To Search a Farmer

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The sun hung in the sky at mid-noon as Ledar stood surveying the fields before him. His blue-green eyes watched as little green sprouts rose from the tilled land. The sight brought a smile to his face, and lit up his weary eyes. Before him was the vast majority of Woodcreek hold's food and the economic keystone. Without the crops offered by the cothold, he was certain that Mirran would abandon them. Pride crept up in him as he thought of how important this farm was and what he was worth here.
He quickly dismissed those thoughts, as all farms in Woodcreek hold were important, and began examining the bright green little sprouts, walking along the fields, inspecting for weeds and the tell-tale signs of vermin. Today promised to be a relatively relaxing day. He took a deep breath, taking in the smell of dirt, the chirping of various birds, the warmth of the sun on his face, and the cool breeze in his hair, and continued walking. Looking across the fields he saw his only companion, a rather large female canine named Mishka, sniffing in search of pests.

After the morning's labors, Ledar had completed his rounds and began moving to the homestead, Mishka happily in tow. They had found a large shady oak tree to rest from the sun underneath of. His knee was aching and he gladly took the opportunity to rest and sit with his friend. The coolness of the shade offering instant relief from the sun. He sat silently, holding his knee and watching the world around him. Mishka lay with her head on his lap and he stroked her head, playing with her ears. He brushed his dirty blond bangs to the side and rested his head on the tree, closing his eyes and petting his loyal companion. Some days, he thought. It's good to be alive.

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Nimiath appeared over Mirran, head tilting down to stare at the place where she was born; where she had found her Kenessia. The place held bitter memories, as they were strict traditionalists while Mavros was distinctly ... non-traditional. No matter. She had her Kenessia, and Kenessia had her. All was well within the world.

Nimiath, love, let the Watchrider know who we are and why we're here.

He knows. He isn't pleased; Mirran doesn't want us to have any of its candidates.

Well that's too bad. Mavros needs the help more than they do.

The Watchdragon says we now have four golds; why do we need theirs?

Nimiath came to a flapping hover near the blue and green Watchrider, and Kenessia glared at the rider,

"Because that's four clutches that we don't have candidates for. We gave you some of our candidates when you had a clutch." The watchrider glared back at her .. before letting her pass. The sea-foam green launched into the air and headed for the border of the Mirranese territory.

A cothold... Creekbed ... Woodbank ... Woodcreek! That was it, Woodcreek Cothold. It was a farming hold, which was good. Maybe the candidates there could help Mavros with their food issues. Nimiath let out a low annoyed rumble at the thought of fish.

I know my love. Kes purred to her mate, who had grown sick of fish in recent months. Appearing from the horizon, the dragon headed for the landing ledge that most holds and Weyrs had. Settling herself down, she would look to the prospective candidates that had been presented, and some still pouring in.

Sense anything?

Not yet, Kes. They have farmer and worker mentalities ... none of them are quite right for a Hatching.

Oh dear.

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Mishka's head shot up and she flew to her feet as a large, green shape flew over the fields headed towards Woodcreek Cothold proper. The large canine barked in alarm, her hackles raising. Ledar reluctantly opened his eyes and rose to a kneel and placed a hand on her head. "What's the trouble girl?" He asked. Mishka only barked in response and he looked in the direction she was. His eyes went wide as he saw the air borne reptilian figure in the air. He could make out the colouration of it's sea-foam green hide and knew immediately what he saw. He stood fully and looked down at Mishka.
"That's a dragon Mish. But what's a dragon rider doing here of all places?" He rarely saw dragons, knowing the basics of the dragon-human relationship. He had really only seen dragons during flights, when they passed over in their displays of power, speed, and agility. Dragons, in his mind, were truly a sight to behold, even from so far away.
"What are we waiting for Mish? Let's go investigate." Ledar began walking with some speed towards the Cothold proper, his long strides allowing him to move with a sense of haste, Mishka protectively falling into step beside him.

After a short time he and his loyal companion found themselves amidst the small crowd that had gathered around the obligatory landing ledge. The cothold rarely received riders of any kind, so this was quite an occasion. He forced his way to the front of the crowd and sighed a little when he saw "The Wives of Woodcreek", the three gossips of the cothold. It was common knowledge that is one wanted news, they talked to the Wives; if they wanted truth, they found out for themselves. Why am I not surprised? Whatever. At least this tale won't be too tall he thought. An amusing thought crossed his mind as he wondered how they would exaggerate this. Half the cothold was going to see this after all.
His attention immediately switched to the new guest. He stood in awe at the magnificent creature above him. It was sleek and smaller than the dragons he normally saw but he didn't care. It's hide was smooth like leather and a beautiful shade of green. It wasn't that of the foliage of the trees, but of the sea. The dragon looked as if it was a dart in the sky and he was amazed. He then looked to it's rider. The dragon bore a female, who looked not much older than himself. He noted her rather simple appearance and the clothing she wore. It looked as if she were dressed for cold, in full cold weather gear. Her hair was pulled back into a braid and her goggles were up on her forehead. She and her dragon seemed to be looking around, appraising the cothold. Or was it the citizens he wondered.
Mishka stood pressed against him in a protective manner. He dropped his hand to her head and scratched her ears. He looked down at her and spoke "I think they're looking for something. Or someone." His eyes returned to the dragon and it's rider. "But what? Or who?"

