Prepare to be Analyzed

[Shikai]

As Shikai marched toward the hatching sands with the stream of other candidates, she couldn’t deny it: she was terribly nervous. If she wasn’t deemed worthy by the Weyrleaders themselves today, it was all over for her. She wouldn’t even have a chance to stand on the sands and see the dragons hatch! Who could possibly not be nervous?

She tried, as always, to consol herself mentally, reassuring herself that she had nothing to hide. The dragons had Searched her out by seeing what was inside, hadn’t they, and if who she was was good enough for the dragons, then shouldn’t she be fine if she was honest? But if that was the case, then why would they bother having this inquisition anyway? Now that, she was quite curious to know, and it wasn’t just curiosity fueling it. Stories had began to seep through the walls of the candidate barracks, stories of those candidates who hadn’t desired to leave their lives behind for the chance at a dragon. How they had been forced, at sword or dagger point, to go anyway.

Somehow, something didn’t seem quite right about this weyr. She was familiar with the stories of the harpers, and these didn’t seem the kind, honorable weyrfolk of legend.

-----

Myra made her way toward the hatching sands with the other candidates, doing her best to hide the fear she felt beneath a calm exterior. Unfortunately, she was not succeeding well. She was as conspicuously tall and gangly as ever, a trait she hated, and so boyish in appearance that she would not be surprised if the Weyrwoman mistook her for a male. However, she thought, perhaps that wouldn’t be so bad, as who would ever let /her/ near a queen egg? She knew how she felt about women, and knew she stood no chance with a gold.

For that matter, who would want her at a dragon hatching? How could she possibly stand a chance at being let through? When the dragons chose her it was different, because they were somewhere between the beasts she used to work with and people. But these who judged her now were all human, and Myra was very used to being judged by humans. And it was never positive.

Myra contemplated turning around and leaving that moment. Why even bother? She would only be rejected, and Myra did not want any more rejection in her life. Wouldn’t it be better not to be told she was unworthy, to just leave? No, a stronger voice within her said, no, she could not leave now. She had come too far to give up. If she didn’t find out, she would spend the rest of her life thinking about how maybe, maybe she could have become a dragonrider, if she had only stayed and taken the chance. She couldn’t live with that kind of regret, with the knowledge that she, and no one else, had forced her to abandon her dream.

She felt both relief and unhappiness at the sight of M’kel. So he was to be judging them. She was one of few candidates who had met the man before, and he didn’t seem /so/ bad. Sitareh she didn’t know a thing about, but M’kel wasn’t terrible. He did, however, know for certain that she was a girl. So much for being mistaken for a boy.

Myra hardened her resolve. Whatever happened on the sands, at least she would know she tried!

-----

Anya was more excited about seeing the eggs for the first time than anything else. The redhead practically skipped along, anxious to see dragon eggs for the first time in her life. She wasn’t really nervous about the questions she might be asked, but then, she hadn’t really thought about it. Anya made a point not to think about much in advance. This wasn’t because she was a procrastinator, but because she lived in the moment, and loved the thrill of solving problems and facing them as she met them. As a result, the girl had a quicker wit and a sharper mind then it often seemed.

And at the moment, it wouldn’t be hard to be smarter than she appeared. She had never been much for lying, so it was likely that she would answer with a fair amount of honesty. And thought, for she did know when something was serious, even if she didn’t always act like it.

-----

Hirun appeared as calm and unemotional as ever as he approached the sands with the other candidates. There was nothing really that made him stand out from the group, and he wasn’t sure if that would be a good thing or a bad one when it came to answering the questions. He wasn’t yet certain whether he would be entirely truthful or not, for that would depend much upon the questions. Hirun was a worldly youth, and could guess at what the Weyrleaders wanted to hear from him. He wasn’t about to tell an all-out lie to them…but at the same time, he wouldn’t say something honest if he knew it would result in his removal from the weyr. He preferred to wait and let the dragons decide if he was worthy, rather than deal with the agendas of the Weyrleader and Weyrwoman. Whatever was going on, he knew they weren’t to be trusted. Those in power rarely were.

