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Post by rii on Dec 14, 2009 23:25:46 GMT -5
Please don't do that. It's not broken. I could break it if you want to upset over it.
Trilaranth didn't bother to look up from where he laid. The black claws of his left foreleg were deeply gouged in into one of the wooden posts they had carried out to the fencing that kept the herdbeasts sectioned off from the Weyr and jungle. Casually he removed the sharp digits and instead of giving into the urge to slowly shave off splinters from the wood, he folded one front leg over the other. Only then did he lifted his broad muzzle to meet the patient gaze of his bonded.
R'ven took in a deep breath but held back the sigh that fought to escape his chest. All careful actions he took to keep people from noticing his inner mood – it did nothing to hide the feelings and thoughts from the lounging brown hatching. There would be no secret keeping from him. R'ven glanced at the lying hatching. Lying, not standing, because when he had his limbs folded up next to his body he created the image of a powerful figure. The former smith rubbed at his temple, absently smudging his tanned features with dirt. It would be a while before he grew accustom to the odd mixture of thoughts mingling with his own.
You don't need them all. You don't know that. No, but you know there are too many. So I know there are too many.
R'ven hazel eyes momentarily narrowed and he turned back to his task. A few sections of the fencing had been destroy when a bronze dragon had leaped on herdbeast too close to the barrier. It looked as if the rider of said offender had hastily shoved the wooden posts and boards into just enough working order to keep the herdbeasts from wandering out of the enclosure. Calloused finger readjusted around the hammer. "Maybe I also knew a certain brown would try to destroy one or two of them – don't–"
Trilaranth paused, his jaws open and posed over the wooden post. Amusement rolled over the bond and the brown pulled his head back upright, sharp teeth still visible in a vicious grin. What? He was just going to show how easy it would be to break the post. Why not? You said–
"And you know better. Go do something useful. Go.. scare the herdbeasts or something to keep them from coming over here while I fix this mess." R'ven lightly shook the hammer in Trilaranth's direction in mockery of a threat. The brown merely rolled his long tail across the grass before standing, a pleased blue whirl in his eyes. Scare them? He liked the sound of that. Nudging aside one of the broken panes, Trilaranth moved into the pasture.
"Tril.. "
The brown promptly laid back down, making no effort to hide the audible impact of his body against the ground. His short neck arched back so he could better survey the nearest herdbeast. Fine, he would wait for the beast to be stupid enough to come near them. Oh you bet he stared at it, daring the herdbeast to come closer. It may be bigger than him, but mere size wouldn't be enough against him. Trilaranth was almost tempted to prove that fact.
Shaking his head, R'ven went back to the fencing, hammering in a new pin to keep the posts together against any strain. He would have been done with the entire thing long ago if his day didn't consist of keeping a keen eye on the hatchling. There is no one around. You don't need to prove anything. No, I don't, we've been over this before. Trilaranth wings flared slightly, the amusement clear enough by demeanor. And we're not alone.
Pausing mid-swing, R'ven pulled up enough force so the hammer only tapped lightly against the wood. He lifted his head and scanned the field for anyone nearby.
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Avu
Weyrleader Ce'thian Rider A'emi Handler Sena Harper Matteo Weyrbrat Riaren
Posts: 2,439
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Post by Avu on Dec 15, 2009 16:27:56 GMT -5
I’m /fairly certain/ that eating isn’t the chore, beautiful, but… …but I’m sure that someone can tell you what you’re supposed to be doing. You really needn’t to worry so, MyLove. I’m not – okay, I /am/ worrying, but… But nothing, then.
The young queen twirled effortlessly above the treeline and then, as her body swung around again, Jingth dove downwards into the Feeding Grounds. Her eyes narrowed, focusing on a target; her tail swung around to snap at the herdbeast Trilaranth had been watching in an effort to drive it towards the young brown before her claws extended, piercing the hide of a fat buck, and her weight and momentum carried them both into a slithering stop. Smugly, Jingth lowered her head to break the bawling creature’s spine, tail coiling around her haunches before she turned to look back at Trilaranth curiously. The brown was a young one; that much was obvious. The…only one…in Millieth’s clutch, was he not? Still, Jingth didn’t know his name. Yet. She intended to find out, though; he was part of the Weyr and therefore one of her slaves. Her fans. Her eyes flickered green at the thought before she curled around her meal, crooning pleasantly at Trilaranth and His. MyLove, there are others here. The brown and His from Millieth’s clutch. I do believe they’re doing chores too…
Jingth flicked out her tongue, catching the ruby-red blood as it smeared across her muzzle before she turned to look at Trilaranth. Hello, the gold said, pleasantly, to the brown; her head tilted slightly. Did you need help catching lunch? She could have pointed out that her Rider was coming. She could have but Jingth didn’t see the necessity; they’d notice Hers in due time anyway and if her presence didn’t as good as state it, she didn’t know how much blunter she had to be. Jingth rarely caught for herself if she could avoid it; she liked having Hers there, with her, while she fed and since Meira always had to be at the Infirmary or tending to Riaren Jingth had fallen into the habit of convincing other dragons to hunt for her. Which worked ridiculously well.
