Just Another Day

[pandoraMisfit]

Staring at the ceiling wasn’t an altogether fun pastime, but in this particular woman’s eyes, neither was going outside and getting swamped with people, all concerned about her ‘wellbeing’. Bah, they didn’t actually care about her, just exhibited meaningless worry to make themselves look like the caring, kind Samaritan they wanted everyone to think they were. As if they didn’t all harbour dirty little secrets. As if they didn’t hate and loathe and fear, just like Silvate, just like anyone else in the damned world. No, it was better to remain here, in the silence, alone, than have to put up with faked sympathy that she was sure would flock to her. Empty words of encouragement were the last thing she needed. Raising a hand to sweep the hair off her face, falling over her bad eye as it was prone to do. Her fingers brushed delicately over the slightly puckered scar tissue and she let loose a sigh. She had gotten in when she had lashed out at one of the wher handlers the turn just gone. The damned fool had been stupid enough to try to kiss her and for all his, all he got was a black eye and a broken nose. Not that Nyerisk, his wher had liked it. The beast wasn’t particularly small and went to swipe at her face with his paws, the force of it sending her falling to the ground, her eye bleeding. She had refused to scream though, just fixed the man with an icy glare that meant if he stepped foot near her again, he would die. Feeling the anger from that day, she snarled, the sound echoing around the quiet room.

She blinked, coming out of the reverie that had held her. Finding her hands clenched into fists, she slowly uncurled them, inspecting the red marks her long nails had made in her palms. She found the pain almost refreshing, after the nothing she had felt all day. Making an effort to get to her feet, she shuffled over to her mirror. Inspecting her hair, she ran a hand through the short messy locks before staring at her reflection. Kyara still hadn’t been found, and that was something that had irked her. If the woman was already dead, then someone had stolen her revenge from her. That idea poked the snake of hatred that ravelled around her heart, causing it to rear up and hiss its dissension. Fury started to cloud the woman’s mind, her brain ticking over, planning the cruelties should would love to inflict upon the woman if she ever met her. And well, if it turned out that she was dead, then the person who had caused her demise, they would be the one to suffer for taking away her release.

With the wrath building up in her, Silvate screamed aloud, venting her frustration to the world. More likely than not a few people turned and looked to her room before continuing their day, but she couldn’t give a damn less about them. All she felt was the need to set her anger free, and did so in the only way she knew. Her left fist went flying, to hit the wall as usual. Except she was standing in front of the mirror. Flesh connected with glass in an almighty crash, the latter splintering along it’s surface, shards flying free from the frame. A twisted smile crept onto Silvate’s lips, the shock of the pain bringing her temper into check, unaware that instead of developing bruises, her knuckles were this time bleeding. The red liquid flowed freely from several wounds, thick and dark to splatter on the floor.

Silvate blinked again.

She stared at her hand, examining the cuts with a kind of self satisfaction. Maybe she hadn’t intended to do it, but the pain had brought her back to reality. Getting angry and planning for a future that could in all possibility never exist… what a waste of potential. Wrapping a rag around the wound, she went to sit back on the bed, resting her head against the wall. There were still too many people around, but soon it would get dark, and everyone would be off to bed. As soon as the last rays of light peeked from over the horizon, like they waved goodbye to the world before going to visit elsewhere, Silvate opened the curtains that covered her window. Finally, it was dark, meaning solitude. Well, perhaps not, as some of the wherhandlers were always out and about, but drudges, children and tutors would all be tucked up in bed pretty soon, eliminating the need to skulk around. In any case, she could go down to the baths without being hassled by anyone.

Grabbing a towel and some clean clothes, she slipped out of her room, scurrying down the hallway as quickly as she could to avoid people. Peeking through the doorway to the baths, relief swept over her to see that they were empty. Slipping into the warm water was bliss, feeling the aches and pains melt away. She was economic with her time, cleaning herself briskly and as quickly as possible. When she finally felt clean, she allowed herself a little indulgence by soaking for a further five minutes before getting out and drying off. It was just one of those days. If she saw anyone, she knew her mood would likely get worse, so she was doing everything as quickly as possible so as to avoid human contact.

After leaving the bathing rooms, she dropped her towels and dirty clothes back in her own rooms before exiting the hold proper. Outside, she could roam, knowing that few people were keen on leaving the safety of the walls during the dark hours. There were rumours of bandits in the surrounding areas, though this bothered Silvate little.

