Jask Class B Race #3

[Zen]

A'zael, Degranik, Relaena

“Last race before the weyrlings try their hand at it,” A’zael stated as he watched the final six racers in the Bronze and Brown class of races gather.

“Mm, and another break between. What did you do during the last one, anyway?” Degranik cast a glance at him, his new wife at his side and watching the dragons eagerly.

A’zael grinned over at the Lord, “Found myself a few decent dance partners, what else?”

“Mmhm, dance partners,” Degranik grinned back and A’zael laughed.

“I don’t know what you are insinuating,” the Weyrleader feigned innocence and turned his attention back to the race, because such banter between them had to be watered down so much in the Lady Relaena’s presence. “Did you take my suggestion?”

“B’zor and Litniroth? It seems rather counterintuitive to bet on a brown over a bronze,” Relaena spoke up for once.

“In a gold flight perhaps,” A’zael chuckled, “And your own husband is bonded to a brown.”

Relaena colored slightly, as if she had forgotten, “Oh, I… of course, I didn’t mean to belittle him.” She cast a cautious look up at her husband and he patted her arm reassuringly.

“You needn’t worry. We are not easily offended,” he smiled down at her and she relaxed again, before he turned his attention back to A’zael, “Litniroth does look to be the likely fastest dragon of the bunch. Here’s hoping there’s not some upset.”

Gamath bugled then, and the racers were off.

OOC: Round 1 of posting has begun! There is no posting order (other than that I will start each round with some Az/Degranik commentary seeing as I don’t have a racer this time) and you can feel free to have your character take the lead or whatever. 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!

Racers
N'ris of Bronze Cinnoth (Alyx )
G'rett of Bronze Mastromideth (Alyx )
F'mol of Bronze Zenoth (Esko )
G'drin of Brown Thundosomth (kevna )
Zi'lor of Brown Asriath (Taxx )
B'zor of Brown Litniroth (tovaana )

[tovaana]

B’zor :: Brown Litniroth

Litniroth glanced at the bronzes and other browns lined up to race, his eyes whirling green and blue in excitement. He glanced back at his rider who sat with an indifferent air about him, waiting for the signal that they’d start soon. Litniroth’s gaze shifted to the dragons again, but then got distracted by something that reflected in the sunlight down below where there were people watching. Distracted, the dragon started to shift in that direction. ‘Lit… what are you doing?’ The dragon paused, his eyes trained on whatever what reflecting from the crowds watching below. I was just going to see… ‘We’re about to start a race, remember?’ There was another pause. You don’t think we have time to go see - ? In answer to this the sound of a dragon let them know it was starting soon. The brown’s attention was instantaneously back in the race, as if he hadn’t seen the reflection from the crowd.

The sound went off and Litniroth made an excited bugle as he shot off. B’zor hadn’t been too enthusiastic about the races, but he also liked the idea of distracting his beast from stealing shining things and not remembering where he got them. However, the brown rider felt his adrenalin pick up as his dragon shot forward, taking the lead early. He knew that it probably wasn’t the best idea to drain all of Lit’s energy off early, but at the same time he liked the idea of a very tired Litniroth at the end of the race.

[kevna]

G'drin - Brown Thundosomth

It was just about race time, and he was more than ready for it. He did a grapevine and then twirled, landing right next to his dragon.

Are you ready to win mine?

You betcha. We are gonna kill it.

G’drin climbed atop the brown, taking his seat. They moved as one towards the start line, and G’drin grinned as he watched the bronzes taking their places.

I almost feel bad for them. Bronzes and browns really shouldn’t race together, it’s unfair for them.

I concur. It’s unfair for me too though, because most of the pretty greens will be distracted by the bronzes when they should be looking at me.

G’drin chuckled. He waved around to the crowd, and striving to be the crowd favorite stood up, one foot on his seat, the other dangling to the side and continued waving. He turned a few times, and then on impulse did a flip. Landing agilely enough and winking at a few ladies standing on the sidelines.

