[PRP] (Dorame/Heichath) (Ashlyn/Gyafrith)

[Z o m b i k ii]

Heichath was already proving to be a challenge; an unusual Hatching was bound to result in unusual Dragons and the large blue was no exception to this. Insubordinate by nature and already questioning the social structure of the world he had hatched into, Dorame knew she was in for a wild ride. The woman would have expected nothing yet to hers, for Heichath shared her same impossible ambition, his eyes fixed upwards towards all the stars in the sky and beyond. It was not just the Blue’s personality that was causing issues though, it was also his comical size. With feet that were at least two sizes too big for him and a bulky body that was unrelenting in its girth, the poor thing's skin in constant need of attention. The itching was insufferable at times and if hers was uncomfortable, he would make sure she was aware of the fact.

So, Dorame was up at 5;00 am, whilst the Wery was still sleeping and the sky still pitch black. The Weyrling had tried to remain laid in bed, knowing full well nobody was meant to rise for another half an hour. Heichath was having none of that though, he was uncomfortable now, which meant he needed her immediate attention. She made it until 5:10 before she got up; sneaking from her quarters with the stealth that was expected of an assassin. Risen early, but with any luck, nobody would notice.

Dorame took Heichath to the bathing area to oil his skin, the area around them illuminated by candles. By the time they set up it was 5:30; the time she was supposed to be waking. A large claw on her lap, Dorame took extra care to get right between his toes; and doing so made all kinds of pleased cooing noises escape her companion. It was a careful balance with her Heichath and she paid careful attention not to over-oil him, whenever she denied his request to be seen to he complained. However, luckily enough, the blue had realised that did not really get him anywhere with Dorame and he was not one to waste energy on things that he deemed pointless.

I still can’t believe the size of your feet. The brunette rolled her eyes, letting him retrieve his claw from her lap so he could place another upon it. The size of you in general. Then the laborious task began again; she sure wished she could get foot massages on command.

My DorameMine is the smallest Rider in the Weyr. So her Heichath is going to be the biggest blue in all of Pern. That way; most will have to look up to see you. Even some of the Browns.

That got a laugh from his Rider, she shook her head. ”I am NOT the smallest Rider in the Weyr.” She protested; though admittedly she was hard-pressed to think of anybody who fell short of her 5’2 stature. At least her Heichath had not outgrown her; yet.  

[Dea and #Teddy#]

Gyafrith was flying in the direction of the Weyrling barracks, since Ashlyn wanted to check in on their new batch of Weyrlings. As they landed, he noticed what looked like candle lights coming from the area of the bathing area. Now he knew some of the Sr. Weyrlings would get an early start to practice things, but usually not in the bath area. Could it be one of the juniors, though he wasn't sure, but knew his rider would want to check it out. After all, she would want to make sure they didn't need any help at all.

Who do you think is up this early, Mine? I am not used to the new batch being in the bathing area this time of morning,he thought to his rider.

I wish I knew, we did get twelve new pairs at that last hatching. We also can't rule out it is one of the Sr. Weyrlings either getting an early start either. I mean, usually they would be up in the sky and not the bathing area, but anything is possible,Ashlyn thought back to her dragon. The 5'4 woman jumped down from her dragon gracefully, before heading over to the bathing area.

"Dorame and Heichath, am I right?"she asked, finally seeing who was in here. She remembered this being the blue who had decided to have a tussle with that tunnelsnake. She may have been busy with her duties, but Gyafrith had made sure to show her everything.

Z o m b i k ii

 

[Z o m b i k ii]

Dea and #Teddy#

Heichath noticed a change in Dorame before the other woman entered the room. The young dragon knew it would be a long time before his amazement and infatuation with his would settle. Her senses were so keen and her awareness to her environment never wandered. She had heard the woman’s feet but did not look up greet her, she instead just continued to massage Heichaths claw. The blue wondered why? Why she always acted surprised when others approached, even though she knew. Was that something she learned from the Hall? From her old Craft Master? As if to copy her actions, the dragon remained still, using all the restraint he could muster not to look over his shoulder before Dorame acknowledged the woman.

When she spoke, the brunette looked up; and in that very moment, Heichath pulled his claw off of her lap. It was hard for someone so young to contain his excitement, especially when a stranger had called him by name. You are correct! This one is Heichath and his DorameMine, what is your name stranger? His tone was light and playful when it entered the thoughts of the woman, who even though short, was not quite as tiny as his. The dragon's claim still stood, he had the smallest Rider in all the Weyr; a fact he was as proud of as much as his own bulky size. His DorameMine was small and she was mighty, many underestimated her for this - not Heichath though.

