Joshi walks out of a cavern opening.

Joshi enters the caverns and stops a moment to tell the nearest person, who also happens to be ..yes you lucky you..Pwert. "Well looks like the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader bagged themselves a candidate together." She nods her head out towards the bowl. "You should see them hovering around her all protective like... wait 'til she meets me." Joshi's grin is less than nice.

Pwert works to one side of the Inner Caverns, fingers working carefully and delicately on a seem. The material itself, with some imagination, could be seen as a dress. Despite the dim light, it seems to be arather fine material to the trained eye. He glances up at Joshi, and smiles pleasantly. Setting his needle down for the moment, "Excellent! It's good to see the weyrleadership do things

together." he chuckles softly, "Don't scare her too much, Joshi."

"Pshaw," Joshi makes a sound that sounds as if the suggestion is just crazy!!! Nevermind that little girl from Boll who's wearing a neck sign saying 'If I ask you to kiss me, DON'T!' . "I'm not that bad..really." Joshi falls into a seat next to the seamster. "What are you making?" She reaches out to touch the fabric if he'll let her, looking at the dress with some mistrust.

Pwert allows Joshi to touch the dress, blushing a bit. It is made of sisal, and seems to feel both fine and silky, "A dress for Master Aidan. She requested that I make it for her. Thought it'd be nice to see something in a new hand." Unconciously, his chest puff up in pride, "Worth a fair mark, too. I just hope I don't mess up the material at all - It's sisal, and not cheap at all. She had

it special ordered for me to use." The cuts of cloth are divided into two colours - a rust orange and royal blue dyed with blending areas of a darker navy.

"Crimey," Joshi doesn't touch it long, dropping the material. "Sisal you say? Sheesh that's a fair mark to be sure." She certainly agrees on that one. "Ain't that the material that snags alot or something?" Material is not Joshi's finer point of knowledge. "I think my brother's wife Elissa wore one to her wedding."

"You have to be very careful with it," Pwert says slowly, a little unsure, "I looked up the stitchings for it, but I'm afraid I don't know its properties too well. Just on how to handle it." He nods slowly, "It does tend to be used for fancier dress clothes. I do hope it'll look alright with such a simple pattern, but she did say simple could be elegant." He waves one hand off to one side, "I'm not sure I agree, but, it will be a good experience for me none the less."

Chayil walks out of a cavern opening.

Chayil has arrived.

Ziyana walks out of a cavern opening.

"Mmm," Joshi eyes the dress. "Well I suppose you have to finish it don't ya to get your marks?" She doesn't touch the fabric and leans in towards Pwert. "Or could I get you to play hooky and come out riding with me?"

Pwert glances at the material, and then gets arather impish twinkle in his eye, "Well, now. There's not too much of a rush I suppose." He winks, "Do you mean right now? If so, I could always work on it later. I'd need a minute to get it safely to my press." He looks at Joshi considerately, "Where are we playing hooky at?"

Chayil leads Ziyana inside, explaining on the way, "There are three coordinators. Livia's the first; she's done the job before a couple of times. Joshi's new at it, but she's very familiar with Igen and its policies as she's been riding here for quite some time now, so her authority is just as valid as

Livia's. I'm the third coordinator, and I'm really just their backup, so that there's someone working for the candidates who's able to speak on behalf of the Weyr." Spotting Joshi, she backs up a little and points the greenrider out to the new candidate. "That's Joshi, there, with the tall and the blonde and the curvy. Oh, and she's talking to Pwert. If you don't have sufficient hot-weather work clothes, you'll probably get to know him quite well, since he's one of our clothiers."

Ziyana pads after Chayil, cradling her case and craning her neck, memorizing the way from bowl to destination... wherever that might be. As the goldrider stops to point out Joshi and Pwert, she tilts her head, studying both with a faintly amused twist of her lips. "Right. Joshi. And I remember Pwert," she adds with some pleasure. "I think I may talk to him... most of my clothes are for looks, I should get some if I'm expected to do physical labor." This, of course, is said as though it's a foreign concept. Not an unpleasant one, however. As she's pointed out in kind, she shifts her case enough to wiggle fingers in greeting to greenrider and clothier. "Hullo again."

Chayil steps back to let Aerilyn pass by, then mentions to Joshi and Pwert, "V'lien or M'val searched Ziyana. I'm just taking her to get settled in. Anyone else new that I should help out, or did you take care of everyone we've got so far?" She seems not to be in any especial hurry, but glances towards Ziyana's pack, indicating that the newest candidate probably would like to set her

things down, at least.

Pwert smiles at Ziyana, carefully folding up the material he's working with, "Congratulations, Ziyana. I'm glad you could join us." He just positively beams as she mentions new clothes, "Oh yes. Please, be sure to. I'm sure there'll be something of your fit in the stores, too, that won't look bad but will be quite suitable to your needs." He waits, and nods, "Southern sounds like an

intersting spot, to visit, Joshi. The ocean good this time of year?"

"Warmer than here that's for sure," Joshi says with absolute clarity. "Hello Ziyana. You can call me Joshi. Chayil will tell you the rules if you ain't already heard them. And /I/.." she stresses pointing at herself, "enforce those rules, so take care to keep in line." The look she gives the candidate is one of those butter won't melt in the mouth smiles.

"Right," Chayil agrees with Joshi, then moves to get Ziyana out of the greenrider's way, murmuring, "Let's just get you settled in, and I'll set you up with a buddy who's lived here a while to show you around."

Ziyana winks at Pwert, the sight of a familiar, and friendly, face breaking her out of that bemusement that's settled over her since M'val first asked her to Stand. "Right," she says again. "Joshi, I'll remember that," she says earnestly, before moving to follow Chayil. "We'll meet up later, Pwert?" But she doesn't wait for an answer, trailing after the goldrider and into the

barracks with a wave over her shoulder to rider and resident.

Pwert nods, and wraps the pieces of material in a thicker piece of canvas, "Good luck Ziyana. Hope you settle in alright!" He turns and nods to Joshi, "Alright. I'd be delighted to join you then. It will be nice to take a break." He stands up, leans back and has a rather large stretch, "Been working on that for a few candlemarks already, no doubt." He nods to Ziyana, "Until then!" He

Ziyana strides into the Candidates' Barracks.

Chayil strides into the Candidates' Barracks.

"Okay you go put your dress up," Joshi says as if that's something normal to say to Pwert. "I'll go get my deliveries and we meet outside in the bowl near Wilanth right?"

Chayil comes out from the Candidates' Barracks.

A lad around Pwert's age slows as his ears pick up Joshi's comment. He stops, blinks at Pwert. With a shake of his head, he runs off with a grin, leaving Pwert no time to explain. "Shards," Pwert says, "Now he's going to have the whole dorm thinking . . ." One hand goes across his forehead, and the other scoops up the dress, "Alright. I'll go put it up. Bowl, near Wilanth. Near the field, or more towards the center?"

"Main entrance," Joshi points. "Meet me out there." She heads towards the living cavern, no doubt to go up and find what deliveries there are for Southern for her to take.

Chayil walks out of the barracks, having settled at least one person down, and mentions to Joshi, "Another bunk filled. By the way, Livia searched someone last night, so she's got today off till the evening, so it's just you and me. Makes me wish Qeturath could search. Anyway, though, I figure we three can work out a schedule." Then she leaves off, seeing as how Joshi's headed out somewhere and probably doesn't need any interruptions. "See you later, then. Have fun at Southern."

Pwert nods, and runs off, canvas package in hand. "I'll see you there!"

Later . . .

Igen Weyr Main Entrance Field

Waiting by Wilanth's side, Joshi is hitching up hides and other scroll containers to the tether straps that hang from the dragon's straps. She scritches Wilanth's forehead lovingly.

Pwert comes out of the Inner Caverns at full run, carrying a smaller satchel at his side than usual, "Sorry I took so long!" He calls as he runs up to Joshi, "I thought I'd better back my swimming trunks, just in case, you know?" He comes to a stop, and pants for a moment, grinning. "This ought to be a good trip. Be nice to swim in warmer waters for a change. Not, of course that it's

beastly cold, here, but, none the less." He watches as she hitches up the hides, he asks, "Do you need any help?"

"Not really no," Joshi holds her hand out for Pwert's satchel. "I can attach that to Wilanth's straps if you want." Joshi eyes Pwert a moment and then shakes her head with a smile. "Well now I feel foolish.. I'm usually just jump in wearing my clothes and let them dry out later."

Pwert nods, and looks uncertain as he fingers the satchel, "Well, yes, alright. I mean, offcourse it's allright." Still, reluctantly he surrenders the satchel. It seems to be a little heavier than just swimming trunks and the hide its made of, "I suppose that'd work, too. Jumping in the water with your clothes on. But, don't you feel heavy when you do that?" He asks curiously.

"Are you suggesting I'm fat?" Joshi teases. She ties the satchel, not questioning the contents. With ease, she grabs ahold of the straps and uses the toegrabs to scale up onto the neckridges. Reaching her hand down, she does the same for Pwert.

Joshi climbs up Wilanth's left foreleg and sits between her neckridges.

Pwert shakes his head, "No, no. I mean, when clothes get wet, they feel really heavy. It makes it harder to swim. Of course, that might just be the way it is with robes, but . . ." He trails off and looks uncertain, "You're certaintly no more fat then Rosmyn is not a woman." He blinks, confused by his own statement. "Uh, i otherwords, no. I'm not."

Joshi buckles herself and her guest in claiming, "Hold on tight kiddo," to Pwert. Not that he's a kid anymore, but she met him when he was one. She laughs at his explanation of who is what. "Rosmyn is a woman, don't forget it or she might and get you for it." It's two leaps later they are up in the sky,

Wilanth's wings spreading to take them far away.

You spring into the air of the Bowl.

Midway up in the Igen Weyr Bowl(#779RJLae$)

Pwert he nods, "Of course Rosmyn is a woman. Fine out at that." He doesn't seem to mind being called a Kiddo, at least not by Joshi. "It's a good thing Danica's her cousin or surely the two would have come to blows by now. OF course, maybe they wouldn't harp at each other if they weren't, too."

"Uh huh.." Joshi can barely talk though before -blip- between they go.

Wilanth disappears into Between.Between

You gasp as the icy black nothingness of Between surrounds you! You hear nothing, see nothing, and feel nothing. The trip takes five heartbeats...

Black...

Blacker...

Blackest!

You suddenly emerge...

Sky Above Shipfish Island

Below you lies a small, yet extremely distinctive island that rises steeply in altitude from north to south. The terrain varies from rocks, to grassy meadow, to sand dunes, to thick forest and then to beach, and soaring high overhead you can already make out a few places that might be open enough for a landing. The ocean glitters to all sides around the island, disrupted only by the foam of a waterfall that falls from the southern cliff. From this vantage point the ancient volcano seems almost enchanting. A beach covered in white sands faces the ocean to the east. Bordering the beach is a lush growth of trees, with yellow flowers blooming on the tops, resembling the stars in the early morning sky. The spring nooning lazes along beneath the clear arch of the sky. From

here you can see how the volcano's bowl protects the island on the northern, southern and western sides.The rocky, steep and forested nature of most of the island leaves only a few places where a dragon could easily land.

