Riva is from a large family. She is fourth out of eight children, and is from Southern Hold. Her mother is an assistant headwoman named Andra and her father is Breen, a handyman. Her siblings are Saul, Ariel (former PC), Selene (PC, older twin by 15 minutes, former Harper Craftmaster), Brilane (former PC), Xanto, Ishra and Nikolas. Selene is handfasted to Harper CraftMaster Remol, and they have a daughter, Melene. Riva is distantly related to Shiana and Anja. Her grandmother was a younger sister to their grandfather, and she came to Cove Hold at age 11 to get away from her immediate family and meet the 'new' branch. Once at Cove, she joined the Vintners, and rose to the rank of Journeywoman.
Shortly after her promotion, she was Searched by Br'y for Sylaith's clutch at Honshu Weyr. She became a Jr. WW to gold Uileath, the first rider in her immediate family. She spent a great deal of time learning Honshu's records and memorizing Fall charts and fighting formations, as well as protocol lessons and bronzerider-handling lessons.
She experienced her first mating flight and learned what it is like to 'go proddy'. Uileath was caught by bronze Tremaith of Southern Weyr, and they had a clutch of 33 eggs together. After many long months on the Sands, including much of the steamy hot summer season, all the babies found lifemates in a grand Hatching.
She has created her own dark brew called "Oh Shards" and sells it from time to time for pocket change. Her second project was a strong 'drink' called Proddy Wrath, thanks to a suggestion from Star. Her third project is a light table wine, more of a pink than a true red wine. This is aimed at people who like wine but don't have too many marks to spare.
After Jelisa and Sylaith were badly injured in a Threadfall accident, Jelisa asked that the next gold to rise become Senior. As luck would have it, that was Uileath. She was caught by bronze Silventh from Southern Weyr, making Riva and Br'mar the new Weyrleaders. She is having some difficulties adapting to her new position, including what to do about a certain Harper from the Hall, but is confident that all will work out in the end. She has thrown herself into her new duties with enthusiasm, and plans to teach all of Honshu the joys in a good brew sooner or later.
When Uileath next rose, she was again caught by Br'mar's bronze Silventh. After the hatching 35 new Weyrlings, including a new goldie, joined the ranks of Honshu Weyr. They had a splendid graduation party and are proving to be assets to the Weyr.