Nightly Jog (Helios Drill)

[E]

E’mion finished the knot in his heavy riding boots and looked up at those assembled, marking the ones who were ready and the ones just arriving. Sun had just begun to kiss the horizon and it was going to be a long night. His wing had just finished a typical workday and were looking forward to another tomorrow. E’mion himself had not been sleeping well the past few nights and was silently hoping this would help him find that needed sleep.

Straitening, he looked out over his wing. Seeing that everyone was there, or just a few paces away he gave a short nod. “Alright Helios. We can take all night, or we can go at a good pace and be done before the sun rises. Its your choice. We’ll be running the same loop we ran last week, except I’m sure you’ve noticed, we’ll be running it at night tonight. Thread will not always fall when we are wide-awake and ready for it. That, my wing, is what tonight’s drill is for. Get use to it. We’ll be doing more drills at night.”

With that, E’mion gave a nod to S’hon telling him that he should lead the way. E’mion planned on running at the back to make sure no one fell behind. See ya in the morning Malekith. A laughter rippled thru his thoughts in reply.

[fallinrayne216]

Daine looked from left to right at the other riders in the Helios Wing. Not all looked as annoyed as she did, but she could pick out a few faces that appeared to at least be a bit disgruntled about this exercise. And then he expected this to almost become a routine at night? Or at least have them practice at night? It wasn't as bad as waking up at midnight and having an unexpected wing practice, but still, there was no way she was going to do this again. They were lucky enough they got her out tonight. Besides, they probably wouldn't notice if she slipped out near the end. They didn't seriously think she was going to actually go through with this did they?

If they didn't remember correctly, she was "supposed" to wake up early tomorrow and practice falling and catching with S'for in the morning. Riight. If she did come, it would be well after she normally woke up and had breakfast. By then, she guessed S'for would be gone from their practice spot, and she could just say he wasn't there. Then again, he could just tell the truth, and they would surely believe him over her. She sighed. Well, she would figure that out later. Right now it was getting late, and all she wanted to do was go back to her weyr. How was she dragged into this again? Oh, right. One of the wingriders somehow persuaded her to show to at least this "short meeting", or so he had put it.

So much for meeting, and don't even get started with the short part. Running until the sun would rise was not on her agenda. Daine crossed her arms over her chest and yawned, not bothering to block it with her hand to smother the loud sound. She could bet a few eyes were looking her way right about now, but she couldn't care less right now. The sooner they started, the sooner they finished. Her eyes scanned the group for any she thought might lag behind. Well, she had to say it did look like a pretty good group. Sad to say she hardly knew any of them, but then again, she wasn't. "Lets get it over with as fast as possible then, aiight? So go."

[didster7]

S'for was glad he had been one of the first to arrive. He had wondered what this meeting was about and when he heard that is was a night drill he cursed under his breath. How in Faranth's name would they ever see to ride a fall in the dark. He knew Alarath would probably be able to see thread at night but he knew he probably wouldn't. He was about to ask but thought better of it.

Alarath had already bedded down for the night and S'for had expected to within the next candlemark. We are going on a night run Alarath. I don't know how long it will take but I hope not all night. he relayed.

I will be here when you return. was the logical reply.

S'for gathered with the rest, waiting to head out.

[shawncameron]

S’hon was wide awake, the thought of running not tiring him in the least. He was always a little nocturnal anyway, only being able to get a few hours of sleep at night and a few in the hotter times of the day. He could only sleep for a few hours at a time anyway… before the nightmares came…

S’hon was dressed slightly differently this night, with his customary long coat gone and his strong arms and shoulders barred to the cooler night wind by his tight sleeveless shirt. The wing tips of his dragon Tattoo could be seen on his shoulders and in place of his leather pants with its heavy belt, was a loose pair of draw string slacks designed for easy movement and made out of a cloth that would breath and not stick to his skin when he began to sweat.

It should be nice to finally have company on your nightly jogs… don’t be silly Maz, I hate company, despite his words S’hon’s tone was simple almost as though he were commenting on the weather. Just keep an ear out for Malekith in case E’mon needs to talk to me in a hurry. He received a rumble of dragonish laughter in return but S’hon new the bronze would do as he asked even if he hadn’t asked it.

