And So It Begins (PLOT)

[weaving]

The night was quiet.

One by one, the wings winked into sight and out of between after receiving the signal from the spies stationed within. The night was cloudy, blocking most of the moons’ light, giving them additional cover. It hindered them as well, but they had no plans of fighting in the skies. This was to be a fight from within. They remained high above the weyr for a moment before the wings began breaking off to deal with each part of the weyr. First, the wherhandlers.

A wing of weyrlings had been sent to deal with them. They’d landed a ways away from the apartments before the others had arrived, their dragons left in a clearing in the jungle. They’d made their way through the jungle without fear of being caught. No one could see them. Now they circled the apartments, hiding in the shadows, though if the handlers were not inside, they were away doing rounds or working their shift in the infirmary. The chances of them being caught were slim.

Torches were lit and then all was still as they counted to three together, their voices merely whispers on the wind. “1…2…3…” Whoosh. Selenitas hadn’t been smart when they’d built the weyr, using wood to construct most of their buildings, including the wherhandler apartments. They’d gone up in flame almost instantly, a signal to the wings flying high above that now was the time to attack.

The battle had begun.

---

Jermayan had just finished with his first shift in the infirmary and was heading back to his apartment for a bite to eat before he had to return. Jermaysk stuck close to his side, unusually close. The wher was protective, but he normally ran off ahead to scout the way and make sure that no evil things lurked in the shadows. It was odd, but perhaps the wher was simply nervous due to the thoughts on his handler’s mind recently. More and more, the healer found himself thinking about a possible attack from Benden. While the Night Watch was coming together, they were hardly ready for the prospective attack from the North that loomed over the weyr like a menacing shadow. It’d been a while now since the poisonings had happened. It had been almost long enough that some in the weyr had felt safe again. That only made him more nervous. What better time for Benden to strike than when Selenitas had let its guard down?

Jermaysk stopped suddenly, catching Jermayan off guard. Turning back to look at the brown, he found that the wher’s gaze was focused skyward. With a growing sense of dread, he looked up as well, though the light was too dim for him to make anything out. Slipping into Jermaysk’s eyes, he found his heart begin to pound at the sight. Riders, in the sky, and they were heading toward Selenitas.

The brown barked to bring Jermayan back to the present and as the handler looked in the direction of the apartments, he gasped. Fire. The apartments were on the edge of the weyr, meaning that they were the only thing that could be burning like that. He needed to warn the weyr. Now. Before anyone else was caught unawares. It wouldn’t be long until Benden attacked the dragonriders. Hopefully Manners could broadcast that far. At the very least, his shout would reach the infirmary, where Meira could get Zesa to alert the rest of the weyr. Or S’lain could rouse his dragon to make the call.

“Manners. Yell as loud as you can, okay? Tell everyone that Benden’s attacking. Can you do that?” Yes. “Good.” ATTACK!ATTACK! BENDEN ATTACKS! PREPARE! PREPARE! The bronze repeated the message over and over until he was certain that someone had heard him.

Meanwhile, Jermayan debated on what to do. Go to the apartments and see if there were any survivors or head toward the weyr and begin leading those who were too young, old or injured to fight into the safety of the cliffs? As much as he wanted to check the apartments, by the time he reached them, it would be too late. He’d just have to hope that they had gotten out then. “I have one more favor to ask Manners. Can you call for the wherhandlers to meet me at the weyr as soon as possible? I can’t lead people on my own.” WHERHANDLERS MEET JERMAYAN AT WEYR PLEASE. NOW

Not waiting around any longer to see what Benden might do next, the healer took off at a sprint toward the weyr, Jermaysk following along at an easy lope. Hopefully the weyr wouldn’t have immediately panicked and would be following the plan that they’d set up earlier. He didn’t have the time to go searching for little kids in the middle of a panicked weyr.

[Avu]

Technically, it wasn't her shift, but that didn't mean she couldn't work in the Infirmary. It was comfortable there, and, therefore, that was where Meira was. The other Healers there hadn't minded -- not that she'd expected them to -- and she was currently curled on top of an empty bed, a stack of vials and jars piled onto a chair next to her, the labels faded. One hand was curled around a vial as she carefully wrote over the old label, darkening the marks. It wasn't emergency work, but the patients were mostly asleep -- and why not? Not many people were awake when it was nearly midnight. One hand reached up to push her hair back, and her gaze flickered towards the rows of patients automatically, and then rose slightly to eye the gold firelizard flopped on 'her' cabinet, eyes whirling as she scanned the room and then crooned quietly, tail flipping along the woodwork. The faintest smile crossed the Healer's face as she felt a touch on her mind, and the image flashed before her eyes: A stretch of river, dark, the water gleaming faintly. Meisk. The blue rarely stayed near the Infirmary for his dislike of blood, but neither did he like staying in the Apartments alone, so he stayed around the opposite bank of the River.

