He had a bad feeling about Threadfall, and the conditions the Wings would be flying into were going to be rough. Injury to rider and dragon was all but guaranteed, and death--well, death was highly likely for the Wings. He hoped upon hope that perhaps the Weyr would make it out without anyone losing life, but the man had learned to prepare for the worst--and with Threadfall, there was always some sort of risk. Today it would doubly so with bad conditions and harsh winds.
But together we will risk it all, and save thousands in the process. Minoth spoke quietly, solemnly.
It was true. Every sacrifice made in Thread was not in vain, hard medicine that it might be. Though the Weyr grieved and mourned, the Holds might rejoice for countless numbers were saved. All the men, women, and children who could not defend against Thread; who could not survive if the silver rain destroyed the land. No, life was a rider was full of risk, but it was a sacrifice for the betterment of Pern. "They're all heroes, the lot of 'em." He only hoped they knew it.
Quite suddenly, Minoth turned his head, immediately offering a thrum of pleasure. His eyes brightened from the duller grey-white-yellow to a happier purple-blue, though the yellow edges never truly dissipated. K'tos didn't even have to look over his shoulder to know who that greeting was for--but he did move a bit more out of the way. Sure enough, the brown dragon reached out so he might butt his head against the other, rubbing his cheek fondly against Marasameth, exuding a spike of love and protectiveness for the other. Beloved Marasameth, I shall heed your words, and fly with caution. The winds indeed shall be as much an enemy as the Thread, but we shall fight with great care. Be safe when it is your time to aid the battle, for the world would be most empty without you and Yours in it. Fly strong, beautiful one, and may we both return unscathed.
K'tos, for his part, had hoped G'ar might approach but understood if the shy man kept away. Their relationship was a quiet one, but one that the brownrider cherished. He did not mind the slow pursuit, did not mind the time it took to get to where they were. Every day that the blue rider accepted his presence and his time was a day K'tos coveted... But he was not the sort of man to push or rush. He was not the sort of man to fall in love easy, but he was in love, and he would turn the World inside out if the other rider wished it.
He worried for him, as much as he worried for Minoth. He wasn't just another rider, he was... He was special, he was important, and Minoth wasn't incorrect in his assessment. K'tos had thought about it the night prior, when sleep alluded him, knowing well the battle that would come. If the worst happened, if G'ar and Marasameth didn't return... What pain would grip him; what grief would consume him. He had once thought his life complete with Minoth, and it was true; but having G'ar there was a different sort of love; a love that complimented the fullness of his hearts in a way he'd never really expected.
When G'ar pulled him into an embrace, K'tos only too willingly wrapped his arms about the other, and held him long and hard. He shut his eyes, trying to remember the feel of the other, trying to memorize his touch and scent. This could well be the last time he ever got to hold him, or touch him, or kiss him. "Clear skies up there," he murmured before pressing a kiss against the others hair. While it might have been ironic given Threadfall would be anything but, it housed an unspoken plea for G'ar to return safe and sound. He wanted them both to make it out alive... Only time would tell if they would.
Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2019 11:58 am
Queen's Wing Elysia of gold Sheyoth HP: 45 Status Effect: XP: Target Accuracy: 5 Flame Length: 4 General Stamina: 7 General Agility: 4 Between Accuracy: 5 Pain Resilience: 4 Instinct: 4 Luck: 4
The young woman sat nervously atop her queen. She nibbled at her lower lip, large eyes looking out over the Bowl as the riders assembled. Sheyoth shifted beneath her, anxious to be up in the sky, battling the enemy that threatened their home and their people. "Easy, love," she spoke softly, leaning down to caress the pale hide beneath her fingers. Too soon they'd be up there, facing the horror. Too soon they'd be up there, watching friends and loved ones get wounded, hurt, or even die.
Elysia hated it.
