[PRP] Sunset Rekindling (Susurinth, Cordrath & Riders)

[Hattaki]

It had been such a short time since she’d been here, stranded on the sands with her beloved and beautiful eggs that had come so fast, so quickly indeed that they hadn’t been able to get to a proper Weyr. Not that either of them had thought to plan for it, visiting Weyrs had been dangerous business before. Gold dragons were somewhat.. the word “territorial” didn’t seem quite fitting. Maybe it was simply that they were protective of the dragons that lived and fought around them, the Weyrwoman’s dragon most of all. To her credit, Susurinth was a respectful and understanding gold given that she had been rogue for so many turns and she never once pushed the bounds of impropriety when it came to older and far more experienced queens. At least not as far as her rider might have.

Having been keeping in contact with one or two of the connections she'd made with dragons all across Pern, Susurinth had of course been informed of the terrible threadfall that had wounded so many dragons from High Reaches, even claiming the life of one brave green and her rider in the end. To her joy she knew that her children were as yet far too young to even be in the Bowl near the healers or around anything that had to do with the damage Thread could cause to the dragons fighting it, that had her breathing a bit easier. But Cordrath, he'd sent her such a sweet thought right near the beginning of what she'd narrowed down as the start and he had to have fought in it. There was no way that the big bronze had stepped back and waited to fight in the next round, for he was brave and he was strong, Susurinth loved that about him dearly but could still feel the worry edging through her being for him. How would she know if the worst had happened, other than the keening of dragons and the words from her contacts? Through sensing the broken hearts of her children that loved him?

To her relief she had received a gentle reminder that he was alive not long after the deadly spores had stopped falling and as she counted every star in the sky to thank him for his bravery, her rider had decided it was time.

Having others insist that Pavari was simply a wild child that she had seen into the very soul of not even a decade of turns before often made the small and gentle gold irritated, a flash of orange eyes that would twist back to blue almost immediately afterwards. For she knew full well that her rider was the best for her, that she defined everything there was to define about caring and gentle even if she ran through the wilds of Pern as if they were going to teach her everything that they knew. When her dragon had wanted to see the gentleman bronze that had swept her from the sky the tanned woman had set about getting in contact with the Weyrwoman and her queen from High Reaches, but the battle had been hard fought and her answer was exactly what she had been expecting. Adaptability and flexibility being one of her stronger points, she had instead flipped the negative on it's head and had her small gold contact Cordrath and M'nr with a very solid image in her mind, one that they had to know. Even Susurinth had smiled seeing the image her rider had pulled from her mind for them to meet up, it was perfect in every way after all.

Though it had been hours and Pavari had seen to getting everything she possibly could set up so that she could pain the two of them, for there was no way that she wouldn't paint the two sweetheart dragons, eventually Susurinth and her rider appeared from Between over the warm stretch of sunset beach that had brought her children into the world. Circling she ignored her rider's comments on the best possible places that they could relax, this time she could afford to be picky, this time she could afford for it to be perfect. While she had spoken to Cordrath near every day since the hatching she hadn't yet seen him again and if the small gold was being a bit fussy as a consequence then her patient rider simply laughed it off as nerves. Around and around they went until she spotted a section of trees that overlooked the cove she had admired so much during her tenure on the sands, with the soft grasses that grew beneath it and the view of the slowly setting sun it wouldn't be overly warm and she knew that it was just right for a rendezvous spot.

Swooping down low she landed gently and allowed her straps to be removed by deftly experienced hands, one canvass and an entire bag of painting supplies came off along with them, though to this she simply offered a gentle laugh. How wonderful would it be to have her reunion with her bronze gentleman captured on a canvass? Pavari hadn't had time to paint either of them at the hatching and the flight he'd caught her in had been far too high in the sky for her rider to ever attempt at, though from the flurry of images that had come her way she could at least have imagined something. On the walls of her new weyr there were images of dragons falling from the sky that Susurinth often laughed at and Pavari hand waved. Someday she would cover it she claimed, today had not been that day.

Relieved of her straps and the painting equipment, the small gold settled herself on the soft grass and peacefully awaited the dark bronze that would soon, hopefully, appear in the sky above the island. That would be something she wished her rider could capture and paint for certain, the dragon knew how to make an entrance after all.

demon_pachabel

 

[demon_pachabel]

Cordrath had been more worried about his rider, than himself - a way that all dragons tended to be, in reality. M'nr had to obtain new riding pants, his original eaten away at and leaving an unpleasant scar on his knee (though it still functioned without pain as a knee was meant to), and by his accounts had come out the better of the two. It had made the two into a spiral of trying to out-care the other as post-Threadfall needs were seen to. At least, as far as settling in had gone, they were adapting well. But the bronze found his very spacious ledge to be lacking. It was lonely, even when he lounged on it, his mind reaching out across oceans to nudge up tenderly against that of his beloved.

M'nr himself was suffering from some major second-hand feelings thru the bronze. Though there were worse things than devoted love of another and the adoration of his young to be suffering from. It did remind him he was lacking certain companionship in his life at least. So when Cordrath had more or less announced that he and Susurinth wanted to see each other, the man perhaps held a certain unbridled excitement over the whole idea. Certainly, Pavari - while lovely - would not sate certain overly affectionate needs Cordrath was making him crave, he still had enjoyed her company as one would a dear friend. He may have gone a bit out of his way to procure a gift that suited the woman, carefully packing it as the dragons made their plans mostly without him.

