A Whole New World [Worlds Apart Weyrling Lesson]

[Zen]

10th Pass, 6th Turn, 5th Month
A cloudy but otherwise pleasant day.

K'ton, Mizao :: Brown Wendiloth

Sorth had called the youngest weyrlings to the plateau at K’ton’s order, the man standing with the bronze at his back as he waited for the class to gather. Today their dragons would take to the skies for the first time. He didn’t wait long after they had all gathered to explain the day’s lesson, “Your dragons will be taking their first flights today, unmanned.” He eyed them all, sure one of them would be idiotic enough to try flying with their dragon before the month was up. “Each of your dragons will take their turn flying out around the lake and back to the plateau. You will wait until every member of your class has had their turn and then your dragons may return to the sky. You will monitor them closely and keep them from doing anything they are not ready for. They will be flying only to get used to carrying their own weight, there will be moronic tricks or attempts to show off or you will be grounded, which will put you behind the rest of the class. You will fly and rest them periodically throughout the morning, until lunch, after which we will convene in the classroom to begin work on your first riding straps.”

He paused to let his instructions sink in briefly, his gaze traveling over the gathered dragons and riders. His lip curled slightly as it came to rest on the two female brownriders in the class and he barked out, “Mizao!” The girl jumped in surprise, “Get your brown in the air.”

Wendiloth’s eyes whirled with hints of yellow, I have to go first? Everyone is watching… what if I mess up? Mizao herself had been rather surprised to be called out first. K’ton tended to ignore her and Karo’s existence if he could, rather than call attention to it. She reached up to place a hand on her brown’s nose, sure failure was what the weyrlingmaster expected from them. He had made no secret of his disdain for the two female brownriders in the class. Taking a deep breath, she rubbed her hand over Wendiloth’s muzzle, You’ll be alright. You were made to fly. And we’ve been practicing, strengthening your wings, just for today. I believe in you. A wash of love was returned to her from the brown and he lifted his head, still uncertain, but trusting in his rider’s faith in him. He turned and padded to the edge of the plateau, hesitated only a moment, and unfurled his wings, pushing off and into the air with a long downstroke. He flew as commanded, around the lake and back, without incident. He landed heavily, shaking his head at the jarring impact, and looked to Mizao. She couldn’t help the smile on her face at seeing him fly for the first time and stepped forward to hug his muzzle, “You did wonderfully. See, I told you.” He rumbled soft agreement, It went very well, I think. Yes.

“Get out of the way!” K’ton’s sharp order had Mizao jumping back from her dragon, the old bronzerider glaring at them, “There is a whole class waiting to fly, in case you hadn’t noticed.” Without waiting for any sort of response, K’ton picked out the next pair to go. Mizao and Wendiloth quickly moved aside.

OOC: Whoever posts next can be the person K'ton called to go~

6 Months - Currently at 40% Full Growth
Aleni of Gold Riyobith – 31 feet (Taxx )
Tak'ril of Bronze Agureyth – 30 feet (kevna )
Th'ron of Bronze Guilroth - 28 feet (NPC)
(A) ?? of Bronze Gaburuth – 25.5 feet (??)
K'var of Brown Kabutenth – 26.5 feet (Alyx )
Karo of Brown Gargerrith – 24.5 feet (Esko )
Mizao of Brown Wendiloth – 23 feet (Zen)
E'rik of Brown Anatath – 21 feet (Alyx)
Sk'lar of Blue Ikkamath – 22.5 feet (Zen)
R'den of Blue Kersalith – 21.5 feet (NPC)
M'nis of Blue Vexeveth – 21 feet (NPC)
Cirene of Blue Imperath – 18 feet (tovaana )
K'los of Green Arkyloth – 16.5 feet (NPC)
Dalla of Green Kyurenath – 16 feet (NPC)
(A) ?? of Green Salatoth – 15.5 feet (??)
(A) ?? of Green Palogeth – 14.5 feet (??)
A'ron of Green Wortinth – 13.5 feet (NPC)

[Taxx]

Summoned by the Weyrlingmaster's bronze, Aleni and Riyobith had gone to join the rest of the class. The gold was growing steadily, her shoulders now just below the height of Aleni's head, broad and strong with age but nowhere near done growing. Her skin still gleamed from the morning's oiling, and her gait was a measured, stately stride as she padded to join her clutchmates, standing a short distance away and watching them instead of K'ton.

