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Post by Kit on Jan 29, 2011 23:55:06 GMT -5
In the gray light of pre-dawn, Kanly opened her eyes with a start. She had not been sleeping well, in part due to nervousness over the imminent Hatching, and in part because she insisted on sleeping in a cot next to Chrysoberyth on the Sands. The light in the huge cavern was nearly black, only faintly lit by dying glows, as the sun had not risen enough to shine through the entrance in the cavern ceiling.
Still, she swore she'd heard movement. It could have been anything, even one of the whers checking in on the Eggs before retiring, but as she peered into the gloom, she saw it. One of the Eggs, just a black shape in the corner of her eye, had moved. Barely more than a shiver, but it *had* moved. She sat up quietly, suddenly not wanting to share this moment with anyone, and slipped into her sandals. The Sands were cooler in the morning, but still uncomfortably warm. Padding silently to the egg, she laid a slim hand on the smooth shell. The light was growing all the while and she could now see that it was a warm brown egg, with a strange avian pattern.
She leaned in to look closer, pushing her long locks out of her eyes with her free hand, when the egg gave a determined rock under her fingers. Stepping back, she made a small squeal of surprise. Chrysoberyth woke then, practically jumping to her feet. Her eyes swirled red, ready to destroy the violators of her clutch, before realizing it was her lifemate.
Mine, what is going on? Is something wrong? Kanly had barely managed to open her mouth while pointing accusingly at the egg in question when it jerked even more wildly. Then another egg, a large one of Chandrath's, gave a perceptible jiggle.
Oh, my children are Hatching! And the Queen's too! Whyever didn't you say so? Kanly might have protested, but the room had began to fill with the unearthly sound of humming. Chandrath was stirring, her sapphire eyes blinking and golden wings rustling. Soon she added a second voice to the chorus, which began to spread through the weyr like a contagious echo until the very walls seemed to hum along with it. In a moment of mild panic, Kanly pulled her clean tunic over the sleeveless shirt she'd been wearing and ran her fingers desperately through her hair. All of Pern would see her looking like a ragamuffin! Cybele appeared by her side a moment later, looking somewhat rumpled but fairly calm.
"Don't bother fretting over your appearance," she said gently, as a silver firelizard appeared from between while trilling harmony with the draconic welcome song. "No one is here to look at you or I, it's the dragonets they've come to see." All around them, drudges, weyrfolk, and weyrbrats rushed, refreshing glows, bringing buckets of meat and water for the new dragons, the meat so fresh it oozed blood. They also rushed around with trays of food and pitchers of klah, and Cybele and Kanly were both handed steaming mugs as well as fresh meatrolls and fruit. Green, blue, and brown dragons, as well as an occasional bronze, began to zoom through the opening in the ceiling, depositing passengers before leaving to fetch more. Kanly's eyes were wide as she witnessed the amount of preparation that had gone into the Hatching, while Cybele smiled contentedly at the speed at which the weyr was mobilized for one of the most important events of the Turn. Another new generation of dragons.
* Meanwhile, the Candidate Barracks experienced a similar sense of ordered chaos. Arktos had nearly fallen out of bed at the first hum, and had immediately dispatched orders to both Arkysk and Forge. The black wher had contacted the dragons of the seconds, telling them to begin waking the Candidates and making sure they were bathed, robed, barefoot and waiting in the common room in half a candlemark or less. Forge, meanwhile, was sent to the kitchens to ask that klah and breakfast for 35 people and one Candidate Master appeared at the Infirmary side door post haste. The cooks already knew this of course, but they always received this reminder because Arktos did not fancy having either his charges or himself fainting during the Hatching.
That done, he kissed his weyrmate gently, knowing she had to be awake because no one could sleep through the racket the dragons were making. Then he practically dove into their bathing pool, and washed himself at breakneck speed before donning the white leather outfit he wore only for Hatchings. It fitted him well, making him look distinguished and grave. After running his fingers through his damp hair, which made it stand up like a rooster's comb, he kissed Kiyoni farewell, promising to meet her in the Stands later. Forge returned and alighted on his shoulder as he patted his sleepy wher, and with a deep breath, the Candidate Master strode out into the madness of the Barracks.
He waded through the mass of Candidates in the main corridor, many of them sopping wet, and after reminding one to turn their robe on right- side out, he made it to the Infirmary side door where two lower caverns workers waited with his requested food and drink. He bade them carry the trays into the common room and set them on a large round table, and as Candidates appeared, he handed them a mug and a plate of meatrolls, fruit, and cheese, eating his own breakfast as quickly as he could while he waited for all the Candidates to arrive, Forge sneaking bits of meatroll whenever his back was turned.
*
Guy was awoken by the strange but familiar sound of Gear trilling contentedly in his ear, augmented by a louder, deeper humming that seemed to come from everywhere. He hadn't yet processed this noise before someone, one of Arktos's seconds, burst into the cubicle that he was sharing with a much younger boy. Izon, he thought his name was. "Hatching's starting. Get bathed and robed quick as you can and meet in the common room. Remember, no shoes."
He felt his stomach turn over with nervousness, though he'd done this before. As he made his way to the bathing room in a dull fog, he wondered if he would Impress this time. He still had several years to go, of course, but it didn't mean he wanted to wait. The bathing room was crowded, a veritable sea of boys and young men all trying to get washed at once. He managed to push his way through enough to get a cursory scrubbing and then he quickly made his way to the common room to try to choke down some breakfast, shooting Arktos a shaky smile as he took a mug of klah. Gear greeted Forge with friendly familiarity, and the two took themselves off to the Hatching Grounds, intent on flirting with Argent while welcoming the newborn dragons.
