The Day After

[Luna]

Luna groaned as she rolled out of bed. She really needed to remember how potent Benden White could be, especially after turns of not drinking it. Well, not in that quantity anyway. She quickly ordered some klah brought up as she moved to her desk to organize her day. Either the drudge was moving quick or she slow, because the klah got their before she found anything out. Just as well anyway, klah produced better decisions.

When her mind finally started working she groaned again. Weyrling lessons. She had hardly liked them when she was a Weyrling. Then again, she Impressed gold so she had a few extra classes added in. At least today was going to be a very easy lesson. She shook her head, the other things would have to wait. She made her way down to the Weyr Bowl, quite forgetting that Raineth no longer needed to watch over eggs and could take her down faster. It turned out good, for the gold was sleeping off her meal from last night anyway and wouldn't have roused for her rider.

She made her way to the bell and rang out the Weyrling Report sequence. During her stint as a Candidate Master she'd been remiss in teaching it, but hopefully those who'd served long times as Candidates would tell the others? If not, they'd not like the consequences. With a sigh, she waited for the sleepy Weyrlings to come to her.

[Luna]

Female
Shmee Copper Celth
Ingasa - Green Yinideth
Pasine Blue Sphinith
Vittoria Faded Green Elenth

Male
A'noth - Brown Mnesilth
K'ell Blue/Ebony Laeth
J'rev - Brown Aoryth
I'ner Bronze Crirth
A'ver - Green Imith
R'dyn - Blue Zayth

This is Luna's Roll Call list. If you really don't like the contraction or dragon's name I'd suggest changing it Now. After this thread they are permanent.

[Ayla]

Vittoria's father had not been particularly accommodating during last night's feast. Despite the new restrictions on alcohol and all, Toriel had insisted on her drinking a glass on wine in celebration. In her defense, Vittoria only drank half of it and she had already eaten, but it was still against the rules. Elenth was quick to point this out, and berated her for it all the way back to bed.

Vittoria wasn't sure if she slept at all; the combination of a very late, very exciting night equaled nothing but insomnia. Elenth was happily curled up on her couch, snoring very quietly, when Vittoria woke up from the doze she didn't know she drifted in to. For a moment, she didn't know what had caused her to rouse, and she didn't like it. Then, the bell rang again.

"Loud bell... gonna go and-" Yawn. "-shut it up," she said sleepily. Quickly, she got out of bed and glanced out the window. "Shardit! Morning!" Vittoria quickly went to rouse Elenth, but thought better of it and got dressed first. Hey, sleepyhead... it's morning! We have lessons today, she told Elenth.

Good morning, Mine. What does the bell mean? Elenth asked.

Vittoria tossed her hair up in a bun. I don't know specifically, but it makes sense to go see what it is. I think it's the Weyrlings Assemble ring, but it's different than Southern's was. Come on, let's go! Elenth stepped off her couch and followed Hers into the corridor, then to the lesson area.

"Good morning, Weyrwoman Luna. Vittoria and green Elenth, reporting," she said, before offering a bow and proceeding to a seat. Elenth managed to dip her head to the Weyrwoman in imitation of Vittoria's bow, although she was a bit off balance and nearly fell down.

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

Fortunately, Shmee had thought beforehand, and she had managed to find a woman from the Lower Caverns to care for Shei from early in the morning to whenever the lessons ended. Still, she was exhausted from the previous night, and had difficulty getting herself out of her furs. It was frustrating, and she found herself wishing for something to wake her up in time to roll out of bed, get to the Lower Caverns, and come back in time for lessons. In fact, by the time she managed to get Shei down to her sleepy babysitter, she was cutting it very close. She only had time to pull on a loose shirt over her undershirt before darting off to her lessons. Again, she was worried about looking like a slob. Celth, however, was the picture of beauty. She watched her bonded with slight amusement-- but also, slight worry. Are you all right, Mine?[/color] Celth asked anxiously. I heard a bell, so does that mean we have to go somewhere?[/color]

"Ugh, just now?" Shmee asked, looking behind her as Celth waddled behind.

Yes,[/color] Celth replied cheerfully. Does that mean food? Because I'm hungry,[/color] the little copper explained. Shmee smiled, despite her weariness. The fact that Celth's color wasn't conventional didn't bother her in the slightest. She hoped that the other new weyrlings wouldn't stare at her. If they even tried to crack a joke, or question her, Shmee knew that she'd spring right into defense. Who could ever question such a sweet little thing? Celth rumbled with laughter.

Mine, it is going to be just fine,[/color] the dragonet reassured as they arrived at the lesson. Shmee smiled slightly at Luna, hoping the Weyrwoman didn't think too strangely of Celth's color. "Shmee, of Celth," she told greeted quietly. She chanced a glance over at Vittoria, and tried smiling, trying not to seem self-conscious, even though she very much was.

[Luna]

Luna nodded and wrote down Elenth's name. She'd gotten a lot of the dragon's names, but a few were missing. She smiled at the green's antics. Little dragonets were always amusing as they cemented their bond and personalities. "Good morning Vittoria. I hope you and yours are well." A little tension eased in her shoulders as another Weyrling appeared. She had almost thought she'd had to make another run of the Weyr to gather them up. It might be worth it to toss in a lesson on Report sequences. Save her a lot of time and definitely some muscle aches.

