HRW:Weyrlings/Archive/Clutch37

Clutch37

Month 1

Sometimes, it's hard to keep up with exactly what is going on with other PCs, and, even when we know what is going on, it's not always easy to know how much of it we might have ICly noticed. This page is designed to provide a place for to lay out anything other weyrlings (and the weyrling staff) might know about what is going on with your character. If you've written a vignette that you think sums things up, feel free to link to it. Otherwise, you can write a few lines, a paragraph or two, or even nothing at all (this is wholly optional).

A new page will put up each IC month.

Any questions, just ask!

Edyis

These two struggle from the very beginning, and it quickly becomes clear that they are opposites. Those who know Edyis might quickly recognize the memory lapses and constant distractedness whenever Akluseth is awake as abnormal behavior. Akluseth promises to be trouble from the onset, often (unintentionally) disruptive during lectures. He doesn't stay still for very long, and usually takes at least two reminders to do something before he gets distracted again. Where the pair does well, is in the physical conditioning, Edyis doesn't have to change much in her usual routine and Akluseth while awkward, enjoys the direct challenge of physical exertion. Practice, however, is another matter entirely.

Farideh

The first month of weyrlinghood is a trying one, and while for the most part it doesn't appear as though Roszadyth and Farideh are having issues with separation, willpower, or agreement, it is apparent that there's something brewing underneath the surface. Farideh has ups and downs: happy one day, sad the next, mad another, or simply brooding. Everything is overwhelming and new, from the light calisthenics to the added pressure of impending placement exams and Harper lessons; not to mention the upcoming months of even harder training.

They keep mostly to themselves, Farideh in her self-absorbed way and Roszadyth in not wanting to intrude into the lives of her siblings. When they do socialize, it's both distracted and weary, and they're not long in excusing themselves altogether. Left to her own devices, when Roszadyth is sleeping, Farideh will often find someplace in the bowl (patio ledge, lakeshore, etc) to retreat, to get away from the constant buzz and flow of the barracks. From an outside perspective, it could look as either the gold pair are taking their newfound roles with ease, or that the once-laundress is scattered.

Keysi

The pair are quickly notable to be one and the same- mirror images of each other at the core. Every action they do is a play off of each other to do it better than the last time, or perhaps faster than the other weyrlings. Every day is a challenge to be stronger than yesterday. The physical training comes easy to them, even if Neianth's impatience is an explosive thing when he can't do everything perfectly the first time. It is clear, however that Keysi herself is not excelling at this first month of weyrlinghood. Her biggest struggle is separation, in which at first she doesn't even try. Those who know her can see emotions she's never shown before, simply reflections of Nei's tumultuous personality. The once studious and work-focused girl has been neglectful of duties and shown an absentmindedness that makes even simple interactions difficult. Her second issue remains even harder to overcome- the forgetfulness of Neianth's age as their physical limits are pushed far more rapidly than this first month of growth should allow.

Laine

Lucky: Laine and Lifreyth's sleep schedules align to one another within the first few nights. Unlucky: that schedule doesn't quite match up with what's expected of them. The two are slow to rouse in the morning owing to late, late nights (usually spent together on Lifreyth's couch) and, like clockwork, both dragon and weyrling return to the barracks for a nap in the early afternoon as soon as lessons permit.

But despite increasingly off-kilter sleep patterns, the two are attentive at lessons and answers come readily from Lifreyth and Laine--albeit far more slowly from the latter... almost as though prompted. And, like several of their clutchmates, separation of selves poses a challenge. Laine's complaints seem to revolve around how superfluous and unnecessary she finds the exercises to be--and it becomes more apparent as the month wears on that she's simply unable to distinguish between them. Separation comes in starts and stops, with evident reluctance on Laine's part to even put in the work.

Towards the end of the month, those who are in close contact with the two may come to realize that it's Lifreyth who's the driving force between the pair, feeding his seemingly boundless, perceptive energy back into his lifemate: dazed, Laine's just caught up in his wake.

R'van

Despite R'van's apparent disinterest in anything dragonriding prior to Impression, he and Vadevjiath have made a surprisingly solid pairing so far. Separation of their feelings hasn't been an issue, and Vadevjiath isn't an outwardly needy dragon in general: he keeps to schedule, he doesn't cling, and overall he gets into far less trouble than his clutchmates. Truthfully, Vadevjiath seems more content than anything, lacking his more curious siblings' taste for sticking their noses where they may not belong. He's too serious, too focused, with a optimistic doggedness to him: he's not the biggest, not the most coordinated, not the best; but he's determined and makes steady progress.

R'van is easily one of the most educated among the clutch, owing to his apprenticeship with the Smiths: no stress about exams and placement tests here. He's still somewhat aloof, more focused on his dragon than his fellow weyrlings; Vadevjiath's one quirk is his physical possessiveness of whatever he deems his, and R'van himself is tops of that list. Those who encroach on either of their spaces will find themselves facing the ire of a bronze who postures much bigger than he is. Excepting the leg up his education gives him, R'van is as solid but unexceptional as his dragon: he's smart, which serves him well, but he's completely new to this life unlike many of the others. And while he might not slack, exactly, he's certainly not pushing himself nearly as hard as he likely could. While he's clearly still tired at the end of the day, same as anyone, he weathers it with only a little more snappishness in his typically dry wit. If there's one thing to be said for apprenticing, it certainly prepares you for terrible hours and shit work at the bottom of the food chain.

