Everyone's First Time Is Bad [Fake Threadfall/N&D Weyrlings]

[Zen]

About 3 weeks after A Hero's Welcome

D'rew

In the air, the Champions of Legend class circled over the gathered Day and Night weyrlings, who were as of yet still on the ground. Also in the air were various adult riders, flying at a lower altitude than the class in the sky. D’rew beamed at them all from his place on the ground beside Sabanth, eager to see how they would all do in their first ‘Threadfall’. They’d been talking about it a lot recently, in preparation, but it was a lot different in action than it was in theory. They’d also been practicing keeping their dragon fueled with firestone to produce consistent flame, and talking about safe flaming practices in different wind conditions.

“As you can see, we have guests today,” the bluerider gestured above them, “They will all be helping you participate in your very first Threadfall. Fortunately for you, this ‘Thread’ is… relatively harmless. A smack in the face will still smart and they have the potential to bruise if they hit you right, but certainly no one will be dying today,” he explained with some amount of humor. “Your junior weyrlings in the Champions of Legend class will be doing their best to hit you with lengths of dyed rope that will fall similarly to real Thread. This dye will leave marks should you allow it to hit you, and the other adult riders and myself will be keeping an eye out on those marks.”

He was lucky he had enough weyrlings to split them into two Wings without outside help. Most classes usually had to have some adult riders come in to form two complete, if small, Wings for this exercise. “Now then, I’m going to divide you into two Wings, each with its own Wingleader. You will be competing against the other Wing to score the lowest amount of points. You will earn points by being hit by Thread. Each hit that your dragon receives on their head or wings, or that you receive anywhere, will count as five points. Each hit your dragon takes anywhere else will count as one point. At the end of this exercise the total points from each of your Wingmates will be added up to your Wing total, and the Wing with the lowest amount of points, and therefore the fewest, less severe hits, will win. In a real Fall, being scored might take you out of the fight, but as this is practice and you need as much practice as you can get, you will not be dropping out of the fight no matter how many hits you might take.”

He held up a piece of hide on which he had scrawled the two Wings he had determined for the day, “For our first Wing, L’rey! You’ll be Wingleader. If I call your name, join L’rey because you will be part of his Wing.” He listed off the eleven weyrlings that would be following the young bronzerider today and waited until they had joined their Wingleader before he continued, “The rest of you will be led by V’than.”

He paused to let the rest of the class group with V’than before he continued, “Wingleaders, it is your job to assess the conditions of the Fall and discern which formation and variation your Wing will be using to fight, so I will leave the formation decisions to you both. With two Wings, you will be forming a small Flight for this practice, with one Wing flying the high position and the other flying low. We will rotate positions so both Wings have a chance to fly high and low. L’rey, your Wing will be taking the high position first, so V’than, your Wing will take the low. I’ll let you know when you will be rotating and since this is your first practice, you’ll get a break from the ‘Fall’ when you do so. Of course, normally Threadfall doesn’t just stop so you can get into your proper position, and rotating Wing altitude while our fake Thread is still falling will become a normal part of your practice after you’ve gotten a little more experience under your belts. If no one has any questions you can all mount up and get into aerial formation as per your Wingleader’s direction.” He mounted Sabanth then in order to get both Wings set at their proper altitudes.

Wing 1
Wingleader: L'rey of Bronze Codrath - 56 feet (Taxx)
No'va of Brown Alduntulath - 49 feet (Zen)
Riana of Brown Camachath - 45 feet (Dee)
Vitra of Blue Tucseth - 40.5 feet (Taxx)
Maz'ru of Blue Quilath - 39 feet (Muze)
M'kin of Blue Silvagenith - 38.5 feet (NPC)
(A) ?? of Blue Mucalonith - 37 feet (??)
Ts'lar of Green Serenth - 31.5 feet (Esko)
Krista of Green Ophiuth - 31 feet (NPC)
Siorreya of Green Amagetith - 29 feet (Kevna)
D'lon of Green Catarath - 27 feet (NPC)
Joia of White Tellamuth - 20 feet (Alyx)

Wing 2
Wingleader: V'than of Brown Saruth – 50 feet (Muze)
S'goi of Bronze Ramacuth - 52.5 feet (Esko)
E'san of Brown Norioth - 44 feet (Alyx)
T'ren of Brown Ralecheth - 42 feet (NPC)
R'tol of Blue Hadryth - 40 feet (NPC)
I'an of Blue Delphith – 37 feet (NPC)
Ny'x of Blue Nimocith - 35 feet (Kevna)
Muze of Green Rylath - 34.5 feet (Muze)
C'rys of Green Vorscuth - 32 feet (Hiko)
(A) ?? of Green Laspherith - 31 feet (??)
Javana of Green Volututh - 28 feet (NPC)
K'zar of Green Lepsuth - 26 feet - (Taxx)

Conditions: Steady/Windy, Stray Gusts, Clear Weather

This is going to work similarly to a normal Threadfall, only no one will be dropping out of the fight at any point and there will be 4 rounds instead of 6. The first 2 rounds will be played with Wing 1 in high position and then the last 2 rounds will be played with Wing 2 in high position. You may play all your weyrlings and are not limited to only 2 characters (though this only really applies to Muze xD). As this is their first time ever playing at Threadfall, there is a GOOD likelihood of getting hit, seeing as they have no real idea what they’re doing just yet, so the rolls reflect this. The color choices for this are more limited as well, and you will find the list below. Taxx and tovaana should be the first ones to post, so as to decide on their Wing’s formation - information on this can be found in the Threadfighting 101 thread and I’m not helping you decide ;) - but after the first round and formations are set, anyone can post in any order as with normal Fall. There is no time limit for posting in this as there is with normal Fall, but I will move the thread forward if it stagnates too long and begin new rounds as I feel it necessary. EDIT: YES, you may use ONE save during this, but it will be a full save, you can't split it to use 'half' saves. If you have any questions, please feel free to DM me or ask in the Threadfall channel in the discord~

Red
Orange
Yellow
Lime
Cyan
Purple
Pink
Tan
Silver
Black

Roll Result Possibilities
8-10 - Major - A major hit is anywhere on the dragon’s head or wings, and anywhere at all on the rider. A major hit counts for 5 points.
5-7 - Minor - A minor hit is anywhere on the dragon that is not the head or wings. A minor hit counts for 1 point.
1-4 - None. 0 points.

