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T'rel hesitated, releasing his hold on Lute. "I can't do this," he said, for the third time that evening. "I'm sorry Lute. I don't--" Brown eyes widened. The former sorrow there faded into fear. "Thread!" he told her, grabbing his riding gear. "Stay safe, Lute. I don't want you flying in this. I have to get the Weyrlings to safety." He took off, calling to Zelith.

Azimuth says to hurry. They need us.

Yes, I heard. Weyrlings need us first. Right! Zellie, call the weyrlings, won't you?

Zelith made no response. Instead he called, Hisith, Diacith, Phesoth, Ziuth, Dawoth, Anesidoth... the bronze continued in this fashion, naming each of the Weyrlings. Your instincts call you to fight. But it is not time for fighting Thread. Not for you. You will return to the barracks. You will be safe there, and we will come for you. Take anything you have purchased back with you. Help as many as you can. Do not stop moving. Get to the barracks. You will be safe.

T'rel clambored onto Zelith's back. "Fly low," he instructed his bronze. Zelith obediently glided just over the gather booths. "Get to safety!" he called to the Weyrfolk below him. "To the weyrs!"

~~~

In the courtyard. Mine will not leave Calith's. He is quite firm on the matter. Zelith's has the Weyrlings. Your mate's has the candidates. Calith's leads the ground crews. Mine will join the wings.

R'yn crossed his arms, planting his feet firmly in the ground. He shook his head. "No," he said. "I'm not leaving you. T'nus can handle this, he just humors me. He doesn't need my help..." he hesitated, reaching for her hand again. "I can't leave you." Why couldn't have Thread waited? Shards!

He swallowed. "Gereth says Azimuth is calling," he said. "I'll get the wings organized--"

Already done. We are gathering here. Since you would not come, they will come to you.

It's real thread now? P'lias asked, confused. After the false alarm earlier, who could blame him? But he had only look up to the sky if he needed comfirmation. There was no denying that dark mar on the horizon. It was definitely thread.

Zelith says we are to go to the barracks. Keep moving. Help as many as we can. He says not to fight. Helioth said, with a slight grumble in his voice.
Ha! You don't have to tell me that! Helioth might have an instinct to fight, but P'lias didn't! He was from a Hold; he was used to there being nothing more he could do but hurry everyone indoors and wait for the dragonriders to arrive. He knew how to safely evacuate, and make himself helpful from the ground.

Help as many as you can.. A thought suddenly occured to him. "Oh no! Where's Ionan?" P'lias suddenly asked.
Where's who? Helioth looked up, innocently confused, but it didn't matter. P'lias was just talking to himself, and he had already answered himself too. He had seen Ionan just a moment ago, heading to the open courtyard where the food and tables were. He started moving in that direction. He was worried about his young friend, especially about him getting lost or left behind or trampled in the rush. And if someone had to carry him, it could slow them down. But while Helioth might still be too small to carry a person on his back, a child should be no problem.

"Ionan! Ionan!" he shouted.

~~~

Abandoning her shopping, Aila had already made it to where her little blue landed to fetch her, but she hesitated before taking off.
Tanzith, love. Ask Gareth or Azimuth whether they need us more as a rider or a healer. She looked to the darkening sky with a sense of foreboding. No one knew better than her that unpreparedness and injuries came hand in hand, and no one could have prepared for this!
I have a bad feeling that we may be needed more as healers today, Tanzie. she told her.

~~~

Zelith's is looking to the weyrlings. He will be with us when he's done. Azimuth told him.
Weyrlings? Leave that to the-
Zelith's is the weyrlingmaster, remember? Azimuth said before T'nus had finished his thought. How was it possible to have a dragon with a better memory than him? I just pay attention when people tell me things. told him haughtily.

He looked to the ground below where dragons were dropping to pick up their riders and gathering in the courtyard near Gareth's.
We will stay up here, Gareth. Best there are some in the air in case something unexpected happens. he said.

He watched the bug-sized people fleeing to the safety of the inner caverns. Will there be time for them all to evacuate? Or should be assign some dragons to assist? he wondered, letting his thoughts be heard by both T'nus, Zelith, and Gareth.

"Ionan?" P'lias said, turning as he heard the boy's voice, shouting for his sister. He turned and spotted him, and ran to get him before he even realized who Ionan was going towards. "Wah! Wa-Weywoman! I mean, um, T-t- um..." P'lias bit his lip to keep from babbling. He had suddenly forgotten how he was supposed to address her. Thread hadn't phased him, but the dreaded dragonlady who had yelled at him at the Touching still somehow managed to strike him dumb. Avoiding her eyes, and hoping she'd put it down to fear and forgive him, he turned his attention to Ionan.

"Ionan! I was looking for you." he started, as cheerfully and emphatically as he could, since he could already tell that Ionan was going to ignore everything he said and refuse to come inside with him. "I think we're supposed go in now.. Hey! How'd you like to ride on dragonback?" he tried. He patted Helioth's back. He might have been pulling out his ace early (the only thing he could think might convince Ionan to come inside), but he hoped it would work. "Helioth's really been hoping you would ride with him."

