Nia
Sr. Weyrwoman 
niact[M:-790]
Posts: 991
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Post by Nia on May 25, 2011 13:23:58 GMT -5
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Do NOT have your characters walk ON the Sands. If they want to look, they can go up in the Stands. If your Candidate goes on the Sands they will be banned from the Hatching. You have been warned.
It was the middle of the day and all Avalle wanted to do was sleep. Unfortunately, she had been slacking a bit in her Junior Weyrwoman duties ever since Callistath's flight, and now she desperately needed to catch up. She slumped over her desk, laying her head on her hands and watching her gold dragon sleep. Lucky beast, she muttered mentally, feeling a faint, sleepy protest from Callistath at being called a beast. The gold was very large with eggs now, this clutch was definitely going to be bigger than the last. And as with the last one, Callistath's ladylike pride made her completely refuse to even leave their weyr. She didn't want anyone to see her so full of eggs.
That was fine with Avalle. She was gaining a growing distaste for other people anyway, and all she wanted to do lately was nap. She assumed wanting to nap was coming from Callistath's need to sleep all the time, though. So that would go away once the gold laid her eggs. Which would be soon. Perhaps even today? The brunette hoped so, she didn't want to sign more stupid documents. This was boring and she was tired. Yelling at some moronic Candidates would be a fun new thrill! She sighed at the rememberance of Callistath's last Clutching. Such ignorance. But that wouldn't happen this time. Anyone to step ON the Sands would be banned from the Hatching, and this time she was going to enforce that. She'd even gone so far as to put up notices around the Hatching Sands, warning them not to go on the Sands while Callistath's eggs were there. The only people that the gold would accept were R'len and Kaezeth.
So she was prepared, this time. No mess-ups like before, and no irritating Candidates. Perfect. Well, time to go back to work. Avalle sat up off of her desk and adjusted the papers in front of her. She picked up her sleeping orange cat off the floor near her feet and put him in her lap. He looked up at her sleepily, but curled up in her lap and fell right back asleep. Yulari was sitting on her desk, the yellow attempted to help Avalle sort the papers. It was a pretty neat trick she'd learned, the ability to sort and clean things. Which was incredibly helpful, because Avalle never picked up after herself. Anyway... time to work!
But of course, before she could even go back to getting any work done, Callistath's eyes opened. The gold blinked a few times and Avalle paid her no notice, not until she stood. It was harder for her to move with grace, but she still somehow managed. Avalle watched as the Gold opened her wings and glided out of their Weyr. Avalle knew her destination and sighed. You could have warned me, she muttered, picking Maris up off her lap, kissing him once on the nose and placing him on her bed. He curled up in a ball of orange fluff. Yulari took her perch around the girl's neck and Avalle was off after her gold. She picked up her pace to catch up to Callistath, who was already nearing the Hatching Sands. The Junior Weyrwoman gave a bit of a laugh as she noticed her angry warning signs right before the opening to the Sands. That should keep them off, she hoped.
Avalle entered the Sands and over to where her gold was already beginning to lay her eggs. No one was allowed in now, they should know better than to walk in on a gold clutching. Callistath found it a very embarrassing act that no one except Hers and Her's firelizard were ever allowed to see. She went about her business, laying the eggs in neat rows and lines; a very proper clutch. The eggs were a mottled group, some bright, some dark, with various sizes. Avalle watched as Callistath continued, counting as she went, and keeping an eye out for a Queen egg. She highly doubted there would be another after Couineth, but it never hurt to check. There were a few large eggs, but no shiny gold one. It took a few more moments before Callistath finished, keeping her wings protectively over her eggs still, not even wanting Hers to look anymore. Come on, I have to see, Avalle coached, and with a very reluctant movement, Callistath moved her wings.
