Lies and Truths (Open)

[Taxx]

The bronze dragon burst from between, wings spread wide and instantly beating. He hovered above the cliffs, he and his rider scanning the Weyr below, before the bronze turned his head to the Watchdragon on duty and introducing himself as Dasiryth. Then cleared to land, he did so, dropping toward the rim and settling carefully, tucking his wings and lowering a shoulder for the men on his back to slide to the ground- one he knew as well as he did himself, the other a stranger.

Shall I call? the bronze asked, lying down fully and kicking his hind legs out, stretching them before resting his head on his front paws.

"Yes," his rider replied, tugging his gloves off and tucking them into his belt before rubbing his hands together for the warmth. "The sooner we're done here the sooner we can be gone."

A short rumble of agreement before the bronze reached out, broadcasting the message to all the dragons of the Weyr. Greetings, I am Dasiryth. Mine rider wishes to talk to the Weyrleader of Mavros. And- another has a message. He was less certain about the second man's intent, but it didn't affect him either way.

Within the depths of the Weyr, two people who heard the message reacted in very different ways: one beckoned his blue along, wondering if he might get a moment with the bronzerider- and the other curled tighter into her place in the Barracks, her arms wrapping tightly around the little gold.
Zen
Esko

[Esko]

Karo of brown Gargerrith

Did you hear that?

'What, Gar?'

A dragon named Dasiryth calls. But he wants the Weyrleader, it's not us. The brown replied with composure. It was a good day for a nap, as it was a rest day in the Barracks. Wow, had it already been a fortnight? Karo was cuddled up with Gar in their wallow, relishing the warmth that radiated from his hide. She couldn't ask for anything more perfect in her life. Karo and Gar, Gar and Karo. It went together like butter and bread, the perfect combination that would last forever. She absentmindedly rubbed a headknob, and felt a purr resonate from the brown. This was what love was like, right? The sense of completeness she felt was invigorating. She would be the best dragonrider. She would make sure of that.

Something caught Karo's attention. She sat up, looking to see Aleni cuddled with Riyobith. She looked frightened like a ghost ship sailed right over her head. "Aleni..." She started, but got the feeling that maybe she needed her dragon's comfort instead. Standing up, her curiosity got the better of her. 'I need to go see what's going on. I got a funny feeling.' Gar protested to the sudden leaving of his bonded with a creel, but huffed and laid his head back down. She'd be back soon, he was sure. Still, he watched through her eyes, closing his own.

Captain Kalahan

Really, he didn't expect to be offered a ride by a bronzerider who just happened to be going to the same place as him. They'd just happened to run into each other. It would take far longer to sail all the way to the Western Circle at this point, and he was already behind schedule. Eight seconds, or an entire fortnight? He needed to get his cargo fast. Karolinna was entirely too useful to let go forever. Oh, she had her fun running around wherever she was on Pern. Quilken had told him that she wasn't anywhere in Mavros; luckily, he'd captured a lad who had a useful firelizard. Kalahan knew that she'd gotten the letter. No real reason why, he just knew. And whether or not Karolinna had listened, he would find her. Drag her back by the legs if he had to.

The trip between made him tense, as he fought to keep memories from rushing back. No, not here. He couldn't afford to fall off the bronze's back, into the frozen depths of the void. At least they were out in no time, the captain's cheeks red from the cold. The bronze first gained clearance from the Watchdragon, then set to land. Once they did, the men were able to slide off; first, the bronzerider, then him. it was like second instinct, as he landed on the ground with both feet. "Thank ye." He quickly said before waiting for the Weyrleader to show; surely he would know something.

[Zen]

Weyrleader A'zael :: Bronze Fath

Fath raised his head as the message was broadcast to the Weyr at large, asking for the Weyrleader. He glanced over at the door to A'zael's office, A'zaelmine. Anewriderwantsyou.

He paused in his work. A new rider? Fath, what the shell does that mean? What new rider?

Idon'tknowhim, Mine. Dasiryth.

Fath didn't recognize the dragon? Well, the name wasn't familiar to A'zael either. Hesitating, he thought for a moment. He wasn't aware of any transfer riders coming in. He frowned slightly, wondering what it could possibly be about. Well, they clearly didn't know their way to the Weyrleader's weyr or they could have come to him directly. Pushing from his desk, he grabbed his flight jacket and shrugged it on, striding out to mount Fath, Let's go meet them, then.

