Fly or Fall (Lightning Strikes!)

[Lark]

Fly my young ones,
Soar through the air.
Fly my young ones,
Go as far as you dare...

Ara paced back and forth on the ground of the Weyrbowl. It was time, she had known it for a while. Thankfully, after Iskra's note of leave, it had been put back on hold. What was the greenrider so worried about? Loraketh's weyrlings were going to be flying for the first time, and this time...their riders would be with them. She'd taught them all about how to take care of riding equipment, and she'd taught them how to travel around bends and curves. Nothing could compare to the real thing though.

You worry too much AraMyLove. It's their instinct to soar. Why not just call them now? Ara shook her head as Avirith crooned in her head, lifting the pale green structure to gaze adoringly at her rider. No, not quite yet. Ara didn't need that kind of heart attack. Avirith crooned happily at her rider's thoughts, amused apparently by the girl's fears. "What's so funny? That I'm actually worried about them Avi?" The green shook her head, knowing full well it wouldn't do anything to get into this conversation.

On her shoulders, Aries and Excalibur were wrapped like a shawl. The Gold flit and her bronze son were shining in the mid-day light, thankfully it was cool though. Being the beginning of Fall, the storms were getting harsher, but the weather was at least cooling off. Today, there wasn't a cloud in sight, and Ara was going to take full advantage of that fact. "Call them."

Her green warbled, and reached out for the oldest of the Weyrlings. At a little over six months, this was supposed to be happening. It was only right that they do it soon. Lovies, come down to the WeyrBowl. Bring a change of clothes and your riding gear. You're going to be flying!

Never look back,
and never ask why.
Don't stop now,
Because I swear you're going to fly.

[Akira]

N'ck smiled as he looked over his six month old weyrling. You really are shining Kich. The white dragon in question crooned approvingly as he survayed himself, and the work that His did. N'ck shook his head, and put the cleaning supplies away, and walked back to his dragon. Alright you, wanna go run through the drills again? Kicheth gave the boy a look that seemed to say, "You really need to ask?" He rumbled with laughter as he followed his rider out of the baths, and back to their room.

N'ckMine, Avirith calls us. It is time to fly! There was no mistaking the excited pride in the white dragon's voice. Alright Kicheth, I'm getting ready. He didn't need his dragon to tell him to get his riding gear. N'ck had been anticipating this day for a while now, and had made sure to keep his gear close at hand, and had even taken to wearing his riding clothes more often. He was wearing it now actually, so it didn't take him long to get everything ready, and lead his white to the Weyrbowl.

N'ck smiled when he saw that they weren't the first one's there, but they weren't the last either. Kicheth bugled a happy greeting to the others when they finally arrived. N'ck took that time to get his dragon ready, and climbed onto the white's back. Kicheth was so much larger than his rider that the man had to climb the dragon's leg to get onto his back. He quickly situated himself in the saddle, and waited for their teacher to tell them what to do. Kicheth shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he eagerly waited to fly with his rider.

[Zero]

Mideth yawned from his place out on his ledge and stretched, arching his back like a feline, as he resituated himself so he could sun bathe evenly. A sudden crash and a flurry of swearing however caused one swirling eye to open and gaze into the room where His was. What he saw invoked a small rumble of amusement, what must have been the equivalent of a draconic chuckle. Do you require assistance, R’xthMine? The Rider in question looked away from the shattered container of oil, that now covered the floor and his trousers, in time to see., what looked like, his dark companion seeming to give him an almost smug look. “And just how do you plan on lending assistance, Mideth? Besides it’s a little late now don’t you think?”

With a sigh, Ry looked back at the mess currently at his feet and dragged his hand across his face in frustration. He had previously been fully engaged in his daily ritual of caring for his riding gear when his little gold Aurora decided she could help by getting Her’s the large container of oil. It was that act of ‘help’ that now covered him, his flit, and the floor. Aurora didn’t seem to realize the mess she created as currently she was walking back and forth across the floor, carefully picking up the reflective pieces of glass and creating a small pile off to the side. She chirped cheerfully as she worked building her pile only looking up to Hers when she felt her part was complete. “Are you ‘lending assistance’ too?” Ry sighed once more and shook his head at the young golds antics. Between her and his blue, he certainly had his hands full. “C’mere before you hurt yourself…” Reaching down he plucked the tiny gold from the floor and set her on the corner of his desk. She chittered in indignation and stared longingly at the floor and her pile Hers had taken her away from. Her annoyance at being moved did not last for long as she must have realized the sticky substance that covered her claws was of the same jar that Hers used to make her sparkle and shine. What luck! Chirping happily she began to rub the oil on her face, neck, and any body part she could reach. Curious little queen, isn’t she?