T'mic

T'mic doesn't remember much of the hatching. Hesitating before going in, something about a wandering brown, the gold hatching, and then it's just Jorrth all the way down. The first few days, he'll have been utterly surprised and first-time-happy for each and every other weyrling he's met in the barracks, whether they impressed before or after him. By day two, he'll have made note of the faces who aren't there. Throughout the first two weeks, he'll be a little surprised every time anyone than Jorrth calls him T'mic, and may even have tried to correct them with his departed 'o'. T'mic's a bit more his old Tomic self when Jorrth is asleep, though something is clearly not properly aligned in their sleep patterns, and T'mic isn't always retaining much of what's said to him in these times. The big guy's exhausted. Exhausted, and completely and utterly smitten with his blue Jorrth. Jorrth's own enthusiasm to see and know (and headbutt and play with) everything is enough to power the both of them through the constant oilings and roamings and discoveries. How long it will take before T'mic can maturely reflect on how much his life has changed remains to be seen.

Yesia

Surprising some, Yesia took well to the demands placed upon her by Aeaeth in the first month, proving she's got the ability to be adaptable and willing to take on challenging tasks, provided they are something she wants to do. The newly Impressed pair did not get any more sleep than their peers (less, maybe, because she insisted on rising earlier if only to brush and style her long hair) and Yesia had plenty to say about some of the weyrlings' assigned tasks, but for the most part what she has told the weyrlingmasters directly holds true: Impressing Aeaeth did not change her routines or her abilities; she just had to accommodate the chatty green, a thing she did very willingly.

Aeaeth, for her part, is a clingy and very emotionally needy dragon. Lacking as Yesia is in the friends department - and with Paz and Olrina both on blues, engaged in a completely different sense of camraderie that omits her - feeling like she played a pivotal and necessary role in Aeaeth's life out the gate was good for the greenrider. It can be noted, however, that as the month passes, Yesia's patience with Aeaeth is mercurial at best. She sometimes goes from being extremely calm, smiling at the green obligingly, to snapping aloud at her over something. This could be cause for concern, if it's witnessed by the staff; however, probing or talking to the green will suggest she's not worse for having been treated thus, often forgetting anything even happened happened, or forgiving the incidents immediately. She's likely to make excuses for her lifemate's behavior, blaming it on stress or sleepiness or even hunger...but it can be noted she always tells these with the ribbons of color that indicate she might be concealing the truth, both about her feelings and about Yesia's motivations.

Z'kiel

That first month finds little obvious change in Z'kiel - he still rises early (along with Ahtzudaeth) and he goes to sleep late (with some napping in the middle of the day, of course). It's apparent enough that he's as taciturn as before - if not more so. In truth, he's even more distant, but that might be difficult to discern owing to his pre-hatching aloofness.

But. He takes well to the lessons - particularly anything that requires physical labor - and he tends to Ahtzudaeth with the utmost of care. He's very aware of his dragons needs and sees to them without question. The pair seem to converse regularly, but there is no verbalization on Z'kiel's part - he takes quite readily to the mind-to-mind communion that some have trouble with.

Interestingly, separation is not a problem. Though it might be perceived of as a problem with communication, it's quite the opposite; they both know where their boundaries are and know to keep to their side of the line.

For his part, Ahtzudaeth keeps his counsel to himself (for now) and is keen on learning. He's a cunning sort, watchful and curious, but not as prone to being as physically involved as the others. That's not to say he doesn't exercise - quite the opposite - just that he reserves his energy for something purposeful. He'll often be found walking and stretching and otherwise giving his limbs a good working out when he's not daintily devouring dinner or slumbering away.

Month 2

Edyis

Exam results:

• Reading: A+
• Writing: A+
• Arithmetic: B-
• Local History: A+
• World History: A+

All that time in the Records Room, and her compulsive need to know and study pays off in not being seated in remedial lessons. In most classes, she takes extensive and detailed notes in shorthand, but none of it helps much with her people skills. She does help anyone who asks, but has become more withdrawn, often only in the barracks when required to be. She is keen to follow the letter of the rules, but the spirit of them is something else entirely. There are all the makings of quiet rebellion starting to brew beneath the surface, especially after haircuts. Classes provide some relief; Edyis is the most engaged in Dragonhealing classes, often talking with the instructors after class when they will allow. Self-defense, however, is a complete and perhaps obvious frustration. Often distracted or struggling to pay attention, strangely when singled out she can usually demonstrate or answer questions effectively, but often she's reading something for another class. It is the etiquette lessons that seem to be the most challenging, (unsurprisingly to some) and often she stays after class to ask questions when the instructors allow.

Akluseth is his usual restless self, often frustrated by his rapidly increasing size that limits the places he can explore. He is beginning to take an interest in his clutch mates and other dragons. The new exercises added into the physical routines has helped with his ability to focus and his sometimes (unintentionally) disruptive energy. His recklessness is most noticeable, sometimes starting an action even before the instructor has finished their sentence. His relationship with Edyis seems to have changed somewhat too, and while he can't explain to anyone what goes on in his rider's head he reacts to her moods more quickly. Often fiercely so.

Farideh

Exam results:

• Reading: A
• Writing: A
• Arithmetic: D
• Local History: B-
• World History: A-
  

Much of month two is spent studying and reading, and then studying for more in preparation for the placement exams. Farideh has been adamant about succeeding and not ending up as the last of their class, though the actual results vary in the end. She throws herself into her duties too, and seems to enjoy the morning and evening laps that she does in the bowl. Others may notice she spends less time in the barracks, when Roszadyth is sleeping or otherwise occupied, and more time in the records room or wandering the lower caverns. She isn't deliberately aloof, but seems to have a lot of things on her mind and bonding with her fellow weyrlings isn't high on that list.

