Lesson Seven :: Betweening

[Illia]

A sigh escaped I'mny's mouth as Tekisith landed on the soft sands beside Crystal Lake. Betweening today... he muttered mentally, sliding off the small Blue to examine the surroundings that flourished around them. This was the one lesson that he could honestly say he hated to teach, even if it was a necessity when it came to fighting Thread. After all, the cold dark of Between killed whatever worm-like creatures had managed to fix themselves to dragons or riders. Even still... the risk of having Weyrlings 'killed' by getting trapped between was great, especially if there were those among them that decided they would rather foll around than pay attention.

Indeed. Though I'm sure there will be limited problems, if any Tekisith was generally the calmer and nicer of the pair, and, surprisingly enough, put up with his rider's attitude fairly well. Well enough, it seemed, that the dragon chose to only address I'mny when it came to humans; all others were generally ignored completely and any dragons or Flitters they had with them addressed instead.

"Heh, I would hope so..." This time I'mny chose to mutter the response under his breath, grunting as he heaved a large sack of firestone from where it had been tied down to Tekisith's back. In addition to flitting Between, the man had chosen to further instruction when it came to firestone as well. For all he knew, the Weyrlings didn't know how to feed their dragons firestone in the air during a Threadfall - which would be necessary. It was rare for one mere store of firestone in a dragon's belly to last an entire Fall, and seeing Goldriders were typically the only ones outfitted with flamethrowers during such a situation, it would be a dangerous predicament indeed if future riders didn't know what by Faranth they were doing.

The Weyrling Master had rather surprising strength considering his short stature, and he grunted as he let the bag of firestone drop to the ground beside him. It was a decent day: a bit cloudy, but there didn't seem to be any chance of rain or foul weather. As good a time as any to teach about Betweening. "Might as well call them, Tekisith..." I'mny sighed, stretching his arms over his head. "Sooner this is over the better..."

The Blue's eyes flashed in amusement, but he nodded in response, raising his head slightly as he broadcasted his thoughts towards the Weyr and the young dragons that made up this particular wing. All Pernese Fairytale Weyrlings report to the Crystal Lake shore! A lesson will be beginning shortly, and it is advised to be on time. Betweening is today!

[Sparrow]

Betweening! Jerglith's head jerked up in excitement at the word. Aleyi! Tekisith calls us for a betweening lesson! The Blue quickly forgot the herdbeast he had been about to snatch for a meal, arced back to the ledge where his rider was waiting, and landed, crouching so that Aleyi could get on faster. Won't this be fun! I can take you between!

Aleyi shrugged and climbed onto her dragon, although she was secretly just as excited. I thought you'd be more interested in having a Bluerider for a WeyrlingMaster.

Jerglith took off as soon as His was settled, headed for the lake. Yes. The large Blue rumbled softly. Jerglith was probably bigger than Tekisith; all the Fairytale weyrlings had nearly full-grown dragons and Jerglith was definitely a big Blue. That in itself was rather entertaining. He liked the idea of having a Master that would be at his level most though, and so did Aleyi. Hopefully I'mny was nice.

"Aleyi and Jerglith reporting!" Aleyi called out as Jerglith landed on the lakeshore not far from where a dark Blue and short rider waited. Although it probably wouldn't be long before she got on again, Aleyi slid off Jerglith's back and leaned against the Blue's shoulder, absently looking over the supplies I'mny had. Didn't you say this was a betweening lesson?

Yes. Jerglith flicked his tail around with excitement, anxious to be learning how to safely perform what was a dragon's birthright.

"Are we doing firestone too, WeyrlingMaster?" Aleyi looked at him quizzically. Betweening and more firestone... this would be a long lesson.

[Jenth]

Jorindath was well prepared for the morning’s lesson, indeed she was more glad that her rider was almost beaming with excitement. They had been waiting for this for quite some time! No, it wasn’t the trill of freedom that it would bring that rang in her heart, it was being one step closer to seeing her sister and that little blue she had bonded to in the Wher Labyrinth. Indeed, Sabre might be pleased to see her too or maybe not. The gold wherhandler had been quite uptight at having lost her prized candidate to the dragons, but she was still a bit of a harper.

