Running Like Wyverns [Gregory/Jadavath]

[PhazonDragon]

The weather wasn't anything special today. As predicted, it was overcast--dark, heavy clouds blocked the sun, and occasionally released their freezing contents over the weyr. Fortunately, it wasn't so bad that Elonverrilth wasn't going to go outside. He was hungry, and no amount of snow or rain was going to stop him. However, the fluffy cold stuff was going to be a problem for the bronze, who had an odd way of walking. A sarcastic remark from Lawrence quickly resolved that problem though. "Why don't you just hop and glide like a squirrel?"

Oh, that's a good idea, Lawrence. Only, you'll have to climb through the snow...

Leaving the weyr, Elonverrilth bounded through the snow like a rabbit: he leapt onto the larger and higher piles for height, and jumped off, spreading his wings for lift. As the bronze glided on still wings, Lawrence was stuck climbing through the snow clothed in a heavy coat and thick snow pants. He pulled the fur-lined hood over his head, and buttoned up for the trek. Elonverrilth made sure he was warm. Are you sure you don't want me carrying you over here? the bronze wondered, pausing two dragonlengths away to look back at the weyrling struggling through the snow.

As much as I would love it, no. Lawrence dragged his feet through the white powder, thankful that it wasn't tightly packed. That would only make it worse. No, the doctor doesn't want you carrying much weight other than your own. At least, not until you're mature and done growing, he finished, quoting the weyr's doctor. Lawrence wrapped his arms around himself, and stopped walking as well, to look over at the bronze dragon. Go on, I'll be there, he urged, knowing that the bronze was unable to leave in the past few days.

The bronze turned away from Lawrence to continue his gliding to the feeding grounds. You know that's your fault, Lawrence. A few more hops and glides, and Elonverrilth was at the pens, hungrily eyeing one of the larger goats. Due to the lack of forelimbs, the bronze modified the dragon's traditional way of hunting: pouncing and pinning the beast to the ground. Instead, Elonverrilth gained some height with a couple of flaps of his bronzy wings. the goat that was the center of his attention never saw what was coming. The bronze dove down, hide legs stretched out with talons splayed, and grasped the goat in wyvern-like fashion. A quick flick of his legs, and the goat was sent flying, breaking two legs on landing.

From a couple dragonlengths behind, Lawrence saw the way Elonverrilth fed. He was secretly glad that he wasn't there watching. It was a sickening way to disable your food. That's awful... He silently commented to the bronze, when he noticed the goat wasn't getting back up. Elonverrilth landed on the felled beast with a powerful leg, pinning the prey to the ground with a single paw. At least they had the sense to clear the snow from the feeding pens, right? Too bad they didn't clean off the pathway down yet. A grunt from Elonverrilth showed that the bronze heard, but wasn't going to respond because he was too busy feeding.

[Wesku]

Jadavath glided through the air with Gregory bundled and secure on her back. The Green's powerful wings beat steadily as she pulled of another aerial maneuver. Her flying had always been exceptional. It was on the ground that Jadavath became ungainly and cumbersome.

Flying with you is always so amazing. I love our time together, alone like this.

Gregory nuzzled his cold face against Jadavath's hot neck. He could feel his dragon's hunger, but selfishly wanted to stay up in the air longer. He knew Jadavath would oblige him, but then he would feel guilty.

Let's go down. I'm sure you're hungry.

Jadavath twirled mid-air before spiraling down towards the feeding grounds. Usually Gregory would jump off his Green's back and execute a jump and roll, but due to his recent injuries, Jadavath was required to land for him to dismount. The Green's back legs touched the ground and she flailed her wings out to help her stay upright. Gregory managed to get off Jadavath's back before she toppled over and landed in the hard packed snow with a loud crunching noise.

