[WEYRLINGS] Into the Wild Blue Yonder [PAIR-FLIGHT LESSON]

[Teiha]

Seated comfortably on Kratoth’s neck ridge, Le’x’s smile was quite wide at the sight of the young bronze rising into the air, and he let out a whoop for C’ryn’s and Aresoth’s success. His heart leaped into his throat with excitement when V’mel’s stern voice called out his name. Kratoth’s first reaction to the summons was to glance at his siblings—Basanuth and Macuith in particular—and his eyes flashed a brilliant blue. Soon! Soon, they would all fly together… finally! Are you ready, Le’x?

I couldn’t be more ready. Let’s go!

Kratoth needed no encouragement. As did his rider, he knew this was meant to be. He reared up, gathering remarkably brawny hind legs underneath him. He seemed to bunch in upon himself for a moment, and then he sprang! With strong sweeps of his wings, the brown lifted off. Le’x’s similarly-sturdy legs hugged Kratoth’s neck, and he tangled his fingers in his straps, fighting the urge to throw his arms out and shout with joy as he watched the ground move away from them. That exultation, they assured one another, would come when V’mel wasn’t staring them down. Instead, like good soldiers, they rose in silence, nothing but the snap of wingsails and the rustle of leather to be heard as they joined Aresoth and C'ryn in waiting for the rest of their siblings.  

[ShinosBee]

Neither V'mel nor Aviroth missed the barely-contained jubilation in the brown pair as they rose, though similarly, neither said anything about it. It was a joyous moment. They, too, had been filled with a new sort of fire the first time they'd risen in flight together. It was the restraint the pair showed that won the man's approval though. This was a serious day, and a serious task, and while reveling was fine, it should be a private thing. Soon enough they'd be allowed their flights of fancy, but now Le'x had made it clear that he could and would chose to focus and keep his brown in check when the moment called for it.

Every move the weyrlings made was under scrutiny, after all. Future rank and placement depended on V'mel knowing the ins and out of all his budding soldiers. Some were more troublesome than others. That didn't preclude them from learning though. V'mel would not allow a bad attitude to derail his schedule.

"Nadry. Take Menankith up." If his tone was a bit more curt, a bit less expectant, it was only just so. Menankith was still a proper brown, even if his attitude was still in question, and his choices somewhat suspect. Aviroth gave a low rumble, a neutral tone neither of caution nor of encouragement. Deep blue eyes fixed on the young up-and-comer, placidly taking notes on him, as he had with the rest, on any areas needing improvement.

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Meepfur

 

[demon_pachabel]

At V'mel's instruction, Ichta climbed up into the familiar straps of her blue, settling comfortably into the base of his neck where she'd already sat dozens of time. While Aurinkoth had not practiced much in trying to fly with his lovely perfect Ichta's weight, he had run around a few times with her there, enjoying the feeling of his chosen where she was meant to be. And soon they would be where they were both meant to be together!

But first, he'd watch as his brothers began their ascent before them, trilling and nearly vibrating with excitement. Oh! Look! See? My brothers do it so easily so well! We will do fine too! And now it is Menankith's turn! Does his look nervous to you? the blue asked, leaning his head back into Ichta's hands as she idly stroked his neck, taking comfort in his warmth. Her true, dear love. Yes, he was right - both that they would be fine, and also that Nadry did seem a touch nervous.

Send Menankith my support for Nadry. Ichta nudged Aurinkoth through their bond and the blue eagerly passed it along. MyIchta says you two will be great and to tell Nadry that she's rooting for her! he beamed, like an eager puppy barely keeping himself on the ground solely because Ichta's restraint told him that it wasn't their turn yet. Oh no, they had to wait.

Meepfur

 

[Meepfur]

Menankith had had half a mind not to watch his bronze clutchmate take off at all, but even in his offended huff that Aresoth got to be first into the air with his rider, he knew that watching any of his siblings who took off before he and His could inform their own attempt in turn. And while he didn't wish for anything to go wrong, per se, witnessing a blunder by a precious metallic would have been incredibly satisfying...but today was not that day. Pity. The only consolation was that the bulkier bronze didn't have the most graceful of takeoffs, and never would. Orange eyes tracked him balefully until V'mel called for Kratoth, and blue worked its way back into his gaze as the larger brown took to the air with no trouble at all. Still, even with one of his brown brothers now aloft, impatience surged - months of waiting, and now that the day had arrived, waiting for their names to be called was a slow torture. Aurinkoth's encouragement was answered with a swell of feelings, impatience and eagerness and gratitude for his words. I will tell her. You and Yours will be great, too.

