Up, Up! Let's Climb! [open!]

[Kilnarak]

Muraaph dodged back away from her prize as Aburoqaph drew near, making it seem as though she was only making room for him to come look. When the smaller simourv cried out in his excitement at the pretty flower, the smaller of the greens spun about and quickly began winging back toward the race-course. She was just behind Valenph, and flying as quickly as her tiring wings could manage - slowly, she gained on the other green, but it was difficult going - made more difficult still when Aburo realized her trickery. Muraaph warbled laughter, calling back to the rainbow It is not cheating! I am not winning, am I?

And she definately wasn't, at that. Valenph kept easily ahead of her - for all that Muraaph had gotten a brief rest in her pause at the flower, the green was still tired from her duties the night previous having only taken a brief nap. She refused to admit she was actually tired, however she thought she might lounge in the shade after this race was through. And perhaps have A're move his game nearby, so that he could 'groom' her feathers as he played. At this thought, A're sent another mental burst of amusement to his green, mixed with a bit of annoyance. That's all I'm good for, Mura? Petting you? His mental voice was laughing.

No! Of course not! Muraaph replied, and likely would have continued the thought, had Aburoqaph not suddenly caught up to her. She squawked indignantly as the smaller simourv passed her - she tried briefly to keep pace with him, however she was unable to hold that short burst of speed and fell back. Valenph! Valenph! He's gaining! Muraaph crowed to her clutch-sister - if she could not win, then she hoped for Valenph to instead. The smaller green kept up as fast a pace she could manage, but she continued to lag behind the others.

A're chuckled quietly at the simourv, shaking his head again. At Ts'kal's question, he offered the candidate master a broad grin that quirked up one corner of his lips. "Who, me? Ahh, I wouldn't teach her anythin' like that. If I had she woulda pulled off lots quicker," he laughed a touch louder as he said this, and glanced down from Ts'kal to his hand. He selected a trio of high-value cards and passed them to the side - to M'ari this time. He hadn't drawn the Lady this round - he wondered which of the other two had? He glanced up from his hand, smiling amicably at the other two riders - and subtly glancing over the backs of their cards for the faint markers on them. M'ari had the Queen this round - now, would he pass her on to Ts'kal? Or would he keep her and try a more risky game this round? One could still win, holding the Lady, if one knew how...

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No, but it's still cheating! It's not fair! Aburoqaph protested, squawking loudly. Huge, bright wings churning the air, he fought to regain the ground he had lost, and soon sailed by Muraaph, chirping. Clearly pleased with himself, he twitched his tail at her and sent out a mental giggle. He was catching up again! He might win! No, he would win! He wanted to have a special supper! It would be delightful! Maybe he'd even share, if he felt like it! But not with Mura. In that, the little simourv was much like a young child.

I wanna win! I can win! Watch me, Mine! See how fast I'm flying! Aburo squealed to his rider. His breath was coming hard now as he fought to gain the last few feet he needed to draw level with Valenph. Head level with her wings, he pushed harder, drawing a few inches further ahead, until he was at the level of her shoulder, then her neck. Feeling as though he were about to die, the rainbow pushed on, screeching his challenge. He'd already beaten Muraaph, but could he beat the bigger green? There wasn't long to go before their finish line; they were already around the last corner and racing towards the end.

Go, Aburo! Fly harder! Ts'kal encouraged his simourv, distracted from the game. He did hear M'ari, though, and grinned. "No...if she'd taught A're, that would have worked better. But she is very resourceful," the rainbowrider agreed. He watched the race eagerly, seeing his bonded drawing slowly, steadily, up to Valenph's level. Muraaph was out of the race, it seemed, though she was still valiantly trying. Both greens were doing well, but even Ts'kal was amazed at how fast his own simourv was.

Go, Aburoqaph! GO! You can beat her! the candidatemaster cried. The rainbow responded admirably, pulling up so that his beak was almost exactly level with his green sister's. Whee! I'm winning, Mine! Aburoqaph screamed, both mentally and physically. Ts'kal grinned, listening, and cheered his simourv on. At the tense final stretch, he tore his eyes away to pay attention to A're, and laughed. "Yes, she would have. And she might have been sneakier, too, if I know you," he commented wryly. Distracting the little rainbow wasn't hard, but apparently outdistancing him was. How would he do in flights, Ts'kal wondered? He could evidently catch both Muraaph and Valenph, though he had no drive to chase yet. Racing, though...he seemed to be excellent at that.

Studying his cards, the rider assumed a perfect poker face, trying not to be confused by his simourv's screeching and insistent chatter. He tuned him out, knowing that the results of the race were in Valenph's claws. Aburoqaph's strength was nearly shot; if the green had more and pulled ahead, he was going to lose. If, however, she was exhausted...well, it would be nice to have a bonded that could win, even if he himself couldn't. Selecting the cards he wanted to pass on, Ts'kal handed them to A're, and threw his wholehearted support to Aburo. You can win, Aburo! You can beat Valenph! Straining, the brightly coloured creature threw all his heart into the race, fighting to win. Would he?