The brunette remained seated as her dragon waddled over to the woman, long fingers playing with the pendant that hung from her neck. It was the tooth of a tunnelsnake, belonging to the one that her Heichath had delivered to her when they first met. He had brought the head to the lady, just like she did; it meant they were the same. She often wondered if he understood why he had brought that skull to Lady Ink. If he was aware that his Rider was cold-blooded and cruel; or was simply ignoring the fact. She smiled, knowing it was best to think him that naive. He had Impressed on her because she was his perfect match, that their souls were the same. Maybe they both shared a mask too.

Regardless, she wore his first kill around her neck like a proud mother.

“Ashlyn. I do not think we have formally met?” The assassin asked as she stood from where she had been seated, rubbing her oiled hands on the fabric of her dress to clean them, before extending one for a handshake. Heichath looked up at the two with eyes filled with wonder. Dorame knew her name? Yes, she had an important role to play in the Weyr; he understood this now.

Ashlyn, it is a pleasure to meet you Ashlyn.  

[Dea and #Teddy#]

Ashlyn looked over what the pair was doing, it seemed that the young blue had been needing an early morning oiling. She had to admit, it was very admirable for Dorame to get right to work caring for her dragon. Especially with how early it was and most of the other Weyrlings were still nestled into their beds. Then the voice of the young dragon filled her brain, he was definitely an eager one. She remembered when Gyafrith had been this size, always laying protectively next to her. A smile came to her lips as she remembered it, knowing he was always looking out for her.

Before she had a chance to answer his question though, when what his rider was fingering caught her attention. It looked like a tooth, could that be from the 'trophy' that her dragon had laid at her feet? That was a pretty safe bet, since it was her first present from her dragon. She still remembered feeling fear when she had seen the snake drag the young dragon under through her own's eyes, but Gyafrith had assured her that one was tough. And sure enough, her blue had been right and the baby dragon had come out on top. They would be a pair to watch out for, that was for sure, they would be strong additions to any Wing.

"No, we haven't. All of you were getting used to the new bonds and then beginning lessons. To answer your question more fully, Heichath, I am Weyrlingmaster's Assistant Ashlyn of Blue Gyafrith,"she explained. She waited for Dorame to finish wiping off her hand, before taking it in one of her own. Then she shook it, nodding her head in greeting to the blue as he spoke up.

Z o m b i k ii

 

[Z o m b i k ii]

Dea and #Teddy#

DorameMine; it is a female blue Rider, like you are. Like the Lady. That means she is special too, right? Heichath turned to his Rider, his brilliant eyes sparkling with delight at the thought. The brunette already knew what he was going to ask next, but decided to address this statement first. Though he was not wrong, it was not very polite to consider themselves special (even though they both knew they were).

”Female Blue Riders are rare Heichath, it is not the same as special. It just means that in this Weyr the ratio of female blues to other partnerships is low, but seeing as the Rider population in the High Reaches is very dominantly male, it is not surprising.” The brunette shrugged, her dragon nudging her free hand with his maw so she was forced to stroke his head. The young dragon was not too proud to be corrected and was showing affection to show he understood. Rare then, not special. Dorame sighed, was it any less rude to say someone was not special? Thankfully his question broke off her train of thought-

Is your Gyafrith here? I would very much like to meet him. A very direct request, he hoped she did not think this meant he was already bored of her company. He was just extra keen to meet the adult blues that inhabited the Weyr; he often watched them doing drills and imagined himself flying as one of them. It was a child's admiration, trying to get a realistic idea of what he would be able to achieve, and already planning to excel past that point.

“I apologise, he has not had the chance to socialise with any of the adult blues. He is very keen to see how he measures up.” The brunette meant it very literally, every inch that Heichath carried on his already large frame was a root of deep pride for the blue and even at his young age, he was eager to see how big he was destined to grow.  

[Dea and #Teddy#]

Ashlyn felt her cheeks heat up a little as the little blue dragon asked if she was special too. She knew female blue riders was not a common sight at High Reaches. Blues were seen as 'boy' dragons, though at least it wasn't like a bronze that a girl would never ride. There had been blue dragons, like her own Gyafrith, who found their soulmate in the female gender. So it was debatable if those females that rode blues, or browns for that matter, were special.

I think you are very special, Mine. You are a shining star, there is no one like you. So if you ask me, female blue riders and brown riders are very special. I chose you because you were perfect for me, I would rather have you than have a guy rider,Gyafrith thought in her mind. She smiled softly, she knew how her blue felt about others not seeing the logic of the choices some of the dragons made. After all, he had reminded her, the dragon was always right. She listened to what Dorame answered her own blue, correcting his thinking. He didn't seem to mind, as he gave her affection for it.

