Come Back Pepsi! {Open}

[binker]

Neikolai was becoming quite worried. In the three days since the Touching, Neikolai hadn't seen a single glimpse of Pepsi around the Weyr. He always used to show up after the midday meal, impatient and ready to learn, but there had been no hint that Pepsi had come in at all. The candidate had even gone around the Weyr, askign after the wildling, but had come up with nothing; Pepsi had disappeared. And when he disappeared, there was only one place he could have gone...

Neikolai was far from an outdoors-type person; in any other situation, he would never go /near/ the jungle, let alone in to it as he was now. Still, he didn't have much of a choice; it was either go find Pepsi himself, or let him stay away from the Weyr until someone noticed his disappearance and decided to go after him. Some people seemed to think the wildling had knowledge of secret areas in the jungle, perhaps areas with precious ores or even, he had heard, a group of people living out in the jungles. Neikolai couldn't deny the possibility that Pepsi probably had some knowledge that could be valuable to the Weyr, but... Pepsi wasn't willing to share.

Really, if Neikolai thought about it, Pepsi wasn't all that happy at the Weyr; he had no place, no duty. He was trying to relearn all the things that most learned as children, and suddenly found himself contained by the rules which, though natural for the average person, must have seemed stiffling for one who had lived his whole life with no authority but his own. He was constantly taunted by most, thought of as more of a dimglow idiot, some sub-human that no one even cared to try and understand. Everyone had had a choice on whether or not they wished to leave their homes for the Weyr, but not Pepsi; he had been labeled a threat, perhaps something useful, and had been dragged kicking and screaming in to what probably seemed to be some alien prison, where he was punished with harsh words and sneers.

Neikolai truly pitied Pepsi; his own exile from most of the world was voluntary, but Pepsi was simply unable to fit in. He tried, sometimes, at first; Neikolai had seen it. But he was mostly pushed away until he became more bitter at the people of the Weyr, strived to cause trouble. He really idn't know better, but it didn't seem like anybody noticed or even cared!

Neikolai scowled as he shoved his way through the undergrowth, hoping he would somehow be able to find the wildling. Candidates weren't supposed to be running around in the jungle, Neikolai knew, but... If he didn't find Pepsi, what would happen to him? With that thought, he pushed forward.

...However, the jungle was a big place, and Pepsi hadn't taken his time in moving away from the Weyr. While he had a head-start he had moved out, striking out north-west with a vengeance. The fear that dragonriders would be searching for him kept him in the denser areas of the trees, avoiding clearings and sleeping in abandoned caves and up in the safety of the trees. He was careful not to leave any tracks that could be followed, mainly climbing through the trees and only moving to the ground when he could not find a safe route through the trees. As the day wore on, he stopped when he found a comfortable-looking cave. A small, rather dried up lake offered some water, but he didn't stay nearby for long, still uncomfortable out in the open. If he kept moving, the Weyr would give up. It wouldn't be a long search, would it?

Meanwhile, back at the Weyr, a rather dirty, tired Neikolai was coming back, looking rather haggard as he moved towards the river. He hadn't found any hint of Pepsi's presence, and had given up before the felines decided to make an easy meal out of him. Instead, he decided to seek out a dragonrider; where human eyes failed, perhaps dragon-wings could suceed...

{For further information, Pepsi is striking out for around Lighthouse Hold. Probably hopes to hit the coast and then head south.}

[Rei]

Sel’n lay in the sand next to Kaaoloth soaking up the sun just as his brown did. Yes sunning was nice. The brown rumbled in agreement and shifted his body to push the warm sand around himself. Content for the moment he settled back down with a loud thump.

A few minutes later,the large dragon raised his head as he caught sight of the candidate walking along the river. Selmine? There is a candidate walking this way. The brown rider snorted in irritation. Great what does he want? Sel’n sat up and regarded the boy with a harsh gaze. “What do you need boy?” His tone was far from friendly but right now Sel’n could care less. "There are plenty of other riders down the beach you can bother."

