Begin at the Beginning [Weyrlings]

[Dragon]

[Remember, this is just after they've impressed.]

H'nen had been standing near the ground entrance to the Sands, watching and observing as the newly impressed Weyrlings walked to where the buckets had been placed for them. He'd been sure to check every bucket to make sure each one had the same amount of meat in each one. As the Weyrlings arrived, he began to speak a bit loudly, making his voice carry.

"Take a bucket and feed your dragonet one piece at a time. If the piece is took big, cut it smaller. Make sure you tell them, and demonstrate, to chew their food. I don't want any of them choking. If they choke, I will guide you in what to do. Now, feed them. And listen while you do that." He watched them closely. "As you feed them, try to speak to them in your mind, as if talking to your self. Get into the habit of doing that as often as possible when you want to speak to just your dragonet."

He observed them as he walked among them. "Now is a good time as any to get acquainted with your fellow Weyrlings. So, I am going to call your name, and you tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from? How did you get here? Do you have a craft? Those sort of things, but you don't have to give us your whole life story," he turned in a circle and then pointed at N'var. "N'var of Green Nemesyth, please begin. And please speak loudly if you know you speak soft like."

Current Weyrlings: (Complete list, not including the adoptables)
Green Shivath of Aisynn
Brown Horuth of Dereo
Blue Seth of Ferlese
Blue Morpheunth of Ziridech
Green Eoth of Galeda
Blue Tyreth of Jerezen
Green Sulisath of Razia
Brown Odinth of Quintre
Green Nemesyth of Nevarre
Blue Lught of Solera
Green Artemth of Merielle
Bronze Rath of Orisyn
Green Freyath of Phaerie
Blue Osirith of Kalindan
Gold Rhiannoth of Essabellona
Green Cupith of Vaylee
Green Aphrioth of Zaylee
Bronze Zeuth of Beleren
Green Morriganth of Lyunne
Green Skadyth of Osaris
Brown Apollath of Rolgar
Green Athenath of Anaryn**
Blue Lokinth of Cemar
Brown Poseideth of Koldyn

[HG]

Nemesyth was eating each morsel, careful to chew. She would not be silly enough to choke. The green was as full of herself as a dragon could be. N'var for his part did not seem to mind. As the Weyrlingmaster began to lecture them on feeding, he knew better than to think his own dragon would choke. She was eating as she should. I would never be so dim. The green said with a sharpness to her tone. He was thinking about how to use telepathy then. Was it simply thinking and then trying to send out a thought? I can hear all of your thoughts. Its much easier to hear you than it is for you to keep me from hearing you.

Introductions eh? He smiled. They were first. As I should be. The dragon was right, she should be first since no one wanted to be on her bad side. N'var certainly had no plans to be on her bad side...ever. She had quite the little attitude, much like many women he knew. He could put up with hers mainly because he understood that it stemmed from a deeper feeling of needing to show how worthy she was.

“For those of you who do not know me. I'm Nevarre, actually N'var now. My father is the Lord Holder of Keroon and I'm his youngest son. I was sent on an expedition to find the dragonriders and convince them to help the North in its time of need. In a way I think you could call me an ambassador for the North. D'seus and Raelwyn had the whole Expedition searched and I was deemed worthy. Hence I'm here, with my newly impressed green, Nemesyth.” The green's eyes whirled blue when she looked at him though it was obvious she was ignoring the presence of the other humans.

He didn't care if people were muttering about him now. After all it was better to be talked about than ignored wasn't it. Of course it is. Nemesyth said smugly. She'd much rather be talked about, good or bad, than to be overlooked as if she wasn't worth speaking of.

[Dragon]

H'nen listened quietly as N'var spoke. Nodding here and there. He glanced at his hide a few times and then spoke when the Weyrling was finished. He turned to Ferlese. "Your turn, Ferlese of blue Seth."

He took out another slip of hide and made notes on that one as he listened to Ferlese, also nodding his head and making notes on his other hide. He made a mental note to bring his long and light flat board with him to Lessons for taking notes better.

[/failpost]

[meadow]

Ferlese was dismayed and a bit taken aback when Nev...N'var went first. Like the Northerner needed to be any more stuck up, she thought, bristling. No one had asked for him to come here, and whatever he'd been, he was now a Weyrling like the rest of them.

She'd been listening to the instructions carefully, determined to be the most capable. Seth was not at all concerned though.

You will learn quickly. I will help you. Seth told her, seeming far more interested in the meat than the instructors words.

They were second? Well why not, she thought, smiling. Seth drew himself up as she spoke, his eyes whirling with joy.

"I"m Ferlese. I'm from Refuge Weyr." Which was better than being a Northerner who wouldn't be as familiar with the Weyr she thought, a little annoyed at N'var's arrogant speech. As if being an 'ambassador' from the North made him somehow better than anyone?

What else was she supposed to say? It was hard to think past Seth, who was so wonderful. She stroked his head gently. So she just shrugged and grinned at the others.

