What's In a Name (Loraketh's Hatching)

[shinska]

Aela heard the yelp and turned to look at D'rek. "You know. If you want to hug a Dragon you might want to hug one that won't tear your arm off." She moved to D'rek's side and pulled a piece of cloth from inside her robe. With a hard look she said, "Much as I dislike you I cannot ignore your pain." She looked at Emiath, "I was an Apprentice Healer before I was Searched. It is my duty to help those injured. Besides its the right thing to do... unless of course you want a Rider that is so badly damaged that he can't even move." Aela let that sink in for a moment before wrapping the cloth around D'rek's wound.

"That's all I feel safe doing. I didn't finish my training when at the Halls. Good day to you D'rek." She stood and was prepared to walk away. Then she looked back, "And congratulations on Emiath. What I said was wrong, but you need to learn that not everyone is out to get you. You'll find you'll have more people on your side if you showed a little compassion." With that Aela returned to Talath's side.

The Obsidian had watched the little exchange silently. Her eyes whirled a blue/green color when Aela was at her side again. That was exactly what Talath liked about Hers. Aela was not afraid to take a stand and she had bandaged D'rek's arm despite the danger to herself from Emiath. Aela had also used her knowledge and common sense to explain to the pair that anger and pain were not always the answer. Talath nodded once to Hers and continued eating.

Aela stroked Talath's grayish and purplish hide. "She has a strong sense of justice. What I did pleased her to no end." The girl looked at R'hard. "Despite the anger I had thrown to D'rek earlier it was wrong and uncalled for. I bandaged his arm and apologized." She bit her lip and looked over at the Garnetpair, "He probably just needs a friend." She looked back at R'hard and said, "R'hard will you help me try to get through to D'rek? I don't know if we can become his friends, but I'm sure if we show him enough kindness and willingness then maybe he might not be so hostile." Aela knew from experience that relationships could work either way. A friend could turn into an enemy or an enemy could become a friend. Aela just hoped that she never lost R'hard to the former and gained D'rek in the latter.

[Akira]

Akira smiled as she finished feeding her green dragonet. She sighed and wiped off the bloody maw when Loraketh's voice entered her mind. She lifted her head, and looked at the two very strange looking dragons. She recognized the red one as the one that had been chasing Yazhith around the sands. She sighed and stood up after putting down the bloody rag that she had used to wipe Yazhith's mouth off, and made up her mind about what she was going to do. With a rock hard determination she decided that she wasn't going to hold a grudge, but if that dragonet ever tried to hurt her lifemate, there would be consequences.

With the very small green at her side Akira slowly made her way over to D'rek. Congratulations on your new dragon D'rek, I'm sure he will be a mighty dragon some day. She smiled and nodded her head respect as she spoke. Yazhith on the other hand was now full, and was ready for a nap, especially after the excitement of the day so far. Akira turned away from the new weyrling couple, and moved over to Aela and R'hard, and their two dragonets. She was going to congratulate them also. After all, it was the nice thing to do.

AkiraMine I'm tired, can't we see my brother and sister later? Akira smiled and patted her dragon's head. I know you're tired Yazhith, but it wouldn't be polite not to see them, and congratulate them. She bent down and gave her tiny green a gentle hug, and continued on her way to the small group of weyrlings. I know you don't know us, but I'm Akira, and this is my green Yazhith. I just wanted to congratulate the both of you on impressing your dragons. Yazhith gave a large yawn when she was mentioned, and Akira shook her head. That was definitely not the greeting she had been hoping for.

Yazhith sat down on her small haunches and looked at her two older siblings, her eyes a swirling mass of blue green. HI!! I'm Yazhith! Who are you? Yazhith! Be polite!! Akira looked down at the little green and gave her a very stern look, which was completely lost on the female. She seemed to have gotten her second wind, and her tail was waging back and forth like a tornado on a sugar high. She was excited, and she wanted to play with her siblings, but not the one that had attacked her blue brother. Come on let's play!!! Yazhith was jumping around waiting for her brother and sister to play with her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nick smiled a greeting as more candidates showed up late. At least he wasn't the only one. He felt shivers running over his skin when he heard Loraketh growl. He was very thankful for the fact that her anger wasn't aimed towards him. He tilted his head, and listened intently as the gold dragon described what her two newest colored children where, and couldn't help but snickering when he heard that the red male was like a brown, especially after the way D'rek was boasting about getting something that was better than a brown and a bronze, and instead got something that was on the same level as a brown.

Nick then turned his attention to the blue that he had been looking at earlier. It was whimpering, and inspecting it's injured wing. It was still bleeding but when it saw that the White Dancer egg had started to shake, it hissed, and approached the small egg. Nick stared at the White Dancer egg, hoping that whatever was inside wouldn't be subjected to the same thing that the blue had to go through. He gasped in shock when he saw the white dragonet spill from his egg. He closed his gaping mouth when he saw the two brother's start playing around with each other.