Luna then turned her attention to Shmee, "It's customary to say your dragon's color in front of their name. Although, considering her color, I can't blame you." She gave Celth a long considering look, "Perhaps copper would work? I'm no miner, but she resembles the metal. Now we have bronze and copper." She smiled at Shmee, lightheartedly. In the quiet moments of the feast she'd thought long and hard about the two different dragons. In the end she had come to the enivitable conclusion that they were Raineth's children and part of Luna's Weyr. You often plan life, but you never get what you plan. They always crumble before your eyes, but if you're lucky and very watchful you find out that what replaces it can be so much better. So Luna had made the decision to look at this positively. The dragons were healthy and perhaps she'd get transfers from curious riders?

Her eyes widened as she realized she hadn't really asked if Celth liked being called copper. Perhaps the dragon thought/knew she was something else? "Oh, ... does Celth approve of copper?" She wasn't too sure what to call Elenth, green worked well, but it was well...it was a little bit faded. The dragon was almost white in some areas, retaining just the lightest smudges of green. She supposed she'd leave it up to Vittoria as to whether or not she'd call attention to it when introducing herself.

To Luna's right was a structure set up to hold heardbeasts up so they could be carved. It could hold up to ten heardbeasts at one time, a testament to just how big a Weyr could be. For this morning there was only five hanging, waiting for the lesson to begin. She tacked the list of groups up, "Today you'll be paired up with fellow Weyrlings during your lesson." She wanted to go further into things, but it'd be best to wait. Patience was not Luna's forte, it was something she'd always struggled with.


Groups

One
Shmee Copper Celth
Pasine Blue Sphinith

Two
Ingasa - Green Yinideth
R'dyn - Blue Zayth

Three
Vittoria Faded Green Elenth
J'rev - Brown Aoryth

Four
K'ell Blue/Ebony Laeth
A'ver - Green Imith

Five
I'ner Bronze Crirth
A'noth - Brown Mnesilth

[Wangri]

"Hurry, Sphinith, or we will be late! I have never been late before!" a desperate Pasine cried as she tugged on the blue's pumping wing. The two were stumbling towards the Weyrling lessons, Sphinith trying to gain speed by flying and Pasine trying to stop him from straining himself. This is inexcusable! Why can't I fly? I have wings, do I not? Pasine-mine, I try to be fast, but I cannot! Fix it![/i]

The Weyrling snorted, "You cannot fly until you are older, Sphin! Now stop before you hurt yourself!" and tugged harder, finally making the dragonet stop. He had good intentions, since he was trying to hurry for her personal preferences regarding attendance, but he sometime bit off more than he could chew, especially for his color and size. Like rider like dragon.

Finally the pair managed to arrive at the Lesson, lungs panting and chests heaving from the wild scramble. Pasine had seriously underestimated Sphinith's speed when he wasn't charging threatening Healers or sprinting for food, and she had now paid the price by arriving slightly late. "Apologizes for arriving late, 'Master Luna," she bowed hurriedly to the woman with her blue dipping his head, "I am Pasine of Blue Sphinith."

And to add insult to injury, even motherly Shmee had managed to get there before her. But the stinging resentment was washed away as she finally realized that her friend had not only Impressed, but Impressed to a sizable, lovely looking Copper! The Weyrling felt like it had been ages since they had seen each other, even though it had only been a day at most. And they were grouped together on the board! Pasine inched over to the other Weyrling, a rare, wide smile gracing her face.

"Shmee! I am so glad to see you! Congratulations! This is lovely is Sphinith, and whose is your lovely?" She gestured to her blue with a sweeping hand, attempted to cut in and inform her of the Copper's name. She wanted to hear it from her friend, however, and thus she awaited the answer while clasping her hand in the other's. Meanwhile, Sphinith again bowed his head and spoke, Greetings, Celth. I am delighted to see you are in good health and healthy mind-set. It is a rare thing to find.[/b][/font]

[Risa]

~A'noth~
GET UP, or I will BITE YOU. The words made A'noth jump. What was in his head? Then everything came back. Mnesilth... His demanding brown. Not that he was complaining at the moment, not after the next thing he head. We needed to be up, the others are going somewhere. Now, do I drag you there? The brown would live up to that threat, even if he wouldn't bite his rider.

A'noth shook his head, getting up quickly. How had he missed the bell? No, no. I'm up now. Let me get dressed, we'll go. Rushing to change and get ready, he heard Mnesilth huff. Then manners came back to him. Thank you Mnesilth for waking me.

I hunger, of course I'm going to wake you. The brown replied, begining to push A'noth as soon as he seemed dressed. This is why we dragons do not wear such things, it takes too long. Now, get going, or I shall drag you for the others to laugh at.

Giving up the before he began argueing with the dragon, A'noth picked up his pace, the brown at his side. Thankfully, it seemed they were not too late, other weyrlings just arriving before they did. "Our appologies Master Weyrwoman Luna. A'noth of brown Mnesilth reporting." he said, nervous about getting told off for being late.

[Khell]

K’ell was having a mixed opinion on Laeth’s tendency to slip Between.

