get the feeling that may be his worst nightmare.” He rose and strolled out into the open air in the Weyr bowl, and glanced up towards Ren’s quarters where Akayath was fast asleep on the ledge.
M’haru wasn’t far behind him, and glanced in the same direction. “So how are you and that rider of Realth doing?” S’haru blushed a littled at the mention of her.
“Not so well, actually.” S’haru said. “Apparently she has attentions from a brown rider. Or rather, she has the attention for him and he doesn’t realize it.” He frowned, then sighed. “Would you be alright if Kaorth flew Akayath?”
“I’d be disappointed, but I’m not going to hate you over it. It’s a fact of dragonlife, after all.” M’haru said. “I know you too well though. What’s bothering you?”
“To be honest, Ren is as much a brother to me as you are, despite not being blood. I think it would be awkward.”
“Then why did you agree?”
“For the reason I just stated.” S’haru said. Kaorth landed in the bowl to wait patiently as S’haru mounted him. He patted Kaorth’s neck. “I’ll see you later.”
M’haru stood there and watched as they flew up to their weyr. You should be excited. Hiroth told his rider as he landed in the spot Kaorth had just vacated.
“I would be, friend, if only it didn’t involve a proddy green rider who doesn’t know what he wants.” He sighed a little.
Don’t worry. I will catch Akayath in her flight, and things will be alright. Hiroth sounded rather smug and sure of himself.
“Hasn’t anyone told you not to count your dragons until they’ve hatched?” M’haru commented as Hiroth flew them up to their own weyr. “The rider can influence the dragon, and he has no idea what he wants.” M’haru grabbed the oil pot and started working it into Hiroth’s hide.
We know what we want though. Hiroth pointed out. M’haru laughed a little. Draconic logic had not evolved much over the many hundreds of years.
“And if a bronze joins the chase? Me, you, S’haru and Kaorth...none of us would have a chance.”
We’ve informed the bronzes which green is rising. Most of their riders are declining to let them fly her.
“As well they should. Wait, most of them?”
There are a couple whose riders don’t care who the rider is as long as their dragon gets to enjoy the thrill of the chase. M’haru sighed at that. He didn’t think there were any bronze riders like that. Brown riders, maybe, but not bronzes. I’m not worried, M’haru
M’haru didn’t comment on that as he kept oiling Hiroth. How long would the proddy green sleep? It was the waiting that was getting to him. He suddenly remembered they had left the poor beast’s rider down in the lower caverns. M’haru cursed at himself for forgetting that. Surely the news of his dragon’s imminet mating had circulated around the Weyr by now, so most would know to either keep their distance, or risk the temper of a proddy green rider.
M’haru had put away the oiling cloths when Hiroth walked over to the ledge. “Don’t mess up my oiling job.” He said.
Akayath awakens. Hiroth told him.
“Already?” M’haru asked. Well, he was probably about to get his clothing ruined anyway, so what did it matter? He jumped onto his dragon’s oily neck. “We should pick up her rider on the way.” He told his own beast.
M’haru found Ren in the lower cavern still, looking panic stricken. The green rider’s eye were huge and scared. He had not expierenced the direct effect of dragon lust.
“What do I do?” He choked out. “The hunger...the heat...”
M’haru guided Ren out of the caverns. Luckily, some of the female riders were still there, having sent their dragons away. Akayath bugled a challenge to the male dragons of the Weyr and descended on the herdbeast pens.
“Make sure she only bloods her kills.” One of the women told him. Some of the male dragons had already been blooding beasts since earlier, feeling the impending flight.
Akayath roared again as she descended on a beast. “Blood it.” Ren said, his voice trying to be steady as he hoped the vocalization would reinforce the mental command to his dragon.
Meat! Akayath voice rang in his head, determined as her teeth sunk into the beast’s flesh.
No! Just the blood. A bit of calm had returned to her rider, and the steely tone he had taken shocked her into obeying. Akayath reared, but obeyed, sucking the beast dry of it’s vital fluid. She descended on another. Blood it! Akayath looked defiant, but obeyed again. Ren didn’t have to reinforce the command on the third one, but did so just to make sure she didn’t tear into the flesh.
The male dragons ringing the pen were tensed, waiting for the shining green to take off. Akayath wasn’t sure whether to blood another beast, or take off. The green dragon had decided three was enough to sate that hunger, and lunged off into the sky, bugling her challenge to the males to come and get her.
The riders of the dragons that took off after Akayath ringed her rider. The furls of the blue, brown, and even a couple of bronze wings made such a loud noise as the dragons took off after her.
“Stay with her. Don’t lose her.” One of the older riders was telling Ren, who had been taken over completely by his dragon’s instinct.
M’haru stood close to the green rider. He was a tad annoyed at the other rider, but he recognized the necessity of reinforcing that. He hoped beyond hope that Hiroth could outsmart the larger males that were in the chase.
Akayath flew higher and higher, then let herself succumb to gravity as a couple of the males thought that they might have her. They weren’t good enough if they were that stupid. She spread her wings and evaded yet another male that thought he was cleverer than she was. Soon, only three dragons remained in pursuit of her. Two blues and a bronze.
