Lesson 4; Faerie Weyrlings

[rii]

Faerie Weyrlings
Lesson Four
Opened: October 15th — Will close: November 15th

Y'kiro of brown Auwanath
Ae'on of blue Sfelyth
Maya of blue Umaheth
Syrene of blue Wridelth
Ithanna of green Iwyrth
Jenna of green Versaith
Orena of green Riavorth
Raebeli of green Quixoth

Ba'sun, finding the classroom stifling, had instructed the class to be outside on the far edge of the training feild. Couldn't learn much staring off into space while he lectured. About what, he wondered. The bluerider had poked through the old notes of weyrling masters and had found the material too dry for his taste. He was fairly certain kids didn't learn much by listening to some rider babble at random - probably just drooled while watching the candle marks pass.

Thus so, Ba'sun promptly had them run the long lap around the whole training field to make sure they were awake. He might have joined them to set the pace if not for the sling he currently wore to keep the barely toddler aged child resting against his back. He could have left the boy in the creche, but the women there were already burdened with the lack of helping hands, and - to be frank - Ba'sun didn't trust leaving the kid out of his sight just yet. Once the weyr fully settled down he'd see about changing that. For now, the babe enjoyed being toted around.

As the last weyrling joined the group, Ba'sun lightly shook his head at them all. "I'll expect better next time. You waste my time I'll start keeping you out here dawn till dusk and you'll still be required to fulfill your other weyr duties." He knew a few of them were still unhappy about the changes in regiment, but dragging their feet was only going to kick up more dust. "We're not going over any of your previous lessons, since most of it is common sense. You're not children to be coddled. Your dragons may be young, but if you don't have common sense enough to keep your dragons from choking on bones or splitting at the seams, you were never meant to be a rider. That said.."

He gestured at where the four month old hatchlings were gathered in the center of the field with Ekarth. "This is meant to be a bonding exercise. You will be helping your dragons from here, not only seeing how well your hatchlings listen and work with you, but you need to be aware of working with each other to achieve a goal." He purposely split the information between humans and dragons to see how well that went.

Ekarth coiled around the stitched ball of tan leather, surveying the hatchlings standing semi-circle in front of him. Tiss ssimple. His claws drummed against the hardened hide. I have the ball. You do not. Ekarth rose, crouching low to the ground as he began to roll the ball away. Take it, if you can.

Versaith glanced to the sides at her siblings, deciding she didn't care to wait for any of them to make the first move. She crouched, haunches wiggling a moment before she sprang forward in a full on sprint. She went straight for the ball, and Ekarth even left it there.. until the last moment. The adult blue rolled it aside, easily knocking Versaith away with a sweep of tail. The green yelped as she skidded to a stop a few feet away.

"That," Ba'sun announced. "Is a good example of what not to do."

Jenna felt herself blush, eyes darting around at her class mates and wishing they didn't know who Versaith belonged to in that moment. Sai, you need to work with the others. But they are too slow.

[dragon]

Riavorth lifted her head to stare up at the blue that was supposed to be teaching the class now. She really didn't care who did the teaching, and she barely registered that something not-normal had happened. Life went on, Rukbat rose, Rukbat set. So ... what else was new?

Her gaze dropped to the ball that the blue was holding and her young draconic face lit up. Ball! She wanted that ball so badly. She crouched and was quite happy to hear that the lesson was going to be a ball game. Get the ball! She could do that. Work with the others? Well ... alright. If they let her have the ball, that would be fine!

Orena was gasping too, but she also felt quite awake. Nothing quite like a run to get the heart going, eh? Running around was something she'd done a lot of, so being out of breath was all she was suffering from. No muscle soreness or cramps. Thank goodness for turns of mischief with her sister, hey? Sucking in a deep breath she stilled some of the panting while she regarded the new weyrlingmaster.

He sure was being a tad strict. But maybe he was trying to show off for the invaders. Orena was pretty sure he wasn't one of them, what with having been around before hand and all that. Maybe he was scared of them? A bonding exercise? This could be interesting ... but also a bit scary...

