Zodiac Weyrlings (Lesson One)

[weaving]

Do you want me to call them now?

I’fael sighed, giving a nonverbal assent to the brown, who obediently announced the desire of the Weyrlingmaster to meet with all of the junior weyrlings for their first lesson. His was worried, though he didn’t quite understand why. Sure, Emoyan had said that some of them might try and cause trouble, but life without fun would be quite dull and if a dragon had picked them, then surely the trouble they might cause would be simple fun and nothing harmful. Still, I’fael worried, and no amount of reassurance seemed able to change that. Oh well, he’d realize soon enough that everything would be just fine. Silly humans. How much trouble could a few hatchlings and their new riders get into?

He was about to find out.

Grace nudged reassuringly at I’fael’s jaw along with a soft croon. The green was tucked neatly between his undershirt and tunic, her favorite hiding place. Though she found herself intimidated by larger crowds, she didn’t want to abandon Hers in his time of need, and he certainly seemed as though something bad was about to happen. She didn’t like it if Hers wasn’t absolutely happy.

With a sigh, I’fael stood, straightening the stack of papers on his desk before heading toward the door of the lesson room to greet each of his students as they came in. As he did so, he mentally sized them up, making notes for later, when they decided to try and pull some prank. He wasn’t stupid. At least one of them was doomed to start something.

“Good morning everyone and welcome to weyrling lessons. I’m I’fael, the weyrlingmaster and the giant brown lump out in the training fields is Morendoth. If you don’t, for whatever reason, like me, too bad, because you’ll be stuck with me for the next turn and a half so you may as well make the best of it.” He glanced at each student as he spoke, meeting their eyes for a brief moment before moving on to the next one.

This was going to be a long turn and a half.

Roll Call
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

[Avu]

It was early, but she was already awake, as was Jingth. Gold hatchling and Rider were both curled on the dragon couch, Meira seated with her back against Jingth’s side and the gold’s head twisted to rest on her lap comfortably, against the bulge that spoke undeniably of pregnancy; occasionally she shifted her head or nuzzled ‘their clutch’, as the queen thought of it. Very comfortable, was their room – probably to accommodate both for Jingth and for her pregnancy; she knew that K’lir was next door to her because of Kahrelir – and she needed the crib moved down here. Monster’s presence was missed – the feline had gone back to living in the Infirmary, since she couldn’t keep him in the weyrling barracks (she was sure it was one of the rules, and regardless she was scared that Jingth might accidentally step on him) – but neither Stumpy nor Roxie had ceased to follow her, for which Meira was…well, mostly grateful. She liked the flitters’ company, and that they didn’t want to desert her was…it was nice. Not that Roxie had taken too well to Jingth, but they weren’t at outright war; Meira’d take what she could get. Both firelizards were still asleep; she hadn’t the heart to wake them. She hadn’t even meant to wake Jingth – she’d just rolled out of the bed to go take a bath before the inevitable lessons and when she came back, the gold had been awake and waiting for her.

Morendoth calls us, MeiraLove. We are to meet him for lessons.

The words were the first that they had exchanged for a good ten minutes – and Meira didn’t actually reply, only nodded and then pulled herself awkwardly to her feet. She’d already gotten dressed, tied her hair back out of her eyes (she was considering cutting it; the length was impractical for a dragonrider), and generally gotten ready for the day – minus breakfast. She wasn’t hungry. Jingth rose, too, yawning and stretching like a feline, before nuzzling Hers again, and then padding silently from the room. Meira glanced back at Roxie and Stumpy, wondering if they’d fuss if she left them, and then bit her lip and followed Jingth. She couldn’t wake them for Weyrling Lessons; she didn’t even know if pets were welcome and it was…just insensitive; they clearly wanted to keep sleeping or they’d have been up already. Fortunately, the walk to the Lessons room was not long, and then Jingth left her to head out to the Training Fields.

Meira slid into the room, both arms wrapping around her abdomen nervously as she glanced up at I’fael, and managed a half-smile of greeting before she glanced around to find that she was…first? A blink was the only sign of confusion before she mentally shrugged it away and slid into a seat, resisting the urge to prop her elbows on the desk and use her hands as a kind of pillow. When she was with Jingth, she felt as if she’d been handed the world – not quite sure what to do with it, but curiously energized, immortal, with the knowledge that the dragon loved her immensely and without measure – that she adored her and the unborn baby – but once she was away, even though she could feel the hatchling’s touch on her mind, sleepiness, a vague hunger, and the insecurity – it all returned, and she glanced around again nervously, wondering where the other students were. Surely they’d come by now…? After all, Weyrling Lessons should have been expected. They’d known what was coming, right…?

