Clarabelle

Female | New Rider | Dragon: Navi | Mentions: (directly) Navi, (indirectly) Shiro, Kenji, and their dragons

Clara nodded once more, her lips silently forming the name "Alilaya" as if committing it to memory. The weight of the word felt significant, and she hoped that speaking it aloud would help her remember it when the time came. With a reassuring smile, she gently stroked her dragon, Navi, who was starting to doze off. "Please nap, I will wake you when the time comes," she said softly, her voice carrying warmth.

Turning her attention back to the sun-dappled clearing, Clara's gaze wandered to the other side, searching. Across the clearing, the figures of her two cousins stood beside their towering dragons, Clara's moss-green eyes twinkled as she took in the sight. Both of their dragons were so different. One seemed to be a dark-gray Storm dragon, the other a black-furred dragon. She had no clue what that one was, she marveled at his fur before moving to his large feathered wings that reminded her of Navi’s own. She watched Shiro and his furred dragon take off in a game of tag, a soft smile gracing her lips. Though, it quickly faded when she realized his dragon barreled over humans like they weren’t even there. Shiro has his work cut out for him, she mused to herself.

Clara could no longer sit, despite her exhaustion, she needed to roam. "I'll be back," she promised to Navi, her voice gentle. Pushing herself to her feet, Clara felt the muscles in her body stretch after her long stillness. She hoped the ceremony would start soon. With no direction in mind, she stuck to the sides of the clearing, making her way around, observing each rider and their dragons. Clara enjoyed studying each dragon, all so vastly different. Though, she was even more intrigued with the bonds that were slowly growing into place. She was lucky hers was seamless, she’s heard it could be quite painful to humans. Clara began to get lost in her thoughts, wishing she had her journal to make notes of the dragons around her.

Xyron

Psyche Dragon | Male | New Dragon | Rider: Borealis | Mentions: (directly) Borealis

Xyron's nostrils flared as he turned his attention towards Borealis. His large eyes seemed to hold varying emotions. "Nuria, my mate." Xyron's deep voice carried a certain tenderness as he spoke her name. He wished for Nuria's well-being above all else, knowing that finding her rider may take time with how many dragons and humans were here.

But just as swiftly as his thoughts drifted to Nuria, Xyron shifted his focus back to Borealis. The transition was marked by a small puff of air. His burning gaze studied Borealis, not just with curiosity, but with a genuine concern for the young human standing before him. "How are you coping?" Xyron's inquiry, delivered in his deep and resonant voice, was imbued with a gentleness. He recognized that the process Borealis was undergoing was a monumental upheaval. This process – becoming a rider, bonding with a dragon, becoming a part of his world – was a lot to digest.

Xyron's empathy was more than a mere courtesy; it was deeply sincere. He understood the complexities of human emotions, the fragility of the human heart when faced with the extraordinary. He had witnessed the hesitations, fears, and hopes of many riders before Borealis. Each time, it was a unique journey, and Xyron was no stranger to such transformations. This may be his first rider but this was not his first time in the valley.

Yet, despite his genuine care, Xyron retained a hint of reservation. Trust didn't come easily to him, especially not when it came to humans. He had seen the spectrum of human behavior, from the noblest acts of courage to the darkest shadows of deceit. This wariness wasn't born out of prejudice, but from a learned caution that came with the centuries he had spent navigating the complexities of dragon-human interactions. His red eyes held a mixture of emotions as he continued to study Borealis. The hope for a strong bond between them was apparent, but so was the awareness of the challenges that lay ahead.

Belvidere || Male || 71 || New Water Dragon || M: Kaisen

The flamboyant dragon’s grin widens considerably at the boy’s compliance and blaring curiosity. His tail comes up to press into his rider’s back and guide him forth as he begins to walk, moving just slow enough where it would be unlikely to knock the smaller being over. His blue and yellow eyes remain on him throughout the walk (for the most part), studying his motions and movements while listening to the rest of his words.

A string of chuckles leaves him at the human’s description of his abilities, as he shakes his head from side to side lightly. “Why yes, I do believe that one could consider my abilities to be quite magical. Though, unlike a lot of abilities other dragons have, mine are a bit more… practical. But nonetheless fantastical,” he raises a paw to form a “jazz hands” motion before placing it back down to walk properly.

Belv’s eyes flicker towards the water line for a moment – judging their distance – before coming back to settle on Kai. They were almost there. Just a few more sets for him, and a good amount for his new companion.

“I guess the question would be, where would you like me to start? You already know of one of them – the coral and spines along my back. But there’s around… four more that all have their own unique uses. All to do with water of course.”

