Young, Scrappy, and Hungry [Fake Threadfall/N&D Weyrlings]

[Zen]

Two Weeks After Equal Opportunities

D’rew

As had become routine several times a sevenday, D’rew had called the Night and Day class for Threadfall practice. As usual, the Champions of Legend Class flew above, ready to drop rope to be flamed, and several adult riders were in the air to assist D’rew in watching and tallying points from each weyrling Wing. The points weren’t entirely necessary but it did tend to make a group work together a little better if there was a competition involved, and teamwork was absolutely key to fighting Thread. If you couldn’t cooperate with and trust your wingmates, it put the entire Wing in danger.

With the class gathered, D’rew spoke from his spot mounted on Sabanth’s back, “I know we’ve done this exercise many times now, and you’ve all improved considerably since your first try, but this will be your last practice before you join the Queen’s Wing in our next real Fall, so I expect you all to take it seriously. As always, remember to use Between to avoid scoring, and watch out for your wingmates. Your capacity to work together could save lives in the future.” He referenced his list of the two Wings for the day then, “Now, today’s Wingleaders will be S’goi and C’rys. If I call your name, you’re part of S’goi’s Wing, if I don’t, you’re following C’rys.” He read off S’goi’s wing list, “Join your respective Wingleaders for your fighting orders and get skyborn. C’rys, your Wing will start in high position.”

With that, D’rew and Sabanth waited for the weyrlings to take to the air. Naming C’rys a Wingleader was probably a surprise to most. He had only had the bronze and brown riders taking the Wingleader position thus far, as they were the only ones that ever held such a position. He knew blue and green riders could attain wingsecond rank at Mavros at this point, but he had still felt it more prudent to give the most likely future leaders as must practice as they could get, as he doubted a blue or green rider was going to be named Wingleader any time soon. But the girl had approached him with the desire for the chance, and she had been attending leadership lessons now as well, so clearly she was serious about it. Why not give her a chance?

Wing 1
Wingleader: S'goi of Bronze Ramacuth - 60 feet (Esko)
No'va of Brown Alduntulath - 55 feet (Zen)
Riana of Brown Camachath - 51 feet (Dee)
Vitra of Blue Tucseth - 46 feet (Taxx)
Maz'ru of Blue Quilath - 44 feet (Muze)
M'kin of Blue Silvagenith - 42.5 feet (NPC)
(A) ?? of Blue Mucalonith - 41.5 feet (??)
Krista of Green Ophiuth - 35 feet (NPC)
Siorreya of Green Amagetith - 33 feet (Kevna)
Javana of Green Volututh - 32 feet (NPC)
K'zar of Green Lepsuth - 30 feet - (Taxx)
Joia of White Tellamuth - 20 feet (Alyx)

Wing 2
Wingleader: C'rys of Green Vorscuth - 36.5 feet (Hiko)
L'rey of Bronze Codrath - 64 feet (Taxx)
V'than of Brown Saruth – 57 feet (Muze)
E'san of Brown Norioth - 50 feet (Alyx)
T'ren of Brown Ralecheth - 48 feet (NPC)
R'tol of Blue Hadryth - 45 feet (NPC)
I'an of Blue Delphith – 41.5 feet (NPC)
Ny'x of Blue Nimocith - 40 feet (Kevna)
Muze of Green Rylath - 39 feet (Muze)
Ts'lar of Green Serenth - 35.5 feet (Esko)
(A) ?? of Green Laspherith - 35 feet (??)
D'lon of Green Catarath - 31 feet (NPC)

Conditions: Light/Breezy, Updrafts, Clear

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. The color choices for this are more limited and you will find the list below. Esko and Hiko 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 - 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. 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
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.
7-9 - Minor - A minor hit is anywhere on the dragon that is not the head or wings. A minor hit counts for 1 point.
1-6 - None. 0 points.

[Hiko]

High Wing.
She was leading the high wing.
It was a weyrling class, and not a full wing, but D’rew had given her the opportunity she’d asked for, and she was not going to disappoint. Vorscuth rumbled in agreement. There was too much to lose, if she failed. And besides, she thought as she surveyed her wing, there was no way she would be able to live down S'goi's thrill should her wing not succeed.


Updrafts today, the green commented, taking an appraising look over the riders under their care.
We’ll be the highest position to start, at that. More chance for failure. A forward vee would leave me too blind.
Backwards, then?
Obviously. If I can’t see the riders in my command, I can’t direct them in the midst of it. A rising formation, at that, I think.
The green appeared to approve. C’rys allowed herself a grin before calling out.

“I want to see you take a rising formation in backward vee,” she began, “I want L’rey on the leftmost tip, V’than on the rightmost. You’ll be my seconds. Riders further back, I want you keeping an eye on anything the front misses - not just for the lower wing, but for any updrafts that might occur. If you have not been made aware as of yet, I can hear every dragon. Use this to your advantage should the need arise. If you have questions or concerns regarding the formation, speak now. Otherwise, get in formation, and let’s burn some rope.”

Black.

