|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:27 am
 HatchingThe skies grew lighter; a wash of greys and blues against a foreground of green. The Weyr's own shadow cast a strange hue upon the ground, its natural structure one of pure beauty. It was only right then that this be the home of dragons and riders. They were the protectors, the friends, the intelligent beasts that protected the whole of Pern from the danger of Thread. If it wasn't for them then everyone would perish.
And so with this in mind, an event such as a hatching was one that would be greeted with utmost celebration. A chance for more bondings to be created, two minds linking to become one. To become whole.
L'cian shifted himself a little upon the shoulders of the great brown dragon Tallith, goggles pushed up so they rested on his forehead and kept the hair out of his eyes as they prepared to take flight. The two had been rather occupied lately, Tallith helping their one golden queen to guard the eggs from any rebelious youngsters and L'cian himself busy with preparations for the hatching. This was his first turn as Weyrleader and he had to prove himself worthy, not just to Ephia, or to the other riders, but also to himself. He had doubted his abilities at first, and even though he was becoming more confident by the day there was still a part of him that felt unworthy.
His dragon huffed, nostrils flaring as he turned his elongated face to stare at his rider, a whirling of his eyes telling him of his displeasure at such negative thoughts.
You saw the clutch yourself, you see how happy the Weyr has become. You make a good leader. He spoke in a tone that the brown rider found impossible to reply to. After all...the dragon was right, wasn't he?
His thoughts were interrupted as the great brown lumbered forwards, spreading his wings and pushing himself up into the air, embracing the thermals with one large swoop of his wings.
Then suddenly the whole Weyr began to vibrate with the brassy trills and hummings of the dragons. Tallith too joined in, half-lidding his eyes as he jolted from his graceful flight path to swoop down into the Hatching grounds.
It is time! He bellowed as rider and dragon tumbled downwards towards the sand, his keen eyes fixing upon Ariath who was shifting away from the eggs to watch.
A moment later and more dragons entered, people flooding the room to wait for the event which would be over all too soon.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:33 am
Hatching Festivities - begins pg 13Kimaria L'cian! Tallith's voice was strained and worried and caused L'cian to look up from his conversation with a group of new Weyrlings. His eyes darted about him and located the red-brown dragon not too far ahead.
Something wrong?
It's Ariath, she's angry.
By what? Has something happened? L'cian felt fear and anxiety grip him, claw at his insides until he felt himself tremble. The tone in which his dragon spoke was not one he often heard and that alone made him nervous.
The troublesome ones, they taunt her and your golden she. Tallith gave a low rumble deep in his chest, moving forwards a little in his position to crane his head back, eyes rolling. L'cian nodded in understanding of the urgency in his dragon's actions and turned to bid a quick apology and farewell to the youngsters.
"Forgive my rudeness but there is something I must attend, I'll be sure to catch up with you all later." He gave them a warm smile despite how he felt and turned on his heel to head in the direction of Ephia. He could see Ariath's golden from easily and used her as a guide to lead him in the correct direction, taking comfort as he felt Tallith's shadow fall over him. His large brown would give him the courage needed to face this situation.
Tell Ariath I am on my way. He mind spoke to his dragon who agreed with a throaty hum, relaying the message to his beautiful queen a moment later.
~~~~~
Blyir managed to maintain a pleasant looking smile throughout, her eyes flickering from Ariath and back to the Weyrwoman. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Waroth looking down upon them, his eyes whirling with the slightest twinge of yellow. He was concerned about her behaviour...the silly beast!
She turned her attention then once more to Ephia, listening to her words without interruption, it was easier to let her finish before speaking once more. Things seemed to work out much clearer that way.
"A sight it may have been but one I do not intend to show off again any time soon my Weyrwoman." She gave a mocking bow of her head, "my emotions are not as open as yours."
Blyir... Waroth warned with a whirl of his eyes. Tread carefully now, the large brown approaches
Blyir paid no heed to her dragon's warning, she cared not about L'cian or his overgrown Tallith. She was confident enough in her abilities of banter to be able to dance about this situation with ease. There was nothing wrong with what she was doing, she was sure. DarkenedHorizons M'xan was inwardly pleased with Blyir's subtle mockery, his own temper cooling at the obvious irritation of the Queenrider. He ignored her scornful remark about traditionalists, instead addressing the downfall of the Weyr.
"Not unless the Weyr is destroyed first by thoughtless, flagrant disregard for ideals that have been in use for centuries." he replied, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning indolently against the Bronze dragon.
Enelth rumbled suddenly, causing the M'xan to look up. The great Bronze's eyes were whirling orange in anger, his neck arched as he searched the vicinity. The bronzerider sent a mental question, watching as Enelth grew slightly restless, seething.
He comes. Enelth's voice was cold and unforgiving, leaving no doubt in M'xan's mind who exactly he meant. Wonderful. Their illustrious Weyrleader was on his way. Kolina If Ephia would have been a any other rider and not have to keep up appearances she was sure that a punch would have been thrown at the brownrider, but being Weyrwoman did not allow for such actions. Besides, she doubted the Mester Weaver would be happy to see the gorgeous gown he had constructed for her ruined. Instead she just smiled cooly at the brownrider and said nothing more.
