Rules and Introductions (Happy Holidays Weyrlings)

[Zen]

Nyx sat on one of the sparse couches in the Weyrling Barracks commons area. Roth was back in their private weyr since the snowstorm outside and the cold would prevent them from venturing far from the barracks. They would need all the space of their common area for all the Weyrlings and their dragonets. Roth, have the dragonets wake their riders, will you? Nyx smiled softly at her request to her dragon. Roth delighted in interacting in any way with the young dragons and Nyx enjoyed the surprised shouts of Weyrlings being leapt on and pulled from their cots by their dragons if they weren’t already awake. It was a win-win for them both.

Wake your riders, little ones. Do what you must, just make sure they wake, and try not to hurt them of course. Roth rumbled in amusement up on his weyr. He wished he could be with everyone but he would just take up too much space.

Nyx picked idly at the dirt underneath one nail, thinking briefly over today’s ‘lesson’. She had instructed the class only the day after their Impression on how to properly cut up meat for the dragons, how to be thorough and bathe and oil them correctly. She had given them their first sevenday with their new lifemates to get used to the routine and though she was sure some of them had interacted since then, taking care of their dragons took up most of their time. Today, only a sevenday after their Impression, she would give them a quick rundown of rules, both general Weyr rules for those who were not used to Weyrlife, and the more specific rules to Weyrlinghood. And once that had been taken care of she was actually going to try to get them to have a little fun and get to know each other better.

They would be working as a wing when their dragons were old enough to fly, they should know something about each other and be able to at least half way trust each other when that time came. It was a good chance for her to get a look into where they came from and how they might behave in the coming months. She sat back, glancing around at the furs she’d laid out for a more casual setting than chairs and desks. She was sure there would be some that would find their getting to know each other exercise to be somewhat juvenile, but it was indeed necessary.

Elvith gently nudged L’en in the side with her nose. Mine… mine… that Burgundy Roth told me to wake you up…. Mine?

“Mmmmf… goway…,” he pushed at her nose, hardly moving her, still more asleep than awake, and scooched away from her.

You don’t want me, mine!?

The flood of hurt and betrayal that followed that exclamation had him starting awake at once, throwing his arms around his Green before he really knew he was even doing so, “Nonono… no, of course I want you. I love you, always… always love you.” She curled against him mournfully and he cradled her, rubbing along her jawline. Finally he looked up, rather confused, and glanced around. “What on Pern…?”

Roth told me to wake you up, mine. Please don’t tell me to go away again.

He hugged her again, “I’m sorry, Elvy… sometimes I say things when I’m trying to sleep I don’t mean. I never want you to go away, no matter what I say.” He stood ran his hand through his hair, stroking his fingers along the top of Elvith’s head with the other, then remembered that Roth had told the dragon to wake him so Nyx must want them. He dressed quickly and left the boy’s sleeping area with Elvith at his side.

He tilted his head at the sight of Nyx on the couch with furs laid out about her, “Uhh...?”

Nyx glanced over to him and smiled, waving a hand toward the furs, “Take a seat. They’re all older furs that no one really uses anymore so we don’t need to worry about dragon claws destroying them.”

L’en nodded, though he was still sort of in that morning haze and hadn’t really understood what she said, and took up a spot on the floor, feeling like he was a child at Harper lessons again. The thought didn’t really bother him, he’d liked being a child, carefree and not tied down by anything…. He stroked his hand along Elvith’s neck at that, reassuring her he would never trade her for anything.

*As mentioned in the post, all the new Weyrling have had their first lesson already, we just didn’t RP it out. They learned how to cut up meat to feed their dragons and how to bathe and oil them the day after the hatching. It’s been about a week since the hatching when this lesson takes place. You do not HAVE to participate; it’s just a chance for the whole weyrling group to interact. If you choose not to post here then it will just be assumed your character is there.

