The drum beats are first thought to be from some dream. Subconsciously, or unconsciously, his leg reaches out to hook the girl by the hips but he forgot he's in his weyr and they never made it up here.

When the drum's rhythm has a staccato choice of exposition, he realizes it's stemming from Ahiardhath. Are you still going on about the flight? He tries to achieve his former sleep status but the cave within his life mate's central hub, the one fire-guarded, is feeling like the ceiling's too low.

« I do not like to lose. » It isn't like Ahiardhath to pout. This is more like a road block to progress.

Some of the bed rushes fall to the floor as A'kehm flips to his stomach. Though he's growing more awake, he's trying to maintain sleep homeostasis by refusing to open his eyes. Who does. How you deal with a defeat determines future victories. I think that's what you'd say. If it troubles you so much, chase after a green and be done with it.

The cave they share, the one that houses their personas, trembles with either a growl or shake of the earth. They sound about the same. It tells A'kehm the urge to mate was not the bronze's only ambition.

Squint lines bisect his face and the bronzerider comes to realize sleep is like yesterday: gone. Fine. You want my advice. You need to be more cutthroat. His eyes bear open and he looks around without moving his head. He reaches for a piece of dried rush on the floor of his weyr. You work too closely with others and you lost your own sense of self-reliance. I honestly think you thought Theidith was the wingleader leading an exercise that would end at noon and you'd all be back at the Weyr in time for baths. Flights are not cooperative.

Moisture slides down the cave wall, contributing to mineral deposits. Ahiardhath's thinking drip-fast. « I think I understand when you have faults, do not fear to abandon them. »

Adapt. A'kehm's splitting the dried reed down its stem, scattering the little pieces on the floor. Know the enemy and know yourself. Now can I go back to sleep?

« Yes. I appreciate your counsel. You may rest now. »

A short time elapses. A'kehm is quiet. The dragon is quiet.

The rider can't close his eyes. I don't even like sticky buns. Why do I crave sticky buns…