Show off.

What? Got to show everyone the winners.

As he said it he caught sight of his father joining the crowd, the disappointed slant to his brow, the folded arms of anger. G’drin would hear from him, of that he was sure. The young man sat down, trying to brush off the embarrassment he was sure his father felt of him.

What?

Nothing. Let’s win this. He felt like now he had to. Because while he was sure his father didn’t approve of his racing, he would at least expect them to win. And he would. He secured his goggles, grabbed his leathers as a few more racers straggled into the line. He crouched as Thundosomth did as well, ready for the go ahead.

The Gamath bugled and he took to the air with some powerful beats. But he didn’t put everything into it. He didn’t need to. He brown knew he was one of the fastest among the contestants and he would have to conserve his energy and speed. He allowed Litniroth to take the lead, instead gaining altitude so he could keep an eye on those below him. He would win. It would just take some time and maneuvering.

[Esko]

As was typical, the bronze was hot. Fierce, fearsome and ready to fly. He had made sure they were lined up early and prepared, both physically and mentally to win. Nothing less would do for Zenoth. Of course, all F'mol had to do was saddle up and be an extra pair of eyes; in theory he would give directions, but his word against Zenoth's was something measly indeed. The bronze trusted himself enough. Though, the rider had to give himself in to hearing about the dragon's gripes with this particular lineup. Honestly, who makes the decisions around here? Putting some of the Weyr's most puny browns against bronzes. Likely hoping for some kind of underdog win.

'Well, it's all for good fun anyways!' F'mol chided, the events of the day beginning to weigh on his shoulders. Who knew panicking over a pair of children would be that exhausting! Honestly, he didn't know how he could possibly do that for any longer. Children were adorable except when they got lost. And when the dragons decided to be inconvenient and hold onto the truth of their location just to see those two men squirm. He heard a low growl and saw Zenoth's expression curled into a snarl.

You dare call me inconvenient? Though the bronze's hotheaded nature was well known by now, it wasn't too often that it turned onto F'mol. And all too unfortunate timing- before the two knew it, Gamath's resounding bugle called the racers to action. Those "puny browns" were now ahead. Zenoth squawked and then roared, leaping forward in an attempt to gain back any lost distance. 'Stop! Don't burn all of your energy at once!' But those words fell on a deaf mind. Or, a mind deafened by a shield of raging flames. Zenoth's wings beat with a ferocity that made his rider fear for a strained ligament at best. None of this mattered to the dragon, who managed to make up for their earlier distraction by reaching Thundosomth's back haunches. As a bronze, he trusted that he'd have enough stamina to maintain the lead over some silly browns, even if they did conserve.

Meanwhile F'mol held on for dear life, knowing that Zenoth was setting them up for disaster. He didn't care about winning, but shards, Zenoth was taking the fun out of it!

[Taxx]

Asriath hadn’t particularly wanted to race, but Zi’lor had talked him into it, and once committed he was more or less looking forward to it- if only to get it over with and get back to the preferable business of conversing with other dragons. Some he knew, some he didn’t, but he was a friendly sort and always ready to engage in conversation with any dragon who was equally agreeable.

When Zi’lor had called him, letting him know that their race was about to begin, he politely excused himself and headed for his rider. Straps here, buckles there, and with a slight grunt of effort the man was astride him; proudly Asriath strutted toward the other browns and the bronzes lined up, springing aloft to join them and hovering with steady wingbeats. A fine day to test our speed, isn’t it? he asked, glancing left and right at his competitors; Gamath’s bugle rang out only a couple heartbeats after.

Not quite as fast off the start, the mud-colored brown fell to the back of the group, watching as the more reddish-colored brown, Litniroth hurtled to the front with Zenoth close behind, and Thundosomth, Mastromideth and Cinnoth somewhere between them and Asriath.

