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[draconafin]

Kaytath was half sprawled across the barren stones of the cliff top they had decided to use a as meeting place. The bronze’s head was lowered onto his forelegs, and his wings still open across the stones. He was too tired to close them and it was too hot to let his rider burn in the afternoon sun. More wing beats approached and neither looked up as another dragon landed rather heavily on the caked earth of the butte. As Kaytath had done Nilzuth rolled his body to one side and hit the ground again with a resonating ’thud’, utterly exhausted. There were a few moments before a rider half collapsed out of the straps over the blue’s back and sought refuge under an offered wing. It was hard to believe that having never faced Fall these two riders believed that were they were could just as well be the end of Pern. There was literally nothing… as far as the eye could see was nothing but cracked earth, dangerous ravines and open sky with the sun beating down on them. To Fall with Fall… this was something that no scorched tailfork or smokeless Weyrling could dream up; utter nothingness.

Lips already parched the bronzerider glanced over at his expedition partner and friend of ten turns. The both looked haggard from months of work, but in reality it was only a few candlemarks if that… well today anyway. Expeditions could last anywhere from a day to a sevenday and he and Az’uka had pulled the short straw when it came to the length of work, that and a few days ago they had decided not to return to Southern Weyr if they could avoid it. They had been raised in the North… and those stubborn rider bones inside them were determined to prove that there was still something out here… somewhere. A few moments more passed and neither rider spoke, nor made much of an effort to get up and walk over to the other. Under Nilzuth’s wing Az’uka was hastily adding notes to a battered piece of hide that was almost as dehydrated as the rider himself. Idly each of them licked their lips once or twice to try and keep them moist but the air sucked it out to fast resulting in cracks that would have to be later slathered with numbweed – provided the crop had taken well this turn; or if they could steal some, now they had become deserters… too loyal to their own roots for their own good.

Five days they had spent like this… each morning they would pick out the furthest landmark they could see, then spend the day aimless combing over the land for something… anything they could use… and still there was nothing to show for their work other than a few hastily drawn lines on a bit of hide. Nothing… to prove that even Weyrs had existed here in the past. Two days ago they had stopped by what might have been their Fort Weyr once… but the bowl itself had been near leveled… and filled in by a sea of molten fire. They had seen that before… after the cataclysm ended, they and a group rders had flown north to see what remained. The ground around the destroyed bowl had been deceptively stable and a few of the riders had stepped down onto it… before the molten lake objected to their presence. Of those who had braved the bowl that day only this deserting bronzerider remained… with only half of his chest intact... the rest had been taken as payment for his insolence.

“Find anything?” came the question to break the silence. The tone used by the bronzerider had no expectations in it, they had gone to long without finding anything that it had become a trend. There was also the fact the question had become rather obligatory as well as rhetorical and pointless.

“Nothing, its just as barren as it looks…” was the flat toned and simple reply from the blue dragon’s side as Az’uka stuffed the map away again. He then slumped against his dragon and let himself lower to the ground under what shade the large blue offered. Az’uka’s eyes closed and he could feel himself sweltering under the pressing heat of the sun… five days had passed since they reported in; tomorrow was the technically the last one. When they could return to Southern Weyr… a decision which plagued them both… The trip between was already on his mind like a fever, they could escape this infernal heat, even if only for a few seconds. When between one could almost forget the state Pern was now in…but blissful ignorance was a thing of the past – even though it was still occasionally practiced. Beyond this barren waste towards what remained was anyone’s guess. Now there were just flecks of livable land if you looked close enough; but other than that… nothing… It was almost a sin that the south did so well when one saw this… Perhaps a little delirious from the long expedition a smirk crossed the older rider’s face and he spoke again… parched throat barely making out the words.

“Almost makes you wish that the damn snow would melt… bit of flooding might do this place some good.” Was the remark that rasped out of him… “Would give us something to drink too...” As he finished that line something thumped him in the chest and he looked down to see a water skin that Tay’ds had tossed at him and then arched an accusing eyebrow at the younger rider.

“One of us had to come prepared,” came the remark at seeing his friend’s look.

“Jerk…” muttered Az’uka in a joking manner before opening the skin and taking a much needed swing. As tempting as it was to drink all of it he didn’t, its taste was odd… tangy in the mouth. Part of that was because it was warm and the rest was because it had been drawn from a source that wasn’t fully clean. It wouldn’t kill them in small amounts, but it certainly didn’t do your system any favors other than to keep you hydrated a few moments.



