[Cocktail Clutch Lesson] Between Moonlight [Open!]

[demon_pachabel]

Fahn and Alenciath

Quote:

You manage to make it to the proper Hold, but you're struggling to find the Weyrlingmaster's Assistant. It is awfully dark, and clouds have hidden one of the moons. Roll a D10

You wind up flying in circles. Having your dragon move lower, you get a bit too close and a sudden gust of wind causes you to almost crash into the tops of some tall trees. How embarrassing. You simply can't find them. Discouraged, you move on-- without a ribbon.

The night air was nice, breezing over Fahn's face as she started circling with Alenciath. The green hummed as the pair began their large, lazy circuit to try and find where the Weyrlingmaster's assistant had ended up. Even this high above in the dark Fahn was certain they were in the right place - the layout of the buildings was familiar and while the lights weren't quite as bright as she'd pictured them she could make out some of the plainer landmarks.

But no matter how far down they spiraled, it seemed to be a losing battle.

Hello! Come out, come out~! Alenciath called playfully, even being as bold as trying to spot a sibling who may have had better luck in finding the dragon she was looking for.

The previously nice breeze, however, had other ideas for the pair as a proper gust caught under the green's wing, nearly turning them in a very impromptu barrel roll and sending them - Alenciath-first - into the trees below. With an indignant honk, she surged up with a small whirl of yellow in her eyes. It fled as soon as the pair were out of immediate trouble, but....

I don't think they're in the trees, love. We'll be here all night if we keep looking - let's move on. Fahn encouraged - and Alenciath, despite her pouting about already being behind in her game with Demodeth - reneged and made the next jump.

Quote:

Very Confident
Paradise Falls Hold, Dust Sun Hold, Whitecliff Weyrhold, Black Sands Hold, Redoubt Hold, Western Hold

 

[demon_pachabel]

d10 for Fahn and Alenciath  

[Smerdle]

R'in and Bronze Demodeth

Western Hold was next, and both dragon and rider barely glanced about as they arrived. This was the hold they visited the most, and navigating its skies was second nature.

Or so they thought.

Oh. Um. Apologies. As R'in was unable to be heard over the wind rushing above the hold, Demodeth was forced to offer condolences to the green he had bowled into. His irritation stayed with him for the rest of their time here, sending his thoughts back to that race around the lake where he'd crashed into what felt like scores of his siblings, even if it had only been one or two.

Eventually, R'in urged him on to Whitecliff. There would be no flag found here with the bronze's dip in mood.


Quote:
Redoubt Hold, Western Hold, Whitecliff Weyrhold, Dust Sun Hold, Black Sands Hold, Paradise Falls Hold
Quote:
2-5 You manage to make it to the proper Hold, but you're struggling to find the Weyrlingmaster's Assistant. It is awfully dark, and clouds have hidden one of the moons. Roll a D10:
Uta
future round 2 bump for poor triesteth heart

 

[Smerdle]

^

Quote:

3: In your struggle to see where you're going, you almost crash into one of your fellow weyrlings, who popped Between. Whoops! Quote a fellow weyrling/player -- you both lose one confidence level. [If they aren't in the same spot, don't worry--we'll pretend an NPC spooks them wherever they are, and you just spooked a different NPC. Fuzzy time! If everyone has finished playing, that's okay] No ribbon for you!

Quote:

Hopeful You're feeling pretty good about this lesson. Night flying is something all dragons must learn and conquer. You think you should get through, even if it's a difficult course.

 

[Sweet Symmetry]

Ke’res [WW] - 22 - she/her/hers - Weyrling of Brown Rossoth

Route

Black Sands Hold, Paradise Falls Hold, Redoubt Hold, Dust Sun Hold, Whitecliff Weyrhold, Western Hold

Confidence Level

Hopeful

Ready was a strong term, and Ke'res wasn't sure she could quite borrow it. She'd studied until the names and places of Holds fell out of her ears. She'd studied until shadows dogged her eyes, until Rossoth reminded her to take a break. And a bath. Somehow her nerves demanded more and more. How were her fellow Weyrlings keeping it together?