[Esko]

S'goi and bronze Ramacuth

This was their final Threadfall practice before they got to see the real thing, so S'goi was all fired up to make the best impression possible. Once he and Ramacuth were done, the goal was to be the talk of Weyrleadership for weeks. Oh, that S'goi is a promising young personality, ooo, aaa, such talent and glory! It did help that the weather was as lovely as a man could ask for to fight Thread, even mock Thread. He puffed his chest some when he received the news of him as Wingleader, though the thrill of that was met with equal anticipation of C'rys. The greenrider wanted to be a usurper? Fine. Watch her fail. Though, the choice from D'rew was certainly a surprise, as he'd been sticking with bronze and brownriders for now, and he wondered what addled the man.

Vorscuth's has been interested in such leadership, perhaps he has recognized that.

'Well, he'll be wrong.' Shin had to quickly plan this out. He was...not given very good options for Wingsecond. No'va was a dunce but rode brown, so he better count his lucky marks that his mind was in top working shape. And the rest...why did D'rew have to force his hand? The weather was light, breezy and there were updrafts, so he knew just about the right formation to combat those- especially being on the lower Wing. That was less tough of a decision than the one he was about to make. S'goi faced his ragtag Wing which gathered around him and clasped his hands behind his back.

"We will begin in rising Triple Trail, to combat these pesky updrafts and to offer maximum coverage and support to the higher Wing. I will be in the back of the center line, No'va will lead the left line, and Joia will be in the back of the right line. They are your Wingseconds for today, treat them accordingly." He was still unsure if elevating the white to 'Second was a good idea, but it sat better with him and it was certainly an attention-grabbing move. No'va and Joia. What an unlikely pair.

"Now, get into formation." S'goi felt confident otherwise. Unless the riders above figured out how to drop massive sheets of rope, they should be all well and dandy as far as conditions went. He had to be prepared to adapt, though.

Silver

[tovaana]

Weyrling V’than :: Brown Saruth
Tan

It wasn’t that surprising that C’rys had been chosen as practice Wingleader… yet, something didn’t sit right with him. He glanced over at Muze who had a frown on her face, but it didn’t last long. Rylath was on her left side, and Saruth was on his right side – the siblings next to each other before they mounted their dragons. When C’rys called him as a second he sighed only lightly. That was more predictable. With the amount of browns and bronzes, he had been used to being called as either Wingleader or as Wingsecond. At least with Wingsecond he didn’t have to make the calls.

He glanced over and saw Muze looking at him. There was warmth and pride, but something else too. He brushed it aside, listening to C’rys and feeling a sort of uncomfortable surprise when the greenrider announced that she could hear dragons. Not that it really mattered on his end. Saruth didn’t talk much, but he guessed it was a useful talent, especially for someone in a leadership position. He glanced back at Muze who almost looked defeated.

“Last practice before real thread!” He hissed in a quiet voice that would carry over to her and not distract too many around them. She glanced at him and offered a smile, determination reaching back into her expression. The dragons started to shift into position and Saruth moved to right back part of the formation. Saruth’s large wingspan opened and waited until they were signaled to lift into the air. V’than slipped his riding goggles on and glanced up into the air to see the other riders ready to drop ‘thread’ on them.

Weyrling Muze :: Green Rylath
Red

Her brown gaze snapped to the other green rider, feeling a wave of envy that she got to practice as Wingleader. A frown formed at her lips, feeling irritated that she felt at a disadvantage with such little experience in a weyr. As much as she wanted to fit in and feel comfortable in a weyr, she knew it just wouldn’t be the same as growing up in a hold. It was better with Rylath and she was loving life… but could she ever the best greenrider with a greenrider like C’rys in her same class? They mounted their dragons and she wasn’t surprised that the green rider chose her brother as Wingsecond…she hadn’t expected to be chosen herself, but until she had chosen her wingseconds, she realized there had been that hope there. Her brown gaze swept up to her brother sitting on top of Saruth, the brown gentle giant. He caught her glance and she smiled at him. She was glad he was doing so well, but part of her wondered why the color of dragon had to put such a tarnish or ‘color’ so to speak over people’s eyes. They saw the color of dragon before they saw who the person was that rode the dragon.

She’d been so lost in her thoughts that she felt a tad shocked when C’rys announced her gift. There had been talk, but she hadn’t heard it from her lips. How could she compete with that? Anyone could see that he hearing dragons could help unify a wing easily. She swallowed and heard her brother speak at her. You are wonderful as you are. Rylath agreed, adding strength to her rider. Right. This wasn’t the time to sulk over what she didn’t have. She didn’t need some talent to make her the best. With her jaw set and energy renewed she moved to a spot in in the formation near her brother on the right side, preparing to lift into the air at the signal.

Weyrling Maz’ru :: Blue Quilath
Lime

Maz’ru was enjoying the practices immensely more than lectures. This was how he learned best – doing rather than listening. And it was a game – it made it even more enjoyable. Quilath still hadn’t given up on trying to make Maz’ru see how very important it was to take these ‘exercises’ more seriously. The next time we fly, it will be actual thread – the blue paused, his eyes whirling tinged orange and red for a moment – and not chalk that dots my hide and yours. Maz sighed. ‘Yeah, yeah.’