Another glance and his tail drops from behind the boy. The water line was directly in front of him now. Lying before it was the dreadfully mucky bank, filled with grime and an unspeakable amount of garbage – however natural. A grimace crosses his face at the thought of touching such despicable filth. The desire to gag crosses over him as well, but he pushes it down.

Without another word, Belvidere thrusts himself into the air – gliding over the bank and landing firmly into the water. A large slash signals his entrance with a crusade of liquid following it, no doubt splashing over Kaisen and all other beings within their vicinity. The earth beneath was (thankfully) not as mucky as some of the other stuff he had encountered. It was unlikely to taint his appearance unless he acted unwisely.

“So darling,” he begins, “What do you wish to know about first? Something you’ve heard? Something you haven’t? Something absolutely extravagant? Or something as dull as all the dragons hear?”

Sedna listened closely to the dragon. 'I guess we're both the black sheeps of our family then, huh?' He mused, folding his arms. 'It was unfair for your parents to be disappointed in you over something you couldn't control,' he added, watching the fire dragon.

He supposed they were pretty similar, at least so far. He watched Neryth try to brush off the treatment of her parents, even if it was clear it bothered her. Sometimes, though, he knew things hurt to much to talk about immediately, so he didn't push the topic.

Sedna huffed when she asked her question, furrowing her eyebrows. 'Fuck, uh.' He said into the bond, clearly stumped for a moment. 'I like reds, golds and bronzes for colors,' he said, staring at the ground for a moment for the second half. 'Food. Hell, I dunno, really. We ate a lot of fish while I was growing up, so I guess sea food?' He gave an amused huff, shaking his head. How had a simple question stumped him? 'What about you?'

Noelle Morgenstern
New Rider | Male | 17 | Mentions: Serikornis Ventus, Aziza Sterling, Ryker

The young man, couldn't help but feel the heat him his face rise as Ryker approached. What was this feeling? He certainly wasn't expecting his heart to beat faster, nor the somersaults it did at seeing him after a while . It's been too long since he's last seen his friend and rival, but he was brought back by the words of his dragon. And he gave a soft hum of acknowledgment, Well that's interesting and I think this will be very useful thing. And maybe even for amusement. He said with a soft chuckle - his emerald eyes on the dragons and he had to say he adored the feathers on his new companion. They were quite pretty. Do you have any maintenance you'll need me to do to your feathers? Because they're very pretty. He asked his dragon curiously, but was then distracted as Aziza has given an apology. A soft and rare muffled giggled coming from him - his eyes crinkled in delight and mischief at the blushing form of his smaller friend. But he was startled by the next few words.

“How goes your day, my love?”

If someone had stopped file, this would've been that moment. Because he froze as he looked at Ryker, his eyes wide with a shock, and it seemed any other bit of conversation was tuned out after that. He gave three owlish blinks, his pale lashes fluttering softly - and he could feel his face heat up, and his cheeks began to bloom a pale shade of crimson, some of it creeping to the tips of helix ears. Gods, he was a sucker for sweet nicknames, and he had to play it off . " My day is going well, " he said said rather breathlessly - because quiet honesty, he was still trying to catch it after that little statement, and he had unconsciously moved closer to Ryker. But today he decided to be a bit bold - though this might be the death of him . "And you, mi amorcito? Have you been behaving since I've last seen you ?" He said teasingly, leaning forward slightly with a smug expression.

An uncommon snicker coming from him as he stalked off, his ponytail swinging behind him dramatically. And he looked to find Aziza with her dragon, and gave a soft smile. He was glad she would be there for this experience with him, and he gave a small snort at the mention of them all being bonded the same year. "You're such a sentimental dork you know that right?" He said with a sort of fondness to it, and not to mention his gaze softened slightly at the other male. He was quite foolish wasn't he? His mother certainly wouldn't approve, oh he knew she'd be livid if she found out his little secret. And then his expression soured a bit, and he found himself looking away from the boy, and moving closer to his dragon by the tree - and sitting back by the base of it, just had a meditative look on his face.

Yet, all while he sat there he wondered what his future would hold, and he wondered if Ryker would be there beside him . . . he really hoped he would. It would be a shame if he wasn't. And he rested he elbow on his knee and his head on his hand, his head slightly tilting as he looked at the small group. He didn't have many friends, but he was quite happy with the ones he did have - and he gave a small sigh before again sneaking a glance at Ryker, it was one of longing and sadness. Should he ruin a friendship by doing something outlandish? It could change the dynamics, plus what would Ryker think of him. No, it's better he kept it to himself- locked deep within his heart, never to think of it again. And he found himself staring at the ground for a moment before standing and leaning against the tree.

