Candidates Report! Roll Call

[Akki]

“It was an interesting experience to say the least. I thought someone was hitting on me by burrowing underneath my hair, turns out it was just Gylfie though. That threw me off.” Akki said with a grin as she walked towards Rhia, hands raking through her hair as she tried to straighten out any knots in it. She waved away Rhia’s gratitude, “You know you can come to me for anything Rhia.”. She eyed the candidates, she knew some of them but apparently there was quite a number that she had not met just yet. She better get on that if her goal was to still meet and know everyone in this Weyr. Except it was getting harder and harder as new people seem to pop up endlessly. It would be a hard goal to reach, that was for sure.

Akki’s already normally large grin seemed to grow even bigger. Her? Assistant Candidate Master? Now that seemed fun. She could understand where Rhia and Christae were coming from too, the brown rider needed to work on the weyrlings and Christae already had the duties of Weyrwoman. Akki really didn’t have many responsibilities other than the usual ones around the Weyr, so she would be more than happy to help out. The blue rider gave her friend a thumbs up, “You know I’m all for it Rhia. I know a couple of the candidates already. Besides, one of the troublemakers already owe me. I do believe she residence on my legs for a while at the Gather, I’ll just remind her of that..”. She knew this would be a rather big job, and she also knew she would have to earn everyone’s respect rather quickly if she wanted them to be organized. She hooked her hands behind her head and closed her eyes for a second, thinking deeply. As long as she treated them fairly, chances were they wouldn’t act up very often. She already had an idea of who would cause trouble if anyone was going too and could keep an eye out for them. Of course she could also get Sargon and Ebbeth to watch over some people, making sure they kept their hands to themselves.

Akki opened her eyes and grinned crookedly, “I’ll do it. Give me a few days with these guys, and I’ll have them whipped into the perfect candidates in no time. Don’t worry about it.”. She turned her attention to Kallan when he came bustling in, obviously slightly confused for a moment there. She smiled at the boy, “Oh geez. And here we all gathered to find you. Guess we’ll just have to turn this no longer needed search party into a Candidate meeting.”

[Spirithawk]

Rhia breathed a sigh of relief.

Tell her thanks for me. Now you will have more time to oil me. Mneith's voice was almost petulant.

I will love. Sorry if I have been neglecting you.

"Mneith sends his thanks. He wants me to have more time to oil him." She smiled. At the comment about the troublemakers, she gave the bluerider a wry grin. "I have already encountered a couple of the troublemakers. I would love to see them try to get away with something." There was a mischevious glint in her grey eyes. "I have my ways of teaching them a lesson."

"Well they will be in shape." She laughed. "Let's go introduce you to them and get their lesson started." She raised her eyebrows in confusion. "Search party? This is the meeting for the Candidates. If you want to stand for the hatching I'll need your name."

Candidates, as you know I am your candidate master. For those who do not know my name, I am Rhia, rider of brown Mneith, Candidate Master and Weyrling Master of Dark Moon Weyr. This is my flitt, Gylfie. She might be sending messages back and forth between you and me from time to time. This is your Assistant Candidate Master. She is Akki of Blue Ebbeth. You will show her the respect that you accord me. Proper greeting for your teachers is a bow. She demonstrated. "Along with a greeting to both the Master and his or her dragon."

"ACM Akki and I will be teaching you what you need to know to prepare for W'linghood and, more specifically, the Hatching. A hatching can be a wonderful and exilerating occassion." She smiled fondly towards the massive brown sunning himself, remembering their own Impression. "But if you do not know what to do, it can be dangerous. Newborn dragonets are ravenous and rather clumsy. There have been Candidates maimed and in severe circumstances, die and their dragonet along with them because the Candidates did not do what they were supposed to do. I am here to make sure that you know what to do."

"Part of your teaching will be training. You will be whipped into shape because by the time you Impress, it is almost too late because you are too busy trying to keep up with a dragonet and the duties of W'linghood. You will have chores and if you shirk those chores you will be penalized. If you disrespect me, Akki or any other rider, you will be penalized. Your penalties will vary according to the severity of your offence and will be something that you will not forget lightly. I hope that it does not come to that."

She smiled. "For your first day, we will take you on a tour of the Weyr. We will also begin your training. I know that several of you have been here for a few sevendays already, some of you have just arrived and more of you might arrive soon. They will just have to catch up and as of right now you are all on the same level. You will make a habit of checking the board." She pointed to the one pinned up to the outer wall of the Candidate Barracks. "I will post announcements there when I can but sometimes you will just be expected to come when I call no matter what you are doing. Unless you are running errands for the Weyrwoman herself, you come. You have already heard the bell. That is your signal. The W'lings also have their own summons. Learn to distinguish it. You will be called with 3 rings. The weyrlings will be called with 5. If ever you hear that bell ringing more than that you had all better get your behinds here as quickly as possible. The Weyrlings will go to their courtyard as well."

"For now, we begin your training. You will take 3 laps around the Weyr Bowl. Start running. I expect your times to get better every time."

[abean16]

Shino blinked, this woman was strict, very strict. He blinked when the Candidate Master said that she had ways of teaching them a lesson. He gulped slightly and paled at the thought of what kind of punishments could be in store if he messed up. He flinched slightly and grimaced, then returned to normal and got ready to do what she told them to do... Running laps wasn't the most exciting activity Shino could have chosen, but he guessed that it was all for the best. After all, he needed to get into shape. It had been a while since he had last actually worked out like this, and three laps couldn't do him any harm

Hirako groaned slightly at the mention of punishments. Sometimes things happened to her at the worst times, and learning about the punishments that would occur to her if she did something wrong was one of them. She really didn't need to be reminded of consequences, but she didn't have a say in the matter. She lifted her head up from looking at the ground when the Candidate Master told them to start running. She turned and headed towards the Weyr bowl, following Shino out.

[kestrel]

Kestrel only had time to manage a wave to Khris before the Candidate Master was addressing them all once more. Taking a few tentative steps forwards she stood and listened as they were introduced to Akki-whom she already knew through Hasima-as the new Assistant Candidate Master. Well, she couldn't complain about that. She knew Akki a lot better than she did Rhia, and Rhia made her a little uncomfortable. It wasn't like she didn't abide by rules, however, Rhia seemed strict, even for a Candidate Master. At least with Akki, Kestrel knew she'd be entirely easy going and though she didn't doubt Akki would make them train and work just as hard as Rhia would have, Akki didn't rile her nerves so much-even if Kestrel had found her a little too friendly and talkative for her to want to hang around with much. She liked Akki, but Akki always made her feel like she would have to answer questions or talk more than she was accustomed to. Yes, Akki was a social butterfly, whereas she was a non-social type of person.

