Radiance of a Single Sun, Harvesk's Mating Run

[nikkisan]

Unease filled Harvesk as she tried to rest. No matter how she twisted her body, she couldn't get comfortable. If she were human, she'd be flush with color from the heat coursing through her. She growled sharply and stretched, turning onto her side as her handler entered her den. Normally she was pleased with his presence - right now, however, it merely made things in the space more uncomfortable.

It wasn't that Harvey was there to bother her on purpose, a part of her knew. Still, when he touched her warm hide, she turned and snapped at him, causing the man to back up a single step to avoid being caught between her teeth. An unasked question floated between them, and the gold let her head settle back down on her forelegs. Soon. Wish to be alone. Go away.

"Run well. Only the best."

Harvesk crooned in response, reaching out just before he could retreat to nuzzle him gently. Nothing but best.

Smiling, Harvey made his retreat final, making sure he left the door loose enough for her to push through without effort. His footsteps were quiet and soft as he cut through the sticky night air, his destination the small office he kept off of his room. He knew from experience that whers did not effect their handlers with lust as dragons did - handlers did not have to mate, as riders did.

None the less, he knew with a deep bond, it was always possible to feel something, and really, it was enough to make Harvey want to sequester himself in that little room. There he could work on paperwork, not have to worry about any wants or needs, and before long, everything would be back to a normal level he could properly handle. It was as he closed the door, then lowered himself into his chair, that he felt the first pang come from Harvesk.

Stretching, the gold decided it was finally time. She spread her wings, unusually long for a wher, and made sure her body was ready for the run to come. She nosed out of her den and looked around, inhaled the scent of the night air. With a snarl, she started to run, away from the dens, away from the Weyr. Chase! The single command was sent out to the whers living within Neora, to the wild ones living nearby.

Let them try to catch her. She would not make it easy for them.

(ooc: The winner of the run will be determined using RO. Also, NPC males are more than welcome to participate.)

[amber]

A large Iron had been watching the weyr for days now. His moon colored hide glowing in the darkness. He'd seen the Gold when she made her way to the weyr for the first time and had been watching her for days now. He knew her time was going and soon. He'd won many run in his days and this would be another jewel in his crown. He was the biggest baddest wher in the area and none dared to challenge him.

Not Bronze or Iron, and certainly not Coal. The wild females teased and taunted as they ran, this one was different. She was bonded and did not know him and would have other suitors. Males that had no idea who he was or his status as the local king. He'd made a kill the night before and was spending tonight in waiting outside the entrance to the dragon home. Suddenly he heard her and then saw her.

Beautiful, and golden. Her hide was slick and her body full of health, yes with him she'd lay the largest clutch Pern had seen. In the blink of an eye he was chasing her. White hide stretching and contracting as he ran after her. I chase. Run far. he said, his voice like liquid iron. He followed behind her leaving about half a dragonlength between them as to no anger her.

[remorsful_rain]

A low pleased hum rumbled out of Mihsk’s chest as he rose from his nap. Tail swinging hypnotically back and forth he made for the door.

“Do you ever-.” Mihkel started to scold, but a pang of want and lust cut him off. “She’s running isn’t she?” He’d be a fool if he hadn’t noticed Harvesk’s glowing hide. His voice, regularly a ribbon of blue around him was a thin sheet of almost white. He was terrified. His old brain injury had done more than give him the ability to see sounds and taste words. His bond with Mihsk went deeper than it should have. Which meant while a run didn’t have to end in the pair falling into bed, he needed release. It wasn’t as strong as a dragon’s for sure, but if he locked himself away in his room he would be grumpy and surly for days. At least until taking care of it himself wore the edge off. Usually there was a looser to the run that was willing for some play, but this time…

Of course she runs! And no worry. Only Iron here and he not win. No compare. Harvesk tossed his head as he stepped outside and scanned for the flash of gold. His powerful muscled legs propelled him forward and he had caught up to Harvesk and the iron in to time. Oh Mr. Big and Bad thought he would win just like that? Ha. Mihsk had the best endurance out of any of the whers at Neora (no it didn‘t matter the number was small). I chase Harvesk. We run to the end of world together.

