Christmas Weyrlings (Lesson 7)

[weaving]

Good morning weyrlings. Please meet I’fael in the classroom for lessons. Remember to bring your straps. Dragons, come to the training field. Morendoth made the obligatory call and then promptly went back to napping in the middle of the field. He wished that His had never taken this job. It severely cut into his napping time. Don’t forget to call Corinth and T’rid as well, please. They should have been here already. The brown grumbled, but did as asked. Corinth, I’fael requests the presence of Yours at the lesson today. If you could be so kind as to bring him, that would be lovely. With that, the brown put down his head with a thud. He’d be making no more announcements today.

I’fael waited patiently for his students to enter before saying anything. He had a list of things to go over. Fighting straps inspection, ground drills, gliding. But first, salamandyrs.

“Good morning everyone,” he said, beginning the way he always did. “We have a very exciting lesson today with a visitor, but first, I have a new rule that I’d like to go over. After hearing about the salamandyr run that occurred, I am now forbidding weyrlings from impressing anymore salamandyrs until out of weyrlinghood. That means do not attend the hatchings. Anyone who does will be severely punished. As for those who already have them, create a support system so that if your salamandyr runs, you have people who will help you get to a safe and secure place where you cannot jeopardize the wellbeing of your lifemate.”

That said, he was quiet for a few minutes, letting the announcement sneak in. He’d need to speak to the Candidatemaster as well and ban candidates from impressing the little monsters and then notify U’un and Lennae to make sure that no weyrlings or candidate showed up to the hatchings. Once he was certain that the message had sunk in, he began to speak again.

“The Weyrleader should be here any moment to inspect your fighting straps so please have them ready.” I’fael moved toward the door to see if T’rid had arrived yet. Where was he?

Roll Call
Ke’rin of Bronze Jaymith
C’oar of Brown Frosstyth
A’fyr of Brown Rudolth
N’lai of Blue Kyssith
C’vin of Blue Mallowth
Saeo of Blue Cherilith
T’ke of Blue Garaeth
Za’x of Green Irylth
Raylin of Green Ebolath
Farryl of Green Peppethp
T’rea of Green Rioth(APC)
Morea of Green Heith(APC)

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[ladybug]

A'fyr and Rudolth arrived at the lesson on time, with their friend Beauty perched on Rudolth's back. The 'mandyr was being quiet now, because she wanted to listen to the weyrlings talk and see if she could hear any interesting bits of gossip. Beauty jumped off of Rudolth's back and clawed her way to A'fyr's shoulder when the brown moved off to the training fields. Humans were much more interesting to eavesdrop on, after all. Rudolth bugled a greeting to Morendoth, ready for his lesson.

A'fyr blushed a little when I'fael brought up the issue of salamandyrs. Beauty was a green, so risings were prettymuch inevitable. A support group did sound like a good idea. When I'fael said that the Weyrleader was coming to inspect their straps, the color abruptly went out of his face. A'fry had never met the Weyrleader before, and he didn't fancy a reprimand from the top if his straps weren't good enough.

[dragon]

C'oar made his way to lessons straddling his dragon the whole way. As the pair walked the distance to be covered to get there (and it was quite far considering they'd been at the far end of the Weyr), C'oar spent his time inspecting and going over his riding straps one last time before class.

Considering the idea of what straps were for, he was a little bit of a nut when it came to making sure they were in top condition. Even if they were relatively new. He didn't want to take the plunge from however high he happened to be, once he and Frosstyth started flying. And he had a notion that time might be soon. What with the leaping lessons that had been going around.

They had had to stop at the barracks to get the straps, which meant he didn't have the whole trip to go over them. But by the time they arrived at the lessons, he was fairly certain that all the stitching was still quite secure. Much to his releif. He threw one leg over his brown's neck, and landed lightly on his toes, flinging his straps over his shoulder before entering the classroom.

Once C'oar was inside, Frosstyth turned and sedately moved off to the feild, where he sat down quietly next to Morendoth. For a moment he just sat there, quiet as a statue. And then he inclined his head, looking at the older brown's head on the ground.

