Oh The Places You'll Go (Alpha Graduation!)

[zeis]

It was a day long in coming. The sun was out remarkably, and though the air was crisp it was not unbearable. Still, there had mysteriously been no lesson from the Alpha Wingletmasters that morning, a fact that pointed toward an event K'huna had spoke more and more often of. Today was the Alpha Winglets graduation day. About two hours ago, Canph had sent out a telepathic summons to the guests, telling them to arrive at the messhall around noon. Dress well, you only graduate once, after all. He teased, before going silent. As the scheduled time ticked closer, the red-rider busied himself lending a hand to the servants and cooks as they laid out the small feast that awaited his soon to be former students. It was a small celebration, private for their generation of Riders, though several of the pioneer rider Captains would also be in attendance.

One of the smaller mess-halls had been appropriated for the party, and the tables were bountiful with food and drink, which the Alpha's could not in good conscience consume. Outside at the feeding pens, a similar feast was being prepared for the simourv of the Alpha class: cows, goats, sheep, pigs, and great nuts had been set aside for the of age simourv to eat their fill. Everything was orderly and on time, ready to proceed as planned, just as the red-rider liked it. Just about noon.

As the Winglets arrived, they'd find K'huna standing at the head of the table waiting for them. The red-rider had followed his own advice and dressed formally, but not extravagantly. He nodded at each of them as they arrived, smiling easily, and for once not scowling. Perhaps he only scowled on the job. Outside Canph chirruped invitingly to the simourv to join him in their little section of the feeding pens, while the riders congregated inside the caverns. They could eat in peace while they listened through their riders. The red himself was also well groomed, and wearing his plaited metal studded bracelet, which he took every opportunity to flash.

"Alphas, today is a very special day. I have to say, I'm glad you all made it here. Alive too, and mostly in tact." K'huna snorted and glanced briefly to a few Winglets in particular before moving on, trying to make eye contact with each of them. "When you all first came here, many of you were still just children, in body or mind. Inexperienced, unsure. You may have never held a sword, or ridden a horse..." He spoke clearly and fondly, his voice echoing throughout the small cavern. "Seeing you now, I don't see children or novices. I see warriors, you and your simourv alike. Congratulations, Alphas, because today you are Riders."

You aren't going to cry are you? Shut up. No need to lash out.

"Before we start celebrating proper, you'll be getting your new assignments as Riders." K'huna reached into his jacket and took out a scroll, unwinding it as he continued speaking. "You will report to your captains tomorrow for a briefing on your new duties." He cleared his throat, and began reading. "First up, in the Sayaie Watch, Gr'y, you are now a lieutenant. Sayaie Watch Riders are Ca'den, Fa'h, and G'rael. You will all report to B'oone of red Anoglyph."

"Chydyn Watch! Ri'ley, you made lieutenant. Chydyn Watch Riders are Cyr's, S'reni, and M'rao. Report to D'van of black Nieneph." K'huna nodded to each of them, then continued. "Itnala Watch! The new lieutenants are H'kan, and N'raan. Itnala Watch riders are Nar'i, and R'ths. Report to Es'tev of red Hjolteph! For the Eyrie Watch, the new lieutenant is I'dou. Eyrie Watch riders are L'nan, and Ol'ia. Report to Senior Phoenix R'oza of gray Eceph, and skies above, be respectful."

"Senior Commander G'len, as Northern Sweep captain, will be announcing Sweep and Search riders." K'huna concluded, rolling up the paper and tucking it back into his jacket pocket. He stepped away and yielded the floor to the blackrider with a salute, apparently unable to let go of rank and protocal. "Sir."

[Lan]

It was an exciting day. It was a crazy day. It was a... stressful day. On the way back from Itnala G'len had been fretting over it. He didn't like giving speeches, to say the least. Perhaps the fact that he held somewhat a role of leadership hadn't quite hit him yet, but whenever he had to help host something of this sort it always bewildered him. Well... sort of. Alianph had tolerated his rider's anxiety with comforting comments and encouraging speeches of his own. It'd be fine, the black was sure. It wasn't like anyone was going to fault him of anything. Still, the Senior Commander had been going over his particular part in the ceremony for weeks now. Much like K'huna, he wanted for everything to go perfectly. This was to be a big day, after all. Today their numbers double. And, on a more personal note, today he was to get five more members of his squad. Sweeps would be much less vigorous... which reminded him of a long-lost goal that might now be closer to being achieved.

He was on time, even early, to the ceremony that K'huna had so wonderfully organized. Upon his arrival he nodded to the redrider, smiling in an amiable way as he thanked him for doing such a good job with the new recruits. Like the Wingletmaster, he too held a rolled-up piece of parchment in his hand... but this parchment contained the names of those that would be Sweepriders... and of those that would one day be Searchriders. Those were the most important of all, in G'len's book. The more Searchriders there were, the less there was a chance of having an unbonded hatchling again. Although, little Norloph had found his rider eventually... a tanner that had worked on the Eyrie's harnesses and saddles. G'len couldn't quite remember his name.

After K'huna was done, G'len stepped forward with a somewhat nervous grin. He looked out at the new riders, scanning each one with a sweeping glance. It was weird to be graduating more riders than had been in their numbers previously. But, the scientist supposed, he would have to get used to it. With a cough to clear his throat that had acquired much phlegm during his musings, he took the parchment in both hands in anticipation of opening it. There was a sort of awkward pause as he gathered himself, but soon enough he had looked up into the eyes of his audience and seemed to have gathered his confidence.

"May I offer my congratulations, Alphas, for your progress and your achievements. It seems like just yesterday you were staring into the faces of your hatchlings for the first time... but now you have grown and matured. This is truly a happy day." He gave a fond smile, then proceeded to unroll the parchment and hold it out before him. "But let's get to business, shall we? Proceeding to the Sweepriders..."

"For the Southern Sweep, we have found a new Lieutenant in E'an of blue Kaslimeph. Further sweepriders include K'to of blue Deeph, Sal'a of blue Sydnyph, K'ii of green Akaturiaph, and M'rion of green Romaph. Please report to K'yan of black Zioph for further instruction." He gave an appropriate pause, lifting his eyes from the parchment to look into the eyes of his audience again. Then, inhaling deeply, he contined, "Now for the Northern Sweep. Our new Lieutenant is Ze'el of red Dareph. Other sweepriders include Je'ce of blue Nasyeph, T'gan of Blue Othokenph, K'lee of green Lideliaph, and T'ia of green Shovaph. You, of course, will report to me." The Commander threw the last bit about reporting to him personally as if it was an afterthought of little importance, rolling up his parchment in the process. The next bit he had memorized, for it was the most important of all.

"These next assignments are of the utmost importance. Searchriders are the heart and soul of the Eyrie. Their job is to find those that would be the next riders, and without them none of you would be here." He let that statement sink in before continuing. "But not just anyone can do it. We've been watching you all very closely, and from you we've selected those that have been shown to have the qualities needed to be Searchers. Those people are: Ri'ley of black Dionyph, Ze'el of red Dareph, L'nan of tawny Eoreph, T'gan of blue Othokenph, Sal'a of blue Sydnyph, and M'rion of green Romaph."

"Be aware, though... this is no small task set before you. You must learn to listen to your simourv, no matter where their whims may lead you. No matter how far or how out-of-the-way you may be led by their instincts, it is important to follow them. The well-being of a future chick may depend on it." On that grave note he took a step back, nodding to K'huna to continue the ceremony. It was not his place to announce the start of the party, but rather the honor was to the Wingletmaster that had taken such good care of these new riders. Meanwhile, he planned his escape from this formal ceremony. It wasn't that he didn't want to stay... he just wanted to leave the Alphas to their own devices to party and have fun as they felt they ought. He'd stay for a short while, he decided, but then he'd slip away into the shadows at the first chance. Besides, there was much to be done. Tomorrow he would take flight with his new squad for the first time, and everything had to go perfectly.

[zeis]

K'huna listened with pride while G'len announced the names. Six search-riders from his class. One of which he had searched himself. I knew Ri'ley would do well. He confided in Canph as the names, and small speech continued. You knew? I'm the one who found him! The red-rider smirked, and nodded at G'len as the black-rider relinquished the floor. "Thank you, sir." He turned his honey-eyed gaze back out over the assembled students, and smiled. "Congratulations on all your promotions. You've earned them. Now..."

"...Before we begin, we've got something for you all." He hefted a oaken chest off the tables end, opening the lid and offering one in specific to each new rider he walked by. The chest was filled with twenty-five well crafted, sturdy, and utilitarian swords. The edges of the iron cross guards feathered to look like wings, and the pommels crafted to resemble a sleek simourv head. Threaded through a small hole in the beak of each, as though gripped, was a small string of wood and bone beads, ending in a small puff of down feathers saved from the infant days of each rider's individual simourv. Each one fit well in their hands, crafted and weighted to match the swords they favored through training. "A parting gift. I hope it keeps you safe, and serves as a reminder for all we've taught you."

No more playing with wooden swords for you. Canph teased from outside, and K'huna rolled his eyes, closing the chest and setting it somewhere out of the way. "Now..." He looked over them and paused for a moment, before grinning boyishly. "... Who wants a drink?" He laughed and took a seat at the table, motioning casually at them. "At ease, Alphas. Eat. Drink. Enjoy yourselves."

[Kilnarak]

Really, N'raan wasn't particularly interested in formal celebrations. K'huna had been hinting at one coming more and more throughout the past week of lessons - when he was not awakened this morning by Canph's telepathic call, but instead by Teimoph stirring, he knew that today would be the day. Still, while he didn't mind the revelry, the thought of the ceremony turned him off to the entire affair. That, and the clothes - Teimoph had already been harping, once he had fully awakened, that they must look their best, and then Canph broadcast his own message which only further reinforced the concept; and while he did enjoy nice clothing, his ideas of it veered rather distinctly away from that which would be approved of in a formal setting.

Really, the only thing he looked forward to with this event was that they would receive a larger room - while there was still room to move in their barrack, Teimoph often complained of feeling cramped and indeed the red's great size did make things seem a good deal smaller than they had initially. Of course there was also the lifting of taboos - they could drink and have whatever relations they cared to, but N'raan had already broken those stifling rules more times than he could really remember offhand. Of course, there was also the freedom to lead the Eyrie... but still enough ties to keep them leashed to it. Not true freedom, but a bit more than they had been afforded previously. There was that to look forward to...

Wear the vest with the gold beads, the one that matches my feathers, Teimoph rumbled, turning his golden gaze to where his procrastinated, seated amidst his nest of pillows and blankets still. We cannot be late N'raan, Mine, we must be on time. It is important. N'raan snorted at the giant red Teimoph had grown into, shaking his head and reclining back amidst his pillows. "Y' jus' don' wan' Dionyph t' arrive firs', Tei," he returned flippantly. It was a few moments in which Teimoph merely stared at him, before the dark skinned youth finally rose from amidst his bedding to dress and get ready - grumbling to himself near all the while. When you finish, help me with my harness. I want to wear my name plate. You should buy another, a torque perhaps, or a wrist band - I should like something as nice as what Canph wears. Teimoph continued after His got moving again, more than a hint of jealousy radiating away from him as he thought of Canph's jewels - of course the elder red would wear them, while he had no such finery; and some of the others kept gems as well. His kept many such things, but none were large enough that he might wear them...

