Class A Race #3

[Zen]

S'fin :: Green Rusath

S'fin sat atop Rusath at the height of the Little Island's cliffs, along with the other five riders participating in his race. The day was cold, but clear. B'rax had volunteered to oversee the races, being that he had chosen not to participate, and the Wingleader was also mounted atop his bronze, going over the rules with them. S'fin had thought Az might run them, but when he'd asked his brother about it the Weyrleader had grinned at him. “Are you kidding? I can't race if I'm running them!” S'fin had teased him about trying to live out his failed dream of Impressing a quick little blue, even though both of them knew he wouldn't trade Fath for anything even if he could.

Rubbing one hand over Rusath's smooth green neck, he grinned as B'rax gave them the go ahead to get their dragons in the air. They'd start out 'stacked', as it was, at the 'starting line', which in reality was the short stretch of water between the Little Island and the nearest point of land on Mavros proper. Ready Rusy? Rusath. And I hope you know I'm only doing this because you seem so happy about it. Aww, you're the best, Rusy. Rusath. I am doing this for you, the least you could do is remember my proper name. He laughed as she turned and pushed off from the cliff, winging her way into position with the their fellow racers.

They all settled in the air, a vertical line of green and blue over the water. On Gamath's bugle.... I am aware. Another moment passed, and another, and at last the bronze let loose a bugle to sound the start of the race, and Rusath pushed forward with a broad stroke of her wings, but C'lin and Arith pulled ahead of them, Come on, come on, catch them! With a snort, Rusath bodily blocked blue Gometh from overtaking them before putting on a bit more speed in attempt to catch Arith. Let me pay attention to what is in front of us. You watch behind. Good plan!

OOC: Thus begins Round 1 of posting! There is no posting order (other than that I will start each 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 post to end the race. Everyone will be free to make a final post if they wish. Only RACERS should be posting here! (I will put up a spectator thread tomorrow when it isn't 3am >.>)
Racers
C'tun of Blue Gometh (NPC)
C'lin of Green Arith (NPC)
Orina of Green Dawinith (claimed by Esko )
Ishal of Green Sleeduth (claimed by Taxx )
S'fin of Green Rusath (Zen )
Rachel of Blue Aslith (Alyx )

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

Stretching her arms over her head, Rachel felt the Blue shift under her again. ‘Nervous?’ <No.> She smiled, leaning forward to slap her hand against Aslith’s neck a few times. ‘You can be its okay.’ <I am no nervous, Rachel. I simply want to go.> He was eager, twitching all over like a race runner in the stocks; Rachel looked over the pairs lined up with them and gave a little frown again.

‘Why are we doing this again?’ <For the fun and glory.> She couldn’t help the laugh that burst past her lips, turning her attention back to the Blue only to see him peering back at her, his head tilted to see her where she sat. ‘And how long, pray tell me my poet, have you been sitting on that line?’ Aslith rumbled, shifting from one side to the other, wings partly ruffled. <Only a week or so. I thought the moment fit it.> ‘You are too much sometimes.’ <Why thank you.>

She would have kept up the banter, just for the fun of it, but the sounding dragon shifted forward and lifted its head. She pulled her goggles down tight, leaning a little over Aslith’s neck. Fingers caught the Blue’s ridges, and Aslith’s whole body tensed. <Do you think the Greens will forgive me if I win?> ‘Aslith-’ Then the bugle sounded and Rachel’s comeback was lost as the Blue sling-shoted into the air. S'fin’s green beat them into the air by a length, and Aslith rumbled under her. ‘Left!’ Aslith banked, rolling around the corner and swinging low to slip under another green.

The only other blue, Gometh, was just ahead. <Up or down?> Rachel barely thought on it. ‘Up and over.’ Aslith’s wings stretched wide for a moment, then thrust down, the Blue climbing justa little above the ranks of the race to attempt to overtake the leaders.

[Taxx]

Sleeduth had been excited since that morning; she was looking forward to this race. Small and agile, it was something she was well suited for. Why hadn’t they ever done something like this before? She’d wiggled in barely suppressed enthusiasm as Ishal had tugged the straps into place, vibrant with excitement as the woman climbed into place, waiting just long enough to give her rider a chance to check the straps one last time and buckle herself in securely.