Lirona had a very similar experience on the girl's side, only it was Kanretia that woke her. There were fewer boys than girls this time and the bath was only moderately crowded. The young girl had been a bit confused by the order of no shoes, but she was sufficiently awed by the loud humming and the barely controlled chaos that she obeyed, though she felt practically naked in the loose white cotton robe. After getting her breakfast and hot klah, she spotted her friend Izon in the corner, shivering with both nervousness and cold, as his dark long forelocks hung wet and limp across his shoulders. With a shake of her head, she swiftly pulled them back and tied them with a leather thong. It looked a bit silly with his bangs but it would do.
"Th..thanks, Lirona," he said through his trembling. "I hope I Impress this time. I can't imagine going through this more than once. It's nerve-racking."
"Don't worry. I'm sure you will. How could a dragon not like sweet Izon? It's me that ought to worry," she said with a joking tone, though she was entirely serious. Lirona doubted a dragon wanted someone selfish and calculating, for she knew that she was both.
"You shouldn't say such things," Izon countered. "Dragons need strong-willed riders, and you are certainly that." Just then, Arktos gestured for silence. Izon trembled and crumbled his meatroll out of nervousness while Lirona drank her entire mug in one swallow.
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Post by Jammi on Jan 30, 2011 1:08:11 GMT -5
At first Tara wasn't exactly sure why everyone else was up so early. For the beast-healer such things were natural, and old habits were hard to break, but it made little sense for the whole barracks to be awake at a time like this. Looking around her somewhat stupidly, Tara tried to pinpoint the odd sounds surrounding her. Slowly her mind put things together. It was a humming. The kind she had been told that Dragons make when a.... A Hatching! So that's why everyone was up and acting all strange like. Grabbing the white robe she had been assigned, a bit of soap and a rag Tara made a mad dash to the bathing chambers.
A scant five minutes later Tara was dressed, clean and wet haired. Guess that's an advantage of short hair right? A wide smile formed on her lips as she grabbed a mug of klah and joined her fellow Candidates. She knew there was food avaliable but it would take a moment before her nerves settled well enough for her to attempt solid food.While she waited Tara glanced around the large room for a familar face. She didn't know many people that well, but there was one in particular she wanted to wish good luck to.
~~*~~
Elsewhere in the weyr, a set of twins woke up to the sound of humming as well. D'mar was the first to realize what was going on. A wide sleepy smile crossed his face as he reached out for his bonded, So it's time my love? Oh yes! That's all the excitable green could manage as she wiggled around. "Well I guess I should get dressed then huh?" Her rider asked as he grabbed a clean pair of pants. Mean while on the opposite side of the weyrling barracks, Cheriss was struggling to pull on a clean shirt. A few mumbled words and a squawk of pain punctuated her attempts. Hurry Cher! They're going to hatch with out us! Eponath cried as hers struggled with her pants. I told you skirts are better, Eponath said lovingly as she nudged a skirt into Cheriss's reach. "Well today you maybe right, lovely girl," Cheriss said with a scratch to a dark head-knob.
~~*~~
Myntaluna wasn't sure exactly what to do. She knew the hums meant a hatching, anyone raised around flitters and whers knew that, but what should she do? She wasn't supposed to leave quarantine until a Healer had checked her out this afternoon, but no one expected the eggs to be ready this early in the morning! Frantic and worried about the little ones on the sands, Mynta paced the small common room. Every few steps the slight girl would glance up at the doorway into the rest of the Healer's rooms to see if anyone remembered that she was here. "Oh why couldn't the littlelings wait just one more day?" She asked the air around her. "I know they have their own agenda in mind, but one ittybitty day wasn't going to hurt them right?"
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Post by taenia on Jan 30, 2011 4:27:37 GMT -5
Moving around in a frenzy, Ranelli finally found herself washed and wearing her white robe now faced with the task of eating breakfast. She'd always been one who was quick to wake up, and it was very unlikely anyone would have been able to sleep throough the humming that the dragons were making.. it had taken her a while to register that this was all pre-hatching preparation and warning, it was only the words she'd heard from other candidates that had made her realise... sure, Arktos had taught and informed them well of what were to happen, but having never gone through this before, it had caught Ranelli somewhat by surprise.. ..but she was good in a important situation, such as this, not a surprise really when her back ground was considered, she'd been drilled and trained to manage the domestic side of a hold and that deffinately included situations of great importance!
Staring down at the cheese and fruit platter that she had in front of her, Ranelli wasn't 100% sure she felt well enough to eat, the nerves were getting to her.. something that greatly amused her, today was the day! Would a dragon pick her? She wondered to herself, hoping, that yes they would.. ...and would her parents be here? she doubted that they would miss such an important event, but she couldn't decide, would it be better to impress or not, in front of them? If she didn't, would Ellimae renew her advances to take her back? Would Tardol still persue her? Impressing would give her that perminant freedom, but would her mother speak out about it? Ellimae's tongue was quite harsh! ...of course, she hoped she would impress.. just like everyone else there would want to impress! Listening to the conversation between Lirona and Izon, Ranelli spoke up. ."I think you'll be fine, Lirona." She said, she didn't really know the girl but thought that maybe kind words would be appriciated. Turning back to the food, she decided to pick up the fruit and eat that first, and not consider the concern of the lack of shoes on the hot sands...
***
Even young V'lain couldn't sleep through the humming from the dragons, his own included, and for once, Osirith didn't have to wake him up. V'lain looked fondly at the black for a moment, surprised by the noise he had added to the cresendo of dragons. He wasn't really a vocal dragon.. getting a move on, he decided that he would focus on Osirith's needs first.. and then get ready for the hatching! He wondered if anymore blacks would hatch today..and wasn't quite sure what he though think if they did, he and Osirith wouldn't be the only ones anymore... but at the same time, maybe, maybe he could be something the younger ones would be able to look up to!
