Tidal Weyrlings (Lesson 5)

[Rei]

Lesson 5:
Classroom: Nutrition and First Aid Continues; Construction of First Individual First Aid Kits
Training Field: Dragonets Begin Following Riders in Ground Drill; Dragonets Taught to ‘Stand’ for Tack; Dragonets Taught to Aid Riders in Mounting; Proper Mounting Procedures

Sel’n leaned back in his chair as he scanned over the documents I’fael had left him. It seems as though our class contains quite a lot of slackers. Hopefully that can be fixed. Go ahead and call the weyrlings Kaao.

Kaaoloth raised his broad head and trumpeted. Attention all Tidal Weyrlings! Assistant Weyrling Master Sel’n requires your attendance in class. You will need to bring the riding straps you have made. Your prompt attention to this matter is not only recommended but required. If you fail to show you WILL be failed. The deep tones of Kaaoloth’s voice stressed the last line. They were not joking. They would force them to repeat classes for as long as it took.

Thank you Kaao we will see how many wisely show up. Kaaoloth rumbled in agreement from his position outside the classroom his whirling eyes scanning the horizon for any arriving weyrlings.



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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Three posts

[Avu]

They were good before, Oquith pointed out mildly, turning her head to watch Hers readjust the fighting straps. The boy glanced up, a slight smile quirking his soft lips, and shrugged before he returned his attention to the sewing. "You said yourself that it itched. So I'm tightening it." It didn't itch too badly. They were good, Oquith answered, the small green dragon flopping on the dragoncouch and rubbing her head against the cool, smooth stone. "'Good' isn't good enough," Tr'esn answered, tying off the knot and reaching out to Oquith with the leather straps. "Come here, now." The green slid obediently from the couch and butted her head against Hers' chest affectionately as he slipped on the straps and then twitched something into place before he quirked a finely drawn eyebrow upwards, though the motion was rended invisible due to the tawny curls that fell into his eyes. "Better?" Much! And - oh, Tremine, lessons! Morendoth's not our teacher anymore, the green added, sounding rather bewildered.

"Another new Weyrlingmaster?" Tr'esn frowned uncertainly, sighing. He'd just gotten accustomed to I'fael, too...shaking his head to dismiss his unease, the Greenweyrling scooted himself to his feet, pushing open the door, followed by Oquith as the green, fighting straps still on, but forgotten, trotted around him curiously down the hallway. Now, then...the door was pushed openly slowly as the boy entered, pushing the curls out of his large eyes, which darted around the room as Oquith plopped herself down by the river with a croon, spreading her wings to gather the sun. Was I supposed to wear the straps here? she queried as an afterthought. Oh, shells... Tr'esn whirled, starting to say something, and then turned back slowly, bowing slowly to Sel'n with his head lowered.

"Um, Tr'esn of green Oquith, and if you don't mind, I need to get Qui's fighting straps off - y'see, we were - I was trying to adjust them when you called, and I - well, um. The point is, I forgot to take them off." He bit his lip, ashamed as Oquith padded up behind him, probably blocking the door as she crooned softly, pressing her muzzle against the small of his back and huffing, making his shirt ripple. Just take them off now, she suggested brightly. Qui, you're blocking the door... Tr'esn turned, flicking an apologetic glance at Sel'n as the green's eyes widened in surprise and she backed away from the door, sitting down with a slight huff and half-closing her eyes as Tr'esn hurriedly took off the straps. At least his constant readjustments had left him very adept at taking off and putting on the fighting straps, and within minutes, he had slid into the room, plopping himself at the desk and sliding the guilty straps beneath the desk as well.

Why was he always the first one here? Tr'esn stared blankly at his desk. Maybe the other Weyrlings were indisposed, but he doubted it, really. Last time there'd only been one here besides him - the tall Greenweyrling girl, what was her name, Ka-something - and even she'd been late. Didn't they know that they'd be failed? Of course they know, Oquith answered. Kaaoloth said it. Why aren't Telti and K'iel there? I haven't seen Wymeth or Qualuth in a while, the green added plaintively. I'll see if we can...do something...about that, Tr'esn answered slowly. Wymeth's is probably in the drumheights... But it's /lessons/. Hard to argue with that logic.

[archenstone]

Kalina walked in with Uminth from out side. This time, Uminth had slept somewhere safe...allowing both of them to be on time. As Kalina walked into her room with Uminth they heard the summons for class. I guess we have yet another instructor Uminth. Our clutch probably has the most Weyrlingmasters of all time or something. She pulled out the straps she had managed in last class. Unfortunately she didn't get enough time to have them looked at by I'fael. She hoped that following directions would be enough.

