In the flames her shadows play~ (Onyth's flight)

[rii]

If Trilaranth could grin, he would have as Salenth neatly dodged around him. The brown wasn't far behind, taking the tail slap as invitation, and tucked one wing to dropping down past Onyth on the opposite side of the bronze. The green's ire was not overlooked, but all it earned was a low chuckle from the brown's grounded half. Clearly she had already chosen which dragon she wanted to catch her - so Trilaranth felt no guilt in dismissing her to hassle her favored male. He actually put forth a challenge instead of pussy-footing away.

Maybe she'd show him her claws, and he could show her his.

The bronze, Trilaranth's former teacher, may have danced around the other dragons with some semblance of grace for such a large dragon. Trilaranth did no such thing. Purposely the fawn colored browned used his speed to swing around the opposite side of Frosstyth. Large wings extended full only to downbeat at a specific timing to steal the pressure right out from under the dark brown's wings. He rode the wingbeat out, rising up and filling his wings with the nearest thermal to gain a higher vantage point.

Up, they were all going up – oh right, the green.

Putting his strength to use, Trilaranth climbed up through the thermal. Oh let the bronze come up from underneath. The brown wasn't going to work the same move twice. Streamlining, Trilaranth move down at an angle toward the rest of them. He'd come from above this time, thank you. Not to intercept the others, but to make his own grab at the green. His claws extended for her..

"Ah, so you are unable to solve a problem on your own. I had only been teasing before.." R'ven smiled pleasantly at Elysia's cold looks. What a silly green - she had chosen the place, was more than capable of leading them all to somewhere more desirable. Females, really, they were just irrational. "Being out flown by a bronze too.." The tall smith lightly tsked his tongue against his teeth.

Trilaranth's limbs pulled back, and his wings strongly came down full of hot air – directing the invisible blast at the green to throw her off course. Toss her to the claws of the eager dragons below. Yeah, like he wanted to catch her. Puh-lease. Maybe he would when she actually put on a flight and not fluttered by expecting them flip silly loops for her. The brown looped up into the sky, and zig-zaged away from the chase.

A half-smirked touched at R'ven's lips as he turned aside from the other chasers. The barest sound of a chuckle heard as he stepped away. His hands raised again, a metal twang sounding as he flicked the metal spring. Bored? You don't like the woman. R'ven did smirk then, No. No I don't.

[Kisha-Ra]

Azrath crooned softly and flicked his body into a roll as Onyth cavorted around him, and though his last wingbeat still carried him forward the roll itself was tightly controlled enough not to send him off to one side or the other to collide with the green by accident. She was fun to chase, and the dark blue dragon was inordinately pleased with himself for choosing to do so, he also had no intention of cutting off the fun just yet so as Onyth spun away from him Azrath twisted away from her, heading away in almost totally the opposite direction until he could catch a nearby crosswind, which, when a twist of his wings was applied, sent him shooting back towards her.

Oh, Salenth was trying something bold there. Azrath often didn’t deign to notice other males in Flights, but the bronze’s audacity was to be admired, though, he thought, not imitated. Nor was Trilaranth’s move to –protect her? The blue was not entirely certain of what the young brown had intended there but getting in the way of diving bronze was not a wise move.

The scarred blue allowed his body to drift sideways into a powerful thermal that assisted him marvellously in a quick ascent after Onyth, though he soon twisted away, shooting underneath the green, close enough that he could flick his tail up and give Onyth a tap on the leg with the silver tip of his tail before he emerged from her shadow. His resumption of a regular flightpath came just in time to catch Salenth’s broadcast and angle himself to catch the larger dragon’s wake as the bronze rose, sending back a thread of amusement, he’d spotted Salenth playing with the browns, and he had no objection to cutting them out if he could. While the bronze came at Onyth from below Azrath let the bronze’s slipstream pull him up but pulled alongside Onyth for as long as he could, body angled towards her for an optimal catching position if she should evade Salenth’s claws.


Darya snorted softly and shook her head at Elysia’s comments, it was rather clear to the bluerider that her own conversational gambit hadn’t made as much sense as she’d hoped, even if a few complaints about, well, everything, did help her stay herself. No matter really, Azrath was the one doing the chasing here, and to judge by his reactions he was currently in favour. Ah she’d forgotten Iskierka’s presence, probably because the woman didn’t move much or say much, until Elysia spoke to the other bluerider, well if Elysia thought Darya’s comment’s applied to her as well as S’rei, Darya was in no mood to correct her.

