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 Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 9:24 pm
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Even as Bherrus contemplated the many ways he might assist the baby, something magical happened. Pawprint Heart green perked up, staring at a spot where... was Hers hiding there?
Oh! Oh, it was Hers! Oh! Oh thank you, Bherrus! Thank you, I found her! Delighted and overcome with relief, the little green bounded up to Yeliya. There you are at last, my Yeliya! the dragonet squealed, excitement in every line of her. Oh, there her wonderful Yeliya was!
Maybe she hadn't found her before because Yeliya was a little shorter than some of the others. But that didn't matter! Nothing else mattered except that this, the most wonderful of persons, was Her person. Her Yeliya. May we please... be together forever? Your Anheloth loves you so! she asked winsomely, staring soulfully up at the woman with eyes that whirled with the most vibrant of rainbows.
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Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 9:33 pm
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It was time.
At long, long last, the stage was set. The Pansexual Flag egg seemed to almost lift into the air -
But then it was revealed that the baby had cracked her shell neatly all around the bottom, where no one could see it. Every eye was surely upon her, now, the little green mused, as her lovely dark hide was revealed for all to see.
It was her time, her moment. The spotlight was upon her, and it was time to plead her cause before the Weyr. Are you all quite finished? a note of tragedy dwelt within the green's mental voice, the sadness of one who had had it all, and then lost it. Could she regain it again?
Had, indeed, she ever lost it at all?
One after another, the Candidates had dwindled, swept away by this or that sibling. This, her audience, was the last vestige of that great crowd. It was a shame but a necessity, to have waited so long. How could she be sure of her match, if the others did not choose first?
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Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 9:38 pm
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Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 9:55 pm
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"Excuse me," Vsila said, getting abruptly to her feet. Her mind was in a daze, in a dream of something that could be. That soon would be. Gone were thoughts of her responsibilities, thoughts of making the most marks she could of this opportunity. Marks she would send home to pay for her little brother's treatment. Such thoughts were for another time. She could not think of the consequences. Not right now. Extricating herself politely from the future Lord of Nabol, the courtesan all but ran, moving as quickly as she could while not bumping into others.
Oh, she could not move fast enough. "Wait, darling! Wait for me! I'm coming! I'm coming, my little darling!" Oh, the poor baby! To have looked so hard, so long for her... and now to have to wait for her to arrive. She could sense the little green's emotions as clearly as if they were her own. The pain of her tail, where her brother had bitten her so cruelly. The delight at finding her. The … indescribable beauty of the world.
Within those thoughts, the woman was made new. Practically flying as if on dragon wing, Vsilamer travelled down the Stands, level by level, moving as fast as her feet could carry her. Curse these ridiculous skirts! Oh, what a day to wear such an extravagant dress! Yet Vsila knew that that, too, delighted the infant. A fondness so immense filled her heart until she thought she could burst, and then the sand was all that was between the courtesan and her baby.
Her perfect, wonderful, darling dragon child. Soon, she was kneeling in the sand, crying tears of happiness as she wrapped her arms ever so tenderly around the infant's neck. The pain of the past, the many wrongs, the trials... all of it faded away. There was nothing but Tiomanth's rainbow regard. This sweet, precious being was her bondmate. Forever and always. As the baby felt her acceptance, her own joy mounted, filling them both up with such wondrous happiness. It was almost too much to bear. Vsila had never felt such things in her life.
There had been sadness. Grief. Exquisite pain. Betrayal. On and on, until nothing had remained but the will to survive, and to help her dear family to survive with her. All of the darkness, all of the cobwebs were swept away on a tidal wave of Tiomanth's love. Her dragonet's pure devotion and innocence filled up the emptiness inside. She laughed. She wept. She held on tightly and yet ever so carefully, pressing little kisses against the baby's soft hide.
"Oh you poor darling. I'm so sorry it took so long. I'm sorry."
