Tidal Weyrlings (Lesson 6)

[Rei]

Lesson 6:
Classroom: Maintenance, Reading and Learning of Threadfall Charts; First Aid for Stress and Fatigue
Training Field: Ground Drill Begins on Dragonback; Leaping Exercises Begin


Sel’n sat at his desk and went over the lesson plan for the fourth time. He tapped his quill against the desk, grumbling as ink splattered across it's surface. Go ahead and call the weyrlings Kaaoloth and remind them to bring their flight straps. The rider looked towards the door and then got up to write the lesson on the board. Good Morning Tidal Weyrlings. Please report to the classrooms and bring your flight straps. Dragons are to come to me to start warm up stretches. I hope you all see fit to attend remember graduation counts on good attendance as well as your continued performance. The brown settled on the training field to await the arrival of the students. I don’t know why you are so worried the Christmas Weyrlings may be a bigger class but we will not let them get out of hand. He remarked privately to his bonded. Sel’n snorted. I suppose so. Still I’fel owes me one. Kaaoloth rumbled in amusement and called a welcome to the first arriving dragon.


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]

Nudge, nudge. Shove. Crash!

"Oquith...that hurt," Tr'esn groaned, rolling over to untangle himself from the furs as Oquith blinked apologetically at her rider. I didn't mean to shove you so hard, she answered, the barest hint of laughter lurking behind her tone as she leaned over the cot to nudge Tr'esn again. You are very push-able when you are asleep, Tr'esnmine. I didn't mean to, the green reiterated firmly, her tail swishing lightly as she flopped cheerfully next to Tr'esnhers, watching the young man pull himself out of the furs, blinking sleep from his eyes and pawing at his unruly curls before he arced one eyebrow questioningly at Oquith. "...what? It's still early...nobody's awake - " Nobody except Kaaoloth and His, maybe, but it's time for Weyrling Lessons, Tr'esnmine! Weyrling lessons, let's go!

Her enthusiasm was usually contagious, but usually, Tr'esn was not aching because he'd just been shoved out of bed. Accidentally or not, it still hurt, and he rubbed a throbbing hip as he blinked again, staring blankly at Oquith, who blinked back cheerily. Then, suddenly remorseful, the green tucked her head against his chest, snorting softly and making his shirt - she didn't approve of it; it was very ugly in the green's opinion - ripple before she huffed softly again. I'm very, very sorry, Tr'esnlovemine, but perhaps we should go now, yes? We mustn't make Kaaoloth and His wait for us, and he said we were to bring our flight straps. I'm not big enough for you to actually fly, am I? I promise I'll grow. Distractedly soothing Oquith, Tr'esn glanced around at his bunkmate - Ki'ner of bronze Aberath - and then shrugged mildly. If the boy didn't want to go to Weyrling Lessons, Tr'esn didn't want to force him, and besides, his bronze scared the Greenweyrling.

Straps! Oquith insisted, and Tr'esn wrinkled his nose lightly at the green as he obediently picked up the well-oiled riding straps, slinging them over his shoulder and indulgently following Oquith out of the barracks. I think I go to see Kaaoloth. To do the stretches. I've been doing them, haven't I? she added doubtfully. Every day, like you wanted to, Tr'esn told her absently. I don't /remember/... You don't remember that long, lovely. As Oquith crinkled her nose in an unconscious imitation of Tr'esnhers, the Greenweyrling grinned in amusement, before the green shrugged mildly and took off across the field, loping towards Kaaoloth easily. As she arrived in front of him, she flared her wings, dropping her hindquarters to stop her head-on charge, and crooned a greeting, eyes flashing pleasant colors as she twitched her tailtip lightly. Oquith, of Tr'esn, present! she stated proudly.

Tr'esn, meanwhile, had slipped into a run, his bare feet confident as he skirted a rocky patch and slid to a stop at the door of the Lessons Room, wetting his lips as he glanced over the straps briefly and then let himself in, blinking nervously as his eyes adjusted to the lighting before he made his way silently to his desk and sat down, crossing his ankles absently and curling his toes, as if to keep his bare feet from being spotted, though in reality, it was merely an absentminded, automatic gesture that meant absolutely nothing to Tr'esn - indeed, he didn't even realize he'd done it as he eyed Sel'n nervously, and then bowed his head slowly. "Weyrlingmaster." The word came out quietly, his treble voice faltering slightly as he hung the straps on the back of his chair hesitantly.

