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Wing Relay

The Wing Relay is the centerpiece event for the Dragon Games and the competition that lends the festival its name. Many feel the results of the relay speak to the skill and standing of the Wings of Trine. The top three Wings are also nominated to compete in the Pern Games, where the best Wings of Pern gather to compete and determine the best of the best.

The Relay itself is a grueling, stamina-challenging event requiring team work, determination, and careful consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of the members of a Wing. As such, it's an excellent demonstration of a Wing's skill and talent in fighting Thread.

The Relay begins and ends at Trine but Riders follow a designated race-route that takes the members throughout much of Trine's territories. The route follows the river north to the coast, follows the coast to Eron Hold then to Iteos Hold, south along the river to Aquor Hold looping back around to Trine, through the cothold and over the mountains to the east, east to Ursul then north to Atlini before a 3-leg race back to Trine. It's a massive, long-distance route that requires perfect timing and teamwork to make it. Teams are stationed at Trine and once a dragon makes it to a check-point (completing their leg of the race), they Between back to Trine to hand the baton off to the next competitor. The next competitor then Betweens to the appropriate checkpoint and continues on with the race. Betweening while journeying from one check point to another is forbidden and cheating results in disqualification for the entire team.

The Wing Relay serves to remind those in the territory of their Weyrfolk Protectors, provide social contact to those in the outlying regions, and provides an excellent opportunity for a thorough patrol of Trine's territories. It's not uncommon for the Candidate ranks to swell after the Wing Relay, when young men and women watch the great dragons streak through the skies, the large batons clasped in their claws. It's an awe-inspring sight and does wonders for the morale of Holder and Rider alike.

GALE STALKERS ARE READY FOR THE RELAY!

1.K'lo of Black Kyrith
2.Av'nia and Druith
3.S'kiro and Neptanth
4.Carwyn of Green Alaith - not during the 27th-30th
5.Eliza of Green Velath
6.D'lin of Bronze Plexith
7Mi'ca of Black Turoth - If approved in time
8. [NPC/random]
9. [NPC/random]
10. [NPC/random]
11. [NPC/random]
12. [NPC/random]
13. [NPC/random]
14. [NPC/random]
15. [NPC/random]



DAUNTLESS WING IS READY FOR THE RELAY!

Kleos & Moriath
Sh'en & Kalteth
Ja'son & Karath
Ca'mil & Cheryth
A'nos & Acriculeth
K'gan & Trekth
Kalendol & Kynigoth
Ralla & Firith
Naressa & Reciproth [NPC if not completed in time for the event]
[NPC/random]
[NPC/random]
[NPC/random]
[NPC/random]
[NPC/random]
[NPC/random]



TWILIGHT FLAMES ARE READY FOR THE RELAY!

1. Arlii and Erinaeth
2. J'nes and Hatteth
3. F'iar and Solath
4. C'tis and Malcarreth
5. R'oe and Jaggeth
6. Allia and Somnuth
7. C'rrys of Leszyth
8. Ko'lin and Komaith
9. [NPC/random]
10. [NPC/random]
11. [NPC/random]
12. [NPC/random]
13. [NPC/random]
14. [NPC/random]
15. [NPC/random]

[K'lo of Gale Stalkers Wing]

The day of the Dragon Games had arrived, and K’lo was very nervous. He was standing near the starting point, fiddling with his gloves as they waited for the games to begin. His wing was participating in the Dragon Relay, and he’d been selected to participate. What if he let everyone down?

We will be fine, Kyrith told him for the dozenth or so time. It is a simple flight, straight in the direction you’re given. We even have one of the shorter legs of the race, only about a day’s flight. Perfect for a little black. Our wingleader was smart to give us this leg.

But we have the first leg, K’lo answered back. The very first one. If we’re not fast enough, the whole race will be thrown off.

This race will not be lost if just one racer is a little slow, Kyrith responded calmly. There are many legs, and other racers can make up for time any other has lost. Just enjoy the flight, the black dragon advised. He looked around and added, Ah, mount up now, it seems we’re about to begin.

