No River Too Wide (Aliene's Maiden Run)

[Ember]

The sheer volume in the main hall boded ill. So many people gathered in one place, all chattering away…made it very hot in the room. Or was that just T’san? Maybe it was the company he had with him. She was quite a catch for the brownrider. She had actually approached him, much to his surprise, and asked if they could try being a pair for a while. T’san had never one to deny a woman so he had agreed to her request. So far though, their relationship seemed to be going no further than simple friendship. She could be as gorgeous as she wanted but if there was no way to faze her then it wasn’t much fun. Surprise, anger, anything was preferable to her easy acceptance of everything he did.

At least he wouldn’t have to pretend for much longer. His whole day was about to turn upside down and inside out. He was chatting pleasantly with one of the headwoman’s assistants when something shifted in his mind and he yelled with complete seriousness, “FUZZBALL!” The main hall obviously quieted for a moment as people heard his outburst. Both T’san and the woman stared at each other for a moment before the brownrider groaned and placed a hand against his forehead. “Excuse me?” The woman asked angrily (figures it would take that to anger her). “S-sorry. Its…I’m sorry.” Without anything further, T’san outright fled the main hall. How embarrassing! Of all the times…

Dsoleth flicked his tail as he peered into the weyr. How amusing. It seemed like the little green’s time had come. Aliene was positively shrieking as she leaped off Hers’ bed and landed with a bit of a splat on the ground. Did it faze her? Not at all. She was going to run and nothing was going to stop her. Not even that pesky feline. As the gray green salamandyr approached the exit of the weyr she spotted Spice attempting to sneak up on her. No. Not today. She reared back and screamed at him. FUZZBALL! Translation? Stay the hell out of my way! The cat actually flinched slightly and in that moment Aliene was off on her first Run.

The diamond patterned green was out of the weyr and dashing towards the stairs at an insane speed. Up or down? She had to make herself easy enough to find for him but not easy enough for others to catch her. She decided on down. Far easier than trying to go up! She’d conserve her energy for running from the unworthy ones. She made her way down the stairs with a piercing wail. If he was around he would hear her for sure! She waited half way down, tilting her head this way and that. She was mildly curious about who else she would attract with her call. It would be soon that others would show. Soon.

Shards, but T’san wasn’t expecting Aliene’s flight or whatever it was called to be that day. Well, that explained why he was more amorous than normal. The dragon equivalent of cackling sounding in his mind made the man growl. Where was he going? Outside. Yes, outside seemed like the right place. Poor T’san. He might never live the day down. Of course the flight rooms were a bad idea (not to mention rather far away). The others might go there. It would be best not to be restricted within walls! T’san shed his shirt as he went down to the base level of the main hall. The perfect place to run came to mind. It was far but not too far. The journey would cool him off a bit too. The brownrider passed a surprised looking candidate looking after the boats on his way to the river. The water flowed around him as he dove in. The sandy beach within the weyr was not too far. What a good place to run!

[rii]

Too deep. Crimson welled up against the pale background. Darker and darker until it poured over flesh. One single rivet of blood drew a line from the side of his knee and traced around to slide along his exposed calf. Slowing, midway, the blood began to collect as gravity pulled, sending the single droplet to splash against the weyrledge.

It should have hurt, but F'lix didn't even notice, he was staring down at the river with a clear far away haze to his eyes. He was trying to pinpoint the sudden assault of strange feelings. Saboth had never effected him strongly during a flight – and even if F'lix gave in, the blue was so eerily calm. This.. this.. was a very bizarre onslaught of.. he didn't know – sublime happiness? Whatever was spilling over the bond had been enough to startle F'lix, causing the reflexive twitch of hands (he had been working on his inking, moving it from just his foot up the side of his left leg). Thus the small bleeding gash.

Love.

Simper's head popped out of the drawer he was currently raiding. From his mouth dangled the chain of an ankle bracelet. It looped twice around his small body with the majority of the chain coiling around his tail. He had been waiting for this day. The primal instinct to chase had made him restless the past sevenday. Part of him knew one of them would run soon and he had been collecting presents in anticipation. Not an easy feat! Lixhers always kept him under constant supervision.

The quirky blue dropped from the drawer belonging to an unknown owner a couple of weyrs away from Lixhers's. As he fell he automatically attempted to open his wings – only to be hindered by the bracelet. He fell as a graceless heap, bouncing once against the stone before shaking it off and bounding outside. Eyes whirled with violet, all except the strange gray lightning blaze that parted through the middle of his left eye.

Lovehate, hatelove? He called out to the green, lovely green. He shook his wings free of the metallic chain and fearlessly launched himself off the weyrledge. Not the largest of wing spans, but the strong muscles in his back clenched to keep them spread wide to catch every bit of air. Luckily a breeze caught him, sending him into a glide worthy of a small firelizard.. until the wind died down. Simper was forced into a steep nosedive that ended with him landing in a rolling heap on another, lower ledge.

How fun. Simper crooned encouragingly as he bounced back onto his feet. Run, beautiful, run. The metal bracelet glinted in the sunlight as he raced toward the stairs..

F'lix expression twitched with the effort to keep himself from surrendering to the strong sensation that pulled unrelentingly at both his body and mind. The bluerider actually leaned away from the weyrledge in attempt to further distance himself. No. No. Saboth's questioning filled him, but also along his trio of bonds came Lilitu's rage.