[Rei]

Sel’n frowned. Only one today? Where was Kalina? He sighed and smiled in Tr’esn’s direction. "I guess I should be glad for at least one good student.” He remarked as he sifted through a bag he had brought with him. “Today we will be learning how to read Thread charts. I doubt you will much have to worry about these, since Greenriders do not become Wingleaders. Still it is good information to have just in case something ever does come up.”

He pulled a chair up to the weyrling’s desk and sat the papers down in front of him. “Ok Tr’esn. This is a Threadfall chart. It tells the Wingleader where thread is predicted to fall and for how long. They often have to make corrections to the chart depending on wind direction, strength of the wind, and weather patterns.” The rider launched into an explanation of the different markings and how to read them, pausing occasionally to allow for questions.

Good morning Oquith. Kaaoloth said happily as the green raced up to him. Are you ready to perform stretches? These are important today. For today you will be carrying your bonded and performing some leaping exercises. We need to make sure your wings are sufficiently warmed up. This is one of the last steps we will take before your first flight.

The large brown then spread his wings to direct the lesson. Selmine says the classroom lesson today will be rather short since only yours has showed up for lesson. Lets get ready shall we? The brown began to stretch his wings and rumbled happily as Oquith dutifully followed.

“Alright Tr’esn.” Sel’n said as he stood and walked to the desk to replace the charts. “Grab your riding straps and lets head outside to the dragons. Today we will be performing a leaping exercise. It will help condition you both for your first flight which is quickly arriving.” The brown rider turned and motioned for the lad to exit as he pined a note to the door for any late arrivals.

[Avu]

It made Tr'esn faintly anxious that he, of all of the eleven Tidal Weyrlings, was the only one to show up. He simply didn't understand why - Weyrling Lessons weren't difficult and - didn't they want to fight Thread, to be an asset to Pern instead of repeating Weyrlinghood - ? Sure, they hadn't started learning to fly yet, but everything they were doing - it built up to flight, to between, to chewing firestone and flaming - to rising to full dragonrider instead of Weyrlingrider. Himself, Tr'esn would have been delighted even if Oquith had been flightless, but since she could fly, he fully intended to fly with her, like a dragonpair ought to, and she felt much the same way; he doubted there had ever been more enthusiasm in any dragonet. The Greenweyrling glanced around one last time, slightly unnerved, at the otherwise empty room, and then he tucked his legs under the chair more, crossing his ankles as Oquith touched his mind reassuringly.

As Sel'n started speaking, Tr'esn nodded slowly, though he disliked the implication that greenriders didn't need to understand Threadfall charts simply because they did not traditionally become Wingleaders. Well, he knew that, and he already knew that he didn't want to lead a wing, but things happened. Unexpected things always happened - his life had been full of them; his Search, his Impression...and while Sel'n had, too, noted this, it still didn't detract much from the slight sting. Greens were the best kind of dragon anyway, he thought defiantly, though his face was impassive. Small, but then it was easier to mount them; people weren't as terrified of them as they were of bronzes and golds - typically; and they could outmaneuver any dragon in the air. They were the backbone of Threadfighting; if there were no greens, the Weyrs would be rendered useless because half of their dragon population would be gone. So there, he thought rebelliously, though he didn't voice his thoughts aloud. Don't worry, Mine. He is still teaching you, and that's all that matters. I know, and you know, that greens are important, Oquith informed him consolingly.

He understood the charts well enough; they weren't simple, but they were understandable and left little room for error. Tr'esn watched silently, ocassionally voicing a terse question when Sel'n's explanations didn't quite make sense to him, and then nodding as it was clarified for him. Through the entire explanation, his face remained emotionless, relatively blank, listening intently and transferring all the knowledge to Oquith. The green dragon, outside, was positively delighted with Kaaoloth's explanation of today's lesson, and informed Tr'esn eagerly that they would be riding today. Not flying, but riding nonetheless - ! (She neglected to mention or take note of the fact that she'd already let Tr'esn on her neck before, though she'd never tried to get airborne in such a state and had only let him there for the delight of physical closeness to her mindmate, and ocassionally had walked a distance, but nothing more.)

