Tranquility

[Tismri]

Glory felt her face turn bright red as Ian pushed her to admit she liked Seth. It was so hard for her to remember that he could actually see her expression; she was used to spending time with someone who couldn't see those things.
"I didn't say that!" she insisted. "I just meant, well...that I understand him..." She sighed and sat back down, wrapping her arms around her knees. "It's complicated," she admitted. "I really really do like him, but...we're already best friends. I'm a little scared to try for anything more. I don't want to lose what I already have with him." She picked a little at the grass by her feet. "He means more to me than almost anyone else here," she told him.

[Max452]

Ian sighed in understanding. "Glory. I understand your feelings perfectly." His thoughts darted to Maude. "I think...that's the best way to start, though? Right? At least that's what I hear people say. Not really sure how to go beyond that point though." He muttered to her. "Look at us, a bunch of sissies when it comes to speaking our heart." Ian sighed helplessly. "But, yeah, Glory, I understand...once we cross that line, its hard to tell how they'll react." He flicked a pebble that was next to him. "Why can't it be easy like our parents? I bet they had it easy; it sure looks like it by the way they always talk and look at one another." Ian proclaimed, unaware to most of the challenges his parents had to face, let alone Glory's parents' history.

Oh would you two just grow a spine! Castiel declared, splashing water at them with a flick of his tail. You're never going to know how they feel if you don't put your heart out there on the line! What's the point in debating? Just do it! And get over it! The two and half month old dragon declared, hungry and fed up with their love lives.

"Hey! Watch it!" Ian growled out.
No! I'm tired of you pining after Maude! Tell her today or I will! Castiel threatened before diving back under the water in a defiant huff.

[Tismri]

Glory nodded, feeling a sort of connection with her cousin she hadn't had before. She felt she and her brothers would never have a conversation like this. She and Ian were just close enough to feel comfortable talking about such things without being so close that it would be too embarrassing. She paused for a moment when he mentioned their parents. She guessed he never did learn what Mother told all of them growing up, but even they didn't know the full details of her life when she was young. Still, Glory didn't think it would hurt for Ian to know.
"Mom didn't have it quite that easy," she said in a quiet voice. She thought for a moment or two, watching the dragons playing. "I guess maybe you never knew...Cortell's actually just my half-brother." She wondered for a moment how he might react to this news, having known Cortell his entire life.

Sundavar raised her head above the water's surface, chuckling at Castiel's frustrated rant. Ian, I believe your bond is the sort who gets cranky when he hasn't eaten in a while, she informed him.

[Max452]

Ian was glaring at the water when he heard Glory's quiet voice. He turned to look at her, surprised. "Really?" He hadn't known that Aunt Marola had it tough, but he did remember hearing that Cortell's dad wasn't Marcus. "I kinda knew that about Cortell; Dad mentioned it once, but it didn't matter." He thought about Cortell and their odd relationship. It had been awhile since he last talked to him. "You're all family." He stated simply before turning to gaze at Sundavar. His eyes blinked once. "Yeah, he only thinks about his stomach." He responded. He felt Castiel's irritated emotion float through their bond. He turned back to speak to Glory, when his mind finally registered something. "Oh no! What time is it?" Ian pounced out of his seat and gazed up into the sky. "We're meeting Maude for lunch!"
I told you that! Castiel sprinted out of the water and shook himself.
"No you didn't!"
Well, I mentioned it to Sundavar, and you should have been listening just like Master Tismri taught!
"What?! That's when you're learning not in your own private conversations!"
Excuses! We're already late. She's going to scold you good! Castiel chuckled evily at this.
Ian groaned. "Sorry, Glory, I have to go." Ian rushed to pack his things together. "Maybe Seth is back today, how about we make a pact. Let's tell them how we feel, okay? And if we don't do it, well, I don't know! But we got to try, right? Anyways, I'll come by later to talk about those flowers! Thanks again for your help, Glory! Later cousin!" Ian ran off, Castiel trailing behind him.

