Proving Grounds {Artemis - Lesson #1} | 75.10.11

[Moo]

The beach
high noon, between lunch and dinner

Shifting the heavy, leather bags hanging over his shoulder, and minding the wooden shafts sticking out of them, L'ras strode ahead of the Brown dragon at his side. He had already selected a suitable location yesterday, and the time couldn't be more perfect - the tide was coming in.

Wings spread out for balance as he sunk into the sand with every step, Teth trudged over to the right quadrant. He and L'ras had gone over the plan all of yesterday - it was nothing very new, save for the accelerated pace. Once he reached his marker, he dipped his forked tail in the sand and walked along the way until a thick, visible line was drawn.

How long shall we work them today? Two hours?
No more than that…if they work hard. You'll be sure to watch out for Zabrielth, right? Artemis can stand more than her Queen can, all pride aside.
I shall be very diligent while working with her, and will let her rest more often. It will only be three tasks for her, correct?

Hmm…yes, that's correct. Only three for her.

L'ras dropped the bags in the center of the area and stretched his arms out. Then, with a big sigh, he squatted down beside the bags and laid out their contents on the sand. The first bag held one shovel and two wooden wasters - one was considerably heavier than the other - and the second bag contained a weighted ball, a coiled segment of rope, and four rolled hand wraps.

He suppressed a smile as he looked down on the gear, excited to begin working. He picked up the contents of the first bag, rose to a standing position, and began to count out his steps as he walked along the sand. On the opposite end of the grounds, in the shade of the trees, he positioned the heaviest waster, the ball, and the shovel within ten paces of each other. The remainder of the gear he returned to one of the empty bags and sat it down beside him.

And much more for Artemis, right?

This time he laughed, but said nothing in return as he picked up the second empty bag and tossed it out in front of him, where the middle of the stretch of beach ought to be. Then, now satisfied with the way things looked, and content with his plans for that day, he reached out to his companion once more.

Contact them, will you?

A flicker of amusement ran streaks of green through his eyes, and then Teth looked back to the Weyr and concentrated on his intended recipients.

Weyrlings Langaryen and Zabrielth! You are expected on the beach in five minutes. Wear suitable clothing and step lively! Your lesson begins now.

[Nicole]

Is it cheating?

Artemis turned her head to the small Azure, absently reaching out to scratch her eyeridges. Her blue hide glittered in the sunlight. The two moved smoothly through the Weyrbowl, Artemis having been ready for lessons since Teth and L'ras had begun setting up.

Is what cheating?
That you can hear them. Won't it be less challenging?
If that's all it takes to make it less challenging, then they're not doing their jobs correctly.

Dressed in comfortable clothing, the Queen rider smiled down at her beautiful dragonet. Satisfied with that answer, Zabrielth's eyes whirled, shot through with streaks of blue as they worked their way from the Weyr down to the beach.

Teth gave them five minutes to get there, but they arrived in three, Zabrielth's hide slick with an extra coat of oil. The wherhandlers were not with her. Giving them the runaround had been fun, involving several firelizards and a bucket of water. On the other hand, if the looks on their faces had been anything to go by, they were grateful for the break from her - and she had told them she'd be back soon.

Artemis took in what Teth's thoughts hadn't been able to tell her, standing silently as she skimmed the items in front of her - bags and a waster, a shovel, a ball. She tilted her head to the side slightly, waiting for L'ras to turn around.

She suspected he thought this might be a challenge. She would rise to it. She always did.

Once L'ras turned around, she met his gaze, eyes glittering with anticipation.

"Good afternoon, Weyrlingmaster."
Good afternoon, Teth.

And the two smiled almost simultaneously, and waited.

[Moo]

"Good afternoon," L'ras replied, noting the distinct lack of guards with her today. He had not yet had the opportunity to speak to the Weyrwoman…His lips twitched with a smile as he filled in the blanks. She was proving to be very clever indeed.

"You're punctual. Good. We'll get right to it, then." He motioned for Artemis to step closer.

"Langaryen, you're with me. Zabrielth," he added, looking over to the Azure. "Teth will be your instructor today. Move to his side."

Likewise, Teth took a few steps toward the small Queen and lowered his head to observe her better. He knew what approach L'ras would take while working with Artemis, but he would try a different method with Zabrielth. She required more care, after all, being so young.

Good afternoon, Zabrielth. I do not know if you expected to be working alongside Artemis, but that is what shall happen today. All of the rules that apply to your Rider also apply to you, including following everything to the letter. However, you are to alert me - and only me - if you feel uncomfortable or something hurts while you are working. Are we tracking?