[tovaana]

Weyrling V’than :: Brown Saruth

In a whirlwind they were moved from a quieter life, back to actual Weyr life. Saruth kept to himself per usual, maybe even quieter with the amount of people around. There was a buzz of excitement of fake threadfall coming up and he was excited to practice so that that during actual threadfall they could have some experience, even if it wasn’t actual thread.

When the day came he actually felt more excitement than nervousness, at least until D’rew announced who the Wingleaders would be. He stiffened. Saruth was large, but he was not a bronze. Of course I am not. V’than blinked, glancing up at the tan muzzle pointed down at him with curious whirling eyes. He forced a half smile, glancing around at his fellow weyrlings, catching the largest grin and thumbs up from Muze. He nodded, looking back at D’rew, his mind hardly registering the rest of what he was saying. He noticed that there were dragons and riders moving away from the group, but not quite realizing that who was left would be in his wing. It was just a practice… but the feeling was foreboding that D’rew had picked him over S’goi. He glanced over at the bronze; his brows slightly rose when he realized that he was going to be in his wing… what fun. It was a game, but he could hear the undertones when D’rew joked about no one dying; they were practicing so that during real thread there would actually be no casualties. Just a game…but not really.

His stomach churned, trying to recall everything he’d been taught about wing formations. He looked up into the sky then around at who was in his team, or Wing. The weather was nice, there was a slight breeze – but a slight breeze could mean stronger winds in the sky. Just a game… just a game… but not really…

He cleared his throat, feeling more fisherman and boatsman than a dragonman – even though they’d even been practicing flaming for weeks. “Ready team?” That wasn't awkward. Of course they weren't ready, they needed to put in position. He chuckled to shake off the nerves and then cleared his throat again. “Okay so… if this were real thread fall there would be Wingseconds…” He glanced between S’goi and the other two brown riders on his team. “I’ll choose S’goi and E’san.” V’than was finding it better to talk out his thoughts, and as he spoke, he was vaguely aware that Saruth was backing him up – even though he had no input.

He glanced at the sky and thought about the information he’d been given. ‘Were we going to be high or low first?’ He silently asked his brown, who he knew had been listening better than he had. Low. The brown responded simply. So, now V’than just had to connect his learning with their situation. He really wished he was working on his boat and not leading a fake threadfall.

“And…we’ll do a triple trail, flying level with each other. Depending on how the wind plays, we can change how we fly in the formation.” The words sounded awkward on his tongue, strange that it hadn’t been sailing words, even though all he had been doing was dragon care for almost two years. He then directed his classmates into three lines, trying to visualize the wing as if they were boats from overhead – but with colors and sizes that mattered.

“Uhm…does everyone feel comfortable where they are?” He asked after mounting Saruth and buckling himself in. He swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry when he realized it was time to let D’rew know they were ready.

“We’re ready D’rew!” He was too stressed in the moment about it not really being just a game to feel competitive about the game aspect of the exercise. It was just a game… but not really. This was the beginning of their actual jobs as dragonriders; to protect Pern from thread. Saruth rumbled quietly under him at the thought of threadfall, tensing and pulling his wings out as he prepared to take flight.

Color: Tan

Triple Trail,

Left column
Wingsecond: S'goi of Bronze Ramacuth - 52.5 feet (Esko)
K'zar of Green Lepsuth - 26 feet - (Taxx)
R'tol of Blue Hadryth - 40 feet (NPC)
(A) ?? of Green Laspherith - 31 feet (??)

Center column
C'rys of Green Vorscuth - 32 feet (Hiko)
T'ren of Brown Ralecheth - 42 feet (NPC)
Ny'x of Blue Nimocith - 35 feet (Kevna)
Wingleader: V'than of Brown Saruth – 50 feet (Muze)

Right column
Wingsecond: E'san of Brown Norioth - 44 feet (Alyx)
Muze of Green Rylath - 34.5 feet (Muze)
I'an of Blue Delphith – 37 feet (NPC)
Javana of Green Volututh - 28 feet (NPC)

[Taxx]

L'rey stood with a hand on Codrath's cheek, positively dwarfed by the bronze at his side. His gaze drifted to the other class as they circled above, listening as D'rew explained the lesson; his attention snapped back to the bluerider as his name was called, his shoulders squaring as the 'master told him he would be one of the two 'Wingleaders' in the pretend Fall. He looked over at those who were in his wing and then back to D'rew as he continued the instructions- the magnitude of the responsibility settling fully on L'rey. He took in a breath and lifted a finger to point at No'va and Riana. "You will be my Wingseconds," he stated, and then gripped the straps around Codrath's body, hauling himself up onto the bronze's back before going on, glancing over the other weyrlings he would lead. "We'll start with a forward level vee. Let's get going!"

No sooner had he strapped in than Codrath had surged to his feet, waiting barely a moment for the rest of the wing to mount before hurling himself skyward, following Sabanth as the blue guided the wing to the proper height. Nervous excitement clenched Lrey's stomach but he did his best to keep his face expressionless, eyes following the dragons overhead that would play the part of thread. It was only practice, he knew, and it would hone their skill for when they were ready to graduate and join a true wing, for the real thing. But this was a test for him, too, and he couldn't fail. He wouldn't.

We'll do fine, Codrath replied, sounding rather dismissive of the anxiety that still nagged at his rider. We'll show them, we will. This is what we were meant for, after all.

Color: Cyan

[Zen]

No'va :: Brown Alduntulath

When the class gathered and No’va saw the dragons already in the air, his curiosity had him more restless than usual. Fortunately D’rew didn’t take long to explain, and his excitement was mixed with a bit of nervousness. D’rew had been giving him extra lessons to help him with Betweening visualizations. The bluerider had explained to him how important it would be come Threadfall to be able to wink Between and out of danger on a split second decision. He had to be prepared at any moment or it could cost them their lives. Now they were going to do their first Threadfall practice, and he wasn’t really sure he was ready for it. At least if they didn’t manage to get out of the way of ‘Thread’ now, it wouldn’t kill them. He would much rather be hit by rope than lose them Between because he panicked and didn’t keep a return image in mind.

