Lost in the Rhythm (Nuoth's Maiden Flight)

[Ruby]

Futh stretched his wings a few seconds before Nuoth did, understanding that his greater weight would take more stopping than hers would. With a start, the Blue realized he was still towards the front of the pack; maybe practice DID make perfect when it came to these sorts of things. Or at least gave a slight advantage. rumbling in pleasure, the blue executed a sluggish barrel roll as Nuoth turned to watch. Futh was no acrobat, but he would try, for her!

Unfortunately, Futh probably should have left the tricks (and the smugness) to the more agile chasers. Distracted as he was by his newfound flight prowess, he didn't quite make it through his roll before the waterfall rushed up to fill his view. While Nuoth turned upwards at the last moment, getting only a few stray drops of water on her shining hide, Futh flailed out of his failed roll and straight into the waterfall. Luckily he hit one side of it instead of plunging straight into the middle, so he wasn't thrown too far off course, but all of his momentum was killed by the water.

Growling in frusturation, the stout dragon pushed off the wall, using thermals rising off the warm stone of the canyon to propell himself back into the fray. He wouldn't lose THAT easily, not if he could help it. Without wasting any more time on fancy flying, Futh aimed at Nuoth like iron to a lodestone, beating his fully average wings as hard as he could to catch his shining beauty up.

M'kai lifted his hand when Nephele brushed it, spinning her under his arm before letting her go on to her other chasers. Yes, they were there too, but she had come to him first. She could go dance with the others, but maybe she had come to him first for a reason. He would hold on to that as long as he could- she hadn't shown any true preferance yet, so he still had plenty of hope. A half-step in her direction kept Nephele in his line of sight, and he was content. She could come to him if she wanted, he was ready.

[kat]

Shith launched himself after Nuoth did, bugling with the joy of his first flight, and Nuoth's. He did a barrel roll and then a loop which he found dizzying but oh so fun! Besides, he wanted to impress his pretty green, didn't he? Yes, yes he did! His jaws were open in a wide draconian smile as she went into a dive, his tongue lolling comically out the side as he followed her. Never had the wind felt so good on his pale blue hide, and for a moment he closed his eyes to savor the feeling that was the free fall and the chase! Tucking his wings in he followed her downwards, the elation brought to a halt as the ground came upon them, and she rose. Well, he would rise after her! She did not go far, though, skimming along the canyon.

His wings were strong and they carried him after the lovely and marvelous green, he did his best to go fast but oh, she was so amazing in her agility and speed, and was faster! He would never give up on her, however. His blood burned and his body felt afire, there was nothing to compare to the blazing flight lust he now experienced. She was the world, and the world was her, and all there was was Nuoth and their skies of Pern. She was headed for a waterfall, and even the roar of the rushing water was magical and beautiful, and his tail would have gave a furious wag if not for the fact it might have thrown him off course. Still, when she turned to watch, he didn't hesitate to show off, doing another barrel roll, a backwards loop, than a forwards one. Yes, it was exhausting, but he felt the need to show her what he, Shith, could do! Was she watching him? His chest swelled with pride, until off she went again!

As she followed the waterfall up vertically, he found himself challenged once more to pursue. Yet, pursue he did! The cool mist of the falls felt wonderful! It cooled his blazing hide and embraced him as he would have liked to be embraced by his beautiful Nuoth. His desire swirled in shades of purple in his eyes, as he strove to prove his worth to her. He allowed the very tip of his tail to trail in the rushing water, but then she shot up over the falls and disappeared! He gave a dismayed cry, striving to catch up so that he did not lose sight of her--and then there she was! Too close, it seemed, did she shoot over him, and he faltered a moment before he flipped around and pumped his wings all the harder to catch up. She was over the canyon, so he had to rise a few feet to be on level with her, and yet though he could feel the beginning of an ache in his wing joints, he ignored it. No time for that now, he had to win this game of tag, no other dragon was allowed to win his pretty Nuoth!

Meanwhile...

