No One Said It'd Be Easy (Raven, Sal)

[Rii]

That's it. If I have to look at another lace pattern, I'm going to scream.

Somehow, Sora managed to excuse herself politely from the conversation, leaving her mother with the women of Geuran's spouse-to-be's family to cluck and chatter over frills and flowers and all the foolishness of the espousal to come like so many wherries over a fresh nest of eggs. She'd never been very big on pretty, feminine things, and this...! This was far exceeding her tolerance. She wanted away from it, and she wanted away from it now. And since she probably couldn't get away with bolting through the Hold grounds like she did the fields back home, that left her hunting for something to climb.

There. It was only a single-storey extension, a storage shed, but it would have to do. Sora's fingers dug into cracks in rough-hewn stone, digging for purchase with the toes of her boots. Then there was the sloped lip of the roof to grab, and she hauled herself up. Out of sight to any casual ground-bound searcher - not many people were smart enough to think of looking up right away, she thought scornfully - she sat on the roof, drawing a leg up to her chest and wrapping her arms around it, resting her chin on her knee.

She had probably the better part of the afternoon before they'd notice that she was missing and start to fuss, she estimated. Her mother would nag in a delicately worried kind of way about how it was a big event and she should be part of it, or about running off in a strange place. Sora snorted softly. It wasn't like she'd asked for Geuran to get espoused! Especially to a woman from so far away. Not that Mirasi's a bad sort, she added mendaciously, fair even in her thoughts. The journeywoman harper was nice, and although she wouldn't admit it, Sora liked hearing her play. I just don't see why they had to drag me along. They don't -really- want my opinion, just for me to smile and wear a nice dress when they exchange their vows.

She sighed. She didn't want to be here. Not that home was much better, but there was something comforting about routine chores chewing up day after day of time, and running the same paths until her feet had worn trails from having bolted in the same directions many times before. To be around the same people who had given up on her ever changing from the frequently cold-shouldered girl that she was. Here, she had to be nice to people, and it was hard - acting like she liked them and cared about them, when she also wanted to keep them away. At arm's length, at the very least.

I wonder what it's like to really be interested? Not fake interested, but to really be consumed with something. Another sigh escaped her lips. Doesn't matter. It wouldn't be safe, anyway.

[RavenSong]

Argotath and K'var popped out of between in the air above Western Hold, informing Perbiath and the watchdragon of their business there. They rode Search, and were teaching a nascent Searchdragon how to hone her sense of what made a Candidate.

One is here today, Enciath, Argotath said as he circled down to land. Can you feel? Maybe more, but... they're not quite ready. One is, though. One is ready, and maybe they'll come with us today. Come on, let's land over here. I've found that the best way to get children to come over to me is to let them climb on me. But you're Cyan, so you have that going for you. Cyans aren't as common as Blues outside Dalibor, and a lot of them might not have seen a Cyan up close before! You probably don't have to let anybody climb on you, but if you like little ones it's a lot of fun. Unless they stick a hand up your nose or try to open your mouth. I don't really like that.

As he spoke, the mighty blue backwinged and landed, lowering himself to the ground so K'var could slide off. Bip and Bit betweened in, taking their usual perches on Argotath's headknobs.

Hello! Argotath broadcast to the incoming bunch of children, laying down on his side with his head on the ground so the inquisitive little ones could come visit and clamber as they will. He enjoyed it, which was evident in the whirling colors of his eyes. The Weyrlingmaster grinned affably as he regarded the children.

"Hello, little ones!" he said. "I'm K'var of Blue Argotath, and my friend here is Weyrling D'nari of Cyan Enciath. She's new to this, my little friends, so respect her and of course respect her rider too. She might not be as nice as Argotath and let you climb her, okay? So if D'nari says no, that means no. No, please, don't stick your hand up Argotath's nose, we've been over this. Dragons don't need their noses picked." He guided a five Turn old carefully away from Argotath's head before the Blue sneezed mightily, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Okay, you probably don't want this crowd on you. K'varMine thinks that one's stuck his hand up my nose twice now. That itches. I don't like it at all. Ohh! Can you feel our Candidate, Enciath? he asked, lifting his head carefully to give the child on his nose time to move. I don't see them yet, but they're close. They feel like Ours, just... not right, not like Ours.

As the little ones climbed all over Argotath, delighted by the relaxed demeanor of the blue, K'var walked up to D'nari.

"Argotath's discovered the presence of a Candidate today," he said, grinning. "He can't see our Candidate yet, but knows they're here. He's going to let Enciath see if she can find our Candidate first before he says anything. He's explained that a Candidate has the same sort of feel you and I do, just not quite right like we do. A dragon knows, after all, as I explained before we flew and betweened over." He crossed his arms over his chest and turned to watch the children, his head turned to where it was evident D'nari still had most of his attention. Bip and Bit didn't much like the smaller children grabbing for them, so they both flew to K'var and perched on him.

[princesal]

As they betweened next to K'var and Argotath, Enciath took off like a bolt. Since the first time she gotten into the air, she was a mover. Her constant running and exercise seemed to have prepared her for an almost fluttery kind of pattern of flying. She had darted here and there and almost everywhere.

The first time D'nari had just seen her flying, he had actually thrown up. It was dizzying, and a bit terrifying. This was nothing like when he had been Searched, that pink had flown calmly and evenly. To him Enciath seemed to never glide or take a pause to coast, his stomach had not appreciated it at all. Maybe it was a good thing that he had gotten sick, as almost immediately Enciath landed and had run over to see what was wrong. Concern coloring her eyes alarmingly. A Healer nearby had confirmed it was just an unfamiliar sensation, and that some riders experienced it when they took to the air. Most of the time it was a beginner thing, and wasn't cause for alarm.

