An Angel's Resurrection

[Lyrikitty]

A request to leave had been put in and cleared. The location she wished to visit? A beach near Talune, where she could hopefully meet with D'ron without the stress the last visit had provided. The reason? Well that was a little more complicated. Frankly Katya wasn't even sure why she wanted to see D'ron. The last time she'd seen him was when he, with the help of D'zel, had rescued her from what was certain death in Black Sands. She didn't know if D'ron had remained in New Cove with her for long or not, much of her time there had been spent originally ensconced in s restoritive slumber or heavily drugged. Nither state very productive for clear memory of happenings.

She wanted to see him all the same, perhaps because there was a part of her that wanted him to know how deeply she appreciated everything he did, and how sorry she was for what had happened the last time she and Sio were in Talune.

As she and Basionath dropped off the ledge of the Shaft in Skrull, to hang for but a moment before vanishing Between her stomache was in jitters and she was feeling about as nervous as a candidate at their first Hatching. It didn't get any better when they appeared in the sky above the Talune beach. Beneath them stretched golden sands and crystal waters, frothy white peaks denoting the waves as they rippled and crashed down. The treeline marked with emerald greens and richs browns tugged at her heart, reminding her how very beautiful Talune was, how perfect it had always been.

She urged Basionath down, the graceful Silver floating in a lazy circle until her metallic paws settled into the sand, soft gold againt her shimmering pale hide of silvery-white. Katya didn't dismount, in fact she found she couldn't. Her heart was filled with an ache she couldn't ignore, and so taken with the simplicity of this wonderful place, this perfect Weyr was she found herself crying silent tears. Basionath shifted beneath her, turning her wedged head to gently press her muzzle against Katya's leg. It is alright, MineKatya. We are not the same as we were before. Look how I've lost the dark taint of Black Sands, and how you smile now whe you wake. This time we will not make the same mistakes, this time we will show that I am a Silver and you are my Mine. The SIlver didn't understand the tears which trickled down Katya's cheeks were tears of appreciation and, in a sense, joy. So many times Katya had wept from sadness and pain, that while the emotions Basionath felt emanating from Katya were not bad ones, the Silver still worried that unhappy culprits lurked behind the tears of Hers.

Katya wiped her face, trying to erase the wetness there, and stroked Sio's muzzle lovingly. I know, my darling Silver. I know. You look like the beautiful angel who left this Weyr in her earliest Turns once more, not a darkened shadow of the former beauty. This was true. No longer was there a single trance of the dark cast on her glorious hide, the Silver was once more the near-blinding white-gold color she'd been when she hatched, her hide dappled with midnight tones and the only place on her figure which was marked in any way. Call Varanth, my angel. Call our midnight saviours and ask them to meet us.

Varanth? Onyx herald of faith and kindness, it is Basionath, an angel restored by the salvation you gave. Mine and myself wait on your beach and wish to speak with you and Yours, if you would like. She sent a mental image of the particular beach as well, knowing that there were many places which they /could/ be and were not. I have asked them to come, Mine. The Silver crooned gentley and lowered herself to the ground for Katya to dismount. The woman didn't though, not at first. She found it hard to remove herself from the Silver's back still, though finally she forced ehrself to slide down and stand beside her dearest friend, one hand resting for support on the silken leg beside her. Her dark hair lay against her rich blue tunic, the color of the garment resembling a dark saphire in richness and hue. Black leggings and boots, with a thin black belt made her lean figure look leaner still. Monte appeared moments later, scolding both Sio and Katya for leaving him unannounced. The litle creature scurried up to Basionath, scrambled up her leg and shoulder until he nestled himself between her wings with a chitter of contentment, though occasionally a scolding cheep could be heard. Such a cute little thing, despite is origins. Katya had never had it in her to try and rid herself ot Monte, as he'd only been a tool in her father's plotting, just as she had.

It seemed all that was left was to wait, and wait Katya would. She had come here with a purpose, and now that she was here she wasn't going to leave until it was accomplished.

[Onyxaeon]

Varanth lifted partially closed lids to hear Basionath's words trickle into his thoughts. A welcome intrusion into his napping, one he was delighted to hear. When he and his had brought the Silverpair from Black Sand's clutches Katya had been in a bad state. Blood loss and severe mental fatigue had caused her state to decline until she had simply blacked out and D'ron had had to carry her onto the Onyx's back because she could not sit astride her Silver without being tied to the saddle. How they had managed escape while the Amber King questioned them was a cause of nothing short of sheer brilliance, or sadism, on Varanth's part. The Kings had argued amongst themselves over the price of the Silver and, eventually, it came to a simple conclusion; Varanth would submit himself to the torment the Silver "deserved" as payment for her departure. A deal had been struck and Varanth ordered the white Nazreth and Hers off to ensure His riding Basionath made it to the nearest Weyr along with the injured Katya. None of them, aside form His Own, had been privy to the terms of agreement and His only went to ensure the safety of Katya and swore he would return directly afterward. With the thought several hours would pass before the Black Sands Weyrking would finish with him, Varanth had sent a silent order to Nazreth to remain with Basionath (whom Varanth knew would not leave Hers in such a state) until the next morning. The Weyrleader may ave had authority over the little white's rider, but the rider could do nothing to order his dragon to disobey her Weyrking. So it was with great frustration that D'ron remained at Crystal Caverns to see Katya through the night while Varanth subjugated himself to all the tormenting prowess of three Miseries and a barrage of beatings delivered periodically throughout the night.

Dark bruises still covered his between shaded hide, forcing deep purple markings the exact shape of clawed paws onto his hide. It had been over two weeks and still he appeared as though he had gone through the Red Star and then allowed himself as a personal chew-toy for a hormonal Magma. Scabbed-over claw rakings criss-crossed over his flanks, offering the King angry red welts as adornments to his body. He walked with a distinct limp; nothing broken, merely twisted and sprained limbs. His wings, as per agreement, were left unharmed enough so that he may fly should need be but, in all honesty, Varanth could only manage to fly to the feeding grounds to eat at the latest of hours where his wounds would be hidden before resting again. He had not left his Weyr over those two weeks refusing upon pain of death that he show himself to his Weyr in such a state. His pride had taken a monumental blow that night and in those early hours of the morning and. because of this, he hid in a deep well of personal shame that he had needed to bear his ichor for that tyrant. Despite the act, the cause was worth it and when that final blow had been delivered to his jaw, nearly dislocating the bone and causing horrendous swelling that made eating painful, he was questioned if such was worth it. His only answer, through bitter broken sentences, was this: Se is under my wings and has suffered enough under your ruling. If I must shed ichor for her freedom, so be it.

