FireThorne
Peeping Tom
The Busy-Body
~ I feel something Falling from the Sky--I'm so Sad I made the Angels Cry ~
Posts: 188
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Post by FireThorne on Feb 6, 2007 10:57:40 GMT -5
Kheron held Ley’s reins with a firm, steady hand, waiting for her rider to emerge from the tackroom. Riona had forgotten her long roping cord, which did not bode well for the day’s occurrences. She stilled seemed worried about those feline tracks he had spotted in the western pasture a few days back, leaving her awfully absent-minded as of late. Her runner had picked up on her rider’s stress as well, causing the palomino to be more skittish when they were working the cattle. It was a bad situation all around, and he had made the suggestion that Riona should stay out of the fields for a while, at least until they tracked the felines down. Naturally, she had vehemently denied doing so, even though it was obvious she was nervous every time they rode out into the pasture. It was dangerous, and Kheron did not want her to get hurt.
The girl finally approached him, her braided rope in hand and a grim sort of determination on her face. Kheron wordlessly handed her Ley’s reins, turning to Calan. It was obvious she was trying to conquer her fear, but all the same, she should have stayed at the barn today. The boy did not want to frighten her further, but those tracks had been trampled out last night by fresher ones, and this time they had ventured even further in. He would have told Riona himself, but Conner commanded him to keep silent. The beastcrafter knew his daughter better than anyone, he had said, and she would not let that news dissuade her from riding out. It would, however, serve to make her more nervous. So, here the boy was, inwardly knowing that there very well could be an attack that morning, but allowing one of his most cherished to ride right out into it. He tightened the girth on the saddle one more time, his strong hands making quick work of it. Well, there would be no repeat of last turn, he swore. He would kill the sharding thing before it had a chance to act.
Kheron swung up easily onto Calan, settling comfortably into the saddle. Everything was so natural to him, he looked quite at home atop the stud. He and Riona rode out of the barn, her father awaiting them at the gate, and at their signal he swung it open and stepped back. As a fluid team, they urged their runners into a smooth lope, Calan’s long stride taking him slightly ahead of the palomino beside him. Instinctively, the boy pulled the strap of his quiver tighter, checking to be sure that his bow was secured to the saddle. He raised his arm, and Ley veered off to the right, and they waited for Conner to release the herdbeasts. The barn’s side gate was opened, and the creatures slowly milled out, lowing and calling to each other. Riona quickened her runner’s pace, and the pair cantered up behind them, driving them further out into the field. Kheron checked his own runner, and the white animal slowed, coming to the left of the herd as they were driven forward. They banked, and slowly moved to the right, and Ley galloped up to their right flank to keep them in a straight column.
They would keep the herd to the east of the field for a while, at least until the feline tracks had stopped or the pack had been tracked and killed. No sense in asking for it, Conner had reasoned. Kheron eased Calan into a steady, effortless gallop, watching out of the corner of eye as Riona urged Ley into a run. He would be certain to keep an eye on her today. They drove the herdbeasts on for half a candlemark, their runners acting with admirable swiftness and reflex when a few of the animals managed to escape the main herd. Then, they slowed the pace, allowing the beasts to graze. They were to the far eastern pasture, now, and Riona seemed to be a bit more at ease. She and Kheron rounded the herd for several candlemarks afterward, sure that they were calmed before they dismounted, watching as Conner approached them from afar on his grey runner. Skidding to a stop, he grinned, waving his hand toward the cattle.
“That was some of the fastest herdin’ I’ve ever seen.” He said merrily, dismounting as well. Kheron and Riona beamed; it was rare to receive such a comment from the beastcrafter. The three of them then settled on the fence railing, pulling out meatrolls. It had been a long morning even before they had herded the cattle, and they were ravenous. The boy looked over his shoulder, watching the ships down at the harbor as he ate. The eastern field was right over Monaco, overlooking almost the entire town and boasting a grand view of the harbor. It was peaceful.
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Post by hrsegrl on Feb 8, 2007 10:07:08 GMT -5
Roderith was pleased at the Candidates they had already found. The group of searchriders they had with them were doing a fabulous job of locating good choices for Sharieth's upcoming hatching and hopefully with Amenth rising soon they would have a second chance in a few months.
