Allure II

[M'kel]

Eligibility: Blues and greens

Materials available: Regular sweet-smelling oils and a fire lizard.

Activities: Instead of a catwalk, this year, the Weyr's most elegant and attractive dragons will be strutting their stuff on the beach. It is a lovely setting, with the ocean's waves lapping gently at the shore, and the swash will just wash up high enough to touch each competitor's toes. Each dragon will enter the beach walk from the preparation meadow hidden in the jungle, walk towards the crowd of spectators, and then strike a pose or perform a trick. Then, rider and dragon will return the way they came. A fire lizard can be used to elaborate upon the dragon's elegance. The rider should also be dressed in his/her very best!

Be sure to describe what has been done to enhance the dragon's features. The winner will be determined based on the scores of the Weyrfolk judges, as well as the number of bugles received from the Strength competitors. It's time to show off what you've got!




Procedure: Everyone wishing to compete will have 3 days to post in this thread starting July 25th. At this point, the winners will be determined from those who have posted by dice rolling.

[Skye]

Riley put the finishing touches on Megrath's lovely hide, smiling to herself as she wiped her hands clean on a rag. "You love so beautiful Megrath," she said, smiling brightly.

The little green stood straighter and rumbled her pleasure. Of course I do mine and so do you,[/color] she replied, fanning her wings ever so slightly. Then they were motioned to begin their walk and Riley took her place proudly beside her green.

Riley was dressed in her very best dress of deep, forest green. She had stitched tiny dragons along the hem and edges of her bell shaped sleeves in black thread. Her strawberry blond hair was done up in an elaborate braid.

But, she had taken more care in preparing Megrath for this event since it was for her after all.

As they walked under the shade of the trees, it looked as if Megrath was stalking regally through the shadows, the dark forest green color of her upper hide looking nearly black, especially so her in the shadows. As they stepped fully into the sunlight the dark forest green of her underbelly, running from the tip of her snout to the end of her tail, sparkled in the sun where Riley had taken great care to coat each inch of that part of her hide with the sweet smelling oil. As well as the spider webbing of that color on the top portions of her wings.

The water tickles mine,[/color] Megrath complained as the rolling waves kissed the shore with each motion, brushing against Megrath's toes. "I'm sorry love, but this is the way we must walk," Riley whispered to her green.

Megrath snorted lightly, but continued walked beside her rider. Riley was thankful that her stomach was behaving for this event even though she still felt feverish.

Once they reached the end of the end of they path, they paused before the crowd. Riley smiled to herself as Megrath looked around at the spectators for a dramatic moment before sitting back on her haunches and flaring her wings open as wide as they could go to reveal the lush forest green on the under side of her wings.

After a moment she settles back down on all fours and kneels down, leaving her wings open, but now swept downward so that the crowd could see the tops of her wings. Riley whistled softly and a small green firelizard appeared with a small sack of something. The fire lizard ripped the sack open, spilling fine white sand on Megrath. The sand stuck to the oil on the top of her wings, coating the spider webbing of forest green in white, making it look like veins of sparkling jewels inside dark rock. She held that pose until the flower petals from the strength competition rained down about her.

Megrath shook her wings then folded them carefully before turning to walk back they way they came.

[**Auria (etc)**]

S'tar straightened his vest, made of fine emerald velvet which exactly matched the shade of his eyes. White breeches were tucked tightly into well-shined black knee-high boots, the silvery buckles on the outside of each foot sparking against the black. He wore a white under shirt, with long sleeves that puffed out, and a flamboyant cravat that cascaded over the green vest, pinned just below the throat with a silver dragon with glowing green eyes. His long pale blonde hair was pulled back with a green ribbon on which hung a single star-shaped white flower.

For the first time he could remember, the green Weyrling was actually glad the ship's captain had made him an object ... for he'd provided several outfits that showed off all the boy's finest points.

It was Hatsheth, though, who truly shone. S'tar had oiled her till she gleamed, with special formulas that caused the sun to reflect in rainbows off her mossy-green hide. Her fern green filigree lacing sparkled and rippled as she walked, and her celadon belly reflected the light that bounced from the nearly white beach sand. She wore a lei of the same white flowers around her neck, which she held high and proud. Her long legs accented the picture of elegance as they walked onto the beach.