**
Despite the short warning, Ellimae had managed to look as magnificent as she could for this hatching, and yes, she wouldn't have missed it for the world. Not because she was there to support Ranelli, but because she wanted to see her erant daughter fail and get her back into that marriage with young Tardol, the boy was deffinately still interested, and oppertunities like that didn't come along often. She'd not spoken of her plans with her spouse, he'd been very unhappy with her after the previous meeting with Cybele, the interfeering weyrwoman.
She'd made sure that Bilteran looked just as presentable, for she wouldn't be seen with a messy spouse and they'd made their way to the weyr, trying not to hold up the kind dragonrider that had come to collect them. She walked towards the sands with a air of dignity, no shame from her last visit, and took seats from a good vantage point, she wanted to see Ranelli's disappointment clearly when she failed to impress..
Bilteran however, had a very differnet idea in his head, he wanted to see his daughter succeed, show to the world that she was able! She'd be a good dragon rider with her strong will, of that he was sure, and the fact that Cybele thought she would impress a high ranking dragon.. well, he hoped! Just think of what the other holders would think if his only daughter impressed the silver! or a gold in the future if one should hatch!
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Post by sorra on Jan 30, 2011 8:45:19 GMT -5
Ravis woke with a start. Trig was trilling happily beside him and it took the boy a few seconds to realize what was going on. He jumped to his feet and pushed his way through the others waiting to get cleaned up. The teen pulled on his robe and made a face. He wasn't one for light colored clothes and this white robe didn't make him feel comfortable. Oh well, this was an important day. He hurried off to try to eat breakfast, but was too nervous too. He just waited for the next part, glancing around for Shem. Trig had flitted off to the Hatching Sands to watch.
****
Bresala and Viarnie quickly got up. Bresala seemed nervous and a little withdrawn, but Viarnie was bouncing around. "What a wonderful day!" Viarnie exclaimed, getting cleaned up and pulling her hair up before pulling her robe on.
Bresala smiled a little as she pulled her own hair up. It was a wonderful day. If she could get past the dragon sized butterflies in her stomach. She nibbled on breakfast, but wasn't able to eat much through her nerves.
****
Kiyoni stirred when Rivi and Elliwodth started to hum. The green rider opened her eyes half way at her mate's kiss. She gave him a smile as she watched him get ready. She nodded and got up after he had left. She knew he was excited and nervous all at the same time. She would make sure to find him as soon as she could. The very pregnant green rider carefully got ready for the day and made her way down to the Hatching Sands. She wouldn't be helping convey people today.
****
Tanly got ready and waited for B'ren. "What colors do you think there will be this time?" she asked excitedly. She loved Hatchings! And they always reminded her of when she had Impressed Cadalayith. Her green was sitting contentedly with Chiath,waiting for her her rider so they could go down to the Sands.
****
Randy was just getting back to her weyr when she heard the soft humming. The young woman grinned and hurried in to find her lover, feeling a bit more perky now that she knew what was wrong. "V'zee!" she called as Ransk curled up in the dark. "Come on! The Hatching will be starting any minute!"
****
Katleya and Meera had spent the morning conveying different ones to the Weyr. Katleya went in search of D'mar as soon as her tasks were done and Meera went to find M'lym. "Good morning, D'mar," Katleya said cheerily when she caught sight of the green weyrling.
Kia had made her way to the stands and was sitting quietly. She glanced around for C'olt, knowing he would probably be close to Sands in case he was needed.
****
S'tex hurried got dressed with Belenoth bouncing beside him. Hurry up! the bronze said impatiently. We mustn't be late!
S'tex laughed. "We won't be. Come on." The two hurried out of the barracks. "Cheriss!" he called when he caught sight of his friend.
Calyssa and Freyath walked out of the barracks. She was at least looking a little better now. She looked around for J'sen, hoping he was close. Storm crooned softly from her shoulder.
Amonth, Calyssa is looking for J'sen, Freyath said to the bronze, wanting to help her rider.
***
Kikaya hurried down to the Sands. This would be exciting. It would be her first Hatching at a true Weyr. She couldn't wait. And her sister was standing too and she hoped that Micala Impressed. The girl looked around for her brother and spotted El'dan in the process. She smiled and made her way up to him. "Morning."
"Hi, Kikaya," the blue rider said. It was good to see the young riders adjusting.
Dessa stayed with her uncle. G'fal found them seats and sat down. He was excited and this would be the new lot that he would be teaching. Dessa was just excited to be able to see a Hatching. She wondered who would end up Impressing.
***
T'tarel finished courier duties and then headed into the Sands. Treoth took a ledge behind Chandrath. It was easy to see that the bronze was excited. This was the first clutch he had ever sired and he wanted it to be perfect.
T'tarel found his way over to Cybele and Kanly. little Image sitting on his shoulder. He kissed Cybele's cheek. "Quite an early morning surprise," he smiled, then looked over at Kanly. "You nervous?" he asked the younger girl. He knew he was.