D’rew called out the first Wing, led by L’rey, and he moved to join the bronzerider when his own name was called. Alduntulath grumbled, I wonder just what sort of Wingleader Codrath will make. No’va glanced at the brown, I’m sure he’ll be fine. He’s a bronze. That’s what they’re supposed to do, right? Alduntulath huffed, clearly in some state of disagreement, Supposed to, yes. He mentally shrugged the dragon off, L’rey is the one really in charge anyway, and I’m sure he’ll do great. Alduntulath rumbled in amusement, Try telling Codrath.

There wasn’t much more time to wonder about it as L’rey pointed at him, as well as Riana, and informed them that they would be his Wingseconds. “Me?” He blinked in surprise and Alduntulath turned a whirling eye to his rider, Why not you? We are capable of leadership. Well yeah I just wasn’t expecting it, is all, No’va grinned, giving L’rey a somewhat playful salute, “Yes, sir!” Alduntulath snorted.

He mounted the brown and they followed D’rew and L’rey into the air, their small Wing fanning out into the vee formation L’rey had decided on. They left V’than’s Wing below, heading higher, and No’va gripped at his riding straps, glancing over at the sacks of firestone attached to either side. He was excited to see Aldy’s flame in action. They’d been practicing flaming since their return to the present time, learning how much firestone their dragons needed for a reliable flame, how the wind could affect it, but they hadn’t actually burned anything yet. Get ready, the brown warned, as D’rew had Sabanth give the younger weyrling class the signal to begin dropping their rope. No’va pulled his flight goggles down over his eyes as everyone’s attention turned above them and the first ropes started falling.

“There, left!” No’va nearly bounced in his seat as the first ropes fell close enough and Alduntulath rumbled in amusement at his rider’s excitement even as fire burst from his jaws to sear it away. Suddenly rope seemed to be everywhere.

Color: Black

[Alyx]

Joia and White Tellamuth

Leaning against Tellamuth’s pale frame, Joia listened with great interest as D’rew explained the lesson. They had noticed the other dragons in the air when they arrived for the class, but she’d not thought much of it? After all, it was odd to all of them, still getting used to being back in the present, to see any dragons outside of their clutch group for the most part. It wasn’t until D’rew started explaining that she understood why they had company.

Oh, this sounds interesting. Joia grinned, the White’s attention drinking in every detail D’rew spoke. For them, it was a chance they would not normally have in a true Threadfall; Tellamuth’s smaller size made it difficult for them to fly with the Fighting Wings, so to speak. At this point, Joia wasn’t even sure where they would be assigned once they graduated – Tellamuth’s odd ‘ability’ was valuable D’rew had said, and them coming back so flawlessly had seemed to prove that. But she didn’t want that to be all they could do… the pair had so much more to offer!

Give them time, they will see that. Joia looked up, meeting the calm, ocean shaded gaze of the Dragon. ‘I know, I just… I don’t want people to think we can’t do things!’ She almost stomped her foot, but stopped just short as D’rew started to divide the class up into ‘wings’. I know. But remember, we just have to prove them wrong. Maybe we can, maybe we can’t. It will be fun to try. ‘I suppose so.’

Joia heard her name, and Tellamuth pivoted in a moment. Grabbing the ties, she pulled herself up onto the White’s shoulder as he stepped past her, letting him trot over to join L’rey’s gathering Wing. We are with N’ova and Alduntulath. The was clear joy in the White’s tone as they picked up the pace, his path beelining to claim a spot next to the pied-balled Brown. You ready for this, Alduntulath?

As soon as D’rew had them divided, L’rey was shifting them around. Joia beamed at N’ova and Riana. She didn’t doubt either could do this. Shifting her seat back, she pulled the straps in place as the others mounted up. You know you don’t need those, right? I’d never let you fall. Joia smirked, tossing a glance at the back of Tellamuth’s head. ‘D’rew would kill me.’ Sadly. No sense of adventure today I suppose. Tightening the last strap, she slapped the White on the neck and laughed. ‘Stop it. You are a horrible influence!’

Only part of the time! The rest of it, I have wonderful judgment and an excellent sense of adventure. It’s not my fault no one shares it. Joia rolled her eyes, watching until L’rey and the Brown pair launched into the sky before signaling Tellamuth to follow. With his small frame, he climbed to keep up with the rest of their Wing easily, leveling out a bit behind N’ova and Alduntulath. ‘You let me know if you get tired, okay?’ Even if it was just practice, Joia couldn’t help a bit of concern.

Tellamuth flooded love back over her. I will do not worry. She still would, both of them knew it. Firestone had been a hurdle in itself and now that they were actually in the air and testing their abilities, she couldn’t help the worry. But then the ropes started to drop past them; She watched the Brown Pair ahead of them drop to the side, flame bursting from Alduntulath’s jaws. Joia glances up, scanning the rider’s over them. ‘Up, left.’ I see it.

Tellamuth shot forward, rising over N’ova for a moment to burn a pair of ropes that dropped down toward them, then banked back around. Just relax. Have fun with it. It’s not the real thing. Tellamuth tried to soothe her fraying nerves, and Joia gave a jerky nod. Right… fun.

E'san and Brown Norioth

E’san had wondered when a lesson like this would be coming their way. Since they’d been back, the class had been almost fast-tracking their lessons, streamlining the courses to work on wing maneuvers and firestone. He both wanted this lesson but dreaded it at the same time – mostly because he was more than just a little concerned that Norioth wouldn’t take it seriously.

Won’t take what seriously? The Dragon pulled his attention away from whatever female he’d been ogling to eye his rider. ‘The lesson. THIS lesson. Which you aren’t listening to.’ I was to listening. I was simply admiring the view around us. You should try it more. E’san ran a hand roughly over his face, growling at the Brown. So far, this wasn’t how he pictured a Dragonrider turning out. ‘Okay then, Norioth, what is the-’ The Dragon dropped his head, nosing the young man in the shoulder gently.

