Blooming Weyrlings (Lesson 13)

[Rei]

Lesson 13:
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

Maybe this position would not be as horrible as he predicted. Sel’n thought to himself hopefully as he looked at the poor attendance record. It was a double edged sword. On the plus side he wouldn’t have to do anything but show up and get paid on the down side the weyrlings were sealing the weyr’s fate with their lax attitude. Kaaoloth seemed to love to push him into things he didn’t want to do. Who knows you may enjoy it. Kaaoloth’s amused voice echoed inside the brown riders head. At least you will meet more people.

Sel’n snorted. What are you talking about? Hardly anyone has been showing up at all for these classes. It is pathetic really. You wouldn’t dare skip classes at Fort. Selenitas is to easy on it’s youth. They will have problems mark my word. For Faranth’s sake just look at our Weyrleader. Kaaoloth had to agree on that statement. Be that as it may Mine we do at least have to make an attempt. Sure, sure call the brats I bet you not one will show. Sel’n replied irritably.

Kaaoloth raised his head and snorted before speaking to the Blooming Weyrling Class. Attention Blooming Weyrlings! Class will begin shortly. Please report to the classroom where Assistant Weyrling Master Sel’n will give today’s lesson. You will need your flight straps today. As Kaaoloth severed the connection Sel’n leaned back in his chair and put his feet on the desk. No one would show so why was he bothering?



Roll Call Blooming
Savitri of Gold Hepaticath
K’dran of Bronze Risith
R’aro of Bronze Idith
Gl’myr of Brown Origoth (APC)
Roshya of Blue Sheyath
L’nos of Blue Bivroth(NPC)
As’lin of Blue Stillith
M’kier of Blue Tepidoth (NPC)
C’ralt of Blue Vomath (NPC)
J’on of Green Rinagth
Aminadra of Green Sairmonath(NPC)
Liassa of Green Tiaeth(NPC)
Lyelle of Green Pipsissoth(NPC)
O’dan of Green Emerith
Celeyn of Green Foglith


One post
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[Kisha-Ra]

J’on started in surprise, a polite call to classes? That was a change from the string of ‘Get here or die’ type calls he was used to, he looked at his fellow greenriders and friends O’dan and Janisi with a curious expression on his face. O’dan exchanged a glance with him but Janisi just looked confused.

‘We seem to have a new weyrlingmaster.’ O’dan explained the exchange of glances to Janisi who had recently graduated, having Impressed at an earlier clutch than her friends, so wouldn’t have been called. ‘Again.’ O’dan added.

J’on rose regretfully from his relaxed position against Rinagth’s side, a pose echoed by the other dragons and riders, and stood back so that Rinagth could get up and stretch. ‘You coming or what?’ he asked O’dan who hadn’t moved, though Janisi and Storith were also preparing to leave their riverside relaxation and his own dragon was twitching her tail, clearly impatient.

‘What’s the point?’ O’dan groused. ‘We’ve missed so many lessons we might as well just join the junior classes now and save everyone the trouble of telling us.’ His mouth twisted bitterly as he wondered how things had ever gotten this way, it hadn’t seemed too bad to skip a lesson or two to avoid the surly Aryna who originally taught them but going back had been worse, even if you said you were ill, even if you were actually ill, it still put you on the wrong end of the woman’s temper. After a while ignoring the call and putting pressure on his dragon and his friend to miss the lesson was just easier than going back no matter who took the class.

I want to go, we’ll be flying today, I’m the best flier. Let’s go even if he doesn’t. Emerith wants to come too, we should go and make him come so I can beat Emerith at flying![/color] Rinagth clamoured in J’on’s mind, flaring her long wings out to emphasise her begging. ‘Come on O’dan. We’ve don’t want to put another weyrlingmaster’s hackles up and this one even sound civil, or at least his dragon does and like dragon, like rider right?’ J’on whined persuasively, having made up his mind to go anyway when Rinagth started begging like a child. ‘I’m going anyway, you aren’t going to convince me this time. I don’t want Rina to be the oldest weyrling green ever.’ J’on threw the last words in his friend’s face deliberately, knowing that O’dan felt guilty about holding Emerith back.

