Mosaic Tiles {Kalith's First Hatching}

[Admin]

Confusion never stops,
Closing walls and ticking clocks,
Gonna, come back and take you home,
I could not stop that you now know.

It was just the finely built green left on the sands. She looked around with such interest as moments past, exploring more and more details. She reveled in the newness of the world and tried to capture it all in each and ever glance. There were blood stains, red and bright, on the sand, which was hot and tan. Everything had color; everything was so bright an alive. But what else was there? What may lurk out there? Crouching down, she stalked forward carefully, eyes focused on something that wasn't even there. She sneaked right up to it and then leaped onto with a less than ferocious, playful roar. Rumbling with laughter now, she tumbled across the sands as she wrestled with some invisible monster. Her young claws raked at tough skin that only she could see; her mouth was wide open as she crowed with delight as she played.

With a triumphant, silly cry, the beast she battled was vanquished for another day and she was looking about herself again. She didn't seem to be in much of a rush to get to Impressing, despite being completely alone out on the sands. For a few moments, she considered the assembled audience and candidates with her wide, whimsical eyes. Then she looked back at the shattered eggs behind her, just trying to get a good look at her surroundings again, but there was a shiny! A bit of light reflected of a small fragment of what had once been the golden Queen egg. Curious, she ambled over to investigate about this very interesting, shimmering thing. She stopped, looking down at for a few moments. Then she nudged the remnants of the egg with her nose, and squawked gleefully as it glittered when it moved slightly.

Once this mystery was solved to her satisfaction, she looked up and gave the cavern another look over. She was hungry now; it gnawed at her middle. Everyone seemed so expectant of her; she didn't know what to do. She didn't see why so many of them had to look so serious; she could feel it, oppressively pushing down on her from all sides. Managing the best carefree step she could, she headed for the few remaining candidates. They were all boys. She didn't mind; she didn't see why it mattered all that much. She would pick the best; she didn't feel like judging upon gender anyway. Not understanding why she would need to hurry, and fueled more by hunger than anything else to go seek out her lifemate, she took her time about going. She savored the way each step changed the perspective of things, made things shift about.

But she was finally there. She gave a sigh, and looked just once more off into the distance. The opening off the cavern looked like it was going to swallow everyone up with the light out there; that couldn't be a bad thing though. As that thought echoed in her mind, she turned, stopped in her walking, and looked into the eyes of her rider. This was certainly a good thing. Many things are very interesting, R'oriMine; she stated, voice full of imagination and fancy. Your Vediameth is a bit sorry about picking you. Just for you, though. Not very much at all, in truth; she added sympathetically, trailing off around the end as she tried to get it just like. She didn't really have a reason for being sorry that she'd picked him; she wouldn't have picked anyone else. She just felt, for some reason, she should be a bit sorry for having picked him. How very, very odd.



The hatching was over.

Kalith let out a loud, piercing bugle as her last child Impressed, broodiness finally gone and only joy left. Her rider did her best to ignore the noise; her headache still lingered. There was business to take care of and she couldn't allow for the chaos that would soon erupt to interrupt what needed to happen. Capturing her Queen's attention, Fajra shared a look with the huge, lithe dragon and carefully told her a set of messages to give out to a select group of the older riders. She rose up to her full height; there was no trace that she was any different than she ever was. And, beside her, Kalith rose up to her own, far more impressive full stature to command the attention of all around them. Now she was to be obeyed and watched; she was in charge. Throwing her head back, she let out a deafening roar, voice crashing through all the Weyr.

Once she finished, she maintained utter silence with a fierce look. Then she looked away and set out getting out what her rider had told her to. Daidoroth, Yours needs to speak to those who Impressed Kings or lesser Kings - Detritath's, Valleth's, Mesreath's, and Doppelith's. Altith, Yours need to speak with those who arrived late - Eccolath's, Oorth's, and Nektuth's. There will be an announcement involving you at the feast. Oveth, Yours needs to speak to the one who Impressed the blind white - Zucherroth's. Mine and I will speak to the new rider of the Queen - Callistath's. Keep it neat and quick; she told the select three concisely, then severed the connection with an air of finality. Sensing that, Fajra drew in breath, looking over to where the new weyrlings were. "Avalle, Callistath;" she called briskly, voice cutting through the air in its own way.

Body as relaxed as was necessary to inform the girl that she was not in any trouble while still looking serious, she waited for the new, literally golden pair to come over. Then she wasted not a second more in beginning. "Congratulations on your Impression. Gold Callistath has chosen you. With that choice, she has set you upon a path you cannot waver from. One day, in one and a half turns, you will be a Weyrwoman. Learn your lessons. Pay attention. Always think. Do your duty. Do honor to the Weyr;" she said crisply. Best of luck. We'll see you soon enough; Kalith added. Then she turned, stepped up on a proffered copper leg, and was astride her great flying, metallic beast. With a great sweep of her wings, they was aloft. Set on the Queen's back, her stomach lurched, and she still had the feast, in which she couldn't even have any wine. She pursed her lips.