Looking awkward, Jadavath used her thick neck and lower body strength to drag herself upright enough to beat her wings. The displacment of the air helped get Jadavath semi upright, and she shuffled forwards on her haunches before taking to the air again. She stayed low, and ignored the eating Bronze in favor of swooping down and crushing a pig with her hind claws. Satisfied with her kill, Jadavath lowered her head and tore at the soft flesh hungrily.

Gregory watched the kill with a detached air before noticing another man. He looked young and had one of the oddest hair styles Gregory had ever seen. Intrigued, Gregory called out to him.

[PhazonDragon]

As Lawrence continued to make his way down to the feeding grounds--he's slowly making his way down, nearly there--a faint shadow on the ground below him made the weyrling look up. The dragon pulled away, off to the feeding grounds, and Lawrence was able to see that it was a green. Missing front limbs, similar to Elonverrilth. You see that green approaching? he asked the bronze, seeking out the shiny hide. She's a bit like you. Wanna say hi? Maybe it'll do you good...

I don't want to be a bother, especially not while eating, Elonverrilth replied, looking up only slightly to eye the green flying in, and landing with an ungraceful air. If he could, the bronze would raise an eyebrow. I wonder if she's alright? he asked, but didn't pursue the matter as he dug his blood-stained muzzle back into the half-eaten goat. And Lawrence, don't be a pain. Be nice. Yes, he's a greenrider, but he's not K'ryn. Elonverrilth didn't look up when he cautioned Lawrence. Maybe I should call Boomerang over so you can bother the fire lizard, and not the rider. At least Boomerang will keep you in check when I'm not right behind you.

The weyrling frowned as he finally came up to the fence, sidling over a few feet so that the rider wouldn't be so compelled to talk to him. That landing his green made wasn't so perfect at all. Even the weyrling Elonverrilth was capable of more graceful things than that. Lawrence critically watched the green catch pig and start to devour it. Folding his arms over his chest, or trying to with the huge bulky coat, Lawrence turned back to Elonverrilth, content to not bother the greenrider. I don't need a firelizard to watch over me, thank you very much.

Play nice, the bronze mentally growled, just barely raising his head to glare at Lawrence.

Lawrence jerked back a tad at the ferocity of the glare, but before he could say anything in retort, the rider spotted him and called out. Suppressing an annoyed moan, Lawrence rolled his eyes and turned to look at the rider. "Hey. Great weather, right?"

[Wesku]

While Jadavath was busy ripping open the belly of her prey, Gregory was making his way towards the other rider. Gregory was a sort of social butterfly and loved to converse with others. When the other rider started off a little rude, Gregory decided to return the favor with blunt sarcastics.

Raising an eyebrow and taking a long slow look up and down the others figure, Gregory adopted a bland look and replied.

"No, not really. In fact I'd say this weather sucks, and from the enormity that is your ugly coat, I'd say your body agrees with me."

Gregory cocked his head and assumed a sneer.

"Now are you going to come up with a better blow-off than that or am I going to have to stand here all day and listen to your feeble attempts?"

In his mind Jadavath snorted.

Remain civil Gregory. You are better than this.

Just let me have some fun Jadavath. I'll be good. I promise.

[PhazonDragon]

He wasn’t looking for trouble, of course not. Trouble just always seemed to find him. Lawrence stared at the other rider with a slight frown on his face. The greenrider didn’t say anything: he looked at Lawrence, his eyes going from the ground up and back again. Then he said something. A something that Lawrence wasn’t about to take sitting down, metaphorically speaking. Somewhere inside the weyrling’s head, a gear was shocked out of place, and as it tried to desperately fit it’s way back into the natural order, Lawrence snapped as well.

He was going to wipe that grin off his face.

This wasn’t like the time in the infirmary. Instead of being shielded by the crippled bronze, Lawrence had free reign. The bronze was away, eating to the side. No way would Elonverrilth be able to get to Lawrence and the rider in time. Not to mention that the rider was injured--Lawrence noticed that. Yes, the bronze weyrling was determined to get in a punch or two, and show the rider who’s boss, before Elonverrilth would have time to jump in and save the idiotic rider. It wasn’t his fault he was wearing this coat either…. And it wasn’t that bad. Despite the restricting values of the bulky coat, Lawrence was going to knock the rider’s lights out.

