The flowers and plants all blooming together excited Keneya. She loved the plants and the way they brought life to her home. After pruning the herbs and collecting those that could be used for healing and painkilling, Keneya sat down with one of her favorite books. This book described how the ancient Egyptians used certain herbs for surgeries and curing illnesses. She was so engrossed in the book that she didn't hear her friend, Erik, walk in.
He tapped Keneya on the shoulder and laughed as she jumped. She looked over the top of the book at him and smiled. He smiled back and pulled the book away from her. Keneya tried grabbing the book back saying, "Erik, come on! I'm trying to read that. I just got to a really interesting part." Erik laughed and pulled the book farther away. He closed it and set it down on the table next to the chair Keneya was sitting in. He then pulled her up into his arms and danced with her around the weyr.
Keneya laughed, enjoying this time with her friend. She rarely saw him anymore, since he had Impressed at a different weyr. They danced around the weyr until Erik came close to knocking down one of the small pots of herbs. Keneya pulled him away, hoping her precious plants weren't damaged. A quick check assured her they were fine and she sat down, dragging Erik down with her. They talked and joked for a little while and caught up on the news. Erik told her about his dragon, Lith, and how he was starting to fly. Keneya laughed at his humorous descriptions.
"So, Keneya, have you become a candidate anywhere?" Erik asked her suddenly. Keneya looked down at her hands, wrapped up in his, and replied, "I've been thinking about going to Fire Ridge Weyr. Erik thought a moment and said, "Well, why haven't you gone yet?" Keneya looked up into his eyes and said, "I've been too scared. I've gotten the weyr ready for the dragon, but I just haven't gone to become a candidate."
Erik stood up carefully and took a quick look around the room. He pronounced the weyr acceptable as Keneya followed him, smiling. When he got to her greenhouse, Erik shook his head. Keneya looked into the room, didn't notice anything wrong, and asked, "What's the matter with it?" Erik swept his hand out to take in the room and said, "A clumsy dragonet could accidentally knock all those pots down." Keneya shook her head quickly in denial and Erik helped her close the room. She put a small board across the door so she could still see inside, but a small dragon couldn't get through.
"Well," Erik said. "I think it's ready." He dusted his hands off and grabbed Keneya's hand. She was excited, knowing she would soon get her dragon. She couldn't wait to see what the dragon would be like. She followed after Erik, breathless with anticipation. She couldn't wait to get to Fire Ridge.