He smiled happily, and was glad that the two of them could get along, and be friends. Nick flinched when he saw the white tumble into the large Luminous Light Egg. He wanted so badly to run out onto the hot sands, and check and make sure that the little white was alright. He wanted to make sure nothing had happened to it. Nick's eyes widened in shock when he saw the strange dragonet that had been inside the large egg. It looked like an orangish bronze, but it seemed to feminine to be one of the large male dragons.

Nick watched the strange hatchling as it pushed the white out of it's way, and started prancing around like she was something special. Nick didn't really like the large hatchling, it was too much of a show off for the relaxed candidate. he shook his head and rolled his eyes at the display it was putting on. He turned his attention back to the blue and white dragons, and watched as the little white shook the sands from his white wings, and look the candidates over. He wondered who the little white would impress. He really is a handsome dragon. He half smirked at the thought as it passed through his mind.

Nick wanted to double over and start laughing when he saw the little dragonet puff himsself up so that he would look bigger. The sound of the hatchling warbling and Nick smiling from ear to ear, it was such a happy sound, and Nick was suprised that the hatchling felt happy enough after being pushed around by the larger female hatchling. Nick watched, with a very shocked expresion on his face as the white male snorted and turned his head to look at Nick. The poor boy almost jumped from his skin when he heard the hatchling's voice inside his mind.

There you are N'ckMine! Your Kicheth has been looking for you everywhere. That orange thing was so horrible! No matter Mine, I'll survive. She can't get me down. I'm not tiny and useless like she said I was. No. I. Am. Not! I'm a big dragon, I don't care if I'm only white! Food NOW! That way I can eat, and grow, and get bigger than that orange thing. Kicheth gazed at N'ck with rainbow colored eyes, the eyes of an impressed hatchling. Nick smiled at the white hatchling, and felt like jumping and yelling for joy.

Of course Kicheth. You need as much food as your white belly can hold. Oh man I can't believe it!!!! N'ck was extremely excited, and his excitment shown through in the way he spoke. He smiled and quickly lead the small dragonet off the sands, and over to where the food was. He grabbed a bucket, and started handing the dragonet chunk of meat, after chuck of meat. Soon the white's mouth was so bloody no one would be able to tell that the hatchling was a white if they just looked at his face.

[Lark]

Before we get back to the matter of the orange hatchling, something she isn't too thrilled about waiting for, another matter would need to be handled. K'tor over on the sidelines next to Alyara watched the whole hatching from start to the current point. As soon as D'rek was injured by his dragon, the rider laughed at first for the pur irony of it, then headed over to finish the job that Aela had started. "You did pretty well Aela, I'll take it from here." Moving to take hold of D'rek's arm, the rider stopped momentarily. "Do I have your permision?"

If it was given, the rider would set to work bandaging the wound both on his arm, and the newer one on his shoulder. Moving over to His, Zalanth looked down on the red hatchling. Now Emiath, you can't go around eating people. It's not good. They taste horrible anyway I'm sure.... The blue ruffled his wings as he watched His hopefully working. Alyara in the mean time had been helping to hand out the buckets of meat. Seeing the newest white and blue riders, the Weyrling Master handed them both their own buckets and congradulated them.

Now, finally we go back to the female on the sands. Just in time too, for the orange was starting to pitch a fit. Everyone was supposed to be paying attention to heeeeeerrrr! Whining, the orange stomped her foot in the sands and flicked her wings. Look at heeeer! She cried out as she raised her head in a proud gesture and started her strutting routine again. This was HER stage, and this was HER hatching! Hissing at the Green Swirl egg as it started to rock, the small shell quivered then ceased to move.

Good! At least that one knew who was more important. Looking around, the orange huffed. She didn't want to impress yet, she wanted to just stay and let everyone admire her, those candidates could waiiiit! Whining again, the orange pranced some more and stuck a few poses for her audience. In the mean time, the Midnight Bliss egg started to rock. Despite the orange's hiss, it continued to move until with a sigh like sound, it split in two. From the halves a darkly colored hatchling shook its head.

It was a blue, a very dark blue, that was larger than its prvious blue brother, but not by much. It just seemed larger since it was a bit stalky, not fat, just well muscled. Shaking out its gooey wings, the dark blue crooned. What a beautiful world! What a beautiful, wonderful world! Opening it's wings, the neon saphire color along the edges and on other parts of his body were shown off. Eyeing the orange, the blue ignored the female when she tried to get his attention.

Snorting, the orange dragonet reared up on her hind legs and charged the blue. How dare he not pay attention to her! Side-stepping, the blue yawned and looked at the female expectantly. Was that all she had? Growling, the orange turned away from the blue. He wasn't worth her time! Snorting, the female pranced over to the candidates. She'd impress first! The blue snorted and shook his head, sitting down on the sands. Fine with him, the fates simply meant it to be then.

