Holiday Chase Recorded by Cathairte Anaess The ringing of bells split muted silence of the swirling snow that had come to settle upon Cathair Utopian as if in a blessing. All around the Central Plaza there were colored lights, mistletoe, firework displays, and an abundance of tightly wrapped, rosey-cheeked passersby, who smiled gaily and exchanged gifts with loved ones. Hearkening to the bells, many stopped in their tracks. At least, those who knew those bells to be the Holiday Frenzy summons. Young women, wearing rich colors of red, green and blue, as well as white and soft pastel colors, hurried to the dragon Chase. The men followed close behind, in bedazzling firework hues. Their shouts mingled with the angry cries of the dragons that had landed in the ryanth corrals. Although a dragon's natural instinct is to feed, it seemed that in the spirit of the holidays the dragons did not give in to their hunger, instead sucking the blood from their lifeless prey, much to the relief of their riders. Starry Cembaloth was first into the air, her rider, musical Morrigan, clasping her hands below. The other female dragons, all starries save one, a rainbow starry, followed quickly. The holiday males, not to be outdone, vaulted into the air after their respective quarries. Rainbow Spiffy used her small size to great advantage, darting between her fellows agilely. When silver Gareth attempted to grab her by the tail, she whipped it across his face and resumed her flight. Gareth decided instead to pursue starry Quinith. She screamed her outrage, and it reached the ears of the onlookers on the ground, who were singing carols and sharing champagne, toasting the dragons... Spiffy had begun to get tired, and she started relying too heavily on her agility. Icy blue Khaavreth noticed her fatigued state, and left off chasing Shirahath to aid her. The rainbow starry was no longer so eager to get away from the males, and willingly accepted Khaavreth into her arms. The two drifted downward to quiet strains of 'Jingle Bells'... Khalbalahath, a light-brown dragon without a rider, floated aimlessly, not quite intent on the female dragons around him. Every nerve fiber in his body longed to catch them, but his mind wasn't on his task. The only one he wanted there was starry Chvehath, and she seemed out of the question. Quinith eyed Gareth appraisingly, flying just out of his reach, tempting, teasing. The starry dragon knew that Gareth was after her, and that he was probably a good choice of mate, but she also knew she wouldn't give up that easily. Still... Chvehath frantically clawed the air. Icy blue Hawk was on her tail, quite literally, holding on with both front paws. Chvehath twisted her neck to stare icily at Hawk, and roared in his face. Khalbalahath heard her, and looked down, fury in his eyes... Light blue Choreoth followed Cembaloth, intent on grabbing her. The beautiful starry dragon wasn't paying attention to him, and he knew he could grab her, if only she would slow down... Starry Daekith closed her eyes and cruised for a moment, secure in the knowledge that because of the hubbub of the Frenzy, she could escape... Suddenly, she struck something hard, and opened eyes tinged red with anger. Platinum Jacosath grinned and stared back, finally intertwining his neck with hers. Daekith calmed, and allowed herself to be escorted back to the ground. Khalbalahath plumeted toward Chvehath and Hawk, hitting Hawk squarely and knocking Chvehath free of his clutches. Hawk spluttered and roared angrily, but seeing the rage in Khalbalahath's eyes, he backed off. Shirahath, a lonely starry, was waiting for him. Hello handsome, she mind-murmured, and the two united. Chvehath gazed at Khalbalahath. Thank you.. Khalbalahath nodded, and Chvehath floated gracefully down beside him. The two twisted together and descended. Hahahaha! Gotcha! Choreoth cackled with glee, and Cembaloth had to laugh with him. Very well. Quinith's eyes softened and she joined with Gareth and the two followed the other couples down, where fireworks and champagne celebrated the end of the Utopian Holiday Frenzy. Silver Gareth and Starry Quinith Icy blue Khaavreth and Rainbow Spiffy Icy blue Hawk and Starry Shirahath Light brown Khalbalahath and Starry Chvehath Platinum Jacosath and Starry Daekith Light blue Choreoth and Starry Cembaloth Pathways to the dragons and their respective riders: Females: Allelle and starry Daekith Parle and Rainbow-starry Spiffy Morrigan and starry Cembaloth Alida and starry Quinith Alishe and starry Shirahath Triia and starry Chvehath Males: Tandri and icy blue Khaavreth Miza and icy blue Hawk Dancer and light-blue Choreoth Light brown Khalbalahath B'kan and platinum Jacosath Caelen and Silver Gareth