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Post by Kit on Jan 30, 2011 8:55:59 GMT -5
Q'del started out of bed at the sound of humming coming from both his weyr ledge and seemingly the very walls. The Hatching! The Werysecond crumbled into his clothes, trying to look presentable for all the visitors to the weyr, and maybe a little bit for Toniel. He made his way down to the Hatching Cavern and waited idly at the entrance for her. Tesni and Kaitoth were assigned several pickups for Hatching Day, and they were one of the last to try to find seats in the Cavern. Still, the Searchrider wouldn't have missed this day for the world, so many of her own Searches would be down there today,including Ranelli. She hoped that Cybele had been right about that girl. Once Kaitoth had finally found a place to drop her, she looked around for Sanrev, hoping he hadn't slept through all the commotion. All the old weyrlings were excited about the Hatching, it was the first after their own, and they'd been told that it seemed different, and even better, when you were already bonded. The weyrling dragons still couldn't quite fly, so they all had to shuffle in via the ground, since the dragons wouldn't miss a Hatching for anything, and all of them were humming their fool heads off. K'von, M'thos and their two dragons, Cernuoth and Sylvanuth, waited up for F'har, saying hello to all the other weyrlings that passed. Quindara and Artemth were also waiting, though in the Stands. They were saving a seat for G'rett. N'huel was sitting nearby with his finally healed white, Inarith. They both were looking around hopefully for Kikaya and Ralith. In the Candidate Barracks, Lirona was surprised to hear Ranelli speak to her. Se hadn't expected the former Holder to really even acknowledge her, she was quite bit younger as well as beneath her former station by several dragon lengths. Hearing the kind words, she blushed and mumbled thanks just before Arktos began speaking. Now that all the Candidates were gathered, Arktos raised his hands to quiet the din. "All right, it's time for us to go onto the Sands. Half of you get behind me and half behind Kanretia. When we go out the door, I'll go right, Kanretia will go left. We'll walk around the edge of the Sands. Try to keep spaced out a bit, so you don't trip over each other. When Kanretia and I meet in the middle, everyone should stop and face Chandrath, Chrysoberyth, and their mates. They'll be right in the front. We'll all bow to them, and then you can turn to face the eggs. Remember to try to stay calm, and think loving, accepting thoughts. Now, line up and follow me." Gailardian drained his mug and got in line behind Arktos. He was relieved to see that Lirona, having just bullied Izon into eating his breakfast, got in Kanretia's line, still thoughtfully chewing her own meatroll. They made their way down the corridor, and Arktos pushed open the heavy wooden door. The sound of humming increased, and as they made their way out onto the hot Sands, the spectators began to cheer. *********** Cybele now stood beside Chandrath and Reloith, her arm looped loosely through T'tarel's elbow as her foot tapped restlessly. Many of the eggs were rocking now, and finally, there was movement from the Candidate's door. Arktos appeared, looking resplendent in his white Hatching outfit, with his second Kanretia next to him. They led the nervous and vulnerable looking Candidates around the cavern in opposite directions, all of them walking oddly with the heat of the Sands on their feet. They stopped, Arktos just in front of Chandrath. He looked a bit pale and strained, but he managed a weak smile as he bowed to them. Both she and Chandrath bowed back, in mutual respect for his dedication and his sacrifice. As he took his place in the Stands, gripping the hand of his weyrmate tightly, the Hatching began in earnest. Many of the eggs were rocking crazily now, and most were at least shivering. One of the larger eggs, the Forged in Fired Egg, had been slowly cracking for several minutes, though the creeping network of small fractures was barely noticeable at first. Then suddenly, seemingly without warning, a huge dragonet practically erupted out of the Egg, leaving it in tiny fragments as he stared at his surroundings with a somewhat quizzical expression. After blinking several times and shaking to remove a few shell fragments, he began to move along the semicircle of Candidates deliberately, examining each boy quite carefully. People chattered amongst themselves. A bronze hatching first was said to be lucky. What did a black mean? Meanwhile, the Power of the Mind Egg had cracked open in a much less spectacular fashion, the scrawny, brown dragonet stumbling out of the egg somewhat ungracefully. But unlike the black, he seemed to know just who he wanted and after finding his feet, made his way to a studious looking lad who'd been Searched at Harper Hall, where he was a Scribe. The boy seemed surprised but after a moment he managed to stutter, "He says his name is Wisdoth?!" There was a resounding cheer, the first Impression was made. Two eggs then Hatched nearly simultaneously, the Royal Truth and Prism Fire Eggs revealing a dark blue and an iridescent white respectively. The two dragonets seemed to confer a moment as they shook out their damp wings and then each took off, in a somewhat ungainly newborn fashion, in opposite directions. The blue stopped at a cluster of boys, some of whom were clearly brothers, gazing at them all with intelligent and measuring eyes. Finally, he took a step forward, and looked at Kanlar, his eyes whirling rainbows of color. K'lar, I am Your Lazulith. We will always be true to one another, won't we?Both the white and the black continued to search, though neither seemed distressed, and from the Crystal Cubist Egg an oddly splotched gray emerged. She confidently strode to a small shaking girl, who eventually announced her name as Galenath. The Glowing Green Egg burst apart and the dragonet inside raced out into the open and shook herself like a canine. She was a brilliant green color and seemed to be quite happy to be alive as she scampered around madly, zipping in between the Eggs so quickly that Cybele had to stifle the urge to run out and stop her. But before she could even think about giving in to such a ridiculous notion, the dragonet ran headlong into Tara, knocking her to the ground. The young green lay sprawled against her legs, and in her efforts to get up, badly scratched the shins of the young Candidate with her sharp newborn claws. After stumbling away with a somewhat sheepish expression, the hatchling seemed to temporarily lose her desire for fun and she went to bury her face in Viarnie's legs. Your Peridoth didn't mean to hurt anyone. I was just so happy to be out of my egg! You aren't angry with me are you? Because I'm very hungry. After making a circle of all the Candidates, the black seemed to decide something. He strode with purpose across the Sands and planted himself at Guy's feet. You are the one for me, my G'lar, but I had to be sure. Now will you feed your Basalth? I was long in that egg and my stomach pains me. The young man stood dumbfounded for a moment as the deep voice spoke into his mind, calling him by his new name. This big beautiful dragon was his forever? It seemed too good to be true. Yet he could feel Basalth's impatience and hunger and it was quite real, so he decided he couldn't be dreaming. "Yes, Basalth, we'll go get something to eat right now," he replied, laying his hand on the hatchling's head and leading him across the Sands to the meat buckets in a cloud of euphoria.
