Finder's Keepers [Candidate Search Party]

[shirokage]

Mestarian eagerly followed the riders but kept himself calm on the outside, his hands were shaking a bit nervous as they got closer. After reaching the dragons and being introduced by Korvalia he bowed his head in respect to the dragons. "It is a great honor to meet you all". Suddenly feeling the dragon closer than before he slightly raised his head up just enough so his eyes could meet the dragons.

Natsu looked up at the dragon and tilted his head slightly before noticing the other firelizard he excitedly stood on Mestarian shoulder swaying his tail back and forth and letting out little chirps. Mestarian stood up straight and pet Natsu trying to calm him some. " Calm down Natsu, show a little respect to the dragons."

[shapeshifter]

R'niaan clasped the young man on the back of his shoulder, "These dragons are some of the finest on Pern, I'll tell you that much. My Crimson here is large for his size and powerful, ain't that right Bamath?" he said, his dragon crooning with the affectionate words. He moved his nose to R'niaan and rubbed his large head against R'niaan, causing R'niaan to instinctively scratching his eyeridge.

J'lall grinned as Majith mimicked Korinath and stuck himself eyelevel with Mestarian. His eyes swirled a blue green, watching the young man, blinking a few times before craning his neck to look at Korinath,


What do you think of this one. He is like my rider. Of his blood. I think he would do well for Temperanth. he crooned to her, twitching his body and swishing his tail fast. Bamath chimed in speaking to the other two dragons and his mine, Yes, he does seem determined,

R'niaan looked the trio of dragons over, noticing a healthy glow on Korinath in comparison to Majith, who was a beautiful royal purple dragon. He thought for a moment, wondering, but immediately brushed it off at the sound of his dragon starting to approve of Mestarian.

[Cait]

Why does he always have to make such ridiculous claims? Though her face remained polite and almost serene, Korvalia was decidedly grumpy. Korinath only rumbled in amusement in response and inched a little closer to the boy and his firealizard. Resting her head on the ground so that one swirling eye was level with the young man, the moonlight’s tongue poked out as she concentrated. As she pondered the boy’s merit, Pretty, the little black firelizard, scurried down the dragon’s neck and perched on her head, chirping and squeaking an animated greeting to her fellow firelizard.

[smear:#000000]He smells right, let’s take him.[/smear:#ffebad:0]

Korinath, you don’t pick a candidate based on how they smell!

[smear:#000000]Are you a dragon?[/smear:#ffebad:0]

Korinath…

[smear:#000000]Last time I checked, dragons picked riders, not humans. Bamath likes him, Majith likes him...and I like him.[/smear:#ffebad:0] Flecks of annoyance whirled in with the typical blues and greens that commonly made up Korinath’s eyes. Her tail twitched and flicked, thudding heavily against the ground as she stared down her rider.

You better tone down that sass, missy. There’s no place for that on a Search.

Whatever had gotten into her dragon, she wasn’t sure. Probably just a bit too much excitement. Whatever the case she fully intended to keep a firm hold of the moonlight while they were here. The last thing they needed was for the holders to think that they couldn’t control their own dragons.

[shirokage]

Mestarian stood in silence for a moment getting a strange sense between the dragons and their riders. He looked to the large crimson dragon and admired his powerful aura, he looked to Korvalia and saw her looking to her dragon the large moonlight, as the moonlight moved closer to him he raised his hand but before touching the moonlight he thought he should ask her rider. " Korvalia I'm not sure if Its alright or not but do you mind if I pet your dragons head?" He asked unsure if it was allowed or not but he wanted to feel the thick hide type skin of the dragon against his hand.

Natsu grew a bit more excited but calmed down some after being pet by Mestarian, seeing the other firelizard come down the dragons neck he scampered off Mestarian's shoulder and to the ground underneath the large moonlight.

[shapeshifter]

R'niaan chuckled at the young lad, "Korinath would probably like someone to show her attention. She's all about making friends, or at least so Bamath tells me. Nothing wrong with that either. You know, being friendly and wanting people around." R'niaan looked to Korvalia and sported a shit-eating-grin on his face as to jest with her in code. He liked to annoy her just as much as he liked to be around her. Too damn much. He slinked closer until he was standing shoulder to shoulder with Korvalia, watching Bamath move his head back to rest on his forearms. Bamath was watching Korinath with intensity today, he noticed. One, if not both, eyes remained locked on Korinath most of the day so far.

Bamath twitched his tail behind him a erratically. He stretched out, like a dog, with his legs tucked up under him and his forearms out front.

Majith settled and curled up a bit catlike on his haunches. He sat up nice and pretty, his tail draped around his body, curled like a feline would. He held his head high as he looked over the the gaggle of girls that were earlier staring at his rider. J'lall looked at his dragon's attention and asked him, Any of those have good vibes? Majith crooned with humor, Good for flight, nothing else there. I never understand why you-... J'lall snickered to himself, Shhhh, your odd curiosities can wait. We're on Search.

