The day had been exhausting for all the candidates - whether they Impressed or not. Yawns were not so surreptitiously being suppressed by tired contenders, and the chatting that had been lively and animated while they were eating had slowly tapered off. Haneset was practically asleep on R'lan's shoulder, and he looked as if he would be falling off of his seat soon. Clemoly had her face on her hands, her eyes half closed. Barzela's head kept on nodding, and Andijer looked as if he were going to fall backwards off of his bench. Kylie decided that if she wanted to see what was going on outside, she'd better do so now before she fell face first in what was left of her food.

"I'm going outside," she announced to the rest of the group. "I had no idea a Gather was being worked on, and I want to see what there is to see before we get snowed in for the winter. She rose.

Barzela's eyes flew open, then they crinkled in laughter. "You sure you want to go out like that?"

"Like," Kylie looked down, "what. Oh." None of them had thought to change from their candidate robes. Kylie looked around the dining hall and spotted other white-robed people and realized that none of the thirty-something candidates who had not Impressed had bothered to go change. She shrugged.

"Why not? So I didn't Impress. At least I was Searched, and this way," she gave Barzela a crafty grin, "maybe some of the vendors will feel sorry for me. Especially since I don't have a mark in any denomination on me."

"No marks? Kailisu, why didn't you tell me!" Haneset's head flew up off of R'lan's shoulder so fast that Kylie was surprised she didn't get dizzy. Then Haneset put her hand to her head. "Oooh, moved too quick." Kylie chuckled.

"I don't need marks. I'll worry about that if I see anything I like. Besides," she gestured to her formerly pristine white robe, "what vendor is going to try and overcharge a candidate who's been left standing? Who'd charge a candidate who's been left standing? "

"I don't know . . . ," Haneset said slowly.

Barzela was giving Kylie a calculating look. "You'd exploit your failure?"

Before Kylie had a chance to say anything Andijer burst out laughing. "Why not? I like the way you think, gorgeous!" He winked at her, then rose, coming over to her side of the table. "I'll even escort you. I'd like to see how this goes."

"Gorgeous?" Kylie looked at him, raising one brow.

"Yes, gorgeous," he said in a deeper voice, staring intently into her eyes. She caught her breath, her eyes widening. The two had gotten along quite well since she'd arrived at Telgar Weyr, but this was the first time he acted anything other than a clown. And when had he gotten taller? And filled out more? And . . . she realized that the others were staring at her, Barzela and Clemoly with knowing grins on their faces. Fine, he got taller and bulkier and better looking while she was getting rid of all that fat she'd arrived with. They had all changed.

Mentally she shook herself, understanding that he was waiting for her. "Well then, handsome," she answered coquettishly and hoping she wasn't sounding foolish, "let's go!" She took his arm and they both walked towards the doors going outside. She glanced back and saw Haneset, Clemoly and Barzela watching her with grins on their faces. Haneset winked. Kylie rolled her eyes and faced forward once again, almost tripping on another candidate who was sprawled out at his table, half asleep.

"Watch," Andijer said quietly, drawing her closer. "I wouldn't want you falling on that pretty face of yours." By now they'd almost reached the door but a movement caught Kylie's peripheral vision, compelling her to look in that direction. She stopped, her insides going cold. Mareena was sitting at a table happily chatting with the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader as if she'd been friends with them all her life. Several of the other new weyrlings were sitting at that same table, but Mareena was the center of attention and seemingly enjoying every bit of it. For a moment their eyes met, then Mareena's moved on as if Kylie's presence were immaterial to her own victory.

That should have been me, Kylie thought jealously, trying to shake off the feeling of failure Mareena's look had given her. I am every bit as worthy of a queen as she is. More so.

Let it go. There will be more Hatchings. Orovith's rider didn't even see you. Breylith's assurance made Kylie blush in shame at her ungenerous thought. Obviously Orovith saw something in Mareena. Didn't she? Breylith was silent to this unvoiced query.

"Never mind her," Andijer whispered to Kylie. "She'll be too busy to torment you, with her duties as a gold weyrling." Kylie turned hurt eyes to her fellow candidate. "Truth hurts, Kailisu. You can't dwell on what could have been, only on what can be. No one ever accomplished anything focusing on the past."