It meant less work for them when the Weyrlings learned about that trick – Laeth’s natural feel for it made it much easier. But the blue/ebony did it all too naturally; he would often disappear if K’ell didn’t make a grab for him. Pros and cons.

These were the thoughts going through his mind as he bolted out of the barracks, legs pumping so he could make it to the Weyrling Lesson in time. Laeth had gone and lectured the boy about being on time and then simply popped out of view. That sharding dragon, going on without him! Which was exactly what Laeth had done, appearing at the lesson with a small Pop!.

Finally K’ell made it onto the scene, gasping a “Sorry! Sorry. He got away on me.” He stopped beside the blue/ ebony dragon, shooting him a look. Laeth crooned in response, clearly pleased with himself. K’ell straightened and gave a small salute, “K’ell of…” A pause. He hated introducing Laeth when he wasn’t even sure what the dragon was. “…blue? Maybe? Something- something Laeth.”

I’m not a something! I’m yours!

[yankeegeek]

J'rev hadn't slept much, after the Hatching Feast. Aoryth dozed comfortably, but he had felt restless and a bit edgy.
His father and mother had spoken with him after the Hatching. One of their inquiries had been as to whether he meant to remain at this Weyr, or possibly request a transfer back north.
He couldn't. The very idea of it chafed him. Even if Aoryth had been old enough to fly /between\, he didn't want to leave. A sentiment that the brown dragon heartily endorsed. He knew his family missed him, but...they didn't understand the bond between dragon and rider, even if they claimed that they did.

He'd also had to visit the Healers, later that night. The bites on his arm were healed, to all outward appearances, but still sore and red, swollen. One of them had had to be unbandaged and then reopened, to clean out infection under the skin. He'd been warned to keep the bite clean and covered for another sevenday.
He had refused a dose of fellis juice, wanting to be able to wake up easily if needed. So, he'd spent a fair amount of the time stargazing., just outside the Weyrling Barracks.
When the bell rang, he was dressed and had eaten lightly. He finished feeding Aoryth, and they hurriedly made their way to
join the other Weyrlings. J'rev did his best not to let fatigue show as he got to the training area.
"Good morning, Weyrwoman," he said respectfully. "J'rev of brown Aoryth, reporting."

[Lucius]

She awoke to the sun shining through the window of the Weyrling Barracks. The ray warmed her face, and she smiled softly as she turned dark eyes to the source. "Good morning, Sunshine," she murmured, wanting to slip back into the comfort of sleep. But alas, she forgot who she was now and who she was with.

Ingasa! The green bounded over to the bed, nosing the girl's hand. Ingasa, they're coming to get me!

Ingasa sat up, noting the yellow-white of her green's eyes. She instantly lew from the furs, embracing the green and staring around warily. It was only until she realized what she was doing that logic set in. "Hey, Yini?"

Yes Ingasamine?

"What's trying to get you?"

The not-dead dragonets from the clutch. Her mind-voice, so young, dropped to a trembling whisper. They wanted to hurt me.

Ingasa smiled and laughed.

HEY! The green snorted and her eyes began to slowly swirl red. She pushed Ingasa down, ignoring the girl's shriek as she did so. Don't laugh at me!

"I'm not laughing at you!" she cried, beating at the legs of the green. "You just had a bad dream, that's all."

Yinideth paused, then stepped off Ingasa. Bad dream? She was scared again. Can it hurt me?

Ingasa shook her head. "No, Yinilove. Dreams are just scary sometime." Seeing as the dragon didn't calm, she quickly added, "But dreams can be nice, too! You just had a scary one. But it can't hurt you. And I'll protect you if something tries."

Yinideth chirped, then nuzzled Ingasa's face. I love you. No other person would save me from the bad dreams.

Ingasa embraced the green, pressing her nose against the green's hide. "I love you, too, my Yinideth."

Then the bell made them both jump, and Yinideth jumped back form Ingasa, flapping her wings excitedly. The noise! Others are going! Ingasamine, I'm hungry! Get dressed, let's go! With that, the little green bounded to the door of the barracks, nosing the door excitedly.

"Coming in a minute, Yini." Ingasa was just able to get dressed before Yinideth bounded back to push her out the door. The excited green and her rider made their way to where the others were gathered. A line-up, and Luna was there. Ingasa smiled and nodded at the Weyrwoman, overjoyed by the experience of Yinideth. "Ingasa, of green Yinideth, reporting." Gosh, did she just say that?

Yinideth was more concerned with looking around, her nostrils flaring as she glanced at each one. Other greens, a bronze, a few browns, some strange-looking blues, and a strange copper? What a motley crew! What friends she would make! Yet the effects of the bad dream remained, and she wondered if any one would be mean to her like the not-dead dragonets in her dream. This was enough to make her move closer to Ingasa. So long as her shoulder was touching Hers, she felt better.

[Luna]

Luna nodded as the rest of the Weyrlings seemed to just fill in. Only one or two missing it seemed. Well, no reason to hold up the whole class for them.

She licked her lips, them forming a thin line as the corners of her mouth crinkled up. Not trusting herself to speak, she just nodded to K'ell and held the clipboard up a little higher as she pretended to make notations to her list. After she got control of the giggles trying to leave her body she breathed a deep sigh, time to start.