Instead she turned and looked to her queen affectionatly. "M'xan, you need to learn your place. I am the Weyrwoman and L'cian is the Weyrleader. You, my dear bronzerider, have no say on how _we_ direct this Weyr. In fact, I believe you and your traditionalists, the few of you that there are, are the _only_ ones who are not pleased with the direction the Weyr is going." She looked up from the mesmerizing eyes of her golden lovely to look calmly at M'xan. "Do not forget that I and L'cian have rule over you and if you continue to go about the path that you keep constructing, then I will be forced to take action against you and the fist matter of business will be your disranking." Her words had been calm and cool but held a hint of warning that she was not beyond her threat. Sure, she did hate flaunting her ranking and power over other riders but, at times, such things were needed and warranted.
A rumble from Ariath cause Ephia to take her eyes away from the two rider in front of her. A faint smile graced her lips as her dear one informed her of Tallith and L'cian's approach. The shadow of a dragon above had Ephia's eyes flicking upwards before she turned her attention back to Blyir and M'xan. "Oh, and Blyir, that all extends to you as well. There are many a bronze and brownriders whom could fill your positions." Kimaria Blyir's whole face darkened, a sneer begginning to twitch at the corners of her mouth and deepen the lines in her angular, stern face. She moved a step closer to M'xan, believing firmly in the safety in numbers. However it seemed this time rank would win over them...especially with L'cian on his way. That man was most troublesome.
At Ephia's final words Blyir felt her rage increase tenfold, hands tightening into fists at her sides. Waroth mirrored a portion of her rage in his own eyes. The fear of replacement reeling in his mind. A humiliation!
"Well nice to see you three." A pleasant voice floated onto the group joined with the croon of a contented brown dragon who went to aid his queen. L'cian paused to stand beside Ephia, sweeping his eyes over to the two traditionlists before taking up the Weyrwoman's hand and pressing a small kiss to her palm. An action to give him strength and to weaken the others. "The Master Weaver did an amazing job on your gown." He murmered with an affectionate smile. It was time to be more open with his emotions, time to be cunning. Could he manage it?
"Tallith was kind enough to tell me of your whereabouts." He continued in Ephia's direction before turning to gaze at M'xan. "I take it you are enjoying the festivities?"
Blyir said nothing, the slight trembling of her body still showing her anger. She had truly been outdone this day and that was more than enough humiliation for her to take.
Then after another moments pause she decided to atleast greet him, it was only proper after all. "Weyrleader L'cian." She almost snarled his name, black hair fluttering in her face as she gazed up at him.
Tallith let out another low croon, extending his wings a little and shuffling over to the gold, moving to brush his snout against her neck, eyes whirling in Enelth's direction. DarkenedHorizons Disranking. The word rang heavily in the bronze rider's mind, infuriating him. They wouldn't dare. But even as he thought them, his words held a twinge of doubt. Pushed this far, they just might. His fists clenched. At this point, neither Blyir nor he could afford to be stripped of their rank and loose their positions of influence. He would, as much as he loathed even thinking it, have to back down. For now.
At L'cian's apperance, M'xan forced himself to give a curt nod. "Immensely, Weyrleader." He said tightly, a snarl faintly coloring his voice as he was adressed.
Enelth nudged his rider, giving a cautioning rumble before arching his neck and returning Tallith's gaze. A Queen may command a Bronze, but a Brown would not! Kolina A smile graced the Weyrwoman's face as L'cian greeted her in a most kind gesture. "Why thank you L'cian, it complements dear Ariath very well, wouldn't you say so Blyir?" She looked to the woman before her attention was torn to the sight of the golden and brown bodies. "Well I must thank Tallith, I had wondered if I would locate you in this large mass of people, but I am enjoying the festivities, as much as I can at the moment." She glanced to M'xan and Blyir.
Ariath crooned softly as her whirling eyes died from red to orange, to a relaxed green. Ephia was quite content now and Ariath was pleased to have Tallith nearby, but she was still very unhappy of enelth being so near to her. Whirling eyes turned to the aging bronze to back up her brown. How dare this bronze not back away from the look _her_ mate gave him. Whirling eyes slipt to orange again, unhappy with this old bronze. Watch your manners, Enelth. Talith is mine, not you, you will do well to remember that and give him the reseect he deserved. It was Tallith that deserved me in the flight and it's why he caught me.
Ephia shook her head at her mighty queen. Ariath was certainly proud and would not let anyone get away with anything that defied her in anyway. Ephia looked to L'cian with a smile before turning to M'xan and Blyir. "It was a pleasure speaking to you both, but I believe that L'cian and I should go meet some of our other guests." With that she rested a hand on L'cian's arm before walking away from the duo calmly. Kimaria Blyir's eyes narrowed dangerously, a silent threat playing behind them as she glared first at Ephia and then at her blasted queen. Waroth rumbled comfortingly in her mind, his own eyes still whirling fearfully. Things were beginning to get a little out of hand that was for sure.
"Yes, though I'm not sure brown compliments gold very well." She muttered the comment under her breath but it was indeed loud enough for the small group to hear if they were paying attention.
Waroth gave a bugle of warning, brown head raised and jaws parted, wings extending as he raised up from his perch. The dragon was usually such a laid-back beast, allowing his rider to do as she pleased with usually no retribution, but things were becoming difficult and his rider was out of her depth. Dear one, let us leave, let us fly.