Ignoring the blue as much as he had ignored her, the orange inspected the females first. No! She didn't want competition, and that's allll a girl would give her! Snapping her head toward the boys, the orange crooned. Much, much better. Now, where was Hers? Looking at Ryaxth, the orange hissed and ripped her young talons down his shoulder and chest. No! Not that one! She needed someone who would give her allll the attention, someone who could help her shine, someone like.....You J'dolMine! Oh yes, your Kayath has made her choice and it's you! Am I not perfection? It's not faaaaiiiir that the blue didn't like meee! I'm telling you it's not faaaaiiiir! Stomping her foot in the sand again, Kayath tossed her head. You'll give your Topaz alllll the attention you have right?....RIGHT?!?

Kayath:


46 feet at full length
Egg- Luminous Light Egg
Name Meaning- Kaya=Elder Sister *origin* Hopi
Personality- Territorial, Egotistical, Impatient, Vain, "Starlet"...or so she thinks
Color-
Body CD6600
Markings FF7722
Underside FFA812
Wings FF7F00

Done with that, the blue snorted and got to his feet. At last he could make his way to His finally! Unhappy that the Topaz had harmed His, the blue hissed at her before going back to ignoring the female. Twining himself around his chosen rider, the blue crooned and nuzzled the boy's leg. It's okay R'xthMine, your Mideth is here. I'm sorry I took so long R'xthMine, but the fates had not decided that it was my turn yet. Everything comes at its own time you see, that's why I wasn't afraid to let my Topaz sister impress before me. I never thought that she would hurt you though. I'm so sorry Mine, fogive me?

Mideth:


28 feet at full growth
Egg- Midnight Bliss Egg
Name Meaning- Mide=Medicine Drum *origin* Native American
personality- Proud, Benevolant, Gentle, Protective, Fatalistic
Color-
Body 000033
Markings 003EFF

Rolling her eyes at the newest color's impression, Loraketh snorted and opened her mind again for all to here. This one is called a Topaz...she's also a Sub-Queen, her name is Kayath. Turning to Inali, the Gold snorted quite unlady like and tossed her head. They are almost all hatched My Lady. I just hope there will be enough candidates for them all to choose from. Crooning, the WeyrQueen inspected the few candidates left.

There weren't many, and it was possible that the remaining eggs might not find Theirs. I'm sorry Lore. Look at the ones that have impressed so far though sweetheart. They'll grow to be fine dragons I'm sure...even Emiath. Nodding her head in agreement, Loraketh gently nuzzled Inali's front side. I'm sure your little one will grow to be a wonderful rider as well. Blushing, Inali bit her lip. Oh Faranth, there went the feline right out of the bag didn't it?

[kitsuneko]

R'hard watched doubtfully as Aela went to help D'rek. The rider was in no position to do anything, but he was worried Emiath might take offense at someone interacting with his bonded, considering the way the garnet had acted earlier.

Once Aela returned, he shook his head slightly. "I'll try to make peace," he said a bit reluctantly, "Though somehow I doubt we'll ever be friends." Watching D'rek's Impression, the rider seemed to have taken almost as much glee in the garnet's mauling as Emiath himself.

Soon enough, the healers came to take care of D'rek and the other candidates and weyrlings who had been mauled, and R'hard could turn his attention back to the hatching and the other candidates who had Impressed. One of them, the girl who had Impressed the tiny, hyperactive green, greeted D'rek and then approached them, introducing herself as Akira and her green as Yazhith.

R'hard smiled at her. "I wish I'd had more time to get to know people before the hatching. It's nice to meet you though. I'm R'hard, and this is Kaith." He glanced at the brown, who said a quick Hello, to his green sister and then ignored her. Even though R'hard thought the hatchling had eaten his fill before, seeing his later-hatched siblings eating their first meal was making Kaith hungry again, and with a roll of his eyes, R'hard got him some food and went back to washing and oiling his hide--with all the commotion before, he realized he'd never actually finished it the first time.

Meanwhile, more dragons were Impressing, and the dragoness that had hatched from the Luminous Light egg was throwing a noisy fit. It looked like the golden-orange dragonet was another sub-queen, judging by the way she was acting, but she ignored the female candidates and finally found her rider among the males. Oh boy. He wondered how J'dol was going to handle that dragon.

By now over half of the eggs had hatched and Impressed, and the number of candidates available had been severely depleted. There was too much going on for R'hard to count how many were left, but it made him worried about the remaining hatchlings. It wouldn't be a good omen for the Senior Queen's first clutch to have dragonets going between for lack of riders.

"Do you think all the hatchlings will be able to find people to Impress?" he asked Aela.

[kia]

Kelcalar watched as the Blue, who had been hurt earlier, began to play with his newly hatched sibling. The White, since usually no one knew what their gender was, was playing along. Both were having some fun until another new color dragon Hatched out on the Sands. And this one was obviously female. She moved passed the two little dragons, shoving the White one, and began to flaunt around. Kelcalar watched and chuckled slightly. Whoever Impressed her was going to have some fun on their hands. But he turned his attention back to the dragons. The Blue had gone off to the females, so he had dismissed the Blue. There was the White. And the White was looking at something. Then Kelcalar heard it. Ah! Yes, you'll do nicely K'larMine! We're going to be amazing, you and your Eyildayth, and we'll show that Garnet that I can overcome this injury Mine! We'll show the world....and then we'll play. Can I have food though first Mine?

