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Post by virenn on Mar 29, 2009 17:07:52 GMT -6
“Come on, Zaire!” Lutheryl called out, running as fast as his legs could carry him towards the watchtower. He was at least half of a candlemark late! Whoever he was relieving off of watch duty was going to kill him, but it just wasn’t his fault… How could it be his fault when Clayther and Alasdair demanded that he run the rest of father’s tools to the other side of the mine?
Not only that, but he was soon ordered to change the glowbaskets, run a letter to the Lord Holder, forced to go to the kitchens and then bring food back to the miners…
In other words, he had been forced to run around the entire Hold on duties, and he was not about to be released from the little miscellaneous errands. As soon as the mineworkers received their lunches, he took off without allowing them to even thank him. He was late enough as it was, and whoever was up in that tower was not going to be happy and—
“Eryl,” the voice called out, obviously annoyed. A young girl, no more than twelve turns old, stood on the far side of the area, with her arms crossed. “What’s wrong with you? I waited forever for you to get here! I’ve got other chores to do!” She did not even wait for his reaction about her choice of nickname or even an apology when she pushed past him and climbed the ladder down. “Seriously, now I’m going to get in trouble. Thanks, Eryl!”
“It’s Lutheryl!” He yelled out, angry. Would they ever start calling him by his name? He received no answer from the girl, and soon sat himself down as he looked out towards the only entrance of the Hold. He supposed that he was watching out for the Caravans that were to take the firestone away, or for any surprise visitors…
But, come on! It was a mining hold, for Faranth’s sake! There were no surprise visitors, although it would make life at the Hold interesting.
Alone with Zaire, and without much to do, Lutheryl turned to a song (although it was an extremely old one, at that). “Drummer, beat and piper, blow,” he winced at the way his voice cracked, but continued nonetheless. No one else was around to hear him sing, and so he just didn’t care anymore.
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Post by stolenhart on Mar 29, 2009 17:29:29 GMT -6
Regryth sailed daintily through the air, rolling this way and that as she circled the hold below them. I'tel had been sent here to see about an extra firestone shipment, since the skirmish a sevenday ago had put a dent in Southern's supply. Do we have to be here?, the light green asked as she backwinged lightly and landed in the courtyard. Yes. Now go somewhere and stay out of trouble, the tall man slid off his green, slapping her side affectionately before she winged off. I'tel strode over to the Hold Steward and disappeared inside the hold.
Regryth on the other hand flew up and landed near Lutheryl so she too could oversee the goings on in the Weyr. She arrived in the middle of the song and tilted her head to watch the young man. You ought to just stop, you know, she sent him. Regryth had always been a 'I'll do what I damn well please' dragon and speaking to strangers was right up her alley. She gave a snort, not meaning anything by the insult and stretched her neck out towards the young man. You'd make a better rider anyway, she added.
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Post by virenn on Mar 29, 2009 18:25:08 GMT -6
Completely in his own world, Lutheryl did not notice the rider and dragon enter the hold, let alone see the dragon come closer to him. Heck, he even completely ignored Zaire’s surprised squeak as his much bigger cousin came closer, nor did he notice the flitt flying up to her, curious about the newcomer.
But he did hear the Green loud and clear, although for a second he had not realized it was a dragon speaking to him. He was about to protest—he knew his voice was not the best, and that he could no longer hold a note, but why stop? But then he realized that the voice he heard was not verbal—no, it was mental. Surprised, he finally noticed Regryth.
The Green was gorgeous! Just like the one he saw turns ago—no, she was even more stunning. Unable to keep the goofy grin off of his face (after all, how many people actually get addressed by a dragon, and such a beautiful one, no less?), even though she partially assaulted his love of singing, he wondered if it were okay to talk to her.
All worries were out of his head as soon as she mentioned that he would be a better rider than a singer. Was she kidding? Did dragons joke like that? He certainly hoped they didn’t, because being a dragonrider felt like the last dream that Lutheryl could still hang on to. “Really?!” He asked, his voice hitting a tone that caused it to fail on him. He cleared his throat, turning to her with renewed interest. “Do you really think so?”
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Post by stolenhart on Mar 29, 2009 18:36:25 GMT -6
Regryth enjoyed being the center of attention, she was at heart a very selfish and vain dragon, qualities who rider would use to describe his bonded. But then I'tel was no slouch when it came to being vain or selfish either, they were a matched set. Of course I think so. I Searched Isiloth's rider, the green preened herself, fanning her wings to display herself before refolding them against her back. Come, you will ride me down and we will discuss this with my rider, she announced, shaking herself so he could see the riding straps.