~~~
L'cian smiled in M'xan's direction as if he was oblivious to the tension, chosing to ignore it rather than to comment upon it and fuel it into further rage. He turned to Ephia as she spoke before glancing up at their dragons who were standing close by. "Yes he told me you had company and that it was only right I should attend. I must say it's nice to see you two again." He beamed at Blyir and M'xan once more, the nervous feeling in his stomach replaced with confidence. For once his rank seemed to be an advantage rather than a burden.
Then at Ephia's dismissal he nodded in farewell and turned with her, pausing only to glance at Tallith who was emitting a low sound deep in his chest. It seemed he wanted words with that old bronze.
The brown dragon tucked his head against his chest in a proudly male fashion and fanned his wings eyes whirling slowly, possesively. Old ones must make room for the young. He taunted gently, moving to press himself closer to the Queen. DarkenedHorizons Enelth's wings unfurled and he reared back at the Queen's reprimand, the sight of the Brown possesively close to the Gold serving only to anger him further. Draconic sensibilities won out, however, and he contented himself with a baleful glare and a promise that next time, Tallith wouldn't be so lucky. He felt his rider place a hand on his soft hide, not so much in warning as in reassurance. He angled his head towards M'xan, acutely aware that the bronzerider had barely managed to rein in his own temper.
His hand still resting on Enelth, M'xan tracked the Weyrleader's exit until they dissappeared amongst the crowd. A tight-lipped, tense expression was the only indication of the threat that still rankled him.
"Insufferable woman." Kolina Once they were out of range of the two riders Ephia allowed a sigh to escape her lips as a hand rose to rub her temples. A headache had taken hold during that whole transition, not to mention that her temper had yet to abate which was only making the throbbing in her head worse. She stopped for a moment, her hand squeezing L'cians in the process. "I need some time out of the crowds. Let's go into the Weyr for a while, if anyone needs us they could let Ariath or Tallith know."
She didn't really give L'cian a chance to reply before she turned and a tug on the Weyrleaders arm was all the indication he was getting that she would go inside with or without him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 5:43 am
Recovering at the Dining Hall Kolina Once within the Weyr Ephia lead the way to the dining hall. Thankfully it was fairly empty. Only a few riders here and there were scattered about the spacious cavern. Picking the far end of a table, away from the entrance Ephia sat and let her head fall into her awaitng hands which were supported by her elbows on the table. A sigh escaped past her lips as her eyes fluttered closed in hope of abating the terrible throbbing pain that threatened to engulf her head. Kimaria L'cian followed Ephia through to the dining hall, losing concentration on his step only to relay a message to Tallith. Make sure no one upsets the Queen. The brown confirmed this and withdrew to watch over the gold and the festivities. There had already been enough trouble for one day.
The Weyrleader moved to sit beside Ephia, wrapping one arm around her shoulders and urging her to lean into him slightly.
"Are you okay? Do you need anything?" He felt slightly helpless at seeing her like this, not too confident in his abilities at comforting the woman he cared for. He'd try his best however, he had to! Kolina "She waved a hand as she picked her head up and leaned into his body as he wanted. "I'll be fine. Just dealing with those two gives me an aching headache. It'll die down soon." She smiled at him. "I truly was lucky that your Tallith caught Ariath and not M'xan's Enelth. I don't know what I'll do if M'xan takes over leadership again." She adjusted her head so it sat on his shoulder tucked under his head. "I know what M'xan can be like, I saw it when he was Weyrleader before. I truly don't want to go through an ordeal like that. I am not sure if the Weyr will survive the two of us in leadership together." Kimaria His heart quickened in his chest but he drew in a calming breath and nodded softly, it was strange but nice to be so close to someone else. His lips brushed against her hair as he tried to seek an answer which would comfort her. She already seemed to be calming down from their heated debate with the two traditionalists however and he smiled back at her.
"If it doesn't I'm sure one of the healers will have something that will make you feel better."
At her words of being lucky he felt himself grow warm inside, a feeling of friendship and an emotional tie that went deeper than friendship. He cupped her face in his hand, stroking the smooth skin there with his thumb. "I don't think luck had anything to do with it." He whispered with an affectionate smile, "I wouldn't be surprised if dragons plan it all out beforehand." His smile was quickly lost under a serious compsure however as he took her words into consideration. This wasn't really the right time to joke about.
"That won't happen." He knew he shouldn't say such things, for in a mating flight anything could happen...but what was he supposed to say? There was no way he wanted to see Ephia worry about such a thing, especially one that was out of her control. "We'll trust your beautiful Queen's judgement on this, and if Tallith loses then I'm sure it will be to a much stronger bronze than Enelth."
