Bring out your dead [PLOT]

[archenstone]

Asharra was hauling a case of herb remedies further from the entrance when she heard her name. She looked around, not seeing Kalierre until the girl had called her name again. "What is it?" She moved closer as Kalierra gave her instructions. "She grimaces, sighing inwardly. Take off her knots? She never took them off in public! People needed midwives, emergency care, or help in general.

Looking upon the younger woman she noticed that the knots where gone from her shoulder as well. Asharra could see genuine concern etches on her face as she set the case down. "All right then. Where did you set your knots?" She takes them off carefully, setting them in the same drawer the other healer had. She stayed still, weighing the pros and cons of her idea.

"Kallierre....if you think the riders might be overwhelmed....shouldn't we try to prepare something? Some needlethorn syringes could be filled with fellis juice or blood irritants..... in case the situation becomes dire." Her grave expression showed she didn't like the idea. But right now they had to do all they could to defend the weyr. Could she take a life? She wasn't comfortable with the thought. Even the thought of being responsible for the death of a dragon....creatures she once loathed as instruments of violence and terror....brought her a deep sadness. All of it felt wrong.

She also knew that if fighting occurred she was in the way unless she had something unexpected. She would feel worse if someone got hurt because she couldn't properly defend herself.

[Sheari]

Without question C'ryl ran to the back of the infirmary, not looking to see if Saeo was following. Any moment someone could arrive, E'rro had said, and the man was determined not to let anyone in who wasn't injured or there to treat patients. Upon reaching the entrance he halted and turned around. Child flew up to Hers and perched on his shoulder. She was oddly quiet and calm for her normal disposition. C'ryl had no real question that she understood the situation, if "understood" was the right word for it. Perhaps she had grasped that there was something wrong? Either way the man was equally glad to have her be silent by her own volition, as well to have her by his side. She provided a comfort that helped calm him.

The green curled close to Hers. She didn't know why everyone was so serious and she could feel the nearly tangible tension in the air. She didn't like it and she just wanted to go back to what she had been doing. What had she been doing, though?

A roar tore the veil and it seemed that an anthill had been disturbed. An orange glow erupted toward the front of the infirmary and Child hid her face in the hair of Hers and trembled in fear. Her anxiety transferred to C'ryl and he looked away. He hoped no one had been caught in the blaze. Do you know how many there are?[/b] he asked. A silence from Pagoth...I am not sure. Ismaroth told us to remain where we are until Ciceroth's wing can determine a number. I'm guessing at least two.[/i]

The brown had settled into the weyr, occasionally shifting his body as needed. He was ready to launch out of the cave as soon as possible, but such stances often cramped muscles if sat in for too long. He had heard the roar and seen a vague impression of fire from where he was. If they kept flaming then they might burn away the fog and mist! How many were there? For all he knew there could only be one dragon, but that would be foolish. Perhaps there was only one out there, he didn't know, but it was always better to overestimate than underestimate? This was no time for heroics and so Pagoth would remain until told otherwise.

[kysseh]

It took far longer than Fiona liked to unload Raiyth’s burden and try to haul the bags into the dragon’s side of the infirmary. Given the fact that there was little help available, it was a difficult job, at best. The greenrider finally deposited the last of the firestone sacks and hoped that they would be enough to last the infirmary defenders until they could return. If they could return. Even Raiyth was starting to get edgy, her tail lashing back and forth.

I will do my best to be careful, Ciceroth. I am ready. Raiyth said quietly, her eyes whirling quickly with anxiety. The dragons were coming to the infirmary, and she had to go very soon. Their job was dangerous and getting moreso the longer they waited around. They had to leave, get more firestone, and return with all haste. No time could be wasted. Her wings snapped open as FiHers leapt astride again, the green wasting no time in getting airborne in order to avoid what was coming.

Her actions were not quick enough, though, for a screech and the sudden orange glow of flame suddenly erupted in the fog as Raiyth sought to gain enough altitude to head back for the stores. She had just enough height to avoid the fires, both females hoped, and neither, in their fear, seemed to recognize the damage done as Fiona gave Raiyth the coordinates to the stores. They disappeared between and reappeared just above the intended ledge, the young woman practically leaping off her love’s neck as soon as the green’s feet touched down.

Fiona was actually heading back to her green with a heavy bag of firestone when she became aware of the damage, the young woman crying out in distress as she realized that the last bit of the green’s tail was sporting a wicked-looking burn. “Raiyth, why didn’t you tell me?” she exclaimed, ashamed of herself for not being aware. She left the firestone sack by Raiyth’s shoulder for a brief moment in order to examine the wound, worried that going between would aggravate it. She had no numbweed or healing supplies, but it looked… like it would be tolerable for the moment. “Tell me if it gets worse, love,” she worried at the green as she tied on the sacks, aware of the green’s croons of reassurance. She so hated fighting so much…

------

The screech and flames made K’von startle in surprise. He could hear and sense the uproar even from his position. Kalierre should be away from that fire, away from that danger. Mountain man, she called him. It was affectionate, but it bothered him somewhat, especially as he shifted his grip on his club. Narrowed eyes surveyed the area he was assigned to protect, a nagging thought at the back of his mind that perhaps they were caught in a bottleneck. The infirmary had entrances. With the ledge being bathed in flames, the people inside had only one way out if something went awry. This way.