The young woman, for she was quite young, loathed that Threadfall returned. She had never signed up for this sort of life, had never asked to face down this sort of enemy, and yet... Here she was. Expected to lead a Weyr and face down the same threat sevenday after sevenday. While the woman would never give up Sheyoth or Impression, that didn't mean she couldn't hate that a world of suffering had now returned to Pern.
This was their future... For now until the Pass ended, but even then, the blonde had doubt. What was legend and what was truth? Honestly, the battle was so early on in the Pass that many would spend their entire lives fighting it, and would never see another Turn without the silver rain. The thought was distressing, angering, and it was exactly what Elysia needed to push through all the fear that gripped her otherwise.
Fear of pain, fear of death, fear of losing Sheyoth, and other friends. Instead of focusing on that, she would instead focus on anger, and the injustice. Why should Thread haunt them so? Why should it win? No... No, today the great Enemy would once again face the Pernese and their dragons; and today, today they would win.
- - -
Star Flame Wing J'cheyn of green Savaceth // Second Wave HP: 19 Status Effect: XP: Target Accuracy: 4 Flame Length: 4 General Stamina: 4 General Agility: 7 Between Accuracy: 5 Pain Resilience: 4 Instinct: 4 Luck: 5
They weren't going up until second wave ,so had a few hours to spare. That said, he would be spending them in the Bowl, just in case they were needed sooner. Rumors were that it would be rough and ugly up there... The man felt his throat tighten, felt himself clench at green's straps. Too soon, they would need to be up there, too soon, they would be flaming down the enemy that caused him so much pain and grief.
T'lis... Mnith...
The first of many losses. The beginning of a downward spiral that he'd never quite managed to pull himself out of, even after all these Turns. He missed them dearly, though he knew they were now safely beyond pain. They were with their little boy, who had been so confused when Papa hadn't returned home; and who had slipped away after illness swept through the Weyr.
We fight for them. Gone but not forgotten. Savaceth softly spoke, craning her head so she might gently press her snout against Hers' cheek. She blew a breath of cool air against him, trying to redirect his thoughts. Not, of course, because she did not wish her rider to be so pained; but because too soon they would be up there, facing Pern's greatest terror and threat. Don't think of what we've lost, Mine. Remember what we're saving. They may have gone through tragedy, as many had, but they were sparing so many from a similar fate.
J'cheyn gave a small nod, leaning against the emerald green hide, but remained silent. All they could do now was... wait.
Uta Captain
Shy Mage
Offline
Uta Captain
Shy Mage
Offline
Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2019 12:20 pm
R'mor of bronze Junenth
"Today is the day you and Yours will risk life and limb or Pern. Today is the day you will rise up and face the Enemy, though you might be scared, though you might be angry, though you might resent your place. I applaud you all. Each and every one of you is needed this day; whether you're a rider facing Thread, a Healer saving the injured, a Lower Cavern's worker preparing food for our next meal, or a Candidate waiting to find theirs and fill out future Wings. The Weyr cannot survive without each and every one of you, and Pern cannot survive without the Weyrs.
"Dragonmen must fly when Threads are in the sky... and today, the sky will be full of them. Fly safe, friends, and be aware of what's around you. This is going to be a hard battle, but you have chosen to face it. Some of you never needed to return to Western when Thread returned; some of you never thought that you would be risking everything for a stranger. But here you sit, choosing to be a rider; choosing to fight with us, for us, and others. We need each of you, from the smallest white, to the largest Queen, and we need you to give your damnedest during this fight!
"Winds will be rough. Riders, make sure you're connecting with your Seconds and Leaders. Whites, make sure you're staying at low altitudes, or assisting the Queen's Wing. If your dragon is injured, tend to them; don't push yourself out of pride, or fear of shame; we need each and every one of you to survive, so Pern might survive. And those of you who may give up your life, we will always remember; we will never forget. The Holds might never know your name, but we do, and we won't let you fall in vain. You give Pern another day, and life another chance.
