I remember the gold old days--when the bronzes couldn't keep their eyes off me, and the entire Weyr stared in awe when I passed by.
The only reason anyone stared was to see if you managed to get to your feet, much less fly. You were a fat gold then, and you're even fatter now!
The first queen's lip curled, exposing an old, yellow tooth whose once-sharp point had long been dulled with age. I'd rather be fat than ugly like you, you old windbag. You've a face only a mother could love, and I know your mother left the Weyr soon as you hatched shell!
The first one gave an annoyed snort, flicking her tail with irritation. As if you remember! My mother, bless her hearts, was a Western Native! .... Sigmath? No... Ducheth? ... Yes, it must have been Ducheth. She even was Weyrwoman for a stint! The dragon gave a puff of pride, which turned into a strange little hack--something the gold didn't seem much to notice.
Ducheth!? Please. Your mother was Essioth and I should know because I was clutched two Turns before you, and you were the brat that stole my thunder, sister
A third gold suddenly piped up, with a low hiss. My mother was Ducheth, and both of your minds have turned to crackdust with age! Your mother was Essioth, and HER mother was Lisarth. The sister you're so jealous over left Western Weyr Turns ago. Now both of you pipe down and tell me--have you seen the new transfer? He might only be a brown but I'd let that fine tail twine with mine any day--mmm, mmm, MMM!
That was something, at least, all three could finally agree upon.
Come Get Your Old Biddy!...but Read This First
Begins: Now Ends: August 11th @ 9pm PT
While it's true that the Weyrs rely on dragons and riders, and need both to be in top-shape to fight Thread, there are many within the Weyr that are far too old, or have since been injured, and are now considered retired. While dragons remain in relative shape for most of their life, time still can take its toll on an elderly dragon.
Teeth eventually dull with time; joints ache; their hide starts to naturally grey along their muzzle, hands, feet, and tail tip; their hide color becomes just a bit more dusty in appearance, where even a good oiling doesn't quite give it the same shine and glow as the younger generations. Their joints can begin to ache, they can tire a bit more easily, and while a dragon would never become truly frail unless sick or truly unhealthy, the very old Pern dragons can truly begin to look their age.
On the one hand, flight is something that never leaves them, unless their wings are damaged; they might tire a littler sooner, or struggle keeping up their stamina, but besides some physical markers, it is difficult to tell the difference between an ancient Pernese dragon and some of the younger ones. Theoretically, an ancient dragon could continue to fight Thread until their rider grew more frail or they simply made a fatal error, but neither High Reaches Weyr nor Western Weyr pushes such an extreme.
Instead, those in either Weyr who are dubbed retirement-ready usually find themselves eased into it. While there is no hard-set age, as some start to show their age earlier than others, generally speaking riders that are nearing their 90th Turn can expect to find their loads beginning to lighten. While they're likely still in fighting form, it's possible they might begin to be assigned less taxing duties by their Wingleaders, or even given a bit more down time.
Around their 100th Turn, or before if they're feeling it, they might then be offered official retirement. If the rider is still in fighting-shape and still has clarity of heart and mind, then it goes to the Wingleader's discretion on how they use their older rider. Some might let them fight until they break down while others might simply transfer them to the Queen's Wing permanently. The Weyrleader also has a right to override the Wingleader's decision, but generally speaking only gets involved when a wingrider refuses to retire, a Wingleader refuses to honor an older riders right to fight (and the Weyrleader agrees with the rider), or if a Wingleader refuses to let a wingrider retire (rare but you know there must have been some asshat out there with a grudge).
They still would be considered in the prime of their life, but can still fight in the Queen's Wing and even ferry Firestone provided they choose to do so; the Weyr won't force them, after all. Additionally, instead of daily drills, they are usually only assigned periodic chores, sweeps, or delivery pickups and dropoffs For those who still wish to fly in the Queen's Wing, they are given only periodic drilling with Queen's Wing if only to ensure both rider- and dragon are able to perform.
The Weyr will never turn away help from those with a will to fight the Enemy, but if it becomes apparent that they become more of a risk (to themselves or others) then the Weyr will keep them from active-Fighting Duty.
That said, the elderly are respected. Old Aunties and Old Uncles, as they're often called, are respected for their knowledge and treated with dignity at both Weyrs. They have knowledge and experience that many lack. Before Threadfall, a rider could almost guarantee that they would live a very long life as Impression seems to add to longevity of rider and dragon; dragonriders are known to live longer and healthier lives than non-riders, and both Weyrs still have good handfuls of dragons who are in this retirement age.
When a dragonrider truly retires, they can stay at the Weyr and made as useful as they choose--some might finally get the solitude they seek, while others still find places to get in trouble (or underfoot). That said, old riders often have family and friends at the Weyr, and even ones who don't, they are still supported without complaint by a grateful Weyr.
