Gathering of the Lords

[Femisis]

It was still early at Vyrzen, early enough that the sun was just barely peeking over the horizon, but it was just late enough for the Weyrs to gather for an emergency meeting concerning the maggots. C’ero stood at the entrance to the Queen’s Weyr, fully dressed but not quite awake, with Sephiroth beside him at attention. Few other riders were up yet, as he hadn’t the heart to wake them all up at the crack of dawn just because he and a few others had to be. He was still trying to give the others a few extra minuets of sleep, V’rel especially. He needed the other Onyxrider to have a cool head today and a lack of sleep couldn’t give that to anyone. Besides himself, only V’rel, Z’tair, Sh’ralik, Celestia, Lamia and Crescentia. It was a few more than he really wanted, but he wanted all of the older riders there and knew that Crescentia would have pitched a fit if she wasn’t invited, so the numbers would have to stay like that.

They will be here soon, Mine.[/i] Sephiroth commented, his head lifted to catch the scent of the wind that blew through the Weyr. His wings were partially unfurled making the Onyx seem bigger than he was, but C’ero knew this was just for show. There had never been a meeting like this at Vyrzen, at least not that he could remember, and the dragon was a bit nervous. There would be other, strange dragons about and he didn’t like it one bit.

It’s alright, Seph, they’re just here to talk. While I’m thinking of it, please try not to kill any of them. They’ll be on my case enough as it is.

Sephiroth remained silent for a moment as if considering disobeying, but finally replied, I won’t attack unless need drives me.

Good enough for me. The Weyrleader replied with a sigh and ran his fingers through his hair. Well, that was one problem taken care of. At least he wasn’t going to have any attack heaped onto the piles of criticism he was sure were going to come. They would criticize his ability as Weyrleader, argue about the colors of Vyrzen’s dragons, the Weyr itself… He could already imagine the conversation now. At the very least, he would be ready to confront the problem, even if he wasn’t exactly prepared for it.

A steady silence filled the air as they watched the sun continue it’s ascent toward the sky. More and more creatures were waking up one at a time, including Dratini and Dragonair. The pair creeled sleepily and settled on C’ero’s shoulders to doze a bit, but it wasn’t long before they were roused.

You should wake the others.

“I guess it’s about time… Dratini, Dragonair, I need you to wake a few people.” He sent the flitters pictures of those who needed to be woken and sent them off to do their job. Three minuets later, a tired looking Crescentia and Staruenth showed up.

“I was TRYING to get ready when your ruddy flitters showed up…” She complained, but without the usual fire to her tone. It was obvious that she had just woken up only by her posture and voice. Otherwise, it looked as though she’d been up for hours. She was in a gown of a pale green color decorated with tiny silver seed beads forming stars all over the fabric. It fit her well, though, and the beads seemed to keep Staruenth busy, so there was no harm done as of yet. All they needed to do was wait for their guests to arrive.


(Now, as most of you have probably noticed, only a few people are able to participate in this thread. Not true. You see, we're lacking the 'guests', the Weyrleaders, Weyrwomen and their entourages from the other weyrs. That's where YOU come in. Those who either don't have any characters in this thread or who only have one and still want another character are eligible to create characters from the other weyrs. All you need to do is state the character(s) name, their dragon's name and from which Weyr they hail from, and you're done! These characters will probably be temporary, but who knows? xD)

[Lamia]

After a long, stressful day, Lamia had once again fallen asleep curled up next to Rilaveth. She was just beginning to stir when the Silver gently nudged her side.

Mine, mine, wake up. There are things here and they refuse to shut up.

With a groan, the Junior Weyrwoman opened her eyes and pushed herself up, her eyes falling on the two flitters squawking and fluttering about her room. "Shards C'ero, what do you want this early?" She muttered before pulling on fresh clothes-a deep purple tunic and black trowsers. "Come on, Ril"

Hopping up on her Silver's back, she wrapped her arms around the Queen's neck as they took to the sky. In minutes, they had arrived at the meeting room. After dismounting, Lamia took the time to rub Rilaveth's eye ridge affectionatly (since they had been so rudly awakened) before turning to face the almost empty room. She nodded politly to Crescentia and Staruenth before turning to C'ero. "What is it you want? Your blasted flitters were a rather..unplesent start to my morning." She crossed her arms and glared, knowing full well the Weyrleader outranked her as she ddn't try to check her tongue. "One could say you woke me up like that on purpose! You know how much I hate mornings."

She glanced quickly around the practically empty room. "Anyway, how many riders are you dragging out of their beds this early? And where is the food? I'm hungry." She flopped down into a nearby chair, waiting impatiently for this meeting-or whatever this was- to start.

[Kisana]

((Character's name is H'sera, dragon Bronze Leodasth, Weyrleader of Benden Weyr.))

H'sera opened his eyes to bright sunlight. He sat up quickly and stretched out, jumping from his bed happily. This was a lovely morning, wasn't it? The air was fresh and clean, and he felt energized. "How are you feeling, Leo?" He asked his dragon, who was just dragging himself awake. I'd be better if I was asleep, Mine. Why are you up so early? Leo asked, grumpy to be awoken this early on what should be a restful day. "Something just ... told me to wake up. OH! I know! There's a meeting at Vyrzen today. We have to go, Leodasth! Get up, get out!" He exclaimed, hurrying around, trying to find a change of clothes while Leo shook his head to wake himself up fully. When they were ready, H'sera and his entourage flew out into open air before heading between to Vyrzen Weyr.

When they arrived, they were led to where the Weyrleader - C'ero, his name was - and a young woman were waiting. He bowed deeply to C'ero, his regal black dragon (what did they call them? They were marvelous, whatever they were), and the viper-like young woman, along with her startling silvery dragon with its coppery swirls. This was an interesting Weyr, no doubt about that, with interesting people.

