Much ado about something [plot start] 15.09.05

[Shoki]

"Hmmm." R'le was pondering something more important then the dried meat he was chewing on. He had just been out with Quiorith for long enough that they were taking a break for the rider to banish his hunger. While the rider sat on a tree branch with his shoes off the cloud dragon was lying out, enjoying the sun. Quiorith looked at his rider for a moment then rested his head and left it alone. The rider didn't need any more distractions while he thought.

"Ngh." The frustrating noises the dark haired rider made while he thought were almost laughable if he had not looked so serious. Something was off. He had just had another meeting with people hanging about the forest and honestly something had not felt right to him. Or rather things felt uneven. It wasn't a WRONG feeling, it was just things were annoying him. He moved to take another nibble of the dried meat and ended up nibbling on his fingers instead. The guy had seemed nice enough but this was bugging him so much. It was feet-in-boots-all-day annoying. That being the case he just had to let his feet out.

Mine, you shouldn't eat your hand. You need it to tie laces. R'le focused on his dragon for a moment then stared at his hands. After a moment of staring at them, a strange grin played across his face.

"Right you are Quiorith! Best I get to it then." Like most of his decisions, once he had picked something he was completely sanguine about his course of action. He threw on his shoes and hastily tied them up. "I need you to talk to Archith. I need to flag down Rilora and honestly, we are never back there at this time so I have no idea where she'd be."

Uh, okay R'lemine. The cloud got up and stretched his wings before focusing on some sort of message. Conversation with other dragons was always interesting as it was rarely about anything other then racing or flying for the cloud. Not today though. Archith, Mine would very much like to talk with yours. Can that be arranged? The dragon had barely got the question out when R'le was ready to go and they both head back toward the Weyr.

[Kaya]

It was a cool, grey day at the Weyr. The rain came on quickly and left again just as fast. It was almost time for the weather to start warming up again, but not quite, to Archith's dissatisfaction. She missed the warmer months when she could sit on the heights for hours and sun. It had started raining about two minutes ago, though, so the Gold curled her tail in tighter and shifted on her bedding.

Rilora was out, gone Faranth knew where since lunch was over quite a while ago. She could have looked for her Rider's mind, but the stifling, grey sky and tendrils of chilly air kept Archith to herself. She hoped her children were all warm and snug inside the Weyrling Barracks deep in the Weyr's wall.

Then, in the midst of her pondering and idle thoughts, came a voice.

...Oh. Quiorith. the Queen got out after a moment. The often absent Cloud. What did he want? She thought over his words again and then they made since to her awakening mind. Rilora's out of the weyr. Let me find her.

Just as Archith was about to call her Rider, the weyr's door opened and Rilora walked in, a bit wet, and with a package in her hands.

Nevermind. She's here now. You can come when you like.

Rilora, on the other hand, was sure she was more than a bit wet, and closed the door quickly and set about finding a new outfit. The weyr kept fairly warm but the clothes were quickly becoming uncomfortable. She found a peach top and a white jacket to go over it, along with a dry pair of riding pants that weren't in the wash. They would do nicely. She proceeded comb her hair and admire the lovely, dry clothes when Archith decided to mention they would have company soon.

Quiorith's Rider wants to see you. the Gold mentioned, offhandedly, as if it carried little importance. If she played this right the look on Rilora's face would be near priceless.

Oh? When? Rilora asked, still combing through her half dry hair.

Oh, a few hours, a few minutes...I don't know.

The look on her Rider's face was worth it. A nice red blush. Archith grinned and settled back into her resting position.

Rilora, however, abandoned her hair brush and crossed the room to resume dressing. She was supposed to look nice, but decency and not blushing came first!

[Shoki]

Quiorith felt like the gold was a touch sleepy considering her response. It was fine though it made her response a little slower than R'le would like. His rider had a feel to him that promoted speed. When he got word that Rilora was out, the cloud started to relay the information back to R'le. She's out. It seems like- Quiorith cut the sentence short, instantly pleased when given positive news for his rider. Never mind. Seems we have good timing, she's back in her weyr.

R'le grinned for a response, very pleased. As they circled down into the Weyrbowl, R'le was half ready to jump off before landing just to get there faster. As it was the pair landed in the Bowl and R'le turned back to his cloudy day friend. "This shouldn't take too long. I don't have that much to say. Stick around, we'll get back to flying after this."

Okay. What's it about anyway?

"Oh just some people I met in the jungle." R'le started off to meet the Weyrwoman as Quiorith gave a huff.

