Tidal Weyrlings (Lesson 13 and 14)

[Rei]

Lesson 13 & 14
Classroom: Obstacle Course Design
Training Field: Twelve-Man Teams Making Jumps to and from Selenitas; Firestone Training with Practice Stone when not Jumping; Advanced Formations with all Weyrlings
Classroom: Easy day, no class!
Training Field: Run Choice Obstacle Courses Created During Lesson Thirteen

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Kaaoloth landed at the weyr that was the temporary infirmary laden with firestone sacks. Placing himself well away from the entrance he crouched to deposit his. Remind me again why we are holding the lesson in the infirmary? “Because our students are all injured save Tr’esn.” Oh right. I will miss the ones who have passed. It is hard to believe so few remain.

As he dismounted, Sel’n stumbled a bit, his inured leg giving out causing Kaaoloth to wrap his tail about his to steady him. You ok Selmine? Perhaps we should just skip to graduation. “If we do that the dragons will never learn how to flame. Call Oquith and Tr’esn while I find R’wign.”

Kaaoloth rumbled in obedience as he withdrew his tail. Oquith please get yours and meet Sel’n and I at the infirmary. For your final lesson before graduation we will be learning to flame. As Kaaoloth spoke, Sel’n entered the dim interior of the weyr and began to search for the brown weyrling.


Roll Call Tidal
Ki’ner of Bronze Aberath (Deceased)
M’ta of Brown Behruth (Excused)
R’wign of Brown Checkoth
F’neth of Blue Kloth (Deceased)
Raila of Blue Imprith (Deceased)
K’iel of Blue Qualuth
V’neti of Blue Glenth (APC)
Vashti of Green Wymeth
Tr’esn of Green Oquith
Kalina of Green Uminth

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[Avu]

Ironically, Tr’esn was already at the Infirmary. Perhaps out of a kind of unwritten IOU system – R’wign hadn’t let him get hurt and he’d always liked M’ta, therefore he fussed over them (wordlessly, but he still fussed; he just didn’t let on about it) – he’d managed to barely quench his distaste for blood. At any rate, he wasn’t nauseous at the thought of it anymore, which was a good thing. That wasn’t to say he liked it – he didn’t. But he didn’t mind it – thought if he thought too much, he still got sick to his stomach. The greenrider was sitting on top of one of the newly emptied beds, kicking his heels against the metal supports of the cots. The cot’s occupant had just been released not five minutes previously – she had been one of the middle-aged Drudges who’d taken a liking to Tr’esn and had decided that he needed to know about how she’d bravely tried to knock out a Bendenite with a frying pan. He was…rather grateful that she’d left; he wasn’t at the Infirmary to be doted on, please and thanks. He wasn’t even hurt.

Are you busy, Mine? Oquith asked suddenly, and Tr’esn jumped, nearly dropping the pillow he’d been stripping of its case. Qui? he asked weakly, setting down the pillow. I – it’s not an emergency; what’s up? Kaaoloth and His are here, the green said. She sounded rather bemused. Final lessons – we’re learning to flame – are taking place here…I guess it’s because of R’wignCheck’s being injured, and M’taRuth’s…? But M’taRuth’s is too hurt anyway. But anyway, Mine…come? I have my riding straps here, next to me. The greenrider slid off of the cot, smoothing the bedspread absently with one hand, fingers splayed across the soft fabric for a moment before he obediently made his way towards the exit of the Infirmary, cocking his head shyly at Kaaoloth. He’d probably just missed Sel’n, but that was okay. He’d just go for R’wign’s cot and hope that the Weyrlingmaster eventually found them. One hand reached up towards Oquith as the green crooned, and he stroked her nose thoughtfully. “I won’t put them on just yet…if we’re flaming, we might not be flying, and R’wign certainly can’t fly…and neither can M’ta. So…just hang on, okay, pretty one?”

Of course, Oquith answered agreeably, sliding into a resting position and winding her neck around the straps. Checkoth – Check? Is Yours awake? Kaaoloth’s is here – we’re flaming – Checkoth? She wasn’t aware whether or not the brown dragon had called Checkoth to attention; she had been singled out in his call as far as she knew – and she certainly wouldn’t like it if she was the only one there. And if they had to flame, Checkoth had to be there…! Almost an afterthought, due to their rather pitiful attendance schedule, she also called Qualuth and Wymeth, an almost petulant note in her voice. Wymeth…? Qualuth…? Are you coming to lessons? We’re flaming today… They hadn’t learned how to go between, either, and that made Oquith sad; going between saved so much time, it did.

