Gather Grandioso - Celebration at Cliffside [E]

[Kaya]

[Event Thread] 15.10.14 - around noon

It was a beautiful spring day in the South. The sea breeze was noticeably pleasant but not too much of a nuisance for most people. The waves coming in on the shore splashed in response to the gentle wind. The sun was starting to give its summer warmth and a parade of huge white clouds drifted in the sky. Cliffside could not have asked for a better day to hold a Gather.

Since early that morning tradesmen and women had been setting up their stalls along the main street that ran through the center of the port city. Tradesfolk spread their wares and a few late comers refused to be without a spot and set up along the new road itself. The cloth roofs of the stalls that provided shade came in a multitude of colors; many were white, but also blue, yellow and red, greens and pinks. People from all over Pern had come into the bustle of Cliffside to find a rare treasure, enjoy the sure to be memorable dishes and delights and dance the night away. The square in the center of the Hold had been transformed, with banners hung high in all corners. A raised platform had been installed in the square’s center where dancers and performers would entertain and earn a mark or many and in the evening would become the center of dancing, laughter and merriment.

Off to the north just outside the Hold itself a racetrack had been roped off and fine runnerbeasts pranced about and grazed as they waited. The Lord Holder himself had insisted on races, with prizes for the best, and so handlers and breeders from miles around had come to compete and make the sales of their careers. A place for footraces for restless spectators had also been arranged.

Card dealers had their booths set, clothes draping down to the floor so the games could go on without interruption from the wind. Other gamblers gathered about and waved cards, dice and prizes in the faces of passersby.

The Lord Ser Ralt and Lady Harra strolled through the nearly prepared festivities, leaving most of the directing to advisers and others who would have a much busier time of the Gather. They were there to enjoy themselves and care to the favor of the Weyrleaders, ensuring their good relations and closeness in the future. Cliffside was a thriving port and with so many people passing through and some settling down there was much to gain from closer ties to the Weyr.

Among the growing crowd, they passed a pair of musicians with a flute and a drum. Harra smiled and tossed them a mark and wished them good fortune. It was what she wished on the whole world.

[Shoki]

Finally! The gather was here and it was finally time to show off her new songs and stories to the crowds. Kashpa looked out at the people bustling around, grinning as she watched. Today she had to look perfect, and she thought this dress was just what was needed. It was a lovely shade of green, fitted above the waist and loose fabric below. It meant that she swished with every step, but the material was still thick enough that her steps had weight so to speak. Darker green stitching outlined the dress but it was in all other respects very simple. She had her hair braided back, as usual, but it was tied with a dark green ribbon so there was something that matched. Her boots were the least elegant she supposed, but they still looked nice with their earthy brown. Everything about her was spotless, and her dark brown eyes shone with anticipation. It was going to be a great day.

"Kashpa, we'll be out there in a second, can you get tuned up?" A brown haired man with a larger stringed instrument was looking at her with a stifled grin. Kashpa had forgotten about the violin in her hand for a moment, though it hadn't stopped her from taking care not to bump it against anything.

"Sorry Yavin." The woman smiled, looking apologetic as she could manage and started tuning, listening to her instrument with a contented sigh. She loved her violin. Kashpa couldn't sing very well, her voice wasn't made for it. But her sure could make these strings sing for her. "Loan me a C?" The man smile and strummed his instrument, Kashpa tuning her instrument to match his. "Got it. Ready Lostra?"

A blond woman was strumming her own stringed instrument, much larger then either Kashpa's violin or Yavin's viola. She looked up when Kashpa spoke and smiled quietly. She nodded simply and moved behind the large instrument, looking lovely in her light blue garb. Kashpa was glad to be in a trio with these harpers, it just made the day that much more exciting.

"Okay, Kashpa, Lostra, we're on. Take a breath and make a wish 'cause we're out of practice time." Yavin grinned, making Kashpa match it, and Lostra smiled a little more. Then the trio went out to the stage. The performance would be amazing, that is, if Kashpa had anything to say about it.