The bronze moved toward his ledge and pushed off into an easy flight, winging his way up to the height of the cliffs where a bronze neither of them recognized sat waiting. The fact that it was a bronzerider made him a bit nervous. Random bronzeriders didn't just show up out of the blue at Mavros. He drew in a deep breath as Fath circled around to land a short distance from the strangers. It didn't have to be bad news. No need to get worked up over it before he knew the reason.

He looked down at the two men standing there and did not make to dismount just yet, “I'm Weyrleader A'zael. Did you two gentlemen wish to talk more privately in my weyr or do you favor the views from the cliffs?” He didn't mind speaking out here, so long as nothing either of the men had to say were sensitive in nature, but they might prefer his weyr none the less and simply had not asked direction to get there.

[Rhush]

Junior Weyrwoman Srunae :: Gold Danovelith

There's a stranger broadcasting to the whole weyr...

Srunae instantly frowned, looking up from her paperwork and staring out of her weyrledge as if the gold was there. Danovelith, for her part, was laying out on the cliffs of Mavros' makeshift bowl, the sunlight glinting off of her pale golden hide.

A stranger? What are they broadcasting?

He says His wants to speak with A'zael, for some reason; and they've brought another with a message?

Two of them? They could have just asked the watchdragon for the Weyrleader's Weyr location...

Logic does sometimes allude the newcomer on a mission.

Srunae stood with an exaggerated stretch, chuckling darkly at her dragon's smart aleck response. I suppose that's true. Well, since he contacted the entire weyr with that call... I should probably make an appearance, if only for the sake of moral support. The Junior Weyrwoman tied her long brown locks back into a loose runnertail and smoothed down her shirt before heading out of her weyr, waving Melana down before heading out the door and into the 'bowl. To her surprise, a massive, aged greenish bronze was settled into the center of the half-moon shaped structure. Two men stood at the old metallic's feet and were soon joined by A'zael, whom still hadn't dismounted as Srunae walked out into the bright light of day.

The woman found neither of the newcomers' faces familiar, and she knew of no possible transfers today, so she was about as lost as A'zael was. After a moment's debate, Srunae deemed it a good idea to wait at the entrance to the passageways instead of entering in unannounced; at least for now. She could easily slip into their conversation as they walked to A'zael's weyr, if that was the plan. If not, she could simply mill around the interested parties until the moment fit her arrival. Who knew? Maybe she would have to smooth over some feathers or politely chase these newcomers out of the weyr.

For her own benefit, Danovelith greeted the foreign bronze with a polite inquiry. Good afternoon, Dasiryth. What might bring you to our Weyr today? Her tone was perfectly comfortable, confident, as the pale gold looked down upon the greenish male from her sunning spot on the rim. Nothing was wrong with simple conversation, after all.

Note to self: Date is 10th Pass, 5th Turn, End of 12th month

[Taxx]

A curt nod accepted the Captain’s thanks, and as he waited for the Weyrleader to appear, he worked on loosening the straps around Dasiryth’s body. A mental nudge brought his attention to the dull orange bronze now leaping from a ledge, a man- presumably the Weyrleader- astride him. They were landing on the rim a moment later, but the man didn’t dismount, speaking from the bronze’s back. At least they had a proper bronzerider as Weyrleader. “I can’t speak for my companion, but I would indeed,” T’vil replied. “Could you show us the way, A’zael?"

Dasiryth lifted his head as Fath landed, shifting to tuck his hind legs beneath his body and rumbling a warm greeting to his fellow bronze. The gold’s voice caught his attention just as he’d been about to voice a verbal greeting, and his head turned to where the light yellow gold was lying. His wings lifted, careful to avoid knocking them against his rider and the other man, and he dipped his head into a bow. Good afternoon, beautiful gold. We are here because Mine rider has something…

Quiet, T’vil hissed into the bronze’s mind; Dasiryth’s head tipped toward his rider in confusion. The gold had asked, he was only answering her question. They’ll find out soon enough without you telling anyone. A second of silence before Dasiryth continued in quite a different vein. I am Dasiryth. Might I know your names? He included Fath in the inquiry, his gaze shifting now from Danovelith to the bronze standing close by.

