First Interval
Summer, Turn 240 A.L.
Bitra Hold
A gentle breeze whispered through the tall mountain trees and millions of bright stars danced in the clear night sky. A man and a woman stood among the trees at the edge of a large clearing while a young girl with pale ivory skin, long black curls, and bold green eyes stood in the clearing gazing upward while her parents spoke in hushed tones behind her.
"Are you sure Karrema will be happy at the Weyr, Karr?" the woman asked.
Karr looked at his wife and a small smile crossed his tired features. "Our daughter is special Ema and she belongs at the Weyr." A gold fire lizard glided past and landed on Karrema's shoulder. Karr watched his daughter chatter with the fire lizard and knew he was right. Karrema was barely three Turns of age, but very precocious and for as long as Karr could remember fire lizards and dragons alike seemed drawn to her. This was the reason Karr asked his younger sister, Irene to take Karrema in and raise her.
"If she does belong in a Weyr won't she be chosen on Search? Why can't we wait until then?" Ema wrung her hands nervously.
Karr took Ema's hands in his and looked deep into the depths of her bright blue gaze. "You know why love," he said gently. "Lord Chalkin would never agree to Search. He thinks the dragons of Pern are parasites." He turned his gaze to their daughter. "Besides, Karrema will have Blaze with her."
A large dragon appeared blocking out a large swath of stars and Karrema scampered back to her parents. "Aunt Irene and Maruth," she squealed excitedly, pointing upward. The junior Benden queen landed lightly in the clearing. Karrema ran toward the young queen, who lowered her great head. "Hi Maruth I missed you." Karrema wrapped her arms around the queen's snout. Maruth blew warm breath into Karrema's face, setting the toddler giggling with pleasure.
"Hello Irene," Karr smiled up at his younger sister.
"Hello Karr," Irene nodded in greeting.
"Okay Karrema," Karr bent down and picked up his daughter. "Up you go," he passed her up to Irene.
"Why are you and mommy not coming?" Karrema asked looking confused.
"We need to stay here," Karr said calmly. Karrema shook her head, not understanding.
"Thank you, queen rider." Ema bit back a quiet sob. "We are very grateful." The young couple watched as Maruth launched into the air, climbing higher with each downbeat of her wings. "We love you Karrema!" Ema called, allowing the tears to flow freely down her cheeks now that her daughter couldn't see them. Karr raised his arm and waved as his daughter, sister and Maruth disappeared between. "Do you think we will ever see her again?"
Karr wrapped his arm around Ema's shoulders and gave a comforting squeeze. "Of course we will."