We Thought the Storm Was Over (Flight!)

[Lark]

I can see
When you stay low nothing happens
Does it feel right?
Late at night
Things I thought I put behind me
Haunt my mind
I just know there's no escape
Now once it sets its eyes on you
But I won't run,
Have to stare it in the eye

Inali had been stuck here for not three days, but a total of almost sixteen. It was the sixteenth day today, and the Weyrwoman was starting to get antsy. Loraketh was too, though her rider kept any of her own fears from her Queen. She didn't need them now, not so close to when she would be rising. Oh yes, there was that fun fact too. Loraketh's hide had started to glow in the past two days, and every rider knew it was best to keep a dragoness, especially a Queen in one place when that happened.

She'd sent a message secretly to T'rian and the other bronze and brownriders at Trelis. No way was she letting Southern win this. The young woman sighed as she rubbed her temples, tired after not getting a good night's sleep. The sun was growing higher in the distance, calling morning on Southern Weyr. "Ghost?" The green chirped once, raising her head to look at Hers. Pepper was no where to be seen yet, being the one that had taken the letter back home. "I miss them."

The flit chirped again, flying over to her owner and curling in her lap. It wasn't normal for the firelizard to be so loving really, but Inali took the chance nonetheless. On the WeyrHeights, Loraketh was dozing. She had taken to sleeping there, hating the confinement of the cave. Inali smiled remembering how the younger riders had reacted when seeing her. Loraketh, the great Gold, not only be size but by name. Everyone knew now that she was one of the Golds so far who had clutched the new colors. Word had been sent recently that there had been more in other Weyrs too.

Well, good then! Inali nodded her head, then startled as Ghost suddenly jerked up and betweened. "So, it begins..."

---

Outside, the warming sun was just starting to rise and hit Loraketh's gold hide. She stirred slightly, but no completely, still too happy to stay asleep. Then all at once, her eyes flickered open, and her head snapped up sharply. Violet and red, they swirled at a deadly speed. A hiss came from her throat, sending the nearby Greens and Blues scattering. No one got in the way of a rising Queen. It just wasn't done. You have kept us too long!

She wasn't quite sure if she was talking to Southern or her rider, but it was the same nonetheless. Once again, they had been used. They'd been manipulated, and targeted. Loraketh roared, the sound echoing off the walls as she snapped her wings out and lashed her tail. Snapping her jaw together, the dragoness darted into the sky, her body heading toward the feeding grounds. The wherries ran, but she was faster. She was death on golden wings, and nothing would escape her!

Taking one down, she struggled against her rider as Inali's voice entered her mind. Blood it Lore. I said Blood It! The Queen roared again, screeching her defiance. After another round of fighting though, she went to drinking the steaming carcass instead of eating it. She would not be taken so easily this time! Her first flight had been too quick, her fear taking the chance for a proper clutch and throwing it out the window. She would not make the same mistake twice.

Arcing her back, she raised her wings, the hide glowing with a steady pulse as the blood worked through her system. It was time, and if Southern thought that she could be handled, they were wrong. She was a storm, and this was far from over! Her wings pounded against the air as she lifted herself higher, a high pitched scream announcing her flight. As if those bronze and brown males didn't already know.

Come if you dare! Let's see which of you survives this!

It's all around
Getting stronger, coming closer
Into my world
I can feel
That it's time for me to face it
Can I take it?
Though this might just be the ending
Of the life I held so dear
But I won't run,
There's no turning back from here
Stand my ground, I won't give in
No more denying, I've got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground

[phantomofthewolves]

T'sshin and Geth were dozing in the sun when Geth heard a high pitch scream. He raised his mighty head and roared back. T'sshin awoke from his sleep as Geth rose to his feet. Loraketh rises, I must chase her. he told his rider. Chase? As in a mating flight? T'sshin asked Geth. Yes. replied Geth. And with that, he took to the air.

Once in the air, he soared next to Loraketh, crooning a sweet, loving tune. Loraketh, my queen, how lovely your hide shines! he told her. He twirled out of her sight and reappeared behind her. He kept pumping his mighty wings, his blood flowing through his veins, his eyes swirling purple with lust and his chest taking in gulps of air.

