Dog Days of Summer {Castiel}

[Pocket]

It was rather amusing some days to pry herself away from the sandboards and endless written scenarios, if only to follow after the innocent gold throughout her daily pastimes. Riklith had been exuberant over her rider joining her, practically bouncing in circles. They'd made a day trip out of it -- not like their excursion into the Igen desert -- and had spent the morning together like they always had. Haelyn had spent the majority of time just watching, smiling, and keeping a pleasant conversation going. It was nice; Haelyn had missed days like these. Calm, less stressful. It made her nostalgic for her weyrlinghood days, when all she had to worry about was feeding, oiling, and practicing lessons. 

Now, with the midday sun blanketed by cloud cover, the pair watched over the youngest weyrling class as they went through some of the more basic dragon care; bathing and oiling. They were just babies, really; fresh put of the shell by maybe no more than a month. It was exciting to watch the younger classes work, though they both knew the older classes would be out doing drills soon.

Though, even if she were not bonded to Riklith, she still believes she would enjoy watching emotions play across the dragons eyes. There were the rich greens of excitement, of new life and, most certainly, new friends; the overture of midtone blues, of contentment with the moment; as well as a worried silver as a small blue squeaked as they overturned a bucket, the occasional spark of orange at the beginning flares of midday hunger, and dulcet pinks swirling in happiness. There was the briefest of flickers, every now and again, of a deeper grey that curled for a few moments before she would shake herself slightly and it would be gone.

They are so wonderful. Riklith chirped softly, lowering her head down to Haelyn's seated height. Chevron lounged across her shoulders, bushy tail curled over her shoulder as he slept. The rider smiled, scratching Riklith's eye ridges happily. She crooned in response, making her rider laugh as she nosed at her. 

"Careful, Rikky. If I didn't know any better, I'd think they were yours."

The dragon snorted, rumbling low in her throat that was swamped by the sound of projected laughter. Haelyn still wasn't sure how she did that... They are wonderful, but aren't mine. 

"I think I'd know, love." Haelyn just shook her head, smiling as Riklith straightened before bouncing a good dragonlength closer before falling back towards where her rider leaned against the stone wall structure of the Weyr. It was a good day, with the sun being covered. Not too hot, but comfortable, given Igen climate.   

[kthehuman]

The heat was unbearable. Would Castiel never get used to these human sensations? He had exchanged his previous apparel for a fairly plain, light blue tunic and tan breeches. He felt the cloth against his skin, rubbing against him every time he moved. Such minute sensations still held his focus every now and then. He sighed and shook his head, moving through the halls of the Weyr as one of the weyrfolk had instructed him.

Castiel had been to many parts of Igen, mostly remaining around the Hold. He had heard, though, of the new clutch of dragons and their Impressed riders. Naturally, he was curious. The creatures were very different from the ones his Father had created millenia ago, when mankind was still young. The Pern-dragons were much more refined and personable. The Earth-dragons lived wild as just another animal, killing many a human in the process. That was why his Father killed them off; to let the humans prosper. No, they were not the same dragons. Castiel liked these Pern-dragons much more. They were approachable, friendly, and very intriguing.

Before he knew it, Castiel was in the Weyr Bowl where the new dragonriders - they're called weyrlings, aren't they? - were being trained. He was interested in how these training rituals worked. Looking around the Bowl, he saw many young riders. It seemed they were washing their small, awkward dragons. He tilted his head, curious as to why such a thing would need to be taught. Tired from his travels, he looked for a place to rest his legs. Off to the side, he saw the 'rider Haelyn and her golden dragon. Riklith was her name, and she was beautiful. They both were. Even as a human, he had not lost the love he felt for his Father's creations. Riklith was laughing, a deep, throaty noise that perplexed the former Angel, causing him to tilt his head again before walking toward them.

"Hello, Haelyn, Riklith. I am glad to see you. I would like to join you, if I may." This world and it's culture was far different than that of Dean and Sam's, and he was cautious of doing anything offensive. A pain wracked through his chest at the thought of his charges, taking the Angel by surprise. He had not felt such an emotion before, and was unaware of the name and the cause. Castiel kept his face as emotionless as possible for the duration of the feeling, trying to pay attention to the two beings in front of him.

[Pocket]

The light gold dragon paused mid-step, turning at the sound of her name. Her gaze turned before landing on the dark-haired man. Oh! Hello Castiel! I'm glad to see you, too! She crossed the distance between them, her eyes quickly turning into an excited green torrent. Riklith lowered her head down to his level, eyeing him curiously. Of course you may! Right, Haelyn?

