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Post by M'kel on Jun 18, 2010 18:54:16 GMT -5
The wind was cold and harsh as it sliced through Dirkov's thin tunic, but the lad hardly felt it. His skin was pale and icy by now, for the young man had been out exploring the wastes surrounding Glacierpeak Hold. It was a marvel to the Journeyman Healer, who had grown up in the plains area of the Southern Continent, that snow could be present at this time of the year. Back home, and especially along the coast, the weather would be humid and balmy by now, the vegetation lush. But in Glacierpeak Hold, the mountainsides were as barren as always, with only the occasional harsh scrub to decorate the landscape. On the one hand, Dirkov couldn't fathom why anyone would want to live in such a place. It was isolated, exposed, and rarely warm. The only subsistence for the Holders was raising the small variety of herdbeasts that flourished on these slopes. On the other hand, Dirkov understood their desire completely. Whenever he topped a rise and caught a glimpse of the mountain landscape stretching out in all directions, he felt an overwhelming sense of freedom and awe. To survive in such harsh conditions was a reason for pride, and the isolation was a welcome change from the hubbub of life at the Healer Hall.
It hadn't been long since he'd left that very Hall, and Dirkov still had mixed feelings about it. When he'd walked the tables, the Masters had decided to assign him to a Turn-long stint at Glacierpeak Hold. It had been the source of much amusement to his peers, for the Hold was not one anyone wanted to spend much time at. At first, Dirkov had been furious. The Masters had recognized his talent, allowing him to rise to Journeyman status at a young age. But then they had sent him to the most primitive Hold on Pern. It seemed like punishment, and Dirkov didn't know what he was being punished for.
After arriving at the Hold, however, his perspective began to change. Not only did he grow to appreciate the fine points of the Hold, but also did he realize how challenging it was for a Healer in these conditions. As isolated as they were, supply trains were infrequent. Thus, Dirkov needed to think on his feet. He was the only Healer in the area, and he had limited resources to deal with the injuries presented to him. Slowly, Dirkov came to understand that the Masters had sent him here because they had thought him capable of succeeding in conditions that would have been unbearable for others.
Thus, the young lad looked upon the Hold nestled in the valley before him with a sense of pride and contentment. It was his Hold, in a way, for everyone in the Hold looked to him for Healing. It gave him a sense of power. And Dirkov liked power.
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Post by D'gellin on Jun 19, 2010 23:09:43 GMT -5
Q’tris sighed, resting his forehead on top of delicately folded hands. There was so much to do, to reconstruct, and so little time, it seemed, to do it in.
Q’trismine, perhaps we should take a holiday. Minth suggested serenely, gently touching her snout to her rider’s shoulder. The small man looked up with haggard eyes, darkened underneath from stress and poor sleep. Insomnia kept him up in the nights and anxiety drove his mind to between during the day. Prone as he was to worry over things he may or may not have control over, the current chaotic disarray of the Weyr (Nearly half the dragons, all gone with their riders! The Wings were an absolute mess of swiss-cheese formations and many previously influential figures had abandoned Araelen!) had gradually worn the greenrider down. At any other time, he might have disagreed, protested, he was needed here, but seeing himself in the mental image that Minth relayed to him, he held his dissension. It wasn't as though he had any candidates to attend to today. The last Hatching had seen them all Weyrlings, and there didn't seem to be any potentials searched up in a long time. Q'tris ran a hand over his mouth, fingers leaving interest behind.
Dearheart, I don't suppose you'd be in the mood for a Search, would you? He asked, resting a hand on his green’s snout affectionately. A weary smile relaxed the tense lines in his face as he rose to his feet. In response, Minth gave an airy dragonic sigh, tilting her dainty head at Q'tris with a knowling fondness for her rider. I think you should rest, Mineown. She suggested, but with the air of one who already knows that they're beaten. The greenrider was already reaching for his riding gear. I'd rather keep myself occupied. Stagnation only let's my mind worry, and I've been much too stagnant lately. We'll just hit a Hold or two today, start North and work our way down. He didn't say it aloud, but some stirring in Q'tris mind warned Minth that candidates might not be the only people Q'tris was after in the chillier portion of Pern's hemisphere...
