Lesson 1 - Tidal!

[reqqy]

Lesson 1:
Classroom: Introductions; Dragonrider Duties and the Emphatic Bond
Feeding Room: Care and Feeding of Dragonets
Training Field: Cleaning and Oiling Dragon Hide

Good morning, weyrlings. The common room for your first lesson, please. Everyone must come...

Reysalth's call was broken by the loud banging of metal and the scampering of feet as Laurie darted down the hallways, making a huge ruckus. Of course there was another class still in the barracks - though they'd be leaving for weyrs soon - but they should be rising for their own lessons. Besides, the day was for waking! "Everyone up!" she called. "Tidal Weyrlings to the common room!"

Following groaning and half-awake young people into the large room meant to accomodate the dragons until they got quite a bit older, Lauranna beamed cheerfully around, laughing at some of the grumpy faces in the bunch. "Come now! It's not that bad, I'm sure. Take a seat - I had the desks removed. We're very informal here at the moment. There is so much to cover today, so if you'll just bear with me..."

Waiting for everyone to arrange themselves, Laurie drew out a clipboard and scrawled something hastily in the margin. Then, as if on a sudden whim, she tossed it into the corner and plopped down in front of everyone, her blonde braid flopping audibly at the sudden movement. "Best to start at the beginning. I'm Lauranna, that dragon attached to the green head snaking through the window over there is my Reysalth, and for the next turn and a half or so we're you're lifeline. We'll give you all the information you need to know to succeed and survive, and if you have any questions, we're the ones you need to come to. So. Let's start with introductions, since I know that not all of you know each other. Give your name, your dragon's name, any rank you might hold - apprentice, journeyman, whatever - and tell us a little about yourself.

"For example, you already know my name and rank, but I'm Selenitas-bred. My brother is Bronze Salenth's S'rei, Blizzard Wingleader, and my weyrmate is Weyrlingmaster F'rah. I've got a gorgeous little son, Miguel, and have been a wingrider for over thirteen turns." Glancing around and smiling at everyone, she clapped her hands abruptly, turning to the first to enter. "You. M'ta. Your turn."

-M'ta and Behruth-

Your turn! Behruth chirped cheerfully, nudging up against M'ta's side from where he lay sprawled near His. Anyone else would have received a scathing glare from the brownweyrling, who looked like he'd just been unpleasantly awoken - who would have thought! But Behruth was gifted just a mild glare instead. The brown didn't seem to notice.

Running a hand through sleep-mussed hair, he ignored any watching eyes and focused on a point somewhere above the bubbly demon's shoulder. "I'm brownweyrling M'ta, of brown Behruth." When nothing else happened, he glanced at Laurie, who flicked her hand at him. What? Something about yourself, silly. Oh. Right. "Um." This definitely wasn't his favorite topic. "I was a candidate for awhile...and before that I came from a northern hold." Obscure much? Definitely. He sniffed, meeting Lauranna's gaze and daring her to ask more of him. She merely smiled and turned to the next weyrling to enter...

Aberath, rider Ki'ner
[shadow=black,left,300]Behruth, rider M'ta
Checkoth, rider R'wign[/shadow]Kloth, rider F'neth
Imprith, rider Raila
[shadow=black,left,300]Qualuth, rider K'iel[/shadow]Glenth, rider V'neti (APC)
Wymeth, rider Vashti
[shadow=black,left,300]Oquith, rider Tr'esn
Uminth, rider Kalina[/shadow]

Posted once
Posted twice
[shadow=black,left,300]Posted at least three times[/shadow]

[glamourie]

Mineminemine R'wignmine mine R'wignfavorite you must get up. Winny winny, get up R'wignmine, lessons tiiiiiiiiime!

Squawking, R'wign rolled out of his furs and whimpered under his breath as one hand came up to his face to rub his eyes. Between the banging, clunking and sounds of shuffling, coupled with Checkoth's obvious excitement, it was a wonder he managed to keep from clonking his head off of something. R'wign grumbled to himself and rose to his feet gracelessly, his hair being pushed out of his face in the process. His eyes still stung, like as not because he'd only gotten an hour of sleep; he was still trying to completely switch his schedule around and unfortunately coming from a totally nocturnal sleeping pattern to mixed hours was extraordinarily strange. It felt odd to see daylight proper again and to sleep when it was dark; he almost missed the change. Almost. But any agitation he felt was subdued very quickly by the brown dragon hatchling that rubbed his entire body against R'wign like an overgrown feline, rumbling in undeniable excitement.

