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Post by Kitsuneko on Apr 26, 2012 19:41:46 GMT -4
The blue dragon Ferrth was content lying on a sun-drenched ledge, curled loosely in a comfortable pose. Hirion's brown flit Barus was taking advantage of his inert form to nap on his back--one or two of his rider's small fair would often do so, and he didn't really mind. The particular ledge he'd chosen today happened to overlook the feeding grounds--particularly convenient, as he had been feeling the pangs of hunger lately, and it was time for the blue to get some dinner.
He climbed to his feet so he could get a better look at the feeding grounds. He dislodged and woke up Barus in the process, who hissed irritably at him at being startled awake. Ferrth was only mildly amused at the brown's behavior, rather than annoyed; having spent two turns with the brown, he was well-used to his temper and paid no attention to his tantrums.
Ferrth stood tall and straight on the ledge, craning his head in the direction of the feeding pens where the herdbeasts were kept, though he occasionally glanced around at the few other dragons in the area, careful not to get in the way of other dragons, particularly ones larger than himself.
He eyed the herdbeasts hungrily, but stayed where he was as he tried to pick out which one to take down first. He'd learned through frequent practice that it was better to make his choice now, before he got close enough for the herdbeasts to catch his scent and become startled or panic. His pale blue tail twitched idly as he watched.
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Post by twitchie on Apr 26, 2012 20:00:24 GMT -4
Abyrath was still full from a recent kill, more disgusted by Braymoth's style of 'fun' than anything.
She shivered recalling how he'd toyed with the poor creature, leaving it very much alive as he ripped chunks of meat from its body.
How he'd tormented the beast before crushing its throat.
That was what soured the amethyst's hunger..
She was tired or should be. She'd swam hard in the river straining her muscles. To make herself stronger. Perhaps make up for her size.
Abyrath sat or laid on a high cliff not far from Ferrth's perch. She watched him curiously with bright eyes. He was not a garnet. Perhaps he would be fair company! And say something nice or positive instead of dark things...
She stood to fly to his ledge but hesitated as she noticed he prepared to hunt. Her stomach cringed at the thought of a herdbeast's death cry... Oh! She'd never forget!
So the little purple dragon watched the blue and like the innocent young dragon she was, noticed his strengths. And just as she had with the sub-king she thought him bold. Handsome. Perfect. She crushed like a schoolgirl and courted no better. But she still would try, success or failure.
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Post by Kitsuneko on Apr 26, 2012 20:12:53 GMT -4
Movement out of the corner of his eye drew Ferrth's attention. A young amethyst dragon not far from his own ledge had stood up, and seemed to be watching him. He hadn't noticed her eyes on him before, but he didn't really mind. She was younger than him, obviously from one of the later clutches, but he always liked meeting new people. He gave a wistful look at the herdbeasts, but he wasn't that hungry yet. Dinner could wait a little bit longer.
Hello there! He addressed the purple dragoness as he returned her stare. He tried to exude friendliness and good will as he talked. Are you picking out dinner as well, or just like to watch? I am Ferrth, by the way. I don't believe we've met.
Barus had looked up as well, curious at this new distraction, but seeing it was just another weyrling, he quickly lost interest, and began grooming his hide.
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Post by twitchie on Apr 26, 2012 20:47:30 GMT -4
Abyrath perked up and crept closer to the edge of her chosen perch.
He was friendly!
She couldn't be more delighted!
Oh! Hiya! I'm Abyrath but Mine sometimes calls me Aby. [/color]
The purple dragon made a happy noise and snapped her wings out. In a smooth pounce she was gliding to Ferrth's ledge, eyes whirling green and blue.
But at the mention of the herdbeasts she cringed.
N-Not hungry.. Just watching for now. [/color]
The sheer pleasure Braymoth had from his meal's agony.. It made Abyrath sick.. afriad...
She however still found Ferrth charming even if he had done nothing to make that so.
I am sure we haven't met.. But I am glad we have. [/color]
Her head cocked sideways curiously as if she was thinking. This could be fun! Perhaps BluePrince Ferrth would play?
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Post by Kitsuneko on Apr 26, 2012 21:04:25 GMT -4
She seemed to perk up at his words, which made Ferrth glad. She'd seemed a bit uncomfortable before, it seemed to him. His eyes whirled with pleased blues and greens as she introduced herself. Pleased to meet you, Abyrath, he said, though his head tilted to one side at her cringe.
He wondered what was the matter, and if it had been what he had said. Surely she wasn't afraid of herdbeasts? She was a dragon, after all. They should naturally be afraid of her!
Well, I can't say I mind an audience, Ferrth said, being in fact a shameless showoff, Though I don't know about the other dragons.
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Post by twitchie on Apr 26, 2012 22:32:07 GMT -4
The amethyst ducked her head embarressed and partially ashamed. No. The herdbeast did not frighten her. It was the death that bothered her. How to kill it without causing the creature to suffer? To show respect for its life that sustains her?