- - - Semi-Retired Fighting Duty Examples 1. Sweeps 2. Passenger Pick Up or Drop-Off 3. Delivery Duty (Pick Up or Drop-Off) 4. Chores (i.e. tending the creche, assistance in the infirmary (taking temperatures, rolling linens, fluffing pillows, etc.), assisting in the kitchens (peeling tubors or plucking herbs, etc.) etc. etc.) 5. Keeping an eye on the weyrbrats and weyrlings 6 Assisting Candidates or Weyrlings (in a less official fashion, but more just puttering about and being helpful or snitching on trouble) 7. Limited Drills (just enough to ensure they know their place in the Wing or Queen's Wing) 8. Firestone Delivery during Threadfall 9. Flying in the Queen's Wing 10. Assisting in Ground Sweeps
- - - Fully Retired Dragonriders Examples 1. Passenger Pick Up or Drop-Off 2. Delivery Duty (Pick Up or Drop-Off) 5. Chores (i.e. tending the creche, assistance in the infirmary (taking temperatures, rolling linens, fluffing pillows, etc.), assisting in the kitchens (peeling tubors or plucking herbs, etc.) etc. etc.) 6. Keeping an eye on the weyrbrats and weyrlings 7 Assisting Candidates or Weyrlings (in a less official fashion, but more just puttering about and being helpful or snitching on trouble) 8. Firestone duty as needed (likely volunteered or if they're in a pinch)
The duties listed above are a bit less strict than what they would expect out of a Candidate. That said, they do like to keep their riders active, fit, and in good health. Additionally, someone might be fully retired but still asked to fly the Queen's Wing or run
It is important to know that dragon riders don't go senile. Things like losing their memory, or suffering from the typical old-age illnesses on Earth is NOT normal in Pern, especially among dragon riders. While it's certainly reasonable that an older rider might have a poorer memory, or perhaps forgets things a little bit-- you should not and will not be allowed to write your character as truly losing his or her mind or being any less capable than other Weyrfolk.
They still can jump Between, they still can ferry people. Look at C'gan and blue Tagath in Dragonflight--he lamented about being to old to fight Thread in Dragonflight but he was able to ferry Firestone, help assemble weyrlings as a Weyrlingmaster, and still hopped around Pern with his dragon. He also was still very much in his mind.
Leri of gold Holth in Moreta. She was older and long-since retired, but even Holth was capable of taking Moreta around to administer the vaccine. Leri herself was still quite sound of mind, even if she sipped on Felis in her wine, and generally was looked to for advice.
The older generations in both Western Weyr and High Reaches Weyr are honored and aren't looked upon as burdens. They will be cared for as any rider might be.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER!?
Because we need to fill up some older ranks!
This is a thread where you can win 1 to 2 dragons! Yeah, you heard me right! Up to two!
Old Golds or Old Whites
If you want an Old Biddey Gold or Old Biddy White then you need to do two things in THIS thread:
1. Randomize a number 90-120. This is not optional. Whatever number you get is how old your Golden (or White) oldie gets to be! Congratulations! This is non-negotiable, you don't get to re-roll if you don't like the number, and you don't get to delete your post. Those who do will get their gold/white denied.
2. Go to the character approvals thread and copy/paste the new character form, edit it in your age-roll, and fill out the entire application form in this thread. That's right. Go find that character sheet and fill it out! You can only choose one--either an ancient gold or an ancient white--that has been hanging around the Thread.
The profile must be filled out in its entirety to qualify! Once you're given the gold or white, you can then move that profile to the official QC thread to go through the proper channels!
If you choose a gold, they will likely NOT be eligible for future Flights or clutches. Sorry, but their time in the sun has long-since-passed. We can and will add them to our old clutch rotation but chances are, at this age, they've long since quit rising. I put "likely" because there is a slim chance maybe, maybe, maybe we'll surprise a very active old gold with a last hurrah, but I wouldn't count on it.
We would prefer these go to High Reaches Weyr, Western Weyr, or (if you're feeling brave) Whitecliff Weyrhold! Most Hold's and Hall's just don't have room for aging dragons, or an ability to care for them (limited, if not non-existent dragonhealers, etc.). The Weyr's or a Weyrhold is usually always the best place for a dragon to live, especially with the return of Threadfall!
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
Whether you enter for a gold or white or not, you can also enter for a random older-rider green through bronze!
In a separate post do the following:
1. Randomize a number 70 to 120 and voila, you now have the age of your brand new rider!
2. In this post, all you need to do is edit in the following:
[b]Rider Name:[/b] [b]Rider Age:[/b] Hint. This should match the number you just rolled! [b]Dragon Name:[/b] [b]Dragon Color:[/b]
Badda-bing, badda-boom.
