Tidal Weyrlings (Lesson 7)

[Rei]

Lesson 7:
Classroom: First Fighting Strap Inspection given by Weyrleader
Training Field: Glide Off Hill on Weyrling Training Field One at a Time; Last Bout of Ground Drills


Sel’n paced the room anxiously. The Weyrleader was supposed to go over the student’s flight straps today. He did not particularly like T’rid at all. As Weyrleader he was worse than useless, and as a person he was also less than pleasant. Kaaoloth please call the weyrlings and also let Corinth know we are ready whenever his bonded is. The large brown lifted his head and sent an affirmative to his bonded. Good morning Tidal Weyrlings. Today is an exciting day indeed. The day when you will take your first short flight with your bonded. Please bring your riding straps as our Weyrleader will be inspecting them today. Dragon’s should report to me for pre flight stretches.

The brown craned his neck and added privately to his bonded. I am calling Corinth now. Do please try to be civil. I do not wish to be involved in a display of aggression. Sel’n rolled his eyes. “Come off it Kaao just because I detest the man doesn’t mean I will bait him into a fight.” He said an exasperated edge to his normal calm tone. Kaaoloth sent soothing feelings to his bonded before touching Corinth’s mind. Corinth yours is needed to check flight straps at today’s Tidal weyrling lesson. I do hope his schedule toady will allow this? He added the last bit as a question and awaited an answer as he crooned to the first arrival. Mine they arrive. Thanks Kaao. The rider responded as the first weyrling entered the classroom.


Roll Call Tidal
Ki’ner of Bronze Aberath
M’ta of Brown Behruth
R’wign of Brown Checkoth (excused)
F’neth of Blue Kloth
Raila of Blue Imprith
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]

"I'm doing what?!"

Mine, Corinth said patiently, I have warned you of this...they /are/ close to flying, and it /is/ typically a Weyrleader's duty... The bronze dragon blinked expectantly at the young man, who stared back at him blankly. Kaaoloth has requested our precense, the bronze insisted. It is Weyrleader's duty. T'rid curled his lip mockingly. "So get the Weyrleader to do it. I'm far from it," he snapped. Kaaoloth has requested /our/ precense, Corinth repeated, emphasizing the words. Get ready. Let's go. Raising his head, the large dragon responded to Kaaoloth. Mine and I shall attend shortly. Pausing, he glanced at T'ridhis, and then went on privately, And we will /not/ swear at the Weyrlings for being stupid, and we will /not/ arrive in a foul mood. Understood?

"For a dragon, you're awfully picky," T'rid grumbled, reluctantly picking up the flight straps and sighing. "Why do I have to - ? So I can be blamed, when a Weyrling falls on his head and dies...?" Somehow, I do think you've missed the point. With a snort, the Weyrleader threw the straps over Corinth's neck, the bronze sliding into a familiar position, crouched, to make it easier for His to throw the straps over his neck and slide the straps into the correct places before he slid the leather strips into the buckles and secured them. "What are the Weyrlings to me...? They're the Weyrlingmaster's problem - who's the Weyrlingmaster, anyway?" Kaaoloth and His. You should know this. "Encouraging, aren't we?" As always.

Vaulting to Corinth's back and absently arranging the straps, T'rid tightened his legs automatically around the bright bronze neck as the dragon dropped from the weyrledge and swung on a wingtip, swiveling towards the Weyrling Barracks and huffing in slight irritation as T'ridHis' pocket squirmed and Stupid peeped out of it, shrilling indignantly at Corinth and T'rid. No! Stupids! Stupid sleep, stupids wake, baaad. With an ill-tempered hiss, the 'mandyr wriggled again, and then disappeared into the pocket again. You brought /him/ along?! T'rid, cupping one hand over the thrashing pocket, glared. I quite obviously didn't /mean/ to. Even I prefer Weyrlings with their heads intact. Just...keep him quiet. That has yet to be achieved... Dear Faranth...

Backwinging to land in the practice field, the bronze dropped briefly to his stomach so T'rid could drop from his back, patting the metallic, gleaming shoulder absently, and then, standing, Corinth retreated to a far side of the training field, watching as His tentatively peered into his pocket and recieved a shrill protest. The Weyrleader cringed visibly as he sighed again, glancing around and then making his way towards the classrooms. No taunting the Weyrlingmaster, either. I've never met him before. I don't care about him... I'm quite sure you have. Oh, /have/ I? When? /That/ I cannot recall. Mm, go figure...

