Weyrbrat

[Lark]

Weyrbrat

Often times due to mating flights, or just because it ends up happening in a relationship, babies are born in a Weyr. These children are often raised in a small family unit formed by themselves, the Headwoman and sometimes candidates or other Weyr residents. These young children are often known as weyrbrats. It's an affectionate term, and is not derogatory among Weyrfolk, though in holds, it can be.

A weyrbrat will often help with chores like candidates do, however it is to aid their learning and growth more than a service to the Weyr. They grow up close to one another as well, often only seeing other weyrbrats as family since their real parents don't spend as much time with them. This can vary though. Some riders or weyrfolk parents spend a few days out of a week with their child, others only hours. Still others completely ignore the fact that they have young at all.

Because of this, weyrbrats will sometimes cause trouble to gain attention. Most pranks that happen around the Weyr are due to the boredom of these little devils. However, the Headwoman deals with any discipline needed. Eventually, the weyrbrats are moved into the candidate barracks at the age of 13, or sometimes 12 if there is a clutch on the sands near their birthday.