[Esko]

Captain Kalahan

Really, the broadcast to the entire Weyr wasn't quite necessary, but what was done was done. Kalahan watched as a dull orange bronze rose in the air and headed towards them. He was...small. Not too small, but on the shorter side. He recognized the bronze, anyway. He hadn't had much contact with Mavros's Weyrleader, but of course, he knew what his bronze looked like. He watched as the dragon landed, without allowing his rider to slide off. So he was going to retain the higher position, huh? Kalahan's lips jerked up in a quick smirk before returning to a formal frown. They would be playing that game.

Then another dragon came. A dainty gold, he noted. He'd seen a variety of golds in his lifetime, for sure. Shards, a queen too? Unlike the newcomer, he knew exactly who this queen wasn't. Where was the Senior Gold? Shouldn't she be here instead? First, the foreign bronzerider spoke, asking to be directed to the Weyrleader's Weyr. That was fine. He had to get off the Heights anyway if he was going to find Karolinna. Running his fingers through his hair, he nodded and waited until his companion was done. "Aye, I'm 'fraid 'message' might've been a bad word t' use. I'm Kalahan, of The Bronzer. I frequent 'ere. I'm lookin' for someone. Me daughter. She ran off, an' I gotta get 'er." With that, he waited, the breeze blowing his cloak.

[Deleted]

Karredy and Zalmaranth

Karredy would have arrived earlier at the strange bronze's arrival, if she'd been able to go between like the others. Instead she and Zalmaranth were flying over the normal way, and fairly slowly to avoid unwanted coughing fits--low temperatures weren't advised so soon after a fever (luckily not too bad), and the iciness of between was especially so.

It seemed she'd been beaten to the punch, not just by A'zael but Srunae. As Zalmaranth landed, Karredy dismounted and spotted a second person by the bronze's rider.

"I'm sorry for my delay." She brushed a lock away from her face, and hoped she didn't look too pale. (She might be quite fair-skinned, but at least her normal color was quite different from fever waxiness.) "I just got over a fever, so going between isn't advised." She flicked a glance between the two men. "What are your names, sirs?"

Zalmaranth watched quietly for her part, but with the telltale orange eyes of irritated suspicion--strange dragonriders didn't just trek between Weyrs for a visit, after all, and delivering messages was hardly a duty for adult riders, let alone a bronze.

What are you all doing here? She asked Dasiryth.

[Zen]

Weyrleader A'zael

Listening first to the bronzerider's answer, A'zael nodded, though it wasn't completely lost on him that if the older man had wanted to speak with him privately, he could have asked the watchdragon for direction to his weyr and saved them both time in the matter. “Of course. I hope you'll forgive our watchrider not pointing you in the right direction to begin with.” He wasn't sure where the failing was here, with the stranger for not asking or with the watchrider's response. Why wouldn't he have asked? Hm.

Fath shifted slightly to better look at the older bronze as he was greeted. Hellohello! The stranger introduced himself and Fath happily replied, I'mFath. AreyougonnastayDasiryth? Wecanhunttogether. Dasiryth seemed nice. Hopefully they could be friends. Especially if he was staying at the Weyr.

A'zael turned his attention to the second man then as he spoke up, waiting to see if he too wanted to speak privately. He was looking for his daughter? “What's the girl's name and description? If she's gotten lost in the Weyr I'm sure we can have her found for you,” he told the man with some concern in his tone. He was rather imagining a girl closer to his own daughter's age, a brat running wild through the Weyr, or perhaps scared and alone somewhere after taking a wrong turn.

He was about to suggest they mount back up and follow him to his weyr on dragonback, as it would get them to privacy that much quicker, when Karredy arrived. Her question as to the two men's names made him realize, as he began to introduce them to her himself, that he didn't actually know the bronzerider's name yet. Only the other man had given his name, and Fath had given him the name of the dragon... but not the rider. So he let the question stand, with the addition of doing his Weyrwoman the favor of introducing her, "Ah, this is Weyrwoman Karredy." He still didn't know what the bronzerider wanted here, so he wasn't sure if her presence was required or not. As far as he knew, it had only been him that had been asked for... but then, Fath was never the most reliable of messengers.