Orena glanced over at the dragons just in time to see the first weyrling make a dash for the ball and get more or less owned by the big dragon. Well ... that had to hurt. Orena winced. Then her eyes flew open in shock and denial as she saw/sensed her own weyrling make a dash out into the playing field. "Wait!" She yelled, just knowing she was fixing to be in a world of trouble, the both of them.

Riavorth had taken only an instant to consider the situation, and then decided upon an action and executed it, just that fast. Get the ball! She called to her siblings while apparently diving at it herself. Only she wasn't diving for the ball ... she was diving for that tail that had so mercilessly slapped her sister aside like so much rubbish. Talons and teeth bared, she made her bid for a tackle on the weyrlingmaster's dragon's tail, intent upon sinking them all into that shiny blue flesh.

Riavorth was not under any illusions. She knew this was going to hurt alot. Probably get raked or smacked off the ground ... or a tree ... but hey. It would serve as a good distraction long enough for her siblings to get the ball and win the game. Right? Of course, she was assuming that any of them had the wits to do what they were supposed to do. There were enough of them, surely at least one of them had the wherewithall to get the sharding ball!

Orena however, was terrified that Riavorth was going to get her fool green ass murdered ... and for what? A sharding leather ball?! Both hands clapped over her mouth, unable to do anything about what she was witnessing. Running into a pack of dragons, baby or not, was just not a healthy thing to do. Not that she was strong enough to do anything about what had just started anyway...

[Tashe]

Stretching out her muscles, Ithanna yawned. She wasn't out of breath but she inhaling a third more than the normally did. The Weyrling wasn't anything special in short distance bursts, though when it came to endurance running she was hard to outpace. She'd been one of the first ones back and therefore able to regain the energy that had been used in getting her body around the field in the morning air. Catching runaway Runners was a far harder task than romping around in an oval. Pulling her arm behind her head as Ba'sun approached them, Ithanna sighed. She wasn't very happy about everything that had happened since the invasion, but because no one had been cruel, her morals told her she couldn't hate the Wastelanders. Not agree with them sure, but not hate them. Switching arms she glanced from her classmates to the Weyrlingmaster and then back again. A little gruffly she said, "Guess we better not waste yer time then."

Clasping her hands together she pushed them out in front of her, the sharp crack of her knuckles was audible. She for one, had dawn Infirmary shifts and by golly, she wasn't going to miss those. The blond listened to the instructions as they were given before turning her mind over to her Green. So whats the plan my littleone? Ba'sun says its an exercise to see how well we work together, as well as workin' with the others. Ekarth says get the ball and... oh. Versaith got smacked. Silly chick. Ithanna turned to look at Orena as she yelled, her eyes immediately flicking over to the Dragons again. And there be going Riavorth.

Well she for one was not going to just rush in there nellpell at the random command of someone. Nono, are all of mine greensisters going to be so silly? Aye, to get the ball is the point. But goin' at it like that be the wrong way. Iwyrth swished her tail as she gazed at the ball, her mind running at full speed. Nothing was going to work if one just told them to go get the ball, she believed that organization of some kind was better than the random. To many variables in it for comfort. If one on one will not work... multiple angles... two... perhaps if we... yes... maybe. She mused to everyone and herself.

Iwyrth, whatever you're trying to say, could you make sense to the rest of us? I'm pretty sure all of us humans, let alone dragons, are confused. Ah, ah, aye. Forgive me. Let me explain. Glancing at her clutchmates and then over toward their humans, she reached out to everyone excluding Ekarth and His Rider. It be like this. Lets assume that the Blue is an oyster, and that the ball be the pearl or the meat. We gotta crack the shell to get to the prize. Sitting back on her haunches she flipped her paw over as if a shell was sitting on it, even if her siblings were the only ones to see it. Their humans being so far away and all. Only way to get the meat is to try an' open it from many sides, like this. She used a claw to pretend to pry open the shell. The human's hand works together with the knife to open the shell. In other words, we have to be working together. Hypothetically, some of us distractin' Ekarth should work, no? A plan would be nicer.

[Ember]

Ae'on officially hated running. He knew better than anyone else that he was not fit, unlike the majority of Pernese people. The lifestyles most had to lead required them to be in shape to survive. Under the Healer Hall's protection, it hadn't been necessary for him. That said, he wasn't fat either. Cuddly, yes. Fat, no. It was a very important distinction in Ae'on's mind, though he used a word other than 'cuddly' to describe himself. He arrived among the last of his class and was breathing hard as the new Weyrlingmaster began to speak to them.

