Duties of the Weyrfolk

Weyrfolk

Weyrbrats are children of the weyr whose parents are dragonriders, or one is a dragonrider and is a result of a mating flight. It is not uncommon for children to have many half-siblings rather then several full-siblings. The weyrbrats are cared for by foster mothers who work in the Lower Caverns. While they may not have to as much work as the adults, they are expected to help and often have tasks to do, such as collecting berries, helping with laundry, assisting when it comes to preparing meals, and cleaning anything from the bathing rooms to help clean a rider's weyr. Though not all stay at the Weyr as they come of age, they are often the first the Searchriders look over for a clutch being they have dragonrider's blood in their veins.

Crafters reside at the Weyr as well, becoming part of the weyrfolk but practicing their craft and lending their knowledge for the Weyr's good. Harper, healer, fishermen, traders, and many other types of craftfolk find uses at the Weyr, as well as some apprentices who are sent off to the Craft Halls if they wish to pursue that craft. Harpers assist with training and teaching the children (though there are a few riders who can do this in their spare time, blue rider J'par being one of them). Healers tend the wounded, helping during times of Threadfall or for everyday ills, breaks, scratches, and cuts. Others, such as tanners, weavers and traders, often life more in the Hold then the Weyr though a few like to be close to the riders and their needs.

For those that spend a little more time at Falas after their Search, their days are filled with chores – unless their and off-worlder who spends a bit more time with the Harpers then the others. Weyrbred Candidates don't get much of a change from their daily lives. They still have to listen to the Headwomen and get their tasks done, help in the Kitchens, and clean.

However, once the day of the Hatching dawns, many find themselves listening very closely for the sound of dragons humming. As visitors arrive for the Hatching and the Kitchens are busy preparing for the new mouths to feed, human and dragon alike, Candidates are hunted down (often by the resident wolves), and told to get ready for the Hatching. They are asked to bathe and put on their Impression robes. Once the dragons start to hum, they only have a little time left to make it to the Sands. Blue and green dragons will often bring the Candidates to the Grounds while bronze riders bring the queen candidates, if any.