How dare that ugly thing run before her. Though, the near black green was not even the slightest bit concerned about Simper's chasing. He was hers after all, and she was the best. No one would be able to take him from her. Oh, but the fact that Aliene thought she was even remotely worthy enough for anyone to chase was humorous. Lilitu snapped her tail as she dropped from her perch. She would go to laugh at pitiful Aliene.. and maybe rip off that ugly tail of hers because she inconvenienced Lilitu's day.

The additional assault of his other mindmates acted as a catalyst, and Simper's desire to catch the lovely green washed over F'lix. The dagger slipped from his fingers and landed in the full ink dish – splattering him in a fine spray of black dots. He rolled onto his feet and broke into sprint, moving through the strange obstacle course that spanned over his and the two nearby ledges. Not with his usual step of grace and balance, but he went head-long with reckless abandonment that ended with him on another ledge in a show that seemed more luck than skill. A strange grin spread across his face, a loopy thing mixed with a heavy touch of mischief.

Stairs? The thought never even crossed his mind. Now, where was the pretty going..

[Avu]

Dsoleth, is Yours crazy?

The gold had no qualms with bespeaking the brown with such a question, quite random though it was – and Jingth trusted that her voice would be recognized. Of course. The dragon was currently quite a ways up the river from where T’san had jumped in. Far enough away that Hers, who was with her, couldn’t have recognized the brownrider even if she had seen, but she hadn’t and Jingth didn’t want to share just yet; the dragon curled idly around Meira, head tilting back to nudge Hers over to an itchy spot on her hide, tongue forking out to lick the Weyrlingrider’s oil-smeared palm. There. The mental brush was less a word than a feeling, Meira leaning against Jingth’s side, head tilting to lean against the golden hide as she obediently applied the oil to the already-gleaming hide. She’d just dried from her bath – which was why Riaren wasn’t with them; Meira didn’t like bringing the baby along to the River and leaving him at the side while she bathed Jingth – and it was a nice day out (if a bit chilly; it was almost winter…), so she’d agreed to stay out at the river to oil the gold instead of doing it back at the Weyrling Barracks where she didn’t have as far to walk when wet.

Jingth’s tail was coiled absently around Meira’s legs, the dragon leaning forward to rub her muzzle in a blatant show of affection against the girl’s abdomen. So nice of LoveHers to make her the most beautiful. Not, of course, that there had ever been any question. One hand stroked the length of her muzzle gently, a smile flashing across Meira’s face. Too rare, the times that she was alone with Jingth. There was usually Riaren, and while the baby was in no way disruptive, he took up all of her attention; she actively fussed over him. If Riaren wasn’t there (or asleep), Mimic was, usually, and never would Meira complain about that, because the brown Salamandyr was possibly the single most adorable creature ever –

Speaking of Mimic, Jingth commented, picking up the thought as easily as if Meira had meant to sent it to her, Where is he? I thought he was with us. Her words made LoveHers blink twice, confusion replacing the adoration as she turned her head to look for the brown, expecting him to pop up at the mention of his name in her mind. There was, however, no sign of him whatsoever; it stirred a slight prickle of unease before she reached out of his mind, brushing against it questioningly, and received only a warm reassurance – with no explanation. Confused, she glanced up at Jingth, who stretched, clearly unconcerned as her tongue flicked out to rasp comfortingly against Meira’s hand again, reassuring. He probably went to see his twin. He often does, anyway, the gold offered.

“But he didn’t explain…?”
Perhaps, Jingth suggested (and there was a faint note of acerbic amusement in her tone), He forgot? I’m sure he meant to. He gets excited. You know him. There was no denying the dismissive words. Don’t worry so. He wouldn’t be happy if he was hurt; even /he/ knows better than /that/.
“Umm. Yeah, but….” The uncertainty squirmed in the pit of her stomach, Meira actively spinning on her heel to glance around again to make sure she hadn’t missed Mimic somewhere blatantly obvious. No cheerful, adoring brown Salamandyr. No crooning, licking affections. “I don’t know; I still – I want to know where he is, I guess…just – you know, to be sure…?”

Currently, the brown Salamandyr was actually in the Rider Weyrs, scurrying and leaping along – and he was going to visit Doppelganger, though certainly not for the same reason as he usually did. Very much aware, was he, that a lovely lovely greenling was preparing to Run, and Mimic wanted to Chase her, to make sure she knew just how lovely she was, but it would be so much better if his favorite eggbrother was there. It would be. Before he actually got there, however, Aliene’s shriek had stopped Mimic as effectively as if he’d run into a wall, and the brown actually froze indecisively, twisting uncomfortably. Doppelganger or Aliene…eggbrother or green…? So hard. So hard…his tail flipped anxiously, frill fanning out in an outward display of how torn he was, head turning rapidly from one direction to the next. Doppelganger or Aliene…Doppelganger or Aliene?! The indecisiveness slowed him, but after a second Mimic spun on his feet, trilling loudly for Doppelganger’s benefit and calling to his brother mentally.

So pretty greenling love love eggmine come play with greenling ‘n Mimic?

