Let's Get To It

Writers: Duskdog, Francesca, Halyonix, Heather, Sia, Yvonne
Date Posted: 18th October 2024

Characters: J'nic, V'dryn, J'cello, Casmari, N'kayden, Ketlyn, A'lin, L'rin, H'taysh
Description: The weyrlings complete drills in the heat, while the weyrlingstaff observe.
Location: Barrier Lake Weyr
Date: month 1, day 4 of Turn 12

J'nic

The junior weyrlings and Weyrlingstaff had already been outside for about half a candlemark doing marching drills and, although J'nic was not marching, he was covered in sweat. He squinted, looking up, and sighed when only wisps of clouds could be seen. He was looking forward to getting out of the sun and a nice cool bath before dinner.

"Let's take a quick break," he called. There were pitchers of water and juice, as well as many glasses for everyone. "In about five minutes we'll do some firestone bag tossing. And, remember, your performance these next few days will help us decide who will become trio and group leaders." Hopefully that would give them some extra motivation.

"I was not made for this," V'dryn jovially muttered to the nearest weyrling as he went to get a desperately needed drink. "Physical strength, I lack. My strength is all in my head, I'm afraid."

"You're going to have to build yourself up for it." J'cello teased. "Firestone tossing is just the beginning. You're going to need to do it in midair, from Zhomoth's back, while avoiding everyone else _and_ fighting Thread. Start lifting some weights, buddy." He didn't actually feel very motivated as he grabbed a pitcher of water and filled his cup, despite J'nic's attempts. The promise of leadership would be better served with the bronze and browns.

}:Oh! Trio and group leaders! _We_ could be a trio leader!:{ Sebiath said to Casmari with a voice full of wistfulness.

Casmari untied the kerchief from around her neck and wiped her forehead with it. **I'll do my best, Seb.** She felt obligated to be able to do anything that the male blue Weyrlings could do, even if it was something as trivial as marching. She hadn't neglected a single chance to exercise, knowing that she would need whatever extra advantage she could get if she was going to toss firestone sacks like the boys did.

"I'm afraid my strength is in my arms and _not_ my head," N'kayden said, joining V'dryn and J'cello with a laugh.

Ketlyn came up behind N'kayden and waited for J'cello to finish with the pitcher. Her hair was plastered against her forehead from being smushed beneath a large straw hat. "Don't sell yourself short," she told N'kayden. "You're smarter than you think. And V'dryn, the whole point of this is to _get_ stronger. Which you are."

A'lin finished his glass of water and considered getting more. "I don't think anyone has ever been held back because they couldn't throw a firestone bag, right?" Even the small female greenriders seemed to do ok.

L'rin was not interested in making others feel better. He was curious to see how this went, and confident he would show everyone how strong he was. He would be a great group leader. He poured some water on his head and drank the rest in a few gulps.

"Everyone can do it," Ketlyn said with more confidence than she felt. "Back at Dolphin Cove Weyr I saw people as young as fourteen Turns Impress and they had arms like string beans. Right, Casmari?" She turned to the bluerider. "I'm sure you've seen _tonnes_ of Weyrling classes."

Casmari blushed a bit. "Uh, actually, I never really... paid attention to the Weyrling classes." They were there in the peripheral of her childhood but had never held direct interest to her.

"Ok, let's get back to it," J'nic called out, as Raileth checked in with the dragonets to make sure they didn't distract their riders for the next exercise. "This morning, you bagged firestone. Now, you get to throw it. Today, we're going to take it nice and easy. We don't want anyone getting injured because they have bad form, or push themselves too much. A'lin, can you come help me demonstrate?"

The bluerider's heartrate jumped when his name was called, but he approached and stood where J'nic indicated. The pair tossed the bag of firestone back and forth a few times.

"Make sure to keep your core and leg muscles engaged, and don't twist your back," J'nic explained, as he and A'lin continued. "If both of you are comfortable at the starting distance, you can take a step back and continue." He stopped and thanked A'lin, who gratefully stepped back to stand with the other weyrlings.

"The goal today is good technique, not speed or distance. Weyrlingstaff will be watching, and may step in to correct your form or tell you to stand closer together. You're going to do 100 throws, take a break, then do a final 50. Now, get into pairs with someone who has a somewhat similar build to you. Once you're paired off, grab a bag, and we'll position you at the starting distance." Today's exercise was about building muscle, but it was also a chance for the Weyrlingstaff to see how weyrlings worked together, as well as who was overly cautious and who overly aggressive. J'nic already had some ideas of who would make good leaders, but he was curious to see how things went.

"J'cello!" H'taysh called, waving to his friend immediately. "Partner with me!"

Physical work, at least, was something H'taysh was confident he could do. He'd never had to throw sacks full of anything before, but he could certainly learn, couldn't he? And... maybe he'd do well enough to be a leader! He knew it wasn't really a thing that greenriders were expected to be good at, and shards, nobody had ever expected _him_ to be any kind of a leader, either, but... maybe, just this once, it would be nice to see if he could? Or at least nice to know that someone had that sort of faith in him. Throw the sack where it's supposed to go, don't hurt yourself, and don't brain anybody else. Simple enough with practice!

Like two dorks catching each other's gaze across a crowded class, J'cello beamed and waved back. "Team Green Best Team!" He called as he grabbed a sack of firestone and slung it over his shoulder with practiced ease and trotted over to H'taysh. "Lemme know when you're ready. I'll try not to take you out with it."

Ketlyn sighed, her shoulders already aching despite her time apprenticing to the Smithcrafters. Her time at the bellows, shifting ore and working in the hot shop was helpful, but 150 tosses of a firestone bag was going to _hurt_. "Come on," she said, turning to Casmari. They were similar enough in build that hopefully J'nic would approve. "You can help me pay attention in this class, and if we survive I've got some muscle rub that'll help."

Not to be outdone in enthusiasm, V'dryn clapped A'lin on the shoulder and shot back the beginning of a friendly rivalry with, "Team Blue accepts your challenge!"

Casmari rolled up her sleeves in excitement. "Let's show those brownriders over there," she cocked her head towards L'rin and N'kayden, "that girls belong on dragons, too."

"That shouldn't be hard," Ketlyn replied, eyeing up the brown weyrlings. The boys might be larger, but she had a feeling that one or the other of them would pull a muscle showing off before the drill was over.

A'lin was glad to work with V'dryn, although he was not particularly interested in making the exercise a competition. He supposed he had a better chance at doing well at this than some of the other activities though.

For his part, L'rin looked towards N'kayden. Their conversation the day before had left him a little unsure of whether the brownrider could become a good friend, but at least it had been a start. "We'll beat them all," he said loudly, even though he was not exactly confident in his partner's physical abilities. They would surely beat the girls at least.

"Alright, pal, let's put our muscles where your mouth was yesterday." N'kayden then narrowed his eyes at the way all of _that_ sounded.

H'taysh heard that and nearly dropped the incoming firestone bag as he was overtaken with snorts and giggles. He composed himself, wiping his eyes. "Sorry," he apologized to J'cello, "I'm okay now, I'm focused, Team Green ready to go for real this time!"

Last updated on the October 20th 2024

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