Weyrling/Wherling Graduation Ceremony

[Houka Ryuu]

IC Date: September 25, 2012
IC Time: Around nine in the morning
IC Setting: A cool cloudy morning with temperatures around 60.

Headwoman Mira at the Weyrbowl
Mira supervised the servants as they put out chairs, a dais, and other needful materials for the folks to attend the first ever Graduation Ceremony in Rocky Weyr. She made sure that there will be enough chairs for everyone who lived in the weyr, as well as, for those few government officials that were invited to attend the ceremony. But that wasn't all she was taking care off, she was also supervising the food being prepared inside the Dining Hall for after the ceremony is over. It was a good thing that there were many servants in the Weyr that she could order about like minions to do her bidding.

Weyrlingmaster L'gar in the Common Room
It was only just past eight in the morning, L'gar took a look at the list of the graduating Weyrlings once more. He had been up all night making up the list. He yawned as he read the names trying to think if he had left anybody out. There were just so many things to do to make living in Rocky Weyr better that he hasn't been the most attentive of Weyrlingmasters compared to those in Pern. With a sigh, he shook his head and hoped that he hadn't left anyone out. Still, they could always just come out and tell him that their dragon or wher was over two years of age. Anyways, he shook the paper with the list of names that he was holding and posted it up in the common room where everyone will at least read the list.

ATTENTION WEYRLINGS!

The Graduation Ceremony will be held out in the Weyrbowl today at nine in the morning. Only those who are named below will finally join the rank of Dragonriders in the Weyr.

Dragonriders
Goldrider Miyuki Akihara of Gold Fayeth
Bronzerider Shinji of Bronze Wrath
Bronzerider Lawrence of Bronze Elonverrilth
Brownrider Liam of Black Skirth
Brownrider Lyrah of Brown Kyrinth
Brownrider S'tor of Brown Ryath
Bluerider Daniel Schwarz of Blue Streeth
Bluerider Ku'rt of Blue Aricoth
Greenrider Lesla of Green Houkath
Greenrider Kumiko of Green Raynith
Greenrider Shasta of Green Quith

Chimera Dragonriders
Chimera Bluerider Hy'ka of Blue Brynath
Chimera Bluerider Tag of Blue-Green Halderoth
Chimera Greenrider Nakia of Grenn-Gold Isath

Weyrlings, if you feel that you should be on this list, then please do let me know.

Signed by,
Weyrlingmaster L'gar

Beside the Weyrling list, L'gar also put up a list of graduating Wherlings that Kye had given him. At least he didn't have to worry about the Wherlings, poor Kye and the Wherlings would need to stay up past their bed time in order to be in the graduation ceremony.

ATTENTION WHERLINGS!

The Graduation Ceremony will be held out in the Weyrbowl today at nine in the morning. Only those who are named below will finally join the Wherhandlers of the Weyr.

Wherhandlers
Bronzehandler Lakeen of Bronze Lakeesk
Brownhandler Riley of Brown Risk
Bluehandler Trinity of Blue Trinsk
Whitehandler Sasha of White Sashask

Wherlings, if you feel that you should be on this list, then please do let me know.

Signed by,
Wherlingsmaster Kye

L'gar looked at the two posted notices. He couldn't believe how many were finally graduating. It wasn't as many as there could have been, if they were back in Pern but, there was a decent amount of Weyrlings about to graduate. With the notices posted on the bulletin board, L'gar left the Common Room to await the Weyrlings at the Weyrbowl where the Graduation Ceremony was to be held.

[FaizahPandora]

Graduation. The transition from Weyrling to Rider. It would have been needless to say that Kumiko was excited, as was Raynith. In fact, the two of them were at the lake with Nakia and her chimera dragon. Kumiko was scrubbing Raynith clean, and then she was going to get a complete oiling. Both Kumiko and Raynith wanted to look their best.

Kumiko looked over at Nakia, smiling. "Are you excited?" She asked.

Nakia looked up from rinsing Isath's flank. "You bet your bottom dollar I am." She grinned back at Kumiko.

Nakia's flits were scrubbing Isath's headknobs, and getting a bath at the same time. Nakia grinned. That had been her idea. Kill six birds with one stone, if she wanted to count all the flits. They were getting an oiling as well, so they would look their best too.

Elsewhere in the Weyr, Lakeen was oiling Lakeesk while sipping a cup of coffee. She had tried to go to bed late the previous day so that she wouldn't be so tired. But it had failed. She was exhausted, not quite sure why, and just wanted to sleep. But she and Lakeesk were expected to attend the Graduation, since afterwards they would be considered a Wherhandler.

She was excited. Don't let her fool you. But she was so tired too, and the coffee wasn't working as fast as she would have liked. From the bed, the newly oiled Maria chirped. Lakeen waved a hand at her, trying to shush the creature. Mari was pawing at the dress that Lakeen had laid out. Which was the dress that she was going to wear to the graduation.

[shadowreine]

Finally.

In truth, S'tor should have graduated months ago. But the change of Weyr and everything else had set him back. Everything else meaning and including Ryath's issues.

Now, though, he was finally able to don his best clothes...once Ryath was oiled to a shine anyway. He even took the time to oil Lordly, the now almost fully grown bronze being quite willing to be a bright shoulder ornament. Especially if it meant other people would be looking at him.

Nakia was graduating as well, her own ceremony also set back, in part by the pregnancy. Naktor was worth it, though...even if Nakia didn't openly agree with him. He knew she had some fondness for their son, but it was not a true mother's closeness.