Akayath dipped her wing and rolled as one of the blues tried to catch her. It was Kaorth. She laughed at him and teased the two remaining dragons by flying higher and performing some complicated aerial acrobatics when suddenly she was claimed and her neck was entwined by a powerful blue neck and they were falling to the ground together.
The riders were herded to a private weyr where they could enjoy the rest of the flight alone.
S’haru sighed. He was afraid that Kaorth had almost caught her. He looked at the bronze rider that had almost been the one. “Larger isn’t necessarrily better.” He gave the rider a wry grin.
“True. He’s been waiting for any female to rise though. It was a good show for his first flight.” He walked off towards the lower caverns, intent on drowning his relfected disappointment in some wine along with the other rejected riders.
S’haru turned back for a moment, glad that M’haru had gotten what he wanted.
Ren blinked awake. He felt the steady breath of another person lying next to him. He rolled over carefully. He ached in places he didn’t know it was possible to. He smiled a little, despite himself, and reached to brush aside some of M’haru’s messy blond hair. M’haru cracked an eye open.
“Hiroth is beyond smug with himself.” M’haru informed his current bed mate.
Ren laughed a little at that. “He should be. Akayath isn’t happy, but she is satisfied.”
“And you?” M’haru asked.
“I suppose that describes me as well.” Ren admitted. “She thought the bronze was going to get her. I have to admit, I did as well.”
M’haru smirked. “Hiroth is a clever dragon when he wants to be.”
“Like rider, like dragon?” Ren quoted the ancient adage.
“No comment.” M’haru said, sitting up. “Are you hurt?”
“I ache some, but nothing a bit of numbweed won’t help.” Ren answered, rubbing his back. He paused for a moment to double check on Akayath. He could feel the satisfaction of a biological imperative fulfilled. Once his eyes refocused on his current surroundings, he looked at M’haru. He wasn’t really sure what to say at this point, though apparently the other man was in a coversation with his dragon. It gave Ren a chance to really observe him. M’haru’s hair was an odd shade for being so far north, and his steel blue eyes were sharp, at least when he wasn’t in conversation with his dragon. He shared the same sharp jawline of his brother and father. Ren finally had to admit that the man was attractive.
About time. Akayath said to her rider sleepily. Why do you think I let Hiroth catch me? Now she sounded smug.
Ren shook his head at that, and smiled despite himself. Who was the bronze that came close?
Does it matter? Hiroth was the one that caught me.
Ren supposed she had a point. It was over and in the past now. It didn’t matter. He was there now, and with someone that wasn’t disgusted being with him. He leaned in closer, and pressed his lips to M’haru’s The other man blinked in shock, but relaxed.
“Does that mean what I think it does?” M’haru asked.
“Do I have much choice?” Ren asked, teasing the other. “In all seriousness, I know it’s going to seem strange, but...I’d be willing to be your weyrmate.”
“After just one mating flight?” M’haru grinned.
“Akayath indirectly pointed something out to me.” Ren said. “You have been a thorn in my side for a long time, but I suppose that was somewhat endearing. And you....you were trying to prepare me for this, in your own way. I suppose the day is pretty much over?”
M’haru nodded. “The evening meal should be ready. I can’t imagine that you’d want to face other people though.” Ren blushed.
“I can’t avoid the entire Weyr population forever, M’haru. Though, now that this has happened...”
“Still wanting to leave the Weyr?” M’haru asked. Ren nodded. “I’ll go wherever you do. In fact, Hiroth probably won’t let me stray far from his mate.” M’haru snorted. “Smug beast.” Ren had to laugh at that as well.
“He’s not the only one. We should bring them back to the Weyr for now though.” He passed that request on to his dragon. M’haru rose and draped a robe over himself and handed one to Ren.
“The downside of a mating flight is the lack of clothes afterwards.” M’haru laughed. “Good to know someone was watching out for us.” Ren shrugged into the loose garment.
“Most likely your brother.” Ren said. “He’s a good friend.”
“He is.” M’haru agreed. A blue hide appeared before them. “Would you like a lift to your weyr?”
“I would, as Akayath seems to be taking her time.” Ren answered, settling behind M’haru on Hiroth’s neck. He patted the blue neck. “Congratulations, Hiroth.”
M’haru scowled as Hiroth lifted off the ground. “Don’t give him an even bigger swelled head.” Ren laughed.
“He deserves it. Considering Akayath thought most of her suitors to be idiots.”
“That seems to be common among female dragons, from what I’ve heard.” M’haru said. “So, I suppose he deserves it.”
Hiroth landed on the ledge of Akayath’s weyr just as she landed. The ledge was barely wide enough for the two creatures, but they managed to fit. M’haru took it upon himself to escort Ren into his quarters as he got dressed. “Well, I guess it doesn’t matter who moves, huh? My weyr is just as small.” He commented.
“That’s why we should leave.” Ren said. “I’m a bit disappointed we weren’t able to go where I had planned on taking you today.”
