[7.17. 2707] The Spell of Moonlight (HATCHING!!! )

[Kit]

It was high night, warm, with a light breeze. Nearly everyone was asleep. Arktos and Arkysk walked down the quiet weyr corridors, having just come from the night hearth for some klah to revive the drowsy Candidate Master. They passed the entrance to the Hatching Grounds, the black wher peering inside intently, his nostrils flaring to sniff the humid air. Arktos leaned his head in, looking to see what Arkysk was so interested in.

The flickering glows along the walls did little to illuminate the vastness that was the Hatching Ground. The forms of the eggs, and of Aylinth and Demnoth, were just black shapes in the gloom to Arktos’ limited human vision. But through Arkysk’s eyes, the place looked different. Each egg was visible, a warm lump against the black, though not as warm as the searing heat of the sands below. The Queen and her mate were curled at the far end, clearly asleep, but they seemed restless, often twitching their tails.

Suddenly, the larger moon, Belior, rose above the small circular opening at the top of the cavern, bathing a small portion of the sand in silvery light. Slowly, the light crept towards the eggs, and Arktos and Arkysk watched, transfixed. The circle of moonlight touched an egg, which one was hard to tell. and suddenly, it moved. Arktos blinked, thinking it a trick of the light, but he opened his eyes and it moved again, and then again.

Just as he was about to make some sort of movement, Aylinth awoke, her eyes whirling an odd mix of colors in the darkness. She took in the situation for a moment even as Demnoth too opened his jeweled eyes. Then she made a noise that was a sort of a bugle-croon. After a moment, this noise was returned from every corner of the weyr, like an echo multiplied by the hundreds. Then the humming began. Arktos went to the Barracks at a dead run.

When he arrived, his seconds were already staggering around blearily. “The Eggs are Hatching?” one of them asked. “I thought they hatched in the morning.” Arktos shrugged as he breezed past them in the corridor.

“Just wake the Candidates. Make sure they put their robes on, and bathe. One of you, go to the kitchens and get klah...lots of klah, and some.. meatrolls and fruit.” While they rushed off to do his bidding, he went to the first room on the boy’s side and shook the occupant of the bed awake, ignoring the boy’s groans of protest. “The eggs are Hatching right now, get your robe, and get into the bath.” That said, he went to the next room.

[Jammi]

Cheriss
Ever since she had moved to the weyr, Cheriss had troubles sleeping. So the soft rasp of voices in the common's room woke the teen. Groggy she looked around her room for the source. When someone brushed aside her curtain, Cheriss was already siting up in her furs. "Wake.. Oh you're up. Hurry and bathe. Put on your robe. The eggs are hatching!" The quick instructions made Cheriss pause. Was it time already? Goodness she better hurry before all the hot water was gone!

Grabbing her white robe and a clean cloth, Cheriss dashed down the hall just as others were waking and moving around. Grinning she didn't bother greeting any one, there would be time for that later. After bathing as quickly and as throughly as she could, Cheriss pulled on the white robe.

With a deep breath she straightened the hem as she made her way to the common's room. Standing against the wall she waited for further instructions.
---
Demariss
Unlike his sister, Demariss was a heavy sleeper. The teen had be be shaken several times before he woke. Yawning he asked, "What is it?" From the darkened room he heard, "Wake up sleepy. Go bathe then dress in your robe. It's time to meet the hatchlings."

Instantly awake, De grabbed his robe from the chest at the end of his bed. Dashing down the hall, Demariss wove in and out of the others in his need to beat his sister. Bathing quickly, but not as throughly as his twin, Demariss grew nervous. What if Cheriss Impressed and he didn't. Or worse, what he did and his twin had to return home?

Swallowing against the sudden lump, Demariss slowly pulled on his robe. Joining the ranks in the walk to the common's room he tried to picture life with a dragon. Before he knew it his feet had taken him to stand next to his sister waiting on something.

Food. The smells pulled him from his thoughts. Elbowing his twin, he moved to grab a plate. Grabbing a few small pieces of meat and fruit, he moved back to his spot on the wall. Holding the plate out he grabbed a random piece. His twin did the same, and together they ate in a tense silence.