“You wanna say that again?” Lawrence asked, completely expecting the greenrider to add more insults to the list. However, Lawrence wasn’t going to let him do that. He didn’t give the rider a chance to react. The weyrling’s fist was already up, cocked, and ready to fire. It didn’t take Lawrence long before he was ready to throw his punch. A moment’s pause, and he leapt forward, attempting to land his punch square on the rider’s jaw.

Elonverrilth wasn’t paying attention. He turned away when Lawrence moved to greet the rider that approached. He didn’t think anything bad would happen with a friendly conversation.. Especially not about the weather. The influx of angered thoughts and emotions concerned Elonverrilth, and the bronze finished off the last of the goat, only to see Lawrence getting ready to attack the rider. Lawrence! No! What are you doing? I told you not to be a pain! The bronze sprang into action, bounding away from the remains of the goat towards Lawrence. Lawrence! he fumed, his eyes turning scarlet, and his voice angrily reaching a high tenor.

[Wesku]

Gregory grinned when he noticed the Bronze rider getting ready to attack him. Gregory may be a little on the petite side, but that didn't mean he couldn't hold his own. Hand to hand combat training had been his favorite portion of basic. Gregory wasn't patient though, and was about to go get the other boy when the rider struck.

Dodging with the upper torso, Gregory let the Bronze rider's fist sail past his head. Then Gregory brought his own fist up and swung at the rider's stomach. At the same time, he tensed and got ready to kick his foot out and trip the other boy if he happened to dodge.

Over to the side Jadavath finished her meal and calmly watched Gregory and the Bronze's rider come to blows. She didn't mind so much as long as the other rider didn't try to kill Her Gregory. The Bronze didn't seem so laid back. He was barreling towards the two riders as if he was on what Gregory called a 'warpath.'

Bronze, why don't you leave them be. My Gregory is enjoying the physical exertion, and I don't think your rider is to inclined to cease either.

The Green licked the blood from her maw thoughtfully.

If you are worried that we find it rude or unbecoming, please put your mind at ease. I believe my rider started it anyway. Gregory has been so cooped up lately.

[PhazonDragon]

Through all of his determination, Lawrence went with total confidence into the brawl. Too bad it wasn’t enough. He was positive he would be able to land at least one… Instead, the rider leaned to the side, and Lawrence’s fist didn’t connect. Lawrence raged at this: he didn’t expect the rider to be trained in hand-to-hand fighting. Damn, he was in a difficult spot now. The only thing he could do was try to break free of the rider’s grip, and leave the rider’s bubble.

Lawrence twitched, with full intention to get out of the way. He didn’t get more than an inch in any direction before the greenrider’s own fist collided with Lawrence’s stomach. As the wind was literally knocked out of him, Lawrence could only manage a pained groan, doubling over and wrapping his arms around his middle. Damn, he had a good punch. Even with the thick coat, it didn’t help Lawrence at all. “Ugghh…” he wheezed, content with rolling onto the ground, landing on the snow.

The weyrling might have been sated with a single blow, but Elonverrilth wasn’t as inclined. LAWRENCE! the bronze roared. Running on all fours was out of the question--Elonverrilth could only manage a little waddle on two. He dropped forward onto his wings, using this adapted method of transportation to carry him to His. Lawrence, are you alright? What did he do? I won't permit him to hurt you so! the bronze growled, looking at the form of Lawrence writhing in the snow.

Bronze, why don't you leave them be. My Gregory is enjoying the physical exertion, and I don't think your rider is to inclined to cease either. If you are worried that we find it rude or unbecoming, please put your mind at ease. I believe my rider started it anyway. Gregory has been so cooped up lately.

