[Riders] Winter's End Drill

[Sher]

((Threadfall Drill for all riders; first actual played threadfall won't occur until well after the Hatching, though there will be some behind-the-scenes before then.))

02.11.3189

Once everyone was in position and equipped with sacks of firestone, Sa'kor gave the gestured order for Avalanche Wing to take flight. Come on, Morgaith. Let's see what they've got. The muscular man leaned forward and took hold of the harness automatically, organizing his thoughts as his brown launched. This could be their last drill before Thread started up again, and he was determined to make it count. The warmer weather was cause for concern; but later, after the drill was done.

They ascended together and flew a bit away from the Weyr proper. It wouldn't be good if any of the wet cords fell into the Weyrbowl or even landed on somebody. From so high up, they could really hurt someone. The musclebound brownrider didn't care to see it happen again. "Form up!" he bellowed, reinforcing the sharp hand-thrust that ordered the wing to take formation. His wingsecond, J'lin, would take the reins shortly- somebody had to rain down the wet cordage on the rest of them, and for once Sa'kor had drawn the short stick.

Morgaith was brimming with confidence, feeling his own power with every wingbeat as the brownpair flew up to their position. The dark brown was one of the few dragons who had already tried out the new firestone. It was a lighter, more porous stone, and tasted earthier. The flame it produced seemed to depend on the dragon that chewed it. As long as no fake Thread landed on the ground, Sa'kor was okay with these little inconsistencies. He wasn't foolish enough to have them use this new stuff on Thread until they'd had plenty of time to feel out its potential.

The dark brown spread his wide wings, as silent as His as they focused together. Sa'kor reached into the first sack of rope bits, flinging a good handful backward so as not to foul Morgaith's wingbeats as they soared along. These cords weren't special, just old and used ropes cut down to various lengths and soaked in water to give them a convincing crackle. It was actually harder to flame the ropes, but safer, and it gave the wing something tangible to aim at for the drill.

There were four bags of wet rope, two on each side, and as they overflew the wing scattering the first one, Sa'kor watched them all closely to assure himself they were in fighting condition. Of particular interest were the greens; some of them had refused to chew firestone last time, something that defied logic. Greens were made to fight Thread, and relieve the sexual needs of randy males; that was Sa'kor's take on things. It was unnatural that they should claim to be unable to perform their duty, and a particular source of vexation for the Avalanche wingleader.

[Mother Nature]

The weather for the 11th is around 37* with changing winds, west-southwest ranging to west, 10mph with sudden unpredictable gusts of up to 40mph. In the land above the Weyr, a light misting rain is falling. Riders will have to contend with the wet, buffeting winds.

[ambigious]

After receiving permission from Kadia to host the wing training, Eyrlaina made sure that every Wingleader heard, through Coreanth, to be at training at the proper time. The morning before the drill was to begin, Eyrlaina roused herself early from bed and ordered a clup of klah from the kitchens as she poured over the records once more. She had to be absolutely certain that she knew every wingleader by heart, as well as their wingseconds. The dragonriders she preferred to meet in person, though she attempted to memorize their names as well. One in particular drew her attention; Madison Orlin. Apparently the young woman didn't realize she was pregnant and couldn't fly in the wing anymore. It was odd to Eyrlaina that she'd found out so abruptly, and wanted to see how the wing handled her sudden absence.

About an hour into her studying, she felt Coreanth stir from her Weyr. Good morning, dear one. Abandoning the records with a sigh, Eyrlaina scraped back the chair and rose to her feet, frowning as she felt a slight ache in her back and neck. Good morning,[/i] Coreanth replied, her tone still drowsy. You're getting old.[/i] The comment was enough to cause Eyrlaina's chin to lift as she marched into the Queen's Weyr. Despite the fact that they had been mates for over a decade, Eyrlaina still felt a shadow of awe and wonder wash over her when she saw Coreanth's massive, glowing golden form. Almost instantly those pair of blue-green eyes found hers, and Eyrlaina was reminded of their loving bond. It wasn't enough to spare the Queen from her tongue, however.

