Casual Exchange... [Open]

[funkkeh]

[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,table][atrb=width,450,table] [th] [atrb=cellSpacing,0,true]

[bg=F3BE72] The sun was hung high in the mid-afternoon sky. It emanated a bright tangerine glow with reds and yellows scattered about in between. Big white clouds stood out against the multicolored horizon, drifting lazily in their endless trek across the atmosphere. There would be no rain today, or tomorrow either by the looks of it. The air was too crisp and dry, the humidity was low. This day was one of the most beautiful this week, it was warm and sunny. There was a fresh, cool breeze caressing every living and non-living thing within its gentle reach. Dragons and firelizards lazily basked on the warm stones, a truly enjoyable day it was. Such a blessing of a day would not go unused either, not in T’lons book. He was lying on his bed in his quarters, the sun shining in on him through the small window. He was facing the mountains, staring off into the land. His thoughts raced, as the normally would. Thoughts of his past, present, and future ran around in and out of his mind. He had been longing to visit the new Weyr, Skysong Weyr. He had not yet been there since the Weyrwoman had banished the ‘freaks’ as she had dubbed them. It was about time he had done so, in his opinion. Such a lovely day it, was; a good day to travel on a spur-of-the-moment whim. T’lon sat up on his bed, running his finger through his short dirty blonde hair. A short yawn escaped him as he outstretched his arms and legs, falling back onto the bed. He arose, once again, grabbing his wher-hide boots. He pulled his socks up and stood stretching his legs for a moment. He reached for his riding gear, holding the pants and slipping them on over his satin-like underwear. He then put on his boots, remaining shirtless. He then sprayed himself with cologne and put on his black shirt before putting on his heavy riding jacket. The young Weyrleader then made his way to the dragon weyrs. He found Norenth’s and smiled, watching the massive dragon bask on his stone bench. ”What do you think about visiting Skysong, Norrie?”

[/b] He said aloud, grabbing his face-cloth and riding goggles from the shelf against the wall. ”I think it’s a splendid idea, rider mine. I would very much enjoy a visit to see my sons and daughters.”[/color] Norenth replied to T’lon, he noticed a hint of longing in his dragon’s voice. He smiled and removed Norenths gear from the wall. Norenth rose, front end lowered. T’lon placed the seat across his massive serpentine neck, laying it to rest between the beasts should blades. He secured the straps across his broad chest and fastened those to the ones behind his legs. Norenth opened his mouth and T’lon slid in the thin bit to the back of his mouth, carefully avoiding his sharp teeth. He fastened the bridle around Norenths massive head, strapping it between his horns. He then vaulted into the saddle, holding tight to the reigns.

Norenth rose, standing tall and proud overlooking his Weyr. This was to be a memorable day for him and T’lon both. It had been several turns since the Weyrwoman had banished the ‘mutants’ and thus rejected more than half the clutch. Norenth had sired them and it hurt him to see his prodigy sent away as if they were bad seed. Now he would finally have the chance to see how his children had grown and transformed into proud and humble dragons. He was excited and thrilled to be given this opportunity. He buckled down, transferring his weight and immediately thrust himself and his rider into the air. Large, well muscled wings pumped in unison propelling the pair higher and higher in until they reached a more desirable altitude. He then leveled out his wide spread wings, gliding on the powerful updraft. It wouldn’t take long to get there by flight. They could just travel between but it was just too beautiful today to miss the scenery on the way.

The pair had finally closed in upon the distant Weyr. Skysong was within their sights and their spirits soared with them. They were anxious, Norenth to see his offspring and T’lon to discuss issues. He hoped to meet with the weyrwoman. It was pretty certain to him that their arrival would not go unnoticed. Such a large bronze and handsome rider was sure to draw attention. The Weyrbowl was only a short distance away, quite nice actually. The jungle trees that surrounded gave it a nice, wild sort of appearance. ”Let’s land down there Norrie, next to the river.”[/b] T’lon said to his partner, he was a bit thirsty and wanted to quench himself before engaging in a conversation with someone. Maybe he could score some action with a pretty young candidate. Only a desire though, he wasn’t going to go looking for an affair. A smile crossed his lips at the thought. He was truly a philanderer and a good one at that. His mistress did not satisfy his needs so he quenched them like his thirst.

