Turnover Class A Race 3

[Zen]

B’rax had officiated previous races, but being that he was Mavros’s new Weyrleader he had asked his brother B’ram to take his place this time so that he could play at politics instead. As the third group of racers assembled, the brownrider waited astride Ganth and gave out the instructions for the race. There were more rules than there had been at Jask when the dragons flew only through open air. Here they would fly along the cliffs and keeping enough space between themselves and the cliffs to prevent accidents was important, as well as making sure they did fly out from the cliffs too far as to give themselves a shorter circuit than their competitors. As ever, betweening was not allowed.

The rules laid out, B’ram gave the racers leave to take their positions and Ganth settled at the edge of the Little Island where he and his rider would have a good view of who crossed the finish first. When all were in place and appeared ready, Ganth bugled to begin the race and little green Moth shot forward to take an early lead.

OOC: Thus begins Round 1 of posting! There is no posting order (other than that I will begin each new round) and you can feel free to have your character take the lead or whatever, and of course feel free to maneuver the unclaimed NPCs in the race however you like as well. After Round 3 is over, I will randomize the finishing order and then make a post to end the race. Everyone will be free to make a final post if they wish. Only RACERS should be posting here!

Racers
Siorreya of Green Amagetith (kevna )
Joia of White Tellamuth (Alyx )
Vitra of Blue Tucseth (Taxx )
Isali of Green Zyrath (Taxx )
R’naus of Blue Hiyacraith (NPC)
Y’ril of Green Moth (NPC)

[Taxx]

Vitra of blue Tucseth

Of course he was going to race! What a silly question for his rider to ask, and Tucseth rumbled amusement, eyes whirling blue. Vitra herself was a bit more uncertain, but she also knew there was no way the blue was going to be persuaded to stay out of it. She’d just have to go along for the ride and deal with the outcome, whatever it so happened to be.

They were airborne in the next minute, the line of racers waiting for the starting bugle from Ganth. Little Moth was the first to surge forward, but Tucseth wasn’t far behind and he made the most of his wider wingspan, passing by the green and claiming the first spot for himself. Like he’d done last time. Vitra held back a sigh, felt a rush of affection for her headstrong, overly competitive blue, and settled lower to reduce drag.

Who’s behind us? Tucseth demanded, too busy to turn and look for himself; Vitra craned her head around.

All of them, right now. Moth is still right on your tail, and Hiyacraith is coming up fast.

No! Tucseth growled and then he was going even faster, every muscle straining as he pushed himself as hard as he could to widen the gap between himself and the others behind.


Isali of green Zyrath

“You can’t race without a rider.”- clearly the wrong thing to say, and Isali was both amused and frustrated as Zyrath glared at her and went on one of her daily rants about how useless humans were in general and why could she not race without a lump of meat sitting on her back? What use would Isali be? She couldn’t fly. Couldn’t flame. Was small and skinny and by Faranth’s golden hide, Zyrath would show them all that she didn’t need a rider to enter the race.

Amusement and frustration tended to go hand in hand when she dealt with Zyrath. Her green’s dislike of humans was something uniquely Zyrath, and her stubbornness about proving herself on her own was- while sometimes annoying- admirable in its unwavering insistence. Isali watched, not even bothering to call her back, arms crossed as the green sprang and flew to where the other dragons- and their riders- were ready to begin.

She muscled her way in between Moth and Tellamuth, shunting aside the smaller green and ignoring her grumble of annoyance and the human’s confused outburst. They didn’t matter.

At the sound of the bugle, she lunged forward with the rest, finding a decent position and settling into it while watching the leaders and calculating the best time to…

Zyrath, what are you doing? Ganth’s voice broke into her concentration and her wings missed a beat before she regained it.

Racing, she replied.

You need your rider, he replied, and the green immediately bristled.

I do not need her! she retorted, her tone much less respectful toward the brown now.

A short pause and then he replied: You need her to qualify. You cannot claim a win riderless. Leave the race.

Fury sent the green’s eyes to a rapidly whirling red in a heartbeat, but she felt the command and could not resist it. She dropped lower, avoiding the others around and behind her, and hissed her rage at once more being told she could not do something without a human to take credit where they were owed none.

