Zodiac Lesson Seven

[Requiem]

Jingth, rider Meira
Weith, rider R'men
Taith, rider V'rael
Chaoth, rider Merridan
Shith, rider T'lor
Ahth, rider R'ahre
Futh, rider M'kai
Lith, rider L'ka
Nuoth, rider Nephele
Huath, rider Kalia
Kunth, rider Mina
Baoth, rider K'lir
Minth, rider Anusha

Do I really? Yup. And the proper way, too. That takes all the fun out of it. Just think of it as an investment in your future amusement. Little babies holding their own against northern veterans. They can't very well do that if you don't show them the proper way to fly. While I find the concept of humiliating my peers tantalizing...it's more immediate to just play with the weyrlings. Inocenth. F'urMine. I doubt they'll need your help, the man concluded cheerfully. Inocenth huffed, his amusement clear enough to F'ur...even if the blue didn't look particularly amused at all while flashing his fangs at the young dragons.

Tone it down a little? Salenth looks like he might just eat you.

Yes, the bronze was staring straight at Inocenth. The blue leveled a stare at the larger dragon sprawled out on the edge of the training field, as if to say, 'I've eaten dragons your size before.' Nevertheless, his lips closed over his fangs, calm, cold gaze returning to the young dragons lined up for their first straps inspection. Tradition dictated that the Weyrleader would conduct that inspection, as well as oversee the first flight of the dragons that would later become the strength behind the wings. F'ur wasn't too fond of tradition, though he did understand the need for some normalcy. People got weird when their routines were shaken up.

Of course, just because he understood tradition didn't mean he had any intention of being formal. "This is Rei. Otherwise known as 'Top Dog' if you want to be polite, or the 'Rys Whisperer.' Since he gets to decide which people to torture you with later, it's probably best to try to impress him." He ignored what amounted to an exceedingly patient look from the Weyrleader. Hey, they'd come to him, and if they didn't like the way he conducted class...tough. They'd deal with it or they could find someone else.

"So then. If you don't have your straps on your dragon by now, you are wrong." A smile punctuated that statement. "If anyone around you is wrong, you are wrong, so I'd suggest you help them quickly before anyone notices." Yes, he could tell from here that not everyone was ready. They'd have to learn to be faster.

S'rei took his cue and started down one end of the line, moving by Meira, while F'ur bounced over (yes, barefoot as always) to the other end. He inspected each set of straps as he came to them, working them over quickly, before stopping by a blueweyrling. "L'kaaaa," he stated, too cheerfully. "You've just killed yourself and your dragon." His knife flashed, the straps falling away. "Go get the spares over near Inocenth." He gestured to the two weyrlingriders on either side of L'ka. "Help him, so we don't have to waste time."

The two men met in the middle with no further incidents, F'ur backing away and giving the floor to S'rei. The bronzerider glanced down the line, before flashing a brief smile. "For the most part, you've done well with your first straps. Today your dragons will fly for the first time. Today the focus will shift from learning how to support one another as a dragonpair, to learning how to support each other as a wing. Inocenth was going to demonstrate?" He glanced at F'ur.

The bluerider nodded. "Yes. If everyone's ready." He stepped up to L'ka, whispering into the lad's ear. "I'd like to see you afterwards. Your straps will be the best by the time we have our next inspection, if you pay attention." Drifting back, he shot a glance at Inocenth, who walked toward the hill. "Today the goal is just to get some air. A good jump, let the wings catch, and then land without tripping over yourselves. Simple enough." A nod.

Inocenth took the hill at a lope, obediently spreading his wings before the jump as they expected the weyrlings to do and gliding to a halt a short distance from the hill.

"See? Not hard. Inocenth will coach you through. Who wants to be first?"

[kysseh]

They are growing up beautifully, are they not? Ciceroth sires fine hatchlings. Hepaticath commented privately to Hers, the gold's eyes whirling in undeniable pleasure at the sight of her offspring. The queen had fervently hoped to arrive early for the lesson, but judging by Inocenth's glide, they were a bit tardy. It was unfortunate, but little could be done about that now. The massive wings flared open from her dive, her body arching as she back-winged to settle lightly beside Salenth. Here, they would be well out of the way. My apologies to You and Yours for our tardiness. We will not intrude. We simply want to watch. the queen added politely to both Inocenth and Salenth.

Indeed, the queen was so enraptured with watching her offspring that she momentarily forgot the young woman perched on her neck. It was only after a gentle mental nudge that the dragon folded her legs beneath her and settled on the ground near the bronze, allowing Hers to slide off her neck and to the ground. Her wings tucked in to her back, tailtip twitching lightly in a subtle testament to her alert attention, despite the relaxed posture. Hepaticath had been so looking forward to seeing her hatchlings fly for quite some time, and it pleased her immensely to see them looking so well. Ah, but to see them airborne. That would be most enjoyable.

Her feet now safely on the ground, Savitri flicked her long braid back over her shoulder, her gaze fixed on the group of people and young dragons on the training grounds. She caught sight of F'ur and the weyrleader, the corners of her mouth curling upwards in a faint smile. The woman bent lightly at the waist, a subtle bow of respect that soon ended as she straightened and leaned against Hepaticath's shoulder to watch. Dressing fancy was not appropriate, but she had dressed neatly, at least. Hopefully, the weyrlingmaster and weyrleader would not mind their presence, so long as they were silent and did not further interrupt the flow of lessons. She thought herself and Hepaticath foolishly sentimental for wanting to watch, but... it was the queen's first clutch, after all. And given what had happened when the young dragons were still in their eggs, she was still feeling protective of them. Was that normal for dragon mothers?