Eyildayth? K`lar? Wait, he was talking about him and... K`lar turned to look at the Blue that was bumping into him. The interestingly colored Blue was looking up at him, eyes whirling with greens and blues, his mind going back and forth between being great, playing a game, and having food. And then K`lar felt hungry, though he knew he would be unable to eat. This had to be the connection between a dragon and rider. He smirked, patting Eyildath on the head, and motioning for him to follow. "Of course. Food first! Then we will show the world how great we are while still having fun. I can show you. I am really good at it. Eyildayth. I think I will call you Eyil for short. How does that sound?" The Blue`s eyes picked up speed at this idea. Oh yes! That is fine! But you will be my K`lar! And we will be great! Even that Garnet will have no choice but to take notice how great we are! he said with pride.

[Zirin]

If one thing was for sure, it was that Jaksidol had arrived not a moment too soon. He listened with curiosity as the queen broadcasted an answer to the question in everyone’s minds; just what were these new colours? He was slightly amused by the queen’s hiss in relation to Emiath; he had been at so many hatchings yet he could not remember ever seeing the damn so angry with one of her own clutch. He glanced back to Talath after Loraketh had finished her explanation. Well, sub-queen sounded almost like a tease, tempting the girls who rode them with the idea that they were high ranked, but would never reach the height of the golden dragons. Of course, he went under the assumption that since only girls rode queens, the same would apply to sub queens. Only time would truly tell.

At the direction from Loraketh, he lazily complied and looked at the little blue, having forgotten about him in the chaos of the two new ranks. He knew deep down he should feel guilty about now having more care about the unimpressed hatchlings, but he had been to hatchings and, while he felt sorry for it, he was not filled with the worry that most first-time candidates had. The blue did not look like he was going between anytime soon, and that was all Jaks needed to see. He was right not to worry, as moments later the blue was completely distracted by the hatching of a small white sibling. It was cute, that was for sure. He winced slightly as the two tumbled playfully into another egg, causing it to convulse and shake and it was obvious whatever was inside the egg was going to get out soon. As a wing shot out of the egg, Jaks though it looked rather gold in appearance, which was strange since gold eggs were always set aside. Then the hatchling tumbled out. Excluding the idea of a gold, Jaks thought it was an oddly bronze; exactly what he needed to get the attention he wanted. However, at second glance he noted the hatchling moved with a distinct femininity. Another new colour perhaps? Well one thing was for sure, she sure knew how to draw attention!

He vaguely noticed the blue and white impress theirs, still rather amused by the natural charisma of the new female. His amusement grew as he realized she probably had not noticed the obsidian yet. The two could have been twins if not for the difference in colour. He hoped Loraketh would tell them what she was soon, his curiosity was starting to get the better of him. He chuckled as the orange tried harder to pose for her viewers. He tisked, didn’t she realize that putting that front leg out more and flipping her wings out a bit more would bring her the attention again. She didn’t do it though, instead, she lost the attention to a very eye-catching blue that had just hatched. That blue seemed to be all that was needed for the orange dragonet to find Hers. Jaks glanced between the two, wondering which girl the attention-seeking hatchling would impress to.

Surprise was the first emotion to cross Jaksidol’s mind as the dragonet left the female candidates behind and came towards the boys. He sighed as she stopped in front of one of the other boys, positive she had found Hers already, but then she proved him wrong. Wracking her claws down the boy’s shoulder and chest, Jaks couldn’t help but feel pity for the candidate; a wound like that would likely leave scarring and he doubted the boy would last too much longer through the hatching. Then he didn’t have time to think about Ryaxth as a sultry, somewhat whiny voice drifted through his mind, and based on the stomping foot of the female hatchling, he could only assume the voice was hers. You J'dolMine! Oh yes, your Kayath has made her choice and it's you! Am I not perfection? It's not faaaaiiiir that the blue didn't like meee! I'm telling you it's not faaaaiiiir! You'll give your Topaz alllll the attention you have right?....RIGHT?!? Pfft! Jaks snorted at the voice, at first not realizing that only he could hear it.

“Only if you give me all the attention you have!” He replied, watching as the beauty’s eyes whirled in a rainbow of colours. Didn’t she realize that HE was the one who always got all the attention?! It was then that he felt the uncontrolled feeling of love sweep through him, and the realization of what that feeling meant made his jaw drop. HIS topaz?

“Well princess,” he added a moment later, reaching out a hand to rest tentatively on the topaz’s snout, his movement showing his disbelief. His voice, however, showed none of his nervousness, it was as arrogant and cocky as ever. “I’m sure we can meet halfway, huh.” Kayath snorted at the nickname, Princess?, but decided it was perfect. She WAS a princess wasn’t she? She deserved to have her subjects love and adore her. Yes, it would work. She was about to tell her new rider all about herself, but then Loraketh’s voice entered her and everyone else’s minds. That’s not faaaaair! I wanted to tell you all about me! She whined, Why did she have to but in like that! She’s stealing all the attention!!! J’dolMiiiiiine! Do something!