"I think our dragons are coming to unison. Korvalia, R'niaan? I say lets take him. Worst thing that happens is we can let him shovel wherry mess from their pens if he fails to impress." he said, grinning with jokes, "I'm kidding, Mestarian. I'm sure you'd stand for a fine dragon. Yes. It's in our Blood. Afterall, look at Majith here. Quick, agile and rippling with muscle. He's perfect for acrobatics and speed.... well, mostly perfect all the way around." he walked over to his dragon who lowered his head and nudged his rider with affection, J'lall cupping his dragon's nose in his hands for a brief moment before turning back to the others.

[Cait]

The jab wasn’t lost on Korvalia as R’niaan grinned at her. It wasn’t like she was anti-social or rude. She just preferred to follow rules and regulations which didn’t always make her popular. In truth it was a bit of a sore spot; people thinking that she was cold and uncaring. More than once she’d been accused of such and she didn’t particularly find his teasing funny. “Yes, well. Sometimes it’s good to be cautious about those you surround yourself with. Korvalia happens to have telepathy to help her discern which the good ones are.”

Moving away from R’niaan, Korvalia stepped to the other side of J’lall as casually as possible, smiling he teased his cousin. Korinath, more than pleased with all of the attention, practically purred, shoving her nose at the young man’s hand before her rider could respond. She always found it silly that non-riders were so worried about offending a dragon’s rider or asking them for permission like she was a puppy to be played with. Rumbling, she huffed at Mestarian, ruffling his hair and clothing.

From the moonlight’s head, the little black hopped unceremoniously to the ground, unfurling her wings slightly to slow her fall somewhat. Though once she was on the ground, she immediately scurried toward the flame and chattered curiously, every bit as invasive and inquisitive as her dragon as she poked and prodded at the male.

[shapeshifter]

"Kor, I didn't mean it like that. You know I meant it like on my return..." he said, his grin fading quickly as he watched her move towards J'lall. Obviously his mouth did it this time. He walked, sulking over to Bamath, "Well, at least we have one Candidate. Maybe I'll find a few females around for the Queen egg." he said, eyeing her. He felt a bit like a canine with its tail between its legs.

J'lall didn't notice their banter, but did notice Korvalia move closer, "You know, Korinath is looking mighty healthy." he said, tilting his head a bit as he caught a good look at the Moonlight. "She's a beautiful dragon." he felt Majith prod his mind with agreement.

[shirokage]

Mestarian gave a shy chuckle hearing his cousin, he noticed Natsu on the ground and chirping at the other firelizard but focused his attention more on the moonlight as she pressed her nose to his hands. He instinctively began petting her gently, the feel of her warm breath against his skin made him smile as he gently pet down her neck slightly before looking to Korvalia. "She is very beautiful, all of them are. Thank you for letting me pet you Korinath."

Natsu nipped playfully at the other firelizard and began playing around under the dragons and humans.

[Cait]

Korvalia wasn't in the mood to be benevolent and so she ignored R'niaan's attempts to backpedal. Though when he spoke of seeking out females for the golden egg, her eyes narrowed marginally as she stared straight ahead of her. Of course he'd go find females... She muttered to Korinath who was more than content to soak up the attention from the new candidate and preen a bit under the favorable comments about her appearance. "I'm sure she thanks you for your opinion, J'lall. Shall we seek out others?"

Unlike the other two riders, Korvalia was so distracted by trying to keep herself closed off from R'niaan's determined advances that she hadn't been paying much attention to the state of her dragon. She was due to rise though Korvialia hadn't realized just how soon.

[shapeshifter]

R'niaan watched Korvalia with an intense stare, "Let's go." he said, his mood darkening drastically. He rolled his shoulders back, stretching them, before taking a few steps back into the Hold, his eyes watching for any person moving that looks of the right age. "Korvalia, if we don't find another in a hour I say we move on to the next Hold. Looks like getting Mestarian here was a chance. Mestarian, go and pack your things in a bag. Let whoever know you're now an official Candidate for Ice Stone Weyr. Meet us by our dragons in an hour tops, we'll be waiting to depart." he said, his voice had an overhaul in his tone, more stern and commanding than before. "J'lall, go check those groups of girls for a Queen Candidate, any that may suit. Don't just bring one back because she's pretty either." he barked.

J'lall noticed the change in the Weyrling Master. He nodded feverishly and bolted off towards the last place he'd seen the girls go.

"Korvalia, let's get busy then. We need more males. We're a bit shy on those." he said and turned from her, beginning to walk into the Hold with his eyes scanning the premises.

[shirokage]

Mestarian looked up from the dragons when he heard R'niaan speak to him with such a stern voice, Mestarian nodded his head to him and waved to the Riders and the Dragons as he called for Natsu and began to leave to go get his things packed and let his parents know what was happening.

Natsu looked from the pther firelizard only to scurry off and climb up to Mestarian's shoulder.

Mestarian noticed as they began to hurry the search so he ran quickly to the runner beast he had tied up and rushed home to pack his things qusickly.