That done, Mimic turned and threw himself down a flight of stairs, wings flapping vigorously to keep himself from hitting the ground too hard; he rolled upon landing, jumped to his feet, and went on, though he threw a backwards glance anxiously over his shoulder to check for Doppelganger. But – but if he went too slow and waited, the pretty would leave him behind! Anxious, Mimic spun in a small circle before he made his decision: Doppelganger knew where to find him, would always know where to find him. Aliene didn’t. His wings flared and the Salamandyr leapt down another flight of stairs, squeaking determinedly; around the corner he went, almost running into the wall at the speed he was going. And there. She. Was. Mimic squeaked in delight, eyes flushed with violet now. So, so lovely, she was. The brown Salamandyr didn’t bespeak Aliene (and indeed, he was oblivious to the fact that he was not the one she did want), but the admiring croon said it all: She was the prettiest ever Salamandyr (and yes, only the prettiest ever Salamandyr, because if he left that off Jingth would be upset at him).

– what’s wrong?
I – Faranth – I think he’s Chasing some – a green, I don’t know which…
He’s a brat, Jingth decided calmly, coiling around Meira comfortingly; the goldrider had sagged back against the dragon, squeezing her eyes shut tightly and opening them in a physical effort to push away the mental image. The emotions that accompanied Chasing were actually nauseating on many levels – first and most obvious of which was the feeling of moving when she was not actually doing so. It didn’t help that she actually had felt this before – and that she could acutely remember what Meisk’s Chasing felt like was the main source of her nausea. She didn’t want to feel it, didn’t want to blur Mimic and Meisk together. But it wasn’t – as overwhelming; there was almost a touch of the apologetic on her mind from the Salamandyr, as if he knew she didn’t want it, and she could still – could still think, could still see. That was…helpful.

[Tashe]

Twitch. Twitch.

Whatever sillything was trying to wake her, they should stop.

Twitch.

Yawning the sea colored Green rose to her feet unsteadily, making the spots on her back shimmer as they caught the sunlight that filtered in from the trees above. She was still well... a little buzzed from the wine she had consumed an hour ago, and it took a moment for the lust to pierce her fuzzy brain. Oh, oh? Was there a pretty Greenling Running? She would chase! Flicking open her black tipped frill, Absinthe shook it before leaping down off of her sillyhumanlove's head. He was sleeping. He would not miss his Abbsy, because she would be gone for only a little while. Scurrying forward, the female ended up tripping several times over small sticks that stuck up from the sand. Of course, she took each fall in stride of course, the effects of the booze and the overwhelming sensation of lust mingling so efficiently that nothing could get her down! The Beach was not a good place for her to be right now!

Prettygreenlove. Prettygreenlove, oh me pretty green loooove~ Duna nana nunanana nuna nunanaaa. Skkyyy no pretty. Roooock no petty. But Greeeenlove preettty yesss. She was singing, and she thought it was beautifully too. But to whoever could hear her broadcasts, they would surely think otherwise. On her way to where ever the Prettygreenone was, Absinthe stumble, tripped and fell a good ten times before even reaching the entrance to the Weyrs. So her singing was horrible, and she wasn't the most graceful thing when she was partially inebriated, but it was the thought that counted right? Preeettygreeenlooove, isss preeeettty.

Nautic on the other hand, was still asleep, leading a double life (one in the day and one at night) was hard on him. He had now successfully proved he could just about sleep through anything, including a Run. In fact, he would have remained asleep if a frightened baby Treehopper hadn't slipped off of her branch and landed directly on top of his head. The silly creature climbed down his shirt, waking the Wherling in a record time that came second only to the last Wher hatching. "YIIIEAAHHH!" Leaping up as the Treehopper tried to burrow between his belt and his back, Nautic tried desperately to remove the six-legged creature without hurting it. Despite it already having hurt him, but they were only scratches. Finally, the teen was able to get a grasp on the Treehopper's tail and yank the female off of him before letting her go back up the tree she had come from. But as with all of his luck, he wasn't quite done with the excitement. Because of the adrenaline that had been pumping through his veins, the Lust that Absinthe sent to him over her bond had been beaten back, but as the Adrenaline lessened so did the force staying the lust.

In moments Nautic was kneeling with one knee on the ground. It was so strong, so enticing... no. He couldn't let himself be totally taken under by the lust, Nautsk was still a Wherling she would be frightened.

But its sooo niiiice...
No! He can't!
But... it feels so shiiiny.
Was shiny even a correct synonym for good?
OH LOOK THE PRETTY IS COMING!
Oh no, the pretty was coming!

Dragging himself closer to the tree, Nautic tried to stave off the lust he would normally give himself freely to. His Wher was just too sensitive to his emotions that he had to at least try. It was a pity that the Human counterpart to the Running pair had dove into the water, he could have used a cold dunk in the River.

The Pretty is shirtless... hot.

[Ember]

Dsoleth was pleasantly surprised to hear Jingth bespeaking him. The topic...too amusing. He rumbled in his weyr as he answered her. Entirely possible, the brown joked. Crazy Mine's little green one is Running. The brown only could have imagined what Jingth had seen and was thinking of His. Crazy may have been an apt description, especially considering who was currently influencing the man. Aliene was far from sane herself.

