Too much to ask for? TAG: EVERYONE

[Dragon Song]

It was amazing, how little you appreciated being able to walk. It was something so menial, something so trivial for a normal person that being able to walk about, just walk about or go to wherever it was that you were meant to go to. But when you could walk, you suddenly realised the significance of the saying "You don't know what you have until you've lost it". To R'fel it was some what of a novelty - this being able to move about again thing. He'd never considered himself as a massively active person, but before everything had happened, he'd always been fairly active. Back then he'd had Cadoth to care for, along with all other duties that went along with being a rider such as wing practise. And if he'd not been caring for Cadoth he could generally have been found helping out in the stables. So no, he'd never been hugely concious about keeping active but he'd never been one to sit around and do nothing. Which of late he'd been forced to do a lot.

However, now he was able to be up and move about without assistance, save Dusk who had been watching him like a hungry wherry ever since he'd been allowed out of the Infirmary. She'd become like his second shadow she followed him that much. And whilst he didn't mind her presence in the slightest, it unnerved a great number of the weyrfolk. She also had a habit of walking wherever she wanted about the Weyr, and that wasn't helping some already frazzled, nerves. R'fel hadn't quite managed to decide if she was choosing to pop out of between behind people with the intent of startling them of if it was just a co-incidence as she so claimed. Currently the corridors were pretty quiet and clear, as most people were eating the evening meal. Which is were he was also headed, though not by his own idea. In fact, he'd been told by the healers that he was to go down. He would have preferred to go down when it was much quieter and most people had already eaten and left, but he'd not managed to get a say in the matter.

The sudden start of the click of claws on the stone floors told him that Dusk had realised he wasn't where she'd last left him and had come in search of him. You needn't follow me everywhere Dusk. I'm capable of going to the dining hall without you, he told her before she could berate him. You're still not walking right, therefore I need to follow you. What if you get yourself in trouble, or get hurt? What then? she countered, trotting up so that she could walk at his side. He gave the angular purpled head a rub as he walked on, smiling softly at her very protective nature. I won't get hurt. And you know you shouldn't be popping between places inside like that, he chided her softly. Are you worried that I'll manage to embed myself in the walls or something? I'm capable of going between, she snorted, before glancing up at him. Or are you referring to the fact that I'll scare those dim-glows who are only scared because they are too short-sighted to realise that I'm not actually a threat to them? she stated in irritation. If there was one subject that never failed to get her ruffled it was this one. If they had half a brain they would realise that I couldn't have killed all of those people and dragons. Why? Because I hatched after that! And yet they still treat me as if I am to blame for everything! she fumed, accompanying her aggravated mindvoice with a rattling hiss to show just how little she approved of the idea.

R'fel smiled down gently at her, sympathising with her. The young basilisk hated all of the prejudice that was shown to her and was not afraid to make comments about it. The only people who are scared of me are the fools who think that I am dangerous. I don't see why I should have to skirt around them and their ignorant ways. As it was, Dusk had developed a rather healthy dislike of all people who treat her as if she were some wild animal. Which happened to be most of the Weyr. I know Dusk, I know. But if I were them then I don't think I would trust you either. Dusk snorted her disbelief. R'fel could tell that she had every intention of following him into the dining hall as she continued to pace along beside him. I don't think that you coming into the dining hall is a good idea. You'll upset people. Only the deadglows. I don't understand why they think I'm going to kill them. A sharp snap of her teeth accompanied that sentence. It didn't surprise him that people were scared of her really. If they were at all hesitant about her or treated her with caution they would get glared or snarled at for 'being so distrusting and foolish.' You know, that kind of reaction probably doesn't help people trsut you any more. She glanced up at him sharply. If you're expecting me to go and fawn over them all like those stupid firelizard things you have another thing coming. She sounded so indignant that he had to laugh.

However, all of that aside, he really couldn't let her go into the hall with so many people there. She might not be bothered that many were terrified of her, but it wouldn't do to have her causing a disturbance. So he stopped in the corridor. If he could've done he would have crouched down to her eye level to speak with her, but he wasn't sure that was a good idea. They were close enough so that they could hear the babble of noise from the dining hall.
"Dusk, you can't come. If you go in there then people will panic. That's the last thing we need when we're trying to convince them that you're not wanting to hurt them. I know, I know! You aren't a threat but many people have difficulty accepting that," he told her, cutting off her retort. "People will be more willing to respect you if you respect them and their wishes. And their wishes right now are that you keep your distance so that they can get used to you. Okay?" Dusk huffed, rubbing her head against her rider's good leg. "I'll be fine in there. I'm only going in to get something to eat. You don't need to be around to protect me that much you know." R'fel gave her a pet, as she seemed to back down on her adamance that she should be able to go wherever she pleased, whenever she pleased, even if just for the moment. With a final affectionate croon and rub to Hers, Dusk vanished between again with no further comment. R'fel figured she'd probably gone to find Liresk - she was fond of the other basilisk.

