Thems fightin’ words – weyrling combat lesson

[anhydrous]

For once Daisulyth found himself looking forward to a weyrling lesson, his tail twitching anxiously while he waited for his Finneth to arrive. He hadn’t slept on her ledge the previous night in order to soothe his rider and was already missing the sight of his prize’s gleaming grassy hide. Besides that, they had been assigned a job! Their riders would be teaching the younglings self defense, and it had been entrusted to them to watch over the little dragons and make sure that they didn’t get upset over the contact that the lesson required.

The weyrlingmaster stood beside his mount, waiting for his charges and staff to gather. He had made sure that no wings were scheduled to practice in the bowl that day so that the class would have plenty of room down by the barracks to spread out and have a lesson outside. It wasn’t too hot, a few stray breezes caught by the towering weyr walls making it almost tolerable.

While he was reluctant to stand in front of the weyrlings with K’houry at his side, I’dalyn kept his facial expression amiable. He assumed that his charges had enough sense not to say anything about it after their day in the laundry rooms, but even if a few stray giggles broke through the crowd he had sworn to remain calm. Not for their sake. For Daisulyth.

The brown bent his head for a comforting pat from his rider, watching with excitedly whirling eyes as a few of the weyrlings trickled out of the barracks. No doubt they’d be tired, but hopefully I’dalyn had given them enough time to get some food before the lesson. After all, he had rescheduled it for later in the afternoon. Perhaps it was an attempt to apologize, although none of them would receive a spoken one. I’dalyn might be reasonable, but taking back a punishment wasn’t the way to teach respect.

[dragon]

D'ray:

D'ray was sure to make it on time, if not early. He'd be one of few to help the weyrlingmaster in his task of training the weyrlings in hand to hand combat. Seemed simple enough for the brownrider, watch over them and make sure no real fights break out. Simple task, right? D'ray really didn't hope that was the case. He'd want some entertainment after all. But certainly he didn't want the weyrlings too injured, right? Regardless, these thoughts were hidden and he'd simply see what entertainment would progress. He also decided he'd step in should any real fights get too serious. A bit of roughing up could toughen up the youngsters but there was no need for bloodshed.

The giant brown that was Pharoth landed close to I'dalyn's Daisulyth and D'ray was all but happy too hop off. His walk was casual, but a usual goofey grin on his face remained as normal. "Heya. What's crackin' I'dalyn? Where's the little tykes?", D'ray asked as the smile never left his face. Perhaps the brownrider had thoughts of slacking off. Well, Pharoth certainly did. After his last posed question, D'ray raised a hand over his brows and looked back and forth to see if he could find some of the weyrlings. Well, there were one or two trickling in but no crowd yet.

T'rad:

T'rad was one of the firsts to arrive to this lesson. Perhaps he felt bad for being late to one of the other ones, so he wanted to make up for it and prove he wasn't making it a habit. Regardless, here he was. Paleoth was bounding infront of the lad, all too happy to be out and about. T'rad stopped at the spot he wanted and Paleoth was standing dutifully beside him. T'rad gave a curtious nod to his weyrlingmaster and D'ray respectfully. Paleoth followed his bonded's example. Good day Daisulyth. And to you as well, Pharoth. I trust yours are doing well? The dragonet opened his mind to both as he spoke, greeting each with proper respect.

[Selvagem]

C'cao
Opheriath alighted gently in the bowl, her pale wings flashing soft as butter in the cooler light of latter afternoon. They were gleaming, the effects of an oiling perhaps, but then the green's hide was always too light for much to be read from it. Folding back the large and elegant sails, she strode forward to meet Daisulyth and Pharoth, a mental thrill of sound very akin to a piping flute serving as her greeting to both. There was just the slightest hint of coyness in her motions as she lowered her head and half-crouched for C'cao to slide from her back. The greenrider threw a salute to I'dalyn and D'ray.

"Good day, I'dalyn, D'ray," he smiled, "I hope the day have fared well thus far. Ah, I see some of them coming already. Good day to you, blue weyrling."

Opheriath, likewise, greeted Paleoth with a light touch of her mind, almost a whisper like wind. Taking his place slightly behind the Weyrlingmaster, C'cao watched with a light, pleasantly-quiet smile as the weyrlings filed from the Barracks and began making their way over to them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

H'tio, Jh'na and Th'dis

"I told you, I don't want to be early any more."

Jh'na grinned nervously, a lopsided sort of grin, glancing sideways at the weyrlings filing through the doorway of the Barracks. With a soft sigh, he looked back pleadingly at the resolute H'tio.

"H'tio, please, you know the laundry chore wasn't a personal thing. It's not like he meant to get at you or something..."

"That's not the point," the gray-eyed boy folded his arms, "The point is he had no right to simply pack the whole class off just like that, without a second thought. It's not as if all of us were pulling the jibes on him. Runimeth and I weren't even there at all, I was oiling him outside. Do you know what it's like to have to go to the laundry covered with oil, and get the drudges angry at you because you just stained all their clothing again?"