Nadry nodded to Ichta before resting soothing fingers on her bonded's soft hide, more inclined to butterflies than such irritation, but feeling it as though it were hers regardless. She never expected to be called first, and certainly not on a day like today, whatever the reason, but once Le'x and his dragon were called, she did start to hope that it would be sooner rather than later - and it was sooner, thank Faranth. She nodded her acknowledgement of the order, and with a deep breath, she readied herself for what Menankith had been bursting at the seams to do: to gather himself and spring into the air in an oft-practiced motion. The brothers who had gone before him had been stoic about the affair, but Menankith was not! Months of preparation had gone into this, and for days now a pent-up energy had been building, and as he took to the sky, he let it out in a jubilant bugle. Let others think him frivolous for it if they liked, but they had done it! This was their day, their moment, and he would not rein in his joy, or his rider's!

Laughter bubbled just beneath the surface, nervous and joyful all at once, but unlike her dragon, Nadry did keep it contained; one of them being so 'unrestrained' was enough. But it was there, though, elation and a host of other emotions as Menankith soared, as they soared. Mindfully. Aside from that one bugle, they were the picture of what they were supposed to be doing, even though at that moment both wanted nothing more than to climb higher and higher and leave the Weyrbowl behind so that they could truly soar. Not today. Today, they were still limited, restricted, but no longer stuck on the ground.

Never again.

demon_pachabel

 

[ShinosBee]

Menankith's trumpet of delight was...almost expected. Thankfully it did not startle any of the already-aloft dragons into faltering. A certain level of pleasure being taken in doing what they were meant to do was to be expected. Still, V'mel's observing glance that trailed along with the brown and his rider lingered a bit less long than it had on the other brown. Nadry, at least, had behaved sensibly, and kept him from flapping into anyone in the process.

"Jynnat, Begath," Came his barking voice, eyes falling to the larger blue. "...And Demanthra. Take Monath up as well." The bright green was certainly smaller...but had so far had almost remarkable stamina, for her size. The smaller ones needed less room to take off as well, and hopefully would not collide. Their smaller wings would cup less air and pose less risk to those aloft. Both could easily be caught if they fell from any height, and it was time to get them all up together, if he could manage it.

Aviroth shifted beneath the weyrling master, wings spreading slightly, though he did not yet take to the sky. He was still much larger than the bronze and gold weyrlings, and as V'mel eyed those yet to lift off, he was watching those in the air. Were any growing tired? Any showing signs of strain, or wobbling? He thrummed in quiet approval to see them all managing the task. So far, at least.

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magnadearel

Dea and #Teddy#

 

[Masterharper]

Meepfur

-_Wish of Tevarae_-

Macuith's eyes whirled a very happy blue when Menankith crooned in appreciation. Honestly, if C'lusi didn't know his blue better, he would have suspected he might have been sporting a small crush on the rich, red-brown dragon. Who didn't Macuith have a crush on, was the real question of the hour!

Oh, I always look fine, but it's nice of you to notice. The blue responded, coiling his tail happily around his feet.

C'lusi, for his part, was just excited to be up in the air. He couldn't wait to begin flying with Macuith, and planned on spending as much time in the air when he could! When his sister looked over and smiled at him, a ready grin was returned, along with a wave. "You look as radiant as Zenobiath. I have no doubt the two of you will make a fine sight once on wing." He stated happily. He still was proud that his baby sister had Impressed in the same clutch as himself -- and a queen, at that. While he certainly felt no color was better than another, and a green would have been as equally fawned over, the knowledge that his sister was one of High Reaches newest goldriders still boggled his mind.

Ah, but the two deserved one another, just like his most precious Macuith was perfect for him. We are perfect. The dragon reminded him, firmly, sending a wave of love and excitement through his rider.