He tightened his embrace and sighed softly, "and...if the worst does happen, you'll still have me and Tallith to aid you." It hurt him to think of anyone with Ephia other than himself but he knew that someday this dream had to come to an end...he was a brownrider after all. "We'll stick by your side no matter what, and no one - not M'xan nor Blyir - will be able to change that." Kolina Ephia smiled. "Yes, well, if our dragons are planning out flights then we're in good hands. I'd have to say ours did a very good job." Affections rose but in mere minutes those affections were pushed away from the fore front as more unpleasant topics arose. "I truly hope that Ariath will be able to stay away from Enelth. M'xan and his bronze are both furious with you as Weyrleader as we both know. That anger might just be enough to push them to victory in the flight." She really did not want to imagine the consequences to such a flight. Dragons usually stay faithful to their current mates but Ephia wasn't sure if Ariath would put up with Enelth. Her queen was not fond of the bronze at all. As L'cian rassured her with his words a smile began to spread across her face again. "It's nice to know I have supporters. Those three sometimes make me feel as if I am the only person in the Weyr who likes the direction I am taking things." Kimaria "I assure you that isn't the case. I have seen the way people look at you, heard what they say about what you're doing. Many of the riders are welcoming the change just as I." He paused and sighed, "at first they might have been skeptical as I admit I was, but you have been taught well and you have overcome every thing that has been thrown in your path and more."
He had to admit however that he did feel nervous about Ariath's next flight. What if Tallith wasn't strong enough this time? If he lost to someone like M'xan - let alone M'xan himself - he'd never forgive himself. For more than anything he wanted what was best for the Weyrwoman....for Ephia.
"Since you have taken over this leadership the past turn I have seen a great many things happening. People are happy, visitors praise the Weyr, and the fantastic clutch has lifted everyone spirits. I've never been more proud to fly with Rias Weyr."
He gave a smirk, "and if M'xan and that posse of his think they can turn people to the side of the traditionalists so easily they are sadly mistaken. People here are fiercely devoted to you." Himself included. Kolina Ephia smiled. "I am glad you can see the devotion around the Weyr. I guess I've been so busy with my work and Ariath and dealing with M'xan and his group that I haven't noticed how people look to me." She brushed back a lock of black hair as she moved so that she was no longer leaning Against M'xan but sitting straight.
"As much as I am enjoying myself I believe we should join the festivities. I am sure there is at least one person looking for us and it wouldn't be very kind to keep them waiting." Rising from her seat, the bottom of her golden gown fluttered down to kiss the floor once again. "Shall we see to our guests?" She held a hand out to him. Kimaria L'cian nodded in agreement and got to his feet, taking her hand delicately and lacing his fingers with hers. His heart gave another small jolt inside his chest, and the affectionate smile that touched his lips was one that he could not rid himself of.
Live for the moment, he told himself and from the ledge he could feel his dragon's agreement.
"Yes, it wouldn't do to stay hidden away, they might think they've won and we can't let them gain the upperhand on us." He spoke firmly. "Plus that beautiful gown you're in is meant for show." He paused to admire the great swath of golden material, perfectly contrasting to her ebony hair. She was truly beautiful that was for sure.
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and began a casual pace towards the dining hall doorway.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 7:20 am
 Journal Entry ~ 4 Well the Hatching was an amazing success! I feel suddenly free from stress and tension and now that the main event is over and done with I can begin to finally accept my role as Weyrleader. The only thing I have to worry about next is what will happen during Ariath's next flight.
My mind tells me that I should not allow Tallith to fly, perhaps make sure to stay away when it draws closer to her time to rise. The Weyr needs a good, strong bronze dragon to bring them a queen egg. This Weyr needs a junior queen more than anything else and I fear that Tallith pairing with Ariath will not result in such a blessing. I should do the honourable thing and stand down as Weyrleader, take my brown away for a while so he doesn't feel the pain of loss. I hate to do it to him but...it's only right isn't it?
However whilst my mind tells me one thing my heart says another. For like Tallith and his fondness of the queen, my fondness of Ephia has grown considerably. She is simply an amazing woman; strong, dedicated and intelligent with an incredible beauty to match. Being with her makes me happy, makes me feel alive.
It is that thought alone which makes me think that perhaps I should let Tallith give chase.
Anyway enough of this already, the next flight won't be happening for a while so I'll put that to the back of my mind. What ever happens, Ephia and I shall still be friends.
I mainly wanted to write down the names of the new riders and dragonets that hatched today, for records and for my personal desire. It will be nice to remember those who ride on the dragons sired by my Tallith.
Colour || Dragon || Rider
Bronze || Datiath || N'tren
Bronze || Wieth || ???
Brown || Queth || G'dor
Brown || Gurath || X'lias
Green || Trith || Remia
Green || Saranth || L'mur
Green || Lareth || Kirana
Blue || Natroth || J'riar
Now...turning to a more sour note I must dwell a little on the traditionalists. I don't think there are too many of them in the Weyr thankfully, but they are still around. I'll have to keep a close eye on M'xan and Blyir, and that blue rider S'dar. He wasn't at the hatching today...or atleast I didn't see him. Those three are going to prove a problem, especially with Bronze Enelth losing to Tallith in the flight.
I fear for what will happen next time she rises. What if Enelth's rage and determination drives him much more than Tallith's flirtation. I CANNOT lose to that man, we musn't! I can't let that happen to Ephia, I must protect her from that man. I must.
I may not be a bronze rider and I may not have the respect of all my peers, but I know for a fact that such a stern, strict and traditionalist man would not benefit a Weyr which is changing and flowing with the times instead of against it.
I'll have to organise a meeting with Ephia and speak with her on this matter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 7:11 am
The great brown raised his head suddenly, snorting as he turned to gaze at his rider who was checking the strength of the new riding straps.