Roszadyth is as kind and sensible as ever, and seems to be having more of an impact on her lifemate in terms of rerouting her temper. As for herself, she takes her own part with delicacy, not exactly throwing herself into the extra exercises that now include the dragons, but neither does she withhold. She continues to enjoy spending time with and talking to her clutchmates.

Keysi

Exam results:

• Reading: A+
• Writing: A+
• Arithmetic: A
• Local History: A-
• World History: A-

Month one ended in frustration, month two in a sense of self-resolve that may have some heads spinning. Keysi and Neianth appear to have come to an understanding, one in which they're never seen apart and they simply feed off of each other- to betterment, not detriment so far as was feared by the once-healer since day one. Together, they've refocused that energy tirelessly into studying and training to the point where some may wonder if she even sleeps. Her pre-Impression self has returned in full-fury, and the examinations provided little difficulty given her history of travels, and turns within the HealerHall. Her change is not perfected, certainly, and Keysi is still prone to funneling and amplifying Neianth's impatient annoyance into her interactions with her fellows and superiors. Delayed, she criticizes herself for the things said, but has yet to be humble enough to apologize openly.

She seems to have taken a different approach to the classes than she did initially, while Neianth continues to pursue his own training with over-enthusiasm and doesn't quit even when the sessions are over- even if his awkwardly long legs and wings make things more difficult than he deems fair. At first, they'wasted her time' in her opinion. However, she's come to realize just because she knows so many things, doesn't mean she's too good for it. Even in the self-defense courses that are so painfully basic, she's polished a couple of the rough and dusty edges of her modesty and has remembered just how important those basics are, in everything. And In a gesture towards Weyrlingmaster Quinlys, Keysi cut her hair herself.

See Month 2 Vignette

Laine

Exam results:

• Reading: B+
• Writing: B
• Arithmetic: A-
• Local History: C
• World History: C-

Marks saved only by the grace of her craft, Laine does not prove to be a keen student. The placement exams land her squarely in the middle of the class, with math, surprisingly, emerging as her strongest suit (must've been all that measuring twice, cutting once business). Admittedly, she tries to study for the exams, but... that sleep schedule of hers and Lifreyth just keeps getting weirder. Not yet to the point of nodding off in class, she's holding it together, apparently, through force of will alone. She's most alert and attentive in the self-defense and first aid classes, though her enthusiasm for the etiquette classes is lacking. The calisthenics and physical exercise are embraced willingly--it's not uncommon, even, to find the weyrling running laps at odd hours.

Lifreyth remains his self-possessed, cheeky self, offering support to his lifemate and his clutchmates in spades. His unbound curiosity takes him not only to the farthest permissible edges of the Weyr (and sometimes a little further beyond that), but also has him exploring the minds and personalities of the dragons of 'Reaches with that probing inquisitiveness. Some consider it charming; others, snooping--but in any case, Lifreyth isn't one to complain if he's rebuffed.

R'van

Exam results:

• Reading: A+
• Writing: A+
• Arithmetic: A+
• Local History: A+
• World History: A

If it weren't obvious already, R'van's a smart guy. He finishes exams with flying colors, though his history scores certainly benefit from being a local: it's his least favorite of them all. He also may have tried to show off on the math portion, with his own notes written in on higher-level applications than what they'll likely be tested on. Because R'van is also a smart ass, and that's becoming readily apparent as weyrlinghood becomes more of a stressor. He's early to rise, late to bed, often working on his own secretive things: reading well after curfew; taking advantage of Vadevjiath's naps not to rest himself, but to push on with his own personal agenda. While he does well enough in dragon-related classes, he's not tops there: it's just not the same kind of priority. Of course, all this focus on his own business means he continues to be disconnected from his peers, and even the one he's been friendliest with--Farideh--seems mighty pissed at him by the end of the month.

Vadevjiath, for his part, is growing steadily, but it's increasingly clear that Ahtzudaeth and even Lifreyth are outstripping him in that department. He makes up for it in single-minded determination, pushing himself hard--if, maybe, not quite so bullheadedly as Neianth. He doesn't seem to mind his rider's independence, at least, though they seem overall well-bonded. On the physical side, while R'van can keep up with the exercise regime without much trouble, it's not his best skill. He's thoroughly middling in fact, and for the most part content with that: his arrogant competitiveness is reserved for academia. He should probably work on that.

T'mic

• Reading: C
• Writing: C+
• Arithmetic: C-
• Local History: C
• World History: B

T'mic is much more aware of the people around him and the changes in his and their lives in the second month of weyrlinghood than he was in the first. He may show some nervousness when talking about the far-off future, but he seems settled enough now to take the here-and-now and near-future as they come. It's easy, after all, with Jorrth by his side. Not that he'll have had a chance to show his new outlook on life much.

The harper testing does not go all that well, and not just because he didn't really get his head into the game in time to study. T'mic isn't one of the quick ones, and his catch-up classes consume a great deal of his time. That he does notably better with anything that can be taught or practiced orally rather than in writing may have bumped some of his grades upwards. Although he can read and write passably, his retention of what he reads leaves much to be desired. But he's tenacious, and so far refuses to give up.

He intends to send his clay baby-Jorrth to his mom in Benden.

Jorrth is still adorable, and still smaller than general growth rates (or, you know, the code on game) suggest he should be. He seems to learn more quickly than his rider (though this has yet to create any friction between them). His interest in anything and everything is hardly a secret to his clutchmates or the weyrling staff.