"I am H'sera, Weyrleader of Benden Weyr. I thank you for admitting us to your Weyr for this meeting. Now, what seems to be the trouble?" He shook off his formal greeting with a grin, looking at C'ero's dragon intently. Leo was untroubled, still dazed from slumber. But that black dragon looked fierce and angry. H'sera didn't want to anger him, for he seemed like quite the dangerous one. Leo bowed his head deeply towards the dragon. I am Leodasth. I too thank you for your hospitality and express my sorrow for whatever troubles you enough to call this meeting. I hope we can help you solve your problem. His voice was sleepy, but sincere.

((Hope that's good, even though I think it's a little short. Hard to tell, though.))

[Sintarith]

Z’tair was already awake when a diamond coloured flit popped from between into his room. In fact, he’d been awake all night. Pasts haunted and a bed held no solace, only the tedious whiling away of hours, wakeful yet yearning for the oblivion of dreams. His teal coloured eyes focused on the creature, trying to make out what it wanted him for. He knew the creature belonged to C’ero, but he couldn’t make sense of her, his sleep deprived brain only getting random chattering.

Luatyrr woke from her curled up position around one of Resivath’s small spines and greeted the other flitter with a chirp. The two chattered together for a while before the copper flit’s eyes began to whirl yellow and she took off from her perch. Her chirping had turned into a shrill shrieking in her frustration that her bonded wasn’t listening. He merely looked at her, with an expression that was not one of understanding. She dove at his hair and pulled at the dark locks with her beak, trying her best to make her intent know. Dratini popped back between presumably called back. Resi had also woken now, the high pitched noise cutting at his senses. ~ They are agitated, and telling me to tell you that C’ero needs us. In the meeting room. ~ He told his rider, before hissing somewhat venomously at the still annoyingly loud fire lizard. She quieted immediately and landed herself on the bed, cowering slightly. The big one wasn’t to be messed with, she knew.

Stretching from his couch, Resivath noted that his rider was already dressed. But then, he also knew that the boy hadn’t slept either, and though he didn’t know the reason, he was concerned. Nudging Z’tair’s knee affectionately, he stood. Quickly the weyrling changed his shirt to a thin tunic, knowing that if the weyrleader had summoned them so early, that it must be something important. He shouldn’t be attending a meeting as though he’d just come back from the beach. Suitably attired in his ice blue tunic and some dark wherhide trousers, he placed his shoulder knots carefully in place, smiling at the new black string running through them. Although they were still only the knots of a weyrling, that black string meant the world to him, just as Resivath did. As one, the pair left the room, and a rather disgruntled Luatyrr to cheep to herself, then fall back asleep. Despite there going to be lots of new people, she’d rather sit this one out.

As the dragon didn’t have big enough wing muscles to fly yet, nor had they done the lessons on how to, they walked through the weyr, at as brisk a pace as the dragonet could keep up with. They arrived at the meeting room in a relatively short time. Z’tair took stock of the present company – Weyrleader C’ero, Junior Weyrwoman Lamia, Queenrider Crescentia and, to his surprise, Weyrleader H’sera of Benden. He bowed to each in turn, being the lowest ranking in the room due to his and Resivath’s young age. Before speaking he glanced warily around the room, truly wondering why he had been summoned. Everyone else was indeed of much higher rank. “Weyrleader, I fear I know the mood of this meeting already, and I thank you for inviting me, despite my being a weyrling. It is a truly troubling time, and I hope to helping anyway possible.”

Resivath, for the time being, remained silent, regarding the copper patterned queen across the room from him. Out of his clutch, he had decided that it was perhaps he that were the closest to what would constitute a ‘normal’ dragon, despite his non uniform colour. The others were certainly all the more interesting for it, and he couldn’t help but think that the extra touch of colour in the young queen’s hide was just dazzling. Still, he hadn’t spoken with her, he would wait for an appropriate time as now he knew, was going to be a very, very tense meeting.

[Pheonix]

Naturall, V'rel wasn't the first one there. He was still asleep... trying to enjoy his last few minutes of silence before all those people from the other weyrs came. He didn't even know why they had to... V'rel needed his sleep. It made the cranky Onyxrider... er... less cranky. If that was even possible. But in his sleep he almost looked peaceful, a halfsmile contently on his face. Probably dreaming about living alone without any bothersome other people around. Kaloath was already up, he'd woken almost as early as C'ero, and he just didn't have the heart to wake happy-V'rel up yet. It was rare that Kaloath ever got to see his rider happy.

And then the two flitters flickered in from between, screeching for both of them to get up.

V'rel's eyes slowly opened, and then when he saw what had woken him, he narrowed his eyes in a deadly glare and jumped up to grab one of the stupid beasts out of the air to smash them... and he probably would have succeeded if Kaloath hadn't sent the flitts mental images of death a split second before V'rel jumped up. The blonde's hand grabbed air. He shot a death-glare at the Onyx, who looked away innocently. V'rel rubbed his temples and sighed... this wasn't how he wanted to wake up. C'ero shouldn't have sent the stupid flitts after him, he could wake up on his own! No you couldn't, Kaloath said affectionatly with a rumble... V'rel didn't respond. Stupid dragon, stupid mornings....