[Cait]

Korvalia noted the change in R’niaan’s mood and the tiny part of her that had hope that he wasn’t just being an utter twat sighed. It was confusing, this situation she found herself in. Part of her wanting him to pursue but the other part convinced he wasn’t genuine in his pursuit given his less than committed attitude about women in the past. Carefully keeping her emotions from her expression, Korvalia squared her shoulders and adopted her no-nonsense demeanor as he began to issue orders. This was easier to handle for her anyway. “That seems reasonable.” She replied, her own tone just as free of nonsense as R’niaan’s.

Lifting her head from Mestarian’s attentions, Korinath stared at the riders for several long moments before blinking slowly. Normally she found the tension between her rider and Bamath’s amusing and silly, but right now she just found them irritating. She wasn’t sure she’d ever understand why her rider was so adamant to resist. The whole point of a good chase was to eventually give in. [smear:#000000]Korvalia, it’s not like any other men have been chasing you, why do you resist Bamath’s rider so strongly?[/smear:#ffebad:0]

Korvalia stumbled and caught herself then came to a stop, no longer following R’niaan into the Hold. For the span of a heartbeat her expression of cool resolve crumbled and revealed the insecurity she fought so valiantly to hide, tears pricking at her pale eyes before she blinked them away and settled her mask back into place. The last time that expression had made an appearance had been the disastrous hatching where R’niaan’s former flame and a candidate had accused her of having no feelings or emotions when she’d attempted to keep order amongst the candidates during the chaos of such a tumultuous hatching. Now her dragon was pointing out her decided lack of options when it came to interested parties and as confused and on edge as she was, it hit her like a physical blow. Though she hid them quite well, the woman was not without her insecurities.

[smear:#000000]Korvalia, you know that’s not what I meant![/smear:#ffebad:0] Korinath shifted forward as Mestarian scampered off to prepare for his new life but her rider was already following after the crimson rider, intent on the task at hand because it was easier to think about than anything else that was going on.

It’s fine, love. Don’t worry about it.

[smear:#000000]Kor…[/smear:#ffebad:0]

It’s fine.


Catching up to R’niaan, Korvalia sighed softly and kept her eyes fixed ahead. If there was another candidate to be found, they would find it. She at least had faith in R’niaan to do his job if she didn’t quite have faith in him for more personal matters. Or maybe the lack of faith fell more on her side. Regardless, it wasn’t something that she cared to contemplate at the moment.

[shapeshifter]

R'niaan's face was like stone as he walked into the Hold. His voice deepened, more stern-like and commanding as he approached a young lad, "Spread more word we're here on search for Ice Stone Weyr. I need every available and willing person to be in our presence before the hour is up. Can't be that Stormy Plains is devoid of intelligent enough people to know what this means, yes?" he asked, his tone growling at the lack of cooperation and appearance of the Lord Holder. "Next time I visit this will be under different, more political circumstances. I was told he would be here." he said, rolling his shoulders and looking back to Korvalia. "Any one you've seen yet worth interest? I will call this Search here early to head to Cliffside." he said, a bit irritated with the current lack of selection.

J'lall was not having a lot of luck himself. Ditzy and worthless were what Majith deemed those girls who were oogling himself and R'niaan earlier. Nothing but drudges seemed to be present, and not even the educated ones! Majith was not picking up on much, the Purple growing restless with the current situation as well.

I have found nothing, and nothing of interest. We are a quarter into your deadline, R'niaan.

R'niaan growled, I'm aware. I'm also aware there's not a single thinking soul. Beastcraft are all brawn.

Bamath rumbled in agreement, Majith has not found much himself.

Bamath then shifted himself closer to Korinath, twitching his tail rapidly before laying it across hers. He looked up at her with swirling eyes, hoping to send a sense of calm to the dragon.

Magnificent she is, Korinath. Bamath crooned. R'niaan ignored it in his irritation.

[shirokage]

Mestarian arrived home a short while later and quickly rushed into his parents house panting heavily before coming to a complete stop and leaning over a chair to catch his breath. He quickly looked up seeing his mother and father and began to explain the situation to them, after a summing everything up he walked to his room and grabbed a small bag just large enough to fit his clothing in and a few personal effects. His father and mother explained how proud they were with his mother also gesturing how worried she would be while he was away from his home. After finishing his packing thirty minutes had passed and he went back to the front of the house hugging his mother and father before waving goodbye. "Ill be safe and I love you both." He stated.

Mestarian jumped on his runner beasts and checked to make sure Natsu was with him before taking off quickly heading back to the hold. After a short while with a good twenty minutes to spare he took a breath and headed towards where the dragons were.

[Cait]

Korinath settled only marginally as Bamath did his best to comfort her, but so far this Search was proving to be a wash. One candidate and two butt-hurt riders were all they'd accomplished so far. Raking her claws against the ground until she'd formed sizeable furrows, the moonlight waited for the riders to return.

"Probably too busy hiding his own children away. Some Holders still aren't keen on losing blood to the weyrs." Korvalia commented as she followed along after R'niaan. There were a couple individuals that caught her eye but Korinath dismissed them as boring or just not right. "Time would be better spent at Cliffside I think."