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Post by sorra on Jan 30, 2011 9:31:10 GMT -5
T'tarel smiled as he watched the candidates. Some looked a bit nervous and others didn't seem to know what to do. He couldn't blame them. It was a nerve racking day. He remembered the day he had Impressed Reloith. He smiled over at his mate.
Viarnie, Bresala, and Ravis followed quietly. They nodded and bowed to the Weyrwoman and Kanly. It was easy to see that all three were nervous and not quite sure what to expect.
Kikaya caught sight of N'huel and waved at him. The girl liked N'huel and she was hoping he would see her waving. It would be great if they could sit together. Ralith crooned a greeting to Inarith.
Viarnie was nearly bouncing out of her shoes as the eggs began to crack. Her heart went out to a young green that knocked over a candidate. She felt bad for the candidate, but the green seemed so worked up. She dropped to her knees as the green buried her head. "Of course I'm not angry, Peridoth," she said soothingly, rubbing the green's headknob. "Come, let's get you some food," she said, standing back up and leading the green away from the others. Her heart was soaring now.
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Post by taenia on Jan 30, 2011 9:47:44 GMT -5
So, this was it.. the moment that she'd been training for, waiting for for these past sevendays since Tesni's wonderful dragon had declared her worthy of a dragon. Leaving the remains of her plate where they were, she stood up. Putting herelf in the first line she found, behind Arktos. She was quiet now, and starting to feel nervous as she considered the impact this moment could have on her life.. of the big change that was due to come.. it was a situation that she was ready to embrace and it gave her a little bit more confidence to help battle the butterflies that she felt slipping into her stomach..
Walking out onto the sands, Ranelli went quickly, but quietly at the same time, following Arktos' instructions and bowing to both the radient mothers on the sands. The sands were uncomfortable under her feet, hot.. and it would take a lot of self control to ignore the burning that standing on it, even for a moment would cause. She stood tall as she could, not wanting to show the feelings of nervousness to those watching, but also the baby dragons.. she doubted that it would help her chances.
Taking her place on the sands, she spent a few moments scanning the specators, looking to see if she could spot Tesni, would the search rider be watching her finds? What was it like to be a search rider and watch those you had chosen to stand impress? She didn't manage to spot Tesni but her eyes did linger on her parents for a brief second, until she was distracted by the hatching of the black.. the first dragon to enter the sands. The crowds forgotten, Ranelli watched as more dragons escaped their shells and made their way across the sands.. shifting her weight from foot to foot as she watched, trying to save them a little bit.
She froze as she saw the little green run into Tara and knock the girl over.. her breath catching in her throat as she wondered how badly the candidate was hurt? Was Tara still alive? She thought in alarm watching for any sign of movement from the girl..
**
Silence seemed to fall around Bilteran as the candidates came on, and his keen eyes spotted his daughter instantly amoungst the other lucky boys and girls that had been chosen to stand. A smile came to his face when he looked at her, standing proudly there beside the others.. the old holder couldn'y begin to imagine how nerve wracking it was to stand in her position, on the heat of the sands..
Evening Ellimae had a smile on her face as she watched the dragon's starting to hatch from their shells, feeling proud at how brilliantly her daughter stood there, when some of the other candidates looked utterly terrified from her own opinion.
***
Osirith and V'lain had reasonally good view points from where they were gathered, watching as the dragons hatched. A black hatched first, and V'lain looked towards his lifemate, trying to figure what the black was thinking, Osirith rarely spoken or shared his thoughts.. [[Well, Osirith, we're not the only ones anymore...]] He commented to his dragon who continued to hum beside him. The most noise he'd gotten out of the dragon since hatching. Who would be the lucky rider to impress this new black? V'lain wondered, trying to look through the candidates and decide who he thought would make a good black rider..
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Post by Kit on Jan 30, 2011 11:19:19 GMT -5
N'huel saw Kikaya wave, and with some struggle, he managed to weave his way over, leaving Inarith with the other weyrling dragons on a low step of the dragons stands. He was a bit large to sit with the people after all. Once he arrived, he sat next to her and grinned. "Pretty exciting huh? I bet it's a little different tha. What you're used to." ******** As G'lar turned away, a deep burgundy red emerged daintily from the Warm Hearth Egg. She pushed the shards of eggshell into a pile with her back feet and began to look around. Nearby, the Healing Power Egg fell apart as if in slow motion, and at first it looked like there was another egg inside it, so like her shell did the banded green dragonet appear. The white from earlier was still looking, and beginning to fret, but the little green moved over to him and soothed him. With renewed confidence, he toddled over towards the Candidates but he tripped over his own feet and grabbed on to Tialar's robes for support. The small dragonet looked up at the young man, and his eyes turned iridescent as his hide. Oh, Ti'lar-Mine! I couldn't find you and I was afraid! But now that you have your Opalth, can you feed him?Now that Opalth was safe with his lifemate, the tiny striped green gazed about the Hatching Grounds with an air of purpose. Seeing Tara, she strode over and at first, it appeared she only wanted to examine the girl's wound. But then she looked up at the young girl and crooned soothingly. Mine! You are injured, but your Malachith will make you feel better.The dark red had finally found her lifemate, a surprise Impression to a young apprentice cook who'd been holding a tray of meatrolls in case the new weyrlings had been too nervous to eat before. Now she was feeding Hospitath with a look of wonderment. The Hatching Grounds were empty, but not for long, as three eggs cracked open one right after the other. First, a dark gray with a dull sheen spilled fluidly out of the Rust and Fire Egg. She stood stolidly on the ground, damp wings spread wide, and looked around with a serious expression, ignoring the vibrant red that had just slipped out of the Heart's Facet Egg as nicely as out of a silk dress.. The red dragonet muzzled the gray with obvious affection, to which she received an amused snort in return, just as the Bold Heart Egg shattered, revealing a large green. The green scampered bravely up to her parents, Chrysoberyth and Nocheth and crooned happily at them before galloping away to investigate some of the other eggs. She nudged the Of the Earth Egg with her nose and to her surprise, it tipped over, and rolled erratically, knocking over the Dark Knife and All Seeing eggs, so that all three broke open at once. In her surprise, the green backed right up into Micala, and knocked the girl onto her rump. The dragonet spun around, crooning sorrowfully at her clumsiness and looked right into the girl's eyes. My Micala! I didn't see you there! Will you take your Courageth to eat, and then can we explore this place? I think it must be exciting!
