Genevieve Caballero
New Rider | Female | 17 | Mentions: Other Riders & Dragons (ind.), Beollán & Ki'ssuk

The young woman was growing impatient by the minute, and she felt a restlessness settle within her bones as she awaited her dragon. A heating at sigh left her lips, and she looked at her fellow peers. Some were conversing with their dragons, others seeming to find an immediate bond - they were just plain sleeping, and then some were just being tormented by their dragon. And she had an ache in her heart, such sacred beasts, and she was there to see them in the flesh, yet her destined dragon hadn't approached. And she could feel something within her heart stir, a warbling of some sort - it was unsure and divided. Was this the Bond? Was it speaking to her now? And she looked to see the source, as it could mean her dragon was nearby and she didn't want to miss it - yet, she was disappointed to find that yet again, she was wrong, nothing had happened. But, there was something that had changed.

As she looked at the others and their dragons, her lips pursed a bit. And she couldn't help but feel a bit of envy - had she been overlooked? Was she not good enough, and she narrowed her eyes slightly as she stubbornly looked at the ground. No, she would not mope, she would not self-depreciate. She was a goddamn Caballero. And she wasn't giving up hope just yet, she was stubborn and it seemed her dragon was as well. Well, two can play at that game, she huffed inwardly with a renewed determination. And she gave a small hmph as she looked to the sky with a fiery determination. She didn't care if she and the plainest dragon on the planet, she just wanted to be bonded to such a noble beast, and she wanted to earn its trust and friendship. Who knows what it could bring for her - she just didn't want to be left out of such a special occasion. She was not going to miss her shot.

That's when something felt like it was clicking within her mind, and a mild headache overtook her before going away. And she found herself finding it hard to breathe at the approaching sight of a dragon. Her dragon, she could instinctively tell as the Bond between the two crackled and whirled before snapping into place with a finality that left the girl dizzy. And she couldn't help but look in awe at the specimen of a dragon before her, he was so handsome, and a behemoth. She had slowly walked towards him, but she paused in her steps and just admired him in awe, her hazel eyes - the golden-green, flecks within seeming to be illuminated within the sunlight as her eyes just seemed to shimmer with childish wonder. You're magnificent, she unconsciously whispered through the link, her words genuine and full of pride and happiness. And she then realized what she had done and decided to go continue speak.

Hello, my name is Genevivé Caballero, and it's a pleasure to be partnered with you, she said with a rare and genuine smile - one that hadn't graced her face in a while, it was a soft, yet simple smile but then she got back to a more formal tone, I am honored to be chosen, and quite frankly was half expecting to not be chosen by a dragon. I'm just honored to be part of such a sacred ritual. I hope . . . you find me acceptable to be bonded with you, her voice faltered momentarily, and a meek expression crossed her face, but then it grew determined , I know I don't look like much - but I got determination and much more, I will become a rider that is worthy of you. She said with a certain tone, and she gave a confident smile.

OH, she suddenly said, and she then got her bag and pulled out an ornate golden horn ring. I know most dragons might not appreciate human gifts or jewelry - this ring has been in my family for a while, it belonged to my grandmother's fire dragon - and it would've been passed on to my dad but he got sick before he could become a Rider, and so he gave it to me. And I want to give it to you - I hope you don't see it as a symbol of ownership, but of a mutual bond of trust and respect, because I greatly respect you as you have walked this earth far longer than me - and I hope we can have in the future, a good partnership, and she paused as she presented the ring and put it down for him to inspect and decide if he would like to wear it.

Uh, also, do I have permission to approach you? I don't want to be rude. She said meekly with a gentle voice, and gave him a look of hope and excitement. But then she noticed the beauty that was the Water Dragon accompanying him, and she tilted her head with curiosity as she looked at the female, Who's your companion?