Tr’esn, meanwhile, had already slipped back into the Infirmary, heading straight for R’wign’s cot. He’d been often enough to know exactly where it was. Edging around a man with a set of particularly gruesome injuries and averting his gaze automatically, Tr’esn glanced up towards R’wign. Silently, he sat down next to the brownrider’s cot, crossing his legs and leaning against the metal of the cot legs. “Lessons,” he commented softly, mostly to himself; he couldn’t even see if R’wign was awake or not, but the familiarity with the layout of the temporary Infirmary made the greenrider quite sure he hadn’t gotten the wrong cot somehow. Head tilting slightly to one side, he chewed the inside of his cheek nervously. If they were learning – the dragons, that is – to flame, surely they couldn’t stay inside? Didn’t they have to feed them firestone…? Kaaoloth had the firestone, he recalled, but the dragons couldn’t feed themselves. Could they? Were they expected to? And then: What if they caught fire…?

We won’t burn anything down, Mine. I’ll be quite careful, came Oquith’s reassuring, earnest croon.

[glamourie]

R’wign wasn’t a hard figure to find. Just look for the brightly colored entourage; he was always surrounded by brilliantly colored fire lizards. That particular day, he was sitting in his cot oiling his fluttery fair. The smell of the oil wafted all around him - floral, with a distinctly fruity undertone. In his hands, Ellie writhed, positively basking in the attention being paid to her. R’wign smoothed the oil into her hide expertly, giving the slightly-glowing gold a definite sheen. Ellie was always pretty to look at, her delicate, decidedly feminine build complimented by a gradient of gold that made up her hide, but the pre-flight glow she had, coupled with being freshly oiled, made her almost blindly bright. She wriggled in her bonded’s hands, nudging his fingers encouragingly. She didn’t make any noise - but she didn’t need to; it was very clear just how happy she was. Her eyes and her movements emphasized all of that perfectly. Spoiled little female.

The rest of R’wign’s fair was perched around him. Roxie sat on the side of the headboard, watching wearily for any sign of aggression; she was in combat mode. Hers was hurt, and she fully intended to eliminate anyone who made that hurt more pronounced. Hazard was considerably less aggressive, but he was perched nearby and keeping a close eye on their surroundings as well. Stumpy, ever the curious, was climbing on the bottle of oil and trying to shove his face into it for a closer look at the smelly feel-good stuff. The younger blue, Collision, was in his usual position: flat on his back, legs sticking up in the air, sound asleep and periodically kicking one of his back legs in agitation; whatever he was dreaming, it was obviously very interesting. All four of them glimmered; it was obvious they’d been oiled first.

His mind was distracted by the arrival of Kaaoloth on the weyrledge and R’wign instinctively flung himself back on the bed. His hands remained around Ellie and a close observer would notice he was still rubbing the happy little queen; however, for all appearances, he looked to be asleep. Was he faking sleeping to avoid having to talk to Sel’n…? Maybe.

He’s -- Checkoth’s answer to Oquith was cut off as he realized what His was trying to do and he snorted loudly from his perch near the edge of the weyr; he hadn’t left R’wign’s proximity aside from eating. He was very worried. Even though R’wignHis insisted he’d be fine, Checkoth did not know that he believed him. His was hurting, and breathing hurt, and he had to drink so much water so often to keep his fluids regulated and the healers were fussing… and R’wignHis was trying to skip lessons again! Why was it that he’d work himself sick in the SmellyPlace but lessons, which were important, were ignored? Agitated, Checkoth whined - loudly. Miiiine, Miiiiine, it is time for lessons… Miiiine… Stop trying to sleep! Lessons are here! Kaaoloth’s came to the infirmary just for you!

Drats. Checkoth was onto him. He was just about to reassure Checkoth that he wasn’t doing anything wrong (he was hurt, he couldn’t very well do much!) when a weight settled on the cot next to him. Which meant someone had discovered him and all hope of sleeping through a likely very boring lesson was eliminated. R’wign was just about to try and shoo off the source of the weight when Tr’esn spoke, and he exhaled with an audible ‘thhththhppbt.’ His good eye flicked open and he turned his head to look at Tr’esn through a long strand of black curls. His nose crinkled up just slightly, and he sighed; it was a very loud, almost melancholy sound and most definitely over-dramatized. Very little that R’wign did wasn’t over-dramatized, however; he was very fond of theatrics for effect.