O’dan shifted guiltily and Emerith chose that moment to put in her two marks worth. Please. I don’t want to stay a weyrling forever, nor do you. You are much happier when we go to the lessons.[/color] O’dan stood up instantly, anything to make his dragon happy, Emerith cared too much about her riders happiness and not enough about her own. Oh loveling I’m so sorry. I’ll never skip classes again O’dan jumped up and snatched up his straps from the ground, joining his friends in readying their dragons for flight, impulsively promising the near impossible for Emerith.

‘Well, glad you two worked it out.’ Janisi smiled to take the sting out of her words.

A little later, having settled their mindmates on the training field J’on and O’dan entered the classroom with pens, paper, their riding gear, and guilty expressions.

[kysseh]

I wish I could blame my irritation on your bad mood, but it seems I am similarly annoyed by the arrival of yet another new teacher. Can they not keep the same one? Hepaticath commented almost offhandedly, sounding almost surprised by her own irritation. Dipping a wing to alter her change in direction, the gold moved in wide circles over the training field, working to select the best spot to land whilst Hers continued a mental litany of complaints. Lessons were normally a happy time, but a new teacher and the embarrassingly poor attendance record of their classmates had both females sulking. Hepaticath wanted to lecture all of her errant clutchmates, which led to her rider having to yank on the metaphorical reins to keep the gold from overstepping her authority.

Temporary lack of authority. Hepaticath politely reminded Hers as she finally dove for the ground, angling her body and backwinging for a mostly-graceful landing away from the others. There was little growing left for her to do, but graceful, easy movements were still a work in progress. Being large meant it took more effort to coordinate all the parts, even though Hepaticath could never be called bulky. Just.... big. We will graduate soon, and then I will have authority and will chase all of the weyrlings to their lessons. she concluded calmly, lowering her neck to allow Hers to dismount and snorting at the eyeroll that Savitri offered. What?

I was just wondering how I used to doubt that you possessed an ego. the young woman replied privately, shaking her head and adjusting her riding gear once her feet were firmly planted on the ground. One graceful hand came up to check her hair, secured in a bun at the nape of her neck. Good... solid and out of the way, which she liked. "Bend down so I can check your straps again. I've still got a few minutes," she told her dragon, spending a moment running her hands over the straps and tugging on a few to make sure they were secured. Her paranoia momentarily put to rest, the healer made for the classroom, the strap of her bag slung over her shoulder. Who's this teacher of ours, by the way? I don't remember the name.

Kaaoloth's. They Chased Aslath, I think. Hepaticath remarked mildly to Hers. She only remembered the brown for that reason, though it mattered little. She would meet him soon enough. Hello. A fine day for flying, isn't it? the gold said politely to her fellow weyrlings, trying to distance herself from the irritation that Hers was putting off. It was making her antsy.

Not the first to arrive... but far from the last. Shocking. Savitri resisted the urge to throw something against the wall in sheer frustration. A quick glance at the front of the room reassured her that they were at least getting a mature rider for a teacher. She had almost been afraid that someone with approximately the maturity of the current weyrleader would take over, and that would have been a disaster. Savitri had issues with idiots in authority positions, and she was fairly sure someone would have left with a broken nose. That thought alone shocked her. Thoughts of violence?! Perhaps she had been a worse mood than she thought, and she narrowed her eyes a bit, lips pursing in frustration. Splendid.

"Good day, weyrlingmaster," she said politely. She could pester Hepaticath to come up with a name, but the lounging man would surely introduce himself. It mattered very little to her. Until or unless she knew him well, he would continue to be 'weyrlingmaster' in her mind. It was a habit, borne of respect and perpetuated through Turns of practice. Nodding her head at the other weyrlings present--J'on and O'dan, if she remembered correctly--the young woman patiently waited for the lesson to begin, praying it wasn't another firestone drill. She hated those.

[Kisha-Ra]

Sunlight sparkled off a lovingly oiled hide; Roshya smiled fatuously and ran a hand over Sheyath’s neck. The pale blue shuddered and snorted, sending his flight path slightly skewed. That tickles. You like my hide better than I do.[/color] Sheyath complained but with overtones of amusement because Roshya had never really lost the obsession with her dragon’s appearance that all weyrlings had to begin with, Sheyath was scrubbed and oiled every day whether he particularly wanted to be or not.