Are we practicing napping, today? He inquired, quietly.

Inside, C'oar took a seat and listened to what I'fael had to say about 'mandyrs. And he heartily agreed with the statement made. He certainly was not looking forward to having to do that again. Support network. Ha! If only. In his experience, it didn't quite work that way. Things got crazy in mandyr runs. He was still sore from the experience, and still sported a bandage on his arm, too. And he didn't even have a 'mandyr!

Uhoh. T'rid was coming to class? C'oar vehemently wished he'd elected to skip class, today. He was pretty sure T'rid was going to find some reason to spit on his straps, if not worse. The weyrleader did not like him at all, and the feeling was mutual, to say the least. C'oar seriously did not want to see T'rid. Anywhere within sight-distance, much less in the same room as.

[Rei]

Raylin paused in the doorway and scanned the classroom before choosing a desk and sitting quietly. Her eyes went to C’oar when mandyrs were mentioned. Poor C’oar. He was going to die when he found out Saeo, against all reason, had impressed another. The green weyrling shuddered and wondered if I’fael knew that some weyrlings had been present at the least hatching. The mention of the Weyrleader drew a sigh from the girl. T’rid had said he was leaving as soon as Millieth started glowing. By all accounts he should already be gone.

Corinth is gone, and Stupid is gone, and they are all gone. Ebolath’s voice held a small note of distress. They will be back silly, just as soon as Millieth flies. Really? Yes really.

Raylin rolled her eyes. Honestly the green was too attached for her own good. The green weyrling debated letting I’fael know that T’rid had probably left but thought better of it. Instead she stayed silent and eyed C’oar. What in Faranth’s name had him making such a face?

Ebolath trotted up to the three browns and crooned a hello. What are we doing today? Napping or sunning sounds lovely but I doubt it will be anything that fun. The small green flopped down and stretched out her wings, so they to could gather warmth.

[Avu]

They weren't there.

Not at the Weyrling Barracks, nor yet at the Weyr itself, nor even in the jungles surrounding said Weyr. In fact, T'rid and Corinth were at Blossom Hold when Morendoth's message came. And contrary to popular belief, the Hold was not full of fun, giggly people. The Hold happened to be full of people, yes, but when you were as antisocial as T'rid was, you...did not exactly approve of this. And he'd probably just be annoyed if they were all fun and giggly anyway. So, they were not, strictly speaking, at the Hold, either. The bronze dragon was lounging on the beach, his eyes focused absently upon the waves rippling and licking at the shore, and T'rid was leaning against him, using his flank as a backrest, arms folded across his chest, one leg curled under the other, which was bent and supported by the heel of his foot.

...T'rid, Mine?

Mmmmph.

Ah, yes, eloquent was our Weyrleader, and ever-so-interested in what his dragon had to say -- as displayed by the fact that his eyes didn't so much as open, but rather squeezed tighter shut as he squirmed backwards, tighter against Corinth's flank, earning a disparaging huff from said bronze. I am not your couch, and I would thank you to treat me as thus.[/i] Mmmffffgggh. Again with his oh-so-eloquent nature! This is when you say, 'what is it?' Corinth prompted. What is it? T'rid responded obediently, with the air of one who is not thinking at all what their mouth -- or in this case, mind -- is saying. Morendoth. Morendoth says that you were supposed to show up for Weyrling Lessons now. Didn't you tell Morendoth's you were leaving? I thought you told /everyone/, the bronze said disapprovingly.

...what?