“You’re going to let them know where I aaaam,” he lamented with a definite whine to his voice. “I was trying to pretend to be asleep. I’m not at my best. I don’t even have a skirt. How am I supposed to trump M’ta without a skirt?”

He’s fine, Checkoth added, sounding decidedly irate. His breathing is getting better, and obviously he feels better if he is trying to skip lessons. I don’t think he understands how important they are. He always wants to skip them. He says Kaaoloth’s is uptight. The brown was obviously not at all happy. Even though he thought R’wignHis was the most amazing person ever, it worried him how often his rider slacked. Though, to be fair, despite all evidence to the contrary, R’wign did put forth his best most of the time. Most of the time. We’re flaming today…? I don’t know if I can learn; R’wignmine can’t properly stand. He’s got bruised lungs, that’s what they call it. Well, no, the words are pulmetarary something or another, but he says it means bruised lungs. He’s supposed to stay in bed and rest… Do I need straps? Maybe I can ask Calistoth’s for help?

[Rei]

Sel’n walked slowly up to R’wgin’s cot. He nodded in greeting to Tr’esn and ran his hand through his hair before speaking. “If you’re to injured to attend lessons I won’t push you to do them R’wign.” Turning his attention to Tr’esn he spoke in a softer tone. “I don’t expect either of you to participate if you don’t want to. This is the last thing you have to learn before graduation. If you decline to do it now, you can always get someone to teach you later. I am always available in the evenings. Decide amongst yourselves. If you want to participate Kaaoloth and I will be outside.” He nodded to both boys with a half smile at R’wign. “I hope you feel better.”

As Sel’n turned on his heel to leave, Kaaoloth crooned from outside. They do not want to learn? I do not think they are better yet. The attack has damaged more than buildings Selmine. It has damaged much of the spirit of the weyr, and that I do not know how to fix. Sel’n kept heading for the entrance at a brisk pace nodding to a few of the riders he recognized.

I don’t know Kaaoloth. I imagine I’fael has a lot of issues with his class as well. Emotional issues, that may never resolve themselves. I suppose when you grow up in a war torn weyr you gain a certain immunity to it. Selenitas has always been mainly peaceful. It’s a shock they’re defiantly not used to. Either way it would be wrong to force them. If they wish to learn perhaps it’s better learned from someone they trust. Perhaps I am just not cut out for this Kaaoloth. I just don’t have the personality for it.

The large brown shifted and swung his head towards his rider offering a quiet reassurance. Perhaps. However, you always do your best Sel’n my lifemate, and no one can ever fault you for trying. Whatever you decide I will stand by you as always. Sel’n smiled and reached over to scratch Kaaoloth’s eye ridge, earning a pleased rumble from the brown. “I know old friend.”

[Avu]

One of the greenweyrling’s eyebrows rose in quizzical amusement at the sight of R’wign oiling Ellie – with his eyes closed, looking as if he was asleep save for the movement of his hands. Sel’n wasn’t stupid enough to miss that – was he? Really? He smiled slightly at the firelizards surrounding R’wign, drawing his knees closer to his chest as he cocked his head sideways, blinking at the brownrider as he turned his head, the noise and sigh only serving to make Tr’esn blink, half-amused and half-apologetic. Well – but Sel’n wasn’t mean, and R’wign was hurt, and – and he wouldn’t have to. Would he? Flaming was…not stressful physically to the Rider, which was at least one good thing about the lesson. Tucking one leg under the other, Tr’esn couldn’t help grinning softly at the brownrider’s statement. If he could worry about that…he wasn’t going to die anymore, surely…

“Sorry. Should I get you a nightgown to compensate?” He spoke softly, but there was a definite hint of amusement in his voice as Tr’esn glanced curiously through the Infirmary again. Where was Sel’n…? R’wign was hardly difficult to spot – even Tr’esn, who admittedly was ridiculously familiar with the temporary setup by now, couldn’t deny that – nor could he ever have done. Nobody else had a full fair of firelizards, did they?

