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All references to worlds and characters based on Anne McCaffrey's fiction are copyright © Anne McCaffrey 1967,2000, all rights reserved, and used by permission of the author. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, by Anne McCaffrey, used here with permission. Use or reproduction without a license is strictly prohibited. For more information, visit the Worlds of Anne McCaffrey.

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28-07-01: Water
Kr'lin strolls into the barracks.. Spots Hanneke, points, and gives her a good glaring, "You! Follow me." With that, he...

Kr'lin strolls into the barracks.. Spots Hanneke, points, and gives her a good glaring, "You! Follow me." With that, he turns and heads out of the barracks, not even waiting to see if Hanneke is following him.. Although, just before he leaves, he does say over his shoulder, "And bring that green thing with you."

Kr'lin walks out to the Training Grounds.

You leave the huge cavern to go out into the bowl.

Hanneke peers after Kr'lin, following, with a damp rag in her hand -- is that polish on it? Is she really polishing her leathers? -- and Caeruleth behind her, if not at her heels. "She's not a thing!" the weyrling defends her lifemate, scowling. Caeruleth rumbles darkly. Indeed.

Kr'lin points at at Caeruleth and jerks his head towards her as well, "Mount up, Weyrling." He's not really much for explanations, is he? He heads towards his own dragon, who is in a nice crouched position,offering a foreleg for an assist in the mount.

Kr'lin swings up to Saironth's neck, settling between two neckridges.

Hanneke blinks, still peering at Kr'lin. "Meanie." But the best weyrling has a position to hold, does she not? So...

Caeruleth's cool, dark touch echoes forest greens through your mind, a hint of narcissus wafting dynamically through your mind, as you climb up her forelimb, using straps to get yourself safely between her neckridges.

Caeruleth(#644p)

Noctivagant passage palpable in a trellis of ossificated sinew, Caeruleth's vivified movements obnubilate looming presence, deepest malachite virescent to stark terminus. Braving irascible tongue is the calid heat from taut muscles, savering junctions to pristine wingsails unfurled--sallow completion decadent in svelte dignity.

Dark, darker, darkest: she has made her complete, but darkness hovers, and all serpents bite.

>> I sense that Saironth drifts on in, his touch a lot softer than his lifemate's would be at this point. >> Follow us. << <<

Saironth eyes the young dragon to make sure she is paying attention, finding that she is, and her lifemate seems to be prepared. He launches himself into the air.

Saironth pauses a moment and then leaps quickly into the air.

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth sharpens dark touch, seething injustice, ruddied with ripples of aubergene. << Yes, oh great and mighty blue. >> Sarcasm is a wonderful thing. <<

You flex, you stretch, you pause... and with the power of a downstroke, up up up you go!

Caeruleth wings upwards with grace and agility not belied by her small size, spreading wings wider with somewhat lazy easiness.

>> I sense that Saironth is a little less gentle with this entry. >> Quiet, little one. You jump to conclusions too soon. << A hint at what is to come? Or just cryptic comment. >> Follow us. << Okay, he's repeating, but he wants to make sure she knows his prior comment wasn't just instructions to go up into the air. <<

Saironth drops hastily into the redolent pens.

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth's mind gleams with metallic resonance, her acquiesence unstated but there--deep beneath layers of darkened distaste. <<

Hungry? Well if you are, there's always some pure innocent, big-eyed, sorrowful looking creature with a mommy and a daddy and perhaps some children of its own that would just love to end up as dragon-fodder! Have you given any thought to becoming a vegan? Or are you just here for a Flight? Come now, tell me why you want to go to the Pens...?

Saironth heads out of the split in the caldera, off over the forest.

Ahha! The forest is this way, more weyrs, the beaches, the sea...

>> I sense that Saironth is much more relaxed when he is in the air, and his mindvoice shows it as it virtually floats in, fading in and out. >> Doing well, little one. I shall pick up the pace a bit. Let's see if you can keep up. << <<

Saironth glides softly westward, out towards the beach and ocean.

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth bristles at 'little', truth though it is, snorting her distaste in caliginous shadows of darkened crimson, << I'm doing perfectly well, thank you very much. No need to be condescending. >> Oh slow and old one. <<

Yes yes, the ocean is out here somewhere. Keep going!

