Fledgling

P’tan ran down the hall towards his caerlet. His fledgling had just called to him mentally and he wasted no time in coming to the aid of his lifemate. He ran into his dragon’s room and stopped as soon as he got in. “What’s the matter?” He asked breathlessly. His dragon looked up at him calmly and said, “I did not know where you were. I was getting worried.” P’tan sluched and said, “That’s it? There isn’t anything wrong?” Alioquith sat down on his hunches and said, “No not really, although my hide is beginning to itch behind my left shoulder.” P’tan rolled his eyes and went to the cupboard, taking a jar out of it and opening the lid. He walked back to his dragon and rubbed in a creamy substance into Alioqiuth’s hide. He rumbled his happiness as P’tan did this, which made him smile. “Thank you P’tan, that’s much better.”

After finishing with Alioquith’s patchy hide he put the jar back and looked at the red fledgling. “You know what I’ve got to get done today?” Alioquith cocked his head to one side and then said, “No I do not. What must you get done today?”

P’tan stretched his arms out, as if wondering why his dragon couldn’t figure it out and then said, “I’ve got to get my riding jacket made today, and also get my CTC Junior Fledgling patch put on.” Alioquith nodded slightly and P’tan smiled. “You have no idea what I’m talking about do you?” The red snorted and then walked back towards his couch. “It does not concern me so I do not see why you are so excited about it.” P’tan smiled. “Nevermind then. You’ll understand when I get it done,” he said as he walked out of the room.

P’tan walked down the stairs towards the lower caverns quickly and almost knocked two people down as he did. He walked down the stairs into the lower caverns and looked around. Do you know where I can find the seamstress? He asked his dragon mentally. There was a long pause and he was about to ask again when Alioquith said, Bronze Ahurath says that you walk down the stairs and then turn left. Her room is the third or fourth on the right. He doesn’t really remember for it was awhile since his rider was down there. P’tan nodded and headed down the hallway, hoping that the bronze’s directions were accurate.

He walked down to the third door and knocked softly. A voice called him in from within and he opened it slowly, not quite sure what he was going to see. In the room was a large amount of hides hanging from various hooks as well as kinds of materials that P’tan couldn’t name. “Can I help you?” A voice asked. P’tan turned around, searching for the person talking to him and found an older woman sitting on a pile of furs stitching a pair of pants together. “Umm hi, I’m here to get a riding jacket made.” The woman nodded and set the pants down. As she stood up P’tan cringed as he heard many joints cracking. “Alright, well lets see your measurements now. How old are you?” P’tan put his arms out as she measured the length and said, “Nineteen.” The seamstress nodded and measured around the width of his shoulders. “Well you shouldn’t grow much more hopefully. Maybe a few inches here and there but that doesn’t really make a difference. You’ll only be a year older when you need to use this and if you need another it won’t be a problem.” P’tan nodded and paid her for the work she would be doing. “You’ll be staying here correct?” P’tan nodded and asked, “Why?” The woman scribbled a few notes down and then said, “I needed to know whether or not to put a junior fledgling patch on or not.” P’tan nodded, thanked her and then walked out the door, closing it softly behind him.

The redrider walked back into his caerlet and was greeted by his dragon. “So, did you get it made? He asked. P’tan shook his head. “No, I just got my measurements today. She’ll be making the jacket sometime this week.” Alioquith nodded and stretched his legs out. “What are we to do until I am considered a senior fledgling?” P’tan shrugged and flopped down onto the couch in the main room. Alioquith followed him and lied down on the floor, head resting on his forelegs. “Well the fledgling trainer told me that the year would pass slowly, me just watching you grow and such. I’ve also got classes to attend though.” Alioquith sighed. “Classes for what?” P’tan ran a hand through his hair and said, “Well first I have to learn about your anatomy and also about the jobs in the Caer. Oh, and I’ll be taking classes that are supposed to get me ready for my first flight.” Alioquith raised his head at this and said, “Will your first flight not be with me?” P’tan shook his head. “No it won’t. You’ll be flying before I will I’m afraid. D’tol said that when we are senior weyrlings you will be taught to fly, and when you have everything down, then I will join you. It’s a safety reason.” Alioquith warbled and placed his head back on his forelegs.

“And actually, speaking of classes, I’ve got one to attend soon. You’ll be all right here correct? I shouldn’t be more then two hours.” Alioquith stood up and stretched his back legs before replying. “Yes I shall be fine here.” P’tan nodded, patted his dragon lightly on the head and then walked out the towards his junior fledgling class.