Sixth Weyrling Lesson: Mating Flights

Monaco Bay Weyr - Candidate and Weyrling Barracks
Huge in its own right, this series of interlinked caverns is the complex that houses both candidates and weyrlings. Fashioned out of a multitude of hollows, it serves as a central gathering area as well as classroom. A number of deep pockets have been laborously smoothed to provide comfortable dwellings for the young dragons and their riders away from the weather of the central area, and affording them some privacy but not much. Above, the cavern opens to the sky, holding out the worst of the island's weather but allowing an aerial exit and providing natural lighting to the area. Branching off from this cavern is an opening that leads to the exercise yard, and another carved passage that leads onto the hatching sands - though this entrance is typically closed tight to prevent mischief.


With grown dragons stuffed into barracks barely able to contain them, the time as come for that most dreaded of lectures. Mating flights. J'en is around here somewhere this evening, ah, there he is over by the weyrlingmaster office quickly talking to a very tall drink of water some might recognize as Monaco Bay Weyr's very own Weyrsecond, S'van. Whether he was there for moral support or to help with the lecture itself is unclear, only that the raven-haired of the pair is soon stepping away and clapping his hands loudly after glancing towards the time. "Weyrlings, gather up over 'ere 'nd take a seat," he calls out, gesturing towards the chairs that had been set up towards the center of the room. "Dun matter where, no shovin'…ya won't be needin' yer lifemate's tonight so if they're sleepin' let 'em…"

Mating flights. Unbelievably they are at the lecture that soon will be the end of their stay in the Weryling's barracks. Cinni looks around the room as though wishing to memorize it when not a year ago she had entered it with pure trepidation unsure of whether a dragon would wish to take her as its lifemate. Her eyes look into the middle distance as a voice chimes in her head and a faint smile lifts the corners of her mouth. Twisting the end of the long braid she has managed to keep during all of the trials and mishaps of being newly accepted by a dragon she finds her seat.

Mating flights have quite a bit of people's attention. Even more so than a normal class. Moreth is definitely sleeping, looking ridiculous upon his back with paws scraping open air upon occasion. R'and has definitely filled out after SO MUCH Firestone bag throwing. He'll find a pillar or something to lean into. No need to shove too much.

Don't mind him! S'van will just be hanging out at the back, surreptitiously making faces at J'en while he tries to hold a very serious and very important lecture about mating flights. Just kidding! He'll try and be good, even if there's a faint curl of amusement at his mouth and a wicked little gleam in those grey eyes of his. As the weyrlings are called, he does slip toward the back of the pack, opting for a supportive rather than instructor-type role here.

As everyone finds theirs seats, except R'and and his pillar leaning over there, J'en takes his place in front and scans the weyrlings one face at a time. "This yer last lesson with meh, 'nd yer last night in the barracks. Tomorrow, ya'll be pickin' and movin' out into places of yer own." Golden eyes skip towards the motion of S'van moving around, his leather clad shoulder rolling back some in order to try and loose some of the tension that had found its way into them. "Ya'll know that greens and golds are female, I know ya'll sttended and got passin' marks in yer lessons. Even if ya ain't weyrbred, ya've been 'round the weyr long enough to know that sometimes riders of a female dragon get a little…moody…could times a turn. This is somethin' called proddy, 'nd if ya a rider of a female dragon it's gunna 'appen to ya. So pay attention." Pointedly he looks at every single weyrling there who rode females, "Proddy comes before every flight, the female starts to 'ave a glow about 'er, and the rider of that dragon…it's different for everyone…but ya might be bitin' people's 'ead off, dressin' different, doin' or sayin' thin's outta character…or whatever. Yer gunna feel outta sorts. Dun worry too much about what people think 'round 'ere 'cause we're used to it 'kay? Do yer thin', but…those effects are gunna get worse until yer lifemate rises, so keep that in mind. As time goes on ya'll be able to recognize the signs, probably before anyone else does. The first time's gunna be intense, but there's one thin' in particular that I wantcha to remember…and that's blood only. I wantcha to repeat it to yerself, over 'nd over until the message sticks." A pause, perhaps for effect or give the riders of female dragons the chance to practice their assigned mantra. "Yer lifemate may be in a frenzy, its yer job to ground 'er, remind 'er that she only needs to blood…that's the energy she'll need to fly. If she tries to eat a herdbeast or two, stop 'er, that added weight could interfere with 'er ability to fly or maintain appropriate speed and that's just one of the many ways that dragons get 'urt in a flight."

