A leap forward to a new beginning.

[Skye]

If any one was looking up they might notice the forms of two dragons appear from between, a flash of Brown and Green once the haze of the cold air of the darkness which they traveled through dissipates in the warm mid-afternoon sunshine. The brown bugles a loud greeting to the weyr, the green adding her own sultry croon, causing her rider the chuckle and the brown rider to roll his good eye. The Green rider saluted the man before giving the order of her Green to dive. The Brown rider yelled after her, but was cut short as he had to grab his straps as his Brown tucked his wings to follow suit.

The Green did a barrel roll, then snapped her wings open just in time to cup the air to slow her descent and touch down gracefully, rumbling with draconic laughter as her rider laughed as well. The Brown, not about to be out done, spiraled on a wing tip, turning tightly, nearly to the ground before snapping his own wings out to land with a bit of a thud, jarring his rider and the feline tucked in a specially made sling attached the riding straps. His rider yelled curses at him and the Green rider why the feline yowled and hissed.

"Oh quite your bellying aching A'idin!" the Green rider snapped as she took off her helmet, shaking free her braid of auburn red hair, wisps of it curling against her temples from sweat. She shrugged out of her flight jacket to revel a sleeveless dark green top, before slipping down to the ground, stretching her legs. She stretched her arms over her head and stood on her tip toes to stretch "Mmmm! Ah its good to be some where at last!" she said as she relaxed her arms back to her sides, ignoring the half glare half steamy look from A'idin. Her Green turned her head to nudge gently at her rider before bespeaking any dragon that would listen Greetings! I am Calith with my rider Skye.[/color] she then settled down to wait for a reply.

A'idin growled one last time even as he enjoyed the view of Skye's stomach and part of her ribs being show by the stretch, her sharding shirt too tight and short for decency, but ah the view was nice. The Brown rumbled with laughter earning a thump on the shoulder from his rider Quiet you lummox, I see ye eying the green, A'idin snapped, earning a snort from the brown, not denying it, Calith was a fine, lithe green. And I am Gaelrith with my rider A'idin. Are the Weyrleaders available?[/color] Gaelrith asked politely before settling down himself. A'idin sighed and slid down the to ground, idly scratching at the scar at his left temple. The man also had an eye patch over his left eye, giving him a rugged, but still handsome look. He walked around to the other side of his Brown and reached up to open the sling on the straps. There was a yowl and hiss before a large feline jumped to the ground. The male feline froze for a moment, his mouth half open as he scented the area. He sneezed and flicked his tail, then promptly set about bathing. A'idin chuckled "Good to see ye aren't in too foul of a mood Danoir," he said as he scratched the feline behind the ears. The large, dark grey feline purred briefly, then went back to his bath. The darker sorrels standing out in the bright sun shine.

Skye sighed and crossed her arms as she waited. She stood at 5' 7" and felt short beside the taller brown rider who measured in at a good 6'. She tilted her head slightly as she eyed her fellow rider, having flown under him as a wing leader of her wing, she appreciated the way the man looked, his skin a darker tone especially next to her own pale one. She really liked the intense blue color of his good eye, a lot of his emotions showed there and sometimes she wondered if he wasn't half insane. Se shook her head and chuckled to herself, her emerald green eyes sparkling with mirth.

A'idin glanced toward Skye, arching an eyebrow at her. He couldn't help, but admire her figure nor simply banish thoughts that came with such admiration. She was slim and he knew that she didn't hardly weigh anything, having forcefully slung her over his shoulder once when she was nearly asleep on her feet with exhaustion after her first Thread fall as a rider. He shook his head and shrugged out of his flight jacket as he turned his attention toward the weyr entrance.

[M'kel]

Already, though they had only been in this time for a relatively short period, Celos Sea Hold was giving Araelen difficulty. And of course, Sitareh was in a raging temper about it. Already, the tithes were less than adequate, even though the Hold had been told to increase the volume with each sevenday, as more riders appeared from the past and the young Weyrlings grew.

And, as it was expected, the Weyrwoman's anger had found its outlet in M'kel. He had been ordered out to speak to the Lord Holder, and the young Weyrleader was not pleased about it. He had already planned a full day, and between swimming, relaxing on the beach, and sleeping in the sun, there was obviously no room for a diplomatic venture. However, Sitareh's word was law, so M'kel reluctantly placed the riding harnesses on Tirenth and mounted.

It seemed that fate would be much kinder to him, today, though, for a distraction appeared abruptly out of between. A brown and a green dragon spiraled playfully to the Bowl below, and M'kel couldn't place the pair for a moment. Calith and Gaelrith, Tirenth supplied, from the past.