Kaaoloth growled low in his throat the sound both a warning and a reprimand. Selmine that was far from polite. No wonder you have no friends. The rider just scowled at his dragon. “Like you have so many you lazy glutton!” he spoke out loud not even bothering to disguise his anger. Kaaoloth rumbled again. More than you I would wager. He turned his massive head towards the boy his large eyes whirling blue and green. We are scaring him mine. Sel’n just rolled his eyes.

[binker]

Neiko wasn't really scared, just a bit.. Startled. And a bit put-out as well; this rider seemed a bit grouchy... But he was a rider, and he had a large, dependable dragon, so Neiko would have to make due with what he had.

"I' sorry, Brownride,r to bother you, but... The wild boy, Pepsi, is gone from the Weyr. I tried looking for him in botht eh Weyr and the surrounding jungle, but he is gone..." Hopefully the brownrider would care... At least enough that he would find someone else to search for Pepsi, if not himself. Maybe he could even get a few more riders...

"He's been missing about three days now. He moves pretty fast, and I don't know which direction he could have gone..." He trailed off, looking quite worried about that fact. Would they be able to find him, or was Pepsi gone forever?

[Rei]

“Pepsi? You mean the wild boy?” Sel’n grew silent. The wild one had been in the weyr for a bit. He had no doubt explored it. Perhaps he had decided to return to the jungle. The rider turned to his brown beast. “Kaao would you alert the other dragons and see what if anything should be done about this? I don’t want to go traipsing around the jungle if it is not necessary.” Kaaoloth rumbled and cast his mind out touching Corinth’s. I am sorry to bother you Corinth but we have a candidate here that says the wild one has disappeared. Mine wants to know if anything should be done. I didn’t want to bother Aslath with the hatching so close. The brown trailed off and waited for the bronze's response. Kaaoloth turned his head and nudged his rider.I have let Corinth know mine. We will know something shortly.

Sel’n nodded and turned towards the boy. “I have had Kaaoloth contact Corinth. In a few minutes we will know what the decision is. However if our Weyrleader or Weyrwoman does not advise looking for him I am afraid your friend is best left to the jungle.” The rider’s voice was matter of fact but not harsh. Losing people was hard. He raised his hand to pat Kaaoloth’s neck and the brown crooned in response.

[binker]

Neiko frowned; the other wouldn't go to the jungle if it wasn't /necessary/? The Weyr would be on alert if it was anybody else out there, but not Pepsi. He had to stamp down the wave of anger that almost had him yelling at the Brownrider; Pepsi belonged here, at the Weyr, not in the jungle! But everyone had treated him so badly that he had fled! Neikolai wouldn't have been able to stand the sneers and the looks of blatant disapproval Pepsi had to endure for so long...

"I understand." It was obvious by his icy tone that he certainly did not understand, nor did he want to. Feeling a bit disgusted he turned away from the pair, hands clenched at his sides as he walked away. Thinking back on Pepsi's misguided attack on T'rid, and Shmee's disapproval... They would no doubt believe the Weyr was better off without him.

He bowed his head, moving back to the archives. He needed to be alone, be able to fume and rage to himself for a while so that he didn't go and try to yell at the Weyrleader, or go bak to trying to find Pepsi himself...

[Avu]

Corinth had been sunning himself, thoroughly irritated with His, when Kaaoloth's voice sounded in his mind. I am sorry to bother you, Corinth, but we have a Candidate here that says the wild one has disappeared. Mine wants to know if anything should be done. I didn't want to bother Aslath with the Hatching so close. The bronze's head came up, eyes, previously lidded twice and whirling slow shades of sleepy contentment, widening as he cast a searching glance over the jungle, where Kaaoloth probably was - wasn't that where the wild one had come from? And thus, was the most probable place for anybody to search for him, but frankly, the bronze didn't think that they had much of a chance of actually finding him. The brownpair, greenpair, and Candidate who had caught him had apparently had quite a difficult time, even dragon-mounted.