The duet landed in the bowl, close to the river banks. Norenth tucked in his massive wings and stretched his head out to the river and sipped the cool water. It was very refreshing. He then looked around; there were no dragons in the skies the he could see. Odd, maybe they were all just sunning themselves as he would be doing if he were on his stone bench back at Fort. The behemoth lowered his bulky frame to the ground; the lush grasses cushioned him and were very comforting. T’lon leapt from his seat and made his way over to the river, cupping his hand and dipping it into the pristine stream. He retracted to his mouth and drank the cool water; it had a slightly metallic yet fresh taste. The young man wiped his mouth with the back of his hands then wiped his palms on his pants legs.

Hazel eyes scanned the area; he witnessed no signs of the presence of anyone. At least not yet, it was only a matter of time before word of their arrival spread throughout the Weyr. They came with the best of intentions and were set in proving this to the Weyrfolk. He had read the letter that the spy had sent his mistress, yes indeed. He had had enough of her games. They needed to be put to a stop and quickly before she ended up destroying a new race of dragon. T’lon knew of the new clutch, and wanted to see it for himself. Norenth wanted to see his daughter; it filled him with pride to know his queen had produced such a nice clutch. He wanted to see this revolutionary spectacle for himself as well. Maybe this visit would turn out to be more than a casual exchange of words. Only time would tell…

OOC:
Words: 1163
Muse: Fairly Good
For: Weyrwoman, Anyone Else
Notes: Admin, can you enable HTML please, I worked hard on this postie x.x
[/blockquote] [/color] [/size][/font] [atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][/td][/tr][tr][td][bg=F3BE72][atrb=border,0,table] [th] [/th][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][/td][/tr] [/table]

[Astarte]

Whether J'no liked it or not, records needed to be kept, and the Weyr wouldn't write its own supply lists. With Asmyra busy with the clutch, J'no had agreed to take on the lists made by the hastily-appointed Headwoman, and though he couldn't say he was particularly fond of them, he certainly completed them with scientific precision. There were things that needed to be done, and by Faranth, J'no would do them!

And the sooner he finished this, the sooner he could finish the letters he had been writing to the Holds at Landing, explaining the predicament of his Weyr and offering the hand of truce (as well as requesting a tithe). He was not sure how those of Southern would react to the strangely-coloured dragons he would be sending, but he had faith in his abilities to persuade others. (The fact that he would likely be sending the most attractive of the Iridescentriders and the most burly of the Crimsonriders would certainly be a bonus to his plans.)

Dragon! Strange dragon and strange rider! Intruders!

The words blazed to life like a shriek in J'no's mind, followed by the deafening roar of challenge that could only be brought from the mouth of a furious Crimson. There was something out there that was not supposed to be there, and Anmedlath would not have it! Another roar ripped from his chest, and from the commotion outside, J'no could tell his dragon had straightened up from where he was basking in the sun. He stood from his desk with a soft sigh, moving out onto the ledge where Anmedlath rested, or rather, didn't rest.

He pushed into Anmedlath's mind, taking hold of the fury and gripping it tightly enough that Anmedlath was momentarily paralyzed. What? he snapped at the dragon, already moving to pick up Anmedlath's riding straps and set them around his neck. There was little time to waste if there was an intruder, and J'no doubted that Anmedlath would rage like this for no reason. Carefully, he eased up on the hold he kept on his dragon, and Anmedlath gave another shriek before answering his rider.