Her gaze gave it away, though, sliding past Trilaranth towards the Weyr where Meira was making her way across the ground. Mimic had gone off to find Doppelganger; Riaren dropped off with R’wign; Jingth had convinced her to do her chores somewhere other than the Infirmary for a change and the gold had managed to make the Feeding Grounds sound like a good idea. The sight of R’ven holding a hammer and fixing the fence, though, made her wince inwardly; that was not something Meira was good at. It wasn’t that she was exactly terribly weak, but she wasn’t exceptionally strong either. There was a reason she tended to work in the Infirmary over rushing haphazardly from one place to another on Chores. Meira had expected ‘Feeding Ground’ chores to be – making sure none of the herdbeasts were injured, taking tallies, getting pregnant cows somewhere safe where a dragon couldn’t accidentally turn it into lunch.
R’ven was offered a hesitant smile, the weyrlingrider stopping a few feet away from him before she tilted her head and spoke. “Excuse me…um, the chores for the herdbeast pens, is that strictly fixing the fences, do you know…?” Because, yeah. She doubted she’d be any good trying to fix fences…
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Post by rii on Dec 18, 2009 17:14:13 GMT -5
Trilaranth's eyes slitted in a highly pleased fashion as the passing dragon caused the herdbeast to spook. In an instant the brown widened his stance. Black claws dug into the soil to brace his solid form. He lowered his head parallel with the ground with his maw partially agape, sharp teeth flashing in anticipation. Just a little closer. Trilaranth's tail lashed across the ground and–
You ate already.
The interceding and pointedly discouraging thought caused Trilaranth to break from his position too soon. Trilaranth's eagerness alerted the running beast and it veered off to the side with the brown's claws raking along the flank and leaving bloodied lines – not enough to hinder it's motions and it ran, in a full panic, at the broken fence...
R'ven jumped slightly at the sound of Meira's voice. He had been a little too transfixed with the sudden appearance of Jingth. The look he gave her was decidedly owlish, complete with a few blinks of momentary confusion. Chores? Hazel eyes glanced at the hammer in his hands. Yes, he supposed what he was doing could counted as that – really the former smith had just come down to the grounds to fix the fence just because... it needed to be done.
"I don't – " Whatever R'ven had been about to say was interrupted by a loud crack of a wooden board under the hooves of the frantic beast. One of the formerly broken posts splintering and spinning at the two weyrlings as the creature pressed on, stumbling a moment before taking off toward the trees.
R'ven brushed the wood splinters off his arms while looking back at Meira to make sure she was alright. Next he sent a scolding gaze out toward the fawn colored brown (of who was curious why his bonded was upset. He hadn't killed the thing and that's what His had wanted). With a small sigh, R'ven offered an lopsided smile to the gold weyrling. Sheepishly a hand had crept up to rub at the back of his neck. "I guess.. rounding up any stranglers counts too.. ?"
Trilaranth looked a moment longer at R'ven, assuring himself that his was undamaged from the close encounter with the beast. Hello. The brown returned the greeting nonchalantly, spinning around and arching his wings slightly as he regarded the young queen. Not my lunch, no. He stepped closer, moving around to inspect her kill out of simple curiosity. It had been a swift kill – and she had been polite enough so he didn't think she'd mind if he took a closer look. Just scaring them away.
Of course he didn't make mention that he was suppose to keep them away from the broken fence – obviously failing to do that particular task. So, arrogant as he was, Trilaranth feigned ignorance. What was one lost herdbeast? It was just one. There were so many more inside the pen than out.
He suddenly leaped forward, crouching low on all fours in a playful pose as his eyes whirled with blues as he watched one of the herdbeasts that had began to wander back in their direction after the initial scare. It looks fun - what you did.
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Avu
Weyrleader Ce'thian Rider A'emi Handler Sena Harper Matteo Weyrbrat Riaren
Posts: 2,439
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Post by Avu on Dec 18, 2009 23:07:20 GMT -5
Oh, he’d missed it. A pity. Both of Jingth’s eyes blinked closed; greens and blues of amusement whirled within them. She’d forgotten her own clumsiness when she’d first learned to hunt, and didn’t care to remember, either – but Meira did; the gold had been so frustrated by her inability to catch the blundering, awkward creatures (she’d been worse than Trilaranth when she’d begun, after all) that she’d ended up roping a gullible young green into hunting for her. Which had proved such a lovely idea that Jingth had done it more and more often, much to her Rider’s despair, but she had learned to hunt on her own. The gold didn’t critique the younger creature, though; her eyes followed the wounded and likely terrified herdbeast as it blundered towards Trilaranth’s and Hers, the faintest tendril of gray sliding through her gaze. It wasn’t R’ven she was worried about – at all; it was Meira. She didn’t want Hers hurt at all be it by falling or by herdbeast. At least Trilaranth’s could possibly be a good meat shield…
‘Meat shield’ was not exactly what Meira was thinking, though; for a moment she froze and then she jumped backwards automatically. Her hands came up to cover her mouth, eyes widening in a mixture of horror and apology. That one leap had taken her far back enough to avoid any chance of being hurt be it by snapping wood or by herdbeast and the laugh that came as a response to R’ven’s comment was clearly startled. “I – um. I guess so. Should the fence be fixed first…?” she suggested weakly, gesturing towards it; the last thing they needed was the entire herd deciding that they, too, ought to wander off and get lost. Unless R’ven happened to be exceptionally good at tracking (because she certainly didn’t know how to), chances were they’d just loose that one, anyway.