K’lo would have liked to find some reason to delay, but he knew it would do no good. Kyrith wouldn’t let him, for one thing. So he pulled on his riding gloves and slowly climbed up into the riding straps. Kyrith took hold of the baton and held it tightly in one front claw, leaving the other claw on the ground to help steady himself for launch. There was a few moments before they started, tense as waiting to launch off to fight Thread. Then they were off, Kyrith leaping into the air and beating his wings hard to gain height.

This is quite different, Kyrith commented cheerfully as he rose. I am not used to long flights. Usually we just go between to wherever we need to go. It will be nice to stretch my wings.

But don’t literally stretch them, K’lo warned. I mean, don’t overwork yourself and strain them. If you can’t fly, I don’t know what would happen. Would they let someone else fill in?

You are right, we should not find out, Kyrith acknowledged, and back eased into a pace he could maintain for a long flight.

Over the long day’s flight, Kyrith alternated periods of slower, steady flight, short bursts of quicker flight, and occasional glides, a pattern meant to keep him going as long as possible. K’lo found there was very, very little for him to do. Once in a while he’d check their course based on a map he’d brought, looking for landmarks on the ground and checking the position of the sun. But besides that there was nothing for him to do but enjoy the view. It was kind of nice to see areas he hadn’t seen before, and he was glad that he was flying over one of Trine’s lakes for half the time instead of over a random stretch of forest. That would probably get boring fast.

As the day neared it’s end, they approached the first check point. Almost the next pair’s turn, K’lo noted with relief. It will be Av'nia and Druith, right?

I am sure you are right, Kyrith answered. He held the baton tight, looking at their destination intently.

Better let them know we’re coming. I think we’re close enough to the weyr for your mindvoice to reach K’lo told his dragon.

Kyrith rumbled his acknowledgement, then said, Druith, we are coming. Be ready. Moments later they passed through the checkpoint. K’lo quickly pictured the race’s starting point and instructed Kyrith to between there. A few seconds later they arrived in the weyr and handed off the baton.

As the next pair headed off, Kyrith landed, and K’lo could finally slide off. He found he’d gone stiff from sitting so long. Ouch. I think I could use a warm bath to soak out my muscles, he noted.

An excellent idea. I believe I will go for a swim to cool off mine.

[676 words = +20 to first roll]

[Rolling for Sh'en of green Kalteth of Dauntless Wing, taking the baton from his wingleader, woo!]


A day after the races had begun, Sh'en was extremely excited to be a part of it. His turn was second, and he knew that he and his dragon couldn't have waited even one more day to do it. They were both too excited, their emotions bouncing off of each other to create a very interesting (though enjoyable) restlessness.

Kalteth betweened to her relay point, riding the winds high in the air as she waited for Moriath. She squinted at the cluster of approaching dragons, scanning for the crimson among them as Sh'en did the same.

cried Kalteth, positively aflutter with excitement. This was a race, after all. Sh'en was a little worried though, as he looked his dragon over from his perch on her back.

He knew that Kalteth was built for speed, not endurance, and that he would somehow have to keep her in the air and on track. This would be as much a mental test for him as a physical one for her, and would be quite tricky.

squealed Kalteth, sending an enthusiastic greeting to Moriath as she swooped in from her holding position. Agile as ever, she did a flip in the sky and executed an acrobatic, impressive, and flawless baton pass with the Crimson, taking off with the baton held proudly in her claws.

Sh'en let out a breath of relief as he held onto his straps.