[lyonza]

K’nar woke before the sun, as usual. He might be a weyrling now, but Turns of habit didn’t go away just because he was now not working in the stables and beastpens anymore. Luckily Rudoth was happy to spend time with him, no matter what time of day it was. By the time the sun crested the horizon, K’nar had made his way to the dining cavern to have breakfast and some much required klah. He was still getting used to the rhythm of the Weyr, but he had found that he was one of the early risers. The kitchen workers on the morning shift got to know him by now and he smiled in greeting to some of them as he ate his food before going back to bathe Rudoth and oil the dragon.

It was getting easier to get the job done, but he had learned the first day to wear his oldest clothing for the task and go soak in the hot waters of the bathing cavern after to thaw himself after.

Roth says that we have to wake our riders, but we are already awake. Rudoth sounded confused.

I guess its time for a lesson then, Nyx wouldn’t do so otherwise. She’s left us alone for a sevenday now, he replied as he got out of the bath and quickly dressed in his warmer clothes. He made his way down the passage and into the weyrling barracks. “Good morning, weyrlingmaster,” he greeted her as he trotted through the common area to stow his stuff. He returned after a moment and settled on the furs with Rudoth at his elbow. “Morning L’en,” K’nar greeted the other weyrling.

[missing]

Midnael... Mine... Wake up! Norpoth's size was beneficial when it came to being able to sleep next to Midnael without crushing him, not so much when it came to waking his rider up though.

Fin chirped at the White questioningly.

No I can do this! Midnael, Roth says we need to get up, his needs us for something.[/color] He nudged at Midnael who groaned in his sleep, and opened one eye to find Norpoth's green eyes in his vision.

"What does she need us for?"

I don't know, we were only told to wake ours up.

Midnael looked around and saw others getting up. He sighed and sat up in bed, stretching a bit before getting dressed. He unbraided his hair, combed it, then pulled it back again into a runnerstail before heading out into the main area.

Pala, who had been up for a while now was coming in from the lower caverns entrance, Kumath following behind her. The girl was so used to waking up early to put the supplies and patient areas of the infirmary to rights that she hadn't yet broken the habit. Despite the fact that 'she no longer worked there' she had been spending nearly every morning the past week down there doing what had once been her job.

Kumath only seemed to mind as far as walking down there went, but was quite content to resume sleeping as she worked. He had rather grumpily informed her of Roth's request after being woken up by it.

Pala smiled now at Midnael before going to sit down on the furs with Kumath settling behind her, Midnael did the same (minus the smiling bit) a ways off. He liked the girl well enough, but he wasn't up to her chatter this early in the morning. Fin flew over and settled on Midnael's shoulder as Norpoth settled down next to him, chin resting on the boy's leg.

[wyren]

Even a sevenday after their bonding and moving into the Weyrling Barracks, Filonna still found herself waking in a fright, not sure where she was. Mine? Preseth questioned, Filonna able to see her Green's two-hued head knobs turning to the side as the Green gave her a sleepy, questioning look. It is nothing, my dear. I just slept so long in those Candidate Barracks . . . Don't get to use to them . . . We will soon be moving to our very own private weyr,

[/color] Preseth mentioned, slowly rising from beside Filonna's cot.

Burgundy Roth has called us. We are asked to join His. What for, I don't know, the Green stated, glancing over her shoulder to watch as Filonna sat up on the edge of her cot, shaking the sleep from her eyes. Filonna had to chock back the giggle that nearly escaped as she listened to her Green. "You sound so regal, Preseth . . . So much like a Gold," Filonna stated, standing from her cot and moving to change into more suitable clothing.

"Nyxani must be calling for the Weyrlings of Gold Orlaith's clutch so that she can give us a new lesson," she stated, pulling on her tunic top and moving up next to Preseth. "Shall we?" I have been waiting for you, Preseth stated, moving forward and both left the female sleeping area and moved out into the main area.

