Second Sun [Gold Flight; Open to all males]

It was hot today, scorching even. Despite being quite late in the afternoon, Tsuen found herself dipping a cloth into a bucket of water beside her, ringing it out and dabbing it across her forehead and neck. The elbow-length sleeves of her dress swished across her arms as she moved, bringing seconds of relief to her heated skin. Though she was tucked away within her hut, she felt as if she stood upon hatching sands. Placing the cloth down she picked up her quill, frowning at the paperwork before her: a listing of new arrivals this turn. Hadn't she given this to E'lore the other week? Despite that memory, the document had ended up on her desk again for her to look at.

Tsuen.

Nirinath's voice was loud and sharp, breaking through her rider's attempt to concentrate easily. Dropping the quill she pinched the bridge of her nose in irritation, leaning back into her chair as her eyelids slid shut. 'Yes Nirinath?' She asked testily, not in the mood to be asked to bath or oil her dragon, particularly in the summer sun.

Fly with me.

At first Nirinath's words, which were a clear, sharp order, went straight over Tsuen's head. There was a pause for a few seconds, as if the whole Weyr was holding their breath in anticipation. Comprehension slammed into Tsuen's mind like a brick and she stood, knocking her chair backwards and sending the ink pot flying with her hand.

"Now?!" Tsuen shouted, berating herself for having not seen the signs. She had almost grown accustomed to her Gold's lack of mating flights throughout the past sixteen turns. The burning Katilian summer had blinded her to Nirinath's glowing hide which now shot into the sky, slowly winging over to where wherries and herdbeast were kept in pens. Tsuen stumbled over to the window, gazing outside as her dragon dove, burning like the sun.

Flesh.

The word reverberated throughout Tsuen's body, she could feel herself craving the raw meat of a wherry in every bone. But this wasn't her first or second flight, it was her eighth and she knew better. Throwing the window open she leant out and shrieked ear-piercingly. "Don't you DARE take a bite of that wherry!"

I must.

Nirinath looked over to her rider, a wherry squirming in her jaws. Ichor was seeping into her mouth and down her neck, vibrant green against her butternut hide. The battle of wills lasted no longer, the taste was irresistible. Greedily she sucked, ripping the wherry into two so that she could get to the ichor even sooner and in greater quantities. But one, one was not enough. Dropping the dried carcass she turned her gaze to the squealing creatures running rampant on the other side of the massive pen. Red eyes whirled ravenously while she licked her lips clean of the ichor.

Crack, crunch!

A second and a third wherry hung limp from her hands, fingernails sinking deep into them. Or were they talons? Tsuen felt herself becoming so enthralled with Nirinath that she didn't know who was who anymore, just that they must fly. Her fingers dug deep into the wooden windowsill, nails creating new marks alongside those that had been made three turns prior. The entrance of men and a few scattered women into her hut went unnoticed as ichor poured down Nirinath's throat, she could taste the coppery substance, she hungered for more. It wasn't long before a fourth and fifth lay dead in the dirt.

Fly with me.

The words echoed out across the Weyr to every male dragon as Nirinath turned her gaze to the cloudless sky, powerful hind legs propelling her upwards in one mighty shove. Pale wings beat in long, powerful strokes as she streaked into the sky, rising several dozen feet high. Satisfied with her height she flared her wings, sitting like a dragon-shaped sun in the sky for a moment. Rapidly whirling eyes glinted, her lust-filled mind broadcasting to every man and woman for miles. A single, frightening roar ripped from her chest, a challenge to every Blue, Brown and Bronze. With that, she was gone, spiralling away to the south.

---

She Who Demands
Gold Nirinath of Tsuen

They Who Obey
Bronze Ronarth of D'ren
Bronze Vargenth of R'hai
Brown Krith of F'nell
Brown Nishkath of O'wain
Blue Beloyath of K'ren
Blue Zheaymath of C'dal
Brown Uhoroth of E'lore

He Who Captures The Sun
Bronze Ronarth of D'ren

D'ren lay fitfully in his quarters, tossing and turning at the slightest sound. He felt strange, oddly...aware of his surroundings. Everything seemed so clear and in-focus today. Why, he wondered? Why did every slightest movement interest him? Why did he feel tragically distracted, and yet hyper aware at the same time?

No, that wasn't the right way to describe it. It felt like he was waiting for something. Something that could arrie at any moment and warranted his utmost attention and care. Whatever it was, it was the most important thing in the world.

He blamed it on stress. He blamed it on his own perfectionist habits. He didn't even think to blame it on Ronarth; sweet, gentle Ronarth who could be blamed for many things, but who D'ren would never dare actually accuse. Ronarth was no the perfect dragon.  He was childlike and naive, playful and even with the slightest hint of clumsiness...but his energy and devotion were insurmountable, his confidence clear and unwavering..and that was what someone like D'ren needed to make it through. That was how he coped with life. His perfect other half, gentle  Ronarth, was a perfect drug.

