Aerten News

[Contrition]

Tehra leaned back luxuriously on the large, flat rock she'd found near the river, whose banks were buried under many more inches of water than she was comfortable with. The rider was, for once, enjoying the rain; the droplets were cool and the clouds, totally obscuring the sun, helped to keep the temperature down so that the weather did not turn muggy. Eroth lounged behind her, tail twitching occasionally; Russet and Teak were chasing silverfish in the river.

Tehra did not expect her pleasant morning to be interrupted by a shake, though. The ground shook with mild tremors and Tehra sat up, wincing at the jarring pain she had felt in her still heavily injured right shoulder. Shakily, she slid down from the rock, careful to keep her right arm in its sling stationary.

As she hit the ground, though, Eroth growled a quiet warning before the ground shook again, much harder this time. Unable to land with stability, her knees buckled and she fell, twisting her body so that she didn't land on top of her right shoulder.

Even so, an explosion of pain blinded her, and she cried out in distress as white-hot pain bubbled up from her shoulder. Shakily, Tehra attempted to stand, but was unable to see beyond a blotchy tunnel vision due to the intense, throbbing pain. Tehra gritted her teeth and attempted to plant her foot against the ground's shakes; the slippery mud of the new river banks did not give any purchase, and Tehra was sent sprawling in the mud and sliding steading toward the river. Tehra was dimly aware of lying flat on her back, of some wet stickiness on her bare arms and soaking through her clothes, but as she attempted to lift herself with her left arm, the ground lurched again and she slid into the water, moaning incoherently about the pain pushing her to the brink of consciousness.

Eroth was frantic, rising to his paws and bounding over to his rider, bugling in distress and impatiently summoning anybody within the radius to come help; he attempted to snag her with his teeth but the material of her shirt shredded upon contact. Russet and Teak returned, adding their brassy trumpets to Eroth's distressed squeals. Tehra was dimly aware of an increase in pain in her shoulder before she slipped from consciousness.

[Goat]

Jackson walked calmly around the bowl, strangely alone. Genni had refused to leave the safety of the boy's room for some reason no matter what the male did. Which was a pity as she was an excellent source of female attention. Oh well, it wasn't like he couldn't handle it on his own. It wasn't as easy, of course but that was to be expected.

The male ran a hand through his hair just as the ground began to shake beneath his feet, making him stumble and swear. What the shards was that? That couldn't have been normal or natural, could it? Jackson looked up and down the river as if searching for a clue as to the strange shaking's origin. His eyes had just alighted on a figure up river when the ground shook even harder, sending him to his knees as he anchored himself from sliding into the river.

When the shaking died, a dragon's cry rose in the air not too far away. Looking up, the male saw that the figure he'd been heading towards had slipped down into the water. Jackson pushed himself up, running towards the dragon trying and failing to save his rider. Surely he could manage to save them, right? The engorged river was a bit of an issue, but if he was careful...

Sliding down the bank, the male reached out, snagging the woman as she began to be tugged passed him, struggling to tear her free of the water's pull.

~~~

Eve grinned as she tossed the ball to Secret, watching as the flitt snatched the ball from the air and brought it back to her before zooming off again to wait for it again. The girl had just cocked back her arm and begun to throw the ball when the ground shook under her, knocking her to the ground in a heap as she looked around, her frantic mind reaching out to Aranoth, Aranoth?! Aranoth?! What was that?!

The ground... shook... the Ebony stated uneasily as she landed protectively beside her rider. The dragon's words only increased the girl's fear as she crept closer to the black beast, if Aranoth was uncertain then something must really be strange. The girl looked around nervously as suddenly the ground shook again, harder. The large dragon bugled in fear as she shifted on the ground, trying to keep her balance. Eve, on the other hand, whimpered and collapsed to the ground, fear of the unknown shaking coupled with Aranoth's less than careful steps making her nervous.