"When w've got more coin, mayb'. All w've got now 's wha' they've allotted us, an' 't ain' much, Tei," N'raan nearly mimicked the red's growling as he strode away from his wardrobe of sorts. He had indeed chosen the vest Teimoph had so liked, a bright vermilion garment with gilt beads about the chest and collar. It was heavy, and loose about the sleeves, and he wore a dark long sleeved shirt beneath it, as well as similarly colored pants, and black leather boots. They'd be warm enough, so long as he didn't need to stay outside for too long. Teimoph looked up from his preening to regard His again, cocking his head to one side thoughtfully. Then the red looked down, nosing about the few feathers that had fallen loose during his preening. After a few moments of searching thus, Teimoph lifted his head again, a largish feather captured carefully in his beak: about the length of N'raan's hand from palm to finger-tips and just as broad, the feather was nearly pure crimson aside from a splotch of black at the tip. Teimoph lowered his head to his rider's level, offering the feather. This as well, so that they are reminded you are Mine. Now, my harness?

N'raan regarded the 'gift' for a long moment, before taking it from Teimoph with a somewhat amused snort and working it into his braid. "Yeah, yeah. Yer harness," he clambered up the simourv with about as much ease as any other of the Eyrie's riders, seeing that the straps were all drawn tight in their proper places, and then affixing the name plate at the base of Teimoph's neck, just above his breast. The red looked down, pushing at the silvered bit of metal with one of his claws - he was content enough with the arrangement, even if he still wished it were more...

"Y' said w' shouldn' be late, Tei," N'raan drawled, climbing back up to a comfortable place on the red's back. Teimoph flicked an ear back, hissing sharply at His, before he exited their quarters and made for the kitchens, where he landed briefly to allow N'raan down before continuing on to the feeding pens where Canph waited. For all his hurrying, Teimoph was among the first to arrive, and upon seeing Canph, the younger red drew himself up to his full height (perhaps fluffing up just a tad) and stalked somewhat stiffly toward where their own feast waited. Canph, he greeted tersely, cawing a hoarse greeting with his words.

N'raan joined the others in their section of the dining halls, meandering about and casting thoughtful glances to the Wingletmaster now and then. He continued this until he found K'ii (whether the boy arrived ahead of him, or perhaps later), at which point all of his attention turned to his brother until the speeches started. He listened with one arm draped across his little brother's shoulders, although he wasn't really all that interested. His attention only pricked up when he heard his own name mentioned. Itnala...? He had never been to the seaside city before, and really he'd had no desire to. A rural fishing village was sure to be boring, wasn't it? And it was so far away. Ah, but if only he had been sent back to Sayaie... And a lieutenant? He wondered what that entailed. He would have to seek out his new... superior... later in the celebration.

"Southern Sweep, naa 'nii? Mayb' y'll b' able t' come visit m' now an' then? R'lieve th' boredom? Hell, wha's there t' d' in Itnala, anyway? Bunch've fish..." He wrinkled his nose, shaking his head. But then he grinned at the boy and punched him in the shoulder. Perhaps he had more to say, but then K'huna was speaking again and coming through their ranks to offer... swords? The one given to him was a nice enough weapon - better than any he had ever owned. He hefted it after it had been given to him, testing the balance, and then sheathed the weapon at his belt, careful of the dangling bits. Teimoph admitted some pleasure with the gift of the blade, albeit was somewhat reticent about it - it was a gift from Canph's, after all - and notably shared a bit of His' displeasure with their new duties, if for slightly different reasons. Still, he hid his displeasure well enough for now, in the presence of his siblings.

[Fox]

"We're graduating Eo! Imagine that! Us!"

It had to happen eventually, L'nan-Mine.[/color]

"Yes, but I can't believe it's finally here." L'nan spun herself across the room in a giddy, excited pirouette, before collapsing onto the bed. She sprawled there for a long moment, making a rather odd picture in her half-complete ensemble, staring up at the high ceiling. The grin hadn't left her face since that morning, when she'd woken to Canph's call and realised that today was the day. Since then, to Eoreph's amusement, L'nan had been in a veritable flurry of excitement. She'd gone and soaked in the pools, raided her cupboard for one of the purchases T'ia had convinced her into over the years, and even gone so far as to don make-up (though anyone passing her room at that particular point would have heard the tawnyrider cursing a blue streak as she wrestled with the kohl stick). Why was she doing it? Well, you only graduated once in your life, as Canph had so aptly pointed out. And L'nan did enjoy looking nice every once in awhile; there was only so long she could tolerate breaches and shirts and boots in neutrals neutrals neutrals.

So today she was wearing white. A simple white dress with beaded hems and a beige wool cardigan over her bare shoulders. L'nan had wavered a bit over the cardigan, but had chosen it because it was the closest colour she had to Eoreph's tawny feathers. Ordinarily, she didn't wear much of it, since brown and beige clothing did not strike her, but today she would. Because she was the Alpha tawnyrider, and Eoreph was the first Eyrie-born tawny, and there was a certain thrill in that. Eoreph herself was preened to fair gleaming, with hardly a feather out of place. She wore her harness proudly, the leather well-oiled and scrupulously taken care of, and the silver nameplate shiny from a recent polish. Though she was much calmer than her grinning whirlwind of a rider, there was no doubting that Eoreph was excited. It had been almost two years since she had first hatched, and in that time she and her L'nan had learned much. They were warriors now.

If you really don't believe it, I may well leave without you.[/color] Eoreph teased, as L'nan made a faintly protesting noise in jest. The woman could feel the tawny's excitement as a low thrum underscoring everything, even as she sat up to pat her hair back into place. "You wouldn't." She shot back, making a face, as she tucked an escaped lock of hair back into her bun. A pat to the bun itself ensured that yes, the mottled brown feather she had used to pin it up was still solidly planted in her hair, and then L'nan was up and locating her shoes. Eoreph watched with an approving glint in her brown eyes, as the tawnyrider located her shoes and stood, smoothing down her skirt as she went. The hem only reached her knees, leaving the first scars from a long-ago Hatching visible, but they were no longer noticeable at a first glance. A second look might render the pale, slightly shiny scars more visible, but it was only a reminder now. And even a somewhat pleasant one, at that, because the scars reminded L'nan of the hatching where she had bonded to Eoreph.

Eoreph lowered her head in order to puff gently into L'nan's face, as the woman reached up to wrap her arms as far around the tawny's beak as they would now go. Eo had been much too big for easy hugging for a long time now, but there had still been a time that she had been small enough to cuddle. And L'nan almost missed it. True. I wouldn't.[/color] The simourv said warmly, and then she was pulling away and stretching in an almost catlike motion from her earlier lounge. But if we do not hurry now, we shall be late.[/color] L'nan grinned and gave a jaunty salute before making a last check in her small mirror, and climbing up onto the familiar spot where Eoreph's neck met her shoulders. The simourv stood, stretched, and made her way out of the barracks, headed for a very important graduation ceremony.

It wasn't long before they were at the kitchens, and L'nan remained in the open link with Eoreph, half-thought emotions racing back and forth as K'huna made introductions, and then proceeded to announce their assignments now that they were well and truly riders of the Eyrie. Eyrie Watch, Eo! And under Ro'za. The first half of the mental sentence was said to in an ecstatic voice; the second half less so as L'nan thought of the strict, no-nonsense Senior Phoenix. Well, that would be an interesting experience. And besides that, Ri'ley had made Chydyn Watch Lieutenant! L'nan grinned for her dear friend, but remained where she was. She would congratulate him later. G'len, the Senior Commander was speaking, and both Eoreph and her rider listened with rapt attention. He called the names of the new Sweepriders, (Oh! Dareph is on Northern Sweep!)[/color] and then suddenly their names were being called again, only this time in the capacity of searchriders.

There was a moment of surprise, and then both Eoreph and L'nan were brimming over with renewed excitement. Searchriders! Like Sa'nia and Altaph, who had searched L'nan in the first place. They would find the candidates to bring them for the hatchings, and it would be fantastic! While few actual words were exchanged across their link, each felt the other's excitement almost as a supplement to their own. L'nan was grinning happily at the prospect, hands half-raised in an indecisive instinct to hold them over her mouth. But then things just got better and better, as K'huna unveiled their graduation gift, and L'nan was further struck speechless by the beautifully crafted swords lying in the chest. As she admired her own, holding the gleaming blade half out of its scabbard, the idea that they were now full riders and they would have to kill koxi finally seemed to gain more weight. For a brief instant, she sobered at the thought, but as soon as the moment of seriousness had come, it was gone and L'nan sheathed the sword carefully before propping it against her chair leg. She treated it with an odd reverence, almost as if it was a symbol of their new station. And in a way it was. They were riders now. L'nan turned back to enjoy the feast, though the smile on her face was tempered with a new determination.[/size]

[zeis]

Gr'y observed his own reflection in his washbasin with thoughtful silence. The visage that looked back at him with cautious curiosity was rough with a light scraggly beard, and mussed salt and pepper hair spilled lightly over its eyes. The boy had never really given much though to his appearance beyond the practical, what was a necessity to wear for a certain task. Gloves for weeding, boots for traveling, two layers on a cold day. The summons from Canph had specified that such meager preparations would not be enough, and now here he was hesitating, barely recognizing himself. Wordlessly, he took up his razor and began shaving, moving with careful precision.

Shame about that. Rixasileuph remarked with casual amusement from his couch, where he currently sat preening. The black owned no jewelry himself, but was throwing his all into cleaning and organizing his feathers. A gentleman had to look his best after all, especially at a formal occasion when receiving a promotion. I quite liked the goatee. Very rakish. Imposing. Made you look a wee bit older too. He flared his wings, going over the black and white pinions to check that they were all in place, and that he hadn't molted noticeably during the night.

No one will recognize me. Gr'y thought absently after washing his face, and once more regarding the new him. Skies, he barely recognized himself. Bah! They'll recognize our manner. It's hard to ignore such a charming pair as ourselves. His simourv reassured him, turning reddish brown eye to watch his Rider as the boy mechanically tamed his chronic bed-head. His partner was dressed in well kept, but otherwise not particularly fancy clothing. A tunic, jacket, and trousers of well matched shades of gray. It was in fact the nicest pair of clothes the distant black-rider owned, having been worn only once at a wedding before his departure for the Eyrie. It didn't exactly dazzle Rixasileuph, but he figured he could make up for it with his own monochrome elegance. You look tip-top. My turn now, come on, shift your feet, we don't want to be late.

