Bitter Taste {Zero}

[Bellatora]

It was somewhat cold today. Or at least Iirla thought it was. She had her tunic tied around her waist. Her dark hair was loose and fell down around her in a long black curtain with the slightest hint of red as the light of dawn hit it and caused the reflection of light. She stood at her dragon's ledge, Izanycorth not far away. The queen had been showing signs of rising more and more lately. and she had progressively become more and more irritable... and more and more... irritable and angry. Plotting more and more against... well, it seemed like all of Pern.

Do not give me that, LaMine. You know full well that those I think ill of very much deserve it.

Iirla looked at her gold as she shifted and sighed, walking back into the weyr wit a shiver and picking up the lukewarm klah from where she had left it. She took a sip and listened to her stomach growl. She should probably eat something. But she had no appetite at the moment. How could she have one? What with all that was going on. What with Izanycorrth drawing ever closer to her first rise, adn that was the least of her worries, though it was quite present...

No... her biggest worries were S'vrin and Ar'rex. Her slender fingers tightened around the mug in her hands until they became white and her teeth grit at the thought of them. Oh they would get theirs that was for sure. It was coming some day or another. Oh!

She stood there for a long moment. Her face was pale. She had been very pale of late. And she had felt quite ill... but she tried not to let it show. She had a duty as Weyrwoman. She could not fall ill now. She took another sip of klah, put the cup down with enough force to create a rather loud knocking sound which sent Ama and Trivol off her desk into the air with a clamor of noise from the both. They hissed and popped Between to wherever it was they went to get away when Theirs was upset... but Praesent, her sweet little blue... he fluttered over to her shoulder and crooned, rubbing against her cheek affectionately. She needed comfort and love. She needed protection.

Iirla sighed and ran the brush through her hair rather forcefully again, not so much as flinching at the pain when the brush would stick in the rather tangled mess. What more could she do at this point? The supposing calm of the Weyrwoman was much more... forced... much more tense than calm. Perhaps that in and of itself would make her sick.

[Zero]

The sun had just started to rise yet the Istan pair had already been up for a few candlemarks already. Sleep didn’t come as easily as it used to for the two ever since the Rebellion popped up and Ar’rex and S’vrin somehow snaked their way into Trelis. It was a mess all around really and with each passing day Thormyth was growing more and more annoyed with the “mutant persecutors”. It was only a matter of time till the big guy snapped.

“Relax, Thor, it’s too early to be getting all riled up.” Yawning, Vl’kan ruffled his hair as he walked through the dark halls on his way to the kitchens. Starfire cheeped sleepily from the mans shoulder as he entered the warmth of the kitchens and began pilling a plate with fresh meat, rolls, and fruit. Once satisfied with the trimmings on his plate he snatched up a mug of klah and headed back up the stairs to the riders weyrs or, more specifically, the Weyrwomans quarters.

Reaching the familiar door Vl’kan rapped his knuckles lightly against the wood before peeking in and after seeing her up and awake, wandered the rest of the way into the room. “You’re up early, you feeling alright?” Setting the plate down on the desk, he popped a meatroll into his mouth before offering a bit to his huntyre.

From somewhere on his ledge Thormyth grumbled through their mind-link.
Our shift isn’t till later, relax. No harm in having a quiet morning for once.

[Bellatora]

Iirla pulled the brush roughly through her hair once again, feeling her eyes water. She sighed and put the brush down, looking at Praesent who perched nearby. That's when she heard the door. "As well as can be, I suppose..." she said, sounding somewhat uncertain as she crossed the room to him and gently kissed his cheek before picking up her mug of klah and took another sip of the lukewarm drink. It tasted horrible at the moment.

"How are you today, Vl'kan?" She asked him with a faint smile. She brushed her hair back over her shoulder again, placing the mug of klah on the tray to be picked up later... If one looked, it was plain to see she had not eaten hardly anything that she had brought up... Some time ago. Nothing fancy, really.

We should drive them from our Weyr. Why do we allow them?