Then she was in the air, joining the others she would be racing against and hovering with strong, steady beats of her wings. There was a wait, then, for the bronze’s roar that would signal the start; when it came, Sleeduth powered herself forward with rapid flaps. Ishal clung, flat against the green’s neck, merely holding on and letting her dragon fly. Sleeduth knew the course, Ishal was just along for the ride.

You call that flying, Aslith? Sleeduth taunted, passing C’tun and Gometh with ease, striving to catch up to the Searchdragon. I didn’t know whers flew.

That’s not nice, Ishal scolded, even as she couldn’t help the flicker of amusement at Sleeduth’s heckling. Don’t forget what you’re doing.

Of course not! the green replied, never pausing in her flying as she strove to pass the others- to take the lead and keep it. People were watching, standing or sitting on any available space they could find and cheering on their picks- what did it hurt that Sleeduth pretended they were all cheering for her?

[Esko]

Orina and green Dawinith

Dawinith yawned, her great jaws opening and closing again with a snap. Orinamine! Orinamine, isn't this gonna be so fun? We're totally gonna win!! Right, Orinamine? The excitable green was almost dancing in the air, but Orina willed her to stay still. They never really knew when the signal would sound, after all. Do ya know when we're gonna be able to go? I wanna gooooooo! Gogogo, and win this raceracerace!

'Wel'll be off soon...I think.' Orina yawned herself, blinking lazily. She wouldn't have been in this race at all if G'drin hadn't goaded her on. Stupid pride and its ability to keep her from saying no. Whaaaaat, why wouldn't you wanna race?? It's gonna be funfunfun! The green could barely hold herself in; she wanted to zoom off and beat everybody with her speed. Frankly, Orina would've rathered celebrate her graduation with getting drunk off her head and watching G'drin get his ass kicked between, not necessarily in that order. At least she could do the latter after this race.

At last, Gamath bugled to start the race, and Dawinith immediately burst into action. She beat her wings and passed C'lin and Arith with ease, despite the pair being older. Sorry Arith! But we've gotta winwinwin! She flicked her tail at the other green and worked to catch up to the others. 'Dawi, don't expend yourself too early.'

I'm not! I'm just going fastfastfast! She chirped, then winged her way towards her clutchsister, Sleeduth. You say they're wherswherswhers, that's hypocritical! She teased, with innocence in her voice. Orina knew that there was no innocence there, though. Dawinith might be as excitable as some of her other siblings, but she was nowhere near that dumb.

[Zen]

S'fin :: Green Rusath

Rusath snorted at the immature banter going on amongst the younger dragons in the race. What's wrong? They are all acting like hatchlings. Come on, Rusy, it's fun! Rusath. He rolled his eyes, glancing behind them where Gometh had fallen back but was gaining ground, er... air? We're second to last, come on, we can do better than this! Patience. Patience? This is a race, there's no time for patience!

Rusath rumbled and angled her wings sharply, dipping low beneath the other competitors in a near dive to boost her speed until she flew barely above the water, while the rest all seemed to her like they were too distracted tossing friendly insults around to notice, and snapping her wings open to rise up to take the lead. S'fin let out a woop from her back, Nice one! It is all about timing. Oh, look at you, suddenly an expert racer when you didn't even want to participate. I didn't, but neither do I wish to lose to these foolish hatchlings. Now watch our backs. Yes, ma'am.

Arith gave a frustrated bellow and put on a burst of speed, Arith's coming up fast, lower left. Rusath cast an eye back briefly to pinpoint the other green pair, waited a moment, and banked hard to cut them off, causing the two to stall in order to avoid collision. Hey, that was dirty! It was not against the rules Gamath's told us. I never knew you could be this devious, Rusy. Rusath.

OOC: Round 2 has begun! S'fin and Rusath just took the lead but anyone can certainly overtake them xD

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

Sleeduth’s heckling didn’t get the response she wanted. Aslith kept his speed quick but steady, banking on the face he could probably last longer than most of these younger greens. Indeed, neither did I, Sleeduth – and yet, here you are. There was a humor to the Blue’s tone, clearly knowing what the young green had been trying to do, and more then pleased it had been so easy to fold right back onto her.