Unfortunately, that didn't dispel the concern Enciath had, and the next time she flew (which wasn't very shortly after, as soon as her baby wings had been deemed mature enough to keep her aloft, she had wanted to be in the air), it had been almost in slow motion. D'nari's stomach had kept calm, but he didn't feel the same exuberant excitement that Enciath had been giving off the first time she had taken to air. No matter how much people seemed to think he was bullied into doing things for Enciath, the red-haired rider knew that it was an equal give and take. She couldn't force him to do anything he didn't actually want to do, or was completely against. He didn't even miss meat as much as he used to.

So the two of them had come to an agreement, Enciath would slowly move back to her 'normal' flying behavior. Part of D'nari had expected her to be like that anyway. She constantly was moving around on all fours, wanting to exercise, and getting D'nari to do so as well. She was small in comparison to other fighters, tiny compared to other cyans (though Ana definitely held the title for that). Her body was lithe, and she could turn on a mark. There was a benefit to her flying abilities when they would eventually fight thread together. And D'nari wanted to be able to take full advantage of that.

So slowly she started to speed up, flying whenever she got a chance. Sometimes almost immediately after he oiled her, so she glittered as the sunlight bounced off her sparkling hide. The healer must have been right, and Enciath was being more careful, but when it came time for them to fly together... well, that had still been an event.

D'nari had checked the riding leathers about seven times by the time he actually got settled, and had wrapped them around both of his hands. The tension he could feel coiled in his stomach, as well as in Enciath's body, told him that there was a possibility of being a bumpy ride. They were both nervous and excited, and then, with a beat of her wings, they both were in the air. Most likely it was the added weight that kept her from speeding along like a crazy flit, and he was thankful of it. Until his mind wandered, and he wondered what it'd be like to do a flip. Enciath took this as an opportunity to do so. The nausea threatened to produce a fruity mess on her sparkly hide, but Enciath came out of the loop quickly, and left D'nari gasping for air... and because of a certain amount of exhilaration.

He was sure that Dawnova had fits, maybe he didn't have very good self preservation skills... but at least there was Enciath to always double and triple check the riding leathers. That importance had been grilled into them almost immediately, if Enciath was going to continue to be an excitable flyer. Also was mentioned that if she was going to be in training as a Search Dragon, that she couldn't start doing loop-de-loops with candidates on board. She had implemented her sweet nature to see if there was a way around that, but D'nari had squashed that want down, explaining very clearly that while he was going to be used to her flying like she had drank a pot of klah first, that small little candidates would not, and might get hurt.

That still didn't stop her, from when they Betweened next to K'var and Argotath, from flying like she did now. It was a new place, she was doing a new thing, and she could already sense that there was someone below that felt like D'nari and K'var, and Letorin, and Dawnova, and G'lin, and everyone else had felt to her. It was a certain... gut instinct, like she had met them before, but knew she hadn't. Of course she hadn't. A tickling sensation. But for now, she bolted from place to place in the sky, almost like she was trying to create a whirlwind, and was nearly succeeding.

Enci? Enciath... calm down, if you don't calm down, no candidates you find are going to want to come with y-ah ah...

Holding onto the riding straps, and bracing himself, D'nari had gotten used to the tight turns she was able to do, the first time she had done it and he hadn't been prepared it had felt like a punch in the jaw. Now though, he was getting so much better at how he moved. There was still a lot of work to do, but if she hadn't been a stickler for exercise, he would have been a lot worse off. His arms were bound to start defining the muscles rapidly at this point now, and the abs that were finally starting to define were constantly tight, as he kept his core in control, and his balance in check. How anyone could stay pleasantly plump once they became a rider, was something that D'nari was envious of. He'd rather be with a layer of fat during the Winter, then in shape and freezing mid-Autumn.

Sorry Mine, sorry. Just look where we are! We're going to find a candidate! I can feel it! When I greeted the day this morning, I knew that today would be a good day! Feel the wind!
how can I not... it's freezing!
It's good for you, D'nari. Besides, the bloodmouth teacher and Argotath wouldn't put you in danger. I won't let them.
If you find a candidate, you have to stay calm.

He felt her mental agreement, and they followed K'var and Argotath down to land. Whether it was an effort to not scare the kiddies, or she had gotten some of her ecstatic flying under control, she landed gently next to the much bigger blue, and saw the hoard of children coming out.

At the same time, D'nari unbuckled himself, and slid off, running his hand over Enciath's side, and pushing up his goggles to be able to look around. His cheeks were nearly red from the wind against them, but he looked excited, and pushed his scarf down from over his mouth to reveal a broad smile. Crouching down to greet some of the smaller children, Enciath took an uncomfortable step back.

Are you alright?
There are quite a lot of the little ones. I don't want them climbing on me, or sticking hands up my nose. I can smell the blood on their fingers and permeating their little bodies.
You can't talk to them about not eating meat.
Of course, Mine, of course. I never would, just because their parents, or those who take care of them don't understand that they are raising their children to be murderers, doesn't mean that they are responsible for it. I can feel something though. I want to find them, I want to find who is giving me this feeling.

