Zadok | Male | 249 Years | Mentor Psyche Dragon | M: Mattis, Thalassia, Finn (Ind), Aýnabat (Ind), Tatsuo (Ind)

Amusement rose within the male as Mattis trips over his tail, a small rumble coming from him as he maneuvers it to help him up. His murmur was just barely caught by his ears causing his grin to widen slightly before eventually dropping – a happier expression still lingering. All the while, his eyes stayed centered on the familiar being in front of him.

Zadok watches closely as dark dragoness repositions herself, raising her neck and spines in while her tail coiled around her new rider. A warning, he knew, but one he was not afraid of. The motion of her dark blue companion, on the other hand, did manage to catch his eye – just barely managing to see one of her wings unfurl from his position. It was probable that she sought to back up the crystal coated dragon if need be, but he refused to let any amount of concern to bear witness to his heart. He had faith that all would calm once his old friend had turned around.

Though not clear to those unfamiliar with the taller being in front of him, the psyche dragon could very well catch the moment that her demeanor slowly shifted. A spark of warmth and recognition gathered within her glowing white eyes – a sight he had grown used to over their meetings, but one that always gave him a rush of nostalgia. Oh how he missed the times of old, traveling around the lands of Ederia and seeing all that they possessed (or at least what he could), telling stories of myth and venture to the one now standing before him. Few others were as willing to hear his tales as her. But many things had changed since then, most he would argue for the better as “tied down” as he may be.

A gentle silence hung in the air for a short whole, each seeming to reminisce of olden days. Or as silent as it could be given the atmosphere. For Zadok, this silence was broken by Mattis, a question humming through the bond concerning the present situation. His eyes glance down to the small lad, a huff leaving him as the words ring through his mind.

“Yes, she is a mighty old friend of mine. I often visited her amidst my travels.”

Inverted eyes shift back to the shadowy beast, her gaze now softer than before. A grin and nod followed soon after, as did the mention of his own name. A slow blink is all he gives at the usage, a sign of comfort and contentment that he often used.

Another question from his “little” rider interrupts the moment once again, though his eyes retain their focus on his longtime companion. He chuckles at the notion the boy presented, its deep rumble rolling through the bond they shared.

“Worry not about that, little one,” his paw lifts up to ruffle Mattis’ hair playfully before settling it down once again, being mindful not to cut him with his golden claws “I’m sure that I could talk her out of it if she tries,” he teases. Still, knowing her, he had a strong suspicion that nothing of the sort would occur.

The touch of scales around his leg draws his attention, an action he had grown acquainted with over the years. His eyes need not wander to know what was now winding around his arm, the tail of Thalassia. Her infamous greeting is what he always liked to consider it. In response to the touch he lifts said paw, holding it gently in their air. The tail only remains there for a short while before going back to ensure her human once more.

“A long time indeed,” the male’s gravely voice parrots, “Much too long. How have the seasons been treating you, old friend?”

After hearing her response, Zadok’s eyes glanced towards those she had arrived with. Well, those that he could see. “And who may these be, if you do not mind the inquiry? I do not believe we’ve been acquainted.”

Choilleich
Earth Dragon | 140 Years Old | New Dragon | Mentions: Sthirseth , Devereaux

The female observed that her rider was with another human, and the two seemed pretty attached to each other . The young girl had long dusty brown hair ; and then her eyes reminded her of her forest home with Joe green they were. In a way they complimented her rider, the two were quite a handsome pair. It warmed her heart to see that her human seemed to have someone that they cared for ; and she could tell by their body language that they were close. Possibly lovers ? As she looked at the two more, she could feel her bond solidified with her rider. And she was quite excited to begin this journey with them ; and so she laid her body down to get a better look at her human. They had quite a lot of hair upon their head, cascading down in fiery curls almost covering their eyes ; eyes, that reminded her of the clearest stream or morning sky when no clouds bothered it. The human seemed a bit average in height and build, obviously active but not overly muscular. She wondered how they would take to training.

Is this your beloved ? She asked through their link, her voice gentle and serene as she spoke to the human. She is quite pretty, she compliments you. Also what is your name my little carrot top, I am Choilliech - I've guarded my forest home until recently since I'm now bonded with you. Her words coming easily through the link as she spoke. She was quite excited to get to know her human better. I mean no harm to your sweetheart, but I'd rather not have a dragon snapping at me when they claim her as a rider - because I wish not to be rough with another when it can simply be avoided . She explained to her rider, so they hopefully wouldn't get upset at her actions.

She then gently nudged the female away as gently as she could. And then sat up straight and concentrated - the earth underneath them began to crackle. Do not be scared, it's just me using my power she said soothing the nerves of her rider. She had used her power to cause a portion of earth that the two were standing on to float, they were in the air - a bit high above the others ; however it was just the two of them where no one would bother them from bonding until it was time to actually proceed to the First Ride.

