|
|
Post by Lyrikitty on Jul 27, 2010 20:50:05 GMT -5
Basionath shifted, both restless and eager. She was not the only one to hear those words. Little Naz had as well. Her Katya was alive, and the Silver tried again to reach her. /Mine? Mine please answer me. We have help, we have salvation here. You must calm. We can't get you if you might attack. D'zel and D'ron could get hurt if you don't know they are coming. Please Mine?/ Although she pleaded she knew no words reached Hers. It didn't stop her from trying, and she repeated the message to her bonded twice mroe, taking a short pause before repeating the mental words.
The Silver was torn between remaining glued to Varanth's side under the shield of his wing, or burst froth and claw at the entrance to the meeting hall until she broke through and was reunited with Hers again. She wanted both. She couldn't deny the comfort she found under the guard of Varanth's wing. It helped to stablize her mind to a degree. However...
Hers. The Silver drew a heavy breath, and forced herself away from Varanth, her paws still shakey under her as she padded unsteadily to the entrance of the meeting hall, pawing at the stone before dropping to her belly, nose shoved as close as she was able to get it. Mine... A small, lost voice which whispered into the minds of all present. The Silver had yet to think to close off communication with anyone, broadcasting her words freely.
Below, Katya heard the verbal words of D'zel, though only faintly. She could not make them out, not through the haze of pain that clouded her mind, but it alerted her that there was someone there indeed, and that she'd not been hearing things when the sounds above first reached her. She ground her teeth, keeping her back pressed firmly against the wall as she tried to plan. She was down to the wire now, and as blood dripped steadily from her arm where the make-shift blade had slipped she was growing light-headed. She'd have to act fast, and if D'myn didn't show his cowardly face to her soon she would likely lose her grasp of the wakeful world and fall to the ground again, to wait out the last bit of her existence in silence. Would that be so bad though?
She had to wonder. Sio could not feel any of Katya's pain anymore, Katya had made sure of it. If she fell into blackness that wouldn't really change, for by then she'd be numb. The woman prayed that Sio had listened, prayed that the sweet Silver had taken heed and fled to the safe clutches of Between where she'd never be hurt again.
Damn him. Damn D'myn for forcing her to cut Sio out of her mind, to tell the one creature she loved without reserve to leave her. He'd made her shove away the only thing which mattered, which cared. She'd heard the parting words of D'ron and Varanth the last they'd seen them, sending the little misery -now a White- Nazareth to her new home, but she did not hold truth to them. Too many times Katya had been hurt by those she thought to trust. D'ron was a good man, but he was no fool. Seething the woman parted her lips to speak, making a strangled sound as her voice cracked, closnig her mouth and snorting before she tried again. "D'MYN! Or whoever that cowardly worm sent in his stead SHOW YOURSELF! You have one minute before it's too late and you filthy maggots will have nothing but a dead body to work with!" Screaming had caused her physical pain, pain which she'd silenced through sheer will. Her voice didn't break that time though, and she found herself placed on the far end of the meeting hall, farthest from the door.
She was giving up on attacking unless the chance presented itself. Instead she was preparing to rely on the safer bet, the sure bet. She could miss if she attacked. She could fail, and fall into D'myn grasp again. If she ended her own meek existence, she would win without a doubt.
The words, some screamed, most spoken in a firm, loud tone, reached Sio, and she whistled in alarm, bolting to her paws and turning pleading eyes to the only rider close enough. D'zel. One minute? That wasn't a lot of time. How far into the Weyr had D'ron wandered already? Too far, the Silver was sure. She scrambled back atop the meeting hall, pleading, terrified eyes on D'zel and his White Naz. /Help me. Help her! Her words... She's done I think. She wants to die, she's ready to. She thinks we are the enemy up here, and I cannot reach her mind. She says she'll leave them nothing but a dead body if they don't show themselves before one minute has passed!/[/b] The Silver whimpered, eyes moving to Varanth, begging the Weyrking of Talune have some answer, before they went back to D'zel alone, her head dropping to place her nose against the ground before him, her entire body sinking heavily as she effectively went to her knees to beg in silence. Katya...
