MAIDEN FLIGHT! (All Telgar Bronzes of age!)

[kayla]

Neory had felt antsy all morning. She had had a meeting with Elisha, which had ended early when Elisha dismissed her, telling her to go spend time with Sheluth, an amused twinkle in her eye that Neory did not fully understand. All she did understand was that her own skin felt restrictive and for some reason the littlest things were irritating her, causing the normally even tempered and pleasant Gold Rider to snap at people. She did not understand why most people grinned when she did that, which only infuriated her more! Taking Elisha's advice, she had retreated to wash the positively glowing young Gold.

She didn't understand what had been going on until she felt a surge from Sheluth, shortly after she finishied cleaning her, and the QUeen Dragon flew suddenly to the feeding pens.

For a moment, the young woman was overwhelmed by the feelings, but it was only a second, and not long enough to have caused Sheluth to fail, before she was running and commanding her partner, BLOOD ONLY! Sheluth, just blood the beast.

Sheluth did not respond with words, but Neory felt her own will clash against hers. She held fast, firmly ordering, and just barely controlling the beautiful dragon, just barely keeping her from eating the meat of the runners she killed.

Blood only, Sheluth, or the flight will suffer. Last one. Blood... blood only, so our flight will be marvelous...

With each beast that Sheluth blooded, Neory felt her own blood heat, until with the last one it felt as if it would boil out of her body. Neory was no virgin, though she'd been chaste for the last two-turns, but never had she experienced such raw desire as she now did, feeling the heat from her dragon.

Dropping the third fully blooded Runner Beast, Sheluth trumpeted her challenge to the Bronzes of the Weyr. I Rise! Who will chase me? Who will be worthy of my first flight?!

Neory, who had once dreaded this moment, fond herself excited, more than ready for what the next bit would bring, laughed at her Dragon's challenge, a laugh that, in its own way, issued a similar challenge to all those who rode Bronze.

[jerith]

J'ren was cleaning his riding gear, absentmindly, not really focused on what he was doing. Something was in the air, like a storm about to break. He'd seen it in some of the riders, and dragons. Even Gliath hadn't been his usual chatty self when he had been attended to earlier.

And then there it was, like he had suddenly be engulfed in dragon's fire. He looked around, something wasn't right.

Gliath, what is it, what's wrong?
J'ren waited for an answer as he stomped his feet into his boots and started down the stairs. He kept getting mixed emotions, and urges, but no words, nothing was clear.

He was crossing through the Weyr Hall when he finally heard
Bronzes must rise, out Golden Queen calls! Honor the Queen and rise! Fly high, fly fast! I want to chase the Queen. Honor the Queen!

Sheluth was rising? Sheluth is rising! Neory....
J'ren doubled his efforts and ran for the bowl. He made it just in time to see Sheluth throwing up a great cloud and rising to the sky. We are worthy, because she calls usWe will rise because we are worthy

Gliath leaped and began to fly upwards after Sheluth.

[brimstone81]

Oh, Oberonth was no virgin, either, and he, like many bronzes knew when the gold was going to rise. He had been prowling around the feeding grounds for a while, and when he was sure she was coming, he blooded. L'sander had realized too late that Oberonth had kept to himself the past couple of days, and what that had meant. L'sander was busy, and on his mind he had thrown around the idea of being gone for the flight. He wasn't sure he wanted Oberonth to fly after Sheluth. When the gold was shelled and bonded, he had made an oath never to catch her. But that was two turns ago, and he now accepted Renalda's death. Still, he hadn't decided so Oberonth decided for him. And the bronze was determined to give chase.

The good bronze lifted his bloody mouth to bugle his answer to her challenge, Long I have waited, beautiful one! Oberonth shall give mighty chase in hopes you find us worthy! His molten bronze wings flared to their greatest length, and he bounded into the air. Why? Why Oberonth do you do this to me? Oberonth answered His with out humor, Landcrawler, do not bug me now. I am honoring our young queen, you just stand there. I do the work. No more from you. That was that.

L'sander made his way to the others. Of course this was not his first flight, though perhaps it was the first gold flight Oberonth was serious about. They had won greens before, but golds were a whole 'nother level of flight. Were they up to it? Of course I am up to it! I was made to fly golds! Oberonth answered to His haughtily. The bronzerider smiled a little nervously to Neory, who seemed gleeful, actually. Well, here goes. . .