Yesia

Exam results:

• Reading: A
• Writing: B+
• Arithmetic: C
• Local History: B-
• World History: C
  
  

As it turns out, Yesia's pretty smart. One of the few who didn't fret about harper exams - "I'll do fine," marked the weeks approaching testing, and a quiet, insufferable gloating came after - her scores earned her quite the reprieve in most cases. She struggles with math and world history, and when the time comes also is not amazing at memorizing dragon anatomy, though she does enjoy playing with the clay and her sculptures are good, even if she can't name the parts. It can be noted that after several negative encounters in month one, Yesia's eased off being so - terrible. This might be somewhat Aeaeth's doing, or maybe she was scolded one time too many, but she can be caught frequently catching herself, biting her tongue, and replacing cruel outbursts and insults with cutting smiles and manipulation of those who haven't already been alienated by her. Some weyrlings don't get much of a break from her reign of terror - caught in her crosshairs, they're likely to continue to feed into mutual animosity.

For her part, Aeaeth is beginning to balance her internal relationship with Yesia and her external relationships with her clutchmates. Where she was largely disinterested in them in month one, she seems more keenly aware of the other weyrlings' presence, and is certainly more bubbly and interested in the dragon gossip mill, should any of them provide something she deems worthy of sharing. It won't take long before someone realizes this is a bad idea, because Aeaeth is not above sharing this information, sometimes with the entire class during calisthenics, sometimes just with Yesia, who will use it later as a strategic conversational barb. There is a possibly unhealthy co-dependency brewing between the pair, even if it's hard to tell if someone should address it as such.

Z'kiel

• Reading: C-
• Writing: C-
• Arithmetic: C
• Local History: D
• World History: D

If it's possible, the former hunter grows more introverted - for the most part. Z'kiel has little to say - but, considering his exam scores, it's no surprise: he has little time to casually chat with the load of remedial work that he's been burdened with. He is, as a result, a bit short-tempered - but no one will really see the full force of it. Indeed, his quiet and removed nature may well make it seem that he's just busy and nothing more.

That agitation has only grown since the removal of his braid - and his subsequent shaving of his head. Toward the end of the month, he'll be seen more and more often with bruised and split knuckles, but the source will remain unknown. He's not talking and it clearly hasn't resulted in anyone else being put in the infirmary, so it can't be that terrible. And, considering he's still shouldering the burden of studying and lessons well - with an intense and silent stoicism - there probably isn't much reason to remain concerned.

It helps, too, that he's physically in peak condition; the physical lessons are the ones he shines most strongly in and it's not uncommon to see him exercising when he's not drowning in studies or seeing to Ahtzudaeth's needs.

However: it is no secret that, despite the limitations of the posted notice, he has written and submitted his own request to transfer.

Ahtzudaeth, however, will have none of it. If asked directly what his thoughts are, he'll respond in the same way - with a chortle and a mild, « High Reaches is our home - and he knows it, as surely as I do. This shall pass. » The bronze, in direct contrast to his rider, is far more talkative and eager to give advice - asked for or otherwise. He, as usual, takes easily to the lessons as presented and is more than happy to help his fellow weyrlings out when they need it. Whatever dark moods have claimed his rider have seemingly no effect on the perpetually good-natured bronze.

It's toward the end of the month that the bronze displays signs of severe itchiness. The healers will note nothing appears to be wrong and the episode - which will last nearly a month - is perhaps due to a combined burst of rapid growth and his rider's stress.

Month 3

Edyis

Month three is a time of change, and Edyis and Akluseth seem to hit their stride, and there are glimpses of the kind of teamwork the two could be capable of in the future. She is still orderly and precise, where Akluseth is all about improvising and getting the job done.

Edyis is calmer, less openly rebellious though that occasional twitch of her jaw might suggest there is more going on beneath the surface. Lessons are welcome, and she throws herself into classes, taking detailed notes and careful to ask only pertinent questions. She still spends much of their downtime studying. Politics and dragonhealing are favorite subjects though the thread fall charts draw some interest. In drills, she often wants to know the why behind a particular maneuvers. She is also happy to help out her fellow weyrlings, or at least the ones who don't irritate her, either helping with studying or keeping up with the course work. The pair is far less withdrawn this month.

Akluseth is as ever a chaotic mess of energy, useful for keeping up with the strenuous exercises. But, not so good for sitting still for long periods of time. His fascination with water remains, and while he prefers Edyis's company, he can often be found sunning or swimming in the lake when she is occupied. His clutch siblings are more attractive to him now, always happy to get caught up in a new adventure or some physical challenge. He's protective of his smaller siblings. Keeping a careful eye on them to make sure they don't get into trouble.

Farideh

The third month of weyrlinghood comes with its ups and downs for the gold pair, as par for the course. While Roszadyth is busy spreading her wings - « Almost flying! What a wonderful adventure! » - and getting know the dragons around her, far beyond the scope of her clutch siblings, Farideh throws herself exhaustively into her new duties. Being right and good at these skills seem to be important to her, for all that she swears off wanting to actually lead or runthe Weyr, and spends a great deal of time studying records and penning notes when not otherwise detained by the regular weyrling activities and weyrwoman training.

On the whole, Farideh's brief spurt of energy, after weeks on weeks of being exhausted, dies beneath the strain of these added responsibilities. When she isn't studying, or training, or attending to Roszadyth's needs, she can be found napping-- in pretty much any location, in any kind of awkward positioning. Curled up on her cot? Yes! Sprawled out in the corner? Yes! Hunched over the table? Yes! Basically, while she's busy with her own issues, she's not particularly making any extra time to hang out with her fellow weyrlings; anyone that needs her attention will have to accept it being split between the different pathways her mind is otherwise occupied with.