Well. he thought to himself, That's done.

~~~

Sh'en, like his dragon, was not built for endurance. As the day of his part of the relay dragged on, he found thoughts of food and drink and rest and sleep intruding onto his concentration. And even when he dragged his mind back to the task at hand, he had to deal with Kalteth's constant distraction.

she said piteously around the afternoon, her speed flagging for a moment as she looked back at him.







She mulled over that for a moment. Flight was her love, her buzzword, her greatest joy. she said, putting on a burst of speed – she could see the other dragons and she didn't want to lose.

Sh'en was relieved that that held her for a few more hours, enough to sneak a few snacks out of his pack and a drink of water.

Day turned to night, and Sh'en could see that his dragon was starting to really tire – he would normally not let her be airborne for more than a few hours, let alone this long. Her voice, however, showed no exhaustion, just delight – that was one of the many things that Sh'en loved about her.

she cooed. He followed the turn of her head to the shimmering golden glow of Rukbat sinking beneath the horizon.

“Yeah, I'm looking.” he said out loud. The sound of his own voice was hard to hear but a welcome vibration in his skull amidst the roar of the sky and the wind. “It's pretty, Kally, but keep flying.” He gripped her harness to keep from falling asleep, letting the leather dig into his palms. It wasn't as though he hadn't stayed up late before – in times of love and war, he had gone without proper sleep for a few days. But Kally hadn't, and he hadn't had to do anything so mentally and physically gruelling for an entire day.

she said hopefully, looking at the water in the dying light of the sun.

The idea was tempting to his tired mind – a swim, just a little swim. But Sh'en also knew that his wing was counting on him, and that they couldn't take a break. Not now. They'd never get out of their break. “Nope.” he said, a little bit of regret entering his voice, “Keep flying, Kally, just keep flying.”

~~~

'Just keep flying' lasted them until late in the night, when the moons were well along the sky and the stars – including the red star – hung above them like glows. Sh'en's fatigue and Kalteth's fatigue were one and the same, now. Both rider and dragon were exhausted, barely able to stay awake and aloft and in possession of the baton. Sh'en even caught himself falling asleep, though he managed to wake himself up before Kalteth drifted out of the sky and did the same. He tried all of his tricks – slapping his face, playing word games with Kalteth, chatting about the wonderfully clear weather, about their new acrobatics routine. He tried to get Kalteth gossiping with the other dragons, but it was difficult – they were all tired and not all were willing to talk.

Fortunately, with the dark came fewer distractions, and what shiny distractions did remain were helpful – the lights of the hold in the distance, the sparkle of the stars, the glimmer of moonlight... these were all inspiring enough for dragon and rider to convince them to hold back the sleep that beckoned them.

They were barely scraping through the night when the dawn came, bringing with it some renewed energy and joy for the pair. Kalteth's eyes widened, sudden large splotches of blue and green flashing bright amidst their tired grey. In the distance, they could both see the next relay point.



A cracking of air pressure signaled the entrance of dragons emerging from between and Kalteth's energy rallied again. She put on a burst of speed, bugling a greeting to her green wingmate as she swooped in for the hand in. Sh'en's energy was boosted too, and he grinned as they made their handoff, pleased with their performance.

Baton handed off – though somewhat less acrobatically than they had received it – Kalteth glided for a few moments more, watching the dragons take off on the next leg of the race.

Kalteth said again, positively bouncing with renewed joy.

said Sh'en proudly. He wanted to between back home to his rest, but he could barely form the coordinates in his head – not a safe way to between.

Of course, the dragon heartily agreed with this course of action.


(1110 words = +40 to the last roll)

[ Av'nia and Druith of Gale Stalkers ]

The dragon games. It was an event that everyone had been looking forward too. And her wing had been practicing for. She'd volunteered herself for part of it, not really sure what else to do. The relay race was simple and straightforward. Take a baton from point A to point B. Pass off to next wingmate. Hope her wing won?

It's so exciting! Everyone is chattering and- Oh, look Mine! There go the first fliers! Druith nuzzled his bonded, knowing the crowds were making her uneasy. But this event thing was going to be fun! And yes, even his rider could be seen cracking a smile as they watched their wingmate take off.

Now we wait. Av'nia said to her dragon, hand resting against his leg. They had wanted to see the start of the relay race. See what they had to expect. The blue pair watched K'lo and Kyrith until they couldn't see the black pair any longer.

Good luck, Kyrith! Druith bugled before turning to his rider. We should relax for the day. We'll have to be ready for when they reach the relay point. He said matter of factly.

Av'nia sighed and nodded. "I wouldn't mind... finding someplace less crowded to relax." She admitted, feeling a little guilty about it. But crowds still made her feel a little anxious. As did the fact they would be flying in the relay in a days time. "Maybe we should get a small meal." Stuffing themselves was definitely not an option, if Druith was going to fly for a full days time.

