Christmas Weyrlings (Lesson One)

[weaving]

Rise and shine weyrlings, it’s time for your first lesson. Please meet Weyrlingmaster I’fael in the common room. Everyone must attend. Morendoth’s voice was kind as he called out to all the new minds of I’fael’s latest weyrling class. While not forceful, the brown’s call was loud enough to wake even the deepest of sleepers, giving the weyrlings no excuse if they chose not to attend. Having been disappointed with the lack of attendance in the older classes, I’fael was determined not to let these weyrlings follow the same path. He’d make sure they’d all graduate if it was the last thing they did. Thankfully, Sel’n had stepped up as assistant weyrlingmaster, leaving I’fael free to focus on this class entirely.

As usual, the man was sitting at the desk in the common room, though he grinned broadly and stood once the first of the weyrlings entered. It was amazing how much stress had been lifted from his shoulders now that someone else was dealing with the older weyrlings. “Good morning!” He called out cheerfully. While he students were probably still half-asleep, the brownrider had already had two cups of klah that morning. No doubt these weyrlings would soon learn that waiting for Morendoth to wake them wouldn’t be the best thing to do if they actually wanted to remember their lessons. “I’m Weyrlingmaster I’fael and I’ll be instructing you for the next turn and a half or so. Take a seat as you come in, don’t be shy. Sit next to someone you might not be too familiar with. By the end of lessons, we’ll all be like a second family, so may as well start now.”

After that he paused, allowing everyone to get settled. The desks and chairs had been removed and floor mats laid out instead, to allow for the hatchlings to more easily move about without bumping into things. Once it looked as though everyone had found their seats, I’fael began speaking once more. “Today will be a relatively easy day. We’ll be going over proper feeding and cleaning care for your dragons, as well as some strengthening exercises. We’ll begin learning how to strengthen the bond between dragon and rider as well and I’ll be giving you some exercises that you can practice out of the classroom. First though, why don’t we get to know each other a bit better? We’ll go around the room; introduce yourself, your dragon, and tell us something about yourself that we might not already know.”

“I’ll start. I’m I’fael and the beast that woke you this morning is Morendoth. I’m 41 turns old, old enough to be your father and yet I’m childless. I was born and raised within the weyr and was around for the fateful hatching where Shmee impressed gold Aslath. Exciting times, those days. Alright, who’s next?”


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 Peppeth
T’rea of Green Rioth(APC)
Morea of Green Heith(APC)

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[Rei]

"Wake up Ebolath! Come on silly wake up!" Raylin shook her unresponsive green hatchling who merely whimpered and snuggled closer to her clutch brother. "Ebolath I am not going to be late on our first day of lessons! I let you sleep while I ate and bathed and now it is time for you to get up." Vega landed on his bonded’s shoulder and trumpeted loudly.

Raylin’s prodding was possible for her to ignore but the combined prodding of hers and Vega was to much for the little green and she raised her head and grunted. Why do we have to go to lessons now Raymine. I am tired. She complained the irritation in her voice clear. "You slept plenty Ebolath and we have to go to lessons to learn how to be a proper dragon and rider." She turned away from her hatchling to finish dressing, leaving the green to her stretching and grumbling.

After both sides of the pair were sufficiently ready Raylin exited her shared room and made her way to the common room where lessons where to be held. Nodding to the Weyrling Master she claimed one of the floor mats and Ebolath snuggled in beside her. She listen attentively to him although Ebolath snorted and she could feel the dragons displeasure at the mention of exercises. Having been one of the first to arrive the weyrling decided she might as well be one of the first to speak.

She stood a bit apprehensively and took a deep breath before speaking in a calm clear voice. “I am Raylin and the little green beside me is Ebolath. I am 19 turns old. I was born in Selenitas Hold and am adept at training Runners.“ She sat after her statement and turned to politely pay attention to the next speaker.

[topaz]

C'vin woke slowly, but he was sitting up before Morendoth's voice left his mind. He groaned slightly, it was so early. Mallowth however was already up, and ruffling through His' trunk to find him suitable clothes to wear. Hurry! I want to go now and see all of my cluchmates. Pulling out a pair of dark brown hide pants, and a midnight blue tunic, the hatchling threw them at His with a flick of his head.