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

Irai sat at a stall, a set of hand made blankets covering the table. Vests were sitting, folded up at the corners to the table and a cap or two could be found. Irai sat, looking all smiled and cheer to sell the things she had lovingly crafted. Or at least that was the image. Kumori had to be about image now. If she ever wanted to find someone that is. Nothing would be better then to be able to drop this hideous facade but she was not the child she had been as a fledgling dragon rider. She had to take precautions. Still, she had to admit, working with needles was a good way to keep up one's ability for fine finger movements. She had other activities to cover the rest. Morning constitutionals, which were more like jogs then walks, not that she told her children that. A little bit of target practice, though she had darts in public rather then knives. Still, she could at least do some things, so ever week there was some fish from her son and she could fillet it quickly, even now. Hers was not the most interesting life for the time being. She hated that.

A small smile rose to Irai's face as a woman stepped up to the stall, three children clinging to her. "Nanna!" The two boys trotted right around immediately, to give Irai a hug, the girl still holding her mother's hand. Irai gave both of the boys a hug and the younger one grabbed her hand. "You're coming with us, right Nanna?" "Ased said he is going to eat more then me, we'll beat him, right Nanna?" Nu-uh, Nanna get to be on my team!""No way, I called it first!" Irai looked down at the cousins and sighed a little, before looking up at her daughter.

"Mom, maybe you want me to mind the stall for a while?" Ida was a lovely middle aged woman, but honestly, how had she given birth to such a goody two shoes?

"Well, I suppose. And are you coming with us Deasde?" Irai looked at her granddaughter with a small smile. The girl looked up and nodded once before giving her mother a hug and standing behind her brother and cousin. "Well lets get going shall we, we've got to get you guys good and hungry before any sort of eating contest happens. And I'm on Deasde's team."

Irai started away with her grandson's pouting behind her, and her granddaughter holding her hand as they walked. This was a very boring life.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

Hearing a joyful bugle above his head, T’kar looked up to see his black flitt, Shadow, chasing the older brick, Boot. Star remained on his shoulder, being, as a crimson, far too dignified for such pursuits.

Still smiling at the antics of Shadow and Boot, T’kar returned his attention to the rows of booths, his amber eyes bright with amusement under his blue-black hair as he searched for a Smithcraft or Starcraft emblem. He wanted to find a small telescope, the sort that he could carry around, or perhaps set up in his window.

We should go flying after you find a telescope.

We’re going flying later regardless, T’kar replied, looking over to where Ancalanath was basking in the sun. The thermals, coupled with this breeze, ought to make for some fun flight.

The Smithcraft and Starcraft emblems were not visible from where he was, so T’kar strode off down the road, still looking. Maybe I’ll buy a new sword, too, he thought, reflecting on the fact that his current weapon was getting notched, having been in his possession since he turned fifteen.

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K’tar walked down the street, looking around the Gather. Viarth, who’d grown quite a lot in the month and a half since he’d hatched, was following along, rather like a much oversized puppy, pausing every few seconds to ask about something in a tent.

Spotting the runners, K’tar grinned. Wait here, Viarth, he told the dragonet, before ducking quickly under the ropes. One of the runners, an eye-catching black and white pinto, nosed forwards, looking for a treat. Still grinning, K’tar gave the runner a small piece of fruit. He really wanted to ride, it’d been over a month since he’d last raced the wind, moving as one with his mount. Really, oin light of that, what happened next might constitute temporary insanity.

K’tarMine, what are you doing, those things are dangerous! Viarth cried, as K’tar vaulted onto the back of the dangerous-other-thing-with-hooves. Thinking that his must somehow be unaware of being in danger, Viarth raced forward.

K’tar snapped his head around, to see Viarth charging toward him. The runners, including the pinto that K’tar was on, noticed it as well, going stiff and quivering as their eyes rolled at the approach of this predator. K’tar knew that he didn’t want to ride a runner that was bolting away from a dragon, but unfortunately, the runner he was on was in the middle of the herd; if he dismounted, he’d likely get trampled when the beasts fled from Viarth.

“No! Viarth, stay back!” K’tar shouted.

Right at that moment, a finely dressed man came into view. His eyes, already narrow, narrowed further when he caught sight of K’tar.

“What do you think you’re doing, boy!” he bellowed, raising a fist as though he could strike K’tar down from ten feet away.