She clipped her flying helmet over pinned up curls, wary but hopeful that tonight would go well. Rossoth said nothing, his mask carefully in place as he hid his feelings beneath a veneer of effortless coolness. They were ready. He knew this.  

[Sweet Symmetry]

Ke’res [WW] - 22 - she/her/hers - Weyrling of Brown Rossoth

Route

Black Sands Hold, Paradise Falls Hold, Redoubt Hold, Dust Sun Hold, Whitecliff Weyrhold, Western Hold

Confidence Level and Ribbons

Level: Hopeful

Ribbons: 1/6

9

6-9 Hopping Between isn't the problem for this stop. You get to where you need to go without trouble, and are able to seek out the weyrlingmaster and obtain that ribbon. Why did they think this was a challenge?

Black Sands Hold... She visualised the island Hold, adding the necessary nighttime details. It was like putting together a puzzle, and Ke'res found herself relaxing into the mental exercise. That looks good to me, Ross. Are you ready?

Always, my dear. There were notes of steely resolve in his cool voice. Ke'res mounted comfortably, patting his flank in an effort to reassure herself. This was fine. She wasn't sending them to their doom. It was okay. We have prepared and practiced, Kel. Rossoth told her, using her old name. It was like a little shake, and she smiled at him, affection in her heart. We are ready.

And it seemed the brown's confidence was well-placed. As they launched into the air and flickered Between, Ke'res was glad the cold lasted only three seconds. Rossoth rumbled a greeting to the Watchdragon as they appeared above the Hold, then arrowed in on the weyrlingmaster placed there.

I do hope you can keep up, Haitanth. There was a rare note of dry humour in his otherwise serious voice, as though offering his blue brother a little bit of competition. He occasionally enjoyed stirring up his siblings...

Spockcat

 

[Sweet Symmetry]

Ke’res [WW] - 22 - she/her/hers - Weyrling of Brown Rossoth

Route

Black Sands Hold, Paradise Falls Hold, Redoubt Hold, Dust Sun Hold, Whitecliff Weyrhold, Western Hold

Confidence Level and Ribbons

Level: Hopeful

Ribbons: 2/6

6

6-9 Hopping Between isn't the problem for this stop You get to where you need to go without trouble, and are able to seek out the weyrlingmaster and obtain that ribbon. Why did they think this was a challenge?

Paradise Falls Hold- her visualisation confidence wasn't as strong, but as Ke'res picked over the details with care, she was able to fix the errors in her mental image. Rossoth nodded his approval, and she felt a lingering sense of gratitude. He wouldn't let her mess up, but his hands-off approach buoyed her somewhat. She found herself smiling as he silently agreed with the coordinates, and the trip Between was not as intimating. As before, they appeared just so, and Rossoth greeted the watchdragon with an imperious bugle.

With the second ribbon acquired, he turned his focus momentarily to his sister, Sauzath. I am pleased with how well this exercise is proceeding. I hope you are faring just as well. Was that... A tiny hint of smugness in his mindvoice? Kel reminded that overconfidence might spell their doom, and began to consider their next stop.

Prism Shine

 

[Sweet Symmetry]

Ke’res [WW] - 22 - she/her/hers - Weyrling of Brown Rossoth

Route

Black Sands Hold, Paradise Falls Hold, Redoubt Hold, Dust Sun Hold, Whitecliff Weyrhold, Western Hold

Confidence Level and Ribbons

Level: Hopeful Confident

Ribbons: 3/6

XP:
+1 Between Accuracy

20

Yipeeeeeee! You did amazing! The jump was perfect -- your dragon took your visuals, you accounted for the time of day, and you wound up exactly where you need to be! Gain a ribbon!
---- Confident and Below: Move your character up a confidence level and gain +1 Between Accuracy

Even momentary distractions were forgotten as Ke'res turned her mind to the next jump. Rossoth's sharp focus, and their precise jumping, had a positive effect on Ke'res. The visualisation of Redoubt Hold came much easier. She didn't rush- Ke'res valued precision and care over speed, which Rossoth appreciated.