With an answering nod at his Wing Leader S’hon started off down the dark path setting a steady pace that would be easy for some and a challenge for others. Looking back on as he neared the first small turn S’hon was glad to see that a few of the riders where easily pacing him where as a few…. Well they had E’mon following them, he would just have to keep looking back to make sure he didn’t loose them.

[Dizzy]

R'lan pulled himself out of a stretch nd rose to his feet, he wasn't well pleased with the surprise drill but he wouldn't complain either as long as he made it back in time to see Iren. It had taken alot of wooing to get her to a point where she was ready for the brown rider to bed her... he was suppose to visit her tonight, now... At least she had been understanding.

The rider's light blue eyes focused back in when he heard E'mion give the call to move out. He looked up in time to see the yawn on Diane's face... 'Now there is a troublemaker...' A frown quickly crossed R'lan's lips... he didn't want to be out here any longer than necessery. Looking toward L'uno, he jerked his head toward the young green rider. Perhaps the pair should tail her... she was known... very known for not following orders. The brown rider waited for her to move out...

[fallinrayne216]

Daine was so busy with her yawn that she hadn't realized S'hon starting the jog. The rest of the group had jumped into the steady jog right behind him, and without realizing it, she had already slowed down the group. A smirk curled on her lips as she slowly made her way into a slow-paced jog. This would sure annoy a few riders, espeically the ones that were all giving her such looks. Her green eyes flashed with pleasure at the chance to annoy them all. This was what she lived for and how she made life fun. E'mion was directly behind her though, seeing as he had decided to take up the rear. Well, she would have to actually jog sometime before someone opened their mouth.

The green rider switched gears practically and sped faster to catch up with the group. Once she was an arms length away from the wingriders in front of her, she slowed back to the average pace that S'hon had set for them. They rounded the corner, and this time on accident, she bumped into the rider on her left. "Whoops. Pardon me." She said it with a smirk on the entire time, and she had to hold her breath to stop from laughing, which only slowed her down even more. Right about now, she could only imagine the hate directed towards her from the Wing. Well, if she fell during Threadfall and wanted someone to save her, she shouldn't act this way, now should she?

It wasn't that she had done it on purpose, but the fact that it had happened without her planning it was amusing to her. So even if she stopped being herself, these things would happen anyway. That would show them. She laughed mentally and then finally sped back up to the group. Daine would just have to watch those corners and make sure she didn't ruin the practice even mor e than she already did. Wesayath had asked her to get it over with as fast as possible, and she did not want to be the reason why they might be late. She sped alittle further ahead so she was dead center of the group, much to the joy of the others. Hah.

[didster7]

S'for wished E'mion had let them know in advance that they were going to jog. He was wearing a new pair of heavy leather boots. He kept pace with the group as they rounded the first turn. A small blister began to form on his right ankle as they continued. He was going to have to take off his boots soon if the pain grew too intense.

S'for heard the noise as Daine ran into the other rider. He looked back over his right shoulder to see Daine smiling. Why was she always doing things to get herself in trouble, he wondered. He slowed his pace a little to come along beside her. "Is something bothering you Daine," S'for asked her.

[E]

L'nuo finished his own stretch as E'mion began to speak. He had been surprised when the meeting was called, and even more surprised that it was a drill rather than a meeting. Oh well. If there was one thing L'nuo had faith in, it was E'mion's judgement. He never had a reason to doubt the wingleader and he wasn't going to start now.