You and all your jungle friends. You should start taking snack breaks at the Weyr, they just get in trouble because of you, not the other way around. R'le chuckled in response but stayed focused on what he was reporting.

---

It did not take too long before he was in front of the weyr giving a friendly knock on the door. With the walk up it might have been ten minutes to get from the jungle to Rilora's weyr. Not that the rider was paying attention to the time, he just wanted to get his observations out in the open, either be shot to the ground or told it was valid and be on his merry way.

[Kaya]

To Rilora's great relief she was looking decent and a little better by the time the knock came at the door. She'd changed, fixed up her hair and had found, amongst the current clutter on her dresser, that one necklace she was looking for. Adequately satisfied with her current appearance, she fluffed her wavy hair one last time and then opened the door.

"Ah, yes?" she got out. She had practiced something a bit more formal in her mind but with the rush she felt to get ready the words had run from her at the last second. "How can I help you, ah...CloudRider." Rilora saved, somewhat, noting the colors on the man's shoulderknot.

Very smooth. Archith taunted. Rilora's cheeks took on a bit of a flush. She tried hard to beat it down but her Gold's teasing almost always got a rise out of her.

One of these days...

You'll get the better of me? Not likely.

[Shoki]

R'le watched the door open and realized that he probably looked a mess when he spotted Rilora. He didn't carry a comb with him and his hair was long enough that when he went out flying, it showed. He disregarded the thought, since he wasn't gonna say 'excuse me while I get a brush'. Instead he grinned and started talking.

"The name's R'le if you need to know it. Either way, thanks for this, I just need to tell ya about some stuff I heard out in the jungle. Bothered me in the strangest way so I figure if there is a body you have to tell something too, it would be you." He paused for a moment to judge if there was any one else around looking for the Weyrwoman, and didn't spot anyone so he figured the door way was a good enough place as any to spill the details.

"Look, so here's the deal, I went down there to do my usual walking break from flying and there was a group making camp there. I figure it would be best if I had a chat with them, see what was going on and if I could help out or something. Most of them were not up for a chat though, seemed busy. This one guy though, he seemed to do all of the talking and said something about a rougewing was rumored to be around there. Those folks apparently were hunting for a nest or something to see if they could get the eggs for the Aerie. Or maybe some flitter eggs if it didn't pan well. I asked if there was anything I could do and he said they were fine for help and it wasn't right to trouble a rider for something like that.
So I thought maybe it would be best to get back at that point, Quiorith was a touch antsy on the ground so I went back to set him at ease. A quick trip into the air can to wonders for a Cloud's mood, you know? The thing was, I was thinking about it and I was thinking that the whole mess was weird and I thought you should know it. For one, I head out over that jungle all the time, and their is not much that flies over the tree line. I would notice that. I mean that and the guy seemed nice but I still feel a little weird thinking about it all."

R'le paused for a moment, then realized he had unloaded quite the speech on the Weyrwoman. He rubbed the back of his head with his left hand awkwardly. "That was a little long, can't say I expected to blather on you like that. That's all though." He returned to a natural standing position, looking rather relaxed for a guy who was worried about something.

[Kaya]

Rilora listened with growing interest as R'le kept speaking. He certainly looked the part of a disheveled jungle regular. Most of all his Cloud was nervous and dragons had good gut instincts, though they were occasionally wrong. It wouldn't hurt to check up on these people and see what was really going on. Now it was just a matter of finding truth. Worse were the quiet group members, but sometimes travelers were just sullen or stoic.

"Were they actually in the valley, R'le? If so that's our territory and they shouldn't be camping in it without our permission. Passing through is one thing, but residing is another. Additionally, who looks for eggs where there isn't sand? I suppose a 'Wing might do it differently, but...I'll have to send a note to Dashrana about it. If it has to do with the Aerie she might know." Rilora found herself in another spot where she wished she had a fire lizard for short messages.

Archith, I hope you've been listening. Would you send a message to Archaésh about this? And would you find a free King to accompany us? Preferably one of the older ones, like D'gan, but anyone with a tame tongue and a good head on this particular day will do.

Well, it's not quite like sending a note, but yes I'll see if I can get his attention for a chat. the Gold agreed and set about to contact the Kings and the LifeWing leader as requested.

Thinking she should let R'le into the loop Rilora explained. "I've asked Archith to check with the Aerie regarding this strange party's claims and also asked for someone to come with us to meet these people, should that be necessary, and it's looking like it should be."

