It was supposedly a day like any other day. Or at least a day like the last few sevendays had been showing Narna. She woke to the sun peeking under her too short a curtain from Oristath's cavern and groaned. She stumbled into a pair of yesterdays work pants and tossed a blouse over her naked torso and running her fingers through the mats in her hair walked in the general direction of klah and company, of which only one she really wanted.

Narna had been in a funk these past few sevendays. She'd become irritable and pissy and snappish most of the time, biting the heads off of anyone and everyone any chance she got, especially her brother. She'd been holding some serious resentment to N'vis since Utiyayth had Risen a few months ago, leaving her no one left to lamment her virginity too. Try as she might she couldn't get a man into her bed. Or well she could but as soon as it got to any sort of heavy petting she would seize up and ask him to leave. She didn't want to. She wanted to have at least some semblance of experience before Ori rose, but it just seemed that wasn't going to happen.

It was on this particular day though that Narna was going to be in the bitchiest, foulest mood she'd yet to be in. She grabbed a mug of klah and drained it black, wincing at the bitter taste.

"This tastes like sharding crap." she complained to the Dining Caverns at large, earning a few scowls her way. Few thought the cooks did a poor job, and even fewer had thought todays klah was unimpressive. Average maybe but certainly not horrible.

Narna went through her day scowling and snapping at everyone. She frequently had to apologize and through out it all Oristath remained silent and lethargic on her ledge, sunning and sleeping without a sharding care in the world. It was unfair how much easier dragons had it, especially non-flaming ones like Ori. Maybe Narna should just cave and let the blasted mini-queen chew firestone. She knew Oristath wanted it and it seemed that Oristath would never rise at all let alone clutch.

It wasn't until noon that Narna figured it out. The sun was high in the sky, casting a pale golden light across the world through a thick haze of cloud cover. She felt the twinge of hunger and stood straight up from her work in fear. The funk was over, but the Flight had just begun.

Oristath woke and stretched, Narna raced out of the office she shared with two ruby riders and stared up at her weyr. Oristath was standing on the ledge, looking out the Weyr. Her black and red hide was glowing, its colors enhanced and illuminated by the pale gold light over the world.

"No," Narna breathed as Oristath launched stately from her ledge and glided over to the feeding pens. It wouldn't take much to fuel this Flight, Narna surmised, but as Oristath loomed over her first kill, its entrails steaming in a pool of their own blood Narna felt her training kick in.

"No!" she shouted mentally and physically to Oristath as the wind picked up and whipped her hair in her face. Oristath bugled in anger and defiance and took the entrails in her mouth.

/Oristath if you don't spit that out right now, so help me I will be sure your new mate is the scrawniest, most pitiful dragon in the Weyr!/ seemed Narna new how to threaten her dragoness and Oristath spit her mouthful clear across the clearing. She grabbed at the neck and sucked the buck dry. One more followed suit before with a call of longing Oristath launched herself into the sky.

Males of Libertas I challenge you! Attempt to catch me in these golden skies! she called as Narna began to run. She skidded to a stop in front of N'vis, who was racing towards her from across the Weyr.

"I saw Ori in the sky. Is it really time?" he asked her as she took his hands and fell to her knee's, hands shaking and tears falling as she looked up to her twin.

"Yes. Shard's N'vis I don't think I can do this!" she said worriedly, shaking as she watched Oristath call to the males again before pumping her wings higher into the sky. "I'm not strong enough for this Nev. I haven't the slightest idea what I'm doing."

"What the shards are you talking about? You are the strongest person I know Narns. I'm not going to let you think otherwise. Now you show those males who's boss and let them know you're the best catch in the Weyr." Narna had to chuckle at that as she stood back up.

"Don't leave me brother. I need you here." she said, holding his hand firmly in hers.

"Ok, but when it gets to the sex part I'm not staying. I have no interest in seeing you fornicate little sister." Narna chuckled as the pair turned to watch Oristath ascend into the sky.

((BLAH! THIS IS AWFUL! But its here. ORISTATH IS RISING EVERYONE CHASE HER! That is all.))

(( I was waiting to see if someone else was going to reply. ))

R'kel had been awake all of five seconds before the roaring ripped through the Weyr. The bronzerider payed little mind to it, automatically assuming that this, like so many times before, was just another green getting herself chased about. Amaranth never showed any interest in joining green flights, though he had stirred himself for that green-black's flight.

Out of bed, R'kel. Amaranth's voice, as rolling and deep as ever, entered and left the man's mind as swiftly as lightning. I'm Chasing.

Chasing? Since when do you rouse yourself for greens?

Not a green. Oristath. I Chase, Amaranth stated, his sentences cutting themselves off as his tail swished from side to side, banging against one of the cavern walls. He was glad to see that R'kel asked no questions, instead opting to come out into the cavern before Amaranth sped off to Chase without him. You listened, the bronze commented proudly as he grabbed his rider by the shirt and took off, R'kel dangling from the huge teeth of the dragon.

"Hey!" R'kel cried out as he was dropped rather unceremoniously by the Feeding Grounds, glaring after his dragon as the huge beast settled at the end of the clearing nearest the red-obsidian. Another chimeric the bronze was chasing, R'kel mused. Perhaps Amaranth sought to show the other dragons that these strange ones were not so strange after all? Or perhaps he was just looking too much into it? The young man watched as his beast snatched a herdbeast right from the earth, sinking his fangs into the creature's throat and draining it of the life's blood. Good luck, my boy.

Hmph. I need no luck, the bronze snapped arrogantly, taking another frightened beast from the herd. I will win. With that, the bronze turned his attention to the red-obsidian before him, watching as her hide began to glow and glitter from the blooding and the light washing the world in gold. Amaranth comes to answer your call, beauteous one, he told her, his eyes swirling lamps of an odd reddish-purple color. I will show you that only I am worthy of you.