The first thing Avalle noticed was no Queen egg. But there were three very large and distinctive eggs. The others were of various sizes and it took her a moment to count them. 35 eggs! That was much larger than her last clutch! Avalle smiled widely, patting the gold on the side proudly. Beautiful, she commented. Quite, [/i] was Callistath's only comment, although Avalle could feel how proud the queen was. It was a very nicely sized clutch and the eggs all looked healthy. They were colorful and decently sized, and there were 35 of them. You're going to let Kaezeth look, right? Avalle asked. It'd be pretty rude not to let a father see his own children, but Callistath liked the Iron a lot, so Avalle wasn't all that worried. Of course. They are ours,[/i] Callistath affirmed Avalle's assumption. That was good. Now.... I guess... we should let people come in to look too, Avalle muttered, but her distaste was obvious. Callistath gave a sort of dismissive snort. Dirty, disgusting creatures. If they come near my eggs I will eat them,[/i] hearing such a threat come from Callistath's ladylike voice was always fun for Avalle to hear. She gave a bit of a smile. It's ok. I put up warnings, remember? They won't come near you or your eggs. And if they do, well, they were warned. So feel free to eat them.[/blockquote][/size] |
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Azhdarchid
Jr. Weyrwoman
azhct[M:-1490]
Totes.
Posts: 1,627
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Post by Azhdarchid on May 25, 2011 14:59:04 GMT -5
Qosis turned a bag of grains upside-down, emptying the bounty into a trough already being nosed at by a humpbacked draybeast. Grabbing the bluish ox by the thick stem of her ear, he directed the entirety of her thick head into the trough, giving her leave to nibble away at her tasteless meal. His hand lingered long enough to rub her from ear-back to the base of her downcurved horn, and she grunted, perhaps in approval. He had already groomed the beast, and she shimmered with a regality that did not suit her breed.
With the empty bag dispensed in a tack stall, he strode out of the stables and began looking for a bucket of water to soak his hands in. His fingers were paled and patched by fuzz, dirt, and oat grit. Olive eyes made a habitual glance toward the northern wall of the Bowl-- only this time he spotted the trailing golden forks of a dragon queen's tail disappearing into the Hatching cavern. Qosis blinked and the image was gone, and he was left with the choice of doubting his splitsecond vision. Of course she chose to lay now, when he was working one of the longest chore stakes, interrupted only briefly by the lunch hour.
He looked toward the sun, moistening lips so dry they felt chapped beneath his tongue. Now he recalled the mother would take some time on her clutch...enough for him to clean up and visit, if he skipped lunch. Again the possibility that he had been so hopeful as to make the Gold appear in his own eyes but no one else's crossed him, but Qosis shook it off as a dray might a fly.
"Callistath!" he barked down the stable hall, in the event that any of his coworkers had interest. Then he set for the barracks. There he washed, he dressed in fine greens and golds, and he had the sense to fetch a hip-flask to sip before he headed over. He accounted the signs along the northern bridge as he crossed it to the main steps, and paused long enough to confirm that the clutching itself had ended and visitors were permitted before he let himself into the stands.
He did not choose the lowest, nearest wall between himself and the eggs. In fact he avoided looking at them or focusing too much on his peripheral view as he claimed a raised clearing between the benches a few rows up, with a guard wall built to lean on. Qosis was too tall to lean on it without bending in half, so he remained standing, his height ensuring there were no obstructions between him and the mottled clutch. Even then, he looked to the queen before her eggs. On the one occasion he had seen her relatively close before, he had not had wits enough to take her in.
Now, with his mind rendered pleasantly calm by the morning's hard labor, he scrutinized her as he should have the Candidatemasters' Red and Blue at lessons only a short while past. Only he had not been very piqued by either of those beasts. To Callistath he bowed, though the facets of her eyes gave her gaze an omniscient cast, and he doubted that she noticed him specifically. Or in a favorable manner.
The relaxed smile that took over his face, and the notions that accompanied it, made him grateful that he was the first of his brethren to arrive and the stands were nearly empty. If anyone started pestering him he might not be able to contain that fragile elation. He looked to the eggs at last. No queen-- he almost mouthed the thought. Qosis glanced up to Callistath again. No queen but her.
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Post by larkwing on May 25, 2011 19:43:57 GMT -5
Larka and Inali had been close to Qosis when he let out his shout. Looking at each other the two candidates dropped what they were doing and smiled wide. Callistath had finally clutched! Grabbing onto Inali's hand, Larka pulled her friend out to the sands. Wyred, Tris and Emia chirped from their places on a window sill, but at the cold look Inali gave them they cheeped and sat back down. "Well, at least they listen to you right?" Larka joked as she continued to lead Inali out to the hatching sands. "Not always, just sometimes. They listen to you too Larka." Rolling her amber eyes, Larka didn't reply.