H'tio my lad, we've been through this, it's not as if...

Please, Rune, I've made up my mind. This is between me and I'dalyn, and I've decided he's really too inexperienced to deserve my respect.

The brown weyrling smiled wryly at Jh'na, "Just go ahead first, Jh'na. I'll just straggle out with the last of them, Z'dayi and Tremaith most likely."

The green weyrling fidgeted nervously, caught between his friend and his lesson. Th'dis, meanwhile, strode past the two without a second glance, Guiyath prowling by his side as always. The extra time had been good for him, allowing him the leisure in working a good oiling into the bronze's hide and sails. The dragonet gleamed like polished metal now, and a pleased Th'dis was happy to find he had minutes to spare in stretching his muscles before moving out to join the next class. The pair sauntered out into the Bowl, and each greeted the staff in their own ways.

"My duty to you, Weyrlingmaster, riders," Th'dis made his salute, as was proper, "Guiyath and Th'dis, reporting."

My greetings, brown Daisulyth and Pharoth, green Opheriath, Guiyath bowed his head to each as he spoke, I hope the day finds you well.

[blueaid]

Tremaith disapproves of Z'dayi's approach to many things, including his slackerly arrival on the outskirts of a pending lesson. He wants his rider to be clean, polished, presentable, shardit! Of course, Z'dayi was none of these things while he sauntered out of the barracks. His tunic was stained, his hair was stringy and oily from chores, there were creases in his trousers; about the only thing he'd bothered with was tying his shoelaces, and even they looked a little loose. Bluntly, he told his dragon, After that laundry business, I ain't gonna bother putting my best foot forward. If all a weyrling's good for is washin' other people's socks, then I may as well turn out like a shardin' laundry-worker. So there.

No giggles came from him, thankfully, while he looked over the weyrlingmasters-- I'dalyn and K'houry in proximity-- though it did trick a smirk into place momentarily. Still. A salute, no bother with my-duties, fell shortly after Th'dis's while he found a place among the rank and file; he still preferred staying in the back, out of the line-of-sight.

[Invisible]

As unpleased as the rest of the weyrlings with the Great Laundry Debacle there was one thing K’mar did not have in common with many of them. He wasn’t going to let it change his attitude. There was no reason to think it would happen again and I’dalyn had gotten his point across. Perhaps not the one he meant, but that could not be helped. Volsteath and K’mar entered together and took up their rather usual place away from anyone else. Since the bickering in the barracks K’mar was more convinced than ever that the children he was forced to train with had no idea what it meant to be a dragonrider and since no one wanted to heed anything he said so be it.

Today’s lesson was not one he was looking forward to. A chance for one of the others to be allowed to hurt him? Yes, that was a brilliant idea. Not that he would ever say such a thing out loud. Volsteath was uncharacteristically quiet as well. Since his talk with Daisulyth on laundry day he’d kept to himself. Part pouting perhaps, but mostly making his own point. If everything he said was going to be taken the wrong way he would be as silent as his rider liked to be. Neither of them wanted this lesson. K’mar had considered trying to hurt himself to get out of it, but after his one trip to the infirmary he did not want another.

[Xinnai]

K'houry

[/b]

Finneth and K'houry faced off within their quarters. The green was not going to be moved; they were going to the combat lesson not only because they were expected to go as a part of the weyrling staff, but also because Daisulyth was there and she was not going to not see him. K'houry faced his dragon, arms crossed decisively over his chest. He was not going. He'd heard the gossip circulating around the weyr about Finneth's flight. And he was not going to go face those smarmy, smart-mouthed kids who thought that it was a laugh.

Verdant head bent as Finneth attempted to look into K'houry's eyes. She butted at his chest, eyes swirling with sadness. Please, K'houry. I miss Daisulyth like I would miss a part of my anatomy. Please can we go? I would go without you, but you are my Mine and I would miss you too.

K'houry glanced shamefaced at the great eyes before him and looked away quickly. The process was repeated a few times, the guilt intensifying with each look. He gave up with a hearty sigh, hands flying into the air with put on exasperation.

"Fine! We'll go! But I'm not happy about this, hear?"

The green turned away, every inch of her body radiating her smugness-the curve of neck, the twist of chest, every coil in her tail. You do not have to like it. Part of it is your duty and the other part...Well, you'll have to live with it.

K'houry sighed, head shaking at his dragon's audacity. A few moments later, they were gliding down to the weyr bowl. They made their way to the barracks on foot, the great padding green dragon beside her miniscule-looking and sour-faced rider. Finneth left K'houry immediately at the sight of Daisulyth-one couldn't say she sped over because she was too graceful for it-but she hastened to him and was at his side, rubbing against his chocolate hide happily, her croon low enough only they two could hear. K'houry went to I'dalyn's side to stand a few paces apart, arms folded over his chest as he glared at the youngsters in front of him. The man was not going to take any crap from them today.

