-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Threadfall Over Smithcraft Hall Date: September 27(?), 1998 Places: Telgar Weyr's Southern Bowl, Skyspace, and Outer Infirmary; Smithcraft Hall's Skyspace and Main Meadow Game: PernMUSH Copyright Info: The World of Pern is copyright(c) to Anne McCaffrey l967. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kassi's Note: Pretty much a basic, enjoyable Fall: the key things about this one were that one, we had PC groundcrews (yay, Smiths!), and two, Jayna was injured in the fighting. Evidently I ran this one. It's kind of sad that I can't remember which ones I ran and which ones other people ran without clues from the log itself anymore. ;) Action starts in the Southern Bowl, where Kassi and Lysseth have just landed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Log: Jayna doublechecks Sioneth's straps one last time, nodding grimly to her wingmates. "Evening, wingleader," she says, moving with somber efficiency. Neliea dismounts, helmet tucked under one arm as she moves to check Xylath's straps once again with a calm, yet serious manner about her. Hearing Jayna, she nods to the brownrider as she positions her helmet on her head. Kvasith lumbers here from the north. Aurian slides off Kvasith after unfastening her riding straps. She lands neatly on her feet this time. Jayna grimly continues to check straps and load firestone, in that quiet space she finds before each threadfall. Sioneth's eyes whirl excitedly. Kassima lands neatly beside her dragon, dressed already in full fighting gear and with straps that look freshly oiled. "G'deve, Wingriders," she greets in turn, gravely. "Jayna, Sioneth is checking out fit t'fight, I take it? Nay problems that I've nay been warned of? L'cher," she explains, rather drily, "won't be able t'fly with us tonight." Aurian arrives with Kvasith, she hauls a sack of firestone with her. Neliea runs another check on the bags of firestone straped to Xylath's straps, the blue scanning the skies eagerly as the rider looks up for a moment and towards Aurian. "Hello Aurian. How's the wrist," she asks, momentarily pausing her check on her straps. Telgar Weyr> Dossa will be part of the aftermath crew, when the tired/wounded return. Any idea when that'll be? Telgar Weyr> Kassima okays and gets things sorted out. Pre-Fall prep RP is going on in the Bowl now, and the Fall itself will start at 9pm EDT. :) Return... hrm... the Fall will be about 45 minutes, I'm guessing, so when people return depends on whether the uninjured do any RP at the Smithcraft 'fore heading back. R'val walks here from the north. Vidarth lumbers here from the north. Aurian chuckles, "Broken." She hands Kvasith a goodsized stone, he takes it quickly with some eagerness. R'val meets Vidarth with the other Dawnslight rider, tugging on his straps testingly. Kassima flags down a few of her Wingmates, consulting with them for a few moments in low, hushed tones. "All clear?" she can be heard to ask at the end of the conference. "Good. Believe you me, I'll have his hide for this. Now, hurry up and get into formation! You all know the drill!" Shaking her head as though in wonder, she lopes towards where the firestone sacks await, leaving Lyss to assume her own place at the head of the Thunderbolt V. Neliea lightly smiles at Aurian's reply, returing to the strap inspection before giving them a hearty clap and reaching for the buckles on her helmet with one hand. While fastening her gear, moves towards one of her bags of 'stone, reaching in and comming back with a hefty piece of firestone with is deftly tossed to Xylath. R'val smiles towards Neliea and Aurian, wingmates, as he feeds Vidarth stone. Sioneth rumbles in deep-throated anticipation, lumbering toward his position in formation. His power is evident in his heavy steps and the speed with which he prepares to perform the duty for which he was bred. Aurian finishes strappng down Kvasith. She tugs on them with her good wrist hard. The redhead leans back and reaches into the sack to continue stoking the furnace with in the brown. Telgar Weyr> Maylia ahems, and would like to note, for any riders online who wish to have an injury... as in a mild one you've not already gotten OKayed, like ash burn or something. THere WILL be healers available. Kassima snares herself several sacks of 'stone, hauling them back to her lifemate and setting them down beside the waiting green with a thump. One is swiftly opened and its contents tossed into Lysseth's maw, there to be chewed with the grate of teeth against rock. "Everyone got the visualization clear?" she bellows over her shoulder to the Thunderbolt wingriders. Jayna glances at Sioneth, eyes slightly unfocused. After a moment she turns toward Kassi and, saving her voice for Fall, settles for a salute and a gesture to indicate that Sioneth and she understand the coordinates. She checks her own belt, and the straps, one last unnecessary time. Tierth backwings for a landing. Neliea leaves her goggles hanging limply around her neck, still tossing chuncks of 'stone to Xylath as she attaches another sack her lifemate's straps. Keeping herself fully alert, she catches the call for visualization, and other checks over the loud crunching echoing throughout the bowl. Dragon> Tierth bespoke Telgar dragons with << We fight! We flame! >> Eagerness to fly Fall can be heard ringing throughout her voice. << We will sear thread! >> Kassima waits and watches for similar signals or answers from every one of her riders, nodding when they've all been received. Tossing the empty sack to a 'Ling on supply-duty, she grabs up the others and works with brisk efficiency--practice does tend to make one efficient, after all--at securing them to her lifemate's straps. "Mount up, then," she directs the riders. "The Thread isn't going to wait all day. Maylia, you're moving up one in formations this evening--L'cher seems to have suffered a pulled groin and won't be with us this evening. Understood?" Jayna nods crisply and mounts Sioneth, making use of his outstretched leg. R'val uses Vidarth's side straps to mount up agilely, settling onto the little blue's back and straightening. He pets his lifemate's head once as Vidarth rumbles excitedly, ready to fly. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Lysseth rumbles with intense anticipation, flares of red streaking through her mindvoice, << We will fight! Be alert and ready for the signal! >> You place one hand on Lysseth's neck and she warbles down at you fondly. You grin and scratch her eyeridges once before climbing up onto her lower neckridges, using the riding straps and Lysseth's thoughtfully offered foreleg. <*> Jayna steps onto Sioneth's foreleg and scrambles to his back. <*> Kvasith refuses anymore stone from his rider. Well and ready for this day, he bugles towards the other dragons. <*> Aurian pulls herself up onto Kvasith, carefully. Her fingers grip at the straps as she eases herself onto his back. <*> Neliea easily climbs up Xylath's back with the help of a forearm as she takes hold of the straps, settling down between his neckridges. <*> From astride Tierth, Maylia nods understanding to Kassima, calling "Understood!" over the crunching of 'stone as Tierth chews. <*> From Sioneth's back, Jayna settles herself with grim efficiency, fastening straps and pulling her gloves onto her hands. She twists, patting Sioneth's flank, mentally preparing for the coming battle. Kassima snaps the buckles of her straps into place, turning around as much as her seat will permit to survey the formation behind her. "Tighten it up, C'row," she warns the bronzerider before raising her hand to get their attention. "Everyone ready?" <*> From upon Kvasith, Aurian pulls down her goggles, with her one hand. She rolls her head about on her neck. <*> Sioneth shuffles his lumbering weight from foot to foot, obviously anxious to be aloft. He roars. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Lysseth notes OOCly that she's going to set the @emitter so that the poses are about three minutes apart, and will stop after forty-five minutes or so. Does that sound acceptable to everyone? :) <*> From astride Tierth, Maylia leans down as a weyrling heaves up a sack of firestone for her, and quickly she straps it down to the well-tended fighting straps. As Tierth bugles, she signals her readiness to her wingleader. Dragon> Tierth bespoke Telgar dragons with << thinks that's fine! >> Dragon> Kvasith bespoke Telgar dragons with << Works for me >> Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Xylath dittos. Dragon> Vidarth bespoke Telgar dragons with << Fine with me. >> <*> Lysseth rumbles her own readiness, as unnecessary as it may be, and tenses her muscles in preparation as Kassi receives the signals and turns back to face front. She lifts one fist to alert the Fall leader to her Wing's readiness--and, when it is given, follows immediately the signal indicating that the riders should take off. <*> Lysseth springs from the ground, the air from her wings churning up dust as she takes to the skies. You spring into the air and catch the thermals rising from the bowl floor to carry you aloft. <*> Sioneth rises up from the bowl. <*> Kvasith rises up from the bowl. <*> Xylath rises up from the bowl. Dragon> Lysseth bespoke Telgar dragons with << Everyone know where we're going? Did you all go to the bathroom before we left? ;) >> <*> Tierth rises up from the bowl. The rim of the bowl falls away from you and you soar into the open skies. <*> Xylath flies up from the northern half of the bowl. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Sioneth acks. << Bathroom.... >> Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Xylath grins. Yes, mother. ;) Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Tierth eeps! Bathroom! Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Lysseth sighs. << Well, I guess it can't be helped. Just make a quick stop while we're in *between*. ;) >> <*> Lysseth disappears into Between. Between You gasp as the icy black nothingness of Between surrounds you! You hear nothing, see nothing, and feel nothing. The trip takes five heartbeats... Black... Blacker... Blackest! You suddenly emerge... <*> Lysseth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! <*> Sioneth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! <*> Xylath emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! Dragon> Lysseth bespoke Telgar dragons with << Pay no attention to the Cloud Formation behind the curtain.... >> <*> Kvasith emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! <*> Tierth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! <*> Lysseth appears from *between* at the head of a V-shaped formation of dragons, nearly dwarfed by the large bronze to her right. Eyes whirling red, she *bugles* in challenge towards the smudge of silver on the horizon that marks the impending Threadfall! <*> Vidarth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! <*> Sioneth roars approval, responding to Lysseth's challenge, wings billowing powerfully, eyes awhirl. A tiny anticipatory flame erupts from his muzzle. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Lysseth starts the Fall. :) The first @emit should come in about three minutes. If any of you feel like the poses are too close or too far apart, let me know and I can tinker with the timer. After the first @emit, feel free to pose flaming Thread even if no Thread pose has been given that mentions you directly. All clear? :) Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Sioneth nods, and burps flame. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Lysseth oohs. << Can you do that in seven different colors, like Chiloth? >> <*> Kvasith roars his direct challange toward the thread and the red star above. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Sioneth nopes, but can flameburp the alphabet. <*> Xylath checkes his position with the other dragons in the Dawnslight wing, but not before sending a resounding bugle towards the shimmering mass that could only be Thread. A warning to all, that no thread will escape his flame. <*> Tierth glides on outstretched wings in formation, her attention fixed on the smudge of silver-grey. A low rumble emerges from her throat, threatening, furious, a deadly challenge under tight control. <*> A scream of pain from above serves as a warning as a Aerie blue disappears into *between*, his wingtip scored. What Thread does not go *between* with him continues its descent towards Neliea and Xylath. Dragon> Lysseth bespoke Telgar dragons with << Oh, how attractive. Now I burp my A-B-Cs; watch how everybody flees.... >> Dragon> Vidarth bespoke Telgar dragons with << It must be something in the water. >> <*> Vidarth raises his head sinuously to flame a passing tangle of Thread. Small though it is, it could cause damage, but it won't, as Vidarth reduces it to ash. <*> In the sky, upward slightly and to the north of his nearest wingmate, Sioneth rumbles and approaches a thick patch of deadly silver rain, flame bursting from his muzzle as he singes it to ash and turns, quickly, in formation, toward the next target. <*> Xylath turns his head upwards, positioning himself to sear the flame to ribbon as he opens his muzzle to release a narrow, but effective orange-red flame towards the silvery strands. <*> Tierth's wings catch the wind, lifting her upwards to meet the beginnings of Threadfall. Her jaws