The Space Between|

[Desert]

A muffled curse drifted up from one of the advanced courses on the slopes. There was a clatter as a few slabs of loose scree were sent skittering down the incline. The Weyrleader of Solainoti swung himself onto the nearest ledge big enough to fit him, more low oathes gritting from between his clenched teeth.

What did I tell you, N'yxMine? I warned you that there was loose stuff on the red chevron slope, but did you listen?[/b][/color] Xanntorith scolded his rider. He was perched on the pinnacle of the course N'yx was attempting to climb, though the ledge wasn't entirely big enough to support him, so he overflowed onto another ledge lower down. The big tempest tossed his head in exasperation.

"Give it a rest, Xann," N'yx muttered. He was busy inspecting the shallow gash on the heel of his left hand. It was bleeding copiously, but once he tore a strip from his tunic to bind around the injured limb it stopped quickly enough. He flexed his fingers experimentally; they worked well enough, but he winced at the throbbing ache that accompanied the movement.

Do you need me to pick you up and take you to the Healer?[/b][/color] Xann asked, this time his mindvoice tinged with concern. He leaned forward and extended his lightning-marked, gray-mottled head toward N'yx, crooning sympathetically.

The Weyrleader flashed his dragon a grin. "Naw, I'm good. Let me finish this climb and we'll go get some dinner, eh?" He glanced at the sun. The fiery orb was just touching the western horizon, its color a molten orange that was slowly fading into a muddier red, while its dying light stained the sky around it a vibrant rainbow of hues ranging from rosy gold to a velvety indigo. Two mismatched crescents hung in the sky, surrounded by silvery pinpoints of stars, but still the light reflected by Belior and Timor were uverpowered by that thrown by Rukbat.

Xanntorith perked up at the mention of food, weaving his head and forequarters to and fro excitedly. Ooh, yesyes! I'm hungry! Hurry it up, N'yxMine![/b][/color]

A tolerant, amused chuckle bubbled up from the tempestrider's chest. Typical, impatient Xann. Bless his high-strung heart. "If I hurry any more, Xann, I'm going to fall and break my neck," he pointed out wryly. "So don't distract me. It was your nattering that made me slip in the first place."

While his dragon was muttering indignantly to himself about only giving His some helpful advice, N'yx ascended the rest of the slope. This was one of the hardest climbs to master: very steep, with hand- and foot-holds that were arranged in odd places. Sometimes, N'yx had to crouch down and leap to get to the next hold. other times he would be stuck in weird positions while he worked out a way to keep going up.

While the Weyrleader clambered up the rocks like a lizard, Xann waited. The very tip of his white-veined tail flopped and twitched impatiently, imbued with a life of its own, the physical outlet for the big tempest's desire for His to hurry it up so they could eat. Still, he held back admonishions to speed it up, knowing that N'yx couldn't be rushed, especially when he was concentrating so hard. This was a tricky course to climb.

N'yx finally heaved himself up onto the top ledge of the red chevron slope. He collapsed backwards to rest against Xann's flank, panting heavily. "Whew! I'll have to keep practicing that one," he remarked to himself.

Later, I hope. I'm hungry![/b][/color] Xann complained, turning one red-tinged eye toward his rider plaintively.[/size][/color][/font]

[Onyxaeon]

Vsiasi & Isionyth
>~>Angel((of))Mercy<~<

Down below the lower slopes, far lower to the ground than the Weyrleader and his Tempest, a snaking tail curled around the bases of several equally gray stones. Ducking under an overhanging arch lie the rest of the gray-black beast. The Brimstone Isionyth had settled her body neatly folded under this form of shelter, the bottom of the arch just barely low enough to keep the rays of the fading Rukbat from reaching her eyes to blind her. It was the exact reason she had chosen the spot in the first place. The low ceiling, as one would imagine, would be a problem for the heftily sized beast had not one known her. The Brimstone was wonderfully flexible and, where this low roof would deter most, she welcomed the challenge and contorted her body in various ways to get it to slide effectively under to reveal the open and high vaulted ceiling behind the small entrance. Yes, this was her place of retreat: the only place she'd ever get the chance to hide from her duties as the Senior Queen because no one thought she could possibly fit under there. Exactly why she had proven them wrong. Also the exact reason she was here now, to get away from the pestering comments from the lazy kings that trotted about her Weyr wanting to get an estimate on the time it would take for her to feel like Rising again. Idiots. As always, she'd snapped at them, leaving a verbal wound as her tongue spit a series of acid retorts that, though they claimed she was not inclined to so know that sort of things and ti would be 'whenever she sharding felt like it' it did in fact give a hint. Possibly when the flight fever around the rest of the Weyrs was done, but not far into the future. She always got a touch easier to annoy when around that point in time. Never failed.

With a rolling sigh, Isionyth's head tilted, the ember scales catching the sparse rays of amber light and, even though one wouldn't admit it directly to the queen for fear of inadvertently offending her, she did look beautiful. The soft scales along her head and gracing her slender yet strong neck...They shimmered like a fish's scales when the light struck them so, as if her body had arched to bend the light itself with the very movement. The black ridges along her spine, thighs, and flanks were all highlighted, the darkness a startling contrast to her pale scales as well as her fiery ones. It was breathtaking, but she would not see it so. Never would, never will.