~~~

Meanwhile, in her weyr, Neri had just finished getting her riding gear on (she'd been taking a bath after the swimming contest) and getting the straps on Bayeth. She'd been called by her wingleader, but had already explained the delay. Besides, there was something else she needed to do.

Were Pelias and Finbar out there? she asked Bayeth. Her voice was icy and determined. When it came to her brother, her only living family, there was nothing she wouldn't do. It didn't matter if they got grounded or thread-scored, until she knew he was safe, nothing else mattered.
Helioth's and Anesidoth's? Yes.
Who's in change of the weyrlings? Neri asked. Bayeth told her.

Tell Zelith we're going to help him. Neri said as she climbed onto Bayeth. She was very clear. Tell him, don't ask. I won't take no for an answer. We can meet the wings later. And tell him.. tell him I think my brother's still out there. I think he'll understand.

“And strain Helioth before he can fly?” R’yn stared at P’lias in cool disbelief. Had T’rel been so neglectful in his lessons? He would have to talk to the weyrlingmaster about lessons on hatchling limitations. He shook his head at the boy. “No, boy, not for a few more sevendays at least,” he said. “Helioth isn’t ready to carry any weight but his own.” He stared into Tic’s eyes for a moment. He swallowed. “Right,” he said, giving her the briefest nod. He released his hold on her, moving to climb onto Gereth’s back. “Ionan, keep her safe,” he called down to the six turn old. “I’m counting on you.”

He instructed Gereth to take off. “Tell Azimuth there’s been a change of plans, then. Gereth,” he told his bronze. “We’ll meet over the courtyard and group up there.” He glanced down at Tic, almost wistfully. “I’ll come back!” he promised, as he always did. He would always come back.

Ionan stuck his tongue out at P’lias. “I ride dragon back all the time,” he bragged. “Calith lets me wash her all the time! And I get to play with Papa’s blue and Momma’s green and Hisith and Ziuth! And I play with Gereth and Zelith and I’m gonna be a brownrider someday! So we have all the colors in the family! I have a little Calith, Tic made it for me!” He looked for the golden plush, frowning when he realized he hadn’t brought it with him. “She’s with Papa,” he said. “But she really did make it for me! Cuz Tic is nice!” He frowned at the older boy.

“R’yn says I gotta protect Tic,” he informed his friend, rather haughtily. He gave Ticene’s hand a squeeze. “It’s okay, Tic. I’ll take care of you!” He lowered his voice. “I think Pelly’s afraid of you. Maybe you should make him a plushie too, so he isn’t. He’s nice, sometimes, I promise!”

Comes now it does, mine. Now the time is.

Bizarrely Yodith did not seem frightened by the approaching danger. If anything she seemed... expectant. Eager to once again challenge her ancient enemy, to fight the fight that burned in her very blood. To purge the skies of the danger with bursts of flame, with her rider in her rightful place, fighting alongside her. Cesa on the other hand was less pleased. Perhaps it was being raised in the Weyr, but thread still frightened her. She was grown, she had fought it before and yet there was nothing that sent a cold blade of fear slicing through her like thread could. Yet despite her dragons want to shoot off into the sky and sear any thread that dare fall near her home, Cesa had more important things to do.

