[post plot] and everything you love will burn

[Ruby]

T'mund had opened his mouth to snap back at Merridan and C'oar (Jazz was ignored, her words dismissed as a childish fit in this sort of dangerous situation) when a hand clapped him on the back. "I put you in charge, Weyrling, you and Jazzheera," M'kai confirmed, "But you are still a Weyrling. These two are full riders, and their word goes until you graduate." Content that he'd embarassed T'mund enough, the Weyrlingmaster turned to the Brownriders. "Sorry about the insubordination - I'll take it from here." Unfailingly polite as always, M'kai gave them both an apologetic smile. Weyrlings; can't like with 'em, can't live without 'em.

While T'mund blushed and fidgeted, M'kai smiled encouragingly at Jazz...'s back, as the Weyrling stalked away. Where was Rof'l when you needed him? With a Bronze in the group, M'kai never would have had to put T'mund in charge, but people expected the higher colors to take control. In this sort of life or death situation, though, T'mund had used up his chance. "Brownweyrling," the Bluerider called, stopping a retreating T'mund with a hand on his shoulder. "You've lost your chance; you're demoted. Jazzheera's in charge now, along with..." Oh good Faranth. Who? Tenlie, whose dragon had a superiority complex as bad as T'mund's? The rest were so young it would embarass the older Greenweyrling, so that was that. "Well, she'll take care of it alone for now. With me, I suppose. You need to find someone without a dragon to pair up with." As T'mund stumped off in Samera's direction, M'kai waved Jazz over, looking at the dragons who were now mostly in formation. "Think you can keep 'em quiet and move them back under the trees? I don't think formation is a bad plan, but being well covered is more important."

Futh ducked his head to look at Meira, breathing gently in her direction. His mindvoice was smooth and collected, not betraying a hint of whatever pain he felt. No reason to stress Jingth or Hers. Thank you, Jingth. Would you tell yours that Aloe should be fine, and I believe it looks worse than it is?

((It's a second degree burn on his left shoulder))

---

C'oar's voice made Ten spin, her face breaking into a smile when she recognized his face. "Worth ten Brownriders," she teased, smothering as much of her accent as she could. It was C'oar who'd warned her that not everyone would take kindly to such a strange way of speaking. She hadn't gotten rid of it all the way, but it was far less noticable now - except for the occasional 'do be'. His second question was answered more seriously, but she reached out to link an arm through Isori's as she spoke. "I do be - ha, am - holding up quite well. It's good to see a familiar face, beside Weyrlings, that is. Oh - how rude of me. Isori, this is C'oar, C'oar, Isori," she introduced, patting the Candidate slightly on the arm. Poor girl looked about scared out of her wits (never mind that she looked about the same age as Ten herself - not exactly a 'girl').

In moments, though, C'oar was called away, sent off to attend the Weyrwoman. Cocking her head at Isori, she asked, "Would you like to meet Rajnith? She do be in an awful mood right now, but it may be good to take her mind off Kierjaarth - her mate," she explained, ready to lead Isori in that direction if she agreed.

[Requiem]

To the log, the boy glanced at Showoff for a moment, then spontaneously hugged K'lir, though not too tightly. He tugged at the hem of the man's shirt. "On you, too," Miguel stated, a note of distress behind the words. He stroked Showoff lightly with a finger, eyes flicking toward R'ven. Felt shy getting undressed in front of the tall man, but he didn't like the bloody pants even more, and soon the child had stripped down, still regarding R'ven with a touch of uncertainty.

He suffered the scrubbing in silence, gradually becoming more comfortable with the bath and the brownrider. Mostly due to disappearing blood. He didn't feel so much like people were watching and thinking him bad, as it went away. The child shivered slightly, taking the clothes handed to him with a quiet thanks and putting on the shorts, holding them up with a hand and glancing toward Cr'oph uncertainly. Um. R'ven's words were a relief, and he nodded. "Please?" He could hold them up, he supposed, but this was better...

Once socks and boots were on, Miguel returned to the skin and drunk some, his leg touching K'lir's. He didn't move any closer, though, because the blood still on the greenrider made his skin crawly. He was watching the two other riders. "Why are you angry at each other?" the child asked. He wasn't really following what they'd been talking about, but the looks and the tones were angry ones. Miguel didn't really understand why they were upset at one another when they'd just lost their home. Thought of home filled with scary men and blood made him sad again and he reached out to grip K'lir's hand, drinking another sip of water and feeling stomach sick.

[glamourie]

Fortunate. He will be glad to know that only Futh and Ismaroth’s are harmed and you are both welcome. He didn’t really think a ‘thank you’ was necessary, but Ciceroth would not be rude enough to explain why. He knew why Ka’rys made the offer for Meira to check out Samera. There were few things, apparently, that drew humans together as hatchlings did. RysHis was very protective of his little ones, to the point that he felt sick over Keravi, and he was expecting that Jingth’s felt much the same way. Ciceroth knew that SavitriCath’s would’ve. It was probably a guess of logic. If it helped, it helped. RysHis had a saying that goldriders were the heart and soul of a Weyr – they were the ones who kept the Weyr running, gave it feeling, made it home. Did the same not apply to a small group of exiles? Just because they didn’t have beds to sleep in – places to rest – that didn’t mean that they weren’t a Weyr. They just… were missing some of the essentials. Ciceroth laid his head on the ground between his foreclaws, eyes whirling. So upsetting, all of this.

