Libertas Weyr

[Rogue]

((Sorry for the long wait and suckfest but this is like my only chance to get it out to you guys.))

It was early, but that was nothing new in the realm of weyrlings lessons. Rukbat had just finished climbing out of the horizon so that its whole body was visible far off in the sky, coating the land in the gray-orange color of morning. In the weyrbowl, Ai’vehn stood quietly beside his bonded, gently scratching his eyeridges. The masculine black pair were subdued this morning, lost in thought about the meeting of the dragons and what had been spoken of there. Already in the day, the winds were blowing harshly, clawing at the blackrider’s clothes and whipping around the pair with a fury. A storm looked like it could be coming in from the sea and Ai’vehn hoped it would stay away long enough for him to finish his lesson. With the impending weather, he’d changed his lesson plan, saving his more intricate exercise he had been planning on for another day and deciding to simply go with a short quiz of each weyrling.

The dragons’ gathering had even sobered the black today, though the storm as a very present reminder of their discussion helped as well. After a moment more of looking at the skies, the black called for the weyrlings, without any audible cue from his rider.

Weyrlings! You’re lesson is starting in the weyrbowl. Do be prompt, as the weather may not permit us very long, and should we not finish by the time the storm comes Mine has no problem keeping you out in the rain and wind.

There were no props or supplies set out today, the only one Ai’vehn would need was standing beside him. It would not be the most exciting of lessons, based mainly around a lecture and without much activity due to the gathering storm, but it was exceptionally important information they would be learning today and the quiz afterwards would prove if they’d paid attention or not. Shortly after Oz’s call, the weyrlings began to trickle out, several yawning with sleep. Once they had all gathered, Ai’vehn began.

“Today you will be learning some of the most important information that you will receive during your lessons. To be a successful rider, you will need to know your partner’s mind and body inside and out, and since Impression takes care of the majority of the mental part by itself, today we will cover dragon anatomy.” Ozstreth’s head still hung low, seeking scratching from His, so Ai’vehn started with it. He pointed to each spot as he told them about it. “Dragon’s heads are triangular in shape, widening from nose to head knobs. Each dragon has a pair of head knobs which are used for communication, and are usually symmetrical though occasionally you will see an uneven pair. Differences in the size and shape of the head knobs will affect a dragon’s mindspeech. These head knobs also function as the dragon’s ears by picking up the vibrations from sound waves. While dragon’s communication and spatial sense, used in betweening, is extensive, their memory and concentration is rather short. Even bronzes and golds will have a very limited memory compared to humans.

"Once they reach adulthood, dragons’ have forty eight teeth, with those in the front used for hunting and the wide, flat molars in back for chewing firestone. Currently all of your dragons have yet to grow their canines, but these will come in during their first Turn. A dragon’s sense of smell is diminutive simply because they have no need for it. Their large eyes are multifaceted and swirl with colors which correspond to their feelings and the intensity of those feelings; the faster the colors swirl, the stronger the emotion. Each color represents a state of mind: they’re eyes are often Green as it represents happiness or a general good mood; Blue is contented; Red and Orange mean hunger and anger; and Purple is exclusively for indicating Flightlust, that a dragon is about to Rise or Chase. There are two other colors, White and Gray, which you must pay close attention to should you ever see them. White signifies danger and Gray indicates that the dragon is in pain, mourning, or is dying. Should your dragon’s eyes ever become white or gray, you need to get to a safe location and get help.

“Your dragons’ hide should be smooth, strong and soft to touch. Regular oiling, as we learned during the first lesson, is essential to the care of a dragon’s hide. Cracked or chalky hides or grey spots are indicators of sickness. Each dragon has two stomachs, one used for food digestion and the other for digesting firestone to convert it to flame, and several hearts. Dragons’ ichor is copper-based, leading to its green shade. Your dragon’s bones are also not like ours and are much lighter and stronger than ours to allow for flight. The hind legs should be longer than the front to help with take off, though this is not always the case. This difference in length can make it slightly awkward to walk on land; a dragon is much more suited for the air. The front limbs have five claws that can grasp similarly to the human hand and the claws are retractable. Rear legs have three, non-retractable claws.”


Trying to remember if he had covered everything he had hoped to cover, Ai’vehn finished up his lecture either way and gazed out over the assembled weyrlings. The corners of his mouth tugged down slightly as his eyes passed over some who were clearly not paying attention. He did not call their attention though, no their turn to answer a question would come, and then he would see who really had been listening to him.