T'lor's heart skipped a beat when Nephele tucked F'lix's bit of paper into his pocket. He glanced over at the other bluerider, his flight lust muddled mind finding the other young man rather interesting in that moment. Did he like boys, like that? He didn't recall, and besides, Nephele was much more interesting. She twirled and shoved another male into the room from behind, and he chuckled. She wanted to dance, did she? Well, then dance he would. He strode over, and tapped her on the shoulder, bowing in a suave manner from the waist down, and offering her a hand and a quirky grin. "Yeh wanna' dance with me, pretty girl?" he asked. He did so like to dance, and Shith, up above, was putting on some fancy air dancing moves himself! It made his heart race and his head spin, and it was as though his world had suddenly turned into a tunnel and the only thing at the end of it was Nephele, and her lovely green. Wait--he shouldn't be thinking about Nuoth that way, she was a dragon for sharding sake! But Nephele, now there was a real prize, Nuoth/Nephele was the most amazing thing on all of Pern. Shith/T'lor wanted to play, and if dancing was the game, then he would dance as much as Nephele/Nuoth's lovely little heart desired! Still, in the end, the ladies got to choose their dance partners, but oh, wouldn't she indulge them a while?

[Rowana]

Chaoth was ready, though he felt a surge of respect that Nuoth waited so long to pull out of the dive. He knew he was not so skilled at sharp turns. He flared his wings and straighted out a good deal higher, but still fairly close for him. His large wings stroked the air, trying to gain ground. If nothing else, he did have the endurance for a very long flight. He crooned at Nuoth as she glanced back at them, dipping his wings and tail far enough to brush the ground below. He wanted to show her how strong he was, but he wasn't sure how.

The waterfall approached quickly. Chaoth flapped up a storm of water as he tried to match Nuoth's ascent. He was just about the breach the top, when she darted over his head. She was going in the other direction! What a clever trick. Chaoth wasn't sure he could turn that quick, but he had an idea. He pushed upwards, grasping at the rocks at the top of the waterfall with his claws. With a push of powerful muscle, he launched himself away from the water and twisted in the direction Nuoth had chosen. He was soaked all over, but he had done it! He rose after her, enjoying the sight of her playful antics. What a joy it would be to dance with her!

Merridan felt the strong urge to hug Nephele as she came close, but all too soon she was gone again. Mer hummed with pleasure. This was such fun! How silly the others were to hang back. It would be such a shame for the lovely one to have to dance alone. After all, she had invited them, had she not?

[rii]

Saboth drifted along, kept aloft effortlessly in the air by his over-sized wings. He let the others pass him in their eager pursuit of the young green, pulling their little tricks when her gaze fell expectantly on them. It was only when she started to climb up the waterfall did Saboth finally put on a burst of speed. He sharply angled up, cutting in front of the stalled Futh and climbed higher and higher. The pale blue came upon Chaoth at the tip of the waterfall as Nuoth skimmed on a tangent course. Saboth lightly pushed off of the slower brown's back (being careful of his claws, it was a more playful action than that of challenge) and he soared up and over Shith – cutting down in front of him to dip below Nuoth.

He crooned at her, flipping to sideways nearly brush her underside with the tip of his wing. Gently he drifted down, mirror her path from below. His lighter tone color almost matching with the hue of the river far below – while his happily whirling eyes kept watch on her lovely glow against the backdrop of the blue sky.

As, she was diving, and Saboth eagerly move to meet her path. He twirled around her, his long wings compassing around her briefly as he followed – dancing around her elegant form before he broke away and to went on after a impressive loop.

F'lix was doing his best to keep his gaze off of the green dancing amonst all the males. It seemed she would have nothing of it, and when she came to pluck the paper out of his hands F'lix found himself blankly staring at her. For a moment the link between rider and dragon strengthening, and F'lix found himself drawn to her, stepping forward after her retreating form..

