[PRP] Fathomless Fright (Kleoth, Negoncath, riders)

[Tsunake]

Tsunake

Kleoth trumpeted with delight as they appeared exactly where they wanted, her massive wings beating as she gently lowered herself to the ground. Phryana freed herself from her straps, her teeth bared in a fierce, exultant grin before she composed herself. She couldn't be more satisfied, knowing their hard work had paid odd.off

Once Hers was safely dismounted, Kleoth immediately swung her head around to investigate her smaller sibling, sensing something amiss. I'm delighted to see that you and Yours returned safely. But are you alright? She all but radiated with concern and warmth alike, however, perhaps sensing her sweet sister's distress.

Prism Shine

Safely on the ground, Nonami had dismounted on shaky legs. Hands clung tight to straps, nearly clinging as if the solid warmth reminder that they were there with Negoncath, that they were safe and warm and alive, would ease the trembling fear of such a close dance with death once more. Warm, alive. There's but a breath of cold air before Herb is winding her way into the collar of Nonami's riding jacket, trying to soothe her owner's distress.

At Kleoth's voice, Negoncath perked from where she'd been nosing her rider gently, her wing partially sheltering them away beneath a wing. As I am ever so delighted to see you and Yours safely home as well, kindest Kleoth. Looking resplendent in triumph from today's drills. The small green trilled softly, the warmest affection in her tone like sun-warmed honey. The wisps of affection curling but never quite overtaking the worry in her eyes. I am faring. We had.. a few scares. She pauses, as if considering her words. Never one to be vocal of her own woes, Negoncath tucked a wing -- and thus, her rider -- close to her side. Too many close calls, but much better to hesitate and check, hm?

Checking was better than dead, certainly.

Kleoth didn't hesitate to take long, elegant strides to hasten to Negoncath's side, her eyes whirling bright with yellow and orange streaks. She briefly nuzzled her sister before ducking her head to look at the small rider protected under a light green wing. Much better. She agreed, gently pressing her muzzle against Nonami's front while sending waves of warmth, reassurance, and love. That fear can be crippling, I know, but the pair of you rose above the challenge and succeeded.

Phryana didn't need much urging to slide from her beloved's neck, sweeping what hair had escaped from her carefully tied bun behind an ear. "Nonami?" Her voice was a harsh rasp, elevated from her concern. "Are you alright?"

They weren't dead, which was the most important thing.

Prism Shine

 

[Prism Shine]

As Kleoth approached, a soft whuff of a croon as she nuzzles Kleoth gently in return. Negoncath withdrew her wing slightly -- to let her dear sister have more room to her beloved rider. Nonami was the center of Negoncath's world, but there was a softness for Kleoth and Phryana that stemmed before finding her beloved. For as much as she flooded their bond with love and warmth, Negoncath had been shaken by the experience -- it was almost second nature to shove her own ills aside. But with her feet on the ground, her talons digging in slightly to the stone and gravel beneath her, the worry and fear was draining from her eyes.

Her sister was here -- she and Nonami were alive. Things would be okay. We made it, and being back home is certainly soothing. There's so much to learn from, at least..

Nonami hadn't been aware when they'd clenched their eyes, somewhere lost in the breathing techniques they'd learned before returning to the hatching sands to soothe impending panic attacks. Yet they scrubbed away the offending wetness, even as a shaky hand reached out to stroke Kleoth's cheek appreciatively. The queen was beautiful, lovely as that hatching day had been. Yet they soak in the reassurance and love happily -- a warmth that chased off the chill of fear even through their bond with Negoncath.

Seeing Phryana had whatever grip of composure Nonami had on their emotions slip -- one tear, two, three. They sniffed, trying to scrub them away before they got overwhelmed. "I -- we got so close to... I almost got us ---" The word kept catching in their throat, as if giving the phrase would give it some kind of power. With a shudder, Nonami clutched at their sleeve hem. "We almost.. f-failed two of our jumps."

Tsunake

 

[Tsunake]

Kleoth would never forget how Hers, as sharp and bitter as she was, had stood by someone smaller and in need. Nonami would always be someone she was particularly fond of, and who could resent dear Negoncath with all her sweetness? It grated on some, but Kleoth knew her sister was genuine about each and every compliment. Her croon at the other rider's touch was soft with affection, and she withdrew reluctantly when Phryana approached. It was an easy excuse to turn her affection on her sister instead. Yes. She said firmly. You both made it, and that is the most important thing. I never had any doubts.

Phryana listened in silence, her features hardened by the slight frown she wore. "But you didn't." She said roughly, reaching out with a gentleness that was at odds with her tone to take Nonami by the shoulders. "You didn't fail. You were smart enough to check your coordinates, or you got lucky. And that means you can study up on where you were lacking so that you'll be certain to succeed again next time." Hearing Nonami admit to coming so close to death made something cold and unpleasant twist in her guts, but she wasn't about to dwell on it right now.

"We all believe in you," Phryana said more softly. "Me, Kleoth, and Negoncath. We'll support you however we can." Kleoth added her voice as a rumble, her eyes whirling a bit faster.

Prism Shine