[12.8.2707] Lesson 6-Straps!(weyrlings)

[sorra]

G'fal smiled as he prepared for this lesson. He had always enjoyed making straps. He still made some off and on and he had a few that previous weyrlings had made him. What he always enjoyed about the straps was you could make them as unique as you yourself were. Although he knew they would all have to start simple. Well, most anyway.

The Weyrling Master gathered up the leather for the straps and headed for the the lake. It would be just as easy to be outside they could compare the straps to their dragonets. He knew Kikikaa was going to grab the leather that he had missed. They had actually already carried some out to the lake. He hoped everyone would enjoy this lesson and there wouldn't be any mishaps.

[Kit]

After six months of settling training, waking up at the crack of dawn had become nearly second nature to Quindara. Today she had even woken before Artemth, which was rare, but it was nice to be able to take her own bath and get dressed without the silver's hunger and impatience gnawing at the back of her mind. The dragon was still growing, so eating every day was still a must.

Artemtheas just stretching like a cat when Quindara came back to the Barracks, so down to the weyrlings feeding pen they went, and then to the little lake for bathing an oiling, which at least they only had to do once a day instead of twice. It was getting easier, and Quindara couldn't wait for the day they would take to the skies together,and after that, when Artemthwould rise, then Quindara was determined that the silver would be caught by Coth and no other. Then she and G'rett would be weyrmates, finally, and nothing would come between them ever again. With that thought buoying her, she finished oiling the silver hide and she and her dragon, now more than half of her adult size, and bigger than all her clutch mates save for Osiroth and Amonth.

Artemth settled herself by the lake and began surveying her domain, as it were, and then suddenly she turned to her lifemate. What are those oils of leather for?

"Oh, we must be making riding straps," she replied, beginning to feel excited.

N'huel grinned as she spoke. "That's what I figured as well. Now Inarith is all fired up with excitement." The little white did look quite alert, restless even, despite the splint that held his right wing at an awkward angle. It would be a few weeks yet before it could come off, but the Healers said it would be good as new, though they night need a bit of extra exercise to strengthen the muscles before Inarith could fly. They had plenty of time.

M'thos and Sylvanuth sat off to one side, the little blue nudginghislifemate, trying to get a reaction. The blue whirling hadn't recovered from the shame he felt over Inarith having to rescue his blue. Everyone agreed that the white had been very brave, but no one, not even G'fal, really blamed M'thos. Yet he knew it was his fault, for not being firmer with Sylvanuth. He had been trying to make the blue calm down andc pay attention since then, but it felt like trying to stopper a bottle full of lightning. As a result, neither of the pair was ia good mood, and the prospect of rising straps barely lifted the gloom that was as deep as the mist rolling of the lake.

[sorra]

Belenoth bounded down to the beast pens. The bronze had definitely figured out the hunting thing. S'tex stood quietly and watched his bronze. He couldn't believe how fast he was growing. It seemed like every day the bronze got bigger. The teen couldn't help but wonder how big the bronze would actually get.

Once Belenoth was happy the two walked down to the lake for their lessons. The bronze almost seemed to prance as he swished his tail back and forth. What's that? Belenoth suddenly asked, looking at the leather.

S'tex grinned. "Straps!" he said cheerily. This would be great fun.

Freyath daintily walked beside Calyssa. The red nuzzled her rider's leg. Calyssa kept hand on the dragonet's head. It had been a couple months since she had lost her baby, but she still felt awful and couldn't shake the depression she was in. She feared to let anyone near her and have something else happen.

Calyssa, Mine? It will be okay, Freyath said as they walked down to the lake. You are strong. And J'sen loves you. The red didn't totally understand the word, but it seemed to fit.

Calyssa managed a watery smile. Her dragon was right. She just hoped she could get over her fear. She glanced around for J'sen and Amonth. Storm chittered softly from her shoulder. The little bronze was waiting patiently for Misty.

[taenia]

Osirith and V'lain were rarely early to a lesson, and always pushed the barrier of ontimes towards the later side...although they were very seldom late enough to be classed as 'late' ...although today, the pair had actually been early on their standards. Even after 6 months of being bonded together, V'lain still struggled with the eary mornings.. thankfully, the quietness that was Osirith was getting better at waking his rider up..stealing the furs was the blacks best game..

They'd gathered with the others at the lake and paid attention to the leather straps that the weyrlingmaster had brought with him. Dred filled through V'lain, craft making had never been his best subject, and he doubted that he'd suddenly find his muse to enable him to successfully make those straps.

His black dragon settled beside him, and rooted himself there to 'watch' what his did. Osirith was a dragon that enjoyed to 'watch' things.. and was very curious, although, V'lain was this was the aspect that made his dragon so intelligent. The dragon would stand there and watch the entire process.. there'd be no laying in the sun.. or playing in the river, Osirith wanted to watch to make sure his made these brown strips together correctly.. and encourage his when it was required.

