[#1] Defense Lesson

[glamourie]

“You need to learn to keep your balance better. Maybe we should focus entirely on that, instead of trying to start you on anything else.”

Condescending, who, Ka’rys? Far be it from he to be totally obnoxious. But then - it was R’wign he was talking to, and Ka’rys knew the healer well enough to know that he could take the remarks and more. He’d sass in response, nothing worse. Since the point of the group of them meeting was to teach R’wign defense, it was necessary that he be hard on him. Maybe it was nastier than truly necessary, but -- Ka’rys was not a pleasant person. He was incapable of the pleasantries most individuals took great lengths to maintain. Yes, he could be formal, yes he could be polite, but he was, at his core, not a very nice individual. He just wasn’t. And his patience was tried further by the fact that he was officially in a ‘position of authority.’ After Shmee, he’d swore he would never be again. Never say never, apparently…

Circling, Ka’rys rubbed his nose on the back of his gloved hand. Compared between the two, he was by far the smaller man. At five-foot-six, he was hardly an imposing figure. He was wearing a tight enough shirt, though, that it was obvious he was muscular. The outfit was black-and-gray, and obviously designed for involved movement. He usually wore it during his morning runs, but -- he was spending a lot more time outside of late. Ironically, he’d gotten sunburnt as a result, as evidenced by the red hue of his face and neck, the latter of which was peeling. Considering his skin was naturally pale and pasty, it was unsurprising, though. He wasn’t someone who was designed for exposure to sunlight. He didn’t tan. He burnt, and came away pale still. His gloves were black cotton and fit around his hands flawlessly, but several tears were visible around his thumb and over his knuckles from use. He was wearing them more to prevent his hands from being burnt than anything else. He didn’t like picking dead skin from his fingers. It was gross.

It was the middle of the afternoon, and the group of them - all three! - were by the river, using the cool white sand for a sparring mat. Ka’rys was the only one standing. Kalerary, the youngest of the group, was sitting several paces away from the two men, stroking Ka’rys’s green fire lizard affectionately. Ophelie twittered and sat in Kale’s lap, also watching, while a clutter of other fire lizards surrounded the weyrbrat -- no doubt very unhappy at seeing Theirs hurt. She was shaded by not one, but two dragons, one on either side. The smaller was Checkoth, who was sitting sphinx style, his two tails twitching and showing off his agitation. The former was Ciceroth, lounged out languidly across the sand in the most lazy posture possible for a creature of his size. The bronze was nursing the scratch on his shoulder, which had been treated carefully but still stung.

The last of the group was R’wign, who was crouched in the sand rubbing his shoulder. From his posture, it was obvious he was hurt. Not severely - but hurting. Like Ka’rys, he was dressed in more tightly fitting clothes than he usually preferred… but the most notable change in his appearance was that he’d tied his long hair out of his face. It made the eye patch all the more obvious, but as far as comfort went, he felt better without the curls in his eyes. Growling roughly, R’wign pushed himself back up to his feet and glanced at the right shoulder. It wasn’t even his blindside; he couldn’t use that excuse. Over-all he felt pathetic, being beaten so badly by… by a shrimp like Ka’rys, but --

“Geez, that’s going to be black-and-blue in a candlemark.”

“Not half as bad as the ankle, I’d expect. You’re not standing right,” Ka’rys scolded as he stepped over to R’wign and motioned to his legs. “You need to learn to try and keep yourself balanced. If you’re tripping all over yourself, you’re painting a target all over. No matter how fast or strong you end up, if you can’t stay upright, you’re going to get killed. Plain and simple.” Once he’d actually moved R’wign into a more balanced position (forcibly!), he stepped back and rubbed his nose. “With only one eye, you’re going to have to learn to read people’s body language better, too. You have to be able to predict them accurately in general, but you more than others, because you won’t be able to see anything coming from your left side. And not seeing anything coming will be a crippling weakness you don’t want. As it is, if you can learn to accommodate that, people will underestimate you; they will think because you’re missing an eye, you’re at a disadvantage. Which gives you an advantage. Now -- Are you ready to go again --?”

[Avu]

Ciceroth’s, Ciceroth’s…can you teach T’ridMine how to fight, too, please? He needs to learn, and I think he also needs to have sense beat into him.

“Excuse me,” T’rid snapped at Corinth, very much aware of what the bronze had just said as Corinth turned literally on a wingtip to spin around Ka’rys, R’wign, and Kalerary before the bronze backwinged to land neatly on the Sand a distance away from them, and promptly lowered his neck for T’rid to dismount. The bronzerider spared a moment to draw his mouth irritably to one side at the dragon (who responded with an innocent croon) before he dropped to the ground, bowing his head. He didn’t like sucking up to anybody, let alone Ka’rys, for lessons that would give him an excuse to beat him up – but, in the long run, he did have some sense of self-preservation. He’d rather be beaten black and blue by Ka’rys than get chopped up into pieces by someone else later – he could always blame his Southern upbringing when it came to failing at lessons. He couldn’t blame anyone if he got chopped up, because he wouldn’t be alive to complain. And Corinth had been very insistent when it came to defense lessons: Apparently His needed them desperately. Which…well, he did, he supposed.

He’d very nearly backed out when he had been informed that it was Ka’rys teaching them – only to have Corinth threaten to pick him up by the nape of his neck and drop him on top of Ka’rys. He didn’t think Corinth actually would (if only for Ka’rys’s sake, since he had no problem dropping His from ten, fifteen feet up), but…that wouldn’t stop Corinth from just dropping him. Right in front of Ka’rys. Or something equally embarrassing. So he’d decided that he’d just have to swallow his pride and…ask. Except that he hadn’t had to, because Corinth had done it for him. So not the phrasing he would have used – but beggars couldn’t be choosers, apparently.

“I…uh…saw those…really obvious posters all over the Weyr advertising for defense lessons…” he commented, interlacing his fingers and nodding slightly. “So…?”

He means ‘please’, Corinth stated.
“No I d – er. Yeah…please?”