[Alrekair]

S'rin and Arelath were, as usual, among the first to arrive for the lesson. The brown pair had been puzzled as to the strange increase in winds and storms recently, though Arelath really didn't have much to go on at first. All he really knew about weather in previous times was from his rider, and S'rin's sixteen Turns of experience was certainly more than his few months. Will you be alright standing in this wind, S'rin?

I'll be fine, Arei, the lad reassured his dragon, one hand idly reaching up to scratch the bronzey brown eye ridges. Don't you worry about me. I'm crouched low enough to the ground that I can stay grounded. What about you, my lad? The boy's question was in earnest; Arelath's large wings would certainly cause the brown some problems if these storm winds persisted. Hopefully they wouldn't still be this fierce when the time came for them to try flying for the first time; S'rin really wanted to see what his dragon was capable of in the sky.

As if disgusted by his rider's fear that he might be hurt by such a silly thing as wind, Arelath gave a derisive snort. As if I could be hurt by something I can't even see, the brown remarked, plopping his haunches firmly onto the ground beside S'rin. Like you, I'm low enough to the ground. I shall be fine. Shall we listen to what our teacher is telling us?

The prompting from his dragon caused the lad to smile, but he proceeded to follow the brown's advice, turning to the blackrider and his dragon. This black, Ozstreth, was certainly of a different breed than the previous black he had met, before Arelath came into his life. No, this male was stronger, male in every sense of the word, and S'rin had begun to see the larger beast as a sort of role model for his Arelath to follow. Arelath, though young still, showed all the promise of being a strong, powerful dragon, capable of performing his duties within S'rin's idea of perfection.

As the Weyrlingmaster continued his lesson, S'rin continued to listen diligently, every so often nudging Arelath to ensure that the brown was listening, as well. After all, it wouldn't do to have only the rider listen! Surely the dragon had to pay attention, as well. Arelath always complained about how he didn't want to sit still for so long when they could be out exploring, but he always made sure the draconic half of their pair understood that they needed to attend these lessons. They were very important for ensuring their success as a dragonrider pairing, and the hard-working lad wanted to make sure they were among the best of their class.

We will be the best, because you are the best. Surely it hasn't taken you nearly seventeen Turns to realize this?

"Shh...listen with me, Arelath."

Arelath heaved a sigh of irritation, but he acquiesced to his rider, as usual. At some point, something would have to be done about the boy's hard working streak, but for now, it kept them both in line. The young brown shuddered to think of what Ozstreth's rider would do to them if they stepped out of line or refused to pay attention during their lessons. Not that Arelath knew Ozstreth and his rider all that well, being as young as he was, but with time he would come to know the black pair and all their little quirks.

[Onwingsofsilver]

Greetings, Rider Ai'vehn and Black Ozstreth. We are here to learn.

V'kail and his black were the next to arrive. Hurriyyahth kept her wings tight against her body to keep the wind from snapping them backward like sails on a ship. Should a powerful enough gust happen to catch her unaware, the young dragon knew she might very well end up with a broken wing. She stayed close to her rider. The colder air was not to her liking. When she saw S'rin and Arelath, she greeted them casually before hunkering down to the earth.

The black weyrling nodded to S'rin, a little uneasy being so close to him, but he kept his face blank. He could feel the tic starting in his jaw, the one he knew gave away what he was really feeling. Trying not act nonchalant about it, he tried to pay attention to the instructor. Hurriyyahth tapped him with her tail when his mind wandered and bade him look and touch each part of her body that Ai'vehn mentioned to memorize their purpose and position. He noticed Riya's eyes were beautifully shaded blue and green.

Touching her hide, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at how smooth and soft her hide was. Her regular oiling, mostly from her constant reminding, had kept it supple and strong. It pays to be diligent, Mine. We must never slack. V'kail silently agreed with her. Of course, dearest. The black hummed with pleasure, pleased at the progress Hers was making. He would become a fine Rider indeed.

[DaeSiggil]

(Merh, better than nothin')

Re'vin was one of those that arrived first and payed attention, it was almost unusual to see him being someone that didn't listen. The usual presence of Angenith, who nearly hissed in amusement, was next to him Silly... course min- He was cut off abruptly by the hand of His on his snout and he looked hurt for a brief moment before he silenced. He placed himself down and spread his wings briefly Mine know already.. right? Angenith finished nonetheless and swiveled his head around to look at Re'vin who still looked at the teacher. The male nodded slightly and gave a distracted smile. His gaze dropped as Ai’vehn his gaze swept over them. He cleared his throat and carefully noted everything that the other had said in his mind. He would try and not forget the information he just received, it was quite interesting.

