As the son of a drudge and a rider, Falnek always loved being in the Weyr even if it meant a tremendous amount of work - also if it meant being ridiculed for being the son of a low-born. He doesn't think much of Holders who come to impress here, but he doesn't judge on appearance alone. Because he's always done so, he keeps his weyr clean and offers to help others with their own work all the time. If he's made to stop working he becomes ticcy and nervous.

His mind is very sharp, his ability to locate himself anywhere even in a complicated set of tunnels in the Weyr got the weyrling master thinking that he ought to stand. Falnek is young but stands to be a good solid rider.

***

F'nek and Borsteth learned quickly that when someone in their weyrling group messed up, *everyone* messed up. But at least he was used to doing the work that they wound up in: sweeping the fire heights, mucking, and that kind of messy stuff. It wasn't like he *enjoyed* it all, but he certainly didn't mind it nearly so much as the others. A couple green riders particularly were offended that they had to work when someone else was to blame. But, that was the life of a dragon rider, wasn't it?

***

F'nek's mother was very proud of her son. He flew above the Weyr on his brilliant blue dragon and waved to her. He could now afford to give her the Marks he'd earned in the Wing, and she therefore could afford to stop working as a drudge. She still did work for the few folks in the Weyr who treated her with respect - especially those who merely wanted to have her help embroider or talk while they tidied up. She wasn't getting any younger, and F'nek wanted her to spend the long chill days of winter with friends and in comfort.

You are a good person, I think, Borsteth bespoke. Even if I had not impressed you I think I would still like you.

"Why thank you, Borsteth!" F'nek laughed.