Little faster? Zi’lor prompted, raising his head just enough to see the pack’s positions ahead of his brown before ducking back down. I know you’re faster than this; I’ve seen you Chase.

In good time, Asriath answered, a tad predictably, and his quiet rumble followed Zi’lor’s sigh. Or would you rather I challenge the young brown for first now?

Hey, you’re the one flying, and if we lose… the man didn’t finish the sentence, half-hoping the thought of losing would encourage some sort of greater effort, but the brown kept on at the same steady pace, merely watching the others jockey for position ahead of him.

[Alyx]

N'ris and Bronze Cinnoth

N’ris was less enthused with the idea of the race. Newly transferred to the ranks of Mavros, he didn’t think the best way to win over new friends was to kick their butts in a race in front of the Weyrleader and the local lords. It had been mostly Cinnoth’s idea; the Bronze was making friends faster than his rider, and supposedly had heard of the event enough from the others that N’ris’s hope he would forget about them had fallen to the side.

So here they were, unhappily for his part, on the starting line. It will be fun! ‘No, it won’t. I hate things like this. Even if we’d been here a bit longer, this would still be awkward.’ Oh, you are no fun at all! N’ris frowned at the frosted Bronze under him, thinking he and the dragon had different definitions of ‘fun.’ But there was no point in fighting about it now – they were already here, signed up, and lined up. N’ris gave a gruff sigh. ‘I hope you don’t get us kicked to another Weyr…’ I would never! ‘You say that now.’

A moment later, the bugle sounded and Cinnoth shot off the ground with the others. Years of riding thread had N’ris leaning forward out of reflex, laying his body along the bright metallic neck of his dragon as Cinnoth matched the others easily.

G'rett and Bronze Mastromideth

Mastromideth joined the others calmly, the massive Bronze mindfully aware of where his bulk was settling. It wouldn’t do to hurt someone because I’m not paying attention. Came the bass melody, G’rett leaning forward to slap a hand against the dragon’s neck a couple times. ‘Indeed, big guy. Won’t be long and we’ll be in the air.’ The dragon turned his head, a single eye focusing back on his rider. Do you think we can place? G’rett gave a smile. ‘Why not? We’ve been practicing. We’ve got almost two turns of practice more than we did the last time!’ Yes, but they are faster. ‘Maybe, maybe not.’ The dragon sighed in his mind, and G’rett shook his head. ‘Stop worrying. Have fun.’

I suppose so. Still, I don’t wish to be last this time. G’rett was fairly sure the bronze didn’t remember the last races, so reminding him he hadn’t been last then either probably wouldn’t help. Mastromideth’s head turned toward Asriath, clearly hearing something G’rett did not and gave a rumble of laughter. Indeed, Asriath. Clear skies, fair winds, and no thread. I think it is the best conditions. G’rett shifted, tightening his straps as B’rax gave them last moment rules.

Gamath’s bugle sounded, and Mastromideth paused just a moment, letting the dragons to the sides of him launch before he himself powered off the ground. Huge wingbeats made up for the gentleman gesture, and G’rett could do nothing more then shake his head as the mammoth Bronze settled into the back of the pack.

[Zen]

A'zael, Degranik, Relaena

Degranik watched the large bronze lagging behind the group and cast a quick look at his wife, his tone lightly teasing, “What were you saying about betting on a brown over a bronze?”

A’zael laughed, “I wouldn’t count him out. He did catch one of our queens. Clearly he has a competitive spirit somewhere.”

“A’zael, you should not compare a race to a chase. What male wouldn’t try his hardest when the prize at the end is a beautiful female? Degranik shot back, one hand coming to rest over the hand his wife had on his arm.

“Ah, a fair enough point,” A’zael agreed with a grin, “The prize at the end of a chase is far more worth the effort.”

Relaena shook her head and sighed, which said rather clearly what she thought about this conversation. Degranik offered her an apologetic smile, “Do forgive my lapses, you know I was raised around miners and we aren’t the most refined sort.”

