Meetings at Midnight (For You-Know-Who)

[kia]

(( This RP begins at the Weyrbowl. ))

N`tal was sitting in his weyr, absent-mindly stroking Ian on his shoulder as his other hand continued to write on a piece of parchment. The Black was watching his Mine closely while the others were gathered around Gulath at the moment, dozing while Gulath was trying to figure out what his Mine was up to. But N`tal would not say. He stared at the two pieces of paper before him, one with a shorter note than the other. When he felt it perfect as it was, he rolled the papers up and handed them to Ian, envisioning where he wanted to send them.

In seven nights, he felt like a deal would be made.

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

Ian came from between, chirping and looking for who he was trying to find. He found a certain PurpleRider and chirped to the man, dropping the parchment in his lap and was gone as fast as he came.

Pass the second letter on... I wish to meet with... Need to be picked up... I hope we can make a deal in seven nights... when the two moons are high...

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

N`tal slid off of Gulath`s back, Ian around his neck, looking around for who he was meeting in the Weyrbowl. But the person was not here yet. N`tal knew he would not be a hard person to miss. After all, his fiery-red hair was a dead give away. But he felt like he was safe, standing here, in the Weyrbowl, among his dragon and Fire Lizards. But he had given his sender a note, asking to be picked up.

Gulath was slightly concerned, his eyes whirling orange. He wanted to protect his Mine. Even Asu, Ri, and Onal had accompanied N`tal to the Weyrbowl, believing that as many eyes as they had, they could keep a good eye for danger. But Gulath was still not reassured. Are you sure you want to do this? I know you seem sure, but is it safe? Gulath asked.

N`tal patted his Blue`s neck. "I will be fine. If I sense danger, I will simply appeal to something that one of them cannot resist. But, I think this will work out for the best. It will be our one step closer to leaving Dalibor," N`tal replied. Right now, he was envious of Gulath. Gulath`s dark blue hide made him blend into the night and shadows very well. But N`tal was not about to cut his hair. Even if it gave him away and got him into trouble at times, he was still proud of his hair. It told people that he was not to be messed with. And right now he was starting to become impatient with the person who was to pick him up.

[Kila]

Yusriyath flew low to the tops of the trees- as close as flight would safely allow. He and His were, as usual, in sync. Y’nis was perched dangerously atop him, only one strap for which him to hold onto in place. They were both excited to be on such a secret mission, but there was an element of unspoken tension in them. A Renegade flying into Dalibor was a suicide mission. Varya staunchly refused to do such a thing, and Alizadehth was far too easily noticeable for such a feat. Y’nis and Yusriyath must have been making their first appearances on the Weyr’s radar too, for close to a sevenday ago some person’s flit had found him and delivered a message containing the strangest request…

Keep low, YuMine, Y’nis warned yet again. Yusriyath was smaller than Alizadehth, but his electric Purple hide was far from unnoticeable. He was willing to be the middle man in this transaction for Varya because of their friendship, and because of course he had some obligation to obey the Renegade Queen, but all of her stern warnings had been unnerving. She needn’t have told them all Kalith or her King might do if she caught them. I will, Yamine, Yusriyath replied. They spoke in voices much more hushed than normal, but still quite chipper.

Yusriyath landed among the trees about a dragonlength from the Weyr. He approached from the side of the largest cliff, hopefully avoiding the notice of the Watchdragon. With a loving stroke of Yu’s neck, Y’nis leapt down and moved as quietly as he could toward the Bowl. He stopped at the edge of the tree coverage, peering into the Bowl to search for his rendezvous man. How was it that the Wher nightwatch was not upon N’tal when Y’nis located him so easily? The boy was standing patiently in the middle of the Bowl, calm as could be. Y’nis hissed at him to try to get his attention but didn’t dare to be too loud. Yu, tell His to tell him to get his fanny over here! Y’nis called on his bonded, who was yet nearby. Hello? Me and Mine are here to ferry Yours, Yu spoke to Gulath. Tell him to hurryhurry over to the trees- quickly now!