A short time later, Minth’s shadow swooped over the snow of Glacierpeak Hold, wingbeats sure and steady. Nn, it's dazzling. Q'tris held a hand above his eyes, squinting at the stretch of white sparkling brightly under Rukbat's rays. And colder than the South. Minth commented lightly, to which Q'tris simply chuckled, rubbing the green's neck affectionately. Land just outside the Hold, if you please, Love. Q'tris directed, and the seafoamy green touched down around the borders, careful wings stirring up a mist of powdery snow. Now to find some candidates...
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Post by M'kel on Jun 21, 2010 16:24:18 GMT -5
The shale-strewn ground crunched underfoot, as Dirkov strode through the Hold proper. He glanced down at the pale shards, with their frost-patterned swirls of black lichen, as he walked, thoughts drifting freely as he considered his new home. Suddenly, however, a new sound filled the air. A dull thud and whoosh interrupted the clacking of the shale, and Dirkov turned absently to discover the source. What he found was not anything that he might have expected. At the edge of the Hold's sprawling settlement, a minty green dragon had just alighted on a snow-coated rise. The particles of snow stirred up by her landing still hung in the air for a few moments before drifting down to settle once more.
Dirkov stood frozen in place. Dragons had been returned to Pern for some Turns now, but the lad had only seen them at a distance. Occasionally, he'd caught sight of a dragon Sweepriding near the Healer Hall. On other occasions, dragonriders had visited the Hall to consult with the Masterhealer, such as when the Weyr had been struck by poison. But in all of those instances, the dragons had been no larger than fire lizards to his eye. This green dragon was definitely no fire lizard.
Her long green neck held aloft an arrow-shaped head that cleared the roofs of the outermost buildings. The rider still strapped in on her back was incredibly small, when compared to the size of his beast. It was rather intimidating, Dirkov had to admit, being forced to look up to see both dragon and rider. He didn't like the feeling one bit.
By now, other members of the Hold had begun trickling out to see the dragon. Dirkov hung back, while one of the Holder's stewards strode forward to greet the dragonrider. An arc of hesitant onlookers formed in front of the minty green, curious as to the reason why a dragonrider would stop in at Glacierpeak Hold. There were Sweepriders periodically seen in the skies above, but they rarely had cause to land. There were murmurs of uncertainty; was the Hold in danger of Thread?
Throughout all of the commotion, the looks of awe and fear, Dirkov rolled his eyes and leaned back against the wall of a small house. As impressive as the dragon might be, it was still nothing more than an overgrown fire lizard. The only reason he was staying at all was in case there was a report of Thread, for his services as a Journeyman Healer might be needed. At least, that was what the lad told himself. His eyes suggested otherwise, as curiousity reflected in their blue depths.
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Post by D'gellin on Jun 21, 2010 21:37:10 GMT -5
Q'tris momentarily grimaced at the wary faces peering out from the houses, remembering the days when a dragonrider, even a greenrider, would be greeted with respect. Allowing that he had dropped in upon them unannounced, Q'tris forgave the lack of protocol. Sometimes he forgot that this wasn't the time of dragonriders anymore, this was a time of fear and uncertainty, and the reminder left a taste of wistful nostalgia on his thoughts.
Pulling his jacket closer about his slim form, Q'tris expertly dropped from Minth's back, though his practice was marred by the unexpected slipperiness of frozen snow. Had Minth's head not been nearby, the little slip might have lead to some mortifying arm flailing or worse. Urging her rider to be cautious, Minth settled herself the best she could on the hard, cold ground, occasionally closing her whirling eyes against the snowy bursts of wind. My love? Minth surveyed the growing crowd with a delicately tilted head, glistening eyes passing over Dirkov. Someone here is right. Most certainly right. I cannot find them though. Perhaps if you were to bring them closer... Q'tris laughed, stepping forward with more care. I doubt my ability to do that, my heart. I actually wonder if half these people have even seen a dragon up close before. What a time we've found ourselves in! Tradition is so long eroded... Though, he supposed, most people never were quite comfortable with the wonderful beasts he'd come to accept as a daily part of life.