Grumbling to himself about how stupid everything was, V'rel stood up and stretched, then sat back down. He moved an arm weakly towards his clothes before flopping back down again. "Can't you just dress someone up as me and make them go instead?" V'rel mumbled, too tired to use his mind to speak. Kaloath rumbled again, picking up some clothes with his teeth (very delicately) and tossing them onto the soon-to-be-asleep Onyxrider. He opened one amber eye slowly, then the other. His other eye was hidden under his surprisingly clean hair. They'd made him wash it yesterday (to his dismay) and now V'rel almost looked... presentable. You used to take care of your hair all the time. Why'd you stop?[/i] Kaloath wondered. v'rel actually had very nice, pale blonde hair... he'd just stopped taking care of it. Sitting back up and looking at himself in the looking metal, V'rel actually admired himself. Dunno, he said, though he did know why. After she died....

But he didn't want to think about that now, otherwise he'd start getting depressed again. And he'd finally got out of his depression, too. Yawning, V'rel stood up again and started to get changed. It didn't take long... he'd rushed, he didn't want to get yelled at by C'ero for showing up too late.

After changing, V'rel pat Kaloath's clean hide and they left their Weyr, making their way towards where ever they were supposed to meet C'ero. V'rel kind of dragged his feet, and he was whining like a child about how he didn't want to go meet stupid people and he didn't want to see C'ero. He hated C'ero. I know V'rel, I know. But you just have to deal with it, okay? And try to give a good impression,[/color] the Onyx tried to calm his rider down. Not that V'rel was angry... he was actually kind of looking forward to showing up C'ero, and prove that he could be a nice guy. He used to be a nice guy. Weak, but nice....

Anyway, he finally arrived, and just kind of stood off to the side, feeling... awkward? Did he really feel awkward? Well of course he felt awkward... V'rel was quite the socially awkward rider. Come on V'rel, don't be shy,[/i] Kaloath taunted as V'rel just kind of stood there and watched the Bronzerider land. Huh, a bronze. He hadn't seen a Bronze in... ages, really. Looking back over the people there, he noted Lamia, Crescentia, C'ero and some kid he didn't know the name of, but he had an Onyx. A little Onyx. Must be a wearing. V'rel walked a little closer, but didn't exactly let himself be known or bother to introduce himself. He was there, wasn't he? At least he wasn't yelling at C'ero for waking him up so early....

[Femisis]

Nodding as Dratini and Dragonair resumed their normal positions on his shoulders, C’ero settled down to wait for the rest of the summoned riders to arrive. Crescentia was already in a chair half-asleep with Staruenth dozing next to her. Maybe he HAD made this meeting too early… well, there was no going back on it now, the time was set. He’d just have to let everyone go back to bed after this was over. “You’d better not have woken the other Weyrlings.” He said sternly to Crescentia, not that she heard him.

Do you talk to walls often, Mine?[/i] Sephiroth teased, jerking his head at the sleeping pair. You speak as though they were coherent.[/i]

“Why do I even bother?” He sighed and shook his head, lifting it when he caught sight of Lamia out of the corner of his eye. ‘Well, here we go...’ He though. “I’m not all that fond of morning, either, but there’s an important meeting this morning that requires your presence.” C’ero told her evenly. He had promised himself that he wasn’t going to lose his temper with anyone today, not even V’rel. “There are going to be seven of us up, not counting the three of us. Food is on its way, so don’t worry. There’ll be plenty of klah.” He promised before turning his gaze back on the sky. They’d be here any time now…

They come, Mine.[/i] Sephiroth lifted his head as a Bronze shape appeared on the horizon. They were given clearance by the watchdragon and landed not far off. Good, it was Benden’s Weyrleader.

“The pleasure is ours. I am C’ero, and this is Sephiroth.” He replied politely. H’sera probably already knew who he was, but a little bit of manners went a long way. The Bronzerider was a seemingly carefree kind of person, but he couldn’t blame the man. He hadn’t expressly said what the meeting was about, only that it was a serious and somber matter. “ The subject of this meeting will be revealed in time. For now, feel free to take a seat. Food and klah will arrive shortly.” He added, still polite.

In the meantime, Sephiroth was apprasing Leodasth skeptically. He’d never seen a Bronze before, unless you counted the images in C’ero’s mind. Apparently, his clutchsiblings had Impressed to Bronzes, though he had never seen His’s siblings before. In any case, this one was polite enough. I thank you, but this sorrow may not be ours alone if a solution is not found to this problem.[/i] He replied gravely.

Though he was still a bit distracted by the Benden rider, C’ero managed to give Z’tair an acknowledging nod. He didn’t want to blow the boy off, but he was still busy with other things, namely greeting any newcomers and getting the remaining riders up.

Now that she was fully awake, Crescentia was sitting in her seat with her knees drawn up to her chest watching as everyone arrived. She nearly giggled when Lamia arrived, but she restrained herself. Giggling wasn’t part of her image and she wasn’t going to add it now. She didn’t pay much attention to the Bronze, either, as she had a bad association with Bronzes on account of her father. She nodded her greeting to Z’tair, though, but that was about it. Staruenth, on the other hand, took it a step further.

Hello, Brother Resivath.[/i] She crooned, crawling over to touch noses with the Onyx. It is good to see you, though there is much sadness here.[/i] She told him, he tone echoing the sadness she spoke about.

“Little flirt.” Cresce laughed to herself as she watched the Silver, though she knew Star was just being polite. She didn’t mind if the dragon made friends with the Onyx, even if he was a potential suitor in the future.

When V’rel arrived, however, she felt her face widen into a catlike grin. Now HE was good looking, even if he was the Weyr’s punching bag. She had seen V’rel the night before, but he just looked so delectable in the morning light. Without wasting another moment, she uncurled herself from he seat and fairly glided over to him, gently wrapping a hand around his wrist. “Good morning, V’rel.” She cooed, letting her chin rest on his shoulder with a bit of difficulty. Who knew what a difference two inches could make?

