Searching for a Cure

[kevna]

Riasu - Candidate

Riasu took some deep breaths, rubbing her temples. A run had not been a good idea. The headache roared on. Sometimes just getting out of the weyr was enough to help dampen the voices and subdue the headache, and she usually found runs the simplest way to get out. This headache was persistent though. “Shells.” She muttered. She was wearing her thicker jacket around her hips, just in case the cool autumn wind became even nippier, and adjusted it. She had rolled her long pants up, and wore her good running shoes, more prepared for this run then some of her other headache inspired runs. She had tried just about everything else. Napping, some herbal remedies. Nothing. Seemed to touch this one. She had one last option to try.

Hey big guy! You up for a little adventure? I need my Jarath to come and save me!

She inwardly prayed to Faranth that he wasn’t in the middle of anything important. She was mildly desperate, and only reached out to him when she was. She briefly wondered if he knew that, then shrugged and started stretching. She pictured where she was and sent the visual to Jarath so he could come and pick her up. She was thinking the little island would be quieter, and Jarath’s voice was always a great distraction from the rest of the humdrum. Riasu shook her head, wondering if the headaches would ever go away. Was this normal? Was she just unable to control it? A dragon could help with that, right? Jarath wasn’t even hers and she felt like he could. Even if it was without him knowing or trying.

Just a little longer, and then she would have one for her own. She wouldn’t have to borrow a dragon to go out and away. She wouldn’t have to borrow a voice to focus on and center herself on. Just a little longer. She was counting down the days, but a Gold should rise soon. Just a little longer. 

tovaana

[tovaana]

Bronze Jarath

The bronze was on the cliff heights in a patch of grass that he had claimed as his own. He loved being near any of the golds, but when possible he settled near the best – which he had come to the conclusion was Sularenth. He had not liked the arrival of the new flashy bronze, he had taken a lot of attention that he had gotten when he had been new to the weyr. Of course he would never say or admit it, unless to Lo’qui if he asked. Instead he ignored the bronze that was so flirtatious – was all he thought about greens and golds? Jarath glanced over at Sularenth at this thought. Well, he might be flashy, but Jarath was larger and his own hide could be just flashy in the sunlight. He was due for an oiling, he was sure…when was the last time he had been oiled? With these thoughts running through his mind he let his eyes drift closed in the sunlight that sliced through the clouds. There was a collective sound of pleasure as some of the dragons nearby voiced that they were grateful for the sunlight.

Then the light through his lids darkened and he knew a cloud had once more covered their precious heat.

Hey big guy! You up for a little adventure? I need my Jarath to come and save me! Jarath shifted, pushing himself up as the voice came to him. It was a familiar one. He glanced over at Sularenth and then in the direction that Lo’qui’s kin had called him from. He did feel like it was important that he kept ‘his spot’ on the heights, but also the curiosity of Riasu’s adventure and what he would be saving her from also seemed like they could be important.

Of course, I am coming. He directed his voice for only Riasu.

He stood up and traveled to the edge of the cliffside and used the drop-off as his take off. His wide wingspan caught his large form and pulled it up. He made a lazy low swoop – dropping close to the ocean, his flapping wings blowing a mist in multiple directions. It wasn’t so terrible to show off every once in a while. A sideways breeze pulled at him and he let it choose his direction as he beat his wings and headed in the direction of the place Riasu had shown him. He landed in front of her, closer than he would with any one other than his own rider.

I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long. He hummed, lowering himself. Are we going for a ride?

kevna

[kevna]

Riasu - Candidate

She smiled when she heard his voice in her mind, it was like a salve on her mind, but still not enough. She needed away. She unwrapped the jacket from her waist and put it on. Riding was cold business, especially with this breeze. She stretched until he came into sight, and she smiled and waved. His form was massive and solid, and oh so comforting.

Not at all, handsome. She leaned into him, resting her head on him for a moment. “And by Faranth we are going for a ride! How about the little island? Maybe we’ll see some shipfish along the way.”
She said it lightly, trying not to betray her pain. Her ability was a gift, and she didn't want Jarath to think she thought it was a burden. Not ever. She moved to mount him, doing so with ease. She wondered what it would be like to mount a smaller dragon, if her own ended up being smaller. Would she be able to do it as effortlessly? Or would her muscle memory of Jarath mess her up? She sat on his bare neck ridges, and gave a pat to let him know of her readiness.