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Post by Jazzeh on Jan 30, 2011 11:34:34 GMT -5
Toniel was sleeping a bit restlessly when Aylinth began her musical, resonate hum. When the Weyrwoman's Second did not immediately rouse herself, Aylinth increased the volume of her hum pointedly, leaning on her lifemate's mind and sending the hum itself into the woman's mind. Wake up, Toniel. You must go to the Hatching![/color] It went without saying that Aylinth was big on propriety and making good impressions. The goldrider rose sleepily, rubbing gently at her eyes before crossing to her drawers and selecting a gown to wear for the Hatching. Nothing too fancy, as she wanted to save her best for the Feast itself, but she found a plain navy blue dress that complemented Aylinth's hide wonderfully. Once she was dressed, she waved Aylinth on to the Hatching Sands, where the large gold took up a ledge above the eggs, crooning and humming her encouragement to the hatchlings already beginning to emerge.
Toniel made the short journey from her weyr to the Hatching Grounds without incident, shivering slightly in the chill. Her mouth quirked upwards slightly at the sight of Q'del awaiting her by the entrance. She made those last few steps hurriedly, ignoring the thump of her heart that had nothing to do with her pace. "Shall we?" she said softly as she looped her arm through his? Already the Sands were full of bumbling hatchlings finding their lifemates and it was a happy, hopeful sight for even the stony goldrider. Now, if G'rett would just stay away from her this day, it would be a perfect day.
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Post by taenia on Jan 30, 2011 12:12:33 GMT -5
It was the heat of the sands on her bare feet that dragged Ranelli's thoughts from Tara back to the dragons in front of her. The sands were becoming horrible on her feet and Ranelli wasn't certain how long she had been stood there.. but it certainly was starting to feel like forever. Shuffling her weight, she looked at the dragons picking people to impress to, and she started to feel a little uncertain of herself.. what if she didn't impress afterall? ...the hot feet didnt allow her to dwell on that for too long..
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Post by Kendrall on Jan 30, 2011 12:58:55 GMT -5
Mordecai wasn't sure if he was dreaming or if it was something else entirely different, but he awoke to hear a rather loud humming. That and the commotion of people rising out of their beds and getting dressed, with words that were repeated throughout the Barracks: "Hatching's started. Get bathed and robed as quickly as possible and get to the common room. Remember, no shoes." Right, the Harper thought as he peeled back the furs and pulled off his clothes, and headed to the shared bathing chamber. Mordecai tried not to panic as he made his way through and winced when he realized the water wasn't quite as warm, but it would have to do for now. A quick scrub followed by an equally quick dunking, Mordecai waded out of the bathing pool and shivered as he found his towel. His thoughts were now on two things: the Hatching and Tara.
His hair still somewhat damp, Mordecai slipped into the white robe given to him when he first arrived at Nova. He wasn't sure what to make of the fact he had nothing on underneath the garment, but he put it down as an exercise in concentration as he walked over to the common room and scarfed down some breakfast, washing the food down with some klah. A quick nod of the head to the Candidate Master in greeting, then his eyes searched for Tara. When he finally found her, Mordecai walked over to her. "Well, looks like this is it. Our moment of truth is almost at hand." He took her hand into his and gently squeezed it, giving her a warm smile. "Good luck, Tara. I have a feeling you'll Impress today."
Arktos then gave the instructions, and Mordecai fell in line behind one of the other male Candidates before making their way to the Sands. It seemed so surreal, the Harper half-wondered if he was dreaming. It wasn't long before making their way to their destination, and Mordecai was soon facing the Weyrwoman, Kanly, and their two dragons. Mordecai remembered to bow to them, then turned to face the Eggs and watched. And waited.
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C'olt's eyes snapped open as soon as he heard Aromath humming in time with the rest of the dragons. He'd been given his own weyr ever since becoming a Senior Weyrling, but he still had to share one of the common bathing chambers with everyone else. Love, get word to Kia and Lyrensa. I want them both on hand, especially Lyrensa. I'm sure Tess has requested all the Healers to be present at this Hatching by now, he mentally instructed his Green as he shed his clothing and quickly bathed, then dried off before dressing in his usual outfit for this occasion. The tunic was loose and was cut short at the shoulders, and lay open from throat to about mid-sternum. His breeches were also somewhat billowing toward the ankle, and he slipped into a pair of sandals. Donning his Healer's cap, C'olt tucked away most of his long strands of hair before nearly running into Luna. She seemed a bit panicked, but the young man merely shook his head. "Come on. Everyone's required to be there at the Sands, and it looks like you'll be Standing with the rest of the Candidates." Eyeing the girl up and down for a moment, C'olt motioned for her to wait for a moment and disappeared, only to reappear with a plain white robe. The way he handled it suggested he'd rather be doing something else, but he tried to force down his rising nausea. "You'll need to wear this, Luna, and nothing underneath. Also remember to not wear anything on your feet. Get dressed and I'll escort you to the Sands myself. I'll be in the front of the Infirmary."