The bronzerider watched Elysia and Iskierka’s departures with cool brown eyes, his face masked. He waited until they were out of sight – until it was just him and E’rro – and then he turned to his wingsecond. The look on his face was very somber, because he didn’t have a choice. He didn’t really… know what to do. That was bad, wasn’t it? Most of this was acting on instinct; his nerves were fried, and he felt, truly felt, as if his world was coming to an end. It was probably half in his head, but they were definitely screwed.

“You need to take care of your injuries.” It wasn’t a request. He looked over as Ismaroth for a moment before turning back to E’rro. The unspoken Tell me what to do to help and I will hung in the air. As it were, he filled the silence with the soft statement, “I didn’t see who it was, I didn’t – Ciceroth and I were a bit distracted. I need to know any exacts you have. What Weyr attacked us, how many, who was leading them – anything you can give me.” He also needed to know what they should be doing but it wasn’t E’rro’s job to figure that out. It was his. “Ciceroth couldn’t reach Salenth. He can’t, still.” It definitely was not a good sign. The obvious assumption was that S’rei was no longer with them – why else would they not be able to reach him? “We’re going to need everyone injured taken care of, when that’s through we need to get bloody clothing cleaned if possible, or disposed of if it’s damaged beyond repair. These parts have wild felines. Do you know the Threadfall schedule? I use records to track; Blossom territory isn’t due for a Fall for a few days is it?” Hopefully not – he was counting on E’rro to know that though. Why, he didn’t know. Because he didn’t. Right.

---

A slight smile – a real one, not faked – passed over K’lir’s face. It was hard to find anything to be happy about but he did appreciate helping with Miguel, even if he could feel the slight tension in the boy’s arms. He nodded slightly, no sounds escaping him, because he didn’t need to say anything. It was meant to reassure Miguel and he didn’t know if it would help; he didn’t know if anything he did was any good. He just knew that he needed to be touching Miguel, needed to know the little boy was all right, that he was there. If he could see, being in eyesight would’ve been fine but he couldn’t, so touching was a necessity. He took the handed over clothes with a slight nod and tugged at Miguel’s arm carefully, pulling him closer; he raised his hands and rolled the sleeves and pant legs up as needed. He also tied them at the sides – something that some people may not have thought to do, but K’lir wore clothes too big for him routinely; he was good at dealing with excess length. Bagginess, he couldn’t do much about, but length – length he could. “A belt might be good,” he murmured, unsure of how close the other man – Baoth told him it was a brownrider – was and whether or not he could hear.

The touch made him smile and he nodded. “I know. I’ll wash it all off once you’re cleaned up, hn?” Baoth had… some clothes, he thought. Maybe. He didn’t really know, actually. If she did, it was probably riding gear and too hot for any sane person to wear in the jungle, but K’lir would deal with it. “You good?”

The question was enough to draw K’lir out of his musing and he rose to his feet, his expression slowly changing. Amber eyes darkened but he didn’t turn because looking at people was pointless. Miguel noticing the tension, though, irritated K’lir. Not at Miguel, either. “If you’re unhappy with waiting for an explanation, you could always go find the Weyrsecond and ask him yourself…?” It was suggestive. Baiting. And also an attempt to get rid of the tension. He did appreciate the help, and K’lir was grateful that the bronzerider (Mavenath’s, Baoth stated) had given Miguel clothes. He did not, however, welcome anyone stressing Miguel out even further. That wasn’t okay. So he settled for a suggestion – a suggestion that he was pretty sure would get the bronzerider away from them if all he was going to do was complain and make things worse. Everyone was stressed. Griping that information wasn’t coming fast enough wasn’t productive. Or maybe K’lir was just cranky because he was tired. He didn’t want an explanation. He wanted the nightmare to go away. So sue him, really.

Turning back to Miguel, K’lir put one hand on the boy’s shoulder and smiled. “I don’t think they’re mad at each other, Miguel. I think they’re both just scared. Like we are.” No, he was pretty sure that they were mad at each other, and if Miguel wasn’t present, K’lir would’ve told them both what they could suck on. As it was, he was trying to be an adult. Very difficult, that. Right – but he needed a change of clothes. “I’m going to try and rinse off, okay? Will you do me a favor and stay right here? Right here with Showoff, while I get my riding gear from Baoth?” He didn’t want to leave Miguel for a second, but he also didn’t want to keep dragging the child back and forth. Bad situation, that. Ugh.

[dragon]

C'oar just watched as Meira walked away again. "Yes Ma'am." He answered simply. He certainly hadn't expected her to go just as abruptly as she'd appeared. But that was alright. It wasn't like he had any previous experience to draw from for her mannerisms. One last glance over the weyrlings in general, to which he noted the exchange between M'kai and T'mund. Which he was also glad for ... get that mess all straightened out before the kid got too wound up over the whole affair.

At Tenlie's comment, though, C'oar first stopped to think about that, and then he arched one thick brow at her. "Do I really want to know?" He asked, before taking a few steps over in her direction since she was actively talking to him and everyone else was done and gone already. "I am glad you're holding up well. Rather unfortunate how many aren't..."

