The Eye of the Storm [PLOT]

[FaizahPandora]

Faizah had been pacing the Main Hall all day, watching the storm blast against the Weyr. This was the worst storm she had seen since establishing the Weyr, and she had seen her fair share of bad storms. But since she could see it brewing on the horizon she had felt a bad omen towards it. That storm was not something to take lightly.

Faizah had been suspicious when Ammon and Anubis had suddenly arrived, right before the storm, and decided they would stay for a few days. Ammon never came without a reason, and Faizah was slightly afraid of what this one might be. In the past the military had been less than subtle about what they wanted, but Faizah had been able to keep the integrity of the Weyr intact.

A hand on her shoulder startled her out of her thoughts. Faizah jumped visibly, then noticed that it was simply Kain. He had a look of deep regret yet urgency on his face. Faizah's heart dropped into her stomach. That couldn't be a good look...

"What is it?" She asked in a horrified whisper.

Kain sighed. "The towns at the base of the mountain are getting flooded. Some of the poorer neighborhoods are nearly completely under water. I want to take the Wings out to help them. We have more than enough room in the Weyr to hold them until the flood waters recede."

Faizah nodded without a second thought. "Of course. The Weyr wouldn't survive without them. Let's get the Weyrling and Rider's assembled so we can get them all organized." Faizah had begun striding for the Weyrling weyrs when Ammon stepped in her way, stopping her.

"You can't do that. It would jeopardize the entire program..." Ammon looked sternly at Faizah and Kain.

Faizah's face took on a stone look and her lips thinned into a line. She glared at the older man. "We can not let them die down there when we have the means and resources to rescue them. Don't try and tell me to let them die while we sit up here, safe and sound." Faizah's voice was cold and stone. There was no room for argument.

"Faizah Pandora. This could reveal the dragons to the entire world. Then every country will want a dragon. In years later dragons would be fighting dragons in wars. Do you want that." Ammon glared back at her.

"Dragons will never fight dragons in wars. Not while there are Queens there to keep the peace. Not as long as the Weyrs are taught properly. So don't get in my way, Fredricks." Faizah pushed past him.

She told Surth to warn the other dragons that they and their bonded were to meet in the Main Hall. Kain had Gorth do the same.

[yaoiwafflez]

Synth raised her head as she caught the message from Surth to get to the main hall. She stood stiffly, stretching like a cat, and alerted K'ryn. The man stuck his head out of his portion of the weyr, making his way along the pitch-black hall until he felt his hand run up against her chest.
"What is it?"
Minelove, Surth calls riders to the main hall. Hurry; I feel it is important.
K'ryn grumbled, but he fitted Synth with her riding harness quickly, and the pair were launched out of their weyr into the lashing rain in less than ten minutes.

It wasn't long before they reached the main hall, Synth huddled on the wide ledge outside the halls as K'ryn entered the dining hall, shaking water out on his hair. He couldn't help what he did next, though; it was impossible to resist. He greeted Kain politely, if a little informally, but that was just how he'd always been. But he winked at Faizah, and gave her a sly smirk as he walked over to her, sliding an arm around her shoulders and raising an eyebrow at the older man in the sharp uniform. It was clear Faizah wasn't fond of him, if the dirty look he'd caught her giving him was any clue. He laughed and looked at the Weyrwoman, a questioning look on his face.

"Alright, so what's the deal? There some sound-phobic dragon panicking about the storm? Or is frownyface bugging you?" He didn't bother to keep his voice down. This man had no dragon, and in K'ryn's mind, this meant he had little authority compared to Faizah. Even if he held status the smae as one of the Lord Holders, still, his loyalty was to the Weyrleaders.

Also, K'ryn was kind of annoyed about being dragged through the icy rain, and he didn't appreciate being wet, and Synth was cold. Which was actually what bothered him most.
Do no be that way. No need to be flippant; I think this is serious.
I know, I know. I'll be good.
No you will not. But thank you for pretending. Gold Fayeth arrives.
K'ryn got the image of the big gold landing heavily, and Synth rose to trill a flirtatious greeting to the queen, touching noses with her like cats might.
Synth, my turn. YOU be good.

Shinji and Miyuki also stumbled in, both also wet, dressed in sweatpants. Shinji looked absolutely freezing, probably because his sister had two sweatshirts wrapped around her shoulders; she'd taken his. Fayeth rumbled a polite greeting to the green already outside the main hall, and folded one wing over her head to keep some of the icy rain at bay, and extened the other for the smaller green to join her; Fayeth may have been slightly confused by Synth's sultry greeting, but she liked talking to the elder dragons nonetheless. And the gold found Synth fun to talk to, besides. Synth accepted the offer, and sat down next to the already-larger-than-her gold.

The weyrling siblings just stumbled over to a bench and plopped down, both looking about as happy as wet cats.
"Wonder what's goin' on..." Miyuki mumbled sleepily.

[Samari]

Tahli had heard the summons and dashed as quickly as she could to the main hall. She was drenched, and luckily was not wearing her favorite riding jacket today. She shook herself dry and smiled at Shinji, who was also soaking wet.



"You called, Weyrwoman?"




H'vas had been on the way to the main hall already when the summons came through.



"Surth wants us to report to the main hall. It is urgent, H'vas."[/color]


The black haired rider was just walking in the door, looking around at all the others.


"I'm here. Whats going on?"

[Wolfy]

Minelove, we are called.

Called, Kyrinth? By whom?

By Surth. It sounds as if it is urgent; we must go.[/i][/color]

Lyrah nodded once, them hurried from her bath. Drying her hair quickly, she ran into her small room and grabbed some clothes before she mounted her large brown hatchling. Where are we to go?

The Main Hall. All Weyrlings and Riders are to go there at once.

Then let's go! She gave her Imprinted a firm image of where they were and what he should be able to see. Carefully, he navigated them both toward the main hall, careful of the slanting wind and rain that threatenned the entire Weyr.

They finally made it, half soaking wet. He waited for his rider to unhitch herself from him before shaking off the droplets of moisture. She nodded to the weyrwoman, Faizah, and Kain, same as Kyrinth hummed a greeting to the dragons.

J'kent and Marith were both sleeping when the message came.

Love! J'kent moaned and turned over in response. Love! Awake! Shr accompanied this command with a push from her snout.

