Proud Ascendance (Sparkstarters Graduation)

[RavenSong]

{desc=Sparkstarters}K'var stood proudly before the five riders and five dragons graduating from the Sparkstarter class. They were his first class, and they had performed to the absolute best of their ability. His gaze travelled over the faces of his first graduates and a broad, joyous smile broke across his face. Argotath sat behind him like a proud Iron, the vivid blues and greens of his eyes moving with a speed that showed just how happy the Blue was. K'var glanced around to look at those attending, mostly family who'd requested they be allowed to attend the graduation. Since G'lin's parents were handlers, he'd opted to give the speech after Rukbat had descended beneath the Rim, which gave the Bowl a nice cast of shadow while the sky was still blue. He found that particular time of day to be lovely, anyhow. Taking a deep breath, K'var began his speech.

"Sparkstarters," he said, "you have been the most amazing class I've borne witness to here at Dalibor. You have confused me. You have challenged me. You have tested the knowledge I had and given me knowledge for the future. All ten of you individuals, for that is how I see you, are amazing beings. While I'm sad to see you graduate because I don't get to see you every day anymore, I'm absolutely ecstatic that you'll be in our skies, defending our home and the Holds beholden to us, because I know each and every one of you will be absolutely amazing in the air." He walked forward, pausing in front of Enciath.

"Enciath. When I first met you, I was worried you wouldn't survive because of your dislike of meat. I respect your convictions, while I don't share them myself, and I'm quite glad you accept that your diet requires meat even though you hate it. If I ever hear of a vegetarian substitute that will sustain you as sufficiently as meat does, I'll make sure Argotath informs you immediately. Your devotion to health is extraordinary. Your drive and determination will take you as far as you let yourself. In your time as Wingsecond for this miniature wing, you have met my expectations and exceeded them. You have grown well, and you are a delight to work with. You will make a very, very good Searchdragon. I hope all your Candidates Impress, Cyan Enciath." He smiled, then turned to D'nari.

"D'nari. When I saw your Impression, I worried that your rivalry with your twin would interfere with your progress as a weyrling. I was quite glad to see that it didn't. I am honored to have watched you grow into the man you are now. You have the will to handle anything thrown at you, with a sense of humor to bear you through any dark times ahead. Ride well, D'nari of Cyan Enciath." He offered a handshake to D'nari before moving to the next graduate.

"Drocheath. You are probably one of the most challenging dragons I've had to work with, and one of the most interesting. You're more than you appear, a fact I only saw by working with you one-on-one. Don't worry, my brother, your secrets are safe with me. I know you'll do well, even if others may not see that at first. You do things your way, in your own time. I know you can be counted on to do what's needed... even if you slack off at times." K'var winked at the large black, grinning widely. "I hope you continue to grow as an individual, Black Drocheath." He turned to his rider, squaring his shoulders and sizing her up before speaking.

"Valentine. Your steadfastness and loyalty are commendable. Your drive to get more out of life is going to lead you to greatness someday. Your enjoyment of challenge is a good trait as well, as riding one of these Sparkles is going to forever be a challenge simply based on how they break the mold. I honestly feel that given time and temperance, you will achieve whatever it is you set out to do. Keep observing, keep learning, keep helping. You'll be a treasure to wherever you find yourself. Ride well, Valentine of Black Drocheath." Another smile from the cheerful, proud Weyrlingmaster was bestowed upon Valentine. He offered her a handshake before moving to the bubbly pink of the class.

"Kinnisoth. You are a ray of light, a beacon of joy. Your enjoyment of relationships brings a smile to my face every time I hear of it. If love were to be concentrated into a body, it would be you. Your bond with your Mi'mir and your love for him warms my heart. I enjoy seeing dragons like you, because just looking at you chases away the shadows of a bad day. You're very resourceful, too, which is something I honestly didn't expect. Thank you for surprising me. It was wonderful. Your penchant for pairing people is adorable. But beneath all that cute is a dragon worthy of the name. I love you, Pink Kinnisoth." In an odd moment of fancy, he blew a kiss to the Pink before turning to Mi'mir.