Stretching her arms, she felt the bones in her shoulders crack and she sighed in contentment. The stiffness had been bothering her recently, but it wasn’t often she would take the time out to just relax. Tonight was one of those nights though – she had run further this morning in an effort to keep up to her rigorous regime whilst allowing the night to be hers. Wandering a little further still, far enough from the main gates that no one from the hold would bother her; she found a quiet spot to sit. The night was clear and the stars were bright. The dusk sisters twinkled brightly. Focussing on them and then on stars nearby, she found making shapes or pictures with the distant sparks of light a brilliant way to unwind. Sighing again, she got herself comfortable, and lazily yawned. A few wild flits were playing in the air, and interested, two flew over to see what this person was doing here. A rare smile crept onto the girl’s face and a blue one decided to settle on her stomach, while his green counterpart was busy chittering away at him, doing loops in the air. In a way, they reminded her of Silvask, when they both used to play. Closing her eyes, she left the fire lizards to their antics and drifted into happier memories of turns past.

[Desert]

Altesk and His, who had been given watch duty that night at the Hall, lifted their heads when a blast of cold air from above heralded new arrivals. Ever energetic, Pan hopped off Atesk's head and went to greet the newcomer flit currently fluttering around the bigger dragon, while Eos chirruped sleepily and Chiron didn't move. The dusk female creeled happily and circled around Eos, creating a blur of navy and red with the ruby.

Muuth with MySh'kith and Yorth with HisD'kun, from Solainoti,[/b][/color] the bigger dragon announced to the inquisitive watchwher. We did not intend to come so late, but the time difference seemed to have slipped Mine's mind,[/b][/color] the chrome added wryly.

"Muuth, hush," Sh'kith muttered under his breath.

When Altesk relayed the message to his handler, Alteus chuckled and waved to the two riders. Polariss promptly trailed after Pan when her human friend bid her amuse herself for the time being. The two flits, after Polariss tried to land with her new friend on Altesk's brow ridges but got a warning hiss, went over to investigate the newest addition to their environment: Silvate. Pan recognized the lizards already over there as wild ones who liked to hang about, but she'd never had much to do with the human girl, since Alteus was one of the ones who preferred to respect Silvate's privacy. Polariss went with the little ruby, curious, and landed next to the ex-handler's knees with an inquisitive chirp.

While that was going on, Muuth and her companion, dusk Yorth, landed in the courtyard. Alteus sauntered up to briefly inquire about their business, and when he learned it had something or other to do with something Rias had been complaining about, the handler smirked slightly and gestured for the two Easterners to go on inside. D'kun, whose assignment this had been originally, did so while Sh'kith remained outside to wait. He'd offered to accompany the duskrider for a chance to get out of the Weyr for a while. Also, Muuth was getting close to Rising again, and Yorth had been getting a little clingy. The dusk had once or twice won her over in her younger Turns and seemed to be hoping to try again. Muuth, naturally, became even more abrasive and surly to everyone but Hers.

part of the problem, Sh'kith knew, was all the tension that the Weyr had been experiencing lately, what with their Weyrleaders' problems. He was N'yx's confidant, so although he didn't know everything, he was better informed than most anyone else.

Alteus watched Muuth settle down to doze and quirked a grin when Yorth tried scooting too close and earned himself a grumble. "So, how go things in Solainoti? Never been there myself, though my Altesk and I did do a stint around Eden once," he remarked to strike up conversation with the Weyrlingmaster, and turned his shoulder slightly so that Eos, hiding her face sleepily in his neck, was easier to see. "I hear your queen's gonna clutch soon, yeah?"

Sh'kith turned and flashed a slight smile. "Oh, we've got our share of drama, but all in all it's going fairly well. Isionyth should clutch soon -- and that's all to the better, for most of us." The chromerider chuckled. "At least that'll keep her snappy temper concentrated in the Hatching Grounds and limiting her to tormenting Xanntorith." Muuth snorted, and her rider digressed. "You're right, that was uncharitable of me. They've both eased up lately, though i can't say the same for their riders."

Getting Vsiasi to loosen up would be a miracle -- even more so if it managed to make Isionyth loosen up as well,[/b][/color] she commented with a touch of bitterness. Muuth was still resentful after her punishment at Isionyth's hands for letting Black Sands steal Riosian.

Sh'kith quirked an eyebrow. "Now who's being uncharitable?"

It's the truth.[/b][/color]

Sh'kith just rolled his eyes. Muuth was so stubborn sometimes. "Well anyway. What about here at the Hall? Way out east we never hear any good gossip from the rest of Pern -- do fill me in." He grinned as he looked back to Alteus.

