Post by Teague on May 7, 2013 19:25:28 GMT -5
Red as the baleful star on the horizon, a coral dragon bugled happily as it came within sight of Took Hold's courtyard. This was Akalimath and her lifemate, Searchrider Teague. Though mostly dragons traveled between to leave the Weyr, both of the pair enjoyed flying and it was good for Ankalimath to exercise her wings. But now she was glad to see their destination, for it meant not only a rest for her body, but her chance to do the most important part of her job.
On the Sands lay the hope of Pern, eggs laid by the now dead Queen. But the eggs needed lifemates, and, as usual the Weyr was running a tad short on Candidates. So the Searchriders were out in droves, making sure there was as much choice for the little dragonets as possible. Holds were sometimes more challenging to Search from than the Guilds. Especially now, when the crops needed tending; they were loathe to give up their youths to the weyr, when these were the primary labor force. As well as the prime breeders of future laborers, Teague thought wryly.
But Took Hold was friendly enough, and she had heard that there were plenty of kids around the right age. And the crowd gathering in the courtyard as they spiraled in for a landing proved that to be true.
There is someone here. I think more than one! Ankalimath said, her mindvoice excited.
Teague grinned. Excellent. She slid down to the ground with practiced ease and pulled off her helmet, pushing her goggles over her curls. Ankalimath carefully lowered herself to the ground and assumed a relaxed position.
"Alright," Teague announced in her 'stage voice'. "I'm Searchrider Teague, and this is Ankalimath. As you might've guessed, we're here on Search. If you're between the ages of 12 and 21, please arrange yourself in a line in front of my dragon so she can have a look at you."
On the Sands lay the hope of Pern, eggs laid by the now dead Queen. But the eggs needed lifemates, and, as usual the Weyr was running a tad short on Candidates. So the Searchriders were out in droves, making sure there was as much choice for the little dragonets as possible. Holds were sometimes more challenging to Search from than the Guilds. Especially now, when the crops needed tending; they were loathe to give up their youths to the weyr, when these were the primary labor force. As well as the prime breeders of future laborers, Teague thought wryly.
But Took Hold was friendly enough, and she had heard that there were plenty of kids around the right age. And the crowd gathering in the courtyard as they spiraled in for a landing proved that to be true.
There is someone here. I think more than one! Ankalimath said, her mindvoice excited.
Teague grinned. Excellent. She slid down to the ground with practiced ease and pulled off her helmet, pushing her goggles over her curls. Ankalimath carefully lowered herself to the ground and assumed a relaxed position.
"Alright," Teague announced in her 'stage voice'. "I'm Searchrider Teague, and this is Ankalimath. As you might've guessed, we're here on Search. If you're between the ages of 12 and 21, please arrange yourself in a line in front of my dragon so she can have a look at you."