Caeruleth keeps up perfectly well: speeding up as required, her little form forcing passage through thermal and wind, embracing skies with some reluctance; she's the controller of them, not them of her.

>> I sense that Saironth is definitely not old and most definitely not slow. He's in the prime of his draconic life. >> Condenscending, I am not. Learning, you still are. << <<

Saironth glides southwards over the beach.

You glide south over the beach.

Saironth goes South.

Saironth soars eastward.

You soar east over more of Ista's beaches.

You glide over to the rocky promontory to take a look.

>> I bespoke Saironth with: Caeruleth bespoke me with >> ;'s mindvoice layers itself with exotic spices, cloves nudging rippling touch with dark, sensuous nature. << How exciting this is. >> Sarcasm once again holds supreme, <> <<

>> I sense that Saironth is fond of calling Caeruleth 'little one', so it is not surprising that he begins with it. >> Little one, flight itself is exciting. One's destination does not need to be known to make it exciting. The mere act of being free of the ground should be enough. << But, with that, the flight ends as the blue heads towards the Rocky Point and the ground therein. <<

Saironth vanes his wings and drifts down to Rocky Point.

You vane your wings and drift down for a light landing on Rocky Point.

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth stiffles yawns, such as they are, sending lazy ripples of darkness through mindvoice's hue. << Fine, ancient one. >> <<

Saironth backwings gently and comes in for a landing, furling his wings as he does. His lifemate is looking over his shoulder at the pair following as he unbuckles. Not a word, so far.

Kr'lin lowers ourselves to the ground, no fancy pantsy dismounts for us, much to the chagrin of Saironth.

Caeruleth lands with lazy nonchalance; boring, therefore there's no need for work. Suitably, she makes a fairly decent landing, folding wings with smooth motion. Hanneke beams: "Ooh, this is fun!"

Caeruleth sends dark ripples of forest green through your mind, releasing you as you tumble, somewhat precipitaciously, down from her neckridges, eventually reaching the ground in an acervated heap.

Kr'lin hmms and just shakes his head at Hanneke, "You'd think you would be better at dismounting by now, Hanneke." And with that, he starts to disrobe himself, "Hope you are better at diving than you are at dismounting." Clothes set aside, the weyrlingmaster takes a few steps and jumps over the edge of the cliff. "Wooohoooooooo" is all that is heard as he vanishes.

Kr'lin leaps off the cliff, plummeting toward the water!

Hanneke sticks her tongue out at Kr'lin, but her speed leaves something to be desired, and thus, she only gets Kr'lin's retreating back. "Ack! He killed himself! Ack, ack, Saironth, are you going to leave us here, now? Ack!" Er, yes. Ack.

Saironth is remarkably calm for his rider being dead. As a matter of fact, he seems unconcerned, very unconcerned. So unconcerned in fact, he lowers himself to the ground and curls into a ball, his obsidian head resting on an equally dark tail. His inner two lids close, obscuring his blue whirling eyes. Unconcerned indeed.

Hanneke peers at Saironth, really long and hard. "Um. Wow. I guess he doesn't care about Kr'lin. Not that anyone would, of course." She moves towards the cliff, peering down. Evidently her eyesight isn't good, or Kr'lin's out of sight: "Kr'liiiiiiiiiin? Come baaaaaack!"

>> I sense that Saironth isn't quite as relaxed now as he was in the air, but he is close. >> He wonders if she will be joining him any time soon. He says the water is fine. << Not entirely sure why the water wouldn't be fine, but none the less. <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth's eyes whirl, her lurking form responding with sharp touch, << She's too busy rejoicing that yours is 'dead'. >> She, too, takes glee in this--or is it just Hanneke's reaction that has her gleeful? <<

From below and out of site, comes a voice, "I can't! You have my dragon!" Well, not that she does have his dragon, but still.. He is up there with her.

Hanneke blinks, rapidly. He's back from the dead? He's--a living dead! "Kr'lin! I didn't know dead people could talk." She turns her head about, peering at Saironth. "Ooh, so I have a second dragon, now?"

>> I sense that Saironth is mildly confused as to why his would be dead, but he might as well clarify. >> Tell her that if he was dead, I would not be here. << Seems the teaching never ends. >> As you would not be here if she were no longer alive. << <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth bites sharply with glossy shadows, <> Duh. <<

From below, the voice returns, "I'm not dead! Just jump, Hanneke! You'll see!" Hey, is that an echo? Couldn't be.