Every woman in the room is raptly listening to J'en as though they hadn't picked this information up from listening and watching the Riders. It makes no difference. This is about them. Cinni sits as straight as a well made arrow, eyes fixed on their lecturer, unconsciously wringing her hands. A cleft of worry forms and leaves between her brows as she repeats the mantra that he wishes for them to imprint on themselves, "Blood only!" Moreth may sleep but some how Ysleth knows how important the lecture is and she listens with her lifemate. The words ring in the green dragon's bell like voice as they repeat it together through their mind link, over and over. Cinni does not relax but knows, or so the smoothing of her brow might say, that Ysleth has heard. Whether she will remember when the time comes for her to feed and then rise remains to be seen. It will Cinni's job to be sure that she does.

There is plenty for male riders to hear too, ya'know. Finding out that your fellow riders might get iffy occasionally and being weirdos is good information. R'and glances around the room, towards the various riders of females before he will slip down into a seat and settle in for the long haul. Somewhere, Moreth is puttering through a dragondream. Or sound asleep. Besides, the male rider stuff is probably next.

S'van will just stand at the back there — or maybe take up that pillar-leaning, arms crossed over his chest — and look cute. Or… not cute. Ruggedly handsome. He can do that. Complete with half-smirk and a knowing look that is definitely aimed at his weyrmate. But really, he is trying to be good, and not interfere or distract from the lesson. And so there are no words from the weyrsecond. Just studious observation of the weyrlings and their various reactions.

A deep breath taken, J'en lets out a sigh, resisting the urge to rub at the bridge of his nose when several in the group, Cinni included, starts chanting aloud. He hated this lecture, he really really did. He doesn't look any more comfortable than some of the holdbred weyrlings in the room, doing his best to control his voice and his body language so that this wasn't blatantly obvious to everyone looking at him right now. Also, he was trying to ignore all that smirking from the back of the room within his eye line to keep himself from turning all shades within the red spectrum. "She'll know when she's got enough in 'er to sustain flight, usually one or two for greens and anywhere from three to four for golds. When she's ready, she'll take to the skies, but dun be surprised if she's doin' aerial tricks that make yer 'eart jump into yer throat, 'cause ya'll be in it with 'er, of one mind. Keep 'er centered 'nd focused on the goal: Wearin' out all the wrong males." That said, he looks towards the riders of male dragons, "Riders of male dragons. Yer lifemate ain't gunna be glowin' but they are gunna be payin' real close attention to the ones that do. Yer lifemate might become more aggressive, fendin' off other males, or 'e might get weird, or flirtatious. Ya ain't gunna be as effected as the female riders will be, unless that female is Gold. Glowin' golds can effect the whole weyr, while a green's influence tends to just get the male dragons riled up." What starts off as watching R'and move from wall to chair turns into a side-eye towards S'van, and immediately J'en regrets it. A flush of color streaks across his face and he sucks in a breath as he yanks his gaze away and affixes his attention on one face in the crowd at a time. "Uh, when yer lifemate is gettin' ready to chase, yeah, blood only for them too. Same reasons." One can suppose that the weyrsecond has been successful in his goal of being ruggedly handsome. "When the female goes up, yer lifemate will follow, and ya'll be just as unified. 'e'll wanna catch 'er an' 'e'll do whatever 'e 'as to to optimize 'is chances. Insults, death defyin' feats, an' thin's can get aggressive up there so do yer best to remind 'im of what's important…'er."

