Checking on the Details

Writers: Cait, Jane
Date Posted: 19th December 2008

Characters: Teiluka, Ylisahn
Description: Ylisahn gets some candidate details from Teiluka.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 5 of Turn 4

Ylisahn caught up with the young woman just after dusk when the heat of the overcast day faded a little and people revived. "Luka!" she called, changing direction as she crossed the darkening Weyrbowl to intercept the dragonhealer apprentice.

Luka turned at the mention of her name, relieved that at least someone was calling her by her nickname and not that stupid full name. Why her mother had decided on it, she'd never figure out. Recognizing the Headwoman, she smiled and hoped she hadn't been doing anything to get into trouble. "Yes, Ylisahn?"

"It's about the Hatching. I hear that you've asked to Stand. Is that right?"

Luka nodded. "I have. Kind of hard to be a dragonhealer without a dragon, I just hope I didn't wait too long. Now I only have two Turns before I have to find something else." She grimaced. She loved the idea of healing, but her bedside manner would be terrible if she were left to healing people.
She wasn't exactly the greatest people person.

"It's not an easy decision, or shouldn't be," Ylisahn said. "So there was nothing wrong with being sure it was what you wanted. You probably know that my two didn't Stand until this Turn." It wasn't a decision she could rejoice in, not in a Pass, but she was proud that her son and daughter had made a conscious decision to be dragonriders if they were found suitable.

It wasn't like the Holdbred, aglow from being Searched and knowning little of the realities they would face at dragonriders.

"Yeah, I've always felt dedicated to my craft, but the idea of even Standing was a little scary, out there in front of everyone hoping against hope that you might be found worthy, let alone all the realities of fighting Thread if a dragon does decide to pick you. Studying just seemed easier and safer," she added with a self-deprecating grin. "But that only gets you so far and I felt a bit selfish after awhile given my only problem was worrying about _my_ safety and pride, so here I am."

"And it's a good place to be," the older woman assured the younger. "Now, I think I have all the details I'd normally take off new Candidates, so all I have to do is schedule you for classes. I know you'll know much of what they cover, but I want you to attend them anyway because it will show you the level of knowledge the other Candidates have - or don't have - and so you'll understand _them_ better."

Luka barely restrained a groan. Take classes in which she already knew the material? As much as the student in her baulked, she understood the Headwoman's point. She needed to get to know her fellow candidates and it certainly couldn't hurt her to review the material she knew _and_ it wasn't like she'd know everything. Besides, who was she to complain? She was getting to Stand, wasn't she. So she just nodded.

"And you don't have a hankering to go and live in barracks do you?" Ylisahn asked in a teasing tone. "They're almost full up in there but I could squeeze you in if you wanted the whole 'first time Candidate' experience."

Luka laughed. "Actually, I wouldn't really mind. I grew up with eight siblings, so it can't be too much worse than that."

"You think so?" Ylisahn laughed. "So, shall I make room for you in there with all the girls hoping to be the one the gold hatchling chooses?"

Luka shuddered. "Oh, I want no part of that gold egg. Not that I'd mind rooming with the girls who do," she added with a grin, "I just hope they aren't too...crazy."

"You might be hoping in vain," Ylisahn muttered darkly. "I think we'll leave you where you are. You're a grown woman, you don't need the sort of supervision young weyrbred and all holdbred Candidates need."

Luka grinned. "That works for me. No having to deal with people I don't like."

"You might have to if you're all weyrlings together, but why do that until you need too. All right, Luka. That's all I need to know. Your name will appear on the class roster outside my office so check that tomorrow. And good luck for the Hatching."

"Thanks, Ylisahn, I appreciate it." Luka smiled and waved before continuing off, glad to have things worked out. This candidacy thing didn't seem too bad, it was a wonder she'd waited so long. Then again, she hadn't exactly gotten to the hard part yet.

Last updated on the December 19th 2008

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Checking on the Details