Instead she was too busy staring at the lovely form of Callistath. She was giant, much larger that Calanth had ever hoped to be. A slight pain arced across Larka's heart as she thought of her father's brown. She had been sending messages more recently at least. Inali seemed to be just as happy as Larka was, though no one could really tell if they didn't know her. The candidate was poised as usual, careful to show just enough emotion that she seemed alive. It wasn't enough to show she was exceptionally happy though.
Larka watched Inali's hands instead. They wrung around the rails of the stands as the girl's eyes searched each and every egg. Her shoulder's were tense, and there, right there in the corner of her mouth! There was the slightest tweak where a smile hid. Inali glanced sideways at her friend, her eyebrows drawing together. "What?" Laughing, Larka flipped her auburn hair. "Nothing, just nothing." She didn't have to say, just knowing was good enough for her. Turning back to the look out over the sands both girls sighed. "They're going to be amazing." Larka could only nod her head in agreement. Words by now had escaped her. |
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Ruin
Wingrider 
ruinct[M:-786]
We build the worlds we wouldn't mind living in
Posts: 1,137
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Post by Ruin on May 25, 2011 21:09:26 GMT -5
Callistath? That word didn’t have any meaning for Sebolaren, but it appeared to be extremely important to those who had heard it. His nose had lead him to the stables easily, and of course it had been one of the places he was most anxious to visit, and to be certain the smell that called to his heart was not a foul or sour smell of neglected animals, but that of rich manure and dry grasses; even the grains added their distinct flavor that his senses could pick out among the oil, leather, sweat, and salt. When he had arrived though someone had spoken that word, like an oath, voice full of a reverend excitement for which he had no context. Was it Dragon names that ended in –th? To be truthful he hadn’t spent much time speaking to dragons, or in the company of dragons, or even being told about dragons: Most of his time had been spent learning the hock from the cannon, and the poll from the withers, and, though he was curious about dragons as he was about all things, his father had reacted to such questions in a typical manner: Mumbling an answer that implied he didn’t much like his son nosing about in anything but his own business—which was runnerbeasts, thank you. By this point in his train of thought the shout from one had gotten the attention of others, and he was just quick enough to fall in behind them a respectful distance: He did pause momentarily, his eyes following where the other girl, possibly younger and with hair the colour of sun kissed grasses, had looked. He smiled deeply at the firelizards on the ‘sill. At least those he knew something about, perhaps it wasn’t much, but it was better than feeling completely at a loss concerning their larger cousins. He jolted to, realizing he was staring with unabashed interest at the little creatures, and not wanting to be left behind or lost, he strode after the others, attempting to keep up but not crowd—he was the new kid after all, and he certainly didn’t know the proper practices. It seemed though, as he came down the wide stone steps behind the others, that there wasn’t any sort of ceremony going on—so what then was everyone doing? He inched forward to the railing cautiously and his breath caught in his mouth. There were eggs there! Eggs and a very, very, very large mother dragon. A gold, a Queen? His hands tightened on the railing until they were white at the knuckles, he couldn’t help feel a quivering of fear in his heart: Mothers of any kind were dangerous. Yet everyone else seemed relaxed and completely happy, and they had obviously shown great excitement at this event. He pulled the thick jacket he had worn from the Hold tighter around his body, though the heat from the sands below was intense, as if it would protect him should the large golden mother decide he didn’t belong. He gave the others, possibly candidates as well; another more studious look hoping to memorize them should he run into them later, and then he had eyes only for the clutch below. There were so many! As large as the gold dragon was he felt himself amazed that she had carried so many inside her: Though he rationalized that it was probably the same space a foal would demand from a runner. So many colours… and he had time to enjoy them as long as everyone else stayed.
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RhiaBlack
Wingrider
rhiact[M:45]
Resident Warcraft Addict
Posts: 328
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Post by RhiaBlack on May 26, 2011 4:22:04 GMT -5
Zeke was busy scrubbing the floors when the news reached the Dining Hall. It had spread like wildfire, through the stable hall, to the Kitchen, and he imagined even now there were those spreading it through the Candidate Barracks, Wherling's Barracks, and beyond.