"If I'm getting old, what does that say about you?" Eyrlaina huffed as she came to a stop by the gold's forepaw. I am in my prime,[/i] Coreanth assured her rider confidently, shifting in place on the large stone couch. Are you done studying?[/i] So the golden one knew what she'd been doing. Feeling slightly foolish but mostly indignant, Eyrlaina slapped Coreanth's paw before she rose to her feet and strode back into the weyr. "Almost," she announced. "I just need to go through it one more time-" How many times have you read it over?[/i] "You know the answer, Cory love." The Queen merely snorted. Eyrlaina heard her claws scraping against stone as she rose and walked to the ledge, even as she herself downed the rest of her klah and flipped through pages. At that moment she heard a rustle, and turned to see a sleepy Eyalen walk from the bedroom rubbing his eyes.

"Mom?" "Good morning, sweetheart," Eyrlaina said breezily as she ushered the boy into a chair. "There's time for milk, sweet bread, and fruit, then I have to go to work." "Can I come?" The boy asked brazenly, even as he grabbed a fistful of sweet bread and shoved it into his mouth. "Use your utensils," Eyrlaina said absently as she sat next to him, using her fork and knife to cut up a piece of ripe fruit. "And no, you can't. This is Weyr business." "But-" "Eyalen." The boy instantly subsided, though he didn't seem too pleased as he chomped into the bread. The pair finished their meal, mostly with Eyalen blathering about everything he'd learned at the Weyr and Eyrlaina glancing over their sheets. Once the food had been cleared, Eyrlaina sighed once more and leaned back in her chair. It's time.[/i] Coreanth had been lounging on her ledge, and once she saw a majority of the dragons head towards the plains, she informed her rider staunchly. "Very well. I have to go now, Eyalen. Be a good boy, alright?" As Eyalen grumbled his acquiescence, Eyrlaina bent down to kiss the top of his head before she grabbed her riding gear and was off.

No sooner had she pulled on her riding cap and vest than she was at the ledge, Coreanth kneeling to allow her better access. Another moment and the pair leapt into the air, Coreanth's enormous wings extending to catch a current that propelled them into the air. As always, Eyrlaina's heart rose into her throat at the sensation, her stomach fluttering. You know I won't let anything happen to you.[/i] You know it's not nerves. The pair continued in amiable silence to the drill location, enjoying their leisurely glide, with the occasional pump of Coreanth's wings. When they neared the drill area, Corenath veered abruptly then dropped, her wings straining slightly against the breeze. Eyrlaina frowned in concern. I can handle it, but I don't know how the smaller dragons will fare.[/i] This seemed to bother Coreanth, for her eyes whirled in agitation. As was their custom, Eyrlaina and Coreanth circled above the drill area four times, inspecting all of the dragons and riders present, before they settled on a nearby hill to overlook the events.

Can you tell who the first group is, love? They're lead by brown Morgaith.[/i] Ah! So Sa'kor and Morgaith. The pair settled down to watch, Coreanth's eyes whirling intently.

[Sher]

How is the new firestone?

It tastes funny, but I am ready to flame,[/i] Norrath reported. Of course she was- they wouldn't have signaled 'ready' otherwise. Breda guided her to the left-hand end of the flying V formation, though the green really needed no encouragement. Several wingbeats later, bits and pieces of ropes were tossed down from above. The larger dragons at the tip of the formation charred most of the first wave, but as more and more was tossed into the air, Norrath broke from formation to swoop down and flame a piece that had been missed. The blue in front of her pulled up rather than racing her to it, conserving his energy.