On the ground, T'sshin was watching Geth's courting of the massive queen. Inside, he was worried that Loraketh might kill his friend for 10 turns. Just as the other browns and bronzes took to the air, he couldn't help but wonder if his dragon could keep up with her. Only time would tell if Geth could sire her eggs.

[jillianna]

G'lwein balanced the tray on one hand as he smacked his fist gently against the opening of the cave, knocking as best as he could. His Gormyth was out just having a short fly about, not really interested in wandering the caves with His. G'lwein had been asked by his rider to see that everything the Silencewoman needed was taken care of and he looked in just in time for the green flit to disappear.

"Madame Inali? I'm G'lwein, brownrider of Gormyth. I've been ordered to see to your comfort, and i brought a meal for you." His easy smile was warm on his boyish features as he walked in and settled the tray on her tables, about to leave until he felt the tickle at the back of his mind.

Gormyth ? What is it? The answer rumbled softly in his dragon's deep voice. simply, "It is time..." almost instantly his eyes lit with a dark light, which could easily confused as dragonlust. It was time. His plan was underway... Go my friend. Court her and WIN. He stood a little straighter in Inali's presence and then bowed for her.
"I do sincerely hope, my lady, that your lovely queen is unharmed during her flight." He knew sometimes golds tended to take more risks than most, and flights were generally dangerous for the female in the first place.

He felt it the moment Gormyth began the chase. His wings stretched out further adding to his speed and agility.

Gormyth roared mightily as he dove in flying beside loraketh for a moment, Letting her know who he was and that he was here to prove himself worthy of her. He sang to Her as he flew along side her. His eyes swimming with the violet of mating lust.
"Your golden beauty puts the sun to shame my queen! Let me fly to you, rather than to the sun which has been my constant companion these long years..." Angling his wings up he let the draft take him up and over before he settled behind her knowing to fly beside a gold would be more dangerous and could keep him from catching her.

[Zirin]

J'degar of Brown Syphraelth

Her hide shines more every day. Soon that time will arrive.

The memory of his dragon's words echoed in the back of J'degar's mind. They had both been waiting, watching, for that time to arrive, as had some of his fellows, he was sure. Glancing up at a low, nearby ledge, he could see Syphraelth lounging, looking all the world like he was content to spend the day sunning. There was more to the grayish brown than met the eye however. Gar could see his eyes slitted open, ever watchful of the Golden form of Trelis' queen. The brown was not normally a trouble maker, and he liked to avoid questionable activity when he could. However, His wanted this so he would follow through with the plan. Besides, every brown cherished the idea of catching a queen just once.

She sleeps. The brown replied to a silent query from his rider. A small, subtle grin graced J'degar's lips as he lifted his cup of klah to his lips, relishing the numbing feeling of the tiny dose of fellis inside. He left the Weyrbowl and made his way into the tunnels. Loraketh had been sleeping long enough to assume that she could rise upon waking. Perfect. He turned down another corridor, stopping briefly to check his appearance against a reflective stone and attempted to tidy his hair a bit. He needed to at least look like the good guy. After all, it would do him no good if Inali discovered he was part of the group who had been poisoning her food and finding ways to force her to stay within the Southern territories.

Ah, speak of the devil, Gar thought to himself as he spied G'lwein enter Inali's guest room. He was rather fond of the wingsecond, they worked well together. He was a little beside himself when he realized his friend and rival had made a smart move, having an excuse to be in the room if the flight started. He stayed around the corner for the time being. No use barging in without a reason. He did, however, wonder if the other brownrider had spiked the food to make Inali weaker or fog her mind. Well, time would tell.

It starts. The words were accompanied by a flash of emotion from the brown; anticipation, nervousness, and lust. A lot rode on this flight. The brown was down to the beast pens in a flash, choosing the local herdbeasts over those disgusting wherries, and he was blooding his meal almost as quickly as Loraketh was with her own. Three beasts were drained before her great golden hide became the only thing Syphraelth could see. He would chase, he would win. He had to.