Hold steady, Mine. And try to not die. Phremath’s would be angry. his mindmate inserted pleasantly into the back of his mind, his eyes turned upward to look through the fog at the ledge. His orders were to attack from below on command. He would wait here for orders, even if he wanted to sink his teeth into one of the offensive greens to protect those inside. He owed it to Phremath to look after Hers, after all.

-----

The furniture removal was going spectacularly, and Savitri spared time to collect the curtains in the part of the infirmary most in danger of flames. The task was completed just in time too, for the noise and the flames signified the start of what Savitri knew was going to be a miserable few candlemarks. Or… longer. She managed a somewhat neat folding job of the curtains and put them in one of the empty trunks. There. Flammable objects were now out of range.

Shadow had taken up residence around the curve of her ear and was staring intently at all around him, noting and passing on details that Savitri would never have picked up on. Things were happening quickly, a whirlwind of activity that was leaving her almost dizzy. The apprentice felt a knot of apprehension in her stomach, something she attempted in vain to keep from her mindmate’s notice. A moment later, she received a surge of affection from the subdued queen, something that Hepaticath added was passed on from Ciceroth. So… the bronzepair was fine so far.

Good.

Her back stiffened almost unconsciously at the sound of a nickname that had not been used in… months. Vi. Only Rys got away with calling her Vi, and he hadn’t done so since the incident that took away his memories. Still, it was hardly worth giving Kali a look for that transgression of calling her by his name for her, so she just nodded at the dragonhealer and scurried over to one of the cabinets they had moved. Numbweed, numbweed… ah! The young woman carried armfuls of jars over to one of the stone shelves. “Done. What else?” Her question, aimed at Kalierre, was somewhat breathlessly expressed, given the fact that she had not stopped moving since giving up Terilyn.

Faranth, but she hoped that Ka’rys was safe.

[kat]

Maya felt the tension rising in her stomach as she watched the skies from the dragon's side of the Infirmary. It was irony that until now, she had been serving as a healer of people. Oh, she'd mended minor scrapes and scratches on dragons, if only to keep in practice. However, any real use of her rank as a Journeyman Dragonhealer had never been needed. She had always told herself that this was a blessing, and that she should be thankful for it, and was. There were no serious injuries, not since Castidenloth had come with his rider, K'thay, from Fort. Now, however, it seemed Fort might end up being the cause of her putting her skills to use. Only she dreaded it, as a deep feeling of foreboding in her gut. Whether or no Fort would come was not as yet a certainty. However, the way the Weyr was preparing for such an event made it seem, at least to her, that most suspected they might.

It was strange, to be in the infirmary, but to be armed and ready to defend as well as to heal. She had not been comfortable at the thought of being defenseless. She had a knife tucked into each boot, another, longer hunting knife at her side, and there was a crossbow and bolts along the back wall quite ready to be put to use. Since when had she last used her crossbow? It had been a while, and certainly besides idle practice she had not used it for any real purpose. She still found herself hoping she would not have to. Unlike some, she did not pause to wonder at whether or not she could take a life. She didn't savor the idea, and had never had to do so. However, if it was to be that someone was trying to take her life, or the life of someone within her own Weyr and home, the Journeyman Dragonhealer and Candidate of Selenitas would not wait to be the one to die, or have another die on her watch. She would do what she must.

Zexyours fight 'em all, killie, killie![/color] She was all too aware of the bronze Salamandyr, who had refused to hide away in the crevice he liked to nap in in the wall of the infirmary. No, he had not obeyed like he normally could be convinced to do, and while his staunch will to be by her side was very sweet, it was impractical. She was so very attached to the bronze 'mandyr, that she didn't think she could bear it if he was injured. Still, it was frivolous to stand and argue with him, and she couldn't very well lock him up, he would screech and holler and draw attention to himself even more than he would if he were with her. Besides, she would protect him as best she could, no matter what that entailed. Still...

"Zexion, you are not to fight. I let you stay because you promised you would go into my bag if someone came. If you can't keep your word, I will simply have to lock you up tight and safe," she threatened. Yes, threatened, because she would not do that, but she was good enough at keeping certain facts hidden from the little mind-mate 'mandyr. He seemed to believe her, for he hissed and frilled, sending off feelings of rebelliousness and sulking. She knew this meant he was promising to do as she wished, though in his prideful way would never outright say so.

With a sigh, she watched for any signs of movement. Besides those of the Weyr moving about in an effort to get the Infirmary and Weyr fortified, and the healers preparing the medications and materials for any and all kinds of injuries. It was a feeling of unease that accompanied most--or at least herself. That feeling grew into a mute terror when the scream of a dragon broke the stillness of the air. All the fears of 'if' suddenly were made real, and she took a deep breath, preparing herself for the worst.