While their humans chatted, Pan and Polariss had been occupied studying Silvate from afar. Pan was used to seeing her around, but she suddenly remembered Alteus warning her to keep her distance and respect people's privacy -- especially this person's privacy, so she butted her newfound chum lightly. Polariss was too curious, however, so Pan flitted back to her human. The dusk took off from her perch and came closer to Silvate, until she was crouched on a rock almost close enough for the young woman to touch her. The inquisitive little dusk creeled and eyed Silvate curiously.
[/size]

[pandoraMisfit]

Lost in memories, Silvate was content to let the fire lizard make himself comfortable upon her stomach. However, the gust of cold wind and a somewhat dull thump distracted her long enough to take a quick glance over to the hall gates. Seeing two dragons at this time of night made her quirk a well defined eyebrow, but she had no intention of attracting their attention. No matter how curious she was as to their appearance, she loathed her peace being disturbed, particularly by the now chatting people, who were, in her mind, being loud enough to wake the handlers closer to the edge of the hall. Then again, her hearing was more acute than most humans, and she could easily pick up strands of conversation here and there, though eavesdropping wasn’t her cup of klah. Leave that to the busy bodies. No, she didn’t care for their company, but she wouldn’t go over there and tell them to leave… yet. She was comfortable, and for a change, at peace. Closing her eyes again, she begun to wonder what had actually brought two riders at nightfall. Could be official weyr business, trade, or something else. She didn’t care too much, but thinking about it kept her mind from wandering to less attractive memories as she had been about to float into before the interruption.

Silvate was drawn from her speculation as the wild blue had begun to crawl up her chest, almost slyly as if he thought that by moving millimetres at a time, she wouldn’t notice. Playing along with the game, a small smile crept onto her face. The creature inched up to her waist. Still, she kept her eyes closed. He put a clawed foot on her chest, the sharps needles pricking her skin enough to sting, but still, she kept her eyes closed. When she felt the hard maw brush against her chin, she heard another chirp noise, pretty close by; one that she didn’t recognise the timbre of. Spending a lot of time with fire lizards as company meant that she knew pretty much all of the pets and wild lizards around these parts and hadn’t gotten to an almost professional standard at recognising them through sound alone. Her plan had originally been to jump up and scare the wild blue out of his wits, but now that idea was out of the window – scaring a newcomer away hadn’t been her intended goal.

Peeling her eyelids open slowly, her brown eye shining with curiosity, she stuck her tongue out at the blue on her chest and glanced down to see the stranger. The blue made a discontented noise at not being able to surprise the girl, and took to the air chirupping at the dusk by her knees before flitting off to find his green companion. The brunette eased herself into a sitting position and looked at the fire lizard that had joined the party. It looked like a blue, except its hide was a much deeper shade of blue and what dappled with what looked like they could be different colours altogether, but with the poor quality of light and her impeded eyesight, she wasn’t so sure. What she was sure of was that this little critter had come with the dragons. Her harsh mask started to descend without her even realising, and before she knew it, she had fixed the poor thing with a sharp glare. Shaking her head, she rearranged her features to how they had been previously, inquisitive and inviting – so she hoped. This wasn’t a person after all, and fire lizards tended to be better company than most.

“Sorry little one, I didn’t mean to be scary,” she cooed, sounding completely unlike the person she knew she was during the rest of her waking hours. She shuffled little closer to the rock the flit was perched upon, hoping that it would come over. She was always happy to make a new friend in an animal, but a cursory look over at the gate betrayed her discomfort at the thought of attracting the little one’s bonded over. She shuddered almost imperceptibly at the thought, her revulsion for other people and their ‘caring’ attitude threatening to take over again. Holding out her arm, she made reassuring croons - able to replicate the almost exact noise a fire lizard could make from years of practice – hoping the curiosity that had brought it over, was strong enough that the blueish fire lizard would come over.

[Desert]

Polariss took a step back and hunched down slightly when Silvate glared at her. The little duck started to walk away -- she was used to snappy chromes and moody brimstones so she knew when she wasn't wanted -- but then Silvate started to croon, and Polariss paused. The stranger looked perfectly friendly now. Okay! She chirruped cutely and minced a few paces closer when Silvate scooted toward her, and even dared to put one paw on the side of the ex-handler's knee. She looked over her shoulder briefly to check on her bonded and Muuth, but seeing the Weyrlingmaster still chatting with Alteus, she turned her attention back to Silvate.