Lets go Mine! This means we get to meet someone new! Kalina smiled in Uminths direction. The pretty green was always so happy. Kalina followed her out with the riding straps in hand.

She reached the classroom and found a spot to sit. "Good morning Weyrling Master....Sel'n. I am Kalina and this is Uminth." Good morning!Uminth greeted Kaooloth happily.

[Rei]

Sel’n raised his head from the papers as a young lad entered the room and then immediately began to stammer an excuse about his flight straps. The rider was further amused as the lad’s green dragon appeared behind him and further sent the lad into nervous hysterics. The older rider smiled at the boy in amusement. Am I that scary Kaao? He remarked to his sunning brown. Kaaoloth snorted amusement coloring his tone as well. You are about as scary as a fangless tunnel snake.

“It’s ok lad I am gratified that you have been making adjustments to them. That is very responsible of you.” His attention was taken from the lad as a young girl walked into the classroom as well. He smiled as she introduced herself and sat. After waiting a few minutes to be sure no one else was coming he began to walk to the front of the room.

Standing at the front of the classroom Sel’n cleared his throat before beginning. “Good morning weyrlings. I am your new teacher Sel’n of brown Kaaoloth. I see no reason to further delay our lesson by waiting for students who very well may not show. Today I will inspect your flight straps and we will talk about their importance before we go out to the training field and practice taking the straps on and off. After I see you are adept at that you will practice mounting in preparation for your first flight. Now please display your straps for inspection.”

Kaaoloth rumbled a greeting to the two young greens. Good morning I am Kaaoloth. I will be teaching you from now on. Now please stretch out your wings and we will begin some stretches. Kaaoloth’s tone was light and friendly he stretched out his wings and gave them a flap before flaring them out to each side.

[Avu]

He felt stupid. Why on Pern had he been so nervous? The man didn't look like he was going to murder him, after all, had even been smiling, but still - people smiled a lot, and it didn't necessarily mean that they were happy or about to give you a cookie. Tr'esn rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed at his own overreaction as he plucked at his tunic for something to occupy his hands with. Always he was first - why? Did nobody else care that they wouldn't be able to fly, wouldn't be able to go between, if they didn't? True, Oquith and her clutchsiblings were only half-grown, still, but she was still much larger than any herdbeast already and quite capable of carrying his, Tr'esn's, weight - as demonstrated the other day when, in her excitement to be fed, she'd grabbed the collar of his shirt, lifting him clean off the ground and then took a leaping glide in the direction of the waiting food, with him swinging from her jaws like a ridiculous limp doll.

I am strong, and you are light, Oquith answered confidently. It was easy. It wasn't comfortable, Tr'esn answered, amused as he nodded at Kalina, who had apparently arrived on time this time. Were they to be the only ones? The only two Weyrlings to graduate? The others hadn't showed up at all for a long, long time...did they not care? Always, that same question. Perhaps they don't. Perhaps they think they can do it on their own, Oquith offered quietly, and Tr'esn sighed almost inaudibly, and then his eyes snapped up as Sel'n began to speak.

As he went over the lesson plan, Tr'esn felt his spirits lift. Inspecting the straps...he'd nearly driven Oquith crazy with constant readjustments, constant checking of the leather and fretting, and he was confident that the straps, at least, were fitted neatly to Oquith's frame. Taking them on and off, too, only took minutes for the Greenweyrling - he'd had to be quick before, as not to irritate his lovely Qui too badly when he was trying to adjust them, and as thus had become quite adept. Mounting, for first flight? A surge of excitement rose in the young man's stomach as he obediently pulled out the straps, running his fingers over the part that had been most difficult to sew, where the straps joined at the dragon's chest, but he was pleased to note that the stitches were even. As they should be, Oquith interjected. You certainly made enough adjustments. Biting back a smile, Tr'esn gently turned Oquith's attention to Kaaoloth. Shh, I know. First Flights, soon, Qui! We'll be flying soon...pay attention.

The brown's greeting earned a cheerful warble from Oquith as she bowed her head respectfully to the older dragon, arching her neck as she presented herself in front of him obediently. He wasn't as dark brown as Morendoth, but he was still a brown, and she liked browns. They were, generally speaking, nice; Morendoth, Leweleth, and now Kaaoloth. Yes, browns were nice. (But then, that wasn't much coming from Oquith, since the little green thought of every Selenitas dragon as 'nice' anyway.) Obediently extending her wings and flaring them, mimicking the older dragon's motions, Oquith cocked her head to examine the membrane impersonally. The kaleidescope of greens flashed in the sunlight as she crooned her excitement. Soon they'd be flying. Like she'd promised her Tr'esn. They would be flying!

