Post by Whim on Oct 7, 2012 6:06:56 GMT -5
Candidacy at Cat's Paw Weyr
Candidates may be anywhere from fourteen to twenty four turns. If hold- or craft-bred, they typically need to be Searched by a dragon to become a candidate, but Weyrbred children are expected to become candidates when they turn fourteen regardless. Candidates may be male or female.
Candidates live in the Weyr, from the time they are Searched (or, if born in the Weyr, reach the minimum age). They spend their mornings in lessons, learning from the Candidate Master the basics of the Weyr, Riders, and Dragons, their afternoons performing simple chores which are handed out at the end of lessons, and live in one of two Candidate barracks; one for male and one for female candidates.
Candidates are expected to follow strict rules; there is no fighting allowed, respect to all of higher ranks (which, with the exception of drudges, means everyone in the Weyr) is demanded, and candidates are expected to treat each other as equals. Sex is officially banned, but tends to be overlooked between candidates over 20, so long as they are discreet, it doesn't interfere with any of their duties, and no pregnancies result.
When a Hatching begins, candidates are required to drop whatever they are doing, run to their barracks, and change into the hatching uniform of a long, sleeveless white tunic. This tunic goes down to (approximately) the knees, and has no ornamentation, in order to make candidates both recognizable and equal. Any candidate who wears something else will be sent back to change, and risk missing the beginning of the hatching, though belts are sometimes tolerated (and laughed about, as they tend to be worn by male candidates who think the tunics look too much like a dress, without realizing that the belts make them look even more so).
Hatchings, while a joyous time, are also a dangerous one. Newly hatched dragonets are clumsy, and not overly concerned with the welfare of anyone who gets between them and their goal; as a result, injuries are common at hatchings, and deaths are not unheard of.