Belvidere || Male || 71 || New Water Dragon || M: Kaisen, Arya (Ind)

The water dragon’s ears perk up at spontaneous burst of forced laughter coming from his rider, his tail dropping to the ground in the process. His eyes harden and narrow slightly at the attempt to brush off the obvious pain. A breath of air flushes over the boy’s head as he leans his head in slightly closer – ruffling through his hair. Though, he did not push forth on questioning. Some things were better left unsaid.

However, a chuckle does spur from his chest at the following statement – likely causing another rush of air to flow over the boy once more. “You’re quite darling. I can imagine how good it may feel to get that off your chest. Does seem quite tiring, after all. Especially with having to fight if you’ve had to fight for everything,” the beast offers him a sharp grin in hopes of easing any tension between them.

Honestly, the mystical reptile hadn’t been expecting much after that. He thought that it was said and done from there. But he was quickly proven wrong as Kaisen starts to talk once more, causing him to snap his own metaphorical mouth shut – swallowing the words he had planned to say.

“Do me a favor…,” the male cocks his head at the start of that sentence, curious as to what he was going to request, “don’t tell Arya…”

Ah, so that’s where he was going with this. Not much of a request, if the multi-colored dragon was being honest. Though, he could, perhaps, turn this into his favor.

Belvidere blinks, raising his head up to its natural position and straightens his head, “You have my word.”

With a grunt, the smallish dragon moves to stand – back legs pushing up while his front slightly grip the earth in front of him. Not enough to put dirt between his claws, but enough that he could get up. His tail swishes behind him as he looks down at the red haired before him.

“Say,” the spectacle of a dragon begins with another, wider grin,“I’m starting to feel offly dry and could go for a dip, right about now. Shall we head to the lake? We can talk about some of my abilities while we’re there, if you wish. Or I can answer any questions you may have for me.”

Yeah, that wasn’t true. Not in the slightest. A gift from that “humid” ability, that was – being able to last a decent amount of time out of the water. However, he did have some… other plans that coincided with the lake.

“So,” his pearly white teeth are revealed as the lips covering them lift up, “What shall it be?”

Kai's face softened into a real smile now, grateful to the dragon for promising him this. "She doesn't like telling other people about it. She's never liked appearing weak, she got that from growing up with our brothers. She'd be furious if she found out I told someone about what happened." He shrugged. "But I think it's an important thing for you to know about me." He paused, listening to the watery creature. "Let's go to the lake. I'm very interested in knowing what kind of abilities you have. I've always been interested in dragon abilities. They're all so unique and amazing. It's like magic." He smiled, brushing a few locks of hair out of his face. He was truly interested, but he also could tell this dragon greatly enjoyed talking about himself. And he didn't mind satisfying that in this case. After all, it would be helpful to know what this dragon was capable of for the future. 'In case a fight were to ever happen...' he thought. He didn't think a battle was likely, but he thought he remembered his parents mentioning that battle training was part of the curriculum at the dragon rider academy.

Isobel Escamilla

Dragon Rider - New Rider | Female | 15 | Mentions: Cryosphere (dir) Nava (ind)

Isobel’s eyes followed the ice dragon’s every movement, closely watching as he slowly got to his feet and began to walk towards her. The creature weaved cautiously through the crowd, parting groups with easily soft rumbles - his tail and wings held closely against his body. He seemed to... hesitate at each step, waiting for all the people to move a considerable distance away before proceeding. Issie wasn’t sure why exactly, considering the dragon could likely knock aside the whole group of them in one aggressive flap of his wings if he wished. That was good, she thought, at least the dragon seemed to not be one of unnecessary force or malice.

Despite that, Isobel barely hid her nerves as he reached her, his enormous figure standing directly in front of her comparatively small body. The dragon was at least three times bigger than her, and it took all of her courage not to cower or crumple in the shadow of the beast’s figure. Fiddling with a lock of her hair, she tried her very best to hold the steady seafoam gaze as he lowered his head to meet her eyes directly. Her bangs lightly fluttered in the cool breeze emitted from the dragon’s mouth – in that moment her fear melting away into a unique sense of calmness as their shared gaze was held.