C'vin groaned again, but couldn't help but smile at his excited dragon. "Alright, alright. Just a second." Mallowth waited, rather impatiently, at the barrack door for His, whining complaints every now and then that he was too slow. After dressing and tying up his boots, C'vin was hastily pushed out the door at the knees by his overexcited dragons head. "Cut it out! We're going alright?" He said playfully, and Mallowth gave a satisfied croon and resigned to His bonded's side as they walked towards the common room.

Noticing that they were one of the first ones there, C'vin smiled politely and took a seat on a mat towards the front. "Goodmorning sir." Mallowth sat bolt upright next to His, tail curled around his haunches, in an attempt to make a good first impression at school. This made C'vin smile, and he raised a hand to scratch his blue's eye ridges. Mallowth crooned deeply, his eyes closing in bliss.

When the rest of the Weyrlings had filed in, both C'vin and Mallowth turned their attention to the Weyrlingmaster. Mallowth having a harder time with this, since all he wanted to do was meet and greet the other dragons, C'vin reminded him why they were here every time his attention began to wander.

The pair listened as I'fael introduced himself and then Raylin. C'vin smiled slightly, and looked around at the other Weyrlings before taking the opportunity to speak. "Hello. My name is C'vin, and this is Mallowth." He said, affectionately patting the hatchlings side. Mallowth crooned a happy hello to dragons and humans alike. "I am 18 turns old and was born and raised here in the Weyr. One day soon, I hope to begin the process of becoming a Dragonhealer." He said clearly, then looked around at the rest of the Weyrlings pleasantly, waiting to see who would introduce themselves next.

[dragon]

C'oar rolled over, off the bed, and to his feet as the call woke him up. After having been up several times in the night, he had been dead tired. Feeding Frosstyth enough to keep him sated was a chore in and of itself. But neither of them could sleep a wink at all, with the weyrling hungry. So it had to be done. Thankfully, that nifty bucket C'oar had created and pounded out was helping alot in keeping the time that involved down to a minimum. With a good bit of water sitting between layers of the bucket's walls, it could keep meat cold for a long time, allowing C'oar to fetch two meals worth each trip, meaning half the trips to the kitchens in the night. Thankfully.

He nudged Frosstyth to wakefullness, and then started dressing quickly. Dressing for C'oar was simple ... a sleevless vest type shirt (to keep his big shoulders from ripping out sleeves) and a pair of plain trousers, and he was done. Slipping feet into sandals for the lesson, C'oar was headed out the door toward the common room in short order. Frosstyth yawned a jawbreaker, ambling after his.

Though still small, the brown weyrling was already growing by leaps and bounds. And his pronounced muscles rippled and rolled under his silky skin as he walked after C'oar. C'oar really liked the way his dragon was looking ... even for a brown, he was getting to be quite muscular. Which was really weird, considering that the brown did more sleeping than anything else, so far.

C'oar took a seat on a pad on the floor, and yawned, himself, running a hand through his soot black hair, before using a tie on his wrist to tie it back into a tail, out of the way. He blinked, wondering if there was any way he could sneak a meal in somewhere ... just like his bonded, C'oar was a big fan of food.

After listening to a few people talk, it dawned on C'oar's sleepy mind that he was going to have to do something similiar. Um? What to tell? Somehow managing to get to his feet, C'oar focused on the weyrling master. "My name is C'oar, and this is Frosstyth. I am seventeen turns. My family runs a smithy at a cothold outside Hyphen Hold. We produced some of the best metalwork in the area, if I do say so myself." C'oar commented. His uncle, especially, was an exquisitely skilled smith. "I worked the trade, too, before coming here. I've been here for nearly a half year, now." And with that, he sat down again. That was probably more than they wanted to know...

Oh well. C'oar reached over and patted Frosstyth, as the chunky brown curled up and threatened to go back to sleep. "Don't." C'oar whispered to him, leaned over.

Why not? I'm tired. It's not time to eat yet.

"Well ... unless you want me to drop you in that pool yonder while you're sleeping ..." C'oar hinted. The man had mentioned washing, after all.

Frosstyth's head came up sharply, and his eyes narrowed slightly. You wouldn't.

[nightingale]

Despite a morning that had come far too early thanks to Cherilith's pre-dawn hunger pains, Saeo was up and about well before Morendoth’s voice reached her. She had decided that if being awake was something she had to deal with, she might as well spend the time before classes washing up and picking out something pretty to wear. In the end she had decided on a pair of dark pants and her favourite short-sleeved blouse, along with her daily trio of necessary accessories -belt, riding boots and as her token piece of jewelry, a beaded choker she'd found at the bottom of one of the bathing pools.

