The Rising of A New Era *Graduation Feast-Day 6*

[Wish]

It was painful to be back at the Weyr. Inali knew that more than anything else; it was painful. A hand clutched at her chest as she moved through the crowd gathering to enter the large set up outside for the feast. A quick glance inside showed her the customary things; a large table for the Leaders, another one each for the wings and then for guests. There was a smaller circle table near the Leaders' that held freshly dyed chords of many a color.

She found herself drawn to them, her fingers brushing over their soft material and an ache settling deeper into her stomach. "Momma?" Sighing the young woman turned around and took the outstretched arms of her younger daughter, picking the four turn old up and settling Inoria on her hip. "Tell Izanycorth that everything's ready love, okay?"

The past Weyrwoman had not been so inclined as of late to hide her daughter's abilities. Why should they? She was beautiful and marvelous and was needed more than anything else. Her daughter smiled at the invitation to use her gifts, the tiny girl's mind reaching out for the Weyr's only Golden Queen. IzyQueen momma say food ready!

"Good girl my sweet." Inali blew air at her cheek softly making the girl giggle and hug her mother closer. "Talk, talk! Is fun!" Smiling the young woman's eyes narrowed as she saw a Bronzerider come in. "Yes, it is isn't it my dearest?" Nearby many of the Weyrlings to graduate were coming in closer and being ordered into a line by Panille and the other teachers. It was all customary, it was all hurting. I was right to make my decision, now to just find out how to go through with it.

Ooc: So Zirin and Bellatora will be coming in and doing the actual ceremony part. I have pm'd the info to them and will help whenever needed. Have fun everyone!

[phantomofthewolves]

Come on Banemith! We're gonna graduate soon! G'daro called to his dragon. They have been waiting for this, from Impression to Banemith's first mating flight, now they were going to be full-fledged riders! They rushed to get there first, shoving through the crowds gathering to watch the ceremony. They were excited as ever, with Fizgig and Bellatrix trilling with joy.

They arrived and found the Senior Weyrwoman and her daughter welcoming them with their gaze. G'daro puffed his chest with pride and strutted to the front of the line. Soon, all of their lives will change. Only the ceremony decides what wing they will be assigned to, and naturally they and the other graduates were nervous and excited, but G'daro, Banemith and the flits were the most excited.

[Akira]

T’rian watched as his oldest daughter, Talian, ran off ahead of him to cling to her mother’s side with an ear to ear grin. He still couldn’t believe that he had been convinced to let her keep not only her two firelizard eggs, but a puppy as well. To tell the truth, he could believe it. He knew that he spoiled his girls but for the life of him he couldn’t stop. If they wanted something then they pretty much got it. Unless their mother said no that is. He chuckled and reached out to gently ruffle Inoria’s hair before picking up Talian in one arm, and attempting to wrap it around Inali in a loving hug. Are we having fun without me girls? He smiled teasingly as he spoke to the three most important people in his life. It was nice to have them all in one place, now he just needed to find a way to make them all have fun.

T’rian looked around at all the people that had already started to gather and sighed softly as he remembered how excited he had been when he and Stallorth had graduated. I feel old now. He turned a serious face on Inali as he spoke. He had two four turn old twins, a mate that he’d die for, a dragon that really was his smarter half, and here he was watching yet another group of weyrlings getting ready to graduate. Talian shook her head at her dad and gave him a big hug, giving her sister a look that clearly said, “He is old.”. Then again, don’t all kids think their parents are old at one point or another? She smiled and gently patted the two firelizards she had impressed. Of course Ruby was sitting proudly on her head, acting like the queen she believed she was, and Chef was looking around trying to decide what he should “sample” first.
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Akira took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she calmed her nerves and made her way to where the graduation feast was being held. It will be alright Kikimine. We are graduating today, shouldn't you be excited? Oridith could feel that his rider was over the top nervous, but underneath that there was a hint of excitement coming from the young woman. She had her typical serious face on and looked, for all intents and purposes, like a five-foot-seven block of ice with dark brown hair. But underneath that cold exterior was a young girl who was jumping and doing flips of happiness. The only creatures on Pern that knew this though were her blue firelizard that she had had since before becoming a weyrling, and her fully grown blue dragon that, if he was able to, would be jumping for joy right along with his rider.