I.. I don't like how horrified the little beasts become. And how they scream and cry! It.. it makes me sick to think some dragons enjoy the bellows of fear and agony.. The shrieks haunt me still... [/color]
Abyrath struggled to explain so she gentlely pressed the visions to Ferrth's mind. The garnet and his game of blood and death. The delight of the herdbeasts pain and the wailing of the dieing beast...
Abyrath shuttered shaking her head.
I'd love to watch the hunt of a BluePrince ! I would be glad of a chance to learn from you. [/color]
Abyrath forced happy thoughts. Ferrth's title was crooned in a sweet tone. BluePrince. Warrior of Pern!
She purred happily at that thought. A dashing blue soldier... Hmm..
The little dragon was twice as small as Ferrth but paid no heed. He didn't seem to mind either! She was glad!
A chirp followed the sudden appearance of Star, Ka'mond's Topaz flit, who was followed by a very dramatic Tia, who cried out for attention.
Abyrath cooed at both flits as they settled onto her, in between her spikes. Tia went to sleep while Star eyed Barus. A sub-king! He should pay attention to this queen!
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Post by Kitsuneko on Apr 26, 2012 23:08:28 GMT -4
Ferrth nodded sagely at Abyrath's explanation, though inside he was still a little confused. They were predators, the herdbeasts were prey. They only did what came naturally. But Ferrth suspected that was not the sort of sentiment that the amethyst weyrling wanted, so he decided to keep that idea to himself. Perhaps when she was older and a bit more mature.
All creatures must eat, and it so happens we dragons eat herdbeasts. The most we can do for them is pick carefully and end it quickly, the blue told her. He wasn't always quite so neat about it himself, of course, but he was still pretty young himself, not to mention the way he tended to get excited and therefore clumsy and careless. He wasn't about to admit that to a dragoness who seemed to admire him so far, however.
The images she sent him did not bother him overmuch, but he understood Abyrath's disgust. I have never met a garnet I cared to get along with, he admitted. When he had met Braymoth, the other dragon had seemed...well, nice probably wasn't the right word...not hostile, anyway, but that didn't mean he and Hirion trusted the garnet's intentions.
And now she was complimenting him, even giving a fancy title. Ferrth preened at the 'BluePrince.' He'd have to make sure her admiration of him didn't go to his head. Oh, well, I suppose I could arrange that, he said with a touch of humor.
Though the dragon ignored the arrival of the flitters aside from a cursory glance, Barus paid special attention to the female fire lizards, particularly the topaz, since she seemed to be paying more attention to him. The circumstances were not ripe for allowing him to continue napping, so he gave a chirp of welcome for the newcomers.
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Post by twitchie on Apr 27, 2012 12:35:37 GMT -4
Abyrath nodded, faintly comforted.
After your meal we should fly together. Stretching and testing our wings is always fun. Don't you agree, BluePrince? [/color]
The name suited him and she liked it. The purple dragon was eager to watch Ferrth hunt and fly. He interested her. Fascinated her..
She twitched her tail and shifted her paws. This blue seemed to enjoy her company unlike Braymoth... Why she ever had wanted to befriend the garnet she didn't know!
Star chirped back at Baths and crept to her feet. Her eyes whirled as she flapped her wings. He watched her! Maybe he'd be worthy of her time?
(Sorry its short)
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Post by Kitsuneko on Apr 27, 2012 15:11:10 GMT -4
Yes, that sounds like fun, Ferrth said happily. He was a very outgoing dragon, so it was always nice when he could make a new friend. He stretched his wings in preparation of flight, and then turned to Abyrath.
Now, watch as I make a nice, clean kill, he told her, and leaped into the air. He had already picked out which herdbeast to target--it was an older male with a lame hoof, so already no doubt in pain, which made it an easy kill. If Aby liked, she could think of it as him putting the herdbeast out of its misery.
The herdbeasts began to mill about in fear as the dragon cast his shadow over their pen, but before his dinner could get lost in the crowd of beasts, he dived down as the other herdbeasts scattered. The lame one was too slow to get out of the way, and Ferrth's claws closed around his legs as the blue locked his jaws around the herdbeast's neck. The final bite was almost superfluous; the force of his full weight hitting the animal had already done most of the damage, and the herdbeast collapsed to the ground under the dragon's weight.
The animal was dead by the time Ferrth lifted his head from the neck and began to eat. So, was that quick enough for you, pretty little Abyrath? he asked the amethyst. It was true she was younger than him...but perhaps her size was deceiving.
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Post by twitchie on Apr 27, 2012 16:22:37 GMT -4
Abyrath took note of how smoothly the blue lunged, forcing his muscles. With her keen yet easily distractable eyes she watched the entire event. Ferrth was fair, making it a respectable kill. No purposeful lingering pain. Quick and simple. That was how a dragon should hunt. These beasts were prey, the dragon the rightful and all powerful predator. But weren't wolves hunters too? Who preyed on the sick and elderly and ultimately keeping the deer herds healthy? And they worked together taking only what they needed? They hunted to survive. Not for pleasure however all creatures love the thrill of a good hunt. Abyrath too.