The bronze flicked a glance at T'rid, who was oiling Stupid, the brown 'mandyr purring and arching his back responsively under the bronzerider's touch. You did right, Kaaoloth...let me discuss it with Mine, he told the brown dragon evenly, and then switched to the mental 'channel' he shared with his Rider, giving him a light nudge. The wildling has left. He stated it brusquely, in a more matter-of-fact tone than any distinct emotion. He...did not like Pepsi. How could he, when the wildling had tried to hit His? No indeed, he was not fond of the boy, and apparently neither was the Weyrwoman or Aslath, but - well, he'd wanted to be a Candidate, and Corinth...wouldn't be able to live with himself, if for some reason the boy had been meant for a dragon and failed because they'd made no attempt to find him. At least they should try...surely? T'rid raised his head, clearly distracted by the news, his fingers stopping on Stupid's hide until the brown nipped him in reprimand. "Oh...that's good." Kaaoloth wants to know, what should be done?

That caught the Bronzerider off balance. "What? Why didn't he ask Aslath?" His lip curled in slight contempt. She has a clutch to guard. "I'm not going out to get my ass bitten off by some feline for the sake of that kid." What do we do? Corinth persisted. T'rid dropped his head over Stupid, gnawing on his lip absently. "Um. Who was that brownrider, who brought him in?" Leweleth's. "Right. Send him out...and that fire lizard queen. Send them both..." What about Amith's? "No...Leweleth and that queen should be good enough, and...give them until nightfall, and then if he hasn't been caught - er, found, we'll just have a wher on each side of the Weyr and make sure they're aware that some kid's out there, I guess." The Holds? "This is Weyr business. If he's that determined not to be caught, that's his prerogative. Let Leweleth and that queen know, and tell Kaaoloth."

Pleased, Corinth rumbled as he bespoke Leweleth. Leweleth, the wildling ran away; Mine wishes for you to seek him with brown Kaaoloth and the fire lizard queen Zesa's aid. They're in the jungle now, and if you could get coordinates from Kaaoloth to make the jump /between/, I'd much appreciate it. You're to search for him until nightfall, and if he hasn't been found then, return to the Weyr and let me know. Same goes for if he's found. Understood? The brown's reply was surprised, stammering. Y - yes, s - sir, we're going... Thank you, Leweleth. Zesa? Little cousin, do you remember the wild one? He accompanied the gentle query with an image and recieved a feeling of assent after a moment. Go to the forest, little sister, follow brown Leweleth /between/ and help them seek. Stay with them until he's found or nightfall. You understand, little one? Another affirmative, and Corinth relaxed again, his head dropping onto his foreclaws.

Leweleth flared his wings as T'kal finished adjusting the straps on the brown's neck and vaulted aboard as a soft trill announced Zesa's approach. The brownrider flashed the fire lizard a crooked grin as she spiraled above as Leweleth took off, bespeaking Kaaoloth in the same instant. Kaaoloth, the Weyrleader says we are to aide you in finding the wildling. This is Leweleth and T'kal, with the bluewherling's fire lizard Zesa. Could we have coordinates to /between/ to? We are to search until nightfall, and let Corinth know the result.

[Rei]

Kaaoloth and Sel’n watched the candidate leave neither making an effort to stop him. There really was no point. The large brown rumbled as Corinth bespoke him. Corinth says I did well. He intoned happily in a smug tone. The brown’s rider rolled his eyes Good for you oh magnificent one. Kaaoloth grumbled and gave his rider a nudge with his nose sending him tumbling onto the sand. “Shard it all Kaao! Knock that off you overgrown excuse for a…” However Sel’n never got to finish his statement for the brown in question gave a trumpet cutting off his rider’s statement. Brown Leweleth had just bespoken him. Kaaoloth, the Weyrleader says we are to aide you in finding the wildling. This is Leweleth and T'kal, with the bluewherling's fire lizard Zesa. Could we have coordinates to /between/ to? We are to search until nightfall, and let Corinth know the result.

The brown relayed the message to his rider earning a groan from Sel’n. Kaaoloth then proceeded to transfer the coordinates to the brown pair as Sel’n set to work securing his flight straps. “Darn it all and today was a perfectly good day to.” The brownrider grumbled as he gave the straps a quick preflight check and then vaulted onto his beast’s back. Kaaoloth huffed in the draconic version of laughter. And you call me lazy. If we are lucky this may be a quick trip. “I doubt it.” Sel’n intoned in a somber voice as he situated himself. The pair turned to the river bank to await the arrival of their search mates.

