Blizzard Wing Drills

[reqqy]

Finished being obsessive yet? S’rei glanced up, letting out a quiet huff when he found that Salenth had angled his snout directly in front of his rider’s face. “I’m not obsessive. All your straps are snug?” They haven’t shifted position from the last time you checked them, if that’s what you mean; no danger of a ReiMine puddle on the ground. And you’ve already gone over and over this formation. Over and over and o- “I think I had the idea on the first ‘over and over,’ Salenth,” S’rei interrupted impatiently. “Corinth has already been called?” Of course. “Okay, that’s it. I do not like being breathed all over by a monstrous, good-for-nothing bronze.” He pushed at his dragon’s snout, but said bronze was just a bit too monstrous to be budged that way.

Naturally, the dragon couldn’t very well just allow His to manhandle him – ineffective as the action had been – and proceeded to push back, S’rei’s feet digging furrows in the ground as he attempted to brace himself against the bronze’s superior strength. “All right! All right! Just stop that.” Salenth pulled back with an amused rumble, regarding His critically. I won. Scowling at the tone, the bronzerider knew that there was more coming. That means we’re not waiting any longer. You never used to be so much of a procrastinator. S’rei flicked his hand at his bonded dismissively. “Fine. Call them. Can’t stop you, anyway, and it’s about time.” Finally realized that, have you? The man pretended not to hear as he went back to frowning at the parchment he’d drawn up.

In all honesty, it had just…been awhile. Four turns, to be exact. S’rei didn’t truly believe that was enough time for a dragonpair to lose the necessary edge to lead a wing, at least one that had done so for a good stretch of time in the past, however he also was aware that he wasn’t – well, very healthy at the moment. Worries kept him up at strange hours, and the pit of his personal life had more or less destroyed his appetite, which really wasn’t good for a man his size; he expended a lot of energy. The new and former Wingleader would have told Ka’rys he wasn’t up to this right now if he didn’t realize that, even diminished, he was really one of the only people who could fill this role. K’nam might have made a good choice, as well, but he was pretty sure that the Weyrleader was reserving him in the event that N’tia didn’t work out. All the rest were too young, or had already proved either too busy, incompetent, or otherwise unable to lead a wing. S’rei knew that he wasn’t operating at full capacity, though, and that knowledge bothered him. He didn’t want to endanger anyone because of it.

Thus what Salenth termed his ‘obsession.’

Well, he really didn’t see how to improve on the concept. All of his bronze and brownriders were vastly untried, with the possible exception of his wingsecond, but he had a good number of veteran blues and greens to help balance it out. That made for a rather unconventional wing formation. Not that it mattered so much, as long as it worked. Calistoth was perhaps one of his biggest concerns, as she came with a ‘doesn’t play well with other greens’ sign attached. He’d managed to place her within the multiple rotations in such a way that her line of the V always surrounded her with males, and hoped that would be enough. S’rei had also determined to simply ignore Lura’s jabs this time around. She seemed to thrive on response, and he didn’t need her adding to what was already something of a stressful situation.

While his rider brooded, Salenth let out the call, deliberately naming every single one of the dragons specifically. The wings were changing fast enough that it could be confusing, and though S’rei had already sent out messages to all the new and old riders of Blizzard wing, that didn’t necessarily mean everyone was on the same page. Corinth. Minoath. Triniath. Ismaroth. Sitath. Clestioth. Colicanth. Anemith. Mellith. Calistoth. Report to the large clearing just beyond the base of the falls for Blizzard wing drills.


Blizzard Wing:
Wingleader: S'rei of Bronze Salenth – Reqqy 30/18 ***
Wingsecond: T'rid of Bronze Corinth – Avu 17/4 *

C'lryn of Bronze Minoath – Boober 19/2
Sk'ler of Brown Triniath – Momo 19/1
E'rro of Brown Ismaroth – Kaegan 16/1
Zadari of Blue Sitath – Missa 23/6 **
E'nor of Blue Clestioth – Missa 16/2
I'mny of Blue Tekisith - Ry 38/23 ***
T'sar of Green Colicanth – Tiddler 24/8 **
Lura of Green Anemith – Museh 22/4 *
Kemma of Green Mellith – Ruby 28/6 **
K'lir of Green Calistoth – Glamsy 18/1
Nyskelu of Blue Musinth - Ember 24/6 **

[Tashe]

/Time to move E'rromine. Salenth has just called for us to wing drills./ Silently pulling his head up from the pillow in which it was cradled, one of the newest and youngest dragonriders paused before swinging his feet onto the floor. So we are serving under S'rei then... how... interesting. As if serving under the man who had kept him here wasn't bad enough, the oh-so-bright Weyrleaders put him under a famed rebel that broke away from Benden. Drawing a breath before pulling a clean shirt over his head, E'rro then proceeded onto pulling one of his long, darker jerkins onto his frame. It only took a few steps to get to his dresser on the other side of his cot, and upon getting there, the ex-Benden Rider rummaged among his clean and folded trousers before shedding his old pair. Slipping on his stockings and then boots, E'rro found himself in front his small mirror before very long. Touching up the black rings around his eyes with the charcoal he kept close to the bathroom, the Brownrider yawned as he replaced the charcoal with a brush and finished his morning grooming. /You're fast this morning./ I am always fast. Benden liked their fast wake ups... /True./