Of course, the bronze's easily-distracted nature meant he wasn't the most observant thing. Why then, would D'ren blame his strange mood on Ronarth?

Well, Ronarth was watching for something. Something very specific.

D'ren Ronarth said suddenly, his voice urgent and foreboding. D'ren sat up hastily.

No he said simply. He knew that feeling without even asking. There was an ancient stirring in Ronarth's soul, a primal call that waited impatiently for compliance. Nirinath flies

D'ren raced from his hut and moved towards the feeding grounds, where he assumed Nirinath and her bonded would be. His blood ran hot. Uncomfortable thoughts filled his mind. Where was this headache coming from?!

Ronarth curled his bronze body on the rocks and set his red eyes in Nirnath's direction, coveting her like the treasure that she was. Nirinath he sighed, not expecting a response or even certain that he'd spoken, you are beautiful, and I will have you.

D'ren laughed weakly, already overcome by Ronarth's surging emotions. His gentlemanly side would have been ashamed. Yes, Ronarth...we will...

Uhoroth had actually managed to talk E'lore into taking a break, and now they were curled up together in the shade of her hut, napping. Or at least dozing, because neither of them had been particularly capable of relaxing completely over the past few days. E'lore had just sighed and put it down to her body's usual issues during pregnancy. One of the nice things about having a dragon during this time, however, was that Uhoroth was wonderfully flexible and knew exactly how to position himself to relieve all of her aches and pains. As things continues to progress, she imagined that she'd probably spend more and more time out here with him. It made it all a little more bearable.

"Uhoroth," she muttered, reaching a hand out blindly to put it against the brown's warm hide. "Settle down. I thought we were supposed to be napping." It wasn't often that she was talked away from her paperwork, and she planned on taking advantage of the break while it lasted. There would be too many other things demanding her attention the moment that she opened her eyes, anyway.

You are supposed to be napping, Uhoroth told her gently, shifting just enough to anticipate an ache that would have developed otherwise. His warm tail was curled in just the right way to support her lower back, settling into the arch there. I am waiting. His tone was so calm and relaxed that it took her a moment to register what he had said. Finally she opened her eyes and lifted her head to give him an intent stare.

"...waiting for what?"

And then Tsuen's cry of rage and control rang out over the Weyr, and E'lore froze where she was, eyes wide. Did that mean...?

For that. Uhoroth carefully began to untangle himself from around her, making sure that she was sitting up on her own before he removed the support of his body. She clutched at him in shock.

"What- No! Uhoroth, you can't-"

She calls us to fly, he said reasonably, but brought his great head close to her to nuzzle at her. You love her. I will fly Nirinath, and we can all be together.

"It's not that simple," she groaned, and used his bulk to pull herself to her feet. Even if this was everything a part of her wanted, she knew that there was too much riding on keeping things the way they were. Nirinath needed to be flown by a strong bronze. And E'lore needed to remain Weyrlady, so that she could continue to help Tsuen as best she could.

It is that simple. She calls me now, he repeated, and E'lore put a hand out to stop him, and found that for once she couldn't summon up the strength of will to do so. Not with his lust and want coursing through her, not with her own desire that she'd hidden for so long. Bowing her head for a moment, she drew in her breath, and then slowly began to make her way toward where Tsuen was waiting.

"Fly strongly, my own. Make this a flight to be proud of." If he would fly Nirinath, then she'd make sure that he- that they outshone every other competitor.

Uhoroth lifted off and glided to the feeding grounds, crouching a distance away from the bronzes who were already waiting. His usual image of casual laziness was gone, and every muscle in his body was ready and focused. Nirinath... After years and years of wanting, Nirinath/Tsuen would be theirs. When she launched, he was right on her tail, his entire self focused intently. This was it!

K'ren & Blue Beloyath

"How do people drink this stuff?" K'ren muttered to himself, staring at the mug he'd half filled with ale. Sniffing it hesitantly his nose wrinkled at the foul odour that arose from it, dark eyes crinkling as he upended the mug. The golden liquid splashed across his shoes, which took him a moment to notice. "Ack!" Shaking his feet he grumbled to himself, slamming the mug down on the barrel that contained the ale he had trying to convince himself to taste. "Now I have to clean these and change my entire outfit!"

Storming out of the kitchens he strode over to Beloyath, who was lying stretched out in the sun, eyes whirling beneath their first lid. K'ren? The Blue asked, his typically soft and gentle voice high pitched with irritation. K'ren frowned, reaching out to stroke his face tenderly.

