Shar and Yulaniath were ready for their first solo Between trip together. They had the circuit planned out, Shar had stayed up a little late studying, but had made sure to get to bed at a decent hour so she could be fresh. The two had been practicing focusing together the past few days in preparation for this so hopefully they'd do well.
The first jump was the most scary. They were going alone, but the two combined had the trust in one another to see the job done. Shar closed her eyes to focus on the coordinates as Yulan lifted off, and for a short moment they were Between, cold and quiet and stifling-
And then they emerged. The salt air of the ocean greeted them as they turned in a slow, wide circle, taking in the sights and letting out a breath of relief. They'd done it. Their first journey Between! Shar could see others in their group popping in and she didn't want to lollygag, so she began to focus on the next jump.
It was back to High Reaches after that, though it was the Hold, not the Weyr. They were still close to the sea but it was cooler than it had been at the Fishcraft Hall. Surveying the area for a moment, Shar and Yulan took the time to enjoy the sensation of soaring above the ground. Yulan was finally large enough to fly without struggling while carrying her rider and she had a bit more growing to do yet, so they were in good shape.
It was time to Jump again and Shar focused on the next location.
They appeared from Between once more, Shar shivering this time as she wrapped her flying leathers a bit tighter around her. They had made it to Nabol Hold, more mountain than building, and the duo took in the view. It was high up in the mountains and they couldn't see many people below, but that was fine by Shar. She'd heard things about this place that didn't sit well with her.
Urging Yulan to fly just a bit higher in preparation for their next jump, Shar adjusted her goggles and leaned closer to Yulan's neck to help share the warmth.
The duo popped from Between to the sight of a massive anchor atop the rocky Hold which was a bit hilarious considering it was one of the more inland Holds in the area. Shar blew on her fingers to warm them up before leaning down to rub Yulan's neck. Her little green was doing spectacularly and they just had one more jump to do to get back home.
Closing her eyes and thinking of the Seven Spires of her Weyr, the two prepared to return to High Reaches.
Before they could jump Between again, Shar shuddered at the thought of getting it wrong. It was home. It was easy! But there was a little worry creeping up her spine, so she opened her eyes and had Yulan wing over to one of the assistants that was there to help. She didn't bother looking sheepish at requesting the coordinates for High Reaches Weyr, knowing it was better to be safe than sorry, and with the exact points confirmed they jumped Between with more confidence.
They appeared soaring over the familiar Weyr they knew and loved, and Yulan landed neatly as they returned to the ground.
SilverLutz
Offensive Hero
Offline
Uta generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
1!
Uta Captain
Shy Mage
Online
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2019 7:57 pm
Ce'rian sat upon his delicate green, listening to V'res, but mostly trying to still the worry that was bubbling up within him. He adored Cythereath above all else, and the joy she brought him was indescribable in depth or feeling; that said, being a dragon rider was more than simply sitting astride ones lifemate. It wasn't all honor and bravery; it was hard work, sweat, tears, and a whole lot of fear. While he did his best to bottle the terror up with nothing more than a severe scowl, it was difficult not to fear the void of Between.
This would be their first time making the jumps alone, with no one to guide them.
While a small part of Ce'rian scoffed at the idea of needing help -- surely, he had studied long and hard! -- on the other hand, it was easy to second-guess one's coordinates and he would feel immensely better if he had someone to ask about such things. Unfortunately, today was the day they would sink or swim, and so he gripped tight to Cythereath's neckridge, hoping it might quell the trembling of his hands.
We will be marvelous. Cythereath spoke, sending adoration and support to Hers. Unlike Ce'rian, the delicate green had no doubt that they would persevere, just as all of them would. As she stood, she allowed her green-blue eyes to peek admiringly at a few of her clutchmates. While her rider might be flustered, Cythereath felt nothing but confident.
Do hurry back, dears! She sent a fond touch to Taoloth, Skerath, Caderath, and Saevath before leaping up from the Bowl. A few powerful downstrokes took her and Hers' high up over the Weyr.
Once they were in position, Ce'rian steadied his breath. He knew they were first to head to the Fishercraft Hall, not far from Tillek. To Ce'rian, none of these places and locations were familiar. He was Western born and bred, and while he could easily visualize his home Continent, the High Reaches area was still foreign to him. So, he took his time, doing his best to try to remember the details of the Fishercraft Hall.
Cythereath gave a sweet hum of support, her eyes a bright blue-green. When he was certain he had the visualization as clear as he could get it, he gave the command.
With a gasp, and unspeakable cold gripped at him. Even covered in wherhide leather the young man loathed the sensation. The nothingness was petrifying. Even though he knew he was astride his dragon, he couldn't feel her; even though he knew they were together, he felt nothing but alone.
We are together, my dearest heart, now and for always. And just like that, they were high above the Fishercraft Hall, the salt of the sea heavy upon the wind and a gusty breeze pushing Cythereath like a kite upon the wind. The green dragon warbled her pleasure, sending nothing but encouragement to Hers.
