May 1, 2005
Hassaleah's gold Mhiyath by Dune's brown Jerubbesheth
Impressees: T'oi and bronze Elsinoth, Asly and brown Galidath, L'min and brown Thielloth, Justin and blue Zyrfath, Laria and blue Savoireth, and Nemaea and green Messinath.
High Reaches Weyr - Hatching Sands(#1411RJas$)
This may well be the largest cavern of High Reaches Weyr, an immense field of sand ringed by the stair-step rows of benches that form the viewing galleries and, above those, the ledges large enough for the whole Weyr of dragons to rest upon. The place is lit partially by electric lights, a dim illumination at all hours, but generally the light--as well as dragons and human beings--comes from the cavern's entrance, angled to keep out the worst of the weather. Volcanic heat radiates from the coarse black sand, pocked still where the feet of hatchlings and Candidates of past Turns fell, with little wind to disturb them.
People: Hassaleah Bettany Tylia
Dragons: Mhiyath
Eggs: Lain i' the Earth Egg Tarnished Diadem Egg The Justice of Cold Steel Egg Deed Without a Name Egg A Hero's Welcome Egg Mistaken Frets Egg
Obvious exits:
Galleries Cavern Entrance
Public Announcement from Hassaleah: Mhiyath's eggs have been laying on the hot sands of the chilly High Reaches for just about long enough that there's no surprise when the dragons start to hum. Transportation is sent out for those who've arranged to come, and news is sent by radio: Her eggs are hatching soon! Those who wish to join us can @tel to the galleries at #1408, and please read the rules sign once you get there.
K'lorin leads the candidates onto the sands, ushering them towards the eggs before moving off to a spot that's reasonably cool. He doesn't want to dance in place, nope.
Nemsaea walks out onto the sands quietly, the young woman walking rather awkwardly in the least, not to say the robe doesn't fit or the sandals but something isn't quite right as she moves to where a half-circle forms about the eggs and bows to the dam and sire and their riders.
Haslyn swallows nervously, the cool expression on her face slowly melting as realization dawns on her. It's now. One look at Mhiyath has her gulping again, and she scurries over towards Nemsaea as they near the clutch.
Takoi follows the line of people, his robes billowing ever so slightly at the knees. As he gets in the semi-circle, about the middle, he gives a smile before bowing, first to one then the other of the parents of the clutch. Standing back up straight, he begins the candidate shuffle on the sands.
Lumine is the second one out of the caverns, the relatively waiflike lad immediatly behind K'lorin. He is seen to wince at the backblast of heat that greets him upon the sands but he manages not to forget what to do. Bowing to first the dam and then the sire he takes up a place upon the sands -- at first seeming relatively alone and then curiously, changing to stand beside Haslyn.
Laria bows to Mhiyath and Hassaleah before making her way near the eggs. She stands beside Nemsaea and smiles at the younger girl, offering a hand to hold.....
Justin follows in quietly hanging a bit back from everyone, looking at the eggs, the dragons then up into the gallery and gulps nervously.
Hassaleah finally sees fit to drag herself out of her chair to go stand by the Weyrlingmaster, reluctantly. "At long last, hmm? Guess we'll see how this goes. At least this time it wasn't the middle of the night." Mhiyath pays no attention to the jibe; having swept the sand away from her eggs, she moves back to sit by the side. Head held very high, she elaborately trills, waiting for the first to hatch. Or, in fact, for some sign of movement at all.
A Hero's Welcome Egg is still amid the thrumming vibration that fills the cavern, resting at the edge of the clutch of six eggs. As the moments pass, it is as if the sound is echoing through the egg itself; there is a twitch, a faint shiver, barely perceptible but growing.
Nemsaea looks over towards Haslyn as the other girl joins her and Laria from the other side of her. She offers a hand to each of them quietly. "I don't know how long I'm going to be able to stand here like this... they are cutting into my stomach." She grumbles quietly with a sigh. "I thought I wore small underwear..." Of course she goes quiet as she sees one of the eggs start to twitch. "Oh I am so not ready for this."
Takoi looks over towards the Hero's Welcome, a careful study of it and he shrugs it away. Eggs don't rock, do they? At least, not before moments later cracking open? Another look and this time he says "Is...is that one moving?"
Haslyn peers towards Lumine briefly, eyeing him a moment before she turns back to the clutch. "Look!" and she juts a pointed finger towards the Hero's Welcome Egg. "It moved! Didn't it?" She squits at it suspiciously now, and inches towards Nemsaea again. She takes the offered hand and, after a moment of thought, offers her other hand to Lumine - just incase.
Why reluctantly, Hassaleah? Is it because K'lorin's already taken? Ahem. "Yep. Don't worry about it, it'll all go fine. And it is definitely better than the middle of the night. Or the middle of the storm, like mine was." he says, chuckling. He looks over the candidates. "Weird class this time." Lumine's wearing a /thong/, by choice.
Justin steps back into the shallows alone peering at the first egg rocking. Let's get this over with.
Laria grins "Yes it moved. Here we go guys, the fun begins." she turns towards the eggs and watches eagerly as they begin the dance of freedom.
Lumine shifts nervously just once, seen to be biting his lip. Yes, he is biting it so hard that it is likely visible from those nearest to him in the galleries. Slowly, his pale hand reaches out and seizes her own at the wrist. This done, he flicks his head to toss some hair out of his eyes as he looks towards the rock-like orbs; swallowing once. "It did." He confirms. Nervously.