From the opening to the landing ledge appeared a man with the honour of being the leader of Woodcreek. He was a tall, well-fed man in his late fourties. His manner of dress was plain, but with a touch of flair to denote his leadership. He stood tall and proud and strode to greet the dragonrider. He eyed the green dragon before him with a small sense of distaste, then fixed his expression to a more appropriate one of respect. With a formal bow he spoke "Welcome esteemed Dragonrider, to our home." He stood once more and continued to speak. "It has been many turns since a rider of Mirran has graced our cothold." He waved his hand towards the small crowd. "Here are some of the best that Woodcreek has to offer. I hope they are what you are looking for."

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Nimiath fixed the Cothold Leader with a stare, eyes whirling green mixed with red. Contentment because of Kes, annoyance at the man who gave her a glare. Psh, like he could do anything to her. Now Kes, however. If he tried to hurt her Rider... well between was a very cold place; he'd learn that if he went too far.

Kenessia schooled her expression into one of serenity, nodding as he bowed to her,

"Indeed, many a Turn it has been." And not long enough, she thought briefly to herself. The man swept his hand in a grand gesture over the people gathered, and she felt Nimiath blanket her concious over them.

Not one of them is suitable. Perhaps this was a-- ... wait ... Nimiath craned her neck, crooning uncharacteristically for anyone not her rider,

Young Ledar ... come forward. When he had done so, Kenessia made her way forward and smiled to him; a real smile, not the false one given to the Cothold Lord.

"Nimi says you have what it takes to Impress a dragon. I believe my girl... tell me, what would you do if you Impressed?" she asked kindly, rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet as she watched him.

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The Cothold leader noted the dragon's glare and backed off after the rider had spoken her piece.

From the crowd, Ledar had watched the proceedings in amusement and concern. He watched his distant relative try graceful speech. The man did try, but one here has little time or need for such pleasantries. He saw him back away from the woman, or more likely, the dragon.
And then he heard something. A croon had come from the dragon and seemed to be aimed at him. And then another surprise. A voice had penetrated his mind, entered smoothly and suddenly. It was as if there was a second mind in his head. Ledar blinked in surprise as the new voice spoke calmly, but strong. It's words were short and to the point. "Young Ledar ... come forward." Questions raced through his mind as he complied, stepping forward. What was that? Who was that? How did it know my name? What happened? Was that the dragon? What?
Then the rider moved forward to him. Mishka tensed up, but relaxed a bit when she realized that this stranger meant no harm to Ledar. The rider smiled a sweet warm smile and spoke. "Nimi says you have what it takes to Impress a dragon. I believe my girl... tell me, what would you do if you Impressed?" Gasps of surprise and disbelief echoed throughout the crowd. Ledar ignored the crowd and thought for just a moment, processing the question and the fact that there was a strange presence in his mind. He looked at the girl, woman rather, as she rocked on her heels and spoke.
"Lady dragonrider, were I to impress I would..." He trailed off as he really did not know what he would do. "If I may speak plainly, I do not know what I would do. I suppose I would try and do right by weyr and hold. Protect the ones I care for and the land they live upon." He turned away from her for a moment and then looked back, looking her right in her hazel eyes. "Lady rider, I wish only to help and protect the land which I love." Apprehension crossed his mind and doubts solidified in his mind. He wondered if had given the wrong answer, if the rider wanted to hear something else. He had spoken from the heart and hoped that that was a good enough answer for her.

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Nimi would have smiled had it not been for her muzzle, and she rumbled a little laugh,

He has spoken wisely. He has the character of a Dragonrider... I think perhaps Brown, because he is solid and sturdy and reliable. Kes looked over her shoulder to the dragon, and smiled to her,

"You think so? ... Well all right then, Nimi, love. I trust you. Ledar, dear, do go pack your things. You have been Searched for any and all future Mavros Weyrhold hatchings, and we would be honored to have you." Kes bowed low at the waist, showing respect to the young candidate who was part of the future of Pern. Nimiath also lowered her head in a bow, taking a cue from her rider in a show of respect.

Is there anyone else, my love?

No. Most have good hearts, but that is as far as it goes. They do not have the mental capacity to handle Impression.

Kes nodded and left Ledar to go get his things, while she went and adjusted the riding straps to accommodate another rider. Saddle bags had been added onto the saddle, as she wasn't in a hurry this time, thus his things could be stored neatly and properly.

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The doubts in Ledar's mind worsened as he heard the dragon laugh. It would seem my answer was unsatisfactory he thought, holding his disappointment in check. But then the Rider before him spoke.
"You think so? ... Well all right then, Nimi, love. I trust you. Ledar, dear, do go pack your things. You have been Searched for any and all future Mavros Weyrhold hatchings, and we would be honored to have you."
Ledar stood still in disbelief as the Rider spoke. He had just been Searched. He came to investigate the dragon, and had been selected from the candidates assembled. I wasn't even chosen by them and I got Searched. He bowed low in return, barely able to keep from beaming. He stood after the bow and spoke to her "Thank you Lady Rider." He then turned to the green and bowed. "And thank you." He straightened and spoke once more. "Yes Lady, I shall return in a few minutes. Thank you both so much. The honour is mine." He turned to leave, as to retrieve his belongings and to avoid rambling any further and making the pair regret their decision. "Let's go Mish!" he called out for his canine to follow him and began striding quickly towards his homestead.