[kia]

Gulath turned his head toward the woods, in the direction that someone told him to send his Mine in. At first, Gulath`s natural instinct was to protect N`tal, making sure that nothing happened to his Mine, but he knew that his Mine had a plan. Gulath`s eyes continued to whirl with slight shades of orange in them. Please take Onal with you at least. And the rest of the Fire Lizards can follow you. I just do not want to leave you without some sort of protection, Gulath said to N`tal.

N`tal reached up to stroke Onal, who was nestled in deeply inside the neck rim of the jacket. He knew he did not want the others to follow him. They might ruin this meeting. But, Gulath was not coming along. The dragon was concerned and frightened for his Rider. N`tal`s every instinct was to say no, but saying yes might ease the Blue to relax more. “Fine. They can come if it makes you feel better,” N`tal replied softly so as not to alert anyone of his presence.

Gulath seemed to nod. Yusriyath said to hurry over toward the woods. Being here makes him uncomfortable.

I can understand, N`tal replied mentally. He turned and patted the Blue one more time. I will be back soon, Gulath, so return to the weyr and rest. We do not need to alert anyone of what is going on here. With that, N`tal uickly made his way up to the woods, toward the Purple and his Rider, hoping that by the end of tonight, he would have made one more step to joining the Renegades.

N`tal saw Y`nis and the Purple appear in the woods. The Purple had been smart to hide in this dense wood. His bright hide had been what N`tal had seen, noticed, and remembered so to send the letter to. He approached with confidence, believing that he would be fine. Besides, he carried a sword and Onal around his neck. The Black would lead the other Fire Lizards to attack is they were needed. But N`tal doubt they would be needed. N`tal looked up at the Rider before being helped on. “I am N`tal, the one who sent the note. And you must be the Rider of the Purple I remembered at that recent Orange`s Flight. I hope your friend is well tonight or else I doubt she would be able to see me tonight,” he said, already trying to appear as a useful asset to the Renegades.

[Kila]

Y’nis let out and exaggerated yet silent sigh of relief as N’tal began to steal away in his direction. But why did he have so many firelizards with him? Funny that you should ask that of anyone, Yusriyath commented. Y’nis had to give him that- they both disliked his own pack of wild flitters to a certain extent. It is besides the point at this minute, Yu, he said with his nose in the air and as much dignity as he could muster. And this is not the place, he nettled. Yusriyath: 2. Y’nis: 0.

When N’tal reached him they made their way wordlessly to where Yusriyath was waiting. The boy introduced himself as Y’nis helped him onto Yu’s back. ”N’tal, yes, I figured,” he mused, jumping up in front of him and gripping the solitary strap around his lifemate’s neck. ”I had hoped I was just letting some random Daliborean onto Yu’s back. They’re not quite fond of us, you know. Hold on.” Yusriyath jumped into the air, flapping his wings until he was just above the trees, and flying low again with little warming. ”Don’t know why, of course,” Y’nis continued. ”It’s not as though Yu or I have ever done anything to them. And the others? Well, Alizadehth laid on your Sands, but what of it? It’s not as though she wanted to. Oh, and speaking of Alizadehth, be careful. Be respectful, or even better, submissive- she might bite your head off. Like really.”

The second part of N’tal comment made Y’nis twist his face into a frown. ”Yu was that noticeable, huh? Well that’s probably not good….” You hear that? You should have been more careful, darling. The ladies will be furious if they find out you were found out. Yusriyath crooned apologetically and Y’nis rubbed his neck with quick, loving forgiveness. ”How many other people do you think noticed him? Well, never mind that, just don’t tell Varya.”

They flew on for a while, Y’nis chattering all the way but tactfully chattering about nothing of importance. It wasn’t he who would be deciding how much information this boy got to know. After some time Yusriyath slowed and spiraled down towards a cave that was discreetly tucked away amongst the underbrush. As they grew closer the huge form of Alizadeth formed from the rocks and trees. Y’nis had offered his islands for the meeting, but Varya had always preferred to stay inland. It suddenly made more sense to Y’nis then- Alizadehth could very easily hide in the landscape. Yusriyath could not blend in with anything, so Y’nis had no qualms with their being out in the open.

