Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 20, 2010 0:31:04 GMT -5
As the two rambunctious blues Impressed, one to a boy and one to a girl, Raelwyn couldn't help but smile at their antics and their adorable expressions, despite the tragedies of the day. So many sad things had happened, but good things had occurred as well, and the harper tried to focus on the more positive notes. Healthy dragonets had hatched and bonded, and that was well. Green eyes focused upon the clutch, the girl did not notice the other moving until Trith snarled, and darted forward towards the edge of the eggs. Blinking, the candidate then noticed another girl had moved towards a gold-hued shell, no doubt an ambitious one intent upon claiming the new queen, but with the events of the Touching not easily forgotten...Trith was not aware of her intentions, and instead had acted upon fear and instinct. Raelwyn flinched as the woman was thrown to the side, her body crumpled and bleeding upon the edge of the sands. She wanted to help the fallen candidate, but knew that any move now would be unwise, especially with their queen in her current mindset. Anything could set her off, and the healers were not allowed on the sands until the hatching was over.
Swallowing, the harper felt both pity and irritation for the woman. Surely she had known better than the temp Trith's ire, now of all times, but still...Raelwyn felt sorry for her, wishing that she had not been hurt. However, the sound of breaking drew the harper's attention, and her gaze followed the mighty gold's, seeing the White Tea Egg broken by her mother's tail. When the dragonet within moved, the rest of the shell falling away, she gasped, eyes widening a she gazed at the little white. There had not been such a dragon since Ruth, and his egg had been force-hatched as well. For a moment, the harper almost forgot to breath she was so anxious for the hatchling, the little one obviously frail and unable to move on her own. The girl's heart lurched as she observed the struggles the little white made, but she knew better than to rush forward to do anything without permission. One had already tried that, and Trith was not exceedingly forgiving right now.
The voice that echoed in her mind was heart-wrenching, and Raelwyn gazed back at the white, wondering who it was this lovely creature had chosen. Her mindvoice was something beautiful, full of love and yet so much sadness, and the harper hoped to see her grow strong and healthy. Finally, a young girl darted onto the sands to aid the youngling, and the candidate clapped happily, glad to see the strong, mighty Apple-Cinnamon Bronze help them off the sands. That was sweet of him, the girl reflected, watching him as he wobbled and moved crookedly back towards the clutch. Yet, he soon found aid with the Oolong Green, though Raelwyn had to press her hand against her mouth to keep from laughing as the bronze comically turned this way and that among the boys, accidentally knocking several of them down. Yet he finally found his, as did the green, and the harper smiled, clapping loudly for them enthusiastically. More hatchlings bonded without incident lifted her spirits quite a bite.
As the adorable blue moved among them, Raelwyn smiled at his happy step, her fingers reaching for him slightly as he passed, barely ghosting along his bright hide. He chirped happily at them, but he soon reached the end of the line, and the harper felt her heart clench. Oh no...not him, not this adorable little blue who was so full of life! He went again, with the same results, and the girl bit her bottom lip as he seemed to nod to himself and start again, this time inspecting each candidate before moving on. However, the blue again reached the end of the line without bonding, and Raelwyn felt a tear roll down her cheek. He wasn't going to find His. Abruptly, however, the dragonet turned, seeing the crumpled girl at the edge of the sands, and stepped towards her, nosing her form. His little keen ripped through the harper like a hot knife, and as he disappeared between with the girl, she felt herself crying. Bowing her head slightly, the candidate tried to compose herself, forcing the tears to stop. She loved dragons dearly, and to be witness to what had just occurred...it was almost too much.
However, the next sound, undeniably loud in the quiet that had settled across the hatching sands, was a strike against the shell of an egg, and Raelwyn glanced up to see cracks spreading over the Jasmine Egg. Trith's attentiveness to this particular one was evidence of which color lay inside, and the harper straightened, watching silently, trying to keep herself focused on the hatching. So many sad things had left a black mark upon the hatching...but oh, it would be too cruel if a terrible fate fell upon Trith's golden daughter as well. Silently begging for the little queen to be whole and healthy, the candidate smiled as the Jasmine Egg fell away, awed by the beautiful hatchling that stood before them. She was majestic and lovely, her hide glistening in the light and her bearing undeniably regal and calm. Raelwyn felt a lump in her throat as the little queen turned and bowed to her mother, affectionately rubbing against Trith before moving off. It was both a greeting...and a farewell.
She moved forward then, prancing with a rather lively step as she approached the girls. Moving among them, the young queen seemed to try to abstain from hurting any of them, but was unable to avoid knocking a few down, including Raelwyn herself. With an 'oomph!', the harper fell back onto the sands, the air whooshing out of her as she landed heavily. Giving a little laugh, the candidate shook her head, vaguely remembering being in the same position last time, only then it was because Tess had told her to do so. However, before the girl could stand, she abruptly realized the gold was standing over her, and her emerald gaze widened as she met the dragonet's whirling regard. In that moment, the world seemed to stop. Raelwyn forgot to breath. She forgot to blink. She forgot everything as something miraculous occurred. An overwhelming emotion flooded through the girl's entire body, a whole other consciousness enveloping her own in a comforting embrace. Suddenly, she found herself to be only half a soul, before she was immediately completed by her wonderful, amazing Ellenath.
"Ellenath..." She whispered, raising one hand to touch the beautiful gold's nose. "Am I dreaming?" The harper asked breathlessly, so afraid that she would suddenly wake up and find out none of this was real. And oh, how much she wanted it to be real.
With a little trilling croon, reminiscent of a laugh, the queen shook her head gently. Of course not, my lovely. She replied in that lilting, lovely mindvoice. You are very much awake, and you belong to your Ellenath now. And we are going to prove ourselves, my love. Yet, until then, I truly am rather hungry. Would you be so kind as to help your sisters up so that we may eat?
It was then a brilliant, bright smile curved the harper's lips, and she laughed again. "For you, my Ellenath, anything!" She was rewarded for her words by a rush of sweet affection, her gold brushing her mind warmly. Raelwyn wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh or cry. The girl had been a candidate for over four turns now, standing at hatching after hatching and always left alone afterwards. Understandably, she had begun to wonder if she was even worthy to Impress some day, never finding her partner no matter how many times she tried. Yet, all of that disappointment, uncertainty, and heartbreak was worth it...more than worth it now. Rael had found her chosen, her bonded, her dragon, in the amazing, perfect golden Ellenath. Still smiling, the harper stood as the queen stepped back, and quickly bent towards the nearest fallen girl, apologizing while helping to pull her to her feet. After all of the other candidates were standing and well, Raelwyn turned and placed her hands on her dragon's chin, leaning in to kiss her golden hide. "Come, my love Ellie. Let's get you fed."
There's a good girl, my lovely. The young queen said, her lilting voice sounding smoothly through Raelwyn's mind. Again, the girl smiled, feeling so much love for her dragon that she thought she would burst. It was amazing, beyond anything the harper had ever dreamed it would be. Together, the new queen and her rider stepped lightly off the sands, Ellenath turning her head towards Trith one last time before she was gone. Goodbye, mother. She said softly, sending the elder gold a rush of affection and comfort. Then, she and Rael approached the meat pails, only to pause when two small figures burst from between before them. Blinking, the gold tilted her head to the side, observing the firelizards with interest. Tydus immediately crooned at the dragoness, pleased to see that Hisgirl had bonded to a queen. Oh, how he adored the golds! Cloud, however, settled on Raelwyn's shoulder, gazing at the hatchling with disinterest. He was rather apathetic towards her, quite opposite to the bronze's immediate adoration. Cute pets, my lovely, but I'm afraid introductions will have to wait.
Holding out her hand, the weyrling gathered Tydus in one arm, glancing up at her brown to make sure he would stay put on her shoulder. "Of course, my love, you have to eat." Quickly striding forward, her queen prancing beside her, Raelwyn grabbed a pail of meat, sending her bronze to rest on her opposite shoulder so she could use both hands to lift it. Finally seated, the girl slowly fed Ellenath, the gold chewing delicately though she was ravenous. Her two firelizards cheeped softly, little necks stretching out as far as they could towards the food. Glancing up, the queen gave a soft, warning hiss, letting them know she wasn't sharing at the moment. Tydus pulled back apologetically, giving a small sound of repentance, but Cloud stared at her with baleful eyes, clearly insulted. Smiling to herself, Raelwyn ran her hand down Ellenath's neck as the gold ate, still trying to come to terms with what had happened. She had Impressed!