Oh? Jingth’s amused comment was followed by a croon before the gold turned to look over at Hers; both wings flared, teeth clamping around the neck of her kill, and the dragon half-leapt and half-glided neatly to settle directly in front of the broken fence. Her wings fluttered, closed; her eyes narrowed in a lazy show of playfulness at Trilaranth; her glide had taken her in a gentle sweeping curve around the brown. R’ven she didn’t spare a glance for, but her flopping ungracefully onto the ground made the message clear: No herdbeast was about to get through this stretch of fence while she was lying here gnawing on one of their dead. Now that she was sure Hers was fine for time being, her gaze had returned to the pleasant greens and blues. It is fun. Flying is fun. she agreed simply to Trilaranth’s comment. Her head tilted to regard the herdbeasts for a moment. Once you can fly, I could show you how if you’d like. Though I’m sure you could figure it out on your own as well…
“Jingth won’t move,” Meira commented quietly, nodding at the gold, who brushed against her mind mentally, loving. “I mean, I could go by myself but I don’t…really know how to get the herdbeast back once – if,” she corrected herself, crinkling her nose, “I do find it.” The statement was not entirely true; she could always just call Jingth to kill it and leave it. But should it be in the jungle, the gold could hardly fit between the trees. Though…she was loathe to go into the jungle; the last time she had even though Jingth had been with her at the time, a certain brownrider had made his disapproval very clear and she still remembered it very, very clearly. “Oh. ‘m Meira, by the way. And – yeah, Jingth. Sorry…” About Jingth assisting in the herdbeast’s escape. About forgetting to introduce herself. About startling him when she’d first spoken, as had been clear by his expression. Take a pick; any would do.
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Post by rii on Dec 19, 2009 16:32:42 GMT -5
Her laughter, startled as it may be, was a good sign to R'ven. At least she wasn't scolding him for one reason or another concerning the behavior of his brown. There was a certain stereotype that R'ven expected upon encountering a gold rider – after all, in the hierarchy they were at the top with bronzes just below. R'ven had met a couple of bronzers and his opinion of them wasn't exactly positive. So her apology and the slight embarrassed stumble over words surprised him – especially when mixed with the impression Trilaranth was getting from Jingth. Nice to know that he might not be the only one feeling at the opposite end of the pool from his dragon (of course it was still the same pool so there were bound to be similarities).
He didn't know, but R'ven could hope for the best. Such the person he was, accepting people with the truth or masks they decided to show him. "Oh – yeah – " Of course it had to be blocked off. Rulven pivoted toward the mess, only to have Jingth act as a living barrier. Chuckling good-natured at her, "Thanks." He bespoke the gold, even though the majority of her back was turned to him. R'ven couldn't be rude unless given a good reason – and even then he attempted to be more civil than outright mean.
Shrugging, R'ven directed a smile toward Meira while extending an arm toward Jingth. "I guess that takes care of that problem." For now, anyway. The hammer was tossed down next the posts and R'ven brushed a few more traces of wood from his pants. Despite Meira not saying it, he the got the impression she didn't want to go after the herdbeast alone. He didn't blame her considering all the disappearances. He himself had warned others about wandering off into the jungle. Besides, he wouldn't have let Meira go off alone as long as he could prevent it. Knowing her or not, Rulven acted in that same protective nature toward everyone (especially females).
"Makes me wish I had a flitter," R'ven grunted with a twist of an amused smile on his lips. "Would be nice if it could nab a redfruit from the kitchens so we could try and coax it back toward the pen using that." Because all animals responded well to food, right? "I have to wonder though, what is better, letting it roam off free to be eaten by a feline or pack of canines.. or herd it back into the pen to be eaten by a dragon."
He waved off her apology. "Nothing to be sorry for. I'm Rulven – " he let out a sharp exhale before correcting himself. "–R'ven. That's Trilaranth. C'mon." The brown weyrling gesture with his head, taking a step and waiting for Meira to join him before continuing. "Maybe we can catch up to it before it gets too far."
Trilaranth lifted his head a bit, turning it to watch Jingth glide past. If she was attempting to show off, he didn't acknowledge it. She was much older and bigger than him, so it would be silly to think he could compete with her experience. He didn't have the developed flight muscles to even attempt such a graceful move (truth be told he had a hard enough time on just his feet, a reason why he had not tried to chase the herdbeast down. Falling flat on his face wouldn't of helped matters).
I'd like that. He eagerly accepted Jingth's offer. Why not? Everyone had to learn at some point. Trilaranth was sure he would be able to master the techniques quickly enough – then he would be the one doing the showing off. Slowly Trilaranth had been moving across the ground. His bulky build didn't allow him to be stealthy, but he neared Jingth and her buck. With a final pounce he landed near her and swatted a claw at the snout of the dead beast. If there was a rule about not playing with the food of other dragons, Trilaranth certainly didn't know of it.
Not very smart, are they. He mused about the feeder animals. His claws plucked more curiously at the tender flesh. I could have taken that other one down, but I only meant to scare it. And he had done that rather well, so he smugly thought. Mine didn't want me to kill it. I don't see why not.
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Avu
Weyrleader Ce'thian Rider A'emi Handler Sena Harper Matteo Weyrbrat Riaren
Posts: 2,439
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Post by Avu on Dec 20, 2009 0:32:36 GMT -5
“She says it’s nothing.” The comment was automatic as Jingth deigned to turn at R’ven’s words to her and croon pleasantly at the man, and Meira could feel the youngest queen’s thoughts without words. Just because this person, this brownrider, was not special to her did not mean that she would ignore him entirely, especially if he spoke to her first – she was not cold enough to ignore her servants. And yes, that was exactly how she classified R’ven, much as it made Meira cringe inwardly; a servant. Not one of her slaves, just a servant that would do her bidding, would admire her. The weyrlingrider wasn’t stupid enough to tell R’ven her dragon’s opinion of him, though. She smiled tentatively at the brownrider. His question of – what, morals? – made her shrug. She didn’t answer verbally though; Meira didn’t know the answer and it wasn’t like she had a firelizard either – not anymore. But it seemed kind of cruel; certain, quick death one way, possible long, painful, and terrifying death the other. Poor herdbeast.