"What's up big boy?" He asked, glancing over the dragon to see if there was any injuries that might be causing him discomfort. Nothing. Not yet, Beloyath grunted, nudging K'ren's hand away and shifting to face the feeding pens. Frowning K'ren crossed his arms, staring critically at the upset Blue. A shout in the distance brought him back to reality, along with Beloyath's sudden jump to his feet. The Blue crouched, his neck curling around and upwards, red eyes swirling violently at something behind K'ren. He turned, realising instantly what was going on. Lust pounded through his mental bond as Beloyath crooned, head following Nirinath as she landed in the feeding pens.

"Beloyath, that's the Weyrwoman's dragon! You can't catch her!" K'ren pleaded with his Blue. His pleas went unheard however, Beloyath saw and heard only the shining Gold who was blooding wherries before him. "Beloyath!" K'ren begged, reaching out to grab at his tail. This earned him a slap across the shins, along with another powerful wave of lust.

I am to fly her. You will fly her rider, Beloyath commanded, still gazing at Nirinath. K'ren sighed, just like last time, there was no way that he was going to be able to convince his Blue not to chase, not without physically attacking him. Even then it would do no good. Stumbling backwards he half walked, half jogged to Tsuen's hut, the location seemingly burnt into his mind. Reaching the door he paused, they were going to think he had been drinking ale all day! These thoughts were squashed and forced clear from his mind by Beloyath's lust and hunger almost instantly however. Reaching out he pushed the door open, finding Tsuen and several other riders all clustered around a window facing the feeding pens. Despite the twenty turn difference in age, Tsuen was the most beautiful woman K'ren had ever seen right now, with her golden wings… No, her luscious hair… that's more like it.

Beloyath crooned as Nirinath blooded wherry after wherry, his starry wings held at the ready for when she leapt up. This time, I won't be kicked away. We will fly high, he said defiantly to her, determination flooding through his body. When she did finally launch herself into the sky, Beloyath was right behind her, long wings thrusting him forward with ease. So far, so good.

---

Played by Featherpirate

F'nell and Brown Krith

F'nell had been out fishing, spending the last of the afternoon at the lake, hoping to catch a few for the kitchens.

We must return.

"Oh?"

The queen is rising.

Oh! F'nell dropped his pole, leaving it on the ground next to his shirt and shoes. They would still be here once the flight was over, or more than likely the next morning. Even if he didn't win the flight, there was no guarantee that he wouldn't be busy. Flight lust effected eveyone, especially when it came to a gold dragon rising. He vaulted up onto Krith. "Take us there."

There was no time to take the long way back, even if it would only be a short flight, and the brown rose, blinking between once he was high enough in the air. They reappeared near the feeding groundss, where the queen had begun to blood her kills, and F'nell quickly slid off, taking off towards the queen rider's hut. He knew that was where the other riders would be gathered, waiting for the flight to begin, and for the Queen to chose her mate.

Krith's eyes whirled red in lust as he waited, his body crouched and prepared to spring into the air. It would be a good flight, for all of them, and he sprung into the air as the Queen bugled her challenge. He was silent as he began his chase, all of his attention focused on the prize.

---

Played by Catnip.

R'hai and Bronze Vargenth

R’hai turned in front of the mirror, glancing over his shoulder to check out the fit of his new trousers. He’d had to take them in for tailoring, and he wanted to be absolutely sure that they fit him just right this time. Not like last time, where the tailor had assured him that she’d done the perfect job, and they’d ended up making him look absolutely hideous. No, he wouldn’t stand for an insult of such magnitude this time!

Fortunately for the tailor’s sense of well-being, it looked like he could let her relax in peace. He looked magnificent.

R’hai… Vargenth’s amusement was practically palpable as the bronze looked through his eyes at the reflection. You might want to stop that for now and come outside. Something important is about to happen.

“What do you mean?” Another shift of his body to check out another angle. Still, more of his attention was diverted to his dragon, because Vargenth wouldn’t mention something important if it wasn’t actually important. And that note in his voice was familiar…

Then the cries rang out throughout the Weyr, and R’hai froze in place, a confident smile beginning to spread across his face.

“…she’s rising.”

Yes! And she calls for me! Vargenth spread his wings and headed for the feeding grounds, more willing to fly the short distance than to walk it. With something this important, it was necessary to look dignified the entire time. He landed and crouched, his eyes whirling to lusty violet, and waited for her to spring. This was the time. This was the moment. He’d waited for this. And then they flew.

R’hai’s thoughts echoed his dragon’s, and he stepped outside of his weyr and made his way with a confident stride toward the Weyrwoman. He’d had victory snatched from his grasp last time, and he wouldn’t allow it this time! No, this time he would have the ultimate rank! Weyrleader. And no one would ever dare to look down at him again.