Muuth noticed what Hers' little flitter was doing and dared to lightly brush Silvate's mind. It wasn't enough that the woman would notice, hopefully. An interesting human, to say the least. Most chromes were hopeless at Searching, but Muuth was one of the few with a decent record for finding suitable candidates. However, her companion Yorth was well-known through the Weyr for always choosing well, so she lightly nudged the dusk with her wing. When the male looked up curiously, she nodded in Silvate's direction and bid him sound her out. But be subtle about it. Something tells me she won't take kindly to someone snooping around in her thoughts.[/b][/color]

While Yorth lightly touched Silvate's thoughts, muuth turned to her rider. Mine, ask that handler for the story behind that one over there. I think we might be able to bring her back to the Weyr.[/b][/color]

Eyebrow quirked, Sh'kith looked over his shoulder at Silvate. Seeing Polariss there next to her, he shrugged and turned back to Alteus. "Say, who is that woman over there -- the one my Polariss is talking to?"

Alteus sighed. "Her name is Silvate. She was a handler, but her wher died -- that whole clutch was sickly. To be honest she's rather unpleasant to all of us, but I for one don't blame her in the least." He reached over to stroke Altesk's head, and the lanky brown hummed contentedly at the touch. "I've seen her around making friends with the fire lizards -- like she's doing to yours by the looks of it -- but that's about all anyone sees of her. She still keeps a handler's hours."

Yorth, having also heard the explanation, crooned sympathetically. Poor girl. I can see why she was a handler. She would still make a fine rider, but I don't know whether she would want to come with us. Such hurt... I can sense it even from her surface thoughts,[/b][/color] he commented to Muuth. He turned back to the human in question and reached out to her mind again. Hello. I am Yorth -- I come from Solainoti,[/b][/color] he greeted gently. I am here with my friend Muuth. That is her Mine's flit you have in your lap, by the way. Her name is Polariss.[/b][/color] By then, Polariss had indeed gathered the courage to climb onto Silvate's knee.
[/size]

[pandoraMisfit]

A small smile crept across a pair of lips that were so often set into a hard thin line, the feeling almost alien. It had been a while since she’d smiled for a genuine reason, and gaining the trust of such a beautiful little creature was reason enough to smile. It still felt a little weird though. Studying the little one was easier now that she was closer, and even Silvate’s eye could make out that she was indeed not a blue, but she had other colours running across her hide, like one of the dragons she had glanced at not so long ago. Now what were they called…? Ah yes, that was it, she was a Dusk. Something inside cringed at the thought of a mutated fire lizard sitting in her lap, but not enough that it translated into a physical flinch. Her brow furrowed though, pondering just how many strange new breeds were going to enter the world, and exactly how many of them would suffer the same fate as her beloved Silvask. Despite reassurances from other handlers and some kindly riders, she was still uncertain about these new colours popping up here there and everywhere. It seemed almost unnatural, a break of the tradition that had been set for hundreds and hundreds of turns – Gold, Bronze, Brown, Blue and Green. Frowning even more, the nature of some of the mutations that she had heard of… well she’d rather not think about bloodthirsty demonic dragons ‘protecting’ the skies of Pern.

The frown did not leave her face, but as if to make up for it, she began to scratch the little Dusk underneath her chin, letting her nails scrape away any dead hide that might be there. She had a strange sensation that someone was watching her, but when she looked around, she couldn’t see anyone looking her way, at least, not directly at any rate. Continuing to scratch the fire lizards chin, she let out a sigh. The muscles between her shoulder blades were becoming tense from sitting in the position that she was, and she longed to stretch out, but fear of startling the fire lizard away stopped her from doing so. Again there was that strange niggling sensation but she couldn’t place it. A lack of sleep from the past two days had somewhat dulled her reactions, otherwise, she may have realised it was something brushing her thoughts, much like Silvask used to do when she knew that her handler was worrying.

So when Yorth bespoke her, she fairly jumped out of her skin. As he had pointed out, the fire lizard was very well making herself comfortable on the woman’s lap, and the sudden movement had dislodged the poor thing so much that she was clinging onto Silvate’s trousers with her claws, the sharp talons pricking the skin enough to draw some blood. She ignored it. Settling the lizard – ah, so she was called Polariss - down again she was meant with a head butt that demanded she start scratching again; she quickly obliged.

Whilst she petted the small creature, Silvate fixed her gaze upon the dusky hued dragon that had landed not ten minutes ago, uncertain of what she should say. A dragon had spoken to her! And the sensation of something so intelligent in her mind was… unsettling to say the least. True she had been a handler, but whers did not hold the level of intellect that dragons did nor did they speak… at least not exactly coherently. Settling for gazing at the beast for a few moments more, she did a quick calculation in her head. Dragon = rider nearby = human annoyance = not worth the time of day. It made sense at first, but the more she thought, the more intrigued she was as to why the male had decided to speak to her specifically. Surely it wouldn’t have been because of Polariss, fire lizards were often the bane of the greater dragons, annoying them much like other people annoyed herself.

