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Post by Kit on Dec 22, 2010 2:54:16 GMT -5
Q'del was actually grudgingly impressed by how calmly they handled the situation. Demnoth of course, did not understand his veiled animosity, and he warbled happily at Bilteran's thanks. The Weyrsecond watched Ellimae climb the straps, helping her when it was needed and finally getting her settled behind him and clipped to Demnoth's straps. Then it was Bilteran's turn. Finally, everyone was situated and clipped in and Q'del gave Demnoth the signal. The bronze flapped his great wings, blowing a cloud of dust, and then he surged aloft, rising in a gentle spiral. Once they had reached a safe height, Q'del turned back to his passengers.
"Brace yourselves for between," he said, and then he gave the signal. For a few awful moments, they were enveloped in cold nothingness, and then they winked into the air above the Weyrbowl. As they spiraled lower, Q'del could see Cybele waiting for them. Eventually, Demnoth came to a sliding stop.
"I'll dismount first," Q'del said, sliding down with ease and turning back to his passengers. Cybele breathed a small sigh of relief. So far, things were going according to plan.
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Post by taenia on Dec 23, 2010 17:48:42 GMT -5
Emerging out of the lower caverns, Ranelli instantly looked to the sky, trying to see if she could spot them or not.. she wasn't sure if she'd be able to tell Demnoth from the skies, she couldn't tell some of the dragons from a distance due to their hides, sizes or shapes.. but she wasn't certain about this bronze.
She continued to walk across the bowl to Cybele, trying to ensure that she would be there before her parents, she wanted to make a little problems as possible for the weyr, and that meant she would leave quickly and quietly.. and that would mean being there before the Lord and Lady of the hold turned up.. ...but as Cybele's for was made out, Ranelli noticed the weyrwoman was not alone, ther parents were already here! "Shards!" She exclaimed, picking up her pace now as she walked.. best not to keep any of the party waiting too long, short tempers from any of them could be detrimental to the already fragile relationship between holders and weyr!
Ellimae looked around as they arrived above the weyr, trying to remain calm and not show the panic she'd felt during her time between. She hadn't disgraced herself in the complete nothingness, but she wasn't sure if the jelly like feeling in her legs would go away in time for her to dismount. Bilteran appeared quite relaxed as the dragon circled for landing, and indeed, when it was time to dismount the lord did so without any hiccups.
"Weyrwoman" He greated as he came to stand in front of her, Ellimae by his side, and adding her own greetings before starting to look the weyr up and down.. both looking at the environment they were in with scruntany, but also for their errant daughter. It wasn't a suprirse that her hawk like eyes picked up Ranelli as she arrived.. and although her face stayed schooled and relaxed without any thoughts.. she was clearly discusted by the apparent state of the young girl. But she didn't speak, she'd wait or Ranelli to get here..
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Post by Kit on Dec 29, 2010 20:30:06 GMT -5
Cybele greeted the Lord and Lady Holder warmly as she could, under the circumstances. Just by watching them, she could tell that it was the mother that would give the most problems. She had the look of someone who saw everything and was always ready to criticize. The Weyrwoman cleared her throat after a moment and spoke, "Ranelli has been a real asset to the Weyr. We'll be sorry to see her leave." She might have said more, but she saw both the adults eyes pinpoint something in the distance and she guessed that Ranelli had arrived.
Cybele cursed inwardly, she'd been hoping for a bit more time, but there was nothing for it. She hoped that Kaitoth would find what she hoped.
Over by the lake, the blue still feigned sleep, Tesni leaning against his bulk, watching the proceedings through half-closed lids. Is that the one? Kaitoth asked as Ranelli rushed out into the Weyrbowl.
I'd guess that's her, given the looks her mother is giving her. What do you sense?
Kaitoth was silent for a moment, his eyes now open, and swirling with excitement. She will Impress, I am sure. I can't believe no one else noticed. But now what?
I guess having all the Candidates around clouds everything. But tell Chandrath, we'll see what Cybele says.