"I don't want to die!" Hanneke wails this, glancing about nervously. "Don't wanna die!"

>> I sense that Saironth just tsktsks, or, atleast the draconic version of a tsktsk. >> You need to learn to be less touchy, little one. You are not the one that is confused. Your lifemate is. << <<

From below, the voice is a little more urgent, "Come on, Hanneke! I promise, you won't die! The water is just fine!"

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth parades annoyance, shrouding herself with its heady scent. << You need to learn to be less condescending, rude, and absolutely arogant, old, fat one. Hanneke isn't confused. She's Hanneke. >> <<

Hanneke frowns, head shaking. "I don't have my swimming costume! My leathers will get wet!"

>> I sense that Saironth is remarkably calm, matter of fact, quite unperturbed by the green's arrogance. >> Contain yourself, little one. Your lifemate is different. << He's being politicky. >> Somethings may need to be explained by one that understands her. That is why I asked you to explain. << <<

From below, the voice is even more insistent now, "Bah! Who needs a swimming costume! Just strip on down and jump, Hanneke! I promise, you don't have anything I haven't seen before!" Or, atleast he hopes she doesn't.

>> I bespoke Saironth with: Caeruleth bespoke me with >> ;'s arrogance? Surely he doesn't speak of Caeruleth, ruler of all mere dragons? << Yours is more different. He has no excuse. >> <<

Hanneke doesn't actually have time to strip; Caeruleth's tail slinks out of nowhere, and Hanneke ends up flying through the air, over the edge of the cliff--screaming. Screaming *loudly*. Well, there's that solved.

You take a deep breath, and leap off the cliff! You're falling...falling towards the water below!

Falling... falling... falling... the rocks seem awful close, racing by you... the water rises up... blast, it better be deep enough...

Falling...

Plummeting into the cove, water courses along your body, and you go deeper, deeper, air bubbles all around you tickling your skin.

You pop to the surface of the water, gasping for air!

>> I sense that Saironth opens his eyelids and raises an eyeridge, slightly. >> Well, that is one way to get her into the water. << Although, she could have been a little more sensitive. >> Mine is who he is. As I do not understand yours. You do not understand mine. << <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: Caeruleth bespoke me with >> I wouldn't want to understand yours. << So states she, snorting with rippled disgust. >> Mine is who she is, too. How *dare* you call her anything but perfect. <<

Hanneke lands in the water, and eventually bobs up. Still fully leathered. It's so not fair.

Kr'lin treads in the water, waiting patiently for Hanneke to surface, when she finally does come to the surface, he notes, "Hanneke, you should have taken your leathers off. Their soaking wet now." He starts to head towards the beach, "Come along, let's get you out of those wet things."

Hanneke opens her mouth to issue a retort of some measure, probably low, of intelligence. Instead, a wave of water fills her mouth, and she splutters, attempting to keep herself above water once more. "That's--" she begins, suffering from the salty water. "Not fair!" Nonetheless, with her best dog paddle, she attempts to make it towards the shore.

Kr'lin hmms and had not accounted for Hanneke not being able to swim, so, since she is dog paddling, he asks, "Can you make it to the shore, Hanneke? or do you need assistance?" He is somewhat concerned. Not about her being soaking wet, but rather, about her drowning on him. He'd be blamed for it for sure.

"Of course I can," retorts Hanneke, who tries harder. She can swim, it's just not one of her best talents, see. Maybe she should drown, just to spite him.

>> I sense that Saironth slides on in, more instructions are required. >> She is not perfect, Caeruleth. Neither is mine. The sooner that you realize this, the sooner you will be able to assist her when the need is there. << Must understand the other's faults in order to fill them better, so to speak. <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth will not listen to someone so rude--and remains within her rock, her island, a cool blackness in the midst of turmoil. << How dare you. >> Er, yes. <<

Kr'lin bobs his head, several times, he starts to swim backwards now, making sure he isn't too far away from the weyrling and doesn't lose sight of her, "Okay. But we'll have to get you used to swimming, Hanneke. After all, this is an island. Surrounded by water. Much of our life is spent in the water."

Hanneke swims doggedly, just to compliment the doggy paddle, and insists, "I'm *fine*." Caeruleth will save her!

