Prepare to be Analyzed

[Flamewolf]

Minelli's gaze did not waver as M'kel slashed out at her. She had sort of suspected that he might do that; though not to say that it didn't surprise her. Her eyes looked up at him for the longest time; finally she decided, though she was going to hate herself for it, and glanced away, submitting.

"I apologize for misunderstanding. Dragonriders should be represented by those that can handle it. I understand." She did not meet his gaze. She could not, to tell the truth; though it didn't show in her eyes, or posture, or voice, a hint of doubt was playing with her at the back of her mind. These dragonriders were much more ambitious than she thought. But they were too much for the harper; she couldn't stand up against them. She was weak, she knew it, and it wasn't a good feeling. Oh well, too late now...right?

[tina]

“Your relationship with your dragon is the deepest and most important you will ever have. Your dragon requires your constant love and acceptance. Can you provide this?" The words were sudden, breaking up Theodoros' thoughts about the kinds of questions being asked and the Weyrleader's reactions to some responses and bringing him to the present. Aware that an answer was expected from him, he paused for a second, going over the question in his mind.

Sarcasm was tempting. What kind of question was this? Why wouldn't he love and accept his dragon? If he wouldn't, what would be the point in coming here? He was, after all, given an option when Searched. It was a rather idiotic question. As soon as he opened his mouth, though, he thought enough to catch himself and reply politely, recalling that a candidate had already been dismissed.

"Yes, I would definitely love my dragon, and certainly I would accept him or her. What would be the point in coming when I was Searched if I would not?" He couldn't help adding the last bit. After all, others had gotten questions that were hard or just plain cruel, and his was one with no real second choice; he'd come this far, after all, just to get a dragon. Why would he not care for it?

It just seemed so odd. Some people were getting tough questions while others were getting simple ones with obvious answers. It didn't really seem fair to ask some people if they'd give up bonds with friends and family only to ask others simply if they'd take care of the dragon. But then, he hadn't even expected this. He'd been under the impression that being Searched meant one was allowed to Stand. So what did he know about any of this?

[kati]

Anah frowned at the raised eyebrow. Did she say something wrong? She didn't think she did. She quickly bit her lip and watched as he moved on.

S'cam was about to protested but sighed and walked on, as someone had to take care of the girl who was no doubt crying now, but what worried him was that he was going to get an earful, and possibly lose his job, and that alone made him want to cry, or rap his arms around a cute little boy in need of love.

Aldric blinked at the question. He knew he would not be able to, but if he said that, he wouldn't impress. The matter at hand, he finally grasped, wasn't to tell the truth, or get upset. It was to lie, and lie well. He could lie, but he could tell the truth as well. He would respect those of higher rank, yes, but not lower rank. They were scum, and should be treated as such. He decided a lie in this case, and a rather thought out lie, would suit the purpose.
"I would try my hardest to respect those of lower rank, as respect for up ranked people is something everyone should know." he said, quite simply. To many words, and the lie would be ruined.

[Kitari]

The hostility inside of her was growing, blooming in fiery petals at the indecency of the treatment of other candidates, and it capitulated at the younger girl's dismissal. Every youth here dared not to hope, as it was, that a dragon may actually find them a suitable companion. The waiting and doubt was terrible enough for some without the added stress of this tense interview. This was the last situation in which Kitari had expected to meet the Weyrleaders for the first time, and she had to admit that the fear tactic they had chosen to employ was quite disappointing. A leader should be able to command respect without the use of terror.

Having lived a life of near-freedom on the seas, Kitari was not used to meekness and servitude, as it seemed these dragonriders demanded from their candidates. It took a great deal of effort not to lash out as many others did, and the guilt at remaining silent was nearly enough to sear her from the inside out. The girl was forced to remind herself repeatedly that such an act would do no good, for it was obvious that the dragonriders could care less, and as selfish as it seemed, she did not want to jeopardize her own chances at Standing.

To gain power and influence, one must first pay her dues. Thus, Kitari held her tongue. She was accustomed to blending into a crowd and avoiding drawing attention to herself; this was no different. Once she had a dragon of her own, there would be no one to hold her back and no reason to swallow her retorts. Then, she would ensure personally that all of the candidates slighted at this Hatching would be permitted another chance. Well, that was at least what she convinced herself of.

When the Weyrleader stopped in front of her, barely even taking her in, Kitari composed herself in as demure a demeanour as possible. She raised her eyes thoughtfully to the ceiling, as if this question meant the world to her, although she was mentally laughing at the expectations it carried. "Dragonrider is rank enough, as candidate is for now." That was true enough; few would dare question a dragonrider, except other dragonriders. "And I should certainly obey any who are 'better' than me." Of course, she had yet to meet anyone she deemed so. "They would know best, would they not?" Chuckling inwardly, she smiled hesitantly, her round blue eyes hopeful.