An eyebrow rose as the bronzerider chose Joia, instead of the other brownrider to be his other wingsecond. It is his choice. ‘Noted.’ S’goi wasn’t a very fun leader, but he did a good job and seemed to know what he was doing. He was sure to find a position near Sio and her green, to Quilath’s disdain. She doesn’t follow rules very well. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about, they fight thread great.’ The blue didn’t agree with him, but also didn’t disagree.

[Alyx]

E'san and Brown Norioth

This lesson didn’t intimidate E’san like it had when they first flew. It wasn’t like they’d ever gotten through one of these without either him or Norioth being slapped at least once by the sharding chalked ropes, but it wasn’t like the Brown took it particularly seriously either. True it wasn’t real Thread, but he did wish the Brown was a little more committed to the lesson and less committed to leering at anything of the feminine gender.

I do not leer, thank you very much. E’san rolled his eyes, giving the star-speckled Brown a disbelieving look. ‘Yea, sure you don't.’ The Brown snorted and looked away, scanning their classmates, ignoring the dripping sarcasm in the comment. D’rew saved the pair from more disagreement as their teacher stepped forward to divide the class up into ‘wings’ for the lesson.

S’goi’s name didn’t shock him; seemed fitting enough the Bronzer take a shot at getting the class killed just liked everyone else had. The second name though…. E’san frowned softly. C’rys seemed more into stirring up trouble than doing anything to fix it; her comments in their first leadership lesson still left a bitter feeling in his mouth. No, he wasn’t a colorist; but he also didn’t think people should actively try to upset things either? He did his best not to sigh when it became clear he’d be flying under there Green Wingleader – well, plus side, he’d be flying with Muze and V’than.

He was just getting his straps sorted when C’rys started giving her opening orders. He jerked to a stop, giving her a startled look. She could what? Hear every dragon? If he wasn’t uncomfortable before, he was very much so now. The last thing he wanted or needed was someone else hearing Norioth’s horny chatter. So.. if she can hear every dragon, does that mean I can talk to her directly? Not go through her dragon? E’san looked up, Norioth peering at him as he worked on the straps.

‘I would suppose so? I’m not sure I like that, honestly. It’s like eavesdropping.’ But if I wanted to talk to her… E’san knew that tone, slapping the dragon hard on the shoulder. ‘No. I don’t want you to. The last thing she needs is you hitting on her while she’s trying to keep us from getting slapped by ropes.’ Norioth sighed. After? E’san shook his head, continuing to check over the dragon's gear. ‘I would rather you not? She’s a kind of trouble you don’t want or need.’ But Trouble is a challenge. E’san groaned. ‘Focus, please.’

Joia and White Tellamuth

Joia had been talking to No’va, sitting on the ground by Tellamuth’s reclining form as the Brownrider had been going over his gear again. It wasn’t that Joia didn’t have the gear to check – she simply had fewer yards of leather to look over. She’d gone over Tellamuth’s harness and straps twice in the time it took No’va to do Alduntulath’s once, but that was par for the pattern with most of the things.

So she busied herself retying her hair back and simply watching the rest. At least D’rew wouldn’t yell at her for sitting around? Not that she thought he would, but she always felt weird that she was often the first done in everything. As the man arrived, Joia pushed to her feet, dusting her legs and rear off as he recited the lesson plan – their last practice before real Thread! Joia didn’t know how she felt about that.

“Now, today’s Wingleaders will be S’goi and C’rys.” Wait, what? Joia blinked at the man and then dared a look at S’goi out of reflex. Oh, you could see that move behind the eyes – but she was impressed the Bronzerider didn’t turn into a terror right on the spot. Wonders never cease. Joia smirked, giving the White a look. ‘Ramacuth must be wearing him down.’ One can hope.

She was thrilled to hear her name called right after No’va’s, but she was a little sad Muze was in the other team. Vitra joined them, and she gave the bluerider a grin. “I love and hate this lesson. Every time I spend hours getting chalk out of my gear.” S’goi said her name and Joia looked over, having missed whatever he was saying. ‘What was he saying? Was it important?’ Tellamuth chuckled at her distractibility.

We are wingseconds. ‘Wait, what?’ Joia gave the White a disbelieving look, then dared a quick look at S’goi. ‘No way.’ Yes way. We are wingseconds, with No’va and Alduntulath; they will lead the left line, and we will be in the back of the right line. Triple Trail, I believe he called it. Tellamuth shifted, pushing to his feet so Joia could swing into her seat. She did so, still a bit surprised. Still, she nodded to S’goi and waited for the others to take off before Tellamuth darted into the air, gliding easily around the larger beasts to claim their assigned position.

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

[Taxx]

L’rey and bronze Codrath

L’rey liked to think that he and Codrath had gotten better at the whole Threadfall practice thing. It was a bit annoying- more to the bronze than his rider- that he was passed over for leadership, but as it was, there wasn’t much they could do about it. And it was easy enough to let that slide, especially when the practice started and there was more to worry about than who was leading them.