It was not the trill of her meal's spine snapping between her jaws. No. It was the chase. The fun of swooping down on her prey. Not the shrieks of pain.. or the bloodshed..
She was glad when Ferrth ended the herdbeast's life so swiftly. It was better. Its lameness would have killed it sooner or later no doubt more painfully than Ferrth's way.
It was flawless, BluePrince. It is fair for the herdbeast to not suffer. They die to keep us alive. Don't we owe them a respectable death? [/color]
Pretty! Oh! He had called her pretty! How charming! How... remarkable!
Abyrath wanted to tell Hers this but she knew Ka'mond wouldn't understand. Not yet. He was still a boy...
But did this blue still think her a child? Her size annoyed Braymoth as did her happiness. She was 12 turns old however. Young but not dumb. Innocent and maybe naive.. perhaps.
But she had reached her full growth of 13 feet.. Would that bother the handsome blue?
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Post by Kitsuneko on Apr 27, 2012 17:40:45 GMT -4
She seemed pleased at his compliment, which amused Ferrth. Well, she had been kind enough to label him a Blue Prince, after all--it seemed only natural to return the favor, and he always had been generous with his compliments...especially with females. He puffed out his chest with pride, happy that she found his hunting skills so good. He did love to hunt, even if he didn't take quite so much joy in the kill as Braymoth or some other dragons did.
Indeed, Abyrath. They may not be intelligent creatures, but they still feel pain. If he were being truthful, Ferrth did not really think or care about the feelings of herdbeasts very often--particularly when he was hungry--but it seemed like the sort of thing Abyrath would like to hear, and he figured there was no harm in pleasing her. It wasn't like he went out of his way to cause pain or fear, though.
Ferrth had nearly finished the meal by now, with the greater part of his hunger taken care of. If he were alone, he might have gone after another, but with the edge taken off his hunger and a young female hanging on his words, he had better things to do. You look as if you've almost finished growing. How much longer have you got in weyrling lessons. Surely you're not going between yet?
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Post by twitchie on Apr 30, 2012 10:06:25 GMT -4
Abyrath's tail waggled with sheer joy and excitement. She'd made a friend! A friend!
I've reached my full length. 13 feet from nose to tail. I haven't betweened yet but I should learn soon. [/color]
She peered at Ferrth happily. Did he really think she was pretty?
Her head cocked to the side as she pondered this. Perhaps he liked her?
Her tail flicked and twitched and her eyes whirled. YAY! She was happy!
She watched Ferrth and readied to fly down to him or follow him when he took off. He was the first dragon who seemed to enjoy her company...
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Post by Kitsuneko on May 2, 2012 15:45:06 GMT -4
The blue's eyes whirled in surprise. Fully grown and yet still so small? It was a bit odd, but her exuberence and happiness in such a small form was kind of cute. Ah, really? Well, I'm sure you'll do well once you do start those lessons. Though my favorite part of the lessons was firestone. He was no Weyrlingmaster, but he was sure with such a small clutch, there would be few accidents such as in his own clutch.
Finished with his herdbeast meal, Ferrth climbed to his feet, cleaning the worst of the blood and gore from his hide. Now at least somewhat presentable, he opened his wings, ignoring the fearful sounds from the other beasts on the far side of the pen. He glanced up at Abyrath. So, how good of a flier are you?
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Post by twitchie on May 2, 2012 16:41:18 GMT -4
Abyrath purred happily and fanned her wings.
Perhaps she'd like firestones too?
At his question her chest puffed out, she was flattered and feeling rather showy.
I'm a brilliant flyer! I'm tiny and fast and sly!? Watch! Watch me! [/color]
She was excited and joyful and proud! She sprang gracefully from the ledge, wings closed against her violet body. She let herself fall and she twisted sideways as the ground rushed to meet her.
Woooosh! Snaaaap! [/i]
Just before Abyrath hit the ground her opened her wings and rocketed upwards with a wind-tearing swoosh!
The thrill of the air rushing across her hide was like a dream. Her wings beat and took her higher and higher.
Then she dove and fell, performing well practiced loop-de-loops and spirals.
Her little body was like a purple feather dancing on the breeze...
Look! Oh! The BluePrince better look!
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Post by Kitsuneko on May 2, 2012 19:36:35 GMT -4
Ferrth watched the small amethyst take off, and was impressed. She really wasn't kidding about being a fast flier. Not bad, Abyrath. Not bad at all, Ferrth told her with a note of respect in his voice. I can tell you're going to be a good asset to your wing some day.
With that, the blue dragon spread his wings and leaped into the air, so he could join the purple dragoness. He was no slouch in the air himself, and he liked showing off. He was large for a blue, but that didn't mean he was as bulky and slow as a brown, and his slender build leant him agility in the air. He started showing off with some of his midair tricks, twisting and turning in corkscrews beside and below the smaller dragon. He was proud of his skills; they had impressed many a female in the past, and he was still young.
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