Let Me Hear Your Battle Cry! [Queen Flight]

[parallel]

Frontline - Pillar

Elynth's Maiden Flight

Elynth had been growing moody over the last few days. She had become snappish where normally she were open hearted. She refused to be around the other dragons, preferring to fly wildly through the air with her rider. She brought Marlaey out every morning for nearly sevenday and flew across the lake at a speed her rider found hard to become accustomed to. Elynth was relentless. She seemed to be training for something, gathering strength. She tried to explain to her rider that she wanted to be the best, but Marlaey could only frown at her and stroke her eye ridges, telling her that she was already the most beautiful of all the dragons.

But Elynth didn't want to be beautiful. she want to be strong and fast and wild.

She was a huntress! She was a leader! She was a Queen!

Marlaey was worried for her. Well, she had been worried for her, that is until she realised what was happening. It was when her gold's hide began to shine more brightly after each oiling that Marlaey finally figured it out. Her maiden flight was upon her. Oh shells...

~~~~~

It was still dark when Elynth stirred in her weyr. Marlaey didn't waken, her dragon had been sleeping fitfully for the last few days and she was used to the occasional grumbling now and again in the night. But this was different. Elynth didn't just mutter in her sleep and twist around, she sat bolt upright! Her eyes whirling orange and crimson she hissed into the early morning air, Marlaey. It is Time. Waking with a start, the young goldrider sat up and rubbed her eyes, trying to see in the gloom. She blinked and focused her gaze on her dragon. "What? Time? Now?! But it's still dark!" Elynth stood, her large form taking up much of the weyr's room, I wait for no one my love. It is morning, the light will come soon. And all of a sudden Marlaey felt an insatiable hunger tear through her. It was as if she'd never eaten in her whole life. The pain clawed at her stomach and she cried out, but still Elynth stood like a statue. They were feeling this together, but only her dragon was strong enough for it.

Elynth, I can't do this... I'm not ready!

The great gold swept her head around to her rider, fixing her with a blood red eye, You can and you must.

A pale streak of light cascaded into their weyr. The sun was up.

With a roar that would shake the whole Weyr, Elynth leapt to her ledge and flared her wings.

She plummeted down to the feeding barracks, lashing out at herdbeasts, killing without thought. Marlaey's mind forced in on her thoughts, commanding her not to eat the flesh. BLOOD ELYNTH! ONLY BLOOD the girl cried through their link. Fighting her dragon was unlike anything she had ever experienced before. But Elynth had chosen her for a reason that hatching day. Mrlaey had strength in her that only her dragon had seen and she used it now. Elynth lashed her tail on the ground, gulping blood from several herdbeasts before craning her neck up to the sky.

Let me hear your battle cry!! she shrieked into the air, calling every worthy bronze and brown to her. Driving her wings down she pushed herself into the air and began her ascent, pumping her wings hard, gaining altitude as fast as she could. Blood dripped from her jaws, rivers of it ran down her neck and claws. Dawn was still creeping over the edges of the world, but she was awake and alive and this was her moment. They would see now who was truly the queen of this weyr. She was unlike the other golds, she was no stereotype! She was herself, and she was magnificent!

Catching an updraft she allowed herself to soar for a moment, looking back briefly to see who had come to fight for her.

Down below, Marlaey was trying hard not to become overwhelmed by the whole situation. She shook herself both mentally and physically before beginning her work. She cleaned and dressed as fast as she could, throwing the sheets loosely over her bed in an attempt to make her room look neater. Firey tongues of desire flooded through her every second Elynth soared higher. But Marlaey had to be ready for her own suitors arrival. She pushed the door to her weyr open, ready for her... well her guests. After shakily drinking some wine she sat down at her table and waited. Fear and excitement rushing over her.

[♥Rizu-Chan♥]

J’ldaem of Tseravith
Weyrleader && Pyralis Wingleader

It was instinct that had alerted them to the inevitable rising, the bronze dragon pacing constantly in his weyrledge. He’d barely slept a wink in the night, and in return the Weyrleader also found himself deprived of the sweetness of sleep. Finally giving up the man had left the weyr in the night, headed for the pots boiling in the lower caverns of klah and leftover stew they always left out. If Tseravith wasn’t going to let him sleep he might as well use the extra time to eat.

[I suggest you also use this time wisely, you brute.]

The grumbling that echoed from his sleeping chambers as he headed down to the lower caverns told him of his dragon’s displeasure; though soon enough the bronze had glided down towards the Feeding Grounds in the cover of darkness. He moved swiftly, wasting no time as the male swooped down on two herdbeasts; each clamped in his fore claws before he moved to a separate area to blood them dry. The action was repeated thrice more; the bronze always choosing very young or very old prey available.

He would leave the bigger, healthier and more blood filled ones for Elynth.

A few candlemarks had gone past and just as dawn cracked over the horizon the newest mature Queen of Refuge moved with determination, roaring her challenge as it echoed throughout the weyrbowl and its caverns; effectively waking any who had yet to realize the newest maiden flight was in progress. She swooped down with grace to the feeding pens, restrained by her bond as the Queen sucked dry one herdbeast after another—with each her hide seeming to glow an even more alluring and inviting shade of warm and attractive gold.

J’ldaem couldn’t help but whistle in mild admiration of the behemoth blooding her kills, making his way now toward’s Marlaey’s chambers as he did so. Issarith is far more astounding than this Elynth. He felt his dragon retort before he heard the words, the bronze restlestly waiting in the ledge of his choosing as whirling purple and red eyes regarded Elynth with such intensity one would expect him to melt her with his gaze. [Ah, but Issarith wants you to impress her. And she is right you know, no real bronze would disrespect the Queens by refusing to chase] The loud rumble of displeasure that echoed through his mind, its source being his wonderful Tseravith, proved the bronzerider had struck a chord in his dragon.