Strange bronze and rider, reeking of, kill! Just before Anmedlath's thoughts changed track abruptly, J'no got an impression of Fort, and he made a soft noise of displeasure. Tightening Anmedlath's straps, he turned to where the Crimson's gaze had homed itself. A rather magnificent bronze, though made smaller with distance and in comparison to Anmedlath's size. And a rider?

Alert the Queen, J'no snapped to Anmedlath, swinging up onto dragonback and quickly fastening his straps even as Anmedlath broadcasted Intruder, intruder, intruder! to the Weyr at large and leaped from the ledge. There was a moment of terrifying freefall, and then the massive wings snapped open and yet another vicious noise escaped Anmedlath as he dropped toward the Weyrbowl.

The bronze looked vaguely familiar, but there was no proof J'no had...could it be? He wasn't sure, and Anmedlath certainly didn't remember.

[Kyla]

Asmyra was resting peacefully on her cot in the Hatching Grounds, she had spent long hours beside her Queen in the last sevenday, waiting for the hatching to occur which she guessed was to happen any day now. Zarinth rested peacefully, her eggs within her reach and the Queen eggs within her forearms. She woke to an alarm from Anmedlath, ”Strange Bronze outside!”[/color] She cried waking her rider from her slumber and charged outside to block the entrance to the hatching grounds, roaring a challenge to the newcomer. Zarinth stood at her full height with her wings spread, tail lashing and hissing. From their weyrs and ledges several of the Weyr’s dragons answered her and Anmedlath’s warnings with bellows of alarm and challenges.

Half in shock and half enraged the Weyrwoman ran after her dragon and out into the bowl where J’no and Anmedlath were already there. “Bronze rider identify yourself!” She ordered while reassuring her dragon. ”Don’t worry no one is going to let him get near your clutch.” Asmyra glared at the Bronzerider, her blue eyes seemed to suddenly frost over. “If you’re here to steal eggs or harm any of our dragons you have the whole Weyr to answer to!” Her claim was backed up by Zarinth’s roar which once again caused the other dragons to answer back. Asmyra didn’t care the Weyr was in an uproar she wanted answers.

[funkkeh]

An orchestra of dragons resounded, some in unison. Their rage filled roars echoed as if they were in a cave. Norenth immediately rose from the cushioned ground, standing tall with muscles taught. The behemoth stretched out his long serpentine neck towards the sky; lifting his massive adorned head high above his shoulders. He spread his wings, flaring them out wide at an angel. T’lon smiled eager to finally meet the Weyrfolk. He casually strode over to his dragon’s side, patting the beast on his flexed forearm. Norenth’s thick tail thrashed about in anticipation of the oncoming meeting. It would be soon, but how soon was unclear.

It was then that the massive Crimson and his rider plummeted from the sky. The sound that followed was like a big red bomb had been dropped into the Weyrbowl. A dust cloud erupted and then dissipated as quickly as it had appeared. The pair eyed the Crimson and his rider, watching their every motion. Footsteps sounded off in a speedy tempo a diminutive distance away. T’lon witnessed a young woman running on foot to meet them. Apparently she knew the rider, for she was standing close to them. They both had looks of fright and sheer unsettlement on their faces. Norenth looked the Crimson over studying his unusual hue and adornments. Such a large beast he was, but only by a few feet. The Bronze heaved a lungful of air and snorted loudly, sensing the other brute’s displeasure in their arrival.

As the unknown female came to a halt close to the others, her words rang out and met T’lons ears. Steal eggs, harm dragons? Pshh, nonsense. But of course how were they to know of his intentions? Unless they could read minds, in which case they would know that the pair had no such plans. They were only here for a casual exchange of information, and for Norenth to be reunited with his offspring. Though, the first seemed as if he wanted no part of it. ”Of course, M’lady; straight to the formalities. My name is T’lon, the Weyrleader of Fort Weyr. This here is Norenth, co-founder of your dragons.” He rubbed Norenth’s forearm as he spoke. As soon as he touched the beast, he flinched. The bronze was enthralled in the moment. ”We most definitely are not here to start a ruckus or to steal your eggs. I wouldn’t even dream of harming a dragon either. My mistress may be a cruel and judgmental being, but I am not. I merely bring a piece of information I believe you need to know.” He spoke casually and truthfully, with an emphasis on ‘need’.