Smiling at her, it had become obvious pretty soon that Enciath was not too fond of children. D'nari had visited Dalibor's creche, just to visit, and Enciath had made more then a fair share of them cry because she had explained that all the meat they ate came from cute and wonderful little animals that the adults killed and let their blood stain their hands. She was never going to be a mothering sort of dragon to children, she had tact at times, but not with little children.

"Sorry little ones, Enciath doesn't like..."
being touched by bloody little hands.
"She's really focused right now. One of the people who live here might be Searched today. Maybe after she'll let you touch her, alright?"

He ruffled one of the children's hair as their was a collective noise of disappointment, Enciath was a cyan dragon, so people were naturally interested in her. Add into the fact that she was small, and sparkly, and it was understandable why children were attracted like moths to a flame. It was almost amusing to D'nari that she was usually kind, and somewhat considerate (unless she had deemed you a bloodmouth), she just didn't have a tolerance for little children. As soon as they were old enough to be influenced to not eat meat though... well, she liked them then.

"Enciath says she can already feel something. Thanks for saying something to the children, she's not the best with them. I'm sure it probably got back to you that she made some of them at creche cry..." Most things that happened in the class of five got immediately back to K'var, D'nari was pretty sure that K'var knew pretty much everything that had to do with his weyrling class.

Tell him that I'm going to go find the candidate now.
Alright. Be considerate of where you are going, Enciath. You're smaller than Argotath, but you're still a dragon, don't knock anyone over.
I think I can manage that, do not get hurt when I'm gone. Your red wher sister will try to have my hide if you are hurt, but that will only be after I make sure you are wrapped in enough blankets that you will be incapable of getting hurt again.

Her concern stated, she slipped away from the crowd of children, heading off to where she felt like the candidate might be. There was general curiosity for most things, and she examined them before moving on, quickly forgetting about them, for the lure of whomever was giving her this feeling. D'nari kept their mental link wide open, just in case something happened. He looked at K'var, and then at the children, and back to K'var. "She's gone to Search them out... Euhm... I have some questions, while she's Searching. I was just thinking about it, but will Kermarahath or Kinnisoth, since they're so big, will they be able to clutch? I mean, since already each dragon seems a bit different physically. Ah- I have another question, but I'll ask it later when there aren't children around..."

Kneeling down, he pulled out a length of string from his coat, and tied the ends together making a loop. Using his teeth to pull off his riding gloves, he invited the children closer with a smile and a hand. Wrapping the string around his own hands, he used his fingers to loop the strands in several different directions, until finally he had created a pattern of lots of crisscrossing lines creating diamonds on a rectangle. Taking that apart, he wrapped both halves around his hands once, and then looped his middle finger through either side. Holding his hands out to one of the older children. "Grab the two x's, see, right there and there, between your thumb and index finger, yup, just like that, and bring them through the middle. There you are."

He let go so that the string formed a new pattern on the child's hand. D'nari grabbed the new x's, and repeated the process creating a new pattern. He looked up and saw that the way the game was played dawned on the child, and when they took the string onto their own hands with a new pattern, he pointed them towards another child. "Sometimes you can use your pinkies too." Standing up, he thought an explanation was needed. "It was something that me and Dawnova used to do when we were trying to show our parents that we could behave..." Except that often enough they used their mother's string, and took apart half of the blanket she was knitting to do so. They were both terrors.


Off in the distance, Enciath was moving with determination. It wasn't as easy as she thought it would be, since, like Argotath said, there were several that gave off the same feeling, but when she got close to them, it wasn't strong enough. It wasn't the same as when she had met other candidates for the first time. She felt like she was getting closer though, closer and closer still, and at one point she went around one area several times, looping, before moving off... that area kept bringing her back though. Going to the entrance way, she peered in, thinking maybe they were inside, but saw no one. It was just a shed.

Argotath? I can sense something, really strong, but I can't find them. I keep being brought back to this shed, but there is no one in it. Do candidates leave traces of the... the feeling?

[Rii]

Sora might have been in the mood to hide in a corner and sulk, but it was hard to stay aloof when dragons appeared in the sky. She'd glimpsed them in fly-overs back home, and more often since coming to Western Hold - the Lord Holder here had a dragon, how in the name of the First Egg did that work? - and thought that really, they were majestic creatures. Kind of interesting to watch, at least. She could see them soar so high that they looked like firelizards winging through the sky, and wondered what it would be like if there was a cliff that high to climb and see the world stretch out below you.

These ones weren't soaring high, though. They were landing, right there in the courtyard. Children immediately swarmed the blue, and she found herself amazed that he didn't seem to mind. Well, aside from when he got a hand up his nose. That drew a bit of a grin from her. Did dragons even make snot? Which, now that she considered it, was a rather disgusting question to have on one's mind. Ew. The children didn't swarm the other one, which was different. Maybe the riders had warned them off. Made sense that not every dragon was alike. Shards, she didn't like children, why would dragons?

But that particular dragon really was different. He - or she - was tiny, for one. A baby dragon? How soon did they fly? Sora couldn't quite decide if it was a blue or a cyan, and the size was no hint. For another, their hide sparkled, which she'd never heard of before. Colors in every hue and various markings, sure, but sparkles? Well, what did she know about dragons. She was just a backwater holderborn, prepared to trudge through an uninspiring existance. She was also indulging in a spate of feeling sorry for herself.

The holder girl watched the small dragon explore the grounds - like a hunting canine, she thought. What are they looking for? Or are they just curious because it's different from their Weyr? She leaned forward, hugging her legs closer against her chest and watching in true fascination as the weyrling draw closer. To the very shed she was sitting on top of, even! She - Sora decided arbitrarily that it was a she, being so small and sparkly like the showiest of fancy dresses - circled around and around, wandered off, came back. She even peered inside.