He'd really only been consulted to make sure their...status...as bronzeriders of High Reaches didn't upend anything - and M'nr had made sure to check on that.

When it came time to leave, Cordrath was practically beside himself with near impatience as M'nr finished securing their things. The dragon was gently urged to love his children and remind them that he would be coming back - at least for those who may have found levels of anxiousness in seeing them leave. It only took a few minutes in distraction, but once the man was settled into his straps, Cordrath wasted no time in dropping from their ledge to take to the skies with a loud trumpet to the young ones in the bowl below, going about their lessons. He would see them again soon enough.

Snap.

M'nr hadn't even had time to inquire to Cordrath where their rendezvous would be, but as the two blinked through from between, he recognized it instantly. The two seemed to drop in the sky, twisting in the air before the bronze's wings snapped open, catching the air all at once and sending them back upwards again. Are you not sick of this place? M'nr asked teasingly. Cordrath nudged his rider mentally as he took a wide turn to look over the island, his eyes searching out the most lovely figure that shone more golden than all of the sands. It wouldn't take him long to find Susurinth. No time was wasted in landing, and there was a note of impatience in the bond between rider and dragon as M'nr undid Cordrath's straps. Once they were off, however, so was the dragon.

He made quick work of the shoreline to join the gold at her chosen place, trilling sweetly at her before leaning in to bump his head up against hers. I have missed you.

Hattaki

 

[Hattaki]

From her vantage point beneath the trees, relaxed even if she were a bit antsy and pulling up grass with her claws as she waited, Susurinth was able to make out the sudden appearance of Cordrath above the waves. Her eyes were already purple as it was but they swirled and shifted between as many shades of it as possible, eliciting a laugh from her rider that was setting up her easel in the sand some way off. Their moods were so similar that Pavari could easily read her when she had to, always amused at how smitten she was and how just the mention of the big bronze dragon's name could send her into a fit of excitement and wistfulness. Sometimes she did it just for fun, it was hysterical to see the differences in her reactions. Honestly she often lived vicariously through her dragon's romantic feelings, as she'd never truly had any herself that could be tilted towards another person, while that might worry another person the tall woman wasn't the least bit afraid that she would need those feelings herself. Though during Susurinth's flight...

That had been different though. Dashing those thoughts from her head she gave a hearty wave to M'nr as he came up the sand and reached down to hold up two bottles with her left hand, balancing them between her slim fingers as she gave the two a little wag and winked. "I brought you something special that might ring of home for you, big guy! It's nice to see you again!" Her voice carried over the sands as she spoke and she held out the bottles a little further, extending her arm as she used her other hand to press down on the easel until it was thoroughly anchored in the sand. "Maybe a bit of a splurge on the Western continent, but I figured you'd appreciate some Benden Wine all the same. I have some old friends that can get their hands on it and it feels right to break it out for a reunion."

Not to mention she could use the alcohol if her dragon was going to be making smoochy faces and swoon eyes at M'nr's big bronze gentleman the entire evening, even if she had set it up the prospect of it filled her with a certain kind of dread for her own connection with the romantic gold. Luckily there would only be a few times that she would need to worry about the other sorts of feelings that Susurinth would have, the training she'd been participating in had assured her of that particular bit of information that had eluded her in the past and would have helped to have known long before even this day. But it wasn't something to dwell on for now, for now she could simply take the gold's hints and set up to begin painting while she enjoyed company from someone she thought dearly of.

Hearing a humming trill she rolled her green eyes and looked to her dragon, who's attention was set fully on Cordrath and the moment she found herself in. For Susurinth couldn't have been happier as she returned the bump of heads gently, her entire being seeming to glow, though thankfully not in the same manner as before. This was the glow of one that was finally relaxed and happy, a glow that came from the inside out that spoke of pure happiness as she watched through purple eyes the gentleman she thought so highly of. There were questions that she should ask, things to inquire about that dealt with their children and with duties and everything, but as she drank in the sight of him she couldn't help but let her vision pass over the scoring to his head and the new wounds that littered his strong form. Sadness threaded into her, even into her eyes as she wondered how he had gotten them, if they had been a precursor to the deep surge of love that she'd felt only a brief span before that had filled her up and left her feeling a bit boneless and breathless. Though it had been pointed out by Pavari that Susurinth always felt that way no matter how or when Cordrath contacted her.

As have I missed you, but you come back so wounded. Her hearts thumped a bit in her chest as she looked up at him and a slight gray edged into her otherwise purple eyes, It would seem that the fight was hard won this last sevenday. We had heard but certainly couldn't imagine the toll it took on all those at High Reaches. It was settling in now though, as she looked at the dragon who held such a thrall over her hearts. Having known full well that he was trained at Benden the smaller and considerably less trained gold had never once considered that he might be injured, it was a sobering feeling to know that even those well trained might come out of a battle against the spores in such a manner.

Taking that moment to dash the thoughts from her mind, Susurinth gave a gentle hum for him to join her where she lay that they both might put the fight and their never-ending enemy from their heads for the time being as they enjoyed the moment they had now. Cordrath's company was far better than thoughts of the deadly spores, even if he bore proof of their danger freshly upon him, and she would much rather spend her time pointing out everything good about him as there was plenty there to choose from.

demon_pachabel

 

[demon_pachabel]

Oh, Pavari had found a much nicer gift than M'nr had as far as he was concerned. There certainly was nothing quite like Benden wine, after all. "Depends on how quickly I drink it! I may forget all about home!" he replied, humor ringing through his tone as he crossed the beach to offer the young woman a hug. It was certainly nice to be able to balance a pleasant and unawkward friendship, even if the starts of it should have rigged them to such things. "I can appreciate this being an occasion that calls for such niceties," he added, looking back to the two glittering dragons. Cordrath was practically flooding their bond.

