Find me, save me from this torture [Rachel/Alyx]

[Deleted]

Xanthia run a hand through her red locks, attempting in vain to push it out of her eyes, her hair dangling down in wet clumps as Krillian, her long term bully, had decided to dump a vat of ice cold water over. Her shirt cling wetly to all the wrong places in her mind, drawing far too much attention to her chest and figure. As if she needed some of the old farts here leering at her young body. It was bad enough a number of them had recently girls half their ages, she had no intention of joining those ranks. No, she had decided she was going to present herself to the dragon-riders when they arrived to escape the holdfast and her torturers. Then again... what does a dragon rider even look like? would they come of those little dots of colour she had briefly witnessed in the skies before she had been shooed into the hold's depths? 

She settled down by a tree that was out in the courtyard, hoping the sun would dry her clothes as she waited. She was vaguely aware of some jeering that instead, she let it wash over her and drift off back into the ether. If no search riders came this way, how would she escape? Hmm, interesting thought, that deserves some more thought. She stared up at the skies, with its few fluffy clouds passing lazily over head with the faint humming of the summer bugs calling for mates. 

First off, she'd need a way to get to the coast, she could steal a runner... Nope. Oh Hell No. That's stealing. On foot it was then. Maybe she could build some kind of raft once she reached the coast, it was simple enough as she'd helped make one before. Threadfall was an issue though, and she wasn't sure when the next one was. She made a mental note that on packing her bags tonight to find out when the next threadfall was, then she could plan her journey to the coast around it. If she remembered correctly, there was plenty of small caves jotted along the coast line as well, so she could shelter in there whilst threadfall was happening, then she could get her raft built and head across the sea to somewhere different... maybe she'd just drift and wherever she ended up would become her home... 

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

Why do we do this again? Rachel couldn’t help but smirk at the tone in the Blue’s voice as they flashed from the cold dark chill of Between into the clear, sunny blue sky. ‘Because it gives us an excuse to be places we wouldn’t normally be allowed to be, and that lets us Search were we normally wouldn’t.’ Aslith huffed, tilting a wingtip toward the hold below them as they spiraled in lazy circles toward the ground. I suppose that makes sense, but I still feel they should at least be a bit more grateful for our services.

It was only a few moments later, the sooted Blue found a clear spot and settled to the ground. Already, people were gathering at the edges – not too close, but close enough to get a look at the dragon and his rider. Rachel shifted in her seat, waiting for Aslith to completely settle and fold to the ground before reaching for the buckles. It only took a moment to sort, and she slipped down the Blue’s shoulder to put her boots on the earth.

One gloved hand pushed the fur-lined hood back off her head, the other catching the flying goggles to pull them down over her chin to hang around her throat. She could almost hear the murmurs and didn’t attempt to hide the smile that hooked the side of her lips. You enjoy that too much. ‘Only narrow-minded people should be shocked at a woman on a Blue anymore, old man.’ Asilth rumbled softly, chucking in her mind. You still enjoy it. ‘Every sharding time.’

She stepped away and almost instantly the runner was there; this time a younger boy, not more than seven turns she would have guessed. Big eyes turned toward her, and Rachel’s humor softened. “You the runner for today, lad?” “Um... Yes ma’am, er, I mean, Dragonrider...” Rachel nodded, pulling the letter from her pouch and handing it to him. “Take this to the Lord Reageren . It's an order for stock from Lemos Hold; I’m not promised to carry a return, but if your Lord wishes I can, I will wait for an hour for him.” The boy nodded, then shot off over the ground like tunnelsnake were at his heels.

Rachel watched him go. ‘Well?’ Closed off; he doesn’t have anything I can sense right now. It might change as he gets older but... Rachel nodded, sighing as she turned to walk back to the dragon. ‘Pity. Cute kid.’ Aslith turned his head, nuzzling the woman’s hair. I’m sorry. ‘Not your fault, love.’

@kickflare

[Deleted]

Xan heard the commotion in the yard, her head moving to look over, even she wasn't immune to the draw of crowd. Pushing herself to her feet, she wandered over to the crowd as she heard the mummers of disapproval, her lips pursed and and shat spat back at the crowd "You know having tits and vagina doesn't make her LESS capable you know." She pushed through the crowd, hearing the snorts of those that knew her and they called her rude bitch for her remark. It made no difference to her, they could call her rude all they liked, it was just because looking at their own actions was too difficult for their small minds. 