Whenever the young girl was finally ready, C'olt would be waiting for her, his Healer's bag slung over his shoulder, and together the two of them would make their way to the Hatching Sands. Aromath, he knew, would have already relayed the message to Brigith and Merequith both.
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B'ren shrugged as he got dressed. "I'm sure there will be plenty of colors this time around," he answered Tanly's question. Chiath was waiting on his Rider, and it wasn't long before the scoundrel escorted his weyrmate to her Cadalayith so together they could ride down to the Sands to watch the Hatching.
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C'pher had already made his way to the Sands, his Blue Zeddicuth already watching from above. He was looking for Kikikaa, and would invite the Assistant Weyrling Master to sit with him to watch this particular Hatching. G'rett, too, had made his way to the Stands, and found Quindara waiting for him. "Sorry to keep you waiting, love," he said, kissing her on the lips before sitting next to her, then wrapped his arm around her waist. Coth found Artemth, and the magnificent Bronze bowed his head to the petite Silver. Greetings Artemth. You look rather radiant as always.[/i]
M'lym likewise was making his way to the Stands to watch this latest Hatching. He never grew tired of watching Candidates Impress to a new generation of dragonlings.
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J'sen and Amonth finally emerged from the Weyrling Barracks, and quickly caught sight of Calyssa, S'tex, Belenoth, and Freyath. Misty was perched on her pet's shoulder, and J'sen embraced Calyssa with a warm hug and a kiss on her cheek. We're here, lovely Freyath. Now, let us head to the Hatching Sands, shall we? J'sen seemed to echo his Bronze's sentiment, and offered his arm to Calyssa. "Let's go."
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‡§åkørü‡
Sr. Weyrling
[M:5]
snerkalerkalerkapow
Posts: 24
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Post by ‡§åkørü‡ on Jan 30, 2011 13:56:35 GMT -5
Shemmoral was far from stupid, and she had attended hatchings before. She woke the second the dragons started humming, and raced to the bathing chambers. It took her no more than a few minutes (thank goodness her hair was only shoulder length), and then the candidate threw on her white robe and scuttled down the hall to the common room. She was met by Arktos, who handed her a plate of breakfast, and she grinned nervously. "Thank you!" she chirped, and then carried her prey off to a corner, where she attacked it like a starving wher. Preske, on her shoulder, was trilling endlessly. She didn't bother to silence him, and the second she was finished eating, the candidate waited for the order to go to the Hatching Sands. When it came, she cast her gaze around to find Ravis, and zipped into the line where he was, though she was two spots behind him. Stealthily, she sent Preske to fly over to the boy, and had him deliver an image of her in her present spot. Mission accomplished, the flit trilled to Trig, and then swooped obediently back to His, draping himself around her neck.
When they reached the Sands, she bowed low to the Weyrwoman and Kanly, and then to the four dragons, in unison with the other candidates. At last she turned to the eggs, an expectant look on her face, and smiled, although her feet were already on fire. There was something to be said for running around for one's entire life without shoes, she thought ruefully. It would certainly spare one the discomfort of shifting one's feet around on this hot sand. Preske was lucky, and he knew it, too - the little white trilled sweetly to her, and rubbed his nose on her jaw comfortingly. He did not, however, make a move to get down on the sands himself.
R'il woke, nearly panicking, when the dragons began to hum. He'd mostly been startled by Therindeth and her high voice as she trilled and then started to hum. Still, seeing that nobody was here to reprimand him for not waking up earlier, the greenrider relaxed and scuttled around his room, getting dressed and ready for the Hatching. Go, Mine! Go, go, go! I wanna see all the cuuuute babies Hatch! R'iiiiiiiiiil! Therindeth squealed into his head, prancing eagerly on her ledge. Oh, pleeeeease? Run! Runrunrun! They'll all be so cute and I wanna see every one of them! Hurry up! the green begged.
Thus hounded, it didn't take long for the young rider to get dressed and sprang onto Therindeth's back, knowing that if he walked she'd only beg for him to run faster and he'd have to sprint and arrive all disheveled. Not that flying wouldn't do the same thing. "Okay," he said softly, "go on, Therindeth. Don't drop me." Clinging to a neck ridge, R'il felt his dragon take off, and then she was dropping him off in front of the sands, going up to find her own spot on the ledge. Hoping he wouldn't draw anyone's disapproval, the rider scurried quietly in, going to the stands to find a spot for himself - one where he could both see and not be noticed.