Gr'y smiled faintly at his simourv's eagerness, and went through the usual motions of harnessing him. The task had grown from a relatively simple one since he was a chick to a fairly time consuming one. His black was no longer the size of a small pony, but roughly larger than his parent's old barn. He had to clamber up over his sides and back to secure various straps and buckles, though he had over the course of their life together become adept at it. How do I look? Rixasileuph asked, swiveling his head around to get a look at himself, and walking in a tight circle before looking earnestly down at his vaguely amused rider. Self-conscious. Gr'y sent back with a faint tilt of his head, wondering what aspect of the party had his knightly black so riled. The prospect of promotion was exciting, but he suspected there were ulterior reasons. The presence of I'dou and Laraph perhaps? Eoreph, or the greens he was always so cordial to?

Splendid! He chirruped, striking a regal, and supremely pleased pose. Shall we? Lets. Gr'y agreed, walking leisurely alongside the black out of the barrack toward halfway point between the messhall and the feeding pens. Have an excellent time, do try and be friendly. They aren't going to bite you. Rixasileuph dipped his head to touch Gr'y's outstretched hand, his voice sincere and hopeful. He couldn't speak for his rider all the time! The young man stroked his friends gray and white beak with a nod, before the pair parted ways to their respective parties. Rixasileuph strode elegantly toward his fellows, moving with a hop in his step, and with a flourish of his tail. Good afternoon, Canph! Miss Eoreph, pleased to see you as always, you look lovely. He gushed, before turning a more reserved but still respectful gaze on Teimoph. Hello, Teimoph. How are you?

Gr'y put his hands in his pockets and walked casually onward toward the graduation feast, arriving without much fuss or greeting, and standing quietly to the back of the crowd as the speeches and announcements went on. His passive face may have suggested a lack of interest, but in truth he harbored a cautious amount of excitement. Their days as Winglets, as students were over, and what lay ahead was the life and duties of a true rider. His head jerked up a little at the very start of the announcements, a bit surprised to hear his name first among all those called, as as a lieutenant of the Sayaie Watch no less. I knew we'd do well. Oooh, I want to tell everyone! ... Would that be bragging? Yes. Ah, I'm sure they all already know, anyway.

He listened politely to the rest of the names as they were called, and when the assignments were finished being reported he began clapping politely, expecting everyone else to as well. Only no one did, and the black-rider's lone round of applause slowly trailed off, leaving his face faintly flushed. He simply wasn't much of one for parties, but he promised Rixasileuph he would try. He received his sword with a faint smile, admiring the sheathed weapon, and turning it over in his hands, feeling genuinely pleased. The presence of a real blade in his hands felt like an honor after so long spent in practice. A sign of trust.

Then their forming Wingletmaster started the party, and he found himself once more in that confusing sea of people known as a social gathering. He took a moment to fasten the sword to his belt, before drifting toward the table, helping himself to food and drink before taking a seat near to L'nan. He remembered her from the lessons as one of the friendlier people, more prone to working harmoniously together than squabbling or joking. The boy sat there silent a moment, arranging his plate, and utensils before turning to look at her. "Congratulations on being a Searchrider." He said coolly, under the insistent urging of Rixasileuph.

~~~~~

K'ii was in much similar situation as Gr'y, but being the second and therefor more disadvantaged sibling of his family, his nicest clothes were hand-me-downs from N'raan. His brother's taste in clothes was far-cry from his own, and so when the call came for the formal party, he was filled with anticipatory dread. He had delayed it long enough by going off to bathe, and now stood with slightly damp hair in front of the chest at the foot of his bed. Either steal some of Nar'i's clothes or get on with it. That idea had never occurred to him, and he glanced over to his room-mates side of the room in consideration before dismissing it. The other green-winglet was about half a foot taller than him, and possessed a much broader muscled build. If he wore his clothes he'd probably look like he showed up to the party in pajamas.

He sighed, grit his teeth, and opened the lid of the chest revealing the horrors within. In one pile were his own tattered and threadbare clothes, certainly nothing formal within them, all in dirty unnoticeable colors that lended stealth to a pickpocket on the street. In another pile were the clothes N'raan had given him, in all manner of bright dyed colors, laced, embroidered, and adorned with beads and fringe, often more revealing than conservative. He searched through them until he found the least offensive articles. A pair of black slacks that might have been skin tight on his brother at some point, but were merely form fitting for him. He could wear one of his own shirts, and a long, long sleeved hide jacket from some Pohonian beast his brother had brought home, mostly a dull brown but with faint green stripes. The edges of the sleeves and collar were trimmed with fur. He put these on, then began struggling with his red hair, laboriously and painfully combing out all the tangles.

Akaturiaph, already completely harnessed and groomed and growing steadily more an more impatient, watched her rider go about these unaccustomed rituals. If you preened every day, the brush wouldn't fight you so. She observed with a great whuffing sigh, turning her green banded head to look wistfully at the door to their shared room. Other pairs passed their doors fairly often, already on their way to the party. The green felt both excited and anxious about the upcoming gathering. On one hand, she longed for recognition for their efforts, and promotion to a post that was worthy of her. On the other hand, she was not looking forward to the social aspects of it. While she found her own kin tolerable enough, she did not particularly enjoy speaking to anyone who wasn't her own rider. Having K'ii so far away, and lost among the other winglets also put her on edge.

The young green-rider had finally finished preparing, and presented himself to Akaturiaph for inspection. His hair, rarely clean and often wild, was for once straight and gleaming, and though he often looked like he still lived on the streets, he had managed to make himself presentable if still slightly laughable. The green simourv looked him over appraisingly, finding no fault that she could see in strange human customs. Let's go. She urged, nosing him out the door, before taking her place at his side on the way toward their respective destinations.

The green now towered over the small boy, having grown to be the largest green of the Eyrie, surpassing Valenph, a fact that pleased her immensely. She walked tall and proud, muscles coiling and rippling beneath her avocado green and yellow feathers. She parted ways with her rider with a supportive touch of minds. It will be over soon. Akaturiaph bobbed her head at her siblings and old teacher as she neared their crowd, crouching down, and helping herself to a cow without much in the way of speaking. Such was the norm for the green giant however, silent as usual.

K'ii arrived on the scene some time after his elder brother, and quickly saw his brother in the crowd looking for him. He moved to meet him with a slightly sheepish grin down at his own wardrobe. The boy was glad to see N'raan, as their chores and willful simourv often kept them apart. He was about to make some joke or other when K'huna started speaking, and he turned his attention that way. The boy listened curiously, not minding the arm around his shoulders. He nudged his brother in the ribs when the red-riders name was mentioned. Lieutenant, that wasn't bad right? Though it was in Itnala, the port city. Who ever went there? Then his own name was mentioned, as part of the Southern Sweep. That's patrol. Akaturiaph spoke up, pleased with their new positions. Sal'a was posted with him, so at least he wouldn't be totally alone. He considered the blue-rider a fair enough friend since their clumsy exploration on the night of the last hatching.

"Maybe. Wonder if its to Itnala or Sayaie..." He whispered in response before yelping faintly at the surprise punch to the arm. The boy turned with a feral playful grin to his sibling and cocked back his fist to return the blow when he suddenly found himself face to face with the Wingletmaster, who was handing out blades. He withered under the other mans stern glance, and quietly took the sword, barely looking it over. The boy wasn't much of one for weapons. preferring the bow and simple wrestling over swords and glaives. He tied it clumsily to his belt absently, and a short time later the feast had begun. Now free to speak and act, he nailed his brother in the shoulder with a return punch, and darted off to take a seat at the table before his sibling could retaliate.

~~~~~

At the feeding pens, Canph greeted each of former students warmly, looking over each of them with pride, even Teimoph. You all grew up so fast, I'm going to miss the games we used to play. He stated fondly, and added after a moment, with a glance toward the larger blacks and reds. And being taller than you, I'll miss that too.

K'huna, as promised, poured himself a modest cup of mead and sat back with a sigh. It was done, his students were students no more. It felt as though a great weight had lifted from his shoulders, and now he sat leisurely enjoying the rewards of a job well done. Around him the party buzzed the life, new riders talking, eating, and drinking. The second adult generation of the Eyrie, well trained and ready to take over for the Pioneers when they fell, or were too old to lift a sword. The Wingletmaster smiled easily, all seriousness and professional restraint gone at this moment.

Whats this? The mighty Kirahuna actually loosening up? Canph teased gently, though the feeling his voice was similarly happy and satisfied. K'huna smiled at the use of his birth name, so long unused except by his mother, who often forgot even under his urging. How are things out there? Everyone getting along? Rixasileuph is charming all the ladies. Akaturiaph is as frigid as ever. Eoreph is pleasant, and Teimoph might as well be made of stone. The red-rider snorted, and his eyes drifted unconsciously to the stony red's rider.

... N'raan looks nice today. His own red observed innocently, and K'huna coughed and turned his gaze back to the table, taking a long swig of his drink, before vigorously helping himself to some food. Everyone looks nice today. Right.

[Kat]

Ri’ley pressed a pair of pants and a shirt, a black shirt to be exact, to match his pants, two days previously. He kept the outfit tucked tightly on top of his chest of clothing, so that it would not get wrinkled as he dug through his clothes. Even though an official day for the event had never been announced, the rather obvious references to the event prompted Ri’ley to preemptively prepare. He did not want to end up graduating in wrinkled clothing, and without a fire place to himself, he could not press his own clothing. When Canph sent out the announcement, Ri’ley snapped into action. He first quickly ran his fingers through Dionyph’s feathers, so that the black and gray feathers glistened appropriately. The rider kept Dionyph clean, which was not a state that Dionyph avoided, so only a few brief brushes were needed to make the black simourv look orderly. After he made sure Dionyph looked good, if not great, the black rider began to get himself ready, hovering over his pitcher of water and bowl to shave his face, which had accumulated two days worth of stubble. After rinsing his face, the blackrider pulled the shirt over his body, and stepped into his pants, until his body was properly clothed. Ri’ley did not even look at himself in the mirror he kept—he just knew he looked fine.
I am so excited, mine. We will look wonderful together, and I am proud of you.
Without speaking, Ri’ley agreed with his simourv’s sentiment, draping an arm as far up Dionyph’s neck as Ri’ley could manage.

Dionyph fluffed up his body, puffing his feathers, in an attempt to show himself off and to make himself look better. Dionyph was proud of his appearance. He was large and imposing. Dionyph did wish Ri’ley would let him wear jewelry. The black knew that many of his siblings would be adorned in splendor, but Ri’ley remained stubbornly opposed to the practice of dressing his simourv.
You’ll stand out enough without jewels. In fact, you will be showing that you make an impression without decorating yourself. You need to trust your natural presence, Dionyph, and not hide behind false beauty.
Ri’ley projected as he gestured out of his door. This would be the last time they saw this room, Ri’ley realized, and as Dionyph stomped out of the door, the blackrider stayed behind for a second to gaze at the space. He would be sad without it, even though the allure of a bigger space was pleasant. Before he left, Ri’ley grabbed a dark leather coat, lined with black wool, and slipped into it as he moved towards the graduation ceremony.