"Hey!" J'kent cried. "I was sleeping!"

And we have been summoned. All of the riders and weyrlings are to go to the Main Hall immediately.

"Then why didn't you just say so?" he said angrilly, pulling his leather trousers on as well as a shirt and other riding gear. "I'm sure it would have been much easier!"

Marith rolled her whirling eyes at her weyrmate and crouched down so that he could mount. After a breif glare at his new-leaf green dragon, he mounted her and they were off.

They arrived to the sound of the savage storm as it clashed against Rocky Weyr. "Weyrwoman, Weyrleader," J'kent murmured to the pair as they arrived.

[Wesku]

Gregory straightened his painting of General Cornwallis for the third time in a minute, but it still didn't look right. Finally out of sheer frustration, Gregory decided to hang another painting.

Jadavath, love, help me decide which general will take Cornwallis's place. I was thinking of Stonewall personally.

Surath calls, Minelove. We are needed urgently. Your generals will have to wait.

Sighing in an overly exaggerated manner, Gregory climbed astride his precious Green.

I guess we can pencil our new Weyrwoman in.

Jadavath leapt out of her weyr and made haste towards their destination. When they got there, Gregory quickly jogged into the Main Hall.

"Your apologies, Weyrwoman, but what is happening?"

[Topaz]

Kiana, being quite the night owl, was wide awake when Surth's call rang out. Putting down her crossword book she hustled down the stairs to the main hall. Caleth meanwhile dropped effortlessly down to the gathering of dragons. Purring her greeting to them all, the tiny gold snuggled close to Synth, taking advantage of Faeyth's outstretched wing.

It is sooo cold. Is there trouble? She asked absently, to no dragon in particular.

--

Zedoreth was just barely roused from his coma-like slumber by Surth's announcement.

Mine.
Silence.

Miine. He said a little more forcefully.

What is it? I am tired. You'd better not be itchy, or by Faranth's first egg I-

Surth is calling the entire Weyr for some kind of meeting. Sounds kind of important. Shall we go? The dragon asked, quite drolly.

L'gar sat straight up in bed, now wide awake, and tore off his bed sheets. "Are you mad, you overgrown lizard?! Of course we're going! You should have woken me up sooner.." He continued to mumble angrily to himself as he dressed, unconsciously gearing up as he would to fight thread.

It is only a storm, Minelove. Not the menace. Why are you so jittery? Zedoreth asked as he rose and stretched from the nap on his couch.

L'gar ignored his dragon completely and rushed down the stairs to the main hall. He frowned to see that he was not the first to arrive, by far. Nonetheless, he moved towards the front, towards the weyrleaders. "What's the problem? Is someone missing?" A number of possibilities ran though the old rider's head as the storm beat against the mountain. Then, as if only just noticing him, L'gar gave K'ryn a once over, confused and disturbed by his clinging to Faizah.

Meanwhile, Zedoreth stuck his head out and snorted bemusedly at the congregation of wet dragons at the Weyr's entrance. He would not be getting wet until he needed to, he decided, and curled back up on his weyrledge.

--

Odiketh was quite a light sleeper, so Logan was awoken right away. The whiteweyrling lost some time getting dressed and presentable however, to which his white companion rumbled at incessantly.

You are only going downstairs, not to a hatching, Minelove. Why fuss with your hair?

"Because everyone was called there. I don't want to look like a mess in front of the entire weyr, now do I?" He said as he walked briskly out of his room and down to the dining hall.

Odiketh snorted in amusement. Taking a look outside to see what might be happening, the little white was promptly buffeted by a large gust of wind and needle-like raindrops. With a yelp, he retreated further into the weyr, and curled up contentedly on his couch. If this problem they were having was outside, hopefully he could opt out.

[phyrstyr]

Nomics was reading a new book. He was completely engrossed and so was unaware of the terrible gale occurring outside the mountain. But a quiet evening was not to be.

Nomics, Gorth requests our presence in the Main Hall. He says that it is urgent. We should leave now.

A pause.

And by now i mean today, now.

Nomics barely looked away from his book. "On a scale of ten to twenty, ten being as important as watching paint dry and twenty being the end of the world, what would you rate this call?"

at least an eighteen.

The Rider seemed to think about his dragon's answer. "Alright, lets do this. Where is my blasted jacket?"

On the blasted coat rack.

"Why thank you. your smartness is duly appreciated." Flinging on his coat, he climbed onto his dragon's back. "Lets ride!" he shouted, making a fist pump in the air for added effect. Yurith Jumped into the pelting rain and flew swiftly to the Hall. They landed neatly and as Nomics jumped down and joined the already rather large gathering of riders and weyrlings, Yurith said hello to Fayleth and the other dragons.

Greetings Golds Fayleth and Caleth. Greens Synth, Cherath ,Marith and Jadavath. And also Brown Kyrinth. Do any of you per chance know what is going on?

Nomics entered jovially and, throwing his arms wide, said regally, "I'm here the party can begin." But seeing the somber attitudes of the others, he immediately quieted and went to stand near the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader in case he was needed. He said a quiet hello and stood patiently, waiting.

---

Shasta was dreaming of a large, sun streaked field full of flowers and dragons. This was her favorite dream and so her physical face smiled just as her imagined one did. In the dream, though, the norm was broken. Instead of going over to the brook for a swim, Quith came over and said,

Mine, It is time to go. We are summoned. Wake ple-

Shasta sat bolt upright in her bed, awake with only strands of sleep still covering her mind. Quith never interrupted Hers when she was sleeping. This must be an emergency. "What, Mine? What did you say?"

MineLove, Gorth has summoned all to the Main Hall. It seems to be of utmost importance.

"Ok. Lets get going then. oh! let me get dressed first." She quickly threw on a t-shirt and sweats and then shrugged into a thick, parka-like coat and fur lined boots. "Alrighty, lets get a move on!" With that they began the relatively slow decent to the Hall.

After a little while, the finally reached their destination and found that there was already a large bunch of people. Maybe some of them will know what is going on. She said hello and went to sit at one of the benches to await any orders or information while Quith went outside to join the other dragons. Greetings all! She stated simply and went to join the huddle.

---

Streeth jumped on D'niel excitedly.