Someone stirs within our weyr.
"Anyone we know?" L'cian asked, only slightly curious as he extended the leather and checked it for any marks or weaknesses. So far so good, the leather was thick and strong and would do a fine job at keeping him safe upon his great brown's shoulders.
The one that irritates you so. Tallith half lidded his eyes, a low rumble starting in his chest. Halath wishes to know where we are.
"Halath?! You mean Lacuna...mother...is here?" L'cian visibly stumbled over his words as he slowly looped the long strip of leather around one arm, turning to clap Tallith's nose. "Tell that fussy green to meet us at the Weyr Bowl." Then with that he vaulted up onto Tallith's bare back and braced himself as the great brown leapt upwards, huge wings spreading to embrace the sky.
They were hovering just above a wide ledge when the green Halath appeared, her trill of greeting filling the air as she back-winged down to land beside Tallith. She was a terribly small green and quite dwarfed by the large brown who huffed and rolled his large eyes.
Halath says a lady should be greeted with more respect. Tallith swept out his wings a little, moving to touch his nose curiously against Halath's.
"Lacuna? Mother?"
"Why did you never visit?! Lacian really!" Her shrill tone greeted him and he winced, wishing she'd remember to call him by his rider name. "You! You a brownrider as Weyrleader!! What's wrong with the Queen here at the Weyr? Does she not want the largest and most shimmering of bronzes?"
Tallith snorted, eyes tinging a little with red - a colour rarely seen in the beast's eyes. It seemed she irritated the dragon just as much as the rider.
"A stroke of luck mother-mine." He gave her a strained smile, reaching up to caress his dragon's eyeridge. "As for visiting we really have been busy, especially with Fall so close."
"Yes, yes." She waved him off, "and what have you been feeding Tallie-oh? He's a huge, bloated thing! Take a look at my slender green, the perfect agile fighter dragon!"
Halath is amused. Tallith sounded somewhat low, his ego bruised by Lacuna's comments.
The other continued, "You're all the talk of the Weyrs you know, can he really lead them? How did a brown manage it? Everyone is just waiting for you to mess up...but I suppose all of that won't matter now. She's going to be rising again soon and this time she'll want a bronze."
"Lacuna!" L'cian snapped, eyes darkening considerably, "your comments belittle my dragon - who as you can see is the finest brown around - and they are quite unnessecary. I happen to love the Weyrwoman with all my heart, and Tallith worships her queen."
"Love?! Oh son, were you not told of how things are supposed to be? Why don't you find yourself a nice green rider to settle with? Golds are strictly out of bounds for the ones of your ranking."
Tallith masked L'cian's reply with an angered bugle, the great male stepping forwards with wings beating at the air. Halath hissed, backing up a little as her own wings got caught up in the breeze.
"Please...you could not understand the ways of Rias...many of the riders here are accepting of me and Tallith, and yes...we will probably lose the next flight but that is our business alone...not yours."
"Sorry for caring." Lacuna looked extremely hurt, "well I'll be taking my leave, your brown has quite upset my dearest green." The frown never left her face as she boarded her small dragon and gave the sign for flight. "A late congratulations gift is in your weyr." And with that said the green brought down her wings and took them upwards. Up, up, up until they blinked from sight completely.
~~~
Tallith landed, claws scrabbling against the worn ledge of their weyr as he folded his wings against his side and awaited for his rider to dismount. L'cian was fuming, though the anger was beginning to give way to regret. His mother was right after all.
His Tallith was no bronze.
They would lose the next flight and every other that would follow.
Lace... His dragon sounded rather distressed, his eyes dull with grief. I'm sorry.
Those words broke the rider's heart and before he knew what was happening the tears were streaming down his face. He turned swiftly, leather dropped to the ground as he reached up to embrace his dragon's snout.
"I love you Tallith. You are my life, you are my love, you are my everything!" Callused hands stroked over his dragon's soft skin, the sweet smell of oil pungent in the air. "You are as good...no...better than any bronze. You are mine and I am yours and no matter how much heartache we are to endure because we fell for a gold we'll go through it together."
Lace... His dragon's soft croon filtered through the cavern as he extended his wigns a little, I love you.
"You gave me a year of happiness with another human Tallie. I never thought I'd bond with anyone other than you...but thanks to your determination that fateful day when the Queen rose...you gave me something I'll never forget."
You found yourself through her. Your ability to communicate, to lead and all the other traits I knew you had. You hid them so well that perhaps your bronze failed to notice it.
"Then that bronze was an idiot!" L'cian grinned, "You may be brown on the outside but you have a heart of bronze."
Two hearts. Tallith stated with a purr before turning his attention towards L'cian's quarters. Something sleeps.
"What?" And with that L'cian drew away from his brown to peer into his own quarters...perhaps the gift his mother had left? It wasn't hard to see, in fact it would have been impossible to miss! For on his desk stood a brightly coloured pot filled with...sand?
"...Oh no." He reached up to bury his face within his hands, "Tallie...we've got a problem."
The dragon saw the pot through his rider's eyes and gave a surprised chirp, arching his neck and sweeping out his wings. A firelizard?
"A nuisance." L'cian sighed, moving over to peer into the pot. He poked at the sand with an index finger and turned to gaze at his dragon. "What're we going to do with it?"