Hassaleah smirks contently at K'lorin. "I've stashed away food this time anyway. Last time I miss a meal because of that oversized..." Her head turns, and she beams towards her dragon. "Yes, you're a lovely girl, you're doing a fabulous job! Just keep watching them, and I'm sure they'll be safe." Back to K'lorin: "...firelizard." She says it, of course, affectionately, but Mhiyath is unconcerned; her attention is on the white-robed Candidates, watching them as she might watch her potential dinner.
A Hero's Welcome Egg spasms, once, sending it rolling end-over-end. Once, twice, and then it comes to rest a few paces away from the others. Once there, despite the growing drone of dragons, it rests motionless. Barely a sign of life is visible in the rainbow-spattered shell.
Takoi shifts back and forth as he gives a grin, "Look at that one, over there, its moving!" he calls out, "I wish it'd crack instead of spin, but I'm sure the young one will wake up dizzy after this hatching."
Mistaken Frets Egg gives an uncertain wobble, as though unsure what such an action might do. It twitches back and forth for a moment, swaying from side to side, before falling silent.
Haslyn shifts in the sands, already nervouse before a dragon has cracked shell. She squeazes Nemsaea's hand gently. A small smirk twitches at her mouth as she feels Lumine take her other hand. She turns to flash him a small, trying-to-be reassuring smile. "Oh!" she starts, her head spinning to fix her gaze back on the wiggling egg. "There it goes again!" She bobs her head at Takoi and adds, "Yea, I don't like this waiting." After all, it's been a whole five seconds!
Shining metal fractures and the confetti falls aside as A Hero's Welcome Egg cants sideways and breaks into pieces. Left in the remains is a lump of watery blue which eventually moves, the Rotund Sack-and-Sugar Blue Hatchling coming out from under a fragment of his former home.
Rotund Sack-and-Sugar Blue Hatchling
Oversized and exaggerated, this dragonet is comfortable in his padded body; with such a build, one might expect an awkward gait, but he holds himself with the wavering balance of a habitual drinker -- never quite solid, but sure he should be. Liquid colors, washed-out aqua and watery cerulean, drench his swollen belly and stout limbs in pale blue, but he is not only corpulent but brawny-framed under the softness. A light champagne rinses his hide, his translucent wingsails the color of sherry tinged only the vaguest azure. Round head matches round body, overlarge and short-muzzled, with faceted eyes set deep beneath prominent eyeridges shaded dilute cobalt.
Laria chuckles "A little further and there'd've been a bit of a crash." from the corner of her eye she sees another go "Look another is moving."
Nemsaea grips both other girls' hands in her own tightly as she sees yet another egg start to move. "Haslyn... I wonder if my brother and parents are here." She looks up towards the gallery nervously but is too nervous to focus much. "Laria, think your mom is here?" She says quietly as sees a blue hatch. "Wow..."
Justin peers at the blue over the shoulder of a couple of boys. "I can't see. What is it?" Standing up tip toes, craning his neck, "Ohhh a blue..."
Lumine is seen to involuntarialy step back at the rolling egg, threatning to drag Haslyn back with him. Nonetheless, he recovers himself a half secodn later and advances once again -- somewhat timidly returning to his original position. One foot is curiously lifted to rest upon the other as he forces himself to breathe and recover from the stifling air. "Waiting is awful. Really awful. It's the evil." He confirms and.... "Ah-Ha!" He points to the arriving blue, squinting a little bit to study the somewhat odd lines of the young creature. Whatever he had to say to Haslyn over this is forgotten.
Haslyn says, "I'm sure they are," towards Nemsaea, and is about to continue when a dragon decides to hatch. Startled, she jumps in her spot and grabs Nemsaea's hand fiercly. "Lookit! It Hatched!" And she proceeds to stare in suspicious aw of the little blue. "A pudgy blue," she tosses Justin's direction without a glance.
Laria looks up into the galleries and nods at Nemsaea "See right there," she says pointing to Dyanara. LAria waves and turns back to the eggs.
Takoi looks towards the new blue and gives a nod, "Hes a cutie, thats for sure. But yeah, I bet my parents are in the stands right now, don't see why they wouldn't be..." well, hes lived here, right? "Pudgy is okay to start, right?"
Rotund Sack-and-Sugar Blue Hatchling tilts his head upwards, regarding the mass of people in the galleries, then whirling eyes turn to sweep over the semicircle of Candidates. Suddenly unsure of this whole idea, he sits down on his rump with a puff of breath. Pale wings spread experimentally, and he turns to regard them with wonder, tongue darting out to lick off a remaining glob of egg-goop. Finding it utterly dissatisfactory, he gets up again and plods onwards towards his white-robed watchers.
Nemsaea looks up to the galleries at where Laria points and sees the older candidate's mother. "Wow, she must be some proud right now. Just can't get a good look to see if my brother is there. He must be, he wouldn't miss this." She says as she looks back at the blue. "I think pudgy is kinda cute... babies are pudgy to start too aren't they?" She laughs softly. She looks to Haslyn. "It was nice having a chance to become friends with you. I bet you'll Impress." She says softly shuffling her feet as she sees the blue hatchling start to come towards the group.
Laria smiles as the little blue makes his way along the line of candidates.
Justin rocks back on his heels and sighs. That pudgy blue is making him hungry.