“You don’t take a proddy green away from her possible suitors.” M’haru said. “I knew that before I Impressed.” He turned back to the dragon sized quarters where Akayath had curled up on her stone couch. M’haru scratched her eye ridge. Her eyes whiled in the blue and green of contentment. “Knew better than your rider, didn’t you girl?” He asked the dragon.
She doesn’t think that needs answering. Hiroth answered his rider in his smug tone. M’haru rolled his eyes.
“I take it you and Hiroth won’t mind taking me to the lower caverns for dinner? If Akayath feels anything like I do, then I think I’d rather let her remain here and rest.”
“We don’t mind at all, do we?” Hiroth snorted a bit. “He’s just more upset that he has to leave her side.” M’haru rolled his eyes. “Possessive thing, he is.”
They stopped at M’haru’s weyr so he could don decent clothing before the dragon dropped them off on the bowl floor. The pair entered the cavern together. Most of the other riders didn’t blink an eye at this. They took their seats at the end of a table. S’haru joined them.
“Honestly, of the disappointed riders, I don’t think any of them were truly that disappointed.” He said, pouring his brother and friend a glass of wine each. “Though, I had to admit, I think one of them may have been more disappointed than he let on.” He raised his glass. “To Hiroth.” He said, grinning. The three glasses clinked, and they drank to that.
“Kaorth came close, didn’t he?” Ren asked. S’haru nodded, and laughed a little.
“He almost had her, but that bronze knocked him out of the way.”
M’haru grinned. “Hiroth used that to his advantage. That, and the fact I’d just finished oiling him.”
S’haru frowned. “That almost seems like cheating.”
“Just a coincidence. Along with a certain dragon knowing better than her rider.” M’haru teased Ren a bit.
The three men were having a rather jovial conversation when the Weyrwoman, Nirosa joined them She smiled at them. “I’m sorry, gentlemen, but could I speak to Akayath’s rider for a moment?”
Ren rose. “Of course.” He said, going with her.
“You’re not in any trouble or anything. You did just fine with her first mating flight. I just wanted to remind you, that since the demise of our ancient enemy, that greens are as much breeders as the queens. They don’t tend to lay large clutches, but she will lay a clutch in a few months.” Nirosa told him. “I guess I can skip the next part of this usual speech.” She smiled a little. “I usually have to remind the female green riders that if they are with child as a result of the mating flight that they need to beware of going between in that condition. Anyway, greens don’t tend to lay many eggs. I know you have been wanting to leave the Weyr for a long time. I’d like to know if you would at least stay until her clutch has hatched. It won’t be the first time a green has laid on what Greth considers her hatching ground.” Nirosa laughed at that. Greth had to share the hatching grounds with other females as well.
Ren paused. He had forgotten that detail of dragon biology. Matings always resulted in eggs unless the female had been rendered infertile by firestone. And as there was no need for such, Akayath would be developing the eggs in her body as they spoke. “How many eggs do greens tend to lay?” He asked.
“The smallest number recorded is six. The highest is twenty-two.” Nirosa said. “The average is right around twelve though. That twenty-two egg clutch was also a result of the green mating with a bronze, so that may have influenced the number of eggs. The Weyr will supply candidates for the eggs, so that is a burden off of you.”
“I suppose it would be easiest if she clutched where she hatched.” Ren said. “Weyrwoman, is there still firestone?”
Nirosa smiled. “Good luck finding it if there is.” She said. “Surprisingly, even with greens laying, there isn’t an over population of dragons. Though that might be because of the low number of eggs they produce compared to the queens. Tell me, green rider, do you want your dragon to be sterile?”
“It would certainly make things easier. No offense, but I dislike Weyr life. I want to be in the open, and if she’s mothering a clutch constantly....” He trailed off.
Nirosa patted him on the shoulder. “I’m not entirely certain you would understand, but it is a great joy to any female, dragon or human, to see it’s children thrive. Would you deprive your dragon of her maternal instinct?” Ren frowned a bit. “Oh, speaking of that, how is Hitomi?”
“She’s good. Her daughter was born three sevendays ago.” He said. Ren recalled the tone of voice his sister had when she had told him she had given birth. Thankfully she omitted the gruesome details.
“I’m glad to hear that.” Nirosa said. “Oh, and the thing about between doesn’t apply to dragons, as it’s their children. Perhaps you should take a day or two to visit your sister and new neice.” She suggested.
“I’ll...consider that.” Ren said. “I have some things to do here in the mean time. If you’ll excuse me, m’lady?”
“Go on. I hate ruining a mating flight like that. Though, I must thank you, Ren, green Akayath’s rider. You’ve managed to tame a blue rider we all feared would ruin the Weyr.”
“M’haru isn’t that bad.” Ren said, wondering as he said it where that came from. “He’s a surprisingly kind person.”
Nirosa smiled. “You’ve seen a side of him that few do, then.” She sighed. “K’haru was wondering what he was going to do with that boy for a long time. I’m glad someone like you came along...despite the circumstances.” She patted the young man on the shoulder.