Sorry Roshya apologised as Sheyath corrected his course slightly and dropped into a downward spiral that placed him neatly on the training field with two of the greens, whose names Roshya embarrassingly failed to recall, and Hepaticath. You are not.[/color] The blue replied calmly, standing still to let Roshya get down. Good day.[/color] Sheyath offered a polite greeting to his clutchmates.

Roshya walked into the classroom and carelessly dropped her stuff on the nearest desk and looked around the room. the number of students matched the number of dragons outside, two boys who must be the greens’ riders, looking guilty, Roshya pegged them as one’s who’d missed a lot of lessons, and Savitri looking… well Roshya had never been good at reading the other girl even though they had been roommates. The fourth person was an older man who must be the new weyrlingmaster, Roshya gave him a respectful nod but didn’t say anything yet.


I don’t want to. Please Idith. Don’t. R’aro begged his dragon, clinging to the straps and shaking like he’d never flown before. Idith calmly continued his flight, deceptively lazy wingstrokes taking him toward the gathering on the training field with far greater speed then R’aro would have liked.

I shall, you shall.[/color] The bronze replied implacably, very glad that R’aro had been flying with him when the call to lessons came, it meant they were both already equipped and that the only way R’aro could escape was to fall or jump off, which he was too sensible for.You cannot always hide. You need to face your fears or they will hurt you, your fear has hurt you already by making you hide from lessons.[/color] Idith spoke calmly and determinedly, he would not be swayed. The bronze didn’t remember where his rider’s unreasoning fear of other men had come from but he couldn’t help the feeling that he had something to do with it, therefore he would help R’aro get over it. Even if R’aro didn’t like his help.

Idith touched down among the other dragons and turned his head back to R’aro, who had stopped begging now. Get down now. Go inside, or I will call the little ones and make them drag you in.[/color] Idith threatened firmly though the yellow hues of his eye betrayed his real concern for R’aro.

R’aro couldn’t believe Idith had done this to him, and in the remaining rational part of his mind couldn’t believe his own reaction. Panic and beg to be allowed to run away, what kind of person did that? Idith was right wherever he got the idea from, R’aro needed to fight his fear and act normally. He set his jaw firmly and walked toward the door. Idith sighed and watched him go. I don’t understand him sometimes.[/color] Idith muttered, half to himself and half to the other dragons.

R’aro shuddered and rushed into the classroom before he could back out, taking the furthest chair from the weyrlingmaster as possible and trying to think rationally.

[Rei]

((I am counting the NPC’s here and well as the APC))

It looks as though you have lost your bet Selmine. Badly. The amusement in Kaaoloth’s tone at the sheer surprise emanating from his bonded was impossible to ignore. Kaaoloth rose to his feet and gave a bugle to welcome the arriving dragons. Even gold Hepaticath is here. We will have a large class today mine! Sel’n chuckled quietly as the students began to file in some of them looking rather embarrassed. It was probably the curiosity about their new teacher than forced them to come. Nevertheless they were here and that was all that mattered. Perhaps there was hope for the weyr yet.

Sel’n rose from the desk as the last lad took a seat. He strode to the front of the room and addressed them all in a friendly yet authoritative tone. “Good morning class. I am your new teacher Sel’n of brown Kaaoloth. I hail from Fort Weyr. Kaaoloth was born in Benden and hatched at Fort. Yes Kaaoloth was one of the dragons who gave rise to the war. Nevertheless I am now a Selenitas rider and your fates concern me just as much as if I had been born here. You are my students and so important to me. If you have questions or concerns it would be best to voice them now before we get started. You lesson today will be a bit unorthodox. I will require your utmost attention and concentration to avoid any injuries so it is imperative that you get comfortable with my presence.” He paused and scanned the class room scrutinizing each student carefully. They seemed to be a good bunch and most seemed to be paying attention.