Fair enough. Some women, he had come to realize, had about the maternal instincts of the average green...and he still disagreed with leaving as many greens fertile as they had.

Well. He had no power to change that and some of them could be trusted with firestone no more than Ryath could.

"Okay. I think we're ready," he informed his brown, moving to mount up for the short flight to the center of the weyrbowl.

[yaoiwafflez]

Yawn.

Wave at L'gar.

Yawn. Yawn again. Debate taking a nap under his sun-goggles. Get bitten.

"SHAFFIT KYESK!" Kye yepled as he rubbed the hand that the wher had just nipped at. "Didja have to do that?"

Yes. The bronze wher replied sassily. If I do not get to sleep, you do not get to sleep. He settled back down, squinting his eyes against the early morning sun, and got an affectionate hedrub from his handler.

Kye just tried to not look too bored or jumpy and fiddled with a lighter (wonderful inventions) before lighting a smoke and taking a drag. Bad habit he'd been informed but one he had never tried to break. He was here, wasn;t he? They could hardly complain. he just had to wait for the wherlings to show up; not that there were a bunch of them.

Lakeen and her bronze, Trinity and her much-loathed blue (he wondered why the little guy even stayed bonded to her), the rather offensive Sasha and his monstrous white, and of course, Riley and Risk, who he knew...intimately.

Kye smirked, and it was apparently just lewd enough that Riley, walking in behind him, smacked him.

"Stop smirking, it's creepy." Riley was, as ever, smartly dressed and in nearly pure white, except for a dark red-brown tie and pocket handkerchief. Kye thought that wasn't fair- he was a handler, how did he stay so CLEAN all the time?

Risk did not say anything and just nuzzled Kyesk happily. Most whers were not so friendly to each other but Risk had grown up with the bronze. Kyesk groused a response and sent the pair of them off to the wherling's assembly area, and again reminded Kye to stand up straight.

Kye sighed, and just hoped the others would show up.

~~~~

"<MIYUKI HURRY UP!>" The loud shout in japanese was combined with Shinji's banging on his sister's door. The young man had been ready twenty minutes ago but as usual his entirely female sister was taking much longer. He didn;t understand the big deal- it was graduation. He was waring a nice shirt, nice pants, didn't have his hair in a mohawk (though still broghtly colored as ever). He had been kicked out of the room as she finished getting dressed and was waiting in the hallway now. Impatiently.

"<MIYUKIIIIIIIIII->" He was interrupted by the door swinging open. he was assaulted by a swirl of perfume and fabric as Miyuki dashed into the hall to show off her outfit. A rather typical flowery dress, black and white with lace and ruffles, stockings, high boots- one of her Shibuya lolitat things, he guessed. But wait-

"<Like it?>" Miyuki asked, twirling a bright bubblegum pink strand of hair around her finger. Her dress had a new addition, strings of elaborate gold beading all around it and a gold dragon embroidered on the skirt.

Shinji laughed and grinned. "<It's cute. Very pretty, very appropriate. But we're still going to be late.>"

Miyuki hit him. "<You're a jerk and very cruel to your adorable little sister. But if you insist!>" She grabbed his wrist and dragged him through her room to the weyrledge where both their dragons rested.

Fayeth was reclined casually, while Wrath hovered by her a little nervously, a little protectively. Even with his medications and a lot of practice on Shinjiro's control over him the bronze was still nervous left alone, and he and his sister thought it best that if Shinji had to leave him he should be watched by a gold- even in his most terrified, paranoid rages he still couldn't disobey a gold. Both dragons were naturally well-oiled and nearly shining in the sun, their metallic hides catching the light. Their riders were proud of them and had no problem polishing them to look their best for a special occasion like this.

Shinjiro? The bronze said, relaxing as Shinji swung up onto his back. I was worried...where are we going?

"<Weyrling graduation! Come on, Wrath; Follow Fayeth. We're going to the bowl!>"

The bronze rumbled his agreement, and they waited as Miyuki delicately settled herself on her queen's neck. The tired-looking gold seemed more energetic than usual, and nearly radiated pride.

Yes, come along, Wrath. We're going to be proper riders now. Shall we? SHe raised herself to her feet, took a deep, steadying breath, and tipped forward off her ledge to glide down to the bowl. wrath followed soon after.

The gold and bronze landed near L'gar, gave greeting to him and Zedoreth, and made their way to their places. Wrath stuck rather close to Fayeth, while the gold just settled down onto her stomach and rested. Even the short flight had her heart beating faster; Miyuki ran a hand along her lovely gold's neck and slid off her back.

"Be good, Wrath." Shinji reminded his bronze as he switched back to English for the remainder of the ceremony. The bronze merely rumbled and looked tense, so Shinjiro leaned against his foreleg and shsushed him. He quieted down quickly, and began to look more excited. He even warbled a greeting at the dragon he saw heading in, and Shinji waved casually to S'tor.

[redwerecat]

Some of the weyrlings hadn't really gotten the message that this was a black tie even, as it seemed some of the others had. Well, anyway, Liam.

Who was dressed in black jeans, a t-shirt, and a leather jacket. Normal gear for the man, really. (Some actually wondered if he owned anything nicer.) Skirth was perched next to him on his ledge, and the tall rider just sighed, rubbed his head, and took comfort in the steady backing of his brown-not-brown dragon.

"Come on. We don;t have to talk to them, I guess, right...?" He said, finally, sounding tired. He was, too, Gideon had been off being an ass, and Liam still felt responsible for the broken teenager much of the time. Skirth merely ducked his head in answer, sent a wave of reassurance to his rider, and crouched so Liam could swing onto his back for the short flight to the bowl.

We're really going to be riders now, Mine. That doesn't excite you...? Skirth said finally, once they were on the ground and milling about slightly off to the side of the others present- the Japanese kids got a wave, and Skirth had flicked a wing to Ryath in greeting. A bubble of excitement tinted his mindvoice, and even as normally reclusive as Liam was, he couldn't help but smile.

"Yeah. I'm proud of you, kid."

Skirth strutted proudly, and arched his neck. We're pretty cool.

A wispy sort of undefined voice cut into their conversation, and Skirth turned to find a very familiar blue-green-teal dragon pacing past, his easily recognizable red-haired rider on his shoulders.

Greetings, Skirth. Halderoth said to the bigger dragon, nuzzling his side in a familiarity bred of years of association. Skirth just nodded to the chimera dragon, and Liam rather awkwardly tried to ignore Tag entirely.

Which was fine. Tag frowned, and huddled slightly further into his long wool coat, and Halderoth caught his intention and padded away to where the blues and greens would be.

Skirth snorted, and side-eyed his rider, but wisely said nothing.