With her gone from most people's way for now the ex dragonrider felt like he could relax some. Yes, he enjoyed Dusk's company but not when it caused so much tension between people. It was all going to take some time, he could only hope that Dusk would be patient with everyone. It didn't take him long to slip into the crowd and grab himself a plate of food. As was his usual habit he managed to do so without drawing much attention to himself, and seated himself at the end of a quiet table where he left others in peace, and could be left in peace himself. However, it seemed that a peaceful mealtime was too much to ask for. The atmosphere had been cooler, starting form when he'd walked in, but it had just taken a distinct turn for the worse. From a table where there had been a lot of discreet talking, there was a loud bang as someone slammed down his beaker on the wooden surface.

The rider looked around, pleased that the sharp noise had caught most people's attention. Standing up onto the bench so that he could be seen by more people, he started to speak loudly, projecting his voice so that he could be heard over the remaining babble.
"I'm sure that I'm not the only one who's been thinking this!" he started, all remaining noise dying down quickly as he managed to capture nearly everyone's attention in the room. Pleased, he started again.
"Just how long, are we going to let those things stay here?!" he boomed, clearly referring to the basilisks. "I know I'm not the only one who thinks this! We sleep in fear every night of those so called basilisks! How long will it be before they turn around and start to chew on our backs?! They slaughtered the Weyrleaders and half of our riders, and now they're being allowed in our Weyr?! And nothing is being done about it! It's been going on far too long! How long before they attack the children? What about the new weyrlings?! I've seen what they're capable of! Me an' Tannath were there! Tannath's still trying to recover from the injuries those sharding things gave him! They've killed before and they'll kill again! I just know it! So, how long? How long are we going to wait before they kill us too? It's gone on too long people! IT'S HIGH TIME THAT THEY WENT!" he roared to finish, his final sentence accompanied by a few cheers and there were many gravely nodding heads around the room, as well as a ripple of hushed whispers as people agreed with what the man had said. He looked smugly pleased at the reaction he'd gotten, then he turned to the high table and addressed those at it directly. "So? What are you going to do about them?"

R'fel was shocked. Horrified. That rider had essentially just had that the basilisks, meaning both Dusk and Liresk at the very least, should be killed. He might not have said that, but there was no mistaking the tone of voice. He was too stunned to say or do anything, certainly not protest. And then he suddenly had to keep Dusk from finding out had just been said, because she would not be happy if she had just heard. Considering how little she liked people who skirted around her, he did not want to know her reaction to someone who had just said she should be dead. His main priority very quickly became not letting Dusk catch on to what was happening - which was going to be difficult. And seeing as he was more interested in that, he was not paying that much attention to the drama and arguments that were breaking out all around.



((Yup, here we go! We all knew something like this was going to happen In this thread feel free to let your character loose! Let them say what they want to say about the basilisks! This is their opportunity to flame them till their heart's content! Or, contrary, they can defend them if they really, really want to. Up to you/them. Let's see some nice juicy drama going here guys! But please, keep it IC!! Have fun, and happy flaming! ^^))

[Seraph]

It was a usual mealtime affair, meaning there was a lot of noise, and a sense of organised chaos. In fact, Maurisa mused, it seemed that the phrase 'organised chaos' had been created for the sole purpose of describing mealtimes within a Weyr. It was nothing short of a miracle how the weyrfolk managed to produce such quantities of food on demand, seemingly with next to no effort required. It was more of a mystery of Maurisa than to most, given her complusary absence from any food preperation, so alas, forever would the mystic arts of cookery be alien to her.
Then again, she could ride a flaming dragon. Upside down. So she considered it even.
If not more so! Zirith commented from her weyr ledge with some humour, evidentally listening in to her rider's thoughts, as she was often wont to do.
The Weyrsinger chuckled slightly.
Undoubtedly. I'd say we're, what, three dragonlengths ahead of them in terms of awe-inspiring deeds?
Play gitar while we fly, and we can make it five lengths.
Maurisa nearly spat out the klah she had taken a mouthful of, laughing at the mental image.
Maybe when the Weyrlings are grown - that way, we won't get strips taken out of our hides for given them ideas.
Zirith snorted, and flicked her forked tail before tucking her head under her wing, deciding to take a nap.

