Azhdarchid
Jr. Weyrwoman
azhct[M:-1490]
Totes.
Posts: 1,627
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Post by Azhdarchid on Sept 3, 2011 22:31:31 GMT -5
Lexony's respectful waiting trance broke as the immense golden dragon keeping watch over them all began to move. Hers was a clearly drawn display of outrage, the strong snap of her tail against the Sands sending specks of earth out far enough to strike his cheeks. Dragons had always possessed a helpful color-coding to their tempers that presented in the eyes, but anyone with a lick of experience could detect Couineth's anger by that tail alone. A white bird crossed at the corner of his eye and Lex's gaze shifted towards it: a girl-Candidate fluttering in long after the Hatching had started.
He sucked in a breath and held it, knowing what to expect. Flinching as Couineth rattled the Sands with the volume of her upset, he realized after another long second that the queen was not about to abandon her eggs to strike. Even with only benign anger, the Gold could be terrifying...especially to those predisposed to it. Lexony blinked, breathing out. He pivoted and walked across the Sands. He settled again, beside Daymar, and extended his hand once before retracting it, smiling apology.
"Hey, Day," he greeted softly as the Hatching din would allow. "Thought I'd stand over here for a bit. Better view-- now that Sebol has gone, anyway." He did not think there was anything telling in his voice, but perhaps Daymar would not find the content very reassuring regardless. Lex trudged on: "Did you know some of the girls over there are smiling at you?" Or they had been before Couineth started up. Lexony waved to Reylia and Saia, to see if he could summon back their mirth to meet Daymar's eye. Then, all his transgressions against the duty of Standing made, he folded his bare arms behind his back and clasped one wrist with punishing steeliness.
He stayed beside Daymar rather than moving out in front of him. It was a matter of principle, but he would not make a good wall anyway: not very tall, nor especially strong. "Sadly I find my bravery incomplete in this instance," he muttered in good humor, intent on stealing the notion of nervousness before Daymar could voice it himself. The first-hatched of the clutch and the latest were starting squabbling right ahead of them. Lexony stayed very still, even as the dragons tangled close enough for him to see a spray of ichor spurt off the Cyan's shoulder. He swallowed, and made a futile attempt to moisten his lips against the persistent heat.
Sometime while he had been talking or bundling up in that bravery he'd mentioned, a Blue had slid out from under Couineth and was now almost upon him. The hatchling stopped for him. Lexony searched the Blue's face, and was just starting down its neck when the dragon up and left. Lex had not felt a thing for that exchange, and watched numbly as the Blue Impressed a black-haired man down the line. "Oops," was all he had to say for himself. His arms shifted out of their iron pose behind him once, re-crossed, then fell out to his sides. He rubbed the hooked point of his nose and grinned sheepishly. "Almost, I guess."
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Post by gallium on Sept 3, 2011 22:32:12 GMT -5
Somewhat disappointed at the lack of response from both younger dragons, Hilth fixed his attention once more upon the sands, and chose to pour his observations upon the event into R'kin's head instead. If anyone had asked him why he was quite so excited by the Hatching, he would have been unable to answer, never having been one for introspection, but it had something to do with the combination of a dragon's usual pleasure at seeing more of their kind entering the world, and his tendencies to decide that whatever happened to be going on at any moment in time was wonderful and exciting. Hilth was very easily pleased.
R'kin, on the other hand, was taking a somewhat more thoughtful view of the Hatching, gauging what he could of the hatchlings from his somewhat distant perspective. Though their antics before they Impressed were generally short, he believed that a great deal could be learned about a dragon in those moments as it wandered the Sands. Even when he'd been a Candidate, Standing and hoping that one of those breaking eggs would hold the dragon that was to be his, he had always been fascinated by the different personalities on display, the way some dragons headed straight for the Candidates, while others chose to look around a little more. Now, with the benefit of hindsight and the security of having his dragon's large bulk looming next to him, he found those observations even more important. These were new dragons and riders who would soon be charged with protecting Pern, and with the Red Star heralding Threadfall in the near future, that charge was more important than ever, a dragonrider's duty ever foremost in his mind. Not, of course, that one could tell everything about a dragon and rider pair from their Impression, but he felt it gave important indications of what was to come.
This particular clutch seemed a rather argumentative one, clearly filled with very strong, somewhat conflicting personalities, and R'kin had to think that the Weyrlingmaster would have his hands full with this group. Watching the Impressions as they happened - his very good memory taking careful notes, for one never knew when such things would come in handy - he found the colours being produced by the clutch most interesting. He'd never been one who disapproved of the new colours that dragons were now appearing in, even if many of his old wingmates at High Reaches had done so, nor had he ever been one to place the colour of a dragon as its most important characteristic, but he did find the breakdown of any clutch quite fascinating. So far, this clutch had Hatched two Greens (both now Impressed), a Black (also Impressed), a Cyan (Impressed) and a Blue (again, Impressed), some of those Impressions having been far simpler, and involving less spilt ichor, than others.
Hilth having fallen mostly silent, instead letting his opinions upon the various Impressions being shared with washes of emotion; mainly happiness, given that he did not have particularly complicated opinions, instead sharing mainly pleasure that other dragons were going to gave the same joy that he did with R'kin. Reaching out to lay a hand on Hilth's auburn flecked muzzle, the Brown having lowered his head to better observe the proceedings, R'kin allowed himself a moment of joy that he was able to sit here, with his dragon, secure and happy, and with a purpose in life. Things didn't really get much better than this, did they?
As golden Couineth suddenly erupted into outraged hissing, sand flying as she expressed her displeasure, R'kin wondered what, precisely, had provoked the outburst, the question echoed by Hilth, who didn't see how any Queen could be unhappy when her children were Hatching. Realising he knew rather little about the Gold - and, truth be told, about every dragon at Dalibor - R'kin resolved to find out more. Only here two days, he supposed it was somewhat excusable that he did not yet know the dragons of his new home yet, but he disliked not knowing, not understanding, and firmly believed that it was a part of his responsibilities as a rider to know as much as he could about his fellows.
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Post by ferret on Sept 4, 2011 16:33:48 GMT -5
Ohhh dear. Taavi wasn’t an expert on animal behavior, but he was pretty sure that snarls were universal for ‘ohFaranth, this is one angry beast!’. As Couineth snarled, Taavi put an arm out to gently push Nat back. A stupid reaction, he belatedly realized, since the younger man actually had more experience with big angry dragons than he did, but an instinctual one. He tried to play it off with a grin. “Sorry. Nervous twitch,” he lied smoothly. “Fancy that. Couineth doesn’t properly tell anyone there’s a Hatching and then gets upset when someone doesn’t know that the Hatching started. Lovely.”
Ohh, convenient distractions! Taavi loved those! In this case, the convenient distraction was the emergence of another dragonet, this one a dark blueish color. At least, the Baker would have called it blue. After living at the Weyr, he knew it was properly called ‘cyan’, which sounded like a sharding fancy way to say the same thing.
A quick scuffle ensued between the peace-loving green and the cyan, a fact that took Taavi by surprise; he would have thought the green would simply run, but it appeared that she would have a scrap just as any other sibling would. It was a more vicious fight than what had been observed between the black and green from earlier… Taavi’s eyes flicked up to Couineth, but the queen continued to do absolutely nothing besides shield her eggs. Perhaps that was a good thing, he realized. Maybe she just didn’t want scuffling dragons to knock over their unhatched siblings. Ichor trailed after the cyan as she pulled herself away, a thin trail of green towards the girls.
Oh hey, Traepsie! Taavi knew her, at least. And the green finally found hers as well, another girl that Taavi at least knew by sight. Allele, she’d helped in the formation of Comforttopia. And a Blue went to a boy that the Baker had never even seen before. Ah well. Couldn’t know everyone.
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Gray
Wingrider
grayct[M:-350]
Posts: 870
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Post by Gray on Sept 4, 2011 16:50:47 GMT -5
Taking a deep breath she did her best to brush off that sickening, cloyingly sweet feeling of Impression. She had Impressed, and she was certainly glad for it. That pure emotion just made her uncomfortable. Adaline wasn't the best when it came to dealing with her emotions, so she shoved it away to a dark corner of her mind. Glancing behind her she caught Tercath in the process of looking over her shoulder and growling a bit, threatening non-existent enemies. Her protective nature really was endearing.
Picking up a bucket, Adaline chose a corner and settled herself down. Reaching into the bucket she picked up a piece of still warm meat and held it out. The only advice she gave was “Don't choke on it.” It was all Tercath really needed. She quickly gobbled down the first piece of meat, practically humming with delight as she did. Before grabbing the next out held piece, Tercath curls herself partially around Adaline's legs. The meat was taken again and again she hummed happily. AdaMine this is good. Very good. Can I eat this everyday? A single thin brow raised a bit but Adaline just gave a small smile. “Of course you can. Though when you are bigger you will hunt on your own.”
Looking into the bucket, Adaline fished around for a choice piece. She picked up a few bit put them back after deciding they were not good enough. It was during this time she felt Tercath stiffen. Looking up she noticed S'laren and Sicriath. Calm down. He is your brother, you had a small spat. We can find a way to get back later if you really really want too. Adaline had heard of how short a Dragon's memory could be. Tercath would forget and Adaline would be able to get back to working on her current projects.
Tercath didn't listen though. S'laren sat next to her and Adaline offered a smile. “Congratulations. Her certainly has a personality.” Whether that was a compliment or not was up to S'larn. Tercath on the other hand ruffled her wings, opening them some to make herself look larger and hissed at the black. Stop. Adaline glared at the small green. She would have to teach her not to wear her emotions on her sleeve. Anger makes you stupid. Stop. Swallow that hate and calm down. If you really want to get back at him I will teach you. But you must put up a front of calm detachment. Tercath looked up, rather confused but listened. Wings were pulled close to her body and she positioned herself so she as between S'laren, his dragon and Adaline. Ok.
Tercath stiffened again when Sicriath spoke to her. A bit of orange dappled her eyes but Adaline's words resounded in her head. She just lay her head down, only lifting it when he had finished. I'm sorry you're jealous. I'm sure you will be useful for something. Adaline stifled a smile, simply biting her lip trying to look as if she disapproved of Tercath's actions. Now now Tercath, S'laren is my friend so you will need to be civil. Was he her firend? The pair had spoke only once before... Still, she did find S'laren to be at least mostly logical compared to some other male candidates.
–
Three down.. so many more to go. Lyr chewed on her bottom lip a bit and swayed in her spot. Oh goodness. Her stomach was filled with flitters and they wouldn't calm down. It was starting to make her feel a bit ill. Lyr was happy she knew some of the people around her though. It was good, knowing fellow candidates.
Hands clutched together in front of her. She wrung her hands, trying her best to ignore her slightly sweaty palms. As a Cyan made herself known to the world, Lyr smiled a bit. She too was adorable. She had to admit, Dalibor had some of the most beautiful dragons she had ever seen. Then again.. Before she had only caught glimpses of most others.
Again there was another fight. Lyr only gave a weak smile. Children would be children. She knew that. Thankfully there was no major damage done. She fidgeted, crossing her arms over her chest and chewing lightly on her bottom lip. The cyan moved on and found Hers almost immediately. Again Lyr clapped happily for the newly Impressed girl.
Then there was a blue. This one accepted his green sister's attention. She couldn't help but laugh a bit. So much personality at such a young age... Lyr remembered back to when she spoke to Atenna about hatchlings. They were all so sure of who they were already. Attention snapped back as the motherly green looked at her. She held her breath for a moment. Would this be it? But no. She moved on to another girl that Lyr only recognized slightly. As Lyr clapped she watched the Blue.
Just as she though, he headed for the boys. Smiling a bit she watched him as he looked over the boys. Again, Lyr didn't know the boy that Impressed. Clapping Lyr turned to look at Rayna and her queen for a moment. Poor Couineth. Surely it was a bit saddening to see your children didn't need you any more.
