First Strike [C]

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

Tag: @@littlesong

Ayasha hoped being productive suited Bellamia, because there was going to be a lot to do. The upper level windows into the Aerie were being closed, using whatever substitute for heavy shutters could be had, and as the preparations that were going on had an almost frantic edge to them. Healers were often called upon for emergency measures, but to know there would without doubt be cases, cases caused by deliberate violence from one person upon another… Discussions, training, even drills, those were one thing, but the real thing…

Ayasha darted around, and it was some minutes before she was able to return, now with a cart full of bandages and several baskets of herbs that needed to be powdered.

“Here we go, this should keep us both busy for a while,” Ayasha said, flopping down on the visitor chair and starting to sort out the materials. She didn’t mention, didn’t say, that she could only hope it would be keeping them both busy, that the casualties would be light enough that not every healer was called for. A vain hope, in all likelihood, but the only one she had.

[Deleted]

Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)

Despite the fact that her hands were busy doing something productive, Bellamia's thoughts were going from worried to downright panicked. The faint sounds she heard and the very tension in the air itself did not help matters. Her fear for her family and for not being able to run should the need arise worked her up into a nervous frenzy while Ayasha was gone. She wanted to be stronger than this. She wanted to be the source of calm and wisdom in this mess. In this moment though, she hated herself for being the weak one. Bellamia was scared. Her hands trembled as she worked on her task. It was almost done. 

Bellamia hoped that Ayasha would return soon. Or someone. Anyone? 

When Ayasha did return, Bellamia had worked herself up into near tears. They had not fallen yet, but the watery glisten in her eyes and the way her hands shook as she set the last bandage on the tary revealed her nerves were frayed. If she could be free to get up and walk; If she wasn't so helpless....

"Ayasha." Bellamia wanted to welcome the healer back with a brave smile but it came out almost like a cry instead. Closing her eyes in a self-scolding, her tears were finally squeezed out. 

"Work, good. I need to keep busy. I can't believe that we're being attacked. Who would do such a thing? I hope my family is okay. What is going on out there?" Taking a deep breath she tried to collect herself together. The last thing anyone needed was for her to be a scared little baby. That would help no one. Seeing the things that the healer brought in, she focused her attention there and on the brave healer and waited to be told what to do.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

@@littlesong

Yes, Bellamia was definitely upset, worried. Even Ayasha could tell that much, although her skill faded fast past the detection point. She really didn’t know what to do, other than what she did, offering something to do. Fortunately, she seemed to be starting to steady at the sight of the herbs and bandages. Something to do would probably be helpful then, although the questions did have to be answered. Questions left unanswered simply festered, and didn’t do anything for anyone.

“They say Igen attacks, but our Wings are getting off the ground to defend against them,” Ayasha answered, making it as much a calm statement of fact as she could. Even here, even inside, she almost fancied she could see the swooping dragons, the searing gouts of flame. Somehow, it wasn’t as exciting as that small part of her had thought it would be.

“We can start just rolling up the bandages, then I brought some morters and pestels for crushing the herbs as well.” Ayasha handed some bandages to Bellamia, being careful not to put too much weight on the girl’s legs. After all, it might end up being a while before a Lifewing could recheck the progress there.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

“Viarth!”

K’tar darted across the Bowl, one eye skyward to watch for aerial attack, the other on the space in front of him, as people and dragons shifted throughout the Bowl, getting themselves organized. He’d grabbed the first set of riding straps he could find — he’d not finished mending them, so he could only hope that they would hold long enough.

Please let them last long enough.

“Viarth!”

Here, on your right!

Running forward, slipping between people heading the other way, several of them riders, racing towards their dragons, K’tar kept his attention forward, focused on the Purple in front of him. He skidded to a halt next to the dragon and started flying through the procedure of putting the straps on. He swung up onto the Purple’s back and a moment later they were airborn, though they hovered there a second, eyes searching for friends, before turning their attention towards the enemy.

[Deleted]

Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)

The answers she received, although worrisome in themselves, was good to hear. They were fighting back. They were defending the weyr. Good. With her worry stuffed down a little, Bellamia wiped her eyes dry and accepted the bandages that Ayasha gave to her with a serious nod. Maybe the healer knew, maybe she didn't, but having something to do helped Bellamia more deeply than than not.