And then, suddenly, Manners. The Salamandyr's voice was familiar both to Zesa and to Meira, and the words being shrieked made the Healer's heart skip a beat. Never before had she thought it actually possible, and yet there it was. A flutter of something that was definitely fear, a sick twisting of anxiety and rising panic in her throat. Meisk, Meisk, yell, do something! she stammered, instinctively reaching for the wher's mind as said wher darted full out for the Infirmary, entering the River with a terrific splash. Even as he pulled himself onto the shore, his glance was thrown back towards the Weyr and unfamiliar dragon's wings prompted instinct. Throwing back his head, the wher howled, the sound almost feral. Almost as terrified by his own howl as by the invasion, Meisk leapt for the door and nearly collided with Meira, who had promptly dropped the jar that she had half-labelled (it currently read 'redwort sol', and shattered upon hitting the floor) and headed for the door at Manners' orders. Meet him at the Weyr? Which part of the Weyr? What? Part of her just wanted to wrap her arms around Meisk and curl up, right there, on the doorsteps of the Infirmary, but no. The plans that had been set out stated that the Infirmary would be one of the places that people went to, during an invasion --

And besides, Jermayan had called for the wherhandlers. Which meant she had to go. Arms wrapping around Meisk's neck, the Healer scrambled onto the wher's back, felt the blue wher's wet hide trembling beneath her as he pranced nervously. Zesa twittered musically, her eyes whirling rapidly in terrified yellows, as she flicked out of between above Meira, and the Healer automatically crooned under her breath to the firelizard. "Go," she gasped. "Get -- find Jermayan, see what he needs, GO!" Zesa crooned indecisively, but, obedient as always, the gold flicked out again. The momentary silence was stifling, and then Meisk whined anxiously. "Go, go," Meira insisted. Trying to push herself back from panicking, she was aware her voice was rising hysterically, squinting through the night as she strained to make out the forms of invading Riders. None met her eye, but Meisk's gaze caught sight of them, headed towards the Weyr. "We have to beat them there, Meisk, go, GO!" she insisted, wrapping her hands around the nearest neck ridge and pressing herself against the wher's hide, seeking comfort. The wher whined again, and then sprang, darting towards the Weyr. His pale ghost of a form was probably quite visible, and Meira buried her face against his hide, cringing for that as she shared the wher's vision, not trusting her own.

Meanwhile, Zesa had reappeared just over the Wherhandlers' Apartments, where she fully expected Jermayan and Jermaysk to be. That's where they were, when they weren't on Infirmary Duty, right? The gold firelizard's eyes whirled even more rapidly at the sight of the flames, and she blinked between as instantly and silently as she had come -- returning to Hers, diving down at Meisk. As claws descended on her shoulder and the images forced their way into her mind, Meira had to bite her tongue to keep from shrieking in surprise. "S -- shardit, Zesa," she stammered, "Shells..." Meisk's low rumble beneath her cracked mid-note, and Meira swallowed again as she caught sight of Jermaysk and Jermayan, Meisk shooting towards them and dropping to match the brown's pace as Zesa clung to the front of Meira's shirt, the gold's tail looping around her arm nervously. "What's going on, what're we doing?" The words came fast, and there was a definite note of fear behind them.

True, they'd been anticipating this. But not now...

[Requiem]

Now this was the time when it would have been very, very convenient to actually have a salamandyr or firelizard. The silent Whisk had seen them, his urgency catching Whinny's attention as she stood upon the rooftop. After thirty turns, her response was instantaneous; the woman threw herself from the building, grunting as she struck ground and rolled to her feet. She was definitely getting far too old for this sort of thing! Heat rose off the building at her back and, unlike her phantom bonded, the pale, silverhaired woman was just a little obvious in the flickering firelight. Not to mention the fact that the sudden light temporarily blinded her.

But Whisk was not thus encumbered. He was not a bold creature, such as they were, but he was every bit as territorial as the wildest of his cousins. And he was silent. The dark brown launched himself at one of the weyrlings, crushing the kid's chest with his weight alone and springing forward to tear the throat out of another with hardly a pause. It was fortunate they were weyrlings; the sudden, unseen attack unnerved them, at least for the time being, and they ran.

Then, for the first time truly in turns, the wher filled his lungs and sent up a bloodcurdling howl, calling his brethren to awareness even as the broadcast of Manners echoed faintly. Whinny moved for the barracks, but Whisk caught her by her clothing and tugged her back hard enough that she stumbled. "If anyone es en thar..." He growled low and tugged at her again. The flames had already caught. It would collapse soon! Most of the handlers would be outside, not in the barracks at this time of night. She shouldn't go. Whinny thrust down the uncharacteristic panic; despite her large number of turns, the woman had never seen violence.