Thanks for coming Jarath. Thanks for always coming. You are my hero. She crooned at him, allowing her feeling to be clear. I think I need to get away, you know? Far away. Think we can do that?
The headache was beginning to test her sanity. She moved her jaw forward and back to try and ebb the onslaught of pain. But it did nothing for the voices, and so, nothing for the pain. She leaned comfortably forward, ready for takeoff, and even more ready for the flight.

[tovaana]

Bronze Jarath

He was pleased that she enjoyed his company so much. He enjoyed attention of anyone, but especially from someone that Lo’qui held in high regard. He hummed as she announced their trip and lifted when she settled onto his bare back. As much as he enjoyed showing off, he did know when to be careful… most of the time. His neck arched lightly as he turned a whirling green blue eye toward Riasu to be sure she was ready before turning toward the open sky. It amazed him constantly how small humans could be, yet still so full of life. He hummed louder at calling him her hero.

Here we go. He warned her before taking a few bounding steps to push him into the partly cloudy sky. His well muscles wings flexed powerfully and quickly to get them airborne. The large striped bronze glided the rest of the way to the edge of the cliffed Mavros and tilted downward toward the sea. They flew close to the seemingly flat surface of the ocean, but as they soared as close as his beating wings would let them, one could tell that the salty water ‘wobbled’ with swells that would become waves and finally break when closer to the Mavrosi beaches. He took her out to ocean, multiple minutes away from everything – even away from the island that she said she wanted to visit. She had said she wanted to get away, and he wanted to prove himself that ‘hero’ that he knew he was.

He glanced back at Riasu to see how she was doing before swerving toward the island. He flew around it once, his body leaned slight left as he took his time in a gliding motion around the little island, only beating his wings we he needed to gain air. Finally he came to a graceful landing on the beach facing away from Mavros. There was some sort of inkling, not quite a memory, that she preferred this side of the island.

kevna

[kevna]

Riasu - Candidate

She leaned even farther when he took to the air, taking extra precautions due to the lack of riding gear. Maybe it was because she was used to him, or maybe because it was due to his sheer size, but after take off, and getting to a good height in the sky, he kept the ride pretty smooth. She loved watching the ground get farther and farther from her. She loved the air blowing through her hair and around her lithe form. It almost made it feel like she was the one flying. She laughed when he descended toward the ocean, putting her arms out and enjoying the way her stomach rose. She could already feel the pain in her head beginning to subside as the voices fell away. Distance was her friend.

Her eyes closed in relief and she tilted her face to the sky, enjoying the warm sun on her face. She loved Autumn. She loved the coolness of the air and the warmth of the sun. She loved the change in the trees and the flocks of birds. She loved the storms that swept up from the sea, and the thunder that descended from the sky. She felt Jarath's swerving motion and opened her eyes to see the little island getting larger. He circled it once, and was about to point out her favorite spot when the dragon began lowering down right where she wanted. She smiled.

Dragon's didn't have the best memories, but their instincts her killer, especially when it came to there bonded. Sometimes Riasu imagined what life would have been like if Jarath had been hers, and chuckled to herself. A bronze? Never. Though he was so large that in another life maybe he could have been a gold. They landed heavily, and Riasu swung her leg over and climbed down from Jarath.

The voices were so quiet now, and she reveled in the near silence. "I love it here. It's so quiet, and peaceful. Mostly at least." There were still just a few louder voices from the eastern side of the island, where some dragons liked to congregate and enjoy the sun. That's what made the western side all the better for her. They were still far enough away that rebuilding her wall from the voices was still easier.
"How are you enjoying Mavros, big guy? Are there enough shinies to keep your attention? Any favorites?" She took on a teasing tone. She could use the distraction as she began visualizing the bricks being laid in her mind. She found a warm spot in the sand that was large enough for the both of them and plopping down on her back. She made sure to take off her jacket and use it as a barricade between her hair and the sand. She hated sand in her hair... 

[tovaana]

Bronze Jarath

He watched her climb from his back before moving. I’m glad your feeling better. He voiced. He wouldn’t want anything bad happening to his bonded’s kin – he knew how much Lo’qui cared for them, even if he didn’t always express it out loud. If Jarath had had a fluid memory, he would see how much Lo’qui had changed for the better, especially when it came to his kids. Sometimes he’d see glimpses of this in his bonded’s mind, but he never doubted Lo’qui’s character.