Dionyph arrived with Ri’ley next to him, even though they left at staggered times. If Dionyph felt self conscious about his lack of adornments, he did not show it. Instead, the black simourv walked with complete confidence. Even though he slouched, a usual position, Ri’ley too walked as self confidently as his simourv. Dionyph’s confidence wore off on his rider in a certain kind of plucky assurance of a man who felt that he knew what he needed to do and that he had a right to do it. It was the kind of walk he gained when he worked as a surgeon, but which he rarely assumed when he worked with simourvs. Perhaps the glow of graduation inspired Ri’ley’s movements as well, as he could not believe the Alpha class were to become riders. The pair arrived on time, although they were not the first to join K’huna and Canph, their soon-to-be former winglet master. Ri’ley was surprised when his name was announced to be the new Lieutenant of Chydyn. He had never traveled to the forest city, and the prospect of discovering the city thrilled Ri’ley. Dionyph reminded him swiftly, that they would have to work when they were in Chydyn, and that Ri’ley should not be distracted by pleasantries. The blackrider ignore the simourv, and the smile remained across Ri’ley’s face regardless of Dionyph’s negative view on the situation. The blackrider only knew his other guard members peripherally, but that would probably be for the best. Ri’ley would only be distracted by friends. Dionyph nodded at that thought, and nudged Ri’ley affectionately.

Even though Ri’ley immediately recognized G’len, and would have without K’huna’s introduction, the younger blackrider was surprised to see the senior commander at the graduation. The commander always seemed to have other tasks to do, and he seemed constantly busy. Ri’ley felt rather honored to see G’len. Searchriders—Ri’ley had not even considered that any of the Alphas would assume the position. Of course, searchrider were necessary, but Ri’ley had not thought about the position at all previously. He had known that the squads would be assigned, that had been made clear, so maybe he had just not considered searchriders because no one had explicitly mentioned it before. When Ri’ley heard his and Dionyph’s names called, though, he was stunned. Dionyph immediately lifted his head to expose the jubilation flickering across his gaze.
Mine, did you hear that? We’ll be able to select the new warriors of the Eyrie. We can inspire them to do what needs to be done to protect our home. And Dareph and Eoreph are searchriders too!
Ri’ley chuckled lightly at his simourv’s words. In Dionyph’s deep mental voice, the excitement sounded rather out of place, and the contrast made Dionyph’s statements sound even more ridiculous. Ri’ley patted Dionyph on the neck, as far up as he could reach, and grinned.
If you address the candidates like that, I’m not sure any of them will come with us.

[/b]
Dionyph might be an adult in the eyes of the Eyrie, but the simourv was still quite young and naïve. Ri’ley often wondered if Dionyph would ever grow into some sense.
What do you mean, mine? I think anyone would be excited to be labeled as a future warrior.[/b][/i]
Ri’ley shrugged his shoulders, to express that he cared not, or could not explain what Dionyph simply did not comprehend. Nothing, though, could dampen Dionyph’s mood, and he strutted over to Eoreph, who he nuzzled gently.
Congratulations, sister.
Dionyph hummed, as his rider followed after the man grabbed his sword, which he weighed in his hands and glared at rather distastefully. He knew the weapon was a fine weapon and a thoughtful gift for which he would thank K’huna soon, but he disliked what the sword meant as a symbol. They would have to fight koxi soon, and Ri’ley would have to shed blood.

Ri’ley wanted to run up and hug L’nan, and even though he approached slowly, or rather—not at a run, he got fairly close to her, almost as if he was going to touch her, to hug her. But as soon as he reached his destination, Ri’ley’s eyes flickered to G’ry, and he stopped. Immediately, a sense of relief that he had not done such a deed flooded him, as his mind contemplated an unsavory reaction from his female friend. L’nan probably would have been horrified, as he could not imagine she would enjoy it if he touched her without permission in such an obvious way, especially in public. Instead of his originally intended action, Ri’ley nodded towards L’nan, a large smile crossing his face.
”Congratulations, L’nan, on your position on the watch and the as a searchrider.”
Ri’ley exclaimed, his face bursting into an excited smile despite his almost social blunder. Ri’ley turned to G’ry, then, because he had nothing against the other blackrider by any means, but also because Ri’ley knew it would be terribly uneven for him to address L’nan and not to address G’ry.
“Congratulations on the Sayaie post—there is a man there I care about deeply, and I expect you to keep him safe.”
Ri’ley announced, but the large grin on his face showed that he was joking, at least to some extent. Ri’ley extended his hand for a shake.
[/blockquote][/size]

[‡§åkørü‡]

M'rao was so used to Canph's irritating voice popping into her head every day at the same hour that she had begun to rise before it even sounded. Consequently, she'd been up since dawn - and had she been less bright she probably would have been wondering why no one had called her to lessons. As soon as the usual hour of Canph's call rolled around, she had immediately realized that this must be the day K'huna had been dropping hints about: at last, their graduation! She'd waited another fifteen minutes, tidying her room, just to make sure that there were no lessons before she moved to her green's side, touching the soft pea-green feathers in greeting. Seiliph, she called to her sleeping simourv, it's graduation day. Wake up so we can get ready.

Naturally Seiliph reacted with her usual irritability, lashing her tail before she even realized who had spoken to her. And then the dark eyes widened, registering M'rao's voice, and the green settled down, tilting her head at Hers. At last. Are you sure, M'rao? Her voice was softer than usual; her rider could hear the relief in her voice. Both of them hated lessons - as soon as the basic plans of them were outlined, the two brilliant minds latched immediately onto the concepts, comprehended them, and proceeded to hate the wingletmasters a little more than they had previously. Now, they were through with those infuriatingly easy drills. Yes, my beautiful green. I'm sure, the redhead promised her simourv, and Seiliph trilled in joy.

I thought we would be under Canph's tutelage for the rest of our lives, the green muttered, and then rose to her feet. Although the room was large enough for her, it was made a little more crowded by her roommate (and arch-nemesis), Shovaph. Full of loathing for the other green, Seiliph cast a disgusted glance at her, and then folded her wings neatly against her back and tilted her head at Hers. What will you wear? You haven't prepared an outfit yet, have you, M'rao?

M'rao reached up, standing on her toes and stretching her fingers straight up to reach her simourv's head, since the green had apparently forgotten that she was a great deal taller than Hers, even lying down. Soon enough she clued in, however, and when she did the human half of the wingletpair (ex-wingletpair!) rested her hands on the huge muzzle, and then her forehead. No, I haven't. I have my green dress; I'll wear that. It'll be so nice to be out of this barracks... and away from stupid K'huna. The human girl closed her pale grey eyes and leaned on Seiliph's beak before shifting around to one side to scratch behind the simourv's gigantic ear. Her green was the smallest adult green in the entire Eyrie, but it didn't matter. Not in the slightest, because they were the best pair in the place. On Spiderland, on Pohono even.

Nearly half an hour passed before M'rao even realized she'd been standing, leaning quietly against Seiliph's soft cheek. Gone were the days when the green could push against Hers and fight to push her over; her head alone was a foot longer than her rider was tall. Gone were the days, too, when the girl had had to prepare small, pulverized chunks of meat for her green's meals, when pieces of meat that were too big would choke her. And now... now Seiliph could annihilate a cow with ease, tear off a leg and swallow half of it whole if she felt like it. She soared through the air like lightning, and her massive body was far too large for M'rao to even begin to surround it with her slender, but now strong arms.

We've changed a lot, haven't we, Seiliph? M'rao murmured thoughtfully, going to her dresser. Behind her, Seiliph crooned softly, and her rider smiled - one of the rare, tiny, tender smiles she let only her green see. Every other smile was cold, edged with the psychopathy that everyone else got to witness. But not this one. Even with her back turned, M'rao knew that her green could sense it, and knowing it made her smile a little more. Plucking her dress out of the drawer and dropping it on her bed, she glanced at her simourv, pressing on her the knowledge that she was going to go bathe and get some breakfast.

After that was dealt with, the pair met back in their room. Seiliph had deliberately refrained from eating, but she'd stretched her wings and gone careening through the sky, whirling in such spectacular patterns that M'rao had been forced to stop and watch her, admiring her other half's glorious abilities. As soon as the simourv had landed, her redheaded rider had trotted over to her, climbed a powerful foreleg and swung herself up onto the muscled back. Resting against the feathers (and wrapping her fists securely into them), M'rao stroked her green's neck. Let's go get ready, she suggested. Seiliph was glad to oblige.

Both halves of the greenpair arrived at the mess-hall at exactly the same time, pacing next to one another with measured strides. The human wore her green dress - almost the same shade as Seiliph's feathers - and a pair of feather earrings, made from her simourv's old down, dangled from her ears. She'd done little with her hair, braiding it around one side of her head and fixing it at the other, but other than that there wasn't a great deal of effort put into her appearance. M'rao was pretty anyway. She knew that, and she used it to her advantage. Seiliph, on the other hand, wasn't a 'gorgeous' simourv. She wore no jewelry, but her self-confident (and, okay, rather vicious) air informed all of her siblings that, yes, she was here and she was going to do whatever she wanted. Cause havoc? Maybe, but only if they annoyed her.

Arriving bang on time, the pair split up to go to their respective locations. M'rao strode into the dining hall with a toss of her coppery head, and then took up a spot where she could hear all of what K'huna had to say. It was composed mostly of things she'd expected: they were grown-up now, etc. All things she knew already, of course, in the fashion of sentimental reminiscence. Didn't matter, though - she, and Seiliph, were soon going to be free of their lessons. In fact, they were headed to Chydyn - back to Chydyn, in the human's case. She paused a moment at that, and then shook her head slightly, so slightly it was a barely visible movement. Well, wouldn't her parents be thrilled to see that she'd returned - but to guard heights this time, with a splendid simourv at her side!

What she didn't expect was the sword that landed in her hands, borne by K'huna. G'len's speech had been more or less expected and she really hadn't thought she would make any of those positions. But the blade balanced in her hands oddly amazed her, and M'rao flicked her gaze to meet the wingletmaster's as he began to move off. "Thank you," she said quietly, with nothing else she could really comment on. Admiring the sleek blade as she drew it from its scabbard, the Alpha hefted her new weapon, and realized that it was just the kind of light, well-balanced blade she'd always liked to handle. Giving it a few experimental flicks, she decided it would do, and slid it back into its sheathe with a satisfied sound. Out in the feeding pens, Seiliph offered a flick of the ear and little else to the red wingletmaster.

The green, not being a charitable soul in the first place, only just restrained herself from crooning with pleasure at being freed from student-hood. Still, formalities were formalities, and she nodded (slightly) to Canph as she passed him to seize a Chydyn nut and carry it off to the side, away from the others. She wasn't a social simourv; in fact she downright ignored most of her siblings as she attacked her meal.