Murmurs echoed throughout the assembled. The potentials grumbled about Ledar being the only one chosen; all were surprised that it was Mavros Weyrhold, not Mirran, that the rider had come from. Whispers of "undead", "cursed", and "doomed" were audible. The Cotholder approached the rider while she adjusted the saddlebags and spoke to her. "You said you were from Mavros Weyrhold? I was under the assumption that you were from Mirran."
Amongst those gathered, The Wive's were the loudest, following the natural course of things. "Just great. The drunkard's boy gets chosen to go fly dragons again while my own are left to tend the fields!" cried one of them in anger and disgust.
"Don't worry Mendala, he's going to that Mavros after all," came the prompt reply.
The third chimed in as well. "Yeah, we don't want our boys going there do we? Let the drunky's go." After that the three broke into raucous laughter.

Upon reaching his home, Ledar spoke quickly to his mother and rushed off to his room to pack his clothes. He attempted a semblance of order in his packing, but quickly abandoned it in favor of haste, as not to keep the rider waiting. He threw his basic clothing into his luggage haphazardly, not really caring for order. Save for his finery. He took care of this, folding it neatly on top of the clothes in trunk. He shut the trunk firmly and looked at the empty dresser. I really don't have much in the way clothing. he thought reflectively. I need to fix that.
Ledar's mother, Levissa, stood in the doorway and rapped on the wall gently. "May I come in?" she asked quietly. He quickly turned about to face her.
"Of course mum" he replied smiling. She smiled softly and entered.
"You spoke so fast and rushed off, I didn't hear you clearly. Would you repeat?" Ledar chuckled in response and spoke.
"Oh right. I've been Searched by Mavros Weyrhold. A Rider came here, then I was ordered to step forward, then asked a question. Evidently my response was good enough and now I'm packing." Ledar's face quickly fell as the realization hit him. "And leaving Woodcreek." He then felt guilty, as he was leaving his home and the farm. He knew he was needed here, but was also needed there. He was torn between staying on the farm and going to live with strangers in a place he knew only rumours about, rumours he did not trust as far as he could throw a runnerbeast.
Levissa seemed to know what he was thinking and spoke. "Ledar dear, fret not about us. We are all family here and there are plenty of good kids willing to help harvest and plant; we will be fine. If anything I've heard of Mavros is true, they need you far more than we do." She smiled gently at him. Ledar opened his mouth to speak and she interrupted him. "No arguing Ledar. I thought we discussed this when you went to the Farmerhall in Nerat. We can handle things here. Go. Go be free my dear. Mavros Weyrhold needs you." After a pause she spoke again. "I presume you will be bringing Mishka?"
And that was that, Levissa had convinced her son. All he needed was reassurance that all would be well in Woodcreek if he left. "Yes mum. Do I go anywhere without her?"
Levissa chuckled and shook her head. "I suppose not. I'll leave you to your packing then." She turned and left the room. Ledar surveyed the empty room. He had packed all he had really.

Ledar was leaving the home and heading to the rider, lugging his trunk and Mishka in tow, when he was stopped. He turned to the source of his impediment and saw his father, Darvon, standing before him. It was instantly evident that Darvon had been hiding in the bottle all day, as he swayed and slurred as he addressed Ledar, with a distinct note of hostility "So you're leaving me too. Jus' like Davlis. Can't even stay home! Noo! Have to leave the hold! You're both traitors! Fardling traitors!" Darvon spat his words at Ledar, his breath reeking of drink.
I was hoping to avoid this. Shard it! Ledar's face was hard as Darvon yelled. He fought the urge to curse and yell in return, opting instead to say little and leave. "I am leaving for Mavros Weyrhold Darvon. If this displeases you, then I am sorry. I must be off now." Ledar turned and walked away, leaving Darvon to shout obscenities after him.

Despite the joy he felt at being searched, Ledar's face was long as he reached the ledge. His mother's assurances had done little to relieve the guilt he felt and Darvon's outburst had only exacerbated Ledar's mood. The crowd had somewhat dissapated, most of the potentials returning to their chores. The few that were there waved at Ledar as he moved towards the dragon rider. He gave a weak smile and waved back as he passed. Mishka almost clung to him, walking with her forelegs against his legs. She did this whenever Darvon was near Ledar, or when the two had spoken. This little behavior always cheered him up a little, and his smile became a little more genuine.
He reached the dragon rider and spoke. "Lady rider, I am ready." He looked around at Woodcreek cothold. He Looked upon the places he had roamed as a child, the faces that he had grown up with. And then he looked to Mishka, then to the rider. "Lady rider, might I bring Mishka with me? She has been my closest companion in the years I have had her, and I wouldn't want to go anywhere without her."