Once the plate was empty, Cheriss took it to the bin set to side for the purpose. Nerves were making her giddy. Grabbing Demariss's arm she wove her way to the door. Content to be dragged, Demariss went along for the ride. And now to wait. Something neither twin did easily.

[lithle]

And, that was a noise! The Weyr sure was full of those, most of them loud and unexpected. Roni wasn't exactly comfortable with noises of any kind, but the large, unexpected kinds were her least favorite. She jolted awake with a whimper, sitting bolt upright in bed and meeping despite herself. When she realized what exactly the noise was, she meeped again, louder the second time.

Hatching.

Hatching?

Oh, hatching!

That was, that was important. Bathing, robes. She could do those things. Sort of. No. No, she could. She just... had to breathe, and everything would be fine. Wouldn't it?

Would they get her father? Would he come? Would he be proud of her? He'd take her home. After the hatching, she'd go home. That was, well, an odd thought. Of course, she wanted to go home. She missed the silence and the simplicity and the closeness of it. But--

Well--

People at the Weyr were so interesting! Terrifying, yes. But in interesting ways.

Emotions mixed, she quickly finished her bath, cleaning up with the same thorough efficiency that she did everything. A little faster, though, for the sake of the eggs that wouldn't wait long.

Damp and nervous, her hair hanging wetly in her face and sending drips of water down her robe, she joined the other candidates, standing a little apart and shifting nervously from foot to foot, as if on the hot sands already.

[Jazzeh]

Ferahar was sluggish as he made his way to the baths. For one, he had fallen asleep not long ago and was just about to slip into that blissfully deep sleep where it was harder to wake up. But the call had come before he could, leaving him a little grumpy. Additionally, the loss of Terahar still stung fresh in his mind. It was almost as if part of him was missing. Terahar was such a vital part of his life and to have him gone, even after knowing for months that he probably wouldn't make it, was devastating. He bathed at an almost painfully slow pace, dressing with the same slowness.

Solemn eyes stared up at Arktos as the Candidates gathered in the hallway and Ferahar sighed deeply. Yes, he was excited for the Hatching. But it just didn't seem right to be happy when Terahar couldn't be there with them.
-------
Lyrensa seemed to feel the thrumming in her veins. Of course, it probably didn't help that her two firelizards were joining in, their high voices just different enough in pitch to create a perfect fourth. She imagined any Harper would pay fifty marks to get ahold of a pair such as hers! She was up out of bed before the call came from the Candidatemaster and his assistants. She grabbed a packet of sweetsand and wrapped herself in a towel before heading down to the baths.

Already a chitter had set up with the girls and Lyrensa was too excited not to join in. "What do you think you'll Impress?" one girl asked her. "I don't know. I figure I'll let the dragons decided. Probably a green, though," she added with a wide smile. The excitement was contagious and she more than once nearly scrubbed patches of her skin raw in her energy. She finished bathing and wrapped the towel around herself again before she rapidly made the way back to her room. She dressed quickly in her robe and a pair of sandals, then joined the other Candidates as they waited to go onto the Hatching Sands.

(I'll post Toniel and Aylinth tomorrow morning.)

[Kit]

Cybele felt she had just fallen into bed when she was awoken by the crooning of all the dragons in tandem. "Chandrath...what.." she stopped herself as the Queen and Cybele's silver firelizard Argent began to hum. "Oh." She dressed quickly, and soon was on Chandrath's back, zooming through the opening in the moonlight, for once not noticing the breathtaking view, as she was spending most of her energy worrying about the Hatching. They were not usually at night, hoepfully nothing was wrong...please don't let anyone die...

Likewise, Q'del was woken from sleep, but since Demnoth was already down on the Sands, he had to walk down to his place in the stands, once he was dressed.

The Eggs are Hatching, Mine! Little dragons are going to come out! the bronze reported happily.

Yes, Demnoth. he replied sleepily, stifling a yawn and looking around for Toniel. Despite having been to many Hatchings before, just the sound of the humming was enough to bring excitement bubbling up in his chest. He peered across the dim sands, waiting to get a glimpse of his sister.