M'rao, on the other hand, was excited to be free of the obligation to act like a student. Straightening her skirts a little, she stepped into the fray as K'huna set the Alphas loose, reveling in her new status as watch rider. She plucked an apple from a tray nearby, took a dainty bite of it, and spun off into the crowd, delighted to be able to wear her social mask once again. Lessons, she'd learned, really weren't that great for sinking your claws into people. Not with K'huna supervising everything you did. But now... now she was free to do whatever she liked (within reason, of course) and she seized a mug of mead in her other hand. Murmuring sweet, flirtatious greetings to all of her classmates (men and women alike), M'rao flitted off to try and find T'ia: her first potential victim of the night. They'd been roommates for so long, and the entire time they'd basically been forbidden to do anything that resembled intimacy... but now, provided the other greenrider were willing, they were free to act as they would. Of course, she wouldn't object to anyone else crossing her path, either: the manipulator in her begged for her to find people to socialize with, manipulate, and seduce if she could.

[/center]

[Kilnarak]

Teimoph growled low, mostly to himself, as he settled before one of the bulls that had been slaughtered for the simourv's own feasting. For the most part, the young red ignored his siblings, his attention focused upon cracking his meal's bones between his beak. He did look up now and again, when one of the others drew a a bit too close to him, or when one greeted him. He met the greetings with that molten gold stare of his and a rumbled greeting of his own - and for the most part, that was all that was required of him before he might go back to his meal.

But then the black Rixasileuph addressed him, requesting more than a simple greeting. The fact that Rixasileuph had addressed him at all irked him a touch - for the most part he wanted nothing to do with his ebon-feathered siblings, they were pompous fools the lot of them - but this one, at the very least, did not rile him so much as Dionyph did. And the black had not challenged him in any way - the other kept his distance and addressed him with respect. So Teimoph looked to Rixasileuph, as he did his other siblings who cared to greet him, and rumbled a greeting of his own as he licked blood from his beak. Rixasileuph. I am... well, he inclined his head ever so slightly as he spoke, the movement a bit stiff, like his words. Still, Teimoph kept them polite enough, his tone neutral and devoid of signs of his displeasure (even while his tail twitched with the want to resume his meal). He did not break the black's gaze, however - it was important to keep an eye on competition, particularly when it regarded oneself...

-

T'gan awoke early, but such was common enough for her. She had never truly broken the habit of rising with the sun and taking her morning jog about the Eyrie's lake. Othokenph had awakened with her, as he usually did, however now the lanes she took in reaching the lake were far too narrow for him - he stretched his wings instead, following her progress from above and mimicking her winding path in an arching, aerial display. Usually, by the time they reached the lake, the call to lessons would sound - however such was not the case today. The two had remained at the lake long enough to catch their breath, then turned back for their room in the barracks. There was a sort of tension in the air, Othokenph picked up on it first, as if something grand was building just beyond the horizon. It excited the blue, and he chirped and called down to His - and to anyone else he passed for that matter - snippets of happy song.

I think it is today, Mine! Othokenph all but trilled as they arrived back at their room in the Winglet barracks. He warbled pleasantly to himself and pranced a tight circle as his taloned feet touched the ground. We will be.. we will be adults! And then we can fly far and see the sea! It will be wonderful, won't it, Mine? There will be fish! He chirped again, happily, and lowered his head to peer at His T'gan with wide olive-yellow eyes.

T'gan smiled at the blue, reaching up on tip-toe to stroke Othokenph's feathers and beak, scritching the feathers just between his eyes at the base of his beak. "We'll go ta see Itnala as soon as we can, Oth. Th' ocean's a lot bigger than our little lake here." She laughed, patting the blue firmly on the beak before turning to her things. "I s'ppose, if taday is the day, I should wear somethin' nicer, huh?"

The lake has gotten smaller, anyway, Othokenph hummed, lifting his head and looking out toward the other rooms. It was around then that Canph's summons reached them, affirming Othonkenph's suspicions and sending the excited blue into another small fit of excitement. T'gan chuckled at his antics, and set about washing up after her jog and finding suitable clothing for the celebration. Looking over her wardrobe, she didn't own anything all that flashy - most of her attire was fairly drab, practical and well-mended, but not particularly formal. Perhaps she should have gone with some of the others in her class to the Eyrie's bazaar in search of nicer clothing. She sighed as she chose the least work-clothes looking of the bunch - a white tunic with long flowing sleeves, a light, tan-ish vest over that, and soft, sueded leather slacks. It was fairly plain, but over-all it looked nice enough - and it was all clean, which was certainly a plus.

After she was dressed, T'gan went about seeing to Othokenph's harness - affixing his nameplate and climbing up onto his back, just behind his neck. Shortly enough the bluepair were on their way toward the graduation feast.

Othokenph left T'gan with the humans in the kitchens, offering her an encouraging chirp and a nudge with his beak before flying for the feeding pens where his siblings awaited. The blue landed amidst the others with a flourish and a small hop, warbling greetings to anyone who would hear them. When he saw her, Othokenph bounded over to where Akaturiaph had settled and butted his head lightly against her shoulder with an affectionate warble before taking a cow for his own meal. He dragged the slaughtered beast a bit nearer to where his sister crouched before settling himself. Akaturiaph! Isn't it exciting!

For her part, T'gan smiled and laughed as she mingled with her class, slowly making her way to the tables and sitting to listen to the speeches. She clapped and grinned as their various promotions and assignments were called out, beaming at those nearest her, and then her own name was called - Northern Sweep, under G'len and Alianph. Othokenph crowed, both in her head and aloud, amidst his siblings - pleased as punch with the assignment (although, all things considered, he would have been happy with whatever they were assigned - he was just happy in general). As their names were called again, however, while T'gan was briefly taken aback, Othokenph was ecstatic. Mine, Mine! We will find new candidates! We will fly everywhere and see so much! Isn't it exciting? T'gan laughed softly, to herself and to Othokenph. Exciting. And a little bit overwhelming. Don't worry, I won't let you get overwhelmed! And it will be fun, meeting so many new people!

T'gan was a touch startled when the Wingletmaster seemingly appeared infront of her - distracted by Othokenph's excited chatter in her mind. She took the sword he offered her with a respectful nod and a slightly sheepish smile. It was a lovely sword, although she hoped she would never need to use it. She set the gift on the bench beside her, one hand lingering upon the soft, pale blue feather tied to the hilt. It felt like they had been here so long, so long since Othokenph had shed this feather, but truly it had only been two years. Not so long at all.

-

N'raan yelped as K'ii retaliated, staggering a bit to one side and making a grab for the boy as he ran away. His fingers came short, however, and then K'ii was lost in the crowd of the others near the tables. He pouted a bit, in the direction his brother had torn off in, rubbing at his shoulder as if he had truly been injured - 'though really, it likely wouldn't even bruise. Still, he enjoyed playing the hurt look for whoever might be watching - ah, 'nii had stung him so! His eyes shifted over the crowds near the tables, picking out the faces he knew best, but specifically searching for K'ii.

It was while he searched for his brother that he spotted the Wingletmaster. Not only was K'huna sitting alone, but the man was looking at him. Of course, nearly as soon as he noticed, K'huna looked away and, in N'raan's opinion, rather pointedly began doing his best to look as if he hadn't just been caught staring. N'raan smiled, moreso for himself than for show now, amusement curling his lips back from his teeth as he sauntered toward where his former teacher sat. All thoughts of finding K'ii were brushed aside for the moment, he had a new game to play.

"It looks so lonely over here, hunter. Perhaps you need company?" N'raan crooned as he reached K'huna and helped himself to the seat to the right of the older man. All smiles and honeyed words, using the same tones he had when they had first met - only the barest hint of his usual accent purring through.

[Quill]

"Nice isn't my thing. You know that."At least try. Please? For me. I bet there's a nice pair of pants somewhere.
The large blue poked his head toward her closet before Sal'a stopped the almost disaster. "Woah, you're not a fledging anymore. Hell, you're one of the largest blues. "
Sydnyph lowered his head, feeling a bit ashamed. Sal'a rushed to his side, patting his furry muzzle. "C'mon. You know I'm only teasing. And why are you in such a rush? You're never in a rush."


Then the almost rider stopped, feeling how big of a deal this was for Sydnyph. She could not find a specific reason. He had shared so many lately. But she knew a specific reason--nervous. "Look, don't think about the future so much. Think about the present, Syd." The blue cooed again before raising his head, his entire body standing as tall as possible, and suddenly stopping when his horns almost stabbed the ceiling. Both of them glanced at how close the disaster was and Sal'a giggled. She turned around and dug through her closet to find some gray pants and a colored blouse. She didn't look the nicest, but enough to say I'm damn proud of where I am. As she brushed her red hair, Sal'a grinned at Sydnyph and his careful rearrangement of feathers.


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



Must you worry so loudly!a rather cheerful voice echoed to Sydnyph. He stopped and glanced at the source though he knew the source. Weirph , who was resting at Ol'ia's bedside, rushed toward the larger blue's side. Before she could say a word, her attention jumped back to her rider, giving Sal'a and Sydnyph the perfect chance to escape. Oh my! Mine move! Mine you gotta move. There's stuff to do. And you, you've got to get dressed. Don't want the daggers of indifference to stick a knife in your back when everyone looks fabulous and... you don't.


Ol'ia smiled at the rainbow as she rushed around the room, stopping to check her feathers. Brushing her hair, she looked at the small mirror and stared in the mirror for a while. Every time she felt a lurch in her throat. She had changed so much since becoming a candidate. C'mon, Mine. You're beautiful but not that beautiful. Get a dress one. A colorful one! So we can both match. And no one can wonder who the quick as lightning rainbow is partner with. If anyone was slow enough to not get it by now. This time there was no stopping a river of laughter from Ol'ia. Weirph looked at her confused for a moment. I know I'm funny, but this. is. serious.
"I know, Weirph. It's just good to see you so happy."
Happy? What do you think of me? A blue? A black?
"Nevermind," the girl said as she finished brushing her hair. A few months ago, she thought her curls were leaving, but they had returned. Not with the intensity they once possessed but close enough. Then choosing a red dress, Weirph's decision, she slipped it on and flashed a smile in her direction. Breathing a deep sigh, Ol’ia looked at Weirph. “Ready to go now?” The rainbow gave her a long stare as her red eyes became wider. The rainbowrider could have sworn that the simourv was trembling with extreme pleasure. “Then let’s go.”

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

Sydnyph wanted to fly, like really bad, but Sal’a gave a growl. The two stared at one another before Sal’a released and mounted the simourv. They flew up and Sydnyph wanted to flip and spin so much, but Sal’a, who was basically not supported, said no and then after a quick flight, they landed. The two bowed toward K’huna and Canph before Sal’a took a seat. Sydnyph, who usually waited patiently felt it was his job to welcome.

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

In a quick flash of red and blue, the rainbow darted in, skidding to a stop. Her ears pointed up, flicking but then they lowered and her eyes narrowed. But. But. We’re not the first here, Mine. Sydnyph even bet us here. Ol’ia smiled. “It’s fine, Weir. At least we are here and everyone is alive. Besides, how we were going to get anywhere fast when you stopped and greeted everyone.” She smiled. Then she settled down in a seat, sort of. But your dress was so pretty…

The new lieutenants were not hard to guess and when the announcement where their new positions were. Of course, that’s a good idea. Laraph cannot move as fast as me. Ol’ia thought about Ro’za. She felt a bit nervous about reporting to her, but then the girl laughed at the emotion. All tomorrow should be about is the first day on the job. She did not know what to expect K’huna’s gift. It made her a bit uncomfortable as she stared and admired the craftsmanship, but then she had wield the thing, stick it through a koxi. Even after all the lessons, the thought of driving it through a beast’s stomach. Her fascination with them hadn’t stopped.