But unlike the others, Zeke didn't drop what he was doing and haul himself in that direction. Everyone and their uncles would be there, and the last thing he wanted to do was add to the din and controlled chaos that was sure to be present. If clutching was anything like foaling, or having children, the last thing he assumed the Queen would want was company. It had to be exhausting work, and he was content to leave her be, at least for now. There would be time to see the eggs when the initial rush had passed, and hopefully when Queen Callistath had some time to rest.
Kee betweened to his shoulder, launching herself into the air and sweeping in circles around his head. MINEMINEMINE Gold Queen has clutched! Clutched! Eggs Mine, EGGS! Kee bombarded Hers with images, having been curious herself and followed the others. When Zeke's brush stopped moving over the stone floor, he blew several strands out of his eyes and looked at her silently. And Kee didn't like what she felt.
The Pink settled to the floor, tucking her wings in behind her and looking up apologetically towards Hers. Zeke's eyes narrowed, and it wasn't hard for the Flitt to tell she'd done something bad. But she was excited, Hers! She wanted to see the eggs!
Zeke set his brush back into the bucket for a minute, shifting to support himself in something of a kneel.
"Ya don't go near those Sands without me, Kee. That Gold, you gotta respect her. She's bigger'n you, you mess with her? She'll prolly eat you. Won't think twice 'bout it, then what's gonna happen? I'mma be without m'Kee, won't I?"
Kee's head drooped with her wings, and she curled her tail around her, looking up towards him silently. No trilling, no chirping. She could tell easily he was upset. Zeke pointed to his shoulder, reinforcing it with a mental image like Nara had taught him. Kee did as he asked, and he sighed.
"We'll go later. When it's calmed down, lil' bit, all right? Not right now. Got work t'finish up first. You wanna go, you get me. I don't mind anywhere else you wanna vanish to by yourself, but you stay off those Sands, less I'm with you, understand?" Zeke relayed images of the pair of them going together, and approval, before images of her going alone, and disapproval. Kee curled her tail around his neck, tucking her wings in under his hair as her claws caught into his shirt. He cut his gaze towards her, and cracked a small grin, going back to scrubbing; he'd seen the notes Avalle had posted on the walls in the corridors headed to the Sands, and he wasn't going to risk botching his chance just because his Flitt was overly curious. Kee was sweeter than anyone he'd ever met, Dragon or Human, but she was still young. There was still a lot to teach her.
"Don't want nothin' happenin' to you. We got time t'see 'em b'fore the Hatchin'. Don't fret, hmm?"
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Post by kayleetonkslupin on May 26, 2011 14:32:47 GMT -5
Aidan ran to the Hatching Sands when he heard the news, brimming with excitement. He slowed to a walk when he neared the place, keeping his pace respectful. She was not only a mother, but a dragon, and a Gold at that. A Queen. One of the eggs in her Clutch might even contain his dragon. His! Aidan's heart thudded in his chest, but he slipped inside and went up into the stands, staying quiet.
Qosis was there. Shards, he thought, not wanting to deal with Qosis of all people. The normally sweet-natured eleven-turn-old had noticed his roommate's fierce rivalry with Qosis, and it had rubbed off on him. Though grudgingly grateful for Qosis' attending to Xiro's wounds after the race, Aidan was not at all pleased with the way Qosis had gone about it. Of course, he was even less pleased that Fel had caused the injuries in the first place, but that was neither here nor there. At least Fel wasn't here yet. But...it was quite possible that her dragon, and Qosis', were. Aidan studied the eggs, considering them intently.
Aidan looked around. Intent on Qosis, he hadn't seen his other companions until now. Larka and Inali, he recognized vaguely. He didn't know them well, but he'd seen them in lessons. THey weren't so bad. He hoped they'd Impress, too.
And then there was another boy who had just gotten here a few steps ahead of Aidan. He regarded the other candidate curiously, not having had dealings with him at all yet. He looked more interesting than Qosis, at any rate. "Hello there," Aidan said softly, not wanting to disturb the Queen on the Sands. "My name's Aidan. The eggs are beautiful, aren't they?"