Rubbing his nose with the side of his finger, E'rro preformed a quick strap up and check as soon as he got to Ismaroth, making sure each clasp was at least in the correct area. A short while later, the Brownrider swung his way up onto the back of his steed and swiftly secured himself into the leg straps. "Lets go." Nodding slightly as Ismaroth growled in approval, E'rro braced his body for the leap into the air off of their ledge. As soon as they got airborne and steady, the young man could feel the raw power of the muscles beneath him; the strong sinews that attached the wings pulsed and beat to their own rhythm. Between. It will be faster. Sending the coordinates of where he wanted them to appear through their mind-link, E'rro felt the cold of the Between envelope their large bulk. Numbness spread like fire through his limbs, and as soon as it spread it faded, they had spent almost less than two seconds in the between since it was a very short jump. Leveling out and regaining their barrings, the Brownpair had to circle before they were able to land. And when they did, the pair landed a very respectful distance away from the Wingleaders, even though their respect for the two could be shaken like an uneven pile of blocks. Dismounting from his leathers E'rro opted to slide down on his own, absorbing the slowed decent in his legs as he struck the ground. Tossing a stray strand of hair from his face, the young Brownrider made his way closer to his Wingleader in silence, he wouldn't speak out unless spoken to. It was just so much simpler to follow Benden rules than try and conform completely to Selenitas's good cheer. Stopping far enough away that it was still considered respectful, E'rro tried to stick on that very edge of the boundary.

[ravenmane]

What are you doing? Triniath glanced curiously at his rider while the young rider rummaged through his chest. Sk’ler mumbled something incoherent in response, and the Brown had to ask again with a hint of annoyance in his voice. What are you doing? The Brownrider seemed to ignore his dragon for a moment before removing his upper half from the chest. “Looking for this.” He held up some sort of plain necklace for Triniath to see. Why? Was all that the Brown had to say as he sniffed the string. “Well… Joolree’s been up to her old tricks again since…” Sk’ler trailed off and glanced miserably at his two fire-lizards. A sevenday ago, Bolli had disappeared, and Sk’ler didn’t know if the Blue was dead or alive. “It’s Ciara’s necklace, and I’m sure she’ll be looking for it. She already has to deal with enough from Chatti.” Triniath snorted with laughter as he returned his head to his forelegs. The Brown had found it amusing when Ciara had complained about her salamandyr’s sexual preference. Sk’ler had also found the problem funny although he didn’t mention it because his friend was so irritated over the matter.

Corinth. Minoath. Triniath. Ismaroth. Sitath. Clestioth. Colicanth. Anemith. Mellith. Calistoth. Report to the large clearing just beyond the base of the falls for Blizzard wing drills.

Triniath lifted his head as Salenth spoke and heaved himself to his feet before alerting his rider. Wings drills beyond the base of the falls. Sk’ler tucked away Ciara’s necklace and quickly donned his riding gear. Soltun and Joolree attempted to join him, but the Brownrider waved them away. “Sorry, you two, but pets aren’t allowed at Wing Drills.” Joolree grumbled with annoyance before curling up beside Soltun on Sk’ler’s bed. He scratched each on before grabbing Triniath’s riding straps and heading towards his dragon. The straps were quickly placed on the Brown and checked over and over again. Ready? Almost done, Trin. Just need to check one more time. We don’t want any accidents, do we? Really? Sk’ler slapped Trin playfully as he finished checking the straps before mounting the large Brown. “I swear, Triniath, you are huge. It’s seems like only yesterday you were climbing out of the Rose Quartz Egg.” His Brown snorted before launching off the weyrledge, and Sk’ler had to grab onto the saddle from surprise. Warn me next time, you goof! Oops. Triniath responded innocently although Sk’ler could detect some laughter in his thoughts.

After reaching a fair height, Triniath blinked between, and Sk’ler had to stop himself from yelping. He had forgotten how cold between could be even with his gear on. A few moments passed, and the pair emerged over the clearing that S’rei had chosen for Wing Drills. As Trin began to descend in a slow spiral, Sk’ler glanced at his Wingleader. He was very relieved to see S’rei not because of who the man was, but because it was not I’mny that was directing this Drill. Despite the man’s size, I’mny had been a very intimidating person even for Sk’ler. The man was much smaller than the Brownrider, but he was still unnerving. So is Tekisith. I pity the Weyrlings that are in his Wing next. Triniath chuckled as he landed on the ground and lowered himself for Sk’ler to dismount. As his rider left his seat, Triniath greeted Salenth with a nod. Naturally, the brown was not comfortable with speaking to dragons he had never really met, and his Wingleader was no exception. Sk’ler gave a half-bow in respect to S’rei before saying anything. “Hello, Wingleader S’rei. Excited about the Drill?” It was then that Sk’ler noticed E’rro, but he refrained from greeting the other rider. It was still hard to feel comfortable around the few Benden Weyrlings that had stayed here, and E’rro was especially difficult to be around. The way he acted bothered Sk’ler for some reason.

