| Characters | Kassala and Riohra |
| Synopsis | A series of letters exchanged between Kassala and Riohra while she is a candidate at Igen Weyr. |
| Out-of-Character Date | August 16, 2017 |
Igen Weyr - Candidates' Quarters
While the barracks are little different from the dorms in layout and appearance, a little time makes it apparent that they house younger people, for the most part. There's also more order; the cots are lined with precision - almost as if laid out on a sleeping chart. The room is kept tidy, and the presses are closed and not leaking belongings. Though not segregated by sex, one side of the room appears to belong primarily to the female candidates, the other to the males, though there does happen to be some over-lapping. In general, the barracks are open, perhaps as an introduction to the more public, collective life of a rider. To one side of the door, a large chore board lists the duties of each Candidate for the day.
The letters are delivered back and forth between Kassala at Igen and Riohra at Fort by their flits.
My dearest love,
It is almost dawn, and although it has only been a few days, it feels long since you had to go. But I as always am keeping busy, and yes I am being careful. I found an old wardrobe that could use some sprucing up, I figure either Piper or Sephany could use it. Also Eiram is teaching me guitar! So watch out I might come down and serenade you while you have to scrub the latrines. Hahahaha. I am joking about the latrine thing, but I just might show up and play for you and your new friends if I get any good.
Going to take Eiram dear hunting soon too young man should know how to do that, don't worry I will keep him safe. It is poor Sephany I am worried about, it seems she finally got the nerve to talk to Zevuki and tell him how she feels and then searched happened. She keeps talking herself in circles about not seeing him. But she has a good heart so I know she will come around to do the right choice. How have you been? Have you made any new friends? Do you need anything? I think about you every moment, but I know this is right, it feels right you standing on the sands right now. Even if you don't get a dragon or don't come home because you did this just feels like what we should be doing…
Anyways I have to run and get to work, need to cut trails for the traders today, I love you Kassala, and I will come see you in a few days
Love always and forever yours
Rio~ Day 27 of Month 5 of Turn 2714
Beloved,
I have missed you terribly since leaving Fort, though I think of that night often while in the midst of my duties here at Igen. They do things differently than High Moon Bay did — if you were a crafter, they put you to work doing whatever it was you were doing. So, this means, my days are spent in the dragonhealer's infirmary, taking care of the dragons, and keeping up with my studies! I won't be behind when I return to Fort! I can't tell you how extremely happy this makes me feel!
Another odd thing, every afternoon during the heat of the day, the weyr closes down for what they call, siesta time. People nap, or take time off to just lounge around. The desert is so hot, it's actually harmful to be doing work during that time, so only the basic work is done to keep the weyr running. This means, there's people who do their work a lot more often in the evening, or even the night, when it's cooler. It's strange, but I completely understand after the first day here. So hot!
Can't wait to hear you play the guitar! Sounds like you and Eiram are getting along well. You'll have to be sure to tell me how the hunting trip goes. At least he will have a good teacher in you - if he's intent on learning, then he'll learn from the best! :) The Candidates here are interesting. I met one, Jaelynn, who is a Dragonhealer rank 2 as well. She's from Xanadu, and I've even had some classes with her father at the school in Ierne!
I should get back to work. Siesta time is about over with, and we have a couple of dragons in the infirmary who injured themselves during a flight recently.
I love you! Forever and Always!
-Kassala
Day 28 of Month 5 of Turn 2714
Good morning my love,
Yesterday was very eventful, I took Eiram out on his first real hunt. Young man has talent got a buck his first time, though he lost his breakfast too which is natural. Most don't understand how hard it is to take a life even just for food. But he will be alright. How are you? I miss you very much and already have people who will cover for me as soon as you tell me when your first day off is going to be so I can be down there. Well got to go, helping with some transport stuff for Niki and T'ana to keep busy.
I love you with all my heart Forever & Always,
Rio~ Day 4 of Month 6 of Turn 2714
Beloved,
We got to do an egg touching the other day. Of course, I touched the two that I liked first, the two I saw first — that citron colored one, and the purple one? So interesting! The purple one made me think the dragonet within would likely enjoy a harper. Or someone who likes to party. I don't know why, but that's the impression I got. The citron one was very slow, very curious to learn, to understand me and things from my past. I… can't explain it better than that. Looking forwards to touching some of the others soon!
Sounds like the hunting trip was a success. Glad to hear he got something, and totally understand the being ill afterwards. Was the same for me the first time we had to kill some of the animals on the farm back home. It's amazing that people don't realize where that roasted chicken or the fried bacon comes from.
I should be off tomorrow, and would love to see you if you can come!
Love you, forever and always!
-Kass
Day 5 of Month 6 of Turn 2714
Good morning beautiful heart,
I saw the sun rise today from the top of the mountain and it was muted somehow. I realized it was because you weren't there with me, but that is alright because even when you are gone we are still together. I can't wait to see you tomorrow and spend the day, my hope is Sephany will come so you two may have some girl time if you need it.
I saw Xyvette ealier in the week, met her kids again as they played with her lifemate. It sounds like the weyrlings at halfmoon are almost ready to graduate soon. Any way have to run need to get my work done for tomorrow's visit.
Forever & Always yours,
Rio~
Date: Day 1 of Month 7 of Turn 2714
Hello love,
It was great getting to see you and Zevuki the other day. After you had to go to work again I headed down to see Kelani at Half Moon she has been working the night shift a lot so I spent sometime with her catching up. And apparently the Weyrlings just had there mating flight class so it seems Krenn and Baylee are moving in together. Which is about time for those two. Also there was some sort of inccedent with a Flamer, I guess Tanit scorched the side of the weyrling barracks *has no more details or I would share*. Maybe after the eggs hatch we could go back down and see them. I know they would love to see you. Anyway sorry so short I got to practice my guitar before I head out.
I love you Forever & Always,
Rio~ Day 8 of Month 7 of Turn 2714
Beloved,
I'm sorry I don't write more, but things have been hectic here. I was so happy to get to spend some time with you the other day. I wish I could have spent more, but duty calls when you least expect it. I missed you all the more the moment you left the weyr. Just having you in the weyr, knowing you were somewhat nearby, was nice.
Glad to hear the weyrlings at Half Moon are doing so well. Figured Krenn and Baylee would move in together, though I admit to still being curious who S'van is involved with! I thought for sure he and Catwin were a thing! IT's a date then, once the hatching is over with, we should go visit them!
The writing here is hurried, far messier than normal
There's a huge storm coming in. A sandstorm. The weyr is going to lock down until it passes. We're busily moving things inside, and putting down barriers where possible. May not be able to send you a note for several days. The residents say it could take 2-3 days before it passes! Even dragons won't be able to travel in this. I admit to being a little worried. And already itching - they say the sand gets EVERYWHERE.
Gotta get back to work!
Love you, always and forever!
-Kass
Day 20 of Month 7 of Turn 2714