It is lovely here. You mean the Golds, I’m sure. He said, his amused whirling gaze looking at her as his large claws marked the sand as he walked over to her. He curled in an arc around her in the warm sand and settled around the spot she had picked, his tail laying in front of her. He made sure not to block her view of the ocean, especially since it was one of his favorite views as well. There are many lovely greens and Golds. They’re all very lovely. Sularenth, though… He paused, thinking about the gold, his gold. He still chased the occasional green, to his rider’s dismay, but he hadn’t caught any of them yet. I’ve determined she is the best for me.

He lifted his head and moved it gently toward her and nudged her – at least he had thought it was gentle. And you? Are you happy in Mavros? Is there any news? The bronze did care for Riasu, but he was always interested in things he might not have already heard through the dragon local news.

[kevna]

Riasu - Candidate

“Yes, all those golds. Although, I did see an unusually speckled green that looked pretty shiny in the sky.” She remarked, and pictured Rylath, sending the image to the bronze. It didn’t take long for her to learn the green dragons name’s, as they were normally called out during their Rises. She sat up once the bronze had settled around her, scooting back so she could lean against him companionably.

She listened to his compliment of the hoard of lady dragons with humor. He was such a lady killer, much like Lo’qui. Although Lo’qui had matured somewhat when it came to females. Somewhat being the key word. The sister believed it was the kids that had inspired him to grow up. He was pretty good with them. Most of the time. Riasu chuckled at Jarath’s determination. If love were only so easy. “Sularenth is.. Well, she’s quite the character. I’m sure she’ll keep you on your toes. I’m glad she inspires you.”

She thought on the dragon’s questions, the last making her smile. The constant gossiper. “Well, I’m not sure honestly. It doesn’t feel much like home. No one knows my secret, so I don’t talk much with other dragons as much. I miss that. The headaches are worse here too. I’m not sure why… Maybe because they are new voices? There are a lot of new and loud voices here, that’s for sure.” She had wondered why her ability to stave off the headaches had been lost with the move, and a sliver of fear sometimes surfaced that maybe she would be driven mad by all the voices if she didn’t impress. She usually shook that fear off and continued on her mission. To find her bonded.

She chewed on her lip, thinking back to some good gossip. “Well, I know Zalmaranth’s rider, the weyrwoman, is said to be declining in health. They say she’s as sun-crazed as a wherry. Oooh, apparently a greenrider had to go between to abort a child recently. I’m not sure which one though, still learning some voices.” She hummed as she tried to think back to what random information she had overheard. “Oh, and the handsome weyrleader’s heart is taken. Which is too bad. He had so much potential.”

[tovaana]

Bronze Jarath

The bronze took the image and looked it over in his mind, recognizing the green. Yes, she is unique. I would have won that flight, if they hadn’t started while I was hunting. He was completely certain of it too, he was certain he was the best for every green and gold. The best way to prove how he was the best was to show everyone, clearly. His attention and thoughts changed when she spoke of Sularenth and he hummed in agreement. She did inspire him.

His thoughts changed as the conversation changed, watching Riasu with a worried whirling gaze. Her words were sad, he wanted to protect her from her sadness and pain. She changed the topic again to the gossip that he had asked for and his head lifted with interest, listening curiously. He’d have to go through Lo’qui’s memories to see how these tidbits lined up in what he’d been told in the past weeks. He was about to shuffle through them, when the last bit of ‘gossip’ reminded him of the earlier conversation. She did not sound as sad, but he knew the terrible feeling when a green chose a silly blue over him.

You should find someone who inspires you, someone you can tell about your secret to. He paused looking at her. It’s not a secret, it is a gift. You give gifts. He hummed again, trying to comfort his friend.

[kevna]

Riasu - Candidate

Riasu smiled with humor at the bronze’s utter confidence, he did like to chase. “Of course, you could have, but maybe it’s for the best you didn’t. Lo’qui needs a fast from women. They only seem to get him into trouble.” She chuckled and wondered at Rylath’s rider. Rylath had seemed young, but it was hard to tell, and it also made her think that the rider was probably closer to Lounessa or Riasu’s age then his. He really didn’t need that just yet.

Jarath hummed his comfort and Riasu leaned her head back into him, letting him know she appreciated it. But his words turned her thoughts to Bo’ril, his distrustful reaction to her secret. The rest of her brothers had taken it fine, but Bo’ril… She didn’t blame him, it was almost like she could read the other half of his mind, and how can you be yourself with yourself or your bonded when you are afraid someone would hear it? He was her brother; he could have trusted her. He should have. He chose not to, and he was the worse for wear for it, not her. At least they had managed to repair their relationship for the most part. She was pretty irresistible, especially as the little and only sister.