"What is it, love?" Vsiasi murmured, her head lifted from its resting position atop her hands, the limbs attached to them stationed on her knees as they propped her weight up. This place was her secret spot too, her hiding place to keep the rest of the Weyr out and only Isionyth in because only her dragon knew every little nook and cranny of her mind. She couldn't keep the persistently powerful mind out even with her powerful barriers wrapping around her mind. Nothing. I'm just reflecting on several things. Trying to figure out whether or not it's worth it to con Xanntorith into doing something with me. Perhaps pester the flits...I have a distinct distaste for those wretched little things. She snorted in disdain as she shifted about, crawling across the surface of the stony floor to poke her head out from the stone cave. Her head whirled about, searching the Weyrbowl for any invading figure who could discover the hidden location. When she was satisfied that no one was lingering about, her spine arched to slide under the low ceiling, her body squeezing out from underneath the faint pressure that was brought about to pop out on the other side. A moment later, the wedged shaped, ashen head poked back through the opening, oddly contended green-blue optics swirling as she gazed at Hers. I will send N'yx in here in a moment of two if you aren't out in five minutes. It was the only warning Isionyth gave before retreating, her body stationed faithfully before the entrance to guard Hers while she awaited for the Tempest to come down from the higher slopes.

The Brimstone's only warning had gone unheard, Vsiasi still stationed in quite contemplation as she sat with her legs crossed Indian style. Her silent musings were the result of not wanting to breakdown again: no, it wasn't the time for that. She had so much to attend to, she had to wait at least a few more sevendays when this whole mess of meetings with other Weyrleaders were over and done with. One hand absently lifted to brush the locks out of her face. No, she couldn't cry. Not now. Not when she vowed she'd be strong.

[Desert]

Spotting a flash of movement down below, Xanntorith leaned over, peering at the figures farther down the slopes. The brimstone's ashy scales were hard to distinguish against the rock that made up the old, dead volcano, so he had to search for Isionyth's distinctive markings and the dead giveaway of her eyes before he spotted his mate. When he did, the big tempest uttered a polite trilling whistle in greeting. Good evening, Isionyth. I trust we find you and Yours well?[/b][/color] he asked courteously. Even the Weyrleaders knew better than to be where the Senior queen didn't want them, so Xann was immediately slightly wary about the brimstone's sudden appearance. He hadn't seen her before, only caught the flash of scales as she moved.

N'yx used one hand braced on his dragon's shoulder to help him stand. He, too, leaned over the ledge to spot Isionyth. Shall we go down?[/b][/color] Xann ventured privately to N'yx, tilting his head inquiringly at his rider. N'yx nodded his agreement; he grabbed one dorsal ridge and, boosted by Xann's foreleg, threw one leg over the tempest's neck to settle astride the big king.

It seemed like the brimstone queen was in a calm mood now, unlike her earlier fit of irritation. Xann agreed with his mate on that one thing, about the other kings pestering about her Rising. That was none of their business, thank you very much. The big tempest had no intention of letting another take his place, so the rest of them could keep themselves to themselves when it came to Isionyth's Rising. Xann knew better than to push some subjects with his mate, so had wisely kept his trap shut and stayed out of the brimstone's vicinity when she seemed in a foul mood. Though he could sometimes be a bit overbearing to others, he had definitely learned to avoid Isionyth's pet peeves. He was too smart to get on her bad side, if N'yx wanted to stay Weyrleader.

Xanntorith fell from the ledge and spread his wings to check the headlong plummet into a steep glide, while dying sunlight stained his wings with a sheen of bloody light that brought out the hot white lightning marks crisscrossing the filmy sail haphazardly. The big tempest banked to one side as he drew close to the ledge on which Isionyth stood, wheeling on one wingtip as he swooped up into a graceful landing, touching down almost soundlessly and without stirring up much of the dust that coated the rocks. Xann dipped his shoulder to assist N'yx's dismount, and the man slid off the smooth-skinned shoulder. His boots hit the rock with a muted thud. The Weyrleader nodded respectfully to Isionyth.[/size][/color][/font]

[Onyxaeon]

Vsiasi & Isionyth
>~>Angel((of))Mercy<~<

She is as well as the time of day is treating her. Isionyth commented dryly, watching Xanntorith 's descent with prying eyes. Her eyes narrowed as he landed, her many swirling facets observing him to the most intimate of degrees, searching about decidedly for any hint of a flaw. She was thoroughly disappointed in herself to discover none, for her attentive eye caught most in both human and dragon without a second glace, but he was different. Mildly agitated, she searched over his lithe frame once more, disgruntled to find the same results but stubbornly refusing to accept them. Perfect did not exist in her world. There had to be some flaw to him. Something that made him particularly not the case of perfection he seemed. Anything to make her not...stuck on him. He had been her mate for several turns now and, granted, even distant loners such as herself got used to having someone in their lives, so it was not so hard for her to overlook his 'imperfections'. Even though none popped out to strike her. Absently, her eyes tilted down to catch N'yx's gaze, the dragon viewing the man before her with a dull sense of observation. His flaws were far easier to pick out but, due to the fact she had no distinct desire to mull over the man because he was technically Hers (she would see Xanntorith as hers and N'yx as her rider's until they found another pair of mates) and thinking about him in that light only ruined the moment. And, even though Isionyth was truly not much like her rider in personality or beliefs, they did have one thing in common: there was no past: there was no future: only now. Because tomorrow might never come and yesterday had not happened according to who you had spoken to.