Ren returned to the table a bit more subdued, but still in high spirits. M’haru passed his new weyrmate the food and refilled his wine glass. “Wasn’t bad news or anything?” He asked.
Ren shook his head. “No. Just a reminder that draconic biology is different from human’s. Basically, the Weyrwoman knows I’d like to leave, but asked if Akayath would remain long enough for her eggs to hatch.”
M’haru blanched a bit and groaned. He had also apparently forgotten that in the hundreds of years that greens were once again egg laying, mother dragons. “We’re going to have a lot of attention on us at that Hatching.”
Ren blanched as well. The riders of the eggs’ parents were always the hosts of the hatching feast. That was attention Ren would rather not have directed at him.
“The Weyrwoman said the Weyr has candidates for the eggs, so that’s something we don’t have to worry about. However, if we could find a way out of it, but I know we can’t.” Ren said. “Besides, “ He continued. “I feel a lot less ashamed now than I did before. I can honestly say that I am proud to be your weyrmate, M’haru.”
In Akayath weyr, Hiroth had joined his new mate for a nap.
Humans are silly creatures. Akayath commented to him.
Humans are stupid creatures sometimes. Hiroth agreed with her.
Chapter Four
Wake up! Akayath mentally touched her rider. Something is happening.
Ren roused. That’s rather vague. He responded to her as he drew his tunic over his head and walked out to the edge of their weyr. It’s not even light out yet. He complained.
Climb on, I’ll show you. Ren did as his dragon asked, and she flew them to the western side of the Weyr, and faced the ancient Star Stones.
What am I supposed to be looking at?
Akayath’s eyes whirled a reddish orange as she and her rider hovered in the air. The Red Star aligns! It’s coming back!
“Thread?” Ren asked out loud. “That’s impossible. They altered the orbit of the Red Star centuries ago so we would be Thread free.” Akayath rumbled underneath him. Ren patted her neck.
I know what I’m talking about. Her voice sounded a bit pouty.
“I’m sure you do, but I’m certain that we will be just fine and that there will never be another Threadfall. And please, for the love of dragonkind, please don’t mention this to the other dragons.” Ren requested of her. There was only so much drama he could take at a time. “While we’re out, why not get bathing and oiling over with for the day?”
Akayath’s answer was to shift direction to the lake, and landed on the shore just long enough to deposit her rider before she dove in. Despite having a warm bath in his quarters, Ren splashed some of the cold lake water on his face to finish waking him up. He should have had Akayath stop at the lower caverns for him to get some breakfast. There would be time enough for that though.
A few other early risers joined Akayath in the lake, among them Azaroth and Hiroth. Only one of the dragons was accompanied by his rider. G’irou nodded at Ren in greeting. Despite having opened up somewhat, he still had a habit of not speaking unless spoken to first, and saying as little as possible. It made for a rather quiet, but somehow natural friendship between the two.
G’irou frowned, noticing three dragons, but only two riders. “Why isn’t that blue’s rider with him?” He asked.
Why is Azaroth’s rider agitated? Akayath asked, letting the water slide off her body as she crawled out of the lake.
He’s upset M’haru didn’t accompany Hiroth to his bathing. Ren informed her. He had to admit, he was amused at the idea. Surely the dragons could bathe without their riders. It was just nice to have someone help scrub the hard to reach places.
Akayath snorted, shaking some of the water off of her hide. Some of the water hit the two men. Ren hid his amusement behind a well placed cough as G’irou looked indignant.
Hiroth says he is perfectly capable of bathing without his rider. Though he scolded me for getting the two of you wet. She sounded a bit abashed for that.
I didn’t mind. I can’t say the same about G’irou though.... In fact, judging from the growling that G’irou was making, he had not appreciated the shower caused by the green dragon.
“She didn’t mean to get us.” Ren tried to calm him. “Akayath also informed me that Hiroth says he’s capable of bathing without his rider.” He smiled a little.
“I suppose that is true. It just seems lazy though.” G’irou murmured.
“It may seem lazy, but M’haru does work hard at taking care of Hiroth. I’ve never seen a dry patch of skin or any other sign of neglect.” Ren had no idea why he was defending the missing rider. He sighed internally. This was the free day he had been looking forward to for such a long time. Why had Akayath wakened him so early for something that was not possible? The thought sent a slight shudder through his body. Thankfully, it was cool enough that it wouldn’t be too odd a sight to the other. He strode off back towards the Weyr, intent on getting some food in him and away from the stoic bronze rider.
He wasn’t sure why that had rankled him the way it had. It wasn’t as if he actually cared about the blue’s rider. Or maybe he was starting to, after the time in the South. They definitely weren’t attached. Ren took a breath and leaned against the nearest wall.
“Ren? Are you alright?” S’haru asked as he happened to pass by his old friend.
“Ah.” Ren nodded, taking a deep breath. “It’s warm today.” S’haru looked at him oddly. The weather wasn’t any different that it usually was. There was a slight crisp to the air as autumn was settling in. S’haru grabbed his friend’s arm.
“Don’t leave the Weyr today.” S’haru told him.