Hello, Morendoth, was Jingth’s equable greeting, as the gold slid into the Training Field gracefully, glancing up at the brown with a croon of greeting, and then…proceeded to flop down onto the ground and stretching before she put her head down onto her forelegs. Sure, she might have to get up later on in class, but they weren’t doing anything right then and she saw absolutely no reason she should sit bolt-upright while waiting for her classmates. Maybe when they got here she would sit upright, or if Morendoth asked, but…this was just as good, much more comfortable, and she could think and focus just as well lying down as she could sitting up. And she wouldn’t go to sleep, either. Not on their very first day at Weyrling Lessons; how utterly embarrassing that would be, not to mention that Weith would never let her live it down. Regardless, she had been first to Weyrling Lessons. That automatically one-upped her, didn’t it? The gold shifted her muzzle, outwardly relaxed – inwardly smug.

~*~*~

“Oh, are you back now?”

R’ahre regarded Ahth grumpily, the blueweyrling raising one hand to brush his hair out of his face. Ahth did not make a sound verbally, staring back with whirling eyes at R’ahre for a moment, before he huffed. The blue knew exactly what His was upset about – that he had spent the night with Baoth, Hers, and their hatchling and little Salamandyr. He liked them – all of them, though Baoth most of all. Showoff and K’lir he liked, too, and Kahrelir he simply did not dislike, though the baby had not done anything that would qualify him for his actively being fond of him. He was just Baoth’s hatchling and therefore treated kindly by proxy. The blue dragon’s tongue flicked out, licking R’ahre’s palm, and he backed away, tossing a distasteful glance towards their roommates. M’kai and Futh. It wasn’t M’kai Ahth had a problem with; it was Futh. So noisy and greedy and simply inelegant; Ahth would much rather sleep with Baoth and Hers than with Futh. His had Sylph, anyway, and it wasn’t like he’d missed Ahth, seeing as both of them were asleep.

I am back, the blue acknowledged. Sh-h-h, mustn’t wake Futh and His. I have no wish to speak to him this morning. It’s already quite disappointing and we needn’t make it more so, do we? Come, MineR’ahre, up; Morendoth has called for Weyrling Lessons and Mine, I’m very disappointed in you. You’re usually up much earlier than this.

Oh, ugh. Weyrling Lessons. R’ahre stifled a groan in his pillow before he rubbed his eyes, yawning, and then reached into his cover to pull Sylph out and cup his hand around the green. No need to squash her rolling out of bed, after all. Pulling on a shirt over his pants was a quick matter, and he deposited Sylph into his pocket before he mumbled the words “Weyrling Lessons, wake up and hurry or you’ll be late” at M’kai – before he left the Barracks. Whether or not they were awake, R’ahre had no idea, and he didn’t really care; usually he was up at the crack of dawn and earlier, and usually he was a morning person, but the Impression and Ahth’s sleepiness had exhausted him more effectively than anything else ever had; he’d been dead asleep last night and he was almost disgusted with himself for it as he made his way towards the Lessons Room, clad in a plain white shirt and loose pants, barefoot; I’fael went almost unnoticed as he entered, still brushing his hair out of his eyes and blinking himself awake to note the Weyrlingmaster’s greeting until it was almost too late; he raised his gaze to I’fael’s and then nodded at him. Deferentially.

Which, honestly, was more usual for him than being downright defiant as he had been with Emoyan was; Emoyan had just had the misfortune to get R’ahre when he’d been in a downright murderous mood, and I’fael didn’t look like he was planning on dragging anyone around by the ear anytime soon. Hmph. That he came second – the goldweyrling had gotten there first, great – didn’t consciously register as anything important to R’ahre, and he threw himself into one of the chairs, and yawned, draping one elbow over the back of the chair and watching I’fael curiously. If the Weyrlingmaster treated them like sane people, he’d be perfectly okay doing what he bid. If not…they’d see. The sleep had left his brown eyes, and he reached out to touch Ahth’s mind curiously and found the blue somewhat disgruntled by the fact that only he and That Creature from the big egg had shown up as of yet.

