A Candidate to Be (Anyone who wants to Search)

[Lark]

Sakalas had been at the latest hatching at Trelis. The new colors were interesting, but they didn't surprise her much. Wildlife was always changing around Pern, so why not the dragons too? The girl shook her head, unsettling the mass of frizzy red hair braided through with beads and feathers. Putting a hand up to fix the mess, Saka looked around. Her family of traders had come to Apolla Hold after the hatching to sell goods to the holdfolk. They had done well enough in the Weyr at least when they were there and it wouldn't be long before the Gathers started. They were always fun, tons of traders and craftsmen coming to sell goods and have a great time.

Calling out for Takorah, Sakalas searched through the next set of corridors. Where was that huntyre? The lunar had been antsy lately and had recently gone off somewhere. Faranth knew where he was now! "Come on 'Korah. Where are you?" The girl cried out again, following a chirp that replied. Ah! Finally she had an answer. Running toward the noise, Saka stopped suddenly. There was a dragon here?!? What was a dragon doing here so soon after a hatching? Were they really already searching out new candidates?

It wouldn't surprise Saka after the few they'd had for this one. Peaking around the corner, Saka spotted 'Korah. The sharding huntyre was near the dragon and its rider! Sighing, he redhead walked over. She must have been an interesting sight to see. A girl about 14 turns with red hair down to her mid-back in a frizzy/curly/wavey mess. Feathers and breads braided into some of the locks. Champagne colored eyes shining with mischief, and mix-matched clothes on her petite body.

[Zirin]

Ad’osMine, Soheath’s monotonous voice roused Addy from his slumber. The young man, just recently out of weyrlinghood, rolled out of bed, quickly getting up to straighten the horribly wrinkled sheets. What is it Soheath? He asked as he changed into his riding gear, making sure to neatly fold his night wear and place it in the center of his bed. The brown’s calm voice entered his mind again,We have been summoned to fly search over Apollo. Humming to himself, he scooped up his riding helmet and goggles, chuckling to see his green fire lizard, Trouble, asleep inside the helmet. Well, he would wake her when he needed to use the helmet.

He walked onto his weyr ledge, reveling once again at the wondrous creature that was his brown. Soheath offered an arm to help his rider up, and once he was strapped in, Ad’os woke the sleeping green, telling her to find amusement for herself while he was away. Let’s go, Soh. The brown rumbled quietly as he dropped over the edge, using the height to catch the air he needed to take off, and soon they were soaring through the sky.

It had been no more than an hour when Soheath shifted his wings to circle back the way they had come. I felt something. The bulky brown responded to the unspoken question, angling his wings to begin a slow descent as he tried to pinpoint the location of the human he felt. Drop down over there.

Almost immediately after landing, a lunar huntyre appeared, hovering nearby. “Hello there little one, where might your human be, I wonder.” Addy half spoke to the bird as he dismounted, not expecting a response. Soheath dipped his head for a close look at Takorah before quickly shifting his gaze. Ad’os, I feel it over there. Addy, too, looked towards where Sakalas was hiding, though he made no move to call out just yet. Thankfully, he didn’t have to anyways, as the girl soon strode out on her own will.

She was an interesting thing, that was for sure. Uncontrolled red hair, mismatched clothes… She was a mess! Oh this would not do! It was such a messy appearance! Mine… We are on search. Soheath reminded Addy, making sure the young rider would ignore appearance for the sake of finding candidates. I don’t want you scaring off one with potential. So… Addy thought, this mess of a girl may have been the one Soh was feeling. Only time would tell. He lifted an arm in a slow wave.

“Greetings, I am Searchrider Ad’os of brown Soheath.”

[Lark]

The rider had talked to Saka! The girl smiled widely, obviously happy to be aknowledged. "I'm Sakalas. That's Takorah my huntyre. I'm a trader. Family are all traders. Are you from Trelis? Oh silly me you probably are. Did you see the hatching? I saw the hatching! It was soooo cool. Are you searching candidates out? I bet you are! I'll take you to see some of the kids if you like. Oh hello by the way Mr. Brown!" The girl stopped to wave to the dragon and catch her breath.

