Walking the Tables, *1st Hatching Weyrlings

[Dragoon]

Despite the short-handed staff, the dining hall was dressed in banners of green and white, floors and tables scrubbed clean for the special occasion. Jarrel was having a field day. Since he was self appointed Head Cook, he over saw all of the food being prepared, testing the soups and roasting meats to make sure they were absolutely perfect. Today was a joyous occasion for all of Pern.

---

Illea looked at herself in the mirror, nibbling on her lip a little as she messed with her hair. Selenith was sitting eagerly on the ledge, watching her rider criticize herself over and over. "OOo, I don't think the dress is right. Maybe I should try something else."

You look fine dear. Stop messing with yourself already and lets go. We certainly don't need to be late or we'll never hear the end of it from R'sul.

The goldrider sighed. "You sure? I mean... I'm becoming Weyrwoman today. What if no one takes me seriously? What if I mess up? What if..."

Illea, stop. Enough with the 'what if's' already, you're just making yourself more nervous. Calm yourself, you'll do fine. You have me after all.

Illea chuckled, "Alright... I'll try to, for you Selentih. Now, let's go before we're late."

---

R'sul was dressed in his riding leathers, bearing no knot on his shoulder at the present. The dining room was superb and the smell of the coming feast wafting in from the kitchen made his stomach growl. He felt pleased with himself. This was a good group of weyrlings and he felt they had learned their lessons well enough to make them capable dragonriders.

He was the only one standing at the rider's table as he saw Illea enter, looking nervous. He nodded his head towards her when she saw him, then she quickly went to her seat, a drudge pouring her a glass of wine. He felt sorry for the girl, so young and about to become one of the most powerful people on Pern. Yet, he would still help guide her until he was certain Illea could lead well on her own.

[Kittisbat]

L'rik and Tonenelth
L'rik tugged at his Gather shirt, pulling the non-existant wrinkles out. He had been doing this for the past minute and a half, with his two blue lizards flying about his shoulders, chittering agitatedly for him to hurry up. Tonenelth, lying across his stone couch, watched his rider with slowly whirling eyes, waiting patiently with only his forked tail's twitching betraying his excitement. L'rik was just going over himself again when 'Nelth finally decided he had taken long enough and stood up, walking over to his rider (which was only a few short steps thanks to his larger body) and butted him lightly with his head, enough to unbalance L'rik but not enough to make him fall.

Come now, L'rik, you look fine. You don't want them to start without you, do you? You should hurry before I send the firelizards to mess up your hair.

L'rik grinned up at his dragon, running a hand under his chin. "I suppose you're right, 'Nelth. Jokester! Rascal! Calm down, will you? I can't make a good impression with you two flitting about as if I'd never put in the effort to train you, which would certainly be a lie. See, look. I'm leaving. Settle down," he rambled. It was odd for L'rik to ramble, and uncommon for him to be nervous, but both were present at that moment. The two firelizards settled down on their master's shoulders while Tonenelth settled into step beside his rider as they walked to the kitchens at an unhurried pace. Walk too fast, and he would look like he was in a rush, which wouldn't do, and would probably mess up his clothes, as well. Walk too slow, and he wouldn't make it on time. That would be even worse. So he kept up the unhurried pace, leaving his dragon at the door as he headed in to sit at one of the tables, remembering to keep up his calm persona at all times, even when his firelizards' twitching gave away that he wasn't calm at all. Jokester quickly broke through that persona, though, with a quick joke about Illea, which had L'rik smothering his laughter behind his hand. That's not nice, Jokester, he sent, still laughing. She's to be Weyrwoman! You don't want her mad at me, do you? Jokester, deciding no, he didn't want her mad at his human, instead made a joke about R'sul.

Z'ki and Nyasith
Z'ki had gotten ready long before most of the weyrlings had needed to, making sure everything was perfect before turning to his dragon and attempting to wake her up. He had planned this perfectly, or so he thought, so that he could get there on time for once. After a long struggle, he finally managed to rouse her enough to get her to walk with him to the kitchens with a bribe that they would be able to go on a lazy flight later with a long sunbath afterwards. Burrow seemed all for this idea, as there was nothing to fear when he was in the sky with Nyasith or sunbathing with his master. Not unless another dragon came along, that is.

