Bath Buddies [deebear]

[Zen]

10th Pass, 5th Turn, 11th Month

Mizao

Mizao kept a good distance and several other candidates between her and Akai as the Candidate Master led the little group to Ildath Lake. Young dragons and their riders were already waiting for them, an Assistant Weyrlingmaster overseeing the group while Weyrlingmaster K'ton was busy with the most senior weyrlings who were preparing for graduation in a mere month's time. Although she had ridden Kenessia's Green to Mavros and seen S'bol's Blue up close several times since her arrival only a sevenday ago, this was to be her first real hands on experience working with a dragon. Her heart fluttered in her chest with nervous excitement, even though all they would be doing was bathing and oiling the young dragons alongside their riders.

S'bol addressed the group as they came to a stop a few paces from the water's edge, and the dragons waiting there, “You'll each be paired up with a weyrling and will be expected to follow their instructions on how to properly bathe and oil their dragon. Caring for your dragon in his manner will be a large part of your duty as a rider, should you Impress, so pay attention. The care of your dragon will be your number one priority, so I expect you all to take it seriously. That isn't to say you can't have fun with it, but make sure you're getting the work done, and doing it correctly and in a timely manner. And perhaps get to know the rider as well, as they may be your wingmate some day!”

With that S'bol sent them toward their assigned dragons, sending two candidates each to the Bronze and three Browns, as they were larger and would require more work. Mizao was pointed toward a Green, and upon approaching she wondered at how dainty the little dragon was. Mizao had not seen a great many dragons in her life thus far, and certainly not this close, but Sonath seemed far more delicate than even any of her nearby clutchmates. Mizao came to a stop in front of the young woman that had to be her rider and gave her a polite little bow and a soft smile, addressing both rider and dragon, “It's very nice to meet you. I'm Mizao. I look forward to learning from you both today.”

deebear

[deebear]

Marilsa

Now?, came the distinct whisper of a voice that belonged to her Sonath. She smiled at her beautiful little green and leaned a hip in her side gently as her forked tailed flicked back and forth gently. In a moment, love., she told her, giving a little laugh at the feel of her dragon's excitement. She liked to meet new humans from time to time, and the new candidates didn't always look at her with pity. Her sides vibrated with her gentle humming as they waited for S'bol to finish speaking to the candidates, giving them directions on how the days lesson was going to proceed. They stood a little ways from the other weyrlings, some of them played too rough for her and Sonath's liking, though Mari really didn't want any sour moods or hurtful words upsetting Sonath today.


A sadness crept through her, distracting her from the candidates for a moment as she turned to her dragon, eyes whirling blue, though tinged with yellow. Easy now. Cheer up, we're going to have fun today!, she told her cheerfully before taking her muzzle in both hands and kissing Sonath's nose lightly. Fun!, she sent back happily, and reinforced by her rider's sentiment and love she didn't allow herself to be unhappy. She would be happy and have fun for her rider. Mari smiled at the feel of the sadness vanishing and once again replaced with happiness and excitement. It wasn't often she could catch it before it started, but she was working on keeping her dragon out of her melancholy moods the best she could.


The crunch of boots on the ground had her turning her dark eyes on the candidate coming her way. She wasn't the best with new people either, but that was something she had to pull herself out of too. Sonath crooned at Mari softly and nuzzled against her side gently before turning one faceted eye toward the young girl that now spoke to her rider.


Mari gave the girl a cheerful smile as she rested a light hand on her dragons side, silent thanks for her support as always. Hello there, Mizao. This is Sonath and I am Marilsa. We're both glad to meet you!" Sonath gave a quiet trill from where her nose peeked out from behind Mari's legs. She shifted slightly so that she could crane her neck out a little to sniff at the girl. Her skinny little neck stretched out as it was didn't really look strong enough to hold her head, which wasn't exactly huge, but the angle made her look awkward. She pulled back shyly and hid behind her rider, as best as a dragon her size could, and waited.


"So..", Mari started gently with a little smile. "What's the first thing you should do when preparing to bathe a dragon?", she asked her as Sonath wiggled a little behind her. She loved getting bathed and was anxiously waiting but Marilsa had told her they were helping teach too. Her's was sweet and kind, and Sonath knew she would make a good teacher, but she really did want her bath soon. 

Zen