But it was still with a sting of distaste that the big bronze swung his head around to eye the much smaller green, not bothering to hide the curl of his lip before looking away; his gaze snapped back, however, when she called him to be a second, and he sneered openly. I will not be Second to a green, he hissed, whirling eyes tinted red at the thought. But I would be generous and allow you to be Second to me.

Neither D’rew or C’rys are going to agree to that, L’rey replied silently, his own gaze flashing to the bluerider Weyrlingmaster to see his reaction. And C’rys might chose another green just to spite you.

For a brief second, he felt Codrath consider the idea, but his stubborn nature reared its head as it so often did: he’d said he wouldn’t do it and he wouldn’t unbend. The green and her rider might take it as a victory and he wouldn’t give them the satisfaction. He might not have a choice about her being his ‘Wingleader’ but that didn’t mean he had to play the part of her ‘Second.’

He stared at the green, unblinking. Saruth might be happy with obeying the orders given by a mere green, but Codrath knew his own worth and this was too much for him- it should be him at the lead, with the lesser colors following his commands. And he was confident enough that even the blue wouldn’t be able to order him to accept the green’s leadership when he didn’t want to.

Orange
---

Vitra and blue Tucseth

Aww, was Tucseth’s mumbled complaint as the names of the Wingleader and Seconds were called and he wasn’t among them. Vitra patted his neck, guiding the blue into position. You’ve had your chance. And she hadn’t really expected much from S’goi; she was honestly surprised he’d chosen Joia and Tellamuth instead of Riana on her brown… though, she mused, the girl on a brown was probably why he hadn’t. Tucseth’s snort was a display of shared distaste for the Holdbred boy.

But it was his choice. And he could have chosen worse. Now Tucseth was looking up, eager to get going, wings half-spread and shivering with excitement as he waited for the signal to take off. Vitra grasped the straps in preparation for that leap into flight, settling herself as comfortably as possible on her blue’s back as her gaze turned front, and Tucseth crouched, already set to fling himself skyward on Ramacuth’s word.

Cyan
--

K’zar and green Lepsuth

The last practice before the real thing, and Lepsuth… well, she’d done well enough. Gentle persuasion was necessary, and it helped reminding her that each time wasn’t the first; knowing she’d done this before- and done it well, according to K’zar, who she had no reason to distrust- made doing it again not quite so difficult.

She waited, wings tight to her body, for the signal to go up. K’zar was similarily quiet, watching what was going on with a steady gaze but not bothering to comment on it even to Lepsuth. She didn’t care who was leader, or who was second or third. They were here to practice, not gossip like old women on which of their classmates got which position. His only thought was that S’goi had better keep his comments to himself. From what he knew of Ramacuth, the bronze wasn’t anything like Codrath- who was of course raising plenty of fuss in his own group. So long as he kept it to that group, there’d be no problem with K’zar.

At S’goi’s direction, he urged Lepsuth to take up her position in the wing, which the green did willingly enough, for the first time lifting her head to glance around. Ready? K’zar asked, one hand resting on the curve of a shoulder rounded with muscle.

Vague acceptance, rather than a verbal reply, was her answer. Not necessarily eager, but more or less resigned to it because K’zar wanted to. We’ll be fine. And you’ll do great just like the times before.

I trust you. Mine.

Black

[Hiko]

It shouldn’t have stung to see the apparent distaste in her position as wingleader. C’rys knew that she had made few true friends in her time at the Weyr. And she’d expected resistance from L’rey and Codrath; it was hard not to hear the bronze’s ego on a good day.
She had not, however, expected outright refusal of appointment.
You should have, Vorscuth reprimanded lightly. It is in his nature to believe himself better than he is.

C’rys ignored the sentiment. She had to focus. It would be too easy to show any outward surprise. Instead, she merely nodded to the bronze pair.
“Fine. You don’t fly, wingrider. If you cannot follow an order, you’re a liability. Stay grounded.”
Now what? Another brown? Norioth and Raleceth are still viable.
Norioth can be a show-off, C’rys reminded the green. I’d rather see a pair that will follow instruction every time. We can’t have variables today.
Hmm. The dragon considered. Blue or green?
Out of the classmates we have, only one other has been in the leadership lessons out of choice. Why not give them the same chance we’re being given?

“Muze, Rylath. Take the leftmost tip. Now, if there are no more interruptions, let’s flame something!”

[tovaana]

Weyrling Muze :: Green Rylath

She was content on ignoring L’rey’s brazen dragon and the contention that was stirring. She wanted to focus on this last practice, she wanted to take it seriously – and she didn’t want to let anyone else distract her.

