A New Dawn

- Dragonriders of Pern

Outside the sun was setting, casting the Bowl into shadow. F'san led the way across to where his dragon crouched, silently waiting.

Ridith raised his head as they approached, his whirling eyes following their progress. "Up you go," the bluerider said cheerily. Curiosity urged Tonya onward as she accepted F'san's boost into the harness.

"Hang on tight," he told her, lifting himself up to sit behind Tonya. Wrapping an arm around the younger girl for safety, he silently urged his dragon up.

Tonya felt her heart quiver at the close contact with the other rider, but forced the thought from her mind. Instead, she concentrated on the view that her vantage point in the sky offered her.

Ahead she saw the star stones of Fort Weyr and realised they were their destination. Moments later, they were sat together, staring out at the sunset. Ridith stood statue-like behind them.

"I used to come here a lot when I was a weyrling," F'san said quietly. Tonya turned to him in surprise, but stayed quiet, sensing he was about to say more. It wasn't long in coming. "I've only had my own weyr for a few months, now," he said,turning to her, "so yes, it wasn't long ago that I was classed as a weyrling."

He looked at her and she realised that he had pre-empted her question. She blushed slightly. Plucking up her courage, she asked, "how long does weyrling training last?"

F'san smiled. "Usually about three Turns, sometimes more. It depends on the teacher and the students."

Tonya thought about this and found another question come to mind. "Who's going to teach the weyrlings?" she asked.

"J'kor and one of the wingleaders, probably P'dan," F'san answered, adding at her confused look, "he rides bronze Galoth".

"I don't think I've met him," Tonya admitted.

The bluerider chuckled. "No, I don't think you would have," he paused, "he's been at Benden Weyr for the last two severndays, should be back tomorrow, though."

"Why was he there?" Tonya asked, cocking her head to one side and regarding him carefully.

F'san shrugged, "something about wanting to go through their records. Don't know what for, mind."

Ridith let out a low rumble. F'san nodded absently and turned to face Tonya. "We should get you back," he said, "you're up for a long day tomorrow."

Tonya grinned. She knew what he meant; there were chores for all the weyrlings to complete as well as caring for Selirth. Despite the prospect of hard work, she was looking forward to her first full day as a weyrling of Fort Weyr.

With great ease F'san clambered up Ridith's foreleg then leaned over to pull Tonya up. She settled herself in the riding harness excepting the support from the bluerider, and tenderly reached her mind out to her dragon. Relieved at finding her still slumbering, she prepared for the short flight.

She was chilled to the core when Ridith landed in the Bowl, close to the Weyrling Barrack's. The nights at Fort were becoming increasingly cold; a sure sign that winter was fast approaching.

Bidding goodbye to the older rider, Tonya hurried into her quarters, taking care not to disturb her new room mate.

Selirth raised her head and looked sleepily at her rider. Are you alright? she asked.

I'm fine, she assured the young green, just had a trip out with F'san. He showed me the Star Stones.

Oh. The dragonet's eyes whirled in amusement. You like him, don't you? she asked.

Tonya felt herself blush, partly because it was true, partly because her dragon found it amusing. She decided to change the subject. "Do you need oiling?" she asked aloud.

Selirth considered for a moment, before shaking her head. No, I'm fine for now, she said, tomorrow though…Her voice trailed off as she fell back to sleep.

With a fond smile and a shake of her head, Tonya pulled her covers over herself and quickly fell asleep.

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Author's Note: Hurray, another chapter!! Keep reviewing and let me know what you think. Any and all compliments, corrections and criticisms (so long as they're constructive) are more than welcome. Thanks in advance! Bye for now!!