Once she had pushed through of the crowd, her eyes fell on the blue dragon and for a moment her whole mind went silent. It was utter bliss, her eyes travelled along the blue's hide. Her mouth went dry as she took the deep vivid blues and blended out to silver along his muzzle. Without a second thought, she moved forward and reached out to touch his shoulder. So this was a dragon... was his hide as soft as it looked? Her head cocked off to the side, the mummer of the crowd now fell on deaf ears. 'Take me... take me with you. Please' her mind begged as her hand reached to the blue's shoulder without fear or hesitation. For once in her damned life, this felt right, she had spent her life convincing herself that she was normal, and that her not fitting in with everyone was because she hadn't found her calling. Right here and now, that calling rang like a bell between her ears and rocked down into her chest. Everything inside screaming to be taken by this rider and the dragon, to be freed and let loose into the azure vastness above. 

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

Well now. Aslith’s words slipped over her thoughts, pulling Rachel from her dwelling. The Blue’s head was up, watching the girl cross the distance toward them. She never once looked Rachel’s way – Rachel wouldn’t take it personally; it was good to see something that wasn’t fear on the girl’s features. The girl didn’t run, but she didn’t really walk either… it was almost trance-like how she advanced to join the Blue pair.

Aslith turned to watch the girl as she moved along his side, the side opposite Rachel and touched his shoulder. The skin was smooth and well-oiled, soft like a well-tanned leather under her touch. The hide jumped a little like runner’s under her touch, and the dragon gave a soft welcoming rumble. ‘You good?’ Yes, I think so. She means no harm. Rachel wasn’t so sure, but she trusted the Blue with her life; his judgment had yet to lead them astray yet.

You are not afraid of me. Aslith’s voice was still controlled as he opened up the channel to include the girl, smooth and casual so he didn’t startle her if he could help it. Lowering his head, he tilted it so he could look at her properly, one shining faceted eye turned downward. And where would you like me to take you, little one? Ah... Rachel smiled, leaning against the dragon’s shoulder as he spoke with the girl.

[Deleted]

"No scaley.. soft..." she mummered softly, her fingers lightly tracing along the blue's hide, her eyes filled in wonder before she felt something press against... the inside of her skull; right before a voice blossomed into her head. Her head snapped around so fast to the dragon that she almost gave herself whiplash from the force. Forcing herself to recover from the surprise at hearing a voice. Afraid? Why would she be afraid? 

"I'm not afraid of you. You don't mean harm. If you did, you'd have burnt me to a crisp by now." Xan stated very matter of factly, before relcuntently moving her hand away. "Sorry I had to know... the teachers said that dragons were scaley." She offered that in hopes of smoothing over any offended feelings. It was only the voice came again, did Xan become aware of the rider on the other side of the dragon.

"Wherever you came from. I want to be like her." Xan's hand lifted up and pointed to Rachel. She heard one of the teachers yell across for her to come away and not to bother the rider as she was clearly busy, but Xan ignored it. That woman could rot on the surface of the Red star for all she cared. Her eyes moved up to look at the dragon, her head cocking off to the left as she noted facets in his eyes. 

"Please don't leave me here." she added on, looking between the dragon and his rider, noting that some were regarding her with confused and even worried looks. She held herself up right and strong, watching them. "I'd rather die than spend another day in this forsaken hell hole." She didn't care that her words earned her harsh hisses of disapproval, she didn't care that she was still soaked to the bone, the thought of seeing this dragon just flit away into the skies not to be seen again was a fate far worst than death in her eyes. With the dragonriders, she could learn, she be useful instead of being physical and emotional punching bag. 

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

The girl’s startled response made Rachel frown slightly, but she recovered quickly enough to speak, so there was that. A lot of young ones thought they wanted to be riders or near riders, but that first contact sent many running for cover. It was always a risk, letting Aslith take the lead on a contact – it wasn’t that Rachel didn’t trust him; more she didn’t trust others. The Bluerider ducked her head, coughing to cover the laugh at the girl’s reply to him. Aslith, on the other hand, seemed a bit taken back.

Burn you to a crisp? Well, I never… what do they teach children these days. Rachel shook her head. “They teach them whatever they can to make them fear dragons it seems.” Aslith turned to look at his rider for a moment, then sighed dramatically – which was humorous to see from such a large beast. I will never understand holderfolk. “It’s okay, love, you don’t have to.”