Ren looked at him, and blinked. “I have plans.” He said, yanking his arm away from S’haru. “It is a free day after all.”
S’haru grimaced at the treatment, but apparently the reasoning behind the other’s actions were not as clear to him as they should be. “Where’s Akayath?” He asked, concerned.
Ren consulted her quickly. “Sunning herself on our weyr ledge.” He answered. It wasn’t as if she was going somewhere without him. “She said she wants a short nap since we were up before dawn.” He shook his head. It was her idea to waken him that early!
S’haru grimaced, but recovered quickly. Kaorth, bespeak Hiroth and ask him to tell M’haru to join Ren and I in the lower caverns.
It is done. Kaorth informed S’haru. Akayath will rise soon.
I know. Apparently her rider does not, though.
M’haru was waiting when Ren and S’haru walked in. He passed the pitcher of klah to them, waiting for someone to explain to him why he was here. He got that information from Hiroth, who got it from Kaorth.
“Shells....” M’haru breathed under his breath, then took a deep draw from his mug. He looked at the green dragon’s rider, then sat down beside him. “You want the good news or the bad news?” He asked, passing the basket of rolls to Ren.
Ren glared a bit. “What?” He asked, taking the offered basket. “Start with the bad, If you must.”
M’haru leaned back as he added butter to his roll. “Well, the bad news is, I don’t think we’ll be going on that outing that we had planned. The good news....Akayath will probably rise sometime today.”
The roll Ren had been about to bite into dropped from his hand as his entire body froze. He knew it would happen eventually. Just...why now, why today? “Who exactly is that good news for?” Ren asked gloomily.
“Most of the blue riders.” M’haru said, a cheeky grin on his face. “Well, one lucky one, anyway.” He said, handing Ren a fresh roll. S’haru sat down next to Ren.
“Understand now why I advised you to stay put today?”
Ren nodded, forcing the baked good down a suddenly dry throat. “Will Kaorth vie for her?” He asked nervously.
“He won’t if you don’t want us to.” S’haru promised.
“Actually....I would appreciate it if you would.” Ren said quietly. “I know you have your intended one, but....If you....I’d feel better.” He looked over at M’haru. “No offense to you. I may just leave it up to chance.”
“If you do that , you may end up with someone you’ll regret.” S’haru commented. “Is that really what you’d want?”
Ren shook his head no. He couldn’t say he wanted any of this at all, but he knew it was a fact of life.
“Then do yourself, and me, a favor, and try to influence her towards Hiroth.” M’haru said quietly. “I won’t regret anything.”
Ren looked at the other man for a long while, before nodding. “I understand.” He said just as quiet and solemnly as he could. They passed the rest of the meal in silence. After the food had been eaten, and dishes cleared away, the silence grew even more, and it was starting to irritate Ren. He finally stood up and strode off.
“Where are you going?” S’haru asked.
“The necessary!” Ren retorted, and kept walking.
“Definitely proddy.” M’haru said, smirking a bit.
“I can’t help but feel a bit sorry for him.” S’haru told his brother. “It used to be so common, but since Thread was purged....”
M’haru shrugged. “At least we don’t have to be in a state of constant readiness. Think what it would be like if we had to throw stuff like this on top of having to be ready to fly a Fall. Makes me wonder how our ancestors did it, sometimes.”
S’haru nodded in agreement. “Do you think Ren will follow through on your request?”
“I can only hope so for his sake that he does.” M’haru sighed. “Think we should warn the bronze riders which green is about to rise?”
“It might help save some embarrassment.” S’haru commented. “Though we can’t stop those that want to try to fly her.”
“True.” M’haru laughed a bit to himself. “As much as I’d like to the one, I almost would want to be there to see the look on any bronze rider’s face if they awoke next to poor Ren.”
“Don’t even voice that opinion in ear shot of him.” S’haru warned him. “I get the feeling that may be his worst nightmare.” He rose and strolled out into the open air in the Weyr bowl, and glanced up towards Ren’s quarters where Akayath was fast asleep on the ledge.
M’haru wasn’t far behind him, and glanced in the same direction. “So how are you and that rider of Realth doing?” S’haru blushed a littled at the mention of her.
“Not so well, actually.” S’haru said. “Apparently she has attentions from a brown rider. Or rather, she has the attention for him and he doesn’t realize it.” He frowned, then sighed. “Would you be alright if Kaorth flew Akayath?”
“I’d be disappointed, but I’m not going to hate you over it. It’s a fact of dragonlife, after all.” M’haru said. “I know you too well though. What’s bothering you?”
“To be honest, Ren is as much a brother to me as you are, despite not being blood. I think it would be awkward.”
“Then why did you agree?”
“For the reason I just stated.” S’haru said. Kaorth landed in the bowl to wait patiently as S’haru mounted him. He patted Kaorth’s neck. “I’ll see you later.”
M’haru stood there and watched as they flew up to their weyr. You should be excited. Hiroth told his rider as he landed in the spot Kaorth had just vacated.