Done.
Then wait for dragons to appear.
Again, we would prefer if you plan to RP these guys that you keep them in one of the two Weyrs. Why? Because we would like to fill up some of the older faces at the Weyrs. Older players are just as fun and still functional and can still have vibrant lives even if they're a little more wrinkled.
So come build up some silvering characters here at Echoes of Pern!
Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 9:55 pm
Reserved
Uta Captain
Shy Mage
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Uta Captain
Shy Mage
Offline
Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 9:56 pm
Reserves one more just in case
Prism Shine generated a random number between
90 and 120 ...
109!
Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 10:10 pm
HMMMM....
Prism Shine
Fanatical Egg
Offline
demon_pachabel generated a random number between
70 and 120 ...
96!
Hattaki generated a random number between
90 and 120 ...
98!
Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 10:14 pm
Qualified for an Oldbie!
Hattaki
Colored by Uta!
Name: Zeeva Age: 98 Nameday: 3477.6.20 Sex: Female Sexual Orientation: Draws wobbly line Weyr: Western Weyr Rider Rank: Wingrider Previous Rank/Craft: Apprentice Butcher Physical Description: Average of height and wiry from a lifetime in straps on the back of a giant, Zeeva hasn't yet slowed down thanks to her advancing age and certainly doesn't even look the part just yet. While her skin may not be as tight as it once was and feathery lines have appeared at the edges of her eyes and around her quiet smile, she still glows in her advancing age and doesn't shy away from anything overly physical. That was her entire life after all and muscles from such a life are ever present. Bright white has just begun to grow in from the crown of her head and her long hair still retains some of her original black at the ends, making a stark change from the deep umber of her skin.
Expression is often hard for Zeeva to show, given that she tends to be more quiet and reserved around even her friends. Still they'll see her with a smile or with no other expression at all on her face. She's been described before as classy, she tends to wave this away. Personality: Business is business with this woman, there is no fooling around when work should be done. No shirking chores, no slacking off and everything certainly better be done within the time frame that it was set for. If not she'll work double to make up for anyone slacking around her, however her sarcastic barbs will last the rest of the day. Not that she means for them to, but in moments of anger, Zeeva finds herself sliding into the old habit she had even as a young woman. Generally she's extremely professional and would much rather come off as helpful and calm than cruel thanks to her moments of sarcasm. If anyone needs someone to talk to or learn something from she's there, if they need another set of hands, she was there before they even asked, noticing things quite quickly from experience.
It may be her sarcastic tendency that makes her so reserved around others, always more willing to be quiet and calmly at the edge of conversations and discussions than right in the center. Lest she possibly say something in a moment of brief anger she didn't mean, Zeeva remains quiet and in control of herself through being so. Alcohol has been known to loosen her up just a tad, but it takes much and she's no heavy-weight with it. Another thing that may actually loosen the woman up is placing her near any sort of craft that she respects and admires. She enjoys watching Masters and Journeyman work, be it leathercrafting something for Sokinath or someone slicing up meat for a meal that knows what they're doing, Zeeva enjoys watching them, enough her heart will flutter just a bit as she does so. While she tries to play this down, sometimes those around her notice her admiration. It's at these times that she can also zone out and forget that things are happening around her, or things that need to be done, much to her dragon's amusement, so she tries her hardest to cut down on them lest she be reprimanded for slacking herself!
Despite her admiration of crafts she doesn't go and find herself the best made things by the most skilled masters. Rather Zeeva tends to be entirely practical in her day to day life and will make do with what works as well as following through with things in the most understandable and reasonable way they can be done. If a dragon needs new straps you buy the ones most available, if there's a mess, you clean it up immediately. It's the results that matter and while she can be meticulous if the situation calls for it, she looks for more realistic approaches to just about everything. Positive Trait List Professional, Practical, Structured Negative Trait List Sarcastic, Reserved, Closet Craft Fan-girl History: Born to a pair of parents who bred runners in Keroon, Zeeva was a quiet and hard working girl, always ready to do what was asked of her and prone to working more than she would play even from a young age. She cared and watched after the runners as if they were siblings as well, as she had quite a few older and younger than here on both sides. It was her time working in such conditions with her family that taught her the meaning of being practical and operating within the bounds of structure and time limits to the best of her abilities. She flourished.
Around her tenth turn she chose butchery as a craft, rather entranced with how well the Master Butcher in their Hold could handle great sides of herdbeast meat and quickly turn them into meat that she had grown up recognizing her whole life. Though she was small and some of the things she would need to handle were incredibly large, Zeeva's determination to learn kept others both larger and stronger on their toes. Her skill wasn't the absolute best of them all, but she at least was praised for being quite good at it, so her turns passed by smoothly with only one thing that ever interrupted her structure.