The Onyx's mind voice drifted to His Own, finding the man seated at his desk working through tithing reports. Mine, Basionath and Katya call us to their sides. They are here as a free dragon and rider and wish to speak with us upon the northern beach close to the cove. The Weyrleader looked up from his records, pushing the papers aside and standing up from the desk to stride toward his still seated dragon in the next room. His eyes were softer than his tone, implying he was still somewhat upset his dragon had gone off and ordered him away from the pain he had suffered and of the proud brute's stubborn refusal for him to have witnessed everything by shutting off their mental link during the event. "Can you manage to fly there and back? It is mid-day; your Weyr will see you." Then they shall see a prideful stubborn soul flying to the beck and call of one of their own. Come now, saddle me and we shall be off.

D'ron frowned but went to retrieve said saddle and finding a large enough fur to cover the Onyx's body where the leather would be abrasive to his scabbed flesh. The Weyrleader placed the fur over the base of the neck before carefully settling the saddle onto Varanth and gradually tightening the straps. He did not wince. He did not so much as utter a faint groan of pain but instead bore the weight of His as the man climbed up into place and the weyrking stepped out onto his ledge. He dropped off easily enough, his wings outstretching to control his descent before he turned skyward and blinked between. They burst over the beach seconds later, circling only briefly before spotting the Silverpair and gliding down to meet them. Varanth's landing was far heavier than usual, the sand cushioning his landing where his wings could not properly support him in his fatigue. D'ron dismounted quickly, striding alongside his dragon as Varanth made a slow limp to meet Basionath nose to nose. I am glad you are safe and well Katya and Basionath. I hope Skrull may offer you such peace as that you would find here and half as much in the manner of loyalties. Faranth bless your new lives there.

D'ron offered a faint smile up toward them, placing one hand against an uninjured portion of his dragon's leg. "Yes. Please be well in where you have chosen. There is always a home here, Katya. Remember that. We are family; we protect our own."

[Lyrikitty]

Above them appeared a most welcomed sight, a hide as black as Between with the speck of a rider between his shoulders. A smile touched both females' features as they watched him glide down, though Basionath's delicate features were contorted with concern when she saw the limp of the Onyx, and worse still when he was close enough for her to see the markings on him. Her heart thundered in her chest with guilt, for she could only think of one thing that could have happened to the sweet Onyx who had saved her. Our peace comes from knowing a shadow no longers lingers above us, ready to cut our lives short with but one fell swipe of his paw. We would be happier were we nestled away in the safety of Talune and the company of friends, but I do not know if we have recovered enough to be safe in the midst of such friendly faces. I have no wish to snap at one for merely hugging Mine, and I do not know yet if my personal fears have buried themselves deeply enough for me to be comfortable with such things.

Basionath's voice was vaguely sad as she spoke, for it was truth. She was still uneasy with people touching Hers, or surprising Hers. She did not like to let Hers leave her sight in the company of strangers. Thankfully Skrull was large enough that she could accompany Katya to most places, and the layout of the Weyr almost made it a requirement for Basionath to assist Katya in moving around.

You do not look well, dearest Onyx. What had happened to so proud a beast to make him walk with pain? She crooned in soft worry, her head lowered to peer at his marred hide sorrowfully. She was certain she knew already, to some degree. Xanturnoth had wrapped his claws around the proud Onyx and brutishly mauled him. But why?

Katya smiled in return to D'ron, moving way from Basionath and closer to the man. She too noticed that Varanth looked rough. In fact, he looked like hell. Or worse.

Her brow was furrowed in obvious concern, but she chose to remain silent on the matter. Sio was trying to glean information as it was. For both of them to push on what was very possibly a sore subject wouldn't be wise. Instead, she opened her arms to D'ron in an expression of gratitude, she owed him her all. "I cannot thank you enough, D'ron, for what you and Varanth have given Basionath and myself. While we may want to live in places other than Skrull, Zenith and B'ach can offer us protection which would be hard to find anywhere else. Perhaps when it is al over and things have been settled for good, we can emerge from being ensconced in so much stone and take residence in a nice place with sunshine and beaches. Basionath does love the beach." Her arms returned to her sides, the fingers toying with the hem of her tunic.

"I'd like to apologize, for the last time Basionath and I visited Talune. The Silver you saw then was no Silver, it was a creature tainted by Blacks Sands and who wanted only to protect the one thing she cared for most in the world. We are canging though, we are... We are learning to trust others again. Sort of. More acurately, we are learning to stop thinking of everyone as a possible enemy. It's been easier for her than me, though I think that had more to do with her color than anything else." She nibbled her lower lip, feeling oddly ashamed of this admission. She wanted him to know though, she wanted him and Varanth both to see that the Silver and rider were doing their best to revert back to what they had been many turns ago, the young Silver who had no understanding of the cruelty the world could hold, and the girl who had come from dark origins and struggled bravely to change everything about herself so that she could have a simple thing, so that she could look at a Silver and know it to be her partner for life.

[Onyxaeon]

I allowed it to happen. Varanth stated this simply and without the slightest touch of regret. It was spoken with the same conviction as if someone were stating that the skies were blue and the lush grasses green; matter-of-fact and nothing more. He could very well see the worry lines written into the Silver's face and could hear the undertones to her words. She had remained ignorant of his beating for her sake. Good; His had remained closed-mouthed about the whole ordeal and Nazreth had revealed nothing to Basionath while the little white had been with her. Indeed, Naz and Hers only knew very limited details about why Varanth had chosen to linger back but still, even the smallest shred of doubt could cause thoughts to fester and he certainly didn't want either the Silver or her rider to stress over him while they were recovering. I took the beating you would have received had you stayed. Forcing a fellow king to his knees was, in that beast's eyes, the better prize. He did not refuse when I offered myself in your steed and, as per our agreement, I did not rebel. He left my wings alone for that sole clause that I not dispute his claws or your Miseries and their mind tortures. I cannot imagine the pain you experienced, for I know not if he gave ordered more or less than it took to bring my mind into agony, but I sympathize. I know how it feels to have three Miseries upon you while Wildfires claw at your hide. Forgive me the time it has taken for myself to save you from that prison. Of anything I have ever done, that it my deepest regret so far.

