The following is a log of roleplay from PernMUSH . The World of Pern(tm)' and 'The Dragonriders of Pern(r)' are copyright to Anne McCaffrey (c) l967. This is a recorded online session, by permission of the author but generated on pernMUSH for the benefit of people unable to attend.

11/16/02



Weyrling Barracks

This immense cavern is the home for weyrling pairs. A huge opening is the entrance, leading to the ground level bowl. The floor is not quite smooth, being gauged with numerous scratches and cracks, from the clumsy undergrown claws on equally clumsy dragonets. The indentations on the floor, made by millennial pressure of the growing dragons, are quite suggestive of their purpose. Most of them have furs in one corner of them, as the new riders sleep as near their lifemates as they can. A particular odour lingers in the air here, not quite pleasant.

A'ran is sitting on his couch, Orvieth curled up behind him. A'ran is looking over those hides about wing formation's that've been going around the barracks recently.

Cheni walks into the barrack with a huge stack of clean towels. With the help of Irenyath, she manages to dodge objects on the ground and legs that hang over the edge of couches. Chuckling as the towels reach their goal unscathed, she winks over at her lifemate in thanks. "Dragons do come in handy, don't they?"

M'rten and Mariloth walk in, both looking a little tired as they head for their couch.

A'ran looks up at Cheni and M'rten as then enter, "Yeh, they're great - Cheni." He says, grinning.

Cheni grins. "And to think, I used to get dizzy when she'd show me things this way. Now, well, it sure helps." She peels off her over tunic, carefully folding it into her press, then removes the second layer, another clean tunic and begins to fold it as well. "Not enough arms."

A'ran nods to Cheni, "What duty'd you get today?" He asks, grinning. Orvieth croons to Irenyath lazily.

Irenyath croons a greeting to her fellow green as the pair pass by but doesn't seem aware of Orvieth. Cheni tsks with amusement at her lifemate and a smirk continues to A'ran. "Me? Laundry. And I'm done. Last armload dealt with."

"You know," M'rten says slowly as Mariloth settles down and he leans back against her, "You'd think elevator duty would be pretty easy for the rider."

A'ran grins at Cheni and nods, then looks at M'rten. "Yeh, but it ain't..." He says.

Dragon> Orvieth bespoke Irenyath and Mariloth with << Any new games to play? >>

Cheni tries to keep envy out of her expression. "Well, I'm sure I'll have something to complain about once we get cleared to fly. If we ever get cleared to fly that is..." She trails off as she climbs in after Irenyath.

Irenyath> Mariloth and Orvieth sense that Irenyath lazily sends wisps of past amusements from that afternoon. A picture of Cheni flying in the air after being launched into the lake by Irenyath blends into a fast game of tag with a blue weyrling dragon.

M'rten leans over to rub the soreness from his legs. "I told you, Cheni, you'll be up there flying sooner than anything."

A'ran grins at Cheni, "It should be too long now, Cheni." He says, grinning, "It's not as if you're being punished for something, are ya?"

Dragon> Irenyath and Orvieth sense that Mariloth seems slow and tired as she sends, << My wings are tired. >>

Dragon> Irenyath and Mariloth sense that Orvieth is evidently bored. << Lazy. >>

Cheni sticks out her tongue at A'ran. "I've not been in trouble once for anything I did on purpose since I impressed thank you very much." She sniffs. "I can't figure it out, myself, got my straps approved and she's been checked and rechecked but I guess they know best." Her nose wrinkles at the supposed injustice to her lifemate. "But she's not overly upset by it."

Irenyath> Mariloth and Orvieth sense that Irenyath rumble croons. << If you are bored, you could do something. Make life more exciting? >>

A'ran smiles at Cheni, "I just said that, didn't I?" He says, rolling his eyes. "Really, Cheni. You should pay more attention."

Cheni scowls and wads up the towel she was placing in her press into a ball, lobbing it at A'ran. "Brat."

