Weyrling Training: 'We Hunt!'

[B'kay]

The little Beastmaster straddled the fence and surveyed his handiwork. Rukbat's pre-dawn rays were just reaching over the edge of the Bowl, turning the eastern sky a muddy pink, and the bloodshot eye of the Red Star winked malevolently. The sight made Caltrain shiver, and he returned his attention to the work he had been up all night long accomplishing.

Makeshift pens, two of them, held squawking, squabbling old wherries, creatures too old to be decent breeding stock any longer, whose wings had been nicked to prevent flight. In a way he was glad B'kay had approached him about this ... he'd been thinking of separating these out for some time now, and this way they'd meet a noble end. If this worked, there were plenty more spent breeders where these came from ... the flocks and herds had grown tremendously under Caltrain's care.

There were two pens, one holding larger game, one smaller, and each opened, via a chute, into a long narrow corral. The corrals extended a long way down the Bowl, to give the dragonets a good chance to run down their prey, but were narrow enough that the wherries could be, with agility and some clear thinking on the part of the hunter, trapped. Perched by the chute-gate that would release, one at a time, the larger animals, he nodded, “Good work”, to the young assistant who manned the other chute. The boy just scowled back and sipped at the klah mug he held in his hand. Caltrain could hardly blame him. Even the promise of a full day off most likely did not make up for the lack of sleep last night.

Caltrain turned, then, and observed the dark dragonrider who milled around in the large space between the two “training pens”. He tried to recall whether or not he'd ever seen B'kay smile. He really was not fond of the man ... for some reason he didn't quite trust him. Raising his eyes to the flat-topped rocky outcropping to the east, he watched burnished sienna highlights pop out on Syth's dark bronze hide as Rukbat rose higher. Dark as his rider, that one, and just as unfathomable. The beast-man shrugged slightly and sipped at his own hot klah. All there was to do now was wait for the weyrlings to arrive.

***


B'kay paced, impatient thoughts banging around in his brain, and tried once again to shut out the objections of his dragon, who was being particularly meddling this morning.

They cannot even glide yet, the dark bronze complained. How do you expect them to catch their own breakfast?

Just do as I've asked, Syth, please. I have my reasons.

Yes, yes, you've said this. It will let you judge agility on the ground, grace, the ability of the rider to control his or her partner. Syth shifted, and an orange glow shimmered along his neck ridges as if they'd been set momentarily on fire. But to tell them they won't eat today unless they can catch their own food is....

I've told you, it's not cruel, I have backup carcasses....


I was about to say, is a lie.

The bronzerider cast his dragon a scathing look. Last time you said it was cruel.

I have many objections.

This will work, trust me. Something similar worked for your clutch.

And I recall stumbling over my young feet and bloodying my nose on the ground, too.

B'kay smiled, his sarcasm touched with affection. Is that what this is about, my One? You're afraid they'll show you up?

Syth grumbled darkly and turned his back on his rider. It is early, I will nap while you torture your students.

B'kay laughed out loud, and noted that the Beastmaster and his assistant both jumped at the sound. Just call out the weyrlings before you doze, will you?

The nearly-black bronze raised his head for a moment and did so: Weyrlings will now report ... yes I know the day is not yet full light ... yes I did say “now” ... report to the far end of the feeding grounds. Today you take another large step toward becoming grown dragons. Today ... you Hunt!

Grinning darkly, satisfied at Syth's wording, B'kay folded his arms and turned toward the Weyrling Barracks, to wait....

***


We HUNT! We HUNT!

The excited voice of her dragonet roused Ravyna abruptly, and not altogether cheerfully, from sleep. She'd been having a very pleasant dream about a very pleasant-looking bronze rider, and she didn't really appreciate being awakened before they got to the good part. She sat up in bed and scowled at Igrainth.

What do you mean 'we hunt', you little wherry-head? You can't even fly!

SYTH SAYS! Igrainth said importantly and raised her head high as she clambered from her couch.

Confused, Ravyna rose from the comfort of her own bed and pulled on the work clothes she'd laid out the night before. So Syth says, does he? What on Pern had that lout B'kay thought up for them this time?

It was several long minutes later, her dragon bouncing around her impatiently and prodding her on, that Ravyna strolled (toward the tail end of the pack as usual) casually into the Bowl. The sight far across the feeding grounds caused her to stop in surprise. Igrainth had apparently been correct ... for there, instead of hanging carcasses and sharp knives, were two large pens filled with loud, smelly, noisy wherries.

Live Meat! Live Meat! Igrainth rushed ahead and doubled back as they made their way across the Bowl. Hurry, hurry, we HUNT today!

Ravyna shook her head, sorely doubting the Weyrlingmaster's sanity. “So we do,” she grumbled darkly.

***

Before they had even all arrived in the waiting area between the pens, Syth was relaying instructions to the young dragons, who translated for their riders:

-- There are two different sized groups of wherries. The larger beasts are in the pen where bronzes, browns and golds will practice. The smaller prey is for the blues and greens. If riders feel that their own dragon would fare better with the other pen, it is permissible to change ... the sizes are guidelines, not rules.