Lumine responds to Haslyn quietly. "Not pudgy." He says, sounding almost annoyed. "How could you say such a thing? He's adorable. Gorgeous. Fabulous, even! I bet you wern't so perfectly proportioned as you are now, when you were first born." Despite the words sounding as they do there is a smile there to indicate that there is absolutely no malice behind them, only a little bit of a tease. He does not look at her though, watching the newly-hatched one with interest.
Haslyn wrinkles up her nose and chances a glance towards Nemsaea. "Pudgy is alright, I suppose... I guess he's cute." She turns and squints towards said blue before shrugging. She squeals softly and nearly jumps into Lumine's arms as the blue begins moving, though. "They don't eat people, they don't eat people," she murmers to herself, watching the hatchling. All her confidence seems to have evaporated.
Takoi nods his head, "Hes a cutie, and I'm sure he'll grow into a fine young dragon. I'm sure we don't get born looking like we do today...so why would little cute blues be different?"
Rotund Sack-and-Sugar Blue Hatchling inspects the Candidates from a distance, holding himself very straight as he steps along the sands. Tail swishes, wings fold back, imagining himself a monstrous soldier no matter how much larger his waiting dam happens to be. Swish, swish, as he goes past each Candidate, checking them, discarding the unacceptable ones in turn. One girl even provokes a hiss, teeth bared, before he scurries off. Even less cute, in fact, with those sharp teeth.
Mistaken Frets Egg springs into life again, giving another uncertain shiver. Bits of sand fly from beneath it as it vibrates, little bits of shell starting to fly off the top. Still, the outside of the egg is tough and the dragon inside still hasn't been able to break through.
Mistaken Frets Egg gives an uncertain wobble, as though the creature inside were testing something once more. Then, slightly more confident, it begins to shake violently. Soon, the shell has broken apart, dropping Justice of the Storm Blue Hatchling to the sands.
Justice of the Storm Blue Hatchling
Everything about this blue seems to be legs and tail, with the exception of a small bit of roundness that forms around the dark blue of his midsection. Storm clouds gather over the length muzzle of his lanky form, settling as a smattering of dark blue-gray over the bridge of his nose and the tips of his headknobs. A light drizzle of deep rainy blue touches along his slender neck, trickling down into a pool that collects between his shoulderblades. Thunderheads form across the upper portions of his tapering arms, deepening the blue from a dark cornflower to a midnight blue across his paws. Light highlights of sky blue touch the tips of his ridges, while a deep mist of navy brushes over the expanse of his belly, ending at the tip of his long spaded tail. Pure water falls from his shoulders in the form of expansive wings, the sails nearly transparent with a wash of powder blue.
Haslyn starts, and shudders slightly. "Ok, pudgy I'll allow, but there's no way on Pern that dragon is /cute/! Look at him! He just hissed, and he's got teeth - big teeth!" Eliquent. She favors Lumine with a narrow gaze before replying, "I was just /saying/."
K'lorin raises an eyebrow at the blue as he hisses at a girl. "Well then." he glances about the cavern, checking to see if any partnered up yet.
Justin blinks at the hisses. Whoa... This isn't good as he steps back into the shadows.
Takoi looks towards the new hatchling as he says softly, "Look, another cutie blue!" he calls out before looking towards the other candidates. "Big teeth? Better then small ones that don't work! I bet it'll be a point of pride on him."
Laria smiles "Whoops, guess she irritated him." she pauses as another blue hatches, "Look another blue, both are handsome fellas."
Lumine isn't really even listening to Haslyn -- just paying her a certian little bit of ear. "Bah." He says to her. "You have no appreciation for fine art. I'm telling you, he'll grow up to be gorgeous." He pauses at the hissing bit -- seeming to be about to change his mind and opinion. "Err." He says, quietly. "Yeah. Or. I dunno. But I'm telling you.. he's GORGEOUS, still!" His voice is raised slightly and he looks a little red. Maybe just from the heat. However, a clever gaze would see that Lumine is standing kind of behind Haslyn now.
Haslyn sighs exasperatedly, turning her narrowed gaze towards Takoi this time. "Does no one have sense out here! They're carnivores. Big, scary ones with teeth and claws that could eat you - I said could," she restates before anyone can lecture her on the feeding habits of dragons. "All I'm saying is.. be careful?" Rolling her eyes, she forgets about teeth and claws and looks at Lumine. "I didn't say he wouldn't grow up to be pretty. He's just pudgy now."
Rotund Sack-and-Sugar Blue Hatchling finally has to go truly hunting for his chosen, lingering so far there in the back. He pushes through the Candidates to the little one in the shadows. Sherry-doused wings spread out wide as he approaches Justin with slow steps and then looks up at him.
Nemsaea glances over as she sees the first blue look at Justin and smiles. "Look Haslyn... maybe he's going to choose Justin?" She says excitedly. "I think that would be a great pair." She smiles. "Wonder if there are going to be any other color but blue." She giggles.
Justin blinks "Huh? Hi, Zyrfath! Uhhh of course, I can get you something to eat...."
Tarnished Diadem Egg sits amid the rest of the remaining eggs, content to allow others to go first. As though rusted in place, it is reluctant to move, finally twitching just a single time... then settling back into place.
Haslyn opens her mouth to reply, then stops. She turns to follow the pudgy blue and gapes. "So he did! Horray! Justin!" she calls, but she has no free hands for clapping. "One less to worry about," and she means the dragon, seriously. Turning back, she fixes her gaze on the stormy blue, peering at him intently.