[archenstone]

Kalina smiled, flight! Uminth easily picked up on her Mine's mood and opened her wings happily. Her tail flicked back and forth in eager anticipation. We will fly soon mine... and we will dance in the wing currents! Kaline looked over at her amused. And when did you learn about dancing? Uminth sent her an image of some one she had seen dancing. Try not to spy on anyone okay? What if he saw you? She wasn't mad at her Uminth but could only imagine the mischief she got into at times. Kalina nodded back at Tr'esn. I hope others will show up.

His dragon said he didn't mind. The big pretty brown was nice. Kalina just shook her head. Her little one was hardly shy. Kalina straightened out her flight straps... hoping hers where good. They had fit on Uminth nicely.

Kalina's mind wandered to M'ta. She hadn't seen him or his little brown as of late. What was going on? She decided after lessons she would hunt him down if he didn't show up today. This was ridicules... hiding over spilled food. Behruth! Clutchbrother. Mine is going to hunt yours! Maybe you can just bring him so she don't mess up my oiling...please???

[Rei]

Sel’n smiled as both weyrlings obediently got out their flight straps for inspection. The rider strode over to Tr’esn and gently took the straps from the lad running a practiced eye over the stitching. He then proceeded to tug on the straps testing to see if any part of the leather was stressed. He smiled before handing them back to the boy. “Very well done lad. You would be hard pressed to find a rider with better straps. I am correct in assuming you have spent a long time on them? They are very well done, and should serve you well. You may take your straps and join the dragons outside.” He gave the boy a clap on the shoulder before walking towards the young girl.

As Sel’n reached Kalina he gently took the straps from their place on her desk and gave them a few tugs. He held them up to the light to better examine the stitching. “Not bad Kalina, the leather is of fine quality but when you get done with today’s lesson you may want to re-stitch where the straps cross the chest. The stitching is a bit weak there. It will hold up for our lesson today but before we begin exercises off ground it will need to be fixed. When you finish correcting them I will look over them again. You may also join Tr’esn.” he waved her off and strode to his desk to write a short note to any late arrivals.

Kaaoloth watched as the young greens diligently followed his stretches. They were a good pair and obedient. Their muscles were developing nicely. He folded his wings with a snap and craned his neck toward the classrooms. Selmine says that your riders will be joining us shortly. Please line up side by side for the next part of the lesson. Nice job on your stretches today. We will begin each lesson with those stretches. I encourage you to perform them on your own also, perhaps for around 15 or so minutes a day while yours are doing their chores. He rumbled a greeting as Sel’n and the weyrlings approached and hopped to stand in front of the green pair.

[Avu]

Good? He had done good? A brief smile, triumphant, flashed over his face before he reaccepted the straps, murmuring a thanks and nodding in answer to the Weyrlingmaster's comment on the time spent on them. Actually, he had no idea how much time he'd spent on the straps. Obsessive readjustment made you loose track of time, really - but then, Tr'esn was something of a perfectionist. He'd had to be; if something was wrong when he was serving as a Drudge at Lighttower Hold, there would be consequences. And at the Weyr, there were consequences, too; you made good straps, durable and that would hold up under stress, or you fell off your dragon and broke your neck. And frankly, Tr'esn had no desire to die. Thus, he took time making his straps. Yes, it cut down badly on socialization time, but then Tr'esn had never particularly cared for socialization anyway.

At the man's dismissal, he picked up the straps, slipping his arm through them and bracing them against one shoulder, and then slid out the door in a full-out run - he wasn't wearing shoes today, and thus he was very quick indeed - as he made for Oquith. The young green, having obediently lined up next to Uminth as Kaaoloth had instructed, crooned a cheerful greeting to the young man as he approached, his gait slowing to an uncertain walk as he blinked shyly at Kaaoloth. The brown was so - so large. And if Oquith was large enough, mature enough, to start thinking about flying, that probably meant she wasn't going to get much bigger. And she was so much smaller than the brown was. Thanking Faranth devoutly that he hadn't Impressed a behemoth of a dragon, Tr'esn dipped into a bow to the brown, uncomfortable with his precense and uncertain how he ought to react.