"My apologies for appearing unannounced." Q'tris began in a raised, clear voice. He watched the varied expressions carefully, searching for the power which Minth had sensed. When the steward arrived, Q'tris smiled gratefully, dipping his head in greeting. "I am Q'tris of green Minth, from Araelen Weyr." He said the name carefully, watching the man with a suddenly cool expression, waiting for any telltale signs that might give away knowledge pertaining to Ikros. The man was pale and nervous to begin with, however, and realizing his aloof demeanor was doing little to encourage amity, Q'tris rectified this with an apologetic smile. "I would appreciate a word with the Holder, if you please." He hesitated to add the reason behind his arrival. Nervous holder folk, ignorant of the honor in being a dragonrider, had a frustrating habit of holing themselves away when the word 'Search" was mentioned. Better to build the suspense and draw their curiosity than drop the bomb and watch them scatter.
Minth, pleased with the attention she was receiving, refrained from shying from the cold and instead occupied herself with the curious faces. Adhering to Q'tris' gentle reminders about her proximity to the wired folk, Minth lowered her head to the ground, turning a gently whirling eye on those curious enough to venture closer. Catching a thought on the air however, the petite green suddenly snorted in disdain. Q'trismine, I would appreciate it if you told that young man over there that I am most certainly not an overgrown fire lizard. The greenrider raised his brows, distracted from conversation. "I'm sorry?" That man right there. Yes, him. Minth insisted, as Q'tris finally found him hanging behind the crowd. Despite the insult, Minth's regard of him wasn't angry, but impishly delighted, and Q'tris immediately recognized the stirring of power she sensed across their mental link. Thrilled, Q'tris' mouth turned up at the side though his expression was otherwise guarded, attempting to catch Dirkov's eye. "I hope you realize, sir." He said in his clear resounding voice, the kind of voice trained for years to be heard above the rush of wind and wings. "That Minth doesn't appreciate being compared to a fire lizard." He tried to sound stern, but found himself ending on a chuckle, pleasantly curious about how this self-assured looking potential candidate might react to the direct address of his own thoughts!
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Post by Lesa on Jun 22, 2010 5:12:16 GMT -5
It hadn't been long. No, not long at all. The weyrling hadn't been allowed to fly outside of the confines of the weyr for very long at all, but Phelicia couldn't really say that she was bothered by being sent out into the unknown skies every few days. Fully aware that normally they would never be allowed to search for good candidates, the girl wasn't about to complain about the privilege. There was a severe lack of dragons at Ikros Weyr, and even fewer who had the ability to sense the potential of others. So it was that girl and Blue found themselves winging through the sky this particular day. Since Kheprith was not quite able to between yet, the two were stuck firmly close to home, searching out a few hours from the Weyr at a time. Neither of them had taken the courage or the initiative to suggest staking a camp out so that they might go out further. That would take a bit of time, seeing as they were still lacking of fullrider status.
There was quite a bit of delight in the pair as they flew. It was cold, no mistaking that, especially from the height they were flying at, but it had been far colder when everyone had first made the trek north. Neither of them complained. Phelicia, all of the Ikros residence actually, had simply taken to wearing their thicker, full winter clothing longer into the year, and in layers when the need was called for. This being the case, the Bluerider wasn't in the least uncomfortable when the dragon banked sharply towards a small hold perhaps an hour's flight from their home, creating a wind that whipped her hair across her face wildly. She was, however, surprised. It was the first time he'd taken the initiative and gone closer to a residence than necessary for searching, as they had both heard from the older Searchriders just how inhospitable Holders could be to dragons and their riders. "What is it, Khep?" Phelicia asked, looking over the Blue's shoulder in the direction they had taken, as if she could spot the reason from this height.
There is potential here, Mine! the dragon answered, excitement running through him, making him tremble from snout to tailtip. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we can bring back a candidate! It would be the first one of the new weyr, I think, Mine! She wasn't sure about that, she hadn't really kept up on who was in the weyr, so she had no idea if there were any candidates already, but she agreed that yes, it would be wonderful indeed. The girl patted Kheprith's neck fondly, studying the hold as it grew closer. "Glacierpeak Hold, I think it is." Phelicia muttered absently, remembering a Journeyman who had come through the new weyr and his description of the holds close by.