[binker]

After finding a clutch of eggs in a nest in the treetops, Pepsi had decided to retire back to his cave to relax the day away. He had been so tense the past days, hardly allowing himself any rest as he fled; but now, with no signs of the Weyr pursuing him, he didn't see any harm in resting up. He would surely hit the coast if he kept this direction; he had looked at some maps in the Archives before he had hightailed it from the Weyr, and if he hit the ocean, he could follow the coast south and find soemwhere far from the Weyr to settle down again. He had never expected that he would have to leave his patch of the jungle, but... It couldn't be helped.

To occupy himself, he decided to explore the cave he had decided to stay in for the night; it was rather deep, sloping downwards before it ended abruptly. Scrounging about, he found quite a few well-sized rocks; they were rather hefty, much heavier than usual rocks of their size. Pepsi decided to collect some of them, gather six or seven in a small pile near the mouth of his cave. They would make good projectiles if a feline got nosy...

That done, Pepsi didn't find too much else to do; his stomach was full, he wasn't thirsty, and he had a home, however temporary. With nothing better to do, he decided to curl up and get some warmth from the sun filtering in through the trees. This was the life...

[Rowana]

G'tor shaded his eyes as he watched Leweleth taking off with Meira's fire lizard queen with him. Kaaoloth was also in the air and already jumping between. It all seemed very purposeful and hurried. A search party perhaps? But searching for whom? G'tor frowned. Something was going on, and he didn't like it. Since he and Ruskeath had already been getting ready for a flight down the beach, he thought it only reasonable to offer his assistance.

<Rusk?> he asked as he jumped nimbly to the brown's back. <Can you ask Leweleth what's happening? And if we can help?> G'tor checked his leathers as he waited for a reply. This might turn out to be a more serious trip than just to the beach. He wasn't quite prepared for an extended flight, but it would half to do in a pinch.

<Certainly> Ruskeath rumbled with concern. He didn't like trouble anymore than his rider. <Leweleth? Mine would like to know what is going on and whether we can help?> The brown's wings were already unfolded and ready to take off the moment they got the word.

[nightingale]

"Brownrider G'tor!"

Saeo called, her voice only just audible above the wingbeats overhead as she ran at breakneck speed toward him. She stumbled when her foot caught on a large stone and, but managed to catch herself before she hit the ground. She cleared the rest of the distance between them in less than a minute, pausing when she reached the rider and his mount to pant heavily.

"I need your help!"

She sobbed breathlessly, leaning forward on her knees. She was dressed in the civillian attire she usually wore when she went hiking -light clothing, boots and her travel pack with a silk kerchief tied about her neck- but today she also carried a dagger, most likely stolen from a male candidate who had 'just left it lying around' in the barracks. It was obvious that she'd prepared herself for some sort of physical exertion.

"Pepsi's gone missing!"

She panted, trying to ignore a painful stich in her side. Shells, what was she doing? Did G'tor even know who Pepsi was? Well, if he didn't she might be better off -in any case, she knew that he was her best shot at getting airborne.

"And yes, I've checked everywhere...but the healers say that he hasn't been to the infirmary since the touching and Neiko's been asking around for him...and so I just KNOW that he's gone off into the jungles! Please...you have to help me find him! Candidates arren't allowed out in the jungle alone...and even if I asked some of the others to help me we'd cover almost no ground at all...please, let me fly with you!"

[Avu]

Leweleth hovered mid-sky until the coordinates came, clear and sharp in his mind; the brown passed them onto the golden fire lizard, who gave an approving croon before she popped between. The brown dragon paused, brought the image forward in his mind, and then slipped, too, into the cold nothingness of between. They burst into the air, backwinging to avoid the trees, just as Ruskeath bespoke him. The brown rumbled, torn between amusement and disapproval that their actions had drawn so much attention. What was so strange about a dragon and a fire lizard going between? And yet, they assumed automatically something was wrong. Well, in this case, he supposed they were correct, but - well, it just seemed to be a rather paranoid conclusion to jump to with such little proof. Leweleth? Mine would like to know what is going on and whether we can help?