Alizadehth lifted her head and growled menacingly as Yusriyath landed. It was not at the Purple or his Rider that she made this display, but their passenger. One of Dalibor. She did not know why Hers had agreed to have him come here. Varya was quickly by her side. She laid her hand comfortingly on the Orange’s muzzle to calm her and peered coldly at the two approaching figures. Y’nis walked N’tal to Varya, gave her a goofy grin, and went to lean against Yusriyath to watch the events of the conversation to come. The first move was N’tal’s. He was being carefully watched by all parties.

[kia]

Asu, Onal, and Ri landed on a nearby rock, knowing that they would not be able to fly at the same speed as the large Purple dragon. They would either wait till N`tal or Ian called them once N`tal had landed somewhere. They chirped to N`tal, reminding him that they were still here and would be ready to come when called for . N`tal glanced at them before looking back at Y`nis after he managed to get himself seated. N`tal`s eyes slightly narrowed at being called a Daliborean. He was not a Daliborean. He only lived there at the moment because he needed to learn how to between first before he could leave... which he thought would be soon, until he came up with this idea. N`tal held onto the riding straps as Yusriyath rose into the sky, listening to Y`nis, noting in his mind everything that the man said. Even if the man believed it to be nothing of importance. N`tal, though he sometimes gave off the aura of not caring about anything (which might be true half the time), he did make a point to remember things should he ever need the info later in life to benefit him. This was exactly what he was bringing to this meeting. And even as N`tal kept quiet on the ride there, he could feel Gulath pressing his mind often, making sure that the man was still alive.

They landed and N`tal noticed the dragon first before seeing the orange hair woman who could only be Varya. He jumped off Yusriyath`s back, trying to land without problems since a Purple was larger than a Blue, and even Gulath had not reached his full height yet. He understood why the Orange had growled at him. He did not blame her. He stunk of Dalibor Weyr, a smell that even he detested. But he did not like Y`nis walking him over to Vayra and Alizadehth. He could walk by himself perfectly. Even Ian poked his head out of the neck lining of N`tal`s jacket, his eyes on Y`nis to make sure the man would not try anything. But N`tal felt much more comfortable than he probably should. He straightened up, knowing that the first move was his. He had to make a good first impression on them. And he believe he knew of a way.

"I would first like to say to Queen Alizadehth about how beautiful she is. May she grace the skies with her beauty for a long time, and may she grace our memories with her beauty forever. Lady Varya, it is an honor and pleasure to meet you. I thank you for taking time to meet with me. I am N`tal, Rider of Blue Gulath. I Impressed a while ago at your lovely Queen`s Clutch Hatching. Gulath is doing well. He is healthy and becoming stronger and stronger every day. He would bring you pride," N`tal said, smiling at her and making himself less threatening, even though the sight of his sword hanging at his side probably was not helping.

"But, I know that you do not have time for casual talk, so I will bring up the point I wish to make and the reason why I asked to meet with you. I know you dislike Dalibor. Dislike may be a polite word too. But, I also know that D`lios was brought by your group to Impress. Since he has Impressed, he has done nothing more than simply obeyed rules like any other Rider. But I, even though I obey only to take steps closer to leaving that wretched Weyr, have had an idea to help you where D`lios has not even tried. Has that lazy BrownRider even contacted you since Impression? I doubt it from how he acts. But I wish to become a vital tool for you, Lady Varya and Queen Alizadehth. The Weyr, though it knows I have a dislike for it, still allows me access to parts that you are unable to get to. I wish to be your spy, your inside informer, to help you and your plans. I have no loyalty to Dalibor. I wish to leave, but I willing to become your tool. How doe this sound to you? Will you allow me to be your spy? My only wish is to eventually join the ranks of your Renegade Riders."

[Kila]

N’tal had his work cut out for him. Varya and Alizadehth easily vied as the most stubborn, mistrusting females on the continent. They were especially wary of men and their plans- they never failed to disappoint. And what would one of Dalibor want with them. Varya had to exercise enormous control to restrain Alizadehth’s desire to bite the poor boys head off.