Dragonflame suddenly lit up the ledge outside, and she shielded her eyes, as Zexion shrieked in defiance and terror, wrapping his tail more tightly around her neck. His frill shot out, claws digging in as he hissed loudly. She put a hand up to stroke him, to silence and calm him. She, however, felt the first real terror. Fire, something she could not fight, and not control, was suddenly remembered. An all too real threat. Had anyone been caught in the blast? She forced herself to put her priorities and thoughts into the mode of a healer, and steadied herself for whatever came next.

~~~~~~

Rayne leaned up against the wall, awaiting to see as to what instructions were given to the members of her Selenitas wing. She had already downed a flask of drink that was obviously neither Klah nor any other form of non-alcoholic drink, and had two more tucked away, one in either inside pocket of her riding jacket. Kynoath was geared up, in more ways than one. There were now weapons secured in the straps in placement holders just for said purpose. She hadn't thought she'd be needing them in a long while. She'd left Fort to avoid war and yet here High Reaches had come, bringing it to them.

It was only a matter of time,[/color]

While Kynoath was right about that, Rayne snorted in derision. It was much more pleasant to have someone to place the blame on, even if said blame was often illogical or half-truths made to ease her mind. She was not usually in the habit of it, but Fort had taught her that it made it easier to do such things. Still, shaking it off, she waited until Kynoath seemed to relay a mixture of pleasure, and then unease. She was soon to find out why.

We are to fly with Ciceroth, Castidenloth and Ylonth. We will be first to meet those of Fort, should they come. I will need firestone.[/color]

Rayne didn't know whether to be pleased, or perhaps bemused at the orders. Why would Ka'rys place K'thay and herself as the first to be seen? Considering they had faked their deaths so that Fort would not know they were here, being seen first would be a great way to spoil that and make sure that they were easily recognized. Still, it wasn't up to her to question orders. Perhaps Ciceroth and his considered the fact that K'thay, herself and their dragons had been taught fighting tactics by Fort itself. Who better to fight fort dragons, than dragons from Fort? Still, it stirred a sense of unease. She would see old wingmates and perhaps even friends. Still, they were with Selenitas now. If Fort's attacked their Weyr, they would fight. Fort was the enemy, now.

You are correct. Do you have your customary weapons? We may need them.[/color]

"Do dragons fly?" Rayne quipped back, as she mounted up deftly and then removed the sack of firestone from Kynoath's left side. "Eat up, my dearest. The whole of Selenitas' skies will soon be afire," she said solemnly. She had every belief Fort would come. They would not let those they had pursued escape. High Reaches was to be wiped out completely. Of that she had no doubt. Harboring them here was perhaps a mistake. Yet, they would have been next in line anyhow. So perhaps it didn't matter, in the long run. It just meant the battle had been brought to them sooner--not that it would not have come at all.

Kynoath ground the firestone into little pieces and swallowed, demanding more until she was sated. Yes, the skies would be set ablaze, dragon fighting dragon--neither dragon or rider looked forward to it, and yet, as Rayne checked to be sure that her crossbow, bow and arrows, longsword, knives and other weaponry was all in place, she felt that old excitement at the thought of a true battle, meant to protect, rising in her. For the first time, she would fight fo something she believed in. For honor, to protect, and for what was right. As they launched from the ledge, it was a different sort of pride the pair felt. Even as they settled into the directed spot, and even as the Fort dragons broke out of between, the green giving its shrill announcing cry, there was pride. It had begun, and as Kynoath crouched down, ready for Ciceroth's next instructions. However, when told to stay put, she hissed hot dragon breath between her teeth.

We wait here, so that our numbers remain unknown. We await Ciceroth's instruction,[/color] she informed Rayne, who shrugged, pulled out a flask, and took a swig. Recapping it, she tucked it away once more, and remained alert on the forest green's back. They'd get their chance, and likely sooner than they would want for it. Still, she could feel the waiting like static crackling all around her in the air, and listened almost eagerly for their next orders.[/size]

[mierce]

Iorath steeled himself to remain motionless despite the screams and glow of orange above. He couldn’t see very clearly, which also meant that if he didn’t move it was likely he wouldn’t be seen either. He was hidden as well as he could while position his head in such a way that he could steal glimpse of the blurry aerial assault through gaps in the foliage. Still, His tail, curled up around his legs, couldn’t help but twitch slightly at Ciceroth’s message. Thank you, Wingleader. I shall relay the message. Shifting his thoughts to His, he reached into her mind. Evr, move back. You’re too close and could get burned. A wave of mental chuckling (he had to be silent, after all) grumbled her way. Doubtful being roasted would be better than a long coma. Ciceroth wants you to guard the inside entrance.