Flying gear in check Inolyn let Jorindath fly them over. The great violet dragon dwarfed blue Tekisith, and there was still more growth to come. Jorindath and Inolyn are here the violet reported as Inolyn slid down her neck, already pulling at her riding gear. It really was too hot to wear…

((out of time, Kayth and D'mas/Earisa and Maideneth are here too))

[Sparrow]

Well, it wasn’t at all odd for N’ren and Johannesth to not be the first to a lesson, and the fact that they weren’t at all late either wasn’t at all surprising either. Slow as his Tan could be, many other weyrlings seemed to enjoy being even slower. Hopefully they would all at least show up for the betweening lesson.

Johannesth was skeptical, and hoped that going between didn’t take much effort. Flying wasn’t too hard, flying with a rider wasn’t too much harder, chewing firestone, blowing fire… he could manage it all, but what was this? Popping from one place to another in seconds?

It had to be tough. Jo hadn’t wanted to come. The more lessons they had, anyways, the closer they got to actually flying Thread. And everyone knew that was hard.

But N’ren was quite concentrated on going to every lesson, whatever his dragon said, and also had made it a goal in life to fight Thread. Johannesth basically had no goals but to do nothing, and, as it turned out, N’ren was very good at convincing his dragon to get up and do things.

If there was a reward, Johannesth would happily do anything. And of course his rider knew just what the Tan liked most: doing nothing! “N’ren and Johannesth are here,” N’ren stated, squinting slightly at the new WeyrlingMaster and struggling to remember his name.

Johannesth, not surprisingly, felt no desire to help. There’s firestone too. I get a long bath.

Yup.

[Missa]

Wonderful, lessons. Up you get Mine, time for lessons. Bending her silvery-green head to nudge her rider to her feet, Mermaiyeth stretched happily from her spot on the ledge. It wasn't uncommon for Beka to snooze against her, but as always, Mermaiyeth had spread a wing to protect ehr from the sun. Now, the calm barred was practically bouncing with excitment, or the equivilant for her. Rather than bounce, Mermaiyeth's mental tone was brighter, faster and far less stern than the one she used normally. She liked things in order, but there were some times when she could forego that.

Joy. Lessons. As always, Beka's voice was just dripping with enthusiasum as she found her riding gear and tugged it on. It was really too hot for the tight leather, but there was no choice about it. The higher in the air they were, the colder it got, and besides, the thick wherhide was safer, supposedly. Not that the weyrlings ever went up against Thread, but one day... One day.
Mine! Come on! Another sign of the barred's excitement, was the way she pushed again, rushing Beka along to get her straps tightened and get them down to the lake.

Mermaiyeth and Rebekah, here, sir.

***

ZadariMine, we have a lesson on betweening now. Must we go? For all that Maiath had begun to enjoy the lessons since they'd begun flying, finding that she could keep up with her siblings in the air, she was still unsure about going most of the time. Like most, she would complain about going, though in a sublte way, and then find herself enjoying it. Thus, Zadari hardly heard the last, pleading question as she pulled on her riding gear, she'd heard the part about lessons, of course, thus the riding gear.
"Oh good, did they say what it was on?" It would - or should - be throwing firstone to their bondeds while in the air, or betweening. But every teacher was different, and they'd changed once again.

Betweening, I think. I do not want to get lost there Mine.
We won't dear. Betweening was one aspect of dragonrider life one never really got used to, every time they passed between the points, the biting cold was as shocking as the first time. Yet, Zadari missed it, not because she couldn't feel anything while hovering there, but because it was a step closer to the wings, a step closer to being a complete pair with her bonded, a fighting dragon pair. She had every faith in Maiath, that since the green was so natural and agile in the air, she would have no problems, and usually, the problems were the rider's fault, not the dragons.

Landing lightly with her siblings, Maiath almost sighed, as she always did at the difference in sizes. She was so tiny, it wasn't fair. Maiath didn't really mind being the runt, but even her green ssters were growing larger, and more beautiful than her.
That doesn't matter dear, I love you the way you are. Simple. And you'll love the lesson, you'll see.
M-maiath and Zadari r-reporting. S-sir.

