Jask Class C Race #2

[Zen]

M’kal :: Bronze Draveth

Gamath’s summons came and Draveth had never been more ready for anything than the race he would shortly win. Hurry up, M’kal. I won’t be late to the race on your account. I’m coming you overgrown wher, M’kal shot back, though it was all in good humor. It was difficult to be in too bad a mood on a gather day, and he was looking forward to the race as well. Most of their opponents would be a few months further along their training. It would likely give them an edge, but M’kal and Draveth were not overly concerned.

He mounted the bronze and Draveth was careful to pose for any onlookers, marveling at his wondrous bronze hide. M’kal laughed at his dragon’s antics, I thought you didn’t want to be late. I am a bronze. I should be admired. But Draveth didn’t take much longer before he was aloft, heading toward the peak where Gamath and B’rax waited. The burnished bronze eyed his competition as they listened to the rules, his whirling gaze settling on the other bronze competing with them. Codrath was larger, that much was obvious, but also bulkier. There was no way he was faster.

The rules relayed, the racers readied, and Gamath’s bugle sounded for them to begin. Draveth surged forward, lips drawn back in a draconic sort of sneer as he cast a quick look back toward Codrath, You should lay off the herdbeast, Codrath, you’re getting rather fat. I don’t know how you expect to win with such a large belly weighing you down.

OOC: Round 1 of posting is open! 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. The NPC in this race can also be manipulated by anyone. 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
L'rey of Bronze Codrath (Taxx )
M'kal of Bronze Draveth (Zen )
E'san of Brown Norioth (Alyx )
Maz'ru of Blue Quilath (tovaana )
Siorreya of Green Amagetith (kevna )
M’sarr of Green Luluth (NPC)

[Alyx]

E'san and Brown Norioth

E’san would have rather have just kept enjoying the Gather honestly, but Norioth had been quick to call him away when the time of their race drew close. ‘Can’t we just, you know, enjoy the event?’ Norioth turned his head, swirling eyes watching the young man as E’san checked the straps of their gear. This IS for fun, E’san. Its fast flying, no Thread, barely any rules, and we get to have everyone watching us! E’san shook his head, but couldn’t help the slight smile that caught his lips. ‘Maybe fun for you. I’d rather be enjoying the races from the ground with a nice mug of mulled wine.’ And a pretty lady? The Dragon’s voice was curious, his interest instantly peaked. E’san shrugged. ‘Not many pretty ladies that aren’t taken.’ Nori snorted. You are blind. ‘Hey now…’

Hurry, Gamath’s calling everyone. E’san nodded, pulling himself up onto the star-touched Brown’s shoulders and settling in. He buckled the straps as the dragon stepped off, trying not to notice the way the Brown all but strutted his way to join the others. The crowds buzzed with admiration as the weyrlings’ gathered their beasts – E’san could understand it; if nothing else, the group that had returned from the little timing trip were nothing if not interesting. Not many of them were really ‘normal’ colored honestly, most with vibrant tones and markings. Norioth settled into the line, thankfully positioning them on the opposite end of the line to Codrath.

Norith stood, preening for the crowd as B’rax went over the rules. Wings partly flared, he snaked his head around to look at the crowds… and the other racers. Oh… we get to fly with Siorreya and Amagetith. E’san tried not to groan. ‘Please promise me you won’t try to flirt with them during the race?’ But it would be the perfect time! Show them what we can do, what they are missing out on! Some sweet words, you never know how- ‘Oh this is gonna be wonderful…’

He was fairly certain the sarcasm was lost on the Brown as B’rax finished with the rules. E’san’s only hope was maybe the pair of greens would fly faster than them, and Norioth would have to focus on trying to catch up rather than his serpent’s charm. I heard that. ‘I have marks bet on us, you know. I’d rather not lose them because you are trying to flatter a greenrider during the race.’ Norioth stretched his wings out more, then a moment later Gamath’s bugle set the Brown launching from the ground in an elegant, smooth burst of speed. E'san leaded forward over his dragon's neck and held on.

[tovaana]

Weyrling Maz’ru :: Blue Quilath

“Now, no hurt feelings if we win?” Maz’ru asked Sio as they gathered for the race. He glanced at the emerald green-coated dragon and shook his head at her. “And no tricks.”

He nodded to any riders that caught his eye as he looked at the competition. It seemed… unfair to put bronzes and browns with greens and blues. But then again, a large bronze won one of the last races, so he also knew he couldn’t underestimate the larger dragons. Not that it matters. Quilath added. It’s just a race. ‘A race that I put a few marks into.’ Which was silly first off, because betting doesn’t make sense. Second of all, you didn’t even put those marks on us! ‘Shhh, don’t tell Ama. Maybe at the end if it’s them and us, we let them win? The dragon snorted with contempt. I think not. Maz’ru just sighed with a small smile; even his dragon couldn’t damper his mood.