open, and a tangle of the silvery menace is engulfed in flame. Astride her, Maylia's whoop of exhaultation is whipped away in the ashy wind. <*> A bugle of pain from above announces the wingtip injury of a Starblaze brown, a tangle of Thread uncharred as he blinks rapidly into *between*. The Thread is left free to fall towards Kvasith. <*> As though that first shriek had galvanized the Thread to action, more strands and tangles begin to fall from the sky towards the waiting Wings. Lysseth, tail-lashing with fierce eagerness for the commencement of the fight, gives a single wingbeat to loft herself upwards towards a descending clump. Orange and red flames splatter out across the sky like paint on a canvas, coating the Thread in the fury of hell's own fire. An unsuitable canvas at best, the silver tendrils dissolve in smoke and ash beneath the exothermic onslaught... drifting past the triumphant green as she bugles once again before seeking out her next enemy. Dragon> Lysseth bespoke Telgar dragons with << Since we do have ground-crews, BTW, be sure to let the occasional strand get through for them, eh? :) >> <*> The brown moves swiftly to avoid the clump of thread, Kvasith moves to follow it releasing a long plume of flame. That swiftly makes the thread little more than a memory. <*> A stray thermal lifts Sioneth upward toward a thinnish patch. Deftly, the big brown exhales a breath of flame and firestone, efficiently vaporizing the menace. <*> With many of the front-line dragons busy clearing the sky of a sudden spurt of clumps, it is little wonder that a few ragged patches manage to make their way towards Maylia and green Tierth. <*> Lysseth flattens herself out to slice downwards in the sky towards an escaping cluster, the grotesquely writhing strands calling out for annihilation. That, the dragon is only too willing to provide. She gapes open her jaw to allow a spurt of greenish-golden fire to fly free, reaching out to caress the Thread with the touch of death. Kassi's shout of encouragement breaks off in a curse, however, when she spots a pair of half-burned strands slipping down towards the ground below... out of Lysseth's reach, at least, and at an inconvenient position for the Queen's Wing. "Look out!" she yells to the ground-crews in warning before directing her mount upwards, towards another waiting entanglement. <*> Xylath bugles triamuphantly as the thread ashes blow away from him and his rider. Careful to cut through the air with steady wingbeats, he releases more bursts of flame towards and strands that get in the path of the brillantly colored blue muzzle, sending almost all of them to nothing more than ashes. Those that end up out of the range of his deathflame, writhe towards the ground below. <*> Tierth wheels, showing the agility characteristic of her size and colour. The blue directly behind her slows, and rises, as she dives, flaming. In several poffs, her narrow flame incinerates the thread she follows, though several strands fall to the Queens' wings. <*> The sky in front of Sioneth is suddenly blocked by the sight of a patch of Thread, which is descending rather quickly. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Tierth laughs, okay with me, just not all at once? ;) Dragon> Lysseth bespoke Telgar dragons with << Ideally, no. ;) >> Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Xylath grins and isn't a mind reader. He at least thinks that's the case. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Lysseth dragonsnugs. None of us are psychic, or we'd be making livings working for the Psychic Friends' Network. ;) <*> From Sioneth's back, Twisting in midair, Sioneth brings his muzzle to bear on the fast-falling patch off his left flank. He turns, moving his wing easily, and sends a long gout of flame to turn the menace to dust, ash, black motes drifting on the wind. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Sioneth wonders whether NOT being psychic is actually an impediment to making a living on the Psychic Friends' Network.... <*> Kvasith soon finds himself scouring another patch of thread from the sky. He whips his head back for another chunk of stone from his rider. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Tierth grins, and didn't mean to sound snarky, btw ;) (your clue to laugh?) :) <*> With many of the front-line dragons busy clearing the sky of a sudden spurt of clumps, it is little wonder that a few ragged patches manage to make their way towards Aurian and brown Kvasith. <*> A tangle of twisting silver, shimmering with vile menace, slips between the attentions of two dragons whose attentions are diverted to heavier patches. The Thread hurtles downward, missed, too, by the queen's wing. It approaches Pern's surface, her greenery, with sinuous hunger. <*> Lysseth roars in anger that's at least half self-directed at the sight of so many strands escaping. With renewed fury, she sets to the task of keeping her own area of the skies clear. What's the specialty that Fate wants to dish out to her today? Why, Thread marengo, of course. A lash of flame whips out from her throat to batter at the rain of silver death. Hah! Too slow, Thread marengo! Too slow for this dragon! With a flick of her tail that bespeaks vengeful satisfaction, she arrows down the path that leads towards the next batch of ingrediants for Thread Flambe. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Sioneth dies. Dragon> Sioneth bespoke Telgar dragons with << Laughing, that is. >> Dragon> Lysseth bespoke Telgar dragons with << Hey, you've got to take inspiration where you can find it.... ;) >> Dragon> Chezroth bespoke Telgar dragons with << if they're so psychic, they should call us. >> <*> No less than *four* small patches target a single Aerie bronze at once; while he manages to deal with two with admirable speed and precision, the second pair are coming too close, too fast. His bugle serves as a warning to Vidarth, the blue left to deal with the remainder as he winks *between*. <*> Tierth rises back into her position, just in time to veer off to one side, nearly vertical as she pursues a clump. The tangle of silvery writhing Thread is ignited from the center, in what would be a spectacular show were it not for the lethality of the menace. Her path takes her through the cloud of ashes, stirring into swirls, as she circles back to her position. <*> Vidarth raises his head again, veering aside to angrily sear a patch of thread that /dares/ to come near his spot. <*> Kvasith snarls at the thread. His strong and agile body slices through the air scorching another tangle of thread away from his rider and the ground below. <*> A large, thick clump is split in twain by a sudden gust, which sends one