[/size]
|
|
|
|
Post by Onyxaeon on Aug 14, 2010 13:55:45 GMT -5
Varanth's ebony wing lifted to allow the Silver unobstructed passage to Hers. He had heard her Mine, had felt the whisper of sound stroke his sensitive ears, but that knowledge did no good if His could not find Basionath's soon. Concerned eyes flickered over the Silver as she pawed at the stone of the meeting hall before dropping to her belly, her mind's voice spilling over into his mind and sending him forward after her. The Onyx gifted her precious space as his hulking mass stood watchfully over her own body as if to somehow shelter her from the Watchdragons with his hide. Ssh, Basionath my dear. Your voice isn't only heard by Yours, and caution is of the utmost concern now. Neck lowered, the smooth expanse slid around her own and allowed his wedged skull to rest beside hers. It was the only form of comfort her could offer those under his wing. I will find Mine, and he will fix this. I swear it. A soft rasp of a tongue brushed across the tip of her maw before the Weyrking pulled himself away from her, eyes whirling about the Bowl as if His would suddenly appear carrying Basionath's and they could free themselves away into the night.
Nazrath, is there anything you have left out? Anything you might have missed like a hidden door or something? Anything. Where is he now? Images poured out of the Onyx's mind as he looked on at the White, trying to both not overwhelm the small Naz and to allow her the greatest possible pool of information to draw upon. Katya didn't have much time, not with D'myn sure to return and her own mental defenses were crumbling by the second. She didn't have a hold-fast and because of that she would surely be torn and broken should a rouge wave crash against her. And with her, Basionath would surely follow swiftly after. Mine, hurry. Find her; now.
But the words would fall on deafened ears as D'ron heard Katya's screams, her anguish and rage that D'myn had forced onto her body and soul. He spun, breath quickening as his ears attempted to pinpoint the location of the sound as it bounced off the stone walls and rushed to find escape outside of the caverns. Left, Mine! Hurry! The Weyrleader turned abruptly around and all but dove for the door immediately on his left, turning into another hallway with other doors. The last of Katya's words had died down, and here he was without a guide again until Varanth turned to him and offered one last bit of help. Right, last door maybe. There was no hesitation as D'ron bolted for the door, his hand on the knob, turned. Darkness. His breathing was loud, sure to be heard by whomever inhabited this dark corner of the Weyr. Eyes were adjusting to the lack of glows in this portion of the room, probably long extinguished from earlier today. "Katya? Please...You're safe now."
|
|
|
|
Post by Lyrikitty on Aug 23, 2010 9:33:06 GMT -5
The tender lick of her muzzle from the creature she would, in better circumstances and in a better life, have looked to as her Weyrking and leader, soothed the fearful Silver, if only a little. She didn't know what to do, didn't know where to turn other than to the dark-hued Onyx who had come to save them. Away from the little White she turned and buried her delicate features in Varanth's shoulder, waiting and fighting her growing fear. She had a little time, not much, not much at al, but she had seconds to live. If D'ron failed... If Katya wasn't stopped then the woman would... Would... A shudder wracked the Silver Basionath and she whimpered, no longer speaking, not bothering with the effort because she knew better than to try. Varanth had been right when he said her words could be heard by all, and her attempts to reach Hers were in vain anyway. Hiding was the cowardly route, she knew it, but her heart could not bear to put on a brave face when such dire a threat reared it's head over her beloved Katya.
Were she any other color she might have thrown herself in a rage at all who had brought this event into being, might have raged and resorted to violence to try and settle it only to find herself destroyed in the process. She was, in a sense no longer the Silver she had been born. She was capable of harming another, it was not impossible, but it hurt her to do so, and it took a great deal to force her paw.
Words. Light. A shape.
A feral snarl was flung from her lips the instant she'd heard the door move, and as it opened, she drew a deep breath, placing her weapon to her neck and letting pressure fall in gentle waves. A faint prick of the skin, and she could feel fresh blood dribble down slowly. Just a little more and...