K'lorin grins over at Justin, stepping over. "Congratulations, let's get Zyrfath something to eat." he says, leading the pair off the sands.
Lumine numbles for a moment into Haslyn's ear. It sounds decidedly like is saying that he is going to be careful -- but it's hard to say as his attention is upon the pudgy blue and Justin. For a moment, he says nothing and then it seems to click. "Yay!" He calls. "Congradulations, Man! I knew you had it in you!" Yes, he remmebers their talks in the Living Caverns. He cannot afford to pay too much attention though, twisting his gaze back to the moving blue. "Hmm." He says out loud -- still deciding what to think of this new guy.
Takoi looks towards Justin and claps his hands smiling, "Congrats Justin...and Zyrfath!" as he sees the two paired up. "One more cutie blue, but I'm sure the two are gonna be good together."
Justin gulps and nods to K'lorin, following him out.
Nemsaea glances as she sees the Tarnished Egg move and looks towards Justin, "Congrats on Zyrfath!! He's cute!" She smiles as she tries to keep herself from overheating from too much excitement or nervousness as she looks towards the other blue and the eggs. "Wonder what that egg moving will be?" She looks to Laria.
Justice of the Storm Blue Hatchling opens his wings against the warm air and ruffles them slightly, sending a shower of egg shell pieces to the ground. Rather than move directly towards the candidates, however, the little blue seems awfully curious with the pile of little shards that's all that's left of his former home. Stretching forward, he noses a few moments at the little pile, sending out a puff of air that sends them flying. That achy feeling in his stomach, though, pulls his attention away before he can investigate further. Shifting unsteadily on his feet, he cranes his neck around to look towards the white-robed things across the cavern. Well. They're certainly interesting enough.
Laria cheers for Justin and Zyrfath. She then turns back to the eggs and watches them and the Storm Blue HAtchling
Justin waves to his friends as he moves out of the way.
Haslyn shuffles in her place, finally feeling the heat. "What's he doing?" she asks, bobbing her head towards the stormy blue dragonet. "Why isn't he coming towards the candidates? He's not sick, is he?" Not that she's worried, of course.
Lumine is smiling now, the stress of the moment and his own meekness forgotten. The cause of this is the antics of the current Blue, out there all by himself and thusly center stage. "Heehee." He is heard to say. "No, you can't go back in there. As much as you might like to." Haslyn's hand is squeezed as his free hand points. "He's not sick or anything. Just curious. Wondering where those funny shells came from."
Tarnished Diadem Egg stiffly twitches again, unaccustomed to motion after lying in the same place for so long. Dark lines, thin as hairs, run down from the coal-deep crown towards the base of the egg, but the cracks do not widen far enough yet for the egg to hatch.
Laria looks out at the blue "He seems to be getting his bearings, checking us out from a distance." she smiles as another egg looks ready to loose it's 'prisoner'.
Takoi looks towards the egg out there and towards the blue still on the sands, he shakes his head, "We can't help it...has to come all the way to us,..."
Haslyn squeazes Lumine's hand back, favoring the boy with a quick look before she nods her head. "I suppose.. you're right. After all, he doesn't know it was his former home.. right?" This question she turns to Nemsaea. "Did Wher's know they came from eggs?"
Nemsaea gives a shrug as she says quietly. "Not really sure, never really asked my father or watched that closely." She says as she looks towards the egg that is yet to crack. "Maybe? I'd have to ask if and when I get back there." She says nervously wondering if that would be sooner than later.
Justice of the Storm Blue Hatchling is slow, thoughtful and rather eloquent in his movements, which finally begin to bring him towards the candidates across the way. One foot in front of the other, he walks, those whirling eyes staring at each and every candidate with a piercing gaze. Strange. All of them. He's certainly looking for something, though being quite picky about it. After a few feet of walking, he stops, fluttering his wings lightly against the air to dry the membranes more. From this vantage point he can see mostly all the candidates and he takes advantage of it: his head cranes around, looking across the way and down the line. Which one?
Laria squeezes Nemsaea's hand reassuringly, "See he's giving us the onceover. Which of us is his? Who will he choose?"
The Tarnished Diadem Egg shudders one final time from its precarious perch on a mound of sand. Down it rolls, catching at the bottom and cracking into an irreparable twain. The Storm-Tossed Loyalist Brown Hatchling emerges from the shards of the spindled crown.
Storm-Tossed Loyalist Brown Hatchling
Built sturdily but small, this dragonet's shoulders are too broad and legs too short for the rest of his body, angled unevenly as rocky soil. Raging tempest sweeps the steppes of his hide, darkness and shadow over the back and wings washing into muddy earth below. There is a mossy hint, there, to the brown that clings to his sides, a brush of sage enduring against the murk. His head is more block than wedge, squared-off jawline and broad muzzle all russet clay; as though rain-smeared it streaks in runny lines down his darker neck. Beneath, traversing the underside of his chin all the way down to the tail, runs yellow-tan like parched grass after the long-awaited rain.
Takoi nods his head as he hears Laria and sees the blue looking over the candidates, "Thats a good thing at least, wouldn't want him to pass away from being too weak on the sands...would ruin this happy day." as he gives a look towards the new hatchling, "Look, a brown! Not as cute as Justins Blue, but still good looking!"
Lumine is once again silent, his eyes flicking towards the hatching royal diadem egg; the final shattering of it reflected within the young man's eyes as he studies the brown that emerges. He then turns his attention back to the first blue, regarding him evently and without words -- waiting and watching. His heart is pounding with all of this, but for once in his life Lumine is going to stand up and look everything in the face.
