Song by the River (tag Tig, OPEN)

Norbert, Tig

"Easy does it, boy. Easy now." The man's voice was a pleasant drawl as he guided his bay runner down the side of a steep embankment. "Almost thar now. Just a bit further. Ranger! Kitty!" The Bronze and Green fire lizards hovered in the air above their feederperson, awaiting orders.

The pair had been trained to herd and maneuver beasts of all shapes and sizes, proving more valuable than canines during long drives. Since moving to the Weyr, the pair had soon discovered that there was more to a flitter's life than diving at stubborn herdbeasts or finding lost calves. They had nearly driven W'ley mad with their new found freedom. However, since they had left the flat bottomed barge upriver to travel on foot to their new home, the duo resumed their regular scouting duties. Which helped return them to their person's good graces.  

"Reports." W'ley sat easily in his saddle, swaying with the motions of the runner, Beau. He had been raised on horse-back and for the past few Turns had transitioned easily to dragonriding. He'd agreed to transfer to Xian for a new adventure. The plains of Telgar and its Weyr were the only life he had known, but since Impressing his grey/blue Oriefth, the man had a hankering for change. And perhaps they would find a weyrmate. Oriefth hadn't Chased any of the females from Telgar since none had captured the romantic Blue's interest. Now he was anxious to meet his new mates at Xian, looking for that special dragoness.

The fire lizards broadcasted images of a Green and Black dragon in the river ahead along with their Riders. Ranger was also quick to note the presence of a Gold fire lizard as well. "Keep yer mind on task, Ranger." W'ley commented wryly as he clucked to his mount.

Overhead, Oriefth idled, catching updrafts and spiraling down slowly as he kept pace with his lifemate. The dragon was enjoying his free time and he had already caught sight of their new Weyr. Xian isn't too far away, W'leymine. But I wouldn't mind a swim. It will give us a chance to meet some of our new companions.

Alright. We'll take a short break. Getting a bit hot anyway. 

I'll meet you at the water's edge up ahead. Oriefth relayed as he dipped down below the treeline to land smoothly on the riverbank, a respectful distance from the other two dragons.

In a moment the well-shaped head of the bay appeared between two palm fronds followed by the rest of his crew. Ranger made a beeline for the Gold, zigzagging in the sky overhead, showing off his flashy polished bronze hide. He warbled a greeting as he finally calmed down enough to land on a moss-covered stone. Kitty wasn't interested in meeting her competition and the little flit the color of spring grass chose a perch on Oriefth's wing knob.

W'ley dismounted and tethered his runner to a branch. Upon reaching the two Riders in the water, he swept off his broad-brimmed hat as he greeted them.

"Howdy, y'all. The name's W'ley, and that Blue is Oriefth." He nodded towards his Bonded who dipped his head in acknowledgment. "We're new to Xian and y'all are the first Riders we've come across." His spurs clanked as he shooed Ranger from the rock and took his place on the flat seat. "I hope we're not a bother. Oriefth here just wanted ta take a quick swim before movin' on." A low grumble from his Green flit prompted him to add with a wry grin, "Oh, and that thar is Kitty and the Bronze lad is Ranger. Beau is my runner over yonder." 

The Bluerider was open and friendly, his hazel eyes crinkled in a smile. He returned his hat to his head, angling it dashingly over one eye. After transporting Beau on that vessel and camping out on shore with Oriefth as they trekked down the coast, it was nice to be around dragonriders again. The jumpy respect of the sailors had put W'ley on edge, humans could do that to him. Animals were easier to understand in his opinion anyway. But since Impression, he'd come to enjoy the company of Riders at least.