[ShadowReine]

I don't want to do lessons today, Tinth whined.

R'mer secured the blue's straps. We all have to do things we don't want to do. And you will focus.

But Miiiine

The boy actually whacked his dragon on the shoulder. "Grow up. It's me I'mny will yell at if we're late." He clambered up. "Besides. This one might be fun."

The blue sighed and then launched from their ledge, quick wingbeats carrying him downwards to the lake shore. R'mer would never take flying with his dragon for granted, not even if he rode for fifty turns or more. He closed his eyes for a moment so he could better feel the air over Tinth's wings.

All too soon, the blue backwinged to land on the shore, sending up a small flurry of sand. R'mer unstrapped and dismounted.

Now behave

Grumblegrumblegrumble

BEHAVE

Tinth actually started, jumping a little at his rider's vehemence. Alright, alright!

How had R'mer ever got a dragon who's moods changed from day to day, no, from minute to minute. Because he loved hm.

Or maybe, just maybe, Tinth had known he'd need somebody to keep him in line...

[Illia]

"Are we doing firestone too, WeyrlingMaster?"

I'mny gave a simple nod in response to Aleyi's question, examining her and her dragon for a moment before turning his attentions to the other Riders that were steadily arriving. He would be explaining the presence of firestone in addition to the explanation of Betweening, thus, he wasn't too fond of repeating himself just to let one individual know before all the others. Somewhat satisfied with the amount of Riders that had arrived [which was already much more than his first lesson with Heaven Opens], he decided to start. Any stragglers would have to simply face the consequences.

He took note of R'mar and Tinth, a Rider and dragon he had just recently become acquainted with, but other than that most of the Weyrlings he knew only by sight and not so much on a talking level. Either way, it wouldn't have mattered. After all, while in his position as Weyrling Master he wouldn't be showing favouritism, and it was necessary to get these particular individuals into shape as soon as possible with them being so close to graduation.

Absently glancing at Tekisith [who at this point was examining the variety of pretty Greens that had arrived], I'mny opened his mouth and started into the typical introduction he used for his first lesson with the Heaven Opens. "Some of you may know me, if not, I am Weyrling Master I'mny of Blue Tekisith. You may be wondering where your previous Master has gone, but it is not my place to say and I am not about to," his voice had a certain harshness to it, though he was careful not to direct the tone at any one person... yet. "You may find me to be harsh, however, getting carried through lessons by your Master is not going to aide you in Threadfall and I'm sure that getting used to orders being barked at you before your first time in the field is more preferred. You can hate me if you wish, I am not here to make friends. I am here to make sure none of you go and get devoured or wounded during your first Threadfall and those after. Twenty-three years I have been a rider, at least twenty of those I have been fighting Threadfall and I can assure you, if my Master had treated me like a hatchling incapable of handling himself I would have been out of commission within the first few Falls."

He paused for a moment, his ocean blue eyes a bright contrast against his dark skin and hair as he examined each and every individual present. His eyes lingered on a few random Riders, but he didn't seem to be showing noticeable hostility towards anyone; merely, he was displaying a commanding demenour despite his short stature. Tekisith didn't seem to be too bothered by his size either, for despite the many dragons that left him dwarfed, he remained where he was sitting without stretching himself upward to appear taller.

"Now, you are probably wondering why we have firestone present as well. In addition to Betweening, we will be perfecting giving firestone to your dragon while in the air, however, more will be explained once we get to that part of the lesson. Betweening is easy enough, and could even be considered 'safe' as long as you know what you're doing," I'mny launched into his explanation for the action, remaining motionless before the gathered Weyrlings with his arms folded across his chest. "More often than not, it is not the dragon who caused a pair to get lost Between, but the Rider who was foolish enough to panic and unwittingly urge such a jump without confirming a location to transport to. Communication with your dragon is of the uptmost importance!"

His final sentence before he paused for effect was forced with a display of importance, his blue eyes flashion. "You merely have to visualize the location you wish to go, for both yourself and your dragon, and it is mere instinct for your dragon to whisk you away to that location." He pointed upward towards a rocky ledge on the other side of the lake. "We will be Betweening to there. Tekisith, will you demonstrate?"