You want it?
"No, I have you dear one. Perhaps we can give it away?"
Who would want that? Tallie's great snout wrinkled in dismay.
"I think I have an idea." L'cian spoke up, "Remember the curly haired girl we brought here from the Hold?"
Yes.
"She seemed to be quite taken with you dear one. Perhaps she'd like a minature dragon of her own? They're an annoyance but they can also be trained and I'm sure she'd love to do that."
Perhaps. His dragon almost shrugged, reclining onto the floor with a loud huff.
So it was decided...Ella would be the firelizards caretaker. Now to get her a message...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 2:39 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 2:40 am
 Ariath's Second Flight
This account is from Tallith's point of view only, for the full story go hereThe brown dragon reared up, eyes whirling with an ever increasing glow of purple, the facets swirled together in a dizzying pattern so fast that L'cian was alerted instantly to his dragon's emotions. The beast had returned to his ledge after the meeting with Ephia and Farin whilst he himself had gone to inspect the wings.
The emotions swelled, the power of the lust rising within both dragon and rider and L'cian instantly knew what was going on. The brown informed him anyway and the panic rose within his chest.
The flight, they couldn't be late.
He had a promise to keep.
Tallie where are you? L'cian spoke as he ran from the room after being excused quickly from the other riders. They all understood the importance of this, and why the brownrider was so nervous.
I feast! His dragon hissed hungrily and L'cian could almost imagine the blood dribbling from the beast's great mouth, running in streams down his neck as he suckled at a herdbeast's throat.
The rider knew where he had to go, he had been there many times before, but this time the effort was becoming increasingly difficult. He had no choice though, they HAD to make it.
Tallith! He yelled in his mind as he swerved around another corner, fly strong, fly wise, fly as you've never flown before. If they won? Then he'd accept another year of being Weyrleader, he'd continue to do so until Ephia and Ariath chose their bronze rider. He would be there to protect them from others - no names mentioned.
---
By the time the brown finished with the herdbeast he knew there would not be much time left before-- ah and there she was! At the sight of Ariath diving down to feed the other bronzes and browns left in the bowl drew back, fearful of her wrath. Tallith didn't fear, he simply loved and lusted after her, he would catch her in his claws, let their wings work as one as they twined mid-air in a spectacle the other dragons would be forced only to watch.
He rose up to land upon the ledge, turning his head this way and that before setting eyes upon his foes. One imparticular - Enelth. So the beast meant to try and win over him?! He raised his head, red whirling with purple as he screamed his rage, tail lashing and wings extending.
That old bronze had a fight on his wings.Tallith watched her with eager eyes, fanning out his wings and craning his head back to hiss a warning to the dragons who wanted to fly against him. He intended to win, intended to catch this prize. However there was one more message he had to relay to L'cian before he let his mind be completely consumed by the lust of the flight.
Ephia is in the Weyrbowl His voice seemed deeper than usual and L'cian quickly averted his path.
Any moment now and that golden queen would fly and Tallith would give chase, he didn't want to be caught up in anything before he had made sure Ephia was okay. The queen must have taken her by surprise with this flight and she hadn't been prepared. Suddenly imagining a crowd of bronzeriders surrounding her he couldn't help but quicken his pace further, breath harsh in his lungs. He had to get there quickly!!
Concentrating only on the light at the end of the corridor he tried to rid the thoughts of the flight from his mind. He had to reach her, help her to the weyr. It felt like his duty as her friend, as Weyrleader and as a dragonrider who had her well-being in mind.
Finally he broke out into the bowl, scanning his eyes around just in time to see the great golden queen take flight.
Tallith trumpeted his challenge and with a tremendous stroke of his wings, launched himself clear of the ledge, catching a thermal and swooping after her.
L'cian felt a part of himself take flight with his dragon, vision blurring with the blues of the sky, the whites of the clouds. No...no not yet, where was the Weyrwoman?
He sought and found her not too far away, reaching out to touch her shoulder lightly, ignoring the other riders around them. Fingers increased their grip on her in a gentle squeeze. "Ephia." His voice was a whisper, "we have to get you back to your weyr." Was she still here or was she now within her queen?L'cian gripped her shoulder in exasperation, what should he do? He could feel Tallith urging him t o join him in the flight, and how he wanted to! But...He turned to gaze at the other riders surrounding the Weyrwoman, a fiercely protective desire rising within him. He wanted to embrace the woman he cared for and take her away from all these others. Why were they just standing back and letting her stand here? What was wrong with bronze riders anyway!? Suddenly thankful his dragon had hatched a brown L'cian tried again to get the woman's attention, his actions however were in vain.
His vision blurred and in his mind he heard Tallith's lust-filled roar.
Tallith, Ephia isn't in her weyr!
But for once the brown dragon didn't reply, for at that moment when he looked so close to catching up, the golden Queen swerved right to avoid her flock of followers - himself included.
He pumped his wings furiously, bringing himself around to swerve between two bronzes then with a whirl of his violet eyes he tucked in his wings to bring himself a little lower than the other dragons. Perhaps he could rise up on an especially strong thermal and take the gold by surprise?
Then his rider stopped fighting against it and together they flew, minds and souls as one as both human and dragon gave chase.