It is a Thread practice. Burn the Ropes, don’t get hit. Wing with the lowest hits wins at the end. See? I was listening. You need to trust me more. E’san was surprised the Dragon had got the basics, but still gave a snort of laughter. ‘If I trusted you, I’d be flying everywhere with just my breeches on covered in oil like you.’ Norioth tilted his head, seeming to consider the image. Well, it would be a nice view? I think Rylath’s would enjoy the image. E’san felt his cheeks burn a little and coughed.

Do you think Ceela will be watching the lesson? I hope so, I like her very much. E’san glanced around as a reflex. ‘Not sure, maybe? It’s a big lesson after all, hard to miss it.’ E’san couldn’t help but grin when V'than got tagged for Wingleader; he almost wanted to risk a look at S'goi to see his reaction, but didn’t. He gave V’than a thumbs up, then waited as the others were dived into the wings. Norioth was more than happy to follow Muze’s green in the direction of her brother’s group, E’san walking quickly to keep up.

He did give V’than a little side-eye when the other boy picked him out of the others. Why?? Because we can do it. Norioth seemed thrilled, and E’san just… not so much. “What did I do to wrong you, V’than? I’ve only ever been nice.” He grinned at the other boy, letting V’than know E’san’s words were all in jest. Well, mostly in jest? Before he knew it, they were strapping in and leaving the ground, backing into V’than’s formation as L’rey’s wing rose over them.

Oh, Rylath’s is behind us. Sit up straight, put your shoulders square. ‘Not not, Norioth! Thread, remember?’ This was what he worried about. E’san glanced back to the three behind him, then forward. Norioth caught the stone, crushing it between his teeth as the ropes started to drop above them. ‘Just… focus, please? If you want to show off, do it by following the lesson?’

Joia/Tellamuth - Silver
E'san/Norioth - Purple

[tovaana]

Weyrling Muze :: Green Rylath

She traced her fingers absentmindedly on Rylath’s green speckled hide – Muze liked to think it actually sparkled in the sunlight at certain angles… like a gold born in a green body. Rylath hummed at this image and Muze smiled at her ever pleasing and happy dragon. Her green had a very enjoyable personality, perhaps not as regal as a gold, but it was what Muze imagined every gold should be like. Golds do not get to fight thread like we do. Rylath was very intent on the game and lesson they were about to embark on, her eyes whirling excitedly. ‘Oh, I don’t want you to be a gold. You are perfect the way you are, like a green version of a gold.’ She did not need the responsibilities and pressure of being a gold rider. There were plenty on Mavros already, so chances of actually being Weyrwoman was slim, but still, it was already so much just to fight thread.

“Yes!” She breathed excitedly, glancing at V’than’s shocked and pale face when she found told she was going to be on his team. He looked nervous, she knew how to read him well, but even more so – he sounded nervous. Ever since Rylath had risen for the first time, he hadn’t really talked to her much… she wasn’t sure if it was because of that event, or maybe just because Saruth was getting more time consuming to take care of as he grew.

She lined up as directed and pulled her goggles on. Her head craned as the first group lifted up above them. Then looked forward to the handsome brown rider that had started to lift up with the rest of their own wing. Her heart did a little skip when he glanced behind him toward her and the others behind him. Was it that bit of attention or the fact that it hit her that this practice thread fall was making them one step closer to being ‘real’ dragon riders that actually fought real thread? Firestone, Muzemine! Firestone! She woke from her nerves and grabbed for firestone to give to her dragon who had arched back to get the amount they had practiced chewing.

Muze Color: Lime

Weyrling Maz’ru :: Blue Quilath

Maz’ru noticed that because of his attention detailed dragon, that his attention span had gotten worse. It could also be a side effect of having Siorreya as a friend, but the way his dragon listened to instruction, if he missed anything, he could always rely on Quilath to have not only listened, but instructed any of his siblings that paid less attention… like Sio’s green. It was almost maddening the way Quilath went by the rules so strictly. He never thought himself a rebel, but the more Quilath got after him, even kindly, he felt himself wanting to do the opposite. It was even more maddening that Maz’ru knew this was childish.

He folded his arms, trying to pay close attention to what the rules were - glancing around at his classmates who had all come so far. Coming back had been refreshing for Maz’ru, who enjoyed the populous of Mavros, even if it wasn’t large compared to other Weyrs. We’re on Codrath’s team. Maz’ru watched as his blue started to move aside as everyone started to move physically to be with their team. ‘I knew that.’ Quilath glanced amusedly at his rider, but continued moving away. ‘Uhm, is - ?’ He glanced around and found the green rider as soon as Quilath answered mentally. Yes, Amagetith and hers are on our team. He grinned, mounting his icy blue dragon. “Awesome.” This isn’t just a game, Maz’ru… This is practice for when we fight thread. ‘I know that.’ Good. Maz’ru sighed and then pursed his lips, his attention turning to the young bronze rider that was leading them in their first game of fighting thread. He didn’t even need to ask his blue to move as they were directed into their position in the V formation.

Don’t forget your goggles. I’ll also need some firestone soon. He could sense his dragon’s heightened perfectionist side coming out. ‘I got this, we’re good.’ They rose into the air above the other wing and team. He knew it was for real experience, but it was easier for Maz’ru to think of the lesson as the game that it was, and he wanted to win. It was easier to think he had to win, than not die. He shuddered a little at that thought, the wind whipping at them as they positioned themselves and the fake thread started to fall.

Maz'ru Color: Yellow

[Taxx]

Vitra of blue Tucseth

Enthusiastic as ever, Vitra and Tucseth had joined their class, the blue edging his way to the front to avoid being surrounded by taller dragons. His gleaming, bright blue head peered around Ophiuth's dark green body, taking in the Weyrlingmaster as he laid out the lesson plan and assigned the 'wings'; the group divided, Tucseth trotting over to join L'rey as the bronzerider picked his wingseconds, giving a snort at being passed over. Vitra patted his neck, feeling his distaste as keenly as he could tell she felt- everything, really. Flashes of excitement, of nervousness, of anticipation and amusement from the riders above.