[Avu]

What T’rid did know was that he’d been promoted to Wingsecond. What he didn’t know was exactly what he was expected to do. For one, he’d never flown Thread under S’rei, who was, according to both record and to Corinth, his Wingleader. And two, he’d never paid much attention to what a Wingsecond was supposed to do. They were just there. That was all. As far as he’d seen, a Wingsecond was basically just a Wingrider with a better name and rank, and he was fine with that. S’rei was a thoroughly competent Wingleader anyway. What didn’t quite fit was that he’d been chosen as a Wingsecond. I’ve never seen you at a loss for compliments aimed to yourself, commented Corinth dryly. Yes, he was a good Rider. And yes, he had yet to be injured in Threadfall. But still…broodingly, T’rid twitched his nose to one side where he reclined onto the mattress he’d pulled out onto the Weyrledge. Corinth was lounging about a meter away from him, one eye revolving idly.

“Just because I can’t think of a compliment to fit into this—situation—doesn’t mean I don’t have any, you beast,” T’rid retorted indignantly, swiveling one eye to stare at the bronze, who rumbled in amusement. That was actually a compliment, Corinth snickered. Anyway, Wingsecond, it’s time for drills. Let’s go. He flashed T’rid a picture of the coordinates the drill would take place at briefly. Get your gear together. “It’s not mine, it’s yours.” T’rid pushed himself up and obeyed anyway, squinting warily at the leather. “I should probably—” LET’S GO! Corinth bellowed.

Grumbling at the bronze, T’rid vaulted to his back. COORDINATES, the bronze warned loudly. T’rid sighed and dutifully thought of the area, and then the bronze launched himself into the air and flicked between. They reappeared above the already-assembling wing. We would’ve been quicker if someone hadn’t been looking for oil. I ask you, Corinth muttered at the young Bronzerider, who clicked his tongue as Corinth landed, sliding down from the bronze, who dipped his head to Salenth, rumbling a greeting. Just because he was as confused as T’rid was didn’t mean he couldn’t be polite, right? Please don’t smart off to Salenth’s, Corinth said unexpectedly. I am not that stupid, thank you.

T’rid cast his eye briefly around the assorted riders, both of whom appeared to be just past Weyrlinghood. More would come. If they didn’t, people would end up in the healer’s wing. T’rid would be sure of that. Please, no, Corinth protested, sounding pained. Ignoring him, T’rid moved forward, dipping his head in a mimic of Corinth’s gesture, to S’rei. “Wingleader,” he said, his voice even in his greeting.

[reqqy]

At the sign of the first of the dragons' arrival, S'rei very carefully rolled up the piece of parchment, thrusting it into his waistband and coming to lean casually against Salenth's massive foreleg. No one needed to be thinking he was worried about anything. In truth, he really wasn't, aside from things that had nothing to do with this wing drill. By the way. No more green chasing. With my luck, I'll have to explain more than one pregnancy, and I don't need that. Aslath doesn't Rise for awhile yet, and right now I'd drag you off somewhere a tenday early rather than Chase. What's left to me aside from greens? Golds? You'd prefer I chase Millieth? S'rei scowled at him. "You always know how to make things more difficult than they need to be, don't you?" he grumbled.

The bronzerider watched the young man who must be Er'ro. He'd never met him personally, but seeing as how Sk'ler was known to him - he believed he'd taught at least one of the lessons for that group of Selenitas weyrlings, and anyway, Triniath was one of Salenth's get - and there were no other browns in his wing, that made it fairly easy to identify the child. S'rei knew what Benden was like. Benden and Fort both. Still, he'd spent his first four turns with Salenth at Selenitas, and it was hard for him to imagine what it must be like to go through weyrlinghood in either of the northern weyrs - despite the fact that he'd been Er'ro's age when both he and Salenth seconded for Benden. S'rei offered the boy a shallow nod of recognition. He always felt responsible for casualties of the war, and a child raised to kill could be called nothing else.

When the second of the wing's brownpairs joined them shortly thereafter, Salenth greeted his offspring with a soft croon, generally ignoring the nod. He didn't mind a little caution from young dragons, after all; Salenth was not a small bronze, even if he wasn't particularly bulky. Triniath. I have been looking forward to flying with you since your Hatching. The bronze's warmth was not reflected in S'rei, who regarded Sk'ler with mild surprise. What? Looking forward to wing drills? They were a necessary...oh. Of course. This was the first time Sk'ler and Triniath would fly as full riders. A small smile twitched at the corner of his mouth. "We are, unfortunately, behind, so yes. Welcome to the rider ranks." Glancing over to the other, he added, "And you, Er'ro. F'rah seems pleased with the both of you." Yes, he'd talked to the man about his new members, as any Wingleader might.

No, he wasn't referring to anyone by their rank, though it wasn't because he was higher than they. S'rei simply didn't much care for it when it got in the way of business - or general conversation. Ah! There were their wingseconds. Salenth noticeably straightened, leaving S'rei no option but to do the same as Salenth's leg moved on him. The Wingleader shot a scathing glare at his bronze for a moment, but Salenth didn't seem to notice. Corinth, the older bronze greeted, warmly. We meant to meet with you and Yours earlier, but something came up. I apologize. You both will be willing to stay after drills for a little bit?

"Wingsecond. T'rid." A small, weary smile, lacking in enthusiasm but not, in the end, unfriendly. What came up? Salenth eyed His disdainfully. You don't remember? You fell asleep again, in the middle of a stack of paperwork. Oh, right. His sleeping habits were completely off nowadays. You could have woken me. Salenth didn't respond. He didn't have to. S'rei worked until he passed out from exhaustion, and it wasn't doing anyone any good to awaken him.

[glamourie]

"What is your problem?"
I don't like Thoth's!

