Dragonriders Assemble! Wing Practice (All Riders)

[Ampara]

The bags of 'thread' had been painstakingly collected. The firestone was being shifted out to an easily accessible place, and Ampara had already loaded up Dysmeth with the shiny agenothree tanks. She'd painstakingly checked and re-checked the straps, and she'd also checked the tanks and the nozzle several times too. She'd put out notice yesterday that they were to assemble in the weyrbowl at that hour, and Dysmeth had just given them their fifteen minute warning.

Dysmeth was regally in position, waiting for her fellow wingmates to join her. Ampara was fully geared up, and though Valkyrie wasn't a word familiar to the Pernese there was certainly something beautiful and battle ready the way she stalked back and forth. She was ready to show her weyr, her people that she was ready to go the distance again. Fog, fire, or fall their Weyrwoman was in the air again.

Finall call. All report to the weyrbowl and assemble into your flights and wings. Wingleaders and Flight Leaders please step forward to receive your instructions from the Weyrwoman. Please be in your places, and geared up. You may being chewing your firestone, strong flames brothers and sisters.[/color]

They were going to have a mock fall. It would be good for the moral of the weyr as a lot of things had been up in the air recently. She was confident that something routine, but something that would also keep them on their toes would be a good remedy to any feelings of doubt or apprehension. Not to mention wing practice facilitated inter-weyr cooperation, and she hoped to lessen the schisms amongst the higher ups that had been occurring recently. Threadfall was something where all were united against a common enemy.

All Flights and Wings would fly as they would a regular fall, but the flights she would have rotate positions as 'thread' droppers. She intended to put her flight in that rotation first. Truthfully, Ampara was nervous about making a mistake since she'd been out of the air for so long. Observation for a time would be an excellent way to get in the swing of things.

Don't forget, we are practicing as if this were a live fall. We will be flaming. Behave accordingly.[/color]

Ampara tucked her gloves into her belt, and she carried her helmet under her arm for the moment. Time for the tough to get going.

[K'ivan]

As soon as he crested the top of the cliff, K'ivan dusted himself off and pulled off the specially designed climbing gloves. He tucked them into his pocket and withdrew his riding gloves from the other. Jogging over to Baizynth, he grabbed his riding jacket and goggles where they lay. Though they had heard the first call, the Dragonhealer had been in the middle of the cliff face and did not want to risk falling or injurying himself if he let go, trusting to Baizynth to catch him. "All right Bai, lets go." He said as he drew himself into the saddle.

On our way. Baizynth reported as he bellowed a challenge to all in the Weyr. Extending his lean wings he dropped off the Weyr's Heights and plummeted Pern-ward. As soon as the wingsail filled with air, buffeting them outward, the slender bronze tipped horizontal and coasted for a few moments. He glided downward until he was in the center of the Weyrbowl, above the practice. The rest was taken the fast way - between.

In a surge of cold air, the dragon arrived, announcing himself to his queen as he did. Baizynth and K'ivan-mine are here, Queen. The veteran bronze used Dysmeth's title because this was a more formal occasion. Though she had become the Senior Queen young, surpassing Tuirith, he was glad she lived up to the challenge and proved to the Weyr that age is not a factor. Shaking himself, he settled down on his haunches off to Dysmeth's right, his intention to being the group where his Flight members should join him.

No sooner had Baizynth settled than K'ivan was on the ground. He went over and grabbed a sack of firestone. Going back to Baizynth, he began feeding his life-long friend the substance that allowed the bronze to breath fire. Baizynth crunched, chewed and swallowed, directing it to his second stomach.

[J'zeni]

Although they were not old enough to participate yet, everyone thought it was a great idea to go and watch the Fall. J'zeni warned both Alvoradath and Tezorath to stay far away from the firestone bags and the other dragons, but the twins were so excited - the moment the foursome arrived - they had to be reminded again. J'zeni reigned Vor in with a soft word and gestured for him to get on the edges of the Weyrbowl.

Look at all of them Zen-mine! They are all here! This is exciting! One day you and me... And me! And Zora and Kitti-other-mine will be in the skies. We will chew firestone and... I won't. Tezorath put in, snorting aloud as she did. Queens don't chew firestone. Some might think it was a punishment, but she thought it was beneath her. The two dragons continued, their words echoing in both J'zeni and Kitti's heads as they had always done since birth. It was still amazing and disorienting to listen to them both.

