Kenla Rider of Blue Ardanth, Southern Weyr Kenla is the daughter, and youngest child, of a very minor holder named Kent and Barla, his wife. She has two older brothers, one unnamed so far, and the other Bartal, now a Journeyrank Harper at Southern Weyr (as an NPC). Also at the farmhold is her cousin Nirek, son of Cl'rek, Kent's brother (yes, it's confusing). Her mother died some 10 turns ago, so she's pretty much grown up around a lot of boys, and as such is a bit of a tomboy. Luckily she's had some balance with a few choice girl friends at the nearby Black Rock Hold.     When she was in her mid-teens Kenla traveled from the hold to Southern and joined the WeaverCraft as an apprentice. Still, she remained the mess of contradictions of the typical sixteen-turn-old girl: Shy and outgoing, thoughtful and impulsive, graceful and awkward. And being a candidate at Southern Weyr didn't really help clear things up at all.     Impressing blue Ardanth during an unusual solar eclipse didn't exactly explain everything to Kenla either, but this new partner has given her someone to support her, unconditionally, in the growing up to come. As a weyrling, she found she was a good rider, and this confidence in her work has shown in her more assured ways. All the training also has an added benefit: her lithe body bulked up, the muscle tone contributing to her growing self-esteem. She graduated into her mentor Kinoa's Starflame Wing and the very next day Ardanth chased his first green. Now a young woman, Kenla's finally realizing that she can't claim to be a kid any more.     For a time, Kenla served as Wingsecond of the Firedance Wing, but an accidental ankle injury made her step (or limp) down. Later, while visiting Benden Weyr, Kenla's Ardanth caught the green dragon of O'nen, a rider there. To her surprise, Kenla fell in love, and eventually had a son with the greenrider, naming the child Okeni. Two turns later, Kenla suddenly reappeared at Southern Weyr, with child in tow, and won't explain what happened with O'nen. Kenla’s Description: Her face has done some growing up since adolescence. Traces of youth remain, but this young woman's features have hardened up as she's matured. In moments fleeting and unexpected, this guise evaporates completely, her eyes shining with playfulness, a toothy, teasing grin, a light giggle. But a more somber, thoughtful mood dominates. Tall and thin like a reed, Kenla is not the curvy sort -- hips notwithstanding -- but she clearly keeps herself in excellent shape. Kenla's dark hair is cropped medium-to-short, the bangs pulled out of her eyes with a hair clip, revealing her rather attractive, understated face: wondering brown eyes, a button nose and narrow lips.     She wears a set of riding leathers, well maintained but rather plain-cut, with a general dark-brown shade. On her feet are useful, but quite regular leather boots, scuffed a bit from training but recently polished. The general utilitarian garb is her choice of clothing today. Her shoulder sports the knot of Southern Weyr's Firedance Wing. A small scar, a line of burned skin that wraps halfway around her left forearm, might be noticed on further inspection. Ardanth: Full details on Ardanth's inspiration, and full credits for all the descriptions and personality can be found here. Kudos to all who have already created a fully realized character. Logs: Potential - Nerian's blue Tinneth has a proposition for Kenla. Chivalry - In the Weyrhall for breakfast, Kenla meets C'ley. Camouflage - A new gift provides excellent cover for an embarassed candidate. Evil - A gift conceived in anger turns out to be the last thing Kenla wants to give. Bond - From out of the darkness, Kenla finds a partner. [hosted at another size, 116K] Messages - Ardanth's first interaction with his lifemate, and a friend of hers. Violet - Kenla meets a former Southern candidate with uncommon hair. Feelings - A greenrider is proddy and Kenla is a bit confused. Basics - Thoughts shared by Ardanth are out of place during a weyrling lecture. Caricature - A few drawings by a weyrling land the whole class in trouble. Query - Since Kenla can't talk to him, Ardanth contacts a bronzerider's lifemate. Interesting - Kenla finally confronts the new assistant weyrlingmaster. Sort of. Shorn - Kenla gives her friend a haircut. Splash - Kenla and others visit C'ley's cottage and swimming hole. Intoxicated - Kenla helps carry a passed-out rider off the beach. Turnday - The weyr celebrates the one-turn anniversary of the clutch's hatching. Stuff - T'rrin and Kenla both worry over mating flights and stuff. Takeoff - Kenla and Ardanth fly together for the first time. Crushes - Kayjay reveals two secrets to Kenla. Bloom - Flowers and a reality check both boost Kenla's mood. Porridge - Kenla meets a Honshu rider; adventures in breakfast Stellar - Kenla looks at her friend in a new light. (Originally hosted at Kayjay's pages) Knots - Kenla meets a Starcrafter and makes a wager. Loser - A missed opportunity keeps Kenla alone. Commission - Kenla orders some buttons. Trespass - Kenla visits C'ley without knocking; friendships are strained. Solution - Kenla finds a way to ease her worries. Metamorphosis - Kenla seems a bit ... different. Lifeguard - T'rrin gets a little too into swimming. Steamy - Kenla takes a bath. Steps - Kenla dances at Honshu. Retrospect - Kenla looks back at her actions at the dance. Visitor - Kenla's uncle Cl'rek visits Southern. All references to worlds and characters based on Anne McCaffrey's fiction are copyright Anne McCaffrey 1967, 2000, all rights reserved, and used by permission of the author.    The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, by Anne McCaffrey, used here with permission. Use or reproduction without a license is strictly prohibited.    Kenla is one of my few characters not named after a specific character or person. Her two parents' names, Barla and Kent, were established for at least two years prior to her creation. Kenla's player roleplayed as Kent on SouCon for a total of about one week back in 1993. Physically, she resembles someone I once knew pretty well, and I hope I'm doing her justice. Page last updated February 16, 2001. To Steve’s home page