K'lir glowered darkly at Calistoth as she stirred in her weyr, giving him an equally baleful look in return. While some dragons might have been stopped in their tracks by their riders giving them such a hateful look, Calistoth seemed to take K'lir's expression as a challenge to do everything in her power to make him miserable. It wasn't hard to understand. When it came to females - regardless of species - Calistoth came with a big does not play well with others sign. She detested other greens, she loathed queens (what use were they aside from breeding stock?) and she absolutely hated human females. Particularly Thoth's, because some how that female had managed to steal both her mate and her bonded. (Never mind that Beka hadn't 'stolen' anything -- Lir and Thoth both were capable of caring about both of them and Calistoth was the true ruler of K'lir's heart through and through.) That made Thoth's lifemate her nemesis, right after Jeminorth... who was in the weyr next to hers! Clearly whoever picked the floor plans WAS OUT OF THEIR MINDS. Calistoth growled and lashed her tail furiously as K'lir dressed, and her eyes whirled dangerously. Didn't he see she was angry? And she was being ignored!

The fact that she was suddenly - and quite unexpectedly (K'lir remembered, but Calistoth did not) - 'summoned' by Salenth made her flare her wings and shriek in rage - loud enough to be heard throughout the nearby weyrs. Clearly all of Pern was out to irritate her! And how come she was mentioned last? Was Salenth trying to deliberately imply she wasn't worth mentioning before Mellith, Colicanth or Anemith? She was by far more beautiful than any of them!

Evidently we have drills, she growled, finally stilling her anger at K'lir - but only because it had quite neatly found a new target: Salenth. You knew already. That is why you're ignoring me?

"I'm getting dressed, yes - and I am sure Salenth did not state you last as an insult, beautiful," K'lir grumbled, turning amber eyes toward the furious green. "Haven't you ever heard of saving the best for last?" He finished tying up his boots and gingerly removed Showoff from his wrist. The bronze salamandyr had finally come to terms with the fact that he couldn't come to drills, and was busy being highly entertained by Calistoth's rage to be too upset on his own. Gorged from his breakfast, the little salamandyr curled up into a tiny ball on the top of K'lir's furs as the greenrider wandered over to his dragon. Were it any creature other than Showoff, the term 'cute' might have applied, but it was Showoff, and a moment of temporary peace for K'lir was often bought at the sanity of another. For the moment, though, K'lir honestly didn't care. "Are you ready to go?"

I don't want to.
"Beka won't be there."
But he will.
"I hear he's taken a liking to greens, Salenth has."

That seemed to placate Calistoth, whose eyes suddenly whirled with a mischief K'lir didn't like. But if it kept her from sulking at him, he would happily throw Salenth in front of her like a dangling toy, a new challenge to conquer.. or lose interest in at the first sight of an agreeable male who worshiped her every movement. Either way, it kept the impending migraine away. He should have felt sorry for Salenth, but he didn't. He was just grateful Calistoth had relaxed some at the idea of actually being able to flirt with Aslath's bronze. Oh, mercy, but K'lir flinched as he climbed onto Calistoth. She made a sound that suspiciously resembled a purr as she launched from their weyr and flew off toward the meeting spot at the base of the falls. That... could not be good...

Just remember that Aslath's rather violently possessive sometimes.
She has all the other bronzes. She can learn to share.
And Tanith?
Her too.

Circling the clearing, Calistoth flared her wings, turning right on the end of her tail in a show of agility matched only by smaller greens, and then she swirled down to a graceful landing as far from the other assembled dragons as possible. Her wings spread around her, to their fullest length, angled just right to highlight them in brilliant emerald. She was the only green there. The thought thrilled her and she took a moment to preen, doubtlessly showing off, before lowering herself for K'lir to dismount. He barely had time to climb off of her before she moved - as gracefully as she could on line - to flop on the ground right between Salenth and Corinth. The only two assembled bronzes.

Hello, Salenth, Corinth, she offered, voice nothing short of a purr. Yes, Calistoth was very glad to be the first green there. None of the others would dare compete with her if she already had the bronzes' attention~

[missa]

Drills! Salenth is calling me, he is a nice bronze isn't he Mine? Come on, we have to go to drill, Kel will be fine there, come along, nownownow. I want to go! Salenth has called us, he won't call again and that would make us late. I don't want to be late. On the prattle would have went, had the blue dragon not completely zoned out and watched Kel zipping about his head, chittering excitedly. Probably picking up on Clestioth's excitement. For some odd reason, the blue adored drills, never mind that His might find him boring and zoned out quite a bit, Clestioth loved them.

"Coming." He would eventually, even if that meant dragging himself out of this lovely day dream to do so. E'nor wasn't in the slightest bit ready either, if the way he'd been sprawled against Clestioth's side abesntly had anything to go by. Yet, as always, the young blue had managed to pick up on his every worry, and even the ones that hadn't had the time to cross his mind. Such as Kel, other flitters were getting sick and E'nor didn't really want to be away from him for very long.

Sighing as he got to his feet, E'nor tiook his sweet time gathering his things together, half because he really didn't want to go, and half because Clestioth was practically bouncing on the weyrledge. He wanted to be down there now, not later. He wanted to be saying hello to everyone, wanted to be talking. This excitement made E'nor drag his feet, longing to keep his blue excited as long as possible. Clestioth - in E'nor's opinion - was utterly adorable while excited, eyes a whirl and all.
Hurry up E'norMine.

