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((This RP is being conducted over long distance between Western and High Reaches, but has been placed here for convenience!))

Freshly oiled and with a full belly, Kleoth tucked herself by Phryana's side as her rider focused intently on the lessons being taught. For the time being, it was nothing that involved the young queen. Indeed, a nap was not unexpected after feeding while they were still so small, and the thought of snoozing underneath the warm sun seemed tantalizing indeed. Another thought had occurred to her instead, and, giving herself a shake to brush off her drowsy feelings, Kleoth quested out with her mind.

Never before has she attempted to speak to someone across such distance, and her thoughts drifted towards many other dragons by accident. Some were amused, others annoyed. Some said nothing at all, while others offered advice. Undeterred, Kleoth continued searching and querying, each failure making her all the more determined to finally succeed.

Anakumath? She continued to ask, trying to seek the gold that had been so kind to her Phryana.

Success! Kleoth's eyes whirled a little faster, the only outward sign of her joy. Yes, the warm response perfectly matched what she'd been able to glean from her rider Hello! I'm so glad to have finally found you. I am Kleoth, and I am far away.... or, I am fairly certain I am. I am at Western Weyr. She believed she remembered some of the geography lessons the riders were learning, but all she really knew was that High Reaches was a colder place with many mountains.

I wanted to thank you for showing such kindness to my Phryana. She explained, allowing her affection to pulse through. You gave her hope when she had none, and through that hope, the courage to come here so I could find her. You have my gratitude. Though Anakumath was not part of her Weyr, Kleoth couldn't help but feel a sort of kinship with the older queen. She aided Phryana without hesitation, and Kleoth would never forget that.

It was, however, a pity that Anakumath wasn't here. Kleoth very much would have liked to meet her face-to-face!

The sudden picture that bloomed in her mind was enough to give the queen a small start of realization. Oh, yes! I see now! How clever! She could see it, and it helped put things into perspective. A hop away indeed--and, she concluded, perhaps they would be able to visit High Reaches one day.

Anakumath's humbleness immediately roused something protective in Kleoth, and she responded in turn. Oh, I have no doubt she was, but your impact was significant. She resisted the urge to hum to herself, sharing bits of Phryana's sensations of awe and wonder with the older queen. Thank you. Kleoth's happiness swelled once more. Though she hadn't been able to meet Phryana when she was still in her egg, there was no doubt that she was Hers.

Forgive me if it is bold of me to say, but I would very much like to get to know you better, Anakumath. You are a dragon to be admired.

There was a wisp of... something that Kleoth couldn't quite place, a trace emotion that had the young queen stirring. Had she said something? Was Anakumath alright? Before she could pry, the older queen continued the conversation, and after a moment, Kleoth allowed herself to be drawn back into it. Perhaps not, but that does not lessen the depth of my thanks. Oh, but to hear that... No, no, no. Kleoth wouldn't have any of it!

'Better' is a matter of opinion. You helped my rider before she was mine, simply because you didn't want her time to be wasted. You were the first dragon to ever speak to her, and you cared about her well-being, despite not even knowing her! She paused for a moment, composing herself as Phryana glanced down curiously upon feeling her sudden swell of passion. She gently nudged the young woman's thigh, letting her know all was well before she spoke again.

No, Anakumath. You are the kind of dragon I inspire to be. I wish for everyone in my Weyr to feel safe and valued. And that was the simple truth.

As do I. If anything, it had fueled her to make certain that she reached out to the Candidates here, if only to say hello and make it known that someone cared for them! Ah, but Kleoth all but glowed with pride at the nudge of affection she received. Though she'd only just met Ana, she valued her opinion.

Kleoth shifted in place for a moment, struck by the offered idea. Oh! Yes, of course! How insightful: I'll ask to see when would be an appropriate time. The brave warriors of the Weyr, selflessly risking themselves for all... One day, she and Phryana would join them, but not for a long Turn. But, that reminded her!

Oh, but Anakumath... you will be fighting Thread soon enough, correct? A wave of worry washed through her, almost swamped by a tidal wave of love and support. You'll be magnificent, I'm sure. I know such things might be out of your talons, but... please, be as safe as you can. Phryana and I will be thinking of you.

Kleoth mentally leaned into those positive feelings, huffing out a quiet sigh to herself. I trust you. But I will still worry. She admitted. From what little she knew, one could prepare as much as they could for Threadfall--and then things could change drastically when one was up in the air.

She solemnly thought about that before replying. Yes. I will hope for that as well. It still rankled her to know she could not be in the thick of things. That she could not flame like her siblings, that she was unable to directly destroy the enemy.... It was something she would have to learn to deal with, but she still loathed it with all her being.

Do you ever wish you could fight? The wistful question came after a moment. To flame, like the others can.

Oh! She was taken aback by the simplicity of the answer, and Kleoth turned it over in her mind. I see. She sounded thoughtful. Indeed, what good was it to sit and hope to be something she was not? But oh, to rise up and flame with her brothers and sisters! To sear Thread from the sky so that it could never touch her loved ones ever again! And yet.

I would not give up my ability to catch them. She concluded. Instead, I will be able to admire their hard work and their bravery, and hope that they do not need me. But if they should, I, too, pray that they know I will always be there to catch them.

Even if it was nice to dream of being able to do both.

A tiny croon welled in her throat at the feeling, and if she could have, she would have pressed her head against the other with gratitude.

I can do plenty of that! She laughed, knowing her siblings would amaze her with their feats of prowess just as they already did every day. Oh, Anakumath, I wish we were close enough to visit without needing to wait until I'm of age. Secretly, she would have preferred the older queen to live at Western, but would never insult her home Weyr by voicing such a thing. They each had their own people to take care of, and Kleoth knew that was how it should be.