Like any Queen, Alizadehth loved flattery, sincere or not, but N’tal’s words only made her more suspicious of him. He is merely sucking up, she growled, her eyes gravitating dangerously towards red. Varya saw this too, but she remained silent and alert. If this was somehow still a trap she would have him killed without a second thought. She hoped it would not come to that, for Dalibor would be very upset when they found one of their Weyrlings missing, but it was favorable than having him run back to them with incriminating information or posing any kind of threat to the Renegades secrecy. His toy blade would not help him, she noted with contempt.

His next words, however, were enough to surprise him. That fact that one of her children had chosen this boy interested the wrathful Queen. Gulath. She did indeed swell with smug pride. It constantly infuriated her that her children were imprisoned within Dalibor’s walls, open to their corruptive ideas and likely to turn into brainwashed, unquestioning droids. Did they not feel their mother’s wild blood coursing through their veins? This one at least did. Listen to him, MineOwn, she commanded.

Varya said nothing but listened as N’tal continued to speak; Alizadehth hearing with silent approval. The boy spoke of D’lios, the detestable Lord Holder whom D’ror had made a deal with so that they could have supplies without raiding the holds. The agreement had saved them many a scene and sighting, but D’ror had done enough foolishness to counteract that good thought on his own. D’lios had impressed the most prestigious of Alizadehth’s clutch- a fine, proud Brown- but he had indeed not contacted them. It had never been part of their agreement and would look very bad for him if he had. Varya was sure that he was always watched by many eyes. But D’lios served only as an example and antithesis. N’tal made it clear that he wished to do all that the Lord Holder gone Weyrling had not. He wanted to leave Dalibor and join them- he felt no love or loyalty to the Weyr. At the bottom of it all, he was here to offer himself to her as a tool. But why should she really trust his words?

”D’lios is full of motivation, you know,” she finally said, choosing to address first the topic he had began with. ”But his ambition is all his own. He is self-serving. He would not have been chosen to be an asset to us. I do not expect or wish him to speak with me. He is very much in the public eye.” She leaned slightly against Alizadehth, arms still crossed across her chest, and studied him. ”But I see that you are not. Tell me, N’tal, does Dalibor dislike you so much as you claim to dislike it? Are the children of the Renegades regarded with mistrust and scorn?” The question would probably provoke him, but that was fine. People did not lie well when they were upset, and Varya had encountered more than enough lies to know what they looked like on someone’s face. Besides, she rather wanted to know in some masochistic sort of way. She only expected the answer to be yes, and the confirmation of this would just be another strike against Dalibor. She had tried so hard to keep her lost flock away from them, but struggle and suspicion had bred bitterness. Had they only left her and her people alone.

”Why should we believe you?” she asked leaning forward. ”Can you prove yourself in any way? Surely you know that it would be an easily come upon idea to try to send a sort of double agent out here to try and penetrate our ranks. You say you want to leave Dalibor? Become a Weyrless Renegade? Why? Why do you really want this, boy?” Her gaze and her words were intense, the force and seriousness of it pressing down on him like waves. All of the Renegades gathered, including the pair almost forgotten in the back, were interested to hear his answer.

[kia]

N`tal eyebrow seemed to raise a bit when Varya asked him about Alizadehth children being scorned or mistreated. "Of course they trust Alizadehth`s children. They think they can change the fact that they were children of Renegades by turning them into obedient Weyr-loving dragons. As for me, despite them trusting me, I do not trust them," he replied, crossing his arms as his brain began to think. "Dalibor is foolish. They still think they can brainwash Gulath and I into staying at the Weyr. But we have just recently learned how to between, giving us more reason to leave. But, while they were busy choosing D`lios and that other damn BlueRider as Wingseconds of the Weyrling Wing, I thought of a plan that would, in a sense, benefit us both. Gulath and I will stay, finish lessons, and continue to let Gulath stay with his friend Irath while I observe things for you. Lady Varya, I know your Riders do tend to... fly close to Dalibor. But... would it not be safer to have a man on the inside, one who has a dragon to easily mentally convey information? Even though they know I hate them, I still get to hear about things that you may not hear for a while yet. For example, Kalith and some other Orange have just recently Risen and they have both Clutched on the Sands. All eyes will be drawn to the eggs. But I can have Gulath tell you the Hatching results as they occur, giving you a chance to figure out how much of a threat they could be to you," N`tal pointed. Weyrling, especially just Impressed Weyrlings, were a weakness in the Weyr.