~~~

In a different direction and tall blonde woman shuffled in, hair hanging across her face as she glared a dare at anyone dumb enough to try to talk to her. At her side paced a blue wher, prettily marked and more than obviously following her with all the love of a giant puppy. Trinsk shoved his head under his handler's palm when she stopped, and though he kept pawing at his eyes and whining softly at the sunlight, a few hushed words from his pretty- if haggard-looking- handler soothed him easily enough.

He just wriggled his butt in the air and pawed at his face as he spotted Risk and Kyesk. Trinity ignored his discomfort around the other whers, and simply gave the wherlingmaster a haughty look.

"We showed up, what more does the slacker want?" She hissed, and folded her arms, closed her eyes, and prayed for this to be over quickly.

On the other side came a much less attractive figure- Trinity was a striking woman even wrapped in a heavy sweater and nondescript skirt. The man pacing along without a care in the world was something else entirely. Sasha was tall and thin and, as usual, smoking on the walk from the handler's caverns to the weyrbowl. Behind him flitted a chipper blue firelizard, and at his side, a handsome Malamute, no leash. Yanni was trained into behaving.

And behind THEM stomped the fully grown monster of a wher Sasha had bonded. Gleaming white hide sparkling with oil in the light, it still did little to detract that aside from a fully grown gold, Sashask was HUGE. She waddled as she walked, odd gait due to her mutation- no wings adorned her back, but a second set of forelegs crowded in with her first set, making her balance rather awkward. And as she dragged her tail on the ground, even her striking coloring was nothing in comparison to the furious red-eyed glare she was giving everyone.

Sasha just held up a hand and she halted though, responding to something he snapped off in sharp Russian, and she plopped her fat, six-legged butt down next to him and pressed her head into his chest. The 'handler grinned, and wiped a bit of droll from his collar, and then just ignored the mess she might be making. They were present, little more anyone could ask for.

And heaven help them if they DID want to ask.

[Wolfy]

Lyrah, as always, had woken even as the sun turned the far eastern sky from the dark of night to the pale shades of morning. And knowing well how Kyrinth would get iritated if she became busy, she refrained from going to the kitchens in the early hours. Instead, she began to silently, carefully, oil the Brown's immense bulk.

As the minutes slowly ticked away, her fair, one by one, awoke and joined her in the task. It was slow-going, as they did not wish to wake him.

It was not until long past seven o'clock that Kyrinth stirred and rose from his sleep. What are you doing, Lyrah?[/color] he asked sleepily as he yawned and stretched, almost like a huge winged cat.

Getting you and the little ones ready for the ceremony today, she answered as she ducked under him and began on his underside. We must look perfect when we become riders. She worked in silence for a few more minutes, finishing Kyrinth's oiling with one last quick swip over his wings. Standing back from him, Lyrah judged that he looked positively gorgeous, his rust brown hide shining in the light.

Nodding to herself in satisfaction, she called to he fair one by one. The three youngest siblings, Fox and Prince and Surprise, had oiled themselves as they had worked at oiling Kyrinth. They only needed some slight polishing in places, and then they were finished. Snowfire and Kaena, on the other hand, had been more careful and had not gotten so much on them. After deftly oiling them, Lyrah went to bathe.

A half hour later, she could be found wearing the outfit she had very carefully set out the night before. Long, ironed white slacks swished around her legs. A gold and white, lacy tank top fit skin-tight to her. Covering the top was a dark green business jacket with only one button holding it closed. She golden wedges on her feet. Lyrah's long hair, still damp, had been shaped into an elegant French twist.

It is nearly nine o'clock, mine. We should go now.[/color] Lyrah flashed a grin to the dragon. After dabbing on a last bit of gold and green eyeshadow, she carefully climbed onto Kyrinth. We are not Weyrling, at long last,[/color] he said happily as he leapt into the air outside thier weyr. Kyrinth had become increasingly frustrated of late, knowng that he was still not considered to be a true dragon with a true Rider. He had a serious inferiority complex when it came doqn to it. He was in need of truerank, not just, well, weyrling rank. That was not enough for him.