"I feel my follow up may be less exciting, but..." M'nr carefully unrolled the pack that had been attached to his riding straps, unfurling the contents which were secured to the inside of the padding by straps of their own. Several glass containers of powders - each in various hues - lined it. Twenty four in all. Another, the largest by almost three times, was filled with some sort of thick liquid. Pavari would likely recognize it as a binding agent for paint pigments. "There is an artist at High Reaches who used the shells of our dear ones' eggs to make some fine pigments. It would have been uncalled for to not bring you some."

It did seem she was setting up to paint, at least. Though how long the pair would have to hold still, M'nr was certain Cordrath would hold still forever next to Susurinth, stretching out his wings so she could take full stock of how he was looking. He wasn't the most battered dragon on Pern, but he hadn't exactly taken delicate amounts of thread to his hide, either. Ah, I have only been as harmed as it has taken to keep you and ours safe for another day. he assured, nudging his snout against one of the gold's cheeks with a low, sweet thrum. He worried her - a thought that he tucked away to tend to. He'd never fought Thread before, so all things considered he'd done fairly well. It would take a force that doesn't exist in this world to take me away. I will always come back for you, Cordrath assured.

M'nr tried to not snicker. It was a rather sickeningly sweet line, but perhaps humans were more inclined to use such words to spin such sentiments. In that way, Cordrath was not so cheesy - he meant every word as truth, rather than as an attempt at seduction.

Offering another low kreel of adoration, the bronze laid down next to Susurinth, stretching out one wing to drape over her like an embrace. It had only been a few weeks, but he still felt like he owed her years of time to make up for how long they had been apart now. How does Western Weyr treat you? Do I need to come and remind them they are in the presence of the most wonderful gold on Pern and they should treat her such?

Hattaki

 

[Hattaki]

"Oh don't get so drunk that you can't get home now M'nr, Susurinth would never let me live down her lovely bronze having to sleep out on this beach for a night. But for certain we have to celebrate this... meeting." Nevermind that she and the gold had stayed on this very beach for months, so many months that Pavari was actually starting to think that her tan might be permanent at this point. Without a single reservation she placed the wine down near the two cups she'd brought with her and swung into the larger man's hug with a bright laugh. She had brought so many things to show him, paintings of the hatchlings, some things from the western continent that she'd found as she explored in the first few days, as if they hadn't been hectic enough with just moving in. Really she was completely comfortable around him even now after a couple of months had passed since they'd seen one another, but she was not at all prepared for his gesture or the words that followed them and it showed in the thunderstruck awe that just crossed over her face. "Are you... you can't be..."

Nearly dropping the paintbrush from her right hand, only having the momentary wherewithal to pierce it into the base of her thick ponytail by the barest thread of common sense, Pavari stared at the beautiful powders as if they were the most incredible things she'd ever seen. For they were in every way, they were powders for paint made of the shells from her golden dragon's very first clutch and they were the most important powders she'd ever seen. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes as her slim fingers reached out to touch at the glass jars that carried such precious colors and memories inside and it took everything to keep all but one tear from falling in her excitement and the flood of joy she was feeling. It was true that it was buoyed by the love that Susurinth was feeling for Cordrath in that moment, but it was completely her own as well.

"These, how could you ever think that these wouldn't be exciting. Look at them! Oh they're so beautiful, I can never thank you enough!" Pavari actually babbled over, her smile splitting her face from ear to ear with shining teeth as her green eyes danced in excitement. There were so so many possibilities with these and yet for the first time she actually felt somewhat reserved about the thought of using them because of their origins. "I knew full well that pigments could be made from eggshells but I never imagined in a thousand turns that they would consider using dragon eggshells for it. I thought those were kept specially for things."

Of course it showed how much and how little she knew all at once, but she was working to fix that particular issue with her training. None of that mattered right now though. Placing the unrolled pack before her easel she turned and leapt against M'nr once more, dragging him into a tight hug as she laughed brightly and all but hung from the taller man's frame as one of her nieces always did with her. That he thought of her when the artist had made the powders in the first place spoke to their friendship and it made her all the happier to know that such a good man's dragon had caught her beloved Susurinth so many months prior. Not many would have thought of such a gesture, let alone make one at all for someone they only considered a friend, albeit a special one.

Relaxing into the waves of excitement and joy that were radiating from Pavari's very person with such intensity that she would need to touch base with her later to find the origin of the feelings, Susurinth shook off her curiosity and turned her entire attention back to Cordrath, as was only right. Leaning her head up against him at his nudges, the small gold curled her body back into his larger one with a content hum as he laid beside her. It was wonderful being back beside him again and it made her realize just how lucky she was that he was here in light of the threadscoring she could see on him.

You are the bravest and strongest bronze I know, I only wish that I could help you more than I am capable of at this point. It is unfair that you should face such a fight alone and selfish of me to hope... that you might help our children as they grow of age to fight it. Susurinth said gently, her eyes not budging from their deep purple hue despite the trepidation that crept into her voice with her last statement.

