DirmaCharacter type: Dragonrider Appearance: As intelligent as she was beautiful in her younger years, Dirma is a force to be reckoned with. She is slightly smaller than is normal for a woman, but her charisma certainly makes up for that. She has a slim build to go with her size, but keeps herself fit and well toned for an elderly woman. She used to have golden hair that matched the shade of her dragon's body. It has long since turned white and is usually tied tightly in a bun. She has pale green eyes that show a depth of experience and wisdom that a candidate for gold might wonder about. Her lips are a deep red and the lines around her eyes show signs that she has had happy days in the past. Although in her waning years, she still appears beautiful and holds herself straight. The only sign of frailty that she cannot hide, apart from the hair and the wrinkles, is the fact that sometimes she will appear stiff, particularly in her hands. Personality: Since her impression of Gold Amacheth, Dirma has learned how be sly and cunning. The smallest of observations could be a tool and she has learnt how to use it. She has few qualms about using others as means to an end, whatever that end might include. Although not quick to judge a person, she may form an opinion or speak a truth that would not be voiced by others, but she does so with a measure of understanding of the consequences. She is not afraid to tell someone that they will fail, nor to praise a good word or dead. She can be very cutting and blunt, speaking her mind and pushing her nose into other peoples business as only an old woman can do. History: Dirma was born at Fort Weyr to Diranibar and Sonima and has lived there her entire life until recently. Her mother, Sonima, was a healer, helping in the infirmary, so Dirma is used to injuries and how they are dealt with. Healing was a job that her mother did, that her mother before her had also done, so it had been expected that Dirma too would become a healer. It had been quite a surprise when the Weyrwoman had put Dirma in with the candidates. She has fond memories of her mother throughout her life and of the time that they found to spend together. Much of Dirma's outlook and compassion was formed by the time with her mother. Her father had been a beast crafter. Dirma cannot remember much about him as he was killed when she was 4 by an angry runner. It had thrown him after they had startled a bees nest while out riding and his head had hit a rock, killing him instantly. After having to deal with such an incident, Solima took a turn off from healing. The persistent images of trying to save Diranibar's life proved a bitter reminder every day she spent in the infirmary, even when she returned to her work. She followed him to the grave many years later after suffering from very painful arthritis and a bone degenerating disease. It was watching her mother fade in such a painful way, after a life of tending the sick that gave Dirma such an apparently hard shell. Information about Dirma's dragon Dragon Name: Amacheth Colour: Gold Age: 70 Wing (Weyrling Group): Gold Spark Appearance: Amacheth has a golden hide that shimmers in the sunlight. She is not a dark coloured gold, but has a body that is a light colour. She has deep old wings that contrast her pale body,and a pale gold point on the tip of her tail. Her eyes are hard and show the coldness that this dragon can have for those other than her rider. She is of average size for a gold, though her muscles are well defined making her look almost slim for a dragon. Almost a dragon imitation of her rider! Personality: Amacheth is the main source of cunning in the pair, although after so many turns Dirma has learnt a lot. It is Amacheth that will watch the move of every member of the weyr. She will often be the one to tell Dirma that the hard choice has to be made in a way that is not necessarily the most desirable. She is truthful and blunt at times, saying only what is and what can be. Although she comes across with this cold, hard personality, it is obvious that the link between Amacheth and her rider is strong, and there are times when the dragon will openly show deep affection for her. Weyr of Origin: Fort Abilites and weaknesses: She has well formed muscles that enable her to manoeuvre in even the smallest and most inconvenient spaces. She appears to be able to turn on a wing tip because of the control that she maintains, and does so smoothly and with apparent ease. She is also quite happy to use this ability to fly around the weyr bowl and show to the other dragons and riders there just how graceful and regal a gold is no matter her age! Because she has the fine control her speed is not as good as some of the other golds. All references to worlds and characters based on Anne McCaffrey's fiction are copyright© Anne McCaffrey 1967,2005, all rights reserved, and used by permission of the author. The Dragonriders of Pern® is registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, by Anne McCaffrey, used here with permission. Use or reproduction without a license is strictly prohibited. |