Aleni listened to the instructions, smiling at the thought of watching Riyo take her first flight, knowing that once her dragon grew a bit more that they'd be flying together. Soon. Not soon enough, the woman replied, and the two gave each other a glance before turning back to their separate objects of attention. Mizao was called to go first, and Aleni raised a hand to the other girl while Riyo hummed, blue eyes watching as the two paced toward the cliff. Wendiloth's yellow eyes announced his nervousness, which was understandable, and Riyo sent a wave of assurance at him.

He will be fine. You can do this, Riyobith spoke to both rider and dragon, humming deeply. She tracked Wendiloth to the drop-off, watched him spread his wings and spring skyward, her head following his path around the lake before he returned to the cliff again and landed. Up on her paws then, she approached. Well done Wendiloth! You flew so nicely, and your landing was so graceful. I hope my own will be as good as yours.

You'll do great too, Riyo, Aleni told her, smiling at Mizao as she followed her gold. Then, at K'ton's call for her to send Riyo up, she blinked; Riyobith hardly hesitated before turning agreeably. Be careful, Aleni asked, reaching up to rest a hand on the gold's cheek; Riyo gave her shoulder a light nudge in response.

I will. Don't worry about me, Mine, I will be fine. Moving back, to give her some room, Aleni watched as Riyobith spread her wings and then sprang; a quiet gasp as the gold sprang broke free. But the exercises she'd been doing to build the strength in her wings were paying off, and Riyo's flight was strong and true as she made her circuit of the lake, flapping only when necessary and gliding much of the time. She flapped harder to gain enough altitude to land again, the beats of her wings stirring up dust as she hovered above the ground before landing- rather too hard, the impact shaking the ground.

That could have been better, she muttered to herself, folding her wings to her back and turning her head toward Aleni. But it was nice to fly!

You did great. Your landings will improve, and for your first time it was well done. Come on, let's let someone else go before K'ton get angry again.

Sorth's can be very... Riyo hesitated, as if trying to find a word that wasn't too negative. Very loud. But I'm sure it's because he cares. Right?

In some way. She wasn't going to bring Riyobith down, even if she didn't agree with the gold- it wasn't worth arguing about. You had your turn. Now we can watch the rest have theirs.

I'd like that.

[tovaana]

Weyrling Cirene :: Blue Imperath

Good luck up there Agureyth. You’ll need it too, if you’re half as clumsy as your rider. Imperath directed so only the bronze could hear. Cirene pursed her lips. ‘Must you aggravate your clutchmates?’ What? I’m just wishing him luck. Her pale clear eyes darted down at the blue whose white muzzle was pointed up at her. ‘Just, focus – or you’ll be the one looking like a fool if you mess up.’ My wings are strong, I’ve worked my tail off for this moment. She still rolled her eyes, watching as the female brown rider went off as commanded. Perhaps before impressing she could have appreciated the way K’ton took command of his weyrlings, but since she had impressed to a blue – she could only be somewhat jealous of the female brown riders. They would have more opportunities easily opened to them. Cirene was careful to keep these thoughts to herself and blocked from her nosy blue, knowing he’d be seething at the thought of his rider desiring a brown over him.

“We’ll go next!” She called, not wanting to be called out – she’d rather volunteer than to be sneered at by the Weyrlingmaster. Luckily his sour attention was mostly always directed at the female brownriders.

The dragon puffed up his white chest and darted forward to the ledge. He pushed off with his long hind legs and pushed mightily in the air. I may be smaller than brown or bronze, but I can fly just as majestically. I can do it faster too. ‘Don’t show off, just take the flight and come back.’ She felt his stubbornness against her own will as she fluttered her eyes, experiencing some of the flight through his senses. He was ignoring her guidance, picking up speed and using the slingshot around the lake as way to pick up more speed. ‘Slow. Down. If you come in for landing at that speed you’ll crash.’ He flared his wings to suddenly to catch an upward breeze to slow his speed. She felt his pain as it pulled uncomfortably on his muscles that were new to the movement, even as much as they’d practiced. ‘I told you.’

He came in for a smooth landing, chest out as he pranced back into the crowd with Cirene following. You worry too much, I’m fine. ‘Maybe, but if you heard K’ton, he said we’d be practicing until noon. You have to pace yourself.’ Don’t tell me what to do. ‘Oh, I will. Your reputation is mine.’ He snorted, hardly glancing at his rider as he shuffled his wings on his back. He rolled his shoulder, trying to hide the pain he was feeling from his rider, along with his pride.

kevna

[kevna]

Tak'ril - Bronze Agureyth

Agureyth was watching carefully, analyzing the first flight.

