Aleyeska Weyr

[Thialyn]

No! They can not come near my eggs!

There was a very unhappy queen on the Sands at the moment. Curled around 12 gleaming eggs, the newest gold to Aleyeska was not happy with the current situation. She could feel the day these eggs had been hardening for was very near. And 'very' meaning within hours. Needless to say, Ziarreth was not a happy dragon at the moment. She didn't want anyone anywhere close to her eggs. The only person she had let onto the Sands in these past sevendays was Kya. And even she was on thin ice. That alone was unusual for the normally mellow gold. Flirty she could be. Proud yes. Kya had never seen her so... So...

If you call me over-protective one more time...

Kya glanced over at her dragon, meeting the gold's furious red gaze with her own even honey one. Hand cocked on one hip, the rider met the angry gaze of Ziarreth coolly, not backing down for a second. Even though she had never seen Ziarreth this bad, she had never seen her lustful either, and both of them had survived that relatively unscathed. They could do so again. Taking a deep breath, Kya finally conceded and lowered her gaze. But she kept her will strong as iron. Ziarreth would let the Candidates in. Impressing from outside would be nigh impossible. They might lose a couple of the precious lives curled in the twelve shells Ziarreth so zealously guarded.

"Fine," Kya said, her normally soft voice firm as she glanced back up at the fuming gold. "I am going to go change into more appropriate clothing for a Hatching and meeting the Holders," she said with a slight annoyed roll of her eyes. But her gaze became firm again when she refocused on Ziarreth. "If I'm back before you start humming, you had better call the Candidates in. As for now," she began as an after-thought, already walking towards the entrance to the stairs for her weyr. "Call them to prepare themselves. The Weyr will want a warning." Her tone brooked no argument, and she turned sharply on her heel. She could hear Ziarreth's displeasure as she walked across the sands to the stairs. She was going to enjoy a bath. Hopefully she would have that much time.

Candidates! Aleyeska! Ziarreth called to the Weyr with a bugle, none too happy with the task. Prepare for a Hatching! There. Short and sweet. Her job was done. The gold returned to nuzzling her eggs, feeling the life stirring within them. The Hatching would be soon. Very soon.

[Sakuri]

'Z'ral! Did you hear that? The Hatching is near! Prepare yourself!' Domolth said excitedly to his rider as he sat up and began to shake the light sleep from his limbs. The bronze had been dozing in and out on the ledge of their weyr for a while, but not anymore! This was a momentous occasion at the weyr, one that he looked forward to. He wasn't about to let it start without him.

Z'ral, on the otherhand, had been wide awake. He had been out for a good portion of the day and was headed back to his weyr when his bronze had given him the update.

Shards, are you sure? he asked as he picked up speed. He wasn't exactly in the most presentable of appearances at the moment, and he wouldn't have minded a good bath before he headed out. Do you know how long we have? he inquired. At the very least, he could change into something a little more suited to the occasion.

As Z'ral entered his weyr, he was greeted by the impatient form of Domolth on the ledge, huffing about. 'I am not sure exactly... But it will be very soon. Please do not waste time.' Z'ral chuckled warmly at his companion as he quickly stripped down and redressed in something he more cinsidered 'Hatching attire'. He went on to wash his face to ensure that he looked at least somewhat presentable, though in truth he was fine already, before he made his way back out to his bronze. He mounted and gave the impatient dragon a loving pat on the neck. "Whenever you're ready, Domolth. Take us there."

---------------

Kimara was snoozing on her bed when she recieved the news from her green. 'Kimara, it is almost time for the Hatching! Please get ready. It would not look good to be late.'

Aerimeth continued to prod at her rider's mind for a minute or so before Kimara finally jumped awake. What was that Aeri? she asked the green, still slightly asleep. Aerimeth snorted.

'The eggs! It will not be long before they hatch. Ziarreth has informed everyone to prepare! I suggest you do so.' Aerimeth huffed, slightly annoyed by her rider's sluggish responses today. This was not a time for her to be slow. The dragon turned and gazed out at the others beginning to stir, scanning the area for the familiar blue form of Binth.

Kimara was quick to respond to that. She jumped up immediately and began to brush out her hair and rummage around for some nicer clothing, prefferably a good dress. As she shrugged her chosen apperal on, she moved out onto the ledge with Aerimeth and began to mount.

As the pair launched into the sky and headed in the direction of the Hatching Sands, Kimara tried to identify the other people headed that way too. Aeri, have you by any chance happened to speak with Binth?

The green continued her path. 'I have. He knows where we will be, and they can find us once we get there.'

---------------

The news that filled Nekarian's mind at that moment both thrilled and terrified him. It was finally time. The Hatching would begin any moment now, and he was to stand on the sands before the Queen and her Clutch. If he was lucky, this would be the best day of his life. If he was lucky, he would be one of the happy former-Candidates to leave the Sands with a new companion. That was if he was lucky. He could also leave alone, and seriously injured, or even dead. He shuddered, pushing those thoughts from his mind. He would be fine. He was feeling good about today, as scared as he was. He was sure that he had a good chance to be one of those chosen by one of the newly-hatched dragons on this day, and he was ready.