Twining her tail about his, the gold pushed her nose gently under his jaw and relaxed even further as she hummed all the louder for him in her happiness. Western is a lovely place, I would love for you to come and see it when you have time. Our children grow strong in the warmth of the sun and the relaxed nature of their beaches, though they have many golds down there that may even make me seem dull by comparision. she thought back to the bright golds that she had met as she impishly said the words, knowing full well that to at least Cordrath she was beautiful in his eyes as he was wonderful to her for none could ever compare to him.

demon_pachabel

 

[demon_pachabel]

The look on Pavari's face was everything that M'nr needed to see to know he'd picked out a spot-on gift for the young woman. "I thought maybe you'd think I'd just kind of...defaulted to an obvious interest, rather than a thoughtful one," he admitted with a small chuckle. Not that he didn't think the goldrider would have enjoyed the new pigments either way, but there was a lot more behind Pavari than her paintings that he could have appealed to as well.

Her comment about what eggshells were kept for, caused M'nr to try and recall the exact conversation he'd had while picking up this particular set of pigments. "They're not something they give to just any crafter - though it seems they're mostly used for high-end crafts and goods by those who manage to get their hands on them." Especially in this age of thread. "Mostly jewelry, I hear." Though M'nr could imagine that larger pieces were kept for other purposes as well.... but what kind? He had no ideas to that end.

He wouldn't worry long about it as Pavari was soon hanging from his neck like an excited child at a reunion, bringing him back to laughter as he spun her around once. It was certainly nice that they could be friends without it being horrendously awkward.

As Susurinth settled up against him, Cordrath rested one of his outstretched wings over her in as close to an embrace as a dragon could get.

It is not a selfish request you make, my dear. They are ours and I will see them all safely home every time, he assured, though he knew there were some dangers that even he could not protect them from. Ones they could potentially find even before they came close to thread. But he would not burden her with such worries that day. No, she was worried enough as was, and he kreeled softly at the tone in her voice, hoping he'd give at least some comfort.

His tail easily twisted around hers, his entire body seeming to rumble with the contented sound that settled in his chest as she told him of her new home and how she was settling in. It sounded quite pleasant. Though there was one note of concern that caused his eyes to flash red for just a moment - not that she would have seen it. Nonsense. How could there be any golds that could be more lovely than my two most favorites? He nudged Susurinth an image of herself and their little Khaimath, as he saw them by comparison, every other shining gold a smear of dull color in the background of their radiance.

Certainly, he was biased, but still it was a genuine sentiment. I would much enjoy coming to visit and seeing the little ones. Did those at Western think their father disliked them when he was so far away all the time?

Hattaki

 

[Hattaki]

"Are you kidding me? I brought you wine, wine! Don't I feel like a goofy failure right now!" Pavari said with a bubbly laugh as she was spun about, her face still split by a bright smile. With an impish squeak she let go of his neck and landed in the sand on her feet, almost pinwheeling as she caught her balance and spun around to head towards her pack that she'd taken off of Susurinth's back along with her painting materials. Certainly she had to have something else in here that might interest M'nr, but she felt rather foolish that she couldn't think of anything that might interest him or be near as good as the powders that she'd just been given. Did she really not know enough about him to come up with something? "Ooohh... I'm afraid wine is the best I can do right now for you though M'nr, but I'll make it up to you by painting that big handsome bronze of yours if you like? Oh!! Oh oh! Wait, you need to see these!"

Her hands had unwittingly found the small 8 x 8 canvases she'd done of each hatchling that had transfered to Western Weyr along with their newly Impressed kids, each of them were done in paints that weren't near what the eggshells might permit her. Due to her own training regiment and the schedules that each of the new Weyrlings had been following since day one she hadn't been able to paint all of them but there were six portraits of glimmering adorable baby dragons that she had managed to paint out of the ten of them and she held them fanned out before the bronze rider with a smile. Some of them had been rushed, one of a dark little blue had been painted at the hatching while he'd hung close to his mother, but she was happy and proud of each of the small portraits that she had managed to create despite the active little dragons.

"I don't have enough time that I could get them all by now, but maybe by next time you'll get to see them so Cordrath can see them? Well... I'm sure that Susurinth sends him their images all the time, that's just how she is, but this could be good too?" Pavari offered, glancing down at the beautiful gift that was held in the unrolled pack of powders and liquids and lifted both of her eyebrows and gave a mischievous wink, "Hopefully next time the new ones will be painted in the colors of the same eggs they came into the world from?" Certainly there were some vibrant colors there, that could be mixed to make any color she might need to convey the near rainbow of hides that made up Susurinth and Cordrath's children.

Through their adventures exploring some of the Western continent in their time off, Pavari had even come across some rather fascinating items that she'd thought of gifting to some of the riders for their hatchlings, but she had restrained herself, they weren't really 'her dragon's eggs' anymore, they were beautifully growing dragons that would come to likely forget their mother as they got older and experienced the world. Still, she'd had the passing thought all the same and instead decided to gather the beautiful feathers, shells, pressed flowers and leaves, and any other thing that looked of interest and wild to her Southern upbringing so that she might take them home to share them with her nieces and siblings. Maybe when the time came for her next one she would look for something for Cordrath or M'nr, to make up for only bringing wine, albeit some of the best and most expensive wine on all Pern!

Between Cordrath's words and his gentle kreels, Susurinth relaxed fully into his embrace and brought her nose up to tap lightly against his, her eyes shining happily as she thought of the large bronze protecting their children as best he could, for surely there were things even he couldn't avoid. Thread, it seemed, was the worst of them and that she had always known since it had first returned, since she'd first sensed the Red Star. There was no real way for him to protect their children from everything, for her to protect those at Western Weyr from everything that might befall them, but she had hope all the same that those training them would teach them all that the needed in order to survive and protect their riders and Pern. It was just terrible to think of what might befall them up there in the sky when they were fighting those deadly spores.