I am well enough. There is a nagging impulse plaguing the back of my mind, though, and I do fear it wont banish itself until I actually manage to sate the silly thought. Impossible urges, she grumbled her words, grounding them about to the point that it was distasteful to even process the words. It was a rare moment, but it did happen occasionally: those moments when she seemed her most cynical yet when, in truth, it was the more affectionate hiding beneath. Despite how she swore up and down his days were numbered as Weyrking when he pissed her off for slipping up and doing something foolish, she couldn't deny the comforting feeling it was to have a stable stone to clutch to in the violent turmoil raging both within and outside of the Weyr. Besides, he was here now: nothing else really mattered when the idea had so struck her not to be a moody, over sized, nasty Green. N'yx, would you mind going through here to speak with Mine? The Brimstone shifted her weight, moving her tail and backside out of the way for the Weyrleader to catch sight of the opening that she had to squeeze to get through. It was clear,she wanted the man out of sight. Perhaps because she had that odd mood pestering her more heavily now, or maybe because she was concerned for Hers but, whatever the case, he would take well to heed her subtle hinting. She did not even wait for the man to depart before turning her attention to Xann, her tone actually bordering on friendly and, dare it be said, tender. As if she were crooning to her eggs as she often did when they were hardening on the Sands. Thank you. You didn't...push for anything like the rest of the males around here. I had to tell you that. It was...that earlier thought.

[Desert]

Xann felt Isionyth's gaze raking over him appraisingly, though he didn't quell or shy away like many dragons in the Weyr did. He didn't always get her odd little mannerisms like that, but the big tempest was accustomed enough to it to deal with it. Usually, he wasn't much a one for stoicism or that sort of thing -- that was N'yx's deal -- but after a Turn or two with the touchy brimstone as his mate, he'd learned well enough. Headstrong he may be, but stupid he definitely was not. So Xann stood at ease while Isionyth inspected him, leaning a small bit of his weight into the hand N'yx rested against his shoulder.

Her sullen, slightly embittered tone took him aback slightly. He hadn't known what mood to expect her in, but the special acidity of her words was a bit unexpected. He wondered what had happened this time, though it might have been a result of her own musings. N'yx had a tendency to do that at times, which perplexed the tempest. By his color's nature, Xann's moods were rarely stable. His rider, sensing Xann's surprise, fought back a smile that threatened to tup up the corners of his lips. Listen to the pot calling the kettle black; half the time, the big dragon's quick mood changes left others bewildered.

As the brimstone spoke to him, inserting her mind-voice directly into his head, N'yx raised his eyebrows slightly in mild surprise. It wasn't usual for dragons to speak with humans besides their rider, but after having been bonded to Xann for as long as he had, nothing much disturbed the man's calm. He bobbed his head once in aquiescence. "Certainly," he replied simply. The Weyrleader could indeed take a hint, and stepped away from his dragon's shoulder into the sheltered cave.

As he passed through the constricted opening into the wider cavern within, he wondered momentarily at how Isionyth had managed to worm her way in there. For, once he had spotted the opening as she stepped aside, it had been easy enough to put two and two together. Neither he nor Xann had spotted the brimstone on the slopes before a few moments ago; she'd almost materialized from nowhere. Nowhere, apparently, had been this cave. Ever discreet, N'yx reminded Xann silently to forget about this little niche. It may not have been where Vsasi and Isionyth went all the time, but it was always better to play it safe.

The Weyrleader spotted his partner and walked unobtrusively over toward her -- the boots he'd donned for climbing were good for traction, but unlike normal boots weren't very heavy; he needed full range of movement in his ankles to climb. He'd had them specially made specifically for climbing. "Good evening, Vsasi," he said quietly, leaning against the wall of the cave nearby. "How have you been today?"

Xann was surprised again by the sudden change in Isionyth's tone, though outwardly his well-schooled expression barely changed but for a small jolt in the speed of his eyes' swirling. He immediately realized what she was talking about; the other kings in the Weyr had been irritating him as well. Understanding lent an extra spurt to his wheeling eyes. Some have accused me of lacking tact in the past, and while that is normally true, there are exceptions to every rule,[/b][/color] he remarked wryly, tilting his head to one side as he answered. [/size][/color][/font]

[Onyxaeon]

Vsiasi & Isionyth
>~>Angel((of))Mercy<~<

Vsiasi's head jerked up, the muscles along her body tensing at the sudden intrusion into her thoughts. The curled sinews did not bother to untangle, at least not much, when her eyes registered the figure of N'yx before her, and instead uncertainty twitched her lips into a slight frown. Well, she couldn't say she hadn't expected Isionyth to pull something like this: she tended to humor herself in that manner occasionally when things became too dull for her tastes. But, still. This place was theirs and had remained so for such a long while that the rider had actually begun to harbor the thought that, maybe, this place could stay a secret. Maybe all wasn't lost, though. Despite her terribly bitter nature, the Brimstone queen never did something without reason, and she had to have a right good one for this behavior. It helped to lull Vsiasi into a more relaxed state of being as her hands fell to her lap, shoulders straightening so that she was positioned in an attentive manner. Her eyes lifted, flickering weakly to N'yx's as she gazed up and over to the Weyrleader. Her lips gradually found a middle ground, pulling into an even line that allowed no true emotion to slip through and break her carefully sculpted mask. "Well, a little lost in aimless thought, actually. I'm not managing to focus in those meetings, though you have probably guessed that with how I've been acting." Well, he might have. Only Isionyth for certain could tell when her rider wasn't quite up to par with herself, and even then that took some effort but, perhaps the Tempestrider had gathered a small gist of her personality and could tell she wasn't so...collected as usual. "There's just too much to think about all at once, and I needed some time to space it out so I don't...Gah." The Weyrwoman muttered something almost helplessly, as if there was not a thing to be done on the matter and speaking against it was pointless.

