It's a warm spring day at Jerdan Weyr, unusually warm in fact. The air is muggy and feels like you could cut it with a knife and serve it on a plate. The lake is crowded with riders and dragons in an effort to escape from the oppressing heat. Some of the dragons are enjoying the warmth. They are out in full force on their ledges.

You have just come out of the Lower Caverns after a light lunch when a thud and flurry of dust draws your attention. A big blue dragon has just landed in the bowl. His rider gracefully slides down his withers. The rider takes of its helmet, and beneath you see a beautiful young woman. She has short brown hair and eyes as blue as her dragon's hide. You can't help but stare at her for a moment. Then you realize that the rider is a much changed Analyssa.

"Hello," she calls cheerfully after spotting you in the entrance to the Lower Caverns.

"Hello," you reply going out to meet her. "My Solath looks big. He must be one of the larger blues in the weyr."

"He does, doesn't he," she says turning toward her dragon. "He is full grown now you know."

"I can tell. So what is new with you two?"

"A whole lot," Analyssa says suddenly becoming extremely excited. Her blue eyes glow as she reflects on the news she has to tell you. "Solath and I are Searchriders now. Weyrwoman Carah said we could after Solath here showed some sensitivity toward those who have the ability. We just got back from Search for Mikath's clutch. We have found some likely lads, but only one girl. We still have more holds to Search though. I am really excited about this. Solath loves Searching. Don't you Solath," she says sweetly turning back to the huge sapphire dragon. His hide is the dark blue of health and glows as though he has been freshly cleaned.

"That is great," you say. Then another thought occurs to you. You are reluctant to ask, but you are dying to know. "Analyssa," you begin hesitantly.

"Yes."

"Since Solath is an adult, won't he be flying soon?"

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"It's just that don't the riders of the dragons usually wind up as weyrmates?"

"Not always. I don't know what the female's rider will do, in my case when Solath chooses to fly, I have someone else to be with," she says going a deep red.

"Huh," you say a bit puzzled. Then as realization hits you, you smack your hand against your forehead in a typical gesture. "Oh, I understand. Well at least you have planned out how to handle it. May I ask who he is?"

"I don't think you know him. He's taller than me with blond hair and brown eyes. He's very sweet; his name is Barak. He used to be a brown rider, but lost his Brown Taroth in an accident during Threadfall. He didn't go mad, and his family managed to keep him from committing suicide. He's a tanner now. I love him dearly," she says with a romantic sigh.

You smile at her remembering when you met your spouse. It can all happen very fast, but that didn't make it any less real. "That's very nice," you say to the young woman. The heat is beginning to get to you again. "I'd better go now. They'll expect me back at my hold soon. I hope everything works out for you Analyssa."

"Thanks. I am sure it will. Barak and I are very happy together. Solath wants to go get in the water anyway. He sometimes reminds me more of a shipfish than a dragon the way he likes to swim and cavort in the water. Oh well, I hope things are well at your hold. My duty to your Blood."

"May the weyr prosper," you say and leave Analyssa and Solath to go find the dragon and rider assigned to your hold. You turn around for one last look and see Analyssa climb on Solath's neck. Then the two glide toward the lake which is not nearly so crowded now. You turn back and spot your convey. You go to meet him and leave the weyr.

Name: Analyssa

Age: 18 turns

Dragon: Blue Solath

Sir: Blue Wakith

Dam: Green Aldath

Birthplace: Jerdan Weyr

Age: Adult

Assignment: Searchrider at Jerdan Weyr

The background came from Angelfire, and the picture of Fantar came from Themes Plus. The cool title is a gift from my friend Lindsey. Thanks. :)

Jerdan Weyr
Themes Plus
One of LIndsey's Weyrs
Analyssa's Candidate story
The Hatchling Story
The Weyrling Story