Who knew?

I hope I am not blocking your sunlight. Please tell me if I am. the gold was busy remarking privately to Salenth, one foreleg flopping across the other as her posture continued to degenerate into a lazy lounge. Her head lowered, her chin finally coming to rest on the top leg as she observed the gathered creatures. Lovely offspring, they were. Hers told her so often enough, but Hepaticath did so like to hear it anyway. They would make her proud today, they would.

[glamourie]

I want to go first.
No.
You just think you’ll be perceived as showing off.
No, I think we should save the best for last. We already know that you know how to glide. It’s pointless waiting. Also, what does he mean ‘for the most part’? My straps were impeccable. Thanks for the recognition there, S’rei, I’ll remember whose undergarments to starch next time.
I’m sure that Salenth’s just isn’t counting us among the majority. He probably expects us to do better and why wouldn’t he? We’re the best.
Little recognition would be nice considering I have to do chores and live in the barracks like a common weyrling when I know more than any of them and could probably even teach the adult riders a thing or two. I don’t think it’s necessary for these classes and I’m really tired of being disturbed for them. The least S’rei could’ve done was wear tight pants. Then it’d be worth getting up for. But noooo. I don’t even get that kind of reprieve.
I could pull the back off his pants. Then you’d get a view.
Oh, that is tempting…

Standing near the back of the assembled group, K’lir and Baoth were not exactly the most imposing sight. Indeed, K’lir was quite scrawny by all appearances, though he’d dressed appropriately for the weather. He picked his nails absently and leaned on Baoth who crooned adoringly to him and nudged him with her snout. Her tail swished back and forth anxiously, her gaze snared on Inocenth; she was positive that she could more than mimic his flight. In fact, she was sure she could do it better… but Baoth was practicing on her own, in secret, with K’lir. There were some things he wouldn’t do without the presence of the weyrling master (like between jumps and firestone drills, the latter because acquiring the firestone was almost impossible) but the actual flying part – he was not going to sit and wait for hand-holding on something that he more than knew how to do. It was not only a waste of his time but also the weyrlingmaster’s. He was pretty sure he didn’t even need to be in that lesson, simply because he knew very well what he was doing and so did Baoth. Of course, admitting that would get them into trouble, so he did the smart thing and kept his mouth shut.

But she wasn’t going first. If she demonstrated flawless flight, it would be questionable, especially given that he had previous knowledge. While he didn’t think it fair to scold him for practicing with Baoth on his own (what else was he supposed to do when he was skipping chores that he shouldn’t have been assigned in the first place?), he was willing to bet most people would disagree. R’ahre and Ahth would probably support them though – and then ask for lessons in private. Actually he was surprised that R’ahre hadn’t asked that yet. Must have been his winning personality. The thought made him glance over at R’ahre before he called out to – spurred on by Savitri’s appearance, no doubt –

“If the Junior Weyrwoman is going to be here, shouldn’t the Junior Weyrleader also be present?” Yes, K’lir was half-evil. He deliberately didn’t look at R’ahre as he spoke, instead turning his attention to S’rei; some might interpret his antics as commenting more on Savitri not belonging there and that was okay, too. But no. His motivation was more trivial: he didn’t dislike R’ahre, but he also didn’t like him and teasing him mercilessly was funner than sitting around being silent in a class that he knew the lesson about. To further drive home his meaning, K’lir tacked on, “I think R’ahre would offer Ahth to go first if he was. Must impress.” Because clearly it wasn’t enough to just needle R’ahre in private – he had to try and mortify him in front of their whole class. At least he had the decency to be moderately subtle – those who weren’t aware of Sylph’s run (he was, thank you Showoff) wouldn’t understand what the comments were about. Small favors and all.

[rii]

Hn, he didn't realize there would be such an audience. F'lix casually adjusted one of the dark leather bracers encircling both wrists, snugging the lacings more tightly. A curious glance went over to the Weyrleader then to the Junior Weyrwoman, ending on F'ur–shifting to survey the weyrlings and young dragons through a narrowed gaze. A distasteful expression curled briefly on his lips before fading to indifference.

If it meant anything, he had come. Not exactly his cup of tea, but he had been invited, and there he now stood. Dark long sleeves rolled to halfway to elbows, arms hanging loose at his sides with a thumb hooked in one of two belts angling across his hips–of course he had come armed with a few choice blades. In his other hand he held.. the tail of a dangling blue salamandyr.

Simper go play. Make friends with big ones. No. Please Lixhers? No. Lixhers not like friends? Nope. Sadsad. Play saveyou? Simper be friend. Oh you're too kind. Yes-yes. Maybe terror play too. Terror here? Savior here. Terror come play? Play saveyou, saveyou~ I'm sure Savior would love that..

Even in his thoughts F'lix's sarcasm was dry. Thankfully Lilitu had been sleeping when he had slipped out of his weyr. Having her present.. and her desire to torment Terror just because she knew it would thoroughly annoy F'lix–well, thankfully the bluerider only had to keep one small salamandyr under control. Even if from an outside perspective his treatment toward the said mandyr appeared cruel. Not his fault Simper liked the treatment.

The flash of metal caught the light, drawing F'lix's attention back to the Weyrlingmaster. A suspicion crossed his mind but.. no. F'ur wouldn't take one of—or would he? Hn. F'lix dropped Simper onto his shoulder and reached into his back pocket, drawing out a small slip of folded paper. He still paid attention to the lesson–not really the lesson, but who could really say any different. F'lix was not a social creature, but he still needed to do something.. with his hands before they started to fiddle with his blades. An almost cautious side-long glance went over to the weyrwoman and her gold before F'lix slowly began to making folds, using his nails to make the creases sharp; a delicate process with each fold being done after he observed the on-goings for a moment.