A birght chirpy greeting was given to everyone when teh blue finally landed, still bouncing on the spot. He liked being in the wings, he loved working with others, and he definitely loved being around the older dragons, they were always so clever.

*

Base of the falls.
"Yes, thank you Sitath."
We have drills.
"Yes, I'm aware of that Sitath."
We can't be late.
"Sitath! We've been flying Thread for turns, drills longer, we won't be late."

Pulling her jacket on as she spoke, Zadari didn't really bother to get annoyed at the constant prodding. Sitath was just reminding her, trying to make sure they were on time. Trying to make everyone happy. Besides, she was never really annoyed at Sitath, he was her other half, the part that made her whole. And he was completely adorable, though Sitath claimed he was too old to be called adorable by anyone that wasn't Kmarath or Robika, they were allowed to call him anything they liked.
"Straps all good?"
They feel fine, did you want to check them?

Even with teh strap checking, they weren't that late, not really. Zadari knew it could have been worse, asn of yet, not that many had really shown up. Nodding her head to S'rei, Zadari reached a hand down to recheck Sitath's straps, better to be safe than sorry.
Hello all.

[Avu]

((Sorry I didn't wait for everyone to post, but I don't wanna forget about Salenth's question or anything, soyeah. x3;)

T’rid cast his gaze around the small group again, his hazel eyes unconcerned. It was just Wing Drills, not real Threadfall. He paused briefly on Salenth, an amused light entering his eyes as he realized the older, larger bronze had straightened when they had arrived. Respect and all of that—it was nice, but unnecessary. He already knew he was amazing. He didn’t need reminding. He nodded noncommittally at the man when he spoke, glancing around at the arriving dragons. How were they going to start drills if not everyone was yet here? Oh, well. Corinth had heard Salenth’s call, and T’rid, having dutifully if complainingly memorizing the wing’s occupants a day before, had agreed with his bronze that everyone had been called.

Oh, wait, was Corinth speaking to him? He raised his eyes, but the dragon was looking at Salenth, not him. It’s nice to fly under an able Wingleader, the bronze replied, and to T’rid’s surprise there was no exaggeration or flattery in his tones. He was being honest. How amazingly weird, the Bronzerider thought, a faint grin twitching at a corner of his lip. No need to apologize, Corinth went on, T’rid is free at all times, as am I. He paused, regarding his rider sternly; T’rid glared back. What is it? Ignoring him, Corinth swept on. Directly after drills sounds fine, he finished firmly.

Directly after wing drills WHAT? protested T’rid indignantly. Unless you’ve something planned? One idly whirling eye focused with sudden intensity on T’rid. I want to know what the Shards you’re planning! T’rid demanded. If it hadn’t been his first time as Wingsecond, with possibly only one chance at impressing his Wingleader and convincing him he would be the best Wingsecond possible, he would’ve just yelled at Corinth. As it was, that was not the type of action he wanted right now. Calmly, the bronze regarded him, but T’rid was pleased to note that his face showed no sign of his impatience. Calm down. Salenth and His wish to speak to us after wing drills. He apologizes for not seeing you before. Okay? T’rid ran one hand through his hair. Oh. Okay, then.

As Calistoth approached and found herself a spot between Salenth and Corinth, the latter bronze blinked calmly at her greeting purr, gave a short croon of welcome. Get a hint, Corinth, and flirt a bit, can’t you? T’rid inquired politely, amused by his bronze’s apparent lack of interest in the green. We are drilling, not flirting, Corinth reminded his rider. Besides, Calistoth’s is a male. I thought you didn’t like males. Fuming quietly at his bronze’s irritating logic, T’rid rocked back on his heels to watch two blues arrive, and leaned onto Corinth’s foreleg, wondering if he’d have to do any commanding today. That would turn out…

Interestingly.

[Ruby]

Kemma was working on what seemed like the unending pile of papers that went along with being Candidatemaster. Now that she had two rotations in session, the information she needed to keep track of had- predictably- doubled. On top of that, Mellith had been proddy lately, and earlier in the day, Kemma had asked- quite polietly she thought- if the Green could give her a moment alone to collect her thoughts. Mellith had thrown a fit, and Kemma had snapped right back, and the whole thing had gotten ugly fast. Mellith refused to speak to her rider after a while, and Kemma when back to work with a very bad attitude.

You're late, Mellith inserted into Kemma's candidate-occupied thoughts, not even waiting for her rider to pause.

Kemma just about jumped through the roof. I'm WHAT? she mentally screamed, slamming her hands onto the desk from her now-standing position.

Wing drills. Practically everyone's there already. Did you forget? Mellith's tone was acidly sweet, but Kemma wasn't fooled. The Green had gotten what was unquestionably a message from Salenth- not a bad promotion, Kemma mused- and purposefully kept her rider out of the loop. Good thing she had known there was a drill coming, and tested all of Mellith's straps earlier today. Scooping up the pile, she headed out to her ledge, only to find that Mellith had turned her back. That would make it harder to get her ready to go.

Finally, and after much arguing, the pair dropped off the ledge like a stone, coming in to land at the clearing the Weyrleader had specified (even though Mellith didn't inform her rider of where they were going). Kemma slid to the ground, standing pointedly away from her Green, who took a step away from her Rider as well. Trying to remove the dark, stormy look from her face, Kemma turned to S'rei, not bothering to greet anyone.