A'ran smiles at Cheni, catching the towel, "Thanks, just what I needed, Cheni." He says.

Cheni smiles sweetly. "There's plenty more where that came from. I can also give you an assortment of dirty socks, used towels and tunics. Good thing I don't got laundry again tomorrow." As Irenyath stirs in her couch, she chuckles. "Hmms, looks like someone is bored. Any ideas?"

"Bored?" M'rten asks with a laugh. "Never a dull moment around here. I've got sack tossing in a little bit and I don't know if I can stand up again."

Cheni laughs, not overly sympathetic. "You were moving fast enough in the lake a while back. Maybe see if you can toss in the lake?"

M'rten shakes his head slowly. "They'd make me swim to the bottom and fish it all out."

Cheni giggles as A'ran doesn't seem about to accept her offer and after a moment looking his way, her attention returns to M'rten. "Well, diving can be fun. Have you ever dived in the sea? I used to do that at Braddle."

M'rten shakes his head again, tugging his boots off. "Nope. Never actually seen the sea, to be honest."

Cheni shakes her head in sympathy. "Never? Well, never mind..." She suddenly laughs and repeats to M'rten his own words. "You'll be doing that soon enough."

M'rten laughs briefly and nods. "We'll see. How about we head down there once they let us go off on our own?"

Cheni says cautiously, giving M'rten an odd look. "Maybe we can make a class picnic or something. A whole barracks activity to celebrate our freedom. I know a lot of riders head off to Lava Lounge when they are around Boll but there are other places to see."

M'rten nods slowly. "I've heard about that place, I think. Have you ever been there?"

Cheni sighs. "What place? Lava?" She shrugs. "It's alright, if you like a bunch of noise, passed out riders, drinks that will burn your hair just sniffing them and a lot of odd smells. Been there once and I was expecting it to be really exciting and all ... decadent or something.. I don't know. It was alright."

M'rten chuckles, rubbing briefly at his feet. "Well, maybe once they let us loose we'll find a nice decadent hangout for you."

Cheni laughs and snorts. "Corwin kept on telling me that I wasn't corrupted enough. Just what constitutes being corrupted 'enough'. Besides, he's not exactly the wildest resident at Telgar, you know." She sighs as she spots a fellow weyrling pull out his formation charts and grabs hers as well. "Memorize, memorize memorize."

M'rten wrinkles his nose as he looks over. "I hate those charts. Have I mentioned that yet? And my guess is he meant you're not corrupted enough to make him quite happy."

Cheni sniffs. "First time I met him, I told him I was more corrupted than him and that's way before I came to Telgar. He and some riders were at Lava Lounge and talked me into joining them."

M'rten chuckles and nods. "He was probably just threatened by your corruptedness. Or something. I'm afraid I never really noticed it, myself."

Cheni says dryly. "I manage to keep it under control for Irenyath's sake you see." She coughs. "Everything for my dragon, you know."

M'rten laughs again. "Well, you know what they say about us greenriders. May as well live up to it."

Cheni chuckles. "Depends, mind you." She breaks into a giggle. "If I was quite sure what being corrupted was, and exactly what that entailed, I might know what I was supposed to be doing to live up to the reputation I've inherited."

M'rten shrugs, considering for a moment or two. "I think we're supposed to be debaucherous, lecherous, um, y'know. That sort of thing."

Cheni hmms. "Lecherous. I thought that was a male trait." She mutters under her breath. "First wing, rear.. level four..." The looks over at her fellow green weyrling. "It sounds fun though."

M'rten shrugs again with a broad grin. "Definitely sounds like fun. So I figure if they're gonna think we're always so depraved, we might as well enjoy it."

Cheni smirks as she repeats the formation she's memorizing to herself. "I don't exactly see a lot of lecherous and debauched living around here. All I ever here are wild stories about times long ago. You know how people get when they get old. They sort of live in the past and their stories get more grand than the actual event?"