She had no problems doing exercises like running. In fact, she figured she was one of the few there that actually enjoyed physical training activities. She'd grown up running and jogging and working out, it was in her job as a huntress to stay fit, and she was in top shape as it was. She did however note that Rhia hadn't told them to warm up, so she quickly shot the Candidate Master a worried look before backing off to the Weyrbowl and beginning to stretch. She might like running, but she didn't like pulled muscles due to not preparing! She was trying to hurry, however, because she didn't know if Rhia would be angry or not that she hadn't immediately started out at a run around the Weyrbowl. Biting her lip nervously, she stretched as much as she dared before heading off at a steady pace. She didn't run that fast, for three times around the Weyrbowl would burn out anyone who was going to start off at a dead run. She figured most of them would be exhausted by the end of it, and was grateful that she, at least, wouldn't likely be. Her pace was a little faster than a jog, meant to eat up miles, not to sprint quickly across short distances. She noted the other Candidates starting out before she had, but this wasn't a race, it was a training exercise, so she kept her own pace and didn't pay attention to what the others were doing.

~~~~~~

Rhiyo grinned at Zuhyar, glad that this boy he'd decided to introduce himself was so friendly. He looked around the gathering and agreed with a nod of his head, "yeah, there are more guys than girls it would seem. But that's okay with me, I don't care which there are more of." He turned around in time to see Rhia step forwards once more to introduce none other than Akki. He smiled quietly to himself, wishing that R'xis was there. R'xis would have been thrilled to have Akki for a Candidate Master. He himself was happy to be able to get to know the person R'xis liked so very much, maybe it would give him more insight into R'xis as a person. Besides, Akki was really nice from what he knew of her so far, and he felt relieved that Rhia wouldn't be the sole person training them. Rhia seemed nice too, but Rhiyo wasn't used to strict people just yet. Maybe he had been at one point, but not now. He wondered how much of the training Akki herself would be doing. At the mention of chores, he began to worry-what if he didn't know how to do the chores he was assigned? He didn't want to get into trouble for that. He supposed he could ask Akki or Rhia, and explain his situation. With a sinking feeling inside, he hoped that he wouldn't have to, though. Rhiyo continued to listen as Rhia explained there'd be penalties, and made a mental note to check the board and listen for the bell. The last thing he wanted was trouble, and so he would have to remember these things. When Rhia said they were to run three laps around the Weyrbowl, Rhiyo paled a little-three times? All the way around the Weyrbowl? He wasn't sure if he could do that. In truth, Rhiyo was fit enough, but noentheless he hadn't really done any physical exercise since he'd come to the Weyr a few sevendays ago! He was probably not accustomed to running or exercising, and he stepped forwards, still pale, and asked Rhia, "excuse me, Candidate Master-urm-what happens if I can't run all the way around three times?" He blushed now, feeling uncomfortable. If Rhia thought he was complaining instead of just asking a question, she might get mad at him. He cringed inwardly, but thought it better to ask now than to find out later-or was it? He tried to maintain eye contact with the Candidate Master, smiling weakly.

~~~~~~

Raska sighed heavily, and turned around when Rhia began speaking. She recognized Akki instantly-the bluerider had spent the gather with her and Tieler both, and she hid a grin as she recalled that day-it had been interesting, to say the least. She glanced over at Tieler briefly, seeing if the other girl was having any reaction to this new news, than back up front at Rhia and Akki. She could tolerate Akki a lot better than Rhia. She might have a measure of respect for the brownrider, but she really didn't like what a pushy mouthpiece the woman was. She was too strict, and all that sharding shells about bowing to her and whatnot? What did she think she was? A +goldrider? She curled her lip disdainfully, wanting to say something about that but holding her tongue in retrospect to not wanting to deal with whatever 'penalties' this woman would put upon anyone who didn't listen to her. Well, she was glad Rhia wasn't the one that she'd have to be around all day long. She would've eventually wanted to snap, what with that woman's infuriating air of superiority. She then frowned as Rhia made mention of chores. Oh, that was just peachy. Likely the woman would give the suck ups and favorites the easy work, and save the rest for people she didn't favor-like Tieler and her. She wanted to make some sharp remark about how unfair this whole thing was, but she would have likely been the only one and once again, she didn't want extra filthy chores or penalties-whatever they might've been.

When Rhia instructed them to run three whole laps around the Weyrbowl, she almost, just almost, shouted something out at that. Instead, she muttered darkly to Tieler, "bowing? Chores? And now she's got us running circles? Shards, I'd like to make HER run around!" She was in a foul mood now, and all the more frustrated because Rhia had the upper hand in all this. She couldn't complain, couldn't make a scene-she couldn't do anything or else that ignorant woman would be all over her like a dragon on a wherry. She muttered a few more curses darkly, and then turned to Tieler and asked, "coming?" before storming out towards the Weyrbowl. She wasn't going to run and risk getting a sharding stitch or puking because she'd tried to hard. No, she'd jog and then maybe run a bit if she felt like it-three laps was, by the first egg, ridiculous to expect anyone to do!

~~~~~~

Kaiya stood up and smiled at Riler before walking closer to the front, motioning for him to come too if he wanted. She brushed a strand of her red hair out of her eyes, and looked at the person Rhia was introducing her to with interest. She didn't think she'd met Akki, but she'd heard that name throughout the Weyr and only in good pretenses. She was rather disappointed that Rhia wouldn't be the one teaching them full time. The woman seemed fair, even if she was a bit strict, and looked like she could handle those two trouble making girls, along with that very blunt young man who'd made the rather comical commentary on his 'baby lump not being born'. She wondered if Akki would be able to handle all the candidate-not that the rider would get any trouble from her, that was for certain.

At Rhia's mention of chores, she pursed her lips and secretly hoped she wouldn't be stuck doing dishes. That was the only chore she abhorred, that and latrines, even though she'd never had to do that before, thank Faranth! She would do whatever was asked, however, and knew that she wouldn't likely have a say anyways. So, putting that from her mind, she listened while Rhia explained about the three tolls of the bell for Candidates and five for Weyrlings, and also about the board. Well, she would be sure to check the board morning and then evening. That way she'd always be sure to never miss anything important or prudent to her. Rhia then instructed them to go and run around the Weyrbowl three times. Kaiya knew how big the bowl was, and knew it was to get them into shape for when they had dragons to take care of. She cringed a little but didn't hesitate to head out for the Weyrbowl and start running at a quick pace. She knew she'd be very tired by the time she was done, but that didn't deter her. She wanted to impress and would do what it took no matter what. Then, too, it wasn't worth not trying, she'd nothing to gain by that-except maybe penalties. She looked to see if Riler was nearby, though talking while you ran was a good way to run out of breath, even silent company wasn't minded!