For the runners, naturally high-strung and already disturbed by the presence of a dragon, that bellow was the final straw. K’tar had just enough time to see Viarth, who was still woefully uncoordinated at times, slam into the shouter from behind, then the pinto runner reached the fence and jumped it, forcing K’tar to turn his eyes forward as the runners raced away from the noise and the dragon, galloping headlong towards the track.

[Moo]

Despite the infectious spirit that had captured Cliffside today, N'kio yawned into the crook of his arm and looked down at the colorful city of stalls. He had been up the entire night and most of that morning, aiding the incoming ships that made their way to port with wares for the Gather. Unfortunately, it was still a working day, and one with little time for rest; the surge of newcomers who were unfamiliar with Cliffside's rules saw to that. And yet, it had been far too long since Cliffside had such a large, cheerful Gather. Many had come from the surrounding area by way of the new road to and from the Weyr. Coupled with the fine spring weather, and a rapid exchange of marks, the day was proving to be a success -- though, for him, still a cause for concern with so many to keep track of.

There are so many people here today, N'kio...Do you think she will show? queried Metanath, circling over the shoreline as he peered down into the water. So far, no one had gone out beyond their depth -- the currents near the port, he knew from experience, had their own dangers.

"It's possible," N'kio sighed, leaning into their turn. He wouldn't allow himself false hope -- much too distracting on a day like today. "But even if she did, this is more of a turnout than we imagined. She could very well be here and I wouldn't even notice!"

Oh, I doubt that, he replied slyly, and made for his raised platform at the far end of the dock. With a backwards sweep of his wings, Metanath landed smoothly on the wet wood and bent to allow his Rider off. If I had to count the number of times you've thought about her, I'd say it would be around --

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Point made," he said, and slid off Metanath to re-check the riding straps. Extra lines and support had been attached, in the unlikely event that anyone needed a ride dragonback. Then, reaching into a small saddlebag, he pulled out a slim knife. "Everything looks good," N'kio nodded. "I won't be far if you need me -- just a couple of ships down. You know what to do."

But of course! And don't worry -- I'll keep an eye out for her -- I know you too well, N'kio. And with a happy bugle -- for there were more dragons here, at his home, than he had seen in a while -- Metanath caught a gust of wind and took to the skies again, his black hide shimmering in spots where he had been re-oiled.

N'kio rolled his eyes and walked down the dock to a nearby schooner -- as when he wasn't flying with Metanath, he helped the crews gut and clean the fish that came into their harbor. It wasn't the most glamorous job, but the Gather was slated to go on well into the night -- and the food had to come from somewhere! And from this vantage point, he found it easy to work and keep an eye on those swimming in the water.

To answer that question...I think she would look very nice while swimming...You know, as far as females go.

Ohhh...it's going to be a long day.

[summerrain]

She didn't see the Black dragon descend from the skies. She was focused solely on the port. She was determined to see if her father had returned.

TeraMine! Slow down! came the voice in her head. Tera stopped and turned around, waiting for her almost two month old dragoness to catch up. The Wood was unable to fly, though she did manage a few jump-glides every once in a while. Once the dragoness had caught up, the pair again advanced toward the docks.

"Sorry Picosith," Tera said. "I just haven't seen papa in so long. I hope he's here." She felt a wave of sympathy from her Mindmate, for even Picosith knew she couldn't fully understand the relationship between a human child and it's parents. She knew it was much deeper than the relationship between draconic parents and their young, with the exception of the rare Tiger dragons.

"I'm gonna tell papa about the Aurora dragon that came to Rainbow Mists!" Tera said suddenly, excitement becomig the prevelent emotion in her mind. She sped up slightly, hearing Picosith's claws clacking on the stone. It was good to be home, even if it was just for a little while.

Mine! I feel Metanath! came the alert. Tera looked around, Just catching sight of the Black's frame.

"Come on Picosith!" Tera said happily. "Metanath and his rider will know if papa's ship is here!" She dashed forward, her dragoness not far behind. She looked back to see if Picosith was keeping up and ran headlong into a dockworker.

"Sorry," she said quickly. Picosith was by her side in moments, warily eyeing the stranger. Though... His scent was similar to Tera's...