When the dragon’s bugle announced the start, Quilath started a tad too elegantly for Maz'ru's taste. ‘Come on! I know you can fly faster than that!’ Patience. What’s that saying? Slow and steady wins the race? Maz’ru groaned, leaning forward and trying to enjoy the feeling of wind on his face.

Quilath glanced at the bronzes.

Now, now, Draveth. Let’s remember our manners, shall we? It’s quite rude to call another fat, if I do recall correctly. He said politely.

kevna Zen

[Taxx]

Codrath was ready. He'd been watching from a short distance as each race went on, and now that it was his turn, he could hardly wait to go. To show off to the people watching and to prove to all of them a bronze’s superiority. Like Mastromideth had. He’d thrilled at the big bronze’s win- it had not been particularly flashy, but it had been a win all the same. Codrath had every intention of ensuring a bronze won this race too. As in him, not that puffed up other one who just had to turn to him and speak.

Eyes already a dull red flashed brighter, and he snarled, firing a glare toward the more copper-hued bronze- and then to the blue who piped up. Mind your own business! He snapped at them both, flinging his head the other way with his lips still curled up over his fangs.

Calm down, L’rey started, patting the bronze’s neck. He’s just jealous because you’re bigger.

I am, the bronze rumbled, momentarily soothed at the thought. And I’ll show him. Both of them!

Privately, L’rey was pretty certain that Codrath had reacted just how Draveth wanted him to- winding him up in the hopes of watching him make a mistake that might cost him the race- and he hoped the bronze would settle a bit and focus on the goal of flying and winning, without worrying about what the other bronze said.

The roar of the older bronze sounded, and Codrath hurled himself forward with a rush that nearly tore L’rey’s hands from the straps. He hunkered low- not that he really needed to, in all honesty- and watched as Codrath shot straight to the front, plowing his way through his opponents with no attempt to bother himself about who he knocked into.

[kevna]

Siorreya - Green Amagetith

Siorreya had come up with the idea all on her own, and while it had taken her hours to collect them all, she was happily and secretly carrying her next bit of fun. She didn’t have enough for everyone, but for sure she had enough for two. Just which two?

Codrath would love it, don’t you think, oh please let’s do Codrath. Sio rolled her eyes. She had reminded the green’s short memory of the fact that Codrath and L’rey had not enjoyed their last trick on them, but Amagetith was having a hard time accepting the fact.

Like I said, it’s not a good idea. I think Maz’ru and Quilath would appreciate it more!

Why can’t we do both? There are plenty! I say both.

Siorreya shook her head and chuckled, mounting her small green carefully so not to break the jar. Fine, but we don’t admit to it this time.

Oh goodgoodgoodgood. This is going to be great. The best race ever.

Well, it's only our first...

Right. Once of the many bests then! 

They had left for the gather bright and early, in hopes to lay their gifts on the unsuspecting dragonpairs. Sio had done so, shaking the trundlebugs into L’rey’s and Maz’ru’s bags when they weren’t looking. One good thing about having such a talkative gossip as a bonded was she was the perfect distraction for their targets. Siorreya was also grateful for how small she was, all the better for sneaking.

She had just gotten the last of the trundlebugs dumped when the races began, and now it was their turn to shine. They assembled together and Siorreya smiled innocently when Maz’ru asked the question. “Pff, more like no hard feelings if you eat our dust?” She blonde winked, and then blew some wispy blonde hair out of her eyes. Sharding braids never worked for her. She caught sight of E’san and Norioth, and openly admired the brownrider’s physic. Hmm, I wouldn’t mind Norioth catching you in the next mating flight. Not one bit.

If he catches me. I know I know. Although you could just let the brown catch you, and be the best wingdragon ever. I’ll think about it. But probably not. Maz’ru’s last statement got him a sideways glance and an eyebrow wiggle. “Oh these sleeves are hardly thick enough to hide any tricks up them. Right Amagetith?” Sio made a show of lifting them up and checking under them.

Right, totally. Mine and I have been focusing on our technique. To serve up the dust. Plus, I've been very interested in the fact that Karredy has stepped down, have you hear-

"Ama, no gossiping right before a race! Come one, focus." Sio chuckled, she wondered how many times she had told poor Quilath and Maz the same thing about the past Weyrwoman. Right, prepare for the dust. At this they got ready, and at the start of the bugle, Amagetith pounced up.

