Rolling Thunder (Mittens)

[Bacchante]

B’ach was, in a word, irked. Candidates were coming in droves, mostly from Skrull but a few delivered from other Weyrs. These candidates, the source of the Weyrleader’s displeasure, had one thing in common: They were all female. B’ach did not so much mind the younger girls, who were cute and blushed and no trouble at all. It was the elder ones, fifteen and up, who caused him consternation. These he had been almost forced to invite, by his mother. It said a lot about his respect for his parents when his mother still held sway over him. But what a nightmare it was! How could any female be so precocious? The young Weyrleader was forced to sit atop his throne as the candidates were, one by one, paraded before him. It was an ancient ritual in Skrull, solely for the Wraithking candidates, but an important one. He shuddered at the thought of one of these girls becoming Weyrwoman. Each one, no doubt at the insistence of a preening mother, was wearing the most daring clothes they could while still keeping to Skrull tradition and each one, no doubt with education from the town whore, was trying out their best seductive expressions on the poor man on the stone chair. Zenith snickered with each passing girl.

The out of Skrull ones weren’t so bad. They were nice and not daring at all. But even so, B’ach was sick of it all. “Enough! No more for today!” He stood and stormed down from his throne and out of the room, shouting for his assistant to ready his riding gear. The Guards nodded appreciatively, they knew a good dramatic storm off when they saw one and the billowing purple cape behind him had synched it for number one. The young girl, who had been in the act of bowing far too low then she needed, was looking horrified. B’rac commented to the nearby guards, “Good cape that one, for the old dramatic exit.” The guards nodded. One had the presence of mind to escort the young lady out and send the rest of the line to their quarters. B’rac, Guard Captain, went after his son.

“Now tell me boy, what was that all about?” B’ach was pulling on his leather riding gear, having abandoned the ceremonial white clothing he’d been wearing. The son snorted derisively, “I can’t take it any more Father! They look like I’m a prime cut of meat, or some sculpture on display! When I held Conclave the Gold Daisyth of Crystal Caverns Weyr told me of a girl in one of her holds, a girl she offered me. She seemed to believe she would rise to great things. I will go fetch her. Anything to get away from that crowd of harlots!” B’rac nodded. “I will go to placate the girls.” B’ach paused. “Father. Send a Bluerider to the Gate, to carry me. I wish not to intimidate them. And order Dark Blade readied and firestoned.. I want them airborne in fifteen minutes.” The Guard Captain paused. “Son, what are you planning?” B’ach shrugged. He would say nothing.

Fifteen minutes later Zenith was waiting on the mountainside with eleven Shades around her. “These are all the members of Dark Blade who are within the weyr. All dragons are flame capable, excepting the Blue you ride.” B’rac concluded the report to his son crisply. The Weyrleader nodded. “It will suffice.” To his dragon he said, “Zenith, come in far from the marked location. We don’t wish to scare them. Use the Shade power and glide in with the others. Show yourself when told, understand?” The Wraithqueen thought compliance but added, “If you end up getting hurt because of this I swear to castrate that Blue.” The Bluerider looked fearful until he heard B’ach chuckle. “Right you are Zen. But you needn't worry, I’ll be fine.” With that the dragons all flew up, and Betweened.

Zenith came out far from the Hold, with a clap of thunder following her. She was invisible to the human eye, as were the Shades who came from the West. It was just past midday now, and they were shielded by the sun. They landed a short way from the town silently. A man walked around one, absently. Thus was the beauty of the Shade power. You knew they were there, but simply refused to acknowledge this consciously. It even worked with Zenith, if with a slightly less effect. People tended to notice her if they needed to walk through her. To ensure the invisible dragons were not noticed B’ach bid the lighter than normal Blue to bugle loudly as they flew in, landing on the heights where the firepits lay. B’ach slid off, looking rather imposing with his deep purple cape and bone-plated riding gear. He accosted the people who gathered around, “I am B’ach of Skrull. I am given permission by Crystal Caverns Weyr to examine one of your number and Search her if she is found to be suitable. Where is the girl named Riki?”

[Lyrikitty]

It was like any other day. As Rukbat rose on the horizon, it showed the delicate girl having been up for hours already. She had grabbed an early breakfast, taking care to get it long before her father would be haunting the halls and scouring the place for her, and done the few chores she knew were unavoidable, before slinking away to hide herself in the stables. The sweet, musky scent of horse had greeted her, and placed a soft, vague smile on her lips, as she moved slowly about, nibbling on a meatroll and sipping at her mug of hot klah. No one bothered her while she was here, in fact most of the time the drudges who passed by pretended she wasn't here, or that they had something to o elsewhere, giving her the privacy and the silence she so needed.

To repay this, she had fed each animal in the stables, filling the buckets with water, and sparing a few extra minutes on some of her favorite runners. One of th em, a dark bay stallion, received nearly an hour of her attention, and in fact she was still running a coarse brush over his flank absently, humming softly to herself as she worked, when she heard what sounded like a clap of thunder. Her brow furrowed, and she stepped back from the horse as he jumped, startled. "Hey now... None of that, you hear? There's nothing for you to get worked up about..." Her voice was soft, barely a whisper, for the moment not timid, for there was no one around to be afraid of, and she knew the beast would not harm her.

After a moment, the runner settled, reaching out with his velvet muzzle to brush it over her arm apologetically. She stroked his muzzle, resting her brow against his neck for a moment, before she sighed and pulled away. There were no storms scheduled, that she knew of,20and that clap of thunder was indeed odd. She needed to check it out, if only a quick glance around, to see what was going on.

She emerged from the stables silently, not a word falling from her lips, no soft rustle rising from her footsteps. Several eyes watched her, but none made any action to stop or acknowledge the girl. How ignorant they were, but who could blame them? She did not make herself known to many, after all, instead sitting by on the sidelines while all the important decisions were made for her, never speaking her mind, never showing she held even the slightest trace of wit behind those gem-like eyes. How could anyone know what she felt, thought, when she so stubbornly kept it hidden? It seemed the only one who knew her, who had a prayer of understanding her, was a creature who she had limited contact with.