Izanycorth was growling again in irritation. She lashed her tail about but Iirla just glared in her direction. "Izanycorth. It's too early for this! Can you please just be quiet!" she finally snapped at the dragoness, then looked down, brushing her tunic down and pullin one sleeve back over her shoulder. She didn't want to face the Weyr today. She wanted to stay here and hide away for awhile.

It is the perfect time for this! There is no better time!

She rubbed her temples and sighed. "How is Thormyth today?" she finally asked, her voice slightly pained as she walked back over to him and sat in the chair beside the desk, looking up at him. "And how is the new wing assignment coming along...?" she asked him pleasantly. Though honestly she jsut felt a lot of strain and tension, which only increased as Izanycorth started to feel more and more agitated, which would likely increase throughout the day... And likely would not be entirely relieved when she rose. The queen had already bee nupset and irritable before all that. She was in a position she didn't want. She was dealing with a lot of things in ways that she rather not. Really... she was envisioning blood and gore as the only real end... but She knew better. Or at least she should know better.

[Zero]

At the outburst from both Iirla and Izanycorth, Starfire ruffled her wings with an irritable squawk. Didn’t they know it was far too early to start up such nonsense chatter?! Shifting her weight from one foot to the other and puffed her feathers out, looking like a red pincushion on Vl’kans shoulder. Absentmindedly he reached up and gently rubbed the bird under her chin to settle her. So he had three not too happy females to contend with this morning. ’Tread lightly Vl’kan,’ he mentally warned himself.

“I’m alright, tired but that’s nothing new.” He popped another piece of meat into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully as he looked her over. It was clear something was wrong or something was bothering her to be more exact. It was no secret that her and Izy had never really wanted to become the Weyr’s Leaders but after Lorakeths death…well, you can’t really say no. “You know, if it’s the stress of everything that’s getting to you you don’t have to be the one to deal with it, at least not on your own. That’s what you’ve got your Jr Weyrwom-er man…lord?” Shaking his head he walked up behind the chair she was seated in and placed his hands on her shoulders and started a gentle massage, hoping to relieve some of the pent up tension and stress. “Well whatever he’s calling himself these days, it’s his job to help you as it is mine.”

The only help I’ll be bothered with is the sort that allows me the pleasure of dispatching these annoyances… preferably with tooth and claw, show them I’m far better than their so called normal colors…

Shaking his head at the garnets words Vl’kan sighed and reached for his own hot mug of klah and took a hearty gulp of the dark liquid. You are far better than the rest; they’ll come to realize this in time. I hope, at least, for their sake.

[Bellatora]

Iirla pulled one of Vl'kan's hands around her to her mouth and gently kissed his hand. "You help me so very much already.... my love..." she said softly. She pulled his arms around her neck gently.

Thormyth... If you want to prove your superiority. Win. My. Flight. Take them out then. Do what it takes. You are superior. Win.

She rumbled deep in her throat and started to growl low in her throat, clicking her teeth together in irritation and pent up aggression. She didn't know what she was so upset about. But she was extremely upset already. And was still growing more upset. She lashed her tail and sat up straighter.

Iirla's grip on Vl'kan's hands tightened a little bit as the aggression of her dragon came through to her. Her eyes sparked momentarily. "I think he keeps pretty busy with those duties that he already has... and... I dunno... It's hard for me to put work off on someone else."

The Gold spread her wings and, with a hiss at a green that she spotted headed down towards the feeding grounds, she took off to vent her frustrations on a creature below... as she often did...

((I'm sorry it's so short... x.x))

[Zero]

Thormyth fidgeted somewhat from within the depths of his cave, wings rustling as he moved to get a better look outside. Ah there she was. The young Queen, the Weyrs pride, was perched on her own ledge and looking rather irate. He chuckled to himself in a draconic rumble even as her voice stretched out to brush his mind. So she wanted him to be the victor now did she? Well what she wanted and what he made happen could quite possibly be two completely different things entirely. It was all in how Thormyth felt it would benefit him.