"Wingriders...Wingseconds...Wingleaders... Mount up, for now is the time we fight!"
It didn't take long for the wings to assemble. As soon as the Wingleaders notified Junenth that they were ready, he lifted his arm, and gave the signal to fly. With a massive trumpet, Junenth lifted off, with two full Flights of dragons following close behind. Dragons trumpted and bugled, bellowed and roared, and their wings kicked up dust and dirt; bronze, brown, blue, green, white, and gold all shimmered in the morning's sunshine. It might have been beautiful to see, if ichor and blood wasn't so close to their future.
Higher and higher they flew, each dragon given coordinates. Then, in a blink of an eye, they were gone, and an uneasy silence was all that remained in the Bowl.
- - - -
First Hour, Round One Begins! High Altitude: Flame's Fury Mid Altitude: Star Flame Low Altitude: Fire Storm
Y'all can post up to 5 times in the next 24-hours for round one! Round two will begin Sunday June 2 @ 12:20pm PT and won't be announced. :3
We WILL announce when Second Hour begins and wing positions change! First Wave dragons are up.
If you have a dragon who is not yet approved, or is still a WIP, don't worry. You can jump in anytime once they are, you just will start out later. :3 Have fun! Good luck! Clear Skies!
sariraii rolled 1 10-sided dice:
1Total: 1 (1-10)
Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2019 1:13 pm
QUEEN WING/FLAME'S FURY T'kyr of White Rivaeth HP: 13/13 Status Effect: If applicable. XP: Target Accuracy: 5 Flame Length: 4 (+1) General Stamina: 4 General Agility: 7 Between Accuracy: 5 Pain Resilience: 4 Instinct: 4 Luck: 4
1. The healer looks at your wound and gives a shake of their head. The prognosis doesn't look good, but they're determined to patch you up as best they can! Return Request Denied! Regain +5 HP but re-roll from the Healers Grid! You still haven't been given clearance to return!
Rivaeth emerged from between above the weyr, circling downward, even as her leg and shoulder ached. As soon as she reached the ground, a healer approached. They shook their head after one look, but they'd do their best, they assured T'kyr. They got to work as T'kyr paced, grimacing and letting out a low growl of worry. The healer was able to do enough, and due to how small the wound was, despite being moderate, they were able to return.
FLAME'S FURY WING =Flying FIRST Wave= D'mar of Blue Strigonth Round 1 - Hour 1 - Healer Station 5 – 1 – 8 – X – X X – X – X – X – X
Roll: 8 - Free space! Write whatever sort of healer's response you'd like, but know that ultimately, you're still not going anywhere. Not yet. Return Request Denied! Regain +5 HP but re-roll from the Healers Grid! You still haven't been given clearance to return! HP: 23/26 Status Effect: Painful 0/3 XP: Flame Length +1 Target Accuracy: 3 Flame Length: 2 General Stamina: 2 General Agility: 3 Between Accuracy: 4 Pain Resilience: 2 Instinct: 3 Luck: 2
D'mar had been hauled out of his straps to be tended, moved to a cot and stripped of his riding jacket. The pain was hot and cold at the same time, but the young man didn't even flinch as he bore it out, his eyes fixed upon his blue being slathered with numbweed and redwort.
Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2019 2:12 pm
With the memory of a searing kiss still upon his skin, Journeyman Healer Tristram was nonetheless prepared to tackle any challenge that came his way. "Candidate! I need a dram of redwort, stat! And bring more bandages." Already up to his elbows in wounded riders, Tristram bent over his latest charge, a frown of concentration furrowing his brows. Minutes in, surely, but already several bad injuries.
When he'd cleaned the wound and gotten the man properly sewn and bandaged, he sterilized his instruments and his hands, and moved to the next cot. It was sure to be a busy day... and if these first injuries were anything to judge off of, quite a dangerous one. "Those bandages won't roll themselves!"