Wings unfurling and and positioning for a strong beat, the brown took off, launching himself after the outsider queen. There were others in the air, a bronze he knew only by name and a brown whose rider His was friends with. He roared loudly, the sound building slowly, but confidently before being released, sounding more like thunder than dragonroar. Beautiful Loraketh, I dare to chase you! His wings beat to move him behind and a little below her. It was a dangerous place; it was easier to attack what was below than what was above. Regardless, he needed an edge, and he was willing to risk it all on this; it was what His wanted.

J'degar strode into the room, stopping only to knock and announce his presence. A friendly smile rested on his face and his posture was kept in such a way that she shouldn't find any reason to doubt his intentions. "My lady, pardon the interruption. My silly Syphraelth thinks he can keep up with your spectacular Queen." He bowed lightly, "If you don't mind allowing him such an honour, I would be most grateful." Stepping towards them he passed a subtle, pleased look to G'lwein before reaching to take Inali's hand for a brief kiss. "Brownrider J'degar at your service, Lady Inali." The pieces were on the playing field, the game had finally started.

[Zero]

Ar’rex had been on a lazy stroll along the outskirts of the Weyr when the deafening roar of the captive Trelis Queen ripped through the air. The time had finally come. Sithorath! He searched for his companion through their mind link as his head shot up and scanned the skies. You better not have been eating you overgrown wherry!! A yawn echoed back to him through their link before the large browns voice responded. I do more then eat Mine and today I have been watching. The rider was close to giddiness when his dragon finally spoke to him. So the plan was not ruined then. They still had a chance to pull the ultimate trick.

With his characteristic little smirk, Ar’rex spun around and bolted back to the Weyr, with his mug of trusty klah in tow of course. Eventually he reached the darkened stone walls and vanished into the black halls, skirting his way past drudges and riders alike to get to Inali’s chambers. Were they still calling it her chambers or her cell? Ah, he couldn’t remember. Shrugging the thought aside the cheery little trickster spun into the kitchen and swiped and fresh cup of klah before continuing on his way. It was a necessary stop, vital even. After all, he had only consumed eight cups that day and Ar’rex needed to be on his toes for this little encounter, especially if he held out any hope of winning.

Just around the corner from Inali’s chambers, he gazed almost heartbroken at his nearly empty ninth round of klah and even considered going back for just one more cup before a steady growl broke through his mind and set him back on track. Right, right. Dropping the mug and allowing it to shatter, Ar’rex twisted around the corner and strode confidently into the Trelis woman’s chambers. Oh but he was not the first to arrive, his blue eyes spotted that almost immediately. A mild hesitation as his eyes swept over the other men but his smirk never once faltered, and why should it? After all, he was the best looking guy in the room hands down.

Oh the pleasantries and the sucking up! Surely she would see through these fools charades, it was rather sickening. Oh but Ar’rex had a plan, he would play it cool and nonchalant while the dragons battled it out in the skies above. He would wait for Inali to come to him. He would be the one keeping her bed warm, not the rest of these fools.

Meanwhile Sithorath had taken to the air as soon as the Trelis Queen had screamed. One must not keep the golden beauty waiting. Launching himself from his Weyr, the multi-hued brown dove for the already scattered heardbeasts and quickly drained the life out of three of the herds biggest males. Their blood would help the blind male keep pace with the larger gold and hopefully out maneuver the bulky bronzes and browns. His had told him that his lean frame might help him out fly his fellow chunky brothers.

The lanky brown bellowed his own call to the foreign queen as he pumped his wings in time to fall in place a little higher then she flew and to her left. It would be to her left where he would attempt to stay during her flight so as he could keep her within the range of his only good eye. It would do him no good to lose sight of his prize completely. He would speak little and sing even less. Actions spoke louder than words did they not? Hopefully this would be one of those times where that saying held true. Sithorath snapped his tail and growled in defiance of the other suitors. This was to be his time to shine, no one would steal his spotlight without receiving some backlash.

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OoC||Be prepared for a ticked off Solarith to join the fray in a bit.

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[Zara]

Samara sipped at her klah, savoring the flavor of it as it flowed down her throat, warm and spicy. Yes. Very very good. Did she prefer the break... Or would she prefer to be in wing practices right now? She would rather enjoy some good old practicing. However, she was enjoying this time of rest for her and Amiith, though Amiith was, as per usual, impatient and ready to get back to work. He was antsy and the bronze that rested not far from him was irritating and so full of himself.

