Searchrider Dorava and Green Aonith

[dragon]

Post here to get Searched!!

[Rei]

Erilena had heard the search dragon was going to be in the hold and it had been disturbingly easy to get her father to allow her to buy supplies today. Really now that she thought about it it was rather odd that he let her go so freely. Shrugging it off she made her way into the market and pratically bounced over to the blacksmith’s shop. “Vin! I’m here to pick up the tongs my father commissioned!” Erilena called upon entering. A grizzled older man with bulging muscles looked up from his work and smiled. “Eri! Well fancy seeing you again! How’s the old man?”

Erilena giggled and leaned on the counter. “Oh you know him. Always busy. He never seems to take a break.” Pursing her lips she looked around the shop before leaning forward. “Did you here that a search rider from Selenitas is due to make rounds today?” The young girl’s eyes sparkled with mirth as she spoke and she smiled broadly. “Do you think they’ll send a green or a blue?” Either would be fine with Erilena, as long as she could get close enough to actually see it. Ever since her short trip to the weyr she had been dieing to see another dragon. Of any color.

Vin chuckled slightly. “I don’t know what color they will send little lady. I am sure they will do their business as usual and be on their way. If you want to get a peek at the dragon you’ll have to do it while continuing your shopping.” Smiling the Mastersmith held out the glass tongs. “Here you go Erilena that will be 8 marks.” Erilena smiled and counted the marks carefully before taking the wrapped tongs and waving. “Bye Vin see you later!” She called as she practically skipped out the door and into the street. Where to next? In her excitement about the possible search dragon Erilena had all but forgotten what her father needed besides the commissioned tongs. Whoops.

[dragon]

This was their first Searching run. Aonith and Dorava were both excited about their new extra-wing duties. It was very nice, so far, especially since they'd taken the time to fly straight instead of popping between as was the norm. More flying, out of the Weyr ... gorgeous weather... it was marvelous! Despite the distance to their first Hold stop, Aonith made good time without wearing herself out. A speedy flier like all other greens, she also had the benefit of age and experience: she knew just how to stretch her energy. Not to mention completely enjoy herself in the process. The way things were going so far, they were looking to really enjoy these new duties.

When they reached the Hold proper, Aonith swirled around the main square, chuffing in her throat as she did so. It was a distinctive sound that only a dragon could make simply on the sheer size it took to create that particular sound. It allowed everyone in the area to know that she was there, without the bugles and trumpets that some dragons used - which could also scare some of the local livestock. Always considerate, Aonith didn't make so much noise as that. Backwinging into a graceful landing just outside the Hold proper, she templed her wings and then folded them neatly to her back, rustling them as she walked back toward the heavy doors. There, she crouched forward to lower her neck to the ground, allowing Dorava to dismount easily.

Dorava landed with a happy bounce on her toes, turning to take a look at where they'd landed. She'd never been to the Holds beholden to the Weyr before. Well ... barring that one gather. And that hardly counted. Holds had whole other faces for Gathers. She pulled her flight goggles off her face and rested them on her helmet, which she also shucked quickly. Soon to follow were her gloves, into jacket pockets, and then the jacket itself was stripped open. In flight, and in between, the items were necessary to keep from freezing solid. But once landed? They quickly became intolerably hot. She wasn't willing to take it completely off, though, as she didn't know how long she was going to be staying at the Hold. A few minutes? Or longer? It depended on how well this worked.

"You sure you can do this?" Dorava asked, quietly.

Of course I can, stop worrying. I wouldn't have suggested we do this if I had had any doubts. Aonith replied, before straightening and lifting her head high to look at all that was visible from where she stood. At the same time, she listened for that tickle. That little twinkle of mind that made a person capable and suitable to bond to a dragon. There were so many people in a Hold, that opening her mind to listen to the babble of them all was quite a humdrum. But she knew what she was looking for. That spark that was present in almost all Weyr residents, but was by far rarer in Holds. Thus making it stand out higher.

"Remember: they have to be old enough, but not too old." Dorava cautioned, under her breath, smiling at the few people who looked her way.

Stop worrying. I know what I am doing. Aonith answered, somewhat amused at her rider. Always worrying. Always worried about screwing stuff up ... Aonith had by far more self confidence than that. After all, she was Aonith. What could possibly go wrong?

[Rei]

Skipping about the square just for kicks, Erilena was sent sprawling as a young boy slammed into her from an alley. “Ouch! Hey! Watch where your going! What’s your hurry anyway.” She spat, turning on the eight turn old. The boy shook his head and detangled himself from the girl with an apologetic glance. “Sorry. I was trying to get to the dragon. They are searching today don’t you know. I heard that they had arrived and I was trying to get there before the crowd got to huge.” Eyes widening at the boy’s words, Erilena hurriedly drew herself into a sitting position. Taking a deep breath she wiped the dust from her knees and took a frantic look about the market place. Slowly she noted the odd movement of the afternoon crowd. “Well that’s all right I suppose just watch where your going next time.” The teen said gently and clambered to her feet. Without further comment, she smiled and reached a hand down to help the boy up.