The two hulking brownrider’s weren’t worth baiting in their current state, so that turned Darya’s attention back to the incredible sketch artist, just in time to respond to the verbal dart by sticking her thumb on the end of her nose and wiggling her fingers at him a gesture that suggested her mental age might still be in single figures. ‘My aging head bronzer? What of your own rapidly approaching dotage?’ Darya wasn’t too certain that made sense, but it was flung back with an air of amusement –and triumph- is spite of that.

[Ember]

Encouragement from the lovely green felt so great. Ioth let out a low rumble in response. What more could he show her? Nothing came to mind immediately. At least, nothing that didn't cost him the position he currently held. He contented himself once again watching her and the others. Salenth was certainly up to some interesting things. The blue brushed the bronze's mind with amusement at his stunts. Flirting with the browns now? Terribly amusing. He was even more amused when the bronze decided to use him and Azrath to his advantage.

Well played, the blue decided as he passed the bronze. He flicked Salenth with his tail as he passed lightly, offering a low croon to further indicate his amusement. His private thoughts about Salenth's antics aside, the crowding around the green bothered him. Oh, he knew she could probably deal with it, but it severely limited his options. Especially when Trilaranth joined the little mob around her. Hmm, fine. He could probably turn it all to his advtange if Salenth missed his chance but the question was whether he wanted to win that way or not.

Making his choice, the blue readied to catch the green if she evaded Salenth, claws extended to latch onto her. If he managed it his grip was more than gentle enough to allow her to escape with a brush of the mind letting her know he wouldn't force it on account of too crowded air space. Rather than being polite, Ioth simply didn't want to force a green. Some dragons felt pride for cornering a green but he would much rather have them pick him because it was him. He could feel Iskierka scoff at him in the back of her mind for it.

Speaking of Iskierka, she merely shrugged at Elysia's question. "Hardly worthy of being called a party," she commented blithely. At the request that followed soon after that the bluerider's eyebrows rose slightly. Interesting. Elysia wanted her to convince the sap of a blue she was bonded with to carry the rider of the green that he had not caught. A green he was particularly fond of, at that. That was almost cruel, really. She was all set to refuse (not only would that actively hurt Ioth but it had no benefit for her) until Elysia offered to make it up to her. "Yeah, sure."

[Rei]

As Onyth climbed she strove for as much speed as possible. Working her wings harder than ever to try and gain distance from her blues. But it was soon proving to be a futile maneuver. Trapped in the thermal as they all were, the males with their larger wing spans would always be faster. Before she could roll out of the heated column of air something from below was stealing it’s power. The older green didn’t have to look to know who it was. Salenth. Clever bronze. Knowing he would be upon her in but a moment or two Onyth glanced right and left. Azrath and Ioth both beside her, almost matching her wing beat for wing beat, but they were being slowed to. In but a moment they would both be displaced, but from each blue’s body posture she could tell that they were all for attempting if the large male baring down from beneath her should for some reason miss.

Ioth’s offer at nearly the last second surprised her. As did the shadow descending from above. Trilaranth. Onyth’s eyes whirled in momentary crimson shades her claws flexing. Trapped. Could accept Ioth’s offer of escape. But she was too prideful to that. No, if she could not pull this out on her own power she wouldn’t be at all. As much as it rankled the green to concede that she had lost, and would be caught, it really didn’t matter. She had been bested by worthy opponents. Could take comfort in that much at least. In truth whether Trilaranth was there or not Onyth would have been in the same situation. Trapped in a thermal she could not outpace the bigger dragons with their larger and more impressive wingspans. But she could choose to let herself be caught before Trilaranth’s interference completely forced her.