Salina

The little weyrwoman was still recovering the laundry "lesson." More than a little sore and still feeling the vestiges of exhaustion, she shambled over to the lesson, eyes purple-ringed as if she'd already gone through this particular round. Deoneth padded along at the girl's side, watching her with eagle-eyed precision. If the weyrling stumbled at all, the gold was going to be saying something.

They were both glad to have eaten but weren't exactly perked up. Salina ran a hand over her face as they came to a stop, looking at the men before their motley little group. They would be teaching them? Well. She wasn't quite sure what to think. Would the men reflect their new bond? Or studiously ignore each other as they were doing now? She wasn't quite sure and she didn't want to know.

Instead, she'd try to focus her sleepy brain and pay attention to the lesson. It was important this one. She wasn't sure she'd be using this particular skill often-after all, a woman's weapons were her words rather than a man's fists, but it was still very useful. Theoretically. She'd be watching and listening nonetheless.

[anhydrous]

Daisulyth shifted to accommodate the larger brown, his greetings drifting distractedly while D’ray slid down to the bowl’s floor. Good afternoon,[/color] he said dutifully, less warm than usual for a clutchmate, but genial none-the-less. It was hard to concentrate when your thoughts kept drifting towards your lady's ledge. It seemed that was all that the brown could think about, Finneth's grassy hide gleaming in his mind's eye.

When compared to Pharoth, Daisulyth’s long limbs and slim frame made him look like a bundle of sticks. The larger brown was positively dripping of the connotation of strength, masses of muscle shifting under his dark hide. Daisulyth’s prim curl of tail and cross of forearms was almost comical, unspeakably scrawny beside Pharoth’s bulk. If he was conscious of the humor, the weyrlingmaster’s dragon didn’t show it. He was much too busy awaiting the arrival of his darling to be distracted by such a thing.

It certainly wasn’t lost on I’dalyn, his indifference turning into a chuckle at the sight of the pair, features lifting further as he met the brownrider with a grin. It was hard to look or listen to D’ray without cracking a smile yourself, his lighthearted mood seeming to be perpetually amusing. “I expect that some skulls will be cracking soon enough,” the weyrlingmaster joked, his eyes darting towards the few weyrlings that had already gathered. “And the rest of them should be struggling out here within the next few minuets.” Throwing a look over his shoulder towards the barracks, I’dalyn chuckled again. “They’ll probably be tired. They had a long day yesterday.” It wasn’t clear if the whole weyr knew about the flight fiasco, but some were surely surprised to receive their laundry so promptly. Perhaps the weyrlings had grumbled enough for the general population to know of their chore, but it was hard to tell for sure.

Whatever else he was going to say was lost as Opheriath made her entrance, her rider receiving his own short greeting from the weyrlingmaster. “Hey there, C’cao,” I’dalyn offered amiably. Daisulyth, while he probably should have been answering the little dragon voices that were breaking into his mind, couldn’t help staring as the green landed and slid into place next to them. Her sinuous neck earned inward appreciation, Finneth forgotten for a brief second until more weyrlings broke his concentration with their respectful greetings.

Each youngling who reached out was rewarded with a reply, names used, even. Paleoth, you’re early. That is very good. Promptness is a fine quality to possess,[/color] he noted proudly. Daisulyth probably didn’t remember that T’rad and his little dragon had actually been late to a few previous lessons, but I’dalyn had noticed the change. He appreciated it as well, although he hadn’t said anything. Paleoth would probably pass it on. Dragons were useful like that.

Turning his head in a particularly shiny direction, Daisulyth addressed a young bronze’s greeting. Good afternoon to you, Guiyath. It is excellent to see that you’ve used your extra time productively.[/color] So far this particular little bronze seemed one of the smarter ones. The other two were harder to pick out. One was very quiet, the other, just not very memorable. Guiyath always had the right things to say. Making a mental note to confer with his rider over it, Daisulyth turned his attention towards the other dragons that had gathered. They offered no greeting, but it was hardly surprising. Volsteath seemed to still be pouting, something that Finneth might find amusing if she ever arrived.

While the weyrlingmaster didn’t personally greet each of the young riders, he did nod to acknowledge any who bothered to speak with an amiable smile. I’dalyn was much too busy looking over his weyrlings to notice that Finneth had landed, and ignored K’houry completely. Z’dayi’s smirk was noted darkly, although the brownrider made no move to correct him. Instead he glanced towards Salina. Of all of the young riders, the weyrwoman looked the worst for wear. It was lucky that she wouldn’t have much to do in this lesson.

Daisulyth was much more interested in Finneth’s entrance than his rider had been, his eyes whirling excitedly as she brushed up against him. Her croon sent shivers down his spine, and he caressed her mind tenderly. I missed you[/color], the brown said unabashedly. If the weyrling class was hoping to get a show out of the new paring, they would need to turn their gazes away from the riders and towards their dragons. Daisulyth shifted a wing so that his green could slide closer, folding it overtop of her slightly in some sort of show of affection. Whatever glance that Opheriath had drawn from him was completely forgotten now that he had his lovely prize at his side, tail twisting with hers just out of view.