[Kisana]

H'sera took C'ero's invitation, sitting in a comfortable-looking chair and looking at his fellow Weyrleader with an odd sort of smile. What could be troubling Vyrzen so, that they had to call a meeting at such an early hour? He couldn't even hazard a guess, for there was obviously no quarantine, and obviously no Thread. Could there be a plague on their crops? No, that could wait until later, when people were awake enough to deal with the problem properly. What could possibly be the matter? It must be quite dreadful. H'sera counted himself lucky that, for the moment, his Weyr was safe from whatever was devastating Vyrzen such that they needed help at such an hour. Must have been something that happened yesterday, or the night before. Very recent, whenever it was, and probably frightening too.

Leodasth was rapidly bringing himself to full alertness as Sephiroth replied to him. Obviously, what was happening was contagious. ~I offer my assistance to you in all matters. You have my vow that I will help you fight whatever affects your Weyr so dramatically.~ Leodasth bowed his head for a moment before straightening out his neck to examine Sephiroth thoroughly. H'sera sighed deeply at his formality - Leo always got this way around other high-ranking figures. The dragon, fortunately, didn't hear this thought, as he was engrossed in staring at Sephiroth, specifically the deep black shade of his hide. It looked very much like an Onyx gemstone to H'sera. ~That is what they call them, Mine.~ Leo reminded his rider with a smug air. If they had been at home, H'sera would have jumped on his head and started rubbing his eye ridges playfully, but now he had to settle for a mischievous glance.

"Is anyone else from your Weyr expected, C'ero?" H'sera asked casually, looking around at the crowd already gathered. There was that viper girl with the odd silver and copper dragon, who was now crawling up on another Onyxrider. Another girl, with another silvery dragon, was there, sitting down and looking very impatient. Yet another rider had an Onyx, this one younger than the others. An odd group, to say the least. H'sera crossed his arms behind his head and leaned back in a very obvious show of boredom.

[Pheonix]

C'ero sure seemed to be taking his good ole' time getting to the point. Yawning, V'rel eyed the people there warily. He hadn't actually seen a Bronze in quite a long time, so he inspected the dragon thoroughly. Hmph. Kaloath could take that thing in a fight easily. Dragons don't fight dragons, Mine, Kaloath scolded, though it caused the blond to smirk. It was a compliment, just take it and be happy, Not that V'rel really cared if dragons fought each other. He would be fine living on his own where he wouldn't have to worry about natural submission or other people.

He stood there boredly, not really wanting to have to talk to the other lords. He wasn't even too important of a person, but he guessed he was probably more important than the Weyrlings that were also invited. Hah, that was almost a depressing thought. The Weyrlings might even be ranked higher than him. But they weren't, so V'rel didn't dwell on it. He touched his newly-cut hair, it felt strange having his hair just at his shoulders rather than elbow-length. At least the people who finally made him fix up his unruly hair hadn't made him style it differently. His eye was still covered, and at least that gave him some comfort.

V'rel had been ready to sit back, relax and just stare idly at the people and dragons gather without really putting in any effort or talking to anyone. Maybe exchange a few comments with Kaloath, but V'rel was perfectly ready to be ignored. They didn't need to talk to him, they needed to talk to C'ero and Celestia. The others were probably just as bored as him and wouldn't say much either. Or at least, he assumed they wouldn't... at least, not to him. So he was kind of taken off-guard when Crescentia placed her chin on his shoulder and her hand on his wrist.

He immediately tensed up, V'rel did not like being touched. At all. It made him feel awkward and hesitant and he didn't know what to do. Well, at least his hair was clean so he didn't have to worry about disgusting her. Still, he wished she almost was disgusted and decided to leave him alone. It would make things a lot easier. Come on V'rel, you can't stay a shut-in forever. Talking to her would be a good chance for you![/i] Kaloath encouraged, seeming very excited that someone had decided to actually attempt to be nice to his rider.

Not exactly sure what she expected him to do, he merely responded with a, "Hello, Crescentia." He suddenly felt awkward and nervous, V'rel had always kind of acted that way around girls. Well, around people in general. Still, he forced a small smile. She did ride a Queen. Kaloath might end up catching her dragon in a flight one day. But he wasn't going to think about that now... he really didn't want to. Good morning, Staruenth![/i] Kaloath greeted Cresce's dragon. Maybe if he talked to her dragon it might help V'rel come out of his shell some more.

[Dragon]

Celestia stepped quietly in to the meeting room, frowning as she caught sight of the people gathered already. Dressed neatly in a jade green tunic with black trousers, hair neatly brushed out, it was hard to tell she had just woken up a few minutes ago when the sound of riders showing up and greeting C'ero just outside her Weyr had broken through her sleeping thoughts and she remembered that there was a meeting this morning. At such an ungodly hour no less! She sighed, glancing back into her Weyr quickly to eye the sleeping form of Amath. She envied her Bonded right now, being able to sleep in and not deal with the senseless bickering that was likely to come of this meeting.

She silently took her seat beside C'ero, nodding a general greeting to those present so far. As she settled to her chair, she leaned slightly toward C'ero, whispering in his ear with annoyanced and gratefulness warring in her voice, "You could have woken me before the other's arrived." As frustrated as she was that he had not gotten her up, she was also grateful for the few extra moments of sleep. And she just didn't have the heart to get Amath up. The queen had been so distraught over the deaths of so many from her clutch, it was a miracle she was asleep at all. Glancing around, she tried to stick names to faces. So far the only one not from Vyrzen was a Bronze rider she identified after a moment as the Benden Weyrleader, though she couldn't remember his name yet. She smiled at Lamia, glad the girl was there. It had been so long since she'd seen her Junior Weyrwoman, since duties usually kept them both busy.