---

Played by Shinigami

Nirinath heard the wooing calls of the males but did not reply to them, her shimmering wings slicing through the air with ease. Barely three minutes passed and she was clear of the Katilan huts, the wide expanse of grassland racing beneath the sprinting dragons. Casually she craned her neck back to glance at her faithful men, two Bronze, two Brown and a Blue were the closest, all had been strong competitors three turns prior. Amongst them she could see Ronarth, her adoring previous mate. Snorting in his direction her eyes narrowed, her head snapping back around as she banked left and away from him. Diving somewhat she circled around beneath the males, taking in the variety that flew for her.

Do you truly think yourself worthy of me, your sole queen? she broadcast to them all. Several Blues and a Brown peeled away from the group and headed back towards Katila at her words, to which Nirinath hissed in both displeasure and satisfaction. While it meant less competitors vying for her, it also cut away those she deemed did not deserve to capture her.

Having led the leaders of the pack in somewhat of a spiral she snarled in discontent. Turning she pumped her wings and thrust herself up through a sparsely occupied area in the center, erupting above the swarm of males like the sun rising from a muddled horizon. A few drops of ichor seeped from a scratch on her arm: a game male had attempted to catch her as she pushed past. Nirinath had sent him squealing away with a kick however, his ego sorely bruised. Tired of forcing herself upwards she swooped down, gliding due south towards the glistening lake in the far distance. This glide continued until she felt the long grasses tickling her hands and feet, at which point she began rapid wingstrokes that shot her forward along the ground.

Within her hut Tsuen echoed Nirinath's words, striding amongst the riders blindly as they crowded around her. The hut was crowded with men and scattered women, body odours filling the air and stinging her nose. Aggravated at the tight quarters and reflecting Nirinath's discontent as she herself felt crowded, Tsuen pushed her way out of the hut, emerging into the crowd of riders that surrounded it. As she did so she shoved the chest of the game dragon's rider, continuing to make her way out through the throng of riders. Grass flicked across her hands as it did Nirinath's, The rush of cool air as they flew was a welcome relief to the scorching day.

Yes Ronarth hissed longingly as he angled his body towards his shimmering target, muscles pumping with stern fluidity and swirling eyes locked on his prize. Oh, Nirinath who he so coveted! Her beauty was unmatched, and her ferocity only bolstered it!

Yes, yes, yes!

Be careful...don't fall for any tricks! D'ren warned unsteadily as he lingered near the door of Tsuen's hut. Oh, how he wanted to go in there! How he wanted to prowl close to his intended. His heart drummed impatiently in his chest. The queen isn't going to give up early, you need to pace yourself and stay back..don't wind up like that other poor fellow D'ren suggested warily as he loomed. When Tsuen burst past and back outside, D'ren took a calculated step back and traced her motion with his eyes. He didn't want to crowd her, at least not yet. Instead, he let the other fools stream after her, instead keeping his distance at a respectable but still very serious level. He narrowed his eyes and followed, counting his steps as he fell into her tailwind.

I know what I'm doing Ronarth said grimly as he shot through the sky. He could see his shining prize gaining altitude, forcing her elegant body higher and higher into the air. Ronarth followed at a lazy angle, not trying to trace her exact movements. He doubted Nirinath would fly too high and seek to end the flight so early. He saved his strength and maintained a firm pace, waiting, hoping...

Yes!!

Nirinath was coming down! Seizing his opportunity, Ronarth leveled out and folded his wings to his sides, angling his head towards the path he anticipated she would take in her decent. He would cut her off!

The bronze poured his heart into that dash, racing forward and falling in behind Nirinath as she swooped low to the ground. Catching her wouldn't be that easy, but the straight line he'd made meant saved energy, energy he could use now to close the gap as much as possible. He let out a single bellow of challenge, but that was the only sound he made. He needed to save his breath. Lines of blue shot across his jeweled eyes as excitement welled within him.

See?! I know what I'm doing. She will be mine! the bronze sang joyously. He started to pace himself once more, always wary of the ground. He pulled himself up a bit to avoid skimming the grass. A part of him hoped to take advantage of the height to close in on the gold, not that he could ever hope to catch her so close to the ground...At this point, it was all about staying close.

The flight was only just beginning.

C'dal and Blue Zheaymath

The lingering warmth of the late afternoon sun was warming the young blue dragon, relaxed and at ease after a long and very enjoyable bathing and oiling. It was something the young dragon had been rather insistent upon that morning, even going so far as to wake up the woman he had chosen to bond to four Turns ago with a mouthful of water spat through the window. C'dal hadn't really appreciated that, but then, she never did. Zheaymath sighed in contentment as he lazily watched the young woman at the water edge as she washed some of her clothing.