M'rten just continues to grin. "Well, that's what we're here for. New blood. Breathe some life into the place."

Cheni rolls her eyes and drawls. "And here I thought we were here to fight Thread, ride with our lifemates and do all things dragonriderish. Thanks for setting me right?"

"That's for later," M'rten says, waving a hand dismissively. "To start with we liven things up."

Cheni uh-huhs and drops her hide, shifting so she's leaning on her elbows and her feet are up in the air as she looks over from her cot. "So tell me more, how do we liven things up, exactly when we are watching like wherries?"

M'rten considers for a moment or two before shrugging. "Not really sure. All I know is we've got to do it. Got any ideas?"

Cheni looks around the barracks, considering the possibilities. "I thought you were the expert. If we are going to prove ourselves, it can't involve anything done in the ancient past like the flowers in the male rider's hair or dressing them in frilly stuff."

M'rten waves a hand vaguely. "I'll think of something. Just give me time."

Irenyath> Mariloth senses that Irenyath lazily passes on the suggestion. << My lifemate thinks that perhaps the couch of A'ran would look nice painted in bright orange. >>

Dragon> Mariloth bespoke Irenyath with << Perhaps Orvieth would look better orange. >>

Irenyath> Mariloth senses that Irenyath snorts. << Orange? No. He is not orange. I think orange couches are not right either. But my lifemate says A'ran deserves to be paid back for something. But then, she said that about your lifemate too. >>

Cheni smiles over at M'rten, charming as ever. "So .." She pauses. "Tell me, how are you doing on the formation charts?" She frowns up at Irenyath momentarily and shakes her head slightly with a shhh sound on her lips.

M'rten suddenly frowns slightly, narrowing his eyes across the barracks. "Are you still angry about that lake thing?"

Cheni blinks, holding a hand to her chest in protest. "Me? Little old me hold a grudge?" She flutters her lashes. "You must have the wrong girl." Irenyath, the poor dear, gets another -look-. "What was that about a lake, M'rten?"

M'rten just sighs heavily and shakes his head. "That's it. I'm not sleeping until I get my own weyr." He reaches up to pat Mariloth's side affectionately. "Or maybe the two of us can sleep in shifts."

Cheni tsks and shakes her head sorrowfully. "Now that's not a very good idea, you do need your sleep." Speaking soothingly and quietly, the girl gets to her feet and walks towards M'rten's cot. "Don't you feel rather sleepy even as I speak?"

"No," M'rten says, watching Cheni suspiciously. "Not in the least." Mariloth lifts her head slightly, giving the weyrling a rather curious look.

Irenyath whuffles Cheni's hair with fond tolerance whirling in the edge of her eyes. She looks over at Mariloth, almost apologetically.

Dragon> Mariloth bespoke Irenyath with << What game is your lifemate playing? >>

Cheni tsks. "Poor boy, after that work out today, too?" She sighs. "Maybe we should be talking to the healers for a nice soothing tea for you to help you relax. You look a little tense to me. And that's not good." Smiling evenly, she casually mentions. "We all need to sleep, even dragons."

Irenyath> Mariloth senses that Irenyath sheepishly admits. << My rider has a side to her that I do not quite understand. >>

M'rten lifts an eyebrow slightly as he watches the girl. "You know I know you're up to something, right?"

Cheni smiles victoriously as she flounces back to her cot. "Yes, I do know you know that." Her smile turns absolutely evil. "Sleep well."

M'rten just shakes his head slowly. "I hate you," he says with a vague grin. "I really, really do."

Cheni sits cross-legged and picks up her hide to study it more closely, quite satisfied. "The feeling is always mutual, M'rten, my friend."

M'rten folds his arms over his chest, watching the other weyrling closely. "You go to sleep first. Then we'll see what happens."

Cheni blinks and lifts up her formations chart to wave in reminder. "Got to study, you know, got to keep up the wonder weyrling persona at all costs."

