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Birthday Picnics; Gothic, let's embarrass Leeran and Sara!
Topic Started: Sep 25 2012, 03:56 PM (1,136 Views)
Wilde
Unregistered

Leeran was nervous. That was all there was to it. He had been both looking forward to and dreading this day for months. At least, after today, it would at last be over. Sixteen years ago, on a day like this beautiful early fall day, Leeran had been born. And today, on his sixteenth birthday, his parents would meet his dragon...and his girlfriend and her dragon.

He was dressed in his best outfit again, the same one he had worn the last time he had been in Lihn with Sarafina. A forest green sleeveless tunic over dark silver-grey shirt with tight-fitting sleeves were all over his breeches, which were so green as to be almost black. A sturdy leather belt supported two plain leather long-knife sheaths, one on each side, and polished leather boots hid two more, shorter daggers. All his leather was dyed black. Pale silver embroidery twined in vine-like patterns around the collar of the green tunic and the hems of his long sleeves. At the corners of the collar, two pale blue flowers bloomed. Leeran knew it would please his mother to see him in the outfit she had made for him.

Parachanna, now 28 feet long and more noodley than ever (though stockier and shorter height-wise than many Water dragons, even taking into account their age--and therefore size--differences), lay in the meadow that Leeran had chosen for today's event, his tail curled around the large blanket that his rider had put out. The food for lunch for five humans was in a large basket that the young Water had helped lug out to the lowlands outside of Lihn (one of the few places near the city but outside the Academy large enough for two dragons to be at the same time).

The dragon wished that this even would just be over with already. He hated that it made his rider so skittish. They were just two more people. As a dragon, while he desired his parents' approval, it was a distant desire. For Leeran it was all but a necessity, and Parachanna just didn't understand. Also, Parachanna was uncertain who Leeran wanted his parents to approve of more: himself, or Sarafina and Anala, and that disgruntled him somewhat.

((I'll have the parentals arrive after Anala and Sarafina, just so that we can do all the intros in a row. Have at. Leeran will have, naturally, warned Sarafina that his parents were coming to the picnic, and that he wouldn't have food for the dragons.))
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Gothic Thylacine
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So sayeth the Spider
Sarafina's fingers were shaking and hurting she she finished wrapping her gift. A pendant she had spotted for sale on one of her rare trips to town. Sarafina rarely spent money on things that weren't necessary. But a couple months ago she had seen a pendant of a round blue gem with bright red swirls within it. It practically screamed "fire and water" to her and with that, the image of Leeran entered her mind. She knew then she'd need to give it to him. It seemed to symbolize them well.

Now as she sat wrapping it Anala lay behind her cleaning herself carefully
"I still say a better gift for his birthday would be to give him your innocence" Her dragons said. Sarafina blushed heavily. They were alone so there was no need to scold her "Seriously, just wrap a ribbon around you so it's just barely covering your-"

"Point taken. But you know I'm not....quite ready for that yet" Sarafina said softly. It was true, oh she did want to take that step with him but her body was a huge hindrance...she kept feeling as soon as he saw her...in that state, that he'd loose interest. Her face felt hot so she looked again at her gift to Leeran. It seemed nicely wrapped finally.

"You're still afraid to go" Anala stated

"Of course I am! I'm meeting his PARENTS! What if they don't like me?"

"Then I'll teach them otherwise" The great Fire said simply yet severely

"Anala I don't want them to like me just because they're afraid of you. I mean...I know they'll think he can do better"

"Nonsense! If anything they'll be put off by fish face" Anala meant Parachanna. In truth she and the young water were now getting along MUCH better. But she still held a bit of distance from him. Not in a mean way but sometimes she teased him lightly, namely by calling him Fishface. But still that was just another sign he was growing on her. Sure he wasn't the dashing romantic male she had HOPED Leeran would bond to but he cared deeply for the young man and so Anala did have caring feelings for him.
"Anyway let's get going. Leeran is waiting for us I'm sure"

With a whistle, Sarafina's loyal white gryphon quickly flew from one of his many nesting sites among their home. He landed on her shoulder to nuzzle her jaw. She smiled and stroked him
"In the saddle bag Kite, you're coming this time" She had debated on bringing him or not but she decided if his parents had a prob;em with her beloved pet, then she would see what kind of people they were (not that she expected them to be that way!) Besides she felt bad having to leave him home so much lately. It would be good for him to get out.

Sarafina packed Leeran's gift away and secured herself in her saddle. As Anala launched it felt as if the Fire was in a hurry to get there, which Sarafina was nervous about. She had dressed as nicely as she could...which was basically black pants and a black top with a little teal trim....Fancy colored clothes were not high on her list of wants. It wasn't too long of a flight, soon Anala began to descend to an open field. In the distance Sarafina could make out the black and white form of Parachanna by what looked like a picnic blanket...Making her grateful Anala had landed a ways off. With her heavy thud of a landing, Sarafina set to unfastening herself and brushing her wind swept hair.
Anala lowered her gently after she had his gift in her hand. She saw him approaching at once and saw he was wearing that same striking outfit he wore on their date. She couldn't help but smile. Sarafina glanced about to make sure the parents weren't around yet and gave him a long kiss.

"Happy Birthday!" She said and gave him the colorfully wrapped bundle. She hoped he was a pendant wearing kind of guy...It wasn't feminine or masculine so she just hoped he could wear it.

"Happy Birthday Leeran! I was going to bring a buffalo or deer for everyone to eat but Sarafina convinced me to hunt you one in private" Anala said. Still thinking a picnic was a good time to provide a lot of meat.
Kite now wriggled out of the saddle bag he was curled up in and flew out happily chirping and circling around the young couple. Making the scene a tad more touching.
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Wilde
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Familiar wingbeats made them both look up. Leeran smiled when he spotted Anala's distinctive color against the brilliantly blue sky. Parachanna scowled, mostly out of habit, and flicked his long tail at the Fire dragoness as she set down. It didn't come anywhere near her, naturally, nor did he mean it to. He stolidly returned it to its previous position.