When the shaking finally stopped, the ebony settled, tossing her head before freezing, her muzzle whipping to look towards the lake. Secret also chattered and dove anxiously before heading off to the ribbon of water. Eve looked over quickly to see a panicked blue grasping at the water shortly followed by a male slipping over the bank. Fear gripped the girl's gut as she pushed herself up, scrambling towards the river as Aranoth yelled, Eve?! No! It's dangerous over there! Come back, you foolish girl!

But the rider ignored the ebony, racing towards the river where she saw the male struggling to pull a body from the water. And he was huge, she hadn't thought anyone could get that big! But the girl was a bigger issue, Eve decided quickly, slipping down the bank herself, against Aranoth's wishes, she reached out to Jackson who had managed to pull her mostly out but was struggling as to what to do next, "Pass her to me!" Eve didn't actually think she could help the male much, but maybe she could take enough weight that he could move a bit more.

Jackson looked up in surprise at the sudden helping hand that was over shadowed by a large, black dragon. Smiling gratefully, the male tugged the bluerider to where Eve could grab a hold of her too. Between them, the pair somehow managed to push Tehra onto land, unfortunately probably not in the most gentle of ways, considering her arm.

When the bluerider was up, Jackson turned his helper, looking her over with a practiced eye as he grinned, "Thanks fer yer help, tiny miss." His only reply was a shy smile before she tried to scramble up the bank, her foot slipping on a rock and making her leg rake across the rough surface before Jackson could help. Eve groaned painfully as Jackson reached out, putting a hand on her shoulder before she jerked away, her eyes wild as she looked at him. Completely confused, Jackson held out his hands like he would to a beast, palm up and open, "Whoa, whoa! Calm, tiny miss. I won' hurt ya! Jus' wanted ta see yer, scrape, s'all. An' help ya up." He smiled again at the girl, she was rather skittish... but he couldn't help but think of it as being cute.

She can't hear you, deadglow. Nor can she read your horrid speech, your mouth slurs things too much, A snarly voice hissed through his mind, making the Candidate look straight to the ebony dragon leering over them. Deaf? Oh... the poor thing. Carefully, Jackson turned back to the girl, holding out his hands again. "Come on." He spoke carefully, using his smile that had brought many girls to him. "I'll just put you on the bank, no problem."

Cautiously, with a glance at her dragon that earned her a hiss, Eve stepped closer to Jackson who cupped his hands, seeming to speak slowly and, according to Aranoth even louder than before. It was easy enough to understand. She was to step in his hands and that would act as a more secure foot hold to push her up the bank again. She quickly just as the male gestured her to do, putting her hand on his shoulder as her right foot slipped into his hold.

Jackson grinned to himself at his luck. She was young, but still a rider, and a full rider guessing from the size of her ebony, that meant she had probably had been with a man or two already. And she was rather cute, to boot. Or, her face was, the rest of her left much to be desired from what he'd seen but that didn't really matter too much after, or even during the fact. Though... he wondered to himself as he began to lift her, tilting his hands ever so slightly so that she began to fall back, as if on accident. As she flung both arms around his neck, pressing his face into her chest as one of his hands kept an almost crushing grip on her foot while the other steadied her from behind, supporting her butt.

It worked, Jackson thought smugly to himself as his hand on the girl's butt shifted, as if to help give her a push as she sprang from his arms to tumble high onto the bank. It had worked much better than he could have dreamed. His lecherous desires where only strengthened as he thought over the trick that had gained him access to appraising two of favorite points of a girl's body. Knowing perfectly well from the look of gratitude she'd given him when she landed on the banks that she hadn't even realized what he'd done and even thanked him before hurrying over to the bluerider. Maybe she wasn't as experienced as he thought she was... Oh well, if her dragon was older than the enforced refraining of sex (which he hadn't thought of how he could possibly make through) age, then it was more than time for the cute, young rider to have a tumble or two.