"What?" T'rid vocalized, condescending to squint at Corinth. "I -- sorry, repeat that?" Morendoth just contacted me. He says you were to show up for Weyrling Lessons today. Didn't you tell them you were leaving? "Tell who? Morendoth? I don't typically talk to drag -- " /Not/ Morendoth. His. "I...didn't I? Oh, no, wait. Sorry. No. I didn't. I didn't think I needed to. I mean, I told the Headwoman. And...let me see, Kaegan. I didn't think the Weyrlingmasters would give a damn. And...anyway, why'm I needed?" Morendoth did not say. What should I tell him? "Umm, let me think...tell him we're sorry but we can't attend; we left for Blossom Hold a few days ago and we won't be returning till Millieth Rises...and, um, say we have utmost faith in his ability to tell pitiful riding straps from good ones?" Not, obviously, that he'd actually say that face-to-face with I'fael, but...Corinth had a way of saying it that made it seem true. Or rather, true-er than T'rid could make it sound. I'll have to contact the watch-dragon. I'm not familiar enough with Morendoth to pick out his mind from the Weyr.

Morendoth of Weyrlingmaster I'fael? Corinth says that you contacted him about His' precense, and he says that they apologize for not being able to attend, but they left for Blossom Hold a few days previously for Millieth's Flight...and they won't be coming back 'till Millieth Rises -- and good riddance, Mine says -- and that they have utmost faith in Yours being able to pick out bad riding straps from the good. That's all. The green watchdragon cut off the connection deftly. [/size]

((Thank Faranth for NPCs))

[Rowana]

Peppeth pranced delightedly onto the field. Will we learn how to fly today? she asked hopefully. They had been training for so long, surely they were big enough now? Peppeth was sure she was much bigger than she used to be. Some day she might even get as big as the boys! At least, that was what she hoped.

If not today, than soon Garaeth assured her as he came up behind. He doubted any of them were ready for flying yet, but that didn't stop him wishing it would come all the quicker. Good morning! he gave his usual greeting to all assembled.

Farryl had taken a seat next to Raylin today. She raised an eyebrow at the mention of salamandyrs. She only had Tille and Hobbs, both occupying her shoulders. She was starting to think she should invest in padding for them. Fire lizards were closely related to salamandyrs, but she was very grateful that she didn't have to share so completely in Tille's flights. The little green had had one already and the only effect on Farryl had been to make her more amorous and clingy than she normally would have been with complete strangers. She felt completely sympathy for Saeo and what she must have gone through. And now she had another one. Poor girl would get no rest.

T'ke lurked in the background and took a spot behind A'fyr. He ignored the message about salamandyrs. It didn't concern him. Too bad darters weren't outlawed, then he'd have an excuse to strangle Akyo for waking him up at the crack of dawn every morning. As it was, meeting the weyrleader made him more nervous. What kind of man would he be?

[nightingale]

I just love how by 'those of you who already have them' he means me. Saeo moped, toying sullenly with a lock of her fine brown hair. Mine, he does not mean it unkindly. Cherilith assured her gently, ambling into the training field and snuggling in between Ebolath and Peppeth. The little blue had been rather clingy for the past few days. It was likely a side-effect of having been so frightened by Freckle's run.

All the other weyrlings have fire lizards. People can walk up to them and say hello and all the fire lizard will do is chirp and preen, and then the person will say 'Oh, what a lovely firelizard!'. I have two salamandyrs. Two salamandyrs. If that mere sight isn't enough to scare someone off, they're likely to either be mauled or serenaded within an inch of their life. My Saeo...I think you might be bleeding again. Should I bring you something sweet after class? Just do your stretches Cherilith.

I really don't understand what the appeal is. Ke'rin mused, staring absently at the back of A'fyrs's head. I mean, not only are they loud and annoying, but having one of those attached to you practically doubles the amount of time you have to spend running around like a fool and launching yourself at strangers. I do not understand Ke'rin-mine. It is our duty to to chase after females. I think you're missing the point Jaymith. The bronze snorted, and returned his attention to flexing his giant wings. Exercise was part religion and part spot to Jaymith -he could live by it, but only if he was the best.