The pair relaxed for the rest of the day, having a small meal - Druith ate part of a herdbeast but saved the rest for another dragon - before finding a spot to curl up and rest. They wanted to be ready for when K'lo and Kyrith finished their leg of the race. Perhaps they could have explored around, taken a look at everything that was set up, or even hung with the rest of their wing. But Av'nia was not the most social of individuals. She left that up to her dragon.

-------------------------------

The following day, Av'nia carefully checked over Druith's riding harness, making sure it was tight but not too tight. Comfortable enough for the blue to fly for an extended period of time. He was hardly able to sit still and his giddiness started to rub off on his rider. She was smiling and even accepting wishes of 'good luck' more easily and less awkwardly.

Mine! It is time. They are almost there! We must be ready. Druith exclaimed, lowering himself to allow his rider to climb into place. Once she was settled, he trotted off to wait with the other dragons awaiting teammates. And then Kyrith was there! Druith, in his excitement, fumbled the baton. The hand-off did not go as smoothly as it could have, but the blue latched on and betweened to the midway point he gained from Kyrith.

That could have been better... Av'nia commented after they reappeared and Druith worked to get himself into a steady, length eating flight. She felt nervous, wondering if her wingmates would be upset?

Do not worry, myAv'nia. The fault was mine and they will forgive us. Let us have fun! Druith crooned, trying to help his rider relax again. He felt terrible for making her worry.

I'll be alright, my heart. Let us focus on the flying!

They had discussed ahead of time a plan of action, consulting with fellow wingmates and determining they'd stop twice for a small rest. Just to give Druith's wings a break.

--------------------------

At the first rest point, they chose a place along the beach, where the sound of the ocean was relaxing and calming to watch. Av'nia even took a little extra time to pull her boots off and stick her toes in the water. It was chilly, but felt nice and helped her anxiety to decrease.

Maybe we'll go back to the beach after we finish our portion of the race? Druith asked, watching his rider carefully put her boots back on and check over everything before mounting again.

"That would be very nice, yes." She said after a moment.

Druith crooned affectionately, sparing a few more seconds to nuzzle his rider. Then it shall be done! But first... He let his laughter ring through her mind as the blue launched himself into the air once again. They had spent a little more time than planned at the beach, and Av'nia hoped they could make up the time. Let us speed a bit more this portion of the race, my heart. She felt bad asking Druith to fly faster, but they did need to make up a little time.

------------------

Second rest point reached and left. The pair choose only to spend a few minutes there. Long enough for Druith to drink a little water and Av'nia to stretch her legs. She crossed her fingers, hoping they were catching up on lost time. Druith didn't seem to be worried, so it was helping her not to worry as much.

As I've said, Mine. This is supposed to be fun! Let us keep it so. He hummed softly at her, eyes bright and green. Neptanth, we are almost there. Be ready for us!

------------------

They were on the last leg of the race. Druith was pushing himself a little harder. But Av'nia wouldn't let him overdo it. I won't let you overtax yourself just because we can see the end. She warned him, very ready to be done with this. Yet at the same time, she was worrying again over what her teammates would say. Were they making good time? Faranth she really hoped so.

Here we come, Neptanth! Druith told his fellow blue as he zipped through the relay point.

Av'nia quickly pictured the starting point of the race and felt the cold of between wash over her. Then they were back at the start, Druith singling out Neptanth and eagerly handing off the baton. It slipped a little in his claws as he tried to pass it off, but aside from that he felt it went smoothly.

Good luck! He called before gliding out of the way and landing heavily.

She wasted no time slipping from her dragons back, patting his leg. "You did well, love. I'm proud of you." Av'nia didn't really care at that moment if they'd finished last. They had done their part to help their wing. There wasn't anything more they could really do.

How about we go find a spot on the beach, like I promised? He inquired, playfully swatting at his rider with his tail. She laughed and nodded, walking off with him to go find a real meal the blue could enjoy.

((1131 words = +40; 20 to first roll, 20 to second!)

Ca'mil & Cheryth - Dauntless

A long time ago Ca'mil and Cheryth would have been annoyed and impatient as they waited for their turn in the race but they were older now and patience had been something the pair had learned early on in their careers, rather then fretting and stressing and pacing as she had seen some others do she and Cheryth merely waited patiently, conserving their strength for when it would truly be needed, in the race itself.