And that comes with the added benefit of her being way too tired to verbally spar with others. Hurray!

Keysi

As time goes on, Keysi and Neianth become inwardly focused, at least through the duration of month three. Although the first two months should have been given to it, they spent this month focused on each other, improving their bond and finding their flow. This inward focus was extremely important as it led to the realization to Keysi that despite their intense bond, she wasn't even trusting Neianth with everything, which became a troubling source of contention. Few have likely interacted with them beyond seeing them during drills- completed with no less determined and exhausting intensity as before- and she's even less inclined than usual to strike up conversation. Classes have found her present but silent, with an intermittent glaze of her eyes indicating she may not quite be paying full attention. The pair have come to terms with the push-and-pull of each other. The concept of separation meaning something different for them, as it does for those pairs that are particularly close and work better that way. It was a learning process, one that required Keys to take lessons given and adapt them. This is a new concept for her, the girl who prior to Impression was so by the book in her craft. « Mind like water, not like ice. » Neianth reminds her now. A light bulb has come on, Keys adapting herself from her experiences during her times of trading and fighting, less so from healing, and they've set the start line to only flourish from here.

Vignette: Month 3

Laine

Though some may have been holding their breath for the time when all that lack of sleep has caught up to Laine, month three apparently isn't it. In fact, the weyrling pair seems to have honed the art of sporadic wakefulness, snatching catnaps where they can (not quite so publicly as Farideh) and staying up long past curfew, well into the early hours of the morning. Laine even seems brighter and more attentive in lectures, but she quickly vanishes once they conclude and rarely sticks around, even for socializing. Although she's struggling, still, with the more delicate elements of social graces and political maneuverings, she excels with the leatherworking aspect of her lessons. And threadfall charts, wing formations, and even sketching practice are boring, but it's Lifreyth's interest in them that drives Laine to pore over her homework by glow-light, and as a result she's quick to (correctly, even!) answer questions in class.

The physical training seems to bring out the best in Laine, who was already quite fit to begin with. She enjoys the self-defense classes and can often be seen exercising outside of the regular calisthenics schedule (typically by moonlight). Lifreyth throws himself eagerly to the prospect of gilding and hunting on the grounds, and although he's not so overt a leader as Ahtzudaeth or Vadevjiath, the brown begins to find joy in sharing choice pieces of wisdom with his clutchmates--not overbearingly, but kindly and gently.

There's a downside to the pair's erratic sleep schedule. By the end of the month, they're rarely seen outside of lectures and drills, and Laine is similarly absent from group breakfasts and dinners. This hasn't, however, stopped Lifreyth's in his persistent (prying?) inquisitions into the minds of the dragons of the Weyr.

R'van

This is the month the strain starts to show for R'van. His self-mandated long hours are leaving him worn, and while he hasn't resorted to Farideh's rampant napping, he's starting to look like it wouldn't go amiss on him. While he can follow along well enough on the mechanics of drills, especially after the first few exercises, the physicality of it is something he's still having to work harder at--not least because this kind of gruntwork isn't something he enjoys. In his free time, he continues to work on his secretive side projects: pouring over records, writing detailed papers, and disappearing off for his experiments whenever he can. At least it keeps him out of everyone else's way; the close quarters and increasingly frayed nerves of weyrlinghood mean he's been more obnoxious than probably typical. Where he's always had a dry, smug sense of humor, now he struggles not to be just short with others, too blunt and too supercilious by half.

Vadevjiath, meanwhile, is coming into his own--for good or bad. As the weyrling dragons move into more adult exercises, Vadevjiath is beginning to assert his strong will, less the content youngster he once was. He seems to want to play at being wingleader during drills, and won't shy from giving orders to his fellows--whether Olveraeth likes it or not. When they start hunting, their initial attempts inelegant and unsuccessful, it will be Vadevjiath that has a plan to make it all work, and it will be Vadevjiath that musters a crew to take beasts down together. He can be quite brutal about it: while he might use others as pawns to help wrangle beasts in range, he enjoys making the kills himself. Even if he's always generous enough to share with all those who help--and none of those who don't.

T'mic

Month three is, in all ways, a time of growth for Jorrth and T'mic. T'mic clearly loves the harder physical training (although it seems his well-loved little belly will never, ever fully disappear, no matter what kind of muscle he manages to put underneath it), and Jorrth is eager to test his own limits, even though at the beginning of the month he's still the teeniest, tiniest blue in the clutch. However, in the second half of the month, Jorrth hits a sudden and intense growth spurt, and will start catching up to the other blues, and taking on more adult proportions. It also puts an end to T'mic's ability to carry his dragon around; bittersweet for the pair. Jorrth needs oiling twice a day at least, and will be eating to keep up with some of the browns. Yes, there will be thicktail. And yes, T'mic still reminds his dragon to chew his food well before swallowing, even if he is clearly growing up.

Although T'mic has a clear knack for diplomacy, he struggles with some of the concepts in the other more advanced classes. He'll regularly express dismay at how come people can't just treat each other nicely and get along during their politics classes. And he's still doing some catch-up for basic reading, writing, and arithmetic (when he doesn't have to put them off for oiling his lifemate), and his dedication to these studies seems to be slowly overcoming his lack of a natural talent for them. Drills, meanwhile, go incredibly well for both of them. Jorrth is naturally attuned to the group more than the individual, and teamwork, and so, formations, come naturally to him. His growth spurt means that he's actually a bit clumsier when the drills get more complicated than when they'd started them, but he's as tenacious as his rider, and will put all his attention into perfecting his motions. And the re-perfecting them, when suddenly his legs are longer a few days later. Again and again, over and over.