As he had been instructed earlier that morning, Daisulyth called all the dragons off to the side with a general note. Younglings, it is time to part with your mines. If you’ll gather over by us, the lesson will begin soon.[/color] The weyrlingmaster heard his dragon and glanced expectantly towards the barracks. A few still lingered there. Brushing absently at his shoulder, I’dalyn waited for the rest of them to arrive so that they could get started.

[dragon]

D'ray:

"Heya C'cao. Come to join in on the beating I see", D'ray's voice was full of energy as he waved at the greenrider. Meanwhile, Pharoth was admiring the green C'cao was riding. Hello my dear Opheriath. You look quite elegant this day. His greeting was polite and he complimented well. He also wasn't ashamed to hide the fact he was admiring the green.

D'ray couldn't help but chuckle a bit at Th'dis' greeting. He sounded so straight laced and dutiful, the type that usually tickled D'ray's funny bone. He leaned in to whisper in I'dalyn's ear, "That Th'dis is going to be a fun one, I see. Have fun raising that pup". Meanwhile, Pharoth was momentarily distracted from the green to answer the little bronze. Good day Guiyath. It is good to see you and yours show up with promptness. He then reached his mind to Paleoth's. Mine is doing well, young Paleoth. Politeness becomes you and your rider.

D'ray laughed at I'dalyn's words, perhaps a bit too loudly but that was D'ray. "Should we call for a healer now or wait until there's bloodshed?", D'ray responded, looking at the weyrlings menacingly and cracking his knuckled before breaking the look and chuckling again. "Oh. I've heard of their little punishment. Heard you roughed them up a bit for some gossip", D'ray responded. Truth be told, he was nearby and listening in shortly before the weyrlingmaster had come. Even D'ray knew to stay clear of his fellow brownrider at that moment. "Too bad you can't punish the rest of the weyr", D'ray said with a grin as he lightly punched the brownrider's arm playfully, implying that it wasn't just the weyrlings who were gossipping. Chances are they heard it from others spreading gossip.

D'ray only nodded as K'houry entered the scene. He decided to drop any further discussion on the flight and only smirked at I'dalyn and patted him on the shoulder as he poised himself dutifully just slightly behind and to the side of the weyrlingmaster.

T'rad:

T'rad greeted his fellow weyrlings as they came in. Paleoth did the same as well. The blue quickly turned his attention back to Pharoth and Opheriath as each greeted him. A slight mental touch given to Opheriath in appreciation and a mental nudge of thanks to Pharoth. Paleoth then passed on what he thought was needed to his rider, who appreciated it. Then at Daisulyth's command, trodded over to the older dragons while T'rad stood alone. T'rad could only give an awkward grin at D'ray's actions, not understanding the rider just yet. He then nodded politely to K'houry as he entered and waited for the lesson to begin.

[neopanther]

The pair were jogging out from the barracks, Shards but I knew you’d make me late. Late! Always sharding late.
Well it is hardly my fault that you have such an amass of hair to weave back to your skull,
No! It isn’t! But it Is Your fault that you decide to eat an unusually large breakfast at such a trundling pace. The blue bounded along, there was no malice n either of their words, Ez’ki just didn’t like being late of recent, it was something he didn’t like. If he was going to miss a lesson (which he did infrequently do) he would do it completely, and if he was going gto attend a lesson he, too, done that completely.

The blue thought it had something to do with his crimson haired bonded’s fear come respect of I’dalyn – the fear only being introduced since the colossal punishment ordered to them after that rising. And K’houry would be here today too. But so would other riders, which should make it the slightest part more bearable.

The previous days chores were all but forgotten, though he wore a fine pair of wher hided gloves, guarding his dry skin just a little bit better from any further damage, bleach was a difficult substance, and he could still smell that wretched scent through him, though he was assured by various others that the smell wasn’t present any longer.

Long legs got The pair of them there swiftly, the chore took astonishingly little out of Ez’ki in comparison to what the physical exercise would have done once to him, perhaps weyrling training was paying off. He looked around. Weyrlings were already present, T’rad, Th’dis, H’tio, Jh’na, K’mar, And his personal favourites – Z’dayi and Sassie. He smiled warmly to them, then quickly he turned his attentions to I’dalyn, “Sorry, Xyruth just decided to have an incredibly large breakfast, and would not leave without it finished. Profoundly sorry.” He spoke, raising a hand palm first trying to show his obedience a little. There was no inclination of falsity to his tone, neither was there meant to be.