Kylie nodded, realizing Andijer was right. The only way that focusing on the past was helpful was using it to prevent the same mistakes. Taking a deep breath, Kylie straightened her shoulders, smiling weakly at Andijer. "Then let's go enjoy the Gather," she said, stepping out into the late-afternoon sunlight.

* * * * * * * *

She stopped in wonder almost immediately after leaving the Dining Hall, but Andijer quickly dragged her to one side so others could leave without tripping over her. "Whoa," she exhaled. "How . . . whoa." Even coming back from the Sands she hadn't noticed the full extent of the activities going on in the Weyr bowl. She'd been dejected, sure, but how had she missed all this?

Chuckling, Andijer tugged on Kylie's arm to begin leading her around to the various stands. "The Trading caravans knew Breylith's Hatching was imminent, so the ones which would be heading north for Turn's End began coming up here early. The rest of the Weyrs already had their Fourth Pass Hatching Gather - ours was the last, you know." He looked at her to see if she understood or remembered her teachings.

Kylie nodded - she'd picked up most of this during the classes she was required to take as a new candidate. Yet the theory was nothing compared to the reality. Even her reading of the book Dragonsinger didn't prepare her for the activity which was prevalent in the Weyr bowl.

"I'm not sure where to start," she admitted to Andijer as she took in the Gather. The smells of Pernese junk food wafted under her nose and she was suddenly homesick for the Lucas County Fair in Maumee, Ohio. She hadn't missed a Fair since she was born, and now - now she was in a strange country, with strange animals and strange foodstuffs. This Fair . . . or Gather, as it were . . . might be strange also, but at least it was a lesser strange than most. An opportunity for people to get together in one setting, eat food that was dubiously good for you and spend your money on nonsensical items. She wondered if there were games of chance, or even types of rides for the children. Were there even children? To answer that question a gaggle of youngsters ran across their path, laughing and shrieking in joy. So there were children.

Unaware of the turmoil going on through Kylie's mind Andijer pulled her to the right. "We just ate, so let's go to some of the sellers first. There'll be jewellery, leathercraft, woodcraft, and even stands selling luck! Have you ever been to a Gather?" He looked at her questioningly. To anyone else in the Weyr that may have been an odd question, but since Kylie's background was so riddled in mystery, Andijer probably wouldn't know if they had Gathers where she grew up or not.

"Yes, though I'm interested to see where this Gather differs from the ones I've been to," Kylie answered, her eyes already upon the first stall they would be coming to. It was one that sold lady's finery - scarves, head coverings, handkerchiefs and cloth purses. This surprised Kylie - she hadn't seen any type of bag upon a woman's body since her arrival, then she chuckled softly to herself. The Weyr was a small community, where everyone took care of each other. In a place like this, what use was there in an item meant to carry spare change? Besides, most workers' clothing came with sufficient pockets to carry small needed items, such as handkerchiefs and the ever-present vial of numbweed. These purses were only for show, and most likely only for the very wealthy.

The same went for the scarves and handkerchiefs. These were too ornate for every-day use, especially with the pretty dragons and fire-lizards embroidered upon them. Kylie nodded to herself, understanding even more about this enigmatic place. This stand was not for the day-to-day wares which would be sold at any market square. Gather stalls were for the fripperies, items which were more a luxury than a need. But, these items held no interest for her. Yes, those gaily colored scarves were pretty, but she had never worn a scarf when she was at home, let alone now. Maybe when she was older. She shrugged. "Pretty, but not for me," she said to Andijer, who's possessive hand had left her arm as he did his own browsing. The stall vendor looked down his nose at them, then turned to a couple who seemed more interested than they did. He did keep one eye on them, though, as if they would steal one of his precious scarves.