~~~~~~

Tikal stayed sitting while Akki was introduced, and stayed sitting while Rhia spoke. There wasn't any point getting up just yet if he didn't have to! He was amused by the thought of penalties for not doing what they were told, but as an apprentice-almost made Journeyman-healer? He had a lot of memory and patience. He was easygoing, and not egotistical, which meant he could do whatever chores were assigned without giving it much thought. Chores were chores, and someone had to do them. He figured it was meant to ensure they had a good sense of responsibility. He considered himself to be a very responsible individual, but he figured he'd still need to be more so, if he ever hoped to be responsible for a dragonet. He stretched leisurely and stood up when Rhia told them they'd be doing laps around the Weyrbowl. He was fit enough, and as a healer he knew that staying fit and healthy was important. He himself ran in the morning and evening, as well as swam, all to keep himself in top shape. However, three laps was still a lot, as the Weyrbowl was large, even for him. He'd have to do a fast jog if he hoped to not be walking at the end. He turned back to Khris and said, "I think we ought to stretch first, don't you? Don't want to sprain or pull anything!" With that said, he began stretching right where he was. It wasn't worth it to him to risk hurting oneself just to look like you were following orders right away. He didn't think the Candidate Master Rhia would have much of a problem seeing as how he wasn't merely being idle, he was taking proper procedures in preparing for physical activity like this was.

~~~~~~

Xyrion had his arms folded over his chest, listening quietly to Rhia while brooding over her words in his mind. Well, he could care less who it was that did their training, so long as it got done. That was what mattered. Akki seemed more lenient, but that didn't mean she was more efficient. He eyed the pair up front, summing them up in his own head. Rhia was strict but it would also mean she was fair and just. Akki, he didn't know, she might be more lenient but could she handle the responsibility? Well, Rhia would not have offered it to her if she wasn't capable of doing so. Not that it mattered, really. So long as they were doing what they were asked by either one they'd be eligible to stand. That was what mattered.

Chores? Not like he had anything better to do. It would be a way to kill dead time that he might have spent wandering around aimlessly. The faster time passed until the hatching, the better. He could do anything, really, it didn't matter. He hated latrines because they stunk, but he doubted they'd have to do something that foul unless they did something out of line. Well, he wasn't the out of line sort. He had no wish to get into unnecessary problems with anyone, it was senseless to complain or disobey. Everything had consequences after all. With a bored yawn, he listened on as she explained the board and bells. Well, that was easy enough to remember. He supposed it wouldn't be so hard to check the board. It was outside the barracks after all, easy enough to look at on the way out or in. No pressure there. He wondered how much time training and chores would take up. Hopefully enough to keep him occupied. Too much free time meant a chance to grow bored. He hated being bored. He was bored now, and when Rhia told them to go run, he gave a yawn and glance over at Tikal. The other boy was stretching-well, they hadn't been told to do that, so there wasn't really any point. But it was kind of smart. Getting a cramp or sprain would be stupidly pointless if he could prevent it. He glanced over at the Candidates who were heading out, then back at Tikal. With a shrug and a sigh, he, too began stretching, finishing before Tikal because he couldn't be bothered to do it for that long when he had to get this running thing over with. So, with another yawn and a heavy sigh, he began running at what he figured was an acceptable pace around the Bowl, wishing he had something better to do, even if there wasn't.

[glass]

Renton took in all the information as it was given, nodding when he felt if was nescessary, but staying otherwise silent. He would be pleased if he never had to hear that bell again, but he'd do as he was told. Dragonriders were to be respected, even if they were sort of talking down to you. Not that they didn't have the right, he was just a candidate, after all, and these were full fledged riders...

As far as stepping out of line went, he knew he wouldn't do that, at least he'd try not to. He generally didn't fight; time with the healer, Rahab, at Dantra had taught him better. It only lead to injuries and more anger. Chores didn't bother him either, he rather liked a bit of responsibility as long as he knew he could get the job done. Stepping out of line would not be a problem so far as he could see.

Running, however, was not his forte. He would do his best, and hope that would be enough. He didn't have any problems other than simply being out of practice. He had had little reason to run at home, and he prefered to take his time when he could. He rarely paced himself abve a jog. Still... Around the bowl a few times he could manage, he'd just likely end up in the rear of the pack... As long as he did his best, there was nothing for him to regret. He just hoped the Candidate Masters, as he unconciously refered to them, would see it that way...

He considered stretchng for a moment, as another had done, but decided against it. He was still limre enough from his jog over from the condidate's baracks to manage this. He set out at a steady pace behind those who'd gone ahead of him. He fell behind slightly, but he assumed he'd be fine once their enthusiasm wore off. If not, he'd just have to speed up a bit...

[Spirithawk]

Rhia lightly stretched her muscles, nonchalantly as she kept a straight face. She could hear a few of the Candidates grumbling but that was normal. They would really hate her when she made them move firestone sacks. Laughing softly to herself she turned to Akki. "Shall we run?"

She started running, settling into an easy lope that would carry her swiftly around the Weyr Bowl. The W'lings would be doing that with their dragons and the Candidates tomorrow. The dragonets were able to hover and fly short distances nownow. They would be flying alonside their partners on the morrow to build up wing strength.

"I don't make you guys do anything that I didn't do when I was a Candidate. Oh and for those of you who were grumbling or are thinking of grumbling about chores, you are on a rotation. You will have equal number of days on each chore and everyone does every chore at one point or another unless you have punishment. Then you do your assigned chores and your punishment as well." She was running easily. She always ran with her Candidates. It kept her in shape since she couldn't really spend time drilling with the wings.

[Kino]

[Just gonna assume you meant that Kestrel waved to Kiran, Kestrel xD]

Khris had looked over to Rhia when she began speaking, doing the same as Tikal and staying sitting before she mentioned they were to actually do anything. What she said to them didn't phase Khris in the least. So what if they had to do chores? If that was the case, then living at the Weyr would be no different than living at any of the other places he'd been sent off to. He was prepared to do whatever chores he was told to do.

When the Candidate Master told them that they would be going for a run around the Weyrbowl he felt only a mild twinge of reluctance - and that was only because she'd mentioned they were to go around three times. Still, though, he wasn't worried. Most of the time when he'd been sent to a new hold he'd had to walk - or in many cases, jog. The people he lived with always tended to look at his arrival as if they were getting a new workman on the job, and they wanted him there at a certain time. His directions on how to get to a place usually included a time frame for him to get there during. It wasn't the easiest part of his pre-Weyr life, but it had certainly taught him something about himself. He was fast - agile, he guessed would be the better word. Running was no issue for him.

Khris got to his feet when Tikal did, looking over towards the boy and blinking once when the suggestion to stretch came up. He'd never really gone through an intense stretching preparation before running anywhere, but it certainly wouldn't hurt. With no idea what he was doing, Khris followed after Tikal's actions with a bit of awkwardness in his execution, standing up straight once they were finished and starting after the crowd for their run. He set his speed at the same pace he always traveled at from hold to hold. It was most certainly on the faster side, but it was a speed he'd grown comfortable with through his life. There were three laps to do, but he wasn't worried; if he started getting tired he'd just ease up on his pace a little.

- - -

Kiran caught the wave that Kestrel gave them just before Rhia spoke up, and he turned to look towards the Candidate Master as she started telling them what their training would entail. Chores were simple enough. Kiran had grown up on a farm that had had both herdbeasts and plant crops. There had always been work for him, ever since he'd been young enough to help carry the feed to the animals. Whatever chores they were given here, Jilstherakiran was sure he could handle it.