Then, before she had a chance to say anything, the snout of the grey-blue beast met with her abdomen. A chill burned its way up her spine, mingling with a breathtaking jolt of electric-like power in her skull as the bond seared into her mind. She teetered on the spot for a second, then rightened her footing with her wide eyes cast in the direction of the dragon who soon raised his head back above her. She released a slightly pained gasp, but her sparking blue eyes only showed feelings of utter excitement. While she had very little understanding of the ceremony, she had overheard enough to know that this feeling was one of being bonded to a dragon. And that would make her a dragon rider, with this male as her partner.

Wordlessly, or at least in no language she could understand, the ice dragon seemed to inquire if she was alright. With only softened purr, Isobel detected a wave of his gentle concern wash over her – the emotion was easily identifiable, although that feeling of another’s emotion felt foreign in her ‘shared’ mind. She could feel the dragon’s consciousness close to hers, the thoughts and feelings just out of reach as if a forgotten word on the tip of one’s tongue. If she really concentrated, she seemed to be able to push her thoughts closer to the dragon’s consciousness – the words gently permeating his side.

I’m okay. She shivered slightly, more so in a flurry of excitement and nerves than the cool temperatures of the dragon’s body. The words – her own thoughts – felt stranger than usual, echoing around her head in the same sort of way one might hear their voice through cupped hands. Muffled slightly, and louder, much more alive or vivid.

Are you my dragon? Wait, sorry, that’s such a dumb question. I mean I don’t want to make assumptions, but I think it’s safe to assume... Uh, my name is Isobel Escamilla. You can call me Issie if you like. You’re an ice dragon right? She shivered again, her lips widening into a smile before her insistent chatter continued. Your presence makes me a bit cold but- She pulled her sleeves over her hands, waving them enthusiastically. Fixed! And I imagine when we get a saddle it’ll be like ice proof - that would be super cool. Pun intended. Isobel’s smile twisted into a light-hearted grin. You’ve definitely heard that one before, my apologies. Couldn’t help myself. Actually, maybe dragons aren’t inclined towards comedy? That’s with the assumption you’ve only been friendly with other dragons. That crystal one is super pretty... I think that’s her class? If I am honest, I don’t know much about you guys... as like, a species. I haven’t seen a dragon before, and certainly not this closely. What was your life like before you came here? I have so many questions!

She stopped suddenly, covering her mouth with her hands. Sorry. I don’t want to inquire if that makes you uncomfortable... Do I talk too much? I know some people find that annoying about me. Please tell me to stop if I annoy you.

At least she wasn’t saying any of this out loud – everyone else would be safe from her ramblings. Besides, the last thing she wanted to do was drive off her newly partnered dragon with irritating or unneccesary chatter.

Aziza Sterling|| Female || 18 || New Rider || M: Noellë, Seriko, Ra’d, Ryker, Nava (Ind)

Aziza hunkers down slightly as a weight is gently rested upon her head, one that succeeds the long snaking arms of her friend and a small chuckle. Her eyes shift from the dragon before up to the platinum haired boy, eyebrow raised. Her expression screamed ‘I’m trying to look tough here’ even if it was unlikely that he saw it. However, the motion did help her relax slightly. Perhaps… she jumped to conclusions a bit too quickly?

A puff of air suddenly washes over her, tickling her hair and likely sending a few of its length strands into Noellë’s face. A rumble sounded not far off from the group, but she paid it little mind. Pale gold eyes flutter back towards the dragon, meeting eyes a near copy of her own which looked in the direction she had come from. (Or did her eyes copy his? She was much younger after all.) The standing of hairs told her that there was a hidden meaning behind the action. One that she didn’t initially understand the reasoning behind. She could see the greeting behind it. But why would a dragon be upset- Then, it dawned on her.

Oh, how stupid can I be!