Honestly, I don't know that I'll ever stop worrying about them, but they'll grow strong and I know those up in High Reaches will be well looked after. Sparks of impish green dotted through the purple of her eyes at his next choice of words and it brought a trill from her that was easily identifiable as laughter as it melded seamlessly. Really she had found such a wonderful gentleman that he hadn't noticed she had said those words playfully, but it meant the world to her that when he responded he didn't just count her, he also counted Khamaith. For his words she summoned up the most recent image of her daughter from her mind, the small gold sleeping comfortably in the shade of the beach with her chosen, the size difference from the first clearly evident. Though she let the image linger for a moment she soon replaced it with another, one of Lishanth with his rider and then yet more until she came to bright and playful Baihath and his rider playing on the beach around some older weyrlings. They grow so large with every passing day, I would love for you to see them once again, as I would love to come see those at High Reaches someday when it is acceptable. Right after threadfall with so many wounded is far from the best time to test the head queen, not after she lost... her voice trailed off as she was about to say 'her daughter' for it left a sick feeling in her stomach. It had been passed to Western Weyr of course, the news that a green and her rider had fallen protecting her mother, dragons that had come from High Reaches had keened loudly themselves, even so far away, for such a brave pair. To think that something might happen to one of her own....

Susurinth's head tilted so that she could tuck it under the bronze's jaw carefully, You are always welcome to come and visit them, I know that they do not think you've forgotten them or dislike them, for I remind them all the time that their father loves them. even her voice was soft as she said it and it was entirely true. Her children would always know through her how much their father cared, for she would always tell them, always remind them.

demon_pachabel

 

[demon_pachabel]

"Wine from my home," M'nr reminded, easing down Pavari's landing as much as he could when she released him. "Which means plenty more to me than you would think, my dear," he added. Certainly, while the pigments were fantastic to him in terms of a wonder, they meant little in their function to a man who had never held a brush in his life. "And of course you're giving me the honor of your company and friendship - grand gifts in and of themselves!"

The canvases were very interesting - M'nr hadn't gotten to know many of the Weyrlings very well since shortly after settling in it had been time to get him and Cordrath up to snuff in a fighting wing and then Threadfall, and he knew the ones at Western even less. But if they'd been chosen by one of his beloved's children, they certainly had to be wonderful, did they not? "You capture their spirit well," he said with a smile - he wasn't certain if they looked much like the children themselves anymore. He could remember the colors, the names, even the impressions that Cordrath held of each of them, but for his own mind, they didn't linger as strong images. Most dragons didn't when he only had room for one in his heart and mind.

Cordrath sent him a warm wave of affection - because it was all too true. He wouldn't have shared even if he'd been able to.

"Cordrath would certainly love to visit Western and see his young ones," M'nr confirmed, glancing over at the dragon that was currently wound up in a bundle of affection with the gold not too far away. He didn't even need to confer - he knew the ways of his lifemate too well to question it after 22 turns. Even if his mind was full of icky sticky affection right now.

Worry if it eases your hearts, but I will leave nothing for you to worry about. Cordrath promised, nudging his snout back against hers as he enjoyed the image of their golden daughter. Yes, she slept contently and was happy - the only things he would ever really ask for any of their little ones. While a dragon could not choose poorly, to actually see the little ones at ease was quite wonderful. Though the happy notion was soon replaced with a reminder of Zurath and her Cheza. He'd not had time to know them, but in a moment had known them well enough to know he'd missed knowing a very special pair. We will find an opportunity for them to see their mother before they grow too large he assured, pouring out waves of reassurance and love to hopefully dull the sting of the sad thoughts.

While it was painful to spend so much time apart, separated by Weyrs and how she could not come and go as freely as he would be able to, Cordrath did not regret their decision to divide their ability to watch their little ones as they had. But someday they would be big ones and he and Susurinth would still be apart. Would it feel as good of a decision then?

I do love them, as I do love you my dearest. I would fight thread above Western as well for all of you if it was appropriate.

Hattaki

 

[Hattaki]

"Honestly not seeing the group up at High Reaches makes it a little hard to remember if these are close, but that's why I like to paint. So I can remember what they looked like, what they were, before they grow up and change completely." Pavari's smile was broad when she said it, but then when wasn't it really? Just showing them to M'nr had her about bouncing in place with restrained joy, for she had no real fear or concern with showing others her paintings as some had in the Hall, rather she loved them for what they were even if they weren't what others were looking for. Every time someone even so much as enjoyed a painting she gave them that validated her joy and the man's smile made her bright green eyes crinkle a bit at the edges with held in laughter that at least came from a place of joy. "Well... wine is always more fun with company, I've never had any reason to drink too much over the past few turns. I can't even imagine trying to follow inspiration Between to someplace while being tipsy!" She waved her free hand in front of her crossed eyes. "Lost before we even began!"

With someone else, or rather two someone's, for company there would be no way that she and her dragon could go flying off after a flight of fancy or a desire to see some new place. It made her feel a bit more relaxed to be with a friend and every time she thought of the bronzerider it was always as a very good friend rather than how Susurinth viewed his dragon. She had been feeling the warm glow of her gold's adoration and feelings ever since she'd first seen Cordrath and she was in no state to even fight it, not that she ever would. "I do want to paint these two sappy ones, so if you'd be so kind as to pop the cork on one of those bottles as a start...?" Pavari winked impishly at him and grabbed for her paintbrush once more.

