Post by Sorra on Oct 24, 2008 15:14:04 GMT -5
Month 2:
The musical sound of rushing water filtered through the trees and onto a small, grassy plain occupied only by two young men, two little firelizards, and two runnerbeasts grazing a short distance away from them. The firelizards, blue and green, sat atop a dead wherry near the two people who were sparring with each other, although their type of sparring was extremely physical, including throwing each other to the ground and getting the other into holds that they'd have to give into. Both sweaty from the heat, neither spoke except for laughter coming from the taller of the two. The other's face was merry, but he hardly made a sound except those that would follow a hit that actually hurt a smidge.
Clad only in their wherhide pants, the two were fairly sweaty and it was that factor that made the taller of the two wind up on the ground beneath the other in a hold, that had they not been friends, would have killed him. And it was when caught up on his back that he saw the dragon high above them in the sky. "'S-sid! D-dragon!" He tried to move to point, but of course could not.
The blackhaired lad didn't look up, but his eyes showed confusion. Just what was his friend trying to distract him with now?
"I-I mean it. L-look!"
It was the shadow along the ground that proved his words and he was instantly released as excitement showed in those midnight blue eyes of 'Sid as he turned to look skyward and grinned at seeing the creature high above them.
Kersid<>Lawney
Sanalith and Joss had just been heading back to Angel's Cove after a good hunt. The green had been complaining to her rider that they didn't get out nearly enough, so Joss had finally caved in and went for a hunt.
**Are you happy now, whiner?** Joss asked with a laugh.
}:Very much so,:{ the green answered smugly, but then looked below her.
**San?**
}:I see something,:{ Sanalith answered, banking and flying closer to the ground to land.
Joss was confused but didn't argue. She smiled when she realized her dragon had found 2 young men. Leave it to Sanalith to find people.
"Hello!" Joss called, sliding down her green's shoulder.
Joss<>Sanalith
The two friends were now standing, both watching the dragon land in awe. They'd never gotten this close to one. Kersid was naturally the cautious one while Lawney was much more friendly and returned the greeting with a smile and a wave. A dragonrider in their little territory. How wonderful was that? "H-hello!" he called back.
Lawney<>Kersid
Joss smiled at the boys. At least they seemed nice enough. Even if the one was little standoffish. She shrugged a little. That was okay. Not everyone had grown up around dragonriders.
Sananlith studied Kersid and Lawney. }:I like them,:{ she reported suddenly. }:They are special.:{
Joss looked at her dragon in disbelief. So that was why she had wanted to land. She thought she had found more candidates. The green rider walked toward the boys with Sanalith behind her. "I'm Joss and this is my dragon Sanalith. We were just coming back from hunting," she said, trying to be friendly.
Joss<>Sanalith
Kersid studied the greenrider clossely a long moment before his blue eyes drifted toward the dragon near her. The green firelizard flitted off of the wherry and landed on her Pet's shoulder to study as well, then she got curious and that was the end of protecting her Pet as she hopped to the ground and hopped/flew over to the dragon to inspect her. **Me River. You?** she inquired of her big cousin.
Lawney's grin remained as Joss introduced herself. His fielizard, the blue one, skipped coming to him and followed after his clutchmate to investigate Sanalith. "Th-that's a p-pretty name. I-I'm Lawney. This is K-kers-sid. W-we just g-got d-done huntin' t-too," he replied cheerily.
Kersid simply nodded his head in greeting, still not entirely certain why the rider was there in the first place. He hadn't seen dragons in these parts in quite a long while.
Kersid<>Lawney
Sanalith crooned softly at the flits. }:I'm Sanalith,:[ the green replied. }:And mine is Joss.:[ Just then, Dyvir appeared above Sanalith and landed on her head. The little brown chirped a greeting to the 2 flits.
Joss smiled. "Really? Did you have a good hunt?" She was still trying to decide how to broach the subject of being candidates. She wasn't sure if these boys would like the idea or not.
};River, would yours like to be a dragonrider?:{ Sanalith asked the little green.
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Lawney nodded and pointed toward the dead wherry by the runnerbeasts that had ventured close again after the dragon had spooked them off a short distance. "A b-big ole w-wherry!" And big their catch was, too."
Sky returned the greeting to the other firelizard as River chirped and sat up to look back at her Pet curiously. **My Kersid. You dragonride?* * she inquired, carrying out the dragon's request. After a moment, a smile tugged at the silent one's mouth and he nudged his friend with his elbow. After Lawney looked, Kersid moved his hands in order to talk.
Lawney's grin grew broader as he turned his attention back to Joss. "Yer a S-searchr-rider! " he exclaimed. "Both us?" he asked afterward, pointing to himself and his best friend.
Lawney<>Kersid
Joss followed Lawney's gaze. Her eyes widened. "That is a very good catch," she smiled. She had to admit, the boys seemed to know what they were doing.
Dyvir watched the new flits cursiouly. New friends sounded fun to him. };Play?:{ the brown asked.
Sanalith waited for an answer. Joss was startled by Lawney's words and glanced back at her dragon. }:Both,:{ the green repled. Joss hid a smile before turning to the boys. "Yes, I am," she said. "And yes, San says both of you should stand as candidates," she informed the boys. "If you would like."
Joss<>Sanalith
Sky and River chirped cheerily, both replying to the brown at the same time. **Play!**
Lawney grinned at that, his good mood echoed by that of the smaller lad, pausing before speaking at another nudge from his friend. "Oh," he said, quieting down a bit. "N-now?" he asked Joss. He didn't want to just leave right then and there. They had to get the wherry and the runnerbeasts back to their clan. And Kersid had said that Searchers tend to take their Searches on the spot.
Kersid<>Lawney<>SKy<>River
Dyvir chittered happily and flew off Sanalith's head. }:Play!:[ he repeated, doing a somersault in the air.
Joss waited for their answer. She hadn't meant to just spring the question on them like that. The green rider shook her head. She figured they could make an exception this time. "No, not now if you won't want. I caught both of you by surprise, so if you would like when you're ready, you can have one of your flits find Dyvir or Sanalith and let me know."
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Sky and River took to the air to mimic the other firelizard's maneuver. River trilled when she did it and continued to do it several more times, winding up dizzily gliding to the ground and awkwardly trying to walk for a few moments. **Two things,** she sent to anyone that cared to listen for she was seeing two of everything. Sky only did the maneuver a few times, then perched on the dragon to watch his clutchmate look clumsy and chittered in amusement. **River funny!**
Kersid smiled a bit in relief and nudged Lawney again. The taller of the two grinned, looking back to Joss. "C-Can ya' c-come back ta-tanight?" he asked her. "'S-sid s-says w-we'd be ready b-by then."
Lawney<>Kersid<>River<>Sky
Dyvir almost seemed to laugh as he watched River. }:Two things?:[ he asked, thingying his head to the side. He landed on Sanalith's head besdide Sky and watched River
Joss nodded with a smile. "That wouldn't be a problem," she answered. "San and I shall return this evening then." She figured it was worth bending the rules for 2 new candidates.
Joss<>Dyvir
**Two things.** River stated again before shaking her head and falling over. From there, she saw her Pet and cheeped softly. **One Pet,** she confirmed happily, but only sat up, still a little 'loopy.' Sky chittered cheerily at his sister, not caring much as to what his Pet was up to.
Kersid smiled in thanks, then looked at the green a moment before looking back to Joss, awaiting her departure.
Lawney grinned. "Thanks!" he replied excitedly. They were going to be dragonriders!
Kersid<>Lawney<>River<>Sky
}:One pet?:{ Dyvir asked cheerily. }:That good.:{ He still hadn't figured out that River had been seeing two of everything because she had made herself dizzy by doing somersaults.
Joss nodded with a smile. "Then I better take my leave," she said cheerily. "I'm sure you want to get back to your families. I shall see you both again tonight."
Joss<>Dyvir
River bobbed her head with a merry chitter. **Two Pets no good. Only one Pet.** she explained.