"Aaaand I can't wait to start training," she finished off unceremoniously.

She was certainly not going to prattle on like N'var, acting like she was more important that the others.

You introduced yourself. That was all he asked for. Seth reassured her.

[Dragon]

H'nen smiled at Ferlese. She did a good job. Though she hadn't said a whole lot. But that was fine. He made another note and looked around him. He stopped at Ziridech. "Please begin, Ziridech of blue Morpheunth." Again he made his notes on his two pieces of hides. He would go over them again before the first lesson he will be starting the next day. He looked around and then made another note of who would be next once Ziridech was finished.

[kira]

Zir had been in a state of awe from the moment Morpheunth had spoken to him. It seemed like it could only be a dream of the best sort, and he never wanted to wake up from it. But no, deep down, he knew it was real. Morpheunth was his, and he was from here on to be known as Z'ech. Of course I'm yours, ZirMine, was the calm response, making him smile. Morpheunth had decided he liked Z'ech's old nickname too.

He'd eagerly taken his bucket and begun feeding the ravenous hatchling. Morpheunth took to the instructions well, taking his time to feed despite his hunger. Oblivious to the world around them, Z'ech had already begun attempting to activate the telepathic connection even before H'nen had told them to. He was finally going to be able to talk. If it wasn't for the calming emotion he could feel from his blue, he'd probably have gotten a bit frustrated when it eluded him at first.

I know your thoughts, but I'm not getting words still, was the patient reply to the last try. 'Sorry,' he replied, certain that his last thought was a...very negative and rather rude one. And then he blinked. Ohhhhhhh. He had, apparently, just been trying too hard. He just needed to let it flow - like when he hit a snag composing, and he just needed to let the melody wend aimlessly about a bit before he could get the next bit.

'...Do I have it now?' he asked tentatively. Yes, you did it. A warm emotion filled him, and he wasn't sure if it was him or his dragon. Or perhaps both. Scratching an eyeridge affectionately, he kept on with his feeding. After a brief pause, he let out a silent laugh. 'I've waited so long to talk, and now I have nothing to say.' The irony was hilarious. You won't always. And when you do, I will be your voice now. An affectionate croon bubbbled up, but was cut a little short as Morpheunth took another mouthful, making Z'ech laugh again.

The guy who had spoken to them when they arrived was talking again, and Zir reluctantly refocused his attention. Introductions? Hmm. Well, he wasn't going to rely completely on Morpheunth all the time, so he quickly scribed on his ever-present slate.

'Hi, I'm Ziridech, now Z'ech. Zir is fine too. Home was Wind-Glade Cothold nearby. I love music and instruments. And yes, I really can't speak. I do know a hand-sign language, if you're curious.'

I am curious about this hand-language, Mine. 'I'll show you later, then!' was the grinning reply. When it was his turn, he let out a loud whistle and held up his slate, quirking an eyebrow. If there was a problem, well...he could always take Morpheunth up on his offer.

[Dragon]

H'nen smiled at the young man and patted his shoulder, nodding his head. "Later this evening, you and I will sit down and you can show me some of the basics. Now, in case your all curious, your first Lesson will be in the morning. My bronze, Sarkith, will wake you all up. You will have one hour to get ready. And that will include eating. But if you prefer to wait to eat once you've settled your lifemate, I will give you time to eat before the Lesson begins. An empty stomach is never a good beginning before any sort of Lessons. Your Lessons will consist of two components, Lecture and Pracitce. Lectures will be conducted outside, near the lake. As will the Practice. And the next one up is Solera of blue Lugth."

Solera looked up, startled. But then again, she knew her and her blue's name would be called, eventually. She straightened and cleared her throat. "I'm Solera, and this is Lugth," the blue lifted his head proudly when she said his name. "And I am from the North. I'm the second to last child of eight siblings and born at a Minor Hold. I don't have a craft, really. I can handle a 'wild' runner if need be. I inherited that from my father."

That wasn't so hard.

She grinned at the blue. She knelt down and handed him another piece of meat. It looked a bit large, but Lugth managed to chew it. No it wasn't so bad. And next time, I'll cut the piece so it doesn't make it hard for you to chew.

"Right, then. Thank you, Solera." He looked at his hide again. "Moving along nicely. Your up," H'nen pointed to Merielle. "Merielle of green Artemth."

[kira]

Zir gave the Weyrling Master an enthusiastic thumbs-up in response to his desire to learn. That could be fun. And if Morpheunth could come with him, then he could try to teach them both! He listened on to the next girl, and then Meri was called. He was rather chagrined that he had completely missed his friend's Impression...and presence...so wrapped up was he in his wonder over Morpheunth. He sort of doubted she would blame him for it, though. He shot her a sheepish grin and another thumbs-up in congratulation.

.o0O0o.

Merielle's mind was whirling all over the place. Luckily, there was a calm center to the storm, the presence of her Artemth. Her doubts felt soothed, her nerves eased. Despite the fluttering emotions, she felt a calm peace that spoke volumes in her heart. She was worthy, and now she would never again feel alone. She would always have a place - beside her beautiful green. As she fed her dragon and listened politely to the others, she couldn't help but cuddle against the minty green's side.