It wasn't that Z'ki really needed Nyasith to be awake. No, frankly he could graduate weyrlinghood without her, but it wouldn't feel right. He wanted his lazy dragon to be with him when he walked the tables, even if she was only aware enough to brush her mind against his. They were dragon and rider, together forever in a bond unbreakable by anything but death, and she should be with him at such an important moment. They both knew it was right, and there would be no excuse if Nyasith failed her rider by failing him at that moment in life. So she went with him.

As they walked, Burrow burrowing into Z'ki's clothing at the sight of other dragons and people, Nyasith deigned the moment important enough to speak. I'm... proud of you, I suppose, that you are finally graduating. It is good for you. Good for us. I will try my best to avoid failing you.

Z'ki looked up at his dragon with a heartfelt smile, a smile no one else on Pern could earn from him. It was uncommon for her to make speeches so long, and speeches that were so personal. This was the side of Nyasith no one but Z'ki ever saw, the side no one but Z'ki could ever see. He gave her a scratch on her eyeridge before walking into the kitchens, losing sight of her. If you try, you will never fail me, he sent back to her before taking his seat at the tables.

((Blegh. That was... very mushy.))

[Houka Ryuu]

Weyrling A'ir and Bronze Rhakimeth
A'ir looked at himself at the mirror. He criticized his attire noting any minuscule wrinkle or dust that his clothes might have. It was a very important day for him and Rhaki. Today, he, A'ir would be graduating and finally becoming a proper dragon rider. The past months had been grueling with lots of drills and lessons that he would need to have knowledge of.

Rhakimeth purred as he also criticized His. You look fine, Mine. Now go before you are late. Rhakimeth told His as he nudged His out of their weyr. They had long since been assigned a weyr of their own. Their weyr was located on the ground. These weyrs on the ground were those that in the past had been used by injured dragons suffering from Threadscore. However, not really having a lot of dragonriders yet, there was no real sense in making the higher tiers habitable. Rhakimeth didn't mind since he was developing a practical mind.

King nodded his head as he agreed with Rhakimeth. His looked rather dashing tonight. But, since he didn't want to be left out of the celebration, as he was wont to do, he flew up towards His and landed on top of A'ir's head.

A'ir smiled as he replied, "Thanks, Rhaki." And when he let himself be nudged out of their weyr, he added, "I'm going, I'm going. Sheesh." as he shook his head and rolled his eyes. He was getting rather nervous and also excited. And then he felt King landing on his head. Rolling his eyes, he said, "King, for once in your life, will you fly instead of catching a ride on my head? You do want me to look dashing to the others, right? And you do want to look like you aren't some lazybones, right?" as he tried to persuade King into getting off of his head.

King cocked his head as he listened to His. After some time contemplating, he chirped in agreement and flew off of His' head. He did not want to look like some lazybone to the other Gold flits. He wanted to give them a strong impression of him entering the Dining Hall flying above His' head instead of being given a ride by Him.

A'ir silently thanked Faranth that King had been persuaded enough to fly off of his head. Then turning back towards Rhakimeth, he asked, "You sure you don't want to come? You could just stand outside the Dining Hall. I'm sure the other dragons would be there as well."

Rhakimeth sighed as he said, I know. Which is why I am staying here. I am pretty sure that there'll be a crowd there at the entrance of the Dining Hall. But if you insist, then I shall accompany you, Mine.

A'ir nodded as he said, "Of course I insist. This celebration is more about you than it is about me. We are celebrating the fact that you and I are now going to be an official part of the dragonriders." And with that, A'ir boosted himself atop Rhakimeth. It only took Rhakimeth two hopping glides from their weyr to the entrance of the Dining Hall. Getting down from Rhakimeth, A'ir said, "Thanks for deciding to come, Rhaki." as he gave Rhakimeth a path on his left foreleg.

And A'ir strode inside the Dining Hall, clad in a white v-collared long-sleeved shirt, a pair of black wherhide pants with silver scroll work lined at the outside seam of his pants, a dark brown belt with a golden brass buckle, and a pair of dark brown wherhide boots. And over that, was his white winter jacket, it was still just a tad bit chilly despite the fact that it was Early Spring. He looked around hoping that he wasn't late. Being a Bronzerider, he needed to set an example after all. He saw Illea already seated and went to seat next to her and smiled a greeting. He hoped that the others would soon come. He was once more getting nervous when he shouldn't be. Today was to be a momentous and joyous occasion.