But as his attentions diversified, he seen others, other riders –he had been expecting their presence, but, he did not recognise any of those present, other than the obvious. Two riders, and two respective dragons, oddities in their presence. Judging by the pair, the slightly taller, paler of the pair – the one wearing a rather gaudy ensemble, belonged to the brown, the slimmer one was likely the greens bond. He looked over the younger one, he wasn’t too far from Ez’ki’s own age, bonded to an incredibly graceful green. He was pretty in a different way to himself, Ez’ki was femininely male, was this guy was almost the opposite to his view atleast, brown hair, tanned skin, his frame light, and shockingly blue eyes place within his face. Ez’ki was almost shocked to see it, he wasn’t a Caminar, and he wasn’t a holder, he was in between. Giving the rider an odd look.
Is he that interesting?
Not as interesting as you, Ez’ki smirked down at his bonded, but like you he is oddly coloured. But don’t ever phrase it that way to his bonded! Do you know who they are? The blue didn’t answer for a moment, and Ez’ki could judge that the blue was gleaning information from his clutch siblings, so he remained quiet as he did so.
It would seem the brown and His are Pharoth and D’ray, the one who caught your interest is C’cao and the green is Opheriath.[/i] Ez’ki looked at the two unfirmiliar riders once more. He felt odd, seeing them he thought by now he knew most everyone here – apparently not.
It also seems I have to be taught away from you today, I will go join Daisulyth,
okay my love, behave won’t you?[/i] The blue chuckled mentally at his bonded, swirling their mental link with amusement and mirth, that affected Ez’ki swiftly, a grin lining his features as he watched the blue divert off towards the brown – who in comparison to the other – Pharoth looked positively homuncular. As he approached the senior riders, he caught the tail end of what the one his had called ‘D’ray’ speaking of hos it was a shame I’dalyn couldn’t similarly punish the rest of the Weyr for their loose lips. Satisfaction seeped through his mind, knowing that the others knew it wasn’t exactly fair to punish those under him for something everyone was doing.

“Greetings to you both, I’m Ez’ki, my bonded is Xyruth, Blue, I am upon the understanding you are D’ray and C’cao, I don’t believe we have met before now.” He Dipped his head low, giving a very formal air to his gesture, he carried elegance so well.

Xyruth found himself amidst his clutch-siblings once more, he rumbled his greeting to the golden Deoneth, bronzen Tremaith, and his fellow blue Paleoth. Then he turned his attentions to the older dragons in their midst, his voice as resonant as ever with his own vibrance as he addressed them. A wonderful day today, Daisulyth! And we have company from others than her fine self Finneth also, joined by the graceful Opheriath and a strong Pharoth! The blue let all off the elders hear this, the charm of his bond certainly was rubbing off on him in his growing age. But with an other like Ez’ki how could that not rub off onto him?

[Selvagem]

C’cao[/u]
Opheriath knew only too well the attention she was receiving, and flattered herself further by arching her wings lightly over her sides as she stood awaiting the rest of the weyrlings. It was no obvious gesture – to the casual eye the green was standing normally, even if her wings seemed somewhat more…flexed, rounded. To the observant, however, it left no doubt as to the closeness of her cycle, like the pale polish of her hide bespoke. C’cao, standing beside her, felt the tension strung through him, and smiled wryly. He never looked forward to these times, even if his dragon did; but that was life. He loved Opheriath, and her cycles were a small price to pay for her companionship.

The green, for her part, returned Guiyath’s greeting with a cursory touch of her mind, sincere yet glancing. Daisulyth’s fleeting attention did not worry her; as he turned to Finneth so did she turn to glance coyly at Pharoth, returning his greeting with a tone like soft water, thrilling.

Thank you, Pharoth. You are handsome today yourself.

A long sentence indeed, for the usually quiet green. She turned back to the weyrlings as Pharoth began to answer the dragonets, and the pale blue eyes whirled amusement at Xyruth’s statements. Bending her head towards him, she thrilled soft through her mind into his, the gentle acknowledgement like music - an amusement at his address to her coupled with a returning sense of greeting..

C’cao, in the meanwhile, smiled at I’dalyn’s greeting and then chuckled at D’ray’s statement.

“Ha, not that I’ll be having any part of it, D’ray. They’re the ones doing the beating after all, not us.”

Folding his arms across his chest, he watched the weyrlings assemble, nodding to each as they greeted or addressed him. A sense of reminiscence crept over him: it hadn’t been too long ago when he had been one of them himself, a youngster watching the world with new eyes, with trepidation. He noted with approval that none of them displayed the trembling uncertainty or unhappy respect that had been a strong characteristic of the former Weyrlingmaster’s classes. I’dalyn was appearently doing his job well so far, despite that recent fiasco with the laundry.

The greenrider looked back at D’ray dropping jibes about that episode beside him and laughed, in the process completely missing the odd look that Ez’ki cast at him. Had he noticed it he would have stared down the youngster, knowing only too well what such a look meant and how to deal with it. For the moment however, he simply grinned at the two riders beside him.

“A pity indeed! We may have to call for a healer to stand by though, D’ray,” ever the sensible and solid one, C’cao’s mind focused on the practical, “And maybe jokes aside too, till the klah-break.”