[OoC heh… my boys… ya know ‘em and I know ya love ‘em. Feel free to come and find ‘em they are about 5 hours / candlemarks flight from Cais but don’t even know it. They are deserters of the south… they think that SOMETHING needs to be done, whereas most southern riders are content to sit on their butts in the relative wealth the south was blessed with.]

[OoC - PS. Being from the South the most Az and Tay know about the North is that most riders would be Rebels or like them - Deserters. So if they see another dragon, they are more likely to RUN first, and ask questions later. *grin* full speed flight through exploding ravines is gonna be FUN!]

[Cryptic]

Why are we coming here again? it's depressing Iella. Myth asked as he flew above the worst of the volcanic fumes that still jetted up in places from the bad lands.

Because I keep hoping that I'll find something that's survived. Iella replied as she strained her eyes to pierce the smog below. She wiped her goggles with the sleeve of her jacket and readjusted her mask.

Scorch it Iella, everything down there has been... wait... what's that down there? I think it's a dragon!

Down then. they may be hurt. Iella ordered, pressing herself tightly to Myth's neck as he dove anticipating her order.

Who's are you? Where are you from? blue bugled his challenge as he back winged to hover over the grounded pair.

[cheddarness8]

A'dest lay low on his bronze's wide neck, keeping the wind resistance down as his broad-winged Tsiersath dove and weaved his way across the craggy, barren landscape. They crested the cliffs as low as they were able to, considering Tsiersath's size, and the pair stayed tight to the ground, wary of flying too high on this trip. A'dest had been surprised when his dragon told them that Airith wanted them go on a short expedition, and keep it quiet. She thought she had felt other dragons, strangers, in the distance, and had asked the Wingleaders to investigate. The bronzerider had chosen one of his best wingriders, Ste'kal and his blue Kazooth. The rider was known to have very sharp eyes and was an asset to his wing. The blue was enthusiastic, and they would need his energy on the long search for the incoming riders. A'dest didn't know if they were deserters, rebels, or if they'd just gotten themselves lost. In any case, just the journey to meet them was a dangerous one, but who was to say what may happen when they come across the riders.

As they banked the top of a hill, Tsiersath rumbled, glancing back to make sure Kazooth was staying close.

A'dest, the other dragons are close. I can feel them.

Nodding as though his dragon might have seen it, A'dest clung to the straps as his bronze banked hard to avoid a rough landing on the dusty earth below them.

We're making good time. Don't give them any kind of greeting because we don't know if they're friend-

Just before them rose a cliff, and on it lay two unmistakable forms- a darkish blue, and the biggest bronze dragon he had possibly ever laid eyes on. The blue he wasn't familiar with, but the giant bronze could only be a beast he had encountered at his two turns at Southern Weyr. But above them- He recognized the blue. Not one of his own, but Sta'tis's, in Fort Wing. A'dest's eyes flashed behind his riding goggles, wondering what to make of this.

What in the name of Faranth's egg does Iella think she's doing? Tsiersath, tell her to get back to Caislean, and make sure Kazooth follows us in! Damnit, if I'd known we'd have had our cover blown by that silly bluerider I would have brought more men. This is exactly why women should be kept off fighting dragons!

Tsiersath pulled his wings in close to his lithe body, arching into a graceful dive straight for the cliff face where the strange pair rested. Oh if he didn't have an assignment, if he had time to get his claws on that Myth-

Myth and Iella! This is A'dest and Tsiersath, Wingleaders of Benden Wing at Caislean. You two return to the Weyr this instant! ... Kazooth? Keep close. We'll confront them. If they run, we'll chase. If they fight, we'll fight. Though, they're not in any position to resist.

The striped bronze slid to a stop on the cliff top, stirring only slight dust as he landed. He arched his neck proudly to show he had no fear of them, and would not tolerate any backlash. It would be a strange day when Tsiersath backed down, even from the bronze who might give any queen a run for her money. A'dest sat silently on Tsiersath's neck, watching the two riders shrewdly as they rested under their dragons' wings, probably trying to escape the heat, which he didn't blame them for. Now that they had stopped moving and were sitting in the sun, he could feel the perspiration bead up on his forehead.