[Shoki]

R'le took a moment to fix his mental map in accordance with Rilora's questions. He was used to seeing an aerial view of the jungle area but he had been stretching his legs when he had met the folk in the forest. Spatial relationships took some thinking and he had not been paying as much attention when he had taken his walk. A moment after he had enough of an idea to at least give her a good idea.

"They were in the valley yes, closer to the east side then not. There is a clearing big enough for Quiorith to land in near enough, but the trees are thick around there so most dragons can't go through. It's a hop to the beach from on a dragon but its bad for walking. Might be best if I show you how I found the place, I can't say any directions I give you will be sufficient. The flying bit is easy but I wasn't trying to find them in the first place, and I can't remember the number of trees I passed before turning or anything. The cover is too thick to see anything either." He spoke before realizing that this was certainly not going to be a quick thing, but he figured that as long as Quiorith got to fly somewhere, he wouldn't mind too much.

He tried to think about anything else that seemed helpful, but found that for the most part he only remembered the guy who had done all of the talking. He seemed harperish, found talking easy and certainly had given a favorable impression. He couldn't say he was a harper or anything so he kept the feeling to himself. The other folk he had met had been so quiet, he could have sworn they hadn't said two words to him. Or one word. Wait, had the other guys even said anything? He tried to remember if they had and he could not remember a word said to him before the leader. That might have been what was making him crazy earlier, now that he thought about it. It had been Elraisha all over again but without the eventual interest and conversation. Maybe the cloud was right about people he met in the jungle.

Told you.

'Elraisha wasn't bad. Just a rough introduction.'

I guess. I still didn't like the spear stuff. We going back to the clearing?

'The one by the camp.'

Okay. The cloud was in a much better mood at the chance to fly somewhere, and he was pleased that R'le had some more people that would go visit those weird jungle folk.

[Kaya]

"This isn't sitting right with me, R'le," Rilora told herself aloud, looking firmly down at her hands, wringing with nerves. "Archith can't come then if the place is that small. The bigger dragons will have to circle above and having a few more people with us will be good," Rilora planned, she was almost talking to herself now, her heart starting to beat faster. She wasn't trained in fights with fists but more so with words, and even then she still didn't feel confident, not in the face of the older Riders around. But, now isn't the time to beat yourself up over not having more practice, she thought, starting towards the door before realizing she was leaving R'le and being quite rude.

"R'le, I'm sorry. Ah, do you have any combat training? I don't know what kind of situation we're going to find. Riding gear and a knife or a weapon if you have one. They're in our lands, they shouldn't attack an armed group of Riders on sight. I have a dagger somewhere," Rilora ran off again to go look for it, leaving R'le to his own thoughts for the moment.

Rilora, Mosiliath and his Rider are coming to escort us, as well as Blue Inloth and Green Yallinath and their Riders, who will be bringing someone else more skilled in combat. We will be prepared. Get your gear on and let's not take too long. These intruders in my valley must be dealt with! I don't want them to get off the hook! Archith growled, circling over the Weyr Bowl. It was a sign of her displeasure and showed just how upset she was. She resisted roaring for fear of alerting the prey.

Rilora found the dagger back in her clothes storage a ways, from her weyrling training days so long - and yet not so long - ago. She left it on the bed and got her leather riding gear out and moved to put it on. It wasn't her usual wear and she disliked that it was heavier and less free than her normal clothes, but the situation demanded it. Precautions prevent accidents.

[Shoki]

R'le listened while Rilora mused allowed, nodding at her observation on the landing area. Clouds were smaller dragons, relatively speaking, so he doubted any dragon in the king or queen range would be able to land. Blues were about the right size, so anything that size and smaller was clear. He watched Rilora move, fairly distracted if her didn't miss his guess. She was about to leave when she suddenly remembered him and asked about combat training. He was visibly surprised at the question. Did things really look that serious? He didn't like to think that way if he could help it but he supposed it was possible.
"I got basic training and all of that. Except for...yeah I got something. I'll round up equipment and such. It'll be more convenient to meet you in the Weyrbowl, so I'll be there." R'le paused for a moment, but shook his head and headed to his weyr to get his stuff. Honestly, he had been fine in training with a knife, but he really didn't know if his little trick would be valuable. On the other hand, there were snakes out in the jungle so at the very least it might help to try.