Who are you talking to?, I'tel asked from his seat in the Hold. The man had run off to fetch his superior so the rider had been left alone. My new friend. Are we on Search?, Regryth asked her rider hopefully. I'tel frowned, Not officially but we won't turn anyone away, he replied hesitantly. Oh good. See you in a moment. And the green wouldn't answer any more of her rider's requests for information.
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Post by virenn on Mar 29, 2009 18:57:15 GMT -6
Whatever dragon Isiloth was, it was obvious that the Green was proud of her accomplishment. Since she was proud, that only meant that Isiloth had to be a dragon of a high color, possibly gold. If she Searched the rider of a Queen, then she must have good instincts…
Lutheryl watched in wide-eyed awe as she unfurled her wings, allowing him to see. Unable to help himself, he blurted out, “You’re a gorgeous dragon.” Slightly embarrassed about his quick words, and hoping that she did not mind his praise over her, he asked, “What is your name?”
At the invitation to ride her down to meet Hers, Lutheryl could not pass the offer up. After all, who in their right mind denied a Searchdragon? He certainly wouldn’t, and so he found himself carefully climbing on her, holding onto a neck spike as he tied the riding straps to the best of his ability.
Could this really be happening to him? He was going to meet a rider! He was also about to get a short ride on a dragon; he was about to feel what it was like to soar through the sky, even though it would be for only a short period of time. He couldn’t wait, especially since he was in the presence of such a beautiful dragon, at that. Zaire, feeding off of Lutheryl’s excitement, found a nice perch on the boy’s shoulder as he let loose a chirp of excitement.
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Post by stolenhart on Mar 29, 2009 19:21:16 GMT -6
Of course I am a gorgeous dragon, Regryth told the young man as she gently shook herself to make sure he was in the straps. Satisfied that the young man was well-secured, Regryth launched herself in the air, circling the small hold for a few moments. You can bring him down now, her rider called to the green. Though I'tel could barely make her out in the sky, and she couldn't see him from her lofty position either, he was standing in the courtyard where they had landed. If I must. Hold on, she told her passenger banking gently and then she fell into a shallow dive.
She backwinged just before the ground and landed gently. Then she danced in place like an excited runner, Look'it what I stole, she crowed to her rider head-butting him happily. I'tel shielded his eyes and glanced up at Lutheryl. I'tel was good-looking in a masculinly effeminate way. He was a slim man, long-legged and wiry, with a long face full of sharp angles. His green eyes peeked out from beneath thick eyelashes under a shock of blue-black hair. He sported a thin goatee and mustache to make him appear more masculine. All in all, appearances suggested why this man rode green and those suggestions would be accurate.
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Post by virenn on Mar 29, 2009 19:47:01 GMT -6
As soon as Regryth had taken to the air, Lutheryl was not sure what to think. The view from up in the sky was beyond amazing. Maybe what interested him the most was the fact that he was riding a dragon, alone, and he had yet to even be Searched! The feeling he had could not be put into words, and as soon as the Green told him to hold on in order to land, Lutheryl had to admit that he felt a little saddened.
He smiled as Regryth landed and danced in place. She was certainly an interesting one.
But, whatever Lutheryl was expecting in Regryth’s rider, it was probably not a male who was, for lack of a better description, just as handsome as his dragon. Suddenly, he felt embarrassed to be there; he was on someone's dragon, and it happened to be someone who, based solely on appearances, rode green for a reason.
Though he really did not want to, Lutheryl could not help but feel attracted to the man—he was good looking, and he could not deny it. Get a grip, Lutheryl! he thought to himself. You like Girls, not boys!
While he kept telling himself this, Lutheryl couldn’t help but keep an eye on the rider. Unsure about what to do, he decided to go about what he did best: talk. “Good day, my Lord!” he called out, being as respectful as possible. “I’m Lutheryl.”
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Post by stolenhart on Mar 29, 2009 20:25:44 GMT -6
He called you lord, Regryth squealed at the joke, tossing her head back and chortling around a large spout of flame. "I heard him. Now quit wasting your firestone you flirt", I'tel ordered his dragon with a slap to her should. "Come on down Lutheryl, you and I will talk while my business here concludes", he ordered the young man as he stepped away from his dragon.
The man I'tel had been sent to see was down at the mines and was being brought up now that they knew the rider was here. Even though he was on an errand, I'tel looked like he was going to a Lord's table for dinner. What some of the poorer cotholders would consider Gather clothes was I'tel's work clothes. His Gather clothing was works of art and not for everyday ware. Immaculately tailored black breeches and a loose tunic of emerald green covered his frame under the wherry-hided jacket, helmet under his arm. "I'm just rider by the way, not my lord. Or I'tel", he added. I'tel well knew the effect he had on people, but he tried not to take advantage of it. Women weren't to his liking and often times the men he thought were interested weren't.