Charcoal applied and hair combed, she had returned to her quarters only to find that not only had Raylin and Ebolath already gone, but Cherlilith was still fast asleep. His wakeup call had been unceremonious and hurried, their decent to the common room less than graceful, but somehow they managed to make it on time. Taking her new teacher's advice to heart, the girl chose to settle herself on a mat directly between C'vin and another weyrling she hadn't been introduced to yet. Her sleepy blue was more than content to curl up on the mat next to her, chin resting on her lap as he tried to keep his outer eyelids from slipping shut.

------------------

"T'ke, hurry up!"

Ke'rin called to his roommate, hastily buttoning a dark brown vest over top of his plain white shirt. Jaymith uttered a throaty croon from the doorway, his eyes whirling a sleepy blue-green.

Isn't Garaeth's ready yet? The lessons will begin soon, so we'll have to hurry if we intend to arrive on time. He'll just be a moment. Besides, it would be rude to leave now after we've waited this long. Yes, I suppose so...but do tell him to hurry Ke'rin-mine. It's rude to keep our people waiting for their bronzerider. Don't remind me...

-------------------

Taking her cue from the brief moment of silence that followed C'oar's introduction, Saeo cleared her throat.

"Good morning everyone!"

She chirped enthusiastically, giving the large blue head in her lap an affectionate stroke.

"My name is Saeo and I'm heterosexual -despite the what colouration of my beautiful friend Cherilith might suggest. I'm seventeen turns old, from Selenitas Hold and I was an apprentice tanner before I was searched -oh, and someday I hope to be a Wingleader! Fortune permitting of course."

My, but didn't everyone look tired? Well, she supposed that it was silly to think that all dragons slept as soundly as Cherilith and Ebolath. Some of these poor weyrlings looked as if they had been up all night...well, no matter. She was sure that all the fascinating information they were sure to receive on dragon care would perk them up considerably.

[Rowana]

Farryl stretched and yawned. It was a lovely morning, made even more exciting by the prospect of her first lesson as a weyrling. Peppeth was awake and full of energy, chasing Tille around the room while the fire lizard stayed just out of reach. Farryl hoped they weren't disturbing Morea and Heith too much, but they would have to get up soon anyway. Farryl dressed as she usually did. Worn travel pants and light shirt and her long coat stained with mud and grim. Now that she was definately staying here, she supposed she would have to get some more clothes or at least get these properly washed. She would look into that later.

"Let's go you two," she called, making her way to the door. Tille chirped with delight and zoomed for Farryl's shoulder. After being forced to stay so many times, she was delighted to be able to accumpany her mistress. "Behave," Farryl told her firmly. "If you distract the class, I will send you home." Tille clung possively and crooned meekly. Satisfied, the trio left for the common room.

<What are we doing?> Peppeth asked with excitement. <Will it be fun?> Farryl shrugged. "Classes won't always be fun, but I'm sure you can find ways to enjoy yourself." She had never had many classes before, so she wasn't entirely sure herself, but it was what she had heard. "They other weyrlings will be there, though, you'll get to see them again." This delighted the tiny green and she passed Farryl in her hurry to reach the class. Farryl laughed brightly. "Alright, wait for me!"

They arrived just in time and Farryl listen politely as first I'fael and then several of the weyrlings made their introductions. She had a bit of a chore getting Peppeth and Tille to sit still through it all and every time she thought she might go, she had to stop one of them from playing out of boredom. Tille wanted to see if the other young dragons were as fun as Peppeth and Peppeth seemed interested in seeing how fun it would be to chase Frosstyth's tail. By the time she had gotten them to settle down enough, more than half the class had gone and she could barely remember what had been said.

Smiling to herself at Saeo's mention of her sexual preferences, Farryl stood after her friend. She wasn't sure what to say, but saw no sense in waiting any longer. "I'm Farryl and this green ball of energy is Peppeth." She started to go on, but Tille squawked. "Oh, and Tille," she added quickly. "I'm about 17 turns old and I was raised by traders and have seen most of the Southern Continent. Someday I want to explore the North as well." She sat down. That seemed good enough. Everyone had such interesting things to say, she could not wait to get to know some of them better. At the moment she only really knew Saeo and Raylin that well.