R'kel shook his head at his beast's arrogance and set off to find Narna. Of course, it wasn't long before he found her, standing near the pens with her brother, N'vis. Leave it to her to draw strength from her twin, the man thought with a slight smile as he approached them, nodding a greeting to the greenrider. "Hello, Narna. It's been a while," he muttered to the woman, bowing his head respectfully. "I hope everything turns out well," he added, a glint in his green eyes hopefully showing that he meant beyond the Flight, as well.

One dragon had been paying very close attention to another recently. Ever since his Hatching, Katanyth had always enjoyed the company of the red-obsidian Oristath. But of late, she had seemed to find other entertainment elsewhere. It had hurt a bit, to know he wasn't wanted. But he still wanted her. He still admired her strength and poise. The platinum had discovered a new facet of his personality in the past few months. Jealously. And so, as he felt something shifting in Oristath, he began keeping a closer watch on her, knowing the feeling from the other females of the Weyr. She was due to Rise.

So it was with no surprise that when Oristath awoke from her slumber, Katanyth raised his head in curiosity. Subtle, purple flecks entered his eyes as the feeling coming from the red-obsidian intensified. When she began blooding and tearing at the herdbeasts of the pen, Katanyth instantly launched himself into the air, his long, slender wings slicing the air easily.

Oristath Rises! I Chase! the platinum informed his rider as he dove upon a hapless herdbeast. He snapped the beast's neck with ease, bending his head regally to drain the blood from the carcass. And always he watched, watched the red-obsidian as she blooded and fed. Oh how he wanted to prove himself to her. How he wanted to reclaim her attention.

Katanyth answers your challenge! the platinum cried with a clarion bugle. His eyes whirled the violet of Flightlust, his wings poised and ready for flight. He would prove himself worthy of her. Let us dance in the skies, beautiful Oristath! He bugled again, his call vibrant and full of life and eagerness. Show me the steps to your dance!

Meanwhile, X'tair was in the Kitchens. When he received Katanyth's warning, he knew immediately he had to find Narna. He had seen her enter earlier....there! Looking about him, he didn't spy her immediately. Quickly standing, he rushed to the entrance and spotted her near the pens, another male already in her presence. Jealously filled X'tair then. He could tell it was partially Katanyth's for Amaranth's presence, but it was partially his own. He had not liked when Narna had began looking for bed partners to ease her first Flight experience. He had not heard if she had succeeded or not, but with a woman like Narna, he wouldn't have been surprised if she had succeeded. How he wished he could have been that man.

Fly strong, Katanyth, he told his platinum, oddly calm for this being his first Chase. The rider downed the remainder of his klah, feeling the warmth grow within him as the lust began to pound in his blood. Win her heart. The rider threw his mug to the side, not caring as it smashed against the rock, his eyes locked on Narna's tempting form. Riding had filled out his tall, slender form, adding muscle to height and form. He had grown quite attractive, actually, still keeping slightly longer hair and a neat, small beard on his chin. And Narna.... She had only grown more beautiful. X'tair walked unhurriedly across the distance to the pens, standing easily and eagerly beside R'kel. X'tair bowed to the red-obsidianrider, his eyes never straying from her face.

"Narna," he said, his voice already deepening with the Flightlust he felt. But he had to control himself for now. He gave his strength to Katanyth, willing him to Win Oristath in the sky while he tried to win Narna on the ground. But he had to remain in control of himself here. "It has been too long since we last spoke." He straightened again, forcing himself to stand squarely as much as he wanted to take Narna into his arms. "I hope I am not intruding."

K'tan sat at his loom but instead of busily weaving the pattern he had sketched, he was still, staring into space. His mind wandered and his thoughts rested on nothing in particular. It was unusual for the brownrider to be so silent, especially when he had been in a creative mood just half an hour before, hence the intricately drawn image of Xaijerith on the piece of parchment paper. More often than not K'tan made rugs and tapestries for other people but today he had wanted to take some time to make one for himself. While his room was tastefully decorated with artistic but serviceable furniture and personal belongings, the walls and floor were bare. They cried out to him to be adorned with something beautiful. He glanced over at his sleeping dragon. What better choice than Xaijerith?

With a sigh, he gave up trying to finish the rug for the time being. Something was off, as if the world had suddenly gone out of focus for a brief period in time. K'tan ran a hand through his hair and stood. He needed a break anyway. Perhaps he would go to the kitchens and see if the cooks would let him have a few meat pastries. They were usually generous about extras and leftovers.

He was about two steps to the door when a ringing call vibrated through him like a pulse through water. The man froze in his tracks and slowly turned his head toward the entrance of his weyr. Xaijerith, who had been sleeping only a moment before, was standing on the ledge, neck stretched out to look up into the sky. The lean brown bugled in reply to the summons and turned his head toward K'tan, his eyes whirling purple.

K'tan walked toward him more out of shock than anything else. It had been some time since Xaijerith had Chased. Who? he asked. Oristath Flies, K'tanMine. I will answer. Without waiting for a reply, Xaijerith snatched K'tan from where he stood and launched himself into the sky. Spread to their full width, one could clearly see the beautiful rings that mimicked the spots on a butterfly's wings.

The brown landed long enough to set K'tan on the ground before launching himself at the nearest buck and draining it dry. A second quickly followed before K'tan had him stop. Too much and he'd never get off the ground. Rubbing his face, the brownrider looked around until he spotted Narna, Oristath's rider, on the other side of the pens and headed in her direction. Judging from the men already surrounding her, he wasn't the first to arrive. At least he wasn't late. Tardiness did not bode well for a male who decided to Chase.

K'tan bowed low to Narna and gave her a warm smile while unobtrusively eying the other males and giving them a polite nod. "Greetings Narna," he said to her, "a fine day your Oristath has chosen. I do hope that everything goes well."