Riki was not the only on curious to the source of the noise.Rileson had been in his chambers fuming over the apparent knack his daughter had for disappearing, wondering where she might have run off to, and debating countless punishments for when she popped up once again. Drudges had brought his morning meal to him, and fled quickly hoping to avoid a misplaced blow at his hands, and since then the man had been storming across the floor of the room, pacing restlessly, and grabbing a bite of food occasionally as he passed. Stupid girl! He had intended to have them ride out for a visit today, and go see her future husband, he on his finest animal and she, as only proper, seated in one of the nicest carts, pulled by another pair of magnificent beasts. But no... Instead the little brat had decided to take off and hide. How childish! How immature of her! Did she not care at all what became of them? He needed her to find a good, prosperous match, if he wanted his lovely llit tle Hold to survive. Perhaps it as a little unfair to her, but by th first shell, the little wench owed him!

As the sharp clap of what sounded like thunder roared to his ears, he jumped, startled, and gave out a little cry. Quickly he glanced about to be sure none had sen the little slip n his part, relieved to e no one lurking in his quarters, before wandering to a window and peering out,up at the clouds. Not a dark one marred the pale expanse of whites and sot blues, an oddity in itself, and the man was no brilliant mind, stared with confusion for a long moment. However, a pale creature drew his attention as it made way through the sky above, blue hide light enough that one might easily mistake it for...

"Cyan? What is a beast like that doing above my Hold? RIKI! Shard it child where are you?!?!" It was impossible that a Cyan was sin the skies above this Hold, and yet by every appearance so far as Rileson could tell indeed there was one. This thoughts was terrifying, and if such a monster was about, he would send the stupid girl out to greet the rider, and linger back to see how things went. If she didn't get eaten or mauled, he might consider offering some small form of hospitality. No answer came to his screaming, though a drudge had the misfortune of sticking her head in at that moment, her eyes growing wide as the man snatched her up and pulled her across the floor, forcing her to look out the window. "You! Tell me what dragon that looks like!"

The woman trembled, and peered up at the sky for a moment, before blinking. "I appears, sir, to be a dragon of blue color?"

"I know that you imbecile! I meant what type of dragon! What Weyr do you think that beast hails from, answer quick or so help me I'll throw your useless carcass out the window!" [/color]

"I don't know! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please sir, please Rileson! I'll go find Riki for you if you like, just don't throw me out the window, please!" She wailed, obviously terrified the man would do as he threatened, but as soon as she offered to find his daughter he tossed her to the floor in the center of the room.

"Then find her, and send her to go greet our guests! If you manage to screw that up, I'll not toss you out a window, but feed your sorry skin to a wher."[/color] He glared at her as she swiftly fled, going to do as bid and seek out Riki. In the meanwhile, Rileson went about getting into more fitting garb, if indeed he ended up greeting the dragon and rider, he would have to look the part of his rank.

Riki had watched the dragon drift down, and listened as it's brassy bugle filled the air, announcing itself to the Hold. It carried two passengers, instead of the typical one sent from a Weyr. Perhaps an unexpected visit from another Holder? She quickly scanned her memory for the Blues stationed at the other Holds, and could not think of one matching this description, and while she was wary of this, she was curious as well. The coloring on that dragon was light, enough so that if she didn't know better, and if it wasn't too large for it, she might think it a Cyan. However, the dragon was too calm for that, too large, and did not seem to fill her with the instinctive dread which accompanied most creatures of great malice. She didn't see Rileson anywhere, and somewhere in the back of her mind she wondered if he'd mistaken the dragon for a different one. It was entirely possible, after all. She did, however, see a few of the holdfolk making their way to the fireheights, and watched as a man dismounted the Blue, dark purple cape billowing behind him. She was hesitant to get too near, and she stayed well back, enough so that unless you were looking for her you would not notice the girl. She did not recognize either of the men, or the dragon, and she wished sorely she could get ahold of the Gold Daisyth. It was odd, she'd heard not a sound from the dragon for some time now, and after news had reached her that Black Sands had attacked several Weyrs on Pern, she feared for the queen of Crystal Cavern.

She heard faintly the man demanding something, though she could not make it out, and frowned as heads turned, looking around, and a few falling on her, arms raising to point. Were they pointing to her? Her muscles stiffened, and she slowly peered over her shoulder, fervently hoping there was someone else near her, and finding no one. What... What did I do? Surely I've not offended them, I don't even know them... She took a small step backward, chewing on her lower lip, and prepared to turn and flee back to the stables, the only safe place she knew of, when a pair of hands grabbed her, soon followed by another pair which latched onto her other arm. It was the drudge Rileson had sent after her, accompanied by another, who had snatched her and halted her flight.

"We're very sorry, miss, but your father wants you to go greet the rider. Now come along, you just have to smile and look pretty, be a good girl until your father can get down and give them a proper greeting. Try not to embarrass us all, my life happens to be on the line this time." The woman scolded the girl, as though Riki intentionally made Rileson a foul person and had been the cause of the man threatening the drudge. Before Riki could get a word in edge-wise, she was being dragged along to the rider, and seeing no room to fight it, she went limp, her feet moving obediently and her head lowered submissively.

"I can walk, Mijai..."[/color] Her voice was soft, a whisper, and she tilted her head just enough to turn her dark eyes to the woman, the depths filled with a reluctant acceptance of whatever she would be forced to do. Who was she to defy her father? What choice did she have, if he wanted her to go and greet the strangers? Disobedience of him would bring no joy to her, only pain. Pain at his hands, and even as he hurt her, he would say that he didn't want to do things like that... That he did love her, but she made him punish her. She gave a slight tug on her arms, trying to free them from the grasp of her escorts, and they complied, releasing her and falling back a few steps. Riki ran her hands down the sides of her dress, the dark sapphire material settling against her willowy frame, as she made sure she looked reasonably presentable. she wore nothing fancy, the dress itself was fairly plain, though it did what she needed it too. no one would know she wore riding leggings beneath it, for she'd intended to sneak out on one of the runners for a few hours before this had occurred, and even the soft leather shoes she wore kept this secret. Her boots were in the stables, hidden in a pile of hay, as was a tunic which she could easily change into right before she left.

