«Bonder» Boland stroked Veran as the teacher went on about whatever he was babbling about. Boland really hadn’t been listening since he had started talking about eating habits of the dragonets. It really wasn’t that hard to understand and if hunger needed to be explained to people there was something wrong. “BOLAND!” The teacher cried out, sounding like he had called his name a few times already. Boland looked up and raised an eyebrow in question. “Am I… boring you Boland?” Boland sighed and said, “Sir, I just find it pointless to talk about the eating habits of the dragoner. I mean, if they’re hungry, you feed them. You said they eat every three hours so I feel that’s all I need to know.” The teacher rubbed his temples and said, “Boland, I see where you are coming from and I’m glad you picked it up so quickly but there are others who still want to learn more so please try to pay attention.” Boland nodded and rested his head against his hand, not really paying attention as the teacher went on. When class was finally over Boland practically ran out, scooping Veran up when the teacher said, “Ok it’s time…” Walking back up the stairs he was stopped by a young woman who flashed him a smile and said, “Hey I haven’t seen you around here lately. Were you just transferred here or something?” Boland shook his head and said, “No actually, I’m standing for purple Saiayth’s clutch, which should be hatching this week if I have my dates right.” The woman nodded and put her hand out, “I’m Celarni, an apprentice dragonhealer, and you are?” Boland took her hand and shook it, saying, “Boland, nice to meet you Celarni.” She tossed her blonde hair behind her shoulder and asked, “Hey if you’re not doing anything tonight, maybe you’d want to join me and a couple of my girlfriends for dinner?” Boland shrugged and said, “Sure, I’ll meet you guys down in the dining hall later tonight then.” Celarni nodded and continued on her way down the stairs. Veran warbled questioningly and Boland smiled, scratching underneath her chin and then bounding up the stairs and heading towards his caerlet. Later that night Boland walked down the stairs again and headed towards the dining hall. As he walked in her looked around, trying to spot Celarni and her friends. After a moment she walked up to him and smiled saying, “C’mon, we’re sitting over here, near the back.” He followed her as she led the way back to her table and four other women. Boland sat down next to Celarni and waited while their food was prepared. “So,” Celarni started. “Where are you from Boland?” Boland thought about his little village and then sighed, saying, “A little racing village a ways from here. You probably wouldn’t know it if I told you what it was called.” Celarni nodded in understanding and asked, “So did you ride while you lived there?” Boland nodded and replied, “Yes actually I had my own horse who I trained and rode, but my friend was her jockey and actually, my mare came in second the day I was searched for bonding.” Celarni was about to say something when a young man walked up to the table and said, “Excuse me but Boland, you’re wanted on the dunes.” Boland raised an eyebrow and asked, “May I inquire as to why?” The man smiled and said, “Because, sir, the eggs are hatching.” Boland’s mouth dropped open and he looked around at the other girls apologetically and said, “I’m really sorry to leave you but I have to go, as you probably guessed. We’ll have to do this again later.” The girls waved him off as he got up and then sprinted for the dunes, alis gryph flying quickly behind him.