Whining, the wher released her and started in the direction of the weyr before padding back. Right. They needed to meet up with the others. She needed to be sure her wherlings were all right, and they should be going to the same place. Ignoring the aches in her joints, the wherlingmaster jogged along slightly behind Whisk, the brown's eyes sweeping the area for anyone who wasn't known. Mid-lope, he lifted his head and screamed again into the night air. If they hadn't heard Manners, they would definitely hear that howl and know to come.

Borrowing his eyes, Whinny could just barely make out Jermayan and Jermaysk up ahead, though they'd never catch the young pair until they decided to stop. Whinny had no hope of keeping up with someone that young. Already her lungs were protesting the abuse, even though she was in pretty good shape for her age.

[hseru]

It was late, and the start of his second leg of the night. Meira had decided to stay past her shift, and S'lain was grateful for the woman's presence. He was finding it difficult to do certain things that had once been easy, and despite how difficult it was for him to ask for help, he knew that she would give it without much ado. He appreciated the effort that had gone into restoring his body, minus the limb he used the most. He still felt it. People called it the 'phantom limb'. Now he understood how it felt, and even the brief bouts of pain were nothing compared to the unusual sensation of an itch on the palm of a hand he no longer had.

He could still do his watch, now that he'd recovered enough, but finesse with his left hand wasn't something he'd gained yet. He wrapped bandages, mixed poultices, and ground herbs with the stationary mortars. All in all, he felt rather useless. He was checking a patient's light wound when he startled violently, a mandyr voice rocketing through his mind. Stalker, perched on his head, was chirping quietly to himself, reassuring himself that he was indeed perfect. He slid forward when he felt Hispet's sudden movement, scolding him lightly for jumping. Nono. Bad Ugly.

Jaxi, call the Weyr. Benden's attacking![/i] He felt the Blue bestir himself from the landing platform, the place Jaxith insisted to wait while S'lain was in the infirmary. The blue was loath to have him from sight, and had promised several times that he would never again be too far away. Selenitas, be ready for the attack! Benden is here! Jaxith's words were sent as far as possible, touching the mind of every dragon and person of the Weyr within reach. S'lain saw Meira rush out, but instead of joining her, began to rush about freeing up space and making certain that everything was in order. Someone needed to be in the Infirmary to direct traffic and care for the injured, and he would have to make certain that one of the human healers made their way here as well.

Much as it hurt to admit, S'lain knew he was best suited for this kind of work now. He would care for the infirmary and the people within it. Jaxi, stay outside on the landing platform. Tell me if you see anyone approaching, and keep the infirmary safe from there. Do not fly after them.[/i] I wouldn't leave even if you told me to.[/i] Good. Call Phremath and get Kalierre here as soon as she's able, and then call R'wign. Tell them Meira went to join the Wherhandlers and I'm now the only healer on duty.[/i] He felt the affirmation as the Blue passed the messages on to their respective dragons, Phremath and Checkoth.

[Rei]

Hot. Onyx whispered to his bonded as she stood gaping at the now aflame apartments. If she had not stopped to feed Mask… The blue wher snarled at the roaring flames and nudged his none to gently towards the tree line, away from the falling ash. The only thing the blue was worried about was protecting his. As long as she was safe everything would be ok. Whisk’s bellow drew an answering one from Mask and he spun to catch sight of the Wherling master’s retreating form.

“Come on Mask.” Malara said gently tearing her eyes away from the burning building. “Lets see what’s going on.” Despite the Blue’s disapproving growl, the blonde began to follow the brown pair. Mask stayed on her heels. The small blue kept his eyes fixed on the jungle and the shadowy forms hiding within. A snarl ripped from his throat in warning. His was not to be touched. He would make sure of that. Although the wild wher yearned for the jungles safe embrace he trusted his above all else. If she thought the enemy should be met then he would follow.

Eyes a brilliant yellow Onyx rode on his bonded’s shoulder chattering to her and Mask in a soft hiss. Bad. Hot. Die. The brown mandyr intoned in a anxious tone. He frilled at the brown pair in front. Dungheads we maul? Malara nodded silently. “If they attack yes we will fight. This is our home and as such we are bound to protect it.” Yes for better of for worse Malara had bound herself to this place. Dragons aside the weyr wasn’t a bad place to live. No it was much better than fighting for you life on the unforgiving streets of Light tower to.

As The blue pair drew up behind Whinny and Whisk Mask rumbled a short greeting. Malara, in turn, stayed silent. They were heading towards the weyr. Why Malara wasn’t sure. Perhaps they were using it as a meeting point.