Most socialisation will occur on the feeding grounds, or while Jorrth is getting his oilings. Jorrth will always do better at the hunt when he hunts with others; even by the end of the month, he won't be all that successful on his own. Still, for all that they are busier now than ever, neither seems excessively stressed by their challenges. Sometimes frustrated at the end of a long day, yes, but not stressed. It's one of their superpowers, it seems.

Z'kiel

With the denial of his request to transfer post-graduation, there is a distinct - if initially subtle - shift in Z'kiel.

Though the first sevenday of the month finds him even more sour and irritable than before, the second sevenday marks the transition into a man resolved to do whatever it takes to be the best. He'll never outright say it, but there is no need; the sheer amount of effort he puts into his studies will show as much. His reading and writing will improve slightly as a matter of course - and though he doesn't have an especially keen interest in politics and diplomacy, he'll grit his teeth through the lessons and do reasonably well.

It's the real work - the Threadfall charts, the formations, all of that business that he'll shine in. He'll take to all of it like a natural-born dragonrider. He might be best at working alone, but it rapidly becomes clear that he's also pretty good at working with a team - once he's grown to accept them as his team. Naturally, Ahtzudaeth will take credit for swaying his rider's thoughts - the more cynical might view it as a successful breaking of the Igenite's will. Either way, Z'kiel will start to push himself - and the others - to do their best.

It won't be until the end of the month, when his dragon's discomfort and his studies ease, that he'll start to reach out to his fellow weyrlings in earnest. For those that are struggling with the exercises, he'll even offer to train with them and coach them along - though usually in return for help in keeping Ahtzudaeth's hide from itching. After all, what else is he going to do? Sleep? The itching makes it impossible, so why not trade coaching sessions for oiling help?

Ahtzudaeth's itching slowly abates toward the middle of the month and vanishes entirely by the end. The situation is uncomfortable, but he handles it in his usual, good-natured way - mostly by joking that, « The itching is just youth and inexperience leaving the body, nothing more. » Physically, he's in excellent shape - the exercises are exercises that he's been doing for some time already and he, much like his rider, will gladly take up coaching duties for his brothers and sisters should they need it (and even if they don't). He'll persist as a patient, steady presence that can easily be leaned on for advice and answers - though he rarely seems to reach out for the same. Hunting will be an interesting affair, particularly since he'll get his start on dazed tunnelsnakes long before the herdbeasts - one of the perks of having a former hunter for a rider! - and will, as he so often does with regards to all other lessons, appear to have a natural talent for it.

Month 4

Edyis

By month four, Edyis and Akluseth show even more signs of improvement working together. Brief but more frequent glimpses of what happens when the two work in tandem evident. Considerable improvement in attitude might be noted as well.

In class, Edyis is as focused as ever, still taking notes. She is still asking questions that are pertinent to the lesson (and as always genuine questions) during class, and the ones that might derail the lesson (but she still wants to know the answers to) after. Completely focused on the learning. Surprisingly she doesn't volunteer answers anymore, though if this is because she doesn't know them, or is simply holding back is unclear.

If either is disappointed in being left out of the silver thread program, they don't seem to voice it openly or at the very least seem to understand why. Edyis offers to help sometimes with those who have extra work piled on, offering her skills as a copyist for notes, or helping out with oilings on occasion. This offer help is naturally extended beyond those with the silver threads, to anyone who asks or close friends.

Socially the pair seems far more outgoing at this point as well, Akluseth as usual is ever protective of his clutchmates, and not one to put up with bullies or bullying. More evident than this is his sarcastic sense of humor. Still, he remains ever restless, and while a little awkward at first in flight, he takes to the sky like he takes to the water. Most of his time spent in one or the other, or trying to sweet talk someone into supervising. The physical parts of drills are enjoyable, at least as long as he can stay focused on them.

Farideh

The fourth month of weyrlinghood is an extension of the third. There isn't any letup in the extra duties, and between the regular lessons, the leadership program, and time spent with her mentors, Farideh seems more distracted than ever before. She doesn't waste as much of her free time sleeping, but continues to throw herself into her studies and ever-looming future with abandon. Most of her fellows have, and will, notice her ability to mask her emotions better, though the impassiveness with which she responds is mostly unnatural; the best worn facades take time cultivating, after all. Feelings aren't worn on her sleeve anymore and as such, it's easier to talk to the goldrider without her typical dramatics if one can find her when she's not in the barracks, shadowing the headwomen, or flitting between Irianke's weyr, the lower caverns, and her dragon's side.

For her part, Roszadyth is radiant about her new-found ability to fly, from the initial gliding to eventual end result of full-fledged flying. She takes to it easily, and though she seems wont to go farther than she can in the early stages, she resists the urge and follows the heeding of the weyrling staff; that doesn't stop her from dreaming, from wanting. Everything is new and an adventure, but in moderation, tempered by patience and understanding, to the quickly-growing gold.

When it comes to classes, Farideh listens, but doesn't make much of an effort to answer questions or supersede her fellows; she's observant and curious, not overpowering or demanding. She still doesn't make much time in her busy schedule to bond with her peers, and yet, it's noticeable that when she does have time, as little as it may be, she's interested in listening to their questions, qualms, or tribulations rather than starting fights and instigating tempers. It's a noticeable shift, but as time carries on, it seems to be behavior that's going to stay.

