Betweening

[nike]

Nike turned to Christae and nodded. Then, the white rider gave the visual for her white.
Ready? The girl asked her dragon. Hands clutching the strap in front of her.
Always have been, and will be. Ruanth replied happily.
The Healer nodded, and then confirmed the visual with Menith and Rhia. Once they were correct, Nike gave it back to Ruanth.

But as they were going /between/, the visual jumped to go to a nearby hold. And of course, Ruanth, being her second jump, followed the visual.

Nike grinned as she looked around. Waiting for the others. But no other dragon came out. And no dragon and rider was there. There were also clouds around her. Confused, and worried, she looked around.
Where are we? The rider asked Ruanth.
I don't know! You gave me the visual, and I cam here. The white replied.
Fly down. I want to get out of these clouds. Nike told her dragon, cranning her neck to see the ground.

The white nodded, and flew out of the clouds. There, Nike saw a vast holding below her.
Looking around, she didn't spot Dark Moon mountain. Or the mountain range. But she did see the sea out in the distance. They were still in the south, but somewwhere strange.
We better find out where we are before we go back to Dark Moon. Fly down tot he Hold. Nike commanded her dragon.
The white did so.

((And now, the Weyr gets worried, and Spirit's new charrie can be brought in.))

[Miki]

ooc|| Okay- this post is gonna suck but... I am... uninspired? ||end

On his first try, D'ran had done well. He landed just a touch off of his target. He patted the dragon and smiled. "We did great," he said loud enough for Aureth.

Now it was time for another time in. D'ran visualized and the two popped in the correct spot. Not too many were there, Nike wasn't. She probably just had a little trouble starting.

--

Kia too made it. She did even better than the first time.

[Dragon]

K'dan looked around. It seemed everyone had made it...everyone but Nike. He began to panic. What had happened to her? Where was she at? He couldn't lose her, it would crush him. He began looking to and fro in a frenzy. "Nike!", he shouted at the top of his lungs. The paralyzing fear of between was enough but losing Nike was an even worse fear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

G'han looked down at K'dan, he was frantic. He didn't see Nike either. Mine K'dan panics. ~I know~, he said simply. He gave a worried look then spoke to K'dan, "K'dan calm yourself. I am sure she is fine. She might have gotten a little off course. Settle down", he said to him. He had a stern look on his face, the look he had when he was training him, when he was his teacher and he was his student. Should we try and find her? ~Not yet Gerenanth. Let us wait and see if she appears. If not I will ask one of the Weyrleaders what should be done~, he told his dragon bonded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

K'dan looked up at G'han and nodded. He was still worried though, he couldn't bear the thought of losing Nike.

[Spirithawk]

Rhia waited until Nike had gone. Kia had gone between so Rhia waited a few moments before having Mneith transfer into the inky blackness. Even though she was used to flying on Mneith, she still felt for the warm reassurance of the brown's chocolate colored hide until they emerged from the cold void eight seconds later.

She noted with approval that Kia was there on the large copper dragoness. She looked around for Nike, but was startled when she didn't find the whiterider anywhere. She heard K'dan's frantic cries and wished that G'han would take the boy in hand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christae turned to the weyrling bluerider. "Quiet." She told him sharply as she turned to the brownrider. "Did you make certain that she had the visual."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"She had the visual. Ruanth took it directly from Mneith and we double checked it. Kaith gave us all the same image and Mneith and I used the image that we were given. It was the same image Kaith gave us." Rhia's voice was positive."They arent stuck between or the dragons would have known it by now. They have not begun to keen. She must have miscalculated on her jump and gone somewhere else."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christae nodded. She asked that Kaith bespeak Ruanth. She is alive and well. The golden Queen reported. "I will have Kaith get the coordinates from Ruanth and you and Mneith will go to her. If at all possible, make her drink something warm before you return. Kia will be in my wing for now."

[Dragon]

"See K'dan she is alright no need to worry. Another outburst like that though will not be tolerable. You have been warned", he said to his young bluerider friend. He didn't want to sound harsh but he had to understand. He was sure K'dan knew that, G'han would be very hard on him when they trained so hopefully the boy had come to expect it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Yes Wingleader G'han", K'dan said respectfully. He was glad Nike was still alive and well. He gave a big sigh of relief and from now on he would try to keep his outbursts to himself.

[Tenma]

Miya snorted slightly, but not loud enough for anyone except Reinath to hear. Figures that the white and rider did something to mess it up. I just knew this would happen. Miya sighed.

Reinath merely nodded her head in agreement. Lately the gold hadn't said many insults, simply agreeing with what Miya said. The gold-rider grew curious every now and then but she assumed that the queen was merely becoming what she was, a queen. She knew one day that her bonded would learn, and she knew she would have to sooner or later, but she preferred later.