Yoooooooooou ohhhhhh,
Oh, nothing else compares,
Oh, nothing else compares,
And nothing else compares.

[4horseshowgirl4]

Ka-Kal-- Queenie tells you to go talk to Zucherroth's, the blind White. She says to make it quick.

[/color] Oveth said to His, who was stretching on his back, glad beyond belief that they had escaped the Hatching with only one mauling, and one not too serious at that. {Did she say why?} B'nyur queried. No,[/color] Oveth said slowly, as if struggling to remember if Kalith had elaborated on that. {Don't fret, Oveth. I guess she thinks we're the best to talk to them about having a blind dragonet. I don't know what to say, though, really... What can you say to a Weyrling who has to live with the fact that Hers will never see, never be able to fly as surely as the others? Actually,} B'nyur said, rubbing the stubble on his chin, {I'm not even sure they'll be able to /between/. Dragons have to have images to do that, and how can a dragon remember a place he's never seen before?}

Oveth said nothing. He seemed to know that the questions were not really aimed at him. His was the expert, not the Blue. He crouched down, ready to glide a short ways over to where Anima was feeding Zucherroth. {No.} B'nyur interrupted, and Oveth froze. What? Why? Oveth protested. He would much rather glide than walk! It wasn't like there were any hatchlings around to scare! {No. Send Zucherroth an image of where we are. Make him come to us. They'll have to figure that out eventually.}[/i] B'nyur ordered the Blue firmly. He was fairly certain that the White would still be able to see images in his head, even though his eyes were useless for gathering them himself. Oveth obeyed the Dragonhealer's orders, sending Zucherroth the clearest pictures he could, showing the White the Hatching Sands and where Oveth was located in relation to the small White. The Blue was only several dragonlengths away from where Zucherroth stood, but it was far enough.

Zucherroth, Mine needs to talk to Yours. Please come towards me if you can. I am the Blue dragon standing in the middle of the Hatching Sands, much bigger than you or any of the other hatchlings. My 'Rider, who looks like yours but also bigger, is sitting on my back.[/b] Oveth did his best to explain which one in the images he was to the blind dragon, coached by B'nyur as he went. Yours will guide you if you need help, but Mine wants you to try and find your way towards us by yourself using the images I just sent you.[/color] Oveth's manner of speaking was oddly stuttering, interrupted by strange pauses. B'nyur knew that Oveth's memory wasn't good enough to remember such long instructions all at once, so he was feeding the Blue a phrase or two at a time to repeat to the White hatchling.

{Oh, Oveth, I hope she's not disappointed!}[/i] B'nyur, referring to Anima, said, stroking Oveth's neck lovingly. {She wasn't even Standing!} Oveth crooned affectionately, radiating love to both His and Zucherroth's, touching Anima's mind ever-so-lightly so as not to make Zucherroth possessive. Why should she be? Hers is perfect for her, like I am perfect for you, 'YurMine.[/color] The statement was so simple, borderline-cliche, but it was reassuring nonetheless. Oveth was calming in his slowness. Something about the fact that he wasn't clever enough to bend the truth made whatever he tried to say to assuage anyone's worries made his sayings all that more honest and sincere. {Yes, Oveth, you're right. Besides, there is no reason Zucherroth will not be able to fly, or even /between/. He just has to learn to use Anima's eyes, like I look through yours sometimes. And, if he can receive and see images, surely he will soon be able to function as well as any dragon and recognize things just as easily.} B'nyur did not seem quite convinced of what he was telling Oveth, but Oveth nodded his head vigorously, as if in agreement. Everything His said was making sense.

"Anima!" B'nyur called, smiling. He slid off of Oveth's shoulders, hitting the soft ground of the Sands with an inaudible thump. He didn't know the girl, but her brother, A'mor, was his co-worker and superior in the infirmary. Hopefully, she had inherited part of a Healer's compassion and patience. She would need ample amounts of both to cope with both the stress of helping Zucherroth get around and stay strong against the teasings and whispers about their ability she would inevitably encounter through Weyrlinghood and past graduation.[/right][/font]

[Nia]

The Green was interesting. Riori gave her that. She was kind of charming, her own strange way. Huh... Riori glanced around the Sands curiously. Wait, there weren't any girls left. They had all Impressed... that meant that the Green was going to be another cross-Impression. And there weren't a lot of boys left, either. Oh, shards. What if she was meant for him...? No, she wasn't. He ignored that thought and instead contented himself with watching her. The Hatching was going to be over soon and he wouldn't have Impressed, that's all there was to it. It'd happened before and he wasn't going to let it get to him.

He felt a little uncomfortable standing there, watching the last dragon wander around the sands, seemingly aimless. What was she doing? Wasn't she hungry, or interested in finding Hers? She needed to hurry up and choose already, his feet were starting to hurt and he was getting irritable. Was she just teasing him? No, she just seemed geniunely curious in whatever was around her. It was kind of cute, in a way, the way she nudged at the Queen egg's shell.