Leeran walked to greet her, and returned her kiss gently. He was so glad to see her. He knew very well that she was as nervous to see his parents as he was.

As much as he wanted to reassure her, Leeran had known her long enough to realize that it would do little good. Instead, he accepted the gift with a delighted grin, and laughed at Anala's remark.

"I appreciate the thought, Anala," he assured her. "But I brought enough food for the humans. You were welcome to bring something for yourself and Parachanna, though the silly fellow prefers fish."

"I like fish," came the smooth-voiced reply from behind them. Now that his temperment had calmed (somewhat), his voice was returning to the silkiness Leeran remembered from the Hatching.

"And I like red meat," Leeran retorted, then kissed Sarafina's cheek. He lifted the small present and said, "Thank you for the gift."

He admired the wrapping for a moment as Parachanna got up to come over and see, careful to keep his tail from knocking over the picnic basket. Then the young man tore open the wrapping and fingered the pendant, turning it over and over in his fingers, letting the light glint on the gem. It was more blue than red, though the swirls of the secondary color were clear and vibrant.

"This is...wonderful," Leeran told his love quietly. He put it on at once, leaving it atop his tunic, where it glinted brightly in contrast to the green and gray. "It's us, isn't it? Or, at least, them."

He nodded his head to their dragons. Parachanna peered at the stone critically, then nodded approval.

"Yes," the Water agreed. "It is us." He, too, nodded to Anala. "And through us, it is you."

He nudged his rider, though not Sarafina. Brave as he had talked in previous encounters with Anala, he was somewhat afraid of her because of her size. If he expected her to respect his boundaries, he should do the same.

"It is a good gift, Sarafina," Parachanna told her, smiling.

Leeran laughed, though he was glad Channa approved and was behaving, then the laugh cut off suddenly. Two figures had come into veiw, and he recognized them both.

His father was a tall, broad shouldered man with tanned skin and strong hands, well muscled from much work in both field and city. His mother was also tall (for a woman), though she stood a foot shorter than her husband. She was pretty, with dark blonde hair and eyes the exact same shade of greenish-gray as Leeran's. Her long-fingered hands were folded demurely in front of her as they paused near the blanket.

"Come on, love," he said, kissing Sarafina's cheek again and taking her hand to lead her toward his parents. "Anala, Channa, you, too."

When the two riders had gotten within a few feet of the civilians (the dragons hung back a bit), Leeran stopped, smiling nervously.

"Mother, Father," he began. When he noticed his voice was trembling, Leeran stopped and took a deep breath. "It's very good to see you again. These are Parachanna--" he gestured to the Water dragon, who dipped his head "--Anala--" he gestured to the Fire "--and Sarafina. Sarafina is my girlfriend."

He added that last with a note of pride as he squeezed Sarafina's hand. He wanted her to know he was proud of her.

"Sarafina, Anala, Parachanna," he continued, "these are Kifkan and Heira Kalaisn, my mother and father."

Kifkan's eyes had narrowed slightly at the mention of a 'girlfriend,' but he smiled when his name was mentioned. Heira had been smiling slightly already, and her delight at Sarafina's appellation was apparent.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sarafina," Heira greeted the young woman warmly. "Happy birthday, son."

"It's nice to meet you, too," Parachanna commented dryly, his voice silky and somewhat sharp. He did not appreciate being treated like a dumb animal, unworthy of note. "Leeran speaks of you both often."

Heira started slightly, and Kifkan moved to stand just in front of her, smiling at the Water dragon.

"My wife meant no offense, young dragon," Kifkan assured Parachanna. "Nor to you, Anala. We are unused to dealing with dragons. We don't know the protocol."

Parachanna was mollified, and held his peace, for which Leeran was grateful. Though Kifkan was smiling, Leeran could tell he was displeased about something.
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Gothic Thylacine
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So sayeth the Spider
The healer let out a happy sigh of relief. Not only did he enjoy the gift he immediately saw why she had chosen it. This just gave her more reason to feel as if he really was "the one" And she relaxed just a little.
"I'm so glad you like it. And thank you Parachanna" She said at him with a smile. She had a feeling the water dragon wasn't much more comfortable with this than she was but probably for different reasons. Kite landed on her shoulder now and wrapped himself around her, placing he head by her throat. He had a knack for comforting his bonded.

"You know, I should try my hand at fishing...though I probably wouldn't be very good as the fish would see me coming a mile away" Anala said. She now entertained thoughts of catching a huge fish for Parachanna on special occasions like this.
Her attention was taken by the approach of what could only be Leeran's parents. She saw the family resemblance at once and almost chuckled but she knew now was a time to be polite. She gently gave her rider a nuzzle with the tip of her snout for reassurance,

which was good because Sarafina tensed up when she saw them. It wouldn't be so stressful but she knew she wanted these people's approval. As per her usual habit, her head began to go down but luckily Kite pushed his own head up against her chin and made her look straight ahead
Empress bless this creature She thought lovingly

Leeran made his introductions. Sarafina was fighting very hard not to pale or blush or even sweat. Jeeze is this REALLY that scary?
She smiled at the greeting from his mother and replied
"It's a a pleasure to meet you as well!" Very happy it did not come out as a mumble or a squeek even with the white Gryphon helping keep her head up. She too noticed that they didn't address the dragons at first. She sensed Channa's displeasure and, as her nature, gently stroked the back of his neck as if to say 'I know I saw it too, don't worry, maybe this is weird for them too'
"Oh and this is Kite...Don't worry he's friendly" She said with an eye gesture towards her gryphon.

Anala for no didn't say anything as she had not been addressed but she waited for an opportunity. This came when Kifkan actually address the issue. Anala was familiar with people who were unsure how to be around dragons.
"We just want the same acknowledgement you'd give other humans. Just be yourselves but show respect for us and our riders is all...of course I don't have to tell you that about your own son. He is actually the most respectable boy I have met. And I mean that"
She did mean it. That is why she had so enthusiastically encouraged Sarafina to give into her feelings for him. Still, Anala felt something was off but she wasn't sure what yet.
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Wilde
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Parachanna studied Anala for a moment. She was right: if she were to fish in the water, as he did, she would never catch anything.