Grumbling to himself, the bronzerider stopped in the doorway, head cocked slightly as he arched one eyebrow at Sel'n. "You called," he stated bluntly, sidestepping to let a Weyrling pass him into the classroom and blinking in surprise as said Weyrling cast him a nervous glance and bowed hastily before tripping away, barefoot, to a desk where he plopped himself down, his face impassive as he cautiously shouldered the riding straps. "Erm, yeah..." T'rid paused again, casting the Weyrling - a Greenweyrling - a curious glance. "What do I need to do now?" he finished, his eyes sliding back to Sel'n. Saluted to and now bowed to. This was certainly turning out differently from what he'd imagined it, but...not necessarily in a bad way, so T'rid supposed that that was all right...

~*~*~

Tr'esnlovemine, you need to wake up!

The green's excited, breathless tones caught Tr'esn off guard, and the Greenweyrling rolled over, blinking at the dragon. "I am awake," he countered with a yawn. He hadn't been sleeping, either...just resting, really, lazing against the bank of the stream with Oquith curled up next to him, sunning. The warmth and dry weather was stifling to Tr'esn, but Oquith found it delightful, and her enthusiasm was contagious. "What's up, Qui?" Pushing himself up, Tr'esn rapidly backpedaled as he found Oquith's muzzle less than an inch away from his face, her breath sweet-smelling. Oh, Tr'esnlovemine, how could you have forgotten? Her tones were reproachful now, but Oquith couldn't hide the excitement from shining through. We are flying today! Weyrling Lessons! Let's go! Up, up, up!

Flying? Flying! Tr'esn felt his breath leave him in one mighty exhale as his eyes widened in shock. "Flying!" Yes, that's right, /flying/! We're flying, Tr'esnlove! Flying, and oh. Kaaoloth says bring your riding straps, because the Weyrleader will check them and we mustn't disappoint the Weyrleader. They are perfect, though. They'll be just fine. I promise. The green poked his cheek with her muzzle affectionately. But we must go now, or we'll never get there on time, and we'll make clutchsister Uminth and Weyrlingmaster Kaaoloth and Weyrleader Corinth and Theirs wait for us, and we mustn't do that. Scrubbing his cheek absently where Oquith had poked him, Tr'esn nodded slowly, and then scrabbled to his feet. "Let's g - " I can carry you. I'm quicker.

The Weyrling didn't bother countering this, and obediently scrambled up onto Oquith's neck. Bareback he rode, but it was, oddly, perfectly comforting as the green took off towards the Weyrling Barracks. Tr'esn leaned forward, his hair whipping back as the green flared her wings in excitement, leaping off of a small incline and gliding to the ground. "Qui, don't, we'll fly soon enough!" Tr'esn hissed, leaping off her shoulder as soon as she skidded to a stop. Oh, but Tr'esnmine, I'm sooo excited, and oh...you're slow... "I am no such thing!" The Greenweyrling's vehement protest drew a snort of laughter from the dragon, and Tr'esn shook his head indulgently as he grabbed the riding straps, running his fingers over the well-oiled leather, and followed Oquith back towards the training field.

Abruptly, the nervousness at meeting the Weyrleader impacted on the boy, and he slouched in his step, his eyes widening visibly as Oquith pranced eagerly ahead of him. As soon as the training field came into view, the green stopped, staring in awe at Corinth. He's big, Mine, she whispered. But not as pretty as you are, Tr'esn assured the little green lovingly. Go on, now. Recovering her poise, Oquith presented herself cheerfully in front of Kaaoloth, crooning a greeting. Hello, Kaaoloth...Mine and I are here. The green flicked her tail cheerfully, folding and unfolding her wings before she settled, expectantly watching the brown. We're ready to fly, she added solemnly.

Rolling his eyes at the green's statement, Tr'esn slid awkwardly by the young man taking up most of the doorway, and, as he glanced over him in passing, stopped short, blinking and then staring nervously. This was the Weyrleader. Funny, Tr'esn hadn't expected him to be so...young, really. Biting his lip worriedly, the Greenweyrling bowed, and then slunk away, his bare feet scuffling across the floorboards, until he found his desk, plopping himself down and fingering the riding straps held across his shoulder. Was the Weyrleader looking at him? Nervously, Tr'esn twitched his head to make his hair block out his face, peeking at the bronzerider through the tawny tangle of curls as the young man spoke to the Weyrlingmaster.

[archenstone]

Kalina could feel Uminth's excitement bubbling through her. She smiled as she rubbed the green. The once small shoulders where much larger now. The little hatchling that Kalina had first met was grown much bigger now. Kalina laughed happily.