Hearing her name, she started from her reverie, wide brown eyes glancing to C’rys as she was ordered to move positions and then glanced to her brother as if to get clarification. At first she felt a wave of stubbornness, why should she move? She was fine where she was. Her brother seemed surprised too, but was looking at her expectedly, like she should be happy. Don’t be mad, muzemine, I thought you’d be happy to be Wingsecond with your brother. The stubbornness melted from her face and she blinked, stunned. “Huh?” Rylath started to move without guidance from Muze. The weyrling was suddenly battling multiple feelings while trying not to look like a fool. She didn’t like being caught off guard, but hope surged past all the negative confusion and she nodded at C’rys as Rylath settled into their new spot.

‘What did I miss?’ Codrath doesn’t sound happy about a green leading, I suppose. Muze knew that, but...that meant the bronze wasn't going to budge... so she had appointed a new Wingsecond! Her green sounded suddenly uncomfortable., the green never liked taking the limelight, especially when it made others unhappy. Muze glanced at L’rey with a neutral expression and then down at her riding gloves. ‘C’rys chose us, we didn’t appoint ourselves.’ Though she did have a flash of curiosity; had the girl chosen a green just to spite the bronze refusing the spot?…but she decided she didn’t really care, just happy that she had the opportunity. It was also possible that she had noticed that Muze had been taking the leadership classes seriously. A silly grin broke her face for a moment and she glanced over at V’than who was glancing around at the others with thoughtfulness. When he caught her eye he smiled and gave her a fist pump to express his excitement for her. She just grinned, trying to reign in the smile and refocus on the task at hand. She didn’t want to disappoint – and she sure wanted to prove herself!

[Zen]

No’va :: Brown Alduntulath

The fake Threadfall practice had become part of the regular routine for the class since their return to the present. They never went more than a day or two without it, which meant No’va had had several chances at playing Wingleader along with the other brownriders, and bronzeriders of course. But this time D’rew called C’rys’s name as a Wingleader. It was the first time the bluerider hadn’t called a brown or bronze rider to be a Wingleader. Not that No’va had a problem with it, he was just surprised. Not at all surprised that it was C’rys though. She paid way more attention during their leadership lessons than he did, and she wasn’t even required to be there. He supposed she must really want it, so he was glad she was getting a chance at it during practice.

He grinned at Joia as they were in the same Wing for the day’s practice, and waved over at Vitra as well. He wasn’t too surprised when S’goi named him a ‘second. He was one of two brownriders in their Wing, and S’goi had thus far only chosen brownriders as his seconds when he was chosen as Wingleader. So it was another surprise to hear him name Joia and Tellamuth alongside him. He flashed another grin at Joia. But then there seemed to be some issue in C’rys’s Wing as he heard the greenrider tell L’rey and Codrath to stay grounded. His gaze flicked to D’rew, wondering if the weyrlingmaster would have anything to say about it, but it really didn’t concern them since it wasn’t their Wing, and S’goi had already ordered them into the air. With a last glance between C’rys and L’rey, he sent Aldy into the air.

Color: Pink


D’rew

He had anticipated a possible issue with Codrath upon this Wing assignment, and he had done it on purpose. The bronze had become quite well known among the class for his ego and he needed to learn to check it, and that failing, his rider needed to learn to control it instead. L’rey was still fairly young and seemed to think that his dragon was in the right even at times when he was not, just because he was a bronze. They both needed to learn how wrong that was, and sooner rather than later with their first real Threadfall coming up, and graduation due in just a few months. He was starting to grow rather concerned about the pair’s ability to function in the Wings after graduation. They might technically be one of the highest ranking riders in the class on the simple basis of Codrath’s bronze hide, but there were several other bronzeriders at Mavros, older, more experienced, and of higher rank, and brownriders as well. Shells, and blue and green too, counting R’get, and perhaps himself.

But he waited to see how C’rys would handle the situation, and though having a pair sit out was not ideal because they all needed all the practice they could get before graduation and joining the fighting Wings, it was also appropriate. His brow furrowed slightly as his gaze settled on the young bronzerider, “L’rey. If you don’t learn to keep your dragon in check, it is as C’rys said. You’ll be a liability in Fall, you could very likely get yourselves or your wingmates hurt or worse, and I assure you the Weyrleader will not allow you to fly in the Wings for long with this attitude. The Weyrwoman herself was grounded for being a liability during Fall. Riding a bronze, or being a bronze, does not allow you to do as you please. Every rider - and dragon - needs to follow orders from their superiors.” He frowned at the pair for a moment, “You two are dismissed from the lesson today, your Wingleader has grounded you. I’ll have to think about whether I feel you can be trusted to fly with the rest of the class in their first real Threadfall.” This wasn’t the sort of behavior they should be displaying so close to such an important milestone. While they would only be flying in the Queen’s Wing and the golds could certainly keep Codrath under control if needed, it shouldn’t be needed.

Taking to the air with the rest of the class, D’rew had Sabanth tell the weyrlings above to begin dropping their ropes.