[Kendrall]

So, what are we going to learn today, Mine?[/color]

Amonth was rather inquisitive today, and J'sen had no idea why. The young man playfully scratched the Bronze between the eye-ridges, while Misty trilled about this way and that before settling down on her larger cousin's back. "I'm not sure, Amonth, but we'll find out soon enough. Let's head down to the lake. Besides, I'd like to check up on Calyssa, see how she's feeling since she lost the baby." J'sen felt a bit guilty over the whole situation - after all, he had lost himself to Flightlust and pulled in his beloved Calyssa with him, wound up impregnating her only for her to suffer a severe miscarriage. From his point of view, he was very fortunate not to have lost her, but it was bad enough to lose their child. He honestly didn't know if it was a boy or a girl, and had it not been for Amonth and Misty both J'sen would have completely abandoned the relationship.

Freyath's will recover in time. As will you,[/color] his Bronze had wisely counselled him. You'll see for yourself. But you must be there for Freyath's. She thinks highly of you, as you do of her.[/color] Misty had likewise trilled her sentiment, and the matter was settled.

J'sen made his way towards the lake, and caught sight of Calyssa walking next to Freyath. Amonth and Misty both crooned their greetings to their friends; J'sen simply quickened his pace to match that of his beloved's to wrap his arm around her waist. "You needn't shut me out," he said softly, kissing her lightly on the cheek. "I'm still here for you, Calyssa, and I'll always love you. We'll get through this, together. Besides, Amonth and Misty would be disappointed if you and I went our separate ways because of what happened. But you're not getting rid of me that easily." J'sen reached up with his other hand to lightly stroke Calyssa's cheek, then placed a finger on her lips. "I'm staying with you, and I'll be betweened if Amonth doesn't win Freyath every time. Same goes for Storm and Misty."

[sorra]

G'fal watched as the weyrlings slowly started to gather. He smiled in sympathy at Calyssa and J'sen. He glanced around for his assistant. He was surprised that Kikikkaa wasn't there yet. He would wait a bit longer before getting started. He knew some of the dragonets took longer to eat.

Belenoth was bouncing around happily. S'tex glanced over when he saw his sister. He sighed softly. He would have to talk to her later. She still looked really bad to him.

Storm crooned happily when he saw Misty. You came! Freyath said happily, leaning over to nuzzle Amonth. Now Calyssa mine will be happy.

Calyssa looked over at J'sen's gentle touch. Tears filled her eyes. She had been shutting him out and she knew it. It was just so painful. She had been carrying their child after all. Theirs. She had dreamed about having a family with him, but now she was scared. What if it happened again? "I don't want you to leave," she whispered, her voice husky. She didn't blame him for what happened. She closed her eyes, glad that Freyath wouldn't rise for a bit yet. She knew she couldn't handle it just yet. Although she did want J'sen close.

[taenia]

V'lain, like a number of the weyrlings in the class had been aware that some unfortunate circumstances had befallen Calyssa and J'sen, but hadn't really interfered. The black rider hadn't felt like it had been his place to 'push in' on the problems, but had promised himself that he would be a good classmate to either of them, and ensure that he would listen and support if either of them needed it, despite the fact that he didn't really know them. He'd decided that it was something he would ensure everyone knew, that they could always speak to him if they needed it, why not? Afterall, if he ever was to become a wingleader or second one day, then he would have to ensure that he was able to be supportive of his wingmates.. why not start now? At least then he'd be ready, when the situation arose.

He nodded his head in greating at the pair of them as he saw them arrive together. "Good Morning J'sen, and Calyssa" He said in addition to his head nod, watching those class mates turn up for their lesson. It made a change to be watching everyone else, rather than rushing in to ensure he was not late.

V'lain didn't choose to sit next to anyone, he didn't want to appear to be 'choosing' favorates, but he wouldn't stop anyone from sitting beside him.. him and his quiet black Osirith that sat strangley still beside him, his attention turned onto the two weyrlings that had just turned up. V'lain could feel the blacks curiosity, but as always, there were never any questions. Osirith was intreged by the closeness between the two humans.

[Mik]

Kikikaa arrived with her armful of leathers, Peronith carrying a small bundle on her own harness of her straps while she had been growing, and Trouble and Treasure merrily carrying a strap apiece of their own. The greenriding Assistant had purposely harness her dragon that morning for this exact purpose. G’fal would need to demonstrate sizes and if they were both harnessed, it would be much easier. Peronith crooned at those that had already arrived before settling quietly next to G’fal, watching her rider dump the straps upon the ground next to the WeyrlingMaster’s heap. “Sorry about the delay, sir,” she said apologetically, but knew that she had arrived before he had begun. She was at least good about that.

Kyler arrived, bright eyed and wondering at what the Lesson of the morning would hold for them today. Seeing leathers and oils everywhere, she could not help a smile at the thought that crossed her mind. Were they going to learn about straps for their dragonets today? She sure hoped so and she could manage proper fittings, too, knowing from turns of riding runners and making sure that their saddles fit properly. Nyxith studied each of the others in turn as they approached them, settling down to a dainty perch on her haunches next to her rider. Kyler-Mine, what are these straps you’re thinking of? the olive-toned green asked curiously, looking back at her rider. Kyler smiled and patted the freshly oiled hide. Once we fit you for straps, we soon try flying together. What do you think of that? she thought back to her loving lifemate. Nyxith crooned at the idea. That would be wonderful! She was meant to fly and she knew that all too well.