Tell me everything about you little one, from your name to telling me about your family and home life. She said through their link, more relaxed that she didn't have to compete why any more dragons now.

Amhuluk

| Water Dragon | Male | New Dragon | Mentions: Marina, Coyolxauhqui (dir)

The teal and yellow dragon huffed lightly in satisfaction as his rider squirmed out of the dragoness’s grip. Amhuluk felt a surge of pride as he looked down at her. The water still glistened on her skin, her hair clinging to her face in damp tendrils. Yet, she stood tall, unwavering, a fierce light in her eyes that mirrored his own intensity. For a moment, he simply admired her, taking in her defiant stance and the spark of courage that radiated from her. The Gods blessed him with this one.

As she took her place near his leg, her voice rang clear as she asked for his name. For a moment, he didn’t respond due to the current company they kept. His eyes fell back on the dragoness as she snapped out her final remarks to him. He blinked slowly, knowing he was done testing his rider—for now. The dragoness took flight after a few parting words to his rider, her wings beating furiously as she ascended into the sky.

He made a mental note that he had just angered the Squad Leader’s dragon, hoping the dragoness’s rider wouldn’t retaliate against his own. Eating a human would be unfortunate; he truly didn’t enjoy their taste. A sneer of disgust ghosted across his face at the thought. Though he had faith his rider could hold her own if it came down to it.

Amhuluk’s gaze finally returned to the small creature at his leg. She was a curious little beast, this human. So small and fragile, yet possessing a spirit that rivaled any human or dragon alike. Her bravery in the face of danger, her unyielding determination, and the fierce loyalty she already exhibited toward him stirred something deep within. Most humans would have gladly accepted the dragoness's help. Others wouldn’t have fought back while being drowned. Some were not confident in the water, willingly succumbing to their death, but this one—the water was her home just as it was his. She was smart in her movements and found solace with the water.

Finally, he lowered his massive head, bringing his eyes level with hers. "Amhuluk," he rumbled, his voice deep and resonant, vibrating through the air. "Though some know me as The Monster of the Mountain Pool," his eyes flashed violently for a moment as he exhaled lightly, a watery mist gently spraying from his jaws. Before coming to the valley, Amhuluk was known to haunt the waters that surrounded nearby towns. The Water dragon never hid that it was he who capsized boats that dared to venture into the water. He saw it as protecting his realm from humans who were hellbent on destroying it.

His gaze softened slightly as he regarded her, recalling the peaceful expression she had when she found the small lake. Perhaps she was different from the other humans who seemed to enjoy wreaking havoc on his home. "And what shall I call you, little beast?" His voice carried a hint of amusement, knowing full well he would rarely use her true name. "Little Beast" had a nice ring to it.

Avery Solstråle | Squad Leader | 23 | M: Marina (d) Mattis (ind) Max (d) Metztli (d)

-

Coyolxauhqui

Lunar Dragon | Squad Leader's Dragon | 248 Years Old | Mentions: Avery, Aýnabat , Tatsuo, Thalassia , & Zadok

The female snickered quietly through the link. Feeling the flustered emotions of her rider, and at his denial she gave a rather audible groan through the link and rolled her eyes at the statement. You humans are so blind to your emotions at times , she crooned through their link - amused by the interactions between the two. You know good at well that you and Mattis are the only ones he'd allow to have such a disastrous living space or question his methods. If you'd pay attention, you can see him blush whenever you tease him - I definitely think he swings your way, but he may not be confident about it yet. I mean, you remember how he told you he cut ties off with his dad after entering the Academy. He was barely fifteen when he joined - and then his mother got deathly ill . She sighed sadly, I say just test the waters, stop being afraid. I'm usually for rules, and I know the academy doesn't allow dating - but screw that, it's obviously killing you inside, while you might not go for it immediately at least give it a go. I don't want you to spend the rest of your life alone without someone to hold or go home to, because eventually being a Rider will end - prolonged life and all, you can't do it forever. And then when you're all old and wrinkled you would've wished you had someone to spend your golden years with. And she flicked her tail slightly, thumping it against the ground. Before giving a mischievous look saying, You won't know until you drag him to somewhere private and try and kiss him - you already are fond of his pretty face, why are you so scared to try something. She said huffing, coward.

She gave an amused chuckle at her rider. Oh, poor things - they have to deal with you in a grouchy mood. And she gave a slight hum saying, I think they might be related do him or possibly close friends from the way they're interacting and they seem to know how to handle themselves. Either way, they seem pretty competent and composed for such an occasion unlike most. And she brightened up after getting a low-pitched warble in response to her greeting to Thalassia - it was good to know that her old friend still remembered her. It's good to see old friends she said fondly as she gave a grin.

