Threadfall had passed without major incident and Al'rio returned to the Weyr aloft Nabaleth with vast relief. It was always thus after such an emotionally and physically taxing activity as fighting Thread, and today was no different.

The young rider had graduated but a month before, and already had settled well into the routine of the Weyr. He and his clutchmate, Tianna's green Tirzath, had grown close during weyrling training and now had begun seeing each other more frequently in social situations. She was a sweet girl, and Al'rio was becoming quite fond of her.

Other than that, life was proceeding smoothly, and the boy who had once been ostracised by his fellow weyrlings had been well and truly drawn from his shell.

We should tell the Wingleader about your idea, Nabaleth remarked as he settled into his weyr, sighing with exhaustion.

"You think it'd work?" Al'rio asked, leaning back on the drowsy brown and closing his eyes. He had been observing the formations his new Wing used most often and come up with a new one that would - if it worked - effectively cover more ground using less bodies. He was still inexperienced in such matter, however, and not confident in his ideas.

Nabaleth grumbled an affirmative. I do. I think it is a good idea. We will tell the Wingleader tomorrow.

The rider sighed happily. "As you wish, my heart. Tomorrow."