I was born an raised on a small cothold called Split Tree near Benden Hold. M’folks tried ta
shelter me from many things, I think too many things but I spose parents are just like that. M’Pa,
well...there aint much ta say cept he’s a harsh, bitter ole man whose made Ma’s life near
unbearable, Pa’s a hard worker - that’s one thing I kin say bout him. Ma now, well Ma’s the
sweetest, kindest woman yer ever gonna find. Cuz of Pa’s harshness I figure she spoiled me an
let me git away with more an I outta over t’turns, seemed I couldn’t do nothing wrong in er eyes.
Pa’s some 20 turns older than Ma an that’s likely part of their problems, mostly though Pa’s just
downright mean, made Ma into a bitter, timid, scared woman. M’Pa usta strike Ma an I’d tried to
protect her, sometimes taking t’blows m’self.

 Pa grew a big orchard on the cothold - walnut, almond and hazelnut trees which when I was
small started t’help care for an harvest. As I got older I got more curious bout what was beyond
t’cothold. Pa always went ta get supplies an left Ma an I at home. Once I was big enough to lift a
sack of nuts Pa had me deliver em to Benden Hold but never would allow me t’stay overnight,
begrudgingly I obeyed cuz I was afeared his temper would get outta hand if I didn’t.

 On one of t’visits to the hold I injured m’foot and t’healers told me that I had ta stay fer at least a
sevenday. I sent word t’Pa an he was outraged, thinkin I was just slacking off and meeting
women who’d corrupt me. Though nearly twenty turns I’d never had a girlfriend, er spent time
around woman cept Ma an I had no siblings. Weren’t but a few days after I hurt m’foot when a
rider with t’most beautiful eyes I’d ever seen asked me if I wanted t’go fer a ride on her green
dragon.  Rowena’s eyes were a deep lavender color an her hair was like it’d been kissed by fire
an t’sun. I figgered she was takin pity on me cuz of t’healers orderin m t’stay off m’foot - figgered
that’s why she invited me. I sure wasn’t gonna refuse a dragon ride from a beautiful woman, I
was a bit overwhelmed with the thought of riding onna dragon and fer sure I’d never been
around a woman as lovely as Rowena. Turns out was t’best thing I ever did t’go on that ride,
was a few sevendays before I returned to t’hold, an reluctantly at that. T’find a girl like Row fer
m’first girlfriend was amazin’. Sorta scary t’know I wanna be with her fer the rest of m’life, but
that’s how I feel in m’heart.

 While at t’weyr I found out it’s a different world there. Proddy, flirty riders lookin at me in in ways
I didn’t understand at first. Row an other riders tried their best t’explain t’me but sorta left me
feeling bewildered. Summat had me real worried was Ryath, she was glowing like the rays of
Rukbat an Row told me what that meant. One evening in the Living Cavern Row an t’other
riders started acting weird an Row was clinging t’me like she was drownin er something. Was
then I noticed D’nal an t’other riders looking at Row with that hungry look of lust, then I realized -
Ryath was gonna rise. I thought m’heart would stop with t’fear that squeezed it, was Row gunna
love another rider instead of me after t’flight? I held her next to m’heart till she pushed me away
an ran from the cavern with D’nal stalking her.

 Sittin there starin after her, I was sure I’d lost her. Previously I’d promised Row that whenever
Ryath flew I’d wait in her weyr till she returned but..sure seemd like a foolhardly thing ta do in
the situation. Sabria noticed me heading back t’wards the hold and made me see sense, she
was kind enough t’take me up to Rowena’s weyr where I waited in trepidation. Karise had told
me concerning flights to never confuse lust with love, well that’s easier said than done fer sure.
Row did return and she still loved me, was hard t’accept she’d been with D’nal - but I came
t’understand was Ryath affecting her, not her own emotions.

 When I left Row was with t’promise I’d return just as soon as I’d found someone ta work fer Pa
in t’orchard, well things weren’t quite that simple fer upon returning to t’hold  I found m’folks
there bearing horrific news. The orchard had burnt to t’ground an they didn’t know how it
happened. Pa was distraught, all he’d worked for all his life was in ruins, ashes - destroyed, only
the house on the cothold left standing.