[hrsegrl]

(I'm PNPCing M'krean, current Wingleader for Triveni, bio will be up in the next few days)

M'krean stood on the Feeding Grounds, watching his Bronze beast blood his kill. With a hand massaging his chin, as per habit, he considered the possibilities of today. One, Adeloth was going to rise, unlikely. Two, Sheluth was going to rise, quite possible. The Wingleader of Triveni had only taken his position a month ago and already he felt the weight of the job on his young shoulders. He would agree with the older men of the Weyr if they were to say he was too young.

However, he would take the job seriously and do his best to adhere to the ballads as far as running his Wing was concerned. He would listen to the more experienced, even if lesser ranked, riders. He took his hand off of his chin, as if he had only just realized it was there. The average man, looked down as he percieved that other dragons were beginning to blood, like his own.

There could be no mistaking the sight of the Gold when she came to feed. His own Bronze, having blooded two beasts, moved off the Grounds so that the Queen could have free range. It was Sheluth who now blooded her kill for the first time. There was no doubt or question in their minds. They would chase. That was not only their duty but a pleasure. M'krean felt his lips curl upward in an almost laughing smile. This was shaping up to be a good day after all.

Fadreith stood next to his, watching the young Gold in anticipation. The dragon's eyes swirled purple with lust as he waited. You are the best in the Weyr. You can catch her. I know you can.
If she will let me. The Bronze was very clear on the workings of Queens. If the Gold didn't want him, he would not win her. He had to prove himself worthy during this flight for he had had little time to woo the young Queen.

The challenge was heard and answered without a moment's hesitation. I will chase. Fly high and fast for I would prove to you how worthy I am. Fadreith was the charming sort, quick with words but not necessarily the most impressive to look upon. He was still a dragon of good proportions and coloring but he wasn't the biggest or strongest of them in this company.

[thedreamerlady]

R'net's meeting with Elisha had not been going well. He kept getting little sprinkles of glee from his dragon, and it was distracting him from talking to Elisha. Second, he felt like he was coming down with a cold. Third, he was nearly the same age as the Weyrwoman, and it made him feel uncomfortable. Fourth, he hadn't seen Neory, and knew that he shouldn't see her, considering he was well on his way to becoming an old man. Fifth, he kept thinking about Neory instead of the meeting.

Dashed annoying, that. Then. Then Torenth sprung the surprise on his poor Rider.

Sheluth Rises. I chase! Fly with me 'Ridermine. And R'net, understanding quite well that he had only a few minutes before ending up useless, and caught in his Dragon's mind, had sprung off to find the Flight Room that this maiden flight would be taking place. At all times thinking dire thoughts about the stupidity of his stupid bronze.

And he hadn't even explained himself to Elisha, which she probably understood, but still!

And then he had found Neory, and she looked more beautiful than she had ever, and he was well aware that he didn't, and that he needed to not be flying in poor Neory's maiden Flight, and that he wasn't suppose to be spending this much time in the Present- then. With an inaudible pop, he was inside of Torenth's mind, was Torenth, they were one.

Beautiful Queen of our hearts, they called, loud and strong, We chase! We, who are more worthy of you than all others, we who chase, and fly and love!

Torenth finished sucking the blood out of his beast's. The Bronze Dragon/Rider hunched in anticipation, ready to spring as soon as Sheluth did. Ready, and waiting, eyes whirring purple set in a(well, rather dull) bronze back drop.

[kayla]

((OOC: going to go ahead and reply, but if there are other Bronzes interested, feel free to go ahead and join!))

Seeing the Bronzes around her, Sheluth trumpeted her challenge once more and then leaped into the air. Determined that whoever caught her this first time would have to work extra hard, would have to prove that he was indeed the right choice, for them and for the Weyr. She climbed high before she began leveling off and flying quickly towards the South.

Who can keep up with me?!

Neory had not noticed when she merged with her dragon. Nor did it matter. She saw the men who had gathered around her, and saw them as their dragons. She smiled teasingly to them, measuring them up as she did so. Curious as to who would win her, but for now, wanting to enjoy the chase.

And then she turned and ran, like their dragons, the men would have to chase her. As she ran, her laughter rang out in the weyrbowl, filled with pleasure and joy.