[Tashe]

Watching as the second brownpair arrived, E'rro cast a glance at his own dragon before yawning, one of the few things that he took for granted at this weyr. Here you could show that you weren't bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and not get a good talking to about it, if you could call it a talking to. It wasn't long after the Brownpair arrived that the young man noticed he had graduated only recently, yet his named seemed to escape the confines of E'rro's mind. /Sk'ler of Triniath./ Right. Watching as the older boy approached their Wingleader, the ex-Benden rider furrowed his brows slightly as S'rei nodded at him. Recognition from a wingleader or a bronzerider was not the normal for E'rro, it wasn't something one in his old position would really want or come to expect. Tipping his head at a small incline, the teenager quickly resumed his original position before turning his head and looking off into the distance, letting his bangs fall over the side of his face. It wasn't everyday that he willingly let himself familiarize -even slightly- with the people of Selenitas.

Crossing his arms over his chest, E'rro watched as the next rider appeared, noting with disdain that it was another Bronze. If he could pick a color he liked the least, it would be Bronzes, they were the bane of his existence at Benden. They ruled everything. The wings, the Weyr, the people... if they could claim it, they could rule it. Letting a frown tug at the corners of his lips, E'rro did his best to ignore the Wingsecond as he arrived and dismounted. Although he would be flying under two Bronzes, their skills at leadership would make up for it, for he had heard S'rei ran an efficient ship. Shifting his weight onto his left foot, the Brownrider crossed his legs, making sure he balanced himself so he wouldn't fall. Doing this made him look almost feminine, with his long hair and slender body, but not so much he would be confused as a woman. Watching as a green soared into vision, E'rro watched until she drifted out of his peripherals, not caring to continue to watch. Moments later two blues and a green appeared, consecutively one after the other, and the Brownrider treated their decent as he did the first Green. Switching his gaze to the rest of the wing only when the rider's themselves dismounted, E'rro scrutinized each of the riders in turn, taking in as many details as he could. So... this is, for the most part, those who will comprise our wing. /Great. I can't wait.../ Shut up. I didn't ask you. /Hah. Without my opinions-/ I wouldn't be here. That shut his dragon's mind up good and tight, since the Brown remembered all to well their arguments that had ensued after he woke up in the Selenitas infirmary.

[boober]

“We’re gonna be late!” C’lryn gave a final tug on the last of Minoath’s straps as the bronze looked on almost boredly. Once that was completed, the young man bounded back into the weyr; he hadn’t even dressed yet.

I told you we had drills today was sent slightly admonishingly to His as it sounded like a cyclone was ripping through the weyr. Several shrieks sounded an instant later, followed immediately by a string of heartfelt curses. That was all one needed to know that the bronze rider had disturbed Bite from a rather cozy spot she’d usurped.

“I know, I know! I forgot, okay?” The first half of the phrase was muffled as C’lryn pulled something on over his head. An anxious trill sounded from Darling as Minoath yawned.

Do hurry up. It was all the help that the dragon offered as he settled down on the ledge. Just as he was thinking he should probably send Salenth a message, C’lryn came walking briskly onto the ledge in all of his gear, brushing something off one sleeve of the jacket. You are ready?

“Yeah, let’s go!” Just like that, C’lryn bounded astride his bronze, who slid off the ledge rather than actually taking off. Lazy!

Why should I expend the energy if I don’t have to? C’lryn simply shook his head as they swooped around and touched down lightly near the others in the wing. He stayed mounted for a moment, just to see what everyone else was doing. Minoath turned his head to regard Salenth with a blink. Apologies. Mine is difficult to wake. It was all he offered by way of explanation. Hopefully it would be enough.

[reqqy]

S'rei came to regard Corinth curiously as Salenth opened up the other end of the conversation to his rider. That was...interesting. He'd requested Corinth and T'rid for the simple reason that they were the best of the options at his disposal, and because it was natural for a young wingsecond to be paired with an older wingleader. There was not much in the way of veteran bronzeriders at Selenitas. In fact, there were three aside from Ka'rys and himself, one of which was the Weyrleader's second. K'nam and Bearinth held S'rei's respect. He would have been pleased to work with them, though he might have been slightly uncomfortable, seeing as how it was K'nam who had found Shmee. No matter. The man was part of Maelstrom.

The other two veteran bronzeriders simply weren't an option. They wouldn't be seconding for anyone, much less leading a wing. In fact, S'rei had specifically requested that P'nor and Cyanth be removed from Blizzard, even as wingriders, to avoid any confusion or potential ill will. And A'noan was simply insufferable. He couldn't get past the fact that he'd Impressed a bronze, and apparently couldn't see that the greens and blues were easily the most important part of a wing, as far as function went. Without them, the larger dragons would suffer so many injuries it was just ridiculous. A man who couldn't work with anyone else and couldn't understand the function of his own riders was next to worthless.

That left the three younglings. Both he and Ka'rys agreed that it would be unrealistic to expect a pair just out of weyrlinghood to perform well in that role, and they needed someone younger than N'tia to second for Cyclone. That really only left T'rid and Corinth, though S'rei couldn't say he was displeased. There was no overbearing ego -at least in their ability to lead a wing- to deal with, but his seconds weren't green, either. No, he was content.