It dawned on him as he was bent over a young man that the boy looked entirely too familiar. Recognition lit his violet eyes for a moment, but then he went back to work. "... No, you stay right where you are," Tris said, when it seemed that D'mar wanted to get up. "This needs tending and you're not ready." Cleaned, shardit, and where was that redwort?! Ah, there it was... at last. Deftly, Tristram worked on the rider, knowing that he'd need to be back up in the air soon.
FLAME'S FURY WING =Flying FIRST Wave= D'mar of Blue Strigonth Round 1 - Hour 1 - Healer Station 5 – 1 – 8 – 10 – X X – X – X – X – X
Roll: 10 - You're in luck! The wound isn't as bad as first feared. They're able to see to you almost immediately, and are able to quickly get you patched up and on your way. The Weyrhealers are effective and quite efficient! You May Return to Your Wing! Full HP Returned if White! +20 HP for Greens! +25 HP for Blues! +30 HP for Browns! +35 HP for Bronzes and Golds! Status Effect Removed! HP: 26/26 Status Effect: None. XP: Flame Length +1 Target Accuracy: 3 Flame Length: 2 General Stamina: 2 General Agility: 3 Between Accuracy: 4 Pain Resilience: 2 Instinct: 3 Luck: 2
He was fine, he was fine, he as ready to get back in the fight! He didn't want to be seen on the ground where there was work to be done! But even as he sat up to go, a firm hand grabbed hold of him, pushing him back down. A familiar hand, that for half a moment made him relax... and then he tensed, snapping (albeit ineffectively) at the healer. "Work faster then!" Still, he gave in to the demanding hands, leaning ever so slightly into them and not just because of how the cool redwort cut through the sting of the thread score. And for his complaints, he did not try to rise again, not until the moment the healer's hands let him go.
Strigonth too was patched up enough to return to the fray, and they really couldn't linger... So he stood up once loosed, and let his hand trail across the back of the healer's redwort-stained ones before darting to his blue's side, and launching to win up and away.
Fire Storm M'lus of Bronze Garganth HP: 46/46 Status Effect: N/A XP: Target Accuracy: 4 Flame Length: 4 General Stamina: 5 General Agility: 4 Between Accuracy: 5 Pain Resilience: 6 Instinct: 5 Luck: 4
Okay. He said happily, for sometimes it was hard to remember that Hrimnith wasn't in his same wing... Be good. I'll be good, too.
And then, it was time! M'lus easily scaled Garganth and was settled into his straps with the ease of having done so countless of times. The big bronze eagerly added his voice to the din, roaring as they took to the skies. It was time!
Soon, they had gone Between, ready to do battle with their ancient foe.
Flame's Fury Alya of White Baihath HP: 18/18 Status Effect: N/A XP: Target Accuracy: 2 Flame Length: 4 General Stamina: 2 General Agility: 4 Between Accuracy: 2 Pain Resilience:2 Instinct: 2 Luck: 3
As if summoned by magic, Rio was there. Alya didn't hesitate to hide against his chest, squeezing him tightly as though that would somehow force her back into a state of calm. A million thoughts continued to circle through her mind, but none of them managed to escape as words. She was scared. Terrified. What if they didn't come back? What if Isilje and Brancath didn't come back? What if, what if, what if?
Baihath nuzzled the young man's head, whuffing a happy breath that made his hair flutter. But then, his eyes whirled the most vivid shades of violet, snapping his head up to focus on the dragon that had captured his hearts.
My Khamaith! We get to fly together! We're going to have so much fun! I'll show you all the fancy tricks we've been working on, okay? His adoration and affection bubbled up like a stream, and despite the tears that threatened to fall, Alya couldn't help but laugh and send her own wave of gratitude to the gold.
Oh, but then-- 'We have to go," She said, managing a tremulous smile for Rio even as she gave his hand a squeeze. "W-We'll be back, okay? So you'd better be waiting for all four of us!" Quick as a flash, she stole a kiss before escaping onto Baihath's back, knowing that if she lingered, her courage would fail her.