Kersid and Lawney waved their good byes to the greenrider, both in excited moods at having been Searched.
--------
That evening, the two Raiders had returned to the same place on foot. They couldn't take runners adragonback, that was for sure. Neither was sure if this rider would come again, but they were both hoping so. While waiting for the green to appear above them, the two sat and 'talked' in their own way, both listening for anything that seemed out of place. Growing up the way they did and Kersid unable to talk normally, they were always wary of an ambush.
Kersid<>Lawney<>River
}:Play later,:[ Dyvir said when he saw his walking toward him. He flitted to Joss's shoulder.
-----
}:TIme to go, love,:{ the green said to Joss.
Joss smiled and mounted her dragon. Dyvir quickly took his perch on her shoulder. Sanalith took to the air and blinked between. She was soon hovering above the place they had been earlier. Joss smiled when she Kersid and Lawney. Sanalith circled around for a landing.
"Hello again," Joss said cheerily.
Joss<>Dyvir<>Sanlaith
"It's okay sir she's not used to new people or dragons. Er pleased to meet you I'm Niradene and this is Tandy." Niradene said gazing at the man and flit with curiousity. Tanyd relaxed under Niradene's gentle but firm hands shly gazing as well.
Niradene
Z'dan smiled. "Plenty understandable. " Now, how to go about his dragon's business.... After a brief moment of thought, he just said it, "Well, the reason I've stopped here is 'cause Cabalath's a Searchdragon and he decided that he wants ya' to come to Angel's Cove Weyr with us and Stand for Shuteth's clutch. That is if ya' want to." There. Point blank, but his motive was stated.
Z'dan
Kersid got up with a grin, waking River from her nap on his lap in the process. The little green chittered in annoyance at having been disturbed, then realized the dragon was back and was instantly awake, save for a sleepy foreleg which she shook every time she stepped on it for a moment or two. He waved his hello, his facial expression clearly stating that he was happy to see the dragon and her rider again.
Lawney followed suit, Sky already flitting over to the dragon since he'd been awake. "'Ello," he returned, skipping that first letter that he had trouble with.
Kersid<>Lawney<>river<>SKy
Dyvir chirped happily at the 2 flits. Now maybe they would able to play some. Sanalith crooned softly and watched Sky with curiosity.
Joss returned Kersid's nod. "Do you need any help with your things?" she asked as she stepped closer to them. Sanalith followed behind, so they didn't have as far to walk.
Joss<>Dyvir<>Sanalith
Sky and River returned the brown's greeting, River finally taking flight to join the other two near the dragon.
Kersid shook his head in answer to Joss's offering, picking up his rucksack that had the ends of a bow sticking out the top of it. He wasn't leaving that behind.
Lawney declined the offer as well, picking up his rucksack as well. Neither sack seemed to have much in it, but the two were holdless and didn't have much in the way of luxuries. They brought their sacks up to the rider, then both looked up to see just how things were going to be secured on the green.
Kersid<>Lawney<>River<>Sky
Dyvir moved over on Sanalith's head to make more room for his 2 friends. Thankfully, Sanalith didn't mind. She lowered herself down to be at an easier level for them.
Joss shrugged. She wasn't surprised that they had declined the offer. "Now, if you two don't mind, I'll just secure your packs to Sanalith's straps here." She pointed to the riding straps. She chose not to comment on how many things the boys had.
Joss<>Dyvir<>Sanalith
With a light chuckled, Z'dan carried out the request, glancing back to see his brown stand up happily. "Go right ahead, miss. Would ya' like me to wait here or come along? Cabalath's happy where he is until we're ready to go." Sometimes, it helped if he was there when his Searches told their superiors, because some just don't like to or don't want to believe that one of their charges had been Searched.
Z'dan
Sky and River landed on their cousin's head with Dyvir, chittering excitedly. Kersid shook his head at Joss's comment and was the first to offer his sack, giving Lawney the impression that his friend trusted this rider a bit. Kersid didn't trust very easily after another clan tried to take his life. The only thing they succeeded in was taking away his voice and his sense of smell. "C-Can I p-pet 'er?" Lawney asked as he waited his turn to give her his sack of belongings.
Lawney<>Kersid<>SKy<>River
Dyvir continued to chitter happily. The brown was enjoying the company.
Joss took Kersid's sack and started securing it to Sanalith's straps. She smiled at Lawney. "Of course. Sanalith loves attention."
As if to prove Joss right, Sanalith lowered her head to allow Kersid and Lawney to pet her.
Joss<>Dyvir<>Sanalith
Lawney grinned happily at the permission granted. When the green lowered her head, he reached out to gently touch her and rubbed that soft hide with a content expression. "So sof'," he whispered.
Sky and River balanced while the dragon moved her head and once the green stopped moving, they settled again, returning their friendly chittering with the brown firelizard.
Kersid waited until he saw his rucksack secured before he moved to pet the dragon as well, himself awed by being so close to one.
Kersid<>Lawney<>Sky<>River
Dyvir nearly lost his balance when Sanalith moved her head. He chittered angrily at her, but the green ignored him, enjoying the attention of the boys. She started to croon softly.
}:Thank you,:{ the green said to Lawney. }:You know where to scratch.:{
Joss hadn't realized her dragon had spoken with Lawney. Not that she minded, but normally she liked to warn the person before Sanalith tried a stunt like that. The green rider finished securing the packs and just watched Kersid and Lawney with her dragon for a few minutes.
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Lawney stopped a moment and studied the dragon closely. He was certain that the one that had spoken was not the lady off to their side. Then with a smile, he continued happily, feeling quite pleased that the dragon had spoken to him. Little did he know that she hadn't spoken aloud. "W-welcome," he said softly.
Kersid looked at his friend with a bit of confusion, looking to the greenrider and moving his hands in an attempt to say, 'what's he talking about?' Whether Joss understood him or not was another story for his signals were quite unique.
Lawney<>Kersid
Sanalith let her eyes drift shut and pushed her head against Lawney's hand. }:Right there,:{ the green said. }:That feels good.:{
Joss looked up when she heard Lawney speak. She looked over at Kersid. She didn't quite understand his signals, but she had a guess. The green rider shook her head. "I do believe San is talking to your friend," she informed Kersid, hoping she had read his facial signs right.
Joss<>Sanalith
Lawney grinned and complied to the dragon's wishes, rubbing just a bit harder to please her more, completely oblivious to anything else at the moment. All that mattered was the dragon that he was pleasing.
Kersid nodded with a thankful smile even though he knew he had confused her. He had a suspicion, but wasn't entirely certain until she confirmed it.
Lawney<>Kersid
Joss smiled a little. It seemed she had answered Kersid right. She glanced over at Lawney and Sanalith, not really wanting to disturb them. But she knew she needed to get them back to Angel Cove and settled.
}:Lovely, could you ask your new friend if he is ready to go? I'm sure he'll pet you more when we return.:{
The green reluctantly complied. }:Joss says we should go,:{ Sanalith said to Lawney. };You'll like the Weyr.:[
Joss<>Sanalith
Lawney sighed softly at Joss's words, then he came back to the here and now and remembered where he was. Giving the green a pat, he turned to look at the rider and smiled. "S-sorry," he apologized. He zoned out like that on occasion, but never worried because Kersid was there to keep an eye and ear out for things.
Kersid smiled and gave Joss his full attention, asking if they were going soon, because the sun was going down. Of course, Lawney needed to translate all that and did so with a smile. "'S-sid's askin' if w-we're goin' s-soon," he said in short.
Lawney<>Kersid
Sanalith lifted her head once Lawney had stopped petting her. She really hadn't wanted him to stop, but she knew Joss was right. They needed to get back to the Weyr. Someone would begin to wonder where they were.
Joss smiled at the boys. She was glad Lawney was able to translate, because she wasn't quite sure what Kersid was asking. ""Right now if you're both ready," she answered.