We could be seconds! Tucseth boasted, settling into position near the middle of the vee and springing aloft as the rest did. I'd be a good second!

Of course you would, Vitra replied, not inclined to argue at the moment. Worry about that later, though. For now, pay attention. As the first ropes began to fall, Tucseth set his mind to the fight, jaws gaping as a rush of flame roared forth; a thrill ran through Vitra and she couldn't help a grin at the sight of the show of power from her blue.
Color: Black

K'zar of green Lepsuth

If she'd had her way, Lepsuth would have stayed in her weyr, but K'zar had talked her out to join the lesson. Threadfighting was something she needed to know, more important than any lesson they'd had thus far- betweening excluded. As usual, she stuck close to his side on their way; he waited to mount until the two wings were sorted out, gently shunting Lepsuth into the position marked out by V'than before settling on her back.

Do I have to? she asked, wide yellow eyes turning back to her rider and sending a hopeful image of their quiet, peaceful weyr. We wouldn't be missed, the others are better at it.

You can do it just as well. Gentle but unyielding, K'zar encouraged the green. He didn't particularly care to try to match anyone- Lepsuth didn't have a competitive bone in her body- but he wouldn't back down either. She could do it and he knew she could, despite the small green's own lack of belief in her abilities. She just needed a nudge. And as the wing went airborne, K'zar urged Lepsuth to join them, watching as, above, ropes began to rain down. Not the deadly Thread they'd face in future, but a good practice.

Singed bits of rope and ashes were the first to float past, but it wasn't long before intact ropes were falling and flames from their wing flashed around the two; Lepsuth quivered, her wings missing a stroke as she flinched at a blast of fire from Ralecheth; K'zar calmed her as best he could and then gave a mental prod at a rope falling past them. Burn it!

Burn it? the green repeated, craning her head back to K'zar. But...

That's what the lesson is. You can do it.

What if I hurt someone? She was fretting, worried as ever over the ways this might go wrong, still hovering in place while the rest of the wing were diving and flaming.

You won't. We've gone over this and you can do it. Try.

She didn't want to, he could still feel her fear and worry, but she turned her head to track a falling rope, mouth opening as it came within reach and letting loose a short burst of fire at it when it dropped past them. It was something, at least; maybe with time she would grow more confident in this. So K'zar hoped.
Color: Silver

[Hiko]

Why are we not leading this wing? Voscuth’s tone was scathing. C’rys tightened her grip on the straps, silent. They were not leading because they were not bronze, and it did no good to state the obvious. The green snaked her tongue out in irritation.
I know. I know! But it should be us! I have more of a mind than those bronzes put together! And you! You can relay to every dragon, not just pass a message through me.
We can talk to D’rew about it after the fact. This is the first chance those bronzes and browns have at leadership. We will have time after theirs. Now reposition in front of Ralecheth.
At least we’re in front and the middle. We have first vantage for Fall.
It would be better at the back, C’rys noted, Better angle to see everyone.
Better for a wingleader.

C’rys breathed. Vorscuth was nimble, had a good head on her shoulders, and wasn’t the sort to fly freely or without thought. At the forefront of the wing formation, they would be most at risk for being hit, but they would also have first look at the aerial terrain - something invaluable for V’than, if he were to lead the wing properly. A nagging thought itched at the back of her mind that she should continue to keep her talents as hidden as possible; it had been a fight to open up even at the dining hall the other morning. But she could hardly continue to do so and attempt to climb the ladder of rank. She would not merely be just another green rider, not with her skills and not with Vorscuth at her side.

Saruth, she said, glancing back behind. Please inform V’than that we can report as necessary, should he require it.
Almost as soon as the thought escaped her, Vorscuth snapped her head up. It falls.

Knots of rope fell everywhere, and above them, flames spouted. It wasn’t long before strands were being missed, giving the lower wing the opportunity to test their own mettle. Soon, strands were close enough for Vorscuth to flame. The green did so gleefully, filling C’rys with a strange emotion; had Vorscuth ever allowed her to sense such joy? She herself knew it, but Vorscuth, the petty, scheming, secretive creature had never let on that she could be so happy.
Keep your mind on the prize, Vorscuth. As fun as you might find this, we can’t let ourselves be hit.
The green’s mood immediately soured as she came back to her senses.
Of course. I was just-
You were enjoying yourself. Nothing wrong in that.
No, no. We need to use this as a stepping stone toward greatness. I let myself get carried away. There is more falling above.
Then flame it.
--

Color: Black

[kevna]

Ny'x - Blue Nimocith

She looked at the sky when D’rew mentioned the guests, excited to join in the flight and be a part of this aspect of training. This was it. Soon they would be full-blown riders. She would be able to visit her parents and introduce them to her blue. Ny’x silently thanked Faranth for being put on V’than’s team. He had great eyes, and she was determined to get his attention.

Are you paying attention? You are the one that wanted to be here.

I am, I am. The brunette moved to join the team, her blue sulking behind her. She listened to V’than as he laid out his plan, silently impressed with how well thought out it was. He would make a great leader. Her smile widened when he gave everyone their assigned positions.

Hey look at that, in the back, like you wanted!

But not the very back.

That’s okay, we want to be able to see some of what’s going on up front, right?

I would have preferred the back.

I know. She patted his foreleg, and then mounted, buckling in. Moving into their position she looked behind her and answered V’than’s question with a shout. “I feel very comfortable, especially knowing you have my back V’than. Enjoy the view!” She gave him a wicked smile, and a wink, then turned back. They took flight and she leaned forward a little, giving more pressure into the neck ridges for a more secure placement.

Ready love?

It’s in my nature.

Let’s do this. She gave her blue his first of the firestone, and let nature do the rest.

Purple

Siorreya – Green Amagetith

You are not paying attention. Sio accused the green, who was mischievously looking about. I do not need to. I know what do to.

Her confidence was maddening at times. Her tricks were becoming the same, yet still they brought a smile to her face. Most days. She barely caught what team they were on, brushed her fly away wisps back with annoyance. She needed to pay more attention. The blonde was just so sharding excited.