Eventually, curiosity got the better of her, and even though curiosity killed the feline… well if it killed her, it wouldn’t be so much of a loss from her point of view. “That sounds… interesting. But why are you bothering to tell me where you’re from? Not like it makes much difference to me, does it?” Her thoughts pretty much had the feels that they would as if the words were spoken – sharp, cynical and with just a hint of animosity. Okay, so she was addressing a dragon, but as she had previously pointed out to herself, that dragon was tied to a human, and most likely one who would see her as a charity case, especially as his friend’s flit had taken an interest. She huffed aloud, frustration beginning to grow that her nice, quiet evening seemed to be on it’s was between. With a dragon talking to her, things could only get louder as the humans got involved. Oh sheer joy.

[Desert]

Yorth blinked mildly at the response he got. I was only being polite, there's no need to snap. It's just good manners to give one's place of origin when introducing oneself, is it not? That was how I was taught, at least.[/b][/color] Typical of a dusk, he didn't appear phased by Silvate's waspishness. It wasn't like he wasn't used to prickly personalities. Also, you needn't worry about any humans bothering you. Mine is inside, and Muuth's is still talking to the one on watch. I won't call either of them over if you don't feel like talking to them. Muuth won't either. I'm just being friendly, not trying to make anyone's life harder.[/b][/color] The dusk rumbled a chuckle.

Then, another fire lizard appeared near Silvate: this one a blue, with a light periwinkle hide spotted with flecks of lavender. The small, somewhat pudgy blue chirruped happily and swooped down to land on Silvate's knee next to Polariss. The little dusk touched noses with the newcomer in greeting and creeled. Oh my. That little one who just made himself at home is Jak, one of Mine's flits. He has two others, a brown Mik and a green Ave. We tried to make them stay behind at the Weyr, but Jak is even more airheaded than his sister,[/b][/color] Yorth explained to the ex-handler, with amused tolerance in his mindvoice.

Jak, evidently hearing his dragonfriend's voice, looked toward the dusk and chirped sunnily. Yorth chuckled at the happy-go-lucky young blue's antics. He's a sweet little thing, but not too bright. If he or Polariss starts to bother you, I'll shoo them off.[/b][/color]
[/size]

[pandoraMisfit]

Silvate scowled at the Dusk’s unflappable manner, for him being so intent on talking with her. What was it with him anyway? She was only an ex-handler and no other dragon had before deigned to speak with her. Maybe he was just one of those who would never stop talking. She’d heard of those, although she usually thought they were hyperactive little s**t’s that never stayed still. Yorth however, seemed a lot calmer than those she had been told about. Snorting derisively when he mentioned about politeness, she nonetheless continued to speak with him. “Well if you are so interested, my name is Silvate, but then again, Alteus probably told you all that. As for where I’m from, well I don’t belong anywhere these days. I live here, but it’s pointless.” She snorted again, failing to show that although she was more than a little fed up with all of these interruptions to her quiet, she was indeed thankful that the Dusk wasn’t going to get anyone else involved in this little… whatever it was.

She fumed for a little while to herself, all the while managing to give Polariss all the fuss she could ever ask for. Then she noticed a fat something plop itself into her lap. Looking down in puzzlement, she saw a very pretty looking blue beaming up at her, all draconic smiles and bubbly fun. Unwittingly a smile flicked across her stone-like features, until she hid it swiftly again. Except this time, she questioned why she hid it. After all, if Yorth promised not to get his rider involved, why should she hide her emotions. She had been able to truly be herself with Silvask, so why not around a dragon? Just as long as no one stumbled across at that moment and noticed, it would be fine.

Letting the smile creep back in, she turned her attention to the little blue, whose name Yorth – once more – informed her was Jak. He was pudgy. It was the best word to describe him, pudgy, fat and loved. The two creatures upon her lap embodied a life that she would have wished for herself, until the thought of revenge had clouded everything else. She sighed, almost wistfully, for probably the hundredth time that day. She waved off the dragon’s comment about shooing them off if they became too much of a nuisance, mumbling something about liking the company. To speak the thought any louder would be like admitting that she was lonely, that she cared for company.

Chucking Jak under the chin with her right hand, she carefully manoeuvred Polariss off her knee and onto her stomach as she shuffled around to rest her tense back upon the rock the little dusk had not long been sitting on. Okay so it didn’t provide terribly much support, but it was better than full out lying on the grass. Putting the flit down again, she resumed her petting of the both of them, ambidextrously managing to rub the spot behind Polariss’s ear knobs and Jak’s belly as he gooned around.