A bob of her head at his introduction before, obediently, Meira fell into step beside him, glancing back at Jingth and Trilaranth nervously. The gold looked more or less completely busy with her lunch and with the younger brown, but the mental brush against her mind assured her that Jingth was paying acute attention to Hers and to Trilaranth’s.
“Herdbeasts – can’t move very quickly, can they?” she murmured hopefully, mostly to break the silence; the path where the injured creature had blundered through the undergrowth, snapping off twigs and trampling small bushes and grass and leaving branches dangling pitifully, spoke for itself. “I mean, if we haven’t got a chance of catching up I don’t – there really isn’t any point in trying, is there…?” The smell of blood would just attract a predator of some kind and Meira didn’t want to be anywhere near felines or a pack of wild canines. Or whatever was making people vanish, though she somewhat doubted whether or not there was blood would affect that. Both arms had risen to cross absently across her lower torso, gaze dropping to skim the ground just beneath her feet. It wasn’t really necessary; the area around the feeding pens had been worn by the feet of humans and dragons alike – but it was more comfortable to study the ground than to look at R’ven for her; it was difficult not to just fall back on Jingth for support.
A low, amused croon from the gold; her tail twitched as she sprawled onto her belly. Elegance, thy name was not Jingth; the way in which she’d stretched herself out was hardly formal. So he’d like to learn, did Trilaranth? Her eyes lidded lazily, pleased by the young brown’s response; the pounce Trilaranth made had Jingth drawing her nose back out of his way, claws raking lightly across the dead buck’s flank. The female’s gaze spun in shades of green – it wasn’t that she particularly liked hatchlings, because she didn’t. At least, not specifically; she only really liked Riaren in terms of babies but she hadn’t anything against others. It would be nice to have a pet hatchling. That Trilaranth was brown was even nicer; Jingth liked browns. They made lovely slaves; surely this one could make a nice pet as well?
Humans /do/ tend to be quite silly, she agreed pleasantly, leaning down to nudge at the limp body pinned beneath her claws. MyLove will not let me eat the runners that are kept in the stables either. Useful, she says they are, though to what use I have yet to learn. Yes, she’d keep this one as a pet and see what his other siblings were like, preferably before Weith did – Weith would corrupt them. Would you like to share? she added, more generously, tilting her head to watch Trilaranth play with her lunch. But she could always catch another. Her claws shifted, pushing the dead buck towards the young brown. Ours may be awhile, I’m afraid. Scared it, he had – badly enough for the idiotic creature to keep running for quite some time, in all likelihood. They were stupid that way.
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Post by rii on Dec 20, 2009 15:12:05 GMT -5
It was R'ven's turn to shrug, and he did lightly at her question. He wasn't a beast handler. Liked animals well enough, but if he had to answer her question it would be a simple fact that the herdbeast was faster than the both of them. Considering her next words, R'ven estimated such an answer wouldn't have helped – ease her mind?
"It will slow down eventually." Or trip on the jungle's growth and break a leg. In hindsight Trilaranth was right. It was only one herdbeast, not a real loss in the grand scheme of things. Still, before they ventured to far down the obvious waking trail, R'ven paused to turn to the gold weyrling. He quietly viewed her downcast expression before giving another lofty shrug; purposely calm with intentions of influencing Meira to be the same. "It's principle. I'm partially responsible for the herdbeast escaping so I feel it's right to at least try and return it to the pen."
A smile appeared, and R'ven absently rubbed the side of his nose – one of his subtle tells that he found something amusing. "Likely it will be more trouble than it's worth, and either way the herdbeast is a meal for someone or something. But, I guess, chores were never meant to be easy." More of a way to teach discipline and responsibility – traits that R'ven often found lacking in the other individuals. Albeit, he honestly didn't care one way or another. The smile grew for a brief moment. "You could think of it as a nice walk to stretch the legs?"
Trilaranth didn't know what a runner was, but he wasn't too concerned at the moment. The herdbeast, despite being dead, was far more interesting. Mine has a small furred one. This too seems to have no use, but he insist it serves some sort of purpose. Do all humans keep such useless things?
Clamping down one of the buck's ears, Trilaranth gave it a good tug to lift the beast's head. It was surprisingly heavy. Not too much for him, but he still acknowledge the weight. Trilaranth may be strong and large in comparison to his clutchsiblings but his small size in the large picture made his age obvious. His eyes whirled thoughtfully in greens at Jingth's offer. He had already ate, but he felt he could devour a great deal more, but – No thank you, The manners already a learned habit from his. If I eat any more Mine says my hide will crack.
Still, she had pushed the buck near him and Trilaranth felt the need to bite at the maned ridge of it's neck. His teeth sank easily into the soft flesh and locked around the neck's vertebrates. Bracing his legs against the ground he pulled back with his neck – managing to dislodge the dead weight and drag it a couple feet before he lost his foot holds and slipped. With an audible thud he dropped the beast and himself to the grass. Hmph.
With a disdainful flick of his tail, Trilaranth rose and padded away; apparently through with attacking Jingth's meal. He laid out near the gold, folding one claw over the other and stretching his tail long across the ground. With head set on his legs he watched the gold with interest. You're afraid? Cue misunderstanding of the phrase. Yours is with Mine, and Mine is big and strong.[/i] Just like himself. Yours is very safe. You don't need to be afraid.