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 17, 2010 8:57:19 GMT -5
So I've thought LONG AND HARD about my newest character....and I want you all to look at her and let me know what you think. I think she's AMAZING, but...second opinions never hurt!! *evil grin*
Character: Name: Gwenevere Morrigan Lillian Alastairthen Nicknames: Gwen, Evvie, Morri, Lill, Lilly, Ally, Miss Perfect, Queen Bee, Lady Awesome McAwesomesauce Age: 16 Gender: Female Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual Occupation: Candidate/Healer/Artist/Harper/Diplomat
Description: Oh Faranth, you honestly want me to describe perfection? Shards, when it comes to Gwen, nothing is less than flawless. Did you honestly expect anything less from the most wanted, perfect woman on Pern? Right, didn’t think so. Well, her hair is just gorgeous, perfect in every single way, and it falls all the way to her knees in a cascade of brilliant golden perfection. Her eyes are unique, because it seems like they always change color! If she’s happy, they are glorious, liquid blue, shinning like a sapphire. If she’s content, they are bright, brilliant green, shinier than any gem. If she is sad, they are a dark, dark topaz, and when she’s angry, they turn a violent, vibrant violet. Gwen’s body is also perfect (I honestly can’t use that word enough when describing her. Have I mentioned she’s perfect?) She’s wonderfully tall, and has an amazing body, lithe but buxom at the same time. What’s that you say…a woman can’t be lithe and voluptuous? SHOW’S WHAT YOU KNOW! *Angry face* Gwen can. Her skin is perfect and golden, and even her nails are always manicured and flawless, despite how much of her time she devotes to helping those less fortunate than herself.
Personality: I think I mentioned that Gwen was perfect. Now hold on, let me see if that has changed...Oh! Nope! Still perfect. ^^ The most wonderful person you will EVER MEET, Gwen is sweet, gentle, kind, and caring. She goes out of her way to help everyone, and in turn, everyone loves her. She heals the sick, feeds the hungry, plays music to lighten the soul, and soothes all wounds, physical or mental. Gwen is also stubborn, so freaking intelligent that she makes Einstein look like a moron, and able to run both a weyr and a hold at the same time. She doesn’t need a Headwoman because she’s better than that. Srsly. Gwen is fiercely protective of those she loves, and is so stubborn and amazing that no one can ever ever ever ever ever ever ever deny that she is the most amazing woman on the planet. She’s hotheaded and obstinate, but charming and serene and ladylike, ALL AT THE SAME TIME! She always gives everyone the benefit of the doubt, and honestly sees the good in all creatures. She is cute and funny, able to make ANYONE laugh (I’m looking at you, E’ric) and inspires utter loyalty to everyone she has ever spoken too once.
History: How sad and beautiful this tale is. Get out your hankies, because I’m about to lay a tragedy on you folks. Gwen was born the eldest daughter of Benden’s Weyrleaders, whose dragons were way, way bigger than Ramoth ever even thought about being. Like…three times her size. Had to have their own weyrs to live in, cause they were just that huge. Her childhood was wonderful, naturally, being the daughter of Weyrleaders, and everything was unicorns and puppies and rainbows and daises and all things good and WONDERFUL. Anyway, one day, the Weyrleader, Weyrwoman, and their perfect, flawless daughter Gwen were out visiting a hold to buy like fifty canines as pets for their angel of an offspring. While they were there, they were cornered in a dark and lonely ally, and the Weyrleaders were slaughtered because their daughter was so gorgeous and perfect and amazing the evil thugs knew that they could sell her body to the highest bidder because SHE HAD NO FLAWS AND STILL DOESN’T. But! Just as her parents were killed and the evil, horrible men began to drag her away, Gwen was saved by the captain of Ruatha’s Guard. Tall, strong, dashing, daring, handsome, buff, sexy…total hottie, I assure you. He SAVED the poor maiden, and took her to the Lord Holder, who raised her as his own. But she was SO BUMMED about her parent’s death, her pampered hold life was so miserable, but Gwen never thought of herself once. Of course not, she’s too selfless and flawless and adljafsltehawlkhgkjdsjfklsdafhkj for that! EVERYONE had a crush on her, of course, including the hottie Captain of the guard, but she is NATURALLY still a virgin even though every creature from here to Hell and back wants to make perfect, passionate love to her. BUT NOTHING DOIN. Because, of course, as soon as she turned sixteen, a GOLD SEARCHDRAGON appeared and chose Gwen to come stand on the sands as a candidate at Cerulean. Oh, and everyone at the weyr is also in love with her after she’s only been there for like…a sevenday. I think all the bronzeriders are madly obsessed with her.
Fun Facts: She’s flawless and perfect. WHAT MORE DO YOU PEOPLE WANT?
Bonded Critter(s): YOU EXPECT ME TO DESCRIBE THEM ALL? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? *ANGRY CAPSLOCK RAGE* Gwen has 105 firelizards, all of which are perfectly trained and act with utter discretion, even the greens that NEVER MIND ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE AS SMART AS QUEENS, these are! It’s probably all those turns spent with Gwen…her perfection rubbed off on them. Duh. 5 Queens 10 Bronzes 20 Browns 30 Blues 40 Greens
Candidates: Type: Dragon Color Preference: GOLD, wtf else would she even possibly get??? Rider's Shortened Name: N/A (What the hell? She has four names for a reason. She’s too perfect to only be called by one name, pfft. That’s for normal, flawed people.) General Info: Her gold had better be huge and awesome and smart and perfect and stern but sweet and a natural leader. Anything less is just an insult to her. Could probably Impress two queens at once, honestly, so between them they can maybe come close to matching her perfection. RP Search: She’s there already! Helping in the infirmary. Saving lives. Afterward she has to go make a speech about World Peace.
Craftskills: Craft: Healer/Artist/Harper Level of Proficiency: Perfect at EVERYTHING. Can sing like an angel, paint like a goddess, and heal impossible wounds. Could possibly be from Heaven. Maybe should double-check. Specialty: Everything, duh. Weakness: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING BECAUSE SHE’S PERFECT /brain explodes
((This is a parody, by the way...which I'm sure you guessed, but...yea, just clarifying. XD))
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 16, 2010 9:08:35 GMT -5
Not exactly successful with her attempts at ignoring all of the pain around her, Keiko gazed stubbornly at the clutch, refusing to acknowledge how sad she was beginning to feel. Even Trith, the mighty gold, let out a small little sound of pity, saddened for the green mutation. That nearly made the girl lose it right there on the sands, but more eggs suddenly began to move, and she grabbed onto that like a lifeline, grey eyes glued to the rocking shells. It was the Darjeeling and Lemongrass Eggs, moving at once. Tilting her head to the side, the candidate tried to guess which would hatch first, but it was impossible to really tell. Abruptly, however, both eggs were gone, and in place of them were two blues that were playfully scrabbling against each other. Blinking once, Keiko suddenly giggled softly, watching them horse around right on the sands. They were adorable!
As Trith sent them on their way, the girl had to laugh again as they glared at each other, each obviously blaming the other for being scolded. Amazingly, though, they were….identical, but opposite! Keiko’s eyes widened as she stared at the two handsome blues, the perfect mirror images of each other, and watched in awe as one of them chose his partner quickly and walked off the sands. The other blue, however, glanced at the male candidates for only a moment before wrinkling up his muzzle in distaste and then promptly turned his attention to the girls. Wait a sec…he wanted to Impress to a chick?? Keiko felt a huge grin upon her lips, and she watched the adorable dragonet gaze at each of the females, then abruptly move forward, almost dancing. The girl couldn’t help but giggle as he tossed sand up on quite a few of her fellow candidates, the word Oops echoing in her head promptly after. It was official. This guy was cuuuuuuute!
Watching him turn, the girl then suddenly gasped, unable to really comprehend what was happening. The gorgeous blue had poked his nose against her stomach, and when her eyes met his, they were whirling a rainbow of color, and his consciousness slid over hers smoothly, merging them into one. She…she had Impressed! At his words, Keiko let out a bright laugh, feeling so much love and joy in her heart she couldn’t stop herself from crying. “Of course we are, baby.” She said, wiping tears off her cheeks as she did. The girl had never imagined that she would bond to such a perfect, wonderful creature as her Absinth. However, as he tried to curl around her, he merely ended up knocking them both onto the hot sands, a tangle of human and dragon limbs. As her blue laughed, the weyrling did too, using their position to loop her arms around the dragonet’s neck in an affectionate hug. “We will work on that, Abby-love.” She grinned, hugging him gently.
Finally, the two managed to right themselves with many giggles and silly flailing motions, and they began to walk off the sands. That is, until they heard the mighty queen’s roar, and both rider and dragon whirled, eyes widening as Trith slung the girl viciously, sending her flying towards the wall. Keiko flinched as she landed, bleeding, and quickly turned, the sight of blood making her stomach turn. It always did. Shaking his head and snorting, Absinth backed a few steps away. Whoa…mum can be scaaaaar-ree! He said, then abruptly realized His had just turned nearly green and was clamping her hand over her mouth. Keiko-love? What’s wrong? The blue asked, nosing her arm gently.
Closing her eyes for a moment, the weyrling swallowed several times before she finally managed to push her bile down. Taking her hand off her mouth, the girl gave her dragon a weak smile. “I always get sick at the sight of…blood.” She ground out, teeth clenched as she did. Finally, Keiko managed to straighten enough to walk off the sands, heading towards the meat buckets.
Whoooo, food! Absinth trumpeted happily, racing forward in a rather gawky fashion. He obviously wasn’t the most graceful thing just yet.