Tilting his head, Tsiersath leaned towards them slightly, curious. He HAD seem them before, at Southern Weyr..

What brings you to Caislean Weyr lands, brothers?

[Cryptic]

Myth's head snapped up in surprise, so fast Iella winced as she felt a sympathetic twinge in her own neck. What did we do? came the shocked reply as the blue began to gain height to make a safe jump Between. We where just exploring... And Stat and Math know where we are.

Don't bother Myth, we're not gonna get anything out of Stick-up-his-bum except KP duty and First Rider's only knows what. Iella replied as they drew level with the other wing pair. "They don't look so hot," the blue rider called across the distance. "I was about to call for someone, then offer them medical assistance."

This post has been edited by Cryptic on Apr 3 2009, 06:03 AM

[draconafin]

Long silences were no longer something that was awkward; they had been for a few candlemarks leading up to the decision of leaving Southern behind for good. They had been agreed on the fact that doing nothing was not helping anyone and if the ancient legends held any stock to them then they were all in grave danger in a few turns or less. That distant redstar was drawing closer again and even Nilzuth and Kaytath did not like the possible outcome of such an approach. Even so… there was something about silences that were inventible these days, the land was silent and dying… unless you listened closely, then it might almost be begging for help. Whatever it was these two riders were somewhat determined to find away to restore what had been lost, even if it meant their starting point had to be turning their back on the own Weyr. Some things never went the way you wanted them too. Az’uka eyed the flask still in his hand, debating a second sip and thought better off it. If they were going though with their leaving the South plan they would need all the blessings they could get and water was just one of them. Making sure the top was clearly fastened he tossed it back to his friend who merely hung it off his hip.

Silence continued, it was almost safe in away, if it was silent then the two riders were alone in this wasteland. Which meant they would not run into any of the terrors that various expeditions told about told their return to the Southern Weyr. Riders who came back did so with tales… tales of ruthless rogues who rode dragons and would flame other’s out of the sky. With the noble sentiments that ran though riders that tale was a little hard to swallow at times… until you rode North and saw that the great fissures the cataclysm had made were lined with loose firestone… free for the taking. Knowing that made the idea of murderous riders easier to believe… and being a rider, with a dragon they could be anywhere or go anywhere. Other tales spoke of deserters, just like Az’uka and Tay’dis would become when they failed to report in with the rising sun. Deserters were said to go insane… said to eat other riders or other beings in order to survive… and as their sanity slipped further and further way they became rebels. Perhaps all this hosilte land would breed would be more hostility… perhaps they should just go back to the one place on Pern that seemed unaffected…

It was their stubbornness to find new hope that held them to their decision to leave. Pern should be what they – riders – wanted to make it. Not that any rider would turn away help if it was offered to them … nor would they let others suffer… that was the nobility breed into them from the first riders. The last believable piece of all those ledges of peace… too much had changed too soon… and now their very lives depended on obedience to a Weyr that seemed content to hang onto the small strands of fertile land in the south. If the first riders had really come from beyond the Dawn Sisters then was it not the duty as modern riders to try and reclaim what was theirs… this planet … Pern… and yet she had turned on them.

Between seemed spread through the two riders as a sound that could have only been made by a dragon rattled though the air. The sound should have been awe inspiring, should have been friendly, welcoming… and number of those things and more. Instead it chilled the two ex-Southern riders to the bones. Both Nilzuth and Kaytath reached; snarling deeply the large bronze got to his feet with enough force to shake the butte under them; his long talons leaving marks in the soft crumbling surface that had been chosen as their rest point. His rumble wasn’t as deep as it could have been, but with the one issued from Nilzuth the two dragons made enough noise that any spineless rider might flee in the face of them. Sometimes the best offence was a defense, and considering the fact that neither dragon had eaten since the expedition had started they were in no contention for a brawl, much less with other dragons. Yet, despite the so called warning issued by both dragons the dark blue drew closer, close enough that a rider cold be made out on his back. Nilzuth snarled, loader this time, making a mock lunge forwards, which Kaytath stopped, practically bellowing towards the new comer. This was still just a show, if it came to blows both the dragons on the butte wouldn’t last too long.