Joss<>Sanalith
Kersid grinned and looked up at Sanalith, his little River still sitting atop the dragon's head. With a questioning look, he pointed to the green's saddle.
Lawney turned round once to gaze at the familiar land that he would be leaving behind, then looked to Joss expectantly. "I-I'm ready," he answered her.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss waited quietly. There was no sense in rushing them. It could be a while before they were able to return home. Sanalith made sure she kept still, so she didn't deseat the flits. Joss turned to the boys. "Do you need help getting up?" she asked as Sanalith laid down to make it easier.
Joss<>Sanalith
Both boys' heads turned to the dragon nearly at the same time and almost at the same time, it was obvious that they were both sizing her up. Kersid made a few hand motions and Lawney chuckled at what they'd meant, then they both settled down. No, they weren't going to challenge each other to who would get to the top quickest, as was their nature. Kersid did a mock bow of formality, waving his hand in a fashion that said 'you first sir', a playful grin still on his face. "N-No. W-we'll be okay," Lawney said, a matching playful grin on his face as well as he turned and started to climb up to Sanalith's back, taking care not to hurt her any. Once he'd gotten up, Kersid followed suit, much more quickly and lighter footed than his friend had, then he looked down to Joss to await her climb up as well.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss tried not to laugh as she watched the boys. She could only imagine what they were thinking. She hadn't been friends with males and not learned something. G'deon and J'vir had always been challenging each other.
Sanalith thingyed her head around and watched Kersid and Lawney. She was surprised at how gentle they were. Sometimes, the people didn't have any clue.
"Very good," Joss smiled, nimbling climbing up on her green's leg and then swinging into the saddle.
Joss<>Sanalith
Kersid and Lawney both smiled in appreciation, then Lawney patted the hide beneath him and Kersid looked at the straps, wandering what all they'd need to do. Dragons did odd maneuvers, so there had to be a way to secure oneself to them, right? Their firelizards still chittered and played with the other one while they got situated. He caught sight of Joss as she climbed up and smiled to her, watching to see what she would do.
Kersid<>Lawney<>SKy<>River
Sanalith shifted a little once Joss was up. The green rider chuckled, but then secured her riding straps. She turned to face the boys. "Alright, see these straps?" She held hers up. "You hook these here," she continued, demonstrating. Normally she helped, but the boys seemed to be enjoying themselves. Dyvir chirped happily. He knew what was coming.
Joss<>sanalith<>Dyvir
The boys watched as Joss demonstrated what they would need to do. Since both learned quickly, they each had themselves attached to Sanalith quickly. Now for the fun part. Kersid motioned something and Lawney grinned. "H-how high d-does s-she go?" he asked the rider.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss smiled in approval as she watched the boys. They definitely learned fast. She had met some who had ridden dragons plenty of times and still couldn't figure out the straps. Dyvir moved off Sanalith's head and onto Joss's shoulder. The green rider chuckled at Lawney's question. "Sometimes it seems like we can touch the clouds," she answered.
Joss
Both teens grinned at that answer, calling their firelizards to them since Joss's brown was now on her shoulder. Kersid didn't even hang on to anything, ready to enjoy this ride into the skies. They were ready and Lawney said so. "Can w-we go?" he asked.
Kersid<>Lawney
Dyvir chirped at the other two flits before settling against Joss. He knew the routine when it came to flying.
Joss waited to make sure both boys were situated. She didn't want to scare them. "Here we go," she smiled.
Sanalith pushed off the ground with her hind legs and was soon in the air. She glided for a few minutes before betweening. She wanted to give the boys a chance to settle in first.
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Kersid and Lawney felt the dragon move beneath them, sort of like a runner would in preparation for a race, muscles bunching and all. Then they were airborn and the ground was fast falling away. Kersid held his hands out to his sides, feeling the wind go by cheerily, then he looked below him and grinned at the different view. Lawney wasn't quite so brave. He held on a bit, but not tightly. He, too, marvelled at the sight below them. This was high and beautiful. Sky and River flitted along next to the dragon as she flew.
Then. Darkness. Cold. Nothingness. No feeling. No warning. What? Then they were back in the warmth of the darkening world.
Kersid had nearly paniked, wondering who or what had just knocked him in the head without pain, but calmed again when he felt the dragon again. The warmth. The light. He took a few deep breaths and settled rather quickly, then thought of his little firelizard. Where had she gone?
Lawney had just started to panic at the nothingness when they came back into reality. That had scared him. He'd never felt like that before. It took him a bit longer to settle again, having not thought of his little blue just yet.
River and Sky popped out of Between and chittered excitedly. They'd just played peek-a-boo with the dragon and it was fun!
Kersid<>Lawney<>River<>Sky
Joss chuckled as she looked back at the boys. Most of her Searchs weren't nearly that brave. They didn't even want to look down. Meanwhile, Kersid and Lawney seemed to be enjoying themselves. Joss let a surprised sound escape her lips as Sanalith blinked between. She had meant to explain between to them before they tried it, but Sanalith didn't give her time.
Sanalith craned her neck around to look at her passengers once they were over Angel's Cove. }:I hope I didn't scare you,:{ she said to Kersid and Lawney. }:I would have warned you, but I thought it might be easier to just get it over with.:[ The green did sound apologetic though.
Dyvir launched off Joss's shoulder and went to play with River and Sky. This was territory he knew.
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Kersid looked up at the green, knowing that that voice was not Joss. "Wha' was 'at?" he asked, whisperey voice scratchy and hoarse to nearly the point of distortion. He was behind Joss and close enough that his damaged voice could be interpreted.
Lawney settled after Sanalith's words, but did wonder what exactly they had just gone through. Having heard his best friend's rough voice, he kept quiet, hoping that the rider would indeed explain to them.
Sky and River flitted by their Pets to greet them, then darted off after the brown with playful chitters.
Kersid<>Lawney<>River<>Sky
Joss was startled by Kersid's voice. She hadn't been sure if the boy was able to talk or not. But now she knew he could. The green rider turned around as much as she could. "Sorry about that," she apologized. "San acted before I could explain. That was between you just experienced. You can't feel or see anything there. But it only lasts for three breaths. That's how we can get around as dragonriders." She looked at the boys. "Are you both okay though?"
};I'm sorry,:[ Sanalith repeated. };I shouldn't have done that.:[
Joss<>Sanalith
Kersid nodded with a smile once Joss had finished. So that was Between. Nothing at all. No senses whatsoever. Just like when the world went dark after a bad knock to the head without the pain. Next time, he won't be caught so off guard, that was for sure.
Lawney nodded. "Y-yes," he answered, a smile returning to his face. "An' i-it's okay, S-Sanalith."
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss relaxed once she was assured that the boys were alright. "Good, I was afraid that I had scared you both when San decided to jump between." The green rider gestured below them. "That is Angel's Cove below," she said. "I love the sight of it from up here."
Sanalith bobbed her head a little. }:Thank you, Lawney,:{ the green said. Surprising, the green was actually good at remembering names when it was someone she liked.
Joss<>Sanalith
The two Raiders looked below them, each leaning out to the opposite side to gaze at the scenery below. So high up. "Angel's C-cove," Lawney repeated to himself with a smile. A beautiful place in his opinion. There was no need to ask Kersid for his opinion. His face told all that he was excited to be there. Then their gazes turned outward toward the high walls and both seemed happy enough. So much to explore here. They would be in high spirits for a long tome to boot, that was for sure. There didn't seem to be too many dragons there. Just enough to satisfy both teens for a good while when it came to meeting more dragons.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss watched their faces. She was glad to see that they seemed pleased with the Weyr. It always worried her how the searches would feel about a Weyr. Especially since she never knew anything about them to start with. "Shall we land?" Joss asked the boys. "That way you can look around more."