The Blue gave a simple nod, remaining motionless for just a breath before he suddenly vanished out of sight. He reappeared eight seconds later, hoving above the ledge with a loud, triumphant roar, though he didn't return to I'mny's side but rather remained where he was. The Weyrling Master turned to address the Weyrlings again. "You will shift Between and appear up at that ledge with Tekisith. I don't care what order you go in, just give me notice before you take action, but make sure you're ready. Jumping forward before you get your nerves under control is a mistake, simply enough, and I would prefer not having to explain to the Weyrmaster and Weyrwoman that one of our Weyrlings got lost Between."

[Sparrow]

Let’s go, AleyiMine! Jerglith bounced with excitement and nudged his rider, urging her to get back onto her back. We can be first! We’ll do it just like Tekisith!

But we won’t take as long. What had she counted while the Blue was between? Eight seconds? It had seemed like forever. The rock wasn’t very far away, Jerglith could probably fly there in eight seconds.

No, we’ll do it faster! Jerglith only wanted to get going. I’m sure he was just demonstrating.

Demonstrating what? Aleyi easily mounted Jerglith and then turned to face I’mny. “Can Jerglith and I go?” She wasn’t nervous; Jerglith’s excitement was obviously rubbing off on her. Anyways, Brooke had gone between once only candlemarks after she had hatched, and if a newborn flitter could do it, of course Jerglith could! “We’re ready,” she added helpfully, focusing briefly on a spot next to Tekisith. That’s where we’ll go, ‘kay?

Yes! Jerglith didn’t wait for I’mny to reply, the Blue shot into the air with a kick of his legs and snapped his wings open, giving himself some height before he went between.

Wait!

Go!

Aleyi felt the most frightening inward rush of air, and suddenly the Weyr Bowl was gone. She clutched Jerglith’s side and closed her eyes, frightened by the abrupt freezing darkness, but struggled to concentrate on the image of the outcrop too. That was what I’mny had said was most important, and Jerglith’s actions weren’t going to frighten her into letting them die.

Of course, they probably would as soon as they got back to the Bowl. Warmth and color suddenly returned to Aleyi’s world and she took a heaving, frightened breath while Jerglith settled proudly on the rock next to Tekisith.

That was fun! Yours is a good teacher, Jerglith told the older Blue cheerfully. That said, he turned and nuzzled Aleyi. Told you we’d be fine! We should do that again!

[ShadowReine]

R'mer was to Tinth's neck quickly, with practiced ease. At this point, mounting his blue was getting closer and closer to second nature, he was familiar with exactly how he was put together.

The time it takes a man to cough thrice. Eight seconds. R'mer secured his straps and signalled the blue upwards.

Focus. Focus on the crag, focus and share, their minds touching. The wind under the blue's wings, the feeliing of oneness.

I can do this!

Then do it!

And everything vanished. He could not feel the dragon under him, could not see, could not hear. Utter blackness, but Tinth was *there*...all of that volatile energy flowing around his mind. Blacker, blacker, blackest...

And bright sun and the crag and the Weyr and "We did it!"

Triumph and...yes....relief. If somebody was going to be lost, it was most often the first time...

[franny]

(OOC: My weyrlings were here the entire time...)
Amarna had to admit that when she entered and saw the strange weyrling master she had to wonder, but the shy bronzerider they had had before must have been a stand in until they got a new weyrling master. She could feel Holleth's excitement. She was excited... They were betweening today!

J'kyl grinned with excitement and Grimth bounced around some. They were going to a good lesson! They were finally going to between today! (OOC: And I really have no muse left...)

[Illia]

Tekisith thrummed in agreement at Jerglith's comment to his Rider. Of course I'mny was a good teacher! No one was better. Though, of course, a dragon generally always thought that of their Rider, no matter what the feat was that they had accomplished. I am looking forward to see the potential held once we begin to go over strategic Betweening Tekisith replied, bringing his wings down again as he looked at the second Blue that seemed to be preparing to shift Between.