The dragon was definitely looking for something. What did dragons look for? Food? Thread? If so, she was bound for disappointment. There was neither inside, just a storage of fuel for the fast-approaching winter. And maybe we'll be back home by then. She couldn't decide whether she wanted that or not. On the one hand, home was familiar and she knew just how to do everything there. But... winter could be interesting too. Not like it's my choice anyway. She peered at the dragon again, curious in spite of her intention to not give a cat's rump about anything. What are you looking for?

[RavenSong]

Candidates don't leave trails, Argotath said, looking over toward where Enciath had gone. If you're drawn to the shed, your Candidate is there. If you can't find anyone in the shed or around the shed, maybe try on the shed? Humans can climb. That's how our riders get on us, after all. I bet your Candidate's on the roof of that shed so nobody can see them. Do you want Ours over there when you find your Candidate, so they can explain? Or would you like to tell your Candidate yourself? I don't know if you like talking to people who aren't YourD'nari. Some of us don't like that, after all!

He sensed the Candidate more sharply now, roughly in the direction where Enciath had headed off. As Argotath watched Enciath, pretty sure he was able to see the Candidate above her cyan head, K'var grinned at D'nari.

"Yeah, I remember hearing about Enciath making the little ones cry. She knows she shouldn't tell the Candidate that they're a murderer or a bloodmouth, right? And color's what deems if they can clutch or not, D'nari," he said. "Kemarahath and Kinnisoth are green and pink, even if they are big as a red and brown respectively. Not that we really need to remind Kemarahath that she's a Green, hm? If they do, I'll be surprised. So far all five have displayed typical traits of their color, even if they're differently sized because of their unique parentage, I don't see how being huge would let those ladies clutch. I'll remind you of your other question once we're back at Dalibor, too. Once our Candidate's safely deposited in the care of our illustrious lady Candidatemasters."

He watched D'nari entertain some of the kids as they got bored with climbing on the blue. When all the children were off Argotath, he righted himself and stood, extending his long neck forwards. He could see Sora on the shed. Eyes whirling green in amusement, he waited for Enciath to find Sora before he said anything further.

[princesal]

She knew humans could climb. She wasn't hatched yesterday, she just wanted to ask questions that she didn't have answers to. This was her first time as well, and she felt little tugs off, sensations that wanted to drag her away, that feeling coming from younger children, but not as strong as this.

Thank you Argotath, I will speak to them when I find them. If I need assistance, or have more questions, I'll say something.

With that, she looked up at the roof, and then, standing on her hind legs, peaked over the top. Walking on her hind legs, using the shed for balance, she moved closer until she was looking at the, ah, a girl! She had the same feeling that Letorin did, and the same feeling that other candidates had. Eyes whirrling a pleased color, she moved so that she could snuffle at the girl.

Hello there! My name is Enciath.

She spoke softly to who she hoped would be her first find. Her voice was sweet, and concerned, and polite.

Are you hiding up here? It's my first time Searching, but I've found you. Oh! Pardon me, where are my manners, I'm from Dalibor Weyr. Would you like to come back with me? If you come off the shed we can get to know each other better, and I can show you some exercises, and we can talk about some of the best ways to stay healthy.

D'nari chuckled, "She knows now. She was upset when she made all the children cry, and I think at that point decided she didn't want anything to do with them in the future." He spoke softly so that the near-by little ones wouldn't hear. When he was that age, even if something was said and not about him, at times he had still thought it was. Grinning, he shrugged. "I thought I'd ask, simply because of the size differences being so great. I didn't know if there would be anything else about them that would differ from their colors. I guess if there is, we'll find out, right? Oh! I think she found the candidate, feels like she swallowed a ball of sunshine."

He rubbed his breast bone, and smiled. While Enciath was remaining calm, she was positively glowing inwardly. She had found a candidate! She was sure of it, and that meant that she was a real Searchdragon now! That her and D'nari could travel all of Pern! Well... maybe not all.

"Where does Dalibor have Searching rights again? I don't want Enciath to get too excited about the idea of scouring all of Pern for candidates." Though going to a warmer location during Winter wouldn't be too bad. Brrr.

Would you like to come over and meet mine? You can be mine too, but a different kind of mine. You can be my candidate, my first one. I'll bring you back to Dalibor, and I will cheer for you when you're on the Sands. You can visit me and my D'nari too.

She inched her maw closer, hot breath coming out of her nostrils and blowing at the girl she found. Her wings opened, catching the light on her sparkly hide.

You're doing a good job.
I think she may eat meat, but I can change that.
If you bring it up now, you aren't allowed to Search anymore.
Oh! Of course of course! I would never do that.

She poured sweet sugar over her words, and D'nari felt himself grinning. "Should I head over? I... we've never done this..." in a quieter voice, "Are we doing alright, K'var?" There was something in his tone that sounded a bit like yearning to be told that they were. But he covered it with a laugh at Enciath's attempts to get closer to the newly-dubbed candidate on the shed.

[Rii]

Sora nearly startled herself right off the top of the shed when the dragon poked her head over the edge of the roof to look at her. And that was before that soft, sweet voice popped up in her head. She stared at the cyan - she'd been right in assuming it was a female, it seemed, because the voice was distinctly female - with wide eyes. "That was you, wasn't it?" she whispered. This was perhaps not the cleverest of beginnings, but she'd never had anyone talk in her head except for herself. She backtracked to cover up her display of shock, instinctively a touch on the defensive. "I mean... of course it was. You just, surprised me."