As they neared the food, Keiko suddenly felt her stomach doing summersaults again. Uuuuuugh, raw meat? Well…at least most of the blood was gone, though not all, the girl gazed pleadingly at one of the nearby riders. “Um…could you, like, put one of those buckets on the ground for me? I totally don’t think I could lift it.” The rider shot her a somewhat irritated look, but did as she asked, sitting the pail down a bit away from the main table. At least she didn’t have to stare at the rest of it while she fed her wonderful, perfect Absinth. “Now…don’t overdo it, Abby-baby. Too much food will make you sick, sweety.” With a quick, chittering giggle, the blue acknowledged her words before grabbing the first piece of meat hungrily, gulping it down so fast it was hard to believe he had even taken the time to chew. With a bright laugh, Keiko felt to the side of her and reached into the meatpail, not even glancing over to see it. She didn’t have to actually look at it just to feed her dragon. As they settled, the girl could hear the gasps from the sands, and twisted, trying to see what was happening. She could just barely make out the new hatchling trying to break it’s shell, but couldn’t tell what color it was. “What’s everyone’s problem?” The girl asked, lifting a red brow.
Without even glancing up, her blue rumbled lowly, gulping down another piece of meat as he replied. My white sister. Absinth laughed, tail lashing in amusement. I think she’s freaked everyone out.
What a sec?? White!? Blinking, Keiko leaned over, grey eyes widening as she indeed caught sight of pale, pale hide, colorless in the afternoon sun. The dragonet spoke, then, her heartbreaking voice echoing in the blueweyrling’s mind, and the girl felt her heart wrench at the sound. The white tried to move forward, but could not, and Keiko wanted nothing more than to race out and help her. But, it wasn’t her place, it wasn’t her destiny. She had already found her lifemate in her perfect, amazing Absinth, and no one would ever be more a part of her heart than he. Yet, she hoped the white’s chosen approached soon! It was heartbreaking to watch.
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 15, 2010 15:18:16 GMT -5
This one is made of all things win and awesome. XD
OOC: ...I just had to headdesk at myself. Testing out text colors for those who've yet to be assigned them, I checked camoflage green. My first thought? "Nah, it just blends in." Then I had a moment of ".........Did I really just think that?"
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 15, 2010 13:40:28 GMT -5
((I feel like a moron. I forgot I hadn’t replied to you yet. /headdesk))
At the greenrider’s smile, K’ron couldn’t help but respond in kind, a huge grin stretching across his face. There was nothing like spending time with your best mate to lift up your spirits. However, the boy felt his head tilt ever-so-slightly when K’vin’s voice hesitated for a moment. It must have been something important that he needed to discuss later. Nodding, the former beastcrafter grinned, squeezing the other boy’s shoulder briefly before he stepped away. “We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.” K’ron agreed, unable to keep from chuckling when his best mate commented on Calzanth’s size. “Yea he’s gotten pretty big.” The weyrling agreed, nodding as he patted Rain’s neck. “Trust me, he eats like a bronze, too.” The brownrider grinned, unable to keep from smirking a bit when he received an indignant mental prod from his dragon. “Joking aside, though, Cal is doing great.”
Nodding again, the boy moved away from his best mate, stepping into the tack room to gather some blankets, saddles, and bridles. With the two bridles slung over his shoulder and blankets under his arms, K’ron grabbed two saddles by their horns and rested them against each of his hips to balance out the weight a bit. It was heavy, but the former beastcrafter was used to the burden. Walking back towards the stalls, the weyrling heard K’vin talking to the dappled mare. A small smile finally made it’s way onto the boy’s features, and K’ron grinned, glad to see him getting along with Rain already. She was a good runner, and would be an excellent training partner.
Approaching the greenrider, K’ron suddenly got an idea, and quickly reached out to his dragon. Cal, why don’t you check up on Asileth? She might just as bored as you, and you guys haven’t been around each other much. I know she’s your favorite sister.
Stretching where he lay upon an unoccupied ledge, far more happy lying in the sun than in his tiny barracks, the massive brown lifted his head. I think I will, K’ronMine. He agreed easily, more than happy to comply. The green was indeed his favorite sister, and also his favorite dragon in the weyr, and he hadn’t been giving her enough attention lately to suit himself. Quickly, Calzanth sought the mind of the dragoness, glad to find her awake. Greetings, sister Asileth. He rumbled, deep mindvoice pleased as he spoke to her. As our riders are otherwise occupied, would you like to come fly or swim with me? It is a perfect day. Allowing his invitation to hang, the brown straightened, sitting placidly on the ledge as he awaited the green’s answer.
Smiling at his friend, the brownrider paused beside the other weyrling and lifted one saddle, sitting it across the stall door before rain. He did the same with the other, only before Jet, and then pulled one bridle off his shoulder. “Let’s get rain tacked up for you.” He said amiably, then pulled the stall door open, stepping in and patting the grey affectionately before sliding the headpiece over her ears, slipping the bit into her mouth gently. “So, what has been going on? You said you had a lot to tell me.” K’ron asked, glancing up and grinning at his best mate. The way K’vin had said it, and judging by the tone of his voice, he was indicating something big, and the brownrider had a feeling it had to do with either mischief or romance. And, knowing the greenrider as well as he did, he doubted it was the former. Grabbing the blanket, K’ron settled it on the runner’s back before grabbing the saddle easily, easing it’s weight upon the mare’s back smoothly.
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 14, 2010 23:27:43 GMT -5
Attention fully upon the clutch, Raelwyn's body jerked as she heard the croon of the queen, green eyes glancing up to watch the regal gold. She had settled back a bit, seeming to feel more at ease now and pleased with how the hatching was occurring. Smiling softly, the harper wished the best for Trith, though the knowledge of her ever-nearing departure was still raw in her mind. It was a heartbreaking thought, to know that the mighty dragoness would go between the instant the last hatchling Impressed, but the queen wanted to rejoin her rider, wanted to leave pern behind just as Samhara had. No one could begrudge her that, despite how miserable it seemed. Swallowing, brushing another tear off her cheek, the candidate glanced down as the Earl Grey Egg began moving, and the Oriental Spice Egg rocked strongly in place. However, it was the Chamomile Egg that broke first, revealing a lightly-hued blue. Smiling at the adorable hatchling, Raelwyn abruptly blinked as he merely yawned and curled up right where he stood, seeming content to stay there.
Forcing back a giggle, the harper raised her eyes, knowing that Trith would deal with this one just as she had the last. The gold quickly gave him a solid whack on his tail, though gently, and the Chamomile Blue finally stood, making his way off the sands with a slow walk and drooping wings. Raelwyn grinned as she watched him, clapping happily for Aidaen as she did. Another healthy hatchling bonded to his rider was a pleasant thing indeed. As the new bluepair left, the Oriental Spice Egg hatched quickly, bringing forth a strong brown who seemed to take great care for the smaller eggs about him. With a smile, the girl watched him, admiring his sleek hide and confident saunter. What a handsome dragonet he was! However, he seemed distracted by the Earl Grey Egg, and Raelwyn glanced over, gazing at the shell curiously. It seemed to be hatching now, and she quickly smiled, waiting to see what would hatch from this one.
Blinking, the girl began to wonder why the legs and wings seemed to be at such odd angles with each other, and she briefly hoped the little one inside wasn't twisted up in a way that would injure it. However, she quickly gasped as a fifth leg broke through, and as the shell fell away, Raelwyn let out a strangled cry, taking an involuntary step back as she viewed the misshapen hatchling. Hand flying to her throat in horror, the candidate felt her stomach turn at the site of the twisted green, pity and revulsion filling her at once. The harper felt compassionate sympathy for the poor, malformed dragonet, but she also knew that such an abomination could never live a true life. Her scream was piercing, and Raelwyn narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth to keep from retching at such a sight and sound. With a blink, the girl abruptly realized the Chai Egg had hatched, leaving a dark green dragonet on the sands, and right before the twisted Earl Grey hatchling. The candidate took a step forward without thinking, without even considering that she wasn't going to be of any help, but suddenly, the Oriental Spice Brown tackled the mad, twisted green, saving the Chai hatchling from any more attacks.
Trith's roar was loud and commanding, but the Earl Grey Green ignored her mother completely, instead making her way towards the candidates with madness in her eyes. In a flash, a memory resurfaced in Raelwyn's mind, a vision of a sweet little green leaving two deep, bloody gashes across her legs. The scars were still there. However, the misshapen hatchling did not near her, but instead several boys, leaving chaos in her wake. Yet, again, the Oriental Spice Brown was there, dragging her back and saving any more candidates from feeling her wrath. Finally, the green wailed her distress and went between, leaving the first black mark on the hatching. With a shaky sigh, the harper lowered her hand from her throat, trembling as she did. It was horrible...horrible to see what had happened with the Earl Grey Green, blaming it all on that filthy, disgusting bronze beast that had forced Trith. Whirling, the girl quickly looked at her fellow candidates, hoping they were not injured, as well as the Chai Green. The boys looked worse for the wear, as did the hatchling that had curled about Valee. Raelwyn shook her head and gazed worriedly at the small dragonet, deeply hoping that she wasn't hurt too badly and that her malformed sister had not done any permanent damage. She hoped the same for the boys that had tasted her fury. Shaking her head, the harper focused her attention back on the clutch, hoping nothing else that horrific occurred.
