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Post by raii on Jun 24, 2010 0:23:12 GMT -5
K’ryn raised his eyebrows at Mi’rah’s comment. Oh? How amusing, coming from someone who came out of Benden himself. K’ryn would have taken offense, but his dragon grounded him immediately, before his face could flicker with emotion. Thank you. It wouldn’t do to get angry. That was what Mi’rah had wanted of course. I suppose you’d know, then, he longed to say, but he restrained his tongue. If Mi’rah wanted to think they were morons who had no sense of consequences, let him. If he really did think so, he was sorely underestimating them. Of course, this lead to nothing but their advantage. He kept his face neutral, his hair covering his eyes again.
Unfortunately, S’rei wasn’t buying that.
K’ryn didn’t bother to hide the glare at being called child. He was young, yes, but he was no child. He had a rather poor opinion of S’rei. This opinion even got worse as the bronze rider turned away from him soon after. K’ryn raised his voice. “Actually, I don’t. It’s obvious you don’t know how to answer a question anyways.” His face softened to one of amusement at S’rei’s comments. So the Weyr thought to use them? How…interesting. S’rei then said that there were only two ways out. In other words, do as they say or die. He hid his expression carefully. Sryoth pushed his mind into K’ryn’s, grounding the rider yet again.
Ba’sun stated their purpose. “He’s right. Benden is not Fort, and will never be Fort.” K’ryn’s head bobbed up, revealing a defiant expression. “Benden belongs to the riders of Benden. It’s common sense, really.” He wanted nothing less than to join up with S’rei, but maybe Ba’sun was right. K’ryn looked to the bluerider before continuing. “No doubt, J’lorin will turn on you. He’s just that kind of man.” It was opinion, really, but K’ryn spoke with conviction and disdain. He hated no one more than J’lorin, and would happily take the man’s life if given the chance.
He would never reshape Benden into the image of what he knew. K’ryn bit his lip. It wasn’t hard enough to draw blood, but it did help his head stop spinning. He had such a headache now. He closed his eyes for a moment, before opening them again. His mind drifted towards Sryoth. Sryoth was still marveling at the brightness of the world around him. Now, however, it was time to hunt. Sryoth sunk down, prowling silently towards a herd beast like a giant feline. His muscles rippled lightly, the thrill of catching his prey filling over to K’ryn, who smiled absently.
He pounced, snapping the neck of the shrieking herd beast moments later. The large brown devoured his kill ravenously, leaving the remains in a small pile. He licked the blood off his chops before proceeding to the next kill. He killed several beasts before filling his now-bloated stomach. The dragon rolled onto his back, savoring the outside, but knowing that his needed him. He ripped a fern out of the ground, determined to bring it to his. He flounced towards the Hatching grounds, now somewhat groggy. K’ryn felt drowsy as well. Don’t sleep. I will stay with you.[/I]
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Requiem
Weyrleader S'rei WM M?ta Rider A'nd Harper/Handler Dmitri Weyrbrat Miguel
Posts: 2,861
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Post by Requiem on Jun 27, 2010 20:33:27 GMT -5
Curiously silent, C'zan and Isk'hail. That was fine, for now. Salenth mentally nudged Saboth to have His keep an eye on the quiet ones. K'ryn's comment had been and continued to be ignored in its entirety. If he wasn't aware of his position here, that was his own problem; S'rei had no need to remind him. Though a backhand might have gotten his point across fairly nicely, it didn't suit the direction of conversation. Presently.
He glanced at K'ryn. It was easy to hear indoctrination, in the younger man's words. That said, it was precisely because of that indoctrination that what the men said wasn't wrong. J'lorin had taken on a huge task, coming in to Benden as a Fort wingleader and attempting to reshape it. S'rei was actually rather impressed that someone seemed to have formed an organized resistance. Despite trying to look at things from all possible angles, the man wouldn't have thought the possibility was high...Benden had trouble organizing itself even when the organization was already in place, as often as not. Too many individuals. Even with a common doctrine of hatred toward Fort, and the stronger ruling over the weak - of anti-homosexuality and a prejudice against women that transcended that of most of the rest of the northern continent - a doctrine that stated what you could take with your fists was yours - even with that the individuality got in the way of effective organization. Usually.
Yes, he was impressed.
Someone, somewhere, was quite the effective insurrectionist.