At the mention of the skin however he looked at Angenith again and stroked his hide. It did seem smooth, but what was smooth for him could be rough for another. The red let His patiently touch his hide before he cleared his throat Mine, attention. Re'vin shook his head and focused back on the teacher, hearing the last words he spoke. His back prickled, as if someone's gaze bored into him. He rolled his shoulders and pulled his hands back, looking at them. He curled the slender digits one for one and became a fist. He again saw the blood that stained it and shook his head roughly once more and turned back to the red next to him Did you catch everything? He questioned, the red just gave him what could be considered a smile and a shrug of his shoulders. The red hissed in a near amused way again Look out for wind, mine.. Re'vin seemed to notice the wind around him of a sudden and the approaching storm that lumbered above him. He shivered unconsciously and stepped closer to the red next to him; who allowed him to do so, again patiently.

He looked around briefly, checking the others that where still here and gave a small smile to V'kail, knowing him somewhat. He didn't seem as bad as the others and Re'vin maybe would allow himself to make a friend, or as close to a friend at least. Angenith wasn't so silent and called a loud greeting to the Black Hurriyyahth Greetings lov'ly lady! He called out How're you being this nice but chilly day? His head fell to the side, almost giving him the impression of 'cute' although why one would apply the word to this red would be a mystery.

[Ricci]

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--

/Our lesson begins shortly,/ observed Anahirath with a mild yawn. He lumbered out of his couch as B'rodan pulled on a pair of clean trousers. /Why do humans bother with clothes? They only mean you must get out of bed earlier, do they not?/

"They're a bit more important than that, Ana," B'rodan said softly as he pulled on his shirt. "You mentioned that it's stormy, did you not?"

/I did./

"Where your hide's enough to keep you warm, mine is not. I need extra layers to keep me healthy. Your wings gonna be alright out there?"

/Perhaps./ commented Anahirath, stretching out his wings and nearly knocking B'rodan over. /My apologies, B'romine,/ Anahirath said sincerely as he tried to wake up properly. He really did not want to go to the lesson, but so it goes. Anahirath was horribly easy-going like that.

B'rodan chuckled. "Just watch Broadwill. She won't be so nice about it, and you know it's true!" the hawk still slept, however, on her perch. No claws would go through Anahirath's wing today, anyways. B'rodan shook his head slightly.

"C'mon, let's go," the Weyrling said. The Platinum gave a tired sort of nod and snapped his wings against his body before they left. When they did step outside, B'rodan was glad for Anahirath's action. The wind was strong, and B'rodan felt like he would be blown off of his feet. What would happen to Ana's young wings?

/Nothing would happen to my wings. Wind cannot hurt a platinum,/ the Platinum declared simply. The platinum didn't tend to be very arrogant, but the comment worried B'rodan. He glanced towards his friend as the dragon's jaw snapped shut.

"Platinum or not, your wings are still fragile things," B'rodan said simply. He held up a hand to preempt any argument. The platinum's voice hardened slightly when he next spoke, a little colder, but not by much, as if someone had just put a chunk of ice into an otherwise comfortingly warm mug of milk.

/Do not doubt my strength, B'romine,/ the platinum stated. B'rodan sighed as they arrived to their lesson. There would be no more discussion on the topic.

B'rodan silently added I never doubt you. Anahirath sat down and waited for the Weyrling Master to speak.

The lesson was a simple one, one that B'rodan took on easily. He was a smart young man, and had hunted long enough and worked with flying beasts long enough that he understood much of it, though on a larger and more reptilian scale (even if Dragons were anything but reptiles). The lesson was still enlightening, though. He had never known much of what was shared.

He would examine Anahirath more closely later, perhaps.

By the time Ai'vehn had completed his lecture, B'rodan and Anahirath had forgotten about their brief misunderstanding, and were listening intently.

/I did not know that I will have forty eight teeth,/ Anahirath commented absently as Ai'vehn wrapped up his lecture.

Just don't chew me with them, and I'm good!

[Thialyn]

It would not do at all for us to be late, Revia'Mine, came the rolling comment of Malaikath as he gracefully stood from his couch to stretch his wings. His eyes, though mostly blue, still contained the usual flecks of red, as if something constantly annoyed him. Maybe the very existence of others annoyed him. Revia would never know, she supposed. The rider continued to braid her hair--still wet from her bath earlier that morning--as she listened the to black's musings. Perhaps it would be better suited for you if I went alone. That way at least one of us will hear what this Lesson is about.

