A Friendly Feast (Tag: Ebonth, Imolith)

[K'ivan]

Time Reference: Directly after An Arrival of Note.

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Since he knew the way, Baizynth was the first to arrive over their breakfast. Below them, five of the six pens held semi-docile herdbeasts waiting to be eaten, all contributions from the tithes to the Weyr (mostly from Rivers Crossing at the moment). Open space around the pens gave full dragons or dragons selecting their food a place to relax. He circled the ledge once and then settled onto this outer portion of the ledge that included several large, flat areas where dragons might sprawl. The location he selected lay at a slight incline so a dragon laying down wound up on somewhat of a diagonal which gave the advantage of being able to see the pens without the necessity to move at all, not even lift their head. 

Not caring too much about grace or whether he scared the herdbeasts, Baizynth's long wings kicked up a cloud of dust as he backstroked for the landing. When all four feet touched the ground again, the bronze dragon sighed and folded his wings against his back. His truncated tail swished one way and then the other as he waited for the others. 

This is our in-house feeding grounds. Baizynth rumbled in amusement at his own witty comment. He did wonder if the other two would get the joke, but not for very long. A human might include such details as where the herdbeasts originated and which kinds were from whom or how often the pens got restocked. But Baizynth didn't because these details didn't concern him. Eating properly and when he hungered were all that concerned him - and most dragons. The details about keeping the pens stocked were left up to their riders.

If you want something faster and more of a challenge, there is good hunting around the Weyr too. The bronze provided images of the wild ovids and wherries that lived throughout the mountain range. He gave the Weyr's new residents detailed landmarks on the best place to land for hunting and, of course, sun-bathing. The mountains offer many lovely places worthy of visiting. Since his images gave as much - or more - information than his words, Baizynth left it at that. Should the others have questions, he assumed they'd ask. 

[Raine]

Behave and be polite Raine had admonished as Imolith had flown away, giving her rider a mental hug as she followed the bronze dragon of the Weyrleader towards the feeding pens. It was a leisurely flight for the young gold, she banked left and right playing in the air more than anything else. She wasn't exactly hungry but she could eat. With a bit of finesse, this dragon knew how to land, she took a spot on a higher perch, curling her tail around her legs much like a feline does who is trying to betray their interest but is indeed quite interested in their surroundings. With the reminder to be polite all but faded, she waited for the other dragons to take their pick first. A lady did not rush her meal after all.

[D'nel]

Ebonth followed the elder dragon and queen, landing on the ledge with a little more grace. He preferred not to disturb his prey, even if they were already penned. He enjoyed the thrill of the hunt. He flipped his wings down silently as he looked over the pens, his eyes starting to whirl faster at the thought of a meal. The younger bronze rumbled with amusement at Baizynth's joke.

It is a fine selection, Ebonth replied. It's good to know we may also hunt in the surrounding area. I do enjoy the challenge. Mine and I would hunt outside sometimes at our old home. He swung his head around slowly, looking at the ledge. I am glad to see good sunning spots. Though I will miss the warm sand and surf. The young bronze eyed the herd, looking for his target, though he would not dare to go before Baizynth or Imolith.

[K'ivan]

Baizynth enjoyed the queen in flight as she teased the currents. He stretched his neck out in a silent greeting as each of the others landed. Once the others found places to lounge, the "elder" bronze mantled his wings and his tail rolled laterally into a more relaxed position. Being both courteous and not particularly hungry, Baizynth too had little interest in choosing his prey first. He crossed his front legs at the "wrist", one foot over the other.

Pleased that his humor invoked some response, Baizynth initially turned his head up toward Imolith to strike up a conversation with her. This motion revealed the underside of his neck and more faded battle scars. It was then Ebonth who initiated the conversation. Baizynth swiveled his head to follow Ebonth's gaze. I am sure you and yours will find excellent sport on the mountainside. We hunt in parties too. There are many rock formations for aerial obstacles courses to practice agility... or play the occasional game of tag... The "elder" bronze replied with an agreeable rumble as he filled their minds with images of the aerial racetracks in the form of massive vertical rock formations and high mountain peaks that formed elaborate mazes.

Slivers of yellow waxed through Baizynth's eyes as he sensed Ebonth's longing. Our ocean around Western is not as warm as southern shores but we do have surf. Hunting in the ocean is good too. Baizynth added and more images filled the others' minds - their new home as seen from above and the dark blue crescent of water that kissed the high cliffed shores "not far" from the Weyr.

[Raine]

I must admit, Imolith said demurely, sitting on her hind with tail around her front like a feline, I have not hunted in the water. Our old home is a cold and bitter place with little in the way of water such as this. Having said her piece she gave a little trill of excitement at seeing a fine fat beast and without further ado, and forgetting to be graceful, she launched into the air to gain altitude before diving for the beast she'd picked out. With all the ease of an experienced hunter, of course penned beasts made her an expert, a wild beast would be a different story, she picked up the dying beast and found herself a private ledge, wings half wrapping to hide her meal, and her eating, from the males.