The Onyx carefully settled down onto his haunches and then, shortly after, rolling onto his side. Forgive me for not standing to look upon you. I am very tired and my muscles ache dearly. Perhaps you of any will understand why such rest is necessary. The Onyx splayed his wings out from his body to catch Rukbat's light hoping to ward off the chill creeping up his spine from the memories of that night and the slumber trying to drag him into its own personal abyss. At least your new home will protect you as myself and Mine Own have attempted. Whether we have failed or not remains a question still but I would hope that the effort if nothing else at least amounts for something. Please, exercise your new found freedom and come visit anytime you feel you should. While you might be wary of how you will react around others know that I can make it so the Weyr knows your reasons for your behavior. Just as the Weyr now knows that the Emerald Typhith and the Green Mistith are weyrmates and one would do well if they are male and intend to chase to simply wait for another; she has been sworn to him. The Onyx brute seemed to smile somewhat, several lids closing lazily as his mind wandered over the various dragons and riders of his Weyr.

D'ron offered a slight shake of his head, shrugging off the topic of her "behavior" the last time she had been in Talune territory. "Do not worry about it, Katya. Your behavior was perfectly acceptable all things considered. In truth, had I been in the same position as you I would have acted similarly." The Weyrleader watched his dragon sprawl across the sand with some worry in his eyes. The great Onyx had given much in the ways or pride and flesh for the Silverpair before him now and, to see the toll it had really taken on him in the past weeks...It was a challenge, a test of will for the man who felt for individuals near as much as he thought for them. "Maybe one day Talune will be deserving of your return," he spoke softly, his mind and head still turned toward his dragon and what his prolonged resting meant for his actual health and state of well being.

[Lyrikitty]

The Silver's heart wrentched as he confirmed her fears. He had taken the wrath of the Amber beast in her stead, and he'd not told a soul it seemed. It broke her heart to think of the proud creature before her, submitted to Xanturnoth's tortures. Her only relief came from the fact he wasn't dead. Xanturnoth had meant to kill her and Hers, or very near it. She shuddered at the thouhgts o what Varanth must have gone through, all to protect her hide. Was it worth it? She doubted it dearly. As the Onyx sank to the ground, offering an apology, she moved closer to him, settling to the ground beside him and inching carefully close enough to gentley nudge his head up with her muzzle, and slip her forelegs beneath him skull to pillow it. It was the least she could do. Well, she could keen and hate herself, but she understood why Varanth had done what he did, and for her to let guilt ruin that precious gift would be the greatest insult of all.

Thank you, Varanth. You gave so much for me and Mine to walk free, and we shall cherish the gift you've given us to the end of our days. She sighed softly, wishing she could do something to help the Onyx feel better. There is no cause for apology on you part, Varanth. I hold you to no blame for laying down. If anything, it gives me an excuse to play the mother wherry and worry for someone beside Mine for a change. This at least was truthful, it was a good thing for the Silver to start looking after others again, it was a part of her nature which had been repressed for the duration of her time in Black Sands. The sweet Silver, born of Talune and meant to bring only joy to those around her was finding herself once more, discovering what she really was and expanding into more comfortable roles.

Katya could only shake her head in disagreement with D'ron. Talune was more than worthy of her returning, it was something she longed for desperately. Just as Basionath did. She knew where the fault was to lay, it was on the ones who stood on guard in a place where peace ruled supreme and where ill-intent was the rarest of things. D'ron would likely argue it to the end with her though, and so she kept her silence on the matter. "He must have been in terrible shape afterwards, if this is how he looks having had some time to heal. I wish we had known, we could have tried to do something." She recognized his expression, and what lay beneath it hidden from all who'd never seen it before. It was the same look Basionath gave to her when she cut her mind from her Silver to spare her the pain. It was a look which wondered how bad it had been, and why, why above all else, did the other selfishly hoard their torture and not seek solace in the love of their partner.

Varanth was far braver than she had ever imagined for that. It was hard enough for a rider to cut the ties and force silence, but for a dragon... It is a torture in itself. We need our riders to live just as much as we need food and air. Dragons are not made to exist without the bond of their rider, not for long anyway. Basionath's sorrowful voice entered Katya's mind, interrupting her thoughts and solidifying what she'd suspected anew. I am sorry, for what I did back then my love. But it was better you not know what was happening, and only fear the possibilities.

"I think, once Black Sands is finished and D'myn is removed from his place in that Weyr, I would like to try and come back to Talune. To live. Basionath was Hatched here, and it was here that I discovered what life could be, where I learned I had a choice in life beyond obeying orders and trying to preserve my life as best I could. It would be good for both of us to return here, I know Basionath misses Talune though she doesn't complain of it to me often." She also wanted to be closer to D'ron. This was a foreing thought and surprised her, but it was easily explained, at least she was able to find an explanation which was passable. D'ron and Varanth were owed the lives of the Silverpair, it was only logical that Katya would want to stay near the Onyxpair in the event that their debt could be repaid. But...

Is that the only reason... Basionath's voice was less question and more statement, and Katya shot a scowl to the Silver. Of course it is.

[Onyxaeon]

The Onyx rumbled softly to her words. She, a mothering wherry? Perhaps once a long while back she could have filled the role. Now that was not so for her turns in Black Sands had spoiled the nurturing instincts she normally would have possessed. She was just as fierce as any angered Bronze now so for her to assume the caregiver role was a little more than laughable. Especially when one considered whom she was tending to. A creature far larger than herself and a proud one at that. The whole concept would have been hilarious to any common bystander within the Weyr had Varanth not looked as ill as he did. When she lifted his muzzle he did not, however, push her away and instead settled his skull on the least bony part of her forelegs. His lids closed fully, cutting him off to the visual world around him as he contemplated slumber. Perhaps just a little nap...No, that would be rude. But the darkness was so tempting...No, he woudl speak. The words would keep him awake and out of the clutches of slumber ofr a time or at least long enough so that the Silverpair could depart and he could exercise the extent of his fatigue.