As if, Kylie thought as she and Andijer moved on to the next stall - one that sold leatherworks. If I were going to steal something, it wouldn't be the likes of that. Now, the Leathercraft stall was more up her alley. Leather mugs with exquisitely carved dragons, runnerbeasts and even the hold and Weyr badges. She wondered what it would be like to drink out of a mug made from leather and shuddered. It couldn't be that tasty . . . or maybe it would be too tasty! Give her metal or pottery any day! But as a decoration, now that would work. The belts were gorgeous, too, and handsomely made, but the dark brown leather vest! That was something she would have to have one day. As if in a trance, she moved towards it, hanging in a spot of prominence at the stand. It was a dark coffee-brown, almost black, with metallic-colored thread embroidered throughout the front and back. While the style was a plain open-breasted pattern, the embroidery made the vest special. Though Thread hadn't fallen for the past two hundred or so Turns, the scene was of a Threadfall. Bronze, brown, blue and green dragons spouted flame at clumps of writhing thread, the dragons embroidered so intricately you could almost see them moving. Whatever was used for the Thread had a slight shimmer to it, adding to the illusion of movement.

Kylie sighed over the vest, then reluctantly turned away. There was no way she could pity her way into this piece of finery, though now she had something to work towards. Andijer was still looking at the mugs.

"Why would you want one of those?" Kylie asked, puzzled. "I mean, you can't use them to drink out of. It's not like they would hold wine or water, let alone something like klah.

The Journeyman behind the counter chuckled at Kylie's question. When she looked at him as if he were making fun of her, he shook his head. "There are still people who ask that, miss, and my family has been manufacturing these mugs since the Second Pass. Here," and he picked up a leathern tankard which hadn't been used yet. "Pour anything in here - anything, and try it."

Hesitantly Kylie took the tankard while Andijer looked on, grinning. She looked around, but the only thing to drink was a wine seller conveniently situated close by. A crowd was gathering, people muttering about what was going on. Embarrassed, Kylie put the tankard back on the shelf of the stall, backing away. "I, uh, I'm sorry," she said, turning to leave but her way was blocked by a large, burly man. In her state, he looked truly intimidating, so she backed away from him, breath quickening in fear.

"Now, lass, don't you worry about a thing," the burly man said as he pulled out a wine flask and poured the tankard full. "Notice, the wine does not leak out. Try a bit - go ahead now, try it." He was big, but his mannerisms were non-threatening. Kylie took the tankard and sipped. Surprisingly, the wine tasted good. She handed the tankard to Andijer, who also took a sip and nodded. The large man patted Kylie on the back in what was supposed to be a friendly manner, almost knocking her to the ground.

"Let's thank these kids for demonstrating our wares," the man said loudly to the crowd, and Kylie realized that he was another Leathercraft worker. The Journeyman behind the counter winked at her, then handed Andijer a mug. "For two young 'uns who didn't get their dragon today - their very own dragon!" the burly man then bellowed, and the crowd cheered. He leaned down to whisper to the two. "Go on now - we're going to be busy. And when you do Impress next time, remember Gorlin and Fenrod of the Leathercraft!"

Kylie and Andijer hurried away, Kylie still bemused with what happened. Andijer grinned the whole while, and when they were a fair distance away from the stall, Andijer turned and pointed for Kylie's benefit. "Look. They're doing more business now than they probably had all day. Sometimes, losing means winning." Kylie nodded, not trusting herself to say anything yet. She held her tankard up and saw it was dark brown with a gold dragon painstakingly carved in the leather. A glance at Andijer's returned a tan tankard with a bronze dragon carved on it. Eyes wide, she followed Andijer to the next stall, where they took one look and kept going. Herbal products didn't interest either of them.

They continued to move from stall to stall, browsing in earnest. While they didn't score any freebies of the same caliber which the Leathercraft stall gave them, they did end up with a few goodies without needing to spend any marks. Andijer told her it was good for business, and Kylie had to agree. No matter what they left with, the people around the stalls seemed to buy more after they left.

* * * * * * * *

Several hours later, when the sun had spent its last rays upon the festive crowd, Kylie and Andijer tiredly headed back to the candidate quarters. Even though there had been earlier overtones of romance between the two young candidates, by the time they returned to their quarters they were both too tired to even think about a possible assignation. They hugged, then stumbled off to bed.

Maybe tomorrow, Kylie Sue thought as she drifted off into slumber.