The goldrider just laughed quietly to herself. She was happy to see the man, if only just a bit relieved that he'd found a suitable change of clothes. Those dark threads he'd been wearing in the desert made for ill wear in the sun. "Of course you may, and it is good to see you, too, Castiel." Haelyn shifted her weight off of her knee, making the feline across her shoulders huff lazily. She scratched him at the crown of his head, shaking her head as he settled back with a contented purr. Strange feline. 

"How have you been settling in at Igen? The heat isn't for everyone, but if you can learn to live with it the autumn is worth it." Having lived in the Igen region most of her life, this heat was as natural to her as High Reaches were to high peaks. "We've come to watch weyrling lessons," She gestured towards the gaggle of awkward dragonets and even more awkward riders.  

[kthehuman]

Castiel gladly met Riklith by scratching her eye ridges. He smiled, tilting his head at the odd change of color within her large eyes. If he did not take interest in today's lesson, he would definitely find contentment watching the large dragon's eyes for a while.

"You are right. The heat is...unsettling. But I believe I will become accustomed to it with time," he turned his smile towards the 'rider, moving to sit next to her. "I came to watch the lessons, as well. I was curious as to what they would be like. I must admit, I am confused as to why they must be instructed on bathing techniques." His statement ended with slight disappointment, a very minor adjustment from its standard monotony. He glanced at Haelyn, tilting his head again, "I did not know you had a cat."

[Pocket]

The golden dragon made a contented purr, eyelids drooping slightly. She shifted around as Castiel sat with her rider, pressing the bridge of her snout against his knees before turning to check on the bathing progress. 

"That's the spirit." Returning his smile, she glanced back out at the young class. She had to stifle down a chuckle at the disappointment flagging in his voice. It wasn't the most interesting of lessons, but it was vital. "Cleaning techniques are important to teach, actually. Dragons don't produce natural oils to keep their hide soft, so without bathing and oiling their hide may dry and crack. Damaged hide is dangerous Between, so we teach new weyrlings any and all that we can to prevent any incidents." She paused, glancing inadvertantly to Riklith--specifically, her shoulder. "Plus, the knowledge comes in handy, should dragons get threadscore," Her gaze flickered up, to the dark band spanning a quarter length around her pale golden hide. "or otherwise." 

Those great swirling eyes picked a hint of grey as Riklith gave a low chirr. Haelyn just shook her head, forcing a smile and scratching the gold dragon's nose gently. "There's also the senior weyrling class, who will be out doing drills later on. They do tend to be more exciting." The woman grinned, her voice taking on a slight teasing edge. 

"Mm? Oh, him?" Said feline rose off her shoulder, blinking owlishly at the new person. His collar shifted and moved as he placed one paw on the angel's shoulder, followed by his other front paw before he tried to climb fully onto his shoulders. "My sister got him for me last turn, as something else for me to focus on. His name's Chevron."

Riklith glanced back, imploring Castiel with wise eyes. Be careful. Chev likes to chew on hair. That earned a laugh out of her rider, which Haelyn quickly stifled down. 

[kthehuman]

Castiel followed Haelyn's gaze as she spoke, noticing not for the first time the scarring along Riklith's shoulder. If he still had his Grace, he could easy relieve both 'rider and dragon of their pains. As it was, he could do nothing. Then he felt an odd weight press on his shoulder, and his tunic moved awkwardly. He tensed and turned his head around, looking in the eye of a fuzzy cat that was in the process of climbing over to his shoulders.

"Erm...hello, Chevron." He reached up awkwardly to pet the cat between its ears. He turned his gaze back to the dragon, "I don't mind if he chews on my hair. Physical appearance has never concerned me." He looked back towards Haelyn, brows furrowed slightly. "I would like to know what it is like to be bonded to a dragon." He gazed directly at the 'rider, unwavering, as Chevron chewed on his thick, black hair.

[Pocket]

The feline squeaked, licking the hand that petted him before moving to investigate the wild dark hair the man posessed, settling fully onto his shoulders. When the angel made no move to push him away, he settled to munch on his hair. Riklith rumbled, eyes spinning a light, sky blue.

Haelyn smiled, watching Chevron settle on his shoulders. "Well, that makes two of us, at least for physical appearance matters." She blinked, gaze switching back to the man her cat was perched on. Under his unwavering gaze, Haelyn almost found herself wanting to duck and shrink back. But she squared her shoulders just a bit more, and considered her answer. "Being bonded to a dragon... It's the most amazing experience. Never being alone, having this one soul that understands you and matches you completely." A smile, nostalgic and unbidden, settled as she let her gaze drift momentarily to Riklith. "Riding a dragon, soaring over open skies is amazing. But as a bonded pair, working together as one cohesive unit? Flying and protecting the skies... It's an exhillerating experience."     