If she wishes to see what I am made of I am more than happy to obligue her.
[I’m sure you are, my love, so go in not just for the show. Go in for the win.]
Always.

This was the dragon he knew so well, this unruly beast wild with emotions and desire. His rumbles soon turned to low challenging growls as more bronze and brown dragons appeared, all anxiously waiting for Elynth to finish; to call them to her.

Let me hear your battle cry!!!

No sooner her challenge was out J’ldaem could hear the loud and brassy challenging bulge of his mindmate, the dark olive hided colored dragon bellowing out his answer in return to Elynth’s call. Just as she begun to ascend the bronze was quickly off the ground himself; having crouched low before tense back leg muscles pushed the whole body mass of the beast airborne with little effort. He took the young queen’s figure fully in; the rich scented blood marring her beautiful glistening hide as she rose higher and higher, the bronze hot in pursuit of the gold a dragonlenght or two away.

Fly, dear Elynth, for I will not hesitate to catch.

It would be the only warning the aggressive bronze would give the young weyrling as he watched her use a warm updraft to soar for a moment, seeking to view who were her suitors. Only because he was still too far behind did the bronze not attempt to swoop in and snatch her from the sky then and there; knowing it would have been a fruitless waste of effort from experience.

He would indeed not hold back, but neither would he waste energy in chances that offered absolutely no reward. If Elynth got caught before her time due to her inexperience he had done his part to warn her about it would be the young gold’s fault and no one else’s.

J’ldaem whistled a second time, now rather amused and surprise by the intense fiered up feelings wafting towards him from his Tseravith. Quickening his step he soon reached Marlaey’s weyr; peering slightly through the open door to glance at the young girl as she sat down next to her table to wait. She was indeed very young, and pretty, the man reminded himself; a smirk crossing his lips as the lust of flight begun to flood his mind. He made an effort to hold it back long enough, striding into the room before bowing in the direction of the young Queen weyrling.

”My duty to you and Gold Elynth, young Marlaey.”

[Lady Smara]

S’nuo! S’nuoS’nuoS’nuoS’nuo! Waaaaaake up! You need to go find Marlaey!

There was a muffled reply from the furs upon the full sized bed, meant for two though it rarely held a second occupant as the Candidate Master rolled, stuffing his head beneath the nearest available pillow. Exasperated, the little blue bounced again in his own excitement before turning a full circle and letting out a bugle that was often used to wake the candidates – not the master.

Needless to say it had the same effect as the Candidate Master bolted upright with a shaken look on his face.

S’nuooooooooo, you gotta get up! Get dressed! You look terrible!
“By the shell, Malith, lesson’s start at noon today. Who the hell fed you a bubbly?” the hand that went to the shaven head found stubble there, but he still brushed the sleep from his eyes before tossing off the furs.

But you have to find Marlaey! The blue retorted again before bouncing out of his ground level Weyr, making several excited hops toward the feeding pens.

“Marlaey? Is she in danger?”
Only of not having respectable suitors! Wash up! Elynth is flying!!!

The blue barely managed to bounce into the feeding pens before the queen took off. Knowing full well that his wings would not compare to that of the bronze and brown wings that suddenly took to the air, he let his excited form bounce again with another bugle.

Elynth, I know you won’t wish me, but I show my respect! I’ll chase you till my wings give in to show my love!

S’nuo, feeling himself connect to his little blue let in an inward sigh. He’d lost count of the green flights the little blue had lost. Why Malith insisted in flying after the queen’s he’d never really understand. Even so, he didn’t bother getting out of bed as he rolled back over and reburied his head beneath the cool side of his pillow.

“You’re on your own with this one Malith.”
The blue snorted as he pumped his little wings, forced to dodge this way and that to not be hit by tail or wing of larger dragons. Just you wait, I’ll earn a golden nuzzle yet, then you’ll be jealous.

S’nuo couldn’t help but laugh.

[HG]

Or’yn mine. Wake up. “Hmmmph.” The noise was uttered from the young Bronzerider’s mouth as he pulled the extra pillow on his bed over his head and proceeded to act like that would actually block the sound of his dragon’s mind voice. WAKE UP NOW! The Bronze’s tone had changed as quickly as his eye color. He was not going to allow his rider to be lazy on such an auspicious day.

Or’yn was not at all thrilled by his dragon’s sudden need to wake him. He had never been what one would call a morning person and he was not going to start that now. The unambitious Bronzer was just as content to let other people get a head start on the day. “What is your problem?” He asked in annoyance. After all, it was unlike Rath’s voice to change from his general monophonic tones to one of more diverse intonations. He was actually quite perplexed by it, so much so that he began to sit up, abandoning his pillows. I must blood. You must blood.Or’yn repeated although it was taking him more time than the dragon would have thought to put two and two together.

Once he realized what Rath meant, a moment or two later, the young man had practically bolted out of bed and began to put on his leathers, he rarely wore his other clothes so his leathers were more handy at the moment. Or’yn was not good at preparing for things ahead of time which suited him much better than it did poor Rath.

The Bronze had vaulted off of his ledge, leaving Or’yn to prepare himself to find Marlaey and the others. He had not had time yet to think much about his competition but Rath was having to confront the other Bronzes already. Within only a few minutes most of them were blooding beasts, Rath among them. Although he chose, more tender morsels from the younger stock, making them easier for him to blood. The flesh was tempting but thoughts of Elynth kept him from bothering with anything more than the blood of the beasts. His maw lifted, revealing the dark fluid as he saw through his peripheral vision the Queen coming toward them. He moved off of the beasts and away from the Queen while she blooded her kill. She was not his Elynth right now. She was some sort of tempestuous storm in dragon form and Rath knew better than to lay claim to her before she was ready.