"Mi'mir. You have the patience of the stones of this Weyr. When Kinnisoth up and 'Chased' Mifth you were as stunned as I, but kept on going despite it all. You've tolerated her eccentricities and oddities, and your drive has helped shape her. Your nature is the perfect balance to hers. While it seems you're the exact opposite of her sometimes, it's clear that you complement her and her you. The fact you don't hesitate to ask for help is going to be a major strength for you as you grow as a Rider. It amused me, though, to hear that you share similar extracurricular activities with your Kinnisoth. Keep up the good work." With a bright smile, he reached out to shake Mi'mir's hand. "Ride well, Mi'mir of Pink Kinnisoth." He patted the Pinkrider on the shoulder before moving to the next graduate.

"Anablimyth. If I were to try and name a dragon that confused and challenged me more than you, I would be unable to bring a name to mind. It seems like every day you had another puzzle for me, another conundrum to solve. As you grew, you made me grow as well. Through this, my tiny blue friend, you are as large as the mightiest bronze. Your dedication to fashion can put Weavers to shame. Your careful curation of your interests is a testament to the dedication you have as a dragon. You truly do sparkle on the inside, Anablimyth, so brightly that we can see it on the outside. I hope all of Pern can see your shimmer, Blue Anablimyth." He gave the littlest Sparkle a brilliant smile before turning to his rider.

"G'lin. You are an absolute joy to work with. Your love of learning has been an asset as we've worked together, as your questions combined with Anablimyth's growth have made us both grow. You are an amazingly hard worker. The fact you're a Weaver apprentice just means you're perfect for your blue. You'll be flying Thread in style, making us the most stylish Weyr on Pern. Keep faith in yourself, son. You're intelligent, and while it might take you a bit to grasp things, you take the concept and make it yours once you have it. Keep that love of learning. It will make you great. Ride well, G'lin of Blue Anablimyth." Like the others, G'lin was offered a handshake before he stepped up to Kemarahath. She wasn't given a smile.

Instead, the giant green was given a salute.

"Kemarahath," he intoned solemnly. "You are most assuredly my equal, and equal to every dragon in this Weyr. You are a mighty warrior and have opened my eyes to things that I never would've seen before. I knew the plight of women who aren't riders or handlers before you came along because it's something I noticed in boyhood, but things like power and how variable it seems from perspective to perspective was definitely an eye opener. While we disagree on several points of view, it doesn't invalidate anything you've said. You perfomed admirably as Wingsecond of our Wing, beyond the expectations I'd set up from watching your impressive progress through Weyrlinghood. I know we've argued in the past, but know it doesn't change my opinion of you. You are as amazing as the rest of your siblings, Kemarahath." His focus turned to Hiolair, who got that full-bore warm smile.

"Hiolair. When this class first met, I wasn't sure how well-matched you and Kemarahath were. Over time, I realized that you were a perfect balance. You've tempered her fury while she's tempered your impulsiveness. You will achieve greatness, both individually and as part of Dalibor Weyr. I can see you and Kemarahath as Wingseconds or even Wingleader if that's your choice, Kemarahath's certainly big enough for that. The only thing holding you ladies back is yourselves. Temper your drive with kindness, for you'll make many allies that way. And keep that love of animals. Nothing's more awesome than someone who loves animals. Ride well, Hiolair of Kemarahath."

He stepped back, returning to his position next to his dragon.

Your turn, he said silently. Just like we rehearsed this morning.

Sparkstarters! As of now, you are no longer Weyrlings! You are Wingriders of Dalibor! Fly well, fly fast, fly strong, fly proud! I am proud of you all. I love you! The blue reared up onto his back legs and spread his wings wide, bugling triumphantly to the sky. That part hadn't been rehearsed, but it made K'var even happier to know the pride Argotath felt for this weyrling class. The Blue didn't remember enough about the class' weyrlinghood to make his own speech, but he loved them all the same and felt pride in their achievement. He felt he'd taught them well.

"You're dismissed, my lovelies, to your feast. You'll get your wing assignments there from D'lios. You were tapped by your future Wingleaders by whatever criteria they use to determine their wingriders. Enjoy your future! If you ever need anything from us, we're only a thought away."