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Post by larkwing on Sept 4, 2011 17:43:19 GMT -5
It seemed to Saka like the hatchlings were coming out left and right. A parade of colors, green's and black and cyan. None seemed to be for her yet. Which, of course, was perfectly fine. Hers would appear when it was meant to after all! Twirling one piece of auburn hair with her finger, the young girl bit her lip. The dragonet's seemed strange to her. The green motherly, the cyan cold, the other green playful. Then there was the black who was almost aggressive perhaps was a good word? Oh, and not to forget the pink that had impressed first!
No, Saka couldn't forget her. She sighed, watching as a flit passed by. She missed Tikorah, her black that had recently died. Would she get a protective one like him? Or someone who was playful like her? Maybe serious? Rash? Mean? Flirty! Oh, the possibilities were endless, and the guessing even better! Doing a little shuffle, Saka glanced at the candidates-no weyrlings- who had impressed. She envied them, but not greatly. No, she was fine of she was left this time. It would just mean her bonded wasn't here yet. Eventually she would get one, of that Saka was sure.
Her light brown eyes stared at the great golden form. What was happening under those giant metallic wings?!? Oh, if only she knew! Saka's heart fluttered in response to any sound that could be an egg cracking. What would happen next? That was the exciting part. What would happen next? She couldn't wait to find out.
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Zane
Drudge
zanect[M:0]
They see me rollin', they hatin'.~
Posts: 40
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Post by Zane on Sept 4, 2011 18:44:13 GMT -5
As Raksha was standing there holding her sketchbook, she kept sight of the first egg that was violently rocking. The dragonet fought to break-free, and what came out of it was an adorable pink. Oh, she couldn’t even manage to draw; just stare. She’d never seen a newborn dragonet before, and right now she was doing her best to just keep sight of the small creature. She hadn’t realized how much smaller they were compared to the fully-grown versions. It was remarkable that they could grow that much in the short span of a couple turns or so. Well at least there wouldn’t be so much to oil right away! Raksha looked away in order to try and spot Sebolaren on the boys’ side of the barracks. And there he was, watching like she was. She hadn’t forgotten what she’d told him at the lake. She was now hoping for the both of them. If they impressed, that’d be great! They could stay with their friends as they went through weyrling lessons and then in a couple turns they could all graduate, together. She liked the idea of being able to stick with a select group of people for that long a time. It was nice, and it almost felt like having a family of sorts. She hadn’t known much about family since her mother’s death.
She found her gaze roaming around a bit longer, searching for familiar faces closer to where she stood. When she spotted Saia a she broke into a grin and waved enthusiastically at the girl. She’d hope for her too. She’d hope for everyone. It wasn’t long before the pink made its way to the boys and had impressed to one of them. She didn’t recognize him, and felt bad for it. She really should get to know everyone. There were just so many every one’s. That was the issue.
She held her sketchbook in one arm but found that she was still unable to put her charcoal to the paper. There was just too much about to happen, she could feel it. She didn’t want to miss a second of it. Hopefully she’d be able to retain most of the goings on to memory so she could sketch it out later. For now, she’d observe. Next to hatch was a green. Something didn’t seem quite right about it. It didn’t take a highly intelligent person to realize that the green wasn’t the friendliest dragonet. Raksha frowned, thinking it a shame. What hatched next is what really grabbed her attention, and had her horrified. The black seemed more than your usual bout of unfriendly. Unlike the green, it was downright vicious. And then the pair was fighting, and Raksha nearly took a step back. Was that right? Did dragonets fight? Oh, hopefully they’d go off and impress soon! They were hurting each other! She winced, looking as if she was in pain herself. Wasn’t there something the clutchmother could do? Then they had separated and were keeping more so to themselves. It was the green that impressed first, again to someone she didn’t know. A shame. And then the black was heading off sooner rather than later... Another green was soon to hatch, but Raksha was far too transfixed on where the black had stopped. It was standing before Sebolaren, now S’laren. Her jaw dropped, most literally dropped. She was standing there, mouth ajar, and had to move her hand to physically close her mouth.
”Holy... shards,” she said in a half-whisper. S’laren, with that black? Why, that wasn’t like him at all? Did dragonets always cross impress, or weren’t their ambitions and personality traits supposed to match their riders? She was discovering that she didn’t know nearly as much as she thought she did. She frowned, wishing she could go over and talk to the young man. This was all so frustrating, having to wait. And yet her own dragonet might approach her, and then she’d be focused on him or her. Blue-green eyes wandering to the green, Raksha, saw it heading to a different girl-a girl not her. It was a cute green; the candidate took a moment to admire its markings.
A cyan had hatched, and another green. The cyan was quite dark, which had Raksha contemplating the many shades the dragonets hides came in. She had contemplated this before, wanting to make a picture that encompassed the different colors of each individual dragon. The cyan ended-up in a fight, like the black and green had. The cyan and green had seemed to be studying each other, contemplating what they were going to do. Raksha wished that they hadn’t decided to fight, fighting solved nothing! Again the dragonets were being hurt by one another, and Raksha strained not to cry. She felt silly for even feeling the need to cry, but it was disheartening to see the newborn clutchsibling’s going after one another like that!
The pair impressed, to two girls, and Raksha heaved a sigh. She hadn’t expected to feel this... unhappy? She had thought the hatching was going to be a more joyous occasion, but it wasn’t looking like that. Green and blue were emerging next and for the most part, even though they seemed rather... moody, impressed without too much of a problem. One impressed to a girl and another to a boy-Rolin. That left zero dragonets on the sands, though surely there were more to hatch. She had heard that there were fifteen eggs, so with seven hatched, there were eight left. Hopefully none were duds. Doing a quick headcount, there were twelve candidates in all. Four of them, for sure, were leaving these sands without a dragonet of their own. She hated feeling like one of those people might be her. Seeing these dragonets bonding to their life-partners, one by one, was making her long to experience impression herself. She played with a strand of her long hair idly while watching the movement of Couineth’s wing.
The gold was angry, for a second-time. Raksha may have been too trusting that Rayna had her under control, but in any case, she wasn’t too worried about the gold being the one to lash out at her at this point. She hadn’t done anything wrong. If anything, the dragonets were going to attack her, and likely for no reason. They seemed to be attacking each other for the silliest and most nonsensical of reasons, and she’d heard of dragonets mauling people before. She’d like to come out of this alive and unharmed, no need to have two dampers put on her day since she really might not impress. Though if she were to be killed it wouldn’t really matter, now would it? No need to think so negatively though! Goodness, it was nice enough to be able to attend the hatching from such a close range!
Yes, she’d consider herself lucky to be here, that’s what she’d do. No need to be disappointed if she kept focus on the fact that being here was the highlight of all of this. Anything else positive that took place would be a huge perk! It didn’t take Raksha long to get out of a funk, she loved being in a good mood far too much.
~*~
Tieler was being waved at by none other than Atenna. She spotted her further down, and she raised her hand a bit in order to wave back half-heartedly. She was far too embarrassed to do much more, her cheeks aflame. She wasn’t used to being the one to blush, let alone from something as simple as a wave! She’d have to seek her out after the hatching. The hatching feast would be a great place to be able to just stand and talk to her amongst the crowd of other people. Everyone would be there, no doubt, so no one would really notice that she was attempting to monopolize the girls time. They’d all be far too busy with their own affairs.
The redhead supported her face with a hand, staring down at the hatching dragonets below. She spaced out, not really seeing. There was too much going on in her mind to be able to think of the hatching. Klaisath bespoke her, crooning happily.
So many little ones! Yeah... lots, Tieler sent, not nearly as amused. Hello! Are you enjoying the hatching? I hope you are. Mine isn’t focusing too much on it, but then that’s very like her, Klaisath told Atenna, stretching his jet black wings.
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Post by matsi on Sept 4, 2011 18:48:23 GMT -5
From the area where Arboth fed, Sh’ale watched the hatching proceed. Five more found their people. Five more would be making their way over to them now. Sh’ale knelt back down to Arboth and handed her another slab…or chunk….of meat. She crooned happily, watching Hers with intent eyes as she ate. Her feeding was slow, well, at least compared to the green that Sh’ale now watched. Was Arboth alright? Was it normal? Of course… It probably was. Dragons were probably just like people. Each person had their own speed at which they did things.
Sh’aleMine? Everything is alright. You don’t need to be worried about me, My Sh’ale/ The pink stood up from her feeding spot, leaving half a chunk of meat on the ground. She made her way closer to Sh’ale and leaned into him, her eyes glistening with bright loving colors. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry about foolish things, Sh’ale said simply to his new pink as he knelt back down to her. He finally looked back at the pink and started to pet her head. Why don’t you eat more? He asked as he eyed the lone half chunk of meat on the ground. I am alright for now. You are more important than food, My Sh’ale. She crooned, even as her own eyes looked to the green, then to the black that was making his way over. She blinked a few times, then leaned protectively into Hers.
We will stay over here, My Sh’ale. We are not welcome over there, nor do we want to be, She hummed in a loving tone as she looked into Sh’ale’s face. That black was mean. She did not like him. He would harm her Sh’ale, she just knew it. There was no way she was going to allow that to happen to Hers. We won’t go anywhere, Arboth, Sh’ale pet the dragonet’s neck calmly. He was beginning to feel tired. From the heat of the sands, to the comfort of Arboth’s mind, he just wanted to sleep. Finish eating. Then we get you food. And then we will both sleep. You need sleep, My Sh’ale, she made her way slowly back to her meat chunk and started eating it once more. Sh’ale only smiled, and nodded.
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kireon
Candidatemaster
kirct[M:-191]
Posts: 739
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Post by kireon on Sept 4, 2011 19:05:52 GMT -5
There was a lot to learn in the time she'd been brought to the Weyr as a Candidate.
A lot to learn, and very little time to keep it all memorized, as the call had gone out for the Golden Queen's Hatching. Being a creature of pride, Aylina wondered if the mother of the newest generation was overjoyed or angered by the hatching baby dragons, or if she just didn't give much a care at all. Hard to tell with Golds, as she's been told by the Candidate instructor, they could feel any number of ways and would definitely make it known to their rider and to anyone else in the area if they so felt the need to. She too scrambled to see what was going on, feeling nervous, gangly and awkward amongst everyone else who probably knew exactly what they were doing, why they were there and had aspirations for their futures as dragonriders.
Unlike herself.
Sure, she'd been chosen to stand in an attempt to Impress, but she couldn't help but wonder if it was more of an afterthought on the rider's part. Dragons, first time I'd seen 'em other than a shadow or a speck in the sky. The blonde youth thought to herself reflectively as she trying to avoid getting a foot stomped on by the growing crowd of candidates and spectators alike. Came from a life of workin' either in the house or the courtyard area with her mother and sister, or focusing on not getting' trampled by one of the draft beasts when runnin' lunch or messages to her father and brothers.
Managing to make it to the sands, she chose to take a back seat of sorts to the rest. They'd probably been there longer than she had, so they should be the ones to get chosen or however the finer points of Impression went. Feeling like the distance was appropriate enough, she gave a fairly clumsy but honest looking bow toward the Queen dragon and her rider in silent thanks for allowing her to stand and watch. Didn't seem like the dragon wanted the eggs seen, she thought to herself and took her mind off the eggs for the time being and instead focused on her second really good opportunity to take a close look at a dragon.
Gold from the tip of her tail to the point of her nose, the Queen was definitely a sight to behold. Pretty. Aylina thought, feeling a bit silly for being so awestricken by the creature as a whole, but figuring it was probably normal. With a mother like that, the little ones would very likely have a good deal of promise and potential within them- if things like good breeding and genetics came through, anyway. But that was more complicated than Aylina was really ready to start thinking about. I wonder how she looks when she flies?
She paused, distracting herself by the thought of such an image and tried to picture it. A great, golden dragon... wings aspread and ruling the skies the way she and her rider ruled the Weyr. Yeah, that was a pretty cool image, even if it did make her feel like she was readin' some of the tales she'd caught her sister-in-law with once or twice.