They landed near the chairs. Waving to L'gar and her fellow graduates, she slid to the ground and beamed. This was thier day, and she would make the most of it.

[Houka Ryuu]

((OOC: If you don't want your non-graduating weyrling or wherling to attend, you don't have to. However, seating arrangement has been reserved for them by Mira. ^_^ After all, this is a weyr-wde event and everyone is invited to attend.))

Weyrlingmaster L'gar & Brown Zedoreth
L'gar squinted in the morning light. Up in their weyr ledge somewhere, Zedoreth basked under the morning sun. Are you coming down here? You big lunk? L'gar called to his Brown dragon.

I will when it's time. Besides, even Gorth isn't there yet. Zedoreth told His. With a shuffle, he settled back down to catch more rays of the sun.

L'gar just shook his head but made his way to take his seat near the dais. There were two sections of seats with the left hand, in the front row near the dais, there were seats reserved for the Weyrleader and Weyrwoman, the Junior the seats for the other masters like the Wherlingmaster, the Dragon Candidatemaster, the Wher Candidatemaster, as well as their assistant if they had any. On the second row were the seats for the goverment officials, and other important weyr visitors that have been invited for this Graduation Ceremony. On the third row were the seats for the current Riders and Wherhandelers of the weyr. On the fourth row were the seats for the current Weyrlings and Wherlings of the weyr. On the fifth and further rows, were the seats for those weyrfolks that wanted to be present at Rocky Weyr's first ever Graduation Ceremony. On either side of the dais, places were reserved for White Surth and Bronze Gorth where they could watch and wait during the graduation ceremony.

The graduating weyrlings and wherlings will be seated on the right hand section. Their seats were given enough gaps in between chairs so that their dragons or whers can be beside them while they waited for their names to be called. And behind them, other dragons and whers may choose to wait there to watch the proceedings, unless they'd rather watch from their own weyr ledges. Once in a while, L'gar looked behind him to see if all the graduating weyrlings have finally arrived. After all, he'll be the one in charge of actually hosting the ceremony. Well, one of the ones in charge. He's only concern were the Weyrlings. Kye will be the one in charge for the Wherlings.

Lesla
Lesla gave Houkath a final pat on her hide as she finished giving her green an oiling. They, Houkath and her, had been up early to have a bath in the lake, and an oiling once Houkath's hide had dried enough. It had only been a few weeks since Houkath had her maiden flight. She was glad that was over with and glad that she hadn't inhibited in making Houkath make her choice without influencing her. She thought back to the flight, and blushed as she almost remembered what went on in the flight room after Houkath had made her choice. With a shake of head, she stopped herself from wool-gathering. Standing up from her position, she nodded as she inspected Houkath's glistening hide. And now, it was her turn to make herself more presentable. There wasn't much time when she went inside her private bathroom. She took a quick shower, and changed her clothes. She sighed a she contemplated the dress that was on her bed.

Houkath looked at Hers. After a while, when Hers still hadn't started dressing, she said, What are you staring at, Mine? We'll be late if you don't start dressing. As she shuffled to go outside the weyr. I'll wait for you outside the ledge while you dress. Houkath added as she went outside the weyr.

Lesla startled when she heard Houkath's voice in her head. Before she could make a reply, she saw her green going outside to wait. With a shrug of her shoulders, she said, Alright, I'll be out in a minute. to Houkath who was already outside. With a reluctance, she put on the light green dress and started to come her hair. The dress had been sent to her by her parents who were back at Pern. There hasn't been an occasion to wear the dress, but now seemed the right time to do so. With the dress now donned, Lesla fixed her hair. Her hair was still long, brushed it down her back. She debated whether to put it up or leave it down. With a shrug, she just left her hair down. Besides, she'd be late if she wanted to put her hair up.

Once she was done preparing, she looked around her weyr for her flits. Brown Seichou was already up and out with Houkath, Bronze Zeus was still on her bed sleeping, Her greens, Lovely, Jade, and Xena were up and about looking at her. Brown Dragomir was also up and with the greens. Smiling fondly are her flock of flitts, Lesla went to her bed to collect Zeus. It wouldn't do to leave the big bronze behind. "Come on you sleepy head. Time to wake up. We'll be late for the ceremony if you don't get a move on." Lesla said a she gathered Zeus. To the others, she said, "And you four, don't just sit there looking at me. Let's go." as she walked outside to where Houkath was waiting. She saw Seichou sitting on top Houkath's head. When Zeus was sufficiently awake from his slumber, she let him perch on her right shoulder. "Okay Houkath, I'm ready, let's go down to the Weyrbowl." Lesla said as she climbed atop Houkath. To her flitts, she sent the image of where she and Houkath were going.

Since they weren't going far, Lesla didn't bother with Houkath's riding harness, nor did she wear her riding gear. Houkath waited until Hers had seated before she opened her wings and glided down to the bowl. She saw that others were there already, as well as Liam of Black Skirth. Once again, she blushed as she saw him. She wondered if they were the last to arrive and hurried once Houkath landed. Her flitts, Seichou stayed with Houkath as she Lesla made her way to where the other other weyrlings were. Zeus was still with her perched on her right shoulder. Lovely decided to be with her, and perched on her left shoulder. As for rest, they stayed with Houkath and Seichou.