Isionyth's head bobbed in an absent, half nod of agreement. She couldn't argue there without being a hypocrite: she broke the mold where normal and average were concerned, and not just because her personality tipped the scales for oddness and shredded any possible sense of someone mistaking her for just another moody queen. I can agree to that. But, still, you didn't have to. Besides, her tone shifted, a knowing smirk coated her maw that was utterly impossible, It's not like you have any competition. Most of the other kings are pure idiots with no sense of patience: I'd eat a smaller one out of blind fury. That aside, I spent too long training you to be perfect. I don't want to have to start all over with another: it wont turn out near as good and I'm afraid I might kill the poor dunce if he came a touch too close one evening. How very Isionyth like: give a double barbed comment that was half compliment half insult. Poor Xanntorith. He had been charged with having to put up with what was possibly the most bitter creature on the surface of Pern, and he took it all without saying much of anything in return. He deserved a monument for that level of tolerance. What do you think, dear Xanntorith? The tip of her tail twitched, the mass sliding over the ground in a sweeping motion as it brushed against his shoulder, the dangerously pointed barbs gleamed in warning of their presence.

[Desert]

N'yx nodded in agreement. He had noticed her abstraction of late, though it wasn't in his nature to broadcast it. He just picked up whatever slack appeared and soldiered on until help came around. "Yes, a bit," he replied quietly, "but it's no problem." He was content to wait until Vsasi could gather her wits about her again; the moments of inattention came mostly when N'yx was sitting in on the meetings as well and was paying close attention. Sometimes it might not seem that way; when he was paying strict attention to what was said, he had a tendency to let his eyes slide half-closed. It helped him concentrate on the words without being distracted by what was going on around him. Though he knew that there was a lot to be gleaned from watching people's expressions, he could read as much from the tone of their voices and their word choice.

N'yx felt a touch of sympathy for the brimstonerider. Though himself not a one to be bogged down by things whirling around his mind endlessly, he could still understand Vsasi's distraction to a point. Perhaps his dragon might have lost patience with such behavior and done something about it, but N'yx was ever willing to just sit and wait to see how things turned out. You never knew, sometimes, how something would happen until it did, so there was no reason to try and rush it. Xann still hadn't embraced that concept.

The veiled insult made Xanntorith's eyes take on a few faint streaks of muddy red. Inwardly the big tempest bristled indignantly at the blow to his pride, though he fiercely bit back most of his reaction. Only the tip of his tail moved to indicate his irritation, the tip flickering to and fro rapidly a few times before settling down. It was only long experience that kept the proud tempest from snapping back at his mate with a sharp retort; he knew that of he did, he'd get that dangerously barbed tail in places he really didn't want it. Xann clenched his jaw to stop a low growl from bubbling up. Instead of lashing out as he really wanted to, he only dipped his head in a jerky half-nod. I'm gratified that my performance is to your satisfaction,[/b][/color] he said, his mind-voice calm and polite, though the suppressed anger wasn't hard to pick out.

She trained him? Hah! He'd been Weyrking for almost a decade before Isionyth had even broken shell! it was the kings and kingriders of the Weyr who helped the Weyrlingmaster train queen weyrlings, so it was more like he'd trained her! Insolent puppy! If Xanntorith hadn't valued his status in the Weyr and his unmarked, intact hide he would've given the brimstone a piece of his mind.

N'yx was privy to his dragon's mental outburst, and struggled to hide a smile. It was good for the puffed-up tempest to get a blow to his ego every now and then, especially by his mate -- it kept him in line. He stifled a chuckle at Xann's indignant, silent tirade, though a snort managed to slip past his control. The big dragon was actually rather funny when his pride was wounded and he blustered like an enraged buck wherry. Sensing his rider's amusement at his predicament did nothing to improve Xann's mood -- he worked hard to suppress an irritable hiss aimed into the cave.

To his credit, though in large part due to his nature as a tempest, Xanntorith was able after a few moments to calm his ire. Without a doubt he'd be taking out his impotent irritation on his prey when he went to eat, but at least for now he got his temper under control. There was no point in getting worked up, it would only earn him a painful reminder of Isionyth's touchy temper and her pointy appendages.[/size][/color][/font]

[Onyxaeon]

Vsiasi & Isionyth
>~>Angel((of))Mercy<~<

An unrestrained rumble of sheer amusement for her own antics bubbled up from the Brimstone's mind, the queen thoroughly pleased with what she had managed to goad out of him. In truth, that had been the only reason for it, to get him riled. Mainly because watching him struggle to retain his dignity and lick his wounded ego all at once was impossibly hilarious: it appealed to the more evil side of the queen, and kept it at bay for a touch longer so she didn't lash out at some undeserving victim. So, in a way, Xanntorith was doing what was best and taking one for the team, and Isionyth was performing the lesser of two evils. Better to claw and shred pride than flesh any day. More than you can fathom. She had to bite back a snicker provoked by her silent musings, having to contain the full effect of her humor to further continue to pester her mate. Grin and bear it, dear Tempest...Beffuddled male doesn't even known my bloody reasoning for it being him to bear the brunt. Ah, perhaps a comment on the matter? Yes...It'll stir the waters up quite nicely. Isionyth's solo mental contemplations gave her the raw impulse to proceed and, without due cause, she plunged boldly forward, eager to see the results of her plotting. But yes, you bear it better than others. Or rather, have the nerve to stomach it. Do you know why you'll still Weyrking, Xanntorith? There was a pause, Isionyth's peripheral vision catching a dusty smudge staining the juncture where his wing met his shoulder and, without further thought or even bothering to look and check her actions so that she did not hurt him, her tail swung back, the edge of one curved spike sliding over the smear of dirt and effectively clearing it in the process and thankfully, without slicing him up. Be still, it's just a fleck of dirt from falling shale. Now, where was I? Ah, yes: why you're still here. None of the rest could adequately fill the position. Despite how terribly you wish you didn't have to go through me for your rank, because I'm rather certain if I was the junior queen here you wouldn't give me the grace of thought much less put up with what I do, some portion of you registers the fact you have to. Whether you'll admit it or not, you need me for everything you have and get along with a title.