"Right," M'rten says slowly, "Study." He moves to pull out his own charts, glancing briefly at them without taking his eyes off the girl for more than a moment.

Dragon> Telgar Weyrlings sense that Spineth reaches out sleepily, touching the minds of weyrling dragons, projecting an image of him leading your dragons into the sky for flight. It is a simple but clear announcement: time for a flying lesson.

Dragon> Telgar Weyrlings sense that Decarath sends along a snarl of irritation and frustration, dark and brooding. Whoa - someone's not in the mood to go along tonight. Someone's very upset.

Cheni smirks back as she catches M'rten looking her way. "Interesting hides, don't you agr..." Her eyes widen as Irenyath croons. "Yes!" She grins. "Us?" She scrambles to her feet, almost tripping over herself in haste to gather her lifemate's straps and her own flight jacket. "Shells!"

Dragon> Telgar Weyrlings sense that Irenyath absolutely trumpets her excitement and mentally nudges her lifemate. << We are coming, if she will just breathe and move at the same time. >>

M'rten just laughs, getting slowly to his feet. "I gotta see this."

Central Bowl

A stony field is the center of this great caldera, the size of which is unmatched at any other Weyr--for the whole complement of all the wings at Telgar could rest comfortably within its towering cliffs. Shaped in a perfect oval, the rock walls seem ideal for keeping the usual chill winds stirring about. The ground is mostly made of pebbles and rocks, some hued the milky shades of old quartz, though there are patches where softer dirt and even trees sprout up from the ground. To the south, the bowl opens onto the living caverns and the Weyrleaders' quarters; the immense entrance to the Hatching Grounds lies to the northwest. Heading southwest will lead one back out into the rocky mountain ranges around Telgar's protective walls. Dragons may be seen, relaxing or fresh from feeding, to the north, as well as the soft lapping sounds of Telgar's lake touching the sandy shore. The Weyrling Barracks, always aflutter with activity, are to the direct west. If you're looking for the 'dutypair' to take you to an outweyr destination, they can be found here. Fall leaves cling around the edges of the bowl, and the trees near the lake are bedecked with bronze and red splendor.

Dragon> Telgar Weyrlings sense that Saulith shimmers ruby and garnet warmth. << We come to watch! >>

Above, Saulith flies over from the south end of the bowl.

Ursa is standing by Spineth's side, feet apart, watching the entrance as the weyrlings approach. She nods to Kichevio, saying, "Weyrsecond," as the two arrive, then turns her attention back to the barracks and the approaching pairs.

Saulith lands quite decorously a dragonlength or so from the cluster of weyrlings, and settles in with her tail curled neat around her forefeet. Kichevio leans against the green's foreleg, her wave of greeting coinciding with Saulith's rumblethrum. "Weyrlingmaster," she returns the greeting easily, if with more formality than usual.

Cheni races just ahead of Irenyath, her face flushed and one arm in her jacket and the other struggling to find it's arm hole. She hastily salutes Ursa and whirls around trying to untangle herself from the straps. Once free, the other hand slips in the jacket snugly and she salutes Kichevio as well "Weyrlingmaster, Wingsecond."

M'rten and Mariloth walk out behind Cheni at a more leisurely pace, saluting the riders and murmuring the appropriate honorifics. "Good luck, Cheni," he calls to the other weyrling.

Ursa corrects Cheni with a dry, "Weyrsecond," but doesn't say more than that. To the approaching weyrlings, she asks, "Each of you have passed your strap inspection, that is correct?"

The summer air is warm enough, with only a slight chill. The cloud cover lessens until the sky is clear. With a last couple of plinks into the puddles, the rainfall ends.

Cheni blushes and winces, inwardly kicking herself. "Weyrsecond, ma'am." She nods to Ursa. "Yes'm, they've been approved and I'm working on the next set now." She shoots Kichevio and apologetic grin before looking back to Ursa.