"Be a hawk, Anala," he suggested quietly. "Not a fellow fish. Catch them from above and they will never know what killed them."

Parachanna appreciated Sarafina's comforting touch, though he would never tell Leeran that he was now almost as comfortable around these two as the young man was.

"Your little bird is lovely," Heira commented quietly, nodding to Kite.

"Thank you, Anala," Kifkan said with a slight bow. "For the lesson in etiquete and the compliments to our son. He is as fine a young man as we could have hoped."

Leeran blushed faintly and ignored this. His father wasn't one to give compliments often. That was high praise, from him. He did note with a smothered laugh that the little white gryphon was keeping Sarafina's head up, for which he was glad. I'll have to find a way to thank him, the young rider thought, much amused.

"Leeran, perhaps we could have lunch?" Heira suggested, still somewhat intimidated by the dragons. "We haven't eaten our regular meal, knowing that you were going to provide food."

"Of course!" Leeran smiled, glad to have the conversation on something besides himself (though, because it was his birthday, he knew it would return soon enough). He started for the basket, but Kifkan stepped forward and caught his arm.

"Might I have a man's conversation with you, my son?" Kifkan's voice was polite, cheerful, even, but the iron in it told Leeran that this was no request, but an order from father to son. Raised as he had been to do as he was told, Leeran nodded, but he was wary.

"Sarafina, love," Leeran began, and noted that Kifkan's eyes narrowed at the word, "Would you and Mother set up the picnic? We'll join you in a moment."

"We'd be glad to, dear," Heira agreed for them, and beckoned Sarafina to join her as she opened the basket.

Leeran and Kifkan moved to the other side, away from the dragons and the blanket. Kifkan chose the place to stop, out of range of the humans' hearing. His son decided not to tell him that both dragons would still be perfectly able to hear at that distance, and that Parachanna would get the gist of the conversation from his emotions.

"Leeran Kalaisn," Kifkan began, soft-voiced (never a good sign, Leeran knew. The use of his full name was either the beginning of a lecture or an order Kifkan knew his son wasn't going to like), "what are you doing with that woman?"

Leeran stiffened at once, but he kept his face polite and bland. Parachanna stiffened, too, both from what was said and the anger in their bond.

"Sarafina is my lady, Father," he said, equally quiet. "Show her more respect. You would not let me or anyone disrespect Mother the way you have just done."

"Heira is my wife," Kifkan retorted, a note of faint venom creeping into his voice. "This woman is just a distraction from your studies and your duties. The Taint still live--do you remember what they took from us? You will tell this woman goodbye and concentrate on your duties, or I will have something to say about it."

Leeran let him finish, fighting, for the first time in his life, the urge to strike this man who had raised him, taught him all he knew of being a good man...or so he had always thought. This, too, was an order from father to son. Parachanna hissed softly, which made Heira tremble and glance at her son. She wasn't comfortable around dragons, that was clear. When he had finally mastered the impulse to lay his father flat out on the grass, Leeran spoke. One word, but one that Kifkan had never heard in that voice, at least, not for fourteen years.

"No." The word was cold, clear, precise. It was also polite, without a hint of anger or any other emotion. Just a flat refusal.

((I'm ending here so that Anala (and thereby Sarafina) has an opportunity to cut in if you want. If you don't want, I can either lengthen the post, or you can have Anala wait to see what happens next. Kifkan will not be pleased.))
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Gothic Thylacine
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So sayeth the Spider
Sarafina made a mental note that she would need to watch her eating behaviors around these new guests who she wished to impress. Normally she tore into her meat like a dire, she knew this time called for proper manners.
When Leeran's father called him off for a talk Sarafina felt a cold feeling in her chest but at her beloved's request she quickly went to Heira.
Now her first test began. Sarafina DID feel more comfortable around Heira than Kifkan, so this was a good start. As she prepared the blanket she worked up the courage to speak.

"I am truly happy to finally meet you Heira. I must apologize ahead of time though...I am not familiar with being social I'm afraid. so I do hope I never strike you as rude or aloof. In truth I never really spoke to any humans other than my patients...Until I met Leeran. He's really been helping me make friends and come out of my shell lately...Besides Anala he's the best thing to happen to me"
Kite gave a surprised chirp in her direction "Ah and my little Kite of course" She added and the white gryphon purred.

Anala watched the exchange and approved of Sarafina's words, but her attention really was the two men walking off. She and Parachanna both exchanged glances, knowing they would need to hear what was said and she gave a nod. After just a moment it was clear what the reason was for Kifkan taking Leeran out of (supposed) earshot. Anala's large frightening talons dug into the earth and a growl began to form. She did not want to scare Leeran's mother but she had a strong urge to storm over and give his father a damn long piece of her mind.
Parachanna looked at her again with a warning expression. He was wordlessly saying Don't, you know it would make it much worse
Anala hung back but her fury grew. Leeran had been doing remarkable in his duties! His wyrmling training was going splendid, he was able to tame his once snappy dragon, and he was no doubt a spectacular rider. Her pupils shrank to near invisible indicating her rage.
When she heard Leeran say his simple "No" Anala's fire cooled just a bit. If leeran would defend his relationship with her rider, then he would MORE than prove himself a fine man and she'd be stunned if his father didn't see that.

Anala whispered to Parachanna
"You're right I need to try to stay out of it for now...as infuriating as it is, I'm going to distract Sarafina and Heira but I'll still listen,.."
With that she turned and got a little closer to the women, hoping she wouldn't frighten Leeran's mother, she laid down carefully in a relaxed position (though she was anything but!) making herself a massive wall between the two parties

"Hello ladies, is there anything you would like me to do? I admit my size limits my ability for small tasks..." She looked at her rider who was now looking at her worried. Naturally Sarafina had sensed Anala's rage and was now full of anxiety. She knew she had to calm down. She lowered her head and nuzzled her rider carefully "It's alright love everything's fine" She knew lying was pointless due to their bond but she had to try anything....
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Wilde
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Heira, glad that the dragons stayed back a bit, smiled at Sarafina again. She was glad her son had found someone to share his days with, and she knew he would never neglect his lessons on frivolity, even if he really did love this young woman. Duty came first, always. They had taught him that young.