It was unfortunately necessary to wake the Senior Queen to relay this message, but she spoke to her rider after a minimum of grumbling. Mine, Kaitoth says that the girl will make a fine dragonrider, but he wants to know what to do now,
For a moment, Cybele's mind went blank. She had to school her features to hide her joy, and somehow pay attention to what was going on while she tried to come up with a plan. Luckily, an idea seemed to burst into her mind fully formed and she quickly relayed the message to Kaitoth through Chandrath.
So it was that a moment later, the blue burst from between just above their heads, sending a blast of cold air over them with every wingbeat. Even Cybele jumped a little, though she'd known it was coming. Then the voice of Kaitoth came into all their minds, and the Weyrwoman knew that to a non rider, it would sound eerily hollow and echoing.
She should remain at the Weyr. I have Searched her. She is meant to be a dragonrider,
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Post by taenia on Dec 31, 2010 11:20:30 GMT -5
From her distance, Ranelli couldn't see the look on Ellimae's face, but knowing her mother only too well, she doubted that there would be a welcoming smile, or an expression of eagerness across the woman's face. She continued her pathway across the weyrbowl, getting closer with each step, but also wanting to turn and flee with each movmenet and feeling of dread that came with that movement.
But then everything changed and her world turned upside down, a blue dragon suddenly burst from between in all his glory and announced words into her head that she thought she would never forget in a million years.. He thought she should be a dragonrider.. her a dragon rider? What did this mean for her situation jow then?? She wondered as she came within speaking range of the group.. she deliberately stood beside Cybele, trying to keep her distance from Ellimae as much as possible..
...there was anger written across the lady holders face, she's blaintently heard that the blue said and wasn't taking the news so well. Ranelli thought as she looked at her mother. Her father's face was a little harder to read, there were mixed emotions there.. she thought, knowing him as she did. He'd always wanted her to be happy.. and she thought he probably saw that now in her appearence... but he also loved Ellimae far too much to want to upset his spouse either.. a type of relationship that was rare enouhg in the holders world as it was..
"Well," Bilteran spoke up. "This puts a bit of a different perspective on things" He said, looking as his daughter who stood beside the weyrwoman proudly. "This is something we'll have to dicuss.. " He said, a look at Ellimae told him exactly what she thought of it, and he was pleased that she hadn't spoken up about it, just yet. He doubted that her words would help the situation much..
Neither of the holders spoke to their daughter yet, a fact that Ranelli found strange.. they were obviously holding back a little.. but the fire that seemed to simmer in Ellimae's eye gave a warning.
Although she wanted to say something, to speak up and find out what this meant for her, Ranelli did not do so just yet, she didn't want to be a cause of the eruption.. and for fear that her parents would say no, would they have the final say in this?? She did however, look at Cybele for direction..
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Post by Kit on Jan 2, 2011 2:03:13 GMT -5
After making his strange and important announcement, Kaitoth landed behind Cybele and waited for instructions, while Tesni made her way from the weyr laketo meet him. They weren't sure what was going to happen next. The Weyrwoman however, was relieved and never mind the evil glare she was getting from Ranelli's lady mother. She knew her rights now, as did everyone involved, and you didn't get to be Weyrwoman by being easily intimidated. A cool smile came to her lips.
"Of course, we would never force Ranelli to do anything. But if she wishes to Stand, it is her right, and we will do whatever we can to ensure she has a place here." Cybele's tone was pleasant, but there was steel underneath it. She would see this girl Impress, if she had to personally guard her door. Not that anyone would try to sneak past Arkysk or his master. Not only did Cybele truly feel for Ranellu, but she wanted to make it clear to Holders that she, the Weyrwoman of Pern, knew her powers and would use them. With the Pass coming, she could not allow things to slide.
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Post by taenia on Jan 2, 2011 14:38:46 GMT -5
Ellimae clenched her teeth and tensed beside Bilteran, angry at that lies that the weyrwoman fed her daughter. Ellimae knew Ranelli enough to know that the girl would go with the search. It was a perfectly good way of still running away from the perfect life she had worked so hard to set up for her.. maybe she could pursuade her otherwise. "Ranelli, think about this carefully." She said to her daughter now, schooling her features to appear relaxed. It wasn't that she didnt care for her only daughter, she did.. it was just that Ellimae could not see the advantage of being a dragonrider when she could have such a good rank as a lady holder... it had never done any harm to Ellimae. "Think about your future.. all that you have set up before you. Tardol will take you back you know, it's not too late.." She said to her, her anger flaring up again when she could see that it was of no interest to her daughter. Beside his wife, Bilteran remained quiet and watched the interaction between both people.