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Avu
Weyrleader Ce'thian Rider A'emi Handler Sena Harper Matteo Weyrbrat Riaren
Posts: 2,439
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Post by Avu on Dec 21, 2009 13:39:36 GMT -5
Oh, this would be fun. Meira actually didn’t mind tracking down a runaway herdbeast as long as it didn’t require going into the jungle; the thick trees were somewhat unnerving. Unfortunately, given that the jungles spanned quite a distance, it seemed inevitable that the injured herdbeast would seek cover in the trees. And…so it did, the path of trampled bushes and undergrowth veering off haphazardly into the jungle. Biting back a sigh, Meira tilted her head, squinting hopefully. Yes, it would slow down eventually but how long was eventually…? She still had her Infirmary shift to get back to as well as these chores…R’ven speaking again made her look up at the junior weyrlingrider, before she nodded, crinkling her nose slightly. If Jingth hadn’t decided it was a good idea to send the herdbeast fleeing, they would have been so much better off…better still if she’d just stayed in the Infirmary for her chores. Nothing wrong with that, was there…?
A slight laugh, though, escaped her at the idea of a simple walk. “I guess so,” she agreed, smiling reluctantly. One last glance back towards the Feeding Pen before the trees blocked it from sight; the glimpse of Jingth was more reassuring than anything anyone could have said. Turning around again, she ducked beneath a hanging vine, twisting to lift it up for R’ven automatically. Not that she was really tall enough, but it was still an attempt. Her hand dropped after a moment, gaze flickering nervously around the jungle. The one good thing about the herdbeast was that it had cleared a very easy-to-follow path, complete with large hoof-prints to mark his trail. Understandably, given the disturbance, the darters seemed to have fallen silent – silent enough that the faintest rustle was very much audible. And rustles, there were.
Meira tilted her head nervously to glance back at R’ven before she inquired softly, “Um – you wouldn’t happen to carry a knife or anything, would you…? Just in case?” Couldn’t hurt to ask; she personally didn’t carry one – namely because she rarely came out here.
Small…furred one. Feline? Canine? MyLove has a feline, the gold offered, leaning forward to finally take a bite of her meal before the brown could drag it too far away from her. Teeth clicked shut around the tender stomach, tearing to get to the still-warm entrails. Her tongue flicked out to lick at the blood that soaked the grass, the bright red on her muzzle going unnoticed. And a Salamandyr. The latter is my slave; the former stays in the Infirmary most of the time. So I expect it’s a normal human quirk, though she didn’t intend to Impress one of the worms. At least it was a nice, obedient worm that didn’t seem to mind doing everything Jingth asked him to. A low croon in response to his declining of the meal, Jingth leaning forward to continue eating. The gold gave an awkward little squirm forward on her belly to get closer to the buck, nudging her muzzle into the hollow formed by the herdbeast’s ribs – the best part, it was.
Oh. Not afraid like that, but thank you; that /does/ make me feel better. Jingth’s eyes whirled in amusement, the young dragon rumbling through a mouthful of blood-soaked meat; a flick of her head tossed the strips of meat upwards so she could swallow. Her tongue darted out to lick her muzzle clean of the blood. I am sure Yours is quite capable of protecting MyLove. As he should. She doesn’t like the jungle very much and there’s not enough room for me to follow her. And yes, Jingth was slightly anxious – but only because Meira was. She would have loved to squeeze into the jungle but she wasn’t stupid; she knew she couldn’t and had no intentions of getting stuck between two trees. So undignified. There are wild furry things in there; more dangerous than useless pets.
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Post by rii on Dec 22, 2009 16:03:47 GMT -5
A few of Jingth's words were new to him – salamandyr, slave, worm in particular. Such thoughts had never entered the mind of His, so of course Trilaranth had never pondered over such things. He tilted his head over claws while subconsciously prodding through his bonded's memory for clarification. As the images and rather disdainful thoughts revealed the meanings, Trilaranth gave a slight flutter of his wings. Salamandyrs seem too small to be of any use. And His thought they were highly annoying – what use was that? And so minuscule, like a pesky gnat buzzing near the ear.
With an amused whirl of eyes, Trilaranth rose back onto his feet and pushed out through the broken fence. But there is enough room for me.[/i] Trilaranth set out at a brisk pace toward the trees. In truth, Trilaranth had complete confidence in His to take care of any trouble. But if there were wild furry things in there; dangerous ones. It wouldn't due to let His get hurt..
..and His won't mind if he killed those things.
R'ven began to associate her nose crinkling to distasteful thoughts she didn't care to voice. Her continuous quiet demeanor almost had him curious enough to inquire, but with a mental shrug he continued on. A smile on his features as he laid a hand on the vine she moved partially out of his way, helping it along as he passed. Quiet and polite, a hint of amusement crossed R'ven features at that; considering he could feel Trilaranth quietly asking about the meaning of the word slave.
"No." Perhaps he should had brought something in the form of a weapon, but he doubted they would encounter trouble so close Weyr. Perhaps a naive thought since there had been a recent attack. Yet that had been at night and this was the middle of the day and they weren't going that far. The fact of the matter was R'ven didn't like weapons, thus his lack thereof. "We won't spend too much time looking for it." He quietly assured. "If we don't find it, I'm sure out of conditioned behavior it will wander back on it's own. Domestic animals seem to prefer something familiar as much as people do."