The cloud rider made it back to his weyr and glanced about the messy room. He has been digging out some stuff earlier in the day so some of his items were strewn about the room. He still spotted his riding gear easily, and the utility knife he had was just as easy to find. The thing was he was looking for something else too. He looked under his bed and quickly pulled out a leather pouch and placed it on the bed. He opened it and took out the leather case inside, placing it on the bed before opening it slowly. Six throwing knives lay in the case, snug and unmoving in their pockets. It had been a while since he had practiced, though he had pulled them out since his apprentice days. Every once in a while he met someone who he thought would be entertained with the trick and spent some time at a remote tree getting them to stick into the wood with a good throw. A harper he had known used to show off with throwing knives, and he had picked up the talent. He checked the handles to make sure the leather wrapped around them wasn't loose. The handle could still be bare and not cut him but he much rather have something softer to hold. In the back of his head he realized it might be something to take into the jungle more often, for precaution's sake, but it wasn't what he was thinking about now. He got his gear on quickly after noting that they were in good condition and put both the utility knife and the pouch on his belt. He put the case back in the pouch and secured everything, giving a small nod to himself before heading out into the Weyrbowl.

Quiorith was still there when R'le arrived, sitting on the edge of the bowl so as not to be in the way. R'le went directly to the Cloud, turned around and started leaning on the blue and gray hide. Quiorith didn't say anything, but his eyes were whirling slowly as he watched his Mine be patient.

[Moo]

They had been up before the dawn, and spent the better part of the morning in the clouds, practicing flight maneuvers in the rain. How many hours passed, they did not know; only by the prompting of their stomachs did D’gan and Mosiliath eventually turn in. They were in the midst of untacking near their weyr, bodies heavy from gravity and steaming from the flight, when they received the message.

Oh…Our Weyrwoman requests our presence. This girth is heavy from rain and itches, but I am otherwise fine. Get out of that thin gear and into the heavier ones. We must be quick, Rider. Archith Queen does not sound as if she wishes us to take our time.

He knew better than to question when Mosiliath adopted that tone of voice. Without another word, D’gan moved inside and stripped the wet layers off, dried himself, and pulled on his heavier riding gear. It was well broken in, and as comfortable as leather could be. He grabbed a spare girth and headed out to Mosiliath, and reset the saddle just as quickly, making sure to dry off the path where it was to be laid. It would not do well to have it slip while he was on it. I am sorry we haven’t time to eat and rest a while, D’gan said as he brought the wet girth into his weyr to dry. You flew well this morning.

As did you, Mine, but you forget we have done this many times before. We should not grow soft now in the face of hunger. It is of little consequence now , came the voice in his mind.

He felt a slight smile lift his lips, but only just. Times were not as they were before, and he had grown comfortable. Just as he was heading out of the weyr, he stopped short and felt his pockets. He had almost forgotten. Moving back to his wet clothes, he fished out his riding knife – heavy in hand, with teeth as sharp as his dragon’s – and packed it inside a small saddlebag. Mosiliath impatiently shifted on his haunches, breath billowing white in the cold. D'gan mounted, and the Tiger launched himself into the air as soon as his rider was secure.

They reached the Weyr Bowl shortly and found Archith circling, and a smaller Cloud sitting on the edge of the Bowl. Mosiliath decided to descend and take up a spot near the Cloud, not wishing to presume he should fly alongside the Queen. D’gan dismounted and allowed his Tiger to speak for them, as eager as his dragon was.

Hello, I am Mosiliath, and my rider is D’gan. We have not met before…Who are you? he asked to the young dragon and the boy beside him.

[Kaya]

All prepared and ready as she was going to be Rilora trotted down the stairs along the edge of the Weyr Bowl. It was still raining and she would have preferred to go inside, for it was drier and though she worried about slipping the stairs were familiar to her and she had her riding boots on. Her boots gripped well and though she slowed her pace just a tad out of caution she made it into the Bowl in good time, considering she walked instead of flying. The Blue - Inloth and his Rider R'gon - were just touching down. Green Yallinath and one of the former teachers of a combat class stood in the Bowl and had arrived sometime after Quiorith and Mosiliath.

"Greetings," she addressed them all. She was interrupting whatever they had been talking about. This was business, less time for formalities and more time to get going already. "CloudRider R'le has brought to my attention that there are some strange travelers in our valley - very quick for everyone to mind their own business except their leader, who is reported to be a rather chatty fellow spouting rumors about RogueWings and egg hunts and the like." Rilora expected questions about the whole thing latter and short questions, if necessary now. It was a lot to say and take in all at once but hopefully they got the gist.