When she came close enough to try and lift her voice to reach the man, she paused, remaining still as she peered at him from under her lashes, dark eyes widening. He was vastly more intimidating in person, enough that she was tempted to flee and face whatever wrath would come at her father's hands. She chewed on her lower lip once more, trying not to shake, and silently, her mind reached out, trying vainly to find the only comfort she knew, to seek out the comforting voice of the Gold, and was given nothing. She was on her own, literally, and without doubt. She kept her eyes cast down, her hands at her sides, and her hair falling in delicate wisps across her cheeks. After she had taken the time she needed to try and build confidence enough to speak, she took a slow breath, steeling herself for the worst possibilities, and lifted her head, trying to keep her eyes calm, though not able to fully hide the flickering fear in them. More prominent than that fear though, was the vague emptiness, tinged with sorrow beyond her turns, making the reigned-in fear the only true emotion to show.

"Welcome to Solse Hold, Rider. I am Riki, daughter of Holder Rileson. My father should arrive soon to greet you." Her voice did not waver, but it was soft, despite the volume being pitched to that of normal the tune which each word carried was mellow, musical and somber. A haunting voice, to be sure, and perhaps a part of why she so rarely spoke above a whisper.[/color]

[Bacchante]

A girl walked forward from the crowd. She was a dainty thing, quiet and a little subdued. She looked, haunted. Blue dress, dead eyes, pale skin… wait? Yes, that was right. Her eyes looked dead. Calm, yes, but dead. Like some part of her was gone. He stared at her for a time as her words gradually reached his brain. B’ach’s piercing gaze tore off her to look in the direction she’d come from. For the moment he ignored her. “S’den, return to Skrull. Tell them I will return in a few hours.” Order issued, the Bluerider urged his dragon into the sky. The Weyrleader watched them vanish into the dark of Between and then turned. “You!” He grabbed a man by his collar, the aura of command and surprising amount of strength letting him manhandle the taller person with ease. “Lord Holder’s house. Where?” The man pointed and B’ach released him.

“You!” He pointed at Riki, his finger seeming almost accusing. “Come. The rest of you, go back to your work.” He strode through the crowd, cape swirling dramatically behind him. “Girl.” He said loudly, without bothering to check if she was actually following. He just assumed she would be. “My name is B’ach, and I am of Skrull Island Weyr. I have been sent by my Weyrleader to find and collect a specific person, whose name was given by Daisyth of Crystal Caverns during Conclave. But first I must talk to your father. No matter what happens today, you will be coming with me at the end of it, and probably will not have to ever return unless you wish to. Let this knowledge shape your actions.”

B’ach walked without talking anymore, casting disdainful glances over the Hold. However, he walked right past the Lord Holder’s home and instead headed for the stables. He had heard that Solse was well known for the quality of its runners, something Ring Mount Hold could use. And East Steppe, as well. The Weyrleader walked into the stables purposefully, looking at the animals. “These are high-quality.” He said, after a brief examination. Then, quite calmly, he held his hand out. The runner sniffed his palm, and then nuzzled his hand. B’ach moved closer to scratch it behind the ear. “Good teeth. Strong legs. Healthy coat. Even temperament. I shall have to ask your father about talking to your breeder. The runners on Skrull have become inbred in isolation.” He turned and swept past Riki again, pretending the brief moment of tenderness with the runnerbeast hadn’t happened.

This time he stopped outside the Lord Holder’s. Then he focused briefly and called up The Voice. It was the one his father used on him when he was young. The one that made Weyrlings snap to attention and more experienced riders snap faster. The Voice of authority, that carried behind it the weight of being a Wraithrider and the undeniable knowledge that your words were law. Thus, it was rather imposing. “Lord Holder Rileson!” He roared, his words oddly reminiscent of a dragon. “I am B’ach of Skrull, Wingleader of Despair Wing. I will speak to you, now!” In his head, Zenith chuckled. –You’re really setting him up for a fall, aren’t you?- Her partner didn’t answer at first, soothing his turmoil. Then he conveyed what Riki’s eyes looked like. Zen thought hard for a moment and then, with the Shades, began moving closer to the town. Any man who let his daughter get eyes like that deserved the treatment he would receive.

[Lyrikitty]

She did not flinch back when the man had grabbed hold of another, making orders. She had shown no reaction to being at first ingored, then almost accused of something -at least that was what his manner portrayed-. She blinked slowly, tilting her head down and falling into step silently behind him. Habit, purely, to obey those who were of more rank than her, and no matter what rank this man possessed, his aura was one of authority and power.

At his heels she went, at least until she had a momentary falter when he spoke. She was... Leaving? Who was this man to appear from the sky and declare she would go with him, no matter what may happen this day? She had paused only for a second in her steps, trying to make sense of it, and failed, her brow knit together in ponderance as she quickened her pace to regain her distance. He led her not, as she expected, to the Hold, but to the stables she had so recently been called from. She felt a surge of protectiveness for the horses, though it was quelled instantly as the man showed a strange, unexpected kindness to one of the animals. Mysteries seemed to surround him, and she listened with a small inkling of pride as he commented on the horses. He knew not that she was the one to talk to, to learn anything of the stock here. Her father claimed to know, but the truth was he couldn't tell a single thing about the individule animals, save perhaps the bloodlines on the best of them.

She remained silent of this though, instead standing at the stall door to the stallion she'd been grooming earlier, hiding a ghost of a smile as he nuzled her shoulder, demanding more attention, and blowing softly into her hair. When finally the man as done, she followed, her eyes on the ground, watching his heels so she would know how far back she was from him. This time he went where she'd expected, to the Hold, to Rileson, and when he stopped, she did too.

The voice which came next startled her, enough so that she stumbled back quickly, eyes wide, for it was such a powerful one and so loud, and she had stood so near to him...