Lets go Mine! It sounds like an adventure!

D'niel sighed. He had been sleeping. "Streeth, I think you forgot to tell me something."

Oh yeah! ummm... Surth says that there is an important meeting in the Main Hall. Everyone is to attend.

The weyrling chuckled lightly to himself. His Blue could be so silly sometimes, with all this jumping ahead of himself. "Well then lets be on our way!" With that D'niel saddled up His Blue and they jumped out into the storm, only then remembering that it was rather chilly outside. Luckily he had Streeth to keep him at least a little warm.

The energetic Blue dove down to the ledge leading to the Main Hall. seconds before a deadly collision, he fanned his wings and landed with the top half of his body on the rock and the lower half clutching the cliff face. D'niel jumped off and walked right into the warm Hall. With His gone and safe, Streeth detached himself from the mountain and flew around despite the buffering winds in an effort to find a mildly sheltered alcove slightly less crowded with dragons than the one he had just vacated.

"So, what warrants such a gathering as this?" the drenched weyrling asked plaintively.

[PhazonDragon]

Weyrling Ku'rt of Blue Aricoth

The raging storm outside was enough to keep anyone awake. Ku'rt had tossed and turned in bed, with the howling wind blasting through his ears. Finally he gave up and flipped onto his back, lying on the soft bed with his hands behind his head. The room was silent, save for the pattering of rain on the specialized curtain covering the entrance to Aricoth's side of the weyr. "Mmm..." Ku'rt murmured, turning his head on the pillow to glance over at the archway to where Aricoth was sleeping. He couldn't see anything in the pitch-black darkness.

Ku'rt? Are you all right? Aricoth wondered, his rider's restlessness waking him. The blue lifted his head off of his forelegs, holding it steady in the air. The blind dragon didn't move, but the green flitter on his back stirred, and chattered angrily. She didn't want to be awakened at this hour. I am sorry, Luna... But Ours is restless. Ku'rt, do you ne--Gorth and Surth call, he suddenly changed the subject. We are to meet in the main hall. Luna? Aricoth stood, and with the mental images from Luna, the blue pulled aside the curtain to the outside. We will meet you there... But come quickly, Ku'rt.

In the dark, Ku'rt sat up. Wha--Okay... Ku'rt responded quickly. He flicked the switch on the bedside lamp, and shielded his eyes, which hurt in the sudden light. Be careful out in the rain, my lovely blue... Ku'rt cautioned. The howl of the wind increased, and Ku'rt heard the rain splattering on the stone floor of the weyr. A short bugle later and Aricoth was out and in the rain. Due to the low location of their weyr, the blue was able to climb down, rather than fly, and make his way to the main hall.

Ku'rt quickly dressed himself, fitting into a pale blue tunic and pulling on tan pants. He left the bed unmade, not caring this late in the night. Before the weyrling left though, he made the short trip to Aricoth's room, and pulled shut the curtain before the weyr flooded with rainwater. He raised an eyebrow at the floor, noting the pooling water, but then left, exiting into the hallway. He jogged down to the main hall, noticing that Aricoth was already there. Ku'rt made his way over to the blue, placing a hand on the dragon's leg. The weyrling stood at attention, watching Faizah and Kain for further instruction.


Weyrling Hy'ka of Blue Brynath

The storm wasn't keeping Hy'ka awake. He was nearly passed out in his bed, his arms and legs splayed. Nothing was about to wake this weyrling up. Nothing except for his dragon, that is. Brynath heard the summons of the two elder dragons, and woke up in no time. Hy'ka, however, laid on his bed, his mouth open slightly, and a snore emanating from between his lips. A grumble from Brynath only made the weyrling moan and roll over. "Uhh.. Don't... wake me..." he mumbled.

Hy'ka! You should get up... Brynath protested, his wedge-shaped head slinking into the room. You need to get up, my dear Hy'ka. Surth and Gorth call us to the main hall. The storm is getting worse. We should hurry over to the hall. The blue snorted, staring down Hy'ka, trying to wake him up. Hy'ka! he mentally shouted, adding a short roar to the shout.

Hy'ka jolted awake, sitting up abruptly. "What? Did you say something about the main hall? And a storm?" he asked, blinking furiously to clear the sleep from his eyes. He swung his legs out of bed and sat there for a second, rubbing his eyes. "Brynath? Where is Kivral?" As if on cue, the brown fire lizard winked in from between, dripping wet, and landed happily on Hy'ka's shoulder. "Augh... You're all wet. Were you flying in the rain...? Oh get off. I have to change!" Hy'ka brushed the flitter off of his shoulder, and did his best to change into a clean tunic.

Brynath snorted, and retreated back into his side of the weyr. Kivral was in the storm, yes. He wanted to check it out. He found it to be very hard to fly in, but it was fun, Brynath let out an annoyed grumble at this. It will be a pain for us dragons to fly in then. Hm. Hurry up Hy'ka. The blue waited for the weyrling to change and open the curtain, then stretched out a foreleg for Hy'ka to climb up onto his back. Bryanth rumbled a "hold on" and dropped out of the weyr, diving, then snapped his wings open to catch the air. True to his word, Kivral was right about the air that blew at the weyrling from every angle.

The flight was short, but it managed to make Hy'ka soaked to the bone. Thankfully he had put on his thick flying leathers, and he huddled over the blue's back. Once Brynath had managed to land, and struggled to fold his wings against his body. Hy'ka jumped off of the blue's back, and giving the blue a quick pat on the leg, ran inside the main hall, to where the rest of the riders and weyrlings were gathering.

[ooc: I'll post Lawrence and Z'volm tomorrow.]

[Wesku]

Gruulath nudged His T'sai with his muzzle, and sent a wave of worry over their connection. The prescription drugs for Gruulath's depression had loosened him up considerably, but he still refused to talk. Although, he had begun to stretch his wings more frequently.

I don't suppose you will tell me what is going on?

To T'sai's surprise, Gruulath sent a mental picture of the Main Hall over their bond. It wasn't words or even a clear connection, but T'sai was overjoyed, yet worried. His dragon hadn't made any connection with him for a long time. What could possibly be so urgent that he would now?

Dressing quickly, T'sai dashed out of his room and ran towards the Main Hall. When he got there, he noticed the room already contained many of the other riders. T'sai looked towards the Weyrleaders and awaited further instructions.