Morendoth. The greeting was spoken quietly, almost without emotion, as Ahth prowled – there was no other way to describe his motion – forward into the training field, his almost black body unusually graceful for a hatchling; wide wings flared and then settled along his back again as Ahth bowed his head warily, eyeing brown and gold before he settled himself, curling his tail around his haunches and glancing back towards the Weyrling Barracks. Hurry up, classmates; he didn’t like That Creature from the big egg and he didn’t want to talk to the Weyrlingmaster’s brown either; he just wanted Baoth to get there so he’d have someone worthwhile to talk to. Hmph.

[Ruby]

M'kai WAS up, honest. He just didn't want to get out of bed. He mumbled something at R'ahre as the other Weyrling and his Blue left the room- oddly, Ahth hadn't slept there, so the dark blue's presence surprised M'kai when he slitted an eye to watch them go- before snuggling more comfortably into bed. Usually, M'kai was the first up, at least in terms of him and Crys, and he generally enjoyed running after breakfast. Ever since Futh's Impression, though, he hadn't had time to run (not that he'd wanted to, not if it meant leaving his blue), and he'd been getting any second of sleep he could. Baby dragons were tiring!

Despite the chubbiness that had already labled Futh as lazy to many of his siblings, it was the Blue that was up first, nosing into his rider's blankets. Come on, M'kaiLoveMine, Weyrling Lessons are today, I want to learn things! he implored, taking M'kai's furs in his teeth and attempting to forcibly remove them. M'kai simply grumbled and turned toward the wall, refusing to be roused. Futh sat on his haunches, frusturated, then lovingly moved a large shard from his pastel pink shell up onto his couch before attempting to climb onto his rider's bunk. "Alright, alright, I'm up!" M'kai said, scrambling out from under the dragon. Futh was still small, but M'kai did not relish being sat on by anything, especially since Futh would probably demand a bath afterwards. Futh happily moved the egg shell back under M'kai's bunk as the Weyrling got dressed, shrugging into a clean white shirt and tan pants. Stamping his feet into his boots, M'kai tied back his long red hair, and the pair started for lessons.

Why doesn't Ahth like me? Futh asked on the way, to which M'kai had no answer. "I don't think Ahth likes too many people, Fu. You just have to ignore him and make other friends, and you'll be set," M'kai explained. He was about to continue when he realized they'd reached the lesson room already- it was quite close to the Barracks. Scratching Futh briefly behind the headknob, M'kai entered the classroom. Only R'ahre and the new Queenrider were there; he didn't know the Queenrider's name, and she hadn't been a Candidate, from what he'd heard. So he took a seat near R'ahre, as dangerous as that might be- he knew of the enmity between R'ahre and the Candidatemaster, and didn't want to get in the way of anything R'ahre might start, but he'd rather sit next to someone he knew than totally on his own. Nodding to the Weyrlingmaster, he didn't bother greeting either of the other Weyrlings. Obviously they'd all get to know eachother soon enough.

Futh, on the other hand, waddled out to the training yard and avoided Ahth like the plague. He would be totally willing to chat with the other Blue, be friendly or even friends, but obviously Ahth didn't like him, and he didn't want to make his roommate mad. So, instead, he headed for Jingth, stopping a decent distance from her to nod his head at Morendoth, and then Jingth herself. He settled to the ground fussily, careful not to stir up any dirt, and only once he was seated did he look over at the gold. Good morning, he offered both respectfully and good-naturedly. Obviously class wasn't starting yet, with only three of them present, so they could chat a little if she didn't mind. Forget Ahth- Futh liked Jingth better anyway. She was a girl.

[Ember]

"Noooo," was the complaint Nuoth recieved upon nudging hers gently. Time to wake up, NepheleMine. The green was at once amused and sorry at Hers' reaction to being woken up. In truth, the green had felt the girl concious for some time. She just hadn't actually gotten up. "Nuoth, pleaseeee. Just let me sleep a little longer..." The girl's mumbling was endearing in a way and any other day Nuoth would have let her sleep but...

Morendoth has called us for Weyrling lessons. That got Nephele's attention! The girl sat bolt upright with surprise and alarm. Nuoth crooned to calm her down. You are to go to the lesson room, she said, to help guide Hers. The girl stretched massively before jumping out of bed and rumaging for her best pair of work clothes. She was going to be ready for the hard work of taking care of Nuoth later but she didn't want to appear in front of the Weyrling Master looking completely like a holdless woman.