The look she receives from J'en makes Cinni close her mouth so fast that it is a wonder that she doesn't bite her tongue. She had been only mouthing the words though several around her were saying it outloud. Take it for what it is: love for their lifemates. A breath that she had been holding is loosened and the young woman's ears feel unaccountably warm. «I will glow» rings through their link. To which, Cinni merely smiles unaware of the glow that suffices her own cheeks.

Interestingly enough, there is plenty for a rider of male dragons to worry about as well. Moreth gets himself awake and rolled back over onto his paws to listen through R'ands senses. Blood before a flight, only blood. Thats if you want to /win/, Moreth. You won't be getting much done on a full and heavy stomach. «I don't see me being a wrong male, brother.» Eh. I've been the wrong male once or twice, its not such a bad thing. We will be okay. Moreth is definitely paying attention now. Thinking about flights and R'and natters at him in his mind to let him listen. «There are a lot of greens in the weyr.» Stop it!

And now S'van will chime in. Because he's finally got something to say about it. "This is a very normal part of being a dragonrider," comes in a firm but gentle tone, the whisper of a smile on his face less sassy-smug and a lot more sympathetic. "No matter what side you're on — chaser or being chased — it's going to become part of your life. And this," he offers, arms unfolded to gesture toward J'en to indicate 'the lecture', "is not meant to frighten you, but to prepare you. If anyone has questions, please ask them. If you don't feel comfortable asking in front of a group, that's perfectly fine. Find a weyrlingmaster, or another dragonrider that you trust, and ask to speak with them. Believe me when I say there are no dumb questions, and it's better to ask now than to go into things blind." And with that, there's another little crooked smile for the group (and J'en, too. Because he can't help it.) and a nod of his head back to the bronzerider running the show.

It's hard to tell whether that look that's shot S'van as he steps in to share is grateful or apprehensive, but whatever it is, it's brief. The raven-haired bronzerider stands there and listens, nodding in agreement for a few points along the way and looks back to the collection of weyrlings once the weyrsecond was finished, decidedly before things got smuggy and winky. He had to make it through this and then he was going to crawl under the nearest rock and die, "It's important that ya remember that flights, they ain't about ya, they're about yer lifemate." J'en says next, chin lifting a degree or two even as his lashes fall, "Gunna confirm, for those of ya that ain't weyrbred or been livin' under a rock, that rumor that ya've been 'earin' that if yer dragon is successful in catchin', yer gunna 'ave sex with the rider of the dragon that was caught. Yeah, it's gunna 'appen. It dun matter if ya dunno or 'ate that other rider, they ain't the right gender, or if yer already with the love of yer life…yer gunna do it." Eye contact is made with every single rider of a male dragon, "Seriously, dun be an asshole. Dun freak out and run screamin' for the door, dun call 'em names or vomit. Fuckin' control yerself; be polite, get yer clothes, put 'em on and excuse yerself. No one's sayin' ya gutta be best friends or nothin', but that's another 'uman bein' with feelin's, so consider that before ya open yer mouth." A twitch, not looking at S'van, staring at the back of the room and talking to that place instead of anyone in particular. "I dun think I gutta remind ya that if yer male and yer lifemate is green…invest in some of that synthetic lubricant the plastic craft's got, and for fuck's sake…any of ya riding female dragons…if yer a virgin…go find someone ya trust to take care of that shit. Ya dun wanna be spin the wheel of chance on that one." A long suffering sigh, cause he could not hate this lecture anymore than he does now. Golden eyes had found their way to the ceiling, trying to take his mind off the fact his face felt like it was on actual fire by this point.

A room full of flaming faces stare back at J'en. Cinni's eyes catch those of the woman next to her and it is all she can do not to dissolve in giggles that would not shame a 14-year-old catching sight of her first crush walking by. She hears a girl nearby say, "Lubricant?" and she moves uncomfortably in her seat. There seems to be a general movement of discomfort around her. For herself, she checks with Ysleth who seems to glow at her through the mindlink and she simply lets it be. What comes will come.