From what she could make out, Filonna noticed that they weren't the first, but they weren't one of the last ones to arrive. It seemed that only four other Weyrlings were there, along with Nyxani. "Good morning, Weyrling Master," Filonna stated, bowing slightly to the Burgundyrider, before moving to one of the furs and taking a seat. She wasn't far from the front, but not right down in front, more toward the edge. Preseth sat down beside her, light colored tail-fork slipping around Filonna's leg.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[kyra]

A’der was sitting upright in his bed with his eyes half closed. Mine, Burgundy Roth has told us to wake up out riders. We hare to meet his. A’der smiled slightly at his Bronze. “Looks like another lesson, Buddy. You ready?” When am I not. As A’der ran hand through his hair he stood up and slowly headed out to meet the Rider. Menorath walked happily behind his rider until he tripped once more. “You okay?” A’der asked as he rushed to the Big Bronze’s side. Of course I am…I think. The Bronze responded as he stood back up testing everything to make sure he was alright.

A’der smiled and rubbed Menorath on his head before the two continued on. Not many Weyrling were there yet and he instantly went to where Pala sat. “Good Morning.” He said softy as he sat next to her with his bronze laying down next to him. His attention turned to seeing if Zyika was here yet, but no sign of her was anywhere. Imanith is waking her now. Menorath told his rider to let him know Zyika would be on her way soon.

Imanith pounced on Zyika singing, Wake up, wake up. It’s time to go! I don’t want to miss this! I really don’t want to miss anything. Hurry, hurry hurry. Zyika groaned slightly and tried to throw the pillow over her head, but Imanith’s head was already in the way. Mine!! Burgundy Roth said we must go! Zyika opened her eyes glaring at her Green. “It’s early.” Was what she muttered but Imanith didn’t seem to mind much. If you don’t get up, I will nudge you all the way there. The love was plainly in her voice, but Zyika really wasn’t ready to get up.

With a sigh she groaned, “Okay..okay, just get off me” Imanith climbed off and watched her rider get ready. Walking slowly to the meeting area, Zyika was yawning. Imanith pranced along behind her excited to see everyone. Her eyes flickered around as she decided to sit in back of the whole group. Why here? Why can’t we sit with everyone else! Imanith whined, but all she got in return from Zyika was a look.

[tealah]

Mya's day had started unpleasantly not long before Roth's announcement - Chief had barreled in, looking particularly scraped and chewed up and battered, and more importantly covered in snow, and had proceeded to through his blood-and-snow-covered self gleefully into bed with Mya.

Barely muffled curses and much flailing ensued.

She finally got everything sorted out, and while Stellath looked on disdainfully, she washed, disinfected, and bandaged Chief's newest battle wounds. The gemtail was looking rather pleased with himself. Mya couldn't entirely blame him - some of the bite marks looked like he'd tangled with a rather large canine this time, and knowing Chief he'd managed to come out on top of it.

Having dragged out her emergency kit anyway, Mya also took the opportunity to check on Stellath's hatching injury. As she'd thought, it was healing up quite nicely. Barely a limp now, and might not even leave a scar. It hadn't been nearly as bad as it had looked on the hatching sands.

Roth informs me that it is time for you to awaken, Stellath rumbled haughtily. It rubbed her wrong that she was to obey the burgundy - worse, that he didn't have to do as she told him.

"Well, no doubt it's time for another lesson." Mya wrinkled her nose slightly. Not that she minded learning new things, it was just that the things they were learning right now were just so... mundane. Everyday. Boring. Anyone with a working understanding of anatomy could take apart meat for their dragon. Anyone with self-discipline could be meticulous and thorough in bathing and oiling their dragon. What would they learn today, how to tie the laces of their boots? Well, it just wasn't in Mya to be late for a lesson, even if it would likely be basics again.

She quickly rewrapped Stellath's foot. "All right, let's - "

Stellath quickly interrupted, so that she could be the one to say, Hurry, Mya, let us go. Some of my clutchmates are already there, and who knows what sort of trouble they'll get into without my watching them. Her dark-gold head held regally high, she stalked from the room.

Mya was left to quickly shove her emergency kit into her sleeping furs - which, she noticed with disgust, were soggy and bloody from Chief's escapades, but that would have to wait - and jog to catch up to the dragonet. Much to her annoyance.