Rustling, yes, there was plenty of that – and part of that was currently growing louder as it neared. Four legs, heavy too. R'ven narrowed his eyes, laying his hand lightly against Meira's shoulder "Don't –"
Too late, Trilaranth burst through undergrowth and onto the path in front of them, teeth flashing in a snickering version of a smile. "–be alarmed." R'ven sighed. Trilaranth paid them little mind, turning his muzzle aside to sniff at a fern stem smeared with the herdbeast's blood.
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Avu
Weyrleader Ce'thian Rider A'emi Handler Sena Harper Matteo Weyrbrat Riaren
Posts: 2,439
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Post by Avu on Dec 23, 2009 1:00:44 GMT -5
She would have said that she was going to find a use for them, but Jingth hadn’t yet. It was disappointing and somewhat frustrating, that she and her bronzeslave, Kierjaarth, had yet to figure out what they could make Mimic and Doppelganger do for them, but they hadn’t. Possibly because Theirs had had the fortune or misfortune to Impress the two Salamandyrs on Pern that hadn’t a single cruel bone in their bodies. Even Doppelganger, who liked to hoard things, as far as Jingth knew, didn’t actively attempt to steal from people. Ahth called his a spy (and Jingth only knew it because oh, the blue had irritated her so and she remembered that very distinctly), she knew others used theirs as spies (or they just were for their own enjoyment) but she couldn’t figure out how she was supposed to use Mimic. Ah, tragedy.
The young brown’s words made her head tilt, curious, before she crooned, approving. Good little pet. Oh, she was so pleased she’d gotten to this one before her irritant of a clutchsibling did. Her gaze followed Trilaranth as the brown vanished into the trees after Theirs and her tail switched from side to side, visibly agitated for the first time before she relaxed and snapped at her meal again. Jingth intended to take out her upset on her meal and did just that. Trilaranth being there made her feel better, but it would be best if she could be there; vain Jingth may be, but she made no secret of her adoration for Hers. Her claws raked along the sides of the herdbeast, the young queen snapping at the meat strips – the picture of contentment.
No. Oh. Meira blinked, but his reassurance drew a nod from her. Yes, she was nervous and no, there probably wasn’t any reason for it, but she still was. Paranoia had a tendency of being contagious, and since the disappearances, far from ceasing, had continued at an alarmingly steady rate, surely it was fair to be nervous. Not nervous enough to carry any weapon around with her, though. The Infirmary typically had plenty, though they were intended more for Healing (go figure) than fighting, and that was where she spent most of her time. And – and rustling. Instinct said to run. Instead, the weyrlingrider stopped, tilting her head to listen. Only one direction, but so…so noisy. Felines weren’t that noisy. Canines weren’t that noisy. She doubted the one responsible for disappearances was so noisy. So –
MyLove? Alarm painted the dragon’s voice, but she had time only for that word before Meira glanced at R’ven – and then stiffened in shock; her breath caught in her throat for a moment before she relaxed again, blinking at Trilaranth with some bemusement. She’d thought that the brown had remained behind with Jingth; apparently not. But she did feel safer with a dragon around. Meira? Jingth persisted, though the sharp spike of alarm had since faded. The silent, wordless reassurance she received calmed the dragon, at least, and Meira turned to shoot an apologetic glance at R’ven.
“Sorry I’m so…completely jumpy.” The words were accompanied by a slightly flustered laugh; one hand came up to run through her hair, embarrassed. “It’s just that I’ve always been told – jungle’s dangerous, stay away, so…” Her gaze flicked back to Trilaranth as she shrugged; a wry smile crossed her face. “I’m not normally so nervous. I hope.”
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Post by rii on Dec 24, 2009 14:35:14 GMT -5
I would appreciate it if you didn't scare her.
Trilaranth turned his head away from the blood to observe the humans – his looking so sternly at him and the fawn brown couldn't fanthom why. It wasn't his fault she had been frightened, because that had not been his intention so it would be silly to be apologetic over it. He padded up to the pair, rumbling contently to himself as he circled tightly around Meira. He half sat, back haunches going low as his long tail remained curled about her legs. With a pleasant whirl in his eyes, amusement, he rubbed the side of his head against the girl's waist. Couldn't the female see, she was with him and his, both powerful beings. I can smell this one's fear. She is a small thing – is that why you feel the need to protect her?
More or less. R'ven reply was gruff even in his thoughts as he narrowly eyed the hatchling from over Meira's shoulder. "Well.." The expression shifted back into his former calm demeanor. "I hope you don't mind," The words carried a touch of amusement as he stepped aside and gestured to Trilaranth. "Apparently he feels the need to be.. comforting. He doesn't seem to know any boundaries – yet."
Her blush only brought out a smile, and her nervous gesture had an endearing quality – perhaps because it was the most emotion he had seen out of her (the quiet nervousness of a mouse he didn't really count). "We can go back, if you want." R'ven ignored the arguement from Trilaranth; the brown wanted to go searching for trouble. "I don't want you to get in any sort of trouble.." ..With whoever was telling her stay away. They did live in the middle of it all, a little wandering wouldn't do any harm, would it?
Jingth, the brown uncurled his tail from Meira to avoid toppling the frail thing over those awkward two legs. Yours is very jumpy. Mine is trying to make her be calm so they can continue looking for the stupid beast. Is there a way to make her at ease? Because they wouldn't be able to get very far when his was being too concerned over this one's nerves. Trilaranth butted his head lightly against the back of Meira's thigh in attempt to spur her to continue on the path. He would be disappointed if he didn't get the chance to sink his claws into something.