"Possibly. J'lorin may or may not turn on us, but doing nothing to protect his interests here more or less is the same thing." Personally, S'rei believed that if J'lorin could keep Selenitas as at least an ally, if not subjugate it completely, he would. Solely because it would be more against him if Fort took over the southern weyr. No, he didn't think J'lorin benefitted from ignoring attempts by Fort on Selenitas. What he did believe? That Benden didn't have the strength to oppose Fort in southern airways while still protecting their interests up north. Fort's silence suggested they were in similar straights. Selenitas was a far too easily acquired resource to not make the attempt if an opportunity presented itself. But Benden had already demonstrated once before how important it was to protect all of your assets while striving for a new one. It perhaps was the result of the 'breathing time' Selenitas was currently enjoying.
S'rei had little doubt that as soon as the scales tipped definitively one way or another, they'd be looking at an invasion. Why not? After all, if it was him at either the head of Fort or Benden, he'd be doing the same thing.
The bronzerider regarded Ba'sun directly. "Okay then. What's in it for you? An active role in whatever designs you have against Benden doesn't benefit us; unlike yourselves, our location is known. We have a few dragonpairs here who would benefit any Weyr in the wars, but not enough to make much of a difference, anyway. Our military strength can't be of much interest to your superiors."
His gaze then shifted to the brownrider. "Speaking of which, are you four even authorized to speak for the rebellion you're part of, or is this just a big waste of my time?" Talk of perhaps helping these people to get out from under Benden's thumb...was all well and good, but meant nothing if they had no authority or say. "That, and if we did choose to help you retake Benden, what assurances would we have that you wouldn't turn around and attempt to take Selenitas for yourselves, too?"
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Lotty
Shiny Hoarder
Rider Mi?rah Rider K?sel Rider Osnat Healer Raebeli
Posts: 1,020
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Post by Lotty on Jun 28, 2010 22:34:43 GMT -5
Well, none of them seemed to act up, making his useless answer even more...useless. Perhaps it just made him look dumb, but then he was used to being referred to as such with classic names like "bumbling oaf" or "clumsy putz". C'est la vie, he didn't do anything or say anything too detrimental to anybody but himself and that was questionable in itself. To be perceived as stupid too couldn't hurt...wrong assumptions worked both ways. Still, he pinched his lips together tightly as to never say a word again, not even replying to S'rei. He only answered that one time because he was asked, and really he didn't know how else to act. Mi'rah had never been invited to these kinds of meetings before, and he was just thankful that he hadn't fallen over his own feet yet.
Two ways out...two ways out. Well obviously they had to play along. That was the only option. The four of them did absolutely no good as dead men after all - or as dragonless even. He touched his mind against Viaqueth as he felt the blue alert at the thought. No, no need to be worried. He was safe, and although that was such an abstract concept for the pair, it was the first time that they had the sensation in well. Ever. Hmmmm, being captive was a different experience when it was a physical state and not just a mental one.
This didn't keep the dragon from stirring just a bit. His wings twitched but with his stomach full, the turquoise blue still hung low and close to the ground knowing full well that he shouldn't be too animated. It was C'zan's orders after all to keep a low profile. Little did he or C'zan know that their silence was garnering them far more attention than did acting up or running their mouths. Clever beasts they were, but certainly not mindreaders and definitely not renowned for always making the best decisions. Typical faults of mere mortals. Not that this would stop the rider from ever being judgmental of others of course.
C'zan tilted his head again to the other side dreamily as he continued to listen in. Ever so quiet he was, but he didn't quite have a platform yet. People...all people were social chameleons, and saved their good shoes for the dance floor. You have to know your audience before you go out there preaching the word right? He didn't personally think that K'ryn was following that philosophy exactly, and turned his head away whenever the brownrider so decided to speak up. He was so much cooler when he decided to open his mouth for his own remarks, and broke his silence with words almost too matter of fact to be considered smarmy, "But we are the children of disorganized Bendenites..." his words were like whispers and could have been missed by anyone not listening. The bluerider was obviously feeding off of the words of the nasally awkward bronzer from earlier, "It is a stretch to assume there is anyone in authority to give us the rights...."
He leaned forward as if letting the Weyrleader in on a secret. He didn't miss the fact that the questions were aimed at Ba'sun, and he even addressed this himself as he curled his legs under him all crossed up like a swami. Not exactly a practical pose, should he have to quickly jump to his feet, but that wasn't in his plans anyway. It was a show of trust...he was making himself comfortable, "My apologies for interrupting...but my comrades idealism plays a role. One shouldn't bite the hand that feeds or helps in a cause..." and then he stopped and reclined again.