-----

Alana made her way in with the other candidates, sharing the tension that many of them felt. And how could they not be? The questions would doubtless be very difficult to answer, not to mention dangerous should one answer wrong. Unlike others, Alana did not have a happy position in a crafthall or hold to return to should she be sent out of the weyr. If she did fail the examinations, she thought, she wasn’t returning to the cothold. She would ask to stay in the weyr as a kitchen worker, or find her way to a crafthall. But she was not, was NOT, going…no, it wasn’t ‘home’ anymore. The weyr was her home now. And if she couldn’t stay there, she would find a place for herself elsewhere.

To take her mind off the pending examination, Alana looked at the eggs as she neared them. They truly were amazing, with the golden queen egg in the center! She felt as though she could spend all day walking among them, basking in the potential of these eggs, the first clutch laid in countless turns. Guessing what color dragon they contained for fun, because it didn’t really matter to Alana. Any dragon would ensure that she could stay at the weyr, and any dragon would provide her with the love and acceptance she craved.

But to even stand a chance at that she so desired, she would have to pass the questioning. Inhaling deeply, she prepared herself for the examination.

-----

Tarren shuffled along with the rest of the candidates, as nervous as everyone else. One might not think that the normally happy, impertinent candidate would be, but he wasn’t so upbeat and confident as he appeared. And now was one of the few times when it was showing through. He did NOT want to be sent back…and yet he feared that something in him would not be good enough, and he wouldn’t even get to stand at the hatching. Well, he would soon find out.

[M'kel]

(( Please note: I will also respond to each answer, however briefly, so timelines may become a little confused here. No matter… ))

It seemed that M’kel had asked the right question of Journye, for she quickly revealed herself to be a Journeywoman Healer. As the Weyr desperately needed Healers for times of Threadfall, this skill would definitely gain her a boost in Sitareh’s favour. However, it was not merely skill that the Weyrwoman was searching for, because a Healer could still Heal dragons without riding one. The rest of her response seemed appropriate, as she voiced her willingness to give herself to the Weyr. That would please Sitareh…

The bronzerider’s eyes widened slightly at Raixeh’s fierce declaration. The clothes off his back and his last drink of water? It was quite a proclamation for one who had only resided in the Weyr for a short time. Still, living with dragons for even a limited time seemed to spark strange emotions and loyalties, so it was possible the lad’s words were entirely true, which would suggest he was quite impressionable…until his conclusion. M’kel gave his head an imperceptible shake as he turned to the next candidate. Sitareh might not be delighted with that.

Although Rytia paused to think for some time, her answer was extremely short and succinct, not very revealing at all. M’kel could feel Sitareh’s anger burning through his weak connection with Aviciath, and he unconsciously winced. “You will do whatever is asked of you by those who outrank you, particularly your Weyrwoman…and Weyrleader,” he added as an afterthought, surprised that he had almost forgotten himself.

Salem seemed to be treading a slippery path at first, for it was absolutely the wrong answer to say that he would interfere at all in decision-making of powerful ones. Sitareh, in particular, seemed to make a high percentage of decisions in times of anger, and the last thing she’d ever want to hear was that she should wait until she had a cool head.

M’kel had heard enough at this point, and he stopped, striding to face the candidates as a group once more. S’cam’s rude interruption at this point caused the bronzerider to freeze, staring at the obtuse man in disbelief. “Right…thank you for bringing them…you may retire over there for the questioning.” He gestured briefly towards the Stands. “Quite a lot of…staring…” he muttered, staring disbelievingly at S’cam himself.

He shook his head and addressed the candidates once more. Sitareh’s words echoed in his mind, mingled with his own. “I don’t think you understand,” he stated coldly, eyeing each of those in line in turn. “The Weyr is your family now. Your old family, the one you were born to, is no more. You cannot hold any loyalty to them, for Araelen demands your wholehearted commitment. Your judgment cannot be compromised by past loyalties.” He directed his next statements to Rytia. “You will do whatever is asked of you whenever it is asked of you, so long as it is asked by one who outranks you.” He turned to the group at large once again. “Your Weyrwoman’s word is law. Your Weyrleader’s word is law. Your Wingleader’s, your Wingsecond’s, and your Candidate or Weyrlingmaster’s word is law. You must understand this.”