-----

Iggent would have slept through the storm. He would have slept through the whole affair and not noticed he was missed. It seemed his gruff wher had other plans. Iggesk stood with his front claws on his handlers bed and stuck his muzzle beneath his handler. Then with a particularly mischievous heave, threw Iggent from his bed.

Come Iggent. Big boss dragons call. Main Hall now.

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Iggent stood and stretched.

Can't keep the big boss dragons waiting, now can we.

Iggesk seemed to nod affirmatives as the two made their way towards the Main Hall and the mess of riders that awaited them there.

[Wolfy]

Snowfire burst into the air above Lyrah from between, crooning anxiously. His eyes whirled a red of fear as he heard the storm outside the weyr. The tiny white flit flew at Lyrah, burrowing himself under her thick brown hair. She stroked his wings as he trembled there, hiding.

She glanced once at Kyrinth, and then sat down beside him.

I beleive it has something to do with this weather Kyrinth rumbled to Yurith.

---

J'kent placed his hand on Marith's flank as she hummed a greeting to the coming dragons.

Greetings....[/i] Marith murmured to the dragons.

[redwerecat]

The two weyrlings currently occupying Liam's weyr were still not asleep; far from it. Both happened to be sort-of night Owls, though Tag had a habit of only needing maybe three or four hours of sleep, while Liam just liked being up at night.

Currently, Liam was laying across the bed, whatever book he was attempting to read tilted away from him as he snapped at Tag.
"Do not download questionable content on my computer again."

"That was your sister, I told you." Tag said, completely deadpan. He was sitting cross-legged in the wheeled computer chair and absently playing solitare on Liam's computer.

"Oh, really? Then who put the file on my desktop and labeled it 'This looks fun', then?" Liam gave the redhead a look from behind the reading glasses he was just now shifting back into place.

"I haven't the foggiest." Tag replied with an ill-concealed laugh. It seemed as if he was going to say more, but an echo through both of their minds cut the conversation short.
KennethMine, We are called. It is urgent.

Mine! Mine, we must go! The Weyrleaders cal all to the main hall. Hurry!

The men glanced at eachother, and their expressions were one of confusion that faded into concern. Liam jumped up, and began searching around for his jacket.
"What's that all about, you think?" He said, digging around in his closet.

Tag was even willing to forgive the use of his hated given name just for the tone of urgency in his usually aloof dragon's mindvoice.
"Not a clue." He said, picking up a black leather jacket and shoving it into Liam's arms. "Hal's already got its riding gear on from earlier. Is it going to take long with Skirth?"

Liam spread his hands wide in a carefree gesture as he walked backwards into Skirth's room. "Not at all. But damn if I have to change his straps again..." The big black dragon was growing every time he sneezed, it seemed. Luckily, there was no major change in size from that afternoon's short flight to this evening, and the riding gear was thrown on with little issue.

Tag was already waiting at the dragon's entrance to Liam's weyr, astride Halderoth's neck as the blue-green creature waited patiently for Skirth and Liam to catch up. The older weyrling swung up onto Skirth's broad shoulders and it was only an instant before both dragons were leaping into the storm and winging toward the main hall. The humans were off and darting into the dry of the hall almost as soon as they touched down, while Skirth snorted rainwater from his nose and Halderoth edged to a less cold corner somewhat distant from the other dragons, though it respectfully greeted Surth and Gorth.
~~~~~~~~~

Rainer was also usually up at this hour of the night, but there was something about the rain and the cold and the thuder that lulled the silvery-haired rider. So he was curled up in a pile of blankets and, for all intents and purposes, he was dead to the world.

At least until a mental bellow sent him shooting bolt upright.
R'NER! There is an emergency! Quickly, to me!
The bluerider was moving before he even had half a chance to process what he was being told; it was enough for him that Noxceventh had called him awake. He was shoving one foot into his boot when he finally woke up enough to question the blue.
"Eh? Whass' goin' on, Nox?" He mumbled blearily.

We are summoned to the main hall. Do hurry. The deep blue dragon lifted his head and glanced at the winds outside, then growled softly and stood, stretching his legs. Ah, this should be fun. He grumbled, hardly anticipating with any positive emotions the thought of flying in that weather. Still, he'd flown worse, and at least there was no thread to worry about here. Just rain.

Rainer burst into the blue's half of the weyr, swiftly getting the riding gear settled onto the dragon's still rather emaciated torso, and carefully following the straps with his own weight. There was no obvious signal between rider and dragon, but Noxceventh moved to the edge of his weyr and leapt off in a devil-may-care jump that sent him plummeting through the near pitch-black air before he snapped out his wings and made a beeline for the weyrledge. The blue only stopped long enough to let Rainer down before he edged to a ledge further below, one more sheltered from the storm.
~~~~~~~~~~

Called.
Trinity's study of a novel describing some sort of romantic entanglement between a space pirate and some sort of intergalactic wench was interrupted by the tentative intrusion of Trinsk's voice. She sighed loudly, and pressed for details.

Wonderful. He managed to peice together something mildly coherent, and she grumbled as she wrapped herself in a heavy fur-lined cloak to attend whatever the meeting happened to be about. She instructed the blue wher to stay in his dig, and ducked into the storm.

She'd made it just about to the main halls of the Weyr (though there were a few more floors above her before she quite reached the Dining area) when she collided with a short young man with dark-red hair. She paused just long enough to raise an eyebrow arrogantly at that which she presumed to be a candidate, when the young man spoke up in a soft voice and apologized profusely, then seemed to walk into a bathroom and groan softly about never finding the main hall, and shards, if she was late she'd never forgive herself.
Trinity was curious. She stuck her head into the bathroom (mens restroom, at that) and grabbed the oddly lost girl's arm.
"Look, you. Candidates should have a better grasp of the Weyr's layout." She said sharply, dragging the androgynous young thing along with her to the Main hall.

"Eep." Was what Ari could summon as a response when Trinity accosted her. But at least she was less lost, right?
"I'm...a brownrider, actually..." She mumbled as the tall and rather ferociously elegant blonde pulled her down the halls. But...well, she still had no idea who this woman was...no matter.

