Weyrling Lesson 3: Wings and Wing Formation

[Ise]

A little over a week and U’ski was finally ready to try and get things back to normal for the weyrlings. Some of them had been injured during the attack but none of them had been killed, that was a blessing. The attack had affected them all though and U’ski hoped that returning to lessons would help them out. The day before he had had Toroth speak to all the dragonets, informing them that lessons would resume them next day but would happen midmorning instead of dawn.

As normal, an hour before lessons started, Toroth let all the weyrlings know and told them lessons would be taking place in the Weyrbowl today. He waited for them all to show up, greeting each weyrling as they joined him.
“Today’s lesson is an introduction to wings and wing structure. We’ll be spending the next few days on this, and maybe even getting the chance to speak with the wingleaders and the wingseconds.”
He turned around and watched for a minute as one of the wings took off from the ground and started their morning drills.
“Refuge’s dragons are split up into three wings. This one is Shadow Wing, lead by D’sues of bronze Zorometh.”

“While it’s not vital yet, you’ll all be learning the names of the different wing formations and what your location in that formation would be. It’s during Thread Fall that the color of your dragon makes a difference. Greens and blues become the most important and needed dragons. They are what’s keeping Thread from hitting the ground, especially since our queen wing is lacking in numbers.”

“Now do any of you know what some of the different wing formations are? And when they’re best used?”

Weyrlings
Marlaey and Gold Elynth
R’kin and Bronze Krestanovith
J’von and Brown Mnemoth
P’lel and Brown Revyketh
G’off and Blue Danuth
S’len and Blue Fenrith
T’mar and Blue Petroth
A'lan and Green Felicath
Aneisia and Green Bealveth
Eira and Green Siath
K’len and Green Rhyseth
Z’ten and Green Deynzith

[Na Qaiah]

Petroth kept his promise to his lifemate. When Toroth called the dragonettes to class, he answered Toroth letting him know 'his was"t ready for classes just yet, but he would be reporting to class with G'off and Danuth, and between them, they would keep the lad up to speed. Thinking a bit bigger then himself, he asked another question:

Toroth, will you ask 'yours' if there are any questions that need answering in class, may I ask 'mine' and give his answer too? I am keeping him up on the class as we go. Does this strengthen our mental bonding?[/I][/color] He asked innocently. He didn't know if I was a good idea, but he was trying to help.

[freya]

R'kin had risen mid morning dressing in a pair of brown pants and a white shirt. He had awoken his bronze Krestanovith and had went down to feed the young dragon that had grown to have to feed everyday. The young man cut the meat for his dragon until he was full then went to go get some stew and klah. While he left his bronze out to sun in the morning sun and had noticed that the place was in full force. It was a bustling place with all talk about the two new golds that had arrived and he'd yet to meet the newest gold one from the past. His bronze was already taken a interest in gold and green dragons which caused R'kin to smile. He was in no doubt that his bronze would one day win a mating flight because already his bronze dwarfed his classmates only to be out done by the gold Elynth.

When he was done then the two of them went to the lesson that was to be held mid morning at the weyrbowl. The young man and his went to the bowl to notice that the others hadn't arrived yet. He heard the question being asked after the introduction then thought about it for a moment. R'kin knew that blues and greens we're the most important in keeping the thread off the ground however it was the bronzes and golds that lead the wings. His dream was to lead a whole wing one day and then have his bronze win a mating flight with a gold. The newest gold from the past was good because it meant that his bronze would not be mating with gold of his bloodline.

He thought of the question then raised his hand where he said, "The search formation is one method that allows one Wing to break up into smaller groups. It's good for rescue or search mission because it allows for one to search larger areas,". R'kin was thankful for the more advanced training that he and the brown weyrlings had received. The advanced training had consisted in taking in more information and what was expected of him. He'd even got to spend a few days with one of the bronze riders and it had been enlightening. It was a fact that he hadn't known what was expected of him and that when training was over the real work would begin.

R'kin didn't usually answer questions and backed down after answering the question. He didn't want to be known as the one who always answered the questions yet he had known the answer. The bronze dragon butted him playfully and he rubbed his eye ridges as his was trying to reassure him to be more outgoing and accept what it was to ride bronze.