Then came the news about running the three laps, and he nodded lightly; Rhia's reasoning made sense. They had to be in shape when time came for them to take care of whatever dragonet they might impress. The thought really drilled into his mind, and for the first time since the day he'd been Searched Kiran really felt why it was he'd gone to the Weyr. A chance of impression. The boy smiled and looked around at the other candidates.

He wasn't exactly looking forward to being in pain the next day; Kiran was glad to see that other candidates were taking the initiative to stretch before a run, and he spread his feet to do the same. As he did bent forward to stretch, his shirtsleeves pulled back slightly over his forearms and revealed a black band strapped around his wrist as he did so. Once the stretching was over and done with, he stood back up and shook his arms loose before pressing off and starting after the group of candidates. Jilstherakiran kept himself at an easy jog; it wasn't too strenuous a pace, but with his long legs it kept him going fast enough so that he likely wouldn't be finishing last.

[Torva Anian]

Kallan nodded to Akki completely believing it was to be his search party before Rhia spoke. His broad grin faded a little, they hadn't missed him? Well, it was a Weyr, something more interesting must have happened while he had been missing. Ah well, at least Akki had missed him and tried to make others find him, too bad the other lady just wanted a candidate meeting. He moved closer to the group, muttering, "Kallan," and listened to the other woman speak about bells and boards while glancing around. They really came here just to listen to her talk about bells?

He blinked, three laps? Easy as bubbly pies! He would make it in two candlemarks time, he'd be the fastest little Candidate there. Show the Candidate master that this was one Candidate worth finding. He shook his head slightly and noticed other Candidates had started running already. Oh no they weren't, Kallan was to be the bestest Candidate not they. He chuckled and with a little jump started running again.

It wasn't a dead run, but Kallan definitely wasn't going for an easy pace that a normal person could keep up for three laps. He grinned as he passed the first couple people who had started before him. Yeppers, those Candidates had nothing on him. He'd have a dragon by tomorrow if he keep this type of work up! In addition to actually running, occasionally he'd add in a little jump of excitement as another fantasy of running a dragon's back (the color changed depending on his mood, in one fantasy he got the rarest mutant of all, the Sky! with clouds too!) passed through his mind. He zigzagged a little too, as he couldn't focus enough on where he was going to stay straight and well...it WAS a circle.

After the first half of the first lap Kallan admitted that it might take a little more time than two candlemarks. On top of that, his knee still kinda hurt. His lips pressed into a line, well he'd have to ignore it 'cause dragons were cooler. With a firm nod he kept at his steady run, though a small Tiny voice was insisting that he wouldn't be able to keep up throughout all three laps.

(Poor Kallan lol ^^)

[Akki]

“I’m doing this all for you Mneith.” Akki said with a grin as she nodded towards the big brown. She could sense the amusement coming off of Ebbeth, apparently he thought it was humorous that she was now an assistant candidate master. A smirk grew on Akki’s face as she listened to Rhia, “You’re a scary candidate master Rhia. I absolutely love it.”. She stood beside the brown rider as she began to start the class. As she was introduced she looked over the candidates with a small grin before nodding to them in a greeting. This should be interesting to see, the people that Akki did know saw her as a friend and not really of someone with a higher status. Mind you, if she was going to do this right she had better make sure people knew she wouldn’t play by favorites, no matter if they were close or not. She hid a grin as Rhia mentioned three laps around the Weyr Bowl, and already assumed that there would be moans and groans about this exercise.

Meanwhile, Ebbeth left the comforts of his weyr and fluttered to Mneith’s side. Curiosity had gotten the better of him; he was intrigued to see how the training would go. He shuffled his wings close to his side, his eyes churning a content green as he observed. Akki grinned at Rhia, “I had a feeling we would be joining them. This sure will bring back memories, from a time before we had dragons commenting on everything we do.” She stretched her arms high above her head and nodded. “Well, let’s do this then.” She dropped her arms to her side and began a graceful jog. When she first came to Dark Moon, she had a rather choppy and gruesome running pace but through the training they had to go through she had managed to correct that. And she was glad, now there was no more flailing about.

---

Zuhayr grinned at Rhiyo’s answer; the boy really couldn’t have given a better one. “Agreed. As long as there are tons of people, I’m happy.” He said with a few nods. Sure he liked guys more, but he wouldn’t be Zuhayr if he didn’t flirt (Intentionally or not) with some girls too. It was simply more fun that way. Zuhayr grimaced at the idea of running, and let out a soft groan. He really didn’t mind running, it was actually pretty relaxing if you were into that kind of stuff. It was the idea of his hair flying everywhere and looking like a complete mess. He blew some hair out of his face and sighed, there was no point in complaining though. If he wanted to stand at the hatching, then he would have to do the training no matter how bad he would look in the end of it. Zuhayr grinned at Rhiyo and lightly hit the boy on the back in a comforting matter, “No worries then. If you collapse on the second lap, I’ll carry you. Deal?”

[Sparrow]

Marletta stood on her toes to see Rhia as she spoke. She beamed as the Brownrider announced that Akki would be the Assistant Candidate Master. She had not known Akki for that long but she was glad for the bluerider, it was a great honor. Next time she saw the bluerider outside of the candidate lessons she would congratulate her.

The smile upon Marletta’s face turned to a worried look as Rhia explained what that hatching would be like. Some candidates were maimed, killed?! She bit her lip as she pondered whether or not she had made the right choice in accepting her chance to impress. Though Rhia and Akki were there to make sure they, the candidates, knew what to do, right? The thought of chores and being whipped into shape did not sound very appealing.

Marletta glanced down at her clothes. She was wearing a long skirt, not the best thing to wear while running about the Weyr Bowl. She would definitely have to go about getting more suitable clothes to do her training in. Sighing she gathered up her skirt and started on the run around the Weyr Bowl. If she was not the last to start she would not be the last to finish, she hoped.

[Wolf]

Tieler proceeded to stand there, her gaze slowly going to the newest boy that had come to stand by both Raska and herself. She snorted derisively at him, listening to Raska rant on about the Candidate Master. She shared the girl’s views, right down to the last angrily spoken comment. "We’ll impress, that’s pretty much inevitable,” she told her friend-not even an ounce of doubt in her voice. “If we don’t impress then surely none of these blockheads are going to impress either.” She again swept her gaze over what she saw to be the pathetic lot of Candidates gathered around. She shrugged her shoulders in a careless manner, not expecting to be chuckling, but she couldn’t help herself since Raska’s comment about Leander had been something to laugh over. She really didn’t want to be here right now, actually this was last on her list of places she wanted to be. First on her list was back home. When Marletta greeted her and asked what the meeting was for Tieler rolled her eyes,
“We wouldn’t all be standing around waiting if we knew.” At seeing Akki move up to the front she nearly choked on her air, thumping on her chest a few times as she painfully wheezed out a breath. She stood back up and shuffled some, giving Raska a concerned look. Silence ensued when Rhia gave every one some information that they’d need to remember, along with current instructions. “What the shards?” she leaned over to Raska and whispered, “I’ll tell her where to stick her chores. And what’s up with Akki being here anyhow? I can’t see how she’ll be of much use unless she plans to give every one rides on her back.” She narrowed her eyes, feeling a swell of anger. Then when the mention of penalties was brought up she wasn’t all that surprised; she suspected that some things would never change. Though she was caught off guard at the mention of running… She turned to the Weyrbowl bitterly, listening to Raska’s ongoing complaints. “I’d like to make her eat dirt,” she added, heaving a sigh when Raska asked her if she was coming. “Like I have a choice,” she muttered, giving an additional roll of her eyes before following her friend. She too was not going to push herself past anything more then a jog, if even that. They sure could ask her to run but making her run was a whole different story. Of course she was good at running… and she could always show-up these bunch of dead weights… She shot Raska a smirk before running off, pushing past people who were in her way. “Come on!” she shouted back to her, having a feeling that Raska could show these people up too, or so she hoped.