Riki was not the only one who jumped as the voice roared to life, demanding the Lord Holder show his face. Rileson nearly fled his very skin, and his mind instantly went to the worst. What monster had been bestowed on his Hold now? What demon from the pits of fire and ash borne to torment him? He edged to the window, looking out to see a single man, armoured and wearing a billowing cape, and Riki. The little wretch had done as bid for once, and now she brought a stranger to the door, a man who possessed a voice that shook the very ground it seemed. Stupid girl, traitorous girl, never should he have sent her, for she surely twisted the stranger's veiws, warped reality with sly words and made Rileson out to be the bad guy. Yes... That was it!

Determined this be truth, Rileson straightened, placing his hands apon the window and leaning out slightly, a welcoming smile across his lips, false though it may be. "Greetings, B'ach of Skrull! I see you have met my daughter, I pray she was of no trouble, and most welcoming to a guest such as you? I cannot claim to have heard of Skrull though, is it a newer Weyr in the East?" His voice was contained, the urge to spit insults at a man who arrived and made such a show soothed only by the possibility of an ally. "If you will give me but a moment, I can come down and greet you properly, unless you would rather I remain up here?"


Riki listened intently, though she made no show of it. She had calmed herself, recovering quickly and standing with her hands folded before her, head low and strands of hair falling to sheild her face from sight. She could have, were it not so unwise, laughed at Rileson, for she knew her father well enough to see what he really wanted to do, instead of the pompous show of being friendly. She wondered how terrified the man had been, when that roar of a voice had come, calling him alone to answer. She judged though, she would have a few moments to speak quietly to this stranger, and offer a simple favor to him, an offering to ward off whatever may come next be it bad. "Dragonrider, be wary is you let him near. He does not take to insult well, and you have offered him a great insult with your presence alone. He is afraid, and like a cornered animal he will lash out if you do not watch him." Her words were soft, barely spoken from the soft lips, her head tilting just enough to turn her haunted eyes on him. Was it traintorous of her, to speak so? Or was it a faint desire for revenge which fueled her actions? Perhaps it was neither, and merely a kind gesture to this stranger. Who could be certain?

She felt the familiar presence in her mind, a dragon, Daisyth, approval swimming through the thoughts, and a nudge, a gentle pressure which calmed the girl, soothed her. There was an evident change in her, one which she could not help, for her muscles relaxed, her posture straightened, and she turned her gaze upward to watch her father. Her feature still bore their haunted, eerie presence, but there was a flickering spark behind it all, one which she fed cautiously. If indeed she was to leave here, she would not go meekly. Daisyth was offering a promise, that if she did well, life would get much better, if she proved herself worthy, she would never again cower from unkind blows or words.

In such a state, she bore a presence of a different nature. Wise beyond her years, a calmness which flowed through her and reached out velvet tendrils to soothe distress, a sense of control which few her age could claim, understanding, strength. It was the quiet authority many great women strove for, one which allowed them to control their surroundings without a single word, using only a look, or a small gesture. She did not need a loud voice, nor did she need flashy actions. A rare glimpse at her potential shone brightly, before it settled, dimming. She did not turn her gaze away, but she retracted the sudden aura she'd produced. Her eyes turned, and she glanced out of the corner of them at the man, and waited.

[Bacchante]

B’ach listened to Riki speak solemnly. It was obvious that she as more intelligent than she seemed to be. Also there had been, for a brief moment, an aura of command about her. Like the one he regularly unfurled and cracked like a whip. Something her father didn’t have. It was obvious just from looking that he was a brash, uncouth man. A fool. If he got the chance B’ach would relish an attack. “If your father attacks me, as I hope he will, I will not hesitate to snap his arm in two.” He said this under his breath, but to Rileson called out, “No need to come down! I will come to you. We have much to discuss.” The Weyrleader-in-disguise swept forward, up the steps and to the door. If it had been locked, it didn’t matter. He took the handle and merely shoved it open with a loud bang, going inside. He left it open for Riki.

When inside, B’ach was determined to make a show. He took off his cape and draped it over the back of the most ornate and comfortable-looking chair, doubtlessly the Lord Holder’s. With a faint smirk he sat on it himself and… menaced. That was all there was for it. He gave a sense of restraining, at great personal expense, from killing you. He was calm-faced, smiling even, but all his muscles tensed for a fight-or-flight scenario and flight was obviously not an option. “I saw you back there. For a second you shone. Just a second.” He said this quietly to the girl, to ensure her father didn’t hear anything. “But I have only seen eyes like yours on animals. Broken, beaten, cruelly treated animals. Thus, I will not permit you to stay here.” He turned his head to the window and smiled. “Look yonder. See the house opposite us? There is a dragon on top of it. Look closely, and you may see. Look better, and you will see the all.” All the Shades, that is. Zen was crouching outside town, still invisible.

“I have brought much power with me. Initially as a precaution against an attack by Black Sands, but now I shall use it to illustrate a point. Feel free to act however you like toward Rileson. If all goes well, the next time you see him you will outrank him. If it doesn’t, you won’t ever have to see him again.” Hearing the Lord Holder’s footsteps he said in a much louder voice, “Girl! Fetch tea for me and your father, quickly!” He didn’t turn to look at the man, merely luxuriated in his menace.

“Skrull is not a new Weyr. It is an old one. Very old, in fact. We have been in isolation for many years, only recently come out. Thus I am here for multiple reasons. Firstly, I am told that your hold has high quality runners. I wish to talk to your breeder about a suitable price for some prime studs. Secondly, a conclave of Weyleaders was recently held at my weyrleader's instruction. We are, it would seem, at war with Black Sands Weyr over the tricked sterilization of many senior queens. Since our queen was staying at New Cove, on the beach, they tried her too. But she attacked the culprit and severely wounded her. In retaliation for the attacks my lord ordered the destruction of one of Black Sands’ holds. It was carried out well. The hold was burned to the ground along with all the crops, and the land was salted. It is now barren and devoid of life.”