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Post by Kit on Jan 30, 2011 14:36:35 GMT -5
Quindara grinned brightly as her love approached and returned his kiss enthusiastically, despite her brother being just across the entranceway. He could shove between if he minded. "It's all right, let's just go in before they run out of seats." Artemth, meanwhile, visnily preened at Coth's compliment and crooned happily at him in return. Toniel arrived a few moments after this two left, thankfully. Q'del returned her smile whole-heartedly, not letting even his sister spoil this joyous occasion. As she looped her arm through his, he pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear affectionately. "Yes, let's get in there before we miss something important." The black dragonet from the Dark Knife Egg staggered out of the ruins of his shell, hissing in anger, his head darting this way and that. He locked onto the newborn that had just picked his way free of the All Seeing Egg, a delicate looking white. The black raced over, eyes angry red, to chastise the miscreant who dared bump him when he was suddenly and surprisingly blocked by a brawny white who had just stepped out of the remains of the Of the Earth Egg. The black went flying, landing in a snarling heap at the feet of Shemmoral. He hissed and lashed out with his claws, slashing her across the thigh, and he might have done more had not the dark gray stepped in the way. He bit his sister's forearm, drawing green ichor, but she only snarled back and butted him out of the way with her head, despite his larger size. The black retreated, still angry and then saw the two whites standing together. They were the true enemy! He raced towards them, and the smaller of the two ducked behind the larger, looking frantically around for something, while the larger, creamy white stood his ground with a defiant expression. Their larger sibling, black hide shining nearly purple as the sunlight sparkled across it, and eyes still scarlet rage, circled warily. Meanwhile, the crimson dragon who had hatched earlier had run frantically in the opposite direction from the fight only to tangle violently with Bresala, tumbling into a mess of limbs and wings. When the dust cleared, the red appeared unhurt, but Bresala was laying on the ground bleeding from scratches to her face and upper arms. The dragonet peered downed at her, crooning encouragement. My Bresala, I am so sorry! You're bleeding, are you all right? Your Garneth loves you so much, you must be all right! The dark gray licked the bite wound on her arm, and then turned back to Shemmoral, while keeping an eye on the black and white who were still snarling at each other nearby. I am Hematith, my Shemmoral. I will always protect you, but you must be strong.Most of the Candidates were keeping well away from the angry black and the white he was fixed on, but Mordecai was not. He was creeping forward, intent on preventing further injury to the other dragons. The smaller white had been slowly sneaking away and with his eyes also fixed on the black. For a moment it looked as if there would be another casualty as the white was just inches away from bumping into Izon, who was watching the two combatants with a look of horror. At the last second however, the white spun around, and looked straight at the young boy. Your Visioth has seen you, my I'on, and now I will never let you out of my sight. Let's get out of this situation, before one of us gets hurt.I'on's eyes widened, making him look even younger than he was., but he reached out to tentatively scratch the eye ridge, and a small smile crept on to his face. Soon, they were walking off together to the meat buckets. At that moment however, things had come to a head with the angry black and the stolid white. Suddenly, the black charged the white with a snarl. It might have ended messily but Mordecai stepped in at last moment to try and prevent the massacre, imposing himself between the two dragonets. This seemed to surprise the black dragonet so much that he tried to skid to a stop, but he only succeeded in colliding head on with Mordecai, his large black head smashing in the Candidate's forearm. There was an audible crack as the young man fell down, while the black hatchling lay dazed in a heap. Two more eggs cracked just then, distracting the spectators from the hurt Candidate. A bright, nearly violet blue spilled from the Tear of Night Egg, while an odd gray, half- light, half-dark stepped from the Life in Balance Egg. Both looked around calmly, assessing the the cavern. After a moment, the blue trotted over to a girl with confidence and they soon left the sands together. The gray, however, was not so lucky, her calm demeanor rapidly dissolved into fretting. After a moment, she cried out, a terrible, heart-wrenching wail, and disappeared. All the dragons keened a cold high note in response, Chrysoberyth's voice the loudest as she mourned for her doomed child. The UnImpressed dragonets cowered even as they too raised their voices. The Candidate Master was white as a ghost, clutching Kiyoni's hand in a death grip with one hand, while the other hand clutched at Bjornth's saddle-star hanging around his neck. All the spectators shivered, some with tears in their eyes, but eventually, the dragons began to hum again and the dark mood started to lift.
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Post by sorra on Jan 30, 2011 14:55:07 GMT -5
Kikaya grinned at N'huel. "It is different from anything I've ever seen," she admitted. The Hatching at the Rogue Weyr hadn't been anything like this. This was much better.
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Tanly followed B'ren out to the dragons and the two soon had a seat. She grinned broadly as they watched the Hatching. It was amazing how fast Hatchings took place. And there were so many different colors now that it was hard to keep track of them.
Ravis had gotten Preske's message and had found Shem once they were on the Sands. "Shem!" he cried when she was knocked into. He knelt beside his friend and was shocked to see the little gray. "You Impressed Shem," he whispered.
Bresala watched all the dragonets mingling among the candidates. She suddenly gasped and cried out as a red dragonet crashed into her. She tried to shield her face, but wasn't able to protect herself totally. The girl was disoriented to begin with and didn't realize the little red was talking to her. "I'll be okay, Garneth," she whispered, tears in her eyes and blood all over her white robe. She closed her eyes tightly and tried to calm down. She slowly reached up and set a hand on Garneth's shoulder, trying to calm her red as well.
Kiyoni gasped as she watched. She winced when Arktos squeezed her hand. "Easy, baby," she soothed her mate, rubbing her thumb over his hand.
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Post by taenia on Jan 30, 2011 15:06:02 GMT -5
Bilteran was fearful for his daughter, as he saw yet another candidate fall injured to the wild gangly creatures that were the dragonets. Would she make it through this hatching alive? Even Ellimae beside him was quiet as she watched the other candidates fall to the mad little creatures.. no one had died yet, thankfully.. but would someone?
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Even Ranelli's confidence faltered for a moment when the angry black appeared on the sands, and appeared to seriously hurt Mordecai.. these little creatures really were dangerous..to both the candidates and themselves, she hoped that the little black would settle down once he'd impressed.. but she did wonder how on earth someone would rein in that dragon..
...her thoughts changed again when the little gray blinked between and the keen went up, she'd never heard that gut wrenching sound before, but it chilled her to her bones inside, and unsettled her.. making her feel like she wanted to cry out for the gray.. it didn't take long for her to realise what it had meant.
..and then the hatching proceeded as if the gray had never been there at all...well...almost, the remaining dragonets had cowered and looked scared..and Ranelli wanted to go out to make them feel better.. but she darnt move from her spot..
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Osirith stood silent, watching that angry black intently, and V'lain was integed, that black was totally different from young Osirith.. as different as white was to black. He wouldn't envy the candidate that took that dragon..
...and then Osirith's keen joined the countless others in the weyrs the morned the passing of the young one lost, and V'lain found tears in his eyes. That poor soal, never had a chance at life..
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