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 Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 12:41 pm
(What's this? The lessons are back? Yes they are. I have started them back up again, but given the hiccups last time I am going to be a lot more lenient. Meaning I've stopped caring if you don't turn up. It's you choice really, I'm doing these for the people who want to play out the growing and development of their pairs. Since we're waaaay behind schedule I'll be posting a lesson every friday and monday, don't worry there will be more than one lesson running at a time. You have more than a few days to get in. Because of how far behind we are I'll be doing the lessons I think you'd most like to do from month 7 onward. If there is one you would particularly like to do, feel free to pm me saying so.)
Lesson Seven - First Paired Flights
Dragons size - Sixty-five percent adult size
“Righto team.” Kila called to get silence from the group of weyrlings. They knew what it was today. If they hadn’t merely guessed or had one of the older Weyrlings tell them then they could have looked at the lesson board in the weyrling barrack. “This is very similar to the way your dragons did their first flights, only you’re now a more direct part of it.” Most of the dragons were decent enough fliers now, being able to take off and land safely. Not perfectly, but safely. There might be a few jolted Weyrlings, but for the most part she was sure they’d be fine. “Mount your dragon and, same as before, I want them to walk up and take off. Glide at first, do some turns and if you are confident enough in your dragon’s ability try some powered flight. BUT I don’t want anyone going higher than the ramp.” She didn’t want anyone plummeting to their death. The fall from the last group had been enough.
The dragons had been training with weight on their backs for the last few weeks gradually working up to that of twice their riders. So they should be fine, growing as they still were. “Feel how your dragon moves and communicate with them. Speak with them so that you know when they are going to make a movement so you have time to react.” This wasn’t a difficult task for the dragon and too many times she’d had a dragon pull a stunt that the Weyrling could have stayed on if they’d known it was going to happen and had tried to hold on.
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Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 6:52 pm
M'cai mounted up, the movement nowhere near second nature but at least not as clumsy as the first attempt had been. Zaporeth had grown a bit since then, but the leather straps of the harness were becoming as familiar to His as they were to the bronze. Are we ready for this? the weyrling asked. Now that it was time to fly, his nerves were shaky, almost to the point of wanting to go last.
I am. You are. I will be more careful this time. Zaporeth climbed to the top of the ramp confidently, his hide glinting metallic where the light shone on it from between the scattered clouds. The bronze stood there for a moment, wings spread and waiting for His to center his balance on the seat. Then with an easy lean forward, he pushed off crisply.
The wind tousled the bits of M'cai's hair that had sneaked from beneath his riding helmet, and he kept his gaze on the back of Zaporeth's head- right between the knobs. His hands were steady on the harness, though, and he could feel the muscles playing smoothly beneath his dragon's hide. This is fun, he realized.
I tried to tell you, Zaporeth said smugly, tilting his wings a bit to turn the glide into a gentle spiral. He could tell that his rider's nervousness was beginning to subside, but didn't want to make it come back just to show off. Flying together felt right, to the dragon.
Their landing was nothing special, but M'cai didn't fall off onto the ground. He slid down, smiling widely. "Are we going to try something harder next time?"
We'll see, the bronze replied, in tones of pure innocence. They climbed the hill and took their place at the end of the line, both standing on the ground, ready for another go. As soon as everyone else went, anyhow.
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Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 1:26 am
Terrila’s hands were sweaty, making her slip slightly as she scrambled up the straps and onto Prakath’s back. It was not a graceful manoeuvre but at least it worked and she settled herself carefully between the blues neck ridges, double-checking the straps.
For the first time, Prakath was excited about the lesson. This is right Terrmine, we are together, this is how it is supposed to be.
You really are excited about flying together, aren’t you? Terrila smiled slightly.
Of course, because we are together and you are with me. All I care about it that we are together.
Terrila smiled, stroking the blue gently. Just as long as we do this right, I don’t want you getting hurt.
Prakath almost pranced up the ramp after M’cai and Zaporeth had landed safely. The blue was excited and determined to show everyone else just how good he and Terrila could be. He waited for a few moment, until Terrila was ready.
At the top of the ramp Terrila felt Prakath tense, his muscles rippling as he prepared to launch them into the air. She took a deep breath, wrapped her hands securely and gave Prakath the mental go ahead.
The blue launched them off the ramp. The first push didn’t take them far but it gave them enough room for Prakath to flap his wings enough to set them into an easy, smooth glide.
“Ooohhh wow!” Terrila gasped, a smile lighting up her face. The wind caught her words as Prakath tilted his wings and sent them into a gentle descent. His back winged a little too late and they ended up thumping down as they landed, making Terrila’s head snap forward painfully. She gave herself a shake and slide down off Prakath’s back, rubbing her neck a little.
I am sorry Terrmine! You are hurt! I hurt you! Prakath was frantic with worry and guilt as he nudged her gently.
“It’s alright Prakath, all we need to do is practice, together!” even though her neck ached Terrila couldn’t help but grin, thrilled at their – mostly – successful first flight
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