Oh look, finally she'd decided she was going to Impress. The Green walked over towards the boys, of course, since there weren't any girls, and Riori watched her patiently. It didn't matter to him how much longer the Hatching went on, and he was sure the Green wasn't going to be nearly as picky as the Kings and Queen, so she was sure to pick soon and then the happy pair could walk off. She'd stopped walking now. And she was standing right in front of him. No, that couldn't be right. There was no way that was right! She couldn't... she couldn't be Impressing to him!

Many things are very interesting, R'oriMine. Your Vediameth is a bit sorry about picking you. Just for you, though. Not very much at all, in truth,

[/i] her voice rang in his mind, making Rio, no, R'ori feel a bit dizzy. He kind of stared at her in shock. A... A Green? His expression wasn't one of hatred and despise as T'zar's had been, but it was more of a complete shock. She was appologizing. He simply stared for a longer moment than was necessary, trying to reorder his thoughts. But... but... even F'let had Impressed a boy dragon...! This wasn't right. It wasn't fair!

Vediameth sensed these confused and rather shocked thoughts and nudged her frozen rider, R'oriMine? she said to him curiously, nudging him again. He wasn't moving, but he was thinking, so he must be okay. It will be okay. You just need to get me some food,[/i] she added, snapping R'ori back to his senses. He didn't want to make a scene like that other kid who Impressed a Green had. R'ori didn't have much ambition, he would have been fine with any... male dragon. He felt another surge of apologetic thoughts come from Vediameth, and it almost made him feel bad for her. What kind of person made their own dragon appologize? "Y... yeah," was all he said as he started to walk off the Sands.

He didn't know what to say to the other new Weyrlings when he approached the food, so he weakly smiled at F'let and walked over, not really saying anything, as he was kind of lost in his thoughts. He did feed Vediameth though, and he let her probe his mind curiously without pushing her away. It seemed to make her happy. Did this mean he was...? No, it didn't mean anything! It didn't mean anything. He should just be happy he Impressed; that he hadn't been left standing.

----------

Shards, Callistath could really eat a lot! Avalle figured that it was because she was going to be a large dragon, the smaller ones didn't really eat as much as the larger ones. And compared to some of the others, Callistath was really big. Avalle could already tell she wasn't going to be huge, but she'd be a decent size for a Gold. But size didn't matter anyway, not to Avalle or Callistath. Besides, the only thing it really meant right now was that Avalle had to feed more choice scraps of meat to her dragon. Which she didn't mind, since she really wasn't squeamish.

Callistath didn't seem to think she was eating a lot though, and continually took more scraps from Avalle as delicately as possible. She made it look easy, too. But Avalle could feel the effort she was putting into to eating. It seemed to Avalle like it could be easier to just eat rather than use all that effort just to avoid getting her hide dirty, but what did she know? Yes, that is a very good thing,[/i] Callistath responded to Valleth, looking at him coyly. She didn't flirt; ladies didn't flirt. The males came to her, she didn't go seeking out them like a fickle Green. She did like Valleth, though, he was... interesting and he complimented her. Ours are very promising, I have faith in them,[/i] she commented.

Avalle laughed good-naturedly. "Yeah, it seems so," she looked back over at Valleth and Callistath as she said this, wondering how their relationship was going to pan out in the future. It was sure to be interesting, at least. Valleth looked very interested in her Gold, but who wouldn't be? She couldn't help the pride that swelled inside her, even with her previous comment about not letting their egos get too big. Looking back at L'ven, she responded, "I know, I'm still a little in awe about it myself. ... about the Impressing part, not the congratulations part," she laughed, "I'm kind of glad no one's swarmed us, I don't know if I could handle that." Yeah, how would she respond to a bunch of people congratulating her? She hadn't really done anything. Besides, Avalle wasn't too good at handling praise, it made her... er, blush too much. It was just embarassing!

The Weyrwoman calling her didn't surprise her, as it seemed the Hatching was over. With a quick, "I'll see you later!" good-bye to L'ven she quickly tossed Callistath the last piece of meat she'd been holding and hurried over. Her heart was pounding kind of frantically as Fajra talked. It was exciting! A Weyrwoman.... Avalle was positive she could handle the job. Callistath must have thought so. As Fajra and Kalith took off, she watched the Copper fly away, pensive. We can do this, she told Callistath, though she was really more just reaffirming it for herself. Of course we can. You shouldn't doubt yourself,[/i] the Gold dismissed the thought as though it was something extremely silly, and it was. If she'd thought Avalle was going to have problems with the path of a Weyrwoman, she wouldn't have picked her. Yes... she was confident in her choice.[/blockquote][/size]

[Kila]

The last impression was made, the lone Green going to one of the remaining boys, and the Hatching was over. Outside, Daidoroth raised his mighty head and echoed Kalith's joyous bugle. All of their beautiful children had safely impressed and, for now, the dragon's work was done.

But the work had only just begun for Theirs. Daidoroth listened attentively as his lovely Queen parceled out the orders for the work that needed to be quickly done. Own, you are asked to go speak to the Kings, Lesser Kings, and their riders; Daidoroth relayed. Detritath's, Valleth's, Mesreath's, and Doppelith's.

