High Mountain Weyr's Call for Aid (Dragon Hatching!)

About the Illness:

*starts with an increasing difficulty breathing, first almost an unnoticeable easy-windedness that turns to breathlessness from just climbing up ten steps.

*Coughing starts at this point

*fever soon followed.

*victims bedridden, requiring a liquid diet as anything thicker would stick in their throad and just about suffocate them.

*Tingling in the limbs

*the final phase is they would fall asleep, and simply stop breathing. While many thought the dead passed peacefully some would shudder, gasping before they died.


Recovery:
* violent coughing fits that would make them unable to draw breath for several moments, even minutes aside from small gasps

*some would cough up blood

*one died while in recovery from a lung infection, thought caused by the damage done to their lungs


The Medicine:
An herbal mixture that when drunk as a tea would help with the fever and ease their breathing. While it didn't always work, none survived without it.

Most of the plants come from mountainous regions such as snowstars, mare's tails, silver scales, and dragonsbreath as High Mountain healers know them, dried and crushed into a tea-like medicine to be drank as hot as the sufferer can stand. But this is the same remedy used for almost all lung ailments, not something specific for whatever had claimed so many.

A specific cure for that... they didn't know.


The Deceased:
Due to the lack of graveyard territory and the abundance of deceased, those who died of the disease were cremated as per High Mountain tradition.

There would be one thing noted on all of a dozen victims, all whom perished quickly from the illness: they would all have shown a rash somewhere, usually on a single limb.

RUNE

Patience and Perseverance will Change the World Gold Mottle Male, Szeth

Mindspeech: Bold #b5baff

Sometimes you get lucky. A problem arises and there's a quick fix for it. Something that wraps everything up all nicely with a bow on top and you can move on with the rest of your day whistling a merry tune.

Then there's those things. Those issues that can't be so easily remedied. Poverty, hunger, violence and crime just to name a few. Teragaia isn't immune to these things, they just tend to take a backseat to the greater troubles of Wild Dragons, warbands, and of course the IF. But they're there, and trying to deal with them can strain the heart of any good person. It can be tempting to give up, just help the best you can and leave the rest for someone else to take care of. You've done your part, and that's enough.

But Szeth doesn't believe that, not for an instant. Yes, things can get tough, but that's just when you get tougher, push through, endure, and take the steps required to turn tomorrow for the better. If you give up then you're guaranteed a bad outcome. If you try there's at least a glimmer of home. You make the future the one you want. You can understand that, can't you Rune? You know what it's like to fight for something larger than yourself, to strive when others give up and be willing to take as long as you must to see your goals realized.

Yes, Szeth has a stubborn streak a gold dragon-length wide and several miles long, but it's the best kind of stubborn streak. He considers doing whatever it takes to improve the future something of a personal calling and takes pride in that calling, one he's quite passionate about. The harder the work the more he loves it, because he believes the greater the satisfaction in the end. He definitely has the mentality for a Weyr Gold, to stand among the leadership of Haven: others before himself, make sure everyone has what they need before he worries about what he needs. And like all Golds regardless of the purity of their bloodlines he carries himself with a graceful dignity (even when going into the trenches) that inspires those around him to follow his lead.

Yes, come hell or high water or even the IF, Szeth will leave this world a far better place than he found coming into it.

Szeth certainly makes an entrance when he comes into the Weyr. Stretching a grand forty-six feet nose to tail, shining gold scales drape his shoulders like mantle and his neck and head like a cowl. Everywhere else his hide runs smooth and unblemished by other coloration, a newly-minted coin. He bears the sweeping brow-crest of Wild Golds as well as their neck frill, though most impressive of all is the shoulders to tailtip frilled wings he inherited from them that turns his flight in the air into a beautiful dance of rippling motion. Due to their shape when he is relaxing but awake he tends to fold them upwards, almost like a butterfly rather than folding them flat along his back, though he folds them down to sleep.

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RETSOM

I Willingly Take the Burden so Others Don't Have To Green Mottle Female, Seriadneth

Mindspeech: Color #810c0c

Seriadneth is a dragon of two sides. Ninety percent of the time, she is a personable, friendly green dragon. She can seem even quite peaceful, engaging in conversation and basking in the sun.

But that other ten percent of the time... that is when everything has hit the proverbial fan and choices become hard.

The hard choices aren't to fight or not. Anyone with someone or something to protect can fight for them. Even the choice to kill isn't always that hard. When an enemy is running at you with weapons bared and intending to take your life, kill or be killed quickly becomes the only two options and very few people will lay down and perish. No, it's the other choices, the ones that those who remain steadfastly in the Light refuse to touch, no matter how beneficial the results. Interrogation, spying, assassination, and many others are considered that step too far.