R'wign groaned. Paying no attention to M'ta (who he continually forgot to call by his proper name, even in his head), he scurried about to get dressed, though each movement was careful. His entire stomach hurt still, though he was starting to feel better. The burns on his hands and elbows weren't oozing gook anymore, at least. He pulled on his clothes carefully, all the while having to jump around Checkoth, who felt inclined to circle him every time he moved, rumbling and squirming while repeating Hungry hungry hungry! over and over again like a mantra.

"You know, we may have to talk or something before I get to fill that endless pit you call a stomach - and is your hide cracking again?!"

It itches but I'm hungry R'wignmine and you must move faster, we will be late. See? Behruth clutchbrother has already gone. We must go, R'wignmine, hurry! Oh, FORGET about that! the little brown proclaimed, snatching away the comb that R'wign grabbed. Without much heed, he tossed it across the barracks room and then grabbed R'wign by the back of his tunic before physically hauling him out and in the direction of the common room at the end of the hall. Dragging backwards meant he stumbled along the way, but he managed it okay and released R'wign when they arrived, his two tails flicking in perfect harmony with one another. Happily crooning to Behruth, he bounced (for there was no other way to describe the excited hatchling's movements) over to where Lauranna was and rubbed his entire body against her too, before taking his spot right next to R'wign. R'wignmine R'wignmine hungry hungry hungry... tell them hello for me!

R'wign shot Checkoth an accusing look before putting his index finger to his lips in a 'shhh'ing motion; Lauranna was speaking. Ridiculous, over-exuberant brown. R'wign was torn between wanting to hug him and sigh in exasperation, but since the chanting of how hungry he was had subsided in favor of a sensation low in the pit of his stomach which could be ignored for the moment, he settled for paying attention. Lauranna received a sheepish smile as he arranged his tunic and attempted to finger-comb his hair carefully, though as M'ta spoke, he turned to look and watch him in interest. Could he have been more vague...?

Uh-oh. He was being looked at -- Tell them how amazing you are R'wignmine! And me! And me! Hurry though, hurry, it is food-time and I itch! -- and nagged, evidently. Gazing steadily down at Checkoth, R'wign swallowed thickly, then folded his arms. "I'm R'wign, and the overly affectionate creature next to me claims he's called Checkoth. I'm a junior journeyman healer, and have been for about to turns; Kalierre of Phremath has also been training me in dragonhealing. I'm from a fishing hold in Nerat, and Religna of Ith is my younger sister. I room with Mr. No-Answers," he explained cheerfully, then lifted one hand to indicate M'ta. "And I have two firelizards that will probably irritate you. If they do, don't hesitate to whine, I'll yell at them or something." Nodding slightly, he glanced over at Lauranna for the next person to speak. At least he was slightly better than M'ta.

[wirevix]

K'iel was startled into wakefulness by the unexpected clattering, rolling out of his cot and thumping on the floor with a half-strangled yelp, twisted up in his furs. He managed to squirm free of them, rubbing at his face and blinking in confusion, pushing himself up to his feet. Qualuth, predictably, was already up and just awaiting His's arrival to the land of wakefulness.

Goodmorning K'ielMine, he greeted happily, leaning in and nuzzling K'iel's hair, snorting happily and thereby making it puff up a little bit ridiculously. The boy was in need of a haircut, or something. I am hungry, K'ielMine, and they want us to go out for lessons. Come on. He shuffled around K'iel as the weyrling dressed himself, nosing him, nudging him gently here and there.

Finally, K'iel had his clothes on properly and put his hand on his young dragon's head as he so often did, rubbing his snout some as they went out together, down the hallway to the common room. Following Lauranna's instructions, he seated himself quietly, Qualuth promptly dropping his head in the boy's lap. He stroked his snout slowly, keeping himself silent as he listened to the others speak. Great... more introducing. He still hated introducing himself. It was the worst part of a conversation.

"Umn," he finally mumbled, after R'wign had fallen silent, "I'm K'iel... and this is Qualuth." The dragon lifted his head to peer about at the others in the room and huffed, then just laid his head down in K'iel's lap again, looking quite peaceful and relaxed.

It is okay, ElMine, Qualuth assured as K'iel fell briefly silent. The boy nodded slightly and swallowed. He really hadn't offered much about himself up to this point and was reluctant to do so now, but...

"I don't have any other ranks... and... I came here from... well, from the north," he mumbled. He knew that Selenitas did not like Benden and he didn't want to get associated as "a Bendener" like that. Just "the north" would do, he decided. It was better that way, he wouldn't get associated with the place he wanted to forget.