Upon standing the boy flashed her a smile and sprinted off. Erilena giggled at his enthusiasm and headed for the thick of the crowd. “Excuse me. Pardon me. Sorry.” She mumbled to person after person as she jostled her way through the crowd. Finally she broke into a open spot and craned her neck so she could see better. Green hide met Erilena’s eyes and she intook her breath. Oh the green was lovely, and she looked well taken care of. Well at least the parts of her that the girl could see from the spot she was at. It didn’t look like she could get closer either. Oh well, this might be one of the only times people got to see a dragon up close, so it was no wonder most where enthusiastic about it. Couldn’t really blame her fellow holders. Still it would be nice if she could get a closer look.

[dragon]

People gathered rather quickly... Dorava didn't know if that was normal, a good thing, or a bad thing. But Aonith's unconcern and confidence shored her up for the event. Coming from the north, she was used to Holder people hating Dragons and their Riders... but apparently things were very different here in the South. Which, truth be told, she really should have expected. Sort of. "See anything interesting yet?" She asked of her dragon, before looking around at the people who were gathering. Young, old, everyone in between. It seemed the day's work had just come to a slamming halt just because Aonith had landed! Interesting...

I cannot see something if I am not using my eyes. Aonith answered, just to be obstinate. In that moment Dorava wished no one was watching so that she could kick Aonith in the shin. Or ... whatever place she could reach. She really didn't need that kind of prodding! Be patient. Aonith rumbled, amused, lowering her head as people clustered around.

She could sense quite a few little glimmers. Most of them weren't strong enough to be considered, though. In time they might break forth and shine strong enough to be Searched ... but not yet. A scarce two of the current gathering did shine brightly, though. And this drew Aonith's attention quickly. Her head turned, and she fixed her gaze on first a lad, and then on Erilena. Hello. She addressed them both, inclining her head slightly more as Dorava turned around sufficiently to see what had drawn Aonith's attention.

Dorava looked back and forth a few times, to make sure of who exactly it was that had pinged Aonith. When she was certain, she waved first one, and then the other closer. "What are your names?" She asked, with a bright smile. They looked old enough to Search, but she intended to check anyway before she even offered them the opportunity. It would be a horrible thing to do to them, to show them a tantalizing thing, and then snatch it away again untouched.

Ignoring the formalities that Dorava was trying to figure out, Aonith unashamedly dropped her head right past Dorava, lowering her muzzle right next to the two, squinting her eyes in a friendly fashion. The expression practically begged to get her face petted. Aonith was simply a friendly dragon that had no qualms whatsoever in talking to any and everyone around her - especially the young.

[Rei]

Erilena stood on tiptoes to try and get a better look, straining to see over the head of the person in front of her. “Well this is just great.” She grumbled quietly. Short of shoving people around she obviously wasn’t going to get any closer. Pity. Suddenly the girl felt a tap on her shoulder and half turned to see the lad who had crashed into her moments ago. “If you want to get closer….” The lad trailed off as the people in front of them suddenly parted and Aonith came into view.

Erilena smiled softly as she looked at the green. She was absolutely magnificent and wait…what? Did the rider just speak to her? The young woman swallowed against the unexpected lump that had formed in her throat. Not the rider, It was the dragon speaking to her! In her amazement Erilena almost missed Dorava’s question. Turning to the green rider she stared in confusion for a moment while her mind caught up. Name? Oh right her name.

“Erilena. Is my name.” She said softly before allowing her eyes to travel back toward Aonith. Suddenly the great green head was moving and Erilena froze, not in fear but anticipation. As her muzzle descended the girl looked into Aonith’s jewel faceted eyes and smiled. “Hello there. You are extremely lovely.” She whispered to the dragon before raising a hand and stroking the beast’s soft muzzle. A smile lit up her face as Erilena ran her hand over the dragon’s smooth hide. It always surprised her, how soft they felt. Her companion, perhaps emboldened by the girl’s action also stepped forward and raised a hand to pet Aonith. “I’m Nirian.”

Erilena gave a sideways glance to her companion. It was really too bad. If the rider was here for search Nirian wouldn’t be old enough. Sure he was tall for his age but he was only eight. Putting that thought aside, Erilena moved her hand up to scratch Aonith’s eye ridges. She remembered that the dragons liked that. Very much in fact, according to a brown rider she had met during the rebuild. At a loss as to what she should do next the girl just smiled and continued to pamper the dragon with affection. Such a beautiful color and obviously well taken care of by the way her hide shone.