Much to Stellath's annoyance, Chief chose to follow, bounding around them like a puppy. He stopped dead in the doorway to the common area, though, spotting several other dragonets already there. Dragon! he chirped. Dragondragondragon! He would have pounced on the tail of the bronze, but for Mya's sharp NO and Stellath's heavy fore-foot pinning him down. He could only sigh mournfully and follow Mya and her gold as they took places on the furs. He just didn't understand why the little dragons were off limits...

Mya took a good hold on Chief as she sat down, muttering "Sorry" to the Weyrlingmaster for her pet's behavior. Stellath, however, just laid down with all the grace and pride she could muster - now that the little beast had been temporarily neutralized, there was no reason for her to pay any attention to the brat.

[Alyx]

Chief's arrival in Mya's bed was not so loud as to wake everyone, but the few closest did stir. Cliessa blinked owlishly at Mya's bed, unsure at first what was going on; not until the girl appeared from the torrent of blankets did Cleissa see the Emerald Gemtail. Wrinkling her nose up, she wiggled deeper into the blankets and attempted to go back to sleep. With the warmth of Kumbaker's topaz form under the covers, tucked along her back, she almost managed to doze back away to dreams when Angeth got the summon from Roth.

'Roth calls us all. He says I need to wake you, and we need to meet His.' Cliessa gave a gentle moan, tugging the covers up over her head. "Why?" 'He did not say.' She felt Angeth's teeth grip the blanket moments before the hatchling gave it a little tug. 'Please get up, Mine. Roth was quite clear.' Cleissa waited a moment more, curled around the warm form of the Topaz Gemtail for a few more breaths before Angeth gave a firmer yank. 'Please Mine?'

"Okay, okay." With a yawn, Cleissa pushed back the blankets with one hand and sat up. Kumbaker hung limply in the crook of her other arm like a giant yellow toned ragtoy, tail twitching slight at the rude awakening. Cleissa ignored his mewed protest as she sat him on her bunk and reached for her over tunic. He watched and waited as Cleissa rose, slipping on her boots and running fingers threw her hair to try to tame it down. "Angeth, what about L'den?"

'Myrth is waking him now, tho he is quicker to rise then you, Mine.' Cleissa gave the little Green a smirk. "Sorry Angeth; I'm just not a morning person." Running her hands over top to smooth the fabric, she turned and scooped up Kambaker back up into her arm. She used her free hand to toss the blankets back up over the bed, making it look at least a little more presentable before she trotted out to join the others, Dragon at heel and Gemtail in arm.

She just crossed into the main room when L'den and Myrth also appeared. She gave her sibling a smile, looking back over his shoulder into the boys' barracks. "Did... did you see S'lar?" Hand covered his mouth as he finished yawning, shaking his head. "Nope, haven't seen him since last night. Why?" Cleissa covered her disappointment well. "Oh, its nothing. Come on, lets see what Weyrlingmaster Nyxani wants from up this morning."

As the siblings melted into the group, V'ktor stepped into the room. Hand resting on Shamath's neck, the silent pair moved into the group with a look like they had been away for hours. Shamath stopped, nudging his Bonded in the hip quickly. 'Look, Imanith and hers, over there. May we stand with them?' Looking over, V'ktor noticed Zyika standing toward the back, as if she was trying to hide from the others.

With a soft nod, he altered his path to join her. As they neared, Shamath broke from his side to trot foward to greet Imanith. 'Morning, Green Imanith, how is yours this morning?' V'ktor stepped along with him, shrugging and giving Zyika a slight smile. "Shamath insisted we come join you. Hope you don't mind too much."

[tealah]

Roth's words to the dragonets woke Dradeth. He'd been sleeping relatively soundly, his feet, tail and wings twitching, his breath snuffling and snorting like a little sleeping puppy. But when the burgundy's mind-voice shook him away, he sat up with a toothy "grin". Blue eyes whirled mischievously in his freckled brown face, and he turned his head to study F'ynn's slumbering form.

The scruffy-looking young man was sprawled out on his sleeping furs. A soft snore rasped in his throat, and his slightly slack-jawed expression gave his face a look of surprisingly endearing vacancy. Dradeth practically wriggled in anticipation.