I'm so nervous, 'Sheth. I really wish we hadn't--

It is important, Mine, to participate in the activities of our Weyr. As matter-of-fact as Hatsheth's message was, S'tar could feel that she really simply wanted to get the task done, impress the judges, and clear the beach for the next entry.

S'tar looked toward the rocky ledge where the brown firelizard was waiting. He had borrowed the WeyrlingMaster's pet for the task, for he had no flitter of his own. He hoped Griz was in a far better mood than he had been for his own person earlier! He spotted the brown, saw that he carried the necessary items, and moved more quickly onto the beach.

Hatsheth raised her wings, broad and strong even for such a young hatchling, and moved with surprising elegance before her rider. She stepped to the edge of the surf, spun gracefully, and faced him.

S'tar then bowed with a flourish to the young green, who lowered her head, nearly touching her muzzle to the sand, and bent her forelegs in a curtsey in return.

The pair fairly danced along the beach, spinning together every few steps as the water lapped at the dragon's toes. The fine spray of water that showered down from the Strength competition accented the act, causing the young dragon to shimmer like starlight as she danced. They continued this step and circle movement until they reached the designated place before the spectators.

Then, S'tar raised his hand in welcome toward Griz, and the brown firelizard flew from his perch, carrying six white star-flower leis in his forepaws. He swooped back and forth above Hatsheth, and with each dip, he dropped a lei, which the young green caught skillfully around her neck ... missing only the last one!

S'tar, thinking quickly, scooped that one off the sand and, with a graceful, dramatic toss, flung it toward her, giving her a second chance to catch it ... which she did!

Then, the young man pointed to the little brown firelizard and applauded his thanks. Hatsheth bowed her head toward Griz, as well, and at just that moment a shower of flower petals drifted down from above, which the little brown flitter dipped and dove through with delight.

The Weyrling pair then returned down the beach, reversing the steps of their dance until they vanished into the shadows to clear the sands for the next contestants, as Griz sought out B'kay to boast his success.

Once off the beach, S'tar leaned against his dragon with an audible exhale.

I may be glad that's over! he said with a smile, and stroked her head lovingly. But my Hatsheth, you were absolutely beautiful.

You were not so bad yourself, Mine, 'Sheth replied.

[Journye]

Calysta tucked one of the large, bright purplish flowers behind her ear. She had her blond hair up in a tail and had taken the time to curl her hair so that it dangled and bounced against her back.

She was wearing a dark green over dress with a minty green under dress. She was barefooted since she had no shoes that were good for wearing on sand.

She smoothed out her skirt and turned her full attention to the real star of the show, at least in her eyes, Luneth. She had oiled every inch of her green. Ah, you are so beautiful my heart! she told her lovely green. Luneth arched her neck and snorted softly.

Of course I am mine. Did we not take the silver medal last tournament. We shall take the golden medal this time,[/color] Luneth assured her rider as they made their way to the edge of the trees.

Calysta smiled and shook her head, not at all arguing with her green. They walked slowly, side by side along the shore, the green carrying herself regally.

The fine mist that drifted over them glittered on Luneth's oiled hide, bringing out the subtle, wave like swirls of sea green that normally blended into the rest of her algae green hide. The sea green was also noticeable on her eye ridges and along her wing edges.

As they reached the end of the walk Luneth bent her front legs and curtsied to the crowd. As the flung flower petals settle on, and stick to her hide they look like colorful fish swimming in the sea.

Luneth straightened and she and Calysta made their way back to the tree edge.

[Skye]

Leaves rustled as Skye came out of the undergrowth, making a face and wiping her mouth clean with a handkerchief. She took a couple of deep breaths and shook her head, moving to stand beside her green.

Are you alright mine?[/color] Calith asked worriedly, nuzzling her rider's back lightly. Skye turned and leaned lightly against her green's muzzle, inhaling the dragon's spicy scent. I'll be fine, but I'm going to kill whoever gave me this, she said as she stood straighter.

She wore a cream colored, toga style dress with a belt of delicate golden links. One end of the chain belt dangled along her right thigh and from the loop at the end hung a tiny dragon made of green glass. She wore a pair of dainty sandals whose straps laced all the way up her calves to her knees. Her auburn red hair was held back from her face by fancy combs of silver with black and green stones.