“You hurt me, Kayath!” He joked, “I thought MY love would be all you needed. I feel so betrayed!” The topaz snorted indignantly. Well it IS enough, for now, but I deserve the attention of everyone. I AM that beautiful you know. J’dol agreed with a scratch of her eyelids.

“Well then my beautiful lady, why don’t we go fill that stomach of yours. My treat,” He chuckled at the hungry feeling from the topaz and happily led the dragonet to the food, sizing up the other weyrlings, and winking at the cute ones, in other words all of them. Beside him, Kayath strutted, her wings and head held proudly aloft as she walked by the males, crooning at each as she sized them up. Why, hello there boys.

[Crovin]

Where else to spend a find spring morning than the kitchens? Not that Terannel was shirking, nor was he hiding from duties; in fact he was ahead. Having organized his schedule nearly the moment it was given to him he was able to sail through his Candidates’ work quickly—and get on to doing things he really loved. What he really loved at this moment was eating. Steaming hot klah to guard him against the early dawn air which still had winter undercurrents, and juicy meat pies plucked fresh from the oven with his long calloused fingers: He had traded a fine pair of weyrhide mitts to the chef for the right to pilfer whenever he needed. He had to keep the bottomless pit satiated, or how would he finish his chores in record time while wasting away to nothing. These Dragonmen did well by their own though, and he had the distinct impression that he would be quite welcome in the kitchens—trade or not. He preferred to cement his relationships with barter.

He sat alone on one of the great wooden tables that stretched across the Dining Hall the fingertips of his free hand tracing their way across the worn wood through Turns of dining abuse, and spills. They were beautifully carved and stronger than most other tables he had ever encountered—even the ones within Telgar’s own Hall. Klah to lips followed by meat pie; he ate happily and with a resolution that bespoke the litany that was running through his head: This was done, and that was done, and even those were done—only some of these to do once he was finished eating and then he would be a free man for the rest of the day. True, perhaps he hadn’t had very much time with the other Candidates—but he’d arrived on firstday and it was only thirdday now. Besides he was far older than most of them—what would a dragon want with him?

Terannel snorted softly under his breath and stood; shaking out his weyrhide and running a large hand through his wet hair—he’d be grateful for that bath soon. Before turning to leave he snatched up the wrapped bundle that had been lying on the bench near his feet; in this carefully constructed package were his Candidates Robes, he had carried them with him every day since arriving. No one had been able to tell him when the dragon eggs would hatch and Teran was not a man to be late; so he had simply wrapped the white cloth safe and sound inside leather that had been sewn and cured to be waterproof—he had traded a lovely garnet ring for this satchel. He paused and squeezed the thick and supple bag feeling for the precious contents—he was a Dragon Candidate.

It had all happened so quickly for him, one moment he was at Telgar organizing this year’s new apprentices into their classes based upon an entrance test of knowledge—now he was here. Trelis Weyr. A place of Dragonmen and their dragons. The Searchdragon had told him he had potential. The Smithcrafter had, of course, experienced animals throughout his life; he adored runners and was an accomplished rider, he loved the grace of felines, made friends with canines, and even helped care for the herdbeasts near the Hall—but a dragon? The Bluerider had said he showed a great empathy in the way he cared for his charges, in the way that he listened, but would it be enough to Impress a dragon of Pern? A bright, and warm, smile pulled the corners of his mouth open exposing his oddly pointed canines—true to form there was nothing that Terannel doubted he could do, and he had been chosen had he not?

The call came suddenly, and not where he expected, ringing through the back of his head as deeply as the thrumming of the dragons pierced his chest. It was time! He fumbled momentarily and the mug of klah dropped from his large hands; striking the table with a wet thud and skittering across the floor like a startled wherry. He was stooping to fetch it when the chef waved him off loudly from the kitchen. “The Queen’ll eat you if’n yer late, go lad, we can do our own jobs well enough. Bring us back a dragon!”

What could Teran do but nod and smile—this was, after all, why he built up his contacts was it not? Treat your relations like they are Queens and when you need something; when you are the one who has desires, then they will treat you as a Queen—or King in his case. He ran quickly to a store-room off the main kitchen area and shed his clothing; adopting the white robes only moments later. They were loose and light; he had seen the eggs on the sands and could understand why: Candidates would want to feel a little breeze through the cloth while on the hot hatching grounds. Weyrhide sandals were the final addition to the ensemble; though he had to lean heavily against a stone wall to put them on, and sharp grit bit into his palm drawing a tinge of blood to his flesh.