[Avu]

I think I like this shiny best, so you can have it! "Wha - ? Oquith, what's this?" Tr'esn blinked blearily as he studied the warm object that had been thrust by the green dragon's muzzle into his palm, which had been cupped in sleep. A shiny! I made it, don't you like it? Oquith's eyes whirled with happiness as Tr'esn studied the object, a length of some sort of reed twisted into a small circle, with a flower stuck into one open end of it. "Qui, it's gorgeous, but...what is it?" I don't know. One of those things that people wear when they Join. You should have one. Aren't we Joined? Tr'esn frowned, rubbing at his eyes as he checked Rukbat's progress. "That's a ring, Qui, and we're not Joined, we're Bonded," he explained wearily. "Go back to sleep, Qui, I'm still sleepy." The green tilted her head to one side, eyes swirling in confusion. But it's still pretty, r - ?

Her query was cut off as the door banged open and Tr'esn jolted, eyes flying open in shock as he half-twisted and fell with a painful thump onto the ground, Oquith scrambling backwards to avoid being squashed. "Shard it..." he groaned as he nursed a probably bruised elbow - he'd hit it on the bed on his way down. Tr'esnmine! The boy pushed himself up, soothing Oquith. "It's all right, let's go to Lessons," he blurted, changing the subject from his own pain. "Wymeth and Qualuth ought to be there, why don't you go find the shinies you made for them?" But I can't give them to them at Lessons, the others will be jealous, and that's not good. I'll just tell them about the shinies, the green decided, leading the way from the Weyrling Barracks as Tr'esn finished struggling into his clothing, although he did prefer to stay barefoot, and then followed dutifully.

The dragons already assorted, namely two browns and a blue - Oquith recognized the blue; she bounded towards Qualuth with a croon of recognition, purring in delight. Qualuthbrother, I found you a shiny, but I didn't want anyone to feel left out, so I didn't bring it. It's veryveryvery pretty, though, and I found one for Wymethsister too. Tr'esn had stopped, nervously sliding into the room, not wanting to draw attention to himself. Qui, come back here, he begged. The green nuzzled Qualuth with her muzzle. Tr'esnmine is lonely, I have to go to him, she apologized, and then returned to his side with a happy hum just as K'iel finished his introduction. Tr'esn stiffened, his mind flashing over exactly what he would say. Hi, I'm Tr'esn of green Oquith. That sounded all right. Then what? I used to be a Drudge and this is my first time Standing. No. Not good.

Nobody will laugh at you, Tr'esnmine, Oquith assured him lovingly, rubbing against his legs. "Ummm. I'm Tr'esn, and t - this is Oquith," he stammered, flushing as he ducked his head, avoiding eye contact. "I, erm, I came from Lighttower Hold, and this is my first time Standing..." Tr'esn had begun to address Oquith by the end of that, watching the green dragonet as she looked up at him reassuringly, a low purr in her throat. You did well, Tr'esnmine, do we get food now? I itch, too, she added, almost as an afterthought.

[archenstone]

Kalina grunted as she swung the hammer. The metal before her was white hot, it's impurities melted out into the pit that was nothing but char now. As she rained continuous blows upon it it began to thin out and lengthen. She eyed its cooling, heating it back up when she detected the decrease in temperature through color. Blow for blow, the metal clanging didn't sound right as all. No matter what she did it wouldn't sound like the super heated metal should. Suddenly she was jolted out of sleep.

KalinaMine! KalinaMine! Get up! The little green had nearly smothered her in attempt to wake her and clung to her. Distress emanated from her mind and her eyes swirled wildly. The ceilings' pressing me down KalinaMine. Let's get out! Wake up! Make it stop. She pushed with her will for Kalina to do what she said.

"Stop Uminth, I need to get up." The dragon's emotions where making her nauseous. Uminth allowed her Mine to push herself out of bed. Mine! Mine! Let's go.

Uminth...what's that noise for? Then she realized their classes began today. So she stood up and threw on a shirt and the nearest pair of pants she had. She wasn't digging for her skirt. Thankfully the noise stopped and she started feeling better. As she started to move though she felt a headache forming. Shards I don't want a head ache so early. She could still feel Uminth's unease and discomfort pushing on her mind. She rubbed Uminth. There...there...class won't be long and then you can go out into the open air. I'll be sitting right next to you so don't fret and I'll rub you.

Uminth complied but walked so closely to Kalina they almost touched. Going into the lessons room she relaxed a little to see her clutch mates. M'ta and Behruth where the easiest to find. Kalina was going to sit when she saw Uminth go over the whole two feet that separated them to nuzzle and say hi to Behruth. His presence comforted her and she twitched her tail. Come Mine. Come sit with me and Behruth clutch brother. So Kalina sat near them to make Uminth comfortable. Once those who where present before spoke Kalina said, "I'm Kalina and this is Uminth. I come from Blossom Hold. My Father is a Smith and I learned to make some stuff under him..."