Luna set the clipboard on the nearby table that sported a few wicked looking knives, bowls, and towels. At the far end was a few bandages for any unlucky Weyrling or just particularity clumsy ones. She clasped her hands behind her back as she surveyed them.

"It's your first day of Weyrlinghood and I'm rather disappointed in you." Her gaze went from one person to the next who would look her in the eye, "It's partly my fault, but also is partly your own. A Weyr is made up of very individualized people, but also of teams. You stand before me as a dragon rider team. You stand before me as a team of Weyrlings. You Impressed together and you will learn together. When Thread falls will you stand by and just let it hit a fellow rider? Or will you shout out? You can't live here unless you work well together. That's why those dragons at your side picked you. You have some skills that we, the weyr need," she gestured to the stone structure around them, "You won't see the majority of Pern living like this. They can't. We are dragon riders, a special set of people who defend Pern from Thread. ... And we do it as a team."

"Weyrs don't survive unless they watch out for one another. If a Weyrling is sleeping, you wake them up for lessons. Well," she said, throwing her hands up like it wasn't a big deal, "you may say it's just a lesson, nothing bad can happen if I don't help. It's not like team work is really essential for this." She straightened and leaned closer to the group as if imparting a rather crucial secret, "Well, I'd tell you this. For every Weyrling missing from my Lessons that will earn you an extra hour's worth of kitchen or latrine duty. And I'll tell you something. Head Cooks are rather intimidating due to their job, an understaffed one .... ?" She leaned back, leaving it up to them what they'd think of her. The Head Cook was sweet as could be to Luna, but Luna didn't have to work for her, just with her.

"Well," she clapped her hands together and glanced over at the clipboard, "I count two Weyrlings missing today so that's two extra hours for everyone. Make sure to turn in to me some proof or your shift will double to four hours next week."

She smiled over to the Weyrlings, she hadn't wanted to start off so tough, but it was a very important lesson. One she couldn't ignore making. "Now, we're off to the other lesson. Feeding. No doubt your dragonets are practically eating their stomachs right about now." She picked up one of the butcher knives from the table and moved to one of the hanging heardbeasts. "Until your dragon can catch his or her own meal you'll be stuck with the task of cutting up their food for them. The drudges will always have some meat on hand, but not always cut meat. They just don't have enough time to prepare an entire clutch's worth of dragon's meat. And nor should they, you the Weyrling are in charge of their welfare. Now watch closely. Carving isn't really the hard part, it's learning to make it into small enough chunks for them to eat without choking. Also, doing it quickly enough to where they don't try to eat the whole heardbest is a plus too." A small glance was sparred over to K'ell and his blue, a amused twinkle in her eye.

After she had demonstrated a few slices showing how to cut and how big to make a piece she set down the blade. "I've already set up a list for today's pairs. It's best you get to know everyone. These are your potential wing mates in the future so don't be shy."

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

R'dyn was just flabbergasted. There was no better word for it. First her with that bell and now, he had to carve that meat? He'd love to just go to the WW and sort this out, but she WAS THE WW! Oh, this was just a problem. Why couldn't she be like other Weyrs and have another person being the Weyrling master? Oh, was she just too good now to have someone else doing the job? And really, Latrine duty. No way, anyone was getting him near the Latrines to clean the shardin things. Oh yes, R'dyn was in quite the little snit now. Thinking nasty things of the Weyr, Luna, and all of Pern in general.

Mine? Does this mean I can't eat? I'm really hungry.

R'dyn wanted to push it off, but Zayth was adorable. Zath was wonderous and well, his. He sighed, perhaps this once he'd carve up some meat ... for Zayth. He'd find someone sympathetic to his plight later. Zayth was already starving. He glanced at the list, trying to pretend he wasn't and moved over to a heardbeast. His cheeks colored just the slightest when he noticed he forgot a knife, but he played it off as he made his way back to the table. Oh, how he hated everyone right now.

Even me? Mine, are you all right? You're a little red and you aren't happy. Mine I'll help you, what's wrong? The little blue was becoming distress, his eyes whirling a fast red. He was already hungry, but now his mine was upset, was it because he was hungry? He could go without food if it would make R'dyn happy.

R'dyn sighed, No, Zayth, I'll be fine. I just, ah, I just don't like being woken up so early. I'm a little grumpy. R'dyn fibbed, he cared about little other than himself, but Zayth seemed to automatically be included in R'dyn's mind as a part of him. Lets just get this over with so I can go sleep in, k? He'd let Zayth go to sleep and then he'd find someone to fix this gross mistake. No one was going to treat R'dyn like this.

[Khell]

Whoa, whoa. The Weyrwoman was already disappointed in them?

K’ell wasn’t entirely sure to feel bad or to do a silent cheer. First day of Weyrlinghood and he was already being a rebel! Ah, second thought that probably wasn’t something to cheer about. He looked around, memorizing the faces of his now fellow Weyrlings. He hid a giggle; he hadn’t Impressed with them technically. He Impressed after them.

He didn’t try to hide his groan though. Two extra hours? Shaaaards. He looked around the Weyrlings once again, looking for Piene or Sandra so they could share a disgusted look. Oh…right. They were candidates still – didn’t this make him practically friendless now? At least he could see A’noth, that was one person he knew. He turned his attention back to Luna and listened carefully, watching as she gave a quick demonstration on how to cut.