He looked over at the young lass that Tenlie was introducing him to, and offered a nod. To which he just got a stare for in return. But then he was more or less used to that reaction from people he hadn't met before. "I would say good day, but I am afraid today is anything but." C'oar offered.

Isori just blinked at him, as if she didn't comprehend what he'd just said. Mostly because between the shock of the situation and then being confronted with a person bigger than she knew it was possible for people to get to be ... she really wasn't paying that much attention to what he said. "Uhh ... yeah. I mean ... gosh. No, it isn't? I can't find my sister." She answered, finally.

"Good luck finding anyone in this mess. Until we get a solid tally, we won't have any idea who we have and who we haven't." C'oar answered.

Isori looked over at Tenlie when she spoke and then merely nodded. Dragons were always interesting. "I'd love to. What happened, did he get left behind, or ...?" She was afraid to ask if something had happened to him.

[Tashe]

"They are taken care of as much as I can allow for. I only used a very small amount of numbweed." He didn't know how much they had brought with them and would rather bare through a small amount of pain until he knew exactly. Crossing his arms he ignored Feather who was still preening his hair, it was her way of showing that she was worried about something. "Benden. At least... we think it was Benden." The Brownrider reached out to his Dragon to confer. "Ismaroth says that the last time he had spoken with Millieth, she old him that the invasion was lead by..." He paused to look at the Brown in surprise. "Ja'kin. We are not entirely sure whether Ja'kin was there on J'lorin's orders or not, I had to leave with Meira before Isma could affirm either way." Rubbing his chin, he scratched off a bit of dried blood and continued. "As for numbers, it was hard to say in the chaos. With all the information he gathered... Ismaroth estimates at least two full wings, with a half a Wing margin of error. But he suspects that there were more, not less. As for Selenitas itself... we lost a great amount of Riders." He bowed his head slightly as he recited the statistics he knew "All of Immunis except one or two, at least half of our Bronzeriders and..." He glanced at Ka'rys with concern, hoping he already knew, "... our Junior Weyrwoman. I estimate... over fifteen dead."

Speaking of dead... He had been wondering what had happened to their Weyrleader, though he wasn't too keen on thinking him dead. If S'rei and Salenth were dead, it would be ill news. "Hmm. Its possible that lack of contact might mean that they are just out of range." Positive, look for the positive. He didn't want to but it looked like he had to. Ka'rys switched the flow of topics again, E'rro did his best as always to keep up with the train of thought. "Ismaroth tells me that I am the only human injured, no one else has checked in. I will see to it that he sends a broadcast to the Dragons about the clothing and what to do with the clothing that cannot be repaired. There seems to be a stream near by, we can use that to do washing."

He dropped his hand from his chin without pause and continued speaking. "I have the schedule memorized yes." When it came to memorizing documents, the Wingsecond's memory was nothing to sniff at. "Blossom is not due for Threadfall until... the end of this week. We have four solid days I believe until we have to start watching for Fall or watching the skies for Threadfall sweeps."

"We can't do much until Iskierka and Elysia come back from scouting. I'd like to start taking inventory on the medical supplies, but I feel it should wait until we find shelter and just take a overall tally of all the supplies we have once we're there." He was momentarily distracted by his Flitter who was attempting to climb onto his head, making her switch shoulders instead. "I'll get the washing organized until their return and walk around to make sure everything is alright. No doubt people are wondering what the shards is going on..." He sighed and put a hand on Ka'rys's shoulder, the concern coming back to shadow his face. "'Rys. If you need some time..." He trailed off. If Ka'rys needed time with the family he had here - E'rro had seen Kalerary's Green among those who'd come- he'd do what ever he could to help the Bronzerider.

"Right. Speaking of clothing, you should pretty much just jump into the river when you have the chance." Removing his hand, the younger man placed it on his hip. "If there is anything else?" He glanced past Ka'rys's shoulder as he caught movement coming toward them. E'rro's eyebrow lifted slightly, Hoayamae was coming to pay them a visit.

Opening his mind to encompass all of the Dragons present, Weyrling and mature with the exception of Onyth and Ioth, Ismaroth spoke to them. Dragons. Please inform your Riders that if they have blood anywhere on them, they need to scrub themselves clean of it. If they have blood on their clothes it needs to be washed out, and if the clothing is damaged beyond repair they will need to be disposed of. This will need to be passed on to the Weyrfolk as well. When the humans go to wash they will need to go in groups of two or more for safety. Remind them not to dally. His Rider prodded him. Extra clothing is currently being collected by Nephele of Nuoth, if you have something you can temporarily spare give them to her. Clothing that needs to be disposed can be brought to her as well. He paused as he switched topics. Please also be alert for any signs of Feline activity. This is prime land for Feline packs and we do not want to lose anyone from lack of attention. We will be staying in this place temporarily, just until our scouts can find us a more suitably sheltered place. Bare with us.

---

Leifa chirped happily at the Salamandyr. She, unlike others of her species, actually didn't mind the little things. "Well," E'iah looked down at the boy, "to be honest none one can know for certain. But I feel in my heart that Rishin will be okay, she almost acts more human than I do sometimes. I looking forward to seeing both her and my feline, Koulko, again. If Path finds her or she finds Path, I know Rishin will help protect her. She's been trained to protect things and she's also a Finder as well." He pushed a hand into the pocket of his baggy trousers as Leifa fluttered her wings. "As long as they keep out of sight of humans, they should be fine. And anyway... the cooks love Rishin."