“Before you start throwing your questions at me I will revel your lesson for today. As you are well aware these times are dangerous at best. We may eventually have a all out war with Benden although we pray that is not the case. Benden is not done with us mark my words. They do not let things go easily. The time may come when you and your dragons will be needed to battle against their own kind. As horrible as that fact is it is sometimes unavoidable. Dragons were not born to fight their own kind but you must be prepared for that very real possibility. Today Kaaoloth and I will be instructing you in dragon vs. dragon combat. You can plainly see why this means you must trust me and my dragon. I will answer your concerns and questions just as Kaaoloth will answer your dragons concerns and questions. Now will someone please start us off?”

Kaaoloth had similarly addressed the other dragons and his eyes whirled a happy blue and he swung his head back and forth to regard each of the young ones. Now who has questions? Do not be afraid to voice them. The brown said in a light conversational tone, his tail tip twitching with suppressed excitement. How he loved interacting with the young ones!

[kysseh]

Was he really proud of the fact that his mindmate was one of the creatures that had started this ridiculous war? Not that a hatchling could be blamed for something beyond its control, but...

Savitri pushed that rather negative line of thinking from her mind. It was a waste of energy, not to mention it distracted her from the teacher's important speech. Better a former Fort rider than a Selenitas one to teach this one, she supposed. The former northern riders were more accomplished and experienced fighters, though she was still a bit put off by the concept of learning dragon-on-dragon combat. That was all they needed: a dozen inexperienced, still-clumsy weyrlings feinting strikes at each other with only one supervising agent. She trusted Hepaticath to keep herself away from the claws, given the time the pair had 'played' with irritable Tanith, but it was still... she wasn't looking forward to it, certainly.

Hopefully, he doesn't just throw us into the air and tell us to fight. He seems sensible. Maybe we'll survive intact. she commented dryly to her dragon, gratified when Hepaticath enthusiastically echoed that sentiment. It seemed the weyrlingmaster's brown was similarly lecturing the dragons, and Hepaticath was listening with her usual politeness. You going to ask questions?

Maybe. Kaaoloth seems entirely too happy about lessons. the gold commented offhandedly back to Hers, settling back on her haunches and inclining her head. Yes... yes, that brown was far too happy. It was odd, though perhaps his enthusiasm was the presence of so many greens. That did tend to make males very happy. Perhaps it was why Hers got all warm when- oh, wait, what? She squirmed a bit on her haunches and then rumbled in quiet amusement. What sort of techniques will we be learning? Offensive or defensive... evasive? the gold inquired curiously of Kaaoloth. The mere thought had her eager to try some diving passes on one of her clutchmates. Where was Risith? She still owed him a thump or two for clawing Hers to bits...

Enthusiasm, dismay, and amusement had been warring in Savitri's expression for a few seconds before polite interest took precedence. Now was not a good time to irritate the new weyrlingmaster by bursting out with the first thought that came to mind, which was a concern on how they would do this safely. She took in a deep breath and then quietly exhaled, the picture of a calm, attentive student. Just because she had to know this did not mean she had to like it. There would be other supervision, she hoped. What she wouldn't give for a private lesson with Aliscia as opposed to a free-for-all with a bunch of-

No, no. She would set a good example and ask a question. Too bad Hepaticath had already asked hers. Shardit. "Are we all going to be in the air together?" she inquired politely when no one else seemed to be speaking up. That was a decent enough question, and it was certainly a concern.

[Kisha-Ra]

J’on sighed he could feel Rinagth’s excitement about the upcoming lesson though he personally didn’t like the sound of it. Not because this man was a former Fort rider, J’on had never really paid much mind to the war as long as Selenitas Weyr was safe. No, J’on didn’t like the thought that his dragon might one day be involved in combat, and J’on didn’t much like the level of enthusiasm Rinagth was showing either. Knowing her anti gold mentality she might decide to do something… foolish to Hepaticath, or even one of the other greens. J’on was happy enough to let Savitri take the lead in questioning their teacher, he had enough to think about right now.

Rinagth twisted her neck around to look at Kaaoloth flirtatiously and half raised her wings, gently fanning them a little to let everyone see the yellow threads that shimmered thought her wing membrane and hide. Wasn’t she much prettier that that attention seeking gold? Of course she was! It was a shame the gold had already asked a sensible question though; Rinagth couldn’t think of a way to compete on that level.


