Not Again
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Sia, Suspreena
Date Posted: 23rd September 2026
Characters: M'thos, Lorest
Description: Failure to Impress, again
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 7, day 1 of Turn 13
The newly Impressed were led off. Again, Lorest was left with egg shards, and dashed hopes. She’d been standing for most of the 6 Turns she’d been permitted to. She’d been a Senior Apprentice longer than she liked and would never advance without a dragon. She wanted and needed a dragon, and not just to move on as a Dragonhealer. There was a hole in her that waited to be filled. The dragons needed her. There weren’t enough dragonhealers as it was. There weren’t enough riders as it was.
She turned and left with the rest of those left standing. Once released, she disappeared to her small sleeping area close to the dragonhealer's area. She took the long way there, wanting to avoid everyone. She didn’t want to be caught with tears in her eyes. She closed her door and automatically put her Impression robe back into her foot locker.
She lay on the bed and let the tears flow. Maybe she should give up and go to the regular healers. They were needed as well. But maybe she should leave Dragon Fall. But where? Another Weyr and hope for luck there? To Healer Hall? At 18 Turns, would they even take her?
What was wrong with her that no dragon wanted her? They wanted visitors enough. Maybe she was just broken. Maybe things that she thought she felt from time to time were a sign of an invisible injury that revolted a dragon. Maybe that was why she had trouble getting close to people, she was damaged and wrong in the head.
She cried herself into a restless sleep. Maybe in the morning it would be different. But it wasn’t.
****
Fianwyth's gentle mental 'brush' against his mind alerted M'thos to the sound of footsteps slowing just beyond his office door. "Come on in." He called. He started to clear his desk and shuffle his papers to the side. "What can I do for you, Lorest?"
It was clear she hadn’t slept well at all, and there were other things just a bit off to someone who’d known her for several Turns.
“I’m not suitable to be a Candidate, sir.”
M'thos' eyebrows raised. He gestured to the chair opposite his desk and leaned back in his own, interlocking his fingers and setting them at the edge of the table. "And why do you think that, miss?"
“I’m ... broken, sir.” She sat, a bit stiffly. “I tend to feel things from others. Pain, aches, feelings. It’s not a Healer thing. It’s a me thing. No one else seems to have this.” Her eyes began to fill with tears. “I’m damaged. That’s why no hatchling has given me a second look, but will take from the stands. It’s taken me six Turns to realize this.”
"There's lots of folks with empathy, Lorest." M'thos said gently. "It's not a failing to know how someone is feeling. It is if it's impacting your daily life, though. It's entirely up to you if you want to take a break from Standing, but might I also recommend that you see a mindhealer? They could help you recognize when you need a break."
Lorest looked surprised. “I never knew there were others. Maybe I should talk with Mindhealers. I thought I was the problem since so many others have been chosen and I’m always left standing.” She still looked rough, but there was hope in her eyes again. “If I may be excused?”
"Of course, dear. I can make a recommendation to the healers for you, if you like. I know a few of them." M'thos said, "And if it makes you feel any better, I was nearly twenty-two when Fianwyth chose me. There are lots of people who wait a while before they Impress. It's not a failing on you. It'll happen when it happens."
Last updated on the October 28th 2026