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[Aikaph]

Miiiiiine! I'm booored! And you need to get out of bed before you oversleep again! The pestering of the large Tawny Simourv that currently pranced about in Sa’nia’s eyling was becoming too much for the small eighteen year old, and she finally succumbed to her bonded’s whine. Fine, just let me get ready, was the meager response while its owner slid out of bed. She had had a rough day prior to this current one, and the rider did NOT want to move. A wash of happiness and excitement washed through her, and Altaph was getting anxious to fly. Sighing, Sa’nia hurried to slip into a clean sky blue tunic with grassy green leggings.

Giving a sharp whistle, the young woman bolted out of her cot and leaped for her mount. Altaph was already in a crouching position for easy climbing, and when Sa’nia was in position, the great beast launched herself from her perch. Her amber eyes scouted the area for any trouble that would hinder her search before giving off a loud caw as she plummeted from the air towards the gardens. Her rider gave an exhilarated whoop as the pair dove then swooped high into the sky again and again. Before the girl could react, though, Altaph was already landing near a few young men playing cards. You talk with them. I’m going to find out what’s got those three so charged up, the Tawny ordered as Hers slid off before launching herself back into the sky towards two greens and a Rainbow Simourv.

Sa’nia gave a quiet chuckle, watching as her brown beauty spiraled and looped towards her clutchmates. Allie, you can be such a mom, you know that? she questioned before striding towards the other humans. ”Hey there! Whatcha doin’ over here? Playing cards?” she asked. To be honest, the girl knew nothing when it came to playing games such as these, but she was willing to attempt to learn! She seated herself beside the Candidate Master and watched the game intently, not giving any inclination of joining.

Altaph, however, was being given a run for her money, trying to find a good time to talk to Aburoqaph, Muraaph, and Valenph all at the same time without letting their frenzied flight go haywire. Squawking and beating her wings at a brisk pace, she kept pace with Valenph, who seemed to be in the lead of some sort of race. What’s going on, Valenph? Is it some sort of competition? Is there something wrong? Oh, I do hope that one of you doesn’t hurt yourself! What was supposed to be a simple question grew to become a full-on worry about the others. Hopefully this worrying doesn’t get her into trouble.

[zeis]

Valenph was pleasantly surprised by the turn of events. She flew doggedly on in the lead, but behind her and closing with rapid wing beats was the smaller and faster Aburoqaph. Maybe he would win, or maybe she would. He was very fast, so perhaps he deserved it. None of the other simourv could match the rainbow for speed, but for how long he could maintain that pace she wasn't sure. Muraaph was behind but her sister's trick had worked she understood now, maybe not to the smaller green's advantage but to her own. That said, she wasn't sure if she approved, but like much of her riders own mischief it seemed a harmless thing. She strained to keep her lead on Aburoqaph and was focusing so much so that the sudden arrival of Altaph caught her off guard.

She gave single squawk of alarm, and darted away from the tawny, losing precious speed in the process. Her recovery was quick and she soon resumed her racing pace. Whoops, a little jumpy I guess. Valenph spoke good naturedly to her tawny sister, either not worried by the minor distraction or choosing not to make much of it. We're racing, Altaph. The winner gets whatever they want for supper. The green informed her as her competition with Aburoqaph began to turn more strongly in his favor She offered him a happy squeak as he passed her, a sound that seemed far too little for her. Don't worry. Nothing's wrong, we're just having some fun.

M'ari had the Lady. Normally, that would have been a good thing, but not now. He felt his cocky and sure expression slipping a bit before Sa'nia approached and sat next to Ts'kal, providing him a welcome distraction. The greenrider looked up to her with a pleasant sort of smile, and shot her a wink. "Aye, we are. Chase the Lady. A're's gonna start beating the pants off us any second now, I suspect." He said with a playful grin to the other green rider, and turned his attention back to his cards. He was never much one to endure ill fortune, especially when he could hoist that ill fortune off onto someone else. With an innocent look he handed the Lady and a few other scrap cards over to Ts'kal.

[‡§åkørü‡]

Aburoqaph was really straining now. Oh yes, he was fast, but he was burning energy like there was no tomorrow in trying to win this race. Inches seemed like miles, but the chipper rainbow wasn't about to quit. He never quit! Quitting was no fun. Besides, this was a fabulous opportunity to stretch his wings, if a little more than usual. Pounding away at the air, the bright little male soon drew right up to Valenph's level, trying as hard as he could to pull away.