T’weren’t long after m’folks moved to Benden Hold that Ma realized things didn’t have t’be the
way they were back at the cothold, that she could enjoy life and not have her every move
commanded by Pa.  Weren’t long till Ma made up her mind to leave Pa, now that I was old nuff
ta take care of m’self she didn’t have me t’worry bout. Rowena helped Ma find work at the weyr
and she moved there pretty quick.

 I knew Pa didn’t like riders and felt they were the leeches of Pern, also that he figured them t’be
whores and sexual deviants - but well, I loved Rowena and she wasn’t nothing like what Pa
always told me riders were like. I figgered twas time Pa met m’sweetheart, so meet her he did.
Dad made an awful scene and hurled so many insults fly till I couldn’t bear it n’more and threw
him out.  Pa went back to t’cothold, he might as well be miserable alone than make t’rest of us
so. I still love em, tis a pity he’s so set in his ways. Maybe with Ma’s gone he’d do some serious
reflectin on his life, an how miserable he made not only his but hers.

  Life was certainly more peaceful without having to listen to m’folks bickering - mostly was Pa
bellowing at Ma, I missed Ma alot but saw her when I visited Row at t’weyr. I tried t’keep busy
helpin round the hold but truth is I spent most of the time thinkin bout Row an missin her
somethin fierce. The time we did get together was incredible, we took trips t’Southern, slept
under the stars, made love onna beach - ahh, those were special times. There’ve been times I
wished we coulda stayed there.

 One evening after a long, hard day of helpin Kvelti move supplies about the infirmary, I returned
to my room after a relaxing bath an to m’great surprise there in m’bed lay two beauties - twitchin
an bumpin inta each other - two firelizard eggs. Suddenly the most lovely green fire lizard man’s
ever seen  was outta her shell an creeling hungrily fer food, weren’t long till a grumpy ole brown
appeared too, I love em both, they’re good companions an make m’laugh too, remindin me of Ma
an Pa the way they fuss an fight. What’s more they keep me company when I miss Row.
Somehow they make being away from her just a touch easier, see was her who left em in m’bed
fer a surprise after fer flits clutched.

 One day while visitin Ma an Row at t’weyr Zivath laid her clutch. I sat inna galleries with
Rowena an her brother A’razi, great guy her brother is. Ain’t never seen such a spectacular
thing b’fore in m’life. All them beautiful eggs was amazin’. An lots of em, LOTS. Folks suggested
we go into the Living Cavern fer klah, I didn’t really wanna go - wanted ta sit an watch t’eggs,
but Razz an Row was going an a bunch of t’rest of the folks so I went along. Hardly did I take
two steps into the Bowl an I found m’self surrounded by dragons. Would ya believe it - I was
searched ta stand fer Zivath’s clutch when it hatches. Weren’t long after Karise took me to the
Candidate barracks others came who’d been searched too. I was so shocked, just sorta walkin
round inna daze.

 Life’s sure changed after that, buncha rules the candidates had to  abide by, hardest of all was
not bein with Row like I usta. First time I saw her after I’d been searched I fergot bout the rules
an tried ta hug her. She shoved me away an reminded me I was a Candidate now - that I hadta
obey t’rules, before she ran out she told me she’d wait fer me, whatever happened. Thank
Faranth fer that cuz elsewise I’d a been even more miserable. First while fer the most part we
stayed away from each other, just was easier that way. Then we saw each other in passin er
with a group in the Living Cavern, wasn’t the same as before but least we gotta glimpse of each
other. I tried ta do extra chores ta keep m’mind busy but there were still times I’d sit at t’shore by
the lake and think bout her.

 T’rest of the Candidates an me did some pretty fun pranks, that helped t’keep me busy too. We
made a horrid sticky syrup with tubers an sweetener an smeared it onna chairs in the Living
Cavern. Few folks lost a bit of their clothes, A’razi actually had t’cut the chair off his rear, was
sure funny. He acted mad but don’t think he really was. While was a Candidate met lotsa new
folks, always interestin t’hear where folks er from an all. Fer t’most part we all got along fine,
though there was the occasional fuss. One of t’candidates was here when Row was a candidate
was there with me in the barracks, her name’s Muireann and she’s real nice. Row told me
Muire’s dragon weren’t shelled yet last time so I sure hoped fer the best. Was nice ta be where
Ma was too, she’s always worried bout me alot more than she outta.