Just like all the other contestants Skye had taken great care in oiling Calith's hide. She smiled as she looked her green over, nodding to herself. Ah, Calith you will surely win first place! she said as she tilted her head, admiring her ivy green.

Calith preened at her wings lightly at the praise, giving into her vain side.

Skye walked beside her dragon as they made their way out of the trees and into the sun. The mist of water glimmered like diamonds on Calith's hide, the sun making the dark forest green streaks along her eye ridges and sides of her tail stand out more on her ivy green hide.

Once they reached the end of the walk, Calith sat back on her back legs and spread her wings wide, the sparkling sun shine making her wing membranes nearly translucent.
Lucky, Skye's blue firelizard, appeared with two golden rings, nearly two large for him to carry. He dropped the rings and Calith caught them on her forelimbs, they appearing to look like bracelets on her forearms.

After the flower petals showered on her Calith dropped back to all fours and turned to head back to the trees. She made a worried sound as she saw that her rider was already running back to the tree line, holding her skirt up so that she could run more easily.

[Kitari]

"Careful, darling, you don't want to get sand on your nose!"

Elinth snorted. Brinne was hovering about her like a mother wherry, adjusting this and smoothing that as she made the last, finishing touches to her dragon's appearance. Their turn was fast approaching, and the girl was determined for her dragon to outshine all the rest. Elinth was already the most beautiful dragon in the Weyr, certainly, in Brinne's eyes, but it was time to show that to everyone else!

Calith has just returned. I think we should go now, mine!

"Oh! I'm not ready!" Brinne moaned, wiping the oil on her hands hastily onto a rag and tugging helplessly at her dress.

You're beautiful, Brinne-heart. Let's go.

Carefully, Brinne used Elinth's proffered forelimb to climb into place, sitting 'side-saddle' between the green's neckridges, as Elinth exited the forest. Brinne had purposely chosen a striking red dress, a colour that complemented her dragon's hide yet stood out dramatically. The long gown trailed to her ankles, even while sitting, and a slit traveled up to her knee along one side. The dress itself was as dark as Rukbat when it is setting beyond the horizon; a rich, deep ruby colour. Brinne's own fiery red hair was tied up in a bun, with wisps trailing down her neck and along the sides of her face. It was too short to leave down now.

As Elinth strode tentatively onto the sands, the detailing along her hide became evident. She was naturally a mossy green colour, with swirls making their way down to her gray-green underbelly. While the oils enhanced the richness of this colouring, Brinne had draped the green dragon in a complex network of vines as well. They wound their way up Elinth's neck and limbs, as if she had fallen asleep in the jungle long enough for the plants to claim her, and what first appeared to be a normal riding harness had actually been constructed carefully of more vines.

Elinth's steps were slow and graceful, though more due to her tentative nature than any intent. She was not like her rider; Elinth didn't fancy showing off in front of others all that much, and she was rather shy about it. After all, the other dragons were all so very lovely. She was just happy to see how Brinne glowed throughout this!

The misting from the Strength competition gave the appearance of dew on the vines, and Elinth positively sparkled as she finally reached the end of the walk. Her wings had been held vertically erect the entire time, with her long arching neck proudly elongated, and it was only when she reached the line that this pose changed. There, she suddenly opened like the petals of a flower. Her wings lowered, still extended but now held horizontally, and her neck also dipped down, so that it was directed straight out. The effect was, of course, for the plant to reveal the jewel of a flower within, which revealed the purpose of Brinne's strikingly red dress.

This competition wasn't about the rider, however, and Elinth made that perfectly clear as she raised her head back up, revealing the silvery collar that naturally encirled her neck. It was then that little Damsel burst from between, ready to play her part. Although the green flitter was much younger than Duke, both Brinne and Elinth had agreed she was much more amiable to the task at hand. As the flowers exploded into the air from the Strength competition above, the little green darted back and forth through the air, catching petals and positioning them carefully on knots in the vines. When the final petals settled, it was as if the vines had flowered before their eyes.

Carefully, Elinth folded her wings closed, turned, and walked back the way she'd come.