As they got closer to the main Hold Roderith was called to stop again by a blue and his rider. If they were certain then the group would lower. Upon lowering they noted that they were pretty much on top of a bunch of herdbeasts. No time to hunt now. He only hoped they were alll able to restrain their dragons.
Landing a good distance so as not to startle the animals F'dan dismounted. Faranth was he sore. The bluerider began to lead them up the hill to where his dragon had felt the presence of a possible candidate. "Hello there." F'dan spoke without a second thought that here people might actually recognize him as the Lord Holder's dragonriding son. "I'm F'dan of Bronze Roderith. My fellow riders and I ride on Search for Ponaa Weyr."
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FireThorne
Peeping Tom
The Busy-Body
~ I feel something Falling from the Sky--I'm so Sad I made the Angels Cry ~
Posts: 188
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Post by FireThorne on Feb 9, 2007 8:07:40 GMT -5
Kheron heard the great wingbeats of some large creature behind him, and he twisted his body around on the railing to discover the source of the sound, unsure of what he would find. Eyes widening, the boy was shocked to see a wing of dragons land a good deal away from the herdbeasts. Conner, who had also turned to discover what the younger man was looking at, slowly dropped to the ground, and his daughter and the wrangler followed suit quickly. The three of them stood silently, unsure of what the men could want and overall awed by the great beasts before them. Kheron had heard stories of a dragon’s incredible size and awe-inspiring appearance, and he had even occasionally seen one fly overhead. Nothing, however, could have prepared him for the sight of a dragon this close. The blues and greens were impressive, and the browns intimidating, but the pure majesty of the massive bronze at the forefront was by far the most proud and gallant creature he had ever encountered.
As the man at the lead approached them and introduced himself, Conner’s expression rapidly changed from curiosity to surprise. Before Kheron had a chance to speak, he was exclaiming loudly. “Why, I’ll be a wherry. If it ain’t the Lord’s son. I heard you were a bronzerider.” The older man said, grinning as he swiped his forearm across his brow to dry the sweat there. The beastcrafter was obviously so surprised by the man’s appearance that he had neglected to introduce himself in return. The boy, however, would not ignore the man’s greeting. His polite character would stand for nothing less.
“Hello, sir. My name is Kheron.” The wrangler supplied levelly, but he was spoken over by Conner yet again.
“Search, huh? Well, the only kids I got are my daughter and my wrangler, so I don’t think you’ll find any candidates here.” His tone was light and amiable; he clearly did not see any potential in either of the teens for a dragon. “There are some more of my beastcrafters at the barn, but they are too old for Searching.” The older man replied, still smiling.
While they spoke, Kheron’s gaze had continued to wander over the dragons, a strange desire beginning to manifest inside him. He had never felt discontent with his life before, but now as he watched the men and Theirs, an unrest blossomed inside him. No wonder the Holder’s son had left; who would not when presented with the life of a dragonrider? He himself had never seen or heard of the lord’s son, aside from the fact that he had left and gone to Ponaa. He was not surprised, however, that Conner recognized him. At the word ‘candidate’, though, the boy immediately settled his amber eyes on the bronzerider. “Candidates, sir?” He asked, looking the man in the eyes. He was polite, as always, but his unshakable determination shown clearly in his gaze as he watched the dragonrider. He never looked away when he was speaking to others. A man who did that was dishonest. “Candidates for what?”
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Post by hrsegrl on Feb 10, 2007 9:17:56 GMT -5
A couple of green riders had come up behind F'dan whispering something in his ear before turning back. They wanted to watch and he allowed them well not that he could really stop them anyway but it was nice to know that they accepted his leadership. "Dragonriding is certainly different. Haven't been recognized yet, so you must have a good eye." He smiled and looked back at Kheron.
"A Candidate for Dragon Queen Sharieth's clutch. The eggs are on the sands. She laid quite a large number and we need some new blood to impress the young dragonets when they hatch." He explained. They didn't want to solely rely on the blood of the Weyr.
"And I'm afraid you're right these two are the only ones around that could have made the dragons stop. Therefore, if we were being reasonable I'd say we came in search of one of them." He paused. "Would you mind terribly idf we had you come down and meet some of the search dragons. I didn't want them to startle the herbeasts too much." He walked brisquely towards the waiting blue and green dragons. His own Bronze still in the forfront. He loved getting attention like this.