-- Riders and dragons will decide among them who goes in what turn [note: just post away, we don't need to actually go in any kind of order]. The rider will direct their dragon into the corral, a three-count will be given, and the chute-handler will release the prey, one at a time, into the corral. [These are old, wise wherries, remember and should present some interesting challenges.]

-- The dragon will do his or her best to run down, trap, and dispatch breakfast. For most dragons, one wherry should suffice ... [<G>. Be interesting to see whose dragons have the major appetites, though. ] Once captured and killed, the rider will direct his mount out of the corral, and the dragon will take his or her kill off to the side to eat it neatly, the rider supervising the dining to be sure the young dragon doesn't try to take on chunks that are too large, etc. This will ensure that every dragon has a chance to hunt and eat breakfast ... before supper time. (The last statement was delivered with a touch of sarcasm, and an amused glance at his rider.)

((Jump on in. :-) I look forward to reading everyone's "creative hunting techniques". Have fun! Oh, and feel free to 'mini-play' Caltrain and his assistant as they release the wherries for your dragons.))

[Journye]

H'ter groaned as he rolled over, feeling something nudge against him Wake up Mine H'ter. Syth says we hunt today.[/color] Bediverth informed his rider, nudging him again. H'ter opened his eyes slowly, rubbing sleep from his left eye as he looked at his brown bonded But you can't fly yet. H'ter said in confusion causing Bediverth to snort and look at his rider as if he was simple minded. H'ter made a face and rolled out of bed, tugging on a work shirt since he'd worn his pants to bed Don't give me that look Bedi, I'm not awake yet the young man grumbled.

The pair stumbled out into the early morning air, well H'ter stumbled and Bediverth did his best to not waddle too much. H'ter noticed a few of the other weyrlings already gathering by the two new pens, listening to his brown relay Syth's instructions. He looked at the pen that his Bediverth would practice in, nodding his appreciation at the workmanship, having high respect for Caltrain. Bediverth sniffed toward the chute that would allow the wherry he was to hunt to come out, his tail swishing with barely contained excitement. H'ter grinned at his Brown's attempt to hide his excitement, knowing he didn't like to do anything that might me construed as being young.

H'ter shrugged and looked over the pen as Bediverth took his place within the pen, he could hear the wherries shifting in fear. Are you ready Bedi? H'ter as the brown Yes H'ter mine. I want to catch my breakfast, I am hungry[i/] the brown said, causing H'ter to chuckle. He nodded to the man standing by the chute to begin the count down. H'ter leaned against the pen as he watched Bediverth crouched down, as the chute opened and the wherry ran forward.

The brown watched as the wherry looked around wildly, flapping its useless wings in an attempt to fly away. Bediverth slowly crept forward, thinking that the wherry was preoccupied with wanting to get out of the pen, but was mistaken as the creature turned around with an angry sound and lashed out at the brown. Bediverth stumbled backwards and landed ungracefully on his side, wing nearly pinned. H'ter started to climb over the pen, but stopped himself, his Bediverth had to learn to do this You're doing fine Bedi, that was a good idea, but you might have to tire it out first, he suggested to the brown as he stood up and shook himself off.

Bediverth rumbled softly toward the wherry who was now watching him. He tilted his head at the beast, snorting, just for that they wherry was definitely breakfast. The brown crouched down again and then charged the bird creature with as much of a roar as he could make, sending the wherry scurrying away.

The brown repeated this processes until the wherry wasn't quick enough and he was finally able to pounce upon the beast, snapping at its neck. It took Bediverth a moment to figure out how to break the wherry's neck once he had it pinned, but once he did he looked back at his bonded who whooped loudly "Way to go Bedi!" he said out loud, beaming proud of his little brown who was dragging his kill away from the pen to allow the next weyrling their turn.

((Ugh that wasn't the best I'm sorry. I'll post my other weyrlings tomorrow when my muse is more awake.))

[Shikai]

((Here’s my intro posts for the three I’m bringing here. ^^’ I’ll post their actual hunting…tomorrow. Or sometime soon after. xD ))

T’REN T’REN T’REN![/color]

The excited speech of his blue dragon was the first thing T’ren heard as he awoke, the voice forcing his mind from its sleeping state. “Wha…?” He replied, somewhat grumpily, rubbing the sleep from his eyes with clumsy fists as he sat up in his bunk. “Where’s the fire, Owaith?” He added, the end of his dragon’s name turning into a yawn. The dragon in question butted his rider with his teal-colored muzzle.

We’re going hunting today, T’ren! I’m going to hunt![/color] He answered, his eyes whirling with excitement.

T’ren stared at his dragon dubiously. “Hunting?” He repeated, his still groggy mind slowly registering the word. “Don’t you have to be able to fly to do that…and shards, Owaith, what time is it? The sun’s not even up yet!” He exclaimed. Syth says.[/color] Replied the dragon, unconcerned and still excited.