As the brown began to stretch, Oquith reared onto her hind legs in a brief show of excited eagerness to begin the actual lesson, flaring her wings out, the brilliant shades of green vibrant as sunlight streamed through the translucent membrane, before she dropped onto all fours again, cocking her head to examine Kaaoloth's motions before mimicking them, tailtip twitching in her excitement. Kaaoloth, may I ask - ? Will we be flying, in the next lesson or two - ? We are very eager to get into the air, the green stated, steadily watching the brown's reaction. Her eyes were brilliant cyans and greens; she would love to be in the air, with wind under her wings and Hers on her back, but Oquith didn't want Kaaoloth to lie to her either just to make her happy. She wanted the truth...and then, another thought occurred to her as her tailtip tapped against her haunch, and she hastened to query, And - my tailtip, it has no spade to it...it won't stop me flying, will it? (She had a sneaking suspicion she'd already asked this to some other dragon, but she'd forgotten the answer.)

Tr'esn didn't move from his position as Sel'n replaced the charts on his desk, watching the brownrider's actions quietly. His comments drew a soft smile to the Greenweyrling's lips, and he commented softly, "I know; Oquith told me..." Obediently rising, he slung the riding straps over one shoulder, absentmindedly wrapping his fingers around the cold metal buckle as he slipped around Sel'n, letting the man pin his note - what it said, Tr'esn didn't bother looking - and then slipping into a run towards the training field. I'm coming, Oquith, he called mentally, and heard the green's pleased hum as he approached, warily shading his eyes to look at Kaaoloth; Oquith whirled on her hindquarters to warble a greeting to Tr'esnHers as he stopped by her side, glancing at Kaaoloth, and then, as it registered upon him what the dragons were doing, he took a step back, letting Oquith flare her wings. Don't worry, Tr'esnmine; Kaaoloth is very nice, Oquith assured him affectionately, blinking expectantly at the brown dragon.

[archenstone]

Kalina heard the summons and tried to run faster. Some storms had blocked her usual path and she tried a detour....it had been a bad mistake. Usually Uminth could jog with her but they had to move single file. By the time she mad her way out of the trees she knew she was going to be late.

I'm sorry Uminth. I should have turned around and explore later... She felt Uminth's understanding. She appreciated their bond...they didn't always need to speak to each other. Sometimes she and Uminth understood each other just by emotion. She smiled...Uminth was having increasing difficulty with these jogs. The bigger she got, more more cumbersome running became for her. Kalina knew that soon Uminth would have to stay behind, or she would have to find something new for their morning exercises.

Kalina waved to Kaaoloth and Oquith as she passed. Uminth stopped when she reached them, her eyes swirling with slight agitation. Would Kaooloth think less of her? She walked up to Oquith's side, leaving enough room to fall into the stretches.

Good morning Kaooloth...Oquith. Then she said privately to Kaooloth I apologize for our lateness. Mine got lost in the trees. She sent him an image of Kalina stopping at the blocked path then turning into the woods.

Meanwhile Kalina stopped in her room to get the straps. She looked at them anxiously. Did I get the stitching neat enough? The stitching in the chest did look better. Kalina wasted no more time on worries as she rushed to the lesson room.

She came in and walked right to the place she always sits. "Good morning Weyrmaster." She already knew that Uminth told Kaooloth...so Sel'n ought to know what happened. Even so she seemed sad as she sat. She honestly didn't like being late.

[Rei]

Kaaoloth chuffed in the draconic version of laughter. I can see that you are indeed very excited. You will be starting to fly in the next lesson. I encourage you to keep doing the stretches they will help with flexibility when you manage to get into the air. At the mention of her tail tip deformity Kaaoloth cocked his head, and then swung it closer to examine the tip of Oquith’s tail. He gave a rumble.

I do not see how it would render you unable to fly. Your tail tip helps you steer while in the air. However, there are other ways to steer. I knew many dragons in Fort that had lost their tail tips in battle. They still flew as well as the ones with tips. It should not hinder you much at all. You are a bright young dragon. I am sure you will quickly figure it out. The older brown gave a nod as if agreeing with himself. Besides Selmine and I will be here to help you, should you need help. I would be glad to practice with you.

Kaaoloth paused as Uminth trotted up to them and fell into the stretches as well. He rumbled a greeting and nodded as she sent him the images. I will let Selmine know why you were late. Do be on time for the next lesson though. He remarked not unkindly. It is important for you and yours to learn all you can.

As Kalina entered Kaaoloth sent Sel’n the images Uminth had provided. “Ah, I see why you were late. No matter, just don’t let it happen again.” The brown rider said sternly. “I will give you the classroom part of today’s lesson to do on your own. Now come with us to the dragons. Today we will be practicing for our first flight.” He held open the door for her and closed it as she walked past him.