Aliene perked up as she heard a mandyr calling to her. It was him, no doubt! She would wait just a little longer before she had to run. So hard not to just go and run when she felt the need so badly. Her little claws curled around the ledge of the stairs. It was hard to tell if she was anchoring herself or preparing to fling herself down the stairs. Oh! Oh oh there he was and...what? So her call had attracted others too. She was pleased on one level but they didn't actually think she'd choose them, did they? She threw an adoring thought Simper's way. What a lovely sparkly too! Her mind brushed over Mimic's with a tiny hint of welcome. He'd come just for her, so she wouldn't deny him the chance to follow her.

Any others were welcome, when and if they actually found her. There was no such thing as negative points in the green's run. Simper, naturally, started with the highest number of points while others started at zero. Good luck to the others. Aliene glanced at Simper before leaping down the stairs two at a time with a primal salamandyr-sized howl. It wasn't even worth it to try and glide. Her wings were just too small. Not that she needed to fly like some nasty little flitterugly. She was wonderful and she'd make sure that one knew it.

So close! The brownrider could see the sandy river beach just ahead. Then he could run and run. Bit of a shame the stretch of land wasn't longer. Less room for that one to get seperated from him when he came. T'san's feet hit bottom suddenly and the face-cracking smile that lighted his face also made him seem a bit creepy. It was entirely too happy for the brownrider. His wet pants clung tightly to his skin as he all but skipped out of the water, the same smile plastered to his face as he shook his head. Whee! Water everywhere!

[rii]

Simper's eyes whirled into a darker violet when Aliene brushed his mind. He made a flicking motion with his head, sending the dangling end of the bracelet to twirled around in a circle. The little metal links reflecting the light and sending a series of dancing spots across the stairs. Yes! It was very sparkly, and just for her. The blue crooned around the chain in his mouth before increasing his gait to take off down the stairs after Aliene.

Oh look!

Altering his course, Simper playfully tackled his brown clutchbrother. Chaserun? Or runchase? He nipped lightly at the brown's shoulder. Yes, Simper would chase him too. Was he running? Although, it would be hard to chase two at the same time. The other shouldn't do it as the same time. Maybe later?

Aliene's howl drew Simper's attention away from the brown, and the blue hopped off in her direction, once again responding to the strong pull to chase her. With wings slightly extended, Simper bounded down the stairs after her. Only catching every other one as his wings lengthened the distance of his small jumps. The sound of his landing feet and scraping claws accompanied by the constant drag of the bracelet from the end of his tail. It was starting to unravel, but the hindrance didn't seem to slow the blue salamandyr in the least.

Lovely, beautiful – Simper dropped the chain from his mouth and mimicked her howl – run, keep running.

—

F'lix bare feet met with sand. How he managed to get down there.. he couldn't remember, and honestly didn't care. His hand was bleeding from a torn palm and his shoulder was oddly sore. Likely it would bruise. None of that matter, though, since he could see the pretty green. If anything, the tiny prickling of pain made him all that more enthusiastic to chase. A soft howl sounded from his throat, encouragement mixed with admiration.

—

Poor baby.

Lilitu crooned as she watched the two chasers (not knowing of Absinthe further away – but knowing that would probably amuse Liltu further. A drunken green stumbling about seemed much more suitable for Aliene). It almost wasn't worth the effort. Almost. But since she had come this far, might as well. Liltu's frill flashed, the venomous green alarmingly noticeable against her near-black hide.

The little ball of muscle took off down the stairs after the trio ahead. Her small size and speed making her little more than a shadow gliding soundlessly across the stone. The progress may have been silent, but her mouth was anything but. Ugly wherry-mater. No more come. So ugly. They be too kind. Run, run, run. Run away poor baby.

Her attention shifted to the brown up ahead. Poor thing. He probably didn't know better. Lilitu would let him know that he need not pity Aliene and chase her..

[Avu]

Hmm. Yes, I think LoveMine has discovered that. the gold commented dryly, coiling a little more possessively around Meira. Her nose butted against the girl’s palm, encouraging rubbing – it served the dual purpose of reminding Hers that she was still there, and not in the Rider Weyrs with Mimic, and it soothed the slight itch on her nose. So nice. She sprawled out a little further, wings fluttering slightly; a Weyrling she might have been, but Jingth was less than disturbed by the lust. It was strange, to be sure, and she didn’t like it at all, but it didn’t frighten her. The hatchling had survived through a birthing; why would this be any worse? The slavething has also found out, I’m afraid. The words held no amusement, though it did hold that slightly sarcastic note to it. The only upset she was feeling was a direct expression of LoveHers’ agitation; the dragon’s wings twitched again before her head tilted to watch T’san intently. She did not intend to let Hers know that he was there – Jingth knew without it being said that it would be a bad idea.

Meira blinked repeatedly again, nervously, fingers automatically busy rubbing at Jingth’s nose, but the blank look on her face clearly marked her as distracted. That Jingth was hiding something from her, she would have known instantly had she not been caught up by Mimic – as it was, she noticed nothing. The desire – oddly – to play, to find Mi’rah and the green’s (she felt as if she ought to know who it was, for clearly the green’s was the loveliest creature ever) was growing stronger. Still able to be controlled, though, if only barely. Jingth’s mind brushed against hers, affectionate, reassuring – unafraid. Count that one of them, then. The nausea was the only thing that kept her rooted to the spot; for a moment the ghost of a blue wher seemed to brush against her mind, overlaid by the now-familiar mind of the gold, and then the phantom memory had faded again. Not a step did she move, completely frozen, staring blankly, uncertainly, past Jingth. And then the impulse rose: She wanted to play with not only the green, but also the blue…neither of whom she knew the identity of.