“Syth…” T’ren said slowly, again experiencing a delay between when he heard the word and when he understood it. Then suddenly it clicked. “Oh! B’kay’s dragon. B’kay the Weyrlingmaster! Weyrling lessons! Weyrling lessons must be starting today!” Now fully awake, T’ren leapt out of bed, hurriedly getting dressed. His hair wasn’t given so much as a thought. “Right, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

---------

H’run.[/color]

The boy in question groaned softly, rolling over to face the bronze dragon on the stone couch beside his bunk. Unfocused blue eyes slowly grew clearer as they took in Gawyth’s face. What is it, Gawyth? He answered, completely awake by this time. Years of a trader’s hectic lifestyle had made him used to having to get up at odd hours of the night.

We need to go. Syth’s calling. We’re going hunting today.[/color] He informed his rider, his tone slightly apologetic for waking his rider so early.

More like tonight. H’run quipped, noting that the Rukbat had not even come out yet. Ah well. Let’s be off, then? He gave Gawyth a wry smile, and pushed away the blankets to swing himself out of his bed. He pulled on a shirt and stuffed his feet into his boots, absently patting down his black hair with one hand while running the other affectionately over Gawyth’s nose. The bronze rose to his feet, stretching like a cat before following H’run out of the weyrling barracks.

The young bronzerider, bathed in Rukbat’s soft, morning light, joined the few others who were present at what appeared to be pens containing wherries. The wherries, despite furious flapping, were unable to get off the ground, probably due to clipped wings, the boy noted. Ah. So that was what Gawyth and Syth meant by ‘hunting’. But how exactly were they to proceed…?

The instant the question was in his mind, Gawyth provided the answer, relaying the information he was obtaining from his dragon. A faint smile crossed his face, the smile reserved for his beloved dragon. The wonders of being impressed to such a creature never ceased to amaze him.

…So, I suppose we should go to that pen.[/color] Gawyth concluded, flicking his bright-flecked muzzle toward the area with the larger wherries.

Oh! Right. H’run responded, coming back to reality. Gawyth laughed at him mentally as the two moved quietly to the other pen. He was in no real hurry to go first, so they simply stood by to wait for their turn.

---------

Alana. Wake up, Alana.[/color] Gwynevith gently nudged her rider with her golden nose. Alana’s eyes fluttered open. “Gwynevith…? What is it? It’s so early…” She said sleepily as she stretched her arms over her head. Syth is calling. I am to learn to hunt today, Alana.[/color] The dragon responded patiently, but her excitement was just evident to her rider beneath her calm overtone. “That’s great, Gwynevith! Um…oh, you mean now? It must be early.” She added, forcing herself out of bed.

“Oof!” She exclaimed, as she failed, in her sleepiness, to step high enough over Gwynevith, and was pitched forward, the floor suddenly looking much closer. Fortunately, Gwynevith’s head caught her fall, and Alana caressed the eye ridges now beneath her fingers thankfully. “Thanks Gwynevith! That was close, wasn’t it?” She said with a laugh. The gold seemed to get bigger every day; it was no wonder she had misjudged the height, she thought lovingly. “At least I’m awake now”.

With that, Alana dressed herself and took a moment to apply oil to Gwynevith’s shoulder, which itched and was looking rather dry.

Come now! Let us go![/color] The dragon announced, standing regally by the door. Alana smiled sleepily and moved forward, joining her dragon in their walk toward the wherry pens.

[B'kay]

Igrainth watched excitedly as her clutchmates gathered, and her eyes swirled with admiration when her sibling Bediverth dispatched his first kill. Ravyna had to admit, she was also impressed ... though she probably wouldn't confess that to H'ter. The truth was, she felt very little connection to the other junior weyrlings. Many of them, even though she was really no older than them in turns, simply seemed so ... young. Ravyna had been used to giving orders and controlling her own life ... and often the lives of others as well ... before coming to the Weyr. In many ways she missed that.

Her bond with Igrainth, however, far more than made up for any power she'd left behind in her old life. It also gave her the potential of new powers she'd never imagined before now, once her dragon was grown.

The "power" on her mind at the moment, however, was that of a very little green dragonet over one juicy, stupid wherry.

Igrainth had been shifting with impatience, her wings held high over her back like two hands pressed together in prayer. I can do that, 'VynaMine, I can do that easily!

No one had yet stepped forward to claim the pen with the smaller wherries, so (Igrainth being one of the smallest in the clutch) Ravyna opened the entry gate for her dragon.

Igrainth contained her excitement, outwardly showing an air of confidence, for the other dragonets ... and great dark Syth ... were watching. Inside, however, she was a bubbling mass of emotion.

Once the little green was inside, her marbled mixture of green-shades shifting under the rising sun, Ravyna nodded to the young lad manning the chute. She heard him count down to three, and, suddenly, a smallish mass of frenzy was shooting past the little dragon, in a panicked attempt to reach the other end of the corral.