Looking up at the rider again, Saka clucked her tongue to get 'Korah's attention. "Here boy." The huntyre crooned and jumped onto the girl's shoulder, flapping his dark silver wings as he looked at A'dos with swirling gold/blue eyes. "I bet you're hungry boy. Here you go." Taking out a small disk with a bulge in the middle, Saka threw it out for the huntyre to catch with his talons in the air. Landind the bird ripped into the package to retrieve the treat. "He loves those things. So, down to business whatcha here for Mister?" Saka smiled as she put her hands on her hips, probably leaving a few smudges of mud on her tunic.

[Zirin]

Wow, this girl could talk a mile a minute! Ad’os found himself trying to respond and failing as she never seemed to run out of things to say. It was a tad frustrating, but he assumed she was simply nervous or excited about search being conducted. Then again, there was no saying she wasn’t normally this chatty. Soheath rumbled as she chattered away. She amuses me. He told his rider, his eyes never leaving the redheaded gal. His eyes whirling faster the more he stared. Finally, as Saka called the huntyre back to her, Addy found a moment to get a word in.

“It’s a pleasure to meet both of you. Our queen Maelath will be clutching soon, so we’re out looking for suitable young men and women to stand for her clutch.” Soheath nodded his own greeting. Ad’os didn’t have a chance to say anymore though, as the girl began rambling on again which caused the young brownrider to chuckle. Despite the messy appearance, he couldn’t help but like her. It is her. Soheath said suddenly, taking his eyes off of Saka to look back at his rider. It was all Addy needed to know.

“What am I here for?” He asked, putting one hand on his hips as he smiled at the girl, his other hand lifted up to point at Saka, “I’m here for you, of course.” Soheath lowered his head to his rider, silently hinting at what he wanted. Ad’os scratched the eye ridges in reward for the quick find. He held out his hand to her.

“That is, of course, if you want to come to Trelis.”

[Lark]

Saka listened, body practically jumping up and down at the sound of the rider's explanation. He was searching! He was searching here! He was searching....HER!!!! Crying out in happiness, Saka clapped her hands and did a little happy dance right on the spot. As if realizing her actions, Saka suddenly stopped and stood straight. "I am incredibly honored to have this opportunity. I thank you and your dragon f....OH WHO SHARDING CARES ABOUT FORMALITIES I'M GOING TO BE A CANDIDATE!" Shouting quite loudly, Saka jumped up again and moved to hug the brownrider.

"Oh wait till I tell mom and dad!....OH SHARDS!" Eyes widening suddenly, the redhead froze. Shoot would her parents even allow her to stand? Their precious baby gone to be a rider! They wouldn't allow it...she'd have to run away! Oh what fun! Runnning toward the entrance to Apolla Hold, Sakalas suddenly stopped and turned on her heels, motioning for the rider to follow. "Come on you slow wherry! We've got some parents to talk to!"

[Zirin]

Ad’os jumped in surprise at the girl’s response to being searched, but at least she was enthusiastic about it as it meant Ad’os would likely not be returning to the Weyr empty handed. He chuckled, completely amused by her, and he could already feel he would root for her when the hatching came.

“You’re welcome!” He tried to say when she took a breath, which resulted in him being completely unprepared for the energetic hug that came his way. He just didn’t know what to do! Once she had removed herself from him, he brushed his hands over his riding gear, attempting to brush out the light wrinkles that had appeared in his clothing. Then suddenly he was being motioned forward, and he jogged behind her as she ran off to apparently speak with parents. Soheath followed lazily, though only to close the distance between himself and the hold.

“Slow down there Sakalas!” He called to her, “We’re in no rush, and the eggs aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.” He didn’t know if he would even hear him or not, but he figured it was worth a shot.

[Lark]

Saka turned as she heard the rider mention that the eggs weren't going anywhere. "I thought the eggs already hatched from the Senior Gold's clutch? So wouldn't this be for the other Gold's?" The redhead cocked her head. She was confused now and if there was one thing she hated it was to be confused. "Besides I want to go NOW! I don't want to keep going around The Island aimlessly anymore. I'm sick of it. It's soooo boring." Huffing, the girl crossed her arms and pouted. "Come on!" With that she turned back around and ran into the Hold.

"Momma, Pappa!" The girl cried out for her parents, stopping by a working drudge. "Hey have you seen my parents Akilu?" The drudge dipped her head in greeting to the rider behind Sakalas before responding. "I believe they were in the hall My Lady along with the harper." Smiling the tradergirl nodded and kept running. Akilu in the mean time turned to Ad'os and blushed. "Good day dragon rider. Should I have some of the other drudges kill a wherry or herd beast for you lifemate?" The girl spoke in a hushed tone as she glanced briefly up at the rider before darting her gaze elsewhere again.