How about now? This is the perfect-

K’ton called out Aleni and Riyobith, and Tak’ril inwardly groaned.

No, not yet, I want to make sure I know what I am doing. Tak’ril twisted his lips and stuffed his hands in his pockets to keep from pushing the big bronze forward to the front. Agureyth was very careful, never brash when it came to new things, and sometimes it could be infuriating.

Cirene and Imperath came into view, and Tak’ril waved politely, trying not to wince at the remembered awkward lake incident. He acutely noticed the tensing of his dragon, though he heard nothing.

Remember you’re place blue. Agureyth said heatedly, stretching his neck out to its full height, his head a good ten or so feet above the blue’s. We wouldn’t want you to disgrace yourself. Agureyth’s eyes whirled yellowish red, and he pinned the hot gaze upon the smaller dragon. Suddenly he felt Tak’ril’s hand on his side, cool, calm, and confidence flowed through him.

Agureyth? This is what we have been preparing for you know. Tak’ril said, trying to prompt his bonded into action as Riyobith came in for her landing. Cirene called out their desire to go next, and Agureyth watched the blue carefully until he was in the air. His eyes slowed their whirling and regained their green serenity.

I know. The bronze said simply. So there is nothing to be afraid of. The young man prompted again thinking this was the dragons hesitation, and completely missing the anger he had experienced just moments before.

I am not afraid. I just like to be prepared. The dragon watched as Imperath came in for his landing, and then shook his wings in readiness. I am prepared now.

“We would like to go next K’ton!” Tak’ril said, excited for the opportunity. Then with strength the large dragonet bounded forward and past the blue re-emerging with his clutch mates and leapt into the air. With just a few strong beats he launched higher into the air, and with a steadiness slowly made his way around the lake.

How does it feel?

Like freedom. It will feel even better when you are with me.

I can’t wait for that too.

The bronze was slow but steady, and as he finished his flight came in for landing. He landed heavily, though solid, and it shook the bronze. You are one of the largest. Tak’ril consoled, at the same time cheering his dragon with a fist pump to the sky.

“That was great Agureyth! How do you feel?”

Like I could do this all day. My wings are strong.

The dragon moved back into the crowd, and Tak’ril punched his dragon’s leg teasingly. “So you’re not too fat now? We ran it all of?”

Well… I did. The dragon looked his rider up and down, and the young man laughed.

tovaana

[Alyx]

K'var and Brown Kabutenth

K’var listened to K’ton’s instructions for the day, finding it hard to keep the smile off his face. Flying! Well, okay, not really the flying he wanted, but still, it was one step closer. Kabutenth stood next to him, amused by his rider’s excitement. It’s just a circle? K’var’s grin spilled a bit wider, his gaze shifting from the Weyrlingmaster’s scolding-like lecture to meet the bulky Brown’s look. ‘But it's flying. Not trotting in patterns on the ground. I wish I could go with you!’

Rationally, K’var probably could? Of the entire clutch, Kabutenth was one of the largest, only outmatched by pair of Bronzes and Aleni’s Gold. K’ton said unmanned. K’var huffed at the dragon’s words and gave a rough shrug. ‘I know, I know. Just seems to take forever.’ It probably wouldn’t have bothered him so much if the Weyrlings that had been gone a day into the past hadn’t come back already flying.

He watched as K’ton barked at Mizao to go, wishing he wasn’t so mean to the girl. She was nice, and she was a good Brownrider. K’var didn’t get why it was such an issue? Her Brown did the cycle without a problem, and of course, all K’ton could do was yell some more. ‘Group that went back are lucky. They get D’rew. We have this grouch.’ Kabutenth chuckled, shifting his weight from side to side as Riyobith and Imperath took their turns.

As the Blue returned, K’var straightened and slapped a hand on the big Brown’s shoulder. ‘You wanna go?’ Yes. They waited for Agureyth to go, then Kabutenth stepped forward, K’var’s grin spilling back over his lips. “Kabutenth’s ready.” He paced along at his Dragon’s hip for a distance, then stopped to let the Brown move into the clear to take off. Massive wings opened, and he couldn’t help wish again he was going with the beast as Kabutenth pushed off into the air. Perhaps next time? Oh, K’var hoped so!

From where he stood, he watched as Kabutenth sailed out over the ground to the Lake and back; his turn was wider than the others, his mass making turning tight almost impossible. We will need to work on my maneuvering. ‘Yea. Might be good.’ Kabutenth powered back toward them, massive wings covering the distance back with ease. ‘Hey, slow down. You still need to land, silly.’