Ellimae's threats didn't scare Ranelli now, not now that she knew the truth of search.. a weight was lifted off of her shoulders and the young girl felt strong.. and free.. there was nothing holding her back now, Cybele would support her.. she was certain. The fact that this had been stated in such a way made Ranelli think.. or hope... that the trouble she caused by doing what she knew she was going to bring wouldn't be thought of badly.. "I want to accept the search" She said her voice firm and strong, and her head held high. She would not appear scared here, no way. She knew better than that.
"What!?" Ellimae exclaimed, "Don't be so ridiculous!" She said, her eyes narrowed and a glare forming at the weyrwoman. "I bet this was half your plan!" She spat at Cybele. "to steal my daughter! I will not let you keep her here... she belongs with us, with Tardol where she will be succesful!" She snarled, so what if Ranelli could possibly impress a high ranking dragon, that wasn't what Ellimae had wanted for her.. and it wouldnt be what she got. "Ranelli, please think, you don't want to stay here.."
Bilteran flinched, this was not going good at all.. there was only one thing he could think of to sort this out...it would hurt him to do it, but if it helped.. then so be it.
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Post by Kit on Jan 3, 2011 1:45:52 GMT -5
Cybele put a hand on Ranelli's shoulder, partly as a protective gesture and partly to calm herself against the anger that began to boil I'm her chest. The nerve of that woman, saying right to her face that being a dragonrider was somehow inferior. Maybe not in those words, but the meaning was clear. A few deep breaths restored some measure of serenity to her, and she managed to reply in a clear, strong voice.
"Your measure of success doesn't make everyone happy. Here, Ranelli will be allowed to go where what she wants, do whatever occupation pleases her. She has the same status as men of her rank, and who she consorts with is her choice alone, never a matter of rank or political alliance. Ranelli is strong, strong enough to Impress a high ranking dragon, and then she will have status and freedom that a Holder might only dream of having. You may be happy as a Lady Holder, bearing children to your Lord and managing domestic affairs, but your daughter is a different breed. She belongs here with us, where her strength will be valued." There, that was all she could say without losing her temper.
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Post by taenia on Jan 5, 2011 3:13:37 GMT -5
Whether Ellimae's words hurt Ranelli, you'd never tell.. unless you knew her closely. The girl stood her ground, her face a natrual expression. Cybele's words brought warmth to her, and within seconds she knew that yes, she would stay here as a candidate, the weyr, at least valued her and thought she could do well. Cybele had faith in her, and Ranelli vowed to make sure that she wouldn't let the weyrwoman down. She'd be the best candidate she could be...and if a dragon chose her on the sands, then even better. She gave a warm smile to Cybele, in thanks.. part of her hadn't quite absorbed what the weyrwoman said about her impressing a high ranking dragon.. ...although, that wasn't what she was hoping for, for a brief moment she did try to picture herself with one...and couldn't, she expected that the consept that her.. become a dragonrider was hard enough to believe as it was, afterall, for so long she'd thought she was going to become the lady of Nova Hold.. in the future, a future that was going to happen despite what she thought.. ...or at least, it was, until now.
Bilteran showed anger for a moment, not towards Cybele, but to his errant spouse. She was destorying everything that he had built up between the weyr and the hold.. something he needed to put a stop to soon. He'd never controlled the woman in the past, and he doubted he could now, either. Their relationship just wasn't like that, but he'd have stern words with her in private later.. he didn't want to show that the hold was not united in these things, he couldn't run the hold without Ellimae there, because, despite her sharpe tongue, the woman was a good lady to the hold.. as had Ranelli been.
"...you speak as if she will certainlly impress.. putting ideas in her head." Ellimae countered. "but not every girl or boy on those sands impress... and what becomes of her then? She will not be welcomed back to my family. Nor will i think of her as one, if she choses this over us." Ellimae retoured, she purposely had only said family not hold.. afterall, that was Bilteran's decision.
