What If Our Girlfriends Were Our True Soulmates, and Guys Were Only There For Our Fun? {Gold Riders, Open}

Season: Early Summer [after the hatching]
IC Time: Late in the Evening

Adrienne-Mine, what are you doing?

Galateath was watching with interest as her Rider, Adrienne, was moving and twisting her body around the room, dancing happily to her own beat. Her heart was singing, and while the Gold was glad that Hers was content, she was curious as to what she was doing.

I'm dancing, Gala. It's something we do when we're happy, or when we like the music someone's playing.

But there is no music...?

You forget the music in my heart.

With a happy humming that resonated throughout their new quarters, Galateath's eyes whirled a happy blue as she enjoyed her Rider's emotions, and her huge head followed Adrienne's movements around the room as the tall woman danced. If Hers was satisfied, all was well in Galateath's world, and the Gold liked it that way.

On Adrienne's side of things, she really couldn't be happier. Her dragon was healthy and strong, she got to spend most of her time with her closest friends, the other Riders, and the masons had finally finished with their new quarters, letting the Riders from the first hatching move in. As of now, there were only a few decorative rugs humg on her walls, but Adrienne knew she'd eventually get the room nice and homey.

Continuing on with her dancing, her brown hair was flying in circles about her head as she moved her hips and swayed with a beat unknown to anyone but herself. Lynx, too, was dancing with her, darting about around her and trilling happily. When there wasn't a musician around, one had to improvise. Although, if anyone happened to walk in she knew she'd had a time explaining that one. Oh, yeah, I'm just dancing. Nothing weird. She smiled to herself as she thought of what Mik's reaction might be... Grinning wider, she had a feeling he'd only laugh and dance with her.

Ah, Mik. Sometimes, she didn't understand him, and other times she felt like she knew him better than she knew herself. He'd been her constant companion for about ten years now, and he'd always been there. Sashike swore Adrienne should just go on and stake her claim, but Adrienne'd be damned before she ever told him she loved him.

With Sashike's name came a rush of happy memories, starting with the day they'd first met in the Geisha lesson. Things had come so far since that first day, and now Adrienne considered the other Goldrider one of her best friends. She was the only living being besides Lynx and Galateath that knew of Adrienne's feelings for Mikhael, and she'd always listened to Adrienne when she needed to rant about him. Galateath was a great listener as well, but sometimes Adrienne needed to tell another human about her emotions. She loved the way they'd laugh about Sashike's dates with Soldier, and Adrienne was of a firm opinion that their relationship was just the cutest thing...

Adrienne laughed aloud then, remembering a certain detail Sashike had entrusted her with. Girlfriends were the best thing a woman could ask for, besides a loving dragon, of course.

Delanth had been insistent on wanting to see one of her fellow gold sisters. To talk about the bronzes was her reasoning, but Sashike knew that her gold missed her siblings even though she wouldn't admit it. Delanth was particularly fond of Airliath, in her opinion the gold was too aggressive to be a proper queen. A queen had to be in charge and dominant, but aggression was only to be used when absolutely needed. So she asked to go see Galateath.

That was perfectly fine with Sashike. Adrienne was probably one of her best friends and she liked spending time with her. Since she had given her the Geisha lessons the two had bonded quite closely. It was weird being in separate quarters, but it was nice to have some privacy. They arrived at Adrienne's quarters and Sashike knocked on the door. "It's me Adrienne."

"It's me, Adrienne."

The Goldrider heard her friend's voice just barely over Galateath's humming, and immediately ceasing her dancing she jogged to the door and pulled it open, waving Sashike in. Galateath, on her end of the room, turned so that she could watch for Delanth's entrance onto the ledge of her quarters. The pale Gold Queen loved her sisters dearly, even if they were more... tempermental than she.

After she'd shut the door behind them, Adrienne walked over one of the couche's she'd taken from her old quarters with Mikhael and Cally and fell down upon it, bouncing slightly as the cushions gave with her weight. Adrienne's face was still pulled into a happy smile, and her eyes were bright with excitement as she waited for Sashike to make herself comfortable, motioning to the other side of the sofa for her to sit. Grabbing a pillow Adrienne hugged it to her chest and pulled her long legs up, situating herself into a comfy ball. She was wearing what she planned on sleeping in, an old red pair of Mik's boxers and a loose, ragged white t-shirt, but she realy didn't care. Sashike was one of her closest pals, and the graceful, polite woman wouldn't mind at all Adrienne's appearance. It was her quarters, after all.