Having already bathed and oiled the blue, C'dal was dressed in a pair of small shorts and a singlet top. The young woman's dark hair pulled back in a messy bun, wisps falling around her face and stuck to her neck with a combination of sweat and water. Her face was flushed, pink painting her cheeks and water splashed across her chin and down the side of her neck.

Love? Zheaymath's soft voice wound itself through the depths of C'dal's day dreaming and brought her out of the fantasy land she had been living in. Looking up slowly, her brown eyes warming as she took in the sight of her beautiful blue buddy curled up so comfortably in the dappled shade of a lake-side tree.

"Yes, Zee?"

We must return, his voice, which had been soft and relaxed before, was now more insistent and he stood up slowly, stretching as he did so. C'dal tilted her head and frowned, the expression odd on the woman's usually cheerful face.

"Why?"

Trust me. Stepping forward, Zheaymath allowed a slightly befuddled C'dal to throw her washed clothing into her carry sack, and finally, across his bare neck. Having come out for the purpose of cleaning, they hadn't bothered with riding straps. Climbing aboard carefully and holding the sack squashed into her lap, C'dal and Zheaymath took to the skies with a leap and a strong downbeat from the blue's wings.

The pair arrived, just as Nirinath finished her blooding and took to the skies; C'dal watched with awe as the great golden beast rocketed off, eyes wide and her mouth uncharacteristically open. So caught up in what she was seeing, she didn't even hear Zheaymath as he spoke; C'dal! She calls! Off! The voice was a horrified plea. In a daze, C'dal toppled to the ground and turned to watch in shock as Zheaymath, wings outstretched, took two leaping steps before bounding into the sky and swirling after the magnificent queen.

Stumbling, confused and disorientated, C'dal doesn't realise what is happening even as another Katilan helps her find her way to Tsuen's hut. She's oblivious to the other humans. Zheaymath, four though he was, had never taken to the skies after another dragon before. C'dal, during the past Turn, had become concerned and sought out her Weyrlingmaster, Ch'vay, worried about Zheaymath's lack of lust. The brownrider hand't really been able to say much to soothe the young rider; all dragons were different. That's all she'd been able to offer up. But then, who didn't know that?

Shaking her head mightily, and attempting to view the world through her own eyes, C'dal scratched the surface of reality with nails, a drowning woman terrified of the depths below her. She didn't hold the surface long, however, before she was once more pulled under. Hush. Trust me. Zheaymath's voice whispered through her mind, and with a half-sob, C'dal gave herself over to the dragon and cracked her right shoulder into the doorway of Tsuen's hut, as she was shoved roughly aside by those exiting after the goldrider.

His bonded, freaking as she was, was distracting. Pumping his wings to catch up with the other males, Zheaymath settled in amongst the larger group and took the time to reassure the young girl. He didn't know why he felt no desire to chase the greens of the weyr, any more than why he felt he needed to chase the glowing golden majesty before him. All he knew, was that now was the time. Twisting, tilting his wings and angling his tail, the deep water blue slid between some of the others, passing brown and even bronze as he used moves and techniques he didn't remember learning to better his place amongst the crowd.

Yes! The word was said with fierce pride, an unthought response to the golden dragon's demand. Disdain was barely spared for those that peeled away. Not he, oh no, never he! He was going to show those around him what it meant, to be a real dragon. He ignored the pounding pain that radiated from his shoulder joint, an ache that hadn't been there when he took to the skies.

Mine! The thought, felt with such strength, hissed past C'dal's lips as she drunkenly moved closer to Tsuen. Her shoulder, where she'd cracked it against the doorway, was visibly brusing - not that anyone within the vicinity had the awareness to see.

---

Played by Honey Love

I have ever waited for you, Uhoroth murmured, voice quiet but utterly intense as he focused on her. Not to the exclusion of all else, no. He'd learned that trick long ago. No matter how much he wanted to throw himself after her, how badly he wanted to just try to shoulder aside all the other males and take her for himself, he knew better than that.

We've watched her fly for so many years, E'lore whispered, watching Nirinath and Tsuen at the same time as the Weyrwoman's motions mirrored her dragon's. She drifted along in her wake, close to the pack but not quite a part of it. Her attention was focused on the gold dragon's rider, just as Uhoroth was focused on the queen. They followed her closely, but not too closely.

Pace yourself, love. Let her fly. Let her show off. The first blaze of her energy will wane, and then she will prove willing to be wooed. Stay with her, love. E'lore kept up a constant, soft breath of words as they followed their queens. Let her fly! The longer the flight, the better. You will be a strong sire, with a powerful clutch. He followed her upward as she soared, and trailed after her toward the lake. He didn't drop nearly as far down as she did, though. No, that way lead to being caught out and abandoned when she soared again.