Suddenly, the dragon opened his feathery wings, stopping their decent towards the residences and throwing his rider to the side. She flung her arms around his neck, thankful for the gear that kept her safely in place? "What is it?!" Her tone was perhaps a bit more abrupt than it needed to be, but Kheprith was far too preoccupied to notice it at the moment. His entire focus was down on the hold that they now circled above. He shivered again, but this time the action wasn't out of excitement, but rather uncertainty, and even a bit a fear. The girl asked her bonded again, in a much gentler tone, and rubbed the hide in front of her until the answer came, short, simple, and so unlike her Kheprith.
There's another dragon down there.
Phelicia's head immediately jerked up, and she searched the ground intently, but nearly as soon as she thought to look she noticed the green hide that stood out against the bleak environment. She immediately recognized Minath, remembering her days as a candidate not so very long ago. "What is he doing here?" The blue did not answer, slowly falling from the sky in ever tightening circles. Finally, forced to land, he touched down slightly to the side of the Green. He as only slightly larger than his female counterpart, and he wasn't really going to do much more growing. He was a small Blue. But his wings were markedly larger, and despite his nervousness he held them slightly open, allowing the intricate lace of blues and teals in their membranes to show. Kheprith took great pride in those wings, and they were his one source of vanity.
"Aren't you a bit far from home, Master Q'tris?" Phelicia asked as she slid from her dragon's back, taking a few step forward to meet the man. Though there was no one on Pern who could pin any disrespect in that tone, it was as cold as the wind that whistled eerily through the hold buildings. Her eyes wandered over the small crowd, especially the nervous little steward in front of them who was now looking between riders with an expression akin to that of someone who just might wet themselves. In fact, it wasn't a particularly uncommon look just now. Where one dragon had made them nervous, two dragons had them just about scared out of their wits. Inwardly the girl chuckled, but her face held not much emotion at all. "It's as if they're afraid you're going to eat them," she commented, allowing her amusement to color her tones.
Am I truly that terrifying, PheliciaMine? the Blue asked a bit nervously. She glanced back at her companion, her eyes widening a bit at the sight of him. He had lowered himself until his body had almost touched the ground, and had his tail wrapped about his body, the tip flickering back and forth much like that of a feline. His head was lowered so that he was actually just about on eye level with the hold residence. Phelicia knew he was trying to make himself look smaller so as to reassure the people somewhat, but he had simply managed to make himself look like a hunting predator. She couldn't stop the small twitch of a smile that passed her lips, and anyone who cared to look could easily see the loving look she gave her Blue as she assured him he wasn't scary at all. But between the hunter dragon and the wild woman with the crazy, curly, fire red hair that accompanied them, it would probably be enough to make anyone scared for their flesh.
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Post by M'kel on Jun 23, 2010 13:57:59 GMT -5
((Haha, how many more posts can I manage without speech??? XP j/k j/k, he'll probably be forced to start talking in the next one....))
Despite his feigned disinterest, Dirkov leaned forward slightly when the dragonrider greeted the Hold's steward. Even if he couldn't catch the distant voices, the crowd's murmurs would have carried the message to him. It seemed the greenrider wasn't about to disclose the purpose of his visit to the ordinary citizens of Glacierpeak, much to their disappointment. Still, the group of onlookers only grew, while a messenger ran off to find the Minor Holder himself.
Deciding he wouldn't learn anything more from the conversation between the greenrider and the steward, Dirkov turned his attention back to the dragon. Although he remained within the shadows of the wall his back rested upon, the Journeyman Healer still had a clear view of the petite green. He felt his skin prickle as her whirling eyes passed over him. She was surveying the crowd, and it almost seemed like she was looking for something. That couldn't be, however. Beyond mild curiousity, what interest would a dragon have in so many wide-eyed fools?
Absorbed as he was in considering the dragon, it took Dirkov a few moments to realize that his own thoughts were being repeated - and not inside his mind. 'Minth doesn't appreciate being compared to a fire lizard.' Why, he'd only just been thinking about that very thing, and now… Startled, Dirkov turned to face the dragonrider. The grin on the other man's face, the eyes that were fixed right upon him, confirmed the lad's suspicions. It was the greenrider who'd spoken, and the dragon who'd relayed the message…
Dirkov's face began to flush red, despite his best attempts to remain calm, and nervous blue eyes darted back to the green dragon. She could hear his thoughts? It was more than a little disturbing, knowing that one wasn't even safe in the privacy of their own mind. With the crowd's attention beginning to turn to him, as the nearest folk wondered who the dragonrider was addressing, Dirkov decided he'd had enough. Best to get out of here before the green delved deeper and uncovered all of his secrets.