The opportunity came in the form of Altaph's appearance. The pretty tawny swept up alongside the competitors, and apparently spoke to Valenph, for the latter veered away. Aburoqaph took that golden opportunity to shoot by, chirping back to her as he passed. Several yards later, he dashed across the scratched line, and squealed in excitement, swinging in a wide circle to rejoin his clutchmates. I won! IwonIwonIwonIwon! Braking, the rainbow threw back his head with a shriek of triumph, and then scooted to join his friends, chirruping excitedly. Waves of delight radiated from his mind, wordless but overpowering. Doing a little midair jig, Aburoqaph dove and loop-de-looped, then flew in delirious circles around Valenph and Altaph. He'd won! He could have whatever he wanted for supper tonight! Whipping around in a circle so small he nearly dropped out of the sky, the rainbow finally calmed down and hovered near his friends, chirping.

Yay! That was a fun race, Valenph and Muraaph! Altaph! Hello! Flicking his colourful tail to and fro, the winner of the race at last calmed down a little, and turned a very solemn golden eye on Altaph. A soft croak escaped his throat, directed at the tawny, and he flitted over to her, suddenly radiating serious colours. Altaph, you distracted Valenph! That's bad, he informed her, and then paused, reconsidering. He'd won, hadn't he? Maybe it wasn't such a bad thing after all. But it wasn't quite fair if Valenph had been distracted!

And then he came up with a solution. Chirping in satisfaction, Aburo turned and dropped out of the sky, away from his sisters. His rider watched, confused, and then shook his head when he noticed the simourv going for the melon patch. Rolling his eyes, Ts'kal returned his attention to the game and grinned, looking up as Sa'nia appeared and sat next to him. "Hello, Sa'nia. We are playing cards, yes." Pausing a moment, he considered admitting that he was losing, and then shook off the idea. No, that would only give M'ari more sick satisfaction. He was apparently quite pleased with himself, too, because Ts'kal once more had the Lady in his hand.

Narrowing his dark eyes, the candidatemaster glared at his hand of cards, reassembling his poker face, and looked up again with a pleasant smile, pretending not to be miffed. "That he is. As usual," the rider commented, and swung his smile to the girl next to him. "Did Altaph haul you out here, or was it your own idea?" he inquired mildly.

About to say more, Ts'kal was distracted by a gleeful screech from behind him. A little disturbed, he turned around to see Aburoqaph hauling three large melons up from the ground. At least he'd had the decency to pluck them off the vine, but that didn't reassure his rider at all. Don't you DARE drop those on us, he admonished his bonded. Receiving a sly chirp and a ripple of cheer, the candidatemaster raised a brow, watching his simourv.

Aburoqaph rose back into the sky, carrying his melons. They were only watermelons, not big enough to hurt anyone but a human, he thought. And with that thought in mind, he raced back to his sisters, and readied a melon. Flicking his wings, the rainbow swung in a broad circle and hurled his weapon of choice at Altaph, squealing. Melon fight!

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[Kilnarak]

As Altaph 'joined' their race, Muraaph dropped further back, levelling into a more leisurely glide. The smaller green expressed her disappointment, projecting it to any who would listen, upon noticing Aburoqaph pulling ahead. Valenph! You were supposed to win! Muraaph loosed a long keening cry at her clutchsister, her mental voice bordering on a whine. As Aburoqaph passed the finish line, Muraaph began to glide slow circles over the garden, barely beating her wings and merely letting the warming air hold her aloft. Altaph you should have distracted Aburo, instead! she chided as she twitched her tail and wings to pull her circles in closer to the two female simourv.

Below, A're smiled ruefully up at the whining Muraaph, then gave a slight shake of his head, returning his attention to the goings-on on the ground. As Sa'nia made her way over, he cast the tawnyrider a friendly grin before turning his attention back to his cards. "Tch, ya want me ta beat th' pants off ya, M'ari? I shoulda suggested strip-poker instead," he shook his head, leading off the next round. "We've another round of this, then we can start a new game an' Sa'nia can join us," he glanced up at the girl again, smiling. "Or ya can just play lady-luck for us, mm? Ts'kal could probably use th' help," his gaze shifted to the candidatemaster, his smile breaking into a flash of a grin.

The second hand ended with A're in the lead with the least amount of points, M'ari a bit behind, and Ts'kal in a close third. The rainbowrider had picked up a bit of luck this hand, and had been able to pass the Lady back to M'ari. A're regathered the cards and shuffled them, before dealing the third and final hand. They would not pass cards this round, and instead were stuck with the hand they were dealt. M'ari started with the Lady again this round - A're imagined he would try to get rid of her as quickly as possible. He had drawn primarily middle-range cards this round, only a few very low, and two face cards. If his luck held, and he made sure not to take the Lady from M'ari, he stood a rather good chance of winning.