Good bye! We'll be back soon! Baihath bugled, eagerly flinging himself into the air. Flying with his Khamaith, playing the best game... life was good!
Star Flame J'hcre of Green Paciseth HP: 21/21 Status Effect: N/A XP: Target Accuracy: 5 Flame Length: 4 General Stamina: 4 General Agility: 5 Between Accuracy: 5 Pain Resilience: 4 Instinct: 5 Luck: 5
An orange eye fixed itself upon Rekamuth in turn, coldly evaluating before she turned away. No time for that, dear. Not now. Plenty of time to wait, though. Oh, she knew her role, and knew that for as fast as she was, she could hardly be expected to last the entire Fall... but it itched underneath her hide, knowing Thread was out there, just waiting to be seared to a crisp.
"Don't be like that, darlin'." He drawled, not bothering to hide his grin when he realized who Paciseth was speaking to. "Come on, best be polite." J'hcre made his way over to Pency, not bothering to hide the slow, wide grin spreading across his face. "And hello again to you, too~"
The tension was palpable, and Bukichi wondered just how many faces would never again be seen at the Weyr. A morbid thought, but an honest one, and he'd gladly thrown himself into the roles delegated for candidates to keep himself busy. Everyone pulled their weight here--a notion that wasn't at all different from his old life.
Bags of firestone were more valuable than gold in these parts, and the young man barely even grunted as he hauled two of them out to the waiting riders. It was too chaotic to try and remember every face, but someone seizing his hand was certainly noteworthy. A young woman, much smaller than himself--but a brownrider. Bukichi didn't hesitate to incline his head in a slight bow. "It's nothing." He dismissed her apology, though not unkindly. "I'm just happy to do anything helps you and your fellows." They were the ones putting their lives on the line for all of their sake. If his bagging stone gave them even one less thing to worry about, then it was worth it.
"Bukichi," He supplied with another small incline of his head. "Thank you, dragonrider." He held her pale gaze, almost intensely. She might never come back, and yet she still went to do battle despite that knowledge.
ShinosBee
For Ilauria!
Tsunake Crew
Territorial Friend
Offline
houllow
Sparkly Decorator
Offline
Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2019 2:38 pm
Veikel - journeyman healer
He wasn't feeling entirely 100% but then again, that never stopped him. That whole mentality was why he'd gotten so sick in the first place, but Thread would neither care nor wait. With injured riders and dragons coming back there would always been a need for salves and bandages and everything else and so Veikel moved himself into the bowl with the others. The small amount he swayed on his feet could be disguised as nerves, really, and he honestly doubted anyone around and about would even be paying attention to him.
Wounded dragons and riders were already starting to arrive back in - it seemed today was going to be awful, but that wouldn't stop him. Pulling his hair up and back, Veikel also rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
"If anyone is in need of healing, I will assist." That was, of course, after deferring to the dozens of professionals who stood ahead of him in that - Mother and Sister included. Maybe he could go roll bandages somewhere with the candidates? Or did he need to check on the supply of numbweed?
Whatever. His head hurt.
[ veikel is open for interaction! ]
Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2019 2:44 pm
There was no time for a fond farewell, only a lingering glance at the back of one rider's head, and then it was off to the next cot, fully aware that that might be the last time he saw him. He cleansed his hands and tools again, and in the next cot was a man screaming in pain, a nearby dragon keening and -
"Veikel! A gut wound!" The redwort had been applied by an apprentice already, someone who had known that this man would not have long to live if it was not. Tristram prepped for surgery. "Bring me my tools!" Often but not always there was a candidate hovering nearby. "Veikel, assist!"
Literally stuffing a man's guts back into his belly was not how most men began their day. But Tristram was not most men. "Drink," he commanded, putting a mug of felis to the man's lips. This was not a death wound, but it could easily become one.