R’wignCheck’s? Fortunately for T’rid, his weak question was cut off by Oquith’s statement – though it was directed not at Ka’rys (whom she more or less ignored after the initial croon towards him) but at R’wign; the green dragon hadn’t been interested in defense lessons – she’d been swimming, and Hers was sopping wet – but then she’d spotted Ka’rys more or less…beating R’wign up, and Corinth’s arrival, so – she had to figure out what was going on, clearly…Oquith crooned questioningly. Why is he beating you up…? That’s not very nice…I – why are people asking to be beat up…? I’m confused…R’wignCheck’s, does Checkoth like your being beat up…? I wouldn’t like it if Mine got beat up…I think he would be, if someone tried to, but I don’t want him to be… The green dragon swished her tail idly in the river, peering curiously at the gathering. Should I call Mine to help you? Do you want help? I think I kind of left Tr’esnMine in the middle of the River, but he can swim okay…

He’d just come out looking like a half-drowned rat. But that was okay; Oquith didn’t mind…“Quiiiii,” protested said half-drowned rat as he stepped around the green dragon, glaring at her. Tr’esn really did look drowned: His hair was plastered to his face and neck, and he was sopping wet. Barefoot, his clothes sticking to his stick-thin frame, the greenrider did not cut an imposing figure as he rounded to the front of the green – and then paled as he blinked at the two bronzeriders, R’wign, and Kalerary, before his gaze snagged on R’wign, the only familiar one of them all; silently, Tr’esn tilted his head to one side, lips parting curiously, before it clicked: Defense lessons. Those huge posters all over the place. Of course…did that mean R’wign was learning…? “Um…sorry,” Tr’esn offered lamely, gaze flicking towards Ka’rys, and then to T’rid, before returning to the older bronzerider. “I didn’t mean to…would you mind if I watched…?”

[Rei]

((Seems like a lot of my charries want a piece of Rys xD))


Miiinnne. For the fourth time I’m not going. Ebolath flopped onto her back and wiggled. But, but, but, he wanted you to go. Raylin turned to give her dragon an exasperated look. “I told you and him both no. Under no circumstances am I going.” The green rolled into a more presentable position, the slight glow of her hide completely visible after she had just been bathed and oiled. Raylin chose to ignore that glow. The weyrling knew what it meant. She didn’t want to think about Ebolath rising. Her green's imminent rise was scaring her almost more than the baby was at this point. If T'rid gets hurt you will feel bad for not being there for him. Corinth and I will be there. Besides Ciceroth’s won’t hurt you. You are being silly. If he does scare you I will tattle to Hepaticath who will in turn tell Savitri.

The scolding tone the green took had Raylin almost laughing and she sighed deeply, musing for second, before she caved. “Fine. But I’m not happy about it.” Of course not Rayminelove. Ebolath gently intoned before lowering herself to allow her rider to mount. After she was completely sure her rider was secure the green lifted off. Circling above the river side she caught a flash of bronze. Had to be the place. Back winging into a landing, Ebolath crooned to the present dragons before dropping off hers and moving out of the way to allow others to land.

Raylin swallowed against the lump that had formed into her throat and intentionally dropped her head to avoid Ka’rys gaze. To bad she had pulled up her hair, it would have made an effective curtain. Shifting from foot to foot for a second she finally moved, striding across the small distance to T’rid’s side. “Ebolath wouldn’t leave me alone.” She offered in explanation before purposely moving so the bronze rider half hid her from Ka'rys.

---

Crystoph watched Raylin walk across the small distance and his eyebrows rose. It was obvious from the way she moved that she was frightened of something? Turning his head his eyes snagged on Ka’rys. Hmmm. Striding out from the tree line, he approached slowly. His skin tight black outfit was made especially for quick easy movement. It had been a gift from his father, and he used it solely for fighting. It concealed his four blades easily. Two on each hip one at his wrist and one in his boot.

Taking a spot next to Raylin he winked at her, the gesture intentionally meant to be suggestive. Turning to Ka'rys he spoke. “So I saw the notices. When do we begin? I am assuming you are your teacher?” He smiled at Ka'rys. “If we get to pick partners can I have blackie?” He jerked a thumb at Raylin even as she glared icily at him. Touchy these Selenitas green rider’s where. To bad. “Easy there pet.” He drawled lazily, eyes moving from her to the tree line. Where was Mik?

----

D’nar burst into the clearing at a trot, Olanreth striding fluidly at his side. Sliding to a stop, he gawked at the congregation. Guess the word got out fast. Of course it did you posted it everywhere. Up to and including random trees around the river. The pale bronze said with a snort. Swiveling his head, the bronze noted the positions of the other dragons and went to join them as his bonded started for Ka’rys.

Hero leapt off of D’nar’s shoulder with a ecstatic croon. There was his gold. Circling Kalerary he gave a happy flute and settled next to Ellie to rub his head against her neck. He was here now. Was hers ok? If it made her feel better he would snuggle her he would. D’nar ignored his mind mates for the moment as he approached the loose grouping. T’rid and R’wign where the only ones he recognized besides Ka’rys. “So would you teach me to?” He asked hopefully intentionally ignoring T’rid, but eyeing Crystoph curiously.

[Tashe]

He didn't even know why he was coming, he didn't need to be taught how to fight, his old Weyrling lessons had put him through enough of that. /I think that you really came to brush up your skills./ Pinching the bridge of his nose, E'rro could swear that his Brown knew him better than he himself did. He had been having trouble finding people he trusted (or liked) to practice with, mainly because that list was very, very small. A good portion of the small list were Dragonriders, and those Riders were often scheduled on Watch Duty when he was free or were free when he was doing his own shifts, making it hard for him. Pausing with a frown, he gave his surroundings a look-see, he had heard someone call his name. At least he thought he had. The Brownrider started walking again only to stop a few moments later, the sound of boots hitting the ground made him turn to see a familiar face come trotting up.

"Gee boy. You could've waited for me."

Glancing at the woman before turning around, he shrugged and continued toward the River once more. He had asked the Bluerider once for a Ride to a Gather, and ever since, she'd randomly come to sit with him at mealtime. He didn't mind it much, she generally left him alone, and for that he found he was able to put up with her. They had strange sort of friendship. Eventually they made their way over to the portion of the river bank where a small group had already started to converge, spotting his Wingleader amongst them. He and Saraina hovered behind the others, mainly waiting for something to happen.