J'zeni couldn't help but smile as he seated himself on the ground. They were far enough away from the practice they wouldn't be in anyone's way. The Weyrbowl was large enough to accommodate all the dragonriders plus at least four more wings, so the presence of a few extra individuals wasn't going to do any harm.

"Its a good way to see 'um in action, Zora. You watch well." Kitti said, giving her golden love a good scratch on the head. The young queen leaned into her life-mate's hand and murred her pleasure.

"Exactly the reason we're here." J'zeni nodded as he leaned against the boulder.

[Ampara]

"Would you mind if I sat and watched with you?" The voice was shy and soft, and belonged to another one of the peculiarities among the more recently impressed than some.

Miranda at least considered herself peculiar though Neridath was quite adamant that hers just special, and of course the best green rider there ever was. She wished she could share Neridath's sentiments on the matter, but part of her was still afraid that she would turn out to be just the opposite.

She offered a friendly smile, tucking an errant strand of her dark hair behind an ear. Miranda had wanted to watch, and when she had espied her fellow weyrlings she had decided to be brave and approach them. She knew that they seemed to prefer the company of one another, but she thought that it seemed silly to sit apart. Miranda also really had no desire to be accused of snubbing others due to her family status when in reality she was just shy. For the moment they were all on the same ground at least though one day Kitti and Tezorath were going to be flying high above her position which she was fine with. She loved Neridath, and that was all that mattered to her.

-------------------

Aurora was putting the last minute touches on her gear. Everything was in pristine condition, and she'd carefully double-checked her straps. She was quite aware with the difficulties in obtaining leather, and so she'd been trying to keep her gear together without resorting to cutting into the dwindling supply. She'd done an excellent job so far, but she was worried that she was going to have to give up on patch working it soon. She had no desire to entirely re-outfit herself if it was possible.

Does everything fit well?
Yes. We should encounter no difficulty. Everything is as it should be.[/color]
Keep me informed. I want it to stay that way.

Zionth glided down into the weyrbowl. Since her wing was considerably light she had been informed that she was being temporarily absorbed into the Golden Glow wing since they were int he same Flight and serving rather the same purpose. Aurora began loading Zionth up firestone. He concentrated dutifully on his second stomach, but the observers had not escaped his notice.

Watch closely young ones.[/color] There would be plenty to be learned from watching and 'listening' in on the normal command chatter.

---------------------------------

Welcome Baizynth I'm glad to see you. Greetings Zionth, Tuirith will be glad to have you in Golden Glow today as will I. You may want to go light on the firestone. We are going to be providing the thread to the others for now.[/i]

[cevara]

Cevara and Gaveneth reporting for duty my fair Queen! Perhaps the only individual on the field more excited for 'fall practice than Cevara was Gaveneth himself. His got to let out aggression all day, every day. He only got to fight once in a while, and with all that focused violence coming from his rider....well...Gaveneth was always ready and raring to burn some thread...even if it wasn't real.

Hello Baizynth! How goes the day? Are you and K'ivan-yours excited for the practice Fall? I know we are!

Loosening her helmet from long curls momentarily, Cevara checked all of Gav's equipment to make certain it was secure before jogging over to snatch up a bag of firestone. Falls were one of the only times anyone saw the brown rider jogging for anything. She hated the sport passionately. Fortunately her sparring and other physical training kept her in such peak cardio condition that she could manage the effort without much trouble.

"Here ya big lug...munch on some of this."

[K'ivan]

Greetings Dysmeth, always a pleasure to see you as well. Though he had already claimed a golden prize when he caught Tuirith, Baizynth was keenly aware of Dysmeth's scent. And just as every other bronze in the Weyr was, the veteran dragon was anticipating the opportunity to catch the young queen. He did not give thought to the shift in position, it was only his instincts that drove him. Weyrleader or Junior Weyrleader, he knew his could handle the responsibility of leadership.

K'ivan on the other hand had reservations about becoming the actual Weyrleader, if only because he was uncomfortable with supplanting his good friend. However, when Dysmeth rose, K'ivan was not intending on holding Baizynth back. His emotions were not something he was going to allow get in the way of ensuring the Weyr had a solid leader. While X'cer had proven himself Turn after Turn, K'ivan didn't trust or know some of the newer transfers.

Hello Gaveneth! Baizynth's lifted his head as he chewed, visually identifying the dragon he shared a weyr with. We are excited! The thrill of the hunt surged through Baizynth each time he felt the stones slide down his throat.