The Brown complied, gliding in to land in front of the others. He hit a little harder than K’var would have liked, stumbling a step or two forward before coming to a full stop. Hm… K’var grinned. “You did great. We just need to work on the landing. Come on.” Kabutenth huffed, moving past the others to give their classmates a chance to go.

(Sorry, rusty with this class's charries)

[Alyx]

E'rik and Brown Anatath

E’rik watched his classmates each that their turns, content to watch them all takeoff and fly the course around the bowl and lake from the grassy spot he sat. Anatath almost bounced around him, the little brown laughing with each of his clutch mates that flew. This is great! E’rik pulled his attention away from the current flyer, his attention focusing on his excited bondmate. ‘Are you ready to try?’ Can I? Can I? Anatath landed, turning to face E’rik, his faceted eyes spinning greens. ‘Well, that is part of the lesson.’ The little Brown’s emotions flooded over E’rik, and he had to take a deep breath to calm his pulse against the storm.

K'var’s Kabutenth was just touching down as E’rik pushed to his feet, slapping a hand against his rear to shake the dirt free. Now? Anatath’s excitement was so thick E’rik can almost taste the flavor of it on the back of his tongue. E’rik smiled softly at the smaller Brown. ‘Peace. Wait a moment for Kabutenth to get clear. Do you remember where you are supposed to go?’ Anatath huffed, and then looked at the larger Brown as he trotted by. Around the lake and back… right? ‘Right. Now nothing fancy, okay?’ Aww, but- ‘No buts.’

Anatath only protested a little more, and almost launched off from a dead stop the moment E’rik gave him permission. For his small size, the duo-toned Brown gained his height and speed quicker then E’rik had expected, the thrill of knowing that someday he’d been in the air with his dragon was enough for the moment. He watched the shape banked around the lake, then bee-line back toward them like a wild runner.

‘Slow down.’ Why? Anatath was too excited to listen, and E’rik could only wince as he came in for a landing. It wasn’t pretty, the little brown catching front claws first, then stumbling forward a few steps to land legs bent back, chest in the dirt, and head stretched out over the grass as he slid to a halt. E’rik paced forward, worried Anatath might have hurt himself. ‘You okay?’

Ouchie. Anatath lifted his head, shaking it to clear the cobwebs the impact had caused. Too fast? E’rik smiled softly. ‘Too Fast.’ Anatath rolled, gathering his legs under himself and stood carefully. “Anything broke?” E’rik’s voice was soft and worried, his hands reaching to run over the young Brown’s throat and chest to check for damage and wipe away the dirt and grass. I don't think so. I’m sorry, E’rik. ‘It’s okay, it’s all about learning. Come on, let’s check you over.’ Okay! E’rik led the little Brown off to the side, to let the last of his classmates take their turns.

(I so need to post these two more. Hope this passes Zen !!)

[Esko]

Karo and Brown Gargerrith

As far as she was concerned, her weyrlinghood was turning out quite positively. Though Gar had his moments, she couldn't have asked to be bonded to a better dragon. And now was a big day in their progression towards becoming riders; their dragons taking wing for the first time. Karo wanted nothing more than to soar with him, but the pair caught on pretty quickly that it was forbidden for now. You're too heavy, anyway. Stinky gross. Gargerrith sneezed, or snorted, it was hard to tell. Karo lightly elbowed the brown, but a wide grin removed any ounce of potential malice. He didn't remind her of anyone in particular back at the ship, but the close companionship was something that she'd missed.

Karo lightly whooped when Wendiloth touched down, and Gar tapped his feet. However, Karo quickly turned to agitation when K'ton barked at the brownpair to move. Her brow twitched. How hearty she would celebrate once she was out of his watchful eye! She would vomit up some brew in his name.

The two watched as Riyobith took the next turn. Gargerrith didn't share the same protectiveness over his golden sister that Karo seemed to hold over Aleni- but he was still one of her biggest cheerleaders. It didn't feel right to compete against her the same way he did with his brothers. The pair united in chivalry. That was pretty epic, Riyobith! Setting the standards so high for me, a ha~ Karo rolled her eyes a little but didn't respond. She watched as the next few dragons flew; there were no major mishaps and everyone was doing quite well. It came to Anatath and the poor brown came in too fast, coming to a crash-landing in the dirt. Karo winced. Anatath isn't hurt too much. I'm more worried that old Sorth's will blow up at them for a natural-rookie mistake.