The greenrider laid the first card down to start off the round, and then turned his attention back to Sa'nia. "Do ya know any games? We can pick one ya have some experience at over this. Mm. Maybe we can even bet somethin' next game. Couple coins, maybe, or loser buys us a round of drinks when we've got some time off?" He glanced over the other two as he suggested this, seeking their opinions. Shortly enough, however, his gaze trailed, blinking, away from them - instead moving skyward. "What is Aburoqaph doin'?" He frowned slightly at the rainbow hoisting the watermelons, then abruptly flinched and ducked a bit as the rainbow hurled on at the tawny - he could just imagine the melon missing and careening into their own group.

Above, Muraaph flicked her wings in abruptly, dropping down below the other simourv and coming up again a bit below and behind Aburoqaph - she didn't want to get pelted with watermelon! It would stick in her feathers, and then she would have to clean them! ... or perhaps swim in the pond, that might be nice... We have to fight with them? I'd rather eat them! the green chirped brightly, apparently forgetting that she was supposed to be sulking.

[Aikaph]

Altaph was royally confused at this point now. She cocked her head to the side, chirping confusedly. But, don’t we always get what we want for dinner? she questioned, broadcasting to her clutch siblings. She let her breath out in a gusty Simourv-sigh of relief. Well, as long as nobody’s hurt, I’ll be happy to start a new race! She chirped enthusiastically, whipping her tail about from side to side. She didn’t want Aburo to win just because of her mistake! It wasn’t right!

Sa’nia gave a small chuckle. ”Well, when the pants start flying, I’ll be gone, thank you!” she joked. The rider gave another laugh as Ts’kal asked why she was out and about. ”Yes, this was all Taffy’s fault. Of all days, she just had to drag me out of bed! I was having a nice dream too before she woke me up,” she mock whined, smiling the entire time. At the invitation to join the men in their games, she gave a slow shake of her head. ”Thanks, but no thanks. To be honest, I never had the patience for them, and I think playing ‘lady-luck’-” and here she gave a lavish display of flipping her hair off her shoulder behind her, ”-will be fine for me.”

Sa’nia’s head whipped around at the sound of Aburo’s exuberant screech. A swear played on her lips as the rainbow hoisted three substantial melons into the air and peg one at Altaph, who’s head was turned to stare at their Mines. She suddenly gave a startled squawk as a melon came hurtling at her head, nailing her in the beak and exploding on impact. Her black eyes narrowed at Aburo as bits and pieces of the melon slid off of her face, and then a loud squeal erupted from her as she dove and plucked three melons of her own. You’l regret hitting me with that, Rainbow Aburoqaph! her mindvoice sang into the minds of everyone present and hurled a melon at her assailant, aiming for his beak.

[zeis]

Valenph flapped her wings to hover in place, and looked unsure of what to say or do as her two smaller siblings launched accusations at Altaph. Her head cocked this way and that, looking between the two of them, and offering small calming chirps. Really there was no reason to fight. It had just been a game after all, and she had performed better than she thought she would. There was no reason to be upset with second place was there. Aburoqaph darted off, and when she finally had room to speak she addressed Muraaph with a slightly apologetic tone. Sorry, but Aburoqaph is very fast. That was fun though! Her black gaze turned to her tawny sister and she crowed in agreement, dropping briefly out of the sky to wing her way back up into the air on the other side of the larger simourv. I'll race again. Let's just rest our wings for a whi-

Both the green and her rider were taken off guard by the rainbows melon assault. Valenph darted backward with a startled yipping sound as a watermelon suddenly exploded on the face of her conversational partner. Below them, M'ari winced at the familiar violent squelch of a bursting melon, and cast a cautious glance at the rain of melon rind and flesh a distance away from them. He cleared his throat, and folded his cards together, pushing himself up to a stand. "I think we should continue this game under cover." On cue, another melon that had either missed or been dropped from the fight above exploded on the grass near them, spraying their company lightly with reddish juice. The green-rider didn't wait for them to agree, and simply hightailed it toward a large apple tree with wide spreading branches. He nearly slipped and fell on a melon rind on the way there, but reached the tree cover in a staggering run.


Valenph hastily back-winged a safe distance from the ensuing melon fight, and sent a slightly bewildered and amused feeling toward Muraaph. She agreed with her green sister. Those melons would have definitely found a better home in her belly than on the garden floor. The simourv also couldn't help but wonder what the cooks that made the human food would have to say about this. Then again, who was she to stop her siblings fun? Her sharp eyes caught her rider's mad dash for cover, and with a chuckle she dove down to land beside the recently melon besieged group of card-players. The green winked one large eye at them, and draped a large crescent wing over the party to shield them as best she could from the melon rain. Would you like an escort? Her bobbed her head pointedly toward the tree, ready to stride after them and cover them the whole way.