Looking up in almost unison with his dragon, K'ivan spotted Cevara and grinned as he watched her jog. While she did not enjoy the sport, he certainly enjoyed watching her do it and took a moment to admire his weyrmate's body. Stifling a chuckle as Baizynth said a few choice and embarrassing words, K'ivan lifted his hand and gave Cevara a brief wave.

[F'rendil]

As they dropped in from between, T'wenth's immediate action was to send out a call to his second favorite human, and her dragon. Hello Miranda! How are you and your wonderful Neridath this day? The slender form of the brown glided down and settled near where his Wing was assembling. His rider slid off and skipped a bit as he missed his footing. Scowling, he lifted up his boot to see what happened, discovering there was an unusual large rock underneath it, he kicked the rock.

As he headed over toward the piles of firestone, he shook his head and then tugged off his helmet to reveal hair almost the same color as the sandy hide of his dragon. Using one hand to run his fingers through the newly cropped locks, he deftly tied his helmet to his belt with the other. His scalp itched as it always did just after getting a hair cut. Once he arrived at the pile he grabbed a bag and headed back to his waiting brown.

Meanwhile the brown flared his wings and shook himself, his tail lashing enough to stir up dust. With all the problems they had been having at the Hold, and the trouble with the Lord Holder, who seemed to have decided this pair were his personal whipping boys, the usually calm brown was ready to fight. He was looking forward to destroying the 'thread' and shared his rider's pent up frustration bordering on rage. T'wenth and F'rendil reporting Queen Dysmeth.

F'rendril returned and began feeding T'wenth the firestone. Once his dragon's mouth was full, he checked over the riding straps again, making note of a few that needed to be repaired, and made a note to himself to do so after practice. He tugged on them, and nodded, satisfied they would hold.

[S'yloa]

Cevara wasn't the only one with curls to show off. A certain rider had hair to rival most of the females who did keep their hair long. The bright green dragon shimmered in from between, her hide still beaded with moisture from her bath. Though she had been wet when summoned, she was not so wet to worry about freezing. Only enough for effect it seemed. Glimmering emerald and shining near fluorescent, it was obvious that Dysmeth was not the only dragon close to Rising. Giving a final sweep of her wide wings, Engmyth settled down on the ground.

Hello Dysmeth, Engmyth and mine-S'yloa have arrived. She crooned softly at T'wenth and Gaveneth, tilting her head to give the browns a better look at her fine neck and well structured physique. Fair skies to you T'wenth, Gaveneth.

S'yloa slid off his green's neck and jogged over to the pile of firestone sacks. While his dragon's roving eye might be interested in any male that happened by, the rider's attention drifted to the assembled bronze dragons, searching for Warpath. If the scarred bronze was there, then T'roy wasn't too far away. Disappointed not to see his weyrmate, S'yloa shrugged and headed back toward his dragon to begin feeding her firestone.

[J'zeni]

Though Miranda might consider herself unusual, J'zeni never thought of her that way. She was just another Weyrling as far as he was concerned. He knew her background and her abilities but those were just the qualities that made her unique, just like Kitti had come from the caravan life and could juggle sticks. Kitti looked up as Miranda approached and offered her a friendly smile, waving her over to sit with them. "A' course you can sit with us." She nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, absolutely." J'zeni patted the ground next to him. "Plenty of room for everyone. Wish I'd brought a picnic lunch now." He chuckled and shifted over slightly as though to make room for Miranda though the vast ground of the Weyrbowl had plenty of dirt for the three of them to sit comfortably next to each other. "How are you and Neridath today?"

Unfortunately for Neridath, Alvoradath and Tezorath were too wrapped up in themselves to really focus on any other dragons except Zionth, and the only reason they focused on the blue dragon was because the twins knew he was their way into the skies. That and both their 'mines' repeatedly told them to listen to the veteran blue. They also both knew the benefit of 'listening' in on the commands during practice. Yes we will watch! This is going to be a great lesson! Vor agreed, with Zora's mental send not that far behind as she too acknowledged her teacher's suggestion. Of course we will Zionth. Her voice was natural haughty though she didn't mean to be, it just came out that way.

[ricci]

((I think that's everybody!
EDIT: Font colors... failed me. I will fix these, but when it's not so late. >.> I have a job interview tomorrow... so y'know. I'll fix when I can!))