"Of course," he murmured, leaning against his growing blue, even as V'mel started explaining their tasks. It didn't take C'lusi long to mount his blue. Since his first attempt at riding straps had been signed off on, he'd been practicing. He'd let Macuith run around with him on his back, both out of the joy of sitting astride his dragon as they were meant to be, but also for C'lusi to get comfortable. He didn't want this to be the first time balanced on Macuith, after all.

Once astride, he buckled his straps, and gave them all a final, experimental tug. "They're not biting into you anymore, right, Mac?" He quietly asked his blue. The dragon gave a small rumble, puffing out his chest. No, the extra oiling and working of the leather helped. These feel right, and good. Don't worry, Mine, I would never let you fall. The blue assured with his easy confidence.

C'lusi could feel his dragon's excitement. The blue shifted anxious from foot to foot, even as he waited for V'mel to call their name. It was going to be a bit of wait, unfortunately; though he'd skipped over Zenobiath -- he suspected they'd be last since they weren't first -- he'd wind up somewhere in the middle, or so he guessed. First Aresoth, who needed a bit of a running start due to his size; then Kratoth, and Menankith... All three made it up to the air. Good. C'lusi didn't want any of them to falter this day!

And then Begath and Monath! C'lusi wasn't sure how he felt about that. Instead of each one individually getting to celebrate their accomplishment, they now had to share the glory; though he supposed it just meant the faster they could all get up in the air.

They all flew so beautifully... Ah, Macuith would gush over the boys as soon as he knew he wouldn't get in trouble from Aviroth for doing so!  

[magnadearel]

Jynnat immediately settled herself when V'mel gave the signal. He might say they were riders today, but she knew in her heart she wouldn't truly feel like a rider under Begath was under her and in the sky. Then she might consider herself a rider. Until then, she was just a useless weyrling. However, she let no hint of her personal thoughts cross her face.

The young woman was as eager as any of the other weyrlings to be in the saddle. It was easier than it looked, or V'mel made it looked. Finally she had Begath crouch down low and hold out a leg for her to get the lift up she needed. Sorry Begath. We'll work out a better system. I know Jynnatmine. We must practice making it flashy and stylish. Or we could have different mounting styles for different situations! The blue's eyes whirled faster as plan after plan started piling up behind his head.

Easy there! One style at a time. Let me get down getting into the saddle first. She laughed at his eagerness, slapping his shoulder. Jynnat focused on making sure the straps were staying in place and she was secured in. While she was checking she heard the wing beats as the first weyrling lifted his feet off the ground. She could see the bronze in the sky as the weyrlingmaster called for the second pair. It would probably be awhile before their turn came.

Everything feel alright? No scraping? Pinching anywhere? How about when I lean this way or that? Jynnat tested best as she was able. I feel fine, don't worry. Soon a second dragon rose to greet the sky. She almost missed when her named was called. It was Begath moving into the take off zone that drew her attention from those already in the air.

She gave a salute to V'mel, and a nod to Demanthra, who was going up with her. They'd manage this together. A quick check made sure their airspace was clear. Jynnat gave a short quick signal to fly, then gripped her straps firmly as Begath bounded forward in a short hop then up.

It was bouncy, it was windy. It was beyond everything she'd ever dreamed of! Jynnat plastered a grin on her face as Begath took them up to join his siblings, trumpeting his arrival. The star covered wings seeming out of place in the bright blue sky, but oh so perfect in her heart. Now, she was a real rider! She checked the locations of the other weyrlings and of Demanthra to check they had also gotten up alright.

Dea and #Teddy#

Welcome partner! XD

ShinosBee

 

[Dea and #Teddy#]

Ashlyn was relieved when she saw her sister and Monath show up, sending a smile to both of them. Then she watched as the rest of the Weyrlings began to arrive, before V'mel gave his usual speech. It was true, this was a turning point for them, they were more like riders as they began to take to the skies. Sure, they still had much to learn, but this was where the bigger lessons would begin. It was only going to get more intense and dangerous from here, she could only hope they would be up to the task. Once the call to mount came, she gracefully got up on her blue dragon. At the mention of her name, she gave Gyafrith the mental nudge and the blue took off into the air. They would be able to better help from here, in case the Weyrlings ran into any trouble.