C’rys/Vorscuth - Minor +1
S’goi/Ramacuth - None
V’than/Saruth - Major +5
Muze/Rylath - Minor +1
Maz’ru/Quilath - None
E’san/Norioth - None
Joia/Tellamuth - None
Vitra/Tucseth - None
K’zar/Lepsuth - Minor +1
No’va/Alduntulath - Minor +1

Wing 1 Points: 2
Wing 2 Points: 7

[Hiko]

The day was not hers, C'rys thought, watching her wing flame as the bundles of rope drifted down. As the higher wing for the first round, they would get the bulk of the more energetic throws, before the riders above them began to wane in interest. They would just need to-
Vorscuth was hit!

The formation is solid, I know it. C’rys told the green through gritted teeth as Vorscuth’s tail was thumped with a rope. Instinctively, the green went between, popping back out just as swiftly.
Your Seconds have both been hit.
C’rys cursed.

Ralecheth, flame ahead of you as well as at your sides! You’re behind a Second. Act like it!
Privately to Vorscuth, C’rys groaned. A major hit this early in the lesson doesn’t bode well.
Saruth will be fine. Will your pride?
Pride has nothing to do with it, C’rys replied, scanning the formation for any potential threats. How often do greens get to lead? We’re a litmus test to see how greens handle the responsibility of a full wing. If we lose to S’goi, it’ll only further demonstrate the deficiencies of our rank.
And likely bolster his belief against it, which will only further complicate this need of yours to be allies. I see your point. Catarath.
Incoming above you, Catarath! Delphinth, cover her!


Black

[tovaana]

Weyrling V’than :: Brown Saruth
Purple

Perhaps if C’rys had appointed a different green, and not his sister, he would have been less suspicious and only surprised by the occasion. Yet, there was still that protectiveness he felt for his sister, though he had done well to rein it in. Well, avoided her at the beginning. He had started to teach her to read and write again and their closeness had been lightly mended, but he did notice how it was different now. So, yes - he glanced toward the green rider as he grounded the bronze and appointed his sister in his stead. He glanced at L'rey - his fists clenching in preparation - in case his bronze decided to pick on Rylath or Muze. Then the speckled green caught his attention and he shifted his attention to his sister once more. 

He pumped his fist at the moment Muze had caught his eyes and was amused by her confusion turning into glee. It took him a moment to realize that both he and his sister were Wingseconds – a strange thought that made him uncomfortable for a moment. It didn’t linger, but it did leave an odd taste in his mouth.

As they lifted in the air they were bombarded by the enthusiasm of thrown ‘thread’. Saruth started at once to burn thread and V’than tried to keep sensitive to what Saruth was feeling. Since this thread didn’t cause pain, he still wanted to make sure that they practiced betweening quickly when hit. The more prompt and unprepared to between, he supposed the more prepared they would be in real thread battle. He swallowed lightly at the thought of real thread and felt a mental nudge from Saruth at an incoming clump. Saruth swerved and burned most of it, but V’than only had a moment warning as he watched the uncharred pieces fly back at him with ash. He rose his arm in reflex of flying debre coming at him and felt both the rope wrap hit and wrap around his wrist, and powder and ash sprinkling his forehead and inhaled. He shook it off, his wrist numbed - half aware that real thread couldn't just be shaken off. 

He coughed, but at the same time blinked away the dust so he would be sure to between back to a safe position. He was glad he didn’t need to yell at his dragon to direct him to between. Coldness surrounded them for a short moment before returning to the game. Thank Faranth it was just a game. It wasn’t the first critical hit he’d ever had, but he hated getting hit so early in practice. We’ll do better. His dragon quietly imputed. Saruth had gotten hit too. V’than sighed, giving his dragon more firestone and felt Saruth maneuver toward the next clump of ‘thread’.

Weyrling Muze :: Green Rylath
Pink

She was taking her job seriously, trying not to let it overwhelm her by the suddenness and unexpectedness of it. ‘I’ll need your help Rylath. Let me know how our side of the formation is doing.’ Oh, yes! I will, I will! Whatever you say. Unfortunately it was Rylath who got hit – and Muze wondered if it was because she was distracted by her new role. Was she doing it wrong? She sighed and had Rylath go between, practicing what they’d need to do if she had actually gotten hit with thread. That thought made her shudder, as much as the cold of between did.

As she came back, she heard the betweening ‘pop’ of dragons and glanced just as V’than returned with Saruth. Well, what a sibling pair they were – getting hit right off the bat. Muze sighed, much like V’than had. ‘Just pay attention if anyone gets hit, I’ll keep my eyes peeled for what’s going on.’ She amended, realizing that she wanted her dragon focused on burning thread, it was her job to be the wingsecond.

Weyrling Maz’ru :: Blue Quilath
Silver

There was some sort of drama happening on the other team and he tried to figure out what was going on. You should probably pay attention to what’s going on over here. ‘Yeah, probably.’ It still didn’t take away his curiosity, and still found himself only half listening when he saw what looked like D’rew addressing L’rey. Quilath tugged him mentally back as they were directed into the air.

It didn’t matter how many times they had flown – even if it was to be against thread, his heart always lifted a little more when they were in the air. It was a little sad this was going to be their last practice; that the game was no longer going to be a game. Quil had insisted that it had never been a game, but Maz’ru couldn’t think like that. He also wouldn’t let it get him down.