A dragon.
Great brown beast that he was with a lady rider leaned up on his leg, Zeeva met the pair when she was taking a morning run before dawn and the watchrider pair, freshly relieved, offered her an opportunity. After approaching the offer with every bit of her almost stubborn practicality, the young woman ran straight home with the news for her family and packed her bags with a few needed things before flying to her future, she hoped, astride a dragon. That first flight taught her that she would need to certainly train for it if she ever did impress, as she nearly threw up everything in her stomach upon arrival above Western Weyr from Between. But still, she was excited and determined to see what she could do.
For two turns she once again flourished, even more so with the naturally structured environment of a Weyr and though it took three turns for her to meet her dragon, Sokinath slid into her life one hot summer day, hatched from a miniscule egg that had been covered in sand, the gold had actually clawed her way to the top and sputtered in indignation. It was warm while in the shell but just terrible once freed. Zeevamine is this what the future holds? Always sand? As the gold hadn't even been looking at her when she'd spoken to her, Zeeva had naturally been thunderstruck once she realized and could only walk out to the little one and tell her it wouldn't all be bad.
Sokinath didn't stay small for long, growing quickly and she swore sometimes right in front of her eyes, the gold was hard to keep oiled the larger she got but the brighter she shone when she was. With her training as a butcher before, overcoming the gold's picky appetite was a breeze at least, for she always knew what cuts her dragon would want. It was a blessing, at least, once the great gold finally finished her growing, a giant among her clutchmates that had taken many hours to oil and feed. Unlike some of the others that took off after their training was complete, Zeeva loved the Weyr and would only leave to visit her family or when another gold was about to rise, something she quickly learned when Sokinath all but snatched her the first time. During these times they would line up to visit her family in Keroon and take great joy in seeing the Hold once more.
Still, though she was nostalgic for the past she'd grown up with, turns and turns passed for her as a wingrider, clutches and clutches for Sokinath. Some good, some tragic, as was always possible. Unlike some others Zeeva never truly took a partner in all the turns, not because she didn't want to but because none of them ever truly made her heart flutter. She did give three children to the creche after Sokinath's flights, but while she would see them and they would exchange happiness in meeting, she was never motherly as they needed when they were small and thought it best.
It was very late in her life that Thread returned to Pern, well past 90 she didn't hesitate to fly and face it and even as she creeps toward a full century she shows no signs of slowing down. Yet. Other: Her three children are NPCs, all grown.
DRAGON Name: Sokinath Age: 80 Color: Gold Size: 51' Physical Description: A giant. Between her length and height she measures up with some of the largest golds on Pern, but her body is almost emaciated looking at times. It takes a real effort to keep any sort of weight on her and with age it's become even harder. Sokinath's wings are just slightly shorter than it would seem necessary to lift her great self from the ground, but she balances with a long neck and whip-like tail. Personality: It's a very good thing that Zeeva loves structure and working so much, for Sokinath isn't at all interested in it. Her idea of a good time is to lay and talk with other dragons, sometimes gossip sometimes just daily life. But working has never factored into her desires at all. As a younger dragon she certainly would leap up when needed but as she's grown older she doesn't see the need so much.
Vain despite her rider's best attempts to teach her otherwise, the gold would rather not clutch at all if she didn't have a biological need because she loathes sand. In fact she loathes anything she doesn't find to be the best in life and will fuss to Zeeva if she doesn't get her way. Though with age came wisdom she didn't gain any real grace in that respect, but has learned not to voice her opinions or over the top demands quite as much now that Thread has returned.
Though she's not the motherly type once her children are off the sands, that cursed sand, Sokinath is almost viciously protective while they are. Either in the egg or hatched and unbonded it doesn't matter, the gold has been known to swipe and snap when necessary to keep her children safe. In fact she so rarely over the turns has even allowed the father onto the sands considering his job to have been long over by that point, since catching was all she needed. She is enough mother to protect her kids, thank you. Dragon Art or Proof of Obtainment:
Hattaki Crew
Lonely Phantom
Offline
demon_pachabel generated a random number between
90 and 120 ...
109!
magnadearel generated a random number between
90 and 120 ...
117!
magnadearel
Offline
Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 10:25 pm
Qualified for an Oldbie!
magnadearel
A white by Pach!