[kevna]

Siorreya - Green Amagetith

“Okay, let’s remember we want to be slower, conserve our energy. You don’t have the stamina of the blues.” She tried to keep her tone conciliatory, passive. Amagetith loved to have fun, but she could be competitive too. She loved to win. It made sense really, because Siorreya was competitive herself. She really wanted to win. They were the fastest out of all those gathered, well, maybe with the acceptance of Tellamuth. His stature did give him the benefit-him being smaller, but that would just mean that when push game to shove, Ama’s stamina would win out over him. Hopefully.

I know, I know. It’s just so haaard. Her green whined, flying in to take her place next to Tellamuth, Zyrath and Moth on the other side of the small white. Siorreya smiled and waved at Joia. She liked the girl, even if she didn't know her very well. She was nice, and her dragon intriguing. 

“It is. But we can do this.” Siorreya felt confident in that at least. Their last loss had been because of their poor planning and early exhaustion. They were far more prepared this race. Ganth’s bugle got them all moving, and Sio made sure to keep a mental tether on her dragon, constantly reminding her to pace herself.

Sio gave a start as they took to the sky, noting for the first time that Zyranth was without Isali, and she laughed. She’d never seen that before. Maybe Isali didn’t want to race?

She could feel Amagetith’s amusement, and her interest, but her focus quickly shifted back to the race. There are too many in front! Amagetith noted with some anxiety, and the blonde rider could feel her itching to speed up. Remember, pace ourselves! She tried desperately, even as Amagetith zoomed past blue Hiyacraith. She felt the dragon trying to control herself, pacing alongside green Moth, and using the updrafts of the larger Tucseth. It relived some of the pressure from Amagetith’s wings, helping her to conserve even more energy.

Still, the green couldn’t help but tease the tense blue, calling out, Think you can outfly me, Tucseth? Your updrafts are oh so nice and helpful, but it’s really only going to help me win this race! It was said in all fun and games, but there was also a truth to the green’s words, at least in her intent.

Taxx Alyx

[Alyx]

Joia and White Tellamuth

Can we possibly switch races? Joia blinked at Tellamuth in surprise, pausing in her inspection of his gear. ‘I… don’t think so? I think they are assigned by color or size or something. Why, what’s wrong?’ Tellamuth gave a soft, slightly dramatic sigh, turning his slender muzzle in the direction of the starting line where the dragons were gathering. ‘Tell?’ Joia was worried for a moment.

Tucseth. The Blue name slipped between them, the tried tone that radiated the single word made Joia choke on her laughter a bit. ‘Aw… but I thought you liked Vitra and her Blue!’ Oh, I do, Vitra is adorable and sweet like you. And No’va likes her, so why would I not? Joia rolled her eyes, tugging at a strap to seat it better. And Tucseth is just find company. Tell paused, then turned his head back to look at Joia.

WHEN he’s not competing. Have you forgotten the last time? ‘No, I haven’t. Neither has Vitra I wager; he has though.’ That’s what I’m worried about. It was so…. Tellamuth searched for the right word as Joia pulled herself up onto his back like a Messager swinging astride a Runner, and the White trotted to claim his place in the starting lineup. ‘Was so what? Dramatic? Over Dramatic?’

Isali’s nasty-tempered Green picked that moment to bully into the line, forcing her way between Tellamuth and Green Moth. Tellamuth hissed, side-stepping the Green’s push. Childish. She wasn’t sure if he was talking about Tucseth’s post lost reaction or the Green beside them, but it could have fit either. ‘Yep, seems a lot of that going around.’ Tellamuth’s warm laughter rolled over her mind as she finished sorting herself into her seat. ‘It’s just a race, Love. Have fun with it.’ She caught a motion out of the corner of her eye, looking up quickly enough to smile and return Siorreya’s wave. "Good luck!"

Hand pies after? Joia smiled, nodding softly, ‘Hand pies after, win or lose.’ A moment later, Ganth’s bugle sent them surging forward. Tellamuth let the others barrel by, content to let them burn their energy early. Tucseth raced to be in the lead first, and Joia’s heart hurt a little for Vitra. Zyrath on the other hand started to drop low and away – it was that moment Joia realized her shoulders were empty. ‘Tell?’ The White chuckled. Disqualified, must have your rider to race. ‘Oh, that will sit wonderfully with her.’

Tellamuth’s warm agreement washed over her as he put a little speed on, using the momentum of the dragons ahead of him to drift along and conserve energy for later in the race.