As she tried to shift her weight into a more comfortable sitting position, Bellamia cringed but ignored the pain and took the bandages given to her. "Thank you." She uttered sincerely and then followed Ayasha's direction and began to rolling the bandages. She knew why she was doing it. These bandages would most likely be used within the hour if things were as bad as she imagined they might be. Would there be many injured? Would there be many casualties? Bellamia hoped not. And her thoughts went out to her family. Stay safe. She begged them silently as she set the rolled bandage aside and took up another. The more she worked, the steadier her hands became. Her scared look faded and a serious focused look appeared in its place. She had a job to do. She would do it to the best of her ability. Time for worry was over. It was time to act.

[Shoki]

The information was relayed to R’le. With a dip and a weave, the pair made their way to T’kar. The other dragons were assembling, a resistance to the attack forming. Quiorith dashed and spun around the dragons, turning back a moment for some firestone. R’le gave it, in the brief window before the Cloud pulled out another quick maneuver. It may have seemed as though the pair were dodging too quickly, but they knew their weakness. Tiny dragon, giant wings. The little storm pair didn’t let the dragons around them tie them down, they just made their way to their wing. Soon enough they were ready, R’le letting a morbid grin play on his face. They were ready to move along with their wingleader.

He just hoped things were going well with his loved ones.

Lan’s orders had been clear. Watch the crèche. It would be a grim day if the attackers actually tried to aim for it directly, but he was not going to think this was a waste of time. He didn’t go in, obviously, but he and the other guards were making sure the area was secure. He paused when he felt eyes on him. Ah.

Ethilask was in the hallway, merely looming. She looked angry. So many people were yelling, talking, trying to speak over the din outside, but Lan could tell even if he couldn’t hear her. Ethilask was growling. She was cross with him. Lan tapped his pole axe on the floor, and she sidled up to her handler. With a quick motion he gave her a pat before turning his eyes outward again. Ethilask looked out into the tunnels moodily. Better hope no one from Igen stepped in here, she wasn’t in the mood to be merciful.

Lan wondered what was going on outside, what the big picture was. His expression went more serious. Well, it wasn’t really for him to see it all, was it?

Shri on the other hand saw the aerie quite clearly.

There might be a din coming from the weyr, but it was impossible to hear from the room Shri found herself in. Every other second the people around her called out names and locations, her voice joining with the others every time one of her fair returned. The flurry of firelizards was amazing. When she walked about, it seemed as if she had too many. In this place, she seemed to have too few.

The calls of riders and healers continued to paint a clear picture for Shri. The riders were coming back, the supplies being assembled, the calls about casualties trickling in. Everyone was too busy to give numbers. They were too busy fighting. Shri felt that was best. Fight hard now, then prevent chaos later. Selt appeared, and she took the message, before assigning him another one and watching him go.

“Cr’wean of Kiyosh returning!”

Kiyosh and Wigneth appeared over the Aerie. Cr’wean was, obviously, in a mood. Not that anyone would blame him today. He pushed his hands into the white feathers that circled Kiyosh’s neck, leaning forward to stare at the Aerie. The Lifewings were everywhere. When they landed, it was clear that the humans were in high gear too. He hadn’t used much in his bag of medical supplies, but it was clear he was going to get a fresh supply. With all the flurry of activity, no one had time to notice the looks Cr’wean was giving to the weyr. Kiyosh loomed, watching the weyr. She wanted to circle the weyr. It was instinct. It combined with the worry she had for here lovely human friends, creating a powerful desire to be in the air. She had to wait though.

Cr’wean frowned. All he could do was hope that Cyan was ferrying another Lifewing rider right now. As if he could look through the walls of the aerie to see a Blue with scarred wings. He could hope though.

He didn’t know what Cyan was up to though.

[Shoki]

Tag: ceridawn

Quimyenth was watching. Still unhappy that Mau wasn’t around, but she kept it down. When Ancalanath spoke, she was very unhappy. She and her rider should be out there! Still, Mau was talking to someone. She merely relayed the message to Mau, who’s emotions were the only sign she had received the message. She had other things to attend to right now.

“I see.” Mau gave a sympathetic smile to the fretting firelizards, but there wasn’t much she could do. Hammer gave a series of chirps to the firelizards, as encouraging as he could make it. The Neon Tiger was here, he would help. Mau looked up, finding that others filing in. Wher handlers.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be okay. I think right now it would be best to stay in the dining hall. From what I remember its where the gather the candidates to keep them safe.” Weyrfolk as well were being gathered, this time everyone was needing a little protection. Mau didn’t know anything about this girl, it was hard to tell what she might want to do to help the weyr, but…

“Everyone is protecting someone, but I think you know who you are protecting, right?” Mau gave a little smile, that curved up a little too much on one side.