The Weyrleader had moved on. That seemed to be an averted crisis, for now.

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The heat rising from the Sands was not the only reason why Barec's face was flushed. There were few interpersonal situations the lad felt comfortable in, and this was, by far, no exception. It was terrible enough that he had been snatched from his Hold without preamble, but he had at least been led to believe that he had been brought to the Weyr for the opportunity to Impress a dragon. Only then could he escape this dreadful world he had been thrust into.

However, it now seemed that he would be judged in a single, searching question, and his answer would decide his fate in the days to come. There was no way that Barec could pass such a test, for he had been such a short time in the Weyr amongst other Pernese. There were no qualities or virtues that made Barec strong or worthy. He was simply, disgustingly, a confused, frightened individual stumbling about in an unknown land.

As others were sent away, Barec knew that he would be next. If Pernese who had lived in society for a much longer time than he could not pass this test, there was no way that he would succeed. Could he even muster the confidence to fake a lie?

Suddenly, the Weyrleader had stopped in front of him, his question lashing out like a whip, nearly causing the lad to jump. His ears strained to pinpoint the Weyrleader's exact wording, and Barec's mind reeled in an effort to compose the best possible answer. Of course, much to his luck, the question was the worst he could have been asked, but there was no time to regret that irony now. "When you are working with a team, it is important to place the welfare of the team above your own." He felt as if he was rattling off the old sayings his Mother used to remind him of constantly. "In terms of comfort...I think it would be important to form bonds...friendships...with the members of your team, in order to work as a more unified entity." Not that Barec had been able to reach out to anyone in such a manner so far. "I would do this," he finished simply, daring not to hope that the answer would suffice.

[M'kel]

This task was becoming tiresome, and M'kel could not wait for the end to come. He was down to the very last candidates now, and he struggled to remain composed for the remainder of the Analysis.

Minelli's final statements were much more appropriate and redeeming, especially when coupled with her lowered gaze. Sometimes, all it took was to remind someone of his/her place.

The bronzerider was distinctly disappointed as he stood in front of Riza. The girl merely opened her mouth and stared at her. It seemed that the pressure of the situation had overwhelmed her, for the candidate was speechless. That was never a good omen, especially with Sitareh's temper where it was.

Moving on, M'kel gazed appraisingly at Theodoros. The lad seemed rather flustered at his question, although, unlike most, it did not seem to be over the stress caused by seeking a suitable answer. "You would have come when you were Searched whether you chose to or not. Not all were willing," M'kel replied ominously.

Aldric's answer was rather obscure, but there no glaring problems with it, so M'kel brushed it away and continued on. Kitari and Barec's answers were also suitable enough, so M'kel stepped back to face the group as a whole once more. Sitareh's words trickled into his mind once again, and the dragonrider spoke. "You...and you." He pointed first to Rytia, then to Riza. "You will also not Stand." No explanation was given. The decision had been made.

[kati]

Rytia's mouth opened then closed in, trying not to hid her disappointment.
"Can I at least watch?" she asked M'kel. She could have sworn her answer was satisfactory, even if it was a lie, and she hoped that she could at least watch the hatching, all the others getting a dragonet, while she had to watch them, envy them, hate them, for getting something she now would never have. She stared at the Weyrleader, bitting her lower lip. Please don't deny me at least watching the eggs hatch. She thought, words she longed to say, but couldn't tell him that.

[D'gellin]

Degellin cringed back just slightly as he waited for the Weyrleader's reaction to his answer, tensed for the terrible possibilities that were swirling violently in his imagination. But, instead of a shameful dismissal, Degellin was awarded a curt nod of M'kel's head. And then the shadow of the taller man moved on.

He gave a heavy sigh of relief. Really, there wasn't anything to fear from the beginning, he reasoned with himself. The weight of uncertainty lifted effortlessly and Degellin suddenly felt light and bouncy, like he could take off and fly away any second, with or without a dragon's aid. He could Stand! It took a certain level of self-control to keep from jumping and giving an excited whoop. The reminder that there was a little girl who couldn't stand held him firmly to the sand, or however firmly sand could hold...

And then the Analysis was gradually winding down. Fewer questions were thrown at once. People protested occasionally, though the efforts were unrewarded, and one girl wasn't even able to respond, poor thing. Then M'kel stood before them all again. Subconsciously Degellin braced himself, his back errect. He could feel a habit in the making there but he brushed the thought away. However, there was no closing speech like the young man had anticipated. Instead the Weyrleader pointed out two girls and dismissed them. Degellin's mouth turned down slightly. Way to finish things off on a happy note there. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt at being able to Stand while three others couldn't but he stayed his tongue. Now wasn't the time for heroics and, as despicable as it was, he didn't want to endanger his own opportunity on the sands...His stomach gave an uncomfortable squirm at that thought.