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Avu
Weyrleader Ce'thian Rider A'emi Handler Sena Harper Matteo Weyrbrat Riaren
Posts: 2,439
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Post by Avu on Dec 24, 2009 23:52:52 GMT -5
– dragon. Meira blinked, surprise clear in her eyes as Trilaranth wound around her before a tentative smile crossed her face, head tilting to look down at the brown. “Hello,” she said softly as the dragon’s head rubbed against her waist in a motion she could only think was intended to be comforting – and it was. Physical contact from a dragon, even one that wasn’t entirely familiar with her, was very much reassuring. It always had been. One hand hesitated, and then brushed gently across Trilaranth’s neck, though whether her gesture was out of gratefulness or simply because she was surprised was unclear. Still, she did relax visibly. Having a dragon there was extremely reassuring – actually, having any draconic creature there, be it Mimic or a firelizard, would have been reassuring, but a dragon was probably best.
“Oh – I don’t, at all.” The words were an instantaneous assurance, accompanied by a quick smile; Meira bowed her head slightly to look down at Trilaranth. Part of her wanted to hug the brown, but she doubted he’d appreciate that very much. The offer to go back, too – it was appealing, but she still hesitated. Not for her own sake; she’d be more than happy to go back, but for R’ven and Trilaranth’s. Not quite fair to them, was it? It wouldn’t be safe for one person to go alone, dragon or not, so…“Umm. I don’t mind going on…” Nudge at her thigh; Meira blinked and looked down at Trilaranth. “He doesn’t seem to want to go back, anyway, so…” A shrug.
MyLove is calmer now. the gold responded. Her claws tickled against the sides of the herdbeast that lay, half-eaten, and her tail gave a slight flip. She just doesn’t like being in the jungle without a weapon of some sort or a dragon. It’s better; you’re there. Was there a hint of flattery in that statement? Perhaps, but Jingth spoke very matter-of-factly. You are very eager to continue? she added, amusement slipping into the queen’s tone; she was very much aware of his attempts at reassuring Hers and they made Jingth happy. He was behaving as a good pet should. In the Feeding Pen, she paused to snap warningly at a herdbeast who had ventured too near to the gap in the fence, sending it scurrying backwards, before she brushed against Meira’s mind, comforting.
Knowing that Jingth was bespeaking Trilaranth, about her, made her cheeks redden, half-wondering if the gold’s words were being passed to R’ven as well. Meira exhaled, and then, obedient to Trilaranth’s nudge, moved forward along what passed for a trail. Sooner they found the herdbeast, the sooner they got back, anyway. If you want me to get another dragon to fly over and see if they can spot the herdbeast…? Jingth suggested idly. I’ll do it myself if someone else takes my spot as temporary fence.
Meira considered for a moment before she turned to look at Trilaranth and R’ven. “Jingth suggested we get another dragon to fly over the jungle – or take her spot on the fence so she can – and see if they can locate how far out the herdbeast is…would that work?”
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Post by rii on Dec 27, 2009 20:29:20 GMT -5
R'ven ignored the smug satisfaction from the brown as Meira gave the go-ahead to continue on their jungle excursion. Trilaranth had other motives in mind, and none of them were pure or involve being present to ease Meira's nerves. But, the smith wasn't going to point this out when clearly the brown's actions had that particular side-effect. "I guess it's decided then."
He followed after the older weyrling, not at all surprised when Trilaranth brushed past the both of them to head the trail. His snout sniffing at fleeing tracks and tongue flicking over the blood left on various pieces of vegetation. Very content, was he, to be hunting down the runaway herdbeast. Such a chore and irritation on those claiming responsibility for it's actions. Someone should punish it for simply being an annoyance.
I am, Jingth. Trilaranth admitted while looking back to check on the humans. Someone needs to take care of such pests, after all. I don't mind. Not out of any feeling of responsibility for the escaped beast. No, Trilaranth wanted that excuse to try the move he had seen the gold use – snapping the spine. Because it did look fun.
"I guess that would—" Would getting another dragon to do something make them a slave? I wouldn't use that term.. But she is a queen so they have to listen, don't they? I suppose.. to a certain extent.. What extent?
R'ven blinked, noticing he had come to a stop when Trilaranth had begun his assault of curious questions. He caught back up in a few long strides and started where he left off, trying to dissuade Trilaranth from pursuing the topic. "If she could ask another dragon," He began anew, purposely changing the wording so it wouldn't sound as if Jingth was making another dragon do the task. "I think that would help."
A snap of branch up ahead, R'ven came to a halt but Trilaranth powered on. "Tril–" The brown took one more leap before crouching low against the ground. Growling as his head brush the decaying growth of the forest floor. He could smell the beast up ahead; hearing it idling about in the unfamiliar jungle ahead. R'ven, carefully keeping his temper at the nearly unruly brown out of his tone, lowered his voice to a whisper. "I think he senses something up ahead.."
Although the smith couldn't really tell what it was. Hoping it was the herdbeast, but considering Trilaranth's eagerness to have an encounter with anything furred broaded the possibilities. Eases past Meira, R'ven began moving closer to the sound – Trilaranth in the lead in a mixture of eagerness and protectiveness over his (sure His was big and strong, in human standards, but still a flesh bag).
A different growl, from ahead. A flash of fur and small shape of – R'ven's eyes narrowed – canine. Kill it. Trilaranth didn't hesitate, snapping forward to overpower the stubborn beast. As the brown stripped a piece of flesh from the warm body, R'ven eased back – eyes scanning the dense foliage. Didn't those things usually roam in packs? Probably attracted to the noise and smell of blood. It probably was a good idea to go back.
