"Well, here we are!" Noone announced proudly as he strutted beside Ylpeath over the fair grasses of the Special Clutch Zone. A fluttering, bronze cape wavered in the soft breeze behind him, actually accenting his matching attire of a white, silk shirt and tanned riding pants. For once in his life, the pompus Lord looked less like a peacock. The glitter and shine of his multitudes of jewels still blinded the eye with their brilliance.

Indeed we are. The large, Healing Den born bronze-white spoke with a jump of excitment in his cultured voice. Ylpeath had been similarly dressed up for this special occasion. His perfect bronze hide gleamed like a precious gem, desirable but untouchable to even the most crafty thief. White wing sails and crests glowed with fresh light, almost a crowning glory to his masculine self. The large bronze-white lifted his tail carefully as he picked his way across the ground, each step a careful prance that didn't fully give away his eagerness to be here.

Here, was the first flight of his life. Both rider and dragon looked eagerly at the three awaiting females (of their own race of course). Ylpeath stopped and gazed imperiously at the selection. Being of less height, Noone struck a pose and dared not meet the eye of another contender on this field.

Green, green... Ylpeath let out a long, exasperated sigh and swung his head around to face his rider. They're all green!

Hush now. Noone quieted the disappointment in his bond's mind. He was a bronze! He deserved a gold! Remember, dear Lord Ylpeath, they're all special too. Green-white, silver-green... The Lord patiently listed off admirable qualities of each female.

Yes... I suppose so. But- Oh! Before Ylpeath had a chance to go on with his complaints, he caught sight of a most wonderous treasure. She's- she's beautiful! He crooned delightedly. Noone looked curiously in the direction of his dragon's gaze and caught a glimpse of the magnificant white-gold that had Ylpeath breathless. Again Noone was slightly confused as Ylpeath began striding off towards his prize without another word to his rider.

"Humphf! I guess I know where I stand!" The Lord exclaimed, watching a white tipped tail retreating towards the other dragons. Turning with a florish, he flicked his cape over his shoulder and stuck his nose in the air, intent on walking off to find some beauties of his own race.

He didn't have to walk far before plowing directly into someone of the female persuasion. That's what happens when one walks with one's nose in the clouds. Both riders tumbled to the ground in a heap of limbs and bronze cloth. Fortunately, neither were hurt and only Noone's dignity had been bruised.

"Oh...." The woman groaned, rubbing her head as she sat up. "Sorry about that. I wasn't watching where I was going."

Noone sat up in a flustered state, his cape thrown over his head and his hair out of place. He opened his mouth to reply with a scathing outburst, yet stopped as the bronze fabric was removed from his vision and he gazed upon the other victim. "Quite alright my dear." Noone heard himself saying. There was wonder in his eyes and his jaw hadn't quite shut yet. "Entirely my fault."

"Thanks." The woman smiled lightly, liquid brown eyes meeting his. She has a slender figure and dark hair that curled around her shapely face like a silken veil. "Name's Angeoria."

For a moment, the grand Lord of Whitemark Manor didn't comprehend the simple invitation. He stood quickly, flashing her a winning smile and holding out his hand to help her up. "Noone. Lord Noone." He returned in a purring voice reserved only for the women he truely wanted to impress.

"Lord?" Angeoria asked with an inquizative interest. She brushed off her pants and ran a hand through her thick hair.

"Yes." The Lord returned, his mind suddenly blank of all his normal tricks. "I was formerly a very important lord on Tris'Hath before I Impressed Ylpeath."

"That's interesting. You're from Tris'Hath?" Angeoria grinned. Noone felt his heart stop.

He nodded dumbly, blue eyes wide with wonder. How could one woman be so enchanting? "I- I-" Something in his mind snapped back into place suddenly. He straightened and smiled graciously. "I've lived there my whole life. A few years ago, riders from the Warren came searching for a willing candidate for the Healing Den. Naturally, I was the best choice and gladly went along. I'm bonded to that large brute over there." Noone motioned grandly to his Ylpeath, who was having a wonderful time himself conversing with Xhorieth.

"That's my Xhorieth with him." Angeoria's voice rippled with light laughter as she watched her white-gold grudgingly accept the bronze-white into her presence.

"She's quite the beauty. Only fitting for a woman of your stature." Noone smiled slyly, casting Angeoria a glance out of the corner of his eye. To his astonishment, she didn't giggle and blush like most girls would. Instead, she smiled lightly and looked up at him.

"Thanks." There was a moment of awkward silence as Noone didn't know what to do when girls didn't twitter and blush at his compliments. "Um... I have to go." Angeoria nodded in the direction she had previously been heading and smiled a goodbye. "I'll see you around, Noone."

"Yes, of course." Noone returned the goodbye and watched her go. And then there was one. He sighed deeply, sitting down on the soft, green grass of the field with his swirling thoughts.

She's the only gold rider here. Ylpeath intruded suddenly. The large bronze lay a fair distance away, where he had been left while Xhorieth went off on her own business. His voice held an unusual amount of calm. She's also the Weyrwoman of Abri Weyr.

Noone blinked at the new information, dumbstruck. Ylpeath continued.

She and Xhorieth are here on their first flight. She's hoping to extend her genetic uniqueness. As there are only two other contenders so far, neither with a hint of bronze, I'd say our chances are quite high. The bronze-white blinked calmly. I want to win.

Weyrwoman! Noone's mind exclaimed in wonderment. She's a Weyrwoman, which would mean that this is a very important flight. If Ylpeath wins... His thoughts trailed off with a great amount of awe. This was their first flight, for both of them. How could one woman, one simple woman, be so amazing. "I want you to win."

Lord Ylpeath is flying here.