He watched quietly as Nabrik stood, offering the boy a smile before giving the Salamandyr one. "You're welcome Alph." Glancing over at his Dragon, E'iah had a small idea. "Lets go introduce you to my Viveth. He might look like an unfriendly ox, but I'm sure he'd like to meet you." He made a motion with his hand and called out to his Blue as he began to walk. I'm bringing over someone I'd like you to meet. Please be nice or I will censor everything you say when I translate it for him. He's a candidate. I remember him yes, he likes to sneak about in lessons and hatchings. E'iah rolled his eyes but didn't comment further. When he reached the Blue, he stroked the Male's nose before turning to his charge. "Nabrik, this is Viveth. Viveth this is Nabrik and Alph." Hello sneakyone, and littlespy. "He says hello, and its nice to meet you both." Hey, I was nice... I'm not about to call them sneaky and spies right to their faces yet. Bah. Viveth lowered his head to nudge the Candidate in greeting.

[Ember]

Trust...a curious notion. Iskierka knew well that he meant trust in her abilities and not necessarily as a person, but it made her feel a bit...needed, wanted. Hn. She shook it off and gave the man a sharp nod. "Yes, sir." With that she quickly got a map, had Ioth meet her at Jingth, and stripped him of excess baggage. Her task was recon - the less things with her the better. The blue also informed the gold of the reason for leaving the healing stuff with her before assisting His onto his back.

Iskierka had Ioth between within the cover of trees to a place not to far from the exile group. They discreetly checked the area near the group to make sure no patrols were nearby before going off in search of a place they could properly hide out. How they would find a place big enough for all of them, Iskierka didn't know. Surely any such places would have been marked on the map already? Well, not like they had spent all that long discovering the Southern continent...Much of it wasn't suitable for living.

Ioth's flight suddenly hitched a little and Iskierka braced herself for an enemy...only to see a flock of avians diving into the trees. Huh. Must have been startled by Ioth. Why so startled by avians, Ioth? The blue said nothing, his embarassment drifting through the bond answer enough. They are smart, though. Diving into the trees to avoid a dragon... I don't care about how intelligent avians are, Ioth, Iskierka said snappishly. Ioth continued to watch where the avians had gone to, unconcsiously going low enough that his wing tips brushed the tops of the trees.

They were almost past the point when the blue noticed fast movement. A few avians had been startled out of the nearest trees and made a beeline for...nothing? They seemed to disappear. Ioth? May I land? I think there is something worth checking, he replied sheepishly. When they landed they saw it. Hidden in the trees was a system of caves, perfectly hidden from above. Iskierka dismounted and went to explore what she could without a source of light. Then she checked the surrounding area a little, in search of...aha. There it was. A water source. She snorted at the irony. They may end up living near yet another waterfall. I think we found what we're looking for.Let's let Ka'rys know.

Iskierka climbed onto Ioth's neck again and had the blue circle above the potential place for a moment. Long enough for Iskierka to imprint it in her mind. Then she had the blue fly straight back towards the exile group. She didn't want to risk trying to between back into the clearing with so many people there, but getting within range of communication would be easy enough. Once they were, Ioth contacted Ciceroth. Ciceroth, we have found hidden caves. It may satisfy our needs.

----

As Jazz left Hoayamae to do as she would for a while longer she drifted back towards the weyrlings, chewing contemplatively on the food she'd been given. She noticed M'kai waving her over and obediently joined him. She was about to ask what she had done wrong - maybe snapping at T'mund had been a bad thing - when the Weyrlingmaster gave her new instructions. "Sure thing, M'kai." Perhaps she ought to have been using his title but even under normal circumstances she slipped up and forgot to use it.

Jazheera thought her idea through before shrugging and having Dhavalth relay it to the weyrling dragons. Brothers, sisters, please make a ring in the trees around the clearing. We are going to be hiding to avoid any fighting. Should an enemy appear, don't scatter in fear. His rider sighed. Couldn't he drop the rhymes in such a serious situation?

((Because I'm totally lacking the brainpower for it right now, Nephele is doing as she was told - informed Darya that she should be helping her, asking the weyrlings and weyrfolk if they have extra clothes, gave Meira E'rro's medical bag, has his shirt and jackets and took out his pants.))

[Rowana]

Settled as he was, Chaoth was regretful for his size. His hide wasn't quite dark enough to blend in completely and he was too large to make much use of the trees for cover. He didn't stand out as much as the bronzes maybe, but it was small consolation. He didn't want to think of anyone getting hurt because he was such an obvious target. At least Ismorath said they would be leaving soon. Merridan? he called urgently. We leave as soon as they have a better place. Nuoth's is collecting spare clothes. Ismaroth also warns of possible felines.