Nephele glanced over to her roommate and spoke louder. "Hey, wake up! We've weyrling lessons," she called. There was a definite ring in Nephele's voice as she said it. She was excited for the first lesson. Anyhing that would help her and Nuoth couldn't be all bad, right? The girl finished dressing before leaving the double room with Nuoth. Idly she thought, Hopefully its too early for K'sel to be up and about. She did not want to see him at all. Especially so early in the day. She needn't have worried. She arrived at the lesson room without bumping into him.

Nephele arrived and smiled cautiously, although not noticably so. To the casual eye it was merely a small half-smile as if shy. I'fael's introduction amused her slightly. Would she find herself counting down the months until she graduated? Perhaps. More likely the lessons would become a Fact of Life kind of thing. She would be better able to judge after this lesson. She counted three others. They were waiting on nine more. Looking about she only vaguely recognized the gold weyrling, and not by name. Still, it was better than standing next to either of the boys so she took a place next to Meira.

Nuoth left hers at the lesson room to proceed to the Training Field and greeted Morendoth pleasantly. Greetings Morendoth. Unlike her bonded, the green did not naturally align herself with the gold. She stood curiously off to herself, hoping silently for Minth. The two had played together. Far more comfortable a dragon to stand next to than her gold clutchsister. Now to wait.

[Rowana]

Mer was used to getting up early, so when the call for lessons came, she was already dressed and ready. Auran fluttered around her head as Chaoth yawned and stretched. "Awake, sleepy head?" Mer teased. And hungry! he announced. Mer chuckled, as Auran gave the hatchling a disapproving chirp. "You're always hungry." Chaoth was not to be moved. That is because I need food to grow big. It was true, Chaoth was grown quite large. It wouldn't surprise Mer if he ended up bigger than Behruth or Checkoth someday, even if it was hard to visualize.

Chaoth cocked his head, as if listening. Morendoth calls us. Our first lesson! Mer grinned. "Let's go then. We don't want to be late." Auran landed on her shoulder. Mer glanced at him, receiving a stubborn glare in return. Oh well, no one had said fire lizards weren't allowed at lessons and Auran was usually good. With Chaoth trailing behind, she went out into the common area to meet her Weyrling Master.

MerridanMine? Chaoth asked as they went. Why do we sleep all alone? The others get to sleep together. He was noting Ahth and Futh coming out of the same room. Mer shrugged, earning a squawk of protest from Auran. "Not enough weyrlings I suppose. And how many times do I have to ask that you call me Mer?" Again and again, MerridanMine, Chaoth sang. Mer rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Several of the others were already there when the brown pair arrived. Good morning, clutchmates, Chaoth called politely. Good morning, Morendoth. Mer took a spot next to R'ahre and Ahth. "Morning," she grinned. "Ready for this?" She looked up as I'fael began to talk. She was sure she would mind being "stuck with him" for the next turn and a half, but that didn't mean she wanted to stick around any longer either.

[Sheari]

Anusha had woken up early this day, and she was chopping up meat for Minth; whom of which was still sleeping, feet twitching in an unknown dream that involved running. As far as the girl knew, in her dreams was the only time Minth wasn't tripping over her feet. The greenweyrling returned her attention to the meat just in time to see Akos snitching a rather large cube. She let it go; it just meant he'd sleep through...Classes! Mine, we are late! We must go! Now![/i] The little green suddenly jumped from her place and promptly tripped over he feet, landing squarely on her chest and winding herself. Anusha laughed and tossed a meat cube over to Minth. It landed to the side of her face and she comically leaned her head to catch it with the side of her mouth.

I think you have effectively woken up Mina and Kunth; if you haven't, I'll be surprised.[/i] Finished with chopping meat and casually tossing a few more to Minth, she washed her hands. She wasn't openly opposed to the feeling and texture of raw meat in her hands; but she wasn't openly for it either. She'd done it before, yes, and she would do it again; that didn't mean she had to like it. I can eat it whole, Anumine. I won't choke.[/i] She simply shook her head and shrugged it off, telling the green that it was fine.

The weyrlingpair arrived in their respective places eventually. Minth had been both enthusiastic and nervous, causing her to stumble more often than trip. Anusha had to admit that her progress was improving. Now she only tripped or stumbled when she was excited or afraid, and she had even gotten to the point where she could run. Her run was awkward and funny to watch, since she kept her feet wide in gait, but she could do it. Good morning, Mor'ndoth,[/i] Minth cheered. She took her place among the group of others that had already arrived, sitting next to Nuoth. Anusha almost mimicked the motion, as she nodded to the Weyrlingmaster and took her seat; only she was more off on her own among the desks.