Wilanth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!

After going to Southern Weyr it became very obvious by the cold, damp rain - the rainy season was full in blast. No beach trips there. But the suggestion was made after deliveries that perhaps Shipfish Island would have better weather, so Wilanth went between again from Southern to Shipfish, and the weather there is just fine.

Shipfish Island - Fine Sand Beach

Tall, slim-trunked trees creep through the sandy soil almost down to the beachfront, where slender sea grasses and bright green withies populate the narrow stretch of sand. The warm breeze carries a whisper of southern clime to your senses as you stroll along the oceanside. The sand here is perfectly fine and smooth, unmarred by brush or rocks. Driftwood lies scattered randomly across the shore, worn smooth and bleached by the sun, and every so often a small seabird will dodge the wavelets in its pursuit of prey. Sweet spring afternoon seems to drag without a sign of cloud in the sky. A small, winding, and almost grown-over path leads away to the west into the dense forest, while to the south the beach grows rocky, hiding all manners of

almost inaccesible nooks and crevices within its stony, sea-worn grasp.

Pwert lets out alittle sigh of relief as the emege from between and glances down to the beach, grinning broadly, "I've heard about this place, from some of the older riders. Is it true you can see shipfish here?" He asks, rather excited.

"I haven't seen any," Joshi states, "But who knows. Maybe we'll get lucky." She guides Wilanth down to the beach where the green lands in the soft sand, leaving massive footprints with claw tracks. Joshi unbuckles Pwert, helping him down first and then herself.

Joshi dismounts from Wilanth using her offered leg to do so.

You slide down Wilanth's foreleg and safely reach the ground. The green turns her head, snorting as if relieved to no longer bear your weight.

Pwert settles his feet carefully on the sand, and looks around carefully taking in every detail, "It's as beautiful as they say." he glances down the path, and the shelter, and remarks, "Funny, though, how quiet it is. Sorta like in the middle of the dessert, but less eerie." He turns back to her, and smiles, "I hope we're lucky. Ready for a swim?"

Joshi has to take all of Wilanth's straps off before she can get ready. She does unbuckle the satchel and toss it at Pwert finally asking, "What you got in there Pwert? It sure ain't just swimming trunks."

Pwert blushes, "Oh, just the usual emergency kit. An extra needle, a spool of thread, a pair of shears, the odd patch . . . you know, just the sort of thing you'd need in case of a rip. I'd hate to be anywhere but Igen and tear something and having nothing to fix it with." He winks, too, though, and reaches into the satchel, "Got a couple of the cookies from the morning batch, too, though they're likely a bit crumbly by now." A smaller pouch is withdrawn.

Joshi chuckles and shakes her head. She removes Wilanth's straps, the green heading for the water. "You'll make a good daddy for some little girl some day Pwert," Joshi states. "You'll have everything if she needs new clothes." And Joshi strips down to a small undershirt and her undies, proving that she won't be 'heavy' from all her riding clothes in the water. She wades into the shore

after Wilanth and says, "The water's warm!"

Pwert chuckles, and nods fondly, "A little girl would be just perfect, you know. Someone not too critcial to practice making little children's clothes on. A little boy, too, though, someday, I hope." Pwert changes quickly into his swimming trunks, and wades in after her. He gives her a sort of approving nod, "That ought not to drag you too much." he sighs happily, sinking into the water.

"No" Joshi dives into a wave, disappearing under the rolling foam. She surfaces after the wave, sputtering salt water from her mouth. "Blech." She grins back at Pwert and asks, "How far do you usually go out?" Wilanth is already out past where even a dragon's feet won't meet the bottom.

"Never been out in the ocean before," Pwert admits, happily crashing through a wave, "The water feels different some how. I usually go just above my head, though, in the lake or river. Enough so I can bounce up and down at the bottom back to shore if need be." He looks idly out at Wilanth, and just shakes his head in amazement, allowing another wave to crash over him, "I don't think I

could go out /that/ far. Shards. Water everywhere."

"Are you sure?" Joshi stands up, the water coming to her waist. That is before another wave rolls. She jumps with it, letting the backflow drag her out further. "If you can swim, you'll be okay. Wilanth won't let anything happen to us."

Pwert looks a little nervous, but moves out a little further, "I can swim pretty well, I suppose." He chuckles, a little uncertainty making it come out uneven, "I suppose it'd be no matter to pluck is out if we ran into trouble." He bobs up and down as a small waves heads past him, "Shall we, then?"

"Mmhmm," Joshi nods. "Ready?" And before Pwert has a chance to get ready --yes he really is that unfair-- she shouts, "GO!" And dives into a wave, swimming outward. Like it was some kind of race or something.

Pwert swims after Joshi, not nearly as swiftly. None the less he sputters as she takes off to soon, "Hey, hey! That's not fair!" he calls, trying his best to keep up as she takes off, "Don't go so far, so fast!"

Joshi eases up swimming and turns to face Pwert, swimming backwards. "Okay okay!" She manages to say right before another foamcap washes over her and she sinks beneath it. She's up a moment later, wiping salt water out of her eyes and turning back over to head towards where Wilanth is floating. No more sandy bottom in this deep area.

And what were all those stories for about Deep sea monsters?

Pwert looks a little more nervous as they head further out from the shore. In fact, it even gets a wistful look. As Joshi disappears beneath the wave, he gulps slightly, but hurries on towards Wilanth. "You sure it's safe?"

The water calms past the breakers and instead it's only choppy waves. "Yes," Joshi nods. "Wilanth will let us know if there's something out here." She looks back to where the green is.. or was. There's only empty space where the green had been floating moments before. Joshi stops, treading water as she turns around in the water. "Wilanth?" There's an almost worried note in her tone.

"Wilanth?" Could that be a bit frantic as well?

Pwert looks rather nervously as he treads water, staring intently at where the green was moments before, "Joshi?" He asks, his voice rising an octave or two, "What, what if one of those big fish I've heard about comes or something . . . where'd she go?"

"Naw Pwert those stories aren't true," Joshi suddenly sounds very sure of herself. "They can't be..." She shakes her head. "Can they?" She peers around.. no dragon. Suddenly the greenrider shrieks. "Something just went past my leg!" She whirls around in the water, looking for the source.

Pwert startles easily it seems. He splashes backwards a little bit away from Joshi, "Oh no, not here not now. Maybe just a packtail? He says hopefully, but the pitch of his voice rises in speed and pitch, "Where'd it go?"

From beneath your feet something in the water is moving as it brushes across your leg as you tread water. Could it have been seaweed? But then, seaweed doesn't cause bubbles to come up from beneath you.

"Wilanth if this is a game, it's not funny," Joshi states. However when she looks around, there's no sign of the green dragon. They can't hold their breaths that long...can they?

Pwert looks at the water rather nervously, "They can hold their breaths a long time, ri-ri-right?" Pwert asks shakily, "Kindre said, they can, for . .for . . " He just shivers as something brushes past his leg. He moves closer to Joshi, genuinely terrified as he says, "Look Bubbles!" he points to them as they float to the surface. "Joshi, what do we do?"

The bubbles turn in a circle and begin to make their way back to Joshi and Pwert. Before the greenrider can so much as squeak out a protest or a yelp to swim away, Wilanth's dark ebony green body - the one that made it so hard to see her in the water - emerges right from beneath the two of them, pushing them up from beneath and literally picking them up to toss them back into the water -- dunking time.

"Waaah." Pwert shrieks as the dark body emerges from beneath them and picks him up. He doesn't even seem to notice it's just Wilenth before he's sent under. A few moments later, he swims back to the surface, breathing heavily, white as a sheet as his eyes dart around to try and spot whatever it was and Joshi.

Wilanth is gloating when the greenrider splurts to the surface yelling, "SON OF A --" And her expletives are well known around Igen. "Pwert you okay?" When Joshi rubs the saltwater out of her eyes she looks around for the clothier.;'s eyes are as round as dragon egg as he slowly turns - seeing Wilanth, and Joshi alright and yelling, he nods slowly, but says nothing.

Pwert's eyes are as round as dragon egg as he slowly turns - seeing Wilanth, and Joshi alright and yelling, he nods slowly, but says nothing.

"Shards and shells," Joshi starts ranting and cursing at the green but finally shuts up as the green snorts and growls back at her. "Well I should say you

have BOTH of our attentions right now!" She yells back at the dragon, pushing water at Wilanth. Then stops, staring at the green and asks, "Say what?"

Pwert swims closer to Joshi, looking quite uneasy as he stares up at Wilanth, "Tha-that was just her, right?" He looks anxiously at Joshi as he draws close, "Not something she scared off?"

"Yes, she was trying to get our attention," Joshi tells Pwert before looking back at Wilanth. "Are you sure? Because I'm not gonna..." And then whatever Joshi says is cut off as she says, "Of course I know you're right." And back to Pwert. "Say Pwert.. you wouldn't happen to want to do anything crazy like standing for Faorath and Tasieth's clutch would ya?" Like that's any crazier

than a green playing dunk the rider and clothier in the deep sea.

P

wert just /looks/ at Joshi. Colour starts to return to his face as the two talk. He looks thoughtful, and stays rather quiet for a long moment, "Erm, well is she sur- Of course she's sure, right? Will she promise not to do that again if I say yes?" He looks up at the green rather unsuredly, and then back to Joshi.

"Uh... I can't make that promise," Joshi says as the green snorts. "He is too brave," she snorts back at the green. Then says aside to Pwert, "Don't say no or she'll take offense. She says she knows which ones are meant to be on the sands and she wants you out there... so don't say no.. okay?"Joshi treads the water as she waits for the answer.

"I don't want to be dunked again, or left here." Pwert says with a growing grin. Still, he seems to think about it a bit before answering, "Well, yes, I guess. Will I, erm, will I have to set aside seaming for awhile, or, do you think I could still work on those duties half the day, and work the dirtier jobs in the mornings?"

"You'll have to ask Chayil about that," Joshi states. "Because I think other candidates would think it unfair if you got special privileges." And then because she does happen to be a Candidate Coordinator, Joshi says, "Well no.. that wouldn't be fair. Think you can just... do it at night or something?" Wilanth rumbles something and Joshi says, "She says it's good you said yes or

you might have been left here." Joshi looks amused as if this is /not/ serious at all.

Pwert nods slowly, "I'll try to keep it to the evenings, then, and such. And keep it more to helping candidates, I suppose, soe they resent it less. Just don't want to loose my skills is all. I will talk to her, though." he blinks at Wilanth, ad looks at Joshi suspiciously, "She wouldn't have really have . . . would she have?"

"I never ask," Joshi admits. "But come on.. I want to get you back to your new knot. Because now that she's done her work," Joshi jerks her thumb at Wilanth. "I have to do my work." Which means the lecture with rules and all. Swimming back towards shore, Joshi asks, "You know all the rules right. No sex, no disrespect and all that right?"