Merridan nodded absently. It was mostly things she already knew, but it was good to have confirmation. What of the enemy? Were we followed? He did not say. But the skies are still clear. Mer frowned. While it was good that they hadn't been track so far, she could only think that they weren't following because they were busy elsewhere. That did not bode well for those who were left behind. She turned to the candidate boy next to her. "Better stick with me," she told him. "Chaoth will give you a ride. Looks like Nephele will take those clothes." She led him off to find the greenrider, thinking of what else should be done in preparation for leaving. Most of the others seem to have things under control. Best she could think of was to get Chaoth's straps on. She didn't relish the idea of carrying passengers bareback. Shards, wasn't there more she could do?

~

Nabrik thought about what E'iah said. Path was fairly small and good at finding food. As long as she kept out of the way, maybe she would be alright. She could look after Emoyan too. Nabrik hated to think of the Candidate Master getting hurt. In the meantime, moping wasn't getting him anywhere, and he still had Alph. It was a pity the talking lizards couldn't blink places like fire lizards could, then he'd send the brown back to check. Path be fine, Alph agreed. She clever smart. Sighing, Nabrik managed a tiny smile for E'iah through his sadness. "Thanks."

Trying to push the loneliness away, Nabrik trotted after the older boy to meet his dragon. Viveth didn't look unfriendly to him, but then he thought all dragons looked awesome, so who could tell? He'd already learned that they could be as different as people in personality. "'Lo, Viveth," Nabrik waved half-heartedly. Nice to meet, Alph agreed politely. A little surprised to find a nose touching him, Nabrik rubbed the blue's snout. It earned the young dragon a real smile from the boy. Dragons still got him excited when he was allowed this close.

~

Hoayamae's basket was running low. As she walked, she made a quick count of her remaining supplies. She had already passed out to the weyrlings, weyrfolk, and most of the riders. It was hard with them moving about so much, but she knew better than to go far from the main group. She was a little sorry she had nothing for the dragons themselves, but carrying around whole carcasses of meat was a bit beyond her in an emergency. Even so, she still had a few left. Squaring her shoulders, she walked up to Ka'rys and E'rro as fast as her uneven steps could take her.

"Beg pardon, sirs," Mae said as she approached. She bobbed a nod of respect, but clearly wasn't going to take no for an answer. "Can't have you dropping from lack of food." She reached into the basket and pulled out two rolls, passing one to each of them. "Mind you eat them now," she added firmly. She was sure she didn't need to tell them it could be a while before they ate again. It was no time to say no because one might feel sick from stress and blood loss. Nodding in satisfaction, the old cook turned to catch up with some of the riders she'd missed, always making sure she could see Jazheera and her pretty blue.

[rii]

R'ven didn't keep his gaze on Cr'oph, because if he did the look wouldn't have been kind. He really didn't want Miguel or K'lir picking up on the minor dispute that always sprang up between himself and the arrogant bronzerider. He pushed the irritation out of his mind, handed his belt over to be used for Miguel, then set about scrubbing out the rest of the blood from the clothes. As he was wringing the water from the fabric he lifted his head at the information Trilaranth shared from Ismaroth's broadcast.

A slight frown touched at R'ven's expression, at Miguel's question, before the brownrider smoothed it into neutrality. He braved a half-smile for the kid alone, following K'lir's words, his too directed at the young boy "Just on edge, sorry. I'm not mad at him."

Standing up, R'ven moved back to the shore and stepped into the shoes he had discarded. "I'll get your stuff from-" Baoth "-Baoth if you can tell me what you need and where it is." Simply because he was under the impression that he could get to the green and back a lot more quickly and efficiently than a blind rider. Then Miguel wouldn't have to be separated from what appeared to be clinging to the green rider. Parting them wouldn't be a wise move. "Cr'oph, you'll stay here?"

And watch out for felines?

R'ven moved back toward the field and the dragons, only moving slow enough to hear any sound of protest as he left them behind.The sooner some of them washed, the sooner they could get away from being deeper in the trees and near the dragons that would keep the possible threat of felines away. R'ven felt the impatience, as most of the riders did, but he was more patient because he knew a plan, or destination, would eventually be shared with all of them. Best to busy oneself in the meantime.

[Ruby]

((mine aren't really doing anything vital, I'll post if I can but don't wait on me))

[Rei]

Cr’oph gave a light shrug knowing full well the greenrider couldn’t see it. Yeah he could go over there and stick his nose in. However Mavenath refused to entertain the option at all, and even though the red head often did things the bronze didn’t like. The dragon was upset enough without him adding to it. He may be a dick at times but he did love his dragon. Enough to not want to cause his mindmate anymore unneeded stress currently. Instead the bronzer swallowed his pride and spoke to K’lir, his tone level. “It won’t do me any good to stick my nose in there now. I’m just feeling a little lost and as a result running my mouth. My apologies.” Yeah that just tasted wrong but everyone had to swallow crow sometimes right?

To Miguel he gave an attempt at a slight smile and a shrug. “Your friend is right. Everyone’s just on edge. I’m not mad at him.” Nope just thought he was a prick. Not mad at all just irritated at the brownrider in general. Unfortunately they tended to rub each other the wrong way and it looked like even a hostile changeover wouldn’t be changing that. What a lovely and comforting thought that was. Briefly his gaze blanked as Mavenath bespoke him and he nodded mentally letting the bronze deal with the administrative duties for now. The dragon was good at that and it gave the beast something to do.