[topaz]

I can watch, right?

Mallowth's voice was distinctly excited and hopeful at the prospect of watching His fight. It was all in good fun of course, the blue knew, and His would not actually be hurt. Right? No, no. Ciceroth's would be nice. They were only teaching . .

"Sure, you can watch. I can't imagine it's going to be very pretty though." C'vin replied with an amused, yet apprehensive, tone. He walked along the river bank, heading towards the spot where the posters had indicated, Mallowth gliding overhead. You will do well Minelove. You are a good fighter, you just need pointers from Ciceroth's is all. Then you will be /great/. The blue added encouragingly. The weyrling on the ground chuckled to himself as he finally rounded a bend in the river, allowing the growing group to come into view. While he was slightly confident in his abilities, since the siege, C'vin was well aware that he was also very lucky to have survived. However, formal training would be an incredible boon to his abilities, as well as his own self confidence.

Mallowth circled over the group once, and then came down to land gently as Ebolath moved out of the way. Crooning to the entire group at once, the blue did the same, settling himself next to his green clutchsister. C'vin finally strode up to the increasingly crowded spot on the river bank and surveyed the group pleasantly. "Wow. Big turnout, huh?" He said absently, to no one in particular. Hearing the others voice their questions, C'vin kept quiet after that, his gaze quickly finding Ka'rys and waiting there for his response to the others. Maybe it was a first come first serve sort of thing. There sure were a lot of people . .

- - -

Venus had been waiting for this opportunity to come. She had thought that her wherling lessons might include some sort of fighting session, but so far, they were severely lacking in anything of the sort. Her blue tried valiantly to convince her not to attend the impromptu class, nearly going as far to physically bar her way. However, considering that argument had been near dawn, and many candlemarks away from the actual meeting, it did no good, and the blue was now sound asleep as His made her way across the river to the assigned spot. Venusk would not be happy to find out that His beloved was going to learn to fight - he himself, not having a violent bone in his lithe little body - but he could do nothing about it, as the lessons were very much during the day, and the poor wherling needed his rest.

As Venus pulled her boat ashore, tying it off on one of the many posts along the river bank, she looked over at the congregation with silent resolve. She was admittedly tired even though she had tried to go to bed exceptionally early that morning, and she rubbed her eyes of their weariness as she walked slowly over to the mass of dragons and riders. It was an imposing group. The dragons, especially the two grown bronzes, towered over them all, even as they lounged, and the rest of the beasts didn't seem that much smaller to the wherhandler.

Silently, she walked up and joined the loose semi circle around Ka'rys, the bronzerider who would be teaching them. At first glance he didn't really look the part, being so small, but upon closer inspection Venus was encouraged to find that he seemed well muscled and certainly had a fighters stance. Hopefully he was as capable as this crowd made him seem, and Venus could learn how to properly defend herself, and those around her. She never again wanted to watch helplessly as someone important to her was cut down. Yes, the thought of Whinny still stung bitterly in the wherling's memory but, with any luck, in the coming sevendays she would be able to make sure nothing like that ever happened again.

[dragon]

Gosh, D'nar was in a hurry. C'oar had been pretty sure that D'nar had asked him to go with him ... not trail along behind. C'oar was interested in the idea of lessons, sure... as he was pretty sure he was lacking a whole lot in the feild of fighting. He only knew as much as near-continuous sparring with brothers and cousins in a forge had tought him. After that, sheer brute force had carried him a long ways. However ... he wasn't going to go sprinting after D'nar, either. Not and risk his mobility for the rest of his life! Granted, the tendonal injury in his ankle was mostly healed, but C'oar was still somewhat careful with it.

Which meant he took his time getting places.

Finally, he managed to catch up, and came to a halt near where D'nar had stopped. "You walk too fast." He jabbed, in jest. Never mind D'nar hadn't been walking at all, but trotting. After a few minutes, Frosstyth slunk into the area, too, and settled off under a tree, resting his shoulder against it. C'oar walked over to the brown, and took his sword and sheath off, unhooking it from where it hung at his shoulder. He wouldn't be needing it here, he was pretty sure. Resting it on the ground at Frosstyth's feet, he made his way back toward where everyone else was, to stand at the edge and watch.

[glamourie]

R’wign did not get a chance to answer Ka’rys, for a voice he did not recognized slipped silkily through his mind and he froze. The bronze rider turned, slowly, toward Ciceroth with an inquisitive look, but soon enough the speaker was identified: T’ridmine, he’d said. Which meant it must have been Corinth, since there was no way that his pet salamandyr was so eloquent. The dragon was asking him to teach T’rid? He didn’t even like T’rid! In fact, he rather disliked him. Ka’rys narrowed his eyes slightly and then he angled his head over to look at the dragon before mentally prodding Ciceroth. The response he got was emotional ice (the pale bronze was not overly fond of Corinth), but acceptance nonetheless; he’d deliver Ka’rys’s answer to Corinth… when he got good and ready to and not a moment sooner, thank you very much. Ka’rys raised an eyebrow, tuned his bronze out, and then blinked at T’rid’s words before glancing at R’wign in confusion. Had he said posters? Posters…! Posters advertising him teaching defense classes to anyone willing? Who in - what the - what -

“I didn’t put up any posters, I don’t even like people,” he said unashamedly, then turned to look at R’wign who frantically shook his head no (he didn’t want to be kicked again). “Who in Faranth’s name put up posters -- …”

More. People.

Tr’esn and Oquith’s arrival made him freeze and Ka’rys actually backed up slightly before blinking. The boy’s question was ignored. So was Raylin (at least outwardly), as Ka’rys backpedaled enough to put some distance between himself and the steadily growing group. What in Faranth’s name -- T’rid had said posters, but Ka’rys certainly hadn’t put any up. Considering he didn’t get along well with people, and was not very patient (which was a necessary trait in a teacher), he hadn’t even considered offering such classes. Yet there were people lining up, literally, all along the beach. He counted enough that it was probably a better turnout than most weyrling lessons. That idea made his head spin and he balked before looking at R’wign searchingly. Surely he could get rid of them…?

