Month 2
Month2
| Weyrling Program | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
| |||
| Month2 | |||
- Month 1 - Month 2
Growing, Growing, Growing, Not Yet Grown
The second month is more of the same, as your dragons continue their phenomenal rate of growth and their absolute reliance on your to feed them, bathe them, oil them, and muck their couches. As they get bigger, they will be awake for longer periods of time, and also more independent-minded as they begin to stretch their developing personalities. This is a time of adjustment and compromise as you begin to really learn all the work involved in dealing with a dragon, mentally and physically. They don't call it the terrible twos for nothing.
At the very beginning of the month come placement exams: a set of very basic tests in reading, writing, arithmetic and local/world history. None of it is very advanced, but those who have trouble in one of those areas may be anxious about them. Harper classes will start up soon afterwards, mostly for those who need to brush up a bit; those with serious deficiencies may be assigned anywhere from a little extra work to a mountain.
The routine established in the first month of weyrlinghood continues uninterrupted in large part, with a couple of new additions to an already full schedule. Classes have been introduced aside from the harper lessons; everyone will be getting to learn about advanced dragon anatomy and ailments. By this time, someone has surely experienced a case of thicktail-draconic constipation-due to overfeeding; now, you get to learn how to deal with this common condition and other minor ailments. You'll learn, too, the names for all the various body parts of the dragon and how they relate to each other, as well as what you should be on the lookout for in regards to more severe injuries, from wing tears to lost talons.
As if this weren't enough, you'll also now be paired with an older rider who will become your mentor for the duration of weyrlinghood. While not officially part of the weyrlingmaster's staff, mentors are provided to weyrlings to help them adjust and to provide friendship and guidance on a more personal level than the weyrlingmasters and their assistants can always provide.
The one area of your workload that will lighten up this month is feeding your dragon: not because he or she will eat any less, but because finally, you will get a break in the ever-longer activity of cutting up meat for him or her. Where, prior to this month, you had to cut sections from the carcasses yourself, now whole herdbeasts will be hauled down to the barracks and left. Your dragon will be big enough to tear off his own mouthfuls for there. Of course, you'll still have to supervise to make sure he doesn't get carried away and choke himself, but overall, it's a relief and very time-saving.
Also, you might notice that your dragon is eating less often, albeit in greater amounts when he does eat. This month won't mark much of a difference, but with that first frenetic growth spurt out of the way, the dragons will begin to mature at a somewhat more reasonable pace. They'll still need feeding at least twice a day, however, and oiling and bathing at least once.
One of the previous month's restrictions remains intact: No sex. Not that you have any energy left for it anyway, right? However, now you are permitted a single alcoholic beverage with or after supper, provided your dragon does not react unfavorably. As your dragon gains more independence, you are now able to venture relatively far from them while they're awake, but if they need you, you are expected to be able to get to them promptly.