To the next question, about why he wanted to become a Renegade, this brought serious thought to the answer. At the moment, there were things he was not willing to convey. His arms slide from their crossed position, his right hand sliding down to the hilt of his sword, but his index finger only moved to tap the metal as he thought about his answer. "Why should I trust you? I will explain that first. Dalibor has not given me any reason to trust them or to stay there. They are confining. Their leaders have no common sense. They rather choose passive Riders and dragons as helpers rather than those who have easily proven their strength," he said, referring to the fact that V`lin was picked over him for Wingsecond. They may not know, but N`tal knew he would never forget the horrible deed done to him. "But you have given me a reason to trust you. It was one of your Renegades that found me and brought me to Sands on that day. It was to Gulath that I Impressed to, the son of a Renegade. And, yes, wherever I will go, there will be rules, I rather follow a woman who has at least common sense to see the potential in things," he said, complimenting her with some honesty. Varya may have been Renegade, but the fact that see had even agreed to meet with him must have meant that she saw his usefulness.

"As for proof to see if I am telling the truth, you merely only have to observe my days with the Dalibor. How I shun them with every fiber, knowing I am living in the heart of just terrible beast. Also, I am a Weyrling. No goody Dalibor-sensible Weyrling would even contact you until graduation, giving Dalibor a chance to train a spy to trick you. And, also, even though Gulath and I can now between, I left my dragon behind to prove to you that I am leaving myself open to you, to show vulnerability that I mean what I say. And, I will be honest, right now I hate feeling so vulnerable, but if this proves what I say is true, then I do not regret it. But I contact you. My intentions are true. I wish to join the Renegades, to be given a chance to show my greatness and to show how useful I am when given the right chances. I may be a BlueRider, but damn it, I will a BlueRider to make every BlueRider envious. I aim, in honesty, to show my true abilities. And, in your service, I believe I can see that happening," he finished. He knew his last statements sounded selfish, but if he had wanted to attempt to topple her, he would not have contacted her this way. He knew he was a BlueRider, subservient to many colors, but he would not be put down. If he could get Varya to trust him, to use him, to let himself prove it to her, then for her he would be willing to push most of pride away in order to serve her.

[Kila]

The news of her children’s part in Dalibor did not please Alizadehth. Had Dalibor mistreated and mistrusted them she would have been enraged. However, that they accepted them in enraged her too. There was no way Dalibor could win. They wanted to change them, though? Into brainwashed little Weyr drones!? Alizadehth bore her fangs and roared. She wanted nothing more than to barge into Dalibor right then and rip out the throat of the King and Queen. When their blood stained their Sands she could liberate her children and leave. Varya reached up her hand and touched her neck soothingly. Alizadehth would never give into any such impulse, but she cherished the bloody ideas.

Varya paid close attention when N’tal spoke of being slighted. This seemed to be the thing that had pushed him over the edge and brought him here. She laughed inside at the idea of the Lord Holder in charge of anything involving dragons. He was a capable young man for sure, but the last time she’d checked his heart had laid elsewhere- with plans and money and power. He was bonded with Alizadehth’s only Brown son, so he was the obvious choice, but it did seem strange that another BlueRider had been chosen over this passionate young man. If Varya did not so distrust people she thought that she might actually like him. Certainly the fact that he was impressed to one of the children of her lifemate stirred some matronly chord in her, but it was only very small and she contained it completely, ready to smother it at a moment’s notice.