~

<Wake up, T'ke!> Garaeth's eternally happy voice broke through T'ke's peaceful sleep. <It is a beautiful morning!> The blue dragon poked the boy excitedly, urging him to rise. T'ke groaned and rolled over. Not only was Garaeth an optimist, but he was a morning person too! How were the two of them ever expected to work together. T'ke was tempted to go back to sleep simply to spite his dragon, but Ke'rin's hurried voice changed his mind. Of course, they had their first class. How could he have forgotten.

"Alright, alright," T'ke mumbled grumpily. Much to Garaeth's joy, he stumbled out of bed and pulled on manage to pull on some decent clothes and a jacket. After running his fingers through his hair in a vain attempt to set it straight, he met Ke'rin at the door. "Sorry," he said apolitically. "And...um...thanks for waiting for us." He hadn't really expected his roommate to wait at all, especially considering the difference in their rank. It looked like he had a lot to learn about the other boy. Maybe they could talk some later.

[nightingale]

Ke'rin was beginning to pace the floor uneasily. The sound of movement in the hallways had faded considerably, assuring him that the others had already assembled downstairs. They were most definitely late. The boy's anxiety was beginning to leech into Lamb's mind though the thick veil of sleep that held her. Despite having been up half the night with him while he fed Jaymith, the little green opened her tired blue eyes ever so slightly, sending hers a questioning feeling. Hers was alright? He seemed upset...Hers was upset? Walking over to where she lay curled on his pillow, Ke'rin gave his pet a reassuring stroke. Everything was fine, she could go back to sleep. Lamb put up only the faintest struggle before giving in to his caresses and letting her outer lids drift shut. The boy sighed and went back to pacing.

When T'ke finally did meet him at the door, he somehow managed a smile, relieved that they would finally be able to get going.

"It's not a problem."

He assured the boy, turning toward the doorway.

"Our teacher might decide to go easy on us if we show up together. Let's get going." And go quickly! Jaymith added with a sudden burst of energy, taking up a position behind the others so he could nudge them in the right direction. Humans and smaller dragons at the front! I'll carry you if I must, but leaving the others to wait on their prince even a moment longer is just out of the question! To the common room!

The boy was unable to keep from sighing at the sincerity and enthusiasm with which Jaymith emphasized 'prince'. He realized upon reaching the common room that class had in fact begun without him, and so it was with sheepish embarrassment that he followed his bronze as he sauntered his way through the other Weyrlings and plopped himself smugly down on a mat in the center of the room.

Why should we not sit where our people can admire us?[/color] The bronze questioned, head tilted questioningly as Ke'rin set about staring a hole through the floor next to him. There is such a thing as modesty Jaymith. Most people who show up late to class- Oh but we are not most Ke'rin-mine! I'm sure that they all realize that we did not intend to keep them waiting! They know that we are sorry and will not let it happen again, and so why then should they not forgive us? And that forgiveness granted, why should we not allow them to admire us?

Realizing it was likely his turn to give an introduction, Ke'rin rose to his feet.

"Ke'rin of bronze Jaymith."

He said, holding himself with as much dignity as he could muster.

"I'm seventeen turns, and lived with my aunt and her family in Selinitas Hold before I was searched...and my ambition is to serve my Weyr as best I can." Ke'rin mine is going to be Weyrleader. Jaymith added in a very matter-of-fact tone. We will fly many queens together and create marvelous clutches!

With a nearly inaudible groan, Ke'rin slumped back down onto his mat, letting his head drop to his chest in a vain attempt to conceal the redness rising in his cheeks.

-------------------------

Saeo narrowed her eyes slightly as Jaymith's voice reached her. Well, he was certainly sure of himself, wasn't he? She supposed it was a trait he shared with many of his coloration -and, she thought as Danar flashed briefly through her mind, those who admired them.
Do not worry my beautiful. Cherlilith's voice was soft and reassuring. Jaymith cannot catch all the queens...one day, we will be Weyrleaders as well...
The girl was just barely able to stifle a giggle at the dreamy, idealistic quality of her dragon's promise. You're going to make me a Weyrleader one day Cherilith? She asked with an amused smile, stroking his long blue neck with her thumb.Oh yes mine. He assured her with a contented sigh. We will be great leaders one day. We will need to work very hard, but one day we will be...Cherilith promises...[/size]

[weaving]

As each of the weyrlings spoke, I’fael listened attentively, putting names to faces. He’d worried that they’d be a difficult class but so far everything seemed to be going well enough. He frowned as he noted that a few of the weryrlings were missing, but a lecture on timeliness would reach their ears soon enough. He was just about to speak to the class when one of his missing students, the bronzeweyrling, entered. The boy spoke before he had a chance, introducing himself as well as his bonded. I’fael was willing to leave it at that, but the bronze, Jaymith, seemed as though his rider hadn’t said enough.