Aslith turned his gaze back to the girl. Well, that is another thing your teacher has wrong. We are only scaly if we aren’t oiled properly. And we don’t breathe fire on people. Only thread. Honestly, we must talk to someone about such slander. Rachel brought a glove up to cup over her mouth, the laughter muffled barely behind the leather. Someone off to the edge of the group shouted – Rachel assumed at the girl, trying to call her away. The Bluerider lifted a hand, waving the speaker off without looking at them. “It is fine, she’s not bothering us at all, thank you.”

The girl repeated her plea to the dragon, this time aloud. Her words were fairly blunt, startling convinced for one so seemingly young. She could feel Aslith brush her thoughts. ‘Yes, old man?’ She is not happy here. ‘Not happy is not enough, you know that. Or we’d have a weyr of young ones with no potential.’ She watched the girl point her way for a moment, and then frowned at the crowd around them. Rachel pushed off, striding slightly away from Aslith to stand in front of the girl.

“Strong words. What’s your name?” Resting a gloved hand on her hip, Rachel gave the girl a serious once over. Wet… it wasn’t raining, and one didn’t bathe with their clothing on. “And why are you soaked to the bone?” ‘Does she have any chance?’ Talk to her, let me test. Rachel stifled the sigh; she had already been ‘warned’ after Vitra to be more careful with her Searching... “My name is Rachel, and this is Aslith, by the way. Sorry, he wasn’t mannered enough to introduce himself.” The Blue rumbled softly. Ah, yes. My apologies. I normally have better manners than that.

[Deleted]

"I never believed the teachers anyway. They are too busy attempting to look as though they are greatest to do a good job of it anyway." she shrugged a shoulder, looking between the rider and dragon. It was beginning to appear that they didn't want to take her with them. She would have wilted but instead, figuring she had nothing left to lose, may as well make conversation before she makes her escape. 

"Xanthia. And I'm soaked because of small minded idiots who think that bullying is way to demonstrate power. The same kind of idiot that recoils in horror in the fact you came in on a dragon." It was becoming rather apparent that she thought of this as more 'women who seen and not heard' kind of thinking than that she rode a blue. "I fail to see why its an issue though. There have been plenty of female riders before. There are ton of female riders in the history books." She stiffened at hearing Krillian's odd squeaking tones from the back of the crowd, although she did not move. Her eyes flicking back to the dragon, she swore she felt pressure on her skull... maybe she was imagining it as she knew she would likely have to spend the afternoon avoiding the uncouth little cretin whilst she gathered her things. Her eyes flickered over Rachel and Aslith as she finally got to know their names. "THere's nothing to forgive, i intruded on your personal space. It is I who is without manners." dusting her hands off, she straightened her soggy tunic and pushed her shoulders back. 

"Can I get you anything, refreshments? Mother insists that all guests be offered refreshments after any length of journey." She spoke in a curt, almost abrasive way but it lacked the sharp edging that would usually come with a sentence structure. She glanced hearing voices once more, was her chance slipping away now? Her stomach knotted sickeningly, before a brief exhale cleared it. Only with that exhale, her expression became more neutral as she let her mask slide away. Pretending to be happy and cheerful was in fact draining and if they had no intention of taking her away, then she would not waste the energy because that energy would be required tonight to make her escape. Her mind abuzz with plans, but she was at least able to hold conversation well. 

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

The girl was harder to read than Rachel liked. Every time the Bluerider thought she has the girl pegged down, she flipped into a different emotion. One moment she seemed all but ready to jump up on Aslith with or without Rachel’s sayso, then the next she was mousy and timid. Shards, Rachel hated when Holds did to people sometimes. But the girl only drooped for a moment, and then answered her.

Rachel made a noise in her throat, a mix of a growl and a cough, her eyes darting over the crowd. “Hold boys. All ego, no brains, and of no use to anyone most of the time.” She didn’t even attempt to lower her voice – after all, she didn’t live here. She could care less what was thought of her, honestly. Most Holders were too dense to remember her from one visit to the next… the girl continued to talk, an offer of some sort, but Rachel was barely listening, her eyes on the crowd around them.