[Lotty]

Arrrrggggggg, grumble, grumble, growl... Translation: Faranth, grant me the serenity not to tear the others to pieces. It was safe to say that this flight was making the young rider a little rabid to say the least. Odd considering back when Pettahth chased Rinagth he was able to control his explosive anger like a pro. Then again, personal factors didn't have a role that time; there were no subconscious feelings and desires on the part of the rider to spill out into room. This was all very different indeed when K'sel's jealousy compounded with Pettath's burning body. One of them wanted to deal with the situation by howling and ripping their clothes off, the other had to remind them that Nuoth was much too refined a lady for such aggressive displays. Any guesses on who was who?

The dragon did not falter and would not falter. He had seen the dancing His had done, and he knew the steps that must be taken. He had to be poised and ready for the next turn and confident enough to throw in flourishes at his own discretion, so when Nuoth first began to plummet, he knew better than to put his all into the free fall. She wasn't just going to crash into the ground you know, that would be bad news. So as the world pulled closer and closer to the ends of their snouts, he pulled back and away ever so carefully; slowing in preparation for the green's next move....and there it was.

As she curly queued up into the sky the brown decided to cut a little corner and go for something of a more linear route. Besides if she was busy making such glorious moves, he certainly shouldn't do anything take any attention away from his beautiful dancing partner right? His plan instead was to beat out a few dragons here and there...but never truly win until the end. Seeing another suitor ahead of him always kept that fire of competition burning in him, and he needed that kind of fuel to keep him going.

On the ground however he wasn't as composed. Here he was getting shoved into the room, and just as he was about to aquiesce for the ever charming Nuoth, he found that other one interrupting again. His head snapped around as he heard the words, and was that a large vein popping out on his forehead? Enhance. Maybe. Enhance. Why yes, yes it was. It wasn't even that he had anything against the blue one in waking life, but shards man, did this guy ever find a way to continuously grind his gears now. He growled with displeasure from behind Nuoth.

[Ember]

Nuoth was not disappointed when she looked at her chasers. They performed admirable tricks for her with varying degrees of complexity. The main point was that most of them tried something. This pleased her more than she expected and she marked those that made the attempt. Or rather, since so many had tried, she marked the ones that didn't. Did she hold it against them? A little bit. They had time to make up for it later.

Her trick at the top of the waterfall worked to make one or two falter causing her a small amount of amusement. Shith had been caught by that waterfall turn. She noted that Futh had somehow lost his advantage too. Perhaps it was the vertical direction she was leading them in. Chaoth's idea earned silent approval from her and Saboth got amusement. Dragon leap frog. It was an interesting maneouvre and she noticed that there was no ichor on his claws: no damage had been done.

The older blue had caught up to her and the startled green watched appreciatively as he danced around her, with her. Skilled that one was. Pettahth was showing his worth too in mostly keeping up with her. He hadn't shown her much of what else he could do since the very beginning but she'd give him more time. Up until the moment she chose they all had time to impress her. She was tempted to dismiss a couple to make it easier on them but in the end she was a rising green and she wanted to keep the amazing males with her a while longer.

As the ache that had been forming in her wing joints began to be an issue the green broke into a cloud.She wouldn't be able to last much longer. As she twirled through the cloud her speed began to flag and she knew she had to choose soon or drop. Endurance was not the green's strongpoint. A sacrifice she didn't normally mind in favour of her grace and agility in the air. She dropped under the cloud again and looked back at her suitors.

Nephele paused with her hands still on K'sel's back when T'lor came up behind her and tapped her shoulder. She was thrown off kilter by him coming to her instead of the other way around. Rather eager one, wasn't he. She smiled with amusement and pressed one finger to his lips. No need for words. Then she caught K'sel's growl. Ah! None of that now. She grabbed T'lor's hand and led him around the brown so that he stood beside him before she grabbed K'sel's hand too. She pulled them as she walked backwards before she stopped walking and let them come closer. They were given an opportunity to twirl before letting go of their hands and drifting over to Merridan.

Nephele looped her hands behind the girl's neck and made them drift in lazy circles. One had traced similar circles on the back of Merridan's neck as Nephele smiled at her. She let her go after a while and made her way back to M'kai. She snatched both his hands in hers and with a sway to her hips led him in a basic dance of stepping and turning. She dropped one hand and let him spin out and away as she moved onto the next male.