He stepped forward from the wall, began to move towards his personal lodgings, and froze. Excited shouts had drawn him round again, as everyone assembled turned their gazes to the sky. A second dragon was circling down to land. The anxiety level in the crowd had risen to a peak, for certainly there must be some disaster looming for two dragons to visit at the same time. Dirkov realized only belatedly that he was staring upwards, agape, and snapped his mouth shut. This dragon was even more stunning than the first, with beautifully patterned wings that fluttered gracefully as the blue landed. Dirkov found himself taking small steps forward, against his better judgment, as he moved with the rest of the Holders for a better look.
The second dragonrider was greeting the first now, and it was difficult to tell from such a distance, but her expression did not seem warm. Then there must be some kind of trouble, Dirkov concluded. Hopefully, whatever it was, it would be pressing enough that the green dragon wouldn't have any more time to read his thoughts.
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Post by D'gellin on Jun 24, 2010 22:17:08 GMT -5
When Dirkov's expression of surprise turned to one of suspicion and unease, Q'tris realized with a spike of frustration that he'd approached his first encounter with the potential candidate very wrong. In the Past, getting addressed by a dragon's thoughts would often illicit curiosity and excitement, especially in the youngsters, but Dirkov was a very different case which, upon recognizing the cloistered feel of his personality, should have been handled differently. Mouth pulling down at one side, Q'tris made to take a step forward and rectify the situation before he lost his chance, but was halted by a surprised jerk in Minth's mind. Minth?
It's Kheprith and His. Minth announced placidly, lifted head looking up at the circling new arrivals uncertainly. "Kheprith." Q'tris breathed with a spike of indecision, touching a hand to his mouth. He glanced at Dirkov, then back at the young blue as he made his descent. This was not good, not good at all. Q'tris had always hoped for the opportunity to address the traitors who had abandoned Araelen, but not like this, not with a potential candidate so very close. The last thing he wanted was for the rebels to grow in number. Ezelth couldn't have clutched already, could she? No, it was too soon. Was the blue on Search or was this something different? Judging by the surprised reactions of the holderfolk, they hadn't encountered Kheprith before, in any case, so that ruled out the possibility of Glacierpeak's alignment with the AWOL riders but still didn't answer his wondering, unspoken question.
Minth, having no ill-feelings for the lost dragons, reached a gentle snout out to the younger beast in hello. Greetings, Kheprith. Have you and yours been well? Q'tris bristled under the kind show of his dragon, but didn't have the heart to reprimand her. Minth never did seem to understand the gravity of their leaving Araelen, simply that many were upset that their friends were no longer with them. Perhaps a part of that naive reasoning lingered in Q'tris' heart as well. Seeing the young woman who dismounted the blue left him momentarily at a loss for words. Phelicia's name rose to his mind with memories of her candidacy that he would have preferred remained buried, mostly because they made her seem more human when he wanted her to be the enemy that he considered her. But Phelicia had been a good girl, kind and even-minded when her temper wasn't in control. She wasn't the monster that Q'tris had made the traitors out to be.
She was, however, doing a very good job of trying to be. Q'tris' features darkened at her cool greeting, and he could feel his muscles tensing in indignation. The young rider was in no position to be speaking to her old master like that. It took a great deal of effort for Q'tris to steel himself with a breath and straighten himself up, chin slightly lifted. "The sinister act doesn't suit you, Phelicia. You'd best let it go now." Q'tris countered with authority, though for a moment his concern was left unchecked, brows knitted closer. "But I would say that you are rather far from home as well."
Minth, you must be certain not to mention that young man to Kheprith. Q'tris warned, refraining from the temptation to turn and check if Dirkov was still there. The best he could do was pretend that he hadn't found the lad yet, and hope that candidates weren't on Phelicia's agenda today...
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