“Aslith? Verdict?” The Blue rumbled, shifting his stance to flip his tail around behind Xanthia as a barrier against the milling crowd. The potential is there if she is willing to let it be there. She bottles things up a bit more than I like but... “But it can be untaught.” Rachel turned to look at Xanthia dead in the eyes. Yes, I believe so. “Good to hear. Now, just one question I suppose.” Rachel didn’t know still, the girl seems of a dozen different minds. But…

“Xanthia, look at me. I want you to hear what I am saying; I don’t want to give you any false hopes or expectations. Alright? Aslith here, he’s a special kind of Dragon; he has the ability to sense in people the potential to be Dragonriders. I can’t explain it and neither can he really; he just does it, and I trust him to do it. Now, he thinks you have that potential, but-”

She brought her hand up quickly, wanting to make sure the girl heard her out before answering. “Understand that I am not saying it’s set in stone you’ll Impress a Dragon. Aslith says you have the potential to, but you need to do the work for it, understand? It might not be your first time on the Sand, or the Second, or at all for that matter. I’m simply offering the chance to try. So far, Aslith has yet to pick wrong, so you’ve got a good record to lean on. Even if you don’t Impress well..”

Rachel looked around the hold gathered around them, her voice dropping lower to sound just between them. “I expect it would suit you a whole lot better to be at Mavros than this place as it is.” Rachel folded her arms over her chest, looking back at the soaked girl in front of her. “The choice is yours. Say no, and I’ll not ask again – I’ll leave you to escape off to your chores or lessons and I won’t speak of it further. Or say yes, I’ll declare my Search right here, claim you as a candidate for Mavros Weyr, let you get your things and say your goodbyes, and we leave this place behind us. Your choice.”

[Deleted]

Xan looked to Rachel as requested, her eyes flitting around Rachel's face as she spoke. "But?" Her brows knitted together, had she presented herself wrong? She gave a sharp nod, work for it, she didn't expect anything else. "I didn't expect to just get chosen and end up a dragonrider." She frowned slightly, did this woman think of her as some dull minded cretin that expected things on a silver platter? "If you don't work for anything, you get nothing. Every must be worked for, nothing is free." She added on, her lips twitched briefly as though it was about to become a smile before it dropped away into nothing. 

"Even if I do not impress, at least at the Weyr I do something useful. Here, I'm walking a walking womb." She remarked, a flat droll tone rolling through her voice. It was only when Rachel than declared her a candidate that she stared openly at the women. Here she had thought she be rejected and was planning her escape, but now... she had been searched! Her eyes welled up, her vision blurred, before she stopped herself. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she forced those tears back and buried the need for tears. She moved forward, closing the gap, and placed her forehead somewhat awkwardly against Rachel's arm. 

"Thank you." It was almost like a hug, almost. Just a few moments later she retreated sharply and straightened up. "One minute. My bag is already packed." Without another word, she turned smartly on her heel and took off at a sprint towards her home to retrieve her bags. FINALLYYY, her movements light and bouncy. She wanted to squeal and cheer, she had been searched, she could finally get away from here, away from Krillian and the other Hold kids that made her life hell and she could finally escape the Hold Men that eyed her like a fresh slab of herdbeast meat. She had ignored her mother's cries for her to reject the searching as she left the house, she ignored the hold kids that called her names and when Krillian grabbed her arm, she yanked herself free and punched him in the nose. Faranath that felt good to finally nail that little prick. Giving her hand a brief shake, she shoved her way back to Rachel and Aslith. 

Freedom finally. She tightened the straps of her bag, dragon flew, it wouldn't anyone any good if her breast bands and underwear flew out of her bag whilst they were flying. She stopped Aslith's shoulder, taking note of the straps. "Lets go." 

"Xanny! Don't do it! I got a nice pairing with one of the hold lads, don't you want to be mother?" Her mother had called out to her, Xanthia looked at her. 

"I'm grateful that you gave me life. But I'd rather chew blackrock and be used a chewtoy by the Hold's Wher than stay here a moment longer. I don't want to just be a mother. I want to be useful and here I'm just a womb on legs." She looked away at seeing her mother's face crumble into tears. "Can we go now Rachel? Before she starts trying to blackmail me?" She gave Rachel a pointed look, if she had wanted to know why she hid her emotions here, this was a pretty good indication.  