Kaaoloth crooned a greeting as Sel’n and Kalina joined Tr’esn. Sel’n smiled and then cleared his throat to gain the students attention. “Today’s lesson is very important indeed. We will be practicing leaping exercises in preparation for our first flight which is quickly drawing near." He motioned at Oquith. "Tr‘esn you may fasten your straps and mount. Kalina I still have to go over your straps.” He strode over to Kalina and carefully examined her stitch job giving the straps a hard tug.

“Much better Kalina. Please continue to practice with your stitching but these straps are defiantly an improvement.” He waved her off to fasten her straps and mount and then returned to Kaaoloth. Completing his own fastening, he mounted his brown and had Kaaoloth turn to face the two now mounted youngsters. “Now Kaaoloth will demonstrate what you will be expected to do. You will complete the motion one after the other. Tr’esn and Oquith first and then Kalina and Uminth. “Watch carefully.”

Alright Kaaoloth just like I showed you. Kaaoloth rumbled and crouched bunching his hind muscles. He leapt forward much like a feline pouncing, opening his wings and giving one downward beat, before bringing his wings up and landing, as gracefully as was possible with three legs. He turned to face the two young dragons and gave a encouraging croon. Now Oquith it is your turn. The large brown stated as Sel’n signaled for Tr’esn to follow.

[Avu]

Ooh! Flying, next lesson! So soon! Oquith nearly wriggled in pleasure at the thought, flaring out her wings as she nudged Tr'esnHers lightly with her muzzle, her voice coming fast and slightly breathless in her excitement. Did you hear that, Tr'esnmine? Next lesson we start to fly! The green dragon crooned at the thought, her eyes sparkling as they whirled, the jewel-faceted orbs bright shades as she nuzzled the boy's chest emphatically, snorting and making the shirt flutter slightly. "I heard, Qui," Tr'esn assured her, pressing his cheek against the green's eye ridge and earning a pleased rumble. I promise we'll fly, she stated softly, I'll make sure we fly, and we'll be able to go anywhere we want to... The adoration in her gaze was obvious, though she blinked, glancing back at Kaaoloth and moving her tailtip to make it easier for the brown dragon to examine.

His positive encouragement drew a pleased croon from the green, and she nodding solemnly, drawing her tail against her haunches as she passed the message to Tr'esnHers. I'll be the best flier in the Weyr, the sturdy little green vowed. And nobody will be able to catch up to us. The green's confidence drew a faint smile from Hers, who looped one arm loosely around the green's shoulders, leaning against her shoulder and glancing nervously up at Kaaoloth. So big, the brown was, and while Tr'esn supposed that most people liked the bigger dragons, since dragon hierarchy was based on size, he was simply slightly wary around the larger browns, bronzes, and queens; it would be so easy for them to accidentally squash somebody, and Tr'esn much preferred his little Oquith - ridiculous though she would appear next to - say - Aslath, or Millieth, or Hepaticath.

The Greenweyrling would have missed Uminth's approach had it not been for Oquith's warble of greeting in response to the other green's. Hello, Uminth! she stated cheerfully; her day had been made by the promise of being able to fly, and it was clear in the way she pranced slightly on the spot, waiting eagerly for the other green's stretches to be complete so they could move on. Ah-ha! Here they were...Sel'n and Kalina recieved another warble from the little green, and as the Weyrlingmaster began to speak, Oquith composed herself, sitting silently, still, listening carefully. As the brownrider gestured towards her, the green gave a soft satisfied snort. Tr'esnmine, quickly! she urged him eagerly, and the Greenweyrling obediently turned to the green dragon, unbuckling the straps carefully and looping the leather straps around the green's lower neck. The hollow of her throat was fitted neatly by the place where the straps joined, and he buckled the lower one loosely just below the first neck ridge, promising her mentally he'd tighten it, and then tightened the other one between the first and second neck ridges.

"Snug?" he queried in a low murmur. A little tighter - there! That's good. Oquith was still, obediently, as he moved down to the lower one, and tightened it until he could wriggle his finger between soft green hide and leather strap. "Good?" Very. Mount, now! It was a tribute to Oquith's size that she didn't need to crouch for Tr'esn, small as he was, to vault aboard, settling himself quickly and rubbing Oquith's neck proudly before he buckled himself in automatically. Done, he glanced swiftly at Kalina and Uminth, and then at Sel'n and Kaaoloth, just as the brownrider finished his own straps, and Tr'esn settled himself to listen to the instructions. Simple enough, and quite straightforward, it seemed. Oquith shifted below him and Tr'esn instinctively moved, too, to stay balanced, a slight smile of surprise curving his lips as he realized how easy it had become.