R’xth cocked an eyebrow at the flitters antics before shaking his head. He snatched an old cloth from a nearby open drawer and quickly got to work cleaning the mess as best he could. Suddenly Mideth lifted his head and peered down into the weyrbowl, eyes swirling excitedly as Avirith’s message entered his mind. R’xthMine there will be time to clean later...for now we will fly. The man looked up from his task, eyes widening slightly as realization finally hit him on what was about to happen. “Today? Now? Are you sure?!” The midnight blue dragon simply crooned in response as he rose from the ground in preparation of His attaching the leather riding straps. Just like that, Ry tossed the rag aside and ran around his room, practically hopping out of his dirty clothes as he hurried to get ready. It didn’t take him long to get dressed and secure the riding straps to his large companion.

Carrying his jacket for now, Ry tucked it under one arm and quickly clambered up Mideths neck. The blue was only six months old but he was already reaching close to twenty-three feet in length and still had quite a bit more to grow. “Let’s go!” Rumbling his excitement, Mideth pushed off from his ledge, flared his wings, and the pair glided lazily down to the sandy floor. Their landing was a bit harder then intended and Ry nearly lost his grip on his jacket, but the pair quickly dismissed the shaky landing as Mideth trotted up to where the others were gathering near Avirith and Hers. They weren’t the first to arrive on scene but R’xth was too excited to dwell on that fact.

Mideth bugled a greeting to his clutchmates and their green teacher as they arrived, his current excitement overtaking his normally quiet and reserved persona. R’xth, in turn, extended his own greeting to his fellow weyrlings before fixing Ara with an uncharacteristically cheery grin. “Is today going to be the day?”

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[Lark]

The first of the Weyrlings were getting there now, and as she greeted them, Ara felt a shiver run down her spine. She was worried, after all this was her first class. She didn't want them to get hurt. They will fly Mine. They will fly because they must. Ara nodded her head slightly, taking in a breath. "Okay," she looked over the weyrling, and smiled when she saw N'kron and Zoranille leading over their dragonets as well. Those were the last ones it seemed, and she did a double check to make certain. "The first thing I want you to do is check your riding straps, I'll come around to do that as well. Then, climb up and head over to the top of that ridge. You'll go off and glide down to the river on the other side. If you fall, you'll fall into the water...hopefully."

Ara gave a non-humorous laugh and ran a restless hand through her hair. Oh, this was going to be interesting. She went around, waiting to see each one before letting them get on their dragon and heading over to the WeyrBowl's ridge. It was a high place she had pointed to, but not overly so. This was similar to what they had done only a month back, except then it was their dragonet flying by themselves. Now their rider was on too, and that made Ara nervous. You worry for no reason. Avirith nudged her rider and crooned, opening her wings and taking off to meet the weyrlings on the ridge already. Moving her wings, she spoke to the dragonets, explaining how to maneuver themselves to help their rider balance.

Ara took a deep breath and watched the first one go over. It was now or never, fly or fall.

(Okay, feel free to have Ara say something about your riding straps when she's going by to check on them. Have fun with this guys. )

[Zirin]

"Shit we're late!" J'dol spoke loudly as he hurried into his room, quickly grabbing up the riding straps as he ran past. From her couch in the room, he could hear Kayath snort in annoyance. We would be on time if someone here wasn't too busy breaking the rules! Now hurry up Mine, today is an important day and I will NOT miss it because of your frivolous behavior! J'dol passed a glance at the Topaz as he pulled on a proper set of clothes, recalling just what had made him late in the first place. Of course it would be today of all days that he would get so.. distracted by that adorable drudge in the caverns... the caverns that just happened to be across the Weyr. He felt another grumble from Kayath, who had risen from her resting place to nudge him roughly. I'm hurrying! See? I'm done now, let's go!

They arrived at the lesson behind others, but both were surprised to see not everyone was present yet. Truly strange, but J'dol didn't care, he wouldn't look as bad now. They moved over to join the other weyrlings as Ara explained the lesson for the day. Once she had finished Kayath contacted Avirith, figuring she would at least deal with her tardiness properly, even if she still wasn't too happy with the green. We apologize for our tardiness, dear teachers, Mine was.. preoccupied. J'dol gave a meek smile to Ara, his own version of silent apology as he turned to quickly put Kayath's straps on, beginning to regret being so unprepared for this. Kayath commanded him to double check them, complaining that the front-most strap wasn't tight enough. Complying, he double checked, tightening it. One other strap needed to be tightened according to Ara, but soon he had been given the go ahead, even if he felt a bit ashamed at failing so miserably at today. Kayath knelt down, offering her front leg to help him reach her neck. Once settled, the pair quickly headed up to the top of the ridge.