Her surprise only grew. The dragon had been looking for... her? Not just any human, there were plenty of people around and the dragon - Enciath, she'd said - had hunted for her, despite her hiding on top of the shed. Yes, definitely hiding. "Not exactly hiding," she protested for the sake of protesting. "Just limiting who can talk to me. Didn't stop you, did it? So it must've worked." The corner of her mouth tugged outwards, just a little bit, something between a demi-smirk and a quarter of a smile. Who would have thought that the one to try and coax her down from her perch would be a dragon? Her family would hardly believe it.

"Your what... oh, you mean your rider. Ah..." Now she was wary. It could all be some trick. She wasn't sure if dragons lied and manipulated, but she'd learned sharding early on that humans sure did. It was possible that the cyan had been put up to this by her rider, the side of her that was inclined to be suspicious pointed out. Or, the cyan could mean every word she said and the rider could end up naysaying it. She didn't know how exactly Search worked. And Enciath said it was her first time. Maybe that was what the bigger dragon was there for, to make sure she found someone good. Someone better than the girl hiding on the shed, at least.

Still, she slid forward until she sat on the edge of the roof, her legs dangling off. This little height didn't disconcert her in the slightest. She wouldn't have bothered approach at all, Sora told herself, except that Enciath seemed so very eager to reach her. And the cyan was pretty, with that sparkling hide gleaming, her wings outstretched. The hot woosh of breath was a surprise, the unique scent of dragon not really one she'd experienced firsthand before. Sora was perfectly capable of appreciating pretty things, although the endless candlemarks of dress-talk had pushed that past her limit.

She didn't think herself pretty in the slightest, and didn't particularly care. Long brown hair was trapped in a quick braid that hung over one shoulder; her clothes were not made with style in mind, a plain black coat - clearly borrowed, because it hung off of her like it was made for someone much bigger - over dark brown pants and a black shirt that were made for someone her size. As far as all that went, she could have been a drudge. Bright blue eyes looked at Enciath with only partially disguised stirrings of interest, and she offered her hands to the dragon with a touch of hesitation. She wasn't sure that she wouldn't get them bitten off for her temerity, but it was worth a shot. Besides, she'd been a little rude in not introducing herself right away as the cyan had. "I apologize, you threw me a bit. I'm Sora," she told the dragon softly. "It's nice to meet you, Enciath. I... guess I could meet your rider, too?"

[RavenSong]

K'var nodded to D'nari, looking of toward where Enciath was.

"Yep, we'll find out as they age. That's why I'm glad this class is so small... I can give each of you individual attention. Hilariously enough, though, you five are my first Weyrling class. I think you'll do well, though. All of you have promise. As for Search rights, Dalibor can search at Western or Crescent. -Typically- anyone from a different Hold is a transfer. Argotath officially Searched my son V'kyr as a bit of a joke, and a bit seriously, but he was ready to get away from Ista anyways so Argotath's imput wouldn't have mattered much." He smiled as D'nari asked how they were doing. "You're doing fine, D'nari. Have Enciath bring her Candidate over here. Argotath will verify the Candidate and we'll take them back to Dalibor. He'll know the second he sees them if they're a good choice or not, and knowing how Argotath is, you two will get full credit for this Search."

Did you find your Candidate? Argotath asked Enciath, standing up so he could get a good look at what Enciath was doing. He saw the person on the shed. Is she your Candidate? She's got the feel of one. You did a really good job, Enciath. MyK'var just told YourD'nari to ask you something. I'd like to see your Candidate up closer. She looks a little funny from back here. Is she wearing a bag? Anablimyth would have a fit. Good thing he's not here to see, huh?

[princesal]

It's not a bag, it's a running poncho. D'nari couldn't help the soft snort of laughter that escaped when he heard Enciath say that. While her tone was pure honey, he had been on the end of it before, and knew that it could be just as easily laced with sarcasm. It was the respect of Argotath and somewhat K'var (though he ate meat, so not as much), that kept that sarcasm out.

As her found candidate reached out, Enciath felt as if the girl needed some reassurance, and surged her muzzle forward so that Sora's hand would rest flat against her head, with small movement, she pushed against that outstretched hand, and offered the girl some calm. It's very nice to meet you Sora. Come off the roof, please, and carefully. I will be very cross if you hurt yourself after I have just found you. He words held care though, and with a rearing movement, pushed herself from the roof, and landed back on all fours, waiting patiently for Sora to get off the roof as well. If the girl jumped, Enciath would admonish her, she did not want Sora to be hurt.

Thank you, Argotath. I have a very good teacher to look up to. Her head looked at Argotath as she said this, and it was clear that she meant him. While she believed she knew best, especially when it came to D'nari, she honestly did respect the blue, and he was a beloved mentor to her, his praise meant a good deal to her.

Bring her over, Enciath. Once she's cleared, we'll give her the choice if she wants to fly with K'var or myself.
We're doing a good job!
Yes, we are. You're really good at this. Are you enjoying it?
Yes I am, can you ask Argotath's if we could stay for a bit to explore?

D'nari couldn't resist the physical movement of shaking his head no to her request. Not this time. There will be chances to explore later. Do be in too much of a hurry to grow up, Enci.

"Thank you, K'var." With the acknowledgement that he was doing a good job, D'nari found himself grinning. Stretching, he watched and waited for Enciath to come over. "... I'm glad you're my WeyrlingMaster, I think you're doing a great job, even if it's your first time being one... then again, it's my first time being a weyrling too, so I don't have a comparison."