Xaijerith flared his wings and called again to Oristath, and though he was already a large brown, the show made him look even bigger. Your challenge will not go unheeded, lovely Oristath! My beauty, you are as radiant as the sun itself! I shall show you that only I am worthy of your affection.

((My first flight post. Hope it's ok. ))

"Not so bad, holder boy. You're finally getting some skills to go with those new muscles."

He was tired, he was sweating and he'd just been beat by that much, but J'nae grinned as the older rider pounded him on the back. It wasn't the winning or losing that mattered all that much, it was really just the competition and camaraderie that kept him coming back for these sparring sessions. Aside from Citlalith, his favorite part of life in the Weyr was the sense of fraternity and belonging he felt there. He'd never had anything like that in his life before. There hadn't been many boys his age around the small hold he'd grown up in, and he'd spent so much time taking care of his sister that he hadn't really realized that he was missing anything. Then he came to the Weyr, and he found all these things that had been missing. Not long after Impression, he'd come to look up to the older riders as role models and had been spending a lot of time with them.

This morning's session was one of the regular things he'd come to enjoy. He may not have started out as strong or as quick as any of them, but he learned fast. it wasn't long before he was more a part of the group and less of a student they had to coach along and go easy on. Not that they'd ever really gone easy on him. The first few weeks, J'nae had walked away with more bruises than he'd ever gotten in his life. He'd thought the dark purple marked on his skin might never fade away at the rate he was going. The bruises had faded, though, and he'd gradually built up muscles and skill as the months went by.

He wasn't thinking about any of that now, though. All that was on his mind now was a good meal followed by a hot bath. Shards, but he was hungry. Ravenous, even. He felt like he could eat a whole herdbeast.

Just as he walked into the dinning hall, however, he felt another need tugging at him. This wasn't as strong as the others, just a faint feeling in his gut. He'd decided to ignore it and get something to eat when Citlalith pulled at him.

You have no time for food. Oristath Rises.

J'nae bumped into the counter, suddenly distracted. Are you sure she's Rising right this second? Because, yeah, he was oblivious enough not to notice the bugling.

Citlalith dove off his ledge to join in the mass terrifying and blooding of the herdbeasts. The Platinum ignored his rider for a moment as his attention was focused on the brilliant dual-toned female who had called to him. He drained the animal he'd caught, and when he was finished he finally answered the question. She is blooding as we speak. You really should get out here now.

After apologizing to someone whose foot he'd managed to step on without really remembering when he'd actually taken a step, J'nae grabbed a couple of meatrolls and wolfed them down while he tried to avoid injuring himself as he walked into the 'Bowl. Because every woman wants a man who has meat breath.

Citalith launched himself into the sky after Oristath, his serpentine form gliding through the air not far behind her. I cannot resist a challenge, especially from such an alluring dragoness.

It wasn't hard to find Narna. She was the only girl standing outside surrounded by a group of men. This really wasn't his ideal situation for meeting someone the first time, but that really couldn't be helped, so he just walked up to the group and stood there for a second. After realizing that he probably just looked like an idiot, he introduced himself. "Uh, hi. I'm J'nae. I guess you're Narna." Good, because she doesn't know her own name, and it wasn't totally obvious who she was. Way to go, Mr. Suave.

Today was not unusual for Deruvianth. As was typical, a dragon was ready to Rise, and as was usual, Deruvianth was ready to Chase. T'ere had been grounding him more often of late, which was irritating, but today T'ere was receptive to the black's desires, it seemed. It helped, perhaps, that Deruvianth thought this lass to be especially attractive.

She was, after all, part his crimson counterparts, and part Queen.

Deruvianth warned him early in the day that something would be happening, though exactly what he let T'ere try to imagine. They both knew it had to do with a dragoness, and they both knew there was no stopping Deruvianth today, though T'ere hadn't a clue who. Deruvianth's many-faceted eyes avoided the Red-Obsidian most of the morning, out of spite, perhaps. He would drink in her lovely vision later, when she was in his clutches.

Feeling the Red-Obsidian's reserve snap was like a breath of fresh air.

/Males of Libertas I challenge you! Attempt to catch me in these golden skies!/

/Attempt? Should it be a challenge? Shall we not simply float through these skies as lovers?/ His light tone was mocking, perhaps, impudent. But since when was that new?

Yes, nothing was new today. Deruvianth was a regular participant in Flights for dragons quite often, though he did find Oristath to be especially lovely as he he took wing after blooding a beast deftly. He'd arrived not long after Oristath, blooding more out of that same sense of "spite" as he had felt that morning. Perhaps spite would be the defining factor for his Chase, making him or breaking him, allowing him to lust deeply, or to lust alone.

T'ere hadn't actually been far from Narna as the girl had run passed him from her office. He'd simply been meandering about this early golden morning, irritable thanks to Deruvianth's lustfulness... also not unusual. He grinned as he saw her run, though, a feral, wolfish, altogether disgustingly leering grin. Completely accidental. Completely Deruvianth as he stayed a ways behind her, away from her, but keeping her in sight. He wouldn't be far from her if Deruvianth caught Oristath.

Yep. Still nothing unusual. A typical, boring day. Well. Maybe not boring.

He couldn't hear what N'vis said to Narna, and he didn't care. It was better not to be human for a Flight.

T'ere's flight muscles tightened as Deruvianth leapt into the air, a powerful downstroke sending him high, and the repeated cruel beating of the cool golden nothingness marking his entrance into the Chase. T'ere felt exhilarated. Deruvianth agreed.

Yes, nothing unusual, but nothing was ever the same, either.

Win, Deruvianth. Win!