As the unlikely pair entered the Main hall, Ari stopped to rather embarassedly greet the Weyrleaders with an indistinct mumble about her lateness being due to getting lost, and how Dracouth would be absent because the Lightning hurt his head, and Ari was afraid he'd have another seizure. So, currently, the brown was curled up in his weyr with his head tuched under one foreleg, fast asleep.

Ah. Trinity rolled her eyes at the subservience of the brownrider, and shook her head. She breezed past the Weyrleaders with little more than an arch look and a barely civil nod of her head...then something made her stop. What the hell? She leveled a glare at the oh-so-familiar greenrider practically draped over the Weyrwoman, and her upper lip curled into a sneer of contempt. Ugh. Disgusting.

K'ryn. There was no stopping that man, was there? She wondered to herself, turning on her heel and swiftly leaving the vicinity of the loathesome greenrider. She spotted a young man and a large bronze wher not too far away and gravitated slowly toward them, though she stood ratherout of range of all but her own company.

[FaizahPandora]

Nakia and Isath were awake, Nakia reading the newest "Twilight" book. Isath had been relaxing on her couch, but when the summons went out her head shot up and she was beside Nakia's bed within the moment.

We are called, Mine. Surth calls us to the Main Hall. He says Faizah claims it to be an emergency.

Nakia sighed and put her book down. She checked to see where Missy was, found her to be sleeping in the cat bed Nakia had given her, then exited her Weyr with Isath. When they reached the Main Hall she couldn't believe the amount of people there. Nakia went to the front of the room, where she saw Faizah, and took a seat next to two soaking wet Japanese kids. Nakia only then noticed the guy drapped over her sister, and cocked her brow in disbelief.

---------------

Lakeen had been oiling Maria, having just finished oiling Lakeesk, when he warned her the summons had gone out. Lakeen furrowed her brows in confusion for a second, then finished Maria and headed for the Main Hall. When she reached it she could only imagine what could be so important for her sister to call such a meeting. Something drastic, Lakeen decided.

The Main Hall was so crowded, Lakeen didn't dare take Lakeesk too far in. So she settled on a corner a slight distance apart from the others, but where she could still see and hear Faizah when the time came.

---------------

Faizah raised her hand for silence, and once she had it she began to speak.

"The village below the mountains is in danger. Already half of it is underwater, and rescue teams aren't able to deploy until the storm passes. Since we depend greatly on them, I have decided that we will go and help them. Any dragon able to carry more than their Rider is to assist in some way. Whers and those that can't fly will stay here to help the rescues. Whers shall guide them from the landing to inside, and dragons unable to fly shall help transport the injured or weak from the landing to here. Riders, Weyrlings and Wherlings can get supplies for those that need them, such as medical attention for the injured, blankets and food to warm them." Faizah stopped talking for a moment to check something with Kain.

"Faizah! You can not do this!" Ammon bellowed suddenly.

Faizah shot him one look that said he had better shut his trap before she shut it for him. He wisely shut up, then moved to the back of the Main Hall and tried to get cell phone reception.

"Everyone who can help will be divided into wings and will be assigned a certain part of the village as their responsibility." Faizah ended it with that.

[Topaz]

L'gar's highly alert expression barely changed at the announcement. He simply nodded, and shifted in place so that he could view both the Weyrleaders and the others who had gathered. He was subtly proud to see so many of his weyrlings in the crowd and was already dividing them into his own version of the wings. He waited patiently for Faizah to begin her deliberation.

--

Kiana's eye brows raised in surprise as Faizah spoke. She immediately let Caleth know of the situation, and then reminded the overly excited gold that she was still far too small to be of any help at the town. They would be helping out at the Weyr with the whers and a number of the earthbound dragons. She was antsy to get into the supply room and begin taking out blankets and medical supplies, but waited patiently to be released by the Weyrwoman.

--

Logan had a slightly more concerned reaction to the news, his jaw falling agape as he stood to the side of the growing crowd. Odiketh was near ecstatic not having to go out and fly in the terrible weather, but Logan quickly chided him.

People are hurting and all you can think about is staying inside? Even before the thought left his mind, he knew it was too harsh, and immediately apologized to his lovely beast. I'm sorry Odi. It's just.. it's a serious thing. We need to help them.

I know, my love. You have a good heart. I know you will not let them suffer. Should I come down? The white's suggestion was really only half-hearted. He wanted to help, but still.. the storm was a bit much.

No, dearest. Stay there until they arrive. I want to help the others, but you are always my main concern, you know that. A wave of affection flowed across their link and Odiketh wriggled with pleasure at the other end. You might not even need to come down at all. I'm thinking about helping prepare the food, if I'm allowed. He added affirmatively as he waited with the others for the go ahead from Faizah.

--

Ellis was sleeping. This was early morning for her and her companion, and she was not about to be woken up for anything but her own bodily functions.

Up. Outside. A sleepy Esk had dutifully relayed to Hers after receiving Surth's message.

She had then promptly got a face full of pillow as an icy blue eye glared out at her from between the heavy covers. "Shudup.." Ellis mumbled, turning over and curling up again, away from her wher. You know better than to wake me up for those idiots. It's raining for between's sake. Without another thought, Ellis fell back into a deep, dreamless sleep.

[Wolfy]

Lyrah listened carefully to the Weyrwoman's announcement. When it was over, she stood and brushed the dust that had gathered on herself off. We'll get into one of the wings, she promised her dragon. I don't care how, but we'll be with the wings when they fly to help them!

Kyrinth replyed with a snort. Of course we are! You will not be treated like a halfwitted drudge, and I will not be treated like a watch wher![/color]

"Of course we won't be," she crooned to the young brown. She glanced once at L'gar, who was looking very proud as he watched his weyrlings.

---

J'kent nodded slowly. He was glad that he had put on his riding gear and the harnesses on Marith. The storm outside was worse than he had originnally thought if it was flooding the towns this badly.

I may not be as large as the bronzes and browns, but that does not mean I will not help! Marith snorted. hopfully, the Weyrwoman will place us on good wings.

J'kent grinned. Marith was becoming the bossy self that she had been whenever there had been threadfall on Pern.

[Wesku]

T'sai moved over to a side of the room that was away from what looked like the flight worthy dragons. Gruulath would just have to help with the other non-flying dragons. It was a shame really. Gruulath was large enough to carry at least three to four additional people, but what was, was.