Abruptly, several keens began, and the girl blinked quickly, wondering what was wrong now. Searching frantically for the minds of her bronze and brown, Raelwyn felt tears prick her eyes as she was presented an image of dark bronze going between. She knew that dragon; had seen him nearly every day at candidate lessons. Felath. V'mio had died. Faranth...how much more would they have to endure? Shaking her head, the harper felt grief for his loss, having always respected the bronzerider. V'mio was a good candidate master and a good man, and she would miss him deeply. Blinking away the tears, Raelwyn forced her spine straight, standing rigidly and watching the eggs with dark eyes. This was supposed to be a happy day...couldn't they just have that?
~~~~~
From his position at the edge of the sands, it was difficult for E'ric see everything occurring with the hatching. He could vaguely see another shell break, and the lightly-hued blue inside, but his attention was quickly focused on his own dragon as the bronze demanded more food. Quite politely, though, oddly enough, considering he was a hatchling that was supposed to be too ravenous to observe propriety. With a cool mental prod, Orith let his bonded know that he needed more meat, and the weyrling quickly complied, handing him a chunk of herdbeast. As the others arrived, he and his bronze glanced up, both boy and dragonet nodding his clutchsiblings and their bondeds. Unfortunately, as they did, they both missed the small girl running towards them at a quick pace. Abruptly, Orith swung his head back around from greeting Skeith to coolly grab another piece of meat, shifting slightly as he did, and put himself right in the path of the child. Letting out a small grunt as he was tackled with a hug, the bronze turned his sharp and clear eyes towards the small girl, watching her with a neutral expression.
Quirking a brow as Selene practically crashed against his bronze, E'ric allowed himself a small, bare smile, listening to her bright and cheerful voice with something akin to tenderness. An emotion that he would never display with any other, certainly. With smooth, easy actions, the boy reached down and picked the girl up, righting her on her feet and making sure that she wasn't hurt. He doubted his bronze was the softest thing ever. "Greetings, Selene." The now-weyrling said politely, his even, cool voice holding just the barest touch of warmth for the child. He did like her, despite his inability to display emotions very well. "His name is Orith, and we both wish to express our gratitude for your praise and well wishes." Eyes dark, E'ric glanced back at the hatching, then, hearing the gasps from the crowd, and instinctively grasped the girl before him, pulling her to him to shield her. Not to keep her from witnessing the events, but rather to have her close enough to protect should the mad green near them. "Malformed...logically, her hatching should not have occurred." He said, voice low and thoughtful.
Gazing at his sister with rapidly-whirling eyes, the blood-hued bronze moved forward and stood between the sands and his rider, glancing back at the child as he did. Clearly, he would protect her too, if need be. Her shell was too thin, my rider. This is the only logical explanation. Everything is comprehensible with wisdom. Orith replied evenly, his perfectly-articulated mindvoice not even wavering once at the horrors he witnessed. Occasionally, his body twitched as he watched the sands, small ticks jerking under the smooth, bronze hide. E'ric felt everything within him pulled toward the Earl Grey Green, wanting nothing more than to end her madness, but the Oriental Spice Brown was defending the clutch and the candidates from her, and the boy felt it was not his place to do so. He did not wish to upset Trith in her last moments of life. Finally, she went between, and things calmed once more. It had shaken them up a bit, to see such a misshapen hatchling, but neither rider nor dragon displayed their unease.
Instead, Orith returned his gaze to the girl and his rider, a twitch still occasionally racking his frame. It has been seen to. We should resume my feeding. With two calm, easy steps, the bronze returned to his former position, patiently waiting for more herdbeast.
Dutifully, E'ric released Selene, dark eyes wandering over her briefly. "Are you well?" He asked calmly, watching her for any signs of distress or fear as he picked up one more chunk of meat and fed it to Orith. As he did, the weyrling noticed the occasional twitches of his dragon, the bronze jerking at erratic intervals. Quirking a brow, the boy paused in his feeding. "Is there some significance to this action?" E'ric asked, black gaze darting over to make sure Selene was still well.
Tilting his head to the side, the bronze blinked as yet another tick caused his leg to twitch. It is quite involuntary, I assure you. He replied calmly, sitting easily on his haunches without complaint of no longer being fed. A result of genetics, no doubt. Concentration and training should handle it in a satisfactory manner. Turning his large, wedge-shaped head, the dragon then gazed squarely at Selene, doubting that she would be handling the hatching as well as his logic-ruled rider. Tell me your name, child. We have not been properly introduced. Orith said, even, perfectly-articulated mindvoice reaching both the girl and E'ric. He wanted to keep her busy, if possible, to help her deal with the trauma. However, as he did, he felt another of his brethren leave, and the bronze sent his rider the sad message. Another of Cerulean was gone.
~~~~~
Still bouncing on the balls of her feet, Keiko waited impatiently for the next egg to hatch. The Earl Grey, the Oriental Spice...ANY of them would do! She just wanted to see more of the pretty babies. Finally, however, the Chamomile Egg seemed to give in and fall apart, displaying the softly-colored blue inside. With a little giggle, the girl couldn't help but 'aww' when she saw him, trying to keep from laughing when he merely curled up and refused to move. Sheesh, he was laaaaaaa-zee! Grinning, the candidate watched as Trith smacked him soundly with her tail, sending him on his way, albeit slowly and rather unenthusiastically, it appeared. The next to hatch, the Oriental Spice Egg, revealed a strong, strapping brown that made Keiko give a little sound of appreciation. He was a handsome one, for sure. He moved carefully around the other eggs, but displayed a rather haughty saunter as he made his way towards the candidates.
Eagerly awaiting to see who would Impress this striking guy, the girl stilled as she watched the Earl Grey Egg crack, the fifth leg causing her to give a little squeal of horror and edge a few steps away. The malformed hatchling quickly set upon another green, hatched from the Chai Egg, and the candidate felt her heart in her throat. The deformed hatchling had her pity, since Keiko knew that her confusion and terror wasn't her fault, but she still wanted the green gone. It wasn't natural, and it was scary, and she wasn't sure how long she could stand there and watch the mutated thing without puking her guts up. To see a proud dragon born like that...it wasn't something that she could really deal with well. Turning her head as the Oriental Spice Brown knocked her off the poor Chai Green, Keiko tried not to watch, only looking up again when she heard the wailing of the creature. She was gone.
Letting out a breath, the girl swallowed several times, glancing around to survey the damage. Several boys had been injured, and one lay on the ground, the brave brown standing over him. The Chai Green was curled around a girl, and Keiko bit her bottom lip worriedly at the ichor she saw. The candidate hoped no one had been fatally injured by the twisted green. Finally, the girl got herself under control and watched the eggs again, silently hoping that no more hatched deformed dragonets. They had seen enough, surely. Yet, their grief still wasn't over, it seemed, because keens were soon heard. Without a firelizard, Keiko had no idea what was going on, and so leaned over towards the white-faced girl next to her, the blonde standing rigidly straight and unmoving. "Like...what's wrong?" She whispered, grey eyes worried. When the other candidate replied, she felt like reeling. V'mio too?? It just wasn't fair!
With sad eyes, Keiko returned her gaze to the clutch, trying to ignore everything. Nothing else could happen. She didn't want to have to face any more! All the girl wanted was to see the rest of the babies healthy and happily Impressed, one preferably finding their partner in her. That was all she wanted.
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 12, 2010 20:09:47 GMT -5
Though sad as she watched Trith, Keiko couldn't keep the excitement from nearly overtaking her as the first eggs moved. Bouncing on the balls of her feet as the first one hatched, she nearly squealed, clapping her hands together in delight. What a strong, handsome fellow! That was a good omen for the rest of the clutch, as well, which also made her happy. The girl steadfastly ignored the niggling sadness that hovered at the back of her mind, focusing completely upon the hatchlings. The handsome bronze Impressed easily without much fuss, to a strong, rather attractive guy that appeared rather...emotionless, that is, until the smile broke across his face. Clapping furiously, Keiko practically bounced in place as she cheered for the first weyrling, glad that everything seemed to be going smoothly. If only every dragonet could find their partner, the hatching would be perfect.
After him, yet another egg hatched, and the candidate raised up on tippy-toe in an attempt to see the hidden dragonet behind his shell. The black wings made her eyes widen, as did the neon green talons and finally his dark hide. When he pounced, the girl giggled to herself, grinning at his antics. He was adorable! As he made his way past the line of candidates, though, she began to worry a bit, but he finally found His, and Keiko whooped and clapped enthusiastically. Two great Impressions with no mishap. That raised her spirit quite a bit.
The green that took a tumble made her gasp just a little, and the girl bobbed from foot to foot as she watched the hatchling sit dizzily for a moment. Laughing lightly, Keiko watched as the green chirped towards her clutchsiblings and then bounded after them, crawling over the Chamomile Egg as she did. Still grinning, the candidate was glad to see the green Impress easily as well, finding her bonded while the boy looked absolutely delighted to have her. Clapping quite happily for the new weyrlings, the girl watched them leave the sands, truly glad for them and also hoping that she would soon find her partner among the eggs as well. Turning her attention back to the rocking shells, she saw the Oriental Spice Egg rocking quickly, as well as spotting movement from the Chai Egg and Chamomile Eggs. Back to bouncing on the balls of her feet, Keiko gazed at the eggs, anxious to see more of the babies.
