They had been very lucky, to arrive when they did. Laudu, sadly, was not the first to capture the beautiful Usaroflyin but he did have his chance. And afterwards, Usaro' said she would mate none other than him in the future. The Earth had glowed with pride. While only a small percentage of the clutch would share his Aven blood, there would be more. Modomnoc had been the first to get to Pyree though, and the pair were married as soon as someone could be taught a Svalbard joining ceremony. It was difficult, involving the sacrifice of a small animal (one of the odd "inyu" aboard had sufficed), and Modomnoc tearing out the creatures still-beating heart and offering it to Pyree, which she ate.

It had been frowned upon by a few, but the newly joined didn't care. Drämoro had even been there to act as Modomnoc's "best man". As Usaroflyin's clutch grew, so did Laudu's pride. While he wasn't overtly mean to the RysHathian Pailuathak, who had captured Usaro' before he, the Earth was still jealous that Usaro' cared for him. He was the sire of most of her clutch, after all. I don't understand why you allow him to stay. Laudu said privately to Usaro' one evening in the hatching bay where their eggs were nestled in the spongy material that coated everything. He is the father of some of the eggs, Laudu. I let him stay to see his children hatch. I don't think I could force him away, were I to try. she responded cooly, nuzzling at one of the nearby eggs

The Earth humphed, glaring across the bay where Pailuathak slept. He is not your rival for my heart, Laudu Lenudah. No other dragon could be... Usaroflyin crooned lovingly to him, nuzzling his neck and resting her head against his shoulder. As no other could be for mine, love. he purred, curling his head around to nuzzle the feathers that adorned the top of her head. "When you two are done cuddling, we have a bit of a surprise for you." It was Pyree, crossing the bay from her and Modomnoc's flat. "One we think you'll enjoy especially, Laudu." Modomnoc winked at his bondmate. "Well, what is it? Don't keep us in suspence..."

The pair of bear-shifters grinned first at their bondmates, then at one another. Spill it already, I can feel your anticipation! Usaro' snapped, proddiness-induced irritability not quite gone yet. "Well, down on the planet, Star City is hosting come kind of frenzy, called the Fur and Feathers Frenzy. We've signed both of you up for it!" Pyree blurted finally, hands clasped in excitement. "A frenzy, when our first clutch isn't even out of their shells yet?" Laudu said, glancing at Usaro'. You know I can't leave my children! I won't leave my children! she screeched in an unnaturally high mind-voice. Pyree hurried to comfort her, stroking the purple's muzzle soothingly.

"Nonono, dearheart! You know I'd never make you leave your babies before they've hatched! The frenzy isn't going to be happening for a while yet, they'll be well out of ther shells by then!" Usaro's eyes began to spin a more relaxed blue. Very well... this will give Laudu to have his chance, anyhow. The Earth blinked, confused. "My chance at what?" Usaroflyin whuffed in draconic laughter. Your chance at actually chasing me, wherryhead! If you remember before, you were lucky I was occupied at the time. You won't have it so easy in this flight. Her eyes twinkled mischievously at him. "Oh, I was lucky you were occupied, was I? I won't have it so easy, huh? Well, we'll just have to see about that..."