A New, Warm Home (Open)

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

15.09.06 || Mid-morning || WeyrBowl

The air was heavy, hot, and the smoke scent filled his nostrils, even as his throat burned. His breath came in great gasps, and even that was not enough, he couldn’t breathe, couldn’t see except the flames and smoke around him, couldn’t hear except the cries of beast and man alike. An impact, a sharp, piercing pain in his back, he stumbled, flames rising up in front of him, as two new screams joined those already being given voice.

T’karMine! T’karMine, wake UP!

The voice cut through the dream, providing much needed release. T’kar sat up, blinking his amber eyes in a vain attempt to adjust them to the darkness within his weyr, breathing heavily. Despite the chill of the pre-dawn air, his sleeping furs were soaked with sweat, as were the light-weight clothes that he’d been wearing to sleep in.

Thanks for waking me up, Anacalanath, he said sleepily, though completely without rancor, as, shaking his head to clear it, he stood up and walked over to his clothes chest. He only had one outfit there, the rest of his clothes already being packed away for the journey he would undertake on the morrow, his long awaited transfer to the warmth of the South.

You know, you should just come sleep in here, Ancalanath said as his Mine was getting dressed.

That sounds like an excellent idea, T’kar replied, absently rubbing his head and wondering what had possessed him to drink so much the night before.

You were having fun, Ancalanath supplied, as T’kar curled up next to him.

T’kar yawned. I think… that the past tense is… appropriate there, he said as he drifted back into sleep. After all, he had nothing pressing to do the next day, and he’d been up late. Surely, he could afford to sleep in.


T’kar, you should get up, there are people here that you would like to see,

“Eh,” T’kar said sleepily, trying to process the information. He blinked his eyes open. Three figures were standing in the doorway to Ancalanath’s weyr, two leaning against its sides and one standing in the middle.

“What’s up with this, T’kar, you haven’t slept in Ancalanath’s weyr since you were a weyrling.”

T’kar recognized the voice, and blinking again, he recognized the right figure as Z’der, the Weyrleader. The man on the left was Z’kul, and the woman in the middle was Melova, Headwoman of the Lower Caverns, his foster mother.

T’kar managed to get upright before he was enveloped in a hug from his foster mother. At some point during the goodbyes, he found out that the morning was already almost half gone, and after another fifteen minutes, he and Ancalanath found themselves above Rainbow Mists Weyr, with orders to remember to pay their respects to their new Queen and her rider. It was drizzling, and T’kar supposed that to someone used to the South the weather might be considered cool, but to him and Ancalanath, it was mighty fine weather indeed, the drizzle not even heavy enough to really merit notice.

Greetings Archith, Ancalanath said as he spiraled down to land in the open Bowl. Mine and I are the transferees from Telgar. We would like to pay our respects to you and yours at your convenience.

As soon as Ancalanath landed, T’kar slid down to the ground and started down the path.

[Lark]

[ooc: hope it's okay to jump in..>.>]

Miiine, there's another male coming and he's not from here!!!

Nitune looked up from where she had been oiling Dynaskith's hide, for the third time that day so far, and she shrugged. "So, there are always new males love." The starlight snorted, shifting her stance so that she was looking at her rider.
Yes, but Miiine, it's not faaaaaiiiiir! He's not calling for me, he's calling for her. He should be wanting meeee!

Sighing, the rider shook her head and wiped clean a newly oiled patch of skin. "Yes, but she's the Queen, not you Dynaskith." The dragoness hissed slightly, lashing her tail. Did it really matter that much that she could not clutch and that her hide only was speckled with gold? It shouldn't, she Dynaskith of Rainbow Mists Weyr was the best dragoness that Pern had ever known!

Getting up without any warning, the dragoness toppled over Nituna, flaring her wings and tipping the bucket of oil. "HEY!" Shouting, Nituna scrambled from her position on her back on the floor as the dragoness leaped over the edge of her cave and glided down to the male below.