But R’wign offered Ka’rys no help. The brown rider blinked, looked around, and then smiled before standing up and rubbing his sore shoulder. “I’m fine Oquith, I asked him to beat the snot out of me. Thanks though, gorgeous.” He nodded toward the nearby green before gesturing vaguely to Ciceroth and Checkoth. “You can pile up next to them if you want to, I’m sure Ciceroth won’t mind sharing his slab of beach with someone else.” That was a little presumptuous, but from the way the bronze was rumbling, he’d have betted it was also true. Poor Ka’rys. He hated crowds and look all down the line of the beach - a large crowd of people, all expecting the so eloquent bronze rider to teach them. Did they realize he was not exactly a pleasant teacher? Well, they’d find out soon enough. R’wign ambled over to Tr’esn’s side and leaned on the younger boy with a wide yawn, his hand still massaging his sore shoulder. It hurt.

Ka’rys crinkled his nose slightly and glared at R’wign. Then he lifted his hands to rub his temples before sighing.

“I don’t know who got the bright idea that I’m a good teacher and put those posters up -- but I was not offering a public class. That said, I will teach anyone who is brave enough to stay on the conditions that no one whine if they get hurt. Because to learn to fight, you have to be faced in real conditions. If you’re not up to that, get lost now and spare me the trouble.” He turned to T’rid specifically, and raised an eyebrow. “You should probably pay extra heed to that statement. I know how well you handle situations of stress and conflict.” It was slightly insulting, but considering that the last time he spoke to T’rid, the mere boy whined something fierce over the fact that Ka’rys smelled bad. Which came from his child being sick. So pathetic. Really.

One hand came up to brush his hair from his face and he pointed at Crystoph. “Unless you intend to try and usurp T’rid’s role as baby daddy, you’ll put your ego and flirtatious attitude away --- or you’ll fight me for the right to keep it here. Because I don’t have time or patience for the flirting, and there’s no place in it in a fight. The more time you spend trying to be cute, the more time you’ll be spending picking up teeth and other body parts. From your voice I’d guess you spent a good amount of time at Benden. You should already know that.”

Turning to the rest, Ka’rys rubbed his temples and gestured to the ground. “Those of you who are brave enough to stay and try, put any of your extra belongings - coats, sweaters, bags, weyrling dragons -” He glanced pointedly at D’nar, “- on the side over by Checkoth and Ciceroth. Firelizards and salamandyrs too. I don’t want to be getting bitten. Those of you who want to watch can sit with my daughter Kalerary.” One hand lifted to indicate the little girl, who raised a hand to wiggle her fingers; she was smirking, so obviously amused. “I have no idea what any of you know, or want to learn, so you can just -- join in what I’m teaching the healer. You’ve got… five minutes to get ready and in comfortable clothing. Go.”

Without waiting for the response to that, Ka’rys turned and looked square at Raylin before saying clearly, but with no malice in his tone, “Boo.”

And Ciceroth chose that moment to answer Corinth, but with the most simple of statements, Rysmine will teach Yours. In the future, you are welcome to ask me instead of him directly. He hated it when other dragons talked to Ka’rys. He was possessive. The short, former Fort rider was his. He’d picked him, he had, and no other dragons had a right to invade his mind, no matter how good-meaning their intentions may have been. Corinth didn’t know, so he got something of a pass -- but Ciceroth was still most definitely annoyed. Enough that he didn’t croon or acknowledge any of the other dragons, though Checkoth did enough crooning, rumbling and trumpeting for them both; the brown made special emphasis to greet everyone arriving. He was excited. Maybe His would get a less-violent partner.

[Rei]

Raylin ignored Crystoph as soon as Ka’ry’s started to speak. It was obvious that the bronze rider was less than pleased about the situation, and really she couldn’t blame him. An awful lot of people looked like they wanted to participate in lessons. She bit her bottom lip and turned to look at Crystoph as Ka’rys singled the candidate out. Wait what? The green rider turned back to Ka’rys. Just how she wanted the whole weyr to find out she was having T’rid’s baby. Really, thank you Ka’rys. Raylin was smart enough to keep her mouth shut however. The bronze rider frightened her. Instigating him into even looking at her was not a good idea.

Waiting until the rest of his speech was finished, Raylin was about to turn to T’rid when Ka’rys suddenly looked straight at her. Before he even spoke a tendril of icy fear griped her and before she knew it she was feeling light headed. Ebolath’s keen echoed across the river as her rider slumped towards the ground. Raymine! Raymine! The green was wholly confused and extremely worried. She would have sprinted to her rider’s side had there not been so many other dragons in the way. As it was she extended her neck and a sound that could only be described as whimper came from her throat. T’rid? Is she ill? Will she be ok? Ebolath did not like it when her bonded left her. Even if it was only temporary.

----

Crystoph’s eyebrow raised as Ka’rys spoke. The green rider was pregnant? He couldn’t help a sideways glance at her. So she was. Fail on his part. Pregnancy equaled major turn off. Shrugging he turned back in time to catch the last of the bronze rider’s tirade. Benden. The red head gave Ka’rys an odd look but didn’t comment. Most people could tell he was northern from his voice. This one knew him distinctly as Benden bred. Crystoph didn’t even bother to turn and see the other reactions to his statement. He knew they wouldn’t be favorable. Damn this bronze rider to hell. Speaking of hell that's where Mik was going if he failed to show. So much for brotherly love.

Snorting Crystoph turned just in time to see the green rider faint. What in golden Faranth’s name was wrong with these southern riders? Where they all daft? Still the red head had more pressing concerns. He was already ready and willing to participate. He would take these five minutes to size up his possible opponents. Really none of them looked like they would be worth his time. Except the Fort rider who just outed him of course. Leaning up against a tree he idly watched them all scramble.