Thank you for telling me. I will, O'sho affirmed. No doubt these were Fajra's orders, and this way he did not have to go bother her again. They inevitably would be sitting next to one another at the Hatching Feast, but until then she would have a reprieve of him. Daido, when you get a moment will you ask Kalith to ask Fajra if she would like me to make the speech at the Feast? I am sure she is not feeling well, though she won't let it show.

Of course Own.
Kalith, Mine would like to know if Yours would like him to speak at the feast he asked her. And of all our pretty children, none were as gorgeous as their mother. I am glad they are all safely with Theirs and you can leave the Sands, he could not help but add with a hint of playfulness.

"L'ven," O'sho called, strolling into the midst of the new Weyrlings. "K'ber, F'let, Durian. Gather here, lads and lassie," he said as he gathered them up. He surveyed them pleasantly as they stood in the small group before them. "First and foremost, my congratulations to you on your impressions. I can assure you that we are all very, very proud. I'm sure it has not slipped your attention that your new life mates are the future Kings and leaders of the Weyr. It is an honor and privilege to be bonded to such a dragon, but it is also a lot of responsibility. This is the case for any rider, but much more so for you. Be good to Yours- they will be good to you. But anyway," he concluded, giving them a friendly smile, "You have a feast to attend. I will be seeing you around. Please come to me if you have any questions." Congratulations; Daidoroth added, his deep, powerful mind voice echoing in the minds of the young KingRiders.

"Durian, one more moment, if you'd please," O'sho requested as the boys began to leave. "Things will be a little different for you, you know. Cross-impression among Sub Kings and Queens is uncommon, but I can assure that there is nothing wrong with either you or Mesreath. Managing him and being a female among many male riders of your class will be a challenge." He gave her a kindly smile. "The best of luck to you, my dear."

[fidelli]

Thanks for all your generous love and thanks for all the fun
Neither you nor Im to blame when all is said and done
Its so strange when youre down and lying on the floor
How you rise, shake your head, get up and ask for more

;;Endings are sad - but they led on to new beginnings. Even as the last young Green Impressed, F'del had settled back up against the table and pensively gazed down on the brood. Twenty-three weyrlings, one of the finer clutches he had seen. As the last hatchling slowly trotted over, he muddled over what this ending had led too. So much had begun - he would be able to watch his younger sister grow up with a dragon of her own. A new color had been born, with new troubles and explorations involved. There was a new birth to be expected, soon enough also - the Weyrwoman's child, if she didn't between with it. Some part of him knew she wouldn't - just a few minutes conversation with the woman had made him realize just how much he respected her power for one so young... It made him feel old.

;;But Altith was always there, and as he contentedly hummed his pleasure, the large Purple reached down to be petted. You are not old, MineOwn - we are ageless. The words knocked F'del from his haze, making him look up with a laugh and a gentle scratch on the eyeridge of the dragon. How true, my dear. How true. For a few moments the two stayed together, a reminder of the joy that the Impression held long after everything else was gone. For just a few moments they stood together, silent and proud of the future under their eyes, watching as the dragonets began to slow down from their frenzied feeding. It was silent for a few timeless moments... And then a trumpeting roar reminded them that Kalith was still Queen. Daidoroth, Yours needs to speak to those who Impressed Kings or lesser Kings - Detritath's, Valleth's, Mesreath's, and Doppelith's. Altith, Yours need to speak with those who arrived late - Eccolath's, Oorth's, and Nektuth's. There will be an announcement involving you at the feast. Oveth, Yours needs to speak to the one who Impressed the blind white - Zucherroth's. Mine and I will speak to the new rider of the Queen - Callistath's. Keep it neat and quick;

;;The Purple jerked his head to to stare at the larger Copper, eyes whirling happily as he listened, and relayed. Mine, Daidoroth's will speak to the Kings, Oveth will speak to Anima, Kalith will speak to the new Queenrider, and we must speak to those Weyrlings that arrived late. There will be an announcement at the feast about us, as well. F'del blinked jade eyes at the dragon, even as Altith turned to the Queen and replied cheerfully, Of course, Kalith, Mine and I shall. We will be at the feast when the Weyrlings are settled in. He turned away from the Queen, intent with his mission - to all the Weyrlings he made his announcement. Weyrlings, you need to finish up eating, please. Eccolath, Oorth, and Nektuth, we also need to see Your's, quickly. To F'del, he murmured, We must also keep an eye on Vediameth's and Brecciaeth's, and speak to them later if necessary.