Oh hello lovely male, I am here now. I'm sure that I, Dynaskith, is much better than any Gold would be any day of the turn!

The starlight landed with a flourish of her wings, crooning to the dragon and flicking her tail. Oh, he would do so very nicely! She snorted though and gave a heavy sigh as a familiar blond head appeared from the caverns. "Dynaskith, you're not supposed to be here!" Nituna scolded her dragoness both mentally and verbally, an added insult which unfortunately only made the starlight even more upset.

It's not faaaair though! Can't I say hello too? I'm just trying to be friendly.

The dragon pouted in her tone, stamping a foot against the earth. Sighing, Nituna shook her head and waved her hand in the air. "Whatever...obviously you've made up your mind." Not wanting to bother with the dragon, the rider turned her back to her and looked at a man who was coming closer to the path she was on. "I'm sorry for the disturbance." She cast apologetic eyes to the rider and then bit her lip.

See what you've done now Dyna?

The dragoness only chirped happily. Oh yes, she knew exactly what she had done.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

((Ooc: Of course it’s ok to jump in, the post says open, after all. ))

Ancalanath snorted in surprise at the sudden appearance of the Starlight dragoness, but he quickly recovered, stepping forward and arching his neck. Shifting his weight back to his haunches, he unfurled his wings slightly, moving so that the light made his hide dance.

Hello Starlight Dynaskith, Ancalanath said warmly.

T’kar glanced over at the Starlight briefly when she appeared, then he returned his attention to looking where he was going. A good thing too, for in front of him appeared a tall, willowy young woman. T’kar noted that there were oil spots on her clothes, even as she apologized. Here, it seemed, was the rider of the Starlight. “It’s nothing major, there’s little need for an apology,” T’kar said, smiling. Offering her his hand, he continued: “I’m T’kar, of RR Flame Ancalanath.”

[Simile]

Talithia sighed in agitation as Maetioth decided she needed to be a part of this greeting. After all. It was a flame. And not just any flame at that. An RR flame. A perfect potential chaser... .and she was not happy that this ridiculous starlight was attemtping to take his attentoin from the real one worthy of his affections. The only one at that. Herself. Maetioth. She crooned, approaching him and the starlight menace with what could only be described as a croon with a hiss hidden inside of it. Se looked at the starlight with a flash of red in her eyes before turning to the flame again. Welcome to Rainbow Mists Weyr, rr flame dragon of Telgar. I am copper Maetioth. TalithiaMine should be along any second. She has been training, though, so she will likely be displeased with me for forcing such a sudden meeting upon her. Her voice was oily slick and amused.

And, as facts would align... here came Talithia, her black hair sticking to her face, her tan skin shining with sweat, and her face flushed. In her hand, she held a sword, which she promptly sheathed, walking over to her dragoness. "Maetioth... How many times have I told you... Not everyone wants to see a copper dragoness. Most don't." Her dragoness hissed and snapped at her rider irritably.

I am the only one WORTH seeing, Mine! Did I not pick you to serve me and be great?! She nudged her toward T'kar, but Tal stopped short, giving a slight bow. "Hello. Welcome to Rainbow Mists Weyr. I am Talithia of Copper Maetioth." She inclined her head to the side, her hands at her sides. He scars showed. Especially those on her shoulders and at the back of her neck. She thought little of it. It was a fact and that was all. It was also... almost.... a source of pride at times. It meant she rode a fierce dragon. Amongst the fiercest in the Weyr she believed. She and Maetioth both seemed to love and despise each other all at hte same time.

[Kaya]

Rilora, the newest transfers are here. Archith mentioned before returning her attention to the piece of herdbeast she was still working on. She had flown down to the southern fields for a meal when someone had decided she was needed during lunch. She had noticed that he said "at her convenience" and that would be after lunch.