Rolling for Grid: 1 1. Fishercraft Hall 2. High Reaches Hold 3. Nabol Hold 4. Tillek Hold 5. High Reaches Weyr
High Reaches Hold was where they were to go to next. The first jump had been a success, and with Cythereath's warmth and encouragement, Ce'rian felt a bit more confident. He allowed the green a few moments to enjoy the strong ocean breeze while he focused on their next position. Though the Hold was far from Tillek, it wouldn't take long for the two of them to arrive.
Certain of his coordinates, he gave them to Cythereath, who was only too eager to make the leap between.
Rolling for Grid: 1 1. Fishercraft Hall 2. High Reaches Hold 3. Nabol Hold 4. Tillek Hold 5. High Reaches Weyr
Cythereath bugled greeting at the resident watch dragon, and if she allowed herself to show off (just a little) for him, well, could anyone really blame her? She was a sight to behold, after all--never mind all the boys who had gone after Samodeth!
With his confidence beginning to soar, the young man began to give His the coordinates for their next location when Cythereath suddenly threw her head back and keened. Simultaneously, Ce'rian felt as if his hearts were being shattered, and grief welled up suddenly within him. "Cythereath!" He croaked, feeling his dear dragon's grief grip him.
He's gone! Eskharath! The green dragon twisted and writhed, trying hard to cope with the sudden loss. For oh, while the young green might have desperately and direly wanted to be loved, cherished, and adored by all, her hearts were quite tender, and her feelings quite deep. Her love was always genuine, whether her clutchmates knew it or not, and so to have her hearts so cruelly wounded was both an outrage and a shock. She hadn't expected this sort of pain. She hadn't expected the dark, dusty-coated Eskharath to disappear.
"Easy, now, easy," Ce'rian stammered aloud, leaning forward so he might brush his gloved hand against her neck. The feeling was so sharp, so painful; K'ell... gone?
Aviforth! She wailed as yet another found themselves lost, the heartache threatening to consume them both.
Still, Ce'rian gripped tight to what he did know--that they were high above High Reaches Hold, and no matter the loss, they still would need to return to the Weyr and their lesson. Cythereath wanted nothing more than to drape herself around her Beloved family; wanted to ensure that Saevath and Taoloth and all of them were well. Oh, how her hearts ached.
"To Nabol" Ce'rian was firm, trying desperately not to let the fear, and the sudden shock, overwhelm him. What had happened? What had gone wrong? No. He couldn't--wouldn't--think about it. Not up here. Not when home felt so far away.
Somehow, he managed to focus his thoughts enough to make the leap to Nabol--though it felt as if it took forever. He was certain Cythereath had called out to her brother and cousin, had tried to find them in that darkness, but to no avail.
Rolling for Grid: 1 1. Fishercraft Hall 2. High Reaches Hold 3. Nabol Hold 4. Tillek Hold 5. High Reaches Weyr
By the time they appeared above the stony Hold, Cythereath had quieted, though her eyes were grey, and her hide dull. He still couldn't believe it. K'ell... His friend... gone? They had just seen one another not even a full hour ago; they had shared meals together, had done lessons together; K'ell had cried on him more than once, and Ce'rian had thought of him as a friend.
And now?
Gone.
He felt numb with shock, but again, couldn't let himself truly process the reality. They had to get back to the Weyr, had to finish their lessons... Then, and only then, could he tuck himself quietly away and grieve. He had few dear friends within the Weyr--and now he was down one.
Home? Cythereath's words were a soft whisper, and she clung to Ce'rian's mental link. She needed comfort, and he could better give it once they had a chance to land.
"Home." He murmured.
Rolling for Grid: 1 1. Fishercraft Hall 2. High Reaches Hold 3. Nabol Hold 4. Tillek Hold 5. High Reaches Weyr
It didn't take long to visualize the seven spindles of High Reaches Weyr. Holding steady to the image, Cythereath took her final jump, bringing the two of them home. They were subdued, quiet, and hurting--just as the others in their class surely would be. Whether they were well known or not, both Eskharath and Aviforth had been part of their class; had been fellow weyrlings, and dragon riders.
Their lives and potential had been cut short far too soon.
Rolling for Grid: 1 1. Fishercraft Hall 2. High Reaches Hold 3. Nabol Hold 4. Tillek Hold 5. High Reaches Weyr
Rian-chan generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
2!