“All that lovey dovey needs to be doused a bit on my side or I’ll start reciting poems I heard at the Harper Hall at you, if that happens I’ll do my best to remember the absolute worst for your listening pleasure.” laughter rang through her voice as she spoke, giving him both incentive and uncertainty for if the words were true at all. In the process of speaking the woman had begun flipping the lids off of pastes and paints, off of fluids, lining all of them up at the base of the easel and gearing up to set the base for what she was going to start. Glancing over her shoulder at him her green eyes held a smile, “You know, I don’t know that bronzes have to worry about their fellows being so territorial as golds can be, so if you two want to stop by Western Weyr sometime? As long as it’s during their free moments I can’t imagine anyone would argue, he’s a very good father after all.”

Just knowing that you’re there to help them eases the worry more than you may ever know, dear one. Even knowing I may see them again and the joy that would bring, that they have their father to look after them helps to breathe easier, for there are those males that care little for their hatchlings. I still consider myself fortunate to have found these strong wings of yours for support. Susurinth nudged the one resting over her delicately as playfulness edged into her voice near the end. She had to make up for worrying him, not just him, also herself for there was no room on the sun washed beach where her children had hatched for such sadness to be spoken. Pern could be both wonderful and horrible at once, Thread’s return had certainly brought enough of the latter, so it was up to everyone living and fighting to find the wonderful. Cordrath was just that for the gold, the wonderful that had her sending him images and thoughts throughout her day and feeling uplifted when he responded in kind.

Certainly there was an ocean and restrictions she’d once never faced between them now, as they had proven when agreeing to meet on the uninhabited island once more, there were ways around the restrictions. Separation might sting deeply, but it only lead to more joyous reunions, right?

My wonderful bronze love, you will never have to fight it alone. While we may not be fully trained yet, with time those beautiful children will have a protector and a safety net. While I may not be able to flame it down, I will always be here to catch them as I would to fly beside and catch you if I could. Knowing the golds of High Reaches are strong and proud fills me with relief, but I would be there in a beat of your hearts to help if occasion allowed. the tone she set was fierce for it was truth, while only a gold with no flame she had the strength within her to help. If they would let her, if rules were not in place, Susurinth would never hesitate.

demon_pachabel

Well quotes are being annoying...

 

[demon_pachabel]

He couldn't help but laugh at Pavari's assertion about how to go about preparing oneself to kill the feeling of affection that was trickling in through their lifemates. But if it was an excuse to drink a little, M'nr wasn't going to say no. He had to search through the bags he kept secured on his riding straps to find a knife, but once he had it removing the wax seal and the cork from the bottle was quick work. Maybe he looked a little too prepared to start drinking at any given moment.

"Oh, if you make an offer like that, he's going to have me halfway across the world at any given moment. Like any time a gold rises in High Reaches," Cordrath had already established that he would chase no other unless his beloved decided she preferred the favor of a bronze closer to Western. So M'nr was already prepared to suddenly have his life upended at every potential inconvenience. In fact, he was willing to bet on it.

He took a sip of the contents of the bottle before offering it to the goldrider. Maybe they'd both not want to feel quite as sappy as the metallic couple.

I will strive to make it so you would never have to cross the world to come to my rescue - and so that I would never have to come rushing to you, though I would in a beat of my hearts. as he spoke, he could feel his lifemate nudge him as though letting him know how absolutely sappy he was sounding. Cordrath would happily continue to drip his sweet words and ooze affectionate feelings across their tether. Thank you very much!

I would rather all of our times we get to be together be tame, and soft, and not full of worries or sadness. Is that too idealistic? It was, he knew without asking, but the meaning to him was no less true.

Hattaki

 

[Hattaki]

"Well if someone has to be the voice of reason in all of this it certainly isn't going to be me, M'nr. You've known that for a bit now!" Pavari stated bluntly, a matter-of-fact smile upon her face as she stooped to pick up one of the cups from the sand in one hand and retrieve the bottle the man offered with her other. Paint brush tilted to the side she poured just enough that it filled the small cup and took a short swig from the bottle before handing it back, holding the neck in two fingers. "Susurinth is downright besotted and while it might make me roll my eyes I do find it somewhat adorable myself. Just slightly overwhelming since there's no one to grab and roll with another way." At that she leaned her head back and laughed as she took a sip of wine and set about what she intended to do, fully thrilled that there was enough wine to take the edge off of all this. "Maybe it's because I've traveled the lengths of Pern and back, all the way to the Wastes and the howling seas even, but love always seemed like the one solid certainty in all that I saw. At least these two have it now, because it's the force that pulls us all together isn't it? What has dragons flying in the air and fighting as each new egg cracks?"

Where was a Harper when she needed one? "Oh that was just from one sip! HA! You're in trouble my friend! Just wait until it's this whole glass." Pavari grinned cheshire-like as she finally set about painting, lifting a finger off her cup to point at the bronzerider's chest playfully.

My dearest bronze, my wonderful Cordrath, there is not enough idealism on all of Pern as it exists now and your beautiful hearts are just large enough that you may fill the world yet with just those two. Surely their children had come out wonderful thanks entirely to his speaking to them while they were still in the shell, while they would still pick up on all that deep love and compassion that he had and was willing to teach them with. Having heard of violent clutches in Weyrs past she was thrilled to bits that her own children had shown very little signs of being violent, passionate and protective and brave certainly, but there had been no violence that day. Would that it kept on that way for all their lives as well, for they deserved to be truly happy and free of pain.