First though, he had to prepare. Without wasting a moment, Nekarian dropped the stick of charcoal he had been using to sketch out a peaceful scene of the mountains around Aleyeska and began to search for the white tunic he would wear out onto the sands. In truth, the searching was more out of nerves than anything else. The candidate knew where his clothing was. Afterall, he had been preparing things for days now in anticipation of this day. The robes were laid out neatly on a chair at the other end of the room, right where he had put them yesterday.

With shaking hands, Nekarian changed and brushed out his black hair. Luckily, he had just bathed the night before so cleanliness wasn't really an issue. He stopped and gave himself one quick look-over to make sure that he was ready and presentable. It wouldn't do to go out there looking like a vagrant. What kind of impression would that set? When he was sure that everything was in order, he left the room.

By the time he reached the sands he was shaking. His eyes were wide as he made his way toward the bowl. He glanced around, but he didn't see any of the other candidates just yet. Maybe he had overdone it? Was it bad to seem too eager? He wasn't sure. With a deep breath, he entered the great bowl. He gasped at the beauty of the sight before him, something that, rider or not by the end of the day, he would have to find time to sketch someday. Slowly, he approached the gold and bowed low to the ground. "Greetings, Gold Ziarreth. I wish to ask your permission to stand in your beautiful and awesome presence on this day." he said, hoping that the queen wouldn't bite his head off.

(three posts in one! WOO!)

[Tora]

Iridia would never have guessed that raising a flitter was so time-consuming. She'd go out on chores with her, since she liked to latch onto her tunic on the shoulder and curl up against her neck. And she had to feed her. A lot. In fact, she was in the process of feeding little Riley when the Gold called out about the Hatching. And Iridia realized. She realized in the way of knowing before you actually know that you know that the Hatching was starting. It took the cries of excited candidates in the hallways near to her to wake her up from her sudden stupor, and realize that the Hatching was happening.

With quiet deliberance, she finished giving the last scraps of meat to Riley, who curled up and promptly went to sleep, and pulled on her candidate robe, checking her curly blonde hair back with her hands before exiting her room and following the crowd.

Following the procession, they crossed the Weyrbowl and went into the Hatching Sands. The golden queen was magnificent against the steaming sands, their eggs off to the side. Iridia bowed low to Golden Ziarreth, her blonde hair almost brushing the sands (but not quite). "Thank you. Thank you very much." She said audibly, even if it was lost among all the other candidates saying the same.

Now it was time to take her place near the eggs. She watched them with a focused eye, turning her head slightly to look at whatever egg moved next. This one wiggled, that one wobbled...it was all very exciting. And all very nervewracking.

What if she wasn't good enough? What if her life partner wasn't here? What if...

Too many what ifs.

Because, what if her dragon was among these creamy white shells, shaking, waiting, waiting for the right future riders?

[Koriyo]

Akores was busy daydreaming as he sat by the lake, so the imminent hatching didn't immediately register in his mind. But when the dragon's hum permeated the whole Weyr, he figured it out pretty quickly. That, and the fact that he saw others rushing to get to the Hatching Sands drove him to his feet and dashing to get his formal white candidate robe. When he got to the Candidate Barracks, he hastily entered his room and threw his clothes off, while almost simultaenously forcing the white garb over his head.

He sprinted out of the room, out the barracks, and barreled over to the Hatching Grounds. When he got there, out of breath he stopped suddenly, catching quite a few people's glances. Akores straightened, to look more dignified for the Queen, although he privately assumed the damage was already done...and therefore incorrectable. He rearranged his disheveled uniform and walked forward slowly, choosing a spot among the other candidates.

Akores looked around at the stands of people, wondering if Alira was watching him. There! His younger sibling waved at him with a smile, and he nodded respectfully back, knowing he couldn't likely afford to lose any dignity in this situation. Akores focused back on the shaking eggs intently, although privately he masked his anxiety with a determined expression.

[saberlin]

Rakisan had been in the beast herder pens once again when the humming began. It was not quite as loud as he had originally expected it to be. He always thought that the dragon humming should be much louder really. Oh well, this was still about to be a change in his life. or at least he hoped so. Not being stuck in here mucking around with runners all the time would be a good change. Especially if that change was to come in the form of a dragon! Setting down his tools carefully he leaned them against a wall and tucked them into their perspective drawers and then ran to the candidates barracks as fast as he could. Still so thankful that they were on the first level of the Weyr. It made it quite easy to duck in and down the hall and into his room. Where he changed swiftly into the white candidates robes that were customary all across Pern for a hatching. The white was said to make them all look equal in the dragons mind so that things would be decided purely by what was in the hearrt of the person. He had never really looked into it all that much but had decided to listen to it none the less. IT seemed like a good enough plan anyway.