We appreciate your confidence, and your help. Salenth replied to Corinth, just as sincerely. He took the time to croon to Calistoth, not because he was interested, but because she was another one of his. In general, other than the golds that commanded all bronzes' attention, Salenth preferred to chase the veteran greens. They were more of a challenge. The bronze returned greetings for all the newcomers, before fixing his gaze on Minoath. Yours and Mine both, Minoath. You will have to learn to anticipate him and wake him well before he needs to be anywhere. Though he was stern, he did not intend to pursue this unless it became a recurring problem. If you would, tell your riders to dismount. It is our first meeting as a wing. Mine has some points to go over before we do any flying.

S'rei nodded to his bronze and stepped forward, raising his voice a little for any riders still dismounting. "Come in closer. If you want to sit down, feel free. I don't intend to scream to be heard." The wingleader himself remained standing, waiting for everyone to get themselves settled. "We are Blizzard Wing, as I'm sure everyone knows, but just in case...I won't always be sending messages directly to your weyrs. A lot of times, our drill practices will be posted along with sweep and watchdragon duty rotations, though I'll try to keep them as consistent as possible. Consider this your permanent family. Wingleaders and some of the other faces may change from time to time, but on the whole you'll likely remain in this wing with most of the people you see here. That doesn't mean you have to like each other, but I do expect people to try to get along, if only because it will prevent more accidents in the air.

"Take the time to get to know the other members of your wing if any are unfamiliar. On that note, you'll notice we don't have a full wing assembled at the moment. T'sar and Colicanth have apparently chosen to arrive late. Just know they're also part of Blizzard if you see them. Lura and Anemith already informed us they may not be here today. Other than that, these are the people you'll be spending most of your time with. T'rid and Corinth second for Blizzard, so they'll be here to help with any questions or confusion. I especially encourage any younger dragonpairs who may be uncomfortable with talking to me directly to go through them. C'lryn and Minoath, K'lir and Calistoth, Sk'ler and Triniath and Er'ro and Ismaroth are all here for the first time as full riders. Everyone is expected to help them as much as we can."

He paused to make eye contact with the youngest of his riders. "You'll have the hardest job. Thread doesn't distinguish between who is experienced and who isn't, and I won't tolerate mistakes that may endanger other members of my wing. That means you'll have to learn quickly. We'll be here to help you every step of the way, but I will ground anyone who I feel can't hold up under pressure come Threadfall, even if that means flying with a hole." Then S'rei smiled to alleviate some of the serious tone. He honestly didn't believe he'd have to ground anyone; he just wanted to make himself clear. "Blizzard offices - I still have to show you yours, T'rid - will be on the third level, not on the weyrleaders' level, just so no one gets confused. They're clearly marked from the inside, and you should be able to spy Salenth on the weyrledge at any time - so long as we're in the office. Please keep me updated on any major or distressing events in your lives, so I know why you may be having issues within the wing and can work with you. Anything related to health is especially important."

The wingleader descended into a crouch, then, spreading out the rolled parchment so everyone could get a good look at it. Again, he waited for his wingriders to adjust so they could see. "This is what the formation will look like. We have an unusual wing, in that most of our most experienced dragonpairs are blues and greens. I don't expect this to be a problem, but let me make something clear. With the exception of T'rid and Corinth, seniority takes precedence. For instance, Minoath will not be directing Mellith to do anything simply because he is a bronze. I'm sorry, Zadari, but we'll just have to work out the triple rotation whenever Lura can make it. Kemma, for now you won't be rotating out. This drill won't be a long one, though, so I don't expect any problems."

He cast his gaze around his assembled wing. "Okay, does anyone have any questions before we start?"

[Avu]

Corinth rumbled politely to Salenth’s words, and left it at that. There was nothing more to say anyways. T’rid glanced at the bronze, whose mind was unfathomable. Wondering if Corinth was purposely cutting him off, he gave the dragon a mental poke and received a stern glare. Well? Are we in good favor, then? he teased, his face quite emotionless. Shush. At first, T’rid was a bit nettled, but then he realized that S’rei was speaking. Ah, of course. They couldn’t just hop into the air and crash into each other now, could they?

They had to have a plan. Plans were not T’rid’s forte, to say the least, but he’d try and follow along. He moved closer on S’rei’s command, although he preferred to stand. Who’d want to get their riding gear all covered in muck? Disgusting. He wished he had Corinth’s foreleg to lean against, but for the sake of space, the bronze had stayed a distance away. When the Wingleader spoke about being ‘family’ of sorts, T’rid snuck a glance around at the assorted faces again, and a tolerant kind of amusement registered on his face. Well, for once he wasn’t the youngest, although it was a close match.

And they were Weyrlings, too, the other young ones. What fun.

Stop being bitter about your age and listen, Corinth pressed firmly. Resisting the urge to poke out his tongue at Corinth, T’rid resettled his attention on the Wingleader. The tiny bit about helping others was kind of redundant, because at this point, he knew only what the others did, but assuming he was filled in after the Wing Drills, that was okay. It seemed, too, that half of their wing was just out of Weyrlinghood, which meant if S’rei’s advice was taken, he’d be plagued with questions for help.

Great.