[Ember]

The new weyrlingmaster was...entertaining. Tightening the final strap on Nuoth - phew, the green was getting big - Nephele glanced at the blue dragon with a bit of worry. So far Nuoth didn't seem to mind, if anything she was curious why he seemed annoyed, so the girl got by imagining the dragon was...grimacing. Something. I odubt he would eat us NepheleMine, the green commented reassuringly. "Uh-huh. I wonder if 'Top Dog' is starting to regret making F'ur weyrlingmaster?" she muttered with amusement.

"How's that feel, Nuoth? Nothing digging in anywhere?" No, all is well. The excitement behind the much loved voice had Nephele hiding a grin behind her hand. Nuoth would be so thrilled to feel the wind beneath her wings, even if just for a moment. F'ur passed by her without comment so she assumed her straps were just fine. At the oddly happy tone and L'ka's name she glanced over to the right to see the weyrlingmaster slicing the riding straps. That's what he got for skipping lessons. She was happy enough that there was a person between her and L'ka. No need to help.

She didn't envy the weyrling having to approach Inocenth. It took practise to get useable straps, she'd discovered. The hide was quite a bit harder to work with than regular fabric and those dratted buckles...She'd never had to bother with much more than buttons. Her first couple of attempts were quite laughable but the one Nuoth was currently wearing seemed good enough. Nephele leaned against the green as S'rei took the floor, a subtley flirtatious smile on her face. She couldn't really help it...weyrleaders meant power. She doubted she could get into his good graces at all but it didn't really do her any harm to try. Or so she told herself.

After Inocenth's example both Nephele's firelizards (who'd been resting quietly ontop of Nuoth - thank Faranth for threats) leaped off Nuoth's head at the same time to glide down, chittering excitedly. The timing...it almost seemed like they'd planned it. Little buggers. Nephele attempted to pretend they weren't hers, though that was a bit hard to do as they broke their glide and flew lazy circles around the greenweyrling. Just great. They are glad for me, Nuoth said with pleased surprise. They want me to fly. We're only gliding today. The green wasn't put off. Too excited to be.

Nephele was glad that K'lir chose his moment to speak up about...the junior weyrwoman? Whatever. The distraction kept Nuoth from volunteering them first. The girl did not want to be the first, not with so many eyes watching. Heh. And with K'lir volunteering R'ahre first she felt same enough to relax a little...and get her brats under control. With a surprisingly demanding mental tug from their human, both browns settled on either of her shoulders. Misfit cheeped curiously and found a cracker shoved towards him. "If you be quiet you can have this," she told him. The brown couldn't say no to a cracker. Him dealt with...Charming to go. She really couldn't get him to behave but maybe he was starting to grasp the situation more. For the moment he was quiet. That was good enough considering the audience seemed to keep getting bigger...

[Avu]

Look, you know –
What are you, some kind of twisted mindhealer? the blue interrupted impatiently, before one of the newest Weyrlingmasters passed to inspect the straps. He made no motion to move to make it any easier, idly flicking his tail as they were, apparently, approved, before he continued on that train of thought. The spy is happy. I have a new spyslave. What’s /wrong/? Besides, this isn’t the time for it, is this now? We’re flying today. About time. The dark blue hatchling turned his head to glance curiously at R’ahre, who quirked one eyebrow at him silently. Ahth huffed quietly, and then sat down, curling his tail around his legs tightly and furling his wings closer to his body before he said, apparently deciding that R’ahre’s silence meant that he could change the subject – and there was no denying the smugness in his voice – Lith’s /is/ stupid, is he not? The straps were quite simple in design.

Easy for you to say. Watch.

Obediently Ahth turned to watch Inocenth intently, his own wings twitching slightly before he shrugged one shoulder dismissively. It looks very simple, he commented. The presences of Hepaticath and Salenth were ignored; they certainly weren’t important for the moment. Are you riding, by the way? He wanted to fly, Ahth did. So much more convenient, that way – probably, he thought with a slight malice, quite a relief, this flying, for those of his siblings who could barely make it across a room without tripping. Faster, though, and easier to catch herdbeasts. His tail swept idly from side to side, eyes gleaming, before he turned to examine the row of his clutchsiblings. Which of them was going first, then? The thought that he could go first didn’t pass across his mind. He didn’t want to; it’d be better to go near the end, would it not? Made more sense. Let the clumsy ones eager to get into the air go first…

I’d assume so, R’ahre replied, glancing up at Ahth curiously. Don’t see why else we’d need straps… One hand wound upwards to slid between darkly gleaming hide and the strap itself, tugging on it idly, before the blueweyrling leaned against the dragon’s shoulder, fingers still curled around the strap. It’d been quite simple to put on; Ahth could be good when he wanted to be, after all, especially when Sylph was distracting him with things she’d picked up from eavesdropping on the Drudges in the kitchen. Apparently the blue had become quite adept at translating Salamandyr-speech into sense. The dragon’s head turned to lean down and nudge R’ahre. The touch wasn’t quite affectionate, but it certainly did convey something. Probably something along the lines of stop leaning on me.