[ladybug]

Rilyer and Rilysk were on their usual rounds of the weyrbowl, with Cadil and Cadisk shadowing them to gain experience. The brownhandler expected it to be yet another quiet night and he was chattering happily away to the green wherling when the 'mandyr's warning sounded through the Weyr. Insomnia let out an answering screech, digging her claws into Rilyer's shoulder in anger. Attackattackattack! Bad Benden![/color] she echoed Manners's warning. Rilysk growled, eyes turning molten red. "Shards," Rilyer hissed, whirling around to see the flames on the edge of the Weyrbowl.

Cadisk whined, pressing close against her handler. Cadil's face was pale, eyes wide as he took in the fire. "What's going on?" he asked, his voice coming out shaky.

"Didn't you hear the 'mandyrs? Benden is attacking." For all of his usual bravado and bluster, Rilyer was solemn now. He grabbed the wherling's arm, tugging him in the direction of the Weyr. Their two whers followed. The quartet broke into a run when the other Handlers were in sight. Cadil and Cadisk went to join Whinny and Malara while Rilyer hurried after Meira and Jermayan.

[hseru]

It was difficult for Rozen to see in the gloom, but she concentrated, bringing herself closer to Rozsk, who padded silently by her side. In a moment, she was sharing the Gold’s eyes, still working on the concentration required for the feat. It was still unusual feeling. She couldn’t control where Rozsk’s eyes went, but the wher was quite happy to scout her trail so that Hers wouldn’t trip on something unseen. The goldpair were walking around the Weyr, the girl’s mind full of things they could improve upon. The Nightwatch was almost a constant point for her thoughts to dwell upon, but it faded as they walked, just enjoying the night. Zeek was snoozing on her shoulder, preferring to sleep with Hispet rather than in their apartments alone. He fluttered a bit, the emotions swirling over into her mind like smoke, pleasant for the moment.

The stillness didn’t last for long, it seemed, when suddenly a mental cry went up. It sounded familiar, and as Zeek woke with a start, he flashed her an image of a bronze salamandyr, his friend. “Manners…” She muttered, directing Rozsk’s vision towards the Weyr. She didn’t need the wher’s eyes to see the bright flickering that began to take an outlying building though. She began to jog towards the Weyr, the flickering increasing until their apartments came into view, along with Whisk tearing the throat from a youth, an action echoing the harrowing cry he sent up seconds before. It sent shivers up her spine.

She felt immediate relief when the other weyrlings began running. She knew Whisk hadn’t lost his mind, so these could only be intruders. She reached over to lightly touch the hidden handle of her blade. It’s reassuring weight gave her the temerity to move forward, following their Wherlingmaster as she moved through the haze. Rozen lost the connection to Rozsk as she moved, but the flames gave her enough light so see with for the moment, though it was almost blindingly bright compared to the darkness of before. They finally passed, and followed Manners’ second set of commands, that wherhandlers meet at the weyr. Luckily, Whinny seemed to know where she was going, so Rozen followed her, the gold loping along at an easy pace compared to the girl’s trot. She began to breath a little hard when they finally came across Jermayan, and she felt relieved that he seemed to be taking charge. She surreptitiously touched her blade again, wondering if she should unsheathe it, and finally deciding against that. She might appreciate the surprise it would afford her later on.

She recognized Meira as the healer who’d attended them during Rozsk’s hatching, and was glad to have her present as well. A healer would be handy in these kinds of situations. Some obscure corner of her mind pondered the usefulness of learning the craft herself at some point before it was washed away in the heat of the moment. Benden was attacking. It was time for action. Zeek was fluttering along behind her as she ran, and came to an awkward landing on her shoulder again as she neared the other Wherhandlers. He sent a timid picture of himself and Hispet to Manners, telling him they were on their way.

[topaz]

The bluewherling pair had been strolling along the cliffs for most of the night, after they had both eaten. The sky was dark and cloudy, perfect for practicing their newfound sight-sharing ability. For the most part the surrounding area was darker shades of blue and purple, but on occasion Venusk would turn to look back at His - highlighted with yellows, oranges and reds - and Venus would almost think there was someone in front of them for a moment. It was a strange thing to accommodate herself too, but the new way of seeing was very interesting to the girl, and she used it quite often.

As they walked slowly along on the eastern side of the cliffs, Manners' call went out. Unfortunately, for both wher and handler, the 'mandyr was too unfamiliar and far away for the message to register. But then there was a howl, just barely audible over the rush of the falls nearby. Venusk stopped, and looked towards the Weyr. Neither of them recognized the sound as any one of Venusk's clutchsiblings, but it was definitely a wher. The both of them had stopped now, and were looking curiously in the direction of the enormous trees in the middle of the river that made up Selenitas. Then, rising clearly over the noisy waterfall, was Whisk's vicious howl. That one they knew for sure. Both pairs of eyes darted to find the origin of the call, somewhere on their side of the river.