“I would be, friend, if only it didn’t involve a proddy green rider who doesn’t know what he wants.” He sighed a little.
Don’t worry. I will catch Akayath in her flight, and things will be alright. Hiroth sounded rather smug and sure of himself.
“Hasn’t anyone told you not to count your dragons until they’ve hatched?” M’haru commented as Hiroth flew them up to their own weyr. “The rider can influence the dragon, and he has no idea what he wants.” M’haru grabbed the oil pot and started working it into Hiroth’s hide.
We know what we want though. Hiroth pointed out. M’haru laughed a little. Draconic logic had not evolved much over the many hundreds of years.
“And if a bronze joins the chase? Me, you, S’haru and Kaorth...none of us would have a chance.”
We’ve informed the bronzes which green is rising. Most of their riders are declining to let them fly her.
“As well they should. Wait, most of them?”
There are a couple whose riders don’t care who the rider is as long as their dragon gets to enjoy the thrill of the chase. M’haru sighed at that. He didn’t think there were any bronze riders like that. Brown riders, maybe, but not bronzes. I’m not worried, M’haru
M’haru didn’t comment on that as he kept oiling Hiroth. How long would the proddy green sleep? It was the waiting that was getting to him. He suddenly remembered they had left the poor beast’s rider down in the lower caverns. M’haru cursed at himself for forgetting that. Surely the news of his dragon’s imminet mating had circulated around the Weyr by now, so most would know to either keep their distance, or risk the temper of a proddy green rider.
M’haru had put away the oiling cloths when Hiroth walked over to the ledge. “Don’t mess up my oiling job.” He said.
Akayath awakens. Hiroth told him.
“Already?” M’haru asked. Well, he was probably about to get his clothing ruined anyway, so what did it matter? He jumped onto his dragon’s oily neck. “We should pick up her rider on the way.” He told his own beast.
M’haru found Ren in the lower cavern still, looking panic stricken. The green rider’s eye were huge and scared. He had not expierenced the direct effect of dragon lust.
“What do I do?” He choked out. “The hunger...the heat...”
M’haru guided Ren out of the caverns. Luckily, some of the female riders were still there, having sent their dragons away. Akayath bugled a challenge to the male dragons of the Weyr and descended on the herdbeast pens.
“Make sure she only bloods her kills.” One of the women told him. Some of the male dragons had already been blooding beasts since earlier, feeling the impending flight.
Akayath roared again as she descended on a beast. “Blood it.” Ren said, his voice trying to be steady as he hoped the vocalization would reinforce the mental command to his dragon.
Meat! Akayath voice rang in his head, determined as her teeth sunk into the beast’s flesh.
No! Just the blood. A bit of calm had returned to her rider, and the steely tone he had taken shocked her into obeying. Akayath reared, but obeyed, sucking the beast dry of it’s vital fluid. She descended on another. Blood it! Akayath looked defiant, but obeyed again. Ren didn’t have to reinforce the command on the third one, but did so just to make sure she didn’t tear into the flesh.
The male dragons ringing the pen were tensed, waiting for the shining green to take off. Akayath wasn’t sure whether to blood another beast, or take off. The green dragon had decided three was enough to sate that hunger, and lunged off into the sky, bugling her challenge to the males to come and get her.
The riders of the dragons that took off after Akayath ringed her rider. The furls of the blue, brown, and even a couple of bronze wings made such a loud noise as the dragons took off after her.
“Stay with her. Don’t lose her.” One of the older riders was telling Ren, who had been taken over completely by his dragon’s instinct.
M’haru stood close to the green rider. He was a tad annoyed at the other rider, but he recognized the necessity of reinforcing that. He hoped beyond hope that Hiroth could outsmart the larger males that were in the chase.
Akayath flew higher and higher, then let herself succumb to gravity as a couple of the males thought that they might have her. They weren’t good enough if they were that stupid. She spread her wings and evaded yet another male that thought he was cleverer than she was. Soon, only three dragons remained in pursuit of her. Two blues and a bronze.
Akayath dipped her wing and rolled as one of the blues tried to catch her. It was Kaorth. She laughed at him and teased the two remaining dragons by flying higher and performing some complicated aerial acrobatics when suddenly she was claimed and her neck was entwined by a powerful blue neck and they were falling to the ground together.
The riders were herded to a private weyr where they could enjoy the rest of the flight alone.
S’haru sighed. He was afraid that Kaorth had almost caught her. He looked at the bronze rider that had almost been the one. “Larger isn’t necessarrily better.” He gave the rider a wry grin.
“True. He’s been waiting for any female to rise though. It was a good show for his first flight.” He walked off towards the lower caverns, intent on drowning his relfected disappointment in some wine along with the other rejected riders.
S’haru turned back for a moment, glad that M’haru had gotten what he wanted.
Ren blinked awake. He felt the steady breath of another person lying next to him. He rolled over carefully. He ached in places he didn’t know it was possible to. He smiled a little, despite himself, and reached to brush aside some of M’haru’s messy blond hair. M’haru cracked an eye open.
“Hiroth is beyond smug with himself.” M’haru informed his current bed mate.