His faceted eyes looked for the shifts in air that meant a thermal, looking for the strong shifts in air that would carry him skyward with the merest flex of wing. More importantly, he looked to see what would be available over the lake to carry her up. Fly high, fly far, fly fast. If he could coax her higher, it would be best. The beautiful shining one and her pale courtier, they would fall together... But that wasn't yet. No, not yet. First he needed to fly for her.

Breathing deep, Uhoroth roared challenge to her, his voice reverberating with his hunger and want and lust for her.

My queen! I come for you!

Vargenth followed Nirinath upward, a flaming comet trailing after the sun, brushing aside the other competitors. Not too close, no, not too close. This wasn't some green who only wanted the excuse of going upward so that she could be caught. No, sweet Nirinath was a gold, and thus far more demanding of her suitors.

Fortunately for Nirinath, he was more than capable of proving himself worthy of her.

Like many other more experienced riders, R'hai was giving Vargenth directions and inspiration, but he didn't bother with words. Instead he silently flew with his dragon, their complete and utter trust in each other blending so that they were as one being. This was their strength, their power. Their trust in each other bore him up, and when Nirinath glided downward, Vargenth roared and flashed about her. Not too close, as he wasn't some stupid blue who couldn't keep up, and he wasn't going to take her when she wasn't ready to be taken. But soon, oh soon. That thought was both of theirs, and it rippled all throughout their bond.

Soon!

He showed off for her, coming close but not too close. He was powerful, he was beautiful, why wouldn't she want him? They would suit each other so perfectly.

---

Played by Shinigami

O'wain & Brown Nishkath

O'wain twisted in the sand to crack his back. He was quite content laying back in the sun soaking up the last of the day's warmth. and listening to the sound of the sea's waves gently lapping the shore. Nishkath sat a few metres away preening his wings. Though the dragon appeared calm O'wain could feel he was slightly agitated, as if his attention was else where.

'Hey Nish, flip me over would you? I think I'm starting to burn.' O'wain sent to his dragon, not even bothering to open his eyes.

Probably. Nishkath responded.

'Um....what?' O'wain sent, propping himself up on one elbow and raising his eyebrow quizzically

Nishkath glanced over to his rider in annoyance. What. What are you on about?

'Me. Skin. Burning. Are you okay?'

Nishkath didnt answer, instead he continued intently staring North towards the Weyr with his wing still cocked for grooming.

'What is it Nish?' O'wain asked trying to get his dragon's attention.

Nirinath. She's coming this way.

'Okay? Is she coming here?'

No. I think....O'wain she flies!

'By the first shell we're missing a flight?!  Get me back to the Weyr you got a Gold to catch, stud!'

Without replying Nishkath darted over to O'wain, barely giving the rider time to scramble on his back before leaping aloft and going between. As soon as the cold of between enveloped them O'wain realised his mistake. He'd been sun baking entirely nude and was now entirely freezing. Before he could worry about the cold they emerged from between, Nishkath dropping to the ground with a thud. O'wain half fell off his dragon, shivering and rubbing his arms in an attempt to get some warmth back into them.

Are you okay? Nishkath asked as he took off, only barely registering his rider's discomfort.

'I'm fine,' O'wain replied, the cold slipping away as his senses blended with Nishkath's. 'Go quickly, you have a lot of catching up to do.'

O'wain had barely finished his sentence before the dragon dropped between again to catch up with the pack. The nude rider smiled as he turned to the pack of riders surrounding the Weyr woman 20 metres or so behind him. Tsuen, the ultimate prize, would be his.

---

Played by Owyndevaldeck

F'nell and Brown Krith

More and more of the riders were arriving to the cot, and F'nell watched as the Queen Rider pushed her way out the cot, clearly uncomfortable in the inclosed space. He could understand that, it was a crowd, one that was singularly focused on her. Probably not one of the most pleasant sorts of feelings.

He followed her out, his eye flickering over the crowd. It was a decent turnout so far, and he grinned at the ones that he knew well. He wasn't the most comfortable in the crowd himself, especially since he was already half way undressed, and he was hoping that none of them thought he had done it intentionally. It was doubtful, that wasn't the sort of person he was and most of the people around the weyr knew that, but he didn't feel better until he noticed O'wain. He had shown up completely nude, and that more than anything made F'nell feel better about the whole issue.

Do not worry, my rider. We will all enjoy this. Krith said reassuringly, his voice like a purr in his rider's mind.

He was enjoying it too, spreading his wings and flying like he didn't normally. He wasn't the biggest, or the strongest, and the brown wasn't expecting to actually manage to fly the queen, that would probably fall to one of the others, but he did have a few tricks that he would be more than happy to pull out once the flight was in full swing.