Maybe it was her upbringing at the Harper Hall, but when Risa put her mind to it, she could clear her plate faster then even some of the male riders at her table. Years of loosing out on seconds because she ate too slowly had ingrained the ability of eating swiftly without either choking or making a mess. Not really something to be proud of, but it was a skill nonetheless...somewhat. In any case, it helped when she was expected to entertain over dinner - if she didn't eat quickly, she would end up with an angry audience. And not eating at all made for a bad performance as her empty stomach rebelled against such treatment.
It still earned her some raised eyebrows as she pushed her plate back, but she seemed to be forgiven her hasty eating as she pulled her gitar onto her lap and moved into a better seat from which to play. She couldn't seem to go a day without playing at least something, and she hadn't had the time to idly strum a tune today, so now would have to do.
Judging by the expressions as she started a tune, she doubted anyone would mind.

As it was, she was midway through an instrumental set when R'fel entered. She was glad to see him on his feet, even gladder to see the Basilisk - Dusk, she thought its, no, her, name was - had not followed. Maurisa had gotten over the stage where she woke everynight at the slightest noise, expecting Zirith, her wonderful, lovely Zirith, to be under attack from Basilisks that came out of nowhere, attacking without warning. She no longer woke everynight, but she still fretted about what the Basilisks meant for the Weyr, about what they meant for Pern. Not to mention they just plain unnerved her to boot, popping from between anytime, anywhere. She had been lucky in that she hadn't been cornered into meeting a Basilisk up close yet. She knew they didn't mean harm - they would have done it already if they had - but it was harder to convince her feelings of that.
You just need time. It's good to be cautious. Besides, I won't let anything happen!]
It had been Zirith who had pulled her rider away from the Basilisk who had ripped the Weyrsinger's leg open, and transferred them both between back to the Weyr. Maurisa had been down with wound-fever for days afterwards, not to mention resting and waiting for the skin to heal, but it was better than being dead for sure.
I know...Thank you.
Anything for you! I would have been lonely without you.

Her tune was broken as a rider stood, slamming his tankard onto the table with a resounding clank! She looked around at him, his words not fully registering for some moments, so deep in thought she had been. When they did, her face went white, the gitar limp in her hands, and she knew she gasped, a little inhalation that went unnoticed in the rapt attention and cheers awarded to the rider's words.
Yes, she was fearful of the Basilisks, yes, they had killed so many, but couldn't he see that killing them would solve nothing? Killing them would not bring back the Weyrleaders, the riders, or their dragons! She shook her head, the dark hairs loose from her tail whipping across her face. Opening her eyes, she looked at R'fel's stricken face, and she swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry before looking back at the rider who had spoken.
Zirith bugled, senseing her rider's distress, and Maurisa quickly stamped down on the feeling.

What could she say, though? She knew the rider's pain, could see his points, and his fears, but to kill them? For a long while, the Weyrsinger sat, uncharacteristically wordless, the gitar silent.

[Spiffy]

The day was miserable and the food terrible. Or so it seemed to J'thir. The food was probably the same as it always was, but he was in a pessimistic mood today. He stabbed vindictively at an unoffending bit of sausage, only to have it skit off of his plate and onto the table in front of Shea.

"Oops. That one got legs has it J'thir?" the Weyrherder paused in his babbling long enough to ask, spearing the chunk with his fork and posting it into his own mouth. J'thir scowled up at him, not for stealing his sausage, but for being so light-hearted in he first place. Sometimes Shea could be a breath of fresh air after a long day, but at other times his constant enthusiasm for everything could be downright irritating.

And why was J'thir in such a radiant mood this day? Well, little besides the disorienting list of issues and day to day slog that he had to deal with on a daily basis, except perhaps the addition of anything regarding the 14 new hungry mouthes to the feeding quota. If anything could guzzle as much food as a young dragonet it deserved to be shot. Simply nothing else could consume that much in a single day.

Oh, and then to top it all off, there was the delightful news that the Weyrhealer had passed on to him that morning. Today, of all days, the Healers were finally releasing all but the most seriously injured of their patients. Even if they were under strict instructions not to do anything stupid with their newfound freedom, this would be the first chance that they would have had since the attack to all get together and have a meal and a drink with their friends. Previously it had only been only a few out at a time, and then only those who could walk or who ignored any attempts of the Healers to keep them confined.