Watch closely, Oquith instructed, wide-eyed as she watched Kaaoloth leap. Not a particularly difficult motion to the casual bystander - in fact, it was much the same motion that Oquith caught her prey with in the Feeding Grounds, a forward pounce. The downbeat of her wings, though, was different, but only slightly. Then the wings went back up, and she was supposed to land...At Kaaoloth's signal, Oquith touched Tr'esn's mind lightly. You're ready? Yes, he breathed, his stomach knotting slightly in excitement as he grasped the straps and tightened his legs around the green's neck. Oquith took a slight step forward to make sure Uminth wouldn't be hit when she flared her wings, and mimicked Kaaoloth's crouch.

She hesitated for a slight moment, touching Hers' mind again to make sure he was all right, and then she sprang. Unconsciously, the green echoed the way the adult dragons landed; her downbeat was not so much downwards as backwinging, and, though her landing was rather unsteady and Tr'esn tightened his legs and his grasp to keep from shifting, he could feel Oquith bounce slightly on the landing, her hind legs touching down before her foreclaws in the same manner of a dragon landing from flight, and as she balanced, she pranced slightly, addressing both Kaaoloth and Hers: Ooh, I think I messed up... Then, privately to Hers, Did I hurt you, Mine? Not a bit, Tr'esn assured her, glancing anxiously at Sel'n.

[archenstone]

Uminth went through her stretched with practiced ease. She had been doing them when ever hers did human stretches. Hers always seemed to be doing stretches. She was very active. She warbled happily as Oquith's mood caught on to her. She finished her movements and shifted in place happily. It's good you are not worried about your tail anymore Oquith! I bet you'll make a lovely flyer! Her eyes whirled in excitement as Kalina came out with Sel'n. She sent Kalina her feelings of happiness and excitement. Kalina smiled back at her. Her dragon's pleasure was irresistible.

They both listened carefully as Sel'n told Kalina to keep practicing. "I will," She promised. She thought of the stack of leather sitting at the foot of her bunk. Yes...there would be more practice. There would be more of anything that helped Uminth get to the air. As she watched Kaaoloth jump she could feel Uminth's concentration. It's okay Uminth. I'm sure you will do fine. With Kaaoloth's demonstration over Uminth nudged Kalina with her nose. I'm not graceful. The comment underlined other worries the dragon had for her shape.

Kalina smiled and rubbed her. Grace comes in time. Till then you are perfect in my eyes and no one else matters. You will do well. I promised you that when the time came we would work as hard as necessary and be the best flyers out there. We will sear thread together and fly together and nothing will hold you back. Kalina smiled gently at Uminth. For now...lets get these straps on you. Just because Oquith goes first doesn't mean we can be any less ready then her.

Uminth couldn't stay serious for long so she readied herself for her straps with a brighter mood. She felt Kalina's hands fit the leather over, under and around her. Tighter....tighter....there! She directed KaliMines hands as she fastened the straps on. Okay! Up! Up! KaliMine you are right. We will always be prepared! She felt Kalina's feet as the girl climbed up and settled between the neck ridges.

Kalina tightened the straps around her legs. As Oquith made her jump Kalina noticed that Oquith backwinged...landing like the older dragons. Surely that wasn't a bad thing right? She felt Uminth lower into a crouch. Ready Mine? Kalina tightened her hold. Go for it!

Uminth jumped, as she reached the peak of her jump she made a down beat with her wings. It seemed to go fine until Uminth started tipping forward. Kalina winced at the angle. Careful! Uminth tried to compensate for her forward weight by swinging her tail down. It helped enough so that the landing didn't injure either one. Her jump had been much shorter and her front feet had touched first. Oh Mine! I am terrible at this! Kalina rubbed her neck, acting as if to scratch it so that she wouldn't distress Uminth. It was a first try Uminth. For a first try you did fine. Not to mention you acted quickly to right yourself. We will do better. Its okay. Kalina didn't like to see her dragon upset over anything and rubbed Uminth's neck.

[Rei]

Kaaoloth and Sel’n watched carefully as both greens completed their leaps. The brown rider smiled reassuringly as he caught sight of the nervous looks on both weyrling’s faces. “Don’t worry you two you did fine.” He yelled across the space between them. “Now again.” He leaned back and kicked Kaaoloth who leapt forward into the air making two complete wing beats before back winging to a landing.