B’ach didn’t have to relate that. He wanted to. If it was necessary to teach this idiot a lesson it would help to have fear planted in his mind. “The third, of course, is that we are low on riders. Specifically we need girls to show to the Wraith Egg, our King-Class dragon. Our Weyrleader himself rides the other Wraith, a female, and she is the only one that can lay more dragons. Hatching a Wraith is instant promotion for the rider, to Weyrwoman or Weyrleader as is fit. Thus, one girl was recommended to my weyrleader by the Gold Daisyth of Crystal Caverns.” He leaned back and smiled, closing his eyes. “I am here to collect that girl. I am here for Riki, your daughter.”

[Lyrikitty]

She followed silently, and watched as he made a display of settling into a chair, though not just any chair. It was Rileson's favorite. A sure way to get further on the man's nerve and prod at him than B'ach already had. His words, that he'd caught her moment of unrestrained truth, made her mentally flinch, for it was not a thing she was ever praised for, not something which was good. He seemed not to care in the least, if anything, he seemed almost pleased with that. Before she could respond though, he was directing her to look out the window, at a particular area, and she did so obediently, her brow furrowed slightly in concentration. It took her a moment, but sure enough she could see a dragon perched atop the building, and beyond that...

Were she not so well accustomed to hiding things, she might have made some small noise of surprise, or her features may have revealed the disbelief, astonishment, and mild fear. There was not one or two dragons, but many, spanning out unseen to the general populace. How this was possible she hadn't the slightest hint, but rather than make the slightest motion of her reaction, she blinked slowly, and looked away, back to B'ach, raising a brow over her eyes as if unsure of what she saw.

His sudden change of attitude was understood, and she dropped to a more submissive staure, dipping her head and slinking away just as Rileson strode over, bristling.


How dare this man take his chair? Rileson could have spat on him, for such an insult. However, he was trying to be civil, was he not? He was entirely determined he was going to prove some silly point or other, at least, he was until he got a good look at the Rider's expression.

Rileson froze in place, his eyes wide, for a long moment, very much considering running back and locking himself behind the thickest, strangest door he could find until this man was gone from his Hold. He wanted to do that badly, but... He regained himself, though he was still visibly shaken as he moved closer. He couldn't even snap at the girl, to alleviate his distress, as the Rider had sent her away. That made matters all the worse, and when finally he found himself having closed the gap between them, and seated himself in a smaller, less opulent chair, he listened to the words which spewed from the Rider's mouth dumbly. Most of what was said went in one ear and out the other, Rileson attributing it to a bluff. Black Sands was a terrible Weyr, and anyone idiot enough to go out of their way to cross them was utterly insane.

However, that last bit, the part about Riki...

He rose from his seat, his face turning a dark scarlet in his rage, just as the very girl padded back into the room, laden with a tray of drinks and small snacks from the kitchens, Her... the little wench had undoubtably schemed this the entire time. He turned to her, snarling, and lifted a hand to point at her. "You want that little runt? She's not fit to lick the mud from the boots of the lowliest drudge, and if that Gold from our Weyr suggested her for anything, she must have lost what little sanity she ever held when Black Sands sterilized her. Riki-"


"Father, please sit. You're face is so red, I'm worried about you." Her tone was calm, soft, and unwavering in the face of his anger. Steadily the strode forward and set the tray on a table, pouring a steaming cup for B'ach, and making a small plate of the snacks, a variety of meatrolls and such, to take to him, handing it over without meeting his gaze. The very image of a subservient child who feared for her life save that voice.

She returned to her tray, and collected a similar assortment for Rileson, though if one were ver attentive they would have seen a slightly off-colored powder in the base of his cup. Rileson had done as she bid and sat himself once more, though he remained dark-faced and looked ready to lash out at anything, be it a real annoyance, or someone blinking. "Here you are father, the meatrolls are fresh, you're favorite."


Well, at least the stupid girl was doing her job. He watched her serve their guest, not at all taking note of anything strange about what she was preparing for him, and when he was informed the meatrolls were fresh, he grinned, a false expression which looked oddly demented on his face just now. He grabbed one, taking a large bite and che-

He gagged, spitting out the roll in disgust and coughed repeatedly, beads of sweat popping up along his brow. He grabbed his drink, ignoring the steam which rose in delicate tendrils to gulp down the cup and shove it at the girl, glowering and rising from his seat. "You! What was that?!?! Stupid girl, I'll have your hide for making a fool of me!" He drew a hand back, ready to strike her, and Riki merely met his gaze, unflinching and stoic.

[Bacchante]

B’ach was amused. The girl was confused. Things were going according to plan. Of course he had one. He wasn’t being unthinkingly rude for nothing. It was obvious to him that he’d have to take the girl by force, or at least under threat of force. Therefore, he needed a reason. He watched calmly as the Lord Holder tried to be intimidating, rising from his chair in a fury that overcome the Weyrleader’s menace. Not bad. The girl handled him even more expertly and a strange half-smiled graced his lips before he sipped his drink calmly.

Rileson was not so calm. Apparently the girl had decided to be malicious. A last payback before leaving. He drew his hand away from the meatrolls as the Lord Holder spat his own out in disgust and went for the girl in a rage. That was enough. B’ach tossed the cup aside, rising quickly and catching Rileson’s hand as it began to come down. He held it from behind with his right arm and then began to bend it backwards, hurting the other man’s wrist. “Now listen to me, Rileson. You seem to be under the impression that I was giving you a choice. I was not. Riki will be leaving this place today and you have no longer got any say in the matter. I can tell what you are. A thug, a bully who rules by fear. Obviously your daughter is your favourite toy.” Like a striking firelizard B’ach’s left hand shot forward and gripped the back of the holder’s neck, squeezing hard. He was not going to let this worm wiggle free.

“Now, had she done nothing to you I still would have taken her; but I would not have taken her as a candidate. However, since she has proven that she still has a spark of power in her, she will be shown to the Wraithking.” Pulling the Lord along by his neck, B’ach manoeuvred him toward the door and out of it, constantly exerting enough pressure to cause his captive pain. The previously offensive arm was now twisted behind Rileson’s back in a rather uncomfortable position. “Riki! Follow, if you will.” Thus he pulled the man out and half-shoved, half-dragged him towards the gate.