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Post by raii on Jun 29, 2010 0:56:19 GMT -5
K'ryn wanted to take a nap. A variety of emotions swirled through his head. The anger was fading, this was certain. Now it replaced itself with an almost empty feeling. Maybe some kind of lonely resentment. J'lorin. He hated that man. He blamed that J'lorin for his beloved mother's death. K'ryn was a man of many grudges. J'lorin had unknowingly wronged him, and he deserved just compensation. K'ryn wasn't able to focus on this, however, due to the throbbing headache. He wanted to rub his temples, but did not want to seem weaker than he already did. He was drowsy as well, partially from the headache and partially from Sryoth's full belly.
At the man's reply, K'ryn realized the man's plan. Useless words, accusations, or anger was ignored or criticized. Anything that gave them information was treated like a normal comment from a person with more than questionable intelligence. A rather unoriginal form of interrogation, but certainly welcome compared to Benden's means. It was certainly preferred to what it could be. The man hinted towards helping them...a wonderful suggestion. K'ryn, perhaps, had misjudged them. He didn't think that Selenita's would actually do that.
Now the idiotic man thought that they would take over? What, exactly, would they have to gain? They wanted their own Weyr, not some pointless southern Weyr. Besides, who knew better than them what it was like to have your Weyr taken over? K'ryn felt the blind anger fade from his body for the first time since his capture. His harsh words--which were rash, scathing, and likely foolish--had drained his anger. Once again, he was happy to just observe. He felt the anger flow away, once again regaining control. They would--maybe--be of great use. Maybe not. It seemed S'rei was seriously considering being an ally with them.
K'ryn was a skilled manipulator...when he wasn't viciously angry. He wondered if the calm drowsiness was all his own or coming from Sryoth. He thanked the dragon mentally. It was important to think clearly. He looked up to the three riders from this Weyr. He watched for any change in facial expression, any visible body language. He planted his hands into the sand. He focused on the gritty pieces, the texture enhancing his focus and alertness. Sharding drugs. He felt like a giant feline had crawled onto his head and was resting there. His head felt fuzzy, heavy, and uncomfortable.
He focused on his dragon, who was now stretching. He started with his front legs, twisting, stretching, and flexing. His wings opened rather boredly, the translucent red membrane a dull color without the sun to reflect them. He flicked his tail, disturbing a slight amount of sand. With a yawn, he resisted the urge to lie down. He continued to flex every muscle to keep his rider awake. K'ryn could not fall asleep. His dragon reminded him that observing was vitally important. Learn all he could. The dragon twisted his head, looking to his blue brothers with concern.
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Post by rii on Jun 29, 2010 16:27:42 GMT -5
Ssow.
Ba'sun's brows lifted, his head turning faintly toward K'ryn half in response to Ekarth's comment and the other to the browrider's attitude. The eldest of the rebellion group did well to curb his urge to give K'ryn a look of disapproval. It had been that kind of gung-ho pride that got the last kid killed. They did not have any sort of upper hand in the situation. Perhaps an ace up the sleeve – but whatever they had it wouldn't be enough if the situation went sour. Only viewing the brownrider from the corners of his eyes, Ba'sun quipped cheerily. "Mind your manners, K'ryn. That's no way to treat our gracious host."
C'zan had the right idea, anyway, and Ba'sun was glad to see his fellow bluerider join him in a more relaxed position. If only because the tension was very much still present in the room, and the bluerider was certain he could feel a specific pair of golden eyes narrow on the back of their necks a time or two. Ba'sun snorted humorously at C'zan's under-the-breath remark.
His dark brown gaze flicked up to S'rei, sobering quickly enough – even if Ba'sun couldn't fully expel the lingering smile. "You're little more than a bread basket to J'lorin. He won't turn on you, no, but once Fort realizes how compromised his position is they'll be damn sure to take advantage of it and J'lorin will pull his forces back and protect himself. Priorities n'all."
Ba'sun idly began to scratch off a patch of dried blood from his pantleg. Again his lips quirk in a quick, devilish smile. "Robbing J'lorin's tithe's only supply us so much." Nasty little outlaws in the woods, weren't they? "In all seriousness, we don't have any healers – at least any beyond basic first aid training – with us. I myself had to be dumped on the hands of a Hold to get stitched back up." Numbers never hurt either. A little buffer around the edges to busy the enemy with while the more experienced ones got to the heart of the matter. Cruel, but true. "I would also say a warm bed and a good meal, but you have a few of J'lorin's birds roosting here if I remember correctly."