((Just as a reminder Teddy I am only searching Eri for now ^^ the boy is a NPC))

[dragon]

((I know. <3 ^_^ Just mixing it up a little))

Aonith rumbled softly, enjoying the attention. I like these two. She decided, happily, squinting her jewel-faceted eyes most of the way shut as her face was petted and her ridges scratched. Always friendly and loving to interact with younger creatures, it was still not very often that Aonith managed to get pampered at the same time. I like this new job, mine. This is nice!

Dorava only laughed a bit, and patted Aonith on her broad cheek. "Erilena, Nirian, I am Dorava... and this is Aonith!" She introduced. "She likes that, by the way." She added, with another laugh. "How old are you two, might I ask?" Dorava inquired, more or less ignoring the rest of the crowd, now, as she got into the swing of the task. She hesitated from fetching down the sack that held flight jackets just yet, as she didn't know if they were old enough yet - or if they were interested, or if their folks would let them go. So many variables, it was mind boggling.

It was no wonder some people didn't like Searchriders... especially if they had kids of their own of Searching age.

[Rei]

Erilena continued to scratch Aonith’s ridges through Dorava’s explanations. Smiling, the candidate turned to look at Dorava. It was harder to take her eyes off Aonith than she would have thought. “It’s nice to meet both you and your Aonith. I’m happy she likes the attention.” She smiled at the dragon before continuing. “I just came into my 18th turn.” The girl moved her hand from Aonith’s eye ridge to rub her muzzle again lingering on the soft hide. Such exquisite coloring she had. Nirian kept up the stroking before looking over at Dorava. “I’m 8 turns old.” he said before drawing himself up to his full height. She better not call him little! After all look how brave he was stroking such a big dragon as Aonith. She liked him. He was positive she did.

Erilena turned Dorava’s words over in her head and the sudden interest Aonith had taken in her and Nirian. Surely they weren’t considering her for search? The possibility dawned on her but she didn’t dare hope for it. Never she couldn’t be that lucky. Could she? Erilena hazarded a quick look at the crowd and noted with a bit of awkwardness the whispers and slightly jealous looks she was getting form a few others in the crowd. Well it wasn’t as if she asked for this! She shot a smile at a girl who was giving her a particularly poisonous look and almost giggled at the girl’s surprised reaction. Erilena turned back to the green pair. She wasn’t going to let a few jealous people ruin this moment for her. It wasn’t everyday one got to interact with a dragon after all.

[dragon]

Eighteen? She was eighteen turns old?! Dorava was shocked. She didn't look nearly that old. She was almost too old! Eek. Not good. Er ... She flailed mentally for a moment. Having impressed at a very young age herself, she found it a little harder to fathom getting offered the chance at a dragon just before aging out. If the one Hatching a body got to attend was a dud ... talk about total let down and crushing of dreams! But, on the other hand ... one chance was better than none, right?

"Eighteen." Dorava repeated, quietly. "Wow." She grinned uncertainly for a moment. Putting that off for a moment, she tried to start anew. My, this was harder than she could have imagined! She never would have thought going and picking someone up would be so hard.

"Well, as the both of you are probably quite aware, Aonith and I are here on Search. As in, we're looking for prospective Candidates for the next dragon hatching that Selenitas will be having. Aonith has picked you two out as of suitable minds. However, we seem to have a glitch. And I don't want to mislead either of you, ok? Erilena ... I won't lie. You're almost too old. You look a lot younger than you are. You'd have only a few chances at Standing before you would age out, if you are interested in coming with me. Not everyone impresses the first time they stand. Whether or not you want to do this, I leave up to you. Would you like a chance at a dragon?"

"Nirian, hon ... you're not quite old enough for me to take with me. You be a good lad, spend a few more turns growing up, and I just might come back for you, if you're interested." She gave him a wink and a grin, well knowing that it was still probably going to be a huge let down for the lad. To be searched, and then rejected because he wasn't old enough .... ergh.

[Rei]

Erilena dropped her hand from Aonith’s muzzle as Dorava spoke, an icy tendril of doubt winding it’s way around her heart. She really was being considered for search but…to old? The girl had really not given that much thought to her own age. Only a few chances? How many was a few? One? Two? Either way it didn’t matter. Raising her head Erilena looked right at the green rider before speaking. “No matter how many chances I have I’d be honestly grateful for only one. If I don’t try then I have no chance of success and I’d be honored even to stand.” The words where spoken in a quiet and firm tone. Let it never be said that she was a quitter. A chance was a chance, no matter how slim, and she was going to take advantage of it. Who knew maybe she would get lucky. “So in short I’d be honored to come to the weyr and I accept your offer if you’d have me.” A bright smile was flashed at Dorava. If Aonith thought she was dragon rider material then it was obvious to Erilena that she was. Raising a hand she placed it back on the green’s muzzle. “Thank you.” She whispered quietly before looking down at Nirian.