Breda held herself low against the green's neck, trying to make herself as aerodynamic as possible while scanning the sky for other missed bits within their range. The wind seemed like it was cutting straight through her flying gear, carrying the wet with it. There! she said suddenly. Neatly, the green spread her wings and angled slightly into the wind, using the gust to gain a bit of altitude before its direction changed again. The serpentine little green was burning up more energy than she was used to, but it wasn't an issue (yet). They almost overshot the mock Thread, and Norrath had to snap her head out awkwardly to shoot a stream of flame at it in passing.

By force of habit, they resumed their position, then sideslipped in the air to catch another piece that almost seemed to be thrown right to them. Good job! Breda told Hers fiercely. She was more involved in the drill than she'd been in any of the others- she had a reason to desperately want distraction from the recent blizzard and what it had taken from her. All around them, the irregularity of the simulated 'fall looked about to dissolve into chaos, though some dragons were faring much better than others.

[azure]

It was happening again. His pig headed, soft hearted infuriating green brat of a dragon was refusing to chew firestone. The day had been going so well until now! All the equipment was in great shape, his leathers almost gleamed with the care given them and Lyrith was in fine form. Why this?

WON'T! she told him, almost making his skull echo with the force of it.

"But we need to practice for threadfall! The wing needs to practice! They need you to flame!" T'prin yelled, waving the piece of firestone like he wanted to hit her with it. He did, though he never would. How could he? She was the best thing that had ever happened to him. But just what had she gotten into her head?

The others can protect us. We need to not chew. She was certain of that. She was certain of a lot of things that T'prin didn't understand. Perhaps he was ill? Or paying too much attention to a Blue rider? She could understand if it was that. SHe liked paying attention to Blues too.

"Well you tell the wingleader then! He needs to know we can't flame!" he was in such trouble. He had just finished living down the whole egg thing - and now this. Who ever heard of a dragon not chewing firestone? Except for Queens, of course.

I don't chew firestone. Lyrith firmly told Morgaith. He would understand, he was a sensible dragon.

Deftly she maneuvered to let the others in the wing flame the bits of rope. That she was moving so easily was upsetting hers even more. Why was that? It was good she could fly so well. He usually liked that she flew well.

[weetia]

J'lin frowned as he watched Sa'kor detach from the wing. The formation was always looser when they were down one dragon, but it was necessary for these drills, with someone dropping the fake thread. For now, though, their wing was down two dragons instead of one, with Aliseth not going between because of Madison's pregnancy. With the new firestone as well, J'lin didn't have very high hopes for this drill.

Lyrith is not flaming, Portenth suddenly informed his shivering rider in a confused tone, and J'lin chanced a look at one of the remaining greens in his wing. He did not know her or her rider particularly well, though of course he knew of him. T'prin took great pains to be noticed.

He was worried enough being down two dragons in their formation, and having the lighter dragons fight to stay in position in the harsh, cold wind. More complications he did not need. Is something wrong with her firestone? he asked grimly. Did it get wet? He knew that the firestone was supposed to be protected from moisture, but it wasn't impossible that someone had completely ignored their responsibilities. Portenth's firestone was obviously fine, as the dragon belched out a large but inconsistent flame, and J'lin winced as a little of the rope fell for the lower riders to catch. We need to get used to that new consistency, he reminded the bronze. Get that flame burst to last longer, even if its weaker at the end then at the beginning.

He looked back at Lyrith again, who still had not managed a single burst of fire. Ask her what's wrong, he told Portenth as they dodged away from one clump of rope, and flamed another one entirely to a satisfying ash.

Obediently, the bronze spoke to Lyrith, as he winged to another clump of rope that had brushed against a wingrider's tail. Why don't you flame? He asked her, while his rider cursed out loud about the 'threadscore', though not loud enough for the 'scored' rider to hear him. J'lin thought it was mostly the sleet and wind that was throwing them off, but the two missing riders, the green who couldn't flame, and the new firestone probably weren't helping either.