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Post by Kit on Jan 7, 2011 9:15:30 GMT -5
Cybele was taken a bit aback by Ellimae's vehemence. How could she disown her own child just because she didn't want to marry the man that had been chosen for her? Holders must be an odd breed, that she could not see, at least, that Ranelli would be much happier here.
"Every Candidate Searched by Kaitoth has Impressed before they were too old to Stand. He is our best. But even were she the first to break his streak, so to speak, which I think is unlikely given the size of the clutch on the Sands, she would still have a place here, for the rest of her life. She might take a craft under one of our masters, or train as the Headwoman, almost anything is open to her. Even as a Candidate she could choose to take a craft on the side. Ranelli is weyrfolk now, and we take care of our own." It was clear from Cybele's tone that she considered the lady Holder's abandonment of her child to be nearly criminal. Dragon riders, it was said, did not make good parents, but she would not have disowned either of her children no matter what they did.
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Post by taenia on Jan 7, 2011 14:22:57 GMT -5
Ellimae went silent as she realised that there was nothing more she could say at the moment. Cybele was countering acting what she said, and filling Ranelli's mind with promises that the weyrwoman could not keep. It must have been the womans way of leering Ranelli to staying at the weyr. "Ranelli, honestly, think about this" She said appealing to her daughter again. "Tardol won't wait forever.." The woman said. She said with a raised eye brow.
Bilteran nodded his agreement with what Ellimae said, the line, at least, was the truth. Tardol probably wouldn't wait much longer at all, and Ranelli seriously needed to think about what she was doing. "Ranelli, have you thought hard about this?" He asked, aware that it probably looked like he was backing up Ellimae's arguements.
Ranelli nodded and continued to stand tall. "Yes, Lord Bilteran." She said, addressing him formally despite his relationship to her, and for a moment there was silent as Ellimae's anger continued to boil and Bilteran considered her words. "So be it" He said, he was disappointed at what the girl had turned away from.. but he knew how much it was taking his daughter to stand up to her mother. He'd support Ellimae's decision that Ranelli should not return to the family, it would be better for the both of them.. but secretly, he would be proud of her. Of course, he'd never voice that. "As of this moment in time, Ranelli you belong to the weyr. If that is all, Weyrwoman, i think i might like to return to my hold now." He said no longer looking at Ranelli, not wanting to see her expression.
For once, Ranelli's face showed a little emotion at this conversation. Surprise and shock that Bilteran had spoken as he had. The decision was final, she was staying at the weyr.. but the price would be to loose her family.. She was quiet as she waited to see what Cybele would say..
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Post by Kit on Jan 11, 2011 15:30:42 GMT -5
Cybele emitted a soft sigh of sadness. It was terrible to have Ranelli forced to such a decision. But she belonged at the weyr, all Candidates did, and it wasn't as if the Hilders had no other children. Cybele would make sure that she succeeded here, so that the sacrifice would not be in vain. She looked over at where Demnoth was still waiting.
"Very well, Lord Bilteran. Demnoth will of course convey you back to your Hold. I hope that you will still come to the Hatching as usual. Whatever our differences, we must be united to face Thread." All knew that the Pass would begin as soon as the rains ended.
Q'del stood up as Cybele looked at him, surprised to see the holders leaving withouth their errant offspring. He hadn't been paying attention much to Kaitoth's antics. Looking at the anger written all over the lady, he decided he'd better be nice.
As the holders walked away, Cybele turned to Ranelli. "I am sorry it came out this way, but you are one of us, as I said. We'd best get you to the Candidate Master. You have much to learn. Although, if you wish, I bet Kaitoth would like to meet you in less spectacular circumstances," gesturing to where the blue and his rider were waiting.
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Post by taenia on Jan 14, 2011 18:00:13 GMT -5
Ellimae turned her attention to Bilteran as she realised that this battle was lost, she had lost her only daughter to the weyr. It was not the a situation that sat well with Ellimae, and one that she wouldn't let drop..Ranelli would be spoiled at the weyr, she had so much potential set up for her.. so much that Ellimae had worked to organise. Maybe having Tardol come to the weyr would make Ranelli come to her senses.. the lady holder thought, keeping quiet now as she followed her spouse back to the dragon which would take them home.. she'd said enough already.