When Rusath made her move, Aslith dropped down from his higher point, catching her drift and staying with her. The older green he saw as a fair opponent; the young ones not so much. They were wasting energy trying to power ahead early. Never a good strategy. <She flies well.> ‘Well she has experience. Focus?’ <I am.> The Blue put a little more power into his beats, staying close to Rusath as she powered toward the lead.

When Arith came barreling up, Aslith took the high ground, quickly ascending up a little over the racers; which turned out to be the best move he could have done. Rusath pulled some banking maneuver and nearly collided with Arith and another Green as he sailed up and over them. <I want to chase her.> Rachel growled, slapping the Blue on the neck. ‘Focus! The race now, Chase later.’ <Promise?> ‘Aslith!’ The Blue’s laughter filled her head as he dropped back down, trying to power ahead into the lead of pack.

[Taxx]

Aslith hardly batted an eye before turning the tease back on her, and Sleeduth openly rumbled her amusement, not bothered in the least by the friendly banter. She kept up with the bigger blue, breezing along in his slipstream and using it to conserve her own energy, trying her best to pace herself before using the last burst to get ahead and win. She kept a sharp eye out for the others, watching Dawinith's approach; as she caught up, Sleeduth started to snake her head out with the intention of nipping at a wingtip, but Ishal checked her. Don't do that, you don't want to have to foul the race by someone having to catch them.

I would not do that, Sleeduth objected, offended that Ishal would suggest it, but the woman soothed her quickly.

I know, love, but you can even without meaning to. Let's make this as clean as possible, okay?

Fine, the green agreed, and watched silently as Rusath and Hers moved to the lead, leading the other five now; impatience began to itch at Sleeduth but she held her place for now. Let the rest wear themselves out- then she would make her move.

[Zen]

S'fin :: Green Rusath

Rusath managed to stay near the front of the group after her little maneuver, though she conserved her energy and did not much mind when Aslith slipped ahead of her. There was still plenty left of the race to fix that. Rusy, that open stretch over the water is coming up. We have to be careful up here. Uskith managed to go from last to first in his race at this point because there's more freedom to fly. Rusath. And I trust you will keep an eye out behind us then.

S'fin glanced behind them briefly, considering the younger riders, Don't pull another move like that, I don't want anyone getting hurt for a silly race. Here I thought you wanted to win, the green teased. Rusy. Rusath. And I will hold back if you insist. She huffed as she cast her own look behind them. Be ready. I am. And she put on a burst of speed as they reached the end of the cliffs and the stretch of open water before them, leaving S'fin clinging to her neck as he watched Arith and Gometh do the same behind them.

Gometh's heading low, I think he's trying to copy your maneuver from earlier. Rusath snorted once more. She would not be beaten by her own trick. With a tilt of her head, she spotted the blue beginning his rise back up over the water and dove down over him to stop his ascent, forcing him back down toward the water before powering ahead. Rusy! Rusath. And it would hardly hurt him to get a little wet. You're getting way more into this than I thought you would. But while Rusath had allowed herself to be distracted by Gometh stealing her maneuver, Arith had surpassed her.

OOC: Round 3 is open for posting! In approximately 48 hours I will randomize the winners~

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

Green Rusath’s slick maneuver stalled the pack of racers, just for a moment. Aslith took the chance to push forward, waving over Rusath’s emerald shape. ‘Don’t rush it.’ Rachel glanced back, wanting to make sure none of the other racers had been hurt in the near collision. <Do not worry, I have plenty of energy left.> ‘You better if you want to win, once we get into the open sky, it’s going to be a full-on pack sprint.' Rachel worried a little for the Blue under her – his wing could sometimes give the big guy trouble, and no matter how much the Blue pair’s pride wanted to win this, she wasn’t going to risk losing Aslith over a bruised pride.

He knew what she was thinking. <I am being careful. Stop fretting.> Rachel smiled, leaning forward and gripped the straps tightly, leaning over the Blue’s neck to press her stomach and chest against his glossy, sea blue hide. ‘Then what are you waiting for, Old Man? Let’s show these youngsters how real flying is done!’ Rachel closed her eyes, pressing her forehead against the dragon under her. ‘And you can show off for Rusath if you like.’ Aslith rumbled, his rich laughter filling her mind. The sky opened around them and Rachel felt Aslith’s form surge forward under her.