I am sure everyone will do fine, Ashlynmine. However, we are ready if any problems arise, just like usual,Gyafrith reminded. He watched with his rider as Aresoth and his rider took to the skies, followed by two of the browns. All of them seemed to do very well, though the bronze had a little trouble lifting off the ground to begin with. Then it was time for Begath and Monath to take to the air. The blue and his rider swelled with pride, knowing it was the green's stamina that allowed her to rise sooner than some of her other siblings.


Demanthra felt her dragon's happiness at Macuith's compliment, before the green had given a thank you back to her blue brother. She was such a sucker for a compliment, no matter who it came from. Though it usually meant a little bit more coming from her or someone close to the pair. The two of them stood waiting as Monath's siblings continued to show up, before V'mel called their attention to him. Both listened as he said they were riders in the basic sense, which made Demanthra stand up a little straighter. This was a big day for them, but she knew it would only get more dangerous from here on out. However, that did not damper her or Monath's mood, knowing today they would fly together. She checked her straps one more time, before climbing onto her dragon. Once there, she made sure everything was fine and she was not hurting her dragon. Then the two watched some of her brothers take off, before it seemed it was Begath's turn...and their own. A snort came from Monath and Demanthra reminded her green to behave. Zenobiath was watching, they didn't want to look foolish.

Just watch, Demanthramine, we will make both our sisters proud today. Hold on, we are going to fly together as one,Monath thought to her rider, filling the other with her confidence. With her rider secure on her back, she extended her wings gracefully. Then with a little running start, she took off right behind her brother, making sure not to bump into anyone already aloft. Once they were where the others waited, she and her rider shared the joy of being up here together. She felt her rider look to Jynnat, to let her know they had both made it beautifully.  

[demon_pachabel]

Look! Look Ichta! Look! for all of Menankith's bright fervor, Aurinkoth practically bounced in place as he watched his siblings take to the air, bugling along with several of them and just radiating with absolute cheer. Ichta was bolstered up by the absolute positivity of it all. They're doing wonderfully! she agreed, reaching out to run a hand over the spines of his neck that she could reach before patting a shoulder.

As each sibling touched the sky, Aurinkoth's sunny disposition simply soared higher and higher. It didn't matter that he hadn't left the ground with his most perfect, wonderful, sweet Ichta because she would get her turn, and oh all of them were doing so well!

Ichta smiled, grasping the feelings that came from the other end of her connection and wrapping them around the fear and uncertainty that was trying to nest in her heart. We'll be soon. Are you ready? she asked, knowing fully that he was. The only one that hadn't been ready, after all, was her. Aurinkoth bowled her over with sunny optimism. If he'd been able to glow in any capacity, he would have been right then, radiating his positive attitude onto all of his siblings - and perhaps they'd be able to feel it still.

I was born ready! It's going to be great! Wonderful! Oh I'm so excited! he bugled again, even as Ichta tried to reel in that giddy child-like energy to keep from being distracting. Aurinkoth was nearly ready to start pacing with eagerness.  

[ShinosBee]

V'mel wasn't the sort to feel proud; feeling satisfied, that was about as near as it got. And watching the next two dragons take off, that made him feel satisfied. No one had fumbled or faltered. No one had crashed or had to land again (yet). They had done as they were told, as he'd asked, without under or over performing. It was completely satisfactory.

Without hesitation, he turned to regard those still on the ground. Not many now. "C'lusi, and Macuith. M'lan, and Xochith." There was only a slightly longer pause where the man's eyes narrowed at the (in his mind) unnecessary noise of the last blue...before he added, "Ichta, and Aurinkoth. Up!" That left the largest, most glittering dragon for last...but greens and blues were small enough to lift off together. Hopefully. They'd be taking off in far larger groups, someday not too far from now, so they'd best be ready.

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Masterharper

demon_pachabel

Revel1984

 

[demon_pachabel]

Aurinkoth practically bounced when V'mel gave his instruction and Ichta felt her chest tighten nervously. We will be fine, myIchta. I would never fall with you and I was made to carry you! We will be most marvelous in flight with my siblings! he assured brightly. Ichta smiled, patting his neck before giving a long look to the twins who would also be going up with them. It seemed they'd be in good company.

Okay. I... she shifted in the riding straps one last time to assure herself - for the millionth time - that she would be safe in them. I'm ready, love.