Come Gruulath. Let's move to our designated position.

---

Gregory knew a salute would mean nothing to most of the prople here, so he mearly nodded at the instructions given to him and headed over with the others who were waiting to be placed in a wing. He knew the situation was dire, but he couldn't help but be excited. He had never been given a chance on Pern to fly with other dragons.

Be still, Gregory. We fly for others before ourselves.

Gregory snorted.

I know that.

---

Iggent looked at Iggesk who stared back up at him. Then in unison, the two moved over to the other handlers and whers. They may have been new, but they knew this was serious business.

We help. Iggent not be stupid.

The handler ignored his beast. Sometimes, Iggent didn't know why he loved Iggesk.

[PhazonDragon]

Weyrling Lawrence of Bronze Elonverrilth

Lawrence had been up nearly all day. With the storm, he found it hard to sleep--or do anything else for that matter. In fact, the weyrling hadn't been stuck inside for this long in a while. Not that he minded. He was away from the rest of the weyrlings, riders, wherhandlers, wherlings, and all sorts of other people that visited Rocky, which tended to be military people. Everywhere he looked: authority. That was the one thing that Lawrence just couldn't escape, could he?

With a deep sigh, which was barely heard over the sound of the rain thumping on the rock just outside Lawrence's weyr, he bent back over his sketchbook. Situated on his bed, Lawrence was keen to work on a doodle he started a couple of days ago. It started as a doodle, but he grew to like it. The weyrling's hand spasmed as he drew, with the speed of an agile green. Lawrence was oblivious to everything save for his bronze's speech.

Lawrence, the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader call. They are in the main hall, we should go see what is going on, the bronze politely intruded, staying inside his weyr. He poked at the curtain to the weyr with his nose, a bit reluctant to open it due to the storm outside, but he would have to. I'm going, even if you don't want to. Elonverrilth pulled open the curtain with his teeth, and leapt out into the rain.

Unable to prevent the bronze from leaving, Lawrence rolled his eyes. The weyrling didn’t care much for seeing the Weyrwoman anytime soon, so he didn’t budge from his spot. An annoyed growl from Elonverrilth made Lawrence change his mind. He closed the sketchbook and slipped it into the drawer on the bed-side table. Fine, I’m coming, Elonverrilth. The weyrling stood up, fixed his slightly ruffled clothing, and left his room, heading down to the main hall.

The bronze weyrling arrived in time to hear Faizah's description and direction to assisting the town below the weyr. "Mmph," he muttered lowly, hoping no one heard. To the side, Lawrence saw the bronze form of Elonverrilth sitting with the other dragons and weyrlings. The bronze was still growing, and with his odd bone structure, at this point the doctor wasn't allowing him to carry anyone other than Lawrence for short periods of time. They would have to hang back from going down to the town.

But we can still help by being here, and comforting those that arrive a-dragonback. We can still be of help here, even if I cannot help carry residents in. From his spot, the bronze shifted his weight from hide leg to hide leg, sending rainwater streaming down his sides. His aquamarine eyes watched Lawrence carefully, and he moved to join the other weyrlings that would be staying at the weyr.


Rider Z'volm of Green Crucith

Being new to the weyr, and still seething a bit from his 'exile' from his home weyr, Z'volm was content with familiarizing himself with Rocky. It was such a different area compared to Ista. Of course, it was on earth, that silly little planet so far away from Pern (that was one sharding long jump between) so it would be different, but still... The rider shrugged with a light-hearted expression on his face. So what? A new weyr wasn't going to change Z'volm's sadistic outlook on things.

Z'volm, the Weyrleader and Weyrwoman's dragons call. Something about a town in trouble, green Crucith said with a tinge of hatred in her voice. She, too, was feeling the same way as Z'volm and disliked the fact that they had to leave Ista. It went without saying that the rider and dragon shared mutual feelings. They call the dragons and the whers. Should we go to the main hall? she asked.

What's that? Z'volm wondered. Oh why not? Won't it be fun to see people squirm as they hang onto your riding harness? But first, the greenrider would have to find his way over to the main hall. In an attempt to locate someone who could help him, Z'volm turned a corner, only to see the huge gathering of weyr residents in a large hall. I seem to have found it, wouldn't you say? Come on over, my lovely green.

Crucith landed just outside the main hall, and hunkered down next to the other dragons. I'd rather not, but if you say so, she physically snorted, startling a dragon next to her. She fell silent as the Weyrwoman spoke, and added when Faizah finished, Well this will be fun, knowing full well that no white was going to keep her from having her way.

The rider raised an eyebrow at his green. You would think that, wouldn't you, my dear? he lightly chuckled, not caring if he looked weird for laughing at what the Weyrwoman said about the town--he was laughing at Crucith's attitude. "Well, let's do something, shall we?" Z'volm exclaimed to the group of riders and weyrlings sitting about. He clapped his hands together, his riding gloves muffling the noise. It was a pain waiting for the Weyrwoman to start.

[Divka]

Divka sent calming thoughts to Vnitrni, petting him gently as he trilled anxiously in her ear and pushed himself against her. "Vin, whats the matter?" she asked, growing more worried by the second. Her caution turned into fear by the time Laskath landed, her eyes twirling a bright red.
Minelove, we must go. We're being summoned and it doesnt sound good. And...
Divka laid her hand on Laskath and frowned.
What is it Dear One?
Laskath shook her massive head, a growl forming low in her throat.
Its the air Minelove. It smells... wrong. Dangerous. Even the firelizards are afraid.
Divka felt a chill down her spine and jumped up on her dragons back.
"Lets go Laska."
With a giant bugle of alarm, the dragon jumped into the air and, spreading her wings, took off as fast as the wind could carry her.

[Wolfy]

Lyrah rolled her eyes at the Greenrider. It could be so....irratating when riders acted so much better than they really were. He's acting as if he's the Weyrleader! she retorted angrily to Kyrinth, who silently agreed with her. He needs to be silent so we know the wings we're to go on!

((Hello? Where is everyone!? This thread has been abandonned!))

[phyrstyr]

((yeah, sorry =/ ive been meaning to post here for a while...))