Joss
Both boys nodded and returned to sitting centered on the dragon to be able to ride her easier. Down meant more exploring in this new place. Both of them gazed out at their surroundings as the dragon moved, taking in everything they could. Kersid's watchful eyes noted all the dark 'holes' in the rock faces. Good places to explore later, he thought, smiling. Lawney was just plain awestruck.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss smiled and gave Sanalith the signal to land. The green started to spiral lazily down to the ground. She wanted to give the boys the best view she possibly could. Joss smiled as she realized what her dragon was doing. "We'll be down soon," she said. "Then I can show you around."
Joss<>Sanalith
Down? Kersid wanted to stay up there all day long. He didn't want to go down. Not yet. But the dragon was already descending, so he kept his arguement quiet and accepted the fact they were returning to Pern.
Lawney smiled. "I'd l-like 'at," he answered her. He sure would love this place. Of course, neither one of the lads had thought about others' views on Raiders, but that was the furthest thing in their minds at the moment. Sky and River drifted downward with the dragon after having realized that their Pets were heading down.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss caught the look in Kersid's eyes. She knew exactly how he felt. She would stay up in the sky all day if she could. She smiled at Kersid. "Don't worry. Once we get you settled in I'll take you both back up again," she promised. "I know Sanalith won't mind."
};Of course not,:[ the green said to all three. She loved flying too. Joss grinned at Lawney. It would be interesting to see what they thought of the Weyr from the ground.
Dyvir followed River and Sky down. The little brown did a few aerial tricks as they went down.
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Kersid brightened at the prospect of being up in the air again. That would keep him quite happy. He smiled more at the dragon's words, then watched as the ground got closer with interest of what was to come.
Lawney nodded happily. He would like that, too. Especially since Joss hadn't said a word about his speech.
River and Sky chittered and raced each other around the brown now and again.
Kersid<>Lawney<>River<>Sky
The green rider smiled. She could tell she would definitely be taking them back up in the air again. Although it was a nice switch for her. Normally her searches were terrified and didn't want to go back up to start with.
Sanalith folded her wings a little and glided down to the Bowl. She landed gently, so she didn't jolt her passengers too much.
Dyvir chirped and watched Sky and River. They were both too fast, so he stayed in the middle and watched.
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Kersid smiled at the dragon's landing. He'd expected it to be a bit rougher. Or maybe they were all different like runners were? He freed himself from the dragon's straps and looked down at the distance to the ground with another grin, elbowing his friend and signing something.
Lawney did likewise with the straps once Sanalith had landed and replied to his friend's 'words' with his own set of signals and a grin. Then he looked to Joss. "W-we just jump d-down?" he asked.
Kersid<>Lawney
Sanalith folded her wings to her back and laid down to allow her riders to dismount easier. She wasn't a huge green, but there was still a good distance to the green. Dyvir flitted above them, watching everything curiously.
Joss unstrapped herself and turned to face the boys. She smiled at Lawney's question. "Well, you can if you like," she answered. "If I not I can show how to use San's leg to get down easier. It's up to you."
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Lawney grinned and looked at Kersid. The two gave the dragon a pat of thanks as they shifted to make a jump down, then Kersid counted to three. On three, the two boys jumped down, landing with ease, Lawney just a bit quicker than Kersid had been. They stood straight, Kersid's eyes dancing and Lawney laughing, before the two looked up. Kersid signed his version of thanks and Lawney translated for the rider's sake. "'S-sid s-said thanks and I d-do t-too," he told her with a cheery smile.
River and Sky flitted down to buzz around their Pet's heads a moment, then they darted off again in play.
Kersid<>Lawney<>Sky<>River
Joss chuckled as she watched them. It didn't surprise her that they would choose to jump. Sanalith stayed perfectly still for the boys. Joss smiled as they landed. They both seemed quite agile. "You are very welcome," she said cheerily as she slid down Sanalith's leg. She then turned to unstrap their bags.
Dyvir chirped at them before leading Sky and River to better places to play.
Joss<>Dyvir
The boys nodded then Kersid watched as Joss undid their rucksacks, waiting for his to be dropped down in order to catch it. Lawney turned round and looked at their surroundings in curiosity. "S-so big," he observed.
Kersid<>Lawney
She unstrapped Kersid's sack and handed it to him before turning back to getting Lawney's. She smiled over her shoulder. "I guess it is big," she agreed. "But don't worry. I'll help you both learn your ways around and then it won't seem nearly as big," she promised as she finsihed unstrapping Lawney's sack.
Joss
Kersid took his sack and waited for Lawney's, then stepped over to his friend and looked around as well, although his gazing was more toward wariness even though he was still awed. Dragons! Who'd have thought he'd wind up among them?
Lawney grinned with a nod. "Thanks," he told the rider, picking up his sack that had been placed beside him. Must have been Kersid that had done that.
Lawney<>Kersid
Sanalith waited to be relieved of her burdens then took off again to enjoy her ledge until they were ready to flying again.
Joss walked over beside the boys. "Quite a sight isn't it?" she smiled. She never got tired of seeing the dragons. "so, would you two like to meet the candidate master now or just look around for a bit?"
Joss<>Sanalith
Kersid smiled at the rider with a nod to both, but it was Lawney that voiced it, the two of them normally on the same train of thoughts. "C-can we d-do both?" the taller of the two asked, turning to look at Joss cheerily.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss chuckled softly. "That works too. I'll point out some of the places around while we look for the Candidate Master. Then I'll show you around better after we've talked to him. Sound good?" She looked back at the boys to see what they thought.
Joss
The boys both nodded with smiles. Kersid motioned for Joss to lead them, Lawney grinning still. Their two fielizards returned to them, having noted that their pets had started wandering.
Kersid<>Lawney
The green rider started toward the Candidate Barracks where she hoped to find the Candidate Master. "Well, to start off, the lake's there," she said, pointing it out. "And the Dining Cavern is across from it."
Joss
Again, the two Raider lads looked about in awe, Kersid with a slightly wary edge to him, but Lawney plenty happy about the new place. "D-dinin' c-cav'rn?" Lawney asked, obviously curious. He'd never heard of such. Sky flitted down to perch on his Pet's shoulder, River doing likewise on her Pet's shoulder, too.
Kersid's eyes were drawn toward the lake, but his ears were trained on Joss, Lawney, and his surroundings.
Kersid<>Lawney<>Sky<>River
Joss smiled a little. She had almost forgotten about finding them in the wild. "Yes, that's where we go to eat," she said in answer to Lawney's question. "You'll see all kinds of people there." She hadn't noticed Kersid watching the lake yet.
Dyvir flitted down and landed on Joss's shoulder. He was content now that he had shown Sky and River Around.
Joss<>Dyvir
"You mean w-we d-don't gotta hunt our food?" That would be a major attack on his routine. Hunting was a nearly daily task for him.
Kersid just listened, watching the lake waters with a smile. He would like this place. That was for sure.
Kersid<>Lawney
The green rider shook her head. She hadn't thought about how that would effect the boys. "Nope, we're provided with the food. But I'm sure if I asked around we could still arrange for you to hunt if you wanted." Joss glanced over at Kersid. "And maybe later you guys can even go swimming in the lake. I must admit, it's great."
Joss
Lawney nodded at the information. That would take some getting used to. It looked like this place was far more relaxed than their clan had been. "Okay," he said with a smile.
Kersid looked to Joss, having noted the difference in her voice as her turning toward him. He nodded, smiling, then signed a few things.
"He likes t-to swim a lot," Lawney translated, having gotten in the routine of glancing at his best friend during conversations for the quiet one's words.
Lawney<>Kersid
Joss smiled in sympathy. "Don't worry, you'll get use to it," she said. "I know how it feels to have your life almost turned upside down. I was a carpentar before I was Searched," she explained.
The green rider grinned as she waited for Lawney to translate. She was doing her best to pick up on the signs, but she wasn't real fast. "Well, he's welcome to swim anytime he wants. As long as you don't have any classes that you're skipping. The lake is open to everyone."
Joss
Kersid grinned. That was good to hear. Lawney nodded with a smile. "I think w-we'll like this p-place," he told Joss cheerily.
