How They Grow

Writers: Anika, Yvonne
Date Posted: 29th May 2015

Characters: J'nus, P'ton
Description: J'nus takes a moment to talk to P'ton after drills.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 4 of Turn 7

Though the light showers had cooled the air some, P'ton was still hot in his new riding gear as he tossed the hefty sack of firestone from his position on Cirynath's back to the next weyrling. He paid close attention to see if his classmate caught the heavy bag. The young bronzerider had found he thoroughly enjoyed the lessons on advanced ground formations, and honestly after his heavy work in his father's Hold the dragon toss was not as taxing on him as it was for some of his classmates. One of the more difficult aspects of leading the trios and nines, however, was being aware not only of his own performance but of that of the others in his group. The dragonets were just getting the feel of the riders on their backs and depending upon the toss and the catch, both rider and dragonet could easily be thrown off balance. The entire process required a great deal of vigilance as well as physical strength.

When the Weyrlingstaff called a halt to the drills, P'ton was more than ready for the break. Dismounting he gave Cirynath an affectionate thump. **Good job today.**

}:Yes. We were not off balance once. We set a good example. We are good leaders:{ Cirynath replied with self assurance.

P'ton chuckled as he removed the riding straps, noticing there were a few wingriders about who had apparently been watching the drills. That wasn't uncommon for those who had the time as the weyrlings would one day be fellow wingmates. He thought he recognized J'nus among them, though he had only met the stocky man briefly at the Hatching.

}:Yes that is Kopth's rider:{ Cirynath confirmed.

}:My rider wishes to speak with yours,:{ Kopth said to Cirynath. Although he himself had gotten bored with the drill, J'nus had watched the process with interest. }:Tell your rider to speak with mine:{"

}:And he wishes to speak to you,:{ the younger bronze added, noting how big his sire was and wondering when he would grow to be Kopth's size. He hoped the older bronze noticed how he and his rider were leading the group.

P'ton was a bit surprised, but once he'd finished with Cirynath, he headed in the direction of the older bronzerider. "You wished to see me, sir?"

"You seem to be doing well for yourself," J'nus said amiably. P'ton had looked more secure on Cirynath's back than most of the other weyrlings in the drill. "Enjoying the toss?"

Giving a nod and a grin, P'ton ran a hand through his hair, pushing some stray locks from his face. "I am. Theory and history are okay," he shared, his voice indicating that his words might be a stretch, "but I like the practical drills. So does Cirynath. I'll admit to being ready for a break, though. Feel bad for those in my class that never had to lift and tote before."

"It takes time. I saw you were looking out for a few of them out there." The bronzerider nodded at the field that the weyrlings had been using. "Keep doing it."

P'ton nodded, "Well, I figure Cirynath and I won't be out there fighting Thread alone. We're all going to be in it together." The teen might be cocky but he was also smart enough to know that dragonriders worked as a team and any team was only as strong as its weakest link.

}:But we will be the best at flaming Thread.:{ Cirynath qualified to his lifemate.

**Of course,** P'ton agreed. Out loud he said, "Cirynath's really grown hasn't he? At Hatching he was the size of a brown, but he's outgrown them all now."

J'nus grinned - the feeling was the same for every dragonrider, but since the metallics had so much further to go, their growth seemed exponential compared to some of the blues and greens. "He really has. And he'll keep getting bigger-- bigger than Kopth, I'd wager."

}:I will always be bigger,:{ Kopth told his rider confidently. He was mid-sized for a bronze, but there was no way that one of _his_ clutch would outgrow his sire.

His rider ignored him. "They're bottomless pits at that age. Does Cirynath look forward to hunting?" he asked P'ton. "Kopth was trying to fish before he could fly."

"He was _convinced_ this last sevenday that he could bring down a herdbeast even without flying," P'ton said with a nod. "And he never seems to get full."

}:I could have,:{ Cirynath insisted indignantly. }:That beast was very slow and I was very hungry.:{

"I'm already worrying about making riding straps. At the rate he's growing I'll be hard pressed to get them the right size."

"Expect to go through a few-- I did." The older bronzerider leaned forward a bit and lowered his voice. "You'll be fine-- just cut your straps extra long and make about twenty holes for expansion, and you'll be fine. Tie the excess off and the Weyrlingmaster won't be able to complain. And if you need a hand... let me know. I know how it is."

"Thanks," P'ton offered J'nus a huge grin his blue eyes shining with pleasure at the camaraderie. "Any more tricks of the trade you'd care to share?"

J'nus thought for a moment. "The only other thing I can offer is to not fall into the trap of believing everything that Cirynath believes about you. Yes, you're smart and as demonstrated out there-- you know what you're doing. But remember that there's always something else you can learn." A lesson he'd learned the hard way.

"Aw, now," the teen replied somewhat dramatically grabbing his chest as if he'd been stabbed. "You know how to wound a guy's budding self confidence. The next thing you'll be telling me I'm not the best thing since bubblies to all the Weyr's women!" Though he heard and appreciated the older man's words, it was his nature to joke about it rather than accept the advice with a solemn nod.

J'nus smiled, finding himself liking the kid. He was outgoing and friendly, and that meant a lot. "That's something I'll leave you to investigate."

"Oh I intend to, once I graduate to senior weyrling that is, because," he cleared his throat, "I'm all about my dragon, the hidework, and the drills right now. Speaking of which, I better get in and make sure I'm in the clear. Sometimes we get some special directions after drills."

"Sure." J'nus sent a quick request to Kopth to let the Weyrlingmasters know he'd kept P'ton a little late. "See you around."

"Yep, I'll keep my eyes peeled."

Last updated on the May 29th 2015

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How They Grow