13.Jun.21, 10:44 PM
Heart in his throat, B’kit climbed up and strapped himself in carefully. They had only tried gliding together once before, from much lower, since the healers had caught Erebuth trying alone a few weeks ago. After much horrified grumbling and checks to ensure he hadn’t strained anything, L’gan had encouraged the pair to train with weighted bags to strengthen his wing now they’d proven it could hold Erebuth’s own weight. They’d never be able to take off normally, but at least there was a chance they wouldn’t have to suffer the indignity of riding in a sling on a direct flight between Weyrs.
Ready? the blue was excited, having done a few practice glides while B’kit climbed and rested for a while. They’d need to pick a much higher weyr back at Ista to cut down on how high Kitt had to climb. Or get someone to ferry him up, but that rather defeated the feeling of independence they were finally regaining. Checking the straps one last time, he said, “let’s go before someone tells us not to after all.” Barely waiting for the response, Erebuth leapt and the pair let out a delighted cry as they finally felt the joy of soaring together again.
B’kit wasn’t sure exactly how long they glided, landing on another part of the bowl and free falling several times for the sheer fun of it. Then he felt the shudder and the way Erebuth adjusted to try to hide it, turning instead of gliding straight. Re, you need a break. Just drop me off on the ledge and we can try again this afternoon.
But the blue didn’t listen, turning again to correct his course. I bet we can do it. B’kit didn’t have a chance to ask what he meant before Erebuth had winked between and re-emerged a few feet away. Feeling sick, B’kit thumped the dragon’s good shoulder. “Ground. NOW.” His voice and it’s projected equivalent left no space for arguments and the blue dove down and landed clumsily in a wide clear space of the bowl.
He stood unnaturally still as Kitt fumbled with the straps and scrambled down, trying to calm his panicked breathing. B’kit? the gravelly voice was timid, but it helped to bring his rider back into focus. He was frantically checking Erebuth’s wing for signs of strain and silently admonishing the blue, and didn’t hear anyone approaching till Erebuth greeted the rider with a friendly rumble.
Ready? the blue was excited, having done a few practice glides while B’kit climbed and rested for a while. They’d need to pick a much higher weyr back at Ista to cut down on how high Kitt had to climb. Or get someone to ferry him up, but that rather defeated the feeling of independence they were finally regaining. Checking the straps one last time, he said, “let’s go before someone tells us not to after all.” Barely waiting for the response, Erebuth leapt and the pair let out a delighted cry as they finally felt the joy of soaring together again.
B’kit wasn’t sure exactly how long they glided, landing on another part of the bowl and free falling several times for the sheer fun of it. Then he felt the shudder and the way Erebuth adjusted to try to hide it, turning instead of gliding straight. Re, you need a break. Just drop me off on the ledge and we can try again this afternoon.
But the blue didn’t listen, turning again to correct his course. I bet we can do it. B’kit didn’t have a chance to ask what he meant before Erebuth had winked between and re-emerged a few feet away. Feeling sick, B’kit thumped the dragon’s good shoulder. “Ground. NOW.” His voice and it’s projected equivalent left no space for arguments and the blue dove down and landed clumsily in a wide clear space of the bowl.
He stood unnaturally still as Kitt fumbled with the straps and scrambled down, trying to calm his panicked breathing. B’kit? the gravelly voice was timid, but it helped to bring his rider back into focus. He was frantically checking Erebuth’s wing for signs of strain and silently admonishing the blue, and didn’t hear anyone approaching till Erebuth greeted the rider with a friendly rumble.