Name: N’nox Age: 117 Nameday: 3458.08.16 Sex: Male Sexual Orientation: Straight Weyr: Whitecliff Weyrhold Rider Rank: Retired Previous Rank/Craft: If applicable. Physical Description: Time has not been gentle to N’nox, or perhaps it’s all those bubbly pies? He carries quite a bit of extra weight. Some might wonder how his tiny white manages to get airborne. While he might be overweight, his build is somewhat narrow and he is also tall standing 6’7”. N’nox has mid-length, very wavy dark brown hair that is barely contained by his riding cap. His skin is a dark olive brown tone. N’nox eyes are a sharp hazel that misses nothing, particularly when he’s looking for sweets.
Personality: N’nox is a sociable man, he always likes to have company. Young or old or in between it doesn’t matter to him. He’s always happy to talk about serious subjects or simply shoot the fat on a lazy day. His door is always open, particularly if you have a problem you need to talk though or just need a friendly ear. He has a knack for saying just the right thing at the right time. All advice he offers freely and willingly; he happily shares his turns of experience with anyone who might want to listen.
This is a man who loves his sweets, and he’ll go to any length to get them. Any length. N’nox is the bane of the kitchens and their staff. Whenever they bake sweets they have to post a guard to try to stop him from snitching as many as he can carry. It’s not always successful. He seems to have an innate nose for whenever sweets are brewing. No matter how kitchen staff try to cover it, N’nox has a super intuition. He knows when sweets are baking.
N’nox is greedy with his sweets. Any sweet he gets his hands on, he’ll gorge himself without hesitation. Many bellyaches have been suffered over the turns when he’s eaten too many sweets. He hates having to wait, like for dinner when the sweets are served. N’nox is also highly suspicious when he does have sweets. He’s not the type to share. His sweets are for him and him alone. Don’t ask him to share because he’ll become uncooperative.
Positive Trait List Articulate, Sociable, Intuitive Negative Trait List Thievish, Uncooperative, Suspicious
History: N’nox was born at High Reaches Weyr to several cavern workers. He spent most of his young life in the crèche. He roamed the weyr with his friends. As a young boy he got into a fair share of trouble. He loved peeking at the gold’s clutches and flitching sweets from the kitchen. Particularly the latter, N’nox was often assigned extra chores for the extra goodies.
He started standing when he came of age but wasn’t sure he’d really impress. It was fun at first, the lessons, but mainly getting to touch the eggs. He still took his chances to peek at the eggs when they were laid, and got into other shenanigans with his friends.
It wasn’t until he was 20 that he found a voice on the sands calling to him. A little white that had her shell broken open by her siblings had come to his side. She was very slim and almost seemed malnourished. It was love at first sight. N’nox picked up his tiny white and carried her from the sands. He knew life for them at High Reaches Weyr would be anything but easy.
Despite his best efforts and stuffing her maw every couple of hours, Serineith never looked anything except scrawny. The white grew at her own pace. In time she’d reached her full length. N’nox went through training and learned everything he could. Eventually he felt stifled by the attitudes of those residing at High Reaches Weyr.
N’nox and Serineith took their leave of the weyr 6 turns after she’d hatched. At first they enjoyed their freedom and flitted from place to place as their fancy took them. They visited the mountains and the plains, the oceans and the jungles. No place felt like home until they stopped at one weyrhold. Whitecliff Weyrhold.
They settled down. Even though they’d left High Reaches Weyr, N’nox kept in touch with one of his old friends. He had gotten a green firelizard during his travels and often sent her back to his friend with letters.
Over the turns, N’nox sired 5 children. His oldest is the only girl of the bunch, the rest are boys with the last two being twins. His daughter and the twins have different mothers, while the two oldest boys share the same mother. He kept in touch with them as much as he could around his duties but let them live their own lives.
N’nox and Serineith served their duty to their weyrhold. They took their turn doing sweeps and watchrider. It made it much easier to do their job appreciated instead of scorned. They lived their lives to the fullest. It was a shock when thread eventually returned. Now in their old age, they mainly run firestone during threadfall.
Other: Has a green firelizard (SaliaxArt#7).
DRAGON Name: Serineith Age: 97 Color: White Size: 16’ Physical Description: Serineith is almost the opposite of her rider. This dragon comes off as super thin, long legs and long body. Someone who may not know her well might think she’s too thin and her ribs are showing.
Personality: Unlike her rider, Serineith is a solo dragon. She doesn’t much like excessive company or unnecessary chatter. Most dragons that try to buddy up to her will be given a cold shoulder. N’nox makes sure she isn’t too cold to everyone.
She also shares her rider’s tendency towards thievery of food. Mainly when the bigger dragons are eating she’ll slip in to snatch a bit of the best bits right under their noses. Nor does she like to share her stuff; her food, her favorite sleeping spot. You’d better not come near. Serineith isn’t afraid to use her claws on her fellow dragons.