Pwert nods, and starts swimming back. Surely no one would blame him for the occasional glance he shoots around himself and beneath him. "Of course. And move into the candidate barracks. I suppose it'll be rather spacious, this time, right? Being a smaller clutch and all?" He chuckles softly, "Nice to see you so dedicated." As they approach the shore, Pwert smiles a bit, "Say, Joshi,

did you and Valaris ever patch things up?"

"Not really no," Joshi shakes her head. "He avoids me like a tunnelsnake." She pulls out on the shore and quickly changes back into her clothes, Wilanth covered in sand after a good roll to get herself dry.

Back at Igen Weyr . . . Candidate Barracks

Joshi leads Pwert inside and says, "You pretty much know everything that is done, having been a candidate before." She moves over to add Pwert's name to the choreboard, selecting some random chore and heading over to find a candidate knot. "Here!" She tosses it at Pwert.

Pwert comes in carrying a small bag, and nods happily to a few of the candidates in the Barracks. "Hello there. Anyone know which cots are taken, and which aren't?" he asks as he follows Joshi in.

Pwert nods to Joshi, and catches the knot, "Of course. I'll be sure to get the rest of my things here later this evening." He peeks at the chalkboard, grinning broadly.

Joshi grins. "Good luck Candidate," she says to Pwert, not using the previous kiddo. The candidate coordinator heads out with a nod to the others.Joshi wends her way out to the Inner Caverns.

Kefiana's still safely ensconsed within the chosen cot of hers. Her blankets now pulled up about her feet as opposed to the full out shoulder-wrap they'd been in the previous night. The holder turned candidate looks as though she's doing nothing more than staring off into the distance, which indeed she -is-, though the sounds of entering feet and whatsmore, a rider, earn a flicker of

her gaze towards the door. Near hopeful that it'd be someone familiar and Yva-like in appearance. Though it's Pwert. Someone she most obviously doesn't recognize, or at least gives no indications of. Towards sight of him, she does offer a small nod and half-smile.

Pwert glances around, and, As Kef seems to be the only one paying attention -Other people are in a state of settling in - He walks towards her. "Kef? Sweet shells and shards, Kef, Is that you?" He positively beams, "I know I'm a lot taller now, but it's me. Pwert. Honest!" Indeed, the little midget seems to have grown a fair bit from his days at the hold, "How's your aunt Jae doing?"

Continuing his rapid monoluge, he asks, "Say, is this cot taken? Gotta have a place to put my stuff."

Yes, well it's not every day someone calls her by name. Let alone her aunt, and when Pwert does as much, there's a distinct pause and a near surprised lifting of Kefiana's brows. Before.. "Pwert?" A pause and then, "..by the skies.." Unbelieving, yes. It'd best express that sentiment near exactly, "Thank.. yes, please.. take it!" Sliding near quickly from her own bottom bunk, Kefiana quickly stands and even goes so far as attempting to shoo-wave Pwert closer, "..you have no idea how glad I am to see you.." A fellow Holder..ish type. Yes, she was more than relieved. "Auntie's fine. I can't believe she.. well.. it doesn't matter. What're you doing here?" As if it weren't already obvious.

Pwert smiles and nods, "In the flesh." He flops on the cot next to hers, and then, looks up, "You know." He says with a twinkle and mischievious grin, "I've /always/ wanted to take a top bunk." He giggles so excitedly, he doesn't even act his age as he throws his small back on top of the cot and climbs up, "Never got to last time. I was afraid of climbing this high." he sits there for a

moment before dropping back down to the floor, "Good to see you again, Kefiana. Not too homesick, I hope? I remember I missed the hold a lot when I first got pulled up here." As he draws nearer, it's obvious his hair is soaked, and his clothes have water spots here and there.

"You're welcome to it, Pwert. My luck I'll fall off in the middle of the night. Thinking I'm back home and all." Kefiana ruefully admits. "It's really good to see you too.. I'm so glad to see someone from home. This place is just.. so.." Quite unable to finish that however, Kefiana simply shakes her head and drops down onto the floor infront of her cot, now looking towards him, "Just missing Yva. And home.. though.. well I guess it doesn't matter too much right now, neh?" A wry smile there, before she blinks and comes to the realization that, "..why're you all wet?"

Pwert chuckles softly and nods, "Your luck never was too good, was it?" he becomes more serious, and adds gently, "It's just so different, right? It seems so big, and the people act differently, too, right?" he smiles slowly, "How's Yvanna doing, anyways? Taking care of herself?" He slips down beside her and reaches out for her shoulder, "Wilanth wanted my attention. WE were already in the ocean, though."

Kefiana gives a small, near knowing nod of her head towards Pwert for the first two comments, "Between getting pulled away from home and getting stuck under Aunt Jae?" Slowly her head shakes before she forces a smile, "'least it's starting to look up at least. Glad to see you're going to be sticking 'round here for a while." And she around him.. because Holders could trust Holders -

right? "Yva's.. good last I heard. I couldn't find her 'fore Aunt Jae made me leave. I hope she's taking this alright. I hope she's taking advantage of it. Maybe my parents'll let her go back home." An almost mused comment, that, given with a semi-hopeful smile before she's focusing her attention back on Pwert. Hearing his last comment. Only to unabashedly stare. "They tried to -drown- you?" Squeaked.. yes, there's every belief 'they' would try such, "..by the skies, it's more insane around here than I thought!"

Pwert chuckles softly, "I've been here four turns. Let me tell you, you haven't seen anything yet." He chuckles, "And a dragon would never hurt a human. Except, of course, in three circumstances. One, when he's a hatchling - don't worry, they'll be giving us dodging lessons." For some reason, this brings a smirk to his face, "Second, if their rider is severly hurt and delerious. Very rare, though." and he looks rather serious, "Thirdly, if someone tresspasses on the hatching grounds. Never. Ever. Go on the sands without permission. Tasieth's bloodied someone before. There's nothing to fear at egg touchings but never think to sneak a peak on your own." Now, his mood becomes light and he smiles, "I know what'll make you feel better, Kef." He declares, standing up,

"Going to the living cavern and stuffing yourself full of Bubblies and cookies. Maybe even the odd sweet roll." Even back at the hold, Pwert's love of sweetrolls was legendary.

Kefiana gives a light laugh, though there's no denying the tensed strain to such. "You won't need to worry 'bout that. I won't be going out on those Sands.. or near any dragons." Or their Riders..if she could help it. Chalked full of Denial - with the capital 'D' at that, this one is. "But.. I am hungry. Wasn't too sure if it was safe to go out that way or not.." Pwert would then be accorded with a rather wide smile, "..you think you can help me get some of the stuff I'll be needing to.. stay alive here? All I have is what I brought from home.. though I don't think any of it is going to do for here."

Pwert offers his hand to Kefiana, "Don't worry. Kefiana. No one here is going to hurt you. And you can't avoid the sands or dragons forever. In fact, it's a good idea to to go to all the egg touchings. Might influence your life mate, no one knows, and makes the whole hatching a lot safer for you, too. Oh, and there really is no need to worry - Igen Weyr people and dragons are a very friendly bunch. Really. Honestly. Wilanth wouldn't have tried that if we didn't know each other so well - I was standing nearby when she hatched, you know." he ponders for a moment, stroking his chin, "Well, now, let's see. Do you have cool work clothes? A hat? Gloves? Something half decent to wear for special occasions, and something horrible to wear for really messy occasions, like black rock shoveling?"

"Not worried 'bout them hurting me," Kefiana semi-defensively contests, though with that ever present smile. Nearly self assured, yes, because if she believed it... it was true. "Just.. well you know, you're from the Hold. It's a Weyr." Nearly whispered conspiratorially, that. The big, bad 'W' word. Come comment about weyrfolk and dragons being friendly, Kefiana only gives a semi amused look. Likely misconstruting that for something else entirely - "..that's what I'm worried about." Yes, 'friendly' folk. But the later of his comments is what earns a small shake of her head. "Just what I'm wearing. And I got this from my bag. No gloves or anything.. but.. really, Pwert.. how hard is the work here going to be? I'm sure I'll be fine."

Pwert nods slowly, "Ya, I know. It takes a while for awe to wear off. Say, if one of the dragons is willing, perhaps later I could introduce you to their parts. Might make you feel a little more at ease with them if you know the parts. " He glances at her clothing, and up at her bag, "Well, we'll see waht we can find that fits. Gloves and a hat you'll need. Would you like to come quickly to stores? More clothes can wait until later, but I think we'd best get those first. And the work can be a little tight. Shoveling blackrock, bagging firestone - Not too much weeding to do luckily. " He gives Kefiana a very significant look, "None of the riders have been hitting on you, have they? If the do, you be sure to tell Chayil, Joshi or Livia. It's not allowed. And, really, in general weyrfolk tend not to be that loose. The rumours in the holds are great exageratted."

"..been on one. Flew here on it and everything. By the.." Cutting her own comment off again, Kefiana simply shakes her head in disbelief. "I was never so glad to get the ground beneath my feet. It's just /strange/." Which is about all that Kefiana can say to sum things up. "I suppose though, I could. Might help if I had some things that fit and stuff. Don't need to ruin my good

clothes while I'm doing chores.. really though, anything'll do. I'm not particular." Kefi then states, before moving towards the door. Though hesitancy surfaces and she stops to turn and glance back towards Pwert. Only to be caught off guard by his last comment, which earns a near dry laugh. "None have yet, no," Though it goes to say, she's not sure how long such'll last for, "They're

not too exaggerated though.. You know the saying, Pwert. It all has to start from some seed of truth."

Pwert rolls his eyes quickly and moves for the entrance, "Very far exagerrated. A few out of hand lusty riders might give that impresssion, but, they're few and far between. The whole stereotype is rather unfair, I think. Most people here are just like holder people - Except, with a lot more freedom. For example, did you know you can eat as much as you like, here? Even the treats?"

He nods at the dragon bit, "Pretty cold, too, to be honest. Ah, so you don't have anything for hard work, yet? I think I can pull something your size, Never fear." He chuckles softly, and gestures for her to preceed him, "Remember, any lewdness and you talk to them first to let them know it's not okay, then one of the Search Coodinators if they don't stop, alright?"

Kefiana resumes her steps, listening rather quietly to what Pwert has to say as she moves for the exit. "Yes well.. my mom'n dad have never lied to me. They seem to know, and Aunti Jae said she'd never trust one as far as she can throw one.." And, given her Aunt Jae wasn't the least bit athletic, it was a sticking point within Kefiana's mind. Still, she does wave a hand absently infront of her face, "'ll be fine, honest. Not going to let anything get me down. Before I know it, Yva'n I'll be back home and we'll be all set." Though the last of his words earns a conceeding nod, before she disappears into the room adjoining the Barracks.