;;The man below asked him quietly, Why do we need to see Vediameth's and Brecciaeths? Altith was a Purple - a lesser King, but a King none the less. He was intelligent when you could get him to focus, and he had watched the hatching carefully - too carefully, in this case. They must be watched - you will see why. The generally happy voice was so resolute and firm that F'del only shrugged, looking as the Blackrider straggled over, led behind Nektuth. He guessed what Fajra wanted to speak to them about - he did so quickly. "You three need to realize that being late was unacceptable. Imagine, if you were here, and the dragonet's went Between?" F'del's voice was soft, calm, but he pushed emphasis behind it - they needed to understand that being late was unacceptable. Sadly, he didn't know their names yet - that was the Weyrlingmaster's job to learn. "Oorth's, you, Weyrling. Imagine if Oorth would have betweened the moment she didn't find you? You are lucky she is..." He was going to say distractable, but tact fixed it so all he said was, "Wasn't one to look for Her's right away. Sol" - he knew her name, and smiled at her with that queerly amiable smile before moving on, "What would you do right now if you didn't have Eccolath?" And then the Blackrider. "Weyrling, if Nektuth had betweened, can you see yourself now?" Altith cut it now, speaking the dragonet's. You three must be sure that Your's are on time, understand? Thankfully for them, F'del wasn't one for punishment right away, unlike Fajra. "Alright, that's it. I'll be sure that the Weyrlingmaster knows if you three are late to your lessons your punishment will be stricter, alright?" A soft smile gentled his words, and he waved them off.

;;And that was that, over rather quickly. He turned away from those three to face the group, waiting for a moment while Altith asked him quietly, Will their punishment really be stricter? I don't even plan on telling the Weyrlingmaster, love. They understand what they would be right now without the dragon's - they won't be late again.

[/i] Altith nosed him, almost bowling him over. You are so nice, F'delMine. Now he looked back over the group - Twenty-two, with Nim over at the Healer. Now he opened his mouth, pitching the soft voice so that it could be heard while he tossed his black hair from his eyes. "Weyrlings! I need you all to shut up and listen please - this is the basic rundown. I don't know who your Weyrlingmaster will be, but he or she will be waking you up tomorrow. I expect your dragon's are growing sleepy right now - Altith and I will lead you down to the Weyrling Barracks. There, you will all find a room to spend the night - Tomorrow, the Weyrlingmaster will assign you rooms. If you have a problem with your roommate, get over it. Perhaps you can speak to the Weyrlingmaster about it, but it all depends. For right now, you just need to find a place for your dragonet's to fall asleep - we'll deal with things like rooms tomorrow, and the drudges will move over your things. After your dragonet is asleep, you may join the Feast - I realize not all of you will want to, and it is up to you. They won't wake up tonight - they should sleep like rocks, but you need to be there when they wake up tomorrow. You need to be in the Barracks by the ninth candlemark, and I expect that, although it is only mid-day, you'll be tired. You might realize you feel what they feel - it's hard to be away from them besides." His voice was soft, relaxed, just loud enough for them to hear and meant to catch attention and hold it - firm, but lazy in a way.

;;Gnawing on his lip for a few moments, he decided that he had run through anything - the Weyrlingmaster could finish up anything he forgot later. He turned and began to walk out - Altith stayed behind to shepherd, and between the two they got them all down. The barracks were brand new - these would be the first clutch living in them. Big enough to house a half grown Queen, the corridors were wide, and he knew the order. Two sized rooms - one for the bigger dragons, or a shared room for the smaller. "Go and find a comfortable room for now - you'll be assigned rooms tomorrow." He stayed there, leaning up against the door and watching - the Feast would take a few minutes to get ready, but he didn't give the dragonets ten before they all dozed off. He would stay, Altith guarding the door like a broody Queen, until he saw who was going and who was staying.

Clear-headed and open-eyed
With nothing left untried
Standing calmly at the crossroads,no desire to run
Theres no hurry any more when all is said and done

[/size][/blockquote]

[Kila]

Sol applauded enthusiastically as the last dragonett impressed. They had survived the Hatching with great success! She shot Pratyba a grin and let her fingers rest on Eccolath's hide. Was it time for the Hatching Feast yet? Pratyba had mentioned it to her before.

SolMine, the big Purple and His needs to talk to us; Eccolath suddenly chimed. And Oorth's too!

"Oh? Why?"Sol asked curiously, looking towards the Purple. The man standing beside him she recognized to be F'del, the man she had met for a short while at the flitter hatching. Oh! Her flitter! Sol had forgetten all about scared little Hally, who was still curled up in her hair. "Eccolath, I have someone for you to meet," she said as they made their way obediently towards F'del and Altith.

"You three need to realize that being late was unacceptable. Imagine, if you were here, and the dragonet's went Between?" the Rider lectured gently when Sol, Pratyba, and another boy had gathered to him. Sol cast down her eyes guiltily, not having thought of such implications. She had been worried when she first arrived that her dragon had already hatched as she had missed it. Eccolath could have perhaps chosen someone else, but Sol had never imaged that she could have betweened.

F'del then spoke to her individually. "Sol- what would you do right now if you didn't have Eccolath?" Despite his smile of recognition, his words cut at her heart like a knife. The question was clearly rhetorical, and Sol didn't want to think of nor choke out a response anyway. Sensing her distress, Eccolath leaned against her leg and nuzzled her thigh with her maw. Ot was ok- she was there. With warning of harsher punishments in the future, F'del turned them loose.

But not for long. As soon as they had rejoined the main group, F'del spoke again. They were to behave and go take their newly bonded dragonetts to a Weyrling barrack. Sol immedietly grabbed Pratyba by the arm. They were so roomies.