~~~

“Yes, they are far more majestic aren’t they?” Leander replied with a goofy grin. “Sorry, have no clue as to why we’re here. You think they’d pick a better time in the morning, serve us some breakfast even. I mean, from the way I see it we’re the future of the Weyr if we do impress so might as well start treating us like Lords now so we can better settle in to it later,” he chuckled. He was of course joking but not every one might think so. “You’ll like it here Renton,” he told the boy, “Just keep an open mind is all.” He thumped the boy on the back, appearing quite restless. When a young Bluerider was brought before them he drew his attention to her respectfully… though it surely wasn’t the only reason. He took a few steps forward, bowing before her like he’d been traditionally taught, and had done with the Candidate Master as well. “Well, well, I must say,” he trailed off, looking in to her eyes with an ever-growing smirk. “They did us no wrong by sending you down here to teach us.” He offered a hand to her, “The name’s Leander, respecter of all things naturally beautiful. What might I call you?” The true mystery was how he ever went about talking as he did with a straight face.

When Rhia began to speak he listened, keeping his hand extended to the Bluerider while keeping an eye on the Candidate Master. He nodded along with her words to show that he understood all that she had to say. “Ah yes, penalties,” he began after all was said and done. “You’re conducting yourself in such a fine manner Candidate Master, it’d be a sure surprise for one not to be able to see the experience that you have over many.” His bangs fell in to his brown eye yet he made no movement to shoo them off to the side. He then caught on to the last bit with some sure surprise. “Running says you? Oh, well, splendid idea! I love running! You know, I use to run quite often back at the Harper Hall, how do you think I’ve come to you here looking so fit?” He made a habit of noting what he was good at and shamelessly downing himself for what he lacked in.
He hoped that he’d have a chance to be well acquainted with every one. It’d be a disappointment to miss out on a fun personality along his Candidate journey.

[Spirithawk]

((ROFL Leander is outrageous Wolf))

[kestrel]

Kestrel kept up her ground eating pace, and wasn't surprised really to see that Khris was not too far behind, though he'd started after her. She wasn't going to stop for him to catch up or anything, because it would break her pace, but she wouldn't have minded too much if he did. She knew it wasn't exactly the wisest to talk too much while running or jogging, but a few words here and there wouldn't affect at least her too much.

~~~~~~

Rhiyo heard what Rhia had said, but he wasn't sure if it really was supposed to be an answer or just a general statement. Whichever it was, it didn't really answer his question at all-and he wasn't about to ask it again, as he'd had enough difficulty asking it the first time around. So, he turned to Zuhyar when he spoke up, and grinned sheepishly, and nodded half-heartedly because he wasn't so sure what to say to the other boy's offer. Instead, he just copied the others who were stretching, and then set off, hoping that zuhyar would be nearby somewhere. He watched everyone else running, not quite sure how to proceed. Fast or medium pace? Longer or shorter strides? However, his questions were irrelevant, as he found himself at an easy type of jog that felt comfortable but wasn't too slow. It at least felt familiar to him, and that was something he felt he could deal with better than guessing at how he was supposed to do things. He glanced over to see if Zuhyar was still with him or no, noting that some people were falling in beside one another for the exercise.