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Post by virenn on Mar 30, 2009 13:21:15 GMT -6
Jumping at Regryth’s sudden use of flame, Lutheryl stayed still, keeping quiet until told by I’tel to come down. Oh boy, he was beginning to wonder if being here was a good idea… But at one look at Regryth, Lutheryl’s heart was set—he wanted to be like I’tel, and have a dragon like the Green.
Untangling himself from the riding straps, Lutheryl slid carefully down the dragon’s leg, giving a simple “thank you” for not only the ride, but for the opportunity. Truly, meeting a rider would be a great experience, even if he was told that he wouldn’t be selected as a Candidate. Then again, Regryth had said that he’d be a better rider than a singer, and she had been the one to search Isiloth’s rider. He still had hope to keep one last dream alive.
As soon as his feet touched the ground, Lutheryl managed to get a better look at I’tel and decided, right there, that the man was dressed to impress. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’tel.” Shards! The rider really was good looking! It caused him to take a quick glance down at his own garb. His shirt had a little dirt on it from running into and out of the mines; instinctively, Lutheryl rubbed his hands against his black pants, hoping that it would clean them a little. He was sure he wasn’t too dirty, since no one said anything, but he couldn’t tell.
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Post by stolenhart on Mar 30, 2009 14:58:41 GMT -6
Quit fidgeting. I've said you are coming with me and he'll agree with me. He always does, the green assured Lutheryl as she backed up and once more retreated elsewhere. I'tel studied the young man before him and then smiled. "She does this to me everytime. We don't even have eggs on the sands and she's cried search on you", he shook his head. "Oh well, there are still some rider privelages I can exercise", I'tel's smile grew wider at the thought. All the riders knew that the OverHolder allowed certain rider privilages simply because it helped maintain his control of the Southern continent.
"Sir", the bureaucrat was back. "Come along then Lutheryl. If I let you out of my sight, Regryth will burn my best boots", I'tel gave the departing dragon a bleak look before ducking back into the hold building. "Rider I'tel, it's been awhile since you've come to the hold", the Holder was saying as he wiped his hand and offered it to be shaken. I'tel shook it, "A few months to a turn at least. I'm here about some firestone". The Holder nodded, "I know. We just came across a large vein so we do have extra to send. Shall I send it now?". I'tel nodded, "Yes please. F'shr is acting Weyrleader until Isiloth's flight send someone to him for the trade". The Holder nodded and abruptly left. "That was fast. Good luck on that vein too", I'tel muttered rubbing his goatee before turning to Lutheryl. "Do you have anything to get before we leave?"
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Post by virenn on Mar 30, 2009 15:40:40 GMT -6
A searchdragon did have the best senses, Lutheryl knew, but now that she said that he was going with them, how could he not fidget? He wanted to feel the sky again, and at the Weyr, he had that chance. He wanted to run up and hug the dragon, but he managed to stand still, sending her a small smile. Based on what the Green said to him, and on what I’tel said, once Regryth made the decision, it was final.
But would she really burn his boots if he didn’t follow I’tel? The thought was funny enough, but he didn’t exacty want to test it out.
Having been silent during the business transaction, Lutheryl almost didn’t know what to say when I’tel asked if he had anything he needed. “I only have a few tunics, It’s not much, and I can gather them up quickly.” He almost wanted to say no—that way he could be brought straight to the Weyr.
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Post by stolenhart on Mar 30, 2009 15:59:16 GMT -6
"Go and fetch them then. We won't leave without you, I've got to give Regryth some more firestone anyway", he told Lutheryl before stepping back out into the hold. Come back here, it's time to go, he sent to the green dragon. She lifted off a stone building and came gliding back to the square. Go here, go there. I am not some runner to listen to you, she snapped playfully as I'tel offered her a chuck of firestone.
The green took the dainty rock and chewed it loudly, mumbling in the back of I'tels head what she would and would not do no matter what he said. Then of course to further annoy him she started singing his favorite song, the lyrics being picked up from his head, and proceeding to insert words of her own into the song. It was one of her favorite games and used for revenge against her rider. "Please stop", I'tel asked as he reached for another chunk of stone, of course that only intensified the singing.