Quilath arched his neck so that Maz’ru could supply him with firestone before the ‘thread’ started to fall. Quilath had and still did prove to be meticulous in his thread fighting and took the game – er, practice, very seriously. When it was cloudy it was easy for Maz’ru to get caught up in the different shapes that the puffy white clouds took - today it was clear, so instead it was the shimmer of well-oiled dragon hides that distracted him. Quilath’s sky blue hide with speckled purply under-markings were tapestry worthy. I’ll need another bath after this. ‘As you always get.’ Maz’ru replied, trying to focus and glance upward at the other dragonriders who were dropping the fake thread. Ash flew back at him and he coughed. He wiped his goggles and sighed, now it wouldn’t be as pretty looking out his goggles. Perhaps you’ll focus more now. It wasn’t the first time he had said that. Maz sighed and shrugged. ‘Perhaps.’

[Taxx]

L’rey and bronze Codrath

Codrath had certainly not expected the reply he was given, the complete dismissal from the practice. L'rey was equally caught off guard, but while Codrath was quick to start to puff himself up, eyes whirling at a faster speed and starting to bleed a darker red, L'rey's gaze had switched to D'rew, waiting to see what their Weyrlingmaster thought of C'rys' decision. It was quick to see there'd be no help there- the bluerider backed the greenpair's choice, adding in a further admonishment about L'rey and Codrath's behavior.

It needled the boy, at contradictions D'rew was speaking of. Scolding him and Codrath for not listening to C'rys when it was obvious enough the in the hierarchy of colors, it ought to be the other way around- Codrath wasn't inferior to a green, but he was the one being called out? Maybe in the scope of this practice, it might be true, but not in the bigger picture, and D'rew had to know that. Codrath couldn't pretend to fall into line when he knew he was... perhaps not more important, but certainly higher in rank than the green.

Whatever, both grumbled to themselves privately, and Codrath turned to stalk out of the group, refusing to look back even as he replied to D'rew. When I am among superiors, then I will obey. But not until then.

---
Vitra and blue Tucseth

He thinks he's so great, Tucseth sniffed, tossing his head to watch the big bronze walk off, only momentarily distracted by his departure and only because of the disruption it caused among the other Wing.

Never mind him- let's get up! The rest of their wing were hurling themselves skyward, and Tucseth wasted no more than another second to turn his attention to his own Wing and followed them. They reached their position, and as C'rys' Wing moved to take the higher position, Tucseth rumbled deeply, watching as the other weyrling class, playing the part of Thread, began to rain lengths of rope down on the practicing class. His gaze locked on one clump as he dropped toward him, falling past every other dragon. His ribs expanded as he sucked in a breath and then let go a burst of flame, burning the first bit to nothing before tipping on a wingtip to avoid another clump and curving around to burn it.

Silver
--
K’zar and green Lepsuth

K'zar noticed the bronze leave the Wing as well, but he didn't comment on it. Lepsuth knew because he knew, but she didn't care to gossip; it didn't affect her to any degree so it just didn't matter. Only when K'zar directed her did she follow her Wing aloft, her yellowed gaze lifted past the higher Wing to the dragons hovering far overhead. And she knew what to do, considering the frequent practices, so as the bits of rope started falling toward her she did her best to burn them, despite her flinching at the bodies ducking around her and the bursts of flame from her Wingmates.

She squeaked at the touch of one against her flank, a knotted length bouncing off her hip only to be burned to nothing by another dragon, and she quivered; K'zar's hand rubbed at a shoulder and he gave her a gentle nudge to continue, the rush of pride encouraging her to keep going instead of dwelling on the fact that she'd been hit- and the reality of what that would mean in a real Threadfall. Wrapping that sense of praise around herself, Lepsuth turned her sights on another rope and followed it, letting loose a rush of fire to scorch it to ash.

Yellow

[Alyx]

E’san and Brown Norioth

E’san was pretty sure that everyone in the class expected L’rey and his butthead Bronze to complain. Codrath had more ego than Norioth, which was something E’san was still shocked was even possible; the difference was while the Brown was more likely to flirt, Codrath seemed more likely to cut down and demean. It made for an awkward but expected moment when the Bronze turned on their Green ‘Wingleader’. E’san shook his head, looking at their instructor with a moment of held breath, wondering what the man would do to the Bronze Pairing.

But when the reprimand came, it was from C’rys, not D’rew – E’san blinked I silence. Could she do that? Well, he thought it made sense, but still… could she simply refuse them the lesson? And then D’rew added his voice, in support, and E’san ducked his head to hide the quick smirk. That. Was. Beautiful. ‘It was. He’s becoming a nightmare, and L’rey does nothing to check him. Maybe this will rattle him enough to get his head on properly.’