M'rten clears his throat gently. "Actually, ma'am, I've had all the basic flight classes. I was doing elevator duty this morning. We just wanted to watch Cheni, if it's alright."

Kichevio mouths 'no problem' to Cheni, smiling slightly. She steps away from Saulith's shelter as the rain ends, taking a quick look at Irenyath's straps before moving back out of the projected runway again. She's on a strict no-interference policy tonight.

Ursa nods at M'rten, just briefly, acknowledging his explanation, then returns her attention to the class. If she's brusque, it's because she wants to get straight to the business at hand. "Now," she says, "Your dragons have been flying all over this bowl, by now, with you on the ground. Now is the time for you to fly with them, accompany them into the skies." She looks at the dragons, and comments, "The first order of business here would be straps."

M'rten moves out of the way of the action, sitting down on a convenient rock as Mariloth settles in nearby.

Cheni chews her lower lip as in synchronization, her head tilts slight up with Irenyath's as they look up to the skies. Ignoring Irenyath's soft croon of anticipation for now, she focuses on Ursa's words. "Yes'm." She awaits Ursa's orders, standing at attention with the straps draped and looped neatly over her shoulder.

Ursa gives the nod of approval. "Get the straps on. Take your time, make sure they're secure."

Kichevio quietly watches, occasionally tilting her head or furrowing her brow as she watches Cheni's careful fitting. Saulith simply hums, almost subliminally.

Cheni wills herself to breathe and to relax, Irenyath obviously helping as she serenely fixes her gaze on her lifemate. Straps go on methodically. The training over the months making it automatic with no accidents. Each buckle is checked, then re-checked, then tugged tight and checked again. After scrambling down Irenyath's side, Cheni takes another deep breath. "We're as ready as we'll ever be."

Ursa strolls down the ranks of the weyrlings, inspecting the strap process. She gives tugs, even, with the weyrling's permission, yanking on the straps to feel how secure they are. She steps back. "You have been groundriding, and you have been flying. Now is the time to put them together. The biggest priority right now is to not let what you're seeing confuse your lifemate." She looks at the weyrlings, and says, "I'm confident that won't be a problem." She takes another deep breath. "As usual, the slightest indication of any problem, any confusion, any disorientation, any pain, you land. Immediately. Have your lifemate bespeak Spineth, break with formation, and land."

Cheni calls out with the other weyrlings in her class. "Yes Ma'am!" She swallows hard, her eyes widening with worry until once again, Irenyath soothes her and the girl steadies herself.

Kichevio seconds those orders with a nod, adding quietly, "No shame if you do. Better to fly late than overstrain your dragon."

Ursa inclines her head towards Kichevio, acknowledging the opinion. Then she calls sharply, "Mount up!"

Cheni nods gratefully to Kichevio and with grace borne of practice, nimbly scrambles up Irenyath, the straps making it much more easier.

>> Ursa watches them all mount, standing stock still, and when she's satisfied, she, too, mounts her own beloved lifemate.

>> Ursa clambers up onto Spineth's back with the assistance of an extended forelimb.

>> M'rten watches with a grin, picking up a couple of small stones and juggling them briefly.

>> Saulith lifts her head to watch, eyes whirling somewhat faster with interest, and Kichevio rests a hand on the green's flank soothingly. She flicks a grin M'rten's way. "Easy for you to be calm."

>> Atop Spineth, Ursa speaks with the same loud voice. "The simplest of formations... a line. Spineth will take off, and then each of you will, one by one, in the order you're standing in. We will be soaring slowly upwards, around the bowl, remaining in the line." She turns to inspect the class. "Ready?"

>> Irenyath twitches with excitement as Cheni settles herself in her ridges. Only the very end of her tail twitches as she listens to both her rider and the Weyrlingmaster as the weyrling busily straps herself firmly into her straps. She signals her agreement as Cheni barks out with the other weyrlings. "Yes ma'am!"

>> Spineth bellows a triumphant announcement as he spreads his wings and then crouches, and with a mighty thrust, he's airborne.