His smile was broader, and he was looking at K'var. "Hey, since I am part of your first class... what made you want to be a WeyrlingMaster? Did you volunteer for it, or did someone ask you?" There were a couple things D'nari was curious about, and now that Enciath was getting older and bigger, and soon they would graduate, there seemed to be a lack of knowledge that the Weyrling had about his teacher. He owed the man a lot, even if he was just doing his job.

C'mon Enci... just because you found her, didn't change the temperature.
Pish posh, put your gloves back on before you catch something that will leave you snotty and feverish. D'nari put his gloves back on as he waited for Enciath and her find to walk over.

[Rii]

Sora had expected nothing of any of this. It was new, it was interesting. As Enciath surged up to meet her hand, a bubble of delight rose up in her chest. No biting, just affection. The holder girl ran her fingers over that warm, smooth hide and smiled softly. If nothing else came of today, she’d talked to - and touched - a dragon. Even if her rider said she’d been mistaken, and Sora was meant to stay put and drudge through the rest of her life, they couldn’t take that from her.

"Don't worry, I won't get hurt. I've climbed up and down much higher things before no problem." Wait, was she reassuring a dragon? A dragon that was worrying about her health and wellbeing? Okay, today was destined to be weird. (And she didn’t even know about Enciath’s obsession with fitness and not eating meat yet!)

Well, it sure beat cooing over lace patterns.

She could have simply jumped down, since it wasn’t that big of a drop and a tuck-and-roll would have absorbed the impact, but then she would have gotten dirty and her mother would have fussed about staying presentable when they were guests at this Hold. And Enciath seemed so concerned. Sora flipped over, gripping the edge of the shed’s roof and lowering herself until she was hanging from her hands, then dropped the much shorter distance with hardly more than a stumble on the landing.

Once on the ground, she straightened the oversized jacket she was wearing, then stuffed her hands in her pockets. “Alright, let’s go meet your rider.” She was a little reluctant to still, but she’d said she would go and she refused to go back on her word. Other people might not be trustworthy, but she endeavored to be. She ambled through the courtyard in silence, heading for the larger, not-sparkly blue and the two men in leathers standing nearby.

Drawing close enough, she etched a small bow - she’d always been taught to be extra-courteous to the defenders of Pern. “Dragonriders,” she spoke in a respectful tone, no matter of the slightly guarded look in her eyes. “I apologize if this is an intrusion, but Enciath asked if I would come and meet you.”

[RavenSong]

Oh. It looks like a bag from over here, I apologize. Ponchos are okay. Argotath shifted where he sat, looking anxiously towards Enciath and Sora. I'm glad you think I'm a good teacher. You and your clutchmates are my first students! MyK'var's, too. Searching's really easy, though, once you get the hang of it. I bet you'll be Searching all the time once you graduate, and flying everywhere if YourD'nari lets you! I can show you places I know, too, and show you places to look out for. MyK'var remembers them for me. He sounded proud. His memory was crap, since he was a Blue, for some things. K'var remembered it all for him. We still Search sometimes, but not as much since we're busy teaching.

As Argotath spoke to Enciath, K'var gave D'nari a warm, paternal smile and a pat on the shoulder.

"No need to thank me, D'nari. I discovered as a Candidatemaster that I like to teach. We got some new blood who enjoyed being around Candidates as well, so I stepped aside for them. Now I'm a Weyrlingmaster, and eventually I'll probably step aside and let someone new teach for awhile. I volunteered to be a Weyrlingmaster, just after my son V'kyr arrived. I was hoping to be his, but it didn't work out that way." He grinned like a dork. "Not that it's a bad thing, you five are excellent. Thanks, though... I've been hoping I don't muddle things up. Your class size made it easier to come up with a new way of doing things. F'reki's got his way, A'bar has his, Delilah has hers... I have mine." He smiled again. "Though what I do with you kids won't work for a larger class. I'd have to hold classes like the others do if there's more than seven Weyrling pairs. Ah! Look, here comes Enciath with your Candidate. Let me address her first, to show you roughly what to say. You can come up with your own way of phrasing all this."

K'var smiled brightly at Sora.

"Hello!" he said, voice warm. The middle-aged redhead looked quite happy to see her. "You're not an intrusion at all. We've actually been waiting for Enciath to bring you here. I'm Weyrlingmaster K'var of Blue Argotath, my young friend is Weyrling D'nari of Cyan Enciath. We're here as on a Search lesson, and you're their first Search. Enciath found you with minimal guidance from my Argotath." He turned to Enciath at that point, smiling.

"Well done, Enciath. You show a lot of promise as a Searchdragon." Even though he'd praised D'nari, he still felt he should praise the dragon as well. It was habit. Even though they were a bonded pair, they were individuals, and they both deserved praise for their excellence. K'var gestured to D'nari.

"D'nari can tell you a bit about our Candidate program, as he recently went through it. If you have no desire to come with us to Dalibor Weyr and Stand as a Candidate, that's fine. It's perfectly okay to refuse. I actually know someone who's done that, he's a Master of his craft now and enjoys being around the dragons and whers of Dalibor. I think he used to live here, actually... I digress. If you accept our Search, we'll give you some time to go gather your things and let your family know. We won't just carry you off without warning, after all. That would be rude and I think Lord D'lios would have a few harsh things to say about it." He gave a disarming smile. The man was telling a joke, it seemed. Argotath leaned down to eye Sora, his eyes whirling swiftly in blue and green.