----

Once K’huna began speaking, Sal’a twisted in her seat. The congratulations were nice and all, but she wanted to know her future. None of those names were her’s. Now she didn’t really want a Watch position, but really, she had no preference. Of course, her eyes glowed when her name was called. The other names were familiar and names that did not make her uncomfortable. Sydnyph did not feel the same way. Akaturiaph was large, but she always made him feel so uncomfortable. The thought didn’t stay long until their names were listed again as searchriders. He just stared, blinking and staring at G’len. Sal’a had a similar reaction, surprised as anything. There was fear because the two of them were responsible for bringing new candidates. After a few moments, Sydnyph’s fear left, replaced only by silent excitement. Sal’a wondered how she would deal with little candidates. Would they be difficult? Excited? Suddenly, karma seemed so real.

Of course, when the weapons were presented, Sal’a instantly grabbed hers and inspected them. Clearly impressed, she swept her fingers across the hilt. She could not wait to use a real sword again and against a dirty koxi too.

[Cy]

[/i][/color] Tearing himself away from the sullen image staring back at him, he glanced over his shoulder to the behemoth red that stared warmly back at him. Dareph had already preened himself to a healthy shine, his harness wrapped snugly about him and his nameplate polished as thoroughly as his rider's boots. As the largest red in the Eyrie, he dwarfed his rider and easily filled up their room. He'd been cramped and uncomfortable, but he'd never complained. A part of his happiness for this day was certainly for the eyling that they'd soon be moving to.

As satisfied as he was going to be with his attire, Ze'el finally prompted their departure from the place that had served as a home for the past two years. It'd be the last time they'd see it and it'd likely be eventually occupied by another winglet in the future. A strange sense of sentimentality tugged at cold heartstrings, but then he turned away and they carried on.

Predictably, once arriving to the mess hall, the redrider promptly moved to settle in a chair caught between two other vacant seats. They were swiftly filled as the rest of the Alpha class reported, all well dressed and excited, but it was easier to handle crowding when it came to him rather than having to force his way into it. He could ignore them all better, which he did. He remained stern and attentive, determinedly kept to himself until K'huna finally began to speak, then he was listening. The speech was motivational and then there were assignments. Vaguely, he felt confused when he didn't hear his name, but then the Senior Commander stepped up with a scroll of his own and more assignments. Ultimately, his confusion would only grow once he finally did hear his name. Northern Sweep Lieutenant? He'd have to be tell people what to do. He had no troubles with being in control of himself, he prided himself on his responsibility – but to be in control of others? To be responsible for others? It felt daunting.

Then his name was called again, this time among a list of people chosen to be Searchers. He was now also expected to find people, track them down and then bring them back to the Eyrie. The pit in his stomach grew. Dareph, on the other hand, felt quite pleased by all of it. There were other warriors to be found, to be prepared; he and Ze'el would be one of the first to greet them. It was exciting! Dionyph and Eoreph were expected to do the same, and the red honestly couldn't imagine the Eyrie to present a better first impression then with the likes of his two closest allies. Floating on his good mood, the large simourv carried himself over to where the black and tawny had come together. 'Congratulations to the both of you on your new assignments. I am very proud.' He stated, dipping his head low and respectful. Dionyph's had made Lieutenant, His had made Lieutenant, and Eoreph's had made Searcher. They all had something to be proud of. He would encourage Ze'el to feel the same way once they were alone.

Seated as quietly and tense as ever, the new Northern Sweep Lieutenant made no noise of protest against receiving a position that he was certain he was not suitable for. Instead, he'd report for duty just as he was expected to do. He'd do what was expected of him. They could find out their wrong decisions in the process. He straightened slightly as K'huna approached, gifts in hand, and he accepted the sword offered to him. It was like all the rest, beautiful and ornate, but his eyes immediately focused on the dark red feather attached. Two years ago, Dareph had been so small, so new. Two years ago, he'd been Zekiel and he'd been entirely alone until the red had come into his life. Fingertips brushed over the simple downy feather, so dainty compared to the giant feathers that Dareph boasted now, and a rare smile, faint and discreet, tugged at the edge of his mouth.

---

Unsurprisingly, T'ia was determined to be a showstopper. This day, she wouldn't be an Alpha winglet any longer. She would become Rider T'ia of Green Shovaph. This sort of event required flashiness, bright colour and caught eyes. She was talented in all these regards, but graduation only happened once, as dear Canph had so informed them. She had to out-do even herself! For once, there was stress tinging her excitable mood as she searched for something suitable to wear. Clothes littered her half of the room, carelessly thrown aside after being rejected. Things were either too plain, too faded, worn too often, didn't fit in any of the right places, didn't reveal enough, revealed far too much, failed to compliment her skin tone, or her eye colour, or her hair colour, or the length of her eyelashes – there were a million and one rational and irrational reasons to toss aside yet another perfectly fine outfit. Any other day, she'd have been able to put something in no time at all. Today? No, of course today would be difficult.

'Mine, we will be late and you are not even dressed yet!' Shovaph squawked from her corner, her feathers shining with the thorough preening that she'd put them through, the leather of her harness creaking slightly as she shifted around anxiously. Even dumb savage Seiliph had gone! It was highly embarrassing and T'ia was still just throwing her clothes around. Which was making a horrible mess, by the way. She was quite disappointed. “Have you ever heard of being fashionably late? It's how real ladies show up to a party.” She rambled, shaking her head lightly as she pulled up another tunic to toss over her shoulder. Shovaph only released a heavy mental sigh, picking herself up to pace as best that she could, defiantly crossing over to Seiliph's half of the room now that the ugly green was no longer around.

In barely suppressed frustration, T'ia finally brought herself to a stop, closing her eyes and bringing her hands up to press her fingertips against her temple, searching for calm and concentration. Ideas, ideas, ideas – she needed ideas. She needed inspiration. She was able to do this, she did this all the time! In the world she'd willingly blended herself into, appearance was important, appearance was everything. She prided herself on her ability to piece things together to create something beautiful and to look amazing in it. She was skilled, she was talented, and no good would come from sabotaging herself by the rare presence of nerves. With a deep breath, she walked herself through it. She wanted to make an impression. That usually meant something bold, something vivacious and sassy. Something revealing. Check. She wanted to be flashy. That meant colour, that meant brightness. Check. Too much colour would be overwhelming. She needed a base and then some outlines. Accessories! Something sparkling, something jingling, something whimsically gaudy. Why not? Check. What colour? Green seemed the logical choice. It offered a nod to her respective bonded, Shovaph's influence had led her to purchasing plenty of green fabrics, and she looked damn good in green anyways. Check. Some orange, check. What else? This event was the start of another chapter to her life. An homage to her roots would be appropriate, yes? “I know what I'm doing.” She stated and Shovaph huffed curiously as she watched Hers plunge back into the mess of rejected clothes.

Soon, she was stripping off her slip to replace it with pieces reminiscent of what she'd once worn to entertain. The bright green bodice was small, showing off a good bit of toned stomach, and it fit snugly across her chest, the laces tied tight for support and better emphasis on the bust she'd been blessed with. The skirt matched, hanging low on her hips and falling just below her knees. It shimmered as she moved. A slit stabbed up along her thigh. After more searching, she tied a vivid orange sash around her hips, the knot settled strategically to the side so the tail would sway with each step. Long hair was pinned half up while the rest fell down in curls over her shoulders. Bangles and rings of gold and sparklies decorated her limbs, singing with each movement of her arms and legs. A necklace looped about loosely about her throat several times and a simple green jewel pendant settled strategically along the swell of her cleavage. It was splendid. Touching up her make-up and she was good to go in hardly any time at all! Sundra would have been proud.

Wrapping a warm wool shawl about her shoulders, a faint sigh crept into her mind and she turned to look over to Shovaph, smiling slightly. She knew what it was about. Her little green was becoming more and more desiring of attentions, especially from the other boys. Her beloved wanted the shiny things that would bring them to her. It was sort of cute, like a child wanting to play dress-up in her mother's clothes. “I'm on it, love. For now, you're absolutely stunning and we have a celebration to get to.” It was all that was required. It might not have lifted Shovaph's spirits up completely, but T'ia was on it, just as she said. And likewise, they did have somewhere to be. Fashionably late was only fashionable for so long.

Upon their arrival, Shovaph smoothly glided along the sidelines of her siblings, her stride determinedly graceful and her head held high. Dull brown eyes skimmed haughtily over them, assessing and sizing up the lot of them before she was peering over them instead, as if not quite able to bring herself to look directly at any of them. Daintily, she plucked up a herdbeast, pinning it down with one taloned foot to duck her orange head down to begin picking at it, careful to keep her beak and feathers as clean as could be throughout her feasting.

Inside the warmth of the main mess hall, T'ia found a seat quickly and slipped her shawl off, letting it drape over the back of the chair. She was rather surprised to find that she wasn't late at all, fashionable or otherwise; in fact, she seemed right on time as K'huna soon began speaking, calling for the attentions of a class of graduating winglets. As the man that had been dealing with them for almost two years now, a respected and knowledgeable mentor if there ever was one, he earned it quickly. She'd never quite considered herself a sentimental individual and certainly not one to be caught offguard by her own emotions. She was passionate, yes, but she was in control of the way she felt. The speech touched her though and she felt her throat tighten up slightly. She tipped her chin defiantly against any unpermitted tears though, taking a slow breath and smiling vaguely. Her dark eyes glittered as she turned her head just long enough to search for one figure in particular. Little would have made the day better than to see the look on Ros'n's face right then, but she couldn't find the other woman, if the bluerider had even had the gaul to show up, and her attentions were right back to the wingletmaster as he handed out assignments. Her name wasn't called, but then the Senior Commander was stepping up with his own list. She perked up at the sound of her name; a sweeprider for the Northern Sweep. It was exciting and her full lips stretched into a wider smile. She perked up even more as her closest friend was given the role of Searchrider and she immediately sought to look around for the tawnyrider, catching her eye with a proud smile and clapping quietly beneath the table before looking right back.