The dragon’s doubts were gone just as Or’yn’s were beginning to form. A flight was between dragons, he reassured himself, and sometimes that did not mean the person the rider wanted to win would win. He tried to convince himself that no matter what happened their relationship would be the same but the words, even in his head seemed flat. If he didn’t win it wasn’t the end of the world but then he would feel he needed to compete more for the affections of Marlaey. He was prepared to do so but he wondered if she wouldn’t be happier with someone who wanted position and power?

When he arrived at Marlaey’s weyr, he was a little surprised to see J’ldaem there. The rumors were that Tseravith was quite enamored of Issarith and wouldn’t be flying the other Golds. He had sort of been hoping neither J’ldaem or D’seus would show however, from what Rath had seen, it seemed both dragons were there at the Feeding Grounds. Faranth’s Golden Egg, he was going to have a hard time besting them. Rath’s only flight experience had been brief. Maybe he should have allowed the Bronze more practice when they had the chance. You were not ready. Now we are both ready and willing. We will do much better. The Bronze’s confidence buoyed his rider enough that he was able to smile in his usual, easy going fashion at both J’ldeam and Marlaey.

Let me hear your battle cry!! The Queen called to her suitors.

Rath’s bugle rang out among the others who sprang to chase the Queen. He was not so fast to leave the ground as the more seasoned Bronzes but he was willing and ready to give this flight everything he had. He knew Elynth better than any of them or even perhaps more than all of them put together. However, as he noted previously, she was not the Elynth he knew.

Where you go, I will follow. The Bronze answered her challenge, although he was not as close to the other Bronzes as he would have liked upon first rising into the air, he was catching up. His wing strokes were even, balanced, he was exerting himself but also trying to save energy for when it would be most needed. Or’yn/Rath watched the proud young Gold rise higher and higher into the lightening sky. Desires were heightened, they became increasingly aware of her movements through the air, hoping for one glance for her, wanting nothing more than to be close enough to touch, for now. Or’yn remembered these emotions but this time the restraint he felt before was gone. This time he wanted the prize.

[Inadua]

Crucluith had been up for a couple of hours, grummbling gutteral sounds of discontent and impatience. He shifted and after a while would shift again, waiting.

T'shiro had been asleep in a corner of his room, sitting on the floor with sword leaned into one shoulder. The Bronzerider had found sleep to be fleeting and he stirred frequently from it, but not because of nightmares.

No more than a spectre of black bohemith crouched at the front of his Weyr, Crucluith turned his great head to regard his rider, offering only a brief warning. She rises. The ferrocious call he let out, answering to the Queen Elynth reverbrated off every wall, carrying its challenge across the bowl.

Awake! He was awake! T'shiro was nearly on his feet and had sword half-drawn by the time he realized what was going on, and the words of Crucluith had registered in his mind. The blade returned to it's scabbard, the rider dropping forehead into one hand in an exhasperated measure.

"I told you to warn me! And don't make yourself too heavy with food of you'll never keep up with the Queen." But he would get no response from his draconic counterpart save the shared urges accompanying Crucluith's upcoming feeding frenzy...and then...

The great Bronze pushed off from his ledge and swooped over the feeding pens to let blood from the herdbeasts feed him, preparing his muscles for an arduous flight.
When Elynth landed nearby, the Crucluith lifted his head from where he sucked a large buck dry, the essence of the animal's life dribbling in many rivulets down his jaw, begining to crust within the grooves of his thick hide. Eyeing the Queen with a whirling orange-red gaze, he anticipted the chase that was about to ensue.
I look forward to this challenge, Elynth. Whatever it takes! I will fight to win your favour!!!

Having shared in the expression of those words, T'shiro himself found his teeth gritted and barred where he stood, a hand threateningly balanced at the hilt of his sword, as if he could fend off any of the Queen's other suitors. Especially the younger bronzes who were joining the flight! Whether they were vieing for the Queen's heart or for position alone, Crucluith and T'shiro would make sure they had to work for it!!! And then he would make them all pay for getting in his way!

No!

This wasn't him.

This wasn't him!

The Bronzerider shook himself of the shared feelings that Crucluith harboured now in overwhelming abundance.
Glancing down, he began to see things in colour again, noticing where his hand was. T'shiro paled at the thought of drawing a blade on another rider, and quickly stored the sword where it would not be within an easy reach.

He had to get out of here. He had to find Marlaey. Or should he find Vaylee? No. Should he stay here for a while? Would he strangle another rider in his presence? What if Crucluith's agressive, competitive nature got the better of him?

No. He had to go.

The Bronzerider pulled a casual, but collared shirt on over his head, leaving on the same trousers he'd worn throughout the night where they were belted low around his trim waist. The short sleeved shirt was slim-fit and its sleeves hugged his biceps and obliged in showing off the well toned muscles of his upper arms. He made sure there was no knife on him anywhere before stepping out of his Weyr, heading to find Marlaey.

Having been up for a while now, T'gir had felt the stirrings of the weyr, getting closer to that time of the Queen's rising. He was very attentive to the energy of the Weyr so he sat beside Siglith on his ledge, leaning his back against the incredibly courageous Brown. Courageous, because he truly believed he had a chance to win a Gold in Flight. Courageous, because he not only believed in himself, but because he had the heart to accomplish it as well.

When the Queen's challenging roar was heard, T'gir stood, patting Siglith's side, offering his support.
"Don't waste time. Don't gorge. Winning or losing the battle inyour head comes first. Your wings will follow."

Siglith nudged his rider with his muzzle, crooning even as eyes whirled in shades of heightened sexual agression.
Yes. I know, Mine. Whoever Elynth chooses, I trust her to choose wisely who is best for her.

Moments after, the Brown swooped from his ledge and onto the feeding grounds, laving T'gir to clothe himself before joining all of the other riders who would be stalking after Marlaey soon enough.