Kersid<>Lawney
The musical sound of rushing water filtered through the trees and onto a small, grassy plain occupied only by two young men, two little firelizards, and two runnerbeasts grazing a short distance away from them. The firelizards, blue and green, sat atop a dead wherry near the two people who were sparring with each other, although their type of sparring was extremely physical, including throwing each other to the ground and getting the other into holds that they'd have to give into. Both sweaty from the heat, neither spoke except for laughter coming from the taller of the two. The other's face was merry, but he hardly made a sound except those that would follow a hit that actually hurt a smidge.
Clad only in their wherhide pants, the two were fairly sweaty and it was that factor that made the taller of the two wind up on the ground beneath the other in a hold, that had they not been friends, would have killed him. And it was when caught up on his back that he saw the dragon high above them in the sky. "'S-sid! D-dragon!" He tried to move to point, but of course could not.
The blackhaired lad didn't look up, but his eyes showed confusion. Just what was his friend trying to distract him with now?
"I-I mean it. L-look!"
It was the shadow along the ground that proved his words and he was instantly released as excitement showed in those midnight blue eyes of 'Sid as he turned to look skyward and grinned at seeing the creature high above them.
Kersid<>Lawney
Sanalith and Joss had just been heading back to Angel's Cove after a good hunt. The green had been complaining to her rider that they didn't get out nearly enough, so Joss had finally caved in and went for a hunt.
**Are you happy now, whiner?** Joss asked with a laugh.
}:Very much so,:{ the green answered smugly, but then looked below her.
**San?**
}:I see something,:{ Sanalith answered, banking and flying closer to the ground to land.
Joss was confused but didn't argue. She smiled when she realized her dragon had found 2 young men. Leave it to Sanalith to find people.
"Hello!" Joss called, sliding down her green's shoulder.
Joss<>Sanalith
The two friends were now standing, both watching the dragon land in awe. They'd never gotten this close to one. Kersid was naturally the cautious one while Lawney was much more friendly and returned the greeting with a smile and a wave. A dragonrider in their little territory. How wonderful was that? "H-hello!" he called back.
Lawney<>Kersid
Joss smiled at the boys. At least they seemed nice enough. Even if the one was little standoffish. She shrugged a little. That was okay. Not everyone had grown up around dragonriders.
Sananlith studied Kersid and Lawney. }:I like them,:{ she reported suddenly. }:They are special.:{
Joss looked at her dragon in disbelief. So that was why she had wanted to land. She thought she had found more candidates. The green rider walked toward the boys with Sanalith behind her. "I'm Joss and this is my dragon Sanalith. We were just coming back from hunting," she said, trying to be friendly.
Joss<>Sanalith
Kersid studied the greenrider clossely a long moment before his blue eyes drifted toward the dragon near her. The green firelizard flitted off of the wherry and landed on her Pet's shoulder to study as well, then she got curious and that was the end of protecting her Pet as she hopped to the ground and hopped/flew over to the dragon to inspect her. **Me River. You?** she inquired of her big cousin.
Lawney's grin remained as Joss introduced herself. His fielizard, the blue one, skipped coming to him and followed after his clutchmate to investigate Sanalith. "Th-that's a p-pretty name. I-I'm Lawney. This is K-kers-sid. W-we just g-got d-done huntin' t-too," he replied cheerily.
Kersid simply nodded his head in greeting, still not entirely certain why the rider was there in the first place. He hadn't seen dragons in these parts in quite a long while.
Kersid<>Lawney
Sanalith crooned softly at the flits. }:I'm Sanalith,:[ the green replied. }:And mine is Joss.:[ Just then, Dyvir appeared above Sanalith and landed on her head. The little brown chirped a greeting to the 2 flits.
Joss smiled. "Really? Did you have a good hunt?" She was still trying to decide how to broach the subject of being candidates. She wasn't sure if these boys would like the idea or not.
};River, would yours like to be a dragonrider?:{ Sanalith asked the little green.
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Lawney nodded and pointed toward the dead wherry by the runnerbeasts that had ventured close again after the dragon had spooked them off a short distance. "A b-big ole w-wherry!" And big their catch was, too."
Sky returned the greeting to the other firelizard as River chirped and sat up to look back at her Pet curiously. **My Kersid. You dragonride?* * she inquired, carrying out the dragon's request. After a moment, a smile tugged at the silent one's mouth and he nudged his friend with his elbow. After Lawney looked, Kersid moved his hands in order to talk.
Lawney's grin grew broader as he turned his attention back to Joss. "Yer a S-searchr-rider! " he exclaimed. "Both us?" he asked afterward, pointing to himself and his best friend.
Lawney<>Kersid
Joss followed Lawney's gaze. Her eyes widened. "That is a very good catch," she smiled. She had to admit, the boys seemed to know what they were doing.
Dyvir watched the new flits cursiouly. New friends sounded fun to him. };Play?:{ the brown asked.
Sanalith waited for an answer. Joss was startled by Lawney's words and glanced back at her dragon. }:Both,:{ the green repled. Joss hid a smile before turning to the boys. "Yes, I am," she said. "And yes, San says both of you should stand as candidates," she informed the boys. "If you would like."
Joss<>Sanalith
Sky and River chirped cheerily, both replying to the brown at the same time. **Play!**
Lawney grinned at that, his good mood echoed by that of the smaller lad, pausing before speaking at another nudge from his friend. "Oh," he said, quieting down a bit. "N-now?" he asked Joss. He didn't want to just leave right then and there. They had to get the wherry and the runnerbeasts back to their clan. And Kersid had said that Searchers tend to take their Searches on the spot.
Kersid<>Lawney<>SKy<>River
Dyvir chittered happily and flew off Sanalith's head. }:Play!:[ he repeated, doing a somersault in the air.
Joss waited for their answer. She hadn't meant to just spring the question on them like that. The green rider shook her head. She figured they could make an exception this time. "No, not now if you won't want. I caught both of you by surprise, so if you would like when you're ready, you can have one of your flits find Dyvir or Sanalith and let me know."
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Sky and River took to the air to mimic the other firelizard's maneuver. River trilled when she did it and continued to do it several more times, winding up dizzily gliding to the ground and awkwardly trying to walk for a few moments. **Two things,** she sent to anyone that cared to listen for she was seeing two of everything. Sky only did the maneuver a few times, then perched on the dragon to watch his clutchmate look clumsy and chittered in amusement. **River funny!**
Kersid smiled a bit in relief and nudged Lawney again. The taller of the two grinned, looking back to Joss. "C-Can ya' c-come back ta-tanight?" he asked her. "'S-sid s-says w-we'd be ready b-by then."
Lawney<>Kersid<>River<>Sky
Dyvir almost seemed to laugh as he watched River. }:Two things?:[ he asked, thingying his head to the side. He landed on Sanalith's head besdide Sky and watched River
Joss nodded with a smile. "That wouldn't be a problem," she answered. "San and I shall return this evening then." She figured it was worth bending the rules for 2 new candidates.
Joss<>Dyvir
**Two things.** River stated again before shaking her head and falling over. From there, she saw her Pet and cheeped softly. **One Pet,** she confirmed happily, but only sat up, still a little 'loopy.' Sky chittered cheerily at his sister, not caring much as to what his Pet was up to.
Kersid smiled in thanks, then looked at the green a moment before looking back to Joss, awaiting her departure.
Lawney grinned. "Thanks!" he replied excitedly. They were going to be dragonriders!
Kersid<>Lawney<>River<>Sky
}:One pet?:{ Dyvir asked cheerily. }:That good.:{ He still hadn't figured out that River had been seeing two of everything because she had made herself dizzy by doing somersaults.
Joss nodded with a smile. "Then I better take my leave," she said cheerily. "I'm sure you want to get back to your families. I shall see you both again tonight."
Joss<>Dyvir
River bobbed her head with a merry chitter. **Two Pets no good. Only one Pet.** she explained.
Kersid and Lawney waved their good byes to the greenrider, both in excited moods at having been Searched.