Mihk whimpered as he stumbled down the hall. This wasn’t fair one little head injury as a child and he was stuck with this for the rest of his life… At least Mihsk didn’t always chase greens and he rarely won them. Made the problem easier to get rid of. Whining with another spike of lust from his wher, Mihk flopped bonelessly in front of Harvey’s door. He shouldn’t even be here, oh why does fate hate him? His head and back fell back against the door with a thunk.

[nikkisan]

Harvesk rumbled in her chest as the wild iron appeared. Large, the color of pale moonlight, he was acceptable she decided. That did not mean his chances were improved, and that certainly did not mean she would make things easy for him. Let him chase, prove himself, she would run faster, further, he would never catch her.

When Mihsk appeared, familiar Mihsk, she crooned. Then growled, more at herself than the bronze. Going soft and simple during her run was not going to help her cause. Never mind that he too would give her beautiful, healthy children. He would have to work as well, harder than the iron perhaps, to prove to her that he was deserving of the honor of being her mate.

So far, they were the only two to appear, a disappointing number to be sure. Logically, lust aside, she knew it should not be surprising considering the low wher numbers at Neora. But there were others who could chase within the stone walls, and they would hear of her displeasure later. Still, if they chose to appear, however deep into the run things were, she would not turn them away.

Pushing her thoughts away, the wher focused her attention on the muscles in her legs, the feeling of the cool earth beneath her paws. The thrill that hit her and ran through her body made her trill happily. This was an amazing feeling, knowing she was in charge, in the lead, could make the males follow her with little more than a call and twist of her body.

More though. She wanted more. To run further, to make them do whatever she desired. And they would, if they wanted to improve their chances. With a snarl, she ducked beneath brush, twisted through the trees, trying to confuse her suitors and scatter them.

In his office, Harvey heard the thump against his door, heard it a second time as he crossed the room to the door. His fingers itched as they reached for the handle, and somehow he knew who would be on the other side. When he pulled it open, Mihk fell against him, landing hard against Harvey's chest.

It pulled the breath from Harvey. That scent, the one that he could never escaped, filled his senses, and his lip curled in a silent snarl. He should, he knew, push Mihk from the room and close the door. Instead, he found himself curling an arm around his assistant's waist, drawing him in before closing the portal off.

Only then did he turn Mihk around, straighten him on his feet, hands on the bronzehandler's shoulders. He could feel strength there, through the muscles beneath his fingers, and Faranth if he didn't want to shove fabric aside to get his touch on bare skin. "Yes?" Simple, to the point, totally Harvey.

[remorsful_rain]

Mihk let out a startled noise as he found himself against Harvey’s broad chest. He hadn’t been expecting the man to open the door let alone let him come inside. After all the wherling master didn’t seem like the type to give in to the tinges of lust from a run. Actually Mihk wondered if the man ever had sex to be honest, well other than with the floozy’s that sometimes threw themselves at him. He was drug inside and spun around. Strong warm hands gripped his shoulders and Mihk let loose an embarrassing whimper as the familiar comforting red of Harvey’s voice filled his vision. He could do this, he could hold on.

“I was... I was just you know hanging outside your door. I can’t really help it. I’m a little messed up in here.” Mihk vaguely gestured to his head. “The lust affects me more than most. Runs are torture and I was hoping knowing you were inside would help.” He didn’t meet the Goldhandlers eyes. So embarrassing, and now he’d lost his brain to mouth filter.

----

Mihsk’s legs rippled as he ran, muscles bunched and pushed his hulk forward. His brain demanded her run faster and harder, until Harvesk was his. The iron would soon fall behind he was sure of it! Ha! Slow beast. The bronze snorted and tried to gain up in the gold. Instead she ducked under some brush and dashed off amongst some trees. Now that wasn’t fair! Mihsk plowed straight through the brush and nearly collided with a tree on the other side. He was less maneuverable than other bronzes his size but he most certainly hadn’t lost Harvesk or the run. His senses were keen, and made up for any loss of distance. Pushing forward yet again he followed her scent. The iron seemed content to stay where he was and Mihsk snorted. He knew nothing of females apparently. Or at least this female. He had the upper hand. Run faster Harvesk. Give good run. Our children will be best ever on Pern!