R’aro relaxed a bit, it wasn’t so bad, there was the whole length of the room between him and Sel’n and judging by the man’s announcement that they’d be taught some combat skills everyone would be going out to the training field soon. R’aro cast a glance around the room trying to weigh up his classmates’ reactions, some were excited, some were worried, and some were disapproving. After a pause Savitri asked a question and R’aro found he had something to add. ‘What kind of thing are we going to be learning here? Something to apply to an entire wing, single combat, the best way to escape?’ He asked before he could think the better of it.

Idith relaxed a little as R’aro asked his question, it showed his rider was getting interested in the lesson, maybe too interested to be scared of Kaaoloth’s rider. The bronze looked around at his classmates, unsure about this idea. Still if there was any dragon and rider to teach them the ways of combat it would be a pair like Kaaoloth and His, there was a pair everyone could admire.


A former Fortman? Well Roshya couldn’t blame him for Impressing his Kaaoloth in the north now could she? As for Kaaoloth being one of a stolen clutch, well neither of them could help that either. Besides Roshya had a suspicion that the north would have erupted into war eventually anyway, certainly the continent’s recent history swung in that direction. She made a face at her own thoughts, ah the joy of being a harper’s child.

Whatever his origin Sel’n was their weyrlingmaster now, surely trusted by the weyrleaders, and he had been open enough about his past at the outset. Roshya was prepared to trust him as long as he didn’t have any suicidal plans for them. She leaned forward, paying attention to everything.

Sheyath cocked his head to one side, curious about the lesson, waiting for further prompting. He had nothing to ask yet, maybe something would occur once Kaaoloth and Sel’n had answered the first round.

O’dan didn’t think much about their teacher’s origin, he only cared that the man was much less surly than anyone who’d taught the weyrling class yet, and that he hadn’t mentioned attendance yet. Unorthodox huh? O’dan had his doubts that anyone even knew what Sel’n was planning to teach but he wasn’t going to say anything. He thought it was a good idea for everyone to learn how to defend themselves considering some of the things that had happened in the past, providing it was handled properly. What do you think? he automatically asked Emerith.

I don’t know.[/color] the green replied doubtfully. We might meet someone who’ll attack us one day and I’m not as fast or agile as other greens, I might not get away. But if we do this you might get hurt.[/color] Emerith’s tail switched uneasily, thumping Rinagth across the flank quite by accident. This won’t be really dangerous for our riders if we do it correctly, right?[/color] Emerith asked Kaaoloth anxiously.

O’dan frowned Emerith was right about not being as fast as other greens, but not about him getting hurt. He was really going to pay attention now he was here. ‘Are we going to be learning general things or are there some things that only certain dragons, like fast or big ones, will be able to learn?’ O’dan hoped the answer would be no, and hoped it would be yes, he didn’t want Emerith to feel inadequate but it would be good if there was something only she could learn to do, or that she could do better than the other greens, that would make her feel better about herself.

[Rei]

Kaaoloth noted the unease of his young charges. Well that was only to be expected after all these dragons had never faced combat before. He rumbled approvingly at Hepaticath’s question. Hopefully you be learning all three. We will rise one pair at a time and you will compete in a mock battle with me and mine. There will be no betweening. His voice was firm at that statement. Between fighting is an advanced technique only taught to riders who are quite adept at battle and betweening in general. You can seriously harm or even kill yourself and your bonded with wrong coordinates. The pairs not involved will sit on the sideline and watch the battle. No one is required to participate if they do not want to. We will not force you.

He fell silent and scanned the rest of the young ones as he waited for another question. The large brown rumbled as a green spoke up. No this should not be dangerous to you or yours. You will be attacking me and I will only parry or dodge. I will not strike back. If you or yours feels uncomfortable at anytime during the battle you need only voice your concerns and we will immediately cease. He swung his head to regard the others who had not yet spoken. The rest of you have no concerns? He queried.