That's alright. Seriadneth will take that step. She understands that for Light to exist, so to must Darkness, and sometimes those who would drape themselves in white must get a little gray to spare others this burden. That is her chosen role in the world and in this role her determination is unwavering. When she dons her mantle she performs her work quickly and efficiently, attentive to details and quite orderly so that she can be done and return to her peaceful life. Just because she is willing to wade into the shadows doesn't necessarily mean she wants to reside there. It's just what must be done.

Coming close to thirty feet long give or take a foot, Seriadneth has all the agility and speed her rank is known for, able to shoot across the sky like a viridian arrow and twist like a cyclone. A crest of leathery membrane supported by bony spines runs from the top of her head to just between her shoulder blades and wings, and her throat and underside are covered by light green, round scales about a foot in diameter. This sets a nice contrast to the emerald hide that covers everything else. She also has a claw at the top joint of her wings as well as a spine at the tip of each finger of her wings; these are a much darker shade of green to the point that they're almost black. Rather than fire when Seriadneth needs to she breathes out a corrosive chlorine gas that spreads for quite a distance before it can be dissipated.



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IXEH

Life is Pure Joy White Mottle Male, Akaronyth

Mindspeech: Italics #7ffd00

It's never a dull moment when Akaronyth is around!

In the past white dragons rarely survived hatching to breath in the fresh air of life. Granted since the first Riders came to Teragaia the smallest of the dragons have had an increase in survival but that there's usually one at every hatching – and thus the wonder of their hatching has somewhat worn off - doesn't stop him from celebrating anything and everything. To call Akaronyth a bundle of joy is an understatement: he radiates cheer from every inch of his entire being. Loving to play and make friends (and dedicatedly loyal to said friends once made, which is a relatively easy process as he's yet to meet a stranger), he'll keep those around him on the same jubilant high he's on. He's a quick little dragon, too, sometimes seeming to be here, there, and everywhere at once especially when he really gets hyper. But no matter what the level of his cheer, he's always sincere with his joy. All he wants to do is bring color to the lives of everyone around him.

Like all whites, whether they are purebloods or mottles, Akaronyth is a small dragon at around twenty feet long and a bit taller than that at the shoulder. A bony white crest rises from the middle of his forehead and sweeps back, a frill descending down to connect to his neck much like his Wild Ancestors. His build might be called 'stocky' with overall a blunter neck-to-body ratio than other ranks though this appearance belies his agility and sheer ability to move. Prominent scales trace his spine and grow lifted up almost into plates along his tail, though the rest of him is covered in snowy hide. Perhaps some of his temperament can be explained when one takes note of the pastel green sheen over his wing membranes as well as the freckle-like spots of copper and brass that dance around his eyes. There is also one more thing unique about Akaronyth that's quite impossible not to notice: he carries a mutation in the form of a thick white mane with faintly prismatic tips spilling in a plush, thick line down his neck and increasing in length when it reaches his shoulders to drape down either side. He quite thinks it's fun to watch it flutter when he breathes out his cone of frost (which as an aside he can sometimes use when the weather is just right to make it snow!).

Mutation: (hatching) White/Prismatic Mane

Nec had spotted the notice in the Shamrock, the word 'hatching' instantly catching his attention. So that's how he found himself in the park among many others, listening to Sandasa and the siblings.

He hadn't been aware of the other Weyr but it made sense, Haven couldn't be the only one.

There was no doubt he'd try, obviously, so he joined the line that formed. He spotted a few familiar faces, but only one that he knew by name so far, Gertudr. The others he'd just seen around the Weyr and Village.

After signing up so to speak, his first task was to find Keldos, remembering his offer of transport to any hatching some time before. Not that he was short on time, all he really needed to do was talk to his archangel friend, throw a few things in a backpack, and then he'd be ready. Sealgair would be coming and he didn't have anyone or anything else that needed tending, so it was simple enough to leave on short notice.

Keldos had readily agreed when Nec had tracked him down, offering both changeling and hellhound the ride. After that... well, he didn't have much else to do, so he spent his time asking questions, especially about the disease they'd had as well as anything pertaining to the Hatching itself and any rules connected to it. One of the brothers were helpful with most of his questions, but directed him to the sister when he asked about the disease but the times he'd seen she looked very busy and he'd let it be. Nec had never been very susceptible to human diseases anyway, even if this was still a whole new world.

Nec would encounter Mica when he asked his questions, and at the very least the brother would be able to give the general notes about the disease, how it seemed to slowly impair the breathing of its victims until they simply fell asleep and suffocated. Those that survived were incredibly weak for a long time afterwards, taking weeks to fully recover their strength. The Changeling would also be able to overhear Erika speaking with Jeremi about the illness, giving more information.