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RavenSong
Jr. Weyrleader
songct[M:-364]
Posts: 710
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Post by RavenSong on May 26, 2011 17:33:57 GMT -5
Word had spread like wildfire. After stopping to inform Valha and leave her pair of male flitters on her bunk, Naraevhyn made her way to the Hatching Sands. She paid close attention to the warning signs and picked her way carefully to the Stands, avoiding even the smallest grain of sand as she found a place to stand and observe. The sight of the eggs and the Gold took her breath away, and she found herself simply staring in awe. In all her wildest dreams she hadn't considered that she'd actually be a dragonrider. That fact hadn't even sunk in despite her time as a Candidate. As she stood there, it hit her. One of those eggs might contain her bonded, her lifelong companion, her best friend. The thought brought a smile to her face. She'd already tasted such a thing with her boys, and it had left her longing for the depth of the Dragon bond she'd heard so much about and seen around the Weyr.
Nara didn't even pay attention to the other Candidates in the Stands at that moment. She knew they were there, but didn't care who they were or what they were doing. Then her manners and the recent training hit her mentally. Flushing, she bowed to Callistath, not fully sure if the Queen even noticed her. If Callistath had, it was better to be safe than eaten.
She glanced around then, flushing as she realized how few other people there were yet. She ducked her head, allowing her hair to hide her face, and quietly slipped back out. She'd seen what she wanted to and saw no reason to socialize or speculate.
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Rii
Wingleader 
riict[M:420]
RP demon hungers...
Posts: 803
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Post by Rii on May 27, 2011 20:44:35 GMT -5
Just a peek. That's all Gesseridan wanted. He wouldn't put a toe on the sands... he'd hardly put his nose through the entrance. He'd even finished ALL his assigned chores first! Okay, except for helping to peel tubers. But he'd go help with that as soon as he took his look at the eggs. Mentally he reminded himself, over and over, how important this was. I will NOT mess this up! I'm paying ATTENTION, see?
He'd attended his lessons with the other Candidates in the last few days with a sense of nervous curiousity. Dragons - the subject absolutely FASCINATED him, now that the realm of possibility had been opened to him. So complex - so different - and maybe, just maybe one would choose him? And would like him? It seemed like one of his most fanciful imaginings!
Reaching an entrance to the Hatching Grounds, Gess held his breath. Did he really dare? Everyone else had gone to look. Sliding a dark-haired head around the corner, he peered onto the sands. Eggs, hardening in the sands, each one representing a Candidate's greatest hope. Everything they'd been Searched for and been given classes for. Leaning against the wall, one hand firmly gripping the ridged edge of the entrance he stood in to keep him from taking the slightest step forward, the journeyman smith gazed at the eggs and gave himself up to his dreaming, for a little. A wistful, tender smile crosses his lips, brightening to an excited grin.
Who knew what the future would hold? Giving the wall a slap of exultation, Gess turned on the spot, booted feet pattering on the stone floor as he half ran, half bounded from the area. There were things to do. So much to work towards.
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Gray
Wingrider
grayct[M:-350]
Posts: 870
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Post by Gray on May 28, 2011 4:58:27 GMT -5
She had clutched! She had clutched! The though sent chills down his spine and lightning through his blood. He wanted to find Corian and chat with him. Shards, he wanted to find anyone and drag them with him. He was going to go see them! Oh yes he was! He wanted to see the eggs. Loud trill sounded in his ear and Ezekiel bolted up, sending a small stinging glare towards Rhapsody.
The pink just looked up at him with bright eyes. Goofy grin curled on his lips as he reached over to scratch her eye rides.
“Don't worry Rhap. I won't forget about you. Your my bestest best friend! I bet my dragon will love you too! We'll be quite the trio, you, it and I.” He sighed wistfully. With a sudden jolt of energy, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, tightening the belt of his pants.
“Well shells. I'm gonna go see them now. You wanna come?” He was sure if they stayed away, Callistath would not mind. There were a bunch of clothes piled to the left of his bed, and Rhapsody dived into them, pulling out a shirt in his usual blue color. Reaching over, Ezekiel picked it up and chuckled, slipping it on quickly.