Norenth began to calm down a bit; he relaxed himself slightly and pulled his wings back to his sides. A deep rumble erupted from far within his broad chest. It sounded like a mixture of a grunt and a purr…a very odd noise indeed. His eyes were swirling a mixture of colors, orange and teal. He was very excited to finally meet one of his offspring, and what a nice example he was! Norenth felt proud, almost holy in his pride. T’lon felt his pleasure and a content smile played on his thin lips. He removed his goggles and face-cloth, revealing his appearance to the others. He probably should’ve done so before now but, oh well. He then unzipped his riding coat; it was getting quite hot in there, too warm to stand in at least. He removed his jacket, laying it to the side along with the rest of his gear.

”Mine, shouldn’t we have brought the letter?’

[/color] Norenths words sprang into his mind. ”Shards…I knew I forgot something. I’ll get Vega to bring it.”[/color] He connected his mind to that of his firelizard, sending her mental pictures of the letter and its local. A moment later, a beautiful golden firelizard appeared. She had brought the message with her traveling between. The little metallic serpent landed upon T’lon shoulder after placing the letter in his open palm. He reached into his side pouch and pulled out a meaty reward for her services. She happily gobbled it down, licking the rim of her mouth afterwards. Her eyes changed to a bright blue as she crooned with pleasure. T’lon grasped the letter firmly, holding it up in front of his welcome party. He shook it back and forth for a second before lowering his arm and taking a few steps toward the woman.

”I’m assuming you are the Weyrwoman, correct? If so, I believe you have the right to know what’s going on behind your back. I found this in my mistress’s room, of course being her partner I read it. Her business is my own and of course, this is not. It alarmed me greatly to learn of these doings. I took it upon myself to come and warn you that you have a traitor in your midst. I don’t know who, but it is a certainty M’lady.”[/color] He said in all seriousness. He hated being a tattle-tale, but many lives were at stake in this case and it needed to be done. He did not agree with any of her ill decisions anyways, who was she to judge? Her Gold was the one who had hatched the ‘mutants’. Of course, Norenth had sired them but it does take two after all. If she were to kill these new dragons, it would be necessary to also put down their parents to prevent further ‘incidents’. T’lon was certain she would not agree to this, thus stating the fact she was only discriminating against the new colors and abilities. He stood anxiously awaiting their replies, hoping they would ease their worries and be grateful of his betrayal. This was a capital offense against his mistress, hopefully she wouldn’t find out.
[/blockquote][/size]

[Astarte]

Everything about Anmedlath was a threat display, even as he dropped into the Weyrbowl. J'no barely noticed the dragon's behaviour as he loosened his riding straps and dropped to the ground. He had enough of a hold on Anmedlath for the moment that he would keep the dragon from lunging at the stranger bronze, but he didn't stop the massive Crimson from lowering his head, mantling his wings, and giving the most menacing hiss J'no had ever heard. J'no, in the meantime, inspected the rider more closely. His suspicions had been confirmed, and his expression of cold anger turned to one of disdain, and he put his hands on his hips.

Before he could say anything, though, Zarinth's voice rang throughout the Weyr, answered by the small population with roars that multiplied a hundredfold as they echoed. Anmedlath answered the roar with an earsplitting shriek before J'no silenced him. They would let the rider, or rather the Weyrleader, speak. He watched with silence, though his expression for a moment turned queer as the Weyrleader spoke of the Weyrwoman, who had him only at her leisure, as his mistress. He would not return for another Flight if she heard that.

And then he offered the letter and J'no stepped forward, snatching it out of T'lon's hand with a neat flick of the wrist and bringing it to his eyes. His expression darkened and his eyes narrowed, and he handed the missive to Asmyra, staring at T'lon hard.