Maybe if they did well on this Search riding thing the Weyrleaders would have them promoted from a simple wingrider. There ambition of course was gettting the better of them again so the two stopped dreaming about rank and came back to reality. Which was that one of these two youngsters was going to impress a dragon someday.
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FireThorne
Peeping Tom
The Busy-Body
~ I feel something Falling from the Sky--I'm so Sad I made the Angels Cry ~
Posts: 188
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Post by FireThorne on Feb 13, 2007 8:35:30 GMT -5
Conner grinned crookedly and 'hmmphed', shrugging as he gazed at the dragons behind the tall man. By Faranth, they were huge beasties. "Always did, bronzerider. Hav'ta be if you are a Beastcrafter." The older man visibly became less cheerful as the dragonrider's gaze focused on his wrangler, and it would be obvious to some with a well-trained eye that he was not happy with how things were developing. He did not want to loose his two best workers to the Weyr.
Kheron nodded at F'dan as he gave the boy an explanation, his mind whirling with the possibility of Impressing a dragon. Queen Sharieth, was it? The young wrangler continued the hold the dragonman's gaze until he whirled and walked away, and his amber eyes found Riona's. Would she go? The girl looked uncertain, and she raised her eyes to face father as if he could tell her what to do. The Beastcrafter, however, just shrugged. "It's your call, girl. I canna tell ya what to do with this."
As if resolved, she turned and began to follow the dragonrider, and Kheron walked quietly behind her. The boy wondered if it was he or Riona that would be going to the Weyr to Impress. Either way, he could feel regret lightly tugging at his soul. Conner would loose one of his ranchhands, and one of the wranglers would loose a cherished friend. In a way, he almost wished the riders had never appeared at all.
However, as they approached the wing with the great bronze at the lead, both wranglers stopped and stared, unable to believe how very large and impressive the creatures were up close. "Wherry teeth..." Riona said softly, and Kheron nodded his agreement. The boy could hardly believe one of them would have a chance bond to such an awe-imp spiring beast. He had never been anything special...just a fisherman's son who happened to have a talent for wrangling and wielding a bow. How could it be that he, a mere nothing, would be worthy to stand at Ponaa's Impression? Surely it was Riona. "Excuse me, sir, but how will you know which of us is fit to Search?" He asked, in his usual polite, straightforward way.
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Post by hrsegrl on Feb 13, 2007 20:46:09 GMT -5
That was the truth. He remembered listening to the Hold beastcrafter when he was younger. One really did have to know by looking at an animal whether it was healthy or not etc etc etc. For his part. F'dan never was that great at dealing with beasts, not manually. HE could have mastered the eye part but now he had put that to use onhis dragon instead. A dragon who seemed to be catching everyone's attention.
F'dan smiled when her heard their amazement. Roderith was certainly enjoying the attention. He had no idea how much fun search riding could be. "If you think he is awe inspiring, wait till you see our Golds. We have three currently. All of them are quite splendid to look on."
At Kheron's question, F'dan turned aroudn to face them again. "Dragons have a way of knowing. Not just any dragons of course but certain blues and greens that have a talent for searching. How do you think we found the two of you in the first place?"
He looked back at Roderith and then had a blue and green come closer to the wranglers. "Here, each of you can get to know the dragons and we will know soon enough if one or both of you is suited for a future dragon." Sharieth's clutch was bigger than expected but then the eggs had been stolen so it had been lessened. The saddest part was the Queen Egg had been taken. If it was one thing Ponaa Weyr was good at it was producing Golds.
"
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FireThorne
Peeping Tom
The Busy-Body
~ I feel something Falling from the Sky--I'm so Sad I made the Angels Cry ~
Posts: 188
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Post by FireThorne on Feb 15, 2007 8:23:07 GMT -5
Kheron’s brows rose at the bronzerrider’s words, trying to imagine a creature even larger than the great dragon before him. If golds were even more impressive than this bronze, and Ponaa could boast three, the weyr was sure to be a remarkable place. He had never really been told much about the dragonriders from his parents, considering neither Ivar nor Kiuma knew much about the men themselves, but many of Conner’s beastcrafters had told him stories of the weyrs. They, of course, had traveled in their time, and could impart plenty of knowledge to the boy. Which, of course, he was eager to learn.