--------
That evening, the two Raiders had returned to the same place on foot. They couldn't take runners adragonback, that was for sure. Neither was sure if this rider would come again, but they were both hoping so. While waiting for the green to appear above them, the two sat and 'talked' in their own way, both listening for anything that seemed out of place. Growing up the way they did and Kersid unable to talk normally, they were always wary of an ambush.
Kersid<>Lawney<>River
}:Play later,:[ Dyvir said when he saw his walking toward him. He flitted to Joss's shoulder.
-----
}:TIme to go, love,:{ the green said to Joss.
Joss smiled and mounted her dragon. Dyvir quickly took his perch on her shoulder. Sanalith took to the air and blinked between. She was soon hovering above the place they had been earlier. Joss smiled when she Kersid and Lawney. Sanalith circled around for a landing.
"Hello again," Joss said cheerily.
Joss<>Dyvir<>Sanlaith
"It's okay sir she's not used to new people or dragons. Er pleased to meet you I'm Niradene and this is Tandy." Niradene said gazing at the man and flit with curiousity. Tanyd relaxed under Niradene's gentle but firm hands shly gazing as well.
Niradene
Z'dan smiled. "Plenty understandable. " Now, how to go about his dragon's business.... After a brief moment of thought, he just said it, "Well, the reason I've stopped here is 'cause Cabalath's a Searchdragon and he decided that he wants ya' to come to Angel's Cove Weyr with us and Stand for Shuteth's clutch. That is if ya' want to." There. Point blank, but his motive was stated.
Z'dan
Kersid got up with a grin, waking River from her nap on his lap in the process. The little green chittered in annoyance at having been disturbed, then realized the dragon was back and was instantly awake, save for a sleepy foreleg which she shook every time she stepped on it for a moment or two. He waved his hello, his facial expression clearly stating that he was happy to see the dragon and her rider again.
Lawney followed suit, Sky already flitting over to the dragon since he'd been awake. "'Ello," he returned, skipping that first letter that he had trouble with.
Kersid<>Lawney<>river<>SKy
Dyvir chirped happily at the 2 flits. Now maybe they would able to play some. Sanalith crooned softly and watched Sky with curiosity.
Joss returned Kersid's nod. "Do you need any help with your things?" she asked as she stepped closer to them. Sanalith followed behind, so they didn't have as far to walk.
Joss<>Dyvir<>Sanalith
Sky and River returned the brown's greeting, River finally taking flight to join the other two near the dragon.
Kersid shook his head in answer to Joss's offering, picking up his rucksack that had the ends of a bow sticking out the top of it. He wasn't leaving that behind.
Lawney declined the offer as well, picking up his rucksack as well. Neither sack seemed to have much in it, but the two were holdless and didn't have much in the way of luxuries. They brought their sacks up to the rider, then both looked up to see just how things were going to be secured on the green.
Kersid<>Lawney<>River<>Sky
Dyvir moved over on Sanalith's head to make more room for his 2 friends. Thankfully, Sanalith didn't mind. She lowered herself down to be at an easier level for them.
Joss shrugged. She wasn't surprised that they had declined the offer. "Now, if you two don't mind, I'll just secure your packs to Sanalith's straps here." She pointed to the riding straps. She chose not to comment on how many things the boys had.
Joss<>Dyvir<>Sanalith
With a light chuckled, Z'dan carried out the request, glancing back to see his brown stand up happily. "Go right ahead, miss. Would ya' like me to wait here or come along? Cabalath's happy where he is until we're ready to go." Sometimes, it helped if he was there when his Searches told their superiors, because some just don't like to or don't want to believe that one of their charges had been Searched.
Z'dan
Sky and River landed on their cousin's head with Dyvir, chittering excitedly. Kersid shook his head at Joss's comment and was the first to offer his sack, giving Lawney the impression that his friend trusted this rider a bit. Kersid didn't trust very easily after another clan tried to take his life. The only thing they succeeded in was taking away his voice and his sense of smell. "C-Can I p-pet 'er?" Lawney asked as he waited his turn to give her his sack of belongings.
Lawney<>Kersid<>SKy<>River
Dyvir continued to chitter happily. The brown was enjoying the company.
Joss took Kersid's sack and started securing it to Sanalith's straps. She smiled at Lawney. "Of course. Sanalith loves attention."
As if to prove Joss right, Sanalith lowered her head to allow Kersid and Lawney to pet her.
Joss<>Dyvir<>Sanalith
Lawney grinned happily at the permission granted. When the green lowered her head, he reached out to gently touch her and rubbed that soft hide with a content expression. "So sof'," he whispered.
Sky and River balanced while the dragon moved her head and once the green stopped moving, they settled again, returning their friendly chittering with the brown firelizard.
Kersid waited until he saw his rucksack secured before he moved to pet the dragon as well, himself awed by being so close to one.
Kersid<>Lawney<>Sky<>River
Dyvir nearly lost his balance when Sanalith moved her head. He chittered angrily at her, but the green ignored him, enjoying the attention of the boys. She started to croon softly.
}:Thank you,:{ the green said to Lawney. }:You know where to scratch.:{
Joss hadn't realized her dragon had spoken with Lawney. Not that she minded, but normally she liked to warn the person before Sanalith tried a stunt like that. The green rider finished securing the packs and just watched Kersid and Lawney with her dragon for a few minutes.
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Lawney stopped a moment and studied the dragon closely. He was certain that the one that had spoken was not the lady off to their side. Then with a smile, he continued happily, feeling quite pleased that the dragon had spoken to him. Little did he know that she hadn't spoken aloud. "W-welcome," he said softly.
Kersid looked at his friend with a bit of confusion, looking to the greenrider and moving his hands in an attempt to say, 'what's he talking about?' Whether Joss understood him or not was another story for his signals were quite unique.
Lawney<>Kersid
Sanalith let her eyes drift shut and pushed her head against Lawney's hand. }:Right there,:{ the green said. }:That feels good.:{
Joss looked up when she heard Lawney speak. She looked over at Kersid. She didn't quite understand his signals, but she had a guess. The green rider shook her head. "I do believe San is talking to your friend," she informed Kersid, hoping she had read his facial signs right.
Joss<>Sanalith
Lawney grinned and complied to the dragon's wishes, rubbing just a bit harder to please her more, completely oblivious to anything else at the moment. All that mattered was the dragon that he was pleasing.
Kersid nodded with a thankful smile even though he knew he had confused her. He had a suspicion, but wasn't entirely certain until she confirmed it.
Lawney<>Kersid
Joss smiled a little. It seemed she had answered Kersid right. She glanced over at Lawney and Sanalith, not really wanting to disturb them. But she knew she needed to get them back to Angel Cove and settled.
}:Lovely, could you ask your new friend if he is ready to go? I'm sure he'll pet you more when we return.:{
The green reluctantly complied. }:Joss says we should go,:{ Sanalith said to Lawney. };You'll like the Weyr.:[
Joss<>Sanalith
Lawney sighed softly at Joss's words, then he came back to the here and now and remembered where he was. Giving the green a pat, he turned to look at the rider and smiled. "S-sorry," he apologized. He zoned out like that on occasion, but never worried because Kersid was there to keep an eye and ear out for things.
Kersid smiled and gave Joss his full attention, asking if they were going soon, because the sun was going down. Of course, Lawney needed to translate all that and did so with a smile. "'S-sid's askin' if w-we're goin' s-soon," he said in short.
Lawney<>Kersid
Sanalith lifted her head once Lawney had stopped petting her. She really hadn't wanted him to stop, but she knew Joss was right. They needed to get back to the Weyr. Someone would begin to wonder where they were.
Joss smiled at the boys. She was glad Lawney was able to translate, because she wasn't quite sure what Kersid was asking. ""Right now if you're both ready," she answered.
Joss<>Sanalith
Kersid grinned and looked up at Sanalith, his little River still sitting atop the dragon's head. With a questioning look, he pointed to the green's saddle.