Quindara sat up with a start, jolted suddenly from sleep by she didn't know what. Then she noticed Shadow was humming. Humming?! She jumped out of bed just as one of the Assistant Candidate Masters came in. "Get bathed and into your robe, there's food outside."

She grabbed the robe, newly sewn for this Hatching as she'd grown out of her old one, and ran to the baths, barely feeling the warm water on her skin and not even looking at the other girls. Please don't make me fail again. She drank several cups of klah, though it made her jittery, and ate a few pieces of fruit before beginning to pace by the door the Hatching Grounds.

Keravon could not possibly have slept through the racket his fair of firelizards was making. He did not like being woken in the middle of the night, and it was only his realization of what they were making so much noise about that kept him from speaking sharply to them. The Hatching! He was excited, but it somehow felt wrong without Terahar. The emotions warred within him as he bathed and pulled the robe over his head. He ate several meatrolls, sharing them with his firelizards. "All right, Nereus, Cinaed, Araceli, you go out to the Hatching Grounds and wait for me. Be good. Stay by Slivoth." The firelizards blinked out one by one. He went and stood by his brother, giving him a weak and nervous smile.

[sorra]

Sertex hadn't been sleeping the best the past couple of nights. They had all been told the Hatching would be any day now and the boy was excited and scared at the same time. He bolted to a sitting position when he heard someone saying to get up and get dressed. The teen grinned and jumped out of bed.

Sertex got cleaned up as quickly and thoroughly as he could and then pulled his robe on. He hurried out to where everyone else was, looking around for his twin.

Calyssa had been sleeping peacefully until Storm starting humming. The little bronze nudged her and Calyssa was left to get up. She sighed softly in frustration, but was instantly when she heard the shouts. The girl got washed and dressed and found her brother afterward. This was so exciting, but nerve racking at the same time. She tried not to think about what could happen.

****

Kiyoni had started to sleep a lot better since she had moved in with Arktos, but since the Candidate Master wasn't there that night she didn't sleep quite as well. Just when she was finally starting to fall asleep Rivi and Elliwodth started to croon.

They hatch! Elliwodth said happily.

Kiyoni was instantly on her feet at those words. She washed up and threw on her good clothes before hurrying toward the Hatching Grounds, not paying attention to the time of day or night that it was.

Vanlith started humming and woke Meera out of a good dream. As soon as the green rider realized what was going on she grinned. She got dressed and grabbed up a hide and charcoal stick. Even though she would be watching the Hatching she had a feeling she'd come up with some songs ideas too.

They hatch! We will have ones to train again! Treoth hummed happily.

G'fal groaned. He wasn't a night owl, but then his brown's words broke through his foggy mind. The Eggs! The Hatching! The Weyrling Master was instantly on his feet and getting ready.

The two were soon heading down to the Hatching Grounds. G'fal couldn't wait to see who managed to Impress what color.

Get up! We have to go! Reloith said, peering into the weyr.

"I'm up," T'tarel mumbled as he got out of bed and slowly got ready. He was excited but still half asleep as well. The young bronze rider got cleaned up and dressed and then hurried out to his bronze. He knew it wouldn't be a good thing to be late.

They were soon on their way down to the Hatching Grounds. A Hatching was always a wonderful time at a Weyr. And T'tarel was always reminded of his Impression when he watched.

[Kendrall]

Wingleader G'rett

G'rett stirred in his sleep, but his eyes slowly opened when he thought he heard a faint humming sound being echoed throughout the entire Weyr. Even Coth was echoing the same humming noise. That could only mean one thing. Aylinth's clutch was about to hatch. Part of him wanted to remain in the bed as old memories flooded through his mind of barely losing that particular Flight, but the other part of him demanded that he get up and get dressed. It wasn't so much as protocol, with him as the Wingleader of Stardust Wing. No, it was more of wanting to see his future weyrmate Quindara finally Impress, so they could take their relationship one step further.