The second evening, after a day hanging out at the Shamrock and the Library, he decided to pack. Which took about five minutes. The dagger was on his back, as always. He threw in some snacks, almost trail mix in cookie form along with some quartz, a change of clothes and a jacket went in, and on top a spare Sgian Dubh. That was all there was. Actual preparations had taken just a few hours, including questions, but Nec hadn't felt rushed and taken his time.

The day after tomorrow was departure day, so Nec had a whole day with nothing planned. Maybe he'd check if Keldos was up for a spar or find Kemori for a chat. For once he wasn't in the mood for a prank but the kitsune was fun just hanging out with too.

Soon enough, though, it was time for departure, and all he could do was cross his fingers!

Cain stood at the back of the park, leaning against the tree as the siblings spoke. The description of what happened worried him a little. He wondered if the outbreak Haven had been suffering under had spread to another weyr and amped itself up. Granted, the only one he could ask was Susan about that. He didn't quite know the mechanics behind how Malady would spread things like this, but it couldn't hurt to ask.



Once the meeting broke up, Cain would slip away quietly, making his way towards the morgue. While he didn't quite know where Susan was at the moment, he figured the bets were pretty good she was where the bodies lay. And even if she wasn't, he could at least hang out at her desk till she showed up.



Fortunately for Cain, Susan was easy to find. She didn’t even have to leave to find the dead; they were hand-delivered to her for her examination. She was polishing her slabs when he arrived, an interlude of cleanliness between the periodic bouts of decay and viscera. The medical examiner smiled when Cain walked in, although there was a tenseness to it.



They were in a morgue, after all. Nobody ever really walked into a morgue without serious business to discuss.



“Cain! It’s lovely to see you, though I imagine whatever you’re about to say will have me saying I wish the circumstances were better.”



“Quite possibly. I was at a meeting today. Apparently another weyr needs our help.” Seeing the supplies out for cleaning, he picked up a rag and moved to help her. He could talk and work at the same time and in a way, it was an apology for basically bringing her some fairly awful news.



“A plague broke out there recently and has severely limited their candidate pool. Which wouldn’t have been so bad if it didn’t naturally line up almost perfectly with a hatching.” He would pause for a second wondering how to bring this up without having Susan possibly shoo him out and ban him from the place for like a week. “Ya think this outbreak could be related to Malady or just a fine and dandy coincidence?”


Susan appreciated the help, really. She had her morgue clean enough to satisfy most standards but there was never any such thing as too clean in HER morgue. Her slab-wiping slowed as Cain spoke, however.



“Malady-Death has very little actual control over where and how the outbreaks occur,” Susan admitted after a pause. “That it took out their Candidate pool, that’s not the very young and the elderly, that’s the strongest, healthiest demographic of their population, and that’s weyrfolk, hardier than most. Unusual behavior for a plague. It...might absolutely be connected. Perhaps I should come with you. Judge for myself. If it is connected, it might shed some light on the oncoming storm, at least the timeline thereof. If it isn’t connected, I’ll be able to tell you.”



“Aye. Ya are right there. It did also attack the young and the old, but as ya mentioned, it hits the middle too.” To be honest, it reminded him a bit of the Black Death from his own world. Though that had mainly been from the stupidity of those around him and the sanitation habits that had caused it to wreck such havoc on all it came into contact with.



Maybe if the idiots hadn’t thought to kill the cats…



“The more the merrier they said. The only thing is, ya will have to be on the sands. They don’t want watchers, they want candidates. Rather ya actually impress or not isn’t their main concern. So much as if ya and your dragon are there then the dragon won’t die…” Cain trailed off, giving a slight shrug. He wasn’t even sure given the mechanics if Susan could bond to a dragon, but stranger things have happened and he wasn’t gonna fault them for sticking everyone they could find on the sands. Applicable candidate or not.



“Other than that, I see no issues in ya tagging along. Ya are even more than welcome to room with me and Taki.” Cain was about ninety percent positive his fuzzy roommate would be tagging along too. It was a chance for adventure and when has she ever missed an opportunity for that? “That is, if ya don’t want a room by yourself.”



Susan smiled again. “I don’t believe a dragon will choose me, but I have no objection to making the attempt. So long as you and Taki don’t mind also rooming with Ahlmalaya. I’m afraid the Horse rides with the Horseman any and everywhere.”



Her morgue slabs were spotless. Perhaps it was time to pack.



"I know I don’t mind and I don't think Taki would either." With that, he would notice that their work was done and it was time to go to the next item on his to do list.



It was gonna be a long day.