Are they at least safe? Miya asked. While she despised the two to no end, she didn't wish for them to meet there end so soon.

Yes, they are still okay, merely not here. They probably mixed up the image and went between to the wrong place. Reinath reported.

[Spirithawk]

((just search him here...it is part of this plot anyway...we have too many threads going on as it is...so putting it here is fine))

Perin was hauling the newly cured hides into the Hold. His master had sent him to fetch the hides so that they wouldn't get wet in the rain that was amassing in the clouds on the horizon. The Master Tanner had just gotten the hides to finish curing and he didn't want them to be ruined by the rain before he could shape them and put a water sealant on them. Perin agreed. The lad was skilled enough to be a Journeyman but his master had never really thought about promoting him. He simply trusted the dark-skinned youth with more and more responsibility. Perin's blue-black hair fell forward. He had forgotten to pull it back in a runner tail before he started hauling the hides in.

Perin walked into the storeroom and deposited the hides on the table waiting to receive them. His master would stretch them so that they could be made into riding straps, belts, boots and the like. Some of the Hold's members needed new boots and belts badly and a few had ordered wher-hide vests. The Tanner had the material he needed but he had still set Perin to curing new hides to replace the ones he would use. Master Dornin always kept his supplies at an acceptable level. Dornin was cutting a hide to make belts as the lad entered the workroom. Perin moved quietly and Dornin jumped when the dark lad spoke.

"Master, when do I become a Journeyman? I was supposed to be a Journeyman a Turn ago." The lithe man looked up with suprise.

"Shells lad, don't scare me like that. You need to learn how to make noise when you walk so you don't give people heartattacks." The man looked thoughtful when the lad mentioned Journeyman status. "Hmm, yes, you are skilled enough to be a Journeyman and you did serve your Journeyman years, in fact, you should have been promoted two Turns ago. Hmmm, yes, we will have to see to that. I will draft the necessary documents and send them off to the CraftHall today for your knots." The man went to a drawer and pulled out ink and a quill, absently trimming it with his belt knife. After about ten minutes the man turned. "I just need your signature here and the Hold's Harper's signature and you can send your flitt out with it."

Perin's pale blue eyes glowed. He was almost to Master status according to the paper. "Thank you Master." The man waved him off. "You earned it." Perin bowed to the master and went off to find the Harper. The harper was more than happy to witness the paper and the lad sent his flitt out to the CraftHall.

Perin took his time as he returned to the Tanner's accomodations while he was working in the Hold. He and his master often traveled from Hold to Hold, doing leatherwork for the holds and then moving on to another one when the commission was done. Soon Perin would be able to work on his own. He scanned the skies, looking for the rain that was supposed to fall. He was suprised to see a large white form heading towards the hold. "If I didn't know better I would say that was a dragon. But dragons aren't that small and they aren't white."

[nike]

Nike's eyes scanned the hold as Ruanth came in for the landing. Yes, there were a few people standing around. They were all staring of course. After all, how many people had seen a white dragon. A smile crept to the rider's face as she thought of this. She had always imagened what a person's reaction would be when they found out that she rode a white dragon. She always throught that they would be the same of the people Turns ago when they heard about Ruth and Jaxmon.

The white fanned out her wings, and stuck out her rear legs. Dust rose from the ground, and then soon settled. Nike dismounted, and then took of her helmet. Her hair fell out, and around her shoulders. Green eyes looked around for some help. The sight of a boy, close to her own age, made her smile. Yes, he could be of some help. Hopefully.
I'm going to ask him where we are, then we can go back to the Weyr. Nike told her dragon as she walked towards hi,
I think we should take him back to the Weyr. The white replied.
As Nike walked, she stumbled at her dragon's suggestion.
What? Surprise filled her voice.
I don't know why, but I think we should take him back. He is strong. I can sense him. I have sensed other people like him in the Weyr. People who should stand on the Sands for a Hatching, but the other dragons don't think they should. I have also sensed the Candidates that have been Searched and are in the Weyr. I think we should take him. Ruanth said as she looked at Perin.

Wait. You can't tell me that he could be a Candidate? And if he could be one, how will we get him back to the Weyr? Lie to the Holders, and say that we are on Search for Dark Moon's clutch that hasn't even been layed yet? Nike asked, turned around to face her dragon.
Yes. The Weyr needs someone like him. You have told me a lot about the Weyr. About the strong people that are needed. He would be perfect. He deserves to be in the Weyr. Ruanth replied. Her eyes darted to her rider.
Alright. But if we are going to get in trouble, I am blaming you. Nike said, and pointed at her dragon.