He no longer cared what Toniel or Q'del, or anyone else for that matter would think or say about him and Quindara. By the Egg, G'rett would stand by his beloved and fight for her if he had to. Slipping out from underneath the furs, he hastened into his personal bathing chamber and stepped into the warm waters. Dunking himself, he grabbed the sweetsand and washed up. It took him several minutes, but after one final rinse he stepped out and dried off with a towel. G'rett then put on a pair of breeches, pulled a tunic over his head and tugged it down over his torso, and grabbed his boots and slid them over his feet. He grabbed a wher-hide cord and tied his hair back into a runner's tail, then made his way to the Hatching Sands. He didn't have to tell Coth to be there, he trusted his companion would already make his way.

--------------------------------
Senior Green Weyrling/Journeyman Healer C'olt

He wasn't sure if he was dreaming, but it seemed as if Aromath was both humming and speaking in his mind simultaneously. C'olt, mine. Aylinth's clutch is hatching. We need to be there, as the Candidates' feet will surely be burned by the Sands.[/i]

Yawning and stretching like a feline, C'olt rose from his bed and stumbled groggily towards the common bathing chamber shared by the male Weyrlings. He accidentally fell in, ungraciously, with a loud splash and giving the other males something to laugh about. C'olt rose out of the water, spraying droplets this way and that, and nearly had a fit until he, too, began to laugh. He washed up, then dried off after leaving the bathing chamber. Slipping into a loose, billowy green tunic with sleeves that only came just below his shoulders and therefore revealed his sleek but defined arms, its neckline plunging low enough to show off his neck and the very top of his upper thorax, the Healer slipped on a pair of matching breeches and his sandals.

C'olt knew he'd draw stares from the others when he arrived on the Sands, but his tunic served a practical purpose: he wouldn't grow quite as hot as the others. By keeping his own body temperature lower than the others, he could react faster and therefore he'd be one of the first onto the Sands in case of an injury. Stopping by the Infirmary to grab his medical supplies in a shoulder carrying case, he headed off to his destination. Aromath, he knew, was already present.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Candidate Jaysen

Arktos' voice and an unfamiliar humming sound lulled the young sailor out of his sleep, and Jaysen's eyes snapped open when he realized what the Candidate Master was saying. The Hatching! He had no time to lose! Misty was humming in time with the rest of the dragons, Whers, and firelizards! Crooning softly at her pet, Misty encouraged Jaysen to get moving. Throwing back the furs, he made his way quickly to the common bathing chamber and washed as quickly as he could, nodding at the other male Candidates. There didn't need to be any words said, as they all knew what today held.

Drying off, Jaysen pulled his robe over his head then walked back over to his bunk where Misty was. She crooned at him, suggesting she would meet him later. A mental image of Storm nudging Calyssa came to the young man's mind, prompting him to nod. Good. That meant Calyssa would be on her way as well. "Come find me later, Misty," Jaysen said quietly. "Go find Storm." Trilling her acknowledgment, the queen firelizard promptly disappeared in between. He let out a sigh, then followed Sertex and Demariss towards the Hatching Sands. Spotting Calyssa, he gave her a warm smile before grabbing several pieces of fruit and offering some to her.

[syn]

So the day had arrived. Another candidate session had come and gone, and today was the day of truth. Even the hatching, however, could not break her dour mood at having her sleep interrupted. Minette was not a morning person and never once did she pretend to be. She took a cup of klah and drank it down as she pulled on the white robe. A small spill appeared on the shoulder, but she decided no one would notice it. Her next order of business was to plait her hair. The braid kept her from sweating too much and kept her face free from hair.

She joined the line of girls and followed with a sullen scowl, yawning every few moments. Yet some undercurrent of the Hatching excitement was in her bones--YEOWCH! She jumped as her bare feet hit the sands. Though she had stood many, many times, she never really got used to the burning feeling of the sands. It was odd, however, that the girl in front of her treated it as a normal occurrence.

Rushera knew what hot sands felt like. She had been born and raised in the desert, and some days the sands were hotter than this. Her feet were tender, but the heat was actually... Soothing. She didn't have to worry about sand fleas or biting insects on these sands, and before her was her ticket out of this pitiful existence. From what she had learned, she stood a fair chance at Impressing a very pretty green. Greens usually went to girls anyway. She had to contain her urge to skip as she took her position.