((*LOVES ALL THE POSTS* I'm so wicked excited everyone OH EM GEE! This is going to be a blast. I LOVE your post Hockey, so marvelously awkward. Thia's has a ring of jealousy to it that I never expected that pair to have, tis grand. Silver and Aly have lovely posts, and I'm so glad there's a black after her too Ricci! This is going to be SO much fun. Anyways enough of my rambling about my excitement and the grandness of your posts, FLIGHT TIEM!))

Oristath took a moment to simply enjoy the sun gilding her body and the air flowing along the length of her body. This was a wonderful thing, this Flying. So much better than Fall any day. Especially since Narna had never let her Flame. But she could feel it now, something in her body that felt different to her, an urge to pick the best male not because he would please her the most, but because he would father her children. She finally looked back behind her to see 4 males in her wake. And two platinums as well! She bugled to them in contest and pumped her onyx, garnet tipped wings faster to bring her higher into the air.

Gentlemen, allow me to welcome you to our show today! I hope you're ready for a challenge boys, because I don't plan on surrendering easily. her tinkly voice was followed by a tinkly mental laugh as she flipped over backwards and dived in amongst her males. She flipped her tail alluringly at Katanyth, giving him a wash of warm affection. He was still her closest friend here, outside of Tiya of course. She looked to the one bronze in her midst and snorted.

If you think a show of bravado will win me over you're sorely mistaken my lad. I'm not in it for your showboating. she tapped his nose with a claw before rising back up through the ranks faster then any of the males could catch her. She ran her tail up Xaijerith's back as she flew by and flipped a wing toward Citlalith. Deruvianth she paid no mind. He would have to work extra hard if he wanted her wings, she wasn't one for smaller dragons.

Narna watched as the men approached and shrank back into N'vis's comforting warmth. For a woman who had struggled so much to be outward and alluring, she was suddenly terrified. She couldn't do this, she couldn't let herself go and be Oristath like she knew she should. She clutched to N'vis's hands so tight as she looked doe-eyed at the men before her, eyes jumping from one to another quickly.

She spotted X'tair and offered him a soft, worried smile, trying to show a confidence she didn't feel. J'nae seemed funny, for all she knew him for what? Two seconds? They were all younger riders, men who were either from her Weyrling class or after, and she at least knew their faces. Except for T'ere, she didn't know him at all.

"C'mon Narn, don't quit now. These men will treat you right and you know you can do this. You stood up to Kirkinan remember? For me? If you can do that you can do anything." Narna nodded but didn't move. She still didn't see the one man she desperately wanted in her Flight. The one man she'd ever felt a real connection too. P'dyr. "Forget about him Narn! If he doesn't come he doesn't come! Give yourself up to Oristath and enjoy it!" Narna gulped and tried to let herself go, she closed her eyes and breathed deep, reaching out to Oristath in a way she never had before.

She was having so much fun, taunting these males with her mind and body. They wanted her utterly and she would give herself up to one when the time came. And underneath it all a longing want, dormant until now. Something different. Something more.

/I KNEW IT! Narna shouted mentally, and it was this realization that Oristath was indeed a clutching female that gave her freedom. She opened her eyes with a wicked grin on her full lips and felt her body shift into a more alluring, superior set. She loosened her hold on N'vis's hands and stepped away, her hips swaying as she walked.

"Hello boys," she said, slinking her way through the men. She trailed a finger along X'tairs chest as she walked by, and winked at J'nae. She bumped her hip against K'tan's and gave a glance to T'ere. Like Oristath she didn't spot the blackrider to be particularly alluring, especially not with so many good looking men already. He needed to step up his game. "I hope you're all ready for some fun." she said as she passed through them, turning back to them with her hands out and a sexily tilt to her hip. She wished she'd dressed better before this, in a gown or dress, something sexy. Oh well, she'd remember for next time. Now she knew what to look for, to recognize the emotions for next time.

/Lets show these boys what we're made of ladylove./ Narna sent up to Oristath, who bugled in agreement.

Being Junior Weyrleader agreed with R'nianon. For many reasons. It was a great deal of work, naturally, but he had nothing else to do anyway, so it was a perfect way to occupy his time. And his time was to be occupied. He could stand anything but sitting idle. On a distantly related note, it also meant that Mysaoth was less inclined to go chasing after every sad, lonely green that Rose and deserved a good turnout. Mysaoth's gentleman nature was content with merely being devoted to Kyzrayeth, and that just worked better for everyone concerned.

But here there was the hiccup. Kezzy's clutch had hatched, and even to a knight-dragon like Mysaoth, that was enough to give him license to start looking around again. And the timing of it just happened to work so that as Mysaoth found himself free, Oristath found herself looking. The timing wasn't too terrible, considering, but any time would be bad for R'nianon, who was less than pleased with the entire idea of procreation. At least where it concerned dragons.

He'd actually noticed this time. The way that Mysaoth kept an eye on Oristath while she slept, and how obvious Narna was being proddy. So when she came into the lower caverns that morning complaining, he looked up with unhappy resignation. Another reason to be unhappy, another unhappy reminder of what he wished he could forget. At least she was his own age, and she seemed a decent woman from what he saw of her in their weyrling lessons. No match for him, at all, in terms of personality, but not totally insane. He looked back down at his papers to distract himself.

It was of course to no end. As soon as he had been distracted again, there was a very uncomfortable pull on his lower back, and he was forced very quickly from his papers again. She'd woken up, and Mysaoth was ready. The bowl flashed before his eyes, and a shining red and black dragon was before his eyes, a beautiful and strong woman calling out to him with the movement of her wings. He pulled back and closed his eyes, and when he opened them again the lower caverns were before him again. He sighed and dropped the papers heavily.

Oristath Rises.

I noticed.

I shall Chase her.

You shall do nothing until I get my papers back in the weyr.