Looking over to Yorth, Silvate hesitated. Speaking to him might allow her to find out what was going on with the riders being here so late. Yes, that was her reasoning behind it, but the subconscious motive was to try and remove some of the isolation she had so successfully placed around herself – not that she would have realised it. “Yorth?” She questioned, “It’s strange, but I’ve never heard a dragon before… why do you talk to me?” Silently she cursed herself. That wasn’t asking about the visit at all, and it didn’t even lead to an opening where she would be able to ask. She frowned slightly, but continued. “I mean, why talk to me when there’s something obviously important going on. You wouldn’t be here otherwise.” Somehow, she found it easier to talk to this dragon, this conscious, intelligent being now that she knew she wouldn’t have people trying to harass her. Sure, the Dusk could being trying to make nice with the outcast girl, but a dragon was different from a human, from what she had gathered anyway. Different enough for her to be willing to make an effort at least, different enough that she was willing to drop a few layers of her barbed defence, enough to allow for a conversation of sorts.

[Desert]

Yorth rumbled a draconic chuckle. Oh, my D'kun is doing the important work. Muuth and I are mostly here for transportation and looking pretty. Why we're here... I don't quite remember, but I think it has something to do with that new mine Rias is thinking of digging. Why we didn't go to Fyr Amenti or Kijuju and hire some of those halfbreeds I don't know, since they're closer. Either way.[/b][/color] The dusk shrugged.

And it might surprise you. Most dragons don't bespeak humans who aren't our riders, but that doesn't mean we can't. I think most dragons who come by wouldn't be around while you are awake, or they would be disinclined to talk to you if your usual attitude is what I think it is.[/b][/color] There was wry humor to Yorth's voice, but also a tinge of sympathy. We are strong empaths, after all. We sense emotion far before we sense thoughts. It takes an actual mindtouch to hear what you're thinking.[/b][/color] Yorth digressed before he started rambling.

He hesitated, wondering how this young woman would react to the proposition he was about to make. Then, seeing no purpose in beating around the bush, he continued. But truly, there is a specific reason I started speaking with you. The one on watch did tell us a little about you. I was just wondering if... you would like to come back to Solainoti with us. Our Senior queen Isionyth recently Rose to mate and she will lay a clutch soon. I think you have a good chance as a candidate.[/b][/color] Yorth paused for a moment to judge Silvate's reaction. Not to brag, but my Search record is second to none - I'm rarely wrong if I think a candidate will Impress. You would make an excellent rider, especially in the weyrling stage, because of your past experience. If you don't wish to leave the Wherhall for the Weyr, I would understand. But I think you would find that a chance in scenery would do well - no one there would know you. A fresh start in a new place would not be such a bad thing, and even if you do not Impress, you could transfer to one of our Holds or even to another Weyr.[/b][/color]
[/size]

[pandoraMisfit]

Her fuss of the flits continued as Silvate listened to the Dragon. His voice was somehow soothing, not at all like her Wher’s had been, but at the same time almost familiar. Perhaps it was the vague connection between them that enabled the conversation. Whatever it was, the girl like it. It was calming. Well, until Yorth made the comment about her ‘usual’ attitude. She harrumphed, a steely look descending upon her brown eye. “So you snoop around with my emotions before even introducing yourselves... nice.” Her voice carried a hint of ice, though not so much as it could have. After all, she couldn’t wholly blame the dragon for his inborn abilities. But enough that her defences shot up just a little.

“If other dragons were that disinclined to speak to me, I see no reason why you should. I mean, I’m just a lone girl, minding my own business. What in between could I be to you? Just another hurting soul, a poor lost person who needs the help of gentle Yorth?” She almost spat, aware that the words were exactly the type that she had previously told herself shouldn’t be used in this situation. She sighed, her eyes turning skyward. Observing the clouds and the stars that glimmered between them, she gathered herself. It was as if she were speaking to the sky instead of the great creatures not far off, but she would be certain they were heard, no matter how dull the sound. “Look, I’m not going to apologise for that... outburst. If you are empathetic, you will know why. But I do not wish you to leave.”

In the middle of her sentence, she was interrupted – he was speaking again. Silvate did not butt in this time as the second sentence snagged on her heart and soul. IIt was as though the words had sprouted barbs and embedded themselves in her being; she did not even hear the self gratifying statement of being an excellent search dragon.

Her heart thudding ten to the dozen, she stood, deftly catching the two tumbling fire lizards as they were dislodged. One of them squeaked indignantly, although which, she didn’t know. Plopping Jak on her shoulder and Polariss on her head – an action that seemed to the onlooker quite bizarre, but to Silvate it was merely another place to use as a perch – she finally faced the Dusk straight on. Even her blind eye appeared to shimmer with hope. But even as that emotion sparked, it was laced with suspicion, the kind that she hid behind to save herself from fear and hurt.