Az didn't notice Srunae's rather discreet arrival yet, I promise he's not ignoring her pff

[Rhush]

Srunae :: Gold Danovelith

Danovelith hummed warmly at the bronze's compliment, her vanity showing for but a moment before she mentally frowned as his answer was cut off - judging by his sudden change in tack, she imagined his rider had told him not to answer that question. Danovelith couldn't hardly understand what was wrong with an explanation of their sudden unannounced appearance, but she decided not to pry, instead offering an answer to his follow up question. My name is Danovelith, she supplied cordially, a gentle laugh in her mindvoice at Fath's greeting of the new bronze. Will you be staying long? The pale, dainty gold's head turned to watch as Zalmaranth winged in with Her Own, her irritated dam staring down Dasiryth suspiciously - much like Sularenth would have, Danovelith noted - before demanding an explanation of the bronze.

Srunae frowned much like Danovelith did at the bronze's inability to answer the gold's question, having hoped that she might be able to get a little insider information before something... less than acceptable took place. It was uncommon for a bronzerider to deliver messages, let alone people who were not active weyrfolk (she had caught that bit, thanks to Danovelith), to other weyrs; let alone their little rogue weyr. Karredy's arrival was both shocking and worrisome on top of that - they had only called for A'zael,
sure, and yes Srunae had come out to gauge the situation - but the Weyrwoman had been ill so often lately that the Junior Weyrwoman was half-worried she might over-exert herself if she happened to still be ill. Working while sick typically made things worse before they could get better, and Srunae couldn't help but be concerned.

They were talking about going back to A'zael's weyr adragonback, Danovelith supplied then, curiosity in her voice. And the non-rider is looking for his daughter. Srunae frowned again. If they went back to A'zael's weyr on their dragons, her strategic spot at the mouth of the caverns was unnecessary, and so was she. But if the one person was looking for his child, they may well find it necessary to go into the lower caverns anyway - in which case, she could politely offer to go look for them herself, and spare their company a run around the weyrproper. Let me know if that changes. I don't want to just leave if I could be needed.

[Taxx]

This was turning into a bigger gathering that he had planned- he had only called for the Weyrleader. He supposed he could have had Dasiryth limit his call to just the Weyrleader’s bronze, but considering he hadn’t known who that was, the Weyr-wide call had been unavoidable. Which meant that now, he was dealing with not just the Weyrleader, but the Weyrwoman and her gold, as well as another gold, who was yet alone. The Second’s? A Junior’s? “Weyrwoman Karredy,” T’vil greeted, giving the woman and her gold a bow.

The Senior gold was quick to get right to the point, and Dasiryth crooned a greeting to the gold leaders of the Weyr, his eyes whirling a light-to-dark shade of yellow in distress. These were not his queens, but they were still golds of stature, and he didn’t like having to refuse to give them the answer they asked for. Hello, hello, he repeated once more. I am… Mine rider is… We- we come-

Steady, T’vil soothed, momentarily focusing on the bronze and calming him. Steady. “I will gladly answer all your questions, but I would rather not do so here. If we could move somewhere private, as the invitation was extended by A’zael?”

Stay? Dasiryth asked, turning his head to blink at Fath and Danovelith as they asked. I do not think so, Mine and I will be returning to our Weyr when his business is finished. I would not mind a hunt, however. A questioning thought to T’vil, who voiced the request aloud. “Would any of you mind if Dasiryth took a herdbeast while he waits? I will compensate for the loss if you’d like.”

[Esko]

Captain Kalahan

Name and description, that was easy. "'Er name's Karolinna, near-black 'air, brownish eyes. 'Bout yay 'igh." He gestured with a gloved hand, about where she came to on him. He'd noticed the Senior Gold fly over, which was reassuring. But who was the smaller gold and her rider? And why did neither of the older riders notice her? "Skinny thing, not much meat t' 'er bones. Pro'lly ain't in clean clothes. Should be 'ere, somewhere." But then, the Weyrwoman asked who he was. Surely there was a record of his being beheld to Mavros, she hopefully would recognize his name once he refreshed her on it. He was not a forgettable man, he was sure.