Rian-chan
Offline
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2019 10:57 pm
Haelwen & Sthenoth
-Traits- Distraction/Intensity: 4 (this girl is a master at focusing on her goals, look where it got her!) Exhaustion/Alertness: 2 (a little restless sleep from stressing about these lessons but she's alright) Memorization/Visualization: 5 (all those years studying currents and star charts has paid off!) Anxiety/Confidence: 4 (she is aware of the risks and cautious, but she knows she has the skills necessary to be successful) Slacker/Studious: 5 (when she decides she likes something she puts all her effort into it, she's probably been studying at every available moment since before she even Impressed) Haelwen profile
Edit: Grid 2 - Moderate Difficulty Level 1. Weavercraft Hall (Southern Boll) 2. Radharc Hold (Minor Hold in Tillek) 3. Keogh Hold (Minor Hold in Nabol) 4. Balen Hold (Minor Hold in High Reaches) 5. High Reaches Weyr
-Traits- Distraction/Intensity: 4 (this girl is a master at focusing on her goals, look where it got her!) Exhaustion/Alertness: 2 (a little restless sleep from stressing about these lessons but she's alright) Memorization/Visualization: 5 (all those years studying currents and star charts has paid off!) Anxiety/Confidence: 4 (she is aware of the risks and cautious, but she knows she has the skills necessary to be successful) Slacker/Studious: 5 (when she decides she likes something she puts all her effort into it, she's probably been studying at every available moment since before she even Impressed) Haelwen profile
Grid 2 - Moderate Difficulty Level 1. Weavercraft Hall (Southern Boll) 2. Radharc Hold (Minor Hold in Tillek) 3. Keogh Hold (Minor Hold in Nabol) 4. Balen Hold (Minor Hold in High Reaches) 5. High Reaches Weyr
Haelwen stifled a yawn as she made her way towards V'res and Tagtarth with Sthenoth beside her. She was waking up rather slowly this morning since she'd been getting rubbish sleep the past few nights. She had stayed up late a couple of them studying maps and reviewing the day's lessons to make sure that the pair didn't make the same mistakes twice, however this past evening she'd gone to bed relatively early to make up for it. Unfortunately, her mind had been unable to get the restful sleep she so desired. Instead she had been plagued by nightmares of making a mistake in the coordinates and getting lost Between or being slightly off on the arrival location and colliding with a fellow Weyrling or even of emerging from Between somewhere completely unexpected and Sthenoth being too worn out to get back to the Weyr.
Still, once she reached the rest of the group and heard what the lesson for the day would entail she was much more alert. We're going alone? Without guidance? she worried silently, biting her lower lip as she frowned in concern. We... we will be fine. I've studied plenty and I know that you know what to do Sthenoth... we... will be... just fine. She patted the hide of her dragon as she mounted and the white rolled her eyes and huffed at the waves of unease coming from her rider. Of course we'll be fine, we are destined for greatness, you and I, we'll prove that today. Just focus, Haelwenmine. Focus and think of this as what it truly is, a gift. V'res and Tagtarth trust us enough to let us embark on this lesson, they trust us to be successful, that means we are doing well.
Upon receiving the reassurance from her partner Haelwen smiles. Right! That's right! Of course they wouldn't be allowed to do this if the candidatemaster didn't think they were capable. Haelwen nearly laughed at how just a slightly different perspective suddenly made the whole situation seem much more manageable and she was immensely grateful to her dragon for the insight. "Alright then... let's do this... off to the Weavercraft Hall we go!" she relayed the information to Sthenoth with precise details and held in her mind a clear image of the Hall they were to visit. With a wave to everyone else, they were off.
It seemed like ages, and also only a few moments, in the vast cold expanse of Between before they emerged unscathed circling above the Weavercraft Hall. Upon taking in their surroundings Haelwen grinned and patted Sthenoth affectionately "Remarkable, you truly are amazing sweetie! Look at how well you've done!" Sthenoth's eyes whirled blue and she chuffed, pleased with the praise she was receiving. After checking in with the assistant they readied themselves to make their next jump.
-Traits- Distraction/Intensity: 4 (this girl is a master at focusing on her goals, look where it got her!) Exhaustion/Alertness: 2 (a little restless sleep from stressing about these lessons but she's alright) Memorization/Visualization: 5 (all those years studying currents and star charts has paid off!) Anxiety/Confidence: 4 (she is aware of the risks and cautious, but she knows she has the skills necessary to be successful) Slacker/Studious: 5 (when she decides she likes something she puts all her effort into it, she's probably been studying at every available moment since before she even Impressed) Haelwen profile
Grid 2 - Moderate Difficulty Level 1. Weavercraft Hall (Southern Boll) 2. Radharc Hold (Minor Hold in Tillek) 3. Keogh Hold (Minor Hold in Nabol) 4. Balen Hold (Minor Hold in High Reaches) 5. High Reaches Weyr
After a short time spent checking in and making sure both of them felt up to another jump Haelwen concentrated on a place she was quite familiar with and focused on giving Sthenoth the proper coordinates while also holding an image in her mind of the small hold she had frequently visited to sell fish for her father. Once the pair was sure of their destination they blinked Between and emerged above Radharc Hold. Haelwen was quick to note they were slightly off from where she had envisioned them being and realized she'd accidentally provided slightly inaccurate coordiantes to Sthenoth. She grimaced, they were lucky this time but she'd best not do something foolish like that again.
Her dragon on the other hand, was simply pleased that they had arrived at the proper Hold and didn't see the issue since there had been no harm done. Close enough is fine for now, as long as we are still practicing, don't be too hard on yourself mine. Focus now and we will do better on the next one.
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