She waved to Maz when she saw him joining their team, smiling brightly. She found it oddly strange that she had made such fast friends with anyone, usually getting bored easily. But Maz’ru was not boring.

They prepped to take to the sky, and right before doing so, Ama called, Beware that strap Quilath, I believe it is loose! Wouldn’t want to dump your rider, would you brother?

You scoundrel.

What? It sure looked loose from my angle.

They took to the sky, getting into position, and Siorreya gave Amagetith more firestone.

How does it feel?

Ready, good. Here comes the rope.

Her dragon seared it perfectly, and Sio whooped.

Good one, you beast!

Orange


tovaana

[deebear]

Riana & Camachath

Both Riana and Camachath took note of the riders circling in the sky as they joined their fellow classmates for the days' lesson. <Curious>, the brown commented. 'It is.', she replied quietly from beside the brown's foreleg. They did not have to wait long to find out why the other class was circling in the air above them, as D'rew started the lesson.

Dark eyes flared slightly as the tiny brownrider processed what the Bluerider before them said. Nervous but excited, Ri bounced on the balls of her feet. 'This is it, we get to finally learn to fight Thread!' Cam rumbled his agreement. <It will be good to do what we are meant to.>, Cam replied, amused that his rider was so excited. He gave a soft rumble as they listened to how the lesson would go. Once the lesson was explained, D'rew split them into wings, with L'rey and V'than leading.

She wasn't surprised at all that L'rey was named Wingleader, but she was a little surprised at V'than being chosen over Sh'goi, considering he rode a brown. Not that she thought a brown couldn't lead of course. <We will lead.>, her dragon reassured her quietly. She smiled and nodded. 'One day. She and Camachath were pleased when L'rey chose them and No'va and his Alduntulath to be his wingseconds. She was also surprised by being chosen, about as much as No'va was, but only gave L'rey a nod and immediently turned to Cam, who lowered himself so that she could climb up and get into her seat. 'Ready for this?' The brown rumbled, a sort of laughing rumble. <I was hatched ready my tiny rider. As were you.> 'I wasn't hatched though...', she told him, amused as he shook her in response. She wanted to giggle at his shaking her, but she controlled herself and waited for everyone else to get ready for the lesson.

She was full of a nervous yet excited energy that she couldn't seem to control as Cam launched himself into the air behind the others of their wing. <We will do fine. We will learn good things today.>, Cam told her, anxious to get into the air but not nervous. He knew what he was to do and Ri knew what she was supposed to do. Putting it all together with the rest of the class was another story. That was where the nerves came in. What ifs started rolling through her mind and Cam rumbled at her. <There is no sense worrying over such things.>, the brown told her calmly as they gained altitude then leveled out in the formation L'rey had chosen. 'I know, I know.', she told him as she reached up to adjust her goggles.

Almost as soon as they were in position, the rope Thread was falling. She heard voices calling out to each other and to their dragons. Her eyes were darting everywhere but she couldn't decide where to truly aim her focus.

Color: Tan

[Zen]

No'va :: Brown Alduntulath

Alduntulath had turned a whirling eye to his white brother as Tellamuth addressed him, his tone somewhere between amused and mildly offended, Of course I am. But there was little more time for chatter before the lesson began.

Watching Aldy flame Thread, even though it was fake Thread, was about as exciting as it could get. The first few times No’va couldn’t help but woop in excitement about it. Alduntulath found it rather amusing, You are quite easy to amuse. Is that a bad thing? No’va grinned, clinging to his straps as Aldy tilted in the air to chase down some rope that had escaped his flame. However before he could flame it, his head snapped around, Drat! No’va glanced back the way the brown was looking to see a discolored mark on his flank. Oops. At least it is not real Thread.

Yeah- ABOVE! Shells but this was harder than it had seemed like it would be. Alduntulath’s jaws parted and a stream of fire shot forth, searing away the rope falling toward them. No’va wiped some ash from his goggles as they both returned to their attention to the sky above. Perhaps we should not chase down rope and leave it for Saruth’s Wing. Yeah, maybe. I guess that makes sense. Hadn’t D’rew mentioned something about knowing when to chase down Thread and when to leave it in some lesson or another? Lectures were the bane of No’va’s existence, but it seemed like a vaguely familiar concept. Let’s just focus on the stuff above us, he agreed with more commitment.

Color: Silver

V’than/Saruth - Major +5
L’rey/Codrath - None
No’va/Alduntulath - Minor +1
Joia/Tellamuth - Major +5
E’san/Norioth - None
Muze/Rylath - None
Maz’ru/Quilath - Minor +1
Vitra/Tucseth - Minor +1
K’zar/Lepsuth - Major +5
C’rys/Vorscuth - Minor +1
Ny’x/Nimocith - None
Siorreya/Amagetith - Major +5
Riana/Camachath - Major +5

Wing 1 Points: 18
WIng 2 Points: 11

[tovaana]

Weyrling V’than :: Brown Saruth

V’than had blinked at E’san’s response, not realizing his jest right away until he caught his smile. He grinned back, but his stomach was in knots. He almost missed Ny’x’s playful gesture. Even somewhat blind to flirtatious gestures, he was beginning to wonder if Ny’x was just playful period, or if it was flirting. Not that he had time to think about that at the moment. No, they’re preparing to drop the fake thread.

They were in the air right before thread started to fall when he felt pulses of confusion from his dragon. Silence was normal, but any sort of ‘reaction’ from Saruth often warranted attention. It wasn’t the best timing- since he saw movement above them as ‘thread’ started to fall.

‘What’s wrong?’

Uhm…

‘Here, firestone.’ Saruth took it and chewed it, readying to flame, but he was still out of sorts. ‘Saruth, there!’ The dragon flamed, but seemed distracted.

Vorscuth’s said… V’than struggled with patience, while at the same time trying to help navigate them through thread. It took him a moment to identify who he was talking about – not just the black green, but the black green’s rider. C’rys. She hadn’t said anything out loud, so V’than glanced around scanning quickly to see how everyone was doing. It was why he had wanted the back, so he could keep an eye on the whole wing and see how it was working out.