Aurinkoth didn't need to be told twice - his bright sunny optimism enough to keep Ichta secure mentally for the running start to go join his siblings up in the air. Three-four-and-up he went with a leap, sweeping his wings up and catching the air. Though briefly he faltered in the air, another sweep of his wings caught the blue - who like many of his siblings bugled out a triumphant song - and up he went. Ichta's heart caught - yet it wasn't fear. She'd been up in the sky before with Aurinkoth, tethered in his mind as the two would always be, but her body had not felt the lurch of a bonded flight like this before.

And with sunny joy radiating through her mind, there was no room for her to be afraid. Just don't push it, okay? There will be plenty of time for us to play in flight when we've practiced more, and it was perhaps only that alone that would keep the Blue from trying to do anything too exciting.  

[Masterharper]

((Sorry for my delay and hold up!! xD His profile claims he's a sky dancer, so I rolled with it.))

Well, this was it. C'lusi had watched as the colors were called, one by one, down the spectrum. A small part of him -- or perhaps that was coming from Macuith? -- had wished that they would get their time to shine with all eyes on them. He didn't mind sharing the space with the other smaller dragons, but part of the blue rider was a little discontent at V'mel's handling of it. This was the day they got to finally be in the air with the dragon, and to show off their hard work and practice, and he wanted all their eyes on him!.

. . . okay, so that was Macuith's feelings.

Hey now -- you'll be brilliant! C'lusi sent some encouragement to his blue, who seemed surprised that the slightest of pouts had been captured. I don't care who flies with us, I just want to be up there with you. He added, sending his blue a proud wave of fondness and affection.

That seemed to do the trick, and his blue dragon brightened considerably. When V'mel called him out, along with M'al and Xochith, and Ichta and Aurinkoth, his dark blue dragon couldn't help but warble his delight. He didn't care of the brown rider's judged him for it -- a little noise didn't hurt anyone, and if a dragon couldn't fly because someone got startled, well, that wasn't his fault now, was it? At least, that was how Macuith felt.

Unlike the other dragons, though, this blue didn't feel he needed a running start. He was too energetic, too desirous to be up in the air -- so while Aurinkoth took off at a run, instead, the blue bunched all of his muscles, and attempted a springing start. He understood why Kratoth and Aresoth had to run -- they were far too big -- but Macuith was small and sleek and strong. No, he needed no such thing...

C'lusi, of course, wasn't sure this was the greatest plan.

Ok, let's--

That was all Macuith needed, and the dragon pushed off with as powerful a jump as the blue dragon could manage. Though C'lusi had thought he was prepared for the force behind his dragon, the initial pounce pushed him back hard -- and he was grateful, ever grateful, for those riding straps. His body had inadvertently tensed, and his legs gripped Macuith's neck hard as he felt his dragon's powerful downstrokes.

Look my love! Have no fear! Your Macuith was born to fly. The blue dragon indeed seemed to have no trouble with his first flight. In fact, the blue made quite the show of selecting a place to hover. See? Wasn't he such a natural in the air?

C'lusi could tell his blue wanted to dive, wanted to fly faster, go farther, go higher, but he knew V'mel would destroy them. So he tempered his dragon -- despite his own longing. Now that they were up in the air, all he could do was feel joy. He'd felt close to his dragon before, but now that they were finally in the air, finally in the sky, he felt like their bond was even deeper. Dragons were meant to fly, and their riders were meant to be in the air with them.

The dragon crooned his pleasure as he hovered not far from some of the boys, and looked about as smug as he felt. His eyes glowed a bright blue-green. You did great! Are doing great. He encouraged.

It was so different being weightless in the air; he could feel his blue's wings working, could feel the dragon shift as breezes changed, correcting so he didn't blow too close to any of his clutchmates.

Now they just had to wait for Zenobiath... and not crash. Just because they were up in the air didn't mean it was going to be smooth sailing from here on out. C'lusi wasn't feeling nearly as arrogant as his dragon -- and pride demanded he at least consider the possibility something could go wrong.  

[ShinosBee]

The last two were up, and at last V'mel's gaze fell to the shining (literal) star of the batch. The largest weyrling, and one he expected to do them all proud. Outwardly he gave no impression beyond that he'd fixed on the previous weyrlings, but internally he already was expecting so much more. "Alumet, Zenobiath," He thrust a thumb towards the sky, littered with flapping youngsters. "Up, and then lead them in two laps around the bowl." Aviroth pumped his wings in turn, already ready to take up a post at the rear of the batch once they were off, keen eyes ready to pick out any falter or failing of form in the lot.