“Watch out!” Siorreya shouted as she looked over her shoulder to see Codrath bungling forward. The green banked to the right, barely avoiding the heated bronze, and letting him ahead of her. “You incompetent wingrot! Do you even know how to fly?” The small greenrider shouted, though doubted the bronze could hear over the wind.

You should repeat that. It’s some of my best material.

Well, we could focus on taunting them, or I could get downwind of Quilath and Codrath.

Siorreya laughed outright. Downwind, please.

Taxx tovaana

[Zen]

M'kal :: Bronze Draveth

Draveth snorted derisively at the blue’s comment, I don’t think I was talking to you, Quilath. Another draconic grin followed, Don’t you know it’s rude to interrupt a conversation that doesn’t concern you? M’kal heard his dragon’s gravelly laughter in his mind as Codrath snarled, Did I touch a nerve, Codrath? But when everyone surged forward it was Codrath that took the lead, powered by rage apparently. The larger bronze barreled past and Draveth swerved aside to avoid him.

“Ugh… what is that smell?” M’kal growled aloud, pulling his scarf up over his nose in some attempt to stave off the horrid scent. Draveth shook his head as if to shake loose the smell himself, Codrath! Does your rider not bathe you? You smell worse than my tailfork!

Hurry up and overtake him so we don’t have to smell that anymore! M’kal told the bronze and Draveth snorted again, Good idea. I’ll show them how a real bronze flies. Codrath has no finesse. I didn’t know you knew words like finesse. I am full of surprises. Hold on! With that, Draveth gave a powerful sweep of his wing and angled himself downward, using gravity to increase his speed as he dropped below the other competitors in a controlled sort of dive before suddenly flaring his wings as he caught a warm updraft, carrying him back up to the level of the other racers in a maneuver carefully planned to cut Codrath off.

You know there are other dragons in this race besides Codrath, right? The greens- Are greens, and no match for me. Greens are known for their speed, you know. Bah. I will NOT be bested by a green! Stubborn beast.

OOC: Round 2 has begun!

[tovaana]

Weyrling Maz’ru :: Blue Quilath

Maz’ru didn’t believe either of them. If he had learned anything from the pair, it was to always expect something from the greenrider pair.

Quilath’s blue-green whirling gaze tinged with yellow at the bronze’s words. ‘Why are you letting him bother you? I mean, besides that you bothered him first, of course.’ The blue didn’t respond to his rider’s playful jab, he was in seeming deep thought. Because he’s right too, to a degree– since, it would have been polite to include the other dragons too. ‘Include you in his harsh banter? Pretty sure you don’t want that.’ The dragon was silent as they raced and Maz felt even more sure his dragon’s heart wasn’t in the game. 

They sidled up next to E’san and his unique brown to overtake them. That was when the brown’s wings pushed a scent toward them and mistakenly thought it was coming from them. “Oh gross, what’s that smell.” Maz’ru brought a arm to his face to cover the smell. “Let’s pass them.” Good idea. The blue responded, his nose wrinkling from the smell. Quilath pushed himself to pass the brown so his wings weren’t pushing the smell back toward them.

Someone should tell them that bathing is important. Maz’ru’s brow furrowed. ‘Can you honestly see Norioth letting him or his rider smell like that?' He couldn’t see E’san’s brown letting him or his rider smell that way… Something didn’t add up quite right.

Alyx

[kevna]

Siorreya - Green Amagetith

Not seconds later the smell came into range, and Sio coughed, wrinkling her nose in disgust. Quickly, will you? That’s awful.

I know, it’s great, right??? Everyone can smell it. What a good idea. The green had obviously, or conveniently, forgotten that the idea had been Siorreya’s. But arguing about it now would only delay them.

Yeah, yeah, let’s go.

Okay okay. Hold on. The green started to dip, but stopped as Draveth dropped low, gaining speed. It didn’t phase the green. She decided to continue her drop and with the agility gifted her, she tilted and angled so she could squeeze just above Draveth and pass the rest of the boys.

Is that you Quilath dear? What a smell.

The green sped a long, eyes whirling blue with excitement and humor. Once the male dragons were firmly behind her, Amagetith looked behind.

Now, this just seems more appropriate, don’t you think boys? Feels like a great time for a chase! She called out flirtatiously, taking and seemingly holding the lead easily. She banked left and right, showing off her tail end so they could better appreciate her.

Careful, you don’t want to play too hard, or we will run out of steam before it’s over.

I know, I know. I just wanted to show off a tiny bit. I wish they had aerial competitions.