He didn't particularly care one way or another about the takeover. The rules were simply more strict than before and it felt more like captivity than anything else. Otherwise, life pretty much went on getting screwed up by his dragon. Perhaps the only thing he was still pissed about was the fact his good for nothing sister had left the weyr. Tch. Of all his remaining family she was the only one he cared even a bit about and she'd left him again. His dragon proved a good distraction, for once.

You're supposed to work together with me, apparently. And we need to work with the others. Ae'on didn't like the idea. He didn't like working with others if it wasn't about Healing. He was secretly passioante about that and could tolerate more than usual - including working with idiot apprentices or troublesome patients. That is...interesting, Sfelyth responded cheerfully. Something in mind? Ae'on asked. He'd long since discovered the blue was clever. The blue had deliberately let slip that Ae'on was a Healer during the takeover in case of the worst case scenario. His had said Healers were important....

Humm~ If they say it's a game to work together then certainly that is what we must - oh! The blue was up on his feet quite quickly when Versaith made an attempt for the ball. Dear Versaith sister, are you alright? Oh dear.... His last two words were directed to no one as Riavorth rushed in. Too sudden and unplanned and...ah there was the voice of reason he'd been waiting for. Let the stage be set and....

Versaith, Riavorth, everyone, lovely Iwyrth is quite right, Sfelyth said, cheerful tones still present, Mine has said that this is a teamwork game. If we're to open this oyster we need a plan first. Shall we pick who will be distractions and who shall steal the ball? While the prize is certainly most fun, I shall most happily distract Ekarth if a few of you, my precious siblings, will assist me? Also..those going for the ball...he might notice you going for it. Perhaps a couple of you to act as secondary distractions?

The young blue passed the information to the humans of his siblings, too, of course. Couldn't leave them out. Ae'on snorted and shook his head. "Figures I get one that likes to lead," he muttered, rolling his eyes. Well, the other people had heard Sfelyth's...instructions? request? If they had any thoughts on it they could share if they wanted; Ae'on had no intention on putting hismelf in the spotlight just because Sfelyth chose to do so.

[Lotty]

NOT a Rae of Sunshine today or yesterday or any of the days between now and that fateful morning she was dragged out of her warm weyrling bed. Bitter, might be the word, though the mindhealer was trained enough not to let it explicitly show. The emotion instead might come off as sad. Withering really, and even her hair seemed to hang sadly and without bounce as she lined up with the rest of the classmates; a drab picture dressed in black and gray as if to rival her dark roommate. Even the eternal optimist apparently had their off days.

Of course it was dragon like rider so often and Quixoth spent as much of her time worrying about her Raelove as she did eyeing the leather ball. She did not like this arrangement any more than Raebeli did, but then dragons had less of a say when it came to fulfilling duties than their free-willed counterparts. Come now. Stop being silly, and let us show them all what we can really do... Do well...and become one of /them/. Raelove, we would do well to perform our best and /learn/ something regardless. Otherwise this will just be wasted time. Is that so? A mental silence permeated between them until the girl gave up the goods and let Qui in on the little secrets of the game.

The pale green took very deliberate steps into the field weaving between her clutchmates in tight but playful zigzags with only the most subtle of croons. Oysters? Allllways with the food Iwyrth? Hmmm... Another flutter of her wings before she curled around to the side of her blue clutchbrother, And how do you propose I help you distract Sfelyth? Not waiting, the green broke away again from her brothers and sisters in a breakneck movement only to take up a spot of her own where she could eye Ekarth curiously.

[heisokufire9]

Running sucked. Especially when you were out of shape Y'kiro decided as they listened to the weyrlingmaster's instructions. Of course the bluerider was right. They weren't children to be coddled anymore. They had to learn to use their heads. With all the stuff that had happened recently though it wasn't hard to see why most of the class hadn't put their best into the laps. The teen cocked his head a bit.

You get that Auwanath? he asked silently. Agreement flashed through their bond as the brown's tail twitched.