The eggs had begun to hatch and Aylina's focus changed slightly, often torn between watching the little dragons come out- ...they're so small.- and watching their mother for any sign of reaction, remorse, pride or anything of the sort. Nothing in particular; just a lot of... orange eyes, which was annoyance if she remembered right. Unless she thought there was danger, but then the others would have been in their own uproar with orange eyes too.
Six had Impressed so far, though not without ichor being spilled, and Aylina wondered how many more eggs could possibly be left.
Poor mama dragon, all that work and the babies don't even look back. She frowned slightly and shrugged. Hopefully the golden queen would have a good feast after all this mess was said and done, and get a good pampering as well. It's what her father would've done when it came to any of the beasts he was in charge of at the stables after they were done givin' birth. A good rubdown, a little extra somethin' nice in their feed and plenty of verbal praise. Which, for a gruff man like her father, was kind of entertaining to overhear when she happened to stumble upon it. Her mother oft used to tell her he'd been like that when she and her brothers were mere babes as well; often doing the silliest of things and saying the most absurd things in voices that had made the tiny woman laugh herself nearly sick.
As scattered, distracted as the tall young woman was, the sentiment remained that she would definitely enjoy taking care of a dragon... and wondered if any of the full grown dragons and their riders would allow her to practice a little on her- that way when the time came for her own dragon to Impress upon her, she could say she'd be able to do a good job. Much as I like 'em, I think I need more time t'practice 'fore I get one that calls me theirs and I call mine. The thought cheered her significantly, as it allowed her to acknowledge that she did hope to have one, but allowed her to realize she very likely wouldn't be chosen over the several others and would have to wait for the next time someone had a brood to hatch.
Gave her something to look forward to, that much was definitely for sure.
Well, that and she really enjoyed these Hatchings if this was the kind of excitement it was all about. Everyone all together, dragon and human alike to welcome in the new generation while hopefully still appreciatin' the hard work of the old. I wonder if the dragons eat the shell remnants? That question, along with still admiring the great golden presence that was the source of all the excitement and watching for the newly hatched baby dragons to keep coming out from under their mother's protective wing, was enough to keep her more than happy and satisfied.
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princesal
Wingrider
salct[M:-100]
Poliwogging it up!
Posts: 429
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Post by princesal on Sept 4, 2011 19:10:34 GMT -5
So many dragons were being hatched, it seemed like every time W'lin blinked there was another little baby dragon making his or her way out into the world. He knew he was lucky to have Chyurath next to him, watching the proceedings with hi, and he also knew how it felt to stay standing on the sands, watching everyone else impress. Part of him wanted to go down and talk to those who weren't going to impress... it just... there were so many candidates, and while he couldn't see the eggs, he was sure there wasn't enough for all the candidates. He wanted to let them know that he had stood so many times, and really, it just meant that they weren't at this clutch. Nothing else felt like meeting the other half of your soul. Sure, Chyurath made fun of him (probably just as much as W'lin made fun of himself mentally), but he knew that they were together through everything, and they were going to be together through everything. He wanted to let them know that if they didn't impress that it was alright, that eventually their life-mate would be there, and when they were... it'd be the best feeling in the world. Wanted to say don't get discouraged. And that's why I chose you. You understand where others don't, you can let them know, so that they don't do stupid things if they get discouraged. Pfft! W'lin, look at them! They're so tiny, and that one is... hmm... That one will have to be taught a lesson.Are you going to teach it?If his rider can't teach him, than they are both fools, and we'll have to step in and control the situation. I very much hope that it doesn't get to that point.Reaching up, he patted Chyurath on the neck, and smile a little bit him. Looking up in the stands, he located people he only knew by face, but also other weyrlings, those he had stood on the sands with. He wondered if it was as strange for them to be sitting in the stands this time with their dragons closeby, and not of the sands. It was a bit strange for W'lin, maybe it was because he had stood on the sands so many times. Now he could instead feel Chyurath mentally making remarks on each one that hatched. So, what has there been so far?If you were to stop looking at everyone else, you would know. Fine, very well. Two green, a pink, a black, a blue, and a cyan. Would you like me to list the order in which they were hatched as well? Shall I make an announcement to everyone?Shooting a look at Chyurath, he felt the mental smirk in the Iron's mind, and they shared an answer enough. ---- It was overwhelming. One second there were people standing next to him, the next they were off wandering! There had been a huge sudden intrusion made my the black dragon, it hadn't been at all pleasant, but Teriss tried to remain calm. He knew this wouldn't be the dragon for him, especially as he passed on quickly, but if it had been, Teri would have accepted him with all his heart. As it was, there was so much commotion. A tumble there, pink here, blue, greens, cyans! He felt his brain spinning, and he was worried that his confusion wouldn't look at all appeasing to a dragon, even one so small and new to the world. It was his first time, and while he'd been told what to except, he just... he must have been to simple to absorb it all. No, he had to stay, because what if he got scared and ran away? What if he got scared and his dragon was here and they betweened? He would never let that happen. No. He was strong and would be strong. So he stood fast, slate eyes on that beautiful golden mother, he knew that it wasn't part of procedures, but he wished he could have gone up and touch her. This was the closest he had ever been to a gold dragon, and she was radiant and almost glowing. Today was about the eggs though, and he turned his eyes back to the wing that was hiding the rest of the eggs from the world. Taking a few deep breaths he concentrated on the heat coming through his sandles, coming from the sands. It reminded him of ovens, about the gentle rhythmic fire heating up the entire kitchen. It eased his breathing, and made him calmer.
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Post by claire on Sept 4, 2011 21:51:57 GMT -5
"Yeah, don't tempt them," Nat said, eyes flickering over to where the clutch lay hidden by their mother's wing. He was one of the few Standing on the Sands who knew first hand what it was like to be mauled by an angry hatchling. It was an experience he would rather not ever repeat. "It's fine," he continued, waving off Taavi's apology, "The hum woke me anyway."
The Bronze's voice rang out in their minds, and he smiled slightly at the message. At least the father was proud of the clutch even if the mother seemed to be sulking. He cast a sly, sideways grin at his roommate as the older boy jumped, but chose to remain silent.
He watched with mild interest as a candidate he didn't know by name was the first to Impress, to a rather cool little pink. Then a green, then a black; rather argumentative creatures by the look of it. As Taavi questioned aloud if the mother should stop it, Nat shrugged. "This is pretty tame for a Hatching. Remind me to tell you about when my sister Impressed some time."
A wide grin spread across his face as Sebol, the candidate who had welcomed him when he first arrived at the Weyr, Impressed the black. He didn't know the guy all that well, but he seemed pretty sound.
The Queen hissed angrily at a late arrival, and he winced, only to relax in relief as the offending candidate got away unscathed. That was seriously tempting fate, walking onto the Sands late. He hoped the girl knew how lucky she was. Taavi pushing him back caught him by surprise, and he stumbled. "Easy, man," he said, giving his roommate a pat on the shoulder.
Allele had spent the Hatching with her neck craned in a different direction with every passing second, bouncing on the balls of her feet as the tried to see everything that was going on. She was practically vibrating from the effort of staying still.
So busy was she eyeing Couineth's wing for new hatchlings, she nearly didn't notice the prim green approaching. And then there was a voice inside her head, slotting into place as neatly as though it had always been there. She squeaked in surprise and stared wide-eyed at the hatchling. Hers- hers! Oh faranth, she had Impressed! She lowered her hands and smiled hesitantly at the green. Of course! Oh- She blinked and put a hand to her stomach. She could feel the green's hunger. That was strange. Yes, let's go get you something to eat.
She turned to walk away. Torvith, approving, trotted daintily along at her heels. As they came to the side of the sands Allele collected a bucket and sat down near where the other newly Impressed weyrlings were, smiling at them. Torvith was eating in what Allele was already coming to recognise as characteristically prim fashion, catching each scrap on meat delicately between her teeth and eating them one at a time, careful not to get any blood or gristle on her hide.
Absently Allele began picking fragments of shell off of her bonded's hide, brushing away swiftly drying sand where it still clung. Torvith seemed to appreciate this a great deal; enough to pause in her meal. That feels lovely,[/i] she crooned happily, pressing into Hers' touch. Allele smiled and continued grooming the dragonet.
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Post by theknightwhosaysni on Sept 5, 2011 18:26:40 GMT -5
The Sands had been empty when the last dragonet Impressed, but that state of things wasn't to last for long. The eggs were rocking at a feverish pitch and the dragonets within were desperately eager to get out. For the first time, an egg in the central row was rocking, however. The largest one of the clutch, the gray one was moving back and forth, and whatever dragonet that lurked inside it wanted out as much as its previous clutchsiblings had. One claw pressed against the brittle egg shell until a crack appeared, spiderwebbing across the egg until the gray shell cracked open, letting the dragonet sprawl onto the Sands.
Whatever the dragonet was, it took its sweet time in leaving the shelter of its mother's wing and instead took time to compose itself before it simply wriggled out from beneath Couineth's wing, moving strongly out from beneath the golden Queen's makeshift shelter that hid her clutch from the world, and properly revealed his color. He was a Viridian, which was clear from his hide, which was a simple green, which was mottled upon his back with darker greens. In all, the Viridian wasn't the most outlandish looking dragon, nor did he particularly want to be outlandish. He was a conservative dragon, and he preferred that things stay the way that they were.
The viridian dragonet snorted as he glanced around, green tail flicking slightly as he surveyed all his surroundings. The Viridian's gaze flickered from his clutchmother to the spectators that ringed the sands and finally to the Candidates that he knew he would have to choose from. The viridian wasn't sure that he wanted to choose one just yet, however, and he certainly did not want to be rushed. He was a rather crotchety dragonet, however young he might be, and he would do things in his own time.
Quite unwilling to change his ways, not even for the waiting Candidates who expected him to Impress to them. He was not going to be hurried. He would take his sharding time, the Viridian decided with a calm flick of his tail as he settled back on his haunches, gaze still flickering around curiously as he stood solemnly, tail wrapped tightly about his paws. He almost seemed defensive in that moment, as if there were something out there that he ought to be scared of.
The outer row of eggs, the most active of the rows in Couineth's clutch, it seemed, had another dragonet that wanted out while the Viridian simply sat. The dragonet within struggled valiantly for several moments before its egg splintered apart, allowing the dragonet to escape with a happy noise, and it promptly set about escaping from Couineth's shielding wing. However, instead of doing what the dragonet's other siblings had done, the dragonet set about digging in the sand, which didn't work all that well. Still, the dragonet discovered swiftly that it could use its paws as shovels of sorts to move sand away, and though the sand trickled back in to fill the hole that the dragonet was making, the dragonet moved swiftly, and it soon had a fairly sizable indent, one that was large enough that the dragonet could wriggle out into the world without disturbing Couineth's wing. The dragonet was patient enough that it could have waited quite some time to get out.
The dragonet was a cyan, in fact, similar in shade to her sibling named Retiath. However, shades of slightly darker and significantly lighter cyan dancing across her hide. It almost looked smoky. The creative dragoness stretched slightly, then padded smoothly along, extending her legs to carry her forward. She would always move forward in life. Like any dragon, the cyan didn't have a very good memory. However, even for the few events that she would remember without any help, the cyan would always move forward. She would always move along with life.
She moved patiently along, not hurried by anything, though she did make a straight, unerring line towards the female Candidates. The cyan knew exactly where Hers was, and while she was in no hurry to get there, the cyan did want to get to Hers before the Viridian Impressed. She liked to do things that others hadn't, after all, and those other dragonets that had Impressed earlier were simply out of sight, and therefore out of her mind.
So, with only the occasional glance in the viridian's direction to make sure that he wasn't moving yet, the cyan made her way along the female Candidates, never stopping. She simply kept moving forward, nothing erring in her step until the cyan stopped suddenly at Osine's feet, and glanced up at the Candidate. Was this the one? Yes, yes it was.