"We are armed out of precaution," Rilora emphasized, "I want to go speak with these people who think they can move into our land. I want all of you to keep your tongues and fists in check. Minra, you and your Green will be staying in the clearing. If things go bad - and I hope to Faranth they don't - I need a quick way out." She hated admitting it. She hated feeling vulnerable. Archith had to be protected, and in the world of dragons things weren't quite equal.

I don't like this just as much as you. I'm strong! They are hiding like- like- a thing to be hunted. If they even so much as look at you wrong my roar alone will stop their hearts cold. Archith growled. Rilora flinched. None of this felt right.

"Now, everyone is coming to see these people with me while Minra stays back. We're going in on the smaller dragons, R'gon and Orlin, R'le and D'gan and Minra and myself, landing in that order. After you've gotten off, move quickly so the next group can land. R'le will be leading, he knows where we're going. I expect a good end to this Riders. Make your Weyr proud. Questions? - Let's go."

[Shoki]

Quiorith moved his head to clearly view the tiger dragon as he arrived. The cloud wasn't familiar with the tiger, though he couldn't say he would be familiar with a dragon that much older then himself. Both he and R'le spent a large majority of their time out flying over the jungle and it meant that for the most part he knew dragons that were part of his clutch or round about.

Hello Mosiliath. I am Quiorith, this is R'le. The cloud looked at the tiger seriously for a moment, his tail twitching slightly in anticipation. R'le turned his head back to look up at the cloud, who became slightly guilty under the man's gaze. The cloud was usually itching to race but they both knew this was not the time for that. Fortunately, the other riders arrived and they both had to focus on what was going on.

Both rider and dragon focused on Rilora's words, though they knew most of what she was saying already. He was reassured more when she mentioned that they were mostly armed as a precaution. It still meant that there was a possibility of some trouble but he didn't think so. Not that he wouldn't be wary though. He noted that D'gan would be riding with him, and Quiorith would land second. R'le stood up properly letting the cloud stretch his wings after sitting in the Bowl for so long. The rider went to D'gan and nodded to the older rider.

"Guess your hanging with us. Nice to meet ya." R'le was upbeat as usual. He was kinda glad he got to meet some new people out of this, regardless of the circumstances. Quiorith finished stretching and headed to an area from which he could take off. R'le noticed quickly, and motioned to the cloud. "Shall we get going?" The dark haired rider walked over to the cloud and gave him a pat on the hide before getting on his back.

[Moo]

Mosiliath and D’gan nodded in unison when Quiorith introduced himself, but before they could respond and further the conversation, Rilora, rightly so, appeared and began to brief them on what was to be expected. D'gan listened intently. He had handled travelers and vagrants before, but this talk about the leader made him uneasy. While listening to their Weyrwoman, he briefly touched Mosiliath’s mind. People like these usually stick to themselves, and reveal little to outsiders. A leader with a loose tongue is not desired in such company, yet this one – according to Rilora – is very open about egg hunts and these…RogueWings. What could he earn by revealing this? By exposing himself and those he travels with? I like this less and less. He placed a hand absently on Mosiliath’s forearm and felt the calm influence of his dragon. He did not have any questions that could be answered now. When Rilora finished giving directions, he nodded and turned around to face his Tiger.

Mosiliath’s eyes were whirling yellow, and the tension in the air from Archith was palpable. This is something to learn from. Be cautious, Mine, and take that blade with you. It may indeed be words you spar with, but if not… He lowered his head and bumped D’gan softly on his chest. Would that I could go with you. I would feel much safer knowing you are on my back.

D’gan smiled and ran a hand over his dragon’s muzzle. Your duty is to the Queen. Protect her, if need be, above anything else. Don’t distract yourself with worry. After all, this won’t be the last scrap we’re in.

I’ll hold you to your word.

He nodded and moved to retrieve his riding knife, when the CloudRider spoke up. He turned to listen, looking at the young man and his dragon. “A pleasure to meet you as well, R’le,” he said, and removed his knife from Mosiliath’s saddlebag and placed it one of the deeper pockets along his pants. So, this was to be his riding partner. R’le and his Cloud appeared very young, but experience, he knew, could not be judged by age alone. He followed R’le without hesitation and mounted Quiorith, unable to help feeling incredibly low to the ground. Is this how it is for everyone else?

Mosiliath snorted, eyes briefly spinning an amused blue. They are not so lucky as us.