[nikkisan]

Harvey nodded as Mihk spoke, and when he finished, his gaze darted away, he pressed a set of fingers to the other man's cheek. If Mihk stayed, Harvey knew what would happen, and really, at the moment... he simply did not care what consequences there would be tomorrow.

He continued to stroke that soft skin, finding it felt smooth and wonderful beneath his touch. When he spoke, there was a tinge of fondness there, despite the words which were unmistakably commonplace for him. "You're an idiot, Mihkel. You could have just let yourself in."

And then, not allowing the chance for a response, Harvey cupped the back of Mihk's head, and drew him in for a kiss. Hard, demanding, letting Mihk know exactly what Harvey would take if he stayed.

[amber]

He smirked to himself when the Bronze appeared. Sure the Bronze was fat as a wherry and sleek as a herdbeast, but let's face it. He had nothing on him. He crooned to the poor thing, why was he even bothering? None knew these woods like him, he was their king. When the Gold rumbled at him he crooned back and kept following. His legs pounding a steady rhythm as he followed.

Run pretty Gold. Cross the planet as the sun does and I shall follow as your moon. Ever chasing. he crooned as he dodged and wove in the underbrush. He was slightly upset for her by the sorry turn out of suitors, but was more pleased that he would win. He kept the same distance between them at all times, not caring what the fat, lazy, tame, bronze did.

[remorsful_rain]

Mihk jumped as he felt finger touch his cheek. Fearful green eyes locked onto Harvey’s face. What was the man doing tempting him like this? It wasn’t fair, not with so many thoughts of improper things running through his mind. “B-but the door was locked?” Had it been? He hadn’t even thought to check. Hadn’t wanted to really. He didn’t want this, well yes he did. As far as the deep feeling of lust, he wanted all of it, Harvey, the bed, no sleep because they were too busy doing other things. The half of him that was actually thinking it’s usual a million miles a minute, told him he didn’t want the awkward morning after, the memory of tonight always haunting him, the taste of what he couldn’t have. Though with the purple tinged crimson of Harvey saying his name, still tantalizing his vision, Mihk found his resolve crumbling.

Then Harvey kissed him. On the mouth. Once the part of him that was squealing like some fan girl was done and the other part that was thinking Oh yeah I just got kissed by Harvey, eat your hearts out girls cause he’s never going back, finally quieted… he paused and took stock. Harvey was letting him know exactly what was going to happen if he didn’t turn around and walk right out that door. Which his feet seemed perfectly fine where they were so he wasn’t going anywhere. Whining a little as their lips parted he once again looked away. “Not leaving…”

[nikkisan]

Had Harvey known Mihk would have tasted this good, he was certain he would have kissed the man sooner. As soon as their mouths parted, he pursed his lips to keep a whimper away, and when Mihk turned his head and spoke, those very lips decided the smooth skin beneath his ear needed attention. "Good. Don't want you to leave." He backed them up towards the door, just so he could flick the lock. As it clicked into place, his teeth gently bit down on the skin and he chuckled, sending warm puffs of air over the dampened flesh. "Now it's locked."

Now that it was guaranteed they wouldn't be interrupted - and Harvey would have a few extra seconds to jump if Mihk tried to run - his free fingers slid to a clothed hip and curled around him, drawing Mihk closer, sighing as their bodies pressed together. "Too many clothes." He murmured, mouth now pressed to the pulse point of Mihk's neck, tongue and teeth drawing the skin into his mouth, an act that would surely leave marks there in the morning.

Good. Harvey wanted Mihk to be marked. Wanted that reminder on his skin. Wanted Mihk to know who he belonged to when he looked in the mirror.