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 12, 2010 13:37:06 GMT -5
Feeling her heart lurch as Trith growled at each of the candidates, Raelwyn tried not to gaze at her with sad eyes, knowing how hurt and angry she must be. In fact, the harper was amazed that the queen was as composed as she was, considering the multitudes of wrongs that had been done against her. Forced in her Flight, injured and violated, Trith had finally begun to seem like her former self again by the time the Touching had occurred, only to have everything ripped away again. Silver Cove had attacked, stolen and even destroyed eggs, and had killed her rider, their Weyrwoman. In the girl's opinion, it was remarkable of the gold to merely growl at those who sat foot upon her sands. The presence of Tess, though, was likely a large help to the great queen, having been so close to her rider. Fighting back her sorrow, swiping away a tear that trickled down her cheek, Raelwyn tried to think of how happy it was to see the eggs hatching, of how wonderful it would be to see healthy dragonets Impress to their riders. A strong, good set of weyrlings is was exactly what the weyr's morale needed.
Taking a deep breath as the eggs suddenly began moving with a vengeance, the harper's attention was drawn to the Ginseng Egg as it rocked wildly, her heart hammering in her chest. The girl tried to calm her nerves, but her pulse was racing, her blood rushing through her veins in a frantic beat. The steady tattoo of her heart pounded in her ears, and Raelwyn clasped her hands, standing still and steady despite the excitement that danced through her. She hoped desperately that she Impressed, but even more, she hoped that each of the hatchlings found a suitable partner amongst she and her fellow candidates. To see one of the young ones go between after all that had happened...it would be too cruel.
However, her attention was quickly commanded by the Black Tea Egg as it practically burst, a large bronze standing in the wake of the shards of egg and embryonic fluids. A bronze had hatched first! That certainly bode well for the rest of the clutch, especially given his size and noble bearing. Raelwyn knew that Trith had to be proud. Green eyes locked upon the handsome dragonet, the harper bit her lower lip as he glanced around, seeming to take everything in and study them all quite closely before moving forward. She had never seen such a calm hatchling before, and she grinned as he bumped the shoulder of his chosen. The boy...Elric, she believed? Yes, that was his name. Clapping wildly for the first Impression, Raelwyn could feel her sadness slowly ebbing away to joy, happy to see things off to such a lovely start. To see all of her children Impressed well and contentedly would be the best thing for Trith before...before she left.
Glancing back at the rest of the clutch, the candidate's gaze centered upon the Ginseng Egg, Raelwyn suddenly tilted her head to the side as the Rooibos Egg began to twitch, trying her best to discreetly lean over slightly to see the dragonet that had hatched. However, as the two large, black wings snapped up, the girl blinked in surprise, having never seen such a color before. Her shock was only heightened as the dragonet's talons appeared, their coloration an oddly bright green. The harper had never seen such a hatchling before, but he was undeniably handsome, very unique in appearance. Smiling at his antics, Raelwyn was glad to see him finally find his among the boys, having grown worried for him when he passed the line once. Clapping loudly for the brown and His, Dacktuo she was sure, the girl once more looked back at the clutch. This time, it seemed the Ginseng Egg was ready to hatch, only her movements sent the green within rolling across the sands. Fighting the urge to rush forward and aid the youngling, the candidate could only grin as she nuzzled the Chamomile Egg after it stopped her tumbles. When she, too, found her Chosen with a boy, Raelwyn clapped profusely, delighted to see the hatching going so well. With all the madness and anger and pain that Cerulean had been forced to endure recently, this was the perfect salve to their raw emotions.
~~~~~
Standing tall and still upon the sands, Elric's black gaze focused upon the queen as she growled at them, unable to blame her for her actions. She had fair reason to be mistrusting of humans after what they had done to her and her clutch, and even the rational, logical boy was having a hard time keeping a cool mind when it came to Silver Cove. He had seen horrible and unforgivable things the day of the Touching, and it was a scene he would never forget. Much the like the sight of his own mother lying in a pool of blood by her loom. In an odd, twisted way, the runner could understand how Trith felt, how hot and cold you suddenly felt when you knew that there were people in the world who could do such things to those you held precious. Within his composed demeanor, there was a man who knew what it was like to have the things you loved taken away by the cold disregard of others, to see your most precious treasures shattered by those you didn't even know. Yes, Elric could understand the gold's ire.
Black eyes cutting over as the Ginseng Egg moved, quickly thrashing, the candidate could feel excitement begin to heat his blood. However expressionless his face appeared, the runner did indeed have warm emotions suddenly flare to life within him, and though he never moved, Elric was anxious to see his first hatching. As the egg finally shattered, bursting quickly from the force of the dragonet inside, the boy's gaze wondered over the bronze that stood regally before them all, blood-hued and strong. Abruptly, upon seeing the handsome youngling, the drive within the runner suddenly flared white-hot, becoming even more intense than before. This was the destiny he wanted. Standing with a intense stillness born of self-discipline, Elric's black gaze was upon the crimson bronze as he moved forward, his muscles tense and face utterly blank. It seemed rather illogical to believe, yet...it almost appeared as if the first hatchling was approaching him.
Gazing at the bronze, the runner felt one brow quirk impossibly high as the dragonet bumped his nose against the candidate's shoulder, pulling back to gaze him. As his dark eyes met those of the bronze, whirling a myriad of rainbow hues, Elric suddenly lost himself in that colorful regard. In that moment, nothing was the same. Yes, I believe you are the most sensible choice. Greetings, Elric; I am your Orith. Might you have something for me to eat? I am terribly hungry. The rather cordial, articulate voice echoed in his mind, and without warning, a hundred emotions rushed through the normally composed boy, causing his heart to beat frantically and his blood to dance through his veins at a pace that nearly made him dizzy. No lesson could have prepared him for the emotions of Impression. For a moment, he could only blink once, the only visible sign of surprise he gave, and Elric merely gazed back at the large dragonet, working to master everything that was happening to him. The onslaught of emotion was overwhelming, especially to a man who prided himself on logic, but suddenly a smile unlike anyone had ever seen broke across the stoic boy's features, and he laid a strong, steady hand upon the crimson-streaked muzzle.
"My Orith." He said softly, cool, even voice richer than usual but no less articulate and polite, "I shall endeavor to prove myself worthy of your choice." Elric, now E'ric, slid his hand higher, strong, calloused palm wandering over the eyeridges of his bronze.
Leaning into the caress slightly, Orith rumbled lowly, pleased with the boy's response. A favorable reply, my rider. Logic dictates that you and I shall be a formidable team, though I do still require substance, if you would. My kind do hatch hungry, though I am quite certain you can feel this across our bond.
Brow quirking again, E'ric was surprised to find that he could feel the hunger of his dragon as his own, knowing instinctively what Orith needed. It was incredible, both amazing and unsettling at once, and unusually beautiful. "My apologies, Orith. Come, what you require is provided in abundance." With that, the first new weyrling of Trith's clutch turned, his calloused hand sliding down his bronze's neck to rest solidly against his blood-hued hide. Without breaking their touch, the dragonet and his Chosen walked calmly off the sands, Orith nodding and sending a mental brush to his brown and green clutchsiblings as they did, both welcoming and encouraging them. Approaching the riders who had been sent to help them feed their young dragons, E'ric took a large pail of meat and carried it a bit away from the large group, the weight nothing to him. "Take your fill, but abstain from over-indulging yourself. It is unfavorable for your health." He said, then quickly began feeding his large bronze chunks of herdbeast, unable to believe how he felt. The boy's head was filled with emotion, belonging both to him and Orith, and it was...amazing. He had never realized that he was only half a person until he had met his dragon. Now he was whole.
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 11, 2010 10:16:41 GMT -5
Grinning, Keiko shook her head as her dancing gaze switched from Jazzy back to the man seated across from her, one red eyebrow lifting slightly. “Seriously, a catch like you came from Benden? No wonder it sucks there; all the real men leave.” Laughing brightly, the candidate winked at her companion mischievously, her lips curved and a playful glint in her eyes. Watching as the bronzerider stood and cleared the dishes, the girl tilted her head slightly to the side, wondering what he was whispering about. With a low whine, Jazzy moved closer as the man ruffled his fur, tongue lolling as he enjoyed the attention for a moment. Icy blue eyes sliding closed, the canine’s tail began to sway slowly over the floor, an obvious sign of his pleasure. Laughing again, watching her pet practically turn to goo for the Wingleader, Keiko shook her head. “Not me.” She defended playfully, grinning. “That’s totally all Jazzy. He, like, had that talent allllll on his own.”
Shrugging a bit carelessly, the candidate smiled again at her delightful companion, grey eyes flashing with mirth. “I’d be happy to show you what I can do.” She replied, a bright little laugh following her words. “In fact, if your bronze wouldn’t mind to sit still long enough, I’d totally love to do a sketch of him. I’m sure he’s just as handsome as his rider.” Glancing down at Jazzy, Keiko smiled fondly, watching the canine with a warm light in her gaze. “I’ve never regretted buying my baby here.” The candidate cooed, the black canine lifting one ear at the sound. Head turning, Jazzy locked eyes with his girl and allowed his tail to go into overdrive, whipping back and forth as he caught the affectionate expression and her warm voice. Bounding back over to her side of the table, the large canine laid his head on his mistress’s knee, closing his eyes as she rubbed his scruff. “He’s been my best friend for three turns, haven’t you baby?” The girl said softly, still petting him gently.