While Teth addressed the little Queen, L'ras tuned out his dragon and focused on Artemis. With a scrutinizing gaze, arms folded behind his back, he gave her a careful once-over.

"You already know the limitations I discussed in my office, so I will not be repeating myself again. Now, I can't have you pulling any muscles, so you'll need to stretch and warm up before I put you to work. I'll give you about, oh…ten minutes. This is your only chance today to decide what sort of workout you want to give yourself. Remove your shoes first, then stretch and do something to get your heart rate elevated. Run in place, do jumping jacks - I don't care, so long as you do something. Ten minutes, Langaryen. I'll let you know when to stop."

L'ras took note of the sun before nodding at Artemis.

"Begin."

[Nicole]

Artemis stepped up to L'ras as Zabrielth moved over to Teth, the Azure's tail twitching and leaving snake-like lines in the sand as she moved forward. Teth's words floated gently through the Azure's mind and half-registered in Artemis' mind as L'ras spoke to her simultaneously. She noted the softer tone that Teth was using for her Queen, compared to the blunt tone L'ras' words towards her.

It was almost funny. Zabrielth might be small and young, but she was just as strong as Artemis was. It was funny that they couldn't see that.

But still, ten minutes to do what she wanted, to exercise, and Zabrielth had yet to be given specific instructions. So Artemis looked at the young Queen looking up at Teth. Care to join?

I would love to.

And they took off at the same time, Artemis flashing L'ras a grin as she jogged past him. Zabrielth skidded by him a moment later, kicking sand up against his back as she raced to catch up with her Rider. Together, the two moved down the beach and away from their instructors, Zabrielth's pace matching Artemis' nearly step for step. Artemis' hand rested lightly on the Azure's head as they moved.

It wasn't that they needed to be touching, but there was something comforting about Zabrielth's presence next to her, the warmth of the little Azure's head beneath her hand, the constant touch of her mind. The world seemed to be turning against them, but they were together, and that was all that they needed for now.

They made their way down the beach, Artemis' mind becoming peacefully blank as their feet sank into the sand beneath them. She had done this at the docks, in the past; whenever the work with her family became too much, she would just run around the docks, say hi to some of her favorite sailors.

It had been nice. But she had never been happy there.

She was happy here.

[Moo]

The faintest smile curved his lips up as Artemis ran past - and then her Queen galloped by, her long claws and feet shoveling sand backwards as she sped after her Rider, and whatever smile he had was now gone.

It was Teth's turn to smile this time, though his was much more intimidating. Lots of teeth. Shaking his head a moment later, the brown dragon spread his legs and stretched his wings high. He yawned once, jaw cracking from the effort, and then stood up straight and tall.

I suppose I should have expected her to not know what 'tracking' meant.

L'ras, breaking his resting position to brush away the sand Zabrielth kicked up, chuckled at the thought. Once he was satisfied with his job, he glanced over to Teth to reply.

"Yes, well, I expect they'll pick it up soon enough. They're an intelligent pair. How are they doing, by the way? Give me your thoughts. I thought they started rather well, but…"

…Ah yes, but. I know what you mean. From what I am watching, Artemis has good form. Judging by the pace she's running at, she also knows how to conserve her energy…which will be good for later. But this familiarity with the exercise tells me that she's comfortable with it, and that means falling back on what she knows. Which might mean problems down the line. Also, I think Zabrielth will tire herself soon out if she keeps up Artemis' pace.

"Exactly. We'll have to get them out of their comfort zone. Not today, though - proving grounds and all - but soon. We need to keep Artemis on her toes most of all. She'll need it."

I agree completely.

After he was certain ten minutes had passed, L'ras nodded to the brown dragon and returned to his attentive stance for the next segment. He glanced over to the trees, where the majority of their equiptment was, and then brought his gaze back toward the direction Artemis had left in. He needed to watch Artemis and Zabrielth return.

Teth, who could see much further than his Rider ever could, easily spotted the young pair as they jogged down the stretch of beach. He reached out to them with his mind, his voice firm as he spoke.

Langaryen and Zabrielth: your warm-up is now over. Return to the starting point and we will continue your lessons.

[Nicole]

Artemis was careful not to look at Zabrielth as they skidded to a stop, both Rider and dragon turning simultaneously to move back towards their teachers.

You won't tire out, will you, my love?
I am a Queen. I may be small, but I do not tire from something as fun as running.