It was then that they saw the flames. Venus saw through her blue's eyes that one of the buildings upstream had caught on fire! Relesing herself from the whers vision, she looked to the same area; she had to see it with her own eyes. As clear as if she had night vision herself, the flames licked the top of the tree line, clearly visible even from the cliffs. What in Faranth's name was happening?! Then Whisk's second howl sounded. This time it was a call to the wherlings specifically. Then, bolstering the wher, a dragons booming voice echoed through the sky.

Selenitas, be ready for the attack! Benden is here!

Venus had been glued to the spot for the past few minutes, Venusk standing anxiously at her side, but at that call she bolted towards the Weyr. Venusk was naturally faster then His, but he paced her, not wanting to leave her side for a mere moment. He made no sound, but Venus felt his anxiety rising within her, mingled with the distinct hint of fear. After a few minutes, the pair neared the wherhandler apartments and Venus needed no assistance from Venusk to see the damage that was already done. The building seemed ready to collapse, and Venus had a split second thought of running in and rescuing her belongings, but logic quickly won that debate. As they were about to pass the building, Venusk let out an uncharacteristic whine. Venus immediately stopped, and turned to look at what had her wher so distraught. There, next to the quickly burning building, were two bodies. Venus gasped softly, and her eyes widened. She had never seen a dead body before, and certainly wouldn't have seen one in such a bloody condition as that. One had deep scratch marks down his chest, and the other's throat was completely torn apart. Dark brown eyes darted quickly around, searching the trees behind the bodies, expecting for a moment to find the killer hovering nearby. Nothing was there. They were alone. But what could have killed them? A few steps towards the corpses and Venus found that the scratches on the boy's chest were made by a wher; only two claws to each foot. Maybe . . . Whisk? Pulling her from her thoughts, the roof of the wherhandler apartments finally succumb to the flames and fell in on itself, sending a flurry of hot cinders out in all directions. With that, Venusk pushed His with his head towards the arranged meeting place, further upstream. They had to go.

Running once more, the wherlingpair made it to Whinny and Whisk just a few minutes after Rozen an Roszk had arrived. Catching her breath, Venus quickly took stock of those who had arrived. Of their fellow wherlings, only Roivao and Roisk were not present. Venusk butted his head against Venus' thigh, his eyes whirling quick, vivid yellows. Where was his bronze clutchbrother? He hoped he was not hurt. The blue looked forlornly back to the flickering fire that had now consumed the apartments. Venus tried to calm the blue, but she was not very calm herself. Could Roivao and Roisk have still been in there? Trying to control her morbid thoughts, Venus turned back to Whinny, looking for direction.

Suddenly, Neon popped into view from inside Venus' shirt. The tiny 'mandyr had been sleeping soundly, nestled in between herpet's flesh and the belt around the girl's waist. Determined to sleep, the little green had ignored all the jostling and the screeches, but now Venus' heavy breathing was squishing her far too tightly into the inside of the belt. Scrambling up the fabric of Venus' tunic, the green perched herself on the wherling's shoulder looking around, incredibly annoyed. Surveying the entire area, the flickering light to the south caught the 'mandyr's attention for a few moments. That was of no consequence to the green, however, and she then turned her attention to the congregation of humans and whers around her. Away. She stated quite clearly. Away AWAY! She wanted them all to go! She was sleeping. Couldn't they see that? She did not want them around. She ruffled her frill in agitation, staring at them all, fully expecting them to leave at once.

[Rowana]

The words sent a fiery chill into Roivao's heart. Bendan attacking? Here?! Roi's mind became an whirl of confusion between past and present. The last time that call had been heard, he had been at Fort. They had flown out to meet the enemy. That had been the day Iloth died. It was happening again! His worst nightmare was destroying his new home. Roi's mind was in torment. Torn between his training and the horrible memories of that day so long ago.

Bendan is attacking, R'vao-mine!
I know! I heard!
Hurry! We must defend our home!
I'm coming, Iloth! Are you ready?
I am always ready! Let us fly!
And fly well! If we win, I'll let you have that sweet meat from my breakfast.
You better keep that promise!
Then we'd better do our best, hadn't we?

He had never kept that promise. Mere hours later, Iloth had died.