Pwert chuckles, "My mom told me the same thing, but I've never had that sort of a problem in all my four turns here." OF course, he's not a girl, still, " I wouldn;t be so sure about that." he says with a smirk. And heads out to the inner caverns

In the Inner Caverns: Candidate Orientation

Kefiana walks in just ahead of Pwert, her gaze near trailing over the Inner Cavern as she studies what she can of it. Though the comment tossed over her shoulder is meant for him, and given as her attention diverts off her path and towards him. "My dad taught me a few things too.." A near mischevious grin surfaces at that, "And Yva'n I grew up with some of the most rowdy fisherman

from back home. Dad said if anyone can take care of themselves, it's his girls." Proud of that, yes. And making no qualms about hiding such. Rather unfortunate for her, she's not watching where she's going, so come turning her attention back towards her path, it's a surprise to see Luni rushing in. Looking rather pink in the face. "..Pwert?" Yes, -he- can help her figure out why a girl is pink in the face and running.

Pwert comes out of the barracks, chatting with Kefiana, "So, gloves and hat, right, and something grungy to work in. Do you mind if they're a bit worn already from hard work?" Spotting Joshi and Chayil, and the odd Candidate popping out, he moves towards them.

Chayil sits in a corner chair, couches out to either side of her and also in front of her, waiting for candidates. There aren't many yet, but one of them did go to the barracks and summon all who wanted to come for an informal question and answer session. At least, that's how this little soiree has been billed. Those who are from Igen will know just by seeing Chayil sitting there that 'informal' may be a bit of an exaggeration. Still, she's smiling and seems relaxed, or at least as relaxed as Chayil ever gets, as she beckons everyone over. "Come on and have a seat, folks. Anywhere you like, as long as you can hear me and each other. If anyone wants to go get some drinks or snacks, make it quick, so you don't miss anything."

Pwert looks about and nods, ahing as he realizes what the candidate in the barracks was blathering about, "Ah, Here, anyone want anything? I think I'll grab a few things, myself." he looks at Kefiana, "Cookies and maybe a few meat rolls?" He leans over and whispers, "How hungry are you? Little hungry or big hungry?"

Luni glances between the other candidates, and the little weyrwoman the first one had pointed out to her, placing her hands to her cheeks to cool them. At the mention of drinks she takes a backward step as if to reverse course, but then just sits down on the edge of a chair and tries to regain her composure.

Kefiana gives a moment's pause to switch her gaze around the room. Seeming to notice that a good few people were about and within it.. apparently only now realizing such. Though with Pwert's comment, she takes a near side-step towards him, "You're.. not leaving me here, right?" Whispered back, before her gaze searches out the area again, once more falling on Chayil and Luni - both of whom recieve a small smile before she offers a quiet, "..just juice.. if they have it. Oh! And a redfruit or two.. I don't think my stomach can handle much more." Stress, you just had to love it.

Chayil waits to see who all is leaving to get things, only suggesting rather than ordering, "Maybe if the native Igenites could get munchies, so that newer folk can hear everything? The ones who've lived here a while?"

Pwert just grins, "The weyr's a lot like the hold, as far as food's served," he whispers back, "Better bakers though. Alright, I'll grab you a few things. You stay put - Need to hear this you know. Don't worry, I'll be right back." jhe nods to Chayil, "Of course!" A few other candidates wander up and ask for a few things. Nodding to each of them, he asks, "Anyone else?" When no one answers, he heads into the Living Cavern.

Valaris steps in from the Resident's Hallway.

Living Cavern

Io daintily gulps down some wine then smiles. "Mmm, yes it has." She studies the rider from head to toe, "You're looking good as ever. Being a rider fits you."

K'than coughs. "Er, well, thank you. I think it does- can't imagine doing or being anything else, at this point in my life." He waves his fork at Pwert, then looks at him again, peering at his shoulder.

Pwert rushes into the Living Cavern heading immediately for the serving tables. Grabbing one of the largest trays, he eyes it critically. Shaking his head, he goes to grab a cloth, wipes it off and nods happily to himself. He starts stacking the center of it with a variety of things - Meat rolls, fish rolls, sweet rolls, a couple of bubblies,and a pile of cookies. Around the rim he balances ten mugs - half klah, half chilled juice. He smiles offers Io a little nods, and K'than a smile as he walks past, "Got a bit of a hungry group out there." And, with that, runs back into the inner caverns.

You stride through the passageway into the Inner Caverns.

Igen Weyr Inner Caverns(#310RJ)

Kefiana offers Pwert a small nod. Watching him leave before turning back to the small crowd gathered. A seat nearest the wall is finally chosen, with one none too discretely saved for Pwert's eventual return. Luni's smile is caught, and yet again returned, with Kefiana even going so far as to offer a soft, "Hey," towards the other.

Valaris halts when he hears the weyrwoman's voice. His hand is lowered back to his side before he looks over in her direction. "Help with what?" He asks lightly. "Don't tell me something is already broken in the barracks?"

Luni looks the brown-eyed boy with interest as he's pointed out, which turns to approval at seeing his less than ratty clothing. But Kefiana's sitting down distracts her, and she leans over the seat between them to whisper, "So you're new too? Luni, of Crescent Cove."

Pwert comes back, balancing a rather large tray and setting it on the table. Another of the local candidates does the same, offering the others a contented smile. On Pwert's tray the edge is line with ten drinks - Half klah, half chilled juice. In the center is a small mountain made up of individual piles of oatmeal cookies, meat rolls, fish rolls and the odd bubbly and sweet roll.

Grabbing a mug of klah and a cookie for himself, he takes a seat, and gestures for the other candidates to help themselves, "Hope it's enough," He whispers to Kefiana, "Never seen a Candidate that wasn't hungry. Go on, take as much as you like."

Chayil's head shakes towards Valaris, and she gestures vaguely at the couches. "I'm just about to run orientation Q-and-A, if you want to help out. No obligation, of course, but if you want." She sits with legs crossed one over the other, and the supporting leg is propped on the rung of her chair, since doing otherwise would make her legs dangle above the floor like some kid. "Everyone, this is Valaris. He once stood here as a candidate like most of you are doing. Valaris, this is Kefiana, and Luni, and you know Pwert, and these are..." She introduces everyone by name, though how, it's unclear -- she wasn't even there when some of them came in.

Dendra ventures into the inner caverns from the general direction of her quarters. Her hair is wet and slicked back, and her clothes freshly pressed. She spies the food tray and her eyes light up. "Is this open to everyone, or Candidates only?"

Kefiana's chin comes downwards in a slight nod, "Yeah. I'm Kefiana of Hi..I mean Igen Hold." Catching herself on that small correction, the young holder girl soon turns a smile towards Luni. Truly warm and real for all that Luni did seem to be in the same boat as her. Though Pwert's entrance is met with another relieved, if not welcomed smile. Furthered even, by his words. "I think it's plenty.." Awed, yes.. by the amount of food that could be dolled out in such a manner. Kefi however, wastes no time in reaching for a redfruit from a tray as it nears her. Though this is simply held as she regards Chayil as the other speaks.

Valaris ahs as he looks over the new arrivals, giving each a little nod of his head. "Hello," he says to them with a cheerful smile. "I'm not sure if I'd be much help, but I'd be happy to answer any questions if I can." He looks around for an empty seat in which to settle into. "And, yes, they will badger you to drink more water than you think possible for the first sevenday or so so be ready for that."

Luni's eyes round as she's successfully identified, and after another quick whisper to Kefiana she straightens again to say politely, "Hello, Valaris." She then gets up just long enough to go for something to drink before it's all gone, searching for water but winding up taking juice back to her chair.

Pwert leans forwards, one elbow resting on the table, "Hey, Valaris. Good to see you!" he smiles warmly at the other lad, and chuckles softly, "True, but you'll always felt like a long drink after shoveling black rock for while." He quiets down, grinning at Valaris.

Chayil gives Dendra a smile, gesturing towards one of the empty seats on the couches. "Absolutely, Master Dendra. You were a candidate coordinator once upon a time, too. You could probably give this same talk, half-blind with drink." Then she turns back to the others, ready to begin. "First off, have you all found the bathing caverns, necessary, lake, living caverns, and the places where you've been assigned to work for the first few days? And have you all met me, Joshi, and Livia? I'm Chayil, Qeturath's rider," she adds for the one face that wasn't familiar to her yet.

Andrew walks out of a cavern opening.

Valaris inclines his head in a short nod to Pwert as he lets Chayil talk. "Hello, Master Dendra," he says to the baker after the weyrwoman is finished speakig. "As Chayil said, I'm Valaris, a handyman here at Igen so if you're the sort that is prone to breaking things...you might make me grumpy," he adds with a little smile.

Kefiana once more pays rather close attention to Chayil's words. Expecting yet more advice to come, though for the questions that do instead, she simply offers a small nod of her head. Not quite putting a true effort into loudly enough voicing that response of, "Yes ma'am," so that it instead sounds as little more than a murmur. Before such can be thought on too long, Luni's

whisper is heard, and Kefiana turns to offer a return response towards her.

Dendra helps herself to cookies and juice, then sits down and makes herself comfortable. She listens to the talk and watches each candidate as he/she makes introductions.

Luni listens up, minus the odd whisper or two, smiling at the woman identified as master with new interest but doesn't seem to really identify her without her knot. She shakes her head only at the mention of work assignments, Joshi, and Livia, silent again as Chayil names herself, although a widening of her eyes bespeaks some familiarity with stories or just her harper's lists.

Dendra smiles and says, "I'm Baker Craftmaster Dendra, posted to Igen. I'm the one you report to if and when you get assigned to kitchen duty."

Pwert smiles, and leans overing, noting to Kefiana and Luni in a quiet voice, "Master Dendra is the reason the food's so good around her. You can try and weasal a few things out of Elaia, her apprentice, if you feel bold."

Luni's eyes grow positively round at that, and she sits forward to try and get a better look at the craftmaster, studying her features as if trying to memorize them. To Pwert and Kefiana, just as softly, "Oh, I don't know if I feel so bold, but I'll remember that."

Kefiana's still listening rather adimantly, if not avidly so, to each person as they talk. Switching her gaze to likewise follow the flow of the conversation. For Dendra's comment, the woman recieves a small nod of Kefiana's head, before she turns to give Pwert and Luni a small response of, "..not going to risk that. She seems nice, but I don't want to get anyone into trouble."

Chayil sits cross-legged in a corner chair which is flanked by two couches, and across from one more couch and a couple chairs. The couches aren't quite full yet, but there are several people wearing the whote knot of candidate, and several more who aren't wearing that knot, but who look a bit new to Igen. Chayil's just beginning a sort of informal orientation talk with them. "Okay. Everyone knows where the basics are -- where they should be sleeping, where to eat, where the necessaries are located? Good. Anyone who doesn't, ask someone with an Igen resident's knot after this talk to show you where they are. Next up: you get to ask questions. Anything that's confusing, puzzling, that doesn't seem quite the same as wherever you came from. I'm here -- and so are Valaris and Master Dendra, thank you two -- to answer them all as best we can. Who's got a question? Anyone? Anyone?"