Evrgarde grunted to herself in acknowledgement. Confirming receipt of warning, she replied and quickly pulled her quivers further back. It was just as well, as a mere minutes later the ledge lit up in wall of flames as the Fortians made their first move. The heat tickled her exposed cheeks and nose, but she barely flinched. She did, however, waver a moment as she debated her Wingleader’s orders to guard the inside entrance. The doorway was only large enough for one human at a time, and both Saeo and C’ryl had already been assigned to guard it. The ledge, however, was wide open and the Fortians were already making as if preparing to land. She was but one archer and likely to be nothing more than a nuisance, but that was no excuse to leave the ledge any easier to break through.

Iorath. Relay to Ciceroth that the human entrance has been accounted for. Not quite the entire story, but Ciceroth needed only assurance right now that the inside of the Infirmary was as guarded as one could expect. He had an aerial battle to contend with, and certainly could not be expected to micromanage the exact placement of his Wing at every moment.

She nodded in affirmation to E’rro’s orders and moved farther back into the dragon ward, positioning herself and her arrows behind a heavy desk. Certainly not the best of cover, but it would at least give her a second or two to get out of the way of danger if needed. The doorway to the human ward was within a few paces and she could quickly dash over if needed. For the moment, she took up a defense stance and readied two iron-tipped arrows. She had no delusions that puny arrows were any real threat to a dragon, but she had not spent her turns hunting big feline without learning anything from them. Striking a moving prey while mounted on a flying dragon wasn’t completely beyond her abilities; hopefully hitting a Fortian dragon’s eye or throat -- or even better, its rider’s chest -- as it attempted to land would not be that much more difficult. And she was counting on these lucky strikes.

[rii]

The two greens parted ways to avoid Ciceroth's flames. The quiet one, Vierrath, didn't jerk away or blink between when she felt the pressure close on her wingtip. Instead she cooed at Castidenloth, tucking her free wing in and coiling with the blue as they both fell. If you wanted to dance, all you had to do was ask. Her mind voice was smooth as silk and every word coated with venom. Her hind claws slashed pointedly at the 'shield' Castidenloth had created. She snapped at his muzzle for distraction as her foreclaws aimed for the leather bindings tying harness to dragon. It all happened in the span of a few seconds. Upon being released, Vierrath continued to fall; twisting her elegant shape around into a steep controlled dive..

Mirath, the noise green, cackled in the heads around her as the flames came her way. She too chose not to between, but turned sharply on wingtip to let the flames chase her back over the entrance of the infirmary. Wouldn't it be such a shame if they flamed their own people! She twirled tightly along the cliffside before disappearing between when the heat of the fire licked too closer to her hide and rider..

The green disappeared just as the pair of blues came back, chasing the land over the cliff's edge – by coincidence finding themselves in the wake of the Ciceroth's dive. Faster than the pale bronze, the blue set split to either side of the former fort dragon, each mirroring the other's actions of slashing for Ciceroth's wing sails..

There be dragon's here. Vierrath shared as she pulled out of her dive, a green blur skimming over the tree tops and spotting the color of hide through the foliage. Bring them out. As a true green, Vierrath changed her course on the spot and flew back over, spouting flame down at the tree tops as she went.

Mirath reappeared back into view at the top of the gorge, peeling after her blue wing members. She landed with a cat's grace on teh infirmary weyrledge. Her talons scraped against the blackened stone as she wormed her way back so that she, and her rider, could see into the human side of the infirmary – note the withdrawn state of the interior, a vague number of those inside, the door at the far end and oh – bags of fire stone. Mirath's mouth opened in pleasure, the smell of her recent flaming still hot on her breath. She struck out, ripping open two of the bags and spilling the contest over the floor.

It would be so easy to roast all those inside. She did well to hold back on the temptation to continue on the genocide they had started on at High Reaches. Selenitas were of little difference really, just a bunch of defectors that thought themselves too good to involve themselves in the war. Spinning around, Mirath screamed at the dragons in the sky as her tail swept across the floor. Look at her! She was King of the Hill! She dared them to flame her there!

Kralyth's and Janith's are on their way. Mirath spoke sweetly up to her wingleader. In response, the blue still circling high above with the brown broke off and headed in the direction the missing blue and green had gone.

[Ember]

Wait they'd been told. Well it seemed liek they'd waited long enough. Too close to the infirmary by far. If Ciceroth's wing was letting them that close than they needed help. T'san balled his fist against Dsoleth's hide before giving. They'd known they'd have to jump in at some point. Fort's wings were just too much for Ka'rys' wing to handle alone. Time to show them who's weyr this is, big boy. Give the signal. He leaned down on the brown's back in preparation for their leap into battle. It felt odd to think they were going to fight their old weyr.

Dsoleth bespoke Jaymith and Pettahth grimly. Pettahth, we go. We'll get that green off our infirmary ledge. Our primary concern is guarding those inside but we'll help Ciceroth's wing as much as we can. Don't flame the green until she's away from the ledge. I don't need to remind you that there is firestone in there, he told the brown and bronze. He came out of his hiding place as quietly as a dragon his size could and leapt into the air. Pettahth, you go for the green. Watch your vulnerable spots. Jaymith stay hidden a while yet. We can't underestimate the element of surprise. His orders were projected to both of his wingmates. They needn't all go in after Mirath.