With a grunt and some effort, Jackson managed to haul himself up the bank as well before making it over to Tehra and Eve. The bluerider had been unconscious or close to it when they pulled her out and now that she seemed out of immediate danger, his attention turned to the more than awake female beside him as his mind worked at how to gain the skittish creature's trust. Well... Miss Blue needed to get to the infirmary... if he could simply convince one of the dragons to take her instead of him, to try and keep her arm from getting too banged up, he could probably swing it so he could even end up carrying the minorly roughed up girl, or at least ride on one of the dragons with her. A smile crept to his face at the idea. Whoever said he wasn't smart?

He looked up to the bluerider's dragon as he asked, "Shouldn' ya take her? I could carry her easy but with tha' bunged up arm..." He shook his head, unaware of Aranoth's steely gaze nearly piercing him through the back. "I don' wanna risk it. I think takin' her a dragonback would be best. And then me and tiny miss will follow. I'll be'a makin' sure she gets her leg all fixed an' clean." He spoke these last words to the ebony now, completely unphased by her glare as she snarled, And I think that it would be best if you carried the injured, bluerider. Let me worry about my own!

Jackson shrugged, turning back to Eroth as he wait expectantly. Even if this fell through, he'd have more chances. He'd just have to make them for himself. Besides, something about the way the girl and brown flitt that hovered around her worked together told him Genni would help win over the blond without much trouble.

[amrini]

But why are we going to the river if it’s already so wet out? Aldath trudged obediently along towards the river bank. The sodden ground squished under his paws, leaving imposing imprints on the ground. He held his wings close against his back to keep them from the rain. He just hated it when his wingsails got too wet. It weighed them down and slowed his movements. As he walked, Aldath craned his neck around to glanced at his rider, whom was perched between his shoulders, a little pan pipe clenched in her fingers. She hummed to herself, smiling and looking out over Aldath’s head.

“Because the water gives me inspiration for my music, Aldath.” Latora explained pleasantly. All of the water’s movements, up and down, swirling, highs and lows, gave her ideas for new stanzas and phrasing. Despite the never ending drizzle and overcast clouds, the red-haired woman was in a particularly good mood today. She’d been allowed to visit the record room and write down a new composition on one of the rare parchment papers. The ink had cooperated in perfect form and she’d not blotted any of the notes. The piece was already on its was to the Harper Hall with a runner for the Master Harper to look it over. Nothing made Latora happier than her music.

Well, you might not get the peace and quiet you want. Look there. Aldath stated matter-of-factly. Sure enough, down on the bank near Latora’s favorite place to sit and compose were several people, a woman, a girl, and a young man. But, it didn’t matter. Maybe they’d even like to hear some of her music? Then, quite unexpectedly, the rocks began to rumble under Aldath’s paws. The chains he wore around his neck and right forepaw jangled in response to the quaking. ToraMine… What is that?

Latora’s eye’s widened in surprise and her good mood shattered like brittle glass. “A quake!” She gasped, feeling the vibrations shake up through her dragon’s sturdy legs. Before she could start to panic, she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. It looked as if the woman had fallen and was in considerable pain! Aldath picked up his pace into a loping stride, wanting to help just as much as his rider. But, even before they got there, the young man was aiding the woman, as well as the girl whom had lost her footing as well. She looked rather frightened of the man and Latora wondered why. The ebonyrider slid down Aldath’s side as he stopped and crouched. “Do you need any assistance?” She asked to all three of them. "I'm a healer..."

And then another ebony swooped in and landed, bristling and hissing. Oh… If Aldath were human, we would have cringed. He knew who this was. She was so very pretty, but so very foul tempered. It was such a shame, really. Hello, Aranoth. He bobbed his head in greeting, eyes whirling an uneasy yellow. Thank Faranth the shaking had stopped! He then addressed his rider. This is Aranoth. Her bonded is Evelyn. She cannot hear, so be careful around her. A wave of understanding came back from Latora’s mind. The healer approached the small group, the flute still in her left hand, and offered a little wave. "It seems like the weyr is turning upside down today."