Bilteran looked to Cybele, one last time before leaving. Only nodding his head at her, he probably would attend the hatching, it wouldn't do for Crooked River to not show their support. Especially in such a 'open' event as a hatching. He doubted that Ellimae would come with him however, and he worried that if she did.. her manners would be worse than this time.
Once they were out of range and deffinately, what she classed as gone, Ranelli felt like she could let out the breathe she hadn't been aware she was holding. She deflated, letting the breathe out and relaxing a little bit. As sad and horrible as this felt, she would not break down in the front of the others.. and keeping busy would be the best way to ensure that she did not think too much about what had happened. "Thank you, Weyrwoman, for your support. You will not be disappointed." She said. "I will put my all into these lessons.. and the candidate programme" ..and she would, she would grasp this lucky second change at life with both her hands and work hard at it. "...but before that, i would love to meet Kaitoth a little bit closer.." despite being in the weyr for a while, she hadn't really come close to a dragon.. and if she were going to stand on front of some in the hope she would be choosen, then she would need to work on getting used to them.. and not being as nervous.
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Post by Kit on Jan 21, 2011 4:54:14 GMT -5
Q'del helped his passengers back aboard Demnoth with little fuss, his animosity spent in the face of their anger when it appeared the weyr had won this round. Soon they were again aloft and Cybele watched as they winked between.
She patted Ranelli's shoulder and smiled. It hadn't gone as well as she'd hoped, but she supposed the outcome was mostly perfect. "I'm not worried about your success here. You have just the right personality, and I think you'll come to like the Cansidate Master and his seconds, not to mention all the other Candidates. But lets go see Tesni and Kaitoth."
They walked over to the blue, Tesni leaning against him and scratching his chin, a pensive expression on her face. "So, it looks like you'll be staying after all. I'm glad Kaitoth could be of help. We don't usually bother Searching weyrfolk, since dragonets have no trouble finding you in the Stands, but in this case, its good that we did. Though I suppose you're parents weren't pleased." The bluerider didn't tend to think much of parents who opposed their children's Candidacy. Dragons were needed to fight Thread, and surely that was more important than any marriage.
The blue dragon crooned his agreement, lowering his head so as to be more on level with Ranelli's. I'm sure you will Impress, so you shouldn't worry about those others. You belong here, as I have said, and they tell me I haven't been wrong yet.
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Post by taenia on Jan 22, 2011 14:11:12 GMT -5
Ranelli couldn't help the smile on her face as Cybele spoke those words, word that both encouraged her and made her feel warm inside. She'd never had someone speak so positively about her before, and it only re-enforced her decision to do more than her best to be the best candidate she could be, and hopefully, someday dragonrider.
The now ex-holder walked confidently beside Cybele, even with the slight nervousness she felt at coming that close to a fully grown dragon, it certainly would take some getting used to, but surprisingly, with the change in her status, it became slightly easier.. the dragons accepted her, wanted her even...as did their riders. "Thank you very much, Tesni" She said. "I really do appriciate the help you and Kaitoth have given me, and the chance to change my life.." She paused as she heard the blue speaking in her mind. "It's going to take me a while to get used to that.." She chuckled, "..and being around dragons in general.."
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Post by Kit on Feb 1, 2011 22:01:29 GMT -5
Tesni grinned. "I grew up in a Hold too, and before I apprenticed as a Healer I was often unhappy, so I have at least an inkling where you're coming from. I certainly don't mind doing you the same service that was done for me. But just wait till you get your own dragon. They'll be talking at you so much you'll sometimes wonder why you wished for such a fate." Kaitoth snorted disdainfully and Tesni thumped his side with obvious affection. "But you'd best get going, Kaitoth has been gossiping to Arkysk something awful so I'm sure the Candidate Master is waiting for you."
Cybele laughed. "I bet Chandrath and Demnoth have done the same, the poor wher is probably beside himself. If you're ready, Ranelli, we'll go and see Arktos now."
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