People were watching, amazed, at the manhandling of the Lord Holder. Some few muttered angrily, some smiled and grinned and some were impassive, awed. When B’ach reached the gate he called for two buckets of water. He was obliged by a burly holdman, who was smiling faintly. “Be so good as to toss one onto the dirt. We need the mud a bit wetter.” The Weyrleader squeezed a bit harder to stop any squirming from his captive and watched as the water was tossed. “Now hear me, people of Solse!” He said loudly, his voice booming around the hold. “My name is B’ach of Skrull, and I am not merely a Wingleader as I said. I am Wingleader of Despair wing, the personal wing of the Wraithqueen. I am, in fact, Weyrleader of Skrull; and this is my dragon, ZENITH!”

As he cried her name, the Wraith showed herself. She was outside the gate, her massive head metres away from B’ach and Rileson. Slowly, ponderously, she spread her tremendous wings and cast a shadow over the gate area. “I thought you might try and refute my claim, even though I am backed up by my Rank and your Weyr. So not only did I bring Zenith, bur also twelve Shades.” Suddenly, above the hold, twelve dragons appeared. They circled at different altitudes and were a deep, deep purple color. Each was similar in size to a Bronze. B’ach smiled and tossed the Lord Holder into the patch of newly-formed mud. Then he took the other bucket and splashed it over him. “You said your daughter was not fit to lick mud off a drudges boot. I say you are not fit to look mud off hers. But, it shall not be her boots you kiss, O Lord Worm.” Grinning maliciously now, the Weyrleader stretched out and flicked some mud onto his leather boot.

“Lick it off, Rileson. Lick it off. Then I’ll let you get up. I’ll pay for your best runner and take him with me to sire new breeds on Skrull. I’ll take your daughter on Zenith. I will never return after that. Lick my boot clean, Lord, and you show your hold exactly what you are: A thug, a bully and a worm.” No mercy was in B'ach's eyes. Zenith looked down on the muddy Rileson with swirling red orbs, and yet somehow they were nothing compared to B'ach's. His eyes looked at the man and said quite plainly that here, here was a man who was nothing. But they said more. Quite plainly written on that grinning face was the simple fact: If Rileson did not obey, B'ach would kill him.

[Lyrikitty]

Even though Riki had no guarentee that she would not be struck, she'd had the feeling B'ach would stop it. That was why she had been so unflinching, so calm. Under normal circumstances she might have closed her eyes and cringed a bit, but she would not make a sound, no. She was proven right in this thought, for indeed she watched as the man caught Rileson's hand, and expertly twisted it. Even without the pained sounds Rileson made involuntarily, she would have guessed it to be more than a little uncomfortable, and impassively, she listened to what the man told her father. She was leavin here, one way or the other, that was all it amounted to, for the most part, though her eyes widened when the Rider said she would be taken not just as a candidate, but to be shown to the Wraith-egg, and potentially become the Weyrwoman of this man's Weyr. There was an inkling of doubt, but she recalled that he said he'd been sent after her, that he had not in fact found her on his own, but her name suggested by another dragon, Daisyth. The Gold was still looking out for her, even if it was indirectly, even if she was no longer making her presence known as well, or speaking to Riki, the lovely Gold was being kind and watching out.

She then recalled the Amber and Snow from New Cove Weyr, and how interested they had both seemed in her at the Gather. She knew it to be uincommon for dragons to bespeak people other than their Riders, but both of them had, for awhile.It had not seemed the least bit odd, to her anyway, not at the time. People were not understanding of her, but the animals more often were, why just look at the runners she trained, if you needed further proof. Perhaps this was not such a strange thing, though she could not fathom why it was her that was to be shown to such a prestigious dragon-egg.

As B'ach barked his orders, of a sort, for her to follow, she fell once more into step behind him as he forced Rileson along, ignoring her father's simpering, for he did deserve this, and wondering what the strange Rider would next do. He was unpredictable, as far as she could tell, few of his actions making much sense ot her, and this made her all the more curious of what sort of dragon he had been bonded to. She was positive it was a king of some sort, or he wouldn't be a Wingleader, right? He didn't seem to have the earthy mindset of a Brownrider anyway. It would help if she better knew the dragons of his Weyr, but for the life of her she'd not heard of it before. An annoying drawback as she tried to puzzle it out.

Her questions were answered though, when he threw Rileson into the mud, and announced himself for what he was. He was not merely the Wingleader of a wing in his Weyr, but the Weyrleader himself. Her jaw dropped, literally, and she stared, wide-eyed, at him in astonishment. Her mind instantly started running through things, and the first one which occured to her was that if she did Impress to the egg he was intending on showing her, he was likely to be one of her suitors. She was unaware of the exact implications of Impressing a Wraith, did not entirely understand that there wer eonly ever two, the king and queen, and if she Impressed to the Wraithking, her dragon would be mated to his. All of this was wiped away as he called for his beast, and she appeared. Thde largest creature Riki had ever seen was at their gates, great head lingering mere meters from Rileson and B'ach, and therefore herself as well.She didn't know if it would be better to make a ound or remain silent, and she almost missed B'ach's next act as she stared up at the dragon. Her attention was drawn only by the sound which Rileson made.


Rileson, to give him some credit, had managed not to scream through the entire ordeal, at least not until the dragon made herself known. He had been as quiet as possible while hauled from his home and out into public, thrown into the mud and humiliated. All of that he could have handled and recovered from, but the behemoth monster which lurked outside his gates, her head hanging above them all, and her great wings casting deep shadow over his Hold, drew a fearful yelp from him, and as he tried to crawl backward away from it, he caught sight of those wheeling red eyes, and then the eyes of the Weyrleader. Rileson's own orbs rolled back in his head as he fainted, collapsing into the mud limply.