Oquith’s croon was clearly surprised as Checkoth’s half-response to her – which consisted of only one word? – broke off, the small green flicking her tail around her haunches and cocking her head up to peer at Kaaoloth shyly. She didn’t know how to talk to the older brown, and since he didn’t bespeak her, Oquith simply stayed silent, curling her body around her riding straps and nuzzling at them thoughtlessly, eyes gleaming with a rare show of slight impatience. The green wanted to flame. It looked easy when the older dragons did it. If she could go between and flame, then she’d be a proper fighting dragon, would Oquith, and she couldn’t wait to be put on an actual fighting wing as opposed to being on the Weyrling wing. Doubtlessly they’d be put on the queen’s wing first, but the queen’s wing still one-upped the Weyrling wing!

As Checkoth spoke again, though, the green’s head swiveled upwards from her riding straps. Skipping…skipping lessons? Why would you want to skip lessons? Lessons were, as Checkoth had said, important. Crooning thoughtfully, the small green glanced at Kaaoloth again before she answered. It’s good R’wignYours is getting better, she answered. But yes – we’re flaming today. I don’t think you’ll need your straps, though…but if he’s not supposed to get up, then I don’t think he should anyway…umm. That shouldn’t stop you from learning though, right…? If we’re flaming…ask Calistoth’s, and if Calistoth’s can’t help then you can borrow Mine. Or maybe Kaaoloth’s can help you. Mine won’t mind helping, and Kaaoloth’s is Weyrlingmaster. And, as Weyrlingmaster, surely Kaaoloth’s would help.

Oh, here was Sel’n. Tr’esn blinked at the Weyrlingmaster, automatically lowering his eyes and dropping his head. The motion was second nature by now; you didn’t look a superior in the eye. The older brownrider’s soft explanation, though, made the greenweyrling look up, biting his lip wordlessly, clearly distracted as Sel’n turned on his heel and made his way back to the weyrledge outside. One hand smoothed the covers next to him absently, Tr’esn peering after Sel’n through the curls that fell into his eyes. I…do you want to, Qui? he asked hesitantly. To – to flame? Kaaoloth’s says – don’t you have to – ? Mine…I want to, I /do/… The green’s answer came out bewildered, a bit faltering, clearly uncertain. I…okay. Okay…ask Kaaoloth to hold up, okay? I’ll…I’m coming.

Weyrlingmaster? Kaaoloth? Please…don’t go yet. Mine and I…we want to learn to flame. Please…?

Raising his eyes from the floor, Tr’esn glanced questioningly at R’wign, clearing his throat before he spoke, softly. “Do you…can you come?” he corrected himself mid-sentence. “I…can try to help you, if you want to…I’m going, though. Oquith wants to flame…” He probably wouldn’t be able to help R’wign as much as Tr’esn might have liked; he was simply too small, physically, to support the taller brownrider. But he had to offer, didn’t he?

[glamourie]

A nightgown? Oh, he was cute. R’wign resisted the urge to sit up and grin through his hair at Tr’esn, but just barely. The response was too cute for words. He’d look absolutely dashing in a night gown, he felt certain. Alas, it was inappropriate to wear in public…

Wait, what?

R’wign sat up abruptly as Sel’n came over to speak and his eyebrows raised. He almost… almost felt guilty. It was hard not to; the man had obviously come to try and accommodate him, and even though R’wign was ornery, he did appreciate the sentiment. Yet, before he could bring himself to comment (it just wouldn’t be him if he didn’t give Sel’n some static!), the older man was… leaving? Oh, that just wasn’t right. He was supposed to grump and be irritable, not actually leave. R’wign squinted and finished rubbing oil into Ellie’s hide before smoothing his fingers thoughtlessly onto the fabric of his sheets. Messing them up, he was, and he didn’t care at all. There were worse things to have to clean out of them than oil. He’d know. He worked in the infirmary regularly.

Turning his head toward Tr’esn, R’wign shrugged one shoulder weakly. “Checkoth will have fits if I don’t at least try, and it’s no fun to tease him if he’s going to take it all seriously and not get fussy. He’s not supposed to be understanding. Talk about ruining the mood. I can walk just fine though. I just…” Couldn’t fly. There was no way he could fly whatsoever, and the idea of between made his blood run cold. His breathing was troubled enough as it was. No, between was definitely out, but if he could help without flying, maybe - maybe he’d be able to do something useful. Aslath’s weyr was ground level, which meant the infirmary was, too. That was useful enough. “I think I can come and watch, if nothing else. So long as I don’t have to fly or anything. Shoo --” One hand lifted to brush off his fire lizards, sending all but Ellie between. The little gold gave him a scolding look, but settled herself on his shoulder; she wasn’t going anywhere, thank you. “He’s such a party pooper. Making me feel all bad for giving him trouble.”