That was idealistic as well though, especially from her own mind when she had seen the devastation wrought by thread and the loss that it had caused. Reality was reality and it could be very harsh in light of the Red Star's return, but Susurinth would do all that she could to help her children at Western, those she had first borne and those that would come in the future. It was just a shame that only the first clutch had been split between the Weyrs, for there would be none for Cordrath to raise and fly beside in the future. With a gentle creel at the thought, Susurinth lifted her head up a bit and peered out towards the sunset. I would share each one of these with you, the dancing and shifting colors in the sky. They change depending on where you are, but each one is special. None more than this one, resting beside the bronze who had both of her gentle hearts beating for him alone.

To Susurinth's amusement, she could all but feel Pavari groan outwardly at what she viewed as oozing sap and the rider took a larger gulp of wine as a result.

"Faranth spare me the melting hearts of a gold in love!" Pavari exclaimed with laughter edging into her words, for she only meant them in the best way possible.

demon_pachabel

 

[demon_pachabel]

"So I should worry," M'nr replied, clearly amused by Pavari suddenly waxing poetic. At least one of them had a creative bone in their body. While M'nr had charm, it certainly wasn't the sort that would leave him outside of someone's window with a harp, trying to woo them with sweet words. No, that was for a skilled harper. Not a diplomat. He took the cup he was offered, holding the bottle with his other and for a moment, he considered that he may have looked every bit the image of a high quality alcoholic.

At least the only eyes that would judge him were either completely distracted with another, or just as indulgent as he was.

"Well, perhaps by the end of this bottle we'll be competing over rhymes and we will watch as I fail spectacularly at the attempt, tripping over my own tongue."

Not even Pavari's outburst would lure Cordrath's attention away from Susurinth, content with how the lean of his body rested against hers and listening intently to her words - each one precious. I do enjoy these ones here. This one here. he said softly, though it wasn't as though there was anybody to eavesdrop besides his M'nr - and would he truly? No, it seemed as if his lifemate was determined to stay entirely out of the conversation.

Though for how long would Cordrath be able to stand the distance once their children were grown? Five turns - the minimum amount of time they had agreed to devote solely to High Reaches - and then what? There was not a flaw in their plan - to have stayed together would have left them neglecting their little ones, and what sort of parents would they be then? There is no better place than here right now.

Hattaki

 

[Hattaki]

"Always worry! It keeps you on your toes and makes you sharper." A giggle left the painting woman as she spread paint over canvas, dutifully laying down layers and layers to get the correct colors and variations in them. If she was slightly wistful looking at the pair it was only because she lamented not getting a proper painting done of them before this, but it was perfect now. Both of them spread out under the glowing sunset and their metallic hides glowing just as brightly, she pondered briefly how she was going to get that effect in there but Pavari was already well aware that it wasn't always making things shiny. She might have only been an apprentice painter when she'd Impressed her beautiful gold, but she had some skill from turns and turns of doing mostly that.

Painting wasn't all that made up her personality, her character, though. It was a very large part of her but it wasn't the only thing, she was friendly and bright and could even be a bit indulgent when the time was correct for it. Curiosity was the reason behind her flying to the furthest reaches of Pern and her burning enthusiasm had sent her even further, taught her even more. If it weren't for both of those characteristics that were aided by her bravery she wouldn't have seen the deepest parts of jungles, gotten so close to felines, landed on top of the coldest peaks of mountains so she could see beautiful sunrises or breathtaking sunsets. There were those that didn't share those sentiments, but she was fairly certain that everyone had a little bit of creativity, a little bit of adventure deep down in their souls that was just begging for the right chance to burst out into the sunlight.

"Now that I look forward to!" she stopped what she was doing for a moment and turned her full attention to the large man once more. "We could even have a rhyme off, see who can describe these two with the most artistic flair." Laughter came from her once more and she realized that she was torn attention wise. That wasn't good, it was probably the fact that she hadn't seen her friend in such a long time, could even be that Susurinth's overwhelming emotions were making her a bit wobbly and had certainly taken her off her game. Maybe getting some more alcohol in her system was a good idea. Without warning she lifted her cup and downed the entire thing without concern, a coughing laugh erupting as she pulled it away once it was empty. "I bet you I'll win too, if I can even stay standing I'll consider it a win once this is over." Snickering came as she reached out once more for the bottle in M'nr's hand.

Chuckling at her bonded's energy, the way she was clearly drinking just to deaden the feelings that were swamping over her, Susurinth gave her an even deeper swamp of feelings that left the woman shaking her head and pouring the contents of the bottle into her small cup faster. Content that she had gotten a bit more of a reaction from the young woman, the small gold leaned heavier into Cordrath and began to hum as if she were singing a song for him, matching it softly to the crest of the breaking white water at the ocean's edge. Everything around them was beautiful and she was more than happy to radiate it in waves of her own.

Dearest one, I would spend every evening like this with you, but it cannot be, at least not yet. So while we can, while there are opportunities between duties to this world that we love so much, have seen so much of, I'll send all of them to you. At least until we can share them once more. In some part of her hearts she knew that if it weren't for her duties to her small children she would have chosen to go to High Reaches with Cordrath, or maybe talked him into Western Weyr with she and her rider. If not for those children, each beautiful little one that had hatched onto the sands that day on this very beach, she wouldn't have this wonderful bronze dragon beside her. If she hadn't met Cordrath that day she would likely still be running around Pern, it was his large hearts and the conviction that laid deep in them that had gotten she and her rider to see what they needed to do in life. Separate or not, my hearts will always belong to you and that alone means there is no distance between us. Not really.

