The Weyr CrecheIn the weyr there are a lot of dragonrider children that occur as the results of flights and dragonriders simply do not have the time, and their injury and mortality rate is high enough that they cannot effectively look after children in the same way that Holders do. As such, the weyrbrats, or children of the weyr actually tend to live in a more communal arrangement. Frequently they visit and are visited by their parents but more often they are mothered by the people who run the weyr creche and get a degree of stability and continuity from them. The Weyr Creche is a thriving place where the Weyr children from birth to twelve are housed. The Creche has been designed for safety, many doors with locks on them so no one can just come in and snatch a child and no child can just take off. Of course your more ingenuious children seem to always find a way to escape every now and again. The Creche prides itself on giving the best of care to the Children. Each group of children is given a lot of attention. The Play Areas doubling as the learning rooms where Harpers come in to teach the children. They each have their own sleeping area, and there are several privies throughout the Creche. There is also a nice sized bathing pool. The Creche has its own Infirmary, nothing like the main Infirmary, but the children with their sniffles, little scrapes and bruises have a place to be seen to, without having to crowd up the main Infirmary. The Nursery is especially secure after an incident with one of the babies being taken and hidden in a closet by another child. The Hold Side Door is always kept locked, but they need the exit just incase of an emergency. Also, let's not forget the kitchen. The Creche has its own little kitchen and the main kitchen sends food up as needed to keep it stocked and ready for the children. Overall the Creche is a lovely place, well decorated according to the age groups and well staffed with loving mothers and helpers.
The Weyrwoman theoretically has final say over fosterings within the weyr, but ultimately the recommendations come from the Creche Mothers and when it comes down to it, most children are reluctant to leave the security of their home and their friends forming strong attatchements to this homey area of the weyr. 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. |