[Taxx]

Still hanging on Aslith's tail, Sleeduth kept pace with Rusath now, watching the other green closely but not yet trying too hard to pull ahead; that would come in just a minute. The others were strung out alongside and behind, each managing to keep up well enough. An ache was beginning to build in Sleeduth's wing chest muscles, but she knew that the end was in sight. Just a little more, Ishal encouraged, and Sleeduth gathered herself for the last burst of energy.

She surged ahead, wings beating strongly as she powered forward past Rusath and Aslith and aimed for the lead and the win. She might not get it, but she certainly wasn't about to go down without making her best effort. You're doing just fine! Ishal praised, peeking over Sleeduth's head and neck to where the finish line stretched ahead, marking the end of their race. You're nearly there! Show 'em what a green's made of!

[Zen]

S'fin :: Green Rusath

As Arith took the lead, putting on a surprising amount of speed, Rusath growled. Easy, Rusy. It's all in fun. Rusath. I will not be beaten by these hatchlings. S'fin leaned in against the green's neck as she swung wide around where Sleeduth and Aslith jostled for position and slipped ahead of them. As the race had gone on, Rusath had grown all the more determined to win, and S'fin finally realized just why she was acting so overly competitive. He'd never seen her this bad before, but then, they'd never been in a race like this before, neither had they done anything else quite so competitive so close to her next rise.

You're taking this way too seriously, dearheart, he soothed as the finish came in sight, Arith still leading them. Watch behind us. Rusath ignored his attempt to calm her, her gaze fixed on the one dragon between her and victory. A quick glance back had him surprised to see Dawinith pulling ahead, but he didn't look for long. The finish was fast approaching. And Arith reach it first. Rusath shot between the cliffs a few moments later with a frustrated growl and angled herself upward, out of the way of the dragons coming in behind her. She looped around over the Little Island, slowing, and finally descending to where Arith already waited.

S'fin waved over at C'lin, grinning, “Great race! That Arith of yours is quick when she wants to be!” Rusath snorted, eyeing the younger green with a certain amount of disdain. Be nice and congratulate her on a good race, Rusath. For once he gave her full name, or she'd only get argumentative over two things. Another snort. Congratulations.

OOC: The race is now over! The results are as follows, and you are free to post a finishing post if you wish, but you don't have to~
1. C'lin of Green Arith
2. S'fin of Green Rusath
3. Orina of Green Dawinith
4. Rachel of Blue Aslith
5. Ishal of Green Sleeduth
6. C'tun of Blue Gometh

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

Once in the open air, they put on the speed. Rachel looked over her shoulder, seeing S’fin’s green closing on their tail. ‘Aslith, your girlfriend is getting awful close to catching us.’ The Blue chuckled, weaving around Green Sleeduth and dipped low, trying to get under the pack and in the open again. ‘If you are going to make a move, Old man, now would be the time to try a trick or something-’

The Blue jerked a little under her, wing beats faltering. Aslith made a grunt, and Rachel could sense his pain before he could tell her it was nothing. ‘Aslith. Land. Now.’ <I am fine, Rachel.> Rachel pushed to sit up, slapping her hand hard against Aslith’s neck. ‘Don’t give me that wherry shit! I know better!’ Dragons shot past them, Aslith’s pride driving him across the line on Dawinith’s draft, gliding lower than the pack. ‘Land, shard it before I find someone to make you!’ Aslith tilted, balance a little shaky, and angled his decent so he could touch down without having to use his left wing. <I am sorry, Rachel.> ‘No, I’m sorry. I should have never let us do this.’ <I was fine, I could have -> ‘Enough.’

The Blue rumbled, touching down near the others, and folding his right wing tight while his left remained partly extended. Congratulations Arith. That was quite a bit of flying. Rachel pulled at the straps, dropping off Aslith’s shoulders almost before the Blue could crouch, determined to check on Aslith’s strain and cursing herself for taking the chance of racing him.

(Takin’ her out in STYLE!! Great race everyone.)