Lawney turned round once to gaze at the familiar land that he would be leaving behind, then looked to Joss expectantly. "I-I'm ready," he answered her.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss waited quietly. There was no sense in rushing them. It could be a while before they were able to return home. Sanalith made sure she kept still, so she didn't deseat the flits. Joss turned to the boys. "Do you need help getting up?" she asked as Sanalith laid down to make it easier.
Joss<>Sanalith
Both boys' heads turned to the dragon nearly at the same time and almost at the same time, it was obvious that they were both sizing her up. Kersid made a few hand motions and Lawney chuckled at what they'd meant, then they both settled down. No, they weren't going to challenge each other to who would get to the top quickest, as was their nature. Kersid did a mock bow of formality, waving his hand in a fashion that said 'you first sir', a playful grin still on his face. "N-No. W-we'll be okay," Lawney said, a matching playful grin on his face as well as he turned and started to climb up to Sanalith's back, taking care not to hurt her any. Once he'd gotten up, Kersid followed suit, much more quickly and lighter footed than his friend had, then he looked down to Joss to await her climb up as well.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss tried not to laugh as she watched the boys. She could only imagine what they were thinking. She hadn't been friends with males and not learned something. G'deon and J'vir had always been challenging each other.
Sanalith thingyed her head around and watched Kersid and Lawney. She was surprised at how gentle they were. Sometimes, the people didn't have any clue.
"Very good," Joss smiled, nimbling climbing up on her green's leg and then swinging into the saddle.
Joss<>Sanalith
Kersid and Lawney both smiled in appreciation, then Lawney patted the hide beneath him and Kersid looked at the straps, wandering what all they'd need to do. Dragons did odd maneuvers, so there had to be a way to secure oneself to them, right? Their firelizards still chittered and played with the other one while they got situated. He caught sight of Joss as she climbed up and smiled to her, watching to see what she would do.
Kersid<>Lawney<>SKy<>River
Sanalith shifted a little once Joss was up. The green rider chuckled, but then secured her riding straps. She turned to face the boys. "Alright, see these straps?" She held hers up. "You hook these here," she continued, demonstrating. Normally she helped, but the boys seemed to be enjoying themselves. Dyvir chirped happily. He knew what was coming.
Joss<>sanalith<>Dyvir
The boys watched as Joss demonstrated what they would need to do. Since both learned quickly, they each had themselves attached to Sanalith quickly. Now for the fun part. Kersid motioned something and Lawney grinned. "H-how high d-does s-she go?" he asked the rider.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss smiled in approval as she watched the boys. They definitely learned fast. She had met some who had ridden dragons plenty of times and still couldn't figure out the straps. Dyvir moved off Sanalith's head and onto Joss's shoulder. The green rider chuckled at Lawney's question. "Sometimes it seems like we can touch the clouds," she answered.
Joss
Both teens grinned at that answer, calling their firelizards to them since Joss's brown was now on her shoulder. Kersid didn't even hang on to anything, ready to enjoy this ride into the skies. They were ready and Lawney said so. "Can w-we go?" he asked.
Kersid<>Lawney
Dyvir chirped at the other two flits before settling against Joss. He knew the routine when it came to flying.
Joss waited to make sure both boys were situated. She didn't want to scare them. "Here we go," she smiled.
Sanalith pushed off the ground with her hind legs and was soon in the air. She glided for a few minutes before betweening. She wanted to give the boys a chance to settle in first.
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Kersid and Lawney felt the dragon move beneath them, sort of like a runner would in preparation for a race, muscles bunching and all. Then they were airborn and the ground was fast falling away. Kersid held his hands out to his sides, feeling the wind go by cheerily, then he looked below him and grinned at the different view. Lawney wasn't quite so brave. He held on a bit, but not tightly. He, too, marvelled at the sight below them. This was high and beautiful. Sky and River flitted along next to the dragon as she flew.
Then. Darkness. Cold. Nothingness. No feeling. No warning. What? Then they were back in the warmth of the darkening world.
Kersid had nearly paniked, wondering who or what had just knocked him in the head without pain, but calmed again when he felt the dragon again. The warmth. The light. He took a few deep breaths and settled rather quickly, then thought of his little firelizard. Where had she gone?
Lawney had just started to panic at the nothingness when they came back into reality. That had scared him. He'd never felt like that before. It took him a bit longer to settle again, having not thought of his little blue just yet.
River and Sky popped out of Between and chittered excitedly. They'd just played peek-a-boo with the dragon and it was fun!
Kersid<>Lawney<>River<>Sky
Joss chuckled as she looked back at the boys. Most of her Searchs weren't nearly that brave. They didn't even want to look down. Meanwhile, Kersid and Lawney seemed to be enjoying themselves. Joss let a surprised sound escape her lips as Sanalith blinked between. She had meant to explain between to them before they tried it, but Sanalith didn't give her time.
Sanalith craned her neck around to look at her passengers once they were over Angel's Cove. }:I hope I didn't scare you,:{ she said to Kersid and Lawney. }:I would have warned you, but I thought it might be easier to just get it over with.:[ The green did sound apologetic though.
Dyvir launched off Joss's shoulder and went to play with River and Sky. This was territory he knew.
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Kersid looked up at the green, knowing that that voice was not Joss. "Wha' was 'at?" he asked, whisperey voice scratchy and hoarse to nearly the point of distortion. He was behind Joss and close enough that his damaged voice could be interpreted.
Lawney settled after Sanalith's words, but did wonder what exactly they had just gone through. Having heard his best friend's rough voice, he kept quiet, hoping that the rider would indeed explain to them.
Sky and River flitted by their Pets to greet them, then darted off after the brown with playful chitters.
Kersid<>Lawney<>River<>Sky
Joss was startled by Kersid's voice. She hadn't been sure if the boy was able to talk or not. But now she knew he could. The green rider turned around as much as she could. "Sorry about that," she apologized. "San acted before I could explain. That was between you just experienced. You can't feel or see anything there. But it only lasts for three breaths. That's how we can get around as dragonriders." She looked at the boys. "Are you both okay though?"
};I'm sorry,:[ Sanalith repeated. };I shouldn't have done that.:[
Joss<>Sanalith
Kersid nodded with a smile once Joss had finished. So that was Between. Nothing at all. No senses whatsoever. Just like when the world went dark after a bad knock to the head without the pain. Next time, he won't be caught so off guard, that was for sure.
Lawney nodded. "Y-yes," he answered, a smile returning to his face. "An' i-it's okay, S-Sanalith."
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss relaxed once she was assured that the boys were alright. "Good, I was afraid that I had scared you both when San decided to jump between." The green rider gestured below them. "That is Angel's Cove below," she said. "I love the sight of it from up here."
Sanalith bobbed her head a little. }:Thank you, Lawney,:{ the green said. Surprising, the green was actually good at remembering names when it was someone she liked.
Joss<>Sanalith
The two Raiders looked below them, each leaning out to the opposite side to gaze at the scenery below. So high up. "Angel's C-cove," Lawney repeated to himself with a smile. A beautiful place in his opinion. There was no need to ask Kersid for his opinion. His face told all that he was excited to be there. Then their gazes turned outward toward the high walls and both seemed happy enough. So much to explore here. They would be in high spirits for a long tome to boot, that was for sure. There didn't seem to be too many dragons there. Just enough to satisfy both teens for a good while when it came to meeting more dragons.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss watched their faces. She was glad to see that they seemed pleased with the Weyr. It always worried her how the searches would feel about a Weyr. Especially since she never knew anything about them to start with. "Shall we land?" Joss asked the boys. "That way you can look around more."
Joss
Both boys nodded and returned to sitting centered on the dragon to be able to ride her easier. Down meant more exploring in this new place. Both of them gazed out at their surroundings as the dragon moved, taking in everything they could. Kersid's watchful eyes noted all the dark 'holes' in the rock faces. Good places to explore later, he thought, smiling. Lawney was just plain awestruck.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss smiled and gave Sanalith the signal to land. The green started to spiral lazily down to the ground. She wanted to give the boys the best view she possibly could. Joss smiled as she realized what her dragon was doing. "We'll be down soon," she said. "Then I can show you around."