What felt like hours later, Cain would entered their shared rooms, bone weary. First there was the meeting in the park. Then there was that talk with Susan. And then tracking down one of the siblings to let him know he was gamed for a chance at impressing. It had taken him a bit, but he had ended finding Mica. That had been a nice conversation and Cain had enjoyed sharing a few jokes between them.



But despite that, he was really tired from the days events. He probably just needed to sleep. It didn't happen often, but every now and then, he would get tired and actually fall asleep.



Flopping onto the bed of blankets and pillows, he looked about to see if Taki was in somewhere...Or if he just accidentally flopped on her. It wasn't the first time it had happened. The feline fae blended in well among the blanket and pillow stack.



At the very least finding Taki had been simpler than it might have been with the Myrgwae's wandering tendencies.



Flop!



"Mrrreeep!" Like all Myrgwae, Taki didn't really vocalize, at least into the typically-audible spectrum, but when she did they tended to be adorable and cat-like sounds. Case in point, her landed-on meep. With a giggle Taki popped her head up from under the blankets.



*Hehe, hi, Cain! Maya and I are playing hide and seek!* That might explain both why Taki was in Cain's bed and why the Sphinx had been sniffing around outside the Weyr when Cain had returned.



Clearly she wasn't going to find Taki anytime soon.



*Oh, you don't look so good. Do you need a nap?*



"I think Maya's is a few degrees off from finding you anytime soon Taki." At the sound of the meep, Cain had shifted so Taki had room to get up if she wanted too. Rolling onto his back he stretched and the just let his bones flop down, careful not to hit Taki in the process.



"A nap would be lovely Taki...Did you make it to the park today for that meeting?"



Taki giggled, quite pleased with her hiding place's success, then say up and have Cain room to flop.



*No, but I asked Maya and she said she thought that's where you were, so I thought I could just ask you what it was about when you got back. Or she could've flown me there I suppose, since I'm small and she's got wings but we might've missed each other and I wouldn't want you to worry.* She smiled. *Is it true another Weyr somewhere wanted to talk to everyone?*



"Aye. Its true. High Mountain Weyr they are called." Cain brought the meeting up to his mind so he could double check the information would be accurate. "They are searching for candidates for a hatching. Most of the people there...They died sweetheart. A plague swept through and it didn't leave behind many survivors. Couldn't have happened at a worst time either. Right before a hatching. They suspect a lot of the eggs will be purebloods and well..."



Cain inclined his head slightly to where Dorth and Nynjbeth usually rested. "Purebloods don't do as well as mottles when it comes to sticking it out for their match. They are hoping the other weyrs will help and send candidates their way. We would owe no legion to High Mountain if we did impress so really, there isn't any harm in trying." Moving his hands, he laid them under his head as he looked up at the ceiling.



"I signed up to go."



Taki listened intently to her roommate's words, and her impressed croon at finally hearing the name of the other Weyr quickly gave way to an *awww!* Of sympathy when she was told what happened.



*That is so sad! And the poor dragon babies! You are absolutely right - we have to help!* Taki aimed a proud smile Cain's way. *I'm sure that you'll be able to help one of them! Oooh! Does that mean there'll be a little adorable baby dragon around?* 'Little' might have been a bit of an interesting word choice from her given that a newly-hatched dragon were generally larger than Taki herself was, not that she knew that. And in her mind that a dragon would find Cain agreeable was a foregone conclusion. He was her best friend; why wouldn't someone else want to be his friend too?



"If I impress, then yes. There will an adorable baby dragon around...A dragon that can probably actually fit in here for a little bit." Cain pretended to be horrified at the thought of being squashed under a baby dragon as it tried to sleep gnaw his arm off. He couldn't pull it off for long though as he chuckled.



"But yes. We are leaving in about three days' time. Ya are welcome to sign up as well if ya would like Taki. It would be nice to have ya there too." Reaching out, he would give her hat a gentle tug. "Ya can also stay here too. Choice is entirely yours."



Taki beamed at the agreement of a baby dragon being around, especially indoors and probably already thinking of all the games she'd teach it to play, then giggled at his mock-horror expression. Hard to get something like that past an Empath without them knowing you were playing.



Then Cain extended the invitation to her, and her have a small delighted squeal and bounced a couple times on the bed.



*I'd love to go too! It'll be so fun seeing a new Weyr and getting to watch a Hatching and all the baby dragons! Oh.* A thought sobered her a bit as she paused to adjust her hat. *Will we have to go Between to get there? Last time I did that it wasn't very fun.* Granted that had also been her first time between and neither of them nor Dorth had known it would suppress her Empathy.



Cain would frown at that and sitting up some, pulled Taki into a hug. "Yes...Probably. Or I can see about us going a little bit sooner? We won't have as much time to prep for the journey, but I don't think they would mind in the end. Every candidate counts after all. And even if they don't let us go early, we will be prepared this time. We know what Between does to ya and we can try to combat it...Somehow. Even if my ribs will be bruised for months from how tightly ya clutch them."