Mysaoth roared in anger at the order of his rider, but knowing that R'nianon would not let up, he quickly jumped down to the bowl floor and waited impatiently for his rider to come out. When R'nianon appeared to be taking his time, Mysaoth protested by sending a jolt of lust through him. He reeled for a moment and glared at the platinum, but went along faster as he was bid, straightening the papers that had shifted at Mysaoth's retaliation. The platinum growled and dug furrows into the ground with his claws as R'nianon quickly pulled himself on to the dragon's back. He barely swung his leg over his dragon's shoulders when Mysaoth all but leaped straight back on to his ledge. By some miracle, the papers remained in his possession.

To make sure he kept up the pace this time, Mysaoth kept a steady building stream of Flight flow into his rider. Sure enough, though he didn't give up without glares and grimaces, R'nianon was quickly in and out of his weyr.

Quit it!

A Queen deserves to entrance the entire Weyr. Hurry!

With that, R'nianon found himself regretting wearing his good clothes that morning. Mysaoth surely meant well - he always would by his rider, without exception - but he was sure that the black vest, blue tunic, and black pants would be shredded as Mysaoth wrapped a large hand around his waist and lifted him into the air, pushing off quickly toward the people huddled in the bowl. He dropped his rider quickly a stone's throw from the gathering, and jumped off with a mighty stroke of his wings, catching on to the end of the Chasing party as Oristath issued her challenge. He was fashionably late, and he made an entrance, so he was content.

Fly fast, Fly well, my Queen.

He kept his introduction brief - to spare her his rough voice more than anything - but it was sufficient. One thing you had to give him: Mysaoth was suave.

At the same moment, R'nianon was definitely not. He stood dazed and barely keeping his feet where Mysaoth had left him, his arms over his head to protect his face from any debris that Mysaoth might have blown at him with that takeoff. He slowly lowered his arms, looking after the platinum with the same previous irritation on his face. Then he looked down to assess the damage done to his best working outfit. His hard feelings toward his dragon lessened drastically when he saw not a thread out of place. With a short resigned smile, he looked back up and straightened his vest.

Fine, then. On you go.

With his rider's blessing, Mysaoth rumbled in affection and pushed forward to catch up with those other males stealing all of Oristath's attention. He was certainly worthy of such, and he would prove it to her.

R'nianon, likewise, adjusted his posture and control of his expression, and walked with command over to the edges of the crowd. He nodded politely to Narna, but continued to stare at her with a patient hunger, waiting for her to give him the attention he was sure would come. The other men, whoever they were and however many there might be, received no attention whatever from him. Narna was the important one here. Let them fight like chickens. He was here to woo.

At least until the Flight ended.

((<3 Deruvianth is convinced that (in spite of his general stats...) he will win every single Flight ever, especially that of Queens or similar dragons. He's kind of endearing like that. I always feel like I have to write a disclaimer with these two. O_o Deruvianth is so damned possessive and stuff, and it leaks into T'ere for Flights.))




Deruvianth would have loved to claim that he had always known that Oristath was a proper Queen, a born mother. If anyone ever asked him, he would certainly say that he did, but then, Deruvianth was arrogant and had a tendency to blow things out of proportion. On an instinctive level, all of the dragons may have known, but consciously? They were just as lost as Oristath and Narna had been, after all... who would know better than the Red-Obsidian and her Rider?

The knowledge of Oristath's innate ability to birth more of dragonkind was clearer now, though. A sort of secretive egging on that Deruvianth couldn't quite identify, and wouldn't until the pregnancy was known. If it would be known. Deruvianth didn't know. His instincts kicked in full blast now, though, the need to reproduce, to send his genes on down the line, a gift blacks rarely received that he just knew he would... Okay, Deruvianth always knew he would win. But knowing and actually doing were quite different.

At her failure to recognize him in any way, Deruvianth felt angry. How dare she!? He was Deruvianth, and she was Oristath, and they were simply made for eachother! He gave his usual dark bugle, and felt his pulse quicken, the thick ichor flowing like hot metal through his veins. His wings began to beat the air all the more heavily.

There was nothing more he would say to her. He would offer sweet nothings when she was in his claws, and then perhaps become a more permanent-like fixture in a Queen's Weyr... or maybe he was getting ahead of himself? Deruvianth did not notice if he was.

T'ere did not notice much, either.

The Blackrider had thrown himself fully into the Flight, as he always did, swaying with the alterations in direction, the way Oristath moved the focus of his attention. Or maybe that was Narna. Yes, that was Narna. T'ere knew Narna from afar, as most would. Those Riders with their peculiar dragons tended to catch others' attention, and those who had Queens were always known. Narna was in the unique position of fitting into both categories, so she stood out a little brighter than the others. Some might not think she was pretty, but T'ere had always thought she had been one of the most appealing women in the Weyr. He preferred stronger features, the sort Narna had.

She might not know him, but T'ere had distant eyes for her, in the same way a passing stranger might find someone attractive, or how back on Earth a young man or woman might find a celebrity's personality alluring. Those little things that were common knowledge helped T'ere urge Deruvianth on all the more. Win, Deruvianth, win. He would have her, and she would have him.

Or maybe that was Deruvianth's motto.

T'ere blinked in a sleepy, dazed fashion when Narna spoke.

Fingers along X'tair's chest. A wink to J'nae. Bumping her hip against K'tan's.

For him, but a glance?

Yes, T'ere was definitely all Deruvianth as he narrowed his hungry gaze, ignoring the Jr. Weyrleader's entrance altogether, as did Deruvianth ignore Mysaoth in the Skies. He deserved more than something as simple as a glance.

He wanted to touch her, and be touched.

He would have her, and she would have him, and Deruvianth would have Oristath, and that was that.