Oooh. Good pick, Enciath, he said, audible to everyone present. I couldn't really tell from way over there. Up close? She's a perfect Candidate. Yay! Okay maybe the praise was getting a bit effusive. K'var laughed and patted Argotath's nose.

"If you have any questions, Miss... Miss.... huh. I seem to have forgotten your name. I'm so sorry." The fact she hadn't given it escaped the man. "Anyways. If you have questions, just ask! We'll answer."

[princesal]

As she led Sora back to her D'nari, and their mentors, she felt a definite surge of pride flowing through her, and it didn't matter if it was D'nari proud of her, or her proud of herself. It was shared, and she felt like she could run forever because of it. The feeling of finding a candidate, of feeling that special twinge inside of her that told her that this person would be good... it was better than any workout, any run, and any salutation she could ever given the morning day. The only thing that it came close to was the happiness at being with friends and family.

Thank you Argotath. I'm glad you approve. D'nariMine?
... Yes?
Is she going to fly with us, or K'var and Argotath?
... ah...

That was a good question, and one he'd ask. He had a feeling that K'var was going to suggest that Sora (if she chose to go with them), ride with the blue. Enciath was incredibly fast, and possibly exceedingly jostling to ride. Matched with the excitement of trying to rush home to show everyone who she had found. While thinking this, he felt Enciath droop a little, and quickly rushed to mentally calm her, while K'var greeted the weyrling, at the same time taking note on the procedure.

Why wouldn't people want to come if they've been Searched? She directed her question to Argotath. They could become dragon riders, and then finish their craft. D'nariMine still sews, and Nesdeth's Dawnova still pursues her craft. It probably all sounded like silly questions, but well... they were here to learn, and there was no such thing as a stupid question.

D'nari left Enciath to question Argotath about different things, while he smiled at Sora and tried not to say anything as K'var stumbled for a name. "It's nice to meet you, Sora. Enciath is very happy that you were her first Search. She thinks you're perfect. If you come with us, I'm sure she'll try to rope you into working out exercising daily, and eating healthier."

None who I Search are going to murder creatures for consumption.
I'm implementing a rule right now for the future, Enciath.
Yes Mine? Her voice oozed sugar.
On future Searches you aren't allowed to decide on who you Search based on what they eat.
...
Enci.
But... but that means I might Search out murderers! I might Search out someone who takes pleasure in feeling the sinewy and delicious tissue pop between their teeth! They might even be a hunter of innocent creatures!
Promise me or we don't ever leave Dalibor Weyr again.
... ... promise. Her mental tone was grumbly, and he was sure that later they'd be having a bit of an argument about it, but for now...

"If you do come with us, I have a few people I know that are candidates, and I can introduce you to them, that way you won't feel strange about lessons, or not knowing anyone in the classes." Letorin was nearly a welcome committee by now, and while he was sure the younger man was sad he hadn't Impressed yet, him being there let D'nari know that if Sora came with them, that she'd be in good company. "I'd tell you about being a Candidate at Dalibor if you rode with Enciath and myself..."

He could help but grin, as he glanced at K'var, if anyone knew about Enciath's flying behavior, their teacher did. It was an unasked question, pretty much asking K'var that if Sora decided she wanted to go to Dalibor, he decide who she rode with.

Have you decided, Sora? Are you going to come to Dalibor with us? We'll cheer you on loudly when you're on the sands.
Don't bully her like you do me, dear.
The thought didn't even cross my mind.
pffft, yeah and Nesdeth doesn't like bugs.

[Rii]

One thing was sure - Sora certainly didn’t look as excited about talking to dragonriders and being Searched as some candidates did. There was a hint of wariness in her eyes, masked by the attentive, listening expression she put on for them. Her brows did raise as K’var rattled through his spiel about her being very welcome and a great Search prospect and not having to feel any pressure about it at all (although Enciath seemed plenty eager for her to come with them). Huh. Apparently they weren’t joking. And it was her choice. “Wait… has that ever happened? Someone just carrying off a candidate?” That reassurance sounded like there was a story behind it.

Did she want to be a candidate? Sora folded her arms, brows drawing together as she considered the choice. It was a fair question. Thus far in life, she hadn’t really considered doing anything except for working through her daily chores. Day in. Day out. She’d had the fleeting thought once or twice that it wouldn’t be bad to go for a Runner, but she’d hesitated. Questioned if she really wanted to do it. And in the end she’d decided against saying anything; one couldn’t be a Runner forever, after all. Maybe a handful of Turns, a double handful if you were lucky, and then you had to let someone younger and faster take over. Then she’d be back at square one. It had been a safe choice.

But safe had started to grate on her, catching the girl between the desire for familiar, structured things and knowing what her place was and how to do everything she needed to do - and wanting something new, wanting to escape everything. Dragonriding wasn’t the least bit safe, she knew that as well as any holdbred child. They flew Thread, got injured, even died. Sora pondered this, and decided that she wasn’t really afraid of it. If it happened, it happened, and it wouldn’t be much worse than being a glorified drudge. And if she worked hard enough, it shouldn’t happen. So. The dangers weren’t really a huge deterrent. Of course, they weren’t much of a draw, either. She tilted her head back, blue eyes widening.

If she was chosen by a dragon, the skies would be hers.