And finally, the gifts. She'd had no experience with swords before the wooden toys they'd practiced with in lessons. She'd had plenty of grace and coordination, but she could remember her first time handling it. She had been as awkward as most everyone else, but she'd gotten the hang of it. She had been proud. Now, as she accepted the weapon from the redrider, she felt that pride swell again and her smile, though present, dimmed in awe as she studied it. It was absolutely beautiful. It was dangerous. She would fight and she would kill with it. Pulling it slightly out of its sheath, she glanced over the polish of the blade before snapping it back into place, holding the hilt while she lowered her other hand down to stroke the soft downy feather, one of many that Shovaph had spent weeks shedding once upon a time ago. There was that tightening in her throat again. She couldn't be sobered for long by the reality of her situation kicking in. She wasn't just a dancer anymore, she was a warrior. She was unimaginably happy. With another quick and steadying breath, she straightened herself up in her chair to deftly tie the weapon to her sash, right next to the knot at her hip. Then she was leaving the rush of her thoughts to return to the party, charming smile filling up her features as she poured herself the first drink of the evening and brought it up to her lips, eyes dashing around the room for the first source of amusement.[/ul][/size]

[zeis]

Gr'y's logical mind raced for some way to continue the conversation, scouring the banks of information within for some relevant topic to discuss, some witticism to further break the ice. All of them seemed too out of place, too awkward, much like himself at this moment. Though his outer exterior remained calm and cool, inside he floundered. Speaking had never been one of his greatest skills, but he had given his word he would try. He was relieved by the polite arrival of Ri'ley, and took a moment to sedately sip his drink as the other black-rider congratulated his friend.

A polite manner dictated that his greeting would come next, and the gears of his brain shifted toward finding appropriate responses. He set down his cup and regarded Ri'ley with half lidded eyes as the other man spoke, and he nodded at his words, taking the other man's hand in a firm calloused grip, shaking twice then releasing. "Thank you. Rixasileuph and I will keep guarding the flock." He offered evenly, perhaps as a joke, or merely as a thoughtful observation. The young man and his black had spent their two years so far often tending the Eyrie's livestock, so did it seem natural then that they would be tending a different herd? "Congratulations on becoming a Searchrider." He added after a moment, finally seizing on a topic that interested him. "Did you suspect it?"

Good to hear, my brother. Rixasileuph replied with a solemn nod, his own brownish red eyes wide and fixed on Teimoph's. He held his own posture regal and proud, but there was no challenge in his manner, only a recognition. Ah! I am interrupting, please, continue your meal. He excused himself with a flick of his ear as more of his siblings arrived. The black bobbed his head with respectful pleasantries to each of the new arrivals, the crooning tones of his voice perhaps a bit more sweet and prolonged for each female to arrive. He was a bit saddened to see Akaturiaph and Seiliph so withdrawn, but he was used to their manner by now, and did not press for their company.

Instead he made his way over to blue Sydnyph, taking a seat by the respectful blue. Good afternoon, Sydnyph. You and yours must be all atwitter with your promotion! Searchrider is definitely nothing to sneeze at, hm? He chattered amiably, his voice lively and warm. Though he meant no disrespect to his blue brother, when Shovaph arrived, he found his gaze wandering faintly. The lady green was looking as vibrant as ever, and though the more flirtatious side of him wished to go over and tell her so, it could wait for later.

~~~~~

Out of the corner of his eye K'huna saw N'raan making his way toward him, and quickly steeled himself to deal with the other red-rider. He ate and drank without much interest, anticipating but also dreading the others company. Canph, having caught on, filled his riders mind with idea's the simourv thought amusing. At least he wasn't a Winglet anymore, that meant that K'huna could beat him up if he got out of hand, and no one would give him trouble except maybe Teimoph. Or maybe he could settle this through more diplomatic means... This isn't helping. K'huna growled mentally as the other red-rider took a seat beside him, glancing over at him with amber yellow eyes. "A rider is never alone." He replied with a half-hearted smile, taking a drink of wine, and gesturing at the seat beside him.

"What's your poison? White, red, mead?" The red-rider offered after a moment, before turning his eyes back to N'raan with a sly, knowing look. "If you drink at all?" He asked with a snort, suspecting full well that his former student had broken the drinking rule often enough. He knew the man's type. No respect for anything if it got in the way of having a good time. Sadly the Wingletmaster had been unable to prove it, other than Teimoph's bad temper, but the red was sour to begin with. "So, a lieutenant now... You've come a long way for a pick-pocket." He mused, relaxing back into his chair, neglecting the say the other thing he had first figured the red-rider for.

~~~~~

Akaturiaph ate at her own pace, with yellow eyes flicking to her siblings, aware of but not privy to the blurred mental communication that passed between the minds present. It always felt safe and right to be among so many of her siblings, even if she was careful to stay aloof from them, off in her own little corner of the mindspace. Only her rider was really welcome there. She heard and felt Othokenph arrive before she saw him, the black speckled blue bounding in, as loud and cheerful as ever. The green had been worn down by his company over the past two years, coming to accept it as a fact now rather than something worth squalling over.

She flicked her ears toward him as the nudging greeting, nipping half-heartedly at the air near him as he seized his own meal and joined her. Othokenph. The green intoned resignedly, dragging her own meal closer to herself with a clawed foot. She would tolerate her blue brother, as long as he understood what was hers was hers. It is exciting, I guess. She mumbled, burying her beak in her kill for a second, seeing no reason to stop eating. A small jealousy burned in her mind as she looked over the blue, who had been named Searchrider. How do you do it? Search humans? She asked, favoring him with a keen look. What do you look for?

K'ii on the other hand, was dealing with other trials. He had left his brother with the intention at first only to snag himself some food and drink, ravenous at the sight of the bountiful table. He had since procured a goblet and a plate of eats, and was trying to find a seat when he paused. The young green-rider spotted Ze'el sitting alone, quietly looking over the sword he had been given. He froze where he was, the food forgotten, and his mind suddenly warring between a ridiculous want and uncertainty.

Ever since his far off days of candidacy, K'ii found that he had noticed the brooding-red rider apart from all his class-mates. He was much taller, much stronger than himself, dark haired. He had the most intense eyes, and he rarely said anything at all during lessons. That was alright though, because he didn't talk much either. Over the past two years, he had exchanged few words with the red-rider, never more than what was necessary, and he had worked alongside him a few times in well remembered silence. Silence that was charged with some bizarre elation he had since come to understand, but spoken of to no one. He had a crush on the older boy.

His jaw tightening, the short gangly red headed youth approached the mysterious red-rider, want winning over rational thinking. That same rational thinking screamed in inward horror and embarrassment as he took a seat beside the lone rider, setting down his plate and drink with slightly trembling hands. He said nothing however, unable to find the courage to speak up, and simply began to pick at his food in silence, a blush creeping into his pale cheeks.

[Lan]

Are you really going to wear that? The drawling, unamused voice of her simourv had reached the girl's mental ear as she modeled a dress that was just longer than knee-length for him. She spun about it a circle, watching the dress flare up nicely in the maneuver, then she stared up into the dark grey eyes of her simourv with the teasing grin. While she was usually such a gruff sort of woman, she did like very much to dress like her gender sometimes. Especially in a dress such as this! She thought she looked pretty dang good.

"Yes, I am. It's a special occasi'n and that means I want'a look pretty... ya big birdbrain." At this she stuck her tongue out at him before giving another turn and grabbing her leather jacket. After stuffing her arms into the sleeves she nodded. Yes. She was ready. Kaslimeph shuffled uncomfortably on his couch that used to fit him so well, wondering when on Pohono they would be able to go to the graduation party. There was still quite a bit of time left, but he was very impatient. He wanted to be there early and socialize with his brothers. Also, if they didn't arrive on time he did not want to think about how they might look. It would be highly embarrassing. But E'an was done now and they'd be at the very least on time. Kas shifted to his feet, exiting the building with E'an trodding along behind him, skipping over the occasional swishes of his long and feathered tail much like a giddy child.

How long had it been? Almost two years. While it had seemed to drag on forever at the time, at this moment the guard from Chydyn couldn't quite believe it. Two years ago she had been not-so-silently brooding, secretly jealous of those riders that had it all easy. Her high horse couldn't get any higher as she bad-mouthed them left and right. But now? She saw the appeal was far greater than anything she could have been jealous of before. Kaslimeph, while definitely a character all his own, was a bond that she could never ask to give up. And he felt similarly about her. So, for once, as they walked side-by-side to the kitchens where the event would take place, they didn't bicker or fight or call each other names. They didn't say anything at all, really. It was one of those rare, knowing silences. Today they would no longer be just Winglets. Today they would be Riders. It would change everything, much like when Kaslimeph and E'an had first met.

E'an arrived at the ceremony on time and stood at attention with the others. Kas had headed over to the feeding pens to join his brethren, although he wasn't feeling too talkative at the moment. He listened through E'an's ears as K'huna gave his speech. It was sort of weird seeing the Redrider and Wingletmaster so cheery. After all their lessons, E'an was given to believe that he was naturally an all-business sort of guy. Still, it was a nice change. Maybe he'd be up for a drink later? He seemed a decent enough guy... one that might have interesting stories. When the Wingletmaster didn't call her name, E'an was confused until she saw the Senior Commander step forth. Koxi-tail... she hadn't seen him there before. Yet, instead of feeling bad, she merely gave him the attention he deserved. Or, would deserve, had he not been seemed such a socially awkward sort of man. But it was he who held her placement. Southern Sweep Lieutenant. Well, crap... did that mean she'd have to shape up? The Bluerider decided that, if it did, she probably wouldn't completely live up to that expectation. But she could try. Yes, she could certainly try. She felt Kaslimeph's discerning presence in her mind, reminding her that he would do his best to keep her in line.

We are to be leaders, E'an-love. I told you we would be great. His words were proud, and also had a slight affectionate feel. She smiled. Well, at least the blue never had his doubts.

After announcing the Searchriders, which thankfully she wasn't included on, G'len stepped back and K'huna stepped forward again. However, no more announcements or commands were to be given. Instead, there were gifts. E'an couldn't help but gasp at what she was offered. It was a sword, beautifully crafted and balanced much like the sword she had brought back with her from the Chydyn guard. However, this sword held a particular significant to her. A puff of blue down was hanging from the pommel. It was from Kaslimeph when he was a baby. She found herself grinning wider. Kas... it's a sword like you. She sent to her partner, this time being the one beaming with pride. Outside the blue warbled agreeably. It was quite incredible, indeed. And now everyone, no matter where E'an went, would know that she was HIS rider.

She scooted over to sit next to Ze'el, looking at him with a soft smile. They hadn't talked in a while, and now seemed like the perfect time. Still holding her sword with a tender grip, she glanced down at his where he was caressing the down feathers with a gentle stroke of his fingers. For a moment she didn't speak, but then she spoke up in her usual voice that he may or may not find completely annoying.

"Do ya think he planned this all along? It'd seem kinda creepy if he didn'." It was her typical tone, light despite her generally slow gait over each word. Then, however, her gaze softened and she glanced back down at her own sword. "Still... it's kinda sweet. Never really received a gift b'fore." Here her tone lessened to a softer degree, almost tender in its vowels. A smile played kindly across her face at the thought. However, it wouldn't last. The smile turned into a grin and she looked up at Ze'el again. "So, what's yer poison o' choice? B'fore the night's out I plan'ta make a drunkard outta you."