"I see," he answered, and for the moment, that was all he said. He could still feel Anmedlath in the background, that huge rumbling presence, as he faced Norenth, tail flicking and entire body rumbling with snarls.

Kill, he insisted to J'no, who didn't answer.

[spaceman]

Intruder, intruder, intruder!

Anmedlath's call to arms tore into Taikoth's thoughts, and through her O'sa heard as well. Dragon and rider roused, moved, acted as one. Seek the weyrleader. Defend the eggs. Repel the outsider.

They had been resting in their weyr, woman nestled into the crook of dragon's smooth shoulder, Taikoth drowsing and O'sa mending a buckle that had been chaffing her partner's obsidian hide. In an instant, however, both were on their feet. There was no time to secure the riding leathers onto Taikoth, and O'sa trusted that her other half would not let her fall. The woman simply snatched her flight goggles from their place and tugged them on impatiently, while Taikoth headed for the weyr's exit. A few long strides caught O'sa up to the dragon's shoulder -- she hooked one hand around a sturdy neckridge and swung herself astride the black dragon's neck, Taikoth dipping her shoulder and sweeping her wing back to assist. And then they were outside, the glass lenses of her flight goggles shielding her from the bright flare of Southern sunlight, and Taikoth dropped beneath her as she plunged from the weyr-edge, and they were between.

Taikoth had pinpointed the direction of the roars well, and O'sa knew the weyrbowl flawlessly. The black dragon burst from between at speed, passing low over the gathered dragons and answering Anmedlath's shriek with an unbridled scream of challenge to the strange bronze. It was all that O'sa could do to turn Taikoth, keep her from engaging the bronze directly, despite the fact that she was scant more than half his length and doubtless a fraction of his weight. Veering away wildly, the obsidian-hued dragon turned back on herself in midair to face the assembled trio: the familiar sight of the queen and her crimson consort, and one who was... almost familiar. But no. This bronze could not be from Fort Weyr, O'sa thought. The fools would not dare send only one dragon.

Landing lightly, wings still flared in challenge, Taikoth's eyes swirled the colors of fire as she called to the leaders of the weyr. At your order, Anmedlath, Zarinth. For the moment, the riders were speaking... But should any of them give the word, there would be dragon's blood on the sands.

[Kyla]

Asmyra mentally silenced her dragon and in return had her Queen silence the others. Zarinth took the liberty of walking up to stand near her rider, her eyes whirling with orange and red of anger stood out brightly against her dark purple hide. The Amethyst Queen silenced but rumbled her displeasure as she stood fluttering her wings and stretching her neck. She already dwarfed the Bronze but felt the need to continue her territorial display.

The least Asmyra could do was introduce herself, even if Fort Weyr was against them she could still be civil until they crossed the line. “I am Weyrwoman Asmyra, rider of Amethyst Zarinth.” She felt slightly better as she got the feeling that the Weyrleader and Weyrwoman of Fort Weyr didn’t seem to see eye to eye.

Asmyra took the missive from J’no and carefully read it over and even reread it to make sure she had seen it right. ”We shall find the traitor and rid of him from the Weyr,”[/color] the Amethyst replied with such venom in her voice that it shocked her rider, but Asmyra couldn’t blame her for wanting to defend her Weyr. “It seems our suspicions were right then.” She spoke aloud, more to J’no than anyone else and turned around right in time to see Taikoth and O’sa land near them.

“O’sa you need to read this as well.” She said offering the woman the letter and turned back to the Bronzerider. The Weyrwoman trusted the rider and her Black dragon and knew they could be helpful in their search. Asmyra then turned back to the Bronzerider, “If we are going to trust you, you need to tell us anything and everything you know. It doesn’t sound like you and your Weyrwoman are what one would call ideal Weyrmates. Does she spend a lot of time with another rider perhaps that seems to come and go?” If he wanted her trust he was going to have to prove himself and help out.