Calnex, however, did not take the sands with grace. "Shells and Mother of Faranth!" he barked, hopping back and having to be shoved forward by the young men behind him. The dark-haired boy stepped gingerly and then refused to stand still, raising and lowering one foot every few moments. How could anyone else stand this?

[sorra]

Storm lifted his head happily when he saw Misty. The bronze trilled a greeting before continuing his humming.

Calyssa chuckled as she watched her bronze take off after the little gold. At least she knew he'd be safe now. She returned Jaysen's smile. "Thank you," she said, taking the offered fruit. "I can't believe it's time already," she said excitedly, looking around the room.

Sertex nodded beside her. This would be the day that they all found out if they were cut out to be riders. It was nerve racking for all of them and Sertex was doing his best not to fidget.

[Kit]

The Candidates were now gathered, all damp from the bath in their white robes. Arktos’ seconds had given them food, and as much klah as they could drink. They huddled at the door, which was open a crack and Arktos was peering through it to look at the grounds. Torches were being lit, but it was still only lighting the ground to a dim sort of twilight. He turned to them. “All right. This is the moment you’ve been trained for. Remember, do not be frightened, calm and welcoming thoughts attract dragonets.” Of course, they weren’t exactly sure this was true, Certainly frightened Candidates had Impressed before. But it was certainly true that frightened Candidates were more likely to be hurt by the dragonets. But now was not a good time to remind them of that. “Now, please line up behind me in an orderly fashion. Do not forget, the Sands will be hot.”
Arktos pushed open the door fully and led the line of youngsters onto the Sands. He also wore white, as was custom, a very nice tunic with belled sleeves and white wherhide pants that he only wore on Hatching Day. The Sands were hot even through the soles of his boots and he felt slightly sorry for the barefoot Candidates. But they would manage, just as he and every other rider here had in the past. He circled around the dim Hatching Grounds, skirting the edge of the rocking eggs. The sound of humming dragons seemed to reverberate off the walls, redoubling on itself until it drove out any other thoughts. Overhead, dragons flew in and out of the cavern, dropping off passengers. Some were parents of the Candidates, some were holders and crafters here by invitation. Finally, the Candidates were arranged in a wide semicircle around the Eggs, and the Candidate Master stood right in front of Aylinth and Demnoth. He bowed, hoping the Candidates would take the hint and do the same. Both the dragons inclined their heads, both accepting his respect and returning it. Arktos went to take his place in the stands, peering around to see if he could find Kiyoni. Everything was out of his hands now.

[Jammi]

When the Candidate master told them to think warm and comforting thoughts, Cheriss's first thought was of her brother. Her twin would have no trouble with that. Cheriss on the other hand had a mind that liked to wander. Like it was now. Forcing her mind back to here and now, Cheriss followed her brother onto the hot Sands.

Both twins winced as the followed the line towards the eggs. Demariss's thoughts were warm and comforting, but not in the direction Cheriss had orginally thought. They were finally here. Standing in front of dragon eggs. A place their older brother had dearly wanted to be. A bittersweet smile could be seen on the Candidate's face.

We're here, brother. We both are living out the dreams we had as children. I know Cheriss wishes that she had never went after those flowers, so you can be here with us. I hope we Impress well to keep your memory in our hearts. Not that we can ever forget you, Rissem.

While this inner monolog was playing out Demariss's head, Cheriss watched the eggs. In the dim light of the moon it was hard to see if any were moving. The hum of the dragons, flits, and whers filled her heart with a loving, warm fuzzy kind of feeling. A soft smile drifted across her face. Soon she forgot the burning of her feet, the sweat pouring done her back, she even forgot her twin was there beside her. For once in her sixteen turns, Cheriss was still and waiting.

[sorra]

Calyssa clasped Sertex's hand quickly before they were ushered out onto the hot sands. She had been on the sands before, but she had been allowed shoes then. The sand was scorching on her feet, but she tried to concentrate on the eggs in front of them. A smile played on her face as she looked around. The candidate quickly followed Arktos' lead and bowed to the dragons.