Tags: Taxx kevna Zen

[Zen]

Moth gave a surprised trill as Tucseth almost instantly winged past her, sure she would have been able to hold the lead for at least a little bit longer. The little green settled in with the pack, however, waiting for an opening, knowing most of the others had more endurance than she did. She would have to race smart, or at least that’s what Y’ril told her. First Zyrath’s rudeness and now this. She huffed as she rode the drafts off the blue in front of her, and Y’ril even convinced her to let Hiyacraith slide ahead of them as well so she could ride the wind off his wingbeats. They would make up for the places they’d lost when it counted, for now they needed to conserve their energy for the right moment.

Below on the beaches and above on the height of the cliffs, spectators huddled in groups to watch the dragons as they sped by, despite the chill winter air. Those with marks on the line were eager to see their gamble pay off while others just wanted to cheer on their favorite dragon or rider for the simple sake of it. Moth, wanting to have a bit of fun while she waited for Y’ril to spot their proper opening, suddenly beat her wings, pulled them in, and did a quick roll for all those watching, immensely pleased with herself when the cheering briefly became louder for her antics. But then it was time to focus again before Y’ril scolded her.

OOC: round 2!

[Alyx]

Joia and White Tellamuth

Tellamuth watched the racers ahead of them fight for that lead position, content to let them burn energy early while he worked to conserve his. He drafted along in the wake of the other dragons, his smaller frame making use of the pull. A larger dragon would have made for a better draft to ride but at this point? Tellamuth would make the best of what the race allowed him.

‘Moth is dropping back.’ Probably not willingly, but she’s like me, it's best to try to save energy toward the end of the race. ‘I suppose you are right.’ Did Joia want to win? Yea, somewhat. The past few weeks had been off, odd, and she wasn’t sure if she felt more or less adrift than she did before she Impressed. Tellamuth seemed to sense her mind wander, rumbling softly to draw her focus back.

We are racing, right? Or would you like me to drop out? ‘No, no. I know. Just… thoughts.’ And heart, I know. We are supposed to be having fun. Joia smiled. ‘I know. I’m sorry.’ Tellamuth chuckled, rolling his shoulder as the racers turned, doing an elegant barrel roll to say with the racers, and Joia laughed, her fingers tightening on the straps.


Tags: Taxx kevna Zen

[Taxx]

Vitra of blue Tucseth

Tucseth was already breathing hard, but convincing him to take it easy, to conserve his strength, was a battle Vitra knew she would lose. It simply wasn't him; he would give this his all and he would win and gloat, or lose and complain. All she could do for now was hang on and help him as much as possible. Amagetith's closing in. Hiyacraith's behind her now and Moth looks like she's dropping back. Tell's at the rear.

You're not faster than me, Amagetith! Tucseth answered, none of his usual friendliness in the reply. Now he was all business. In the moment he had one goal, and only one goal: cross the finish line first. Anything else was unthinkable. He hissed at the green, irritated by her taunt. I'll bite you if you try to pass me.

No you won't. Vitra was at least quick to shut that down, reining in the blue as much as possible. That's not nice. Will you apologize? Please?

She started it! Tucseth sniffed, risking a quick glance over his shoulder as the racers went into the turn, seeing for himself the placement of his competitors. Too close! He strained himself to the limit, fighting to push himself to go faster, to keep ahead of Amagetith and Hiyacraith who were keeping up. Make her apologize first and then I will.

She wasn't going to win that one either. You're being childish.

No, I'm not.

[kevna]

Siorreya - Green Amagetith

Amagetith’s extreme amusement spike had her tearing her attention from the race. Which was a mistake, as immediately her green started to wing over Tucseth as they took the turn, heading back towards the finish line.

I’d like to see you try! Her green trumpeted with amusement towards the blue, obviously answering some unheard taunt as she twisted in the air and pushed herself out in front of the blue dragon.

We were going to wait I thought! What are you doing? She asked, laughing breathlessly at the greens antics. What’s so funny? She asked, enjoying the warmth of her green’s amusement.

Tucseth has promised to bite my tail if I to pass him. I want to see him try! The green wiggled her tail behind her, ignoring the ache of fatigue in her wings. Siorreya laughed outright, throwing her head back, the wisps of blonde hair that had escaped her two French braids whipped along her face. The move may have cost them their win, but at least they were having fun. She glanced back to see if the blue would try to bite her green’s tail, truly unconcerned. She had never heard of dragon’s attacking eachother.