“I would come gladly, if only to get away from here. The East is yet somewhere I have not yet searched for Kyara.” She sighed, her scars knotting as she frowned. That old chestnut again. “But truly, I would welcome a change of pace, though my certainty at becoming a rider is far less than your own. I do not know that any dragon would have me – Silvask is still too present in my heart. But yes, if you mean what you say, I will come with you.” Looking between both dragons, she pondered, would it be worth it? There would only be one way to find out, she guessed. “Would I leave now, or would I have to wait for some sort of acceptance from the weyr?” Her restless pacing started up again, a visible signal that she was itching to get away. For the first time in a very, very long period, she was feeling vaguely hopeful. Vaguely, only because the girl stopped the feeling from flourishing – after all it could still end in tears.

Making certain the fire lizards were balanced, she started over towards the dragons, only to pull back as if uncertain. Now after accepting, she was reluctant to even move from her hidden spot. After all, if she went over now, the watchman would want to quiz her about what she had been doing out her... or maybe he wouldn’t. Either way, her distaste was evident on her face as she faltered. “My only qualm in all of this Yorth, is that I am dreading the thought of people swarming all over me – as a new person, I will be novel. Even if it is the only thing I miss from being here, I would miss my peace.”

[Desert]

Yorth was surprised that she had accepted so easily - eagerly, even. Evidently he had underestimated her desire to leave the Wherhall. If you wish, you can leave with us. Since D'kun isn't quite finished with his business, you have time to pack up your belongings.[/b][/color] He looked to Muuth, who shared a gratified look with him, before swinging his head back to face Silvate. And you don't have to worry so much about that. We will warn everyone to give you your space. Some of the younger ones may get curious, but they mean no harm.[/b][/color]

Muuth took a step forward so she could set eyes on Silvate. If you really cannot stand too much human interaction, we can assign you to a private room in the Lower Caverns instead of the usual barracks. I am Muuth, by the by. MySh'kith is the Weyrlingmaster, and in lieu of a Candidatemaster, we are serving that post as well.[/b][/color]
Hearing his dragon's conversation, Sh'kith looked first up at Muuth's head, then over at the place where both dragons were staring. Muuth's broad gray head descended to nudge Sh'kith back toward the Wherhall. Shh. Let us handle this, love.[/b][/color] Sh'kith smiled and patted her muzzle.
[/size]

[pandoraMisfit]

The first smile of gratitude to grace Silvate’s face in years burst into life at that moment. As much as she almost liked it here, there were too many of the strange Whers wandering around, making her heart ache for her lost Silvask. And okay, so nothing would ever replace the dear in her heart, but the chance to get away, the chance to explore somewhere else was the best thing to happen to her in years. And yes, she could certainly look for Kyara. It was perhaps the only place she hadn’t thought of looking, and with no word from any of her friends in either this continent or the south, it most definitely was an interesting prospect. However the smile soon vanished when she caught sight of Sh’kith looking in her general direction. Her mouth automatically pulled into a sneer, until he turned back to his own business.

Muuth’s reassurance that she wouldn’t have to bunk in with children almost half her age was the last temptation she needed. Yes, it was set, she was going. Inclining her head to both the Chrome and the Dusk, she thanked them for deigning to speak with her in the first place. Picking the fire lizards up, one in each hand as she rose, she was about the place them softly on the ground before she realised that she didn’t want to. “Would your riders mind if I abducted their pets whilst I pack my belongings? Although you evidently know my... dislike of human company, I find quite good company in your little cousins.” The question was more of a rhetoric as she replaced the lizards on her person, Polariss once again on her head and Jak now curled about her neck as she hurried off to her quarters.

Realising the men t the entrance were probably in on the whole conversation, she scowled at them quite viciously. If there was one thing she hated more than people, it was people who didn’t mind their own business. Not that she had any proof of such a thing, but Silvate was quick to draw conclusions. The flits drew some inquisitive looks from everyone she passed, and they in turn received her baleful glare. Most stayed away. In fact, only one person ventured to ask where the creatures had come from, and he soon shrank back from the violence in the gaze that was cast upon him.

Once in her room, the woman grabbed together her few belongings worth taking -her single dress she owned for special occasions, a heavy feeling, dual toned silk. The under layer was blood red, her favourite colour for reasons known to everyone, with a thinner, gauzy material resting over the top in a midnight blue hue. The effect was that when the light shimmered on it correctly, you had both of these colours and a deep purple too. The rest of her things consisted of heavy trousers, shirts, a few ties for her hair and her spare boots. Looking around the rest of the room, she decided there was little else worth taking. She had only her memories of Silvask. Anything of sentimental value, she had thrown out long ago, or if it still remained in this little room, then let it rot. The fire lizards were, for a change, generally well behaved. The last time she had had such creatures in her room, they had taken great delight in zooming around, although in Jak’s case, she was a little more than suspicious that he was just too lazy.