Sertex gave his sister a nervous smile as they followed the others out. He tried to think happy thought as they all lined up around the dragons. He bowed as well as he waited for what would soon happen. Arktos had tried to prepare them for the Hatching, but there was only so much he could do and Sertex knew that. Now it was just wait and try to do his best.

Meera had finished with her carrying duties and had found M'lym in the stands. She knew that Edilon was standing for this Hatching and she wanted to be there for the bronze rider one way or the other. She gave him a smile as she sat down.

T'tarel and G'fal had quickly found their seats to watch. This was always the best part, seeing who would Impress to the next generation of riders.

Kiyoni had personally picked up Jaysen's family and Sertex and Calyssa's father just like she had promised. Once she was sure they were seated in the stands she found a seat of her own. She waved her hand a bit when she caught sight of Arktos looking around. Rivi was still sitting on her shoulder humming.

Caltex looked for his children. A broad smile crossed his face when he saw them and he hoped them the best.

[Kit]

Keravon swallowed nervously as the door was opened. This was only his second Hatching and he felt less ready now than he had for the first one. What right had he to start a new life when the life of his brother had just ended? Yet, he knew Terahar would've wanted them to Impress and be happy. He tried to think welcoming thoughts, though once his feet touched the hot sands he could hardly think of anything but that. He turned and bowed to Aylinth and Demnoth with the other and then turned back to the dim shapes of the crazily rocking eggs. Shards it was hard to see in here. Why'd this have to happen at night?

Quindara made her way onto the scorching sands in somewhat of a daze, every nerve seemed to be humming in time with the humming of the dragons, and of course Shadow, unwilling to leave her side, was adding his own deep voice to the mix. She had been to so many Hatchings now that she did everything almost without thinking. Walk, turn, bow, turn back... the eggs were hard to make out. Something told her that this would make the Hatching more dangerous. She almost wished she had a glowbasket.


Tesni had been woken by the racket that Kaitoth, Indra and Itzal were all making, but it took several cups of klah to bring her out of her stupor. Then it was off to the Holds, to pick up parents of Candidates, and other random guests. After four trips, their duites were done and they zipped into the Hatching Grounds and found a seat, unfortunately, Tesni had to sit near the back, as she had arrived so late, and there was a very tall person in front of her, so she had to stand up to see, but it couldn't dim her pleasure at seeing the Candidates she Searched walk out onto the Sands. She waved, though she knew they probably wouldn't see, and hoped they all Impressed.

One of the advantages of the Candidate Master was that you got to sit in the front. Arktos saw Kiyoni and waved, trying to motion for her to come sit by him. Meanwhile Forge appeared from between and sat on his shoulder, adding a humming descant to the din.

[Jazzeh]

Toniel was awake almost the instant the humming began. Leifa was staring at her, eyes whirling in excited blues and greens, her own voice added to the beginning thrum. The light sleep she'd been in had been fitful, almost as if her body and that of Aylinth's had sensed that something was going on. Oh Toniel, they are Hatching! My eggs are Hatching![/color] the queen said to her rider, for a moment forgetting she was supposed to be a regal gold. The woman couldn't help but smile tenderly at her lifemate as she reached for a suitable gown. Something light, for certain, as it was going to be extremely hot down on the sands. But nothing too scandalous.

Finally, Toniel settled on a simple gown with a black bodice and a long skirt in a nice plaid pattern. She opted not to wear the white blouse underneath as she would in the winter so she would not overheat on the Hatching Grounds. Once she was dressed, she made her way down to the Sands. Q'del arrived only a moment after she did, though she wanted to make sure Aylinth was alright before she took her customary seat next to him.