~*~

R'men was being practically rushed from his room. As far as he was concerned, he really didn't want to go to lessons but he knew it was required. Weith also threatened to grasp his shirt and drag him the whole way there if he did not go. Too tempting it was to sit on his furs and glare at the bronze. Weith promptly grabbed a mouth full of shirt and began to march from the room; effectively ripping the fabric the bottom half off and ruining the shirt. There is still more fake hide for me to grab, since it doesn't hurt you to rip or bite it.[/i] There was a pause before he reached for R'men's trousers. Jumping back, the boy had told his mindmate to be patient as he grabbed a shirt, a mug of klah that he'd had covered overnight, and followed the eager bronze out.

Have you eaten?[/i] He couldn't recall feeling hunger forced upon him. You were too slow so I ate it myself; you always make the pieces too small anyway.[/i] R'men shrugged indifferently and sipped his klah (that was rather cold). It tasted a bit bitter and stale, but it worked to wake him up. He doubted they'd have warm mugs of klah in the classroom for the weyrlings and he didn't think he'd have time to run to the kitchens either to grab a warm mug.

Greetings, Morendoth,[/i] Weith said as he strutted into the Training Field and sat down pristinely without rousing too much of a dust cloud. He adjusted his wings and curled his tail around his feet. R'men allowed his face to fall into his palm before he realized he was in the wrong place and began to walk into the classroom. He nodded to the Weyrlingmaster and sat down next to Meira.

[kat]

There was an audible grumble from the bed which belonged to blueweyrling T'lor. "Just one more minute, ma'..." came the protest, as Shith nudged his mind mate with his snout, making little whimpering sounds at him. T'lor swatted at the air, and the sky blue dragonet with the dark blue spots waggled his back end, before placing his front paws up on the edge of the bed, and giving his bonded's face a long, sloppy lick.

T'lor, startled out of his dream-like state, woke up immediately, giving a holler as he rolled--right out of bed. "What in the blazes was that s'posed to!-" then he remembered, as he saw Shith, tongue lolling out of his mouth as his tail thumped the ground happily. "Aw, shardit. I nearly forgot...we late?" he asked, stumbling up and going over to put on his training clothes. They consisted of a tight shirt and rather breathable breeches, which were a dark brown in coloration. The shirt was white, and he quickly brushed through his hair, and made sure his teeth were clean and his face, before turning back to the dragonet, who had answered:

Nope! Not late, mine. Shith woke you up when the big brown said to!

T'lor grinned and then instructed, "then you head on out to the training field, yeh got it? Ah'll meet you there when ah'm done with the Weyrlingmaster inside." Shith wasted no time, tearing out of the entrance towards the training field. His legs, shorter than some at the present time, moved very quickly nonetheless, and he raced up in time to see that a few others were already there. He recognized Jingth first, by her bright yellow coloration. Only she was sprawled on the ground, and so he raced over to see if she was all right, giving her a sloppy lick on the face. Morning clutchsister! Are you still alive? Of course by that point, it would have been obvious she was, but he asked anyway, because that's what he'd come over to do!

T'lor walked into the classroom, looking like he was still half asleep, despite his efforts to make sure that he was at least dressed, and did the couple of mandatory things so that his hair was brushed and his mouth clean. Still, he couldn't quite hide the half asleep look on his face, as he listened to I'fael's words. He didn't particularly care who trained him, so long as the guy wasn't a wherry brained runnerhole. So, he just yawned, covering it with the back of his hand, and gave a curt little nod. He remembered, then, that R'men, Mina and Anusha would be here. At least he'd know a few people, and that suited him just fine. Meanwhile, he was quite aware that Shith had just greeted Jingth in his usual, overly friendly, fashion. He smirked, keeping his attention on the Weyrlingmaster, and tried to wake his brain up.

[lokath]

A life at sea had trained L'ka to be up and prepared in a flash, so he wasn't worried about missing the Weyrling lessons. What he didn't expect was Lith headbutting his bed. With a shout, L'ka leaped out of the bed, looking around the room in a frenzied manner. Luckily, his roommate was already gone, so he wasn't making a fool of himself in front of anyone... "Lith! Don't do tha'!" Sorry, L'kaMine, but Morendoth has called us for lessons. "Well, alrigh'. But nex' time, jus' nudge me or somethin'." Lith nodded assent.