I have prepared for this, J'dolMine, Kayath spoke gently as she felt her rider's nervousness. It was strange to her, to Hers was anything other than confident, We will fly, Mine. Put your faith on me, I am the best here, remember? J'dol chuckled, not realizing he had been so tense at what was about to happen. Of course everything would be alright, Kayath had become quite proficient in the air since that first flying lesson, and she had proven time and time again that she had the skill to hunt for herself. She was huge, the addition of J'dol weight shouldn't change things at all right? Not to mention there was water below them anyways... things would be fine. When her turn arrived, Kayath sent a mental nod as she spread her wings, her sides expanding as she took a deep, steadying breath and jumped from the ledge.

It was exhilarating, it was amazing, it was terrifying all at once! J'dol whooped as he felt Kayath's muscles shifting beneath him, watching as her wings caught the air and took them for a rocky, but long glide. See? Nothing to worry about. J'dol blushed. I.. wasn't worried you know. He thought back. Kayath replied with a simple feeling that said 'I know'. Knowing the end of the glide was drawing closer, she dipped her wings slightly, aiming for the ground and she rumbled as she felt J'dol nervousness returned, and without see she knew he had closed his eyes as the ground drew closer. There, all safe and sound on the ground, my two legged love. J'dol leaned back as Kayath moved out of the way for the other pairs. With a sigh, he finally spoke out loud.

"You really are amazing, my Princess."

---

Unlike the topaz pair, U'wa and Peniath were a bit later, arriving near the end of Ara's explanation. The green, being easily bored and always full of energy, had decided to get herself lost in the Weyr's tunnels just before the lesson had been called, and it had taken U'wa a decent amount of time to find her. They had made it though, if a little late. Peniath didn't seem to think there was a problem, but U'wa was beat red, his heart beating rapidly as he approached Ara.

"I.. I-I- I'm s-s-sorry for being late! I d-didn't mean to... b-but..." He paused, there was no point in making excuses, he should have been here on time. If it had been his father here, instead of Ara, he would have already received a good slap for punishment. "S-sorry..." He mumbled sheepishly, backing away quickly in the hopes of avoiding any physical punishment. Going back to Peniath's side, he adjusted the straps, apologizing again as the green complained about them being too tight. He waited with baited breath as Ara came to examine the straps, worried that he had somehow failed the task, but he was given the go ahead! Letting out his held breath, he climbed gingerly onto Peniath's back, mumbling apologies as he almost fell over her neck in his attempt to get settled. Stop apologizing!!! No one else's are being so silly! I waaaant you to be like them! It's time to be brave and courageous! This is the day we change into real dragons you know! Ooooh how I wanted to fly with you for so long! As we are meant to! She paused as final instructions were given and then spoke again in awe as the first few pairs went off the ridge. Oh Mine! Did you see that! They did so well! i want to do well Mine! We will won't we? Ooooh I hope we do!

Wiggling in anticipation, Peniath approached the ledge, excited to take off. U'wa gulped, every fiber of his being tensing as he felt the green beneath him prep for take off. he took a deep breath, ready for the inevitable, but it didn't come. It was then he realized that Peniath's wiggling had turned to shaking instead. Was she... afraid? No... everyone else did so good... what if I don't do it as well as they did.. what if you get hurt? U'wa blinked in surprise as Peniath spoke, her green head dropping slightly in her sadness. He gulped then, realizing she wouldn't jump... not yet. "It's okay Peniath..." He mumbled quietly, then spoke louder, shutting his eyes in fear. Speaking out was so scary! "I've.. I've seen you fly! And hunt! You're fast and and s-strong. You'll do well!" He gripped tightly to the straps as Peniath leaned over the ridge, her wings flaring open as she cleared the edge. Then they were aloft. Peniath trumpeted in excitement as the water rushed beneath them, and U'wa was even able to open his eyes for a moment, amazed at how.. cool flying was. He spoke too soon though, as Peniath, in her elation, forgot to follow the tips Avirith had given them moments before. Her small size wasn't accustomed to the additional weight of her rider, so when she accidentally swerved a bit, U'wa lost his balance and the two swan dived toward the water.

