Search : Take me now ( Tags Row and Ruby )

[Sebz]

Usually people did what Casandra wanted. So why they picked this day to become difficult was anybody's guess. However, it was quite unnerving for the blonde, and she did not take it as well as she could have. Maybe it was the fact that she had not heard news of a clutch at Selenitas by way of the drum towers, or that her latest conquest had spurred her advances, something she was not used to, but either way, Casandra was more irritable than usual, and the runner who had refused to not carry her message had picked the wrong day to refuse her.

She had written a letter to a family friend who had connections at the weyr, inquiring about the tensions there. To her surprise, she found that the runner whom she had hand picked from the scrawny lot to carry her message would not do so without payment, so she turned on her charm. When subtlety flirting had failed her, she had gone straight for the usually 'feel up' that usually left men salivating on their pathetic selves, willing to do her any service she pleased. So why had this particular nuisance flinched away from her skilled hands as they traveled lightly down his arm. No matter than reason, it annoyed Casandra to no end, and already having quite a bad day, she wasn't taking any prisoners.

It took little more convincing than complaining to a guard, throwing a few innuendo's into the conversation one would have to be deaf to miss, for the guard to agree to go 'inquire' about the origin of the runner's shoes. Yes, as far as Casandra was aware most runner's made their own shoes, but it would be quite easy for the guard to find some evidence that said otherwise, especially since it was Casandra who requested it.

Once that matter had been taken care of, Casandra, avoiding her lackies that she had acquired, went out to the mines. Not because she was going to work, she was absolutely sick of Hyphen and everything associated with it. Oh no, Casandra had much better things to do, such as catch up on her beauty sleep. And if there was a man down there who piqued her interest, well she might as well invite him to sleep with her!

[Ruby]

Rakmaninoth appeared from Between with a woosh of displaced air, turning to aim a snap at Peppeth as she, too, appeared - just for good measure, of course. The older green might not like the younger one, but Rakmaninoth didn't like anyone, and Hers said she wasn't allowed to remove the bubbly little nuisance... yet, anyway. Had to be civil, especially since they'd be teaching lessons together soon, too. Bother.

Hyphen, Elisabeta snarled, as Rakmaninoth circled down for a landing. I've heard nothing but complains from the Natives, apparently they don't give enough up to the Weyr. As if Selenitas ever did anything to deserve it. Rakmaninoth snorted approval. Better find some Candidates fast, maybe then we won't have to come back. Whatever she thought of the natives of Selenitas Weyr, Elisabeta did not relish visiting holds were Dragonriders were less than worshipped. It usually ended bloody... and never for the Rider. Any bites?

By the mines, Rakmaninoth said, including Peppeth in the conversation to get her opinion. Descending into the dark. How appropriate,[/i] Elisabeta sneered, urging Rakmaninoth towards the somewhat busy central court. People could move, or get crushed by an unapologetic dragon. We shall pull them out of the darkness, and bring them into the light. If Rakmaninoth was listening to her rider, she made no indication, backwinging brutally on landing so she kicked up an enormous cloud of dust.

Sliding off her green's shoulder, Elisabeta didn't wait for Farryl - she'd come quick if she knew what was good for her - pointing at those that seemed to be in the right age range as she went. "You," a scrawny little boy carrying water, "And you," a black-haired girl with a ridiculous opal at her throat, "And you, you and you," dirty boys who had just come up from the mines, or were going down into them. "Over by the dragons, or I'll drag you there myself. Farryl? Go down into that filthy hole, see if there's anyone else worthwhile. Rakmaninoth thought there might be. Like her." That last selection was directed at a blond girl with far more sway than necessary in her walk, already disappearing into the dark. "And be quick about it, I don't want to hang around here all day."