Dsoleth watched Pettahth's attack carefully in case he needed assistance. He was their to watch the young dragon's back while he chased away that green. Noisy creature she was. He was not a bloodthirsty beast - no he preferred to avoid conflict if possible - but he couldn't stand a dragon terrorizing the ones inside the infirmary. Not right. They'd either leave or die, even if he had to bring them down himself. Possesive off what he considered his he was - and Selenitas was most certainly his.

[mierce]

Evrgarde snarled in pleasant surprise in spite of the firestones that had rolled into the human side of the ward. Did that pompous green just turn her back? A call of triumph was it? Well, that lovely little green had just exposed her precious rider's back. Evrgarde quietly shifted to the side while the dragon was busy beating its chest (so to speak) so that she could get a clear shot.

Iorath. She sent her bonded an image of what she was seeing. Alert the Wings. She raised her bow into view, the visuals of her actions passing to the blue as well. Someone will need to take out the dragon.

She needn't elaborate of course, and Iorath understood well enough. Evrgarde could not rely on killing the riding in a single strike and the dragon will likely get angry regardless of whether she hits or the arrows go sailing pass them. The last thing Selenitas needed was a pissy green lighting the Infirmary up in an inferno.

Iorath sent her a quiet grumble in acknowledgement and promptly tuned his subsequent message to Ciceroth, Dolhuth, and Ismaroth's wing, Mine will take out the rider. The noisy green needs to be dealt with. A moment later, Iorath tuned in to just Evrgarde. Dsoleth and Pettahth are on their way. He projected a somewhat foggy image to His of Dsoleth's view as the brown closed in on the Infirmary ledge.

Good. Evrgarde notched the two arrows and pulled her draw arm back. Both arrow tips were aimed at the greenrider's back. The moment Dsoleth or Pettahth got close enough to stop the green from spinning around in anger, she would release...


((Ember: Sorry about using Dsoleth DX, but with only one post between each plot post, I didn't want to drag this out to the next round. If you (or anyone else) would like me to modify anything, just send a PM! :3))

[glamourie]

She was out of her mind. And R’wign was anxious enough without Kalierre adding to it. Turning back to the greenrider, the healer shot her a very unpleasant look. ‘Pinky’ was not an appropriate nickname when his nerves were shot, evidently. He was far into the building for a reason. And he didn’t have that much metal on. It took all of his effort not to grab the jars and fling them straight at Kalierre’s head, and he fantasized briefly about smashing the glass over her face. It was a fleeting thought – R’wign wasn’t a violent entity – but she was getting on his nerves. Did she realize how obnoxious being cheery and weird was when he was pretty sure that he was going to throw up on someone? The flash of fire from Grouch didn’t help and he slammed the glass jars down – hard – onto the top of one of the trays before whirling onto the dragonhealer with a look akin to murder.

“I’m inside the building, hiding behind shelves and cabinets for a reason. Clearly, after felines took your ability to walk properly, Benden took your ability to think in a crisis,” he snarled, turning away. It wasn’t really Kalierre that R’wign was upset with, but she was making a fine target by being irritating. Her suggestion to set up a triage section was met with a glower before he grabbed the supplies he’d been setting out (FOR THAT PURPOSE) and moved to the other side of the infirmary. No, he’d never thought of that, he was just totally incompetent. Urge to kick. Rising. Savitri’s question made him turn his head and he said to her, “We need to set up triage stations, wounded will be coming in. I’ve got most of the supplies set out here – would you mind helping set up a couple beds and chairs in positions that don’t kill us when we’re trying to get around? And when you get done with that, would you mind punching the weyrdragonhealer? Thank you muchly!”

See. He could sound insufferably cheerful too.

It’s not Phremath’s you are upset with. Stop taking it out on her. R’wignmine, I really think you should come stay with me. I can hide my second tail and curl around you, keep you safe. I don’t want you to get hurt again. Please, R’wignmine…

I’m useless in there. I won’t be useless again. Stop pushing. R’wign shot his dragon a smoldering look and began carrying the jars of supplies over to the triage station that Savitri was working on setting up. Vex, perched on his shoulder, curled her tail around his neck and licked the underside of his jaw insistently. She could sense his upset, his fear, even if she didn’t fully understand it, and the salamandyr was loyal to him if no one else. R’wign didn’t touch her, but he was privately grateful for the contact and the warmth on his neck. He felt less alone with at least one of his mindmates there, even if the majority of them were still in his weyr, terrified. And Grouch was with M’ta. Checkoth’s insistence was hard to resist though… because deep down, he wanted nothing more than to submit to the suggestion and curl into his dragon. Checkoth was safe and warm. And he was terrified.

---