Dragon Art or Proof of Obtainment: *grabby hands* <3 Thank you guys so much!
MxMischief generated a random number between
90 and 120 ...
108!
Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 10:30 pm
Name: Dayiani Age: 108 Nameday: YYYY.MM.DD i.e. 3560.03.18 [Please note that Pern has 13 months and each month has 28 days.] Sex: Sexual Orientation: Weyr: High Reaches Weyr, Western Weyr, or Other Rider Rank: Previous Rank/Craft: If applicable. Physical Description: Personality: Positive Trait List [At least 3. Just spell out what they are and it should follow your written personality i.e. cheerful, loyal, confident] Negative Trait List [At least 3. Just spell out what they are and it should follow your written personality i.e. insecure, selfish, anxious] History: Other: Anything else you want to add?
DRAGON Name: Atiyath Age: Color: White Size: Please select actual length appropriate to their color and our size chart. Physical Description: Personality: Dragon Art or Proof of Obtainment: This could be the cert, the thumbnail uncert, or proof on where you transferred them, or won them, etc.
MxMischief
Beloved Nymph
Offline
magnadearel generated a random number between
70 and 120 ...
107!
Uta generated a random number between
90 and 120 ...
92!
Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 10:34 pm
Qualified for an Oldbie!
Uta
A gold from Meepfur
Name: Nisina Age: 92 Nameday: 3483.03.02 Sex: Female Sexual Orientation: Pansexual Weyr: Western Weyr Rider Rank: Retired Wingrider Previous Rank/Craft: Journeyman Courtesan Physical Description: As a younger woman, Nisina was nothing but grace and elegance. She stood about 5'9" and had the figure of a dancer; a trim waist, small chest, but strong legs, long arms, and a long neck. She always was a pretty woman, with eyes so dark purple they look black, long, dark-brown hair, and soft brown skin. These days she still keeps a trim (but slightly softer) figure, and while she keeps herself in shape as many riders do, she sports a few more wrinkles, and her hair has turned more salt-and-pepper grey. Still, her eyes and lips have laugh-lines, and the spark and warmth she possessed during her youth haven't left her, even with age. There's a new sadness in her eyes, one that she tries to hide. Pern has lost much with Thread's return, and the grief she might possess over the loss of children, grand-children, friends, and wingmates has taken its toll. She moves slower than she used to, though she still loves to dance; and while she might be slowing down compared to her younger Turns, Nisina certainly isn't stopping anytime soon.
Personality: One of the first things someone might notice about Nisina is how often she's smiling or laughing. The woman has found that laughter truly is the world's best medicine, and much prefers to bring light-heartedness wherever she goes. The world (especially lately) is far too serious; while there is great pain out there, great tragedy, great loss, Nisina was a trained entertainer in the Courtesan Hall, and allowing others to escape the harsh-reality of life was her job. Even as a goldrider at Western Weyr, the woman didn't take herself as seriously as some, and much preferred to set others at ease with a smile or good-humored fun. Life was too short, after all--even when Thread was thought to be gone from Pern.
Her warmth always made it easy for Nisina to find friends. At both the Courtesan Hall and the Weyr, the woman had not problem reaching out to others, and bringing them into her circle. The more distant or gruff they seemed, the more determined the woman would come to be friendly. As she understood, you killed more trundlebugs with honey than with vinegar; her craft training also encouraged being warm, open, and friendly to attract more clients. Just because such a trait helped her as a crafter, didn't mean she was any less genuine.
That said, having never lacked friends or a broad-social circle, Nisina delighted, and still delights, being the center of attention. She can't help but enjoy being in the limelight, and especially enjoys the fussing that some Holds and Halls give her when Hezuithoth is near. While she doesn't think herself better than others, she certainly doesn't complain about too much attention; now that she's older, she appreciates it all the more when she does get it--what can she say? She still likes to know that she's "still got it"... an we all know what "it" might be!
The woman is a bit of a vain creature. While a little vanity never hurts, Nisina spent much of her Turns in the Courtesan Hall, and the competition within those walls is legendary. Even to this day, Nisina tends to fuss over her appearance, and quietly (or sometimes not-so-quietly to her children or lover) bemoan some flaw in her appearance. She has a healthy self-love, particularly for her appearance; in fact, she can be a bit ostentatious, never liking to go out looking anything but her best--always wanting to primp and preen before making some display. She can't help but show off a little no matter where she goes--something that she does to this day.