K’lir’s comment distracted R’ahre from inquiring of Ahth exactly what he’d meant, and he turned to stare at the greenweyrling, stiffening slightly and sniffing indignantly to himself. Junior Weyrleader – did he have to? Sylph’s first Run hadn’t ended in anything, after all, and he fully intended to keep locking his door every time the green Ran. And getting Ahth to sit on the bronzerider if he came too close, or something. He didn’t quite blush, instead turning to look up at Ahth – the blue yawned pointedly, turning away in a refusal to help – before he commented, slightly annoyed despite himself – yes, this was a touchy subject – “Oh, if only.” The words were soft enough that the chattering of a certain two firelizards almost drowned them out, but still audible. And thinking of the two firelizards, it was a good thing Sylph wasn’t here; she remembered one of the two browns (though which of them, R’ahre himself hadn’t the slightest idea) and she hated hated hated him. Or something along those lines. No, Sylph had gone off to…visit…Merce and Ka’rys, and likely was busy chewing on said Junior Weyrleader’s ear or trying to methodically cover his face with saliva.

Fun times.

~*~*~

Should we go first? Jingth inquired.
I – I don’t know, I don’t really…want to…?
Very well then, the gold agreed pleasantly; her eyes whirled rapidly before she tilted her head to look up at the older dragons surrounding them curiously. Inocenth, Salenth, Hepaticath. She wasn’t familiar with any of them, really; the only thoughts she had on any was on her mother, and that wasn’t at all flattering, the thought that she, Jingth, was better. The partially-grown hatchling was sprawled out on her stomach, tail curled around her legs and her head resting along her forepaws. She was getting quite large, Jingth, though Meira was willing to bet she still had a good ways to grow; she almost measured up to Checkoth at the moment. Does nobody wish to go first? she added with a curious, amused note prominent in her voice; she stretched. It did not look like a /hard/ thing to do.

I’m not sure…I’d assume we’ll be riding you, since you’ve straps…? Will it be harder if we’re riding?[/b] Meira inquired nervously. The goldweyrling was standing next to Jingth’s head, one hand resting lightly on the golden eye ridge. The thought of flying was – well, she wasn’t quite sure. Jingth was graceful on the ground, but flying was…so different, and she’d only ridden dragonback a few times. So strange, the thought of being in the sky, even if Jingth was confident she could do it and do it well. Understandable; Jingth was a dragon, built for flight, born to fly – but Hers was, sadly, not and Meira still half-preferred the ground. Whers. The ground-dragons. Safer, somehow, it seemed, with the solid ground underfoot…? I don’t – I think I’d much rather prefer watching somebody else go first, just – you know, to see…? You can go second if…you know…you want to?

We’ll see. I’d like to go after Weith, Jingth informed Hers comfortably. That way I can see what I have to beat. It shan’t be hard, I don’t think…after all, it’s /Weith/. We’ll see.

The emphasis on the bronze’s name was undeniably an insult. Slightly embarrassed, though nobody else could possibly have heard the comment, Meira bowed her head slightly, biting her lip. She was trying not to acknowledge their rather large audience, given that it would only serve to make her more nervous and…she kind of wished that she had someone small enough to hang onto. Riaren or Mimic, to be precise – or Stumpy. Both baby and brown Salamandyr had been left behind for this Weyrling Lesson, though: Riaren had been handed off to R’wign and Mimic had gone bouncing off to go visit his favoritest (and only) eggbrother and Mi’rah. Hopefully the bronzerider wouldn’t mind – Meira was never annoyed by Mimic, nor by Doppelganger; she could only hope Mi’rah felt the same.

Why does Ciceroth’s need to be here?
Sorry?
Baoth’s says Ciceroth’s ought to be here. None of them ought to be here. They’re making you nervous.

The possessive, soft irritation in the queen’s voice was heartening, but Meira only shrugged, glancing curiously towards K’lir before she returned to carefully tracing the length of Jingth’s eye ridge. Just let someone else volunteer first…? She hated being first, quite simply – first or last, actually – when it came to ordering, though half of Meira did kind of wish they could just get it over with. Much better if they could practice alone, really…

[Rowana]

Merridan could hardly keep still. They were going to fly at last! At least, Chaoth was, and that was a good start. F'ur was a good teacher too. She remembered him from before as one of those who had defended one of the previous weyrling classes. He was going to be strict, she noted, watching as he scolded L'ka down the line. That was good, though. They didn't have room to make mistakes in the air. She checked over her straps again, glancing at Nuoth next to her to see if Nephele was doing alright. She looked fine, Mer was pleased to see.

Shall I go first? Chaoth asked, in a reasonable tone. No one else is. Chaoth was definitely calmer about this class than his rider. He was exciting in his own way, but he wasn't worried. He was confidant that they would all do well. He had been practicing after all. Mer frowned. Aren't R'ahre and Ahth going first? She was sure Ahth would take easily to flying. He was always graceful.

Chaoth shifted his position and gave his wings an experimental flap. I do not believe they are. he commented. He contemplated for a moment. I will go, Merridan-mine, he decided. Then no one will have to argue, will they? The voice of reason as always, Mer thought. Chaoth wasn't going to show off, he was going because it needed to be done. Alright, she agreed with a shrug, absently glancing at S'rei and Savitri. Quite an audience.

Merridan walked up to F'ur while Chaoth trotted over to where Innocenth had started from. "We'll go first," Mer volunteered. "Since no one else seems to want to." I will do my best, Chaoth added to Innocenth and the others present. Mer recalled carefully what the blue had done, going over it with Chaoth. You understand? she asked. It is simple enough, Chaoth replied smoothly. He tested his wings a few times to get ready.