This decided Onyth brushed gratitude but a declination to Ioth’s offer. And submitted to Salenth, allowing his claws to grasp her and pull her against him. The bronze had worked out the move to end the flight. He deserved the honor of her presence at the end. Earned it. Onyth rather doubted the large male would end up being the mate she wanted. But there was always another flight if he proved disloyal.

~~~

The greenrider made no further comment as her chasers interacted. Her gaze traveled to the silent C’oar before moving back to Darya as the older woman spoke. The barest traces of an amused smile flickered across Elysia’s face. Brought on by the older bluerider’s actions before her eyes moved to S’rei’s hand and the picture he was sketching. It was hard to bite back the amused laugh that wanted to emerge. Well that was one way to make light of everyone’s seemingly grumpy mood.

It was R’ven’s voice that tore her attention away from S’rei’s picture. For a moment S’rei’s catlike depiction of her was probably fairly right. But after a moment of irritation it passed and he Benden woman dismissed the young rider as easily as he had just dismissed her. Elysia had dealt with far worse arrogance at Benden. And this boy’s arrogance was unfounded. Not worth her time to even worry about what her former lover’s friend nor his dragon thought. That being said the greenrider was not one to forget a slight against her. Even a small one, and both Trilaranth and R’ven’s actions were filed away for future interactions.

Turning back towards the rest of her chasers a grateful look was shot Iskierka. Could kiss the woman right then and there but Elysia rather doubted her Benden comrade would appreciate it. Thus she swallowed the impulse. The flight seemed to be coming to a close. The greenrider could feel Onyth’s surprise, desperation, anger, and then the final release of those emotions. They were replaced by a calm acceptance, traces of amusement, and a surge of lust.

Moving to stand behind S’rei her hands caressed up his bare chest and terminated in a tangle in his hair. “Looks like you and Salenth win. Cocky bastards.” The words were offered in a soft and almost whispered purr before Elysia clamped down hard on Onyth’s influence in a desire to keep her head about her for as long as possible. Out flown by a bronze perhaps...but not just any bronze. Strangely neither half of the greenpair felt any shame in that fact.

[Requiem]

Salenth paid little attention to Trilaranth. Ioth and Azrath received a response of genuine elation. He was glad that they were so receptive to his game. The bronze wasn't really out to win Onyth so much as stretch his metaphorical muscles against the younger dragons in the context of the desert. He loved the locale. There was little doubt he wouldn't harbor anything resembling ill feelings to either blue should they win her. He was more than content to force the green's 'hand.' Salenth was never one to reject a challenge unless it was pure baiting.

If the male was surprised that Onyth seemed to capitulate to his will, however, it was only because he knew her to be a perverse creature, well capable of holding a grudge against him and going to another just to spite him. Pleased he was that she wasn't being typically female. His last catch was Aonith some time ago. Turns. And with no others for him to chase here, he might be forced to go for younglings. Not to his taste. Plunging further to clear out of the vicinity of the other males, he twined with her as wings spread and he spun into a lazy twirl and let the air currents carry them. They had plenty of time to satisfy the hungers of Flight.

---

The bronzerider chuckled at Darya's childishness. "I'm the cryptkeeper. Didn't Salenth tell you? He usually doesn't bother to hide his endearments for me," S'rei concluded dryly. He might have made a move to pull Elysia in, but he could sense her just behind him, and instead worked to add in the details to the silly drawing of his. Reaching around to catch her by the waist, he tugged her down onto his knee and absently disentangled her hands from his hair. A nip was delivered to the junction of neck and shoulder. "Always. You were going to be good, remember?"

The man's hand was wandering, though, moving along her thigh. He glanced down at it in something like amusement, then cast a look to Iskierka The request was in his face even if he didn't voice it. Self-control wasn't difficult, really, but it took a good deal more concentration when the dragons were consummating.

[Ember]

It seemed Onyth still wouldn't be his. The blue peeled away quickly. Much as he'd prefer not to give Onyth's a ride just then it would give him something to do. Besides, His seemed to be in a rather sympathetic mood so he might as well indulge her and perhaps she'd take care of him a little. Ioth would have liked to take his time but apparently if he didn't want a mess on him he ought to hurry. The thought was mildly amusing if a little disturbing. The blue winged to land nearby the people, nose dipping down low to receive the oddly affectionate rub from Iskierka. He knew better than most that she wasn't heartless. At least, not entirely so.

Iskierka sighed inwardly at the events of the flight. At this point even she felt bad for her blue. Really, the dragon had no luck. She felt all the worse for him because she had ruined his chances on more than one occasion. It would be in her own best interests to cheer him up at some point. Mopey dragons sucked. Before any of that, though, she had accepted the responsibilty of giving Elysia and S'rei a lift. Interesting pairing, even if it was dragon induced. She barely kept from rolling her eyes as the greenrider latched onto S'rei. Instead, she caught the man's look and walked up to them.