I know Ori, but I can’t help but feel a little worried that something is going to happen. Akira patted her dragon’s dark blue neck and jumped off of him. She patted Blue, glad that he was there with her as well. Well, here goes nothing you two. She stood tall and proud as she spoke, and started walking towards where the other weyrlings were gathering. Wondering what the future held for them. Blue chittered excitedly from his perch on her shoulder and Oridith crooned softly as he waited with the other weyrling dragons. Today really was an important day and the three of them were pretty much on pins and needles as they tried to remember what they were supposed to do through their excitement and nervous anticipation. Well, at least they weren’t alone.

[Kitsuneko]

Can we finally get this over with now? Kaith whined even as he and R'hard approached the line of already-gathered weyrlings. It seemed silly to the brown that they still had to go through this part, even though they were now technically the Junior Weyrleaders. More importantly, though, Kaith had been in the middle of a nap when he was interrupted for this event, and he was quite desperate to get back to it before he woke up entirely.
R'hard just rolled his eyes. "That would be why we're here, now." He eyed the food-covered tables hungrily, waiting impatiently for when they would be allowed to eat.


Hirion was noticeably more excited for the ceremony, bouncing on her tip-toes to see over the shoulders of those in front of her. Not that there was much to see as of yet. She sighed. She was sure she'd done fine in the games, but she was burning with curiosity to see which wing she wound up in, and she could tell Ferrth was curious as well.

[Zero]

Vl'kan groaned as he tugged at and straightened his tunic for what felt like the millionth time that night. It was the night of their Graduation, a night that was long awaited. Striding down the hall, he absentmindedly stroked the chin of his red huntyre who was perched fairly quietly on his shoulder, offering a chirp or a ruffle of her feathers every now and again. As he entered the hall, he glanced from the tables filled with food to the single table holding the freshly dyed ropes of various colors. He felt a little unease at the sight. They had done their absolute best during the trials and the games, surely a strong, high flying wing would deem them worthy of joining their ranks. They are fools if they pass us over. The garnetrider shivered as his companions voice entered his thoughts.

Vl'kan shrugged and moved to stand near his classmates but a little off to the side and folded his arms across his chest. Looking over the tables full of food once again, Vl'kan felt his stomach rumble and he found himself hoping this process wasn't going to take too long, he was starving after all.

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[Zirin]

Do calm down Lamb. It’s just a graduation, it’s not the end of the world. Yufa took a deep breath, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear and hoping no other strands had escaped her hairdo; simple as it was, there was no way to fix it now. Stop being such a woman. You’re a rider now. I won’t have you embarrassing us tonight. Yufa rolled her eyes, gave her dress a final straightening, made sure her two fire lizards were sitting properly on her shoulders and stood straight and proud with her fellow soon-to-be-graduated weyrlings.

They had flown hard at the Games, and Yufa believed they had displayed themselves as best they could during each lesson. Her goal wasn’t for the top wing, she much preferred the safety of a lower wing, but Braymoth wouldn’t accept anything less than the best performance. She took another deep breath, giving light, encouraging smiles to the few friends she had amongst her classmates.

[Bellatora]

The queen sat up with a huff. So it was time for that already. Thank you little one. Was all she said... all the things she had patience for... as it were.

Mine. It is time for the feast. Prepare yourself and go. Quickly. The dragoness said giving a bored yawn. She would just wait here then.

Iirla sighed, fixing her gold dress which matched that of her dragoness' lighter golden color. She turned and headed down to the party... she swept her hair back over her shoulder and turned towards the door of her weyr to head down to the feast, taking deep breaths, feeling her nerves build up with each step... She tried to walk tall, confidently even as she approached to take her place, Ama sitting on her shoulder as if she was important.

Iirla sighed again and smiled at everyone as she took her place. She looked at them all. "Welcome, all of you, and welcome all the more to our Weyrlings who are graduating to join the ranks of the full riders of Trelis Weyr. You have all done well. Very well. Today you will be assigned wings. Today you will receive your knots. You have entered a time of battle - a time when every rider is valued higher than before." She paused and looked over those who sat before her, starting to feel very sick already, but taking a deep breath and swallowing, closing her eyes slightly.

"Today we honor you and celebrate you! May Faranth protect you as you go forth."

With that, Iirla couldn't say anymore, having to swallow again. she placed a hand on her stomach and nodded to J'dol, taking a step back and resisting the urge to put a hand to her forehead. She did not raise her hand to her forehead or her face, which was ever so slightly flushed as she desired to. She simply looked at the crowd, standing as still as she could manage adn trying to hold as much dignity as she could... though she felt increasingly sick.