They leapt Between, the dark, empty coldness as sharp a reminder of the cost of overconfidence as ever... Then Redoubt appeared before them, the watchdragon greeting them, and Rossoth found the weyrlingmaster's dragon with ease. Third ribbon in hand, and confidence soaring with each jump, Ke'res beamed. This was going well!

Demodeth, the brown called out, relaxed and self-assured, I hope your hard work is paying off. The bronze was such a serious and hard-working creature- Rossoth rather thought he would triumphantly return with seven ribbons, instead of six.

Smerdle

 

[Sweet Symmetry]

Ke’res [WW] - 22 - she/her/hers - Weyrling of Brown Rossoth

Route

Black Sands Hold, Paradise Falls Hold, Redoubt Hold, Dust Sun Hold, Whitecliff Weyrhold, Western Hold

Confidence Level and Ribbons

Level: Hopeful Confident Very confident

Ribbons: 4/6

XP:
+2 Between Accuracy

20

Yipeeeeeee! You did amazing! The jump was perfect -- your dragon took your visuals, you accounted for the time of day, and you wound up exactly where you need to be! Gain a ribbon!
---- Confident and Below: Move your character up a confidence level and gain +1 Between Accuracy

It wasn't that Dust Sun Hold was problematic as such- Ke'res knew her studies were paying off. It was that... Well, being from Rivercrest, she just wasn't as familiar with it as, say, Black Sands... Still, she took her time, picking details she knew worked well for their nightly jumps. Rossoth was now humming his approval- a rare emotive show for the otherwise aloof dragon.

Let's do this. Three breaths was all it took. Rossoth did not hesitate, and once again, the Hold revealed itself beneath them in all of its would-be splendour. The world was so small from atop a dragon, Ke'res mused, tucking away a fourth ribbon. They were performing so well... Surely the weyrlingmasters appreciated their efforts?

Should you need any guidance, dear Riojath, my rider and I would be glad to assist you. There was a smoothness to his voice Ke'res hadn't really heard before, and she wondered, for a moment, if perhaps the green had caught the brown's eye at some point. He was secretive as ever about his hearts, and the young lady knew better than to press.

The exercise continued!

magnadearel

 

[Sweet Symmetry]

Ke’res [WW] - 22 - she/her/hers - Weyrling of Brown Rossoth

Route

Black Sands Hold, Paradise Falls Hold, Redoubt Hold, Dust Sun Hold, Whitecliff Weyrhold , Western Hold

Confidence Level and Ribbons

Level: Hopeful Confident Very confident

Ribbons: 5/6

XP:
+2 Between Accuracy

4, 5

2-5: You manage to make it to the proper Hold, but you're struggling to find the Weyrlingmaster's Assistant. It is awfully dark, and clouds have hidden one of the moons.

4-10: It takes a while, and you're not sure where to go -- but eventually you spot the green rider assistant who grants you a ribbon. Phew! You almost thought about giving up. Obtain your ribbon!

They appeared once more- Whitecliff ought to have been easy, but something caught Rossoth off-guard. The darkness was... More, in some ineffable sense. He struggled to see the green dragon with their well-earned ribbon, and huffed a little. His confidence was making him impatient- it had been so easy until now.

There! Ke'res pointed, and shared her sight with the brown. He flew down to meet the Weyrlingmaster pair, glad for the fifth ribbon now in their clutches.

Be careful on those final jumps, Isteth. This is no place for reckless flying. Rossoth did not intend to sound sanctimonious- his worry came from a place of great concern for his clutchmates. Isteth's decision-making skills had needed tempering by his rider on a frequent basis... Hopefully Rossoth was not interfering beyond voicing concern for his brother's welfare.

Mr Cheri

 

[Sweet Symmetry]

Rolling 1d10!  