Versaithsister I...Oh dear this isn't going to end well if we can't work together. Auwanath pointed out, reaching for only his siblings, and added, A good description Iwyrthsister. I think our green sisters would be good at distracting while one of our quick blue-brothers could dart in to get the ball. The rest can help distract. The brown's tail twitched a bit as studied the situation. They would need someone light and quick to get the ball when their teacher was distracted.

[rii]

Faerie Weyrlings
Lesson Four
Second post: October 19th - Lesson closes: November 15th

Y'kiro of brown Auwanath √
Ae'on of blue Sfelyth √
Maya of blue Umaheth
Syrene of blue Wridelth
Ithanna of green Iwyrth √
Jenna of green Versaith √
Orena of green Riavorth √
Raebeli of green Quixoth √

Ba'sun glanced at the blushing Jenna and gasping Orena. Two, both greens, that didn't have a good handle on their hatchlings. It was Orena that he addressed, "Terror can be a crazy thing. Paralyzing even. You'll have to learn to deal with it, because it's not going to go away and it won't help your hatchling any if you are too stunned to help with reactions." Although he didn't know what had caused her sudden fright. "You have to deal with it. One way is to take a deep breath and let the fear in. Let it take over and do it's thing, but only for a few seconds. Count them off in your head. One, two, three - then no more."

Which, in truth, was too long in any given situation where reactions needed to be near instantaneous, but the kid would have to start somewhere. Ba'sun turned his gaze back to the movement on the field, watching as Ekarth crooned to the rushing Riavorth. The blue slid his tail away at the last second to let the vigorous green flop head over tail over the grass. The call clutched under one front claw, Ekarth picked up his back one to pin Riavorth head and neck against the ground, claws partially curled around her the vulnerable spot. Now he had a prisoner. How delightful. He turned to look at those the hatchlings that had yet to budge.

Versaith grumbled as she rolled back onto her feet, pressing low to the ground and keeping her slitted eyes firmly on the ball. Do what you need to brother - I am still going for the ball. Then, perhaps because her rider was nagging about this been a teamwork exercise, Versaith reluctantly added, When you give the word, that is.

"It was a nice attempt," Ba'sun again commented to Orena - but his words were still for everyone to hear and take them for what they were worth. "Only.. make sure that everyone is on the same page before executing a plan. That and.. and martyr scenario really shouldn't be considered until all other ideas have been tried and exhausted. It's not heroic. Heroes only exist in story books. What Riavorth did there should only be used in as a shot in the dark of a no-win scenario. I don't want to see it used again any time soon. It's not productive to a wing to use fellow dragons and riders as fodder.

"Start splitting into groups of two and three," No doubt they at least figured out that acting one at a time wouldn't get them anywhere. He leaned toward Y'kiro, whispering in a low tone meant for the boy alone. "Usually browns are expected to show reason and leadership enough to at least second a bronze. Blues are wildcards, but if it fits the class, I'm going to start handing instructions over to one." It was something of a mild insult – and a barb to get the brownrider stepping up to the task. "I suggest deciding who goes in which group, and what task each will perform before someone beats you to it."

[heisokufire9]

Y'kiro smirked at their teacher. "I was just about to. I was thinking over who would work best together." he replied. The barb hadn't gone unnoticed and it had stung. He quickly eyed his classmates. He and Ae'on were the only boys though that didn't mean the girls couldn't do anything. Motioning them closer he laid out the plan he had. He glanced at his roommate and Ithanna first.

"Ithanna and Ae'on tell Iwyrth and Sfelyth to come in from the right. Raeboli and I will have Quixoth and Auwanath come in from the left. Orena keep Riavorth as calm as you can and try to get her free. If you can get her free have her help Iwyrth and Sfelyth." he paused to glance a the two female blue weyrlings.

"Maya and Syrene you two tell Umaheth and Wridelth to come in from the front. Badger the blue as much as you can but keep from getting your dragons hurt." he said and added, "If anyone has any suggestions speak up quickly. Otherwise let's get going." His eyes flickered over his classmates as he waited for their answers. Auwanath gave a rumble of approval.

Most of all siblingsMine we must work together and listen to our riders. he chimed in to add emphasis to Y'kiro's words.