Dragging himself to his feet the garnet slinked out of his cave and onto his ledge were he sat with his tail wrapped around his feet and seemed to glare at the world outside. It would be a start though at least; WeyrKing. Thor rumbled, partially pleased, at the thought, but of course that would be just the beginning. King first then who knows what was to follow. His mind spun with an assortment of devilish thoughts. And win I shall. He snorted. As if there was even any other option.

Vl’kan mustered a half shrug at her words, there really wasn’t much he felt he could say on the subject. “Just don’t,” he shifted slightly as her grip on his hand tightened beyond the normal limits. “Or at least try not to let it get to you. I hate to say it but if Trelis loses you for a period of sickness then there’s no telling what S’vrin and Ar’rex will get up to…the whole weyr could end up burning…” He trailed off and moved to rub idly at the back of his neck, glancing outside just in time to catch Izanycorth dropping from her ledge.

I would not mind seeing that. As interesting as that would be, you know that would leave us without a home, right? The garnet grunted and went back to soaking up the early morning sun. Technicalities.

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[Bellatora]

She snorted. Hmph. I will only choose the best. You best be the best, Thormyth. By whatever it so takes. With that she landed on her first... victim, ripping and tearing into it with fury, eating very little of the beast itself.

WeyrKing and then so much more. She was flirting, temping him now, her own devilish thoughts roaming her mind... Though most were og the blood and gore that would soon be unleashed in the skies. And that bronze and brown... shredded - bloodied - and beyond that... their followers as well.

"I am trying, Vl'kan..." she said softly, her grip tightening again for a moment at the same moment that Izanycorth hit and tore in to her first beast. Her fury affected her rider. "I hope she flies soon... I can't wait for this... irritation adn anger to pass... But I'm afraid, Vl'kan... I don't want any of Them to even have a chance. And even if someone else did win..." She pulled his hand to her lips and kissed it gently. "You know I will always come back to you. I love you..." her voice was soft at the last. She was scared. Why did she ahve to be a gold rider? Though... a gold would likely entice Thormyth more than say... a green or amethyst.

She had to admit... That a Weyrleader would make everything much easier... And... Vl'kan and Thormyth could either be exactly what the Weyr needed right now... or a further disaster just waiting to happen. It would all be seen in teh end, she supposed...

The gold bit into the east again, hissing, her gold hide flecked with blood and flesh. That mark. Oh that mark bothered her. That Braymoth. Oh but she had his attentions. And that was good. But him. Marking her. That was foolish. The slight hiss at the thought that anyone thought they could own her. Oh no! She was not to be owned! She was free or she would be! She would show them all! She was a mighty gold, powerful, incredible. Yes! She would be the queen of the skies of Pern.

Her tail lashed about and her teeth flashed as she tore once more into the flesh.

[Zero]

The garnet growled as he was spoken to in such a manner, his lips peeling back slightly to reveal a flash of white against his dark hide. This queen of theirs was beginning to try his patience with her casual way of addressing him. She may have gotten away with it with his other garnet brother. He may have put up with it for some reason but not Thormyth. So for the most part he chose to remain eerily quiet save for a soft sway of his tail across the stone floor.

Vl’kan grit his teeth as her grip tightened even more. He let it carry on for a few moments more, giving her the chance to let go, before pulling his hands back. “She’ll chose who she wants, it’s nothing we have a say in.” He ran a hand through his hair and stifled a yawn. “It’s nothing to worry about though, I know whatever happens you’ll still be mine.” It was clear he was taking the subject lightly. Really he didn’t feel the need to worry over something you can’t control. Though that could quite possibly change if and when Thormyth decided to chase the soon to rise queen.

Good to see that your rational mind has returned, though it took long enough. Guess you’ve finally rubbed off on me. Happy? The rider felt the pleased growl echo through his mind as Thormyth responded. Rolling his eyes, he moved off to snatch up his mug once more and drained the majority of the lukewarm liquid in a single swig, idly scratching his red huntyre under the chin as he slipped into a brief moment of thought.