We will fly! KaliMine...we will fly and I feel sooo good today! Uminth stretched her wings out. Now in the mornings we fly instead of run. I've had enough of running. She hummed happily.

Kalina chuckled again. "Do you think I finally got these stitches right?" She picked up the straps and held them up. Uminth looked at it with one swirling eye.

How am I supposed to know what good stitching is? If you mean to ask if the stitching is even through out I can say yes. Then she heard Kaaoloth's call and flicked her tail. Let us go to class Mine. Today we have a visitor. Uminth crouched so that Kalina could climb up easily and padded off towards the training area.

"So? What's he going to do... tell me how bad my stitching is? I don't need a Weyrleader to do that!" She could feel Uminth rumble through her hands. Don't be sarcastic today KaliMine. We should be friends with everyone!

"If you say so Uminth." She said.

They reached the practice field and Uminth stopped. He's so....big. Kalina patted her reassuringly. Perhaps but you are my perfect. What? Do I feel a hint of nervousness? She stepped down as Uminth said, I'm not nervous!

Goodmorning everyone! She broadcasted to both males and Oquith. She settled in next to Oquith to begin stretches. Today is perfect....yes? Uminth said happily to Oquith.

Meanwhile after casting a glance towards Uminth and the other dragons Kalina walked into the classroom. She paused before T'rid for a moment as if observing him for the first time. Then she gave a small bow, "Good Morning," She said politely before seating herself with her straps. There, I was polite. Happy Uminth? She felt her bonded's amusement and smiled again.

[Rei]

((Sorry this is so late. You can shoot me later xD))

Kaaoloth called a welcome to Corinth before rumbling happily as both of his students showed up. Good morning you two. Let us being stretches. Make sure you do them well today. We will be flying and it is important to be sufficiently warmed up. The large brown settled into stretches but kept a open ear, so to speak, to his bonded’s thoughts ready to intervene should his become upset.

Sel’n watched impassively as T’rid entered. He rose to greet the Weyrleader, his eyebrow raising at T’rid’s question. “You are here to inspect the classes flight straps. Surely you remember this from your own classes?” He said it sedately, letting no ounce of the anger that was slowly creeping enter his tone. The brown rider turned to the class. “In the interest of keeping you safe our Weyrleader will be inspecting your riding straps today. After your straps have been inspected please make your way to the training field where we will have our first short flight today.” Sel’n motioned for the weyrling’s to approach T’rid and stepped back to oversee the whole process. Be nice. Kaaoloth cautioned his, before turning back to the young dragons.

Vanity skittered down the hallway of the barracks. So this is where hers went everyday. She had gotten bored quite quickly today and decided to amuse herself by finding out where hers had gone. She peeked under the door, for once in her life staying silent. For now.

[Avu]

Corinth answered Kaaoloth's welcoming call with a soft rumble, dipping his head to the older brown dragon as his tail snaked around his haunches, the tip tapping against one haunch lightly, eyes wheeling easy colors, though there was the slight darkness to them as he concentrated on His. Keep Stupid /out/ of sight, the bronze hissed urgently. Since when have I ever been able to control what Stupid does? T'rid grumbled in response, cupping one hand absently over his shirt pocket as Stupid squirmed slightly inside, a dark brown head and beady eyes taking a swift peek around the room before the brown 'mandyr yawned, deliberately flaring his frill in defiance of the orderl classroom, and sank back down again.

Despite his firm instructions to the 'mandyr to stay down and shut up, T'rid managed to keep his face impassive, an impressive feat considering how badly he wanted to be out of there. He wanted to be doing something else. Anything else. He didn't want to see Weyrlings and listen to them ogle Corinth and giggle at Stupid or whatever Weyrlings did in their spare time; it simply didn't matter to him and as a result, the bronzerider had an awfully hard time even pretending that he cared in the slightest about the fools. The highly explosive train of thought was halted momentarily as another Weyrling entered the classroom, T'rid taking a swift step away from the girl, quirking one brow slightly as she stopped in front of him, bowed - another bow? He really should start keeping count - and moved on. Issa stupid? Stupid questioned privately from his pocket, and T'rid glanced down at the brown 'mandyr, meeting beady, curious eyes. Yes, he agreed, Is a stupid indeed.

As Sel'n answered his question, T'rid couldn't repress the slightly smirky grin that spread across his features as he cocked his head slightly to one side, eyebrow sliding towards his hairline. His own classes? There were so many problems with the idea that he could possibly recall anything from his own classes - first being, it had been almost five Turns ago - nearing six, maybe? He didn't bother remembering anything as trivial as Weyrleader coming to check flight straps. And then - though he and Corinth had dutifully attended lessons, more because of the bronze dragon's choice than his own - he hadn't payed much attention at all to what had actually been said. It had been disappointingly simple, learning the hand signals, and going between, too. Flying was easy for Corinth, probably because of the almost disproportionately large wings the bronze bore.