Artemis' lips twitched up as a grin as they walked - yes, walked - back towards where L'ras and Teth stood. They had not specificed the speed at which the pair were to return, and cooling down from the warm up seemed like an excellent idea to Artemis.

Their footprints erased by Zabrielth's tail, which slid enthusiastically back and forth over the sand, the beach looked like it had never been stepped on by them as Artemis stepped up to L'ras with a tight smile, her eyes sparkling. She knew he had a challenge for her.

She liked challenges.

[Moo]

L'ras remained silent as Artemis and Zabrielth walked back to their starting point, no trace of a smile in his eyes or lips as she offered him one. She was obedient now, that much was clear, but how long would that last? Until things became difficult? And where was that boundary drawn? How long would he have until he had to push her over it? Because only then would he begin to see what she was made of.

He tilted his chin up a fraction and stared back at Artemis.

"You took long enough getting back here, Langaryen. You should have maintained your pace. From now on, even if Teth or I don't say it, I want you to push yourself harder. Whatever easier path you think you can take in these lessons, take the opposite. Show me you're entirely committed. It's alright that you've taken your own initiative today, with your warm-up and Zabrielth, but expect no mercy from either of us in future lessons. Unless we've given directions to slow down, don't. Anticipating the needs and requirements of any person, before they say it and regardless of their rank, is a skill that you will need to cultivate as a future Weyrwoman. They will expect you at your very best all of the time, and so will I," he admonished, the volume of his voice low, and his words precise.

Teth looked down at the Weyrling pair. Zabrielth, join me by the line I have drawn in the sand. That is where we will begin your first exercise. Once his piece was said, he walked over to one side of the line and waited for the little Queen to arrive. She would not have to step as lively as her Rider, poor girl. First days were always full of blisters.

See this line? Once you get here, step up to it and stand so you're facing a stretch of beach, not the ocean. Then I want you to jump ahead, crossing the line each time you jump, and make your way up the line. Land with all four feet. Once you've reached the end, repeat it again. This will be done three times. At the end of three times, I want you to repeat it three more times - only then, you will alternate the feet you land on. Here, let me show you what I mean...

Moving far enough away from the line he had drawn, so he wouldn't mess up the smooth sand with his footprints, Teth positioned himself closer to the shoreline and traced out a shallow line with a flick of his tail. This is how I would like you to begin, Zabrielth, he said, and crouching low from his position, sprang up and landed - surprisingly so - light on his feet on the other side of the line. Land with all four feet first, and then continue it up and down across the line.

He demonstrated it a few more times for emphasis, before reaching the end of his line and turning around. Now, when you begin to start the second phase of this jumping, I want you to switch feet as you jump. Watch me. True to his word, Teth made a short hop ahead, landing pointedly on his front and back right legs, before jumping again and landing and balancing on both of his left legs. He continued his line and then turned around to Zabrielth.

See? It might not seem difficult, but just wait until you get started. So, I want you to repeat it in a set of three. One set is normal hopping, landing on all four legs and going up and back three times, another set is landing on alternate legs - three times up and back, again, and the last set is the same as the first. Does that make sense? If so, begin when you're ready.

Completely unphased by the faint tremors his dragon was making as he jumped around (it was why they had chosen the sand in the first place), L'ras took a couple of steps step backward, marking an 'X' in the sand before him, and then pointed to the trees behind his young pupil.

"When you turn around, you will see a copse of trees. Scattered among them are a few items, but the one you want to pick up is the shovel. Run over there, pick it up, skip back, and once you've come back, you will see an empty pack in the middle of the beach. Pick it up, put it aside, and then begin to dig on the mark I've drawn. Dig as deep as your shovel is wide, and dig hard."

He nodded once. "Begin."

[Nicole]

L'ras really didn't know her at all. Artemis always pushed herself harder. How else had she ended up here and with Zabrielth, and not in the middle of nowhere with some annoying flitt on her shoulder? And she could have slowed down, as it wasn't in his instructions not to - and Teth had been worried about Zabielth burning herself out.

Of course, she couldn't tell him any of those things, so instead she just smiled and nodded, trying not to look impertinent as she did so. (It wasn't that she wanted to look smug all of the time. It just somehow happened.)

And then she caught wind of Teth's instructions, and she ducked her head to hide her amusement. You're playing hopscotch?!

Zabrielth resisted the urge to look at her Rider as she lokoed down at the line in front of her, tilting her head to the ide. I suppose. I do not now what hopscotch is. But if you say this is it...