Sel’n scanned his class with a practiced eye and noted the varying levels of worry and disapproval. That was to be expected he would have been surprised if anyone was all gung ho to start fighting. He had almost decided to just launch into another explanation when Savitri spoke up. “No you are going to enter the air one pair at a time. Your opponents will be Kaaoloth and I. You will try to strike at us and Kaaoloth and I will evade. Queens are traditionally not expected to participate in battle at all due to obvious reasons. The Queens are the dragons who keep our weyr up to strength. They are the backbone of the weyr the reason for it’s existence. Normally if a battle were to break out after threadfall, or anytime when the Queens are in attendance they are instructed to return to the weyr and prepare for possible evacuation with the weyrlings should the wings fail. Sometimes though a Queen may have to defend herself long enough to jump. That is why I figured you might be interested in participating with your classmates. None of you however will be forced to participate if you do not want to. I suggest you talk it over with your dragons when we get to the training field and let me know your decision then.” He took another look around the classroom. “Any other questions?”

At R’aro’s question Sel'n turned and gave a small smile. “There is wing on wing combat but today you will be participating in single combat. After classes are over if you have any questions or concerns, or if you wish to practice wing fighting you can come to me and Kaaoloth and we would be happy to instruct you. Your instruction does not end when you graduate. You will always be my students and so I will always be willing to lend a hand.”

He turned to face the lad as O’dan spoke, good it seemed as though the others were growing bolder. “No every dragon will be able to perform these maneuvers, although some will be better at it than others. In battle each dragon has it’s own unique style and each will learn different ways of dealing with different situations. Now if there are no more questions we will make our way to the training grounds so that we may begin.” With that Sel’n stood and motioned towards the door.

[kysseh]

Queens... were not expected to fight... at all? Savitri let that thought filter through her mind and felt Hepaticath's grumbling opposition to that thought. Defend myself... long enough... to run away? I am a /queen/. I do not /flee/. I protect my hatchlings and my friends, and I will bite anyone who says otherwise. the queen declared fiercely to Hers, enough that Savitri's eyes went wide with surprise. At the training field, the gold was looking more than a tad irritated by the revelation of this fact, her eyes flashing from blue to yellow and then back to blue-green again within a breath or two. We will learn everything that they do, Mine. This is ridiculous. I am bigger than the rest of them. Of /course/ I can fight!

Bigger and less agile, Cath. Slow down and calm down; you're taking this entirely too personally. Savitri bluntly informed her dragon, tactlessly enough that the queen actually listened. Besides, the weyrlingmaster is saying we'll be able to practice several maneuvers, so... relax. And while you're at it, tell Idith to tell whatever-his-name-is to stop looking so nervous. I'm not the one putting him off-color, am I? The young woman eyed R'aro where he lingered near the back of the room. He was unusually skittish for a bronzerider. None of the others she had met were so... edgy. Maybe he was just nervous about fighting. He wasn't very old, after all.

He did ask sensible questions, though. He and..... O'dan, wasn't it? R'aro. That was the bronzeweyrling's name. She recognized J'on because Hepaticath amusedly recognized Rinagth, and... ahh, Roshya! She flicked the other female a genuine smile, wishing she had spent more time with the blueweyrling. Roshya seemed sensible and good-natured, two qualities that Savitri prized in people. The young woman made a mental note to snag her for a chat at some point. She missed some of her absent friends. At Sel'n's indication, Savitri stood and made for the door, patiently waiting for an opening in the exodus to slip out. Remind me to spend some time with Sheyath's, Cath. I haven't seen much of her lately. she commented absently to her dragon, sighing softly as she got close enough to see her dragon's posture. Do you /have/ to make Rinagth worse?!

Hepaticath had been watching the green preen and stretch yellow-tinted wing membranes, and the gold's eyes were suddenly whirling with polite amusement. She felt anything but threatened by Rinagth. The green could not compete in size or beauty or dignity, though she certainly was quite bold, Hepaticath granted. Amusingly so, in fact. She flicked her tongue out of her mouth and rumbled softly, angling her head to aim one blue-green eye at the green. How funny she was! Commenting was out of the question, though. The green would probably not appreciate that, and Hepaticath was loathe to disrupt the class for something so inappropriate, even if it was highly amusing. Instead, she turned her attention to Idith, at Hers' request, of course. Idith, Mine would like Yours to know that he does not need to be nervous. She will not eat him, and she will not let anyone eat him either. the young gold said very seriously to the bronze once their instructor had finished lecturing them. It all seemed very clear to her, this fighting thing.