”Send the traitor between!” Zarinth hissed, voicing her outrage to all the dragons present, even Norenth. “They will be dealt with after we question and find them.” Asmyra assured her, patting the dragon’s forearm.

[funkkeh]

Weyrfolk, such up-tight and defensive people they are. One would think that if he was putting himself and his position on the line to help that they would be a little appreciative. T’lons smile was fading, and at an alarmingly quick rate. It ceased to exist when the crimson-rider snatched the letter from his open palm. His brow furrowed, displeasure was written on his features. He watched intently as the man read the letter and then passed it to the Weyrwoman. Judging by the way the rider was acting, he was probably the Weyrleader. He huffed a short breath as a dull smirk crept onto his lips. J’no struck him as an arrogant man, one with little self-restraint. T’lon was almost positive his true nature would show, and fast. He returned to Norenth’s side, leaning on the bronze beast’s thick forearm. The dragon was growing very ill at the way the crimson was acting; he may be a few feet larger but Norenth was far more experienced with age and wisdom.

What a situation this was becoming, quite awkward and trying. Norenth’s massive head turned towards the sands as movement caught his eye. T’lon, too, turned and watched keenly as the Amethyst queen made her way into the bowl, next to her rider. T’lons attention then turned to the Weyrwoman, watching her expression as she read the letter then handed it to O’sa. She looked worried, but not surprised. “If we are going to trust you, you need to tell us anything and everything you know. It doesn’t sound like you and your Weyrwoman are what one would call ideal Weyrmates. Does she spend a lot of time with another rider perhaps that seems to come and go?” His crooked smile returned as she uttered the phrase about ‘ideal Weyrmates’. No, they were nowhere near being ideal. His ideal Weyrmate would not be so quick to judge by appearances and would be reasonable.

”No mam, we don’t exactly see eye to eye on much of anything. Thus, we really don’t spend much time together. To answer your question, no. I’ve not noticed anyone suspicious, but when I return I can promise I will be watching.”

[/color] Norenths chest rumbled and a very low frequency growl erupted from deep within. He was growing very tired of these threat displays, he was older and considered himself the dominant figure. He was, after all, their sire. The queen’s hiss sent a chill along his spine and his wings flared wide, pulling his head high into the air with a snarl on his thin reptilian lips. ”Mine, I grow tired of these games. We are not welcome here…”[/b][/color] Norenths angered voice spread into T’lons mind, he felt his dragons anger rising by the second. Maybe it was time they began home. Norenth lowered himself enough for T’lon to mount him then raised once again, wings still flared. He returned the bone wrenching hiss, his head lowered in a defensive yet un-submissive posture.

Not wanting the situation to escalate, T’lon readied himself and Norenth for travel. He replaced his thick jacket and face-cloth though he saved the goggles for the last minute. ”Weyrwoman, I would like to say it was a pleasure to meet you but due to the circumstances I cannot. This situation is becoming a bit too edgy and I feel we are intruding; it’s about time we returned home. I can assure you I will keep a close watch on the coming and goings and notify you of any further information.”[/color] He nodded to her and waited a moment, in case she had anything else to say. Quite frankly her words and opinions were the only ones that even mattered to him. The others’ presences were only hindering him from further peaceful conversation with the Weyrwoman. These, of course, were only his feelings though. If there were to be a next time, he hoped to have a private one-on-one discussion of the facts.
[/blockquote][/size]

[Astarte]

Stand down, Anmedlath.

The Crimson's behaviour didn't at all bother J'no, but apparently it was putting the Fort Weyrleader and his dragon into a bit of a tizzy. J'no kept the amusement off his face as he regarded the pair; it wasn't hard. Were they leaving already? Really? His expression, if anything, hardened, and he continued to stare at the pair, almost thoughtfully. Tell Taikoth to stand down. He hadn't reacted to the woman and her Black, but their arrival had been impossible to miss. He knew they were there, and he appreciated, in his own strange way, their backup.