She was careful not too mention stone collecting, adventuring or anything else that made her unique. After M'ta had reacted to her collecting stones she had started to wonder if she could make any human friends here with common interests.

[neeuqtar]

They weren't sleeping in the weyrling barracks. Of course, Vashti couldn't, due to her duties, but (theoretally) Wymeth could have. Not that the green dragon would ever accept sleeping away from Hers. Luckily Vashti had been warned about the daybreak classes, and was already there when the Weyrlingmistress went on her rampage. We're first! Wymeth said excitedly as Vashti followed her excitable green love. I can't wait to find Oquith-love and Qualuth-love! she chirped, settling down dead center in the empty room. The drummer sat next to her, draping an arm over Wymeth's shoulder.

Then she spotted Oquith and Qualuth and darted over, nuzzling the duo and sending Vashti falling to the floor. Careful, Wymeth! Vashti cried, rubbing her sore shoulder and scooting over. "Tr'esn, K'iel, good to see you," she said politely, mentally shushing her dragon as Laurie started talking. She waited her turn, then introduced herself as well.

"I'm Weyrdrummer Vashti, a first-level journeyman, and this lovely green here is Wymeth. I was originally from Blossom Hold, but was sent to the Harper Hall for training." There was no need to talk about her troubles, likes, dislikes... any who cared to find out about her, would. How do you feel about dolphins? she asked Wymeth wistfully. The dragon looked at her curiously.

Doll-fins? Why would dolls have fins? Do they like to swim?[/color] Wymeth asked, fascinated by the idea.

They are swimming creatures, and they can talk like people. I'm friends with some.

I am friends with Oquith and Qualuth! she chirped pleasantly. Vashti sighed mentally. Maybe she'd ask later... once Wymeth was a bit older.

[felina]

Ki'ner sat up, startled as the sound of clanking metal, slamming doors, and surprised yelps filled his air. He blinked blearily, trying to figure out the source of the bizarre (and rather aggravating) commotion. His roommate appeared to be just as confused, though he at least was already standing up. What in Faranth's name was so urgent that they had to be woken up so early in the morning? And speaking of morning, what time was it, anyhow?

He, along with the furs he was still quite tangled in, were shoved to the ground as Aberath stirred. The bronze then proceeded to stretch across the entire stone couch, his head extending towards Ki'ner's. It is lessonstime, Nerner. Time for you to go learn uh... whatever you learn in lessons. Because I say it is important. And the silly green's rider says that it is as well, he added, almost offhand as he chewed absentmindedly on the top of Ki'ner's hair. The young man groaned, pulling his head out of reach.

Shardit, I'm tired, Abe, he complained. The previous night hadn't exactly involved a whole lot of sleeping; Aberath had woken him up multiple times as he decided that he wanted to lie elsewhere on the stone couch, generally wherever it was that Ki'ner happened to be sleeping. In hindsight, choosing to sleep with the bronze likely hadn't been the brightest of ideas, but as aggravating as he could sometimes be, the new weyrling didn't want to be so far apart from the demanding beast for that long. And stop chewing on my hair, while you're at it. If I'm going to get it cut, I'd rather it weren't by a dragon's teeth, and that's awful close to my scalp you're getting. Help me find my clothes, why don't you? Tr'esn is already gone, and I'm not even dressed yet.

Aberath scoffed at the idea of doing something so petty as helping find discarded clothes. I see no reason why I would. Because you were the one who threatened to eat them if I didn't get undressed and dim the glow quickly enough for you, that's why. Throwing his hands up in defeat, he went in search of the missing clothes. It wasn't difficult; it turned out he had just thrown them behind the trunk, too afraid that Aberath would carry out his threat to actually take the time to put them in there. He quickly dressed and headed out the door, the bronze shoving to walk ahead of him once they reached the hallway.

Well, it certainly was a bit different from the first set of lessons they'd attended. There were no desks, and apparently the woman in the front of the room expected them to just sit in a chair. Pick a chair, any chair. It didn't make much difference, evidently, which he chose, though he made certain to stay far from R'wign; it was hard to be certain whether the boy meant Aberath any ill-will, but he didn't particularly want to find it out the hard way.