Igrainth stood stock still for a heartbeat, taken by momentary surprise, as the beast rushed past her. Then she spun with much more grace than would be expected in a hatchling so young, and, leaped after it with almost feline movements.

The wherry turned and spun back, and the little dragon followed ... using her long, narrow wings to keep from toppling to the side. The wherry gained ground, and headed back toward the chute end of the pen.

It slowed, glancing back with beady eyes, as it realized it was cornering itself, and spread it's stubby wings to take flight.

Flapping like a sheet in the wind, the crippled wings did nothing but give the little dragon a broader target, and, with a roar, she closed ... and pounced....

... and landed on empty ground. She felt the wherry rush out from between her hind legs! It had moved just at the right second and made its escape. Igrainth raised her body up and looked underneath herself in confusion.

Ravyna covered her eyes and moaned, unsure of whether to hide ... or to giggle. Giggling was not her style, however, and she'd never hidden from anything in her life ... except, of course, from the law on occasion.

Recover, my Heart, you can do this!

It is much faster ... and smarter! ... than I thought it would be!

Not smarter than a dragon! Ravyna encouraged.

Taking heart, Igrainth turned and pursued. The wherry had reached the far end of the corral by now, so Igrainth crouched low as she moved, and took advantage of the fact that the prey was now focused on trying to get through the bars of the pen. She was nearly close enough to pounce again, and made to gather herself, when the beast turned suddenly and made a rush at her face, damaged wings flying as weapons, claws scratching at the air.

Igrainth, startled, cried out and attempted to reverse, tripping over her own tail in the process, and rolled onto her back. The wherry, seeing a chance at possible escape, increased its attack and flew into her.

The little dragon opened her mouth in a frantic squeal, and when she closed it, she discovered that she had managed to chomp down on one of the beast's scaly legs!

Wings battered her face, and the claws of the other hindmost leg scratched at her muzzle and cheek, but Igrainth held fast. She had caught the thing!

But what to do with it!?

Panic began to set in, the wherry was hurting her! She raised the protective lids of her vulnerable eyes and, half-blind, jerked her head away ... still holding on to the leg ... to avoid those flailing wings!

The wherry's neck snapped around with the force, and a loud *crack* rang out as its ugly head connected with the upright post of the fence.

Suddenly, everything went still.

Startled, Igrainth dropped her prey and rolled upright again. It lay there, stunned from the blow, but still twitching, still alive.

Frantic to prevent her foe from rising and attacking her again, Igrainth let out a little roar and pounced, stomping the ugly, nasty thing under her feet. She pounded and stamped, dug with her claws, and then leapt back to examine the carcass again.

She sniffed and sniffed, trying to detect signs of life, but the wherry had been rather indelicately, but thoroughly, dispatched.

She turned to her bonded, who stood, staring, her mouth open as if she'd been thinking about screaming, her face a pale mask of shock.

I killed it! I did it ... I think.

Ravyna shook herself, recovered quickly, and replied, Your methods might be a bit ... unorthodox ... my Heart, but you certainly seem to have made your first kill.

She opened the gate for her dragon, and Igrainth delicately lifted the wherry by one wing. The other wing promptly fell off, so badly had she mangled the body.

Held held proudly high, in a "my dragon meant to do that!" stance, Ravyna strode swiftly into the pen and, swallowing her disgust, picked up the other wing by the tip and followed Igrainth back out of the pen.

She gathered as much false-confidence as she could muster, and called out, "Next!" over her shoulder as she led Igrainth to a quiet spot.

As Igrainth delicately pulled bits of fresh meat from the mangled carcass, Ravyna pulled out the little tin of soothing numbweed ointment they'd been taught to carry in their beltpouch and, using the corner of her tunic as a dauber, tended to the beading scratches the wherry had left on the little green's muzzle and cheek.

Battle scars! Igrainth said proudly, as she chewed and carefully swallowed a bit of meat.

Ravyna chuckled softly, never noticing B'kay's scowl, as he shook his head and made marks on the tablet he held in his hands.

[Journye]

Journye slowly opened one eye when she felt a nudge against her arm, not at all surprised to see Lucaith staring at her expectantly. She sighed softly and sat up Why so early Lucaith? she asked as she swung her legs over the edge of her cot. The little blue bounced back away from the bed and shifted from foot to foot excitedly We hunt, we hunt! Syth says we are to learn to hunt mine![/color] he told her so quickly, it took the Journey-woman a moment to register what had been said. She frowned as she stood to get dressed, realizing how early it was. She was used to getting up early as a healer, but since impressing Luciath she had been more tired, probably because of the blue's many questions about everything and his innocence. She sighed down and gingerly touched the still tender, scarring spot on her temple from the hatching day. She slipped on her boots and headed toward the door, stumbling slightly as Lucaith rushed in front of her, eager to experience something new, a trait that she loved about him in spite of his innocence in all things. She really wished things were as harmless and nice as he saw them at first.