Samari
Samari groaned as she pinched herself to keep awake. She would have loved to drink coffee, but she wasn't sure if the caffeine will be harmful to her baby which was why she abstained from the drink. She didn't really have to be at the Graduation Ceremony, but a place had been reserved for her if she wanted to attend. She already knew that Samarsk wasn't going to want to be up past her bed time. Her flitts hopefully will be too tired to want to come. With a sigh, she walked out of her weyr to go to the weyrbowl. Hopefully, the ceremony won't take too long. She really didn't want to fall asleep while the ceremony was being held. That'd be just too embarrassing.

As she made her way to her seat, she saw that Weyrlingmaster L'gar and Wherlingmaster Kye were already present. She wondering idly where Kain was. He and Faizah were the most important folk that should attend the ceremony. And as she thought of Kain, her right hand unconsciouly went to her stomach, as if to feel the baby that was growing in there. She nodded a greeting at the Weyrlingmaster and the Wherlingmaster. She didn't really have the energy to say hi and converse with them so she hoped that they won't be offended if she just went straight to her seat and wait. Hopefully she can take a quick nap while she waited for the ceremony to begin.

[FaizahPandora]

Faizah was already heading down to the 'bowl, Naktor in hand and Reyna on her shoulder. The flit, along with Surth, had gotten a fresh oiling that morning. And they were looking wonderful. Naktor was similiarly good looking, dressed in his first suite. A interesting site, considering he was only three months old, but Faizah found him cute.

You may want to hurry, mine. Gorth and Kain are here, as are a few of the graduates. L'gar appears to be getting impatient.

Faizah sighed, rolling her eyes slightly. She still needed to get everyone over there. It was Nakia and Lakeen's graduation, and she didn't want any of the family to miss it.

---

Kain took his seat, a freshly oiled Gorth taking his spot where Zed had showed him. A few of the graduates had already arrived, but Faizah wasn't there yet. A shadow passed over Kain, and he looked up to see what it was. He saw Surth, and smiled. That meant Faizah wasn't far behind. Which was good, because Kain didn't know what he was supposed to be doing.

[phyrstyr]

The sunrise… it would be beautiful if you didn’t have to wake so early to see it. Daniel was a night owl himself, and proud of it. But it was no help to him today. Be there at nine, it said. Daniel thought to himself. Be there at nine and wake up at six.

Come on Mine, it’s not so bad! Smell the crisp morning air! I think it’s quite lovely. Streeth, the Blue-weyrling-soon-to-be-rider’s dragon, was ever his upbeat and downright jovial self. He playfully flicked Daniel with his tail. Now make me clean! Please.

A few hours and a clean dragon later, Daniel was running late. He rushed about trying to find all his things. Clothes? On the bed. Shower? Daniel sniffed at himself. “ugh!” he exclaimed disgustedly. He couldn’t even PRETEND he was clean… So he jumped in the shower for a minute and was satisfied. He got dressed and fixed his hair then jumped on Streeth, who was waiting at the ready to bring them to the ‘Bowl.

They got there just as Surth did. Goodmorning White Surth! Streeth said as he trumpeted in greeting. Then the Blue dove down to land near the other dragons. He let his rider off and promptly got comfortable, leaving Daniel to walk over to the other weyrling-but-almost-riders. He looked around at the others assembled and stood awkwardly as he wondered what to do next…
---
Oh the sunrise! So lovely! So invigorating! Shasta loved the morning, especially in the Autumn. The fresh air, the colorful leaves – it made waking up worthwhile. “Quith my heart! Time to wake up!” the weyrling called to her green. She just about bound over to her dragon, she was so excited. “Guess what today is!!”

The sightless dragon raised her head as a physical indication of her awake-ness. To Hers, she said, Of course I know mine! Im so excited to finally become a proper rider and dragon!

After they were both all ready they headed through the corridors to the weyr bowl. They had time to spare and though they were both excited they took their time and enjoyed the walk. this will be our last time walking through these halls as weyrlings, Mine. It’s so... strange. Quth said as she leaned down to give Hers a playful shove with her head.

“It’s hard to believe… but I definitely think you deserve this, Quith.” Shasta smiled at her blind dragon and scratched her eye ridges, sending happy thoughts her way. And of course so do you! I couldn’t be here without you. the green said as she sent happy thoughts back to her rider.

They got to the bowl right on time and separated to their designated spots, Shasta sending Quith images along the way so the dragon wouldn’t go astray. They both knew she didn’t really need it, but they both enjoyed it. Shasta’s flitter hoard converged then on the weyrling, sensing her excitement. They had been playing with the other firelizards in the bowl but wanted to see TheirPrettyOne now. Swooping, diving, clinging, and fighting for space on her small frame, they expressed their love for her. She sent them a picture of Quith and, now desiring to see TheirBigOne they mobed together and converged on the dragon. Quith snorted with good natured surprise and gave a dragonic chuckle when Shasta sent her a view of all five firelizards perched on her back.

Today would be a great day. Both rider and dragon knew it.

[Houka Ryuu]

Weyrlingmaster L'gar & Brown Zedoreth
L'gar once more looked back to see if all the graduating weyrlings had arrived. The time was nearing for him to start the ceremony. He nodded a greeting at Kain as the Weyrleader took his seat. At the hour, L'gar stood up to go to the podium atop the dais. He wasn't really sure what he should say. The new dragonriders weren't expected to fight Thread and, there wasn't as much commotion back in the Weyrs of Pern when weyrling graduation occurs. True, the new riders are given their rank knots, but there was no such thing being employed here. There seemed to be certificates though. He had asked Mira about them, and she had informed him that those were for the graduating weyrlings. Well, he supposed that the certificates replaces the rank knots that new riders would have gotten back on Pern.