Andrew enters from the Bowl and approaches the group. "Is it okay if I join you?"

Dendra hears the comment about Elaia and murmurs, "She's gotten better, Pwert. Probably to avoid getting stuck with memorizing more soup varieties and floor scrubbing." To Andrew she smiles and says, "Welcome! Please have a snack with us."

Andrew "Thanks, I'm new and trying to learn my way around the Weyr." He smiles quickly and sits down

Chayil lifts one hand in a beckoning wave to invite Andrew to join the group. "Absolutely. We've only just started. This is for candidates and anyone else who's new here. Make yourself cmfortable." She seems unconcerned with the fact that the fellow doesn't (yet?) have an Igen knot; that'll sort itself out. Before she can go on, a certain face catches her eye, and she turns towards Luni. "Are you feeling all right, Candidate? If you're overheated, you might want to lie down for a bit. Maybe have a cool drink. And when you get up, Pwert, could you see to it that Luni has some lightweight work clothes so she doesn't sweat half to death?"

Kefiana's hands remain firmly folded within her lap. Not raising nor giving the slightest twitch. She had no questions yet, it would seem. Or if she had, she wasn't about to ask them either. Andrew however, is given a small nod as he settles down. Pwert's comment earns only a wry grin in his direction, though as Luni's addressed by Chayil, Kefiana's gaze turns towards her as well as she studies the other girl, that wry grin fades into something more concerned and serious, "You want help back to the barracks?"

Luni's mouth rounds now, for trouble, and she tries to look that much more trouble-free herself, glancing toward Andrew with a genuine smile as he sits. It's a shaky smile, though, and it's lucky for her that her lightheadedness is spotted. She says gratefully, "Yes, please," though she can't quite manage another smile, and murmurs an apologetic, "You shouldn't miss this," to Kefi as

another resident helps her to where the crowd doesn't seem quite so close.

Valaris settles back into his seat and stretches his legs out before him. "Chatty group, aren't they?" He says with a grin toward Chayil and Dendra. "You don't have to be shy," he says to those seated before them. "It's better to just ask because some of the others might have some of the same questions that you have."

Pwert nods to Chayil, "I'll put her first on my list, Chayil." Nothing could wipe that beaming look off his face as he's asked. He nods to Dendra quietly in agreement. He looks after Luni rather intently, and nods to himself, "I'll drop something loose off to fit until she has time for aproper fitting." Raising his hand a little higher, he politely waits to ask his question.

Andrew says, "Ireally appreciate your warm welcome, I was trying to find my way around earlier, but now, I have to go, for other duties., sorry""

Chayil gives Pwert an approving nod, and Valaris a grin. Almost everyone here must remember being new at some point. "How about this, then," she suggests. "Everyone here, take turns asking a question that you already /know/ the answer to, and then give the answer, in case someone else is too embarrassed to ask that one."Chayil gives Andrew a smile and wave as he leaves, reminding him, "My office door is always open. Welcome to Igen."

Andrew says "Goodbye Andrew ambles out into the Weyr's Living Caverns.

Kefiana's attention is now caught by Valaris' comment. Towards which a near abashed half grin surfaces upon her face. Towards such, she does give a moment of consideration before she too raises her hand. Though a good deal less higher than Pwert's. Though another nod and smile is offered towards Andrew as he reports he has to leave, before she once more returns to regarding those seated before her.

Pwert offers up his question rather quickly, "What sort of work can we expect to do as Candidates?" he grins, "Shoveling black rock, cracking and bagging firestone, kitchen duties, latrine duties if we're bad . . . Oh, cleaning store rooms, dusting, sweeping and the like . . . " he trails, "Did I miss anything?

Dendra adds on, "You will probably also get kitchen duty. Peeling tubers, mopping floors, washing vegetables and dishes, stuff like that.""Latrine duties?" Kefiana repeats quietly, "And.." Cracking and bagging firestone. It would seem she's only now slightly taken aback, though she soon gives a shake of her head before looking towards Dendra as the woman answers Pwert. Though it's those duties that earn a faintly relieved look, as well as a comment of, "..if we get something we don't know how to do, can we switch it for something we do know how to do, ma'am?"

Chayil points at Pwert as he asks one of the more commonly wondered-about questions. "Very good. Also laundry and every other kind of cleaning. Furthermore, if you have special skills, let me, Livia, or Joshi know, and we'll give you a half-day of doing those jobs instead of a full day of just the menial work. The grunt-work does have to get done, so we need your help with that, but we'd be fools not to let a harper apprentice teach reading skills, a healer apprentice work in the infirmary, a smith assist our repair people, and so on. Anything you can do that you think the Weyr would be grateful for, we'll be happy to use you that way. And finally, if any of you are certified ground crewers, we need you for that after threadfalls. If anyone wants to become

certified, let me, Livia, or Joshi know that you're going to need an hour a day or so for practices. If you get a job you don't know how to do, let your chore group leader know, and they'll show you how to do the job. If they show you and you feel that you /absolutely/ cannot do that chore because you don't have the physical strength, let them know, and they'll try to find another way for you to be useful. Okay, who else has a question and the answer?"

Valaris just settles into a more comfortable positions since these seem to be questions he really can't answer.

Dendra asks, "Did all the Candidates get suitable clothing? We don't want people getting heatstroke while eating breakfast?"

One of the other Resident gone Candidates lifts his hand tentively, "Are we allowed to leave the weyr?" He pauses a moment before answering, "No, we can't, because many turns ago a few candidates got lost in snow storm, Right?"

As Chayil answers her question, Kefi's gaze lands upon her and remains on the weyrwoman for the duration of her comment. Right up to the end where she then states, "Ma'am, I don't think this'll be much help, but I'm fair at fishing and netting.. and unknotting nets. It's about the only trade I know better'n doing laundry and kitchen duties." Which, while still given rather truthfully, has Kefiana looking less than sure such trades can be put to use. And yet for the question at the end as to whether or not she has a question and answer, Kefiana once more falls silent. Until yet another question is brought up. To which she offers, "I've clothing from home, ma'am, but Pwert offered to help me find the things I'll be needing." But rather quickly, her attention turns towards the Candidate who asks and answers his own question, to which there's a brief pause before she's looking towards the others for confirmation of such.

Gwynfyd comes out from the Candidates' Barracks.

Valaris just eyes Kefiana for a long moment before he adds to her. "I was from the Seacraft, myself. Well, sort of. I'd been fostered to my uncle almost all my life before I came here. You can only image the shock of going from being on a ship and the water to being in the middle of the desert. If you'd like to talk about it later, you're more than welcome to ask me any questions."

Dendra says from her spot on a couch, "I transferred in from High Reaches via Benden Hold. I can also give advice on adapting to a desert climate."

Rosmyn makes her query to K'than, "You both are welcome to use it." She blinks, "Doesn't like guys that way? Oooh." More wine.

Chayil points that first question of Dendra's towards Pwert. "So far, most of them look all right. Pwert, you're still on clothier duty in the afternoons, all right? That, by the way, is what we mean by special skills. Pwert and the other clothiers will assist all of you in finding lightweight clothing." The second question meets with another approving nod, though she answers, "Actually

it was a sandstorm, but the concern is equally valid at any time of the turn, anywhere on Pern. We keep you at the Weyr so that there's less of a chance that you'll be lost somewhere before the hatching. Kefiana, if you can fish and make netting, then you can probably do other intricate, fine work. If you can sew, that'll help. We might put you to work repairing clothing, baskets, and other things of that nature." Then she nods towards Dendra, if the Bakermaster cares to elaborate on acclimation.

Kefiana offers Valaris a small nod her head and a smile, "Thank you," though her gaze also turns towards Dendra for her comments, towards which she offers, "I've been at the 'hold for a while, ma'am.. I'm almost use to it all by now. But some days still manage to surprise me." The climate, that is. For Chayil's words, however, Kefina allows for a smile. "I can, ma'am. Taught by my aunt. I can weave as well." Though she doesn't state that her weaving skills leave something to be desired. "..My aunt is one of the laundresses back at the 'Hold and I helped her near every day. I'll be glad to do what I can while I'm here to help." Politely given, if not nearly overly so.

Gwynfyd makes a quiet entrance, face set in lines of bland neutrality -- a sure hint that her mood swings towards the surlier end of the spectrum. Manners are not forgotten however. When the loose group of candidates and weyr residents are spotted, she veers in that direction, tipping her head in several polite nods of greeting to the most familiar faces. A chair on the periphery is chosen and seized on, dragged over to where Pwert is seated. It's there she'll settle, eyes hooded as she listens to the conversation.nods.

Dendra takes Chayil's hint. "To acclimate, you need to wear light clothing as much as possible. Thick-soled shoes in the summer to protect your feet from the hot sand outside. Drink as much water and juice as possible, go easy on the tea and klah. If you're used to staying inside, then make very sure to slather lotion on your body daily to help prevent sunburn. The desert is merciless, and will fry your skin to a crisp if you're not careful."

Chayil holds up a finger. "Actually, no, not this time," she tells Pwert with a smile. "We've finally gotten enough robes made up since the Fire of Forty-two to answer the need. There should be quite enough of all sizes for everyone. The smallest one fits me, and thus far I haven't seen a candidate smaller than myself. The largest fits a relative of Sarai's, who's a head taller than the

Weyrwoman and almost as wide. Believe me, there are enough robes in enough sizes."

Pwert ohs softly and nods, he murmurs something about thinking it was a tradition, but says nothing too loud about it. Gwyn gets a rather curious look, and a welcoming smile.

A blonde candidate flopped on one of the chests raises her hand asks Dendra, "Erm. I don't know the answer - but where do we go to get some lotion?"

Kefiana gives Pwert a light grin for his answer, looking thankful enough on that end for the offer of help in sewing the robe. After such however, she does once more fall silent. No longer bothering to answer questions as it seemed she was learning more from simply listening and allowing others to ask.

Chayil gives Gwynfyd a wave as the former corralhand, now candidate, joins up with the group. She goes ahead and lets Dendra answer the question that was asked of her, rather than butting in as she's so fond of doing, but does send the blonde candidate an approving wink as if to say, now we're talking.

Gwynfyd's gaze drift to Pwert, then to the knot on his shoulder. Ahh...those dark eyes widen in brief surprise and she murmurs, "Congratulations." It's a sincere enough welcome, though her attention doesn't linger. It wanders away, shifting to inspect a few of the other new candidates. "Enh...anyone fainted yet?" she whispers after a moment to the young man without looking over at him. In a louder tone, she says to Chayil, "Evening ma'am."

Pwert leans over and whispers to Gwyn, "Thanks. Not really. Luni came close, I think. Getting her some cooler clothes soon as this is finished. Always good to get a refresher, you know."

Valaris drops his feet to the floor after a moment. "I'm sorry, but I should probably go and take care of what I was on my way to do." He looks around at those in the cavern. "It was good talking to you'll and you really can ask me any questions. I promise not to be as scary as some of the riders." He gives a wink and starts out of the cavern.