She watched the blue as he bounded ahead of her as they walked out into the early morning air, chuckling at his excitement to learn something new. She put her hair up into a simple braid as she followed him to the pens that had been set up, listening carefully as he relayed Syth's instructions almost too quickly for her to comprehend Slow down just a touch love, I need to understand whats going on too, she said gently. Lucaith stopped and waited for her to catch up as he reached the pen indicated for the blues and greens. He repeated what he had been told a little more slowly as he watched Bediverth and then Igrainth take their turns.

Journye watched as well, a brow arching slightly at Igrainth's method, but it worked no matter the way it was done. Bediverth also dispatched his wherry and she could see the quick thoughts of her Lucaith as he took in what he was seeing, nearly quivering with excitement. She reached down and smoothed a hand down his neck You need to calm down just a bit dear heart, you need to think clearly so you don't get hurt, she told him softly as she knelt before him. He nuzzled his head into her chest I will try mine, but I want to learn![/color] he told her, causing her to chuckle. She gently scratched his eye ridges and stood to open the gate for him.

Lucaith stepped into the pen and looked around, hearing the person at the gate that let his food out start to count. He crouched down and edged closer to the chute as the count down started. As soon as the chute opened he pounced, but came up short as he stumbled right at the opening when the wherry didn't come out. He snorted and backed up, looking at the small wherry who was staring out at him. He backed to the other end of the pen and tilted his head in confusion Why is it just standing there mine?[/color] he asked. Journye looked at the man at the chute who was now prodding the wherry out.

The wherry squawked its anger and stepped out into the pen, flapping use less wings before looking for a way out, starting to panic now that it was out of the relative safety of the chute.

Lucaith prowled forward, his tail nearly twitching like a cat's as he stalked toward the panicking wherry. who was pacing at the far end of the pen, looking for a way to get out. Once he was close enough, Lucaith pounced and the wherry shifted away and the blue came up short against the railing of the pen with a rather loud thud. Journye started to yank the gate open, but Lucaith stood and shook his head to clear it.

He stared at the wherry in disbelief, It moved![/color] he told his bonded, more upset at the creature moving then hurt at running into the rails. Journye sighed in relief Thats because it doesn't want to end up as food, but thats what its here for she explained to her little blue as he stared at the bird creature. He was quiet and still a long moment, processing this new bit of information. Journye sent him gentle encouragements and he paced forward again, looking more determined. The wherry eyed the blue warily as Lucaith edged closer.

Lucaith acted as if he was going to pounce again and the wherry shifted again, but this time Lucaith was fast enough to swat out with one taloned front foot, catching the wherry along the side. The creature squawked and stumbled, giving the blue time enough to pounce on it, clamping powerful jaws around its neck. After a long moment the bird finally stopped struggling, going limp as it passed away. The blue let go of it and stared at it a long moment before finally dragging it out of the open gate I did it mine! I got breakfast. I'll share with you mine![/color] Journye laughed and shook her head I'm not hungry right now Lucaith heart, she told him as she followed him over to his selected spot, kneeling down to watch him eat and make sure he didn't choke.

((I can't believe that took me an hour to write! My muse is not helping me today. I'll post my other two weyrlings either later or tomorrow, sorry))

[Shikai]

Alana and Gwynevith looked on as Bediverth attacked the wherry, and the girl couldn’t help but wince as the dragon fell on his side. I hope his wing is alright… She commented to Gwynevith, as the brown looked to have nearly fallen on it. I think he’s ok.[/color] She responded, as Bediverth returned to his feet and went back to hunting the wherry.

She shifted her attention to Igrainth, who was hunting in the other corral. The poor dragon! She looks terrified! Alana exclaimed as Igrainth squealed, and her face was scratched by the wherry’s vicious claws. Oh Gwynevith…be careful! Take your time and don’t let the wherry scratch you! I don’t want you to get hurt.

Nonsense![/color] Gwynevith reassured her rider, nuzzling the girl with her head. I won’t allow that wherry to hurt me. Don’t worry, I will be fine. [/color] Not feeling totally convinced, Alana gave her dragon a wry smile. Just be careful.

By this time, Bediverth had finished in the corral for the larger dragons, and the young men manning the corral looked expectantly at the small group of weyrlings standing by. I’ll go. I know you will not stop worrying until I do, will you?[/color] Gwynevith jested, but Alana could only smile feebly back. I am strong. We both are. We can do this.[/color] The dragon said, and the strength in her tone did more to make Alana feel better than anything had yet. Alright. Let’s get this over with. Make sure you catch a big one, Gwynevith! It’s going to be your breakfast, remember? She joked back, and Gwynevith butted softly her with her beautiful golden head before striding confidently forward. Alana, linked as she was to the gold’s mind, could tell that her dragon wasn’t quite as confident as she seemed. But Gwynevith would never let the other dragons and riders see it. The assistant opened the gate, and Gwynevith stepped in, head held high.

Alana’s heart pounded as the other gate creaked open, and the wherry that was to be Gwynevith’s opponent came racing out so quickly that it appeared to be flying, despite its clipped wings. Gwynevith, however was not going to be deterred so easily.