We await your word, Queen,[/i] Finranth said, his head bowed, but his eyes glinting with mischief as S'rus and the bronze took their places near the heads of their wings, behind only their Wingleader. Before even Al'sair stood the Weyrleaders, X'cer ready to lead the Nydiesh Flight in the mock-Thread fall. All things considered, S'rus was excited. Unfortunately, Finranth's arrogance was getting in the way of things as usual.

Fin, we are newcomers here. Do not risk our status, S'rus warned slowly as he did the final adjustments on the straps.

What? I don't know what you're talking about.

You can't hide your thoughts all that well from me, mate, S'rus reminded the bronze as he patiently awaited instruction and fed the stone that let his draconic partner flame to Finranth.

To be frank, the Wingsecond was concerned that Finranth would seriously embarrass them. He could never truly fault his lifebond, but he'd be a wherry's mother if Finranth did one more thing that just made S'rus want to hide away back in his long-gone craft of Tanning. S'rus gave the bronze a great, hearty slap on the side, and the bronze grunted, as if saying "What? You got something to say, punk?" S'rus chuckled before he turned to stand attention before it was time to mount up.

--

Liera silently came up near Miranda, J'zeni and Kitti. She did not go near enough that they would find her imposing, she hoped, because she wasn't much in the mood for conversation. Or at least, not so early on. She was a little nervous, if anything. T'ere and Narukilyth had already witnessed tragedy during the real thing, but even this simulation was enough to make her wonder about what her life would be like if she lost an arm, a leg, or her heart — Matsimelath.

You know better than to worry about that! exclaimed the young blue as he curled up next to her, his eyes focusing clearly onto Zionth. In the same way that Liera felt a certain affinity with the chilly Weyrling Master, Matsimelath looked up to Zionth, if only because Matsi needed to know that he also could deal with having a rider who was less than amiable at the best of times, it seemed. Of course, these observations from both Liera and her lifebond were from afar. The few times Liera had met with the Weyrling Master one on one had ended awkwardly, generally because Aurora had to go elsewhere, and Liera had just tried to stop her teacher to ask questions.

She didn't appreciate the fact of it, but she was nothing more than an annoying student with very little self-esteem. Matsimelath wasn't much better, though he didn't bug other dragons nearly as much as Liera bugged Aurora, and that was hardly anything.

If the other Weyrlings watching the goings ons noticed her, Liera simply nodded while Matsimelath made quiet greetings to each, paying special attention to Miranda, of course, with a special "hello" just for her.

--

T'viz took his place in the Shadow Strike Half-Wing, not far from his brother G'man. It was, perhaps, a pity that rumors constantly floated about the Weyr focusing on him and his brother and that they were also in the same half-wing. It did little to mend their somewhat awkward relationship. Jaryrath had a fondness for Roth, it seemed, allowing him to catch even more often than usual in the past two turns. She was flirting with him even as T'viz fed her fire-stone. She burped daintily, a little spout of smoke coming out of her nostrils. The Guardian could have sworn that the green blushed, if dragons could, that is. He sighed.

Really, Lady, one of these days you'll have to realize that it really isn't any fun for ME when you choose Roth. In any case, pay attention. We've a job to do, T'viz said, giving her some firm strokes on her side follow by a few rough pats. She mimicked his sigh, but understood well enough.

Jaryrath was a sensible green, for all that she kept choosing T'viz's brother's brown during flights. She knew when to shut up, even if it occasionally took some prodding from T'viz.

--

Kelynes watched alone from the side. He realized as he sat there that it might have been a good idea to consult with J'zeni as well as K'ivan, ask J'zeni what he should look for as a Candidate, and as an Apprentice DragonHealer, ask K'ivan what he ought to look for. Kelyne's had to look at things from many angles, and without proper training, it was difficult to really be able to see what it was he should be doing. He kept a worn hide and a charcoal with him today, if nothing else he could just take general observations, and take note of anything he thought might be useful.

After the practice, and after everyone had a chance to rest, he would go to K'ivan, he thought. If it was possible, they could go over what had been done that day, and what he would have to do as a dragonhealer in different instances. He decided to keep note of where the dragons were hit with thread, so that he might ask K'ivan later what to do in each case.

There was so much to learn, Kelynes realized suddenly. It was almost too much to consider, until he remembered his other training. He had very nearly attained Journeyman level in traditional Healing before his change of discipline. His confidence in himself was bolstered once more as he considered his current challenges: DragonHealing and his Candidacy.