M’kel stepped in front of Anya. “Will you accept your ranking, whatever it may be? Will you submit to authority and remain content, even if others rise above? Will you accept the judgment of others in placing your rank?”

The Weyrleader was making his way down the line, and he almost didn’t notice one boy (Kerji), who seemed to be shrinking into himself, almost as if drawing away from those around him. “Will you be able to work as a team with other dragonriders? Will you be able to surpass your personal insecurities to place the wellbeing of the wing above your fears?”

Marching along, M’kel faced Altair now. “What about your personal relationships? Will you be willing to sacrifice those for your dragon, your Weyr? It is your dragon’s choice that matters, and you cannot sabotage a Flight if you disagree with your dragon. You must also commit the time necessary to training and taking care of your dragon, at the possible expense of personal relationships. Could you do that?”

He turned quickly to Tarren. “When Thread begins falling once again, morale may suffer greatly in the Weyr. What will you do to improve this? How will you contribute to the emotional well-being of your fellows? You must be strong for them and your dragon, as much as for yourself.”

M’kel now approached one of the youngest in line, Aido, and tried not to look ‘down’ on him too much. “How will you withstand the judgments of others? You may well be criticized for your performance in Threadfall or in meetings with Holders. Will you submit to punishment for your wrongdoings, knowing that you will be rewarded for your successes?”

To Hunter, he queried, “How will you cope with your fears? Threadfall is terrifying to witness and to fly in. It is a storm like no other, an attempted invasion on Pern, and your dragon’s breath is all that stands between you and Threadscore, possibly even death. Will you let fear rule you?”

Kagairo, he stepped in front of next. “How do you approach competition? Do you let rivalries control you? Will you be able to show your strength, without damaging others? Or will you let it become personal? The Weyr must be united!” He nodded sharply to emphasize this.

M’kel faced the candidates as a group once more. “Forget your parents, forget your siblings; they might as well be dead to you.” The harshness of these words stung his tongue. “If you do not commit yourself fully to the Weyr, we will suffer when Thread falls. The Weyr must act as one unit, united.”

After this, he stepped forward to Keldara, upon command, but he nearly choked on the words that were demanded of him. This was one of the few candidates he had personally met, and he knew that her parents had recently died. “Can you forget your parents and the life you once had? Will the Weyr be your life now, with nothing before it tying you to the past?” He eyed her warily, afraid of her response in particular.

[kati]

S'cam looked a tad bit hurt as he sat down on the ground where M'kel had pointed. M'kel never let him have any fun! He frowned looking quite dramatic with his bottom lip protruding as far out as it could and with his chin in his hands well. In truth he looked more like a young child rather than an adult.

Rytia frowned as he told her off. Alright, if he didn't want the truth she'd just lie. "Of course I will, Weyrleader, and I quite know that the Weyrwomen and Weyrleader's word is law, I'm sorry for the very foolish answer I gave. I'm ready to give up everything for the Weyr." she said, sweet as could be, but not overly so.

Anah stood and waiting, wondering if she could give up everything, actually, yes, she could give up her family, quite easily, forget the past, and she could do anything that the Weyrleader and Weyrwomen wanted her to do. She'd die for the Weyr, just like her parents would have done. At this she stood proudly, realizing that she COULD do that all, she would do it all.

Aldric was clinging to every word that the Weyrleader was saying, and thinking at the same time. He was Weyr breed, and his parents were long dead, so no hope of clinging to the past, and he'd always knew he'd die for the home he loved so. So, in the end, he just ended up nodding.

[Shikai]

Anya’s ease and willingness to be completely open ended as M’kel swung around to address her. Would she accept her rank? Remain content even if she remained lowly when others succeeded? Let others decide what was best for her? Memories of the Smithcrafthall came to mind immediately, clouding over Anya’s eyes as she was filled with remembrance of her days as a lowly apprentice smith.