She nodded at Lavi's unfinished question. "I will. Go, make sure the candidates are safe." In any other situation Cesa would have politely made her fairwells to Lavi before dashing off. Unfortunately given the situation she hoped that the greenrider would forgive her. She scooped up the young girl and rested her on her hip for a moment. Mecesa gave a nod of support to the other woman before setting off. "Come on then, Rella." She needed to get Rella to safety as quickly as she could, getting her to shelter was more important than joining the wing at this very moment. There was still time, the thread had not yet reached the shore. There was time, but it wasn't a lot.

Carrying Rella, Cesa took her to the main hall, using her knowledge of the Weyr to dart down corridors and avoid the more congested ways. As she walked Cesa said things to Rella, nothing of importance just bits and pieces she hoped would comfort the small girl. Reaching the hall the woman looked around at the people that were already inside. It took her a moment, but she managed to spot a creche worker that she knew. The man seemed to already be gathering a growing group of children to him and not all of them crechelings. Crossing over to the group she sat Rella down on a bench.

Dropping to one knee the greenrider smiled at the girl, despite her own fears. She swept Rella's hair back behind her ears as she thought of anything to say to her. "Rella, I have to go, but you'll be safe here. I need you to be a brave girl for me, okay?" Cesa had never done this before. She had comforted children through falls before, but she could stay with them then. Here she had to provide some comfort and then abandon the poor girl. ...Or perhaps not. Cesa looked around and within moments a blur of green shot down to her side. "Now, Rella, I need you to look after Teller, can you do that for me?" The green firelizard chirruped, momentarily confused as her person firmly told her to stay with this small person. She did not argue however and let out a whistle before dropping down and nestling herself on Rella's shoulder, already chattering happily to the girl.



Ticene looked up into the sky as the dragon rose into the air and took her love with him. It didn't matter that she'd reached her limit and snapped at him, or that a small part of her was angry with R'yn, she loved him and it still hurt to watch him go. She straightened slightly at his promise to return, she knew in her mind that it was just words and would have no effect on his fate, but still it helped her. It didn't matter that it wasn't a thing he could promise, she still took comfort in hearing it. Tic took a deep breath and looked away from the dragon, walking swiftly toward the main hall. Fortunately her order had actually gotten through to those near her and they were heading in the same direction.

They will be fine, my heart. Gereth is a strong dragon, he will not allow your mate to be harmed. If he can catch me then thread should prove no challenge.

A small smile lit Tic's face are her dragon's confidence. Trying to distract her mind from R'yn, Gereth and the danger they were going to face, the young woman turned her focus to Ionan and P'lias as she walked. That wasn't very effective when his first comment was that R'yn had told him to protect her. She was supposed to protect them, that was her job. To lead them and make sure nobody got hurt. How could she protect them from a force she had no power over? Tic didn't have the power to stop thread. All she could do was lead them into hiding and wait for it to end.

Just as doubt began to creep up on her, Ticene felt Ionan squeeze her hand. She smiled down at the boy and squeezed back. Knowing that Ionan wouldn't realise that he had intervened at just the right time. "Oh?" A light laugh escaped the rider at P'lias denied being frightened of her. She didn't try to be scary, but given the boy's first encounter with her, she couldn't really blame him. Seeing the weyrling look away Ticene looked down at Ionan and put on a conspiratory whisper that could easily be overheard. "Well, maybe I will. You'll have to help me though so that it looks just like Helioth." Ticene looked around as they entered the main hall, moving to the side of the doors she watched as people came inside, thankful that the Headwoman was already directing people to make sure things didn't get to cramped. The pregnant woman leaned against the wall slightly and allowed herself to breath. She was getting a bit too big to be moving as quickly as she had just attempted to.

--Iliyana--

Thread? Thread?!? Iliyana bit back a shriek, and tried to keep from dropping the golden fire lizard. She knew there was no need to - to immediately panic, but... but thread?!? This was not what was supposed to happen on a gather day! This wasn't supposed to - it shouldn't take them by surprise at all, this wasn't right! Even as fear welled up in her, she noticed a sort of fury grow, as well, an indignant rage that not only did that silly prank have to happen earlier, it had to be proven as a real possibility a scant time later! Uncharitably, the little blonde wondered what the prankster thought of his (or her) joke now.