"I don't expect you to stand on ceremony, dear," she told Sarafina. "I understand being uncomfortable around...people." The older woman glanced at the dragons, gave them a more wavering smile than the one she had given Sarafina, and returned her eyes to her conversation partner. "I'm glad you and Leeran are happy. He needs a young woman in his life. Kifkan did, too, when he was that age."

Now the smile was a bit nostalgic, but it returned to being delighted at Kite's chirp.

"Is that a gryphon? I've never seen one so close. He's lovely!"

The beginnings of Anala's growl made Heira shrink a bit, as did the dragon's approach. She would have been (albeit only a little) more comfortable with the smaller one, her son's dragon, Parachanna.

"Um...No, but thank you...Anala." The woman's usually serene voice came out a squeak when she addressed the enormous Fire. It also did not escape her notice that the dragoness had cut off her view of her family.

Parachanna nodded to Anala's words, and let his tail trail gently along hers as she moved away, a comforting action perhaps for them both. He kept his eyes fixed on his rider's confrontation, and then slowly began to move toward them.

-------

"What did you say?" The quiet venom was crystal clear in Kifkan's voice now, sharp as a razor blade and twice as deadly.

"I said 'no,'" Leeran replied, his voice still even, still cold.

"How dare you defy me!" Kifkan growled, his eyes narrowed at his once-obedient son. "You are my so--"

"What I am, Father,," Leeran interrupted calmly (though his insides boiled with anger, he knew he couldn't show it, it would do no good), "is a dragonrider. What I am is a man grown, you told me so yourself when you sent me to the Academy. What I am--" he glanced at Sarafina, chatting uncomfortably with his mother just before Anala blocked his view "--is in love. You are my father, yes. But the time for you to dictate my every action is long past."

Kifkan opened his mouth to argue further, but stepped back abruptly and closed it again, his eyes suddenly wide and focused behind his son. Leeran, confused, looked behind him and saw Parachanna, mouth slightly open to display his long, very sharp teeth, just behind him. Leeran shook his head, but he had (somewhere in their bond) felt that this was unavoidable once Kifkan's opinion of Sarafina was made clear. At least, Leeran thought, they were to the point that his dragon would defend his love. He suddenly realized that his mother couldn't see them, and thanked Anala a dozen times silently for blocking her view.

"Don't hurt him," Leeran muttered to his dragon as the Water slithered past. Parachanna gave no indication of having heard, but when Leeran turned back, Kifkan was sputtering at him.

"Keep that dragon away from me, Leeran!" His voice was still soft, as though he didn't want to alarm the women. That fit with Leeran's memory of his father, though the rest of this incredible conversation didn't. "You keep it under control!"

Parachanna hissed vilely at the man, and swept his tail carefully around to trip him. Leeran leapt forward to catch him, worried that his father might hit his head, but Parachanna had been more careful than that. Kifkan landed backwards on his hands, and scuttled away. Parachanna put a stop to that with on short-fingered paw on the man's chest. He applied pressure gently, but it was enough to press the large man to the ground without hurting him.

"You will listen to what I say, father of my rider," the young Water hissed, his voice menacing, soft, crisp. Kifkan blanched sheet white at the size of the teeth so close to his face. "If you knew your son at all, you would know that he would not neglect lessons or duties, not even for Sarafina and Anala. Not even for me, unless in such circumstance that I might die without his aid, and I am half of his heart, the reflection of his soul."

Parachanna pressed a bit harder when Kifkan opened his mouth to retort. Leeran had to admire his father's courage. If a dragon (even one as young as Parachanna) had him pinned in such a way and was obviously angry with him, he doubted he would have the nerve to say anything. The additional pressure left Kifkan breathless, but it only lasted a moment before the Water let up so that he could resume his lecture.

"Apart from that negligence of your knowledge," he continued, his gold eyes peering malevolently down at this man who had so angered his rider, "You know nothing of Sarafina and Anala. You have not met them prior, you have barely spoken to them now. You have no right to judge them unworthy of your son. He has treated with them and finds them fitting. Keep your peace. You showed earlier that you have charm. Use it and keep your venomous opinions to yourself...lest someone relieve you of them."

Parachanna let his paw slip an inch or so toward Kifkan's waistline, making his threat a bit more personal in implication. Leeran, arms crossed as he watched his dragon remove himself from Kifkan and rub his paw on the grass as if to rid it of a nasty bit of sap, laughed internally despite his anger. You'd never know that you had much the same reaction to them, would you? he thought, much amused.

Kifkan picked himself up, hands shaking, and brushed himself off. Leeran doubted that he had ever been handled so roughly before. Maybe it'll do him some good. When he spoke, his voice was rough and angry.

"I will sit this farce--" Parachanna hissed evilly at him, and he blanched again "--for your mother's sake. She has not seen you in months and does not know of your...disrespectful behavior. I will not disillusion her. After today, you are unwelcome in my home, though your mother will still want to see you. Arrange to see her when I am not present, and do not bring that--" he glared defiantly into Parachanna's hissing maw to indicate what he spoke of "--near me or my home ever again."

With that, Kifkan stalked around Anala to join his wife, and smiled pleasantly enough at Sarafina, but said nothing as he filled a plate with food and sat, brooding, on the corner of the blanket. For his part, Leeran hugged Parachanna, thanked him, and walked over to lean against Anala (with Parachanna pressing gently against the back of his legs) to calm himself down. There was no reason for Heira or Sarafina to know of this...
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Gothic Thylacine
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So sayeth the Spider
Sarafina smiled. Relieved at Heira's understanding. But Her dragon's almost protective presence and tense emotion still worried her. So she was thankful Kite provided a subject change.