The dark brown dragon backwinged, navagating his bulk to land in the jungle beside Kaaoloth, rumbling a greeting to the older brown as Zesa came to land on a branch silently, waiting expectantly. T'kalmine, Ruskeath's wants to know what's going on and if they can help? T'kal rubbed the back of his head, mildly confused by the attention - as was Leweleth. "Erm, sure. I don't see why not...give them the coordinates and explain what's going on. Sel'n? We're waiting for Ruskeath and - and - erm. His." (The name of Ruskeath's Bonded escaped T'kal at present moment; hopefully the man's face would recall said name, but if it didn't - well, T'kal had the excuse of the Weyr being large and his Turn of absence. He couldn't be blamed for lack of memory!) Leweleth rumbled assent and bespoke Ruskeath. The is a wildling missing, and Mine and I and the little cousin have found him before, so the Weyrleader asked our assistance in finding him. That's all. Your help would be appreciated. - though, frankly, Leweleth couldn't see why they needed the extra dragon anyway. He added on the coordinates for between, and then turned to Zesa, including Kaaoloth and Ruskeath in his speaking so they would know what was happening.

Little cousin, can you find the wildling? A quiet, confident affirmative came from the young queen. Very well, little one - try to find his mind and lead us there? Zesa hummed softly and paused, head cocked thoughtfully as her eyes sped up, sparkling iridiscently as she thought, and then, with another soft hum, sprang into the air and darted through the undergrowth, her golden form disappearing in a matter of seconds, Leweleth padding softly forward, neck arched as he touched the fire lizard's mind lightly. Due north. The brown had an instinct for leadership, and now, he took the opportunity to issue instructions, confident. After all, hadn't he been one of the ones to find Pepsi to begin with? Forward V would be most efficient to search the landscape below. Dragonlength apart and behind. He provided the others with an image of their - for lack of a better word - quarry. Once he's found, he may fight - we can either follow him until we wear him down, or grab him and between. Myself, I prefer the latter.

T'kal glanced around, hesitantly raising his arm in the signal to rise, felt Leweleth bend, launch, wings snapping open, dark brown and reddish in the direct sunlight as he slipped between the trees and into open air. T'kal and I ride point, he stated, leaving no room for any complaints before he dropped lower, his legs barely skimming the tops of the undergrowth, trusting the others to fall in place behind him, or catch up, in Ruskeath's case, If anyone sees him, alert Corinth to that fact, as well.

[Rei]

((Sorry this post is major fail ))

Kaaoloth watched as Leweleth landed and rumbled a greeting in return, shifting to make it easier for the other brown to land. Sel’n nodded to the other rider and patted Kaaoloth’s neck affectionately. About time they got here. His brown just snorted and turned his head to look at his rider. Stop being so impatient he chided in an annoyed tone. Sel’n just rolled his eyes as Kaaoloth turned away. Hey you said I was lazy I’m now trying out impatient. He smiled as he felt the increased annoyance on the other side of the bond. Sometimes it was just so easy to push the brown’s buttons other times he really had to work at it.

Ignoring his rider the large brown turned his massive head to the side to get a better view of the queen lizard as he listened to the other brown. Leweleth says the little cousin will find the wildling’s mind and lead us to him. Kaaoloth stated to his bonded in a flat tone. Clever Sel’n intoned sarcastically as Kaaoloth hopped forward to follow the other brown. Sel’n frowned as his beast passed on the other pair’s flight orders. What makes them leader of this search party? Leave it alone mine. Kaaoloth grumbled as he gathered himself and sprang up after Leweleth. You do not always have to lead. The brown took his position on the left side of the V and scanned the jungle carefully. If we see him it is to be reported directly to Corinth. Understood the brown rider returned as he settled in and also turned his eyes toward the jungle. Ah well at least this trip would be quick.

[Rowana]

G'tor stared blankly at Saeo while she rambled. He remembered her of course. She was the female candidate who had helped bathe Ruskeath the other day. Today though, she was far from the thrilled girl who had delighted at seeing a dragon. What was she talking about? Who was Pepsi? And why did she have a knife? She was clearly distressed and he wasn't sure he was the right person she should ask for help.