Roisk paced tensely. His wasn't moving and they had to move! This was the time to be standing around in front of the Main Hall. They must reach the Weyr with the others and make sure they all stayed safe. Roisk nudged his handler sharply, but Roi's wide, staring eyes remained fixed on the flames that were once their home. Roisk growled dangerously. He was normally tolerant of Roi's occasional laspes into his past, but they had no time for this. No time to be gently and consoling either. Roisk grabbed Roi's arm in his mouth and bite down.

Roi gave a stifled yelp as the wher broke skin. He turned and stared at him blankly. Then he nodded, his face set with determination. Roisk was right. They had to get moving. The other handlers were likely already on their way. He only hoped no one was left inside. It would be madness to try to rescue them if they were, but that probably wouldn't stop Roisk. Roi felt inside his pocket for the curled, sleeping form of Tiida. He wished he had thought to carry a sword. He was trained with one, though he'd never been very good. Now, however, he missed having it. He would have to make do with the knife he used to cut up Roisk's meals.

Roi kept a hand on Roisk's shoulder as they ran, seeing the world through his eyes so they could move faster. Soon they were catching up with the others. Roisk's eyes couldn't distinguish humans very well, but he knew each wher they saw. Venusk, Rozsk, Cadisk, and Mask; all his fellow wherlings were accounted for. He could just make out Whisk and two other whers, a blue and a brown. The blue belonged to the girl who had patched Roi up after the hatching, and the other was one of the older handlers. Everyone looked unharmed. Roi could feel Roisk relax ever so slightly. It was clear that if anyone had been missing, the bronze would have been the first to run back for them.

Roi tried not to think about the implications of what was happening. If he thought too much, he might find himself lost in another memory. They couldn't afford for him to break down now. Roisk was counting on him and so was the Weyr. The people here had welcomed him when even his original Weyr, Fort, hadn't bothered. He would not let Bendan take this from him. He would not let them take Roisk. Not like they had taken Iloth.

[weaving]

“We’re under attack,” he gasped out to Meira, glad that she’d been the first to make it to him. He refused to slow even as he forced out an explanation between breaths. “We need…to get to the…weyr. Lead the people who can’t fight…away. Abandoned part of the weyr.” He’d gotten the gist of it out, but they wouldn’t really be able to fully plot it out until they’d all gathered together. Hopefully they’d have all of the wherlings there as well as Whinny. He wasn’t hoping for much more than that, but perhaps the attack would urge the others to do something for once.

Slow done. People need catch up. Not want to lose them. The bronze had been clinging to Jermayan’s shoulder as he ran, watching the path behind them for any sign of danger. Thankfully the attackers didn’t seem intent on hunting down the handful of wherhandlers who had managed to escape or not be around the burning of their home. They were probably all focusing on attacking the majority of the weyr now which was all the more reason to hurry and begin getting those who couldn’t fight to safer territory. Still, he listened to Manners and slowed his pace to a halt, waiting for the others to reach him.

He was breathing hard but the urge to flee was still strong enough to overcome any physical protest his body might have made. Now that he had stopped, his hands had begun to shake and he was finding himself a bit weak in the knees. At least the message had been passed to the rest of the weyr. He’d heard Jaxith’s call ring out as he’d been running and a surge of pleasure had caused him to smile despite their impending doom. The wherhandlers weren’t useless after all. For the very first time, they’d done something worth celebrating if they made it out of this mess alive.

As he waited for everyone to reach him, he took the opportunity to catch his breath. He’d need to speak loudly and clearly to get the attention of everyone, especially if they were panicking. As everyone gathered, he made a mental checklist. All five wherlings, check. Whinny, check. Rilyer was there as well, though if the appearance surprised him, he didn’t let it show.

“Everyone,” he began, then realized he needed to raise his voice to be heard. “Everyone! In case you haven’t noticed, Selenitas is under attack!” He paused to let everyone react accordingly, though by now that should have been common knowledge. “The weyr has been alerted and are preparing strongholds as we speak. My plan is to collect the children and lead them to the abandoned part of the weyr, away from any fighting. I’ll need a small group to go with me and I’m asking that you join me only if you can fight. Everyone else should head for either the infirmary or the weyrling barracks, as those have been set up as strongholds for the weyr to defend.” He paused again to let them process the information.

“If you’re not going with me, I suggest that you leave. Now. Everyone else, to the weyr.” He waited for them to disperse before moving, this time keeping the pace to a jog. There was no need to lose them before they’d even reached the weyr and the closer together they were, the more easily they’d be able to defend themselves if someone decided to attack them right now.