This is what drew Riki from the massive dragon-queen, and her eyes shot to her father, a vague concern flickering to life for a moment, until she caught the rise and fall of his breathing. She turned, stepping forward and ignoring the dragon so not to be distracted, before reaching out to place a hand lightly on the Weyrleader's arm. "Leave him as he is, sir, and you will acheive something more than you would if you continued. You will prove yourself more merciful, and him more the coward and in doing so you will earn the respect of the people, word will spread. You have shown you are to be feared, but so have other Weyrs, such as Black Sands. Stop now and prove yourself better than that, and word will spread that Skrull is not only mighty, but it is just." Her tone was even, soft voice not making any emphasis on any word, merely speaking what she knew to be true. Word would spread, one way or another, of what was happening today. People were watching them, and though there was a mild panic, those who looked to the Lord Holder and his daughter, could see the differences. Rileson was not the bravest of men when faced by such opposition, but Riki was calm. If the girl was not worried, than those who observed were able to remain calmer, soothed by her demeanor. "As for the runner you ask for, I will speak on behalf of my father and the Hold for that. I have several stallions which I've trained, and I care not to leave them behind. Take them instead, as they are of good stock. No one can dispute it, if I choose to take them, and it could be called a gift, from Solse if anyone does question."

For a girl such as herself, she was smart, far smarter than she had let on until now, and perhaps even this Weyrleader would be in for a surprise, perhaps even he, with his apparent knack for reading people, would have misjudged her. It was true he had the word of a Gold on her potential, but that didn't always tell all, and until now she had done little to show the quick mind which still existed behind those deadened eyes.

[Bacchante]

B’ach laughed happily as Rileson fainted dead away. The man was so pathetic, so foolish. ”I should by all rights slay this man here and now. Who would argue against me, in truth? You have all seen his wrath, his hatefulness. Who are you to speak of Justice?” As he said this B’ach turned to Riki, with Zenith reaching her claw downwards. The Weyrleader stepped backwards on to it as she lifted him up gently and he jumped on to her head. ”I will give Justice! Justice for every blow, every hateful word, every nasty thought! Skrull Island IS JUSTICE! We were created to destroy any Weyr that dared oppose the laws! Who are you to speak of Justice?”

His purple cloak swirled in the sun as he roared downward. The man meant to show Riki, this slip of a girl who thought herself so smart, that she should not take B’ach so lightly even if he had saved her. ”But… For you, he shall live.” Zen reached out her claw and effortlessly snapped Rileson’s right leg at the knee with her knuckle. ”Not in comfort, but he will live nonetheless. For you, who bear him the most hatred, would speak to spare him. Thus is Justice dealt.” B’ach slid down Zenith’s maw and landed, spinning Rileson over and removing his dagger from the sheath in the small of his back. A Shade landed gingerly at the command of his behemoth queen and blew a small, focused flame onto the dagger as it was held out. The metal began to glow.

Bending over, B’ach cut Rileson’s shirt open in one swift movement and proceeded to gouge burning lines into his flesh, pausing only to reheat the blade. When he was done he dropped the dagger into the mud, where it hissed loudly, and reached down with his clawed gauntlet to gouge a circle of flesh out of the symbol. The flag of Skrull was now proudly displayed on the Lord Holder’s chest, the lines in black burns and the single red circle, the Red Star of old, a gaping and bloody wound. ”This is his justice. Hear me! This symbol is a blessing, and a curse. His life is mine. Any man or woman who kills him will pay the price in blood. But he also owes his continued existence to me, and to the one who begged for the mark to be upon him. He will remember this debt every time the wound twinges. Tell him this when he wakes: He only lives because his daughter pitied him.” B’ach picked up his cooled dagger and wiped it clean on a scrap of Rileson’s shirt, before sheathing it again. ”Understand: I do not wish to be cruel. But punishment cannot go undealt. I will leave you all in peace.”

Calmly, B’ach walked over to Riki. ”Now… For you. You will tell the villagers which of the horses are to be collected. I will send Ghosts for them. Then you will pack all your things, take all you are owed, and return to me. Understand?”

[Lyrikitty]

She watched as B'ach made his speech, impassive until he dropped once more to the ground and grasped Rileson's dagger. Her eyes narrowed, and for a moment she considered speaking up. She thought to stop the rider for only a moment, for even as her lips parted to dispute it, her hands wandered, lightly touching the location of various scars. Some had been dealt by the hand of her father, some had been caused by her own hand. He had never cared about them. She closed her eyes, waiting for B'ach to finish as the stench of seared flesh assaulted her nostrils. She knew that most backed up, out of range of the offense smell, but she remained still. When B'ach was about half-way done she edged closer, standing at his side and forcing herself to watch, not allowing herself to flinch away as she might have wanted. It was her own punishment, one which no one could take from her, and a way of apology to her father for not wanting to stop the brutal treatment.

When finally B'ach was done, done cutting away at Rileson and done speaking, she tilted her head in a slight nod and turned away, moving to a man who was leaning against a wall looking ill. "You will bring my horses here immediately. Both the ones my father has given me for riding and the one's I've trained. They can be found in the front stalls at the barn and in the south pasture. Leave the white stallion though, he went lame last week and I'll not have him stressed any further by a transfer." The man looked at the girl for a moment, shocked and trying to comprehend the sudden change in her, for she did not cower and speak meekly, but instead looked him square, and her voice held faint tones of authority. He nodded consent though, and turned, grabbing help as he went.

Satisfied her order would be carried out she strode into the place she had called home for so long, made her way through the halls and to her room. She looked about, surveyed the room carefully, and then sighed. She went to the closet first, grabbing out three nice dressed. She didn't need a full closet of them, only a few, for special events. She threw them onto the bed, and then knealt befre the chest at the foot of her bed, opening it and throwing garments at random to the floor until she had fished out several pairs of leggings, ones she snuck out to the barn to ride in and that most of the Hold didn't know she owned. They were put on the bed with the dresses. She hunted for a few tunics and belts, and finally she threw a pair of riding boots, a pair of dancing shoes, and a pair of daily shoes onto the bed. All in all it was not a lot, but it was all she wanted from this wretched place.