"OH COME ON!" Sakalas jumped back into the room to shout before heading away again. Sliding through the door, the trader pulled on a harper's shirt sleeve. "Kierah, where's mom and dad?" Sakalas looked up with wide eyes at the harper before turning toward the door. "A dragonrider wants to take me back to Trelis! As a candidate!" The girl jumped up and down in happiness as she talked. Kierah laughed in return. She seemed so much like her own daughter. Looking up the harper smiled at the rider, she knew him. "Hello Addy."

[Zirin]

“You’d be correct there. Gold Maelath’s clutch will be the next one on the sands, and since they haven’t been laid yet, there’s no way they’re going anywhere before you get there.” He sighed and shrugged as she whined about going quickly, but followed at her pace anyways. He knew how excited potential candidates could be, though Saka was by far the most excited person he had ever searched in his short time as a searchrider, and he had the feeling he would never find someone who could top her.

He didn’t pay too much attention to the drudge they ran into, assuming they would be off again as soon as Saka had finished her question, which she was. Ad’os was about to follow when the drudge spoke to him. He thanked her for the offer of a meal for Soheath, but politely declined; he was on duty after all and he didn’t want Soheath distracted from finding- There is another. The brown’s thought cut into Addy’s own. Where Soh? He could feel the brown grumble in annoyance as he failed to pin point the location. He needed to be closer to.. whoever it was. Then Saka was back, trying to hurry him along. He looked apologetically at the drudge,

“Could I bother you for a drink instead please?” He asked before walking quickly into the next room after Sakalas. After all, he doubted whoever else Soheath felt wouldn’t be leaving the Hold any time soon, and if they did, Soh would catch them the moment they left the stone walls. A grin stretched from ear to ear as he recognized the harper that Saka spoke to.

“Kierah! It feels like forever since I last saw you.” He held out his arms to swing her around in a hug as he approached, though he kept his eyes open for the little girl he knew would likely be running around somewhere nearby.

[Lark]

Akilu nodded her head as the rider sent in a different request. Going to the kitchens to get a glass, the drudge saw the brown dragon outside. She remembered during her healing training how she would help dragons just like that. That was before they said she couldn't handle it though, before she fell in love with....before Shayde....shaking her head the drudge tried to force the thoughts from her mind. Pulling a chunk of wherry-steak the size of her arm out of the bucket meant for dinner, she went out to the dragon instead of his rider. Something told her to, some part of her that wanted so badly to see a dragon again. "I know your rider said we didn't need to kill one for you, but I thought you'd still like a bit to taste." Holding out the offering, Akilu hoped the dragon would take it, she didn't expect him to say anything though. Most didn't.

Inside Saka was waiting less than patiently. "Come oooooonnnnn!" The tradergirl hushed though as Kierah gave her "the look". Piping down immediately, Saka turned to her huntyre instead and started to pet his soft feathers. "It's good to see you as well Ad'os. Are you here to search out Sakalas?" The girl jumped up and opened her mouth, then thought better of it and nodded her head. "Good, maybe the chores they settle her with will finally tire her out enough to calm down." A tall man with equally red hair walked in then and went to greet the brownrider. Reaching out to also take his arm in a manly shake. A more proper, perhaps was the word, woman followed. "Is it true? Is my little girl going to be a rider?"

[Zirin]

“Yeah, Soheath picked her up from the air.” He replied, chuckling at the comment a moment later. “I somehow doubt a few simple chores will tire her out, she seems to be quite energetic.” He grinned at Saka, happy to see someone with so much energy, especially if she applied that energy to the tasks she was given. He shook the approaching man’s hand firmly, immediately pegging the man as his candidate-to-be’s father, and if he wasn’t mistaken, the woman who followed must be the mother.

“Soheath sees a lot of potential in her. We’d be happy to have her stand for a hatching… with your permission of course.” He smiled warmly at the girl again, hoping her parents would allow her to come. Impressing a dragon was the most wonderful feeling in the world. “And if you’d like I would be honoured to transport you to Trelis on hatching day.” He knew he shouldn’t promise such a thing, but he knew how important it could be to a candidate to see their parents in the stands watching. He knew seeing his father had made everything even better.