R'van

Month 4 marks the leadership selections, and R'van isn't among them. This is probably not especially surprising, considering how little interest he's typically displayed in Weyr matters; what is interesting is that Vadevjiath clearly doesn't share that opinion. However, instead of picking a fight with his rider or sulking over Quinlys's choices, Vadevjiath has taken to sitting in on the leadership classes himself. After a testy confrontation with Kamornth at one point, he at least sits there quietly--unless he's conferring with Olveraeth on the sly. Vadevjiath is an odd combination of instinct and planning, and where he can't figure something out right away, his determination sees him through. But the older he gets, the more a fearsome temper is starting to show through: he's stubborn, territorial, and direct, qualities which may become more offputting than his youthful contentedness. This is especially obvious when he wants to debate his classmates later on on the things they've learned. He's got a knack for convincing others that he's right, regardless of facts.

R'van, for his part, remains busy. He keeps up with actual weyrling classes, and does well in them: he's not especially driven that way itself, but performing well is a habit, something so ingrained in him that he can't not put in the basic effort necessarily to succeed. He's also, not so secretly, continuing to work on research for his smithing projects, experiments that keep him--and Vadevjiath--squirreled away on their own, in the barracks or outside it, especially as they gain more independence. By the end of the month, Vadevjiath has him helping keep notes on the leadership program, and while R'van won't attend any of the classes himself, he's clearly helping the bronze out: R'van's brain is like Vadevjiath's very own catalog of useful information, a library the bronze is ruthless about utilizing whether R'van wants to or not.

T'mic

It's no secret that T'mic and Jorrth have been so, so busy for the first few months of weyrlinghood. Jorrth is still as perky as ever, but while T'mic is still buoyed by his dragon's enthusiasm, the mental fatigue is starting to show in the big bluerider. The promise of an easier time ahead was swept away by the silver thread given to them (met with a loud, "What?" that was surely heard throughout the barracks), but the pair seem intent on giving the program their all. While T'mic is still obviously struggling with the minutiae of some of the classes, he's starting to get a bit of an appreciation for the big picture. Jorrth just loves the whole of it, and seems to have a pretty keen mind, too. At least there's one, between them.

When it comes to the physical side of things, the pair continues to excel. T'mic's as big and strong as ever (his hand-me-down jacket won't do up all the way anymore, but eh, it's not quite winter yet), and Jorrth is growing at a more regular rate, now, which has brought about a decrease in clumsiness. It allows him to play to his strength in formations, focusing on the group instead of his own feet, and offering little mental nudges here and there when he has advice (which is usually pretty helpful). His first flight, like his first gliding attempts in the previous month, was not an instant success. It's a very different balance, especially with the bulk he's started to put on around his shoulders, and that little tail of his. He's practicing it at every chance he gets, though. And he's learning and getting noticeably better each time. He and T'mic share the anticipation of mounted flight quite openly, quite enthusiastically, and, most times, quite adorably, too.

Z'kiel

Things seem to be going well enough for the pair - at least on the surface and several feet beneath. The lack of a leadership knot is likely a point of contention, but less on the part of Z'kiel than one might expect. There are expectations and he's failed to live up to them - this will not abide. Lessons continue and he seems to be doing well enough to get a passing grade in his remedial courses. Meanwhile, with regards to the rest of the lessons, he seems to excel; when it comes to following the path of the dragonrider, he's found his stride - and is all but running. He'll continue to assist the others when it comes to physical exercise, but that help will slowly come to an end - not out of desire on his part, but with the presumed improvement of his fellow weyrlings. Replacing the exercises will be help in training for self-defense. Though he's not precisely a fighter, he knows enough from scrapping in his youth - and wrestling the occasional difficult kill - to be of some help during this time.

Ahtzudaeth, naturally, takes to the skies as easily as one might expect. Whether it's natural talent or simply the result of too much observation, it matters not. All the same, he's not cocky about his aerial skills; rather, he prefers to encourage his siblings in their aerial efforts, rather than focus on his abilities. His presence will remain a solid, advice-offering one, and he will start to ease off on offering unwanted advice.

And rest assured that they're both working as hard as they can to prove themselves - if only to satisfy the bronze's understated ambitions.

Month 5

Edyis

By the end of month five, almost nothing of the stubborn pride and obvious boredom usually seen in Edyis remains. In class, she is quiet, attentive, and intently focused. Aware of her shortcomings and eager to correct them.

She is more outward focused than in the previous months; her standing offer to help her fellow weyrlings is still in effect, all it takes is asking. Whether it be oiling, notetaking or even just offering an ear to hear the complaints of the day. She pays close attention to who is good at what, often seeking help from her more advanced classmates when she doesn't fully understand something.

One of the biggest struggles seems to be the ground crew equipment, particularly flamethrowers, which she seems to avoid subtly on principal. Though this could be a sign of troubles yet to come to the keenly observant or those who know her well enough, they might also observe that she seems to sleep less in the barracks now; taking naps between classes elsewhere.

Though her attitude has improved considerably, she still gets frustrated and with the lift of restrictions she can often be found in the workout room, either on the bags or the sparring mat. What free time isn't spent in study or assisting gets shifted to the workout room or extra laps around the bowl. Overall, however, she is considerably more laid back, and far more social. Clear signs of Akluseth's influence.

Akluseth is as carefree as ever though his focus in classes has improved considerably. He still relies upon Edyis for the important stuff, though he has a mind of his own about some things. He's more likely to get involved if he feels like someone is getting bullied, particularly so of the girls and his smaller clutchmates. (Considerably less so of Neianth and Jorrth now that they are starting to fill out properly.) He too is showing signs of getting broader and stronger. Most of his time spent still in the water or in the air. He's been known to show off more now too, though it rarely goes the way he plans.