Mine is glad to see you both safe and well. He chose a simple topic, something his mind could focus on without much thought of effort. Something to give him rief periods of rest while she thought of comments to his statements. I am as well. He, perhaps, more so. At least in regards to Yours. We are not accutomed to people leaving Talune...Dragons are hatched here and they remain here and that is how it has been. You were the exceptions and Mine has not...forgiven himself for what leaving has caused you. You know, he found out why you left. The Onyx's mind voice was muffled but still audible, his thoughts rolling back over to the day when D'nasrin replaced the other Weyrling Master. After I grew into my hide and became what I am now within this Weyr, he took care of the problem. D'nasrin leads the Weyrlings now. He and his Brown take care to offer the courtesy you were not given. Even to such oddities as our new breed here; the Mimics. They are resentful now but he has done his best to avoid conflict in this peaceful place. I do not envy him that job.

D'ron had to drag his eyes back to Katya from his Onyx, studying the woman intently, almost as if judging whether or not she should be given the truth. He finally answered with a sigh, his voice low and distracted. "I could not ride him home. Nazreth brought me back later the next morning and I found him half-hanging off of his own ledge. It took an act of Faranth and Typhith to pull him up onto the ledge and he was out for several days before he spoke again." A frustrated hand ran throug his hair and the man shook his head aimlessly as if there were nothing to the words he was hearing from the Silverrider.

"Would you come back if you could?" He questioned, his head turning toward the woman as he took a step closer. His eyes displayed the haunted signs of a man whose nerves were at their end and there was nothing to keep him from the edge. His gaze flickered momentarily toward Basionath, for he knew the Silver was protective of Hers, and he offered his hands for her to see. "Do you know what's it's like, Katya? Do you know how it is to want something desperately and never have it close enough for you to grab it and not let go?" His hands dropped to his side and D'ron turned his back up the woman and their dragons. He walked a short ways off before dropping down onto the sand with his knees pointed skyward as arms tucked around them. "It's easy to leave, Katya," he called from his post, eyes on the frothing waves as they broke against the shore. "It is harder to remain and to know you cannot follow."

[Lyrikitty]

Basionath listened to Varanth intently, ponderously. She already knew he was in a bad state, why... He was laying here and allowing her to place his head on her forelimbs to pillow them, an act which she doubted the proud and regal creature would normally consider allowing. It is no fault of you or Yours we left, and perhaps in some ways it was for the best. Black Sands have had seeds of evil incubating for many Turns, long before I ever Hatched. Itw as only a matter of time before those seeds sprouted and grew. At least now there is a weapon against them, now there is proof of what the have become. Mine knows the lay of the Weyr intimately, she can direct others through it without fail, while Black Sands remains blind to what it once sent her away from her home to learn. She wasn't honestly happy she'd left, but she was trying her hardest to find a brighter side to the Turns she spent away from civility and home.

If Black Sands can ruin a Silver, there is no end to their corruption and the possibilities. I am a good example of that. Even now, as Yours moves closer to Mine, I can feel my muscles tense as they expect the worst. I know he would not harm her, just as I know you would not harm me. Yet still it happens. Her voice was sad as she spoke this, her wheeling orbs on D'ron as he moved closer to Katya for a moment, and then turned to walk away and plant himself in the sand. She made no move or sound towards him though, his hands had been shown to her though they didn't need to be. It was... Thuoghtful of him, to go out of his way to prevent a repeat of before. It made her feel worse about the tensing of muscles indicating the unwilling expectation of something bad. What she wouldn't give for that to be gone, erased from her memory as if it had never happened!

Katya felt her eyes moisten with tears as D'ron told her, explained that Varanth had been pulled onto his ledge by the Emerald tranfer. How the dark dragon had been silent for days. Poor D'ron. All this for her! What a waste. It would have been easier to let herself simply fall to her fate, and were it not for Basionath, she would have.

Though were it not for Basionath neither D'ron or Varanth would have come. It was a bitterwseet thought, but it was a thought she needed to keep tight to her heart now that she had let it enter her mind. Her angel cried for help, and it was to her angel they responded. Had it been Katya alone, with no Silver at her side... She didn't think for a second they would have risked their lives to sweep her away from that place and endure tortures beyond her want to imagine.

However the expression in his eyes as he drew near her was one which made her want to break, to cry for him and to do anything she could to make it better. Oh how she wanted this... She wondered for a moment what it would be like to throw herself at his feet and beg him forgive, beg him to let her return to his beautiful Weyr and to live the rest of her days with but one intent, to make his life easier to rid the pain she read in his eyes right now. It wasn't something she could do though. No, he would not understand her motivations, and if he did he'd likely refuse on pricipal. He turned away though, walking off to sit in the sand and call back to her without looking back. His words struck her to the bone, and the tears she had felt starting to pool before found a crack in her armour and broke free once more, her feet carrying her across the distance to him, standing for a moment behind him as scalding trickles of sorrow trailed down her cheeks. She sank to te ground slowly, the motion of one who isn't even aware what they are doing, still behind him. First her legs buckled at the knee, folding and collapsing her shins to the sand, then her thighs fell against her calves, and her handsdropped meekly to the sand. "If I could have stayed I would have. If I could have come back, I would have. I would hav given anything to bring Basionath home, to save her from the life I was born into, but... I just... It was for the best. It wasn't easy to leave, D'ron. It's not easy to turn your back on where your heart has planted itself. It's not easy to walk away from the first place that has felt like home in all your life and bring the most wonderful of creatures into the very pits of a dark hell. It wasn't easy to watch them hurt her, torture her. It wasn't easy to... To watch her... To watch a Silver kill another dragon in cold blood." Her voice broke, and the tears which had started for D'ron now turned into tears for the things she had made Basionath become. "I did this to her. I turned a Silver, the most glorious creature Pern has ever seen, into a monster. I took a gentle angel and turned her into a harbinger of death. He was right to send me away, all those Turns ago. He was right to want not to see what would become of the sweet Silver he'd met. To see me corrupt her beauty."

It was here it seemed her strength fled her, and she wrapped her arms around herself to try and stop the involuntary shaking of her body as she was drowning beneath the waves of guilt and regret and self-loathing. Her body rebelled against her remaining upright, and she leaned forward, intending to plant her face in the sad but comming short, instead her brow met D'ron's back, and she found not the strength to move away. "I'm so sorry, D'ron. I never wanted her to be hurt, I never wanted you or Varanth to suffer. I didn't want anyone to find themselves in any pain. It would have been so much easier for you all to just forget, to pretend I hd never been." She shuddered, some of the repressed shaknig breaking free and rearing it's head before she regained control over that much.