***
Ian raced through the city and toward the dining area. He was in such a rush that he had to put on his shirt as he ran, causing him to almost trip a few times. Finally he decided to just put it on when he reached the dining hall. Putting on his shirt, Ian hoped Maude wouldn't be too made for him being 15 minutes late.

***
Seth and Hyperion dived down into the courtyard. "I need a good bath." Seth plopped out of Hyp's saddle, looking muddy and tired. They had gone on a small mission with another Rider to clean up a village; there was a flood which had decimated half the town. It was long work and Seth was just glad to be home. Hyperion took a good whif of his Rider. I agree. You smell. Hyperion added. "Thanks, Hyp..." Seth rolled his blind eyes at his dragon.

[Tismri]

Glory was startled when Ian suddenly jumped up and started panicking, although when she heard what he said, she understood.
"Okay!" she responsed to his quick words. "I'll see you later, then. Don't forget to as Mom about the bellflowers!" After he and Castiel were gone, she turned to face Sundavar. Now that they were alone, Glory felt rather discontented. She wanted to keep talking to someone.
Come on, Sundavar said, getting out of the water and shaking herself off, getting Gloriann drenched in the process. Let's go see if Hyperion and Seth have returned. Glory nodded, deciding they had nothing better to do at the moment, and climbed on the dragon's back. They flew together toward the courtyard, where Glory spotted her friend. She climbed off Sundavar and eagerly approached him.
"Hi, Seth!" she called out before taking a good look at him. "Wow...um...you look like a mess," she admitted.

[Max452]

OOC: Hehe...posted this in the wrong thread...got confused on which mission Seth came back from...anyways...here it is! lol

Oh, I see Sundavar coming. Hyperion nudged Seth.
Where? Seth glanced up into the sky, feeling a change of air current above him. He nearly groaned from Glory's comment.
"That's an understatement. I smell like a Shrgg's mouth and feel gross. We didn't have time to bathe after helping the village out. I would give you a hug, Glory, but I think it'll have to wait until I bathe." Seth informed her. "I'm glad you came though - I thought I've missed you for the day." Seth told her as he began to walk toward the boy's quarters. "Can I meet you back here? Or at the dinning hall? I'm starving!" Seth proclaimed, rubbing his stomach wearily. "We ran out of food on the fifth day! I've been living off of stale bread since!"
It wasn't that bad. We're back and that's all that matters. Hyperion informed all present. We'll be back, though. He reeks and the sooner he gets a bath, the better. We'll see you two soon! Hyperion nipped Sundavar playfully before heading off with Seth.

[Tismri]

Glory laughed at Seth's complaints, but felt a little anxious. She rather wanted to tell him now, but she was too nervous. Plus, it didn't really seem like the right time. But if she didn't say it now, she might not have the courage to do so later.
"Okay, I'll meet you outside the dining hall," she told him. She really didn't want to go in there and sit by herself waiting for him. She felt that would be rather awkward. "Don't take too long!" she called after him. "I don't want you to starve to death in the middle of bathing." She giggled lightly, but was glad he couldn't see her blush at the mental image that came to her.
See that he's presentable, would you? Sundavar told Hyperion, nudging him lightly as they left. Glory smiled at her dragon.
What? Sundavar asked.
You two are rather affectionate, the girl noted, patting the dragon's side. Sundavar snorted.
No more than you and Seth, she insisted. Glory just smiled as they walked in the direction of the dining hall.

[Trinn]

The dining hall had already thinned out a bit. Most of the students had already taken their mid day meal, or chosen to eat elsewhere in New Doru Arabea. Maude sat by herself at one of the long tables, tapping her fingers on the oaken surface. Her dragon was a month old now, and was as tall as her hip. It sat next to Maude, resting it's head on the table. And just today, the dragon had finally started actively communicating to Maude. But Maude couldn't think of the dragon as it anymore. The dragon was now she. Together, this morning, they chose a name together. Magda. Maude said mentally, directing her eyes at the regal red dragon. Magda returned the stare, blinking once. There was a new level of intelligence and awareness within those charcoal like eyes. Sighing, Maude looked around the dining hall. Where was Ian!?