A big clump got through the above wing and toward the back toward V’than and Saruth. The movement above him caught his attention just a little too late. They swerved and Saruth did successfully flame it, but there were straggler pieces – multiple that landed on top of the pair. V’than gasped as he felt one bounce against his right side – and saw a mark on the corresponding wing of Saruth. In real thread fall, they would have needed to go between to stop the thread from eating at them - but V’than was too stunned in the moment from the series of events to direct Saruth to do so.

Are you okay? Saruth’s worried tone passed back to him, his whirling eyes a bright yellow. ‘I’m fine, we’ll need to practice going between when that happens again.’ Assuming it would happen again since they were so new to this. His cheek smarted; realizing that one of the strands had whipped across his face too. If that had been real thread, the pain would drive them both between and he’d have to keep his cool to return them promptly – they may as well begin practicing. He hoped though that they might not get hit again. He still wanted to find out what had bothered Saruth, but the hit they encountered seemed to bring his dragon back to their current problem at hand.

Color: Yellow

Weyrling Muze :: Green Rylath

They had been practicing flaming thread, but the game brought their practice alive. It gave more purpose to practicing a steady stream of fire and brought adrenalin pumping more wildly through her veins. It was something very different than her day dreams of riding a dragon those days on the beach back at home. She imagined actual thread would be even more thrilling and dangerous, but at the moment she was enjoying the lack of danger in the game.

‘There, Rylath! To your right above you!’ Rylath as usual was quick to respond to her, almost as she was saying it she looked up to see what she was seeing and burned it. The amount of satisfaction that emanated from Rylath made Muze grin. Her dragon was built for this obviously, but it was all the more glorious to be successful at it. She would be the best. But that took practice – so she tried not to let the success get to her head, wiping ash from her goggles and looking about them to make sure they hadn’t let any ‘thread’ slip through. ‘Great job Rylath!’ Her green wiggled with glee, shooting enthusiastically toward the next clump that had fallen through the top wing toward them.

Color: Pink

Weyrling Maz’ru :: Blue Quilath

What? Nonsense! But as they were rising the blue twisted his head to check, Maz’ru – Amagetith says one of our straps looks loose, but I directly remember you saying –

‘Quil. Do you hear yourself? It’s Amagetith you’re talking about. Our straps are fine.’

His whirling yellow eyes slowed down, glancing at the green in the formation as thread started to fall. ‘Feel a little silly, don’t you?’ The blue didn’t respond as he took firestone to chew. Well, it doesn’t hurt to check. The pale blue dragon responded defensively, but politely.

‘No, I guess not – but we’ve got thread falling on us now – look there!’ He directed his thoughts and vision of what he was seeing as spouts of fire erupted above them – ash creating a slight haze in the air. Quilath refocused, taking a sharp push through the air to flame thread near them. As they dodged to the right, a thread on the left slipped through and dinged Quilath’s paw. The dragon let out a noise of frustration that was between a whimper and a roar. How could I have missed that?! ‘It happens, we’ll do better, don’t stress about it.’ But if it had been real thread – ‘then we would have gone between, come back, and kept on flaming thread. So flame it – there!’ His dragon’s perfectionism had shaken the blue, but the success of blotting out a patch of thread had restored some of his confidence.

Color: Red

[kevna]

Ny’x – Blue Nimocith

The blue veered just in time as a net almost scored his hindleg, then twisted as his smaller frame allowed and seared it from the sky.

You really are a natural, aren’t you?

I told you I didn’t need the practice.

Yeah, but this is fun, isn’t it?

Yes, a little bit I will admit.

There, to your right! Her blue responded to her immediately, fire flaming the rope-thread. Ny’x felt high, her adrenaline pumping. Never had she felt so focused and on top of one of their lessons. Her dragon seemed to have forgotten his shyness, or that he was in fact surrounded by many of his siblings. His feelings flowed through her, that of confidence, and excitement. This is what she had been waiting for since their bond.

The brunette gave him another mouthful of firestone and leaned into him, basking in the feeling of being free. She had a feeling threadfall was going to be her favorite flights.

Color: Lime

Siorreya – Green Amagetith

Following her cry, her dragon bugled as well.

See? Easy. The smugness in the dragon’s mind speak was unmistakable. Don’t get too cocky, beasty. Sio half reprimanded, giving her green more firestone to chew, but silently feeling smug too. They were doing well. Amagetith seared more rope, twisting and turning in the sky with the ease her size gave her. A large net of knots flew past them, just to the right of them, almost hitting Amagetith’s wing.

Watch out Ama, that almost got you! What? How did I not see that? Amagetith turned her long neck, taking their flight out of formation, dropping down to sear the offending net.

No- The rider tried to warn the slender green, but too late. A large knot hit Siorreya smack dap in the forehead.

“Great Faranth!” The blonde swore, rubbing the spot that would no doubt have a knot of it’s own by the time the practice was over. The green responded to the anger and pain, straightening her course back out and getting back into formation with L’rey’s team.

Oh, mine, I am so sorry. Amagetith apologized, distracted thoroughly. Another rope hit the green’s left wing. We need to focus. It’s okay, I’m okay. Thank Faranth that this isn’t real thread.

The green rumbled her agreement, and accepted more firestone, and scoring another net falling near them.

Color: Cyan

[Alyx]

Joia and White Tellamuth

The whole thing was like chaos. Dragons darting back and forth, in and out of formation, flame everywhere. Tellamuth wove his way around the others, using his slender frame to dance between the bigger dragons of their Wing, belching flames out to burn the ropes before they dropped too far. Joia did her best to be a second pair of eyes, but Tellamuth seemed to be almost running on instinct, without needing her to guide him.

‘Left, up.’ The White instantly responded, powering up past another dragon to burn some of the ropes dropping down toward No'va and Alduntulath. Did we get it? ‘I think so?’ For the first time, they were both unsure, which put them in an uncomfortable position. The white pairing blasted another tangle of ropes, showering ash down over Ts'lar and her Green as they swung back into formation. I almost think this would be easier if it was the real thing. True Thread is a threat… this is just odd. ‘I’d rather not play with the real thing just yet if it’s okay with you, Tell.’