How'd it go? Oquith asked brightly, stretching her neck to nuzzle his chest as Tr'esn straightened, wrapping his free arm loosely around the green's neck and moving closer to her in an absentminded search for consolation. Well. They're good. Did you doubt my word? You must have spent a fortnight on those things, Oquith answered, flicking her tailtip emphatically as she huffed softly, poking his cheek with her muzzle in light amusement. Are we flying, now? Is that why the stretches, Mine? Stretches? Tr'esn answered eloquently. We had to do stretches. A warmup, Kaaoloth said. He's very nice, why are you frightened of him?

Avoiding the question, Tr'esn absentmindedly dropped the straps to the ground, loosely hanging onto them with one hand as he leaned against Oquith's shoulder, the green crooning. "Not flying yet," he stated aloud. "Straps, putting them on and taking 'em off again, and mounting." Why mount? I can carry you just as well without it, Oquith commented teasingly, and Tr'esn suppressed the desire to roll his eyes as he glanced behind him for Sel'n and Kalina's arrivals. Kaaoloth says I should do stretches every day, for fifteen minutes. Can you remind me? I'll forget. Oquith regarded him anxiously. I'll remind you, Tr'esn promised.

[archenstone]

Kalina watched anxiously as he eyed over the straps, tested their strength and checked the stitching. Listening carefully to what he said, she nodded. "I will do that after class. Thank you for checking them." She took the straps back and jogged out to Uminth... who was going over a few more stretches.

Mine... my shoulders get in the way of everything! Kalina walked over to her and rubbed her shoulder. No they don't...feel how your stretching? I should have thought of this long ago. It will help you limber up and gain the flexibility you want. She encouraged Uminth. Kaaoloth said to do this everyday. Will you do them with me? Kalina smiled. I can't do the wing stretches of course... but I'll stretch with you non the less.

After a moment Uminth said, Why are you agitated about the straps Mine? All you need is some stitching. Kalina looked at the stitching again. It's because my sewing stinks Uminth. I've never been good at sewing anything.

Uminth turned her head to sniff. Just smells like leather to me, Mine.

Silly Dragon... when Humans say they stink at something they mean they do a poor job at it. She said affectionately.

Then say what you mean then...instead of using the wrong words to describe it. Kalina chuckled at Uminth's idea. Well, I suppose it would make more sense your way Uminth.

[Rei]

Kaaoloth rumbled as Tr’esn bowed to him. Nice boy that one it seemed. He craned his neck and rumbled to Sel’n as he approached. How did it go Kaao? The rider asked his beast. Very well mine. The brown dragon answered The greens are coming along nicely they are a good pair and obedient. The riders? Sel’n smiled as he stroked the large brown muzzle. Very well, they both are a bit quiet but that is perfectly fine by me. He walked to Kaaoloth’s side and cleared his throat to get the weyrling’s attention.

“Your flight straps are obviously used to help keep you on your dragon in various aerial maneuvers. You can ride your dragon without them, but you are likely to fall off should you encounter any turbulence in the air, or should your dragon have to make any sudden movements to avoid an object. The flight straps are immensely important to your safety. I advise you to check them before every flight lest you meet the same fate as ex-candidate master Kemma.”

The brown rider shook out his own straps and gave them an examination before motioning towards Kaaoloth. “Now please gather round while I fasten these to Kaaoloth. You will then be required to fasten them to your own dragon and I will check them before we begin mounting.” Kaaoloth rumbled and at an unspoken request from his bonded folded his legs beneath him and sank to the ground. “Your dragons are small enough that you may not need them to crouch down to fasten the straps today but someday they will have to. As you can well imagine crouching is extremely difficult for Kaaoloth to do with only one foreleg. Most of the time he will lay down while I fasten the straps and mount for it makes it easier for us. You should not have to resort to that.”

Sel’n fastened the straps a bit slower than usual so the weyrlings would have ample time to see how it was done. He gave a few tugs to make sure they were secure and then patted Kaaoloth’s neck. “It is integral to the fitting for your dragon to stay still during the procedure any movement on their part can loosen the straps. They must also be sufficiently tight. Believe me you will not choke them or hamper their breathing with tight straps, they should be very snug. If you have no questions you may begin outfitting your dragon. Once you have finished call me over and I will check your work.”