[Rowana]

If Peppeth was bothered by Rakmaninoth's snapping at her, she didn't show it. The playful green just twisted out of the way with a playful flip of her wings. She'd been Searching with the larger green for long enough now that she knew to stay out of her way. Someday, Peppeth was certain, they would even be friends! At Rakmaninoth's suggestion, Peppeth turned, looping over the mines. Oh, yes! she agreed brightly. She is a good one! Farryl glanced down with a shrug, directing her dragon to land as well. Peppeth was much gentler about the landing than her partner, though after Rakmaninoth most of the people were well out of the way.

Farryl wasn't in the best of moods. Searches had a more somber tone to them these days, thanks to the Wastelanders, but that wasn't all. She was having a hard time looking at Elisabeta without remembering what Faii had put her through a few weeks before. At least she'd left the little monsters at home this time. Only Hobbs was with her, winging his way over the line of young holders with trills of delight. Farryl jumped lightly to the ground, seeing her partner already had the crowd under control. She was getting used to Elisabeta's cold way of doing Searches, even if she didn't like. And to think this woman would be teaching the Candidates now, Farryl shook her head. She wasn't sure whether to dread helping with that, or be glad she'd be around to hopefully prevent bloodshed.

As Elisabeta's orders turned to her, Farryl scowled, considering refusing just to be difficult. It wouldn't do much good though. The last thing that needed at Hyphen was two dragonriders trying to kill each other. The Hold had already seen enough of that this turn. Offering the other children an shrug and a smile, Farryl jogged off for the entrance to the mine. She might have resisted more, but Peppeth liked that girl too and that was good enough. "Hey! You!" Farryl caught up to Casandra and touched her shoulder. "Better get back there," she jerked her thumb in the direction of Elisabeta. "My partner can be very impatient."

[Sebz]

What was the commotion? Casandra really didn't care what it was, only that it was bothering her. She glanced to her left and right, not willing to turn around and confront the annoyance, but when she saw the usually sallow faces of the minor's wide eyed in disbelief, she became interested. Perhaps it did deserve a look.

Dragons! Well that as just... ok. True, Casandra had been plotting a way to Selenitas, but she really wasn't prepared to go so soon, she had some unfinished business to attend to. Maybe if they didn't see her.... Casandra quickened her step, making her way to the darkness, against the tide of miners that were coming up to observe.

Oh Fardles. Casandra swallowed a grimace as she felt what she presumed to be one of the riders touch her shoulder. She turned, her expression wide eyed confusion, with just the right touch of awe. Yes, that should placate the dragonrider. "Back where?" Casandra asked, feigning confusion. But her question was answered by the woman's next statement.

Impatient? The one talking to her seemed pleasant enough, and, Casandra figured, easy enough to manipulate. Probably Selenitas native. An impatient one would be harder to deal with, but it was still doable. Casandra wasn't even sure she wanted to manipulate the other, perhaps she was a Wasteland rider, it wouldn't be good to be caught in the act by one of those...

Casandra walked smartly back towards the dragons, giving them each a glance. Greens, search dragons. She would not be riding one of these. However, years of practice allowed that her face would never betray her thoughts, so the most the other greenrider could get out of scrutinizing Casandra's face was that the girl was calm, and somewhat calculating.

Upon approaching Elisabeta, Casandra folded her arms across her chest, perhaps trying to draw attention to two of her... asets. Maybe the woman liked woman, you really couldn't tell. And if she did... well then, Casandra would get her way with this one as well. "You called," Casandra asked, pleasantly enough so her she couldn't be reprimanded for her tone, though her word choice came off as sarcastic.

[Ruby]

Ah yes, there it was. The skip of Farryl's eyes, away from Elisabeta's and down to the ground. The Wastelander was doing her best to forget what trouble her miniature pest had caused, not so long ago, but every time Farryl did something to acknowledge what had happened, it all came rushing back. The thought of kissing the foolish little girl was bad enough, not to mention the rest of it. Ugh, the whole thing made Elisabeta want to hit something.