half veering towards Xylath, and the other zooming rapidly nearer to blue Vidarth. <*> Xylath lowers his position just enough to put a thick clump of thread into his sights as a violently colored stream of flame erupts to envelop the mass. A threating rumble is his reply to any thread that tries to invade his and his rider's territory. <*> Lysseth banks abruptly and twists with bone-jarring suddenness to the side, in order to let a tangle of Thread slide past her underside. Screaming her rage at its daring, she lunges after it... reaching towards the clump with a hand comprised of flame and oblivion. The light flickers out after a moment, leaving the blackness to hit her--and the voices are calling 'Let's do the Thread Flame again!' A lovely idea, is it not? With a jump to the left that returns her to formation, she trumpets encouragement to her beleagured Wingmates. Dragon> Lysseth bespoke Telgar dragons with << Okay, now I have a mental image of dragons doing the Time Warp in mid-air. I've gotta lay off the Starburst. >> <*> As the Fall starts to slacken off, fewer tangles threaten the lives of flying dragonpairs; still, it would be most unwise to relax vigilance--as the large, nasty snarl of silver strands plummeting directly towards brown Kvasith proves. <*> Tierth, her wings tiring a little, leans to one side as a weyrling tosses her rider a sack of firestone. Quickly, the new sack is strapped securely, and she returns to fighting, as the weyrling dives, flaming. <*> Flittering in the sky directly above a Aerie brown is the deadly menace of Thread. Before he can react, it is split into two silvery clumps by an ill-favoring thermal. Can Vidarth, the dragon closest to both, react quickly enough to catch them? <*> The next attack Lysseth makes on a Thread cluster sputters out before the clump is truly flamed. The blackened but still-writhing tendrils are left to fall, unhindered and most likely unnoticed, as Kassi wrenches open her sack of firestone to begin refueling her dragon. As the green chews, the pair are forced to dodge, duck, and wink *between* a time or two in order to avoid Thread clumps that drift back towards their Wingmates, and it is with fresh enthusiasm that Lysseth smites the tendril approaching from her left with a veritable fireball. <*> Kvasith winks between. A wingbeat later he reappears to follow through and blast that snarl out of the sky. <*> A particularly heavy clump wafts downward, lightly, deceptively innocently, toward Sioneth. The big brown turns, swivelling his head to the right to flame the twisting menace from the sky. Whirling eyes focused, along with his riders, on the target at hand, he misses a second danger, another patch cascading downward, propelled with sudden speed by an unexpected downdraft. Plummeting, the threads strike Jayna full on the left side. Her strangled scream, and Sioneth's thundrous roar are clipped off suddenly as the pair flashes between. <*> Sioneth disappears into Between. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Lysseth bugles in alarm, << Sioneth! What has happened? >> Dragon> Vidarth bespoke Telgar dragons with << Sioneth! >> Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Sioneth answers slowly, panic streaking his mental voice. << My rider is scored! We are at Telgar. >> Dragon> Kvasith bespoke Telgar dragons with << Sioneth? >> Dragon> Xylath bespoke Telgar dragons with << Are you both okay? >> <*> Several clumps drop from the sky at once, those not already charred by vigilant dragons falling nearer and nearer to Tierth, Sioneth, and a few others nearby. Dragon> Sioneth bespoke Telgar dragons with << My rider is scored! >> Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Lysseth spares a moment to send Sioneth a hasty, soothing mindtouch. << Do not panic! You are home, and the Healers will make certain that your rider is cared for. You must be strong for her! >> <*> Vidarth snarls angrily at the nearby clump that hurtles near him. Turning his flight path, he intercepts it, charring it to harmless ash. <*> Tierth strains her tiring wings to rise to meet the challenge of the falling Thread, her voice bugling out as she does so. Bursts of flame are fired forth from her mouth, short, timed, efficient. <*> Lysseth bugles with absolute rage at the injury of one of her own Wingmates, and her eradication of the twin straggles of Thread that descend upon her now can only be termed 'overkill.' Those nearest might hear, at a lull, Kassima's loud cursing as the Wingleader wipes ash from her goggles and scans the sky to locate the next source of menace. <*> Kvasith rumbles and shifts to another patch of thread. Remembering his duty and calling his rider back to it. He blazes clear a large clump. <*> A heavy sheet of Thread drops from above, causing various wingriders near the silver menace to pick up the pace in order to deal with it. Among the flickers of flame, a previously unnoticed tangle can be seen falling towards Lysseth. <*> Xylath rumbles threatingly at the thread, sending a large clump into searing obvilion as more seeming appears from the sky. <*> Tierth finds herself beneath a clump, falling at an awkward angle even for an agile green to reach. She darts between, reappearing just beyond, as the blue behind her in the wing anhialates it. A clip and dive, and Tierth's back in position, her flame devouring writhing threads left from another. <*> Lysseth has the fortune of seeing the tangle backlit by one of those flame-flickers, and wheels on a wingtip to meet it head-on and with defiance. A roar accompanies the flame that spews forth from her mouth, engulfing Thread and sending it off towards whatever hell exists for the mychorrizoids when they die. Kassima swallows an oath as the cinders are blown back towards her, hunching over to duck the ash--and to keep herself firmly seated as Lyss snaps briskly back into her place. <*> As the Fall starts to slacken off, fewer tangles threaten the lives of flying dragonpairs; still, it would be most unwise to relax vigilance--as the large, nasty snarl of silver strands plummeting directly towards brown Kvasith proves. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Lysseth thinks she'll stop the Fall now; there should be one more pose left in the queue. Everyone cool with that? Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Tierth's cool as a cucumber. Same colour, too. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Xylath nodnods. Dragon> Kvasith bespoke Telgar dragons with << Cool >> Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Lysseth is mildly annoyed that the emitter didn't use any of the NPC names she coded into it, but I guess you can't win 'em all. ;) <*> An ill-timed swerve by a Duskguard blue causes a large clump to filter past he and his rider. Vidarth is the closest to the rapidly-falling tangle. Dragon> Kvasith bespoke Telgar dragons with << What is it with my name and that pose >> <*> Vidarth lets out a challenging roar as he swerves to catch the clump getting temptingly near. He belches a hot, red wash of flame, searing it to harmless grey ash. <*> Lysseth musters the energy for a last rallying bugle to her 'mates as the Threadfall begins to taper off at last. More grey than green now with a combination of ash and exhaustion, she is forced to flick *between* in order to keep from being hit by a slippery pair of entwined strands. Thanks are shouted to E'ror and Fubarth as the blue duo catch it before it can fall very much further. <*> Tierth's flame rips a swath through a sheet of thread sliding down between her and another, the rest of the dangerous shimmering sheet is flamed by wingriders below. An extra bit of effort to her wings carries her up and over what she cannot flame, to sear another clump. <*> Kvasith blows bright flame towards the mass of thread. As its sears into a puff of ash and smoke he flies through to emerge unscathed. <*> Lysseth lifts her head to peer about after incinerating a final clump, already half-charred by some pair of the upper levels. No more Thread seems to pollute the skies... only ash, and cinders, and enough smoke to blot out the stars. She drops evenly into formation, extending her wings to coast along a thermal; Kassi, craning her head about tiredly, holds her hand aloft to signal Thunderbolt to settle back into their places and ride the final watch. One can never be too careful where Thread is concerned. Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Lysseth asks in a weary, low rumble, << Does anyone see any Thread yet falling? >> Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Kvasith rumbles, << I do not. >> Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Xylath snorts ash from his muzzle. << I don't see any. >> Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Tierth's voice is weary and sounds grey, ashen. << No. >> Dragon> Telgar dragons sense that Lysseth gives a sigh of tired relief. << Good. My rider suggests that we descend and check with the ground-crews, if all is clear. >> <*> Kvasith stretches his wings to enjoy a moment of gliding in the cooling air. <*> As several moments pass without any further sign of Thread, Lysseth slowly relaxes, her tail ceasing to lash. A tired rumble is given to her Wingmates before she begins to drop in a long, weary spiral towards the grounds below. You spiral down to a landing on the meadow between the various buildings. <*> Kvasith spirals down and lands carefully on the meadow. <*> Xylath spirals down and lands carefully on the meadow. <*> Shena edges away from the blues, hiding half behind her workgroup. <*> From upon Kvasith, Aurian pushes back her goggles as Kvasith lands. <*> Ambryl wonders if Kvasith would remember her....probably not. <*> Vidarth spirals down and lands carefully on the meadow. <*> Chandor bows "Smithcraft's compliments to Telgar's riders." <*> Ambryl bows to the dragonriders. <*> Lysseth lands as neatly as she can, ash drifting down from her grey-green hide to settle on the ground around her. A half-hoarse sounding call of, "Duties t'the Smithcraft and her Masters," comes from the rider atop her neck, who is currently unbuckling herself to prepare for dismount. You slide off of Lysseth's neck to land beside her easily. She rumbles, cocking her head down at you, and you rub her eyeridges gratefully. Shena hides shamelessly, not even peeking from behind the hulking forge apprentice she has chosen for cover. Kvasith rumbles wearily. His head resting up on hie forefeet. Aurian slides off Kvasith after unfastening her riding straps. She lands neatly on her feet this time. Neliea nimbly climbs down from Xylath's neckridges, pausing to gently brush a hand along her lifemate's muzzle as he turns a large light blue muzzle to his lifemate, wuffling her hair gently in return. Aurian nods to Ambryl with a tired grin, Kvasith wouldn't remember but his rider does apparently. Ambryl smiles to Aurian. Chandor says "Might we invite you to some refreshment's in the lounge, while the rest of the ground crews are checking the area ?" R'val slides down from Vidarth's back and lands in a crouch. Neliea unfastens her helmet, not bothering to remove it as she swings down from her lifemate's back. Softly she adds a "Telgar's duties" as she lowers her goggles from her face, leaning against the blue. Kassima pulls up her goggles, coughing a bit at the remnants of ash. "Thankee for the compliments, ground crews," she says to the Apprentices with a flicker of a smile. "Has there been any sign of burrowing?" At the offer of refreshment, she turns to glance back over her riders. "Any of my Wingmates are certainly welcome to partake of such. We should probably be heading back to the Weyr shortly, but nay a'fore getting the area report." Aurian rubs her hand across her face, smearing the damp ash across her cheeks. Chandor says "The meadow itself is clean, but it will surely take some minutes till the outer crews are returned." Ambryl nods in agreement. Lysseth> Sioneth senses that Lysseth extends a tendril of thought that's laced heavily with grey towards you, inquiring with concern, << How do you and your rider fare, Sioneth? >> R'val rubs ash from his face and coughs, "Ugh." Ambryl excuses her self momentarily with a bow to all. Ambryl heads through the giant entrance into the Main Work Hall. Ambryl emerges from the double doors of the main work hall. Ambryl returns carring serveral clean cloths. Ambryl smiles, "would anyone like a cloth?" Ambryl gestures to the dragonriders present. Neliea looks uncertain on whether or not to stay, since the invitation was extended to the riders. But on the other hand (and other thoughts), leaning over to Aurian, she keeps her voice low as she whispers to her. Kassima nods, acknowledging the truth of that. "What say you, then?" she asks of her fellow riders. "Anyone up for sitting down a moment while we wait for the report? Any with injuries should head back to the Weyr at once, a'course." Aurian holds up a hand, "Please Faranth yes..." She then tilts her head to Neliea. Dragon> Lysseth senses that Sioneth projects fear and the slight edge of panic. << I am uninjured. My rider is hurt badly, scored on the arm. The healers help her. *Image of Jayna escorted to the infirmary, leaning heavily on a healer's apprentice* I fear. >> As usual, Shena is trying very hard to ignor the unpleasant fact that she is surrounded by dragons. She gets very busy fidgetting with the settings