Her the queen took another pause, her gaze turning steely as lifeless, doll's eyes bore back into Xanntorith's own: soulless as though the gaze of a shark. He'd gotten oh so close to a nerve at that point, her own thoughts uncovering what she had been forced to ignore until this very moment. He'd have to pay, of course, but not necessarily this very moment. Or, at least not much right now. Now, I'm not fond of being used. And dare you deny that's exactly what you're doing. You and Yours get your position, the Weyr gets its clutch, and both I and Mine end up with nothing but bear what burden you've given us. But you don't know about that, do you? What Mine has had to do to make sure things run smoothly here and for Yours because she doesn't like to be a burden where as I'll step on whoever I have to to get where I need to be. She's taken two short trips between, you know. Those last flights would have seen two little ones had not the both of us been so heavily used and Mine already taking the slack the rest of the Weyr leaves up for grabs. She isn't slacking in those meetings: you're watching her when she's drowning under everyone's problems.

Isionyth hissed, the crimson lining to her irises bleeding through to extend to her pupils. Her claws were digging into the stony flooring as she fought to keep that urge firmly locked behind her thoughts: he was no good dead with his various limbs scattered across the slopes. That's not the point, though. You're here because there isn't another soul in this Weyr who can stand to take the treatment. I've continued to pick you because there aren't males here suited to sire a clutch and take a different side of affection. You fail miserably at the latter: it's why I'm always contemplating what to do with the next flight. Get your head out of your arse and start looking at who you're stuck with. Might as well make the best of your situation and stop balking like I'm the plague when I wander over: I'm not always in the mood to take a chunk out of you. The queen did care and wasn't heartless as most believed, and that made it all the worse for her to be insulted so.

Vsiasi had been listening in attentively, had been waiting for that chord to be struck, and had expected an outburst from her dragon- but nothing to what she had opened up, what rift could possibly have been created because of that intentional slip of the tongue of Isionyth's. Shard it, that was our secret! He wasn't supposed to know you overgrown flit! Vsiasi flinched as her attention was drug forcibly back to N'yx's. What would he say? Was explaining ever worth the trouble or not? Perhaps he wasn't even listening in on his dragon's conversation though, she doubted that because he had smirked earlier when nothing she had said called for it. Yes, he must have heard. Shells! "Um...," she fumbled, biting her lower lip in the awkward tension that had so clenched her tightly since the moment Isionyth's tirade had begun. Faranth help her.

[Desert]

Once he was calm enough to listen, curiosity overcame the last of Xann's anger. Confidence had led the tempestpair to question why or how they had retained their position only rarely; besides, it wasn't in the nature of rider or dragon to contemplate things like that. In Xann's case it was his often pig-headed arrogance, and in N'yx's case it was merely steady nerves. Still, the big tempest did wonder now and again when his mate was particularly nasty how it was that she hadn't chosen another male to take his place.

When Isionyth's barbed tail scraped over his shoulder, Xanntorith tensed in surprise, but was otherwise able to keep himself still. That was probably for the best -- if he'd moved, it might have deflected one of those sharp spikes and caused it to dig into his flesh. Her explanation hit home; he had to admit, she had a point. If she hadn't been senior, the big tempest wouldn't have put up with any of her antics nearly as well as he did now. And he and His did need Isionyth and Hers, and they needed to keep on the brimstone's good side, if they wanted to keep their rank. That point had been key to the lesson Xann learned about holding his temper when Isionyth decided to be nasty.

Then, her tirade went off on a tangent, and he was taken slightly aback by her embittered words. Used, yes, that was one way to see it, neither Xann nor N'yx could deny that. The big tempest drew his rider's mind closer to his own so that N'yx could hear this rant. The Weyrleader's eyes widened when Isionyth revealed about the aborted pregnancies -- that was unexpected! Had Xanntorith not been in the middle of being lectured by his mate, the big dragon would have likely thrown a minor fit in surprise. Still, that shock wore off quickly, since the brimstone was still talking.

Xann hadn't interrupted yet; usually he was in the habit of breaking into another's speech with his own two cents, but he knew better than to interject in this little rant. He and N'yx waited patiently -- unusual for Xann -- for Isionyth to run out of things to say. The pair had a brief silent discussion, N'yx checking his dragon from blurting out the first urgent words that came to mind, to thinking about his reply. Xann thought through what his mate had said, his eyes taking on a thoughtful tinge and swirling slowly behind the multitude of facets. When he spoke again, the tempest was surprisingly calm, considering his normal tendency to get just as worked up when being argued at.

