If anyone had been roaming through the candidate housing at that moment, they'd have seen an absurdly giddy young man literally skipping through the halls. Lyke had no care for dignity at that moment, after all, who'd fault him for being excited today of all days?

He'd finally been selected for candidacy. Someday, hopefully soon, he'd be bonded with a dragon of his own. There had never been a greater joy in Lyke's heart, nor a greater excitement. Finally, after all these years of trying to prove himself to various people, he'd be given the chance to truly test his mettle. Surely, with all the chaos caused by the tainteds, the Sekkain army would need as many riders as they could get. Oh, he could just see a battle now! How dangerous, how wonderous it'd be to battle the evil that plagued their world on the back of his life partner!

But that would wait. The smiling youth retreated to his new quarters, hands balled into fists. He proceeded to punch his new bedding, and was only a little sorry when it turned out to be harder than he'd expected. Lyke examined his knuckles casually for damage. There was none, and anyway, he was too excited to care. This was a good day!

He examined his new living area, noting its simplicity. He raised an eyebrow at the sheer...blandness of it. Then, he supposed, the better lodgings would be given to riders and others of importance. This would do for now, and in truth, he was used to living in far worse conditions.

He laid down on his bed, a big, stupid grin on his face. What would his parents think of him now? He tapped his fingers lightly at his side. Where were the other candidates? Shouldn't there be more of them here?