It wasn’t long before everything she wanted was packed into a small but durable rucksack style bag. Casting a last cursory glance around her room, she closed the door without lingering. It wasn’t in her nature to hesitate when it came to decisions. Nor did she dawdle through the hallways as she made her way back out to the front gate. Not even looking at the men standing there, she went directly to Yorth, proclaiming that she was ready, and she would wait here if need be.

((Bleh, it's serviceable... I need to ply my muse with coffee and cookies))

[Desert]

Neither Yorth nor Muuth objected to Silvate's temporary abduction of their fire lizard friends. Both flits were delighted to be taken on an impromptu tour of the Wherhall, and Polariss chirruped happily at all and sundry as they made their way through the hall. Jak had a silly grin plastered to his face as he rode on Silvate's shoulder.

Sh'kith blinked in confusion as Silvate passed and gave him a nasty look, the he glanced to Muuth questioningly. "Was there a reason she just gave me the evil eyes and is walking away with my fire lizard?"

She is a new candidate and will be accompanying us back to the Weyr. When we get back, ask the Headwoman if she has a spare room in the Lower Caverns where she can stay. If not, there are always the ground-level weyrs,[/b][/color] Muuth informed Hers wryly.

A few minutes after Silvate left to go pack, D'kun returned. "Well that was a singularly useless venture," he said with a sigh. "Shall we go?"

Yorth cocked a foreleg to let his rider mount. Just a moment, Mine. Muuth and I recruited a new candidate while you were away, and we're taking her back with us. She'll be coming out soon with Jak and Polariss in tow.[/b][/color]

D'kun raised an eyebrow at his dusk. "You did? Leave it to you to pick up candidates when we're not even on an official Search." He chuckled and slapped Yorth's shoulder affectionately. "Tell me about this new candidate, then."

She used to be a handler, but her wher was lost. I think it will be good for her to get away from the Hall,[/b][/color] Yorth explained, craning his head around to look at His. And she is prickly like a brimstone, so be courteous when she gets back.[/b][/color]

D'kun smiled slightly. It was like Yorth to reach out to someone like that - for a dusk, he was fairly outgoing, in the easygoing way of his color. An all-around friendly dragon. He glanced over when his peripheral vision caught a flash of movement. Jak lifted off Silvate's shoulder and flapped over to his human, landing on the neckridge in front of the saddle and chirping happily up at D'kun. The duskrider scooped Jak up with a chuckle and sat him on his shoulder. Polariss slid down onto the steadier perch on Silvate's shoulder once Jak vacated the spot.

Yorth took Silvate's bag in his teeth and lifted it up so that D'kun could grab onto the handles and place it on his lap. You timed your arrival well - we are ready to take off. This is MyD'kun, Silvate.[/b][/color] The dusk curled his forepaw to form a stepstool for Silvate to use, and D'kun held one hand out in case she needed it to get up.
[/size]

[pandoraMisfit]

Acknowledging the dragon with an inclination of her head, Silvate handed over her bag with no complaint; she knew the dragon be extremely gentle with her possession. Not that there was anything breakable in the bag.

Silvate only gave the two riders a perfunctory smile and her name as a greeting. She knew she should probably offer more in the way of gratitude, but couldn’t bring herself to it. She still wasn’t quite in the mood for contact with people – after all, that was the reason she had come out here in the first place. Jak vanished from her shoulder, quickly replaced by Polariss. The flit slid down from her head to her steadier shoulder, catching a few strands of hair in her claws. Wincing slightly, she disentangled the mahogany hued strands from the creature’s claws. It was so much easier for her to interact with these little things.

Which was why when she stepped up onto Yorth’s paw, she completely ignored the outstretched hand of D’kun. Her running had kept her in form, and she nimbly climbed up and over the dusks shoulder and seated herself behind the rider. She had travelled adragonback before, so she was no newbie to the exercise of mounting and dismounting. In fact, the offer of a hand up had her almost visibly bristling. What did he think she was? Some scared little daughter of some primped up holder? She snorted at the thought. Seating herself properly, she rested her hands lightly on the ridge in front of her. She really wasn’t in the mood for conversation; but she could see it coming. It was inevitable after all. She was heading for a new place, she was going to be surrounded by unknown people. Sighing, she let out a begrudging thank you to D’kun. Her voice came out sounding like she was trying to draw blood from a rock, but it was a thank you none the less.