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Avu
Weyrleader Ce'thian Rider A'emi Handler Sena Harper Matteo Weyrbrat Riaren
Posts: 2,439
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Post by Avu on Dec 28, 2009 20:24:24 GMT -5
As long as you don’t get hurt. The words were mild, but Jingth meant them nonetheless. She’d never had a pet before. Mimic wasn’t; he was her slave too. Therefore, she would be most upset if her pet was hurt when she’d owned him not even a full candlemark. Such a shame, that would be. Her wings fluttered quietly before she crooned to herself, the sound decidedly agitated as opposed to happy like most crooning was – it was almost a curious fluting. Meira’s mind brushed against hers, encouraging, in an affirmative to the suggestion, and Jingth stretched out, rolling to her feet. The half-eaten carcass was dropped from her jaws, wings flaring, as she debated internally. Just which of her slaves should she call…?
He’d stopped. Meira blinked awkwardly, half-turning to look back at R’ven as he stopped, not only walking but also mid-sentence. Er…should she say something…? Her gaze flicked from R’ven to Trilaranth, brow furrowing in slight anxiety, and Meira bit her lip, squirming slightly before he seemed to snap out of it and she nodded quietly, reaching for Jingth’s mind. Could you, please…? The gold gave no reply, and Meira started to nod before the audible crack of a branch ahead made her freeze instinctively, pale gray-blue eyes seeking out the cause of the sound automatically. Had it been Trilaranth…? The herdbeast? She knew the latter was perhaps a bit too fortunate to consider, but –
R’ven moving forward, past her, made a twinge of anxiety rise in her stomach, but she didn’t protest, edging forward after him. A growl; a flash of fur she only barely saw from around R’ven. It was enough to make her stomach knot completely. Feline or canine – ? She couldn’t tell from where she stood, but by the time she could, Trilaranth had already taken out the canine. Which, like felines, had a tendency of hunting in packs. Instinctively reaching for Jingth’s mind, she edged closer to R’ven, almost unconsciously. “They tend to have packs, don’t they?” The words were soft, the edge to them unmistakable. “Think it was alone…?” Like – she didn’t know how intelligent the creatures were – a scout or something?
Then there was another flash of reddish-brown fur in the undergrowth.
And Jingth decided it wasn’t worth it to wait. A quick swing of her head towards the forests, her jaws clamping around a large branch. A jerk, and the gold settled it across the fence that was undergoing repairs, smaller branches spraying into the pasture as she turned swiftly and launched herself into the air. If the herdbeasts escaped, she didn’t care. They were disposable. Hers was not, and neither was her new pet, or, by default, His. Tch. It took her only a few moments to find the spot beneath the trees where Hers was, and the gold hovered, rumbling anxiously. I can’t see you. I can’t reach you. What’s happening? she inquired of both Trilaranth and Meira. Do you need help? Her ‘voice’ was calm, though there was an urgent edge to it; she wished she could fit down there and get to Hers but –
She couldn’t.
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Post by rii on Dec 29, 2009 13:10:48 GMT -5
"I don't know," Rulven admitted with a undeniable hardness to his tone. He eased back another step, bumping into Meira. His hand found her shoulder, more for her sake than his own. Mentally he urged Trilaranth away from the dead canine. The brown, overly content with the splatter of blood across his muzzle, didn't resist – this time – and pushed back through the foliage. "We're not going to stick around to..."
His words trailed off at the movement that was decidedly not Trilaranth. A flash of anger reached his eyes. Here he had been assuring Meira that everything would be alright – to maybe prove that the jungle was not as dangerous as people made it out to be. A shame really. R'ven held back a sigh as he move in front of Meira and calmly headed the trail with slow steps
Wild furred ones came, Trilaranth answered as he followed at Meira's heels. His wings were tucked tightly to his body and his tail held up, poised ready to strike if he couldn't get around fast enough to claw or bite. For being in a delicate situateion, the fawn colored brown's tone was nothing less that calm – peaceful, even. We have yours and are moving back to the pen.
His head tilted up to try and see the winging queen before returning to it's previous action of shifting back and forth between either sides of the narrow path. He could hear the beasts moving in the trees, but had yet to see one break cover. There were about the same size as himself, not as powerfully built – nor as smart – and as sure as Trilaranth was about being able to kill one; when facing a 'pack' as the humans called it, he was not as confident. Her question of help was shifted over to R'ven before Trilaranth had an answer. Mine isn't sure how far the treeline is and is wondering if there is a clearing closer by in which you could land and take yours to safety.
The brown rumbled, his short neck extending to let his head brush Meira's thigh. It would not due to let the young queen's bonded get hurt, not at all. It became an unspoken task, from Jingth, to protect hers. Trilaranth sent a reassuring mental touch to the young gold. The beasts are too– scared. The brown didn't get to finish the thought before fur broke through the green.
The warning came more from Trilaranth than actual awareness, R'ven shielded an arm back around Meira, pivoting himself between her and whatever had emerged. Fangs scraped against the side of his calf before Trilaranth was there, wrestling with the creature almost on par in size. The frightened yelps and snarls startling group of birds bursting into the air. These are most annoying. Trilaranth commented idly to His, licking the small line of ichor and blood trailing down his right foreleg. I'm ready to go back now.
R'ven softly snorted as he briskly set them back on course. Me too.
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