[Taxx]

Another growl rolled through the bronze’s chest at Draveth’s taunt, but this time Codrath refused to look at him. He kept his gaze ahead, powering onward without the slightest hesitation. L’rey caught a word or two of Siorreya’s yell, his own gaze briefly turning back to look into her eyes before turning forward again, disregarding it as Codrath increased his lead.

Except the other bronze had to pipe up once more and Codrath positively twitched with fury at the slight. I do not stink, Draveth! Perhaps it’s your own stink you smell! He rested his wings then, settling into a long glide as they neared the rock that signaled the turning point; the not-quite copper hide of the other bronze suddenly caught his attention.

Not coming up level with him- no. Pulling up so suddenly that one minute he was nowhere in sight and the next he was all Codrath could see, the smaller bronze stealing the lead right out from under his nose. A hiss of rage hissed through his fangs and he cut to the side, briefly whipping his head around to snarl at the green Luluth as he cut her off in return. She growled back, but Codrath- though displeased at her daring- had no time to put her in her place. He instead focused on the bigger problem, the one looming ahead, and he poured every bit of speed he could into his wingbeats as he inched up alongside Draveth. You won’t win this one, he sneered. This race is mine.

...And then Amagetith was there, her slight form taking the lead from both bronzes, and Codrath's attention left Draveth as quickly as it had pinned on him. He was no longer the challenge, the green was- the thought of losing to a mere green stung his pride far more than the possibility of losing to another bronze- and he hurled himself forward, single-minded as he sought to pass her and leave her behind. Where she ought to be.

[Alyx]

E'san and Brown Norioth

‘So much for friendly competition.’ Norioth chuckled, gliding along to conserve some energy. Since when have either of them been anything you would consider friendly? I would like to know if you remember a time because I certainly do not. E’san smirked, ducking his head as the smellier of the two Bronzes shoved through the pack of racers, coughing into his scarf. ‘Oh man, what is that smell?’ Norioth shook his head, sneezing, and dropped back a little from the pair of Bronzes. I am not sure, but I think it was Codrath. E’san brought his head up, watching L’rey’s Bronze push forward.

‘Is he rotting?!’ Perhaps? I mean, he does horde those smelly bones. Still, that wouldn’t account for the odor would it? ‘Drop back a little more, see if we can get out of the smell.’ But we’ll be too far back then! Norioth clearly didn’t like the prospect of losing the race, and the admiration of the ending, simply because Codrath didn’t want to take a bath. ‘Just a little then, so I can breathe? Then you can try to pass them.’ Reluctantly, Norioth complied, dropping back a bit from the leaders.

Out of the corner of his vision, E’san’s eyes caught a glint of pale blue. Quilath pulled alongside again, and then pushed forward to pass. Another wave of the dead thing smell hit the Brownrider and E’san gagged behind his scarf. Norioth’s wings faltered, the Brown dragon coughing as the odor caught in his throat. Do none of you let your riders wash you!? ‘Clearly not. Left, Norioth, out of the drag, please.’ The star-speckled Brown verged away has the reeking Blue passed them, out of the air that followed.

E’san was about to just pull out of the race, but Amagetith’s teasing pulled on the part of his dragon the man couldn’t control. Norioth rumbled, clearly focused on the Green in the lead now. Oh a Chase, much better than a race then? ‘Oh no..’ Hold on. ‘Norioth..’ The Brown dropped for a moment, then powered up over the racers to try to get out of the vicinity of the smellers racers, and pushing forward to try to pass them to catch up to Amagetith and her equally lovely rider.

[Zen]

M'kal :: Bronze Draveth

Draveth’s rumbling laughter reached M’kal again as they stole the lead from Codrath, I’ve never smelled like that in my life. I’m not the one that hoards rotting bones. Perhaps your rider should get rid of them for you. Draveth’s head turned in the slightest to see Codrath’s reaction to THAT suggestion, and he was so focused on the other bronze that he did not notice Amagetith maneuvering by to the front of the pack until it was too late. Draveth! I told you! Now you’ve lost the lead to the sharding green!

The bronze’s head snapped back around, annoyance tingeing his gaze with orange. He snorted at the green’s call, not yet old enough that he cared about such things. Enjoy it while you can, Amagetith, he growled, powering forward, determined to overtake the green. I could order her back, he suggested to M’kal. Didn’t you hear B’rax? They would tell him when we finish and we would be disqualified. And what would that prove? Not that you’re the fastest. Draveth rumbled in reluctant agreement. Yes. He could win without ordering the green to let him. He didn’t need anyone to let him do anything. He was a bronze and he would win.

With single-minded focus, Draveth worked toward passing Amagetith and didn’t notice Norioth closing in above, or the movements of any of the other dragons around them. All that mattered was leaving the green behind him. He would NOT be bested by a green!

