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V'Kenti held up the other cup that was on the table and allowed Lestenna to pour. It would likely be a few conversations along the way. Right now, though, Takarath and Uridith had the floor so he nibbled on the bits of food in front of him. "No apologies are required. It's the way of the world is it not?"
Mine likes business so I'm sure he will enjoy these conversations. Takarath replied to Uridith. A soft hum rose from the bronze's chest. It had been some time since he felt the warmth of another like this.
If that is what you wish, then it is what we shall do. I will be here throughout it all. If you need me.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lestenna nodded with a quiet, considering 'hmm' and set about working through her own breakfast. The kitchens as always had done well enough, but she was yet all business, and seemed to neither really enjoy or disgust at the plated meal. She simply set a slightly quick, efficient pace and worked her way through the items before her, seeking nutrients, not taste. She did not talk while she ate, though she did occasionally glance V'kenti's way to be sure he was still fine or to see if he was in need of anything, which she'd gladly pass along if he was.
A match they might yet make then, though I fear yours will need some patience with my Lestenna. She has yet to keep company with my chosens' riders more than is necessary, though I know she means to make better attachments here in High Reaches. The gold crooned and leaned slightly against the bronze a bit more as their riders sat and chewed in silence.
I would much rather have you around, I think. Have you fathered a clutch before, Takarath? I seem to feel that perhaps you've not. They will come soon enough, and we'll see how well indeed we've done. You've done a thing to be proud of, and, for now, I will not relegate you to the stands with those beneath my choosing. Her tone lilted towards imperiousness near the end, though there was still some good humor laced through it. The gold gave loyalty quicker than her rider, and unless the bronze misbehaved she'd have no real reason to exclude him.
"Your bronze hasn't flown a gold before, is that right?" Lestenna finally probed, when at last her meal was done and gone. "At least I don't recall seeing so in the weyr's records the last I looked." It was not meant as an insult, just an inquiry.
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It seems ours have a lot in common. Mine, at least, likely has enough patience for the both of them. Taka thought on the golds words for a moment, long enough to hear Lestenna's question for V'Kenti.
No, I have not fathered a clutch yet, so I am doubly grateful that a gold of your nature took notice of me. I hope that I, we, will continue to make you both proud. Takarath meant it. The dragon and rider were committed now and would do their best.
That meant that not only Uridith but also Lestenna would receive an amount of loyalty from the pair they had not really awarded to anyone in the past. Sure it might take some time to prove that to them, especially Lestenna who seemed like V'Kenti in the sense of going it alone, but they would try.
"Takarath has not flown any other golds before. Uridith would be the first." V'Kenti didn't elaborate past that. Taka was 11 turns so he would have definitely had the opportunity. Surprisingly, most of it boiled down to timing. They would take a job here or there and miss the flight. Taka might have been upset but he never let it get to him, especially knowing how his rider tended to be.
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Dragons couldn't titter, but Uridith gave the mental impression of the same feeling and sensation. Takarath was so unassuming and gave such deference to her...it was charming, and the gold felt entirely flattered. She'd never been the type of gold to demand praise or devotion, feeling more like a mother to her weyr than a queen, but it was nice to be so highly regarded, especially by such a strapping bronze as this one.
You've already done the greatest part, and that enough assures me that I made the right choice. There is no need to worry, Takarath. My Lestenna might seem cold, but I assure you—she cares very much for the weyr and all inside it, and wants very much to do our best for them. As long as you and yours help when she needs it, neither of us could ever find fault with you. Her words were meant to soothe and calm, and hopefully the bronze was able to settle after. Her own wings still ached with the strain she'd indulged in the night before, and he'd had to fly even harder and longer.
Ideally they could spend the day just lounging upon her ledge, and let sleep and time and a well-sated attitude carry them back to full strength.
"Hmm. A lack of interest?" Lestenna questioned, again no judgement was carried in her tone, but she was certainly interested. Then again, with golds so rare, many bronzes went far longer than eleven turns without winning a catch. Many had to simply be sated with greens when they could win them. And some dragons took time to perfect themselves, to grow able to meet the needs of their potential mates. "Regardless, he'll be in the records now. Here's to a large clutch, and one with potential." She lifted her mug, not for a full toast, but in acknowledgement nonetheless. "I'm sure you're already aware, but aside from Takarath's involvement with the clutch, this won't afford you any real promotion. We're the newest gold pair to the weyr...so you won't need to worry about adding more duties, such as those of a junior weyrleader." Her tone was more muddied at that. She herself would not mind more work, but...it was not her place to bid for it. She'd simply to be content with how things were moving around her.
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If ever there was a time to listen closely, it was now. Now was their chance to learn what they could about Uridith and Lestenna. Uridith seemed more forthcoming with the information, which, if roles were reversed, would be the same for them. V'Kenti had no problems sitting and idly eating the food in front of him, answering Lestenna's questions and letting the dragons converse. Whatever length of time they would be together, the information gained would be valuable.
Takarath seemed to settle, his head lay content on the floor.
Our missions seem to align then. Mine spends so much of his time doing what he can for the weyr. I'm sure ours will get along better than they think. His eyes opened slightly to look at the riders sitting at the table together, secretly hoping for many more mornings like this. Until Uridith clutches and the eggs hatched, surely there would be one or two more.
V'Kenti lifted his mug as well, a small smile on his face. “Here's to a large clutch indeed.” He took a small sip and soon find is he'd his own plate. Nodding along as Lestenna spoke of duties, he knew they wouldn't advance any, but it would likely get their names out there, but almost more importantly, they got some standing with a gold pair. One that seemed aligned with their ideals. “We understand that. Not that we wouldn't take on more responsibility.”
We? Chimed the bronze causing the man to smile down at the table. “We would do what needed to be done. And, for the future, if you and Uridith require anything, I hope you'll keep us in mind.” V'Kenti’s gaze looked for Lestenna's, completely serious with a touch of loyalty already present.