Basionath's head swung roung to Hers, eyes wheeling in concern. No! It would not have been easy to forget you, Mine. You are unique, you are special. I chose you for a reason, and I do not regret it. Do you think anyone else regrets reaching out to you? You may spit and snarl and drive others away but I know better, I know what you really want. I know you never took me away with intent to harm me and you never once felt anything but torment when I felt the slightest pang of discomfort, be it from a stubbed toe or an itch. You are not so bad as you think yourself, Mine. You just have a skewed perspective. Basionah's passionate voice rang through Katya's ears painfully, and she shook her head against it with a whispered no.



((Well... Calliope sure as hell had fun with this one. o.o))

[Onyxaeon]

Dear sweet Silver, please allow him what the wanderings of his mind indicate. The dragon's mind voice was covered in a fog, cloudy and only barely above a whisper. So tired...He needed rest soon and nothing could hold him back from it for much longer. He could stay just long enough, perhaps, to keep her from harming Hers with her actions. MineOwn...he needs the same comfort you find in Yours. I am too...gone to offer it. Allow Yours to, please. As a favor to a broken, stubborn brute as myself. His skull tilted on her forelegs, resting now on its side as he drifted in and out of consciousness. Her sudden outburst toward Katya jarred him enough to partially rouse the beast, a heavy rush of air escaping his lungs as he sighed. No war, no pain. Nothing but peace here. Nothing but peace...A soft, gentle flick of his forked tongue ran over her littlest of claws as he stirred, one silver limb moving away from its place beneath him to cause his jaw to connect with the sand. It was of little importance. Take it as my word I shall never ask of something else from you after this. Let him be human and let yourself be a dragon. None of what has happened to you is your fault. It's simply...circumstance. Do not be so clouded by that hatred you betray you hide; let it go, Basionath. Let it go before it kills you and Yours and isolates you from those who are only trying to help. Let they both comfort the other and somewhat ease their own suffering much as you have done to myself. Do not lung for him; he means no harm to her and you have said so yourself. Stay here with me, stay watchful but out of their way and let them be for a time on this lovely, peaceful patch on Pern's shores before they return to a world of cruelty and hate. Dear sweet Silver, he is as unarmed as I am at your mercy. One claw to my throat and I would accept it. One gray green orb stared back at her before the colors swirled into further sadness and slumber, darkening into a deep forest green and almost black gray that betrayed the extent of his sorrow and desire to finally rest. Not until she swore. Not until His could be himself, he vowed.

D'ron felt her forehead connect with the upper part of his shoulder , the tears spilling onto his tunic and dampening the garment. He didn't care so much of that as he did her words. Pain? Yes, she had caused him and Varanth pain. Perhaps even agony in his dragon's case, but that wasn't the point. Pain was part of life; nothing came without it and certainly nothing good came before it. It was her own self-loathing that bothered him as it was undeserved in his eyes. "Katya, please don't talk," he asked softly, his head craning so that his eyes could go to hers where he saw the tears streaming down her cheeks. Perhaps what she couldn't see through her own were the misty gatherings around the corners of his own. He turned slowly in the sand, dropping his legs into an Indian style fashion before one hand lifted to support the back of her head. His other, resting on his knee, moved to settle onto hers, palm up with fingers limp but open. Carefully, slowly so as the nearby Silver would not consider him a threat, he brushed a soft, gentle kiss across the top of her brow where her locks ran across her forehead. His own brow shortly after pressed against hers, eyes staring back at hers earnestly and without any barriers hidden in their dark depths. A lone, solitary tear spilled over the corner of his left eye, sliding down his cheek to drop onto his outstretched palm. So much pain...so much loss...

"I can be your hero, Katya. I can kiss away the tears and hold off the loneliness if you will only let me. You believed my coming to yours and Basionath's aid and all of the promises I have made to you were simply because of where you spent your weyrling years and that is partly true. I would offer myself for anyone here if they needed it of me. But I wouldn't risk all that I have simply for that, Katya. I am out of line and deserved to be slapped for what I've done to you, I know that, but you'll have to forgive me one last impudence. Know that though I can't be with you tonight, my heart is by your side."

[Lyrikitty]

Basionath eased herself as the Onyx spoke, and she knew his words the truth. She had been Katya's angel and saviour alone for so long, she had bourne the brunt of Katya's pains and taken away all she could, but some of it... Some of it the Silver could never lift, no matter how hard she tried. There were times when she could not stand proud and protect Hers as she might want, and Varanth was right. To act now would be the ultimate betrayal of her hide. Her past was nothing, all of it provoked. Her worst of offenses, murdering another, had been justified even if it was a sin. She had been protecting the thing which she held most dear in all of those. But if she acted now, if she rose and drove a wedge-shaped head between D'ron and Katya, she would not be helping Hers. She wouldn't be protecting the woman who so loved her. She would be hurting her in ways beyond compare. Katya needed a human touch now, a hand which was not claws to hold her tight, and ears made of human flesh for her to pour her heart out to. None of this was Basionath.

Instead the Silver focused on the Onyx, forcing her eyes away from Katya to make it easier on herself as D'ron turned slowly. 'You may be a proud and stubborn brute, dear Onyx, but you are far wiser than you let on. I will not interfere in what they do, for she needs this too dearly and if I lift a claw I could shatter the life which I chose above my own.You have my word, now rest, sweet Varanth. I will watch over and keep all safe while you rest. His exhaustion was obvious. She shifted herself gentley to lay beside his larger frame, her head dipping to move his head with utmost care to a more comfortable spot, where it was safely craddled by soft flesh. Thank you, Varanth. She spoke as she moved her skull away again, her muzzle pausing for a heartbeat pressed against his cheek, before she lifted her crown and turned her eyes to watch Katya and D'ron, wondering what was to come of this, and what the future would hold. Hoping that D'ron and Varanth would be a part of it, and hoping Katya could find the peace she had evaded for all her life.