Motioning for the pink to follow, he hurried out towards the hatching cavern. He just wanted a peek. Would others be there? Probably he was sure someone else had to be there. He couldn't be the only one! Slipping into the Cavern he tittered eagerly. There of course, were others in the stands. Just like he had expected. Gazing at the eggs he sighed. Which one held his dragon? He would guess! Ezekiel concentrated, studying each egg in turn until he found the one he was sure had his. It was small, with a deep cobalt blue. But the top was clouded with a paler color. That one had to hold his! He was sure of it!
–
Kidanyr rolled on the grass, laughed raucously as she did. Shaking her head, Lyr tsked some.
“You are going to muss up your clothes Kida, you should really stop.” Though she tried to be stern, she could not hide the small laugh in her voice. Both Satin and Sequin slept at the moment, tired out by their play earlier that day. So Lyr, having finished with her chores, decided to spend time with her daughter.
It was Kida who noticed Callistath first.
“Dagon!” She chirped, pointing towards the hatching cavern.
“Very pretty momma! Very very!” She gazed up at Lyr, who stared for a moment. Lyr had not been quick enough to catch a sight.
“Callistath?” She mused aloud, a certain spark lighting in her eyes. She would have to go see the eggs, and she would bring Kida to. But it would take time. So Lyr sat on the ground.
“Alright Kida, find your ball. We'll play a bit of catch, unless you want to kip over and get some lunch.” The toddler mused about this, twisting a hunk of hair around one finger.
“Hungy.” Laughing, Lyr stood again and collected her daughter's toys, and the pair went to eat.
Later with full tummies, and specific instructions given to the smaller of the two, Lyr and Kida made their way to the hatching cavern. Moving to sit in the stands, Lyr looked at her daughter.
“Now Kidanyr, please stay near mommy. Just look. Don't try and touch.” Grudgingly, Kida nodded. They were pretty, she wanted to touch them! Her mother had told her baby dragons were inside. Babies! She wanted one. Taking her eyes off Kida for a moment, Lyr looked at the eggs. Her heart fluttered in anticipation. There would be a hatching soon! It was enough to make her a bit light headed and giddy.
“What do you think Kida, you think there is a dragon for me in one of those eggs?” The little girl didn't say much, she just peered at the eggs as if she could see through the shells then nodded at Lyr.
“Yes.”
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The chatter of other candidates was the first thing to alert Tasia. Lifting her head, she placed a couple more potatoes in the barrel. Great, they had messed up her counting. What were they jawing on about now? She sighed, exasperated with those she had been lumped with that day. Already she had been checking and double checking their work. She wasn't going to put her hide on the line if numbers came up wrong. Trying to ignore them she started again when a certain word popped up.
Clutch.
It hung in the air like an unwelcome promise. So the gold had clutched? Good. Eggs on the sand meant a hatching soon. Perhaps she would be done with these sharding chores. It would be her and her dragon. The only one to truly get her. She paused for a moment to send them another look. Well the potatoes would not count themselves. Burying herself in her work, she passed the time. Her eyes narrowed behind those glasses. 1...2...3....
Walking from the Lower Caverns, Tasia pretty much breathed pride. It was a job well done! Sure, she had overworked herself, but everything was in it's place, properly counted. The idea of the clutch intruded her mind yet again. Obviously her subconscious wanted to have a word with her. Grumbling, she shook her head. She didn't even have time for a bath. Working In the larders always made her rather dusty. Shaking her head again, Tasia gave into the urge and started to make her way towards the hatching sands. Fingers trailed over the tunnel walls as he walked, the halls seeming surprisingly barren for the time of day. Was every one ogling the eggs? Perhaps it was just her mind, or the absence of chattering candidates that made everything seem emptier.
Finding a good spot in the stands, Tasia leaned over the wall some. Hmm. Eggs. They looked well, like eggs. She sniffed a bit, to proud to show the girlish delight that lurked beneath the surface. In face, the cool, slightly bored look on her face was more like something someone would give when they had to review records. Not something you would expect from a candidate starting at their future.
She analyzed each egg in turn, starting with the smaller ones first. This one was too drab, that one to bright. That one a bit too round. Each was brushed away until she got to the larger ones. These held some promise! Of course, the largest one was the only one to bring a small smile to her face. This one is mine. Mine mine mine. Mentally, she congratulated herself. She claimed that egg. It was hers. |
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