Ez’ki addressed them just then, and the greenrider turned back to him. With a deep nod that matched the grace of the boy’s bow, C’cao spoke.

“Greetings as well. You catch names fast, Ez’ki – I’d guess your bond with Xyruth is strong. That’s good.”

As Daisulyth called for the dragonets to come aside, Opheriath half-spread her wings and moved softly through the gathered weyrlings, subtly herding the dragonets towards him, her motions so quiet they were hard to feel, or notice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Th’dis, H’tio and Jh’na[/u]
Guiyath fairly basked in the praise that Daisulyth and Pharoth bestowed on him, his eyes whirling fit to match the glow of his freshly-oiled hide. Opheriath’s silence did little to add to his mood, but then she was just a green, and he could disregard her. In time to come he would become more apt at hiding his feelings, but for now he was simply happy to know he had the approval of his elders - as any good dragonet should be. Bowing his head humbly, the bronze sent his replies to the two individually.

Thank you Daisulyth, I will relay your comments to my Th’dis: he is very diligent.

Thank you Pharoth, we work hard at it, and it is good to know we are doing well.

Th’dis was smart enough to swallow any emotions he might have felt at the sight of K’houry and I’dalyn together – which was easy considering that he felt little towards what had happened between them. In true, nonchalent Th’dis fashion, the boy had already passed off the incident as just another of those things that happened daily in a weyr. Greenflights came and went, as did relationships. What happened, happened, and life would go on. It was all really very simple. His hands still ached from the unaccustomed duty of handling laundry, of course, but then Th’dis had very much grown up in the kitchens. Aching muscles were normal, and few things could make his hands more callused than they already were from dealing with pots and knives. He saw no reason to fret over what had happened, unlike the others.

H’tio and J’na were amongst the last to arrive, trailing Ez’ki by nearly a minute. The two clustered near the back of the group, with H’tio wearing a quietly smug smile while Jh’na looked distinctly uneasy. The green weyrling tried to throw a salute over the crowd towards the older riders, but subsided miserably as he realized he could barely be seen, and settled into a gawky stance beside H’tio, who was standing still like stone and not bothering to even salute. Runimeth, however, took the chance to send his greetings to the senior dragons.

My greetings to you, Daisulyth, and to all of you, elders. My most sincere apologies if I do not know your names as yet, but perhaps we may introduce ourselves? I am Runimeth, and this is H’tio my chosen.

Mirabeth, for her part, was fretting. She had been fretful ever since she first knew of the nature of the lesson at hand, and her tenseness did little for Jh’na’s nerves. Yet she followed her brown companion’s example, greeting the older dragons, Greetings Daisulyth, and older dragons. May the day find you well.

Privately to Jh’na, however, her thoughts were rather more agitated, Oh Jh’na, isn’t it frightful? What if they hurt you badly, and you become all bloody, and have to roll in the dust? You’ll have to take a bath yourself before you can bathe me again…

Daisulyth called for the dragonets to move aside just then. Guiyath nudged Th’dis once, encouragingly, and timed his step just right to eventually fall in beside Deoneth, coming alongside her as they moved. He glanced at her, thoughtfully. His mindvoice was thick as ever, but there was in it just a lilt more softness, a hint of an undertone of genuine concern.

Gold Deoneth, is your chosen alright? She does not seem so well today.

Runimeth brushed H’tio lightly with one wing as he stepped away to follow the rest, his mind filled with concern, I fear for you, H’tio my lad. I’ve never seen this…this thing you call “fighting”, but it sounds just a tad on the serious side for me. Do take care of yourself.

The gray-eyed boy smiled, I will, Rune, don’t be afraid. I’ll be fine.

My dear green, it will be fine. Look, all the boys do this, it’s the dragonriders’ way…

Mirabeth, however, refused to budge despite her Jh’na’s gentle pleas, until the light touch of Opheriath’s wing in passing finally shifted her into a slow, reluctant stride away with the others. She looked back at her bonded as she went, eyes whirling concern, You take care, ok Jh’na? Don’t get so roughed-up like some of the other boys. You’re mine and you’ll take care of yourself.

Yes, yes, Mira, I will, Jh’na smiled, You just watch. I know what I’m doing. I’ve been in brawls before.

That’s what I’m afraid of, Mirabeth snorted, It ill-befits you.

[Xinnai]

K'houry

Finneth and Daisulyth's bond seemed to be smooth, practiced. It was as though they'd been together in this capacity for turns rather than days. The green slid closer to the brown's side as his leathery wing folded about her, her eyes whirling with simple happiness. Jaw brushed his lightly. I missed you as well. It took much for me to get mine K'houry down here. They were entwined as closely as possible as they could in current company. Simple for them, while their bond turned to rancor in their rider's eyes.