Once dressed it was back out into the open sun and over to the hatching sands where he saw another candidate enter and actually got to watch Ahrianth and Rodonth land as almost one entity. The Weyrsteward R'ton and Goldrider and Weyrwoman Auryn were both donned in lustrious dark browns that had gold filigree stitching done through out the hemmed edges. They looked amazing together and Rakisan knew that he would never be so close to the Weyrwoman as R'ton in that instant of looking at her. Even if he were to maybe Impress bronze today.

R'ton led Auryn in and over to their rightful places by the top edge of the sands as their dragons circled around and up to stay out of the way of the new mothering Gold. They did not want to get in her way or agitate her. Everyone knew that the sands belonged to whatever gold had their clutch there.

Meanwhile Rakisan made his way in and over to Ziarreth and her rider, doing a rather courtly and deep bow, "Ladies, it is a pleasure to be here today and to stand for such an outstanding looking clutch."

Formalities taken care of the young well built and handsome lad strutted over to a rather new looking girl *Iridia* "Good Luck today, my name is Rakisan." Just as he settled his feet onto the hot sands and started to dance around on them a tad his blue firelizard Arijax flew in and landed quietly on his shoulder and looked at him chipping and humming excitedly, "hold your tongue Ari.. i don't wanting you getting munched you hear?!"

[Sakuri]

By this time, more people were beginning to arrive. Several other Candidates were filling the sands, and other weyr inhabitants were filing in to watch the Hatching. Out of the corner of his eye, Nekarian saw the weyrwoman and weyrsteward arrive. The air seemed to hum along with the dragons as quiet conversations and speculations floated down from the stands. People pointed at eggs or candidates and proudly told their friends and neighbors in the seats beside them that, "that one looks like a bronze", or "I'm sure that candidate is going to impress". Excitement was everywhere.

Nekarian managed to tear his gaze from the shaking eggs just long enough to glance at the other candidates that had gethered. The only person he recognized so far was Rakisan. As his gaze snapped almost immediately back to the quivering eggs, he managed a nervous smile at both Rakisan and the girl he was talking to. "Hey... This is it, huh? Are you excited?" he said, a little quieter than he meant. He stood straight and tall, trying not to look quite as nervous as he really was. So far, he was doing a fair job of it. He was a bit stiff, and his hands were shaking somewhat, but other than that he was doing great. He even managed a light laugh, which did a lot to help him loosen up. With a familiar face here, he was beginning to relax. His mind calmed down as worried thoughts ceased to cloud it.

Even still, he kept his eyes on the eggs. Any minute now, the first shell would crack and a dragonet would make its way across the sands to find its partner. Who would be first? Only time would tell, but the anticipation seemed to drag seconds on into minutes. All Nekarian could do was chuckle again to himself and flash an excited smile at the other candidates.

[saberlin]

A rather medium-ish sized egg that was rather uninteresting and not at all stand outtish started to wiggle and squirm a bit on the sands. It was the same eggshell creamy color that seemed to cover all but the larger one off to the side. It wobbled a little this way and a little that way, just sort of figuring out what it was doing. These things after all took time you know and it was obviously in no great hurry to get things started. The gold mother lowered her head over the egg and crooned a bit of encouragement and that seemed to do it for the egg. It really started to wobble and sway back and forth harder and harder until a fine hair line crack became apparent down its left side.

A small chirp of surprised was emmited from inside the egg, as if the dragonet inside of it started to notice that the fracture had made things easier to move around and it was one step closer to freedom from these confines. The crack also brought something new to the young dragonets life, light. It had never seen light before. It was sort of shiny, and sort of painful on the eyes. But it must continue to get out. Would there be more light out there? The now curious one started to push as hard and as hard and as hard as it could at the crack, creating more cracks of this fine light thing. Oh this was exciting!

The little one inside heaved and it hoooo'd and heaved some more with its back legs, its front legs, the things coming from its back that pinched if they got stuck wrong, and with his head, oh he was trying to hard! And right when he thought he couldn't do it anymore and he didn't want to even try anymore because it was Soooooo hard....

*POP*

The egg finally popped part of its shell away and from it, a rather small but eloquently shaped wedged head of a small baby brown dragon. The small brown one blinked its eyes hard trying to get accustomed to the brightness all around him. As soon as his small eyes focused and the crowd was finished "awwwwww" ing at him for his continued cuteness the brown dragonet started to break the shell of his egg to further his escape. This fresh air thing felt pretty good. He stepped out of his egg as soon as the hole was big enough and did a very cat like stretch. his wings spreading themselves high into the air revealing how very.... long? Well that was rather unusual for a hatchling. No wonder the poor thing had them pinched so often in the shell. They were positively ginormous! A few startled gasps came from some of the more senior riders as they took note of his longer wings, hoping that he would tuck them back in before running off and searching for his candidate. R'ton especially took note and would make sure to find out which candidate impressed to him so that extra care could be taken with the young ones wings.

