Before the Fall [Execution Escape] [Open]

Ravana was startled when Aradissicath accepted via Shanith.  She then realized she hadn't a clue as to the logistics of the matter.  She looked around and saw how the other dragonets were being loaded up, winced and looked at Aradissicath.  It looked so undignified! 

Stubborn hid, finally coaxed out when Ravana took a moment to soothe her with a mental wave of reassurance.  She cheeped to Whisper, then tipped her head as Muffin got a good look at her, the black paws lost in Ravana's hair as she reared up to brace herself on her head, watching the blue with curiousity.  Ravana answered Rhaedalyn quietly.  "I suspect I will be finding out how much of a handful they are soon.  She's only two weeks old."

Ravana shrugged off her flight leathers and passed them to Rhadalyn, saying, "I'm thinking you can climb up first and we'll pass Aradissicath up to you.  You can hold onto her while I ride behind the two of you."  Riding without her leathers had her breaking into a cold sweat, but Rhaedalyn wouldn't have a set made for her yet, and R'ana didn't want the pair to fall off.  Shanith was a smooth flyer, but there was no point in taking chances. 

When Rhaedalyn was mounted up and settled, and strapped in, Ravana mounted up behind her, strapping herself in like she was the passenger.  Shanith was gentle as she took off, popping between within 20 feet of the ground.  They glided down gently from much higher in the air at the other end, Ravana pleased that it went so smoothly, even as her stomach twisted with fear until they were landed. 

Helping the pair dismount was quick, Ravana taking a moment to lean on Shanith after, out of everyone's sight.  The green touched the gold gently with her nose saying, Ravana will be more social when she is done with the flying for awhile.  She panics every time we have to fly and we have to go get Jisralna and the younger memebers of the family. 

Aveleth was noticed then, the whisper enough to get Shanith's attention.  She paused and reached to nose him gently.  It was good, we were careful!  She paused and added, Mine needs to go give the second part of her lifts for today, but we'll be settling down on a blanket nearby once we get back.  If you want you can join us when we get back, all of you!

To Aveleth alone, Shanith added, I'm sorry.  If you like you can give them the lift back though.  Mine heard some people talking of them like they were nothing but pawns and got upset over it, but truly she hates to fly.  She'd be over the moon if someone else gave them lifts back.

Ravana was finally able to appear composed, having hidden on Shanith's other side on the pretext of checking her riding straps.  She reclaimed her riding leathers, and remounted Shanith, saying she'd be right back. 

Stubborn elected to stay behind, winging to Aveleth and Aradissicath, the little lizard cheeping at both then hovering and asking the blue if she could stay with him while Ravana went via image.  If permission was given, she would land neatly on him and curl up in a tiny ball of black and gold.

Shanith took off again, Ravana trying to hide how terrified she was in the air and succeeding.  It was why she was stiff as she apologized to Jisralna when they landed in front of her and the kids.  Ravana dismounted shakily and spoke quietly.  "I'm sorry I was late, Jisralna." 

Fear was clouding her mind, but when Jisralna shoved the kids at her and scrambled up Shanith's side, Ravan grabbed a nearby, random person and pressed Berani into their arms.  She thought she was mad at her and had to set it right.  A look at her face showed only upset and changed Ravana's next action.  She wrapped Leralna expertly into the sling she had been using for Stubborn and soothed the baby quickly.  Ravana scrambled up behind Jisralna, and hugged her tight.  Shanith got what she was trying to do and touched Jisralna's mind with a sensation of love and support. 

After a moment, Berani was handed up to Ravana and placed in her lap.  Ravana sent the person running for blankets, and wrapped Jisralna, herself, and Berani up tight.  They took off, Shanith slipping between quickly and landing them neatly on the ground after another long glide down.

Ravana helped Berani down and then Jisralna, passing her the sling with Leralna in it.  Shanith fussed over the two and Ravana turned her mind to the preparations she had made for this.  She spread a blanket on the ground, beckoning Berani to her, along with Jisralna and Leralna.  A second blanket was used to form a cushioned area for Leralna, and Ravana settled with a sigh of relief, figuring if she ignored the way her stomach twisted in fear, she would not throw up.

Shanith stretched out behind them, providing shade to relax in.  Ravana called Berani to her once she was seated, smiling at her daughter.  She reached in her bag and tossed her a wrapped bundle.  When the toddler opened it, a reed pipe would show, stained in harper blue.  The one Ravana played out of her own bag was considerably more battered and black.  It was the only instrument the former harper apprentice could play with any degree of proficiency.

A curious Stubborn landed beside them, the firelizard curious about the low noise the toddler made when she blew on the flute.  She cheeped, then hummed softly, settling on Ravana's lap once the green rider reached up to pet her.

She spoke quietly.  "Would you like to learn to play, Berani?"  The way the toddler instantly beamed and picked up the flute was answer enough.  Ravana relaxed fully as she settled into showing her the barest basics, even playing a simple tune on the flute to show her daughter what the flute would sound like.  The look on her face warmed Ravana, the rider, thinking that this might help her.  Music wasn't talking but it was a way to show Berani expressing herself was a good and wonderful thing!