She stepped up to E'rro from behind and wrapped her arms loosely about his waist and laid her forehead on his back. She swayed gently and she almost closed her eyes until she remembered she had one more to visit. Nephele released the brown and approached F'lix. She twisted in front of him to present her back to him. She reached up behind her and put a hand on his neck and decreased the distance between them until their clothes whispered agaisnt each other. She continued the sway from her flirting with E'rro. Purr.

[Tashe]

Why in the world did Greens have to be so fast? It was true that Ismaroth preferred the smaller color, but they zipped and zapped so fast it was hard to keep up with them. Browns were at a disadvantage in all flights, whether it be Gold or Green. They didn't have the stamina of Bronzes but were faster to some degree, yet they had more stamina than Blues but certainly weren't as fast or agile as them. Pulling out of his dive sooner than he would have really liked to, Ismaroth pumped his wings as he followed Nuoth down the canyon. Again the Green showed her prowess as she turned her horizontal flight path into a near vertical one, his change in position was undeniably a less breakneck maneuver. His belly was soon coated in the fall's spray, the water felt good against his tough hide. When Nuoth reappeared with a vengeance, Ismaroth almost gave into the desire to backwing but he knew if he did that any dragon behind him would smack into his rear. Peeling away from the Waterfall, the Brown rolled so that he was no longer flying upside down.

As Nuoth began to climb Ismaroth swiveled his pinions and sped upward with a spin, now this was something he could do well. Shifting from current to current to pick up speed, the large male rumbled as the Green began to get closer. Nuoth disappeared as the clouds obscured her from sight, but Ismaroth knew better than to follow her into the smoky haze. Leveling out beneath the cloud cover he drifted along a thermal, his head tilted upward for any sign of the prettygreen. When she emerged again Ismaroth greeted her with a soft trill before preforming a playful loop, he finished off the loop with a barrel-roll. He felt as though he hadn't tried to impress her at all through the flight, and now was the perfect chance. See? Sure he wasn't as swift as the other males, but he could dance too.

E'rro lifted his arms slightly as Nephele swung around him with a hand on his waist, letting her complete the circuit without interference of his own hands. Eyes tracked her movements as she flitted around the room and engaged the other Chasers, she moved fluidly and to him it was beautiful. Although he didn't like the fact she payed attention to the others (they were his competition after all) he didn't voice his opinion like one of the other Brown's had. He kept silent like he normally did. He also wasn't much of a dancer, despite his flexibility, so he was content to let the Green have the spotlight to herself.

Wait where did she go? E'rro was tempted to spin around in a circle and he almost did so, until he felt Nephele's arms encircling his waist. Relaxing he gently almost tentatively touched her hands as she rested against his back and moved with her swaying. When she removed herself the Brown looked over his shoulder, sad to see her go. That had been a very nice moment, pleasant and soft. It was like she knew exactly how to entice him. Females were often the masters of such things.

[Rowana]

Chaoth faltered slightly as Saboth used him to jump off, but he didn't really mind. He was a steady flyer, and the trick was more amusing than anything else. It spurred him onward, determined to beat Saboth. He could fly just as well! He rose higher than ever, ducking in and out of the clouds in a playful dance. He tilted his wings and and rolled slowly in the air, before righting himself just behind her tail. Tricks like that weren't easy for him, but he did his best to look graceful.He wanted her to see that he could be agile too, despite his size.

Merridan watched Nephele dance with longing. How lovely and kind she was, to include everyone in her game. Her eyes lit up as she came close. Mer reviled in her delicate touch and hummed appreciatively. She twirled a lock of Nephele's hair before she darted away again. She had been so close. Mer wasn't about to give up now.