D'ron's subtle shifting had caused her to lift her head only slightly, enough to realize what was happening. She was breaking, in ront of a man who knew only bits about her, a man who had saved her and her Silver and who's friend was still suffering from the price of the Silver's hide.She wanted to hide, to disappear, but before she could his lips brushed across her brow in what was perhaps the sweetest action her life had known to come from another human. Sio had been sweet to her, and showered her with affection in the manner every Silver did, but it wasn't the same as what came from another human, another of your own kind. Her hand moved on impulse to clutch with desperation at the hand he had rested gentley on her knee, as if fearing he'd suddenly rise and run from her. Silly woman, she was. D'ron wasn't going anywhere right now.

His words went through her like a knife, slicing through every fiber o her being with their exotic quality. He spoke like she had imagined lovers spoke to eachother. In the manner she'd once dreamed of being spoken to. She could easily imagine such words being whispered to her in the night as she lay in bed and drifted to sleep, her lover bside her and wrapping his arms around her to secure her in his presence. It was almost cruel of him, to open such a well inside her like this. He'd struck chords of her soul which had grown dusty and dull from disuse, and her saphire eyes searched his face for something, though she wasn't sure what. "Don't tease, D'ron. Don't speak beautiful things in pity for me. My strength is an act, a mask I wear because if I don't I'd die. The world doesn't embrace those who are soft, it kills them. It tears their hearts out and steps on them." Her eyes brimmed with want for his words to be truth, even as her lips tried to denounce them as lies. Black Sands had scarred her in every way it was possible to be scarred. She'd experienced first hand what happened when you let down the shields just for a moment.

"Don't tell me the things I long to hear if you'll take them away from me. I..." She what? She couldn't say what lingered on the tip of her tongue. "I would die, if it happened again D'ron. I'm not strong enough to hold everything up forever, I can't be what is expected of me, not alone." There, the words said the truth but hide it carefully. Beneath the exterior was the shameful plea, beging him not to abandon her, to promise to be at her side whenever she needed him. In those words lurked the confession she wasn't brave enough to stand proud and do what it would take to fulfill her own duties, one of them being most critical to Pern. Alone, she could never bring down Black Sands. Her heart would fear the consequences of failure unless she knew someone was beside her, someone who could accept her flaws and find beneath them the small pebbles of what was right in her, just as Basionath had when she turned away from a child who had been meant for her to take instead a girl who wanted nothing more in her life than the Silver she saw. In a sense this was the same. D'ron could take someone who was better suited to him, he could deny her and turn her away, or he could pick the one who held her breath with such devotion and sincerity that she fainted, all because she had a glimmer of hope dangled before her and she wanted it so very badly.


Her head hung low though her brow remained pressed against his, her eyes turned away and squeezed shut as she waited for what she was certain would come. Words which would send ehr away, tell her she was a fool and unworthy. Her heart steeled itself just as did her mind, though the feeble preparations would do her no good should what she expected come 'round to happening.

[Onyxaeon]

Varanth's mind voice filtered through D'ron's head, the slow hum of the Onyx's words filling the spaces of his mind. Mine? I am...I am tired now. I wish to rest and recover. Take care of them; for all their claws, fangs, and strength, they are breakable and hurting. Be kind to Basionath's for she is more sorrowful than she will admit. D'ron's own reply came without hesitation and in just as low of voice. Rest, my dear friend. I will endeavor to guard them both as you have so. The Weyr king half nodded to this, immensely grateful he was now permitted to relax and to slowly slip into the welcoming embrace of darkness and the strength it would provide him when indeed they finally did have to return to their Weyr. Before his mind strayed too far, he cast a final few sentences to the Silver cradling his wedged head so against her limbs and chest.

You are welcome dearest Basionath. Keep them safe, push her closer toward him and let her be happy for a change. It will ease the pain and you will learn that it is not such a horrid thing to trust others. The ebony beast closed his lids for the last time before slipping into the welcome embrace of slumber. There, his breathing relaxed and became rhythmic, his chest rising and falling in long deep breaths and, occasionally, he would twitch gently as something in his dreams caused him reason to stir.

D'ron did not speak for some moments, studying the Silverider as she struggled to admit to him that she felt herself unworthy. He watched as she paused and faltered, stumbling over her own words and choking back several others. Whatever her pains he couldn't help himself and his desire to ease, if not eradicate, them. So, when she hung her head low and squeezed her eyes shut against the rejection she was certain she would feel, his lips turned upward in the faintest of smiles. His hand still supporting the back of her head, he gently pulled his brow away enough to guide her head to press against the taunt flesh of his chest. Her cheek against his pectoral muscle, her ear positioned in such a manner so that, if she listened, she could hear the relaxed drumming of a heartbeat. His face lowered, burying in the hair atop her head as his hand, still clutching her own, brought the palm and digits to rest beside her face on his chest.

"Do you ever think when you're all alone where you could be if only you let someone care for you as your Sio does? You've got me hypnotized, so mesmerized, Katya. I'm trying for your sake to walk away, but I'm finding it frightfully hard to do so. You've done what no one else has managed; you led me to my knees. If I could change your mind and show you I deserve a chance, how would you want me?" The Onyxrider brought his lips to the top of her head again, the faithful staccato of his heart faltered for a moment under her silence, waiting for her reaction and struggling to believe she could care just as he did. Not just because she was of Talune but because she was...Katya. She would only see it as devotion for his own but it was so much more than that. She was a broken sparrow and her wings needed mending dearly. He could offer her that if only she would let herself see that.

"I'm not anything to speak of, Katya. I am not the strongest of men and, when it comes to common sense, I missed that gift entirely. I am a proud, stubborn dolt with nothing in the way of offering you aside from what Varanth has given me through his flights. I would like to imagine I have served my job dutifully and deserve the praise some give, but I am not certain I do. I merely gave what anyone should and that's not something to be praised. I am not a Weyrleader, I am merely a man. A man who can offer you his allegiance, body, and heart to your hands and dearly wants to heal your wounds if you'll but offer him the chance to get that close to you."

[Lyrikitty]

She trembled as he drew her head to rest against his strong chest, a sensr of comfort she was unfamiliar with washing over her. The steady rhythm of his heart beating was soothing, like the gentle crash of waves against the shore. It felt like home, like all was right in the world so long as she lay her head there and could hear within his chest that steady drum beating away it's timeless tune. His sweet, perfect words rolled forth to dance through her ears in a musical harmony that stroked her soul. He cared for her. This wonerful, incredible man cared for a woman who had spent her life barely surviving. A woman who had held Talune's fate in her hands and guarded it with a blind devotion. He cared for her.

