We Are One (OPEN)

The ocean was pleasant today, the waves far out getting so small before they reached her favorite part of the beach that they lapped gently upon the shore in glistening splendor. The breeze, salty and cool, was exactly what Vay wanted. Popping neatly out of between, Lillith sang out her roar of challenge, which was just habit. Vay rolled her eyes, but wisely did not comment about it. She didn't want the queen to go into one of her rants about making sure EVERYONE knew this spot was theirs. Even if no one was there. The sunlight glinted off of Lillith's splendid, healthy hide. Vay looked at it with the tilt to her head. She knew it was nearly time for her dear one to Rise...

Tsh. None of those numskulls would be able to Fly me, was Lillith's comment as she landed in grace, but was poised with her strength and inner power. Her neck swung around so she could look at her rider. But there was that hunk of a Bronze from Lyer...

"Lyer Weyr? Shards, girl, don't get me started!" Vay retorted, releasing her long, silky black hair from her riding helmet and taking a moment to comb it out with her fingers. It had gotten longer since Vay had gone through weyrling hood, but she had trimmed it back to the length of when she had been swept off to the Weyr for the first time. The weyrlingmaster had insisted she cut it, but since she didn't want to, Lillith hadn't wanted her to. The little queen refused for Vay to do something she didn't wish to do. So, she had been able to keep it as-is. But too long was too long, but right now, it was perfect. Especially in this breeze. "I don't suppose you remember what happened at your hatching?"

The lithe girl slid down from the gold's back, who immediately shuffled her wings and surged joyfully into the water. Of course I do, Lillith said, but Vay detected that she did not. Vay smiled, taking off the sweltering hot riding gear and putting it in the shadow of a rock, along with her boots. Walking just in reach of the foaming swells that swished over her feet, Vay strolled along, with Lillith swimming out and keeping pace with her.

It had been a while since she had found the caravan she had been taken away from, swooping in on her brilliant Lillith. Everyone was pleased, of course. But did she miss the constant traveling? No, she reasoned, looking out at the queen as she paused. Lillith was looking back at her, those jeweled eyes swirling contently. She was where she belonged.

We did good. Za'den watched Vay from what shadows he could capture. She had flourished well enough at the Weyr - Faranth, she Impressed gold. That was because of him. A smirk lit up his face as he watched the curve of her body, however slight it seemed from where he was.

You are full of yourself. I was the one who grabbed her. Of course, it was a memory Seramonth plucked from his rider's thoughts. By the way, you should keep it in your pants. I doubt she'll let you that close.

Few say no for long. Za'den flicked away an insect from his sleeve and shrugged. I never hear you complain when I mate.

The coal snorted and eyed the gold pair carefully. The sounds you make are humorous.

"Sure." Za'den chuckled, this time flicking his dragon on the nose. "Shall we go reintroduce ourselves to the pretty pair?" Without waiting for a response, Za'den started to walk from his hiding spot, his eyes locked on his target as he neared.

Vay was content just to stroll along looking out at Lillith, but something made her switch her gaze to what was approaching her. The woman paused, then sighed inwardly. It was him. The sly bastard that had kidnapped her. Za'den. That sharding dragon was going to be nearby, too. Perfect. She remembered all too well how Seramonth had captured her in his claws, and whisked her off between like that. That had been a terrible, terrible introduction to that black nothingness. She hadn't been able to feel anything--not even Sera's claws. For a breath-stopping moment, she had had a panicked thought that she had been dropped there. But no...they had landed, and the Sly Bastard had marched her off to the barracks. After that, she had only--thankfully--caught glimpses of him here or there. Being a goldrider, she had been busy as a weyrling.

But now, here he was. Vay stood where she was, refusing to look like she was actually walking toward him. When he was within ear shot, she spoke to him. "Well well, look what the tide washed in."

"Please." Za'den rolled his eyes, as though her response was a mere overreaction. "You should be thanking me. Was I not the one who brought you to Neora, allowed you to Impress that gold-pretty of yours?" He lifted a brow, and at that moment, Seramonth slunk out of the shadows after him.

The coal lowered his head and sniffed at her, then nudged her gently with his muzzle. We made it possible for you to Impress. Would you prefer it had never happened? You might not have Lilith if we had turned our attentions elsewhere.

Za'den was content to let Seramonth to continue. More often than not, the coal was the soft-heart of their bond. He could be gentle, when it suited him, and dragons could not lie. If she chose not to regard his words - firm, though truthful with just a hint of kindness - that was her problem, not his.

Try not to make it a habit.

And ruin our reputation? Hardly.

Whatever past anger she had had at the pair, though faded, dissipated. Of course, he was right. Vay actually smiled, and scratched just above the coal's eye ridge.

"Of course, I'm thankful now. But at the time, I was not. Thank you," she added, glancing to Za'den to include him as well. Feeling left out, Lillith snorted and swam to the shore, the water trickling off her hide only enhancing her beauty. She settled behind Vay, and lowered her head to look at Za'dan.

I would have left had Mine not been there. She better be thankful.

Vay rolled her eyes and threw her hands up. "Fine, fine! Forgive my bitterness to you, Za'dan and Seramonth." she looked at them both now. "So...what brings you here today, anyway?"

Seramonth crooned and leaned into the scratch. At least, until his rider snapped at him for it. Blinking, the dragon regarded Za'den and chuckled in the man's head, a loud, brassy sound that would be hard to ignore. I will enjoy myself as long as I wish. If you want to find a place to tuck yourself for a while, go elsewhere. I doubt this one would be that eager.

No, she probably wouldn't. Didn't mean it wouldn't happen. Ply enough charm, smile and nod enough, it would happen. It always did. Gonna help me get this one in bed?

Lilith appeared then, and Seramonth out of some deep-bred respect, pulled away from Vay and bowed his head in the young queen's direction. I have to lay the cute on thick, don't I? Seramonth squirmed at the very thought. He did not do cute, at least not intentionally. If I do this for you, if you make me rather, I am going to barf ash on you after next Fall.

Whatever helps you sleep at night.

Realizing that Vay had spoken a few moments prior - did she say thank you? Well, that was a surprise, but it made Za'den's already inflated ego float. Smirking, the man simply bowed his head in greeting to Lilith and settled his hands on his hips. "We wanted to come and see how you were fairing. With how you've been avoiding us, it was luck we picked the right beach."

You should smile instead of smirking.

Ugh. Playing with his features, Za'den managed to soften his face into a believable smile and he tilted his head at Lilith. "Congratulations, seventeen months late."