[ceridawn]

Shoki

"Yes, I suppose you are correct about that." Dalanna replied, looking down and running a hand over her flits. "I haven't had them very long, but protecting them was the first thing to pop into my mind when the chaos started." 

This was a big mess. She was scared and really wished Kiarak was here. He would know what to do, or at least act like he did. Having someone to guide her would definitely be appreciated now. She did not do all that well when she had no idea what was expected of her, often overthinking her response in such situations. The current one seemed like a very high-stakes test, one where failing is not an option.

At least there was someone who could offer some guidance. She looked at the woman, taking in her brown hair and eyes. Dalanna was extremely grateful to have a dragonrider present. She was also grateful to the woman for being concerned about her little ones.

"My name is Dalanna. I apologize for not introducing myself earlier."

[Cait]

It was just another afternoon. Rekkora was reclining on her bed, propped up by several of her supposedly ridiculous and pointless pillows as she nibbled on a meat roll and red the report that was propped up against her bent legs, all the while her free hand tracing curling designs on S'rico's back. He'd passed out for an afternoon nap not long ago and while she would rather like to join him, the Abyssrider had things to do but was more than content for his company even if he was sleeping. It was this calm, almost sweet moment that was suddenly shattered by the death-keen of a single dragon that cut off abruptly only to be picked up by several more. Then all hell broke loose and before Rekkora could even shove her papers aside, she felt the overwhelming rage crash against her mind.

Sunvoiath was not happy. In fact despite all of the fiascos and moments of anger, Rekkora had never felt this level of violent anger from the Abyss.

HOW DARE THEY!?! Her outraged cry was given voice in a bellow that vibrated the walls of her weyr and rose above the growing noise of chaos, pain and death below. Scrambling out of the bed, sending papers and pillows flying, Rekkora grabbed her knives and ran, forgoing her boots in favor of speed. Sunvoiath was already poised at the edge of the ledge, her tail lashing and her eyes a startling shade of red that whirled quickly and was shot through occasionally with yellows and whites and other shades of panic and violence.

The door to her weyr slammed open as Rekkora ran towards the trunk that held a few sets of throwing knives she used for practice. She'd need more than just the two and Kumori's blade. As she threw open the trunk and kept the lid from bouncing back and crushing her fingers, her guards looked around frantically and then spotting her, ran over to her. When one of them reached for her and grabbed her arm, Rekkora let out a shout and spun around, blades tucked between her fingers and eyes and hair wild, a snarl on her lips. The man jerked his hand back and held both up placatingly.

"We need to get you somewhere safe." The second man reached for her and she backed away.

"You need to get out there and defend the Weyr!" She snapped, blue eyes narrowing. She wasn't about to be tucked away while the weyr was under attack! But, the guards didn't seem intent on letting her get away with what she intended to do. Since she'd more or less started this war, she fully intended to fight in it! She wouldn't be some simpering little thing; she was of Northern stock. She would not melt away!


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



Saddyris had been out with her hawk and Poica when the dragons had come in over the forest. It had been the Neon Rainbow who had alerted her to their presence and at first she found it odd that a formation would be flying in from that direction. Maybe it was just a flight exercise? Then she got images of the dragons with boulders and she became confused. It wasn't until the first distance keen was cut short that her blood ran cold with dread. Sending her bird aloft and POica to find Dyranor, she began to run. Bow in hand she ran as hard and as fast as she could, the raptor swooping down to glide between tree trunks ahead of her.

Something was very, very wrong! She had to get to the Weyr. In the distance she could hear the loud crash, the cries of the dragons. Cries of pain! SHe pushed herself harder and when she broke out of the forest the sight that greeted her gripped her heart like a vice and slammed her in the stomach like a fist. Dragons attacking...dragons. SHe was dumbfounded for nearly a whole minute before she kicked into action. THough her legs and lungs burned, she kicked into another run. She had to help, she had to do something. This was her home, or as very near a home as a wanderer could have.

When she drew nearer, the true chaos was revealed. Massive stones being lobbed at the weyr, the hatching sands bombarded, arrows flying. A fierce look on her face, her eyes searched for a vantage point, anywhere that she could get a better aim on the intruders. POica returned, showing an image of Dyranor doing much the same with Suiathon to pin point enemy riders. It took her a bit to get to a proper ledge and then a minute or two to catch her breath and steady her hands. Then calling POica to her, she gave her her orders and the little queen disappeared only to reappear above a dragon and rider pair. SHe hesitated, the gravity of what she was about to do weighing heavy on her before letting her arrow fly, three more at the ready between her fingers.