The brown swung his head around and touched Oquith and Uminth’s minds. Oquith put more force into your spring and Uminth use less force. The more we practice the better you will get. He gave an encouraging croon, his eyes whirling a light blue. Do not worry you two are doing wonderful. You will be flying before you know it.

[Avu]

Oquith had stopped prancing, her head cocked eagerly as she watched Uminth. Her clutchsister was of a definitely unique build, and - well, Oquith was, too, she supposed - and the small green found herself mentally encouraging the other greenweyrling to be more successful in her jump. Yes, she might feel a twinge of jealousy, if Uminth did manage to do it perfectly on the first try, but she wouldn't mind. After all, it would be good! It would be very good, and she should be happy for her sister. Yes. Oquith flicked her tail in excitement as she resisted the urge to flare her wings to express her excitement - which was contagious, Tr'esnHers shifting slightly on her neck as the boy narrowed his eyes, watching Kalina and Uminth as intently as his draconic counterpart.

Oh - oh - oh... The last of Oquith's exclamations petered into disappointment and anxiety as opposed to the blatant joy of the first two as Uminth made the leap and tipped forward before managing to compensate enough for it that her Rider was hopefully uninjured. Tr'esn leaned forward anxiously, probing into Oquith's mind, for the dragon's vision was obviously better than his own. She's not hurt! I don't think so. She doesn't act it, and Uminth doesn't either, the small green answered nervously, prancing a step again and unfurling her wings halfway before she caught the gesture and closed the appendages again with a slight huff of dismay at the habit. Tr'esn patted the nearest wing membrane, a faint smile touching his lips as Oquith chuffed at him. That tickles, she scolded lightly.

But - oh! The next leap. The green's head snapped around to watch Kaaoloth closely. Same, basically, as before, only with two wingbeats in between the leap and the landing. Longer to correct herself, then, if she made a mistake. And backwinging, purposely, to land, instead of accidentally. The green absently flexed her wings in the motion of backwinging, trying to remember it so she could tell that she was doing it right in the actual jump. Kaaoloth's voice made the green twist her head slightly to one side, blinking brightly, and then crooning at his instructions. More force. That was understood...the green bounced lightly on her feet, eager to try. The last time she had messed up, yes, and she knew it, but that was the first time, and anyway, she had another chance, and they would be flying soon, so how could she possibly be in a bad mood?

It was just impossible.

I am ready, the green stated quietly to Tr'esnHers. As always, the Greenweyrling answered with the barest hint of a smile, wrapping his hands tightly around the straps and closing his legs around the green's neck. Oquith crouched briefly, and then, muscles rippling along her hind legs, she pushed herself into the air, wings snapping out instinctively, the membrane angled to cut through the air. Far too fast. The air whistled past and Oquith uttered a squeak of surprise as she automatically swung her hindquarters forward, her wings turning to slow the forward speed, abruptly enough that Tr'esn fell forward slightly, fingers locking around the flightstraps as Oquith recovered, pushing her wings down, the downbeat sending the green upwards slightly. As she started back down again, another wingbeat sent her back up, wobbly and a bit unsteady, but at the right angle and a speed that was not too fast, not too slow.

And then - landing. Angling her wings, the green tried. She really did. The backwinging went fine, and she would have landed well, too, her hind legs coming down, but her right hind leg, the one without any talons, couldn't properly get a grasp on the dew-slicked grass that Oquith had come down upon, and the green, her eyes turning from delighted shades of blue and green to surprised yellow, slipped. Tr'esn threw himself forward against the dragon's neck, trying to counter the balance in much the same way one did on a rearing runner, but Oquith was the one who ultimately saved them, her wings flaring as she hopped backwards a step before settling down, throwing an apologetic, meek glance at Kaaoloth. Should I've mentioned that, too? I haven't talons on my right hind leg, or my left fore; I didn't think it'd matter for this...

Tr'esn, a bit shakily, straightened, shaking his head and then impatiently pushing his hair out of his eyes, one fine brow rising wearily in preparation for the criticism that was bound to come after such a landing. Just as long as Oquith wasn't grounded from flying with a wing...something inside of him squirmed at the thought. No, no...they had to fly, surely? In the air, her talons weren't a problem, and it wasn't as if landing in formation was such a big deal...the Greenweyrling kept his face carefully impassive as he put a hand lightly on Oquith's neck, the green twisting to nudge his arm anxiously. You are fine, yes? Tr'esn rubbed his chest at the tentative query. He'd probably be bruised later. I'm just fine, Qui. Don't worry.