"Papa!" Tera and her father embraced. They didn't even notice Metanath and N'kio were nearby.

[Shoki]

Quimyenth was running down the new road, as she and hers drew near to the gather. She couldn't say exactly what made a good road, but it sure seemed to work! The green dragon turned back to spy Mau running after her, her cheeks rosy with exertion and a smile on her face. They were both very excited for this and couldn't wait to get there. It was only a little bit more and the pair were met with bustling people making the pair look on in awe.

"I love gathers. You know there is gonna be dancing later on?" Mau's eyes lit up with the idea of dancing and Qui had quickly learned her rider was a fan.

You did say that. Do I get to try it?

"I hope so! You gotta dance with someone, its just more fun that way. Ooo, maybe we'll see some others at the gather and they'll join us later. It'll be like a big party." Mau smiled and bounced toward one of the stalls selling bags to get a better look. Qui just followed her eyes whirling with excitement. If there was one thing the dragon was glad for, it was Mau's willingness to let her try new things. And she hadn't even hinted that dragons might not be able to dance.


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"ACHOO!"

"Bless you." Cyan was walking next to her big brother as he sneezed, sniffling something fierce. The pair didn't look related as they walked through the gather, though they acted naturally like siblings. Cr'wean was as bundled up as he could be in the sunny day, looking redder then usual. He had caught something last night but he had insisted on coming. He wanted to take full advantage of the time with his sister and parents, even if it means suffering through it. Kiyosh had gave him a little song to try and take the edge off but it was something that would just take time and rest.

"Thanks. Where do you think dad will be?" Cr'wean was actually less grumpy when he was sick, mostly because he didn't have the strength to get nervous. His voice sounded a little nasally today but not enough that he sounded comical. He did look sick though.

"Ah, you know, everywhere that has something half interesting. Oh look Cr'wean, the harpers!" Cyan lead the brown haired man to the stage that a trio was performing at, finding a seat and getting her brother situated.

"Aren't you gonna sit down?" Cr'wean looked at his younger sister skeptically, who smiled and took a step back in response.

"Love to, but if anyone is going to find mom and dad it'll be me today. Just sit down and enjoy the music and I'll be back with them in a snap." She smiled and turned to go, before turning back for a moment. "Besides, Kiyosh can keep you company if you need someone to talk to. Just don't sneeze on anyone." With that she turned on her heels and started off, leaving Cr'wean to sigh and sniffle.

Doing all right down there?

Yeah. It's not bad, having something to amuse you when your sick.

Good Kiyosh was sitting at one of her favorite spots at the hold, someplace nearish the sea but out of the way. She loved to sit here when she had to wait for Cr'wean to visit with his family. The brown and white bird started preening before a familiar flying shape caught her eye. Ah, Metanath. Nice to see you about keeping things nice and safe as always. The lifewing gave her feathers a quick shake before craning her head up to get a better look at the black dragon. He often saw the watchrider's dragon when she came with Cr'wean, and she respected his work. Everyone had a job, and it was always nice to see them working about it.

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

An Ice dragoness appeared from Between and examined the bustling people walking the brand new road. Her rider gave a glance at the Weyr and Hold before settling back into a more comfortable sitting position. It looked like they had arrived at a rather busy time. The Queen circled lazily giving the pair time to think.

What would you like to do?

Hedara looked thoughtful then shrugged. "Ask if there is a moment to spare today. If not, we will just give our congratulations when appropriate and be off." She leaned over again to get a better look at the gather and hold, her lips being pressed into a hard line. She would rather not try to be the center of attention here but she still would get it regardless. "Land where you see fit, I shall walk if needed."

Temperanth nodded to confirm her assent and searched out the Gold dragoness of the Weyr. Archith, how fare you this lovely day? It seems that you have hit on great luck for this gather to have such good weather. I have no wish to trouble you and Rilora but Hedara would very much like to get in a conversation in with Rilora today. Perhaps this could be arranged? Temperanth circled slowly downwards, trying to get more time to get a response from the Gold before dropping Hedara off. She knew that Hedara didn't meander well, she liked a goal. Hopefully the Ice could give her one.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

A familiar Brown dragon settled on the far side of the track to drop off passengers, his powerful backwing driving phosphine scented air towards the runners. Before K’tar could decide where he’d seen the dragon before, the runners quickly changed direction, racing back across the track towards the new road, which now contained several watchers. A shadow passed overhead. K’tar glanced up to see an Ice dragon circling downwards, even as the pinto runner, now at the front of the herd, reared and whirled around to gallop off down the street, into the center of the Gather, followed by about six of its fellows.