Leaning back against the tree Cr’oph’s gaze went to R’ven as the man started moving away. “Yeah I’m not going anywhere.” Briefly the bronzer checked himself for his weapons and, content that they where all in place, continued to examine the area almost lazily. “I’m sure Baoth already let you know what needed to be passed on. So if you want to get cleaned up while R’ven is getting your stuff I’ll keep a look out.” The bronzer paused before adding. “If you need help making sure you’ve got all the blood off of you I don’t mind helping.” In all honestly he didn’t mind but Cr’oph was willing to bet K’lir would decline his offer. Shifting his weight the man gazed over at Miguel and a pang of actually sympathy hit him. Poor kid. Yeah so, maybe he should tone it down. If just for the little guy.

~~~

(Elysia is just continuing to scout, checking in so often until she gets called back)

[Requiem]

It was Miguel who took the belt from R'ven and threaded it through the belt loops, cinching it tight enough to keep the pants from riding low - K'lir had already made it so they weren't likely to fall. He understood that adults sometimes needed something to do, and he appreciated a lot of the help. Really. But he was old enough to wash and dress himself, even if everyone else seemed to be forgetting that. More, he needed to do something himself right now, to make the helpless feeling go away. The boy concentrated on the belt buckle.

Perhaps part of the reason he was so studiously focused on it, however, was that he was being lied to. By several people at once. He murmured a soft 'okay' to K'lir, eyes flicking over to the retreating R'ven, then leaned close and dropped his volume even further so no one else could hear. "Well, they sounded mad to me," Miguel confided in Showoff. So had K'lir just a second ago actually. Not scared or on edge (whatever that meant). Mad. Hm. It was okay, though, cause grown-ups lied a lot. He didn't know why they got mad when kids did it, since they seemed to be the experts, but...to get along with grown-ups you had to learn that they were always right, even when they weren't.

The child was focusing on Cr'oph, mostly because Cr'oph was giving him a look that he didn't really recognize. It made him very tempted to stick his tongue out at him. See if he got 'not-mad' again. R'ven was quiet, K'lir smart, but this one he thought he could get riled up enough to say things so he knew what was going to happen next. Another game grown-ups liked to play: let's not tell the kids anything cause they just won't understand. "Why don't they tell you anything? Don't you ride a big shiny? Everyone tells Daddy everything."

[heisokufire9]

((Sorry this has taken so long. RL grabbed me by the ear and wouldn't let go. So here is a fail post but a post none the less.))

Connor nodded at the blue weyrling. "Yes I'm Y'kiro's brother." he replied worry in his voice. Y'kiro would be alright he was sure but he couldn't help worrying about his brother. He was glad the riders seemed to have taken charge though and he would be happy to help in any way he could. When the blue weyrling mentioned someone that could use the spare clothes he nodded and grabbed the small pack he'd brought with him. It wasn't much but he hadn't brought much to the weyr to begin with.

"Thanks." he said surprise in his voice as she offered to let him ride with her when they moved out. It was nice of her. He ran a hand through his hair in a slight nervous gesture. He didn't know a lot of the people here though he did recognize a couple of them as candidates. He could only hope that the ones left behind were doing alright.

[glamourie]

Benden. Benden. Ka’rys was getting really sick of Benden.

Not that he’d ever been exactly ‘fond’ of Benden. Far from. Raised in Fort, he’d hated the place from the time that he was a child but still. Ka’rys’s eyes narrowed slightly and he brought one hand up to his temples, forcing himself to the cold inner peace. Panicking was not going to do anyone any good. He just... was angry. Yes, he was perfectly willing to admit to himself that he was seething in a cold rage. Ka’rys didn’t get angry like other people did. He festered inside into a ball of icy fury that came out more in insane paranoia than anything else. The bronzerider twitched, visibly, and bowed his head.

“I’ll have all the time in the world when we’re not sitting pretty waiting to get flamed.” It wasn’t meant to be rude but Ka’rys couldn’t – couldn’t go to Kale right then. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to; he did. More than anything else in the world. But if he went over to her, his resolve and ability to think even remotely would disappear. He knew that with the surety that he knew his own name. He’d fall apart and he couldn’t fall apart yet. He had no idea where they were going to go. How many dragons? Finding some place large enough to house a bunch of dragons was going to be... painful. And they couldn’t stay out in the open, although it was relieving to know that they did have a few days before Threadfall came and made life difficult. They couldn’t be without cover when that came. For the riders, they could probably filter in with the Holds and fit in for the most part – that was something to consider... get rid of as many bodies as possible, separate... It didn’t appeal in the typical way; he hated the idea of separating but the less defenseless people the better. Shards. And he was covered in blood. Double shards.

“Candidates and holdfolk... anyone without dragons... we’re going to have to take them to one of the holds. Somewhere that they can blend in. We’re right here by Blossom, but I’m reluctant because Blossom is an obvious choice; they’re really big supporters of... I don’t even know anymore.” His head hurt. “Right, the washing needs to be done and – why is...”