'They should be here' soon Cheryth remarked as she gazed in the general direction their comrades should appear.

'Yes its getting about that time' Ca'mil replied, standing and stretching before she double checked her riding straps - although she already knew they were fine there was no harm in taking the extra time to make sure. Safety first and all that, no point in taking unnecessary risks when there was time to do things right she told herself. Satisfied that everything was in order and she had everything she would need she mounted her dragon the crimsons wings taking them quickly and swiftly into the air. It had been an honor to be chosen to ride in the relay both Ca'mil and Cheryth were determined to do the very best that they could and prove that their Wingleader had been right in trusting them to represent the wing in such a manner.

'There I think I see them' Cheryth reported as they hovered in the air and squinting into the light Ca'mil nodded slightly 'Yep that looks like them alright, you ready?' Ca'mil replied.

'Of course' Cheryth responded the proud crimson whirling to catch the thrown baton and bugling a thank you to the pair before them before setting off with strong beats of her wings.

'Careful not to over do it at the beginning' Ca'mil reminded her dragon as they flew, receiving a mental acknowledgment of the remark although Ca'mil could feel that her dragons mind was solely focused on the task as hand. Thankfully this leg of the race was fairly uneventful, and Ca'mil didn't really anticipate any problems or overdo hardship, both she and Cheryth had put in a great deal of time conditioning themselves for their leg of the race and while they had always been in good shape they were in even better shape now. The ground sped by below them and Cam'il amused herself by counting the animals she could make out on the ground, mere specks from this height but distinguishable none the less. All too soon it felt like the first rest stop was coming into view. 'I think thats our first stop' Ca'mil told her dragon as they approached the watering hole. It wasn't very big but it was good enough to do the job and the watch looked clear and clean.

Flaring her wing slightly and tipping them to bleed away some speed Cheryth landed with gentle experience next to the waters edge, lowering her head to take a refreshing drink while her rider got off to stretch and fill her own waterskin. All too soon the pair were back in the air, once more flying as swiftly and strongly as they could manage for the sake of their wings honor. Of course no one had come out and said it was important to win but they all knew that each of them wanted too - it was just a race maybe but it was also a bit of bragging rights and while Ca'mil was not typically one to brag about things it would be nice to have the occasion to do so for once.

'How are you doing?' She questioned her dragon as they flew past what she guessed to be close to the halfway mark of their leg, at this point she was sure that Cheryth would be starting to tire but the true aches wouldn't be felt until closer to the end. cheryth was a strong and determined dragon however and Ca'mil had no doubt that she would finish what she had started no matter how tired she ended up being.

'Still fine' cheryth responded, sure she was growing winded but neither her lungs nor her wings were starting to burn yet, and so she judged she was still doing quite well and unless she was mistaken they were making fairly good time at that, surely they wouldn't have any troubles finishing their leg of the race and sending the rider and dragon pair after them off with a good time.

'Alright, it shouldn't be long until we reach the second rest stop now' Ca'mil responded, stroking her dragons crimson neck in support, sure they were both in this together and her legs and seat might end up a touch sore after such a prolonged flight but it was really Cheryth doing all the hard work here. As promised it was only a short time later when Ca'mil spotted the telltale location they had been drilled into remembering, a thin stream wound its way below them offering riders and dragons both a second bit of refreshment on their journeys.

As with the last stop this one was relatively short, neither of them wanting to loose much time on the ground when there was still a good bit of distance to go. It was encouraging to think that they were almost done however and with this thought in mind Cheryth drove herself faster, pushing herself as hard as she dared in order to make the best time possible in their run. Her wings and lungs had long since begun to ache and burn when at long last the next pair of riders came into view and twisting at the last second Cheryth passed off the baton to the waiting pair 'Fly well!' She called out to them as they hurried off while she and Ca'mil returned home, both of them were looking forward to a bit of rest and relaxation after the exertion of the ride but both of them also knew they would be anxiously awaiting the results of the race along with the others.

1011 words - +40 points to last roll

((Roll for S'kiro and Neptanth of Gale Stalkers! Rp will come after))

Twilight Flames: F'iar and Solath, rp to come