The words of the green nearly threw Elonverrilth into the same frenzy as his rider. Elonverrilth reached the spot where the two riders were, and was now standing protectively over Lawrence. He towered over the two humans, though not at full growth yet. I will hardly leave Lawrence to be beaten up by Yours. I find it more rude to allow Yours to fight. Lawrence was in the wrong for picking a fight, but your manner of looking at this is wrong as well. I wouldn't endanger my rider as so. Elonverrilth glanced down at the greenrider with anger in his reddened eyes.

A huge bronze figure stood over Lawrence, he just barely saw it through his watery eyes. He didn’t hear what the green was saying, but he could hear Elonverrilth just fine. “Nnng,” he muttered, trying to say something to the bronze, but nothing came out. Instead, he went with his mental speech. Elon, God, you’re so embarrassing. Stop it. Don’t make the green ticked off. I’m fine, really, he said, clenching his teeth.

You are not fine, Lawrence. The bronze took a moment to inspect the balled-up Lawrence, before returning his attention to the green. I'm not going to harm your rider, because that would be wrong, but I'm not going to hold back if this happens again, the bronze said in a low and threatening voice.

[Wesku]

Gregory was surprised when the Bronze rider went down. He had thought that the other man would dodge and hadn't pulled his punch. Before Gregory could offer his assistance to the man, a young, but still large, Bronze jumped between them. Sighing Gregory rolled his eyes at the beast.

"Don't you think you're being too protective? I wasn't going to kill your rider. Besides, a man has to learn to walk on his own two feet rather than constantly have to rely on his dragon. What would happen if the you weren't around next time when your rider was in real danger? Your rider-"

His name is Lawrence, dear.

"Lawrence won't be able to protect himself because you've been fighting his battles."

Huffing, Gregory stared directly into the Bronzes eyes.

"Now if you'll excuse me, it's good manners to help up the guy you just knocked down."

---

Over to the side, Jadavath leapt in the air and glided over. Her second landing was more successful than the first because she didn't have Gregory's weight making her top heavy. Once she was on the ground once more, the Green boldly reached out and nudged the Bronze's side with her muzzle.

Be at peace Bronze. Gregory would never harm another when he has already been beaten. Besides, can't you see from your rider's expression that you are, as an old Earth expression goes, 'rubbing salt in his wound,' or something like that. Allowing events to transpire when there is no great danger is not a wrong way to look at things. The worst that would have resulted from this fight is a bruise or a few moments of breathlessness. Your rider can experience those things by tripping and falling on the ground, but are you going to forbade he walk.

Jadavath's eyes were whirling a soothing dark blue, and she nudged the Bronze again playfully.

What do you say, Bronze? Will you allow My Gregory to help Your Lawrence up?

[PhazonDragon]

At the greenrider's words, Elonverrilth lowered his head to eye the rider with distain. Below the bronze, Lawrence moaned out something undistinguishable. Elonverrilth barely bat an eyelid at the weyrling's muttered comment. Lawrence, he softly said to the twitching weyrling. The bronze made a mental sigh, as if one opening his mouth to say something, but clamped his mouth shut. Thinking about speaking directly to the rider, Elonverrilth discarded the prospect to look over at the green dragon, who had made her way over in a more graceful manner than before, when the rider finished speaking. Mine does not have me fighting his battles. He can hold his own.

Elonverrilth managed to get that much in before the green jumped in with her own explanation. The bronze dragon was still standing over Lawrence, preventing the rider--Gregory, as told by the green--from approaching him. Still low to the ground, Elonverrilth did all he could with keeping his tail aloft, and holding his wings out, to keep himself in balance on the knife's edge. The whole time, Elonverrilth kept a wary and watchful eye on Gregory. Through the green's long-winded explanation, at which the bronze did listen, but hardly cared since what was going on was the opposite of what they though, Elonverrilth fought the odd urge to break in.

