A Dragon's Laugh (Seven)

[Thorn]

J'lan ducked beneath Granzth's wing, laughing uncontrollably as the bronze attempted to knock him into the deeper water of the lake. He'd been joking when he suggested trading the bronze for a runner, but Granzth being Granzth, had decided to get his own back on his rider.

Jumping forward with an agility contrary to his size, Granzth hooked the claws of one paw lightly into J'lan's belt and threw him out into the lake, resulting in a ferocious SPLASH!!!

J'lan surfaced, gasping for breath between the bursts of laughter still racking his frame, immensely glad that he'd taken his shirt off before bathing his dragon.

Oh, come on, Granzth, you know I was only joking! J'lan grinned up at him happily as he swam back to shore.

Joking? J'lan, as if I could ever be replaced by those things you call runners. Why, they don't even have wings! Granzth snorted derisively at the thought, but still allowed J'lan to climb up his leg.

[Seven]

Ehtyriath was watching the bronze from her ledge overhanging the 'bowl. Handsome bronze... but a tad too playful for her taste sometimes. Didn't take life seriously enough. She flicked her tail and looked down to where her Rider was carrying a good drink of water and a meatroll for her meal across the 'bowl.

Dearest, I do think you would like to go by the Weyrlake and see what is going on with Granzth and his rider. It might lighten your day a little bit. the queen's voice echoed in her rider's head and the rider shrugged, heading towards the Weyrlake. It wasn't too far to walk. Though it was a hot and sticky day. One of those days that she did not particularly care for. But she would go see what was going on at the lake...

And was she ever glad she did, watching the rather carefree looking bronze rider and his dragon seeming to play and have fun. She grinned and laughed a little, trying to hide it, though she was mostly unsuccessful as she raised her hand in greeting to the younger man. Though not that much younger. That was nice. It seemed like almost everyone around here was young. It was rather frustrating actually. Especially when this Weyr needed older and more experienced riders quite badly. "How's the water, J'lan?" she called to him. There was a smile on her face and shining in her eyes.

The weyrqueen rumbled quietly from where she sat. Oh yes, her rider needed this. She could use a little bit of carefree fun from time to time. It was good for her.... and she really never got any of it on a regular basis.... So why not have a little now. How do you fair this day, Granzth? the Weyrqueen asked from where she sat on her ledge, her tail twitching lazily as it hung over the edge of her ledge.

[Thorn]

J'lan grinned up at his Weyrwoman. "Not too bad, for once. Just the right temperature to cool off i-whoa!!!"

Granzth, deciding that he hadn't finished punishing J'lan enough yet, had used his head to shove his rider into the water again, a rumbling sound that could only be interpreted as his laugh escaping from his throat.

Surfacing, J'lan eyed the bronze, who ignored him in favor of answering the golden queen. I fare well this day, Ehtyriath. My thanks for asking. However... and here he fixed one swirling eye on J'lan again I have a need to deal with my insolent rider who believes he can replace me with a runner of all things.

J'lan gulped at that, and promptly dove underwater, already knowing what the bronze dragon had planned for him.

[Seven]

Noraali laughed again and turned away as a bit of water splashed against her face. She wiped at it. "Be careful Granzth! We don't need any accidental drownings!" she called to the bronze, taking a seat on a nearby rock as she watched the bronze and his rider. They were amusing. She was trying to cover her laugh again, but it wasn't working. She had all but forgotten about her meatroll and klah which she held.

The queen rumbled her amusement. As if any runner could replace so fine a bronze. The gold was complimenting him. Though she did try to refrain from flirting or encouraging males in general. Her current mate was always an exception, however. She always encouraged the mate she currently had. Though it was sometimes quite frustrating. Noraali herself had never had an actual mate and she was starting to doubt she ever would. It was a little hard to put time into a relationship and be an effective leader.

Ehtyriath was gliding down to the Weyrlake then, settling herself just a ways off and watching. Did I not tell you it would be enjoyable, mine? the gold asked her rider.

[Thorn]

Granzth rumbled happily deep in his throat at the comment from Ehtyriath. His eye raked the water, waiting for the opportune chance to grab hold of J'lan, knowing that he would have to surface at some point soon.

He was ready for the man just as his head breached the surface, jumping for his rider as he gulped in air, and grabbing him in his forepaws. Now I have you, J'lan. Even our beautiful Queen has said that I cannot be replaced by a runner!

"Granzth, what are you... Oh, no, wait, GRANZTH!!!" J'lan bellowed when Granzth set him down on the bank, pinned him with one paw, and set about licking him firmly. "Granzth, come on! I was joking, I wouldn't actuall-muh!"

This last was because Granzth had run his tongue over J'lan's face as he was talking. I know, J'lan, but that does not mean I shall let you escape just yet. Satisfaction at having taught his rider a lesson-at least, he hoped he had-Granzth released J'lan, allowing him to sit up as he eyed the bronze dragon warily.

"There would be less to wash and oil, though, Granzth." J'lan grinned cheekily up at his dragon as he jumped to his feet and ran for it, laughing happily as the dragon gave a huff of exasperation and chased after him once more.