'Gar, we're all rookies here.'

Yeah but I'll be the best rookie.

'Well then prove it.' "We'll go next!" Karo called. It took her long enough to volunteer, but she didn't know if K'ton had any order in mind for whatever examples he wanted to set. Or maybe she just wanted to see Gar fly, shard any bitterness towards the Weyrlingmaster. Gargerrith made haste to the take-off area, flexing his young wings that were just eager to catch air. 'Alright...go!' The brown bound forward, pumping his wings and rising into the air. Karo's heart lept with his. Woah! He flew around the lake, his medium size allowing him to maneuver somewhat better than his larger brown clutchmate. However, that didn't make it anywhere near perfect, even if he thought it was better than it was. He was more relishing this natural milestone, feeling like less of a hatchling and more of a dragon. Fierce and airborne!

Gargerrith beat his wide wings around the lake and back towards the plateau. He had this, he just had to land perfect- the ground sure looks farther than it actually is. Caught off guard, Gargerrith's feet hit the ground and he had to run a bit to loosen off the extra momentum. But nothing disastrous? Karo whooped as he moved out of the way to let the next prospective dragon go. 'That was slappin'!' She patted his foreleg as he beamed with pride. I definitely won.

'Uh, sure.'

Don't ruin this for me.

The brown steadily moved towards his golden sister for some casual chat. And, inwardly, hoping for a shower of compliments. So, what'cha think of how we've been doin' so far? He cooed, deciding that he deserved to lay down. Karo followed her dragon and took a position near Aleni, a goofy grin plastered on her face. "Riyobith did a great job. Ain't it gonna be great when we get to fly with 'em?"

Taxx

[Zen]

Sk'lar :: Blue Ikkamath

Ikkamath shifted from paw to paw eagerly as the first of his clutchmates took to the air, disappointed that they hadn’t been the ones to go first. Sk’lar was content to wait, for his part, though even the generally stoic man was actually excited to see his dragon in the air at long last. You could show it a bit more, you know. Your face still looks like its normal grumpy self. Ikkamath bumped his rider, sending him stumbling. I’m not grumpy. Are tooooo~ You’re always grumpy, you never smile, no one is going to make friends with someone who’s grumpy all the time. You sure are lucky you have me or you’d never make any friends. I appreciate the vote of confidence, Sk’lar responded dryly, Anyway I’ve done just fine on my own. You only think that. Just wait until I’ve found you tons of friends. You’ll be much happier. Sk’lar said nothing to that, watching as Anatath came in for his landing and wincing as the small brown had a bit of a crash landing.

Woohoo! That looked fun! Sk’lar eyed his dragon, You can’t be serious. Ikkamath danced some more, No, of course not, being serious is your thing, not mine. But it sure looked more interesting than everyone else’s landings! You’re the oddest dragon I’ve ever met. Awww, thanks Sk’lar! The rider facepalmed and the dragon laughed at him for it. Okay, I wanna go- Unfortunately Karo spoke up first and Ikkamath plopped his rump unceremoniously onto the ground to pout, I hate waiting. Sk’lar sniffed, It’s good for you to practice some patience once in a while. It’s boring. No wonder you like it so much. Sk’lar sighed, watching Gargerrith take his turn.

Almost before the brown had landed again, Ikkamath was back on his paws, rushing forward and broadcasting to the entire group, Me next! Me next! Ikkamath- He tried to get his dragon to wait but too late, the blue running and launching himself into the air. Even Sk’lar had to admit, it was a magnificent sight to see your dragon flying for the first time. WOOOHOOOOOO! Sk’lar this is great! LOOK! The blue focused all his sensations at his rider and Sk’lar’s breath caught in his throat as he closed his eyes to see what his dragon was seeing, feeling the wind rushing past, the power in his own wings, the freedom of the sky. You’re right. Woah! Did you just say I was right? Are you sick? Hah hah. Ikkamath’s pleasure at the flight and amusement at him were plain as he banked around the lake, heading back. I don’t want to stop. Well you have to. You heard K’ton, you can fly again after everyone’s had their turn. The bluerider was surprised when his dragon relented almost immediately and didn’t fight him on it.