Lain i' the Earth Egg is aptly named at present. It's surrounded by piled sand so that only its top half is showing. It's lying quite still, too, despite all the activity around it - or was that a faint twitch?
Laria ohs at the brown dragonet, "Look at that handome fella." she looks at Takoi "I think he's cute, very handsome indeed at that."
Haslyn shifts her weight, sparing a moment to peer down at her feet. "I thought the sandals would keep the heat out," she complained softly to herself. "He's what?" she asks, jerking her head up as Laria's comment is heard. She glances warily at the blue before the brown's Hatching makes her start. "Wow!" she says in surprise. She looks over the new one and decides, "He's not so bad, though he looks a bit.. uneven." She tugs on Lumine's hand and gives him a teasing smile. "Or do you think he's gorgeous too?"
Nemsaea looks over as she sees a brown hatch from the egg that was taking its time. "Yeah I see... this feels like it's taking forever but its also quick, is it normally like this?" She asks quietly to Laria. "I wonder if we'll get to see a green or something. Of course, her attention is taken by the Lain i' the Earth Egg. "Wow did that one move? That was one of my favorites." She smiles.
Justice of the Storm Blue Hatchling tilts his head to one side, as though he heard something far away. Something familiar. Something that he's searching for. Soon his head focuses on someone in the line of candidates. Someone. For once the blue moves quick, honing in on his choice with great speed. Soon he stops and settles back on his haunches, looking up questioningly at Laria.
Laria lets go of Nemsaea's hand and reaches out for the little blue "It's supposed to be hot in here Savoireth, to harden eggs. Follow me and we'll get something in that cavern of a tummy, ok?"
Haslyn sucks in her breath, her eyes going wide as the blue makes his move towards their line. She pulls herself away from his target, and quiet possibly knocks into Lumine on the way. "Look out-" but her words are halted as the blue stops and it becomes clear what his intentions are. Haslyn sighs first, and then gives her congradulatory grin towards Laria. "Alright Laria!"
Storm-Tossed Loyalist Brown Hatchling wastes no time on getting started, unlike his blue brothers. He is uninterested in the egg's shards, but rather intent on moving forward. There is no curiosity, though, just efficiency: wings spread partway to dry while feet carry him forward. He's looking for someone, and he knows who--but he isn't so sure of where. Certainly, the one sought is among the Candidates, so that's where he heads first.
K'lorin slips back onto the sands, finding his spot again to watch the hatching. Just in time, it seems. "Hello, Laria and Savoireth, let's get him fed!" he says, stepping over to usher them off the sands.
Takoi claps for Laria as he gives a smile, "Congrats!" He calls out, "Cute blue!"
Lain i' the Earth Egg starts to rock in earnest now, the movements constrained at first until a series of staccato jerks enable it to work its way clear of the piled sand. It sways from side to side for several minutes, then subsides into stillness once again.
Laria nods as she and Savoireth move to follow k'lorin.
Nemsaea looks over as Laria Impresses and claps for her friend. "Wow Laria, you're mom is going to be so happy!!! Glad she got here to see." She smiles.
Lumine is just quiet for a long moment until Haslyn's tugging draws him back into reality. "Wha?" He asks of her in a moment of brief confusion. "Gorgeous? Yes, but in a different way. Instead of gorgeous, maybe...regal? Attractive? I'm not sure, I'm bad with adjectives." He just doesn't say anything after that -- watching in rapture. He is once again brought out of it by Haslyn's bump, looking to her briefly with a sidelong glance. He supposes he can't blame her of course. "Congradulations!" He calls out -- but still doesn't take his eyes off the scene.
Haslyn catches brown movement from the corner of her eye, and turns to regard the moving brown. "He's looking," she states needlessly. She considers the Hatchling before nodding. "Attractive, perhapes. In a unique sort of way. Oh, that one's moving now, too!" she notices, her eyes moving towards the Lain i' the Earth Egg.
Nemsaea glances over to Haslyn as she's the only one that has one of her hands now. "Yeah he is handsome. I'm so happy for Laria and Justin, I wonder who else will Impress?" She says watching her the one favorite egg that has moved. "I hope I can give Nymos some exciting news to take home to my parents... if not I'm not sure what I'm going to do when I get back to the Hall." She says, the thought merely making her anxiety worse. Shuffling her feet she wipes her forehead with her arm. "It's too hot in here. Can't believe anyone could stand this for too long of a time."
Storm-Tossed Loyalist Brown Hatchling steps along the heated sands with a movement as slow and inexorable as an impending blizzard. It's just one foot in front of the other, keep moving, as patient as can be as he walks along the line of Candidates. They, as individuals, receive none of his attention, his head down and whirling eyes forward. Wings now mostly dry, he flips them closed, and keeps on his way.
Takoi watches the brown with a small smile, "Two young blues already, I wonder if there will be a third? And where the heck is our beloved greens? I think it'd be intresting if this clutch only had blues and browns."
Haslyn grins towards Nemsaea. "You'll surely have a lot of great stories," she notes confidently. Snorting, she regards Lumine briefly. "Oh come on now. You can't really mean that... That's like saying all Babies are beautiful - and they are not. Some of them are down right ugly at birth." Her attention shifts to the moving brown, though, and she holds back further comments, squeazing both hands instead.