Gwynevith stood her ground as the wherry charged toward her, rocking back onto her hind feet and rising up off of her front ones, stretching out to her full height and unfurling her wings in a truly impressive demonstration of her size. She bugled her challenge to the bird, using her body to keep it from getting past her. The wherry balked, fluttering its wings as it leapt back, holding up its front claws threateningly.

Now hold still, breakfast![/color] She commanded, and sprung forward using her powerful hindquarters. However, size and strength always compromised speed, and the lighter creature skittered back just out of reach of her dangerous claws. Caught in the momentum of her pounce, Gwynevith tumbled forward, loosing her footing as she rolled onto her side, lifting her wings just in time to avoid landing on one. Keep at it, Gwynevith! You can get it! Alana encouraged, masking her worry. Yes, I will get the stupid creature! It's going to be my breakfast whether it likes it or not![/color] Alana folded her arms over her chest, raising her chin and trying to look proud and strong, as Gwynevith did. Her eyes, however, revealed her anxiety for her dragon’s safety, as they frantically darted between dragon and wherry.

Yet the mental dialogue had not distracted the dragon from the task at hand, and, seeing that the wherry had only just managed to flutter out of reach of her claws, it was still within range of her now free hind feet. She kicked out swiftly and forcefully with them, as she would if she were trying to propel herself into the air, and to her excitement, one reached its target. Her foot caught the unprepared wherry across the head with an awful thwack, causing the horrible bird to squawk in surprise shake its head, stunned. This gave Gwynevith the opportunity she needed, and she quickly pulled herself to her feet and lunged forward with her head, sinking her teeth into the wherry’s neck. She crunched down, severing the spinal chord, and easily killing the beast. With the wherry now dangling from her blood-stained muzzle, she turned to Alana with a cheeky glint in her whirling blue eyes, the red tint quickly fading.

See, mine? That was not so bad.[/color] She remarked confidently, and swaggered happily out of the pen again, head held high with pride. And, Alana thought, she was right to be proud, as were all the other dragons who finally succeeded in killing their first wherry. All the same, she was very glad it was over. “Great job, Gwynevith! You were wonderful!” She praised her dragon, eyes sparkling with love. Gwynevith looked up, eyes whirling back at her bonded.

Now, to eat! Gwynevith remarked happily, and the two left the line to enjoy the fruits, or rather meat, of the gold’s labor.

[B'kay]

Syth, keenly interested now, nudged at his rider. His head was raised, his eyes sparkling, as he observed the young dragons' first hunt. They are doing well! he said, his mental voice toned with proud amusement. I think I might actually like being Weyrlingmasters.

B'kay, not about to go quite that far, grunted softly and gave Syth a curt nod, as he continued to make notes. The tablet was quickly filling with words like "inventive", "more agile than I'd expected", "recovers very well", "very determined", "thinks on her feet".

What he said aloud, however, was, "Keep at it, weyrlings. So far no one's going to starve! Let's keep it that way!"

Syth rumbled disapprovingly, You could give them more encouragement than that.

The dark rider cast the dark dragon a reproachful look ... not because he was actually angry, but because he knew Syth was probably right. Reluctantly, he added:

"Not bad!"


Better than nothing, Syth relented, and returned his attention to the "Hunt".

[Journye]

S'lem grunted as he felt the bed under him bounce repeatedly, shifting him closer and closer to the edge of the bed. He was just coming awake as he felt himself falling. He flailed his arms trying to catch himself, but to no avail as he landed sprawled on the floor, one foot still up on the bed and tangled in the blankets. He groaned and laid his head back when he saw Griflith looking at him over the edge of the bed Are you alright mine? Syth says we are going to hunt today, I'm ready to go mine, hurry, hurry![/color] The little blue informed his rider as he bounced down to the floor, shifting from foot to foot in his impatience to be going. S'lem sighed and picked himself up off the floor, wincing at his sore tail bone Alright Griflith, just let me get dressed, He told the over anxious blue.

He stretched and pulled on his work clothes and boots, not remembering feeling so tired before he impressed his Griflith. It wasn't that he did more then the other weyrlings, it was that it took forever to get his blue to go to sleep, Griflith being so full on energy that sometimes it was hard for his rider to keep up, but he wouldn't trade it for the world, he loved his blue and all his quirkiness.

Hurry! I don't want to be late![/color] Griflith was bouncing his front feet now, very much reminding S'lem of a canine. S'lem sighed and smiled at the little blue as he reached down to scratch his eye ridges We will have time Griflith, I hear others just now leaving as well, He informed the impatient blue who merely huffed and headed out the door with out waiting for his rider. S'lem shook his head and followed, easily catching up with his longer legs, chuckling as Griflith swatted his leg with his longer then normal tail.