[OOC: I'm not really sure what time, IC-wise, the ceremony is being held. However, I am assuming that the graduation is being held in the evening during dinner or maybe before dinner so... yeah, just wanted people to know. Correct me if I'm wrong, Dragoon.]

[Rye]

Thalon

Despite his usual depressing demeanor, Thalon was more than able to muster some excitement for the night's events. The new Riders were Walking The Tables, and the thought of dragons once again in the sky brought a glittering light to Thalon's usually cold eyes. He already was happier nowadays... after all, it was the highlight of his evenings to watch the dragons cavorting throughout the sky. Plus, Thalon loved seeing Rhakimeth and A'ir, as they brought back happier memories of his father.

Looking into his mirror, Thalon wasn't smiling, but he noticed his features were softer... ah, by the eggs of Faranth, what a glorious occasion! After he'd studied his face to make sure his shave had been close and his face was clean, Thalon pulled at his shirt, a bright blue tunic that made his eyes seem an unnatural violet. After smoothing out most of the wrinkles, he scowled at the remaining lines and moved on to brushing off his best leather pants, a pair that'd been dyed black. They were his nicest leathers, and he saved them for occasions such as this that R'sul forced him to attend. The whole You need to support your Weyr... speech got him every time. With a sigh for his looks, Thalon quickly left his room and began his journey to the Dining Cavern.

Thankfully he was one of the first to arrive, and, after nodding politely to R'sul and the other riders, he went and found a seat at one of the lower tables, one placed in an inconspicuous area against the wall of the cavern. The thought that he might need to sit with the other candidates crossed his mind, but for now he was happy where he was. If R'sul forced the issue, he would, but for now... for now he would enjoy the evening as best he could.

[Dragoon]

R'sul cleared his throat loudly and the noise died down as he stood. "Tonight, we celebrate the coming of Pern's new dragonriders... and its new hope." He raised his glass in a toast. "Maybe they and their dragons fly true and flame strong." He stood tall, setting his glass back on the table.

"First, I shall escort our new Senior Weyrwoman. Illea, please stand." Illea nervously got to her feet, cheeks flushed a light shade of pink and looking rather faint. R'sul approached her and offered his arm to her, which she took, trying to look as calm and graceful as possible. They walked to the rider's table and Illea sat at the head of the table, looking relieved. "You are now a full fledged dragonrider and carry the responsibilities of Weyrwoman of Hyperion Weyr... and all of Pern." He bowed to her, then turned back to the Weyrling table.

"A'ir, rider of bronze Rhakimeth, please stand."

[Houka Ryuu]

Weyrling Lesla and Green Shyqueyth
Lesla tugged at her hair. She kept brushing at it until it shined under the candle light. Then she sighed as she stood up and looked at her self in the mirror that was situated within her room. It was a luxury and she knew it for Shyqueyth had chosen to live in the weyr that was to have been the Junior Weyrwoman's if they had such a rider. So, when they were big enough and worthy enough to fly unaided, Shyqueyth did not lose a second as she chose the Junior Weyrwoman's Weyr. Lesla would have gladly given up the spot if anyone had contested her for it, but the other Greenriders as well as the other Greens in the Weyr, did not seem interested in being lodged in the Junior Weyrwoman's Weyr and probably being saddled with the task of being Hyperion Weyr's Junior Weyrwoman.

Stop dawdling and let's go, Mine. Shyqueyth intoned as she peered inside the little room that Hers shared with her.

Lesla frowned at Shyqueyth as she replied with, "Easy for you to say. I had to bathe and oil your hide this morning and then I had to get ready for tonight's ceremony. I'm surprised that I haven't passed in exhaustion." as she brushed at the skirt of her dress. Lesla didn't really have a liking to appear at the ceremony but it was an important one for her and for the others for tonight, they were going to be acknowledged as full-pledged dragonriders of Pern.

With another resigned sigh, Lesla turned from the mirror and went out of her room to where she shared the weyr with Shyqueyth. Being high up and probably late as they were, Lesla opted to climb atop Shyqueyth and they glided down from the Junior Weyrwoman's weyr towards the Weyrbowl and landed near the entrance of the Dining Cavern.