Hey...you never told me your name. He said through the link, turning his head to look at his dragon. He was conflicted and distracted, he didn't need that right now - he just needed to focus on being a rider. He needed to purge these thoughts before they lead to something else . His expression was replaced with his usual impassive face, and he hated what he had become.

Navi yawned again, her jaws gaping enormously. 'I think I may,' she murmured, her eye lids drooping heavily. Navi lowered her head to rest on her paws, curling into a tight ball with her tail tip covering her nose and her wings tucked in close. Her eyelids closed, covering the glittering purple-blue orbs. Hearing the girl's words, she opened one eye. 'I will be here,' she said softly, her voice laced with exhaustion. 'Be careful...' Her voice trailed off into sleepy mumbling as the great dragoness drifted into a deep sleep.

The female smiled toothly, clearly slightly amused that she had managed to stump him, even if it was only momentary. 'Myself? Well, I like shades of flame. Though I also enjoy the color blue and black. For food... roasted beef and goat is delicious. We grew up mostly eating goat, since the mountain goats were mostly what we could get. But every now and then we were allowed to steal a cow or two from nearby farmers.' She sighed heavily. 'Not often enough, in my opinion.' She sat down, curling her tail around her paws and tilting her head in thought. What else should she ask? She was terrible at these things, she was always awkward and unsure of how to interact with new people, let alone humans.

The dragoness moved forward slightly when her human cried out in pain, tilting her head. She'd heard that the bond could be painful for some humans, but hadn't expected it to be quite so much. Her worry was soothed, however, when her human looked back up and her hands dropped. She made a soft noise in her throat, one meant to be soothing, as she sidled a little closer to the small human.

'We are a beautiful pair, then,' Aalis said in response to the compliment, practically preening. She'd gotten enough compliments to be aware she could be seen as a beautiful dragon, but she found her human quite pretty as well, adorable in her smallness. 'Your hair is very pretty, I love it,' the Light Dragon said, blinking her large, glowing eyes at her rider. 'And your freckles! They're adorable, like little constellations on your face,' Aalis continued, peering intently at her little rider.

When her human mentioned Nava, Aalis nodded her head, rocking her weight in a way that almost mirrored a cat readying to pounce. Instead of pouncing, though, Aalis sat up, allowing her weight to sit on her hind legs and her tail. She lifted her head, scanning the crowd for the pink scales of her sister. When she spotted Nava, the crystal dragon had settled down near the ice dragon she'd gone to meet previously. She pointed one of her forepaws in the direction of her sister, looking down at her rider, before realizing that, being as short as she was, her rider likely couldn't see as well as Aalis did.

The dragoness dropped her weight back down gingerly, thinking about how to solve the issue when she heard her humans name. Keziah. Keziah Layne. Aalis gave the closest imitation to a smile that she could. 'I was right, your name is very pretty. And you have two names, like me! Aalis Soile and Keziah Layne. Do all humans have two names? Most dragons don't have two names, I'm quite an oddity,' Aalis said, glancing at the humans nearby. Did they all have two names? Was there a reason for having multiple names among humans?

She would have to tell Nava about it- Nava! Aalis perked up once again, pushing her weight up and holding out her front paws, gently kneading the air a little above her human. 'Would it be okay if I picked you up and showed you who Nava is? Maybe she'll even see you. Or we can go and say hello to her afterwards? Or I can take you over to K'issuk's little human boy, he's quite adorable, K'issuk did well with him.' Aalis thought for a moment, glancing at Nava. 'I wonder if Nava has found her human yet. I'd love to meet them if she has. I have to make sure I like her human, or I don't know what I'll do!'

Kai let out a startled yelp as he was splashed. His clothes were quickly drenched, though the sun shining overhead would make the drying process fast. Laughing slightly, he removed his jacket and lay it out flat on the grass to dry. He didn't mind the drenching, he was actually slightly warm so the splash helped to cool him off a bit.
"How about you pick where to start. I've heard every dragon has different abilities, so I have no idea what you're able to do. Actually," he paused, squinting at the larger dragon. "How do you keep those water droplets on you? Don't they dry up almost immediately?" Kai sat down, folding his legs neatly on the grass. His hair and face shimmered with water droplets, but he made no move to wipe his face, knowing that his wet sleeves would only make the situation worse. He stretched his arms out behind him, leaning back to prop himself up on them, his palms flat on the grass. It tickled a little, but he didn't mind.