As they reached the two pens set up for them, S'lem glanced around for his sister as he listened to Griflith relaying Syth's instruction. S'lem spotted his sister and turned his complete attention back to Griflith who was now head butting him in the knee. Be patient love, you will get your turn, he told the blue as first Igrainth and the Lucaith took their turns in the pen for the blues and greens. Griflith watched curiously as his two clutch sisters dispatched their wherries in completely different manners. He turned to watch the larger pen as well Why can't I hunt in there? I could do as good as Bediverth and Gwynevith against those big things,[/color] Griflith said as he headed toward the bigger pen. S'lem frowned I don't want you to get hurt Griflith and those are much bigger wherries, he said as he followed the blue.

Griflith snorted and looked back at his bonded I want to hunt in the big pen![/color] the blue said, reminding S'lem like a child having a tantrum. He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment, knowing just how stubborn and headstrong Griflith could be for a blue. He opened his eyes and looked at Griflith who was staring at him expectantly. He was an average size for a blue he had been told, the only "oddity" about him, as they put it, was his tail, longer and thinner then most others.

Griflith decided he didn't wish to wait all day for his bonded so made the decision for them a he walked over to the gate. The man there looked at S'lem who nodded, giving in as he walked over to the railing. The man shrugged and opened the gate to allow the blue inside. S'lem stood on the bottom railing of the pen, just to be ready to jump in for his blue. He glanced around at the other weyrlings, feeling so much older then most of them, remembering just how lucky he was to have Griflith.

You be careful, S'lem told his blue as the man at the chute began his count down. Griflith looked intently at the chute I will mine. You're Griflith has a big appetite so he needs a big breakfast![/color] S'lem chuckled at that then nearly held his breath as the wherry was let loose into the pen.

The creature stampeded into the pen, nearly bowling over Griflith in its haste to find an escape route. The blue squeaked and jumped out of the path of the wherry, tripping over his feet and going nose first into the ground. S'lem was nearly over the railing when he felt a hand grab his belt. He glared at the man who had been at the gate, but was informed that his dragon had to do it himself. S'lem started to yell at the man, but was interrupted by Griflith.

The blue stood and shook himself, his chin skinned up, but ther wise fine It tried to run me over! Now its really going to be breakfast![/color] Griflith took off after the panicked wherry, who had now cornered itself. It lashed out at the blue who managed to duck the talons and pounce on the creature. The wherry struggled against the blue, raking Griflith under belly twice before he was able to get his muzzle around the bird's neck. He shook his head violently, much as a canine will with its prey, until the wherry's neck snapped loudly. Griflith stood there for a moment before dragging the large wherry toward the gate Mine....breakfast hurts,[/color] he informed his rider, who was meeting him at the gate. S'lem helped Griflith drag the wherry to a quiet spot to eat and looked at his stomach, thankfully the scratches there weren't too deep and he pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed numb weed onto Griflith chin and belly before the blue dug into his meal, S'lem having to admonish him a few times for taking too big of a bite.

[D'gellin]

D'gellinmine! D'gellinmine, get up, my lazy friend! It's time to hunt! Lancetoth declared enthusiastically, nosing his bonded's face insistently with his light bronze snout. D'gellin, bleary eyed and startled from sleep, gasped at the blurry muzzle and stumbled backwards, his arms thrown up for protection. "Shards!" He cried as he tumbled backwards off his cot, hitting his head on the floor. "Shaffitshaffitshaffit"

No time for shaffing, mine! Lancetoth announced as he trotted around the bed to D'gellin, head held high and undeterred. Now do stop rolling about on the floor and let us be off! He added, tilting his head at the weyrling. "What are you talking about?" D'gellin queried with something of despair, blinking tears of sleep and pain out of his eyes. It was still quite dark outside and, being a late riser himself, D'gellin struggled to wrap his now throbbing mind around why they were up so early.

The medium sized bronze sighed with excessive exasperation as he nosed D'gellin to his feet and guided the boy to his tangle of clothes. Syth and His say we are to hunt today! The time does not matter! All the more exciting! Lancetoth explained patiently. D'gellin narrowed his eyes in sleepy disdain at Lancetoth's additional words of enthusiasm, which the weyrling was quite certain had by no means been included in the original dialogue. But as Lancetoth continued to pronounce encouragement and excitement as they made their way outside, and D'gellin scrubbed the lingering sleep from his eyes, even the cranky not-an-early-riser couldn't remain irritable.

Here we are! Oh look at that! Marvelous Igraith; it looks quite dead. Lancetoth declared with delight at the sight of the mangled wherry being dragged away by his clutch-sister. D'gellin was disinclined to find that at all something to look forward to, but his bronze's excitement was far too contagious to crinkle his nose at. Instead he diverted his eyes to the narrow corals, one hand remaining on Lacetoth so neither would be separated in the growing crowd of weyrlings. What's this all about then? He asked at length, having seen an example in progress, his attention was now piqued and he didn't grudge the excited smile that was quickly mirroring the enthusiasm of his dragon.

