A Gathering of EarthWings (Feast)

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The Earth King sat in the main chamber of the Haven, watching as his people shuffled about joyously in preparation for the feast. It had been far too long since the EarthWings celebrated anything. So Baldirak declared that today the tribe would have a feast to celebrate their success over the years, the reign of his father, and the first few months of his own. He looked down to see a group of Hatchlings racing past with a freshly killed deer on their backs. Most likely they were taking it to the tables on the surface. Yes, Baldirak had said this feast would take place on the surface. Of course, one couldn't venture past a particular group of trees which served as a landmark for the borders of the SeaWing and FireWing territories. But at least everyone could enjoy some sun and fresh air for a change. Standing, the monarch made his way down a tunnel to a cave which led outside. Several tables were set up near a lake, all already filled with a variety of meat. Rock pillars with vines wrapped around them stood around the area to serve as perches for those who wished to eat in peace. There was an area for younger Hatchlings to play and a scavenger hunt had been put together for the older ones and anyone else who wanted to join in. Baldirak inhaled deeply as a breeze went passed, the scent of trees and meat wafting to his nostrils. He blinked as the sun filled his eyes for a moment. He wasn't at all worried, as some were, that the FireWings or SeaWings might discover them here. Even if they did, all evidence of the cave and the tunnel eading to the system underground was completely hidden. And besides, they were in neutral terrtiory. Baldirak limped over to one of the tables to sit and wait for his tribe to join him. Strangely, his leg didn't seem to be bothering him much today. But perhaps that was all in his mind. After all, today was meant to be a relaxing, fun day.

"I'm glad of that, at least. I didn't know there were more of you. Hm.. Don't worry, Rhune. You're safe here. I'm sorry to have troubled you." Baldirak replied with an apologetic smile. "Come, how about you try some gliding?"

Rhune took a few breaths, managing to calm down a bit. Hearing from Baldirak he was safe helped a lot on that side. Yeah, that was right. Never again would he have to fear to be taken back to this dungeon. Never again would he have to be forced to work like before.
The green dragon tilted his head as the leader suggested to try gliding. His wings twitched a bit - with the usual few seconds of delay to understand the statement of course.
"Now ? But... where ? And I'm not sure... my wings can take it yet." he asked.

The king smiled reassuringly, "Not yet for full-blown flight, no. But they're plenty strong for gliding. Now let's see... We can raise a pillar. Nothing too high, just enough for you to be able to glide properly." As he said this, he brought 5ft tall pillar up from the ground by striking it with his tail. "You are familiar with the concept of gliding, yes?"

Rhune had a surprised movement as Baldirak suddenly made a pillar appear from the ground, visibly not expecting such a feat for so few efforts. The green dragon seemed nervous, not feeling exactly sure about all this. He really wasn't sure his wings could take it... But at least the pillar didn't seem too high, so even if gliding didn't work he would fall safely on the ground below.
"Erm yes, I am... I guess..." he nervously replied.
Rhune walked toward the pillar and went on top of it, actually almost difficultly climbing on it rather than making a jump like any other dragon probably would have done. He was basically looking like an hatchling trying to reach a high place, actually. But at least he made it. Rhune then stood at the border of the pillar, blinking at he looked down at the ground below. This was higher than it seemed from below... Would he really be fine if he fell down ? Once again, he was looking like an hatchling judging a height.
The green dragon didn't jump yet, almost seeming to wait for something before doing so.

Baldirak watched as Rhune climbed the pillar. Part of him wanted to help, but he knew the importance of the EarthWing completing the task himself. When Rhune reached the top of the perch, he looked away. There were some trees to the left of them... The leaves were still. Rhune would have to wait for a good wind if he wanted to end this glide successfully.

Rhune had no idea what to actually do now. Sure, he knew that to glide he just had to extend his wings but that was all... Unlike what Baldirak was thinking, he hadn't been waiting for the wind to start blowing or anything. He had just been waiting to gather his courage to make the jump. That, and also the fact his writter had been too lazy to enact the whole thing in a single post. But of course none of the dragons could know that fact.
Rhune extended his wings and actually made the jump. For a second everything went perfectly fine. His wings stopped the fall and Rhune found himself gliding in the air. But this only lasted a second. His wings didn't hold the charge any longer, and Rhune started to fall straight toward the ground. He barely had the time to position his paws before he hit the ground. The landing was a bit rough, his legs not attenuating the whole shock. But other than falling on his chest with a big thump, there wasn't any real damage. After a few seconds of dizziness Rhune slowly stood up, seeming disappointed.

Baldirak was pleased with the exercise. Perhaps Rhune had not done as well as he would have liked, but it was progress, nevertheless. And after all, it could have been worse. The monarch smiled lightly and went over to Rhune as others who had watched approached too, to give their praise. Pelia, who woken from her nap in time to see the attempt, was one of the first. She ran up to the bigger EarthWing and hugged his paw.

Rhune was a bit surprised as other dragons arrived and gave him their praise. Not only because to him it was more a flop than a success, but also because such a supportive attitude was something unknown to him. Back at the working area everyone had way too much to deal with to even think about helping someone else. The green dragon blinked as even Pelia came and hugged his paw. He stood there, surprised and frozen as he didn't know how to react.

Baldirak chuckled softly. But he soon dismissed everyone to resume their festivities with a flick of his wing. He watched Rhune, hoping he hadn't been shocked too badly by the positive reaction he'd received. "Not as easy a thing to acclimate to as flying or speech. But soon, support and care will feel natural, too. Would you like to practice more, or shall we move on to other things?"

Rhune blinked once again as Baldirak dismissed everyone, leaving him alone and still as confused as before. The green dragon sat down, looking at the king.
"I... I will stop here. My wings... are not strong enough." he replied.
Rhune made a pause after his sentence. Visibly what happened had disturbed him, but he seemed more confused than actually shocked.
"May... May I leave? I... I need to be alone." he requested.
It wasn't the first time Rhune had made such a request, usually when he was confronted with something new like now.

(since we are the last two posters, I thought we maybe could start another topic with Rhune and Baldirak)