[Goat]

The Ebony's teeth flashed at the new arrivals in an annoyed grimace. It was Aldath. This dragon annoyed her to no end, what with his personality and strange chains. She knew nothing of the male's rider, though and she was becoming more agitated by the increasing amount of people gathering around her rider.

Jackson frowned slightly as he watched Latora approach with her dragon. He was more than glad to find himself surrounded by girls at almost any time, but right now trying to talk two girls up at once would be difficult in this situation. His eyes looked the girl over in his appraising way, she was even a bit smaller than the blond next to him, though she looked older. Her red hair caught his attention as he placed a hand on Eve's shoulder, leaning his head down, closer to her's as he nodded towards the incoming pair as an excuse to once more touch the girl.

Eve twitched at the unexpected contact from the male, quickly stifling a flicker of uncertainty lest she unintentionally anger Aranoth into driving off the male. Was it just her or did he really not understand personal space? She'd felt awkward before when he'd pushed her up the bank and she'd had to be caught by him and had even seen a smile flash across his face at the incident. She'd rationalized it before that he was merely glad she was safe, to keep herself from panicking at the thought of a repeat of Ormorith's flight. She didn't need to hear to know Aranoth hissed deeply at the girl's vague attempt to remember what'd happened as her red orbs locked onto Jackson.

Sending the dragon calming thoughts, Eve focused on Latora, her eyes watching the girl's mouth as she figured the girl's words. Before she could answer, though, she felt laughter shaking through the hand that she was slightly unnerved to find Jackson's hand had at some point crossed to her other shoulder while his side was nearly brushing hers. Her green eyes blinked as she looked up, way up, at the large male before looking at Latora again. If only he would not hang all over her, then she felt she'd like this male. After all, he'd helped that bluerider and his laugh was deep and true, she could feel it, unfortunately.

Jackson laughed at the female's words, throwing her one of his fool-proof smile, "A tiny bit of a un'erstatement o' the turn. But 'ey, ya wanna give us som' 'elp with the inju'ed girl?" The male nodded towards the bluerider again, his arm wrapped around the rather uncomfortable girl as he ignored the growlings ebony.

[amrini]

Aldath didn’t appreciate the way Aranoth looked at him: like a piece of weyrling rubbish. He shook his head, jangling the chains around his neck. She didn’t think much of his adornments either, judging by the way she eyed them with distain, but he didn’t really mind. The ebony was usually quite tolerant despite his age and vanity. I trust you and yours are well? He asked with a slight flirty purr. Even thought Aldath knew she didn’t favor him much, she was still female and he was male, meaning that he couldn’t help but treat her like the precious feminine creature she was, no matter how often she acted to the contrary. He also felt a wave of irritation from Aranoth, aimed at the humans, particularly the young man draping himsm elf over her rider. Don’t worry, my lady Latora will help. Aldath relayed the annoyance to his bonded, along with a plea for further aid beyond healing.

The annoyance quickly transferred into Latora’s mind and she found herself leering with piercing green eyes at Jackson. Why was he standing there with Eve under his arm like her owned her? She looked very uncomfortable, twitching and making uneasy expressions at his touch. “Why don’t you sit down and rest for a moment? That quake must have startled you.” Aldath sent his reassurances to Eve as Latora reached out for her hand and led her out of and away from the male’s grasp, almost protectively. The mother instinct in Latora was showing itself, a rare occurrence under normal circumstances outside of the infirmary where she cared for many with tender loving care. The shorter ebonyrider gestured to the nearest boulder and nudged Eve gently, making sure to let her see her lips as she spoke so she would understand. “Sit for a moment, please?”