Her eyes roamed over the others, slightly surprised to find V'rel there, and his hair clean for once no less! And even more surprised when she registered the fact that Crescentia was touching him. She blinked and looked again, thinking her tired mind was making her see things, but no, Cresce really was next to V'rel, chin resting on his shoulder and hand wrapped around his wrist. Now that was an odd sight indeed. Shaking her head, she leaned back in her seat, wondering just how long they were going to wait for the other Weyrleaders to show up before they began this meeting.

(Yaay I got a post up! It's kinda short, but its a post!)

[Kisana]

Trying to ignore the odd situations around him, H'sera stared up at the sky. It was not his business to pry into the personal matters of other Weyrs, nor was it his business to wonder why that girl was being so cozy towards that Onyxrider. He really shouldn't care why he looked so awkward, either, or why everyone was staring at the fellow. No, that was not at all his business. Why should he care? They were just Riders from another Weyr. Being interesting. Incredibly interesting. ~Mine, you ought to focus on the matter at hand. Obviously, something awful has happened here.~ Leo reminded him, somewhat smugly. H'sera nodded absently and continued looking up at the sky.

What would he do if there was some tragedy in his Weyr? Would he wake up the leaders of other Weyrs to help him? Would he frighten his people by rousting the high-ranked Riders from sleep just after sunrise? No, H'sera wasn't that sort of fellow. He was more patient. No matter what was happening, it could wait until a reasonable hour. Certainly there were exceptions, but he couldn't imagine any at the moment. Sleep, to him, was one of the more important aspects of life - a chance to dream, explore impossible pathways of life, to think and relax and energize for the next day. Sleep was precious and not to be wasted or interrupted.

H'sera crossed his arms in his seat and looked at C'ero calmly. The anticipation of klah was almost more important than the meeting, to him. "Do you know who else is expected? Or is this everyone who was invited?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. If he had been the only person invited from out of the Weyr, the problem could not be that awful, could it? Or perhaps H'sera was the only one C'ero thought was trustworthy enough with a massive issue. Maybe everyone else decided it was foolish to wake up this early, he remarked to Leo, whose eyes whirled with amusement.

When the sun rose, he would be much cheerier. The light always brought out his best moods.

(Shortish but good, I hope?)

[Sintarith]

Resivath rubbed noses with the little queen and crooned a little, acknowledging her comment about the sadness that just hung on the air. ~It is almost too much sister, but we shall prevail~ His eyes whirled slightly yellow, anxiety overcoming him at the memory. He looked almost worriedly up at his rider, who was paying little attention to the dragons, then back to Staruenth. ~ I only wonder Z’tair and I were summoned, we seem to be the least important here.~ He looked around at the other, much larger dragons, and snorted to himself. It was all well and good at the hatching feast, he had held himself high and proud, yet now, he felt as though he were insignificant. Settling himself down on the floor, he furled his ebony wings tightly against his back, a sign of his slight discomfort. He looked around the room, not daring to greet any of the elder dragon’s, aside from the fact he didn’t feel much like talking to anyone. There were beginning to be a little too many other people in the room, but he would have to abide it for the time being.

Z’tair himself had retreated to the edge of the room, watching from the sidelines. Now that both the Junior and Senior Weyrwomen had arrived, perhaps things would start moving soon. He bowed to Celestia when she entered the room, certain that he should pay his respects, especially when her Queen must be grieving so. Maybe that was why the Silver wasn’t there. He was entirely bothered by the early hour – after all, he had been awake for most of the night. He watched Celestia attach herself to V’rel and smiled to himself. She was certainly aiming high, purely because of the fact the elder Onyxrider would be a tough nut to crack. The girl obviously didn’t care much for his company, given the cursory nod she’d given him. Ah well, he thought, each to their own.

For a moment, the young Onyxrider wondered whether any other Weyrleaders would appear, as the Benden Weyrleader had shown up. It was the first time he had seen a bronze in a few Turns, well since he’d left the HarperHall for Vyrzen anyway. It was unusually uncharacteristic of him to be this quiet. He put that down to his nightmares andlack of sleep. Perhaps some klah would perk him up. And maybe the fact that everyone else was so busy with talking with other people that he currently lacked the courage to speak with anyone. At least resi seemed to be okay talking with the youngest queen. -Are you okay?- He asked. The only reply he got was a slight inclination of the head. His eyes were firmly fixed on the ground in front of him. -You aren’t, are you?- Resi just ruffled his wings a little, but said nothing. Z’tair arched a dark eyebrow, but left it for now. They could talk when they were back in their room.

Z’tair almost started when H’sera spoke again, raising a good point. He wondered if any of the other Weyrleaders had decided whether it was too early. Then again, he mused, depending on where their Weyrs were on Pern. He supposed that some of them were well into the afternoon, or perhaps night by now. He arched his eyebrow even more no, wondering why there were actually so few there in comparison to what there should be. He would offer to send Luatyrr to check up, but he decided against it, he merely shuffled his feet self consciously. He looked around the room again, his eyes dark from lack of sleep, darker still because of the bangs covering his face.

[mittens]

(M'sarin of Bronze Xanturnoth; Weyrleader of Telgar)

The duty of a Weyrleader never ceased, nto even in the early hours of the morning, when most preffered to slumber on in their weyrs, oblivious to the world. For what seemed ages, a Bronze and his rider had been down in the bowl, settling a quarrell of an unhappy Lord who'd stormed into the Weyr, bellowing rage and refusing to be satisfied, or moved. The Lord Holder was, by comparrison, a small, ratty man, red of face and lacking in manner. What had brought the man to the Weyr so early was still unknown, for all his bellowing and noise he'd yet to state the reason itself. Instead he'd prattled on about imagined insults and slights of the Weyr, telling anyone who'd listen how terribly M'sarin was treating those who tithed to them, how poorly the man ran the Weyr, and anything else he could think of.