You're right and you're wrong, Isionyth. Sometimes I can be overbearingly arrogant, it's just part of who I am. There's no use in apologizing about it.[/b][/color] He shrugged. It wasn't like him to be apologetic about something he couldn't easily change, like certain aspects of his personality that were unpleasant to deal with.

In a way, N'yx and I are using you and Yours to get and keep our rank; that is true. But that is only one part of it. Weyrleader and Weyrwoman are supposed to be partners, equals. You say Vsasi has taken on many burdens, that you take up slack left by others. If this is too much, then say so. N'yx and I know that rank comes with responsibility; we have taken that which we see, but if you don't let us know we should take something off your shoulders, how are we to know? You never complain of the burden, so we can only think that you are all right. A drowning man who souts for help gets it, Isionyth,[/b][/color] Xann added, cocking his head to one side slightly. Neither he nor N'yx had ever been ones to pry into someone else's business, so while Vsasi had been floundering, the two of them had been keeping safely away from Isionyth's protective wrath.

Again, yes, it is in my nature to be self-absorbed. But I also pride myself on being a quick learner; tell me what I need to change, and I will do it.
The saying goes 'once bitten twice shy,' Isionyth, do you know it? Your temper tends to be unpredictable, so I try to tread lightly until I know how you are going to react. I'm always doing my best with that I have to stay out of harm's way; if I come off as overly wary, it's because I'm trying not to catch the sting of your ire,[/b][/color] Xann explained. He had gone back on his ocassional tendency to be painfully blunt; it was the only way to get his point across without the confusion of trying to sugar-coat his point.

When Vsasi mumbled awkwardly, it drew N'yx's attention back to the cave. He had been so intewnt on the dragon's conversation that he'd mostly forgotten about the Weyrwoman's presence, so quiet had she been. When he took in her mortified manner, N'yx inclined his head slightly. "What's the matter?" he asked. He figured that something her dragon had said was the catalyst behind her reaction, but he didn't know which point Isionyth touched on had done it.

Always collected, through Isionyth's outburst and Xann's speech back, N'yx had barely batted an eyelid. He'd stood still leaning against the wall, his expressions only changing a bit in response to something he heard from or through Xanntorith. If Vsasi had been expecting much of a reaction from him -- a gasp, a shocked stare -- she apparently didn't know him very well. [/size][/color][/font]

[Onyxaeon]

Vsiasi & Isionyth
>~>Angel((of))Mercy<~<

You wherry headed idiot! Isionyth took to harassing a stray stone that had fallen from the upper slopes, her talons racking across the surface and creating a festivity of furrows under the pressure. Raging fool! He didn't know them at all, didn't bother to think about why Hers was how she was-it had completely flown over his head. The both of theirs. She can't do that, so waiting like a dumbfounded fool for the alarm to be rang is as useless as trying to get a Green to clutch. Accepting help means sharing the pain, the burdens, and all that's trying to be done is take that away from others. Not add it back. It's a case of better me than you. Stop lecturing me about how 'willing' you are to help and fix things and just watch for a minute, Xanntorith. You don't understand-none of it. Because you aren't looking at the right thing, or too blind to see it. Because there's so much more aside from the wreck you are forced to call your mate and Yours his equal. Her tongue spat the word, discarding it as worthless because there was no such thing: it did not exist. Equal...Bah! A damn lie from the beginning, neither knew the pain, neither even bothered to pay attention to it. And she was the one who had to break all the barriers down to make certain nothing like that would occur again when, she knew, it very well would. Like clockwork.

It only made the ivory spears stab at the surface of the stone until, under such weight from her one great paw holding it in place, it shattered beneath the force, powdering into fine bits here and there which she promptly stepped over, taking to digging into the stone walling outside of the cave. Her jaw clenched painfully shut, the Brimstone's mind flickering to Hers in a moment of irrational, desperate, fury. I am sorry, but I'm wretchedly sick of watching you sit there and take it. I'm not a docile Green, and I'm going to personally string the next person who gives you more than you can handle up, and use their intestines to support our flag with their flesh as a new version of skins to write upon. I don't care who it is or how old they are, just keep them away from me if you want them living.

Vsiasi smiled slightly, her lips tilted up in a very simple grin, because she understood the meaning behind those words that no other accurately could. The dragon was only worried about her rider, as any would be in the same situation but, of course, no one would understand that. No one saw past the bitter resentment to see the emotion lying under the surface or even bothered to get close enough to her to see the starving queen hiding in the shadows. It's alright, love. I'll be fine and, I know I always say that, but I truly will be. I always am eventually and, no matter how much you wish to argue that, it's true. Now stop scaring Xanntorith with your abusing of the slopes and mellow. There's no sense in being so uptight about something you can't change. With that said, the Brimstonerider's mood evened out, and she was not longer as out of place as a fish on land with the Weyrleader reclining against the cave lining. So collected and calm he had remained...The Weyrwoman envied him his nature, because he didn't put unnecessary problems on himself as she did. "Oh, nothing's wrong." Apparently. If he had no qualms about what had been spoken, there was no need for her to stir trouble. "I just wasn't expecting that from her."

Despite how much she would love to argue that point to her last breath, it was true. She could change Hers anymore than she could change the location of the stars in the night sky. With a muttered grumble, the queen left the wall be, and slid back on to her four feet instead of previous two, glancing back to the Tempest who stood before her on the ledge. Perhaps another change was in order, though, one she could have a hand in doing. I'm flying for Mine in my upcoming Flight. Not for myself, not for the Weyr, and not for who best can put up with me this time around. Her choice of king will stand as mine, because I'm not the one who needs the comfort of a mate and have been selfish to choose so. Her rider's dragon will be fine enough.