Moving then to Tehra’s side, Latora gave the bluerider a once-over checkup and quickly decided that there was nothing she could do to help her out her at the river. Aldath padded to Latora’s side and crouched down before she had even said anything, he was so in tune with his rider’s thoughts. Latora turned around and beckoned for Jackson’s aid. After a few moments they had the bluerider strapped securely into Aldath’s saddle and he was up and off to the infirmary, Eroth following swiftly. The little healer might have been willing to let Eroth take his own rider, but he seemed too distressed to handle it.

While she waiting for Aldath to return, Latora seated herself on the boulder next to Eve and pick up her flute, twitting and sweet melody without saying a word to either she or Jackson. The music calmed her nerves significantly. Some healers have taken the bluerider… Aldath spoke after a short while. Latora dropped the flute from her lips and smiled. “The injured woman will be fine, now.” She told the candidate and rider. Aldath swooped in moments later and landed near Aranoth, glancing at her with green eyes. He was quite happy to have helped out, but wasn’t looking forward to another snarky comment from his female counterpart.

(Apologies for the powerplaying.)

[Goat]

None of your concern, Pretty Boy, Aranoth growled at the ebony. Normally she was rude and snarly, but lately her agitation was growing ever so slowly. And, as only Eve showed any indication of trying to put up with her to rid her of her attitude, the ebony hadn't bothered to try to rein herself in. She saw no reason to put up with other's stupidity if they were willing enough to realize she was right and not retaliate. Though the male offered help for her rider, Aranoth was still not pleased in the least. Who did he think he was, helping her rider? She could have, would have, done it herself!

Jackson frowned as Latora deftly pulled Eve from his arm. He'd felt the girl was a bit uncomfortable but that didn't mean she couldn't have learned to like it. If he were going to have his fun with her, the girl would have to get used to him touching her. Besides, it wasn't as if she'd complained or anything, the big, black dragon was, sure, but the girl wasn't. But, before he could protest, the ebonyrider had returned and was telling him to help lash the bluerider to her Ebony so the creature could take the woman to the infirmary and her blue could follow.

Eve had been surprised when Latora pulled her away from the male. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate it, but it was weird having someone who didn't cause a scene while doing similar acts around. From Aldath's waves of reassurance, she was sure Latora knew she wasn't comfortable as she was and had helped. If Aranoth had tried that the boy would have been attacked at the very least, nearly dead at worst. But, when the other ebonyrider asked her to merely sit out of the way as she and Jackson worked, Eve tried to shake her head in denial, she didn't just want to sit and do nothing! "Ah! Eh... um... Can't I..." help? She wanted to ask but the other woman had already left her behind on the rock as she went to inspect the bluerider.

Eve watched quietly as the pair managed to get the girl attached to Aldath and the ebony left. She didn't much like being told to sit and do nothing when there were things to be doing. She was enough of a burden already, it didn't seem fair that she not try to help those she could when she could. The girl watched as Latora came back to her rock and began playing her flute. Wistfully, the girl watched, almost as if staring at the player and her instrument would somehow let her hear the music too. Finally, the girl turned her head and stared at the ground instead, pushing away her thoughts in favor of nothing but Aranoth's annoyance at everything.

Eve looked up as she saw Latora's flute drop, catching the girl's words, Eve let loose a small grin. That was good. If the bluerider was getting help she would surely get better soon.

Jackson had moved to the rock as well when Aldath had left with his burden. Though the man had wanted to begin accustoming Eve to him once again, something told him that the other ebonyrider would simply drag her away again. That type of thing annoyed him but he couldn't really see a way around it as the neither girl seemed to be much in favor of moving. When Latora had begun playing her flute, Jackson closed his eyes, listening and plotting before her voice interrupted. With a bright smile at both females Jackson said, "That's great! I'm glad tha' we were close enough ta help 'er."