Manwydath had roused his lifemate earlier than usual that day and so once the pair finally showed up for their Lesson, barely on time, C’nell was still half asleep, caring for his dragonet having already become routine and so he could do a good job while still half asleep. It was a strong nudge from his muscled blue that shook him awake, followed by the deep voice of the dragonet, We get to try out harnesses! Yes, Manwydath was quite looking forward to this Lesson. It was one step closer to flying with his rider!

Danuth arrived several paces ahead of her rider, excited about the buzz that she had heard so far that morning. They were going to mess with harnesses so she could carry her rider high into the sky! She darted back to her young rider once she confirmed that the piles of leathers were proof enough of her hopes on the matter. E’lon-Mine! Look! Leathers! You know what that means, don’t you? she asked of her rider before darting back to be near the others again, looking back like a playful puppy for her rider to catch up with her. E’lon smiled as his mind still settled around the excitement of his green. Yes, we’ll be fitting you with straps, he thought back to his dragonet, pausing in his tracks to finish out the thought process. He would eventually get that down much easier. For now, trying to direct his thoughts toward the grassy green while doing something else was a little hard yet.

[sorra]

G'fal smiled when he saw Kikikaa and Peronith walking toward them. He was glad to see that young pair had thought to put their straps on ahead of time. Treoth was laying behind him in his own straps, waiting patiently. He shook his head. "It's fine," he assured her. "I was just waiting for a few of the stragglers." He could see that a few were still missing and he'd give them just a few more minutes to get there before starting. He knew some dragons ate slower then others and he wanted everyone there.

[Jammi]

Now the twins, D'mar and Cheriss, knew that their status as weyrlings wasn't the best right now. So far they had missed most of their major lessons, either due to illness in their small family or miscommunications. While it wasn't enough to excuse their absences, it did help to explain what was going on in their world. First it was their father falling ill, distracting the pair with fears of Cloudlung. Then Cheriss herself fell ill with a cold. Despite the friends they had made in their short stay, D'mar and Cheriss found it hard to share such things with people outside the family. Their father did catch Cloudlung, and was still ill from the deadly disease. Both teens hoped the healers had caught it in time. But only fate knew what was in store.

Luckily Cheriss was able to shake her cold sooner than expected. So with heavy hearts D'mar, Sionnth, Cheriss and Eponath made their way to the lesson meeting space. With Cheriss still weak from her bout, it took the four longer than their peers to make it to the spot. Finding a good spot near the edge of the grouping, the somber D'mar nodded at G'fal, acknowledging that they were there. Hopefully they had arrived in time, and that the lesson hadn't started with out them.

[sorra]

S'tex smiled when he caught sight of Cheriss and D'mar. He quietly moved over beside them, Belenoth prancing along happily. "Hey guys," he said quietly. He was glad to see that they had made it on time. He had missed Cheriss. He had meant to stop and see her but hadn't had a chance.

G'fal smiled when Cheriss and D'mar joined them. That looked like everyone. "Alright class, in case you haven't figured it out today you'll learn how to make straps. Now, I must admit, this is one of my favorite lessons," he smiled. The Weyrling Master was still a Tanner at heart. "Okay, everyone get a length of leather. Kikikaa and I will show you how to measure your partner."

[taenia]

V'lain listened and tried to hang back a little bit from collecting his leather, really not feeling all that positive about this lesson, he was no tanner.. Osirith, however, had different ideas and pushed at V'lain with his nose. {{You need straps if we are to ever fly}} The black uncouraged him, using one of those rare moments of words to get what he wanted out of his rider..
..it worked, V'lain got to his feet and collected his leather, hoping that he didn't have to choose anything specific, because he choose the first strap he could get..

[Mik]

Kikikaa gave G’fal a smile of appreciation, knowing that she was far from late if he was waiting for a couple of Weyrlings yet. Once G’fal had begun the Lesson, the greenrider took an armful of straps and carried them about the group, giving a few lengths to each of them so that they could be ready to begin.

Kyler took a length of leather from G’fal’s pile, then quickly settled to watch and listen, happy to be doing something different with her hands. So she happily gave G’fal her full attention. Well, almost her full attention. Nyxith still had to be digging around in her mind for some amusing thought of her rider’s.

C’nell went to get a strap to work with, knowing that he would not get to fly in a regular wing for another four turns, but he would at least get to learn how to fly with Manwydath. He could still be useful even though he was so young. Listening to G’fal, he smiled as he headed for a piece of leather, then settled down next to Manwydath to begin learning.

After arriving and hearing G’fal’s words, E’lon managed to calm his green enough that he would be able to do what G’fal was planning on teaching them. Danuth wiggled and curiously nosed at the end of the leather that her rider held, amused by it and fascinated at what it was going to look like by the time all was said and done.