Fifteen minutes later, he popped in, shirtless. For some reason, his hair looked wet. Unable to help herself, Maude noticed the muscular toning in his torso and arms. Every day he was becoming more of a man... "What took you so long Einarson!" She said tartly, glaring at him. "I was about to give up on you if you had come a second later!"

[Max452]

Seth laughed. "I'll see you soon, Glory and Sundavar!"
Be back! And I'll make sure he's right and proper. Hyperion added.

The Blind Rider and his blue dragon heared to their destination and for Seth, a nice warm cleansing bath. Seth enjoyed the feel of his clean skin after fifteen minutes of being in the washroom. Drying himself, Seth dressed himself promptly and met Hyperion outside. Let's go! I'm starving! Seth made way to the entrance of the dining hall, where he promised to meet Glory and Sundavar.

***
Ian's eyes darted to a lone figure in the dwindling dining hall. He gave her a sheepish smile as he approached her, Castiel beside him. The white dragon narrowed his eyes at ruby friend. You didn't start without me did you? Castiel asked as he beat Ian to the table, seating opposite of Magda, and eyeing the meat in front of them both. He salivated. I'm starving! Ian took too long mediating and talking! He complained to his kin, wondering if she had come to understand his words now.

Ian rubbed the back of his wet head as he finally reached Maude. His shirt was a bit damped because of his wet skin and Ian profusely apologized for his tardiness. "Sorry, Maude. We spent the day at a waterfall I found for meditation training and then Glory found me and we ended up talking for a bit." His heart fluttered as he gazed at her. "Sorry, I didn't mean to make you wait." He apologized again, feeling a bit embarrassed and ashamed for his lateness.

"Hi, Ian!" A group of female riders passed by their table, giggling as they glanced at Ian; not missing him putting his shirt on at the entrance.
"Hi." Ian glanced at them, perplexed. Not many people talked to him besides Maude, his sister, and Glory. He returned his attention to Maude, trying to ignore the odd stares and giggles from the departing girls; oddly it reminded him of the girls back at Celesti. They would always giggled and whisper to one another. It was weird.

"How was your day, Maude?" Ian asked her, desiring to fill his thoughts with her than anyone else. His eyes brightened as he began to converse with her. He glanced away briefly to pile food onto his plate.

[Tismri]

Gloriann found herself glancing at the sky and then around her every few minutes in anticipation, wondering how long Seth was going to take. She felt a bit odd just sitting outside the dining hall waiting, and butterflies kept coming to her stomach. Could she really admit to Seth that she liked him as more than a friend? She was worried over what his reaction might be. She really didn't want to ruin their friendship over something so inconsequential. Unless, of course, he liked her too. Then it wouldn't really be inconsequential.
Just be yourself, Sundavar advised her. I suggest you don't mention it until you know you're ready to. Glory relaxed a little at that, but still felt her stomach knot itself again as Seth and Hyperion finally appeared. She walked up to him and smiled brightly.
"It's about time you two got here!" she told him. Now that he was all clean and fresh, she gave him a hug.
Aye, we're hungry, Sundavar agreed.

[Trinn]

Maude listened to Ian's explanation passively. How did he think a thundering waterfall would help him mediate? Mediation was supposed to be peaceful. Well, no matter, he was here now and that was what mattered. It was then a group of giggling girls passed by, fluttering their eyes at Ian. Maude could feel the glare that filled her face, directed at the girls. They seemed to notice Maude after a little while, and slowly filed out. Maude hoped it was because she scared them off. Smoothing out her features, she looked back to Ian. "My day was rather exciting. My dragon began speaking today, and she now has a name. Magda."

Magda stared at Castiel, understanding him fully now. I always wait. she replied. Was the meditation successful? Now that Castiel and Ian were present, she began to tear into the meat that Maude had set before her.

