A Dragon's Plaything

[Elfie]

A small bundle lay upon the hot sand of the beach, composed of a tunic, boots, and a jar of oil. A laugh could be heard ringing across the beach, before a tanned figure stumbled it's way up the sand, lean frame collapsing next to the pile of belongings. Chest heaved to gather enough air as sand promptly began to stick to wet sand and tight breeches, the man making a face at the grains as he lifted a silver scarred hand to push a few thick locks back from where they'd plastered to his face.

A'verMine, are you really done swimming? I'm still bored. Thoughts were plaintive as a much larger figure surfaced several lengths out in the ocean. Green frame bobbed among the waves, wings spread out to soak up the sun, forked tail keeping her on track. Faceted eyes whirled a content greenish blue, spinning quickly as she tried to get Hers to come back out and play.

"Love, give me a break. ...I need to catch...my breath!" A'ver retorted, waving a hand in her direction and wishing something else would come along to catch her attention. Even those fire lizards would work well. He hadn't had a good conversation with someone in weeks...and even less physical contact. It was unusual, and made him feel odd. However, with the Hatching taking place, it was to be understood. There was quite the buzz going on about those odd colored hatchlings, and A'ver was very curious to see what and who they grew up to be.

[Ayla]

F'ral clambered onto Vorith's back. He hadn't been flying since at least a sevenday before the Hatching; there had been too much to do. He had decided to take a well-earned day off along with the weyrlings, who were busy sleeping in and doing whatever else they did. Although the planned "day off" mostly consisted of going out to the ocean and oiling Vorith, F'ral wasn't complaining. The chore he had hated so much in Weyrlinghood had become a very relaxing pastime once he graduated.

You have everything? I don't want to come back, Vorith asked. F'ral checked the bundle tied to the harness in front of him. Spare pants, oil, some bread, and a bit of fruit, check. All here. Let's go. Vorith launched himself off the ledge and rose to above the Heights, so they could clearly see the beach. Within minutes, Vorith had alighted on the sands and F'ral had dismounted. The small package had been tossed aside while F'ral worked with experienced fingers to unbuckle Vorith's harness so he could swim.

As soon as the leather fell away, Vorith took to the air again and proceeded to splash down two or three lengths from the green already swimming. He ducked underwater and stayed there a minute before resurfacing. Hello, Imith. How are you and Yours this fine day? he asked politely.

F'ral admired his dragon for a moment before remembering that there was water and someone else to talk to. He stripped off his tunic and shoes, then glanced around to see where Imith's rider was. He vaguely remembered the pair as the troublemakers of their class, although he couldn't recall when, exactly, they had graduated. He spotted the greenrider collapsed on the sand, gasping for air. With a smile on his face, F'ral made his way over to A'ver and looked down with his eyebrows raised.

"You, my friend, look like you need a Healer," his tone revealing the jest. F'ral extended a hand to help A'ver up, since he did not appear to be able to breathe, let alone stand on his own.

[Elfie]

The beat of wings could be heard over the crashing waves along the beach, causing brightly whirling eyes to turn toward the sky and the approaching form of a brown. DearMine! We have company, it's F'ral and Vorith! Excited thoughts washed over Hers as Imith lifted her head to bugle a cheerful greeting as the larger dragon descended into the water.

"Thank the First Egg." A'ver sighed with relief, though it was rather a pitiful sigh. He had to stop halfway through to suck in another breath. Hazel eyes shifted from the two forms now in the water, head turning to see the Weyrlingmaster making his way toward him. So the Weyrlings were being given the day off, were they? They'd probably have no idea what to do with themselves...or maybe to much of an idea, he decided with a mental chuckle.

I am doing very well, but Mine is so lazy. He's tired already. Imith complained, thoughts plaintive before she suddenly brightened with a splash of her forked tail through the water. Might you join me, Vorith? A sturdy brown like you can surely give Mine a great dunking when he gets back in the water. Imith's mental tone had taken a turn for the worse, at least to A'ver's ears. She had once again entered her flirt mode, and was playing to get him drowned. Or at least looking like a soaking wet feline.

The green rider shook his head, gaze shifting back to his human companion as he stopped next to him. A'ver attempted to chuckle, and succeeded for the most part, he was getting his wind back. "I think the Healer's tired of seeing me for...Imith induced reasons." He replied with a grin, reaching up a sandy hand to take the proffered help. He might not have been able to get up otherwise. "Thanks, dear." A'ver took a deep breath, before scowling at the sand all over himself. "Ugh, only bad thing about beaches. The abominably sand." He muttered, nimble fingers attempting to brush it off to no good. "Whatever. Come to get wet?" Inquiry showed his defeat at the clinging grains as he gestured toward the water, where Imith was arching her neck coyly at them, inviting them in. "It's a danger zone, just to warn you if you hadn't heard." Warning was given with a wide grin and a shrug.