Lesson 3 (Desert Weyrlings)

[Requiem]

Lesson 3 (13 Feb 11 - 16 Mar 11)

Desert Weyrlings

Gold Nitrath ::: Impressed to Caden - 100/65 - 82.5
Bronze Epifayrmuth ::: Impressed to Mo'rya - 100/55 - 82.5
Brown Tenloceth ::: Impressed to M'ze - 100/75- 87.5
Blue Lketh ::: Impressed to Er'ani - 100/65 - 82.5
Green Sprith ::: Impressed to Ashlyn (Current Absence Thread) - 100/75 - 87.5
Green Katearath ::: Impressed to Leilani (APC) - 100/75 - 87.5

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How Grades Work:
0 posts - 0
1 post - 45
2 posts - 55
3 posts - 65
4 posts - 75
5 posts - 85
6 posts - 95
7+ posts - 100[/size]

The day of the arms' test.

The dawn run had taken place just as it had every morning but for two in the last two months. They were finally reaching a speed closer to M'ta's lone runs. After that, stretches and strength exercises, followed by a short half-candlemark break for people to catch their breath. Ever since then the testing had been running. Two months to train on their chosen weapons throughout the morning hours. Two months to take advantage of the one-on-one instruction the Weyrlingmaster offered after lessons. It had come time to see if any of it had paid off.

Ur'h had been invited to keep an eye on the long-range portion of the test so M'ta could concentrate on the other three. His neutral face lacked even the evidence of trying to mask emotion, blank as if a thought had never wormed its way through between his ears. "You snapped the branch. If you hadn't been aiming for the tree trunk three trees to the left it might be considered a half-decent job." Was that a joke, sarcasm or was the brownrider serious? Impossible to tell. He narrowed his eyes on Er'ani and Caden. "Last chance. Aim for your targets and try to at least hit the right tree."

M'ta spun the two thin reeds - roughly the length of the dirk still strapped to his thigh - through his fingers. They'd whistled and cracked against any unprotected limb he could reach all throughout the morning. Not harmful but painful as hell. The short man sighed. "How many times do I have to tell you? Work together and I'll be too busy defending myself to give you any more welts." One of them was overeager while the other two seemed all too willing to let the first take the brunt of the attack. "Let's go again. One more time. Last chance to get a blow in. If no one touches me at all today no one's passing." He whipped one of the reeds at Mor'ya's hand to provoke a response.

Come along, littles, Behruth crooned to his small flotilla of weyrlings. Three miles upriver they'd already swum, but it was good for strengthening young muscles, and the brown pushed them further. A race to the sunning beach and then we're done. If everyone pushes hard this last bit I'll let you all make one wish of me. Go! And don't let Ykkith get any paint on you or you're it this afternoon. Behruth pressed forward at a fast clip, but not so fast as to lose the young ones. Just as the painted ropes snaked from the sky when Ykkith flew a low swoop over the weyrlings. No one said you couldn't train situational awareness and Threadfall without flying.

[Kisha-Ra]

Right now Mo’rya was really wishing he’d chosen the last distance weapon instead of picking up the pigsticker of a blade, being insulted by the expressionless brownrider would have been preferable to this, and he could probably have totally failed and been dismissed in disgrace by now. This however was cruel and unusual humiliation. No matter how hard he tried to score on M’ta all he’d gotten for his trouble was a collection of stinging red welts on his arms and hands, he was wondering seriously if he’d have to find some gloves to cover whatever bruising came out on his hands.

Also Mo’rya really wanted to pull a face at M’ta’s back right now, so it was a shame that he was actually looking at his victims to lecture them. Oh dear, not passing, what a shame. The thought was distinctly sarcastic, and a distinct distraction from his attempt to knock the brownrider’s weapon aside with his own, resulting in a new stinging sensation in his hand, which with hindsight, he probably should have just moved out the way, the subtleties of when to dodge and when to block seemed to be eluding the bronzeweyrling.

That was actually quite painful, Mo’rya considered as he gripped his wooden dirk a little tighter to compensate for the loss of feeling in his fingers from that blow, who knew reeds could do so much damage? Hell next time there was some kind of attack why didn’t they just beat people off with reeds? He did his best to catch the eye of at least one of his forced partners in crime and indicate that maybe they shouldn’t bunch up so much. He wasn’t entirely sure that his communication was getting through, considering it was mostly based on glances but he moved off to one side anyway, maybe he could finally get a blow in and end this if he wasn’t right in front of the man, or maybe he could finally get hit over the head and knocked out, he didn’t mind as long as he could go.