Lumine still has his eyes upon the brown, his lips quite dry from his biting them and the scorching heat that is blowing about the hatching sands. "These aern't human babies, though." He says softly to Haslyn. "Human babies are all one color, and all one shape -- fat. Nobody looks good as a baby. Yet, these fellows are managing to pull it off nicely." His hand squeezes her own back -- eyes forward, watching the newcomer. "He's going to pick soon." He says. "He won't wait for long. Not as hungry as he is going to be feeling.."
Time brings decay to all things, and so it is with Lain i'the Earth Egg. Cracks appear, crazing the surface until the shell appears like old glazed pottery. Then, a talon is thrust out and widens the gap until a leg can appear, and then a head. Alas, poor egg! The remainder of the shell splits open, leaving a bronze hatchling standing poised on the sands.
Brooding Princely Bronze Hatchling
Like a sea-girt fortress that stands firm against all threats, this large bronze is angular, his substantial form an almost architectural assembly of lines and planes, yet somehow poised and not without grace. Head, neck and body are carved from matt sandstone, while brighter coppery ridges, their shapes almost sculptured, highlight the length of his long back. Sturdy terracotta haunches show bulging muscles that promise firm support. The lower limbs are thick and strong, while shapely forearms are tipped with umber talons. His neck gives a high vantage to an oblong head that's topped by the blunted verdigris spikes of his headknobs. The tail is sturdy, tapering sharply into the fork at the end. Shadowed spars give structure to the burnt sienna of his wings.
Haslyn can't help but laugh at Lumine's comment. "True, that," she agrees about babies. She's about to make another such comment when a bronze takes her attention. Eyes wide, the blonde takes several moments to just stare at the new Hatchling. "Now -there- is a dragonet!" she gushes.
Storm-Tossed Loyalist Brown Hatchling unfortunately can keep up this pace only so long. The heat wears on him, the sand is clinging to his damp claws. Squared muzzle is still held up, though, proud as he finally surveys the waiting people. When his eyes find those of the one he seeks, he goes from plodding to bounding, practically tripping over his own feet to get to her--Haslyn, found at last. *Here* is a dragonet, thank you.
Nemsaea looks over to Haslyn and nods as she looks as a bronze hatches. "Wow, all males so far..." She sighs. "Talk about biased isn't it?" It isn't till she sees the brown come up to Haslyn that she holds her breath for a moment. "Shards, Haslyn!! Congrats!!!!"
Brooding Princely Bronze Hatchling stands upright and still as he surveys this new and confusing world. His head slowly swings sideways as he scans the entire breadth of the sands, once, twice, three times. Only then, after long consideration, does he take an experimental step forward. The shift of weight bemuses him, it seems, and he needs to reflect upon the unaccustomed sensation, so he goes through the whole scanning routine once again. Finally, his interest seems to be drawn to the white clad figures.
Lumine involuntarialy releases Haslyn's hand as the dragon approaches her -- stepping back from the two by pure reflex to give the imposing -- even at that age -- bulk of the brown his room. There are no words of congradulations from the young lad, but the wide smile that is seen upon his face is all the congradulations that she could want. The moment -- an impression going off right at his side -- has him distracted from the antics of the bronze as well as the remaining eggs upon the sands.
The Justice of Cold Steel Egg waits in silence, looming coldly. It is one of just two, now, and seems intent to remain that way for the duration. Yet, one cannot stay an egg forever, and in the barest concession to hatching's insistent call, it rolls a hand's span away from its sole companion.
Haslyn jerks, startled at the brown's movement. She's half a second away from jumping into Lumine again when she's stopped. For half a minute, she simply stands, gazing down at the brown dragonet at her feet. In a rush, she opens her mouth and breaths deeply, releasing both Nemsaea and Lumine to touch the brown with her hands. Her brown. "Galidath," she breaths, speaking his name for the first time. "You surely have endured long enough. I'll find you the best food there is!" And in that moment, Haslyn is Asly.
Takoi smiles as he watches the brown, but the bronze catchs his eyes as well, grinning as he says "Galidath? Nice name, congrats Haslyn! I'm sure you'll be great together!" he calls out clapping softly for the new pair.
K'lorin laughs. "Keep your eyes off the bronzes!" he says in amusement to Haslyn. "Browns are better anyway." So he's biased, big deal. "Let's get some food in Galidath." he says, smirking as he strides forward to lead the pair off the sands.
Nemsaea watches as the bronze starts its search and her friend starts a new life as a weyrling, the minecrafter candidate looks at the remaining few eggs almost longingly. "Please let there be one for me..." She says quietly to herself. Her attention drifts to the remaining eggs and her remaining hopes that maybe her lifemate is out there.
Asly -formerly Haslyn- removes her eyes from Galidath enough to smile brilliantly towards K'lorin. "Who has room for bronzes, anyways," she states with pride. Her hands never leave Galidath as she leads him away.
Lumine comes upon a startling realization then as he sidesteps to close up the aperature left by Haslyn turned Asly, standing now beside Nemsaea. "There hasn't been a female yet!" He's watching the bronze now, though. The regal fellow that he is.
Brooding Princely Bronze Hatchling walks slowly forward, head held high. He's maintaining his balance quite well, and even tries an experimental stretch of the wings, but that proves unwise, and down he goes. Sprawled on the sand, he bleats plaintively, then slowly gets to his feet, considering every movement. Then he moves on again, inspecting each candidate that he passes carefully. At the end of the line, he pauses, head held at a reflective tilt. Important decisions require due consideration, after all. It's a hard one, too. He paces backwards and forwards, a few steps in each direction punctuated by sudden turns.