No use in wasting them yet.

His eyes whirled as he flew, following the Queen and waiting for the right moment to strike. Things were just getting started and he was eager to see what would happen next.

---

Played by Catnip.

K'ren & Blue Beloyath

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Beloyath snorted and pushed forward more at Nirinath's words, he need not deign himself with answering such a ridiculous question. Tilting his wings he followed as she banked, his whirling red eyes locked on her shining buttermilk hide. He watched cautiously as she burst up amongst the trail of male dragons, hesitant to follow her every move. As a thinner dragon, he needed to conserve what stamina he did have.

Seeing her swoop down to speed across the fields Beloyath climbed rapidly, straining to get enough altitude for his planned move. Reaching where low clouds would rest during the colder months of the turn the Blue flared his wings. Long and wide they were perfect for gliding, and that was exactly what he was going to do. Unable to match the larger dragons for stamina and knowing that Nirinath would be caught high in the sky, Beloyath was to remain here for the time being.

I wait high for you, my Queen.

As soon as Beloyath had made the decision to fly high and away from the pack, K'ren had pushed himself away from the throng of hot, sweaty riders that crowded Tsuen. For a while he remained within her hut, the air cooling slightly on his skin as riders followed Tsuen out like lost puppies. All he could see was the pack zooming below, the glittering prize sweeping out at the lead. In the distance the lake shimmered in the summer sun, a perfect destination for a flight.

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Played by Featherpirate

The ground receded quickly as the butternut queen rose, banking to the right as a thermal warmed the underside of her wings. She rose to a medium height before leveling out again, and then banked sharply to the left, wheeling to again survey her suitors. A twist of blue entered her otherwise red-whirling eyes at the lustful colors reflected in the males' eyes; with a dip and a twist she was off again, turning a somersault in the sky to reverse her direction. Beloyath's proclamation went largely ignored -- if he couldn't keep up, he should just fly away. Unfair? Yes. Did the burnished queen care, at this very moment? Not in the least.

Vargenth was seriously beginning to irk her, though. His aerobatics were flashy, but they were insubstantial, fluff and cloud-puff. What she wanted to see was a true show of power. But how to put these boys to the test? With a challenging roar she changed direction again, flying straight at her suitors and near enough to one brown to tap his back as she passed. Catch me if you can!

Ronarth watched with roiling lavender eyes as the queen caught a thermal and dashed upwards, her lithe body glittering in the sun. How clever she was! Clever and beautiful, such a glorious prize! The bronze's blood flowed with passion as he angled himself to catch the same thermal in his green-tinted sails, his hearts hammering in his strong chest and his eyes afire with need.

Yes!

He rocketed skyward, propelled by great strokes of his strong wings. He kept his gaze fixed firmly on Nirinath, watching curiously as she banked to the left and attempted to evade once more.

Ronarth dropped his left wing and fanned the right abruptly, pivoting in midair and matching the queen's new angle. Such a maneuver was difficult for the bronze and better left to his smaller blue and green siblings, but it here, it suited his needs just fine. He was feeling confident as she streaked towards Nirinath, pouring his mighty strength into a burst of speed...

..and then she turned around on him.

Ronarth let out a distressed creel and wheeled to one side. I WILL catch you! Ronarth roared defiantly, his gentle and playful nature consumed utterly by his instinct to breed. He quickly spun around, having lost a bit of distance after the queen's last stunt, but his spirit was undaunted.

He bellowed furiously and took off after her again, a brilliant bronze bolt striking towards Nirinath like lightning. Ronarth was a thick, strong dragon...he had the power to close the gap. He just had to do it! You will not escape me!

On the ground, D'ren closed his eyes and concentrated on the flight, dazzled as the clouds raced past him. Ronarth... he thought. Had he spoken aloud, he would have been panting. You have the energy to spare...close that gap! he said, willing his dragon to pour even more strength into his pursuit.

Uhoroth rumbled after her, weaving about the other competitors as best he could. He wasn't the best for maneuverability, but he was a brown dragon, and he knew how to husband his strength. He wanted to growl at all of the other males who were chasing after his queen, but it wouldn't make a difference and he knew it. Some of them wouldn't be able to keep up, and the others were just unworthy. She started rising, as he knew she would, and he glided up with her, taking advantage of the thermal that he'd found to lift him and allow him to conserve his energy. Ronarth was rising as well, and he rumbled annoyance; the bronze had caught her last time, but he'd be shown up here and now!