A question directed to the brownrider, but it seemed K'ryn had lapsed back into silence. "Whether or not we are, nothing can be said for certain about what can be until one of us can play messenger – and it doesn't matter who that is, as long as the information is the same arriving as it was leaving. And to be quite honest.. Benden really doesn't have any interest in Selenitas." He shrugged lightly. "That whole.. siege business wasn't really.. about Selenitas."
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Post by neeuqtar on Jul 2, 2010 10:21:52 GMT -5
Isk'hail watched, and listened, trying to drag his pounding mind into some semblance of order while keeping his dragon from freaking out. Kesmaroth stilled as he was held down by another of the blues, then hopped over to the dead herdbeast and began eating warily, tucking his wings closer around him and eating with slow methodical bites, yellow-pinning eyes watching the ramparts of the Hatching Grounds. Easy as it goes, Isk'hail murmured to his dragon. No need to act over-suspicious. The dragon tried to obey, though he felt as if any moment he would be attacked and plucked from the ground to be savaged by bronzes.
The bluerider rocked back on his heels, following C'zan's example and stretching out his legs, leaning on his hands behind him. Ba'sun had become their de facto leader in the short exchange, which irked Isk'hail slightly, though he was rather amused that K'ryn -- the brownrider, the eager leader of their raiding party -- had become little more than a hanger-on, barely awake and more a liability than useful. He waited for Ba'sun to finish tossing his tidbits to the Selenitans, before stretching slightly and cracking his left wrist. Sore, he was.
"And if we can't take Benden back ourselves -- and we couldn't, not when we were captured -- what makes you think we would be capable of turning on whatever force should aid us?" Isk'hail said earnestly, after letting Ba'sun's comment about the Siege hang in the air for a few moments. "I myself, well, I would fear more that Selenitas would choose to claim Benden Weyr for her own." His mouth twisted in a wry smile as he added, more softly, "J'lorin proved to us how quickly the full force of a Weyr can crush those who might... disagree."
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Requiem
Weyrleader S'rei WM M?ta Rider A'nd Harper/Handler Dmitri Weyrbrat Miguel
Posts: 2,861
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Post by Requiem on Jul 2, 2010 19:10:14 GMT -5
Listening to the blueriders and watching the wash of emotion play over the brownrider's face, S'rei's eyes had taken on the slight distance that meant he was in discussion with Salenth. Some might even think he wasn't paying any attention at the moment to the riders before him, but that would have been a dangerous assumption to make; he was well-versed at guiding entire Flights in Threadfall and, more limitedly, in battle. Multi-tasking had long become second nature. The bronze was...uncomfortable at best with giving the dragonpairs here anything until they produced results; S'rei didn't blame him. If these four were released, it wasn't going to be easy to keep it secret. Benden would know soon enough, unless they chose to return to their Weyr...but that left too much to chance.
Well, there were how many brains in this room? The brownrider and Isk'hail were a touch questionable - K'ryn had barely spoken a word, and certainly nothing useful, and S'rei didn't know what sort of bronzeriders Isk'hail dealt with, but the Selenitas Weyrleader wasn't so arrogant as to presume that the same Weyr that struggled against just two Fort wings, barely scraping by with home advantage, would be able to walk into Benden even in the chaos that the aftermath of battle always produced. Nor were they stupid enough to do so and leave Selenitas open to Fort, not while S'rei had any say in it. An appeal to the supposed incomparable arrogance of bronzeriders, or simple idiocy? Hard to say.
"Healers. I don't know that we can spare any...at the very least, I often get complaints that the infirmary is still understaffed. The joys of knowing the Weyrdragonhealer personally. Something could possibly be arranged about clandestinely seeing to your injured, however. This is premature. We have a different problem. These eyes..." He nodded to Ba'sun. "...they make releasing you difficult. Are any of you low-profile enough to not be recognized by the ones J'lorin sent? C'zan or K'ryn, perhaps?" Isk'hail was definitely out, and Ba'sun was old enough to maybe know Iskierka or Elysia.
A wry smile that wasn't so different from what Isk'hail's would been. "I could let you all go, during nightfall, but I can't say as I trust you. No offense." Fingers tapped lightly on his knee. "Unless anyone has a better idea how not to tip our hand early? I doubt it benefits you any more than us for Benden to find out I'm even considering helping you. That said, a meal can be arranged with no problem."
