J'om "Hey, Jiom! Wake up!" PERSONA: GENDER: AGE:  ORIGIN:  Danach OCCUPATION/RANK:  HAIR: EYES:  PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: VOICE QUALITY: CLOTHING: FAMILY: RELATIONS:  Weetzie SKILLS:  PASTIMES/HOBBIES: PERSONALITY: CLUTCH (@ DARK MOON) IMPRINTED: #4, starry Zyranth & copper Tyrith Jiom's eyes opened; he rubbed the dark brown orbs free of their sleepy haze. "What is it?" "You've slept through half the morning! C'mon! You're an apprentice drummer, remember? You can't afford to sleep in!" Jiom shook his head to clear the confusion. "I had such a weird dream.." His sister, Linke, the person who had rudely awakened him, shook him again, then raced off to who-knows-where. Jiom sat up in bed, and hopped out, pulling on his baggy black pants and black turtleneck with flashy green, red, and yellow designs. He shook out his dread-locks, then tossed on a small black cap with the same red-green-yellow design lines around the brim. Then, he ran through the doorway, out into the dawn. It was cold, and he shivered, wishing he had put on something warmer, tho' he knew the afternoon would bring heat enough to warm all. On the horizon, a pink light grew, fading into a clear, light blue. Jiom walked toward the Drums. Sitting at the drums, he looked to his Instructor. The middle-aged man sighed. "Jiom, late again. I can't keep you if you intend to steal a morning's work away with your sleep!" Jiom bowed his head, rubbing his light brown arms to keep them warm. He raised beseeching dark brown eyes, almost black, to his Instructor. "I apologize. It's just..I'm so tired!" His Instructor shook his head wearily, and gestured for Jiom to begin. "My only pride in you is your ability to play. Your drumming is so powerful! If you would just get your head to follow that perfection, the rest of you will get into line as well. Begin." Jiom threw himself into the drumming, jamming with all his strength on the hollow drums. The beat carried his body along; his dreads swung to and fro, his eyes were fierce, he bit his lip and weaved his body in time to the music. He tried to drum away his sleepiness, the tiring ache in his bones. He fought the urge to close his eyes, and thought instead of the music swirliing around him like firelizards and hazy pink clouds and jungle beasts and twining vines blooming with vivid red petals. He thought of the proud, majestic dragons fighting Tabriz; that was what his song was about. The flight of a strong copper dragon and his followers, flaming, roaring their defiance of the terrible enemy, Tabriz. Then he thought of the passionate, furious mating Chase of the dragons..a shining starry dragon entwined with a powerful copper, gleaming in the brightness, the riders below lost in dragon-roused lust. His drumming faded, sounding forlorn and lost, as the dragon in the drumming went between and never returned, their rider clawing furiously at her throat. The story of Moreta's Ride, drumming style, or at least what he knew of it. His Instructor patted Jiom on the back, proudly. "Well done, Jiom! Such power! Such focus! You are a great drummer, indeed." Jiom blushed, bloomed, both embarrassed and filled with his own happy pride. "Thank you!" Shortly after his drumming lesson, Jiom was called to the Healing Den by his friend R'bin, for a new candidate there was preparing to perform.  When he arrived, he was introduced to the singer.  Jiom was struck dumb by the strange beauty of the girl--with an equally strange name, Weetzie--and instantly agreed to be her backup vocals and drummer in her band, as she requested.  It appeared that she liked him too; more than once he felt her eyes on him, generally when he was drumming.  At last came the day they had prepared for... Weetzie set up her guitar, stroking the pink surface lovingly.  She had gotten the man-of-all-work, R'bin, to set up glitter and lights and speakers and a microphone for her.  "Alright, Jiom, time to hit it!" she purred, and he nodded, grinning brightly, and started to beat the drums.  Weetzie stroked the guitar strings, rippling music echoing in the large auditorium.  Weetzie nodded at Jiom and smiled, before starting to sing. "I had a dream last night that I held you And you still seemed as handsome to me But when I awoke I found you missin' It's just another crazy dream for me Crazy dreams linger on as I face an empty dawn With no end to it all can I see For I've surely reached the end Lost your love to a friend Just another crazy dream for me Once you were mine and we were so happy I never thought that the end soon would be But now that you're gone, and I'm so lonesome It's just another crazy dream for me Crazy dreams linger on as I face an empty dawn With no end to it all can I see For I've surely reached the end Lost your love to a friend Just another crazy dream for me!" Weetzie smiled at Jiom and he smiled back as the two songs ended and glitter cascaded down from the ceiling.  The small audience that had formed stood around and clapped. "Thank you, we'll be here for a long while, dahlins!" Weetzie crowed, turning to gaze at Jiom.  They locked eyes until she turned away, blushing. After Weetzie left to go to her cathair, guitar slung over her shoulder, she heard the slap of bare feet against the stone floor.  