on her sprayer. Lysseth> Sioneth senses that Lysseth is hardly as adept at reassurance as a gold would be, and is tired to boot... but nevertheless, she tries. << She lives, and you live, and she will recover. Both of you will continue to fight Thread! >> Aurian sighs, "We should head back soon.. I am worried about her." Shena pokes her head around the towering journeyman wall she has been hiding behind just in time to see a blue dragon eyeing her general vicinity. With a startled yeep she ducks back for safety. Kassima arches an eyebrow towards Aurian and Neliea. "Aye, or nay? By the by...." In a lower tone, she reports quietly, "Lysseth says that Sioneth tells her that he is unharmed, and Jayna is in a Healer's care. Her arm is what was hit." Turning back to the Smiths, she asks, "You're certain the meadows are clear? I'truth... we *should* be getting back. There are injured back at the Weyr. But 'twould nay be wishing to offend your hospitality." Chandor says "We saw one of your riders got caught by thread, and the offer for refreshments stays even for another day, if your weyr duties call you back so soon," R'val smiles, wiping ash from his face, "A kind offer, sir." He murmurs. Telgar Weyr> Kassima is asked to let y'all know that Shena's just ICly afraid of dragons... it's nothing OOCly personal. :) Neliea greatfully smiles at Ambryl and the cloths as she shakes her head slowly with a apolgetic smile. Any other day and post 'Fall she might stay, but since this is different.. Telgar Weyr> Neliea grins and nods. Telgar Weyr> Aurian grins, "We figured that Ambryl nods understandingly, "Of course, another day." Chandor says "And relate our best wishes for recovery to the injured" Kassima smiles with honest relief, sketching a quick bow to the apprentice. "Thankee... methinks 'twould be best. A rider will stay behind t'take the report when it comes. Our thanks t'you both for the offer, and for your efforts at covering the ground." Chandor says "These efforts are ever light and easy with Telgar gurading the sky." Telgar Weyr> A'ser can can-can. Can you can-can? Telgar Weyr> Kassima can't can-can, but she can cha cha cha. Telgar Weyr> Jayna snugs A'ser as the healer mangles her threadscored arm. Telgar Weyr> Nimiriel can can-can! Her aunt can can-can, too! ;) Telgar Weyr> Aurian smoooches an A'ser and dumps some wet sponges down his britches Kassima turns to gesture for her tired Wing to marshal into formation behind her, and nods gravely to the apprentice. "Your words do us honor. Would you please give regards t'Master Allory?" Chandor nods "We'll give your regards to the MasterSmith." Telgar Weyr> A'ser exclaims, "Healer?! Mangling?! Alvar! /Run/." Telgar Weyr> R'val baps A'ser. Telgar Weyr> Jayna laffs. Kassima smiles again, reaching for her dragon's straps. "Thankee for that. Duties t'your Craft and her Masters, and my pardons for such an early departure. I've a wish t'check on the injured." With that and a snapped salute, she climbs aboard her dragon, who rouses herself from her rest to prepare once more for flight. Telgar Weyr> A'ser sulks, in that case. And blames Kassie for A'lex's absense! Aurian pulls herself up onto Kvasith, carefully. Her fingers grip at the straps as she eases herself onto his back. Neliea easily climbs up Xylath's back with the help of a forearm as she takes hold of the straps, settling down between his neckridges. Telgar Weyr> Maylia unidles, and can mambo? You place one hand on Lysseth's neck and she warbles down at you fondly. You grin and scratch her eyeridges once before climbing up onto her lower neckridges, using the riding straps and Lysseth's thoughtfully offered foreleg. Telgar Weyr> A'ser demands that R'val follow the ongoing weur-wide status trend. Telgar Weyr> Kassima heys! It's not my fault, and leave off the E. It makes me sound like a cheerleader. :P ;) <*> Chandor says "Clear skies to you and your wing" Telgar Weyr> Aurian says, "Oh that's nice A'ser" Telgar Weyr> A'ser giggles and twirls his hair around a finger at Kassee. Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Don't *make* me turn you into greenrider marengo." <*> Lysseth spreads her wings to their full extent, bringing them down with a rush of wind as she leaps nimbly into the air. You gain altitude, winging your way up above the massive buildings of the Smith Hall complex to the quieter skies above it. Telgar Weyr> R'val hehs. Me? Follow the rest of Telgar? nah. ;) <*> Xylath flies up near you from the area just outside the Smith Hall complex. <*> Kvasith flies up near you from the area just outside the Smith Hall complex. <*> Lysseth takes a deep breath and bugles a final farewell to the Hall and its denizens, winging as swiftly as she can towards a sufficient height from which to return to the Weyr. <*> Lysseth disappears into Between. Between You gasp as the icy black nothingness of Between surrounds you! You hear nothing, see nothing, and feel nothing. The trip takes five heartbeats... Black... Blacker... Blackest! You suddenly emerge... <*> Lysseth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! <*> From the North, From the Telgar Star Stones, Kl'loh's brick-brown Yoxath rears on hind legs and bugles a greeting to green Lysseth and her rider, Kassima, welcoming them home. <*> Xylath emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! <*> From the North, From the Telgar Star Stones, Kl'loh's brick-brown Yoxath rears on hind legs and bugles a greeting to blue Xylath and his rider, Neliea, welcoming them home. Telgar Weyr> A'ser sulks. "Kassi's a bully. I'm telling." <*> Kvasith emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! <*> From the North, From the Telgar Star Stones, Kl'loh's brick-brown Yoxath rears on hind legs and bugles a greeting to brown Kvasith and his rider, Aurian, welcoming them home. You fly downwards towards the southern end of the bowl. <*> From the Telgar Star Stones, Kl'loh's brick-brown Yoxath rears on hind legs and bugles a greeting to blue Vidarth and his rider, R'val, welcoming them home. You fly downwards towards the ground. You backwing for a landing on sands of the bowl. You slide off of Lysseth's neck to land beside her easily. She rumbles, cocking her head down at you, and you rub her eyeridges gratefully. Above, Xylath wings over the spiky cliffs to the south towards the springs. Kvasith backwings for a landing. Aurian slides off Kvasith after unfastening her riding straps. She lands neatly on her feet this time. Telgar Weyr> Neliea has to idle for a min. Vidarth backwings for a landing. R'val slides down from Vidarth's back and lands in a crouch. Lysseth> I bespoke Sioneth with << My rider wonders whether or not now would be a good time for her to check in on