It is happening. SamaraMine. Rise. Go to where her rider rests. Amiith picked himself up, stretching from where he was laying, the sun hitting his hide. She flew above him to the feeding grounds. She was ready for her flight here at Southern. He stood to his feet and took off, landing some distance off, watching her with intent, his eyes whirring with violet and red. He turned toward the other males and sized them up, even as he waited before snapping his eyes back on the queen, finding himself unable to take his eyes off of her. She was highly displeased. This he knew. This he knew well. This would be a dangerous Flight. A long one. She was a worthy queen and a large queen. He was a large brown, but a brown rarely caught a gold. He would have to try his hardest. And she deserved it more than most.

Samara stood. Alright darling. Do your best. With that, Samara dashed up to where she knew Inali would be. It was more than a challenge. She felt rather... bad for the woman. She had been kept here continually. And.. It was obvious that Loraketh was not happy and... it had been becoming more apparent that she would rise and that she was not entirely happy. Samara made her way into the room and bowed to the Trelis Weyrwoman respectfully, though already the Flight lust was starting to blind her to all but the woman in front of her. Her dragon was more focused than usual in this flight.

He roared. I dare lovely Loraketh! Queen of Pern! He took off after her, throwing himself into the air and chasing after her. He would have to be careful not to spend himself too quickly... but there were other browns and bronzes chasing. He woudl have to do his best.

He beat his wings hard and rose after her as she climbed into the sky. Her hide glowed beautifully. More than any of the other females that he ahd chased as of yet. His voice rose in a croon in the air, a wordless tune of praise for her beauty. On the ground, Samara felt her mind being jerked upward into hte skies. She could feel his wings as they beat the air after the queen of the skies as if the ywre her own. As if she was rising into the air. AS if she was the one flying after the most lovely gold they had yet to see.

He would have to fly smart... and well. He needed to prove himself. She was amazing and beautiful. She needed the best. He would have to be the best. Samara took a deep breath as she attempted to drag her mind back down to the earth below the ground, though it was rather difficult for a long moment. She took in her surroundings and the people who were there in the room. Whose dragons flew... Though... It was hard for her not to keep her eyes locked on Inali. In fact... she was looking right at her... until her mind was yanked back up into the skies above her and to the Queen that Amiith chased after. It was still so very early in the Flight.

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

Vinerath hissed. MINE! Let's go! NOW! It's time! Vinerath was less than happy. He hissed. It was a flitter that was letting them know and a flitter he was grateful too. A'vin's greens scattered quickly as the large Brown was up and ready to take off, with or without his rider. Though with would be much better.

A'vin, however, climbed up onto his back and hung on as his dragon took off into between, appearing above Southern Weyr and landing, letting A'vin off as Loraketh already prepared for her flight. She was ready to fly adn he was ready to chase. Mine. Go. Go NOW! He was angry and he was ready to tear apart each of these males. Each and every one of them. The normally docile male was so... so... Angry and ready to tear apart any and all of these males if he should need to. They thought they were worthy of Trelis' Queen. They were so sadly mistaken. He would help prove it too. He was not the first to respond. He was not the first or last to arrive of the Trelis dragons.

He snapped at the nearest dragon. He would have a bit more of a disadvantage, having to come further than them. He was sure that they thought as much at least. Hrmph. They would show them all.

A'vin found himself following a crowd of riders heading to hte room of his Weyrwoman. He felt... rather guilty for leaving his Talvi behind. I am going to smack you good Vinerath! Talvi is not going to appreciate this at all! The Brown didn't care. She gave a big huff in agitation.

They will understand. Now hush! We must keep Trelis safe from these... These...! He didn't finish his thought as the Queen took off. It was time. He raised his wings and leaped into the air. He beat his wings downward and took off after her, taking up a place above her to the right, though he considered trailing to the left and taking on the Brown there... but his rider, even caught up with his dragon in the air, was holding him back. Tell her we are here.

A'vin smiled slightly, weakly at his Weyrwoman. "Inali." He bowed to her as he took up a place in the half circle that was loosely gathered around her. Vinerath hissed. My Queen, my lovely Queen, I have come to join your flight. I will take your challenge! I will fly with all my might to hte very end! He promised her. He bared his teeth at yet another brown. They would all see how fierce the Trelis Kings were. They would regret keeping their Queen here. They would regret attempting to even chase her. He would be one of those to prove it. He would do his best. He would die if that was what it took.