Epifayrmuth was enjoying himself, it was true he wasn’t out in the lead, in fact once he’d realised how much easier it was to swim right behind another dragon he’d slid in behind Tenloceth to swim in the brown’s wake. A race would interfere with this plan he supposed, but that was a problem for a little later, a problem for now was avoiding Ykkith and his painted ropes, the small bronze slipped sideways and dived under the water, paint and water didn’t mix.

[Ruby]

Caden wasn't that bad - or maybe she was. She should have put her pride away and picked the dirk, or something. Despite the hard work that lessons required all day, every day, she'd put in the extra work with the little knives, practicing whenever she had a free moment. It had barely helped. No one, of course, had bothered to tell her that getting the things to fly straight (much less stick in the target) was far more difficult than completing the same objective with the knife still in her hand. It didn't help that she could hear M'ta working with the other short-rangers nearby; they didn't seem to be doing well, either, but at least there Caden felt like she'd have a chance. Poor choices. Sigh.

Well, she wouldn't let this Brownrider intimidate her, and she wouldn't fail, either. Glancing back at Er'ani, she stepped forward first, taking her place on the line much closer to the target than the Blueweyrling's. Even shortbows had better range than knives. Her left foot on the line in the dirt, she settled into the now familiar stance, a variation of what she used for real knife-fighting. It was odd to have her left foot in front instead of her right foot, but it gave her more stability, so her she slid the right one back, settling her weight in between. Bringing her hands together in front of her, she contemplated the bulls eye.

One deep breath, then she inhaled again, smoothly bringing the knife back over her right shoulder. Shifting her weight, she focused and chopped with the knife as she exhaled, releasing the handle when she'd returned her arm to the original position. The blade spun end over end, connecting to the target with a clatter instead of a thwack, but not sticking. She thought it had made the target, anyway, maybe she'd hit tree instead. With a sigh, she glanced back at Er'ani to see if he did any better. She'd thrown it too hard again, too much rotation. Well, at least she'd hit something, and she'd hit it hard. If it was a person, maybe she'd brain them instead of burying a knife in their skull?

Nitrath was tired already - her muscles were growing every day, and her streamlined shape suited the water well, but three miles was still a long way. She'd been hanging back with Sprith and Katearath, making sure the smallest of her siblings could keep up. Now, though, Behruth was calling for more speed, and she could see Ykkith's shadow on the river's surface, heralding his approach. Taking a deep breath, she pushed under the water, putting on a burst of speed so she was nearer to Lketh. Doing alright, brother?[/i] she asked, the warmth in her tone making it clear that she wasn't trying to patronize - she was just curious!

[Rei]

As if it wasn’t bad enough having to worry about Lketh today Er’ani had to worry about M’ta being on some sort of mission to make them all nervous wrecks or something. The boy caught the bronzeweyrling’s gaze held it for a moment. The blueweyrling felt bad for Mo’rya, he really did. Er’ani himself was, for the most part, able to try and push their short instructor’s biting remarks and actions aside. He’d had worse at benden after all, but it still made him flustered. Really? The weyrling was doing much better than he had been and was glad he chose the bow. He often practiced in his free time as well and he thought it was showing. So piss on him! Where the irrational irritation was coming from Er’ani wasn’t sure. But maybe it was at himself for taking his shard blasted time on asking about something for Lketh’s eyes. The sun sensitivity was getting worse. On top of that swimming? Really? There went all his hard work in protecting the albino’s hide and water reflected light. If he got sunburn over this… How was he supposed to concentrate and hit that annoying freaking target when he had all this turmoil rearing it’s ugly head? Nothing can bring you peace but yourself Ermine.

The gentle and serious tone to the words had Er’ani swallowing. Even struggling as he was Lketh still…he always... Setting his jaw the blue weyrling stepped forward and pulled back on bowstring. Lining it up like he always did he took a deep breath, let himself relax, closed his eyes, and simply let the arrow fly. Not even checking to see if he hit the target or not the bluerider turned on his heel to take a place a few feet from Caden. Trying to catch her gaze, he then tried with Mo’rya, flicking a look over towards their personal tyrant for the afternoon before brushing Lketh’s mind for a favor. He hated asking for such things when the albino himself was having such a hard time but the little male was extremely intelligent and was working out the best situation for himself as he always did. Even as Lketh passed along the info he subtly notched another arrow and waited, eyeing the clear space beside M’ta’s head.

