| I took no real account of the dragons. They weren't very amazing too me, although I noticed some of the other candidates are in complete worship of the huge creatures. It's odd refering to myself as a candidate. What would Dov say if he knew? Probably make some remark about my not being worthy, and ask me to come back. I wouldn't though, not for anything. I feel free here, even though I have to listen to what the other riders tell me. For the first time I can experience something of youth. It is kind of hard, being grown up, and treated grown up, and then going back to being sixteen and treated like that. Some of them say I'm too young to try to Impress the queen, but I don't feel to young. It's not like I'll Impress her anyway. If I do Impress, I'll bet you five good Tailor marks it'll be a green crying across the sands for someone less flighty than the other girls. Maybe I shouldn't say that, some of the other girls seem perfectly stable to me, although you can never tell with girls anyway. I heard someone snickering about my name in the hallway, saying "Elfie" was ridiculous. I'm sure they wouldn't think that Elferonna was any better if I told them, so I just didn't say anything. Apperantly "elves" are some kind of creature from the Terra, and my nickname reminds them of these creatures. I don't want to ask about "elves", because I'm afraid they'll think I'm stupid not knowing what they are. Tai told me I wasn't to let on where I was really from, meaning my time, and I should just pretend to be from some outland hold. It's hard though, because the things I know, and the things they know, are very different. I'm sure I already seem stupid too them, beacause they know all manner of things about "cumpewters" and all manner of detailed subjects like that. I'm learning though, and hopefully pretty soon I'll fit in right enough. People are odd in general. They're different here than in my time. I'm sure most of the people from home wouldn't believe time jumping is possible, and I plan to go back if I Impress, and not tell them anything! They'll never need to know I didn't Impress at Sidra in this time. I'm sick of thinking about it though, it's all so complicated. I really like the Weyrwoman, despite her living in the first pass, and I hope she remains Weyrwoman here. She says it's just temporary, her station and all, but I think she's terrific at her job. And her queen is definately one of the most beautiful dragons here....if I took account of such things. |