All of a sudden, she found herself wanting something. She found herself interested in something, no matter what other people might say or how likely she was to be good enough or how much safer it was to remain neutral and unattached. “Yes,” she spoke suddenly, before her wary side could stifle that want. “I… I want to accept the Search, and be a candidate.” And maybe Enciath would hound her about exercising, or other candidates would insist on being social, but she could handle those problems when they came.

As for who she was flying with… alright, so she’d have to stuff her things in a bag and tell her family first, and listen to her mother fluttering with worry of how sudden it was… but that seemed to be up to the weyrlingmaster. She’d have to wait and see.

[RavenSong]

"Sora! Right, okay. Sora Sora Sora. There, I have your name memorized. I won't forget again. Aaaand yeah, one of the Blues has a penchant for... ahhh... snagging Candidates before they've really made up their minds. Fortunately they've been accommodating, and all have Impressed. It's not Argotath, so don't worry." K'var gave an embarrassed chuckle. "He actually took one from her espousal. Hilarious, yes. Upsetting, yes. Upsetting because it makes the Weyr look horrible. As a rule, though, Searchriders do not kidnap Candidates." His expression turned to a bright smile as Sora chose to go with them.

"Well, alright then. Let your family know, hm? If you want them there for Hatchings, we can accommodate that. A lot of people here and at Crescent like to come watch Hatchings, so wingriders and even Weyrleaders drop by to convey people. You're allowed to bring your things, too, within reason. You'll be in the Barracks, so keep it to just clothes and treasured things you can't live without." He smiled warmly at Sora, then regarded Enciath.

K'var pondered things for a moment, scratching his chin as he thought about the wisdom of letting Sora fly on Enciath. Perhaps he could impress upon the Cyan the necessity of flying calmly for a Candidate's sake. He certainly was going to try. It was something she needed to know, anyways.

"Okay, Enciath," he said. "I'll let you convey Sora back on one condition. No stunts. You have to fly calmly with a Candidate on your back, no matter how excited you are over finding a suitable Candidate. We don't want their first trip a-dragonback to be fraught with terror. Can you do this for us? If you can, you can convey Sora." He gave Enciath a half-grin.

I get really happy when I find Candidates, Argotath said. I want to get them home as fast as I can. It's a lot faster to just take off and between home than it is to fly as fast as you can zooming this way and that. Between scares people at first, but it's something they get used to.

Then K'var waited. Who knew how long it would take Sora to say her goodbyes and gather her things? Certainly not him.

[princesal]

Enciath shifted from one foot to the other, and then back again, listening to Sora, listening to K'var, listening listening listening. Part of her wanted to grab her candidate, and take off with them, not giving her a choice, because she knew what was best. She had been right when she declared the meet as poison, as murder, she had been right when all their exercising had put D'nari in better health. She knew she was right about pillies too, and how wonderful and interesting they were.

She was right about this. So why delay the trip back any longer? Why not just go now? She had no problem bringing Sora back and forth to ferry her belongings. If it was any warmer, temperature wise, then Dalibor, then D'nari would be fine with it too. She knew this for certain.

Snorting a puff of hot air out through her nose, she looked ready to begin, and the wait for Sora to return with her items, whether it took five minutes, or five hours, would be too long to her.

Did you listen to what K'var said?
Yes.
... and?
Oh? Oh of course! I will make sure that my candidate won't be harmed at all.

D'nari frowned, crossing his arms over his torso, and staring at the small sized cyan dragon. Hazel eyes traced over all the riding straps that he needed at times to keep himself in place. Compared to what Argotath wore, and what K'var needed, it was bizarre, especially for the size different between the two dragons.

That's not what he said, and you know it.
I think she looks like she'd be happy for a bit of adventure.
And if she's not? What if mid loop-de-loop, she decides she never wants to ride a dragon because of you?
W-well that wouldn't happen! I'm sure of it. Of course Mister Bloodmouth may be correct. I will do my utmost care to make her feel comfortable with us.

A red eyebrow rose, and he looked up at the sky.

It's a long way back on foot.
... yes? Yes it is, D'nariMine...
It would be a shame to have to walk it all.

She gave a twinkling bell of laughter.

Oh, but we have wings. We can fly, we can fly very quickly. We could get back in no time! Why are you being so silly, Mine?
When you play dumb like this, it doesn't suit you.

Enciath's spread out wings drooped a little, and if her facial features could shift in that way, a delicate little pout would be on her muzzle.

I'm not playing dumb...
No. You're being purposefully avoidant to try and get your own way. Now, unless you feel the need to make a co-dragon rider have to come with us on every Searching trip. I suggest you agree to the terms. Later we can offer to take Sora on a ride, if she would like, and you can fly as fast as you possibly can.
Yes! That is the best idea, I know she'll want to fly with me again. I agree to that. I will take Sora back as calmly as I can. You can tell him that.

Satisfied with her answer, D'nari smile and uncrossed his arms, looking at K'var. "She agrees to fly calmly. I told her that after Sora has been brought to Dalibor that we can offer to take her back into the air, if she wants, to let Enciath fly how she normally would. Sometimes I feel like she could nearly be an event at Gathers all on her own."

Whether he meant it as a compliment or not, Enciath took it as one, and stuck out her sparkling chest, and trotted away for a moment before she started stretching.

Would you care to join me?

Grinning, he tilted his head at her. "Until Sora is ready, we'll be doing some stretching. It usually calms her enough to get through lessons, I think it will calm her enough to bring Sora to Dalibor without turning her hair white." With a wink, he jogged over, taking off his scarf, and his top layer of cloth. Taking a few deep breaths, he mimicked his dear cyan love as much as a human possibly could.