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Lotty
Shiny Hoarder
Rider Mi?rah Rider K?sel Rider Osnat Healer Raebeli
Posts: 1,020
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Post by Lotty on Jul 4, 2010 21:36:36 GMT -5
To be honest. C'zan hadn't a clue. It wasn't exactly in his arena to come up with ideas on how to be released but stay hidden, although he never did expect to be trusted. That much was for sure. However, he was almost glad not to be trusted because he so rarely trusted anyone else and now at least it could be a mutual exchange. Fair was fair and all... Still, S'rei was right, there was a problem at hand and the bluerider was not fond of the idea of sticking around in a glorified cage while Selenitas bided it's time. Even if he got three square meals a day in the process. Not worth it. If he had to take the chance of being mistaken for another southern turncoat...well then so be it. Worse atrocities he supposed.
Not deigning to leave his casual little position he tsked his tongue a few times as he considered his options, "I....couldn't promise you that I wouldn't be recognized," even though he kept his associates close to himself, that didn't excuse him from being seen. It didn't make him invisible, but... "If you need a lie should I be recognized I'll be your double naught spy. I would say I've been sent down late....do the J'lorin ones report back often? Do they do your people much good?" He sounded like he was prying much too much...and he was, curious he was to know if the Fortian had forsaken the ones he had sent down to train the southerners, it would be interesting to see how they felt about being sent away and then left out to dry when Fort came to attack.
It was all just conjecture though. Passing thoughts, "I am just musing though. I'm at your disposal, there really isn't much of a choice at my end," he admitted to the Weyrleader before adding, "can't be much of help without some brain food you know," it was an agreement of sorts to the idea of a meal. Viaqueth got the gift of a good herdbeast and although the drugs had been leaking out through sweat and pores and sense of fulfillment was settling in his stomach, it was nothing compared to what wonders real food would do for him. Assuming the food wasn't laced too, he wasn't in the mood to live in a constant state of a dopey stupor.
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Post by rii on Jul 6, 2010 1:37:14 GMT -5
The time to feign harmlesss iss long passt, Issk'one. Ekarth had moved to lounge just inside the shade of the cave opening so he had a full view of the outside activites. The eggshell set between his front claws as he ran it through his fangs much like a toothpick. You bray like an asss – dissclossing thyself a fool with ssuch ssilly wordss. He had no qualms with addressing people directly, obviously, and since his rider didn't want to speak to Isk'hail in front of the Selenitas-ones, Ekarth acted on his behalf. Half-truthss, Issk'one, not falsse flattery. Perhapss ssilence iss a better choice for you. We have a purposse here, in casse you have forgotten. Next time you sspeak mine might feel the need to sshove hiss foot into your mouth.
Ba'sun scratched at his elbow in a distinctly disinterested manner. No use in hashing out the details of what they needed from an alliance with Selenitas until after the whole matter of their imprisonment and 'interrogation' settled. "We just won't be able to bring anyone here, for now. One of us will still need to leave later on to go speak with the rest. I'm sure when the time comes you can easily make sure J'lorin's birds are busy elsewhere." Cue a flash of a smile at the weyrleader. "Otherwise, I can't see a problem with holding strong to the very-much-alive impression of Selnitas being too soft, taking in every sad sap of a turncoat. Send word back to J'lorin that we gave up the location, but it turns out that the rebellion moved on to a new location during our imprisonment. Then, upon pleading for our lives, you soft-hearted louts spared us. We'd then be too ashamed to show our traitorous asses again so we'll stay hunkered here like whipped cowards. Ground us, smack some limitations on us.."
That ssounds more like resstricting me. Sorry mate.
"I can't remember who he sent down here, but even if they remember one of us.. " Ba'sun shrugged. "A turn of being a prisoner of war can change a man's mind."
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Post by raii on Jul 6, 2010 17:37:24 GMT -5
K'ryn let a shadow of a smile cross his face. Imagine, freedom. Limited, of course, but freedom, non the less. He longed to fly on Sryoth again, but he doubt that would be allowed just yet. Of course, the brownrider was young enough not to be recognized. Unlike many of the others, he had never met the riders who had been from Benden once. Of course, he may have seen them around, but that hardly stuck in his mind. Still, no matter how desperate he was for freedom, he couldn't speak up. He was selfish, yes, but above that, loyal. He was loyal to his fellow riders, and would not accept limited freedom if they didn't have it.