He waited until the pompous girl, Vashti, finished speaking before he began. "I'm Ki'ner, and the gorgeous bronze is Aberath. I was an apprentice Tanner before I came here, and this was my first time Standing. I was lucky, I guess. Don't really think there's much else int'resting to say 'bout me." Aberath snorted. You are the most interesting person here. The others are all so boring. But it is good that you hurried up, I want to eat after this. I need to eat.[/i][/size]

[wirevix]

Oquith, Wymeth! Qualuth greeted his sisters with cheer, returning their nuzzles gently, huffing and rumbling--well, with his small size it sounded more like a purr--happily at them. He was always very pleased to have his sisters there, even if he would not leave K'iel all alone so he could go and sit with them. He was content to be able to speak with them across the room if need be, K'iel needed his physical presence more.

The boy looked nervous when the other two dragons came over, but only received soothing waves of reassurance from his gentle Blue. He managed a faint, uncertain, rather shy smile for the bondmates of Qualuth's beloved sisters, because he had to be friendly with them at least a little, or Qual would be saddened. He did so want for them to get along.

"Umn hi," K'iel finally managed to say, giving a little nod to the other two to be polite. Qualuth was greatly pleased and made sure to let him know as much, nuzzling against K'iel and giving him a little snort that made his shirt ripple. K'iel couldn't help a soft laugh at his dragon's silliness, and Qualuth approved of it greatly, leaning on His's side comfortably.

[reqqy]

Laurie opened her mouth to speak...then suddenly rose, her green eyes flashing with peevish ire. He did not just sit in her chair! Bronzeriders! She should have known it would be him. Only one chair in the whole place, at the center of the room, and of course it was the bronzeweyrling who somehow thought it belonged to him. The greenrider darted forward, aiming a sharp kick at the chairleg that even managed to rock the furniture some, despite Ki'ner's size. Lauranna glared at him pointedly. "And what, may I ask, are you doing sitting on my platform? More to the point, do you see anyone else sitting in chairs? Don't you think that if someone was going to sit in that chair it would be me? Now get off!" The Weyrlingmaster lashed out at it again with a foot, hmphing dramatically.

She blew a strand of hair out of her face, thrusting out her chin in clear indication that she wanted the furniture vacated now. "Thank you for humoring me," she commented to the class as a whole, her grin returning as if it had never left. "Now that we've got introductions out of the way, onto the main part of the lesson." Patience, little ones. You shall be fed soon, but first your riders must listen a bit longer. Patience. Laurie directed her thoughts toward Reysalth. I'm missing two. Call them again for me, will you? Imprith. Kloth. Lessons have already started, and you are late. Please bring Yours' as quickly as you can.

The Weyrlingmaster leapt up onto the chair, not even bothering to see if K'ner had moved or not. She would stand on his legs if necessary. Silly creature. "You all are dragonriders now!" she cried, perhaps a little too exuberant considering the early hour. "This means that your primary duty is to your dragon. If you were a healer, a tanner, a drummer...whatever, you are no longer those things so long as they interfere with your knew mindmate. You are among the elect of Pern chosen to bond with these magnificent creatures. Right now you should be spending as much time with them as you possibly can. Close contact, both mentally and physically. As a dragonrider, you will spend most of your time caring for your dragon, bathing and oiling them, maintaining straps, flying sweeps, drilling, and above all - flaming Thread. Forget your earlier life. It has ended. Today we will be covering basic necessities that you need to know right away, such as feeding your dragons and oiling and bathing their growing hides so the hide doesn't crack. But first, let's talk about the new bond all of you share with your mindmates!"

Laurie clapped her hands abruptly, hopping off the chair with a flourish. It was slightly odd behavior, certainly, but she found that a little eccentricity tended to keep the weyrlings' attention. "Right. These bonds are different for everyone. What every dragonrider experiences, however, is the fact that you are not alone. Nor will you ever be alone. There is someone in your life now who loves you unconditionally, and it is an awesome, terrifying thing. Many newly Impressed find it reassuring. Some, however - particularly those who Impress at a really young or comparatively old age - can experience the depression and uncertainty that sometimes comes with an intense emotional change like this one. Remember this: the desire to pull back from your mindmate, to attempt to flee this frightening new level of intimacy, is completely normal! It is not, however, healthy, nor is it even possible. If you find yourself experiencing these desires, you need to talk to me, one of the other Weyrlingmasters, or a healer, most likely Kalierre. We're all here to help."

By this point, the little blonde Weyrlingmaster had taken to pacing. "This is the stage of your relationship with your dragon where the depth of your bond is established. The more open you are with your bonded, the more open and satisfying your bond will be when they mature. Hatchlings often do rifle through the memories of their riders, and they likely will ask questions. It would serve you well to answer them. In all likelihood, your dragon will turn to another dragon if you can't satisfy their curiosity, and you probably don't want your private thoughts made public in that manner. If the idea of them looking through your memories is distressing, you can start by offering them the memories you're comfortable with. We'll be working on strengthening this bond over the next few months, and also talk a little bit about masking. For now, though, what's important is not holding anything back.