Aranoth's gaze flicked to Aldath for a moment as he landed near her, a sneer crossing her muzzle as she snapped, Well... At least you seem capable to do menial tasks like run injured around. I wouldn't have thought so as you seem to insist on wearing such gaudy and useless things like that. The ebony extended her neck as she spoke, indicating the male's chains before continuing in her condescending manner, Not to mention the fact that your rider seems to be a bit of a runt. And that noise she was making was simply offensive. I, for one, am glad that Evelyn didn't have to have her ears assaulted with such... noise. The dragon spat her last word like it was the most disgusting thing on Pern. As if it were responsible for everything wrong and evil, and that it's creator, this time being Latora, was no better.

[amrini]

No need to be rude… Aldath bristled at the nickname that Aranoth viciously branded him with, acidic voice pricking his mind. Of course I have a right to be concerned. His eyes began a slow change from blue to scarlet as the female continued to insult him. Latora was concerned for your Eve, so I was as well. It’s only natural. He attempted to defend himself with words, but Aranoth just kept battering at his patience. If you call caring for someone a menial task, then yes, I am capable of doing such things. Aldath met the other ebony’s leer with a redden glare of his own, beginning to hiss and claw at the ground in growing frustration.

He’d never met a dragon that seemed to hate him so very much, especially when he was acting so nice and polite. Some were put off his confidence, which they called arrogance, but he’d never experienced being loathed before. It certainly wasn’t pleasant. Aldath let his gaze rake over Aranoth’s form, thinking he could take her in a fight if he wanted to. She was older, but he was almost full grown and large for his age anyway. He vaguely considered taking a swipe at her smug muzzle, but put the notion aside in favor of growling angrily at her next volley of insults. He wouldn’t let her provoke him into violence so easily. These were a gift from Latora’s brother! He crafted them himself to match my bronze marks... Aldath sniffed indignantly and flared his wings out, arching his neck aggressively and shook his head to rattle the chains. Surely she wasn’t going to start taking hits at the ones her loved, was she?

Aldath’s eyes seemed to glow with fury as Aranoth moved on to shooing insults at HIS rider. That was simply going much too far! The vain ebony had been willing to put up with her pointed remarks only because she was a pretty female, but no amount of self control would keep him from snapping when she insulted Latora! Silence! Aldath snarled loudly, crouching low to the ground and coiling up like a snake about to make a kill. As he launched himself, he loosed a roar that sent ripples across the moving river. Lotora leaped up in horror and whirled around just in time to see her dragon catch his felt foreclaw over Aranoth’s neck and drag her to the ground with him, shrieking furiously. He pressed his claw just behind her headknobs, the chains she seemed to hait dangling on her own skin, and applied pressure that would have made any weaker dragon squeal aloud for mercy. “Aldath! What are you doing?!” Latora gasped, eyes wide in surprise. She’d never seen him do anything of the sort!

The ebony ignored his rider in his savage fury, instead slamming his other claw and foreleg down over Aranoth’s shoulders and wings, a guttural rumbling issuing from his throat all the while. Before she could squirm out from under him like an eel out of the jaws of a predator, Aldath maneuvered his back half over hers, pinning her strong legs and tail down with his own in a completely dominant stance. Why do you say such things?! He narrowed his eyes, hissing with rage, and lowered his head down next to Aranoth’s. You have NO right to insult MY Lotora or me! I’ve none nothing but been pleasant to you since we met, and Latora has only been aiding your rider. He shot her an image of Jackson and his wandering hands to prove his point. I kindly suggest that you keep your thoughts to yourself if you have nothing good to say. You're a disgrace to our species when you act like that! Aldath huffed hot air across Aaranoth’s snout and ground his talons roughly into her base of her neck, still glaring and hissing fiercely.

[Goat]

Aranoth bugled in surprise as Aldath snapped under her words. Before she knew what was happening, the other ebony had forced her head to the ground and was holding it there as the rest of her tried violently to squirm free. Before she could squirm more than a few moments, Aldath's other foreleg applied pressure between her wings. In the next moment he was completely on top of her, even breathing was almost painful with his full weight upon her. The dragon lay stunned as Aldath scolded her, this was... new. She'd had dragons argue with her over her words before but actually being physically attacked was new. Not to mention the fact she was being held in such a subjected position while the other dragon tore into her with his words, Get off me!