[D'nel]

Ocean hunting is a lot of fun, Ebonth replied to Imolith. When the sun hit the water just right, you could see the fish from the air. We would just skim above the water and scoop up the fish! Ebonth send the two dragons images of skimming across brilliant blue water, mist flying up on either side. I think you would enjoy it. Just frolicking in the waves is a pleasure in itself. This time there was an image of white foaming waves crashing on a sandy shore. He and His had enjoyed on last day on the beach near Southern Weyr before they left. There was a feeling of longing in the images, though they were not all Ebonth's. I and Mine look forward to practice. He said to Baizynth. *If* I can get Mine out of his archives. The bronze snorted in annoyance, the tips of his tail flicking. He gets so caught up in his hides sometimes. Ebonth looked back at the herd, scattered now that Imolith had made her kill. He watched and waited for the herdbeasts to settle down, though thoughts of his old home made him less interested in eating.

[K'ivan]

The scarred bronze watched in silence when Imolith made the kill. He shivered body-wide as he sensed her delight and brief triumph with the catch. Though it was an easy catch so did not garner as much satisfaction as a truly hunted meal. Baizynth rumbled agreeable sounds as Ebonth spoke of hunting on the ocean. He added his own vague memories to Ebonth's, enhancing the other bronze's story with scenes of the waters around Great Cliffs and shared imagery of the many fish types that lived therein with his new friends. Yes, I enjoy ocean hunting the best. The waters here are warmer than in the north but are not as warm or clear as in the south but they still feel good on hot days. We frequently swim or play in the waves. His voice lowered somewhat as he admitted: Tag is one of my favorites... Ebonth's complaint drew a draconic chuckle, a deep rumbling sound that rose from Baizynth's throat with a burst of sound.

You and I have this in common, Ebonth! K'ivan too becomes lost in his healing and will go without eating or rest for many long hours. We shall make an effort, you and I, to drag them out of their hides and come out with us to enjoy the sun and the sea and the good hunting. Baizynth too seemed less inclined to eat despite encouraging the others to take their fair shares from the captive herdbeasts. Something that K'ivan and Raine talked about unsettled the bronze. He partially opened his wings and then with a bodywise shake, mantled them again, and as he settled into a comfortable "dragon loaf" looped his truncated tail around one of his legs.

[Raine]

I think I would like this ocean hunting, Imolith was certainly intrigued by the thought. Her's loved the warm beaches. If there was ever to be a 'water' dragon on Pern, it would be Imolith who also liked to swim. And the temperature of the water made no difference to the gold, even if it did to the rider. With the delicacy of a feline, she began to clean herself up, returning to the haughty and arrogant young queen that she was and not the half starved youngling she had just been.

My rider should come as well. Far too often she thinks of others first and forgets herself, also, the young gold stretched before moving to find herself a sunnier spot, hide shining in the sun,She gives no thought to fun.

[D'nel]

The more the merrier as Mine would say, Ebonth replied to Imolith with a small chuckle, his tone not as deep, much like his riders. I look forward to a good hunt, and discovering the types of fish you have here. He said to Baizynth. The tip of Ebonth's tail started to flip in anticipation of a good hunt and finding new prey. Tag is good for a game and training. It was been awhile though since we have played. Perhaps we can entice Ours with such thoughts. Getting them to think it is work, but making it into a game. He rather liked the thought of tricking His into having some fun. He was also warming to his new Weyrleader. Like His, he was not sure what to expect from the northern Weyr, having only ever visited Southern Weyrs, but he found the other bronze friendly and personable. Imolith seemed friendly as well, if a little reserved.

[K'ivan]

I recommend the eastern cove. There are no human fishers there and also many wild wherry who make their homes in the coastal crags. The fishing is best there and near the Weyr because the shores are too rocky or too sandy for humans to take their boats. The shallow water is too full of tangling plants so they must go around from another location instead of in a direct line. We dragons of course have no issues flying to the deeper water where the delicious fish think themselves safe from being hunted. Subtle boasting rose into the bronze's tone as he compared them to humans. He had little use for non-rider humans, leaving them to K'ivan and the other dragonriders. Oh, yes there are shipfish here too. Not edible of course, but interesting to interact with because of their intelligence. They like to play with us. I think there to be a larger population in the South? His question was half-curious and half as a confirmation as he looked to Ebonth for verification since the other bronze mentioned visiting the southern Weyrs.

Projecting agreeable emotions to the others, Baizynth continued their hopeful commonality to ease the tension from their riders' shoulders. His eyes swirled faster at the prospect of renewing his rider's playful tendencies and the joy in his heart. To feel K'ivan in such woe brought no end of misery to Baizynth. The prospect of new dragons with whom to play tag brightened Baizynth's mood immediately, his enthusiasm for the game knew no bounds. Mhm, the more the merrier, I concur with your rider. There are many fine cliffs and crags to use as obstacles during tag. Certainly straightaway tag and playing the game with nothing but open space would get boring in short measure. Obstacles presented challenges for agility training as well as the speed training that came with the game of tag as a whole. He settled into momentary silence but again laughed at Ebonth's comment. We call making work into a game 'Threadfall practice'. Ubiquitous images of the aforementioned activity arose in Baizynth's mind. A wing in their formation, seen from the viewpoint of a Wingsecond, flying over the seas as senior Weyrlings and riders from other wings dropped colored ribbons from above to represent Thread. He had no doubt the others had witnessed and participated in similar activities.