But you found me! Tiomanth said, her own hearts full. It was the most wonderful feeling of all, to be loved by the one she loved most. Now she had her own beloved, dear family... and something more. Something truly marvelous. Dreamily, the baby leaned into her rider's embrace, letting the woman hold her. Letting her carry her up in her arms. Distantly, the baby realized that they were moving. Where were they going?
"To eat, you silly baby," Vsila told her gently, keeping her swaddled in her arms. "It's time to eat, my darling, my love." It was time to find the rest of Tiomanth's brothers and sisters. There might yet be one on the Sands, but that was neither here nor there. Tiomanth was here, and that was all that mattered. It was everything. Feeling her infant dragon's pure bliss was all that the woman needed in the world. For now... and for ever.
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Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 10:09 pm
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Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 10:12 pm
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Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 11:04 pm
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That was fun. Xharrakai grinned as the blue continued to growl and prance. He wondered if it were possible to add a dead faint in somewhere, for extra drama, but alas, playtime was cut short. He received a boop on the nose (bless the little soul, how sweet) and the blue was charging off again (this time with a degree of concern).
Xharrakai stood up, dusting himself down, utterly nonchalant and unconcerned with the bleeding gash on his leg. He'd need to see a healer later, just to avoid infection, but he could still stand. He'd suffered far greater at the hands of far worse folk.
Instead, he turned to watch each scene unfold before him. Siblings digging out a surprise egg. A trio of blues, bonded in their bluehood, no doubt. And an egg that simply refused to hatch until it was good and ready. He liked that. A dragon that knew its own mind would surely climb to the top.
It hatched a beautiful dark green creature, once her siblings had gone and Impressed. Xharrakai watched, like all others: everyone's eyes were on her. No doubt she was a little queenling, save for the colour of her hide. She had a particular shine to her- not the gleam of a metallic hide, but the brilliance of one who ruled the spotlight. Poised. Graceful. Charismatic without ever needing to prove herself.
Good. The Weyr needs more of you. He'd seen sweet dragons and dangerous dragons, ambitious and protective dragons, but poised dragons were harder to measure. You'll achieve greatness. As long as her rider wasn't a complete dimglow, of course.
To meet your dreams... What did he dream of? He pondered the question, but found himself stepping forwards, wearing his usual grin. The mask slid into place, and Xharrakai was safe from thinking too much about his own dreams. There was darkness down that path. "Let's be real, your dreams are far more important than ours." The charm practically oozed.
-----
Rosie glanced at Tex once more. The green carried herself with such grace. She would never have guessed the dear was freshly hatched. A true Lady, she might have been the leader of a Hold if she'd been human. Rosania was panged, and checked her hands quickly. She had cleaned them at the candidatemaster's urging. But it felt like Turns of dirt were caked onto her skin, unable to fade with time.
At the green's request, she stepped forward, shaking slightly. She wasn't sure what the young green sought to find in the candidates, but she'd made a request, and it was polite to acquiesce. That was good manners.
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Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 11:49 pm
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And there he was, stepping into the spotlight of her hearts. So perfectly befitting of a green who knew all that she wanted. He possessed something which she did not... and she meant to have it, in her time.
Her mental touch was tentative in its way, but also... somehow, sure. This was the one. My Xharrakai, come to your Mnemosynth. I've waited this long for you, and I will not wait a moment longer. For it seemed that she had waited an eternity.
Touch me... it's so easy to leave me... all alone in the memory of my days in the Sand.
This was meant to be. This moment, perfect and wonderful, like the rainbows that shone in her whirling eyes. The beautiful, stately green waited. Would she beg? Did he want her to plead? Or would he, indeed, do as she'd requested? If you touch me, you'll understand what happiness is... and our new life will begin.
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Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2021 5:11 am
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Impression Post
Perhaps he had judged too quickly.