>> I sense that Saironth is starting to get a little less relaxed, matter of fact, he's getting almost ornery. >> If you do not understand her faults, Caeruleth, you will not be able to adjust. This is no disrespect for your rider. This is how it is with all lifemates. You chose her because you minds meshed. She has strengths you do not have, and you have strengths she does not have. << <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth isn't listening. Sorry. Hanneke is perfect, and that's--that? << Foolish blue. >> <<

Kr'lin mmhmms, because he can, "Well, okay then.. I'll see you on the shore." He swims away, putting an extra bit of distance between the pair, enough to make her feel he isn't waiting on her, but close enough that he can assist if the need is there. But then, he feels dirt and comes to his feet, "Hey, we're there."

Hanneke struggles behind Kr'lin, not that she'd really show it if she could help it, and pulls herself towards the shore. She's fine--really. That doesn't mean that she isn't out of breath as she comes up onto the shore, feeling the solid ground beneath her feet. "My leathers are *ruined*," she announces, scowling.

>> I sense that Saironth seems to be aware that the other is not listening, so he is, shall we say, somewhat forceful in his interjection. >> Before you can between, you must understand this, Caeruleth. She may be your One, but raising her above where she is will only harm you...<< And, just because he can >>... and her. There is no second chance to between, Caeruleth. You either succeed, or you do not come out of between. There is no 'close enough'. << A term he learned from his lifemate. <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth's mind still ripples with cool indignation. <> she responds, almost snarling with the force of her comment. <> <<

Kr'lin is unaware of how Hanneke came to coming off the cliff, so his ocmment is a little off, "Well, you should have taken them off before you jumped over the edge." Ahh, ignorance is bliss, "Well, start taking them off then, you don't want to be in them whenthey start to dry." Leather, water.. They don't mix.

Hanneke puts her hands on her hips, staring at Kr'lin with a snort. "Caeruleth *pushed* me. I didn't have *time*. They were new leathers, and I *liked* them." If that's her lower lip trembling, excuse it; she's distraught. These are clothes. "I can't strip in front of you!"

>> I sense that Saironth tries to smooth over the rippling in the green's mind, a gentle touch here, another one there. >> There is a difference between knowing and understanding, little one. You know your lifemate, but do you understand her? There is no shame in seeing faults. They are alwasy there. Accept them. For within her faults are also her strengths. << <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth issues no broad acceptance, but that would hardly be in character, it is true. <> But is that a tiny flicker of understanding, acceptance? <<

Kr'lin winces a bit at the thought of the dragon tossing her over the edge, "Hmm... Saironth did seem to be somewhat concerned when you went over the edge. I suppose I should have asked why." Oh well, too late for that, "They were new? Well, we'll have spares in the stores. You can use one of those until your replacement set comes." He waves a dismissive hand at her final comment, "Hanneke, trust me, you don't have anything I haven't seen before."

Hanneke drops her arms, evidently accepting that it isn't going to be much use, and attempts to slide her arms out of the sopping leather of her jacket. "They'll be horrible!" she shudders, head shaking. "All--used." Pouting, she drops the jacket at her feet, kicking at it with one saturated boot.

Kr'lin almost feels her pain.. Almost.. After all.. He's still wearing the leathers he got when he graduated many turns ago.. Almost time to get a new set.. Actually.. Well past that point, really, but still. "Well, next time, perhaps you will take your leathers off quicker.. Before your dragon gets the chance to toss you over the edge."

Hanneke opens her mouth to protest again, and gives up. Life is not fair. "Don't look," she commands. "Don't."

>> I sense that Saironth is not done yet, with calling her little one and his lecturing. >> You are not full grown yet, little one. << Close, very, very close. >> And you will always be 'little one', such is the way of things. << <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: Caeruleth bespoke me with >> Size << She's decisive, insistant--and, as always, nasty >> has nothing to do with it, physically. Mentally, I eclipse everyone. <<

Kr'lin folds his arms and just looks at Hanneke, "Hanneke, it's not like I won't be seeing you naked once you have set your leathers aside. And besides, I won't be oggling you or anything. After all, you are one of my weyrlings. I have to be attentive of your development."