L'ka, already out of bed, clambered around the room, dressing quickly in a simple, white cloth shirt with long sleeves and a pair of dark-green cloth pants. L'kaMine, I don't mean to rush you, but I think we might be late already.[/i] "Alrigh, Lith! I'm ready, let's go." Rather than escorting L'ka to the classroom as it seemed many of the other dragons were doing, Lith made a beeline straight for the training fields, while his rider set off at a jog towards the class.

Not stopping until he was already at the door, L'ka skidded into the room, looking around as if trying to assess the situation, checking to be sure the clasa had not yet started. Looking at the Weyrlingmaster, who was checking papers, he spoke up. "Am I late?" At the same time, Lith hopped into the field, looking around at the main group of dragons and the stragglers. The amiable blue brushed against Nuoth as he meandered inwards to sit near, but slightly apart from Jingth and the other two blues.

[Tashe]

"Cooome ooon Anzy Weeeyrling Lessons are starting!" Of course, he was the one of the two that was not entirely ready, having no shirt nor shoes on yet. Tugging his white and pink striped shirt over his head, Nautic belted it down and slung his pink scarf around his neck. Plopping backward onto the bottom bed of his bunk, he quickly tugged his boots on. He had never gotten ready this fast in his life! He had to lay out his clothes the night before just in case he had slept in later than he had hoped... which he unfortunately did. Grabbing a comb, he jumped up and woddled out the door, looking to Anz as he did so. "Annzzy. Why aren't you the cutest male Dragon this side of Pern!" Running the comb through his hair as he practically jogged down the stairs to the common room, Nautic felt a little giddy, as if they really were going to attend Weyrling lessons. Of course, he'd be happier if they were Wherling lessons, but beggars couldn't be choosers! Plus, they were doing this for their comrades who had been taken away from them. From the time it took him to get from the Barracks to the boat, Nautic had about five laugh attacks, all short and as silent as he could make them. Jumping into the boat from the dock, the Candidate waited for Anz to jump in as well before grabbing the oars and rowing vigorously.

"Watch-wher, watch-wher. In your lair... Watch well, watch-wher! Who goes there?" Singing quietly as he rowed, Nautic changed his song often, stopping completely as they arrived at the dock closest to the Weyrling Barracks. "Alright! Time for Operation... um..." Of course, he forgot what they had decided to call their little mission, it was a very Nausi-like move. Shifting his eyes from side to side before hopping up onto the dock to tie the boat off, the Blond haired boy dusted his trousers off as he got up from his belly. Waving the other boy up, he bounced off toward the Barracks themselves, almost jogging again in haste. He forced himself to slow down, so as not to make his partner run, knowing that a late entrance would probably be more spectacular than an early one.

Crossing the threshold, the faux Weyrling began to subconsciously preen himself. He wanted to look his best for his first day riiiight~? Dusting off his shirt and scarf as they wove their way through the hallways, Nautic stopped promptly in front of the lesson room before looking to Anzalorin. "You ready?" Grinning as he pushed the door open with a great shove, the Candidate leapt into the room, far enough for his companion to enter in beside him. "Sooooo~ sorry we're late Weyrlingmaster! Na'ti of Green Anzalorith here!" His voice was certainly louder than normal, this of course he thought was absolutely necessary to draw attention to himself. "We were just sooo sleepy! That hatching was certainly an exciting one to say the least!" He swept his eyes around the room, blowing a kiss in the general direction of all the Weyrlings he had attended lessons with.

[glamourie]

Don’t want.
Mylove, you must come. You are the only one here who I would trust to care for me. Please, love. Please.
Am tired.
So you may sleep through the Weyrlingmaster’s talk and then care for me properly. Please, oh please.
Just fell asleep.
That is not true. You were asleep earlier. You just woke up and scurried away from me quickly. Maybe you shouldn’t leave. I keep you sleeping properly.
Smug beast. Tired.
Please?

“Fine!”

Swinging himself up and out of his furs, K’lir shot a terrible look to Baoth, who actually recoiled. The hurt in her eyes was unmistakable, but K’lir ignored her, throwing the furs off of him stubbornly. All, that is, except the one that was given to him by Uu’n; he left that one on the bed itself and treated it with care. It was a gift, or so he justified in his mind, but the truth was that he just couldn’t bring himself to mistreat something given to him by Uu’n. He cared too much about the bluerider. Sentimental sap, he was turning into. Shameful. His hands came up to his face and then he stood up, stretching. His back cracked several times before he wandered over to the trunk and pulled out a loose black shirt that he promptly tugged on over his sleep pants. Then he retrieved Showoff from the end of the bed and flung the salamandyr haphazardly across the room, earning an indignant hiss in response. Showoff landed on Kahrelir, then moved over to curl up on the boy’s shoulder and go back to sleep; he understood babysitting duty, but by Faranth he was going to nap. K’lir watched him for a moment, then spun around and indicated Baoth with one hand - only then noticing her hurt.