"Oh yes. He's very friendly so feel free to pet him. A friend of mine gave me an egg from one of his gryphons after I helped treat him and one of them....They make wonderful companions"
As if on cue Kite waddled up to Heira and nuzzled her hand. Odd, Sarafina thought as even though he was friendly, he normally wasn't so immediately forward with strangers...but then Kite was a better judge of people than she was. At the mention of Leeran and his father at that age she smiled.
"In truth I needed a young man in my life too it seems" She chuckled "But don't get me wrong I would never try and stop him from his duties as a rider now that he has bonded...It was a great experience for Anala and I to somewhat "prep" him for what to expect" She smiled remembering their first meeting and flight....
Looking back at Anala for a moment, she almost asked what on Earth was going on but Anala interrupted her with a loving lick

"Don't mind me I just seemed to have a kink in my back, I have to lay in the sun a moment and just wanted to be close to you...And Heira do forgive me I hope I am not too intimidating to you. I would never harm you, but I understand my size makes many uncomfortable"
Anala was still listening carefully. Very happy Kite was providing yet another diversion. They all had to work together on this one....She listened as Leeran spoke clearly and firmly defending his love for Sarafina (When he said he was in love Anala beamed despite the situation) She also felt her heart swell with pride for Leeran. Since meeting him she came to care about him almost as much as her own rider and would love him like he was her own son in a way. He was more than proving himself a man now.

What came next shocked her though. (and it was more maddening that she couldn't turn to look. She could only listen) She heard the smooth yet furious voice of Parachanna. And he was defending them. Thinking back Anala, for the first time, felt guilt at how she acted. Her first response to the young water was near hatred. Had she reminded herself that he was young and would learn in time and deserved patience, the whole rocky start could have been avoided along with Sarafina's depression. Oh what a fool she was! Now she listened as he eloquently defended Sarafina, Leeran, and even herself (which she felt she did not deserve it) She would need to apologize to him, and make it right. For he was family now. And proving it beyond a doubt.
Her tension eased and Sarafina felt it no doubt. Perhaps her hurting back story may pass....
Now she heard Kifkan speak again. And his words again enraged her. This time they were aimed at Leeran and it was all Anala could do not to lunge at him. He dared tell Leeran he was unwelcome in the very home he grew up in? Ludicrous!! Again she tensed but not as bad, for she knew now Leeran and Parachanna were more than strong enough to handle it. Still...this was a special day for the young man and his own father had just ruined it! She would need to make it up to him afterwords. Perhaps a break form the barraks again, they should have a family gathering of their own after this. yes, that would be suiting.

Kifkan appeared after his threats and Anala could not control her venomous gaze. Though he acted as if nothing was wrong (and she had to give him credit for that, he was a good actor) Her eyes bore down upon him. Clearly and wordlessly telling him she had heard his every word and the only reason she was not killing him now was that he was Leeran's father.
Sarafina looked up at her again, sensing this anger but Anala again nuzzled her
"It's alright dear. Go on you're doing fine, show him what you showed Heira, that you are a lovely individual"
Before Sarafina could protest, Anala laid her head down but looking away from the party and towards the approaching Leeran and Parachanna. When they were close enough she said quietly

"Parachanna....Thank you so much. I cannot begin to express my gratitude...and my sincere apologies at my earlier behavior upon meeting you. You are a fine dragon ore than fit for our Leeran and I happily welcome you into our little family" She turned her eyes to Leeran now "And you....You stood up to your father for Sarafina and defended her honor. For that Leeran, I owe you so much. Sarafina loves you with all her heart, but know that I love you too...only in a more maternal fashion" She gave her trademark wink at him "Listen, after your parents go...both of you come home with us, we'll see if we can fix this day"

Sarafina wanted to hear what her dragon was telling them but she did not want to seem rude to his family. At this point Kite was rolling about on his back hoping for belly rubs.
What on earth is going on with them all?? She thought. Upon seeing Kifkan sit at the corner of the blanket and appear to be brooding she wondered if she wanted to know.....
Much of that thought melted away when she saw Leeran. She wanted to run to him and embrace him but she knew at the moment that may be inappropriate. Instead she reached out and took his hand in hers. Looking into his eyes and expressing her devotion and love for him in her own. Not realizing how much she was smiling as she gazed at him.
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Wilde
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Heira hesitantly reached for the young gryphon just as he obligingly nuzzled her hand.

"Oh!" She stroked his feathers carefully, as she might a pigeon or dove. "He's so very soft."

The older woman noticed that Sarafina had a nice smile, when she cared to show it. And that thoughts of Leeran seemed to make her genuinely happy. She laughed at Sarafina's assurance that she wouldn't keep him from his duties.

"I doubt you could if you tried, my dear," she told the young rider. "He's very conscientious about such things. He always has been. To the point that he would do his father's duties (and him just a boy then) if his father was sick. I'm so proud of him."

Anala's address made her swallow slightly and she tried to firm her smile into something more polite and friendly. She knew she was failing, but she did try.

"It's quite alright, Anala," she replied. At least her voice was firm. "It's just that you're so very large, and you can breathe fire, and fly and so many other things. It is a bit intimidating. I imagine I'll get over it." She laughed, a genuinely pleased sound. "I suppose I'll have too, if the two of you mean to stay with my Leeran."

Her smile was easier now, and she picked up the little gryphon and gave him the bellyrub he was obviously asking for.

"You're a delightful creature, aren't you?"

------

Parachanna looked down and away at Anala's thanks, and Leeran could feel that he was embarrassed. He muttered something that sounded very like 'I deserved it,' then straightened and gave his extremely toothy approximation of a smile.

"I could do no less," he told her, his seething rage still keeping him eloquent. "You would have defended Leeran so, and so I must defend you."

In an unexpected (to both Parachanna and Leeran) showing of affection, the young Water rubbed his blunt head and neck along the underside of the much larger Fire's chin, then turned to look at her again.

"Besides, I find I grow fond of your company."