She had often been snubbed by her classmates, and had her work looked down upon by her more prejudiced masters, while inferior work was praised because a boy had made it. Forced to study the same things over again because her masters refused to promote her, to let her move up and expand her knowledge…

How could anyone endure and accept it? How could anyone decide that they deserved no more than to wallow in the shallowest waters of a craft that had so much depth, so much to offer? Others did decide what was best for her, that she could not progress or move up at all, and not because of a lack of talent or effort on her part, but because of her gender. No, she was not prepared to let others decide that she couldn’t attain whatever rank her heart sought. Anya had an ambition that surprised many who didn’t know her well, who thought of her as only a strange, enthusiastic girl who was always darting here and running there.

She would not accept her ranking if it was not one she was content with. She could not remain content if she was forced to stay behind while others gained what they wanted. She would not let others judge her and decide what she deserved.

No, certainly not. Anya had had her fill of that at the Smithcrafthall, and it was not an experience she cared to repeat.

She opened her mouth to speak these defiant words to M’kel, but paused, remembering his reaction toward those who answered him ‘inappropriately’. If they did not pass the examination, she remembered, they were not to be permitted to stand at the hatching. Their candidacy would be revoked, regardless of what the Searchdragons said.

Anya wasn’t much for lying, and was usually quite honest. However, ironically enough, it was the ambition that wouldn’t allow her to accept her rank and give an honest, favorable answer that drove her to give the favorable answer through lying. For after leaving the Smithcrafthall, Anya had set her heart on becoming a dragonrider. That was the position she aspired to now, as opposed to a Mastersmith, and so she warped her answers slightly so that she was not lying entirely, for part of what she said was true.

“If I am fortunate enough to become a dragonrider in service to Araelen Weyr, that is rank enough for me. I need no higher rank than that, and will gladly accept what I am given.”

Well, the first part wasn’t an outright lie, she thought to herself. She would be very happy to meet her goal of becoming a dragonrider, and seek nothing else…at first. But never would she let someone else’s judgment decide what rank she could and could not attain from there. If she decided upon becoming a searchrider, she would be a searchrider, somehow. Same with a wingleader, wingsecond, weyrling master, or whatever she chose to be! Only if she decided that she wanted no supplementary duties to threadfighting dragonrider would she be content with that rank, and Anya knew it. But M’kel wasn’t to.

-----

Tarren was surprised as M’kel suddenly addressed him, but he summoned his courage and prepared to answer as best he could. Fortunately, the question was perfectly suited for him, and he could think of nothing he could answer more positively and affirmatively.

Immediately his confidence was restored, and his face split into a broad smile, its happiness and playfulness as reassuring as his actual answer.

“Well sir, I love jokes, and cheering people up. I always try to keep things positive, no matter what the circumstances. I’m a pretty good listener when I want to be, and I can usually find a way to reassure people that everything’ll be all right. Joking around is good fun, and playing around a little makes people happy, and lightens things up. That’s what I love doing, so I should be pretty good at that!”

Tarren replied to M’kel, all signs of nervousness gone. Not respect, for his respect for the Weyrleaders was apparent in the way he carried himself, and called M’kel ‘sir’. He was rather young to be expected to do much more, being in the younger age group of candidates. Being young and rather impertinent as he was, he didn’t actually feel as much respect toward the Weyrleaders as he let on, but growing up with a harsh father had taught him how to look and act respectful.

[Felina]

((This is probably one of the most difficult posts I've ever written. I wanted Altair to answer as any prospective Candidate would. That is to say, with a blatant lie, saying that he'd give everything up. Needless to say, Altair didn't necessarily agree with me. And, above all, I wanted to be true to his character, not mine. And I think Corenne's going to have her chance to yell at the Weyrleader. She doesn't like the man much, and would rather enjoy that...))

Altair stiffened, for the question that had been asked was the very last one that he was willing to answer. Without hesitation, he would have confirmed that he would give his life in service of the Weyr, that he was ready to forget who he had been and assume a new identity as a Rider, that he would sacrifice anything that he owned. All with the hope that he could become a candidate, that he could Impress, that he could live that which others only dreamed. But to give up the one that he loved... the man could not be serious in asking that! It made sense to abandon your old family, to surrender your worldly possessions, to give away your own life. Those were things that your mind had total control over. Could one really deny that which their heart cried out for? For his mind had tried, on many occasions, to present to his heart cold, logical evidence. And every time, that warmer, more forceful aspect of himself had refused to listen.