He stayed silent, though the smirk said all that needed to be said. The Weyrleader shrugged, and T'rid gestured towards the first Weyrling to enter, the small boy - he was terribly young, the bronzerider noted with some surprise - to get his flight straps out. As the boy obeyed, T'rid stepped towards the Greenweyrling's desk and picked up the straps, swiftly running his fingers over the stitches and checking the strength of the leather with tugs. Each place that was commonly worn down on a dragon's flight straps before the others, too, was checked, and then he shrugged, offering them back to the Greenweyrling. "They're fine," he informed the boy curtly, and the Greenweyrling took the straps and slid out of the door silently, towards the training field and the dragons. T'rid watched him go, one brow arching expressively. Is he mute? he queried of Corinth. The bronze started at his question, and huffed. They don't let those incapable of speech Stand for dragon clutches, the dragon reminded His.

Ah, yes. Well, there were always accidental Impressions...I guarantee you that he is /not/ mute. Antisocial 'brat, then, T'rid noted lazily, moving on to Kalina's straps, gently tugging them out of the girl's hands and repeating the check that he had with Tr'esn's straps. "Fine," he repeated shortly after he'd finished, giving the flight straps back to the girl. Shells, his own straps weren't even this good - he needed to make new ones, but he never had the time, and he'd end up falling on his face someday when Corinth decided to flip mid-air. Yes...he really did need to make new straps. But, shards...making flight straps was boring. You'll be glad for that few hours of boredom during Threadfall, Corinth commented waspishly. Issa stupid threeeaaaaad, Stupid answered Corinth in T'rid's defense, and the dragon fell silent with a slight snort of reproval, much to T'rid's amusement and Stupid's delight.

The big bronze one had listened to him! Did His see that? But T'rid was distracted again as he stepped back so that he wasn't blocking Kalina's path outside, and raised his eyebrow. "Am I done now? - as much as I'd like to waste my time indulging Weyrlings, I really do have more important things to do..." Did he mean to come across as condescending? Oh, yes, that was entirely his intention. Good morning, Oquith, Uminth, Corinth stated in the back of his mind to both greens, watching them stretch impassively. Both of them would be flying today, yes? Exciting for them, no doubt...the bronze stretched slightly, his wings held furled against his sides as he eyed Kaaoloth and the two Weyrlings.

~*~*~

Aha, Kalina was here. Uminth is here, too, Oquith rejoiced cheerfully, warbling a greeting to her clutchsister at the green's greeting. Hello, clutchsister Uminth, the green greeted, It is indeed perfect. Today we'll fly - like clutchmother and father, and all the other dragons - fly! We'll fly...like I promised Tr'esnmine. Pleased by the prospect, Oquith threw an affectionate glance in the direction that Hers lay in. Naturally, there was a wall between herself and Tr'esnhers, but nonetheless, the gaze was clearly loving and tender, and she would have nuzzled Hers could she have reached the boy at the time. However, though he responded to her loving thoughts with his own, Oquith could sense Tr'esn's nervousness and pranced slightly, a physical representation of the young man's feelings.

Oh, yes, stretches. She had expected that...but Oquith hadn't expected to do them under the bronze dragon's watchful eye. Not just a bronze dragon; no, this was the bronze of the Weyr. The Weyrleader's bronze, and he was here, watching? The green felt a slight nervousness as she flicked an anxious glance in the bronze's direction, but he merely hummed encouragingly, and Oquith tentatively began to follow Kaaoloth in the stretches, gaining confidence as she realized she was familiar with these stretches. She had done these, before, and recognized them. The thought of flying with Hers strengthened the green and enthusiasm slipped into her performance. I'm doing lovely, Tr'esnlovemine; the Weyrleader is impressed by our straps? They are very nicely done, the green stated confidently.

He's...looking. Tr'esn dropped his eyes nervously from the bronzerider's face to the straps, shifting from foot to foot uncomfortably as the young man tugged lightly at the straps, ran his fingers over the stitches, and finally spoke. "They're fine." Had he been expecting words of enthusiastic delight, of encouragement, of obvious and sincere pride? No. But it wouldn't have hurt, and Tr'esn merely shrugged as he took the straps and made his way silently out of the door, yearning for Oquith's touch. He said...he said they're fine, the boy stated softly to Oquith, who crooned. Pleased. She was pleased. They're fine. That's...is that code for...they're wonderful? Despite himself, a gentle smile touched the boy's lips. I don't think that's code for anything...they're just...fine.