The brush against his mind made Mimic’s eyes whirl – not violet as might be expected, but a brilliant green/blue shade as his wings flapped again, enthusiasm clear as he trilled, just loud enough to be audible; the level of absolute reverence in the sound was obvious. The brown Salamandyr knew nothing of lust, nothing of what fueled his sudden interest in his clutchsister – he just knew that Aliene was absolutely the most beautiful, the loveliest, the most amazing and the kindest green he’d ever seen. And he’d love to admire her properly, if only she didn’t keep running away…perhaps if he caught up with her she’d let him tell her just how beautiful he found her, show her how lovely she was to him? Still, Mimic didn’t bespeak Aliene, though his eyes gleamed with sudden realization. It was like tag, wasn’t it? Fun like tag, and the glowing lovely before him was the best prize of all.

Simper’s tackling made his frill flare in surprise, Mimic giving a startled squeak before he bounced, licking his brother on the shoulder pleasantly. It honestly didn’t occur to him that the tackling might have been an attempt at sabotage – his mind didn’t work like that. They were just playing, weren’t they? The question made Mimic actively leap over Simper, playfully, before he flapped both wings and crooned at the blue; it made him sad that Doppelganger wasn’t there, but he was always willing to make new friends. Chase, he replied, gaze darting admiringly back to Aliene. Pretty prettiest, want tell how prettiest.

He crouched, and then leapt too; both wings flapped hard to carry him as far as they could before Mimic hit the stone stairs, launching off nearly at the same instant that he landed. The Salamandyr crooned encouragingly to Aliene, jumping sideways playfully; wouldn’t she look at him and play with him a little? Part of his mind was still occupied with His – LoveHis. Mimic’s adoration of His was exceptional; anything she said went – because she was perfect, the loveliest and the most amazing of all humans. And she didn’t want him there, but Mimic didn’t see why and he’d – he’d just play a little longer before he went away again, was that okay? Surely it was; His would understand; Aliene was so lovely and Simper was so nice and – and – another green?

Both wings flapped in an attempt to stop his forward motion; had she come to play with them too? Lilitu’s words made Mimic’s eyes turn into shades of confusion though. His voice rose in a low trill before he turned in a quick circle and leapt down towards Aliene again, anxious. But – is so pretty, he murmured, words limited to Simper; he was so confused…Greenling lovely, why make bad?

[Tashe]

Scamper. Scamper. Trip. Scamper. Slither. Stumble. JUMP!

Why did the lovely Greenling have to be so far away? Why couldn't she be closer and give Abbsy less of a run? She was going to be tired before she was even close to the pretty one. Skyyy Rooock. Ground fiiind. Shiny. Prettygreeenlove. Now, where was the Greenling? Pausing in her unique stumble-run, Absinthe tilted her head to the side and listened, flicking her frill up and down in thought. Scrambling forward, the Green picked up Ailene's scent and that of her chasers. Looovelymine love. Abbsy is coooming. Changing her stride from a fast moving scamper to a hop and glide, the Green moved loudly through the hallways singing random bits of strung together words.

Rounding the corner, Absinthe turned her head toward the stairs and quickly scampered out of the way before she got trampled by the four Salamandyrs (including the prettygreenling!) descending the stairs. Abbsy found! Pretty as shiny rock! Shuffling her wings the large Green sat up on her haunches, letting her paws fold against her chest as she waited for the others to get off of the stairs. Even in her dizzy state she knew she wouldn't stand a chance on those ledges, she'd probably fall down or off of them. So she would wait all pretty like for the pretty Greenling to come and then she could chase right after her!

Nuhuh. Nonononono. Don't... look. Don't...

He was trying so hard not to look at the Dragonrider, afraid that if he did he wouldn't be able to stave off the urge to run his hands over T'san. What was worse was that he had woken Nautsk up because of his inner battle, now he had to deal with her and make sure that she didn't try and go outside. Rukbat was too high in the sky for her to even attempt to come outside without hurting her eyes. If it had been earlier, or later, she might stand a chance but not now. Not without her blindfold and him right next to her. Curling into a tighter ball, Nautic tried to concentrate on the presence of his Wher and keeping her away from him. He knew that his thoughts and feelings would make little sense, but he tried to do his best to convey that she needed to stay in their room. Or at the very least, the Barracks. The windows in the hall would be shaded at this time of day.

[Lotty]

Never fear! Doppelganger is here!

Or at very least on his way. Sure, he was late, but he did have a few obstacles along the way. It all started with him popping out of his "collection" and speeding around Mi'rah's weyr, bouncing with excitement as he waited for the usual daily visit from his favorite and only eggmine in the whole entire world. But Mimic was late! How could eggmine be so late? It just frazzled the poor little brown salamandyr so much that he couldn't contain himself! Around and around he bounced long his path, jumping from the cot to the dresser to the desk where he knocked over ink and papers that the bronzerider had so obsessively kept organized and tidy. Obviously, the creatures spastic perpetual motion did not go unnoticed and Mi'rah was equally as distraught - though more by the mess that his dearest Doppelganger was making than by the fact that Mimic was nowhere to be seen.