There was no time for bandages, healers, nervous women, or the possibility of being made to miss this hatching. Nothing could hold him back now. He left his waterproof satchel with the cook, and his former garb within it, and then left the Dining Hall and its women at a dead run. His long stride extended to devour the bowl with every step as he stretched himself like a runnerbeast for the finish—the Hatching Sands. It was a moment’s flight by foot, a moment of heart-thudding query, hope, and instinctual need: Then he was there and pausing outside of the entrance, resting his head on the cool exterior stone. He could feel the warmth from here. It was more apparent due to his extended stay in the cooler eating caverns, but he could tell—even after a run—that it was not as hot as it could be. His eyes flashed up to the dawnsun as she crested the rim of the Weyr Bowl, illuminating the edges in a hot brilliance: Nor were the Hatching Grounds hot as they would be.

He strode in purposefully—he belonged there—but had enough common sense to bow before the great Queen mother dragon: He would not disrespect the gift that she had given to the Weyr, nor the gift that he might receive in turn. One of the first to arrive—if not the first—and that did not surprise him either. He found his place on the warm sands and settled in. He shifted his feet until they created small furrows to sit in, and he sorted out his robes ensuring they were even and proper—though when he noticed the tinge of blood on his palm he nearly painted the brilliant white crimson in his haste. There was already a Green on the sands, and the frantic rocking of her clutchmate’s eggs bespoke a quick hatching. And it was.

It nearly became a blur to Teran. These hatchlings had a purpose he had never seen in any other living creature—save perhaps shipfish, and obviously the Pernese themselves. They seemed quite intent on finding their future riders even when there were things to play with and squabbles to be had. At all times the great Gold dragon presided over them with pride—pride they would not be allowed to sacrifice for the sake of their own new-born ways. Ichor spilled brought forth her ire and she was quick to sort out the feuds. And what was this? The elegant Queen before him had thrown three new colours for her Weyr, two of which were Sub-Queens? That would mean more eggs for Trelis in the long run, and more eggs meant more Dragonriders to fill the skies.

He watched these Impressions as they occurred with a growing sense of doubt in his stomach. Was he doubting himself? No…he rarely doubted himself, but he had heard that it was possible for a Candidate to stand before a clutch that did not include his future bondmate. Some Candidates had been known to stand for turn after turn and multiple hatchings in those turns—without ever finding their dragon. Many, of course, Impressed; even if it required several Standings on hot sands under the watchful eye of mother dragons—some, however, did not. Which would he be? Was there a dragon here for him amidst these eggwet dragonets, broken eggshells, and remaining eggs? Or was his dragon yet to be conceived, dropped, thrown, and hatched? Perhaps this was to be much like his Apprenticeship, he would quickly assume the role of organizer, the patient leader of new unsure Candidates; who would then stand and Impress, and leave him behind.

Another attempt at finding his lot in life, that place he could fill. Duty he could serve and loyalty he could give—but to whom, or to what? His eyes swept across the remaining Candidates, then across the remaining eggs, and finally to the stands themselves. Full of Dragonmen and Harpers…full of Crafters and Holdfolk…watching and betting and considering the future of those youngsters who stood below. He squared his shoulders with resolution; determination flashed brightly in his blue eyes. Perhaps his dragon was not here, but he would be passionately involved in this hatching regardless. The dragonets deserved nothing less than the entirety of himself, and he stoked his soul like fire with hope and courage; emotion rising in his chest to warm him hotter than the sands beneath his feet.

[Zero]

Ryaxth continued to watch the orange hatchling with interest as she pranced around the sands. As she did another egg cracked and split, spilling an interestingly colored blue hatchling out in to the world. His attention was stolen from the orange as he curiously watched the midnight blue hatchling. He seemed reserved, not giving into his Topaz sisters antics, and seemed content to simply sit back and bide his time. What was he waiting for? His own voice echoed in his skull as he continued to observe the dark hatchling. His attention must have waned too long because before he knew it the orange female was stood before him, eyeing him expectantly. Was she to be his? Before he could speak, the young hatchling reared up and in her frustration to find Hers, sank her claws into his shoulder before tearing them down his chest.

A short cry of anguish tore from his throat before he clenched his jaw against the pain, only gasping softly now. The once crisp white of his robes had quickly become tainted with the dark crimson of his blood as it ran from his wounds to stain the white sands beneath him. Clutching his shoulder with his good arm, Ry was too busy watching the little orange so casually wander past him to Impress to the boy beside him that he didn’t realize the dark hatchling had chosen to wander over to where he stood. He stumbled slightly as the young blue wrapped his tail around his legs and nuzzled him apologetically. It's okay R'xthMine, your Mideth is here. I'm sorry I took so long R'xthMine, but the fates had not decided that it was my turn yet. Everything comes at its own time you see, that's why I wasn't afraid to let my Topaz sister impress before me. I never thought that she would hurt you though. I'm so sorry Mine, forgive me?