[kthehuman]

Riklith's rumbling caught Castiel's attention, and he turned to observe her. He was intrigued by the light blue color, as well as the spinning effect that was visible in the large orbs. He resigned himself to ask about the shifting colors at a later time.

As he listened to Haelyn describe her bond, the pang in his chest returned. A look of confusion flitted across his face momentarily, before he settled back into his normal, stoic features. "I find such a bond to be interesting. And I...I believe that I desire to experience it." Worry, an emotion that he felt often toward Dean, wracked his body and mind as he considered the consequences of his next words, "Would such a thing be...possible? Since I am not of this world, I mean." Nervous of the answer, he glanced back out to look at the weyrlings, without really taking note of what they were doing.

[Pocket]

As the angel spoke, Haelyn's gaze shifted back over to Castiel, observing him quietly for a moment. She'd come to terms with his usually stoic nature, as some of the people she'd been forced to deal with in her life had been less than emotionally forward. However, the play of worry across his features made her own begin to bloom. However, it was overshadowed by realization.

"You want to stand?" It was hard to keep the surprise from her voice. Being from another world, it wouldn't be quite so shocking that the good handful of Lost ones they'd been collecting from the desert would be resistant on meshing with their society. At least, not so quickly. However, Haelyn couldn't help but smile -- practically beam. If one could be the catalyst, perhaps this would stage more of a mesh between cultures. 

Not, however, she would subjugate her new friend to all of this. But, hopefully, people would follow by example.

"We're always open to candidates to stand for hatchings. Riklith herself is due to rise sometime in the near future. And you appear to be of sound mind, Castiel." In a playful move to hopefully ease the worry of his mind, she leaned over, lightly bumping her shoulder against his. "I would have no qualms over you standing."

The golden dragon turned back towards the pair, her eyes whirling a slow mix of deeper blues and greens, with the occasional streak of silver. If it would put you at ease, Castiel, I can search you to give you your answer. It was odd, the higher pitched voice so usually coated in playful innocence to be serious. But even Riklith had her moments.

[kthehuman]

Utter shock and confusion washed over Castiel. Stand? Search? And was that shoulder bump...playful? Why was Riklith so serious? He couldn't wrap his mind around what they were saying. It was too much for his now-human mind. His brows drew together, and he took a few deep breaths to collect his thoughts.

"I...so it is possible?" A tentative, hopeful smile played across his lips. Then, quick as it came, it was gone. He looked for a long while into Riklith's swirling eye, "What do you mean, search me?" He looked quickly back to Haelyn, "And what would such a position entail?"

[Pocket]

Haelyn drew back slightly, giving herself a moment to think. In her hasty excitement over Castiel's want to stand, it had somehow slipped her mind -- once more -- that he was not of this world, and she needed to slow herself down. 

"Forgive me, Castiel. I got caught up in my own excitement." She rubbed the back of her hand, considering her answers. "Well, we'll start from the beginning, I guess."

Searching is a dragon's duty to go look for un-Impressed folk who hold qualities of becoming a dragon rider. It's a harmless process, and only requires me to look within your mind. Pressing her broad nose up against Castiel's knee, her eyes whirled slowly. 

"However, even though you are not originally from this world," Haelyn cut in once it was clear Riklith had no move to continue. "You are a Weyr resident as of now. If you would prefer, you are not required to be searched. You are able to stand on your own decision."

Haelyn, he still does not know what standing is.

"I was getting to it, Rikky." Haelyn smiled, before it fell. "Standing is, basically, standing for a dragon clutch. Day of the hatching of a clutch, all candidates are gathered to stand within the hatching cavern," She pointed to the great maw across the weyrbowl, where the empty sands lay baking. "It's a large amphlitheatre of sorts, with thick hot sands coating the floor on which eggs are layed until they mature to hatch. The candidates scrabble around the hot sands as hatchlings emerge, searching for Theirs. You generally want to stay out of an unImpressed dragon's way, as to avoid getting hurt -- for both you and the hatchling."

The woman paused, stretching herself out. It had been a long time since she's had to explain this to anyone. "The duties of a dragon rider. Depending on what your dragon is like is where your duties may change. Like mine, as Riklith clutches and cannot chew firestone, are more domestic. But still we fought thread, with flamethrowers." She manages to supress the wince at the memories, before taking a breath and diving back in. "Thread is a a spore that falls from a neighboring planet, when it swings too close to ours. It burns and eats at everything organic it touches. The only ways to immediately kill it are to burn it, or freeze it Between. Male dragons simply chew firestone and swallow it to their second stomach, which allows them to expell flame."