Lubricant is for smoothing the travel of objects of motion. Continuous operation. R'ands feet slide back and forth before he crosses his ankles to sit still. Yes, this is the topic of conversation plenty of people have been harping up since midway through weyrlinghood when people could do anything other than exist as almost zombies. J'en is really just confirm a lot of suspicions, elevating people's questions. Things that have been put of being answered, 'there will be a class on that'. Poor J'en getting stuck giving said class. So R'and settles back and two minds listen as one for this bit.

He might as well come to the front, since S'van has just promoted himself from 'silent observer' to 'guest speaker'. Pushing from the pillar, the weyrsecond is careful to navigate around the crowd of weyrlings so that he can take up residence beside his weyrmate. Eyes on the students, there's another of those half-sympathetic, half-reassuring little smiles before he adds, "Sometimes the idea of sleeping with a complete stranger can freak people out. Really… as a dragonrider… you kinda get used to it. And most of the time, for those of you that ride a blue, brown or bronze, you're gonna lose. Just remember that after the flight is over, it's over. Take care of whatever you gotta take care of, just make sure it's with another consenting adult. Or go spend some quality alone-time…" And bless him, he manages to say that with a straight face. "If you ride a green, well… your options are limited. But you do have options." A moment of pause, if just to let the words settle, before he continues with, "If you just can't stomach the thought of sleeping with a stranger, you can arrange for a stand-in. Basically, someone who will take your place in the flight, while you either lock yourself in your weyr, or you hook up with the person you want to sleep with. It's kinda risky, and it doesn't always work, but it is an option. Can't really say more about it, as I ride bronze, but if it's something you want more details about, I suggest talking to another greenrider, or one of the weyrwomen."

For the girl that pipes up with questions about lubricant, "J-just come see meh after the lecture." is said in haste. He might have samples and instructions on a case-by-case basis, but there was no way he was going to be standing in front of a room full of expect eyes while he did that particular demonstration. Once again, there is that undiscernible look, this time its directed towards the ceiling. It must have been gratitude because as S'van steps forward and all eyes hopefully turn him instead, J'en is closing his eyes and trying to will away the color he knew had to be obvious. It's not very effective, but the reprieve that his weyrmate was giving him was. There was some solace in the fact that he didn't have to be standing up there in front of everyone by himself anymore, his cheeks having cooled by the time that S'van was finished giving the run down on stand-ins. "Pregnancy." That should get their attention back, and as they turn back towards him they'll find that the assistant weyrlingmaster was back to being his usual sun-kissed tan with only a little smattering of rosy still clinging to his cheeks. "Female dragonriders, there's ways to prevent unwanted ones. There's herbs that ya can get from the 'ealers, an' goin' between is effective if ya find that they dun work for ya or that ya can't stand the taste. If neither of those appeal to ya, then givin' the kid up to be fostered is also option if ya dun wanna raise it yerself. Our son, Riley, is from a flight Leketh won in High Reaches…if ya know who the father of yer offspring is, give 'im the option if ya ain't keepin' it." Oh there was more, believe you me, but somehow J'en was managing not to rush through this as much as he would have liked to. "Yer first couple flights, ya ain't gunna remember much, if anythin' at all. That'll change over time, the more flights ya participate in, but for while ya'll just wake up next to someone ya either chose or dun't, the rest'll be easy enough to piece together." There's a pause a slow slide of golden eyes towards S'van and then, back to the weyrlings, "Also, dun take your shit out on yer dragon. Matin' is as natural for 'em as it is for us, just that our emotions and needs aren't nearly as powerful an influence on them as their's are on us. This 'appens from time to time, but ya might find that yer first flight results in findin' yerself with whomever ya might 'ave 'ad an eye on yer whole candidacy and weyrlinghood. A female dragon's maiden can sometimes gravitate towards the rider's desires rather than 'er own, but after that…the bets are kinda off." That being said, he purposely looks to S'van, perhaps to see if there is anything he'd missed anything, then back to the weyrlings "Anyone got any questions?"