The only way L'cian could help Ephia now was if he won, was if he aided Tallith in Ariath's capture. He had made a promise to the Weyrwoman and he did not intend to break it, he wouldn't let anyone hurt her.Tallith gave an almighty bellow, eyes whirling frantically as the gold pulled upwards and away from him. So near to Enelth, so close to being caught by that terrible bronze! Red joined purple in his lust-filled eyes and he heard his rider mirror his own distress.
Then they were treated with an acrobatic display by their queen so amazing that Tallith almost forgot to turn and give chase once more. Almost.
Parting his jaws in a silent call for her Tallith swerved, his smaller more agile form an advantage as he took a sharp turn and continued to give chase. Pinions were spread wide, neck arched up as he sought a thermal. If he could find one strong enough he could be lifted right up to her and he would win his prize once more.
If he was going to catch her it would have to be soon. Tallith was a large brown but he would never have the stamina of the bronzes, nor the strength to continue though he desired to. To fly when he was exhausted would be a foolish thing to do.
He had to put the last of his energy to good use, he had to catch her with his attempt and with his mind constantly plotting he half-lidded his eyes and poured more energy into his wings. His speed increased greatly taking him much closer to the queen, maybe a little too close? He turned his head to the side briefly, hissing his anger at the persuers and at Enelth wherever he may be.
As long as Ariath stayed on her course he was in the perfect position, if not then he'd have to use up more of his fast depleting energy.
He needed a thermal now!So close...so close!
Tallith could feel the heat radiating from the golden queen's body, smell her delightful scent, could feel the air whooshing around her great wings.
He was going to win, he could feel it in every nerve, every vein.
And then...
Enelth appeared from above and a moment later bronze was twined with gold where it should have been brown. Tallith's body jerked back violently, pinions spread as he fell back away from the mating pair. His head raised and jaws parted in a cry of agony and fury so loud that his rider was afraid he might blink between.
Promises broken.
Ariath lost!
He cried again, the tone long and pitiful, a call of despair as he watched the pair with a whirl of red-grey eyes. Then with a final twist of his body he turned to head back to his weyr, there was nothing for him here anymore...nothing at all.
~~~
Tallith was not alone in his grieving as L'cian was returned to his own body, muscles trembling from the effect of the flight. Knees buckled as he fell to the ground, tears gathering in his eyes. He dared not look up in case he saw something that might make him want to tear M'xan apart.
All was lost...his promises broken.
He had told Ephia he would protect her...but instead he had let her be flown by the unworthiest man of all and now he would be the one answering to M'xan.
In his heart he knew that his brown could not win forever, for though he was a large dragon he was never to have the stamina of the larger males. However he would not let the Weyr suffer in the hands of that old traditionalist. Never!
With tears in his eyes and a firm promise to himself to make sure that he protected Ephia from now on, L'cian got to his feet and staggered off to his weyr.
Tallith?
We lost, we fail, we lose our queens! The brown sounded quite distressed and L'cian quickened his pace, feeling the sudden urge to be with his brown. He was glad the memories of this flight would grow faint in his dragon's mind.
He however would never forget.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 5:46 am
The girl approached the weyr with a nervous look in her eyes, for why she had been called here she had no idea. The tension in the room sent a shiver down her spine as she stepped down the stairs and peeked around the curtain. At first her eyes could see nothing in the gloom and then the great brown moved inside alerting her to his presence. Her breath caught in her lungs then and she closed her eyes tightly, fingers clenching at the hem of her shirt. Why was she so afraid? What did she think L'cian was going to do to her? He was a fine and noble man...and just because he lost the flight didn't mean he had turned into a monster.
She waited a moment longer for her eyes to adjust, finally able to make out Tallith in the gloom and paying note to the colour of grief whirling in his usually cheerful eyes. His usually brilliant colour had faded and from here he looked rigid with sickness. He had lost his Queen and was paying the price. It was a good job then that dragons were known for their short memories. As for L'cian however...
She gazed towards his own quarters, the lack of a partition allowing her to see right through.
He grieves for his lost queen.
A gasp of surprise leapt from her throat as Ella stumbled backwards and away from Tallith who had swerved his head round to greet her. The voice in her mind had sounded so like L'cian's but...but...it couldn't be...could it? A dragon had...a dragon had spoken to her!? She stepped forwards then, hands outstretched in acceptance and the brown settled his snout against her palms, exhaling deeply. This brown meant so much to her, he had bespoken her brother - who would never be a rider - and now he had spoken to her. Was this a sign that she too could be a rider someday?
One day. The dragon echoed her thoughts.
"L'cian wanted to see me?" She whispered, not quite sure if the dragon could hear her or not.
He grieves for a promise broken. And though Carella didn't understand she knew now that L'cian was merely depressed. She nodded and stepped past Tallith, pausing once more at the entrance to gaze inside. He was there, the ex-Weyrleader in all his depressed state and she was there to comfort him in his time of need - or so she believed.
"L'cian?"
The man stirred, raising himself up from his place on the bed, gazing at her through tresses of dark, messy hair. There was recognition in his eyes and in a moment he was sitting up and brushing back his hair to make himself look more presentable. Then with a little more difficulty he gave her a smile and stood up.
"Ah you're here at last! Still not used to the tunnels of the Weyr?"