Bi-colored eyes widened in surprise as the voice entered his mind. “M-mideth? Yes…yes of course I forgive you.” Grinning through the pain, R’xth looked down at the rainbow swirling eyes of his newly bonded and began to lead him away from the rest of the remaining candidates and towards the tables. Stumbling once or twice, the hatchling allowed his bonded to lean on him for support as the pair made their way across the sands, leaving a crimson trail in their wake. Don‘t worry Mine, I will not let my sister harm you further. The large blue and His can help you and your pain.

“Don’t worry about me, Mideth. Lets get you fed and cleaned and then I’ll worry about me.” Reaching the tables, R’xth grabbed a bucket of meat with his good arm and quickly popped a hunk of meat in the hatchlings mouth before there could be any argument. The dark hatchlings head lifted slightly as his Topaz sister strutted by and without a word went back to hungrily accepting the offered meat. Ry chuckled slightly through his pain as he felt the dragon equivalent of what must have been a roll of the eyes. "I think we're going to get along just fine.."

[fuzzlebub85]

(OOC: Hope it's all right if I mention Argoseth here...I can always offer up A'rius as a charrie later, do him myself, whatever?)

Danae was late, undeniably. She had been caught by Argoseth, her father A'rius' Bronze, in some harmless mischief, and was being lectured so thoroughly that Argoseth had missed the beginning of the bugling call, so intent was he on scolding his charge. "Yes, yes, whatever, Argoseth," Danae seethed, as Argoseth broke off, finally. "Thank you for stopping, my ears are ringing."

But not from the lecture...or not just from that! It was the Hatching Call! She jumped on Argoseth's back. "Thanks ever so much, Nanny. Mind making me less late?" Argoseth refrained from commenting, took Danae to get her robes and sandals, and then sailed over the Weyr to the Hatching Sands, letting his charge tumble from his back. When Danae entered, bowing hurriedly to the Weyrwoman and murmuring an apology, she saw to her dismay that eggs had already begun hatching. Gulping, she hoped that Inali would protect her, and if not Inali, then Argoseth, who had flown to join the other dragons. She was almost as much His as her father was, but after today, that might be less so, as she might have her own bonded.

If she didn't end up dead. She joined the other Candidates, biting her lip. This wasn't how she'd wanted this day to go! It was all Argoseth's fault! It had just been a pail of water!

And mud. And frogspawn. Oh, all right, she supposed he had a right to be slightly irritated. But to make her late for THIS! Please, please, let the Queen and her 'sisters' not be angry with her...The girl, motherless for the last few weeks, looked to the Weyrwomen as the maternal, and sisterly, figures she lacked as an only child. Just A'rius and Argoseth to keep her company...and maybe, if she lived to see the next candlemark, a new bonded. Maybe.

[Lark]

Watching the late candidate, Loraketh snapped her jaws in the girl's direction before realizing who it was. Sahelli's daughter has finally come My Lady. Glancing up at the gold, Inali nodded her head. It was probably her father's bronze scolding her again....he did it plenty to you too my dear. Dipping her head, the gold agreed. Her bronze father, mate to her deceased mother Mivinth had even extended his.....scolding to her at times as a dragonet. Hissing slightly just to make her point, Loraketh huffed and sat back down where she was. At least it means another candidate for my children My Lady.

Speaking of which, it was about time for the Wise Elder egg to crack now. Shaking ceaselessly, the shell had finally cracked enough for it to break open in a rain of egg shards. Blinking his eyes in the blinding light, the bronze that stepped forth looked around and crooned. Where were his clutchmates? Was he not supposed to care for and protect them? Glancing at the Sky Spirit egg that was now rocking as well, the bronze snorted. Of course! They still had yet to come. Stepping around the shattered shells of his already impressed siblings, the bronze made his way to the egg. It was tiny in comparison to his large body, but the bronze only found that better. It meant he was needed more!

Puffing up, the bronze crooned soft encouragement to the dragonet inside the egg. Nudging it, he rolled it over a bit, helping to crack the surface, and out tumbled a little green. Shaking her head, the female hissed at her larger brother. She had been doing just fine thank you! She would have had that shell broken all on her own in another few pushes! Ignoring the green's tantrum, the bronze went to checking her over, making sure she wasn't injured. No, she wasn't, now that idiot bronze could stop! Stamping her foot into the ground, the little green hissed.

She was a normal sized green really, just dwarfed in comparison. Snorting, the green finally looked at her brother. He was cute, she mused, but she didn't need a man to feel good about herself. Nope! This girl could do anything a male could, and she could do it better! Swiveling her head in the direction of the candidates, the green chirped. Strange perhaps for a dragon, but the dragonet was quite bird-like so it fit her. She even tilted her head this way and that to look. Normally a small movement wouldn't be so noticeable either, but with such a pale hue covering her head and neck, the candidates could easily see it across the sands.

The rest of her body was a medium green, with a dark forest green on her wings. Flicking said appendages, the female trotted around her larger sibling. He was an orange, gold colored bronze, and if he weren't so masculine in behavior and appearance, some may mistake him for another Topaz. The bronze didn't mind though. This was simply his appearance, it didn't make him who he was. Sniffing the little green to check, again, if she was alright, the bronze nudged his sibling toward the candidates.