Ren laughed a little at that. “He should be. Akayath isn’t happy, but she is satisfied.”
“And you?” M’haru asked.
“I suppose that describes me as well.” Ren admitted. “She thought the bronze was going to get her. I have to admit, I did as well.”
M’haru smirked. “Hiroth is a clever dragon when he wants to be.”
“Like rider, like dragon?” Ren quoted the ancient adage.
“No comment.” M’haru said, sitting up. “Are you hurt?”
“I ache some, but nothing a bit of numbweed won’t help.” Ren answered, rubbing his back. He paused for a moment to double check on Akayath. He could feel the satisfaction of a biological imperative fulfilled. Once his eyes refocused on his current surroundings, he looked at M’haru. He wasn’t really sure what to say at this point, though apparently the other man was in a coversation with his dragon. It gave Ren a chance to really observe him. M’haru’s hair was an odd shade for being so far north, and his steel blue eyes were sharp, at least when he wasn’t in conversation with his dragon. He shared the same sharp jawline of his brother and father. Ren finally had to admit that the man was attractive.
About time. Akayath said to her rider sleepily. Why do you think I let Hiroth catch me? Now she sounded smug.
Ren shook his head at that, and smiled despite himself. Who was the bronze that came close?
Does it matter? Hiroth was the one that caught me.
Ren supposed she had a point. It was over and in the past now. It didn’t matter. He was there now, and with someone that wasn’t disgusted being with him. He leaned in closer, and pressed his lips to M’haru’s The other man blinked in shock, but relaxed.
“Does that mean what I think it does?” M’haru asked.
“Do I have much choice?” Ren asked, teasing the other. “In all seriousness, I know it’s going to seem strange, but...I’d be willing to be your weyrmate.”
“After just one mating flight?” M’haru grinned.
“Akayath indirectly pointed something out to me.” Ren said. “You have been a thorn in my side for a long time, but I suppose that was somewhat endearing. And you....you were trying to prepare me for this, in your own way. I suppose the day is pretty much over?”
M’haru nodded. “The evening meal should be ready. I can’t imagine that you’d want to face other people though.” Ren blushed.
“I can’t avoid the entire Weyr population forever, M’haru. Though, now that this has happened...”
“Still wanting to leave the Weyr?” M’haru asked. Ren nodded. “I’ll go wherever you do. In fact, Hiroth probably won’t let me stray far from his mate.” M’haru snorted. “Smug beast.” Ren had to laugh at that as well.
“He’s not the only one. We should bring them back to the Weyr for now though.” He passed that request on to his dragon. M’haru rose and draped a robe over himself and handed one to Ren.
“The downside of a mating flight is the lack of clothes afterwards.” M’haru laughed. “Good to know someone was watching out for us.” Ren shrugged into the loose garment.
“Most likely your brother.” Ren said. “He’s a good friend.”
“He is.” M’haru agreed. A blue hide appeared before them. “Would you like a lift to your weyr?”
“I would, as Akayath seems to be taking her time.” Ren answered, settling behind M’haru on Hiroth’s neck. He patted the blue neck. “Congratulations, Hiroth.”
M’haru scowled as Hiroth lifted off the ground. “Don’t give him an even bigger swelled head.” Ren laughed.
“He deserves it. Considering Akayath thought most of her suitors to be idiots.”
“That seems to be common among female dragons, from what I’ve heard.” M’haru said. “So, I suppose he deserves it.”
Hiroth landed on the ledge of Akayath’s weyr just as she landed. The ledge was barely wide enough for the two creatures, but they managed to fit. M’haru took it upon himself to escort Ren into his quarters as he got dressed. “Well, I guess it doesn’t matter who moves, huh? My weyr is just as small.” He commented.
“That’s why we should leave.” Ren said. “I’m a bit disappointed we weren’t able to go where I had planned on taking you today.”
“You don’t take a proddy green away from her possible suitors.” M’haru said. “I knew that before I Impressed.” He turned back to the dragon sized quarters where Akayath had curled up on her stone couch. M’haru scratched her eye ridge. Her eyes whiled in the blue and green of contentment. “Knew better than your rider, didn’t you girl?” He asked the dragon.
She doesn’t think that needs answering. Hiroth answered his rider in his smug tone. M’haru rolled his eyes.
“I take it you and Hiroth won’t mind taking me to the lower caverns for dinner? If Akayath feels anything like I do, then I think I’d rather let her remain here and rest.”
“We don’t mind at all, do we?” Hiroth snorted a bit. “He’s just more upset that he has to leave her side.” M’haru rolled his eyes. “Possessive thing, he is.”
They stopped at M’haru’s weyr so he could don decent clothing before the dragon dropped them off on the bowl floor. The pair entered the cavern together. Most of the other riders didn’t blink an eye at this. They took their seats at the end of a table. S’haru joined them.
“Honestly, of the disappointed riders, I don’t think any of them were truly that disappointed.” He said, pouring his brother and friend a glass of wine each. “Though, I had to admit, I think one of them may have been more disappointed than he let on.” He raised his glass. “To Hiroth.” He said, grinning. The three glasses clinked, and they drank to that.