Taki instantly relaxed into the hug, her trust in her friend negating any fears about the cold, black void.



*You're right - we can work around it somehow. But I don't think I'm strong enough to bruise you!* She giggled, nuzzling against his ribs playfully much like the feline she resembled. Then she seemed to think of something and looked at Cain with quirked ears.



*Can you actually bruise?* Yep, sometimes she latched onto the most curious things.



Cain laughed as her nuzzle lightly tickled his ribs before giving some serious thought to her question. "Ya probably could bruise me if ya tried hard enough. As for actually bruising me...I can feel the pain from it, but no. I can't bruise anymore. I lack the blood vessels for it now." He held up a bony arm to show his point. "Nothing but calcium and a few other things."



Glancing at the small clock, he tapped Taki on the nose. "It isn't too late if ya want to see about signing up now. Or we can wait till the morning?"



Taki smiled when she heard Cain laugh, always enjoying the sound,then listened with equal parts curiosity and wanting to know so she didn't accidentally hurt him somehow. The nose tap made it wiggle, then she grinned, playfully pushing on him like she was going to put the skeleton to bed.



*Definitely tomorrow! you look dead tired and so you should sleep.* She laughed at her own admittedly bad pun, but she simply couldn't help it.



He laid back down without much of a fight, pulling up the blankets to snuggle under them. Once he was comfortable there, he gave a light hearted chuckle. "Ya just better be ready to wake the dead come morning though!" Taki wasn't the only one who could make jokes. Lifting up a corner of the blanket, he would give Taki the chance to cuddle with him if she would like. After all, for all he knew, she was still technically playing hide and seek with Maya and he wasn't gonna to deny her her well thought out hiding place.



Taki giggled at the return joke, then dove under the covers and wiggled around to cuddle up to Cain quite happily. she was never one to deny cuddles.



And if later they both awoke to find Maya had found Taki after all and 'tagged' her by flopping across the bed as well, oh well. At least it was warm!



Cain woke up that morning, not only under a pile of blankets but under a pile of fur and bone and muscle called Maya. "Come on Maya...Get up...Maya!!" The sphinx just flopped harder onto the skeleton and Cain let out an oofph. By the time he had managed to get the sphinx off him, he was well and truly awake and it was mid morning. On the upside, Sandasa would have had all her coffee by now and if they couldn't find any of the siblings, they could at least talk to her.



Moving to the kitchen, he started to make Taki some breakfast and by make, he basically pulled out the items and laid them on the counter. Having no tastebuds, he usually let her make her own food as he wouldn't know too spicy from bitter. "Rise and shine sunshine! Got a busy day ahead of us and Maya has to find a hiding place now."



Taki merely giggled as Cain struggled to get Maya off of him, having briefly woken up herself when the Sphinx had clambered on top of her and chirped a happy 'found you!' before promptly falling asleep. Of course there had been little for her to do as well but return to slumber, and thus why there was this rather humorous waking up scene now.



Finally they were able to get up, Taki giving herself a quick pat down and a fur brushing before finding the breakfast items Cain had kindly laid out for her (he knew her preferences by heart by now, as it were. Sometimes literally by heart as the Firelizard had been known to try and help once as a kind gesture.), and the Myrgwae, with an agreeing nod and a happy smile, made a quick breakfast for herself. Granted, she didn't exactly eat a ton, so it was a simple few minutes for her to make and eat, grab her satchel,and be ready to go!



Once Taki was all ready to go, Cain started them off on their small adventure for the day. It wasn't hard to find all three of the siblings in one go this time. Apparently it was also breakfast time for them as well and so the signing up was a little longer than Cain's own. That and he well knew Taki's habit with new people. He found it endearing as his friend chatted with the three. In fact, the skeleton swore he could see the excitement rolling off her in waves.



Of course, they also found out there would be no other way but to go between to get to High Mountain Weyr. Even so, Cain saw it didn't seem to dampen Taki's spirit that much. He would just have to make sure he was there and that she was as prepared for it as she could be.



Speaking of being prepared. They had packing to do and arrangements to make. Companions didn't take care of themselves, but he figured between Maya, Enrique, the two dragons, and the firelizards, Cain figured his horde could take care of themselves for the most part. Plus there was Souna and the other athid to help out when needed too. Still, better to have a back up plan there than not have one and come home to chaos.



There was also winter wear to find too. While he didn't think it would be that cold, he also had no blood or fat to keep him warm. Nor fur. So the first item on the shopping list would be a jacket for him and Taki. As well as some gloves. And rubber bands. Though that was mostly for him since he lacked the wrists to keep the gloves on right.