Slipping through the water in the wake of his siblings Lketh snorted to clear the water from his nostrils. Eyes half lidded against the sun he had begun by straying into shadows as much as possible but that soon proved to be more troublesome then helpful. It caused him to lose ground and lag behind badly. So then it wasn’t an option. Instead he’s just have to suffer the light even if it was causing his eyes and head a good deal of pain at this point. He had tried to fix this by letting his transparent lids cover his eyes to hopefully block out some of the, by now quite disliked, sunlight. It didn’t much help. Submerging himself to swim through darker and deeper water however did and this is what he was doing when his golden sister came up beside him. Brushing companionably against her golden hide he responded. I am doing alright sister. Thank you for asking. It wasn’t a lie. He could be better but he was doing alright.

Er’ani’s question distracted the blue from Nitrath momentarily and he obediently lightly brushed across Mo’rya’s mind. Ermine thinks if he distracted him you would have a better chance to land a hit. It technically isn’t cheating since it is still working together as a class. He will only let the arrow loose if you approve however. Simply give him the hand signal for left if you choose to accept. Poking just his nose above the surface as Ykkith descended, Lketh re-submerged to try and avoid the ropes. It did seem like the best option.

[Requiem]

Lesson 3 (13 Feb 11 - 16 Mar 11)

Desert Weyrlings

Gold Nitrath ::: Impressed to Caden - 100/65/45 - 70
Bronze Epifayrmuth ::: Impressed to Mo'rya - 100/65/45 - 70
Brown Tenloceth ::: Impressed to M'ze - 100/75/0 - 58
Blue Lketh ::: Impressed to Er'ani - 100/65/45 - 70
Green Sprith ::: Impressed to Ashlyn (Current Absence Thread) - 100/75 - 87.5
Green Katearath ::: Impressed to Leilani (APC) - 100/75 - 87.5

[/color]

How Grades Work:
0 posts - 0
1 post - 45
2 posts - 55
3 posts - 65
4 posts - 75
5 posts - 85
6 posts - 95
7+ posts - 100[/size]

Ur'h did little more than nod to himself at Caden's cast. Her form was mostly correct and she was getting close to the target...if not with the pointed end. Daggers really should hit blade first. M'ta had said as long as they showed improvement. The wingleader clucked his tongue slightly at Er'ani, though. "Child. Aiming requires your eyes to be open. You're not far off. You'd probably hit what you were aiming for if you didn't close your eyes." At least he had strength enough to shoot the bow.

The older man turned his attention to Caden. "You passed. But try it again." He stepped to the slightly taller woman, lifting her arm and straightening the line. "Watch the good throwers. They all throw completely from the wrist or elbow. Your shoulder is your fulcrum." Ur'h then gestured to M'ta. "You can tell he's a knife thrower even when he's not throwing. See how his torso and shoulders never move? Now take a breath, lift your ribcage, exhale and don't move your shoulders. Try again." If he noticed the point of Er'ani's aim, Ur'h made no comment. Even though technically someone of mediocre skill probably shouldn't be aiming at anyone, even with practice arrows.

The small man waited for a few more seconds, eyes narrowing in exasperation. Really. He skipped forward, whipping one of the reeds, and herding that weyrling around to his right. Deliberately surrounding himself. What, did they need to see his back to find their courage? Ah, there went one. M'ta sidestepped away from her and toward Mor'ya.

Ykkith whirled on a wingtip above the water, dumping the other half of the painted ropes above the river and the swimming weyrlings when he guessed most of them would be resurfacing. Behruth dipped below the surface briefly, before finally striking the sunning beach. But the male didn't stop on the sands, instead moving up the slope toward the trees and the shade, flopping down there in the cool. He crooned encouragingly to the young ones and mentally invited them to join him. (Behruth had never cared if he was used as a couch, thanks to Jingth and Checkoth.) How is everyone doing?

[Kisha-Ra]

Mo’rya was not really happy to find that M’ta was tracking him rather than one of the others, but then attackers always picked on the smallest or weakest defender didn’t they? It was like felines, Mo’rya considered, his brows drawing together in a frown of concentration as he tried to avoid being hit, they’d never go for a hard kill if there was an easy one about. Maybe he could show M’ta that he wasn’t such an easy target… Even as he thought that Mo’rya realised it was probably hopeless, he’d need a distraction if he was ever going to land a hit on the brownrider, even though he was only armed with reeds M’ta’s weight and experience made him more than a match for one skinny amateur.