She smiled back, “Perhaps you would enjoy the races better if I found my sister’s company and left you to speak freely with the Weyrleader?” She didn’t seem upset and the offer seemed genuine on her part.

“Ah, it is our wedding day. Should we not spend it together?” Degranik responded uncertainly, casting a quick look at A’zael as if he would have any sort of answer for him.

She laughed lightly, “Do we not have the rest of our lives to spend together? I know this day will be difficult for you, as you’re not used to keeping these hours. If the Weyrleader can help you enjoy the day then I would hate to infringe on it. Besides, the day is far from over. We can find each other again after the races are done.”

A’zael chuckled, “She makes a good point about the rest of your lives.”

Degranik offered his wife a soft smile, “Well, if you want to spend time with your sister as well, then I wouldn’t keep you from her.” The young woman made to leave but Degranik tugged her gently back into his arms to place a quick kiss on her lips, leaving her flushed from the affectionate gesture and hurrying away with a soft giggle to herself.

A’zael watched her go with some amusement, “She is far too innocent for you.”

“Not for much longer,” Degranik grinned and returned to watching the race.

OOC: Round 2 has begun!

[kevna]

G'drin - Brown Thundosomth

Thundosomth didn’t flinch when Zenoth came up quickly and angrily on his haunches. G’drin on the other hand wanted to say a few choice words, they were acting rash, and rash could kill people. It was just a race. One they wanted to win, but a race none the less.

Shards, that bronze could kill someone.

It’s okay, he will likely use all his energy before the end of the race, let him be angry. The brown rumbled with humor and banked to the left to give him and the bronze more space. Zenoth, my bronze brother, you may just pull something if you continue in such a manner. The tan dragon taunted, feeling his competitive streak rising, little afraid of how the bronze may lash out. He dropped a little in altitude to be closer to the action, ready to maneuver sharply if someone else sought to cut him off. That just wouldn’t do. Yes, Thundosomth wasn’t ready to use all his stamina, but he also wasn’t prepared to let anyone pull too far ahead.

Watch out Litniroth, Asriath and I are your real competition. Think you can stay ahead forever? I will have my moment.

Go for it Thundosomth, let’s catch them! G’drin was itching to be first, and he leaned further over the brown’s neck.

Not yet… but soon.

tovaana , Esko

[tovaana]

B’zor :: Brown Litniroth

Litniroth let out a friendly growl to his competitors. He glanced back at Thundosomth with whirling blue eyes. We’ll see about that! I could do this all day! B’zor sighed inwardly, simply enjoying the feeling of wind around his face.

They were coming up on the peak of the mountain that they would go around in order to sling shot back toward the start and end of the race. ‘Perhaps we should slow down a little around the corner?’ B’zor warned. Litniroth didn’t want to and didn’t see why he should, but the obedient part of him did slow down a tad, not how B’zor would have liked. As they came to the mountain peak the ruddy brown dragon tilted his body, angling sharply to take the corner. Pain shot through B’zor as he felt the pain Litniroth was feeling from the updraft pulling tightly at his wings. The brownrider sighed, feeling an apologetic wave from his dragon as they leveled out. ‘It’s fine, just be careful not to strain too much on the last part of the race. I don't want you to hurt yourself worse than yu have.’ It took all will power to not say 'I told you so'.

They were still ahead by a bit, but B’zor knew that it would be a struggle to keep the position with the painful ebbing that came from his dragon's wings. He could hear the other competitors flapping wings coming up behind them. Litniroth did as well, feeling a tad disheartened, but not giving up – pushing his wings as hard as he dared.

[Alyx]

G'rett and Bronze Mastromideth

The Browns crowded together, jockeying for the lead early in the race. G’rett shook his head, the frown hidden between his scarf. While he wasn’t super bothered if they didn’t come out on top, he really didn’t want to be playing medic at the finish line because the Browns got too rowdy. Mastromideth rumbled softly in agreement, his massive wings easily pulling him back up to the group after his late start.