As T'gir dressed -as nicely as always- he continued to fight to keep his mind shut off from Siglith as best he could. He didn't want to lose himself to that mating frenzy just yet, but he also wanted to keep something hidden from the Brown. The day that they had met with Marlaey over lunch and he got the feeling that there was someone else she was waiting for, he had the hunch it wasn't just for any other Bronzeriders. The hunch had been correct.
T'gir had gone to J'ngi after that, asking him for any rumour material concerning the Queenrider, but when there wasn't much, he implored J'ngi to do a little snooping for him. And snooping and prying and gossiping he had done. Honestly, T'gir didn't know how the man did it, but he had a knack for getting information.

Or'yn. So it was you, Or'yn. You, who she waited for.

Of course, when he found out, T'gir didn't want Siglith to know who the most-beloved Bronzer was, because he didn't want his dragon to get distracted while in the skies on the Mating Flight. If Siglith decided to fly, he was going to fly his best; if he had any doubt, he would rather the Brown not get involved to start with. So the Brownrider kept his thoughts on the matter closed off to Siglith. He only had to endure it for a couple of days.

Scooping up a herdbeast to drain it of blood, Siglith approached Elynth with a single sentiment before they took to the air, Who needs the Sun to rise on the distant horrizon where there is Elynth to outshine it? I look forward to flying with you today.

[Na Qaiah]

Mine minemineminemine MINE! Get up up UP! Osirith pestered his sleeping rider, he was all but fell out of the weyr in his excitement.
Go Away, it's still dark. I want to SLEEP![/i] K'dan mumbled at his overly excited blue.
HURRY! Get up up UP! Elynth RISES! Osirith pestered again this time more insistant.

Elynth rises?[/i] K'dan answered sitting up in bed. Thinking hard a name and face came to the sleepy rider. Elynth's was Marlaey. Ahhhh her maiden flight. Rolling over and moaning K'dan tried to return to sleep.

Come on comeoncomeoncome ON! I wanna chase. I must give tribute to my classmate. Osirith insisted as he snaked his long neck into the weyr and blew meat scented breath over his rider in a huff.

Listen, if you wanna chase go give chase. I want to sleep. I'm sure you will wake me if things get interesting. And if they do, I promise I will get up and go find Marlaey.[/i]

Grumbling, Osirith glided down to the feeding pens just in time for Elynth to take off. Her challange to the weyr still echoing off the walls of the bowl...

I come Elynth. Although I am blue, I want to pay homage to your beauty and your flight. I will do my very best to make you proud of me. Osirith's answering bellow echoed with all the others that were giving chase.

He was behind some lifting off, and he knew it could and probably would be a long chase. He also knew he would tire out, but he was going to do his best, just like everyone else. He beat his wings strongly and swiftly, he caught up with some of the others, his excitement showing in his purple whirling eyes.

Down in the Weyr, came a grumbling moan. There was no way K'dan was going to sleep with the excitement his dragon was sending him. He might as well get up and go find a drudge. it was going to be a long morning.

An echoing bellow woke A'miri up at the same time Achilleth spoke to him. Elynth Rises! Huh? What?! What did you say?[/i] A'miri sputtered sitting up still shaken from the roar of the golden Elynth as she headed for the feeding pens. I said Elynth Rises. Better get up and get cleaned up mine. You need it. Achilleth told his rider as he launched off the ledge toward the feeding pens.

He was careful to take a few older bucks and just blood them like the others were doing. He made sure to stay out of the blooding Golds way as she savaged her kills. He was ready with the rest of them when they took off. He wasn't far behind Tseravith but was careful to stay out of the way. He kept his eyes on the beautiful glowing Elynth as she rose swiftly into the early morning sky. This flight was important to him. He had never caught a gold before and she wasn't in competition for the weyrleadership, so maybe he had a chance.

Beautiful young Elynth, I Achilleth will fly my best for you. I will do what it takes to please you, and when you are ready, I will be there to catch you. He wouldn't waste any more time trying to sweet talk this beauty that was spreading her wings freely perhaps for the very first time. He would show and he would do. His pride in being a bronze was at stake in his eyes, heart and mind.

Achilleth ignored the others that were giving chase. Expertly weaving and diving in and out of them with ease even for his size. His focus was intent on only one thing. Impressing this young Gold into wanting him.

Below, Achilleth got up and headed to his bathing chambers. He knew this would be a long flight, they usually were when it came to Golds. He didn't waste time but didn't hurry either. He made sure he was clean and presentable as he headed for where Marlaey waited with the others. He could feel Achilleth's determination and wondered if the bronze would catch this one. If not, there would be others he was sure. Some day they would actually win a flight such as this one. Who knows maybe today was the day.

He entered Marlaey's chamber to see her sitting in a chair with a glass of wine. He nodded to her as he moved out of the way of the others. He wasn't far from her but he didn't crowd her either. Smiling, he still wondered about the possibility of his bronze actually catching her Gold as he slipped further into his dragons lust.

T'mar wasn't sleeping, his pacing dragon had been keeping him awake for a few nights now. He wasn't sure what was the problem but hoped it would sort itself out. Petroth was being real quiet about what ever it was. Unusual for the blue, and T'mar didn't think asking G'off and Danuth woild get an answer either.

He joined his blue on the ledge and laid a loving hand on Petroth's shoulder. Looking around the Weyr he noticed Elynth up on her ledge. Her bellow before taking off for the feeding pens was all it took for T'mar to understand what his blue's problem was.

Are you going to give chase Pet?[/i] T'mar asked his lifemate and friend. Would you be terribly dissappointed in me if I did not? Petroth asked as he slowly crouched and watched as the glowing Gold blooded her kills. Along with her were all the others that were going to chase including a few blues. No Pet, I wouldn't be dissappointed in you. I guess I figured you would chase when you were ready to.[/i] T'mar answered softly rubbing Petroth's shoulder.