My name is Elonverrilth, he said, shifting away from the green's touch. The swirling of his eyes had slowed to a pacing red and orange, and his position only changed so that he could properly look at the elder green. And it is not that Lawrence cannot handle his own in a fight. It is that he goes looking for trouble, he snorted, glaring at the green with defiance in his eyes, That is not something I will tolerate any longer. He may be bonded to a bronze, but it doesn't allow for him to boss others around like he wants to. Respect is something he needs to learn, and that's what I'm going to teach him.

At this, Elonverrilth looked away, ignoring the green's nudge again, turning his attention to Lawrence, who had stopped his moaning to just lie there in the snow. I've told you once, and I'll tell you again... I will not tolerate your behavior. Now get up and apologize, the bronze sternly said, taking on a tone that Lawrence was now perfectly familiar with. Elonverrilth growled lowly as a warning to the weyrling, and moved back, brushing away the snow as he went. He gave Gregory room to approaching His.

Lawrence was about ready to give Elonverrilth an immature expression of dislike, when the bronze started to back away. The weyrling's tongue was quickly retracted back into it's proper place, and Lawrence rolled himself into a sitting position. He wasn't about to get up any time soon, and he wouldn't if it wasn't for the greenrider to show up. Learning from his past mistake, Lawrence was sure to hide his expression behind a blank face. He was going to stand up, but a mental growl from Elonverrilth, or was it the pulsing pain in his middle, kept him on the ground, sitting in the snow. So he would have to let the rider help him up.

[Wesku]

Gregory waited patiently for the Bronze dragon to move. He had held his tongue at the dragon's assurance that his rider could fight his battles and kept a respectful air. It was the exact same way he had acted in the presence of his drill instructors. Besides, the Bronze looked as if he was finally going to let Gregory approach the other rider. Snapping at him might not help matters for the Green rider.

As soon as the Bronze was out of the way, Gregory strode forward towards Lawrence. Lawrence had pulled himself into a sitting position, and appeared to be waiting for Gregory's approach. Gregory saw the blank face but could tell that the other man wanted no assistance. Gregory knew because Lawrence wore the same blank expression that Gregory did every time someone had offered him aid because they had mistaken him for a woman.

Deciding it was best not to humiliate the man to soon, Gregory crotched down until he was eye level with Lawrence in a deliberate attempt not to talk down to him.

"Hey, the name's Gregory, Gregory Hughs. Your Bronze already told me your name so I felt a little obliged to reveal mine."

Gregory checked to make sure he wasn't to close. It wouldn't do to make the other man any more wary than he already was.

"I'm going to cut right to the chase. I have never had anyone attack me outright. They always waited until ordered in training, or mistook me for a girl and refused out of 'chivalry.' But you came right at me just because you wanted to, and with a blow that would have most likely knocked me out had it connected. That interests me. So, I wanna fight you again. Only this time, I want to be sparring partners."

Cocking his head, Gregory held out his hand. He wouldn't help Lawrence up if he didn't want to be helped. Gregory understood a man's pride.

"My dodge was only possible because I had more experience, but I'm sure that you'll be able to knock me around soon enough. And I'll look forward to returning the favor."

---

Jadavath backed away from the Bronze. It was apparent that the Bronze would not listen to her and didn't appreciate the physical contact. She would have sighed if she thought it would accomplish something. The Green decided that it was best just to leave. She turned to the Bronze once more and continued in a gentle but firm voice.

Just stop butting in Bronze. This is between our riders. Let it stay that way. Gregory does not like to be offered a respect he hasn't earned.

With one last exasperated look at the three males, Jadavath opened her wings and headed back to her weyr.

[PhazonDragon]

"Hey, the name's Gregory, Gregory Hughs. Your Bronze already told me your name so I felt a little obliged to reveal mine."

