The air is cool and crisp as the brown dragon that has conveyed you to Jerdan Weyr glides down into the weyrbowl. His slow spiral descent gives you time to look at the weyr. Most of the dragons are sunning on their ledges even Senior Queen Raenith. Your observations are interrupted as the big brown lands with easy grace at the entrance to the Lower Caverns. You carefully dismount and express your gratitude to both dragon and rider. The pair acknowledge your thanks and take off to their own weyr.

Checking the position of the sun, you realize that you are early for your meeting with Headwoman Lorin. You had come this morning to collect a few fire-lizard eggs for some restless holders nearby. Not wanting to disturb the lady while she is making breakfast, you decide to go visit the weyrlings.

You make your way over to the weyrling barracks. You approach the area of caves and find an odd silence hanging over them. You walk into the caves and find them completely deserted. Deciding that they must be at practice, you search around the bowl intently listening for any sound that would hint to their whereabouts. At last, you hear R'mir's gruff voice coming for the direction of the lake.

Jogging you head in the direction of the sound. When you arrive, you see twelve weyrlings in flight formation. As R'mir calls orders, the twelve dragons shift to the pattern. Not one of them falters. There are three bronzes, three browns, two blues, and four greens. You realize that you have come in at the end of practice when R'mir pumps his fist to signal a job well-done. The trainees and their dragons land and immediately begin to strip off their flying gear. You are shocked when the two blue riders turn out to be girls.

One heads quickly toward the barracks. The other has short dark hair and blue eys. She seems friendly, so you decide to walk over to her. "Hello," you say.

"Hello," she says with a tired smile.

"I saw you finishing practice. That was great. Are you a member of that wing?"

"That's not my wing, but that is my weyrling group."

"I was really surprised to see two girls on blues," you say trying to make conversation.

"We aren't the firs you know," she says defensively her blue eyes flashing with indignation. "I am Analyssa rider of Blue Solath". Solath is the best dragon in all of Pern no matter who his rider is. He chose me of all the people on the Hatching Ground. I am his, and he is mine. That is all any man need know," she says resting her hand protectively on the azure weyrling next to her. Then her eyes glaze over as she converses with her dragon.

"What's wrong Analyssa? You do not need to be distressed. I love you and you love me. We are together. That is all that matters."

"I know. I just wish people would learn to accept us. Don't worry Solath. I will be alright soon enough."

"I am sorry," you say repentantly. "I didn't mean to give offense. I was just always led to believe that women only Impressed greens, golds, and the rare white. Please don't be upset."

"I am sorry ,too. It's just that since we Impressed everyone treats us differently. Even my own family acts like there is something wrong with me. Quipa handles it a lot better than I do," she finishes indicating the other girl.

"I understand. It must be hard for you."

"Yeah, it is, but it is getting better especially since we're weyrlings now. Would you like to come to my weyr. We could talk much easier in there," she says motioning to a weyr entrance nearby.

You nod your head, and Analyssa begins to lead the way with Solath following close behind. You are soon in a small weyr. Analyssa takes the harness and straps off of Solath and hangs them on the wall pegs. Then she asks you to help oil the sapphire weyrling. You agree and you spend the next two hours talking about the hatching and Impression. Solath croons the whole time thoroughly enjoying the oiling.

Suddenly you remember your appointment with Lorin. You make your excuses to Analyssa and leave her and the blue to enjoy the rest of their afternoon.

Name: Analyssa

Age: 18 turns

Dragon: Blue Solath

Sir: Blue Wakith

Dam: Green Aldath

Birthplace: Jerdan Weyr

Age: Weyrling

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
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Hatchling Story
One of Lindsey's Weyrs