And then there was the basilisk riders. Like it or not, the pair were among those released from the Healers' watchful eyes. Without the authoritative presence of Aydrian or any of his Journeymen, the two were no longer protected from the Weyrfolk at large. And blending in amongst the crowd was out of the question; if there was still anyone in the Weyr who didn't know who they were then they were sure to be pointed out today.

And this worried him. Although J'thir could see both sides of the argument regarding the presence of the basilisks in the Weyr, he knew for a fact that there were those in the Weyr, nay, many in the Weyr who saw only the bad. Few had come through the attack without significant loss, of friends, partners or family, and slights such as those were not easily forgiven.

But whatever their arguments were, the simple truth was that neither J'len or R'fel had had any part in the slaughter other than that of the victims. And their basilisks were far too young to have had a hand in it either. But many did not see that. They only saw the basilisks as dragon-killers, monsters that would stop at nothing to rid Pern of human and draconic existence. Some of the stories that people had come up with were laughable.

He was alerted by the loud clang, his head whipping around to face the source of the disturbance. A man was clambering onto the table about a dragonlength away. "Oh no..." J'thir growled under his breath as the man began to speak, Shea only then seeming to notice that something was up, looking around worriedly.


Shea could see the rider on the bench, but not the source of his anger. He was obviously talking about the basilisks, but he couldn't see one anywhere. Unless... There! He spotted R'fel off to one side. Leaving his plate unfinished Shea scrambled away from the high table, weaving his way through the lower tables and and the mass of people waiting to be served until he reached the quiet table to the side where R'fel was sitting.

Get him out of there, now! a voice suddenly boomed in his head. Shea stumbled, too distracted to recognise it as Adakhanyth straight away. But he carried on going, finally skidding to a halt besides R'fel, grabbing his shoulder and pulling him around to face him. "R'fel, we need to get you out of here. Come on!" he said urgently, trying his best not to be too loud in the sudden silence that had surrounded their table, all eyes on R'fel.


J'thir listened, somewhat surprised at the man's outburst, even if he had been expecting something of the wort to occur, his hands repeatedly balling into fists and relaxing on the table in front of him in anger. He could sense Ada's anger, the bronze watching his riders thoughts and fears even as he thought them himself. Rising slowly to his feet at the table, he stared the rider straight in the eye as the man looked up to the high table, or what was left of it.

"Curb your tongue, wingrider!" he growled over the commotion of cheers from the man's evident supporters, loud enough to be heard by all. "I will not have such insolence in this Weyr!"


(OOC: on another note, feel free to chuck in any NPC riders or suchlike if you want a bit of the action or your characters aren't the type for this Oh, and don't mind Shea, he' hardly gonna stop anyone from socking R'fel, he's such a wuss xD )

[siobhan]

It always began innocently enough. Peaceful, quiet, then boom! Chaos. The same was true today. T'nan had been one of the ones lucky enough to be dining at the time that the ruckus had began. He'd been gnawing on a particularly tough piece of meat, quietly wondering how much stress the poor beast had been in to produce such unyielding flesh. Then people had began to talk, a grumble here and a grumble there. Some of it was about the amount of food it was taking to keep the weyrlings fed, which was enough to keep T'nan guiltily quiet. He wanted to keep Zephyrth nourished, sure, but he hated to think even for a second that the rest of the Weyr might not get their full due just because of her and her clutchmates. The other popular discussion at the moment was basilisks. Oh joy.

T'nan was not fond of the strange, dangerous-looking creatures. This was likely due to ignorance, as he had never made an attempt to try to get close to one of the pair they had at Skyline Weyr. After all, if he let his guard down, one might...you know, attack. It had happened once and it would happen again. It was just a matter of time. So when the talk had escalated, with more and more people chiming in their dislike and mistrust of the basilisks, he had began to grow more steadfast in his own feelings towards the creatures. He liked to be a part of things and feared what might happen if he didn't share the general consensus of the Weyr's residents. But also, he feared the creatures just as much as the next one.