It was her time now! Shaking her head, the green moved behind the bronze only to be side-stepped. Nope, the bronze insisted on being a gentleman. Ladies first always! Flattered by the metallics gesture, the green permitted him a bit of dignity. He wasn't completely useless she supposed. Heading over to the dwindling group of candidates, the green shook her head. Her siblings had left slim pickings behind, but no matter! She saw Hers now. Nudging past the boys, the green went directly for one young candidate in particular.

Reaching up on her hind legs, the green came up to maybe the girl's chest but barely. Rainbow spinning eyes stared into the girl's as the dragonet's mind slipped into the candidate's thoughts. Yes DanaeMine. You are the right one for me. Together we are now forever more one Mine. Your Mapiyath and you will do great things, things even males will scoff at before we show them we can. Turning her pale head to her brother, the green chirped in her weird manner again. Come now Brother Dearest. It is time for you to find Yours as well.

Mapiyath:


22 feet at full growth
Egg- Sky Spirit Egg
Name meaning- Mapiya=Sky, *origin*Sioux
Personality- Easy-going, Relaxed, Poised, Tender, Rebellious, Feminist
Color-
Head and neck 9bcd9b
legs/ underside and tail 215e21
Back and Wings 003300

Dipping his head, the bronze agreed. Making sure at least that one of this siblings had found Theirs was enough for now. Besides, even after he had chosen His, he could still protect his clutchmates. Heading to the boys, the bronze walked deliberately and with pride till he reached his chosen lifemate. T'ranMine, never worry for your Etuth is here. We will stay here though Mine. It is my job to protect my siblings and Weyr. I know this even though I have just hatched. It is my duty, and we must all do out duty in life. In fact Mine, we will not even eat until the rest of my clutchmates have hatched and found theirs! Sitting down, the bronze nodded his head absolutely determined of his decision.

Etuth:


43 feet at full growth
Egg- Wise Elder Egg
Name Meaning- Etu=God of Time, *origin* Lakota
Personality- Easy going, Realistic, Reasonable, Protective, Believes that he has a purpose
Color-
Body CD8500
Markings 1(down sides) C73F17
Markings 2(on wing) 5E2612

[fuzzlebub85]

Danae winced as Loraketh snapped at her, but was grateful she wasn't being punished even more for offending the beautiful gold Queen, her parents' dragons' own daughter. She murmured thanks for Loraketh's mercy, gave Inali a relieved smile, and watched the next two hatchlings, a beautiful Green, and a handsome Bronze, appear. The Green seemed to be arguing with the Bronze over who would go first, she thought, knowing Bronze mannerisms very well considering her 'nanny' was one. She was pretty sure she felt Argoseth's disapproval at that, but had no time to ponder it, for the Green walked straight up to her!

Yes DanaeMine. You are the right one for me. Together we are now forever more one Mine. Your Mapiyath and you will do great things, things even males will scoff at before we show them we can.

Oh, thank you, Mapiyath! It's good to have you with me at last! The new Weyrling beamed. I will be Yours forever, Mapiyath. Together we'll do wonderful things...like play tricks on your Grandfather Argoseth! she decided, eyes sparkling. Father is His, you know, and Argoseth's such a pain really, it's his fault I was so late! But not really late, because I was just in time to become Yours!

Danae hugged Mapiyath, incredibly happy. Not only had she survived, but she'd Impressed! Her father would have to be proud of her now. And if he wasn't...well, then she'd just play tricks on him and Argoseth. Without getting caught, of course.

[shinska]

When Aela saw that two more Dragons Hatched and Impressed she smiled. The Hatching was going very well and soon all the babies would hopefully be Impressed. The girl looked down at her Talath with a loving smile. Then she turned to one of the new Weyrlings, "Congratulations.... Danae right?" The girl was glad to be part of the Weyrling group. Her one friend, R'hard, was close to her, but Aela wanted to learn more about Danae and R'xth and several other Weyrlings. After all they would be training together over the course of the Turn. With that she smiled at R'hard and then back at Danae.

Being a Weyrling was an amazing experience, but it was also amazing that she had Impressed to a Sub-Queen. The girl felt an excited shiver run down her back. She would relive that moment over and over again and never get tired of it. Despite her anger on the Sands she couldn't just stand by when she saw D'rek's arm being nipped by Emiath. Aela bandaged him up and then let the Healers take over. Even if the Garnet didn't like that she had helped him she knew that it was the right thing and Emiath continued having a Rider. If she hadn't done that the boy would have probably had an infected arm.

She watched the Obsidian female finally finish eating and yawn, "Oh dear. It seems that Talath is tired." The girl bit her lip, unsure of what to do next. Could they leave and take their Dragons to their new rooms? Aela certainly hoped so. She wanted to see Crest's look when he saw Talath up close and to see what their new room looked like. Aela was excited and couldn't wait to start her Weyrling lessons. She even felt Crest's excitment course through her body. The Blue had seen her Impression to Talath.