[Maggie]

A loud roar answered Argotath's bugle from the assembled crowd. Gennesk, his very best, newest eye-protects on, started his Dance of Joy, careful not to knock anyone over. His Mini-mine and his not-so-mini-anymore-Ana were graduated into full riders! Just out of stomping reach, Genner looped an arm around a tiny woman's shoulders with a fond smile. Her eyes werre full of tears. She was wearing a very fashionable outfit in blue and white, with a small blue hat with a blusher that had obviously been designed by Anablimyth and Doom. "Our baby's all grown up," she sniffled, then reached out to squeeze W'lin's hand. "Thank you for looking out for him while he was a Weyrling."

G'lin puffed up in pride as K'var spoke to them. He was wearing his best dress riding leathers that Ana had designed for him from Gennask's hide. He had dyed the jacket the dark blue of the evening sky and the pants were black. Both were embroidered with silver thread in intricate designs around the cuffs, pockets, collar and a line up the side of the pants. Ana, next to him, was wearing his favourite black scarf and silver-rimmed goggles. They had finally done it. Of course being a rider would be harder than any of their lessons, but they had proven that even though Ana was small and highly strange, he was, as K'var said, the equal of any other dragon. To hear K'var actually say that, however, made G'lin simply burst with pride. He sought out his parents in the crowd, feeling a familiar burst of love as he saw his tear-eyed mom. The proud grin on his father's face, however, made his heard soar. He had never seen quite that expression on his father's face before, but whatever else was there, what he saw was the pride. Despite having gone to the Hall and left dragon-kind, despite having Impressed a dragon, not a wher, the ornery handler was still proud of him and his accomplishments and that meant more to him than any other accolades.


That will be us soon. Nesdeth's wings were folded primly behind her and she loomed over her rider like an enormous cyan vulture. We will fly in the same wing and some of Enciath's Candidates will get mauled.

Dawn paused in her hollering and clapping, rolling her eyes. "Honestly, Nessie, why would you say something like that? Stop being so morbid and be happy for your sister." She felt a flicker of amusement from her dragon as she started cheering again.

[Ruin]

Hiolair was almost certain she could hear her father’s voice over the rising din of the growing crowd as Weyrfolk pressed closer to witness the graduation of yet another group of their chosen fighters. It was embarrassing, but it was thrilling, it was—oh it was so many things! How could she ever put into words the joy and pride that swelled her chest and made her feel all dizzy between the eyes? Kermie was beside her, a constant presence of unconditional love and support that had grown throughout the passing months and seasons of their training, oh and how she had grown. Not only had the depths of their bond hardened into an unshakeable fortress of trust and understanding, but their studies had hammered out the soft spots, and K’var’s guidance and extra lessons—all the ones they could force out of him—had finished them into the pair they were today. It was a glorious day, well, evening, almost night at that, but it was hers—well theirs—and she would relish it. Giddy, half laughing, she stepped up onto the muscled curve of Kermie’s outer forepaw and leaned her crossed arms into her leather-clad knee.

You know there was a point that she had worried about the dragon’s size. About how she would be perceived, accepted, even admitted into the colour-ranked society of Pern, but Kemarahath had changed all of that, hadn’t she? Hadn’t all of her siblings? They had all thrown chardust in the faces of those who would claim they weren’t what they appeared to be, or that they were somehow incapable. As with many people, Hiolair had accepted inequality for what it was, a way of life, but she had always riled against it when it threatened her—such as the idea of forced marriage, or being a lady of all things. So why wouldn’t dragons be capable of the same concern for their own place? Well, maybe because they had riders, and maybe because they were happy, but just maybe it was because they didn’t have a voice to defend them. They did now. They did in the enormous green that towered above the others of her colour, and her class-mates, save except for Kinni, who very nearly matched her in size.