"You did marvelously!" Brinne whispered, feeling as if her face would burst with her broad smile.

[Kitari]

Just take a deep breath, Dagonth advised, rotating his head to consider the anxious rider on his back.

It should be easier this year, B'rec retorted, arms crossed anxiously across his chest.

There are more competitors, though, and it is never fun being judged. Dagonth was well aware of his rider's discomfiture in the presence of others, and being in the spotlight was one of the worst times of all for B'rec. Still, they had done so well last year! And even if they didn't this year, it was good to try.

When their names were called, Dagonth began to trot out of the forest, then slowed quickly to a measured pace. B'rec stood, balanced on his dragon's back, and he was as well-oiled as the blue, much to the young man's embarrassment. He was wearing silver breeches, but his chest was bared.

Dagonth's deep sapphire hide shone richly in the light, and the dancing patterns of the reflected beams from the waves moved about his form like ghosts.

When he neared the judges, Dagonth suddenly reared up on his hind limbs, while B'rec fell forward (anticipating this) to catch the riding straps and hold tight. Dagonth's wings flared out to either side to help him balance, and the metallic blue of his underbelly flashed in Rukbat's shine. Griffin appeared in the air, on cue, and tore open his sack as he flew from Dagonth's nose to his tail. Hundreds of tiny white shells sprinkled down the dragon's body, catching in ridges and on his wings, until his entire form looked like a breaking wave with flecks of white. Then, the dragon turned and strode back down the shoreline, while B'rec leaned thankfully against the blue's neck.

The flower petals fell about them as they went, and they disappeared into the cloud.

I almost slipped, you know.

I wouldn't have let you fall.

[D'gellin]

Come, Jaylee-mine! It is nearly our turn! Cassanth encouraged, taking a step toward the beach. Jaylee, however, had since been gripped with stage fright. At first she hadn't minded the idea of the competition, and Trilia had thoroughly backed up the idea (perhaps because she herself couldn't participate). Indeed, Trilia had helped quite a great deal, helping Jaylee pick out a dress, giving advice based on what she'd seen at the first Tournament, and even letting Jaylee borrow her dear brown fire lizard (though Jaylee suspected this was partly because Ronin had been making a fuss lately about having to share his Trilia with her new dragon).

Jaylee-mine? Oh do not be scared, mineown, we will do wonderfully.[/color] Cassanth assured hers, lifting her head to meet the girl's light brown eyes. She would have made contact, had she not already been oiled head to foot! Jaylee blinked rapidly for a moment, wringing her hands anxiously, before hesitantly nodding. She smiled uneasily and kissed her green's forehead Thank you, dearheart. before leading her out of the trees.

Surprisingly, although the pair was young and inexperienced, they didn't make quite a gawky team as they might have. Jaylee had donned a simple but befitting white dress lined with a light green that nearly matched Cassanth's hide if one didn't look too close. Around her neck hung a single pearl, and on her head was a small ringlet of jingle-shells, matching the bracelet on her wrist. This, of course, was nothing on Cassanth, who boasted matching jingle-shell jewelry around her neck, forepaw, and tail. As they walked, there was the gentle clinking sound of the shells tingling together. The shells only enhanced the large young green's already sea-themed hide, the lighter colored ribbons rippling not unlike the water as they stepped through the rising foam.

Cassanth moved with an assurance one would expect in a green twice her age and beauty, short neck held high, nose dipped slightly, wings half unfurled, steps fluid and assured. Indeed, at times one might wonder, as the mist from swirled about her, if Cassanth were blending with the waters themselves. It was then that Jaylee signaled for Ronin. With a chirp, he twirled about the two, dipping to reach his claws into the water and dragging little claw-fulls up with him, splashing the water around them, the added drops of water glistening like large crystals hidden in the mist. Cassanth stumbled only once when startled by a crab.

As they reached the crowd, Jaylee convulsively backed away a step, but Cassanth quickly used this to her advantage, stepping forward and turning her tilted head to her rider. Smiling silently, Jaylee reached out a delicate hand to Cassanth, palm up, leading the green in a circle. As they made their careful circuit, the flowers rained down. Jaylee's heart could have melted, humbled at the sight of her own fortune in her beautiful little dragonet. We're both beautiful, mineown. Cassanth whispered, as though this were a secret that must be kept, before they turned and made a proud return to the trees.