The young green weyrling began to add his own opinions, remarking upon their physique and how much it was similar to the dangerous wild felines that were known to be ruthless killers. And then, a rider banged his mug hard on the wooden table. T'nan's head snapped around to see the man and now he was climbing onto the table, raising his voice so as to be better heard. The weyrling and beastcrafter swallowed hard, worried that some of his words might now have some dire consequences. By the time the man had finished his speech, he was dumbstruck. Sure, he wanted the basilisks gone, too, but...but...to KILL them? How was that any better than the slaughter they had done against the Weyr's riders? Did it really justify what they were suggesting? The unmistakably angry voice sounded, low but audible all the same, warning the man to hold his tongue. Oh Faranth! thought T'nan, his knuckles turning white as he gripped his mug hard. What was he to do in this situation? He was no fighting man, but on his dragon's shell, he didn't want to live in fear anymore!

[Jovia]

It was definitely not the outbursts man's good day for doing such a thing. In fact one might call him stupid, and his supporters stupid especially by two people who were in the hall as well. Linda along with her brother the Weyrling master, B'man, were sitting at a table away from most and talked quietly as he tried to get her to be more friendly with others. Instantly though when the clang of the drinking vessel had echoed through the hall, Linda's eyes were locked on the target. She ignored the brown riders whispered words to leave it be and go back to the Barracks to be with Soarth.

Her eyes glanced around, as it seemed the leader went towards R'fel? Wait who was that again... well judging by the reactions it looked like one of those with a Basilisk. She started to growl softly though, this was going to turn bad she needed to help. ~Mine, what is going on why are you upset?~ {It is nothing, I just need to help do not worry stay where you are.} Quickly she got to her feet and dodged B'man's outreached hand to reign her in. Finally she got to pretty much the middle of the hall, and shoved a few people off a nearby bench to stand up on it herself. "How DARE you, We intruded upon THEIR land. How would our Queen Dragons take it if other dragons just showed up and tried to control the area without even talking to them? How would they like it if the Dragons rose to flight in THEIR territory. You all know your teachings I hope, what happens when Queens are not taken far enough away when one rises? They fight over who gets to have the males of course!! Also Dragonets when they hatched used to kill candidates, so what now are you going to hate all Dragon's because of a few of them. You are so much of a Dimglow I cannot Believe you all. Do you hate every single human just because a few of them slaughtered entire families or your own? No you turn to your friends. I dare, no I challenge any of you who do not want those Basilisks here to Fight me then. I, Rider of White Soarth, I will show you the Error of your Ways!!"

As she spoke she stood up tall and proud, her hands on her hips as her eyes narrowed. She slowly let her gaze run over every single person around in the hall around her, one of her hands hovered over her large knife getting ready for any fighting of those who would take her challenge. {Soarth tell the Leader's bronze to get out of here, I will distract and hold people off} She could feel Soarth who started to fidget, agitated from the anger the boiled within her. ~Um... Adakhanyth Mine says for me to tell yours to get out of here, she will distract and hold people off~ His voice was soft and trembled from the agitation he felt from his own rider. He was stuck however in the Barracks, unable to see and unable to go to his Rider's aid. A distinct whining started to come from him too as he paced within his rest area.

B'man was too late to stop her, even as he started to run after her she had already spoke up to the entire hall. Shards how was he going to get her out of here alive, damn her loyalty to non humans to between shards and shells!! Quickly though he reached out and grabbed Linda's hand to try to tug her down and get her away. Sadly though someone was indeed waiting for her guard to go down before they pounced. One person, guy or girl it was hard to tell, decided to jump up and swing at Linda now that her brother had grabbed a hold of her. The young girl took the punch against her side, instantly she rolled up though and almost sprawled on the ground. Then she reached out to grab her attacker's ankle and yanked his feet from under him before one of her legs started to swing around and aimed for a kick right to his... or was it hers side.

[hannah]

J’len stalked out of the infirmarly. Well it was still more of a limp, but without Aethyr around to keep him in bed, he was going ot go out a roam the halls by Faranth!

J’len! J’len! Why are you leaving? You’re not completely healed…

“I’m healed enough. No. Stay here. You’re still small and liable to get in the way.” J’len shoved Liresk’s snout away.

But you’re still hurt. I need to make sure you don’t collapse.

J’len rolled his eyes, “I won’t collapse. If I made it to the Weyr as injured as I was, I can make it to the kitchens.” His stomach took that moment to rumble.

You made it with my help. I don’t want to leave you alone.

“Stop worrying. Now stay.” J’len glared at the basilisk.

Dusk is coming. Her’s is heading for food too. Be careful. I love you J’len. Liresk looked up at J’len with puppy eyes.

The ex-rider looked away and patted the basilisk's head. “You’re not so bad yourself runt.”

Liresk crooned and licked his hand.

