KH: After The Display, More Flirting

Posted on Fri Feb 14th, 2025 @ 1:40pm by Bronze Rider Z'ran & Bronze Rider A'ren

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: Kymos Hold
Timeline: M2 D29

Z’ran grinned as he looked around the Gather. He was wearing his best clothes under his flight jacket, his mood high despite the tension he felt. It was the first Gather he had attended in many Turns. The one where Calarya and F’cone had been hurt—and he had snuck off—had been enough to put him off, but here he was, scanning the crowd for his mate after the aerial display. They had been forced to land at different ends of the Hold.

}: Avith’s is not far. :{ Alith assured him, as Z’ran asked for the fourth time if the bronze and green could help get them together. The aerial display had been fun, but Kat hadn’t been too thrilled about landing on the opposite side of the field from Z'ran. Avith wasn’t being much help either—it was as if the green was playing a game with her bronze mate. Kat sighed, weaving through the crowd. Surely, he couldn’t be too far. Then, finally, she spotted a familiar figure.

“Z’ran!” she called. Z’ran frowned, then an idea struck him. He let out a familiar whistle—one Kat would recognise if she was close enough. It was a simple signal, loud enough to carry through the crowd. Kat grinned. It was him. Carefully, she slipped between the people until she reached him.

“Hey, handsome,” she greeted with a smile.

Z’ran whirled around at the sound of her voice, his expression shifting from frustration to a wide grin. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her gently.

“You and Avith were perfect,” he murmured in greeting. She leaned into his kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck, and gave him a warm smile when he pulled away.

“Thank you. It was a lot of fun. You and Alith weren’t too bad yourselves.”

“It was great to do something like that that wasn’t Threadfall,” he admitted. Alith was still basking in the experience, proud of his performance. Z’ran smiled—his bronze was still cocky, even at over a decade old. He had to admit that might be his own fault. Overconfidence was a trait they shared.

“So, what are you doing now, my lady?” he asked, glancing around for options.

“It was fun. Avith loved it,” Kat agreed. The green thrived on acrobatics. “Hmm, I was hoping to meet up with a certain bronze rider and spend the day with him,” she answered cheerily.

“The certain bronze rider would like to know what they’re doing,” Z’ran said, grinning as he pulled her in front of him, pressing close and resting his chin on her shoulder as he surveyed the stalls. “You look beautiful, by the way.” He was glad they’d been provided somewhere to change—she deserved to dress up for once.

“Well, I plan on dancing, eating, and maybe finding a pretty piece of jewellery,” she grinned, kissing his hair. “Thank you. You clean up nicely yourself.”

“I try,” he assured her, smiling at the feel of her lips against his head. Her plans sounded perfect to him—especially if he added a few more ales into the mix. “I like all those plans, Kat. Which one are we doing first?” Kat giggled. She knew he tried—his fun-loving personality kept her grounded.

“Hmm,” she said thoughtfully. “Want to find a good ale and then walk the stalls?” She loved seeing what the merchants brought.

“I think that’s the best idea you’ve ever had—other than giving me a chance,” he grinned, turning her towards the taverns. He pressed a soft kiss to her neck, unconcerned about any looks they might get, before taking her hand.

“I saw some this way.”

“Well then, I’m glad you agree,” she giggled as his lips brushed her skin. Closing her eyes briefly, she savoured the touch.

“Then off we shall go,” she said. Z’ran grinned as he led the way. Before long, they found themselves outside a tavern where stalls were set up, selling different ales and ciders. Z’ran swiftly wove through the crowd, returning with two tankards.

“One slightly sweet one for you, and one cool and crisp for me,” he declared, taking a gulp. Kat chuckled, watching him navigate the busy stalls far faster than she would have.

“Thank you kindly.” He shook his head and took another sip of his ale. It was perfect—cool and crisp, just how he liked it. He’d definitely be coming back for another.

“The owner said there’s a picnic area with music around the corner if you want something livelier,” he said thoughtfully. He wasn’t sure if they should stay put or go enjoy the music together. Kat sipped her ale. It had a pleasant flavour, one she could easily drink all evening.

“Really? That sounds like fun. Let’s go listen to the music and enjoy our ales,” she grinned. She loved listening to the Harpers.

}: Try not to get into trouble with Avith’s. :{ Alith commented dryly as he spotted the pair below from where he was sunning himself.

Z’ran grinned up at his bronze before settling on a spot in the grass and stretching out. “Good spot, Kat?” he asked, glancing around as the Harper struck up a lively tune in the background. Kat looked around, watching the crowd. It was nice to see people smiling again, enjoying themselves. She turned back to Z'ran and smiled.

“Looks perfect to me,” she said, sitting beside him. Z’ran grinned—more roguishly, if that was possible.

“You look perfect to me,” he teased. He might be made Wingleader from time to time, but flirting was his true calling. Laughter came easily to him—a man who had once thought he’d be single and flirty forever.

The green rider raised a brow. “Oh, am I now?” she asked playfully. His flirting kept things fresh, and she certainly wasn’t about to stop him.

“Oh, very much. I don’t get to see you dressed like this often enough. Don’t get me wrong, flight gear does a lot for me, but this… this is beautiful,” he said, winking as he reached up to caress her cheek.

Kat chuckled softly. “Not very practical for a Fall,” she grinned, closing her eyes at his light touch. It was nice to dress up now and then.

“No, but this is certainly nice.” He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her temple. This—moments like these—was what made being a rider worth it. The sunshine, the company, and a good ale made the threat of Threadfall bearable. The green rider couldn’t argue. It was nice to enjoy these moments.

“It is,” she agreed, shifting closer to her mate. She couldn’t imagine being anywhere else right now.