K'houry, for his part, glanced at D'ray and I'dalyn with narrowed eyes. The thoughts running through his mind were definitely not complimentary. It was painful, so painful, but he knew he had to go closer to the man he quite literally hated. Duty, as Finneth had emphasized. So he moved closer, positioning himself much like the other brownrider in presence, besides their dear weyrlingmaster. Ugh.

Salina

The gold pair was gradually waking up, having to fight through the fog of sleep that overlaid the exhaustion from yesterday that still lingered. Wryly, she thought that folding laundry and moving around didn't seem like such a tiring task, but it seemed now-at least for her-that it was. Her feet, shoulders, arms and hands were still feeling it. She was almost positive she had carpal tunnel as well. Maybe the exhaustion came from doing her tasks and monitoring her gold as well, to make sure the little queen was doing fine. Splitting her attention dually such as that could have done it.

Still, every passing moment had her waking more. She ran fingers through her hair, cream against the gold. She was watching the others-T'rad and Th'dis and H'tio, Jh'na and Z'dayi and K'mar, then, of course, Ez'ki. Salina caught his grin and nodded back, the haggard mask of her face breaking to spread into a warm, delighted grin. Her friends were here. All was well. She'd been listening as well, and caught the other riders' names. She committed them to memory.

Salina-mine, we are to separate now. Please do be careful. They will be gentle with you, but you must take care of yourself.
Yes, darling, of course. I'll make us both proud, don't you worry. She smiled and then bent to cradle the gleaming golden head in her hands. Eyes stared deeply into eyes, the awe of impression inspired once more. Salina broke it then to give her queen a brief hug and a rub. You keep your sibs in order.
Of course.[/color]
With that, the gold pair parted, Deoneth weaving in and out amongst her siblings to make her way towards the older dragons and Salina stayed where she was, gathered with the other weyrlings in preparation for the lesson.

With that, and feeling much more emboldened, the little weyrwoman stepped forward, smile light although warm, and bowed with delicate deliberateness toward the weyrlingmaster and his staff. "Good morning, I'dalyn, K'houry, C'cao and D'ray. It's a pleasure to see you." She rose, smile widening. "Your dragons are looking very well this morning, now I'm awake enough to see." It was delivered with perfect frankness, her words genuine with no sly undercurrent to draw attention to Finneth and Daisulyth's current state.

Deoneth was feeling sociable as well. Apparently so were others. Guiyath slid toward her-flattering her once more. Golden head bobbed, her tone warm when she spoke with the bronze. She is quite well. Still feeling yesterday, I fear, but it fades. Thank you for your concern, Guiyath. Is Yours feeling well? Attention shifted and the gold looked towards the much larger dragons, calling forth the names she'd also caught and remembered. Good morning, Daisulyth, Finneth, Pharoth and Opheriath. I feel good knowing we are in such capable hands as yours. Thank you. She subsided then, glancing towards Salina. They were all right. Deoneth was confident that her bonded would be just fine. They both were going to be.

[anhydrous]

Daisulyth sent absent replies towards the rest of the weyrlings who greeted him, the brush of his mind warm albeit slightly distracted. He was more interested in the lovely green beside him, snuggling his consciousness around hers like a pile of furs. I expected as much, but you are very persuasive.[/color] Every word was gushed happily, his mind fully occupied while the weyrlings gathered around. Opheriath was doing a good job of herding the more reluctant ones in their direction, and he remained quiet until the last of the little dragons had assembled before them.

I’dalyn, meanwhile, silently fended off embarrassment at D’ray’s words. He kept an amiable expression, laughing even, but on the inside he could feel a chuck of ice crystallizing between his lungs. This was horrible. He could feel K’houry sliding closer, and resisted the urge to scowl. There had to be a hundred greens in the weyr, but of course, Daisulyth wanted Finneth. How fantastic.

Waving off Ez’ki’s apology and accepting the myriad of greetings that were being tossed his way, the weyrlingmaster decided that it was time to get down to business. “Alright,” he said loudly, mostly to clear the air, “Today we’re going to discuss combat.” It was clear enough by the pained expression that quite a few of them wore that they already knew that. Hoping to relieve some anxiety, I’dalyn offered another bit of information that might be better received. “When your dragons are a little older you will begin sparring, but for now we will only be teaching self-defense.” A few wrinkled brows flattened in response.

With a clear voice that could easily be heard over the rustling of impatient wings, I’dalyn spoke to the silent crowd. “Before we begin, I must stress the diplomatic angle of this lesson.” This was what he had been dreading all morning, so perhaps it would be best to get it out of the way now. At least then he wouldn’t have to think about how hypocritical it was going to sound anymore. “Dragonmen fight only one thing, thread. We do not fight each other, or anyone else. Your fists should be your last resort, not your first.” Each word was given a particular emphasis, a serious stress prickling in the tone. He resisted the urge to glance sidelong at K’houry, watching as a few weyrling eyes wandered in the way of the greenrider. The weyrlingmaster’s black eye might be gone, but talk of it still surfaced in the barracks occasionally. It was doubtful that fleeting addition of his ensemble would be forgotten anytime soon.