Interesting… Mo’rya considered Er’ani’s offer for a moment, doing his best with defence while he did so, he really would have liked to ask Lketh if Er’ani was sure of his aim but he could only talk to Epifayrmuth, who wouldn’t know the answer. A quick glance to the side proved that the other two of M’ta’s opponents were still bunching together and, Mo’rya felt, generally being useless. Abruptly irritated with the whole business the bronzeweyrling dropped his free hand in the arranged signal; it wasn’t really cheating, just like Lketh pointed out, his classmates were supposed to be helping him, and at least Er’ani had a better idea than his partners. Mo’rya tensed, waiting for the arrow to fly before he struck with an all or nothing lunge that would either hit or leave him totally open for being beaten with reeds.

Epifayrmuth half turned, gliding out around his brown sibling into a clear space of his very own and putting on as much speed as he could manage, despite his plans to make things a little easier on himself the distance he’d swum was starting to wear the little bronze down, and it seemed his short legs were not as well adapted for swimming as he’d hoped. Still if he didn’t have build on his side Epifayrmuth certainly had wit and determination, and proved it by stretching his legs out in a last burst of speed carrying him after Behruth, though he couldn’t catch up to the adult brown enough to swim in his wake as he’s done to his brother.

Somewhere above Ykkith was waiting, the bronze knew, it would be safest to remain underwater but since he’d gotten competitive and sped up the unfortunate downside was a need to breathe. Looking up Epifayrmuth noted the ropes coming downward with dismay, he’d have to try and avoid them, perhaps going under the surface hadn’t been the best plan. Changing his mind about breathing the bronze stubbornly stayed underwater, trying hard to ignore the insistant burning in his lungs and the colours that danced before his eyes, nearly there!

The young bronze switched from swimming to a bounding gait as soon as his feet struck sand and charged up onto the beach, where he switched over to a walk that allowed him to take a few deep breaths on his way up the beach to flop down in a spot where the light was pleasantly dappled by the shadows of the branches. It was only then that he realised he didn’t know how well he’d done in the race, or if he had paint on him.

[Rei]

Er’ani bristled at Ur’h’s words and merely snorted, not paying even the slightest bit of attention to the Wasteland brownrider besides that one noise. He didn’t care to hear or follow that man’s advice either. He had been part of the group on the sands. He may not have lifted the knife himself but participating in any way was good enough as far as the young bluerider was concerned. Lketh didn’t understand the issue his bonded had with the man, but questioning it only made the teen more upset so the albino hadn’t asked. Instead the blue had just stayed silent and let matters be. It would play out as it was supposed to he decided. Without need for intervention on his part. Er’ani was smart and would be fine. As the wasteland rider busied himself with Caden again the blueweyrling shifted so he could keep both Ur’h and Mo’rya in sight at all time. He didn’t much care to let the older rider out of his sight, for even a second. It just didn’t sit well with him. He didn’t trust Ur’h. At all.

Turning a little more and keeping the practice arrow tip pressed along his thigh Er’ani had just about decided that Mo’rya wasn’t going to take his offer when the other flashed the signal. In one quick but fluid motion the weyrling brought up the bow and taking aim let the arrow fly. The shot wasn’t intended to hit. Simply take M’ta’s attention for perhaps a minute as it shot past the short brownrider. Hopefully it would be enough to help out his bronze riding class mate. Immediately after letting the arrow fly the teen backed up again to a point where he could keep all the others in sight. Come on Mo’rya. You can do it…

Lketh was rapidly tiring now. Smaller than most of his classmates, save the greens, he had found himself struggling near the middle of the small pack of weyrlings still. The amount of pain coursing through his head had almost gotten to the intolerable point and his muscles were also quite sore from fighting against the current. The albino was stronger yes but not as strong as his bronze or brown brethren and his supplements had just been adjusted again due to his growth. Still if there was anything Lketh had it was determination, if quiet determination, and so the pushed himself the final few meters.

Coming up for air in a such a way that only his nostrils broke the waters surface he took a breath and re-submerged. With a final surge to the shore the blue staggered up the sandy embankment, legs trembling before he simply collapsed on the warm sand. Just…a little rest and then he would make it to the shade. If only his eyes didn’t burn quite so badly. Without a sound nor complaint the pale dragon tucked his head under a wing and sides heaving waited for his flagging strength to return. He did however offer Behruth the lightest of reassuring mental touches. He was…okay.

[Ruby]

Er'ani's open hostility towards their teacher did not go unnoticed, but Caden did not follow his example. She disliked and distrusted him, sure, for many more reasons than even Er'ani had, but as long as he was teaching her he was granted a certain amnesty in Caden's mind. If he would willingly give up knowledge that might one day lead to his downfall, she would willingly take it. So she allowed him to adjust her form, straightening and pulling away only a little when he touched her. That had little to do with Ur'h, though, more to do with decades of shyness.