He focused on her. He had no chance if he did not focus. If he was not smart. But... he still felt his anger. It was a very... particular balance.

[phantomofthewolves]

Geth chased the mighty queen, his wings pumping as she went higher. He looked behind him and saw browns but no bronzes. He heaved a mighty sigh of relief as he was a worthy contender. So far, so good. he thought to himself.

On the ground, T'sshin went to talk with Loraketh's rider. He found her talking to one of the brown riders. As he hid from her view, he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was. When the brown rider left, he flattened a cowlick that was sticking out of his red hair and approached her. "Greetings, gold rider, allow me to introduce myself," he said, "I am Bronzerider T'sshin. And what may your name be, oh Weyrwoman of Gold Loraketh?"

Meanwhile, Geth was still chasing the gold queen. He was determined to catch her, sire her offspring and make his rider proud. My queen, fly with me! he crooned to her sweetly You won't regret it! He twirled in the air, trying to gain some attention. But all he got was nothing. He frowned, she could at least turn her head around to see who was chasing her or go at a lower altitude. His wings were sore so he relaxed them as some wind flowed underneath them, making him glide. He had to keep up, no matter what.

[Zirin]

Ad'os of Brown Soheath

Ad'os leaned sadly against a tree in the Weyrbowl, his eyes gazing slowly over the ridges. The bronzes weren't happy, not one seemed to be resting with redless eyes. It didn't suprise him, Inali had been gone for far too long. The Istan Obsidian and her rider had been doing all they could to keep Trelis running smoothly, but the absense of their Weyrwoman was starting to get to everyone. Even Soheath was becoming antsy, and he was usually one of the last to lose his cool on the ground. He sighed, Soheath mirroring it with a worried sigh of his own. Things weren't right. She should have let them follow! It was stupid and irresponsible of her to go out on her own after everything that had happened. It wasn't that Addy felt jipped for not being allowed to go, but really, a bronzerider, even a greenrider or two would have been beneficial. She is young. As are you. This is no time to dwell on it. Soheath's monotonous voice echoed in his mind, and the two fell into a worried, companiable silence.

A chittering sounded in the air above him as Trouble and Atla erupted from between. The calm lazuli moved to land on his shoulder as Trouble circled wildly above his head, chittering and chattering about something... not that Adarios could make out what it was from the multitude of images and sounds coming from the troublesome green. Atla calmly gave her owner an easier to understand image; Pepper, with a letter, no doubt form Inali. The image, however, gave him no idea of what the letter contained. Regardless he jogged over to Soheath, who’s head had lifted from the ground to stare at the sudden flurry of activity from the bronzes. Something had happened. He mounted Soheath quickly, not wanting the brown to act stupidly and go without him, as he doubtless would if there was any fear that something was happening to his queen. The bronzes go. Browns go as well. There is Vinerath. Addy knew his brown was commenting only as explanation of why he followed. If other browns were going, he would go as well. Loraketh bloods. He said as the reached a high enough altitude to between; there was no way Soheath would let the Southerners catch their Queen.

They came out of between moments behind Vinerath and a few other Trelis dragons. Soheath spiraled down, catching a herdbeast between his claws to begin his own blooding. Addy took the opportunity to hop down, knowing Soheath didn’t even want to waste this bit of time blooding; his queen needed him in the air! A second beast was blooded, Soheath tearing viciously into their throats and feeling empowered by the blood coursing through his system. Then he was off, spiraling up after the great golden beauty. Loraketh, my queen… As always, Soheath was not incredibly chatty, speaking simply to announce his presense, even if his monotonous words were laced with something akin to worry.

Barreling upwards, his muscles rippling with every movement, the bulky brown found a place directly behind her, far enough back that he could watch the enemies but close enough that he wouldn’t automatically be out of the race. A growl escaped his throat, directed towards the Southern imbeciles.

Adarios was almost lost, using directions from Atla and Trouble to find where Inali was. He burst into the room, panting from the effort of running so far. She was there, alive and mostly well it seemed.

