And They're Off!

Writers: Avery, Devin, Estelle, Miriah, Paula, Suzee
Date Posted: 9th September 2019

Characters: K'ran, D'hol, Dessa, N'vanik, Cyradis, T'lin, R'fal, V'rel
Description: The weyrlings from Panitath's clutch graduate to the Wings
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 8, day 17 of Turn 9
Notes: Mentioned: K'don, T'nep
belated due to LOAs

K'ran

***

Hatchings were an incredibly special time at a Weyr, moments when new
bonds were made, lives changed forever, and memories of the past
brought back in full. It was most life-changing for those who
Impressed, but all riders loved remembering what the Hatching of their
own dragon was like.

Hatchings inevitably led to graduations though, and K'ran always
enjoyed those as well. Watching the weyrlings who had grown up with
their dragons, taken their classes and learned their drills, and
welcoming them into the world of being full-fledged dragonriders. It
was a always a joyous moment to watch, and since K'ran had started
leading a Wing, it had become even more special, because now he was
directly welcoming those riders in.

This was K'ran's second attendance of a graduation at Dolphin Cove,
and he was looking forward to tapping in the riders who he'd selected
at an earlier meeting with the other Wingleaders and the
Weyrlingstaff. He stood at the table with the other Wingleaders, the
Weyrwoman and Weyrleader, and the Weyrlingstaff, and waited for it to
begin.

D'hol too stood at the table, his sharp eyes measuring each weyrling
and picking out those that were to graduate to his wing. He took in
their postures and their expressions, mentally sorting and placing
them into the existing wing structure like pieces of a puzzle.

Dessa was wearing a harper-blue dress. She was much more calm than
most of her clutch mates, she already knew which wing she was going to
be placed. There was only one option for a goldrider.

N'vanik looked over the expectant young riders, full of pride for
these lifemates of Loseth's most recent clutch. Dessa looked lovely
and relaxed, and of course she knew where she'd be placed. The
youngest weyrlings knew, too, and Tsunami would be getting the largest
number of new riders. For the others who were sixteen turns or older,
their placement would be a surprise.

Cyradis too looked over this class very proud of them all. But first
came the speeches and she looked to the Weyrlingmaster to begin.

Dessa gave T'lin and V'rel a discreet thumps up before turning her
attention to Weyrleaders.

The first knots went to the riders joining the Weyrling staff,
including K'don and the youngest in the class, T'nep.

Then the Weyrleader stood and many sets of eyes, both nervous and
hopeful, turned to watch him. N'vanik walked among the weyrlings and
gave the first set of Hurricane knots to T'lin.

The bluerider blinked up at him. "Me, sir? Really?"

N'vanik nodded. "You've earned it." He patted the young man on the back.

Wow. The Weyrleader's Wing. T'lin clutched at the knots with a
surprised smile. "Thank you, sir."

Dessa just wanted to go and hug him but restrained herself. There
would be time for congratulations and celebration later on.

K'ran went next, and provided a pair of knots to the brownrider he'd
had his eye on since the beginning - R'fal. "R'fal, welcome to Rapids
with me," he said with a broad smile.

V'rel pumped his fist, delighted for T'lin and also for R'fal.

R'fal was almost too surprised to speak. In the last few nervous days
before graduation he had convinced himself that he wouldn't make it and
would be left behind until his studies improved. His eyes lit up with
sudden delight. He and Marlath were going to be wingriders, after all.
"Thank you, Wingleader!"

D'hol waited patiently, then when V'rel approached, he stepped
forward."V'rel, welcome to my wing. Congratulations." He handed the
young man his knots and inclined his head. "I look forward to working
with you. "

"Thank you, sir!" V'rel said, taking the knots, offering a crisp
salute to his new Wingleader. Nerves still churned slightly in his
stomach - D'hol's reputation for being stern unnerved him - but he was
so happy to have the knots of a real, full wingrider that there was no
time to entertain such doubt.

It was K'ran's turn to step forward again and offer more knots, and
then the Wingleaders continued to tap in their new riders until
finally, it was all done, they all had their placements.

Cyradis stood with the rest of the leadership, and applauded the
graduating class with a proud smile.

Last updated on the September 11th 2019

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

And They're Off!