However, time was growing short, as was patience, and with a silencing sweep of his hand, M'sarin gazed sternly at the Lord Holder of Telgar, his dark green eyes boring down on the smaller man feircely. "If you must act like a firelizard whose heard mention of the red Star, then do so elsewhere. The Weyr has never done a thing wrong to you or any other Hold. Now, I've places to be, and if you really think you must continue on this little tantrum, go wake the Weyrwoman, I'm sure she and her Gold Dayzujuath would be thrilled to have an early visitor." With a shake of his head, M'sarin turned away from the irate, and now shocked Holder, utterly ignoring the sputtering words that were trying to form into indignant sentences behind him, and vaulted to the dark back of Xanturnoth. For a Bronze, the beast was huge, massively so, enough that there had been questions at his Hatching of his color. Thought had been for a short time that the dragon was some mutation, like those of Vyrzen, but time had told true, and despite his oddities, Xanturnoth was indded a Bronze. His hide was dark, almost black until the light struck it, the great expanse of his wings a lighter shade, covered with smoekyswirls of lighter browns, and what looked almost like reds and golds. His head was stern looking, regal, the lower half of his jaw an almost creamy shade that extended along his neck and to his belly, the insides of his legs, and the under-side of his tail.

M'sarin was near as impressive in his appearance, a tall man, standing at 6'9", with broad shoulders that tapered to a slim waist, and continued to taper in what on old terran had been considered the build of a Native America, an indian. His skin was richly tanned, despite the climate of Telgar, and not from sun but by nature, genes. A mop of dark hair, shaggy, as black as the very depths of Between some said, hyung about his face in a short mess, brushing his eyes devilishly. Eyes that were a dark grren, emerald, their color deepest at the outer rim, near the pupil it lightenedto a minty color, watery almost. His eyes were deepest, hooded under his heavy brow, his featers stern, hash, carved from marble and set into a regal, authoritie expression forever it seemed. Dressed in black today, for it made his eyes all the more noticable, the more instense, and it suited both him and his dragon, M'sarin stroked the powerful neck below him, tightening the straps before giving the go to take off.

Xanturnoth's wings unfurled, their filmy expanse sweeping through the air to get blood flowing first, his haunches tightening as he coiled into a crouch, his whole body seeming to contract, though how was beyond imagination. Stilled for a moment, wings poised, high above them, and then off the ground shoved poweul legs, pinions rowing the air mercilessly, hauling the pair aloft so quickly that even knowing it would happen, M'sarin's head jerked back.

Easy Xan, no need to kill me before our day is done. M'sarin frowned, and pulled up an image of Vyrzen, over the bowl, and waited. Unlike many Weyrleaders, they had not made countless trips back and forth from other Weyrs for meetings. This was their first turn with the honored position. They were a young pairing, Xanturnoth just over three turns, and M'sarin at twenty. None complained though, for both did all they could to prove their worth, and to ensure the Weyr did well.

Xanurnoth went Between the icy cold blackness wrapping firm hands around them, ebbing down to chill their bones for only a moment, for only a heartbeat, until light flooded around them and they were above Vyrzen. The meeting should start very soon. We are almost late. Grumbling, the large Bronze shook his head as he spiraled down lazily, parting his jaws to bugle gently to the watchdragon and announce himself, as was only proper of a visitor.

All forty-two feet of the Bronze settled carefully down, four feet more than the largest of Bronzes, wings vaned wide to make his landing precise and acurate, and scarcely a grain of dust rippled by the wind. Proud of the manuever, he shot M'sarin a look and crouched, lifted a leg to allow his rider dismount.

M'sarin sighed, unstrapping himself from the Bronze giant and laughing. None were better than he, none could compare. Fondly he slapped the sturdy shoulder as he slid down, bending his own knees to soften the landing and then swung to the ground. For a moment he took time to look about Vyrzen. It was a prewtty place, sure enough, and undoubtably the myriad of colors that swarmed about the Weyr made life all the more interesting. But no time for that, almost reluctantly he turned and looked around for someone to lead him to where he was supposed to be. Happy to oblidge, a Jaderider danced up and hurried off, M'sarin and Xanturnoth following with a small ripple of silent laughter shared between them.

When finally they arrived among the other Weyrleaders, Weyrwoman, and the riders, M'sarin looked about at them, studious of their features, posture, and any signs of their personality and minds he could find. Judging quickly that C'ero was the Weyrleader, something about him gave off that air, M'sarin gave a small nod of greeting, directing another to the Weyrleader of Benden, and finally to the women present, for undoubtably they were all queenriders, and deserved his respect. "Apologies for my lateness, I haven't missed anything, have I? M'sarin, of Telgar, and Bronze Xanturnoth. We doubt if our Weyrwoman will attend, but bring greeting from her and our Gold." With a reasonably amiable smile, M'sarin looked about, finding a chair and seating himself comfortably. No sense remaining on his feet for a meeting, and most others were already seated anyway.

Xanturnoth rumbled, dipped his own great skull to all the dragons present and smirking, his eyes wheeling greens and blues, with taints opf curiosity flickering in and out. Like His, he settled down, sliding his legs out from under him to lay his belly on the ground, crossing his paws before him and letting his wings settle in smooth, careful folds along his back. To the dragons present he spoke, his voice a deep, brassy ring that told of more years than he had. Good morning to all of you. A beautiful Weyr you have. I am Xanturnoth of Telgar, and if my aide be needed for anything, you have it.