The small dragonet however saw absolutely nothing wrong with himself and started to slowly tuck his wings in, and even as hard as he tried they would not settle properly on his back. But, after trying numerous times the little one just gave up, gave a draconic shrug and just sort of tettered back and forth across the sands trying not to drag either wing too much in the hot sands. He didn't seem to be watching ahead so much as he was watching where his feet were going and literally came right up to a candidate and noticed the lads feet first. After looking up past the white candidate robes he saw Nekarian's face and began to purrrrrrr

Oh! You are why I came out of my shell. I am Rhiunth, will you help me with my wings?

Brown Rhiunth
Steadfast, Curious, Adoring
Number for color=663300
N'kar

[Sakuri]

It wasn't long before one egg in particular began to attract attention with its movements. It wasn't by any means the most spectacular of the shells in the group as it was of a good mid-size and normal color, but so far it seemed to be the closest to hatching. Nekarian focused his attention on it like many of the others that were gathered as cracks slowly began to appear on its surface. His mind raced as he tried to guess what color it would be.

With a resounding pop, the egg broke to reveal inside the head of a little brown dragonet. Nekarian jumped a bit, a little surprised by the sound. Almost immediately, his calm began to give way to a new wave of nerves as he watched the cute little thing adjust to the look of its new world. But it was cute. The candidate couldn't help but let out a soft "awwww" along with the crowd.

Everyone continued to watch as the little brown finished breaking out of his shell and made his first steps onto the sands. When he stretched, Nekarian couldn't help but look at his wings. He had never imagined that a hatchling's wings could be so big! He watched, fascinated as the brown struggled with them. Maybe they weren't supposed to be so big... Finally, the dragonet gave up and began to wobble across the sands in the direction of the candidates, or more specifically, the candidates near him. He watched as, head down, the brown continued his way until it had almost run into him.

Nekarian's heart raced and the dragonet looked up at him. It was a wonderful moment, one he was sure he would never forget. An intense feeling washed over him and a voice filled his mind. 'Oh! You are why I came out of my shell. I am Rhiunth, will you help me with my wings?' Nekarian's eyes widened as he stared at the hatchling. "Me?" He said, his voice barely over a whisper in his disbelief. Rhiunth looked at him, confused. 'Yes. You are my N'kar, are you not?'

The boy immediately dropped down and wrapped the brown in his arms. "Rhiunth!" he said, completely amazed at what was happening. Rhiunth happily nuzzled Nekarian and the two seemed lost in each other at that moment. Nekarian then stood back up and carefully began to help the brown fold his large wings against his back. It was more difficult than he had expected, but he finally managed to get them situated at least well enough for the moment. It was then that he noticed the odd feeling and realized that he was supposed to feed his hatchling. Unsure exactly where to go, he looked around for instruction while he scratched Rhiunth lovingly on the shoulder and Rhiunth crooned his love for his partner. In all honesty, he should know what to do now, but he was far too distracted and disoriented to think straight at the moment.

[Tora]

Iridia turned and looked at the person who addressed her--a fellow candidate, dressed in the familiar white candidate robe. He introduced himself, and she smiled and nodded. "Good luck to you too, Rakisan. I'm Iridia." the girl said softly, and quietly turned her attention back to the dragon eggs sprawled before them. Her eyes were stolen from the clutch a second time when Rakisan's blue firelizard flew in, and she giggled at his reprimand of the critter. "Mine's back in my room. Don't want Riley to get 'munched', either. Your little guy is cute--what's his name?"

Politely, she kept facing him, even if she itched to turn back to watch the clutch. And she kept looking at him, not in a creepy stalker-ish way but just a kind glance waiting for an answer, until the crowd began to draw her attention to the creamy white shell which was spilling its contents onto the sands. Iridia smiled apologetically at Rakisan, and looked at the egg with extra excitement. What would the medium-sized egg Hatch into? A small bronze, a brown, a blue? People were chattering, all trying to guess, and collectively the crowd "awww"ed at the brown that hatched in a rather adorable way. He was blinking at the brightness of the world around him, and Iridia cheered him on mentally. Go on, little brown!

He Impressed swiftly, which was a good sign, and Iridia clapped for the new pair. She wanted to yell congratulations, but wasn't up to the exertion. The hot sands were already taking a toll on the poor girl, and she hoped to Faranth that her feet wouldn't be permanently injured after this. After all, she did have rather sensitive skin.

[saberlin]

Rakisan turned to Iridia again and smiled at the girl, she was quite good looking and Arijax immediatly went over to say hi to her just flitting shortly above her head and nosing her softly on the cheek before settling down once more. The little blue was really quite friendly and liked to nose about the crowd so Rakisan sent him off to do so as the first little brown hatched onto the sands. He was truly quite the fellow with his large wings. Why that brown would be able to glide forever in threadfall with out much effort! "Go little buddy go." he said mostly under his breath. After the little one Impressed Rakisan turned back to Iridia, "by the way, his name is Arijax."