OOC: Last round!

[Alyx]

E'san and Brown Norioth

E’san was very happy he wasn’t bonded to a Bronze if they were all like the pair of numbskulls below them. At least with Norioth, you could have some sort of common conversation? Just overhearing parts of what Draveth and Codrath were bellowing back and forward was enough. He might never complain about Norioth’s flirting ever again. Oooo, I heard that. ‘I said might.’ Norioth rumbled, using the open air over the spatting Bronze’s to make gains in his quest to catch up with the taunting little Green.

Well, at least we are out of the stench? ‘Thank Faranth for that. I’m glad I didn’t eat anything before the race.’ The Brown laughed, his attention split between his rider and the leading Green. E’san could clearly see Siorreya on the back of Green Amagetith, enjoying the pair’s change at the win. ‘Are you going to overtake them or not?’ Must I? Second isn’t so back to such a lovely pair of creatures. E’san frowned. ‘Norioth, the point of the race is to win.’

No that is your point, not mine. ‘I thought you wanted to prove you were the best?’ Norioth snorted, putting on a little speed to make sure he had the lead on the bickering Bronzes, weighing his rider’s words as he considered whether to challenge Amagetith for the lead as they neared the finish. ‘Think fast!’

(Was great everyone! Thanks for the laughs! Good luck!)

[Taxx]

No, no, NO! Codrath bellowed his fury as the light brown figure slid ever so neatly ahead of he and Draveth, and he decided he was done playing games. Before he could issue any command, L’rey broke in to remind him that doing that would ruin completely any chance of winning. You just have to be faster than them, and I know you are, he suggested.

A low rumbling growl rolled in the bronze’s chest and he surged forward, snarling coldly at the three: the bronze, brown and green who were trying to take this win from him. You will not win, he repeated, including all three in his declaration this time. It is mine. With that, he plunged onward once more, furious beats of his wings once more putting him in front of his close competitors. There was only a little way left to go, he just had to hang on to the lead a little bit longer…

[kevna]

Siorreya - Green Amagetith

A chase is much better than a race, dear Norioth! 

Will you focus? What? I thought you wanted me to be a good wingdragon? I’m practicing. Norioth needs all the practice he can get. Plus, this is fun. The green showed off her feminine lines with a few more zigzags. Siorreya rolled her eyes, feeling the ache in her back. Amagetith was getting tired and she was showing off to hide it. It never worked with her.

Stop showing off and focus on staying ahead, will you?

Her green ignored her. If I could roll my eyes I would. All these, it’s mine, enjoy it while you can, is all a little dragonet-ish don’t you think? I mean, I am the green with the most speed in this race. They are all in denial.

I think Norioth is catching up.

What?! Impossible. The green checked though and tried to use what little reserve she had left to stay ahead. It would just be embarrassing for a green to lose to a bunch of bronzes and browns. Siorreya looked over her shoulder and blew E'san a flirtatious kiss.

Hey, I thought we were focusing?

What, I can't have a little fun? E'san is so sharding cute.

[Zen]

M’kal :: Bronze Draveth

Were he not more focused on winning now that the finish was in sight, Draveth might have been slightly disappointed that his taunting of Codrath had been met with little enough of a satisfying response. As it was he didn’t care about the other bronze at all until he suddenly surged into the lead while Norioth and Amagetith distracted themselves with each other briefly. Draveth’s eyes flashed red and he again dropped to use gravity to increase his speed, angling his wings just so as he swerved around Codrath’s larger form with a satisfied rumble. A few more wing beats and he would be-

Gamath’s bugle sounded and Draveth’s surprised gaze drew upward to see that Norioth had managed to snag the lead from above. Not only that, that obnoxious blue had come out of nowhere to best him as well! His tail lashed through the air as he passed the finish, head turning back and soothing him somewhat to see that no green had bested him, nor had Codrath. Still, his eyes tinged with orange annoyance as he dropped to land, rather more heavily than M’kal would have liked. I’m still here you know! Draveth snuffed, And little enough help you were. I tried to warn you to pay more attention and you ignored me, stubborn beast. You have only yourself to blame for getting bested by those you ignored. As M’kal dismounted, Draveth shook himself slightly to make his rider fall the rest of the way. “Bah!” M’kal growled at him, managing to catch himself before he lost his footing completely and wound up on his ass.

Placements:
1. E'san of Brown Norioth (Alyx)
2. Maz'ru of Blue Quilath (Muze)
3. M'kal of Bronze Draveth (Zen)
4. Siorreya of Green Amagetith (Kevna)
5. L'rey of Bronze Codrath (Taxx)
6. M’sarr of Green Luluth (NPC)