[Shoki]

ceridawn

Mau watched the girl stroke her firelizards, noting how they looked. They were very young, so the pair was likely very sensitive to the atmosphere. She was grateful for her own firelizard being so calm. Well, perhaps calm was the wrong word. Stuck to her like glue would be more correct.

“It’s okay. It’s not exactly normal around here. I’m Mau, of Green Quimyenth. Nice to meet you.” It was nice, for a moment, but then a rock fell outside, the noise making Mau jump. She almost spun around, but instead she just turned her head toward the bowl. Nothing yet.

Quimyenth watched the bowl, unable to sit still. A rock had been dropped, but the dragon who had been under it had dodged. How lucky for them. It was hard to think of what could happen, her rider was so close to the area. At least they couldn’t have heavy rocks forever. After all, many of them were getting tied down fighting now. The dragoness watched, eyes whirling with concern, with anger. She wanted so badly for Mau to be with her. Even if that hadn’t helped last time. The Green cringed at the thought, but even now it was hard to break her confidence in her own abilities. She was Quimyenth. She did not often make the same mistake twice.

[ceridawn]

Shoki

"I think a distraction right now would be a good thing. What is a normal day like for you?" Hopefully this would calm both herself and the rider. Listening to others talk was an old habit, something she could easily fall back on in the middle of all this chaos. Mau looked like she could use the distraction as well. This had to be even worse for her, not being able to go out and fight for her home. 

"Or you could tell me about your bonded. There is nothing we can do from here, so we should try to keep from panicking." Zarack let out a whine and she sent the best wave of calm she could muster up in the current circumstances at him. She hoped it would help. 

[Shoki]

ceridawn

Mau regarded the candidate with a thoughtful gaze. Well that was something to, wasn’t it? There were a thousand different things to do around here, but she supposed for the moment staying here was what she was doing. Might as well calm them both.

“Well then. Normal day. Actually I was just getting materials for my next project.” She reached into her bag, and showed Dalanna a spool of thread, and a swatch of navy fabric. “I was thinking of making a bag for my weyrmate. I like making things.” She gave a little smile to the red headed girl in front of her.

“I spend most of the time I’m not with Qui doing little things like that. As for Qui, well she’s never satisfied to sit still. Even normally.” Mau smiled a little at that. “Quimyenth is just the sort to try anything. She dances with me when we get some time.” For her it was just normal.

“But what about you?” Mau watched the candidate. “What do you like?”

[ceridawn]

Shoki

"I like to listen. The stories people have to tell fascinate me. There are so many things I don't know that I can't help but seize every opportunity that comes my way to learn." Dalanna looks down at this point. blushing a bit. It is odd for her to open up this much around a stranger. Then again, these are hardly normal circumstances. "I also like my new little friends. Kili is so playful and energetic, while Zarack seems to prefer staying with me. They are wonderful."

"What gave you the idea to start making things?" She flinched when there was another large crash from outside.

[Shoki]

ceridawn

“That sounds smart. Wish I thought like that.” Mau liked people, but mostly she wanted to have fun with folks. She didn’t think so much about learning from them. She wondered what little tricks there might be among the people she had met over the turns. She gave another smile when Dalanna mentioned liking her two new firelizards. Now that Mau understood quite well.

“My parents and I traveled from hold to hold quite frequently. So I learned early that if I wanted something new, or had something break, that it was more or less me or my parents that had to fix it. So making little things like bags, repairing a shirt, mending a tool, I learned from them. When I got older I would make things for turnday gifts for my friends that way. Now I’m a little bit better at it, and my elective during weyrlinghood was with the tailors. Now I can do pretty well making good clothes.” She explained this, trying not to react to the sounds of chaos outside. She was just sharing a love she had. And hopefully helping Dalanna do something she loved too.

“I’ll show you sometime, if you want. And if you aren’t too busy with chores. I know how it can be sometimes.” She gave a little smile. The Candidate master could seem intimidating. She wondered though if now, it wasn’t a comfort to have such a stern rider protecting the candidates right now.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

Ayasha wished she could whistle, or hum, or something, but all such ability had deserted her. She’d known, most of the Aerie had, that war was coming, but to have it here, have it now… She was relieved, more than she would have ever wanted known, to have something to do with her hands, something that might help. Still, she felt a pang for the injured young woman helping her. It was highly likely that Bellamia had some family here, and though Ayasha’s family was far to the north, there’d been enough conflict there to leave her with an appreciation of how terrible it was, not knowing, and she could feel an echo of that here and now. Strange, she’d somehow never imagined an attack here.

Nothing for it, she continued to roll bandages. The bandages would be needed sooner than the herbs.