Citlalith didn't care what attention Oristath did or did not pay to the other chasers. He didn't care that she said nothing to him, because words were unimportant in a Flight. All that he cared about was the fact that she had acknowledged him as a participant in her Flight. That she had acknowledged others meant little to him. Competition was no problem for him, as he was confident that he stood just as good a chance in this as any of the others. He wasn't the biggest by any stretch of the imagination or even the most impressive, but he had stamina to match his larger brothers as well as agility to outmaneuver them.

Secure in the knowledge that he was just as good or better than any of the others, he threw himself whole-heartedly into the chase, determined to be the last in the air. Where others might have wasted their energy in silly displays and tricks, Citlalith was focused. He used his skills to keep close to Oristath without crowding her. It wouldn't do any good to annoy her, after all, but he wouldn't allow himself to fall behind.

There were no interesting insights into any sort of secret fascination with Narna or any sort of prior awareness that Oristath was going to be rising today that J'nae might have had, because it simply wasn't true. He'd probably seen her before, and he sort of knew who she was, since she was lumped in with the Ruby riders. Of course, it was hard to miss the vibrant Oristath, with her unusual red and black coloring. They just didn't cross each others' paths often enough for him to know her other than a distant figure.

Now that he was here, though, he wished he knew her better. That idea was fading as Citlalith took over, however. Confidence was slowly seeping into him, along with the overwhelming feeling that Narna was absolutely beautiful and wonderful and perfect. Now, that isn't to say that he thought she was ugly before, and he had assumed, as he did with nearly everyone he didn't know well, that she was a good person, but this wasn't normal thinking, this was Flight thinking.

Still, the moment she winked at him, a panicked J'nae began to revert to his normal ungraceful self. He blushed deeply, unsure how to respond. Citlalith tugged at him again, pulling him back into the air. As he felt the air rushing beneath their wings and the magnificent view of Oristath before them, J'nae felt a rush of heat through his body. He stared at Narna, his vision wavering between the woman and the dragon. Were they really different at this point? Yes, though both were equally entrancing, they were still separate beings, each drawing the pair in their own way.

In the air, Citlalith glided behind Oristath, content for the moment simply to keep up with his beautiful Queen. On the ground, J'nae followed Narna with his eyes first, then his feet seemed to move of their own accord. He was being drawn to her, enchanted by her. All he saw was her. This new found feeling of Lust/confidence was delightfully intoxicating.

He floated on air with his dragon, their lithe form dancing gracefully along the currents. Nothing flashy, nothing showy, but Citlalith kept up easily with the others. He was grace itself on wings. And the power in those wings! J'nae had never felt so glorious. Had he thoughts in his head other than the feel of the wind, the thrill of the Chase and the wondrous woman/dragon at the center of it all, he might wonder that he had never experienced such a thing before, and why anyone would ever want to feel anything other than the exhilaration and power he felt now.

All for her. In some small part of his mind he knew the odds, knew that he had as much chance of winning or losing as any of the others, but the rest of him knew that he was the best. At some point he had ceased to differentiate between himself and Citlalith. It was no longer "they" or one or the other. He was a powerful creature both in the air and on the ground.

The half of him that was on the ground stared at Narna, only peripherally aware of the other men surrounding her. He stepped toward her, confident this time, not nervous, not frightened. What was there to be worried about? He looked into her eyes, hungry for her. For now he was content with simply watching her. Much as he wanted her, she wasn't his. He wouldn't- couldn't- touch her until she chose him.

((GAH! I hate school! Why must it suck my muse from everything?! Anyway. Sorry this took so long to actually reply to. School has just been a bit hectic with presentations in one class every week, while I have random quizzes in another 2-3 times a week, and having to write constantly for my third....it gets crazy. Anyway. Hope this doesn't suck as much as it does to me.))

Katanyth crooned approvingly as he watched Oristath dance in the air. Oh how beautiful she was this day! This day, the day of her maiden Flight! His chest swelling with daring, the platinum followed patiently as the red-obsidian dragoness led them into the skies. He beat his overlong wings powerfully, not feeling the least exhaustion or strain even so early in the Flight. He was confident that if this went on and on that he would turn out the winner. He had long ago discovered that his longer, broader wings were a great advantage in stamina. He had to flap his wings less to obtain more distance and speed. When he chose to, he would accelerate faster than any had ever seen! He could even match most greens in speed! But this was not about who was fastest. This was about the tantalizing form of the red-obsidian female flying before him, daring him and challenging him to give chase. And Chase he did. Driving his wings hard, Katanyth put on speed, trying to get closer to Oristath and ahead of his competition.

The wave of warm affection Oristath showed him, along with her tantalizing twist of her tail, gave Katanyth hope. She recognized him as friend! Rumbling low to himself, the platinum spurred himself onward, driving his long wings hard in order to show her the true master of the skies. Lead us on, oh shining one! the platinum Katanyth bugled to Oristath, his violet eyes never leaving her alluring form. My wings will never falter as long as you lead this merry occasion. Oh Katanyth. Always one for words and bravado...

The platinumrider stood firmly, having to strongly resist the urge to sweep Narna into his arms and take her away from the fears of Flight. He could see how afraid she was as she tried to huddle into her brother's embrace. X'tair did his absolute best to control the lustful look in his eye, trying not to let Katanyth's passion outdo his own sense of chivalry. He wanted to help her... But by the way she looked both at him and the other riders... She was not well. The Narna he knew was not here now. She was gone somewhere, far away from this fear that Narna had now. X'tair had never seen her so scared. His posture softened towards her, so wanting to hold her in her fear. Always had X'tair admired Narna. Confident in herself despite how others may not think her attractive. But she was everything the platinumrider wanted in a woman. She was strong, willful, confident, tender, humorous... He could laugh with her, joke with her, dance with her... A brief memory of their night as Weyrlings and unable to attend the Gather flitted back to him, a tender time when he had asked her to their own private Gather and their dragons poking fun the entire time.