At ease, Taikoth.

"You must forgive Taikoth," J'no said coldly, watching T'lon move back to his bronze with something that again almost resembled amusement. "She is the only one of her kind, and she is...protective of the Weyr. Her behaviour is justified, if what you say is true." And he paused for a moment, glancing at Anmedlath, who had quieted himself and sat back on his haunches at J'no's command. His eyes still flickered orange, and there was no hiding his anger in that outlet, but he otherwise gave every appearance of being a polite, mildmannered Weyrleader. It was delightfully misleading.

And then T'lon tried to make his goodbyes, and J'no's expression immediately snapped back to neutral. "No, T'lon, I think that might be a bit unwise. I'd prefer you stay for a bit, to be honest. Giving us a piece of information like this and then running off...almost seems like you're hiding something, doesn't it?"

If he tries to leave, you and Zarinth will order Norenth out of the sky, he said to Anmedlath, who snorted agreement.

Zarinth, J'no requests we prevent the bronze from leaving. If he was aware that Norenth was his clutchsire, he made no indication of it, and J'no kept any thoughts of that nature out of his memory. Norenth was enemy right now. At a sharp jab from J'no's consciousness, he amended slightly. We will not attack. But he must not leave. For the moment, he did not relay the order to Taikoth, for fear she would attack the bronze immediately.

"I think perhaps you should stay a bit. Come inside, have a mug of klah, and speak to us more. This missive is....dreadfully convenient, don't you think? There are concerns at our Weyr, and then Fort Weyrleader comes with the answer to all our questions? A bit too convenient." All the pleasantries left J'no's voice with the last sentence, he dropped it in a flat tone that hung on the air. Asmyra might trust the man, but J'no made no pretensions to. Something here didn't add up.

[Kyla]

Asmyra nodded in agreement to J’no statement about the Black dragon’s behavior. “Yes please forgive her and the others as well. Zarinth set off an alarm out of panic for her Weyr, shes very protective of it and her eggs.” The Weyrwoman turned to glance at the large Amethyst dragon and was glad to see that she had followed suite of Anmedlath and was now calmly standing still. Her eyes still whirled with orange and red hues and she still placed herself between the Bronze and entrance to the Hatching Grounds but had stopped her vocalizations and threat displays. I will not press him to leave if you wish to talk.[/color] The Queen promised but didn’t sound thrilled about the possibility of the Weyrleader staying. ”If he was here to steal your eggs he would have tried to do so already.” The woman replied, trying to ease the dragon’s mind.

“I insist you join us for klah and some food. You can speak in our quarters if it makes you more comfortable.” Asmyra sounded sincere. She really wanted to piece together this puzzle. First the Fort Weyrwoman banishes them, now she wanted to sabotage their hatching, and the letter was conveniently found by the Weyrleader? Something didn’t add up, but if T’lon’s actions were as true and noble as he said they were and everything turned out to be correct she would get the man his due. Asmyra might not trust him over night, but helping foil this plan against their hatching was a good start.

Mine, Anmedlath says J’no requests that we stop the bronze from leaving if he tries to. We shall not hurt him but he must stay.[/color] Zarinth passed the message along, speaking as if she suddenly approved of the Weyrleader staying. Asmyra considered it for a moment. ”J’no is right do not let him leave we must talk.” After replying to the dragon she turned back to T’lon. “I agree with J’no it is dreadfully convenient but if you are telling the truth then it is your right to be able to prove yourself. You may not have seen anything suspicious but perhaps we can look through the list of Riders who left Fort and came here originally with us. Perhaps you might have seen one at Fort. Skysong Weyr Riders are currently not allowed to visit the Weyr considering our banishment and all.” ”Zarinth settle his dragon down if you can it might convince him to stay.” She told Zarinth who obliged. You may use our hunting grounds and a ledge while yours talks.[/color] The Amethyst offered, all of the hostility now gone from her voice.