"The greens are the quickest of the group so use that speed to get in quick and get out." Y'kiro commented and added, "The blues need to back up the greens as much as they can. Auwanath and I will help where it's needed." The brown dipped his head at his rider's words.

Yes I will. So to make sure we have it right. Iwyrth and Sfelyth will take the right. Quixoth and I will take the left while Umaheth and Wridelth come in from the front. We will also work on getting Riavorth free so she can help. he said to his siblings and their riders. Now for the game to begin.

[Tashe]

Ithanna frowned as Y'kiro took control. The Weyrling was a nice enough guy but she really hoped he didn't turn into the Weyrlingmaster's lacky just because he rode a higher color in terms of ranking. She took a step forward when the motion was made, although her disapproval wasn't entirely hidden. It would take a while before the Green Weyrling would adjust to the structures of Dragon wings. Crossing her arms she listened as Y'kiro set out a plan, relaying it to Iwyrth with a questioning tone. "Badger him you say? I gotta assume you mean physically, talkin about not getting hurt and all. Though I really don't want her to end up like that." She flicked her hand out toward the captured Green, although she gave Orena an apologetic glance. "Ya didn't mention anything about actually getting the ball. Just left, right, front, lets go. My suggestion is we focus on gettin' Riavorth free so the she can get the ball, with actually gettin' the ball as the ulterior motive. She's the closest. Its like the hunt. You gotta flush and encircle the prey with yer Runners but you send the closest dogs in for the kill."

Quixothlove, everyone understands food. I'd just confuse you otherwise. A subtle tease for a tease, it balanced out. Flicking her tail she stretched her toes out, letting her talons form little lines in the ground. They were the only things about her that looked even remotely dangerous. Hmm. I mind not workin with Sfelyth... it will be interestin at least. She offered to Auwanath, but to Sfelyth she said; I believe that you will be faster than me on the ground, for informational purposes o' course. There was mirth in her voice, noting she found something amusing. Fluttering her Wings she moved to stand beside her Bluebrother, her mind following the trail of hypothetical outcomes to their attempts. For now though, she was content for her Brownbrother's Rider to give the instructions. She would offer more options later if this one did not work to their likings.

We must also consider Riavorth to be a prisoner. Or the raisin in Cinnamon raisin bread. The bread won't give way to picky fingers unless it considers the walnut more valuable than the raisin. This was added to the end of Ithanna's final statement. Unlike most Dragons, the Green didn't mind speaking to humans other than Hers, it was just easier that way. Hmm... assume that the walnut is more valuable... The Green trailed off again as she tapped her talons on the grass. Hmm...

[dragon]

Riavorth snarled as her play for flesh failed miserably, ending up with her pride wounded more than anything else as she tumbled through the grass. Idiots she had for siblings! Not one of them had moved! Not one! Of course, getting trapped under a foot was another blow to her ego that she really didn't like. Writhing, she thrashed a moment on her side before stilling, wings fluttering closed again as she took stock of her situation, front feet pressing against the foot that held her head with no care whether her talons were marking dragonflesh or not.

Orena let out a sigh of relief, to see that her young dragon wasn't going to end up dead after all, for trying to attack the weyrlingmaster's dragon. She looked to the Master himself as he spoke, and nodded. "I'll remember that." She promised, before returning her vision to the field. Oh, dearrr ... now what? All it would take would be the shifting of weight and her poor baby's head would pop like an overripe grape.

The other weyrlings were still just milling about uselessly, or so it seemed to Orena. She chewed her lip, and shot a look at the other youths. Bickering and arguing and not getting anything done, either. No one was doing anything! Her dragon was out there! Trying to not be impatient and rush them, she minced from foot to foot slightly, and worked her fingers through her chocolaty curls, listening to what they said. How they did it, she didn't care. But she wanted her dragon back!