Toniel...you are the one who's uncomfortable with this. I am happy for my eggs! They will Hatch and find boys and girls of their own to make them happy, just like you make me happy. Go to Demnoth's.[/color] Toniel was surprised by her dragon's words, so surprised she didn't even try to argue. She nodded at her dragon and with Leifa perched upon her shoulder, she made her way up to Q'del. She dipped her head in greeting to him and sat down, placing her hands in her lap. Though she tried hard, she could not quite control the nervous twitch of her fingers.
-----
Ferahar returned his brother's nervous smile. He felt far too glum to partake of the food or drink that was set out, but he knew he should. He grabbed a meatroll and chewed it slowly, waiting for the call to come. When it did, his back straightened and he made the trek out to the Hatching Sands with head held high, even if he didn't quite feel it. He had to Impress, though. For his father and for Terahar. He jumped a little at the feel of scorching sand on his feet, glad that they were walking so he didn't have to linger on the sands for too long. But then they were coming to a halt in a semi-circle around the eggs and Arktos was giving the customary bow. Without thinking, he, too, doubled over in a respectful bow, remaining there for a moment before returning to his proud posture.
---
Lyrensa found as she glanced around that she seemed to be the only one wearing sandals, causing her to frown. That couldn't be good. Surely they'd get some kind of protection from those sands? She'd seen enough burn victims in the infirmary to know it wasn't fun or pretty. But if no one else was wearing sandals...she very well couldn't be the odd one out. When she went for a small plate of fruit, she surreptitiously slipped off her sandals and left them in a shadowed corner of the room, so that when she returned to the line, she was barefoot just as the rest. The stone was cool on her feet now, so she tried to hold on to that feeling as they started towards the hot sands. The feeling tried desperately to tear away from her as she hit the Hatching Grounds, a soft hiss escaping her mouth. Shards it was hot! But she had to keep on going. Soothing thoughts. Think of the cold floor. This was most definitely NOT cold! Her firelizards clung to her shoulders and she suddenly remembered the advice of the Candidatemasters. "Fariah, Radko!" she hissed quietly. "Go! Find a perch somewhere. You can't be here right now!" The firelizards looked slightly hurt by this, but they obediently winged their way up to a tiny ledge that would be far too small for a dragon, just above Aylinth and her eggs. They would have a perfect view of any dragon their pet might Impress.

[Kit]

On the Sands, the eggs were rocking with renewed vigor, as if the occupants within could sense the nearness of their chosen lifemates. One in particular, a large, butter-yellow egg began to sport a few cracks that spread like spiderwebs across its shell. Then, with a few more violent rocks, it burst open, revealing the glistening form of a bronze dragonet. There was a gasp of relief all around. For a bronze to hatch first was considered a good omen. It was a large dragonet, and as his hide began to dry, many remarked on how he resembled his sire in form and markings, with red-golden flames seeming to flicker up his legs. He was a brave little thing, rushing up immediately to his parents and crooning at them before rushing over to the Candidates, charging in among them like a young colt broken out of the paddock.

Meanwhile, several more eggs were showing signs of hatching. A smaller egg with wave-like markings rocked violently before tipping over and shattering, revealing an aqua blue dragonet. He moved more slowly and steadily than the bronze, already possessing some grace. He moved over to his brother and the bronze head-butted him affectionately, sending him sprawling. The bronze seemed to feel bad about this, and he leaned over his clutchmate with a look of concern until the blue righted himself. The smaller male seemed to have had enough excitement for now, and he quickly made his way to the Candidates, stopping in front of Cynell. I am Manwydath, C’nell. Now, we will never be parted. The boy, the youngest Candidate standing, wrapped his arms around the blue, tears running down his face. He announced the name of the dragonet to the crowd, as was traditional. His mother, the Weyrwoman, could be seen dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief as the first new weyrling was led away.

Two more eggs had cracked as the first Impression was made. The egg with the crossed swords had cracked with some force to reveal a very large and handsome brown, while a lovely dark green had emerged gracefully from a black and dark blue egg. The brown assuming a protective stance over his green sister, as she fastidiously spread her wings to allow them to dry. The bronze was still racing about and he went towards the green to give her an exuberant greeting, but was stopped by the brown dragonet, who stepped in the way and flapped his little wings threateningly.