She then gave a short echoey trill in response to Thalassia - the feathers on her face fanning and fluttering in excitement and warmth. It seemed Zadok knew Thalassia as well, what a small word it was indeed. She then noted that Avery was looking quite angry, and she tilted her head, slightly in a sideways angle - curious about who earned his vexation and found it was the newly bonded water dragon and his wet female rider. And she gave a hum of amusement, Be careful - I would hate to see you drowned or have to get my claws dirty, she hummed through their link - though their was a territorial edge to her voice as he approached the equally territorial dragon and its rider. She would keep an eye on that.

The female then turned her attention to her friend who was introducing her companions. She had heard of Aýnabat but had never had the pleasure of meeting the female, and upon seeing the female her feathers expanded in excitement - it was another Lunar Dragon . And she could feel the crystals on her body beginning to glow slightly, a pale cerulean hue - it was a sign she was excited or happy . She looked upon the small group in approval - it was fun having friends and making new ones.

" It is so good to see you Thalassia, I've missed you so, I wish I could've stopped by and given you more gifts of my travels - however, when you stop by my cavern I have all the gifts I missed giving you and many stories to tell , " she said in excitement - but also politely waiting her turn to greet the others , " Greetings, Aýnabat and Tatsuo - I hope this is the start of a great friendship . " she said her grin wide and predatory but in a good way.

Koji Tveit

New Rider | Male | 18 years | Mentions: Aýnabat

Indirectly Mentions: Finn, and Mattis

The grip the dragon's tail had on him loosened, and he felt her powerful tail relax around him as she spoke. “Dear one, what is your name?” The dragon's voice was soft, near comforting, quite the opposite compared to many of the more aggressive dragons who had come to find riders in the valley. He was lucky to have one of such a calm demeanor. Koji could only imagine what it would be like to be paired with such a foul-tempered creature.

“My name is Koji, and may I ask what yours is?”

The young man's tone had completely switched from the joking loud batter he had engaged in with Finn and Mattis in, replaced by a lighter, curious tone. One more formal than the one he had used with his friends.

With that he noticed Mattis’s dragon make an appearance, apparently connecting with Finn’s new dragon in some sort of form. He could recognize the familiarity that the two shared but understood nothing beyond that. From there it truly started to seem like dragons popped up out of nowhere, in every direction he could notice a bonding, quite a successful batch this year, though the first ride was still coming up, and they would still need to prove themselves then.

A few intense bondings had occurred that day, he had noticed the one dragon attempt to drown their rider, and he had seen another seemingly rescue theirs before running off. Others like his and Finn’s were on the less extreme end of the scale, which he was grateful for. Returning his gaze to his dragon, he did his best to try and channel his voice down their newly established bond.

“Have you traveled far to be here? You do not seem tired,”

Koji had figured that at least some of the dragons had traveled far and wide to reach this place, while others had the luxury of being close by so they didn't have to travel far. Fortunately, he was in the second situation and didn't truly have to travel to get himself here, just sneaked out of his house.

Caelestis - New Dragon - Air - 230 Years - Mentions: Shikoba, Everyone (very indirectly)

Cloaked within the sheltering shadows of the forest, the dragon, as dark as the depths of an abyss, lingered behind the line where the trees gave way to open fields.

Gift long tranferred from the maw lined with flesh-tearing fangs, tucked carefully into the fold of a secondary wing's curve, it pressed with a foreign smoothness against the scale of his side. The object, as large as the closed fist of a human, remained far safer if it were concealed against the umbra of his scale and wing, rather than being transported in the narrow length of powerful jaws. It wouldn't do for the sphere to be lost in the grasses, if he were to respond to a fellow creature's calls.

Not that there was the expectation of such interactions. It had been a while since he had sought the company of fellow dragons.

To the sensitive nose of the creature, the scents of the congregated humans and dragons laid thick in the mild air. That despite the gentle breeze winding through the clearing and forest alike, the presences of others were all too near. Varying in depth and in strength, he caught threads of smells lying beneath the obvious, a network of scents layering themselves and scattering on the wind.

The sounds of conversations, tense and hesitant and curious all at once, drifted to his hearing in the quiet air, filling his ears with the background drone of many voices engaging in talk. The snippets of voices, of questions and of occasional threats and reprimands, did not provoke interest in the dragon. The sound of it all coasted on the breeze, vibrating the air and whispering through leaves, yet none of it was given mind by him.

The power of Caelestis' focus was directed inwards, pointing sharp ears towards the impatient sense of the bond, an enthusiastic yanking intent on guiding -or perhaps dragging- him towards the human who was to share a lifetime with such a beast as he. The calling that was heard only in the deepest of instincts, of bone-deep knowledge and of an ancient code older than time remembered, spun out into the crowd of humans and dragons, insisting his compliance in the mechanisms of fate.