But that wasn't really important, was it? She had to.... get to the barracks. And wait this out. Because being out of the way and safe was so much more important that helping and being in danger. Ugh. She hated being a candidate. she'd much rather be sure that everyone around her was safe rather than sit locked away with no ability to help any of them!

... right. Barracks. She needed to get to them.

Which way were they, again?

--Diaren-

Diaren wasn't quite sure what had just happened. One moment the brunette was bargaining for a belt, and the next there were dragons warning of thread, people scurrying this way and that, and a lot of hustle, bustle, and a fair amount of panic. The teenager shook his head and cast a last look at the belt before falling into line. He needed to get to the barracks, and had no intention of being caught out in threadfall.

But wasn't it rather ridiculous to panic? Panic, he thought, only made things that much worse. People in a panic tended to make stupid mistakes, and wasn't that the last thing they all needed in threadfall? Sighing lightly, her headed in the direction of the barracks at a quick but reasonable pace - no sense in trampling anyone on the way, right?

--Viorica--

Oh, no! Not threadfall! Viorica would have cursed if she didn't have her hands full with a panicked Jakkin. "Alright, then," she said, swallowing and forcing back tears as she looked at the younger teen. "Let's get to shelter then, shall we?" Not wanting to frighten her companion, Vio took his hand in hers and started winding her way through the stalls, trying to find the quickest route to get to safety. They needed to get under cover, and quickly. Being caught out during threadfall... well, if the Riders took to the skies quickly enough, then perhaps they would be alright, but still it was far better not to take any chances!

If there was anything in the world that could instantly kill a man's buzz, as well as the good time that one was having with a handsome sea fairer, it would be the threat of actual thread. He found himself jerking his head up when he heard the call, something that was a little bit startling, especially after the 'fake' thread from earlier. It was as though those silver streamers had been a portent of things to come. After giving his current 'date' a glance he stepped in closer to steal a kiss from him, "If you like you can punch me later, I just feel better going into this sort of thing with a kiss from a good looking guy to motivate me. You go, find shelter and stay safe, alright?" He said, a toothy grin on his face, before he turned on his heel and started to run toward where they were supposed to be meeting, "Alright, beautiful, seems that playtime is over. I will meet you in the courtyard." He called to Tzofith who seemed to be already on her way. The girl really was far too serious for her own good, something he commented on from time to time but only ever got dirty looks from her for saying as much.

"One of us has to be serious, mine." Tzo scolded him in his mind as he continued to hurry along. She loved G'deon dearly, he was her rider and her other half, but at times he really did wish he would take more things seriously then chasing tail... so to speak. An expression she never quite understood given that the various boys he chased had no tails. She was soon touching down in the courtyard, looking around at those who were already gathered before turning her head, eyes whirling, as she awaited the arrival of her rider. It took but a moment and she felt a lot better upon seeing her, "So many others, Mine, this should be over in no time." Or so the both of them hoped. As they started to rush to get ready, G'deon getting into his gear while helping Tzo into hers both of them couldn't help but to scratch at their old scars, the results of their first battles against the thread, something that always seemed to started to itch or twinge when it was time to get ready to fly against any thread. A reminder of what not to do the both of them had decided.

"Alright, once you are all ready we will go and get together with our wing." He told Tzofith, looking everything over, making sure that she was looking good from head to toe before motioning to her to follow him. The one time in his life when he was completely serious were times like this. He would never allow his flirting get in the way of a serious mission like this. Now afterwards he meant to find himself a cutie for each arm and lead them off for some fun times... now though, now he was all business, he even had a serious look on his face for once, "Alright, Rise, Skye I want for the two of you to go and stay with T'dej and Phisoth, alright? Keep them safe for me." He told the flits that were nearby, looking quite upset themselves over what was going on. He watched them exchange looks with one another, with Tzo, then they were off. He was glad, he wanted to know that the pair were safe and where better for them to wait for his return then with T'dej and his swarm? What were two more flits hanging around the kid when he already had so many.

Hurrying over to Tzo he gave her a pat on the side, "It will be alright." He said, wanting to reassure the both of them with the claim before he climbed up onto Tzo's back, "Let's go then beautiful. Time to get to work." Time to earn the love and affection of all the cuties in the Weyr he thought to himself, something that caused Tzo to roll her eyes in reaction before pushing off the ground.