‘Ideas?’ One. The rich tone filled G’rett’s thoughts as he felt the Bronze drop under him – not a drastic move, but movement none the same. They descended slightly, letting the gaggle of browns vying for the lead have the space above them. ‘Think you can take the lead?’ Doubtful, but it is possible with how they are acting. Cinnoth and Zenoth might object though.

‘Only if you feel up to it, Mastro.’ The Dragon rumbled again, the sound vibrating threw G’rett as the big Bronze picked up his steady wingbeats, working his way forward under the pack over him.

N'ris and Bronze Cinnoth

Mastromideth is making a move. N’ris turned his head, scanning the other racers and their dragons. ‘Where?’ Low. A smart move, actually. N’ris could hear the envy in the frosted Bronze’s tone. ‘Want to follow?’ No, it would draw too much attention if both of us went low. What they were a team now? N’ris felt his lips curl, shaking his head softly. ‘Is this a Bronzes versus Browns thing I didn’t hear about?’ Cinnoth’s laughter filled his head.

No, no. I just want to see if he can pull ahead is all. Hold on! ‘What?!’ Cinnoth bugled, putting on a massive burst of speed to rise up over the group of Browns and Zenoth in a rush to overtake them. ‘Isn’t this a little early to make a grab for the lead?’ Never! The bright laced Bronze powered forward, What is the fun in waiting? I don’t really like the view from behind this many Browns, thank you very much.

Mastro is going under, Cinnoth is going over!

[Esko]

"Zenooooth!" F'mol felt as if he were an out-of-control weyrling once more, hollering and doing his best to not get flung. It was just a race, just a race! This rash behavior could get someone killed, shard it! But Zenoth would not hear it. Thundosomth's inflammatory words could not be more poorly timed, just as Zenoth was feeling better having caught up. What a time for the brown to taunt. Zenoth snarled, a horrible gurling sound that F'mol could feel was straining his throat. And of course, while the grudges from this race would quickly fade, complaining about such discomfort would not.

Shove it, dragonet! The only thing I shall pull today is a win! He proudly stated, feeling a surge of confindence in knowing that the small brown would likely soon reach his limit. And then he could wrestle first place away from that other insolent youngling. Mastromideth would be lumbering in the back, too much mass to even pull off speed. As far as Zenoth was concerned, his only competition was Asriath and Cinnoth.

F'mol dared to look behind, and noticed the other bronze competitors splitting directions. Mastromideth gaining ground by going underneath- a smart move! And Cinnoth rapidly closing the gap by flying overhead. Zenoth noticed this mental image and another surge of anger clawed through his veins. No! Fully confident (or, willfully ignorant of his limits), he pushed himself as much as he could to get to the lead. Though there was no fully-fledged strategy to do so.

kevna

[Taxx]

None but Mastromideth answered him, and Asriath sighed for the lack of civility among them. Yes, it was a race, but what harm would a few words of reply do? He let it go- he couldn’t make them reply, after all, and settled down to the steady business of pushing himself onward without slacking his speed- or increasing it.

Much to Zi’lor’s displeasure, and the man poked his head up again, too impatient to look through Asriath’s eyes to check on his opponents. He took in the others’ positions, watching Zenoth as he lunged to tail Thundosomth and then craning his gaze upward as the shadow of Cinnoth fell over him and his brown; at the same time, Asriath tipped his head to the side and watched Mastromideth pick up speed to inch by beneath him.

Now? he implored the brown, twitching with impatience, and he couldn’t quite help a grin as Asriath’s sides heaved with a sigh.

Very well. Hold on. Zi’lor’s hands tightened and he hunched lower, cheered as the brown surged forward, gaining ground quickly and coming up close behind Zenoth and swerving to one side of the bright-hued bronze. He didn’t bother pushing any farther than that yet; there was time to make a play for the lead, and the way he was flying, Zenoth might just wear himself out and fall back, leaving the way open for Asriath to take the lead and, with luck, the win.