Without another word, he slid around her and settled himself, perversely, around the corner that Kifkan had chosen. His head was near Sarafina (and consequently Anala), his tail coiled in such a way that the fin on the end was near Heira as she cuddled Kite. There was no way that Kifkan could remove himself from the blanket without asking the permission of one of the two dragons that were very unhappy with him.

Leeran laughed at his dragon's actions, an action that gave him a much needed release of tension. He then firmly hugged Anala's muzzle.

"As he said, so do I," Leeran told her firmly. "I could do no less. I love you both; Sarafina as my love and you as something between a mother and a sister. You're too friendly to be a mother, too maternal to be a sister. We'd love to join you and Sarafina this evening."

He felt Parachanna's emotional agreement with that. Impulsively, he kissed her on the snout, then walked around her to rejoin his guests. Parachanna politely lifted his head and neck, unasked, so that he could reach the blanket and sit near Sarafina. He squeezed her hand, then hugged her and kissed her cheek. Noting Kite's antics, he laughed again.

"So, have you and your feathered kitten been charming my dear mother?"
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Gothic Thylacine
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So sayeth the Spider
The action of Parachanna nuzzling her chin took Anala quite by surprise. Here eyes expressed this but it was a very pleasant surprise, so it was returned with a nuzzle back...His next words went from beyond that into feelings of shock and disbelief.

"Besides, I find I grow fond of your company."

Anala, for once, was speechless. As times before she was unsure if she could blush and if she could, her color hid it well. It took her a second to regain her thought process and smiled at him
"Same here Parachanna. Same here" She gave him another nuzzle with her snout tip as he moved on to reagin his position by Kifkan, pinning him between them....Anala had to hold back an amused laugh. This lad held promise indeed!

Leeran of course reaffirmed his own promise with his kind words. And she was thrilled to hear him agree to spend the evening (and possibly night if all went well) with them.
"Good I am very happy to hear that my dear. But for now, perhaps we should attend to your birth family eh? I must say I like your mother..." She smiled and returned to a more relaxed position

Sarafina finally loosened up enough to laugh. Her Gryphon was certainly winning Heira over. She couldn't get over the feeling of tension around Kifkan though...but she was very distracted by the fact that Parachanna laid so close to him. Certainly something was going on...Leeran's father must have said something...was it about her? If so it must have been bad...her worry began to rebuild but Leeran and Anala's presence (And Anala's sudden change in emotion to happy) Helped cool down any worry she had

"Yes dear...you know it's odd I've never seen him THIS outgoing! You certainly have a gift Heira" She said. Surely it must be Heira because the white Gryphon would not go anywhere near Kifkan....

"Perhaps it's just Mother's love" Anala said almost dreamily thinking about her own daughter Fuega...and how she so badly wanted more children. She looked at Parachanna as she thought this.
Sarafina herself pondered. For her own mother died when she was very young. So she had been raised by her father and brother, not knowing much about a mother's love. She pushed those depressing thoughts aside. She needed to try to stay upbeat fro Leeran's birthday.

"I must admit I enjoy hearing about Leeran when he was younger...not that I want to embarrass him" She gave his hand another squeeze and laid her head against his shoulder...hoping she wasn't displaying too much affection for his parent's taste....
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Wilde
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Heira smiled at Sarafina's compliment and turned to show the adorable little creature to her husband, who seemed to have exiled himself from the conversation. She would ask him why later. For now, she ignored it, as all other members of the conversation seemed happy enough.

"Look, dear heart," she addressed the silent man, who looked from her to the white fluffball reproachfully. "Isn't it darling?"

But, as she said it, Kite reared in her hands and hissed at Kifkan, obviously displeased with being so near him. Kifkan merely snorted.

"Oh, yes, delightful," he replied in a falsely cheerful voice that made Heira glare at him. He was not to get into one of his moods at this celebration!

"I would so love to have one," she admitted to the others, turning her back resolutely on her irritable mate. "Oh! Leeran, I forgot that we brought presents from home!"

She set Kite (who had settled down again as soon as she turned away from Kifkan) back on the blanket and stood, only to find herself fenced in by dragon scales of various colors. Parachanna, seeing her mind, twitched his tail out of her way.

"Thank you, Parachanna," Heira said with her shaky smile, and exited the blanket to find the bag they had left in the grass. When she returned, Parachanna put his tail back in its place, re-completing the circle of dragon flesh.

While she was up, Leeran laughed at Sarafina's admission.

"You don't need my mother for that, darling," he drawled, leaning on Parachanna's shoulder so that he could see all the other members of the meeting. Every time he glanced at his father (and when Parachanna removed his tail from Heira's way), he had to smother a laugh at his beloved dragon's tactics. "I embarrass myself quite enough, I'm sure."

Heira laughed as she returned, and Kifkan gave a very un-amused snort that earned him another glare from his wife. She resettled herself on the blanket, smoothing her skirt as she opened the bag one-handed.

"We know you've only the one good outfit," and she gestured proudly at the one he was in, which she had helped make, "so Nemi and I have made you a new one."

She carefully removed and shook out all the same components that he was currently wearing, save that they were in various shades of a soft silvery-blue material that would compliment the gray and green in his eyes even as his current one did. The embroidery, instead of vines, was an extremely complex design of dragons. The collar featured the rare and exalted Celestials and Karmas twining about one another. The sleeveholes of the sleeveless tunic showed Earths with vaulting Airs and Rosemaries over and around them. The bottom hem of the tunic was of Lightnings and Gravities. Leeran laughed when he saw the hem on the sleeves of the silk shirt, and lifted it so that Sarafina, Anala and Parachanna could all get a good look. There were Fires and Waters there, in matched pairs. Two seemed to hiss and roar at one another, the next two twined necks affectionately.

"It is perfect!" he declared happily. "Nemi retains her gift with the needle. Give her my compliments, please."

"I will. She'll be glad you're so pleased," Heira assured him, reaching into the bag again as he carefully refolded the clothing. "From Lestan, Coran and your father, by your own request."