Zabrielth watched as Teth demonstrated, and behind her, Artemis pressed her lips tighter to resist giggling at the ridiculous sight of Teth jumping around. On Zabrielth it would be fine - she was small and adorable and perfect - but the large Brown seemed goofy as he moved.

Then L'ras moved backwards, and Artemis quickly followed his footsteps, looking towards where he pointed to the trees. That was her assignment? Digging? The man vastly underestimated her strength; what did he think she did all day, lounge around and read books? She worked and took care of dragons and took care of Zabrielth, and at home she had carried things and organized things and, yes, even shoveled. She was not so weak as she subjected L'ras thought she was. Still, she said nothing, and moved to follow his instructions without arguing. She ran and skipped, the hardest part being not tripping over the shovel as she moved. And she dug as Zabrielth jumped, and the sound of her little claws hitting the ground kept her going.

And then both finished, and while Artemis had a sheen of sweat on her back from the sun and the work, she wasn't sore. And Zabrielth, with her seemingly boundless energy, had paced herself well without Artemis' help, and stood at the end of the lne, staring up at Teth with patient eyes.

[Moo]

Teth moved back and watched as Zabrielth diligently followed through with her directions, her little legs carrying her back and forth over and across the line he had drawn. He lowered himself to his stomach and rest his chin down on the sand, his eyes whirling in contemplation as he watched the small Queen's movements.

She moves as expected, L'ras; she has energy enough, and seems to pace herself well - perhaps something she picked up from Artemis? - but there is not enough control yet in her movements. For a first start, though, it is fine enough. Very nice.

While Artemis was busy digging, he spared a glance over to the Brown dragon. It will do for now. It's not like we're not training her for a Wing or anything. Make certain to keep a particular eye on her during the next segment of the lesson. She might not tire out now, but we can't guarantee later.

Teth raised his head and blinked once. Of course. He returned to watching the little dragon with all of the intent of a feline after a mouse, and supposed he would have to plan a meeting with a healer to determine what sort of activities could be more suitable for young dragon joints. They would not want to burn anyone out too soon.

Then, after a comfortable amount of time had passed, it appeared that Artemis had finished her task. L'ras nodded approvingly and reached out to the Brown dragon to report.
She's done.
She's done!
His brow wrinkled ever so slightly. Wait, what? That wasn't an echo.
L'ras looked over to Teth, amusement coloring his thoughts. Both at the same time?
Apparently so.
Hmm...curious. Perhaps we'll have to test their mental bond next time.

The gears in his head already turning as he planned out their next lesson, L'ras focused his attention on Artemis once more. "Good. You did well. Now, Langaryen, I want you to jump inside the hole. And once you've done that, jump back out. And then do it again, two more times. After that, you'll find an empty bag behind you. I want you to get that and, using the shovel, fill it to the top with the sand you dug up. Then tie the bag shut and carry it over to Teth."

He smiled. "Begin."

[Nicole]

Artemis smiled at L'ras' phrasing. If he had phrased it any other way, filling up the empty bag would be difficult.

But Teth had not given Zabrielth instructions, and so it didn't mean Zabrielth couldn't help.

The little Azure picked up on Artemis' thoughts without Artemis directly having to tell her and, abandoning the line that Teth had drawn in the sand. And as Artemis jumped in, out, in, out, in, the Azure took her time and wandered over. She looked up at the Weyrlingmaster with wide eyes, and she knew he could see the innocent mischief whirling in them.

Then, very delicately, she pranced past him, picked up the edge of the bag with her teeth, and turned to hold it up and open for her Rider.

Artemis leapt out for the last time, focusing hard on making sure she didn't slip back into the hole as she landed precariously at the edge. She swept her arm downward and snagged the shovel she had stuck in the sand, pulling it out and turning to the pile. Zabrielth carefully kept her head still as Artemis filled the bag with sand, careful not to inhale too quickly - she did not want a lung full of sand. It would be very undignified for a Queen dragon.

They finished quickly, since Artemis didn't have to pause to try to awkwardly hold open the bag. It didn't make the task less difficult - her arm muscles were sore by the end, and she could no longer pretend like her clothes weren't clinging to her back with sweat - but the burn felt good.

And when Zabrielth politely let her take the bag, rocking back to sit on her hind legs, Artemis tied it shut and managed to bounce over to Teth, her determination to do well fueling past the feeling of her muscles digging into the sand.