Doppelganger wasn't quite as aware of the impending Run as Mimic had been . Although an animal - though an obviously intelligent one at that - he was still a bit more innocent than the average mandyr ad a little more oblivious to the signs of a lusty green. It was once he got the memo though that he would be quick to join the chase, because gee golly how much fun could that be! Races and catch games, ooohhhh, they were just the best! Good thing Mimic was the bestest of eggmines, sending him note of the big chase game currently happening in the rider's weyrs. Yes yes! Come play come pretty pretty! Love you lovelies! Yes lovelies...plural. He was in it for Mimic and Aliene both now. Play with eggbrother and catch the pretty was ideal. They were just both the best.

The brown scurried to the door, but was blocked! Silly Rahrahlove! He crouched down low and squirmed squirmed squirmed. Popping out the other side he hipped hopped and didn't stop down the hall and down the stairs. He would find eggbrother and shiny green he would! Mi'rah wasn't so sure about all of this. As typical for the bronzerider the first and foremost idea that ran through his head was I just don't think this is a good idea... He knew the typical feelings of lust associated with flights, and over the time he had spent with Doppelganger he began to assume the same would wash over him when the time came for Doppel to do whatever it was that salamandyrs did. He was somewhat relieved that it wasn't nearly as bad, this wasn't the spill over trademark of Kierjaarth. No, it was nearly...whimsical. Where was Mimic's and Aliene's? He wanted to play! Regardless of the fact that he was too old for fun and games and he wasn't at all sure that these were the types of games that were totally appropriate to play. He wound up sitting on the edge of his bed, eyes closed and rubbing his temples as if it would ease away the situation.

Ah! There they were! He was bringing up the rear, but late was better than never right? Lovies love lovelies! Doppel loves lovies! He was sure that Mimic would hear him and be sooooo happy. Of course he hoped that Aliene took notice too. Maybe this would work for the best...the pretty green would see that they were eggmines and that meant twice as much to love! So much better yes! Even if he got to add pretty shiny green to his pile of pretty shinies then he still wasn't adverse to sharing... Much much loves for him and eggmine. Yes. So much fun. So looooveeee.

[Ember]

Dsoleth was mildly surprised when he heard Jingth's words. Hers' littling was chasing His'? The littling has? How...interesting? Is Yours alright? What he was really more worried about was Jingth herself. No matter how large she may be, she was still a weyrling. Even a dragon Dsoleth's age could be somewhat upset by another mindmate of Their's running. The brown found it odd to be so shut out of His' mind. He knew he'd have His' mind again soon though. Not little greenling would keep him out forever.

Aliene really did like that chain. It matched well with Simper's colour. Such a thoughtful blue to bring her such a gift! Mimic and Simper's playing annoyed and amused her. They should stop and focus on her again, for she wouldn't wait for them to stop playing. Could they keep up with her down the stairs? He, at least, better or she'd be a little upset. The green halted part way down the stairs and flattened against previous step. She wanted to see how observant her chasers were. She'd have waited longer if it wasn't for the voice of the mandyr she probably hated the most.

Leaping out of her hiding spot, Aliene reared and looked up the stairs at Lilitu and screeched her dislike. Nasty fuzzball! No want. At least Aline had chasers! Clearly Lilitu was too unworthy to even attempt running. What a shame it must be to be a green who knew they were too hated to have any chasers. The mocking undertone to her fury was obvious. Not poor Aliene, poor Lilitu-fuzzball.

Tempting as it was to put the green in her place, Aliene felt the desire to run more strongly. The green cut off her shrieking abruptly and crooned to her chasers, brushing lightly against their minds. Ignore that one. Not worth interrupting her run over. In fact, she was going to be so gracious as to allow Lilitu to chase her! How about that! Not that she'd ever choose that one. She turned to continue down the last of the stairs and noticed another green waiting there. She was just...waiting? Well, ready or not, here she came!

She didn't wait for that new chaser as she bounced down the stairs and zipped past the other green. Whew! No more stairs. Aliene sped along the hall and into a weyr. She was tiring but she wanted to test one thing first. The green approached the dresser and scrambled up it, little claws creating nicks in the wood. How fast could they climb?

T'san must have really looked crazy. After shaking out his hair, the brownrider went on to play peekaboo alone. Now you see him, now you don't! By the time he was done playing, F'lix had arrived. Ooh, there he was! Just him? Well, it wasn't like T'san minded. His eyes snagged on the injuries and he approached the other man, crooning in a low tone. Had he gotten hurt because of him? He reached out a hand to brush F'lix's face lightly but paused. He was..angry at this man, and yet desired him at the same time? The brownrider place both hands on either side of F'lix's face and watched him. Just watched.

[rii]

The shrieking from Aliene was most amusing. Ah, Liltu preened as she watched the brown slow and turn his attention to her. It just went to show, even when Lilitu wasn't running, and Aliene was, Lilitu could still draw the attention of the other green's chasers. His slight pause in progress was enough to Lilitu to close the distance. She didn't hesitate, tackling Mimic on the spot – it was almost an art. She was very well practiced from her time spent around Simper and Terror. They may all trump her in size, but she would always would be stronger. Lilitu pinned Mimic on his back, her tail coiling around his and her front claws resting against his upper chest.