Soheath lifted his head curiously as whatever he had been feeling seemed to be coming closer. He turned his gaze to the doorway as a young woman came out, carrying a rather delicious looking piece of meat. He listened intently as she spoke to him, rather amused at how fearless the little human was, since many were often intimidated by his bulk. Giving himself a moment to examine the interesting woman, Soheath finally reached out, rumbling in thanks, and carefully took the offered treat, making sure he didn’t accidentally scratch her hand with his teeth. He swallowed before placing his head near the ground so that his eyes were level with her.

Ad’osMine would like a word with you. He said after a moment, letting his monotonous voice drift inter her mind. He rarely spoke to anyone other than his own rider, but he decided to make an exception for this courageous woman. Besides, he didn’t want her to disappear before His had been able to speak with her. Reaching out to his rider only this time, he told Addy about his newest find. The rider in question looked towards the doorway, waiting to see if the potential candidate would in fact come find him.

“Apparently there’s someone else here as well…” He mumbled.

[Lark]

Saka turned pleading eyes on her parents, who in turn sighed and nodded their heads. "Like we would be able to stop our little hunter anyway." That was her father, adoration beaming down on the young girl. Saka wiggled in excitement, hugging the man. "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!" Making a noise, not unlike a canine's yip, Saka ran to her mother as well giving her the same treatment. "You don't know how much I'm looking forward to this. I can't believe it! I'm going to be a rider." Saka's mother put a steady hand on her daughter's shoulder. "If one of the hatchlings chooses you, you mean? You have to work hard to show them you're worthy of being a rider. Isn't that right?" Here the lady looked up at Ad'os.

Meanwhile, Akilu smiled when the brown took the offering happily. There, she knew he would have wanted something surely. She didn't expect him to talk to her though, and the drudge bowed slightly at it. "Umm...well....you want me to see you rider? I was just with him...he didn't seem to want to talk with me. I suppose though...." Akilu bit her lip slightly before letting it go and pushing some wayward hairs behind her ear. Did she really dare to think what she wanted to? Was it possible that she'd be going with her friend too? That maybe...she'd see her younger sister again. When was the last time she had laid eyes on Zoranille? The girl was a weyrling now, newly impressed to the new WeyrQueen's hatchling. Would her sister even recognize her? It had been turns.

Steadying her breathing, Akilu bid farewell for now at least to the brown before heading to the Hold. Could it be? The drudge let her fingertips run over the walls. They were cool comparatively to the outside heat and humidity. However, the feeling of worn out stone was one she had known for turns. Would she be able to leave here? She had grown up in Apolla, trained here as a healer until she couldn't stay anymore. She had birthed here, and mourned for that loss as well. She had been in love, and abandoned. Now, she may be searched as well. Did she have the courage and life still to start anew? The answer came more easily than Akilu could have thought. Yes. "Your dragon asked me to see you rider." The drudge curtsied in front of Ad'os, looking up at him through dark lashes.

[Zirin]

Ad’os chuckled once again at the sheer enthusiasm eminating from Sakalas, wondering how her parents had managed to control the bundle of energy. He could only hope she would continue to show that enthusiasm throughout candidacy. He hid a grin then as her mother made a comment about the amount of hard work it would take.

“Oh yes Ma’am.” He agreed with her before looking at Saka, “Candidacy won’t be easy, but it’s worth it in the end.” His eyes softened as he recalled the day - or night rather- where he had impressed the bulky brown Soheath. “As long as you put all that energy into your lessons and chores you’ll be fine.”

Back outside, Soheath watched the human who was interesting him greatly. So confident moments before, now she looked almost unsure of herself. Yet her words confused him. Of course His had not stopped to chat with everyone he ran into in the Hold, he was focused on making sure the potential candidate they had found would come with him to Trelis. Soheath sighed, his rider really had no talent in finding candidates on his own. He lowered his head until his snout was almost touching the ground, and gently moved it in a way that looked like he was showing her the direction to go, wanting to usher her on to speak with His before she changed her mind. Then she finally seemed to make up her mind to leave, and Soheath returned the farewell with a bob of his head before laying it back down to relax. Ad’os turned to see the drudge as she spoke, his eyes showing approval at her words.

“So I’ve heard. Akilu… was it?” He asked, hoping he had remembered her name correctly from when Saka had spoken to her before. “I hope Soheath didn’t scare you, but he thinks you have the potential to join Sakalas in candidacy. That is, if you are interested.” He grinned down at her to hide the fact he was worried his brief encounter with her before hadn’t upset her.