"If it makes you feel better, Heichath, Gyafrith feels we are considered special. As for your question, yes, he is just outside, if you would like to meet him. And it is not a problem, he definitely has been eager to meet all of you, including his fellow blues. He was the one keeping me up to date during the hatching and he was impressed with your fight with the tunnelsnake,"she responded.

Z o m b i k ii

 

[Z o m b i k ii]

Dea and #Teddy#

It was not something that Dorame had given much thought to; that she and Heichath did not share a sex. If he was an extension of herself she was sure she would many a scholar that would come up with profound reasoning to why the two were so compatible. Dorame had seen many a masculine woman, and many an effeminate man; and a whole world in between that was hard to put into words. As a woman who saw her physical form as nothing more than a tool; was it really all that surprising? Maybe on another day, she would have felt like talking about it, running down the rabbit hole of philosophy and conspiracy. Ashlyn was a stranger though, and she did not tend to follow those threads of thought with people that were so new to her company.

Mine; when I am all grown up, I would like to have those conversations with you. We can find the answers together. Dorame could not help but roll her bright eyes in their sockets, it seemed that her beastly hatchling did not only want to be Perns biggest blue, but it’s first dragon scholar. The brunette had never thought that such a brute would be as politically minded and intelligent as Heichath; but that was clearly her own prejudice. She stroked his hide before he left her side. The clumsy blue on his comically large feet skittered outside, the excitement obvious in her way his whole body seemed to sway from side to side as he walked.

Swirling green eyes caught the sight of the larger, paler blue almost instantly. Heichath's little face lighting up like he had caught a glimpse of a shooting star. Gyafrith? Wonderful blue; Heichath is very happy to meet you! The smaller dragon approached the blue with no fear, pushing himself onto his hind legs so he could stand as tall as he could - new wings spreading out to help his balance.

Dorame watched her ward scuttle away; before she turned to clean up the area she had been using to oil him. Her fingers continued to play with the pendant that hung around her neck, and with her back turned to the woman, she spoke softly. ”He is amazing.” She began, deciding it was safe to talk about Heichath now he was distracted; with no risk of boosting that ego of his.

”A strong body, a sharp mind, a kind and curious heart; naive maybe, a little rebellious at times. His ambition is commendable; he wants to change the world and you better believe, when listening to him talk you would not doubt he is capable of it. Nobody gave him the memo that blues are not meant to be in charge, or he knows and chooses to ignore the fact.”  

[Dea and #Teddy#]

Ashlyn allowed the pair a moment as she thought some more on why some blues and browns chose girls as their partners or greens sometimes picked boys. With golds and bronzes, they always stuck to the same gender, but the other colors did not. She knew Gyafrith would tell her it was because for the chromatic and whites, gender did not matter to them. In their eyes, they were looking for their perfect partner. In her case, it was that both of them had a need to help others. Plus, Gyafrith felt it was his duty to make sure his Star shone in the sky for all to see. Maybe that really was what it was, they chose more based on compatibility. It could be a case of their metallic siblings just saw things somewhat differently, needing it to be the same gender.

Her mind was broken out of her thoughts, when she heard the sound of skittering feet heading outside. Looking over, she watched as Heichath went out to speak with her Gyafrith outside. That left Dorame and herself inside, where she watched the younger woman work on putting the supplies away. When the other spoke about her young blue, a smile came to her lips. It was obvious that there was pride there for her partner, even if the other felt like changing the world. If he spoke to some of the Sr. Weyrlings, he would find himself in good company.

"He is definitely quite a force to be reckoned with, if the hatching is anything to base it off of. Many, including myself, feared that he was done for when that tunnelsnake dragged him under. However, he showed he can handle it, so he will be one to watch for when you guys start dealing with more dangerous stuff. He has this sweet, but definitely strong personalty to him, I cannot see what you two will do in the coming months. And do not worry, wanting to change the world is something he will find he shares with some others,"she explained.

Gyafrith heard his name being called and he looked down to see the dark blue dragnet coming his way. He bent his head down, so the other could speak to him more easily. Granted, it seemed the young one had a similar idea as he got up on his hind legs and extended his wings to balance himself with. The older blue gracefully inclined his head in greeting, before sending the younger blue a mental smile.

Heichath, it is very nice to meet you too. I have been looking forward to officially getting to speak since the hatching. I do hope everything is going well for you,Gyafrith replied.