***

Just then another egg started to wobble and sway. This one slightly smaller than the last but much more vigerous in its efforts to break free from the egg. Unlike its brown brother it took little time in getting its egg nice and crackled, with streaks going down all sides of the egg and zig zagging this way and that. Everything went much quicker this time and it was all almost over almost to fast to really take in.

A short and brief few moments later there in the ruins of eggshell sat a slightly larger than normal looking green with a rather distinct set of headnobs. Instead of two being inplace atop her small head, it seemed that there was as second pair growing just below the first. Not nearly as large, but still obviously there. The little one seemed very alert from the moment her shell popped open. Her head swirled around this way and that taking in all he could at once, eyes darting clearly to sort things out very swiftly and concisely. Then, just as if he had truly taken it all in and figured out exactly where everything was the little blue stood, and huffed in a "well that's settled" sort of manner and started off on his journey through the candidate ranks.

She crossed the distance from the sands to the candidates quickly enough the rest of her body seemingly unaffected other than the odd set of four headnobs. She was sturdy in all the right places, her wings were of proper sizing and her body just as lithe and beautiful as it should be. She was just a little bit bigger than most blues were when they hatch and would certainly grow to the size of a medium blue in her full glory. Not something that any rider would mind attaching themselves to really. The little green seemed to very quizically and concicely look at each and every candidate who was displayed before her and sat in front of each one tilting her head this way and that time and time again. Each candidate she sat in front of could feel just the barest tickle of her searching their minds to see which one she wanted to lock to.

After a few moments of this with every candidate she took a few steps in the opposite direction, turned around and placed her rump very finally onto the sands, opened up her lovely light shade of green wings that would mimic spring petals in bloom and opened up her mouth. At the same time of roaring her little heart out she called into the mind of one particular candidate.

IRIDIA! You have been chosen to be mine. You are qualified for me yes you are! And YOU will be able to care for me as no other could! I am your Ashanrinath!

Spring Precious Green Ashanrinath
Incredibly Smart beyond normal reason for a dragon
Sensible, and Even Keeled in Temper
Agile
Iridia
Special Color: 66FF66

[Tora]

Iridia looked up quizzically at the blue firelizard above her head, and smiled at him. He nuzzled her on the cheek, and then went his own way. "Arijax." She repeated softly, after Rakisan told her the firelizard's name. "He's a cute one." She complimented, grinning again at Rakisan before looking back at the Clutch of eggs--for another one had begun to Hatch. She watched the smaller egg intently, foolishly thinking that this one could be a green--might even be for her. To be truthful, she thought she knew better than to irrationally hope. But hope she did.

The green that Hatched was absolutely darling. Her delicate, light green hide struck Iridia as gorgeous, and she didn't even notice the two extra headknobs at first. But as a candidate elsewhere pointed them out loudly, she looked closer and saw them. A dragonet with four headknobs, after a dragonet with extra-large wings? Something was up here. Something odd. But Iridia didn't have much time to ponder that, because she fixated her attention on the green that wandered now amongst the candidates, searching for hers. She sat cutely in front of each candidate she observed (there was no other word for what she was doing), but didn't spend much time doing this. After a few moments, she lept onto the sands with a certain amount of finality, spread her darling green wings and let a roar rip out of her mouth.

IRIDIA! she cried into the mind of the young candidate--no, weyrling!. You have been chosen to be mine. You are qualified for me yes you are! And YOU will be able to care for me as no other could! I am your Ashanrinath! the green dragonet said before leaping forward once more and running closer to Iridia, bumping into the girl's knees lovingly. Now--I'm positively starving, Iridia. I don't suppose you could fix that, could you?

Iridia stared. She stared at the green, and into the green's swirling rainbow eyes of Impression. The presence of Ashanrinath filled her mind, her heart, and she smiled, hesitantly. Iridia didn't believe she could be...be this lucky. It is simply not luck, Iridia. You are the absolute perfect one for me, and I would have no other. Now come. Feed me--I'm so terribly hungry! the green insisted, though she was not angry in her insistence. Merely a touch stubborn.

"O-of course, Ashanrinath." Iridia said, tasting the name of her--her!--dragon on her tongue as she allowed herself to be led off the Hatching Sands, and towards where the meat lay. With a start, she turned back towards Rakisan, and grinned at him again. "It was nice meeting you, Rakisan! All the luck in Pern to you!" She called gayly before re-attaching herself to Ashanrinath's side and going for food.

[saberlin]

With both the green and brown dragonets safely impressed R'ton hazarded a trip onto the sands to help direct the new Weyrlings on where to go next. Especially the new brown rider seemed to be a bit lost at the moment. a smile on his face he extended his hand to the brown pair, "Congratulations on Impressing! how shall I address you both?" After hearing their introduction, as well as the green pairs R'ton motioned them off of the sands and towards the dinning hall where they could feed their new life companions and get more acquainted with others who would walk off the sands with a dragonet of their own.