"Oh no sir, I'm quite used to them now. I just thought you'd like a little time to yourself...Tallith told me you grieve." She clapped a hand over her mouth, face flushing with embarrassment as she realised what she had just said. The look on L'cian's face however was not anger, just a deep sorrow that sent a shiver of sadness to her own heart.
"Seems my brown has taken a liking to the members of your family." He gave the brown an affectionate glance before beckoning her to enter and sit down. "Don't worry, I'm not a jealous person and my brown has the right to talk to anyone he desires, especially someone who is dragon worthy."
"Me sir?" She looked shocked at hearing the words from such an experienced rider.
"Yes you. Don't look so surprised Ella." He grinned, looking almost like his normal self. "A word of advice I have for you however." He paused a moment and gave her a serious look, "find a weyrmate who will never lose in a flight, find one who can keep his promises to you."
"L'cian...the flight...it's not your fault! I saw it all...I saw how the Queen wanted Tallith, I saw her surprise and her anger as...as...as Enelth took her!" Ella had tears in her eyes now, blurting the words out as if each one was a dagger. Her heart had sailed during the flight, she had watched Tallith, cheered for him and wanted him to win more than anything, her love for browns exerted all else and she knew that if she was to have a dragon of her own it would have to be a green. The torment of having a gold and being trapped to the choice of just a bronze would be awful.
The silence that followed her statement caused her to look up once more, the flush of embarrassment evident on her face as she raised her eyes to gaze at the Wingleader. He was still a man of high ranking and somehow she had forgotten that. "I-I'm sorry it's just that...well I wanted you to win."
"It's fine, anyway enough of that, those sorts of things are for you to worry about. I called you up here for an entirely different reason." He gestured towards a rather grand looking pot that was standing on the desk and encouraged her to approach it. Her heart lurched as she caught sight of the sand contained within and knew what precious treasure lay within.
"A firelizard." The word was released as a dreamy breath, eyes widening.
"Close to hatching too, it was a present from someone who didn't realise my dislike for them."
"You don't like the little ones?" Ella was shocked, she thought that dragonriders would have loved them more than Holders.
"They irritate me and my brown, and having Tallith is enough for me. I thought it better to give the egg to someone who will truly treasure it, and yes, that person is you."
Ella couldn't believe what he was saying, her heart beating loudly in her chest. She had been there when her brother had accidentally impressed his little firelizard and now she was getting the chance to own one all of her own! She moved forwards instinctively, reaching out to cradle the pot in her hands and peer down into the sand. To her surprise she saw a little movement and gave a shocked gasp.
"Yes, close to hatching. We'd better get it unburied. I brought meat up here for you ready." He threw her a square shaped package tied with string and she accepted it gratefully. A newly hatched firelizard had to be stuffed until it was too fat too fly or else it wouldn't be impressed and would simply disappear between and never come back. There was no way she wanted that to happen!
With loving care she slowly scooped the sand away, her small hands more able at the job as she uncovered the small, speckled egg that lay inside. The shell already looked a little cracked and carefully she raised it up and set it on the desk, moving to unwrap the pack of meat. L'cian had stepped back to watch and even Tallith seemed to be curious as he canted his head to get a better look.
She knows what to do. The dragon mindspoke to his rider with an approving tone.
Yes she does, she'd make a fine rider don't you think?
Worthy of a gold. Tallith agreed with a wistful note, mind floating briefly back to Ariath. Even now he could see in his mind's eye the body of his queen and that beastly Enelth twining midair as they soared downwards. Had the queen truly wanted Enelth or had that bronze just been too wily? His eyes slowed to the colour of grieving once more and he stepped back, no longer interested in the hatching of the little firelizard.
The egg rocked dangerously, it's hard encasement splintering down one side and as L'cian and Carella looked on, the tiny snout of a miniature dragon poked up through the top of the shell. It creeled loudly, a high-pitched cry and then suddenly the egg rolled and spilled the small firelizard onto the desk. The little thing was so tiny it could easily fit in the palm of the tanner's hand, its small, delicate wings fluttering as it tried to right itself. The girl was frozen in awe as she let her eyes trail over it's ridged back, for the firelizard was a handsome little brown indeed! It was fate, it had to be!
With a small word of encouragement from L'cian she moved forwards, taking a piece of the meat and stuffing it quickly into the miniature brown's parted jaws. Again and again she fed him until finally he moved forwards into her waiting hands and gave a sigh of contentment. It was then when she gazed upon his swollen belly and his small wings that she found the name for him.
"He's going to be called Zence." She smiled, standing up and holding the sleeping firelizard to her chest. Her eyes sparkled with a new hope, a love that brought a smile to the Wingleader's face. It was good to see someone so happy. However that thought made him think of Ephia and his heart grew cold once more.
"Well then Ella! You and your Zence should run along, I expect you have things to do and I have my Wing to check." He bowed his head and she nodded in agreement.
"Thank you Wingleader!" She caressed the firelizard's back with one finger and took a few steps away from him before turning and heading towards the exit, pausing only once to glance at Tallith. He looked but a ghost of the dragon he had been...
Please feel better beautiful brown... She thought helplessly, cuddling her new sleeping companion.
It wasn't until she was halfway up the stairs when she got the reply. I will...yes I will. and there was a clear tone of determination in the brown's voice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