“Weyrwoman!” He called, relief evident in his voice as he stepped to join the semi-circle. His eyes were for Inali only at the moment. He didn’t care who else was in the room. He was just glad to see her before him once again. He gulped as dragonlust seeped into his mind. Win, Soheath.

[Zero]

A mighty yawn reverberated from the chest of a large bronze as he slowly lifted his head from its prior resting place atop his large forelegs. Something had awoken the King and it was clear by his steadily changing gaze from orange to red that he wasn’t all that pleased about it either. This was the first time since his Queen had been delayed, once again, at Southern that he had managed to get some rest. So this disturbance was unwelcome at best. After shaking the fog of sleep from his mind it was clear what had awoken the sleeping beast and a hushed growl emanated from the scarred maw of Solarith as he eyed the young blue ‘lizard, His referred to as Draco, twirling and twisting frantically in the air near the end of the large dragons maw. Slow down and start again… The little blue flopped onto the big dragons nose, wings splayed with a little huff of exhaustion and mild frustration. He paused briefly before launching into another long explanation of chirps and chitters as he pulled himself up to bounce impatiently on Solarith’s nose.

That time Solarith managed to get the main details of the little blues story. Almost immediately his swirling gaze flashed a deep crimson as a steady snarl pulled at the corner of his mouth. With a dramatic trill, Draco back peddled off the bronzes face and twirled lazily through the air till he landed on the grassy ground in a heap. His mission was done and now was the time for rest. Rise, S’valMine. We are needed. As he spoke Solarith was already pushing himself to his feet, shaking the weariness from his limbs without even waiting for his dozing companion to even rise.

With a shout of alarm as his warm pillow moved away, S’val rolled onto his back and stared up curiously at his life-mate. NOW! The Junior Weyrkings roar tore through the grassy plains as his head tilted upward to scan the sky. My Queen is in trouble. That simple phrase was enough to fully wake S’val up and within the blink of an eye he was on his feet and had leapt to his customary spot on his dragons neck. With a single fell of his wings, the pair was launched into the air and a split second later the two blinked out of sight, their destination, Southern.

They popped in from between above Southern Weyr with Solarith announcing his arrival with a mighty roar. By now the Flight had already started and already the churning mix of lust and anger was boiling the male’s blood. His Rider was also falling under the effects and the heightened pull of their bond. This wasn’t going to be pretty. Without another word, S’val slid down from his companion’s neck and headed for the inner halls of the Weyr, determined to search out wherever these coward Southerners were keeping Inali and already prepared to slit the throat of any Southern man who dared lay a hand on his Weyrwoman.

It was already a well known fact circulating Trelis that S’val could be a bit feisty and aggressive when it came to flights and this one was going to be no different. In fact, this was probably going to be one for the records. So it came as no surprise to see him storming through the hallways of Southern Weyr, glaring angrily at any and all who got in his way as he made his way to where he knew Inali to be.

Finally reaching her chambers he stepped into the doorway and eyed the occupants one at a time. A neat black strip of cloth concealed his left eye from sight, sliding through his hair and ending in a simple knot at the base of his neck. Don’t be fooled though. Just because he only had one eye currently in working order didn’t mean he would be pushed over like a still egg-wet hatchling. His good eye narrowed as he scanned the room and immediately took notice of the presence of a fellow Trelis Rider. Good, surely more were to come. S’val nodded in silent greeting before he focused the rest of his attention on Inali, forcing to keep his rage with the Southerners in check for the time being.

Meanwhile, Solarith had already taken flight after quickly draining the life out of a large wherry. Rising through the air he snarled his challenge at the Southern dragons as his great wingspan expanded and contracted, beating the air, to draw closer to his Queen. My Queen! Your Solarith has come. Allow me this honor. The sun glinted off his hide, managing to catch the beads of blood that still clung to his jaws and streaked his neck. He would fly to the end of the earth if that’s what it took, anything to keep these traitorous dragons at bay.

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[Akira]

T'rian shook his head, and cursed under his breath. He had finally gotten the letter from Inali that Pepper had delivered, and he really wasn't happy with Southern. Now is not the time T'rianMine. We must go...NOW! The urgency of his dragon's voice made him jump, but he hurried none the less. After making sure everything was taking care of, and that the twins were alright, he climbed up onto Stallorth's back. He held on tightly as his dragon took him into the sky, and between.