All motion stopped. All sound stopped. Her dark eyes widened as she registered the voice which called to her, reassured her. How could it be? Why was he here? Her mind reeled, and her chunk of sharp stone fell to the floor with a clatter, her hand falling back as well. "D... D'ron?" A whisper crept from her lips in her shock. It seemed almost too good to be true, that the Onyxrider was here. Was it some sort of illusion? A trick of her mind made in a last ditch effort to stop her from taking her life and with it victory? Possible. Probable. She didn't want to think that though. No, she wanted it to be him for real. Her mind opened, cautiously, to seek out Basionath, to see it the Silver was still here, to see if her world was still whole. The Silver's mind crashed into her own forcefully, rejoicing, assaulting her with emotions of worry and fear, dulled by the sheer joy that they were both still alive, and that the Silver was no longer cut off from her bonded. Sio...
It's alright mine, Varanth and His are here, Nazarath and Hers as well. We will be alright, just let D'ron bring you back to me. Have him bring you the short route, through the entrance used by outsiders for meetings. I cannot wait for the time it would take if he went the way he did to find you. Having the connection with Hers again, Sio gained access to knowledgeo f where the woman was, and her assumptions had been right.
Katya's mind was still too fuzzy, reeling from all that was happening now and the possibility of escape to think straight and speak again. Instead, she staggered to her feet, leaning on the wall for support heavily for a moment before shoving off and stumbling to D'ron with outstretched arms.
-=-
Xanturnoth was no fool. Nor was he blind. The Amber had not let the Silver out of sight for long, and so had seen much of what happened. There were visitors here, unwelcomed. One of them... One of them he had cast out once already, a far greater kindness than he bothered showing most. The beast twitched slightly, His at his side as they peered out from their hiding place. I think we should greet them now. They've had time for their reunion and I wish to join the party.[/color] The Amber's voice was pitched low as he unfurled his wings, crouching and then leaping into the air.
D'myn watched with a smile of pride as his beast floated through the dark night sky, a gleaming beacon of rage and destruction in the velvet embrace of night. He would wait, to join now was foolish. The Amber was better suited to deal with their guests at the moment, and once the threat was minimalized D'myn would be called forth. Instead, he turned away, his pale eyes locking onto the dull brown pools of a Miseryrider, one of the pair which had helped bring down the Silver. "If the need shows itself, have your beast prevent their Misery from being of use."[/b] A nod from the girl was given, and D'myn returned his attention to watched Xanturnoth drop from the sky to go and crash the party.
The Amber had gained a good bit of altitude for a reason. Once directly above them he folded his great wings and let his bulk drop in a dive, only catching himself at the last minute possible and just in time to let his paws touch stone, wheeling eyes surveying the Onyx, Silver, Misery -for he knew not she called herself a White now- and the Miseryrider. A rumble of laughter rippled from his broad chest, and his cruel voice forced itself into the minds of the dragons. Varanth. What a surprise to find you visiting my home at such an hour. Surely it would have been more beneficial for you to come in the day when I could greet you properly, and when most of my Weyr was not sleeping soundly. His tone and words were friendly almost, as if greeting a friend who had surprised him with a visit. Nazarath... Did you miss your home so much? You could have come back any time you like and stayed. I'm no monster to deny one born of my sands.[/color] Still, his voice and words held no malice. Only his eyes clued in to what was going to happen as he stepped closer, now looking at the Silver.
Basionath had come out from under Varanth's protection again, facing the Amber bravely with mantled wings and low head. Her tail lashed behind her violently, and looking at the sweet creature in this moment it wouldn't be hard to forget she was a Silver. Her lips were pulled back over her teeth, nostrils flaring as she watched the Amber with something akin to hate. Leave us be, Xanturnoth. Lift not a claw or tooth against them or you will live to regret it.[/color]
Regret it, you say? I think not, little Silver. You haven't the strength to stop me, nor do either of your little friends. Did you call for them, in my absence? Did you cry out for help my sweet Silver? What a pity, for all you've done is add to my pleasure, for their mourning keens when you are dead will be music to my ears.[/color] He rumbled amusement once more, horned head tossing once in mockery of the Silver before he pinned her in his gaze. He would kill all three if given the chance, there was no doubting that, and he would do so happily as shown by his uplifted attitude and cheery tones.