[wolflover1458]

It was actually quite a relief to not have to awaken at the crack of dawn for lessons. Mnemoth was not only eager to arrive to everything on time, but he also constantly awoke during the night, which woke his rider as well, leaving him sleep-deprived and therefore less agreeable to getting up when it was finally time. The fact that they would get a few extra hours of sleep was very welcome. Mnemoth himself was quite indifferent to this. It was not important to him at what time the lessons took place. What was important was that they took place and he was there when they began. If they did not begin until midnight, then he would feel no grievance, but if they began before even the sun had risen, then Mnemoth needed to be up and ready before the sun, and the dragon was not going to let even his rider get in the way of that. Being late was unacceptable. J'von being the reason for the lateness was even less acceptable.

But for once, it seemed, that would not be a problem, because U'ski was giving them a bit longer to sleep. That, and Mnemoth was sleeping more restfully now. J'von found himself waiting for the moment when the dragon stopped awakening and could manage to sleep through the whole night. It might happen from time to time for the rest of his life, but at least it would no longer be a daily occurrence.

The attack on the Weyr had left J'von both shocked and scared. If it happened once, it could happen again, after all, and for the first sevenday he did little but worry that every noise he heard was an invader who was trying to put a knife to his throat. That feeling gradually lessened, however, until he finally found himself in an uneasy, but not panicked, state of mind. Perhaps eventually he would just stop worrying altogether.

This worrying had bothered Mnemoth. His memory was rather poor, and the only reason he could remember the attack at all was because no one else seemed able to forget it. While the dragon certainly didn't want the likes of that to happen again, he wasn't near as concerned that it would. Mnemoth was far more concerned with getting back on track. For the first sevenday, that didn't really seem to be happening. But the return of their lessons meant life was getting back to normal again, and the Brown was thankful for that.

So, it seemed, he was unwilling to let J'von sleep in much longer than he normally got to, as it was just the hour when they would normally be beginning their lessons that J'von found his sleep interrupted by the very impatient creature nearby that was trying to wake him. He found himself groggy and confused for a moment before looking over at Mnemoth, who plaintively stated that he needed to be fed and oiled before their lesson. The dragon was quite unwilling to let J'von get anymore sleep, so the boy soon gave up and grudgingly got out of bed, to the pleasure of his dragon.

After getting himself prepared for the day ahead, J'von straightened the room up a little, placed Ebony on his pillow (while fervently hoping she would be a good kitten and stay there) and then headed out of the room with Mnemoth following. The pair headed down to get Mnemoth fed. J'von cut the meat up into pieces that Mnemoth would easily be able to chew while the Brown waited impatiently and considered the day when he could feed himself without any of this 'cutting' nonsense.

When Mnemoth was satisfied with his meal, it was time for his bath. The dragon wasn't too dirty, so the actual bathing didn't take very long. It was the oiling that was taking longer and longer as Mnemoth got larger and larger. The dragon was quite pleased with his continual growth, although J'von found himself thinking about just how large of a dragon he was going to have to end up oiling everyday. Eventually, this whole process was going to end up taking an hour or more at this rate. And Mnemoth was growing so rapidly it seemed as though he would never stop. While he most surely would, J'von had to wonder what would happen if he didn't, but simply kept growing and growing...

Then I would be the largest dragon on Pern, and wouldn't that be nice? But if no other dragon has grown so large than neither will I, J'von, so do calm yourself.

When Mnemoth's hide was freshly oiled and almost seemed to shine in the sun, J'von decided it was time they got to that lesson. Toroth had sent a message about it out some time ago, but thanks to Mnemoth, J'von had already been up and getting ready when he'd heard the voice inside his head.

It was some time before every Weyrling had gathered, or at least, all of those who were well enough to attend. The thought of that still left J'von feeling nervous, but he tried to shake it off. Mnemoth did not tolerate his rider's nerves very well. Why the dragon had gone to him, he wasn't sure. J'von was pretty sure he didn't have much in common with the Brown's more daring personality. But he still found the dragon quite endearing.

The lesson finally began, and the first questions U'ski asked them was about wing formations. J'von knew some things about wing formations. He'd learned about all of them when he had been growing up, and had spent his whole life with that kind of knowledge floating around him. But the moment U'ski asked that question, everything J'von knew about them seemed to just disappear, or at least be filled with doubts and second-guesses.

Come now J'von, you know these things. Answer Mnemoth insisted.

But what if I'm wrong? I don't want to be wrong J'von protested. He waited nervously, thinking all of the information through his head until another boy answered, describing one of the wing formations. There were, of course, far more than one, but J'von probably couldn't have even named them all at the moment with disbelieving himself.