He grasped the edge of F'ynn's sleeping fur with his teeth, then backed as far as he could. Bracing himself, he took a deep breath, and...

jerked as hard as he could on the fur. F'ynn was dumped on the floor with a shocked (and slightly pained, as he'd thwacked his elbow on the edge of the cot) yelp. "Wha... who? Happened?" he mumbled - quite intelligently he thought in his poor sleep-fogged brain.

Good morning! Dradeth chirped happily. Roth said to wake you up! And now you're awake, so we can go play with everyone else who's wake! With that, the woody brown scampered to the door, where he paused to wait impatiently for his bonded.

"Ok, ok. Right. Roth." That must mean a lesson. Hopefully one less bloody than their first lesson - F'ynn was starting to get used to chopping meat for his little carnivorous pal, but that first day he'd near lost his last meal and almost fainted to boot. He'd been a smith, not a cook or a healer; he had never been around blood like that before. Sure he'd fed Dradeth after hatching, but he'd been so starry-eyed with Impression that he hadn't noticed, and besides it was already cut up for him. Hacking apart a herdbeast was quite different.

Yawning broadly and still shoving his feet into his boots, F'ynn caught up to the jigging Dradeth. "All right, Dradeth, let's go see everyone."

Yaaaaay! Like an arrow released from a bow, the brown raced away down passage to the common room. Yay! There was Elvith, and Rudoth, and Norpoth, and Kumath, and Preseth, and Menorath, and Imanith, and Stellath, and Angeth, Myrth, and Shamath! Plenty of siblings to play with! Dradeth bounded around gleefully as F'ynn dragged himself into the room and collapsed on a fur next to Midnael. Can we play now, can we play? F'ynn, F'ynn, can we play? Feeling that F'ynn's attention was wandering more in the direction of sleep than of him, the brown pounced on his untied boot. Look, F'ynn! I have your shoes! F'ynn! F'ynn look!

[kyra]

A’der was watching as people walked in. He smiled as he saw his sister but frowned as she chose to stay in the very back. With a sigh he just shook his head of course his sister would choose the back. Not too long after Zyika walked in A’der noticed the girl who impressed the Gold. ’See, you’re not the biggest, she’s just a little bigger then you.’ He told Menorath who looked over at the Gold feeling a bit better about his size.

When the Gold and the girl stopped the Gemtail, Menorath was relieved. He pulled his tail in close to him. That would have hurt. He told his with a pained look. A’der sighed and scratched his dragon. I don’t think I like those things. The thing wanted to pounce on my tail and hurt me. The Bronze told his rider, not knowing that the thing he was talking about was actually the gemtails he had heard about.

Zyika was half asleep once more barely listening to Imanith chatter away as she heard V’ktor’s voice. She looked up and smiled, “No that is fine.” She added with a slight nod. Imanith perked up happy to have some company especially since I was obvious they were as far from the group as Zyika could make them. Mine took forever to get out of bed. Then she won’t let me join everyone over there insisting that we stay back here. I’m glad you and yours came to join. How is yours? Where have you and yours been?

It was very obvious that Imanith was very happy that someone was with her and hers. She considered Brown Shamath fun especially since he was able to get his rider to convince her rider to go swimming. Imanith’s tail wagged slightly like she was a little puppy almost. Zyika sighed, “Imanith didn’t wake me up the nice way, she pounced.” Zyika said unsure of why she did, but it felt right to say. Zyika was use to getting up early, but with Imanith’s constent chatter till she fell asleep has kept Zyika up most nights. ’Perhaps we’ll take walks just to tire you out.’ She sent to her dragon who gave her a funny look.[/i]

[Zen]

Nyx surveyed the class as they all gathered, let them settle in for a moment before sitting up properly from her previous lounge position, “Morning all. Welcome to your second lesson. I’ll be going over a few simple rules of weyrlinghood with you. Although I don’t expect anyone to take notes, I do expect you all to pay attention. The fewer interruptions I have from people groaning and complaining the faster we can get it over and done with, mm? Just let me explain everything and I’ll answer any questions when I’m done. [iThen

[/i] we’ll have a little fun. Got it? Good.”