T'rian's eyes widened when he saw what was going on. He jumped off his dragon's back well before the large male had even touched down, and started running, head-long, for Inali's room. Go Stallorth! Don't let those Southern mutts win this! When Stallorth heard the growl in his rider's voice he himself opened his bronze jaws, and roared as loud as he could. I am here my Queen! Stallorth growled menacingly at every single one of the Southern dragons as he rose into the sky after Loraketh.

T'rian was out of breath by the time he finally found his weyrmate, and he wasn't pleased at the sight of the other riders in her room. Inali my Love, I am here now. His voice was full of love as he spoke to her, and completely ignored the other men there. He walked right up to her, brushing past more than a few of the other men as he passed. You may all leave now. His voice sounded more like the growl of his dragon than his own voice.

[Lark]

Define your meaning of war
To me it's what we do when we're bored
I feel the heat comin' off of the blacktop
And it makes me want it more
Because I'm hyped up out of control
If it's a fight, I'm ready to go
I wouldn't put my money on the other guy
If you know what I know that I know

As each male stepped up to the plate and launched after her, Loraketh grew more and more angry. They dared to talk to her without her asking! They dared to think they deserved her! Sure many had only said they were answering her challenge, but this wasn't about them. She hated them, all those Southern males for tricking Hers into staying. They had decieved them, and she wasn't going down without a fight.

Then her own dragons came, and they receieved a satisfied croon. Well then, this was better. However, she would be the one to give punishment to the Southern browns and bronzes, not them. She growled a warning to Soheath, Vinerath, Solarith and Stallorth as they arrived, knowing full well that they had vengeance on their minds as well as the flight. She beat her wings down, flying out into the open air, but she was no green.

Greens flew out steadily like this when they were ready to be caught. Queens did this, and you got out of their way. Loraketh shrieked as she twisted in the air, suddenly looping around and dropping like a golden arrow to the earth below. They would follow as she sped upward again, trying futilely to keep up with her twists and turns as she led them on this chase.

She wanted them gone though, not to test them. She wanted to have her claws meet their hides and send them bleeding to the ground! She had had enough of the nice girl act, and was through with being civil. The Queen prided herself on being lady-like, but not now. No, she was their Queen, and they would obey her. They would follow despite the danger, and one would fall with her only when her wings were ready to break from her efforts.

Follow! The word was growled as she shrieked again, flying up into the brightening sunlight. Let them come, if they truly dared, her ready talons would not be a bother. Besides, she was in a killing mood today. Only today though.....only today.

---

In her weyr Inali backed away from the rider that came with food. She barred her teeth at him as Loraketh did to his dragon, a hiss escaping her lips as well. She was no longer the rider, she was the dragon. The Weyrwoman ceased to exist the moment the WeyrQueen had taken off, and Inali was just as furious.

That fury didn't die down much with the arrival of Trelis riders either. Though she was glad somewhere deep inside her for their appearance, she was too far gone to care. Even her weyrmate received a hiss and she danced away from him. "I choose!" The words were more Loraketh's than hers, and for a moment a flash of recognition came before it died away again. If he wanted her, he'd have to wait.

It's been a long time coming
And the table's turned around
'Cause one of us is going
One of us is going down
I'm not running,
It's a little different now
'Cause one of us is going
One of us is going down

[phantomofthewolves]

Geth hissed as some Trelis bronzes entered his view. He did not want them to interfere with his plans. He exited his glide and steadily beat his wings as the queen flew higher. Forgive my fellow dragons, my queen, he crooned to her some days they can be so deceiving towards queens. He gave a mighty roar, telling all contenders that he was fit, healthy and strong.

T'sshin, meanwhile, exited the Weyrwoman's room and joined the semicircle that held the other dragon's riders. He put a hand to his forehead to see if Geth caught the queen yet. He didn't yet, and he was getting worried if Loraketh was ready to kill a dragon. If she did, would Geth's blood spill? He shook his head and sighed. This is taking forever. he thought to himself When and who will she choose?