His reasons for wanting to join them were clear enough, though he presented them more as justifications for his presence and his worthiness to help her. He felt confined at Dalibor. Micromanaged by careless fools. She had known that feeling. Even as a Renegade she was berated with idiotic actions, most from her upsetting Weyrmate and his sharding Iron-Riding boyfriend. She grimaced inwardly. She knew from experience that that feeling was much strong in a Weyr, though. And failing to see people’s potential was not only potentially fatal but irritating move. She had expected Fajra to be more careful than that, but it was perhaps the fault of someone more directly in charge of the Renegade dragonets and their Riders. Varya at least would not make the mistake of underestimating her foe. Did not want to. Though her main feelings were laced with contempt, she did maintain a certain respect for her foe of foes. Fajra was not a woman to be trifled with, and Varya was not too vain to realize it. N’tal was right: Varya would not make that mistake.

And then of course there were the obvious benefits of having N’tal do as he promised if she accepted him. It would be invaluable to have an informer inside the Weyr for their grand affairs and in case they began to organize a hunting party for them. Varya was very senstitive to the idea of violence towards her rag-tag group. She maintained that they had done nothing to directly harm Dalibor. Sure they had raided a few Holds in the beginning, caused fear and uncertainty among the common people as they roamed about, but they had hurt no one. It was unrealistic to hope that they could just be left alone, so the best Varya could do was try to maintain an uneasy peace. N’tal feeding her information could be a valuable asset to that.

His suffering stirred her most, though. She believed that what he said was true. He had even left his bonded, an extension of himself, behind so that he could prove it to her. But his longing for freedom and his feeling of being wronged was enough to qualify him in her mind. Many of her poor Renegades had left their Weyr for such reasons. It was terrible to feel like you didn’t belong. She remained silent for a long time, contemplating what he said. ”Y’nis,” she finally spoke, summoning over the Purple Rider. Y’nis pranced over at her bidding, standing between them with mock solemnity. ”Yes, m’lady? he said. ”Tell N’tal why you chose to leave your Weyr and come here.” He looked at her in surprise, not having expected what she requested. None of the Renegades spoke about their pasts very often, nor did they want to, but he willingly complied. ”Well, you see,” he said, turning to N’tal. ”Unlike you, Yusriyath and I were not very welcome in our Weyr.” Anticipating the story, the kind Purple came over too, settling beside his rider and nuzzling his shoulder. Y’nis smiled and scratched his jaw line, but his next words were spoken with a tinge of uncharacteristic sadness. ”Our Weyr was very conservative and traditional, and a lot of the people didn’t much care for Yu. They looked over him completely and I overheard the scorn in their voices. They treated us as one big joke.” He broke the seriousness of his story with a toothy grin. ”I’m pretty used to that kind of thing ‘cuz, well, I am a joker, but I wasn’t going to take that for Yu. He is the biggest, kindest, cleverest dragon ever.” Yusriyath crooned lovingly and his eyes whirred with happy blue.

”Imagine that scorn after they woke one day and found that they were gone,” Varya resumed, looking at N’tal intently. ”What you ask can have very dangerous consequences. If you are sure, though… I am willing to accept your help. You can join us.” It was what he wanted to hear, but she was not done. ”You must know that your disappearance could bring great trouble to us, though. Dalibor may misconstrue your departure as a sort of kidnapping and use as a reason to act against us.” Her eyes flashed with defiance. ”I will not allow the others to be put in such danger. But N’tal, if you can find a way I will gladly welcome you. Someone with your heart should not be kept in such a small cage.” Y’nis was surprised by her next actions. Varya moved slowly towards the Weyrling, opening her arms when she was before him and pulling him against her in a soft but dangerous embrace. She seemed to be oddly fond, but as thin as she was she was all muscle, and with the boy in such a vulnerable position could easily take him down. But she needed to know that she had his trust. Her disclosure of such personal information showed that she was genuine. The embrace was as good as a signature in blood.

[kia]

The was quiet was the longest time again. The woman was watching him, evaluating him, considering his possibilities and advantages or disadvantages he could bring to her. He all ready felt very loyal to the woman, to the woman who had take a chance to meet him. She was thoughtful in all she did, in actions and all. Fajra just acted based on how she felt. She had little care for the Weyr it seemed. She only cared for her dragon and stupid son. What had been the last thing Fajra had done for them, for the Weyr, instead of herself? Nothing, he felt. But Vayra, the woman cared for her little group, even if they brought heartaches, headaches, and taxing aches on her all ready stressed life. N`tal was ready to add more, to explain why he should be considered more when Ian popped his head out of the neck of N`tal`s jacket. It was a good thing he was a Black Fire Lizard, which meant he would be undetected, but his eyes might be a give away. The Black strengthened his hold on his Mine with his tail around N`tal`s neck. N`tal was used to this. Ian did the same thing whenever he thought he was going to have to share shoulders with Onal on days he could care less about the others in the group.