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Post by virenn on Mar 30, 2009 18:47:33 GMT -6
Lutheryl wasted no time running off, yelling “thank you” over his shoulder. He was lucky that his own home was not too far off, and it took almost no time at all to return home. He raced inside, nearly knocking his mother down as she was walking down the hall.
“Lutheryl!” She screamed, “What are you doing?!”
“Searched!” He cried back, pack in hand as he rummaged through his belongings for his best clothing. It seemed obvious to him that his eldest brothers were released off of duty, for Alasdair was hovering close behind him, with Chasid. “I’ve been Searched! Can you believe it?!” Zaire flew around the room, chirping the entire time.
Ealasid, who had finally walked into the room, shook her head. “Fold your clothes!” As soon as he told her that he had no time, she huffed. “If you keep your nonsense up, not even a dragon would want you.”
“Mother,” Lutheryl said, frowning. “That isn’t fair.” Whatever she was thinking, Ealasid did not tell her son “no” to his being Searched, which would result in his leaving her, nor did she congratulate him. Once the final farewells were said, and Lutheryl was racing out the door, he heard the chorus of “good luck” from his family. He was excited, and he hoped that I’tel and Regryth would still be there when he returned.
He was glad to know that they were, and soon slowed his pace down to a jog. “Thanks for waiting for me,” he said. “I’m ready now.”
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Post by stolenhart on Mar 30, 2009 19:20:09 GMT -6
I'tel was lounging against Regryth's side, cleaning his fingernails with a knife when Lutheryl showed up. "Where would I go? Regryth gets attached to her candidates so I'd be walking by myself and it's a long walk from here back to Southern", he teased the candidate, taking his pack from him. He climbed up the green's side to her straps and strapped the pack down with some extra snaps. he also unrolled a second set of straps before climbing down. "Well I know you rode her down here but I'll show you the correct straps, go ahead and climb up, sit in teh second set of straps", he told him, stepping aside so Lutheryl could climb up.
Can we fly the beaches for flitts?, Regryth asked, tilting her head to implore her rider. He chuckled and scratched her headknob. "I don't see why not, as long as we don't go hunting all day. One of Lidal's holders has a gold flitt so it won't be long before there is clutch at Lidal", he told her. She snorted, Wild ones are funner, the green replied then turned to lutheryl. Why are you moving so slow? Don't you want to go?
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Post by virenn on Mar 30, 2009 20:03:34 GMT -6
“Of course I want to go!” Lutheryl told her, moving to pull himself up on her. Once he was seated on the second set of riding straps, he continued with, “I was basking in your beauty, pretty Green. Who in their mind would want to rush around you?” He figured that she would either take to the attention, or completely disregard him. He really hoped that she would take to it, for every word he spoke about her was the truth.
Now all that there was left to do was wait for I’tel’s instructions, as he wondered how to properly tie the straps down. When Regryth had told him to get on for the ride, he had tied the straps any way he could, not really knowing what he was doing. At least this time, he would be properly secured.
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Post by stolenhart on Mar 31, 2009 14:41:56 GMT -6
I'tel laughed as the green preened. "Quit boosting her ego, I have to live with her, you don't", he told Lutheryl jokingly as he climbed up the straps. He reached across Lutheryl's lap and grabbed a loose strap. "See? This goes here", he pulled the strap across the boy's lap and threaded it through a buckle as tight as he could. "And these go over your legs", he did one of Lutheryl's leg straps for him. "You do the other one. They don't have to be as tight since you have the lap band", he explained before taking his seat in the straps ahead of Lutheryl.
He buttoned up his wherhide jacket and slid his helmet and goggles on. Even though they wouldn't be flying far, it was better to be safe than sorry just in case they ran into a Northern patrol. "Buckled in?", he asked, buckling his own strap. He highly doubted Regryth would let either one of them fall off. With a tap on the dragon's shoulder she sprung into the air, great wings opening and closing as she gained altitude.
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Post by virenn on Mar 31, 2009 19:37:11 GMT -6
The way that I’tel had strapped him down was obviously correct—when he had done it himself, he had no clue what he was doing, resulting in the straps holding him down uncomfortably. As he mimicked the way I’tel had strapped his leg down, Lutheryl had to force himself to keep his grin off of his face. He was going to a Weyr! He was leaving the Hold and going to the Weyr as a Candidate! Did people actually get that lucky?! It would be cruel if it ended up being a dream.
But as Regryth flew, and ascended, Lutheryl knew that it must not have been a dream. How could anyone dream so vividly, after all? The sky was beautiful, the view just as wonderful, and the feeling of being up in the sky was too much for him to put into words. How could anyone be so lucky as to know what flying felt like?
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