The greenrider crouched down, bringing his eyes to Lawrence's. The bronze weyrling frowned, like he usually did, and averted his eyes. This felt like one of those moments where Elonverrilth scolded him for his behavior... He hate getting that lecture, and he hated the authority rank that Elon pulled on him. He was going to be a bronzerider, he had to show that he was able to hold the position. However, Gregory launched into an explanation of himself, and Lawrence felt obliged to look back at him. The rider mentioned sparring partners. Now wouldn't that be interesting? With Elonverrilth still so close, and his own emotions seeping into Lawrence's mind, the weyrling didn't risk the chance of ticking off the rider again.

"Sparring partners?" he asked, doing his best to keep the words from spitting out of his mouth. Gregory offered his hand, and Lawrence grudgingly grabbed it, allowing the greenrider to pull him up. Lawrence didn't fight for fun, though the prospect was intriguing. "I don't fight for pleasure." Lawrence brushed himself off, shoving snow back onto it's place on the ground. All he wanted to do now was leave; get away from this rider that he was growing to dislike. A short rumble from Elon quickly changed Lawrence's mind. "I'll... I'll take you up on that offer," the bronze weyrling agreed, his eyes darting to where Elonverrilth was. Would that please the bronze?

A creative outlet. Better than nothing. At least this way you can learn how to control your anger.., Elonverrilth muttered, his head tilting to look down on Lawrence. The green was leaving though, and Elonverrilth returned his attention to her, especially with her parting words. One who messes with my rider, messes with me, he started to retort, though he let his words fall flat as the green flew away. Hmm. Greens. Elonverrilth shuffled away from Lawrence and Gregory, folding his wings against his back, but always keeping a tense stance as he watched the two riders.

[Wesku]

Gregory really wished Jadavath hadn't left. The mother hen Bronze was really starting to freak him out. The dragon had to be paranoid or something. Either that or it was really uptight.

He's worse then my mother, and she was once a drill instructor.

Without looking at the larger Bronze, Gregory absentmindedly listened to Lawrence agree to sparring sessions. Gregory knew he should pay more attention, especially since he was the one that initiated everything and then extended the offer, but the hulking male dragon was getting under his skin.

I'm so glad Jadavath is small and understanding instead of big and forceful. I would hate having a dragon like this one.

Gregory made a gallant effort and turned his attention fully on Lawrence.

"Sounds good. Though I don't get the whole not fighting for pleasure, but that's just me. When and where do you want to make the first session?"

The Greenrider's attention wandered back to the Bronze that had shuffled away a tad, but was still watching them intently. Gregory shivered.

"No offense but could you leave your creepy dragon in his weyr next time. Your a Bronzerider for pete's sake. You hardly need a looming mother hen. That and he's unnerving to us lesser riders."

[PhazonDragon]

"The first session?" Lawrence repeated, blankly staring at Gregory. Well where should it be. It's not like they had a gym or anything at the weyr. They expected everyone to stay fit on with a dragonrider's life? You know how hard that would actually be, here, that is, considering this was Earth, and not Pern where deadly strands of silver threatened to eat right through you? Yeah--it was not fun. Not something Lawrence wanted to try and experience. "Why not in the common room or something? When it gets warmer, we probably should head outside to say... the weyr bowl?"

When the greenrider shivered, Lawrence cocked his head. He checked his own puffy coat. He was warm and even Gregory wasn't underdressed. The rider's words nearly set him on edge again. "No offense. Really?" Lawrence bitingly said. "Just because you say 'no offense' doesn't mean I won't take offense. Don't call my dragon creepy. If he's unnerving, then maybe you're more of a wimp than I thought." Deftly, the bronze weyrling turned on his heels. He wanted nothing more to do with this greenrider now. He was finished. He was so tactless, it made Lawrence more frustrated than it should have.

"Come on, Elon, we're leaving," he commanded, gesturing forward for the bronze dragon to follow. Elonverrilth snorted. He heard the Gregory's words, and he didn't like them either. The bronze moved to follow Lawrence.

[ooc: Fail post is fail. >>]