The Rider turned on boot heel, and walked up to Perin. "Hello, I am Master healer Nike, rider of White Ruanth. We are on Search for Dark Moon. My dragon thinks that you would be a good Candidate to stand on the Sands for our upcoming Hatching. May I have you name?" Nike said. Was this the thing that Search Riders said? Hopefully. Nike tried to sound sure about what she ws saying. But she wasn't the best actor.

[Spirithawk]

Perin stood, watching with profound confusion as the white creature, unmistakably a small dragon landed. When the white's rider dismounted the young Tanner turned to some of the people of the hold. "Get hot rolls and klah for the dragonrider. Do you know nothing?" The drudge ran to obey returning a few minutes and holding out the tray with a shaking hand.

Perin bowed to the rider as she approached. His master was one of the few who made certain that respect for dragonkind was instilled in all of his students. "Search? We had not received news that the Queen had risen yet."

The dark-skinned lad looked at the red-headed rider with suprise as the meaning of her words sank in. "wait, you want me to come to the weyr? You think I should stand at a Hatching and possibly Impress?" He remembered that the rider had asked his name. "I am Perin, I am a Journeyman, maybe Master Tanner. I am apprenticed to Master Dornin."

A dark brown flitt emerged from under the blue-black hair of the 16 turn old lad. He chirped and flew over to the white dragon, chittering words that only the white could possibly understand. "Falarn leave the dragon alone." The flitt cheeped with chagrin when he caught the stern tone of the young Tanner's voice. He flew back to land on Perin's arm.

[nike]

Nike smiled when the drudge returned with rolls, and klah. She took a mug of klah and sipped the warm drink slowly. It felt good after her rush with /between./ "No. Kaith hasn't risen yet, but she will soon. And Dark Moon is always prepared with Candidates for any clutch. Our Weyrleaders send out Searchriders as soon as a queen starts showing the sign of rising," The Healer said, adn then took another sip. "Yes, Perin. My dragons thinks that you are a good Candidate. And yes, she may be small, but we had Searched at a few more Holds, for the last Hatching, and every Candidate we Searched Impressed a dragon,"
That was such a lie! Nike put a straight face on, and hid her smile with her klah.

A very nice lie. What will you tell him when we get back tot the Weyr? Ruanth asked with a snort.
The truth of course. He'll find out sooner or later, anyways. Nike replied.
The white turned her eyes to the brown firelizard, and started speaking to him. When he left, a depressed look came over her eyes.
"Oh it's okay. Ruanth loves the firelizards. And at the Weyr, they all love her. Wild ones come just to sleep by her, or to talk," Nike said nodding to the tiny brown. "And, would you like to come to the Weyr, Perin?" Nike added with a grin.

[Tenma]

Miya sighed. What was taking the white so long? Shouldn't they have figured out there mistake all ready and came back. Miya called Kalie to her. The green flitt appeared obediently.

"Go find the white dragon." Miya instructed and repeated that many times. It would be much easier for the green to find the dragon, since the flitts seemed attracted to her. The green went between.

**********************

A green fire-lizard appeared a bit above Ruanth. She went over to Ruanth and chirped angrily at her. She then flew to Nike's face and chirped angrily again. Her claws grabbed onto the Master Healer's garments and began to pull her.

[Spirithawk]

Perin listened attentively. "I suppose the Weyr has started sending Weyrlings out on Search duty huh?" He said with a bland tone. He had recognized the rider's shoulder knots. "I would love to come to the Weyr but I need to let my Master know and pack my few belongings. We usually don't unpack because we never stay in one place long but I do have a few things that I have to gather up. I will also have to send a message to my CraftHall so that they can send my Master's knots to me at the Weyr instead of this Hold."

Falarn cheeped at the young man and he waved him off. "Go ahead then." The brown flew off his arm and went to the white. Before he could get there a green flitt appeared and started fussing the white dragon and her rider. "What on Faranth's green Pern?"

[nike]

Nike opened her mouth to speak, and then looked towards Ruanth.
The white wasn't paying attention to her rider.
Thanks. Nike said in a sarcastic tone. After turned back to the Tanner, she spoke again.
"Alright. Ruanth and I will be waiting here," Nike said and finished of her klah. The Healer turned back to her dragon, just in time to see Kalie come from /between./
Isn't that Kalie? Miya's green? Nike asked.
Yes it is. Miya sent her to come and get us. The white replied, turnign her head to the little green.
Zim raised herself from Nike's shoulder and started cherping at the green, tell her to be quiet.