N`tal turned his head as Y`nis began to speak. A joke? That is how N`tal felt the Weyr treated him. As a joke. Had they taken time to get to really know him? No! And what if they did? Shun him for his deeds? He would be made an automatic Renegade on the spot. So, rather than being kicked out as a Renegade with nothing on his side to help him, he was making the steps to his all ready foreseen future. Even Tesla (and he felt his pulse quicken) would refuse to continue to be his friend (am I really using that word? he thought) if she were to find out. Y`nis finished his story. Varya spoke. He paid more attention to her. Not that Y`nis had not been interesting, but when facing a Queen and her Rider, it would just be more respectful to pay more attention to them. She said she would accept him, which brought a smirk to his face. So, she would take him in as one of her Renegades. She was brought higher in rank to his mind because of this. He respected her before, but now his loyalty was definite. He would follow her!

But the next action made his eyes widened. She came toward him. At first, he arms flinched, his natural reaction to reach for his sword. But he did not harm her and mentally and physically stopped himself from moving for the sword more. She brought him into an embrace, this thin but muscular woman had her arms wrapped around him. He was unsure how to react. The last time he had slept in someone`s arms had been several Turns ago. The feel of an intimate touch felt alien yet familiar on his skin. She was older than him, but she was a beautiful woman. And why in Pern was he thinking about an intimate moment with her? Gulath, though older and able to withstand some touches, was still a Weyrling. He pushed the dark, secret thoughts out of his head and could feel Gulath at the Weyr shifting in his mind. The hug was not bothering him, but the beginning thoughts had slightly... concerned him. Well, now that the thoughts were gone, Gulath was returning to normal.

How could he react to this trust. He was not a hugging type of man. He looked over at her and seemed to raise a hand slightly to hug her back lightly and gently, as if hugging was an unnatural expression for him. "Lady Varya, Queen Alizadehth, what is your first command and wish of me? I am ready to follow without question," he spoke, hoping the genuine words would reach their ears and let them know that he was their soldier, spy, and anything else they wanted him to be other than a sacrifice. He would not have himself killed just yet, not when he had so much to offer them.

[Kila]

Varya saw N’tal’s arms flinch towards his sword as she drew close to him, but she did not let it register on her face. She only continued to stare into his eyes until she had him in her embrace. When she held him against her she bowed her head slightly and closed her eyes. She felt his body was tense and motionless. She felt his stopped breath. But he did not pull away. The moment was intimate, and they were exchanging trust without words. She had not told him her story, she had let Y’nis tell his, but the principle was the same.

N’tal was loyal. He was genuine. This was different from how all the others acted. The Renegades felt in necessary to hide in deceit, and should could not blame them for that nor feign innocence herself, but it grew tiring. It was a wearisome thing to be devoted to her cause. It was oddly refreshing in this dark night to have a breath of fresh air. Here was this boy, his heart bleeding to be free, who had laid out all of himself before her. She could not afford to trust him completely, though she had a strange compulsion to. She could not trust any man. Or person. It was sad. But she would let him in.

”Never follow without question,” she said softly to him, her head still lowered forward so that her lips were near to his ears and their heads just touched. She felt him hesitantly raise one hand on her back to return the hug. ”Always question. Ultimately only you know what is best for you. One cannot consciously follow another blindly.” She drew back from him, breaking their hold. ”What I would like for you to do is to go back, N’tal. Stay in touch with me. Let me know what is important there- what goes on. The more we can stay out of their way the better. Renegades tiptoeing around weyrfolk is a very complicated dance, but I think you will be able to make it easier for us. Y’nis,” she called, raising her voice so it was audible to the Purple Rider who was lounging nearby. He looked up obediently and came over. ”You can take N’tal back now. Carefully. Do not be spotted.” She turned back to N’tal and smiled softly. ”Thank you for coming. It was well worth our time. Can I do anything else for you?”