Ikkamath slow down. Ikkamath. Do you want to end up like Anatath? Ikkamath! Instead of slowing at all for his return to the ground, the insane blue appeared to be speeding up. “Ikkamath!” The panic was clear in Sk’lar tone, and it was so shocking to hear much of any emotion in his rider’s voice it got through to the blue, who pulled up at the last moment, but he was still coming in too quickly. His wings jerked back with the sudden pull up and pain lanced through him, causing his wings to half fold before her was ready, the momentum of his previous flight sending him tumbling as he tried to touch down, another jolt of pain from the foreleg that was the first to touch the ground before he was rolling over himself, tucking his wings in tight in some attempt to mitigate the damage of the terrible landing.

Sk’lar rushed over to him when he’d finally stopped tumbling and lay on the ground groaning rather dramatically. “Ikkamath! Are you alright? What hurts?” Sk’lar could feel the pain even as he asked, weird phantom pains in wings he didn’t have and his wrist was throbbing something fierce. He rubbed at it absently. Everything….

“Learn to control your blasted blue, Sk’lar!” K’ton snarled as he stomped over to the two, “Has he broken anything?”

“I-I don’t think so?” Sk’lar was mildly shaken by it, which had Ikkamath training a whirling eye of a strange mixture of orange and purple at him. His rider was never shaken. Ikkamath pushed cautiously to his feet, wincing and favoring his throbbing foreleg, rustling his wings slightly, I’ll be alright. In his concern, he didn’t keep his thoughts to himself, his tone rough with irritation brought on by worry, “You can’t even stand on that leg. Stupid dragon, why didn’t you listen to me! You could have….” Ikkamath pushed his head into his rider’s chest and Sk’lar wrapped his arms around him, burying his face for a moment in the soft, pale hide as he got control of himself. I don’t want you to be just another someone I lose, Ikkamath. … I’m sorry, Sk’lar.

K’ton scowled at them both, “Take him to see a dragonhealer. You’re both done for the day.”

Sk’lar could only nod numbly as he forced himself to let go of the blue, “Come on.” Ikkamath limped along after him as they left the lesson, uncharacteristically quiet.

[Taxx]

Riyoboth had hovered, trying not to be too obvious as she watched each of her clutchmates take their turns, too focused on each one to really pay attention to her rider, and as each landed again she gave a bugle and a wiggle glad that they'd gone safely- until Anatath, and as the brown came in for his crash landing she hovered, worriedly crooning until he found his paws again, and though her worry didn't really ease, he didn't seem to be hurt that badly. A quick bump of her nose against Aleni's shoulder rocked the young woman, and she gently hugged her gold to soothe her. He's fine, she assured the gold with a pat on her cheek.

Gargerrith went next, taking his turn with no mishaps, except for a tiny bit of a hiccup at his landing, but it could have been worse. She blinked at him as the lighter brown twin spoke, and she brightened a bit as she reached to nuzzle his neck. It was very well done, Gargerrith! You flew strongly and you were such a sight to see. You flatter me with compliments but you did just as well as I could have done. You're not hurt, are you? Her nose moved to nudge at the joints of his wings, gently testing for any soreness there before laying her head against the base of his neck. Everyone is doing very well, I think. For our first times.

Aleni grinned at Karo as she approached, nodding her head to accept the compliment. Thank you, Gargerrith's, the gold rumbled politely, but without moving her head, gaze sharpening as Ikkamath hurled himself skyward.

"Oh, yes. I can't wait. It shouldn't be longer than a month, I think, for them to get used to handling themselves, and then we'll get our chance."

Oh no! Oh no, Ikkamath! Riyobith's sudden cry made Aleni jump and she spun back to see the blue as he skidded to a halt. Through Riyo's eyes she pulled the blue's rough landing, wincing at his groans and Sk'lar's all-too-obvious concern for his blue. Riyo was halfway to the blue's side before Aleni halted her, hurrying after the gold to gently pull her back, out of Sk'lar and K'ton's way as they examined the blue. It didn't stop the concerned whines, or ease the yellow whirl of fear for her smaller clutch-brother.

"It's okay, Riyo. Yes, I know he's hurt, but look. Look. He's getting up. He'll be fine."

He's limping! Oh, Ikkamath. I can help him, Mine, let me go help?

It was hard to not let her, but Aleni kept her gently under control, stroking her nose and calming her down. Later, heart. Let them go get healed, and later, if you would like, we can visit them. I promise. Unhappy- but accepting her rider's promise, Riyobith sank to the ground, pressing her head against Aleni's middle and keeping it there, eyes closed tightly and seeking comfort in her rider's mind and the constant stroke of her hands along Riyo's neck. They'll be fine. I promise. It will be okay, my heart.