She took breath, closing her eyes, hunched in her saddle. She felt so free, flying with Ama, enjoying the wind, enjoying the silliness of insecurity of their competitors. This was the life.

It will be even better if we win! The green interrupted, her excitement plain. They just had to stay ahead. Siorreya refocused, a large, happy smile on her face. 

[Zen]

While Tucseth, Amagetith, and Hiyacraith were vying for the front position, Moth and Tellamuth were holding back, biding their time. Moth, however, was growing bored of biding and was far more interested in the reaction of the crowds below while she waited for her rider’s signal to pick up speed and try to steal the lead. She performed a quick loop and then another roll as they flew into another turn, despite her rider’s protests that she was hardly conserving energy for when they would need it most. It certainly made the crowd noisier, which Moth found most satisfying.

However their final turn sent them out over open water, where the only spectators were a few boats that had gone out in order to watch the stretch of race that few others not on dragons would be able to see so well, and they weren’t making near as much noise as the people on land. Moth let out a sigh as she finally did as her rider bid and focused more on the race than the people watching it. She’d fallen behind Tellamuth in her distraction and worked to slowly regain position, keeping close behind the leaders, growing excited at the prospect of swooping in and stealing the win at the last moment. Wouldn’t that be exciting? The crowds were sure to make lots of noise then!

OOC: Final Round!

[Alyx]

Joia and White Tellamuth

Part of Joia, a tiny part, wanted to urge the White forward. She wasn’t terribly competitive, not regularly, but at the same time? Things had been so messed up, so out of her control recently, she wanted to just fly and fly and never land. The crowds below them were a low roar, even from the height of the racing dragons’ course. Far in front of them, she could see Tucseth, Amagetith, and Hiyacraith jockeying for the lead, a dazzling blur of blues and green. Still, she trusted Tellamuth – he knew his limits, his skill.

They banked around the final turn and Green Moth, who’d been a shadow to them for most of the race, dropped behind them; Joia was about to look back when she felt Tellamuth shifting. Hold on. Her fingers tightened in the straps as the White dropped back a little, then dove down under the racers in front of him. Joia’s heartbeat doubled, the thrill of the maneuver and the chance to sneak into the lead making her gitty.

Would it work? Maybe, but ash and bone, you wouldn’t know if you didn’t try right? Exactly. The White’s determination bled over their link as he shot forward, using the conserved energy to try to steal the win from the jostling trio.

(OOC: Tellamuth's making his move, good luck everyone!) Taxx kevna Zen

[kevna]

Siorreya - Green Amagetith

Tucseth was a fierce competitor. It was almost unfair, the reserves a blue had in comparison to a green, but they had waited so long before making their move, surely it would be enough?

Amagetith’s attention was more on Tucseth, but Sio looked back to see Moth seeking to surge forward, and then Tellamuth- watch out! She sent to Ama in a near mind shout. Tellamuth dropped down into the midst of them, seizing forward, taking first place in a daring move, causing Amagetith to swerve so they wouldn’t collide. Siorreya whistled in appreciation and Amagetith trumpeted, both with excitement and challenge.

That was cool! But I have bigger wings then him.

The green pushed through any exhaustion she might be feeling, using all the reserved energy she had bottled up, and all of her agility to drive forward. If she could just get ahead she would bank in front of her co-racers, cut them off, and secure her victory.

[Taxx]

Vitra of blue Tucseth

The teasing? Not helping. Sure, it was banter and it was all in good fun, but this was no longer a fun time for the blue; as Tellamuth and then Amagetith pushed past, he let loose a piercing roar of frustration. He snapped at the green- not catching anything between his jaws, but no mere nip of playfulness. He couldn't lose! Not after all his effort so far. He was bigger, he had more stamina. He just needed... a little more. More speed, and he summoned the last of it, ignoring the ache in his wings as he strove once more to take the lead. Vitra could feel him growling, a rumble that vibrated through her that said everything about what he thought of his competitors.

Vitra's plea to be careful was ignored. This race was his to win, and he meant to win it. Pushing himself ever harder, Tucseth surged forward once more, fangs gleaming as he threw the last of his strength into taking back the lead and reaching the finish line first.