[‡§åkørü‡]

Aburoqaph was very pleased with himself; oh yes! He had won the race (even if Altaph had distracted his opponent), and now he could have whatever he liked for dinner! Unfortunately, his tawny clutchmate was too quick to point out that every simourv did that every day. Snorting disdainfully, the little rainbow flicked his wings at her, flying in a tiny circle. But Altaph! Don't be a spoilsport! he protested, shaking his crimson head with another snort. It was at about this point that he figured out what to do for his revenge, and swooped down towards the garden once more. Three melons found their way into the captivity of his claws, and he winged his way back up again, trilling.

Ts'kal couldn't help but laugh at A're's comment. "Well, if Sa'nia will join us, why not? I don't want to see either of you naked, but our lady friend..." he gave a mock lewd smile, then grinned and shook his head, eyes bright. As the tawnyrider declined, the candidatemaster made a falsely disappointed face, and lifted a brow at her. "But Sa'nia, how boring!"

In a good mood now despite his terrible luck with cards - he shot a glare at A're when he remarked on the rainbowrider's trouble - Ts'kal smiled. "But if we aren't going to play strip poker, I can settle for mooching a little luck instead. Care to share, Sa'nia?" Then again, he might not need it, considering his luck had improved a little this turn. At the very least he wasn't holding the Lady anymore, although he was still losing by a small margin. Still, perhaps with 'lady luck' nearby, he might pull into second place. Never first, though - his shady friend A're was probably going to take that spot. Still, at least he had good company, if no luck whatsoever.

Sa'nia's reply to his question brought yet another smile to Ts'kal's face. "Isn't that the way it always works? Aburoqaph does just the same thing to me." Shaking his head, the candidatemaster looked up momentarily at the four simourvs, and felt his heart stop momentarily. "As for what Aburo's up to...I've no idea. And I don't---" Having spoken too soon, Ts'kal watched a melon explode right in Altaph's face, and winced sympathetically. Oh, that must have hurt. He only hoped it would bother a simourv less than a human to be hit in the face with a melon.

Aburoqaph squealed, watching bits of melon slide down Altaph's face, and pranced in midair, whipping his tail insolently from side to side. Threats from the tawny poured into his mind, and the rainbow chirped defiantly, swooping in a short arc around her. I'll regret nothing, tawny Altaph! the little simourv retorted. Of course, it was at that moment that the tawny's melon smashed into his beak, exploding and covering his face with melon bits and juice. Outraged, the rainbow screamed and pelted the next melon at her, dashing away immediately afterward and then circling back to flutter through the air, challenging his opponent. Moments later, he realized that Muraaph had actually spoken some time ago, and glanced thoughtfully her way, considering. Within moments the smaller creature made up his mind and winged over to her, chirping.

Sure, Muraaph! Have some melon, he offered sweetly, holding out the watermelon. Seconds later he whipped around to gain momentum, and pegged it at her face, squealing with triumph. Mura had tricked him, so he'd trick her! Although he was out of melons now...and therefore out of weapons. Realizing this, Aburoqaph headed straight up in the air, seeking to get to the wall above his siblings and land on it. Moments later he'd done so, and perched suspiciously on the edge of the cliff, eyeing his sisters suspiciously. Altaph had melons; he didn't. Darned if he'd be splatted with another one!

Noticing that Valenph's wing had extended over himself and the other remaining humans, Ts'kal stood up, collecting his cards to himself with a grin. "That would be extremely good, Valenph. I don't think we'll survive without one," he commented dryly. Aburoqaph's screeching from atop the wall could be heard loud and clear, but he was trying to ignore the little simourv. He'd gotten himself into this; heck, Ts'kal would even be happy if he got smashed by another melon. Heaven knew the hyperactive thing deserved it.

Offering a hand to help Sa'nia up (and callously leaving M'ari to stand up on his own), the candidatemaster grinned. "Well, let's join our shady friend, shall we?" Laughing, he headed towards the apple tree, trusting Valenph to protect him from falling melons. Monstrous creature. Melon fights? thought the rider, and shook his head. It was best not to question the rainbow's thoughts. Heck, sometimes he didn't even know if his simourv had thoughts. Not with the total lack of logic displayed by the silly thing.

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[Kilnarak]

Muraaph nearly hovered in place, beating her wings slowly and lazily against the wind. The green watched her siblings, her orange eyes bright and wide, and she made a disgruntled snorting noise as Valenph fled the group - she wasn't really annoyed much, the emotion the smaller green radiated was primarily amused and perhaps a touch wary, but it didn't stop her from playing at it.