Good-humored and friendly, Nisina can be a bit too indulgent--both to herself and others. She's never been great at handling her marks because she has a tendency to spend what she makes investing in things for herself, her lover, her children, friends, and family. She has a terrible sweet-tooth, and doesn't seem to know when to say no. This can and has gotten her into trouble in the past; while age, wisdom, and maturity have meant that she eventually learned to say no in some circumstances--in others, it's easy to run Nisina over. She indulged her children, spoiling them almost to the point of detriment; she indulged her own fancies and vanity, spending much of her marks on things she probably didn't need; Hezuithoth is often indulged, which has meant in some cases it's actually affected their bond or cause trouble (especially when it came to keeping her from gorging instead of blooding). While Nisina is a good wingrider, and a good dragonrider, she is not a woman without flaws, and she has a tendency to turn the other cheek in cases where she might be better off standing firm.
Positive Trait List Genuine, Good-Humored, Friendly Negative Trait List Indulgent, Ostentatious, Vain History: Nisina was born and raised on a small island cothold under Black Sands Hold. The island was small, and quite a ways away from the much larger Black Sands. It was home to a small handful of islanders who were known to live off the land. Fishing, some farming, and hunting were what it was known for, and it often sent much of its goods north to Black Sands Hold and beyond. She was the middle child of nine and had a relatively happy and quiet childhood. Though she was accustomed to fighting for the attention of her parents, she wasn't neglected, and often remembers and enjoys spending time on the beach, listening to the waves lap at the shore while gazing at the stars, or soaking up the hot sun. Though she enjoyed the water, and knew how to do some fishing, the craft never called to her; instead, she grew up dreaming of becoming a Harper.
She sang and danced and even took up some lessons under the old Journeyman who had been stationed to teach; while she had some skill, the Harper didn't encourage her to join the Harper Hall. Instead, the woman said her skills would be wasted if she picked up an instrument--she needed to go to the Courtesan Hall instead!
Her family initially objected--they thought they knew well what sort of lifestyle a Courtesan might lead, and didn't wish it upon their daughter. But the Harper continued to push--as well as explain that there was more to the Courtesan Hall than the rumors they believed. Courtesans were respected, and, the Harper reminded her parents, close to the Harper Hall. If Nisina didn't enjoy her lessons in the Craft, the Harper Hall would certainly take her in--but it was clear that while music was in the girl's soul, it was dancing that she loved. It was with great reservation that Nisina's parents eventually relented and at Turn 11 she was sent to the Courtesan Hall.
Unfortunately for her family, Nisina loved her new life. Though she missed the beaches she suddenly found herself learning all sorts of new things. She was a lovely dancer, but she quickly found out that she didn't hold a mark next to some of the more experienced girls and boys. The training was rigorous and extremely competitive. Though the girl had skill, she was not one of the young, precious starlets within the Hall. Her life changed while she was at the Courtesan's Hall, and thought she love to dance, she eventually chose to learn the art of a true entertainer by Turn 18. A little dancing, a little singing, and even some seducing. She had no desire to work in some of the brothels, but instead, had hopes to travel in some of the Courtesan Caravans that traveled Pern and put on entertainments of all sorts -- some nights singing, some nights dancing, some nights telling stories, or reenacting legends from Pern's history, while some nights they would simply talk or spendtime among the people.
At Turn 20 she walked-the-tables, and was indeed assigned in a small entertainer troupe. She traveled much of the Western Continent the next few Turns, took on a few lovers, and even traveled to Ista and Igen before returning to the Western Continent at Turn 24. It was on her way back that something extraordinary happened--she found herself Searched by a blue rider for an upcoming clutch. While she had thought herself far too old, the blue rider insisted she still had a solid six Turns left to Impress.
Torn, Nisina almost turned down the idea--she was happy in her troupe--but her friends told her not to be foolish. She was a Journeyman and if she wished to return to the Hall and to find her way back into a troupe after her Candidacy was up, she would never be turned away. Many Courtesans-turned-Riders returned to their Craft, so she certainly wouldn't be the first.
So it was, she accepted, and stood for Western's Weyr upcoming Hatching. Life at the Weyr was a curiosity for her. It was far less stuffy than many of the Holds she had come from, and quite open-minded. It was easy to make the Weyr feel like home--and though older, found a few fast-friends and lovers during her time at the Weyr. But not every Candidate is meant to be a rider, and hatching after hatching, Nisina found herself left standing. At Turn 30, she had resigned herself to returning to the Weyr when the Candidatemaster allowed her to stand one last time, as a clutch was hardening on the sands.
One final time to touch the eggs, one final time to keep herself open to the idea of a dragon; one final time to walk away alone. Still, Nisina didn't resent what was to come--there was no shame in never finding a dragon, and her time at the Weyr had been a lovely change of pace. She'd made many connections, friends, and lovers, and had stories to tell during her future travels. It was only when Hezuithoth hatched, somewhere right near the beginning, that Nisina's entire life changed--thought it didn't change right away.