 Elisa an Zivath let us out onna sands, not only were we allowed to look closer at t’eggs but
TOUCH. The eggs sure were beautiful, they felt sorta leathery an I’m sure the dragonet inside
t’one I was touchin moved. Gave m’heart an odd feelin ta think there’s a chance one of the
dragonets inside those eggs might choose me as their lifemate, sobering thought. Just gotta be
patient an wait fer them ta hatch.

Well, I aint had time ta write till now, been s'busy with m'dragonet! Can ya believe it? Was standing out there on em burning hot sands, watching t'others impress when t'most beautiful thing I ever saw burst outta his shell, from t'shell I caressed an talked to an all, while I was a candidate. Can't explain t'joy that flooded m'heart when his thoughts filled m'mind an I knew him an I would be mates fer life. T'never be alone again, t'not even have ta speak t'share things, just think em. Most magical..thrilling thing, can't even hardly find t'words so it sounds right. Asarith is m'bronzes name. Been tryin ta teach im t'chew, not gulp down his meat. Don't want em getting sick.

It's been over two sevendays since I seen Row, shards but I miss er. I know Asarith is puzzled over m'feelings, I gotta be really careful not t'overwhelm im. From t'minute his whirling jewelled eyes met mine, I knew him and I was meant t'be together, I ain't gonna do nothing t'hurt im. Can't help but miss Row, Asarith sure likes t'talk to Ryath. I take comfort in that, I'm hoping Row does too. Well, seems Asarith has an itch that's gotta be scritched er oiled, tis all fer now.
 
Finally gettin around t'writing again. Asarith is two months old now, time sure is flyin'. We been outside t'gether...incredible t'see his reaction t'all ta new things 'round im. He's got alot of energy, doesn't like t'be still except when he sleeps, otherwise he likes t'go full steam ahead. Often I gotta remind im t'rest an tomorrow he can learn more 'bout new things.

Startin t'day we can take em to ta lake with supervision, also go to t'bowls and the Main Cavern while our dragonets are sleepin. Almost feels weird t'be able to go places without Asarith, I aint been anywhere without im yet. Maybe later when he sleeps I'll go to the Main Cavern, shards would be
wonderful iffen I got t'see Row. Two whole months and I aint even saw a glimpse of her.

Sitting here at t'lake with Muire and Aerinth and Asarith, amazing how fast these dragonets are
growing. M'dragonet's 'bout..hmm, iffen I's judging right 'bout near 30 feet long, prolly bit less,
maybe like 25-26. Big though, looks like he's gonna be a big un, him an Aerith who is gold are 'bout t'same size. Asarith's gettin' tired, I'd best head back to ta barracks, tis all fer now.

Well, 'lo there again, Asarith's four months old now, getting real big. Close to 50 feet long an wingspan 'bout 80 feet. T'other day Asarith did his first kill, were real disgusting an I got sick I'm sorta ashamed t'say. Thankfully since then Ryath's taught him how t'do a clean kill, much easier fer me that way. Also we been doing strength training, makes yer body ache but we gotta be strong fer tossing firestone sacks and pulling ourselves up t'straps when our dragons er older. Asarith was sure fascinated t'see Cresnath flame, he wanted t'try it right away of course but I gotta get im t'practise with sandstone first. I see Row once in awhile, time is passing quickly thank Faranth, not quick enough of course in some ways but, Asarith needs time t'grow up.

Today Asarith is 5 months and 8 days old. Was sleepin’ sound as could be when he woke me suddenly sayin’ Row was upset an Ryath concerned ‘bout something. He nudges me outta t’barracks and I ran to the Main Cavern where Row was. Asarith an Ryath were talking back and forth ‘bout there being one looked like me with Row b’fore I got there. Which of course aint possible. Well come t’find out I’m not an only child afterall. Fellow looking remarkably like me were standing there, course I was startled as could be, poor Row got quite a shock too.

By this time Asarith wus tryin’ t’get to where I wus, worried ‘bout me. He’s near big as Ryath now and sure can’t fit through t’cavern entrance, I went outside with im b’fore he hurt himself er got stuck. When Ryath saw what looked like two of me, (guess one is bad enough, but two? ;) she reared up in surprise. Asarith snorted at Hanz thinking was like a reflection in t’lake.