[spaceman]

Taikoth's head swung from side to side like an agitated tunnelsnake, jaws parted and hissing softly. But she did not strike. Barely restrained at the best of times, this was just about the closest to calm that she was going to be. She had no memory of Norenth as her clutchsire, and it was only Anmedlath's order that kept her in place.

The blackrider dismounted, sliding off Taikoth's shoulder and walking over to take the letter from Asmyra. She read it swiftly, keeping silent as the Weyrleaders and Weyrwoman talked. If this was a trap, it was a fairly obvious one... A transparent ruse, but still they should keep all possibilities in mind. Either the Weyrleader's efforts were genuine (which O'sa doubted) and there really was a traitor in their midst reporting back to Fort Weyr... Or, more likely, this was an effort to divide them against one another, force them to waste valuable time and energy hunting down a nonexistent turncoat. Still, any threat to the clutch on the sands must be taken seriously.

No. No traitor of Skysong blood. Not black, not crimson, not silver, not citrine, not amethyst. If a traitor exists, not one of us. One who followed.

But we can't go around accusing anyone we please.

Her gaze locked onto T'lon. O'sa's expression was flat, but beneath that was the same fire that burned in her dragon, and it showed in her hooded eyes. He could not be trusted. His presence was permitted only because it was tactically useful. "We did not mean to give offense." The words were delivered calmly enough, if a little bit stiffly... Perhaps it would convince the bronzerider not to leave until they were done questioning him.

"Do you want us to stay here?" she inquired of the Weyrwoman. The invitation for klah had sounded like it extended only to T'lon, J'no, and Asmyra. If they wanted her to stay here and keep a sharp eye on Norenth, she would gladly do so.

[wylvaren]

Out of the Weyr, on a Search mission for candidates for the pending clutch, Wy'ren sat on a bench at a small Hold that send at ease with his and Jyanrith's presence, though wither that was good or bad, he wasn't sure just yet. Within his grasp was a mug of klah, while his other hand held his riding gloves. Children danced around him in play, while Jyanrith sat behind him, head still but swirling orbs following everyone's movement. Suddenly, Wy'ren felt Jyanrith move quickly, which brought his attention up. Jy- Something is not right!

[/color] Jyanrith bugled within his mind, causing Wy'ren to wince, even as he stood.

"Forgive our quick departure," Wy'ren called out as he quickly climbed onto Jyanrith's claw. He was barely strapped in, before the Silver dragon was in the sky, powerful wings taking them high above the Hold and in the blink of an eye, they went between.

Cold air blasted the Weyr Bowl, as Wy'ren and Jyanrith came out just above the Weyr. Wy'ren glanced over Jyanrith's wing to see what had brought his dragon back so quickly, only to find a massive Bronze dragon sitting in audience of Crimson Anmedlath, Black Taikoth, and what had to be the Weyrwoman and the dragon's Riders. Down Jyanrith! Wy'ren ordered, gripping the horn of his riding saddle as Jyanrith seemed to drop from the sky.

Sorting through the various position all were in, Jyanrith hissed, pulling back at the last moment and landing on the ground hard, just behind and out of reach of the Bronze dragon. Wings flared, mouth open, warning hiss just slowly crawling froth from his belly, Jyanrith crouched low to allow Wy'ren to dismount, though his gaze stayed on the Bronze. Pardon our lateness, Jyanrith allowed all to hear, as he visibly calmed himself. Watching Wy'ren walk a bit infront of him, the Silver slowly lifted his head, his serpantine neck making a nature S shape, as he regarded the Bronze and His.

Wy'ren happened to catch O'sa's question to the Weyrwoman, which caused his blue gaze to slip to J'no. "And do you need my assistance?" he questioned, not quiet sure what was going on, but not comfortable with a Bronze so close to the Hatching Grounds. He could feel Jyanrith waiting for the Bronze to make just one wrong move. Wait Jyanrith . . . Just wait.[/size][/blockquote]