She clapped her hands together, “Now then! You were allowed one glass of wine at the feast, if you decided to drink it. I hope you savored it because it will be the last sip of alcohol you’ll taste until your dragons are at least six months old. You getting drunk any point before that would affect your new dragon very badly. If you want your lifemate to panic, thinking you’ve died, and wink away to Between forever because you’ve passed out in a drunken stupor, by all means go ahead and test the theory, otherwise I’d better not catch any of you with so much as a drop of alcohol or I’ll have you shoveling every one of your classmate’s dragonet’s dung out for a month.

“The same punishment stands if I catch word of any of you getting too physical in a relationship. Your dragons are newly hatched and they believe it is your sole purpose to love them, and only them, and none of them are ready for the intense emotions they would feel through you if you were to have sex anytime soon…. Honestly right now it is your sole purpose to love them, and care for them, and that should be taking up most of your time. If it isn’t then you aren’t caring for them properly. You shouldn’t even have time for a serious relationship at the moment.”

She folded her hands under her chin and sat forward, giving them all a meaningful look, “I cannot stress these points enough so I hope you’re listening. We’ve lost dragonets in the past because their riders could not control themselves and acted selfishly. I… I nearly lost Roth during my Weyrlinghood… the girl I was with did lose hers….” Her eyes clouded over briefly from the memory and she shook her head to bring herself back to the present, “We thought our Weyrlingmaster was just trying to scare us, to keep us focused on training, to keep us from having any fun… who knows what we were thinking but we were wrong. Her Green winked Between and I barely came to myself in time to keep Roth from doing the same. It wasn’t worth it, not in the least.”

She stared down at her hands, now resting in her lap, and then took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she sat back. She gave the slightest of smiles, “Sometimes horror stories prove to be good teachers, I’ve found… hopefully you’ll remember, if you’re ever tempted, that these rules are in place to protect your dragons…. I hope everyone’s clear on that, no alcohol, no physical relationships, until your dragons are at least six months old. We’d really rather you wait until your dragon is at least a Turn but temptation gets harder to resist with time and six months is generally old enough for your dragon to be able to cope with such things…. There is still the risk that they wouldn’t be able to yet, but you’ll know your dragon better by that point and you should be able to tell if they can handle it or not.”

Clearing her throat a little, she went on, “Now then, I think we’ll move on to our introductions now. I know some of you might know each other form candidacy or even from life before candidacy, but not everyone knows everyone else and they certainly don’t know every dragon. I want everyone to take it in turns and stand up, say your name and your dragon’s, and maybe any pets’ names that you have, where you come from, if you were training in a craft, and… well, anything else you’d like to share about yourself. Let’s not tell our life stories, so keep it short, but informative. Pay attention when others are speaking, this is your class, many of these people and dragons will fly with you against Thread one day. You will need to depend on them to help keep yourself and your dragon safe as much as you will have to depend on yourself. You should at least know a little about them. I’ll start just as an example.”

Nyx then stood from her seat, “I am Nyxani of Burgundy Roth, I have a pet Tunnelcat that was given to me by a friend and her name is Kiko. You may see her draped on my shoulders in future lessons, she rather enjoys it there. I come from Southern Weyr, or… a small Farming Cothold near it anyway. I was the only one Searched from my Cothold, a fact I’m rather proud of, and Impressed Roth after my 16th Turn. I’ve been Weyrlingmaster here at Western for some eight Turns now.” She nodded to L’en, “Why don’t you go next.”