OsineMine! [/i] The cyan dragonet looked pleased to have found Hers, Your Viorth is hungry. Perhaps you could take me to the food? And then we could do something that the other dragonets actually haven't already done.[/i] Viorth had caught sight of the other dragonets that were feeding, it seemed. And she wasn't too impressed by the fact that she couldn't simply ignore the hunger that stirred in her body so that she wasn't following the masses like a herdbeast of some sort. Viorth much preferred to do her own thing. The Viridian watched Viorth's movements curiously, his head moving slightly as he watched her pad straight up to a Candidate and Impress. He knew that he ought to do it, but the Viridian didn't intend to that yet. The crotchety viridian snorted and flicked his tail slightly, though it promptly returned to being curled around the viridian's feet as he sat, looking almost like a statue. However, the rest of the Hatching wasn't content to remain still. The yellow egg beneath Couineth's wing, which had been rocking for a quite a while, began to reach a fever pitch. The dragonet within fought to get out, until the yellow egg at last exploded open with the dragonet within's fierce efforts to get out, and let the dragonet sprawl across the sands and roll slightly with the momentum that it gave it. The dragonet trilled happily, pleased with its success, and padded off towards the edge of Couineth's wing, eager to get out and show itself to the rest of the world. The dragonet took advantage of the little hole of sorts that Viorth had dug and popped into the world with ease, revealing a pale pink hide that was marked in an almost crazy, swirling manner with varying shades of pinks. The pink trilled her success happily and glanced upwards. Already, she felt a draw to the sky. She would adore flying Thread in time, and would always love heights. They sang to her almost as much as finding Hers did. Unlike her pink sister, this pink didn't attempt to fly. Instead, she simply contented herself with humming as she gazed upwards for a long moment before lowering her gaze. She trilled in the viridian's direction happily. He should go find His! The pink would definitely support him in that. She'd help him along the path of finding His as much as he needed! It turned out, however, that the pink trilling at him was as much push as he needed. Heaving a sigh, the viridian dragged himself to his feet and skulked off in the direction of the male Candidates. It was accepting in the viridian's mind that His was a male, so he moved unerringly towards the males with another sigh. When his mind found His, however, the dragonet came to a stop, glancing in Lexony's direction first. Lexony's was not the mind that had drawn him, however. Instead, it was the Candidate who stood next to him that the Viridian spoke to, Hello, Day'ar. I am your Ambrith.[/i] The viridian nodded firmly. Though his greeting might have seemed almost cold, the dragonet paused for a moment, then glanced up at His again. Would you mind feeding me? I am so very hungry...[/i] That outer shell of his, the one that seemed cold, was distinctly brittle. It was easily shattered to reveal the true dragonet beneath. And then I would like to swim, if it wouldn't be too much bother.[/i] What? He liked swimming! The pink had followed loyally behind her viridian brother, looking each of the male Candidates up and down as she moved, tail flicking happily. She was a rather placid dragoness, not one that would be prone to fighting or anything along those lines, and her placid nature was rather clear as she padded along, not really reacting to anything. She hummed as she moved, though she stopped quite suddenly when she recognized Hers. The pink hummed to herself and kept on walking after a moment, pretending nothing had happened. However, she seemed almost like she was trying to sneak, flattening her gangly Hatchling body against the Sands as well as she could and moving awkwardly along before coming to a stop at Ridley's feet with a loud and joyous trill. Hello, R'leyMine! Did I scaaaaaare you?[/i] Well, probably not. Sicasth wasn't very sneaky. My name's Sicasth and I love you![/i] Sicasth trilled happily. She was definitely a chatterbox, often both chattering away telepathically and punctuating her thoughts with noises, both happy and unhappy, though right then the pink was definitely quite happy. The spotted green egg was to hatch next, allowing the Sands to be empty for only a short amount of time. The dragonet within didn't seem to be in a hurry to get out. Regardless of its lack of hurry, however, the egg cracked open before its siblings could, heralding another dragonet's arrival into the world. The dragonet, like its viridian sibling, took a bit of time to enter the world. In a few moments' time, the dragonet padded out into the world with a proud toss of her head. She was a cyan, and only a cyan, but that was all right with her. The cyan didn't care so much about ranks. They were there for a reason and didn't necessarily need to be changed. However, the cyan had a distinctly feminine build and a light hide. Her face in particular was lighter than the rest of her hide, with swirling markings of the same shade on her legs and wings. She was a fairly basically colored cyan, but the cyan considered herself to be beautiful and that was what was important, she figured. She was fashionably late, as well, and everyone's attention would be focused on her because she was the only unImpressed dragonet there. The cyan absorbed all of this within moments and nodded to herself. She hummed softly as she stood, allowing all to bask in the presence of her beautiful hide, though her hums were punctuated by almost musical trills and chirps every few seconds, forming what almost seemed like a beat of sorts. After a moment, however, the musical noises that the cyan was making faded into silence as she flicked her gaze towards the Candidates and set off in their direction. Like her previous two siblings, the cyan meandered towards the males, though she showed little interest in most of them. She wandered along the outer edge of the male Candidates, seeming uninterested in all of them until the cyan dragonet froze, head tilted slightly to the side as she considered silently, before humming to herself softly as she made her decision swiftly. T'veeeeeet, your Raeth is here! Would you like to make pretty music with your Raeth now?[/i] Raeth practically sang the words out as she settled happily down at T'vet's feet, Not that anything about me isn't beautiful.[/i] She added the last bit on as an afterthought. It almost did not even need mentioning. [/size][/blockquote]
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Post by ferret on Sept 5, 2011 19:52:45 GMT -5
…Well, that was awkward. Taavi looked at Nat for a moment longer than was absolutely necessary, just to judge whether or not his roommate was mocking him or being completely serious. Or perhaps the Candidate had ulterior motives for examining his handsome roommate so closely… Taavi dealt with the problem by pretending it didn’t happen. That was the best way to handle such things, yes? Yes. Good. Right. Never happened. Once again, dragonets were a convenient distraction, especially since it was quite a sizeable hatchling who came out from his mother’s wing.
Or her?
“I thought greens were smaller than that,” Taavi muttered to his friend, voice just barely audible. “All the other ones were tiny. Relatively speaking anyway.” Of course, a few moments after he said that, he realized that the dragon had to be a Viridian. There were only… what? Three or something throughout all of Pern. Four now, perhaps. Whatever color it was, the hatchling seemed content to wait, wrapped around himself as though trying to defend his body from something. Perhaps the heat from the Sands was upsetting the poor thing.
He wasn’t alone for long. A few puffs of sand in the air alerted Taavi to another dragonet’s presence, this one choosing to dig under her mother’s wing rather than muscle her way through it. A very patient little creature, like water. Taavi watched for a few moments, trying to determine if the newcomer was blue or cyan. The subtle differences between the shades eluded him, but the dragonet’s delicate bone structure looked feminine. Whatever she was, the digging hatchling soon found hers among the girls: Osine, a Candidate Taavi vaguely recognized but didn’t really know.
The Viridian did the same, claiming, of all people, Daymar. Now there was a surprise. “Let’s hope he doesn’t have a heart attack right here and now,” Taavi muttered wryly, although he was, more or less, pleased for the other man. He seemed like a good guy, if as neurotic as a pack of tunnelsnakes.
The trilling pink----where had she come from? Taavi had barely even noticed her, although her sounds were definitely recognizable-----found hers as well, in Ridley.
“How many hatchlings has that been?” Certainly not fifteen, but they were probably getting close. And at least one was bound to be a dud, right? Taavi’s stomach grumbled, a reminder that he had chosen to take a bath instead of eating. The talkative Candidate quieted down as another hatchling walked out on the Sands, a decidedly feminine and delicate-boned creature. She seemed to pause for a while, absorbing the attention like a flower before sedately wandering among the Candidates. Most of them didn’t get even a single glance, let alone a second one.
But she stopped in front of Nat and Taavi, humming to herself. Moving quickly, she sat on Taavi’s feet unexpectedly, pinning them to the Sands. The lady knew exactly what she wanted and this one was him. He had, after all, the prettiest voice and why should she have to settle for anything less? T'veeeeeet, your Raeth is here! Would you like to make pretty music with your Raeth now?[/i] She settled herself more securely on her chosen perch, her eyes swirling with the rainbow of Impression. Not that anything about me isn't beautiful.[/i]
Taavi---T’vet, according to the dragonet-----wasn’t certain how to respond. The sense of Impression was overwhelming; one moment, there was just… nothing and he wasn’t even aware it was there. But Raeth filled it, putting song and beauty into that dark place. Life would never be the same again. Taavi considered his options carefully and decided to deal with the smallest thing first. “Nat? There appears to be a tiny dragon sitting on my feet,” he informed his friend as though he couldn’t see Raeth. “She says her name is Raeth. Should I be concerned?”
Raeth snorted softly. Even that was a musical sound, or about as musical as it could be, which wasn’t very musical at all. But at least it was delicate and pretty, which she decided was good enough. You do like to hear yourself talk, don’t you, T’vet? You can flirt with your pretty friend later. Right now, I want food. And music. Let’s go find some or do we have to make our own? Hmm… of course, she knew her songs would be the most beautiful, but she was rather hungry.
The Candidate---weyrling, he reminded himself----colored. “I’m n…” T’vet stopped there and glared at the dragonet. “Shaffit, you’re going to be a difficult one, aren’t you?”
Shush, you love it. Otherwise, life would be dull and not very much fun at all. After all, I wouldn’t be in it. Now food. Now.
“…Yes, yes. You’ll get fed once you move from my feet. I can’t very well walk over to feed you.”
That’s your problem, T’vet. Solve it. You are a problem-solver, aren’t you?
Oh joy. Definitely one of the difficult ones. In the end, he was forced to gently nudge the dragonet off of his feet and lead her over to the other weyrlings. Raeth seemed content with this and hummed to herself happily, blue eyes taking in the world around her. It was all so very pretty. But she was here to make it look even better. Because she was such a giver. [/size]
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Post by spooky on Sept 5, 2011 20:02:28 GMT -5
Nai sighed. 10 dragonets down, 5 to go. Her odds were not looking good. She'd heard somewhere, and of course it could be unsubstantiated rumor, that the highest ranking dragonets tended to be born later in the Hatching. That meant her odds were even smaller. She'd love a dragonet of any rank, but if she was realistic with herself, she would probably Impress something of a lower rank. White. Green. Gray. She wasn't "noble" enough for higher ranks. She wasn't necessarily down-hearted, or angry. She would be happier than a bee in a flower-bell to Impress. It was just something to consider.
Nai kicked the sand beneath her feet. At least Cozy hadn't been discovered... yet. She then glanced around. The Hatching Sands were looking less occupied by the minute. There were still lots of Candidates which meant low odds, but also less friends, which wasn't as fun. She was overjoyed for anyone she had known who had Impressed. But... being left beh-
"No! Buck up girl!" Nai blinked a little. She had been crying in a corner, nursing the day's bruises. She didn't know the man talking to her.
"You buck up and you smile. No crying today, not tomorrow, not ever. You cry when you got nothing to lose, but when you still have a shred of dignity and honor, you hold those tears in."
Nai just blinked teary eyes at him.
"Y'see girl, theres many in life who have what they've got because someone got lucky early on. They got it and they keep it, forever and ever. Then theres the ones who've got it because they worked for it. They fought tooth and nail, scrap for scrap to get to it. They helped and they hurt others to get where they are. They're fighters to the bitter end."
Nai nodded slowly, thinking she knew where the man was going with this.
"Between you and me, I think the second option is better. There are people who got, and people who don't got. The ones that had to work and fight are the ones you can be proud of. They did their good." The man took another swill of ale.
"But what they don't tell you is theres a third option, y'see. They're the ones who fight, and scrap. They're tough as nails, but they don't put nobody down. They help and they accept, and they only defend. Fighters ain't a word worthy of 'em, y'see. Warriors is what they are. But the funny thing about a warrior? Sometimes they don't alway got what others got. Sometimes they work, being the best and the nicest people about, but they don't get. Warriors are the best of the three. They're the strongest, even when the whole of sharding Pern is against them. They buck up, whether they get or don't get. Thats what you want to be girlie. Don't be a Lord, or a Fighter. Be a Warrior." The man swished down the last of the glass of ale.