Oh it had been a struggle, to promote and nourish her independence and…morals…without lending too much credence to what she said to the point where the dragon considered overthrowing the Weyr all on her own. Hiolair wasn’t certain that the next time a Queen rose, Kemarahath wouldn’t chase on the principle that if beautiful female dragons wanted to find love and lead a Weyr, they could accomplish just that, but she was sure that she could prevent the Green from physically attacking the other males—perhaps not verbally—but certainly prevent any unwarranted maiming. Control had been one of their primary lessons, something K’var had focused on quite thoroughly, because it was an unfortunate happenstance that Hiolair also lacked control when it came to adventure, exploration, and unbridled pursuit of her destiny. Whatever that would be, or could have been, she had never anticipated that it would be achieved alongside a life-partner the likes of the great green beast that sat beside her. Sat wasn’t the right description for how the dragon composed herself, no.

Hiolair tilted her head up, coils of bright red hair spilling out from beneath her flight cap haphazardly, because she never had managed to learn how to tame it properly. Bright green eyes danced across the bright green dragonhide as she quested for the distant roiling colours that signaled her bonded’s eyes. They were almost out of sight from her vantage, her head was barely able to reach the midway point on one of the dragon’s short muscled forearms, but from the flashes of light flashing off of the soft hide of her upper lid, Hiolair could assume—from colour alone—that the dragon was feeling pleased with herself. Dragonriders weren’t forced to rely on colour alone however; Kermerahath’s presence within her mind was an overwhelming hum of pride and restrained joy. That hum turned into a mental rumble, like rocks cascading down a coastal cliff into the ocean, a laugh, if a dragon’s mirth could be given a human word, and from that rumbling sprang silvered turning words like spring leaves bursting into life during new warmth. We have done it, my Hiolair. We have risen above. Everything that this simple man has been able to teach us, and even things that he has not, have been learned, and practiced, and now it is done. We are ready to begin our lives and show this Weyr what powerful women can accomplish together

Kemarahath snorted softly, her eyes following the tiny human male who led their class; he did his job well, though she would never let him forget that he was an oppressive member of the male gender, and that he must always strive to rise above the urges that stemmed from the dangling bit of flesh between his legs. She, at least she thought, had managed to show him that they were powerful, they who were deemed less important due to their colour, they who were relegated to the bottom ranks of Weyr life because they were smaller, and lacking in stamina. Her talons flexed into the loamy Bowl soil as her thoughts wandered, brief flashes of crimsons and oranges lancing through the facets of her eyes as she felt the conviction of her thoughts through her body, but far below, her small human girl placed a single pale freckled hand alongside the quivering muscles in her foreleg and she stilled. You are a perfect example of all things a powerful woman can be, Hiolair, and there is still much for us to accomplish now that we will be joining our Wing The girl agreed, her hand balling into a fist to give that muscled arm an affectionate thump before she straightened, because soon it would be their turn to be addressed by K’var.

Kemarahath accepted that they had not been called upon first, K’var had slowly shown her that to be a powerful woman, she must also understand humility—as well as pride—and as long as the Weyrlingmaster addressed each gender with equal pride and congratulations, the Green would remain a silent observer to the proceedings. Of course she was judging his every move, she judged each and every move of every man, but someone had to hold them accountable for being the beasts they were every chance they got. Hiolair was far less composed than her dragon, and by the time K’var had gotten around to them, she’d already shifted around enough to leave a few divots in the ground, it was somewhat shameful, and Kermie offhandedly chided her with a mental prod, but some things never would change between them: One would be like stone stubbournly stuck in a flowing river, and the other would be the water, never stopping, always going. When their Weyrlingmaster approached, Hiolair straightened her body to attention, watching the man for any cues to what he was going to say, but it was to her dragon that he first spoke, which made the young girl smile. Kermie would approve of that. As she grudgingly approved of him, not that she would ever admit it.

The Green gave him her attention with the subtlest tilt of her head, and as he began speaking she washed her brilliant eyes with her milky inner eyelid membranes, sliding them over the shining facets with a slow consideration before they were sheathed again. As he spoke, her mouth slowly opened in what could only be a dragon’s imitation of a human’s assenting smile, and while it might not have been proper, or by the books, for a dragon to respond to a Weyrlingmaster who was promoting her into the wings, Kemarahath had never been one to stand on what males had dictated were the proper rules for a dragon’s life. You have been a good teacher, Argotath’s K’var, for a man, and as simply as that she accepted him as much as she could, as much as she would probably ever accept any man and his capabilities. That left only Hiolair, and she echoed the man’s warm smile with one of her own, because smiles were infectious, and she was far too happy right now to worry about what sort of trouble Kermie might cause for them in the future. ”Thankee, sir,” she practically blurted out, her nose wrinkling in appreciation for the glowing comments and faith he had in them. ”We’ll do y’ proud.” And they would, she knew that, no matter what they did, where they ended up, they would make him proud.