Through the air he sailed, turning out the verbal responses he received from more than one dragon. Only Castidenloth’s words reached him, but neither Ka’rys nor Ciceroth had time to react to it; there was a dragon, a blue, slashing at his wings. He took a split second to disappear between; there was no way he could hope to dodge a blue, not with his wings. They were large, even for a dragon of his size, and Ciceroth was big enough to rival small queens. Definitely an easy target in terms of that. Turns of practice had enabled him to become very good at disappearing between and out of the way. And he had the advantage of knowing Selenitas a lot better than the invaders. He almost didn’t need Ka’rys to travel around the Weyr itself, but for the sake of safety he was relying completely on his rider… who had fallen into old habits of thinking pathologically and feeling nothing to make the fighting easier on his conscience. Whatever worked.

The bronze reappeared on the other side of the canyon and was thankful that it was large enough to comfortably house several dragons flying around. It was still a pretty confined space, though, and Ciceroth did not have enough room to do wide and quick turns. The smaller dragons were at an advantage. That did not take away the one strength he had: his flame. His larger size meant the column of flame was longer and harder to avoid, and when he turned back, flying on the far side of the canyon, his aim was almost perfect – and straight up at the blue that had attacked him, out of the way of the infirmary. Away, away from the infirmary.

Understood. Two greens. Two blues. There were definitely more, but to his wing, and Ismaroth’s, Ciceroth shared those numbers – There are at least two blues, one of them very fast, and at least two greens out here with us. It is likely that there are more.

Flames. Down below. Dragon on the infirmary ledge. Bad, bad, bad. Dohulth, get the dragons below out of there. Go between and hide somewhere out of sight. Dohulth was a wingsecond: he’d know how to assess the situation. The dragons in the trees were to follow his instruction as opposed to Ciceroth’s, for the moment. He couldn’t hope to micromanage them all. Not with any level of success, anyway. He ducked and flew upward, commanding Kynoath – There’s a green on the infirmary ledge. She has to be removed for Raiyth to do her job and to keep our healers safe. Get her out of there; help Pettahth as needed. It was just lucky that she hadn’t thought to flame the firestone, or the infirmary would probably have had a small explosion on their hands. Thank Faranth for small mercies. Kill her if you must. In fact, aim to kill. We don’t have time to take prisoners, regardless of what Salenth and His might be hoping for. They’re not making demands, only attacks – negotiations are worthless.

Spiraling upward, Ciceroth looked around through the haze of flame-tinged smoke and fog – the black was billowing upward from below. Something would have to be done to minimize the damage to the trees but for the moment he really couldn’t have cared less. Had he hit that blue? What other dragons remained, if he had? Alert, alert.

Phremath. Tell Yours someone will have to get the firestone inside the infirmary, preferably dragonside, after that green is removed. We can’t have it be an open target, and Raiyth doesn’t have time to take it inside. Yours can decide who gets the task but it must be done. We can’t afford an explosion.

And to Castidenloth – How many are on this wing? If he knew them, he might know some of what they were dealing with. Not the best fighters, he’d said – but anything Fort had was likely better than what Selenitas could offer. Knowledge was their greatest asset and would be the difference between defeat and success. Ka’rys and Ciceroth both wanted to minimize damage to their dragons if they could. No surprises.

[Kisha-Ra]

Ylonth shifted restlessly in the confines of their hiding place, and R’fuin couldn’t blame him to be honest. As hard as battle was, sitting around knowing it was going on and having to wait was harder. And the only orders they’d received so far were to stay hidden, it was wearing on both dragon and rider’s nerves.

Blues and greens, two of each. Ciceroth adds that one of the blues is very fast. Green at the infirmary ledge, Kynoath to engage. Aim to kill, clear the way for Rayith. Ylonth reported everything in short clipped bursts cutting out words to shorten his sentences, his talons flexing against the stone in impatient tapping gestures as he spoke.

Well, that was everyone out, everyone but them. R’fuin thought, tugging at his straps for the fifteenth or sixteenth time just for something to do. they had to be ordered out to engage next because there wasn’t anyone else left. Nice to know their wingleader thought so highly of them, huh? He thought sardonically as Ylonth’s tail made a sweep across the floor of their hiding place. Impatient indeed.

((I would like to apoligise for this post. please don't hit me.))

[Rowana]

((I'm late and I didn't read absolutely everything, so if I made any major mistakes, please let me know and I'll fix them!))

G'tor resisted the urge to pace or tap his foot. All the waiting was getting on his nerves. It was better than the Bendan attack in a way. At least they had some warning, but the feeling was just as awful. This wasn't like charring formless thread. This was killing. It was senseless and pointless violence in his opinion, but he knew if there was another way, they would have found it by now. G'tor hating killing, just the thought of it made him squirm. How could he face his little sister with blood on his hands? And all for a bunch of cowards he didn't even know. He wasn't usually this unforgiving, but he has lost too many friends of late.