Hanneke coughs. "My development?" Physical development--now there's a fascinating idea. She scowls, pulling off her sopping breeks, and folding them carefully in her arms, smoothing down the saturated, creamy leather. Now, wearing little more than her shirt and her knickers, she announces, "I'm cold. And you shouldn't look, still. You're old and nasty, and will perve."

>> I sense that Saironth is, shall we say, mildly surprised by that statement. >> That is amusing, little one. << OKay, he's saying it now just to get under the green's skin. >> Understanding is a sign of intelligence, and you do not understand your lifemate. You must understand your lifemate before you can understand anything else. Therefore, your statement confuses me. How can you eclipse everyone mentally, when you do not understand. << See, recursive logic at play there. <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth blows ripples towards you, waves of distaste, although she's not fussed--he couldn't bother her; she's a rock. Right? << Whatever. >> <<

Kr'lin suddenly wanders if he is standing on the same beach that Hanneke is, "Cold? Umm.. Hanneke.. It's midsummer on Ista Island. That means it is /hot/." See, he's good, "Besides, you aren't my type of woman."

It does get cold, when you're still in some clothing, which is dripping, even with the sun on you. Thus, Hanneke shivers for emphasis, complaining, "It's still cold! And I bet you like *every* woman. You're nasty." Charming.

>> I sense that Saironth moves in to try and knock the top off a few of those ripples. >> Relax, little one. A high opinion of yourself is fine. But before you can claim prominence, others must agree with you. Alas, your attitude does not allow for this. << A few more gentle caresses are implemented before he continues. >> You must control yourself, little one. You will not gain the respect of others if you do not offer respect in return. << <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth snarls, biting sharp shadows in coalescent fury. <> <<

Kr'lin would hate to have to note that she wouldn't be cold if she wasn't wearing any clothes, but, he's being nice now? Either that or it hasn't dawned on him as to that being the reason. Either way he just shrugs and says, "Don't worry, Hanneke. If I took advantage of a weyrling, I would be in serious trouble. << Banned from the Weyr, that sort of thing.

"You *like* trouble!" announces Hanneke, putting hands on her hips--which shows more flubbery middle, just for emphasis.

>> I sense that Saironth tries to calm the young green, but isn't about to coddle her any, so he keeps a soft, caressing touch to his mindvoice. >> Caeruleth, you must learn to control your apathy for others. You will only dishonor your rider and your Weyr. << He pauses to consider his next words, thinking of what to say tot he young dragon. >> Some day you may need another's assistance, but if you have pushed them all away, who will be there to assist you? << <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth again snorts-- <> And no one needs her, obviously. << Except Hanneke. Your 'advice--such as it is--means nothing. >> <<

Kr'lin holds up his hands in defense.. Of his character perhaps, "Hanneke, there is a limit to how much trouble one can handle, and let me tell you.. The last thing I want to do is have Kyla go completely crazy on me because I broke one of her 'golden rules'." Even if he doesn't exactly agree with them.

Kr'lin *wants* to take advantage of Kyla's weyrlings? Now that is a scary thought. "Yes, but..." But nothing. Hanneke covers herself--even though she's still slightly clothed--with strategically place hands, whining, "I'm still cold."

>> I sense that Saironth continues his mental caressing, trying, in vain, yes, to calm the green down. He's been trying for awhile, but yes, he has patience. >> You will never be able to go between if you do not learn to trust others, little one. If you do not trust other dragons, they can not trust you. << Hey, that sounds familiar, just it was with respect before. >> Before you can go between on your own, we will guide you. You must accept this, little one. << Okay, he's testing her now. >> We can not risk your life, nor your rider's, by allowing you between when you do not trust the image we are envisioning for you. << <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: Caeruleth bespoke me with >> I'm not that stupid, << retorts the green, with waves of disgust. >> I know that. I'm not going to put *her* in danger. As if. <<

Kr'lin does not want to take advantage of Kyla's weyrlings, especially not Hanneke.. She's definitely not his type, "Well, Hanneke, if you got out of those wet clothes, you wouldn't be cold anymore." He waves a hand towards her, "Come on, just take it off and you will see, you will be warm again."

Hanneke's probably not anyone's type. She stares abjectly at Kr'lin. "But then I'll *really* be naked, and everyone will stare when we go back!" Flying naked over the weyr--yes, well.