Sighing, Petroth settled on the ledge with his front legs hanging over. He was far enough out that he could look down with ease. He was silent as he watched the other male dragon blood kills along with the glowing Elynth. Swiveling his long neck around so he could look at his rider, Petroth gave a mighty sigh.

I don't think we are ready Tmar-mine. I think we will wait a bit. It isn't because I don't wish to pay tribute, I wish to watch and learn this time.[/b] Pet closed his eyes as he lowered his head for T'mar to rub his eye ridges. It's ok Pet. I think you are right. We need to sit this one out. I know I'm not ready. And if this is what was bothering you, I hope you will feel better now knowing its ok to wait.[/color] The young rider answered truthfully as he wrapped his arms around the large blue muzzle for a quick snuggle.

The pair turned back to watch what was happening just as Elynth bellowed her challange to the males before taking off. Petroth answered her bellow, he couldn't help it. The queen demanded his attention and his adoration. Fly high and fast, give them a flight they will talk about forever. I am with you even as I wait until the next time to fly with you. Petroth offered his encouragement and his reason. There was no way he wanted this gold mad at him for not chasing. He would next time.

[HG]

D’seus was sitting at his table drinking a glass of water when Zorometh began his rant. We should go. Rhiannoth will expect us to go. It isn’t as if the younger Queen will choose us. You know she’s smitten with that Rath’s rider. You know its disrespectful not to fly when a Queen rises.

[/b] The bronze continued irately while his rider sat there completely calm and unmoved. You know, Tseravith is already on his way. The Bronze added slyly. Zorometh’s competition with the other Bronze was much more friendly than his rider’s toward J’ldaem. “He is?” D’seus could not imagine the Bronze leaving Issairth’s presence long enough to swoon over another Gold.

Suynie would not be pleased but he could feel how badly and how strongly the Bronze wanted to chase. He might have the power to hold him back when it was a green flight but all the males flying over to the Feeding Grounds only made it more difficult. He swallowed hard and looked up at his Bronze, who stood in the entrance to his ledge, eyes whirling brilliant hues of orange to vibrant purples. He turned and walked to the edge of his ledge vaulting into the air, meeting many of the competitors who were blooding. He took down two beasts and had them drained before the Queen showed up. Like the other male dragons he flew out of her way.

I’m going to regret this later. You humans and your fragile emotions.[/b] The Bronze scoffed and went on watching Elynth. D’seus was always up early, before the sun and he had dressed and bathed before the Bronze had decided he wanted to chase Golds today. He had had things to do today and now he was going to be completely exhausted physically and mentally from the flight. He was beginning to have trouble focusing on thoughts other than the flight already. Damned dragon was making him crazy. He arrived at Marlaey’s weyr to see quite a few people gathered. Although his only real competition was with J’ldaem today so he stood next to the man. It was time to see who the real men were around here.

The Queen’s challenge was answered by Zorometh in a loud bugle, one of the many being raised to her. Unlike the other Bronzes, Zorometh was not one to say a bunch of pretty words in hopes that they struck a chord with her. He as much happier to prove himself through flying and he had always been that way. She took off and leaving the ground and the male dragons behind in a few wingbeats. She was far ahead of them moving with a speed only Gold dragons could accomplish.

Zorometh paid attention to where the other dragons were and settled himself in a position where he could easily change position if needed and where he had a good view of the other Bronze competitors the brown and blues could do much less damage to him if they were to try to slam him into a mountain. Now he could focus on the one thing that should be focused one, Elynth.
[/blockquote]

[parallel]

Elynth revelled in the warm up draft that carried her effortlessly high into the sky. Dawn crept over the horizon and she was first to receive it's light. Bugling loudly she lashed her tail like a whip in the air and pumped her wings. She felt her rider's tense excitement don below and poured more of her frenzied desire into her. She would share every second of the momentous occasion with her rider. Snapping her head around to see who had decided to give chase to her, Elynth growled with satisfaction. Her boys had arrived. Bronze, brown and even blue had given wing for her! As they should of course, she was the most prized Queen at the weyr. She was the youngest, most virile of all the golds, not to mention the largest. What did it matter if she were not titled with senior? She was a Queen among Queens.

Listening to the words of her chasers, a draconic grin spread across Elynth's features, giving her a fierce savage glory. She felt Tseravith there, even though he was smitten with the "old" gold, and here came Malith, the weyrlingmaster's blue! Now that was a surprise. His bugling call to her was so familiar she felt warmed by his presence. And there was... Her heart quickened and her eyes swirled intensely. Rath was chasing. Shaking him from her thoughts she concentrated on pinpointing the other dragons, she wasn't his yet, he would have to prove himself as she would not be so easily captured.

Beautiful Crucluith called to her next, and she turned to admire his dark hide against the lightening sky. Her eyes flickered over to Siglith and she licked her maw, dispensing of some of the blood there. She was brighter than the sun, of course. Her orange tinged hide glowing with a savage radiance. Another blue caught her attention and she focused on Osirith for a moment, admiring his determination. But Achillith's confidence soon attracted her and she flashed her golden wings for him. From far below she felt words drift up to her from Petroth, a twin of her clutch. His kind words would mean more to her later, for now she was too overwhelmed to respond. Ah, and there was Zorometh. It was only right that he too should give chase, even if he were with another, as Tseravith was.

Elynth roared her magnificence into the still air before her, the wind rushing past her. She would not dote on each dragon individually yet, no matter how coy or confident their words were. Her cries were for them all until she decided whom she wanted most. She would soon whisper encouragement to those she felt worthy of her, forcing them to work harder, pushing them to their limits. But not yet. Right now, they all stood a somewhat equal chance

Chase well my suitors, this will not be an easy flight!

With that she drove her wings down and spurred herself forward, writhing sensuously in the wind.