The runners barreled along the road between the stalls, Viarth still valiantly in pursuit, determined to somehow rescue His from the dangerous-other-things-with-hooves. A passerby screamed, causing the pinto to shy sideways and knock over the tray of knives that a Smithcraft apprentice had just finished setting up outside one of the stalls. The knives clattered to the ground, and K’tar had to duck a quick-flung rock that the apprentice sent at his head.

“You sharding dimglow!” the apprentice shouted after him, “Can’t you keep control of your Thread-bait runner?”

“Thread-bait yourself,” K’tar muttered under his breath. He wanted to get off the runner, but he didn’t particularly fancy being in trouble, so he was looking for a way to send the runner off away from the Hold, at least for long enough to dismount and turn it loose. Glancing around, he saw that Viarth was still following them.

Viarth, wait here! he ordered, slipping his jacket off and quickly slinging it around his mount’s neck. Fortunately, the runner had been trained well enough that it responded to this improvised neck rope as if it were the reins attached to a bridle, spinning around to gallop out into the open ground between the Gather and the Hold.

A shout rang out behind him, and K’tar glanced back to see one of the Hold’s guardsmen chasing after him. Not today, he thought, You’re not catching me today! He returned all his focus to the area in front of him, just in time to see that there were two people standing in his mount’s path, locked in the space between two stalls and with no way to dodge. With a yell, he shifted his seat, hauling on the neck rope as he did so. The runner responded by changing direction at the last second, darting between the slim, brown-haired woman and the stall to the left of her.

The woman stepped back, and the man stepped around her with a shout of fury, the sunlight catching on his bushy-red beard, which caught K’tar’s eyes as something he’d seen before. Even as the runner surged past them, K’tar realized where he’s seen the beard before: the last Conclave of the Lord Holders, when he’d spelled Jatheiron as a messenger. Which would make the lady…

K’tar swallowed. He’d just nearly run down the Lady Harra. No wonder Lord Ser Ralt was mad, he thought, resisting the urge to glance over his shoulder. He didn't want Lord Ser Ralt to get a chance to recognize him. I hope he didn’t recognize me already, he thought, still not yet mature enough to have realized that just because he knew what he looked like didn’t mean the rest of the world did.

[Jay Kitten]

The day was lovely, that was for sure, and it had taken the better part of a candlemark after the beginning of the Gather for it to start getting into swing, but soon enough the courtyard of stalls was absolutely filled with people, perusing others wares, enjoying the tasty treats from the North, rare delicacy in the South. Before one of the stages there was a crowd, dancing and moving about in rhythmic circles to the time of the musicians on stage. Their lilting melody was easily danced to, and soon enough they kicked it into full pianissimo, louder as the crowd moved faster.

But soon enough, screams started to sound over the Gather, piercing though the music, as without warning a large dragon simply appeared in the midst of the dancing crowd, landing flat on his stomach after dropping a few hands from the air. He roughly landed on a few of the dancing patrons, though his Rider's fast action of ordering him to flap his wings kept the pressure off of them long enough that they could scramble away. The wind from the downbeat surely kicked up enough dust to bother the eyes and noses of those around, ruining many a dress in the process.

"What did I tell you?!" an angry voice scolded, the Tiger's rider slipped from the back of his large beast with a girl and a dragonet in tow. The dragon clambered up onto his hind feet, tail wrapping around the base of his body as his wings folded up; people began to protest rather loudly against the positioning of his latest between exit.

V'ridian held a couple cases containing his instruments, which were being waved about randomly as he continued to yell at a very, very embarrassed Cirryyth. It was evident in his eyes that he was sorry, oh so sorry. But still the people were jeering and his Rider was flustered.