Coward, Valenph! Running away when there are melons to be ha-- Muraaph's loudly projected speech was broken off by a startled squawk as Aburoqaph suddenly hurled a melon at her. The green beat her wings hard, propelling herself backward out of the thing's immediate trajectory, and nimbly caught the sailing lemon in one of her taloned forelegs. She did not continue her speech immediately, instead examining the melon carefully, her claws flexing lightly about the fruit - she was trying to decide if she wanted to eat it, or return the attack upon Aburoqaph. After a few moments - and after Aburo had also retreated - she decided and popped the melon into her beak, crunching enthusiastically into it's hard rind. A small shower of pinkish melon-gore fell beneath the simourv, the result of overenthusiasm. It is much better without rocks in it! she trilled, happy enough.

Below, A're flinched at the aerial 'battle' above, gathering up his cards quickly enough and hurrying after Ts'kal. He ducked beneath Valenph's sheltering wing and continued the remainder of the short walk to the tree cover at a more leisurely pace, carefully brushing flecks of watermelon from his clothing and hair with one hand, while the other held his cards close and hidden. He didn't actually believe either of them would take the opportunity to look at his hand during the move - well, rather, he didn't believe Ts'kal would, he wasn't so sure about M'ari - but it was habit to hide his cards, and so he did.

After they had reached the cover of the trees, A're casually padded over to one of the larger specimens and thumped down to sit amidst it's roots, using the tree's trunk as a backrest. He proceded to set the already played cards aside and rearrange his own hand, ready to resume playing as soon as the other two did. And if he had used the move to 'reshuffle the deck,' as it were, and increase his own odds of success, he doubted the other two had noticed. Neither M'ari nor Ts'kal had seemed to be watching him during the move - of course, Salena may have, but with her limited knowledge of how the game worked, he doubted she would have made much of it. He smiled broadly up at the other two players, flashing a brief hint of his teeth in a quick lopsided grin.

"So shall we continue? An' Salena can be our good-luck for this final hand, mm? If we were playin' dice, I'd ask ya ta kiss 'em for me, but I suppose that doesn't wore s' well with cards," he laughed easily enough, and gestured to Ts'kal. "'though, since he needs the luck, maybe he's deservin' of one?"

Above, Muraaph had finished devouring the melon and was considering the plan of attack to launch upon Aburo. He seemed to be out of ammunition, although how he crouched upon the cliff's edge left her wary - perhaps he was hiding something? She pulled her wings in, abruptly diving from her height and gliding low to catch up fruit in her talons - there were few enough melons left, so she was left snatching up smaller fruits. In the end she rose again, her talons laden with a mix of apples, pears, and the leaves and branches of their trees - some slightly smooshed by her claws. She flicked her ears forward and back, then turned her attention to Altaph, whuffing a sharp breath through her nostrils.

Sister! Let us pelt that foul Aburoqaph from above! We'll paint him pink and... and... kind of yellowish with melons and apples! Muraaph crowed and puffed out her feathers, trying to appear larger, intimidating. She mimicked the speech one of the larger simourv, Zioph, had given - borrowing the tale-spinning style to paint Aburoqaph as a terrible - well, not so terrible - enemy! Of course, this left Altaph to play along...

[Aikaph]

Altaph twitched her ears irritably at her rainbow brother. She wasn’t being a spoilsport! She was just being truthful! I’m sorry if I bothered you, but it’s the truth! she replied dismissively, but didn’t let her gaze leave Aburoqaph. Her ears twitched once again and her beak snapped together as the smaller Simourv plucked three more melons and hoisted them into the air. Caution and worry rolled into Sa’nia’s mind, which in turn gave her a mild headache.

She rubbed at her temples a moment before looking to Ts’kal suddenly with mock shock plastered to her face. ”Well, Ts’kal! I thought you were better than that!” she gasped before allowing her chiming laugh to burst into the air. ”Then again, all men are the same,” the Tawnyrider added. She turned to fully face the Candidatemaster and waved one of her hands in front of his face, pretending to slap him.

Another laugh shook her body, and she clung to herself in mock obsession. ”But if I give you any of my luck, I’ll trip wherever I go!” Sa’nia whined, though her smile told otherwise. She watched as the game continued on, her brain trying to wrap around the concept of the game. Of course, she never understood card games in the first place, so it ended to no avail. Why men are so entertained by these cards, I will never know… Of course, Aburoqaph’s screaming always seemed to attract her attention, this time just to see his beak covered in melon and hurling one at her bonded.

Above, Altaph screamed angrily at the melon and pinned her wings to her sides, the melon projectile soaring over her head and splattering near the riders. Oops, sorry! she called to Hers before turning to the tiny rainbow blur that was her assailant. A hiss erupted from her beak, but was soon replaced by a warble as Muraaph enjoyed a melon. I would believe it would be tastier rockless, not to mention safer, she replied to her obviously content green sister.