Riavorth snapped her teeth a few times, and wiggled once more, trying to extract her head from the bigger dragon's hold. But she wasn't stupid, she knew that trying the same thing and expecting different results was plain and simple idiocy. Rolling over onto her belly, she hunkered down as she tried to twist her neck upright too. With a grunt, every muscle in her young body tensed, and her talons sank into the ground again. But instead of pulling this time, she was pushing, her head stuffed out the other side as her shoulders shoved into the side of Ekarth's foot. Baby dragon or no, green or no, she was still a pretty powerful creature. It helped that Ekarth's weight and balance was divided, what with that ball and all. She probably wasn't going to get very far, and didn't really expect to. But if she could get his foot to move at all, it would shift his balance, adding in a new factor to the equation.

Indignant at being trapped so, Riavorth was all for making this game harder on the blue. Lips curling under the strain she was plying with all her strength, she pushed and pushed for all she was worth, digging up furrows in the ground with her feet.

"Oh please just hold still, Ria." Orena bid quietly, under her breath. "Please..." Unfortunately, she knew as well as Ria did that doing nothing was just not in Riavorth's personality type. She couldn't process the concept of sit and wait.

When I get loose, I will chew the end of your miserable tail off. I will take the ball, and I will shove it down your throat. You will not get away with this, I assure you! Your egg was cracked the day it was laid! You hatched upside down, it is no wonder! Get off me you lopsided turd! I bet you would swallow a fish backward if you weren't told not to first! Serve you right to get the fins stuck in your gullet! Your toes smell like you paint your nails with yeasty undergarments! She blustered, her mind clearly not silenced by the strain her body was under.

[kat]

Maya wondered how many others felt as she did. Everyone she'd grown closer to, save Rayne of green Kynoath, had fled the Weyr. Meira and Jingth included. She didn't know why they'd chose to flee and not fight. Were they outnumbered so badly that they couldn't hope to win? She hadn't seen anything of what went on. But she and the rest of the Junior Weyrlings, along with mostly everyone else who was not a Senior Weyrling and a select few...they'd been left behind.

Umaheth had been muttering about 'cowards and traitors', amongst other things. It was quite obvious he felt the same as she did about living in a Weyr taken over by the Northerners. Now, as they stood at a lesson with their new Weyrlingmaster, she felt her thoughts wandering. They weren't old enough to leave--not now. But she had hopes that one day they would be able to. That or those who had left would return and liberate the Weyr. Umaheth, as it was, didn't have much faith that the 'traitors and cowards' would return. He was obviously quite unhappy with things and Maya had to concentrate on making sure the blue did not say or do anything that would get them into trouble.

She watched the other Weyrlings, brows knitted. They seemed, for the most part, perfectly content to just do the lessons. But even she realized that it was better to learn what they could and graduate. Until they graduated they were incapable of doing much. They had to complete these lessons no matter who taught them, no matter the situation. They had all been left behind, not just Umaheth and herself. Pursing her lips she listened, deciding that they would do their best to learn all that they could. One day they might need it.

Umaheth snorted as Versaith and Riavorth made their move. However he didn't make a move. Just watched with an expression that would have been 'unimpressed' by human standards. Hadn't those sharding greens listened to a word that was said? Greens were so fickle. He, as a blue, had more sense than that! He rather liked that Ekarth was a blue, even if he was the enemy. The Northerners were all the enemy. But it was best to keep your friends close and enemies closer! One day he would bring them crumbling to their knees, and then--

"Pay attention, Umaheth."

Umaheth's gleeful musings were brought to an abrupt end by his bonded's words. He had been paying attention!... ... ... sort of. He did hear Auwanath giving orders like some pompous bronze, however. It rankled him and he didn't like it, but a look from Maya was all that was needed to make sure he didn't voice how he felt. Still she could feel the growing cloud of discontent over his head. She knew there were ranks for a reason. It was how things were kept in order. But she couldn't force Umaheth to like it. All that mattered was that he did what he was told. And so he did, though he shot Wridelth a look that clearly said he was appraising the other dragon, wondering how much help the logic obsessed blue would be. Maya smiled slightly and moved closer to Syrene. She didn't have problems with any of the other Weyrlings. They were a good group, after all. Umaheth didn't really either, though he thought greens were silly at best. She knew that would change, one day--maybe.

Umaheth, join Wridelth as Y'kiro said. Remember you need to work together on this. Use your speed to your advantage. He's larger and will be distracted by the others trying to get the ball. Just be careful you don't end up like Riavorth, she finished, eying the green with a small smile. That one was a little spitfire, she was. Meanwhile Umaheth reluctantly closed the distance between himself and Wridelth.