Too nice. She stated while licking Mimic's muzzle. No need to chase ugly. Lilitu best beauty~ It was simply a fact to her. Her dark beauty could be challenged by no other. Being close to running herself, her hide didn't exactly glow but the silk like sheen to the darkness was certainly alluring. Why would Mimic waste his time on something as pitiful as Aliene? No need to settle for less. Be no fool.

Whatever Lilitu may have said or done next was interrupted by the second brown joining the chase. He looked.. near identical to the one she held captive under her claws. The dark green even did a double-take between them. The sudden desire to mark one rose in her – if only so she could tell them apart more easily. Instead, she sent a pleasant croon to Doppelganger as he neared.

—

Simper glanced back over his shoulder at the sound of Lilitu's arrival and Mimic's words. It distracted him enough that he tripped on the chain dangling around his feet. End over end the blue tumbled, a blur of glinting metal, limbs and the layers of blue that colored his body. Chains were annoying, he decided at the foot of the stairs. He flicked his tail around, twirling the bracelet more securely around just his tail before taking off after Aliene once more. He couldn't ditch the gift now after bringing it so far.

Where was the lovely green going? Simper made a wide turn around the dresser, attempting to angle his point of view to be able to see her destination. It only took him a moment to figure out her intention and he plowed straight into the test with a fierce determination. He leaped at the front of the dresser, his claws catching the lip of a closed drawer. The well developed muscles in his back bulged with the effort to pull himself up, along with the task of keeping his tail curled up to not drop the bracelet.

His ascent wasn't the quickest, but his strength behind his motions clear enough to be impressive. Scratch, scratch. The mis-matched colored claws left a trail of marks in the wood as he moved straight up the front and pulled himself over the ledge. His wings fluttered a bit, brushing aside any tired feeling or ache from his tumble down the stairs. Nothing could keep him from chasing her.

—

Confusion crossed F'lix golden eyes as he watched the green approach. His own hands rose to touch the ones on the sides of his face, but he refrained from making that contact. He didn't have the right to touch the lovely. She had not chosen yet. Instead F'lix locked with the other man's gaze, returning it with complete adoration. No trace of the other three minds, only Simper. F'lix leaned forward slightly into the warmth of those hands – despite the mix of water and sand grating against his cheeks.

"Beautiful," He softly spoke as his bloodied hand reached for T'san's face, falling away before touching the lovely green. The brave smile came out, a rather goofy thing tinge with the mischief of loving the danger he had put himself through in order to get to the green. Nothing could stop him from chasing her. Any wounds were just the joys of the run. "Why no run?"

They were suppose to chase, and where were the others? F'lix might have looked around for them, but he was too enraptured with the green in front of him, touching him.

[Avu]

If LoveMine was hysterical, I wouldn’t be so calm, Jingth responded to Dsoleth, brushing against her Rider’s mind affectionately again. She is not, after all, diving into the river spontaneously… One wing flared up, the dragon peering beneath it in the direction of Dsoleth’s, and she was vaguely surprised to see another man with him. Hum, would that be the blue’s that Mimic was making Hers think about…? Oddity of oddities…who would have guessed such a small, naïve creature could inspire such emotions? Strange, so strange. Both wings fluttered slightly again before Jingth wound them protectively around Meira, deliberately blocking T’san and F’lix from view. There was always that prickling, gnawing unease, but it was easier to ward off actual fear if Hers was there, within her grasp, able to be touched, and it was obvious enough that if she did see them she might loose what control was left and go and Jingth didn’t want Hers to go. Irritating slave. LoveMine~ she added privately, turning her head back to lick Meira. Are you okay…?

She’d actively stumbled backwards – odd for her; Meira generally didn’t trip over her feet and she hadn’t even been moving; her knees had just decided to give out. Both hands wound around Jingth’s neck ridge, weyrlingrider leaning against the dragon and sucking in a startled gasp. The dragon’s words, and the accompanying wet touch of tongue against her arm, made her blink twice, shivering. “I don’t – I don’t know – Mimic; what’s going on…?” The words drew no response from Jingth, who licked her arm again, crooning comfortingly. Mimic would never worry her as much as Hers did, and Jingth didn’t care enough to find out what had prompted the question from LoveHers; she felt no pain across the bond, real or imagined, only an intense confusion, and that didn’t elicit any anxiety for the Salamandyr. It wasn’t like confusion wasn’t common for him anyway.

So many things happening. Mimic bounced anxiously on the spot, glancing from Aliene to Simper to Lilitu and then back to Aliene again; there was no denying that the brown was completely lost and had not the slightest idea what to do. He wanted to please Aliene, he did, but he didn’t want to offend Lilitu either…the brush of Aliene’s mind over his made the brown trill again, low in his throat; that Simper had not answered him didn’t deter him – maybe the bluebrother didn’t know either, after all – and he spun into another quick circle before he made to leap after Aliene; both wings flared as wide as such small appendages could, but before his hind legs even made it off the ground, something (!!!!) slammed into him and Mimic squeaked in alarm, barely resisting the instinct to flail wildly as he hit the ground and then blinked up at Lilitu. A questioning chirp left the brown as he curled his forelegs close against his chest, wings splayed out on either side of him. What was…she doing? Didn’t she see the pretty was getting away?