He had caught the glance that was directed at him and his dragon and grinned, bashfully, in return. Laeth probably would eat a whole herdbeast if he was given the opportunity.
Hurry up and learn to catch your own food, yeah?
Okay! I’ll earn quick, promise! His tail thrashed around excitedly at the idea of being able to take down a huge animal with just his claws and teeth.
“Alright, high five.” K’ell said quietly, kneeling with his hand to Laeth. The dragon sat there for a moment before butting his head against his Mine’s hand. K’ell shrugged, “Close enough.”

He straightened and took a peek at the list. Who was A’ver? Should he shout out his name in hopes of finding him?

[Lucius]

A quick glance at the pair list confirmed her fate--Ingasa was stuck with the posh Holder boy who seemed to insist he was better than the others. Shards! she thought to herself, her stomach churning as she remembered the sparks that flew between Pasine and R'dyn the night before. Would he be mean to her as well?

Ingasamine... Yinideth's brows dropped and she nuzzled her hand worriedly. Ingasamine, you're fretting.

I'll be fine, Yinideth, she assured the dragonet. The fact that she had to butcher meat and do extra chores made things worse, but wasn't Yinideth worth it? This was what she wanted, right? Well, now she had to pay the price.

Forcing a smile, she paced over to R'dyn, Yinideth on her heels. She reached forward to tap him on the shoulder. "Hello," she said softly, trembling a bit. Yinideth sent wordless concern, but Ingasa did not reply to the green. "I... I believe we met last night, am I correct?"

Ingasa, why do you worry so?
Hush, Yini. I'll be fine.

"I-I guess we're partners, then!" She lauged, though it sounded fake. Please don't yell at me, she added to herself, forgetting who else shared her mind now.

And that enraged Yinideth. She took a step forward, her little claws banging on the stone floor. Blue! If Yours makes my Ingasa cry, I will eat him. Do you understand?

Yinideth! Appalled, Ingasa knelt down and threw her arms around the dragonet, trying to calm her. "I'm so sorry!" she said to the Blue and the Holder alike. "I-I--"

I meant it, Ingasa.

[Luna]

He turned slightly away from the meat he was trying to cut up, and was only succeeding in hacking at. So this was Ingasa? Well, at least she was very cute, a little nervous, but he could smooth that away. Oh yes, R'dyn believed himself the epitome of charm. He believed no one was immune to his charms. Why, if he wanted (and he certainly didn't!) he could even still get that spit fire Pasine in his bed. Yes, he was King of Charm.

Already off balance by all the negative feelings from R'dyn Zayth bellowed at Yinideth, You so much as touch one hair on Mine's head and I'll I'll .... I'll eat yours! Zayth wasn't sure he could do that, he never would like harming people, but for R'dyn? He'd try to do anything for R'dyn.

His mouth dropped open as Zayth bellowed at the green right before Ingasa dropped to her knees holding her green. He'd thought he did something wrong, but then she apologized to him. Was she holding the green back from him? Hum, maybe greens didn't like him much. Tch, maybe he should have stayed at the Hold, girls liked him much better there. First Pasine and now Yindeth? Yinideth? Something death. Yes, a fiery death dragon bent on killing all. Poor Ingasa, she was such a small delicate flower, tied up to that awful dragon.

"Shhh, it's all right. I'm sure it's my fault." He said in his pleasing baritone voice. He offered her a hand to stand back up. But Mine, she said she would eat you. Watch your hand! She might eat it. He smiled at the blue's worry, dragons would have died out long ago if they ate people. Well, we'll just have to feed her something else thing aren't we? Oh look, hearbeast! Not knowing R'dyn as well as the ones at the Hold, he took these for genuine words. Happy that his Mine wasn't going to make him try to eat Ingasa he settled down behind R'dyn to wait for his bowl of heardbeast meat to appear.

He gave her a dazzling smile, "Please tell your pretty green that I'm very sorry for whatever offense I may have- I have done you or her." He'd found out long ago, you don't argue with a woman who thinks you did her wrong, you just apologize and keep going. His green eyes looked beseechingly at her in true canine pup (puppy dog lol) fashion, as he still held her hand, "Please, may I ask forgiveness? We're going to be partners now and I'd hate to think you were mad at me." A little imp-ish twinkle entered his eye, "Especially with you holding a knife."

[yankeegeek]

J'rev couldn't quite hide a scowl at hearing the penalty for the other weyrlings' absence. He wouldn't argue with the Weyrwoman; he'd learned at Benden that arguing with a queen's rider was rarely, if ever, a smart idea. But he made a mental note to suss out the names and faces of the two missing 'wingmates'. He was scorched if he wanted to endure yet more extra
work because of someone else's laziness. The rest of them had made it to class without being
nagged, after all.
The first task she set them wasn't a surprise. He scratched Aoryth's headknobs gently. Ready to eat, Aoryth? he asked. It was largely a rhetorical question. He could feel the hunger echoing from his dragon.
Yes. Aren't you hungry too? You can have some of mine, Aoryth offered,
resting his muzzle on J'rev's forearm, his eyes whirling slightly.
I'd need to cook it first. Raw meat makes humans sick, J'rev explained. Let's get you settled first. He was somewhat hungry, but not so much that it was a bother.