I'll take a look, Love, Rilora warmly replied, setting aside a report from Lindalyn, the Headwoman, summarizing several longer letters from Holds and Master Craftsmen regarding tithes and journeymen training and the like. A few had requested to practice for a while at Rainbow Mists and requested her approval.

Matters at hand, Rilora thought to herself, walking toward the outside ledge the weyr sported. It provided a nice and very helpful view of most of the Weyr Bowl which currently contained one large Flame - presumably the Telgar transfer - and also two other dragonesses...including Maetioth. Rilora sighed to herself and resigned to telling Archith that, indeed, the transfer was in the Bowl as usual, but was accompanied by a Starlight and a Copper. That would make an impression on the new Rider, though of what kind she couldn't say. One could never tell with Northerners.

Archith mused over what Rilora had told her as she finished the ends of her lunch. She walked some distance to a fresh patch of grass - she double checked. She'd rather not have to be cleaned again today. The Gold wiped her muzzle on the ground and set about preening herself and making sure her claws were tidy. Typical post-lunch procedure, though she might have put in a little extra effort that day.

Telgar transfer, she responded at her leisure when she had finished cleaning herself. welcome to Rainbow Mists. I am at the southern fields if you care for some lunch or perhaps to see more of your new home.

[Lark]

Dynaskith let out a hiss as none other than that dreaded copper landed in the Bowl. Curving her neck and rustling her wings, the Starlight eyed her warily, a gleam of scarlet swirling in her eyes. Nituna quickly clamped down on the dragoness' mind, making her thrash her head slightly and toss it upward. "That's enough Dynaskith, don't make me have you leave! Either deal with her, or don't, but you know the consequences." The dragoness hissed again, but kept her teeth hidden at least. Hers was not in a good mood today apparently.

There are plenty here of worth Copper, but I doubt that you are one of them.

"Dynaskith!" Nituna's sharp command hushed the Starlight, but it was a silence filled with anger. How dare that copper flit come and steal away her Flame? Looking over at the newcomer, the dragoness crooned to the male. He was not apart of her anger, but instead her attentions. Her wings flexed and folded, a habit of hers when her rider was holding on so tightly. "I'm sorry for how she's acting....she's a starlight through and through, trust me." Grimacing as the golden speckled beast threw her head again, trying to break her rider's hold, Nituna glared at the dragoness.

"I said enough, don't make me take you away from here...besides you get into it with her and she will mark up that pretty hide of yours like you would a wherry." The starlight hissed but backed down, slinking over to Hers like a wild feline. Her tail flicked behind her as she curled around the backside of Nituna, looking down at her and the Flame's rider.

Fine, but only because she's not worth my time....and Archith is calling as well. Do we go Ancalanath?

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

At any other moment in time, T’kar might have been confused by the lack of response from the young woman, but the sudden appearance of yet another dragoness, this one the color of copper, interrupted his thoughts. He knew he’d heard that color of dragon mentioned before, though the context was for the moment eluding him. The body language of the two dragonesses was concerning; a little competition was to be expected, after all, Ancalanath was a King, but a fight would be taking things a little too far.

Ancalanath, T’kar began, intending to remind the King that he needed to head the conflict off before it went any further. Before he could say anything else though, another young woman, whose black hair was sticking to the tan skin of her face, appeared on the scene, sheathing a sword as she strode towards the Copper dragoness, berating her.

I know Mine, Ancalanath said.

The Copper hissed and nudged the second woman, who was very nearly as tall as him, in his direction. He returned her slight bow with one of his own. He wondered where she’d gotten the scars, it looked like she’d gotten into fights with a large dragonet, or even weyrling.

“T’kar, of RR Flame Ancalanath,” he said, in response to her introduction.

Greetings, Copper Maetioth. I am Ancalanath. Ancalanath didn’t bother to state his rank, for the Copper already knew it. Done speaking to the dragoness, Ancalanath raised his head and swung it around so that he was looking at his Mine. T’kar, Gold Queen Archith is at the southern fields. She says that I can eat there. The last was plaintive, as Ancalanath let it be known that he certainly wouldn’t mind having something to eat.