Corinth exhaled lightly a dragonlength away—an innocent enough gesture, but one T’rid took to mean that he was annoyed by his Rider at the moment—and T’rid focused on ignoring the bronze and focusing strictly on S’rei. Blizzard offices being on the third level was helpful, too, since his present weyr was located there. So at least he wouldn’t accidentally walk into someone else’s weyr after a long day without hopefully remembering…

He leaned in closer to study the wing format, his hazel eyes flickering briefly over the other names as if to check, and then settling on his own. He blinked once, fixing his position into his memory, and then heard his own name again. “With the exception of T’rid and Corinth, seniority takes precedence.” He liked that exception. Most exceptions with his name inserted in it weren’t good, but this one was…for a change. CONCENTRATE, Corinth hissed mentally.

The actual wing, now. It seemed much better set up than A’noan’s wing had been, from T’rid’s point of view. At least this way, there were roughly equal dragons on each side, although he was a bit irked by his own position at the back of the wing. Of course that didn’t mean he would end up with any less trouble with Thread than the rest. The hard part was waiting for Thread to approach him while the front of the wing was already in action.

It’ll only be for an instant, Corinth said consolingly. It’s well set up. I know it is. T’rid rocked back on his heels, and took a step backwards to let other people get a better view at the scroll.

Now for the reasonably fun part: Flying!

[Ruby]

Kemma wasn't surprised at her position as point- that's what S'rei had had her marked off as when it was supposedly P'nor leading Blizzard. She and Mellith had been practicing watching their backs, knowing that they would have no one there to cover them when it came to a real Threadfall. She did have to snicker a little bit (in her own mind, of course) that she was the most senior member of the wing after S'rei- which meant that, in essence, she and Mellith were Thirds. Good Faranth, the pair had moved up in the world quickly since Kemma applied for Candidatemaster. It was like she had always been meant for that, and just hadn't figured it out until now. Life was finally coming together for her.

Now if only Mellith would let someone acceptable catch her in her next flight, Kemma's life would be pretty much complete. Mellith, of course, had little to say on that topic.

So practicing with the wing would be easy- they'd be following C'lryn and Minoath, both straight out of Weyrlinghood, as far as Kemma knew. Covering a Bronze would be harder than covering another Green or Blue like she was used to, but... well, Kemma felt up to it, and if Mellith wasn't being a stupid brat, the Candidatemaster knew she'd agree. She gave S'rei a nod when he let her know she'd not be swapping out for the moment- fine with her, tire Mellith out and let Kemma get some peace. Flying would be easy.

It was the "get to know your wing" part that would be difficult.

[glamourie]

Relaxing against the ground, Calistoth regarded Corinth for a moment. A challenge, was he? That was interesting - very interesting indeed. She was quite distracted by the two bronzes near her that she missed most of the other arrivals... except for them. Minoath's arrival made her swivel her head and a hint of scarlet crept into her eyes. Undeniable anger. All of her playfulness was gone as she watched the youngest of the bronzes land, and resisted the urge to jump on him and scratch until he bled. He was Jeminorth's and that made him scum in her eyes. Unworthy of acknowledgment. She settled for throwing her head back and pointedly not greeting Minoath in any way. Stubborn refusal to acknowledge him might make him see the error of his ways and regrettable mistake he was making in choosing that creature over the beauty that was Calistoth. And if he didn't see? Well, she had claws to render out his useless eyes -- !

Be nice. C'lryn's ugly. Rielana can have him. Thoth is better; Thoth worships you, K'lir privately reassured Calistoth as best he could, and she temporarily calmed herself down - at least, enough to turn and look at Hers, and her eyes swirled pleasant, amused shades. The greenrider cast her a playful look before turning back to S'rei, thankful that he'd chosen that moment to speak. It was a good distraction, both for him and for Calistoth.

Folding his hands behind his back, K'lir stepped forward, as far from C'lryn as he could, and then plopped unceremoniously onto the ground. His knees pulled up to his chest and he lifted his chin to look up at S'rei (by Faranth was that man tall!) as he spoke, paying his full attention to him. For all of his sarcasm, and bratty attitudes, K'lir was very good at taking orders when he felt he had a good reason to - and not knowing a thing about real threadfighting was a good reason to listen closely. S'rei's comment about not fighting made him cast a scolding glance toward Calistoth, who threw her head as if to say that she wasn't listening (she was) before he turned back to the bronzerider. His fingers moved to the ground, drawing lazy circles with the their tips, though he did not interrupt; he had no questions, though he could not suppress a wide smile at the comment directed to the other bronzepair. Just because he didn't dislike them didn't mean Calistoth's anger wasn't rubbing off on him. There was a reason he avoided Rielana as often as he could. He wasn't sure he could avoid actually hurting the girl.

We are going to fly next to them. You better behave.
Better him than one of the greens. Maybe he will be able to see how foolish he is.

Calistoth snorted, and K'lir looked over at her again. Then he turned back to S'rei and commented dryly, "I'd say you're going to spoil her, but you likely know that already." He was tempted to warn S'rei that Calistoth disliked Minoath, but with C'lryn and Minoath so nearby, it seemed a foolish idea. It would probably cause a fight. He could keep her in line, or at least, enough that she wouldn't attack the bronze - if only by convincing her that he was much bigger and would probably win, and wouldn't that make her look the fool in front of Jeminorth? But that didn't mean there wouldn't be tension. Maybe Calistoth would grow out of it. He hoped she would, because her resentment for any dragon that didn't adore her was tiring, even for K'lir. Fortunately, he didn't have any questions... at least, not yet.