Nemsaea looks over towards Lumine quietly. "Best of luck Lumine." She says as she moves uncomfortably in her robe. "Shards these are too small for me. Ow." She sighs. "The Weyrlingmaster was right... thongs are always not so great."
Takoi snerks to Nemsaea as he claims, "Yeah, there hasn't been and not many eggs are left." he looks towards the Bronze with a grin, "Regal little one, isn't he? Like hes ready to take on the world at a moments notice. Cute though."
The Justice of Cold Steel Egg is still for long moments, but the struggle wages. It makes only the faintest movements, a shift to one side and then the other, but cracks grow on the surface.
Deed Without a Name Egg responds to the sudden absence of nearby companions with an explosive quaking, though that succeeds only in driving it further into the sand. A curved bowl forms around it, so it shakes harder, intent on making its escape.
Lumine had taken a moment to sneak a look towards the now-moving Justice of Cold Steel Egg, but has his attention torn away by the bleat of the bronze. For a moment he actually looks sorry for the dragonet, voicing this. "Poor fellow. I know how that feels. Trying to look quite high and important and all and then tripping over your own two feet." The comment about the thong is only responded to with a grunt of: "Don't talk to me about that."
Nemsaea shakes her head as she hears Lumine's comment. She then looks towards Takoi. "Well this will be over soon enough." She says. "Just wish they'd hatch a bit quicker before I faint or something." She says softly. The soles of her sandals are heating up and the sand between her toes is bothering her.
Brooding Princely Bronze Hatchling turns sharply away from the path of his ruminant pacing, his movements suddenly decisive. He strides forward, his steps more confident now. He seems to be making for a particular candidate, and he doesn't mind who he knocks over in the process. A timid-looking girl receives a scratch when she doesn't get out of the way fast enough, while her neighbour is quick enough to jump clear of the determined bronze. With a high-pitched, triumphant bugle, he charges up to his chosen one. He thrusts a demanding muzzle against the legs of Takoi.
The Justice of Cold Steel Egg is demolished, piece by piece, from the inside. First it's a fragment here and there, then whole chunks of shell fall away. The Peregrine Warrior Brown Hatchling breaks through at last, fanning his wings as they reach the open air.
Peregrine Warrior Brown Hatchling
A strangeness, a subtle caress of something foreign, lurks on the features of this dragonet; everything is just as it should be, yet somehow inescapably other. Darkness shrouds his hide, deep mahogany in solid tone over his entire form. His proportions are elongated compared to other dragons, tail and neck extended, but his muzzle is broader and muscles are well-defined in the long limbs. Monochrome he may be, yet intense in that simplicity. Against the dark, his teeth gleam very white, and the facets of his whirling eyes glitter as jewels in sunlight next to the shadow.
Nemsaea claps as Takoi is chosen by the bronze. "Congrats Takoi!" She says as her attention is caught by the newest brown. "They really don't like hatching females here do they?" She says quietly. Hrm.
Takoi looks down at the bronze and gives a smile, "Hes a cute one, isn't he?" as he nods at the hide, apparently quite taken in by the color for a moment before he realizes theres someone actually talking to him, inside his head! Looking about to make sure its not someone playing a cruel joke, he looks down and says "Oh Elsinoth, you beg hunger, and who would I, T'oi be to deny you of that?"
K'lorin wouldn't know about thongs, Nemsaea, he never had a reason to wear one on his own. Not that he would, even if he /did/ have a reason. But he'll come back and go back to his corner, watching the bronze as he hunts down his chosen. "Congratulations, Takoi! Or condolances, you'll be busy with that one! Let's get Elsinoth fed and ease his demands." grin.
Peregrine Warrior Brown Hatchling gnashes teeth as he glares out towards the Candidates waiting for him. He is out, now, and the past cannot be changed, so he obeys the gnawing hunger and sets out towards them. Tail lashes back and forth and eyes whirl angrily red as he rushes forward. He will not wait, or consider, when this dreadful ache has settled in his belly! He draws up to the Candidates and then slows, head swiveling this way and that as he tries to figure out which of these robed creatures is the one he's looking for.
Lumine almost misses the hatching of the Peregrine Warrior Hatchling in his congradulatory whoop and wave of his arm for Takoi -- now T'oi afterall. However, at the last possible second the motion draws his head back and he snaps around just to see the life-beginning event occur. Bits of shards are regarded and then the dragon himself, his mouth opening once again and then closing. "Now." He says quietly to Nemsaea. "That is regal. Look at how he carries himself, even in that age!'
Deed Without a Name Egg wiggles, shimmies, and dances its way out of its hollow, tumbling to its side on the scorching sands with a hearty thunk. Spiderweb cracks flash out from the impact point, and then the shell disintegrates. Egg goo and shell fragments burst away from a small blue-green hatchling, who raises her broad head to regard the crowd of candidates. A Spy in the Shadows Green Hatchling, she is, and she will stalk out her prey.
Spy in the Shadows Green Hatchling
This dragon might be mistaken for a dusky blue at first; she's a bit large for a green, and her coloring has some aquatic tones to it. Her head, wide and well-fleshed, is coated in a warm sea green that blends into the ridges of viridian that parade down her neck to her back, dripping down her somewhat plump sides to pool on her belly. Sage and cerulean mix as they rise from forelimbs to chest, reaching shoulders and darkening to shades of moss as they shift over her thin yet agile wings. Strands of seaweed and algae mottle her haunches, narrow and without much plumpness, met by swirls of cypress along the length of her relatively short tail.