[Zirin]

J'dol tugged on the hem of his orange-trimmed dress shirt as he gazed into the looking glass, making sure he looked the part. With a smug smile he ran a hand through his hair, giving it a little more bounce. Faranth, I am one sexy beast. From her ledge, Kayath gave a huff and looked back at him. You'll look like an idiot if you're late, J'dol. Stop fawning over yourself and get going. With a roll of his eyes and a lazy wave, J'dol left his quarters and made his way to the feast, meeting Iirla at the entrance and following her in. he gave a quick glance to where the Weyrlingmasters were waiting with the knots, noticing Panille was nowhere to be seen.

He kept a wary eye on the Weyrwoman, well aware that her health hadn't been the strongest as of late. She made it through the welcome speech just fine though. He stepped beside her as her speech finished. "Iirla... sit down if you need to..." He whispered before stepping forward to address the riders and weyrlings, a smile on his face.

"Welcome, one and all, to the end of another wonderful Gather. Yet today, we welcome not only an end but a new beginning. A new beginning not only for our graduating riders, but also the Weyr itself." He raised a hand, motioning to R'hard to step forward and take his rightful place at the Weyrleader's table. "Let us congratulate our newly graduated rider R'hard and his Brown Kaith, for proving their skills not only in the Games, but also during Kayath's maiden flight, effectively becoming Trelis Weyr's official Junior Weyrleader and Wingsecond of the Sky Shaker's wing." He paused to give R'hard time to collect his knots and move to the table.

"R'hard of course is not tonight's only graduates. Congratulations to each and every one of our weyrlings for impressing the wingleaders with your performances at the Games. When I call your names, collect your knots and move to your wing's table." He pulled out a skin, having known in advance he would never memorize all the names. "Sky Shakers has requested Garnetrider Yufa and Greenriders Akilu and Petal join their ranks." He paused before moving to the next wing. "Garnetrider Vl'kan and Blueriders Hirion and R'vin are to become valued members of Tempest wing." Another pause. "And last but certainly not least, Brownrider G'daro, Bluerider Akira and Amethystrider Eliitra have been selected by Waverunner wing." He clapped, taking a deep calming breath; who knew talking in front of the entire Weyr could be so nerve-wracking! No wonder Iirla looked so sick. He wasn't done yet though.

"There will be a number of changes to the wings as well. First off, Greenrider Alyara will be returning to her post as Assistant Weyrlingmaster and has been moved to Waverunners. Bronzerider T'rian has been promoted to wingthird of Tempest." Simple news, and ones he didn't particularly think needed a huge debut in front of the Weyr but... orders were orders.

"Finally, Kayath's flight will hopefully mean that Trelis sands will once again be home to a clutch of eggs. Any riders interested in heading out on search are requested to report to Weyrwoman Iirla or myself. As well, Candidatemaster Samara has put in a request for an assistant, so anyone interest in helping with the candidates, please seek her out. Now then, let the feast begin!"

He slumped back into his chair with a tired sigh, feeling more drained now than he had the morning after Kayath's flight. You spoke too fast. The topaz reprimanded from her ledge. All in all though, J'dol was just glad the worst was over. Now they could dig in to the delicious meal and deal with questions and the like.

[Kitsuneko]

All five of R'hard and Hirion's adult flitters were curled up in a tangled pile a short distance away, curious to watch the goings on but knowing better than to interfere, fortunately. At least that was one less thing to worry about, R'hard thought as he watched Weyrwoman Iirla begin her speech. He couldn't help but frown; she didn't look too well, and he hoped she wasn't coming down with something--they didn't need their Weyrwoman getting sick now. Iirla's speech was short, and it wasn't long before J'dol was taking her place to hand out knots to the newly graduated riders.

He blinked in surprise when he was the first to be called up, though as a wingsecond, he supposed it made sense. He gave an uneasy smile as he first took his knots, and then his place at the Weyrleaders' table. He made sure to clap eagerly with everyone else as each of his fellow weyrlings were called up to collect their knots.




Hirion waited rather anxiously through Iirla and J'dol's speeches, mostly just wanting to get the ceremony over with. She clapped as each name was called up, though she couldn't help the slight frown that marred her face when her name was not among the list for Sky Shakers. She had been hoping to be assigned there, not only because it was the Weyrleader's Wing, but it was also the highest flying.

She bit back a sigh as she was assigned to Tempest, and walked up to claim her new knots. Well, she supposed it could be worse. At least it wasn't the low wing. She wondered if anyone else was disappointed with their wing assignments; she supposed it was likely, since the Wingleaders couldn't please everyone.