[Avu]

As the other two joined him, Tr'esn automatically turned slightly, though his arm remained around Oquith's neck as he grinned slightly at both Sel'n and Kalina; he was undoubtedly much more cheerful when in Oquith's precense, as the smile, quirking awkwardly at one corner of his mouth, clearly showed. You are happy, in lessons?[/color] Oquith queried gently, arching her neck to drop her muzzle against his shoulder. I'm happy with you, anytime, Tr'esn corrected affectionately, drawing his green's muzzle forward to plant a kiss on it before Sel'n's voice caught his attention and Oquith swiveled her head away after a pleased croon to listen to the Weyrlingmaster. Leaning against Oquith's shoulder, Tr'esn blinked attentively at the brownrider.

At the mention of falling off, Tr'esn pressed instinctively closer to Oquith, his head falling against her neck, and she flicked her tailtip around his ankles lovingly. I would not let you fall, she assured him. That would be bad, and you are Mine. I don't think there'd be much of a choice, really, Tr'esn pointed out mildly, leaning forward and obediently moving slightly towards Sel'n and Kaaoloth - the brown was huge; he much preferred his lovely little Oquith - to watch the man as his dragon kneeled, watching as he put on the Flight straps, ocassionally flicking his hair out of the way as he slid his eyes the length of the straps.

A simple enough task. The straps were not overly complicated, and frankly, couldn't afford to be; the Weyr's tithe only supplied so much leather, after all. It is extremely simple, Oquith stated, sounding rather surprised. These will keep you from falling off? I strap myself onto them, with a harness, you know, so we're basically attached until the leather frays, which is why we take so much time picking the right leather, Tr'esn answered automatically. Haven't I told you this before? And haven't you seen dragons in flight, before? Oh, yes, but only in the Weyr, and not many bother with straps or harnesses anyway, except in Wing Drills, and they're too far up for me too see very clearly, and I can only see the bottoms anyway. Oquith gave a slight bounce as Sel'n set them loose and nudged Tr'esn vigorously. Let's go, Mine! Hurry!

Tr'esn obediently picked up the straps, fitting the leather chestpiece against Oquith's lower neck and chest and looping the other straps around the green's neck, sliding the first between the last two neck ridges and the second between the third and fourth. Pressing his elbow gently against the upper straps to keep it from coming undone, Tr'esn tightened the lower one loosely. You'll come back and readjust that, won't you? Oquith asked. Yes. Yes. Right now I'm just trying to make sure this whole thing doesn't fall off... He tightened the upper straps slowly, until Oquith flicked her tail in the signal that it was tight enough, and buckled it, moving back to the lower straps. "Tell me when," he reminded the green lightly, pulling the straps tight until Oquith gave a slight croon. "Tight?" he murmured, wriggling his finger under the strap to check it. Snug, like it was the first two hundred times you adjusted it, Oquith answered cheerfully.

"Um, Weyrlingmaster Sel'n?" Tr'esn glanced in the man's direction, hesitantly raising his hand after he'd made sure the chestpiece was centered and the straps tight. "I think I'm ready?"[/size]

[archenstone]

Kalina watched Sel'n as he began strapping the gear on Kaaoloth. They make a good team Kalina said idly as she started settling the straps on Uminth. We are too Mine! Just wait till we start flying. The fun glides will seem like nothing the first time I take you to the air on my back. Kalina grinned as she tugged and checked her straps. Uminth...does that feel too tight along your shoulders? Kalina could sense some discomfort coming from her.

It might be...it is a bit uncomfortable... Uminth rolled her shoulders experimentally. Yes, that will chafe if left like that. So Kalina let it out a notch...feeling Uminth's relief in her shoulders. Kalina chuckled, Well precious Uminth...I wouldn't want to be in a wrestling match with you even if where a dragon. I bet your shoulders would give you a distinct advantage in toppling others over. She felt a slight confusion from Uminth.

Why would I ever want to do that? I just want to fly...and they get in my way! Uminth's eyes whirled a little faster.

Kalina, sensing this was a sensitive point... rubbed Uminth's eye ridges and sent her comforting thoughts. It's okay Uminth...it just means we get to practice more...and in the end...we'll be great because we practice. Uminth seemed to accept that for now... feeling better. She flicked her tail in eagerness. Anything that means outside time is good for me Mine

"We're ready too Weyrlingmaster Sel'n." Kalina said, smiling.

[Rei]

Sel’n smiled as Tr’esn called him and strode over to Oquith. “Good morning Oquith you look well.” He bowed to the beast and took a quick visual scan of the straps. “They look good.” the brown rider stated before tugging gently on them. “Very good Tr’esn.” Catching Kalina’s call he gave the boy a pat on the shoulder before making his way towards Uminth.