Win her, Katanyth, the rider willed his dragon, giving strength but not yet giving all of himself. He had only the barest control over his emotions and even then he found his vision shifting between dragon and man, his body swaying in mimicry of the Flight high in the sky. Katanyth answered with a confident rumble, too focused on Oristath to give a coherent reply. It was enough for X'tair.

"Narna..." X'tair heard his voice say, softly. But his offer would go incomplete, for just as he began to step forward, so too did Narna. And changed she was. A nearly playful smile was on her lips and her eyes were a mixture of her own and Oristath's. X'tair found himself smiling. At last. Letting go of the last of his restraints, X'tair gave all of himself to Katanyth, watching Narna as she drew near him, hips swaying in a tantalizing fashion. He reached for her as she drew near, his hands held out to her even as hers touched his chest. Even through the fabric of his shirt he could feel the fire her touch stirred in him. It only made him want her more. He didn't notice the particular attentions she paid the other men Chasing in this Flight, only that she had shown him the most affection with her touch. His back straightened ever-so-slightly with the knowledge and his bearing became confident once again. Though two other platinums, a bronze, and a black chased after Oristath, X'tair was sure his Katanyth would win in the end. Grinning, X'tair followed after Narna.

"Whatever games you wish to play, Narna," X'tair began, his voice smooth as he spoke and turning her name into a term of endearment. She meant so much to him... He reached out as he followed, wanting to take one of her hands in his. "It would be my pleasure to learn."

Xaijerith felt his skin ripple as Oristath ran her tail up his back as she passed and he rumbled in pleasure. His purple eyes whirled faster and faster, getting caught up in the all-consuming power of Flight Lust. He barely gave the other males a glance. Platinums and bronzes did not intimidate him. Some had brawn, others stamina or speed. He had a mind that thought faster than most and an agility the larger males didn't have from his lean, green-like body. He launched himself after the red-obsidian beauty caressing the sky and bugled his desire as he dove underneath Citlalith and around Katanyth to take up a position slightly above Oristath and behind.

On the ground, K'tan smiled as Narna stepped forward. His eyes were drawn to the sway of her hips and he stood mesmerized. As she drew closer, his gaze flickered up to her face. He didn't know her well but just one look had him wishing he did and for the chance to get to know her better. When she bumped his hip with hers he reached out and slid a hand across her stomach before she slipped away. He wasn't disappointed. There would be more chances to get close enough for another touch.

She had seemed scared at first but now she had a different look to her eyes, as if she had discovered a revelation she'd only guessed at before. "I hope you all are ready for some fun," she said and he laughed openly, a deep, uninhibited laugh. It wasn't a harsh or mocking laugh but one of amusement and camaraderie. His smile tilted up to one side, showing his charming boyish side despite his age. He had a fun side too. "Shall we dance then?" he asked. Who said Flights had to be a serious occasion?

Above, Xaijerith loomed over Oristath's other suitors. Well, as much as a brown his size could loom over anything larger than him. He conserved his energy for the moment, content to gaze at the exquisite female before him. Surreptitiously, he gauged the sizes and strengths of his competition, looking for weakness, any hidden vulnerabilities he could take advantage of. What could he do to outmaneuver them all and win the fair lady? Of course, he took into account Oristath as well. With a will and mind of her own, he had to convince her to choose him, the creme de la creme. He crooned to her, adding a little speed to keep up with the other males and the alluring female in front of him. There was no way he was going to give up in this Flight. Not until she had Chosen. And he wasn't the least bit tired yet. He felt so full of energy, so full of lust. For the red-obsidian queen he would fly to the ends of Pern and back to win her heart. I shall enjoy your challenge, he called to her, and I will take you to the moons and back.

((I tried, sorry for being so late and that it's short. Will do better next time I promise! -falls over- I was so busy!))

(( Sorry for the severe late. My muse died right as this Flight was heating up. >> But it's back now! ))

Amaranth snorted in slight confusion when Oristath said something about him showboating and tapped him on the nose. Who said anything about showboating? He was just being himself! Well, if that wouldn't win this beautiful maiden's heart, he would just have to try his hardest anyway; if she didn't like his being confident in himself, then so be it! He remained silent from the worry that further words on his part would hinder his chances with this beautiful queen-in-disguise, but his adoration of her grew apparent in the way his path followed hers, his wings dipping in rhythm with hers and his body undulating with the red-obsidian form before him. Oh, she was perfection in its finest form, simple with a mystery subtly hinted in the glittering of the ebon-and-crimson hide.

R'kel! How fares everything below? the bronze thought to ask his rider, knowing that the man was not so lost in his mind that he couldn't answer a question. As much as he said that the man would be lost if not for him, he couldn't admit to any other than himself that he needed R'kel as much as R'kel needed him. The man was the one thing that kept him from getting into too much trouble with his generally proud and pompous attitude.

On the ground, R'kel watched as Narna's entire demeanor changed, going from meek and timid to confident and, dare he say sexy? And this was all in a matter of a few moments. As well as can be expected. You focus on Oristath, lad. Don't concern yourself with me, he replied as he stepped even closer to Narna, every muscle in his body begging for the young woman to touch him as she had been touching others. He felt his mind being drawn in to Amaranth's, and soon he found himself seeing dragons instead of people beside him. Browns, platinums, and even a black form were all superimposed upon the faces and bodies of their riders, and Narna was completely consumed by Oristath's glowing form. It was a beautiful sight, and one that he would likely remember for Turns to come; never before had he felt so connected to his proud bronze, and he reveled in the joy that it brought.