"Any questions thus far?"

[glamourie]

Oh, he adored her. If R'wign hadn't liked Lauranna before, he would have in that moment as he watched her move over to the chair where Kishawhateverhisnamewas was sitting, only to kick the chair leg. One hand moved up to his face to cover his mouth, trying to hide the slight smirk. He didn't exactly have a problem with whats-his-name, at least not enough to actively hunt him down and irritate him (R'wign was rarely one to be bothered with such malicious measures as he had better and more productive ways to spend his time), but seeing him get yelled at was... oddly satisfying. Some part of the healer still wanted to grab one of his shoes and chuck it straight at the evil bronze's head, but he refrained. His eyes lingered on bronzerider-without-a-name, however, and he did not chuckle, but it was plainly obvious he was amused. It was more amusing to him, however, that the bronzerider chose to sit there rather than anywhere near him. Like a pointed choice. It took every ounce of R'wign's self-control not to sweetly proclaim that he only bit on request. Somehow he doubted Lauranna would appreciate the distraction from her lesson.

She was talking again, though, and that sufficiently drew his attention away from the bronzepair. His gaze moved back to the greenrider and he folded one arm behind his head, cringing slightly at the burst of pain from his cracked rib. Ouchouchouch. Bad. Hissing quietly to himself, he glanced down at Checkoth, mainly to keep anyone from being able to see the brief amount of pain that flicked over his face. He tried to imagine what sort of questions the little brown would ask when ---

R'wignmine, winnymine, why would anyone try to keep secrets from their dragon? That's odd. You wouldn't keep secrets from me, right? I would never tell anyone your secrets, he happily proclaimed, then added, Reysalth said we will be eating soon, too. She told us to be patient. By the time the lesson's over, I'll be able to eat a whole - a whole herd. You think we could catch 'em?

"Shh," R'wign quietly whispered, putting one hand on Checkoth's nose. The brown snorted and leaned back to look at him oddly, in the process tripping and falling over his tail. R'wign squinted and glanced around before pulling Checkoth back up to his feet properly, though fortunately the only sound the pair made was the very - very quiet murmuring R'wign offered to his dragon. He hadn't yet learned to talk mind-to-mind to him; that sort of thing would take practice for him, especially since he had stood for so long and completely given up hope of ever Impressing. He squinted at the little squirming dragonet and whispered again, "No eating entire herds. We're supposed to be listening, not discussing food."

Standing up properly, he cleared his throat, then asked, to distract from Checkoth, "Am I allowed to throw shoes at anyone who irritates me if I promise they're not heavy shoes and that my aim is worse than a drunken wherry in the dark?" So not the kind of questions she meant, but R'wign didn't want to be scolded for talking to Checkoth. He'd answer the hungry dragon's questions later, when they were alone. "And on a more serious note... I don't know if this applies to anyone else, or if I'd have to ask Kalierre - I've been meaning to, but ... Checkoth's tails --"

I've got two! I'm the only one with two! Checkoth happily proclaimed, both to R'wign and to Reysalth. It never occurred to him to be embarrassed by that fact. He was quite proud. That makes me special!

"-- are they going to be a problem in flight? Or during... well, anything? He trips over them constantly right now, but... Well, as he said, he's the only one with two..." He furrowed his brow, then nudged Checkoth with his foot. "Yes, you're special you little goof."

Winnymine is special too, because you are mine. You can have my second tail. We will both be superspecial!

[Avu]

Oquith crooned in delight, her sides vibrating as she exchanged greetings with Qualuth and Wymeth, confiding to both of them, I have very pretty shinies for you - presents, Tr'esnmine says they are. I made him one too! But I don't want anyone to be left out, so I'll give them to you later. They're /very/ pretty, she explained solemnly, tucking her tail around her haunches as her eyes whirled in pleased shades. Tr'esnhers had been very helpful tying knots in things and stuff like that, when Oquith found herself unable to - whether this was due to the lack of talons or simply because draconic creatures were not meant to knot things was beyond Oquith. Tr'esn watched the green dragonet, dropping his head and peering through his lashes shyly at Qualuth and Wymeth. Both lovely, of course - weren't all dragons? - but neither quite as beautiful as the tiny Oquith was to Tr'esn.