She glanced up at Chevron, who had given up on trying to eat Castiel's hair and had settled to lay across his shoulders. Gaze shifting back to the man, Haelyn offered him a smile. "But, yes, it is possible." 

[kthehuman]

When Riklith nudged Castiel's knee, he responded by scratching her snout, moving on to her eye ridges while he processed everything that he was being told. He spent several minutes in silent reflection after Haelyn had finished speaking, looking into the swirling colors of the golden dragon's eye.

"All I must do is stand before the eggs as they hatch, in hopes that one would choose me as it's 'rider? And I may either be searched or choose to stand on my own." Castiel looked to Riklith, "I do not remember if I told you, but I am a good deal older than my body suggests. I am not sure how it would affect you," he looked back toward Riklith, "if you were to search my mind. I have seen a great many things that others were not meant to." He smiled broadly, and again regarded the gold 'rider, "However, I have waged war for a very long time. I believe I would be quite useful in your fight against this...Thread."

[Pocket]

Riklith thrummed quietly, most of her eyelids slipping shut at the attention she received. She waited quietly with her rider as the angel took his time processing all of this, knowing -- though not by her own experience, but by Haelyn's -- that this could be a lot to intake and process.

"That is correct." Haelyn reached up, rubbing just below the area of where Riklith's headknob branched from her skull. "You told us, though I must admit I was skeptical at first -- if you'll forgive me for the misgiving. But I had no proof to believe you were lying to me -- nor would you have reason to. Personally, I find the idea.. intriguing." She wanted to ask him of his home world, what the culture was like, what his previous life had been like -- though restrained herself. "Someday, I'd like to hear more of your world. If it wouldn't be overstepping boundaries, of course."

As I am much stronger mentally then those believe me to be. However, if you don't want me to, I will respect your decision.[/i] The golden dragon gave a soft chirrup, eyelids pulling back as her eyes whirled a soft orange of her contentment.

Waged war? It took a beat to correct herself, again. He was older than he appeared, yet he carried no battlescars. Another mysterious thing about the angel. However, it was definitely no dissuasion to try and include one more mind into the defense against thread. "Another mind working with us is one more advantage against thread. I don't know how experienced you are with defensive strategies, though I have some of my old notes from wing formation reworking if you'd like to take a look at them sometime."

[kthehuman]

Castiel smiled again into the now orange eyes of the dragon. He found that he was doing that more and more as a human. While he did smile as angel, he didn't do it often. Usually he smiled at things Dean said or did. Now that he was human, he found contentment and happiness in many more things. "I think it would be interesting to have you search my mind. I merely worry for your sanity. What would this search entail? I need to know exactly before I make my decision."

He looked back again to Haelyn, retaining his smile. "I would enjoy telling you more about my homeworld, Haelyn. However, I would prefer to have a more..." he glanced around quickly, "private setting. It is not knowledge that I want to become available to all." Again, his chest was pained with thoughts of home and his charges. He cleared his throat, "I am proficient in all forms of battle. I must admit, though, dragons are a new factor." He smiled wryly at the 'rider, "I would very much like to look at those formations."

[Pocket]

Riklith was quiet for a few moments, glancing back at her rider. They were both silent, before Haelyn nodded, patting her dragon on the neck affectionately before looking away. The dragon crooned softly at her rider, before looking back towards Castiel. The searchrider who found Haelyn saw the same qualities I did. An unwavering love and devotion for those around her and her Weyr, an amazing sense of problem solving and strategy. These, of course, are only small parts of her. But being searched is a glossing of your personality -- the main points of who you are that would qualify you to be a potential rider.[/i] The dragon stopped, pausing, before giving a soft wuft exhale of air. I find myself at a loss to explain Searching, fully.[/i]

"It's okay, Riklith." Haelyn smiled at her Bonded, before glancing over at Castiel. "Understandable, no doubt. I do look forward to when we are able to have that conversation." Up on Castiel's shoulder, Chevron suddenly yawned and stretched, standing up fully. He leapt from the angel’s shoulder, to the junction of Riklith’s head and neck before making a final leap to Haelyn’s lap. She eyed the feline, who made himself comfortable, giving her own head a shake before scratching the top of his head.

“Hopefully we can use some of your experiences to better our advantage. Not, to say, that’s merely the only edge to it. Dragonriders have the duty to protect Pern from thread, as we are the first line of defense.” The smile almost turned a bit bitter. Having a rider too afraid to fly thread again wasn’t much use. But, hence, she used her skills anyway she could. “They’re from a few turns ago – the reworking that actually helped to boost me to an elected position on the Weyr council. That was unintentional, though – I merely saw a way to improve the efficiency of a wing.”