Dendra answers the blonde candidate. "You can get lotion and lip balm from the Healers. Kiara and Qwen are the locally posted Healers. You can also get some from the box in the candidate barracks. You know, the one with the, uh, supplies." The normally outspoken Baker actually loses her cool for a moment.

Valaris strolls down the Residents' Hall.

Pwert looks at Dendra rather curiously, his hand starting to rise to ask about the supply box - and then, blushing withdraws his hand. "Oh, that box." he falls silent for a moment, and then asks, "Oh, about the old caverns," He gestures to the rather enticing, dark shadowed tunnel leading back to who knows where. "No going in there unless you're assigned chores to be there, right?

What sort of chores might lead you down there? Tunnel snake hunting?"

Gwynfyd's mouth turns down at the corners. "Met her...should have seen her face when Danica said that boys'd be in the barracks with us." A less than gentle snort marks mingled disdain and amusement for that sort of mindset. Eyes drift to Valaris and she nods after his retreating back. "Silly, worrying about a few kids getting a look at you." Says the ancient granny of the group. "Think that'd be it."

Chayil confirms what Dendra says. "The lip balm, sun lotion, and other ointments are right next to the box of feminine supplies." She hasn't got the option of being bashful, if in fact she was bashful by nature; this is information that candidates need. The weyrwoman deals in facts and practicality, not in blushes and coyness. "Right, Pwert. Tunnelsnake hunting may be assigned to you, if the firelizards haven't been doing their share to keep down the tunnelsnake population. Usually it's not a problem. However, if you're assigned to hunt tunnelsnakes, go in pairs, preferably at least one of

which should be someone who grew up at Igen and knows exactly where to stop and turn around. A lot of the passageways are unstable and could collapse and crush you. If you died quickly from that, you'd be very lucky. If you didn't, think about the effect of the smell of blood on a nest of tunnelsnakes, the effect of a broken spine or leg on someone who's trapped under a slab or block of stone, and then stay the Shell out of the tunnels with ropes over them."

Pwert nods slowly, "Got it. Ropes are bad." he leans over and whispers rather quietly to Gwynfyd, "Sweet shells. I can't wait till she goes for a swim in the lake. I'd pay a good mark to see it if the right group's there. . ." He lifts his hand again, "What's the policy on relationships as Candidates? Obviously, sex and such is not okay, but is there any form of contact allowed? You know," Pwert actually goes red, "Kissing, hugging or even just holding hands? Or is all romatic things to be shoved aside for the moment?" he ohs softly, "And also," He looks specifically at Kefiana for a moment, "Who can you talk to if someone's not following the rules?"

Kefiana'd indeed turn red, or nearly so for Pwert's comment. Though all too quickly it passes and she actually sits straighter up in her chair. Unfolding her hands just long enough to pull the braided tail of her hair over her shoulder with a near idle tug. It wouldn't, however, stop the semi-quiet whisper in his direction, "..only a fool would try anything like that." Or so she seems to hope. Such a mindset doesn't mean she won't listen to what Chayil has to say on the manner, such is evidenced in the fact that she's soon regarding the weyrwoman for her response towards such.

It's not the description of the injuries that causes Gwyn to shudder, but the discussion of the unstable passageways. The thought of all of that stone above her head...even now... the woman visibly shivers and hunches down in her chair, eyes rolling briefly towards the ceiling before she thinks to focus them on Chayil's face. She will not think about it. No. Not thinking about it. Even the topic of relationships is preferable. "Shards, people, didn't anyone ever talk to you before about where babies come from?" she asks sarcastically when a good number of the audience's faces go bright red.

Donovyn comes out from the Candidates' Barracks.

Chayil glances at Dendra; surely she had to field this question a few times. But Chayil's the one with that job now, and she answers. "It's permitted to hold hands, hug, or kiss. However, we strongly discourage it, and may give additional tiring or time-consuming chores to those who engage in such things. Not because it's a bad thing by itself, but because it may lead further, and

further than those things is forbidden for candidates. If a candidate is discovered going further than holding hands, hugging, or kissing, the candidate will no longer be a candidate, and if that candidate isn't from Igen Weyr, she or he will be sent home, and that person's area leaders sent a letter detailing why. If someone other than a candidate is making advances or demands on a

candidate, however," she adds with a /very/ subtle glance towards Kefiana, "then that candidate should inform a candidate coordinator privately, and we will see to it that the person in question is...given sufficient reason to cease all such behavior."

Dendra looks back to Chayil, glad /she/ is the one who has to answer. There are benefits to being an /ex/ Candidate Coordinator.

Donovyn enters the inner caverns slowly, eyes wide as she spots the group. Oh look, more blank stares. She's in the right place, then. "Sorry I'm late." She clears her throat, finding a seat amongst her fellow candidates.

Pwert nods, giving a sigh of relief, "Nice to know." Not that he seems worried enough to actually have a concern, but relieved none the less. He smiles at Kefianna and mouths to her, "See?" he waves Donovyn over, motioning to the diminishing piles of meat rolls, cookies and fish rolls.

Dendra sees one of her apprentices slipping down the hallway, looking furtive. The Baker quietly gets up and follow the girl, determined to see what she's up to.

There's a very subtle opening of Kefiana's lips, as though she were about to respond to something that was said. Though a moment's thought gives her sufficient pause that she simply forms that partial opening into a smile; further tilting her head to the side in a conceeding, polite nod. "Understood, ma'am." Pwert's mouthing of 'See', is met with a small, humoured upwards roll

of her eyes - truly done in good nature. As for turning red at the subject? Gwynfyd's comment, whether heard or not, earns only a moment's glance in the other candidates direction - and a nearly amused smile. But soon that semi nervous twitch of one hand becomes more pronounced as one particular quesetion spurs a quick thought process which eventually leads to Kefiana hesitantly raising her hand to voice a question of, "..ma'am? If.. well are we allowed to have visitors come here.. maybe even stay here while we're here?"

Chayil smiles as Kefiana finds a question to ask, and as she beckons Donovyn over to join her comrades-in-candidacy, answers. "Yes, you may. Guests need to stay in the resident dormitory, however, rather than in the barracks. The candidate barracks are your personal haven away from the rest of the Weyr. The only people allowed there are candidates, the three coordinators, headwoman and steward -- and by the way, we don't have a steward right now -- weyrseconds,

and the Weyrleader and Weyrwoman. Even then, we only come in when it's needful. However, you're not forced to be in the barracks except to sleep, so you can spend as much time with a visitor as you like, once your chores are done for the day."

Pwert leans forward grabbing a few meat rolls off the plate, and passes them out to those sitting around him, he munches on one thoughtfully, and, swallowing asks, "Out of curiousity, what happened to the last steward, Cha- I mean, ma'am?"

Donovyn accepcts one of the rolls passed and sniffs at it. New food. Testing it cautiously, the girl's face skews into a look of consideration. Caution leads to satisfaction, and she's soon gnawing happily at it. Pwert's shoulder is given a gentle nudge. "Thanks." She mumbles around a mouthful.

Kefiana's face near positively lights with Chayil's response, which garners yet another quickly asked question, ".. and if we do have someone we want here.. how would they go about coming? Ma'am, I mean.. would it be possible for someone to go get them?" Curious, and ever so hopeful there. Though likewise bordering on thin caution for all that her last impromptu plan had ended in a rather unexpected manner. "..I mean, just out of curiosity and all, ma'am." Come offering of the meatroll however, Kefiana offers a small shake of her head towards Pwert, "..still haven't touched my redfruit."

Chayil holds up a finger to forestall further questions so that she can answer them all, one at a time. "Kefiana's first, then Pwert's. But first, for those of you who got here some time after we began, this is just an informal question and answer session for anyone who's new to Igen Weyr. If you have a question, and if no one else has just asked one, blurt it out and I'll get to it." Then

she takes a breath and considers her answer to Kefiana. "Yes. If you have someone you want to visit you, talk to any rider. Either they or someone else will probably be headed into the appropriate sweep area on their regular sweep rounds, so the person could probably be brought in within a day or three. Now, Pwert... Uh, I'm sorry, what did you ask, again?" Though her expression indicates that she fully well remembers the question, she's stalling for time. Not only that, but she's baldfaced about it, not bothering to hide that she's asking for time.

Pwert umms and errs, "Well, now, what was it?" He picks up on Chayil's signals, and asks instead for the moment, "Erm, umm, yes, I was wondering what we should do if we have a problem with another candidate - Such as lack of baths, or disputes over any variety of things?"

Chayil smiles as Pwert not only grants time, but a reprieve from that uncomfortable question as to Cary's whereabouts. "I'd suggest tolerance on all parts. Most of you are adults, or close to it, and understand the need to let things go once in a while. If you absolutely can't resolve differences and

can't let a thing go, come to your candidate coordinators. It's part of what we're here for. Anyone else have a question?" she glances around, just to be sure, and beckons in a few more comers that arrive as well as waving to those who've felt the need to depart during the session. "Everyone, scoot over and make a little room. Better yet, move forward and fill the seats closer up, so I

don't have to shout as much."

K'than strides in from the Living Caverns.

Despite that 'good news' recieved and the hope that now fills her mind, Kefiana's not one to pass up the dodging of Pwert's question, nor is she one to miss the fact that the act is assisted by Pwert. All of which recieves an arching of a brow, and a firm - if not barely constrained - reign put on the every present curiosity of hers. Thankfully enough, Pwert's question is pertinent enough to recieve a glance in Chayil's direction for the answer to such, even as she folds her arms back over her stomach to await the answer.

Io walks in to the cavern and nearly tumbles over some poor sod sitting on the floor. The sod yelps, Io hangs on to prevent herself from falling any further, "Ja...oh." She dusts off the young man, "Sorry, didn't see you there." She looks around, quite a gathering. "Sorry, Weyrwoman, didn't mean to ..." She quiets. Lashings later.

K'than ducks into the storerooms and then comes back out a few minutes later with a light blanket slung over one arm. He pauses in the doorway and then steps out, only to stop and lean against a wall, listening curiously.

Pwert scoots up a bit closer - especially since closer means shorter distance for reaching to food - finding this session more iteresting than he initially thought. He waves to Io and K'than, offering both a smile.

As bade, and per making a pact with herself to stick as close to Pwert whenever possible, Kefiana does indeed move closer when her fellow candidate does as much. Though it does earn a whispered comment towards him after she settles herself down. Namely that of, "..what was this about the Steward?" Curious, yes.. she'd ask him first, before a sublte glance is taken towards Chayil to see if the woman had caught her whispered comment.

As she's finishing her first roll, Donny, also, scoots closer to the Weyrwoman as per her request. She's a silent participant for the most part, but has no problem with leaning closer to Kefiana and Pwert's whispering conversations. A brow quirks, then lowers. "I thought she said there wasn't one.." The 'Reachian girl whispers across to Kefi.