“It’s hard to be inspired by anyone when you don’t know anyone…It’s even harder to tell someone about my secre-well, gift, without trusting them. But it seems even more impossible to build up a relationship with trust without telling them my se-gift. My secret gift.” She chuckled. “It’s a vicious vicious cycle, Jarath. But it’s okay, I don’t need anyone, because I have you. I tell you all my secrets.” She bumped him with her elbow playfully. “You’re a better man then most men, and you're a dragon. We’ll just have to see if Sularenth will share you with me, won’t we?” The last was said with irony, “Besides, I’m just going to have to keep inspiring myself, it’s better that way.” Then, as if realizing she was monopolizing her brother’s dragon she asked, “Where is your rider by the way? Is he being good? I mean, without you or me, who knows what mischief he is up to.” She teased.

[tovaana]

Lo’qui :: Bronze Jarath

Jarath rumbled with humor. Just because they are trouble, doesn’t mean they aren’t worth it. He rumbled again in amusement, but his mind went to the greens and golds he spent time with. He didn’t regret any of it.

His head retracted and looked down on her with a slight tilt as he listened to her words that seemed to go in circles. He didn’t quite understand it all – but he did understand a compliment when given. His head lifted proudly and he shifted so his chest puffed. He didn’t have to thank her though, he knew it inherently how amazing he was – and his rider, and by extension – Riasu of course. He also liked being told secrets. When he thought of Sularenth and the idea of ‘sharing’ he couldn’t quite say if the gold was the possessive type. Not of him, not yet – first he had to catch her the next time she rose. She wasn’t his yet, or vice versa. Not yet. I don’t know. He said, somewhat in honesty.

For all her words and the things he didn’t understand, like the conflict she was feeling, He felt like he hadn’t really helped her. Sometimes all we can do is try. And he did, he tried all the time – he would never give up proving that he was the best.

Jarath felt for Lo’qui at the mention of his rider and found him preparing for next threadfall. Boring things. Making sure leather riding gear was oiled and doing a few delegated tasks that A’zeal had assigned him. He got the feeling that he was in a good mood – perhaps because they were actually being utilized and honored for the Bronze riders that they were, instead of trying to cover up their potential. He’s being boring. Work. There was nothing he could do for his rider at the moment, except in extension to be there for Riasu, his rider’s kin. Lo'qui felt his dragon consciously poke at him. For being connected so long, they had melded more into one - feeding off of each other, but putting up blocks when necessary. 'How's it going?' Good. The dragon hummed in his thoughts, showing him an image of him and Riasu on a beach. He couldn't tell what beach it was, but he was glad to see Riasu with Jarath, perhaps life for Riasu was getting to a new normal. 'Tell her I say hi.' And he went back to oiling his riding gear. Lo'qui says hello.

[kevna]

Riasu - Candidate

“We ladies are worth it, aren’t we?” She chuckled. Women did keep the world turning, being the baby bearers, as well as the organizers, and steady hand.

She doubted Sularenth would willingly share Jarath, she seemed like a temperamental beast. But willingly or not, she would have to, because it wasn’t like she could shut her hearing off. One way or another Riasu would always have a link with the larger bronze, a stronger one then most of the other dragons here, as his would be the longest connection. His response was simple, but earnest, and very wise. All she could do was try, and she enjoyed human interaction, so I guess she would just have to keep trying. It amazed her just how deeply dragons could think and feel. But to her, Jarath made the most sense to her most of the time. It could be because she often heard both sides of the conversation, but she supposed it could be because he was an older dragon as well.

In response to her question, there was silence, probably as her companion reached out to see where his rider was. She sat their companionably with him, enjoying his warmth and the autumn day. She looked up watching the clouds dusting by, every now and then able to point out animal shapes. First there was a runner beast. Then a tunnelsnake. Almost as quickly as they appeared they disappeared. Jarath spoke, but it was random and obviously not for her. Still, it pulled her back to him. She smiled at Lo’qui’s second hand greeting.

“Tell him hello back, and he owes me a cup of klah. It’s been too long since we’ve hung out.”

She waited for the dragon to relay her own greeting, looking back up at the sky. The clouds had taken on the form of a shipfish. She smiled contentedly, and pointed it out to the bronzer. “Look Jarath, it’s a shipfish. Do you see the nose, the tail, and look at those fins!”

She sighed, realizing that she would have to be getting back soon for her lesson. She had been so driven to be free of the headache so that she would be able to focus on the lesson, and now that she was pain free and fresh, it was time to go. She took a breath and stood. “It’s probably about time to get going big guy. I have a lesson later today. What do you say, ready for another flight?”