Because he remembered.

He remembered what it was to have lost something, and to have another remind you that you haven't lost everything. He remembered what it was like to feel as though you were worth something, if only in the mind of one other. He remembered what it was like when that one person smiled, and the happiness that was so contagious, he couldn't help but feel. He remembered what it was to simply be there with that one person, letting the silence speak for itself. He remembered what it was to lose that person, even if only for a short time, and he knew what it was that he had to answer.

I'm sorry, he thought to the circle of eggs, one of which may have been his. But now, he wasn't sure that he would ever know. And with that silent apology, he hardened his resolve and slowly shook his head. His heart felt like it was going to break out of his chest, it was beating so fast in his nervousness. It was too late to back out by now, though. What was done was done. And, after all, he didn't think he could lie convincingly enough to say that it was a mistake when he had shaken his head.

“I can't... I can't do everything as you ask,” Altair said haltingly, with an aside glance at the eggs. “I could accept whatever it is that my dragon may choose in so far as Flights. I could, and gladly, give the time that is necessary to care for a growing dragonet, and the training that is necessary for a grown one.” For a moment, it seemed as though he had finished. However, he was only gathering his nerve for what he was to say next. If he was going to be honest, he was going to say what was on his mind, even if he was likely to be condemned for it.

“There is one thing, though, that I cannot do. Because I have a conscience, even if you seem to think otherwise of me. I'm sorry if it seems rude, but it's only what's true. If... if this were something that concerned only myself, I would gladly give up any of my relationships.” He swallowed convulsively before continuing. “But I... I would not be the only one... affected... by your ruling. It concerns... another, and I could... could not, in good conscience, allow her to be... to be harmed. And if that's what my... what my Impression means, I would... I would rather... rather... not. We can make concessions, but I will... will never... leave her entirely.”

With that said, he stood resolutely in his place, shaking slightly, the pounding of his traitorous heart loud enough to be heard, he thought, by everyone else on the Sands, nearly holding his breath in his nervousness at what the verdict would be. But it was somewhat reassuring to look at Corenne on the edge of the Sands; it was hard to make out her face, but Altair was certain that there was a sad sort of little smile there. But it had all been true, and surely she knew that. And for the moment, that was all that really mattered to him.

[tina]

OOC: I guess since she was spoken to, I might as well post with Kagairo now anyway, even though she isn't done being Searched? xD

IC: He'd been told to go to the Hatching Grounds. Wow. Specific. They must've assumed he knew his way around the Weyr already. It's not like he'd been there too long. Of course, he did know where the Hatching Grounds were, but that was beside the point; he knew because he'd gone looking for them first thing. Of course, when he did this, his plan had been to approach the eggs while the gold was away from them; surely she wasn't with them constantly. Getting a close look and touching a couple would be fun.

He walks onto the sands cautiously, wincing slightly at the sudden heat, then just pretends to not feel it and crosses to the line at a steady pace, being careful not to show that he was affected by the temperature of the sands. After all, he'd have to stand here for a while at the Hatching, right? He was already sure he'd Impress a bronze. He knew they were the highest-ranked males, and that was what mattered.

Joining the line, he looks at the Weyrleader, wondering what this was about. They'd all been Searched, wasn't that enough? The dragons thought they had a chance of Impressing, and wouldn't they know their own kind better than humans? This seemed like a waste of time, plus, it kept a lot of people in the Hatching Ground; with so many people around, if the queen left, he couldn't approach the eggs as easily. Someone would surely stop him. Oh, well. Sooner this was over, the better.

Listening to the questions posed to other candidates, he starts contemplating how to answer whatever question is given him. Obviously he would have to answer in a way that would please the Weyrleader and Weyrwoman. So he'd have to sound like someone they wanted as a dragon rider. Yes, that's what this was about. It had nothing to do with chances to Impress, they wanted only people with certain personalities to Stand. It was the only logical conclusion he could come to.