T’kar smiled at the last. You know, you’re supposed to stop eating so much once you’re grown, he teased, his amber eyes flashing in amusement. The Starlight had moved away from the Ancalanath and the Copper, which was something of a relief, in that it no longer seemed likely that Ancalanath might end up in the middle of a fight between the two dragonesses. Although, he would honestly have preferred that the Copper be the one to retreat; there was just something about her… He pushed the thought from his mind; he’d worry about that later, after he discharged his duty and had some time to think. Besides, it wasn’t as though Ancalanath couldn’t hold his own if anything came to a fight.

Could you ask Gold Archith where the Weyrwoman is? T’kar asked, glancing at Ancalanath. If she’s not in the same place as Archith, I can go ahead and speak with her while you greet Archith and get some lunch.

Very well, Ancalanath answered. Gold Archith? This is RR Flame Ancalanath, the Telgar transfer. T’karMine was wondering where Yours was, so that he could greet her. To Dynaskith, Ancalanath said: I think it would be more appropriate if I were to greet Archith unaccompanied. Perhaps we can do something together soon.

[Simile]

Talithia sized up the man in front of her. Tall. Even taller than her. Nice to see a man like that. But she wasn't too interested if he wasn't as much a warrior as he looked. She looked him over, scrutinizing him. "I'm surprised that the reputation of a copper doesn't put you off immediately." She walked a back over to Maetioth and gave her a push, which was accompanied by a mental push. The dragoness hissed and clicked her teeth together, but moved off a little ways, uncurling her tail from around her paws. She looked at the Starlight, feeling a dark amusement rise in her.

Oh how foolish. If you would like... I could tear you to shreds. It wouldn't be hard. I'm the warrior here, remember. The fierce-some dragon so feared that her offspring were too feared to be allowed to ever be? Foolish little Dynaskith. Do you want to fight...? Poor fool? The copper certainly hoped so.

Talithia sighed. "Maetioth. Enough." Mae looked down at her rider with a lash of her tail, but this time, did not fight her. She simply stopped and sat there, tail twitching. Perhaps, Ancalanath, we could go hunting together. A copper makes a fine hunting companion... especially in the wilds... She stood and with a final swish of her copper tail looked at her rider before stalking off to sunbathe on her own.

Talithia sighed. "Don't mind her. She and I answer to Archith and Rilora for the time being... If you'd like, I'll take you to the Weyrwoman as I'm fairly certain of where she is at the moment... Though, I'm sure you are fully capable on your own." Her tone was not particularly warm or friendly, just matter of fact and, perhaps, a bit distant.

[Kaya]

Ah, RiloraMine is up in our weyr. You can walk the path to the fire heights and cut over to the outside or go through the inner tunnels, the path isn't that far, though a bit high to walk, Archith replied, her tone explaining and filled with her unspoken thought: I should have mentioned that earlier. Well, it was what it was, she figured.

Rilora, the FlameRider will be coming to see you. Archith relayed. She turned her attention back to watching the herdbeasts mosey around on the far side of the field, keeping their distance from her. Well, she wasn't too hungry but if she needed to nibble on something for politeness's sake she could do that.

Rilora kept her place on the ledge of her weyr, still watching. She had seen the Copper's body language and that enough was a reason to keep an eye on things. She had a grey, long sleeved blouse and a white skirt. She took inventory of herself, making sure things were in place and that - as far as she could tell - she looked nice. Rilora was pretty sure that she'd left T'kar's papers on her desk, the upper left, in the pile of transfers and incoming residents. His file should be on the top. She wondered if she could step away a moment soon, perhaps once the FlameRider took his leave to find her weyr - if he did - to grab a hair brush. Well, if he couldn't find it she could always meet him part way in the kitchens, but something told her that Archith would prefer her to stay put. So Rilora waited, watching to see what would happen.