[Zen]

Moth’s wings were tiring quickly as she tried to catch back up her lost ground, or lost air, rather. Just as Y’ril had said, all her tricks had expended too much energy. Suddenly Tellamuth was diving, trying to gain on the larger dragons in front of them. Should I try that too? Y’ril sighed, Maybe if you hadn’t wasted all your energy on tricks that could work. Tellamuth’s been conserving his energy properly. I’m sorry Y’ril. I was just having so much fun! Y’ril laughed softly and patted the green neck, Well that’s all that really matters. Except to anyone that bet marks on us.

As Tellamuth pulled into the lead with Amagetith quick behind him, Tucseth voiced his frustration and snapped at the green, causing Hiyacraith to falter for just a moment as the dark blue near to passing his brighter blue competitor, having no desire to get bitten over a race. It wasn’t much, but the hesitation cost him as the finish came into view. Though he tried to gain on the others, he didn’t quite make it in time. Tucseth’s desperate struggle to win paid off as the blue took the lead almost at the last moment. Hiyacraith huffed, annoyed, though at least he hadn’t come in last.

Placements:
1. Vitra of Blue Tucseth
2. Joia of White Tellamuth
3. Siorreya of Green Amagetith
4. R’naus of Blue Hiyacraith
5. Y’ril of Green Moth

[Alyx]

Joia and White Tellamuth

It had been a good move. Tellamuth’s pale, slender form dropped down and glided effortlessly under the rest of the racers, Joia’s heart drumming against her ribs. Her tongue darted over her lips, almost willing them to cut into the lead – but it wasn’t meant to be. Still, the move put them closer to the front, crossing the line on the heels of Blue Tucseth. Joia gave a whooping cheer – both for their place in the race, and her friend’s victory.

We didn’t win. ‘No, we didn’t, but we were close.’ Tellamuth tilted a wingtip, dropping out of the way of the others as they crossed the line behind them. ‘And if we had to lose, who better to lose to then Vitra.’ Tellamuth chuckled, amusement flooding the link between him and his rider. Indeed. Tucseth should be much easier to handle winning rather than losing. ‘You say that now. Imagine what it will do to his ego?’

The pair turned slowly, coming in for a touchdown. Claws caught the earth, Tellamuth coming to as careful of a stop as he could. ‘How are you feeling?’ The White tilted his head to eye back at his rider. Hungry. Joia smiled. ‘I didn’t forget. And since we placed, I have more marks to buy extra hand pies.’ Oh, you didn’t tell me that we could have extras if we won. Joia shook her head, tugging at the straps as the White lifted his head to focus on the others.

Wonderfully flown, everyone. Congratulations Tucseth. Joia glanced over, waving in Vitra’s direction. “Great flying! We almost had you! Congratulations!”

Taxx
(great thread everyone!)

[Taxx]

Vitra of blue Tucseth

He was going to suffer for this later, Vitra knew, but containing him at this point was like reining in a wild herdbeast. All she could do was hang on as the blue threw everything he had into one last push, winging his way past Tellamuth and Amagetith with only feet to spare and flashing across the finish line just ahead of the white dragon. Just far enough that he knew for certain he'd won.

Gamath's bugle was echoed by Tuceth's roar at his achievement and he swerved, with obviously labored wingbeats, to push himself above the cliffs and over the crowd, eyes whirling a rapid blue. Pride flooded him as he cast a glance back at the others, smug and all too willing to brag. I told you, Amagetith. You're not faster than me. Tellamuth's congratulations was answered by a toss of his head and a satisfied rumble. I flew better. Better than all of you. I'm the best.

Vitra couldn't win- if Tucseth lost, he sulked; if he won, he boasted. Still, she supposed a happy Tucseth was better than an upset one. She grinned and waved back at Joia, acknowledging her praise, and then patted her blue. Land, you stubborn creature, before you crash and hurt yourself.

It wasn't a bad idea. His wings hurt. The blue's landing was rougher than normal, stumbling as he hit the ground a bit too fast and hard; his chest heaved with gasping breaths and his wings sagged the moment he was still, too sore even to hold them up. Vitra undid the buckles and slid down the dragon's side, circling to rest her hands on Tucseth's nose. You pushed yourself too hard.

But I won! I told them I would and I did. Tucseth wasn't about to let anything ruin his moment of glory, basking in the glow of success at pulling off coming in first.