Strange combination, of course, but it suited his needs well. He tuned his thoughts to the silent presence who kept him sane. We can always wear dresses and pretend to be women, he commented jokingly. Sryoth snorted, not even allowing a response to such a silly idea. In the end, really, it came down to not being trusted. What if they were entrusted to an... escort? Supervised freedom was better than nothing. Watch-whers would make fine ones, of course. Perhaps Ba'sun's idea was a bit more logical. Sryoth shuddered at the idea of being grounded, and K'ryn missed riding dragonback but...a bit longer wouldn't hurt, would it?
K'ryn leaned back. He was too hungry to think, too uncomfortable. Whatever got him limited freedom the quickest would be best. Sryoth watched his rider with concern. Sometimes the dragon didn't believe the events that had passed actually happened. The dragon sat, wrapping his tail around his legs. He sent his feelings of a full belly to his rider, which conflicted with K'ryn's hunger. Now I'm hungry and full, K'ryn informed his dragon. Should I be thanking you?
Sryoth, of course, ignored this. K'ryn internally sighed, paying more attention to the conversation around him. He wanted to be free. He wanted to go to sleep. He wanted to eat a feast. He wanted to go flying. He wanted to take a long bath. In that order, of course. There was something about bathing. It was as if the water could wash away his tensions and pains and irritations as well as dirt and grime and sweat. The sooner they came up with something, the better.
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Requiem
Weyrleader S'rei WM M?ta Rider A'nd Harper/Handler Dmitri Weyrbrat Miguel
Posts: 2,861
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Post by Requiem on Jul 11, 2010 19:20:56 GMT -5
The oddly colored eyes focused on C'zan with a touch of questioning. It had more to do with his wording than anything else. A small flicker of a smile touched his lips at the conclusion. Yes, these four weren't really likely to bring much to the table, in their condition, though the attempt was still appreciated. In fact, it was all that really mattered. S'rei would figure out some- He shook his head, a light snort sounding. "Tch. You know you're getting too old when the man who has been captive for nearly a turn is thinking better than you are." The words were stated lightly, almost teasingly, but there was just a hint of hardness behind them. Perhaps just a little too odd, how on top of things Ba'sun seemed to be. It had sparked Salenth's curiosity, too. For now, though, the pair elected to observe. Didn't hurt to play the game with those who probably were not your friends. You didn't learn an enemy without playing a little. Hm.
Unless, that was, they refused to play. Perhaps a little...prodding. The drugs had clearly worn off enough for attempts at false flattery and wild insults. And yet...silence.
"Your 'leader' of sorts has yet to say anything. I have no problem leaving you to Ka'rys...if freedom doesn't appeal. Caged birds coming to love their cage?" The move was less risky, certainly, than what he was contemplating anyway. "Although...having a man running free who is somewhat 'accident' prone is not particularly to my tastes. Kah'ksen's death always bothered me. Naturally I should have assumed Fort played a role, but oddly they were concentrated further north, near Ruatha, at the time. How does it effect Lemosan pride, I wonder, to awaken in the arms of your brother?" His eyes narrowed on Isk'hail. Sweep riders were almost always expendables, which meant they flew Threadfall, which meant they were S'rei's. And unlike other bronzeriders, he actually paid attention to his greenriders. Kah'ksen had been an asset. It was mere conjecture and the likelihood was actually slim, but it might provoke a response, something different than silence and blatant, clumsy attempts to manipulate him through flattery.
Indeed it did provoke a response. Either because his wits were effected by the turn of captivity, or the drugs, or some combination of the two - or perhaps he'd always intended to try for an escape, simply biding his time - Isk'hail pushed forward. Desperation, perhaps, adding fleetness to his feet. S'rei was half-startled by the move, instinctively staying low, his muscles flowing into a natural defensive posture from his crouch. But it wasn't the Weyrleader Isk'hail was after. Dashing for the presumed weakest link, he threw his shoulder into Mi'rah's gut, fumbling for the man's belt knife. Pressing him back into the tunnels.
"You're going to show me the way out," he grated, not bothering with holding the knife to his neck. It lingered on the level of the bronzerider's groin, and he licked at dry lips. It never occurred to Isk'hail that his fellows may not make the attempt to escape with him - or could not. And once Mi'rah led him out...he could rid Pern of one more bronzerider that had shamed Benden with his cowardice.
Stay, Kierjaarth, Salenth commanded firmly. His eyes slitted. Yours will be fine... As long as Isk'hail wasn't provoked, he had a chance, anyway.