[/size][/color]
|
|
|
|
Post by Desert on Aug 28, 2010 14:10:54 GMT -5
D'zel, seeing the desperation in Basionath's eyes, couldn't refuse the plea. He once more dropped over the edge of the roof and descended the stairs - only for Nazareth to cry out in relief when she sensed Sio's reconnection with Katya. She also touched the silverrider's mind, though only once the pair had made their reunion. Please, if you can hurry. I feel like we are being watched and I don't like it. The longer we stay here, the hiugher risk we run of being noticed.[/b][/color]
Maybe it was just paranoia, but neither white nor rider could shake the feeling that they weren't alone. D'zel climbed back onto the roof once Katya was located and returned to sitting astride Nazareth's neck, just to be safe. They needed to make a quick exit. And while Nazareth was focused on helping D'ron navigate, the whiterider scanned their surroundings for any spies. They should have set a sentry from the beginning, he realized, but they had been topo focused on finding Katya. So he strained his night-adjusted eyes to see if there were any wildfires or miseries about. He knew he probably wouldn't be able to spot any illusions - they were commonly put on watch thanks to their uncanny camouflage.
D'zel and Naz both froze solid when D'zel spotted a blur of amber. He only saw it because it moved, but he tracked the big king through the air, eyes wide in fear. Nazareth wilted for a few moments, but as D'zel's hands tightened convulsively on her dorsal ridges, she swallowed her fear and straightened up. Friends, be wary! Xanturnoth knows we are here![/b][/color] she cried, shuffling closer to Varanth and Basionath.
The amber landed next to them and spoke with unusual civility - but Nazareth wasn't fooled. She mantled her wings, whiskers bristling, and though she was nearly trembling in fright, she didn't lose any of her attitude. I only return to aid my friends, you monster! Talune is my home, not Black Sands![/b][/color] But in the back of her mind, Naz despaired. She had been quite powerful for such a young misery, before she left, but now that she had spent so long away from Black Sands, she did not have the crippling telepathic power. She was a mere white, no longer a misery. She was essentially useless now, weak like a hatchling.
[/size]
|
|
|
|
Post by Onyxaeon on Jan 21, 2011 19:28:14 GMT -5
Varanth met Xanturnoth with an even gaze; he would not be outmatched. There was no fear in his eyes, nor concern. The death of a king, a Weyrking, would not go unnoticed by the other Weyrs. He had very little to fear if anything, though the same could not be said for his companions. His tail twitched faintly. My birth was during an eclipse of all light; by birth, my nature and therefore wellbeing remains suited to the darkened skies. Calm, collected; the epitome of control. The sinews beneath ebony flesh coiled tightly, rippling power. Size the Amber had but in wit and in sheer force of will he could not hold a candle flame to. The tip of his tail curled around Naz, an indicator to move back. One wingtip extended to brush faintly against Sio's flank. Peace. This is neither a war nor a battleground; this is a world of his own. Come away from the snare of his claws.
Come now, Xanturnoth. There is no need for this. I came to shoulder a dragon born of my own sands. Surely you would not allow her to bleed to death and leave her ichor on your claws? Talune has no quarrel with you and Yours nor your Weyr. Such an act would cause a great deal of unrest between Black Sands and the rest of the Weyrs. You may cripple a few kings and queens, but you haven't enough Miseries nor Wildfires to eliminate the entire of the dragon population. That aside, you wouldn't risk losing the knowledge of an unknown foe. Tell me, my Amber brethren, how fearful are you of flying over the seas? Would you sleep in your couch soundly knowing creatures far larger than yourself of untold abilities rest in the very oceans surrounding your sands? Be wary of whom you choose to make enemies. Solainoti as well as Eden have strong alliances with Talune. Mark me, and there will be their wrath as well as the Wraith Queen's to contend with. None of this was a threat. Not a hint of demand or cruelty scorched his tones, merely fact. How well did the Amber pay attention to everything outside of his own ego? No, he would not know of the sea leviathans Eden had warned of, nor of Talune's own new mutations for they remained isolated and had made no attempt to show themselves at the Hatching.