She surfaced, crooning worriedly to Hers as he coughed and sputtered, trying to get the water out of his lungs. She quickly swam to the edge, her eyes full of worry. Pulling out of the water and on to the land, she turned her head to check on her rider. I'm so sorry Mine! I didn't mean to! I didn't know that would happen ooooooh I wanted to do this right I'm so sorry that was so bad! I'm... Her voice caught suddenly, eyes whirling in surprise and happiness. The young rider wrapped his arms tightly around her neck and did something he couldn't remember doing in a long time: U'wa laughed freely.

[Akira]

N'ck turned and watched as the other weyrlings started to show up. He patted his white dragon's neck when the smaller dragon returned his clutch brother's greeting. See, it's not that bad to be nice to others. Kicheth snorted and shook his white head at that. He didn't care about the others. All he cared about right now, was learning how to fly with his rider. Though, he felt as though he could do it without the guidance of his green teacher.

N'ck had said it before, and will say it again. He knew Kicheth wasn't actually a male, but the small dragon really did have that kind of impact on a lot of people. Kicheth snorted at his rider's thoughts. N'ckMine you should really be paying attention to the situation at hand. As always, the white dragon's words were strict as he spoke to his rider. Even though the two of them really did love each other, they had a very strange way of showing it.

N'ck stood at attention beside his white dragon when he heard Ara's voice. Kicheth was silent as he waited for them to be allowed to fly, the white's eagerness radiating off of him in waves. N'ck nodded at the woman's words, and turned to make sure he had Kicheth's straps as secure as possible, then turned to see where Ara was, and wondered when she would get to them so he could climb up onto his dragon's back. Both of them were just itching to test their flying skills.

What do you think Ara, are we ready to go? It was obvious how nervous, and excited N'ck was by the sound of his voice. He smiled as the weyrling master walked around, and checked his dragon's straps. He jumped slightly when he heard her say that one of them was loose. He ran over to the other side of the white dragon, and noticed immediately which strap she was talking about. He smacked himself in the forehead, and quickly fixed the problem.

Kicheth shook his head, and shifted his weight from foot-to-foot as he waited, impatiently, for his rider to climb onto his back, so they can finally fly. Are we ready now N'ckMine? The white's impatient voice echoed around his rider's mind. Now that Ara's given us permission, yes! The boy quickly climbed, well, more like bounced, onto his dragon's back. The two of them were now ready for their first flight together.

N'ck was smiling from ear-to-ear as he held on tightly as his dragon ran over to where they had been told to go. Kicheth rumbled as he listened to the older green's words, but took her advice, and situated his rider so that he was more comfortable. The two of them waited, slightly impatiently, for their turn to go over the edge, and take the leap of faith. You have no reason to worry N'ckMine. Kicheth crooned to his rider as he spoke.

It was finally their turn, and N'ck really was worried now. He had seen how easily Kicheth took to the air and hunted, but would he be able to do that with him on his back? I can do anything I want N'ckMine. The white dragon's words were exited, yet exasperated at his rider. Right, sorry Kicheth. N'ck took a deep breath, and calmed himself. He needed to relax, and calm down. Otherwise, it really would be his fault if they fell.

Now that N'ck had himself calmed down, the two of them were ready to fly. Kicheth walked right up to the edge, he spread his wings, crouched, then lept from the edge of the cliff. N'ck held on as tightly as he could. He gasped for breath as his dragon righted himself in the sky after his rider finally decided to relax. They were flying...they were flying!!! N'ck yelled and screamed with pride, and excitement. Kicheth opened his white jaws, and bugled loudly.

YOU'RE DOING IT BUDDY YOUR DOING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! N'ck was practically screaming with pride as he spoke to his dragon. You doubted me N'ckMine? The dragon rumbled with sarcastic laughter. He knew that His had been scared, yet excited, about their first flight. Alright show off, let's go down. N'ck wasn't really ready to land, but he knew he had to check in with Ara and her dragon before the two of them could go again.

Kicheth sighed, but did as his rider said. He beat his strong, white wings, and landed a lot more gracefully than N'ck would have thought possible of his little white dragon. Instead of climbing off his dragon's back, he sat where he was as Kicheth walked over to Ara. So, are we good? Can we go again? N'ck was quite breathless as he excitedly asked his teacher if the two of them could fly again. Since Kicheth didn't fall during his very first flight with him, he felt that meant the two of them would be good to go.

[kitsuneko]

Contrary to his usually laidback nature, R'hard had checked and rechecked his riding straps before they even met the other weyrlings for their first rider-accompanied flight. He was scared, exactly, but he was significantly more nervous than usual about their first flight together. Kaith didn't share his worry.