A skim of the list told him who his partner was, but he wasn't sure which of the girls she was.
He looked around, as he moved toward the table to start work.

[elfie]

I'ner
It was morning, and Crirth was still asleep. Of course he was, I'ner had a feeling he'd be dealing with a very grumpy dragon when the bronze finally was woken up. As it was, the young man had been unable to stay in the barracks. He'd risen with the dawn and was currently ensconced in the Lower Cavern watching over a pot of brewing klah. He'd have helped in the actual kitchens, but he really wasn't much use to the Headwoman other than carrying heavy sacks or stirring pots, due to his thick fingers. He had the patience not to get bored and wander off while they were still on the heat.

It was only a little while later that he heard the sound of a bell. However....it was nothing he recognized, and since no one in the kitchen seemed to be reacting to some emergency, he simply ignored it. It was even later when a drudge who had been passing through the bowl saw him, recognized him, and darted over fluttering her hands. Moments later, a sinking expression flitted across mobile features. Lessons? Oh no! They'd already started, and he hadn't even woken up Crirth yet....he was in trouble.

With a silent nod of thanks to the drudge, I'ner darted from the Caverns, heading toward the empty, or nearly empty, barracks as quickly as sturdy frame could. He made his way toward his dragon and his bed, reaching out to pat the smooth antiqued metal hide. "Crirth? Wake. Lessons." I'ner informed him, simple words holding a note of urgency.

Lids slowly rose as forked tail lashed, disturbed to be woken. He was sleeping! It was quiet...lessons? What was I'ner talking about? The bronze finally roused himself, blinking sleepily up at His. It was too early...he wanted to sleep! And there went his belly, grumbling...so hungry! Mine...I don't want to wake up! And I'm hungry....feed me? Thoughts were both demanding and pleading as he lifted his head, butting his lifemate none to gently with his head.

To his credit, the steady and sturdily built former miner apprentice didn't even sway. However, he did frown at Crirth, shaking his head. "Up now. Lessons. Food after." Tone was firm, and I'ner meant what he said even if he had to grab the bronze by his tail and drag him to the lessons. Crirth huffed, eyes whirling with his dark mood as he got to his paws and started stalking out of the barracks. He was hungry, and now he was awake! And there was a green, just sleeping away! Well, if he had to be up, she was going to be too! Wake sister. No time for sleeping, it's time for lessons. Whatever they are. Better include food. The irritated bronze muttered, mind voice directed both toward Imith and His as he exited the barracks a step behind I'ner who prodded A'ver's shoulder. How on Pern was the green pair still asleep? Surely the commotion should have woken them up...

The bronze weyrling turned his attention from the other as he saw his shoulder move, keeping an eye on the blue fire lizard curled by his shoulder. He never knew what the flighty creatures would do next, and he didn't want to be bitten. Storm colored eyes turned toward the Bowl, where the other eight weyrlings were gathered, as well as the Weyrwoman. He arrived just in time to hear the mention of additional chores due to two weyrling absences.... His and the other green weyrling who'd still be asleep. Ironic that. He was getting others additional chores because he was late from doing chores he hadn't been assigned. Oh well, perhaps he'd be able to help them out with them in addition to his own. He felt bad, being late. He really did like to be punctual.

One hand fell to rest on Crirth's shoulder as the bronze shifted wait impatiently. There is food right there, why can't I just go eat it? The bronze thought hungrily, eying the hanging herdbeasts as Luna showed the weyrlings how to carve the meat. I'ner ignored his dragon's sullen mood, projecting thoughts of the bronze actually behaving himself for a few moments. While the young man had never actually carved meat before, the idea didn't revolt him. It seemed rather like mining--just a different substance. And they were in pairs? That was fine with I'ner, so long as it didn't come to any misunderstandings... He scanned the list, locating his own name and only then realizing he hadn't announced himself the Weyrwoman. He stepped forward, his dragon at his side. "I'ner, bronze Crirth. Apologies." Tone was as serious as ever, but visage reflected just how bad he felt about being tardy. He was going to be a bronze rider, and he couldn't seem to make it to anything on time. We are here, that's all that matters, Mine. Crirth stated matter of factly, before turning to observe the others present. Brown Mnesilth? Where was he? Crirth wanted food, and Theirs were supposed to work together. Brother Mnesilth? Where are you? Ours are supposed to work together, and I'm hungry! Tone was once again demanding, which caused I'ner to simply shake his head and sigh.

A'ver

His was pounding. Or maybe that was a bell...? Whatever it was....it hurt. A'ver pulled the furs closer about his head, glad of the darkness and the warmth of Kriss curled in the curve of his shoulder. He wanted darkness and silence. It was so peaceful currently, everyone must be gone. Ugh, he'd perhaps had a little too much wine last night. Not enough to have a full hangover, but enough to definitely mess with his head.

At the sound of an angry and irritated voice, Imith's eye lids rose, before she lifted her head. The bronze was leaving, after having woken her up, along with His. Nobody else was in the barracks, and she was feeling hungry. Perhaps itchy too. Where was everyone...? The green reached for Her's mind, confused why he was still asleep. Mine? A'ver? Time to get up. I'm feeling hungry, and everyone is gone... Query was made with the air of a plea as the clumsy dragonet managed to get to her feet. She made her way closer to Hers, butting him with her nose in his side and disturbing Kriss.