----

D’nar listened to Ka’rys with total attentiveness. Not even glancing away. So the green rider was pregnant to T’rid? Poor thing. She must be daft. The comment about putting away anything useful caused him to salute and he turned to user off Olanreth. Only to see that the bronze was already gone. The baby bronze had shuffled off towards the other dragons. Flopping down on the sand he looked dup at Ciceroth. He was so very large! Impressive the bronze was. Perhaps his was right about the bronze pair being impressive. Ciceroth sure looked impressive to Olanreth. Plus he was impressive without being a showoff like that other bronze. Jaymith his name was. Snorting the bronze settled into a comfortable position before crooning to his. Hurry mine. Five minutes is not a lot of time.

D’nar however wasn’t listening. Instead he had turned back to the small group just in time to see Raylin faint. Although the urge to go see if she was alright was there…he didn’t move. T’rid had been with her and the bronze weyrling had no desire to touch anything that had touched T’rid. Besides she was obviously stupid if she stayed with that poor excuse for a dragon rider. She deserved what she got. Perhaps she would come to her senses before the baby was born. One could only hope.

[Avu]

He…uh, hadn’t noticed the posters? T’rid blinked, taken aback. They were…really, really obvious; there’d even been a few pinned on trees, as far as rumors went, and there’d definitely been a particularly obnoxious one in the Main Hall, and – um. Hello, Master Observant…? – oh, people. He blinked, first at Tr’esn, and then, at Raylin’s arrival and explanation, the bronzerider tilted his head back to look at her curiously. Ebolath – Ebolath, what…? And someone he didn’t know, and D’nar, and – T’rid stopped paying attention, turning back to Ka’rys curiously. He might not have noticed the posters, but it was obvious that everyone else had. Resisting the urge to smirk (on the grounds that he’d almost definitely be paying for it shortly enough if Corinth got his way), T’rid started to ask Ka’rys whether it was yes or no – he’d never gotten an answer – when Crystoph decided to speak up, and T’rid swiveled back on his heel to glare at the Candidate, though he didn’t move. He was tempted to step in between Crystoph and Raylin, but – she’d put herself deliberately behind him, and moving would ruin that, even if he had absolutely no idea why she looked like she was…uh, scared of Ka’rys. Or scared of R’wign.

Oquith crooned again, her tail twitching slightly at R’wign’s answer. It still confused her – why would someone want to get hurt, after all? – but she was willing to take R’wign’s word for it: He wouldn’t lie to her! The suggestion to settle next to Ciceroth and Checkoth drew a soft croon from the green, and she flicked her wings slightly before she stepped backwards and then stepped gingerly around the people until she was a dragonlength or so away from Ciceroth and Checkoth both. The latter Oquith would have had absolutely no problem collapsing next to and curling up with, but Ciceroth was…he was so big, and she didn’t know him. Scary…Hi, Ciceroth, she offered shyly, stepping to Checkoth’s side to settle herself onto the sand before she crooned pleasantly, turning to nuzzle the brown next to her affectionately. Hi, Check…

Perhaps amusingly, Tr’esn hadn’t taken well to the arrival of people, either, and since he hadn’t actually been acknowledged yet, he would have turned and left had R’wign not wandered over to lean on him. Smiling weakly up at the brownrider, Tr’esn’s gaze slid towards Ka’rys again, and the greenrider tilted his head curiously to one side at the group of people; one hand rose to pluck nervously at his sopping wet shirt before he tugged it straight absently, though he straightened subconsciously when Ka’rys began to speak. What – oh. People wanted to learn to – defend themselves. Which, Tr’esn supposed, would come in handy. He’d managed to ignore his panic when it came to blood, and he supposed he should probably learn, but – the idea of failure scared him. I think you should try. You and R’wignCheck’s can be partners, maybe, and then he wouldn’t hurt you and he wouldn’t be hurt anymore – and you would learn. He wouldn’t make fun of you, came Oquith’s comment; the green’s confidence in R’wign was very, very obvious.

T’rid tilted his head to one side at Ka’rys’s comment, and then shrugged impassively. He could deal. He’d just whine to Corinth; the bronze deserved it anyway. The orders to deposit all of the extras over at the side made T’rid glance down at himself to make sure he didn’t have any ‘extras’. Which he didn’t, but he hadn’t come specifically dressed for fighting, either; he wouldn’t have known what to wear. And then – er, what? Boo? T’rid blinked – and then turned towards Raylin, blanching before he dropped to his knees next to the greenrider, crinkling his nose slightly before he leaned over her, patting her cheek gently with one hand. “Uh – Raylin?” Ebolath’s voice in his mind made the bronzerider look up, and his gaze snagged on the green dragon; he shrugged helplessly. What did – what did you do when someone fainted? He didn’t know whether or not throwing cold water on someone actually worked or if it was just – just a story, fabricated for the amusement of ‘brats, or what, and he couldn’t really get cold water here anyway: Nothing to carry it in. “Raylin – wake up…what’d you do?” he added to Ka’rys.

…she had not seriously fainted at boo?

Corinth made no response to Ciceroth’s comment; the younger of the two bronzes had turned on a wingtip to return to the weyr (basically ditching His there, yes, he was) when Ebolath’s had – had fainted, and he dropped back to the ground to croon, draping his head over the green’s back reassuringly and nuzzling her. Ebolath, Mine says not to be afraid. She – she fainted; it’s nothing serious…Ciceroth’s just…um, scared her. She’ll be just fine in a minute.

[Lotty]

He was only there because his mother made him.



Ok, so that sounds a little worse than the truth. He was there out of his own volition. Kinda. His decision to show up was influenced heavily by his mother's panicky, manic, ramblings that consisted of "ohmyfaranthmypoorbabydontdie"! Yes, all in one breath. Really a woman who had lived through as much turmoil and attacks should be a little less gun shy, but she had gathered too many orphans at the creche to not be constantly reminded of her undying affection of her two sons, and especially of her sweet little Kasella whom she adored above all else. Worriedly, like a wherry hen she badgered her brownweyrling son at every corner, insisting that he join this defense lesson shindig that was so advertised everywhere. K'sel nearly scoffed at her. He was Ka-sharding-ella, he had the blessing of the first egg, he avoided all tragedy like a magical, anointed, miracle child. He also knew how to throw a punch, he had to remind his mother that he was of dragonrider stock, T'sel did teach his son how to curl his hand into a proper fist. Crossing his arms he would tell his mother, "Oh...I can throwdown. Don't worry about me."