"Well, we better go greet them!" The bronzerider grinned, eager for the distraction. Tirenth immediately leapt off his ledge in reply, gently circling on his way down to where the others waited. "Welcome!" he cried, sliding off of the bronze's back once his dragon had touched lightly to the ground. "I am Weyrleader M'kel, and this is Tirenth." He proudly slapped the bronze's side. "Araelen is glad to have more experienced riders."

Greetings Calith and Gaelrith. I hope your riders are well. Was the journey long?

[Skye]

A'idin straightened up as he noticed the bronze approaching, a bit surprised that the Weyrleader had the time to acknowledge them himself, but he felt honored. He saluted the younger man as he dismounted "Greetings Weyrleader M'kel!" he called out "We are honored to be greeted and welcomed to the weyr. I am A'idin of Brown Gaelrith" he said, holding a hand out to the man, knowing that he probably already knew that, but liked to be polite. Gaelrith rumbled his own greeting as he nodded to the bronze Greetings Tirenth. I and my rider are well. The journey was a bit more then expected, but we made it safely and are ready to fight for this new weyr[/color]. A'idin placed a hand on Danoir, soothing the feline.

Skye looked up when A'idin did, shielding her eyes from the sun He is a fine bronze[/color]Calith crooned, shifting her position a bit to show off a bit more. Skye smiled Aye and if his rider is half as good looking she responded, smiling brightly as M'kel dismounted, oh he was good looking indeed! She saluted him and gave him a bit of a wink "Greetings Weyrleader. I am Skye of Green Calith," she nodded her head, being as flirtatious as she thought she could get away with. Calith snorted at her rider, but was being almost as bad as she turned to Tirenth We are well and journey was a bit tiring, but I'm sure a few days in the sun and we'll be up to condition again[/color].

[Shikai]

((Hope you don’t mind me joining. ^^’ I thought it’d be easier on people if we don’t have two new arrival threads.))

D’rom sighed in relief as he felt the warm sunlight on his back again, the heat of the Southern Continent standing in stark contrast to the nearly unbearable cold of between.

That was a long one, Faerth. I wasn’t sure we’d come out.

Well, naturally it’ll take longer. Even with the shorter jumps, we have traveled very far forward in time.[/color]

Yes, I suppose our timing isn’t what it used to be. We’re getting too old for this sort of thing.

Faerth snorted. You aren’t that old and you know it. Face it D’rom, we’ve got a good many years ahead of us![/color]

D’rom had a feeling he was about to feel older than ever, coming to a new weyr that, judging by the riders who were disappearing, had a startlingly young population. The fools. By the time many of them were born, he doubted there had been much thread left for them to gain experience fighting. How did they think they could prepare for defending all of Pern? He wondered how they would react to him showing up uninvited.

Where are we, Faerth? He asked, scanning the ground below in search of the weyr.

We are in the right place! It is afternoon on the Southern Continent, and we are approaching the island on which the weyr is located. [/color] He reported, somewhat defensively as he detected a slight accusation D’rom’s mental voice.

They flew over the water, finally reaching the land, and D’rom could see a green and a brown flying below him, circling down to land. Green Calith and brown Gaelrith.[/color] He said before D’rom could ask. Skye and A’idin…what are they doing here? I thought they were still back in our time.

He thought to himself, his face settling into a displeased expression as he watched the dragons show off. Wasting their dragons’ energy after such a long trip. Disgraceful. Faerth turned to give his rider a reproachful look. I am not so tired, mine.[/color] He said, and, to prove it, drew in his wings and descended in a graceful dive. The brown flared them out again, catching the air to pull out, then dipped one slightly, sending them spiraling slowly down. Faerth back-winged as they neared the ground, slowing them before dropping the last few feet.

The dragon walked forward, D’rom still upon his back, to reach where the three riders were talking. D’rom dropped to the ground and removed his riding helmet, looking coolly at the others as he approached them.

“Greetings, M’kel.” He said, his tone rather lacking in respect and friendliness.

“Skye, A’idin. It seems we’ve arrived at the same time.”

[M'kel]

Smiling in his usual, charming demeanour, M'kel grasped the brownrider's hand firmly. He couldn't help but suspect that many of the older (well, at least older than him) dragonriders from the past would doubt his ability to be Weyrleader. After all, he had only Impressed to Tirenth three Turns ago now, or was it two hundred and fifty-three? Either way, the bronzerider fully expected to face skepticism due to his lack of experience. That was why he believed that it was extremely necessary to win the dragonriders over upon arrival. This was especially important for the more experienced ones, the ones who held great sway among their peers. If he had the loyalty of Wingleaders, the Weyr would stay strong.