>> Spineth takes flight, using the thermals rising from the bowl to carry him aloft.

You spring into the air and catch the thermals rising from the bowl floor to carry you aloft.

Central Bowl Airspace

You circle within the northern airspace of Telgar Weyr, just above the large central bowl and lake region. Below, along the lake's edge, lie the sands of the Weyr's main beach and, to its west, the huge expanse of Telgar's Hatching Cavern. Down and then eastward is the Weyr's large pen that serves as the dragons' feeding grounds. Several of the beasts scatter nervously while you hover overhead. Gouges mar the earth below beside the weyrling barracks where, often, you can catch sight of a bevy of young dragons and their new partners doing drills. Reaching farther to the south are the entrances to both the living caverns and the infirmary. While you could gaze over the breathtaking beauty of all these sites, the circling chill of the wind causes you to seriously considering landing.

Hatching Caverns

>> Spineth leads the line of weyrlings in a broad slow ascent into the bowl sky. He cranes his neck back proudly to watch them as they follow upwards. He banks gently, curving well before the wall curves.

Cheni manages to contain most of the involuntary squeal of delight as Irenyath effortlessly takes her up into the sky. Holding on tight to the straps, she manages to inhale once again as the green unfurls her wings in a graceful glide, measuring each wingbeat to match the dragon in front of her. As Irenyath warns her, Cheni automatically leans as they gently bank into the exact pattern set by Spineth.

>> Spineth continues to beat his wings with slow, unhurried, but powerful strokes. With another check of the line, he leads the line ever upwards.

>> Irenyath continues to follow, her attention fully on Spineth and the bowl around her. Every move she makes is soft and gentle, aware she carries a precious cargo. If she seems to glow with an inner pride, she can't help it, after all, it's her Cheni on her back. The weyrling sits up taller, the pride of their accomplishment slowly overtaking her own self-doubts as Irenyath's flight goes higher than the green's been before, solo.

>> Saulith rises up from the bowl.

>> Saulith joins the group without further ado, unable to stand the thought that the weyrlings are having more fun than she is. To her credit, she doesn't indulge in any of her usual aerial tricks, but simply wings alongside Spineth, streamlining herself in the wake of the brown. She flies through the air with the greatest of ease...

>> Spineth soars upwards into the open sky above the weyr.

You soar upwards and into the open sky above the Weyr.

Air Above Telgar Weyr

You are flying in the skies directly above Telgar Weyr. The Weyr itself is a huge caldera directly below you, formed in an irregular hourglass shape. Its size is impressive; a small Hold could easily fit within its bowl, with room left over. Stretching roughly to the north and south is the mountain range of which the Weyr is part, rugged peaks of bare rock and stone. The Telgar territory covers the expanse both east and west.

The evening is clear, not a cloud to be seen, giving you a perfect view of the stars. The smaller Belior is a nearly full waxing gibbous while Timor is a nearly full waning gibbous. The strong winds howl through the bowl and the summer air is warm enough, with only a slight chill. The ground beneath your feet is wet from the last storm.

Dragon> Irenyath bespoke Telgar Weyrlings with << We fly! And she has not killed me no matter what she thought. The silly little thing. >>

>> Saulith flies up from the southern half of the bowl.

>> Spineth higher and higher, gradually, but certainly, Spineth leads the weyrlings up up and more up, moving upwards beyond the bowl walls, up into the dizzying heights.

>> Saulith makes sweeps of the climbing line of weyrlings, occasionally crooning encouragement, while her rider gestures hints and warnings to those in need of such things.

>> Decarath emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!

>> From the South, From the Telgar Star Stones, L'klal's burnished bronze Pteynth rears on hind legs and bugles a greeting to brown Decarath and his rider, Yashira, welcoming them home.

>> Mounted on Decarath, Yashira is hunched over, glaring at nothing in particular. Decarath wings toward his ledge, a red slash marking his side.