The fire lizard's thoughts radiated hunger as well, a mirror of the green's. After several proddings from each, the young man finally roused himself. "Whaaat? It's to early..." A'ver muttered, but at the persistent nagging of the pair, he blinked slowly and sat up, one hand holding his forehead. "Uhh, sorry. What time is it?" Confused thoughts slowed to a crawl as the pounding increased, hazel eyes slipped shut for a moment as he concentrated one the minds of his flit and dragon.

Mine, Crirth said something about lessons. Everyone else is gone! I think we are late. The green told him, tone stressed and excited in turns. Her tail twitched behind her, as she nudged him again, uncertain as to why he was so confused. She felt the pain too, though it was more of an annoyance to her. She was getting very hungry, and a spot on her shoulder itched...

"I'm up, love, I'm up!" Long legs folded and swiveled to land on the floor, nimble fingers passing over his face as he got to his feet. He pulled back thick locks halfway into a tail, and pulling on breeches and a tunic. Just great. He knew he was going to into trouble... He held out his hand, allowing Kriss to climb up the limb to settle on his shoulder with a caress, before he dropped to a knee to sooth Imith's itch. "That better, love? Right, let's see how much trouble I've gotten us into." A sheepish grin crossed lips as he looped an arm over her neck and guided her toward the Bowl. It was quite the chore, and despite his best attempts, the land clumsy green tipped into a tumble as they neared the others. The far more graceful A'ver wasn't spared either, for he tripped over her tail and landed flat on his face, Kriss squawking as he darted from his owner's shoulder, circling over the prone pair.

"Haha....oops. Sorry everyone." A'ver apologized, somehow managing to get both himself and Imith to their feet. A sheepish grin crossed features as he glanced about, eyes finally settling on Weyrwoman Luna as Kriss eventually settled stop his head. She had a knife in her hand, and was standing beside a few carved pieces of herdbeast. "Ummm, A'ver and green Imith. I think I'm a little late...and lost about what's going on." He admitted, and it was a good thing he wasn't shy, otherwise he might have tried to melt into the floor. As it was, whatever happened would. Though he did wish he'd arrived earlier. Or perhaps snuck less wine. He might not have tripped then. And he didn't even know he'd been one of the ones to earn the whole group chores.

[Risa]

A'noth watched the carving lesson with intent interest. Best to learn and to learn well. Besides, he'd grown up cleaning and gutting fish, so it was basicly the same idea on a larger level. He still had the scar from the knife slip to show for the work he'd done in the hold, he could just hope to be less careless now. The extra chores couldn't be helped. If they had earned them, that was so. He was used to the worst of the hold chores, why would that change now?

Mnesilth though was distracted by the call of his bronze brother. I hunger as well, bronze one, but I do not complain so. Mnesilth was at least being himself. Rank meant little in the browns mind, and so his words were not the most respectful. Still, to make things easier, he sent an image of his. This is mine, tell yours to find us if they must work together. I do hope yours is not slow, brother bronze, for I hunger the same as you, and do not wish to wait.

A'noth frowned. How could Mnesilth be so disrespectful? Then again, in his short time with the brown already, he figured it would be like this. Mnesilth was as hardheaded as could be. Then again, that was probably why Mnesilth had chosen him. A'noth himself got into a one track mind far too often.

[Lucius]

Yinideth was hardly an awful flaming death dragon bent on killing all, but when Hers was in trouble, or at least upset (Yinideth was still too young to know the difference), she would protect her with her claws and the teeth that she... didn't have yet. ...Maybe not the teeth. Oh well. Her eyes, red with both hunger and anger at the Holder, were focused on R'dyn, as if to say I'm watching you.

Ingasa, however, took R'dyn's hand and pulled herself up, finding her belt-knife and deciding that it wouldn't be the best choice. Luckily, a choice of carving knives were available, and she took one, smiling nervously to R'dyn. "I... I guess we shouldn't allow our dragons to argue, then." She laughed, then glanced down at Yinideth. I'll be fine, Yini. If he goes for me with the knife, you strike. Otherwise, don't. Really.

He scares you! Yinideth's tone took a pleading edge. Like those bad dreams! You protect me from the Bad Dreams,. Can't I protect you from the scary bluerider?

By being here and being near me, you are protecting me. She smiled at the dragonet. Without you, I... I probably would be crying.

This consoled Yinideth, and she moved closer to Hers, glaring at the blue smugly.

"You're forgiven, I suppose." She glanced at Yinideth. "She says she won't hurt you."

I said no such thing.

I know you didn't, but... Really, Yinideth. We can't start trouble for Luna. You don't want Raineth getting upset because her rider is frustrated, right? And Raineth loves Luna like you love me.

Yinideth contemplated this, then decided Ingasa was right.

"Have you ever done this before?" Ingasa made a gesture to the large haunch of bloody meat hanging from the hook. "At Fort, we prepared meat for days when the Hatchings were about. With four Fort queens, that was fairly often. As a young girl, I often volunteered, and even as a Candidate, I'd get out of chores to butcher meat. It's not that hard, just tedious and bloody. I could never get used to that..." She wrinkled her nose at the memory of the squishing flesh, blood oozing from the sliced muscle. "But at least I know what to do."