As delighted as they might all be to be in the air, it was a somber moment as well. As of Zenobiath's takeoff, they were, none of them anymore, children.

-_Wish of Tevarae_-

Hey all. Sorry for the delay. ><; You guys are way past this at this point, ICly, but yeah. Getting it done...right?  

[TheWishling]

Alumet had been waiting patiently. Her fingers had worked slowly over a golden hide, carefully soothing the Gold as they'd awaited their turn. The straps had been meticulously crafted, the two of them having practiced exercises every day. Watching the others take off had pleased the Gold greatly, knowing that her siblings were now all alight in the air, but oh. The two knew well what was to come, that they were to shortly find themselves in the air, together, for the first time. Heart pounding, she turned her eyes quickly to V'mel when he told them it was their time. Up, and then lead. Are you ready. beloved? It is our time. A quiet rumble was the audible answer, but the Gold's mind brushed her Rider's. Excitement, a readiness to show what she could do, My dearest heart, we are going to be wonderful. Come.

Slowly, elegantly, the rider slipped on to the dragon's back, fingers sliding across the hide as she watched the wings move to ready. Slowly, Zenobiath shifted, letting herself get used to the weight of her rider, before looking skyward. It was smooth, the gold taking a bound forwards and then launching herself upwards. A large wingspan stretched out, carrying both herself and her beloved skyward. It was carefully that she chose her spot, between her siblings' bodies, her hide glittering in the light. The feeling was incredible, indescribable, and Alumet could not help her amazed laugh. Her head tossed back, hair falling loose from its braid as the two of them pressed forwards.

Almost in unison, the gold and her rider spoke to their Clutchmates, "Come on! Let's fly!"
My dearest siblings, follow me! Let us show our riders flight! And it was with this that Zenobiath began to lead the first lap. She could feel Alumet's pleasure, the amazement and delight as Hers adjusted in the riding straps that had been made with the help of the other Goldriders. It was comfortable, exciting, and as natural as breathing, two souls, one at last.  

[BastetAmun]

Having been the first one up was easy, and expected. As a bronzerider he was the one others would follow and look up to. It also allowed C'ryn and Aresoth the perfect view to see how the rest of the weyrlings were doing.

Aresoth couldn't help the soft rumble of approval and pride that came from him every time one of his clutchmates made it into the air without any approval. Why wouldn't they have taken to the sky so quickly? They were the best of the best after all, no matter the color.

C'ryn's own thoughts, while proud for his fellows, were a bit more subdued. He watched each of them, a protective concern crossing his features. It was always followed by a look of relief, glad that they made it up alright and that they were able to stay in the air and not fall off. While this wasn't the most dangerous lesson V'mel had, he knew it could still be dangerous.

Zenobiath and hers are going to join us now, C'rynmine. There was an affectionate excitement in Aresoth's words that made the young man chuckle. The affection the bronze and gold shared was evident, it had been that way since they had been shelled and hadn't changed either. A bleed over effect had begun to cause him to feel that same affection, and reverence towards the gold's rider, something that C'ryn figured was quite harmless.

Something changed in an instant, however, as the pair took to the sky. Watching the sun glitter across Zenobiath's hide, his attention was drawn to Alumet as she let out a laugh and tossed her own blond hair back, watching as the tendrils that had been secured in a braid came undone. His heart stopped for a moment, paused in his chest as he felt a warmth as well as a clenched feeling in his gut. This wasn't just a residual affection from Aresoth towards his golden sister, it was something more.

The lost moment in concentration on C'ryn's fault caused a bit of confusion in Aresoth's as the weyrling wondered what was wrong with his bonded. While they did not fall, the bronze had to beat his wings a bit more to remain aloft, glad to stay back and wait for the others to follow behind Zenobiath before taking up the rear.

C'rynmine?

I'm alright..Aresoth. He tried to project confidence to his bonded, glad when the dragon focused back on following his siblings, his eyes moving to look past the others and towards the golden pair that lead them. Faranth....he was in trouble.