Zir's - no, Z'dech's - loud whistle caused her to start a little, but she laughed in response. That was okay too, to be a little scared now and again, because it would all be alright again. 'Thank you,' she thought to Artemth lovingly. Of course, my darling one. Our nights and days will speak of happiness from here forth, for we have finally found each other, MeriMine. She quirked her head to the side in interest when Solera mentioned a talent with runners.

Meri's deliriously happy smile faded just a tad when she was called on. Well, she knew it would happen eventually. Didn't mean she was exactly prepared. Artemth nuzzled her gently though, and she was able to gather her thoughts. "I'm Merielle. O-or Meri, if you like. I'm the youngest of seven, a-and my family runs a R-RunnerHold a short distance from the Weyr. I'm decent with runners, and, um, I was in training t-to be a midwife before Toyi of green Alyrath Searched me." There, that was everything he asked, right? Lowering her head to nuzzle back to Artemth, she offered another piece of meat for the hungry dragonette.

[Dragon]

H'nen smiled at Merielle and patted her shoulder. "Well done, Merielle. Now, the next one to speak is Orisyn of bronze Rath." He turned to observe the Bronze Weyrling, again, taking notes. But he couldn't help but wonder if this Bronze pair would be Weyrleader some day. Only time would tell.

[HG]

As Rath was a larger dragonet than any that had thus far Hatched. He was requiring more food and more attention. The Weyrling master explained that they should try to cut smaller pieces if need be though it seemed Rath could gulp down even the large pieces without trouble. He was kind of glad that he never had a queasy stomach. Next thing he knew they were being instructed to talk telepathically to their dragons and to introduce themselves.

He had no trouble with it really, well he rarely had trouble with anything. His optimism and assurance that he could do anything was enough to make anything possible. Are you still hungry? He asked the Bronze as Rath came to the last of one bucket. Yes. You are hungry too though. Is that a problem? He had not thought it would be but then he did not know what dragons felt through their connection with their riders all that well.

The Bronze nuzzled the small boy in the chest, again nearly knocking him on his feet. No. I'm merely suggesting you eat soon too. I was going to before but I didn't want to be late... He felt some of the air being knocked out of him. A little more gently please. As you wish my Or'yn. His smile was radiant with happiness, although his cheeks flushed slightly.

So far he was sorta listening to the others. Okay, well maybe not all that well. He was so obsessed with watching his dragon that he didn't realize his name had been called without another nudge from Rath. Oh Shells! Swearing is not becoming.The Bronze said honestly and sensibly. After the awkward silence that ensued, the boy spoke.

“Oh right. Hello and congratulations to you all. I'm Or'yn, previously Orisyn. I was born and raised here at Refuge. My parents raised both my sister, Aisynn and I here.” He never ever mentioned her as a half sister. Light and happy, anyone could see that Or'yn was enjoying himself. “All I have to say now is that this is the best day EVER!”

[Dragon]

[To keep this going, we'll assume that Quintre spoke.]

H'nen nodded. Those two would definitely need some watching. It would be interesting to see how these Weyrlings would grow along with their dragonets. "Alright, next one up is Quintre of brown Odinth." He pointed to the next pair. So far, this was going very good. Each Weyrling was being attentive to their lifemates. Good sign. Once the young man ws finished, H'nen looked around again. "Razia of Green Sulisath, your up next."

[Ise]

Razia had been feeding Sulisath, and totally ignoring N'var and she only gave him a few dirty looks when he wasn't looking. She looked up when her name was called and stood up, giving a little wave to everyone.
"Hello I'm Razia and this is Sulisath," She looked down at the green, giving her head ridges a rub. "My sister is Akroma who's one of the Dragon Shield members. I have no craft, just picked up a bunch of things like how to fight, some healing things. I'm just very excited to be here with Sulisath."

[Dragon]

H'nen nodded his head. Good, very good. He made sure to take in the shading of each dragonet as their Rider spoke. They all looked in very good health. He wold need to make sure to instill in each of them that while they were in his care, they all had the same rank, Weyrlings. And then he looked at his hide again and called out. "Dereo of brown Horuth, your up now."

[Ise]

Dereo blinked a few times as his name was called, glancing down at Horuth.
"My name is Dereo. Though I guess it's D'reo now. I'm from the North as well but nothing as special as Nev- er N'var. I was an apprentice Beastcrafter and now I guess I'm a Weyrling. Other then that.." He shrugged a bit, not sure what else to say. Of course he was happy about Impressing, but everyone was so he didn't feel the need to share that with everyone. And since he was from the North he didn't think that most of these people really cared what he had to say. So he returned his attention to his small brown, giving Horuth some more food.

[Dragon]

H'nen made another note on one of his pieces of hides and nodded. H looked around him again before calling out another name. "Beleren of bronze Zeuth. Your next."