[Khell]

K’ell was now sitting on the ground beside Laeth, the two conversing with one and another.

We need to find a guy with a green dragon.
I don’t see them! What if they don’t exist?

K’ell drummed his fingers across his chin, thinking. What if they didn’t exist? What if the list was a total lie? …Nah. Too much thinking to do and it was too early in the morning for that. He was about to flop onto the ground and sigh loudly when a boy came in, a bit late.

A boy with a green dragon. The boy with the green dragon who just said he was A’ver of Imith. Excellent.

K’ell pushed himself up off of the grond and took a few steps forward, wrapping his fingers around A’ver’s wrist. “We’re on a team together!” K’ell said rather loudly and a large grin on his face. He had found his partner! Finally! “We’re supposed to be carving meat for the dragons and feeding them.” He said with a few nods of his head before continuing, “Shall we get started?”

Clutchsister! You and Yours are late! But I’m not mad, you’re too pretty to be mad at! Laeth said, his voice filled with genuine innocence as he wriggled his head between K’ell’s legs to stare at the green.

[elfie]

I'ner
I will complain as much as I want.

[/color] The bronze retorted, lifting his head higher to peer about. He finally spotted the brown who spoke, at the same time the mental picture of Mnesilth's registered. With eyes whirling quickly the irritated bronze looked affronted. I'ner is not slow! And there will be no waiting as soon as we arrive.[/color] Crirth promised, turning to headbutt his lifemate in the back of the knees to set him to moving as he relayed the picture of A'noth.

"That him? Where?" I'ner murmured half to himself, as his legs buckled forward slightly and he immediately started walking. He didn't rebuke Crirth this time, the bronze really was hungry, and the young man knew he would be better behave once he was full. Far more agreeable, too.

Yes, that is him. Over there.[/color] Thoughts 'pointed' in the correct direction, and in a moment the pair were before A'noth and Mnesilth. Crirth still radiated impatience as he unfolded and folded his wings to his back, the motion not quite graceful and more twitchy than a full grown dragon would have managed.

Gray eyes regarded the brown pair, before I'ner nodded in greeting, gaze flicking toward a herdbeast a moment, before to the knives. "Apologies for lateness, Crirth's manners. Ready?" He inquired politely, casting a glance at Crirth that clearly meant he intended for the bronze to remain silent and non-antagonistic for a few minutes. He stepped forward to regard the carving knives a moment, before selecting one. He tested it's weight, glancing at the herdbeasts once more. This would be interesting, and certainly a new learning experience. "Know this?" I'ner asked suddenly, gaze turning to fix on his partner as he gestured at their assigned task. Perhaps A'noth had experience with this type of chore. One never knew. He didn't even realize he was unconsciously echoing Ingasa's question of R'dyn.

A'ver
The green pair had been busy staring at the herdbeasts, one with faint disgust and the other with increasing amounts of hunger. Of course, Kriss was staring just as his larger green cousin was--he was hungry as well, and chirped inquiringly if he'd get some as well, his wings rustling slightly against his sides.

A'ver was just about to assure the flit that he indeed would be fed, and Imith as well, well he felt fingers wrap about his wrist. Hazel eyes blinked, glancing down to his lower arm, and then up at the boy holding on to him. "Don't you know holding hands is nicer?" He remarked with a raised brow, having no idea at all what the guy wanted. Not that it really mattered, in A'ver case, and he didn't move to shake the grip off. As he mentioned being on a team together, head tilted in confusion, having also missed that entire section of the lesson. Shards, he really had been late! Although...the grin on the guy's face was infectious, and A'ver felt his own lips quirking in a light expression in reply. "Well, I guess I kinda guessed that much. Guess it won't get done by itself if we don't get started." He agreed, before blinking. "Hey...you're that guy who Impressed at the Feast!" That fact had finally surfaced through still rather foggy mind, though for the life of him, A'ver couldn't think of his name. And Imith wasn't any help, for she didn't know either. Well, that was embarrassing.

At the sound of Laeth's voice, the green turned her head from what was to be her next meal, to look at the blue. We're sorry we're late. We overslept...and Mine woke up so confused! It took so long to get him up.[/color] Imith admitted, tone slightly sheepish as if she were about to be laughed for the admission. A second later she decided it didn't matter. Not if Hers didn't care if he got laughed at or not. She wouldn't care either. However, at the compliment the green arched her neck, appearing very pleased. Thank you, clutchbrother! You are very pretty too.[/color] Imith returned the compliment, and it didn't take a second look to see that this one was going to become quite the flirty little jade beauty once she outgrew her hatchling innocence. Oh...what is Your's name? A'ver can't remember, Laeth.[/color] It also seemed Imith already had no problem creating potentially embarrassing Hers or outing him about anything.

As A'ver followed the trend of Imith's thoughts, he couldn't help but chuckle, which turned into a brighter laugh as he saw the dark blue peeking out from between his companion's legs. And what a pretty color he was too! It would make an excellent dye, though of course there were already variations of it....Mind had to be wrenched back, else he feared he'd earn himself the title wherry head. [/center]