[Sweet Symmetry]

Ke’res [WW] - 22 - she/her/hers - Weyrling of Brown Rossoth

Route

Black Sands Hold, Paradise Falls Hold, Redoubt Hold, Dust Sun Hold, Whitecliff Weyrhold, Western Hold

Confidence Level and Ribbons

Level: Hopeful Confident Very confident

Ribbons: 6/6

XP:
+2 Between Accuracy
+3 XP to assign (6 quotes)

7

6-9: Hopping Between isn't the problem for this stop. You get to where you need to go without trouble, and are able to seek out the weyrlingmaster and obtain that ribbon. Why did they think this was a challenge?

Once more into the void: Ke'res picked Western Hold out from the other images, radiating confidence. This has gone very well, despite her initial reservations. Rossoth leapt Between at her word, and in three coughs Western sprawled beneath them. The moons were where they ought to have been, the clouds now drifting past lazily. They found the weyrlingmaster pair with more ease than before, and pocketed the sixth ribbon. Rossoth was proud of their efforts, and Ke'res' cheeks were rosy with elation. Wait until Mari heard of their progress and efforts!

Ilaorunth, you may rest assured that we will always protect our family to the best of our ability. Perhaps she didn't care for the brown and his fixation with honour and duty, but Rossoth was more than satisfied with their progress and efforts that night. They had proven themselves competent once more, and that alone was a reason to bespeak their queen sister. Six ribbons and no errors... Perhaps we may celebrate after your triumphant return? After all, time was marching on, and soon they would be tapped for the Wings... Their weyrlinghood would soon be over.

Meepfur

 

[Tsunake]

Aerden of Blue Tianxiath

Route: Paradise Falls Hold, Dust Sun Hold, Whitecliff Weyrhold, Black Sands Hold, Redoubt Hold, Western Hold,

Feeling: Confident

Ribbons: 0/6

XP:

Aerden methodically checked his straps for the umpteenth time in preparation, refusing to leave anything up to chance. Tianxiath stood silently, a proud arch to his neck as he waited with loving patience for His to finish. Though he'd rather lounge about and observe the going-ons, Aerden had told him in no uncertain terms that there was no way he could wiggle out of this. The prospect of gathering ribbons had made him much more keen--his tack might look particularly fetching with ribbons streaming from them.

Where the blue didn't even consider failure to be a possibility, his quiet rider knew that there was always danger when traveling Between. Night time would complicate things. Still, he trusted his knowledge from his studies, and trusted Tianxiath.

You know we'll be back with more ribbons than anyone. Tianxiath said confidently, and once Aerden gave his assent, he leaped into the air. Now it was just a matter of waiting for the signal to begin...

Do come back soon, won't you, Ilaorunth? With any luck, these ribbons will be a prize worth keeping!

Meepfur

 

[Tsunake]

Aerden of Blue Tianxiath

Route: Paradise Falls Hold, Dust Sun Hold, Whitecliff Weyrhold, Black Sands Hold, Redoubt Hold, Western Hold,

Feeling: Confident Unconfident

Ribbons: 1/6

XP:

Quote:

1. Oh no! Oh no, oh no, oh no! You are suddenly gripped by fear as soon as you give coordinates to your dragon.

---- Confident to Very Confident: You ignore the concerns and give the signal to jump Between. Roll a D10. Rolling a 2 through 9 means you come out well off the mark, and no where near the Hold--but after some reassurance, are able to try again and make it back to the proper scheduled location, and achieve a ribbon. Your confidence is in tatters though -- drop down 4 confidence levels.

Tianxiath. Aerden thought sharply, suddenly filled with doubt. He should check his coordinates again, just to be certain. Haven't we prepared enough? The blue sounded genuinely confused. The man hesitated--before urging Tianxiath Between.

One heartbeat, two, three....

They emerged from the frozen chill, only for Aerden to realize with rising dismay that they weren't anywhere near the Hold--that he could have killed both himself and Tianxiath. Incredibly shaken, he flexed his hands tightly against the straps to keep them from trembling. The blue rumbled and crooned reassurances, perhaps not understanding just how close they'd come to terrible danger.

As Aerden carefully visualized their coordinates and sent them Between once more, they successfully reached their destination and gathered a ribbon. Aerden didn't feel particularly deserving of it.  

[Tsunake]

Oh no! What's our fate?