The boy reached down to stroke the small bundle of mottled feathers in his lap. Lamb crooned lovingly from her place at his neck, her eyes full of adoration as she stared down at the sleeping gosling. Her baby was so sleepy! Oh, how she loved to watch her baby sleep. Such a pretty baby! Kei would have liked to have rolled his eyes and reminded her that Akyo didn't seem nearly so pleased about having to share space with another bird, but it was that moment that I'fael mentioned that the weyrleader was coming in to inspect their riding straps. What? Why? Since when was T'rid an expert on riding straps? He eyed the leather on his desk ruefully. Well, with any luck the improvements he had made on the last set would earn him an approving nod.

Saeo was neither desperate for T'rid's approval, nor concerned that her riding straps would be anything short of exemplary. She flicked a pebble at the back of T'rea head.

[topaz]

Riding straps placed neatly across his desk, C'vin listened absently to I'fael talk about the 'mandyrs. It was of little concern to him, not having anything to do with the little troublemakers, but he instinctively glanced at Saeo. Nearly the whole Weyr had heard of what happened at her green's run by now, and the blueweyrling was glad she was alright. Mallowth had a hard time understanding what had happened exactly, and after many questions and half hearted explanations, C'vin gave up and distracted his blue with the promise of a bath in the near future if he stopped asking. Mal hadn't thought of it since.

Upon hearing that the Weyrleader would be attending their lesson and inspecting their straps, C'vin was rather apathetic. He was certain his straps were up to standard, and he wondered why T'rid would be the one to say so. Wouldn't a leathercrafter be able to tell the quality from the rubbish just as well? Or at least an older, more experienced rider? C'vin was of the opinion that I'fael would do a fine job of inspecting the straps himself. Maybe it was tradition or something. The Weyrleader at the time needed to approve the new riders flying straps? Seemed silly, but C'vin would not argue.

The blueweyrling did not know of T'rid and Corinth's leave of the Weyr, since he did not usually see much of the bronzerider anyway. However he still secretly hoped that the man would not be Weyrleader for much longer, and he assumed he was not alone in this opinion.

- - -

Mallowth bounded happily up to Morendoth, tail swishing this way and that. Peering curiously at the lying brown, Mallowth trotted up a few yards away from the much larger dragon's snout and flopped down in front of him, bathed in the dragon's hot, musty breath. In their last lessons they had mimicked all the brown's movements throughout the lesson, right? Maybe today they were indeed learning how to nap properly, as he had heard Ebolath cleverly suggest. That would be just lovely!

[weaving]

Mine? I’ve been informed that Corinth and His left for Blossom hold in order to avoid Millieth’s flight. They’ll be unable to attend. The brown was somewhat amused at this. He knew that I’fael wouldn’t appreciate the news, which made it all the more amusing for him. Already, he could feel the man’s irritation building and he rumbled quietly to himself, only to crack an eyelid open at one of the weyrlings questions. I suppose that we can practice napping for a little while, he answered good naturedly. However, I think you should practice your stretches first. Then you can join me in practicing napping.

I’fael snorted as Morendoth explained why T’rid hadn’t bothered to show up. It figured that the man would be skipping out on Millieth’s flight. He was incompetent and so while the news irritated him, in a way I’fael was glad that T’rid wouldn’t have a chance at becoming the Weyrleader again.

“Well, it looks as though the Weyrleader won’t be joining us after all,” he announced as he turned back to the class, doing his best to mask his annoyance. It wasn’t their fault after all. “So it looks as though I’ll be inspecting your straps! Please come up to the front of the class in alphabetical order. Let’s make this as quick as possible so that we can get on to the better part of the lesson. For those who pass the inspection, we’ll be gliding off of the hill in the field today.”

With that, I’fael took his place at the head of the class, waiting for the first student to approach him.

A’fyr of Brown Rudolth
C’oar of Brown Frosstyth
C’vin of Blue Mallowth
Farryl of Green Peppeth
Ke’rin of Bronze Jaymith
N’lai of Blue Kyssith
Raylin of Green Ebolath
Saeo of Blue Cherilith
T’ke of Blue Garaeth
Za’x of Green Irylth

[dragon]

C'oar was glad to hear that T'rid would not be coming, after all. That was a releif! Now he had a hope of a half a chance of passing the class. And definitely hope of getting through the day uninsulted. Always a pleasant thought. At the news that the class was to proceed alphabetically, though, he frowned slightly. That meant he was going to be very near the front of the class...