L’en had actually listened quite intently to her story about almost losing Roth and Elvith had attempted to crawl into his lap, feeling his fear of losing her. He was hugging her now and staring up at Nyx, still thinking about losing Elvith, so when she nodded toward him he started, causing Elvith to jump. He stroked her head lovingly and pushed himself to his feet, “Uhrm… I’m L’en and this is Elvy… er… Elvith. I’ve lived all my life in a Weyr, my family was among the first to travel to Western back when I was little.” He figured he’d leave some stuff about their past for S’lar to say if he wanted to and knowing how S’lar didn’t like being compared to him he didn’t even mention their relationship. S’lar could do that too if he wanted, “I never trained in a craft or anythin’… just a typical weyrbrat sure he’d be a dragonrider.” The grin on his face was a bit humorous, but then he shrugged and glanced back at Nyxani, who nodded, indicating that was fine for now and he sat down again.[/blockquote]

[missing]

Pala couldn't help but smile when A'der sat next to her, but hid the expression by instead turning to scratch at Kumath's eye ridges. The burgundy cracked one eye open at the ministrations, What's wrong?

Nothing.

Kumath let it lay, he had only asked out of courtesy and knew exactly what was wrong with His. She would talk about it when she wanted to. For now he simply enjoyed the attention, even if it did interfere with his sleep.

Pala turned back to the front as Nyx began to talk, Kumath rousing himself to listen with only minor mental grumbling to his bonded. The alcohol bit didn't scare her, she hadn't had her one glass at the feast because she simply didn't care for the stuff. She'd seen far too often what alcohol could do to the human body for it to be a simple pleasure for her. What DID make her pale was Nyx's story about what had happened when she was a weyrling. She hadn't been planning on engaging in those activities anytime soon anyway, she'd done well enough without them so far, but it was still a scary thought. Kumath wasn't like a lot of his clutchmates and preferred to be left to sleep more often than not, so she had more free time than she'd seen most of the others have. Even so he was with her every waking moment, and the idea of him disappearing was nauseating.

Midnael didn't seem concerned by either issue, but then he rarely showed emotions anyway so it was hard to tell if he was or not. On his shoulder Fin dozed, and Norpoth seemed to have woken up for the lecture and was now looking up at Midnael with agitated eyes. The emotions from such a speech were overwhelming to the young white, that wasn't even considering the emotions of recalling such a story for the Weyrlingmaster. Midnael reached down and picked Norpoth up, holding him close even while feeling the effects of the agitation the white was projecting.

Pala, across the room, began to fidget uncomfortably. Kumath looked over at the white, somehow knowing exactly where the emotion was coming from, Calm yourself, you're going to upset the whole room. He nudged Pala, moving around to sit beside her and rest his wedge head in her lap.

Sorry, I don't mean to...

I know, but you're going to have to learn to control that.

Norpoth took a deep breath, and seemed to calm somewhat. Midnael smiled, relaxing though he hadn't even realized he had been tense moments before. He listened to Nyx and L'en's introductions before speaking up, "I'm Midnael, this is Norpoth, and the lazy one is Finiky. I'm from a minor fishing and sea trading hold in the High Reaches region. I don't really have a craft... I just helped out on trading runs really."

Across the room Pala was calming down as well when Kumath nudged her, "Oh, well... I'm Pala, and Kumath is right here," she patted the dragon affectionately, "I'm from a farming cothold just outside Fort Hold... my father raises herdbeasts and runners. I was a Journeywoman Healer when I was assigned here with Mya..." She turned and looked at the girl.

[lyonza]

K’nar listened to Nyx’s explanation and admonishments about the first six months of training. He knew most of these things already, being a weyrbrat but it was good to have them reinforced. He knew of at least one person who’s dragon had died because they couldn’t keep it in their pants. The other person didn’t have a dragon, so she had been spared the unspeakable anguish that came with losing one’s dragon. Rudoth had snuggled up close, almost curling around him with his head on K’nar’s lap.

After L’en, Midneal and Pala had spoken, he took his turn. “I’m K’nar formerly from Telgar Weyr and this us Rudoth.” He petted the dragon as he spoke. “I grew up there as a weyrbrat, my mother works in the crèche and I’m pretty sure my father is/was a rider. I stood for Impression a few times at Telgar before coming here. I used to do chores in the Weyr stables when I was old enough, just so I had something to do.”He paused a moment before looking down, signalling that he had finished speaking.

[kyra]

A'der listened to Nyx intently. He already knew everything that she had said and really planned on doing none of that. He looked at Menorath with a smile knowing he would pick the Bronze any time of the day and would never put anything in front of his dragon.