R’wign grunted and pushed himself up and into a sitting position, legs hanging over the side of the bed. It wasn’t easy at all. His stomach hurt badly trying to do so, and he inhaled sharply. One hand came up to rest over his bad eye and the other moved to push himself up, standing. He had to force himself to do so, for after being in bed for a few days, it was actually a difficult task. He managed it well enough, though, and yanked the top layer of furs off to wrap around his shoulders as he went. If Sel’n wanted him to get dressed for lessons, well, he could just go suck an egg. Getting out of the bed was hard enough. Actually getting dressed was beyond his capabilities.

Tell Kaaoloth to tell Fussypants I’m coming, R’wign instructed Checkoth, and tried to ignore the wave of relief the brown offered in response to his words. Sheesh. He’d honestly thought he would skip…?

I think R’wignmine is going to try, Checkoth explained as he stirred in his spot. He was near enough to see Oquith and Kaaoloth, but he liked the furthest edge of the ledge; it was closest to where R’wignHis was. Kaaoloth, R’wignmine says to tell Fussypants-- I mean, to tell Yours that he’s coming. Slightly nervous at his slip-up, Checkoth flipped his wings and hid his head behind one of them. They’d since healed from the slight muscle pulling and all-in-all he was in good shape -- considerably better shape than his rider. For all appearances, Checkoth looked like he was full-grown, too; he was about as big as he was going to get, at least, which was decent-sized for a brown. Nothing eye shocking but the two tails were memorable, at least.

Turning to Tr’esn, R’wign made a vague gesture, then half-waddled to the edge of the infirmary. He was just lucky Meira wasn’t on shift to beat him for being out of bed. It wasn’t like he was going to strain himself, though -- he really wasn’t. If something looked hard, he fully intended to whine for Sel’n to do it. Just because he came to lessons didn’t mean he was going to let Sel’n off the hook - no, no sir. And he had a present for the weyrlingmaster, too… just… not with him. Hmm…

[Rei]

Kaaoloth raised his head an a amused rumble escaped. Look Selmine your weyrlings are willing to try. Don’t you feel silly now Fussypants? Sel’n’s eyebrow raised as he looked up at Kaaoloth. “Kaao. What did you call me?” The brown merely huffed in amusement and turned to the younger dragons. It is good that yours are willing to try. Checkoth if yours is not able to feed you the stone you can let mine do it, or pick someone else you trust and ask them. The hardest part of this training is sustaining the flame once you release it. Practice makes perfect.

Sel’n scowled up at the beast but said nothing further as the weyrlings appeared. He strode over to R’wign so the boy would not have to move much farther. “I suppose we should get this over with so you can rest R’wign. I don’t fancy having a lot of healers upset with me for stressing you. If it’s alright with you I will have Kaaoloth pas on the instructions to your dragons.” Giving a silent command to Kaaoloth the brown deposited a sack of firestone near his rider and repositioned himself near the weyrling dragons.

Hefting the bag of firestone, Sel’n opened it and grabbed one of the phosphorous rocks. Holding up to the light he examined it for a minute. “Firestone. A phosphorous rock that once ingested by a dragon gives them the ability to flame. Kaao come here and open you mouth please.” The large brown dragon lowered his head and rumbled at the two boys before opening his mouth as bidden.

Sel’n pointed to the big browns back molars. “Those flat teeth in the back are what your dragon will use to chew the stone. After they have chewed it they are to think of their second stomach and swallow the chewed stone. The more thoroughly the stone is chewed the easier it is for the second stomach to convert it to gas. The gas the stomach produces ignited when combined with the oxygen in the air. So the flame is not stored in the second stomach the gas is. You can close your mouth now Kaaoloth.”

The brown complied with a snap of his jaws and raised his head. “Your dragon will belch the gas up, and as it contacts the air it will ignite. Controlling the flame is something that has to be practiced. Not all dragons have good aim when first learning. Once your dragon gets a feel for it they will be able to aim and hold a more consistent flame. Right now they will probably have a difficult time sustaining the flame. That’s to be expected.”