Down at the weyr, Marlaey looked up as each rider entered her quarters. She nodded to them in turn, afraid to speak to them lest she do something she'd regret. Desire was taking over her and Elynth was sending her wave upon wave of tense excitement. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to calm her breathing. But when she opened them again she was still surrounded by handsome beasts. A'miri caught her gaze, further away than the others, but still as striking. She bit her lip and turned away, only to see the Weyrleader standing close. Flightlust welled within her and a crimson touch entered her cheeks. Oh shells...

As Elynth's focus switched from each dragon, so did Marlaey's to each rider. She wondered briefly if they could see the desire in her eyes. Did it matter? She could see it in theirs.

[hbk]

The moment Elynth's mood skyrocketed and she began feeding Rhiannoth was giving Suynie orders, quick and to the point.

Grab your things, quickly, young Elynth rises. The Queen waited impatiently on her weyrledge, shifting anxiously from one taloned foot to the other while she watched male dragons line up to chase. It made Rhiannoth laugh when she saw the blue dragons present. She wasn't sure why the blues even bothered, blues didn't fly golds, and that was the bottom line. Rhiannoth could only imagine the pathetic clutch, if there even was a clutch, that a blue dragon would sire. Blues were for greens.

Inside Suynie dropped what she'd been working on, grabbed her satchel and tossed it over her shoulder as she strode out to the weyrledge. For days now they'd known that Elynth was close to rising, and wisely, Suynie had packed a bag for when she would have to make a quick exit out of the Weyr. Another Queen's presence during a mating flight could cause the Queens to fight, mainly because the Queen in heat would see another gold's presence as a challenge.

With two long strides Suynie vaulted, caught hold of Rhiannoth's riding strap, and then scaled the gold's side until she was seated on her lifemate's neckridge. As she quickly strapped herself in, Suynie's eyes scanned the row of dragons waiting to rise, her eyes stopping briefly when she spotted Zorometh. Of course he would fly, it was a bronze dragon's duty to fly a queen, it still made Suynie grumble when she thought of how only three, a paltry three bronze dragons had shown up for Rhiannoth's maiden flight.

Good luck Marlaey. Suynie was sure the sweet and shy girl was a bundle of nerves. It was no secret that she and Or'yn were sweet on each other.

Some time at the beach will be nice. Rhiannoth commented as she vaulted upwards from her weyrledge, turning sharply to avoid being anywhere near where the other queen was feeding before taking them between.

[HG]

Rath/Or’yn watched as the Gold continued in her updraft, watching her suitors. They had quite the competition for sweet Elynth which made them more ready than ever to prove their worth. If the dragon could out-fly and out-think his competitors it would give Elynth reason to claim they were the best. Who wanted to be chosed simply based on emotional feelings? The Or’yn part of him might feel that was better than losing but the Rath side of him was not convinced he would be confident winning only because the Queen willed it be so.

He was not the largest of the Bronzes although slightly bigger than Tseravith, he was the next smallest Bronze chasing. This was not to say his competition was much bigger than he was. Crucluith and Zorometh were close to his size and Neinoth only a little bigger than him. His problem was experience level. All of them had competed in more Gold Flights than he had. Even if he had flown Issarith, he would be the least experienced among them. He would have to be smart. He would have to watch the other Bronzes and browns carefully while keeping an eye on the Queen. His only advantage was he knew Elynth better than anyone else there.

Rath flew into a different updraft, allowing it to help him gain some of his lost distance. He was now much nearer to the Queen, although not close enough to touch her. HE could see the others out of the corner of his eyes. They were there, lurking, trying to steal her when she became too confident in herself and made a mistake. Rath was willing to claw them if they dared cut her flight short. It was her maiden flight she deserved for it to be as grande and as long as she wanted it to be. Perhaps he was allowing too much of Or’yn’s emotional side into the flight. The other dragons were acting purely out of desire.

He kept close enough to be within a couple dragon-lengths of the Gold. His youthful form sped through the air as if he had grown longer wings. Rath was sure he’d never reached this speed in his life. There was a moment where he felt like he could never return to the land. In the air he was a King, he need only prove this to the Queen and be allowed to further revel in the freedom the flawless air gave to him. She broadcast another challenge to them before he knew it. Who wanted easy? Certainly not himself, he thought as he continued in his path, following the object of his desire as best he could.

Or’yn wanted to gauge their eyes out, each and every one of them. However, this was a Flight and as much as he hated them all for it, they each had a right and responsibility to be there. He could not help his jealousy though and Rath, had pretty much ignored the emotion to a certain extent. Let one of the Bronzes do something to make her flight go awry and he would act on his rider’s clear impulse to take out the competition by gauging out eyes.

For the briefest of moments, while Rath was not entirely overcoming his own emotions and desires, he wished he had waited to tell Marlaey how he felt. He had never considered the outcome of flight being someone other than himself. If someone else won, it would not have changed his own feelings but he knew Marlaey would now feel some kind of regret or guilt if things went differently than they wanted. He had been selfish, blinded by his need to tell her how he was feeling. Sometimes he wondered if Rath was omniscient.

[♥Rizu-Chan♥]

J’ldaem of Tseravith
Weyrleader && Pyralis Wingleader

They were all too eager to flatter, too willing to talk sweet nothings in the direction of the young queen. Had the bronze not been so focused on the flight itself he would have surely rolled his eyes to mimic J’ldaem when he got exasperated. Young Achillith was present once more, as well as Rath for that matter. Some blues, only one recognized to be Malith for the special rank of Candidate Master His held in the Weyr. The brown was largely ignored, much like the blues; neither were true competition. Even among the bronze present only one truly stood out to Tseravith as a true threat: Zorometh.