Chaoth started towards the hill at a run. He reached the top going at a good pace and opened his wings as wide as he could. With a grunt of effort he pushed himself from the ground. Chaoth might not be the most graceful dragon, but he was big and strong. His jump took him a good distance off the ground. Wings caught the air and he drifted slowly down. He landed a bit harder than he meant and his front claws dug two lines of dirt in the ground, but he didn't fall down.

Merridan beamed at him. That was good for a first try! She couldn't wait until they could go up together. Great job, Chaoth! Of course, he rumbled pleasantly. He wasn't surprised. It just showed that hard work and practice paid off. He moved a little away from the course so some else could go. It is not hard, he told his clutch siblings in encouragement. The air is lovely.

[ace]

Mina and Kunth were actually on time for lessons, that was a first. Today's agenda had flight in store for the weyrlings. Mina had animatedly dragged Kunth towards the lessons. "We are going to fly today!" Kunth snorted and said in a very impish tone, No, I am going to fly... or more like jump in the air attempting not to die. You are going to watch. Mina snorted and quipped easily, "Well, maybe you'll be more graceful in the air than you are on land!" Mina had gotten used to Kunth's odd gate, but it still was rather well known around the weyr. The little green walked more like a feline that a dragon, not at all in draconic way. We'll see MinaMine, we shall see.

They arrived and were surprised at the site of junior weyrleaders, completely taking the pair's attention away from the weyrling master. Kunth however, had enough sense to watch Inocenth as he jumped off the hill and glided forward. I WANT TO TRY! Kunth mentally shouted in excitement, causing Mina to wince. "No you don't not yet at least." Mina, thinking that Kunth would stay put, turned around to watch the weyrlingmaster. Kunth however had differant ideas.

The green dragonet took off toward's the hill, looking like a galloping canine or runner. Wish me luck! she called gleefully to Mina. The young rider turned around and watched in horror as her green jumped off of the hill. "NO KUNTH! YOU GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!" But it was to late. Kunth had made her jump, and spread her long wings out. She was not falling. Or crashing. Or dead. I'm not dying! she called in triumph as she glided (almost) gracefully (sort of), decending towards the ground. However, Kunth was fast even if she was not all the gracefull. When she landed, she stumbled, straitened up, and said in a slightly superior and playful tone to her clutch siblings, That's how it's done. First "flight" was a success.

Mina's eyes narrowed dangerously. Kunth was in for it now.

[archenstone]

V'rael and Taith arrived, later than most for the first time. "I have never seen anything your sized get stuck in a tree." V'rael grumbled good naturedly as they lined up. I did not get stuck in a tree. The trees grabbed me and held on. Taith corrected as he glanced at everyone. He felt his pat his shoulder but was already focusing on his mother. Good Morning! He announced. He was about to line up next to Jingth when he watched Kunth run to take a leap and glide. He didn't even wait to catch up on instructions. I'm ready! I'll go! I'll go! He bounced forward running as fast as he could. He hopped forward then leaped up like his feet had springs. He stretched his wings out....keeping himself even as he aimed for where Kunth had landed.

He feet hit the ground running. Come on everyone! It's so very fun! He walked up beside his clutchsister and pruummed in satisfaction. His tail twitched back and forth in excitement. Very nice sister....lets go again shall we?

V'rael just stood there near Meira with a neutral look on his face. Taith....must you show off? You're the only one half ape around here. Taith could tell His was both amused and annoyed. Least you could have done was actually wait till we found out all of todays lesson.

[Requiem]

How heartening. Despite the cry of delight from one of the greens - one that made F'ur faintly nauseous from distaste, though that was most decidedly runoff from Inocenth, who was not at all impressed with what his rider would more delicately term youthful eagerness - none of the weyrlings seemed willing to give it a try. Honestly. His hands found his hips, a brow rising, and he smiled. Which was to say, his irritation was plenty clear enough to those who recognized his smiles, but likely mostly hidden from the majority of the people here. (They'd learn to read him, though, over the next several months...)

Spineless. F'ur had no response for that, finding himself in agreement. Not even the ever-arrogant gold (the bronze being notably absent) seemed willing to step up first. Honestly. Your pet is here, though. A completely needless comment, since F'ur had already noticed his presence, but Inocenth's words were meant as scorn and he didn't particularly care if his rider knew or not. He spared a glance for the younger rider, a brief flash of teeth that was acknowledgment of F'lix's...acceptance...of his invitation. Twirling the filched blade through his fingers, he lodged it at the small of his back. Already playing games, but then, you'd be a fool if you didn't expect him to.

K'lir. F'ur's eyes narrowed. Just standing around shooting his mouth off. "Feel free to summon him," the Weyrlingmaster stated in a slow, mocking drawl - a fair imitation of a southern accent, though it really was unintentional. That time, anyway. He glanced down at Mer. "Then what are you doing over he-?" Inocenth watched in muted amusement. You didn't say they should be mounted, Mine. Apparently the straps are just for show. Faranth. Really? No spines and no common sense, either. He had a lot of work to do. (And would have to get used to outlining everything in excessive detail. Bother.)

Not bad, Inocenth told Chaoth, noncomittal. His tail flicked in open agitation. You are going much too - Too late. -fast. Next time, slow it down. His cold voice lacked inflection. In fact, he sounded quite bored as he addressed Kunth. Taith's sudden arrival and wild attempt was greeted with chilly silence.