When Brown Zedoreth saw White Surth's shadow pass over him, he knew that it was time to take himself to the Weyrbowl. Besides, he could see from where he was that almost everybody had finally arrived. With a stretch of wings, he launched himself off of the ledge of his weyr and glided down to the weyrbowl. He made his way to his designated spot and settled to watch the proceedings as he told his rider that he was finally there. I'm here, Mine. was all Zedoreth told His as he settled down.

Once on the podium, L'gar tapped on the microphone and cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "I hope everyone's seated. Anyways, we are here to celebrate the Weyrlings and Wherlings who will graduate to become Dragonriders and Wherhandlers." L'gar said as he addressed the audience. Looking at the Weyrlings and Wherlings, he said, "There may not be Thread here to fight here on Earth, but nonetheless, do not think of ourselves as lacking in knowledge or ability from those who come from Pern." L'gar didn't know what more to say to the new Riders and Handlers.

Looking over at the Weyrleader, he said, "If I could have the Weyrleader join me up here hand over the Certificate of Graduation, that would be great. We'll get this Ceremony started." While L'gar waited for Kain to join him, he told the Weyrlings and Wherlings what will happen during the ceremony. "I will be the one to call on the Weyrlings who will be graduating. Wherlingmaster Kye will be the one to call on the Wherlings who will be graduation. When your name is called, please come up to the stage. Weyrleader Kain will hand over your Certificate. Once you have your Certificate, shake the Weyrleader's hand, and then please exit the stage. You may either go back to your seat, or you and your dragon may exhibit some flying manuevers that you have learned." L'gar said.

Once he was done speaking, and making sure that Kain was there to hand over the Certificate for the Weyrling, he called on the first graduating Weyrling. "Goldrider Miyuki Akihara of Gold Fayeth!" L'gar stated.

Y'ume
Y'ume ran towards the Weyrbowl. He was running late as he dodged folks that were also on their way to the Weyrbowl. Firenth was already with the crowd of dragons that wanted to watch the ceremony. With a last hurdle, he made his way to where he was supposed to sit just as he saw L'gar go up the stage. He breathed a sigh of relief that he wasn't late. This Ceremony was something new for Y'ume. Pern didn't do things like this when the new riders graduated. They were just invited to site with the rest of the dragonriders after dinner as well being given their dragonrider rank knot. He didn't want to miss a thing as he watched fervently.

[yaoiwafflez]

Miyuki was leaning against her brother, only half-paying attention to what was going on. She had a little trouble still with english, and also, Shinji had the attention span of a goldfish so she had to keep elbowing him in the ribs to get him to pay attention. Still, it was all very nice and formal, very elegant, and did all the right thing to give her the warm fuzzies inside.

Until she heard her name.

"AH!" She didn't mean to make that noise, honestly. But she jumped to her feet with a blush spreading across her face, and made her way to the stage as primly as she was able. which was, actually, quite primly given she had much practice in such things. Fayeth got to her feet as well (having taken to lying down for the ceremony- easier on her) and followed regally, sitting back and dipping her head in honor of Zedoreth, Surth, and Gorth.

Miyuki curtsied to L'gar, and once to Kain, shook the weyrleaders hand (with a little bit of a blush, too, she still was a little nervous around them). "Thank you, both of you. All of you, for your help and care." And then she turned back to her gold. The dragon, quite unlikely to do any sort of fancy flying given her condition (and, now, her rather much larger self than upon her first arrival to Earth) just pulled her head back, spread her wings, and rumbled a melodious sort of grateful noise to the audience.

Fayeth was not about to let anyone think she was anything less than a queen.

Then the gold slinked back to her place, curled up next to Wrath, and her rider skipped afte,r perchin on her foreleg as he new seat. She much preferred being close to her dragon anyway.

[Houka Ryuu]

((OOC: Well, I'll just let those that need to get their certificates reply before I make L'gar call on the next graduating Weyrling. That way, we'll get this ceremony finished more quickly.))

Weyrlingmaster L'gar
L'gar smiled at the new Goldrider. She and Gold Fayeth would probably be creating a Wing solely for Goldriders. Or, they may not join a Wing at all. After all, the Golds cannot chew firestone to breathe fire and besides, there's no threat of Thread on Earth. Once the new Goldrider was back on her seat... well, not exactly her previous seat, but she was seated again nonetheless, L'gar looked down on his list to call the next graduating Weyrling. Gathering his breath, he called out, "Bronzerider Shinji of Bronze Wrath!"

[FaizahPandora]

Faizah had finally gotten to her seat, having left N'tor with Virika for the ceremony. She smiled as she arrived just in time for L'gar to call Miyuki, and have her receive her graduation. Kain was up there, handing out the certificates, and he looked a little more than nervous. Faizah almost couldn't stop herself from laughing. It was a comical sight on the usually confident Weyrleader.

Faizah herself felt somewhat awkward. She was seated alone, in the spot that was set aside for the Weyr figures. Sure, there was Hy'ka, Iggent and Y'ume there, but they were seated further away from her. Nakia would have been next to her, but she was graduating today, so she was with the other graduates.

And Faizah had to admit, Nakia and Lakeen had made Isath and Lakeesk look amazing today. They were oiled to perfection, and Isath was practically glowing under the attention. Faizah was almost regretting having made Nakia the Junior Weyrwoman. And by every techinicality, the title didn't quite belong to her anyway. Isath didn't have the hold of a normal gold, and there were now five perfectly good golds that could take the position.