[remorsful_rain]

Mihk made an undignified noise and Harvey mouthed at the sensitive skin under his ear. He was putty in the man’s hands now and easily moved with him as the door was locked. The small click sent a thrill through him. It meant the Harvey was keeping any others out, but also keeping them in. He knew he should be freaking out that he was now trapped, but the over active buzzing was fading away to a smooth sweet feeling of pleasure. It wasn’t fair; Harvey seemed to exude confidence and a solid presence in everything he did.

Mihk eagerly moved closer as the Wherlingmaster pulled him in. A short breath escaped his lips as they connected. One tentative hand fisted in the front of Harvey’s tunic and when that went on without any negative response, his other hand reached up to curve around the man’s ribs. He let loose a soft whine as Harvey bit his neck and went loose and limp, completely leaning against his possible lover. He didn’t even know he could do that… Though as long as Harvey stayed away from the back of his neck he’d be alright… “Why don’t you get them off me then? Or at least start putting your hands to good use?” Mihk gasped, somewhat embarrassed by the stressed ice blue of his voice.

[nikkisan]

(ooc: Since I'm not getting anymore participants, I'm calling an end to the run with this post. A little power playing was had, sorry ladies. Random order results are as follows, and the winner may have the lucky boy in question catch Harvesk in their next post.)

Outside, Harvesk was growing tired. The twists and turns becoming too much. Other wild whers had joined the race, but none seemed to catch, or keep, up quite like the iron and Mihsk. She panted as her claws dug into the earth, as she pushed herself forward to an impossible goal. She could not outrun them, no matter how hard she tried, and she knew the time had come to make her choice.

The iron would be a fine sire, she knew. He was wild and strong, spoke pretty words that appeased her ego. The sun and the moon, that would be them. Running together through the wilds, drenched in starlight and shadows. Mihsk could be the mate she wanted and deserved as well. Young, strong, fit, twisted around her paw. They would be together daily, she would not need to worry about his attention straying.

It didn't make her mind ease toward one or the other, however. Both had qualities she could not deny, and it was difficult to find much fault in either. She snarled at her indecisiveness and decided she had to draw this out for longer. That would be the only way to make up her mind. Ducking as low to the ground as she could, she directed her body towards an particularly thick outcropping of stone and brush.

She scrambled over the rock, ducked into the green, tried to avoid the rustles of her suitors when the sounds alerted her to their presence. When she came out, she howled when she saw the iron waiting for her, and she ducked away, only to feel his teeth in her tail. No, that would not do, and she would not allow him to get away with it. Turning, she unsheathed a set of talons and raked them across his face, crooning as ichor dripped from his wounds.

Mistake. That left only one in her mind, and her attention went to Mihsk. She pushed past thickets in her attempts to reach him, and she brushed invitingly against his side before taking off again. Come claim yours, Mihsk.

"Pushy." But Harvey liked it, liked this side of Mihk. He pushed them closer to the bed, his knee dropping between Mihk's thighs and lifting him. Holding the man's body like that, Harvey managed to shuffle them the rest of the way. "You have plans for later?" Under his lips, he felt Mihk shake his head - or maybe he was shivering, Harvey couldn't tell - and he smirked against skin he couldn't stop tasting. "Well, you do now."

He fell on the bed, drawing Mihk with him, tangling their limbs and lips and tongues together as they rolled. When he found himself hovering over his assistant, he laced their fingers together and drew Mihk's hands over his head. There he held them, his eyes taking in Mihk, their depths filled with hungry and want and need for the man beneath him, not a sheen or hint of outside influence clouding the emotions there.

This was Harvey, all of him, and he knew exactly what he was doing.

Drawing Mihk's hands together, Harvey held them in place with one set of fingers simply so the other could go to work pulling Mihk's tunic away. The last button slipped away when he gasped and arched against Mihk, chuckled and leaned down to kiss him. "I'll send Mihsk a basket later." Now, there were other, more important things to focus on, like working their way to skin on skin contact.

(Now that the run is over, that means there will be wher babies soon. And they will need Candidates. So make some people. XP)