“Hello Umith” The Sel’n said before giving a short bow to the green and running his hands along the straps. “Not bad Kalina you may have to adjust the length of them a bit for her but you can do that when you fix your stitching.” He stepped back from the green, gave her a small smile, and walked to Kaaoloth’s side.

“Ok class now is the time for you to practice mounting. This is hard for me to show you on Kaaoloth but you should get the concept. After all you have no doubt seen other riders mount and dismount. You need to ask your dragon to crouch and offer you his foreleg as a step. You vault from foreleg to back.” He looked up at Kaaoloth and the brown crouched fanning his wings to keep balance as he quickly stuck out a foreleg.

Sel’n nimbly vaulted from the offered foreleg to his riding straps and Kaaoloth hurriedly gathered his feet under himself giving his wings one more pump to retain balance. “It should be much easier with your own dragons. We will practice until you can do this fluidly, and with little to no wasted movement. It will get easier after the first few times.” He smiled from his perch on Kaaoloth’s back. “You may ask me if you need any advice or help. You can now begin.” Kaaoloth gave them an encouraging croon and settled to watch his eyes whirling a pleasant blue green.

((Kinda sucks but I am feeling like crap so was the best I could do))

[Avu]

The Greenweyrling nodded, absorbing the Weyrlingmaster's praise as he blinked up at Oquith, sliding his arm around the green's shoulders and lower neck again and drawing her sinuous neck against his chest almost absently, as if unaware of the gesture as he beamed at the green. We'll be flying soon, he stated softly, pressing a kiss onto Oquith's muzzle and earning a pleased croon as the green nudged his cheek, the motion designed to poke him lightly. Uminth-sister's straps aren't as good as ours. You did a lovely job, she commented casually, and Tr'esn grinned slightly at the tiny green dragon - and. She was tiny. So small, he observed, leaning against her shoulder and letting his head fall against her neck. He hadn't seen any other dragons so small, before...

He turned, watching intently as Sel'n mounted Kaaoloth without trouble, brow furrowing lightly as he watched the ease of the man's motions. It shouldn't be difficult for him, really. Oquith was smaller, and he was lither, more agile, than the muscled dragonman. Besides which, he was barefoot, and he was always much - much more confident on his feet without shoes on. Curling his toes under him absently and bobbing slightly, Tr'esn glanced at Oquith anxiously, but the green simply watched Sel'n and Kaaoloth peaceably, her eyes swirling contented shades as she watched the brownrider closely. As she felt Tr'esn's stare, she glanced over at him, crooning her reassurance.

You will do fine, Tr'esnmine, she assured him. Look, and she replayed the image for him. Yes? You are ready? Tr'esn nodded slowly, trying to cling to the memory of each movement as he loosened his arms from Oquith's neck and stepped back from the green, letting her pull her wings back out of his way, crouching slightly and proffering her foreleg, head cocked to check his motions. I will help you, she assured him lovingly. Kaaoloth's and Uminth's will not make fun of you, Tr'esnmine. Just try, and I will help. Tr'esn blinked, nodded slowly. He'd ridden runners before...mounted them easily enough. It was just like that - only on a larger scale, yes?

Not much larger, either.

Tr'esn cocked his head, judging the ascent slowly before he moved back to Oquith's left side, slipping his left foot against her foreleg and jumping tentatively up and down on his right. I'm not too heavy for you? he queried anxiously. Of course not. I am strong, and you are light, Oquith repeated. All right... Exhaling, Tr'esn closed his eyes briefly. Use your legs. Not your arms; don't pull; use your legs to vault up...and settle between the first and second neck ridges; they can keep you on...he bobbed again on his right foot, and then jumped up. He hadn't pushed off hard enough, he realized a second too late, gritting his teeth as he clutched at the straps in his fingers, and, with a slightly breathless pause, scrambled onto the green's back. Oquith craned her head, eyeing him anxiously.

After a moment, where they both regarded each other, Oquith stated, You will get better. That was extremely good, I'd think, for a first try. Tr'esn wrinkled his nose. Not so much... Be optimistic. Hop off and try again? You just need to push off harder. I won't let you fall off the other side, I promise, she added, amused by the thought. Tr'esn sighed, rolling his eyes indulgently as he dropped down from the green's side, instinctively bending his knees to take the impact as he turned, reaching up to grab the straps, and then up again. Oquith rumbled softly, amused and anxious, as he was left seated precariously on one side, dropping her other shoulder and shifting sideways to keep him on.

Room for improvement, she said simply. Tr'esn wholeheartedly agreed.