Almost all. She had moved through her belongings up until now without feeling, knowing what she would need to start a new life and discarding everything else. However now, as she turned away to walk numbly to the mirror and table which held bobbles and trinkets, she touched a single box with almost feaful reverence. It had belonged to her mother, as had the jewelry inside, and while she would have little use for it she could not bear the thought of leaving it all behind. Biting her lip she lifted the lid, her fingers daintily moving one piece after another, laying them out on the tabletop until they were all displayed. From the many things before her she took only five things. A necklace, a bracelet, two rings, and an anklet. A tear formed in the corner of her eye as she fought the want to grab everything, and instead pocketed the few things she had chosen, moving back to the pile of clothing and tearing the sheet from her bed, folding the things she wished to take with her and stacking them neatly, then folding the sheet around it all and then left the room, hunting through the Hold until she found a length of rope and returned to her room, tying the bundle securely. There was nothing left for her to do here. She picked up the bundle, considering her former status and the numerous possesions she owned she took nothing at all, or close enough to it.

With her head high she walked back through the halls until finally she stood before B'ach again. Already men were returning from the stables, leading the runners she'd instructed them to get towards B'ach, working dilligently to keep the animals calm. Her eyes met those of the man who seemed to be her savior calmly, and while there were traces of sadness for the home she was leaving still lingering in her gaze it was minimal, hidden as she hid everything behind a mask of calm collection. "I am ready." As ready, at least, as she ever would be. Wha did the fates hold in store for her in the new home she was bound for? Was she to find a gentler life, one which she could adapt to easily, one which she could ebrace and even flourish in? It seemed painfully unlikely, yet she had to have hope.

Daisyth would not send her to a worse fate, of that Riki was certain. She was afraid of B'ach and his dragon, but she did not want to admit it, did not want to show a trace of that. She could control it, for now. At least she knew she could until the moment came when she left. If she was to leave mounted on such a creature she did not know if she could continue to remain calm, to show no single trace of fear save the faintest glimmer in her eye. What she doubted anyone had realized yet, or would ever realize, was how hard she fought to remain so perfectly controlled. Or that one day, it would be who she was. If indeed she came to Impress to the Wraithking, she would become a calm and powerful woman, one who did not need to scream or shout to make a point, but who held the ability to silence a crowd with a look, one who lead not with fear, but with respect. Of course, she was but a child now, still terrified, still young and unaware of what destiny held in store for her, or of how large a role the man who was taking her away would play in her life.

[Bacchante]

As Riki left to collect her things, B'ach turned on the spot to examine all the men. Finally, picking one who he thought looked vaguely intelligent, he pointed. "You! You're in charge until he recovers. If he recovers. If I let him recover. As well as you, and you, and you, and you. We'll make it a... What's the word? Committee? Yes, that sounds right." How fun. He couldn't help but wonder what repercussions would be wrought for his insolence here. To step in so brutally on the territory of others...

Oh well. As people began to, reluctantly, build a litter for Rileson he glanced around the hold. Hopefully, with the idiot crushed so badly, the lands would thrive again. Sighing, B'ach went to his knees on the mud. Waving people over, he set to work cleaning out the burn wounds and setting the leg bone. When Riki came back he had just finished bandaging the fool. All of the Weyrleader's clothing was stained with mud.

"I am trained in all the arts of Skrull, even healing. My oath says I must treat him." He smirked. "But it doesn't say I have to do it well." Carefully he examined all of Riki's things, and then her. Already she seemed different. Stronger. Good.

"Come, Riki." Cape swirling dramatically, B'ach turned and strode back to Zenith. The giant creature was scrawling in the mud. It was a gross caricature of her eating someone. So as to avoid any confusion, the person was labelled 'Rileson'. Several Holdfolk were examining the mud-drawing with admiration.

Seeing her rider approach, Zen reached out a massive hand. Calmly, B'ach stepped on to it and then held out his own gloved palm to Riki. "Last chance. Take this hand, and you'll enter a totally new life. Do you really want that?"

[Lyrikitty]

She lifted a hand in response, pausing for only a lfeeting moment as she gazed over her shoulder at the Hold. Men were gathering Rileson up, others milled about in confusion. Still more smiled and talked excitedly, while some shot dark looks in the direction of B'ach. This was her home, and at the moment it was in shambles. A part of her urged her to turn away from the dragonman and to stay, to put the Hold back together and perhaps even fix the wrongs in it. But alas, it was not her place to do so. Many would listen to her leadership, once they accustomed to her nature, but it wouldn't make her happy to stay.

Her dark eyes returned to B'ach, her hand fitting into his as she followed him onto Zenith's massive paw. to her credit Riki did not shake in terror. Instead she swallowed it back to remain still, silent. Her ability to mask her exterior working hard to keep this facade up. It wouldn't look well for her to be fearful though, but not for herself. Several of the Hold's eyes were on her, watching, expecting the worst of her. It was for them she put on the brave face. Until they were in the skies, and then long gone from this place, the people would still look to her to some degree, when Rileson was incapable of action or thought.

As she had when she'd ordered the Hold men to the runners she intended to take, she stepped up with a calm, quiet authority and set things into action as they needed to be. If they saw her shudder, quake, or make a sound it could easily be reflected in their own actions. If she seemed confident, they would be at ease, more so at least than if she weren't. The fingers of the hand not placed in B'ach's own tightened on her make-shift bag, still wishing she'd been brazen enough to take the entire box of her mother's adorments. They were pretty, and the times she wore them Riki looked stunning. A silent vow to return one day, with her own dragon, and regain that box was made. Until then she would suffice with what she had, the precious memories she'd attached to each item cherished more than the item itself.

Her head gave a partial turn, looking to B'ach now from the corner of her eye. "Take me away then, Weyrleader B'ach. Let us see this new life you're offering me." Her soft voice, only rarely would she find cause to lift it firmly, held a faint note of sadness and trepidation. She knew she did well when away from the Hold, but what if Skrull proved to be more a prison than this place? It was doubtful, for Daisyth would not have suggested she go if the Gold thought it would be bad for the girl, but all the same... The thought of a new home which would bind her, restrict her, and harm her was unpleasant, and that -more than Zenith's massive size or B'ach intimidating person- sent a wave of cold dread down her spine, an involuntary shudder.