[Lotty]

Pettahth had been trying to save energy...save something so that he could wow Nuoth at least a little bit more, but using his speed to keep up with the blues was taking its toll. He felt a burning in his muscles as he carried on taking the long route on the outside of the pack. He was convinced he had to be there, had to have plenty of room for when he made his move. He'd rather not be trapped between the others when the ever wise and beautiful green made the best decision in her life and picked him. Cocky much? Well, the brown could afford to think highly of himself from time to time. After all, he was connected to one of the most self loathing creatures to have ever been birthed.

Still, something had to give...she had to be tiring soon...right? This was her first flight he reminded himself...and he did chase Rina who was a heck of a lot more brutal than this. That's when she went into the cloud. Here was the million dollar question. Should he follow his green love into the misty unknowns or wait for her loyally under the fluffly cumulus blanket? Hmmmm. He made up his mind. He went ahead and went in. Not without a plan though of course! He wanted to surprise her! He slipped in right before she came out only so that he could come out on the other side of her and the chasers. Spiraling down on a wingtip and crooning all the while. Ta-da! I'm here for you sweet greenling!

It would be a lie to say that the idea didn't come from K'sel a little bit. He felt like he was being manhandled. Not cool. But he gruffly complied, pirouetting with a certain bit of facetious grace. Hey he had to keep eyes on him right? It was better to risk negative attention than to let Nuoth/Nephele's eyes fall on T'lor after all. Hmmf. Blues. But then she moved ahead onto Merridan and the brown was back to his half hearted sway but his ever watchful gaze. She'd come back to him right? Right?

[rii]

Stamina, it was what Saboth had more of than agility. His light frame and long wings made it easier on him to climb into the sky, and also drift along and regain his energy when needed. As he did now, after pulling his stunt to draw Nuoth's attention. Angling toward the heavens, Saboth leveled out just beneath the cloud – expecting the green to take a dive out of anywhere in the next given moment. (And maybe if he was quick enough he could catch her in mid-way down.. )

Seeing her appear, Saboth dipped lower to admire her against the backdrop of gray and white. He gave an appreciative croon at her lovely glow, now accented by the mist collected from the cloud. The experienced blue did note her pace had slowed, so soon she would choose. Saboth made a display of stretching his wings out as far as they could go – an offer that he could easily fly for them both if she wished..

F'lix arms were curling around Nephele's waist before he realized, in the back of his mind, that he had submitted to the bond between rider and dragon. Gently he pulled her body close to his own, swaying their forms to the silent music that the green was dancing to. Let her visually flirt with the others all she wanted because currently she was in his arms. His lips lightly brushed against the lobe of her ear..

[kat]

For a first flight, Shith thought Nuoth was doing wonderfully! Again his tongue lolled out, as he watched the shiny green beauty flying up ahead. If he was growing a bit tired, surely she, who was going faster and also was smaller, would grow tired too? Still, he would follow her loyally until she did, because he would never give up on her as long as he had air left in his lungs and wings to pursue her with! He noted that some of the other males were trying to capture her with little tricks, and gave an indignant little growl. That was his Nuoth they were trying to catch! That wasn't allowed, right? He was the one who would catch her and they just couldn't have her--not if he had anything to say about it. So, flapping furiously, he followed her into the cloud, not wanting to lose sight of her for even a minute. He gave a little croon--where had she gone?--and then, trying to catch up, wondered if she hadn't come out of the cloud yet.

He dropped out, but she was no where in sight! He felt utter dismay, and horror. Had he lost his lovely green beauty? But no, there she was...right behind him! He did a funny little flip about, so that he was facing her, now grinning his dragon grin, but he was practically hovering, flying backwards, and this was confusing! He saw the other dragon to her side and another behind her, and crooned imploringly. Wouldn't she pick him? See how much he wanted her, and how much he didn't want the others to have her? He wanted her to be his pretty one, and so did his T'lormine! He couldn't keep facing her forever, though, or else they'd collide and in his Shith-brain he didn't figure that that might be a good thing, he worried he might hurt his pretty Nuoth! He did his best to not falter but if she dived, he would dive too! If she rose, he would rise, and where she went, no matter where, he would follow!