[Wish]

Inali looked over as T'rian found her, Inoria scrambling to get down and run to her sister's side. With a sigh the mother obliged and the girl did just that, returning the look the older twin sent her. Inoria kept her distance from Ruby, not yet sure how to react around the female Garnet, though the flit seemed to be okay with her....Inoria was certain it was only because of the similar appearance. Chef however she liked and she reached out a finger toward the white for him to taste. "No bite." The whispered order was for him and her sister.

"I remember Loraketh's first class graduating. Now look, her daughter has taught a class that has now graduated. I only wish she could be here.....but wishes are for Harper Tales." The dark haired woman narrowed her eyes as she turned on her heel, her gaze finding that of her daughter's and then flickered elsewhere. "She's been talking to them again, but she won't tell me who." Inali eyed Inoria carefully, caught between a proud feeling of her daughter's abilities and anger for it as well. Traveling over to Talian she moved forward and wrapped her arms around the older sister. "Now my sweet, did you impress your own little ones? How good of you, and what rare beauties."

---

Akilu pulled at the hem of her sleeve, a wide-eyed look given to anyone who caught her attention. As her name was called though she stiffened, walking mechanically up to J'dol and the others to receive her recognition and chords. The fact that she and Yufa would be in the same wing was interesting to say the least. Lorendyth naturally would be pleased, but Akilu only hoped Yufa would be able to handle the greenrider's presence.

Lorendyth meanwhile fluttered her wings, her neck arching proudly as her rider gained new status. That was as it should be. Her dark hide blended into the darkness around her, only showing her off because of the lighter underneath portions. Swiveling her head to find her champion, the dragoness slithered up to Braymoth and draped her tail against his. We will see much of one another my Blood-Red Prince.

---

Ara sat near the leaders' table, not electing to sit at it quite yet. The announcement of her new, or really just returned to, position had been kept secret till now and she had not wanted to cause any trouble for J'dol or Iirla by raising questions by her actions. Besides, she certainly had a good view from here as the Topazrider walked up and said his part of the speech. She was left smiling, noting the nervousness in his body and voice. Theyre all grown up!

Sighing Ara shook her head slightly. They had already graduated. Hey! Does not mean he was grown up though. The rider was able to keep herself from laughing but not from smiling. As J'dol sat back down and the Feast started she got up and walked over to him, leaning against the table on his right hand side. "You did wonderfully." Walking around him, Ara bent over and moved to wrap her arms around his back to his front in a gentle hug before aiming a kiss on his cheek.

[phantomofthewolves]

G'daro waited with excitement as each name was assigned to their wings. When his name was assigned to the Waverunner wing, he grinned. He marched to the table to get his knots and sat at the Waverunner table. He looked around him, there was plates of food just waiting for him to eat. When the Junior Weyrleader began the feast, he dug right into a piece of meat and sipped water, wine was not to his taste.

Isn't great that we are real dragonriders now? We don't have to do lessons, we get to fight Thread and more! G'daro told his dragon It is nice, but I wish Peniath was here to see this. Banemith crooned. His wounds from the fight with Kasprth were still healing and he was still mad at the bronze for trying to steal her away.

But something was missing. He missed his sister, Lisa, who he left behind when he left the caravan to follow his dream. He wanted to see her again, and he will do anything to find her, even if had to search the ends of Pern to see her again. Hopefully, someone will Search and bring her to Trelis just in time for the Hatching.

[Zirin]

Braymoth's tail twitched approvingly as Yufa relayed their wing assignment, pleased that they had done so well. Of course, whether it was skill, or S'vrin's desire to keep mutant supporters close that had them placed there, neither would know. The garnet did not so much as twitch when Lorendyth slithered up beside him, though he did twitch his head to look as she got all cuddly. Braymoth wasn't cuddly.

It appears so. I would have liked to have insight to the other wings as well, but I suppose we will make due. it wasn't Weyrleader... but it was a first step. He would force His to work hard, and perhaps they would find themselves rising through the ranks. We shall simply need to take over Sky Shakers.

---

Wine had never tasted so sweet before, J'dol decided as he took a big swig of his glass. He was shaking, he realized, from his nerves. Another swig was taken before he put the glass down on the table and slumped back in his chair. The worst was over, that was nice at least, and now he could relax, eyes closed, and listen to the sounds of everyone moving about and digging into the feast.

He blinked his eyes open and shot up as someone spoke to him, taking a moment to realize it was Ara; his nerves were really shot apparently. "Wonderfully? That was terrifying." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Can I retire now?" He leaned into her hug, smiling and turning his head in time to catch her in a quick, real kiss instead of just the cheek. He grinned.