Faizah shook her head, trying to dispell such thoughts. Today was not the day to be thinking such thoughts.

---

Nakia, sitting in her seat in her finest dress, was getting impatient. She was perfectly dressed, Isath was perftecly gleaming, and yet they were going to get called only just before the whers. Nakia didn't feel this was right. She was the Junior Weyrwoman. She should be called first!

Nakia's flitter flock chirped and creeled, especially Missy. The green had taken a perch on her shoulder, which was the green's rightful perch as Nakia's oldest flit. Nakia reached up to soothe the creature, keeping hold of her own patience by a thread.

[yaoiwafflez]

Shinji was much more prepared. He practically leaped out of his seat, sauntering up to L'gar with a grin plastered across his face. He'd been cheering enthusiastically for his sister (and obnoxiously but he didn't care) and gave her a thumbs-up as he headed for the stage.

Of course Shinji wasn;t going to be NORMAL. When he got up there he mock-saluted the weyrleader and L'gar, accepting the certificate gladly and grinning like a cat the whole time. Dork, his sister thought, and she hung her head. No appreciation for formalities.

Still, the young man with the bright mohawk in blue and purple and red nearly was bursting with pride, and when he turned to the audience, all he gig was cackle and fistpump the air with great enthusiasm. Nearby, Wrath lifted his head, eyes clearing from the fuzzy sort of disconnect with the world he normally had, and he roared- loudly. Shinji just laughed again, and sprang onto his back, taking his seat there in a mimickry of his little sister. Wrath rumbled proudly, and eyed the other dragons with a sense of pride.

~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Kye, who didn't want to interrupt, was kicked in the mental pants by Kyesk, who was impatient to get this done before the sun got much higher. So he sighed, slunk up to the stage in the interim betwene riders, and nodded politely to L'gar.
"Ah, let's get the wherlings done with too, yeah?" He said, also pretty awful with ceremony and regality. Kyesk huffed next to him, the bronze wher looking distinctly grouchy, but prodding his handler along impatiently.

"Lakeen, of Bronze Lakeesk?"

[FaizahPandora]

It was needless to say that Lakeen was surprised. She hadn't been expecting the wherlings to be called until after all the weyrlings. But she stood none-the-less, a smile on her face. Lakeesk followed her up, keeping his body between Lakeen and L'gar and Kye. Lakeen shook her head, and concentrated on keeping Lakeesk from snapping at anyone.

She smiled and thanked Kye when he handed her her certificate. Lakeesk growled a sort of thanks, from the emotions he was grudgingly sending Lakeen, to Kye and Kyesk as they passed. But once that was over, the bronze was gently nudging Lakeen back to her seat, away from all the people. And out of the direct sunlight, as their seat was in the shade.

[Houka Ryuu]

((OOC: Well, Faizah had let me know that Phazon will most likely not post here so I'll skip those that she plays. Let's just pretend that Bronzerider Lawrence of Bronze Elonverillth have taken his graduation certificate.))

Weyrlingmaster L'gar
L'gar had stepped aside as Kye came up the stage. Since this was the first time they were doing this, protocol hadn't been set in stone. After Kye had called on Lakeen of Bronze Lakeesk, L'gar once more asked Kye to let him have the podium. And now, with a strong voice he called out the next Weyrling to graduate. "Brownrider Liam of Black Skirth!" L'gar called out.

[Houka Ryuu]

((OOC: Well, Faizah says to get things moving so I'm going to move things along. We'll just pretend the Liam already got his graduation certificate.))

Weyrlingmaster L'gar
After the new dragonpair was acknowledged and the rider given his certificate, L'gar called out to the next graduating weyrling. He wanted to get things over with because he knew that the Wherhandlers must be feeling so sleepy this time of day. In another loud voice, he called out to, "Brownrider Lyrah of Brown Kyrinth!"

[Houka Ryuu]

((OOC: Well, Faizah says to get things moving so I'm going to move things along. We'll just pretend the Lyrah already got her graduation certificate.))

Weyrlingmaster L'gar
After the new dragonpair was acknowledged and the rider given her certificate, L'gar called out to the next graduating weyrling. The previous pair was sure something to talk about. After all, you don't see a female brownrider like in Pern. He wondered idly which Wing they would be placed. But, he mentally dragged his wandering thoughts to the Graduation Ceremony. He looked down on his list to call on the next Weyrling to graduate. Once again, in a loud voice, he called out to, "Brownrider S'tor of Brown Ryath!"

[shadowreine]

Finally.

He should have graduated a while back, but being exiled to Earth had slowed things down. And part of him had not cared...with no Thread to fight, and with the dragons barely allowed to leave the Weyr, he had to wonder exactly what he and his brown would do with their lives.

On the other hand, he was a father now, and a man, and he should not be trapped in weyrlinghood. Head held high, the brownrider made his way over towards the man. (The female brownrider, of course, he completely ignored. Ridiculous. Nakia's dragon might be a chimera, but at least she was a girl. Females should not ride browns. What was next...men on gold?)

[Houka Ryuu]

((OOC: Well, since Yaoi said I can make L'gar go ahead and continue with the ceremony, here's the next post.))