The problem was that K'sel fought much like a drunken sailor. He was a scrappy one, and had nothing in the way of finesse at all. More than anything he was a little embarrassed about his lack of discipline in the art, and more often than not to hide his discrepancies he would laugh and call it all nonsense. Monogamy? Nonsense. Tact? Nonsense. Defense lessons? Nonsense.

Which is exactly why he showed up. Well, somebody had to have some kind of entertainment, he couldn't exactly build model ships in his spare time, so he watched from the sidelines, content to pick a place next to Kalerary, the designated home for the onlookers - which is exactly all he planned on doing. He wasn't going to actually indulge his mother by participating; that would be going above and beyond, but he would watch and maybe pick up a thing or two through osmosis. Even Eyesore decided to join him, uncharacteristically picking a spot on his shoulder and intently watching Ka'rys as if he too could learn a thing or two.

From his little lookout point he carved up some fruit; peeling the skin with edge of his beltknife, really the only knife he ever used, and only for the most practical applications: cutting food, cutting rope, whittling sticks, and only in the siege did it's purposes become anything less than mundane and he was more than happy about that. Between bites he kept up a rather similar smirk as the girl did - a little amoused by the sight of so many willing participants and a less than enthusiastic teacher. Casually he nodded at the girl, "Don't mind if stand over here with you?" If she did, well then he might be stuck participating, and he wasn't so sure about doing that, especially since nothing had even started yet and there was already a very faint greenrider. K'sel cocked an eyebrow at the situation before him. Well this would be fun.

[dragon]

C'oar listened to what was said, and shrugged his shoulders loosely. He was ready ... he wasn't so sure about D'nar, but he was ready. Dressed in his regular trousers and typical sleeveless tunic, there was little to hinder his movements. He probably could have done fine even while wearing his sword, still. But he hadn't wanted to be weighed down. After all ... he towered over Ka'rys, and had to out weigh him by a lot. Which, naturally, meant Ka'rys was going to be a fast little krouton. Being weighed down was not something that C'oar needed, at that express moment.

He was as ready as he could be, actually, and that was all he could do. And then ... boo?. What the ...? C'oar looked around, just in time to see Raylin fold up and hit the ground. Which ... was even odder. What in the world?? C'oar moved quickly, over to his friend's side, arriving shortly after T'rid had knelt. "Raylin?" He asked, himself, before looking at T'rid. The bronzerider had been far closer, and likely paying a lot more attention to Raylin than he had been. "What happened to her?" He asked, actually managing a civil tone with him. Mostly because he was concerned for Raylin.

Frosstyth, we need water. Quickly. Go get some.[/b] C'oar ordered, aware that he himself couldn't very well run anywhere and go get.

Okiedoke. Frosstyth responded, getting to his feet and ambling off. C'oar was a little concerned at that ... the brown wasn't going very fast at all. What did he think he was doing?? But, soon, Frossyth was back. Don't worry, Ebolath-sister. Yours will be okay, in time. He commented.

Frosst? Where is the water I asked for?? C'oar demanded, rather frustrated with his dragon.

I got it, I did. See? Frosstyth mentioned, walking right up to the group and opening his mouth. The giant mouthfull of icy river water all over Raylin ... and C'oar ... and T'rid ... and Crystoph ... and anyone else who happened to be in the general area, too.

C'oar yelped, and jumped to his feet. "Frosstyth!!!!" He scolded. "That ... wasn't what I meant!!!" He flicked his hands, and plucked at his tunic for a moment, before checking on Raylin again, hoping that his daft dragon hadn't just drowned her.

Now Tr'esn wasn't the only one that was sopping wet. Not by far.

((Avu, Rei, if that's too much GMing, I'll change it ... really wasn't trying to GM, it just ... happened))

[topaz]

Soooo . . someone else put up the posters? That was odd. Did that mean there would be no . . Ah hah! Good, there would be a lesson after all. The blueweyrling stood happily, continuing to listen with rapt attention to his new trainer. Just by the way he spoke and held himself, C'vin was very impressed with the former Weyrleader. He was undeniably strong, both physically and mentally it seemed, and the weyrling felt rather honored to be able to learn from him. It was the closest C'vin would ever come to having a man crush.

Excellent. They would really be fighting each other! C'vin would have been happy with some simple instruction on general survival techniques, but actually fighting was clearly - in C'vin's mind anyway - the best, and only way to really learn. He nearly snorted at Ka'rys' comment to T'rid but he contained it, seeing the less than amused looks on the bronzers' faces, instead innocently clearing his throat.

Ooooh! C'vin had not heard Crystoph's comments to Raylin, but Ka'rys' tirade about flirting and missing body parts was enough to make him wonder what exactly had been said. Wait a minute now . . baby's daddy? Raylin was having a kid with T'rid?! Why was he not aware of this? Well, truthfully he had never really said much to either of the . . proud? . . new parents, but at least he knew now! C'vin glanced down absently at Raylin's stomach, then back to the long haired boy - who notedly did not react - and finally they rested back on Ka'rys, a small, amused smile on his lips.

He did not have any extra belongings, and his blue was already nestled comfortably next to Ebolath, out of the way. Panties was nowhere to be seen; therefore he was probably in the weyr washroom, preening in front of the mirror. The blueweyrling was also already wearing comfortable clothing. He had known the class would involve some kind of movement, so he had worn a pair of fitted riding pants, riding boots, and one of his older tunics; a washed out red that was now moving dangerously into the pinker hues, fitted a bit more snugly than his other shirts but still quite comfortable.

C'vin's eyes remained on Ka'rys for a few moments and he watched, with much confusion, as he made Raylin faint. Uhm, what? He had said boo. He hadn't even jumped at her or anything. Was she that delicate? He had never thought that of her before. Maybe it was a pregnant thing . . As T'rid rushed over to help his, uh . . baby's momma, C'vin looked bemusedly back to Ka'rys. Upon hearing T'rid's question to the other bronzerider, C'vin was stumped. He hadn't done anything really . .