When he wasn't gathering up supplies, he was suffering at the hands of Dorth. Scrub. Scrub. Shine. Polish. He was pretty sure that when it was time to leave, he would practically be his own night light. Which the brown mottle would see nothing wrong with.



At night, before curling up to sleep, he would make sure his guns were clean and he had enough ammo variety to deal with whatever happened. While he wasn't expecting trouble, he still liked to be prepared.



On the day of departure, he would be found sorting out his blankets and pillows, trying to find the warmest and softest ones respectively. Yes. He knew High Mountain would be providing room and board, but he liked having familiar things with him. Even if he had to tie them to Dorth's saddle instead of packing them away into a bag.



He would also pop down to the morgue to see how Susan was doing, only remembering as he saw her that he forgot to tell Taki. Oops. He would remedy that easily enough after he sought out Taki to make sure she was also ready to go and hadn't forgotten anything. Then again, this was the same person who brought s'mores with her on a journey to what was essentially a haunted house. Cain was pretty sure he didn't have to worry about her forgetting anything. Even if what she brought wasn't exactly what he had in mind to begin with.



(This post was done in collaboration with Heron and Kay. Any minor hiccups is entirely my fault and can be attributed to Cain doesn't exactly have the best memory from time to time...Give him a break. He is an old man and...Yeah...Anyway. Tallyho with Cain!!!)

The day of the departure finally dawned. Those who'd agreed to make the journey would gather as requested to find a considerably large group already waiting:

High Mountain Weyr had sent their own dragons to help with transportation, as promised.

As well rider volunteers from Haven would be there, such as Raferties aboard Girith, Keldos astride Zalanth, and even Anari with Oroveth would be there, like the other queenriders in their own right representatives of Weyrwoman Sandasa and Haven Weyr and also providing transportation for those without. All in all there would be plenty of dragons for conveyance, and with good reason.

Thomas as well would be on dragonback, a Silver Mottle that shone like she'd been polished, as would Mica though his dragon would be a Pureblood blue like the deep ocean. Erika would be seated upon Mica's dragon's back; seems she had yet to Impress a dragon of her own.

Once everyone was present and somewhat settled, Thomas stood on the back of his dragon to address them.

"Everyone, thank you again for your agreement to aid us! And my thanks to those who will assist with providing transportation. To those Riders who have come with dragon of their own - " He looked at Gertude and Rissinoth among the others. " - your dragons will be well provided for in our Weyr for the duration of your stay." Thomas' silver would nod her head with a soft roar.

"Our dragons will give an image of our Weyr to yours," Mica took up, "because by just flying it would take over a week to get there. Going Between is the only real way to our island." Even as he was speaking the image would be passed from the High Ridge Dragons to the Haven Dragons: seen as if from dragonback a rolling island of hills and mountains and green valleys and in the distance a city build half on and half in a mountainside, much as Haven Weyr was in the mountainside though from the distance details would be vague.

Everyone would be given a few moments to mentally solidify the image, bid any farewells, ensure they had everything they needed, and climb aboard their transportation. Then with Thomas and his silver in the lead they'd take to the air and vanish Between.

One heartbeat – two – three – four – five – six – seven – eight – nine – ten -

-then back out into brilliant sunshine!

It would be just as the image had depicted, the dragons appearing over waves lapping at the shoreline and the rolling landscape before them. Farms could be seen where the grass grew lush and bright and larger towns and even a city dotted the landscape. And set in the mountain chain itself was what had to be their destination. It would be a very large structure and have features reminiscent of Haven Weyr but the architecture would be considerably different. None of the typical Weyr structures would be immediately visible, the entire place appearing more like a city in its own right surrounded by a wall and set into the mountainside on a massive plateau; a large compound actually spanned the river formed where a waterfall met the plateau and ran through the city. It was only when they drew closer and several large, dragon-sized and perhaps even dragon-made tunnels came into view that it was clear this was the Weyr in question. A few dragons sunned themselves on ledges high above the city below, almost appearing like sentinels and raising their gazes as the approaching wing drew close. A fair number of them would be silver in color, though other dragons would occasionally make their presence known as they came and went on Weyr business.

I am Mavath, came a female dragon's mindvoice to all of the dragons, tones regal and proud with notes of a whirling cyclone's power. My Rider, T'mas, has asked me to relay his words to you, and you in turn to your own Riders and passengers. For this final phase of our journey we will need you to arrange yourselves in a line.

Artanth is my name, the Pureblood blue picked up, his mindvoice with an almost crisp brightness like the snow atop the mountains themselves and reflecting his Rider's jovial nature. If you're not sure about what to do, just get between any of us; we're experts in this!