She handed him a long knife, not unlike the ones he wore on his belt. It sheathe was plain, as theirs were, but its pommel was very different: it had room for a small round gem that was currently empty. He grinned when he saw it, and pulled the blade out. Like his other two prized knives, it had an etched draconic design on it. Unlike the other two (one featured Celestials, the other Karmas), this one featured a Water dragon. It looked very unlike his Channa, but it was still extremely well done.

"Excellent," Leeran crowed, thoroughly happy. He had sent a message to his mother right after bonding to Parachanna, asking for just such a knife in which to put his crystal. "I'll have a smith at the Academy finish it immediately. Thank them for me." His voice became serious and soft, with none of the coldness that he had used when last he had addressed Kifkan. "Thank you, Father."

Kifkan ignored him, which disconcerted Heira, though she hid it well. Parachanna rocked his torso just enough to jar the arrogant man, causing him to have to catch himself to keep from falling face first on the blanket. Parachanna and Leeran hid laughter behind carefully polite faces.

"And from Koai," Heira continued, naming the last member of their little sub-community. She handed him a small basket covered with cloth from which an enticing aroma drifted. Leeran gave voice to a small delighted moan and carefully removed the cloth.

"No one makes fruit pasties like Koai does," he told Sarafina in a confidential tone. "The ones at the Academy taste like dirt in comparison."
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Gothic Thylacine
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Sarafina was taken aback by Kite's hiss. Though he had hissed before, it was only to "shifty" people so she was thoroughly confused!
"Kite! Be nice that's Leeran's father! Be a good boy" She scratched her head at the odd sudden reaction to Kifkan. Parachanna also seemed to be almost toying with him, but She knew somehow to keep her mouth shut.

When Heira presented the gifts to her son Sarafina's interest perked. She watched as he presented his new outfit. She stared wide eyed at the lovely dragon designs. Marveling at the intricacy of the dragons.
"My goodness that is amazing stitching! Your..Nemi was it? is very talented!" In truth Sarafina was very curious about who thee people were and what role they played in Leeran's life. For once she found herself wanting to meet them all!
Seeing the knife with a spot for his crystal she gently touched her own crystal safely in it's necklace setting hidden behind he blouse (She rarely revealed it). She also noted that the water dragon looked more traditional than his Parachanna...But in truth the dragon's unique appearance was rapidly growing on her...And apparently growing on Anala as she had recently stopped calling him 'FishFace' as she used to.
At the basket of pastries, both Sarafina and Anala caught the scent and were surprised at the aroma....Leeran was right, the banquet hall pastries WERE rather lacking.

Sarafina then realized she hadn't cooked in quite a while. Back home she often cooked and baked (luckily her father and brother did as well so she was not a drudge of any sort) But it wasn't as if she had proper cooking supplies anyway...mostly just Anala's fire. As if on cue the fire dragon spoke up.

"Pity Sarafina can't bake cookies for you boys for tonight. But we'll still make sure we feed you well"

At this Sarafina looked up at her dragon. She must have invited them over...which was wonderful news for her! She wanted to do so anyway, but then a tickle of fear ran through her...it was probably not such a good idea to mention their plans in front of his parents....Especially since it would be silly for she and Leeran to sleep in separate beds like last time.
This thought actually made her blush so she desperately tried to change the subject

"Er....yeah I haven't been able to cook since leaving home really...my father and brother and I used to make big family meals. Though we could never make baked goods as wonderful as those! At least not yet that is, I'm sure father has gotten in more practice with Conor and I being away at the Academy"
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Wilde
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"Nemi is a talented embroiderer, yes," Heira agreed, pleased with Sarafina's reaction. "She and I--I am a seamstress--have a shop in the city. Nemi is often commissioned by the nobility."

"Your shop is doing well, then?" Leeran asked pleasantly, passing Parachanna a fruit pasty from the basket and gesturing for Sarafina to help herself if she wished. "Would you like one, Anala?"

Parachanna munched his pasty quietly, and hummed a little with pleasure at the rare sweet. He had gotten them more often (both from Leeran and from Sarafina) since the injury that had scarred his shoulder than before then, but he still enjoyed them. Kifkan glanced around, startled, at the soft humming sound, then settled back into his quiet brooding.

"Oh, yes," his mother assured him, running her hands down the fine linen of her dress. It was a quality of cloth that they never would have been able to afford even the short time ago that Leeran had still lived with them. "We stay busy, and have collected a few girls to help us. We need the help. We often have more work than Nemi and I can handle alone. She still does all the best needlework, though."

Leeran noted the absent way Sarafina touched her neckline when she saw his knife, and guessed (having never seen it) that that was where she kept her own crystal. His was in the same place at the moment, in a small leather pouch.

"And why shouldn't she?" Parachanna asked, looking up at the other dragon. Of all the sweets he had been given, cookies, in all their wondrous variety, were probably his favorites.

His rider, though, was watching the other three humans for reactions to this comment. Idly, he wondered whether Anala had said it to annoy Kifkan...or embarrass Sarafina. The Fire dragoness seemed to enjoy poking at her rider's insecurities sometimes.

Well, she had certainly accomplished the first goal, and likely the second. Sarafina blushed as Kifkan stiffened, glaring at his son as though this were the perfect evidence of what he had been attempting to tell him. Heira beamed, however, still pleased at how much her son had changed.

"Kaoi is our cook," Heira told Sarafina with a small laugh, not realizing that the younger woman wouldn't understand what she meant by 'our.' "She enjoys it, and she's very good at it, so we are pleased to let her. She gets a great deal of practice. I'm sure you would be as good, if you cooked as much as she does."

"Perhaps you should cook more often while at the Academy, then, love," Leeran said quietly, meeting his father's heated glare with a calm, blank face.
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Gothic Thylacine
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The healer listened to Heira, it seemed Leeran had come from a very loving community. Something that she had to admit she envied. She herself came from a place where people were quite spread out and one didn't know their neighbors too well. But that suited Sarafina fine as she had always been rather aloof with people. She had friends of course...she remembered the couple who were taken by the tainted...but no long term family friends sadly.
She tried a pastry and actually forget where she was for a moment by the surprise at how delicious it was. Now THIS was good cooking!