“Weyrleader, hmm? An…admirable ambition to be sure,” the weyrlingmaster remarked politely, choking back a laugh that quickly turned into a cough. The poor lad had no idea what was in store for him if he did indeed manage to fly Aslath. Well, he’d certainly learn soon enough. For now though, it was time for the actual lesson to begin. He scuffled over to the corner, returning in front of the class with some rags, brushs, bags of sand and buckets of herb-scented oil.

“In case your bondeds haven’t told you yet, hatchlings get itchy. This is usually a sign that their skin has dried out from growing quickly and so a good oiling is necessary once every few days. Look your dragons over now, carefully. Are there patchy areas? Is the skin flaking? It may only itch now, but if left unattended, their hide can crack, causing extreme discomfort to both dragon or rider. Now, everyone grab one of each of these things here. We’ll be heading outside so that you don’t create a mess when you learn how to properly bathe and oil your dragons.”

With that, the man made his way to the exit. Once outside, he led the weyrlings toward a spot along the river that was both shallow and slow flowing so as not to risk the lives of anyone. He set up camp and then waited for the others to assemble around him. Morendoth chose that moment to land in the river behind him with a splash, soaking the weyrlingmaster thoroughly. You wretched beast. How are they to take me seriously if you’re going about getting me wet, hmm? The brown chose not to answer, looking about innocently instead as if confused as to who I’fael was talking to.

“Alright, the first task is to wash your dragons. This should be done after every meal to wash of whatever remnants may have clung to their hide. It’s simple. Have them stand in the shallows and thoroughly douse themselves. Once that’s complete, take the sand and the brush and begin to lightly scrub at their hide. This also helps to remove any dead skin that may be causing them to itch.” As he spoke, I’fael began to demonstrate on Morendoth. The brown was much larger than any of the hatchlings and so he scrubbed at only a small portion. More later. He promised silently.

“Why don’t you start on that then? I’ll come around to answer any questions that you might have and to give you advice as I see fit.” With that, I’fael grew quiet, allowing the weyrlings to begin at their own pace. It would be quick enough now, but as the weyrlings grew larger, the task would appear to be far more daunting, especially to the browns and the bronze rider.

(Sorry for the craptastic post. =/ I'm at the airport and I'll be boarding any minute now. Wanted to get this up so that you had time to reply)

[topaz]

C'vin listened intently to each Weyrling as they spoke, cataloging their names in his memory. He would no doubt need to interact with most, if not all of them eventually. Mallowth listened as well, remembering the dragon's names specifically. This way, as a whole, the pair would always know their fellow Weyrlings.

Neither C'vin or Mallowth minded much when the bronzeweyrling pair came in late; they were all tired and somewhat sluggish to rise, it couldn't be helped. Mallowth did however peer curiously at Jaymith. He is big already. Bigger then me. Pale blue eyes swirled up at C'vin. Will I grow as big as him, Mine? The Weyrling chuckled and scratched the blue hatchling's eye ridge. Mallowth crooned in delight. We'll see Mal, we'll see. Satisfied with that answer, Mallowth's wide eyes swept the room, gazing curiously around at all the other dragons.

As I'fael spoke up again, the pair's attention reverted to the front of the room immediately. Nodding slightly at the Weylingmater's instructions, C'vin stood and retrieved one of each of the items laid out before him, exiting after the brownrider, Mallowth at his heels. I do have a few dry patches. The blue paused in his thoughts, and then sent a wave of approval and excitement to His. I think I will enjoy Weyrling lessons. C'vin snorted a laugh as the dragon nodded.