[Tealah]

T'rin plucked uncomfortably at the crisply starched sleeve of his new clothing. He'd never worn anything but the loose, practical, and dull clothing of a drudge. Even if he'd paid attention to what he was doing then, he'd not have had to worry about dirtying his clothing. Now though he was afraid to move in case he brushed up against something and stained the snowy-white fabric of his shirt. It was cut in a loose, billowing style - another new thing for T'rin - gathered in at the wrists. A light leather vest of cobalt blue was buttoned over the shirt, a sky-blue kerchief knotted at his throat. T'rin tugged at that, too. At least his trousers were loose of a comfortable, sensible brown, and the boots the trousers were tucked into were the same dull worn-in boots he'd worn as a drudge.

Stop that, Jasth said impatiently from his side. His attention recaptured, T'rin took a moment to admire the blue. He'd scrubbed the dragonet and took extra care to oil him today, as had all the other contestants no doubt, but he was still surprised at how much more handsome it made even Jasth look.

The sand is sticking to my feet, Jasth complained. People will look at me and see only my sandy claws, not me. He glared down at the offending sand as though that would make it go away.

T'rin smiled vaguely and patted the dragonet's head. He was doing this whole contest thing - he still wasn't sure what the point of it was - because Jasth had been so eager to, but now the young weyrling was wishing he were back in bed. His head was aching abominably, and walking down to the beach with Jasth he'd had a coughing fit that had left him weak in the knees. Before he'd Impressed Jasth he'd not have noticed at all. Now it was like an irritating insect that just wouldn't leave him alone.

It's our turn, Mine!

Jasth started forward with his usual strut, elegant tail swishing behind him... well, elegantly. He kept his oversized wings half-open to show glimpses of the sky-blue coloration of his lower wingsails, a blue that matched the four slim feet he noticed with some annoyance were partially coated with white sand, and the heart-shaped marking on his chest was shown off proudly. But wait, where was T'rin? T'rin!, he hissed at the young man frowning down at his scuffed boots thoughtfully.

T'rin gave a start, blinking at Jasth. What? Oh, right, the contest. He hurried to catch up with the blue, who had stopped in a pose with his head held high at an arrogant tilt and one foot still raised, as though he'd stopped on purpose to show off instead of to wait for his rider. Now the pair moved forward together. The mist from the Strength competition touched them, brushing Jasth's azure hide with droplets of water like thousands of tiny diamonds, tipping T'rin's spiky orange hair like fire. Well, really it just made T'rin's hair look wet, which wasn't really what they'd been hoping for when Jasth planned this out.

Finally they came before the judges, T'rin stepped before Jasth to hide him from their sight. He bowed awkwardly to them, a moment somewhat ruined by the sudden fit of coughing, stepped aside to reveal the dragonet, who dramatically flung up his head and snapped open his wings. At the same instant a green fire lizard popped out from between, dipping and swooping around his wings and head carrying something that was raining water down on Jasth to gleam and glitter like stars, then vanished just as quickly when the shower of flowers enveloped them. Jasth flapped his wings once, sending some of that shower whirling towards the judges, then gave an elegant bow, wings held horizontally. He straightened, settled his wings back, and sauntered back toward the jungle.

T'rin followed, still coughing, and more than a little confused about the appearance of the fire lizard. He didn't have a fire lizard, did he?

Breni Jasth told him smugly. The harper's green. She thought it would be fun. The pair disappeared back into the trees.

[M'kel]

What we've all been waiting for...

THE RESULTS!

First Place: Calysta and Luneth (ability: 17, die: 5)

Second Place: Riley and Megrath (ability: 16, die: 4)

Third Place: S'tar and Hatsheth (ability: 14, die: 5)

Fourth Place: B'rec and Dagonth (ability: 16, die: 2) and Jaylee and Cassanth (ability: 12, die: 6)

Fifth Place: Skye and Calith (ability: 15, die: 1), Brinne and Elinth (ability: 13, die: 3), and T'rin and Jasth (ability: 15, die: 1)

Good job, everyone!