So she did. One of the younger ones had stuck his tongue out at Farryl's retreating back, so Elisabeta cuffed him almost absently before dismissing him. "You. Out. Back to your darkness and dirt, I hope you enjoy it for the rest of your turns." But he might- I don't care if he might be the next C'leon, Rakmaninoth. He's lost his chance; some other Searchrider will pick him up in the future, if he's suitable. Maybe this will teach him to keep his tongue where it belongs next time.

Rakmaninoth agreed that that was fair, growling low in her throat as the chastened boy scurried past, eyes wide and a hand to his cheek. By then, Farryl was back with the blond girl, and she was... talking? "Did I give you leave to speak?" the older woman asked, tone sharp but surprisingly neutral. Without waiting for Casandra to do more than open her mouth, Elisabeta added, "In line with the others. Farryl, explain to the candidates why we're here. I'll handle the dragons." Rakmaninoth? The rider strode away from the blond girl, expecting to be obeyed. She generally was, after all. Get in line with Peppeth. She'll do first pass, you'll take the second.

[Rowana]

Farryl's eyes narrowed at the girl's back as she obeyed. She thought she saw a spark of something more intelligent than she'd expected, but it vanished quickly. Maybe just a trick of the glows, but maybe not. Farryl put it aside for now. She had too much else to worry about to worry about a maybe Candidate as well. Finding two more boys who were just coming up from the mines, she shepherded them all up to see Elisabeta and the dragons.

Farryl hid her dislike of Elisabeta's harsh methods well. She'd been working with the other woman long enough now to know to stay out of her way. As long as the Wastelander didn't resort to actually doing serious harm to any of the children, it was better than getting into a fight Farryl knew she couldn't win. Besides, maybe they would scare off some of the more fragile or soft-hearted Southerners. Farryl stood to one side, watching the prospective Candidates line up before coming forward to explain.

"Our dragons are going to see if any of you have what it takes to be a Candidate," she announced smartly. Her eyes drifted over the line, trying to look encouraging. She used to be a bit happier about doing this, but at least she could try to make them feel comfortable. It was all she could do to offset Elisabeta's tactics. "Do not move, do not speak, and do NOT touch the dragons," she continued firmly. "If you misbehave, you will find yourself being sent home, possibly with fewer limbs than when you left." Her eyes showed no laughter. Though she had thankfully not seen it yet, she had no doubt that Rakmaninoth would main a child if he or she was offensive enough.

Peppeth was only too happy to obey the order. The small green, trotted forward, eyes pleasant blue as she examined each of the presented children carefully. Barely larger than a draft runner, it was easy for her to drop her head down to eye level with them. I like them all, she commented to Farryl as she began. Farryl hid a smile. I know, but which ones make good Candidates, dear? Peppeth bounced down the line, finding little to interest her in most of them. They were all nice, in her opinion, but they didn't have that 'special' something in them. Finally, she came to Casandra, staring into the girl's eyes for a long time. This one! she announced finally, in a bright voice that only Farryl and Rakmaninoth could hear. She is more than she seems.

[Sebz]

Elisabeta was something indeed. Casandra's quickly dropped her pleasant facade and settled for neutral. Yes, neutral was better than downright unpleasant Casandra decided as she stepped into line amongst the others that had been picked out. Well this was just great. Casandra knew most of their faces, but none of their names. One or two she may have messed around with, but she couldn't be sure. If they were weyr material, then the weyr's standards must have dropped since the wasteland invasion. Casandra was under the impression that when the dragons searched, they searched for the best.

Casandra scrutinized Farryl as she, in turn, scrutinized them. She seemed to be one who wouldn't put up with any nonsense, something which Casandra wouldn't have guessed. Don't touch the dragons? What would they do if she did? Casandra had half a mind to reach out and do just that, but she didn't want to test the riders, at least not yet.