That was one of the cooks. Ka’rys blinked at Hoayamae, his expression guarded as she passed him a roll. It softened momentarily by the sheer domestic nature of the action and he bobbed his head lightly in gratitude. He looked down at the bread and caught sight of just how covered in blood he was. Savitri’s blood, and one rider on the way. It wasn’t his. Part of him – a snarky, angry side – wished it was. He’d have felt less like a failure of a dragonrider if he’d actually left after fighting. He wasn’t used to running away. It felt cowardly and cowardice didn’t sit well with him. Neither did losing. Bronzerider ego and all.

Mine and I will come to check out these caves with you and Yours, Ioth. Onyth, can you please join Ioth there?

Ciceroth’s response interjected through Ka’rys’s thoughts and he turned to E’rro before the brownrider could take off and work on the washing. “Ioth and Iskierka have found something. I’m going to go check it out with them. Some kind of caves that might be big enough to hold us.” The unspoken Handle things here? hung in the air. He had little doubt that E’rro was capable. The brownrider was his wingsecond for a reason and Ka’rys did handpick him. Twice. Once without even properly remembering him. He trusted him unfailingly.

Rather than wait for a response, Ka’rys turned and made his way over to Ciceroth before disappearing between to Ioth’s location.

---

Well, apparently the brownrider was going to go get his clothes... K’lir tilted his head to the side slightly, and then frowned, listening. Baoth loftily commented that she was perfectly fine with browns paying her a visit and it took all of his self-control not to roll his eyes. At least she was calming down (as she’d been downright furious only moments before). As soon as the footsteps departed and Miguel untangled from him, K’lir inclined his head in the direction of the speaking bronzerider with a quiet sigh that might’ve been irritation and might well have just been exhaustion. Possibly both. Probably both.

“We are all tired. We are all lost. We are all scared. You are a bronzerider. Eventually, that will mean that people will look to you as a leader. And that means that you need to learn patience and composure under stress now or it’s going to hit you like bricks later. I don’t know how the others cope, but getting frustrated and angry that you’re not included in the discussions? Yeah, it’ll keep you from being included in the future. Just a tidbit of advice. Of course, what would I know?”

Quite a bit, actually. K’lir was not a leader and would never be. He was a hothead and Baoth was not radically older than Mavenath. But Calistoth? She would’ve been, and K’lir was weyrbred on top of it. He had utmost faith in himself when it came to that. He would never be someone that people went to for advice, but he did know what he expected from a wingleader and from bronzeriders. So, he knew what others would be expecting from another one. Most people, anyway. So far? So far, he wasn’t terribly impressed. Not that K’lir was an easy individual to impress, considering that he pretty much only respected S’rei, but still. Not the point. The point was that sulking and showing it was irritating. His words were not meant to be sulking, though and he didn’t intend to hold a grudge. He was hoping that the baby bronzer didn’t hold one for him pointing that fact out either. Whatever. If he did, K’lir would just convince Baoth to let his bronze catch her some day. That was what he did to bronzeriders who irritated him. He also wasn’t above mothing. Tch.

His speaking had him distracted from Miguel’s commentary to Showoff, but the bronze salamandyr flared his frill lightly before agreeably tacking on, Were mad, not happy left out. Riders of big dumb falsebronzes equally dumb. Dungheadmine worries for little. You okay now? Standing on his hindlegs, Showoff licked his claws and chirped, his little tail curling around as much of Miguel’s neck as it could. He wasn’t exactly large for a bronze salamandyr, after all. Big dumb brownling and bronzeling should Run and make up. Clearly, he was spending too much time around K’lir. The bronze salamandyr flicked his wings as Miguel spoke to Cr’oph, his eyes whirling his approval. To Cr’oph, he said, Why not good ‘nuff, bronzeling? Baby too dumb? Antaaaagonistic, who, Showoff?

“Don’t you start,” K’lir tacked on, though it was probably too late. He tacked on, “Don’t reply to him. He’ll just build on it.”

[Rei]

Scouting wasn’t the most interesting thing in the world. Unfortunately it gave one to much time to think and Elysia’s mind kept drifting back to Dmitri of all things. Damn it. There was irritation present every single time she thought of him, but it was more at herself rather than him. Why did she still care whether he was dead or alive? Why did it matter when he had so clearly written her off? Shouldn’t she have been able to have done the same? It had always been so easy before. But before you never cared about who you ‘played’ with. He became more than a simple toy. The greenrider snorted.

Tucked into her riding jacket her two fire lizards shuddered against her reminding Elysia, for the about sixth time that minute, that if she wanted to she could send one to him. Still BAD idea, so she refused to do it. No matter how bad the unknowing was it was better than knowing she caused him unneeded trouble. “Great so I’m going to be haunted for the rest of my life?” Depends on how long you decide to care my darling rider. “You should be grateful for your damn short memory.” The rider grumbled in return before shifting her weight as the dark dragon suddenly banked and whipped around stalling in a hover. What’s up?

Ciceroth calls. Ioth found something. Nice of him to let us know. So much for communication. The slight irritation in Onyth’s tone caused Elysia to smile. Get the coordinates from the annoying male will you love? You can snark at his face later. Snorting the dark green reached out and brushed against the blue’s mind. Getting the coordinates she waited for hers to fix them in place before the pair disappeared between emerging into the clear sky and immediately banking into a glide towards the other males.

(You can assume she landed beside Ioth and Ciss)