Zyika herself felt like going to sleep through the whole thing. After all she had been a candidate for many turns and had learned a lot during those turns. She looked at her little Green and smiled slightly and kissed her on the top of her head.

Zyika sighed as it came to introductions. She really didn't want to do this at all, but felt that the sooner she got it done the quicker it would be out of the way. Imanith looked at her with pleading eyes wanting to be known which was very obvious.

Mine, you're very quiet. Too quiet. Zyika sighed at her dragons words before she spoke up, "I am Zyika and the green right here is Imanith. I am from here." She spoke softly. She looked at her brother as if pleading for him to go.

A'der looked shocked as he heard his sister's soft voice go next. He looked back at her with a smile proud that she went next. He could have sworn she would have gone last or tried to be skipped. Imanith had really made an impact on her already. "I am A'der with Menorath here. My sister is Zyika over there and we both grew up here." A'der said not really thinking it was important to explain their pasts or anything so he kept it at that.

[Alyx]

V’ktor listened with interest to the Weyrling Master’s story. The rules were generally what he had expected, but the story she gave them twisted a knot in his stomach. It wasn’t that he was searching for a girl to roll in the hay with, but the fact that it could effect Shamath so badly simply made it all that more of a negative for the time being. The Brown was like a part of him already; he wouldn’t do anything to lose him.

Zyika’s voice shocked him a little; she wasn’t outspoken in the time V’ktor had gotten to know her. Still, he was proud of her to speak up without needing to be pushed by those around her. V’ktor gave her a smile and a quick nod, then looked up as A’der finished speaking. Still leaning against the wall next to Zyika, he gave a casual wave at the roomful of Weyrlings.

“I’m Viktor, er well… V’ktor now, I guess. This is Shamath.” The Brown lifted his head as his bonded spoke his name, looking over the room with a distant interest. “I was born in Western Hold, and was learning Leathercraft before I was searched. Oh, and no pets so far.” He gave a smile as he finished. V’ktor crossed his arms, leaning back against the wall again as he finished speaking, not really thinking there was anything else they might find interesting. If there was… well, they could ask him later.

Cleissa couldn’t help the downed mood that Nyx’s story had put over the class. Arms tucked around Kumbaker, squeezing the little topaz gemtail against herself as she leaned into Angeth’s side. Really? Could… things like that really steal Angeth away from her? It was a splash of cold water over the Weyrling as she roused from her dark thoughts. As V’ktor finished, Cleissa took her turn.

“Most of you know me probably; I’m Cleissa but you can call me Cleise if you want. This is my Green Angeth, and this lump –“ she bounced her arms to rouse the Gemtail from the nap he seemed to have dropped into, even thought he was hanging pretty much like a draped towel, “ is Kumbaker; he is a Topaz Gemtail who recently invaded my life and has decided to stay.” The Topaz yawned casually, blinking with disinterest at the people and dragons around him. Cleissa sighed and continued. “I am from High Reaches Hold originally, but I’ve pretty much been here for the past few turns. My mother is a midwife, my dad plays with herdbeasts, I have a mad mass of siblings all over the place. And…L’den in one of them.” She gave her brother a smile, knowing that he would have liked better to not have had to speak.

“Thanks a bunch, sis. I owe you.” L’den gain a laugh, giving his sister a rather dark look. Myrth tilted his head and watched as his bonded pushed to his feet. “Hey everyone – like Cleise said, I’m L’den and this is my buddy Myrth, and someplace if he turns up, I have a lazy little Bronze Firelizard named Torc.” Looking around the room at all the Weyrlings, he gave a soft laugh. “Yea… I wasn’t actually a candidate before the hatching, I was only here to see Cleise Stand and really wasn’t actually expecting to be here. Myrth pulled me out of the Stands toward the end. Before that, I was actually a Harper Apprentice… I don’t think I’m going back now tho.” He gave a smile and shrugged, knowing that it really didn’t matter, dropping back down to sit never to his sister and left the next person talk.