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

Rachel smirked at the girl’s words. “You’d be surprised how many don’t think that way, Xanthia. Many think that Searching is just a small step, and it’s all promised out from this point on; it’s something I feel the need to make clear to every person I Search, so they know what they are getting into. No promises, no for sure. I’m just opening the door to give you the chance to change your stars, so to speak. The rest is up to you, the fates, and the dragon’s choice. Good enough?”

She had to agree though. Even if the girl didn’t impress, Rachel expected she’d be far happier in the odd mix of ranks and cultures that Marvos offered to being grounded here. It was clear, like many that Rachel chose to steal away, she was a flit among wherries in this dirt swat; her spirit and mouth would eventually get her in trouble, sooner rather than later, had Rachel left her to remain. When Xanthia moved into her, Rachel stood her ground, her free hand coming up to run a gloved palm over the girl’s shoulder and back in comfort for the moment. “You are most welcome.”

When the girl stepped away, Rachel let her without argument. In a moment, she was gone – off to collect her things. Rachel watched her go, and then looked at Aslith. That her bag had already been packed spoke volumes about how much this escape meant to the girl. ‘Hope you are right this time too, old man. She really needs something besides with place.’ If nothing else, Mavros is always open to new wanderers. ‘True that.’

The young messenger took that moment to return, appearing out of the confused crowd at a sprint. Rachel busied herself with wrapping her own business up while she waited for Xanthia’s return. Almost as soon as Rachel was sending the boy off, Xanthia appeared from the crowd again, pack over her shoulder. Rachel nodded to the girl, Aslith’s rumbling echoing in his barreled chest as he shifted a foreleg to let them both step up.

A woman broke the crowd’s line, crying out to them – well, to Xanthia. Rachel couldn’t help but visibly cringe at the woman’s words. The exchange that played out left Rachel with an uneasy feeling in her stomach and a bitter taste in her mouth; she’s just recently gotten in trouble for taking a child on Search without the parent’s permission; that had resulted in Vitra’s Bronzer-father threatening to bring Benden down on all of Mavros’s neck. She didn’t really care an ashthread about what Holds thought of her, but she really didn’t want to cause A’zael more drama with her searching habits.

Still, something when Xanthia looked at her; the look in her eyes made Rachel nod. “Aye, up you go then. Aslith won’t let you fall – just grab the straps and pull yourself up; sit pinion, you aren’t a dragonrider just yet.” Rachel smiled, looking back at the crying mother. Was there anything really to be said to ease the woman’s tears? “I claim your daughter by right of Search and with her approval as a Candidate for Mavros Weyr, my dear lady. If you wish, you may write her there at the care of our Candidatemaster. I promise to do my best to keep her safe.”

It was about the best Rachel could do – she hated dealing with parents. She waiting a moment for Xanthia to get settled, then climbed up the Blue’s leg to claim her own seat. It is so much easier when the parents don’t get involved. Aslith shared with the pair on his back; Rachel chuckled, nodding quickly. “That it is. If she causes a fuss too much, Maybe we can get her shifted to the Weyrhold or something.” Rachel turned to help Xanthia with the straps and then buckled herself in.

“Alright. Wave goodbye to your mother so she doesn’t totally lose it. I really can’t be accused of kidnapping again.” She softened the statement with a smile, signaling Aslith to stand. The Blue rose to his feet, flaring his wings out gently over the space around him. “Okay, hold on to me.” She waiting until she felt Xanthia’s arms circle her waist, then sent the Blue skyward. Aslith bunched up, then shoved off into the sky; broad sooted wings powered them up over the Hold within moments – and Rachel was thankful to leave the crowd, the ground, and the tearful mother behind.

It will be okay. Rachel sighed, taking the moment to pull her goggles up over her eyes. ‘You say that now. I suppose I should make sure A’zael knows what I’ve done this time, just in case. I don’t need him side-blinded a second time.’ Indeed. The Blue circled over the hold for a moment more, then Rachel called over her shoulder. “Here’s the first test; close your eyes and take a deep breath; Between is like the coldest cold you’ve ever felt and beyond it. It will only be a few moments, then we will be at Marvos. Ready?”

[Deleted]

Xan nodded determinedly before looking back to the straps on the blue dragon curiously. She reached forward and gripped the strap as Rachel explained how to mount up. Hmm, shouldn't be hard although as she stared down at the stitching, she decided she'd offer the bluerider her services, it was the least she could. THe stitches were straight and functional, but she felt like the bluerider could have something a little more... elaborate done with the straps. She had that knowledge so why the stars shouldn't she do something nice. 