He twitched in surprise as both Vashti and K'iel spoke - including him in the exchange. "Oh - hi, it's nice to see you, too," he answered shyly, unused to being spoken to so politely. "I hope you don't mind - Qui thought that Wymeth and Qualuth'd like little things she found or made - so, um, she'll probably be dropping by later to give them to you..." Shh, Tr'esnmine, don't let anybody else hear, or they'll all want shinies too, Oquith warned him, butting the Greenweyrling's hand with her nose with a soft croon. I don't have that many. Tr'esn shrugged in silent response, rubbing the green dragon's head and eye ridges, in much the same manner he'd seen dragonriders before him do. That feels good...but my stomach pains, Oquith informed him, sitting next to Tr'esn's leg as she gazed wistfully at Reysalth's, as if expecting the woman to whip out a banquet from midair.

The lesson was beginning, though, and Oquith slid into a lying-down position as Tr'esn twitched backwards as the Weyrlingmaster ran at his roommate, who had taken it upon himself to sit down and kicked - the chair leg. He exhaled slightly, eyes widening at her words. He hadn't sat down, only because he felt awkward and uncomfortable even standing up, and being one of the few to sit down would only emphasize that. Quite suddenly, he was glad for his uncertainty. Tr'esn kept his eyes on Oquith as the green watched Reysalth's, although his cocked head indicated he was listening to the woman speak. Close bond...unconditional love...he squirmed, slightly uncomfortable, and Oquith's eyes snapped up to him. How does she know I love you? the green asked, surprise in her tones. I guess all dragons love their Riders, Tr'esn responded, shrugging lightly.

Questions? Were they supposed to have questions? Tr'esn watched silently as R'wign addressed his questions to the Weyrlingmaster, although the shadow of a smile that started in the corner of his mouth indicated that he knew full well that the first question probably wasn't the type that was expected. Well, he supposed it was the Weyrlingmaster's fault for not being specific. The second question sent a slight jolt through him and he took an uncertain step forwards, nudging Oquith to her feet too. "Umm, yes, Oquith doesn't have talons on her left foreleg or her right hindleg, and her tail doesn't have the spade at the end - so, um. That won't matter, will it?"

[Ruby]

Late. So what? Raila wanted more sleep.

Imprith, however, did not agree, and was making his Rider's life a living hell as long as she stayed in bed. He had attempted to climb into the cot with her, and was now draped over her back, mumbling incoherently about how much he loved her, and how she was his... and how they needed to go to lessons. I will love you forever, Mine, promises... but Reysalth wants us too, she says we are late, and she is a pretty green with a pretty green Rider, and we don't want to make them mad, do we? Now they will not like us, and no one else will like us, they will think we are annoying and late...

You ARE annoying, Imprith, so they wouldn't be wrong, Raila griped, opening one eye at the ruckus in the corridor. It was fading now... good, maybe she could get back to sleep.

Oh, mine, you are so silly. Come on! It's time to go! Imprith insisted, becoming more demanding my the moment. He shoved his head under Raila's side, attempting to tumble her off onto the floor. The girl batted halfheartedly at him, and finally swung her feet around and began groggily dressing. Something had taken it out of her... normally, getting up for Raila wasn't too difficult. But now she was working through a fog, one that Imprith was not helping to alleviate with his constant babble. Maybe he'd shut up once they got to the lesson.

Of course, mine, Imprith put in. I only do this to get you out of the room.

With a sigh as Imprith broadcasted Reysalth's second call for her, Raila headed out the door, slipping into the classroom only moments after the Weyrlingmaster had started her lecture. She yawned, covered it with her hand, and slunk to the back with Imprith in tow. The blue, awkward as always on land, carefully avoided tripping, although it meant he moved slower than usual. No questions- Raila didn't want to draw attention to herself or her lateness, however... it was interesting that some of the dragons had, well, oddnesses. Imprith was perfection embodied, despite his awkward gait and silvery hide- nothing was worng with him, nothing was missing, he was... well, perfect. How many of the others had differances?

[archenstone]

Kalina sat silently after speaking. She didn't have much of a reaction to the Bronze kid either. She was concentrating...

Uminth had settled down beside her but the little dragon was still very uncomfortable. Her tolerance level be being inside was wearing thin and Kalina's head hurt. She rubbed Uminth across an eye ridge and was trying to focus on a calming emotion. Lets just listen to Lauranna, Uminth. She has very important things for us to know. Her hand moved down to Uminth's bulky shoulder, working the muscle gently.

Okay...KaliMine... The little green flicked the tip of her tail. Try to breathe slowly Uminth. It should help your chest relax. Kalina could feel Uminth's tension fade to a manageable level.

Kalina listened as Lauranna kept moving around. It seemed like the green rider couldn't keep still. Kalina couldn't help but smile, the woman's energy was infectious.

It's unhealthy to pull back your consciousness? But what if you're hurt? Kalina's head ache wasn't near migraine level...she didn't get those, but she was still uncomfortable and didn't think Uminth should have to feel. it. When Lauranna was done she asked, "If its unhealthy to...pull back from the connection does that mean your dragon is forced to feel any pain that you're in?"