Nomics wasn't as shocked as he could have been at the news. Just flying the little way to the Hall was like flying through a typhoon. Hey Yurith, you up to go rescue some helpless citizens?
It would be an honor, MineNomics.[/color] Considering how best to give aid to the hapless town folk, Nomics asked Surth, Have we any harnesses? I could carry many more than usual if they were to be strapped to my side.

---

Shasta worried for the poor villagers and hoped they could get there in time to save most, if not all, of them. She was very glad that she Quith could help out here at the Weyr. You hear that Mine? We get to carry the injured inside. That would be perfect for us.
Lets do our best, MineShasta! oooo! this is exciting! The dragonette couldnt help letting out a little burst of anticipation. This would be a chance to help and show Shasta that she was just as good as the other dragons even though she was blind.

---

After hearing the Weyrwoman's dictation and getting his dragon up to date Daniel began wondering how he could help. Streeth was still young so he couldnt carry many. It would probably be more efficient to stay. But Streeth would want to fly. Maybe he could scout out anyone in remote areas or find people who were trapped somewhere. That would be useful. He walked over to Faizah and Kain to see if that would work. He waited until there was a free moment to get in a word and asked quickly, "Weyrleader, Weyrwoman, would you need scouts to look for people that would be trapped or incapacitated? Because if you do, Streeth and I would be ready and willing to help."

[FaizahPandora]

Faizah listened intently to Daniel. She had been thinking of asking Kiana and Caleth to scout, but if each wing had a scout, it would be much more efficient. She nodded at Daniel. "Yes, I do need scouts. Thank you for volenteering your time." Faizah turned back to announce to the others there. "Anyone who feels they could better help assemble here for possible scout duty. Riders able to carry passengers assemble with L'gar for wing assignments. Everyone else with Kain for their duties!"

Surth thought for a moment, consulting Faizah as well as Gorth who then consulted Kain. When he spoke he had an answer for Yurith. Faizah says we have a few large crates that we could strap to us and carry beneath us. We could carry many more that way, and they would be protected more from the storm.

[Topaz]

L'gar nodded quickly with a smile at the weyrwoman's instructions and turned to the crowd. He was quietly satisfied with the responsibility she had given him and pondered his choices for a moment before speaking.

"There will be three wings. Taylor, R'ner, Z'volm, and Gregory will be with Kain. Nomics, K'ryn, and J'kent will follow Faizah. I will have Miyuki, Ku'rt, and A'shan. As you can plainly see, it is very cold and wet out there. If you're not already dressed correctly, you have ten minutes to get ready and meet in the entrance of the Weyr near the candidate rooms." He said, gesturing out of the dining hall and to the left. "There is also a closet there with a large supply of plastic jackets if you don't have your own." With a nod, he walked out of the hall himself in that very direction. Opening the closet he pulled out two boxes full of the jackets and pulled one on, then mentally prodded his brown.

Get up and out here. You'll need to get used to the cold before we set out. I assume you heard all that?

Unfortunately. With that, the brown slunk out of his comfortable couch and shuddered as he closed the gap to the weyrledge. Stepping out into the rain, he stretched his wings, bunched his muscles, and sprung up into the storm. Pumping his wings a few times gave him both height and sped up his blood flow as he snarled at the cold on his warm hide. He circled around a few times before landing with surprising grace in the weyrbowl.

--

Both Kiana and Logan shuffled towards Kain for instruction, eager to see how they could help.

((And because I'm a lazy bum, and L'gar's was totally long enough to make up for them..>>)

[Wesku]

T'sai moved towards the Weyrleader Kain in order to learn of his assignments to carry out within the Weyr as the other riders moved towards their designated wings.

Gruulath, beloved, perhaps you should head outside and make your way here. We'll be working in this harsh weather, it would be a good idea for you to get a feel for the winds and rain. I'll join you as soon as I am able.

---

Iggent grunted at the exact same moment as his wher did. They were not pleased with the turn of events. The only bright side to the whole escapade was the fact that it was night and consequently dark outside.

Iggent we move toward big bronze leader. We help even if we not like. Move, not be slow.

Iggesk sighed and followed his Bronze.

I'm coming. I'm coming. Why don't you try for a little patience?

Iggesk only grunted.

---

Gregory quickly secured himself a plastic jacket as the old, gruff rider had suggested. He wanted to prove that Jadavath was just as useful as the other dragons, and getting left behind was not the way to go about that. As he headed towards his designated wingleader, Gregory realized haste wasn't all that crucial. Kain had a large group of grounded personnel moving towards him for orders to carry out within the Weyr and just outside it.

Instead of getting in the way of what would soon be a mob, Gregory leaned up against a wall near to, but not close to the Weyrleader. He would approach when he was needed. For now he would just have to wait cold and wet as he was.

It will only get worse from here on out so enjoy your brief moment of comfort Gregory.

Gregory silently agreed and tried to stop thinking about his wet clothes.

[yaoiwafflez]

((Slacker Wafflez posts again. And with some assumption on his part. Slap me if I overstep my bounds with Kye, there, kay?))

Miyuki glanced up as her name was called, and she reluctantly stood. She cast a glance back at Shinji, speaking to him in a whisper, but he just pushed her away and pointed at L'gar.
"Don't look at me like that, little sister. Wrath can't be trusted around strangers. I'm going to stay here."
"I'm afraid! I don't want to go alone..." Miyuki said, looking upset.

Shinji raised a peirced eyebrow and smiled calmly. "You're never alone, stupid. Fayeth's always there, right? Besides, you're a goldrider now. You've got to learn to be a leader. Now go." He shooed her with a wave of his hands and headed towards Kain, pausing a bit back from the group near the Weyrleader.

Miyuki hesitated, but inched towards L'gar. She gave him a quick bow, and double-checked her clothing. Mmm...perhaps it would be wise to borrow one of the rain jackets...she'd be soaked through in an instant in her current attire. (Though it should be warm enough to function as long as she could stay rleatively dry.) She tried not to look horribly uncomfortable and failed.
Do not falter, minelove. We must help these people; it is our duty, both as a Queen and her rider, and as members of a Weyr. It is up to the Weyr to protect the hold in it's territory, remember.