[princesal]

"I'll always look out for him." W'lin returned, as he leaned forward to look at the woman, and then squeezed her hand back. Chyurath chuckled softly and gave his own noise of appreciation at the new class. Chyu was very impressed with them. Even though they were a small class, each one of them had risen to the occasion. Perhaps there was benefit of having smaller classes. While that may not have been possible with the bigger clutches, it might be if there was more than one WeyrlingMaster working with a class at once, working in tandem. It was something he'd bring up to W'lin, to see if there was anything to the idea, but for now, he just watched and approved greatly.



Returning the handshake to K'var, D'nari only smiled and nodded his thanks, as much as he wanted to loosen his tongue and say so many things, it stayed firmly stuck to the roof of his mouth. Of course his words failed him right at this very moment. As K'var continued on to the rest of the Sparkstarters, D'nari slowly felt his dry mouth wet itself. Enciath nudged him gently between his shoulder blades, she didn't talk to K'var anyway, so it wasn't strange for her to have not said anything back.

She was sure that her thanks was known, and she said as much to Argotath. She had stood proud and strong as K'var spoke, and even though they were words of a BloodMouth, she respected them, and dipped her head in her thanks and respect. Please let your K'var know that I am very honored by his words, Argotath. I know me and mine will continue our very best to make him proud.

D'nari finally swallowed, and his eyes followed K'var as he made his way down the line. His gaze then sought out his sisters, because she was probably the only one who would understand his emotions right now. She was brought up by K'var, worried that their rivalry... They had been born in a Weyr, and been given to the creche. Their parents hadn't much cared about them, tolerated was more like it, and reprimanded... like when they were sent to Weaver Hall because of their antics. Dawnova seemed to have thrown herself into her tapestry work, and he wondered if part of that was because she had found a Master Weaver at the Hall that had given her what D'nari had wanted from his parents. Had she grown up feeling the same way? Competing for attention, a possessive need to have eyes on them.

K'var, as his Weyrling Master had filled a slot for D'nari that he wanted. A role model, someone to look up to. He had been unable to describe the emotions he had gotten when Enciath had shown herself to be predisposed with Searching out Candidates, because of Argotath. It was something else that D'nari got to share with K'var (besides their red hair).

We've graduated, Mine. First try too. No one can ever take that away from us. Now we fight thread as riders, we work for the respect, we earn it. We'll remain strong, and protect those that fly with us, protect the weyr, and convince them all to not eat meat.
All?
As long as they'll listen.

He couldn't stop his smile then, as K'var finished talking to the whole class, dismissing them for the last time, to attend the feast. He only got a push from Enciath, and then D'nari was walking towards K'var, and didn't give his WeyrlingMaster a chance to say anything before he threw his arms around the man, hugging him.

"Thank you so much, K'var. You are an amazing WeyrlingMaster, I couldn't have asked for a better one. You've inspired me to be a stronger person, a better person. Thank you. You're... my role model, thank you." Releasing his teacher, he pulled away to rub at his eyes, just rub... if they looked especially glossy right now it must have just been a trick of the light. "If you have time, I'd like if you could come and enjoy the feast a bit with me and Dawn."

You're going to miss the Feast if you stay any longer.

D'nari bowed, and then walked off, passing G'lin he reached up and purposefully mussed up his friends hair, laughing playfully as he did so. He was actually really excited about the Feast. Mostly because they were such a small class, and the kitchen staff was very aware that 1/5 of the graduating class had a dragon very much was against meat. That couldn't be ignored, so D'nari KNEW there was going to be a lot of dishes that were hearty and he'd be able to eat without Enciath being worried. He raised his hand to wave at Dawnova, before making his way up to her. "So, Sister-Mine, is your roster full yet, or am I going to be able to dance with you at the feast?"