>> I sense that Saironth is not quite sure of her comments. See, he doubts her. >> I will not trust you to between with my rider and I, Caeruleth. Until you learn to control your apathy for others, you are a danger to my lifemate. I will not place his life in danger because you are too arrogant to accept my instructions. << And he's not talking about the betweening lesson now. <<

Kr'lin just rolls his eyes at that one, "Hey, we won't be heading back to the Weyr until your clothes dry, Hanneke. You won't be flying back to the Weyr naked." See, have faith in Kr'lin, he wouldn't lead Hanneke astray.. Well, okay.. He would, but not this time. "You'll feel a lot better once you get your wet things off. Really."

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth's deep alto holds a burr that grows ever more audible: <> She knows quite well what he has spoken of, and what he will. Sharp touch holds edges tight: <> <<

Hanneke points out, "I don't think I'll be able to put them back on. Leather doesn't dry!" She nonetheless gives in, stripping herself down to just about nothing; that modesty keeps her partially clothed, with her knickers and breast band, both of which are likely to dry more quickly than leather pants.

>> I sense that Saironth isn't afraid of a few barbs, because this is his job, teaching the dragons in ways his lifemate can not. >> That is where the trust comes in, Caeruleth. You may believe you will not endanger my lifemate. But I do not trust you. I will not allow you to between until you understand that you are no better than any other dragon in the Weyr. Until you learn to accept this, you are a danger to my lifemate. << <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth hisses: shadowy secrets malevolent within resonant tone. << Then we will not *between*; I will not pretend to believe what is not true. >> Charming. <<

Kr'lin shrugs slightly, "They'll dry enough, Hanneke." And then shes down to her skivvies, "See, I was right, wasn't I? You are warmer now." He's good.. Oh yeah.

Hanneke's lower lip trembles, but she has stopped shivering, and instead just stares petulantly after Kr'lin. "You're a meanie, awful, hideous man, and now I'm stuck here with you." One forgets one's dragon sometimes, doesn't one?

>> I sense that Saironth is as calm as always, the lighthouse to guide lost ships in her storm, so to speak. >> Then you are an inadequate dragon and to be pitied. You will never be better than any of the other dragons if you can not between, Caeruleth. Do not let your arrogance and apathy restrict your growth, little one. << See, it's back, he has to use it from time to time, to see if she is learning. >> If you do, you will bring shame upon your lifemate. She will always be known as the rider of the dragon that can not between. Others will laugh at her. She will start to blame you for the laughter. She will start to wonder if she is to blame for your inadequacy. << <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: Caeruleth bespoke me with >> I would prefer, << annouces this green, so sure that she could never fit in with any other dragons--she's too different, they simply don't accept her. >> to be on my own, then. Hanneke would not laugh. She would never laugh. <<

Kr'lin splays his hand in shock, "Why am I a mean, awful, hideous man, Hanneke? I'm not the one that threw you over the edge of the cliff. I'm not the one that kept you in your leathers, shivering." Okay, maybe she wasn't shivering, but he's trying to make ap oint here. "I just wanted to get you away from the Weyr for a nice relaxing day at the beach."

Hanneke's logic is, at best, tenuous. "I'm naked," almost, "wet," very much, "and alone on a beach with you." It doesn't add up very well, regardless of his intent. Now, she's going to sulk. "And Caeruleth doesn't like Sair--thingy. He's not very intelligent. Not like her."

>> I sense that Saironth remains the ever calm one, see, he can control his emotions, unlike a certain green dragon. >> You are correct. Your lifemate would never laugh at your inadequacies, but she will realize that you are the cause of other's laughing at her and you. She will not be able to help herself, she will begin to blame you and herself. That is the nature of things, Caeruleth. You will be causing pain to your lifemate. Is this what you want? << There you go, mention that Caeruleth will be causing pain in her lifemate. <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth would toss her head--but she's not that stupid. << Whatever you say. I'm not interested. >> <<

Kr'lin hates to point out that Hanneke is not naked, but he must, "Umm.. You aren't naked." See, he's good at that. Tactful, yet to the point, "And why wouldn't Caeruleth like Saironth?" So, he checks with his lifemate, "Ahh.. I see. Your dragon is intent on keeping you from going between, Hanneke. It would be a shame for our best weyrling..." He's quick, using her claims at being the best weyrling to at her, "... to be unable to go between. Such a horrible, horrible waste of a dragon and a rider."