As the green dragon moved down the line, staring intently at each candidate, Casandra tried to figure out what to do. On one hand, she did aspire to be at the weyr, but on the other, going right now was not in her plans. What did she have to do to put the green off?

As Peppeth reached her, she was surprised by how much she seemed so.... so happy? Yes, she was happy, or just in an very good mood, very so much unlike her rider. Weren't dragon's supposed to reflect their riders? Well perhaps Farryl wasn't as strict as she was pretending to be, but Elisabetha and her green seemed quite alike. They obviously did not want to be here.

[Ruby]

The one Peppeth likes? Elisabeta asked, bending her thoughts in the way she did to make sure Rakmaninoth found Candidates. Rakmaninoth slunk down the line, hissing at some Holdbrats and snapping at others, stopping in front of the girl Peppeth had picked out. Yessss, she said, her tone more grudging than anything. She will do.[/i] With that decision made, the green turned her back on the children, stalking away across the plaza for the sole purpose of scaring the pants off anyone who happened to look at her wrong.

Elisabeta crossed her arms, watching Farryl. The girl could hate Elisabeta all she wanted; she was still learning. What was the point, after all, of pretending the Weyr was full of happy shinies only to have Candidates discover that they were in a war? They needed people that could follow orders, could do as they were told without question. Otherwise it was a fight every step of the way. Farryl's approach might still be different, but she was beginning to grasp that part, at least. So the older Rider let her speak without interrupting, even nodding in approval when she gave them a sharp warning about touching the dragons. A good idea, that.

And now the dragons had come to a consensus. Drawing herself up to her full height, Elisabeta gestured to the rest of the children. "Away with you, all of you. None of you are suitable. Except you." Casandra would have expected Elisabeta's finger directed at her, if she were paying attention at all. The dragons had passed over everyone else quickly enough. "You, girl. They think you're candidate material." Who the 'they' was was clear enough. "We're taking you to the Weyr."

[Rowana]

Farryl watched the other children go. She thought she almost saw looks of relief on a few of them, and she couldn't help feeling a little sad. It used to be she would be crowded with children and teenagers wanted to be Searched. These days, dragons were mostly associated with the war and the Wastelanders. Parents were understandably less likely to allow their children to be Candidates. Not that Elisabeta was going to give them any choice apparently.

Farryl shook her head, biting back a sharp remark. Didn't that woman understand that couldn't just take her? That was kidnapping, even if they were riders. Besides, what if the girl didn't want to go? Farryl didn't relish the idea of bringing Candidates back tied up like wherries. Getting herself back under control, Farryl managed a half smile for the girl they had chosen. "Better come with us," she advised, glancing meaningfully at Elisabeta. If the girl was smart, she wouldn't make this harder than it had to be. "I can contact your family and fetch your things later." Peppeth purred encouragingly, squatting down so that one barely had to step up to get on her back. "Peppeth will give you a ride," Farryl waved Casandra towards the smaller green.

[Sebz]

Well Shards. Didn't really seem like Casandra had any choice in this whole searching matter. Honestly, what could they do if she was to refuse? The blonde girl wasn't necassarily frightened of the Faryl, it was Elisabeta who worried her.

It seemed that Faryl was abit worried about Elisabeta as well as she guided the soon to be candidate over towards her own dragon, and, away from Elisabeta. Casandra was half considering running, but after deciding that it wouldn't acomplish much, she mounted Peppeth without to much trouble. It was probably a good thing that she wasn't riding with the other green search rider. She would probably say something tactless and find herself being pushed off the dragon in between. But then again, Casandra thought, if Elisabeta tried to push her off, she would try her damned best to take the snarky rider with her.

She didn't say anything while she mounted the dragon, though she did give Peppeth a small pat. The dragon was nice enough, even if the rider didn't particularly please her. Well, what were they waiting for? She had gotten on the stupid dragon, so they best hop to it. Some of Casandra' s personality began showing through, she did noy like being made to wait.