She turned around to see Jiom, grinning at her. "Hey, Weetz," he said, softly.  Weetzie nodded. "You were great," she murmured, "thank you for your help."  Jiom grinned wider and looked at the ground. "Well, I was just wondering if you'd like to go to dinner."  Weetzie stepped closer to Jiom. "Sure, sugah, that sounds perfect," Weetzie purred.  "When will you--"  Jiom silenced her with a gentle, warm kiss. "I'll pick you up right now," Jiom said, wrapping his arms around her in a rare act of confidence, and lifting her up.  Her laugh sent chills through him. The dinner was simple but delicious, but somehow the mood was not quite the same.  Weetzie had apparently come down off her performing buzz, and she was aloof and cool toward him, though ever polite and sort of friendly.  Jiom was puzzled. Women, he thought to himself with a little smile.  Still, he kissed her gently on the cheek and instead of pulling away like he had predicted she would, Weetzie leaned in, planting one of her own, very gently, on his lips. "Thank you for a great dinner, Jiom," she purred flirtatiously, "you are a wonderful friend."  Jiom shook his head in puzzlement when she left. Just a friend? Jiom was flown back to Danach, where he retired to his room, worn out and wearily happy. His tired thought drifted about, until they focused on the thought of Weetzie. His deep brown eyes melted sweetly, as his sister watched, quietly giggling from a distance until Jiom heard her and chased her around the rocks. "Jiom loves Weetzie! Jiom's in lo-ove!" Jiom caught her, shaking her angrily. "What? Why do you say that? Why would you say that? How did you know..." Jiom's sister blinked, surprised at his outburst. Still, she retorted with her usual vigor- "It's hard not to notice your dreamy moon eyes! They are sweet and longing, but at the same time, they burn with a passion untold, as hot as dragonfire." Jiom let go of her, shocked, wondering, thinking out loud. "Then why hasn't she noticed?" He turned to his sister. "Tell me that!" "I d-don't know!" Jiom returned once again to his room. A dragon and their Huntrider waited outside. "Hello, Jiom." "Hello..How do you know my name?" "Oh, my dragon informed me..he thinks you'd make an excellent Rider, you know.." "That's all very well, but...what? A..RIDER?" The Huntrider laughed. "That's what I said!" "Me?" "You. Let's go!" "Where?" "Cathair Dark Moon!" The dragon, with the Rider and Jiom mounted on its back, launched into the air toward the Cathair, entering the icy cold of parallel. Jiom gasped, until they burst out in three counts, above Dark Moon. Jiom dismounted, and stepped through the Hallways of Dark Moon, to the Cathairte's quarters. "Excuse me?" "Yes?" "I was told that there were four more slots to fill..for the Sands. I'd like to apply." "Very well. Yukith?" Yes. I like him. He's powerful..yet dreamy. He'll make a good candidate. "Th-thank you!" Jiom retired, feeling happy, tho' he didn't know why. He took a look at the Sands, at the eggs resting there, then left, back to his own..-well, cathair now, I guess- he thought. On the way, Weetzie intercepted him.  Jiom was surprised, but greeted her with a shy smile, unsure of what to do. "I heard the good news. You're a candidate!" "Oh, thanks. Yeah, I guess I am." "Aren't you excited?" "Yes, yes, I am." "Oh. Good." Jiom's heart raced, to be standing in front of the part albino, one of the funkiest, loveliest women in the Cathair. "Ooh, it's time for me to eat. Come with me to the mess hall..no, I've a better idea. Want to go on a picnic?" "Sure!" Jiom and Weetzie packed cheese, bread, roast fowl, fruit, and some white wine. "It's supposed to be excellent." They climbed the rocky cliffs to a secluded, shady area, out of the sun. Eating, Weetzie chatted merrily, while Jiom listened vaguely. "I heard you drumming, this morning. I really think we should perform again." "You think so?" "Of course. You know, I'm a candidate, too. You should come to my cathair, sometime." Jiom gulped. "Should I?" Weetzie laughed, a little high and nervous sounding, Jiom noticed in triumph.  So she DOES like me! "Um..yeah. I think you should." She placed a hand on his, smiling. Jiom's heart beat faster, like a frighted dragonchen's. He leaned forward, then, suddenly unafraid. His eyes melted warmly, and Weetzie's eyes widened as they leaned toward each other. The kiss was small, but warm and welcome, and they shared many more underneath the fading sun. When it was time to leave, they held each other tightly, sharing one more kiss. "Weetzie..you know, I've always loved you, ever since that day we met." "Really?" "But I wasn't sure if you felt the same--after all, you said I was a wonderful friend.  But you kissed me...Have you any idea how confusing you are?"  Jiom grinned playfully. "Oh...I think I might have an idea."  Weetzie smiled back, kissing him again. "I must go."  Jiom nodded, and they stood, their hands still clasped.  