And then, out of nowhere, Frosstyth came over to Raylin and opened a mouthful of river water onto her, T'rid, C'oar, that long haired kid, and C'vin. Well, really it only splashed up onto his leg . . but still. C'vin chuckled as he looked up at the brown weyrling and shook his head playfully, then proceeded to pinch at prod at his pant leg in an attempt to ring some of the water out.

- - -

Venus listened quietly to Ka'rys as he explained his rules. She was decidedly not afraid of being hurt. What didn't kill you made you stronger . . or something like that, right? Simply: she wanted to learn, and she would. The consequences and risks were obvious, and she would never have come in the first place if she wasn't willing to handle them.

If the wherling was affected by, or cared at all about, the cutting quips the elder bronzerider was dishing out, she made no indication of it. She was not concerned in the least with anyone else's insecurities, stupidity, or future children. She was here to learn to defend herself, not to gossip about dragonriders' relationships. Venus admired Ka'rys for his curt tone and the way he easily handled the crowd around him. His voice was clear and sharp, and not one person seemed brave enough, or stupid enough, to contest him. She just hoped he would be just as good a teacher.

She had no clothing or items - and certainly no weyrlings - to shed, and Neon was curled up under her pillow as always. She was ready, and she waited rather impatiently for the rest to become the same. Then suddenly, one of the weyrlings fainted. The pregnant one at that. Venus was concerned about her, being heavy with child and all, but her weyrmate - or whatever they were to each other - was quickly by her side. The girl held only a few more moments of the bluewherling's attention, before her gaze drifted lazily around the congregation, waiting for the lesson to start.

Then, for a reason completely unknown to Venus, one of the brown dragons dumped a mouthful of water all over the pregnant girl and everyone who was around her. For Faranth's sake, what was wrong with these riders and their dragons? Annoyed by the brown's stupidity, Venus turned and walked slowly away from the wet group, stopping closer to R'wign and Tr'esn. She sighed, crossing her arms, and looked finally to Ka'rys, waiting for him to start.

[glamourie]

Ka’rys raised an eyebrow, slowly, as Raylin wobbled and then actually fell over. He stepped back in alarm, his eyebrows raising. He hadn’t done a thing to her, though from T’rid’s outburst he was betting he’d be blamed. While he’d expected some kind of response (perhaps scattering away in fright), an actual faint was… mindboggling. His head tilted to the side and he stared at the collapsed girl with a look of thought on his face. T’rid’s question made him turn to look at the other bronze rider and his nose wrinkled slightly in a look of very obvious disdain. What an ignorant, stupid question that was. Didn’t the man have eyes in his head? Couldn’t he see the answer to his question right before him, plain as day? What, did he need a map to explain the word ‘boo’ and the philosophy that the girl had fainted all on her own? It was probably more T’rid’s fault than his. Pregnancy caused spells of lightheadedness more often than the word ‘boo’ did, as far as he knew. Forcing back his anger (he’d have a chance soon enough to take it out on T’rid, he was sure), the bronze rider stepped up to the pair and looked down at the unconscious female.

“What did I do, wingleader? I said ‘boo.’ Maybe you should think about what you did. One of the symptoms of pregnancy is dizziness and fainting spells. So technically, it’s probably your fault,” he snarled, his arms folding defensively over his chest. He hadn’t done a thing. “We should move her out of the way so that she doesn’t get hurt or stepped on. It won’t be comfortable for her here. There’s some shade caused by the dragons, Kale can look after her there. She’s learning to be a healer anyway.” Spending enough time at the infirmary to be alarming, actually. Ka’rys was glad that she was dedicated, though. Better to be dedicated than not…?

Her father’s words made Kale preen happily, but she was quickly distracted by speaking from next to her. Pushing one strand of dark brown hair from her face, she shrugged up at the… boy? “You might have to move to accommodate Raylin, but I don’t mind if you sit here,” she said. “Why don’t you want to participate? I would, but daddy’s afraid of hurting me.” ‘Daddy.’ Usually it was papa, daddy was a sign that she was trying to manipulate him (not that Ka’rys was aware of his daughter’s goals). Given a choice, she would’ve been out there fighting as hard as anyone else. But her father refused to teach her while she was so young. He claimed it was unfair. She thought that was a ridiculous idea because she was easily as fast as R’wign was. Not that that was a particularly difficult feat, but still!

Crooning to Oquith in greeting, Ciceroth lounged and rested his head on his claws. He didn’t speak, though his gaze did roll at last to the other dragons near him as Checkoth crooned happily to Oquith and nuzzled her. At least those two seemed happy. The top two layers of his eyelids rolled closed and he relaxed, visibly ready to go to sleep.

R’wign actually leaned against Tr’esn, glancing down at him curiously. “You actually going to take this class? Ka’rys is kind of vicious. I’m pretty sure he’s bruised my shoulder up. M’ta might be a nicer teacher if you want to learn - he’s almost well, and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind helping. Since you’re more familiar with him. Though, you’re welcome to stay if you prefer that, too.” He didn’t know how well Tr’esn knew Ka’rys but the bronze rider was notorious for his bad reputation. No doubt it was getting worse with each passing moment. Comically, R’wign made zero effort to check Raylin, mainly because she was crowded by people. If they wanted his help they’d get out of the way and ask for it, no sooner. Venus’s approach made him glance over at her, and R’wign stuck out his hand to the girl in greeting. “‘Allo, gorgeous. I’m R’wign. This is Tr’esn. You got a name or do I just call you by compliments?”

Ka’rys was just about to speak to the people who were following his instruction when a shadow loomed over him and, unfortunately, he turned his head. And was promptly doused from head to toe in water. Visibly shaking in anger, Ka’rys froze, his gaze remaining snared on Frosstyth in a look describable only as murderous. What. Was. That. Sharding. Brown. Doing?! Were all the dragonets from that clutch stupid? Furious, he brought one hand up to slick back the long, dark brown strands from his face, and he clenched his hands closed tightly. It took him a moment to swallow his temper, before he barked an instruction to those not totally doused, “Stretch. I don’t want anyone pulling muscles. Who belongs ---” C’oar’s outburst made Ka’rys turn to him and the bronze rider narrowed his eyes. “-- to this dragon. You, I would assume. You will do the laundry of everyone your dragon just soaked after this lesson in repayment for the irritation he just caused. Some of us don’t exactly like being drenched.”