Row being t’harper she is was askin’ us questions and tryin’ t’help us figger out what as going on. Hanz an I were sure we had no siblings, but had t’be some reason we looked like twins. Seems Pa spent a night with Hanz’s mother Zara - Green rider of Nalieth from Fort, few turns b’fore he married Ma and I was born. We’re not totally sure but all the facts point that way. I’ll ask Ma and Hanz ‘ll ask his Ma t’be sure but I reckon Pa is Hanz’s father too! Seems Zara contacted Pa when she realized she was pregnant, then again when Hanz was born. Both times Pa wouldn’t have nothing t’do with em, that’s what Zara told Hanz. Well I’ll not write anything more ‘bout Pa, makes m’feel sad.

Been an extra busy day, Hanz is gonna stay fer a bit so we kin get t’know each other. I’d best get t’working on Asarith’s riding straps now.

Asarith is six and a half months old, he had his first solo flight yesterday. Karise let em do a short flight from t’weyrling training area to the Central Bowl an back. Was remarkable how exhilarating it was t’watch im in flight, t’feel his joy and freedom at being airborn. He soared high above us then tucked his wings an glided lower. When he was droppin’ m’stomach dropped too. He has amazin’ control of direction an angle, watching him s’graceful and majestic against t’sky made m’heart swell to think he chose me t’be his lifemate. Was no strain fer him at all t’fly and he returned promptly when instructed. However his landing weren’t as splendid as take off er flight.

Asarith was coming in pretty fast an I got im t’backwing more t’slow his speed, being new t’flying an all he misjudged where t’land, he was tryin’ t’land a few lengths in front of me. He zoomed right over m’head, I couldn’t and didn’t move fast enough and his huge tail struck me down. Course I don’t blame im, he did amazin’ fer his first flight. I managed t’walk to the lake before the pain in my arm hit like a tidal wave and the swellin’ started. (Was taking Asarith to the lake t’cool down his muscles from the flight) Asarith called Ryath an Row an then a healer came an Mom. Things are fuzzy cuz of the stuff they’ve been giving me. Ryath is staying right right Asarith t’help comfort him an Row stayed with me in t’dragon infirmary with the Odesa. There’s a heavy cast on my arm an I feel so tired. Sr. Journeyman Asheva told me I have t’be still fer a few days or t’bones might slice the muscles of my arm. I’m getting sleepy again, I need t’sleep.

Asarith is ten months old now, I been so busy I ain’t had time t’write. My arm if fine, especially since Row got me a special sheepskin lining fer m’jacket so my arm don’t hurt so much when I got :::between:::. Sure is amazing t’go wherever we want now, is incredible. Asarith an I found a large weyr high above t’southern bowl, finally we got it cleaned up..here’s what it looked like when we found it...

High on the southern wall of the bowl this massive ledge offers a panoramic view of the lower weyr. The oversized lip catches sun from dawn to dusk as it trudges across the sky, warming the talon scarred stone underfoot. It leads, naturally, into a massive, ovoid chamber all soaring ceilings and smooth basalt walls. It's space appears more than large enough for a fast growing bronze and rider to live in relative comfort. Shallow depression near ledge's opening is nearly obscured by dust and heap of dry crackling refuse... tunnel snake skin perhaps? At the rear eye is caught by an immense circular stone pedestal, worn to a smooth curve and filled with moldy sleeping furs, a mute testament past use. On the wall beside this sabaritic monument is a tattered tapestry hung askew and hiding /something/ in the arch of stone under it. Sharp eyes /may/ discern the hint of hearth under the grimy covering if they are inclined to brave a peek. Coated with the dust of years, this weyr shows signs of being long deserted.

It’s really cozy now, sure beats staying in t’barracks. Ma been workin’ on a tapestry and rug fer us ever since Asarith done chose me. Some time ya’ll haveta come up and take a look. I sure got a talented Ma. Row gave me a beautiful carving, musta taken her a really long time, I put it where I kin see it all t’time, it’s so very lovely. Hanz made t’furnture in m’weyr, is really comfy and maybe now I’m mostly settle din I’ll have more time t’spend with m’family.

Is heaven being with Row again, we both wondered iffen we’d ever be t’gether again. Ryath an Asarith are sure fond of each other, is like a four way link with us all instead of just two..remarkable. I dunno iffen that happens often but is special. T’other day Ryath rose an were all I could do t’keep Asarith from going after her, was horrid fer both of us. Things have pretty much settled down since then ‘cept it’s sorta awkward ‘round M’rika...her brown caught Ryath. Such is t’way of a weyr. I need t’get at making Asarith’s second set of straps, he’s growing /so/ big. That’s all fer now, I’ll write more another time.