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Lotty
Shiny Hoarder
Rider Mi?rah Rider K?sel Rider Osnat Healer Raebeli
Posts: 1,020
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Post by Lotty on Jul 12, 2010 16:18:36 GMT -5
Well S'rei accomplished the agitating much better than he ever could. Too well actually. Right as he read the expressions of the men sitting across from them and before he could even flinch with an awareness of the attack he felt the blow to his stomach and his hands instinctually reached for the very same knife as the bluerider did; grasping for the weapon in a momentary battle for possession only earned him a long gash in the palm of his right hand as his fingers managed only to wrap around blade as opposed to hilt. In what could only amount to an instant he was bleeding already, and though it stung - there was no doubt based on the expletives that rang out from the tunnel - there was a more important matter that took precedence. In the clumsy rush back into the darkness, he was able to notice one thing before the voice crackled out it's threat.
There was a knife aimed at the crotchal region of his pants...nightmare fuel for any man, and he caught his breath for a moment as he thought of what the shards he should do. He was lightly armed with just that knife that had been wrenched away and another that he had tucked behind him in the small of his back, but that might come into play later. Mi'rah wasn't quite quick enough to pull it on someone trained as Isk'hail, although his brain sort of was half-baked...
Still, something had to be done, the rider was not expected S'rei or F'lix to come in to save him. If anything they shouldn't run back after him, and leave the other three Bendenites unattended to come up from behind. His face twisted into a frown. As big of a pushover he was in day to day interactions, his life (and his ahem, stuff) weren't normally threatened and contrary to popular belief he did have enough fight to not be bested in the tunnels. Besides, he didn't have his ass kicked four days a week by F'ur for nothing, he was a learner and he did like education and so he had picked a thing or two up besides bruises.
He stepped backwards, hands up, one covered with blood, and hoping to Faranth he wouldn't mess this up. He let his bad leg go limp, falling back just far enough to grab the enemy's hand and misdirect it away from him while using the leverage to swing his other hand forward in a fist despite the injury to it. Mi'rah had every intention of smashing the other Lemosan's face in, and if it didn't work on the first try he would do it again, pushing forward to knock him on the ground and wail on his face.
Kierjaarth alerted, wingtips pricking a bit with concern, nails scratching against the ground below him trying to sharpen his nails. He wanted to search and destroy, but deferring to Salenth's command he stopped even the flexing of his claws. Mi'rah wasn't the type to provoke...at least he didn't think, but touching his mind he knew vaguely that something was up. Salenth had best be right about this.
((If I over did this too much I'll fix it.))
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Post by rii on Jul 12, 2010 23:14:15 GMT -5
An impressively sharp memory the weyrleader possessed – much to Isk'hail's chagrin. Ba'sun didn't even remember the details behind the reported disappearance of a greenrider on a thread sweep. Although, over the years those little incidents became almost common. It got dangerous to ask questions – especially if you were just another bluerider. Ba'sun did know when know when to shut his mouth – most of the time.
Ba'sun just caught the change of expression, that flash of desperation. "Isk don't–" The firm words didn't finish before the Lemosan man was up and making.. the dumbest move in his life. Ba'sun bowed his own head, the smile gone to be replaced with a jaw firmed with gritting teeth. Idiot. Idiot. The only movement Ba'sun made was to grab the arm of the person nearest him – C'zan. The message clear: stay put. His other hand came up, fingers splayed wide and even with the side of his head to show the moving presence behind them that he wasn't going to do anything foolish.
Not that F'lix was going to take much stock in the gesture. Narrowed golden eyes flicked from the pair disappearing out the cave before returning to the prisoners. He wasn't about to leave S'rei alone in the room with to pit three against one – all he needed was a word or signal to end the lives of the remaining men. His fingers slipped silently along the hilt of his dagger, the gesture clear enough for S'rei to interpret..
Ekarth was not pleased.
Isk'hail was risking all their lives with that little stunt. The small blue would not tolerate losing his rider over the poor judgment of another. Whipping around, the snake of a dragon crossed back over the sands toward Kesmaroth. The low hiss emitted as Ekarth struck was the only fore-warning the other dragon got before the small blue had his fangs on the underside of Kesmaroth's neck – a claw raised in defense of his own in case his comrade decided to struggle. He could taste ichor, but the hold was a warning.. not a killing blow..
Talk ssense into thy rider. I will not have mine sslain becausse of a fool. Ekarth growled around the mouthful, more of a warning for the other two dragons to stay out of it.