you and yours? >> Dragon> Sioneth bespoke Lysseth with << Your rider should see if my rider is alright. >> His mental voice is more relaxed. << The healer has numbed my rider's arm. We will fight again, the healer says, but not for some time. >> The latter statement is infused with frustration. << But soon? >> Kassima strips off helmet and gloves, brushing ash away from her face. "Nay mortalities," she says after a moment, with a sort of grim satisfaction. "Always a good thing, in a Fall. Lysseth's checking t'see whether or nay Jayna's in any state for visitors... ah, methinks she is. If'n you'll excuse me?" Dropping the goggles, gloves, and helmet beside her dragon, the woman strides purposefully towards the Infirmary. Aurian leans her head against Kvasith, she then turns to follow Kassima. Lysseth> Sioneth senses that Lysseth pauses a moment, then reports, << She comes. She is *concern*, but says to let you know that you and your rider both fought bravely. You will fly with us again--but not until your rider is ready. >> You go beneath the rocky overhang that protects the Infirmary entrance. Aurian moves into the Infirmary from the bowl. R'val moves into the Infirmary from the bowl. Aurian pushes the tapestry aside and walks into the inner infirmary. Kassima pauses briefly to nod to Sioneth before following Aurian's suit. You push the tapestry aside and walk into the inner infirmary. Aurian walks in pushing her goggles back, "How is she?" R'val emerges from behind the tapestry leading to the outer infirmary. Nodding grimly, not looking at her injured arm, Jayna cooperates with Ayanne. As her fellow riders enter, she looks up from the cot they've stretched her out in. Tears have made her face blotchy, and her jaw's still clenched. "Heya," she says weakly, left arm outstretched. R'val hurries in after the others, looking worried. Kassima clears her throat lightly to announce her presence--as though the increased smell of firestone ash weren't enough to do so--as she pushes aside the curtain to duck into the room. "Duties to your Hall, Healer," she greets quietly. "Forgive the intrusion, but I've a wish t'see how m'Wingrider fares... and t'receive, if'n possible, a report on her condition." She turns her head to flick a brief, weary smile Jayna's way, concern lurking deep in her eyes. Ayanne looks up from her work, as riders enter. Jayna's scored arm has been treated, and lightly bandaged, and she is being helped off a cot soaked with water. "She'll be fine," the senior apprentice confirms, while a junior assists her in sliding her patient onto a stretcher. More formally, Ayanne remembers her manners. "Wingleader, rider Jayna has been badly scored across her arm, and shoulder, and must remain grounded for six sevendays, at least." Aurian smiles at Jayna, "Sioneth is waiting for you." Jayna blinks, and leans on the junior healer's supporting arm. "Oh, Kassima," she says, anguished. "Sioneth's alright... I can't believe... We went for the patch on the right. I didn't even see the one over our left flank," she tries to explain, words rushing out. R'val shakes his head, "Everyone makes mistakes, Jayna. Dont' be too hard on yourself." Still avoiding looking at her bandaged arm, Jayna flexes her left hand experimentally. "I ..." She sighs. "As long as Sioneth's not injured, I suppose," she agrees reluctantly with R'val. "Which he's not!" she adds hastily. R'val smiles at Jayna, "See? Not so bad as all that. How's your injury?" Kassima lets out a breath she probably didn't even realize that she was holding, and nods. "Glad I am t'be hearing 'twasn't worse. My thanks t'you, Healer. The arm will recover completely in time?" The questions are formal, almost impassive, but her response to Jayna is nowhere near so much so. "Jayna, don't be fretting unless you want me t'have t'be cracking out the bronzerider jokes t'try and help you calm down! Sioneth told Lyss of what happened. 'Twas a mistake, and one you'll do your best to avoid in the future, but you'll fight again... in six sevendays. That's what's of import." Ayanne's head shakes from side to side, abruptly. "You're not to worry about that, brownrider," she states, firmly though not sharply. Back to Kassima, she nods affirmation of one thing that Jayna said. "The dragonhealers tell me that Sioneth's not even so much as pinpricked. Now, Jayna, you're not to move your arm more than necessary for the first few sevendays, and you'll be resting down here for a while yet." BAck to the wingleader. "Aye, she'll be good as new, with a fancy scar for decoration." This is stated matter of factly, not meant to be joking at all. R'val winks, as Ayanne talks, "And don't let anyone tell you that the infirmary's a bad place. Heck, I spent Turns in Benden's infirmary..." Jayna nods, grimly, letting her hand relax. "I'm sorry, Kassi," she says, face relaxing as the healer confirms -again- that she'll be back in the air in a few short ...well, not-so-short, sevendays. She manages a smile at R'val's comment. "I've been in here often enough, with the dragonhealers, but never from this angle," she confesses. Aurian squeezes Jayna's good arm, "Its not so bad." She grins at her friend. Kassima advises drolly, "Just avoid Ushu as much as possible. If'n you like, I'll bring you an Emasculator t'fend him off with. You're t'get your rest tonight, you hear me? And on the morrow, 'twill ask you more about the specifics of what happened. It can certes wait that long." Her attention shifts back to Ayanne. "It could easily have been worse, then... that's excellent news. The Wing would be much poorer without her and Sioneth fighting in it." R'val smiles at Jayna, "It's..harder from this angle, I admit, but you can do it." Ayanne turns her attention back to her patient, concern plainly written across her features. "The Healers here will look after you, and within a couple of sevendays have you doing excercises to limber up your muscles. The bandages are only untill the score closes over a little, and there's no sign of infection." She straightens again, her attention bouncing back to Kassima, and the other riders, though she looks a bit confused at the comments about a Healer Ushu. "She's not pregnant, is she? Aye, could've been worse, there's naught to be worried about. Just keep her in good spirits, with visitors." Jayna flushes at Kassima's words. She'd be more accepting of the praise were she not in her current position, no doubt, and she doesn't meet her wingleader's eyes. Instead, she smiles at Aurian, blotched, puffy face and all. "I'll have to wear long sleeves from now on, I guess," she says, then chokes. "Pregnant? Uh...no," she confesses. Aurian shhhs her friend, "Jayna it could have been worse. I think long