F'ur nodded to Mer, catching S'rei's eye and tilting his head toward K'lir. The older rider nodded in agreement as the Weyrlingmaster stalked towards the brownrider. "I suppose it's perfectly permissable to be late?" he questioned cheerfully. "Nevermind that your classmates and I are waiting on you, and clearly your own business is more important than the Weyrleader's." He pulled up in front of V'rael. "Participating without instruction. Brilliant. Do you plan to be permanently grounded due to injury before he's even full-grown?"

S'rei glanced down at K'lir, gaze briefly coursing over Baoth. The greenrider had been one of his wingriders. You could even say that Calistoth was killed, in part, attempting to protect him. That didn't give him the right to disrupt, of course, but it did result in a more mild reaction from the Weyrleader. "Perhaps you should step up and show the people here how to do things, rather than snark." Unsaid, this was K'lir's second time through the process. "Go ahead and mount." His voice raised to be heard by the other weyrlings. "A good start, but the Weyrlingmaster neglected to mention these glides were to be conducted with you on your dragon's back. K'lir will be happy to demonstrate, I'm sure." He cocked a brow at the man.

Salenth didn't react poorly to Hepaticath's presence, even crooning as she settled, but his behavior was decidedly polite rather than actually...welcoming. As evidenced by the fact that he moved to put just a little more distance between them, paying an inordinate amount of attention to the weyrlings gliding from their hill. They are your hatchlings, Salenth stated mildly. Clearly, that explained everything. He stretched further in an attempt to soak up more of the sunlight. You are fine where you are. I am quite comfortable.

Inocenth, for his part, didn't respond to Hepaticath's presence at all. Must be intent upon the weyrlings that were now his reluctant responsibility. Heh. Whoever believed that was a naive fool.

[glamourie]

K’lir glanced at F’ur as he spoke and smiled very, very slowly. He turned around to look at where Hepaticath was, then back at F’ur as though to ask Are you sure about that? He wasn’t entirely positive he could coerce the bronzerider into showing up, but he had no problem walking over and socking Savitri in the face if it earned him more amusement. He didn’t dislike her, mind, though she’d made an iffy impression by irritating Showoff turns ago – he just had no problem hitting anyone if it got him more entertaining responses. Fortunately, he was prevented from acting on those urges by R’ahre’s muttering and he shot the bluerider a very pleasant smile that really wasn’t pleasant at all. He had no reason for picking on R’ahre (aside from the fact that Baoth adored R’ahre’s dragon and on a purely primitive line of logic, he wanted to guarantee R’ahre disliked him – the more the other bluerider disliked him, the less likely he was to be attached to him later; he’d already lost a bluerider he was close to in weyrling lessons once, he did not want to go through the loss of Beka a second time through a surrogate). The fact that R’ahre didn’t quite rise to the bait was disheartening. He wasn’t given a chance to further provoke, though, because –

… some of his classmates were going first. Spoilsports. He looked over at R’ahre and crinkled his nose; he would have liked to see R’ahre and Ahth go first, though only because he had intended to go last, and the first and last should always have been the best, correct?

S’rei’s words distracted him and he turned to look at the bronzerider with an expression that could only be described as close to disdain. “Oh yes,” he said dryly, “I’d be more than happy to go first.” Because letting the person who would be the best in the class go first was definitely intelligent and good for morale. He twitched, glancing at Baoth. “You get your wish, gorgeous. You should thank S’rei for being so kind to you.” The edge in his tone made it clear he did not mean ‘thank’ in the way that the word was traditionally meant.

He didn’t want to go first. In fact, he didn’t want to fly in front of anyone. It wasn’t that he was shy: far from. He knew very well how to fly and he knew that Baoth also knew how to fly – well enough to impress the class, certainly. His problem was that they hadn’t flown in front of anyone else… and the last time he’d flown with any dragon in front of other people was Calistoth. S’rei being there – his former Wingleader, at one point – didn’t help at all. In fact the thought made him nauseous, and when he turned away to mount, he had to close his eyes to stop the spinning in front of them. He was too proud to ever tell anyone about his anxiety, though. Far, far too proud. He didn’t want anyone to know that he was still mourning Calistoth (even if it was obvious) and he definitely didn’t want to display weakness in front of other people. His ego couldn’t withstand such a blow. So he didn’t; he just swallowed his fear, as best he could anyway.

Pretend they’re not here, Baoth suggested as she stretched herself out; on her back, K’lir was fastening his straps. Pretend no one is watching and you’ll be okay. We will be okay. We’re the best, after all. You will see.

As soon as his straps were fastened, Baoth turned to move. K’lir had only a moment to react to the definite evil thought flashing through her mind before the green grabbed the back of S’rei’s trousers and pulled with force enough to tear. Her reasons were simple: He’d upset Hers, and it would amuse her LirLove to see Salenth’s in an awkward position. If it amused him, he would be less nervous about flying, and that was her ultimate goal. She had no problem with Salenth or His – neither of them meant much to her. The only thing that mattered was Hers being happy, and she was not going to sit by and do nothing when she knew she could make him smile.

She didn’t wait for a response – neither from K’lir nor S’rei. She knew Hers was ready. Turning, the green weyrling proceeded to gallop forward toward the hill. She could have taken off right from her spot, but she didn’t. Instead she flared her wings at the exact right moment, gliding down the slope of the hill. It was tempting to beat her wings and push herself upward – she knew that she was strong enough to fly higher and carry Hers higher, too – but she refrained. Instead she came to land almost daintily on the ground, no stumbling – not even any extra steps. Her wings fluttered and she turned, still holding the material from S’rei’s trousers in her mouth, before flicking her tail defiantly at her clutchsiblings. It said without words her challenge: Beat that.