[kia]

N`tal listened to her words. Question them anyways. Right now, it appeared he never would, but he would keep the words in mind for instances for when Varya might test him. He would stay loyal to her, remain her spy and fighter, to help her. Could he even venture to say he was a knight for her? He had not done anything to prove himself worthy to be in her service, so he was a fighter for now. Go back to that awful place. He knew he would have to return, even if it was for his dragon. Ian chirped slightly in his ear, reminding him of the other three Fire Lizards he had left behind and forgotten to call. He had lessons to complete to be a full-fledged Rider. He would be a spy, telling Varya about anything important that went on, anything helpful to achieve her plans. He would try to make it easier for her to get info. Holdfolk, even Weyrfolk, did not know everything like a Rider did. And if having his dragon speak to Alizadehth became too dangerous, he could always send his Fire Lizards out to send letters. He would find ways to stay in contact with her.

It had been worth her time. These words echoed in his mind. She found him worthy! He would have smirked if he was not trying to be so serious in the company of those he was trying to please. He looked at Varya, a yearning inside of him growing, but for what he was not sure. Anything else she could do for him? He wanted much. To be with the Renegades now! To be a complete Rider now. But these things could be achieved, but through time. Time he was willing to spend, for the sake of Varya and Alizadehth. He shook his head, looking at Y`nis. "No, you have already done much for me, Lady Varya. The time you spent here tonight was all I wanted, and it was granted. I thank you, both of you, Lady Varya and Queen Alizadehth. May Pern be graced with your beauty and our minds graced with your memory," he spoke, turning to Y`nis to allow the man to take him back. Gulath, can you check to see if the Watchdragon or Whers are anywhere near the forest? N`tal mentally asked his dragon. He could feel Gulath shifting in his spot, looking around as N`tal asked him to.

No, it is safe for the moment. But, hurry, still. I am worried for your safety and will only be comforted knowing you are with me again, the Blue spoke, concerning, worry, and fear leaking from his words.

N`tal almost chuckled. Despite not liking the Blue in the beginning, the Blue had grown an attachment in his mind and heart. Gulath was his lifemate, his partner, the one being in his life that would never leave him. He had become used to Gulath`s protectiveness over him. But that may be because of what Gulath knew of his Rider: His past and the way he rarely socialized with others. "Gulath says it is safe to land in the forest right now, but to hurry just incase they will be heading there soon," he spoke, trying to help the PurpleRider out, the PurpleRider that he concerned a fellow fighter but still a possible enemy. After all, most Renegades joined for their own personal and selfish ambitions. And while N`tal trusted Varya, he would still be wary of the others until they had proven he had nothing to fear from them. But Y`nis did have a chance. After all, it seemed he and Varya knew each other very well. But he would still have to see.

[Kila]

Varya nodded as he thanked her and went willingly with Y’nis. She leaned againt Alizadehth and watched them take off and wink between. Alizadehth was smug and near to bursting with pride. She looked down at Varya, her eyes whirring a dark, pleased blue. My children chose good riders. See how he is loyal to us and not his unwilling stepmother. She spoke of Kalith contemptuously, ever sore that her children served under the Copper Queen and were confined to her Weyr. Yes, he is a good boy, Varya agreed absently. He is one of us without a doubt. They stood there in silence for a while, each with their own thoughts. He will be a great asset, she said decisively after some time, turning to go into the hollow where she would sleep that night. Things were not all bad after all.

Over the forest near the Weyr, Yusriyath dropped down into the trees when N’tal verified it was safe. Yu lowered down so the two men could jump off. Y’nis did so agily, standing aside so that N’tal might also dismount. When he had, Y’nis tipped an invisible hat to the man and put one leg behind the other to give him a mock bow. ”Nice to meetcha, fella. Varya liked you, so ya’d better keep safe and quiet.” And with those brief words he bounced back onto Yu’s back and, with a wave, departed back into the night. Goodbye! Yusriyath echoed cheerfully as they flew away.