"Weyrwoman Karredy," he greeted with a bow. He might be a pirate, but he hadn't forgotten his manners. Besides, it wasn't a raid, he didn't have to be ruthless and dirty. "Kalahan, Cap'n of The Bronzer. Sure ye'll recognize the name." A slight smile. "I jus' need t' get on the ground, so I can look for my daughter. Your help is much appreciated."

[Zen]

A'zael

Between the two men, there were two rather different goals. A private conversation about some mysterious topic and searching the Weyr for-

Karolinna? A'zael didn't particularly try very hard to learn about their weyrlings until they had survived past their first Betweens, all the better to lessen the sting of the loss, but thanks to the girl's Impression to one of the twin browns her name had been passed around the Weyr a bit since the hatching. The drama surrounding Aleni was certainly a more popular topic, but it didn't erase talk of the two female brownriders completely.

Though, she went by Karo now, if he remembered correctly. Not a child then, either. Well that was something of a relief, but.... The man, Kalahan, was talking about finding her, taking her back. That was rather impossible now. Even if her dragon was fully grown, the Weyr was not about to release her back to her family. Did the man really not know of her Impression? “Ah, fortunately, I believe I know where to find your daughter. However, I'm afraid she won't be able to return to you. She Impressed well at our recent hatching. If you would like, I can let our Weyrlingmaster know you're here to see her so she can be excused to visit with you.”

And the bronze's rider still had yet to introduce himself, even when asked directly by the Weyrwoman. A'zael studied the man a moment, wondering at why he could not even answer that without privacy. Fath, would you ask Danovelith to speak with me? I have something to ask Srunae. It would be easier if he didn't have to rely on Fath to get his thoughts across properly. He loved his dragon, but he was not very good at communicating finer points of information. Something was strange with this man and A'zael couldn't help but think it would be nice if Srunae could use her unique ability to feel him out, but he wasn't sure if she was up for that or not. And it wasn't something he could exactly ask her face to face at this point. Hopefully her gold wouldn't mind being the go between.

Fath was more than happy to comply, A'zaelmine wantstotalktoyou. WantstoaskYourssomething.

He waited a moment for the gold's response before relaying his request. He inclined his head to the other bronzerider briefly, “I just want to see to the good captain's request quickly, I do appreciate your patience.” He was rather anxious to hear just why the man was here already, but best deal with one problem at a time. It seemed to him the captain's would be resolved rather soon as it was. The request for his dragon to take a herdbeast irked him. Surely his Weyr was far better supplied than Mavros. Just how long was he planning to stay that his dragon needed a meal while they were here? But admitting to their general lack wasn't exactly something he wanted to do either. The herds were far better now than they had been, at least, but....

He managed a wan smile, "Of course. Let it not be said that Mavros does not host its visitors well." Even if they came without warning with cryptic messages and refused to answer the most basic of questions. They could surely spare one herdbeast for the show of it.

[Rhush]

Srunae :: Gold Danovelith

Danovelith was surprised and curious when Fath’s brassy voice relayed his newest message to her. She blinked a couple of times before consenting. Very well, she hummed, Thank you for telling me Fath. The dainty gold wrapped the orange bronze up in a blanket of appreciation before tentatively poking into the mind of his rider. It was an unusual request, but one that certainly captured her interest – for what reason would Fath’s want to speak with her directly, instead of through his dragon as was… natural? How may I assist you, A’zael? The pale gold asked politely, her mindvoice a calm pool beneath a warm sun, bidding the listener to jump in and relax. After a moment she withdrew from the bronzerider's mind, relaying the man's request to Srunae Her Own. To Dasiryth, she allowed him a gentle, enveloping warmth her voice full of understanding. I will allow Fath to take you hunting then; be mindful, he isn't a subtle hunter. She smiled fondly, the warmth of an early morning sun over a calm blue lake. We can speak more once your hunger is sated.