“Stop that!” J’len snapped heading out into the halls.

Bye!

He shook his head. Liresk could be so aggravating…

-------

As he neared the hall he could hear loud, angry voices. He limped faster. The back of his neck prickled, and he clenched his fists. Someone didn’t sound happy. J’len entered after the man finished his speech.He didn’t know what had been said, but tension was in the air. The ex-rider growled and strode to R’fel and Shea.

“What in Faranth’s name is going on?!” He bit out. From the glares he was getting and the murmurs of basilisk’s he got some of a clue. J’len glared witheringly at anyone who met his eyes. He would start anything just yet...

[Dragon Song]

How was it possible that time seemed to both speed up AND slow down at the very same time? On the one hand there was the fact that there was already people contending what had just been said, most noticeably the white weyrling who was rather adamant that they should not be hating the basilisks. Now if the situation had been quite a lot different then R'fel probably would have been comforted to know that not everyone was against them. However, right now he had far too much going on all at once.

Though of course, whilst everything was going on stupidly fast, it was in a way as if he was in his own little time zone, because nothing seemed to have moved on that much since it had been actually voiced that people though Dusk should be dead. He'd be lying if said he'd not thought that that was what a lot of people were of the opinion of, but hearing it said aloud, even if not in those exact words, made it all seem much more real. People really did want Dusk dead. To him, it was as if someone had said they wanted a dragon dead, because that was essentially what Dusk was now. She was as close to him as he'd ever been to Cadoth, and he knew that it would be the same kind of bond for J'len and Liresk.

He was snapped out of his shocked miniature world by a hand on his shoulder, pulling him round. It aggravated some of the gashes he'd received, causing him to wince a little. He stared blankly at Shea for a moment, not quite comprehending what his friend was saying. Of course, by the time it sank in that, being a basilisk rider he himself was also in danger, it was probably a bit late. And besides, J'len had appeared, demanding what was going on.
"They've pretty much just condemned us," he whispered hoarsely as he pushed himself to his feet. Something told him being sat down now was a bad idea. Of course, then his attention was caught by the sight of a fight breaking out already, even if he had no idea who between. Yet. Didn't fights have that horrific habit of spreading very, very rapidly?

By that point his concentration was in tatters, which meant only one thing: Dusk had found out. Outraged anger flowed through their bond as the young Amethyst learned of what had just happened. She'd felt the worry and distress, and it hadn't taken her long to find out what was going on form her rider's mind. She was not a happy Dusk.

From where she was sat beside Liresk she gave an almighty screeching hiss, causing anyway nearby to jump away in fright. She was on her feet in moments, tail lashing with anger, and eyes whirling an insanely fast blend of yellow worry and red fury. She turned to Liresk beside her, assuming he too knew what was going on. His rider after all had been headed the same place as hers. They have some nerve! If they lay a single finger! She didn't need to finish her worded threat, the force behind her words enough. Besides, Liresk was a fellow basilisk who she didn't actually need to communicate with words too. He'd know what she meant. We should go! They're going to need protecting! she stated adamantly. Then, with a snarl forming in the back of her throat she flicked between from where she was stood to right inside the dining cavern, only a few feet from where R'fel, Shea and J'len were stood. There was instant hysterics from everyone nearby, as she hissed, growled and spat at anyone who even came near. Dusk glanced over her shoulder to eye Shea, tempted to have an actual go at him but he didn't seem to be a direct threat yet. Of course, she wasn't going to protect him like she would R'fel, and to some extent J'len and Liresk, but right at the moment she wasn't going to attack him either. Those dimglows however... they were fair game.
"Dusk, don't!" R'fel called, sensing her intentions. It was bad enough that she'd appeared, if she mauled someone there would be no hope! I told you that you'd only get yourself in trouble! she accused, holding off only because he'd asked. Though next time she may decide not to listen.

The situation was worsening by the second. R'fel feared he wouldn't be able to exert much control over Dusk for very long and she looked ready to savage anyone who got to close. There was also the sneaking suspicion that she was not going to be alone in this 'defence'. It was more than likely that Liresk was about to appear. The problem was, what exactly was he meant to do about all of this?


((Uh oh, they're in trouble!))

[Spiffy]

J'thir was fuming. How dare this rider have the audacity to speak so! What was he thinking? And how dare he stand there and demand what amounted to the murder of a dragon? Sure the weren't dragons, but neither were they simple whers or flitts - these were sentient beings! He wouldn't speak so against a dragon, even in the direst of circumstances, and it was the fuel of anger, hatred and desperation that was making him speak now.