[jerith]

J'ren felt his mind merged with his dragon's and watched as Sheluth rose from the ground and took off into the sky headed south.
What are you waiting for Glaith, she calls!
Gliath bugled and leapt up, using his size to his advantage to shorten the distance between himself and the queen and get ahead of the other bronzes
The queen calls, we must chase. We must prove our worthiness and fly fast. And you must chase also, her rider is escaping

J'ren brought himslef back to the real world and there she was, Neory already on her way running across the bowl. With a grin J'ren took off after her, grateful for the running he had done the last several weeks.
She calls, and we answer. We show our worth and fly fast

[thedreamerlady]

R'net/Torenth were older, cannier dragonriders. With few Rider's Between times, they'd participated and won many more Greenflights over the past few years. And it had helped their technique, though they were used to a different type of flying.

Both were aware of their limitations: they suffered from Timing It complications, and desired to use their energy sparingly. Thus, even as they sprung up after the Glowing Gold, they eyed who the strongest contenders were, and deciding on one, they tailed the Bronze, using him to cut through the air, and sparing themselves the drag on their energy levels.

They were still in the top six of the Flight, but were using less energy than the Queen, and the majority of the Bronzes.

Oh Sheluth. The pair crooned. Do you doubt we could follow you to the ends of the world?

They continued to keep behind their chosen aerodynamic wind break, but also continued with a barrage of words that R'net would probably make Torenth regret when they went back to being two separate personalities.

Have we not followed you forever before? Have we not been yours, chasing you since forever? Have we not been worthy before? The tone dipped, turned into seduction.

Will you not choose us again?

[brimstone81]

Oberonth, too, knew from experience that flying for greens was a much different game than flying for queens. Had he not caught Seryth a few times before? Of course, he has as much experience as the others in queens, since few if any of them had ever caught Adeloth or Beynath. The bronze concentrated on Sheluth before him. Mightily he pumped his wings, feeling the air get a little thinner with each breath as he had gone up after her. South, they were headed south, but rarely did a flight remain in one direction. He would have to be prepared for the queen was sure to try her bagful of tricks.

We shall fly higher if you demand us. We shall fly faster if you bid us to. We shall fly into the light of sun if that is your desire. Sweet queen, oh! that you should know we are your devoted! You are being too fair if all you ask is to just keep up! And we will, beautious ones! Oberonth crooned out softly and tenderly. He was certainly not going to be left with out a word! Oberonth was a contender, a determined one at that. Just because perhaps His and Hers didn't have the romantic chemistry, that didn't make Oberonth want Sheluth any less. And he was willing, no hell bent on prooving he could do it.

L'sander fought Oberonth for control, but knew he'd never win, especially not in this flight. Their minds merged, probably around the same time as the rest. The last thing he rememered himself was seeing Neory giggling and him gleefully chasing after her. Then it was in the control of Oberonth.

And Oberonth was determined to do this flight himself. He might have wasted more energy than he should have, but he wasn't going to be prudent in this flight. All was out on the table, and maybe it wasn't the preferred strategy, but that was Oberonth, all or nothing. He worked hard, and paid for it. Oberonth was going to give his all. He crooned softly, The sun does not compare to you, fair Sheluth. My queen, you are radiant, and deserving of every glory one gives the stars!

[hrsegrl]

M'krean was not as familiar as some of the other Bronze riders with Neory. Sure, she seemed like a nice enough person. Because of this and because it was her maiden flight, he would not be too dissapointed about losing. However, like anyone in a competition, he didn't much like losing. Besides just because he didn't know her yet, didn't mean he couldn't get to know her later on.

Women were not his strong point. Most of the women he had been with in his time at the Weyr had made their feelings known to him first. He looked at the other men briefly, as if to see who he was up against. M'krean knew them all by name but he couldn't say he knew anything about them other than that, their wing and their dragon's names. Again, something he could learn at a later date.

His head was sort of off in the clouds, which could be taken literally, seeing as his dragon was chasing Sheluth. When Neory began to run, he realized this was going to be a little different than the other flights he had been in. The man jogged after the Goldrider but made no move to pass any of the men in front of him, nor did he lag too far behind the leaders. He wanted a chance at least, to get noticed, as did Fadrieth.

The dragon couldn't really come up with words any better than his competitors. It was customary to compliment the Queen during flight but he found himself a little tongue tied. He had no choice but to show her that he could keep up with her rather than boast how he could and would, while uttering sweet nothings that he probably wouldn't remember saying. Fadrieth therefore followed the Gold where she flew, in the hopes that the flight would not simply be based on flattery.