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[Sintarith]

(Lysaera of Gold Tielziath, Weyrwoman of High Reaches Weyr)

A pair of dark, mahogany hued eyes fluttered almost blissfully shut. Strong hands worked at the tired muscles in her shoulders, and Lysaera sank gratefully into her weyrmate’s knowing touch, relaxing slowly as the days tension trickled out of her. They were taking the liberty of the warm water in her new quarters, and stood waist deep in the warm pool. Due to a snow melt, the water for bathing in her old quarters had been running at an abominable temperature, and despite the smaller size of these rooms, Lys actually preferred them. They weren’t quite as bare as the lofty rooms she had acquired as weyrwoman, and the smaller size added a sense of comfort. It didn’t seem quite so barren. Tielziath rumbled from her couch, agreeing with her riders’ thoughts. The gold was snoozing though every now and again she opened a whirling eye to check on the curtain partitioning the room from the rest of the weyr. Fire lizards had been pestering her for the better part of the day, although so far, none were stupid enough to venture into her realm.

Feeling the soft pressure of lips against her shoulder, Lysaera opened her eyes just a fraction, enough to see A’thaion gaze lovingly down at her, his generous lips curving into her favourite, if slightly lop-sided smile. If there was anything to take away the worries of a day spent organising an entire weyr, it would just be the sight of her lover. The fact that they were spending a lazy evening together and that he was being so generous as to give her the best massage she had ever had, well that just made everything else melt away. She stretched onto her tiptoes and turned slightly to kiss him on his cheek, and still he had to lean down for her to reach.

Lys stood at 5’6”, which in her eyes wasn’t exactly short. Except when you compared her to the 6’5” giant of a man she called her lover. The height difference often brought smothered laughs and amused looks from many of the holders that they dealt with – like a fire lizard to a dragon, they said. She also had a fairly tiny build in comparison, not having the voluminous figure of many women, but rather a wiry, muscular frame that made her look almost boyish. The women in the lower caverns were often clucking at her to eat more, to put some flesh on her or how else would she expect to have any more children? She chuckled at that thought. She’d looked thinner when she’d been pregnant with her daughter, Saetha. Even with a slight pink tinge from the heat in her skin, she looked as though she had the same colour as fresh cream. Her family had always lived in the High Reaches, and the cold climate showed in their skin.

Ducking away from A’thaion, she submerged herself in the warm water, gazing up at him through the clearing water. The soapy sand washed itself free of her body, and thanks to the circulating water, was taken away before it could sting her eyes. She laughed, sending bubbles up to the surface when the bronze rider said something. All she could hear was “Mfflfffblff”. Resurfacing, her now wet hair clung to the sides of her face, the usually fluffy bob tamed by the heavy water. “I said, you look funny with your hair floating around your head like that.” A’thaion repeated, his voice soft, a contradiction to his presence. Lysaera thought for a moment and agreed that it probably had. “I imagine it looked spiky,” she mused almost to herself. She was just about to splash him for laughing at her when Tielziath’s voice cut into her thoughts. ~ Sephiroth has requested our presence at Vyrzen Weyr. As soon as we can manage. ~ The gold’s mental voice seemed almost agitated, as if there was something more, but she said naught else. ~ I wait in the weyrbowl ~ With that, the pair heard the golden dragon shift herself from her couch and take wing. She would warm up easily for the flight.

The weyrwoman frowned and floated to the side of the bath. “We are wanted in Vyrzen, Tiel didn’t say why.” Her voice was like her height, small and pitched like a young girl’s. She hoisted herself from the bath and wrapped herself against the chill in a thick towel. She thought through several options, before choosing one. “I shall go, and have Tielziath keep Zalith informed,” her dark eyebrows knitted together in a frown as A’thaion tried to argue against it, and held up her had against the tirade. “No, don’t even try it. One of us needs to be here. And as far as I can tell, you seem to have everything in hand better than I do.” She raised her eyebrows again, knowing that he would understand that he would be able to talk to his sister much better than anyone else. She was junior weyrwoman, but she was only very young and the emotional strain of an impending flight was breaking the poor girl. Lysaera had grabbed another towel whilst she was talking and had started drying her hair roughly with it, watching A’thaion as he got himself dry and dressed. Despite the sub-zero temperature she knew the weyrbowl would be, the slight weyrwoman dressed in light blue linen tunic and slightly darker pants, and placed her shoulder knots lovingly over one of the sleeves. Her weyrmate grabbed a thick fur to wrap her in, and proceeded to do so, hurrying her from the room. He frowned at her still damp hair, but was ignored in his worrying. She’d gone between fully wet before, and to hotter parts of the south. “I won’t be catching firehead any time soon, I’m much too stubborn!” She laughed as they approached her golden bonded.

The Queen was a pretty average gold, measuring in at just over 40 feet in length, with a wingspan to suit perfectly. Her colouring was a fairly light for a gold, verging almost on sandy if it weren’t for the metallic sheen. She lowered her shoulder and allowed her rider to be physically placed upon her neck by the strong weyrleader. They kissed goodbye, and then A’thaion was below her, looking bewildered by the sudden take off of the queen. Lysaera herself was surprised, and let the fur from around her shoulders go as a result. It floated down to the ground, but hadn’t even touched the icy floor of the weyrbowl before the pair had winked between. ~ The sooner we get there, the sooner you can be warm. ~ the gold surmised.

Blinking into the sun, Lysaera fought with the confusion on the rising sun compared to the one throwing an early dusk over her own Weyr. It hadn’t registered in her mind that the time difference wasn’t actually a whole half day, more that the northerly position of High reaches meant that the sun disappeared on them fairly early in the afternoon sometimes. She blinked again and shivered slightly, despite the warmth. Even in her 6 years as a dragonrider, the last 2 of those as Senior Weyrwoman hadn’t gotten her used to the temperature changes at all.