It was a flaw of his; Xharrakai thought he knew people in a moment’s gaze. What he saw as a rise to glory was a shimmering, lost beauty, framed by a tristesse both familiar and far-away. This melancholy was part of what hid within the shadows of his life: father, dead, mother, sick and all but enslaved… he heard the screams of thieves and liars as they were punished beside him, heard the cold, ruthless laughter of those that slowly marred his skin with ever-visible scars, knotting and twisting his arms… it pressed upon him, memories of a past he fled from, the trail of broken hearts, of broken bones… everything he had done in the name of revenge, or survival… a rush of images, of sounds, of sensations, that left him reeling, that threatened to swallow him whole, to drown him, to destroy him entirely.
He held her so tight in his arms, crouched down by her side, golden eyes oddly wet. A hush settled over his mind and soul, reminiscent of the gentleness of waves, stilling the terror that had risen up from the depths. She was there. Calm. Faint, but unwavering, a steady beating of hearts beside his own. His feet had moved of their own accord, his soul answering the beckoning call even when his mind had stopped working properly.
I accept you for who you are, Xharrakai. Do you accept me?
"Of course I do, but I have nothing to offer you, my dear, my treasure… nothing. I survived by the grace of others and I took what I needed… you are the stars and the moons, but still you would seek something broken." He hadn’t expected the wounds to show. He’d thought his confidence would be the balm to get him through life- but meeting her… letting their minds entangle, and falling in love with each other… it had brought all of the old memories rushing back. The past life she had lived had brought his crashing back into the present, and the young man was shaken.
You are not broken… I can sense your spirit, and I know the strength that guides you mends your heart each and every day. Your smile is my daylight, and a new dawn comes.
There was no time to dwell on those old hurts. Things that existed solely in the past were better left dead, in his opinion. Xharrakai- no, Xha’kai, he reminded himself with a jolt- had a new life to begin. Happiness twisted his gut into some kind of earthen pretzel, and he felt a combination of nauseous and excited. Enthralled. Terrified. Shards. He was actually a dragonrider now.
Mnemosynth was real.
“I keep thinking you’re about to fade away and leave me… I know you’re not… sorry. I’ll stop being so…”
Melodramatic? A hint of wry humour tinged her melodious voice. He would never get enough of that mindvoice.
Xha’kai shook his head as if in shock, then grinned. “Yeah. I’m feeling like the undeserving dimglow now. Come on. Let’s get you fed!”
Mnemosynth turned back to the audience one final time, tilting her head in wistful contemplation. A new life… our new life, together.
She bowed, then nudged his hand with her muzzle. He responded to her with such tender affection, his smile uncharacteristically sincere, his heart softened by her mere presence. “You really are the most exceptional dragon. Truly. I could tell the moment you rose from your shell.” He cast his mind back to touching that vibrant egg, and his eyes took on a dreamy look. She had been sweet back then, and so mature. Her wisdom belied by her age, the bittersweet melancholy a lingering note in that beautiful voice.
It was time for their lives to begin anew. |
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Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2021 4:42 pm
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Jaleeri
It happened pretty quickly from there on out, one dragon finding Theirs after another. As the last little green Impressed to Hers, Jaleeri let out a little breath in a sigh. Well, not this time. Maybe the next go-round she'd have a dragon walk up to her and look up with those rainbow faceted eyes for her. But until then...
"Well," she said, clapping her hands together and rubbing them with delight as she looked at her fellow Candidates. "Guess it's time to change into something a bit nicer than robes and get some grub! Meet you all there?"
Tsunake And a hello from sister down below!
---
Rayarner
It took a lot to make the large young man disappointed but what Candidate wasn't when the last dragon Impressed and you were left on the Sands? Strong shoulders slumped for just a moment before the realization that a feast would soon be following immediately lifted Rayerner's spirits. Food was always a reason to brush off the sand from his feet and get moving.