"In time, Malaikath," Revia said calmly, her voice showing none of the slight frustration she felt towards the constantly irate black. Once her hair was braided, she carefully tucked it up and wrapped it firmly in a towel to help it dry faster. It was a chill morning, and she was not about to risk frostbite or hypothermia. She had too often seen the consequences of that in the Infirmary as a Healer. "Though if you want to stand out in the cold and wet longer, be my guest."

Well, according to Ozstreth, we will wait in the coming storm if the Lesson does not finish due to tardiness, the black shot back, already his voice taking on more of the striking tone of lightning as his impatience grew. But Revia was determined not to let him rile her. He would learn patience, just as he had something to teach her. She didn't know what that was, but she had no doubt there was something.

"Then I will dress warmly." With that, Revia began dressing in layers of clothing, including thermal leggings, woolen pants and shirt, an outer layer of leather pants, a woolen vest, and finally her riding jacket. Both of her knots--one as black Weyrling, the other as Journeyman Healer--were tied to her shoulders as usual. Grabbing her gloves, scarf, and hat, Revia ignored the now-hissing black as he paced in his impatience to be gone. "You have a thicker hide than I do, Malaikath," she tried to explain cooly. "You have no need of jackets or gloves."

Even if I did, I could get ready faster than you, he spat back, his voice sharp as lightning and more red flecks entering his eyes. Now, he began after a moment and a deep breath, his voice once again the rumble of distant thunder. Are you quite ready? The Lesson will have ended by the time we get there if you are not.

With a grin that infuriated the black dragon, Revia walked out of her room and into the cold, wet environment that was the Weyr Bowl. Malaikath was very close behind her in the hall, but trotted to walk proudly beside her, another opportunity to display his grandness coming with the Lesson. He would make sure everyone knew who he was and that he was the pride of the clutch. When they finally reached the Lesson, Revia listened, enthralled by the subject of anatomy. If Malaikath allowed it, she would go over him in much greater detail later. As a Healer, she was keen to learn everything there was to know about anatomy of any kind. If she didn't know how it worked, how could she ever hope to actually Heal it? When the Weyrlingmaster had finished speaking, Revia actually raised her hand, her Healer mind overpowering her normally timid self.

"Sir," she said to get his attention. "You mentioned multiple hearts. How many do dragons have, and what does that mean where their pulse is concerned?" she asked politely, her grey eyes alight with a Healer's curiosity.

((blegh. Sorry. This is what you get when Thia is on pain meds.))

[Onwingsofsilver]

V'kail turned to look at the red pair beside them and he bowed his head in greeting. Hurriyyahth swiveled her head around to look at Angenith as he called to her and she dipped her wings slightly in acknowledgment. As well as can be expected for such weather, she replied. She did not like the cold wind that swept past them and she cast an uneasy eye at the storm gathering in the sky. Perhaps the Weyrlingmaster would cut the lesson short so that they could find a more comfortable place out of the wind.

"An interesting lesson," V'kail said to Re'vin after the other black weyrling, Revia, inquired after their dragons' hearts. Hurriyyahth, with no hesitation or qualms about invading personal space, moved over to Angenith and put her head next to his chest to see if she could hear his hearts. V'kail rolled his eyes. It is polite to ask first, Riya. The black merely snorted, trying to concentrate. I doubt it is a problem. You do not mind do you, dear Angenith? she inquired.

[DaeSiggil]

The red nodded his head and swiveled his head around as he felt the hands of his once more on his hide. He again rolled his eyes lightly and with some difficulties held an impatient sigh back I have to agree with you there, L'vely lady. He rumbled, his eyes swirling a gently green color. He felt relaxed, he even placed himself down, placing his stomach against the slight chilled ground so that R'vin could touch him better. He knew the importance of knowledge and didn't want His Re'vin to be denied any. His head was raised proudly, even not the slight impatient urgings that his other gave could convince him otherwise I think I liked the rooms better. He then said, allowing Re'vin to hear this comment. The male just rolled his eyes This is important! He nearly snapped back, narrowing his eyes for a moment.

He stepped back as Hurriyyahth suddenly pressed her triangular head against Angenith's chest, the red blinked and angled his neck so that he could watch the black. Re'vin had turned his attention back to the other Weyrling "Indeed it is." He said "I never would've expected it." His voice trailed off in a murmer. His eyes trailed back to both dragons, Angenith was clearly not used to this sudden change of things and still blinked. His eyes changed a bit as she asked the question and he stuttered a bit, before finally able to push some words out O-of course not, L'vely lady. The male finally rolled his eyes lightly and grinned at the red Success with the ladies, Angenith? The red hissed softly. He didn't move further, afraid of an unpleasant response of the black if he moved too much.