E’san doubted it, but it was nice to think so? Bronze wasn’t always right, they’d learned that in lessons; but you really couldn’t tell that to either of the weyrling bronzers in the class. C’rys was wonderful. I liked the fire. ‘Don’t overdo it, will you?’ But it’s true! Someone needed to say it, and the look on their faces was priceless. Oh! Norioth’s instant attention change pulled E’san’s head around, pausing in the final preparations. ‘What?’ Muze and Rylath get to play wingseconds! The Brownrider glanced over at the green pair, then back to their leader for the lesson. Made sense, he supposed?

Within moments, the Wing was in the air and powering into position. Norioth’s focus was well… still Norioth? Can we speak with them over? ‘Who?’ C’rys? Or Muze? Whichever you would rather court? ‘I’m not courting anyone, focus please.’ I am focusing. I can multitask, you know. Come on you can’t just stay in the corner; it’s not fair to me. ‘Norioth, please…. Thread now, females later?’ The Brown huffed, taking the moment to burn off some of the closer ropes. You always say later. At least, I think you always say later? I can never remember. ‘That’s kind of the plan.’ Norioth was silent for a moment. Then –

That’s Cheating. ‘Is not.’ It is too! ‘Thread on the left.’ Norioth dodged the ropes, pivoting to torch the knots. Cheater… E’san sighed. This too, thankfully, the Brown would forget.

Joia and White Tellamuth

With her Wing already in the air, Joia was spared most of the drama on the ground. It wasn’t until the second group rose up past them into the high position did she notice the missing Bronze. ‘Tell?’ She could sense the White’s attention shift, then the soft chuckle. Codrath’s ego backfired. Norioth says he refused to follow a Green as lead, and C’rys grounded him. ‘Can she do that?’ D’rew supported it, so I expect so? Wow… Joia leaned a bit, looking downward, but couldn’t see the Bronze anywhere. He’s probably off sulking. Joia supposed.

Come on, they aren’t our concern. Joia shifted back into her seat proper, turning her eyes up to hunt for the chalked ropes that might get past the other wing. As confident as Tellamuth was about this how thing, Joia still wasn’t sure. She would rather have a few more lessons like this before she had to face the real thing? ‘On the right.’ Tellamuth shifted, dropping out of position to burn the clump then rising back into place. Good spot. ‘Thanks.’

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

[Zen]

No’va :: Brown Alduntulath

After all their practices, No’va had gotten into a much better routine of keeping an eye on their surroundings, and keeping an image ready in his mind to grab for quick betweens. It had taken him quite a while to be confident enough to start really betweening during lessons. It was a lot different than being able to sit and prepare for a few moments during regular betweens to different places. This was a split second thing, in the middle of a very dangerous fight with Thread. It was a lot for him to keep straight all at once, especially when he was also a wingsecond or a wingleader and was supposed to be keeping some sort of track of everyone else too. But he was comfortable with it at this point, the nerves over losing them between forever having subsided. Maybe it had taken him more practice than it took most, but he still got the hang of it. That was all that mattered.

So when Aldy snorted at the thump of rope against his shoulder, No’va sent them between. I hate this stuff, but I suppose chalk marks are better than a real scoring. At least chalk washes off… eventually. No’va laughed and gave the brown’s neck a pat after they had come back into formation. Yeah you’ll be missing the chalk soon enough. Aldy rumbled in agreement, turning his head to flame another rope. Lepsuth was hit as well, the brown informed him, and he glanced toward the green pair, but of course they were fine. It was still only rope, for now. Are they the only others that were hit? At the moment. That’s good… we do seem to be getting better at this!

Sabanth announced the Wing rotation and No’va stiffened a bit as he glanced over the Wing. Ever since D’rew no longer kept the ropes from falling during their rotations, that seemed to be the time when people got hit more often. They waited for S’goi’s signal and when it was given, moved up to meet the full brunt of the falling ropes with the rest of the Wing.

Color: Cyan


C’rys/Vorscuth - Major +5 SAVED by Alyx
V’than/Saruth - None
Muze/Rylath - Minor +1
Maz’ru/Quilath - None
E’san/Norioth - None
Joia/Tellamuth - None
Vitra/Tucseth - None
K’zar/Lepsuth - None
No’va/Alduntulath - Minor +1

Wing 1 Points: 3
Wing 2 Points: 8

[Hiko]

They were behind. S’goi’s wing had by far taken fewer hits, though that could easily change when the wings switched altitude. Was it the updrafts? The breeze overall? The wing wasn’t nearly so negligent, she argued with herself, signaling to her dragon to flame on the left. The green obliged, with the added notion that it was just as likely chance and their higher location that were the cause.

Chance is still something we’ll need to factor in, in the future. Hadryth, to the right. Catarath, watch for updrafts. Vorscuth?
We rotate.

It was going as smooth as it could, C’rys thought, still annoyed despite herself that S’goi’s wing had overall seen less impact with the chalky ropes. Sighing, she couldn’t help but feel relief at the call to rotate. At least there would be some solace, working to flame what the higher wing missed.

It was in the rotation, however, that C’rys had gone lax in her vigil, with neither she nor her bonded green aware of the false Thread they’d missed in the move.

Open for the save, Alyx!
Color: Black