Carefully holding her stance when Ur'h bid her to try again, Caden took a deep breath again, thinking, My shoulder is the fulcrum. Letting the air out through her mouth, she flicked her wrist forward, careful not to move anything but wrist, elbow. The movement was strange, the lack of movement more so, but this time the point connected with a thwack. Her aim was off, but overall, the throw had improved. Caden couldn't help but grin, although it wasn't gentle pride - rather, it was pleasure in her own power. As always.

Regardless, she'd passed, and she strode forward to collect her practice knives out of the target as Er'ani took his ill-concieved shot at M'ta. It may help Mo'rya pass, she reflected, but did that really count? Caden wasn't usually much of an out-of-the-box thinker, and it made her uncomfortable when other people solved problems that way. Still, she drew up next to Er'ani to watch the end of the fight, refraining to comment one way or the other on the Blueweyrlings actions. Not her place, after all.

As soon as Nitrath came up for air, a whole bucketful of ropes slithered into the water around her. She ducked and dodged as well as she could, seeking to avoid the ropes. She wasn't sure how successful she was - all of her attention went into swimming. Just had to make it to shore... which, it turned out, wasn't as far as she thought. Stumbling up onto shore with her siblings, she joined Sprith and Katearath in sprawling on and around Behruth. Who was the winner?[/i] the gold asked, yawning hugely as she stretched her wings. I did did not have a chance to see.[/i]

[Requiem]

Lesson 3 (13 Mar 11 - 16 Apr 11)

Desert Weyrlings

Gold Nitrath ::: Impressed to Caden - 100/65/55 - 73
Bronze Epifayrmuth ::: Impressed to Mo'rya - 100/65/55 - 73
Brown Tenloceth ::: Impressed to M'ze - 100/75/0 - 58
Blue Lketh ::: Impressed to Er'ani - 100/65/55 - 73
Green Sprith ::: Impressed to Ashlyn (Current Absence Thread) - 100/75 - 87.5
Green Katearath ::: Impressed to Leilani (APC) - 100/75 - 87.5

[/color]

How Grades Work:
0 posts - 0
1 post - 45
2 posts - 55
3 posts - 65
4 posts - 75
5 posts - 85
6 posts - 95
7+ posts - 100[/size]

The wingleader watched Caden's attempt at another throw closely, noting that she was clearly concentrating on her form. His eyes tracked the flight of the blade. Point first. It bit and quivered in wood. Good power. And at least it was the same tree she'd been aiming at, even if it was high of the target itself and would have gone over the head of a real person. They'd probably think twice with knives whizzing overhead at that speed, anyway. "Much better. Now you just need to practice more for the accuracy."

The movement of the arm was strange. There was a narrowing of eyes from the weyrlingmaster, not showing the pleasure at the thought that the three seemed to have arranged a signal silently. Good. Finally working... M'ta twitched sideways, the speed of the arrow opening a small gash in the clothing of his shoulder despite the fact that it had no sharp edges. The same instinct that served him well enough to partially avoid that arrow had him turning toward Er'ani before mind caught up with action. Mor'ya's lunge caught him in the ribs and M'ta staggered when the body behind the lunge followed. The short man was not terribly large, after all, despite being strong for his size.

The brownrider shoved Mor'ya away with an elbow, annoyance behind his eyes. He rubbed ruefully at the spot on his ribs. "You pass," he grunted at Mor'ya, prodding him harmlessly with a reed. "The rest of you are useless." His eyes tracked toward Er'ani slowly, narrowing on the boy. He was on Er'ani in a few paces, snatching the bow from him. "What was the first thing you were taught when you were given this? Hm?"

Ur'h murmured helpfully, "It has something to do with aiming it at people you don't intend to hurt I imagine. Good luck, kid." The older man raised his voice and gestured to Caden and - yes - Er'ani. "These two are ready." He even cracked the slightest of smiles at M'ta's tempramental glare. "I'll take my leave now before the short one decides to kill me instead of you," he added to Er'ani helpfully. Almost cheerfully for the dour Ur'h. He turned toward the clear part of the clearing, where Ykkith was just settling, the brownpair disappearing quickly in the aftermath of the arms test.

Behruth stretched his neck forward, taking Lketh gently in his mouth and setting him down between his forelegs, where the brown's bulk provided shade in addition to that of the trees overhead. Epifayrmuth has won. See? No paint, and he was first to the sands. The brown crooned his approval to the bronze, then settled more firmly in the sands with his class of littles (some of them not so little anymore).