Chayil beckons forward those who've just gotten here, urging them to come forward and fill up the empty seats close to her. "Just a question and answer session for anyone new to Igen. Or, anyone who's been here a while but is still confused about anything. Okay, my question. Chayil," she says to herself in slightly modified voice, going for a laugh, "why do we have to muck, clean

latrines, and do all the nasty jobs in the Weyr?" Then she pauses, giving a chance for laughter, and gives the answer in her normal voice. "Because those things have to be done. Because adding fifty people to the Weyr's population means they need to be done slightly more often. So, you really earn your keep by doing all the work that you create, rather than letting it all devolve onto

others. Secondly, those jobs build up your muscles. Should you impress, you'll need a certain amount of physical strength and stamina, and this will help. Thirdly, it'll give you a very good idea of /everything/ that it takes to keep a Weyr running smoothly. That's important because should you impress, or should you stay here after not impressing, you may someday be a Weyr leader, a

Headwoman or Steward, or someone else in charge of running an aspect of life at Igen, and we want you to know the ins and outs of the way the Weyr works." She hasn't exactly ignored Kefiana, but she does take a moment's pause for others to think about this, before she can answer. "Kefiana, our previous steward, Cary, was a good friend of mine. He stood with me the first time I was a candidate here, when I was eleven and he was in his late twenties. He died very suddenly a few months ago. No one else has wanted to take the Steward's knot in that time, which is why we have a Headwoman with a lot of assistants, but not a Steward."

Io smirks and mutters to herself --umpteenthly, you'll know what it's like to be up to your ears in *?!# if you break a rule.-- Ahem. A little gesture of a wave is given to Pwert and also K'than.

Kefiana does now look quite abashed for Chayil's response. Near shrinking her shoulders downwards slightly for the briefest of moments before a comment surfaces. "I'm sorry to hear that ma'am..." A pause and then the near guilty and entirely apologetic admission of, "I shouldn't have asked." Or at least not so impolitely. The smallest smile then follows to show that she is indeed

earnest in that offering, though Donovyn's question - per obvious reason, is given a small, nearly helpless shrug of one shoulder. But seeing as how she doesn't quite recognize Donovyn, but ca before Kefiana's attention returns towards Chayil.

K'than looks at Chayil, startled as he hears Cary's name. He has apparently had his curiosity satisfied, for he unprops himself from the wall and turns to head out to the Bowl with his new lightweight blanket in hand.

Pwert looks down at his feet, "That's why." He whispers to Kefiana. Looking up, he raises his hand tentatively, "We have to learn to muck out for runners, right, because if we impress we'll have to muck out for out dragons?" he leans forward again, a little hesitant but curious, "How hard and difficult would you say that is in relation to mucking the stables?"

Donovyn hurrs from her seat, side glancing to Pwert with a bemused grin. "Imagine mucking out after a herd of runners. Trust me." The girl's eyes fall to the floor, wide and blank with nostalgia. "A whole blazing herd."

Chayil's head shakes at Kefiana's concern. "It's all right. I miss him, and I'm uneasy when someone dies suddenly, but death is a part of life whether we expect it or not. You'll find that riders' deaths are usually not as hard on riders as non-riders' deaths; we expect riders to die, and the elderly, and the chronically ill. But sudden death from something other than thread tends to make many of us feel insecure, because it shows us that no matter how competent

we are at our jobs, death can still come for us at any moment, whether we've earned it or not. But let's not dwell on that." She quickly, and gratefully, turns towards Pwert to answer his question. "There's a lot more dragon muck than runner muck. Dragons grow considerably, and are always eating for the first six months or so of their lives, so there's a great deal more muck. However, you're only mucking for one dragon of your own, as opposed to five or ten runners that the Weyr keeps around. Not only that, but you'll love your dragon, if you impress one. Even its muck won't seem as nasty as that of a runner, because the love is far greater."

"One does not love runner poo." Donny slides in calmly. She nods her head, eyes still on the floor. Still wide.

Trust Kefiana to make such a slip. Pwert's whisper only recieves a small nod and slight clearing of her throat. Something that does expand into a momentary silence for his question, and Donovyn's response. It's the girls response however, that has Kefiana bitting her bottom lip as she stifles the urge to grin. Though it'd be helped in part by Chayil's comment, which earns a rather serious nod of her head. "Understood, ma'am." Quietly intoned, and the topic allowed to drop for favor of the next topic. Which earns a faint furrowing of her brows. "..mucking, ma'am? Do you mean.." A small motion of one hand comes as she mimes the movements of mucking out runner stalls, "..I thought.. you mean you have to do that for them?" Incredulous now, and showing full force

that ignorance of anything /true/ about Weyrs, the young holder girl simply shakes her head with further disbelief. Though it /doesn't/ stop that small, self-murmor of, "No wonder."

Pwert ahs softly and nods, a little smile spreading on his face, "A labour of love, then?" A chuckle is surpressed at Donovyn's comment as he remarks to Kefiana, "Of course. Think of them as babies, sort of. You have to change a babies' diaper, so you have to muck for a hatchling." he smiles and his own analogy and after a moments' thought, he nods. He sort of half raises his hand

a little hesitantly as another thought occurs.

Donovyn turns to Pwert and blinks. "Well put." She states, nodding her approval. It's quite like that. She leans back in her chair, legs being crossed upon the seat-portion comfortably,

Chayil nods confirmation, almost as if enjoying, bragging, about having done so. "Absolutely. Until dragons can go between, they can't /go/ between, so their weyrling riders have to clean up their muck. It's just like any other infant creature. There's a lot of it, it stinks like that of any other creature that eats nothing but meat... but you'll do it if you impress, because you have to do it. Mind you, the muck is usually kept in a ditch, or 'middens', spread out to dry, and then given to farmcrafters as fertilizer. Also, in some places, it can be used as a fuel source. Once it dries out thoroughly, the smell's not quite as bad or as strong. Yes, Pwert?" she says again, though she does glance about to see if others have questions once Pwert's is answered.

Pwert puts down his hand, and asks with a touch of concern, "If we impress, with the end of pass drawing rather near, well, I know this is premature, but how'll it, you know, affect our lives, what sort of things can we look forward to, and the like, and what things should we put some thought into a head of time?"

Kefiana' slip gives the slightest curl as she continues to shake her head. One hand releses itself about it's loop over her stomach to absently tug on the end of her braidtail, as she listens. Though her gaze has settled upon the floor as her thoughts travel another path opposite the conversation that was currently going about. Only come a certain thought does her gaze shift back upwards, and her hand once more raise as she too finds a question to ask. Though Pwert's has her brows knitting in slight thought, and are further rewarded with her hand settling back over her stomach to listen to the answer.

Io smiles, content with leaning up against a wall as she listens to the various questions being asked. Pwert's question certainly has her attention

Chayil's brows lift. She hadn't expected that question, but her expression of satisfaction ays quite clearly that she likes it. "Ah, now, there we go. All Weyrfolk, not just riders, need to be thinking about the future in those terms. After the Pass ends, there will be people excited, people wanting to do things for us to thank us for saving their lives, their families, their holdings. They'll want to give us nice things, special treatment. Now, it's important not to refuse gifts ungraciously, so that the Holders and Crafters don't think we're ungrateful. However, accepting too much will later come to seem as though we've demanded the special treatment and the gifts. The people who saw us fight thread will eventually die, as will we; their children or grandchildren won't have seen it, and our children -- figuratively speaking, meaning riders -- won't have done it. They'll remember that their parents and grandparents saw us saving lives, and were saved by us. But /their/ children and grandchildren might not think back that far. What they'll remember isn't the ones we saved,

but the ones we couldn't save." She pauses, to see if anyone has questions thus far on what she's already said.

It's a comment that has Kefiana's rapt attention, for not only what was said, but for how she soon reworks the answer in her own mind. Come end of the whole of it however, Kefiana only gives a small nod of her head, seemingly quite accepting of what Chayil had said. If not only slightly preturbed looking, or so that knit of her brows might suggest. In either instance, she does soon

raise her hand once more as Chayil asks if there are any further questions. Hesitant yet again, though the attempt is at least made.

Chayil gestures towards Kefiana. "Go ahead, please."

Pwert ahs softly and nods, "So, in other words, be grateful, but not to grateful, be accpeting, but not to accepting and be sure to be nice to everyone as much as possible so generations later don't grow any mistrust, Or," he glances at a few of the Candidates, "Or strong misconceptions?" he blushes a bit, sinking in his chair, "Sorry, forgot to raise my hand . . ." Blushing a bit, he gives Kefiana his rapt attention.

You sense Chayil casts a wink of approval, serious, but indicating that the young man has the right of it.

"It's just a short one, ma'am," Kefiana offers, though quickly falls short as Pwert begins to speak. Only for his comment to earn a light grin and return of her gaze towards Chayil. "I was just curious, ma'am.. there was talk.. um.. Pwert, I mean.." Guilily, a glance is spared for the other, "..about egg touchings. I.. well.. I'm curious to know if you're.. well.." That sureness that had been in place quickly enough fades, before she says, "Do you have to go to them, or.. I mean.. is it optional?" And after all that stuttering and pausing, Kefiana falls quiet. Near self-consciously rubbing her hands together as she waits to see what sort of response such would garner.

Donovyn's head only nods in reply. Her attention is there fully, and makes an easy transition from Chayil to Kefiana. One ear wiggling a little, the girl's head tilts curiously.

Io squeaks around folks so she can get around to one of the halls.

Chayil smiles; she hadn't necessarily expected this question to come so soon, either, but seems pleased that it has. "Another good one. Egg touchings will begin to happen after Tasieth's eggs get hard enough that they won't be damaged by it, and after Tasieth's not quite as nervous to have people near them. It's optional rather than required, but before you turn down the chance, consider these things. First, getting used to being on the sands could help you be less nervous on hatching day. If you're comfortable, you're less likely to do anything ill-advised, such as getting in a hatchling's way, and thus less likely to get seriously injured. Second, there are people who have suggested that somehow the hatchlings will get comfortable with your presence, get to know you, and possibly come out less confused and scared. There've been less injuries resulting in death since egg touchings were instituted sometime before the Ninth Pass, and either of these two factors, or both, could have been the reason. Third, most people aren't searched even once, let alone twice or more. Being here alone is proof that you're exceptional in some way, that dragons

have noticed you. Do you really want to pass up what may be your only chance in your life to touch a dragon's egg?"

Pwert smiles at Kefiana and nods, "They're a little soft at first, but they get harder. Nice and warm, too. Sometimes, if you put your ear next to it and listen," He begins wistfully, "You hear, or rather, perhaps, think you hear hatchling move inside. Its," he breaths a deep sigh, "Worth the chance."

Kefiana, by all appearances, does seem to take Chayil's words to heart. Indeed listening to them fully, and even giving them a long moment of consideration and thought. Towards the end of which, she slowly cants her head forwards. Finding key point to several of the facts, though not mentioning any specifically as she simply states, "I suppose those are all good points, ma'am. Thank you." With such however, Kefiana settles down in her chair to once more fall silent, and to glance between those that remain in the group. Pwert's comment, when it's caught, earns a near surprised look in his direction, and a softer comment of, "..you've done it before?" And then towards Donovyn, "..what about you? What do you think?"