Z o m b i k ii

 

[Z o m b i k ii]

Dea and #Teddy#

Dorame’s eyebrows knitted together for a moment as the other woman spoke. “Yes, I suppose that would be the reaction of most.” The brunette carried herself and her words with a sense of pride and purpose that was usually found in lords and ladies. Despite four turns as a candidate, habits taught at a young age were hard to break. Though she did not have a title, her cousin did and she had no doubt that if her step-mother had gotten her way; she would be married to a member of his minor hall. She often wondered what became of that side of her family, the decorated halls could have fallen to the thread for all she knew. Maybe she should write to her father? Though it was a hard thing; to break so many turns of silence. The blue rider would probably never speak to them again and if that would be the case, she had no regrets.

She turned around to face the woman once more, piercing green eyes akin to a snake with just how sharp they were. There was a flourish of blue fabric as she walked; a colour that did not suit her ashen skin as much as the mossy greens she was once known for. Another small flourish of pride. “Cruel to admit maybe, but I was not concerned. There was something telling about his eyes, a glimmer in them that told me he was not afraid. Knowing that he was so confident, well; how could I doubt him? Besides, Pern is filled with dangers greater than tunnelsnakes, if one was to take his life at the cradle, he was clearly not fit to survive it.” Though usually she would have etched concern for the sake of face; it did not make much sense to lie to the woman who was to guide them through the coming months.

Finding a balance between opening up and holding back her true nature was difficult. A small chuckle hummed in her throat at the woman's words, not malicious but amused. “Maybe so; but how many have even done as much as shaking the foundations? Even the roar of a Queen cannot make the mountains bow and the silence the wind.” Probably more poetic than she could have phrased it, but the point remained the same. Though her dearest would never admit it, she knew his real motivation for reforging the structure of the Weyr, and the world would not bow to his hunger for power and recognition. Though the woman did not want to extinguish his fire, she wanted to manage it; so he did not end up burning them both.

The Weyrling smiled softly and shrugged, though she was sure she would talk to Ashlyn for the foreseeable future (and no doubt they would get many chances), she had a young one that she had to make sure got fed; or he would be particularly grumpy come dinner. She walked passed the woman to follow the path of oil prints that claws had left behind. They were just the same, hers and his.

She found her dragon outside, staring up at the older blue with the amazement that could only really be found in the swirling eyes of newborns. Heichath’s legs were beginning to shake from holding the unusual position, but his determination kept him solidly in place for now. Every inch was important to him, he wanted to be as close to the blue as he could. Almost as if he could shape right into his body and use his wings to fly.

Heichath is very well; there are a few things I am finding uncomfortable. The itching in my feet. The soreness in my shoulders and muscles. Besides that, I am very happy. All the happier now I have met Gyafrith.

Dorame leant against the doorframe and looked at the two; still taken back that the little hatchling was going to grow to that size; if not bigger. ”Aren’t you hungry this morning? If you miss breakfast; you are going to complain.” She called over to her dearest, bowing her head slightly to acknowledge the older blue and show the respect he deserved.  

[Dea and #Teddy#]

Ashlyn nodded her head, but she figured it was mostly because it happens sometimes on the sands. It was just a testament to the clutch mother and father that the eggs survived out on that beach. Honestly, she knew it could have been disastrous, if things had not been looked after. However, the babies had come out pretty healthy and would be a welcome addition to the Weyrs. She watched as Dorame turned towards her, the blue not working as well for her, but it would get there eventually. When the other spoke about knowing the blue was fine, she let a smile come to her lips. Well, it seemed Heichath and his rider had plenty in common.

"I am sure Heichath sensed your faith in him, perhaps why he picked you as his own. You are right, they have to deal with more deadlier things to come. However, it is not unheard of for a hatchling to die on the sands. Perhaps you are right, in those cases, it was not meant to be. Though, some dragons grow into their role as time goes by, it just depends. Heichath just showed that he is ready for whatever comes your way though. As for shaking things, no, but it doesn't mean it can't happen. Sometimes it may only be a small change, but that is something,"she responded. Then she watched as Dorame got up, so she followed her towards the door.

Gyafrith could tell it was straining for the little blue to hold that position for so long. At the mention of his feet, he certainly could not blame him that those were probably itching. He was trying to think of what to suggest for that, since his rider had already put oil on him, he could see it. Though, he was glad to hear the other was glad to meet him, so the little one was happier. He noticed the younger blue's rider and he inclined his head politely to her in return.

Let the oil take time to help with your feet, then hopefully they will feel better. And you can sit, if you would like, I am alright with bending my head down so you can talk to me Though, I do believe your rider is right, you should go eat. You do not want to be late for lessons, Master V'mel would be displeased,Gyafrith suggested.

Displeased is a bit of an understatement, my dear heart,Ashlyn thought to him. She knew how her boss was about people being punctual and she didn't want them to have to be in trouble so soon after they began.

Z o m b i k ii