Lesla gave Shyqueyth a pat on her leg before she hurried into the Dining Cavern, she hoped that she wasn't late to the ceremony. She really hated being the center of attention. And with a gathering of her breath and courage, she entered and quickly joined the other weyrlings already present. As usual, she sat somewhere at the back in the last position from the others. Despite having Impressed Shyqueyth who clearly thought and acted as if she was a queen, Lesla was still a very shy person indeed and she hunched down on her shoulders as if that would make her invisible to the others within the Dining Hall.

Weyrling A'ir and Bronze Rhakimeth
A'ir watched as Illea was escorted by R'sul towards the section tables reserved for dragonriders. Not that there were a whole lot of them. Then, when Illea was seated, A'ir watched as R'sul took his place back to the Weyrling Table. And as if on cue, R'sul called out his name.

A'ir stood up, once more trying to straighten his clothes, not that they needed any more pulling for his hands to straighten them out. Then he walked the few steps from where he had sat to stand in front of R'sul. There he stood waiting for what came next.

[OOC: Gah, epic fail on A'ir's reply.]

[Dragoon]

R'sul escorted him across to the dragonrider's table, leading him to a chair on Illea's immediate right. "Congratulations, Bronzerider A'ir, Wingleader of Blackflame Wing." He fastened a Wingleader's shoulder knot onto his right shoulder. He placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and smiled. "May you lead strong and fly true."

---

R'sul moved back to the weyrling table. "L'rik of Brown Tonenelth, please stand."

[Kittisbat]

L'rik and Tonenelth
L'rik watched as A'ir gained wingleader status. He felt he should clap, but... he also wasn't entirely sure he was supposed to. Instead, he merely nodded toward the bronze rider in what he hoped to be an encouraging manor.

R'sul spoke his name. L'rik took a deep breath, forced his muscles to relax, and then stood.

It's your turn now, L'rik. Our turn to protect Pern. A smile tugged at L'rik's mouth for a moment, but the soon-to-be-dragonrider resisted the urge.

I know, he sent back. I know.

L'rik stepped forward and waited for R'sul to pronounce him a rider.

[Dragoon]

R'sul escorted L'rik across to the dragonrider's table, then picked up a Wingsecond knot with a brown thread woven in. "Congratulations, Brownrider L'rik, Wingsecond of Blackflame Wing. Stay strong and fly ture." He commented, placing his hand on the boy's shoulder for a moment before turning away to retrieve the next weyrling. "Lesla, please stand."

[Houka Ryuu]

Bronzerider A'ir and Bronze Rhakimeth
A'ir followed R'sul from the Weyrling table towards the seat on the immediate right of Illea. A'ir gave her a quick smile before his attention was once more on R'sul who was now tying his new shoulder knot. A'ir wasn't really surprised at his new Wingleader rank, but it does entail a lot of responsibilities for him and for Rhakimeth.

Do not worry, Mine. I am sure we can accomplish any task that needs to be done by us. And besides, you are more than capable of handling them. That is one reason that I have chosen you from among the other Candidates. Have confidence, Mine. All will be well. Rhakimeth commented as he was privy to what went on in A'ir's mind whether or not A'ir wanted Rhakimeth to know about what he was thinking or not.

A'ir just sent a wordless assent as he focused his attention to the ceremony. He wondered who his wing second would be. And it was not long until R'sul called for L'rik. R'sul tied a Wingsecond on his shoulder and that answered A'ir's question on who his Wingsecond would be.

Weyrling Lesla & Green Shyqueyth
Lesla watched as Illea, then A'ir and then L'rik were escorted one by one from the Weyrlings' Table to the Dragonriders' Table. She wondered who would be next. She really wanted to be the last because then everyone else would be more concerned about when the ceremony would be over. But alas, R'sul called on her and she cringed when she heard her name.

Why are you cringing? There is nothing to be afraid of, Mine. Now stand up and walk towards R'sul. Shyqueyth told Lesla from outside the entrance of the Kitchen and Dining Hall Cavern.

Lesla didn't even bother to reply as she stood up. She brushed at her clothes once more in nervousness. Then, with her chin held up high, she walked towards R'sul and stood waiting in front of him.