[Max452]

Seth's nose inhaled Glory's scent, perhaps a bit greedily as he felt her hug him. "I wanted to make sure I'm presentable!" Seth laughed as he pulled away from Glory. "Shall we?" He asked Glory, gesturing toward the smell of food. Hyperion chortled. Sorry to keep you two waiting. His talons clanked on the stone surface as they entered the dining halls. "Pick a spot, Glory." Seth said, knowing that he wouldn't really be of any help in this department.

***
Ian glanced up from his plate to catch Maude's glare at the girls. "What's wrong?" He asked innocently, before placing a piece of a potato in his mouth. His eyes brightened when she mentioned that her dragon could speak now. "That's great, Maude! I like her name." He glanced at Magda. "Its a great name." He told the dragon as Castiel playfully sniped a piece of meat in front of his friend; ever since the first time he mooched off of her food, Castiel couldn't help do it again...just to see how she would react - it was a game for the silly dragon.
Nope! He kept watching me swim; he did all right for the first few minutes. Castiel said as he gnawed on his stolen food. He's not good at keeping his thoughts still. Its always the same thing, over and over again. It drives me crazy! He really needs to get over his fears and --- Castiel stopped short, realizing what he almost revealed. He could sense Ian's glare, but pretended not to notice. He clamped his mouth on the food, pretending he hadn't said anything at all.

Glancing away from Castiel, Ian returned his attention to Maude. He remembered his pact with Glory and with a nervous voice began to speak. "Um, Maude, I was...wondering, if you were busy toni---" Ian was cut off by a human boy that appeared at their table.

"Hey Maude. I'm Sebastian. We have Master Tismri's History of the Rider's course together." The human boy greeted, ignoring Ian completely. Ian eyed the interrupter, noting that he was a lot more muscular and bigger than he; he looked older too. Ian didn't like the fact that he was being ignored.
"Hello." Ian gruffed out, almost in a terroritorial grunt. The flicked his blue eyes over to Ian, looked him over once and then glanced back at Maude. That irritated Ian!

"So, I hear the Master's are throwing a small festival to celebrate the Ismalian Moon Festival. I was wondering, since you are the prettiest girl here, that you would want to go with me." The boy invited Maude on a date, causing Ian to pale for a moment, before growing red with anger! Who was this kid to interrupt his time with Maude! Let alone ask her out! Ian felt a something in the back of his mind plumment along with his gut. Would Maude say yes? Did she like these types of guys? Ian frantically wondered and pointedly looked away to hide his insecurity.

OOC: he he he lol

[Tismri]

Glory giggled a little when Seth told her he wanted to be presentable. She walked with him and the dragons into the dining hall.
"It was no trouble, Hyperion," she assured him. Sundavar snorted.
Says you, she said. I'm so hungry I could eat this entire room's worth of food! She gave Hyperion a playful little nip to express her impatience with him and his Rider a little more pointedly.
Glory gazed around the crowded dining hall. She was glad she had become just another face to most students by now, so almost no one even noticed her arrival. She noticed Ian sitting with Maude; there was a group of girls flocking near him, similar to the one that always seemed to hang around him back home. She sighed and shook her head. It seemed some things never changed. There was also another boy who looked like he was talking to Maude, which in turn seemed to make Ian very irritated. She directed Seth away from the group, partly to avoid the crowd and partly to give her cousin some space with Maude.
"Here's good," she told him, having walked to a table near the middle of a side wall, where relatively fewer people were seated.

[Trinn]

OOC: Poor Ian lol

Magda regarded Castiel with level eyes as he stole a piece of her food. She remembered her scolding from the first and only time she had attacked Castiel. Since then, there had been other times she would have liked to give her white friend a good thrashing, such as now, but she knew it would do no real good. Do not test me too much. She said warningly, a light growl in her throat. We should fight sometime. she added. I would like to test my skills.