Srunae frowned slightly as Danovelith broke into her thoughts again, telling the woman she was requested for use of her... abilities. Sharditall, I would've preferred if I hadn't needed to probe... She thought, making a face before pushing off of the entrance to the lower caverns. At least she wouldn't be alone in her endeavors; that was a plus. A'zael could suffer with her. She smiled lightly at the idea, humor bright in her eyes and in the slight curve to her lips. As she approached, she debated on how exactly to introduce herself; should she mention that A'zael had called for her...? Or perhaps that Danovelith had mentioned their arrival and the newcomer Bronze and that had drawn her down? Ah, that was probably a better option. Danovelith mentally rolled her eyes but didn't dispute the idea, agreeing that it was probably a better option than the former. Of all the things she had learned, the best trick she knew was that when lying, tell the truth - even if the truth is because of something else - as it made you far more believable. As she walked up to the group she smiled brightly at them all before greeting them.

"Hello there! Sorry to intrude; Danovelith mentioned there were some newcomers in need of assistance," She gestured to the pale gold on the rim with a gloved hand. It was true, her dragon had told her about the situation long before A'zael had requested her presence. She smiled brightly up at the older newcomer bronzerider, his station given away by his knots and flight leathers. "She's quite taken with your bronze." And she was; the pale gold loved the attention the greenish male gave her, even though she didn't necessarily flaunt her feelings on the matter. The Junior Weyrwoman looked between the bronzer and the Sea Captain, smiling warmly at them as she introduced herself. "Junior Weyrwoman Srunae, of Gold Danovelith." The woman was entirely amiable, her tone warm and welcoming as she extended her tendrils of thought to the as of yet unintroduced bronzerider. A'zael was most interested in his underlying emotions, though the non-rider did prove to be a thought-provoking subject as well. He was looking for his daughter - she was too late to have caught he was looking for Karolinna - so she wondered whom it was he was looking for. She figured she would let A'zael fill her in, if necessary.

"If she had mentioned you were already being greeted, I might have held off." She chuckled sheepishly and glanced over at her dragon before looking back at the gathering. "Perhaps I can be of some help nonetheless?" Karredy could always take the Captain to find his daughter while she accompanied A'zael and his new acquaintance...

[Esko]

Captain Kalahan

Kalahan frowned a little. His mood was only worsened by the news that the Weyrleader gave him; Karolinna had...Impressed?! The man silently thought to himself. There was no chance of her Impressing gold, was there? That was the only way the sharding Weyrleader would possibly care to remember the status of some weyrling girl. If she'd Impressed green or even blue, who of high rank would care? The day a woman Impressed bronze or brown was the day he would kill himself, for sure. But why would the Weyrleader lie to him? About a matter such as this, no less? There was only one way to solve this; he had to go see for himself. And he certainly didn't want her to suffer the same fate that most dragonriders shared; death, either with their dragon or soon after. It was a terrible thing, to be separated from a dragon...

Snapped from his thoughts, Kalahan focused on the world again. A second Weyrwoman introduced herself and offered her assistance. Kalahan raised a hand in gesture. "I'm 'fraid not, m'lady. I can make m' way down there. Would rather not have such a flashy entrance. I'm sure ye understand." With that said, he nodded his head. "Still, I give ye m' thanks. 'Pologize for the trouble." And then the captain turned away and began the trek down the cliff to the 'Bowl. He'd had his fill of seeing dragons up close for today. He just needed to get Karolinna and get out of Mavros.

Karo of brown Gargerrith

At last, Karo walked out from the Barracks to the 'Bowl, and relished in the fresh air. It was nice to be outside again, instead of the dankness of the weyrling's residences. There, she saw four shiny hides collected on the rim of the 'Bowl. Two golds, the Weyrleader's bronze, and another bronze. If she concentrated hard enough, she could spot figures moving around at the top. That was curious, but she felt a little disappointed. The greenish-bronze had to be that Dasiryth, the strange bronze. Why did he call the entire Weyr? And why did she bother to get up and away from Gar to see this? One of the tiny figures seemed to be descending from the Heights, and that was the moment Gargerrith reached out to her to come back.

'Just a sec, Gar. Gotta take a whiz.' Karo went to find someplace to drain out the waterskin. She whistled a tune from The Bronzer, an old song that used to be sung by the crewmembers during times of work. Or during times of drunkenness, which she'd taken part of once or twice. It was nice to dwell on the good memories, to think of people like Quilken. Her heart jumped a little. For the umpteenth time, she wondered if Quilken was alright. Hopefully, Kalahan was treating him well. But, she had to wonder if anybody looked for her. And if anyone did, if that person betrayed his captain. Her father didn't like being betrayed. And he didn't take it well at all.