Mnemoth had no such disbelief. He might not have been around all those Turns to learn those things, but he was confident that J'von, at least, did know these things, and he was not content with letting the boy get away without giving some kind of answer. Do start answering. Don't make me do it for you.

J'von considered that for a moment before tentatively raising his own hand in the air. "There's also... ummm... the... the wedge formation. It gives the wing better maneuverability, and speed... I think. And the sail formation. It's... I think it's like the wedge one, but broader with less speed... No! Maneuverability. Less maneuverability. And... the trail formation, but I don't quite remember how that one works. And there's some others but... I'm sorry." He backed down, unwilling to stammer on any longer.

It's a start. Mnemoth actually satisfied with this attempt at answering the question. J'von was significantly less than pleased. Why couldn't he remember the trail formation? There was a time when it was the only one he had known, but now it had just disappeared from his mind. And there were definitley some others. But what were they? Four... four... finger four! Yes, that was one.

Perhaps Mnemoth was right. It was a start. But J'von would still have been happy to go back in time and stop himself from answering. He hadn't sounded like he knew it in the least.

[freya]

Aneisia was still laying in her bed as her green dragon Bealveth came over to her and began to pulled off the blanket. She was wrapped up int the blanket which caused her to hit the floor with a loud thud. "Bealveth," said Aneisia as she rubbed her back and slowly sat up as she came to match head level with her green dragon that. Her green dragon said, "Time to get up," as her rider begrudgingly got up and got dressed in a pair of leather pants. A peasant white shirt that reached her mid thigh was put on and her hair was braided. When they walked down to the feeding grounds and Aneisia cut up her dragons meat for her. It only took a little bit of meat because her dragon had fed recently and then the two of them we're off to breakfast.

She left her dragon to talk to a few other dragons as she went in to get some klah, porridge, and meat. The young girl sat down to eat the food and joined a few of the weyrlings. A few minutes later with the food ate and nothing else to talk about she joined her green outside. "Let's go there's a few chores we need to get done," said Aneisia as she went to go help in the stalls to clean out some feeding buckets. When the chore was done then it was time for the lesson judging by how high the sun was in the sky.

The two of them arrived to see a few others had already arrived. She shook her head as they never seemed to arrive on time and then stood towards the back. Aneisia heard the question asked and the comment that came with it. It was true the browns, golds, and bronzes we're the leaders of the weyr however it was the blues and greens who we're the true fighters. A eye roll was given when it was the bronze and brown riders who answered the questions first. It was of course them that answered first as it was in their nature to want to lead and she just hung back waiting for the next question.

[HG]

Lesson time! The blue said in an excited tone. Danuth, always the cheerful blue dragon was ready to go. G’off had learned over the months of Weyrlinghood that they had to be up early enough to get Danuth fed and bathed before lessons and since T’mar had been on bed rest he had been taking care of Danuth’s twin, Petroth as well. He made certain to bring breakfast back for T’mar after grabbing a redfruit for himself.

G’off still wasn’t used to the excess amount of food available at the Weyr. So his meals were usually smaller than the average person would eat. Then again he was still rather small for his age and didn’t look to be heading for a growth spurt any time soon. After bringing breakfast to T’mar he and the two blues headed to lessons. Toroth had said to meet in the Weyrbowl. Thankfully, despite the extra amount of work in the morning, G’off managed to arrive roughly on time.

The Wing that was pointed out to them sent G’off looking towards the dragons. Can’t wait till we can fly! Me neither! We’ll be so fast and we’ll be able to go and do whatever we want whenever we want to! His attention returned to class as J’von began to answer the question. As for himself he had no idea what Wing Formations there were. Did they have a manual he could study? Or maybe a Wingrider could spend time explaining to them one on one. There was no way he was going to remember more than a few from class.

Don’t worry Petroth, we’ll help you explain things to T’mar. G’off reassured the other blue. Between the three of them they were bound to remember enough to help the invalid. Hopefully he would be off bed rest soon though. Seeing as the other young man was itching to be out and about, everyone would be happy when he was able to get out of the Barracks.

[parallel]

So there was a new gold here? And from the past too. Two golds arriving at the weyr in so many days. That was a lot for the young gold to take in, especially alongside the recovery of everyone from the attack. Though Rhiannoth had a home here and was in her rightful place, this new pale queen was just going to add to the already shaken up atmosphere. Elynth resolved to meet her as soon as possible, to prove to herself and her rider that she wasn't a threat, that this new event was manageable.
She did worry about her rider, especially after what had happened, though Marlaey seemed to be coping well enough now. They were both glad when they heard that lessons would be starting again.