Oh, well. Might as well get it overwith. And the sooner he found out if it was good, the sooner he could get it fixed. And the less likely he was to turn into a human pancake. He patiently waited as A'fyr was inspected, and then offered his own forward for inspections. He waited patiently and calmly, even though inside his guts were twisting over in aprehension. Surely they'd pass?

~~~

Outside, Frosstyth got back to his feet, and started going through his stretches right where he was. Not much point in moving when there was no need for it. And the sooner he got his stretches done, the sooner he could practice napping! Frosstyth rather thought he was good at napping, and maybe he'd outshine all the other weyrlings in his napping skills!

Frosstyth rather liked napping. And was glad that they were finally having a class on napping. Got to cover all the essentials, after all!

[Rowana]

No weyrleader? Farryl was a little disappointed. She had always wanted to meet him in person to see what kind of man he was. Oh well, there was always another time. Though by then, someone new might be weyrleader. Farryl gave Saeo a sympathetic smile and pat on the shoulder before collected her straps. Alphabetical order. That made her pause, face screwed up in concentration's. A...B...C...what was next? She always got the letters mixed up in the middle. Oh well. She knew that F was before K and everyone else was after that. So she was after C'oar and C'vin and before Ke'rin. She took her place in line and waited patiently for I'fael to inspect her straps. She was pretty sure she had done them well. She always did like working with her hands.

T'ke felt himself relax. No weyrleader after all. And they were going by alphabetical order. That meant he was close to last, only Za'x was after him. He wasn't entirely sure his straps were up to scratch, but he had tried his best. Lurking towards the end of the line, he waited to see what the Weyrling Master would say about his handy work.

~

Outside, Peppeth and Garaeth worked hard at their exercises. Garaeth was happy to do just about anything, but it was Peppeth who stretched herself to the limit. She wanted so badly to be big and strong like the others. She wanted to fly with her Farryl! To show everyone how much she had grown! She knew her small size worried Hers. Farryl tried not to mention it, but she was worried that Peppeth would not grow big enough to carry her. Peppeth would grow big! She would! Then she and Farryl would fly the best!

[nightingale]

Saeo's head shot up immediately.
Gliding? They were gliding today? Well, provided that their flying straps were in order...but that was like setting up a game of tag and only allowing the weyrlings with legs to participate. They were gliding!! We are flying today mine? Oh how wonderful! I have been practicing very, very hard you know! Yes darling, I know. We're only gliding today though, so don't work yourself into too much of a lather. Saeo grinned, slipping out of her chair and taking her riding straps to their place between Raylin and T'ke.
Kei did likewise, setting the baby goose on his chair and allowing Lamb to curl herself around it. They were quite an odd pair to look at, the green flitter and her avian offspring. Still, the contented warbles vibrating in the little green's throat were enough to keep the bronzeweyrling from caring what species her baby was. As long as she and Rascal were happy -and Rascal stopped nipping his fingers every time he got near the baby- then he had nothing to complain about. He smiled warmly as he slid into line between Farryl and N'lai, laying a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder so that she wouldn't be jostled in the process.
"So I heard Peppeth is getting pretty big. Think she's ready for gliding?"
The question was meant to be conversational, because as far as Ke'rin knew tiny dragons like Peppeth and Ebolath were just about the right size for greens. He hadn't seen many hatchlings the same age as the Christmas Weyrlings after all, and had it not been for the near constant commentary he received from riders and weyrfolk alike, he probably would not have realized how enormous Jaymith was getting. Why must we only glide Ke'rin-mine? I am certain that if Morendoth's would only allow it, we could fly properly. You're still a weyrling Jaymith. Listen to what your weyrlingmaster says.

[weaving]

