You try to think of an appropriate question. "Amalthia, where are you from?"

Finishing the bite she was taking, she wipes her mouth before she replies. "I am from a small cothold beholden to Fort Hold."

"Ok. I am sure people ask you this a lot, but where did you get that scar?"

"This scar," she says running her first finger of her right hand lightly over the taut flesh, "is one of the reasons I am in the weyr. This is a threadscore. When I had eight turns, my family decided to move from Tillek to Fort. In the process, we got caught in threadfall. I had been out playing with my brother Yoral when the leading edge hit us. My mother, Misha, ran out and got us. As she pulled us into the shelter, a gust of wind blew a tangle onto my face. My mother quickly burned it to stop it from devouring me. I screamed from the pain. I was taken to the healer as soon as threadfall stopped. They managed to heal the burn without much scarring, but the Thread had done it's damage. I remember the searing pain and crying out because of it. No one should ever have to experience that, so I want to be a dragonrider to do everything within my power to prevent that."

"Wow," you say. "That's understandable. I personally never want to go through that. Did anything happen to your brother?"

"Yoral is fine. In fact he's as healthy as a runner. He had his 15 turn birthing day just before I was Searched."

"Speaking of your Search, why don't you tell me about that?"

"I don't understand why you are so curious," Amalthia says her eyes flashing, "But since you helped me save that clutch, I'll tell you."

"Thank you," you say with an anticipating smile.

"We had been settled in at Fort for five Turns when I went to be apprenticed in Crom. I was very excited. I loved to see jewelery on the women at the gathers and particularly on the Weyrwomen. I don't care to wear it, but I love to make it.

I learned quickly and discovered that I had a good eye for flaws in gems and for good colors as well. I enjoyed everything about my craft except for going down into the mines to see the actual ores as part of my training. I didn't like being in that small of a space.

I had a standard apprenticeship with favorite masters and friends along with unfair masters and enemies. Overall life was good. Then when I had 17 Turns, I finally walked the tables. I was thrilled. I had worked 4 hard years to reach that point."

"That must have been exciting for you."

"Oh it was. I had no idea it was going to happen until the Master called my name and my friend Journeyman Diret came to my table to escort me. I was in shock.

"My main job as new Journeywoman was to take our wares to the gathers and get good prices for them. After almost half a turn of this duty and lifestyle, I found myself at Aneris's Harvest Gather. A pretty woman came up to the stall and I proceeded to haggle with her over a dragon brooch I had brought with me. In fact, it was my own work. It was made of gold and copper to look like two dragons twined together. I used opals for the eyes. I was very pleased with myself.

"When we finally settled on 7 and a half marks, she stayed to talk to me for a while. She said her name was Analyssa rider of Blue Solath and that the brooch was to be a present for Weyrwoman Rhiannon for the Anniversary of her Impression of Alanath. I was elated that the brooch I made would be a gift to her. I told her as much. Then she needed to leave, but told me she'd be back.

"I waited patiently at the stall for her return. When I had just about given up and had begun to take down the stall she returned. She smiled at me and even helped me finish my task. When we were done, she asked if I wanted to meet her dragon. I told her of course I did. I mean who passes up a chance to meet a dragon!

"I followed the dark-haired rider across the gather area and out into a more open area. Standing there was the most handsome blue dragon I had ever seen. He was sapphire in color and was very tall in the shoulder for a blue. He looked at me with green whirling eyes. I can remember the spicy smell of him. Then I remembered my manners. I bowed to Solath and extended my greetings. I could hear Analyssa chuckle under her breath. I whirled around not being able to supress my anger and asked her why she was laughing at me. Then she told me something that changed my life.

"She said, 'I am not laughing at you Journeywoman Amalthia. I am laughing at Solath. He doesn't even stop working on Rest Days. You see, Solath and I are the Head Searchriders here at Aneris, and he thinks you should be a candidate.'

"My mouth dropped open. 'Me, a candidate,' I stuttered. 'Are you sure?'

"'Solath has never been wrong. Do you accept?'

"'Of course I accept. I'd have to be wherry-brained not to.' Then she led me into the Lower Caverns where I met Weyrwoman Rhiannon. When Analyssa explained who I was, the Weyrwoman gave me Thera's egg. She thought whatever price Analyssa had paid wasn't enough for the brooch I had made, and that was how it all happened. Is your curiosity satisfied now?"

"I do believe so," you say with a yawn. "It must be pass my bedtime. Amalthia, it's been lovely meeting you. Maybe I'll Impress one of those eggs we saved, and hopefully I'll get to talk to again and offer congratulations on your Impression. By the way, where are you standing?"

"I am a candiate at Talor Cliff Weyr. Aneris has a clutch but doesn't need anymore female candidates, so they contacted other weyrs and found me a spot. I can't wait. I'll stand for the clutch of Green Cylith and Brown Nerimenth," she finishes and then yawns herself. "I do think your right. I'll be going to bed to. Have a nice night, friend," with that you and she leave the Lower Caverns heading in different directions.

Moyra's Web Jewels

Amalthia Impressed White Seryth!!!!!