Miyuki stragtened up a bit at Fayeth's words. Alright, so it didn't quite work that way, but the gold was right. She looked up as a tall man walked over to L'gar as well, someone she didn't recognize, and she averted her eyes and stared at the floor. She felt fayeth's disapproval, and the gold informed her he was merley one of the new-arrived riders, of a blue she'd not yet met called Azulith.

A'shan greeted the weyrlingmaster shortly, but with respect. He was just concerned about the situation, and his mind was on other things than formalities at the moment. He'd arrived already in the foul-weather riding gear he'd had, so aside from it being absolutely one of the worst storms he'd seen, he was ready. He'd left Lorelei with Kain, and though the woman seemed a little groggy as she was still waking up, he had faith that she would be perfectly capable of whatever duties she ended up with.

K'ryn had little to do as well, so he settled for checking in on Synth and awaiting their departure.

On the other side of the room, a very wet and decidedly displeased Wherlingmaster stumbled in. Kye glanced aroud a moment, trying to locate Faizah, and, upon finding her, rushed over to giver her a quick preliminary report. (Kye had been in the background for the beginning, then, when Kyesk had sent word of the storm's effects on the bowl and weyr grounds, he'd run off breifly to check to be sure there was no flooding in the lower areas, or anything of the sort. Riley and Risk had been relaying information to them in their absence.)

"Faizah..." Kye panted, shoving his goggles further up his forehead (they did him little good here.) "Seems like the bowl's fine, and all the paths are in good condition. With your leave, I'd like to take the wherhandlers and make sure we get a safe path set. It's rough out there, and I'm gonna imagine these people are gonna be in shock when they get here. It'd be best if we could have a safe path already set up for them." He took a deep breath, and ran through the list of points Kyesk was feeding him.

"Kyesk says there might also be some danger of mudslides around some of the less-used paths, and that the dragons should avoid landing on the less stable-ledges for now. Something about the ground is bothering him." He shrugged. "Anyway, with your permission, I'm going to get the Wher handlers ready. May I?"

[phyrstyr]

"Excellent, Faizah! I will get to it then!" He then relayed the assignment to Streeth. Hey, we got scout duty. I hope you're happy.

Yay! I am very happy! You are the Best, MineDaniel!

When L'gar spoke up, Dan listened attentively to the Weyrling master. Though he himself was not being addressed, he probably still had important and pertinent things to say. Dan was right, he had forgotten that he was not at all properly dressed for this adventure. "Faizah? Im going to go get dressed properly, I'll be right back." He then notified his Blue, Im going back to our weyr to get properly dressed, pick me up?

I'll come get you.

Daniel power walked back to the cold ledge and when Streeth winged down, climbed carefully over his slick frame to the harness. "Ok, lets hurry back though!" And with that, Streeth took to the sky and sped to their weyr, knowing that they must prepare in all haste for time was of the essence. Every minute wasted was another life that might be lost.

---

Hearing L'gar's orders, Nomics moved closer to Faizah. He also checked over his clothes and, finding that they were adequate, stayed where he was and notified his dragon of the goings on. you hear that? We are with Faizah, K'ryn, and J'kent. This promises to be a great adventure!

Having already told His what Surth had said, Yurith merely said, Yes, but dangerous also. You must not be reckless, MineNomics. I will not loose you here.

Nomics knew that Yurith was being completely serious. And with good reason, the number of times he had almost died were too many to count and he didnt want to make his Bronze to go through that again. He would be careful. Or, as careful as he could be.

---

((Im supposed to post with Shasta later, Yes?))

[Topaz]

Please defer back to the Storm Plot poll and discussion, here, for a more in depth reasoning for this change.

In light of Phazzy's suggestions, and the few but similar votes in the poll, there will be some slight changes with this thread as well as any future plot threads, to help move it along. Firstly, I will list your character's duties below this post. You no longer need to wait for Kain, Faizah, or L'gar's instructions to set your character off to begin his or her duties. I'm listing ALL characters, regardless if they've been posted yet or if they're even able to physically help.

For dragons/riders specifically, please feel free to have them take off as if they were with their wing. If you are the first of your wing to do so, you can also begin your wing thread in the Towns board. Those in your wing, dictated by L'gar earlier, will post with you there. You can pick up as many NPC characters as you wish, but if another member posts one of their new characters as a victim, that means that he or she will be a future inhabitant of Rocky Weyr, so make sure to get them as well! ^-^ You will then drop off your NPCs/characters in the additional plot thread, which I will describe below.

For those staying at the Weyr, I will set up an additional thread for you. (here) You do not need to post there, if you don't want to, until the dragons begin dropping off their passengers. Additional instructions and guidelines can be found for you within that thread.

Secondly, power posting for all plot threads is now allowed. This is to prevent anyone from being held up by another member/character. ^-^

-----

Character Duties
Refugee Pickup; Riders and their dragons only, of course.
L'gar, Miyuki, Ku'rt, A'shan
Faizah, Nomics, K'ryn, J'kent
Kain, Gregory, Z'volm, R'ner, Taylor

Kitchen/Dining Hall; Assisting cooks and cooking simple, warm meals and serving them to the refugees.
Sasha
Trinity
Ellis
Ari
Vincent
Logan
Hy'ka
K'asta
Sennia
Samari
Guin
Alex
Mentari

Infirmary; Assisting doctors/healers and orderlies in the treatment of any ailments the refugees may have acquired.
Ammon
Ciara
H'vas
Lorelei
LiAnne
Lesla
Thaddeus
Kumiko
Sara
Loren
K'riv

Initial Assessment; Greeting refugees and assessing their immediate needs. First comes medical attention, then clean/dry clothing, food, and finally a room to stay in and sleep.
Josephine
Kye
Liam
Shinji
Tag
Daniel
Lawrence
Riley
T'sai
Kiana
Lyrah
Wynn

Supply Run; Constant vigilance between the above duties, making sure they have a steady amount of supplies from the storage rooms and closets.
Rafael
Iggent
Liam
Lakeen
Tahli
A'ian
Divka
Shasta
Nakia

--------------------

Seeing that everything was coming together, L'gar hustled out into the rain and quickly mounted his brown. Zedoreth gave a bugle to the rest of his wing to take off, and they vaulted up into the sky. After a few powerful strokes of his wings, Zed relayed the coordinates of the nearby town to Faeyth, Aricoth, and Azulith, before blinking between.