On the Hatching Sands Nai tilted up her head, clenching her fists, showing an air of pride and determination. That was a very old memory. One of the first and few times she'd gleaned the so-called 'honor among thieves'. She'd learned something that day. No matter who you were, low or high, you had something to contribute. A hard criminal, banished and Marked, could have just as much something... honor, really as the Lord Holder who had banished the criminal. She'd known people, lowly drudges and workers who had carried themselves with a more beautiful simplicity in poverty than lavish Lords. Likewise, she had known terrible people who used their lack of luck to strike back at the world, and those with wealth and power used it for the good of everyone. Whatever your station or past, you had something to contribute. At least she figured it that way.
It wasn't always easy, of course. Sometimes she just wanted to smack some rude person, or completely ignore another person's opinion as invalid. She couldn't. Or she wouldn't let herself. She had to stand strong, bold and brave whether she 'got or didn't got'. She would be a Warrior.
Nai took a small step forward. Not really to be aggressive, or assertive. She did it for herself. So she wouldn't back down. To show she still had the strength to face come what may. Her eye's fixed on the Golden Dragoness's wing, wondering what eggs and wonders lay behind it. Even if none were hers, those dragonets were others. They would go to the most worthy and strong, those who deserved them on this day and hour. Even if it meant she was dragonless for the future, she'd help the Weyrlings if and when she could. The Riders, Candidates. Who ever needed it. She still had something to contribute, after all. Even if she was a drudge. Sort of. Drudge. Warrior. Candidate. She was all these things, that was to be sure.
It was in that moment that Nai came to a decision. Even if she didn't Impress that day, or the next, or even if she aged out of being a Candidate, she would stay on at the Weyr. She could be a drudge in the kitchens, or help watch the children. This place, this was where Pern changed, and she wanted to help change it. Be it from a green's back, or scrubbing a pan in the Kitchens. She would help.
O Solitude! if I must with thee dwell, Let it not be among the jumbled heap Of murky buildings; climb with me the steep,-- Nature's observatory--whence the dell, Its flowery slopes, its river's crystal swell, May seem a span; let me thy vigils keep 'Mongst boughs pavillion'd, where the deer's swift leap Startles the wild bee from the fox-glove bell. But though I'll gladly trace these scenes with thee, Yet the sweet converse of an innocent mind, Whose words are images of thoughts refin'd, Is my soul's pleasure; and it sure must be Almost the highest bliss of human-kind When to thy haunts two kindred spirits flee.
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Cathaline
Lady Holder
cathct[M:50]
Posts: 3,279
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Post by Cathaline on Sept 5, 2011 20:48:59 GMT -5
Despite Daymar's longstanding suspicion of Lexony, he had to admit to a flood of relief when the other Candidate slipped over to stand with him. He wasn't the protective wall of Sebol, but it was still somewhat a comfort to realise that someone here still cared a little what became of him. Someone besides his sister, of course, who was out of his reach.
Then again, maybe it wasn't such a blessing; Candidates surely weren't allowed to move about like that, and definitely they weren't meant to speak. Though Couineth had not chosen to punish the late girl, Daymar flinched at Lexony's voice, eyes on the queen's bulk. Yet no reprimand was forthcoming, so at last he responded, barely moving his lips just in case. "View's all right. Can't see them under there. Anything could be happening..."
And then anything was happening right in front of them, the green and the cyan suddenly tangling. Daymar wavered, but his bravery, small though it was, enabled him to stay where he was; taking a step back could draw attention he didn't want. Thankfully, both of the females went to the girl Candidates without sparing a glance at the boys, and Daymar watched only until he was certain neither had Impressed Reylia.
The blue that came over to the male Candidates was awfully close, but he didn't have any interest in Daymar, just Lexony. For a frightened second, Daymar thought the blue had Impressed and he would so soon lose the second and surely final of his companions, but he moved on and chose another Candidate Daymar didn't truly know.
"Very close," he agreed. "None of them have looked at me like that yet...I probably won't Impress at all, you know. But you will."
Now there were no dragonets on the sands, and to Daymar's surprise, none of the humans had been mauled yet - not even the tiniest scratch. The spats between dragonets hadn't carried this far...which, he thought with dread, no doubt meant that something terrible was about to happen. And at first, when the viridian appeared, he thought it had. Subkings Impressed men, so he would definitely be headed their way; and he was a great deal larger, even at hatchling size, than the fighters who had hatched so far.
Yet the viridian seemed in no hurry, and the cyan who hatched next headed for the women as well. Then there was a pink, and she was...she was bothering the viridian. Oh, great, now the subking would snap her little neck and they'd have their first betweening.
But he showed no signs of violence, and in fact followed her to the male Candidates. He paused right in front of them, and Daymar was sure for all of a second that this was indeed Lexony's dragon. Halfway through the hatching, and he'd have no one to stand with him and protect him from maulings sure to come.
But it wasn't Lexony the viridian spoke to.
Hello, Day'ar. I am your Ambrith.[/i]
It wasn't exactly the words of pure love and adoration Daymar - Day'ar - had secretly hoped for, but nevertheless, it was perfect. The viridian's mind twined with his, a lifelong companion and friend and partner. In the space of an instant, Day'ar's entire world changed. Here was a dragonet who could do anything, have anyone, and he had not only found Day'ar acceptable, but perfect.
The apparent coldness cracked a little when the viridian spoke again; Day'ar, still dumbstruck, hadn't responded. Would you mind feeding me? I am so very hungry...[/i] It wasn't that he didn't love his Day'ar, but simply that he was irritable, and the hectic nature of a hatching did not suit him in the least. However cross he was with the world, he wasn't cross with His. And then I would like to swim, if it wouldn't be too much bother.[/i] What? He liked swimming!
"Of course," Day'ar said at last, unfreezing and smiling brilliantly. He nearly reached out to touch Ambrith, but he had a feeling the viridian wouldn't like that so much. He spoke aloud out of habit, not even realising how mad he might appear to Lexony and the other nearby male Candidates. "We'll go and eat at once. Er...you do know it's winter? Well, why would you know that, you've just hatched...the thing is that it's very cold out?"
They moved almost as one, Day'ar striding along toward the feeding area, Ambrith padding at his side. What has that to do with anything? Cold is meaningless.[/i] At least, it was to Ambrith, built for between.
Right. "You're right, I guess we could go down to the ocean...it would be a good opportunity for you to meet the pillies...except, you know, there are going to be lessons. And a feast. I don't know if they'll let us - "
Ambrith heaved a sigh. It would be far too much trouble to do things that were against the rules, and besides, he did not believe in change. Things worked the way they were; things that worked did not need to be fixed. Very well. In the morning, we will swim, once we have done what we must.[/i]
"Okay," Day'ar agreed. By then they'd reached the feeding area, and he fetched a bucket. Ugh, raw meat. But the viridian silenced his unvoiced objection.
There is little point in fearing something so natural. Dragons eat meat. It is who I am.[/i] He didn't have to say that Day'ar really shouldn't protest things that were natural; the weyrling could feel it in every fiber of his being. Yet, comfortingly, he could also feel that the viridian was not without fear. In his own way, he was every bit as neurotic; he feared change and chaos, and things that he had not been given a chance to analyse. He would silence the more ridiculous and unfounded of Day'ars fears, and support him through the rational ones.
Perfect.
----
Atenna was truly enjoying this hatching; no humans had been harmed yet, and though there were fights between dragonets, the injuries dealt out seemed minor. For the most part, she was just waiting for the Candidates she could point out to Tedaon. "I know her!" she crowed when Allele Impressed. "She's really lovely, a Herder. I know her, Osine; we mended a fence together once. And - Daymar! Daymar was there, and he's Sebol's roommate, too. He got a viridian, that's amazing! So just one subking or subqueen left," she deduced, from what she knew about the sizes of the eggs. "Or a really, really small king."
But that wasn't all, and her momentary reverie vanished into another cheer. "Ridley! He stabbed a pillie once, but I healed it. He's a sweet boy, really. And...Taavetti. He's a baker. I met him at a party." Grinning smugly at Tedaon, she said, "So that's...six I know, out of nine Impressions? Seven if you count Adaline. But I didn't really talk to her today, so I will concede the point."
She grinned when Klaisath spoke to her, and answered aloud, hoping he was focused on her and could hear her. "I'm enjoying it very much, Klaisath. I'm sorry Tieler isn't. She should come stand with us."
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Rii
Wingleader
riict[M:420]
RP demon hungers...
Posts: 803
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Post by Rii on Sept 5, 2011 21:09:48 GMT -5
Had the sands ever been empty when he Stood on the Sands? G'dan couldn't remember - it had been a blur of nerves and incredulous wonder. But this was only a passing appearance; already new dragonets tumbled from their shells, and the greenweyrling held his breath in wonder. What had he called them before, when he and Sebol had watched them harden late at night? Little gems, uncut and unpolished.
Then it is the Hatching that cuts them, and Impression that provides the way to polish.[/color] G'dan smiled at his dragon's indulgence in her rider's whimsy.
I think you listen too much to my mind, Prith.
Only exactly enough, my G'dan.[/color]
Her first fears had been calmed by the Hatching's progression. Now she could enjoy it - feel fully the hopes she had riding on it, her desires to grow and achieve more than had been planned for her. She wanted to defend their world. To become a dragonrider. Responsible; she liked that thought. Her eyes followed the dragonets hopefully. Waiting; watching them find their perfect matches.
There was a viridian! A sturdy fellow, And then... the viridian stopped, and looked to her brother. Impression. Reylia was thrilled. Thrilled, thrilled, and even more thrilled - Daymar had Impressed. She knew he would Impress! She knew he would show their father that he should never have been dismissed, never been disregarded or sent away. Her hands stung with the strength of her applause and she called her congratulations, whether her brother could hear them or not. "I knew you would! I always knew you would, Daymar - congratulations!" She touched Saia's arm, cutting her volume down to an undertone, albeit a triumphant one. "Saia, did you see? Daymar Impressed!"
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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 Sept 5, 2011 21:21:39 GMT -5
Moments passed where Sebol—now S’aren—could not pull his mind away from the rolling mass of gangly, knobby, black flesh in his lap. The world around him was an extension of the dragon’s senses and not simply human: He could feel the heat radiating from the open maw of the Hatching Grounds as distinctly as he could hear the gentle heartbeat of the girl who sat beside him, and her Green. Within his throat ran a taste of copper blood, and the hunger that demanded more was his to share with the slowly-drying dragonet. That time and space expanded and maintained as if everything had slowed to a crawl while they existed only in a quiet bubble of their own connection—while Sicriath worried and chewed at his second piece of meat, emotions and memories flowed between them faster than words could ever speak. They were one and the same now, each was to the other, and everything the Blackweyrling had been before Impression he gave to the Black for his scrutiny—because that was what the dragonet wanted: To discover, and test, and judge.
True, he had judged his choice as his, but that was an instinctive delve into a mind—now, here where there was quiet, they could have each other. Or would have, if Agnith hadn’t chosen the moment the Black swallowed as the perfect moment to shower him with her fiery passion. Sicriath had snapped up another hunk of meat provided off the blade of his chosen man, and as that new mind battered into his, his jaws slackened. Facets of solid orange shot through instantaneously with yellow as if an exploding ember in a fire, and as the Black tilted his head up in surprise at the intruding dragon, the weight of the meat caught between his sharp teeth pulled his lax jaw down, strands of blood-tinged saliva dripping free of his maw as he focused on her: She the one who dared interrupt his meal with such a force. Focusing on her, the swirls of yellow laced the outer ring of each facet and then swirled away, for one brief flash there existed crimson streaks and then, under the calming mental touch of his bonded, those intrusive colours again smoothed into a glassy sheet of burnished orange.