[ambigious]

As the fake thread was released into the air and the wings launched into activity, both Coreanth and Eyrlaina fell silent as they stared at the scene unfolding before them. Both individuals were engrossed in what they saw, yet for very different reasons. While Eyrlaina watched the way the individual riders handled their dragons, noticing which dragons seemed a little stiff versus those who flew smoothly, Coreanth was more aware of the communication that went on. The dragons within the wing were aware of each other at all times, which was to be expected, and knew when to dive out of the way or sear a clump of 'thread' that may harm one of its members. Good. The mentality that made them a unified front was there. A pleased rumble from Coreanth vibrated up the side of Eyrlaina's leg, startling her slightly. Her wispy blonde hair, which had somehow managed to free itself from beneath her cap, billowed and snapped restlessly in the wind. The cold stung at her face beneath her cap.

They're doing rather well, despite the weather,[/i] Coreanth remarked to her rider, who merely nodded, her lips puckered. At the moment she was watching as one of the greens -- Norrath, her queen supplied helpfully -- and her rider were actually using the environment to their advantage by rising on one of the baleful currents. I think we should do more of these, she announced suddenly, already formulating a plan that she would of course need to run by Kadia first. The weather will not always be pleasant during threadfall. I don't doubt the skill of the dragons, Eyrlaina added sternly as Coreanth snorted indignantly, but the riders, especially the new ones, would learn much from these drills. At that moment, as the young queen pondered this idea, the Jr. Weyrwoman noticed something odd. One of the wings was a man down -- she'd read about that, the pregnant greenrider -- but a large gap existed where flame should be spewing. Reacting instinctively, Eyrlaina recognized the leader of the wing and the wingsecond, asking Coreanth to get more information.

Allow me to handle this, Portenth, so that you can resume your training,[/i] the young queen said courteously to the bronze, even as she fixed Lyrith with irritably whirling eyes. Portenth already asked you, but I will ask again. Why aren't you flaming? It is your duty to help protect the dragons in your wing.[/i] It was clear that this infraction bothered Coreanth, but it really had to do with control; she wanted to understand why the green wasn't doing her duty. Please land by me, so that the rest of the dragons can continue their training without interruption and that we may speak. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Morgaith,[/i] the young queen added respectfully. Eyrlaina was fully in accord with Coreanth's decision, and squinted through the wing toward the high flying pair, waiting for them to land.

[azure]

Lyrith willingly winged in to land. This new queen would understand, that is what queens were for. Understanding what must be done and making eggs.

Lyrith remembered eggs. She remembered keeping eggs warm, her and her two sister-greens. They had kept the eggs alive.

Lyrith was an agile green, landing easily close to the queen and walking closer. T'prin was sitting erect and proud on her back because, really, what would be gained by slouching and holding his head like he wanted to. They were in for it and he had no explanation at all for Lyrith's actions.

Lyrith crouched down and concentrated, trying to let the Queen feel what she was feeling. Eating firestone now was wrong. She must not do that. She must not eat firestone because it was important. There was something that must happen.

What it was she wasn't sure. It was coming though, and she would not eat firestone. T'prin just was sitting there and letting her do the talking. What else could he do?

[Sher]

Sa'kor was much too involved now in actually tossing out enough rope strands to provide a challenge for Avalanche Wing to really take note of individual performances, but as Morgaith executed a sharp turn and accelerated back the way they'd come, the brownrider did notice Breda's Norrath almost fumble. He held his opinion of the maneuver for the moment, and was glad he did when he saw the good recovery in flashes between the dark brown's wingbeats. The overly-muscular wingleader instructed His to keep an eye on Breda's green in particular.

She isn't the one I'm worried about, Morgaith said cryptically.

Sa'kor tossed a double handful behind them, eyebrows thrust together in a scowl. What do you mean? he demanded. That gold- what's her face- is watching. Is that it? The man waited impatiently as he felt the brown listening to another dragon, though he didn't stop raining fake Thread down at his wing.