---

Looking thoughtful for a second, Kagairo considers the question. Competition. Not something she'd thought much about before. But wait. It was like a game, right? You compete with your friends when you play games! "Competition is just fun. I couldn't imagine getting worked up over it or letting it get in the way of anything else." Of course, the only comparison she had was playing games when she was younger; no serious competition had come up in her life so far.

"Competition shouldn't be personal. It's just different people wanting the same thing and happening to be in each other's way..." She trailed off then, not knowing what else to say on the subject, and deciding that was enough. Also, she'd noticed her brother approaching. It took her a minute, but then she remembered he'd been Searched before her. Of course he would be here. At the sight of Theodoros, though, her fire-lizard got agitated, having never liked Kagairo's brother any better than Kagairo herself did.

"Tyran, hush. You're lucky I even let you come with me seeing as there's a Clutch and protective mother here." She was whispering fiercely, glaring at the creature on her shoulder until he gave one more glance in the direction of the other candidate, then took off and vanished between. "Crazy fire-lizard," was the girl's muttered response before she refocused her attention on M'kel, deciding to apologize for the incident. "I'm sorry about that, Weyrleader," she said shyly, not sure if what happened would hurt her chances of being picked to Stand, or if it might possibly be accepted as the eccentric behavior of a flit.

[kati]

S'cam watched the Candidates and listened to their answers. His heart went out to the little boy, Altair, because he answered in full truth, while others lies. If that boy didn't get to stand, well S'cam would be upset. He blinked at Rytia's first answer, then almost laughed at her second. But, it WAS what the Weyrleader wanted to hear, or at lease, S'cam thought it was. He watched the others as they too answered the Weyrleader's questions, though he refused to get out of his pouting posture.

[Journye]

Hunter could only blink for a moment at M'kel's question and his mouth went dry, how had the Weyrleader known of his fear of storms?! he wondered in bewilderment, was it something that the dragon that had serched him could see? He shook his head and took a deep breath to keep from hyperventilating and try and quiet his pounding heart. Oh sure he could lie and say all the things that he thought the Weyrleader wanted to hear, but what would the point of that be.

He looked down at his feet for a moment, a painful memory racing through his mind, seeming to repeat its self in such quick succession that he though t his mind might over load with it. Was it really the storm he feared or the possible results? How would his friend react to seeing him this way? He smiled faintly, his friend would have smacked him up side the back of the head and told him he was being an idiot.

After what seemed like forever Hunter finally raised his eyes to meet the Weyrleader's gaze "I can not promise not to be afraid. I don't think anyone here could, not even you if I may be so bold. But sometimes it is that fear that pushes us to do the most amazing things or the most stupid. Yes threadfall is the worst storm imaginable and should be treated with the utmost respect, but should we not fear it too?" he asked softly, shaking his head slowly.

"I can say that I will not let my fear control me for if I do indeed impress one of the magnificent dragons then I will not be alone to face the storm and will have someone to be there beside me as we both confront the terror of the skies. If my dragons breath is all that stands between me and it then so be it. We will face the terror together and best it so that no one needs fear it again," he finished boldly and stood straight.

[Flamewolf]

Kerji was somehow noticed by the Weyrleader, much to his distress, and hesitatingly looked up at the man when he was spoken to. The questions given to him were quite...well, almost insulting. And, of course, it did not help with Kerji, but he did respond.

"Yes...The safety of a wing is more important than one person," he replied in a quiet but utterly sincere voice. The lad was not afraid of speaking to people; rather being noticed in a large crowd as such. He'd had his chance of spotlight, and not in a good way; he was not eager to experience it again.

*~*

Keldara's eyes watched M'kel stop in front of her. This was quite surprising to her, for some reason, but she did not flinch as he paused, seeming to watch her warily. He seemed...almost nervous, which was not like him at all. It worried her a little bit, even before he spoke, but again she did not show it.

His voice came in the form of two questions; ones that she didn't believe were coming from him. She stared at him in shocked silence for a second. Her eyes were startled as the words slowly sunk in; and then she seemed to realize what he was asking of her. To forget her parents....all connections tied with them! Did that include her father's dolphin, Alphi, who he had been so eager to meet when they'd first met? Keldara slowly looked away, trying not to let anything really show; for quite a while she was quiet.