Once she'd pissed the last little bits, she pulled her trousers back up and began to walk back to civilization. 'Comin' back,
Gar.' Maybe she'd pick him up a meatroll to munch on at the Dining Cavern. He would love that, wouldn't he? However, before she could step any further, a balled-up cloth was shoved into her mouth. Before she could register what was happening, an arm hooked around hers and a hand held the gag in place. The smell of salty sea hit her harder than a wave. "Listen up, 'ere. Your time in the outside's up. And yer comin' back on The Bronzer, even if ye cause me lots of trouble. I ain't losin' ye again." That voice. Aleni's words came back to her in a flash. She'd let her guard down and her father caught her when she least expected it. She'd forgotten to put her Weyrling knots on. She couldn't tell him she'd Impressed, and that he had to leave her here.

Gargerrith could sense her panic, and in turn began to panic himself. His eyes began to swirl wildly with yellow, and- was that a tinge of white? He suddenly let out a loud wail back in the barracks, and reared up on his feet. 'Gar! Gar, can ya hear me?' He didn't respond with words, only extreme emotion. "Alright, listen to me! You have to get Fath, alright? Fath can help me!'

But Gar didn't entirely listen. Karomine! Karomine is being hurt! He ran out of his wallow and began to charge out of the Barracks. Karo needed him! He had to save Karo from the bad man! Meanwhile, Kalahan dragged the struggling Karo as discreetly as he could, diving into a set of winding corridors. "Ye coulda prevented this. By not leaving at all. There will be serious repercussions, young lady."

[Taxx]

Shifting his weight onto one leg, T’vil gave a nod of agreement, displaying none of the irritation at being passed over- this wasn’t a competition, he’d get his chance to speak with A’zael, and to be sure, it made sense to get the other man out of the way first. Let him find his daughter while T’vil and the rest spoke.

The latest arrival, a goldrider and a Junior, stepped from a passageway and made her way over, greeting them with open friendliness; T’vil gave her a deep nod of acknowledgement and respect, and then grinned at the added comment. “Dasiryth tells all the golds they’re beautiful- he’s quite the charmer.”

They are, the bronze replied as he rose, his words firm with his belief. Why should I not tell them so? A gentle nudge at Fath’s shoulder signified his intent to be off, a low rumble at Danovellith’s parting words- humor and gratitude mixed. Be quick, T’vil requested as Dasiryth launched, heading for the feeding pens, We might just wear out our welcome before too long.

Kalahan had spoken while T’vil’s attention had been on his dragon, and when the rider looked back, the Captain was making his way off the Rim to begin his search. T’vil glanced back at A’zael then, hooking his thumbs into the riding belt he wore, waiting for one of the three riders to guide him to a more private location so he could get to the reason he’d come here.

----

Aleni had known that T’vil would find out. Whether through news that spread by word of mouth from those who had been at the Hatching, or from T’vir- her father finding out was guaranteed. She had, however, hoped that he would have just stayed away- what reason did he have for coming here? To see with his own eyes that it was true? Or to lay into her for the gold she had Impressed? He would know that there was no way she could give up Riyobith, which made it all the more likely that he only wanted to shame her for the dragon she’d bonded with.

Hugging Riyo close, the gold’s weight a heavy comfort, Aleni remained on her bed, wondering how long she’d have to stay here before someone told her the bronzerider had left. The weyrling gold was catching snatches from the open minds of other watching dragons, and the fact that A’zael was there, along with Karredy and Srunae, eased the fear that he’d try to hunt her down on his own.

The unexpected and loud cry from the brown caused both to jerk in surprise, and Riyo went from stone stillness to movement in the time it took to blink. Gripped by the brown’s fear and anguish, she gave a yowl, deaf even to Aleni’s attempt to call her back. She bolted after her brother, and Aleni had no choice but to follow; she couldn’t hide here while Riyobith went to face- who knew what. The gold was out of sight, but Aleni tracked her by the thoughts, knowing that Gargerrith’s panicked calls would likely attract more attention- who was hurting Karo, and why? Who would dare to harm a weyrling and upset a young dragon- surely they didn’t think they were going to get away with it?