Their dragons might have thought to hold off the new comer with snarls and elaborate displays, but even a sun blinded wher could see that neither the blue nor the bronze would hold up much in the way of a fight. It was that very fact that had both riders reaching for their belt knifes if that other rider thought to land. They needed to get out of her and fast… Both Az’uka and Tay’dis had come to a second agreement after deciding to leave the south; that they would look out for each other. They had been friends too long not to promise each other that. The two caught each other’s eye and nodded, they were in this together if it killed them. As fate would have it, something – another dragon – caught the attention of the bluerider, and both rider and dragon pulled back between, perhaps too lazy to fly. Even so the second rider wasn’t all that far away…Farnath had cursed the deserters… Keeping one wary eye on the newcomers both Az’uka and Tay’dis slipped up behind their snarling dragons, grabbing for the riding straps. This little charade would not hold out… they had to be ready to run… or be prepared to lose their lives on the spot.

The bronze wants to know what we’re doing here relayed Kaytath to both his rider and Az’uka.

Oh, we’re not staying… commented the rider and he caught sight of Az’uka’s nod. They were going to get the Fall out of here. Both securely mounted now the rider’s pressed closer to their dragon’s necks. The thick spicy scent of their Weyrmates, almost drowning out the desolate state of Pern and the situation they were now in. As he drew closer that striped bronze almost looked familiar, but this was not time to reminisce about anything. Nilzuth ambled up to the side of the butte and leapt off, wings firmly plastered to his side still and seconds later Kaytath followed suit. Leaving the unknown bronzerider to land on an empty cliff top. Neither the two dragons, nor their riders had missed the way that bronze had arched his neck, he wasn’t afraid of them… meaning they were screwed. A fight was not an option, and their so called option was pretty damn slim… they were going to see if they could out fly these foreign riders. Apparently wingless the two dragons dropped like stones towards the wastelands. Wings only snapping open at the last possible moment, creating a billow of dust that swallowed them both from sight. The race of their lives had just begun…

[cheddarness8]

A'dest blinked and leaned forward, squinting slightly against the glare of the midday sun shining off the clifftop. The riders were shuffling about, getting up, perhaps coming over to have a word themselves. Not seeing any harm in it, A'dest waited patiently, satisfied to think that the bronze and blue riders were going to cooperate. When the pair suddenly turned tail and fled across the clifftop at a surprising speed, the young bronzerider was taken aback. He and his dragon both stared, dumbfounded, as the former Southern men and dragons fled from them.

Tsiersath, what... What did they say? What are they doing?

The bronze arched his neck and danced angrily on the cracked ground, his eyes washing over in red. He had been nearly mute since birth, and as frustrating as it was, couldn't give the pair the angry trumpet he thought that they seriously deserved.

Traitorous wherries! Deserter scum! Their hides are MINE!

Thrown back as his dragon took off in a furious fit behind the pair, A'dest clenched his teeth and clung to the wherhide beneath him, glad for his goggles and gear as Tsiersath rent the ground as he ran, billowing up dust and grit. He didn't see the purpose of Tsiersath getting so haughty, as it would only drive the strangers further away, but A'dest knew that if his weyrmate didn't get fired up, he may not be fast enough to catch that big bronze. The rider shut his eyes tightly and gripped the straps harder as his dragon rocked the world beneath him, leaping off the cliff face into nothingness. As they dropped seemingly out of control, A’dest felt like he was caught up in some horrible nightmare; never had he and his dragon had any reason to put themselves at such risk. Expeditions were dangerous, yes, but they involved dodging and weaving, not throwing yourself recklessly off the tops of cliffs! Despite his goggles, A’dest couldn’t make himself open his eyes, every bone in his body humming with the sheer force of the wind as they plummeted.

Tsiersath closed his clear eyelid as he dove in pursuit of the rebel pair, wings held tight to his body as he let gravity take him downward. He would get both the bronze and the blue, and they would regret ever crossing him. When the backlash of dust suddenly billowed up into his face, Tsiersath was unprepared. Terrified and thinking it a trap, he forced his wings to unfurl with a great crack, catching their descent and pulling them both up out of the dive with tremendous force. The dragon shook his head and clacked his teeth as he glided shakily far above the bottom of the ravine, a little dazed by the maneuver. He hung in the air, watching for the pair to exit the cloud. Either they would come out or the dust would be gone soon.

Don’t worry, A’dest, we haven’t lost them. … A’dest?