After flashing her a bright, welcoming smile, Adrienne settled her legs again and asked,

"What have you been up to? I haven't seen you all day today..."

With a mischievious, knowing smile, Adrienne added,

"I haven't seen much of Soldier, either.... Y'all take an extended trip somewhere?"

Of course, Adrienne was only teasing her; she knew there was something there between the two, obviously, and she wanted more details, just like any other loyal girlfriend. After all, what fun was messing around with a guy, particularly one like Soldier, if you couldn't giggle with your closest friends about it?

Alicia finally had a bit of free time and wanted to make the most of it. Her life had been a lot more active after her impression of Lisbeth, but she was not going to complain because she had the most wonderful partner in her life whom would never leave her. It filled her with joy and pride at the honor, and Lisbeth reminding her that she was worthy of one such as her really helped. Sometimes it went bad and she got into arguments with the others; but that was one of the things she wanted to figure out.

Of course; the other hatchling riders weren't necessarily going to do. As Lisbeth would point out, they were not her chosen and not of the same caliber as she. But at the same time she hardly knew any of the older riders, for she had not socialized much with the other candidates. But her mind had connected with a few whom might be able to help.

The other goldriders.

It was only fitting they get together anyways; they would be the ones eventually leading the others and continuing on the dragon species; if the fertility of the dragonets and firelizards was to be any guide. And they all had the same problems. Strong willed, determined, and powerful partners.

With that in mind Ali had set out, Lisbeth in tow. She also wanted to see the new rider quarters, to see what she could expect when it was time for her and Lisbeth to graduate.

Lisbeth plodded alongside and looked up at Alicia. 'What do you think these other goldriders can tell you that I cannot?' She inquired, a bit put out still that she could not get an extra grooming during their free time.

'I told you; its high time we meet the other worthies like us. They also may have some information for us, on what to expect when you get older,' Ali repeated, glancing fondly at her gold. She paused a moment to stroke her head, which was growing slightly larger by the day.

Lisbeth leaned into the attentions and crooned delightedly. 'All right, mine, but let us not spend too long. I want to get an oiling again, I think I feel a bit itchy.'

Ali finally made her way up the stairs to where she knew one of the goldriders had taken up residence. As she and Lisbeth approached they heard voices, and Ali's spirits lifted a bit. Maybe she would meet some of the other gold riders and it would not take so long. She walked out to the entrance of the dragon area, and called out, "Hello, anyone? Anyone here? Its Alica and Lisbeth."

Sashike allowed Delanth to go on ahead of her before she came in herself. 'You have a fun time with Galateath now.' She said to her gold.

'I will. We will be having good conversations I believe.' Delanth said almost prancing over to her golden sister. 'Good evening sister. How are you fairing? Your rider treating you the way a gold should be treated?'

Sashike, like Adrienne, was wearing a night outfit. Though the petite woman tried to wear as many traditional style clothing as she could she was finding it more and more difficult to do so these days. It made her sad, but she loved her Delanth and wouldn't change a things. So the night outfit she had on was a pair of loose pants and a long sleeved shirt, though they did have a bit of a Japanese flair to them. She sat down on the opposite end of the couch and made herself comfy.

Sashike couldn't help but blush at Adrienne's last comment. She liked Soldier, a lot, but so far they had just been sweet hearts. Nothing too hot and heavy. "I was with Soldier yes, but we were having a lovely picnic with Delanth and Tiberiuth. Honestly, I think all of us are playing it extra safe with what happened to Artemis and all." She said, then instantly regretted bringing up the sad incident. It was the truth though, the riders were now extra diligent in making sure they didn't do anything to upset their dragons that much. "Anyways, how have you been?" She asked and then heard a call from the dragon entrance. Since this wasn't her quarters though she didn't answer back, it wouldn't be proper for her to say something before Adrienne did.

In answer to Delanth's query, Galateath crooned an affectionate greeting before replying, sending her sister mental images of Adrienne oiling her and taking extra care to make sure she was satisfied.

Yes, sister, I'm doing fine. She's done a very good job, I believe. How have you been? Your hide is nice and glossy, just like one of ours should be.

Galateath knew her sister's like of complments, and only sought to make the other Gold happy by her words. Galateath, her personality being like it was, saw most of the other dragons and riders in the Caldera as Hers, and as such she liked all of those she watched over to be happy. When they were happy, she was content, and the Gold liked to keep things calm and peaceful.