At the lead Thomas gestured as a forewarning and his silver arced up into the sky, twisting in a loop. The other High Mountain dragons followed suit and by this maneuver lined up behind him, giving gaps for the Haven dragons to slot into as they were comfortable. When he saw that everyone was set, Thomas gave the signal to Mavath and she dove down towards the mountainside and a specific cavernous opening that had an open, unclaimed ledge on it.

Well, reason for that became apparent as the rest followed them in; this was the entrance to the Weyr portion itself!

The entrance turned into a tunnel, which made their single-file request make sense less some dragon clip a wing on the wall, and went completely through the mountain itself to open into a moderately-sized valley. It was grassy and sported a large lake on one side and several openings for dragons to go into the mountains itself, much as Haven Weyr had the entrances for dragons to get into their own weyrs. Some dragons were sunning in the grass, a few year-olds were practicing flying over there, and a large, cleared area was obviously for landing dragons as that's where Thomas' silver glided towards.

As they landed a man, older than the three siblings but even at a distance showing a likely kinship by his red hair and similar armor, complete with a greatspear like they wielded on his back, stepped from a ground-level opening and began walking towards them. Thomas, Mica, and Erika slid down to greet him with embraces and a few quiet words, then the elder turned to their guests. Like his sons he had the shield-shaped crest on his armor, though his would be ringed in gold.

"I welcome you all to High Mountain Weyr. I am Weyrleader Magnus Cloudmoore and I feel I am not exaggerating when I say your coming is life-saving. Arrangements have been made for your stay with us, as well as for your dragons, and tonight will be a banquet in your honor and in thanks for making the journey to help us, and then I will try to answer as many questions for you as I can. While I hope my children have already indicated this anything you may need while you are here will be seen to, and you are free to explore our city to your heart's content. My one request is a hope that you will stay relatively close by, as the hatching could happen any day now." Weyrleader Magnus nodded to his sons. "If you will follow us we will escort you to the guest weyrs that have been prepared in advance, and you can get settle in."

Everyone's rooms would be the familiar weyr setup those who lived in Haven weyr were used to, with sizes offered for those who came with mates or family and those who had larger Bondeds with them, as well as for those who had dragons. They would also be shown the main hall that Weyrleader Magnus would tell them led to the city itself, and maps carved on the walls would show routes to just about every part of the 'weyr' portion of High Mountain: the valley they'd landed in, quarters, infirmary, a training ground, and the like. The guests would also be told that when it was time for the banquet – dress as is comfortable – High Mountain Riders would guide them to where it was to be held, as that was in the city portion. Aside from that they would be left to get settled and prepare as they might desire for the evening's festivities.

---

Meanwhile, a certain someone wasn't quite arriving by dragonback. Thankfully Arieh had given the Cloudmoors some warning in advance, and with dragons being interconnected as they were his appearing with Vesper wasn't quite so alarming as it might have been.

Horseman and Horse would fade in first with a few wisps of smoke, then becoming more solid until they stood on the far shore of a very large lake, one big enough for several dragons to bathe and swim in. Case in point which two silver mottles and a few bronzes, both mottles and purebloods, were doing. This would be the portion of the lake that ran closest to the mountain, and outwardly looked like a peaceful place. That illusion would be dismissed however when the Vessel for War saw a large place in the mountain itself where a list was carved, all names. Some would be human names, some clearly dragon-rider pairs, and some almost bizarrely long and nigh unpronounceable: a war memorial.

Seems for all its appearance blood had once turned the lake red.

A rider, grooming her dragon on the shore, would spot them and after a moment of surprise approach.

"Excuse me, are you from Haven Weyr?" She asked. "We were told one wouldn't be coming with the dragons; they just landed. I can escort you over so you can be shown to your room, if you'd like."

---

More Pictures for you!



High Mountain Weyr, city portion (Not exact, but this should give you a good idea what you're dealing with)





Weyrleader Magnus Cloudmoore, with Kinath, Gold Mottle Male





A map of the entire grounds will be coming, but until then feel free to ask questions if anything came out confusing.

This segment is entirely free form for your enjoyment! Your characters have the reins to go (or try to go) anywhere they see fit. You can ask question of any of the Cloudmoores you want, or any random NPCs that may populate the area. You can investigate the city or the Weyr, try to see the eggs themselves, the freedom to explore is totally within your hands. I will edit in responses to posts regarding answers/things you see/etc, so for this part I must humbly request one character per post, just to keep things easy to read. It's alright if you don't, won't 'hurt your Impression chances' (hah, as if I'd ever!), just thought I'd try to keep storylines separate.

Just know that come evening your characters are expected to attend the banquet, which you will be led to as indicated, from the Weyrs, so you probably should be there. Much explanation and answers to follow!