In the air, Amaranth was infinitely more graceful than he could ever be on the ground. He had packed on quite a bit of bulk and muscle in his Turns of life, and he enjoyed flying and swimming far more than walking on the unfeeling ground. He was truly in his element here, and he would do everything in his power to make sure the other competitors knew it. A brassy bugle erupted from his throat as he pumped his wings, gaining altitude and soon soaring a short distance above the rest of the Flight. Before anyone could wonder as to what he was doing, however, he flicked his wings close to his sides, pulling himself into a dive that brought him rather close to Oristath's side.

As he saw the red-obsidian beside him, he pulled himself out of the dive, flying in a loop back in front of the female and bugling with the joy at being in so spectacular a flight. But he had his fellow Chasers to thank, as well; if not for them, he wouldn't have been urged to perform to this caliber. Fly on, beautiful one. I will follow you until my wings, strong as they are, give out, he whispered to her, his tail daring to trail along her sparkling crimson belly as he glided beneath her for the briefest of caresses. Amaranth will not fail you, you will see.

((Again such a wonderful set of posts my ducks! Here we go round two. Who's going to stand out in front? Who's going to fall behind? Anythings possible still! And Narna and Oristath are certainly ready to make your boys work. >3D *moustache*))

N'vis had said it was amazing. That the fear was only the fear of the unknown and the only way to conquer that was to take the unknown and make it her own. She didn't know who was going to win this Flight, who was going to get the best of her, but Narna-Oristath was certain it would be at her choosing and when she wanted. There wasn't really an unknown at all, just an element of surprise. And Narna-Oristath loved surprises.

"Well boys, seems you're up for my little game. Care to raise the stakes?" Their minds were so melded in that moment that no one would be able to tell who was thinking predominantly, they spoke and moved in such graceful sinc, as if they'd been born to Fly. Narna would comment later that that of course was the way things were meant, that Oristath was a Queen of the skies just like and Ruby or Obsidian, and no one could contest that now. But for the moment she was purely consumed with her dragon and their Lust, picking the best match for their obvious might. As Oristath dove in amongst her males, causing them to flurry about to avoid collision, Narna sauntered back into the middle of her men, gesturing for them to come closer. While Oristath wanted her males as far away as possible, Narna wanted them closer. Their minds may have well been one, but their bodies were still separate, and a woman taunts her men far differently than a dragon.

Narna-Oristath smirked at her males and alternately shot skyward for the thin, gold tinged cloud cover high above, and grabbed for the front of J'nae-Citlalith's shirt, pulling him into her. "Hmmmmmmm, bold are we? I like that." Narna-Oristath said of the Platinum pair. It was the most amazing thing ever, thought that part of Narna's mind that was still separate. She heard everything in the sky and on the ground at once, and almost seemed to have her eyes superimpose the images of the dragons her queen tempted over her own eyes. It was bliss and terror, fear and safety all in one. It was invigorating, enthralling. She loved it! Her human ears heard the words of X'tair-Katanyth, and she smirked. She disentangled her taunting body from J'nae-Citlalith's warmth, and stalked over to him.

"Do you like my games love? Do you want to play them that badly?" They asked as she leaned in close, letting her body heat mingle with his, tempting him with her very presence. Just let him try and touch her, they thought as Oristath-Narna swerved down within grabbing distance of Katanyth-X'tair, tempting them with her body. She wanted them to dare it, to try and grab her. She wanted to show them she wasn't just a play thing, that this was her game, and she would win it. Even if she let a male play along and think he was best.

The sun continued its eternal trek across the sky and soon the gold tinge was on nothing but the clouds. It would be full morning soon, and with it would bring the sun to powere Oristath-Narna's Rise. She could do this forever, they would be queens of the skies for all time. They were sure.

((Oh Shards, I haven't had such a fun Flight in a LONG time ladies. This is SUCH a blast. Bring. It. On! lol. xD <3's to ya'll!))

Their lady called, they would answer. Mysaoth beat his wings, his strength making the motion easy even if he couldn't propel himself to be as fast as the black racing among them. It was no matter. If Oristath saw him the strongest and desired it, it would not matter that he couldn't out-speed Deruvianth. And if she preferred his speed, then the clutch would still have a strong father. It wasn't up to him. In the end, it all came down to her. His job was merely to prove to her that he was worthy, and she would be the judge.

He swerved from her path as she arched through her followers, turning quickly to avoid tangling with her and then turning quickly again to continue the pursuit, his head rising with her as his body hurried to catch up. And soon all were rising through the sky toward a gilded heaven floating above them, with Oristath as their goddess leading the way to paradise. Mysaoth hummed briefly in appreciation of the image conjured before him, his wings finding new strength as he felt R'nianon behind him in the Flight, for once willing. And with R'nianon, Mysaoth could do anything. Whatever Oristath chose, Mysaoth had already won.

R'nainon was indeed feeling generous with Mysaoth today. He was feeling the weight of everything that the dragon had done for him, and for his sake, he was committing to this Flight. It wasn't like Narna was Narue, and would kill him if he got too close. In fact, she welcomed him, she invited him. Still keeping to the back but inexorably drawn by the woman among them, he stepped slowly forward, seemingly as restrained as ever in normal life. A faintly ragged deep breath he took spoke differently, and so did his continued stare, the faintly hungry, faintly adoring stare that was entirely of Mysaoth's doing. His face was as cool and smooth as ever, but with an intense longing in it that never would have shown itself under an even sky.

He stopped behind the shoulders of the other men, the inherent chivalry of his own nature as well as his dragon's keeping him from moving any closer, from stealing anything of Narna's space that she would not willingly give. And, less importantly, from stealing the spotlight from any other rider. After all, he would be noticed in his due time. He trusted Oristath and Narna to take full stock of all of her riders. Until then, he could wait. His body could protest all it wanted to; he would not be moved.

"As high as you would have them raised," both dragon and rider whispered, whether they were heard or missed. She was worth the risks.