"Are you ready, Eccolath? Are you tired?" she asked. She looked over to the Cyan to catch her in the middle of a draconic yawn. Maybe a little bit, Mine; she affirmed sleepily. She was so cute! Sol didn't know if she wanted to leave Eccolath to go to the Hatching Feast at all. Don't worry about me, Mine; I will be dreaming.

[Admin]

Let him know that you know best,
Cause after all you do know best,
Try to slip past his defense,
Without granting innocence.

Detritath had finished eating long ago. Quietly, the young iron and his rider had stood, watching everything without a word. Everyone else talked amongst themselves, or were busy with their dragonets. Some did both, as they both noted, carefully keeping an eye on Pratyba and her pink. They just stood and everything winded to a close. The Queen bugled and then roared. Respectfully, both of them shifted their attention to her, but they were soon called over to be spoken to by the Weyrleader, with L'ven, who had Impressed a bronze, a boy with a purple, and a girl with the brown. It was just a simple talk about they're new, special position. K'ber stored it in the back of his mind, but they purplerider supervising the weyrlings was speaking and they had hurry back. Though Detritath didn't show it, the young princeling dragon was tired. His new lifemate was more than happy that F'del was saying that he would take them barracks soon, and he thought that he'd just skip the feast. He didn't feel like attending a party, not after certain events. It would be nice to just stay with his Detritath.

Already out of the caverns, away from all her children and their young riders, Kalith received the message from her bronze mate, relying the necessary information, question about O'sho making a speech ,to her rider. The Weyrwoman didn't hesitate in giving the answer, mental voice crisp and clear, even though the copper new that her lifemate was feeling strained. FajraMine says it won't be necessary. She has to make some announcements and it is her responsibility; the Queen relayed to the King, voice fairly closed for her. With her loyalty and protectiveness, she helped her rider set a firm boundary, pulling them both back from the world.

Another pair was making a hasty exit. P'nay was up on Annith's back once the metallic, copper Queen was done making her displays. Letting out a trilling bugle of her own, the yellow took to the air before too many others got up and made getting out quickly impossible. On her back, the grinning flirt of a rider that was Hers was half falling off of her, gripping onto the riding straps with one hand and just laughing his head off. F'let had Impressed a purple! R'ori, the poor boy that the dancer had tricked once by pretending to be a girl, had Impressed a green! Anima, the girl who had refused to stand, had gotten a blind white! The stiff Weyrwoman, with a stick up her ass, was pregnant! No less than three of the candidates had been late! Today was a fabulous day, and it wasn't but early afternoon. There was still candlemarks of feast ahead of them!

As he begins to raise his voice,
You lower yours and grant him one last choice,
Drive until you lose the road,
Or break with the ones you've followed.

[4horseshowgirl4]

L'ven heard his name spoken, and he turned around, smiling slightly. It was strange, how his new name was still rather unfamiliar even to his own ears, though it hadn't changed much. It was like a new, superior pair of boots that still needed to be broken in. He stood straight and tall, like he was worthy of his future position as a Bronzerider. Valleth, too, pulled himself up into a stance that was quite noble and lofty enough for a Bronze. They stood next to each other, shoulder to head, as the Bronze was still hatchling size and not much bigger than a small runner. The eyes of both widened slightly, surprised that the Weyrleader himself was talking to them. L'ven was honored.

That's understating it,

[/b] L'ven thought to himself as O'sho said that he didn't doubt they had thought about their new possible rank in the Weyr. You've been thinking of nothing but! Valleth teased lightly, his eyes firmly glued on Daidoroth and not betraying the thought. L'ven started. His dragon could...? Yes, L'venMine, we communicate telepathically, remember? How else could I decide to make you Mine?[/color] So, if I think something, you can hear me? No, duh, Mine.[/color]

They turned back to attention as O'sho was giving his parting words. L'ven nodded respectfully, finding it far easier to submit to the other's obvious superiority now that he knew he had a chance of taking the other's position one day. Valleth spread his just-dried wings and imitated the maneuver, dipping his head, before following L'ven out of the Hatching Sands. Though he was drowsy and ready for a nap, he held himself as proudly as ever, flanked by His. Big, brave Bronzes didn't show such things as simple sleepiness!

He and L'ven nodded to F'del one last time, acknowledging that they'd heard him. Finally, they headed off towards the Weyrling Barracks, both of them unanimously choosing one of the larger rooms. The were a Kingpair after all! L'ven was suddenly overcome with his dragon's emotions and collapsed into the cot, happy thoughts of the aforementioned fact in his head, and Valleth soon followed, the same thoughts with a bit of Callistath and Gneith and all the other pretty girls and Topeth and...[/right][/font]

[fidelli]

I think it's stupid all the people who are moaning
Yeah moaning on
While the sun is shining down
On our city streets

;;He could feel the sheer happiness oozing from his pink sister, even as he stood there excitedly. He was like a young child, head swinging back and forth from His to the siblings, making sure everyone was there. He wasn't seeing - it was just easier to feel them when he was facing them. Of course, being as excitably happy as he was he didn't realize that Oorth was too close when her voice rang in his head and the wind from her wings beat past his head. Sorry! He only wiggled happily back at her, joy in his every motion, as the Cyan trotted over as well. It's alright! This is PratybaMine! What's wrong with your eyes? Why are they gray? Are you in pain? I'm Eccolath, Mine is Sol. What's your name? Why are your eyes like that? Meanwhile, Nim was almost dying inside as the pink came to close - she was afraid of her bumping into him and knocking him over. Generally, she would have snapped at the girl - but she couldn't. Not with all the happy energy inside of her, taken on loan from the little White.