~~~~~~

Raska completely agreed with Tieler's added comments, and made no effort to conceal that fact either, nodded conspiratorially at Tieler's words, every now and then shooting a look at Rhia to see if she could possibly overhear any of this. Of course since they were far enough away and were keeping their voices low enough she wouldn't, but Raska figured you could never be too careful. The last thing she needed was to be stuck cleaning out latrines!

When Tieler took off all of a sudden, Raska's eyes widened. What was the girl trying to do, bust a lung? She didn't quite get what Tieler was up to, and for a moment just stood there stock still, wondering what on earth had gotten into the other girl. However, maybe because of her curiosity, she did what she did next. Usually calm and composed, she now broke the composure enough to break off into a run after Tieler, until she came up beside the other girl. She'd had to skirt a few people to get there, but now they were up front of them all, though Raska had a feeling it wasn't such a great idea. They'd tire out before everyone else if they kept the pace up too fast. So, she caught up and then asked, "what're you doing? If you're trying to get ahead of everyone, you won't stay that way for long if you keep running like this!" She had surmised that this was what Tieler was trying to do, though it didn't occur to her right away. Insofar as she was concerned, running when you didn't have to was a waste of time-even if one was competitive, and wanted to beat everyone else. Though the idea of coming in ahead of everyone else was slightly appealing, they'd have to get far ahead and then slow down and pace themselves if they wanted to stay there.

~~~~~~

Tikal was through stretching and motioned with his head towards the Weyrbowl, obviously to tell Khris he was heading out now. He'd stretched sufficiently and now he was setting out at a surprisingly fast pace. He might have been running, or jogging fast, it was unclear, but it was fast in comparison to perhaps everyone but the new boy, and the two girls who were ridiculously trying, very obviously, to come in first. Tikal only laughed lightly when he noted them, running and trying to get ahead, for whatever crazy reason they might have thought up. The pair were amusing, he'd seen them talking quietly under their breaths about something, and from the looks they were trying to conceal but he caught, they were talking about Rhia, the Candidate Master. Obviously neither of them had appreciated their public lecture, or maybe it was the talk of penalties and chores? Oh well, it was none of his concern, anyways. So, he kept doing his thing, wondering if Khris was far behind or closer.

~~~~~~

Kaiya was finding that her 'quick pace' wasn't working too well. She was trying hard to find one that was comfortable for her, but truth be told she was more of a sprinter than a long distance runner. She'd never really had to run any length of distance, and figured that this would be a learning process for her. She saw how the others ran, but it was all at inconsistent levels of speed. Some were tearing off, others were running or jogging at different paces. She looked around and finally her eyes settled on Kestrel. The girl didn't seem to be out of breath, she was taking long, easy strides, which reminded Kaiya of a runner, almost. Her strides seemed light, but Kestrel was still going at a really decent speed. She didn't appear to be out of breath at all, either. So, Kaiya tried to imitate Kestrel. At first she was uneasy with the longer strides, but once she had a feel for it she wasn't doing too badly. She was a lot slower than Kestrel but she figured Kestrel had done a lot of running or pacing, whereas she hadn't and that she had lots of time to improve. So, satisfied, she kept up her own Kestrel-type pace, slower though it might be. She was trying to learn, and trying to complete the given task to the best of her ability, and was sure that the Candidate Master would see that!

~~~~~~

Xyrion watched as others passed him, bemused when Tieler and Raska suddenly took off so quickly. He guessed immediately their plan to try and get ahead and finish first, and he scoffed at this. What a waste of energy. He continued his lazy pace, though to everyone else's eyes, he really wasn't going that slow. It was just slower than most of the people there. There was one girl he was keeping just behind, a red haired one, who seemed to be trying to look at others to see what to do. Xyrion supposed he could run faster if he really wanted to-but he didn't. So he didn't bother. He actually yawned in complete boredom, looking around, squinting up at the bright sun before looking back around the Weyrbowl. He supposed that there was a point to this exercise and train for your dragon thing. Secretly, he really wanted a dragon, so he would tolerate this and make a half-shells attempt to maybe get good enough to maybe be better than he was now. However, he wasn't going out of his way to make it obvious that he was going to make some form of attempt. He might go faster than this if he felt up to it tomorrow. But that was tomorrow. Why worry about tomorrow now? For all he knew he could fall and break his neck and be dead tomorrow. He frowned a little at this thought, and then spied the Candidate Master out of the corner of his eyes, and frowned once more. She was going to do what they did? Shards. Well, it was obvious he wasn't trying very hard, and if she thought he wasn't, he might get told to speed things up. Which would be better? To have her notice that he wasn't trying and to have to speed up anyhow, or to keep going and hope she didn't notice? He sighed inwardly. Decisions, decisions. Well...she'd probably trained many Candidates. Meaning she probably knew those who were trying from those who didn't-and he really wanted that dragon. He sighed outwardly this time, and picked up his pace, wishing that Rhia had stayed back at the Courtyard, but rather musing that it was kind of nice she did what she asked them to do. That, he could agree, was fair.

[Akki]

Akki watched with a small grin as Tieler pushed herself to the front of the group, and couldn't help but wonder if the girl could keep up that pace the entire time? The blue rider much rather keep her steady pace, even if it meant that she would not be ahead of the group. Mind you, this really wasn't a race so it didn't matter that much. She looked over at Marlette and shot the girl a sympathetic grimace as she noticed the skirt, that would definitely not be very fun to run in. She turned and grinned at Rhia and confided good-naturedly, "It seems like we have some interesting characters as candidates Rhia. I think Dark Moon is going to explode with all of these different personalities." She closed her eyes for a moment, and pictured everyone in Dark Moon in her mind and smiled broadly to herself. Of course as soon as her foot got caught on a rock and she stumbled for a second, she realized quite quickly that running with her eyes closed probably wasn't the best decision she had made that day.

Blonde hair bounced wildly with every step and she scowled slightly as strands of it whipped into her face, temporarily blinding her. She eyed Leander with her infamous crooked smile, this boy was obviously a rather outgoing kid. And he seemed quite shamless, he had no problem with chatting her up almost immediately. She grasped his hand for a second before dropping it, "You seem very charming Leander. You're telling me all the right things, flattery will get you places." She knew almost right away that she could have fun with this kid, and chances were he probably wouldn't mind. At least she hoped not, or else this could get boring rather fast. She shot the boy a grin, "Sorry hun, you got to earn it before I can tell you what to call me." Hopefully Leander wasn't thinking that Akki was some polite person with endearingly sweet qualities, because he was probably going to be rather dissapointed.

----

Zuhayr stretched for a moment, raising his arms above his head and arching his back until he hear a small pop in his shoulder. That was probably a good sign that he should stop stretching like that now. He dropped his hands to his sides and watched as Rhiyo picked up an easy pace before following suit. He caught up after a few long strides, and ran his fingers through his hair. "You'll have to promise me that you won't point out how bad I look after this run." Zuhayr said solemnly with a smile, hoping that he wouldn't look /too/ bad. There was nothing more unflattering than being sweaty and having wind swept hair. It just didn't look good on anyone really. He easily ran beside Rhiyo and scanned the candidates before turning back to the boy with a large grin, "So, have anyone you like here yet?"

[Kino]

Khris had kept up the pace he'd started out with, and was finding that it served him just as well in the Weyrbowl as it had when he'd wanted to speed up his traveling on the roadsides. The boy kept relatively close to Tikal; his friend was on the relatively faster side of his height, and since Khris was fairly faster than those of his less-than-tall height it evened them out pretty well. Glancing ahead he caught sight of Kestrel not far away. He didn't call out to her because he'd never had to factor talking into his running pace before, but he did give a nod and a short two-fingered wave when she looked back at him to acknowledge that he'd seen her there.

---

Jilstherakiran hadn't been one of the first to start, but he hadn't been too far towards the back either. He was somewhat on the taller side at this age, but that wasn't the reason that had him loping easily along at a somewhat faster-than-most pace. His legs were long, a trait that - while lending promise to him getting fairly tall with age - had always given him a somewhat gangly look at the age he was currently at. But Kiran had a certain grace to his movements, and it kept him from picking up the clumsy nature that his longer legs might give an impression of.

He glanced around idly as he passed a few other candidates that were taking an easier pace, making a mental 'picture' of each so that even if he didn't know their names he would at least know the faces of the other candidates. Most of them seemed genuinely giving the task they'd been given a good try at a comfortable pace. A few were giving it far more than was probably a good idea, pelting along the weyrbowl's edge in an obvious effort to finish first. Still there were others that - compared to the way the others moved- didn't seem to Kiran to be trying very hard at all. One boy in particular caught his eye for this category as he loped past; he wore a black band around his neck and...actually looked as though he were bored. Jilstherakiran shrugged the observation off and continued on his own way.

[Wolf]

Tieler kept at it, despite Raska's protesting shouts, and the way that others were looking at her as if she had no place to be participating when she didn't give even a quarter of a mark about pleasing any one except for herself. She breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth a couple of times, running on her toes, her feet nearly hitting her butt while she pumped her arms at her sides to gain speed.

"I'd feel pretty pathetic if I just faltered right off the bat," she snorted, turning her head a bit just so that she could look to her friend's face. "I'm used to having to run long stretches every day," she explained. She wished that she would've stretched first too but she really didn't want people to think she was that in to participating. She was just following an order that was the end of it, other then her trying to look good while doing it. She hoped that Raska was, as she had hoped, good with running herself. She then did something she didn't often do, seeing as she hardly ever bothered to remember things about people, or show care for anything involving them. "Where's Kero then, back at the Barracks?" She looked dead ahead, keeping a rather blank look on her face. There was no use in making Raska consider the fact that she may care. Especially since I don't.
~~~