Oh, I am so sorry! I didn't mean to go so low, it just happened! Oh, I'm no good at this whole being a dragon thing..... He kicked his foot a little and hung his head as he shuffled out of the space the dancers very much wanted to get back to, and V'ridian followed him.

"It is okay, people of the Gather, I apologize profusely for the mistakes of my dragon, and I can guarantee the issue will be dealt with severely!" His voice was strong and it carried easily, as with most Harpers, and soon the crowd began to get less irritated. Behind the Harper followed his little sister, whom had remained quiet until now.

"V'ridian... Don't you think you're being a little hard on poor Cirryyth? He's only trying his best, but you know about his little... Erm..." Lavender's voice dropped low enough that the Tiger couldn't hear. "Between problem..." She caught Fayzeth giggling a little bit in her mind, and she shook a mental finger at the little Starlight. Now now, that was rude to laugh at. The poor guy was doing his best, he had never been a strong flier and everyone in their family knew how clumsy he was, since V'ridian made it painfully obvious by complaining about it all the time. She knew her brother was stuck-up, but really he did love his dragon and just wanted him to improve.

"Thank you for your concern, Lavender, but mother has already told you that I am to deal with my own dragon as I see fit. And you, little woman, must deal with your own and stay out of other Rider's business. That kind of thing will get you into trouble." Her brother gave a nod, his long, waving hair brushing over his Harper and Rider knots. Lavender huffed and crossed her arms. Of course he would say something like that.

"Whatever, I'm out of here then. Have fun," she said, and wandered away, towards the stalls, Fayzeth in tow. Her brother couldn't help but fume over her blatant dismissal, she was always so... Unserious. Cirryyth nudged him gently with his nose and nodded a head towards the other Harpers, and he sighed. Nodding once up and down, Rainbow Mists' Weyrharper motioned for his dragon to go, following him towards the circle of Harpers waiting to perform on stage. He, of course, had been looking forward to this for some time.

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Lavender, on the other hand, was looking to find something neat, or maybe find somebody to talk to. She hadn't really been... Open with the other Weyrlings, up to this point, but she wanted that to change. Fayzeth had been very shy at first, wanting to keep to herself, but she could feel her loosening up slowly, getting used to the world around her. A friend would do her some good. The little half-and-half dragoness scooted about behind her, looking at all the pretty colors and bright faces. This was so very new and interesting to her, and it certainly was going to be quite the day.

Lavender stopped at a jewelry stall, taking an interest in some of the necklaces. Perhaps they would have one that matched her little Fayzeth?

Hey, Lavender-Love, what about this one? It looks like my hide. The girl turned her head to look at the one that Fayzeth's nose was touching, and she picked it up. Sure enough, it was a small glass pendant, dark blue, with small spots of silver in it that looked like stars. She smiled. Perhaps it would go well with one of her new dresses? First she would have to try it on...

[summerrain]

"How's my little girl?" Tera's father asked. He turned to the dragonet, one arm still around his daughter's shoulder. "This must be Picosith that you wrote about."

"You read my letter!" Tera said happily. "Yep! This is Picosith, a Wood dragon. Say hi Picosith."

Hello, said the dragonet. She dipped her head, recognizing Tera's father as someone the girl would listen to without question for many more Turns. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.

"Likewise," her father replied. "Wood dragons... Even more intreaguing than the pictures."

"Papa! Have you been doing research?" Tera joked.

"Why, yes I have," he told her. Suddenly, the three of them turned toward the stables. "Great. Where are the runner's riders when you need them?" He dashed over to the beasts, then saw one with a boy on it. There was a dragon following the horses. "Boy! Call your dragon off!" he called. "It can wait with that pair there if it needs somewhere to watch."

Tera had followed her father to the edge of the ruckus, only to find K'tar on one of the stampeding runnerbeasts. "K'tar!" she called. "Just relax! You're too tense! The runner can tell you're not relaxed, and it's just going to run faster!" That much she had learned from her father.

"The girl's right," her father told K'tar. "Your name's K'tar?Then I was right. That is your dragon." He had borrowed another runner from a beighboring stable, and it was in full gallop next to the runner the boy was on. "I've done my share of runner riding as a boy. I'm going to talk you through calming the beast down, but you have to do everything I say as I say it. Do you understand?"