My-Ivan merely needs encouragement ... and time ... to go out and play again. We used to play more often. I miss it. Yes, he gives only the rare thought to having fun. His sends became thoughtful. Perhaps this convincing method that Ebonth suggested will work for yours, fair queen? With a flick of his tail, he circled around to the first subject.Whether or not we can convince them if we want to hunt seafood, the best times will be soon because the sun and tides will be right for the fish to come up from the deep waters. I should find something for Tuirith too. I am sure she is hungry.

[Raine]

I agree, Imolith answered with an imperious nod of her head. Force them into work and by the time they realize we meant to have fun, it will be too late, she gave a mental giggle which betrayed her youth, even though by looks she attempted to be quite arrogant. Imolith was all for the games of tag and chase, the agility training that would help with Thread and with her future mating flights. And she could judge the male pair with her and decide if they were worthy of future attention or not. It might not be her Weyr forever, but for one day it would be her Weyr and all the male dragons in it.

Soon is good.

[D'nel]

Oh yes, Ebonth replied, images of a large pod of dolphins just off shore, and the echo of a ringing sound. They can be quite playful with both us and Ours. He sent another image of the dolphins jumping out of the water and the chittering sound they made that sounded like laughter.

Baizynth's images of threadfall practice struck a chord with Ebonth, since he and His had graduated to full rider not long ago. We did not have as many good hiding places before, the bronze replied. This will be fun! Ours spend too much time dwelling on what can not be changed. They need the distraction. Though his rider tried hide it from him, another was often in his thoughts, one made him happy and sad at the same time. He wished the former and not the latter for His.

Ebonth lifted his head in interest at the mention of fishing. Yes. Let's makes Ours jealous of the fun we are having, so they will want to as well.

[K'ivan]

Imolith's giggle met with a rich chuckle, Baizynth's tail rolled one way and then the other as though to emphasize his amusement. He met Ebonth's images of the shipfish with murmured appreciation and emotions of general pleasure. Their playful nature always brought him great joy and he frequently found them as amicable swimming and hunting companions. He remembered overhearing a conversation about some humans and dragons alike who had special relationships with the aquatic creatures and wondered if the bonds between shipfish and humans could be as strong as those between human and draconic kind.

Yes. Sooner is better. You will also know your new home faster too. Baizynth agreed with an emphatic rumble as his thoughts drifted from shipfish to the kind of fish that one could hunt. Images of the cove came into his mind and he emphasized the way the stony cliffs curved into a large C-shape with the waters of the cove facing the southern sky. Having been there so many times, Baizynth compensated for the way the light hit the ocean at this time of the day so that were they go now, they'd be able to make the jump with ease without fear of accidentally getting there at a different time.

He spread his wings and stretched his neck and torso as he uncoiled from his lounging position. His tail slid across the ground and curled around one of his hind legs repeatedly. Let's go now? I shall lead us there. The phrase was a query since he meant to make sure the others too would come with him. Tuirith indicated her hunger, and I think she will prefer fresh fish over these worn-out herdbeasts.

[D'nel]

Yes! Lets, Ebonth replied as he rose. He lowered his head and chest as he stretched out his back, his tail whipping from one side to the other. It is best to keep one’s mate happy. Or so I’ve been told, Ebonth chuckled. Though he had participated in a few flights, they had only been for greens, and he had not been successful at catching one yet. Standing, he shook out his wings and looked to Baizynth.

[K'ivan]

The scarred bronze rumbled a deeper chuckle as he agreed with Ebonth's statement. Wise words to remember, always. He walked further away from his lounging rock so he had enough clearance to spread his wings and launched then into the air. As he hovered, he gave his companions directions once more. Again Baizynth sent images of the cove to Ebonth, his focus on the exact positioning that the other bronze should take based on Baizynth's position. That was to say - he created the hypothetical scenario wherein he "looked" through Ebonth's eyes to show him exactly where he should appear from between - to Baizynth's left. Baizynth sent these images to Imolith as well so she saw the new location as it should appear to Baizynth's right.

A feat similar to how a Wingleader kept their wing in formation as they the wing into Threadfall. Each dragon's position precise. The task made easier because he only needed the relative positions of two other dragons and not an entire wing. This moment not nearly as critical to stay in formation or even go there simultaneous, Baizynth nevertheless ensured the other two knew the place they should appear and the when and where of this location. Still he'd wait. Wait until the other two dragons had the images firm in their minds. For their species, this was as easy as flying, so the wait would not be long. Enough for the others to take to the air and follow his lead to the fishing cove...