Eve felt a strange emotion coming from Aranoth a moment before she saw Latora turn and look behind them, in surprise. Quickly, the blond looked too, terrified at the sight that met her. Aranoth was completely pinned by the younger ebony, both pairs of red orbs were glaring at each other as she felt a stab of pain streak across her link to the ebony as she stared. In a flash she was up, running towards the two dragons as she heard Aranoth's retaliation, I say them because that's the way things are! And simply because you do something nice for me or mine does NOT mean that I have to be kind to you! That may be the way your little world works in your head but wake up! Not everything is 'fair'. And the only disgrace I see here is YOU!

Eve finally reached the pair as Aranoth slowed in her words for a moment, cutting off her dragon before she could begin again by stepping in front of Aldath's muzzle and placing her her hands against the hide of his snout as she called out, "Stop!" She reinforced the thought to Aranoth with her mind, willing the dragon to keep silent as she hurried on, her voice shaking slightly as she dropped her head in a sort of bow, keeping her hands in place, "Please stop! You are hurting her! I know she probably did something or said something that made you angry, but please!" The girl's words hissed to a stop, it hurt to try and talk so loud, between her words and her fear her throat was beginning to hurt. She coughed once, trying to clear her throat before looking up, her eyes worried as she glanced between the two dragons, "I am sorry for whatever she did wrong! I will take respo-respoons," The girl frowned, the word was confusing her tongue too much to force out! Taking a deep breath she tried again, "Rh-es-pon-seb-ility for what she did. It's my fault for not having found a way to teach her better!"

Aranoth growled as she listened to Eve speak, trying to get her out of trouble by offering herself as a sort of scape goat for the dragon. Taking the blame for her attitude and words like she always did. The ebony felt herself get more annoyed as she glared at Aldath, Yeah... pick on the child, brute.

Jackson had watched as the dragons began to argue. For a strange and quite accurate reason, the male found that staying probably wasn't in his best interest. Two dragons of equal anger and size (more or less) trying to get into a fight couldn't be safe in the least. He'd stayed long enough to watch as the male ebony kept his female counterpart pinned, watching as Eve ran to try and stop what was happening. Well, he sure wasn't going to get the girl now, but at least he'd been able to make her aware of him. There would always be another chance, though he'd have to be careful about that dragon of her's. Quickly, the male slipped away. There was no way he'd willingly allow himself to be caught up in this.

[amrini]

Your idiotic, spiteful squawking does NOT merit any sort of rational response from anyone. Aldath snorted and jabbed Aranoth's cheekbone with his snout, mostly ignoring her words since they were all the same brand of mean spirited drabble as before. His blinding rage was making him deaf as well. YOU are the only one who believes the nonsensical babble you spout. Still growling ferally at the female ebony, Aldath almost didn’t even feel it when two hands gently slid over his muzzle.

It took him a moment to realize it, but when he did look up at Eve, he immediately began to calm. She reminded him of a small woodland creature, timid and pleading, and she melted his temper almost completely. Almost. Of course I wouldn’t hurt the girl. She is so much more pleasant than you. In fact, you dishonor her in so many uncountable ways… She deserves none of your shame. He snarled again, snapping his tail in the air.

But Aldath still didn’t move from his place until he saw Latora. She’d recovered from her initial shock and was now as angry as he had been moments before. Aldath attempted to keep himself from cringing as she stalked over and tapped Eve on the shoulder. “Please pardon me.” She murmured calmly and moved past her, saving the coming explosion just for her dragon alone. My lady, you must understand- SMACK! Aldath’s eyes were instantly drained of their crimson hue and flashed with the white of pain and misery instead, then quickly transitioned back to a wary yellow.