;;He was perfectly happy to answer her questions - he saw no malice, from anywhere. I am so happy to meet you! I am Zucherroth! I can't see - they are blind. They do not hurt though... I wonder if they should? He turned to His, nudging the girl with his head gently - the contact was nice. AnimatamoraMine, should my eyes hurt? The girl blinked down at the White, running a hand over his eyeridge gently. Should they? No. You're fine - you just can't see. Content with this answer, the hatchling turned back to his eager sister. No, they shouldn't.

;;'Anima! Congratulations!' The Pinkrider seemed to be as happy as Her's was - Nim was pulled into a hug that she couldn't help but return to the girl. She was just as happy, and she didn't mind hugs! The time was such a wonderful age, they were living, they had found Their's, and the joy from the three dragons seemed to swell up and conjoin together. The new Cyanrider came over as well, introducing herself. 'I'm Sol... I don't think we met before. Congratulations on impressing Zucherroth. Yours is so handsome! No need to apologize, really, it's fine. No harm done! I'm sure I'll be chasing people all over the place trying to apologize for things that my ball of energy and I will have done in the next few weeks. I'm Pratyba, by the way, if you don't remember me. I think I've seen you around.' She talked just as fast as Nim did! "I just feel a little bad - sometimes some people don't like dragon's in their head - anyway, Oorth is so cute!" It was true, but it was all too wonderful for anything to be making anyone mad right now. "Just Nim works - I do remember you, from the party!" She hadn't stayed long, just enough to slip back out when Kanamar was busy flirting. "And I remember you - Kanamar decided he thought you were pretty."

;;But even as they were talking and introducing themselves, a loud bugle cut through them. It was the Copper, and Zucherroth turned his head over to where he could feel the Purple speaking to them. Weyrlings, you need to finish up eating, please. Eccolath, Oorth, and Nektuth, we also need to see Your's, quickly. But even as he was speaking, he was receiving another call. The presence was large, but slow - a gentle hum rather than a loud trumpet like his mother. He had to search for it, but he found it quickly enough. Zucherroth, Mine needs to talk to Yours. Please come towards me if you can. I am the Blue dragon standing in the middle of the Hatching Sands, much bigger than you or any of the other hatchlings. My 'Rider, who looks like yours but also bigger, is sitting on my back. Yours will guide you if you need help, but Mine wants you to try and find your way towards us by yourself using the images I just sent you. Zucherroth was incredibly smart - if not just as stupid in the way of people. He didn't understand the fact that Oveth's on and off words were because he didn't have the memory the rare white did - it didn't matter to him. All he knew was that he was being asked to do something, and he would!

;;AnimatamoraMine! The Weyrling was watching her new friends leave, and jounced back to the world with a start. "What? Oh, Zuchie, Nim, please." The White - excited with his new nickname - ignored her request. Oveth's requests us to walk over to him! His needs to talk to You - but they want me to find them by myself. Her first response was anger - Zucherroth was just as good as any dragon, of course he didn't need help! But then, as Zucherroth's sweet happiness invaded her senses, she understood. She couldn't help him - he needed to do it by himself. Gathering the pictures up in his mind, he looked at them carefully - they were different from what he "saw." It took him a few moments to find the large Blue, trying to match the voice with the presence with the picture amid the people streaming out and the dragons flying every which way, but in less than three minutes he suddenly snapped up, cheerfully saying, Ah! Alright, come MineOwn, and leading the way confidently.

;;Nim, meanwhile, was watching Zuchie carefully. The word - her name - she heard, and nodded in response, but she was checking ahead of the White. She had realized he could sense the people, the dragons, the living things, but the lifeless things he couldn't see. She didn't realize he was looking at pictures - she could only cry out, "Zuchie, a little left," when he was about to walk over a discarded bowl. Klepto chose this moment to arrive back, settling around her shoulder with a surprised cheep at the new addition, but pleased none the less. She gathered him in her arms so as not to distract her, and only breathed again when they reached infront of the Blue that dwarfed Zucherroth so much. "Nim." Damn her brother, always telling people her name was Anima. She knew the man from sight and by A'mor's words - he respected B'nyur, so she would too.

;;The White announced them, cheerfully telling Oveth, I did it. All by myself, though AnimatamoraMine is so wonderful she made sure I didn't fall. What did you need to talk to her about? My siblings are leaving. She meanwhile stopped next to the white, kneeling down and throwing a possessive arm around him. If he was going to tell her that Zucherroth wasn't just as capable as the other weyrling's, she was going to crack, but for now, with Zuchie's steady presence and kind nature behind her, she wasn't worried - yet, even as the Bronze (newly reinstated on her shoulder's) peered warily at the man.