[Avu]

Jermayan's response, gasped out as he pelted along the path, drew an almost amused look from the bluehandler, a faint twitch of her lips marking an almost grim amusement. Under attack? Yes, she'd kind of noticed that already, what with Manners screaming it out and Zesa's images of the unfamiliar Riders surrounding the burning Apartments and whatnot. Because, typically, a Rider did not burn down the Weyr's Apartments for fun. She felt Meisk tremble beneath her, terrified, prancing like a flighty runner, and Meira bit her lip nervously, one hand rubbing Meisk's neck soothingly as Zesa twittered down to the blue, as nervous as him, but determined to soothe him nonetheless. The queen's soprano tones abruptly rose in a cry that Meira had almost forgotten -- a call that had been of the old Night Watch. Uu'n's Night Watch. The low chuffing cry of a whersport -- and a howl that was surprisingly feral for the usually sweet-tempered gold, reminiscient of a howler's song. But then, the queen was nothing if not intelligent, and it had not escaped her that her home was burning. Hers was, too, very open when she was anxious, unless she went out of her way to block it, and the panic there was very easily ready by Zesa.

As the brownhandler stopped, Meisk whipped himself around so fast to look behind him that he nearly pitched Meira off of his neck, the girl grabbing the pale wher and clinging determinedly, feeling vaguely like a very insistent bug. The wher shifted, squirming beneath her, his breath coming erratic as he shied away from the other whers that had come up behind them. All five wherlings, accounted for, as well as one of the other wherhandlers from Meisk's clutch -- Rilyer's presence surprised the bluehandler, and she wrinkled her nose thoughtfully at the other 'handler. He hadn't been active much in the Night Watch...but at least he'd managed to somewhat redeem himself by coming out, though...a shiver ran down her spine, and she bit her lip harder. Did that mean he didn't know how to fight...? Not that many of the wherhandlers did, she was willing to bet. Yes, there'd been lessons with M'ta, but there hadn't been time for many...but shells, if he was going to practically suicide by throwing himself in there...

The bitter, metallic taste of blood flooded her mouth, and Meira wiped one hand across her lower lip, hardly noticing or admitting to the tang of blood from where her teeth had completely broken skin, focusing instead on Jermayan. His beginning made her smile wanly, and she gave a low, humorless chuckle that only Meisk and Zesa could possibly hear. No, really? She was pretty sure most of them had already seen the flames...the brownhandler's instructions, though, made her slide off of Meisk's back, taking a step forward, with the blue so close on her heels that she nearly tripped. Her mental touch made him draw back slightly, but he still stayed close, eyes whirling rapidly around the ground, nervousness apparent in the blue's slinking steps. "I'll come," she said, trying her best to keep calm. "And -- Jermayan? We can get Jermaysk and Meisk and the other whers that come to carry them, as many as they can -- it'll make it quicker." Meisk was sturdily built -- perhaps even slightly on the chubby side -- and she was certain the blue could carry quite a few of the children.

Said wher butted nervously against her back, his muzzle pressing into the small of her back, breath warm and nervous as he crooned, one wing unfurling and curving protectively around His. Let the siege begin -- he was determined to make sure His stayed safe, if nothing else.

~*~*~

"Dessk, Dessk -- " Desi's voice was panicked. And why wouldn't it be? The bronzehandler and wher were both still in the Apartments. Flames licked at the walls, melting the candles on his desk, hungrily consuming the furs on his bed and creeping steadily towards him. The bronze wher was no better off, hissing and flaring his wings, snapping in empty defiance at the approaching flames that crackled as it slipped quickly towards him, across the hay that made up the wher's quarters. Never had the metallic brilliance of the bronze's hide been more apparent, but neither Desi nor Dessk was in any place to admire the glow, produced and emphasized by the flames. No way out. Nothing except certain death. Outside of the windows, cold, emotionless eyes watched the bronzehandler grab a cup of water, splashing the liquid over the flames. They sizzled, hissed, and, overtaken by pure panic, the man threw himself for the door, trying to use the momentary recoiling to his advantage even as Dessk screamed. High and shrill, the wher screamed, pain that was not Desi's flashing through the man's body. And then there was his own pain, too, as the fire claimed him.

For a moment, all he could hear was screaming. Not only Dessk's, but his own as well -- but he didn't know, wasn't aware of, screaming. He was only aware of the paralyzing pain, the absolute and total agony that licked at him, consuming him, burning flesh. Not an inch of him was unharmed; the bronzehandler was positively writhing. It was agony beyond agony; the kind of pain that consumes and leaves nothing left except raw, total, animal panic. No coherent thoughts, nothing -- just the pain, the pain that burned, glowed, internal and external, the wher and his handler sharing in the pain.

The darkness was a welcome relief.

[Rowana]

Roivao fought to control his breathing as he caught up with the others. Normally this wouldn't have been enough to tire him, but he hadn't been in the best of health the past two turns. It was starting to catch up with him. His face was grim set as he listened to Jermayan. His plan made sense. Judging from where they had started and what he knew of Bendan, they would go for the most vulnerable targets first before defenses could be mounted. They had to get the children out of there as fast as possible. They, and the weyrlings and candidates, were the most valuable and vulnerable things Bendan could target.