[/font]

[Bellatora]

So he chose not to answer. Hmph. That didn't matter. Maybe he wouldn't win after all. Whatever. She tore into the herdbeast with more vigor than ever before, leaving bits of flesh and blood on her hide.

"That calm confidence. I think that you'd be a good leader, my love..." She smiled softly. He was very different than the other men she had attracted the attentions of in the past... Oh the past. The past was a hateful being at times. She didn't want to go back... but was it right to feel fear to go foreward? Whatever the case.... she did have to tell him, did she not...?

"Vl'kan." her tone was very serious as she spoke to him. "I'm not sure why I am so sick... but... Well... I went to the healers and they confirmed what I thought to be possible... I'm pregnant... with your child," she gave him a soft smile. "Which is why.... I have avoided going between.... and... why I'm afraid of this flight... I don't want to risk this child..." She gently placed both hands on her stomach which was only showing the slightest rounding at this point. She was more sick though than she had heard women typically got with morning sickness... but maybe that was normal for her?

She stood up and looked at him, sipping at her own klah again. She wished she had known earlier... she was already worried about the child as it was.... And it was Vl'kan's child. That made this baby all the more precious. Now... what would the father have to say. She was looking down towards the ground.

Izanycorth looked back up at the ledge where Thormyth was. Frustrating and irritating Garnet. She gave a low hiss. Everything and everyone made her angry right now.

[Zero]

“A leader?” He repeated with a bit of uncertainty before chuckling and shaking his head as if to dismiss the idea entirely. No he definitely did not see himself as a leader and definitely not even a good one at that. "No...I don't think so..." He thought back to his father, frowning at the memory of the vile man as he remembered the cold, rainy night Thormyth cut the old Istan Lord down. Of course he had told no one of his actions that night so many months ago now and it would be a secret he and Thormyth would take to their graves.

Quit cowering from your own past. The garnets rough voice snaked sickly through the Istans mind, causing a brief shiver to snake up the man’s spine. Vl’kan quickly cleared his throat and continued to stroke Starfire, small actions he hoped would cover up his prior moment of unease. The sooner you admit you enjoyed striking that sniveling fool down the better… But the pair’s conversation would be cut short however as Iirla began to stand and started to reveal a little secret of her own.

“Ch-child?” He stumbled over the word even as he heard Thormyth’s growl through his mind. Grand. Suppose this makes me a monkeys uncle then? Oh was the sarcasm laid on thick. Meanwhile Vl’kan was still trying to wrap his mind around it all. A child? A child! How was he supposed to bring up a kid around his dragon when Thormyth was still adamant on eating his pet bird!?

It was just a little too much to try and wrap his mind around all at once; he had to sit down. Grabbing the chair she had just recently vacated he slumped into the seat hard, startling Starfire and sending her flying with a squawk and a flurry of red feathers. “My dragon’s gonna eat the baby…” He dragged his hands over his face, silently shaking his head as he threw Iirla a sideways glance from between his fingers.

[/font]

[Bellatora]

"You never seem to have as much confidence in yourself as I have in you. And I'm sure Thor has enough confidence for the both of you, though, I'm sure."

Iirla walked over to where he sat and looked at him. "Do you... not want this child, Vl'kan?" she asked him softly, putting her hands on his knees and looked up at him earnestly and openly. "I think that Izanycorth would have something to say about that..."

MinesHatchling will be protected. The gold hissed and bit down into the carcass again, venting her frustration once more on the carcass.

Praesent landed on Iirla's back and peaked around her neck while Ama and Trivol took up positions around the room, chirping and making all manner of excited noises. "Vl'kan...?" She leaned into him slightly and gently took his hands in hers, kissing his knuckles gently. She held onto one hand with one of hers and put the other on his face, gently stroking his cheek, looking at him questioningly.

She really loved Vl'kan. She wanted him to want this child... but if he didn't... then... She guessed... that it could be raised in the creche or... a quick visit between... but she couldn't. She wouldn't do it.

((Sorry it's short...))