Unlike their riders, who still seemed to hold a grudge for one another, both bronzes had a more competitive albeit friendly enough rivalry on their part. Still past events, accidental or not, made Tseravith angle his path just slightly to have a dragonlenght between him and the other male. Much like Zorometh was conscious of his position so was Tseravith to the other bronze as well as the weyrling gold.

He would not win this because the other flew into a mountain once more.

To her second call Elynth would receive a resounding and vibrant bulge of acknowledgement from the dark olive beast, folding his wings moments after the queen as he spiraled thrice in the air (showing off just for her, much as she was for them) before continuing the descend straight. Let the young weyrling pirouette all across the sky with her pretty self until she tired. He would keep up to the end, there was no doubt about it all, and it was clear the confident and seasoned dragon was fully focused and determined.

Back in the weyr J’ldaem smoothed his hair back slightly with his right hand, not yet fully fusioning his mind with Tseravith’s (not yet at least) as the Weyrleader scanned the room once more. Not a bad turnout for the weyrling; he’d even dare to say these were more than Issarith and Rhiannoth had both seen, perhaps even combined. It was amusing to the man, however, that A’lez and his Neinoth were nowhere to be found; the faintest of smirks crossing his lips at the realization.

So be it, it gave Tseravith more of an edge when Issarith rose once more.

A sharp tug made the brunette wince as his dragon called him forth once more, the man finally relenting as he became one with his bronze. Truly, the thrill of a flight was something J’ldaem would never grow weary or bored off, there was nothing like feeling so close to his Lifemate, so in-tune one with the other as both man and beast moved as one single entity. And much like Tseravith’s fast whirling eyes showed his desire for Elynth so did the passion glimmer in the man’s own back on the ground; much like every other rider in the private room at the time.

In the air above Tseravith had no trouble keeping up with the younger Rath, the toned and well define muscles in the bronze’s body making the flight smooth and simply thrilling for the time being. J’ldaem had always been quite grueling when it came to work-outs and wing training; the man was sure any member of his wing could no doubt keep pace with those of A’lez and D’seus. He might enjoy life, but J’ldaem was never one to shirk duties and cut corners.

Keeping pace with the Queen and the others leading the wing of suitors along with him Tseravith was always alert, focused, patient. This was a flight, this was a chase; a competition where everything short of killing another was fully legal and permitted. So long as Elynth flew well and gave to room for error he would follow until the end. But if the gold made a mistake he would not hesitate to capitalize on it.

He would win; though even he, proud as any other bronze, would prefer for victory to come through the queen’s own choosing rather than a slip-up of her part.

[Na Qaiah]

Achilleth was flying well, he noticed the position of the other bronzes that were giving chase. Craining his neck round for a quick look to see the exact position that Rath, Zorometh and Tseravith were helped him to verify his position in the sky and in the chase. He found a new thermal that not only allowed him more speed, it also brought him a bit higher then the beautiful Queen. He did a few fancy tricks including a perfect barrel roll that took him completely over, under and around Enyth. It wasn't exactly what he had wanted to do, but it worked out. His thermal changed direction on him at the last moment. Good thing he wasn't so close to worry about collision.

He would waste no time to sweet talk, he would show what he could do and how wonderful his young body looked in the sunlight. He was enjoying this flight, he was strong and he was well built. He didn't want to end up in a mountain because one of the other bronzes took offence, so he made sure to keep out of their flight path.

When the opportunity arose, Achilleth turned just enough to show off his underside to Elynth, flying perfectly this way for a few heart beats before righting himself once more. He hoped the sunlight had shown. His colors and build for the pretty Gold. He turned himself the other way with his wing tip toward the ground and his back facing her, hoping she could see and admire his body from that angle too. He knew he was being silly, but he was enjoying himself. He wanted her to see he was still young enough for fun, but old enough to be her perfect choice. He was determined to show he was good enough for her.

When she challenged again, Achilleth couldn't help himself, he answered with everyone else. Down below, A'miri heard and felt the dragons answer, the floor seems to vibrate with the sound. His blood pulsed with Achilleth and his desire raised another notch. He didn't crowd Marlaey but he moved closer to her and into her line of sight, if she wanted to look. He flexed when Achilleth flexed effectively showing off his body as well. He was so linked to his dragon he had no idea that he had done so.

[Inadua]

Taking to the skies, Siglith let the others get a bit of a lead on him, admiring Elynth as she displayed herself in a most regal show.
Soon, the spread of his wings caught an updraft into the thermal that some of them had already flown into. Siglith barked a warning to them all, and then called out adoringly to the queen in a clear, resonating bugle. He wanted to grab her attention vocally, and then inspire her heart by what courageous move he was about to pull.

Using his smaller size and that long, lean build to his advantage, Siglith gave a magnificent boost to his speed, shooting past those who trailed furthest behind. He danced amoungst the clouds, weaving what could have been a very dangerous path through the other males, if any of them took an unexpected turn. In a flash of darkly sienna hued hide, he tucked his wings and grazed between Crucluith and another Bronze before reaching the Queen.

If Achilleth was going to try and pull a fast one on them, he'd have to put a stop to itm so Siglith barked a warning call at Achilleth. Spreading his wings once more to their fullest Siglith saw the opportunity and decided to go for it. Overshooting the Queen's position, Siglith had skimmed almost too closely beneath her...and it wasn't before allowing the tip of his tail to trace teasingly beneath her belly that he flew past.

The Brown tucked his wings into a tight spiral that she could admire. Within the fractions of a second of coming out of the maneuver however, he throttled his speed so that Elynth would quickly catch back up to him.
He was not going to put her in a position she'd be forced to mate with him. He wanted her to choose him! And after seeing some fancy wing-work, he hoped she'd be impressed. He wasn't just any Brown, after all. He & his rider were well-bred and deserved this opportunity as much as any other.