Stretching, her orange golden neck arching, Elynth purred happily. MarlaeyLove, our lesson begins soon, are you ready?

The young queenrider in question had been bathing, her muscles a little sore from Elynth's oiling this morning; She was getting so big! Drying herself gently, Marlaey got dressed and pulled on her boots reluctantly. It was a shame she couldn't just go barefoot everywhere. But barefoot lessons were definitely out of the question. What are we doing today?, she asked curiously. I don't know, Toroth didn't say. But we'll see when we get there.

They met at the entrance to the barracks, Elynth lowering her great head to her rider, letting Marlaey take a moment to hug her beautiful bonded. I'm glad we have a lesson today, at least it will be some sort of distraction for us. The gold rumbled in agreement. She had noticed how protective her rider had become since the attack, how she always liked to know where the other weyrlings were now. Marlaey constantly sought information about the weyr and it' inhabitants now. The gold could not help but feel pride in her lifemate, they were slowly becoming more like the young leaders they were destined to be. It was just a pity that they had been forced to grow up so quickly in such a terrible way.

Arriving at the lesson Marlaey greeted their masters first and then their classmates, noting immediately how large Krestanovith had grown! I'm still larger though, Elynth whispered coyly. Marlaey merely smiled.

So they would be learning about wing formations today? That would be interesting. Of course the young weyrling was aware of how important greens and blues were to the wing, but Elynth found it necessary to comment that once she was old enough the Queen's Wing would fly together and be just as important. When J'von spoke up and answered U'ski's first question Elynth purred in Mnemoth's direction. That was one strong and determined brown. The gold approved greatly of him.

Looking over to the twin blue's and only one rider, Marlaey bespoke her queen, asking her to check up on Petroth's rider. Elynth obliged and sent a tendril of thought towards the blue, Yours is not here this afternoon? How does he fare now? It is brave of you to come alone, a good deed.

[kirensilverfox]

K'len headed off to the next lesson when he heard that it was gonna be about the wings and formations he got very excited. He knew that greens were fast and could make turns and twists that the bigger dragons usually couldn't. He listened and looked around to see if anyone knew of any of the formations and tried to think if he knew of any of his own. He nibbled his bottom lip as he listened and though hard on what he knew about things.

[Na Qaiah]

T'mar fidgeted, squirmed, wiggled, cleaned up his space and did a hundred other little things. He was feeling so much better and his arm was healing nicely, it hardly hurt anymore. he didn't understand why he couldn't go to class with the rest of his mates. He could understand taking it easy while feeding and washing Petroth. That was different. But sitting in class, what stress on the arm was that going to cause?

He decided that he was going to go to the dinning hall and grab his own breakfast this time, and then go see the healer. He was supposed to see him later anyway, maybe going a bit early and not waiting for the busy healer to come to him would show them all that he was ready to take on at least classes.

Please be careful MINE. I know you are feeling much better. Shall I alert the healers you are coming? Oh, would you like to answer this question about wing formations? OOOH, Elynth wishes to know how you are doing, and called me brave to come alone. I told her that you were going to see the healer and that you want to join us in class. Was that ok MINE?[/i][/color] Petroth asked getting excited, his rider was finally feeling good enough to want to join everyone else. He tried to be patient and wait for T'mar to answer.

Mine is saying he is feeling better, he is trying to convince himself that he is good enough for classes at least. He knows he needs help with taking care of me, and promises to be careful when he goes to see the healer after he eats. He asks that I please don't tell the healers he is coming, he really wants to be in class[/i][/color]. Petroth answered his golden clutchmate with a proper bow of respect.

"No Pet, please do not tell the healers I am coming. I'm hoping that seeing me will convince them that I'm ready for at least classes. I'll be careful I promise. I'm going to eat before I go see them. Yes, telling Elynth that I'm better was good of you. Thank you for doing that. I'm not sure what the formations are called Pet, I've seen them practice. I think I'll wait to hear what the weyrling master has to say before I comment. Now I'm going to eat, but keep me posted on the class please.

Nodding his head in determination, T'mar did just that. He checked himself in the mirror once more then headed for a much needed cup of Klah and maybe a sweet roll or two before heading for the healer. Keeping his promise, he kept to the center of the hallway as he headed for the dinning hall. His mood much better then it had been for days. Yes, he was definately much better.