"Charming, huh?" He chuckled, shaking his head while she said that flattery would get him everywhere. "Doubtless I'll forget that key point." He waited for her to tell him her name and then only started to laugh all the more when she said he'd have to earn it. He appeared thoughtful for a moment and then nodded, keeping a good running pace alongside her. "As long as the benefits of earning it are as good as I'm imagining them to be. Not saying that I won't get what I can get, if you catch my drift." He winked, rather liking her already. She was exactly the kind of friend he'd been hoping to make here at Dark Moon: Calm while letting things roll off of her. He studied her for a moment; his thoughtful look returning. "You know, if you had a meat roll on your head I'd probably eat you up. Disappointing, isn't it?" He adopted a small pout, sniffing a few times to show just how disappointed he really was.

Leander often lived in the moment, trying to make a game out of everything. He was a pretty good judge of character, though he gave every one a chance at first. He didn't have grumpy days, or sad days, never wanting to waste a moment of his life being sour. He hid his emotions quite well and remained convincing at all times.

((Its short. My apologies.
Thanks. Its quite unfortunate that it comes naturally to him Hawk. xD ))

[kestrel]

Raska had to agree that they'd look pretty dumb if they just stopped running and slowed their pace to match everyone else's when they'd only just begun. In fact, it'd look downright retarded, and would totally make them look bad. So, she shrugged haphazardly and continued on running beside Tieler, agreeing, "well, not like we have to stop right away or anything. But no one makes three laps around this huge of an area going at this speed the entire way..." she trailed off, and kept on running, adding, "we can probably do one lap, the rest'll be far behind by then." She glanced back, only to see that they were already way out ahead of the others as was. However, not one to argue and agreeing totally that they should keep going for a while, she didn't put up a fuss about it. Not like she wasn't used to running. Truth be told, she actually did like it, not like she was going to do her utmost to do it since it had been an order, though. She loved the feel of the wind whipping through her hair, and racing over the ground, her feet hitting it and sending up dust or making the sounds they did when they hit the earth. Cheesy? Maybe. But who was she going to tell anyway?

She was completely taken by surprise when Tieler inquired as to where Kero was. Sure, Riler had liked Kero, but other than him no one had really taken an interest in him. Not that she cared, as Kero was hers and they were inseparable. She thought for a mere second before jerking a finger towards the knapsack on her back. There was an obvious bulge in it, but no one had thought to inquire as to what she was carrying, and she wasn't about to offer the information and make a scene. But, since Tieler had asked...