Tellamuth’s laughter rolled over her thoughts, soaking into her being for a moment, and then cut off. The White snorted, faltering in his flight. ‘What?’ Something is on my neck. ‘What?’ Joia reached up, yanking the goggles up to see better. About a foot in front of her, caught between Tellamuth’s neck ridges… was a rope. Joia sighed. ‘We got hit.’ Tellamuth gave an unhappy curse. ‘What do we do? I mean, did they tell us what to do if we got hit?’ I don’t think so. I would assume we do what we would do in a normal?

Joia’s frown deepened. ‘That would be Between, right? To kill the Thread and stop the burn or whatever?’ Precisely, Hold on. Joia leaned over Tellamuth’s neck as the White threw them into the cold black. Joia counted quickly, and by five, the sky opened back up around them. Tellamuth rolled in place, belly to the sun for a moment, shaking the rope loose of his ridges before drifting back into formation. At least we weren’t the only ones hit. ‘I suppose, but let’s try not to do it again?’ Tellamuth sent Joia a wave an agreement, sending a burst of flame to scorch a nearby rope.

E’san and Brown Norioth

For all his showboating, E’san was pleasantly shocked at how fast Norioth shifted gears from playboy to fighter. E’san had expected to be fighting the Brown to get his head off the ladies and on the lesson, but the moment the ‘Thread’ started falling, Norioth was all action. From there position in the lower Wing, they could watch Codrath and L'rey’s group take the first wave of the lesson. And it didn’t look great?

Closer to the Source, less room to maneuver. Norioth’s voice invaded his musing, flame bursting out of his jaws as they chased down a bit of the fallthrough. ‘They are missing a lot.’ That’s why we are down here. Norioth swung back around, altering his path to glide over Green Rylath and Blue Delphith, burning the ropes before they could tumble down on them. ‘Nice work.’ The best way to impress the ladies is to be capable. E’san grinned as Norioth shifted back around into position.

‘Best thing I think I’ve ever heard you say.’ Aw, and here I thought that would have been whatever I said the day I Impressed you. He looked back, jaws opened. More Stone. ‘Oh, right.’ E’san caught the sack, tossing part of it forward into the Brown’s waiting jaws. He crunched the rocks in his teeth, taking the moment to take stock. Good flying, Rylath. You too, Delphith. Volututh, tell yours too keep their eyes up, you need their help. E’san grinned, shifting to lean more into the motions of Norioth’s movements.

Joia/Tellamuth - Red
E'san/Norioth - Orange

[Taxx]

L'rey of bronze Codrath

The bronze took to the exercise and position like a fish took to water; he was in his element. Diving and twisting, he flamed through a swathe of rope, but when he stalled as if to watch the smoking ashes fall, L'rey dug a knee into his side. Don't stop! he yelled at Codrath, and they were in motion a heartbeat later, a thrumming growl accompanied by the cool reply.

Do not order me about. I know what I'm doing. Another burst of fire and then the deft twist sideways out of the way of a knotted rope that fell past his shoulder, whipping his head around to glare at it in a way that made L'rey snort- if looks could burn like his flame did. Move, Lepsuth! the bronze commanded, the order catching L'rey off guard, and he tried to crane his head around to see; Codrath rolled nearly sideways, his attention just briefly fixed not on the falling 'Thread' above but on the green below.

Codrath! His hands gripped the straps, body instinctively leaning away from the pull toward the ground far below. Why are you worrying about her? She's not in our wing, Codrath, focus on our wing!

She's not doing anything, the bronze growled, sounding even more irritated at the smaller dragon's hesitance, but he righted himself. Fine. I'll just leave her to get scored.

It's not real Thread. L'rey rolled his eyes behind his goggles and then pointed Codrath toward another thick bundle falling. Don't let it get away from you.

Silver for L'rey


Vitra of blue Tucseth

Vitra was going to be feeling this later- her silly, over-competitive blue was going to exhaust himself before they'd made it halfway through the lesson. He was trying way too hard, and definitely not keeping to formation as he was supposed to, and Vitra could hardly find the strength to stop him as she was tossed about, her arms already aching from hanging on and her middle sore from trying to hold herself flat against Tucseth's neck.

He was deaf to her demands to stop, ignorant of the bits of rope that grazed his shoulders and chest, luckily harmless encounters that didn't offer the same sting of pain real Thread would. He was too... frantic, was the word that came to mind, and Vitra was being jostled too much to manage to build enough mental strength to halt his antics. It was with a flush of relief that he suddenly pulled up, his head twisted toward Alduntulath, a heavy snort evidencing his displeasure in whatever the brown had said- but he settled, stopped trying to target every little piece fluttering past him, and aimed carefully for a long strand tumbling past.

Cyan for Vitra

K'zar of green Lepsuth

He'd been taking it slow, intending to give Lepsuth time to get used to the feel of flaming, doing his best not to push her too hard too fast but not exactly letting her get by with doing nothing. He had certainly not expected the sudden command, and it threw Lepsuth into a panic, her eyes spinning bright yellow in a heartbeat as she suddenly charged ahead, a shrill squeal piercing the air as she did so- a length of rope smacked K'zar in the face before he could do more than gasp at the sudden acceleration.

A rush of fire- aimed at nothing, simply spilling forth because she wasn't sure what to do- this was good, right? For a moment her fright burned out of control, her instinct sending her dropping from the wing toward the comfort and solitude of their weyr, before K'zar managed to break through and calm her. She hesitated, hovering as she quivered nose-to-tail; no words passed between them, the young man simply soothing the green and easing her alarm at the unexpected demand from the bronze.

It took more time to convince her to return to the wing, to the spot she'd vacated, and to convince her that it didn't matter what that bronze had said- she had been doing fine. She just needed to keep on as she had, and so long as she tried, nobody would get mad at her.

As she parted her jaws to make another move against the 'Thread', K'zar's gaze flitted upward- he wouldn't show his anger just yet, but he wasn't about to forgive the unnecessary demand that had shaken Lepsuth so badly that easily.

Lime for K'zar