Retsom:

When the day came Retsom would be ready at the ceremony, his dragon ready to fly him to High Ridge. This would make their first true experience together going farther out from their home than they were used to. 

Going into the between the cold sent him instantly into shivers, coming out with teeth chattering slightly and clinging to the warmth from his white mottle. She would fly a little closer to the heat of the sun, just a little closer. She always cared for the discomfort that Retsom would feel with the lack of radiation of this world. 

"Look at that, this place is constructed gorgeously and the tunnels are big enough for you to easily move around." The words would be stolen by the wind as they followed the commands and dove on down into one of the tunnels. Caution had him ducking his head down to lay against the scales of Tanzanth's back, feeling the muscles beneath moving as he was guided in closely to the others. 

When they went into an area that opened up he would lift his head, looking about the area as a calm smile curled his lips. Watching. Listening. He would take the cues, dismounting from his dragon and following to where he was guided. Granted the room was cold to him, used to sleeping out in the sunlight at the top of a mountain. It wouldn't take anytime before him, HeneDiell and his dragon were curled up in a higher area, soaking up the sun and relaxing. During the rest of the time there HeneDiell would stay by his side and Tanzanth would just wait for the time to return home with them both. 

Retsom would remain undisturbed in his sunbathing and relaxing aside from perhaps a few dragons flying by en route to this and that location. When time came for the dinner Mavath would politely communicate that to his dragon that he would be met by a Rider at his room to be led to the dining hall if he was ready.

Ixeh:

Praneth would have been zigging about the area, slipping around other dragons in the excitement of a trip out of the Haven and beach area. Adventure called to both Ixeh and Praneth for this trip. 

During this she would be suprised to see a man in odd clothes and black eye covers. He would ask questions, inquire as to where and how to get where this "event" was happening. Then Ixeh, being her, would offer the extra hand getting him to the place. 

The entire time they stood there she would prattle on about her beach home and all the wonders she had experienced in the world. She would also mention of the trials that it sometimes faced and how there were some to be called upon, as now, to assist. It was nice to feel like the more knowledgable person this time. 

Soon the time came to get astride her dragon, the man of mystery she met joining her. Then they would be off, a moment of what felt like odd, cold, stillness and then voila~! Praneth would wiggle a little with them on board as they came out the other side. 

They went into the cavern and at that point she would bid the new companion farewell until the time to leave. She would then happily go exploring, weaving her way through the streets and checking out everything she could. 

There definitely would be plenty for Ixeh to explore, that was for certain! In addition to the typical details for a Weyr itself like training grounds and dragon sunning and hunting areas the town that connected to it would be dramatically larger and different in nature from Haven Village. She'd find the town center soon enough and the shops that framed it, as well as street stalls and that everyone was doing their best to try and turn the Hatching into a proper festival. It would be pretty blatant an attempt at countering all the grief and loss they'd suffered, and her eyes would pick out a few who were 'going through the motions' of preparing or even bypassing it all together.

She would also briefly be stopped by a man in rich red attire, black hair pulled back in a tail and smiling.

"Pardon me, but I don't recognize you from around here. By chance are you one of the Riders from Haven Weyr who's come to aid our poor, unhatched dragons?"

Rune:

After catching wind of this at the local tavern Rune would be looking about to figure out about this world. He felt that it would be best to know what was going on as he had landed here with Fredericke. She may be older now but he still needed to be able to protect her. 

So he would spend the initial three days researching, trying to speak with the people around Haven. Fredericke definitely enjoyed it though, she was all for the exploring, as usual. At least nothing terrible had happened here yet. 

The third day would come, dragons and people gathering about. By chance a small girl in a leather dress and leggings would spring by with a blue colored dragon right with her. She seemed to understand him fairly well, at least he could make out most of what she said. 

It was a blessing in disguise as she offered to take Rune with, a chance to explore more of this world in depth. Knowledge would be best to gather here. So he would agree and listen to her talk, noting things mentally and asking questions. This would be great for gauging life here and what he would need for both Fredericke's safety and his own. 

At arrival he felt like he honestly had stepped into a video game. With dismissal he would check out his room before going about to learn as much as he could while waiting. This hatching would be something interesting to witness and must be special. Before the end of the trip he knew he would need to reach back out to Ixeh to get home but otherwise his time with the others would be limited. 

Rune would have plenty of opportunity to ask questions, as the Riders and Weyrfolk would be willing to answer any he had aside from taking him directly onto the Hatching Sands themselves which he would be told would be more risky than Weyrleader Magnus desired; nesting dragons could be aggressive when it came to their eggs until the hatching actually began. But aside from that they'd be very accomidating.

So, any questions in particular?