"What do you think I'm carrying a knapsack around for? Fun?" She grinned and then admitted, "he wouldn't stay by himself in the barracks. He kept following me out, and I wasn't sure what kind of a hard-shells type of person the Candidate Master would be. So I put him in here, and he knows better than to move around or make noise. I've been transporting him this way secretly since he was a kitten. He knows if he's good I'll give him some treats later, y'know?" She looked up at the sky for a moment, and admitted, "I sneak him in at the dining hall and slip him stuff. He likes that, for sure. Though I don't know if he's big on me running a lot when he's in there-not that he's ever complained though-not like he ever would, either. He's smarter than you think," she said with compunction. She didn't care what people thought of her. Her feline was as well trained as any old canine, or even firelizard! She was proud of him, and moreso than herself, even. He was loyal, and probably her closest friend in this world. She didn't know what she'd do when-well, she didn't want to think about it. Even when she impressed, Kero wouldn't take the back burner to any dragon, no matter what!

~~~~~~

Xyrion was still keeping his easy going pace, noting that Rhia and Akki were joining in, and frowning a little. Good for them that they weren't waiting around, watching the Candidates do all the work. Bad for him that he might actually have to speed it up, if only by a notch. Well, they might think he was just out of shape. Who cared if they did, though? He knew he wasn't, but he felt like a kid being told to run around in circles. Not, he supposed, that that mattered either. It didn't hurt him any, so why should he care? Truth was, he didn't.

In fact, he was quite content to just keep going along, and not caring. A tall boy ran past him, going at a faster pace just like the rest of them. Only, unlike the rest of them, his shirt notably came up above his wrists, maybe because his arms were so long, who knew? Xyrion would've never noticed it if the boy hadn't passed so close by him. Wouldn't have noticed it if it were anything but what it was. The boy ran on past, while Xyrion stared at him, narrowing his eyes, wondering if he'd seen what he'd seen, and wondering if he could possibly have been mistaken. The shirt came up above the boy's wrist again, and though the boy had passed him, though he was so much further up ahead that most people would never have seen it if they'd not been purposely squinting their eyes and looking for it, he was sure.

Like a shot he was off, so fast that his feet were almost a blur. Much faster than anyone, including the two girls out front would have imagined him capable of going. So fast that he passed one person, than the next, leaving his dust trail kicked up behind him. Yes, Xyrion was like a bullet, a streak of lightning, and the pace was full of hard intent and fury. Suddenly, he launched himself through the air, so hard and so abruptly that he actually got a fair amount of air from the spot he left...

He hit Jilsthekiran with such a force that they actually slid across the ground a few feet before they came to a stop. He came up a bit, and roughly threw the other boy over onto his back, his eyes cold and full of fury as he said in a deadly serious tone, "GIVE IT BACK!" His eyes were wide, cold, and so intensive in their look that he looked like another person entirely. No longer was he the quiet, without a worry boy that he'd presented himself as thus far. No longer was he minding his own business, and keeping his thoughts to himself. No, this Xyrion was someone entirely different, or appeared to be. His steel blue-grey eyes never left those of the other boy, who was probably thinking he'd never be caught. The nerve of him, to steal it than wear it, right in front of him! Did he think it was funny? Think he was special for having stolen Xyrion's one thing he truly cared about? How had he even gotten it? Xyrion never took it off, for it was made to endure cold, heat, water, sweat-anything. It would have been quite expensive, even if it were only simple to look at, for it had been lovingly made-made for him-by his own mother.

[Kino]

A few moments later and Jilstherakiran wasn't even thinking of the other candidates he'd just passed, and was already flitting from thought to random thought as he continued on his way, loping along. He was gently tugged out of his thoughts a moment after that by a various murmer here and there from the others running near him. It was enough so that the boy turned to glance over his shoulders, and his eyes flashed wide at the sight that greeted him.

Kiran didn't have time to even blink before he was bowled over by the boy flying at him. A yelp tore free of his throat half in surprise and half from the impact as he landed with a 'thump' against the ground. He squinted his eyes shut and grit his teeth against the impact, and kept them that way while he slid across the sand; his chin felt a bit burned from the friction, but he didn't have time to dwell on that before he was turned roughly over onto his back and gripped tightly.

"GIVE IT BACK!"

He blinked owlishly at the demand, but he could tell from the look in the boy's eyes and the strain in his voice that he was serious. Jilstherakiran wasn't at all sure what to do in the situation. What on Pern was this other boy talking about? "I'm...sorry," he started, blinking slowly and doing his best to keep his voice calm, despite the unsureness he felt about the situation. "I really have no idea what you're talking about. Give what back?"

[Spirithawk]

Rhia heard the yell and turned, running backwards so that she could see the Candidates. "Woah. What's going on?" She sprinted back, noting that Kiran was on the ground with Xyrion.

She ran back to them. Mneith raised himself from his ledge next to Ebbeth, his eyes whirling with yellow, wings half extended in case he had to come to his rider's rescue.

"Break it up NOW!" She shouted as she reached the two Candidates. She reached for Xyrion. If he didn't get off she would yank the Candidate off. She had been trained in how to throw a full grown man. All the dragonriders took self-defence training as part of their lessons.

[Akki]

Akki crooked her eyebrow at Leanders brashness, but grinned at it anyways. It felt good to be having banter with someone, alot of times someone took it seriously and it got awkward fast. At least now she knew she found a suitable person to talk with if she wanted to just have some verbal fun. She grinned a sly, crooked smile, "Do I look like the kind of person who would let you down? Of course they'd be as good as you imagine them to be, maybe even better if you're really lucky.". She made a small 'Pfft' noise at the comment of him wanting her to be a meat roll. Her blonde hair bounced on her back as she also looked rather dissapointed with his comment. "A meat roll? Hardly. Darling, don't you know I'm more of a sweet roll?" She was about to cast Leander a wink, but before she could she watched as someone tackled someone to the ground. She cursed under her breath, wondering if Leander would notice after Rhia had told them no cursing in their prescence before seperating herself from the boy and jogging over to where the fighting was going.

Ebbeth also rose himself off of the ledge like Mneith had. He crouched, ready to jump into action if it was called for. It seemed as if the lesson was taking an interesting turn.

She reached the scuffle just a moment after Rhia and stared down at the two boys with what seemed like dissapointment. She stood with her hip jutted out, a hand resting on it as she surveyed what was in front of her...well, what was on the ground in front of her. "Get off of him." Akki said rather flatly. It was her first day helping out, she had no intentions of letting it get ruined.