[Lark]

Nituna glanced briefly at the copperrider, finally relaxing when the dragoness started to move away. That was a good sign, and with the threat further from the Flame and her own rider, Dynaskith also started to let some of the tension in her muscles release. For now at least she was staying quiet, watching observantly as her rider did the same. The blonde was not quite sure whether to say anything to the two transfers or not, when a dark blue nose nudged her forward though, she cleared her throat.

"I can take you to see the Weyrwoman if you'd like a guide. The paths like to make their walkers wander a bit and it can be confusing if you haven't been around them before." Her voice was light, a question and yet not one at all. Tilting her head, Nituna grabbed a strand of hair and twirled it around her finger, not smiling or giving much warmth to either rider. She was not cold however, or disinterested, just uncertain. On the one hand she was not the type of girl often found trying to help a man, and yet she was not too comfortable with the copper's rider either.

"Perhaps it would be best if you both go? Just to make sure that all the paperwork is in order still for your transfer as well? I should probably ask about mine, I only came a half-turn before you two did." Dynaskith snorted from her spot curled up in the sunlight, her eyes whirling an odd mix of blue and orange. Oh yes, the infuriating dragon-child knew exactly why they were here, but no message came to Nituna or anyone else. There was only a smug sense of satisfaction from the starlight.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

"I'd be a poor dragonrider if I got scared off by a reputation," T'kar said, half-smiling. Despite his words, he still felt a relief when the Copper dragoness moved a little ways away, though none of that feeling was betrayed in his easy, confident stance. Don't commit to anything, he told Ancalanath, guessing that some communication was going on between the dragons, We don't know what our duties will be or what they will require of us.

Ancalanath rumbled his amusement. He knew the drill, back at Telgar, everyone who wanted to get out of some duty or chore had heaped attention on him. Mine, Weyrwoman Rilora is in her weyr, by path of the fireheights or through the inner tunnels. With one eye, Ancalanath saw Copper Maetioth depart. Perhaps, he answered her, recalling that he wasn't to commit to anything.

T'kar thought that the blond StarlightRider seemed uncomfortable in the presence of Talithia, which put him at a bit of an impass. On the one hand, he would much rather greet the Weyrwoman on his own, but on the other, he didn't want to leave the two women alone with each other, not if that nervousness had reason. Talithia offered him a way out then; he certainly wasn't going to even imply that he couldn't do things on his own!

"Possibly," T'kar said, in response to the StarlightRider, "but having all of us go up there right now would be imposing. If you'd like, I could ask her about your paper-work and let you know, or ask if you could come in right after me." He paused a beat, then continued: If it's all the same to you, I think it would be better if I went to see the Weyrwoman without a guide; after all, it's hardly fair for me to just impose myself in your schedules, and you were both doing things when I arrived."

Ancalanath, you might want to go greet the Queen, T'kar sent, starting towards the fireheights.

With a snort, the Flame crouched and sprang into the air, a nearly vertical takeoff which he had mastered as a weyrling. With two strong wingbeats, he was well above the Bowl, already veering southward towards the fields. A crimson shape detached itself from its perch on the fighting straps on Ancalanath's back, followed closely by a black shape and a dark-hazed mottled brick-red and grey one. The three shapes resolved into firelizards as they swooped over and hovered above T'kar.

Be careful, Mine.

I will, T'kar replied, smiling as Ancalanath veered away. Behave, he ordered the firelizards, watching Boot, the trouble-making black-haze Brick, out of the corner of his eye.

Ancalanath saw Gold Archith, watching the herdbeasts on the far side of the field. She was beautiful. He hovered for a moment, his wings completely still, then smoothly backwinged and landed nearby. Greetings once again, Gold Archith. His tail twitched as one of the herdbeasts moved, but other than that he remained still, his wings partway unfurled to catch sunlight.