I want each of you to tell me something you learned from our excercise today, the brown commented calmly. Starting with Nitrath, who has the most paint on her. What does any of this have to do with Threadfall? The male stretched his tattered wings for a long moment, exposing them to the shaded sunlight so they might dry a little more.

[archenstone]

M'ze walked up, picking up the gloves that had been set out for Weyrlings. He was only several minutes late from break but it felt like hours to him as he dreaded the repercussions. How had he known a quick bathroom break would turn into such an ordeal? He frowned, clearly unhappy with the situation. Determined to be as responsible about this as possible he walked over with the 'dirk reed' in hand. "Do you have room for one more Weyrling Master?" He asked as calmly as possible. He could think of no tactful way to be late to a very important lesson. Thankfully Tenloceth had been busy.

The brown had been on time, following Behruth while wondering why His was having such a difficult time. Perhaps it was his fault...somehow. Maybe he had caused His's discomfort. Most of Tenloceth's attention was on the river though as they swam down river towards the beach. When Behruth told the Weyrlings to race he dutifully swam harder, thinking that even if he worked he somehow wouldn't be good enough. Sure enough, some of his clutch brothers where swimming faster than he was. The 'thread' only made the whole thing more of an inconvenience.

He dived, watching where he swam through his transparent lid. Water was one of the few things he liked. He tucked his wings in as close to his body as possible and used his tail to propel him faster under water. It was certainly easier than having to swim on the surface; but this was not supposed to be easy. Surely he would loose points for opting to stay under water longer than the others? When he rose he found the last traces of thread falling and merely inhaled a quick breath through his nostrils....sinking under water and allowing the finals threads to hit water before coming back up.

Oh look, last. Somehow it did not surprise Tenloceth that he would do so bad. Oh well, maybe Behruth would give the others a wish at least? He walked his way up the beach, content to give him body rest and air. The others where excited and happy. Tenloceth was glad for them. When Behruth asked them what they learned he tried to think of the best thing he learned.

[Ruby]

Caden couldn't help but straighten even more when Ur'h praised her. "Yes, sir!" she barked, barely suppressing a salute. She mimed the movement three times more before after collecting her knives, hoping to commit the smooth toss to muscle memory. She'd practice more tonight, in her dorm. Sheathing most of the fake weapons - she'd have real ones after today! - she kept one, flicking it back and forth in the final stage of the toss. Mo'rya passed, which made Caden happy even if he cheated, and E'rani... passed? Huh. That Ur'h was an interesting character; she'd have to keep an eye on him. Worthy of respect, perhaps, even if he was a Benden traitor.

Nitrath, eyes whirling a pleased green, dipped her head to Epifayrmuth when Behruth announced him as the winner. Congratulations, brother dear! she exclaimed, looking around. He did indeed have the least paint, and he'd won the race. He'd be a great Bronze one day... not that he wasn't already, of course. Curling closer to her teacher and Lketh, Nitrath glanced over at Tenloceth. He'd seemed about to speak, but apparently he changed his mind. Well, in that case, Behruth had asked her to go first.

What had she learned, though? She hadn't been successful at keeping the thread off her hide, and she had neither lost nor won the race. She reached back to lick some of the paint off her hide, her eyes shading slightly pink as her hesitation stretched. But then she had an idea. I have learned that size does matter,[/i] she said, glancing at Tenloceth and Epifayrmuth. I see now why Golds do not fly threadfall, not in the high altitude wings anyway. We are simply too big, not quick and agile like my smaller brethren. While bronzes may compensate for being nearly as large as golds with added speed, I am simply... big.[/i] Lifting her head again, though, the gold's voice turned resolved. That is no excuse, however. I will be faster next time, more careful.

[Kisha-Ra]

The only expression Mo’rya’s face could be said to hold as his weapon actually made contact with his target was surprise, even with an adequate (perhaps too adequate) distraction he hadn’t really expected to hit. More to be blocked and earn another welt for his efforts or go sprawling on his face. Okay, he’d passed, probably for more work with his real weapon, but he’d managed to get Er’ani in trouble, maybe he shouldn’t have accepted that offer after all. Mo’rya’s hand reached up to tug on the single braid of his hair as he wondered what he should do for the best. Er’ani had helped him, and Mo’rya didn’t particularly want him to suffer whatever awful punishment M’ta undoubtedly had in mind. ‘Um,’ The bronzeweyrling began, however before he could come up with anything to say M’ze appeared from… wherever he’d been and spoke up so Mo’rya didn’t have to. No doubt M’ta would be agog to know where M’ze had been, and maybe he’d forget Er’ani, at any rate Mo’rya had more time to think of something.