[Reky]

Of course, their mother was there. The parents of the humans were, so why shouldn't she be? Jarith had been counting the days to their graduation with her sharp little mind, and wouldn't let E'rin hear the end of it until he was properly dressed and ready to go. "Alright, alright, do I look fine, m'lady?" he'd laughed, spreading his arms to display his embroidered vest and hand-dyed belt, tucking the heels of his boots together. The glittering white snuffled at the sleeves of his loose, soft tunic, and decided, Pretty pretty pretty! With E'rin smiling (and hoping that maybe he'd see T'ris later that night), they finally went to the ceremony. Jarith gleamed with pride and love, seeing her children all grown up.

All of them are bigger than you, E'rin remarked. Even Enciath and Ana.

If dragons could cry, Jarith would be. My babies, she wibbled.

And when the speeches were all done, and E'rin's cheeks were sore from smiling, Jarith raised her sparkling wings and trumpeted with Argotath. Oh, how she was so proud! She remembered the day they had hatched, and how lovely they all were, even Drocheath, and though she was not sure of the concept of truly being a mother in every way, they would always be her babies. Her sparkles. She twittered with glee, and E'rin laid an affectionate hand on her side.

Oh, babies who are not babies, she beamed to them, How I love you! So much love! Kemarahath-love, Kinnisoth-love, Enciath-love, Anablimyth-love, Drocheath-love, oh, so much love. You are so so pretty like me and like Best Irith, oh, and you are so big! Bigger than Mommy Sparkle! But I am the happiest Mommy Sparkle ever. I have such pretty babies, all grown up! And her eyes swirled a dreamy blue, and she sighed and parted her maw. She would have liked to cry - how dramatic, how loving - but she settled for puffing her proud momma chest, and watched as all their tiny riders went off to the Feast, E'rin included.

[/blockquote]

[Maggie]

Dawn grabbed her brother's hand. "You just try and get out of dancing with me, Dusky." She grinned, all her teeth showing. "You stand me up and I'll get even with you so fast your head will spin." She pulled him into a hug. "You're a full rider now. Congratulations. Nessie's trying to be morbid, ignore her if she says anything shocking, she's proud of you both too. We're going to work hard to be in the same wing as you!"

Ana watched the humans leave with a little pang. He had been small enough to follow his rider into the dining hall for much longer than most dragons, due to his unusual growth pattern. It had been very hard to have to give that up and he had had to find new places to watch people and comment on their fashion sense. Although speaking of that...

He puffed up with pride as their clutchmother spoke to them. He had always held Jarith in very high regard. She was better than any queen, in his eyes. She was much less gaudy and tacky and she was still beautiful and shiny and perfect. He send Doom off quickly on an errand, deciding that graduation was the perfect time for what he had planned. Beautiful Mommy Sparkle, you are the most beautiful and elegant dragon in the Weyr. My G'lin gave his mother a thank you gift on his graduation and I thought that I should give you one as well, though I'm sure that it comes from all of we sparkles.

Doom reappeared, aided by a large, solid-looking bronze flit as he carried a bag over to E'rin and Jarith. They dropped it in front of the white and Doom chirped a polite thanks to the bronze who promptly vanished. A scarf or eye-protects wouldn't be nearly glamourous or unique enough for a beautiful dragon such as yourself, so G'lin and I thought that something to show off your lovely neck would be best. It was Doom who had had the original idea, when G'lin was complaining about having to make new riding straps every few weeks to accomodate Ana's very late growth spurt. While the angry rider kicking and cursing at some now too small straps, Doom had had the genius idea of repurposing some of them as accessories. Ana had supervised worriedly while G'lin tinkered with them to make a sort of leather neckpiece that stayed flat against the dragon's neck. He had played with dyes and embroidery next, adding in a few metalic pieces as well to form a beautiful neckpiece worthy of Jarith. Ana was highly pleased with the result. If Jarith liked it, he was thinking of maybe conning his rider into making one for Enciath and maybe one for Nesdeth, his two very best friends.