>> Decarath flies downward towards the southern end of the bowl.

>> From the South, Decarath lands on Decarath's Ledge.

>> Saulith chivvies the bluerider at the end of the line of weyrlings up a little further, away from the just-arrived Decarath. Now is _not_ the time for happy greetings.

>> Spineth bellows in annoyance, suddenly, though he continues to fly, for the time being.

>> Irenyath trumpets her utter joy as she flies even higher, each wingbeat carrying her up towards the sky she's been so desperate to reach. As the bowl drops away below them, she croons her encouragement to those behind and ahead of her in the line. Cheni, if anyone could see, grins from ear to ear, too overcome to do much more than hold on and to be one with her lifemate. The girl shakes her head and concentrates, berating herself for the momentary lapse. However, even Decarath's grumpy arrival can't erase the grin plastered on her face.

Dragon> Spineth bespoke Telgar Weyrlings with << I am needed below. I will have Saulith continue to lead your flight. I will give her the instructions. Please, follow her after she gets into position. >>

>> Spineth swoops to the side, allowing Saulith to take the position at the head of the line. when she does, he banks, and descends with swiftness.

>> Spineth flies downward towards the southern end of the bowl.

>> From the South, Spineth backs his great brown wings as he approaches the ledge he shares with Pleiath.

>> Saulith wings up to take Spineth's place, nothing more than a curvette of her tail denoting her good humor. Turning, Kichevio waves to the group, then beckons on upward, continuing the climb up past the rim, and closer to those tempting stars.

Dragon> Telgar Weyrlings sense that Irenyath rumbles her compliance but her excitement has not yet waned and she utterly bubbles with enthusiasm. << We fly. All of us. Together. We are one. >>

Dragon> Telgar Weyrlings sense that Saulith will not be too effusive in her praise, but glows radiant amber-gold. << It is a good beginning. Keep following me--and if you feel tired or hurting, say so! >>

>> Irenyath adjusts her speed and wingbeats to the new leader, no signs of tiring yet. If anything, she seems to be more relaxed as her rider focuses into the ride.

Dragon> Telgar Weyrlings sense that Irenyath quietly and confidently echoes her lifemate's words. << We will listen but we are strong. And the sky, oh the sky! >>

>> From the South, The summer air feels a bit nippy. The cloud cover increases until the sky is partially cloudy.

>> Saulith slowly banks along the curve of the Rim, a shivering darkness of dragon shadow running over the wall. She vanes her wings slightly to glide with the cool breeze, staying at a constant height that the weyrlings can match.

Dragon> Telgar Weyrlings sense that Saulith offers an order couched as a suggestion, silver-clear as the moonslight. << Glide on the wind, do not flap so much. It will conserve your energy. >>

>> Irenyath turns into the curve, not quite as gracefully as Saulith but well enough for a weyrling dragon with her first manned flight. With no effort, she stills her wings, instinctively finding a steady stream that allows her to glide with barely a wobble of her wings. A low murmur by Cheni is met by a muted croon of her own.

Dragon> Irenyath bespoke Telgar Weyrlings with << My rider says that she feels me begin to tire. She says I must go back soon. We can fly another day. >>

>> Saulith gradually begins to angle downward, her tilt easy enough to mimic, still managing to glide instead of flap-flap-flap. A rumble guides the weyrlings after her. Going down.

>> Saulith flies downward towards the southern end of the bowl.

You fly downwards towards the southern end of the bowl.

Dragon> Saulith bespoke Telgar Weyrlings with << Then you had best listen, riders know about that. Follow! >>

>> Saulith demonstrates a perfect three-point landing. Tilt the wings, going down with care, land on the ning legs and take a few slowing steps before bringing down the forelegs. A few more steps, fold the wings, and ta-da! Back on the ground.