Grinning at the bronzerider, Keiko winked again, standing to take the proffered hand. “Well, it was so lucky for me you did. Besides, I totally doubt half of those old sticks in the mud could keep up with someone as fit as you.” Yes, she was flirting, quite openly and shamelessly at that, but the candidate was by no means an innocent girl, and she had already had her fair share of one night stands and secret trysts. There wasn’t much she didn’t know about when it came to the bedroom. Yet, on the same hand, Keiko wasn’t your typical playmate. The candidate was more than happy to crawl into the furs of a handsome man, or a beautiful girl’s, but she also wanted to laugh and have fun, to see them smile and lose themselves once in a while. A little rendezvous was no fun if it stopped at physical pleasure. “And it’s, like, awesome that you have a chance to shine here. Life is totally a drag unless you make the most of it.”
Oh. She knew what he was getting at. Feeling her lips curve, the girl sidled closer, feeling ridiculously short next to the tall Wingleader. “We totally love to swim.” She assured him, a conspiratorial look dancing in her grey eyes. With a grin, she tapped her index finger against his wrist from where she had taken his hand. “And a private cove sounds so amazing. I would love to see it!” This was genuine excitement from the girl, not just for what he was insinuating. The South seemed absolutely beautiful, and she leapt at a chance to see more of it. At his mention of dolphins, however, Keiko’s attention suddenly made a one-eighty, and all appearances of coquettish flirting disappeared in a snap. “Dolphins, like, really?” She breathed, eyes widening with awe. “I’ve totally always wanted to see some up close!” She gushed, grinning at the thought.
As V’ton mentioned his dragon again, the candidate abruptly forced her focus back on the bronzerider, her attention switching from one thing to the next without any real dedication. She had the worst attention span outside of a green dragon. “Oh trust me, I’m totally yours.” Keiko promised with a mischievous little smile, winking to make her point. “And so the cove sounds totally heavenly. And I’m, like, way sure that Jazzy would love some fish later.” Walking beside the Wingleader, the girl suddenly paused, eyes widening. “Oh hey!” She abruptly laughed, grinning as she gazed up at her companion with a bright expression. “If you, like, want to wait a sec, I can grab my sketchbook and do a picture of your bronze while we are at the beach. Think he’d like that?” Keiko asked, eyes alight with happiness at the thought.
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 10, 2010 19:34:21 GMT -5
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 10, 2010 15:16:35 GMT -5
While Queth and the strange brown struggled furiously behind him, Calzanth hunkered down even further, belly almost brushing the ground as he glared at the blue before him. Lip curling, the weyrling gave a low, continuous growl, the furious sound growing louder and louder until he was practically snarling at the stranger. Flexing his claws, the sharp tips digging into the soil and churning up dirt, the massive dragon eyed his enemy, trying to decide which point of attack would be the wisest. A tackle wouldn’t work this time, for they would see it coming and keep him from pinning the dragon to the ground. If he tried to get behind the blue, then his flanks and wings would be exposed. Another unfavorable option. His eyes were trained on the stranger, sharp and keen, and focused on every single movement he made. If the blue twitched his tail, Calzanth saw it. If his rider shifted, the brown knew. Nothing escaped his scrutiny.
Finally, the rider gave a hoarse cry and the blue leapt forward, smaller but faster than the large brown. With impressive speed, the stranger closed the distance between them, roaring as he used his chest and forelegs to slam against the weyrling with enough force to knock Calzanth breathless for just a moment. However, he quickly recovered, and a vicious snarl was ripped from the brown as he shoved his hind legs down, refusing to allow the stranger to batter him back further. Lashing out with his forelegs, the dragon returned the blue’s attack in kind, leaving scores across the stranger’s chest that oozed ichor freely. As he reached out again, the stranger suddenly darted to the side and under one of the brown’s sweeping paws, using his smaller stature to his advantage. Quickly, the blue clamped his teeth down on Calzanth’s hind leg and locked his jaws, trying to sever muscle. With a scream, the weyrling jerked his leg, the sudden flare of pain disorienting him for a moment.
Aiding the beastcrafters in rounding up the last of the attackers, K’ron suddenly gave a violent jerk, yelling wordlessly as he felt the pain and confusion of his dragon. Pure terror gripped his heart, and the boy whirled and began running towards his brown as fast as he could, the world a blur about him as he focused on…one…thing. CALZANTH! He cried, fury suddenly coursing through his blood hotly. The brownrider had been angry before, but nothing could begin to compare with how enraged he was at that moment. Someone had hurt his dragon, and someone was going to pay. Skidding to a stop at the edge of the grounds, K’ron’s blood turned to ice when he saw the blue’s jaws locked on Calzanth’s leg, ichor running down his dragon’s hide freely. The blue’s rider held a club, and though the massive brown was thrashing wildly in an attempt to get free, the man was swinging his club haphazardly at his wing, hoping to cripple the weyrling with one blow. The sight infuriated K’ron like nothing ever had. Flatten your wings, NOW! The boy commanded harshly, his voice harder and stronger than it ever had been.
Roaring madly, Calzanth did as his rider commanded, snapping at the smaller dragon’s tail. The blue was so much shorter than he, it was difficult to the brown to get a hold of him, and he knew that he would have to change tactics. With a snarl, the weyrling suddenly folded his legs on the opposite side of the blue, crashing on his side and bringing the stranger with him. As they toppled over, Calzanth sent a quick mental plea to his rider, whirling eyes focused on the crazed man with the club. He raised his weapon, ready to strike the brown, but an arrow suddenly embedded itself in the man’s arm, causing him to drop the club and clutch at the wound with a howl. Now that he didn’t have to worry about the human, Calzanth wound his neck up and clamped down on the blue’s tail, jerking viciously in the opposite direction. With a squeal, the stranger was forced to let go of his leg to keep his tail from being bitten off, scrabbling at the larger dragon desperately. Suddenly, another arrow lodged itself in the dragon’s snout, and the blue reared, flailing back and battering at the offending projectile with his paws. Dropping the attacker’s tail, Calzanth leapt to his feet and slammed into the stranger again and again, hoping to wear the smaller dragon down. With one more body slam, the blue went rolling, rider clinging to the saddle in an attempt to keep from being crushed. Rushing forward, the large brown was fully prepared to continue his assault when the stranger abruptly cried out, leaping into the sky and betweening in a blink. Snorting in surprise, the weyrling curled his neck around and stared at the rest of the weyr, wondering why the blue had retreated. It was abruptly clear, however, as he saw what remained of the attackers peeling off and retreating, having been beaten back. The blue clearly knew that he had no chance, and had given up.
Well. That was just as well for the brown, since he had no desire to kill yet another dragon on top of the first. With a low moan, Calzanth dropped to the ground, suddenly raising his voice to keen to the skies. How had he not known?! The weyrling raised his head and cried into the sky, a great lament bellowing from his lungs. He was so busy fighting the two blues, he hadn’t known until it was too late! Gone! They were gone, gone, gone!
Seeming frozen in place, K’ron’s knuckles were white where he gripped his bow, still standing in firing position even after the blue betweened. Body rigid and taut, the weyrling finally moved after his brown collapsed and began to keen, wailing forlornly into the sky. With a jolt, the boy ran forward, terrified for his dragon. What is it, Cal? Are you hurt? He asked, skidding to a stop beside his massive brown and immediately looking for any dangerous injuries. His leg was still oozing ichor, of course, as were the lacerations across his chest and belly, but they were minor enough, not life-threatening in the least.
Not I, Mine. Not I. They are gone! Gone! Again the brown keened, the sound full and unbroken as he wailed with one continuous, heartbroken note.
WHO? K’ron cried, fearing the answer when his brown was so clearly distraught. Instead of replying with words, however, Calzanth sent his rider a mental picture of a blue and his lanky rider, and the boy stilled, bow dropping to the ground from limp fingers. H’seo and Reinth, gone? It wasn’t possible! Staggering forward one more step, K’ron slumped against his dragon and slid to the ground, leaning against the brown for support and comfort. It just wasn’t right. It wasn’t right! How could a man and dragon so kind be murdered? H’seo had been the first person at Cerulean to befriend K’ron, had always supported and helped the boy when he was just a candidate lost in a new world. They practiced archery together, oiled flying leathers together, and had even explored the island a bit in their free time. The bluerider had almost been a father figure for the weyrling, and now he was…dead. Burying his face in his hands, K’ron did something he hadn’t in a long, long time. He cried. Sobbing against his brown, the boy sat, Calzanth still keening while his rider mourned at his side. They cried for H’seo and Reinth. They cried for the eggs and the other murdered dragons and riders. They cried because they, too, had killed men and dragons, and they cried because there was nothing else they could do.
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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K'ron
Nov 10, 2010 10:18:30 GMT -5
Post by Thorney on Nov 10, 2010 10:18:30 GMT -5
+ 6 marks (H'seo willed his belongings to K'ron, though K'ron returned the bluerider's sword to his parents.)