Breaking apart, their fingers lingered, intertwined, 'til they pulled away to their own cathairs. Jiom lay on his bed, a satisfied feeling filling him from head to toe with warmth. Then he drifted off to sleep, his head filled with dragons and Weetzie. His sister watched, covering her laughter, and tiptoed off to bed. You enter Jiom's cathair, aware of the fact that he had Imprinted, from the happy look on his face, the moment he greets you. "I Imprinted!" "So I guessed." "Come see! I can't believe it! Wonderful copper Kaith..." You follow J'om into another room, where large copper Kaith rests, eyes smiling. "Hello, Kaith. This Journeyman would like to sketch you, I think." Sure, that would work for me. Perhaps, J'om, you should drum for them? J'om grins foolishly; you don't know why. "Kaith says I should drum for you. Would you like me to?" "Sure!" J'om grins, and pulls out a few small, hollow drums. He sits, and starts jammin' instantly. His whole body follows the rhythm of his song, and he begins to sing, in a rich dark voice, his own song. "Shimmering flashing Dragons dance Fighting Lizards Winning Chase Held in the air by their transparent wings Riders sing and cry out for joy! I have Imprinted A copper delight Power and wisdom Beauty and strength I become him As he flies Truly Magnificent Perfection." It was a short song, and it did not rhyme, but the thoughts and feelings it evoked in your soul made it exquisite and beautiful. You applaud wildly, and Kaith bugles, a smug, pleased look on his face. Suddenly, you hear him. It looks as if J'om does not. It was well done, was it not? He composed it for me..oh, I am happy for a rider such as he! You smile, and J'om strokes his copper, as you leave. J'om heard the quiet knock at his door, and instantly he knew that Weetzie stood behind it.  His senses tingled with excitement and expectation, and he padded barefoot to the door and opened it, smiling at his lover who stood there.  She looked lovely, dressed scantily in white silk, the moons casting a pearly glow on her alabaster skin. "I hope I didn't come at a bad time," Weetzie purred, "but Lankth is asleep and I'm lonely. "Kaith is asleep as well. You chose a good time to come...and congratulations on imprinting." Weetzie nodded, then wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him passionately, to alert him of her need. J'om responded to her desires, and the result gave a great and unexpected pleasure to each partner. Kaith awoke and bugled. After their loving, J'om and Weetzie sat, watching the stars come out. J'om sighed mightily, and Weetzie stared at him, wondering. "Weetz, I have something to tell you.." 'What is it?" "Well, Kaith will be in many Chases, soon..and I just wanted you to know, even if we catch them, I will still love you, with all my heart." Weetzie bowed her head, her heart torn, and she sat that way for a long time, thinking hard. At last she raised her head, and stared J'om straight in the eye. The hurt he saw in her regard touched his heart. "J'om, I can forgive you anything." J'om hugged her, wrapping his strong dark arms around her, and kissed her. She kissed him back, and he lay her down upon the rock, under only the stars' eyes. J'om smiled, as Kaith stood, opening his whirling blue eyes. I am going to be in starry Ambranth's chase, soon "I know, Kaith. I'm sure you'll be the best." Kaith smiled inwardly, and crooned in pleasure. I will try. But, if I do catch her, what will happen with Weetzie? "I'm not sure I still love her, things are changing between us...I don't know. All I know, is that you'll try your hardest, and I can only hope that I'll be able to join you, bound by our minds, while you pursue Ambranth with daring acrobatics, and I'll pursue Naiya with passionate song..Of course, you'll do your best!" I will, and so will you. J'om, will you please drum some songs? "To ensure your confidence, and raise our spirits, I will, for you, Kaith..I dedicate all my songs..to you." J'om pulled out his drums, and, with a more confident smile, he began, thrusting himself into the music with wild abandon. Dark Dreams As an obsidian creature I move My skin and eyes dark as the night Dark as our dreams Power in my movements I am a drum Beat upon by our strong love Too much to hold alone We cling together Sweat coating our bodies in a glistening sheen Our eyes hazy As we try to know How far down we tried to go.. Did we go too far? Rainfall Goddess The rain it falls on my head The rain it falls on my feet I watch as you dance Free Like a fairy or bird on the wing The rain it transforms you.. Into a Goddess Of liquid sparkling diamonds But brighter still are my eyes Opposite Love Blacker than Black Whiter than White Two lovers singing through the night Darker than Night Paler than Day Can love take the pain away? I'm not Sure Which way to Go I cling to you, because you know Hard as a Rock Softer than Satin When will we know what's to happen? Weak as dull Kaffee Rich as sweet Cream I can't escape from this endless dream Our pain and our Loss On our love it's a Blight But you don't let go; you stay in the fight! My feet on the Ground My soul like a Kite As we escape, I know-- You were right. Kaith bugles gently in pleasure. Those are wonderful songs..and you made them yourself! I am lucky for a rider like you..you could charm anyone with those songs, have any dragon..but instead, you chose me, and I chose you! J'om hugs his dragon 'round the bronze neck, and grins. "Thank you, Kaith! You can use them to woo the female dragons during the Mating Chases!"