[Thialyn]

It did not take long for Kyailani to prepare herself for the Hatching. A quick bath to at least get the dirt and sand from her skin and hair and she hurried to her wardrobe. Not that she had much to wear. Granted, a couple gifts had come from potential suitors, but Kya had always turned down the suitor, not wanting that sort of a relationship yet. Too bad a Flight had changed that. She had yet to see him since that night, the winner. She was both disappointed and gladdened by this fact. Sex had never been enjoyable for her. Never. But that night... Kya paused as she looked in the mirror at herself, wondering what had happened. She couldn't remember that night very well, given the Flight-lust effects. But what she did remember...his touch, his kiss, his gentleness... Kya looked quickly away. If he hadn't come since, he must not want her. Kya dashed that thought from her mind. This was a happy day.

Throwing on a dress and putting up her hair, Kya checked herself quickly before hurrying back down to the Sands. She could feel the vibration of humming dragons as she walked. The Hatching would be soon.

I thought you were going to be late, Ziarreth said as Kya entered the Sands through the back entrance. The gold had already retreated from the eggs, sitting unhappily near the back of the Sands to watch as her first clutch Hatched. My children are Hatching! The gold turned her head to watch, but Kya spent a moment looking around the Sands. The dignitaries from Holds were just arriving, as were R'ton and Auryn, the Weyrleaders. Kya watched them in particular. If only there were a rider she could rely on as much as she relied on R'ton. Loved as much as R'ton. Kya felt a pang of longing as she watched them. All her life she had wanted... She had wanted to feel...loved. By a man. For just who she was. Not what she could do for him physically. Just...for her. And then her attention was drawn back to the eggs as two began rocking in earnest.

Look Kya! My children! Ziarreth said with a bugle of joy. Her eyes whirled the rainbow hues of a Hatching, her throat vibrating with the strength of her hum. And so the Hatching progressed as first one then two baby dragons spilled onto the Sands and found Theirs. Kya stood next to her dragon, resplendent in a soft blue strapless gown, gold dragons playing along the edges of the bodice and hem. Her hair pulled up with tendrils of curl escaping to frame her face, she looked on as yet a third egg began rocking.

The egg in question began rocking and rolling in ernest, tumbling from the nest its mother had made around it in sand. It rolled a small distance before stopping as cracks drew thin lines across its creamy shell. Pieces began to fall away, the black holes giving no hint to the color of its occupant. Thumps from the Hatchling inside echoed in the suddenly silent chamber as it beat against the interior of its shells, claws clicking and nose scratching at the inside layers. Suddenly a claw appeared through a crack and pulled at the shell, toppling shards inwards as the hole expanded. Before long, the egg finally gave up its efforts to contain it occupant and shattered completely, spilling its occupant onto the Sands. and he was not too happy about it.

The brown Hatchling picking himself up from the Sands squealed in protest at his less than perfect entrance to the world. Shaking the sand from his hide, he huffed in annoyance before shaking his head and looking around him. Instantly he lowered his wings and ducked his head, amazed at how big everything was. Taking a few wobbly steps forward, he gaped at the large open space and the number of people looking at him. But he soon got over his shock and raised his head, arching his neck in a proud curve. He tried to make his steps a bit more even, but still had the Hatchling awkwardness that was characteristic of a dragon so young as he. But he walked forward anyway, his eyes red with hunger as he searched for someone to feed his empty belly.

There you are, Rakisan'Mine! he declared upon seeing just the lad he wanted. Dropping all pretenses, the brown Hatchling ran in a stumbling gate over to his Bonded, promptly tripping and falling face-first at the lad's feet. Your Prounth has found you at last! I'm so glad you are here now! Can you help me up so you can fill my empty belly?

Red Earth Brown Prounth
Mischievious, Happy-go-lucky to the extreme, Playful
Strong
Rakisan
Special Color: b03a21

[saberlin]

A smallish egg, tucked near the back of the clutch, began to crack. With the combined actions of the shell peeling away, and the little dragonet inside fervently shaking back and forth to try to free itself from its prison, it wasn't long before a shining, cobalt blue tumbled out onto the sands. He stood up with a creel of pleasure--look, he'd made it out of the egg!

Wasting no time, he found his little dragonet legs and he perused his way amongst the candidates. As he walked, people began to look curiously at him. More specifically, at his tail. The think was long and whiplike--much longer than any tail ever seen on a dragon, people got around to thinking. Like his brother with the extra-large wings, and his sister with the four head-knobs, he too had a mutation all of his own. An extra-long tail.

Besides that, he was a smooth and even blue color, his hide covering a supple and long body, dainty in build and with the appearance of being stretched out--with that longer tail. This blue would be a trickster in the air, certainly, his body seemingly built for grace and swirls and twirls.