Sa’nia smiled graciously as Valenph extended her wing over the group to protect them from the melon assault, quite glad that she wouldn’t be pelted with sticky juices any longer. ”Thank you, Valenph. And thank you, Ts’kal,” she said, first to the Simourv then to the rainbowrider who extended his hand to her. She accepted the assistance quickly and kept a gentle hold on his hand so that she would be able to have some support if she slipped.

Altaph trilled excitedly as Muraaph dove out of the sky and returned laden with fruit. When she called to the skies that the two of them should attack Aburo with fruit from above, the Tawny couldn’t help but squeal. Yes! Let us bury the beast with multicolored fruits! she sang out and followed the smaller of the two towards the top of the cliff where their prey perched. Letting loose a scream that barely matched Aburo’s, she pelted a watermelon at his head, crowing in challenge. Let him try and fight back!

[zeis]

M'ari settled down beneath the sprawling apple tree with an over-exaggerated sigh of relief, and a playful grin toward the rider's making their way over under the protection of his Valenph. It always warmed his heart a little to see his simourv doing things for others, and perhaps made him feel just a smidge guilty as well, because he was quite naturally a selfish creature most of the time. He wasn't sure sometimes why his green put up with him at all. As the other's approached, he turned his attention to the gobbets of melon flesh and seeds that speckled him from the food fight above. Wrinkling his nose, he flicked and wiped off as much of the mess he could locate. It wasn't like these clothes had been new or anything, but he'd have to give them a wash unless he wanted his riding gear to smell permanently like watermelon.

Valenph had reached the tree under which her rider sat, and paused there long enough for her wards to get under cover. Her great head ducked down under the branches to sniff at her rider, and then before he could react lick him across the chest and face experimentally. Ignoring his startled cries of disgust mixed with laughter, she clicked her beak thoughtfully, and beamed at him. I don't know, I think I like watermelon. The green backed away from under the tree, clearing the reaching branches that threatened to snag her bright feathers. Her head lifted to gaze up curiously and with amusement at the food fight that was still going on in the air. Aburoqaph had landed, and Valenph and Altaph were rising to make their attack on him.

Her wings and tail twitched playfully, and she stalked quickly and stealthily over to the remains of the garden, quickly picking and choosing her ammunition. Thus armed, she spread her wings, and leapt a tad awkwardly into the air with a grunt, rising ominously behind her two sisters. Two against one is hardly fair. Allow me to even the odds. She announced cordially as she loomed to the rescue of her smaller rainbow brother. The green was not sure how much ammo her team mate had left, but at the very least she would prove a threat enough to allow him to escape and replenish. The simourv offered a tittering laugh, and tossed a distracting array of fruits at her two targets.

"I'm not sure if we should laugh at them, or scold them for wasting food." M'ari murmured with amusement, as he leaned forward slightly to watch his green join the battle. The rider had long since resigned himself to the loss of the garden, and the fact that the people of the eyrie probably would not be eating fresh fruit and vegetables for the next month until the stocks were restored. Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to his cards, his thoughts somewhat scattered after the mad dash here.

[‡§åkørü‡]

Ts'kal was quite pleased when Sa'nia took his hand, and he deliberately didn't let it go until they had reached the apple tree. "You're welcome, Sa'nia~!" was his comment in response to that particular arrival. At that point he sat down near M'ari, and waved to Valenph with a laugh, eyes glimmering with merriment. "Thanks, Valenph! It's nice to get here alive," he commented dryly, and then shot a narrow glance at A're. "Trying to manipulate her, are you? Though I'll confess that I do need the luck."

Leaning back, the candidatemaster propped himself up on one of his hands and grinned up at Sa'nia, tilting his head. "Kiss me for luck?" he pleaded with mock hope, and then laughed. Doubtless he would have said more, but green Valenph was now licking her rider, and then catapulting into the air. Melons were carried aloft, and the rainbowrider sighed, shaking his head. "Scold them. Definitely scold them. But laugh at them first," he decided, and indeed proceeded to laugh. Callously disregarding the peril of his own simourv (he'd gotten himself into it), Ts'kal chortled and then looked to A're, lifting a brow slightly. "Fire away. I'm bound to lose anyway," he pointed out, and then smiled.

Above them all, Aburoqaph trilled his defiance and crouched on the wall, squealing. He couldn't hear what Altaph and Muraaph were plotting, but he could guess! They were bad! And mean! At least the bright green was momentarily occupied by eating the melon she'd caught when he threw it at her, but that didn't pacify the rainbow for long. Together the pair of females were approaching him, and he didn't like it at all. Still, he stayed where he was, tail lashing, and hissed in mock anger as they came closer.