Epifayrmuth reached out a thread of inquiry to Lketh, wordlessly asking if the blue required or wanted any assistance. Apparently though, Lketh did not get a choice. Epifayrmuth approved, their teacher would make an excellent shade for the albino. Sprawling out a little more and examining his hide the bronze was rather surprised to find he was indeed free of paint. Thank you Nitrath.[/color] The small bronze accepted his sister’s praise with neither an excess of modesty or an outburst of pride. This time he had won, next time he might not. Now, what had he learned?

Epifayrmuth reached out and rubbed at some paint on Nitrath’s back as the gold commented on what she’d learned, of course this just transferred the splodge to Epifayrmuth, but he thought he could bear the indignity.

[Rei]

Whoops. Well he hadn’t meant for the shot to get quite that close. Nevertheless there was some small bit of inward pride at the follow through and Mo’rya’s successful attempt at an attack. Huzzah! Er’ani had to fight to keep from smiling as M’ta told the bronzer boy that he had passed. Really the blueweyrling had expected some kind of backlash from his stunt, so when their teacher turned towards him he straightened up and did his best to meet the smaller man’s gaze. There was no shame behind what he had done, in his opinion, and so what if M’ta didn’t like it?

Yes it was perhaps with a small bit of defiance that Er'ani returned the look. No way he was going to back down and act the coward. He hadn’t at Benden so why would he now here? And yep here came Mr. Short Pants to get all in his face. Oh Er’ani liked M’ta a good deal actually, but humor is how the weyrling got himself through situations like this at Benden. It was a defense mechanism and even now it persisted. So when the brownrider snatched his bow and snapped his question the teen tried valiantly to stop picturing him in a humorous light so he could answer sufficiently. Yeah that worked, kind of, except he couldn’t keep himself from smiling which he knew was going to cost him. Shells.

“That I shouldn’t aim at people.” He said with his best attempt at a straight face. Or something along those lines. Er’ani didn’t completely remember but he knew it had to do with aiming at people. So yeah he had broken a big rule. But he hadn’t meant to hit M’ta. Just distract him so his partner could do it. He thought that was completely justified. That was going to be what he was doing later anyway. Hurting people was not completely the bluerider’s thing. If Er'ani could disable rather than kill he was going to. The teen glanced Ur’h’s way as the man spoke but didn’t comment instead choosing to eye M’ze instead. Whoa he was kind of late. Poor kid was probably going to get it and he had just made it worse by pissing M’ta off beforehand. Whoops. Well today was just turning up rainbows wasn’t it? Lightly Er’ani rubbed his temple wondering if he was ever going to get his bow back. Oww headache. He was aware of where the pain was coming from and mentally he cursed himself again. I’m sorry Lketh. I’ll fix it buddy. I promise. As soon as I can.

The little albino didn’t answer his right away instead busy trying to sort out just who had brushed his mind. Ah shiny brother. Lketh considered the wordless offer for a moment and had just about decided to accept when he suddenly felt pressure on his midsection. With a little chirp he drew his head out from his wing to blink a little blindly at Behruth. Oh it was teacher. That was okay then. Gently he brushed both the brown and bronzes mind with a feeling of thanks. Behruth for his help and Epifayrmuth for his concern. It was only polite after all. Curling himself up near the much larger brown’s chest Lketh lidded his eyes again.

Yes that felt soooo much better. Listening to his siblings and the teacher for a moment he realized he had no idea how much paint he had acquired. He currently couldn’t see very well either. No matter he would simply go after Nitrath. When the gold finished he commented softly. Thread does not care where it falls. It seeks not to avoid water which will drown it nor avoid you which it can consume. After commenting he commented to his. You are forgiven Ermine. Do not worry so much about me when Behruth’s is trying to eat you.

Er’ani chuckled before he could catch himself. Yeah that was good advice.