[kayla]

Pretty words! But I wonder which of you can actually keep up with me? The words did impress her, but they would not be enough to win her. She banked sharply to the right, not so much that she flew into any of the Bronzes or gave them the advantage, just changing the pattern some. Whoever got her, had to not only keep up with her, but also had to be able to adjust to whatever she did in the air.

On the ground, Neory stopped running, feeling her own dragon's pleasure at the flirtations, and deciding to play with the men, just a little bit. She bounced away a bit, making sure that if any of them had not stopped in time, they would not touch her - not until she wanted them to. She turned to look at them, studying each of the contenders, noting the one's who stood out to her, the same ones who had impressed her lovely gold.

If any of them reached for her while she stood there, she'd gracefully back out of their reach, her eyes twinkling as she played with them.

[jerith]

Gliath felt the shift of the air as Sheluth made her sharp turn and he rolled and stayed after her. We are a pale imatation to you, the golden sunlight that races across the open ground at dawn. Favor us bright star with your light, let us sun ourselves in it just alittle more. We have longed for it like a man confined in darkness

J'ren realized that Gliath had been taking notes on some of the reading he had been doing. He slowed and came up just a few feet from Neory. She seemed ready to run again if anyone got too close. He did the best he could to control his breathing and focus on being ready to follow her if she started.

[thedreamerlady]

The bronze Torenth had been tailing fell out of the race, having banked too steeply and expending too much energy to stay in the race. With a sigh that was only shown on the human partner's face, Torenth went into flying his own way through the clouds. He moved closer to Sheluth, but not so close that he wouldn't be able to watch her moves closely.

When it came to the human side, however, R'net expended almost no energy at all, merely gazing abstractedly at a human female who seemed to glow Gold. It was not an experience that made much sense, but it was how he felt. When he started to reach out to her, he suddenly dropped his own hand, as though realizing what a foolish move that would be.

Not pretty words! Not pretty fakes! Truth, solid words. We follow you, and never lose you. Had the words not been frosted with sweetness, they might have had a touch of a bite to them.

Don't disbelieve us. Choose us. The tinge of pleading was very evident, no matter how strong the voice remained.

[brimstone81]

Oberonth growled deeply in his throat, he didn't like the way this flight was going. Of course, as queen you deserve the best in every way. rumbled from the bronze, though more soft than malicious. He was a competitor, competing, and if the others said they weren't doing the same, they were lying. Maybe L'sander was getting to him, maybe Oberonth wasn't fit for flying golds. One look at Sheluth before him and he knew that was false. Bronzes were made for golds. A green couldn't satisfy the way a gold could. Oberonth would be chasing queens until the end of his days, and he'd have to fight to keep a fickle gold's attentions.

He strained his wings trying to keep up. He may have been a little disheartened, but he would compete until he could no longer. They were all being controlled by lust, and so words would soon be forgotten. Oberonth focused on long, steady strokes of his wings, working like an oarsman to pull his great girth through the air towards the golden beauty. He made a sharp turn, moving his body till he was on his side and then righted himself, to make the turn smoother. Oberonth was determined now not to say anything. He would not beg or flatter. Now if he was going to prove himself, it was by physical prowess, and nothing more.

On the ground, L'sander was blinded by lust, as you can imagine. The bronzerider halted when Neory halted, not wanting to out run her, and his eyes oogled her in a lovestruck way. He could not bring himself to touch her, but oh how he wanted to. It took all his might to stand there, unmoving, until she brought their little conga line to an end. Of course, if she decided that she was bounding off again, he would be obligated to chase her like a lovesick hound.

[kayla]

((Moving forward, no worries if you missed that round!))

Sheluth was aware of the fact that some of the contenders were falling out of the running, and this was a fact that pleased her. Only the most worthy would be allowed to catch her. Feeling slightly devious, the God dragon did some acrobatics in the air, doing a loop in the air, but rather than using it to turn 180 and put her directly above her her pursuers, she angled it so that she came out having made a rather sharp left turn.

When she came out of the flip, she climbed a bit, knowing that she could have cost herself some advantage with that bit of a show, though she quite enjoyed it.

Neory started flitting among the men who remained, though shying away from any touch just yet, not wanting to let any of them think that they've caught her. Not just yet.