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

Had he been less on edge, what with having to cling for life to a stolen runnerbeast and nearly running over Lady Harra, K’tar might have snapped. After all, he had ridden before. However, he was so unnerved by nearly running down Lord Ser Ralt’s wife that he fixated on the voice of Tera’s father as though it were his only landmark in a vast wilderness. He tried to open his mouth to respond to the man’s question, but the sound was stuck in his throat, so he nodded instead.

Viarth, far from stopping, had continued to run on, and bumbled right into the Lord and Lady Holder. Before anyone could react, the purple dragonet had swung his head around and spotted Young-human-Tera-rider-of-Wood-sister-Picosith and Wood-sister-Picosith.

Wood-sister-Picosith, you and yours have to help! K’tarMine doesn’t realize how dangerous the dangerous-other-things-with-hooves are! He’s riding one! You have to help me save him! The Viarth’s eyes were whirling so fast they seemed to blur, the yellow and white of a frightened dragon who thinks something is dangerous mixed together by the speed into an ugly pale yellow that clashed awfully with his purple hide.

[Moo]

High, high, high above the stalls, Metanath roared in frustration. Who had the bright idea that runners would be a good thing here?! He had been waiting for someone to intervene and stop that Purple weyrling pair, but no one did anything! Surely that Tiger down there would see something was the matter! The Tiger was certainly bigger, he would have to exert little effort to stop them. Now there were two runners and shouting and, oh, Lady Harra! This was too much to bear. Here was this mere slip of a dragon causing all this trouble without any consideration for the consequences! It would have been one thing someplace else, but this was Cliffside, and it was far too dangerous to let this continue. If he had to rip the throats out of those runners in order to stop this, he would. This would not do -- not here! Without a second thought, Metanath plummeted down in a spiral and fixed on that Purple menace.

Metanath, remember it's still a young dragon! You don't have to be such an -- Making a distracted cut, N'kio flinched as he was sprayed with blood. The large yellowtail, in the throes of death, jerked and spasmed as its gill plates ran red. With a roll of his eyes, N'kio wiped his face on his sleeve, hooked the fish up by its tail and passed it along to the man next to him. He left the docks and raced up the winding cliff stairs toward Metanath, the conflicting pull of their combined emotions making a decision difficult. Correct he may be, but he knew Metanath could take his responsibility to extremes -- though with a Gather this large, one had to be overly cautious. Right?

It was just a frightened dragon.

Then again, what if they all barreled off a cliff, possibly taking some merchants with them...?

Stop this foolishness now! Cease your running and leave them be; your rider will be fine. This is your first and last warning: Control yourself, he sent to the young dragon, swift and full of authority. Quickly he assessed the situation: they were far away from the edge where, if he took action, there would be minimal damage. With a twist, Metanath pulled out of his spiral and his wings billowed open like sails. He landed squarely in a wide section of the path, in front of the Purple dragon, his own eyes orange, his nostrils flaring. He was not moving any further.

With a slight scowl, and apologies to the people who Metanath had scattered, N'kio reached his dragon within moments. Can't leave you for a second, can I? What did you have in mind?

I shall stop this one.

Just remember, you were young once, too. I'll see to Harra. Once Metanath nodded, he disappeared into the crowd, hoping the distressed Purple would not be yelled at too harshly. However, rules were rules...

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

Viarth tried to back up, stepped on his left wing, and sat down with a sound best described as a mix of moan and bellow. But those things are dangerous! the little dragonet all but wailed. K’tarMine just doesn’t remember how ugly they are.

K’tar gasped as he felt a sudden stab of startlement, distress, and fear. At the same instant, the small pinto runner decided it had had enough, this latest arrival of a dragon was the end. It leaped into the air, twisting and bucking as it did so. K’tar, distracted by his flash of complete awareness of Viarth’s mind, went flying.

What the… Shard it Viarth! What’s happening? he shouted, too frustrated by this latest turn of events to feel sympathy even for his frightened dragonet.