[Requiem]

Lesson 3 (13 Mar 11 - 16 Apr 11)

Desert Weyrlings

Gold Nitrath ::: Impressed to Caden - 100/65/65 - 77
Bronze Epifayrmuth ::: Impressed to Mo'rya - 100/65/65 - 77
Brown Tenloceth ::: Impressed to M'ze - 100/75/45 - 73
Blue Lketh ::: Impressed to Er'ani - 100/65/65 - 77
Green Sprith ::: Impressed to Ashlyn (Current Absence Thread) - 100/75 - 87.5
Green Katearath ::: Impressed to Leilani (APC) - 100/75 - 87.5

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How Grades Work:
0 posts - 0
1 post - 45
2 posts - 55
3 posts - 65
4 posts - 75
5 posts - 85
6 posts - 95
7+ posts - 100[/size]

M'ta's mood was not improved by a smiling Er'ani. That was a smug look if ever he'd seen one. The brownrider's hand came up to cut off the beginnings of a babbled defense from Mor'ya. Not interested. He knew well enough that the event had been pre-arranged. "After lessons, you are staying. For a candlemark. Today and hereafter. If you want to act like you can do whatever you want, I'm going to damn well make sure that's true." He dug into his pouch and tossed a handful of arrowheads on the ground, taking the practice arrows in practically the same motion. "Have the shafts ready by lessons tomorrow or you can run the entire day." M'ta gave him a humorless smile.

All in all, it was not a good time for M'ze to return from his extended disappearance. M'ta turned his head just enough to regard the brownweyrling out of the corner of his eye, the look anything but welcoming. "The test is over." Dismissive. His attention went to Mor'ya. "Bronzie. Why don't you explain to me why Er'ani's actions - which you directed - were moronic. Keep in mind such things as skill level and who else was in the crowd he fired into. Both things you should be aware of as Epifayrmuth's rider. And once you've regaled us with your amazing 20/20 hindsight, you can help Er'ani get his arrows ready for tomorrow."

A flicker of a glance was spared Caden. "The chest with the real weapons is over there." M'ta nodded toward the trees. "Please retrieve them." Which only left M'ze to attend to. But the brownrider was far more interested in Mor'ya's answer than he was the pathetic attempts of the weyrling who could not seem to be on time. "Listen to Mor'ya, M'ze, and get rid of that reed. I've no clue why you're carrying it. Then maybe I'll consider letting you test without the help of your classmates."

A soft croon was spared the first two dragonets to speak up. You are right that speed is sacrificed when dragons are large. Instead they are stronger and can last longer than those of us who are smaller. Not that he seemed too small to them now, but Behruth was quite blue-sized. But golds can flame thread. Mine says they used to before I was hatched. The reason they do not, Nitrath, is if one of us should make a mistake, only one will die. If a gold does, she and all the dragons from all the clutches she would have laid are dead. With Betweening and practice, you can be just as good as any other dragon, no matter your size.

A nuzzle was given Lketh. Yes, little one. Thread does not care where it falls. We must care for it and always keep an eye out. Now...how about we hear from the two best at the exercise? Epifayrmuth...Tenloceth. Would you share with us the key to your success? For, if the ropes really had been Thread, it didn't matter how fast you flew if you were getting scored right and left.

[archenstone]

M'z simply stood there. So it was over? He failed? He blinked once, wondering what he would have to do now. Would he have a chance to make it up? Or would he simply be stuck, unable to get ahead, unable to recover from his error? He watched as M'ta told the others their new orders and contemplated what he would do to make this up. Suddenly M'ta addressed him. His eye brows rose ever so slightly and he glanced down. How did I manage that? Not only did he have his gloves but one of the dirk reeds was somehow wrapped up in one. How much more incompetent was he going to look today?

Obviously much more before today was done. Fight M'ta alone? He nodded, "Yes Sir," and set the reed down. The gloves fit snugly around his hands. One of the things he had hated in Benden were the fighting lessons. War and bloodshed where not his favorite aspects as a dragon rider. Yet, he had chosen that path not once, but twice. M'ze did not regret Tenloceth, but he worried for the future of his dragon. Bringing his mind back on the task at hand he looked at M'ta. He had a feeling this was going to be a 'bash M'ze' lesson....even so, his eyes held a quiet determination. If M'ta could give him this chance, then M'ze could do everything possible to pass.

Tenloceth listened to the others as they said what they learned. It all sounded good to Tenloceth. And what did I learn? That others were better than me? His eyes whirled in a neutral, unemotional way as he lay down. Certainly he was not jealous of his brothers and sisters doing better. In fact, he mentally cheered them on.

Surprise. It was an odd feeling as Tenloceth looked Behruth in the face for the first time all day. I......I did good? The thought over rode what ever his answer was going be and his eyes sped up slightly, reflecting his surprise. We are supposed to avoid thread. The painted rope was thread, so I stayed safe in the water...? He really wasn't sure what to say. He had thought he'd failed and now Behruth was telling him he did good? Maybe M'ze would be happy about that? For now....he was caught off guard and didn't have more to say.