With a light dusting of blush, she looks to the ground apologetically, “Oh, dear. I really am a bit doltish, now aren’t I? Please, forgive the intrusion. I did not think to consider that this could have been the precious moment that it is.” The girl does best to bow within her friend’s grasp, likely looking a bit silly in the process.

What a way to introduce yourself to your friend’s dragon, sis, she could all but hear her eldest brother tease. Even if he was nowhere near the group.

Feeling her friend’s grip leave her form, she looks over her shoulder (blush now gone) to watch him motion to his outfit – a knowing look on his face. Ah, now I feel even dumber, she mentally facepalms while nodding her head to the tall boy in front of her to show her understanding. Of course, it was his mother.

Next, the brown haired girl watches as who she could consider to be her brother-from-another-mother tugs her sleeve and points to Ra’d. Her friend’s flailing arms were mostly ignored – besides for a soft chuckle that slipped past her lips at the display – as she settled on just staring at her dragon. Ah. Right. She left him to enter this scenario. He seemed to be staring at the other dragon in the area, likely uncomfortable due to her own proximity to him.

“How goes your day, my love?”

The abrupt words spurred a jump out of the young lady, not expecting another to enter the little huddle they had currently. Whirling around, she spots another familiar figure approach the group. Specifically Noellë. A knowing smirk crosses her face as she lifts up her chin in a high-strung manner. The kind that one would see on the most stuck up of noble ladies.

“Ryker,” she greets, “Fancy seeing you here. I see that you’ve even dressed… somewhat well for the occasion,” her head tilts to the side and lowers back down at the jab – smirk growing and eyes playful. It was a rather weak tease, but one she was willing to give.

However, the “noble” lady’s eyes were quick to widen (to the slightest degree) at the mention of them all bonding during the same year. Curious as to who his partner was, her eyes follow his motion. Her gaze landed upon what she assumed was a crystal dragon – a breed she had only heard of in her few years of life. A beauty too, with near pastel pink upper scales and lower ones a pearly white. She was clearly a bit uncomfortable with the distance she held to her friend, watching him awfully closely.

“She’s gorgeous, Ryker. I bet you’ll be having a large amount of fun getting to know her and her abilities,” her eyes settle back upon his sienna toned form, “Mine is over there,” she motions with her head where she had last seen Ra’d.

It was at that point when her whole world lurched as she was gently pulled away from the group. A small and barely audible gasp left her but she did not fight back. Pale eyes looked at what had nabbed her. It was Ra’d, of course, gripping the back of her shirt. He was dragging her away from her friends and the air dragon. Tension she didn’t know she held left her body.

“What is with me and not noticing you approaching,” the girl raises a brow at the dragon, amused at her own obliviousness.

Feeling his powerful yet light grip leave her shirt, she turns to face him. She goes to question him slightly – not angry, just curious – but stops as he proceeds with his own, unprompted reasoning for moving her away from her friends. A bit of embarrassment and guilt washes over her at his words, feeling a bit silly for not considering such things in the heat of the moment. All she could really think, in all honesty, was that her friend may have had a rather rough interaction with the dragon (which he had already proven to be false).

“A-ah. Right. Sorry. Didn’t… really consider that. Then again, I haven’t considered many things today, it would seem. Maybe the whole surprise event is just getting to me,” she releases a heartless chuckle at her words while rubbing the back of her neck, “But… thank you. For keeping me close to them, that is.”

Spinning back around, Azzy faces the two men in front of her – choosing to lean against her own dragon with one leg crossed over the other in the process. No more words come forth from her mouth, much more content with listening to her two friends likely bicker and possibly flirt for the time being.

“So, how exactly does this bond of ours work,” she asks her new scaly companion quietly, eyes remaining on the two humans in front of her, “Neither my siblings or parents have mentioned much about it. Besides the fact that we can talk telepathically (which I will be needing to try out soon), I don’t know much about it.”