The brown dragon was dissatisfied when she leveled off lower than he'd hoped, but E'lore's whispered reassurances reminded him that the flight was really only just begun, and the longer he could stretch it out, the more powerful the clutch would be. He kept with her, leaving his thermal behind to chase after her, and then- then she was turning and coming at them, and he tried to twist after her only to feel her tail brush against the ridges on his back. Clever! How clever of her, to use that startled surprise against them!

Wings churning the air, Uhoroth twisted about to come after her, dropping somewhat in altitude to pick up speed once again. Ronarth was ahead of him, but he drew on the burning intensity that was banked inside of him for a burst of speed to catch up to the bronze and gold, a roar bursting out of his chest as he threw himself after his beloved queen.

O'wain and Brown Nishkath

I have you now! Nishkath cried triumphantly as he came out of between not far north west of his queen with the sun to his back. Joyously he dived forward, his lust pushing harder then he'd ever felt he'd flown before. He rapidly closed the distance to her, bearing down on her like a bird of prey diving for it's meal.

O'wain was frustrated, the pack around Tsuen was too tight for him to even get close. Even his usual self-assured smirk betrayed his anger, a rare crack in his usually perfect facade. Suddenly a flash of inspiration took a hold of him. Taking a long run up O'wain bodily flung his naked form atop his competitors, dragging himself in a forced crowd surf. As he kicked, grabbed and dragged himself over the mass of sweaty bodies O'wain caught a glimpse of Tsuen, so beautiful and authoritative. O'wain was so mesmerised by the gold rider he shoved his hand down into an open space.

Tumbling down he landed head first onto his right cheek, crumpling at the feet of the other riders. Slightly dazed he looked up, catching another glimpse of Tsuen between their legs. He could not fail now. He had to have her. Spitting dirt and blood he pushed off from all fours, knocking aside the riders between him and his goal. He was so close now, just a few more steps and she would be his.

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Played by OwyndeValdeck

Nirinath roared angrily as a brown flicked out of between just a short distance away from her. He had cheated! Flights were to showcase her boys' strength and cunning, not how close they could teleport themselves to her! At the last second, as Nishkath was nearly upon her, the gold pumped her large sails, just barely clearing the brown's head . Her powerful hind legs kicked out, the sharp claws on them raking Nishkath from the back of his head, between his knobs, upwards to tear sharply at the thinner skin near his eye as she disengaged and shoved him downwards.

Only two suitors remained. The gold continued her incline, considering her choices. On the one hand, Uhoroth's bonded loved her Tsuen - always had, from the time they were small. But Uhoroth was a brown, and while normally that would not have influenced her, the fact there was a bronze in pursuit weighed heavily on her: Katila needed a gold egg.

Still, her mind was not made up. As Tsuen drew to a halt near her hut, E'lore and D'ren nearer to her than the rest who'd dispersed to take the pressure off themselves, Nirinath bellowed again, calling the two to rise to her.

Ronarth's sweet but competitive naturegave way to fitful rage as he watched Nishkath's stunt, flickering between and invading the Queen's space as he tried desperately to cheat his way to victory. Outraged beyond reason, Ronarth let out a thunderous bellow and surged forward, pouring his mighty strength into a final bid for victory.

He felt a rush of lovestruck joy as Nirinath batted the cheater away. Rightfully so; Queens belonged to bronzes. Dragons overlapped in size now, but Ronarth's ancestral instincts still told him so, as if he knew one day he and his brothers would outpace the others in growth until they stood no chance. Ronarth's general affection for his littler brothers was completely drenched in outrage that they would dare try to take his beloved from him.

He bellowed again and angled himself forward, eyes set on Nirinath with pure devotion and fervor. Almost there...

Nishkath couldn't help but yelp in pain and surprise as Nirinath's claw bit deep into the flesh of his head. Throbbing pain filled the dragon's consciousness leaving him dazed and practically blind to where he was flying. Nearly unconscious Nishkath began to plummet towards the plains below, his skull screaming in pain as ichor trailed off in droplets behind him. Falling, falling into darkness, Nishkath reached out...

O'wain...

Triumphantly O'wain shoved through the last few bodies between him and Tsuen. Now she would be his, a prize to behold. His victory was short lived however as his momentum was broken by an indifferent elbow to the nose from the weyr woman. Knocked senseless O'wain fell backwards and was quickly trampled back under the crowd. Struggling to regain his wits he faintly heard someone call his name before the wind was inexplicably driven out of him.

Although he didn't realise it, Nishkath was now caught in a nose dive. Still dazed the brown only just managed to force his eyes open in time to see the ground rushing to meet him. Flinging his wings open he was barely able to angle the dive, crashing onto his chest at terminal velocity before sliding across the plain a good five or six lengths. Painfully looking back at the great gouge he left in the earth the defeated dragon squeezed out one last thought to his rider before falling unconscious.

Ouch.