“Very nice C’oar, though the stitching looks a bit weak here. Just add reinforcement stitches and it should be fine…Good, good Farryl…It’s messy, but strong Ke’rin…Wonderful Saeo…No need to look so worried T’ke, these straps are fine.” I’fael took his time studying the straps, tugging gently at the seams to make sure they held. Satisfied with them, he finally handed the last set back. Looking up at them all, he smiled brightly. “I’m pleased to announce that you’ve all passed your first set of riding straps. I’ve tried to point out some areas for improvement, but on the whole, I’m quite proud. Please meet me outside to continue the lesson.”

He could see the excitement and nervousness in some of their faces. While gliding wasn’t actual flying, it wouldn’t be long until they were practicing their first take offs. As he exited the classroom, he couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the napping weyrlings. Get up you lazy lummox. We’ve got a class to teach. At I’fael’s mental prodding, Morendoth rose and stretched before looking around. Alright weyrlings, go to your riders and have them put your straps on. It’s time for gliding. The brown then proceeded to lumber on to the top of the hill, awaiting the rest of the class.

“Alright, this is how we’ll be doing this,” I’fael announced when everyone was ready. “You and your dragon will start a few dragonlengths from the top of the hill. You’ll be getting a running start, so be prepared to hold on. When you reach the top of the hill, your dragon will leap and unfurl their wings and then proceed to glide down to the bottom. We’ll be going one at a time. Morendoth will be giving the signal of when to begin your run. Do not leave until he says that it is okay. If you leave too soon, the results could be disastrous. Everyone ready? Alright, lets start with Ke’rin and Jaymith then, shall we? Everyone else line up behind them.”

[dragon]

After stepping aside, out of the way, C'oar inspected his straps again, closer, where the weyrling master had pointed out a weak point. Shards ... and that had been the hardest part to stitch together, too! It only figured. Well ... he'd definitely get to work on that. But apparently on the whole, his straps were well enough put together to function for today. That was a releif. He just knew that Frosstyth would have threatened to chew off one - or both - of his legs had his work proved to keep the burly brown from participating in thier first ever flying lesson!

Following cue, C'oar moved out onto the feild with the rest of the class, and welcomed his brown with a facial scratching. "Hallo." He said, quietly. "Are you ready to glide?"

I will glide the best! I will glide high! I will soar, and not touch the ground for a very long ways! We will be the best! Frosstyth said, excitedly, crouching down so that it would be easier and faster for C'oar to put the straps on. The young man only laughed softly, before setting to dressing his dragon. Once that was done, he clambered up to take his place.

Strapping down securely, he still couldn't help but take a hold of his straps as his dragon rose. "Shells, Frosst. It seems every time I get on you, you're taller than you were before." He remarked, under his breath.

I will be taller! Bigger! I will be the best brown! The weyrling puffed his chest up for a moment, proudly. He fully intended to carry through on all his proclomations. And he'd be awfully distraught, should he not live up to any of it. C'oar wasn't sure what he'd do, if Frosstyth landed in a depressed funk over something neither of them had any control over.

[Rei]

Hurry Raymine hurry so we can fly! The green flared her wings in excitement and trotted over to hers. “Love, sit still. Quit prancing, the stiller you are the faster this will go.” Ebolath immediately stilled but her tail tip twitched dramatically. She gave a low whine when it was announced Jaymith would go first. Why him? Why does he get to go first?

“Relax darling you will get your turn. Just think when Corinth and T’rid return you might be flying and then you can go visit them whenever you want.” The green weyrling kept her voice low so that it would only travel to the dragon. “Now kindly let me mount up Ebo?”

The green obediently stuck out a foreleg and Raylin swung up to the space between her shoulders and ridges. Ebolath turned and stood in line slightly prancing in place with her tail tip lashing back and forth. Relax or your going to mess up and embarrass yourself. I will not embarrass myself Raymine. The green sounded contrite but she stilled all but her tail focusing on the bronze pair as they began their run.