He's not particularly fond of the rules, or being restrained, and while not a problem at present, it could develop into something worse down the road. Social as ever, he likes to be a part of the group.

Farideh

The fifth month of weyrlinghood sees both big changes and smaller setbacks. It's less a matter for Roszadyth, who still enjoys the freedom of using her own wings and experiencing new heights, and more of a combination of changes in Farideh's routine and emotions. By now, the gold pair, as they always have, work fluidly together, with Roszadyth being the calm, sensible one and Farideh having to be checked for her irrational impulses; if anything, the innocent-eyed gold keeps wearing her rider down, softening the abrasive edges over time. Physical training is becoming easier, and the lessons more of a breeze, but where Farideh has trouble is still in balancing all of her duties as they stack one-on-top-of-another.

Those extra classes and duties added by the leadership program aren't the hardest -- she certainly has no problems dancing, no matter who she partners with -- though the formation studies and social maneuvering lessons appear to frustrate her the most. Most of her time outside of regular weyrling hours, when not running laps on the mountain road leading to the Weyr or tending to Roszadyth's needs, is taken up with her goldrider training. She is consistently taking that aspect seriously: shadowing the headwomen, participating in the daily lower cavern meetings, and learning how to manage both the Weyr population and its finances; her fervor to learn hasn't changed. But this month, while her participation and training remains similar, Irianke charges Farideh with visiting the dragon infirmary every other day, about an hour, to start learning about dragonhealing; likewise, Niahvth begins assisting her daughter in the skill of gold influence.

Because of her newly altered schedule, and even less time, it might be noted that she's not around as much to experience this month's wingleader's impact; that doesn't stop her from complaining loudly about him when he's in the same room, or getting involved in altercations when she doesn't approve of his leadership and expectations. More often than not, her peers might hear her listing his flaws rather than his strengths, and to no avail will she be waylaid.

However, towards the end of the month, there comes another shift. Roszadyth remains her usual, charming self, but Farideh seems perpetually distracted and out of sorts. One can only guess it's because of her added responsibilities, or her turnday that looms at the end of the month, marking the end of her teenage days.

T'mic

T'mic and Jorrth have remained among the better pupils for ground formations and dragon-only flying, yet they're not among the first to go up for mounted flight. The reason? Straps. Just when it seemed like Jorrth would stop with the insane growth spurts already, he keeps outgrowing the straps T'mic has made for them. It's not so much that he's gaining length or height, but that he's changing shape, putting on a whole lot more bulk up front, especially in the shoulders. It's the third set that finally does the trick for them and sees them airborne. They are, of course, pretty decent at it, though there are the same wobbles of correction to adjust to both T'mic's added weight, and that big ol' hump of Jorrth's. He's strong, though, for a blue, and T'mic is not exactly quiet with his pride in that.

Jorrth's been growing up a bit mentally, this month, as well. Not just in that his voice is changing a little, cracking here and there when he's excited, or sometimes just because, and dropping a bit lower and scratchier than his youthful high pitches, but also in the way he's acting. He's always been enthusiastic, but his focus is getting more intense, more professional. He's friendly as ever, but starting to display a bit more wit as well, and and to test himself physically against some of the other dragons. Oh, he'll still lean his head against Roszadyth for some quiet time, but when he's at play now, he's headbutting and pushing and jostling with the other dragons, especially some of the bigger browns. He does try to keep it fun, because he's still Jorrth; and when he steps over a line, he'll feel remorseful, he'll apologise, he'll stop what he's doing in the moment. He's learning the balance here, too.

By the end of the month, T'mic's writing will have improved enough that he's not just spending his time trying to re-copy his notes into something that resembles actual language, and he actually seems to enjoy attending the wingleader's meetings. The dance classes and formation whys and wherefors, too. Enjoying it, but still busy with it, still spending a lot of his time with homework or with oiling Jorrth. That he's not exhausted, with the sleep he's missing, probably comes purely from being in his early twenties.

The extra work kept him home from the Fort hatching, and so he was there to (try) help comfort the clutchsiblings, alongside Jorrth, when the dragons keened. Of course, he hates dragon keening and it put him into an adrenal response, so how well this noble impulse went is anyone's guess. (And can be determined off-camera if anyone wants.)

Month 6

Edyis

A private space of their own is not the only noticeable change during the sixth month. The "mellower" version of Edyis too, seems here to stay. Less aggressively competitive, and outspoken, her efforts to be a part of the group, rather than at the top of it may be noticeable to the particularly observant.

Akluseth is more independent, usually out and about with his clutch mates, and when not there he's in the air or the water. His clumsiness still rears up every now and again, though asside from the incident it doesn't seem to be anything too seaweed brained. He does seem to be more easily agitated of late, but this seems to be nothing more than an expression of his restless nature.

T'mic

T'mic wasn't sure he even wanted a weyr, or to leave behind the relative siblingly comfort of the barracks. That being said, he and Jorrth soon came to enjoy their shared space. Jorrth has been very good about inviting people to his ledge, or staying on the ledges of others. T'mic has become the more detached from things with the new weyr, however, under the heavy workload of the silver thread program. Still, if it comes up at all, he insists it's okay, insists that he's got everything under control, insists that he's sleeping enough.

He and Jorrth are once again doing well with the aerial drils, though occasionally T'mic's growing fatigue begins to show through. Jorrth is one to carry the team, it seems, and do so without complaint. How much longer they can keep it up, and whether it's worth it in the end, is still not entirely clear.