Weyrlingmaster L'gar
After S'tor had gotten his certificate, L'gar looked down at his list. They were now on to the Blueriders. He didn't wait for Kye to once more take the stage from him and, once more, in a loud voice, he called out to, "Bluerider Daniel of Blue Streeth!"

[Houka Ryuu]

((OOC: Well, Faizah says to get things moving so I'm going to move things along. We'll just pretend the Daniel already got his graduation certificate. And since Phazzy is around, I won't skip Ku'rt))

Weyrlingmaster L'gar
After Daniel had gotten his certificate, L'gar looked down at his list. Once more, in a loud voice, he called out to, "Bluerider K'urt of Blue Aricoth!" And after that, they'll be on to the Greenriders. And then, after that, they'll be on to the small list of Chimera Dragonriders.

[PhazonDragon]

Ku'rt & Aricoth

The graduation was to be different from your typical Pernese one, according to the Terrian weyrlings and natives. Ku'rt has given the idea small shrugs and attempted to put it off. He nearly skipped out on the ceremony itself, preferring to see if he could hide away from it and the giant crowd of the weyr by staying in the infirmary, or locking himself into his weyr. Aricoth certainly didn't want to go. He fretted as Ku'rt regretfully got dressed in his weyr. In the end, the pair forced themselves to make their way to the weyrbowl, and unsurprisingly were one of the last ones.

Ku'rt took his place in his assigned chair, and while he tried to clap and applaud for his fellow weyrlings, the weyrling found that he didn't... care. Aricoth burbled in Ku'rt's head, and the blue weyrling didn't pay attention to the proceedings. The crowd made the pair nervous, and Aricoth's scars were part of the reason why.

Luna chittered into Ku'rt's ear, alerting him to the fact that it was nearly his turn. He pat her head in thanks, and she settled down on his shoulder, nuzzling her small head against his chin.

"Bluerider Ku'rt of Blue Aricoth!"

Ku'rt nearly jumped, even if he was prepared, and he forced a smile across his face as he started to approach the stage. He climbed the stairs, Luna giving him small croons of encouragement. Having reached L'gar, he held out his hand, receiving his certificate (a piece of parchment he found slightly pointless), and with a half-hearted 'thank you,' the now bluerider stepped down from the stage.

[Houka Ryuu]

Weyrlingmaster L'gar
L'gar had nodded towards the new dragonrider pair as they were given their certificate. After Bluerider Ku'rt had gotten back to his chair, L'gar again called out to the next graduating Weyrling. He briefly looked down on his list as he called out to, "Greenrider Lesla of Green Houkath!"

Lesla and Green Houkath
Lesla jumped in her seat as she heard her name called. Despite the fact that she had been relatively ready to graduate and become a full-fledged dragonrider, she still got startled when her name got called out. Inhaling deeply, she stood up and walked towards the stage where Weyrlingmaster L'gar and Weyrleader Kain waited.

Houkath was excited as Hers finally stood up. She knew that this meant that Hears was on going to go up the stage to get a certificate and they will now be acknowledged as a real dragonrider pair. She could barely keep still as she watched Hers walk towards the stage. She waited where she was, giddy with excitement.

Lesla could feel her dragon's excitement as she neared the stage. She stepped up onto it and taking the certificate from Weyrleader Kain, she gave the Weyrleader and the Weyrlingmaster a respectful bow before she got off the stage. She felt light-headed as she clasped the piece of paper within her chest. The paper that gave evidence to the fact that she and Houkath were finally a real dragonrider pair. She almost ran to where Houkath was waiting by her chair and only just stopped herself and kept to her sedate and dignified walk. Once she was seated in her chair, she exhaled and then, looking beside her green dragon, Lesla smiled. A smile that dazzled anyone who chanced to see her upturned smiling face a Houkath. Wordlessly, Lesla caressed her green near the eye ridge as she began imagining what life will be like, now that they were no longer Weyrlings. What were they to do if they didn't have to fight Thread?

Houkath sighed in happiness as Hers caressed her. She was glad that they were no longer Weyrlings. She didn't concern herself about the future. She was just proud that they were now part of the real dragonriders. She did idly wonder which Wing they will be part of. But that thought didn't linger as she enjoyed the caress that Hers was giving her.

Weyrlingmaster L'gar
Once Greenrider Lesla had taken her certificate and gone to take her seat, L'gar went on to the next graduating Weyrling on his list. And again, in a loud voice, he called out to, "Greenrider Kumiko of Green Raynith!"

[FaizahPandora]

Kumiko smiled as she stood up, walking as gracefully as she could up to the podium. She was wearing a new pair of heels, in her usual dress style, but she hadn't broke them in yet. But she had refused to miss the chance of showing them off!

Raynith gave a small bugle of thanks and excitement, as Kumiko took her certificate. She smiled and thanked L'gar and Kain, before heading back to her seat. Needless to say, she was excited.

She was officially a Rider!

[Houka Ryuu]

Weyrlingmaster L'gar
After Kumiko had taken her certificate, L'gar smiled as he heard the Green, Raynith, bugle. Once more, looking down on his list, he called out to the next graduating Weyrling. And again, in a loud voice, he said, "Greenrider Shasta of Green Quith!" As he waited for the Greenrider, he looked about for a glass of water to drink. All that yelling is making him thirsty. To the side of the podium was a small table with a jar of cold water and a couple of glasses. Taking one of the glasses, he poured himself a glass of water from the jar. He drank deeply and his thirst was satisfied by the cold drink. And then he waited until he could call out for the next graduating Weyrling.