He may not have too many scruples, but this was one of them. One that one of his riders had just crossed.

He as about to address the rider again when a disturbance to his left caught his attention. By the First Egg, what now?! And who was that girl? The whiterider weyrling?

"How DARE you, We intruded upon THEIR land. How would our Queen Dragons take it if..."

Well, the girl definitely had a point. Frankly he was grateful that there was at least one other person out there, besides himself and Shea, who saw the basilisks for what they were and not what the horror stories would have believe.

But she was challenging the other riders. That was not good. Much though he would have liked to stick a few of the riders here present himself, the honest truth was that the Weyr could not afford to lose any more of its riders. He caught a glint at her hip, instinctively homing in on the weapon, noting her poised hand, ready to reach for the weapon...

Well shells. If she intended to draw blood... he paused, at odds as to what he should do. By law, dragonriders only fought unarmed. If she were to attack another rider with that knife then it was his responsibility to stop her. Yet he doubted he would get there in time. His mind flicked to Riki, present as ever on his shoulder. The brown hadn't moved much since the beginning of the ruckus, but J'thir could feel him tensed up and bristling, picking up on the emotions flowing from himself. Riki could get it, if he could get such a large knife out of its sheath and out from under Linda's hand...

But all too soon the Weyrlingmaster appeared besides her. Good, someone's doing their job, he thought before remembering that the two were actually siblings. But his actions only seemed to worsen the situation, as one of the other riders took a swipe at the weyrling.



Um... Adakhanyth Mine says for me to tell yours to get out of here, she will distract and hold people off.

The thought intruded into the bronzes incensed mind. One of many. It seemed that half the Weyr's dragons, distressed at the wild emotions emanating from their riders and the lack of answers, had turned to him. He expected that Jorinth was experiencing similar interrogation, except that he couldn't see his fellow bronze, and didn't know if his rider was even in the dining hall. He did his best to answer them, to reassure any who needed it, and silence those who seemed about to cause trouble.

I will do no such thing and neither shall my rider! he replied to the white, initially incensed at the thought that a white and its rider thought to order he, bronze Adakhanyth, and his rider around! But then his voice sobered, the bronze picking up on the tattered fear and despair that coupled with the white's mindvoice. He continued in kinder tones, trying to reassure the little white. As my rider it is his responsibility to lead the Weyr through this and not abandon them in their moment of need. You might do well to remind your rider of this and to calm her down, too, little Soarth, he added, picking up on his rider's thoughts on Linda's outburst and takedown. She is your rider. If she is to listen to anyone's reason, it will be yours.



"R'fel, are you listening? We have to go!" Shea tried, seeing the blank look that his friend gave him at his first words. Eventually they seemed to sink in though, as whatever colour was left in his face drained into between. He tried in futility to pull on R'fel's arm to get him to move.

“What in Faranth’s name is going on?!” someone snapped behind him, causing him to let go of R'fel's arm as he spun round, expecting it to be someone on a mission to kill them both... but it was only J'len. He sighed in relief, even if J'len did have a face to level mountains just then, R'fel piping up and answer from behind him.

"Yes and that's why I need to get you out of here! You too J'len," he grated, his nerves on the edge of collapse as he made shooing motions at the two basilisk riders with his arms. "If I don't get you two out of the hall RIGHT NOW there'll be nothing left to condemn!" he hissed at them, not trusting his voice right then. He was shaking now, not just with anger but with fear too. And not just for himself, for R'fel and J'len too, but if they came after the basilisk riders then surely since he was helping them... his nerves weren't made for this.

Suddenly people started screaming. Shea swung around to where they were pointing and almost fell over in surprise. "By the first egg...!" he gasped, then he really did wobble as the horror of what Dusk's presence would mean hit him like a punch in the face. Or maybe it was a punch in the face, all too likely right then, but no others seemed to follow it.

"Shells. Shells, shells shells shells..." he moaned, crumpling to his knees by the bench. What can I do? I'm just a beastcrafter, I'm not made for this, he thought, nerves finally in tatters.