[reqqy]

-M'ta and Behruth-

Behruth crooned to Uminth obligingly, his limbs rearranging themselves that she might have better access to him if she desired it. The little brown, pass up a chance to cuddle? Never! Good morning, Uminth. You have slept well? His head snaked into M'ta's lap, staring up at the boy's face until the young man looked down with a raised eyebrow. What? he mouthed. When is the food? Hungry, hungry. Can't you feel it? It hurts. M'ta shook his head and indicated the greenrider just in time to see her attack K'ner's chair. His back straightened. Behruth watched the exchange curiously. Is he trying to take her pretty? He shouldn't do something like that. It's no good when they try to take your pretties. Maybe I should help Reysalth's. Should I help her, Mine? No, she can handle it, I think. She might think you're trying to steal it for yourself. Oh, that's not good!

Silence grew between the two as they both listened. Relative silence, anyway. She said food, didn't she, Uminth? Oh, I do wish she would hurry up! The brown nudged his clutchsister. M'ta flashed a sheepish smile at Kalina, shrugging one shoulder as if to say he was at a loss as to what to do with Behruth. His relative comfort with the lesson dropped noticeably toward the end, the boy worrying his lip lightly between his teeth. He tried to discard the thoughts before the brown could pick up on it, but M'ta was a very internalized person (which likely explained the ease of communication between the pair despite the boy's age and general lack of openness.) There were some memories that he seriously doubted could benefit Behruth at all.

The little dragonet nuzzled him encouragingly. Why upset? She reminded me of something. Behruth didn't press, although he did snuggle up a little closer to His. Uminth clutchsister does not look very happy, the brown commented to M'ta with a touch of concern. Maybe she is just hungry? When will we eat? Soon, I think, he responded, distracted.

R'wign's questions had caught M'ta's attention. He looked to Laurie for a moment, then cast a glance around the room, truly surveying the other dragons for the first time. Of course he was aware of Chekoth's tail, with R'wign as his roommate, but since he'd Impressed first he really hadn't noticed any of the other dragons. He noted almost immediately that Checkoth wasn't the only oddity of the clutch. Aside from the odd anatomy, some of the hatchlings seemed to have strange little quirks as well. Behruth's obsession with pretties was amusing now, but he couldn't very well stop in the middle of Threadfall to expand his collection. If M'ta wasn't convinced that this was just a passing phase for the hatchling, he might have added his own question to the mix.

As it was, he was more worried about something a little more...pressing. A worry that Kalina managed to remind him of by voicing her own concern about feeling pain through their bond. Hatchlings were supposed to be kept innocent of certain things, certain feelings, which M'ta couldn't shield Behruth from if the brown grew curious. He wanted to ask. Wanted advice, but he couldn't, not with Behruth there. The little brown, who again had picked up on M'ta's unease, would surely wonder and go rooting. Mine, don't be sad! They will be able to do just as the rest of us, I am sure of it! M'ta smiled at the brown's misinterpretation, touched at Behruth's apparent concern for his clutchmates.

You're right. I'm sure they'll be fine.

[felina]

Ki’ner obviously hadn’t been paying nearly enough attention. He had failed to notice some of the more important details around him, and now he was paying the price. It was all Aberath’s fault; he was the one who had kept him awake all night, and apparently his judgment was suffering for it. He hadn’t even noticed that the rest of the chairs were gone, only the desks, and it wasn’t until the Weyrlingmaster nearly dumped him out of the one chair that he realized his idiocy. A bright red flush crept up his scarred face, and he tried vainly to stammer out an apology. “No, I uh… I hadn’t…. I’m sorry, I didn’t notice….” He stifled a yawn as he scrambled to get as far away from the chair as possible, pausing only to ensure that he wasn’t headed towards R’wign.

Aberath, on the other hand, was never so wont to back up a single step. He glared angrily at Lauranna, his eyes whirling orange as he made his displeasure known. You! Tell Yours that she should not upset my Nerner so,[/color] he attempted to command the green, completely ignoring any size or age difference between them.

Once he realized what was happening, Ki’ner attempted to mentally hush the bronze, worried that the Weyrlingmaster’s dragon would try to eat him, or something along those lines. Abe, wait until you’re bigger to annoy the greens, all right? The greens are not worth my trouble; it is only this one’s Rider that is .Nobody gets away with being mean to you,he said as though it was the most logical thing in the world.

Ki’ner suppressed a groan and hid his face in his hands. He’d be quite happy to pretend that this wasn’t happening, not right now and not to him.