Weyrling Training: FIRST FLIGHT

[Kitari]

Kitari's blue eyes were locked upon the progress of all those Weyrlings going before her, studying their techniques and subsequent successes or failures. She winced as one of the Weyrlings started to slip sideways while in the air, but luckily there no falls nor hard landings. Overall, the girl was quite impressed by the performances, for the riders seemed to be taking to the air as naturally as their dragons did. It was a mild first flight, to be sure, but that was the best approach. With a first success behind them, the Weyrlings would be more confident about attempting less easy flights.

When it was nearly time for her and Lefayeth to take to the skies, Kitari bent furiously over the riding straps once more, checking every cinch and yarding on the strapping to ensure that it was tight. A sudden thought occurred to her and she stopped. This isn't too tight, is it, love? It isn't hurting you?

The golden queen's head swayed for a moment, fixated as she was on the latest pair to fly, before she finally drew her attention back to her rider. The straps? They're fine! You've checked them a dozen times now, and it's time to fly! Lefayeth's tone was somewhat reprimanding, but mostly she wished to reassure her rider. Kitari did worry far too much sometimes! It made the gold slightly indignant. She was not a fragile stalk of greenery, and she didn't appreciate being treated as so by others, although she knew it was simply attentive care coming from her rider.

"All right. Let's do this," Kitari murmured, fierce determination colouring her tone. Lefayeth's head bobbed in agreement as she bent her leg to allow Kitari to clamber up easily. Once seated, the Weyrling began strapping herself in, checking these clasps as thoroughly as those around her dragon. Finally, she was satisfied with their readiness. She leaned forward, having noted that some of the riders were suffering whiplash in the initial leap, and gave Lefayeth the silent command to take to the air.

Despite her preparation, the sheer force of the leap still jarred her, and Kitari grasped the straps so tightly it was almost painful. However, the unpleasant jerking motion was soon replaced by smooth gliding once the queen had assumed a manageable height, and they coasted over the Lake. It was...glorious. All fear had vanished, swallowed up by an overwhelming feeling of freedom and thrill of flying. "This is amazing," she breathed, admiring the pale gold wings to either side of her that shifted instinctively to account for the breeze.

Let's fly away! Lefayeth interrupted suddenly, her eyes whirling with mischief. I want to see the world you always speak of, beyond the Weyr. Kitari laughed lightly, knowing that despite the longing in her dragon's voice, the gold was only teasing. As strong as the desire was to revel in this freedom and fly wherever she pleased with her lifemate, she doubted that B'kay would be amused in the slightest. No, she would wait with the other Weyrlings, enjoying the increase in freedoms they would be granted as training progresed.

I'm sorry, my heart, but it's time to land. Lefayeth humphed slightly, glaring at the shoreline below as if it had personally affronted her. Finally, she acquiesced and descended, dipping her wings to lose height without picking up too much speed, and they landed with only a minor jolt. Before Kitari even had time to ponder checking over the straps once again, Lefayeth had swiveled on the spot, warned her rider ever so briefly, and leapt back into the air.

Kitari was shocked for a moment, then grinned broadly at the gold. She had wanted to be back in the air right away, as well, and could hardly fault Lefayeth for her enthusiasm.

The straps didn't shift at all during the flight. Don't worry, I monitored them, Lefayeth informed Kitari, feeling somewhat guilty for nor waiting for a command.

It's alright, Lefayeth. I was just being silly about them anyways; they are perfectly tight. Maybe even a bit too tight for me... Her dragon rumbled in amusement, alighting on the other shore and folding her wings back to her sides.

Hmmm...maybe it was a good idea to keep the flights short. My wings feel rather tired now, Lefayeth informed her rider sheepishly. Kitari chuckled, patting Lefayeth, who had been overconfident, as always.

They will need exercise to become strong, silly dear. You don't Hatch with flight wings after all.

[D'gellin]

Although it took some fiddling, readjusting, guessing and improvisation, the final result of D'gellin's attempt at the harness wasn't quite as abdominal as he'd feared. In fact, he rather thought he'd made some improvements on the over-all design! No, no, I believe that's just the way it's supposed to look. And you're comparing it to the way you had it before. Lancetoth mused, eyeing the harness critically. And that will keep you on my back? You will not fall if that is on me? I shouldn't.[/i] D'gellin replied rather uncertainly. He wasn't entirely sure his harness was accurate. But as B'kay came by to check everyone's work, he didn't appear appalled by the state of the leather, so the young man assumed he was as close to perfect as he was going to get. Or at least not in any immediate danger. ...Right?