Hanneke uses her hands to try and cover more area--regardless of the undergarments that keep her from being naked anyway. "I'm close," she wails, bouncing up and down upon her heels. Maybe the sock wherries will come, and give her something else to put on. "He's being nasty to her. We'd rather not go between, if he's going to be like that." Although she looks torn; "We're *still* the best weyrlings."

>> I sense that Saironth gets a quick bit of information from his lifemate, that he's quick to use. >> See, you are already causing pain to your lifemate. << His point appears to be proven, so quickly, is he good or what? Not that he is one to gloat. >> Caeruleth, I am here to teach you. Show you how to become an effective dragon and lifemate to your rider. You can not be either one of these if you refuse to learn. Do not shut yourself off to others, or else you will remain ignorant and fall behind your fellow clutchmates. << <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth, for the briefest of movements, shows insecurity: her touch wavers, her hesitation shows. <> she attempts, again, but trails off, showing redulent darkness in her silence. << They do not like me. I, therefore, do not like them, either. >> <<

Kr'lin lowers himself to the ground and stretchs out his legs, ahh, much better. "Well, unfortunately, you won't be the best weyrling anymore, Hanneke. If your dragon can not go between, then, alas..." He adds a touch of sorrow, "...you will be the worst weyrling."

Hanneke intakes breath quickly, holding it there. "I don't believe you!" She'll always be the best weyrling--D'nic said so. She continues to stand; all the better to try and look like she's wearing something more. "We'll go *between*," she promises. "An' do it better than everyone else. Caeruleth says so!"

>> I sense that Saironth plods on in his little debate with the dragon. >> How are they supposed to like you if you do not give them the chance, little one. << Tossed that one in again. >> If you act like an arrogant brute, than you will be treated like one. << How cliche-ish. >> Our kind needs the presence of others of our kind, Caeruleth. We can not survive with out it. << <

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth detests--absolutely detests--loosing, which is why she only comments, << Rojoth is scared of me. >> Disdain, although she adds, << How could I give him a chance, if he will not give me one? >> So there. <> <<

Kr'lin is definitely not trying to make himself look like he is wearing more, which is good, because it's hard to look like you are wearing omre when you aren't wearing anything, "She won't go between until we let her go between, Hanneke. If she goes between without instruction, you will die. Betweening can not be self-taught." He also tosses in, "And you can't be the best weyrling if you are dead." He likes bringing up the best weyrling bit, doesn't he?

Hanneke, notably, has been keeping her eyes well away from Kr'lin--except when the curious gaze falls inadvertantly (not really, though) onto the bluerider. She'd deny it, though. "You'll let us go between. Because nobody wouldn't. Because we're the best weyrlings, and that's that." She's prone to babbling--again.

>> I sense that Saironth couldn't imagine why Rojoth would be scared of Caeruleth.. Not at all. >> You have given him no reason not to fear you, Caeruleth. You must make the first action, Caeruleth. Your attitude repels others. We dragons have a strong sense of community, because we are connected through our mental links. Your apathy is palattable, little one. Until you learn to respect other dragons, you will never be part of that community. << He knows her response to that comment, so he'll nip it in the bud. >> And you need us, Caeruleth. You need us far more than we need you. If you die, we will mourn your loss, but we will move on. You must understand this, Caeruleth<< <<

>> I bespoke Saironth with: I sense that Caeruleth may understand--but evidently, not well enough. << Leave me. >> She rises from the cliff top, flinging herself into the air, hurtling downwards--seeking, no doubt, Hanneke. <> Yes, that's the worst insult she can think of, in her raging fury. Poor Caeruleth. <<

Caeruleth> The sea wind here is so strong that you need only to give the barest of downstrokes to become airborne, and the stiff breeze easily lifts you into the sky.

Kr'lin just shakes his head, repeatedly, "You will not go between until our dragons tell us that your dragon is ready to go between. We will not endanger you or your dragons life, Hanneke." Hey, this conversation is beginning to sound like one their dragons recently had.

Talk about deja vu, indeed. Hanneke straightens her posture, then, as Caeruleth comes into a landing upon the beach, spraying sand, she dives towards the dragon, leaving her clothing behind. Oh, joy. So, almost naked, off they fly: how's that for a statement?