“Oh, don’t pout. You know I hate mornings.” Without waiting for a response, he stormed out of his room, leaving Baoth sitting there. He’d all but forgotten that Ahth had slept in there too - so distracted was he.

Ruffling her wings indignantly, Baoth looked at Showoff. Watch the little, please, little cousin. No response came but she knew he heard. Flaring her wings, Baoth stood up and then followed K’lir out to the main meeting room. She caught up with him quickly enough, a serpentine visage slithering across the ground at his feet, and when they arrived, she immediately made her way to Ahth’s side and circled him before sitting down. Only next to Ahth was she willing to sit. None of the others were her equals, though she turned and examined them each with an intensity that some might find alarming. Morendoth received a curious look, but no greeting. Neither did Ahth, however, for she was busily analyzing each of her classmates. She was trying to decide what she thought of them and so far, only Ahth was worth remembering much about. Of course, Ahth was her equal in deviousness and wit, perhaps the only one there who could match her intelligence-- it was only natural that she liked him best. She had taste, after all.

Sedatedly, K’lir stopped at the entrance of the lesson room, to the side of the door, and folded his arms. Away from Baoth and alone though it was, he didn’t really see a reason to be part of the group and participate. I’fael’s words went ignored, and his gaze settled coldly on the back of R’men’s head. Anyone who knew him might have found the look alarming; fortunately, the boy wasn’t facing him to see how murderous he was. It wouldn’t have been pleasant to explain.

---

‘Cute’ Anz was indeed. He was dressed in a jump suit - it was literally stitched together to cover his arms and his body, and buttoned up the front. The material was solid green, emerald in shade, with lighter accenting and layers of fabric. He’d stitched on extra pieces to his back to act as wings and a long trailing fabric that very vaguely resembled a tail. Nothing to cover his face but there was nothing for it; as far as he was concerned, he looked sufficiently dragon-like. He’d made the outfit himself, complete with acquiring the fabric and doing the sewing. Some might have said it looked it, too, since he was definitely not a weaver, but no one could deny his creativity. The shade of green would have made a very lovely tunic, even for Anz, but -- well, no one ever said he was traditional. It suited their plan efficiently enough, and the compliment he received from Nausi had him grinning ear-to-ear and bowing.

“Why thank you, Na’ti~ You look quite smashing as well!” he proclaimed, before scurrying out of the candidate barracks. He’d been ready from before dawn. Excitement made sleeping impossible, after all. The outfit was only put on moments before though. Mustn’t ruin the surprise.

As they reached the shoreline with the boat, Anz took off in a run after Nausi, no doubt drawing some stares as they went. He skidded to a halt near the entrance and turned to look at the other boy before offering him a nod of encouragement. Technically they could get into a lot of trouble for invading the lesson that way and being so disruptive, but did he care? Answer: not really. At least it gave them something to do other than chores and wandering around. They graduated from candidate lessons, and Anzalorin, at least, was bored. There had to be something worthwhile to spend his time with. Being disruptive and/or amusing R’ahre, Mer and Anusha, their comrades-in-arms who were snatched away by dragon hatchlings, was far more appealing than sitting around trying to think up something.

Nautic entered, and Anzalorin scurried in after him, striking a pose that made the fake wings (that really, really looked fake) stand out beside him. Rather than speak (since dragons didn’t talk to anyone but their riders), he waited until Nausi was done and then made the best imitation of crooning that he possibly could, and loud enough for everyone to hear. Anz the Male Green Dragon, ho~

[subtlemystery]

If you do not hurry, we will be late. That wouldn't be a very good impression on the others. Huath's voice was gentle, but with a note of firmness as she nudged her rider's elbow. Thankfully, Kalia wasn't one of those people who took forever to wake up, and the slight nudge was enough. Blinking at the green blearily, it only took a moment for the words to catch up.
"Lessons?"
Indeed, the large brown called us not long ago. I had been hoping you would wake up. But you didn't. Slightly scolding this time, Huath tilted her dark head slightly, almost shaking it when Kalia then bolted from the bed to find her clothes and boots.