The wrangled had always been a very determined, hard-working boy, and as stubborn as a draybeast to boot. But more than that, Kheron was a stout soul who took everything thrown at him with a rock-hard resilience that surprised more than one full-grown man. The other beastcrafters had given him the hardest jobs when Conner had first taken him on as an unofficial apprentice, but instead of going whining off to the man, he had merely put his shoulder against the wall and pushed. And, he pushed hard.
It was not long until he had their respect, surprising many with his fortitude and strength of will. Will alone, after all, made the young manling just as strong as the beastcrafters he was working aside. The wrangler had always been the stout type, and not even an occurrence like this would change him. Kheron was awed by the dragons, but not frightened. Nodding silently to F’dan, the boy’s amber eyes traveled to the blue coming toward him, and a determination flashed in them.
Kheron strode forward, bowing his head in respect to both the rider and dragon. The wrangler always walked with a long, purposeful stride, and he never slouched. It was not the swagger of an arrogant man, however, but the solid walk of a boy who was resolute and focused. “Hello sir.” He said politely to the bluerider, then looked upward at His. He was not sure if the blue wished to hear him speak, so instead he merely inclined his head. He was always very polite, but also very resolved. The boy stole a quick look at Riona, who was looking wide-eyed at the green before her. She, or him?
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Post by hrsegrl on Feb 15, 2007 8:45:56 GMT -5
The Bronzerider watched both youths. They were all so brave. No matter where they went. It was suprising how many people would leave home to impress a dragon. He hadn't really had a choice in it. His father would not be gainsayed and F'dan knew in that moment he would never be allowed to be Lord Holder. He chose instead to win over a most impressive Bronze dragon.
The bluerider grinned, "Don't worry, he isn't gonna bite." The blue rumbled at that. Some humans were funny. The blue liked the boy but he needed a moment or two to decide. He eyed the girl a moment too but knew very quickly she was nervous. The blue spoke directly to the future Candidate. Well now don't you just have the iron will. He liked talking to people as most searchers did.
The bluerider spoke to F'dan openly but the young man would be much too preoccupied with the blue dragon to hear them over his mind voice. By the time they were done discussing the blue rider was grinning again and F'dan was walking over to both the youths. "Kheron, how would you like to come to the Weyr with us? Remember this is a choice you must make for yourself. No one is forcing you to leave."
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FireThorne
Peeping Tom
The Busy-Body
~ I feel something Falling from the Sky--I'm so Sad I made the Angels Cry ~
Posts: 188
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Post by FireThorne on Feb 16, 2007 8:19:42 GMT -5
Kheron gave a start when the blue bespoke him, unsure of who exactly had contact him at first. The boy was not expecting the dragon to talk to him, so it came as quite a surprise to hear the voice inside his head. He did not, however, know how to reply in the same fashion, so he could merely reply with spoken words. “I try to be strong, sir.” The wrangler replied, rather uncertain of how he should address the blue. He had settled for the most polite title he knew. What the dragon said replayed itself in his mind several times, and he tried to sort out exactly what he had meant. It was true he was a very determined boy, but he had never considered himself to have an iron will. He was actually unaware of how resolute he could be, and was. The wrangler was a stout one, true enough.
He was surprised to hear the bronzerider say his name, and turned his attention on the holder’s son. His offer hung between them a few moments, and heavy and loud. Kheron was stunned. He had never expected to have been offered such a chance, considering his humble origins. The wrangler saw Riona from the corner of his eye, and the girl whirled, running back to her father. The boy sighed. He loved his life just as it was, but he had been given a chance to be a dragonrider, to save the hold and ranch he loved by putting himself between Thread and them. It was a hero’s life, a higher calling that took heart and a strong will to take to. He had both.