Tekisith gave a congratulator croo as Tinth reappeared next to himself and Jerglith, quite pleased that the Blue and Rider that he and I'mny had met on previous terms hadn't fallen to the dark abyss that resided Between. He turned his gaze downward again, wondering if any other Weyrlings were going to go before I'mny had to give them a slight push. Of course, the Weyrlingmaster couldn't be too insistant considering the dangers that Betweening held, but all the same...

••••••••••

I'mny gave only the slightest nod of approval as he took note of the two Blues that had successfully managed to arrive up in the air with Tekisith, though he turned his ocean blue eyes on the Weyrlings that still resided down below. "While it would not do well to force anyone up into the air, I suggest you either do so soon or step back and I will take care that you know what you're doing after normal lessons," he said simply, a general, emotionless tone to his voice as he stood stationary before the remaining Weyrlings, shifting his gaze from one to the other.

[/blockquote]

[Sparrow]

Jerglith rumbled happily. When will we be doing that? Strategic betweening? It sounded exciting. Aleyi smiled at R’mer as he and Tinth arrived, glad that her friend had made it safely here too. Now that they had done it once, it seemed a lot less likely that they would ever get stuck between. Hopefully nothing bad would happen to anyone today.

It’s fun, isn’t it Tinth? Jerglith chirped happily to his clutch-brother. Betweening had frightened His, but Jerglith had quite enjoyed it and knew that if he didn’t surprise Aleyi again she would like it too.

~~~

“Well, I guess Johannesth and I can go next.” N’ren said to the Weyrlingmaster, giving his Tan a nudge. Jo sighed softly but stood and flexed his wings. It hadn’t looked that hard when the Blues did it anyways, and if I’mny was planning to force them to go… well, he may as well do it by choice. It would look better for the females about, at least. N’ren climbed onto his dragon’s back and Johannesth took off with a hefty push.

When they were a couple lengths above the ground, N’ren focused on a spot near the three Blues already waiting. Let’s go!

Almost without realizing he had, Johannesth popped between, and soon they were out and over the ledge on the far side of the lake. That wasn’t hard at all! The Tan wondered over this as he settled down near the Blues. N’ren grinned and gave his dragon’s neck a fond scratch.

I guess you’ll survive doing it more later then, he commented.

Johannesth wing-shrugged. He could handle the betweening part.

[Missa]

Well, I suppose we can go.
Why? Can't others go first? I don't think I can Mine. Panic started to make the green's voice high pitched, and in response, Zadari rested her hand agianst her neck, frowning at the sudden bout of self conciousness her green was going through. She had the utmost faith in her dragon, and had no doubt that she would pass without a problem, indeed, she might enjoy it. Yet, it would be dangerous to go between while Maiath was panicking about not being able to do it.

Maiath, listen to me. I'm right here, I will not let anything happen to you, you trust me right?
Of course. She almost sounded insulted that Zadari would even have to ask such a stupid question, and the tension seemed to drain out of her muscles as Zadari stroked her neck gently.
Then trust that we will do well, trust that I won't let you get lost, I promise Maiath. For a few seconds, there was silence, before she finally dipped her head slightly in agreement.
"We'll go sir." Now that Maiath's calm. The words weren't spoken, and Zadari gave her green another pat before she urged her to get into the air.

Happily, Maiath launched herself off into the air, almost immediately more at ease. This was something she was good at, flying, and as Zadari focused on a point near the four dragons, far enough to give Maiath room so she wouldn't panic before she betweened, she gave the image to her bonded, making sure she had the right image before telling her to go. Whether it was instinct or not, Maiath blinked between, and for the first time in turns, the cold nothingness of between surrounded Zadari. Despite being used to it, her heart kicked up a notch as she silently counted the seconds, and before she'd reached the alotted time, sunshine was back on her face.
See! I knew you could do it! Well done Maiath!
That was fun! Did you see sir? I did it!

**

I'm... Not ready to go yet. Let one more person go before us. It was hard enough to work up enough nerve to admit she wasn't ready, even to her beloved barred. Never the less, the silvery dragon only nodded her head once as she watched Maiath go through the exercise, they would go after one more person, Hers just needed to relax, and trust her, Mermaiyeth would never let anything happen to hers, let alone let her get lost in the scary between..

{Gee, dead muse xD}