M'kel gave both riders an appraising eye, constantly thinking of the fighting force that would be required when Thread appeared once again. It was becoming more and more difficult for him to place old Artemis riders, since he had been forward for quite some time now and hadn't been in Artemis long enough to get to know many of his fellows. However, to the best of his recollection, he believed that A'idin had been a Wingsecond or leader at some time, and Skye was likely to have fought Thread for at least a couple of Turns. Good.

After nodding to A'idin, he turned fully to greet the greenrider, and he couldn't help but grin, pleased, at her flirtatious manner. After all, he was still a young, impressionable man, and he greatly enjoyed a reputation as a charmer, although lately he had been pinned down by the Weyrwoman herself. The position held benefits and drawbacks, as it meant that he was Weyrleader (and the company of the Weyrwoman could be quite enjoyable, when she was amiable), but it also restricted his pursuit of other attractive lasses.

"It is a pleasure to re-acquaint myself with both of you," he replied, although his fixation on Skye may have indicated slightly otherwise. Tirenth rumbled in exasperation, although his whirling facets were also glancing over Calith's form.

I am glad to hear it, Tirenth responded to both. The Weyr could certainly use more strong dragons. And the sun is quite superb on this island, especially down at the beach, he added for Calith's benefit.

Both dragon and rider were startled by the whoosh of air that accompanied Faerth's landing. They had been quite distracted and had failed to notice the other brown's approach. M'kel quickly turned to the new rider, raking his memory for a name to match the chill face. When the other failed to supply it, yet greeting the Weyrleader by his name, the young bronzerider anxiously ran a hand through his hair as his mind raced. Faerth? Tirenth told his rider, hoping that would help.

Luckily, that triggered it for M'kel. "D'rom!" he cried warmly, choosing to ignore the less-than-appropriate tone for addressing a Weyrleader, as the other dragonrider didn't yet know of M'kel's position. "Our third arrival of the day. Araelen Weyr is glad to have you. If you have any problems settling in, as Weyrleader, I will be happy to address them with you."

Smooth, Tirenth grunted, a hint of humour colouring his tones. Welcome, Faerth. I trust that you were able to find Araelen without too much difficulty.

I certainly thought so, M'kel replied to his oaf of a dragon.

[Skye]

Calith rumbled her appreciation to Tirenth Ah, yes the sun on the shore can be so nice, especially with delightful company,[/color] she replied coyly and full of suggestion. Skye chuckled and grinned lopsidedly at M'kel, shifting to more fully show if her trim body to his appraising look. She wouldn't mind a day on the beach with the Weyrleader, he wasn't much younger then she, but then again he might not be able to escape the grasp of the Weyrwoman to have a dalliance here and there. She briefly allowed her bottom lip pout out at the thought, but was distracted from such thoughts as she heard the whoosh of air announcing another arrival. Calith crooned softly Faerth[/color] the green supplied.

Skye laughed and waved to the older dragon rider, sending a wink his way. She couldn't help it, she liked to flirt, but her eyes kept going back to M'kel. "Yes, we got here at the same time, I say we deserve a party for it," she said with a chuckle as she flipped the tip of her braid over her shoulder.

A'idin saluted his fellow Brown rider "D'rom its good to see that you came forward as well. If I'd knew you were coming I'd have waited to travel with you," he said, nodding.

Skye tilted her head at M'kel's words about speaking to him about problems settling in and flashed him a mischievous grin, an open invitation if he ever chose to take it that he was always welcome where ever she chose as her personal weyr.

A'idin rolled his eyes and rubbed Danoir's head.

[Shikai]

D’rom nodded gruffly, masking a dubious expression as M’kel not-so-subtly informed D’rom of his rank. Probably didn’t like my manner. He remarked to Faerth, who chided back, Well, of course not! You could smile when you greet people, you know.[/color] A barely perceptible grin did slide over the brownrider’s face, but for his dragon rather than the other riders. He’s rather young to be Weyrleader. He replied, changing the subject, his eyes examining both M’kel and his bronze. The dragon looks strong. But for the weyr’s sake, I hope this M’kel is a better leader than he looks to be.

Faerth rumbled in amusement, and was about to reply when Tirenth spoke to him. He had never been a very sociable dragon, and it showed in the offhand manner in which he replied. Oh, yes…just fine, thank you.[/color] He replied, biting back a sarcastic remark about the fact that they had clearly found the weyr, seeing as they were standing right before him.

D’rom’s eyebrows raised slightly as the younger greenrider winked at him. He had known many a greenrider who defied the stereotype of their famed flirtatiousness, but Skye clearly was not such a rider. Fortunately, she seemed more interested in the younger bronzerider, to D’rom’s amusement and A’idin’s apparent annoyance. He replied to their pleasantries with an awkward cough before he spoke.