Mindful of his angry Black’s response, but curious as to how he would respond having been reined in once before, S’aren turned his attention to Delilah once the spell of their closeness was pushed to the background by the Pink’s distraction. His stormy-grey eyes, typically so broody and distant, were shot full with a quiet surprise. Calmer than he expected, but wary of the dragon to whom he had bonded, his expression gave away the wonder that was threatening to overtake him on the edges of his emotion, but he was not a man to give in to idle fancy, not with an irritable predator sharing his mind—if he had been controlled before, perhaps it would now be doubled. Still, he was able to offer Delilah a faint smile that pulled at his mouth before fading away. ”He seems alright, just a few little prickles, he’s drying out though, so I do need to oil him,” as he spoke, he motioned to one of the waiting cavern workers, who was quick to come with a pot of oil and a smile. Accepting it with thanks, S’aren offered the Pinkrider another fleeting grin before responding, ” and thank you.” The Black, for his part, was still scrutinizing Agnith.
I am eating, Agnith of Delilah, and we cannot be friends because I do not know you, and if I did know you, perhaps I would not want to The stormy words were a flustered tumble, Sicriath felt compelled to like this giant obnoxious creature because she matched him in temperament—that much was true—but her storm was a passionate fit of happiness and love, and it scared him. No one should be that happy, what was there to be happy about? His back hurt, and he was beginning to itch, and he was hungry and how could he be expected to eat when these ones were bothering him. As if remembering that he had been eating, the Black snapped his jaws closed on the chunk of meat and turned on his tail within the protective circle of S’aren’s arms and chest: Once his back was to the Pink, his back-turned focus assuring himself that she was not attempting to advance on him, he focused again on the meat in his mouth. And on what was in front of him—which happened to be a triangular blue-green face which chirped at him.
Squeaking in surprise, Sicriath pushed away from that intruding head, and the voice that followed, but his surprise lasted even less than it had for Agnith. I am not small, you are just very large, and I could go places which you could not. As he spoke his eyes slashed through with darker shades and began to whirl fiercely, but the Cyan’s obvious consideration of theft ignited him in a way her words had not, and the Black hopped forward with an angry hiss, red flushing away orange until the colour saturated the flashing facets that hid beneath the flimsy protection of secondary lids. For the rest, he had no answer: S’aren had said they would be tested, and would be proven, had these two? The faith he had in the man he had chosen ran deep, and in his mind there could be none better, but he did not want to be chided again, he did not want to see the darkness in his man’s mind again, so he would remain silent. The bucket was still for him, though, and once her head had pulled away he latched onto it with his foreclaws and did his best to pull it into S’aren’s lap where it could be properly guarded.
Wincing under the scrabble of those dangerous hardening talons, S’aren turned his head back to fold his blood-brother into the mix of irritated dragonet and newly-Impressed. ”His name is Sicriath, and thank you.” The Black only released his claimed bucket on the insistence, and calming influence, of S’aren, and then he settled himself close to that broad chest where he could both scrutinize the larger dragons that surrounded him, and accept yet another chunk of meat from the large hands that offered it. They think that I am small, he said with a petulant squeak around the most recent bleeding hunk of flesh. Perhaps if you didn’t cut this quite so small they wouldn’t think it. S’aren did not bother to inform his dragon that it was less the size of the meat, and more the size of the Black, but before he could Sigard appeared and landed deftly on his knee chittering angrily at this new dark creature. How dare he occupy his bonded’s lap, that was his place, where was Avsiran? The horror!
Before the altercation could turn into a mass of flailing blue and black wings, S’aren caught his dragonet between his large hands: Across their bond he swept a soothing wave of cool comfort to wash against the inner irritation that the Black felt, those orange eyes had taken on another tinge of volatile crimson under the berating his smaller cousin was giving him, and he recognized that connection. Sicriath knew this small creature was no more than a pet, and that it too had a part of S’aren’s mind, but the audacity of the Blue angered him: He would be closer to his Rider than this small creature would be. In truth the Blue firelizard might have given the new-born Black a run for his marks, but that didn’t bother Sicriath in the least—it did, however, bother S’aren, who wasn’t willing to risk either of them to their stubbornness. When his dragon was finally quelled beneath hands and mind, his attentions turned to the Blue, it would take time for him to grow into this new aspect of their relationship, but he would learn.
With an explosive snort for the assurances his bonded gave him, Sigard flung free of the large man’s knee and plowed bodily into Xiro’el, clinging to the Cyanrider’s tunic and wailing unhappily: He was being replaced, and forgotten, but mostly replaced—by an ugly black creature! He knew Blacks, they were all stupid and troublesome, never mind that he only knew Black firelizards: They were all bad. Only the smallest shake of S’aren’s head betrayed that he was quite aware of the tantrum his firelizard was throwing, but his hands were quite full enough with the Black, for once the Trader would need to clean up a mess. I am still hungry, and you feed me so slowly, but I thought you should know that I also itch. It bothers me. Sicriath was still casting distrustful eyes around the gathered crowd of people and dragons, these ones that seemed to know his chosen man so well—and that infuriating small creature—but so long as there was meat for his stomach, and something to fix his itching, he would be content.
As content as the orange of his eyes said he was, at any rate. Turning his eyes to Adeline, S’aren offered her a soft smile. ”Thank you, you as well, and aye.” The Black did, but the stormy mind he touched spoke the truth of that thorny facade: It was a protection. Perhaps he would have a habit of judging others, but did his bonded not do similar? S’aren would seek only to control the irritation that seemed to flood the dragonet, and which was billowing up within him now in response to an unheard comment from the Green. Sicriath snorted disdainfully at his clutchsibling, pointedly turning away from her and refusing a response, but he was jealous. She had, for all intents and purposes, won their bout on the Sands—but she would not win again. Not in any of the tests to come. The Black dropped down onto all fours in his bonded’s lap, a chunk of meat caught between his foreclaws where he could take out his frustrations by biting and snapping at it, and for his troubles he was rewarded with the calloused fingers of S’aren, working over every inch of his flesh.
As all had fallen silent again, at least for the moment, the Blackweyrling allowed himself the simple joy of deepening the connection between himself and the expressive dragonet in his lap: Again the taste of metallic blood filled his mouth, but he noted that the biting hunger had decreased to a dull ache. Resisting the urge to scratch at parts of him that itched, because it was not his flesh that was irritated, he instead layered the oil from the pot onto those spots that he felt most distinctly. Every inch of calmed flesh soothed another swirl of stormy colour within Sicriath’s eyes, and before he was halfway done with the dragonet he could almost believe there might have been the faintest tint of green within that fiery orange, but his eyes were drawn up toward the Hatching Grounds and to Daymar, who was Daymar no longer, and had beside him the largest dragonet the Sands had seen—would see—that day. The terrified man had found his vindication on the Sands, that was enough to draw a true smile onto S’aren’s face as he watched the Viridianpair cross over into a new life leaving a visible path through the melting snow.
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Post by purnip on Sept 5, 2011 22:04:21 GMT -5
I, I will be king. And you, you will be queen. Though nothing will drive them away we can beat them just for one day.
Another fight broke out on the Sands. Wonderful. Huh! What an afternoon. Ridley fought his flight instinct and soldiered through, despite his misgivings about the clutch so far. Were all these little monsters supposed to be so violent? By now his whole idea of Impression just got mucked up. He thought creatures that possessed enough intelligence to speak clearly through their thoughts would be far more civil, hatchling or not. He would understand if they were a bit clumsy--that he could pardon. But to get into scraps over a wrong look? Over the mildest misdemeanor? How could he forget that these massive reptiles were no more than animals?
Once dragons were off the Sands again, Impressing to their respective persons, Ridley gave a sniff and counted the remaining eggs in his head. Six dragons hatched, right? He knew there were more than four of them so far. He took a quick peek behind him where all the former Candidates were gathering. Hm...they appeared so...so um...there's a word for it! Like they've found themselves a long lost friend. Like they've got a fellow soul to tackle the world with. And it was just...it's just so unfair! Now here he was, torn in two again! He wanted to run but he was just far too curious to do so. He wanted to know what it was like, for himself. It wasn't enough to just watch others walk off the Sands with their soulmates. Not when it looked so pleasant!
Ridley gave a whine before looking to Couineth. She was clearly upset by a late arrival, and that had him quaking minutes ago, but for some reason he felt reassured by the sight of her. She wouldn't kill him, because it could kill one of her own--he had no idea how little she cared for the hatchlings. So he felt somewhat safe in a dangerous environment, grasping for straws. He kept peeking at her wing, which continued to shade the clutch from view. He could have sworn he heard the shattering of egg shells. Heart fluttering once more, the boy's flight response began to irk him again. Couldn't he just stay for a few more? Maybe one was his. Maybe he'd leave before anything had a chance to hurt him.
When a Viridian presented himself, Ridley mistook him for a Green. He knew Viridians existed, but he wasn't much larger than his sisters. He thought there would have been a massive height difference among them. The stately creature was calm and collected, which was quite appreciated, but that didn't take the nerve out of the little blonde kid. Even when the dragonet sat, appearing to settle in, Ridley was breathing a lot slower. Another dragon soon followed, burrowing and emerging into view, and Cyan in color. Cyan was another color he mixed up a lot actually, since the last Blue he mistook for the female kind. Dragons are so...complicated. Why couldn't they be simpler? The Cyan brushed off her stick-in-the-mud brother and made her way straight to the girls, where she chose promptly. Another sigh of relief when there was not a crowd forming before his eyes. The more dragons roaming freely, the less comfortable he felt.
"Are hatchings always this slow?" he asked Taavetti, who at that time was standing just behind him. "I'm just...not in a hurry or anything. Just curious." As if cued up, a growl sounded from his stomach. He skipped lunch after all, and as usual, he skipped breakfast as well. He sagged for a moment and returned his full attention to the clutch, only now the Viridian was not as alone as Ridley expected. He had company.
The Pink was an odd creature. She looked bruised from a distance, but she had the sunniest personality of the lot by far. Ridley kept an eye on her--hell, he couldn't look away. She didn't stop moving. It was as if she had all this energy in her and it wouldn't do to just sit it out like her brother did. Her trilling unnerved Ridley some. Was that a good sound? She didn't seem particularly violent or short-tempered but she kept making that sound and it wasn't human. She managed to coax the Viridian along, who got up and began to move as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. The two were on the way towards Ridley, well--the males in general. Ridley guessed the Pink was but an escort, but he knew it wasn't out of the question for a female dragon to choose a male Candidate. He just didn't think past it. He kept his eye on the Viridian now, hoping he wouldn't push him over when he decided the boy was in his way. The hatchling never reached him though. He stopped at Daymar. Huh. That kid. The fence repairing episode came to mind. Well that was nice. Now that left a handful of opportunities for Ridley to get mauled. Until he Impressed or this hatching ended, he'd be gambling away his well-being for the duration of this event.
He should have noticed. Anyone else would have. The Pink was creeping towards him, making all the noise in the world, and Ridley was too busy fretting about how many dragons he had to endure for this Hatching to end.
Hello, R'leyMine! Did I scaaaaaare you?
"Aaaaragaah!" The boy stumbled back and lost his balance, hitting the hot sands with his rump and attempting to crab-walk a foot or two of distance between himself and the suddenly present Pink. "What? Whaaat?" he whined, his eyes betraying nothing but fear from the very depths of his soul as he hoped the hatchling would have the decency to kill him before eating his face clean off.
Sicasth could tell her chosen was scared, but she couldn't help but giggle. My name's Sicasth and I love you!
"L-love? Sssicasthss--Sicas-th...d-did you--are you my...?"
Yes! I'm yours and you're mine, mineR'ley! Did I really scare you? You look really scared! I didn't mean to scare you that much, but you look so silly! Sicasth kept flicking her tail back and forth as she spoke, as if she needed it to serve as a metronome to time her speech. She was quite the animated dragonet, leaning back on her haunches and tilting her head before jerking into a stand as her human began to collect himself. Oh! You're almost up! Good! Come on, we got to eat! I can smell the food from here and I want to fly over there as quick as possible--oh! But not yet--but soon! For now we'll just walk--or run! Running is like flying but with legs!