Don't you dare screw this up, y'hear? You go for the leg not holding Riavorth. I'll try and get that silly female free,[/color] Likely it was better if Riavorth was not being held captive. Then maybe she could do something useful, like helping them keep Ekarth distracted enough for the others to get the damn ball. The whole exercise was stupid. Not like the more intelligent dragons--namely himself!--didn't get that you needed to work with others, no matter how much he didn't like it.

[Ember]

Ae'on really didn't want to be the one to bring it up ion plain words but he did anyways. "The food-obsessed dragon is right. You're all assuming we can get Riavorth free at all. If this were real she'd already be dead...or used as a hostage while Ekarth called for reinforcements. Really, running in when no one was ready was suicidal. Right now, she's nothing more than a sacrafice," he told the weyrlings bluntly. He didn't care if anyone hated him for seeming cold towards his fellow classmate's dragon. He didn't like it much either. "If we want the ball, we have to give up Riavorth. If we want Riavorth, we have to give up the ball. Even assuming we surprise Ekarth enough to get either one, it'll only work once. Probably."

He knew he was just dragging the lesson out by pointing it out but someone had to. "If you can't choose one, you'll lose both." Depending on whatever choice the other weyrlings made - Ae'on was adamantly taking himself out of the decision; he simply didn't care, under the circumstances. He didn't care about impressing Ba'sun enough to suggest the ball, and Riavorth was probably not in any real danger - it would change who went after what and how they would do it.

The young blue didn't have a chance to respond to Quixoth as his brown brother spoke up. Sfelyth kept up a quiet, pleasant rumble as he moved as Auwanath suggested. Interesting, having the rug pulled out from under his feet. He had much the same plan but apparently on the human end of things, Auwanath's was taking charge, and so the brown was doing the same. The rumble ended as Iwyrth spoke to him. He crooned at her. Then I will reach him first and distract him. I trust you to cover me if you see the chance. Though if you see a chance for the ball that no one else notices, go for it.

He didn't much like Ae'on's little speech. He didn't really believe in such no-win scenarios. Why couldn't they get both? To all of the weyrlings, even their humans, he added, Versaith is quite eager for the chance to get the ball, if I may nominate someone to have that goal. Riavorth is a bit tied up at the moment. Might as well try and do his clutchsister a little favour, since he knew she wanted it so bad.

[rii]

Faerie Weyrlings
Lesson Four
Third post: October 25th - Lesson closes: November 15th

Y'kiro of brown Auwanath √ √
Ae'on of blue Sfelyth √ √
Maya of blue Umaheth √
Syrene of blue Wridelth
Ithanna of green Iwyrth √ √
Jenna of green Versaith √ √
Orena of green Riavorth √ √
Raebeli of green Quixoth √

Jenna couldn't help but notice she had been left out of Y'kiro's arrangements. She bit down on her lower lip, glancing side-long at him before looking out toward her rebellious green. Sure, she knew her dragon was extremely bull-headed at times—oh who was she kidding, Versaith was stubborn all the time. It still kind of stung to be left out. Even trapped Riavorth and Orena got included.

Don't worry, Versaith privately attempted to soothe Jenna's upset. I don't need any of them.

Ba'sun kept his opinion silent. It was important for the weyrlings to get use to each other and find a way to overcome their differences to work together. You didn't get to chose your wingmates, but when the time came petty squabbles should be set aside. Whether they liked it or not (and Ba'sun was pretty sure they didn't, kids were absolutely self-assured about themselves in every way) Y'kiro would likely be placed into a position of second, and it was best he got use to the pressure where lives were not at stake. Better than waiting for him to learn the lessons the hard way.

Ekarth viewed the idling hatchlings a moment longer before he mentally shrugged and turned his attention to the rather rowdy green trapped under foot. What a delightful girl, not willing to give up without a fight. Your sspirit is commendable, He gave her protruding muzzle a quick lick. Ssave your fire, young one, or you will be too weak to act when opportunity iss pressented to you. Wait, wildfire, watch and assesss. Your chance will come - be vigilant and ready to sseize it.