"I think my heart stopped the first time I was allowed to touch one." Donovyn replies, her cheeks turning a little red as she admits such a thing. "They're.. so big, compared to anything else.. Like Wherry eggs.. They're like granules of sand compared to the dragon eggs. And warm? Absolutely." She grins. "Y'can't help but tip-toe around them, even so. They're just eggs.. 'n no matter how big or hard they are, they're still labeled 'fragile'."You'd be missin' out on a real thrill if y'didn't go to touch at least one." The girl's head tilts to the side, a smile lining her lips. It's kind of a 'C'mon, you'll like it'/encouraging smile.

Pwert nods slowly, and smiles, "Ya, a couple of times," he says sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head, "Really, you ought to give it a shot. I mean, you'll probably always wonder what it would have been like if you hadn't of." he smiles sort of, and looks back to Chayil.

"'s just hard to believe," Kefiana murmurs quietly to those sitting nearest her, "And.. to go that close to them. On the Sands. For.. I just can't imagine it." Disbelieving, fully so, that such was a good idea, or at the very least, anything remarkable. A thought does surface and she soon enough raises a hand to cover her mouth to stifle the laugh that threatens to escape as she clears her throat. "..so you've -both- done this before?" Pwert and Donovyn both are rewarded with a glance between them, once more quite studious.

Pwert clears his throat, and looks back to Kefiana, "Twice. Guess your aunt didn't tell you why I left that day, huh?" Both time when I was little, of course." He says with a nod. He looks rather curiously at Donovyn, and offers a sort of sympathetic smile.

The pale-faced girl nods her head. "Once, in my case." Donny says, then catches Pwert's gentle smile. It's returned in a softened way, a hand reaching out and giving his shoulder a light squeeze. Veterans! "I was.. Gawr, it was about four Turns ago. I couldn't sit still to save myself." She looks to Kefiana and winks. "The thought's frightening, but with a strapping lad like this one

'ere," She indicates Pwert,"And yours truly alongside ya, there's not much to fear. Besides, the Weyrwoman won't let anything go awry."

"Auntie Jae?" And here Kefiana can't help but laugh, "She'd no sooner mention that then the fact that I got plucked up right out from underneath her nose by Riders to Yva." Too amused, it seems, is Kefiana by that. To the point where a small laugh even issues, "Happens all the time though.. people just up and disappeared.. Never did figure to think -that's- what happened." Though for Donovyn's words, Kefiana simply listens. Adding nothing until the end. "Not

worried 'bout that.. 'least, well not entirely that. I don't know.. I guess it's just.." A pause and then another shrug comes as Kefiana truly finds herself unable to finish that statement. "Anyways, I suppose I just have to take your words for it.. that it can't be all that bad." And Pwert and Donnovyn wouldn't lead her wrong... right?

Chayil points out, as a few more folk drift in and out, "I stood twice, too, as did my two best friends. I've also heard of one person who stood nine times before impressing, though I'm not sure who it was, so I can't confirm that. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, that people get searched more than once. I'm saying that the odds are tiny. Tinier than me." She's not one to shy away from

the short jokes. "Things do often go awry, actually. People have been gored, raked, scratched, bitten, and killed. It's not out of anything malicious in the hatchlings, though. Before they bond, young dragons are scared and very alone; it's not their natural state of being. They /need/ to get to their lifemates, and anyone that gets in their way is a threat to their safety, or so they see it. But as long as you stay out of the way, you'll be fine."

Pwert offers quietly, "I've yet to find anything bad about the touchings themselves." He nods in agreement with Donovyn, offer a hand face up, "Pwert, by the way. I'll have so clothes on your cot soon as this meeting's done." He says with a look her clothing, "Well met." he cocks his head as he listens to Chayil rather carefully, though still looking at Donovyn. As she mentions 'nine', Pwert's eyes go rather wide. 'Nine' gets mouthed to Donovyn in repetition and he leans back in his chair. Slowly, he turns and asks, "Did that pe-" he stops his question and instead raises his hand.

Chayil naturally nods towards Pwert, getting less formal as time goes by. "Go ahead, Pwert."

Pwert grins sheepishly, and shrugs a bit, "Did that person impress?"

Kefiana can only shake her head towards Chayil's words. Simply at a loss as to voice anything towards /that/. Though it does see her lifting her feet off the floor and resting the heels upon the edge of her seat; a move followed with her arms wrapping about her shins before she props her chin atop her knees. Quite forgetting proper manners and all, near conveniently at that."

That's what I hear," Chayil answers, shifting to sit cross-legged in her chair, getting more comfortable. "But again, I don't know who the person is, even whether the person was male or female. It may just be a story, and not a history of someone real. But I suspect that the person did impress, if she or he was real. If someone's searched nine times, dragons /definitely/ see something special in him or her."

"That's very thoughtful of you. I've been sweating all day, in these." The pale girl says, and places her hand, palm down, into his and gives it a good, firm shake. "Donovyn of the 'Reaches. Most've taken to calling me Donny. Choose the name that suits ye, I'll respond to either. Well met, indeed, Pwert." The 'Nine' mouthing receives a nod, and the explanation Chayil gives warrants a raise of both brows. "Fortune smiled on them, then.. You say you stood once before, marm?"

All of which begs a question within Kefiana's mind, and indeed earns a raising of her hand. Once more a nagging thought prompting such, and the bitting of her lower lip in thought as she sits up straighter to ensure that she was seen and would indeed get a chance to ask her question.

Chayil answers Donovyn with an introduction, since this is the one candidate she hadn't yet met. "I'm Chayil, or weyrwoman, or rider. Ma'am or sirrah if you want something shorter than all of those. To answer your question, yes, I stood twice. The first time, I was eleven. The second time, the time I impressed, I was just barely thirteen. Both times were at Igen Weyr, and I'm very glad that Qeturath hatched here." Again she spots Kefiana's 'asking' posture, and nods towards the hold girl. "Yes, go ahead."

"Well met, Donny, then." Pwert says before looking back to Chayil, "I think I remember Livia saying something about that, once." He says rather thoughtfully, "Nice woman, really, have you met her, Donny?" As Kefiana prepares to ask her question, he falls silent yet again.

Donovyn 's head and neck release a polite, slow nod. "Well met, marm Chayil." The Weyrwoman is subjected to one of her lopsided grins. As Pwert calls her attention again, Donny's head tilts, and then shakes. "No I--yurr?" She turns to look at Kefiana.

"Ma'am, if.. you're Searched.. does that mean you're /going/ to Impress?" A rather dumb sounding and seeming question, no doubt, for all that Kefiana soon turns a faint shade of crimson for such, "I mean.. I know some folk don't and all that," She had noticed the insane number of bunks within the barracks, afterall, "But.. well you said the dragons sensed something special about people they search. What.. exactly is that.. I mean.. what does it mean?" Worry would only be subtly given within that question, as well as a faintly uncomfortable shifting of her form as she lowers her hand and resumes her knee hugging. Though for Pwert's comment, Kefiana can't help -but- give a side

comment of, "I did.. she's the one who Searched me."

Pwert nods, and smiles, "Excellent. Hope you enjoyed your ride on Hicerth, then. Fine brown, really." He sort of sinks in his seat, looking away as Kefiana pops 'the question'.

Chayil's head shakes, and she takes a moment before being able to word a reply. "There's a lot of speculation about what dragons are looking for, and all that the dragons will say is that they're looking for riders, or that they want people who are /right/. The only answer that's really consistent, though it may not be accurate, is that for every dragon, there's someone who's perfect for them. When I was searched at eleven, my dragon wasn't on the sands. Literally. If I hadn't been searched that second time, or if I'd declined to stand, I'd never have known that Qeturath was there at all. So, my dragon wasn't on the sands, and Qeturath would have impressed to someone else, and that happens to a lot of people. They stand once, then they don't get searched again, and then the dragon that might have impressed to them wound up going to someone else.

But I did stand again, and Qeturath was there the second time. If I hadn't been there for her, I hope and believe that she'd have impressed someone else. There's never before been a gold who wandered around the sands, crying and lost, and went *between* because she didn't find her lifemate. Other colors have done so, but not golds. But this is why it's a /duty/ to stand when you're asked, and not just a privilege and an honor."

Pwert winces slightly, "So, that's what happens to a hatchling, if the right person isn't there, Chay-"He grunts, "I mean, weyrwoman?" A sad look falls on his face, "That must put the weyr through a lot of stress, to loose one like that."

Donovyn stretches, and rises slowly from her seat. "As that's a mouthful and a mindful, I think I'll be retiring to the barracks for the evening, if you'll excuse my doing so." The girl stands, and winks. "Been a pleasure. Rest well, when sleep finally finds you all." With that she quietly retires.

Kefiana's lips pull into a semi-thoughtful line. Near distracted by Pwert's earlier comment, though she soon responds to Chayil with a small nod. "Understood, ma'am." Completely so. Or at least that portion about it being a duty. Priveleage and honor had as of yet to sink in, and likely would.. given time and further thought on the matter. Though for now, Kefiana simply gives the matter no more thought. Instead storing away what the weyrwoman has so far said for later thought. Only then would she offer a quiet comment towards Pwert, "..it was interesting.. though I still swear I almost fell off him."

Pwert yawns himself, and apologizes as he stands, "I'm dead sorry Chayi-" he sighs again, "Ma'am, sorry. I'll get the hang of this eventually. But, I'm near half a sleep, and I've yet to move my press. I want to find Luni and Donovyn something cool for tomorrow, too, before the night's up." Smiling apologetically he starts to move away. He winks at Kefiana, "Oh, that's just him dropping a bit. Makes you feel like your floating. Unless you mean Between?" He seems to be speaking rhetorically as he heads donw the residents' hall.

Chayil gives Donovyn a wave and smile. "Good night, Donovyn. I'll see you tomorrow morning and afternoon." She then turns back to those still left, agreeing with Pwert. "The Weyr mourns when a dragon doesn't hatch, and even more when it hatches but doesn't impress. It's stressful and very sad. Mind you, usually that doesn't happen. Usually we have no idea whether the person

chosen is the one perfect one, or the one that was /there/. Sometimes I think that the dragonets just look at who's available and decide right there, on the spot, who's perfect for them. That the dragon and the new rider simply grow together because they're bonded, rather than bonding because they're automatically right together. After all, if golds can adapt easily to whoever's

there, surely the others can, too."

A hand is waved towards Donovyn's retreating back, and that of Pwert's as he stands and moves down the hall. Comments had in regards to his questions are kept to herself and bitten back as she turns to regard Chayil once more. The woman's comments however, earn a near confused pause. "So if someone could just be Searched because they /might/ fit.. they don't.. really have to fit, right?" Kefiana seems to want to clarify this, "..y'know, to be there on the off chance that someone who's suppose to be isn't.. right?"