Rolling her shoulders, feeling the joint forcing the tendons to stretch a little making a low grinding noise, she shifted her weight and then hauled herself up onto the dragon, albeit not in the most graceful fashion.  That would come with practice right, at least she made up onto the dragon's shoulder. Shifting, she moved herself into what she believed would be the pillion position, she gripped lightly for a moment with her legs. Kind of similar to sitting on the back of a runnerbeast she thought quietly to herself. She could get used to this. Her hands moved to the straps before she tested the leather's strenth gently. It was really good quality.. probably had to be because of the strain that would be put on it. 

'Wave to your mother' Xan's head snapped up to look at Rachel, was this rider serious? Did she not hear the exchange between them? Xan looked over to where her mother stood, watching her spit and hiss in rage that her daughter was going. Good thing her father was already dead, he was a mean son of a wher. Xan couldn't help but smile, that woman may have birthed her and raised her, but she had it difficult. She did little more than give the woman the middle finger as the dragon leapt up. Her hands instantly grabbed onto the straps as she almost rocked backwards. Okay... not like a runnerbeast. This would take some practice. It took a few moments of getting used to the movement of the wings and how it moved the body of the dragon, before she figured out to move with the dragon to keep her seat stable. Her lips twitched on the next instruction, deep breath? Okay, she was already breathing, and given she had spent herself feeling as though she was in a void, so surely this would be a walk in the park. She nodded in silent recognition of Rachel's words. 

Xan's mind drew onto the fact that was really happening. She was going to Weyr, possibly to impress a dragon but if not, at least she had chance to do something more useful that being a breeding vessel. It didn't matter what she did, as long as she got there and was deemed useful. Plotting out her next action, her mind buzzing with ideas and what she'd need to do. First up, learning what she needed to do to care for a dragon, what other things would be expected, then she'd need to get an assignment, maybe she could speak with the person in charge and get onto sewing leathers and such. She already had that experience so it'd fall directly in her skill set. Maybe she could even look to earn some marks by making them pretty with embroidery? The sky was indeed the limit!

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

Rachel was too focused on getting them into the air that thankfully she missed the parting gesture her passenger tossed at her mother. The woman was clearly very, very angry, and the sooner they were gone, the better. Hopefully, unlike Vitra, this woman didn’t have any Lord or Bronzer in her back pouch to send screaming at Az for Rachel thieving away her kin. That was the last thing Rachel needed; Az didn’t want to ground her that she could tell, but enough complaints and he’d have to. She didn’t want to put him in that place.

I could land, we could give her back and say it was all a misunderstanding? Aslith’s words filled her thoughts as they banked around, giving the girl time to get settled before scaring her with the jump Between. Rachel chuckled. ‘I doubt that would work. Besides, I’d have to pry her off you at this point.’ Hm… that is true. She would not climb down on her own, now that she’s had the hint of escape. ‘Indeed. Okay, you ready?’ Always; the question is our new friend.

Well, no one was really ready for their first time in the cold, black ink. Rachel looked over her shoulder at Xanthia, making sure her voice was loud enough for the girl to hear. “Okay, get ready. Hold your breath; it’s not smart to breathe in Between – too blasted cold.” Plus, it felt like you were drowning, but she didn’t tell the girl that. “You might feel like you are alone, but you aren’t. We’ll be right there with you. If it makes you feel better, close your eyes and count to ten; we’ll be out on the other side before you hit eleven.”

Rachel caught the girl’s wrist, making sure that Xanthia had at least one arm around her waist before she signaled Aslith. “Ready? Okay, now!” Go! Aslith responded instantly, dropping the trio into the frigid nothingness. Rachel counted off her in her head, her middle finger tapping the back of Xanthia’s hand. 1..2…3…

7… 8… 9… 10 - the trio burst out into the blue sky. Rachel took a quick breath, and then glanced over her shoulder at the girl. “See? All good. Welcome to Mavros Weyr.” Aslith rumbled happily, spiraling toward the ground below them. The scent of the ocean flooded the air around them, with just a light hint of herdbeast and dragon spice. It only took a few moments and they were touching down near an entrance.

