R'dian
R'dian sat among Candidates, now riders, he had gotten to know over the month of his candidacy. He could feel his link to Kaieth even as the cream dragon slumbered. It was the only thing that kept him from going crazy as he ate with a smile plastered on his face listening to harpers sing the Duty Song. He ought to have been up there. Their voices pulled at something deep inside of him.

"You all right, R'dian?" Ch'gen, a young man around his age who had Impressed at the clutch before Phaysath's, asked, concern in his voice. Most of the people of Falas knew of R'dian's tragedy, they seemed to know everything, and Ch'gen was no exception.

R'dian smiled his fake smile. "Of course," he replied. His voice was still a bit rough, even so long after the storm. And it would never be the same as those harpers' on stage. "This is the happiest night of my life."

Ch'gen grinned and seemed to accept that answer. "I remember Impressing Krishanuth. He was the only thing that kept me from getting roaring drunk out of happiness that night."

"I know what you mean," R'dian answered, his smile true this time. "I miss singing, but I guess when I lost my voice I gained Kaieth, and my voice is nothing compared to him."

R'dian left as soon as ettiquite permitted him to, feeling the sounds of singing and people feasting to the security of the Weyrling Barracks and Kaieth. The little dragon was curled up on his couch when R'dian entered but awoke quickly.

You're back early, he observed, gazing up adoringly at his rider. The singing makes you sad.

R'dian smiled and scratched Kaieth's eyeridge's affectionately. Not as much as being away from you does, he assured him. You're much more important to me than being able to sing.

I am keeping you from singing? Kaieth asked, sounding worried. I do not want to keep you from singing if it makes you so sad.

R'dian chuckled. It's not your fault in the least, he told the dragon. I lost my singing voice long before you were an egg.

Kaieth hummed happily. Alright then. Y'know, I think you could sing if you tried. Maybe not as good as before, but you should try. It makes you so happy to sing.

Not for the first time that day, R'dian marveled at how well Kaieth knew him though he'd only really known him for less than a day. I don't think I could, R'dian admitted. Perhaps some day I'll try, but not now.

It would make me so happy if you tried, Kaieth persisted. Just a song for me? To help me go to sleep?

R'dian gazed at the dragon for a long time before he sat back on his bed, leaned against the wall, and started to sing. The voice that came out was a much scratchier, breathier voice, and he could not sing the range he had once been able to, but it was there. I can sing! he exclaimed in his mind.

Of course you can.