A smack that was neither gentle nor painful was delivered to the back of Elysia's head and a pointed look was given to S'rei. The greenrider's punishment was something born out of a strange familiarity with the woman. S'rei was spared because, despite what Meira had told her, those with the bigger dragons still ranked higher than her. "Quit that. I don't need you two fornicating on Ioth. I'll drop you off right at Elysia's weyr. Here's hoping you'll manage until I actually get out of the weyr but I doubt it." Ioth landed and she offered a brief, almost comforting rub on his nose before moving to mount.

[Rei]

With her dragon suitably busy above Elysia was far from fighting as S’rei grabbed her about the waist to pull her down onto his knee. A glare was given the bronzer as he untangled her hands from his hair. She liked them there thank you very much. But he was suitably forgiven when his teeth nipped at her neck. Onyth’s influence, while not extremely difficult to fight, was becoming more and more pronounced and the Benden woman found herself in the position of being quite impatient. Dark eyes stayed narrowed on S’rei as he spoke Elysia finally finding her voice enough to comment in a low murmur. “Good? When am I ever good? I’m bad at behaving.” Eyes half lidded as the bronzer’s hand wandered and she bit back an impatient noise. “Not as bad as you though it would seem.” Another glare but this one lacked any reproach to it at all. Yes keep talking. Easier to fight her green’s overspill when the greenrider had something else to occupy her mind. Like being suitably snotty.

Fortunately soon Iskierka approached to give her something else to think about. The sudden smack to the back of her head was enough to make Elysia jump. One of her hands came up as if to smack S’rei upside the head as well. Fair was fair. But she dropped it, instead all she offered him was another glare. Why was it that she got hit when she wasn’t the one doing anything? The greenrider slipped off S'rei's lap and turned her head to regard her bluerider comrade with no small amount of appreciation. There was still the matter of making it up to her. Hmm.

“I think we can manage.” Came the immediate reply before Elysia gave Iskierka a rather teasing look. “Sure you want to leave? I doubt bronzie would mind all that much.” Probably not. But Elysia was also willing to bet that neither would Iskierka accept. Which was fine. She’d rather not have to compete for attention. Regardless the greenrider would find a way to make it up to the other woman. To borrow Iskierka’s word ‘fornicating’ in sand was really not high on her lists of things to do in life.

As the bluerider moved away to mount her dragon Elysia looked back at S’rei. She sure wasn’t moving off him if she could help it thus she moved around behind him and threw her arms around his neck before wrapping her legs around his waist. Trying her best to look serious she leaned forward and whispered in his ear. “Giddy up.” What? She really couldn’t help it.

[Requiem]

"Seems to have a mind of its own," S'rei replied, his tone distinctly amused. Though whether that was from the hand that he was half-watching as if it didn't belong to him at all, or due to Elysia's pointless glare, it was impossible to say. But if he'd been holding in his amusement, it escaped in a laugh when Iskierka hit Elysia upside the back of her head.

While Elysia was busy reassuring Iskierka as to their cessation in activities continuing until they were safely off Ioth, the bronzerider could only shake his head, still chuckling. "Fornicating? Quite the word." The familiar smirk was back in evidence, though. "Oh, I wouldn't mind at all," he agreed. Half to see if Elysia was making a genuine offer or not.

Naturally, though, Elysia got back at him pretty quickly.Almost before he realized it he had the woman on his back. "Tch." Not to be hurried by her 'commands', the bronzerider stowed the pad in the pouch strapped to his thigh. Only then did he rise and head toward Ioth, apparently more than willing to give Elysia a piggyback ride if she was going to insist on pretending she was half her age. Which was what...his son's age?

The son she'd dated.

S'rei swung up behind Iskierka as if he didn't have upwards of a hundred extra pounds to sling around. The trip was blessedly short, the jump through Between chilling on his bare chest. But definitely not chilling enough. The bronzerider was down with his prize almost before Ioth set down, but he paused at the opening, glancing back and smiling invitingly to Iskierka before he jerked his head in the direction of the weyr. S'rei didn't wait any longer than that, though, sweeping Elysia up and disappearing into her weyr.

[Ember]

Iskierka merely rose a brow at the greenrider's suggestion and the bronzerider's confirmation that he really wouldn't mind. She shook her head though it was only out of disbelief. Truth be told, she wouldn't have minded joining in either. That really did depends on Elysia though. While she had no problems pissing the woman off on occasion, Iskierka had no interest in making an enemy out of her. There were, interestingly enough, lines the bluerider would not cross when it came to Elysia. She blamed it on knowing the woman from Benden and being in a similar situation.

With an inward sigh she had her mopey blue pull the three of them back to Burimyu. As the passengers got off, the bluerider was going to just let Ioth take her back to their weyr when she caught S'rei's smile and gesture. Hn. What the heck, Elysia could kick her out the human entrance if she really didn't mean that offer. A benefit like that didn't come along every day and, despite her cold personality, Iskierka did have needs. She dismounted from Ioth and gave him another out of character pat on the snout. She'd slip out when it was...well, not polite since she didn't care about that but...appropriate. Then she could deal with him.