“Kaorth came close, didn’t he?” Ren asked. S’haru nodded, and laughed a little.
“He almost had her, but that bronze knocked him out of the way.”
M’haru grinned. “Hiroth used that to his advantage. That, and the fact I’d just finished oiling him.”
S’haru frowned. “That almost seems like cheating.”
“Just a coincidence. Along with a certain dragon knowing better than her rider.” M’haru teased Ren a bit.
The three men were having a rather jovial conversation when the Weyrwoman, Nirosa joined them She smiled at them. “I’m sorry, gentlemen, but could I speak to Akayath’s rider for a moment?”
Ren rose. “Of course.” He said, going with her.
“You’re not in any trouble or anything. You did just fine with her first mating flight. I just wanted to remind you, that since the demise of our ancient enemy, that greens are as much breeders as the queens. They don’t tend to lay large clutches, but she will lay a clutch in a few months.” Nirosa told him. “I guess I can skip the next part of this usual speech.” She smiled a little. “I usually have to remind the female green riders that if they are with child as a result of the mating flight that they need to beware of going between in that condition. Anyway, greens don’t tend to lay many eggs. I know you have been wanting to leave the Weyr for a long time. I’d like to know if you would at least stay until her clutch has hatched. It won’t be the first time a green has laid on what Greth considers her hatching ground.” Nirosa laughed at that. Greth had to share the hatching grounds with other females as well.
Ren paused. He had forgotten that detail of dragon biology. Matings always resulted in eggs unless the female had been rendered infertile by firestone. And as there was no need for such, Akayath would be developing the eggs in her body as they spoke. “How many eggs do greens tend to lay?” He asked.
“The smallest number recorded is six. The highest is twenty-two.” Nirosa said. “The average is right around twelve though. That twenty-two egg clutch was also a result of the green mating with a bronze, so that may have influenced the number of eggs. The Weyr will supply candidates for the eggs, so that is a burden off of you.”
“I suppose it would be easiest if she clutched where she hatched.” Ren said. “Weyrwoman, is there still firestone?”
Nirosa smiled. “Good luck finding it if there is.” She said. “Surprisingly, even with greens laying, there isn’t an over population of dragons. Though that might be because of the low number of eggs they produce compared to the queens. Tell me, green rider, do you want your dragon to be sterile?”
“It would certainly make things easier. No offense, but I dislike Weyr life. I want to be in the open, and if she’s mothering a clutch constantly....” He trailed off.
Nirosa patted him on the shoulder. “I’m not entirely certain you would understand, but it is a great joy to any female, dragon or human, to see it’s children thrive. Would you deprive your dragon of her maternal instinct?” Ren frowned a bit. “Oh, speaking of that, how is Hitomi?”
“She’s good. Her daughter was born three sevendays ago.” He said. Ren recalled the tone of voice his sister had when she had told him she had given birth. Thankfully she omitted the gruesome details.
“I’m glad to hear that.” Nirosa said. “Oh, and the thing about between doesn’t apply to dragons, as it’s their children. Perhaps you should take a day or two to visit your sister and new neice.” She suggested.
“I’ll...consider that.” Ren said. “I have some things to do here in the mean time. If you’ll excuse me, m’lady?”
“Go on. I hate ruining a mating flight like that. Though, I must thank you, Ren, green Akayath’s rider. You’ve managed to tame a blue rider we all feared would ruin the Weyr.”
“M’haru isn’t that bad.” Ren said, wondering as he said it where that came from. “He’s a surprisingly kind person.”
Nirosa smiled. “You’ve seen a side of him that few do, then.” She sighed. “K’haru was wondering what he was going to do with that boy for a long time. I’m glad someone like you came along...despite the circumstances.” She patted the young man on the shoulder.
Ren returned to the table a bit more subdued, but still in high spirits. M’haru passed his new weyrmate the food and refilled his wine glass. “Wasn’t bad news or anything?” He asked.
Ren shook his head. “No. Just a reminder that draconic biology is different from human’s. Basically, the Weyrwoman knows I’d like to leave, but asked if Akayath would remain long enough for her eggs to hatch.”
M’haru blanched a bit and groaned. He had also apparently forgotten that in the hundreds of years that greens were once again egg laying, mother dragons. “We’re going to have a lot of attention on us at that Hatching.”
Ren blanched as well. The riders of the eggs’ parents were always the hosts of the hatching feast. That was attention Ren would rather not have directed at him.
“The Weyrwoman said the Weyr has candidates for the eggs, so that’s something we don’t have to worry about. However, if we could find a way out of it, but I know we can’t.” Ren said. “Besides, “ He continued. “I feel a lot less ashamed now than I did before. I can honestly say that I am proud to be your weyrmate, M’haru.”
In Akayath weyr, Hiroth had joined his new mate for a nap.
Humans are silly creatures. Akayath commented to him.
Humans are stupid creatures sometimes. Hiroth agreed with her.
Chapter Four