Tielziath landed as lightly as possible, aware that her rider hadn’t had enough time to strap herself to her neck. Lys rubbed her hand affectionately on the ridge in front of her, secure in between the two tight ridges that seemed to fit her body perfectly. She leapt lightly off as soon as they were grounded and looked about her. She didn’t know where she was meant to be going, and embarrassment coloured her features, if only for a few seconds. A weyrling saw her, and after realising where she needed to be, led them to where they needed to be. Lys couldn’t help but ogle at his little aqua dragon, who seemed almost like he was stretched. The dragonet smiled up at her. ~ He is very friendly, although a bit talkative ~ Tiel rumbled in amusement. The little one skittered off awkwardly after His when the sandy blonde haired boy left, still, apparently, chattering away to the gold.

Lysaera surveyed her fellow weyrleaders and the riders who had also been invited to this little meeting. She nodded to the majority in greeting, but offered a handshake to C’ero, a sort of congratulations on claiming the title of Weyrleader. “For those who don’t know, I’m Lysaera of High Reaches, this is my Tielziath.” She smiled apologetically. “A’thaion extends his sincerest apologies for not attending, we have some… issues with our junior weyrwoman.” She flinched inwardly as she thought of how the girl had looked last time she saw her. How she had Impressed was beyond anyone…

Floating away from the weyrleader, she took a position behind a few of the seated riders, comfortably leaning against a wall. She didn’t mind standing, and it would probably help her to stay awake if she felt the need to fall asleep at any point, although with her discipline, she would stay awake through it all. Tielziath settled herself amongst the queens that were present, aware, but uncomfortably so, that she stood out amongst the silver of their hides. Lys looked around her, wondering if there were many more to turn up. “I am curious as to why we are all here, C’ero, if your Sephiroth mentioned anything to Tielziath, she did not tell me. I can only guess as to the subject of this meeting, I can only think that it must be desperately important for us to be needed here as swiftly as we were.” Her dark brown hair had dried enough in the heat to now hang in soft spikes across her eyes, shielding them from anyone else, but they were burning with the desire to know what it was that had important figures from across Pern congregated in this one room.

[Femisis]

“The Weyrwoman should be here shortly, along with others from the other Weyrs.” C’ero replied shortly to H’sera. He was still wondering if he should have woken her up, but it wasn’t needed as she entered the room shortly afterward. “I didn’t have the heart to wake you.” He told her quietly as he reached over to give her a hug. It was the only sort of comfort he could think of offering at the moment. “There should be others coming soon. As far as I can tell, just about everyone should be coming.” He glanced around tiredly at those assembled, which was mostly those from his own Weyr. Well, he’d give them a bit longer…

Finally, they began to come. First was Telgar’s Weyrleader, M’sarin. He’d never met the man, but now that he had it would be ingrained in his memory. He was good with faces and names. “You haven’t missed anything yet. We’re still waiting for others to arrive.” C’ero added, inclining his head for the other Weyrleader to sit down. Sephiroth rumbled impatiently even as Xanturnoth provided his greeting. The growing number of foreign dragons was starting to get to him and C’ero knew that he was going to have a difficult time staging this meeting and keeping the Onyx in check at the same time. This was going to be a LONG day…

The next to arrive was a Queen, though he wasn’t sure from where. Tielziath from High Reaches.[/i] Sephiroth informed his shortly as he watched the pair land. Tielziath didn’t bother him as much as the Bronzes did, but she was still an outsider.

Sephiroth, if you so much dare as hiss at them… C’ero said warningly, to which Sephiroth only snorted. Faranth… He recovered in time to shake Lysera’s hand in a friendly manner, though his reply was solemn. “I promise you, it is important and it’s magnitude is not yet known.” He replied, unconsciously glancing at the two hatchlings in the room. The lucky few.

Staruenth noticed this. The Weyrleader seems sad, too.[/i] She commented, nosing Resivath back affectionately. Do not speak like that! You and Yours are just as important![/i] She scolded her brother in a motherly tone. He needed to have more confidence, both he and his! She nudged him again, harder this time, but it was laced with affection. Her attention was turned, however, when addressed by another.

Hello, big one Kaloath.[/i] Staruenth replied happily, though she stayed near Resivath. You seem happy today.[/i] She observed. Maybe some still had hope.

“Aww, Star’s making a new friend.” Crescentia laughed as she watched the exchange. She’d backed off from V’rel a bit(as in she’d let go of him) but was still standing next to him. “It wouldn’t hurt for you to, either.” She added to the Onyxrider suggestively. It wouldn’t hurt for him to make a friend.

At that moment, another dragon alighted outside, this one Gold as well. Where does she hail from? C’ero asked Sephiroth, hoping to get a bit more information before he met the new Weyrwoman

He hails from Fort.[/i] Sephiroth replied easily, not in the least bit unsure. M’aruikin and Trogath from Fort.[/i]

C’ero didn’t have a chance to ask any more questions as a dark haired man, about the same age as he was, jogged in quite out of breath. “I’m sorry we’re late, but no one informed me of this meeting until just a few minuets ago.” He panted, running his fingers through his hair. “M’aruikin and Trogath of Fort. We’ll help in any way we can.” That was where he stopped speaking as he fought to catch his breath.

Not knowing what to say, C’ero simply decided to start the meeting. “We are sorry to have called you here, but this is a matter of the most grave importance. Yesterday, Amath’s clutch hatched, but it was far from a joyful affair. Nearly half of the hatchlings were born half dead after being devoured by maggots inside the egg.” He told them, pausing to let it sink in. He glanced at Celestia, ready to comfort her if needed.