(OOC: *prods Sheapoof* so much for him coming to R'fel's rescue >.>)

[Seraph]

The shouting took on a nasty tone, an undercurrent composed of pent up frustrations finally finding a vent, a release, in an ugly outpouring. Maurisa paled even more, and slowly, as if her motion could set off yet more anger, set her gitar on her chair as she rose with an equal care.
A weyrling, Linda, was shouting, and the Harper felt the sense in her words even as she saw the error of the white weyrling's actions. A scuffle broke out, and with a pained expression, Maurisa drew in a deep breath and, with Turns of Harper training, bellowed above the ruckus.
"Shards! We are Dragonmen! We fight Thread, not each other! Stop this!"
Zirith added an agry roar to her rider's outburst, though being a Green, it didn't have the impact either really expected - more like a pale imitation of the full power of a Weyrwoman in full rage.
It was the effort that mattered, she mused, even as she sidestepped someone's flailing limb. She had to try and stop this fighting somehow, though she'd tried her best trick - shouting over everyone, so maybe she'd be better off trying to get the Basilisk Riders away, or at least get to a place where the brawl had not yet spread. Prudently, she took her gitar with her.

All of a sudden, she found herself walking into the face of a lashing, spitting, growling Basilisk, and she came up short, her face bloodless. She held her gitar in front of her, as if that could do much, and tried not to fall over backwards. The Basilisk, she thought it was Dusk, had every right to be angry, but Maurisa didn't want to be the target for said fury. She didn't want anything bad to happen to them! She just wasn't sure about them just yet was all, but that didn't mean she wanted harm to them or theirs.
Zirrie...Could you tell Dusk I don't want to hurt her, or R'fel, please? I appreciate her valour, but I'm not the right target!
Zirith seemed concerned about her rider's mental state more then her physical postion, but faithfully passed the message on.
Dusk, Mine wishes you to know that she wishes no harm on you or yours, and that she would preferr if your vigour was directed at a more deserving target. In fact, I do, too.
Maurisa tried to look non-threatening, which she was doing rather well, really, seeing as how she was never really anyone's idea of a threat, anyway.

((OOc - sorry for short post.))

[siobhan]

T'nan was at odds with himself right now. On one hand, he really did not like the idea of those basilisks living in the same place as the riders, especially being a weyrling with a very young, very vulnerable dragon. If these things could take on a full-grown gold, what would stop them from harming his barely-Hatched green? But the girl, his fellow weyrling was raving in a way that he couldn't quite contest. Maybe...maybe she was right. After all, until Skyline was founded, no one had ever been to the Western Continent. No one had been able to say one way or another what creatures inhabited the area. But still! There was no saying that one of these basilisk queens, if they even followed the same structure as dragonkind,--which he liked to think that they didn't, as it made it that much easier to fear and hate them--had struck out at the dragons due to jealousy the way a queen dragon would attack another queen. So her words were also unfounded.

A soft stir caught his attention and he looked over to see the Weyrherder, Shea, attempting to usher R'fel out of the cavern. Oh shards, how much had he heard? T'nan may have disliked the basilisks, but he felt only worry for Dusk's bonded. Every time he was mentioned, T'nan couldn't help but think of what he would have done had Zephyrth been killed and replaced with one of the creatures responsible for her death. He shivered at the thought. What is going on, T'nan? You feel so very strange![/color] He paled, mouth opening automatically and gaping as he attempted to find an explanation that would not worry her further. I-it's nothing, dearheart. Someone in the dining caverns is very angry. That's all. Not precisely a lie, but it was a far stone's throw from the full truth.

T'nan glanced around, feeling the tension around him building to a terrible peak. Riders were yelling and muttering, somewhat incensed by his fellow weyrling's angry speech. "Linda," he said in a low voice, desperate to get her to quiet down. "Linda, you're making things worse!" he pleaded. It was useless. Maybe if he tried to reason with her, tell her his own take on the situation... "Even when golds fight, it is still a bad thing! Those things killed our Riders, Linda! How can you just forgive them so easily and forget how dangerous they are?" He was a non-confrontational person, but his fear of these creatures was pushing him a bit far. He was already growing tired of living on edge.

And then...Dusk arrived. His head whipped around as he heard her hiss, eyes widening in pure terror. She had him stumbling, rising from his seat shakily and hurrying towards the opposite end of the large room. Suddenly, she disappeared, reappearing rapidly beside R'fel, Shea, and J'len. T'nan could hear someone screaming and it took him several minutes to realize it was himself. This was a far cry from her sneaking into the kitchens during the firelizard Hatching. And as if on cue, the little red burst from between, bringing the cold air with her. She chittered worriedly and twined herself around his neck, all while he was clutching at people in an effort to get away from the purple basilisk. She clung even tighter, his fear driving her in mindless panic, her chittering growing louder and punctuated by shrill screeches.