[winged]

The silence was measured not in joyful snippets of memory, or excited wishes for the future – but in the heavy pressure of melancholy. Laraph was inclined to physically squirm with discomfort, and responded with bright chatter and high-strung excitement – her desperation to shove aside the waves of negativity shone through the cracks with red-hot intensity. This was their moment, the culmination of that point when two sets of eyes had met, and two souls forged one. They were adults now, and adults didn’t sit in their rooms while everyone else partied and had fun and they were going to miss out on everything! The gray was very careful to suffuse her urgency in tenderness, however – I’dou would bend much more easily if the bait were honeyed. It was all for her own good, anyways!

She’d been sitting in that chair, wasting away for hours now. Just sitting there, stiff-backed and staring with lackluster intensity at some unmentionable point on the far wall. She’d been dressed since dawn, face washed and hair dried to its usually unkempt standard – nothing particularly elaborate, as nothing particularly elaborate existed within the depths of her bare bones wardrobe, but she’d taken care to at least select trousers without any visible damages. Laraph had commented with her usual exuberance, finding at least something of note to compliment Hers on. It all matched, that was good! She didn’t dare tread the dangerous territory of suggesting something prettier.

And not so long afterward, it’d lapsed into…this. The staring and the quiet and it was really starting to wear on her nerves now. She was a Gray, she had every right to put her talons down on the issue. Oh, but perhaps she just didn’t realize that so much time had elapsed… I’dou, isn’t it about time we left? She chose her moment carefully, breaching the pause between her idle yammering about the lovely, temperate weather outside to direct the topic in a more useful direction. The quiet that followed had Laraph’s heart sinking in despair of her rider’s ignorance of her suggestion, before the woman rose without warning, the large beast’s eyes widening in surprise and suspicion – and just a smidgeon of hope.

That smidgeon bloomed into relief as the former winglet turned to smile wryly at her partner, before giving a second’s thought to stretching limbs that had gone stiff with the prolonged period of stillness. Her leg in particular was aching – but it did that regardless, especially in the cold. Forgoing the pleasure, as she was beginning to feel quite guilty now that she could see Laraph animate with truer anticipation, I’dou half-heartedly shelved what she’d been dwelling on for the past several hours. It rebelled and weighed heavily on her mind, regardless, even as she threw herself into routine, teasing Laraph with postured relish and laughing emptily at the obviousness of the bird’s observations as they both hustled to attend their own Graduation ceremony, before it wrapped up in their absence.
Their ways diverted upon arrival, of course. Laraph fluttered (as best a creature her size could) to the sides of her kin, all chirps and trills as she beheld them all in their full rank and muster. Congratulations, brothers and sisters. We are now warriors. Her warm gaze took on a faraway cast as she envisioned the bright future that stretched before them, tangible now with the strength of their wings to guide them. Things were coming full circle, as all things must. Fate had brought them all to this point, and who knew where it would lead them next?

I’dou, once again, cut a small figure amongst the throngs of her classmates as she merged with the outer reaches of the group, sitting at the far end table. Her unapologetic glance met K’huna’s in full stride, as the red rider addressed with graceful anonymity the troublemakers of their group. Once again, she wasn’t really hearing the words he spoke, registering only the emotion supporting them as congratulations were given. She was diligent in the upkeep of the devil may care façade that projected the proper sort of attitude a belligerent graduate ought to display. It was expected; that’s what made it easier to convey. She was good at faking, posturing. Even while she frantically tried to shore the crumbling walls of whatever self-deception she’d defensively built, burying beneath it the frailty that she’d put off ‘for a rainy day’. A very shaky foundation and speaking of shaking she had to shove her hands into her armpits to properly conceal their tremors in an indignant crossing of her arms across her narrow chest. Laraph suspected, but thoughtfully withdrew herself from her rider’s mind after a moment’s indecision, returning to her mutilated sheep.

Then came the postings. Some came as little surprise, and there were the moments real emotion thawed the indiscriminate stare frozen on her face. Some names even elicited a glance in the direction of the name’s owner – those she could recognize and place. …and then there was her own. And attached to it was the nasty title that seared her tightening throat and burned an acrid hole in the pit of her clenched stomach. Lieutenant. Oh, we’re going to be protecting the Eyrie! You’re a lieutenant, congratulations! Laraph’s head rose at the announcement, red smeared garishly against the lovely mask of orange coloring her face. Such pride and warmth suffused in those words, and I’dou wrapped it tightly ‘round herself like a sort of security blanket. Thank-you, I appreciate it. She chanced a smile, eyes trained on her boots as she waited tersely for the attention to slip past her once more, onto search rider assignments. Again, familiar names – one she lifted her head for again, gaze roaming until alighting upon the blue rider. T’gan – she hadn’t spoken with T’gan in a long while, and for a second she entertained the thought of going over and congratulating her, once all the pomp and ruckus had died down.

But that temptation died quickly, on the heels of remembrance of the idiot she’d made of herself during lessons. T’gan had been there, had seen that. And the memory had her face burning scarlet, and her eyes distracted in their track back to the uninteresting toes as K’huna unveiled the gift. The collection of swords gleaming before them was another nail in the coffin, another bit of self-esteem chipped away as the ranks dispersed to collect their tailored blade, and then re-congregating in company more their pleasure. I’dou continued to stand there, stonily, as the others broke away and began kicking off the celebration. She stared forward and ahead, before stepping forward in a very dimished way to stare down at the offending bit of weaponry left waiting for her claim. Her fingers shakily wrapped themselves around the sheathed blade, sliding it from its protective case to stare despairingly at the reflection that caught in its polished surface, fractured and inconveniently mirroring the jumble of emotions that ate away at her, framed in a face gone pale. Months of putting her feelings aside, covering them up under the assurance that she’d ‘deal with it later’. Trying to work past and around her weakness, never fully addressing them. And here they all were, staring at her with ugly satisfaction at the moment of succession.

She wasn’t ready.

[Kilnarak]

"Of course," N'raan laughed at K'huna's answer - it was true, of course, he would always have Teimoph, he would never be truly alone. "But still, one requires human company now and again, yes?" The smile he offered K'huna was more than a touch teasing, and at the question as to whether he would drink he only grinned at his former teacher and reached for the man's own glass. His fingers brushed against K'huna's as he took hold of the glass and lifted it to his lips to take a sip. He smirked over the rim of the glass. "Tonight? Whatever you are having. Mead is it?" He laughed again, setting the glass back down. "Or whatever you're willing to offer," he purred, leaning a bit closer to the man - not quite touching, but certainly invading personal space.

He didn't remain so close for very long, however. After a few moments, N'raan relented and shifted back to his former seat. It would be worse than criminal to ignore good food when it was available - and while since coming to the Eyrie he had rarely gone to sleep hungry, the habit wasn't one he hadn't particularly cared to break. He snatched a plate from nearby and piled a generous helping of foodstuffs upon it - some sort of roasted fowl, spiced bread, and a fair variety of fruit-slices. After a brief moment of thought, he also snatched his own glass of mead - he wasn't so sure K'huna would care to continue sharing his. He ignored the Wingletmaster's commentary on his rank for the moment, busying himself with his food. He wasn't entirely sure what to think of his new rank, all things considered. Clearly it was more due to Teimoph than himself - the red demanded a place of higher status if only for his color and his size. N'raan knew well enough he wouldn't have made the rank without being bound to Teimoph, and he wasn't sure he would have wanted for it either.

"Was that your idea? Lieutenant? Itnala" he responded finally, glancing at K'huna briefly before returning his attentions to picking apart his meal. "And I'd have thought you'd have me here...? Somewhere you could keep an eye on us? Somewhere we wouldn't be able to wreak havoc?" He glanced up at K'huna again, offering a wry sort of smile - while his tone started out flirtatious, it trailed into an almost mocking manner. But of course, Teimoph wouldn't have that - not with his brothers elevated to higher status than himself.

As he turned his attention back to K'huna, N'raan finally caught sight of his brother. K'ii had managed to make his way near across the room, where that stick-in-the-mud Ze'el sat. Had they somehow come to be friends? Ah, but no. From what he could see, the other red-rider and his companion did not seem to be paying K'ii any mind. It was curious, something to hold his interest for a moment, something to curve his lips into a slight smirk yet again.

Among the other simourv, Teimoph continued to watch Rixasileuph with a wary sort of respect. He was glad enough when the black excused himself - although N'raan would be the only one to hear his sigh of relief, outwardly the red only inclined his head ever so slightly once more as the black left. Afterward he snorted lightly to himself and resumed his meal, tearing into the animal flesh with a gusto. The volatile red only looked up from his meal twice afterward - first, when Eoreph arrived, and again when Laraph arrived. He had briefly considered greeting the tawny after she had landed - but of course she went to Dionyph, to Dareph, and a faint snarl escaped him before he resumed his meal. And then Laraph arrived - and yet again he waited. But she did not go immediately to Dionyph. She did not go immediately to anyone, she broadcast to everyone all at once. He would greet her, it was appropriate... but only after his meal was finished, only after her meal was finished. He could wait a little longer...

-

Othokenph was happy enough to eat beside his green sister - while he noticed peripherally that she drew her meal closer to herself, he took no offense at the action. Why should he desire her food when he had his own wonderfully delicious cow laid out before him? After all the drama of new posts was announced, he set himself to the task of devouring his cow - while he wasn't a particularly messy eater, neither was he the most clean or delicate eater. When Akaturiaph finally addressed him again, his pale gray beak was stained crimson when he lifted his head to look at her and the black feathers of his face and neck were streaked here and there with stray bits of gore.

He found himself blinking curiously at his sister's question - how did one search humans? It wasn't something he knew how to answer - he hadn't done it yet, but perhaps... Maybe I can teach you sometime, Akaturiaph? When I have done it a few times. I'm sure I will know what to do when I find the right humans! I should ask Canph or Seronaph or Aburoqaph or... or Valenph! She searched Mine! I should ask them what it feels like, and then I will know what to look for. He bobbed his head, nodding to himself before thoughtfully swallowing another mouthful of cowflesh. After a short while, he turned his attention to Akaturiaph again, thoughtful still: Sister? Itnala is south, isn't it? If you go there, can you tell me about it? If we are Northern Sweep, I doubt we will be going that way...

For her part, T'gan took a small plate of foodstuffs and a glass of light white wine - she wasn't all that hungry at the moment, although she knew she should be. She was excited and maybe a bit nervous - and Othokenph's cheer buzzed about her mind. It wasn't a bad thing, but it set her nerves to humming, she couldn't eat much now, not if she didn't want to heave it up again later. She picked at her food, glancing up to others as they came near and offering warm smiles and congratulations. It was in one of these moments that she spotted I'dou - the girl wasn't looking toward her, but still her first thought was to call out to the other girl and offer yet more congratulations. But then the girl turned slightly, her face coming partially into view as she looked to the sword she had been gifted. Her face was so pale, it looked as if she was going to be ill.

T'gan frowned to herself as she saw this, pushing up from her seat. Her food was left momentarily forgotten as she picked her way toward the other girl. "I'dou? Are you all right? Do you want somethin' ta' drink?"