"No but thank you dear, I'm saving up for a hunt later, craving some fresh meat" Anala said...and sent a hinting glance Kifkan's way with it. "Plus I love seeing you enjoy yourselves really" She added kindly to the others

Sarafina entertained the thought of having an outfit made in Heira's shop....though she knew Alwin may slap her silly if he knew she went to someone else. The man was STILL trying to get her in a dress but so far had failed. Apparently she was a hard nut to crack in his field...

"I should like to see your shop some day. Anala keeps at me on how I need nicer clothes" She gave a loving glare at her dragon. Sarafina was a dark tomboy really but she liked it that way. It helped her hide her shape and give the impression of a "tough girl one did not want to test"

"Well you do! I'm no judge of human beauty but for goodness sake you need at least ONE dress that shows off your goods" Anala said simply.

At this Sarafina opened her mouth to retort 'I have no goods!' but she caught sight of Heira and Kifkan as she did so and froze in mid word and stopped at 'I don't-" After a moment she finished with "I don't think that's appropriate Anala" Then mouthed to Heira and Kifkan 'I am SO sorry'

Anala looked at Heira now, knowing she may have said too much
"Don't mind me, I just try to make her feel better about herself you see. I love her more than anything and so I simply must" She said it to Heira but it was meant for both she and Kifkan.
Anala saw the sun was beginning to lower and knew they would probably need to head back soon but she was content not to rush her rider or Leeran just yet....
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Wilde
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Kifkan went chalk white at Anala's hinted threat, though he did not look at her or make any other reaction. Leeran, hiding further laughter at his father's expense, shrugged and ate the delicious pasty herself.

At Sarafina's mention of wanting to see his mother's shop, Leeran and Heira's eyes met across the blanket. Leeran arched an eyebrow at her, and Heira gave the barest of nods, to which her son grinned.

"It would be a pleasure to have you in our shop, Sarafina," Heira assured the younger woman, giving no further indication of her recent silent communication with Leeran. "A woman needs clothes of which she can be proud, and feel comfortable in. Nemi and I would be delighted to help you there."

Anala's less-than-appropriate remark was met with silence, then an amused titter from Heira.

"You're a fine judge of human beauty, Anala," Leeran drawled, ignoring Sarafina's embarrassment, if only because he was fairly certain that he was about to add to it, if only a little. "After all, you know Sarafina is."

"Crude though her wording may have been," Heira admitted, stifling a second giggle, "she's right, my dear. A dress suits the form better than breeches, though I can understand that a dress might not be as functional in your day-to-day life, with the kind of work you must do."

To be honest, Anala's bluntness and her easy familiarity were soothing Heira's discomfort with the great beast. The smiles she offered the dragoness were genuine now, and she leaned against Parachanna's tail with no trace of fear or distaste. For his part, the young Water braced her with his tail, a much more genial action than the occasional small twitch he gave his torso to keep Kifkan off-balance.

Kifkan stood suddenly as the conversation lulled. The sun was beginning to set, and he had had enough taunting by toothy draconic beasts.

"Heira, it is time to go. Say your goodbyes."

While his wife turned to him, confused (they had meant to stay until dusk), he stalked over to Parachanna's tail, then turned to glare at the black-and-white dragon.

"Let me out!"

"Your request would be processed so much more quickly, Father," Leeran drawled (his drawl was seeing so much action this evening, he noted with amusement. It was not a tone he generally used often!), "if you were more polite."

Kifkan returned his glare to his son's bland face.

"I will not ask the permission of a sharp-toothed fish!" he snarled, and vaulted himself over the thinnest portion of Parachanna's tail. Had he simply jumped, Parachanna would have done nothing, even to the insult that had Heira gasping in shock at her husband's behavior. But he used one hand to brace himself against the thicker part of the young dragon's tail, and that had consequences.

In a flash, Parachanna had twisted round to pin Kifkan to the ground again, though this time his low-slung body hovered over the tall man's torso, one short-toed front foot on each side of him. The twist put Heira off-balance as the Water's tail moved suddenly.

"Parachanna!" Leeran called warning, both for his mother's sake and to remind the Water that he was not to actually do harm. He caught Heira before she could go sprawling on the blanket. She was white with fear for her husband, trembling in her son's grip. He murmured soothingly to her, "Parachanna won't hurt him, Mother. But Father was unaccountably rude. Few dragons will allow that to pass."

"One does not touch a dragon without that dragon's permission," Parachanna hissed evilly into Kifkan's face, making no effort to keep his fish-breath away from the man's breathing. "I may touch you because I am a dragon. You are just a human. Mind your manners before one less kind than Anala or I decides to eat you for your impudence."

As quickly as he had put his long self over Kifkan, Parachanna removed himself, slinking over to stand next to Leeran and Sarafina. Heira broke free of Leeran's hold and checked Kifkan (who, trembling, struggled to his feet, brushing her ministrations aside) for injuries, then turned to Parachanna.

"I'm sorry for my husband's behavior today, Parachanna," she said quietly, somehow aware that she was apologizing for more than the brief episode she had witnessed.

Parachanna slid up to her, pulling his blunt snout level with her face. She trembled, more ill-at-ease with him than Anala, due to his faux violent demonstration.

"You have behaved well, Heira-mother-of-my-rider," he assured her, and slowly, gently nuzzled her shoulder. "I do not hold you accountable for your mate. No sentient being is responsible for the actions of another."

Heira nodded gratefully and, still pale, stroked his muzzle carefully. To Leeran's surprise, Parachanna hummed at the contact, seeming to want to reassure her. She smiled slightly, hugged Leeran and assured both humans and Anala that she looked forward to seeing them again, then followed Kifkan, who was a ways off by now.

When they were out of earshot, Leeran slumped against Anala, laughing at Parachanna's antics aloud for the first time that afternoon.

"That was well done, Channa," he praised his dragon, then looked up at Anala from his place against her side. "You, too, Anala. Thank you both."
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