Joss<>Sanalith
Down? Kersid wanted to stay up there all day long. He didn't want to go down. Not yet. But the dragon was already descending, so he kept his arguement quiet and accepted the fact they were returning to Pern.
Lawney smiled. "I'd l-like 'at," he answered her. He sure would love this place. Of course, neither one of the lads had thought about others' views on Raiders, but that was the furthest thing in their minds at the moment. Sky and River drifted downward with the dragon after having realized that their Pets were heading down.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss caught the look in Kersid's eyes. She knew exactly how he felt. She would stay up in the sky all day if she could. She smiled at Kersid. "Don't worry. Once we get you settled in I'll take you both back up again," she promised. "I know Sanalith won't mind."
};Of course not,:[ the green said to all three. She loved flying too. Joss grinned at Lawney. It would be interesting to see what they thought of the Weyr from the ground.
Dyvir followed River and Sky down. The little brown did a few aerial tricks as they went down.
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Kersid brightened at the prospect of being up in the air again. That would keep him quite happy. He smiled more at the dragon's words, then watched as the ground got closer with interest of what was to come.
Lawney nodded happily. He would like that, too. Especially since Joss hadn't said a word about his speech.
River and Sky chittered and raced each other around the brown now and again.
Kersid<>Lawney<>River<>Sky
The green rider smiled. She could tell she would definitely be taking them back up in the air again. Although it was a nice switch for her. Normally her searches were terrified and didn't want to go back up to start with.
Sanalith folded her wings a little and glided down to the Bowl. She landed gently, so she didn't jolt her passengers too much.
Dyvir chirped and watched Sky and River. They were both too fast, so he stayed in the middle and watched.
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Kersid smiled at the dragon's landing. He'd expected it to be a bit rougher. Or maybe they were all different like runners were? He freed himself from the dragon's straps and looked down at the distance to the ground with another grin, elbowing his friend and signing something.
Lawney did likewise with the straps once Sanalith had landed and replied to his friend's 'words' with his own set of signals and a grin. Then he looked to Joss. "W-we just jump d-down?" he asked.
Kersid<>Lawney
Sanalith folded her wings to her back and laid down to allow her riders to dismount easier. She wasn't a huge green, but there was still a good distance to the green. Dyvir flitted above them, watching everything curiously.
Joss unstrapped herself and turned to face the boys. She smiled at Lawney's question. "Well, you can if you like," she answered. "If I not I can show how to use San's leg to get down easier. It's up to you."
Joss<>Sanalith<>Dyvir
Lawney grinned and looked at Kersid. The two gave the dragon a pat of thanks as they shifted to make a jump down, then Kersid counted to three. On three, the two boys jumped down, landing with ease, Lawney just a bit quicker than Kersid had been. They stood straight, Kersid's eyes dancing and Lawney laughing, before the two looked up. Kersid signed his version of thanks and Lawney translated for the rider's sake. "'S-sid s-said thanks and I d-do t-too," he told her with a cheery smile.
River and Sky flitted down to buzz around their Pet's heads a moment, then they darted off again in play.
Kersid<>Lawney<>Sky<>River
Joss chuckled as she watched them. It didn't surprise her that they would choose to jump. Sanalith stayed perfectly still for the boys. Joss smiled as they landed. They both seemed quite agile. "You are very welcome," she said cheerily as she slid down Sanalith's leg. She then turned to unstrap their bags.
Dyvir chirped at them before leading Sky and River to better places to play.
Joss<>Dyvir
The boys nodded then Kersid watched as Joss undid their rucksacks, waiting for his to be dropped down in order to catch it. Lawney turned round and looked at their surroundings in curiosity. "S-so big," he observed.
Kersid<>Lawney
She unstrapped Kersid's sack and handed it to him before turning back to getting Lawney's. She smiled over her shoulder. "I guess it is big," she agreed. "But don't worry. I'll help you both learn your ways around and then it won't seem nearly as big," she promised as she finsihed unstrapping Lawney's sack.
Joss
Kersid took his sack and waited for Lawney's, then stepped over to his friend and looked around as well, although his gazing was more toward wariness even though he was still awed. Dragons! Who'd have thought he'd wind up among them?
Lawney grinned with a nod. "Thanks," he told the rider, picking up his sack that had been placed beside him. Must have been Kersid that had done that.
Lawney<>Kersid
Sanalith waited to be relieved of her burdens then took off again to enjoy her ledge until they were ready to flying again.
Joss walked over beside the boys. "Quite a sight isn't it?" she smiled. She never got tired of seeing the dragons. "so, would you two like to meet the candidate master now or just look around for a bit?"
Joss<>Sanalith
Kersid smiled at the rider with a nod to both, but it was Lawney that voiced it, the two of them normally on the same train of thoughts. "C-can we d-do both?" the taller of the two asked, turning to look at Joss cheerily.
Kersid<>Lawney
Joss chuckled softly. "That works too. I'll point out some of the places around while we look for the Candidate Master. Then I'll show you around better after we've talked to him. Sound good?" She looked back at the boys to see what they thought.
Joss
The boys both nodded with smiles. Kersid motioned for Joss to lead them, Lawney grinning still. Their two fielizards returned to them, having noted that their pets had started wandering.
Kersid<>Lawney
The green rider started toward the Candidate Barracks where she hoped to find the Candidate Master. "Well, to start off, the lake's there," she said, pointing it out. "And the Dining Cavern is across from it."
Joss
Again, the two Raider lads looked about in awe, Kersid with a slightly wary edge to him, but Lawney plenty happy about the new place. "D-dinin' c-cav'rn?" Lawney asked, obviously curious. He'd never heard of such. Sky flitted down to perch on his Pet's shoulder, River doing likewise on her Pet's shoulder, too.
Kersid's eyes were drawn toward the lake, but his ears were trained on Joss, Lawney, and his surroundings.
Kersid<>Lawney<>Sky<>River
Joss smiled a little. She had almost forgotten about finding them in the wild. "Yes, that's where we go to eat," she said in answer to Lawney's question. "You'll see all kinds of people there." She hadn't noticed Kersid watching the lake yet.
Dyvir flitted down and landed on Joss's shoulder. He was content now that he had shown Sky and River Around.
Joss<>Dyvir
"You mean w-we d-don't gotta hunt our food?" That would be a major attack on his routine. Hunting was a nearly daily task for him.
Kersid just listened, watching the lake waters with a smile. He would like this place. That was for sure.
Kersid<>Lawney
The green rider shook her head. She hadn't thought about how that would effect the boys. "Nope, we're provided with the food. But I'm sure if I asked around we could still arrange for you to hunt if you wanted." Joss glanced over at Kersid. "And maybe later you guys can even go swimming in the lake. I must admit, it's great."
Joss
Lawney nodded at the information. That would take some getting used to. It looked like this place was far more relaxed than their clan had been. "Okay," he said with a smile.
Kersid looked to Joss, having noted the difference in her voice as her turning toward him. He nodded, smiling, then signed a few things.
"He likes t-to swim a lot," Lawney translated, having gotten in the routine of glancing at his best friend during conversations for the quiet one's words.
Lawney<>Kersid
Joss smiled in sympathy. "Don't worry, you'll get use to it," she said. "I know how it feels to have your life almost turned upside down. I was a carpentar before I was Searched," she explained.
The green rider grinned as she waited for Lawney to translate. She was doing her best to pick up on the signs, but she wasn't real fast. "Well, he's welcome to swim anytime he wants. As long as you don't have any classes that you're skipping. The lake is open to everyone."
Joss
Kersid grinned. That was good to hear. Lawney nodded with a smile. "I think w-we'll like this p-place," he told Joss cheerily.
Kersid<>Lawney