“Yes…funny we should arrive at the same time. Good to see you as well. Anyway, as you’re the weyrleader, I suppose you can inform me of where I am to stay?”

He said, his slight emphasis on the word ‘weyrleader’ a poorly hidden indication of his skepticism that such a man could adequately run a weyr.

[M'kel]

As D'rom's face took on the absent look of a rider communicating with his dragon, M'kel eagerly grasped the opportunity to divert his attention once again. He was curious as to how Skye would be reacting to the arrival of another male rider, especially since D'rom had the look of experience to him. The bronzerider was pleased to note that although she was addressing D'rom, her eyes kept drifting back to him, and he grinned in appreciation as she shifted ever so slightly to better display her assets. The thought flickered through his mind that she may only be interested because of his title, and he suddenly wished that he had delayed announcing that information for a few moments after meeting them.

This uncertainty easily dispersed, though, for M'kel was overall quite assured of his charisma, having drawn the eyes of a number of women even before Impressing bronze. If the title of Weyrleader served to hold attention on him longer than usual, he certainly wasn't about to complain. Oh, he had missed the freedom of being an unattached, young rider, and he wondered once again if Sitareh would look the other way if he chose to enjoy an 'outing' now and again. An amused snort from Tirenth interrupted these thoughts, and he glanced quickly over his shoulder to give the bronze a querulous look. As if you haven't been desiring another Flight, of late, he reminded the critical dragon.

Tirenth chose not to respond to this statement, instead focusing on Calith's invitation. Aviciath could hardly begrudge him a day in Rukbat's rays, and dragons often chose the same coves, just by chance. That would be pleasant indeed, he rumbled. I happen to know of a few in this time that are exquisite locations to spend a day. Or two. After all, overnight outings could be quite enjoyable. Faerth's awkward return indicated that the brown was not interested in pursuing anymore of a conversation, so Tirenth was happy to devote his time to Calith instead.

Even as M'kel was considering Skye's suggestion of a celebration and the dancing that would occur at such an event, D'rom's tone drew him out of his musings and caused his grin to slip slightly. The specific intonation that had been placed on the word 'weyrleader' suggested his potential inadequacy for the position, and his eyes flashed in response. The bronzerider had feared such doubt might occur, but he must remove it as soon as possible. "Araelen Weyr is still newly established and brimming with a wide selection of personal weyrs. You've beaten the Weyrlings, it seems, so your choices are even more diverse." He gestured broadly, encompassing the honeycombed walls of the volcano.

"A quick walk along the stairwells should reveal the unoccupied weyrs easily, and, once you've chosen, there are plenty of drudges in the Lower Caverns to freshen the place up. The tithes have been generous thus far," due to multiple threats and intimidating encounters with dragonriders, "so there are plenty of luxurious furs and other furniture to make yourself feel at home. You may not know it yet, but you will soon come to see that dragonriders are not only highly respected in this time, but also submitted to." The last bit was said with a flicker of amused malice in his hazel eyes, for M'kel was enjoying that power as much as Sitareh.

[Skye]

Skye eyed D'rom , snorting at his apparent contempt of M'kel. She looked back to the bronze rider, he was close to her age, but that didn't mean he wasn't capable of being a good leader. She admired the man not just for the leadership, but for his looks and the charisma she remembered him having. D'rom was just jealous. She shook her head and turned her attention back to M'kel as he gave directions to the unoccupied weyrs.

Calith rumbled in delight at the mention of coves that one could spend days basking in the sun Would you be so kind as to show me these wondrous coves you speak of?[/color] she asked as she stretched gracefully.

[M'kel]

As young as he still was, M'kel could only sustain his attention on a boring subject for a limited amount of time, and he was thoroughly unentranced with D'rom. Thus, he turned from the brownrider before the other man could respond, flashing his most charming smile for Skye. Her eyes and exhalation said it all: although D'rom may doubt M'kel's abilities, she did not. In fact, if he was reading her correctly, her thoughts were likely not dwelling solely on his Weyrleadership skills.

Curious as to Tirenth's distraction, M'kel delved into the conversation between the bronze and the green, and his hazel eyes alit with excitement. "It seems our dragons are discussing the lovely coves of this time," he told Skye conspiratorially. "They appear to be planning a trip for us in the near future. Would you be amiable to such an arrangement?" He couldn't help but wink at the last part, forgetting about the other two men entirely.

Tirenth was hardly more composed than his rider, eagerly relaying images of his most favourite coves (he and M'kel had taken ample time to explore many over the past year) to Calith. Do any of these please you? he queried.