[Ember]

It looks like Ahth and His are not going first. Weren't they supposed to fly with Theirs though? Nephele wondered about that. It only made sense to put the straps on if the riders were supposed to go too. The girl waited for instruction while she continued to lean on Nuoth, gaze passive. Underneath she was feeling a nervousness she rarely felt. She sighed and shook her head. Really, it wasn't like she'd be the one making mistakes today. The dragon flew, not the rider.

Yet she still couldn't go. Not before seeing the reactions of K'lir and...what was his name again? V'r..something. Weyrleader approached one, while the Weyrlingmaster approached the other. The expression on K'lir's face was positively brilliant and she snorted with amusement. She'd kill to know what the conversation was about. As the Weyrleader spoke up she blinked and pushed herself upright. So they were to ride their dragon for the first time. As she'd thought earlier.

Nephele almost turned to climb onto Nuoth's back. Almost. She'd have kicked herself if she missed the evidence of a butt-naked weyrleader. Looks like one of Pern's moons decided to come out early. Ooh, drafty much? Too bad there's not a really good view from here. It took every ounce of control not to double over laughing. She doubted she could have stopped for a long time. The giggles were to be expected. Nuoth fluttered her wings and looked discreetly from the funny man and clutchsib Baoth. The reason behind the pulling of false skin escaped Nuoth, but the green was amused all the same.

"Alright Nuoth. I'll just get on and we'll have our go." As Nephele clambered onto Nuoth's back - clearly practise would be needed - she breathed a mental sigh of relief. She was not the first. The girl fastened her straps and gave them a tug to test. Well, if anything bad happened they would hopefully save her life. Right. You are shaking? What is wrong NepheleMine? Just nervous. Its okay Nuoth, just go. I'll try not to close my eyes, Nephele thought back ruefully.

Nuoth approached the place she intended to run from at a walk and imagined Inocenth's demonstration. As she started to run the green could feel Hers' legs tighten on her neck. It would be okay. Nuoth would not fall. Her wings opened fully just before her powerful jump into the air. Why, it was splendid in the air! She wanted to go up and up...but the glide she was instructed to do just brought her lower to the ground. A shame. As she landed gracefully - truly if anything of her first flight was perfect, it was the landing - she moved out of any others' way and looked back at Hers.

Nephele was thrilled. She was also berating herself. There had never been reason to be nervous. It had actually been quite fun! The girl rubbed Nuoth's neck tenderly as she watched the others go but didn't dismount. If the Weyrlingmaster asked them to go again she really didn't want to have to get settled on Nuoth's back again.

[Avu]

Blatant amusement colored Ahth’s eyes. There was no nice way to put it; his siblings’ attempts amused him, though there was also a flicker of confusion. Weren’t their Riders supposed to be, uh, riding? Hence the straps? A low croon emerged from his throat before he crossed both forelegs across each other neatly, curling his tail around his haunches. Chaoth had done his glide nicely enough, if the landing wasn’t perfect, but Kunth and Taith…how absolutely hysterical. He replayed the scene mentally to R’ahre, earning a hastily stifled chuckle from the blueweyrling. Oh, they’d better not cross him, Kunth and Taith; he’d blackmail material, had he not? Whether or not they would be ashamed of the scene circulating the Weyr, Ahth didn’t know or care; it was just the tip of the iceberg, he was sure. So many other siblings to watch…and of course, he would do perfectly. Ahth was nothing short of absolutely graceful, even on the ground, and he knew it; his serpentine form would serve him very well in the air, it would…

R’ahre’s attention was divided between V’rael and K’lir for a moment, but after Ahth assured him smugly he was listening very closely to what V’rael was being lectured on, the weyrlingrider turned to watch K’lir curiously. As it was…there wasn’t a second of Baoth’s demonstration that he missed, and he supplied Ahth with the image at the blue’s request, a smile curling his lips upwards as his eyes followed Baoth’s progress. Smooth, of course…Were you watching? he inquired of Ahth privately, a mental brush urging Ahth to his feet; the blue stretched upwards and flicked dark, slender wings open before he settled again. Like that, see? Keep your wings level, tilt downwards, and then if you’re high enough try to backwing and land on your hind legs first, okay? It’ll smooth out the landing more than if you land on your forelegs… One hand brushed against Ahth’s chest, indicating that the blue should crouch so he could mount. Do you understand?

Perfectly. Nuoth is going now. Ahth crouched obediently, eyes whirling in slow, calm shades of bluish-green, as he watched Nuoth’s attempt with narrowed eyes as R’ahre half-climbed and half-sprang onto his neck, fastening himself into the straps, tugging them tight and running one hand over the buckle to make sure it still held absently. As soon as Nuoth moved out of the way, Ahth stepped out from the group of Weyrlings. Both wings were settled calmly at his sides, his tail held level behind him. Are you ready? he inquired of His. The straps hold? At R’ahre’s mental assent, the blue flicked a glance at the others behind him and then took off. His was a sliding, still-slinking gait, but rapid; the hill rose before him and up he went until R’ahre’s mental brush assured him to go now.

