Granddaughter of Lady Masopia of Keroon, Aludra is the only child of Alunia and Drayden, a Journeyman Beastcrafter known for his work with thoroughbred runners. The Conclave confirmed Lady Masopia's son, Petram, as her successor on his 21st turnday, leaving his younger sister, Alunia, free to pursue her own interests. This included breeding and racing runners, which is where she met Drayven, a newly assigned Journeyman Beastcrafter. They married a few months later, and Aludra was born the following winter. She was raised with her cousins Petluma and Ramua, also granddaughters of Lady Masopia. The girls had many advantages over ordinary hold children, including lessons in deportment, dancing and how to run a hold, since it was assumed all three girls would marry well.
For her 8th turnday, Lady Masopia gifted Aludra with a runner of her own, a stallion she named Wind. Aludra enjoyed the freedom of riding, and she, Petluma and Ramua frequently participated in runner shows and riding competitions. Aludra rode like she'd been born in the saddle, which made her father quite proud. Though she never showed interest in the craft, Drayven nonetheless taught her about runners. Not only could she ride well, but also knew how to take care of her runner. She could feed, water and muck out her runner's stall as well as any Beastcraft apprentice. Her older cousins preferred to leave those tasks to the grooms and stablehands, but Aludra took pride in caring for her runner, and never complained about the work.
It was just after her 11th turnday when Drayven was struck in the head by the hoof of an untamed runner. He never regained consciousness, and died two days after the accident. Aludra's mother was devastated, and never quite recovered from her loss. She shut herself away, leaving Lady Masopia to oversee the raising of Aludra. The young girl joined her cousins in lesson, learning how to run a Hold, dance, etc. Riding was restricted, and she was taught to ride sidesaddlewhich she hatedbut it was more proper for a young woman or her position. Aludra learned how to walk, talk and act like a lady, albeit she wasn't the daughter of the heir. Still, she was considered close enough to the bloodline to make a good match.
As Aludra grew older, she began to hate the idea of an arranged marriage. She preferred to lead a quiet life caring for her mother, reading or riding. Lady Masopia, on the other hand, was determined to see /all/ her granddaughters make fine marriages, whether they wanted it or not. When Aludra turned sixteen, she was introduced to the son of a Minor Holder; object of the meeting was to let them get to know one another prior to a betrothal. The introduction proved disastrous; both young people took an instant dislike to one another. Aludra was so horrified by the prospect of a forced marriage, she made plans to run away.
Fortunately, she was spared when Search riders from Xanadu Weyr arrived in Keroon. Three candidates were chosen, one of whom was Aludra. Lady Masopia was disappointed, but Alunia spoke on behalf of her daughter, begging her mother to allow the girl to stand for the clutch. The Lady Holder relented, and thus Aludra went to Xanadu Weyr. She did not Impress, but wished to remain at the Weyr. Granted permission by the Senior Weyrwoman, Aludra worked with the runners, and taught the weyr children and residents how to ride.
Her greatest fear is of being recalled to Keroon in order to marry someone of Lady Masopia's choosing, but she's been assured she won't have to return home if she doesn't want to. Which she doesn't. Since her arrival at Xanadu Weyr, Aludra stood for two clutches without Impressing. Most recently, she was Searched by Meo, rider of brown Furuihaneth, the Weyrlingmaster for Fort Weyr. Now Aludra wears the brown and black knot interwoven with a white strand which denotes her as a Candidate at Fort.
