Seed of an Idea [Ageno]

[nineofswords]

Blue thread. Now that was certainly something fascinating. Tsukasath wondered what it meant, if it meant anything at all. He'd never been hurt by thread before, the general lack of marks on his body and Yermie's own thoughts could confirm that well enough, so he couldn't say for sure if it worked differently than regular thread, burned differently, consumed differently.

Regardless, something had clearly changed in the nature of thread. It warranted investigating. But thread was dangerous. He couldn't risk Yermie being hurt in the pursuit of this knowledge. And while he briefly flirted with the idea of coaxing Ogatath and Daphne to look into it, Yermie would be devastated if anything happened to Daphne. Also, Ogatath wasn't the brainless thug he liked people to think he was, and there was a chance he'd grow suspicious if Tsukasath tried to coax him into it too hard.

So Tsukasath had been on the lookout for a likely candidate to convince to trying flying high enough to see where thread came from. They couldn't be too cautious or sensible, least they immediately give up on the idea, but he didn't want them too stupid, either. After all, they'd need to be able to think for themselves once they got into the air. A dragon with more stamina than speed might also be preferable, and so through careful observation of the dragons and their riders around Fort, he think he had a pair who'd do nicely: Adelais and Katzenjath.

He approached the garnet one day in the Weyrbowl while riders were having their midday meal. Good day to you, Katzenjath, he said politely. I trust you are well? That recent threadfall certainly was unusual, wasn't it? I hope you and yours weren't too badly injured during it? He hadn't needed to play up the limp from the thread scoring on his right foreleg; it was still fresh enough that putting weight on it was uncomfortable.

[Agenothree]

Drowsing in Fort's summer sunshine while her bonded took his midday meal, Katzenjath's eyes slowly opened as she heard someone address her, lifting her head from her paws to see a white hobble toward her, her eyes whirling friendly colors as she regarded him. Good day to you as well, Tsukasath! she greeted, her voice strong in her confidence. I am well, yes. Luckily, neither myself or my Adelais suffered injury, but it seems you weren't so fortunate. Is yours well? It was quite an unusual Threadfall, yes. Unlike all other Thread in my bonded's memory, but still fascinating! Getting to her feet, Katzenjath stretched to her full length, moving to allow Tsukasath room to soak up some afternoon sun as well if he pleased. Touching her bonded's mind, she was pleased to find them still mingling; it allowed her more time to engage Tsukasath. Come, won't you rest a while? she invited as she sprawled comfortably once again, content to let Adelais be Adelais for a while longer, so she and Tsukasath could talk.

[nineofswords]

I am pleased you were both unscathed, he said. It was rather difficult to see, which I've heard has caused many injuries. Luckily, I got the worst of things between me and mine; they were unscathed, which was most fortunate. They enjoy running a great deal, you see, and an injury to their leg would've put a damper on that sort of thing for a while.

Thank you, I'd love to rest a bit, he said, taking the offered spot and situating himself so he was comfortable in the patch of sunlight. The thread really was fascinating, wasn't it? he said. I couldn't get Yermie to find anyone who remembered blue thread, or thread of any other color. But it got me thinking. Do we know where thread comes from? Really? It falls from the sky, but where? Is it in the clouds? He let out a breezy laugh. Sorry, I'm rambling. I'm just so curious about it. Thread...it's the ultimate threat. I want to know everything I can about it. He sighed and stared up into the sky. But I'm a white. I fly fast, and I'm agile in the air, but I just don't have the stamina to get high enough up there to find the answers to all of my questions. He gave a mournful sigh and put his head on his front paws. What I wouldn't give to be able to find out more...

[Agenothree]

Katzenjath seemed quite tickled as Tsukasath accepted her offer and made himself comfortable alongside her, content to listen to him talk on about his bonded's fondness for running and his thoughts on Thread, both blue and otherwise. No need to apologize, she assured him, tail twitching curiosity as she swiveled her head to look up as well. Ramble away, I say! But growing more serious in her contemplations, she joined him in sharing ideas and thoughts. Flying through clouds hasn't hurt me before...but perhaps that changes under proper conditions for Thread to fall? Thread is indeed our singular enemy, not to mention our oldest, should Adelais' recollection of his lessons holds true. One would think we'd know more about it! Knowing more would help us be better Threadfighters; to keep ourselves, our bondeds, and our lands safe. Getting to her feet as quickly as she'd set herself down, she looked down at Tsukasath in mounting excitement. But what's stopping us from learning more? she demanded to know, more in enthusiastic assent than actually asking her company. I will be your wings, Tsukasath, on our journey of discovery! What say you?

[nineofswords]

Tsukasath was pleased Katzenjath didn't seem to mind his more rambling thoughts. People who demanded that he simply got to the point could be a bit tiresome. Not everything needed to be shared right this second, after all, even if dragons had shorter memories than humans.

It's exactly as you say, Tsukasath agreed. Flying through the clouds hasn't hurt anyone before, so I find it difficult to believe that this is where thread lives. He made a contemplative humming noise as Katzenjath suggested perhaps the composition of clouds changed sometimes, and that was what caused thread to form. Perhaps, he mused. That would certainly explain why we haven't found where it lives yet. But then how do we explain when thread falls on a cloudless day? He shook his head at the sky. Truly, this substance is as mysterious as it is dangerous.

He nodded vigorously as Katzenjath spoke. My thoughts exactly, he agreed. Thread is dangerous. We should not merely content ourselves to fighting it, but we ought to seek out a way to destroy it outright.

The garnet seemed to be working herself up all on her own, without much nudging from him. It was perfect, exactly the sort of temprament he'd been looking for. He stayed on the ground, looking up at her as she spoke. What are you saying? He asked, doing his best to sound confused. Are...are you saying that you want to find the source of thread? But Katzenjath, that's incredibly dangerous! What if you were to get hurt?