sleeves are a small price to pay." She taps her friend's nose. Lysseth> Yasinth backwings for a landing. Lysseth> Kvasith rumbles wearily and warmly towards Yasinth. Lysseth> A'ser bounces down, wiping his face on the back of one gloved hand. Yasinth says there's a commotion in the infirmary. . . and yet, there is a commotion in his stomach....food first! Lysseth> A'ser walks beneath the lintel and disappears into the living cavern. Lysseth> Yasinth preens beautifically and pretends not to notice the attention. Ayanne grins wryly, realizing that the question should've been better directed. "Then perhaps Ushu'll leave you alone. And no, the scar'll be long, but there's no shame in it." She nods around the room to various riders. "Right? It'll heal smooth as possible, and turn a little whitish. Just let us Healers do our jobs and it'll not get infected and turn ugly." Kassima snorts at that. "Nay that I'm aware! But Ushu doesn't always restrict his maniacal quests for research data t'pregnant women. More's the absolute pity." Crouching down beside Jayna's stretcher, she informs the brownrider in a serious tone, "Jayna, just remember this. Even our Weyrwoman has a scar that's nigh the match of yours. P'tran himself has Thread-marks down his arm. It happens to the best of riders, and 'twill probably happen again. The only thing I'm concerned about is that you recover well and that we try and find out whether the 'scoring could've been prevented at all. All right?" Aurian nods. Jayna chuckles weakly at Aurian. "You're right, you're right. I'm just sorry I disgraced the wing," she mutters. "It won't happen again, they're right, I swear," she says somberly. She glances at Kassima. "I..of course," she says, agreeing. "And as long as the scars aren't on Sioneth, truly, it's alright," she says sincerely. Lysseth> Kvasith croons and inches closer to Yasinth. He nudges her with his nose. Kassima snorts emphatically. "Jayna, if'n being Threadscored were disgracing one's Wing, almost all of us would be carrying quite the burden of shame by now. The only disgrace would be if'n it had happened because 'twere being foolish or stupid, which you weren't." Jayna leans back, nodding. "Sioneth was fighting well," she says proudly. "Did you see that one flame? Must've gone nearly a dragonlength," she exaggerates unabashedly. R'val grins, "Sioneth did himself, and you, proud.' Lysseth> Yasinth warbles like a little bird and blinks slowly, lifting one forefoot and coyly sliding away. Kassima's snort this time is amused, and she slowly gets to her feet. "I don't know if'n any dragon's flame could go *that* far, but if'n any's could, 'twould be Sioneth's. And Lysseth's," loyalty bids her to add. Aurian chuckles softly, knowing full well that its an instant relaxer talking about dragons. Lysseth> Kvasith wuffles and sidles closer. Old dragonet games. But more than fun. Jayna grins slightly, happily. "How did the rest of the Fall go?" she asks quietly. "Did we get it all? Other injuries?" she adds, with professional interest. Lysseth> Yasinth minces her way over to Vidarth's side, tail curling and uncurling slowly. Lysseth> Kvasith grumps and lays back down on the ground. He is still covered in ash. Kassima reports, "'Twere a few; wingtips, at least one flank-scoring... you were Thunderbolt's main casualty, though. And there were nay mortalities this time. C'row will bring back the report from the ground-crews as soon as 'tis ready; 'twere yet checking out the outlying areas when we left." Jayna nods, relaxing. "Well, that's a relief, then," she notes. "We fought so well. I'm sure there was hardly anything for the groundcrews to even bother with," she says, with nothing like modesty. She's slightly wing-proud. Lysseth> Yasinth isn't ashy. Oh my, no. She's very shiney, shimmering from a new oiling. She fought no thread today, and as she makes her sanguine rounds about the other dragons, she's very happy that she's responsible enough to at least keep her hide clean. Lysseth> Vidarth whirls his eyes handsomely at Yasinth. Lysseth> Lysseth, who is decidedly ash-covered and rather exhausted-looking to boot, gives a vaguely disgusted snort as she settles in for some hard-earned rest. Faranth help the dragon who finds cleanliness more virtuous than success in battle. Telgar Weyr> A'ser wants to see you do what your dragon just did, R'val. Telgar Weyr> R'val whirls his eyes at A'ser. "There. BAHAHAHAHA!" Telgar Weyr> A'ser ouches and gets hit in the head with an eye. "Stop that! You'll put someone's eye out." Kassima has to laugh, grinning wryly at Jayna despite the fact that this probably isn't good for the faint ash-burn that reddens both of her cheekbones. "So certain, are we? Well, I hope you're right. Too many strands got past the Wing for m'liking, and 'twill be luck if'n the queens and the ground-crew caught 'em all. Now... should we leave you t'rest, or would you rather stay with company?" Lysseth> Kvasith rubs his head against the ground. He yawns. Jayna sighs, reluctantly. "I suppose I'd better try to get some sleep," she confesses. She looks worn on the edges... something a healer's kind ministrations'll do to one, particularly on top of the injury that mede them necessary. "But thank you all. And I'll mend straps, and run errands, and do whatever they'll let me until I can fly Fall again, Kassi, truly," she adds, her sincerity apparent. Lysseth> Yasinth turns her head a bit, settling down like a Pernese sphinx as she takes part in a discussion from far away. Telgar Weyr> R'val grabs one of A'ser's eyes, "So there." R'val smiles, "Take care, Jayna. We'll visit, I'm sure!" R'val pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. Kassima lifts one finger in admonishment. "Nay until they say you're sharding good and ready to, Jayna. Stress that injury past its limits, and it may *nay* heal well--and that would bring the disgrace you fear. Take care of yourself, brownrider... and heal well. We'll be looking forward to the day when you can fly with us again." Aurian squeezes Jayna's good shoulder again, "Sleep and dream of battle another day." She grins. Jayna nods at Kassima and Aurain, gratefully. "Just keep an eye on Sioneth, alright?" she mutters sleepily. Ayanne heads back into the infirmary, the journeyman on duty in tow. Kassima chuckles and assures Jayna, "Lyss will be listening for any word of trouble from him, fear nay. Rest. 'Twill meet with you again on the morrow." She turns to head out, holding open the curtain for any others who might be departing too. Aurian pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. Ayanne pushes the tapestry aside and enters the outer infirmary. You push the tapestry aside and enter the outer infirmary.