With a smirk, D’gan settled in behind R’le, his chest against the younger Rider’s back, and gripped at the Cloud’s sides with his legs. He sat taller than R’le, and looked over him to Rilora for her signal. Then, all of a sudden, he felt an incredibly strong desire to lean in and kiss the CloudRider on the neck. He froze momentarily, blinked, and looked around to make certain that did not just happen. He moved back a couple of inches and quietly cleared his throat.

What was that about not getting distracted?

I don’t know where that came from.

Make certain it doesn’t happen again, Mine. You need your clear thoughts as I do my own. Take care. Breathe deep.

He knew his dragon's sentiments, but decided to end the conversation while it was ahead. He caught Mosiliath's eye and nodded. Fly high.

[Kaya]

It had taken them longer than Rilora liked to get ready. R'le had not come to her right away with his news however, and so whatever advantage they might have had from speed was long gone. The rain made the entire landscape darker, the lack of bright daylight setting the trees in a serious shade. Something was out there.

"Ready, Minra?" Rilora asked. She received a nod and a hand sign in return. They had both felt ready, she could tell from their riding positions, but no one had said anything. It was all on her. Faranth willing, they would find a group of obnoxious trespassers and send them on their way. No scuffles, no scraps, and another boring bit of paperwork. No more waiting, it was time to figure out what they were up against.

"Up!" she shouted, signalling to the sky. She felt the lurch of the Green under her as Yallinath launched skyward. She saw her own Archith get closer - the two dragons moving closer to each other. Rilora cringed and felt a gnawing feeling eat at her stomach. Flying in the air and seeing all of Archith from a far, it didn't set right with her. "Not too high," she told Minra, and she felt their flight path adjust.

Quiorith to the front.

Quiorith to the front. Archith repeated and pulled back slightly for the Cloud to take the lead. Show us the way.

The Gold flicked her tail one last time that Rilora could see, then let her wings fill up with the rain and the air. She would move further back and higher up. Watch the jungle, keep away from a hidden threat and strike back at anything foolish enough to try. She was seething, yes, but she would not let it cause her to make poor decisions. She was smarter than that.

And remember. Inloth lands first. Be alert.

[Shoki]

R'le spared a glance to D'gan for a moment as he got on Quiorith, then turned his head forward. Remember. We have a guest, not too crazy up there. The rider smiled just a little bit and added, I'm sure you'll have fun either way. A faint rumble seemed to indicate Quiorith's amusement, although it only lasted for a moment. Regardless of the pair's joking, both were getting ready to focus. It was because of them they were going, so they had to be focusing.

The cloud's wings spread wide in anticipation, waiting to take off. The signal to go up could not come soon enough. When it finally did, the cloud launched himself into the sky, and quickly spiraled up. He leveled out, and started following the green in front of him. As the wind tossed the rider's hair, he focused on it for a moment. It always made his day, being able to feel the wind, even if it was wet with rain. Quiorith agreed, but had more to focus on then R'le did. Archith was speaking to him and he make a quick dash to the front at her command. Once there he headed to the spot he remembered, at a more reasonable pace to be followed at.

Of course. Quiorith was sure to be alert here, since the seriousness of the situation was not lost on him. Still, for not he was finding the right clearing. It didn't take long but from the sky it was clear that the cloud and his rider we often over the jungle. It was not the kind of clearing one stumbled on without several flyovers. Quiorith flew over the clearing, giving it a look over. It was clear, as usual, but he felt it prudent to check. Here. The cloud announced it in a rather matter of face voice, still watching the jungle. Per usual, the treetops wove a layer of foliage that barred the ground from sight, so the only part of the ground that the dragon could see was the clearing floor. It would be very vexing once his rider was on the ground and out of sight. For the moment, the cloud was waiting for Inloth to land first. It was fine with him, gave him a moment more in the wind. the blue dragon didn't tarry though, and the two people on the ground were unloaded and the blue again rose to the sky. Quiorith had to make sure he waited for a moment to let the humans on the ground get out of the landing path, but then went to land. He swooped down and neatly landed in the clearing, clearly having good practice landing here. R'le slid off quickly, giving just an extra moment to give the cloud dragon a pat on his hide. Hopefully the Cloud would be reassured enough to not be worrying over him the entire time. Not much hope for that though. The dark haired rider headed toward the edge of the clearing, giving a glance toward the direction they would be heading in. Looked the same as it had when he came here last. No body around, and nothing moving. He reached into his pouch and got two throwing knives out, looking at the ground suspiciously. It should be fine.

The cloud waited for D'gan to get off and get to the edge of the clearing, after which he would take off and let the Green dragoness land.