[Zen]

A'zael, Degranik

The dragons were again smudges of dark color against the blue sky as they reached the far peak that was the turning point in the race, disappearing around it for a short moment only to appear again, heading back toward them.

“Can you tell who’s in front?” Degranik asked, squinting.

“Not yet,” A’zael didn’t particularly try. They would see soon enough, and it really didn’t matter until they crossed the finish anyway. He grinned, “I wonder if your new wife is bold enough for ‘I told you so’s should a bronze pull off the win.”

Degranik laughed, “Likely not. She has more decorum than that. Why? Do you think one of them will? You seemed fairly sure of Litniroth’s ability.”

“Well I learned during our turnover races that anything can happen in a race. It’s foolish to count any of them out,” A’zael watched the group growing closer, making their maneuvers for better positions among the pack. Mastromideth dropped low, probably the best place for him, the newcomer Cinnoth surged upward and over, and the other four were all rather closely matched between them. Litniroth appeared to be lagging, Thundosomth picking up speed right behind him. A’zael made a displeased noise in the back of his throat at the sight.

“What? Do you think Litniroth will lose first postition?”

A’zael shrugged, his tone a bit moody, “Thundosomth beat Fath and I at turnover. It would be grating to see him pull off another win here.”

Degranik laughed, “Too bad you aren’t racing today for a rematch then.”

“Better I’m not. Not sure I could live it down to be beaten by him in front of so many. His rider is-”

“A poor sport?” Degranik supplied with a grin, offering the Weyrleader a kinder word than he expected A’zael wanted to use.

A’zael grinned back, “Let’s go with that.”

OOC: LAST ROUND!

[kevna]

G'drin - Brown Thundosomth

G’drin was starting to get nervous. And irritated. Since when was his brown so patient? We need to get moving now, or we will most assuredly not win. His dragon ignored him. The finish line was in sight now, and all he needed was his reserve strength to slingshot past Litniroth. Well, that and a space. It was difficult with Cinnoth on top and Mastromideth on bottom. The bronze bugled out his anger, and Thundosomth again didn’t flinch. Bullies didn’t scare him. The fact that the bronze was coming in quickly on his rear did make him uncomfortable.

Tut tut tut, manners Zenoth, manners. You have to have something going for you. The brown sought for the space he needed-and then he found it.

This is what I was waiting for. It was a reprimand-and G’drin made as if to say something snarky back when the dragon sped up.

I don’t need all day to get past you! Thundosomth directed at Litniroth, and tucked neatly above Litniroth, just underneath Cinnoth, trying to get past them. There was just enough space, though how safe it was was to be questioned. The finish line was in sight. The brown gave it his all, bearing down for the last leg. 

I will win. How could I not?

G'drin whooped. Oh he sure hoped so. 

[tovaana]

B’zor :: Brown Litniroth

The brown was silent for the rest of the race, concentrating on trying to keep the lead – but started to feel sandwiched between all the dragons that had caught up. B’zor was very much amused by the sudden humility from his dragon- though stubborn enough to still push himself more than he should. B’zor glanced around as the dragons caught up with them; one of them was a large shadow overhead. ‘Careful, we have some very determined dragons all around- below, above, around – just keep a straight course to the end.’  While B'zor didn't care too much if they lost, he did want them to keep safe. Litniroth listened, but didn’t respond, still concentrating on speed and trying to ignore the strain in his wings.

Then suddenly Thundosomth made a quip back, which was good warning – since there was already a shadow above them and would not have been alerted otherwise. Litniroth huffed, his eyes still whirling blue and green as if oblivious to the strain as he pushed himself harder. ‘Lit…’ B’zor warned, feeling the pain. It’ll be okay. And we’ll win. He hummed, B’zor keeping an eye on the tight spaces around them, keeping Litniroth updated, so hopefully nothing unsafe would occur.