Falling into step next to R'lan, he noticed his friends frown. Seeing the jerk of his head, L'nuo looked to where R'lan had nodded. Seeing the green rider, he couldn't help but smile. She had a reputation for being a troublemaker. Having ridden with R'lan for several years now, he knew exactly what was going thru the mans mind. Nodding agreement, he followed his friend until they were a little ways behind her...

~~~

E'mion stood with his hands on his hips as his wing started off, waiting untill the last bit of them had begun the jogg before starting himself. It was going to be a long night, he could tell already, but surprisingly the thought didn't bother him. Falling into step behind the rest, he knew that S'hon's pace was a tough one haveing run with the wing second a few times before. He wondered silently to himself just how many would be able to keep up, and for how long.

Why would you worry? You can keep up fine, I've watched you run. Thats not the point Malekith. I wonder just how good of shape my wing is in. I've begun to worry of late. A silent snort was shortly followed by the dragons thoughts, I wonder who you are comparing them to sometimes. E'mion did not bother to answer.

[shawncameron]

S’hon didn’t bother looking back at the sound of Daines obviously insincere apology, he just shook his head wondering what on Pern she could get into on so simple an exercise. He did look back after reaching the middle of one of the longer stretches however and was pleased to see that almost everyone was pacing him well if not easily. Well this would be a good time to speed up as they had a little hill ahead of them and it was important to get a good bit of momentum to make it over easily. The Bonzerider quickened his pace with a thought, moving into a steady lope.

As he neared the foot of the hill S’hon turned right around, keeping his momentum but quickly counting the riders that where keeping up with his new pace, nodding once in silent satisfaction he turned back around and started up the hill, only hoping that a particular greenrider would not do anything foolish on the rocky trek that was coming up once they breeched the hill.

[fallinrayne216]

Daine turned her head so she was looking S'for in the eyes. Her icey green stare bored into him as she answered stolidly. "No, why would there be?" For one thing, she hated people thinking that she couldn't handle anything on her own. Yes, she was a female, but she couldn't do anything less as well as the men. And then, there was the otherside where he might actually be worried for her. She felt uncomfortable in that position, because it never happens, ever. So as a reflex, she would automatically push the person away with her words, even if it did make her feel a bit better. To avoid letting him see these thoughts rotating in her head, she sped up a bit, and right on cue too since S'hon decided to step it up a notch.

She was oblivious to R'lan and L'nuo behind her as she continued her average-paced jog that was speeding up to a fast jog. Her apparel for the night was nothing different from usual. Baggy shirt that hid her figure underneath to make the illusion she had no figure whatsoever. Her pants were large and had to be tied in the back so they didn't fall down. Her shirt reached over where her pants ended, so her hips were covered twice. Her footwear consisted of large boots, making her feet look abnormally large compared to the rest of her body. It was the perfect disguise, not to mention it was comfortable. Tight clothes only made herself self-conscious and she got unwanted stares her way. She hated that, so large clothes would do just fine.

As they continued their fast pace, she felt something irritating around her stomach area. At first it was just a nuisance, but then a sharp jab forced itself against that area, as if someone took a dagger to her stomach. She focused her breathing, knowing exactly what it was. Daine cursed violently and vocally for all to hear. They could assume she just didn't like the exercise, that didn't matter to her. But now she had realized that she got a cramp from the running. Usually you are supposed to raise your hands and arms above your head to get rid of it, but if she did that they would all know what was wrong. Then they would call her a wimp since there were mostly men running here. The girls must have skipped this practice or something. She bit her lip and continued to run, although every once in awhile she had to gasp in the pain and grab at her side. It didn't leave, and breathing hurt more than before. How long until wing practice was over again?

[didster7]

S'for was undaunted by Daine's cold reply. He knew the type well. False bravado to cover some hurt lingering deep inside. He seemed to be attracted to just such people. He sped to catch up to Daine just as she began cursing. Her look of pain must have mirrored his as a the burning from the blister now became a searing fire. He watched as she gasped and clutched her side. "Daine I need to stop a minute," he said through gritted teeth. "Blister! These sharding boots are new." Do you have anything I could use to pad my boot with?" He was giving her an out if she would take it. They were halfway up the hill when S'for slowed his pace to a standstill and sat on a large rock. He knew E'mion was behind them but he couldn't run anymore with this blister. He began pulling off his boots.

[fallinrayne216]