Adrienne, back in the rooms, smiled conspiratorially as Sashike told her about the picnic with Soldier, her heart warming for the two of them, and she only grimaced the slightest at the mention of Artemis's death. She'd been selfish, from what Galateath had been able to glean from Surath's mind before his death, and although they all mourned her loss Adrienne had a feeling she'd reaped what she had sowed. Nodding her head, Adrienne replied,

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Not that I'd be doing anything, of couse..."

The last part was added quickly, but Adrienne knew Sashike saw through her facade. After a long moment, during which they both just looked at each other, Adrienne couldn't help it; she burst into laughter, knowing full well the other woman knew her thoughts.

She was about to try and defend herself when a voice echoed throughout their quarters, calling both Adrienne and Galateath's attention to their visitors.

"Hello, anyone? Anyone here? Its Alica and Lisbeth."

Craning her neck to look through the entrance, Adrienne called out,

"In here, Alicia."

At the same time, Galateath told the hatchling, her voice calm and welcoming,

Come out here with us, darling.

Moving around on the ledge so that she faced the way Lisbeth would be approaching, Galateath looked at Delanth, her eyes whirling a happy blue before she turned back to see one of the newest golds.

Ravana had just finished Drilling her Squadron, Airlaith on high watching, ever since she had gained her ability to fly, the gold spent most of her time perched on her ledge high, watching everyone in a way that was akin to a hawk watching it's prey. Waiting for the right time to pounce, as it was she was never at the hatching, Ravana was right in not bringing her, because she had become particularly difficult that day. Today however she seemed to be on a good enough behaviour that Ravana felt assured that she could leave her gold long enough to go have a chat to Adrienne over a fuel conservation method for the sleds, they knew they were running low, but as to how low was a secret to no one but those who worked on the sleds, and the Squadron Leaders themselves.

'At least say hello Airliath'

Ravana nudged, getting nothing more than a grumble from her partner she let the gold be. She would not push her, lest she risk another day happening like the hatching. Had Airliath impressed anyone other than Ravana, they would probably have already betweened or killed someone by now. So it was indeed a good stroke of fate that it had been Ravana she had chosen. There was little warning as Ravana strode in, a little shocked to find her fellow goldrider Sashike in there too, and the new one.. Alicia was her name..at least she thought it was. Not that any of this emotion registered on her face as she nodded to Adrienne.

"If you're busy I can return at a more appropriate time."


####


Izulai was still getting used to not seeing her children quite as often as she had been. She still worried 'they' would come after her, even though she knew 'they' were dead. Kashinath however had been there to lull her fears and fill her with warm comforting love that seemed to allay her OCD feelings, even though the gold had nearly given her a heart attack that morning when she had moved her neatly folded clothes from her bed so she could sleep there.

'The others have all gathered at Galateath's rider's quarters. Shall we go join them?'

Kashinath's soft voice inquired in her mind, it was like a soothing balm on her fretting mind. Izulai herself was dressed in night clothes, which for her consisted of loose pants and a loose shirt which clung to her figure neatly. On her feet there were a pair of soft hide boots that had followed her from her past, and not until now did she realize they finally fit her.

"Of course dear, if you insist?"

For she knew her partner would insist, she simply loved to know how everyone was going. It wasn't long after Ravana entered that Izulai followed with Kashinath by her side, the gold by far the smallest in the room. The smallest ever hatched so far too, but then again the size one hatched at was never much indication for the size one grew to. She was polite in her entrance and stood to the side realizing that this indeed was a rare occasion. For all five of them were in the same room together, both new and old.

"I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

Alicia walked into the chambers of the gold rider and looked around. Her eyes took in the rather plain appearances, but she supposed that could not be helped given the fact they had only just been finished. However there should have been more effort put into making them comfortable at least! But they were fairly roomy; and it appeared Adrienne had moved in some furniture at least. It was fitting for gold riders.

Her eyes finally landed on the two gold riders that were present. She opened her mouth to say hello; but a sound at the door caused her to turn around. She had recognized Sashike in the room with Adrienne which was no surprise given their friendship, but seeing Ravana waltz on in, and then Izulai in the door was striking. All five gold riders in one place at one time was certainly of note.

"Um... was there a party going on? Looks like all of us whom dragonkind will depend upon are here now..." She said in a low voice, still unable to shake the surprise.