"I really, really don't want to always be late, you know?" Kalia mumbled as she deftly tied her hair back out of her face, turning then to look at Huath.
You are presentable. We can go now Constantly calm, Kalia was more than grateful for Huath's presence, however short she'd been there, she wouldn't be the first, she never was, but maybe even the last wouldn't be too bad as long as she wasn't too late. Huath certainly wouldn't be happy with that, how could they teach the others better behaviour if they weren't on time themselves.

Kalia didn't say anything, didn't talk to anyone, barely glanced up at teh weyrling master before finding a seat; he hadn't started talking so that was a bonus. Though once he did, Kalia made little sense of why he'd said it, a turn and a half wasn't that long, it was harder to believe their dragons would be fully grown in that time, considering how small Huath looked beside some of the larger dragons, like Jingth. Still, whether she liked I'fael or not wasn't the case, he was her superiour and her teacher, that was all there was too it.

[archenstone]

V'rael woke quietly in the predawn, choosing to gaze upwards and simply think of things. After several minutes though he felt the need the stir and began to get ready for the day. He bathed, shaved, got his clothes on and picked up the clutter from yesterday. When he could no longer find anything to do he sat back down. Looking over at Taith, he could see the hatchling's eyes watching him. Taith had coiled up like a spring and was watching him.

"Good morning Taith" V'rael said with mixed feelings of love, protectiveness and wariness. He waited to see what the unpredictable creature laying there would do. He could feel Taith's love and devotion and he was unable to feel different in the face of such strong emotion...but the little thing was an unholy terror. So far, at least...he sensed rather even emotions from Taith.

Suddenly Taith sprung up. It's time! It's time for Weyrling lessons V'raelMine. Goodmorning, see? I can be very still when I want. Quick like a whiplash Taith was at V'rael's hand tugging on a cuff to urge him out the door. We don't need to be still now though cause it is time for lessons and Morendoth /will/ teach me to fly or I will jump the cliff myself.

As Taith was talking they had begun to move to the Lesson Room. "Uhhhh...Taith...Lessons are that way." He pointed down the opposite way. Immediately Taith went faster. No, this is a short cut. Follow me! Taith then bounded off, heading in what was definitely not the right way. V'rael cursed, passing by some of the younger weyrlings and shutting his mouth as he reminded himself not to be openly vulgar in the barracks. Taith get back here! You're going the wrong way!

Several minutes after many of the others had ambled in V'rael comes through the door with a sheen of sweat covering him. Taith doesn't bother to follow him in and immediately veers off towards Morendoth.

Good morning everyone! Morendoth, I hope this is a good morning for you! I want to fly! When can we fly? Today yes? Yes? Huath! Upon seeing his green clutch sister he turned towards her and pounced her tail. Having a good day yet clutch sister? Let's play! I want to play!

Meanwhile V'rael was staring at a green patchwork dragon. "Where'd you get the stuffed animal....?" It wasn't till a pathetic croon came from somewhere inside that he realized it wasn't a stuffed animal. Avoiding going near the strange pair he find a seat and sits down.

[ace]

Mina was up- she hadn't gotten much sleep. The excitement of the hatching had not allowed her to settle down much. She was still marveling over her luck at impressing the most wonderful hatchling of the clutch, though her opinion might be slightly biased. The steady breathing of Kunth were punctuated with the melodic movements of the green dragont's chest.

The green dragonet raised her snout as soon as Morendoth called for the lessons to begin. MinaMine, it's time for lessons to begin; do you think we could get some food before we go though? I am extremely hungry. Mina quickly went to her dragonet's side and stroked Kunth's eye ridge as the green expressed her desire for food. "Maybe we better no, we don't want to be late for our first lesson love." Kunth got to her feet in a surprisingly elegant manner, which was somewhat marred as the green dragonet started walking in her unusual way out of the barracks. Perhaps you are right

As the pair neared the Classroom, Kunth took off quickly to join the other dragonet's that were already in the clearing. Stopping in front of the large brown, the green dragonet said in joyful manner Good morning Morendoth

Likewise, Mina quickly made her way into the classroom, just in time to here her new weyrling master address the new riders. Smiling in a rather sweet manner, disjointed plans whirled around her mind. What fun they would have within the next year.

(sorry for the short and crappy post, I'm running around getting ready for school)