He leapt, but his wings didn’t flare immediately; he waited until he was at the arc of his jump before both wings flared outwards. So abrupt was the motion that Ahth actually ascended slightly before he glided downwards; legs were tucked neatly closer to his body to make himself go faster before his wings shifted, tilted to actually flap backwards in what was undeniably a mimic of a grown dragon’s backwinging. Ahth had time only for one sweep; that movement slowed him enough that he could settle neatly onto the ground, though he wasn’t balanced quite right; his hind claws dug into the ground momentarily and his wings remained unfurled until he regained balance, which took a little over a few seconds. Flicking both wings back, the dark blue dragon’s eyes whirled slightly faster before he made his way carefully towards Baoth and he immediately laid down again, crossing his forelegs calmly as R’ahre undid some of the straps with a silent brush of praise for the blue, though he didn’t jump off of Ahth, given that they’d likely be going again anyway.

They look very silly, do they not? he commented, images of Kunth and Taith flashing to the green. He didn’t say that she was the best, nor yet that they were the best, because she already knew, no doubt, and she’d know that he knew it, too. He didn’t need to say it, as far as he was concerned. Salenth’s will be most irritated with you, I’m sure… There was no disguising the malicious note of pleasure in the blue’s voice, though; how silly humans were for wanting their clothing about them, but how funny.

[Rowana]

Merridan frowned at F'ur for a moment. What did he mean what was she doing...oh. Apparently they were supposed to be on their dragons when they flew. Mer felt horribly embarrassed for getting that wrong. Shard it! At least she hadn't sworn at her teacher. What is it? Chaoth as in concerned. He was pleased that Innocenth had approved of his glide, and was anxious to give it another try. I was supposed to ride you, she explained. At least F'ur didn't seem mad, at least not at her. Mer walked over to where Chaoth was waiting, trying not to wince at Kunth and Taith's attempts to follow his lead.

Chaoth, unlike Mer, didn't seem to mind the mistake. All is well, he nuzzled her. I will get to do the landing better this time. Mer grinned. Why was she down? She would get to ride on Chaoth! It would be fun. Mer turned in time to see Baoth steal S'rei's pants and demonstrate a perfect glide. Mer covered her mouth, but couldn't hide the laugh. Nuoth and Nephele went next and Chaoth offered his sibling a word of encouragement. Well done, sister Nuoth! Baoth obviously needed no encouragement, since she was such a natural.

Mer checked Chaoth's straps and fixed the ones that had gotten loose in his landing. She was sorry to miss seeing Ahth's glide herself, but Chaoth told her it had been graceful as expected, if the landing was a little off. Climbing up to Chaoth's back was a fun chore. He was much bigger than most of his siblings, except Jingth and Weith. Once she was settled, Chaoth trotted back around to the starting point. Mer grinned. Let's go! Chaoth started forward, going even faster than before and launched himself.

Mer was breathless for a moment, but she recovered quickly. This was amazing! A feeling of weightlessness and freedom came to her in a rush. No wonder Chaoth had loved it. The sky was theirs for the taking! All too soon, Chaoth's glide came to and end. He went slower this time, angling his wings so he didn't come down so sharp. He managed to land without clawing up dirt or falling over, even if it wasn't as good as Baoth's landing. Mer smiled and Chaoth's eyes swirled happily as he moved back to the line of weyrlings. He was glad he'd gotten that part right this time!

[archenstone]

Taith looked back towards the others like 'so what?' Who cared that he was supposed to have his rider? He could just go again with his rider on. He trotted back with his wings folded neatly. His was apparently not happy with Taith running off and he knew it. Why was His being berated by the new Instructor? His eyes whirled with a touch of annoyance. His didn't deserve that! It was too bad bugs where simply smooshed instead of flying when he flicked them now. This man definitely deserved having bugs on him. As Baoth ripped the Weyrling Masters pants Taith chortled. That was good! No one should berate His for being late when His was up every day soooo early.

V'rael stiffened at the new Instructor's comments. His first impulse was to tell this man exactly what he thought and then act on it. But V'rael had to remind himself that the days of being a Captain....a Leader were not only over but that he was still a deckhand compared to this man. The thought irritated him further. He always provided the dragonriders here with respect and by nature...he expected the same treatment. To V'rael this man was speaking to him as if he wasn't old enough to grow his own beard.

"Taith and I stand corrected." He said formally. "You will not find either of us late again, nor will Taith run off again with out following orders." That was about as repentant as he'd get....which was really not repentant at all. He knew Taith would not hurt himself. After all if the mostly crazy ball of zinging energy was going to get injured....he'd have done it by now.

When the Weyrling master was left with out pants V'rael gave a small cocky grin. He certainly found it amusing that even the dragons didn't respect this man. He didn't feel like laughing though and soon smoothed the grin away as Taith bounded up to him. Does this mean I can run off with instructions?

Our learning here is more important than our feelings or your desire to play. There is more at stake than who looks best.

Stop being so serious. You're grow old that way. We'll learn....and together we will accomplish your goals....they are my goals too. V'rael glanced at him in surprise. Was that a hint of maturity I heard? He placed his hand on Taith's chest. Maturity? Me? What are you smoking?[/i] He twitched his tail in impatience...the others where taking Thiers in the air....he wanted to go to.

V'rael climbed up the straps with ease, settling down to bind himself in. Years of climbing rigging amidst a tossing sea made climbing Taith a cake walk. Well let's go...and don't do that bounce thing with me on.He could imagine the kind of pain that would cause. Taith moved forward in a smooth gait. This time simply moving forward in a trott that made his muscles ripple. He sped up at the end and leaped, stretching his wings out. He could feel His tighten legs around his neck as they left the ground. He drifted down, flaring his wings in a back-winging motion and thumping his tail down to absorb the initial impact of landing. V'rael was rather impressed. He hadn't realized all the crazy antics that Taith pursued would actually amount to such a smooth glide. See? I take lessons seriously in my own way[/colo]