Nike pulled away from Kalie, as the green pulled on her clothes. Ruanth! Tell her to get off me! The healer said, looking at the green with a confused expression. Alright. The white said, and did so.
"Go on and get your things," Nike said to the soon to be Candidate. Hopefully.

[Tenma]

Kalie flew away and went between. She arrived back at Miya to show her where the missing white dragon was.

Miya had to wonder. What were they doing? Who was that boy in the images. Reinath, can you please speak to Runath for me? She asked impatiently.

Reinath did as she was told. She simply told them that Miya wished them to hurry up back to the lesson.

[Spirithawk]

Perin watched the odd exchange with the flitt for a bit and then turned. Falarn remained with the white dragoness. The young Tanner ran to where his master was and calmly told him that he was going to the Weyr to be a Candidate. The man could see the excitement in his apprentice's body. He smiled.

"I am happy for you Perin. I cannot teach you any more. It is time you move on. The CraftHall will grant you Master Status. I sent that in my note. I am proud. You will do well in the Weyr. You will have a lot of hide work to do in the weyr at any rate. Go pack. I will visit when I may. I might even attend the Hatching."

Perin was normally a lad who kept his emotions to himself when it came to his master but this was a special occasion. "I am glad that I was able to make you proud Master." He embraced the older man and was surprised when he was given cured hides and tools to continue his trade as a Tanner to add to the ones he already had. There was also a new belt knife.

"I know your other one has a dull edge. Go now." The older man returned to his work. Perin ran for his room and began packing his belongings. There wasnt much by way of clothing but he had his hideworking tools. He had a few bags but they were light. He returned to the dragonrider at a swift walk.

"I am ready. I hope I do not overload your dragon with my weight. I can wait for some of my tools until my Master is able to send them." He looked at her, a question in his pale blue eyes.

[nike]

Nike waited, and paced back and forth.
Mine. Reinath tells me that Miya wants us to hurry back to the others. The white said, eyes darting quickly to her rider.
"Well tell Reinath that we will be there soon. We just wanted to find out where we were first," The healer said outloud.
Alright. And you 'Candidate,' is back. Ruanth said, and nodded to Perin.

Nike turned back to him and smile. "No. Ruanth is a strong dragon. She can hold both of us, and your things. Now come on. I need to get back to the Weyr," The healer said, and took Perin's things. After strapping them to Ruanth's riding straps, she climbed on, and strapped herself in. "Well come on. We don't have all day," She said. Ruanth was an easy dragon to get on. One step to the white's foreleg, then swing your leg over her neck. It was nothing like any of the other dragons. Jumping onto the foreleg, then climbing up the neck with the help of the riding straps. No. Ruanth was very easy.

[Spirithawk]

Perin had traveled adragonback once or twice in his life, but never one so small. "As long as you think she is strong enough," he shrugged and began placing his bags on the neck ridges. Then he swung up behind where she would sit and waited. "I am ready now." The lad showed no sign of nervousness although his eyes glowed with excitement.

[nike]

Nike glared at Perin. "Ruanth will hold us. And if youd on't think that she can, you may as well just stay here, and never have the chance to be a dragon rider," The Healer said. Once he said he was ready, she gave the command to Ruanth to take off.
The white leapt into the air, not even a moment after the boy behind Nike was ready. Wings flapped, as Ruanth gained air.
Nike could feel the slight strain on her dragon. But this was her first time carrying more than Nike's weight. After a few fearful moments, the white's strain lessened as she got used to the weight. Nike turned back to face Perin.
"We're going /between/ in a few moments. Get ready!" She yelled out, and then turned back around.

[Spirithawk]

Perin didn't flinch under the rider's gaze. "I mean no offence Dragonrider but it would be no skin off my back if I did not go to the Weyr. I am to be a Master Tanner. I can make a living either way." His voice was strong. He would not fail.

Perin braced himself for the neck snapping launch and gazed in wonder at the sight of the hold spread out under him. He waved a last goodbye to his Master as the dragon strained to fly higher. "I have ridden on dragons before. I am not afraid of between" His voice was calm with an underlying tone of excitement.

[nike]

Nike sighed. "Life in a Weyr is always better than life in a hold," She said. This boy had nerve. But yet, never was something that would be needed in a dragonrider. But not like Miya's nerve.
Alright. Let's go back to the Weyr. Nike said and gave the visual of the Weyr Bowl.
Ruanth nodded, and then the white went /between./

Nike looked down at the Bowl. "Welcome to Dark Moon. I'll drop you off infront of the Lower caverens. I'm sure another rider, or Candidate will be there to meet you," She yelled back as Ruanth glided down to the Bowl. The white landed, and then crouched, waiting for the Candidate to get off.