She didn't think there was a thing in the world which could have made her happier at this moment. She already had Sio, her darling angel who even now watched protectively with an expression that could only be described as motherly, the Onyx's head craddled sweetlyy to her. When had Sio become so nurturong? Katya knew Silvers were creatures born to care for those around, but Sio had always seemed the exception to the rule, a Silver who haf been tainted and turned away from what she was born to be. It seemed almost like a sign, something which set off bells and waved flags in Katya's mind. It was right. This was right.

"D'ron... I..." She fumbled as she tried to find the words for what she wanted, and they danced just out of reach. A curse upon her it was, for this fantasy to be bestowed reality, only for words to hide in the corners just out of reach. She did the only thing she could think to do, tilting her head, dark hair spilling back as she did, and placed the gentlest kiss beneath his jaw. If words were going to taunt her cruelly, dhe take the simpler course. Actions spoke louder than wprds anyway, right?

"I could never send you away, D'ron. Even if I wanted to, my heart screams that this is the first thing since Sio Impressed tp me that is right. My soul yearns only to rest at your side, and my being feels incomplete when torn away from you. If you honestly want a woman who has brought such pain to the world, and who has very few redeeming features, I am your's. Now and 'til forever comes." Her eyes remained shut yhe entire time, his scent filling her nostrils with each breath and drowning her in it.

It was nearly as soothing a scent as inhaling deeply of Basionath. Her lips curved into a small smile, her heart racing. This was real. This was actually happening for her. The sort of thing one only ever dreams of, and which fills the tales of little girls. It was more than that. "Take what I've given to only one other, D'ron. My heart has been held in the gentle paws of a Silver and carefully guarded. It's never been set in the care of man, and though I'm a little scared of how this will turn out, I want to trust you with it. I want to have fsith in another human being, and to know what it's like to love. Sio has been my everything, but I want you to be my all."

Basionath watched dutifully, with Varanth resting safely beside her. It was so very strange to watch as Katya fumbled through this. Yet each word the woman spoke was true. Katya hadn't had a true relationship, in fact much of the time when the Silver Rose, it was an unpleasent occurance all around. Katya had no love for the men who crowded around her at those times. Here all of a sudden she was being offered something much more enjoyable and lasting, as well as more important.


((Sorry this is shorter than I'd like, but I've typed this entire thing with the touch screen of my 3ds and stylus, so my wrist is now in agony.))

[Onyxaeon]

A delightfully slow shiver trailed down D'ron's spine upon her gentle ministrations. A smile creeped across his lips, his eyes half closed against her words and actions to enjoy them more so. "My dear Katya," he said with a soft chuckle, stroking her hair gently. "Forever is simply the lazy way to say it." He carefully untangled himself from the Silverrider, hands moving to her shoulders where he could easily guide her down with him onto the ground. He reclined against the sand, offering up his chest still as a pillow for her head with one arm tucked around her waist. "As for redeeming features...Well, that simply isn't true. You have many, more than I even have time to name. A for what has happened," here the man trailed off, shaking his head with a sigh. This was a bloody difficult time to get close to anyone when the whole of Pern was under attack and thread could very well spring up at any given time. Not to mention the various outreaks of disease as of late...Companionship was a rare thing with such turmoil lingering behind each and every corner, love rarer still than simple friendships.

"I don't care about any of that, Katya. Perhaps I am a fool for how I believe in others and trust themselves to do what is right not for themselves but for those around them. Look where's it gotten me: Talune is a haven. The only place left on Pern with no hostilities or crimes. It's been kept safe from this mess but I'm beginning to fear that such happiness only coaxes pain upon the least deserving such as the tender souls here." He frowned, his arm tightening slightly as he cast his gaze skyward in thought to watch the clouds roll overhead. "Varanth will not admit he is not the largest thing on Pern and, as such, cannot gaurantee the safety he desires for his Weyr. I am hesitant to admit this but..."the man closed his eyes against the words he was attempting to speak, his hands raising to rub his temples as if the sentence caused him pain.

"I need help. I want no part in this war for Talune; I refuse to send my riders to their deaths to fight for a cause that isn't ours. Yes, we suffered a loss just as many others have under Black Sands's hands but the difference lies in the fact I have the sense to avoid depleting our dragon and rider population before threadfall. Black Sands is one Weyr. Pern has many to combat them and far more dragon power behind their forces than D'myn. Tell me, where is the sense in everyone getting riled over a Weyr with less than a hundred strong? There is none. I will not fight and risk the pointless loss of life when I know without a doubt in my mind he will be snuffed out without much of a fight. Justice will be served and the battle will have raged and many will be wounded. And Talune will still be here, waiting to welcome those broken in this sanctuary."


ooc: I know how you feel. -.- I wish this had been longer but my muse is being...irritating. She's so eager to get to the festival she doesn't want to write out anything else.

[Lyrikitty]

She sank with him and nestled her head against his strong chest once more. It surprized her how well she seemed to fit into that space, filling it just right, the curve of his arm around her waist not seeming like it was to loose or too tight, too large or too small. It felt right, like she was meant to be in that spot. She listened to his words, and a part of her shuddered. Talune was indeed a haven, and that was a large part of the reason she had protected it for so very long with her silence. She'd spent many Turns in a Weyr that had no love for her. She'd endured much to keep her secrets.

She was closely involved in this war that loomed above Pern. D'ron wished to protect his Weyr from it, to spare the lives of those who lived within it's embrace. How was he going to feel when everything came crashing down, and she was forced to take her place in it all to try and bring an end to D'myn and his monster.

Black Sands was a small Weyr, but that didn't mean it was weak. A battle with them would be disaterous, for Black Sands housed creatures of vast power. It would not be an easy fight, and Katya feared the consequences. Of course, it was a war which couldn't be avoided. A molocule of fear settled itself in her chest. What if she became one of the casualities of war? She nibbled her lip as she thought, trying to find a solution to it all. She couldn't back away from it all. Much as she might want to, she was needed. She knew more about Black Sands than anyone else outside the Weyr, save perhaps D'zel. If she turned away from the task ahead who would there be to offer guidance and layouts? Who could tell the rest when and where to appear to have the greatest advantage? Who knew the sleeping patterns of the greatest threats, and the favoured times for feeding? It was with a heavy heart she realized the extent of the risk she was taking on. Could she risk D'ron's emotions, knowing the dangers?