While she certainly appreciate the gold dragonet, as every woman on the Sands likely did, she never would have guessed the queen was hers. Instead, the gold took her time moving about the Candidates--male and female alike! The little queen soaked up the attention she was given for much of the rest of the Hatching, periodically helping one of her siblings to find Theirs, or nuzzling and cuddling up to whatever boy or girl caught her fancy. It was only near the end when Hezuithoth finally called out to Nisina, and strode purposefully up to her. Nisina, darling! Wouldn't we make such a lovely pair together, you and I? I know you're bags are packed, but perhaps you might stay awhile with me? Your Hezuithoth has kept you waiting long enough, but I will never keep you waiting again.
As Nisina would come to find out, this wasn't always entirely true. Her golden dragon was known to be quite easily distracted by attention; she preferred to be fashionably late, and always loved making a bit of a scene. Still, the golden dragon was a perfect match for the entertainer. Upon graduation, Nisina had ever intention of continuing her Craft, but she found it difficult to get Hezuithoth to leave for any great length of time. For a few Turns Nisina attempted to rejoin a troupe, certain her gold would be an aid--but Western Weyr was Hezuithoth's home, and the queen refused to leave for longer than necessary. It was during her fourth Turn, when she rose and clutched, that Nisina finally gave in to the battle; she would simply entertain those at the Weyr, and practice her craft as she could.
The Turns passed, and she lived a relatively lovely life. She took many lovers, as Hezuithoth did, and had a few children. But it was only later in life that she found herself earnestly in love. Nisina claims she had unknowingly fallen for the brown rider when they first met--but it was only Turns later that she found a way into his heart and into his life. She fell in love, and with him, found that her wandering hearts felt no desire to continue to wander. She had quite a brood with him, and she found a new calling in entertaining her children with stories, songs, music, and dance.
The Turns passed, her children grew, her love for her weyrmate was unfailing, and life was good. Some of her nieces and nephews were Searched and Impressed; some of her children had children their own, and she became a grandmother, and great-grandmother. Hezuithoth favored her brown mate and through him had many healthy an strong clutches for Western Weyr--thought the gold still enjoyed showing off for the males of the Weyr, even if her flights tended to favor one in particular.
Though life hadn't gone as Nisina had planned, during her older Turns, she found herself happy. She thought to live the rest of her days peacefully in Western Weyr, but Thread turned everything on its head. Instead of peace, the Weyr found itself in chaos--and her friends, her family, and some of her children even, have been maimed, scored, and even killed. Hazuithoth and she do what they can in the Queen's Wing, but she knows her energy isn't what it used to be. Semi-retired, she does what she can to help, but her heart aches for the life her children and grand-children now must face.
Other: Hezuithoth is one of Ducheth's daughters.
DRAGON Name: Hezuithoth Age: 62 Color: Gold Size: 47' Physical Description: Hezuithoth is a large gold, though certainly not the largest in the Weyr, or on Pern. She has shorter limbs, and could almost be described as stocky, especially as she's matured with age. Her wings are broad, and while not the most agile of golds, she certainly has no struggle keeping up her stamina. Still, she has long headknobs, an extra-long tail, and can be surprisingly light of foot. Personality: Hezuithoth is a queen who moves to the beat of her own drum and takes her time about things. She's never much in a rush (Threadfall aside) and doesn't let the haters get her down. She is a queen who loves to show off when she can, and certainly appreciates being the center of attention. Like rider, like dragon, Hezuithoth enjoys nothing more than being in the limelight--something she finds herself getting less and less of as she's aged and matured. Still, she's not a spiteful queen, but she will find ways to get the attention she craves one way or another.
Flirtatious in nature, age hasn't slowed the gold down, and she certainly enjoys the company of the bronzes and browns of the Weyr. Though she has a favored and beloved mate, that doesn't mean she can't admire some of the strapping young bronzes that join the Weyr,; just because she has a beloved brown doesn't mean she can't compliment some of the youth. Her words and behavior are mostly harmless--at this stage of the game, she is more than content with her beloved brown, and makes sure he knows he's always number one in her book. She might talk a big game around some of her older lady golds and greens, but Hezuithoth hasn't allowed herself to be caught by anyone but her beloved for many Turns. There's no fooling the Weyr she's a gold in love--even if she has a tendency to harmlessly flirt with the younger generations.
She's a bit of a lazy lady, and that's only gotten worse during her age. She enjoys sunning herself on the heights, and the warmer the weather, the better. Threadfall will always rouse her to be her best, but you can best expect this lady to do as little-as-possible from the comfort of her weyrledge or the fireheights of Western Weyr. Dragon Art or Proof of Obtainment:
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