She was displeased with him! He had made his bonded angry! Oh, great Faranth, such a tragedy. His muzzle stung terribly where Latora had struck him. “Get off.” Was all she said, glaring fiercely, and then turned around to collect her flute off the boulder. “I’m so sorry about this. Don’t mind him, the big brute.” Latora was quickly back next to Evelyn and apologizing, smiling sweetly. Her anger was strictly for Aldath and she would not intentionally inflict it on others.

Be careful in the future. You may be older than I, but you’re no wiser than a hatchling. Remember that. Aldath sniffed and roughly shoved Aranoth as he reluctantly let her up and backed off, circling around to stand behind his rider. My lady Latora, I am sorry. He ducked his head down and nudged her back, crooning softly in guilt, then curled up to wait for more ranting. Still his only guilt was over displeasing his rider, not in scolding Aranoth. She deserved it!

I’ll deal with you later. Latora replied acidly, still facing Eve. “I’m sorry we had to meet under such foul circumstances.” She absently glanced across the bowl at the infirmary entrance; it looked as if it had caved in. That was no good at all! “But I have to go help the other healers.” The older ebonyrider smiled and gestured in the direction of the infirmary, making sure to speak clearly so Evelyn could read her lips. “Perhaps I will see you soon? I want a chance to prove that I’m not as much of an imbecile as my dragon is.” Latora really did like the girl and hoped Aldath hadn’t ruined all chances of making friends.

[Goat]

Aranoth growled low in her throat, or as best as she could given that it felt like Aldath was crushing her her. What did he know? He was one of the idiots, which, honestly, included everyone but herself and occasionally Eve but even she was a continuous toss up, the dragon felt she always had to push to come up with the simplest of thoughts. He actually had the gall to scold her. Though, Aranoth admitted reluctantly to herself somewhere deep in her mind, it was new, the way Aldath had reacted left her almost, dare she say it, impressed by him. Not that she'd ever let him know that.

Eve listened to the male's words through her own dragon as he spoke of her. A pink flush spread across her face as she slowly dropped her hands, murmur ring, "But she doesn't..." The girl realised she couldn't finish the denial, she was feeling the shame for her dragon right now. Before she could think any longer, a tap on her shoulder brought her from her thoughts with a jump, mentally and physically. The girl stepped back, even without seeing Latora's words, there was something about the way she held herself bespoke of something similar to Aranoth... only maybe with a purpose.

Eve flinched and looked away as Latora smacked the ebony. She knew the hit itself wouldn't hurt the dragon terribly, but she didn't doubt the anger had done nothing to the male. The girl was slightly unnerved when the other rider approached her again, smiling sweetly as if nothing had happened. She blinked, trying to recover herself at the sudden change of pace from the girl. Her eyes widened slightly as she shook her head, raising her hands at the same time, as if trying to block her words, "No! Aranoth started it. I am sorry."

Aranoth merely hissed as Aldath got off her with a shove, surging to her own feet before backing away to crouch behind Eve, for all of Pern looking like the overly large shadow of a beast that was ready to attack. You are no wiser than a rock. Remember that! the ebony snarled back at the male from her safe place. He might think she was trying to hide behind her rider, positioned as she was, but at least she wasn't the one cowering before a human.

Eve had tensed slightly when Aranoth had taken up a position behind her, forcing herself to keep track of her constantly through their bond. This wasn't the best time or place to have the ebony out of her sight. She watched as Latora spoke again, gesturing towards the infirmary. The girl blinked, she'd nearly forgotten about the earthquake in light of Aranoth's fight. Shaking her head again, Eve looked back to the other ebonyrider, "Go! I am sorry we have caused you trouble." The blond grinned gesturing ever so slightly towards her own dragon, "And I would be glad to see you again! Though only if I get to prove the same." The girl's smile stayed, though the rest of her face turned almost regretful as she realized her words when a dark rumble echoed through the dragon, both through their bond and aloud. The girl rubbed the back of her head as she let her smile fade to an embarrassed grin, "Ah... oops... Probably shouldn't have said that."

You think?