"D'ron..." Her fingers tightened over his arm. "D'ron I'll help how I can, but... I can't stay uninvolved. I'm needed. My life has been spent learning things, and using them for the wrong reasons. Right now I've got a chance to redeem myself for that, as well as to help bring down a tyrant who should have never tasted power. I cannot promise I won't be harmed, because AI don't know yet what I'll have to do. I have knowledge, something which is priceless in war. I can lead others into the heart of BSW while going unnoticed. Without that knowledge those fighting D'myn and his Amber will have great difficulty. Miseries and Wildfires can make it nearly impossible to reach the Weyr itself, paired with Illusions who can become almost invisible to the eye..." She shuddered at the thought of what a small Weyr could do, should the fight occur on it's home turf. There was but one entrance to Black Sands for the dragons. From the top. That was an easy thing to defend. Any other entrance would be by human alone, and that was risky when the interior of the Weyr was crawling with not only men and women who could and would kill on sight, but dragons who could do so as well. She turned herself to lay on her stomach with her face buried in his chest as if that could erase the nearing storm. She knew it wouldn't, but it was nice to try.

[Onyxaeon]

D'ron's voice was hesitant at first, as if he doubted the strength of his own tone, but soon his volume rose slightly and his confidence rang clearly. "Katya, how is your using that information now any different from before? What justifies murder? Honestly." Lids veiled dark eyes as the thoughts washed over him. She would be needed and she did possess knowledge that few-if any others-knew. But still. She was supposed to be safe after she clawed her way out of that damnable Weyr not go barreling back into it with the Calvary charging. He hadn't sacrificed himself running through those damp dark tunnels to find her bleeding on the floor for her to risk her hide for an Amber's death the minute she recovered. Varanth hadn't been beaten senseless for her to...Unconsciously, his mind wandered back to the slumbering Onyx, a frown tugging his lips that seemed ever-present anymore. "I don't believe you should right that man's wrongs by slaughtering everyone in the Weyr and anyone whose an innocent bystander stuck in the middle. We've already had enough of that stupidity when B'ach ordered Skrull to attack that Hold. But of course that was 'necessary retribution' for sterilizing the queens. Those Holdfolk played no part in those acts and his dragons murdered them all and destroyed land for turns to come. Yes, it did weaken Black Sands because now their food supplies are cut short but too many died unjustly to see that end. That man...I do not envy him the hatred he has placed upon himself for actions he claims were in the best interest of Pern."

The Weyrleader absently stroked Katya's locks as she turned to bury her face against his chest. His fingers feathered through her hair, running lightly over her scalp and down the base of her neck. "He is your Weyrleader now. Katya, do not put your faith in that man. Of what I know of him the entirety of his life has been wrapped around the simple notion that he was always in command. A man born into greatness does not know the full extent of his reach and, worse still, that manner of man cannot understand a time when his word matters not. In his mind's eye, his way is the only solution feasible-it will always be the right path to take and he will always find a means to justify his actions. Whatever your grievances now, I am sure he will hear them-for that is the duty of a Weyrleader-but I do not feel he would be able to provide compassion for them or answers not tainted by an ill perception of the world with those rose tinted lenses upon his eyes. His word is law in accordance with the dragon he rides and that is, unfortunately, his undoing. That silver spoon in his mouth and those heavily biased judgments are the reasons we have such senseless brutality here."

[Lyrikitty]

She might have recoiled from D'ron's words, if his arm hadn't been around her. She might have flinched away at what he said. He was right, but she still could not turn away from her duty. She was conflicted, and it made her uneasey. He seemed to always see things so clearly black and white, yet where did she come in, lost in a world of grays?

One thing was for sure. B'ach may be her Weyrleader, yes, but she did not look at him as a superior. She did not worship the ground he walked on, and she listened to his word not as law, but as opinion or advice. The short man had done nothing to earn her respect yet, save provide a home for her in exchange for information.

"D'ron... If I kept my silence more innocent would die. If I gave words to Skrull and kept myself away from the fight, I could not lend a hand to protect those in Black Sands who did what they could to protect me, those who deserve no ill to fall on their heads. If left to his own deviced B'ach will likely try to simply sear the entire Weyr from the face of Pern. Not all of Black Sands are bad, look at D'zel and his little dragon. They are perfect examples of what secret treasures are hidden within Black Sands. I... I don't want to die, D'ron. I don't want to fall back into D'myn's grasp, but if I hide in safety I bathe myself in the blood of innocents. I would rather risk for a good cause than to live a long life as a coward."

She peered up at him to see if what she said was getting through. She had no want to waste what he and Varanth had sacrificed to get her away from Black Sands, but...

It made her head hurt to try and think this out. She wanted nothing more than to make D'ron smile, to make his face lit up with joy, and yet she was doing the exact opposite right now. She needed redemption, not because she had done wrong in the past, not because she owed anyone anything, but because she needed to prove, to herself if no one else, she was worthy of Basionath. For the past Turns she had only tried. She'd done her best but she never felt like she was deserving of the Silver. She never felt like she was the sort of person a Silver would pick out of the crowd and take for her own.

"D'ron I want to make you happy, but I also want to make Basionath happy as well. How can she be happy with a rider who doesn't eserve her? How can she call me Hers, when my life has been nothing but treachory? I need to be redeemed for her, how better than to do what any Silver would want and spare as many lives as I can when everything falls apart?" Her eyes were searching, praying to stumble across something in his features which could give her hope.

Basionath had lowered her head, resting it atop Varanth's shoulder and letting her eyes drift shut faintly. She was still watchful, but relaxed by the air and the sense of being home, of being where she belonged. It fet so comfortably right and good to lay on a Talune beach with Varanth. It was as if she had Hatched just for here and now. So what if she'd spent Turns in a hell at the mercy of a monster? This was worth it. Surprisngly, she had shown no sign of motion at all when D'ron and Katya sank to the sand and lay together, her wheeling eyes only observing in the same manner they always did.