Nemsaea nods quietly as she looks to the brown and then to the remaining egg as she sees a green. "Shards... wow!!! Finally the diamond in the rough." She giggles. "There had to be a special female in the group." She smiles. "Hey Lumine, what do you think of that green? Hmm it does look rather bluish..." She says quietly.
Peregrine Warrior Brown Hatchling looks among them with growing urgency, now pushing a girl actually out of the way. This one isn't his... nor this. He lets out a woeful cry that pierces through the hot air, his wings stirring up the dust as he waves them about. The frustration builds and the cry grows, and he lashes out towards the nearest robe, taking part of it in his teeth and tearing it. The outburst seems to calm him somewhat, and chewing on it thoughtfully, he heads on off again in search.
Lumine actually does not see the hatching of the Green this time. His attention is completely and solely focused upon the brown. His eyes are actually widening at the display of sheer agressiveness that the fellow is displaying. Involuntarialy and unconsciously he steps behind Nemsaea; eyes quite wide. "Eek." He heard to whisper -- and mean it too. "I didn't realize that dragons could be so........agressive?" There mere presence of one such as that on the sands has cowed the lad again, sending him slipping into his more comfortable meekness -- almost afraid to lift his eyes to look at the dragonet.
Nemsaea gets pushed aside before she can move away fast enough, thankfully she's not hurt or anything but she looks over at the brown indignantly. "Well that wasn't very nice." She says as she gains her composure and looks at Lumine. "Yeah it seems so... I know some Whers can be aggressive at times, not that I'd blame them."
Spy in the Shadows Green Hatchling arrives, late perhaps, but arrive she does. Green, gloriously green, and the only one on the whole expanse of sand. She revels in it, she does, craning her neck just so and spreading her wings. Eyes are on her. She knows they are. And her eyes--ah, her eyes should be on someone, too. Now, she just has to figure out who. Critically, she regards the remaining Candidates. The problem with arriving late is, of course, that there are so few left to choose from.
Lumine remains huddled behind Nemsaea, looking mostly over her shoulder at the brown in question. As such, he doesn't actively see the glory of the green upon the sands; keeping his eyes instead to the relative agressiveness of the other dragonet. Afterall, he doesn't want to suffer a similar fate to the one who had his or her robe chewed upon.
Peregrine Warrior Brown Hatchling at last spits the shred of white cloth on the ground. It's not food, and it isn't good enough to take the place of food. Then, swift as the crack of lightning, he turns in the direction of a caught murmur. There it is, what he's been looking for all this time. He marches right up to Lumine and his protector, teeth like pearls sharpened to razors, utterly intent on this boy huddling behind the girl. He pushes the girl aside: this one is his.
Is this bad luck or what for Nemsaea, if it's not once it's twice the insult. "Wow you're a pushy one..." She say as she lands on her behind. She sees the teeth, "You can have him, honestly. Shards why would I even try to stop you?" She says as she dusts herself off and claps for Lumine. "Congrats... good luck with that one."
Spy in the Shadows Green Hatchling is not going to allow that brown to steal her thunder, not on her life. He's not the important one; she is. A shrill creel escapes from her throat as, not to be outdone, she runs forward to claim the one the brown has brushed off. His loss, and her gain. She nudges at Nemsaea's hip with her muzzle. She is the one who should be noticed, not that boor of a brown.
L'min is actually pushed right upon his bottom into the hot sands by the sheer force of the brown's path towards him and his subsequent shoving of Nemsaea away. For a moment, the youth just sits there in utter shock; eyes glazed and wide as contact between two minds is made. And then, completely involuntarialy he places his arms around the dragonet's head and the young beast hauls him back to his feet. For a moment, he forgets to speak. "Thielloth!" He calls with sudden forcefulness. "And *I* am L'min!" He looks down at his stomch then; clutching it suddenly. "Food." He says in a slightly strangled voice. "Yes. You've found me. And now we eat." And with that, still in contact with the Brown's head he staggers reflexively towrads the Weyrlingmaster.
Nemaea looks around at the remaining hatchling and around the near empty sands. "Um... why am I the last of my friends to be here?" She says nervously. Not like really anyone around to hear her when she looks up at the shrill creel. "Shards, you aren't going to eat me are you?" She feels the nudge of the green at her hip and seems almost lost as her words change to those of soft adoration, "Oh Messinath, Yeah we can do that. Oh... yeah let's get you food before my stomach aches more." She says quietly as she embraces Messinath. "So beautiful you are." She looks around plaintively for someone to help her. "She's hungry, please..."
K'lorin raises his eyebrows in surprise at Lumine. He expected that one to get the green. Oh well. Lost that bet. "Congratulations, Lumine." And then Nemsaea gets the green. "And congratulations, Nemsaea. Let's get all four of you off the sands now before Thielloth decides to eat his Impressee." grin. "And I'm sure Messinath is hungry too. Females always are." he says, and pushes both pairs towards the exit. Clear the sands, people.
And that's it. The last of them. Hassaleah sighs in relief. "Nobody was eaten, nobody was injured, and best of all, nobody missed dinner." She gathers up the remaining Candidates, murmuring words of reassurance to them and sending them off to see their families. Mhiyath, still letting out a soft pleased thrum, settles herself down for one last nap on the heated sands.