<Leweleth says they are looking for this wildling> Ruskeath confirmed as G'tor tried to fathom what Saeo was asking. <We can join them if we wish.> The coordinates for jumping betweenwere already being received. G'tor nodded, his mind making a quick decision. They probably didn't need any help after all, but Saeo was right that she couldn't go to the jungle alone. He certainly didn't want her trying anyway because no one would take her. <Rusk? Tell the others that we are coming and bringing one of the candidates as well.> Ruskeath nodded and reached out to tell the other two the message.

He waved Saeo forward. "Alright, Saeo, I'll take you," he agreed kindly. He leaned back reached down a hand so that Saeo could climb up in front of him. That way he could make sure she wouldn't fall while they flew. "Just please don't call me Brownrider. Just G'tor is fine," he added with a calming smile. The title sounded too grand, even if it was his rank. Shards! G'tor thought ruefully. I'm not even wearing shoes! Tramping through the jungle barefoot would be quite the adventure.

[nightingale]

Saeo's eyes registered only dull surprise at first. She hadn't expected him to agree so readily -or at all really- but after a moment's hesitation, she managed a weak smile and took the hand she was offered. Ruskeath was far easier to mount than Corinth, she noted as she slid up onto the creature's strong neck. He was a little smaller -and of course there was the fact that she had help this time around.

"My deepest thanks G'tor."

She sighed, offering the rider a grateful smile, though the gesture was awkward because she had to look over her shoulder to do so.

"I swear that I'll make it up to you one day -are we just going on a scouting flight? I suppose I forgot to ask. I wouldn't want to keep you form your duties."

[Avu]

Leth, let me borrow your eyes.

The brown rumbled quick assent, and T'kal reached for the dragon's mind, slipping effortlessly into the bond, saw as Leweleth did as the brown spared a quick glance behind him to check Kaaoloth's and Ruskeath's progress. That the latter brown had yet to join them drew a slightly disgruntled huff from Leweleth, and T'kal frowned slightly in an unconscious mimic of the dragon's disapproval as Leweleth scanned the forest, his draconic eyesight taking in all the details almost simultaneously; T'kal reminded him to keep a channel open for Zesa should she call, and Leweleth answered, She will return to us if she finds him. The little sister is not stupid. The brown's confident reply was surprising, but then Leweleth had always known that T'kal liked and thought of the little creatures as intelligent, so T'kal merely shrugged, accepting it as he asked Leweleth to turn his head slightly to look over a different area.

Suddenly, the dragon uttered a surprised huff, and almost a second later, Ruskeath's message was supplied to T'kal. They come. And they bring a Candidate. The same Candidate who reported him missing? T'kal queried, curiously. If he wanted to go adragonback to search, why hadn't he just waited or asked Kaaoloth and Sel'n? Ruskeath did not say. He merely said 'one of the Candidates'. What shall we tell him? T'kal paused, rubbing the brown's neck absently as Leweleth scanned the landscape below. Tell him - There is room for misunderstanding in that, T'kalmine. Explain it, then, if they misunderstand. And way to read my mind, Leth, T'kal responded, slightly miffed at the ease that his dragon had read him. When we share eyes, it's easier. Have you told him?

Ruskeath. We have already taken up positions. Take up the right wing position when you come, and have Yours ask the Candidate to look along the coast for the wildling.

....that wasn't what I said. No? I clarified it. Not everyone can read your mind like I can, Kalmine. Hmm. Fair enough. Shall I check up on the little sister? Do. Ask her for coordinates of where she is, too. A pause, and then Leweleth transferred the images to T'kal, at first blurring, and then clear: leaves, dappled with sunlight; trees, slightly bent and some with moss around their trunks; a glittering strip of sea, barely visible with even draconic vision; and, just visible past an assortment of foliage, a large rock. She has not found Him yet, but the little sister thinks that He is close, Leweleth stated. How far from here? Very. We should go between there? Nooo...don't. If she actually finds him, we will, but she might have made a mistake. No. His mind is not as civilized as those of the Weyr. He is very easy to pick out. Just let the others know that if we go /between/, to trust us and follow us, stay in the same forward V position.

Ruskeath, Kaaoloth. The little sister may have found Him. She says she thinks herself near Him. Thus, if we go between, I will give you the coordinates to between to, and ask that you follow us, keeping in the forward V wing format.