[tovaana]

Lo’qui :: Bronze Jarath

She says you’ve neglected her for too long, Lo’qui. You owe her a klah. He sent wry amusement through the connection to Lo’qui. The rider chuckled, not pausing in his work at the sound of his dragon. ‘Yeah, yeah.’ She was right though, and he knew that his dragon knew it too. ‘Tell her she can always come help clean you.’ I am not a flit, I am more than a messenger. But for you, I will tell her. Lo’qui shook his head with a smile, going back to preparing for the next Threadfall. He would need to go find time to drop in on Riasu and catch up.

The dragon turned his attention on Riasu. He says you can always come clean me, but you don’t have to actually clean me though. I think you could watch him clean me, if you visited that way.

He then looked to the ocean where she pointed out the shipfish as it’s tail disappeared into the water. He hummed with interest. It was strange that there were creatures that flew through the water with such stunted wings.

I could teach you more about dragons than you would learn in a lesson. He grumbled, but shifted so that she could get on his back for the flight back. They should have advanced lessons for you.

[kevna]

Riasu - Candidate

She listened to Jarath relay her message with a smile and chuckled at the reproof in Jarath’s voice. No he definitely was no flit. She briefly wondered how many flits put together it would take to make a dragon as large as her bronzer. She laughed outright when Jarath delivered Lo’qui’s message. “That hooligan. He knows I would not be able to not clean you. Let me know next time you two go out.”

She brushed off her pants and shook out her jacket before putting it back on. She launched herself up and settled herself up. She gave a sour smile nodding in agreement. “Hmmm, you have taught me more then my lessons. I don’t think they would know what to do with me if they realized what a waste of time these lessons are for me.”

She crouched low when her companion launched into the air and watched with regret as the little island got smaller and smaller. The idea hit her suddenly, and it seemed crazy, but possible. Do… You think you could teach me something more advanced? Like maybe us going Between? Her heart was going a mile a minute now that she had asked him, the idea exciting and maybe a bit anarchist.

I think with you I could do it. I mean, I’ve listened to all of mother’s classes, I’ve seen your’s and the other dragon’s visualizations before I’ve ridden Between. What do you say big guy?

[tovaana]

Bronze Jarath

You know you’re always welcome. Sometimes I make him clean me by himself … The bronze tugged through Lo’qui’s mind, something second nature to the dragon when he couldn’t remember something on his own. It takes all day though, he’s been using the two little Lo’qui’s to help him each cleaning recently. And his other hatchling too.

The dragon raised his head high at the praise. Of course I have. He said in a quieter, yet confident tone when she had confirmed how much he had taught her.

He turned his head, a large whirling eye watched to make sure she was settled before launching into the air. His wings moved them powerfully through the sky, taking a less direct route to get back. His attention turned back to Riasu as she spoke to him. That does seem like a lesson more fitting for you. He said thoughtfully.

He listened to her thought process and didn’t see anything wrong with it. She was related to his rider, who was a natural, why shouldn’t she be able to? Especially with him, how could they go wrong? Wasn’t he, Jarath, the best to teach this lesson?

Of course. Show me where you want to go.

[kevna]

Riasu - Candidate

She had chuckled at the idea of cleaning Jarath taking all day. I mean, when little ones are constantly disrupting the cleaning of such a large dragon, it made sense. It would also make more sense if Lo’qui was conversing with Lounessa about dragonriding that it could take longer. Those two could go at it.

She felt a small victorious thrill thrum through her at the dragon’s consideration. She held her breath, hoping beyond hope. Riasu let out a pleased and excited laugh a little breathless when Jarath agreed. She doubted Breeanth, her mother’s dragon would have agreed to such a thing. Then again, she had played to Jarath’s pride and confidence, as well as her own. She didn't doubt she could do it. She considered where she wanted to go, debating how far she could push it… Could we… Go here?

She visualized the area outside Ierne where Lo’qui and she had often times gone to clean Jarath and had seen many wild firelizards frolicking on the beach. She visualized the beach, the large sand mound, the cliffside, and the cavern she would hide in to get away from all the voices clamoring in her head. She smiled as she visualized the area, remembering all the fun she had had, all the comfort she had been given. She made sure the visual was as crisp as it could be and that the sky was right, remembering her mother’s warnings to her students about accidentally Betweening times... Better to avoid that at all costs. How is the visual? I know it's far, but I know with you we could do it.