As he reached the dragons, Tr'esn bowed nervously to Corinth, and then to Kaaoloth, and promptly slid to stand next to Oquith, slumping into a sitting position next to the green dragon as Oquith crooned a delighted greeting to him, though she didn't stop the stretches. Oh! Hello, Tr'esnlovemine, she crooned happily. We are very, very close to flying...I can't wait, Tr'esnlovemine. I just can't wait, I'm sooo excited! It showed, too, the green weyrling's impatience to be in the air and soaring with the updrafts, the thermals, the winds to play on and to fly, to fly, free, limitless; she pranced slightly mid-stretch and her wings were flared as her eyes sparkled iridiscent shades of deep, brilliant blue.

Oh, yes, she was very much looking forward to this!

[archenstone]

Uminth warbled happily as she stretched. She had stretched a lot, yes? Uminth couldn't be happier to share this day of hers with Oquith, whose mood match hers. Yes! Yes! We fly today. Perhaps you and...Tr..Tr'esn would accompany us on our morning flights? Mine runs everyday and she promised we would switch to flying as soon as we had our lesson.

Kalina looked up at T'rid. Well Uminth, he says their fine. So I'm coming out now. "Alright...meet you out there." Kalina offered T'rid a small smile as she headed out. Things where looking better than she thought. See? See Mine? He didn't say your stitches are crooked. He said they're fine! All that work went well then yes? Kalina's smile widened when she saw Uminth stretching out. You were right Uminth! Today we will fly...and every morning we will fly too. She politely waves at Corinth and Kaooloth. "Hello!"

She walked over to Tr'esn and included him with her smile. "So...how far do you think we can fly before they call us back?" Her grin was included in her eyes..giving her an excited, mischievous look.

[neeuqtar]

Vashti and Wymeth were always up first of all the weyrlings. There was just far too much to do before lessons for them to wait for dawn, or to even wake normally. As soon as predawn turned the midnight into wan light, a drudge made the long hike up the drumtower to where Vashti slept, in the WeyrDrummer quarters. Wymeth was too large to fit there comfortably anymore, but didn't require the comfort of a cavern--so she slept curled around the tower on the dark Heights, the sounds of the jungle her lullaby.

Then there were drums to be dried of dew and polished clean, breakfast to be eaten (brought up by the poor drudge), and clothes to be put on. Vashti usually got her preparation done by the time the sun crested the jungle, warming the wet air and awakening the flocks of raucous darters and creatures of the jungle. Then it was Wymeth's turn for preparation, which took far longer due to her inability to feel pain. And they were running late when Kaaoloth called them down to lessons.

Vashti cursed softly under her breath, but kept carefully wrapping Wymeth's toes and ankles with the thick, slightly elastic cloth they used. We really should hasten to the lessons, Vash-love, Wymeth said as Vashti laboriously finished her hind right foot. The Weyrlingmaster truly dislikes when we are late, and I would greatly love to see Oquith and Qualuth again. Vashti blew a strand of hair out of her face. I don't need these, truly, the dragon offered after a moment. I will remember to lift my feet up!

"It's better to be safe, my love," Vashti replied, refusing to rush. "You nearly lost all of your foretoes in that scrape. You should be thankful," she chastised lovingly, finishing the wrapping and striding over to grab the flight straps she'd worked long and hard on, tossing them over the green's muscular back with the ease of long practice. Straps were organized and cinched tightly, and then checked again with strong fingers attuned to detail. Wymeth snorted and tossed her head, irritated at the delay. Vashti chuckled, shrugging on her flight jacket, and vaulted onto the saddle pad.

Wymeth didn't pause, bounding down the pathway, slowing where she had to climb, all the while humming about how glad she was to see Oquith and Qualuth again. You saw them just yesterday! Vashti laughed. Going to see Oquith, going to see Qualuth! Wymeth continued, unperturbed. They arrived, yes, late, but at least before the flights. Vashti swung back down and bowed to the Weyrleader and the Weyrlingmaster before guiding Wymeth over to the end of the inspection line.

Oquith-love! she crooned in delight. I will come and nuzzle you when we are done with inspection, she promised her beloved Clutchsister. But we were slow this morning and Vash-mine wouldn't let us leave until my feet were safe. The green shook one of her forefeet in distaste. It made her feel weird, to have to wear cloth on her feet all the time. She didn't like being weird.