But before any of that could happen, he'd need to find himself a life mate. Keeping up that calm walking pace, he meandered into the midst of the boys, nosing each eagerly, looking for his...until, yes! A'res! Oh, A'res, please feed your Tidaeth. I'm so hungry! he cried loudly and happily into the mind of the boy he had decided was hiss. I'm so happy I found you, A'res! I'll be with you FOREVER! We will have lots of friends he decided, nuzzling and bumping into the boy's leg with his nose. This is OUR new start...

Cobalt Blue Tidaeth
Extra-long Tail
Friendly, Outgoing, Loyal, and Kind
A'res (Koriyo)
3361E0

[Koriyo]

Akores watched, almost going insane with apprehension at the same time, as the other candidates starting being claimed by thier lifemates. One after the other. A niggling voice of doubt started to creep slowly into his mind, and when he started to pay attention to it, he shook it off. If he didn't have confidence, he wouldn't impress a hatchling. The key to this was positive thoughts, he knew. It was kind of just like dealing with children-they could tell right away if one was enthusiastic or plain old boring.

With that in mind, Akores thought again of how happy he would be if he was chosen as a dragon's life mate. Turning back to the other candidates, he couldn't help but cheer when a brown, followed closely by a blue and green, and then another brown, hatched and chose thier partner's quickly. The next egg, which was unusually small for a dragon egg, revealed a blue with a very long and whip-ish like tail. The young creature took it's time in deciding, Akores thought impatiently as he watched it walk in his direction.

When the voice emerged into his head, he gasped in wholehearted surprise. Akores sat there for a few seconds, not too sure what exactly to do now, when his dragon declared they would have lots of friends. That statement seemed to be too much for the newly dubbed A'res to handle. He broke out into tears at the relief he felt at impressing, an action causing Tidaeth to be very confused.

Mine? What's wrong? I didn't make the wrong choice did I? Tidaeth can leave if you want him to...

A'res shook his head furiously, letting the blue hatchling know he was wanted. A'res, for the first time in his life, spoke into Tidaeth's mind.

That's not true, Tidaeth. I do want you. If I ever say I don't want you, then I want you to bite me. Understand? The only thing I feel for your presence is love, Tidaeth.

The dragon became happy once again and lashed his tail back and forth, in much the same fashion a canine would. Tidaeth knew now that he had made the right choice in choosing his life's partner.

[saberlin]

The next egg wiggled, and soon thereafter, broke shell. What helped expedite this process was apparently a rather...sharp looking...snout that now poked out from the creamy white shell. In fact, as more of the egg fell away, it proved not to be a snout, but instead--an elongated, pointed, angular jaw that extended in front of the green dragonet's snout. No teeth were visible, but this jaw was certainly...oddly shaped, to say the least.

In a short amount of time similar to that it had taken from wiggling to hatching, she walked along the sands towards the girls, already crying out in her mind in a confident and motherly voice. Revia? Where are you? Your Dhavath needs you! As she walked, the crowd oohed and aahed at her vibrant, yet delicate color. She walked proudly, not even aware of her jaw and it's oddness, and held her wings high, her tail slithering behind her in the sand like a tame tunnelsnake.

When she had finally found the girl, her rainbow eyes looked up lovingly at the candidate--now greenrider. I am Dhavath. she stated at last before curling up protectively in front of the new weyrling girl. And you are my Revia. she thought happily, resting her long jaw on her front feet set delicately beneath her body.

Brilliant Green Dhavath
Steady-minded, very loving, motherly
Elongated and Pointed Jaw (talk to me for further explanation, if necessary)
Revia (Thialyn)
Color = 00FF66

[saberlin]

Rakisan was nearly dozing off from trying to contain his excitement of seeing so many wonderful *if a little odd looking* dragonets hatching out of their shell and Impressing to all of those who stood around him now. Already Iridia, and Nakarian had Impressed, or would it now be N'kar? He would have to go find out at some point. After the hatching of course. It was not as if he was really about to wander off and go do something else at the moment. Right now he was going to sit.. er rather... stand on these sands until every last one of the eggs had in fact hatched and he had seen whether or not he was going to Impress this time around. He certainly hoped he would, but he was also not about to get his hopes up for nothing. Somewhere in the back of his mind he could feel the reassurance of Arijax and was thankful for at least that connection. He would feel utterly alone on the sands if it wasn't for his little blue flit.



[COLOR=b03a21]

((WIP))

[sage]

((Sorry about my tardiness, i've been down at my cottage aka nowhere land, also I edited it a touch))


Candidates! Prepare for a Hatching! These words flitted lazily into Corusthek's mind. He stirred for a moment, and continued to sleep. He rested undisturbed until the full potential of those words set in. In a bound he shot up out of his bed and grabbed his bag, silently cursing himself, and punching himself once or twice. He tossed the emptied bag away and looked elsewhere. "Shards! I had it! Where are my robes! Gahhhhh!" He finally pulled them out from under his bag, and slipped into them. Not even bothering to fix his wild bed-head he ran out into the hall and gave dirty looks to his shadow at each opportunity. "Honestly Corusthek! Why on earth did I choose today to sleep in!?"