Reaching the river bank quickly, the pair took the time to listen to I'fael carefully; C'vin more then Mallowth, the latter eyeing the cool shallows in anticipation. As soon as I'fael stopped speaking, Mallowth bugled happily and sprinted into the water. The hatching dove head first, crouching under the low water for a few moments, his head darting this way and that. There are lots of little fish here! I will catch you one, Mine. C'vin put a hand to his brow and shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips. He couldn't help but smile though, at his bonded's rambunctious, child-like behavior. Nonetheless, he adopted a serious tone when he next spoke to his dragon. No Mallowth. Now is not the time to be fishing. I have to wash you, dear, lest we fail this lesson. At that, the blue resurfaced and snorted. Fiine. I do need a good wash anyhow. Just let me get thoroughly doused, as he said. Mallowth added sharply, reminding His of the instructors directions. He was obeying them, yes? Yes. Submerging again for a moment, the hatchling rolled around in the water playfully, swimming just a few feet deeper he stopped.

What were those big brown things in the water? Confused, the blue surfaced, to find himself looking at a very large brown dragon; Morendoth. Now /he/ is big. Mallowth said loudly to His. The hatchling stared up at the brown for a few moments, apparently, in awe. C'vin smirked as he waded a few feet into the shallows, with the supplies, awaiting his dragon. Hi. Mallowth said, rather stupidly, to Morendoth, his eyes whirling a slow, bright blue. Come on Mal. I've got to start scrubbing you already, you're plenty wet. Mallowth spun his head around to C'vin and snorted indignantly. I'm coming! He said, rather annoyed. Couldn't His see that he was talking to the big brown? Mine is very impatient. He said, almost apologetically, as the hatchling reluctantly turned and bounded through the water to his waiting Weyrling. Of course, even this simple action was made into a miniature game, the blue flaring his wings and flapping them repeatedly, making the water spray around him in all directions. C'vin rolled his eyes, and sighed as the blue wadded in front of him. Yes. I am done now. Mallowth interjected smoothly, before His could ask. C'vin gave a huff, but smiled warmly at his dragon and took up a handful of sand. Spreading it across the hatchlings forequarter, he rubbed it gently with his hand, and then used the brush, as instructed, to gently scrape away any dead skin.

[dragon]

C'oar listened as people arrived, sat, spoke, arrived some more ... finished arriving, and then the Weyrling Master started talking again. C'oar had to poke Frosstyth a few times, to keep the young brown focused. His attention kept wandering around the room, and not sticking to what was going on.

And then someone pounced on his tail! Frosstyth trumpeted and spun around on his haunches to pat-catch those green feet that had tried to catch his tail!! Patting happily and playfully as his sister's front feet, Frosstyth was more than willing to completely ignore anything else that was going on.

C'oar hissed, and tugged on Frosstyth's nearest wing. "Cut it out, you two! Pay attention!" He said, sternyl, earning himself a rather dejected look from Frosstyth. Sitting down again, in the propper direction, Frosstyth left his tail strung out across the floor, twitching the end ever so slightly, in playful disobedience.

C'oar didn't see, and thus didn't fuss at him for it. And when it was time to get up and move, C'oar rose and took Frosstyth with him. Getting the required items, he led his chunky brown outside to the river, following after the Weyrling Master. Thankfully, C'oar already had some idea how this was done, having had the chance to wash another, adult brown dragon already, while he was still a Candidate.

But he didn't say as much, instead doing just as he was told. He sent Frosstyth into the river to get wet, while pausing to kick his sandals off again ... what had been the point in putting them on, again? And rolling his trousers up some. He knew it was probably a pointless effort ... he was going to get totally soaked this day, judging by Frosstyth's playful pouncing around in the water, and the other weyrlings' reactions to water, as well.

Oh, what fun. Grinning slightly, determined to not see it as a bad thing, C'oar waded into the river too, trying to catch his playful brown, who was trying to catch the fish from the river's surface. "Fross! Stop, you sharding fool !!" But C'oar laughed anyway, before managing to catach Frosstyth's shoulder with one hand. But Frosstyth was a hard thing to stop ... and C'oar was a hard thing to get moving for the newly hatched dragon. They both went tumbling into the water. Sitting up together, they were both soaked from head to foot.

Blowing water out of his face, C'oar used one hand to shove his hair out of his face, running a hand over his head. He was grinning slightly, while trying to frown at his dragon. "You idiot!"

Frosstyth burbled, before flapping his wings, spraying everyone around him with riverware. Fun! Do it again! He said, happily, to C'oar.

Storm appeared from between overhead, and circled over his bonded for a minute, cheeping in curiosity.