[summerrain]

"You need to listen to me!" called Tera's father. "Because your hatchling dragon is chasing the runners, he's probably having to deal with the watchdragon, Metanath, and his rider N'kio. Now, focus on my voice." He knew what the boy needed to do, and it was about time that he did it.

"First of all, sit back," he told the boy. He was about to continue when the pinto runner bucked it's rider off. He quickly used the rope he'd grabbed to get a few of the runners to calm down, which seemed to help calm the herd as a whole. Then he led them to a corral, set up not too far. He dismounted, then went over to the boy. "You alright?" he asked, offering the boy a hand. "I know it's not great, but it'll heal. You might want to teach your hatchling dragon how to behave around the runners, though." He walked over to Tera, who had already darted to Metanath's side.


"Metanath! Wait!" Tera said quickly, dashing over to the Black dragon's side. "Let me try something first!" She turned to Picosith, who nodded.

Purple-clutchbrother-Viarth, you need to stop chasing everything that might put Yours K'tar in danger, relayed the Wood dragonet. They are called runners, and they fear you. If you stop chasing them, they might stop running away. They both hoped that the purple would be smart enough to listen to Picosith's words.

"They're only dangerous when they're out of control," Tera said, repeating her father's words. "When they're calm, they're fine. You call runners dangerous, but riding a dragon in Threadfall is more so. Runners aren't bad." She searched her mind for a comparison that might work. "It's like... The difference between a wild Wher and a tamed one. Wild Whers are unpredictable, while tamed ones have handlers to keep them in check. Does that make sense?"

[Kaya]

It was late in coming but the Hold's guard finally arrived. With the crowd in a panic and the runners being much faster than a group of armed guards, the men had taken a long time in arriving. One bold man walked ahead of the rest, easily noted as the one in charge. He frowned to see such a small girl near all this commotion. This was dangerous and not a place for her.

"Excuse me, sir," the gruff voiced man addressed Tera's father. "Would you please report to us what has happened and relocate this small girl somewhere more appropriate."

A pair of guards moved to crowd in around the startled pinto, rope in hand. Though focused on the one escapee they knew there had been others, and with so few people around certainly they could not have all been accounted for. The missing would need to be assessed and sought out.

Another man was at K'tar's side, waiting for any response from the boy. "Are you alright?" The question was loud and forceful. This one was going to be in a lot of trouble, but having a son of his own the guard sorely hoped that the lad wasn't hurt.

It didn't take long for others to start crowding around the guards. They tried to keep the people away. They didn't need a second mob on their hands.
"My runner!"
"Damages and compensation for all this outrageous...!"
"Tan the dimglow's hide!"
"My stall!"
"...almost killed me!"

[Kaya]

It would be the day of celebration and political relationship building that I have an off day... Rilora thought, vaguely directed at Archith as she walked along the coast. She looked down at the ocean water far below, relatively calm in the bay and deceptively smooth looking. Water tended to look that way when far off. Rilora had her shoes in hand and her toes in the grass. Her dress was a reddish peach color, with fancy trimmings but thankfully a dance-ready shape. The hem was around her knees and the sleeves were a short, summery style. Thank Faranth for good weather and less stuffy clothes. Still, her hair was done up. It was about the last thing she wanted to be wearing, so off came the shoes. She would have to be back for the early start of dinner and the festivities. Pleasantries with the Lord Holder and all that sort of thing.

She sighed. Why did the Gather have to be on such a nice day, when she could have been home? Or at least in loose clothes and outside with no plans?

Temperanth. I had not heard you were going to make an appearance. My Rider is in a bit of a solitary mood but perhaps she can be coaxed into having some company. She needs to be warmed up for the meetings with the Lord and his people, you know. Archith replied. She was flying lazily off the shore, admiring the striking, steep cliffs and greenery swaying in the wind.

Rilora-ah-Mine...Ice Temperanth of Ice Stone has arrived. Her Rider requests your presence, if you'll permit it.

A gust of wind tossed the free strands of hair around Rilora's face. She breathed into the wind and exhaled just as slowly. Hedara. At least another Rider who knew the burdens of leadership, and being young. She may come out here if she wishes to see me.

As you wish, Archith replied ambivalently. She is out walking by the cliffs here, Archith informed, also sending an image of Rilora's location.