Total: 8 1/2 marks
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 10, 2010 10:08:44 GMT -5
The weather was perfect today. It was a gorgeous summer afternoon, ideal for lazing on the beach in as little as you would dare to wear. To Raelwyn, it almost seemed like a slap in the face. To see such a beautiful day after what had happened upon the sands was nearly surreal and cruel, only serving to show them how the world moved easily on despite how Cerulean seemed to stand still. Samhara was dead. That thought seemed to play in the harper’s mind over and over again, never letting her forget what happened the day of the Touching. It didn’t even seem real, not even now, when Trith watched over her children with the healer Tess at her side constantly. And no rider in sight. Blinking, the candidate listlessly pushed the food around on her plate, staring dully at the table. And not only the Weyrwoman, but many other brave men and women from Cerulean, including L’mar’s sister. That seemed too cruel, too wrong. Tydus and Cloud were curled near, watching her with slowly-whirling eyes. Even the firelizards knew that things were wrong. But then, like a beautiful dream in the middle of a nightmare, Trith’s voice echoed in the girl’s mind, and she blinked, anticipation and excitement breathing to life inside her. The eggs were hatching! Taking a deep breath, the harper stood, quickly making her way out of the weyrhall and up the steps to the candidate barracks, followed by her two precious flits. Samhara’s final sacrifice had been in the name of Trith’s clutch, and those eggs were now their hope, their future.
Quickly, the girl pulled off her clothing and unfolded her Impression robe, allowing the white cloth to fall over her body. Despite the hurt and sorrow inside her, the harper also felt a wonderful happiness beginning to bloom. It was time! Yet, it almost felt wrong for her to be happy, especially after the death of so many, but she couldn’t stop the small wriggling joy that curled inside her at the thought of new dragons being born into the world. She could honor the memory of those who were gone by honoring what they had given their life to protect. The clutch, and the future of the weyr. The candidates were lined up and cordially marched to the hatching grounds as usual, then admonished to show the upmost respect before being allowed to continue. Stepping onto the sands, the heat enveloping her sandals and quickly creeping up her legs, Raelwyn gazed at the clutch before her, eyes hiding so many desires and deep uncertainties. She barely felt the hot touch that danced up her skin, because her own blood was on fire, racing through her veins and causing her heart to pound in her chest. Her dragon could hatch this very day, this very candlemark! And yet…the candidate knew that she could be left standing again. Left standing alone. That thought caused her heart to lurch painfully in her chest, and the girl squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, forced the feeling away. It didn’t matter how many times she had to stand; she would find her destiny with the dragons! She could feel the supportive and loving touches of her bronze and brown from where they sat in the stands, not truly understanding all of her emotions but knowing that she was sad, so they let her know that they loved her. She smiled. Letting out a soft breath, the harper paused as the other candidates did, bowing reverently to Trith while her breath caught in grief at the absence of her rider, before continuing onward to stand before the clutch, ready to be weighed and judged by the dragonets. She glanced over at the mighty gold once more, feeling a terrible weight in her stomach. After the hatching…she would be gone.
As she stood, Raelwyn couldn’t help but feel a shudder run down her spine as she was once again on the sands. She so vividly remembered what she had done the day of the Touching. The harper had killed that day, something that constantly haunted her now, that gave her nightmares and caused her to awaken in a cold sweet, her pulse racing like the hooves of a runner. It hadn’t gotten any easier the sevendays after, the vivid memories playing in her mind every time she closed her eyes. The candidate couldn’t force herself to come to terms with the reality of taking another life, but in an odd way, some small part of her had accepted it, realized that it was necessary. Raelwyn’s emotions rebelled against that thought, vehemently insisting that she had ended the life of more than two men, but her mind, the rational part of her, insisted that she had only done what she had to in order to protect the clutch. In the innermost parts of her heart, the harper knew that she had done the right thing, had protected the dragonets within from the madness of Silver Cove, but she also trembled at how she had done it. However, as her gaze travelled over the eggs, beautiful and precious, the girl took a steadying breath and calmed her raging emotions. It had been worth it. To save these small ones from the fate of the mad dragons that had attacked Cerulean, she would do it all over again. When compared to how important it was to keep the clutch safe, the guilt of her act couldn’t even compare. Especially when compared to what they had done to Cerulean. Samhara was gone because of them, and soon Trith would be too, as was many others who had stood in defense of their weyr. The anguished screams of dragons had filled the air that day, and that was something Raelwyn could never forgive. They had broken eggs! Destroyed unborn dragons on purpose, and that set her blood on fire.
When the first eggs slowly began to move, every single nerve in the girl suddenly leapt to attention, all of her senses hyper-aware of every little movement and sound around her. Would she Impress? Oh, how desperately she wished it. The harper had lived in weyrs for over four turns now, had stood upon the sands so many times her gut wrenched at the memories of rejection and pain. None had found her worthy so far, or at the very least had found her to be a suitable partner. Nothing hurt more. And yet, she would never waver from her chosen path. The candidate knew that she would stand as many times as it took, even to the day that she grew too old to do so. Raelwyn was stubborn when it came to accomplishing her goals, yes, but this went beyond simple determination. It was a deep infatuation, a reverence of dragonkind and a love of them that drove her to do so. The harper vividly remembered the first time she had truly seen a dragon, the blue that had landed at the Hall gazing at her with whirling eyes. She remembered the sound of his voice echoing in her mind, the feel of his suede-like hide beneath her fingers. And Raelwyn would never forget her first ride a-dragonback. The same blue had waited for her, his rider grasping her hand tightly as he pulled her up and helped her settle between the neckridges. Fear had crept upon her skin lightly, icy fingers spreading over her body quickly, and yet excitement had also danced down her spine, her eyes bright and wide as the dragon had leapt into the air. It had been exhilarating, and frightening, yes, but the girl had gasped in delight, the sound quickly stolen away by the wind that whipped past her face. It was a feeling like nothing else she had ever experienced, and her deep love of dragons was born in that moment, her adoration only further heightened by her turns of living among them. No, there was nothing more that Raelwyn wanted than to Impress, and today…today she could only hope her deepest longing became a reality.
~~~~~
Curled up on her bed, Keiko twisted the blanket under her between her fingers, staring at nothing as she tried to keep her stomach from heaving it’s small amount of contents onto the floor. She had been given infirmary duty that month, and that was something that always turned her stomach. After being released for the afternoon, the girl had quickly went straight back to her room, trying to keep from puking her guts out the whole time. Jazzy lay on the floor before her, staring at his girl with worried eyes and an occasional whine. The sound of his distress made the candidate squeeze her eyes shut, making her think of a different keen of pain. A dragon’s keen. Gritting her teeth, Keiko refused to remember, refused to think about what had happened that day. Ignore it, ignore it and make it go away! Pushing away the thoughts of dying men, women, and dragons, the girl was about to find something to apply herself to when Trith’s voice was in her mind, beautiful and wonderful. Latching onto that like a lifeline, Keiko focused on nothing else but getting ready for the hatching, finally able to smile and feel happy. The candidate, for once, forewent any jewelry at all, wearing the Impression robe and nothing else besides her sandals. She would honor the clutch and it’s queen.
Lined up with the others, the girl marched sedately to the hatching sands, though she began to feel her old excitement beginning to bounce back. After bowing to the queen, steadfastly trying to ignore the absence of her rider, Keiko stood among the other candidates, too excited to stand still. She wanted to move, but knew that she couldn’t and so instead took to bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet, the restless movement giving a release to some of her pent-up energy. As she stood before the eggs, the girl felt unbidden memories try to surface, and she stubbornly pushed them down, refusing to allow them to play in her mind. Keiko was inwardly torn over the fact that she had killed on the day of the touching, and she frequently had horrible nightmares that sent her scurrying outside to retch violently after she jerked awake. Everything she had done haunted her, but she refused to think about it, to consider what had happened. Instead, the candidate forced the memories to the back of her mind, reminiscent of a child covering their ears and screaming when they heard things they didn’t wish to.
And that was exactly how she felt. If she refused to think about it, to acknowledge it, it couldn’t plague her. Yet, on the same hand, Keiko wouldn’t have changed a thing about that day, for she knew that protecting the clutch was the most important thing. Trith’s babies were safe, and that was all that mattered. Most of them, anyway. She had done horrible things, but the men hadn’t given her a choice, had they? They had killed Samhara, and soon Trith would be gone because of it, and many, many more, including her follow candidates, weyrfolk, and…eggs. They had broken eggs! That, more than anything, made her guilt seem ridiculous. They deserved it! Glancing over, the candidate’s grey eyes searched for a certain face, and she smiled slightly as she caught sight of the boy. Zanalorin. He had saved her life that day, and she hadn’t left him alone since. In fact, the girl knew that she could have almost passed for a puppy, but it didn’t matter. He had saved her, protected her from a blow that could have killed her, and she couldn’t forget that! Not to mention she sort of had a ‘hero worship’ mentality now, but she couldn’t help that. He was now big brother Zan, and she adored him.