[Rei]

Raylin raised an eyebrow and Ebolath gave a snort at Jaymith’s statement. At least Ke’rin seemed properly humbled by this dragon. He was going to have his hands full with the bronze it seemed. The weyrling listened with polite attention to all of the introductions and smiled at C’oar’s dragon. At least some of the hatchlings seemed just as lazy as Ebolath.

Ebolath however was bored. She gave a sigh and stretched out on the mat letting her first eyelid drop over her eye. Ebolath come now sweetheart you slept plenty. Raylin prodded the dragon mentally and the hatchling gave a grumble before sitting up and yawning loudly. Her bonded shook her head in exasperation and shot the Weyrling Master an apologetic glance.

Oh we are going to be bathed today Raymine! Ebolath exclaimed excitement coloring her tone, as I’fael revealed today’s lesson. Just like Corinth’s was doing the other day. The dark haired girl chuckled as she gathered the needed items and began to follow the group out to the river. This was going to be interesting. As Morendoth landed Ebolath gave a warble in greeting. He is very big Raymine! Will I get so big? The weyrling smiled at her dragon. Not that big Love but you will be big enough.

The little green seemed content with that statement and wasted no time in wading into the water. She plopped down in the shallows and watched her clutch brothers with interest. Her eyes whirling a happy blue green. Raylin kicked off her sandals and waded after Ebolath. Thankfully the green had stopped then the water was only ankle deep. That made things easier for Raylin. She had no desire to get totally soaked today. Grabbing a generous handful of sand she began to scrub Ebolath’s hide. First scrubbing her all over with her hands and then going over her work with the brush.

The green hatchling sighed and closed her eyes in contentment. A few moments later Vega popped out from between and landed on Ebolath where he proceeded to help with the scrubbing. Raylin smiled at the little flitter. “Thank you darling after I wash Ebolath would you like a bathing and oiling?” Vega chirped an affirmative and continued scrubbing industrially.

[Rowana]

<Race!> Peppeth declared excitedly and she and Tille dove for the water with Farryl chasing after them. Peppeth charged into the shallows, sparing water in all directions despite her tiny size. Tille spun in the air and dove gracefully into the lake, before coming out again with her own loud splash. Farryl laughed and skidded to a halt on the beach. "Settle down," she ordered. "I need to clean you off."

Peppeth tried to settle down, but with so many dragons and people to have fun with it was very difficult. The little green fidgeted and fussed under Farryl's careful brushing. Her tail twitched impatiently and she kept shifted and forcing Farryl to follow her moves. <Done yet?> she asked hopefully, after about five minutes. Farryl rolled her eyes. "No, but we'd be done faster if you held still, silly," she scolded gently. "You're lucky there's so little of you to clean!"

~

T'ke ran up behind Ke'rin just as his roommate finished introducing himself. He was still getting his bearings when the Weyrling Master set them all to their first lesson. He shrugged. He wasn't really sorry to miss his chance. He had never liked talking in front of crowds. He was also sure he would learn everyone's names fairly easily in time. Garaeth, however, didn't need to wait for I'fael to introduce himself. He danced brightly into the group, delighted to see his clutchmates. <Good morning!> he declared to every dragon as well as his rider. T'ke covered his face in despair. Garaeth was clearly not going to be a shy dragon.

At leasts the prospect of a bath distracted him from drawing the attention of others. The little blue splashed gleefully into the water, showering T'ke in wet. <Come in!> he beckoned. T'ke shook his head sourly. "I'm wet enough now," he decided. "Now get over here so I can clean you." Garaeth obeyed, but cocked his head hopefully. <Maybe later?> T'ke sighed as he began to brush dead skin off. "Maybe later," he agreed. Garaeth purred joyfully.

[ladybug]

A'fyr and Rudolth arrived just as I'fael informed them all what their task was. Rudolth had been reluctant to attend the lesson because he was sure all of the other dragons would stare at him and pick on him. Plus, he was scared the "mean blue" would be there. But A'fyr eventually convinced him that lessons were a good thing, and they should attend.

Come on, Rudolth. Let's get you cleaned up. And I know you're itchy! A'fyr said, leading the brown to the water. Rudolth hesitated at the shore, dipping a paw in before swimming in to the water. A'fyr smiled patiently and started scrubbing him. Rudolth sighed, relaxing as A'fyr cleaned his hide.

When the Weyrlingmaster passed, A'fyr waved him over. "I'fael, sir, I have a question," he said, then lowered his voice a little, although Rudolth would still know what he was talking about. "Do you see this birthmark on Rudolth's nose? It doesn't mean anything bad, right? Rudolth seems very concerned about it."