Her words and the lick to his muzzle made Mimic chirp again, and the brown, almost automatically, leaned forward to lick Lilitu in response. There was no denying that his little mind was whirring, though; how could he respond without offending one of the two…? So upsetting, so confusing…he didn’t struggle, though; he might upset Lilitu’s balance and then she’d be hurt. Not only offended but actually hurt. Fortunately, Doppelganger’s appearance gave Mimic another few seconds to think and he squeaked in greeting to his brother, trying to act like being pinned under Lilitu wasn’t strange at all when he’d been trying to Chase a different green. So nice that his brother had come!

Greenling one up went, he informed Doppelganger privately. So love eggmine please? Help him decide what to doooo. He was so confused. To Lilitu, he crooned again, hoping it would suffice for an answer, and licked her right foreleg, given that it was just about all he could reach without straining forward. Well – well, Aliene had Simper and that other green and maybe even his beloved eggmine, so surely she wouldn’t mind if he stayed with Lilitu? She was pretty too and oh, he just didn’t want to hurt her feelings…couldn’t they just share? Sharing was nice. It was. Love eggmine love greenling say love sorry for Mimic? he added beseechingly to Doppelganger; if his eggmine was going after Aliene couldn’t he apologize for Mimic? He was sorry for leaving her but he couldn’t…he kind of had a Salamandyr on top of him…hrum.

How very problematic…

[Lotty]

Oh no! What to do? What to do? What to do? Who knew that chases were going to be so hard? Little could the salamandyr have ever predicted that he would have to split his mind between sooo many different loves. There was Rahrahlove who really didn't seem too happy about his games, there was Alienelove who he didn't know but she was sooo fun and shiny and perfect for his collection, and of course there was Eggminelove who was always there for him from the beginning before everyone else. It was his opinion he would probably take in account first and foremost and he seemed to want him to keep chasing. Chase greenling love? Share with eggmine? The brown decided to pause for a moment, which wasn't exactly a very productive idea when in the middle of a race game.

He stood on his hindlegs so that he could assess the situation, curling his tail in an ever curious manner he began to understand in pieces what was going on. There was another greenlove there? And she had Mimiclove all tangled up? What funny gamers were they playing? He skittered over to the scene, clearly he was welcomed since this greenlove was crooning to him. Greenling love? This one? Play game? He decided to jump onto the pair thinking they were all playing some kind of weird game of tag. Poor little Doppelganger just had no idea what he was getting into, one minute he chases a pretty green thing and the next miute he is collecting a different greenthing and his own eggbrother to add to his collection.

Mi'rah just wanted to hurl from the break neck speed at which his salamandyr was changing emotions - the only thing that really stayed constant was the urge to play. He needed to find the others and they could frolic and have fun but that was just...not a good idea. A very logical part of him said that. Maybe he could just...yes...he crawled back into bed and burrowed under his covers until he curled himself into a cocoon. Sooooo safe here.

Doppelganger simultaneously just nuzzled into Lilitu and Mimic, almost completely forgetting about the fact that he left his room for Aliene. So ruuuude, but things just happen. Lovlies love cuddles? Doppel cuddle cuddle lovlies... It was only after he had wrapped his tail around his two favoritest companions that he remembered about Aliene at all. Oh! Yes! That was the greenling he had to apologize to for Mimic. He frilled goofily, Catch other greenling? Say sorries for Mimic? He'd only do it with his eggmine's blessing.

[Ember]

Mm, Dsoelth answered Jingth non-comittally. There was truth in what she said. Before he could answer more appropriately, though, he sensed an end to Aliene's run approaching. The dragon rose from his spot, the genuine care he had for His overiding his desire to simply lounge on his ledge. The brown jumped into the air and headed to the where T'san was. As he prepared to land, Dsoleth looked towards the queen and shot a thought her way, It will be over soon.

Humph! Ungrateful salamandyrs. She'd been willing to allow them to chase her and yet they had the nerve to abandon her? So what! She didn't want them, any of them! Not worth her time at all. That nasty Lilitu could have those ones, for all she cared. The other green was clearly settling for fourth or even fifth best. Clearly Simper occupied the top three spots.

As she climbed the dresser she glanced down every now and then. Well, he wasn't the fastest climber but she'd just blame that lovely gift for that. Aliene reached the top and peered down, almost casually, as she watched the blue climb. She was done being chased. She wanted to give herself to her chosen one. Now it was simply a waiting game.

Ignoring any others, Aliene awaited Simper at the top of the dresser. The very moment he was up and over she licked him. Hers now. Lilitu could bite herself. She could claim as many rejects as she wanted, but if she couldn't hold onto the ones that mattered she was truly pathetic. The green's tail wrapped delicately around Simper and she crooned at him.

What was the point in running from the one he wanted, the only one that had come? He'd done enough running for him already. That open adoration in the blue's eyes was enough for the man. The others didn't matter, present or not, when he clearly had the best one. The brownrider removed one hand from F'lix's face to grab at the descending hand gently. Was it permission the blue was waiting for? Then it was permission he had. T'san raised the hand and kissed the injury.