Rusk, are you alright? Ruskeath, responded without moving. His rich, dark color made it easy for him to hide among the shade of the bushes, though his size made it impossible to disguise himself completely. I am well enough. You should not worry. Ruskeath's voice was calm as always, even at a time like this. At least he wasn't forced to wait in his weyr this time. He preferred being at his rider's side. G'tor bite his lip. How could he not worry. Star squirmed in his shirt. He was going to leave her behind, but she had been useful last time. Tervain was around his neck, with orders to stay quiet, which thankfully she was good at.

Be ready mine! Ruskeath called, as the orders went out and the green alighted on the ledge. They are here!

~

T'ke paced inside the infirmary, trying both to stay out of the way and not to look at any of the bleeding patients. He was supposed to be guarding them, not fainting. Shards he was pathetic. He couldn't believe he had throw up in the Main Hall. They probably hadn't even had time to clear the mess. At least he had had time to leave Shard herself at his weyr. The last thing he needed was her added terror. Garaeth? Can you see anything? he asked for the hundredth time. No, T'ke-mine, he answered patiently. He was hidden among the rocks at the edge of the gorge. The mist and fog were making it difficult to see anything. He thought he saw shapes, but it was hard to be sure. Perhaps Uminth was having better luck.

A cry went up, and T'ke jerked his head towards the dragon entrance. A dragon on the ledge?! It would only take one burst of flame to roast them all! Shard it all, he was going to die! Who designed this building?! He looked around wildly, but he was helpless. Men were no match for dragons. He only had to await his fate.

~

Farryl patted Peppeth fondly, trying to hide her nerves. Peppeth had still been a tiny weyring during the last attack. To think she was full grown now, though still one of the smallest dragons at the weyr. She wasn't sure if Peppeth, sweet and innocent as she was, would be capable of fighting. But to her relief, they're job was to keep everyone in firestone with Raiyth. It would be hard, but at least it wouldn't involve killing. If they were lucky. Zellos coiled around her protectively, while Hobbs fluttered around her shoulders. It was time to go.

Peppeth was off like an arrow after Raiyth. They needed to bring back as much firestone as possible and quickly as they could. Peppeth couldn't carry much, but she was fast. Raiyth! Peppeth cried out in distress as flame caught the other green's tail. There were hear already?! Farryl looked around widely, but she couldn't see the attackers. Focus, she forced herself to calm down. They needed more firestone. Peppeth leaped between, skidding to a landing at Raiyth's side. Does it hurt? she crooned anxiously. Farryl jumped down to collect another bag of stone, calling to Fiona as she went. "Is she alright?" She was worried. She was no healing, but that had to be painful, maybe even serious.

[kat]

Rayne and Kynoath crouched in their hiding place, awaiting orders and ready to launch at any given moment. The orders would come, oh yes. When they did, the greenpair would be ready for them. They listened to the information carefully, gleaning what was going on from dragonspeak, Kyno relaying everything to hers in short bursts of speech. Things were not looking good, as more Fortian dragons were appearing. Yes, those orders would come. It was only a matter of time before they did.

There is a Fort green on the infirmary ledge. We aim to kill-- to protect,[/color] the dark green with the muddy looking colored legs and feet informed hers. Her tone was somber, but hers and she did not have any compunctions doing what needed to be done. Did Ciceroth and his know this? Is that why they chose them to be the ones to dispatch the green? Actually, the fact that the bronzepair entrusted them with this somber but troublesome duty instilled a sense of dark pride within the green and her rider. It belied trust, and an acceptance, of sorts. Even though they had been there only a couple of moons, they were being entrusted to defend their new home against those of their old to this extent. Neither would let their wingleaders down.

"Let's do it," Rayne muttered darkly, recapping the flask and then allowing Kynoath to lead the attack. She readied her crossbow, and prepared herself. Ciceroth had obviously sent images along with the instructions. Kynoath launched off the edge, not even giving enough time to be seen before blinking into between. She was silent, even as she popped out a few meters above the Fort green. Gloating over those trapped in the infirmary, her back was turned. Gloating, while she could, over the firestone, no doubt. Well, no matter. She would not be gloating long.

Like a dark shadow Kynoath dropped from above, wings tucked into a tight and swift dive. Larger than the other green, her jaws opened wide, talons extended, tail at the ready. She would aim to land atop the green's back, and snap her spine where the neck met the shoulder blades. Rayne had her aim in place before Kynoath even aimed to hit the smaller green at full force. Firing, she aimed for the back of the skull, right where the spine connected to the brain. If she or Kynoath succeeded, the blow would be fatal. If both succeeded, the green would never even knew what hit her before she died. Kynoath attempted to hit the green and sink all her talons into her before she would make the killing bite, she would try to twine her tail around so there would be no escaping. Her greater size would drag the green down, and even if they were to fall, they would make sure they smashed the Fortian dragon into the ground. It would do immense damage to her, even should they fail to kill her with their first attempt. Whatever the case, they aimed to finish her once and for all, for their Weyr. To protect the people of Selenitas, their new home. To protect...

