Dragon Impression
This is the tradition of Impression of the dragon hatchlings of a Weyr. It is a ritualized event that occurs after the Gold Dragon Queen has laid a clutch of eggs. It is governed by strict rules and customs, all designed to secure the next generation of riders.
1. Preparation of the Hatching Ground
- Location: this tradition always takes place on the Hatching Sands--a large, warm, sheltered area inside the Weyr.
- Candidates: the Weyr gathers the Candidates--youths (male and female, though only females can Impress a Gold Queen) aged roughly 15-20, selected based on lineage, intelligence, and psychological stability. They are stripped of all rank, social distinctions, and clothing to face the hatchling as they were born--purely themselves (in simple white robes).
- Wait: the Candidates stand bare on the hot Sands, often for hours or even days, as the eggs tremble and crack. The atmosphere is tense, silent, and electric with anticipation.
- Hatching: the eggs begin to split open. The newborns are wet and clumsy, stagger onto the sands, their senses are overwhelmed, and they are confused. They begin to search frantically for their partner.
- Telepathic Search: their telepathic mind is pure, potent, and seeking a perfect match. It scans the minds of the congregated Candidates for the single mind that completes it--the partner with the right balance of Intelligence, courage, and stability to share the immense responsibilities of a Dragon.
- Bond: Once the Dragon finds its match, the Impression occurs. The Dragon shouts its name--a unique sound and concept--directly into the Rider's mind.
- The Rider's Experience: the human mind is instantly filled with the Dragon's being, receiving a complete download of its identity, its needs, and its immense love. It is a moment of total immersion, where two souls become completely linked.
- Physical Act: the hatchling immediately staggers to its chosen Rider, usually nudging them and beginning the physical bond--often referred to as touching the heel--to cement the connection.
- Result: the newling Impressed Rider is overwhelmed, often collapsing or crying, their life changed forever. Their physical reaction is the first sign to the Weyrfolk that a bond has been secured.
- The Lifelong Link: this bond is permanent. The Dragon and Rider share thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations for life. They are incapable of keeping secrets from each other.
- Failed candidates: those not chosen are escorted from the Sands, often heartbroken and disappointed. Their path is over, and they return home.
- Duty: the newly Impressed Rider is instantly elevated from a humble candidate to a Dragonrider, placing them at the top of Pern's social, and in the military hierarchy. Their duty: to serve the Weyr, and protect Pern from Threadfall (now to protect Aquatica for the Goddess).
- First Flight: the first priority is to feed the hungry hatchling and then begin the first, wobbly training flights, which include the first, crucial jump with the Wingleader.
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