However, her focus was quickly taken by the eggs before her, and Keiko had to press her hands against her mouth to hold back the squeal that threatened to break through. Oh, how exciting this was! The girl felt a huge grin curve her lips, and she bounced more, impatient to see the little ones break shell. Of course, she had stood and not Impressed before, but that was back at stupid old Benden. Their dragons were probably just as uptight and stuffy as their riders. This was Cerulean, and she loved it here. Surely Trith’s babies would know that she was going to be an awesome rider! Stifling a laugh, the candidate couldn’t hold still, and so went to twisting a lock of her hair between her fingers restlessly, her grey eyes darting over the clutch in anticipation. Which would be the first to hatch, and who would be the first to Impress among them? Oh, she couldn’t take the suspense! Yet, an even greater hope and nervousness danced within her heart, and Keiko chewed on her bottom lip slightly. How badly she wanted to Impress, to have a precious little baby dragon all of her own! The candidate knew that it was possible that she wouldn’t Impress…and that thought was an icy one. Underneath all of the girl’s makeup and slightly-airheaded tendencies, she wanted to be a rider, to adore and pamper a gorgeous dragon all of her own. Ohhh, how much she wanted it! She ignored her pain, ignored the sadness, and tried to not think about what would happen to Trith when her children had all hatched…
~~~~~
Though only a moment ago engrossed in his afternoon meal, Elric was suddenly moving, his body coursing with energy and a thrill as that powerful, mighty voice thrummed through his mind. The time had finally come, the final challenge of the weyr. The hatching. As he was in excellent physical condition, the boy made it to the candidate barracks in record time, entering his room with quick steps. He appeared calm, yes, but his eyes were filled with too many emotions to name. This was it, the moment of truth, the occurrence that could change his life and alter his destiny from now on. But…would he Impress? Only the hatchlings could answer that now. Squaring his shoulders, Elric felt his resolve harden as he pulled out the customary white robe, quickly kicking off his boots. Yanking his tunic over his head, the candidate tugged his clothing off quickly before once more picking up the Impression robe and pulling it swiftly over his body. As he did, a large, ugly bruise was clearly visible upon his lower back, a lucky blow from a madman carrying a hefty, wicked club. Yet, Elric ignored it as he moved, never even flinching as his battered muscles stretched and flexed with his movements. He had known pain greater than this.
Though not betrayed upon his face, emotions coursed through the boy as he waited to enter the sands, his heart hammering in his ears. Elric felt a need to strive higher and higher, an urge to change his life hot in his veins. It was an inner voice that spoke, a whisper that told him to become someone who could protect others. His family had been destroyed, washed away in a single tragic day, and for a long time, the candidate had lacked a true reason to live his life. He lived, yes, and his uncle had always been a supportive figure in his life, but Elric held an emptiness inside, a lack of…purpose. He had nothing to strive for, to push himself for. For turns, he merely survived instead of lived, searching for something to pledge himself to that could give his life a true meaning. After he had left his home, he had learned much, and had pushed himself many times, but no destiny found him, nothing gave him something to strive for. Nothing, that is, until the rider approached him.
Here was a destiny, a future that made a man want to push himself until there was no breath left within him. To become a dragonrider, to protect those under his charge with every bit of strength he possessed…now that was a future worth striving for. That had been it, the one thing that he had been searching for. A noble purpose. A truly righteous cause to pledge his life to. A higher calling. This was the time, here and now, the zenith of his desire, the one path that would lend him the challenge and the noble life he craved. Elric stopped as they stood at the edges of the sands, bowing to Trith respectfully before continuing. It was a painful thing to see, the mighty gold alone and her rider gone. Outwardly calm, the candidate stood silently beside his peers, eyes dark and unreadable as he watched the clutch. The boy was still and unmoving as he gazed ahead, yet within him a storm raged. Though he had not been at Cerulean long, it was still home, and he was beginning to find a place for himself here. Though there were those who did not approve of his demeanor, there were also those who seemed to accept him, to make him feel welcome. From a small weyrbrat in the crèche to some of his fellow candidates, Elric had found a home here, and when Silver Cove had dealt their terrible blow…it had infuriated the normally aloof boy. They had killed riders, weyrfolk, and their Weyrwoman, and soon her golden queen would between and leave them alone. They had stolen eggs, crushed others, and left an unforgettable black mark upon their lives. Elric would never forget, or forgive.
However, the candidate did not allow his inner battle to affect his determination, his eyes never wavering nor his breathing even hitching slightly. Elric was a rock in a storm, holding a tight control on his emotions and allowing himself to still think logically despite how much he wished to Impress, and how the events of the Touching had affected him. This was the future he wanted, the one he had craved and fought for the day of the touching, and this…this was something he wanted to have. Something he had been willing to kill to protect, and that more than anything was proof of how desperately he wished to pledge himself to the creed of the dragonrider. Straightening his shoulders, Elric stood tall upon the sands, determined and strong. He was ready to face whatever the future brought, steeling himself for failure or success.
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 8, 2010 13:07:33 GMT -5
Oops! Sorry Kira-luff, here we are!
Elric: Mid Autumn Keiko: Early Summer Jazzy: Early Spring
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Thorney
Dragonrider
Let's remove the space between me and you.
Posts: 203
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Post by Thorney on Nov 4, 2010 12:47:37 GMT -5
Sliding to a stop as he neared those attacking the herd, K’ron once more took careful aim, landing more arrows in the men’s calves. When they struck just right, puncturing muscle in vital areas, the attackers went down with a snarl, but others…others just kept fighting, as if they didn’t feel the pain. There’s something wrong with these guys, Cal. I can’t bring them down! The weyrling’s brows pulled together as yet another man kept fighting after being struck by an arrow, ignoring the pain in his leg as he slashed through a herdbeast. Suddenly, the bronze’s words were in his mind, echoing with a chilling realization. Of course. Now it made perfect sense. As the macabre truth sunk in, K’ron’s face turned grim, and a dark determination set in. If these men and dragons were of Silver Cove, then they couldn’t allow them to live. Swallowing, sucking in a calming breath, the brownrider raised his bow higher, knocking another arrow and finding a new target before him. Hesitating for a moment, the boy almost lowered his weapon, but then one of the madmen slipped past Calzanth’s wildly swinging tail and paws, club drawn and fully intent to injure the dragon.
K’ron didn’t think. He didn’t stop to consider what he was doing. He didn’t even hesitate. When the man dived towards his brown, a dark promise in his eyes, the boy moved. In a flash, he turned, pulling the bow taut as his sharp eyes zeroed in on the one who would dare to harm his partner. In a flash, the arrow flew, it’s aim true. With a sick, dull thud, it buried itself in the man’s chest, stopping his life as it pierced his heart. For a moment, the brownweyrling was silent, inwardly horrified at what he had done, but…
Mine…you did what was necessary. You saved me. His brown crooned, even as he fought viciously. As the dragon and his rider battled against the men from Silver Cove, as well as the beastcrafters, the men slowly fell to their attacks, their numbers dwindling against the onslaught they faced. Finally, Calzanth felt that His would be safe, and was about to see to the enemy dragons when a familiar voice echoed in his mind. Whirling, he found his fellow weyrling facing off against the brown. Bellowing, his voice loud and challenging, the dragon bounded into the air, knocking another attacker off his feet with a whack of his thick tail as he took to the sky.
Knocking another arrow, K’ron blinked as his dragon rose into the air, making for the dirty beasts and the song of battle sounding strongly within his mind. You can’t fight those dragons alone, Cal! The weyrling cried, panic setting in as he realized what his partner was doing
Queth is fighting them, Mine. He will NOT fight alone. With that, the brown rocketed forward, whirling gaze trained upon the three enemies. Two blues were left, and Calzanth was determined to keep them busy while his fellow weyrling dealt with the largest of the bunch. I come, Queth! He said, roaring as he crashed into the nearest blue, shoving all of his massive body weight against the much smaller dragon. He had noticed the rider on the enemy’s back, of course, and so had angled himself just slightly, dragging the blue with him as they rolled across the ground from the sheer momentum of Calzanth’s furious tackle. As they turned, the brown battered against the smaller dragon with all four of his legs, wrapping his tail and wings around him as much as possible. Finally, they slowed, and the brown used one massive foot to stop them, on top of the blue just as he had planned to be. With ruthless efficiency, he shoved down with his mammoth front paws, pushing the blue against the ground as hard as he could. With a sickening crack, one of the attacker’s wings broke under the onslaught, and though Calzanth’s belly and inner legs were being scored by his frantic scrabbles, the weyrling wouldn’t relent. The blue’s rider, trapped under him, was useless, and with a final shove, the brown managed to push his dragon’s own weight against him, crushing the man. With a scream, the blue went mad, and Calzanth leapt back, watching the other go between with a hidden sadness in his eyes.
Ichor was oozing from the scores across his lower body, but the brown didn’t stop to consider them. They seemed minor enough, and he still had one more blue to deal with. Calzanth didn’t pause to think about what he had just done. About how he had killed another dragon. There was no time now. Whirling, watching the other blue approach the other weyrling, the brown bellowed a challenge, his voice ripping through the air as he called the dragon out. Darting forward, knowing that the same trick wouldn’t work twice, Calzanth slid to a stop between the stranger and Queth. He wasn’t about to let the strangers team up on his friend. With a snarl, he hunkered down much like the other brown, muscles tensing as he prepared to fight. This blue was larger than the other, but still nowhere near his size. But it would be trickier, especially with the little stinging cuts on his body.
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