Corusthek could feel his confidence and good mood slipping away. This was one of a few chances he would have to be impress. He sighed and continued his mad dash. "Mother and father will be so disappointed." His dash got him to the sands, just as a little greed hatched from it's egg. Corusthek slowed and stopped, he stood away from the sands and cursed himself. The hatching had already begun. He slowly stepped towards the edge of the bowl and stood still. He bowed and looked towards the great gold. "Greeting, great queen and her beautiful rider. I would be ever so honored if you were to forgive my tardiness and allow me to stand in the presence of yourselves and this most magnificent clutch." His voice shook and trembled. He continued to curse himself for being so lazy.

He carefully stepped onto the sand, dancing a little from the heat until he adjusted to it. He looked on towards the cream colored orbs and stood still. His feet were beginning to adjust as he looked on. "Oh gosh..."

-------------

Trishka heard the queen's call, and left as soon as she could she smiled to herself, putting her hood up. she quietly closed the infirmary door and turned. She began her trek from the infirmary to the hatching sands. "I do hope they are as exciting has back home. I wonder though... would there be any injuries? Hmm... I believe I should remain on guard, just in case... I'm sure the other healers would be too!" She said to herself, as she followed the growing commotion. At the next intersection of hallways, a young man in a white robe dashed by her, completely unaware of her. "I must be late if the candidates are running that fast! Better hurry or I'll miss it!" She picked up the front of her robe, so as not to trip on it while she ran.

She soon arrived in the crowd, in a loosely crowded area. Her personal bubble was invaded, but she was able to clearly see the sands, and the young man she passed in the hallways. He stood off to the side, and waited there. "Poor thing, wonder why he's late?"

((I'm getting back on track))

[Kyesinger]

A blue one! Look! Just like me! Just like me!! Avinoth chirped happy as can be as he flew in on his ledge to view the hatching, bugling and thrumming with the others as he dropped his rider off, a bit late as well since they had been busy with duties.

'Yes, a very interesting shade too... our new queen has made quite a colorful impression on us already and now this.'

There! I see him! He is nervous. Avinoth directed his riders eyes to Corusthek as they both proudly watched him on the sands.

'I was rather nervous too back when this was us... but I have faith he'll do well. One of them has to be waiting for him, he needs it.' V'rik said knowing how much his odd new love interest needed someone to be there for him like he couldn't. He still hadn't fully opened up to the kid yet but he was getting closer as each day passed, and considered them close friends even though a few pecks now and then slipped between them.

Avinoth wanted to send him words of comfort, but he knew better than to speak to his dragonrider's lover, as at this time only one voice was meant for his head... together they both waited, and watched... trying to send silent thoughts of encouragement to their worrywart friend.

[Alrekair]

(( Sorry for the late! In the process of moving, and it's hard to get online for a long period of time. ))

Aralyn walked into the Hatching Sands, giving the golden mother a deep bow of respect. She was late, and she knew it, but there wasn't much to be done about it. The young girl had been too busy working in the Lower Caverns, and had completely missed the golden one's call. The humming of the dragons finally alerted her, but she had already missed several eggs hatching by that time. When she finally settled into a spot near the eggs, a lovely young green had hatched and just found her lifemate.

It's good that all the dragons have found their riders so far, her mind whispered as she glanced over the remaining eggs. Would one of them hatch and come to her? Would she be left standing? Would some poor, disoriented dragonet accidentally tear into her finding his or her partner? So many questions flew threw through the young girl's mind as she waited for the next egg to hatch. Her mind was roiling with the myriad inquiries that several parts of her subconscious wondered. Can't help but wonder if perhaps what I've heard is true. Does a disoriented young dragon really maul people in the pursuit of their lifemate?

She remembered the old uncles of her former home telling fabulous tales of Hatchings that they had watched in their younger days. Of course, she had a much better view of the happenings than they did, being Searched while they were only in the stands watching. But the stories still held sway over her as she stared off into the clutch of eggs, searching for the next signs of Hatching. All the stories had different outcomes, as no two Hatchings were the same. Some had the young dragons all finding their partners with no problems, while others had young boys or girls being severely injured by a confused young dragon. Her heart raced with the possibility as she watched each egg in turn, trying to determine which would hatch next.

Why would a dragon harm a person? she asked herself, her mind switching between the stories the Uncles told and the Hatching at hand. I suppose if the person got in the way, that would be enough to irritate the hatchling. And older dragons don't harm people. That must be it; just dragonets being irritable babies, she decided with an emphatic nod as she glanced around at the candidates remaining. Any of them would make good riders, some more worthy than herself in her mind. But the final decision as to who would Impress this time around was up to the youngsters, and there were still enough eggs on the Sands for her to have a chance.