D'ron grit his teeth as he held Katya up. His arms carefully encircled her torso, trying to ponder where to go from here. They couldn't storm out in the open, not with Xanturnoth right outside the door. Perhaps they could venture into the Lower Caverns? "Is there anyway out of the caverns aside from straight through the Bowl?" he questioned, peering down at Katya hoping for an answer. He was not worried about Varanth, the Onyx could handle himself, but he was concerned for Nazarath and Basionath. Naz no longer possessed her abilities that would have safeguarded her and Sio...Sio would be too wrapped around keeping Hers safe to think straight enough to fight.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lyrikitty on Mar 12, 2011 8:54:15 GMT -5
D'ron was speaking to her, though it was hard to decipher what he said. Too joy-filled and lost to the reality of the soon to be reunion with her beloved Sio was she to be here in the now. She had to be though, and this was driven home as she realized that the dragons waiting had new company. Mine! Be wary. Xanturnoth is back and he is not himself. I think he means to kill any of us he can get ahold of. The Silver's voice was terrified, pleading silently that her rider be at her side as quickly as possible.
Katya rubbed her eyes with one hand, thinking hard on the best route to take to get out of here quickly and without being seen. They obviously couldn't waltz right out the main entrance which was closest to the dragons. If they went through the Weyrbowl directly... Well that wouldn't be a good idea. They could, however, skirt a few areas and seek help from the very few weyrfolk who were amicable to her.
"This way." She gave a weak tug on D'ron, encouraging him to stay close to her and follow. Partially because she wasn't sure how far she'd get alone. She needed his physical support to some degree. She started for the door he'd entered from, and away from the dragons, pausing to press her ear against the passage to see if she could hear anything. No sound came back, and cautiously she cracked it open, peering out. She couldn't see anyone immediately, but that didn't mean the coast ahead was clear. And even if they did manage to get through the Weyr unhindered. there was still Xanturnoth to contend with.
-=-
Meanwhile, Basionath did not step back as the dear Onyx pleaded, but instead lifted her head high, wings smoothing against her sides. Proud and regal she eyed the Amber who was the cause of much of the world's pain. For a moment, she looked the Silver she'd been born, not the abomination which called itself after a gentle color, and the voice which was sent from the female's mind was calm and serene. Xanturnoth, you will not deny me this. I will return to my hone, and leave behind you and your kin. You and I have things in common, that is true. Both of us were born of other Weyrs and brought into the arms of hell. The difference is that you were born /for/ this place, while I have no heart for the tortures you call play. My hide has been sullied too long by this pit, and my heart no longer can take this abuse. Her wings rustled as the Silver took a step not away from the monster but closer.
This threw the Amber off, his sickly-sweet demeanour dropping like a ton of bricks as a hiss dripped past his fangs. The Silver was insulting him, without directly saying anything coarse. Her very behavior was an insult to his power. Basionath, be silent or I will silence you forever. Your's has yet to make it out of the Weyr and it would be a pity if her and her friend found themselves in the company of anyone other than the few fools who disagree. Back down, little Silver. As he said the last, a side message went to the Misery in waiting, so that as he finished speaking to the Silver the Misery drew close enough to strike, punishing the Silver effectively for her boldness.
Sio went to the ground without a sound, clawing at the ground in pain but fighting the instense need to cry out. Hers had been silent. Hers had bore gtreat agony without a word in order to starve the monsters of the nurishment they so wanted. She could do it too. Her claws found purchase and sank into a weak spot in the rock beneath her, latching to it and trying to force her muscle t stop convulsing. Partial control was regained, her body mostly still as she fought the pain the little Misery inflicted so easily on her.
Katya felt the pain hit Sio like a ton of bricks, a small cry escaping her lips in alarm. "Sio!" She steped into the hall, moving as quickly as she dared down the passage. No sound came from beneath her feet, each step placed with the traine care of someone who has spent their entire life using stealth. The only thing that mattered was getting out of here and reaching Sio. Sio darling... I'm comming. I'm on my way and when I get to you we'll leave this place forever. I promise She doubted the Silver would be able to comprehend the words while a Misery was having it's way, but they were said to her bonded all the same. Without faultering she turned corners and led them in a maze of rooms and halls. Only those who actively spent time learning the lay of any location could navigate the same ways she did, taking shortcuts or putting them on a different path without having to think it out. Only when she heard footsteps ahead did she stop, freezing in place and catching her breath.
|
|