Whipping his head around to look at his rider, the bronze thrashed at the air in dismay. A’dest lay completely limp in the straps, out cold from the force that gravity exerted on his body during their last perilous move. Blood was dripping from his nose, and he made no noise, even as Tsiersath began to creel. The dragon was mute for the most part, and what sound he could make was limited, but this was a horrible noise, a kind of strained whistle like a dying animal. The noise peeled and echoed over and over down the ravine, a piteous cry of a dragon lost and riderless.

As upset as he was, Tsiersath knew he must go on. Banking in an attempt to avoid the billowing dust, he peered down below in desperate search for the other riders. While flying, he could feel his unconscious rider flopping about on his neck. A'dest would understand and thank him for being strong later when they had both the scumbags in their clutch and under the retribution of him and the Weyr.

[draconafin]

Tay’dis felt his head reel a little and explosive ache rippled down his back from the power which Kaytath had used to slow himself. The mauver was dangerous there was no doubt about it... but it was something he and Az’uka had practised when they were younger riders. Az’uka having mastered it turns before the bronzerider. It still hurt though... he could feel his own bones and muscles as well as Kaytath’s humming with the vibrating effect of the sudden stop. Practise had insured that both riders and their dragons were still conscious, leaning in closer to the dragon’s necks had caused not only a drop in wind resistance but they were lest likely to bounce around in the straps and snap something. He remembered to well the time Az’uka had dislocated his shoulder when showing him the incorrect way to make the rapid dive. Their Wingleader had been livid; and the bluerider had mentioned – grinningly – that is Weyrling Master had turned a much brighter shade of red the first time he had done it. This was no time to waste on memories though; he could hear the foreboding crack of wings above them ... the stripped bronze had opened his wings ... and they had run out of vertical drop...

Az’uka was still pressed to his dragon’s neck as Nizulth traded vertical movement for horizontal movement. His ears were singing with the force of the plunge, but he forced himself to listen to their surroundings. Already he could hear the thick laboured wing strokes of his own dragon; and Kaytath’s followed close behind. Slightly slower as the dragon was much larger and needed less effort to cover the same distance. Hearing the third pair of wings the bluerider could have sworn he almost heard between vibrating off them... and it seeped into his being. They were still being chased... ‘Think’ he scowled himself... he had been a Weyrling Master for few turns; surely he had seen or taught something that might help them. With their dust cover dissipating he needed a plan and fast... the more distance they could put between themselves and this stripped bronze the better. A short distance ahead of them the bluerider caught sight of a formation that had once been alien too him... but now was far too common. It was a collection of geysers and judging by that shrinking cloud of mist over them they were due to go off soon. If he and Tay’dis could get across the over side before they blew they would sever to slow their pursuer down a little if he was taken off guard.

Traitorous wherries! Deserter scum! Their hides are MINE! The mental rumble of the stripped bronze reached both riders and their dragon’s redoubled their efforts to get out of the way. Although it was already clear that the younger beast was better rested than these two deserters...

Kaytath dropped half a wing stroke and turned after the streak of deep blue that was Nilzuth; there was no hiding the dark blue now that the dust cloud they had kicked up was completely gone. Even if some of it had settled on the hides and straps. He felt Tay’dis draw closer to his neck again and pounded his wings in another ground covering stroke after his friend. Through his dragon’s eyes the bronzerider saw the land mark his friend was making for... geysers ... Farath... ‘tath... tell him he’s crazy.... remarked Tay’dis as he was struck by the realization of what his friend had planned.

Apparently that is the point... if they think we’re crazy they’ll give up... or at least that’s what Az’uka is thinking Nilzuth told Tay’dis; rather than wasting time on another message relay from him to Kaytath and then to Tay’dis. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust the bronze... it was just that the less they chatted the more they could focus on getting through this field without literarily scotching their tailforks. Streamlining his wings as best he could Nilzuth beat his wings stronger and plunged for the field; slicing his way as best he could through the supper heated air.

Perhaps more wary than his friend Kaytath followed suit; warning his rider to shut his mouth, unless he wanted a fast dehydration treatment. Feeling his rider clamp down the bronze powered for the field and shot most the way over it before he rumbled in shock. A geyser to his right opened up and blasted scowling water skywards and while he barrel rolled away from it he was still caught on to the tip of his board wings. Subjecting the scowl to the heated air around them didn’t do much for the bronze dragon’s comfort, but he twisted after his friend as the other geysers rumbled to life behind them.