HA! We're free to go! Let us be off! Lancetoth boomed across their mental link, sending D'gellin's head spinning with his dragon's overeager enthusiasm. Despite his uncertainties over the harness he was grinning the reflection of Lancetoth's delight. Now hold on, hold on! D'gellin tried to hold back his bonded as the young bronze trotted over to the quickly forming line of first-flighters, snorting with distress when others managed to get their before him. Lancetoth wanted to be first! I still don't think this is quite right. But D'gellin's frown of concentration was still being overshadowed by Lancetoth's excitement as he tried to fix the straps again. Climb on! Climb on! It's nearly our turn! Lancetoth wailed, shifting about anxiously as the pair before them took off. D'gellin rolled his eyes in exasperation, though admittedly giddy, as he clambered up the offered forearm.

Just promise me you'll let me check the straps again on the other side. The young man pleaded as he pulled himself up. I really think that one buckle is- "Woah." Comfortable? Amazed.[/i] Lancetoth wasn't his full size yet, but was still fairly impressive. D'gellin could feel a certain pride welling up in his chest as he sat astride his dragon, his Lancetoth. "We're going to fly." He murmured, eyes locked ahead as he rubbed a hand on the soft bronzen neck, an eager smile alighting his face. Indeed we are! Hold on! "What?!" D'gellin just barely grabbed ahold of the straps, leaning into Lancetoth's neck as the bronze reared back. "I haven't strapped myself in yet!" The weyrling cried, his voice cast away as they took to the skies.

Gravity had nothing on them. D'gellin gasped as he felt his stomach tumbling behind them as they climbed with eager, powerful beat of Lancetoth's wings. AMAZING! This is amazing, Lanny! D'gellin let out an excited whoop, eagerly shared by his dragon's delighted bugle. They were flying! They were soaring! ...They were falling! D'gellin had about a whole twenty seconds to enjoy his and Lancetoth's first flight before a sudden thermal nearly blew an unsuspecting Lancetoth side-ways. Now this would have been fine had his rider been properly locked into his straps. ...But he wasn't. D'gellinmine! D'gellin found himself flailing through the air toward the water below, all cries of fear lost in the wind. Luckily, they'd sailed at the recommended height, so the fall wasn't quite as terrifying or dangerous as it could potentially had been. Hitting the water though, that definitely smarted. D'gellin resurfaced with a gasp, half his body a stinging red from smacking into the water. He should have dived. Why hadn't he learned how to dive? Other than that, however, he was okay! It's okay, Lanny, I'm -

Don't fear D'gellinmine!! Your Lancetoth will rescue you! What? No wait! D'gellin shielded his eyes as his bronze dove into the water next to him, sending a wave of water over the young rider. Coughing on lake water, D'gellin felt Lancetoth's nose bump against his hand. You are safe now D'gellinmine! "My hero." The weyrling coughed with a smile, unable to be irritated with the bronze. He could feel the waves of worry washing over their mental link, far more troubling than actual waves of water. D'gellin laughed as he swam over to Lancetoth's back, reaching for the dampened leather and trying to pull himself up on the now slippery hide. Lancetoth nosed him up the rest of the way. Thanks. D'gellin said at length as they started the paddle back to shore. It was only then that the weyrling felt the first burning of embarrassment in his cheeks as he saw the waiting eyes along the banks. Well I wouldn't exactly call it a most successful first flight, but at least we got off the ground!

[B'kay]

The first flights were going well, and B'kay was most pleased with his students. Thus, he nearly missed the fact that young Lancetoth and his rider D'gellin were about to leap without--

B'kay stepped forward, hand outstretched, and Syth turned his head suddenly in the weyrlings' direction, but too late. The eager bronze was already skyborne. The Weyrlingmaster held his breath ... and a moment later sincerely hoped D'gellin was holding his because he was about to get a dunking!

The man exhaled with relief as he saw the rider's head surface, and was standing at the shore, hands on hips, trying to look stern, when the pair waded in.