The eight turn old had grown silent and he continued to stroke Aonith without speaking, his gaze disappointed. Squaring his shoulders he pushed back tears and raised his head to attempt a smile at Dorava. “I understand.” Frowning he wiped at his eyes. “Will you promise that you’ll come back for me though? I’ll work really, really hard until you do. I promise.” He looked up and locked eyes with Dorava determined to extract a promise from her.

[dragon]

Dorava watched with interested silence as the girl before her seemed to think over what had been said, and what had been offered. At first she suspected that the girl was going to turn down the chance offered her, but was pleasantly surprised when the girl lifted her chin and accepted it instead, despite knowing her chances were slim. Dorava smiled at her. That was courage! "Excellent!" She said, with enthusiasm.

Aonith squinted her eyes and rumbled with amusement. You are welcome, Erilena. But you did most of the work, not I. She answered, tickled. She loved young people, bonded or not, and adored it when they paid attention to her. She couldn't remember most of them, but she did remember that she like youngsters, and the fuzzy feeling conversing with them gave her. They were pure, and innocent, clean of all trauma and grief. Unlike the rest of Pern.

To the lad, Dorava gave a reassuring smile. "Yes, dear lad. If you be good, grow strong, and mind your manners - I will come back for you when the time is right. I promise. Even if I am no longer a Searchrider, I will come for you." She patted his shoulder gently, and considered giving him a hug but decided against it. It might damage his pride.

"Alright!" She turned to her dragon, and pulled a sack down off of her harness. This she undid the top of and reached into. It was not a small sack by any stretch of the imagination, but neither was it a heavy one. Pausing, she looked over at Erilena apraisingly. Quirking her mouth off to one side, she fished around in the bag some more. Finding a fur-lined flight jacket of appropriate size, she pulled it out and offered it to the girl. "You might want to don this... between is kind of cold. Wait ... do you have any belongings you'll want to be collecting? People to say goodbye to? You might want to do that first." Dorava said. "Don't get much ... the Weyr provides clothes and food, and you won't have room for much more than a few small items during candidacy."

"We can either wait for you here, or take you home if it's very far away." Dorava offered. "No need to hurry."

[Rei]

Erilena smiled as Dorava spoke and then positively beamed as Aonith bespoke her as well. With a final pat to the large green head, she turned to watch Niran as he took the green rider’s word in stride and nodded sharply. “Yes Ma’am! I promise I’ll do my best.” Eyes shinning in wonder he gave her a broad smile and hugged Erilena. “Bye Eri!” Without another word he turned and shot through the crowd without a backward glance. His parents would never believe it!

In a kind of trance Erilena returned the hug and watched the boy gallop off. “You sure made him happy.” She said softly as she accepted the flight jacket. The girl merely nodded as Dorava explained the reason for the heavy jacket. Her stomach felt full of butterflies and she was nervous but, above all, she was as excited as she could ever remember being. “I will have to say goodbye to my parents first and figure out what exactly I should bring.” Her mind was in overdrive and Erilena knew she would need at least an hour or two. Would the green rider wait that long?

Turning towards Aonith and Dorava she smiled brightly. “Can you give me a few hours to say goodbye and pack? I can meet you back here right after midday. Is that ok?” Erilena waited with baited breath for the response. Surely a few hours wasn’t to much to ask.

(( You can end the thread with your post Teddy <3 ))

[dragon]

Dorava smiled softly. "I'm here to bring dreams to life, not break hearts. I am glad he left here happy.... he's a wise lad, for his age. You have no idea how many would have simply just gotten mad." She shrugged ever so slightly, watching as the girl accepted the jacket. The stars in the girl's eyes were something to be seen, for sure, and it made Dorava happy to see her so happy. This ... this was an awesome thing! It felt right.

"You go right along, hun. I'll be right here until either you come back, or dark. Whichever happens first." She assured her with a smile and a wink. Since it was morning, that meant many long hours in which Erilena could do whatever she needed to do. "Take all the time you need, you don't have to hurry." Dorava waved slightly, and leaned on her dragon's shoulder happily as she watched Erilena run off toward her home.

"Aonith, I think we have found something to do." She remarked, quietly, a smile playing upon her features.

Not all will be this easy, or pleasant. Aonith answered, simply, by way of a warning. How did she know? She didn't. But she could feel it. Even if she'd had other Searches behind her, she wouldn't have remembered them. Aonith operated on gut instinct far more often than from logical memory.

"Times like this will make up for it." Dorava answered, simply undeterred.