Sel’n gave a half smile to the weyrlings. “Unless you have any questions you may begin to feed your dragons the stone. Right now supply them with only a few handfuls. As you practice you may give them more.”

Kaaoloth repeated the lecture to the dragons and then with a huff added. Mine likes to listen to himself speak, all you really need to remember is to think of your second stomach before you swallow the stone. Chew it thoroughly and the flame comes faster. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask. That is why I am here.

[Avu]

R’wign seemed…to be okay, making his way towards the entrance of the Infirmary. The Healers would probably throw a fit, Tr’esn thought detachedly, if they saw him out of bed and moving around. Whether the fit would be at R’wign himself or Sel’n, though…the greenweyrling drifted after the brownrider, glancing back at the empty cot with a slight flicker of guilt. Should he have…made R’wign stay in the cot, perhaps…? Somehow…? Because, while he couldn’t overpower the brownrider – definitely not – even in the state he was in, should he have…stopped him? Blinking anxiously, Tr’esn tugged at the hem of his shirt absently before he glanced shyly up at Sel’n, automatically aligning himself with R’wign’s position. Glancing up, first at Checkoth, and then at Kaaoloth, and finally at his own tiny Oquith, the green curled contentedly, watching them, he flicked a half-smile at the green. No setting things on fire, he reminded her teasingly, but as Sel’n began to speak, it didn’t become a joke – it was a real warning.

Because, really, he didn’t need to be burned, and he was sure R’wign didn’t need any more time in the temporary Infirmary as a patient because of burns. He couldn’t help it if Checkoth misaimed, but at least he could take care of Oquith. Brushing his hair out of his eyes, Tr’esn tilted his head sideways, gray eyes shadowed by his eyelashes as he focused on the ground, memorizing the facts as they came. Phosphorous rock – chewed by dragons – back molars – produces gas, not flames – contact with air – sustain – second stomach – was that it? It sounded…very simple. Almost disappointed, the greenweyrling glanced at Oquith to make sure she was paying attention, and found the green focused intently on Kaaoloth, her eyes whirling in excitement.

The quick shake of his head in the negative when Sel’n asked about questions came a split second before Oquith crooned loudly. Are you ready, Mine? The earnest, clear eager undertone in the green’s voice was contagious, and Tr’esn grinned at her, moving forward hesitantly to pick out some of the smaller stones. Oquith was, after all, a small dragon; it wouldn’t do to give her too big a firestone piece. Even as he turned, she nudged him in the small of the back, giving a softly musical flute. It’s probably easier where there’s access to the firestone, the green pointed out. You won’t have to keep going back and forth. Turning and rubbing her muzzle lightly, Tr’esn smiled weakly, glancing at Sel’n nervously before he offered the green the first lump of firestone, gingerly, palm up as he led Oquith several paces away.

As she picked up the stone, the green tilted her head slightly to one side, thoughtfully. “Are you – ?” Second stomach. I know. She moved the stone around in her mouth for a second; Tr’esn could hear it rattling against her teeth. And then – crunch. Tr’esn jumped in alarm at the resounding noise, and then blinked in alarm at Oquith. Another crunch, and then the green crooned through the mouthful. It’s very hard, she commented apologetically. I am thinking of my second stomach. She flipped her tail loosely as she swallowed, and then Tr’esn blinked at her expectantly. Oquith blinked back, flicking one wing loosely over her back in embarrassment. May I…have another? Obediently offering the green another piece of firestone, Tr’esn still winced at the crunching sounds.

“Do you…feel anything?” Tr’esn asked uncertainly as Oquith swallowed for the second time. I… Her nostrils fluttered, and Tr’esn jolted backwards as Oquith sneezed, yelping in surprise as his foot snagged on a rock embedded firmly in the ground and he landed neatly on his rear as a little spurt of flame jetted from Oquith’s mouth, surprising the green so much that she nearly fell onto her own rump. Blinking in surprise, the green crooned after a moment. I…well, I flamed. She snorted again, and then managed another tiny puff of flame before she huffed. Mine…? You may get up now. I think that’s all. More? I’ll look away so I don’t accidentally flame you, the green added guiltily, lowering her neck so that Tr’esn could grab onto her neck ridge and pull himself up.