Shooting a stern look across the crowd, I’dalyn let his hands settle on his beltloops. “Do you all understand?”

While his rider was waiting for some sign of recognition, Daisulyth kept a careful eye over the little dragons. Their lesson wouldn’t be a spoken one. Instead, they would learn how to distance themselves from their riders. They must learn not to run rushing to aid in situations that don’t require their help, and the adult dragons were there to act as a soothing mental blockade. This lesson was a harmless one, dealing with headlocks and pressure points. It was a good time for the young dragons to learn that physical contact between humans was normal, and not every offense required them to go bounding toward their bondeds with their teeth bared.

[Invisible]

The closer they got to actually laying hands on each other the more nervous K’mar got. The more nervous K’mar got the less happy Volsteath was. While K’mar knew this he had a hard time trying to control his own nerves. He did not like to be touched in the best of times and this was certainly not one of those. Self-defense was all well and good, but K’mar saw no point in the lessons beyond that. He had gotten this far in life without ever getting into a fight. There was no reason to assume he could not get through the rest of his life the same way.

However he couldn’t think of a way to get out of this without seeming cowardly and he had enough trouble as it is. “Excuse me, sir,” he finally said a bit reluctantly. He had asked Volsteath and the brown had worried over the question which kept him from worrying over other things and finally said he thought it a good one to ask. “Aren’t people more likely to use violence as a first resort if they are well trained in it? I understand the importance of self-defense although I don’t imagine many would dare attack a dragonrider.” He stopped for a breath and then concluded with, “But I have never once gotten into a fight and have no plans to do so in the future. Must we learn this beyond self-defense?”

[neopanther]

Having taken in I’dalyn’s words with indifference, Ez was pretty ready for whatever would be thrown at him today, he felt himself rather geared up, unfortunately he felt like hitting someone, and hitting them hard, but that would not do at this precise moment in time now would it? No, just hold off for now. He calmed himself and regained his placated demeanour.
K’mar spoke after the Weyrlingmaster,r he bit back the urge to sigh, and exclaim his exasperation at the words of the young brown rider to be. Oh, now that would suit him wouldn’t it? K’mar that was, escaping the fighting, and just using self defence, that stoat was more than capable of stabbing someone else, provided it was a kinsman in the back. He seethed silently to himself. He had seen riders been dragged into fights, it wasn’t always their fault sometimes it was something that just happened around them, that tugged them into it. And he had never seen a dragonman fight poorly, and he had no intention of letting the side down.

“No offence K’mar, but I’ve seen situations” Quite frequently back at the hold, “Where a rider is forced to settled disputes, or gets dragged into a dispute by a holder, crafter, dragonman or other, sometimes it cannot be helped, and I would see none here in that situation without proper ways of defence.” His tone was logical, nothing against K’mar nor for him, but a general comment mainly of support of I’dalyn’s choices. “And they do dare K’mar, I’ve seen it often enough. You must have heard of the Caminar fight, within the Weyr no less. Proof enough I believe.” His tone was still sedate, though non-chalant. "I'm willing to learn." Profound words coming from Ez'ki anyway. Xyruth chided him mentally for this, trying to prod and poke with jolting curiousity as to where, all of a sudden, Ez's compliance had appeared from.

[dragon]

D'ray:

You flatter me, lovely Opheriath The big brown's mindvoice was to be soothing, pleasing, to Opheriath and it was drenched in sweetness. Pharoth was enjoying the attention given to him by the green.

D'ray chuckled at C'cao. "Oh I don't know. I may want to get hands on with this lesson", D'ray couldn't help but laugh at the all too obvious joke in his words. He was quick to compose himself, however and wink at the greenrider. "Jokes aside? Surely you jest. I don't think I could handle that task", D'ray spoke in an amused tone. However, he did fall silent, with only a comical smile on his face as I'dalyn spoke to the crowd of weyrlings. Ah how he found that mode of weyrlingmaster so quickly. Seemed one weyrling wasn't too keen on learning how to fight though. Too bad, really. Even D'ray the clown was taught quality combat skills, or so he thought was quality.

T'rad:

Paleoth had made his way by the older dragons, along with the rest of the dragonets. He seemed led by Opheriath's wing to the weyrlingmaster's brown and he was quick to settle. Truth be told, he wasn't nervous about this. No, he was curious to see what this was all about.

T'rad, however, was caught by K'mar's words. While valid, T'rad didn't believe they held true to this moment in time. "Ez'ki's right. Best we learn how to defend and learn to throw a necessary punch than get trampled or turn tail the other way. If one's not equipped with all the right tools, then the job can't get done", T'rad only emphasized what Ez'ki said. But he wasn't going to support violence. The way he spoke modeled his thoughts. Better to do what is necessary than be of no use at all. T'rad fell silent afterward, deciding that's all he'd want to say for now. Better to get on with the lesson, he thought.