It was growing ever harder to ignore, the pull verging from an annoyance to true pain, yet he remained in the cover of dark for a long moment.

The Burning of embers, the crackling of ozone before the strike of lightning, the fathomless watery depths, all these and more were filtered through the dragon's sense of smell. The often elemental scents of dragons, the heavier essence of humans, the rich sharpness of the cooled earth beneath his talons, were brought to his attention with every inhale.

The shadows cast by the dense forest shrouded the creature with scales darker than they, granting a type of invisibility to his presence, the cooling shade was both the shackles that chained him to the forestland and the snapping of a key within a lock that set him free. To emerge from the sheltering denseness of trees was to embrace the future, undisclosed to any but the powers that be. It was to be the breaking of a habit, the itching nervousness of a new world.

Slipping from the treeline as a patch of shadow detaching from the body, in the manner of a tenebrous wraith sliding from the abysmal depths that birthed it within the realm of light, the dragon Caelestis came forth slowly. In a manner that spoke of the breed of caution that abounds when a creature too large moves amongst the forms of those far smaller, he carefully moved along the edge of where the main body of participants had gathered, a light breeze explicably sweeping through the grasses before him.

In the manner of a moth drawn the lethally flickering of flame, in the way of the wolf tempted to a hunter's snare, the dancing, hauling force pulled him through the gathered presences of the humans, too many present for all to be the bonded of dragons. Feeling rather like a fish that had taken the task to thrash against the currents, or the ambitious bird that takes to the highest heights of the skies, he carefully threaded his way through the crowd, giving the presences of dragons a wide berth.

It was when the tugging of the guiding bond began beating against his ribcage, forcing the heart to pound alongside the nigh painful sensation, that allowed Caelestis to know that he was close to the human that destiny sought to tether his soul to. Yet another breeze flowing through the air thick with smells, pulling the residual burning of fire and flame past his senses, the scent of a dragon belonging to the fire class had lingered near. Perhaps finding their destined rider.

For a reason unbeknownst to even he, the umbra of a dragon halted his progress through the plains, a mixture of confusion and sparking irritating igniting in the veins of a creature dedicated to the soaring heavens. The bond, having grown wilder as he drew near, had switched directions and was now urging him to a location he had passed moments ago, whether it was by the happening of the human moving or if it was an error on his part, Caelestis was unsure.

A sharp exhale escaped the nostriles of the creature, the sleek head slowly rotating as if able to lay sight of the human who would become his rider, slender form stilling the forward movement as Caelestis attempted to pinpoint the placement of the person whom the bond originated from.

Fallon

| AWOL Mentor | Female | 24 years old | Mentions: Keraunophoros

The blue-haired woman stifled a sigh as her storm dragon’s thoughts echoed through her mind. It wasn’t the first time Keraunophoros told her this was a bad idea. She managed to not roll her eyes at her dragon; she hated this just as much as he did. Ultimately, it was his decision to come and see if his sister had truly arrived in the Valley. Though now was not the time to remind him. Her fingers began to tighten around the saddle's grip as they descended lower towards the mountains, her body leaning closely, moving automatically.

Fallon took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I know, Ker," was all she could manage in response, her voice barely audible above the rush of wind. As they descended, Ker landed heavily, his claws digging into the rocky surface with a jarring impact. Fallon felt the tension in his body, the uncertainty in his movements echoing her own doubts. Once they were settled on a ledge, she looked out towards the distant valley, the place they once called home. Her heart ached with longing to be back there, to the days before their lives had been turned upside down.

She couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as she gazed at the busy valley below. The memories of peaceful days spent flying freely with Ker and training new riders flooded her mind. Now, their world was fraught with danger and suspicion. Fallon longed for the simplicity of those times, where their biggest concerns were honing their skills and nurturing the next generation of dragon riders.

Her eyes swiveled to the shorter mountain, her head tilting as she followed Ker’s thought process. She palmed her face roughly, squeezing her eyes shut as she felt the wind whip around her, a stark reminder of their precarious situation. "You're right, it will give us the cover we need," she agreed, her voice steadier now. She ran a hand across his scaled neck, the familiar texture grounding her as she felt him brace himself to take off. Fallon took another deep breath, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins, a mix of fear and excitement that had become all too common.

She liked the idea of Ker generating up a storm, but part of her hesitated. The new riders could be taking their First Flight any moment, and the thought of endangering them weighed heavily on her conscience. “Let’s hold on the storm. I don’t want to endanger anyone when they take flight,” she said, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. “We know how dragons like to test their riders. The storm may cause them to get a little more frisky.” The memory of her own First Flight with Ker flickered in her mind, a blend of exhilaration and terror, and she knew she couldn’t risk compromising that for anyone else.