Kheron had always held a mastery over his fear, so the prospect of candidacy did not frighten him. All that worried the boy was the life he was leaving behind. The felines were still tracking up the fields, and no doubt there would be another attack. Riona...she would not have him next time to save her. Coming resolutely to a decision, the wrangler nodded at F’dan, his eyes as steely and resolute as ever. “I will go to the weyr, sir. I want to protect what is precious to me.” he replied, then raised his gaze to the railing where Conner and his daughter stood. “I would like to finish my chores for the day, though, sir, if I could. Where should I come to you?” The boy knew what he would do. He would take Calan, he would take his bow, and he would track the felines down and kill them. Kheron would not leave the girl totally abandoned. Besides, he had to make arrangements for his loyal runnerbeast–he could not abandon Calan after all they had been through together
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Post by hrsegrl on Feb 18, 2007 20:00:23 GMT -5
F'dan waited. He had the patience of a dragon with a threadscore...in other words he hated waiting. The better to let the boy make his mind up now before bringing him and then having him back out. He won't back out. Besides you said so yourself he is going to be a good addition. Blah blah blah. Roderith, I just hate getting all their hopes up with no way of knowing if they will actually impress. That is not what we were to ascertain. We are to find anyone who is capable of impression not only those who will impress.
Dragon logic was always so simple. The young man finally answered. "We can meet you back here in the morning on our way back to Ponaa or at the main Hold. We are staying there tonight, my family ought to provide lodging for all of us without problem. " In other words, they would give him what he asked or he would simply crash there anyway.
"It might be best we pick you up here though. We don't want to lose you enroute." Perhaps a good night's rest on the softest bed he'd been on since he'd left on search would bring back a better mood. At the moment he was tired and hungry. He'd rather be sleeping than finding Candidates and he'd rather be eating than sleeping. Nothing had been edible at those small cotholds.
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FireThorne
Peeping Tom
The Busy-Body
~ I feel something Falling from the Sky--I'm so Sad I made the Angels Cry ~
Posts: 188
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Post by FireThorne on Feb 21, 2007 8:02:18 GMT -5
Kheron nodded to the bronzerider before him, easily seeing the logic in the man’s reasoning. The boy knew his way about Monaco Bay, having explored the beach, hold, and ranch throughout his childhood. However, he did not know when the dragonriders planned on leaving the hold that morning, and if he arrived too early, who was to say the guards would believe he had been Searched? Far easier for them to come to the ranch. Turning slightly, the wrangler pointed north, the direction they had rode from. “The stables are a good half-candlemark north on hoof, sir, but I imagine you can see it quite easily from here a-dragonback. That is where I will be in the morn.” The boy nodded respectfully to F’dan, then backed away after their farewells, watching the dragons lift into the air effortlessly and soar away. Steeling himself, Kheron rolled his shoulders and turned, striding back up the hill towards the herd. He could feel Conner’s eyes on him.
Leaping back over the railing, the boy stood before the Beastcrafter and his daughter, both of them watching him with cool, guarded eyes. Kheron stood silently before them, his amber eyes steady and meeting their gazes without hesitation or regret. “So, you’re runnin’ off to the weyr, are ya?” Conner asked icily, and the boy’s chin lifted a slight.
“Yes, sir, I am.” He replied, his voice steady and unwavering. When he made a decision, he would not go back on his actions.
Abruptly, the older man grinned, and Riona giggled. “You should have seen your face, Kher.” She laughed, and her father clapped the wrangler on the back.
“We’re proud of you, son.” The Beastcrafter said merrily, swinging up onto his grey runner and settling the animal with firm hands. “I’m heading back to the barn, folks. Why don’t you go ahead and wrap up a candlemark early today?”
Kheron grinned at the two, shaking his head. “You had me going.” He said, then clasped forearms with him. “Thank you, sir.”
Conner tipped his hat to the pair, then whirled his mount and cantered towards the barn. Riona smiled, watching her father ride off. They were proud of him, and happy, true enough, but they had not told him about the party they were throwing him tonight in farewell. The older man was off to gather the wrangler’s parents and fellow beastcrafters, and of course get plenty of food and drinks. The barn was not going to be quiet that night, for sure. Turning, the girl grinned at her fellow wrangler. “Ready to get the cattle goin’?” She asked, swinging up onto Ley.
Grinning in return, Kheron put his booted foot in Calan’s stirrup and mounted, settling easily and comfortably in the saddle. With practiced hands, he guided the white runner around the herd and whooped, starting the animals back towards the barn. He didn’t know it, but he had one merry night ahead.
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