And then a melon smashed right into his face, exploding near his eye. Screeching, the little male flung himself into the air, blinking rapidly, and, ignoring Muraaph, shot straight for the tawny. If successful, he'd bounce off her shoulder and go rocketing away; if not, he'd just go shooting under her wing as he sought to escape. Ow! I'll get you for that! he exclaimed, and zoomed down towards the earth once more. Choosing a profusion of apples, grapes, melons, and pears, he gathered them all up and then zoomed back into the sky, coming to hover next to Valenph. Turning his head, he chirruped at her and, fixing her with bright golden eyes, told her his plan.

Valenph, let's drop all the fruits on Altaph at once! She's bigger so she's more of a threat! he informed her, and then darted to make good his plan. Winging over Altaph, he looped in quick, small circles over her back, ready to bombard her with fruit as soon as Valenph came to join him. Between them, they could crush their tawny foe with fruit! It'd be glorious, and wonderful, and fun! And besides, it'd let Altaph know that he, Aburoqaph the rainbow, was tough! And smart. Who else would think of crushing their enemies with fruit alone?

Only you, Aburo, Ts'kal assured him wryly. He was studying his hand by now, trying to figure out what to give away (they were all terrible cards), but he spared a moment to look up. What he saw was a bit disturbing, actually, and he said so. "I'm getting rather scared," he muttered, and shifted further beneath the branches of the apple tree, casting a quick glance around to make sure everyone else was safe from falling fruit. You're crazy! he exclaimed in annoyance, and far above, his simourv trilled. Yup! Isn't it fun, Mine? Aburoqaph asked cheerfully, and his rider rolled his eyes, turning his attention more or less back to his cards. "Is anyone else able to stop their simourvs from throwing fruit all over the place? Ro'za's going to kill us if they destroy all of it." Shaking his head, Ts'kal flicked his gaze to each other human in turn, and then lifted a significant brow at Sa'nia, grinning. "Might want to warn Altaph what she's in for, by the way. Aburo's about to drop fruit on her."

And he was, too, but he was also looking out for Muraaph. Remembering that she was here too - and loaded with fruit - Aburoqaph was careful to keep an eye on her. Muraaph! I think you should eat that fruit, he coaxed stealthily, and chirruped as sweetly as he could. He was so sneaky - she'd never figure out what he was up to, he was sure. Never would she realize that he just didn't want to be pelted with more fruit! After all, it was far more fun to be the pelter than the peltee.

[/center]

[Kilnarak]

Valenph! Muraaph squawked as the other green moved to ally herself with Aburoqaph; her feathers ruffled up in a mock-threat display as she regarded her green sister. Oh! Traitor! He is the enemy! No, no, this is not good, Altaph we must save her even if she fights us! She glanced aside briefly to the tawny, her gaze and posture intense, although a strong sense of amusement radiated away from her. She was certainly enjoying herself, and she flapped her wings in one powerful stroke to gain more height, darting in a circle about her 'traitor' sister.

The smaller green's vibrant orange gaze flicked away from Valenph a moment as Aburoqaph addressed her, her eyes wide and thoughtful. Perhaps she should eat the fruit? No, no, that wouldn't do at all. But Aburoqaph! There are apples! They are your favorite! Why, I only meant to give them to you! She chirped back at the little rainbow just as sweetly, dropping slightly to circle above him instead. After a bit of fumbling she carefully dropped one (and only one) of the red fruits, letting it fall toward Aburo's beak. Here, see? They are for you!

She waited only a moment to see if he would take the fruit, then with a sudden great flap of her wings she jetted back toward Altaph and unloaded the rest of the fruits as she passed above him. Here, you can have them all! Her sweet chirping voice turned into a raptor like screech, triumphant, as she darted around behind the larger tawny - using her sister's wings like a shield. Doubtlessly, Altaph's wings were likely already spattered with fruits that had missed their rainbow target, but Muraaph was not concerned with that at the moment. Altaph, we must strike swiftly, before he can recover!

Below, A're looked highly entertained - the antics of his Muraaph amused him, and besides that, he had no doubts that he would win their game. Perhaps if they meant to play another round after, he would even forgo working the odds into his favor. "I'm all for laughin' at 'em. It ain't a waste if they eat it all after, is it?" He laughed, pausing to lean to the side and peer up at the circling and darting simourv above - the rain of fruit Muraaph had dumped upon Aburo and (inadvertently) on Altaph was splattered all about the garden and walls of the canyon. While at the moment, the scent wasn't so bad - after a day in the sun, however, it would likely be horrifying. He almost felt bad for the candidates who would likely be stuck cleaning the place - almost.

"Well then, let's finish this before they destroy th' whole garden, huh?" he grinned, resuming the final round of the game. The way things stood, from an outsider's viewpoint it looked as though A're and M'ari would win; far too many hearts were being passed to Ts'kal - and of course, even if he didn't have the Lady, he had a Lady at his side; perhaps she would prove about as lucky as the card?