~~~~~~

Maya moved further away from the ledge, as far as she could. If that firestone were lit, it would explode, and she had no desire to be caught in the blast. Still, she was on the side of the dragon's area, not the people's. Her concern was for the people and creatures on the side where that green was. She was so very tempted to reach for her crossbow, and attempt to dispatch that green. However, it was foolhardy. The green would probably flame her and she'd burn for her foolish attempt. Brave, yes. Foolish? Certainly more dangerous than it was smart to try. Still, doing nothing was horrible. She, like so many others, was a healer, and her job was to stay safe so she could help heal any dragons who were injured in this battle--not to give the other healers more work to do by injuring herself in a 'do or die' attempt.

She was fully expecting injuries on the dragons from this battle. She didn't know to what extent, but she knew there would be at least some. Hopefully, they were minor. Hopefully, many dragons were not hurt. She would have preferred if none were injured but that, she believed, was too much to hope for. So, she waited, and would continue to wait until they arrived.[/size]

[rii]

The pair of blues split further, one letting out an piercing screech before winking between to soothe the burns on his forelegs. His brother continued to drop straight down, opening his wings just enough to skim the tree tops and help Vierrath burn the lower area to flush the dragons into the sky where they could be pick them off one by one. When the smoke became too much for them to bear, they winked out, reappeared high up in the sky next to the circling brown. A second later the burned blue also joined the the wing.

I do believe I've gathered their attention, Mirath cooed pleasantly to her wing. She lashed her tailed, further spilling firestone across the ledge as she waved her open maw back in forth – putting on a show for all those interested in her apparent gusto. She was carefully watching the dragons in the sky, waiting for the their attempts to shoo her away from their precious ledge.

Kynoath was a dark shadow, large, and that is what gave her away – her shadow spilling over Mirath down on the ledge. The smaller green had only time enough to spread her wings and push up off the ledge. She briefly met the prick of claws before she winked between – leaving Kynoath to either land on the previously occupied ledge or dodge around it. Either way, the cackling green appeared back on the top rim of the gorge, racing down in a dive toward the ledge. Instead of mimicking Kynoath's attack, Mirath aimed a stream of flame not at the large green, but at the fire stone littering the ledge.

Thick black smoke, small explosions from the firestones – it was quickly becoming a chaotic scene. And it was only going to get worse. Keep the bronze busy. The two blues peeled off, diving back down into the mess to further harass Ciceroth and keep him too preoccupied from assessing the situation and giving out orders. Vierrath, have your rider join Garth's and the others. And the green winked out, once again leaving the brown alone in the sky above.

That's when the first two riders appeared at the small doorway, a woman and a man of the first blue and green to slip away from the wing. It had taken then a while to weave through the inner hallways, but with no one around to halt their progression it had been done with ease. They wasted no time making their way inside, engaging the nearest individuals with littler concern about their interest in fighting or cowering.

The woman swung low and fast at Saraina, aiming the pommel of her dagger into the solar plexus as she followed the move with an elbow to the face. (obvious, to the more observant, moves done to disable, not kill) Once past the door the man didn't pause, immediately engaging into C'ryl with empty hands..

[Sheari]

Pagoth caught the drift of thought from Ciceroth. He quickly relayed the information to His. The brown's words were as brief as he could make them. Two Greens, two Blues, no prisoners. Pagoth focused then to the battle that was tearing apart the sky. Smoke roiled up from the green vegetation that had been set ablaze. The high weyr that the brown had nestled into was just barely out of the smoke and his eyes whirled red as he saw foreign dragons emerge from between. Cornered. Hidden in the weyrs the dragons were cornered should any of Fort's wings decide to investigate the cliff-face.

C'ryl watched the door with an intensity that might make one think he could see right through it. Child had already fled down his shirt and now clung to the inside with sharp claws that threatened to tear the fabric. The woman came through and began to attack though the man couldn't see for soon he was being attacked himself. He pulled out a poor excuse for a weapon that he had. His attacker being empty-handed gave him an advantage he was determined to use. He planted his feet and ducked low. Aiming to punch the man in the stomach to wind him, swinging his arm up to slash at his face. No prisoners, Pagoth had said. Killing a man meant killing his dragon as well, though C'ryl did not relish the thought, he executed his motions with no intent to take anyone hostage.

[Lotty]

Yes! A thought that was echoed in the minds of both rider and dragon. K'sel readied his knife in one hand and egged Pettahth on with the other. Not that a dragonrider ever needed to do that, but hey, he had to think of something for dramatic effect since screaming and yelling were out of the question. No, he wasn't trying for a sneak attack at all, but why attract even more attention to yourself than you really needed to? Of course K'sel always thought that everything that came out of his mouth was appropriate at all times. Really.

Pettahth silently obeyed - he at least was always good about obeying - and leapt out from his little hiding spot amongst the old and abandoned weyrs. Just as he had been told before he had every intent on leaving a mark on that pretty green hide at very least. He was a fast dragon, and continually impressed his rider with his wing work, but even the blue sized brown didn't launch his attack fast enough. Kynoath beat him to it much to his surprise. The brown wasn't looking out for another Selenitas dragon to come in and assist, and as luck would have it, Mirath did catch sights of the murky green and flashed between. This of course left K'sel and Pettahth on a collision course with the ledge.

Disaster was narrowly avoided. The brown pulled back his tan wings, K'sel studied his eyes on a new location, and they too winked out of sight just as the green's flame set the loose firestone into little explosions. When the pair came out in the air above, the rider was whisking away smoke from his face and coughing fine little ash out of his lungs. That was close. Too close, but being the damn fool K'sel was he was more than willing to try it all over again. He'd have that green, he would stick to her and pester her like a fly on stink if that was what he was allowed to do. They double checked their orders, Dsoleth, the green betweened too soon. Shall we continue to pursue?