Gently Susurinth brought her head to rest against Cordrath's, watching the sun slowly set in a wave of color with glowing eyes.

demon_pachabel

 

[demon_pachabel]

His booming laughter joined Pavari’s, relishing in her good humor. It wasn’t that there was none to be seen at High Reaches - it was a fine enough place - but rather that it seemed to be such an exception most of the time that he very much missed it. M’nr found no disappointment in spending a rare rest day (though they had once been all he and his beloved Cordrath had done) on a beach far off and away. “I have seen many who do naught but worry, and I tell you it did not make them much sharper!” he countered, offering her the bottle when she reached for it.

It had been due time for him and his dragon to settle, years and years after leaving their beloved Benden. There was less use in a metallic rider putting forward a good impression for all of dragon kind when thread was in the sky and Searches had become more frequent. Yet he had imagined they would have returned to Benden. Cordrath offered a nudge of assurance. There was no problem with High Reaches instead. Perhaps a little colder than he would have enjoyed, but there was much for them to do there. Though to M’nr it was obvious that their settling in had been less by their choice and more by their duty.

“Oh, I do certainly think you’ll win a contest of artistry,” he bowed easily to her boast. He may have been well off with words and a jovial personality, but with just words it would take perhaps more than just one bottle of fine wine to loosen up his tongue to be anything more than just charming. “ Taking another swig of his own cup, he looked at the metallic pair settled in on the beach almost enviously. Though he would not hold his lifemate’s happiness against him. There were some who pondered if the match would last. After all, Susurinth would rise again and who was to say Cordrath would even be in a position to leave High Reaches and go to her? Cordrath huffed at his rider at the mere suggestion.

Thread itself wouldn’t keep him.

But such huffing was private between himself and M’nr. For Susurinth the bronze was nothing but attentive and sweet, his own hum joining her song, content in what was by all accounts a simple moment. A simple moment of a separated life. Five turns would be a very small price to pay if that was how long it took before he could join her in Western - or perhaps her to him in High Reaches. Though he seemed to understand that would be a greater difficulty.

Then at least it won’t feel like you are so far away. his hearts would never doubt her devotion to him. Even if another would try to step in while he was away, the sincerity of his beloved Susurinth would not falter. This, he was certain of.

Hattaki

 

[Hattaki]

"Oh they're just doing it all wrong then! Gotta keep yourself on your toes but if you end up worrying so much that you never do a thing then you'll never see the world, never even get out your own door. What a shame that'd be, to never see a mountain or a tree because you're too scared of the grass at your step." Pavari snickered, her grin widening ever more for M'ner's mirth. He was fun to hang around and visit with, but then she found almost everyone interesting and if someone ever told her that they were boring she still found them interesting, for no one on Pern was similar to any other. The world itself was interesting to Pavari, always rich with differences if one had the time to look. She only wished that she had gotten to know this man before when they were both rogues running around the wildest parts of Pern, taken him to show him everything, even if he'd have probably turned her down. It almost felt as though she were missing out on spoiling an older brother.

A wistful sigh got swallowed as she kicked back her own glass of wine and basked in the rubbery glow that it gave her body with each sip and swallow. This was why people drank heavily, certainly she knew that much, but mostly it was holders that were fond of the liquor and the occasional rider, for it could be dangerous to partake of the stuff so freely when situations could arise that necessitated flight. Or Between even! Pavari gave a buzzed giggle and squinted her eyes at the painting for a moment, still bound and determined to do her best by it even a little tipsy as she was.

"Well only one sort of artistry, you should have seen me fail at the rest at the Harper Hall! Oh I'm no Harper for certain, just somebody that enjoyed art enough to apprentice in it. I stumble all over my words like a fool, Susurinth is much better equipped to sweep men off their feet." She extended a hand to point at the gold that was cozily snuggled against the dark bronze, not hearing everything that was being said of course but certainly not completely ignorant to how the gold could turn a phrase.

Susurinth was brilliant at it in fact, but she never used it in a way that would ever harm those around her, it was one of those things that made Pavari so wonderfully happy that she had even met the gold on the sands those days, let alone Impress to her, a feat she'd never have believed would happen to her in all her turns prior. To the windswept woman the gold was her home and wherever Susurinth went would always be where she would fit in perfectly and could relax. It didn't matter if they were on the shores of Western Weyr, the mountains of High Reaches or in a swamp somewhere down in the Southern Continent, if her brilliant dragon wanted to go somewhere and call a new area home then Pavari's wandering soul was ready and willing at any time. She could feel it coming even now, with five turns to wait for an answer.

We're never so far away from one another my love, not truly. All the oceans of Pern could stand between us and when the time comes it is only you that I would call for, fly the entire length of one to find you. While she had never experienced such a situation more than the once, Susurinth's voice would only ever call for Cordrath and she would force herself to wait if she must, that much she knew. In another turn or another five, she would find him no matter the distance, for the dance she would trace across the sky would be for him alone no matter the males following in her wake. They might know how to dance but only one knew the steps and twists to catch her in his wonderfully safe claws.

Until then, until the time that she either rose again or could be with him after their turn restriction, Susurinth would always keep the dark bronze in her hearts where he belonged. Where they both were home.

demon_pachabel