Or having their mindmates drenched. The extra lids of Ciceroth’s eyes rapidly opened again, and then the bronze flicked his wings in agitation before touching on Frosstyth’s mind - Do us all a favor, young brown, and come to where the rest of us are laying before you compel Rysmine to do serious damage to Yours in his anger. You are disrupting this lesson and more so, touching on Rysmine’s already fragile nerves. It was understandable, Ka’rys being exasperated -- his weyrmate was egg heavy. Surely Frosstyth knew that? It was obvious… I do not know what Yours has asked of you, but humans generally do not like being drenched. Let this be a lesson to you.

[Avu]

C’oar’s proximity wasn’t even noted until the boy spoke, and even then T’rid didn’t look up at him; couldn’t the brownrider tell he was kind of busy trying not to panic – ? “Ka’rys said boo, is what happened,” he answered sharply. Though – he kind of wanted to know why exactly boo would make Raylin – completely faint. He’d ask her later, but – for right now…he wasn’t sure if they should be concentrating on trying to wake her up, or just…doing what. He couldn’t remember ever having to deal with anybody fainting before. Corinth – ? Instinctively falling backwards towards his dragon, T’rid ended up squatting in a distinctly unbalanced position, about to request water when Ka’rys’s words made him freeze. T’rid hissed, almost glaring. Oh, sure – she’d never fainted before (he was sure he’d have heard of it if she had) – and she had the sense to sit down or something if she felt dizzy. He opened his mouth furiously to say as much when –

Water completely drenched him, and he almost lost his balance in shock, inhaling his words in a sputtering gasp; one hand came up to wipe his face as he sat Raylin up with his other arm just so she didn’t inhale the water or something. T’rid blinked rapidly, and then glared at C’oar and Frosstyth both; only Raylin stopped him from raging at the brownweyrling. It wasn’t necessarily his fault, but – but he hated to be wet. He absolutely hated it, and – scorch it, didn’t his dragon have the least bit of sense? Did he look like he needed to be drenched – ? And for that matter, did any of the people who had gotten soaked – namely himself, C’oar, and Ka’rys – look like they’d fainted? He bit his tongue hard, only half-listening to Ka’rys as he scooped Raylin up.

She didn’t weigh much, pregnancy aside; T’rid deposited the greenrider next to Kalerary, nodding in a vague, absentminded greeting to the little girl, before he stood again, plucking at his shirt in what could only be described as complete and utter horror. It was – it was so wet – he hated the wet, and – T’rid raised both hands to push his fingers through his hair, water droplets streaming down his neck and shirt and making him squirm slightly as he rejoined the group, wringing the water from his shirt as he went. Could they fight when they were sopping wet – ? T’rid wasn’t really certain; surely Ka’rys would demonstrate and whatnot, but – actually trying to fight in clothes that were drenched didn’t sound entirely like a good idea to him. Well, whatever – anything was better than standing around in soaking clothing; ugh.

Tr’esn stared at Raylin – and the group surrounding said greenrider. Confused disbelief flickered across his face, and then anxiety; was she okay…? The greenrider glanced up at R’wign, and then shrugged nervously. “I don’t – I don’t really know; I don’t think I’m going to, though…” He bit at his lip, watching silently as Frosstyth – completely drenched the group, and then his gaze to rose to Venus nervously. Tr’esn smiled shyly at her, and then shook his head slowly. “I’m going to go – sit,” he said softly, nodding at R’wign before he moved away from the brownrider’s side to stand awkwardly next to K’sel, nodding at the boy nervously as he gestured at the sand next to him. “Seat taken…?” he inquired, aware he was dripping a nice little puddle beneath him; he curled his toes awkwardly beneath him.

Are you not going to learn? Oquith asked, rather plaintively, and Tr’esn slowly answered her with a negative: I’m going to see if M’ta’d teach me – if I really want to learn, anyway. I don’t…I don’t like…fighting… Also, Ka’rys kind of scared him, but he didn’t want to admit that to Oquith. The green dragon’s head had come to rest on Checkoth’s back, her eyes still focused on the group as she squirmed in the sand expectantly. Hers could learn from watching, surely…if not perfectly, at least it’d be better than nothing!

[dragon]

C'oar blew outward in an exasperated fashion, and slicked his own hair back. It had started out tied, so not much of it was in his face. But enough to be annoying. He glared at his dragon again, in silence, before watching as T'rid carried Raylin off. He looked to Ka'rys as the man scolded him soundly before assigning punishment duties. Thanks, Frosstyth! Now look what you've gone and done!![/b] He fumed, privately.

It also seemed that bronzeriders had a thing out for him ... surely the man was smart enough to see that he hadn't done it! Frosstyth had! And surely he was smart enough to see that he hadn't made him do it!! He was just as shocked as anyone else was! C'oar really wanted to kick his dragon at that moment, but he held his cool ... he didn't say anything to Ka'rys, and did not verbally say anything to Frosstyth, and surely didn't comment to anyone else either.

Sometimes, the least said, the better off. The sooner it would blow over.

Well ... you're the one that asked for water. How else was I supposed to move water? And what else was I supposed to do with it? Frosstyth countered, before shifting his weight to one side, and then starting to walk away. That comment made C'oar want to kick him even more. So common sense at all!!

You're not getting a bath any time soon![/b] C'oar grumped after him, as the brown made his way around the small clearing. He stretched out near where Ciceroth and the other dragons were, and crooned softly to them in greeting.

I was not trying to irritate yours, Ciceroth. And I do apologize. I shall endeavor to not get yours wet again.

Slicking his own shirt off, C'oar wrung the item out thoroughly. It was chilly enough that being wet was not nice at all ... and wandering around in cold, wet clothes was not nice, either. But he wasn't going to pass on the lesson just because of wet clothes. He was robust enough to handle it this once ... he just wasn't going to make a habit of it!

Besides ... if this lesson ever got going, he should be working up enough body heat to counteract the whole chilled and wet problem. Theoretically.