Deterred, the bronze blundered through the other eggs, knocking over a large sandy one that had already cracked quite a bit. The bronze that emerged from the ruin of the egg seemed quite annoyed with his brother and they stood together squawking at each other for several moments as if arguing. Finally, the flame marked bronze moved off to wreak havoc elsewhere, still not appearing to be interested in looking for his lifemate yet. But the large handsome brown from the egg with the crossed swords had looked intently at every male Candidate, and seemed dissatisfied. He made his way over to the girls and looked over them carefully, seeming to consider them before placing himself in front of Minette and staring into her eyes, his own taking on the rainbow swirl that marked the moment of Impression. Minette, I will always protect you. I am Nuadath. I am also very hungry.

The small egg that looked lightning struck had been shaking crazily for several minutes, and suddenly it burst open, eliciting a gasp from the people in the stands. For the dragonet that emerged from the shell was white. Or more correctly, a sort of ivory cream, but it was certainly a color of dragon that had never been seen before. Everyone in the cavern was staring at the little thing, which was sized rather like a green. The dragonet seemed to not have noticed their attention, he shook himself rather like a canine and began a confident walk towards the Candidates. Then, several things happened at once. Three eggs that had been sitting together suddenly hatched simultaneously, revealing a green, a brown, and another new color, a gray. The three dragonets seemed to huddle together for several moments. The brown, a light sandy tan color, seemed to try to shelter the smaller dragonets, a very dark gray and a green that was prettily shaded with every hue of green imaginable.

The first bronze to hatch was trying to rush over and greet his white brother but found his way blocked at every turn. In his frustration, he lashed out with his tail, knocking over the smaller bronze and the dark green who’d hatched moments before. The bronze fell into Jaysen, raking him along his chest, though not too severely. Thus sprawled on the boy, the dragonet looked into Jaysen’s eyes, and seemed to give a start. Oh, J’sen. I am sorry I didn’t find you before. I am Amonth. You are not hurt too badly are you? However, the carnage was not over.

The dark green had blundered in Ferahar and knocking him over onto his arm with an audible crack. His brother ran over, pushing the green roughly off of him. The three dragonets who’d been standing together in the center of the sands suddenly came scurrying over, followed by the little white, who had the attitude of a spectator about the whole thing. The prettily shaded green bent over the prostrate Ferahar with concern evident in her eyes. My F’har, are you hurt? Please do not be too hurt. Your Irisith needs you, because... I am hungry.

Keravon helped up his brother so that he and the darling little green could go with the Healers, wiping away a happy tear. Then turning around, he nearly blundered into the sandy brown dragon, who fixed him with a look. K’von, can we leave now? I am Cernuoth, and you are mine, so I don’t want to be here anymore, it is noisy.

Suddenly, the dark gray dragonet found herself alone. This seemed to cause a panic in her. She lashed out at the nearest Candidate, which happened to be Velain, knocking him off his feet before rushing past him, accidentally clawing him across the face. She didn’t even notice as she ran into the middle of the sands, crying piteously. After a last, gut wrenching cry, she vanished between. All the dragons keened, and the dragoents who had hatched already but hadn’t yet Impressed seemed especially upset. The bronze who had caused the whole debacle seemed to droop as he hid behind some of the boys. The white dragonet scampered towards the girls, and came to a stop right in front of Ronasha, his tail lashing with agitation. Ronasha, I am your Indrath. I will never leave you.

Another egg, a largish pink one, cracked open then to reveal another new color, this time a red, though this particular dragonet was a little on the pink side. People began to mutter to themselves. Seeing her emerge, the little bronze regained some of his former spirit and he ran over to her, though he didn’t butt heads with her. Once they had greeted each other, they both made their way to the Candidates with steady confidence. It almost seemed like the bronze had been waiting for his red sister. They stopped in front of Sertex and Calyssa. S’tex, I am sorry I have caused so much trouble. You will forgive your Belenoth? said the bronze somewhat sheepishly.

The red nuzzled against Calyssa. I am Freyath. We were meant to be together, my Calyssa. Now, lets go eat.

The dark little green who had accidentally injured F’har had now recovered herself and peered at each of the girls intently, if somewhat timidly after her fall, though she didn’t seem any worse for the wear. Finally, she stopped at a young journeyman dragonhealer named Kyler who had only just arrived at the weyr. Kyler, I am Nyxith. We are together now.