~~~

Head turning as K’lir spoke Cr’oph listened intently and then have a short nod before forgetting the other man couldn’t see it. Darn it that meant he was likely going to actually have to speak. “Thanks for the advice.” His voice was friendly and accepting enough even if it was tempting to tack on, I already have a huge bronze mother hen telling me the same thing on a bi weekly basis. But he didn’t. Instead the bronzer just settled his back more firmly against the tree and ran a hand through his hair. Getting longer again. Maybe he should be good and actually cut it himself this time. There was truth to what K’lir was saying, truth to what Mave said, but pride was a hard thing to swallow and Cr’oph was more used to becoming irritated than anything else. Projecting clam was something he was going to have to work on. Because impulse decisions where not going to work. Argh too much to think about right now.

Cr’oph looked sideways at Miguel and then actually laughed at the boy’s words. Little brat. What do you know? Seemed the kid couldn’t be all that shaken up if he could make snarky comments. What was he five? It was…amusing. Shrugging afterwards he smiled. “I’m not like your dad at all kid. Mavenath is a bronze but I’m just a regular wing rider. Maybe one day I’ll know things but for now I’m the small fish in the big pond.” Maybe the kid wouldn’t get that comment. He was quite young but whatever. Turning his attention from Miguel and back to K’lir he did totally ignore Showoff. He had his own menace who was back with Mavenath throwing insults at random passerby, like a good chubby ball of annoyance. “Yeah got one of my own. Fat little ball of brown. Lovely little creatures.” Irritating more like but he did love Jiggles. He had to really.

Pushing off the tree at his back, the bronzer moved closer to the small stream. His eyes scanned the foliage for a moment before going back to K’lir. “Anyway. R’ven should be back soon. Should get rid of the blood fast. After you’re clean we should probably head back to the main grouping. Hanging around here too long probably isn’t a good idea.” Understatement of the year. Cr’oph had no desire to have to get involved with a bunch of felines. Right nasty creatures.

[Ruby]

"Left behind, thank Faranth," Ten said, leading Isori in Rajnith's direction with a smile. "Well not that he is no here, but that he do no be..." Ten found she couldn't say it. Kierjaarth couldn't be dead, he simply couldn't, because that would mean Mi'rah... if he wasn't dead, he'd be a shell, hardly the man he'd been. Really, though, Ten though the Bronzerider was too honorable to live on once his dragon had passed away, which really didn't make her feel much better. No, no more thinking like that. It would be Mi'rah, riding in on his beautiful Kierjaarth, who would rescue them from all of this, of course. Clearly.

Abruptly, Ten realized she'd just trailed off, and giggled a little. The sound was strange among all of the stress and muttering, so the Greenweyrling cut off quickly, glancing back at her companion. "Sorry. Rajnith likes it when I think about Kierjaarth - she does tend to encourage it," she explained. By then, they'd reached the tubby Green, and Rajnith held her perfectly sculpted head aloft, light catching the yellow smears on her hide. "Raj, love, this is Isori. She do be a Candidate, and her sister impressed Green in the most recent clutch. Do you remember?"

Not in particular, Rajnith commented to Tenlie, sounding bored. Then, turning her head so she fixed Isori with one whirling eye, she added, Charmed, I'm sure. Her tone didn't warm up, really; Rajnith had little use for those without dragons, males in particular. Something about Isori had impressed the green, though, because Rajnith added privately to her rider, She may scratch my eyeridges, if she so desires. "She says you can pet her, if you wish. She would like to be scratched behind the eyeridges," Ten translated with a smile, adding in a stage whisper, "I'd do what she says if I did be you."

Something about the way Rajnith lowered her head without really seeming to move it any farther down caught Ten's attention, putting her in mind of her aunt Fiorela. While Isori presumably greeted the Green, Ten's mouth fell open, and she smacked herself in the forehead. Make that Lady Fiorela of Ista Hold, the hold that, except for Fort, was the closest to it's abandoned Weyr. She'd never been there, but they could transfer to the outskirts of the Hold, and fly straight the rest of the way. She could convince Midolan not to report them - he'd never been especially loyal to Benden or Fort, though he tithed to the former. An interesting notion - but there went Ka'rys, between.

Raj, can you have Futh pass on a message for me? Ciceroth should know that I have ties to Ista Hold, which isn't far from the abandoned Ista Weyr. I'm sure I could get Midolan to let us use it, if we need a place to stay...

Rajnith passed on the message as she'd been asked, and Futh only consulted briefly with his Rider before passing it on again, looping Jingth in too (she was a Gold, so she was in charge of where they would live, right?). Weyrsecond Ciceroth? Gold Jingth? he called, his mindvoice quiet and gently subservient. He didn't really like talking to Bronzes that weren't Mavenath, and although Jingth was his sister (M'kai reminded him of this), she was still gold, and therefore potentially scary. If whatever Ciceroth went after is not adequate living quarters, Mine has a Weyrling with close ties to Ista Hold. She seems confident that she could both transfer us to the Hold and lead us to the abandoned Weyr, with no interference with the Hold. It seems she has kinship ties to the Lord Holder. M'kai flopped to the ground next to a tree, staring up at Futh's shoulder, which was finally being treated. I don't like it, Fuffle. Stick your head in the lion's mouth has never exactly been my style. With a huff of vague annoyance, Futh countered, But it may be all we have.