Maude barely listened to the conversation between Magda and Castiel. She was completely focused on Ian. He was acting weird again, like he did every so often. But this time seemed different. Just when it seemed he was about to get to the point, a boy interfered. She looked up at him with a patient look. This kid, Sebestation, apparently thought she recognized him. And she did, but he was of no significance to her. "The moon festival?" she asked, having never heard of it before. She frowned a bit, not liking the fact that this random guy had called her pretty. She supposed any other girl would have been flattered, but Maude just felt annoyed. She wanted to be taken seriously. "No thanks, I don't know anything about it." She said, shrugging, not really realizing she was hurting the guys feelings. Turning her gaze back to Ian, she asked, "What were you going to say?" And thus gave this Sebastion his cue to leave.

[Max452]

Seth followed the sound of Glory's feet to the table she desired. He had memorized the dining hall before, but sometimes, people moved things on purpose...such as now. Seth grunted when he knocked into the table's edge. "Ow!" He rubbed his side, "someone moved it again..." He frowned, annoyed that such a simple thing could get him irritable. Hands out, Seth steadily motioned to find the table and seat. He promptly sat down, a bit embarrassed and flustered from his small mistake. He thought he had gotten use to it and he also did not want to be a fool in front of Glory.
You okay, Seth? Hyperion asked, coming over to sit next to his rider.
Perfect. Seth growled out, his lips downturned into a frown.

***
OOC: He's fun to mess with! lol

Castiel eyed Magda deviously. Why wait, Magda? Castiel asked, wanting to see how far he could push her; to him it was all in good fun. He never had any real intention to fight her for real - just to play. Castiel growled at her playfully, the bone of his meal sneaking out of his small dragon jaws. Play with me! He lowered his head a bit, still growling playfully as his eyes lowered themselves as if to strike. His shoulder blades slightly rose, while his tail grew more straight. He made several more encouraging growls.

Ian was oblivious to his dragon's playful taunts as he focused (thought tried not seem so interested) in Maude's response to Sebastion. His fingers toyed withhis fork as he heard Maude's reply. He glanced up to her then, trying to read her face. Did she seem obligated to stay with him? Was she sad to decline the boy's invitation? Was she clueless on his intentions? Or was she...actually more interested in himself? Ian could only hope for so much. He glanced over to Sebastion, who had a slight frown on his face.

Maude then turned back to Ian, making the boy's eyes bright as she returned to their previous conversation. Ian thought Sebastian was leaving and opened his mouth to speak again. "I, uh, was wonder--" Sebastion then cut him off again!

"Ah, come on, Maude. It'll be fun. Go with me. I've seen you fight; your great! You need a guy to match you - me. I'm strong." He glanced over to Ian, who was glaring at Sebastian. "Or what, you with this scrawny boy?"

"HEY!" Ian growled out at being insulted. Sebastian ignored him and continued on. Ian clenched his fists on the table, wanting to punch him. Stay calm, stay calm. No good will it do to start a fight...stay calm. Ian tried to stabilize his temper. He could feel Castiel get riled up. Its okay, Cas. Just make sure Magda is fine. Ian told his dragon.
He just insulted you! I will not have it!
And I won't have a brawl start out over this! We're better than this guy... Ian tried to convince himself.

"You need a real man, Maude. Not this twig!" He chuckled as he glanced over to Ian with a smirk. "Don't be blind for what's better for you."

"ENOUGH!" Ian slammed himself out of his chair, glaring at Sebastian.
"Oh, the twig wants to say something!" Sebastian returned Ian's glare, confident that he could beat him up.
"Its one thing to insult me, but you will not insult Maude!" Ian's voice was low but commanding. The young man's eyes blazed threateningly at Sebastian.
"What are you going to do about?" Sebastion asked, turning to face Ian a bit better. "Come on, twig...what are you going to do."
Ian's clenched fist tightened. "Get lost, if you know what's good for you." His tone was dangerous, but he made no move to punch the Rider in the face as he so desired to do.