Ridley was getting up, but he was still getting over the initial shock of being scared half to death. He was feeling good now, actually. Like, really, really good. It was fantastic! He wasn't dead! And he Impressed! He never thought he'd ever make it this far! "Heheheh...eheh...yeah. Yeah! Let's go get something to eat then! Flying with our legs--love it. But let's save the actual flying for later, luv." Oh, if he wasn't feeling so euphoric he would have put up the red light there. Funny how a dragon infatuated with the sky would choose a boy who was horribly afraid of heights.
Rid--sorry, R'ley began to brush the sand off him after he was on his feet, glancing back at Taavetti with a grin as he decided wasting anymore time on the front was just dangerous and stupid at this point. Bitter, still grumbling away on his shoulder, expressed his dislike of Sicasth. Or the lack of hatred he felt. Honestly, he couldn't have cared either way--this whole trip was a miserable one. Sicasth didn't notice him yet, but she would soon enough. She hummed to herself and followed on light, prancing feet like an eager kitten as they made their way to the feeding area.
We can be Heroes just for one day.
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Azhdarchid
Jr. Weyrwoman
azhct[M:-1490]
Totes.
Posts: 1,627
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Post by Azhdarchid on Sept 5, 2011 22:50:35 GMT -5
The yellow-haired Candidate stole a glance at Daymar when the other young man's words came out tight and quiet, and grinned at the visible precaution. He routed his attention straight back to the wing of Couineth quick as he could. The Blue dragonet came and went and Daymar's words did not settle Lexony's stomach at all. After all, it sounded like the sort of reassurance he himself would have doled out the moment someone looked uncertain. The self-degradation was, he observed, not very flattering.
The shiny newborn Viridian that slogged up to them next was of the enormous proportion to the rest of the hatchlings, his unraised head at the level of Lexony's hip as he stopped before him. He seemed too great a beast to have emerged even from the largest of Couineth's eggs. Though he did not know it, he briefly shared a regret on having to leave Daymar behind. But Lex sensed no more in this dragon's spectral eyes than in the last. But the Viridian knew what he wanted. He nodded, and the gesture was so human that it broke Lex from his waiting notion of victory. Now his eyes went directly to Daymar, and he took a step back as if a full-fledged dragonrider, leathers and all, had manifested in the other Candidate's place.
And that was all it took really: dragon-choice. The largest and strongest of the group had selected Daymar. Wide-eyed as the Weyrling began speaking back to his charge, Lexony listened for wisdom and heard-- well, some cautions about the season. He followed the outstretched pale hand that never quite grazed its mark, then the simultaneous pivot away to the waiting pit of blood and bondeds. Oops he mouthed at the Viridianrider's departure, then turned back to the remaining five, cloaked as they were beneath their mother. Running his hand over his sweaty shoulder, Lexony looked up the golden body to Couineth's enraged crimson eye. She never abandoned her upset, even with the Sands emptied of all but her once again.
---
Q'sis looked over at Tasia for her favorable mention of her fighter. His only reply was a frown; it could not be helped now. His gaze did not stay with her for more than a moment before returning to the explosions of living color escaping Couineth's veil. After a minute he was leaning forward on the barrier for their row in the Stands, brows settled at their lowest and most unimpressed flatline as fighters flicked over to girls and boys alike. The Tanrider perked up only when the Viridian made its unerring path to the boys. All the Candidates looked the same from this distance, but he watched the Impression as closely as he could.
You like that one? Unath asked, and Q'sis sat back on the stone bench, realizing her focus had remained on him the entire time rather than the hatchlings Hilth had so helpfully pointed out. This question suggested she was aware of the dragonets at least, but he could not decide where she was coming from, and hesitated. He looked over his shoulder at her: the Tan was blue-eyed as usual, but hardly as excited as any of the other dragons around her. Among the others she looked like a statue, albeit a crumbling one: her right wing had fallen-- or perhaps she had purposefully draped it --against Ercuth. In the second he watched her she reached her left wingjoint toward Hilth, but then shied it back to her side.
He turned back towards the Sands, mentally correcting the placement of Unath's wings as he went back to his observation. You like that one? the dragon repeated. Her thoughtful tension pulled at him.
It's just a baby. They're not very interesting.
Oh. The Tan released her curiosity like a sigh, mind relaxing to its native blankness.
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Gray
Wingrider
grayct[M:-350]
Posts: 870
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Post by Gray on Sept 5, 2011 23:31:15 GMT -5
Tongue flicked quickly over her lips and for a moment, Adaline couldn't figure why she had done it. Looking down she noticed a bit of red running down Tercath's jaws. Ah. Reaching over, Adaline wiped it off with her thumb, then in turned wiped that thumb on her robes with out thinking much.
For a moment she just gazed at the small dragonet that eagerly snapped meat from her hands. Reaching over, she traced her fingers over the eye ridges, noticing Tercath closed her eyes in deep contentment as she did. This green would do. She would do well. Adaline could mold her into something great. Even more, Tercath had looked inside her, she had seen the side she hid behind kind calmness and had not shirked away. That was good. Look! We have friends! Tercath blissfully ignore the fact that the people had arrived for Sicriath, and even more S'aren. Hello friends! She called out cheerfully to those around. She bound around a bit then settled down popping her mouth open for another piece of meat.
Adaline quickly complied picking up another small piece and placing it in Tercath's mouth, quick to move her hands away before they were bit. Carefully she watched the green as she moved, watching the bunching of muscle. She was perfect. Tercath on the other hand was looking to her brother. She sniffed a bit with annoyance. Fine. If he was going to ignore her, she would ignore him! Haha! As she turned, she spied more coming their way. Including a pink! Oh yes! Pinks were lovely! They made her think of flowers. She loved loved loved flowers!!
–
So many dragonets!
Lyr was a bit overwhelmed. A viridian, another cyan, and another pink. That viridian was big! Compared to his younger siblings he was a giant. Lyr looked at the first Cyan as she passed by and chose a girl. This one looked like the reflection water made on rocks, like a pool in a cave. So lovely.
The next, the pink, moved towards the boys. With a bit of anticipation, Lyr watched as she impressed to a boy, one who was rather chattery from what she had heard. Good! If the pink was similar to some she had heard of, they would be a lovely pair. The viridian chose his not to long after. This one Lyr also didn't know. Hopefully, she thought, she could meet them in weyrling classes. Crossing her fingers, Lyr took a deep breath and made a wish.
Another Cyan made her way from under her mother's wing and Lyr looked her over. She liked her quite a bit. Her trills were, simpley put, adorable. A potential harper right there! Lyr chuckled to herself and smiled. She moved to the boys and looked them over before choosing one.
–
Catching the frown Tasia grinned a bit. Oh she knew Q'sis's views of females on fighters. Reaching over she lightly pushed his shoulder. “You look so serious! Loosen up, it's a hatching. After there will be good food. Don't worry, I doubt me riding a green will cause Pern to explode.” Looking up she almost laughed again. Ercuth looked positively confused in the wing around her. With a smile Tasia arched her brows. Looks like you made a friend.
She is touching me. Why is she doing that? [/color] A bit of confusion whirled in her eyes as she said this. Ercuth was not used to other dragons yet. Sure, she had too been part of a clutch. But she rarely interacted with the others. She stayed back. She scared them. She is being friendly. Just be good. Stay calm.“Hmm, look at that. A viridian and a nice looking one at that. Do you know the kid Q'sis?” She asked, looking at the new rider. She preferred the viridians over any other subking. They were green in color, which pleased her quite a bit. Tasia had a growing obsession with that color.[/center]
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RhiaBlack
Wingrider
rhiact[M:45]
Resident Warcraft Addict
Posts: 328
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Post by RhiaBlack on Sept 6, 2011 0:30:22 GMT -5
Zeke's mind was tugged upon by that of his bonded.
Mine. Yeah, Bai? Lebeth is HUGE. You'll be that big one day, too, Bai. Not long, I fig're. Be bigger'n me. Do you think so, Mine? I know so.
Zeke scaled up to the ledge, and leaned against Bai's warm matte gray hide as he observed Couineth and her babies with that half-crooked smile. Baihujinth's tail tapped against his thigh, heavier than he remembered, and a part of him began to feel old. Bai's nose nudged his arm, and Z'dyn rested a calloused hand on the Iron's muzzle, scratching around his upper jaw and over his eyes ridges.
I 'member when you're that small. I remember when you were terrified of being a bad Ironrider, Mine. Still am, Bai. Look't 'em. Life goes on, Mine. Life goes on. ************************** Yva did her best not to lose focus. She didn't rock back and forth on her heels like many of them, but she wasn't without the flickers of life, either. Her cobalt-gray eyes settled on Couineth's wing, and she admired the shine from the Queen's hide. She was so pretty. Yva hoped one day, maybe not this time...there were only a few eggs left, she believed, and there were still so many Candidates like her on the Sands...
No, Yva. Don't doubt. They'll feel it, and they'll know. You must make Sevonn proud. But he'll be proud no matter what, won't he? Don't worry.
For a brief moment, she tilted her head and looked over her shoulder slightly. Sevonn smiled at her, giving her that wink he used to when they were younger. The one that told her everything was under control, no matter how chaotic and out of control it seemed. Yva sighed slightly, interlacing her fingers behind her as she waited.
Couineth was so pretty.
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Boo
Jr. Weyrwoman
booct[M:-425]
Shirath: THOSE aren't spirit fingers... THESE ARE SPIRIT FINGERS!!!
Posts: 1,917
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Post by Boo on Sept 8, 2011 3:01:47 GMT -5
"Yeah! New dragons are always so awesome to see!"
C'ian was barely even paying attention to what was happening on the sands, clapping vaguely when he heard others do the same. Certainly, the food was distracting him quite dramatically but he was silent and observant some of the time. Mostly, though, this was a time to catch up with E'kiel again. It was tough as Weyrlings to always see friends and even in classes it was difficult to catch up. They couldn't really speak freely when they were supposed to be learning after all.
He did, however, nod at the exclamation from his fellow Weyrling and look down at the black on the sands. He did seem a little grumpy. Probably just needed a quick slap upside the head in the same way that so many of his Harper teachers had given him. C'ian grinned and then grabbed another roll for himself.
"I really like those pink ones! Those cyans also always bring a great amount of colour to the sands. It's rather great to see. That bright green also!"
C'ian had always loved the colour to the fighters. Well, and Shirath of course...
Oh Yours sounds far more careful that C'ian. C'ian doesn't even seem to pay attention to what he is doing and is always trying to play games.
But Shirath loved the inattentiveness as much as he complained about it. The distracted thoughts kept him somewhat entertained. Plus, he knew that C'ian doted on him in every way. He could feel it through their bond. C'ian loved him! Had wanted him on the Sands and was obsessed now!
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Post by theknightwhosaysni on Sept 8, 2011 21:23:43 GMT -5
The small dark gray egg in the inner row of that clutch was rocking back and forth, like so many eggs that were hidden from the world, lurking beneath Couineth's wing away from the sights of the Candidates that Couineth definitely didn't consider worthy of seeing her precious eggs. They needed to bask in her glory for a little bit longer. However, the dragonets waited for no one, not even their bratty mother, and the dark gray egg cracked open with very little fanfare to allow its charge to enter the world. The dragonet calmly padded into the world, wriggling out from beneath Couineth's wing. She had more fanfare in leaving the shelter Jof her mother's fierce guarding of her clutch than she did in hatching, mostly because the Sands were empty other than the little pink, as she did reveal herself to be.
With a lighter pink hide and darker markings across her face, back and tail, the pink was a simply colored dragonet and not particularly special looking, all things considered. Still, the dragonet was fairly interesting in the eyes of Rayna at least, if only because she was the only one on the Sands.
The pink dragoness flicked her tail happily and looked out across the Sands with a rather dreamy gaze. She saw the world through pretty rose tinted glass in that moment, as her mind flitted across those of the Candidates. They were all so very lovely, the pink thought to herself, completely ignoring any aspects about the Candidates that didn't fit into her romantic view of things. The pink didn't show much interest in the Candidates yet, however. Instead, humming to herself, she wandered away from the Candidates and her clutchmother, mind dancing far and wide.