[Ampara]

Ampara/Dysmeth

We are glad to have you Gavenenth. It is a good day for "thread". While Dysmeth did not get the same satisfaction as her comrades from 'destroying' thread, the urge to rise and fight was certainly just as strong and just as there.

It was only fake thread true, but that was fine with her even if her rider was going to be burning it instead. There was a momentary curl of irritation that flared up inside rider and dragon about that sad fact. If they had the ability and opportunity neither dragon or rider would have been flying so low.

Today we will be high up when we are the thread.
You will burn it well when we are not. Ampara paused in her back and forth pacing, smiling. The rules of thread engagement were slightly flip-flopped for queens and their riders.

Welcome T'wenth, Engmyth, Jaryrath, Finrath. The greetings rolled off her mind effortlessly, even Finrath. She knew her weyr.

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Miranda/Neridath

We are both very well. Miranda smiled as her eye's easily picked out rider and dragon from afar.
We are glad to watch the practice. It will be exciting. Neridath added, ready for a 'good show' so to speak.

She wanted to ask after news at the hold, but she knew that tidings probably were not well. She didn't want to distract them before their practice.

Oh yes, very exciting. Miranda assured her dragon, but she couldn't put into words her relief that it was just a practice. The real deal would be nerve-wracking for them she knew, but for herself also, especially if they were still on the ground. Certainly, having her own thread to look after would keep her away from constantly worrying.

"Next time we'll just have to plan better," Miranda winked and smiled as she took a seat, but she was sure her head was going to be firmly in the clouds once the action got started which didn't leave much brain power left for eating.

"Nothing to complain about." At least until she inevitably learned what her family was up to. She'd ask F'rendil after practice perhaps.

Hello Matsimelath. Liera can sit next to me if she likes. Miranda turned her head and flashed them both a smile. It would be interesting to have them all together while the action was going on.

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Aurora/Zionth

Hopefully, it will not be long before we can put what you see into practice. Zionth added as extra incentive for them to pay attention, but he was fairly sure they didn't really need it.

Aurora accordingly lightened up on the firestone since they were going to be 'thread' first. She didn't mind it. In fact it gave her an evil little thrill of glee. If only because that meant they could make it as easy or as difficult as they liked. No doubt they'd be a bit lighter on the thread though as their flight was a bit lighter in size also.

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Ampara viewed the swelling crowd of dragonriders before her. She'd give them a few more moments to get completely geared up, and then she was getting practice going. Ready or not the thread would come.

[cevara]

Hoisting a bag up onto her shoulder, Cev felt the weight of a friendly gaze upon her. Straightening, she turned toward the source and returned a bright smile and wink to her weyrmate. It was still relatively soon after her return from training in the Erdan Islands and she had not seen nearly as much of him as she wished to. Hopefully that would be remedied soon... But business first, unfortunately.

Yes. I do not think we do this enough, do you? We need to do this more. Must always be prepared for Thread...and it is fun too!

Just then, Gaveneth's attention was averted by a most attractive green. He bugled a friendly and appreciative greeting to Engmyth. Although Dysmeth's closeness to Rising may have held the attention of most of the male dragons (as it should) Gaveneth could certainly not ignore the beautiful coy green. Far from it! In fact, since he and Cevara had transferred to Great Cliffs several Turns ago now he had made it one of his objectives to woo and then catch her someday. At least...he thought he did...his memory was hazy that far back... Regardless that was on his mind at the present.

And to you, Engmyth. Might I say you look most exquisite today. Not that it is suprising. You are always flawless. Just as she positioned herself in the best light, Gaveneth, too, shifted his stature to show off his full size and strength. Flexing the dense muscles on his chest and back, he stretched non chalently into the sun, bright copper hide a gleaming perfection.

Trying to ignore Gaveneth's shamelessly obvious flirting, Cevara attempted to brush some of the firestone dust off herself before proceding to throw her hair into a quick braid. Halfway through the weave she attempted to greet T'viz and G'man, both members of her wing. Unfortunately, as her mouth was full of the leather strap she intended to use to tie her hair, her 'hello' turned into more of a strangled grunt.

Greetings Jaryrath! Although Gaveneth's attention was largely fixed elsewhere, she was a pretty green too. And nice. It never hurt to cast a wide net, and the hopelessly romantic Brown was all about the ladies. When the Queen spoke, however, his attention was naturally averted her way. It is indeed my Queen! I am looking forward to a good fight!