A lot of hands rise around Cinni. After some thought she raises her hand as well, "I sometimes wonder why these lectures are not given to those who have been searched so they can decide whether to stay as a candidate or not. That said, once we are with our dragons it is up to us to keep them safe and to follow them more than they follow us in their flights. It is about them and not us," she adds, thoughtfully. "I hope that makes sense. I am trying to make sense of it all. What I would like to know is: Is there a way to know how often or when a dragon is going proddy?"

A lot of hands rise around Cinni. After some thought she raises her hand as well, "We shadowed riders and learned of some of these things before we walked the sands. Still, now, it seems so much more real to me. If that makes sense. What I would like to know is: Is there a way to know how often or when a dragon is going proddy?"

That is an interesting though. Plenty interesting. An unexpected child that he might have to decide upon fostering. R'and's arms cross over his chest and he is given over to internal thought for awhile. Not the best class to let your mind wander during, and his attention gets ripped back towards J'ens end bit. Maiden flights end up with people they had fancied through weyrling. Thats an even MORE interesting thought. "So, the green's first mate is usually from her clutch?"

S'van doesn't have anything to add necessarily, but he *does* have an answer for Cinni. Or at least, he *thinks* he does. He is, afterall, the rider of a bronze dragon and not a green one. But he's been around long enough to have picked up a few things. "Yes and no," comes the totally unhelpful beginning to that answer. "Generally speaking, greens rise about once, sometimes twice a Turn. Golds probably about once a turn, or once every turn and a half. But every dragon is unique, so some greens might rise more often than others. So might rise less often. But I think," he adds, affording the greenrider with a bit of a smile, "What you're probably really wondering is if there is a way to know when /your/ dragon might rise? And to that I say… yes and no." Because he's just so damn helpful this evening. "The first few times, you probably won't get any warning until she's actually proddy — and then it will be obvious. She'll have a look about her, and as J'en said, she'll probably experience a change in personality, or develop a quirk or something — at least until she's risen. After a few times, you'll start to get a sense for how often she goes up, and you can kinda predict it. Does that answer your question?" He's totally gonna let J'en answer R'and's question tho. ENJOY.

"Uh," J'en says in regards to Cinni's question, having thought he had covered that topic but apparently not as well as he imagined. He's more than happy to let S'van cover that question then, waiting for him to finish before taking a few more among those still with their hands up. It was all basic stuff, except for that one girl who was asking about lubricant again. "I said talk to meh after the lecture, in mah office." Or he will kill you says the soft hiss and the gritted teeth as color threatens his cheeks once again. Spotting R'and, he points to him and then listens to his question, then shakes his head, "Not necessarily, but it 'appens. Got more to do with the emotional tie the green or gold's rider's got to another person. If its strong enough, it can influence who she chooses as 'er first mate. Bonds are created durin' weyrlin'hood, some of 'em romantic, so from the outside it might seem as if the maiden flight is gettin' won by another of the same clutch, when in actuality it's just 'cause the two riders got close." Shoulders lifted and dropped after loosely crossing his arms over his mid-section, "But say ya got a greenrider who's preferred mate is already an established blue, brown, or bronzerider outside his or or weyrlin' class. She might pick that blue, brown, or bronze, because her rider picked his."

In other words, she will find out, and for once,(she is getting the hang of it) go with the flow. Despite herself, she looks at several of the new Riders in her clutch with rather wide-eyed speculation. Ysleth whispers «If they can catch me» which makes Cinni dimple in an inward smile. «Do we favor someone?» whispers through their mindlink. 'Later, my dear!'

«Does someone favor us?» 'No.' is R'and's immediate response to such a question. This bit of class might actually turn towards /other/ things. Boring things. Things that aren't making R'and nervous and anxious. «Then why did he say someone..» 'later!'


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