Oh! Lancetoth belated realized his lack of explanation and quickly relayed what Syth had previously explained, his long tail flicking in an excitement dangerous for anyone walking behind him. D'gellin's eyes, now as free from sleep as his mind, were alight at the idea. And of course I will take down the biggest one. Lancetoth declared, puffing up his little chest with pride. I have no doubt. D'gellin's crooked smile was hardly frame enough for the mutual anticipation the duo felt as yet another wherry was taken down. Just try to stay clear of those claws...D'gellin noted somewhat grimly, not at all liking how they tore into one dragonet's soft hide.

It won't come close. Was the confident response as they made their way to the larger of the corrals.

((Shaking off the rust. XD I'll post the actual hunt...later...X3; ))

[Shikai]

H’run took a deep breath, letting the air slowly out of his mouth in an attempt to quell his nerves. He didn’t want to see his precious Gawyth hurt, after all, but it looked like few dragons were emerging without some sort of injury. Relax, mine![/color] Gawyth replied with a yawn. I’ll be just fine. Besides, I’m hungry, and those wherries are looking very tasty.[/color] He remarked, watching with amusement as Grifflith veritably bounced into the pen intended for the larger dragons, apparently against his rider’s wishes. I have no doubt I can best one of those featherbrained wherries, after all.[/color] Added Gawyth, looking toward the wherry pen.

Yes, that’s what worries me. You’ve got bronze’s disease, my little fellow. H’run replied nonchalantly. Bronze’s /disease/?[/color] The dragon responded, dubiously. Yes. Overconfidence. Gawyth snorted. There’s nothing wrong with believing in yourself.[/color] Ah, but there is, if you overestimate yourself and underestimate your enemy. Gawyth cocked his head to the side, considering this. I suppose this is true. I will keep that in mind. [/color]

The two looked up from their silent conversation as Griffleth tottered out with his wherry, and H’run nearly grimaced at the sight of the scratches the blue bore. Take care that doesn’t happen to you, Gawyth. Good luck! He wished his dragon, as they now seemed to be next in line. I told you, I’ll be just fine.[/color] The dragon replied off-handedly, and paused at the gate’s entrance as it was opened for him. He stepped inside, positioning himself in the center of the narrow chute, and turned his head to look expectantly at the wherry pen. It creaked open, and a wherry waddled out through its chute. It seemed quite content and unaware of the danger it was soon to be in, and it looked to be an easy fight. Until the bird fully emerged, and saw Gawyth.

It made a lunge for the dragon, claws scratching madly, and the bronze leapt back, out of the way, preparing to counterattack. The wherry, however, had other plans, and abruptly turned the other way and ran. Stupid featherbrained creature…[/color] Gawyth muttered, and started loping after it at a manageable, measured pace. He could see that the chute ended, and he only needed to trap the wherry there and it would soon be breakfast. No use wasting his energy trying to catch up.

Caught at the end, the creature fluttered its useless wings, clucking loudly as it tried to escape. Perfect.[/color] Thought Gawyth, and he advanced upon it, prepared to kill it easily. However, he underestimated the sheer ferocity and strength of will of a cornered animal. The wherry whirled upon him, and its claws raked his shoulder. Gawyth hissed in anger as ichor started to drip from the wound, and lashed out with his own fore claws. He surged forward, latching onto the wherry’s wing. The creature squawked and struggled, but Gawyth only tightened his hold, and pinned the wherry with a forepaw as he shook his head savagely, nearly tearing the wing off. The bird, still determined to live, increased its struggling, and caught Gawyth across the cheek with its claw. But the bronze was not deterred, and dropped the wing, which looked to be hanging by a thread, and this time crunched his jaws down onto the wherry’s head. With a sickening sound, his teeth punctured the skull and pierced through to the brain, and the bird went limp.

His opponent now dead, Gawyth dropped the wherry, and lifted his now bloodstained muzzle as he bugled his victory. Grabbing it again with his mouth, he padded back to the gate. He nodded to his clutchbrother Lancetoth as he passed the other bronze, and rejoined H’run.

Well. How d’you think I did?[/color] He asked curiously. Hm. A bit brash, but well enough. H’run answered, and Gawyth thought it over briefly, then nodded in acceptance. Yes, I suppose so.[/color] It got you in the shoulder. And the cheek, it looks like. Does it hurt? H’run asked, concerned, as they sat down and Gawyth began eating. Not really.[/color] The bronze replied between mouthfuls of food, which H’run mentally reminded to make smaller. H’run pulled out the numbweed salve and a swath of gauze anyway, and gently wiped the ichor off. Looks like it’s clotted nicely. It wasn’t a deep wound, thankfully for you! He commented as he swabbed on some salve, and Gawyth sighed. Thank you.[/color] There! I expect next time, you won’t get any injuries! You’d better not, you know. I know what I’m doing now, with this hunting business. It won’t happen again.[/color] Gawyth commented. Ah, overconfidence strikes again! H’run replied, poking his dragon in the uninjured shoulder. Gawyth half smirked and half scowled. I’m just going to eat my breakfast now.[/color] That’s just fine by me. You earned it.