Within the Queen's weyr, T'gir had joined all of the men whose dragons had any chance of winning the Flight. He did not crowd Marlaey, nor get too close to the others, but remained cool and calm off to one side of the room where he could lean against the wall to steady himself if Siglith decided to pull some dizzying stunt. His eyes glazed over as he joined Siglith in the sky, his vision unfocused as he looked through Siglight's eyes, seeing things as if he too, were in the clouds.



Stong, sturdy, steady. Those were all of the things that he was. Crucluith's brassy hide gleamed metalic in the sun's light, allowing the playful shadows over a rippling musculature to accentuate the cut of his fine physique. He was a perfect specimin of Bronze male superiority.

With the pump of great chest muscles that propelled his flight, Crucluith did not feel the need to tantalize Elynth by use of fancy stunts rather, the contraction of great muscles and the spread of an impressive wingspan should be enough to impress a female looking for the strongest and most worthy of males to start a clutch with. He would certainly be much more suitable a mate for a Queen than a newly graduated weyrling. Surely with a Bronze like him, there were bound to be at least one queen egg in the clutch.

He shared his desire with her through innate telepathic connections that dragons possessed and flew along behind her, letting her know that he was there with her, ready to be with her physically and mentally and emotionally.

Crucluith was enjoying the exhillaration of the flight, even as Siglith bolted past him, putting them in dangrously close proximity. He threatened the Brown wiht a menacing growl and a short-lived roar. The Bronze was certainly not afraid to use his bulk to push other dragons around, but he let that trick slide, saving most of his energy for the Mate with Elynth and any confrontation that might need to be taken care of between him and other Bronzes.

[HG]

With the number of other Bronzes giving chase, Zorometh felt his energy was up. He would be more than happy to give them all a glimpse at why he was so amazing. He had his wings pumping at a good rate, he felt the warm sun on his hide and he knew there would be no ignoring the healthy sheen of it. Elynth needed a more experienced mate no matter her previous flirtations. The dragon followed the Queen as if pulled by some imagined string. He was very aware of the other males and their attentions toward the young Queen but he had so much more than any of them had to offer.

Of course he did not expect that to get her to allow him to win. However the others were in no better a position. If Elynth was able to choose her mate before someone like Tseravith swooped in at a moment of weakness on the Gold’s part and took her, then all this physical work and showing off would pay. Although he doubted that any words the male dragons gave her would weigh more than their actions, he was slightly envious of their comfort in using suave words to woo the Queen. He let his actions speak for him during most flights because he always felt silly responding to a Queen’s challenge. At her second challenge, he found himself parallel to Tseravith, both of them familiar with the territory did not make things any less interesting.

He was glad to see the younger ones competing, if only to learn from the best. Rath really stood no chance in this in the dragon’s not so humble opinion. Of course Achillith might be able to hang in there a little longer but the young Bronze had failed to win any Gold Flights thus far. Even Crucluith who was decidedly older than the other two was not in the same league with himself and Tseravith. Neinoth would have been a good dragon to compete with here but it seemed he really only wanted to aim for the Senior position. He would never consider a brown or blue worthy of a Gold, least of all a Gold of Elynth’s power and beauty.

Zorometh did not know or care much what would happen should he win but he did know that none of the others were deserving of this win. His thoughts were not leaving him at all distracted. He was watching the Queen while keeping up with where the other Bronzes were in the back of his mind. The air against his wings pushed him up after the Queen who led the fast paced chase. Soon some of the smaller and less experienced would fall out. Then Elynth would see who the real competitors were.

[parallel]

Though the constant glare of the bright sun became slightly irksome for her, Elynth decided to use it to her advantage. It would be difficult for her suitors to pinpoint her if she flew directly into it, her golden hide melding seamlessly with the bright orb. She grinned at such a thought and headed into the sun. Try and catch me now, she thought viciously. She could feel the eyes of all her dragons on her, she knew they craved her. She was glorious and they wanted her. Flooded with self importance that was unlike her natural character she lost herself in the instinctual flight of her ancestors.

Down below, Marlaey feared to look at any of the riders. What if Elynth had secretly chosen already? What if she gave it away by accidentally staring only at the chosen rider. She closed her eyes and kept her head down, wave after wave of passion and desire rolling over her. It was more intense than she ever could have imagined. All her research and questions seemed futile now. Nothing could have prepared her. And for a moment she panicked, why was this so hard?

Elynth felt her bonded's distress and roared. Marlaey was not flying with her! She was still far below in her weyr! Marlaey should be up her with her, free and unbound! With a snarl Elynth's mind plummeted down towards her rider and engulfed her once and for all, forcing the terrified girl into the air with her. They were one, not two, they should revel in this flight together.

Marlaey gasped and clutched at the table beside her. Her breath came in short sharp bursts as she felt Elynth take her. Her eyes opened and became unfocused, glazed over. She was barely there. She had finally joined her Queen.

Elynth/Marlaey ignored the individual dragons chasing her for the most part. She did not care that some were experienced and others were already bound to a different gold. It was of no concern that some would fall behind and others would try to whisper sweet nothings to her once more. They were a wing to her now, one large being trying to catch her. But once the wing began to falter and lose some of it's dragons, then Elynth would pay attention. She would rake the minds of the browns and bronzes behind her, seeking out whom she truly wanted to pursue her.

Continuing to angle in towards the glowing sun, Elynth/Marlaey spread her magnificent wings and slipped through the morning air with ease. She coiled and uncoiled her body, showing her chasers the her flexibility in the air. Swooping down suddenly she drove her wings hard and twisted in the air, spiralling tightly. Bugling with triumph at the manoeuvre she barely noticed any of the aerial acrobatics the others were performing. Right now she was all that mattered.

But her desire was tugging at her. She wanted a mate. Furtive glances back at her chasers betrayed her need. Though she tried to pretend she was still self absorbed, Elynth/Marlaey couldn't help but notice the moves of certain dragons. Achilleth and Siglith both drawing her gaze.