A smile and a silent nodding followed Ae'on's words, "A hard decision to make. Do you think you could make it if it really meant achieving a goal at the cost of Riavorth and Orena's lives? Even knowing that your fellow peers will look at you, and perhaps even hate you for it." A brow rose questioningly, then Ba'sun gestured to training field. "Put it into action. Can't wait around arguing what would be the best choice. If you're all ready. It's time to execute what you planned."

Jenna braved a brief glance in Ae'on's direction, a silent thanks for Sfelyth for including her green into the team exercise. In the grass, Versaith narrowed her eyes on the ball and began to tense in anticipation to sprint for it.

[dragon]

Riavorth wiggled and flung her head around in the space allotted to her at the lick. Nasty! Nasty! Disgusting! Never! Not! Keep that nasty thing to yourself!! she protested, at the top of her mental lungs, before starting to slam back and forth with all the energy she could muster. It hurt ... it hurt a lot. But she was determined. No licking!!!

Orena waved her hands at the green though, as if trying to calm her down, palms forward. Riavorth! Calm down! You're going to pop your own fool head off! Please! Just be good, hold still. Wait a moment. Strategy! Remember strategy, yes? Please, don't hurt yourself. He's not going to kill you ... I think ... she said, desperately trying to get her dragon to think and not just spew.

Finally, Riavorth came to be still again, though her eyes betrayed the unrest she felt, eying the blue that held her pinned with a measure of distaste. Baring her teeth, she hissed through them, before turning her attention back toward her utterly useless stick-brained siblings. Not a one of them had moved! Not one! Apparently, giving her all for them was a waste of her effort. She'd remember this, she would. She wouldn't make the same mistake twice, oh no.

Becoming more reserved and calculating, she took stock of the situation all over again, not counting on any of the others to be of any help at all. She would get free ... and she'd do it all by herself. Spotting one of those talons of Ekarth's toes that she'd just gotten through insulting a moment ago, an idea sprang to mind. She knew that the area just behind those talons was very very sensitive ... her lips curled up over her teeth again, baring them to the world.

Uselessssssssss, all of you! she shot, once more. But it was also a calculated move, instead of just a random insult. Maybe it would spur them into movement, maybe it wouldn't. It didn't matter either way. The point was to distract from any notice that she might have garnered toward what she actually planned to do...

Riavorth!!! Just ... wait!! Orena protested, shifting her weight from foot to foot as she tried to keep her dragon from doing what she feared the green was about to attempt.

[Lotty]

So she was a little distracted, her hands busy mussing with her hair and her eyes abjectly looking to and fro, mostly sticking to the ground, but making their way up at gentle reminders from her dragon. Quixoth was not attention hungry by any means, but was it to much to ask to have her partner looking out from her from the sidelines? An extra pair of eyes never hurt, and if anything it would be useful to know if someone or something was coming up from behind her, but the most animated Rae seemed to be was at the sound of her name coming from Y'kiro. To that she turned her head, "Hmmm?"

He was probably just saying to you what Auwanath told me. I will be joining him on the left to get the ball. Although one couldn't be quite sure the ball was the objective anymore. Riavorth was still stuck in Ekarth's trap and although Rae herself thought it was quite hilarious that the green was distressed over the prospect of being licked, but when the issue was then posited as life or death, then the girl couldn't help but inwardly groan. Was this a lesson in philosophy as well? She wasn't sure she wanted one if it meant taking it from a wastelander.

Quixoth meanwhile had drifted off to her brown clutchbrother's side. Even in their young age she felt dwarfed by him. The largest and smallest of the hatchlings working together served to be a striking contrast, but not one that would be detrimental. She was more than willing to work in his shadow and be easily missed until the time was right. Question was were they going to bother saving her sister too? She decided to double check the mission statement here and took a page out of Iwryth's playbook and used a food metaphor, Are we going to try and have our cake and eat it too Auwanath dear? A little more direction is all I ask, I will happily go to task on whatever you ask... She instinctually crouched down behind his wings to miss any glances from Ekarth. It was of her opinion that she would be rather useless with heroic save the day antics, but a ball? Well she was quick enough for a ball.