The look on the lad's face softened him, however ... and he decided to chalk it up as a lesson learned. A public dousing was certainly punishment enough, and he was pretty sure they wouldn't make the same mistake again.

"Forget something?" he asked very quietly, so only the young bronzerider could hear. He had a twinkle in his eye and just the hint of a smile on his face. "I assume, since you haven't called out for the healer, that you're all right ... but I'd like him to check you over anyway, just in case."

I applaud your eagerness, Syth said to Lancetoth, then tilted his head to catch his rider's next thought, And B'kaymine says you will have a chance to try again. Once the healer has seen your rider, you may get back in line for another turn with the rest.

[C'lyn]

C'lyn watched each flight and smiled, leaning against Greylith's leg as he remembered his own learning and their first flight together. He held his breath when he saw the one green rider shift side was and let it out slowly as she righted her self and adjusted her straps on the other side and made the trip back safely.

He saw B'kay step forward when D'gellin and his Lancetoth leaped into the air. He gasped as he noticed what had startled the Weyrlingmaster. He bit his bottom lip and watched, wincing as he heard the young man hit the water. He shook his head and looked down to hide a grin as he stepped forward to stand beside B'kay.

[D'gellin]

When D'gellin saw his Weyrlingmaster waiting on the shore, hands on his hips and face set, he just about wanted to excape back into the water. Shaffit, we're in trouble now. The weyrling hid behind Lancetoth's neck, hoping, wishing he could dissapear. It was bad enough he'd fallen in infront of everyone, but now he was going to get lectured for it... D'gellin groaned, leaning his forehead against his dragon's neck. Lancetoth's head swiveled around so one anxious eye could see him. You're not hurt are you, D'gellinmine? Where does it hurt? He whined, emotions reflecting His' distress. "I'm not hurt." D'gellin murmured, rolling his eyes as he pushed the probing nose away. If only for Lancetoth's sake, he had to pull himself together. And if he went in sulking, then he'd really feel the ridicule, but if he laughed it off...

D'gellin took a breath to steel himself as Lancetoth reached the bank. Though his climb down and watery walk over was less than eager, D'gellin stood before B'kay with a sheepish grin. His sopping clothes hung about his petite form in a gangly way and his plastered down hair all but covered his glinting light blue eyes. "I might have, yes." D'gellin replied with a shrug, scratching at the back of his neck self-consciously. Uhg. Healers. Couldn't he just walk away with a little dignity? Despite everything he opened his mouth to protest that he was alright, but, conviently enough, C'lyn was already joining B'kay's side. They were ganging up on him, no fair! D'gellin looked between the two, closed his mouth and sighed, defeated. "Yes, sir."

Lancetoth padded back onto shore, shaking some of the water from his hide, eyes whirling anxiously. When addressed, however, all signs of wariness dispersed with a delighted rumble of gratitude. Thank you, Syth! We won't let you down this time! "Come again?" D'gellin blurted out, looking up at Lancetoth with furrowed brows. Syth says we can try again! D'gellin's eyes widened in disbelief, turning to his Weyrlingmaster for confirmation. "We can? I mean, we can try again?"

[B'kay]

B'kay chuckled quietly, and replied, "Of course you can try again, Bronzerider," he turned and nodded respectfully to Lancetoth, "You learned a lesson yourself, taught one to the others, and there's no harm done. I've noticed that those who make early mistakes often turn into the better fighters when real trouble begins."

He looked at C'lyn, "That is, as long as the Masterhealer gives his okay."

Syth rumbled pleasantly deep within his chest. What, are you not going to tell him how you know about early mistakes? he chided teasingly.

Hush, you, some things are better kept to ourselves, he replied, though he was laughing as he did so.

[C'lyn]

C'lyn grinned to D'gellin and looked the boy over. He looked at B'kay and nodded "Aside from getting a good dunking I think he's fine. A lesson learned for sure," he said.

Greylith rumbled softly Lancetoth, you and yours are not the only ones that make mistakes. My C'lyn forgot to strap himself in once when we were first learning and slipped, getting tangled in the straps and dangled upside down with his foot in the straps[/color] she told the young bronze, rumbling her laughter. C'lyn mock glared at his green, which she simply ignored.