Out in the larger dragon chamber, Lisbeth slowly strolled up towards the larger queen. She couldn't help but show off, lithe and sleek, even though she was younger and much smaller than either of them. Her entrance was cut short and made less dramatic by the arrival of the other mostly-grown gold -and- her clutchmate. 'So all the worthy have arrived; those whom will be the mothers to dragons in the future. Where should I sit?' the young gold asked, looking at Galateath as the one whom should dictate whom sat where.

Sashike could only smile as very quickly all of the goldriders of Pern came to Adrienne's room, their golden dragons in tow. She didn't know the two newest riders very well at all, but she smiled and said hello to them as they came. "This is quite the party. If I would've known I would have brought some tea and snacks." She said, scooting over in case someone needed to sit on the couch with her and Adrienne.

Delanth welcomed the young queen as she came in. Then the other two queens came. The gold wasn't very happy that Airliath had joined them, but she was a queen and as a queen was to be treated with respect. 'Well, now that we are all here. Is there anything important that needs to be discussed? I know you younger golds are not quite ready to be leaders yet, but it will not hurt you to start learning.' Delanth loved acting like she was in charge, whether she really was or not didn't matter.

"If you're busy I can return at a more appropriate time."

Looking up quickly, Adrienne met Ravana's eyes with a friendly smile. She & the sled pilot went way back, back to even before the dragons and her friendship with Sashike. At one time, she was the only mechanic trusted enough to work on Rava's sled... although eventually she was able to convince Ravana that Mikhael was just as capable.

"No, Ravana, come on in. Have a seat..."

As she said the last part Adrienne got up & gestured to the place where she had been sitting before walking over and vaulting onto her bed. As she started to settle her body into the matress, Izulai walked in and spoke, her voice polite and sweet, as always.

"I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

Speaking quickly, Adrienne said,

"Of course not, 'Zulai. Come in, have a seat."

Waving her hand over in the direction of the couch, she pointed out a place for bond of the smallest Gold to sit. Sashike had, thankfully, moved over to make room, and now there was room for three to sit comfortably on the couch. With a thank you in her eyes Adrienne looked at Sashike before turning her attention to Alicia, who was now speaking.

"Um... was there a party going on? Looks like all of us whom dragonkind will depend upon are here now..."

With a wry grin Adrienne shook her head and replied,

"A party wasn't planned, but that doesn't mean we can't have one. Come over here, Alicia. Sit by me and stay awhile."

It was a purposeful move that Adrienne had planned; she knew already of Alicia's personality, and she had no doubt she'd be able to handle her should something arise. Adrienne figured she could spare Sashike some pain if Lisbeth's rider sat by her.

Good thinking, my heart.

With a twinkle in her eyes as she surveyed the room, Adrienne replied,

Of course, Gala. You're rubbing off on me.

The answering hum was heard throught her quarters, and Adrienne's grin got wider. Leaning into the headboard of her bed, Adrienne grabbed her pillow and pulled it close to her chest, hoping no one saw her inhaling deeply as she pressed her nose to the cloth. She'd never tell a soul besides Gala, of course, but it was Mikhael's pillow... Hell, he'd taken her about half of her underwear as a joke whenever they were moving into the Rider's Quarters, and she still hadn't got them back, so she figured it was a fair trade. She'd taken a few of his shirts, most of his boxers, and... his pillow. It smelled just like him...

After a moment, during which the Gold Riders just looked around and got familiar with each other's faces, Adrienne spoke.

"So... How are your dragons doing? Any problems, anything you might have questions about? I'm sure we all have information to contribute... after all, all we really have is each other to learn from."

In the dragon's wallow, Galateath was as satisfied as if she'd just feasted. All her fellow Golds were arriving, and they were congregating on her ledge! It was so nice... and they had so much to discuss.

After motioning with her snout for Lisbeth to take a seat over by Delanth, She listened intently to her Golden sister's words as Delanth spoke, and she rumbled low in her chest. Yes, they needed to talk, to communicate about the goings on in her Caldera.

Yes, do any of you have questions?

When no one immediately responded, she looked to Delanth again and asked, her voice tinged with worry for her future children.

Dearest, have you noticed how we are running low on candidates? This will not do... Our children must have a fantastic selection to choose from. Have you any ideas?

Galateath had an interesting idea herself, but she didn't want to speak of it just yet. Hopefully one of her sisters had thought of it as well, and maybe they had some contributions. Still humming, she turned her great head to look at each of those gathered, her faceted eyes seeming like jewels in the moonlight.