[Desert]

A small smile tugged at N'yx's lips. "Neither was I. I guess that's what we get for Impressing such unpredictable dragons." He chuckled, lifting one shoulder and dropping it in a shrug. "At least they make sure life around here is never boring." No, life was never boring with dragons such as Xann or Isionyth around. Especially not with more than one of them around; when they bounced off one another the results were bound to be entertaining for a third-party observer.

Xann had to stop himself from taking an involuntary step back when Isionyth's rage led her to pulverizing a rock laying by her paw, then to tearing at the face of the old volcano. He was only glad it was the stone, and not himself. The big tempest held his peace while the brimstone ranted and raged, letting her work out all the angry energy and get the words out before they soured in her mind and drove her to further violence, that was inflicted on flesh rather than unresponsive rock. This time he didn't need N'yx to remind him to hold his tongue -- Xann had no intention of drawing more attention onto himself, and with it Isionyth's raking talons.

When she seemed to have calmed down, dropping onto all fours and leaving the rock face in peace, then Xann spoke his mind. He even surprised N'yx a bit with the words that came from the big tempest. It's a nasty catch-22, isn't it?[/b][/color] he asked, cocking his head to one side. Well, now we know about it. I see where you're coming from, so now we know where to look and can hopefully do something next time. But if you don't let us help, well, there's nothing we can do. But I guess we'll deal with that when it comes up.[/b][/color] He shrugged noncommitally. N'yx and Xann were more than willing to lighten the burden if it would help -- they would do whatever was in their power. But as Isionyth had said: she kept it bottled up and Isionyth stood guard, so they couldn't do anything about it.

Her next declaration was met with a calm nod. Very well then. N'yx and I shall do our best, and let the leaves fall as they may. I hope you and Yours are happy with the new Weyrleaders, should me and Mine fail.[/b][/color] That statement especially was unexpected -- N'yx's eyebrows climbed up his brow in surprise. It was rare for Xann to be so calm, even-tempered, and so philisophical. [/size][/color][/font]

[Onyxaeon]

Vsiasi & Isionyth
>~>Angel((of))Mercy<~<

"Boring?" Vsiasi repeated, an aptly sculpted brow arching in disbelief. "I would just about say it could never be boring with those two lingering around. Faranth knows the term normal never did fit Xanntorith, and Isionyth shattered the mold for average." With delicate grace, the Weyrwoman heaved herself to her feet, dusting off the fine coating of grime that had smeared across her clothing before looking toward the outside of the cave, her mind lost in the conversation of the dragons outside and for good reason. The Brimstone's last words had been a foreboding set, a true testament to how finely worn her nerves had been in these past few turns and how much of her weight she was willing to throw around. The queen wasn't like her rider: she did not make empty threats and had the full intention of doing everything she possibly could to prove her words true. If she dared to utter something, she fought relentlessly to see it through, and that worried her rider far beyond what she was equipped to handle at the current moment.

Flying for her? Shards and shells what was she thinking? The woman's mind whirled, searching out all possible angles of this problem before she would let herself panic. No, there had to be a reason behind it. There always was. Isionyth never did something without thought, without consideration of the consequences...But, that was just what she wanted, wasn't it? Vsiasi's mind sighed in relief, the frantic neurons ending their traffic of movement to still and consider this new angle. Maybe she wanted them to take her words to heart, to hear out what she had said and know she wasn't going to be so easy to catch this time around because they weren't assured victory as they had been previously. No, the queen was baiting them, testing to see how far they would run to ensnare their rank and assure another year of leadership. She wanted them to think she had lost all interest in the big Tempest, and she fully planned to enforce that thought by going about and scouting out possible mates. She was out to scare them into doing something out of the normal for the both of them. Very clever dear Brimstone. Tear away at the pedestal they rested upon and force truer colors to the surface.

Very well indeed. May the thought fester and your blood boil at the thought someone else will slumber in your place and claim the honor of new dragons to the wings. The Brimstone hissed distastefully, her tail flicking in restrained agitation as she turned her skull, awaiting her rider to come through and bespeak her so that she could leave her irritable company. Are you joining me in leaving? We have much to talk about and I do believe our company has disappointingly spoiled. Or, at least my side of it has. Stay, if you shall, but I need to find something aside from stone to maul. Maybe that Bronze from earlier or one of the other kings. Go ahead, love. I need to talk with N'yx for a few more minutes. And don't hurt him too badly: I know beating someone senseless is one of your many forms of affection, but you don't want to kill one of your suitors. Especially not now. With this, the dragon snorted, her eyes pivoting in their sockets as she moved to the edge of the lower slope, her wings unfurling as her eyes judged the space she needed and the direction of the sudden burst of wind that had wrapped its way around the slopes. With a liquid movement, her body had lurched forward, shunning the startlingly fear of falling and the sanity obliterating downward spiral she brought herself until her wings extended, her flight stabilizing and the queen lowering herself almost without error onto the soft ground of the Weyrbowl.

"I'm sorry, N'yx," Vsiasi began, striding across the natural stone flooring and coming to rest in the doorway to the cave. Her arms crossed under her breasts as she leaned against the frame, her eyes on her own dragon down below in the Bowl and not upon the presently collected Tempest. "She's been...impossible as of late. Her patience isn't its best at this point in time."