This place was so interesting, she thought contentedly. It was all so very lovely. She liked it all. Her mind was focused on the world beyond the Sands, however. Out there, there could be anything, and the imaginative young pink was having fun trying to guess what was actually out there. Maybe there were lovely dragons like herself out there, but bigger and prettier! Or maybe there were lots of those little blob-y things that seemed so eager around her. There might even be things like dragons, but that had wings that looked like stained glass. Needless to say, the only things that the dragonet imagined were beautiful things. She had a very . . . romantic view of the world, and though there were certainly things about even this small corner of the world that weren't romantic in the least, the pink simply ignored them, instead allowing her mind to wander far and wide.
The pink's hum trailed off into silence as she turned towards the Candidates, head tilted curiously to the side as her gaze swept across them. She felt more drawn towards the females, the ones who were the most like her, and with a soft, pleased croon, she set off towards them, tail flicking once as she made her way across the Sands. Even though she was barely hatched, the dragonet was graceful as she walked, or at least about as graceful as a dragonet such as herself could be.
She wandered along the female Candidates, her mind brushing against each one in turn. In each of the Candidates, the pink recognized the good in them and completely ignored the bad in them. The pink wasn't one to see the bad in things, after all. She completely ignored the bad, content in the world that she had constructed of her dreams and the good that she saw in the world. There was bad, and the pink was aware of the fact that there was bad in the world, she just chose not to recognize it. All had the potential for good in her mind.
At last, the pink stopped walking, her whirling glaze flicking up to focus on the features of a Candidate named Lyr. LyrMine, I am Zabelith and I have arrived at last. I apologize for the delay, Mine. I was simply a bit distracted, [/i] Though her voice had a distinctly dreamy tone to it, Zabelith's words were formal, and with her eyes whirling all of the colors of the rainbow, the pink continued on, I am a touch hungry right now. Perhaps you could procure food?[/i] The pink settled back on her haunches to gaze up at Lyr, looking completely content in that moment. The Sands were not to remain empty for long, however. The tiny sandy egg in the inner row was finally willing to relinquish its hold upon the dragonet within, allowing a tiny creature to sprawl onto the sands beneath Couineth's wing, ungainly and awkward even as the dragonet dragged itself into the world. With awkwardly large wings and a tiny body, the dragonet was larger only than the grays that populated Dalibor Weyr, it seemed, but with its hide's coloring, the dragonet was clearly a black. He was slightly lighter than his previous sibling had been, however, with gray markings on his face, neck and his foot. Looking calm and collected, the black made his way carefully away from Couineth's wing and settled back on the Sands, curling his tail around his paws and letting his gaze flick about this way and that. He wasn't interested in finding His just yet.[/size][/blockquote]
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Cathaline
Lady Holder
cathct[M:50]
Posts: 3,279
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Post by Cathaline on Sept 9, 2011 1:08:11 GMT -5
Saia gave a delighted squeal when Daymar Impressed, hopping up and down a little bit and clinging right back to Reylia. "I knew he would! And now you," she said earnestly. There could only be a few hatchlings left, but she was certain one was meant for her friend. Just certain.
She whistled over to Taavi when he Impressed too, and fell silent once again as the newly-Impressed cleared out of the sands. Was that ten? That was ten, and now a pink - eleven. She meandered over to the girls, and though her mind brushed Saia's, it was fleeting; that little beauty ended up with Lyr, and Saia clapped hard for her, because though she didn't know the girl personally, she was aware she'd been standing a long time here.
A black crawled out then, and sat around waiting for something, just like certain others of this hatching. None of them seemed to be in much hurry! There were still three left under there who either hadn't made it out of their eggs, or felt no need to escape the warm darkness beneath their mother's wing. Couineth must be getting tired, Saia thought, and when the black did nothing interesting, she lifted her eyes to scrutinise the queen's glowing golden bulk.
---
But we are friends, because I know yours![/i] Agnith chirped. Of course you will want to know me, because I like you and uh, we're friends already! Because Ours are friends, and I don't see any reason we shouldn't be![/i] Though watching a dragonet eat was boring, so she raised her eyes back to the sands and the hatching, rather than focusing on Sicriath. She brushed his mind again, though, to insist, Besides, the really nice thing about being dragons is, uh, we can talk while we eat! I did it when I hatched.[/i]
---
The newly-created Day'ar glanced around for somewhere to sit; he wanted to go over to Sebol, but between the appearance of the blue firelizard, Xiro'el and Tigreath intruding where they were not wanted, and the memory of the black's apparently volatile personality - plus the proximity of the equally vicious green - he wavered. There wasn't much room over there, and even at hatching size Ambrith was bigger than the other dragonets, yet so much smaller than Tigreath, who was a menace to society. Besides, he would have time enough for a heart to heart with Sebol when they returned to their room to clear out their things and move into the weyrling barrack.
That alone was enough to soothe him; subkingriders typically got their own rooms, especially when the big Tideturner class was moving to their weyrs, and the fifteen-strong-at-most new class would barely take up any space. No need to crowd. Not now, not ever again.
Ambrith's hunger gnawed at him; for the moment the viridian was engaged in examining this new setting and finding it rather wanting, but that wouldn't last more than a moment. Glancing back at the sands, Day'ar smiled at his sister from afar. Had to keep some space open for Reylia, if she joined him. Was it against the rules for Candidates to flock over here even if they didn't Impress, when it was all over? Surely since she was his sister that would be okay, if it came to that, though he could hardly fathom being so lucky as to Impress Ambrith, and his wonderful sister being left behind.
"You were friends with the pink, right?" he asked, dubiously eyeing Ridley, who he knew to be a sharding nuisance. But maybe it would be nice for Ambrith to sit with them.
The viridian snorted at that. If I had not moved when she bid me do so, she would have continued to speak to me.[/i] Sicasth was a little too wild for Ambrith's finicky tastes. We do not have to sit with any of them, do we? It is not a rule?[/i] It was hard to tell, because Day'ar's mind was so muddled on the subject - that it was polite to make friends, that his actual friends wouldn't understand his avoiding them if he just sat alone, that sitting alone tended to attract the wrong sort anyway.
"It's not a rule," he said. "And I love you." A dragon who, unlike those he was best acquainted with, was not going to force him into social interaction? Wonderful. So he found a relatively deserted space in the feeding area, from which he could monitor Reylia, and settled there, drawing his beltknife so he could spear the meat without touching. Ambrith ate without complaint, positioning himself so that he too could examine the world around him, monitoring everyone critically and warily.
---
"Seven," Atenna said, with some satisfaction, when Lyr Impressed. "Her name is Lyr and she has a daughter. She stood at Callistath's hatching too. Is it time to discuss my prize?"
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Kila
Sr. Weyrleader
kilact[M:217]
Let's move to a cloud so we're never under the weather
Posts: 1,574
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Post by Kila on Sept 9, 2011 13:18:05 GMT -5
Shailen was shocked and surprised when the forest Green got into a fight with her newest sibling- a Cyan who seemed to know exactly where she wanted to go. He was relieved when both young dragonesses picked among the female candidates to find Theirs. What if all the dragonets are violent like that? he wondered frightfully. They certainly have been predisposed to violence so far… Shailen couldn’t imagine being bonded to such an angry creature for life, but he swallowed his fear (with difficulty) and did not try to sneak off the sands.
Shailen again steeled himself when another dragonet, a Blue this time, wove among the boy candidates. This one seemed alright. At least not angry anyways. Despite the telling upward tilt of his little head, Shailen saw the possibility of real impression for the first time. Would the Blue choose him? The Candidate thought that he might faint. But no, the blue stopped before another boy, looking quite happy with his choice. Shailen clapped a little halfheartedly for the last impression, disappointment stealing across his face and naive heart. How many were left?
There was no time to be disappointed while the hatching was still going on, however. Besides, Shailen was an optimist at heart and never took pleasure in wallowing. When a Green- No, Viridian, he corrected himself- emerged Shailen’s heart again leapt and left the boy rendered stupefied and only able to focus on the dragonet. But then there was another! The Cyan showed little interest in the boys, though, and made a bee-line to the girls, looking back nervously over her shoulder at her Viridian brother. Shailen hadn’t even had the time to get his hopes up for her. The efforts of the Pink that appeared made up for her sister’s preference. Not only did she push the Viridian over to the boys, but followed. Neither of those dragonets were for him, though he did jump excitedly each time they reached out to touch his mind, nor was the next Cyan that hatched and moved amongst his ranks.
When a dreamy little Pink hatched and made her way over to Lyr, Shailen was overwhelmed. It might as well have been his own sister that was impressing. ”Oh, Lyr! Congratulations!” he called as he clapped his hands together with all his might. The dry was doubtlessly lost among the cheers from the stands, but it didn’t matter to Shailen. They look so happy, he observed, moved (absurdly) close to tears. At least she had impressed- she deserved it. Even if he didn’t he thought that he could leave the sands without being too disappointed if he didn’t himself. But there would be a few more yet, he hoped. Trying to shake off his emotions he regarded the awkward Black on the sands and laughed a little to himself. The lone dragonet was especially small with especially large wings, which lent him a rather comic effect despite his dignified stand.
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Azhdarchid
Jr. Weyrwoman
azhct[M:-1490]
Totes.
Posts: 1,627
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Post by Azhdarchid on Sept 9, 2011 13:45:12 GMT -5
Lexony stood at the front of the shrunken pack of male Candidates. It really was a better view, especially without Daymar around to concern his peripheral sight. There were many more girls left than boys, but dragons were so variable in their choices that even the girls' group counted as "competition." But Lex did not want to think of the event like that; it was more that these dragonets were assured their very best choice. Hatchings were about them, not the myriad of young Pernese trying to win them over. There were not enough dragons for every man on Pern. He knew that.
And he could accept the consequences of draconic rarity, save the part of him still four Turns old and imaginative beyond what was wise. He never listened to that selfish boy anyway. The latest Hatchling never paid any attention to Lex, at least as far as he could tell. He was not so attuned as some that he could sense the wisp of dragon thought brushing experimentally against his own. So he did not look after her for long, particularly once she had waded into the girls' group.
It occurred to him that he was not rooting-- in his silent way --for any particular girl to Impress, though he had met a few. He just wanted...peace, he supposed. The best rider for the dragon. And it seemed that match was always made no matter what he thought about it. A second Black wriggled into view, and this time Lexony looked the beast up and down well before he snuck in close, like that Blue. He did not know Blacks could carry little marks on their bodies, rather than the traditional matte he had seen in Sebol's dragon. Even for a hatchling, the dragon's wings looked to be out of proportion. All the better for flying, Lexony guessed, unable to work out any other optimistic points in the current situation. The Black could just open his wings and blow away.
---
A lone pink dragon gamboled about the Sands, and it was easy for Tasia's poke to draw the trader's narrow eyes back onto her. He refused to smile, but his sculpted eyebrows wrinkled artfully at her sentiment.
"Explode?" he echoed, trying to visualize such an event. He could not do it. Supposedly all of Pern was contained on some sort of ball, and the ball floated in Between and some property of it kept them all safe from the endless cold. He had learned that much while still in Candidacy. It was the true meaning of words like "world" or "planet"-- not the land and all the people in it, but a specific term to invoke a circle, or sphere. Q'sis had never been all that impressed with the interpretation. As long as the ball kept spinning, and the dark stayed out, what did it matter and why did they have to know about it? The lonely ball called Pern was a discomforting concept at best.
Q'sis looked back to the Sands, marking the Pink's dreamy progress toward the women. See? There had been no reason to smile. "Not explode. But all the more Thread will consume the world when you have no one to defend it but screaming girls. Girls who already have an important function." He squinted as the Pink plucked one of the said girls from the flock, then grimaced. "The boy I do not know. He is male. What else is there that won't shake out in training? If he's unsuitable he'll die at his first journey Between." He lifted his chin at the Pink and her Impressed. "But I have heard of that one. She Stood at ours too. She already has a child. So now she will die to Thread and that child will be motherless. How wonderful. She gave up all she had so she could see a fighter to its premature end."
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