T'lor's eyes never left Nephele's lovely, slender frame. It was not without jealousy that he watched her antics with each of the other contenders, and yet she was so fair and kind, giving them all their little chance to dance with her, that he had to smile. In the end, she would have danced with them all, and yet she would only choose one. Running a hand through brunette locks, he looked at her with a smoldering gaze, wanting her and everything that came along with her. Let F'lix have his moment, for that was only a moment. Up above, he could feel Shith's determination, and it matched his own. Nuoth/Nephele was too lovely, too beautiful and too wondrous to have just anyone catch her. He wanted her, and that was that. Let her come to him, and he would show her just how much.

[Ember]

Nuoth contemplated her males carefully. It was finally time to make a choice but she didn’t want to hurt any of their feelings. It was so wonderful for them all to come but she couldn’t help but disappoint most of them. Her wings ached with her flight but her body still burned with the need…She would have kept flying straight for a while but she found that path otherwise occupied. She wouldn’t risk a collision but she didn’t think she’d quite be able to judge around Shith and keep flying. Too little energy for acrobatics. The green folded her wings closer and let herself drop at a controlled pace. Her decision would have to be quick.

Shith’s devotion worried her. He wanted her far too much for her own comfort. So as much as he had flown well he was out of the running and she brushed his mind apologetically. Her other blue clutch brother was similarly dismissed. He had tried hard but just hadn’t made as much of an impression on her as some of the others had. The green considered the other four. Three browns and a blue left. Interesting that that was the case, since out of her chasers browns had the hardest time keeping up with her. She dismissed Ismaroth and Chaoth too after a moment’s thought. That left Pettahth and Saboth.

The small brown she was drawn to because she knew and liked him. He’d kept up with her well but he’d shown so little of the spark that she knew he had. Saboth, on the other wing, had arrived without any prejudgements. He’d waited for his chance to shine and he’d done so quite well. Such a tough choice. When she finally picked she didn’t hesitate any longer and brushed his mind invitingly. She was his if he would be so kind as to make good on his offer to fly for her. So very tired. She knew she’d given them a good flight and she was ultimately happy with her choice: Saboth.

Nephele’s dancing had revealed much to her. As Nuoth made her choice she knew without a doubt who it was she wanted. It had been fun dancing with them all. K’sel and T’lor amused her with their antics. She did wish she could have picked them too but one was enough for her. Merridan and M’kai were interesting but nothing more to her. The moment with E’rro had been pleasant but as soon as F’lix had responded to her and wrapped his arms around her waist he’d become the only thing in her mind. His embrace was comfortable and having won him over pleased her.

As his mouth met her ear she hummed softly. Yes, her mind was made up. A self-satisfied smile crossed her features and touched his hands lightly in a plea to be released. She didn’t plan on running off to one of the others. When he let go of her she turned around and with a quiet whine invited him to take what she was offering him. She was his if he was hers. The others went ignored in a clear dismissal. She appreciated them coming but F’lix had danced to her tune.

[rii]

Smoothly weaving around the lingering chasers, Saboth was already moving toward Nuoth as she dismissed the others. Upon her inviting brush he caught her, tucking his wings around her form and taking them into a short dive to pull her away from any malcontent that may exist among the refused dragons. He spread his wings, carefully twirling their twining forms through the sky in the dance she had started. And a wonderful dance it had been, Saboth complimented her with a deep, rumbling croon as he steered them out toward the ocean..

F'lix opened his arms to let the green twirl around to face him. He gave her a kind smile before leaning forward and silencing her whine with a light kiss. There was no need to plea, to beg, to whine for something that was already at hand. F'lix curled an arm around Nephele's waist to guide her back against him. His other lifted to cup the side of her face – the young were always so eager, so energetic..

Saboth was calm, self-assured and obviously mirroring in F'lix – of who would have disentangled himself from the girl and shoved her at one of the other attending males if not for the over-bearing desire and control of his blue. No, all he saw was the beautiful green that had chosen him. F'lix lead the way, twirling slowly like their dragons in the sky, and making the last of her dance before they would reach one of the private rooms..