S'for's voice cut through the pain in her stomach and she glanced over to see him running beside her again, with pain clearly etched on his face as well. Usually, she would have pretended not to hear it and continue running. But this was also how she could take a break. It was really hard to breathe, and she might collapse before she reached the top. Daine gave S'for a stiff nod, surprising probably not only herself but him too. She jogged off to the side with him, completely forgetting everyone else. She sat down on the ground as he tore off his boot. Oh, right. She was supposed to find something for him to put in his boot. But she never carried anything with her.

There was her clothing she wore and th dagger hidden in her boot. But just the sight of his blister made her cringe. Okay, if she was already sitting out with him, she might as well go all the way. Daine tore out her dagger and cut out a large chunk of her shirt all the way around so that it was even, for the most part at least. With that, she cut it in half for each shoe and handed them to S'for. "Fold them up for more padding." Her shirt was ruined, but now she could sincerely tell E'mion she was helping him out. Her shirt that had once been covering her stomach and hips now left them open to some skin on her stomach and then the top of her pants. You could see the difference between stomach and hips, giving off her secret of a figure to everyone.

There was only one problem for them, it was dark out. Only those close enough, like S'for would be able to see it. She sighed and thrust her dagger back into its pocket in her boots. Well, once he was ready she would start again. Her cramp was lessening, and it was getting easier to breathe. It was a good thing she followed him here, and she was actually greatful to him for it. Well, she would see how long that would last.

((i only posted right after so that everyone could know that she did follow s'for and that she did help *nod nod* i hope that is okay))

[Dizzy]

R'lan shook his head at he crazy green rider's antics...keeping her within sight and easy reach. He was more than glad though that he wasn't the only one to take on the task of keeping her in line. 'Wherrieheaded female...' He glanced around at the other women in his wing hopeing they hadn't by some odd chance over heard his thoughts.

He kept easy pace with the Wingsecond but pulled up sharply, seeing one of the younger brown riders slow an stop. "Boy... what's wrong?" He eyed Diane... 'So thats what she has been hiding.... only a dimglow would do more than look though.' His iceblue eyes twinkled at the thought. "L'nuo... how far back is E'mion?"

[E]

L'nuo slowed and looked behind him, squinting his eyes. "If he's at the back of the pack like he said he'd be, he's about ten... maybe twelve people back. You know how the slower people are. I say give him four minutes and he'll be here." Raising an eyebrow to R'lan he wondered silently if the man was concidering stopping or not. Or if he had something completely different up his sleeve. Glancing over at the women he'd caught swiming the other night, he couldn't help but smile at her new amount of clothing.

[shawncameron]

Marita was hurting bad, her side stung as though someone had stuck a hot knife in it and her legs where chaffing. It just went to show that not mater how sharply one is they are still at risk of their legs rubbing together in the most unpleasant of ways. The green rider would not slowdown however and resorted instead to looking down at her feet as she ran to keep up. Sadly the people in front of her where not doing the same as one brown rider pulled up sharply and she ran right into him, “Shards, R’lan this is a running exercise so run already!” she was taking her temper out on the rider and she knew it but though she felt a little bad about it her apology stuck as she noticed the extra amount of attention he was paying to Daine, her sister green rider.

Anyone looking close might have sworn they saw her brown eyes glow green with the jealousy burning behind them, “Daine can take care of herself boys, she is a big girl even if she doesn’t act like it.” She shot a hateful glare at the woman before dodging past the brown riders.

***

S’hon reached the top of the hill rather further ahead of most of the wing but that didn’t stop him form hearing the commotion coming from below. Stepping off the trail completely S’hon waved the few that had managed to keep up with him on, the next stretch was a strait though rock strewn path and if he sprinted he could easily catch up to the jogging front. And so S’hon didn’t feel guilty in the least at setting his riders on ahead though he did feel he needed to tell E’mon. BuMaz, Tell Malekith that I’m letting the others go ahead, Some of the riders are falling too fare behind. but isn’t that why he is in the back? Yes but he shouldn’t have to stay that far back for only these two riders.

Satisfied that his bronze would relay the message S’hon stated off again only this time he was jogging down the hill. Halfway there he rolled his eyes, he should have known, it was Daine and… S’for? Reaching the base of the hill the Wing Second slowed his pace, “what’s the problem S’for? Veralidaine?” his body was soaked in the sweat of the heat of the night, making his chiseled muscles glisten in the starlight. His wide chest was not heaving however, as most of the riders who had passed him had been, S’hon ran this path to often to be winded by it now.