---
Faelear
Another clutch, another time left on the Sands. Faelear glanced up at the stands once more, this time hopeful he wouldn't see his father, and once again he didn't. He let his head hang for a few moments before gathering himself to head off the Sands. Next time. Maybe.
---
Madanee
More and more Candidates - rather, junior weyrlings - came to the table as each dragon found Theirs. Carovnicath greeted her siblings with grace and warmth, eyes swirling blue and green with a dash of purple here and there as she was fed, pausing now and then to bump noses with a sister or brother who passed by.
A wonderful choice, Dhruvath. I'm sure they will be. So good you to join us, Sondhroth. Do eat, it's delicious. Welcome, Astraioth. I'm glad to see you're feeling better now.
Madanee continued to slice up the bits of meat for Carovnicath, but her eyes were on her brother as he and his new companion came to the tables. Oh, how things had changed in the blink of an eye. His companion was bronze - the smaller of the two that had been on the sands, the one that he'd been reaching out to pet before - and she was sure their father must be overjoyed and stunned all at once. Two metallic dragon rider children...and no heirs.
That's not our problem, dearest, Carovnicath told her softly, Madanee's thoughts brushed away easily with a mental push from the little gold. You have a new path in life, as does your brother. You father will figure things out.
Madanee gave a little hum, comforted by Carovnicath's reassuring waves of love and contentment. This was right, of course. This was how things were supposed to be.
"Well," she said, directing her gaze to her brother once more. "This was an interesting evening, wasn't it?"
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Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2021 8:51 pm
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Impression Post - B'lin of Bronze Masoreth
Slowly, but also much too quickly, the dragons were finding their match. It was beautiful to watch joy and love take over people’s faces. It was also disheartening and fewer and fewer dragons were roaming the Sands. Besilin was still calm about it though. He was not close to aging out and so knew that if he didn’t impress this time there would be more opportunities for him. Just like his twin. Though he certainly hoped still.
As the bronze finally turned to the candidates after escorting so many of his siblings around, Besilin was surprised to see him coming to visit. That could mean anything he told himself. But there was also that small hope that the bronze was there for him or his twin. The bronze was se regal even as he must be exhausted and hungry. After all, the baby had been the first to hatch.
Family is important - it is our duty to take care of and love them. Besilin started as the voice began. He was certainly not used to being talked to this way. So it took a moment for his words to sink in. He nodded in agreement as he felt the growing love and oddly hunger? Yes, even the ones who cause problems. Even if we blame them for splitting everybody apart. Besilin scowled, not wanting to forgive those that had torn his family apart. Mine may not get along all the time - or perhaps ever - but it will be my job to watch over them never the less. Besilin felt confused on why the baby was telling him this as well as hungry and oh so tired all of a sudden.
While I hope you'll be happy to have me, I hope you will not take that I cannot live without you, my Besilin, as a great honor to settle the rest of your life upon. Because this is our beginning - there is much to be done. Many to take care of. It was if the piece that kept his heart pumping blood broke apart into a million pieces and then formed back together again. But this time there were three hearts beating together. Besilin couldn’t tell where he ended and dragon began. The feeling of completeness and duty took over him. So much duty to those around him. Besilin didn’t care what he looked like as he stared at his baby dragon. There was no question in his mind about what was happening. No going back and no desire to do so.
But first...can you take care of what your Masoreth needs?
Besilin smiled wide and nodded. “Yes. You have done so much today taking care of your family. Let me take care of you. I just need to…” He gestured to Beelim and then turned. Masoreth turned to his rider’s twin as well, giving a little head bow in greeting. “Beelim, this is Masoreth. I…we…” Besilin was at a loss for words. How did he start this part of his life without Beelim? He is still here. Just not at the same stage as you. He will get there if he is meant to. The words helped shore up Beslin’s fumbling. “I need to feed him now. To take care of him. But we will see you before the feast.” It wasn't a question so much as a promise. He might be moving residences but he would never abandon his twin.
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