Relax, Mine. The straps haven't developed any tears in the last five minutes, the brown said dryly as they stood with their fellow weyrlings. Ara was now inspecting the riding straps of all the weyrling pairs, though she hadn't yet come to the two of them.

R'hard shot a hard glance at his dragon. I can't help it. This is an important day and I don't want to mess it up!

Eh, big deal. I just want to get it over with, Kaith griped, causing R'hard to roll his eyes. Once the Weyrlingmaster inspected their straps and gave the okay for them to go, R'hard climbed onto the dragon's back--a task that, for now, was easy still, but he suspected with the way the weyrling was growing that it wouldn't remain that way for long.

R'hard took a deep breath as Kaith climbed up the ridge, then forced himself to release it as the brown began to unfold his wings. Let's go, Kaith! R'hard thought to his dragon, and then they were off! He didn't know what he'd been so afraid of--this was wonderful! The wind caught Kaith's wings and gently began to carry him downriver, but before long, R'hard could feel Kaith beginning to tire. He urged the brown to land before he strained himself; they had already proven themselves admirably.

You're heavy; you could stand to lose a few pounds, R'hardMine, Kaith said once they rejoined the other weyrlings.

And you're lazy. You could stand to exercise once a while, dragonMine, R'hard returned playfully with a mental raspberry.

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

Hirion had been looking forward to this all day, and it was no surprise that she and Ferrth were among the first to arrive. She stood fidgeting impatiently, while Ferrth tail whipped back and forth behind her, until Ara and Avirith and the other weyrlings all arrived. She was not so impatient that she neglected her riding straps though, and she checked them carefully before Ara came over to inspect them. The Weyrlingmaster nodded approvingly and soon moved on.

The blue snorted impatiently as they watched first one pair fly, then another. Is it our turn yet? he asked plaintively.

And before much more time had passed, it was their turn. Hirion jumped onto Ferrth's back and held on tight as the blue climbed his way up to their jumping off point. Ready, Hirion? Ferrth asked eagerly as he spread his wings.

Hirion grinned. "Ready!"

They jumped off the ridge and into the air. For a moment it seemed to Hirion that they were falling, but then Ferrth got his bears and his flight steadied. She grinned and craned her head over Ferrth's neck to look at the water below them. Hey Ferrth, how much fun would it be to dive into the water from dragonback?

The weyrling's eyes whirled with excitement. Do you want to try it?

Hirion laughed but shook her head. I'd like to, but I'll bet Ara and Avirith would kill us. She sighed. Oh well, I think it's time to head back now, anyway.

Ferrth rumbled in agreement as he circled back around to glide back to the group of weyrlings.

[Lark]

Nodding as the rest of the weyrling showed up, Ara smiled and mounted her green. "Okay, have them flap a few times to adjust to your weight. Remember they've been building muscle and that's why we've even had them flying with sacks of sand for a while. Now it's just up to you to adjust to riding while flying." She had Avirith flap her wings a few times to show how she adjusted to having a rider on her neck in front of the wing muscles. "Next, have them go to the top of the Weyr Heights and we'll glide on down. Try to land for the other side with the river...I hope you all don't mind getting wet!"

Avirith roared a challenge to the little ones. First one down there gets no chores for the rest of the sevenday! She ran forward to the Weyr Heights, Ara telling her to do it like the others. Once there, the green spread her wings and ran off giving them a strong flap before gliding down.

[shinska]

Aela and Talath listened as they were preparing to ride together for the first time. Aela whispered to her Obsidian, "Ready my beauty? Soon we will be in the skies together! I can hardly wait." She had been dreaming of flying with her Obsidian beauty since the moment they came together 6 months before. Aela still remembered it well. Her friend had been picked on by the first Garnetrider, D'rek. At the thought of them Aela shuddered. They did not make her list of ANY kind of lovers, friends, allies, or anything else. They were her enemies pure and simple. After Aela's straps were inspected she and and Talath took off, flapped for a bit before getting used to Aela's weight and then lurched forward toward the river. Exhilaration filled Aela and she let out a whoop of excitement. "Talath is this what its like for you when YOU "fly"?!"

Talath nodded and soon found herself landing. Aela looked around and saw they were the first to arrive. "Wow Talath! That was fun. I can't wait until we take more flights together." The girl smiled at her Obsidian and stroked the gray hide lovingly. The air felt good and when it whipped through her hair she felt like she herself had been flying and not Talath. Aela finally got her wish and her first taste of true flight. She was NEVER going to give it up!