“Try flaming…that way,” Tr’esn emphasized weakly, pointing towards the distant river as he offered Oquith another piece of firestone.

[glamourie]

I will tell him, Checkoth informed Kaaoloth, quite relieved that the older brown had not called him on his slip-up of the name ‘Fussypants.’ That would have been exceedingly embarrassing. Why, oh why, did R’wignHis have to pick such insulting nicknames for everyone? Couldn’t he pick something more respectful for his teacher? Not that Checkoth had any good substitutes; quite the opposite, really. He had no ideas for what would suit. Pushing that from his mind, Checkoth ran through a list of who he would want to help him eat the firestone. His first choice would have been Behruth’s -- but… he was hurt… Maybe Peppeth’s…? But she was busy. He supposed Kaaoloth’s could, if R’wignHis couldn’t. He didn’t really know many others to ask. Calistoth’s, yes, but Kaaoloth’s was more readily an option. Checkoth didn’t really like talking to Calistoth. She was scary, and lately her hide was glowing. He didn’t want to have her attention focused on him. Is it heavy, the firestone? If it isn’t heavy, R’wignmine can probably do it. He’s just not supposed to lift heavy things, and I don’t want him to strain himself…

The brown turned and nudged R’wign gently as he came up beside him. Carefully, R’wign leaned against Checkoth’s flank and listened to Sel’n as he spoke with a slender eyebrow raising. Somehow, the long-winded explanation amused him. Probably because Sel’n sounded so nervous. Then again, he couldn’t blame him too much. Flaming was one of the harder parts of weyrling training, he was told -- right after betweening but Checkoth had managed that just fine. The anatomical lesson that Sel’n went into was extremely amusing - but not really to R’wign’s benefit. Kalierre had been teaching him for Turns about dragon healing, since not long after his arrival at Selenitas; he knew as much about a dragon’s body as the average dragon rider before he Impressed. After…? Well, he thought himself quite impressive.

The further explanation from Kaaoloth made Checkoth croon, and he relayed the message to R’wign -- even though it was more instructions for him than anything else. The young brown just always felt inclined to tell his bonded everything. He loved R’wignHis, he did. No secrets from his favorite person ever. Besides, R’wign usually could pick anything he wanted up from Checkoth’s mind with relative ease. They were too close not to… that and Checkoth couldn’t keep a secret to save his life.

“Doesn’t sound too difficult,” R’wign said with a look up at Checkoth. The brown crooned again, and R’wign half-waddled over to the pile of firestone. Small pieces, right…? That didn’t weigh very much… He wound his hands around one of the smallest ones he could grab and hefted it up - it wasn’t very large but lifting anything of weight was difficult due to his injuries. Then he wandered back and held it up toward Checkoth, his fingers laying flat underneath it to prevent the brown from taking them off in enthusiasm. It was a distinct possibility. Check was a wonderfully well-mannered creature, but… he was often too excitable and didn’t realize his own strength. “Okay, you um-- chew this, and think of your second stomach and please don’t burn me alive. Or Tr’esn. Or Oquith. Or Sel’n. Or Kaaoloth. Or, really, anyone. Uhh… aim off -- to that si--”

Sneezing cut his words off abruptly and R’wign jumped, right as Checkoth took the firestone from his hands. He spun around to look at the green pair next to him and raised his eyebrows curiously. What - exactly - “Are you okay?” he asked, eyebrows raising. What had Oquith done…?

Unfortunately, R’wign’s question was quite quickly answered as Checkoth gave a mighty sneeze, resulting in a plume of flames escaping his mouth and blossoming outward around him before extinguishing. The entire process took only a few seconds but it flustered Checkoth so much that his wings flapped repeatedly. Of course, the fluster likely had something to do with R’wign’s furs suddenly bursting into flames along the side that trailed over his arm. The undignified squawk that escaped R’wign would’ve been comical if he hadn’t immediately started flailing that arm around, trying to put the flames out with the other side of the blanket. It only took him a few moments and, fortunately, his actual skin wasn’t burnt, but the paling of his skin was undeniable.

Checkoth nervously snorted, one wing coming down over his face to hide in embarrassment -- Maybe I shouldn’t try to flame -- that, um -- sneezing --

“Just aim the other way next time, that’s all!”