Summoned by Aslith, S’bol was waiting for them. “Greetings. Aslith said you had a new candidate for me?” Rachel pulled the goggles down around her neck, signaling Aslith to crouch so the girl could climb down. “Indeed. Fresh from Charin Hold.” S’bol nodded, looking Xanthia over from where he stood. “Well, welcome then! Come on down, and we’ll get you settled and show you around a bit, shall we?”

@kickflare

[Deleted]

Xanthia - Candidate

Xan nodded against the winds, her eyes watering as the wind seemed to try to strip all moisture from her eyes. Squinting, she peered around, her fingers pressed into the dragon's hide, although her pinkie and ring finger remained tightly around the riding strap. Her eyes instant focused on the thoughts of escape, the freedom of the Weyr and what adventures she could possible get up to. She had almost scowled when her arm was tugged around Rachel's waist. She cringed, she wasn't fond of physical contact at the best of times... yes, she had Rachel her version of a hug earlier but that hardly meant that unrequested physical contact was welcome. She had gone to tell Rachel that she wasn't fond of contact but the frigid darkness had swallowed them up.

She would have widened her eyes in shock if she had the chance or ability. There was nothing. Just cold and feeling. She also felt nothing, had the rider changed her mind and tossed her between? The moment of wanting to yell out passed in barely blink of an eye before she surrendered herself to the mind numbing blackness. Then an audible pop and she was half blinded by sunlight. She yanked her arm free of Rachel's grip and used to it shield her eyes against the light. It was almost stomach churning going from darkness to light in just a few shakes of wherry's tail.

After a few moments, her eyes drift across the Weyr as they made their way down. The stone white cliffs, the brisk saltiness in the air and the familiar stink of herdbeasts some how seemed like home. She saw dragons off in the distance, hues of Bronze, brown, blue and green and then a briefly flash of Gold and white in another area. Her heart soared in delight as they grew closer to the ground, She felt the muscles of the blue shift to land and she too moved to go with his motions so hopefully she wouldn't bloody herself or this marvellous hide of the blue. Her fingers gripped the riding straps hard as the blue settled before her eyes turned to look across the Weyr now they had landed. Smooth stone, with some areas with faded charring. Burning off the greenery that attempted to invade most probably. She had at least remembered that from the teaching songs.

The blue lowered, ah she was expected to dismount then. So this was Mavros Weyr. She shifted a leg over the spine of the blue and leapt down, crouching down as she landed before straightening up. The drop had been a lot bigger than she remembered having climbed up though. Perhaps that was an effect of the height difference.

"Thanks." She spoke cleanly buit evenly, her words seemed to be so carefully measured and controlled before she looked him over. He appeared friendly enough. "Food will be required shortly. I have yet to eat." She added on matter-of-factly. Shifting her ill fitted tunic she moved to follow after S'bol. And thus begins her first day as a Candidate and member of Mavros Weyr.

Alyx

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

Aslith did his best to make sure he was low enough to the ground so the girl could dismount without breaking anything. Rachel pulled her own straps looser, ready to help if needed – but Xanthia far more capable than most candidates Rachel brought to S’bol’s door. The Bluerider nodded at the girl’s words, a smile slipping over her own lips. “T’was our pleasure, Xanthia. I expect you’ll fit in here far better than you did at Charin. Still some idiots, but far fewer than there I think?”

Waiting till the young woman was back a few steps, Rachel tapped a heel against Aslith’s shoulder to signal him to rise. “Aye, sadly I don’t eat much on my travels. Once S’bol gets you settled, I’m sure he’ll point you to the Dining Hall so you can get that sorted. I’ve got to go check in with the Weyrleader, in case your mother gets the bright idea to send someone looking for you.” Aslith shook his head, rumbling quietly. “I’ll check in with you in a few days, alright? Give you time to settle in, maybe me a few of the other candidates.”

Rachel gave a quick wave to the young woman and the Candidatemaster before Aslith pushed off, launching himself into the Bowl’s open air. ‘Ask Fath where Az is?’ Do you think it’s really a problem? Rachel frowned, resisting the urge to look back at the pair on the ground. ‘Maybe. All the same, I’d like to make sure to cover my tail this time.’ As you like, give me a moment. Fath can be… hard to understand sometimes. Rachel smiled as the pair rose into the air, then glided off into the higher parts of the Weyr.

{Exit Rachel and Aslith}

(@kickflare There, a proper close. :D Rachel will let her settle then maybe check in again; Xan seems fairly capable though, so Rachel won't be too worried :D Thank you for the thread!!)