Lyrith says she doesn't chew firestone.

Morgaith's flat tone didn't make the words any easier to grasp. Sa'kor's mouth flopped open wordlessly as realization dawned on him; he caught a mouthful of dust-flavored misty drips in the process. "She WHAT!" he screeched aloud, voice rising an octave. Not Lyrith too! Tell her to try harder, Sa'kor growled tersely, flinging a scattering of smaller pieces with more force than was strictly necessary. He did not relish the thought that one of his stronger greens was being contrary, and it didn't occur to him that 'don't' might mean 'can't.'

Portenth has asked why she does not flame, the brown reported, deftly evading the order. A gust of wind buffeted them, but the brown was large enough to stoically ride it out and power through. At least it was over with quickly.

Now isn't the time to be distracted! Sa'kor said, searingly angry. They needed to be united, and he was in no way accustomed to Morgaith sidestepping a direct command like that. It was as jarring as Kadia's twisted face, but even more inescapable.

Calm down. Coreanth is having a word with Lyrith now. Morgaith seemed unmoved by the anger feeding through the bond; he was solidly certain that he had behaved appropriately by not interfering. Thank you, queen Coreanth, he told the large gold. A note of subtle humor sounded in his mindvoice as he added briefly, Mine will get over it.

Sa'kor was actually shaking with outrage, spluttering; there was a pause in the fall as the man coldly controlled himself. We will speak of this later, he said harshly, and dug his fingers into another sack of soaked rope.

----

The break in falling bits couldn't have come at a more opportune moment, for Breda and Norrath; the green had to pause and accept another chunk of firestone, her neck curling tightly as she hovered for a moment. Watch out, here it comes! Breda warned, tossing the piece into the gaping maw hurriedly.

On it![/i] the green grunted, struggling to hold position in a sudden strong wind.

The driplets of water stung the few parts of the greenrider that were exposed to the weather, but she didn't let herself flinch. She crouched lower, swiftly tightening the thong holding the firestone sack shut behind her and narrowing her eyes against the light rain. If it wasn't so sharding cold this would actually be fun. Breda bared her teeth, and wasn't sure herself whether it was a grimace or a grin as another gout of flame burst from the green's mouth. It was a good thing greens were so maneuverable- their flames didn't shoot very far.

Quit thinking,[/i] Norrath instructed helpfully. Rather not- ack![/i] While she was distracted, a bit of rope had thumped squarely on her spine, behind Hers and between her wings. Chagrin filled her thoughts as she redoubled her efforts. If that had been real Thread, it would have been a fatal 'score.

Tighten focus, Morgaith called down.

Great. He'd seen that. How embarrassing.

[weetia]

J'lin winced as he saw the rope hit the greenrider solidly. They were already three riders down, and in a 'live' Fall, that would have been fatal. He focused more closely on the air around him and Portenth, and the bronze suddenly released a tongue of flame that caught a nearby cluster of rope. It started burning, and though it fell another dragonlength before completely crumbling to ash, J'lin knew that he could count it as done.

They had to pop between to dodge the next batch of rope, but they just barely managed, and came out just behind the falling fake thread. Portenth flamed it as well, the inconsistent bursts still managing to catch enough of the rope that the fire spread to the rest.

J'lin was getting really frustrated though. He had expected Madison and Aliseth to be missing; they were already trying to account for it with their formation. Lyrith's refusal or inability to flame was infuriating though, entirely because there had been no warning. If a green just suddenly decided before a threadfall not to breathe fire, it could get people killed! While it wasn't his place to deal with the specifics of why she wasn't flaming, he would be certain to have words with T'prin about the fact that they hadn't told anyone about the problem.

[Mother Nature]

For a mercy, the wind seems to be steadier than when the drill began. Now some of the precipitation is in the form of tiny stinging ice pellets, though about half of it is still liquid. To the west, riding in on the wind, the clouds are thinner, bearing the promise of easier flying.