>> Irenyath's wingbeats are still steady although slower than when she first started. Not overjoyed at leaving her beloved stars, she looks up for one wistful final gaze before complying with her lifemates' wishes and down they go, following orders exactly. Cheni's expression softens and she comforts the young green with a gentle touch of mind and hand.

>> Saulith flies downwards towards the bowl.

You fly downwards towards the bowl. >> Kichevio slides down easily from Saulith's neck.

>> Irenyath goes for the same landing but over compensates in her caution, not wanting to jar her lifemate. Her landing is not as steady and she has to work hard not to end up tipping forward. But she manages a proper landing, folding in her wings and bugling her joy. Cheni blinks at the less than perfect landing but is not in the least jarred, straps keeping her secure.

Kichevio lifts her hands over her head and applauds loudly, a few sharp claps as the line of weyrlings lands. "For your first time up, that was good! Remember to keep it smooth and not to panic--and Sarrais, you know better than to try any tricks at this early stage." The brownrider is duly chastised, and Kich returns to being supportive person. "Ursa will be proud of you all. Now check their straps. They'll have shifted during flight, are they still comfortable? Not twisted or chafing anywhere?"

Cheni rubs at her face once her feet touch the ground and laughs shakily. "I'm going to have sore cheeks for a sevenday from smiling so much." She is already inspecting straps almost before Kichevio finishes speaking. "No ma'am, nothing chafing. They held me well." She looks up at the sky, way up and she pales as she realizes once again that she was -up- there. "She is comfortable."

Kichevio does a quick visual inspection of the line, glances and light touches of each dragon. She pats Irenyath's wingtip gently. "Ask her to spread her wings for me, and if she feels any pain? I don't doubt either of you, but smaller dragons can often overstretch themselves without even realizing."

At that reminder, Cheni pales even more but Irenyath isn't the least bit phased and opens her wings wide, rumbling a soft invitation to the Weyrsecond. "She says she's fine, she says she feels a little tired but not sore. The tired she feels after swimming in the lake for a long time."

Kichevio carefully runs her fingers under the base of Irenyath's wings, nodding at their steadiness. "Looks like it. Thank you, Irenyath, and thanks, Cheni." Inspection done, she steps back. "Any questions or comments before I dismiss you? I can't promise to be as informed as Ursa, but I'll do my best."

Irenyath folds her wings back into place and rests comfortably on her haunches. "No ma'am. We could have flown forever though. I mean it was so wonderful up there!" Her eyes flash. "Freedom. I haven't felt that free in .. well, in a long long time. It was wonderful."

Kichevio lets herself smile, agreeing wordlessly with Cheni's joy. "It's the best thing in the world," she nods. "Nothing compares--well, one thing, but you'll learn about that in due time." She claps her hands once, loudly. "All right, dismissed! Go get some sleep, you'll need it to fly elevator duty tomorrow!"

Cheni grins at that thought and the whole weyrling class gathered echoes her sentiments. "Yes ma'am. Thank you Ma'am!" Dismissed, she does a half jig and a quarter twirl as she runs up to Irenyath. "We did it!"

Kichevio, released from Authority Duty, giggles in tandem with Saulith's croon. "Yes, you did. And wasn't it great?"

Cheni giggles. "Utterly wonderful. I mean, I didn't kill her, I didn't fall off and I think, maybe, I might actually, don't quote me on this, you never heard it from -my- lips, I might survive weyrlinghood after all."

Kichevio squeezes Cheni's shoulder affectionately. "I have no doubt that you will. If you can survive living in the same barracks as R'yk, R'var and M'rten without killing them, you can survive _anything_. Now go get some sleep. Irenyath's tired, and you probably are too, under all that adrenaline."

Cheni takes a deep breath, protesting. "I couldn't sleep even if I tried." A jaw breaking yawn betrays her words. "Well not really tired." As her heartbeat calms, she smiles ruefully. "Don't forget A'ran. He's the worst of all. But don't worry, I can take care of myself, just fine. Good night ma'am."









*** Disconnected from PernMUSH ***

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