It's ugly,[/color] Rudolth said sulkily. A'fyr shook his head. Rudolth, that's silly! You are perfect!

[binker]

N'lai wasn't sure why, but Kyssith had been rather... Unwilling to go out this morning. It took quite a few beratings and shoves before the Blue sent him a nasty look and left his couch, and even then he was grouchy, hissing at Irylth as she passed by. However, the Green purposefully ignored him as she followed the flow of humans and her clutchsiblings, Za'x in tow. Before Kyssith could glower, N'lai motioned for him to follow him in to the common room.

|Introductions... Why do we need them? I know my clutchsiblings names.| N'lai gave him a warning look, and the dragonet quieted down, only stirring again when it was time to move outside. He looked at his splashing, playing clutchsiblings with disdain, not liking the idea of any of them touching him in the water. We can wash you on the edges of the group, Kyssith, N'lai assured him, already moving away from the more bustling area where his brother was already in the water with Irylth. The smaller dragonet moved to give Kyssith his room as Za'x grinned and waved to his brother.

"Nice day for a wash, huh N'lai?" Cheery despite the hour, Za'x was hard at work scrubbing at Irylth's hide as the green tried to doze in the shallows, not so happy at the hour as her bonded seemed to be. N'lai shook his head, but quickly set to the task as well, letting Kyssith direct his scrubbing with lazy commands.

[nightingale]

How about here Mine? The little blue tilted his head back to watch as His set about rolling up her pant legs.
“Here is fine.” Saeo told him with a nod. Crooning happily, Cherilith promptly flopped down into the slow moving current and wiggled himself about, making sure to wet every inch of his blue hide. Smiling, the girl came to join him with brush in hand. She’d chosen a position upstream of the other Weyrlings, not out of a desire to be antisocial, but because she knew that the moment sweet sand started clouding the water she would be in a world of itching, red misery. She wish she’d have had the chance to choose some other allergy for herself -runners maybe? Well, it didn’t really matter anyway. On the first day of her candidacy, G’tor had shown her how to properly bathe a dragon using just regular river sand and a bit of hard work. The addition of a brush made the job exceptionally easy.

She smiled, remembering how willing Ruskeath had been to let a pair of excited candidates like she and Cloar fawn over him for an afternoon. She still fancied him one of the most kindest and most beautiful dragons in the Weyr. Perhaps one day when she and Cherilith were older, she would find herself a pair of candidates to take under their shared wing.

May I pick one and you the other? The girl squealed and dropped her brush, unprepared for the sudden feel of a dragon’s wet nose pressing against the back of her neck. She swatted a handful for water into the little blue’s face, giggling at the startled gurgle it produced.
“Yes, you cheeky little brute!”
She grinned, watching as Cherilith shook the water from his face good-naturedly.
“Now turn around so I can wash the other side of you!”
~~~~~~~~~~~

Any complaints that Kei might have made about having to wash Jaymith so early in the morning were erased from his memory the moment Morendoth came into view. Now that was a huge dragon...shells, and he was just a brown wasn’t he? He tried to imagine washing something so large after every meal and shuddered. Thank Faranth that dragons ate less often as they grew, or he was certain there wouldn’t be a single rider who wasn’t busy washing his mount when Thread started falling.

Thankfully, Jaymith seemed all but completely oblivious to the older brown -the boy was thankful because he’d been embarrassed quite enough for one day. The little bronze splashed into the water next to T’ke and Garaeth, effectively soaking any inch of the pair that hadn’t already been dripping wet. He turned to regard His with a plaintive croon. Come Mine! You must wash your Jaymith so that my friends can see how pretty I am once I’m oiled! Alright, settle down.

Kei signed, stripping off his vest and sandals before joining the rest of his class in the river. Jaymith wasted no time in getting him thoroughly soaked, rubbing himself up against the boy as he scrubbed away at his dark bronze hide, effectively getting him covered in foamy sweet sand. As much as he would have liked to, Kei couldn’t bring himself to be angry with the little dragon. True, he was embarrassing, narcissistic and a huge handful, but he was His. This handsome, clever, loving little dragonet had chosen him, and one day Kei was sure that he would be as grand and powerful as he thought he was. He found himself smiling.
More sand on my chest Mine! It won’t do for a prince to have an itchy, flaky chest.