When she finally turned back to him, she'd lost control; tears were in her eyes, her gaze traced with sadness of the reminder of the event that happened not long ago and unbelieving horror of what she was just asked to answer. She slowly started to back away from him, as if just being near him would force an answer from her; she opened her mouth to speak, but no words came forward. Glancing around at her, she knew she could not leave (after a glance to the queen), but she also knew that she could not answer. Standing there, she cried without trying to hide it all the while staring at M'kel, silently begging him not to make her answer.

((I tried to dramatize it as best as I could, but I haven't done something like that in a while, soo....I don't know. Well, there ya go.))

[D'gellin]

Degellin shifted from foot to foot on the sands, his stomach in a knot over this new development in the road to dragonriderhood. Naturally he was nervous, anyone would be. The idea of coming so close to becoming a dragonrider and then having to prove yourself all over again was unnerving. But his five-hundred and sixty seventh quick glance at the eggs resting on the sands was enough to solidly lock him into place. He wasn't too keen on the questions being asked of everyone. Loyalty? Strength? Morale? He recoiled in a whole body flinch at the idea of completely severing ties with his family. How could they expect anyone to do that? Suddenly his anxious but upbeat demeanor was faltering. How would he respond when he was questioned?

~*~*~

Trilia had made her way to the Hatching Sands with the other candidates in quite the same manner as them, but her mind was reeling with agitation. The fact of the matter was that this was wrong. There had never, not once, been a session where candidates were 'analyzed' to see who was fit to stand. The screening process was done through searchdragon, not weyrleaders. Because it was not the person who decided. It was the dragon. It had always been that way. So it made no sense to the little girl why this age old tradition should suddenly be demolished. Was this simply because of the time jump? To make sure the people could handle dealing with dragons after so long an absence?

At first the inquiries seemed innocent enough, but as time went on they became sharper, less question and more demand, more command. This had nothing to do with proper mentality, she realized as she scrutinized M'kel's subtle reactions to each candidates' answer. They were weeding out opposition! Her tiny fists clenched and shook with an abrupt wave of suppressed rage, and her fire lizard (whom she'd brought in out of sheer defiance for the unwarranted screening) shrieked in alarm at her temper. She chose not to calm him. She was beyond caring about appearances. Because all her peers didn't seem to understand the gravity of the atrocity being committed here. Yes, they appeared to realize saying something wrong would get them kicked out, but what they didn't seem to understand was that each and every one of them, regardless of their answer, was entitled to stand.

As M'kel walked past her in his quest to randomly question candidates, she made a point to give him a dose of her displeasure in the form of a glare. She'd met the man before. He'd helped her father and for that she was grateful but to think he would...Her vocal anger was stilled only until he openly proclaimed that family meant nothing. A flame of undeniable indignation and raw pain rose up in her stomach. There was no way, no way she was going to buy something as...as...Sure, she was mad at her father for getting two fire lizards where she only got one, certainly she was frustrated with his reluctance to let her be a candidate (as she didn't understand that she was technically to young to stand), undeniably she had butted heads with him over matters over and over. But the very thought of losing him...And there was no way she could hold her tongue any longer once one girl actually broke into tears.

Nothing stopped her from running to Keldara's aid, her heart aching at the sight of a strong girl being reduced to such terror. She positioned herself between the much taller, older girl and M'kel, her body shaking. "Stop it!" She screamed at her Weyrleader, no doubt gaining more than one impertinent stare at her outburst. That was something she would deal with later. Right now justice was far over-due. The heartlessness of the questions (which appeared to be made specifically to target the candidate's individual weak points), the inhumane tyranny that Sitareh was attempting to create, caused indignant tears to spring into her eyes, though her appearance remained strong and defiant, her eyes brilliant blue and glaring with every ounce of disgust she could express. Ronin chittered his mutual anger on her shoulder, eyes whirling a violent red in reflection of Trilia's emotions.

((EDIT - Minor alterations and I took out Trilia ramblings, 'cause they were off-topic and unncessecary. XP))