Roisk stood alert by his handler's side. His eyes tracing back to the flames that were once their home. He touched Roi's mind, sharing his thoughts. He wanted to help. To save as many as possible. He also hoped that the other whers had escaped. Could they go back and see if they could find them? Roi shook his head. No, they couldn't risk going back, he relayed to Roisk gently. It was suicide. But they could do what they could to help the others.

Roi turned to Jermayan and Meira and nodded. "I'm trained to fight," he said quietly. It was probably the most he had spoken to another person in some time. "And Roisk is big enough to help carry the children." He did not elaborate. They didn't have time for him to explain about Fort training sessions. All they need to know was that he could fight. He had, in fact, been training to fight Bendan riders most of his life. He only hoped he could still bring himself to draw a blade.

[ladybug]

All of the cheer had drained out of Rilyer's face, leaving nothing but seriousness as he listened to Jermayan's words. Maybe he hadn't been all that active in the Night Watch, but now that the Weyr was truly in danger, he was ready to defend it. "I'm going with you," he said, his voice soft but fierce.

Turning to Meira, he added, "Rilysk can certainly care the children. He's sturdy enough, and I know he can stay calm." As he spoke, he rested a hand on the brown's shoulder, searching for reassurance. Rilysk nuzzled his hand, and his emotions said that he would stay by his handler no matter what. He wouldn't be lazy now.

Cadil was fighting to remain calm as he heard more. Benden really was attacking. This was his worst fear realized. Cadil was extremely, almost irrationally frightened of Benden, but now that they were here, he wasn't going to just back down and go hide in some corner. He couldn't fight, but he could still do something useful. Cadisk whined, picking up on her handler's conflicting emotions. "I'll go to the infirmary or the barracks," he volunteered, looking at the other wherlings to see what they were going to do.

[hseru]

Rozen finally coasted to a stop as Jermayan paused, glancing around to note that all the Wherlings from Rozsk’s clutch had made it out in time. The gold twitched at her side, her head up to rest on the girl’s shoulder for just a moment before her whirling eyes began a steady circuit of the surrounding area, on watch for movement. Zeek fluted lightly, fluttering from her other shoulder to glide over the area. It seemed Rozsk had given the brown something to do, and with the flitter’s advantage in height, he would be able to give them more warning should someone unknown approach.

Rozen’s attention was immediately caught when the brownhandler announced his intent to go in and get the children to safety. She felt herself nodding in agreement before she’d even fully comprehended the plan. Yes, the children needed to be rounded up. All her crèche babies were in as much danger as everyone else. She glanced over at the silent gold figure at her side, eyes whirling with an alert yellow. Rozsk could carry several children in one go. She’d be an asset to the evacuation in more ways than one. Rozen stepped forward, the wher at her side. ‘We’ll go with you Jermayan. I can fight, and Rozsk can help carry the young ones too.” Her determination was evident, and the confidence in that statement undeniable. It seemed she would get a chance to prove herself as a Wherhandler sooner than expected.

She set out after the brownhandler when he began jogging, slipping up onto Rozsk and letting the Gold keep pace with him while she took silent stock of herself versus their situation. The wher already was developing the stamina for the task, and Rozen would likely need all the strength she could muster. Her single blade felt a little inadequate compared to what might lay ahead, and she made a silent promise to herself to gain another after this was all over… if there was an afterwards. As it was, she was deadly with her single knife. She would be able to help as much as Rozsk would.

[topaz]

Venus listened to Jermayan's instructions intently, and watched as everyone chose a group. Could she fight? Not very well. She was never trained to fight, and she reluctantly admitted to herself that Venusk was not up to fighting either. The wher was so quiet and gentle. The bodies at the apartments had shocked the blue, and he had not even been the one to end their lives. While Venus did have her belt knife attached to her hip, she had only ever used it to cut up meat for Venusk. They would go then, to the infirmary. Venus knew only the very basics of healing, but there didn't seem any better place for her and Venusk to be.

"We'll head to the infirmary with you Cadil." She said quickly to the greenhandler. She laid a hand on Venusk's head and comforted the wher for a moment. There would probably be fighting wherever they went in the Weyr, so this night would be most traumatic for the blue at her side. She sent him loving thoughts before she nodded slightly to the boy and turned to jog off towards their destination. Venusk's eyes whirled quickly with agitated oranges and anxious yellows, as he paced himself just in front of His. Turning his slender head around to his green clutchsister, the blue gave a low growling croon. He would not let them come to harm, if he could help it.