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Post by raii on Jul 13, 2010 14:40:47 GMT -5
S’rei’s comment made K’ryn stiffen. Of course they wanted freedom. Was he mad? They’d been locked up for a turn. A whole turn. True, he’d adjusted to it, but he still craved freedom. Before he could comment on his annoyance, however, the man continued. He prodded at Isk’hail, who seemed to be beyond irate. The bluerider dashed to Mi’rah, stealing the man’s knife and holding it to his…groin? K’ryn winced instinctively. “Are you mad?” The words came out, with a slight touch of irritation and shock. Mi’rah avoided Isk’hail, but the damage had been done.
In truth, the bluerider had risked more than their freedom and hopes. He was risking their lives. How could they be remotely trusted when one of them pulled a knife--the man’s own knife, to be exact--on Mi’rah? K’ryn noticed F’lix as his hand brushed his hilt, looking to S’rei. K’ryn’s eyes narrowed, but he made no move…yet. If his life was threatened, he would do something about it. Otherwise, trying anything was beyond pointless.
Ekarth seemed to be quite angry because of this, and flat out attacked Kesmaroth. K’ryn looked away. Was Ekarth going to…? Sryoth’s voice flooded his mind, calm and soothing. Ekarth will not harm him beyond that, should his rider stop this foolishness.[/I] Sryoth watched Ekarth with whirling red eyes. He was a calm dragon, yes. If that dragon’s rider put his in any danger, he would see that Isk’hail lived a very long life--dragonless. K’ryn was shocked at the anger in Sryoth, but comforted at the same time, oddly enough.
His eyes flashed from Isk’hail’s human struggle to Kesmaroth’s dragon struggle. The man really was an idiot. Did Isk’hail have no brains? They were about to have freedom for the first time in a turn, as well as get their Benden back. They were severely outnumbered, somewhat drugged, and weak. The Weyrleader’s dragon was probably calling in help now. And for what? A crazed, drugged bluerider who had ruined their chances? K’ryn glared at him, only a slight tinge of concern and pity on his face.
It that man got them all killed, he was a sharding idiot. If he only got himself killed, he was a poor idiot.
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Requiem
Weyrleader S'rei WM M?ta Rider A'nd Harper/Handler Dmitri Weyrbrat Miguel
Posts: 2,861
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Post by Requiem on Jul 15, 2010 5:08:02 GMT -5
Two voices hissing after him. Ekarth at Kesmaroth’s neck. Isk’hail cursed softly under his breath, eyes darting with a touch of wild desperation to Mi’rah as the man backed up, a snarl twisting his lips. He kept Kesmaroth still through force of will. Stay. Stay and he’d use the bronzer to buy their freedom…even Ba’sun, the bastard, wouldn’t be stupid enough to endanger the soft fatty who wore wingleader knots if it was likely to antagonize Selenitas.
S’rei’s eyes narrowed on the reactions of the riders, feeling Salenth stirring, rolling to his feet and stretching lithely. The bronze flared his wings, arching his neck, and used the motion to glance inside the Hatching Grounds. The Weyrleader met F’lix’s eyes for a long moment, lips twisting into a snarl that was just as unreadable as most every other expression he wore, as he suddenly pivoted and stalked for the tunnels.
Fainting?! Why now? Too late, Isk’hail realized that Mi’rah wasn’t fainting at all, the man jerking back as fingers closed on his hand. He was caught completely flatfooted, but even if he hadn’t been - whether the bronze rider knew it or not - the move was one with very few counters. A wrist hold could have easily been broken, but the smaller bluerider had to remove the grip with his other hand, and he only just noticed the fist before it plowed into his jaw. The force of it sent the weakened man slamming into the wall of the tunnel, shoulder dislocated, and he collapsed in streams of dirt. Conscious, but stunned.
Only what is necessary, Salenth addressed F’lix’s unvoiced question. S’rei was already into the tunnel, glancing just once to Mi’rah before bending and yanking the man up by the hair. Up to his feet and thrust forward, the dirk clearing scabbard as his arm crossed in front of Isk’hail, blade biting into his neck deep and drawn down and across with the efficiency of a man who knew how to kill. He let the man fall in his own blood, eyes flashing toward Mi’rah. “Everything still intact?” Salenth addressed Ekarth flatly. Keep him quiet if you don‘t want to follow him. Keening dragons were a nuisance.
Satisfied that Mi’rah wasn’t damaged in any significant way, S’rei stepped back into the chamber, wiping the blade off on his thigh and sheathing it until he had a chance to clean it more thoroughly. “Fool.” His eyes flicked to K’ryn. “How long are you going to let your subordinates talk for you, boy? I’ve half a mind to consider his actions an order and hold you responsible. My patience grows thin. Speak.”
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