[Desert]

Xanntorith allowed himself a small smirk. Oh, knowing myself I'll get over the disappointment eventually, should another king usurp me. Good luck in training my replacement, should I cease to be Weyrking your next Flight. I'm almost looking forward to seeing how he fares in my place.[/b][/color] The big tempest rumbled a chuckle, his tail flicking and curling in sardonic amusement. He couldn't resist adding that last comment; one small jab in retribution to the blows he'd taken to his pride during their conversation.

As Isionyth dropped from the ledge and coasted gracefully down to the ground outside the Weyr, Xann tossed his head with a frustrated snort. Now that she was out of striking distance, some of his former irritation was coming back out. He wasn't quite angry enough to take a page from his mate's book and start mauling the rock face behind him, but he did swat angrily at some loose debris and send it clattering down the outer face of the old volcano's sides.

N'yx rolled his eyes slightly at Xann's parting retort. So like him to have the last word. Calm down, you big puffed-up fool, it's not like she hasn't taken chunks out of your ego before this, he scolded his dragon. The chastisement seemed harsh, but behind the sarcasm was tolerant amusement. Though Xann bristled indignantly at the slur he really didn't mind; it was an old game between the two to trade joking insults. It helped calm Xann's ire sometimes if he could take it out that way.

Then, Vsasi started speaking, drawing N'yx once more back to his own surroundings rather than what his disgruntled dragon was thinking. He tilted his head to one side as he processed the Weywoman's apology, watching the fading twilight outside framed by the dark volcanic rock that formed the sheltered cave in which the two riders stood. He shrugged slightly. "It's nothing we can't cope with. Xann's feathers may get ruffled, but he needs that every now and then. Everyone's patience gets thin at times, no one can really blame her. Though she does make a good point, and for that I need to apoogize. Miscommunications are easy, and I think we've been suffering from those a lot these past few Turns -- but that should probably be remedied, to save Isionyth another outburst like that." N'yx almost smiled, one corner of his lips tugging up slightly. By miscommunications, he meant the combination of Vsasi's bottling up her troubles, and N'yx's not looking deep enough to see the stress she was really enduring.

With the big words,[/b][/color] Xann complained teasingly, craning his head around to peer into the cave.

Get over yourself, Xann. I thought you were hungry -- so go eat, N'yx retorted, rolling his eyes again and suppressing a snort. Sometimes he wasn't sure whether Xann was an endless source of amusement or frustration from his antics; probably a bit of both. Life was never boring.[/size][/color][/font]

[Onyxaeon]

Vsiasi & Isionyth
>~>Angel((of))Mercy<~<

Vsiasi shook her head, a sigh pulling up from her lungs. "No one can really blame her, but they very well will. She's a powerhouse, we all know that, and it's so very easy for her to be blamed when things go wrong because she's involved in the very way this Weyr works. She...takes on more than she can handle. And, I'm a hypocrite for saying it, but it's terrible for her to take on so much. The only difference is she says something about it when she gets too heavily bogged down and I don't." The Weyrwoman turned around, her eyes skimming over the area of the cave until they rested on N'yx. Despite the fact they'd never been close aside from during those flights when Isionyth had given in and once more chosen Xanntorith as her mate, the two weren't really close. Friendly conversation and such passed between the two, certainly, and they really didn't get into any quarrels, but that was about it. Nothing but a platonic friendship that had a broad dead end and the only way out was a wide u-turn. Maybe that was best, though. A break from the monotony of life would surely do them both good...Right? "Isionyth will always have her outbursts no matter what is done, and you don't have to apologize. It's not the terrible mess she seems to think: I've been through it many, many times before and it's not killed me yet. That's what worries her, though and she wont admit to it. I suppose you could look at it as a form of challenge, though." She shrugged nonchalantly. "Not that you were ever given an easy victory, but she's not going to let up at all this time. She'll very well fly till her wings force her to stop."

ooc: -Heads desk- Sorry this sucks. x(

[Desert]

N'yx inhaled deeply and exhaled through his nostrils in a long half-sigh. "More the fools they," he remarked, a touch of acidity entering his tone. It was far too easy to blame the leaders for what went wrong, though such laziness was one of the few things that irked the Weyrleader to no end. He knew that sort of blame was inevitable, so he did his best to not give anyone anything to complain about, and grit his teeth when he couldn't avoid the backlash. Xann not so much, but the big tempest was in a slightly better position to prove a point to the majority of dragons in the Weyr who were all smaller than him, in contrast to his rider who had to use more subtle methods.

N'yx gazed back evenly, still leaning with calm nonchalance against the wall of the cave. "That may be true, but it's still something to consider. If something bothers you or Isionyth enough it affects the Weyr, and it's my business to make sure the Weyr runs smoothly. So if it gets bad enough again, we'd appreciate the chance to help, to do whatever we can. We'll keep an eye out now that Isionyth has made that point very clear, but like Xann said, we can only do so much if you don't let us. I hate to sound like a lecturing Old Auntie, but it's true." He shrugged, one corner of his mouth pulling back in a mild apologetic grimace.

The final point made N'yx fight a smile. "We've never treated the result of Flights as a given and he's always had to work hard to win, but this time I think Xann will be even more dead serious about it. If that's what it takes, then he'll fly his wings off and dodge whatever is thrown his way." He spoke calmly, confidently; N'yx was a firm believer in the concept that if a dragon put his mind to something, he'd find a way to do it. Xanntorith usually wasn't especially stubborn, but if he really put his mind to it the big tempest could be quite persistant. If it was important enough to him, Xann would get it done.