The Weyrlingmaster gave the signal to go ahead, and Ainyah took a deep breath. First flights were a very trying experience for a young weyrling pair, but it was also a momentous occasion. The day when a dragon took its place in the sky.

Sulivith seemed perfectly calm, completely at ease with the situation and what was asked of her. She shuffled her wings, readying them, tensing and relaxing her flight muscles as she had been shown in class. Her young rider, on the other hand was terrified. What if something went wrong? What if Livi fell? What if she strained a muscle? Or... or a hundred other things that could possibly go wrong. And what if she did everything right, as they had gone through a million times, and... they flew. Somehow, Ainyah thought it was worth it.

Are you ready, Ani? Sulivith asked her rider, sensing her nervousness.

I think so, the girl replied.

It will be fine, you'll see, the green reassured. Her head snaked around and nuzzled her rider's leg, then indicated she was ready to take off.

One step, two, three. Wings raised, stretched out, taking air. And... Aloft! The take-off was awkward and rather bumpy, but it didn't matter. For a first attempt, it was perfect. Wings beat rhythmically, strongly, pushing the air aside as they were made to do. They owned the skies!

The ground sped past; tiny flowers of the spring blurring into a purple, white and yellow smudge; the Weyrlingmaster and his dragon far behind, waving and shouting in glee. And nothing but sky ahead of them.

Not too long, the 'Master had said. Don't tire her out.

That's enough, Ainyah warned the over-enthusiastic green. Don't try anything funny, just turn around in a big circle and let's try a landing.

Sulivith snorted mentally. I know what I'm doing, thanks, she said dryly, her excitement at flying clearly detectable in her tone.

The green - not quite full grown but big enough to need her own weyr, now - circled almost lazily and headed back towards the barracks. Her stroke-length slowed and she fell in height gradually, reaching out strong hind legs as landing gear, and thumped down. With a few steps to control the momentum, Sulivith came to a halt and folded her wings neatly at her side. Her eyes glowed vibrant blue.

Beautifully done, my love, Ainyah said, breathing heavily. Adrenalin still flowed through her veins like blood, and her hands shook terribly. But she wore a grin unlike any other.

Yes, the green replied, shaking her head and taking a deep breath. I thought so.