Even all the things people say
Naw, ain't affecting me
Not when that damn sun
Is shining down over me

[123notit]

The new Weyrlings were finishing up with their new lifemates, feeding them. A few got called away to be spoken to specifically. Then, one rider addressed them all. A Feast? Meta grinned. She had been interrupted in her eating. It sounded like fun. And she was so excited, she couldn't really sleep right now.

Topeth, however, was yawning beside her. Mine, he is right. I am very sleepy. I want to play though! Can we play and explore and everything when I wake up? The cyan yawned again, wide and silent, and her head nuzzled against Meta's side.

Meta grinned and nodded. Of course, Topeth she said, her playful side coming out in her mental voice, And we can meet the others. Especially your cyan sisters. Topeth gave a draconic smile and nodded, confirming that she'd like that. The two walked out and toward the Weyrling Barracks. They randomly picked a room, not needing too much room. Topeth found a good place to sleep and stretched and was soon out, body rising and falling slowly. Meta grinned at her, sitting on a cot for now. Surely, she'd hear others going to the Feast, maybe her friends that she met before!

T'zar heard the announcement by F'del and sighed. Maybe he wouldn't go. He usually enjoyed feasts a lot. There were pretty girls, good food, and wine. Wait....wine! Wine was always good for taking the pain away. He cast a glance at Brecciaeth as she yawned and decided. While the....green....slept, he would drink enough wine to dull the pain. After all, maybe he wasn't necessarily being fair to her. And he was known to be a boisterous, happy drinker. It would be good. He took Brecciaeth to a room in the Weyrling Barracks, choosing one that was sort of out of the way. He hated acting like this, slinking around in shame, but he felt as if he had to.

[4horseshowgirl4]

Two pairs of eyes, one a soft hazel, one a light shade of quickly-whirling yellowish green, watched Zucherroth and Anima with as much intensity as Kalith had when the dragonets had been emerging from their shells. The future of the Whitepair depended on Zucherroth's ability to move himself around without Anima dictating every step to him. If Zucherroth could not maneuver on the ground without assistance, then it was far-fetched hope that F'del would let them fly, much less in a wing. Yes, they could still make themselves useful, in some way; if Anima was as intelligent as her brother A'mor, then she would be able to find some niche for them in the Weyr. Still, a life on the ground was not where a dragon was meant to be. They were meant to be the rulers of the sky! What if the Whitepair never got to experience that incredible, beautiful feeling? B'nyur's heart saddened just by the very thought.

Don't think that, B'nyurMine!

[/color] Oveth suddenly pleaded, as if His's negative thoughts had been a physical blow to the Blue. {I'm sorry, Oveth. You're right.} B'nyur said, rubbing the Blue's shoulder consolingly. Although Oveth didn't know Zucherroth at all, he still felt morose that any dragon should be inflicted with such a handicap. Hopefully, so hopefully, Zucherroth would be able to 'see' images as any dragon would. His mind seemed sound enough. Eventually, Zucherroth would learn to identify objects from these pictures, and navigating would grow easier. Anima would slowly find herself habitually sending Zucherroth the images he needed to get around, until the two's minds were so closely linked that Zucherroth would find the ability to look through Anima's eyes almost constantly. B'nyur fervently wished that it would not take too long: he hadn't been able how to figure out how to 'borrow' Oveth's eyes until the Blue had chased several females at their old Weyr. B'nyur had been forced to become Oveth at that time, and it had still been difficult to completely immerse himself in part of his dragon when the Flight was done.

A large smile spread over B'nyur's face. Zucherroth was coming towards them, slowly but surely! A happiness exploded through the Bluepair, Oveth's eyes turning almost instantly from the worried yellow-green to a cheerful dark blue. They had done it! The short distance seemed like such an insignificant distance to cross, but if the blind White could find his way that distance, what was to say he wouldn't be able to do the same for a longer one? What was to say that he wouldn't be able to fly one day? Suddenly, everything seemed much more hopeful. B'nyur was just as relieved as happy; he didn't realize that he had already been trying to figure out where Anima and Zucherroth would fit in the Weyr had Zucherroth not been able to walk towards them.

"Nim," B'nyur repeated the name, nodding to her. "Congratulations on Impressing. I think you know why I've been asked to talk to you. Obviously, you've thought about the consequences of Zucherroth's blindness already. I won't lie to you-- it's going to be a huge hurdle for you two to overcome." He paused, waiting for Nim's reaction. "You have a rather large burden, as large as Avalle's. You have to be Zucherroth's eyes, watching out for him as he can't for himself. He's smart, yes, I know there's nothing wrong with his mind, and he'll be strong in time, but you know he's not normal, so don't be offended by what I'm saying. I hope as much as anybody that you two will be able to lead normal lives. But, you've got to learn how to work with each other. You'll have to be more closely connected than any other pair in this place if you want to be able to do what Dragonriders do." Again, he paused, smiling softly at her. This couldn't be an easy thing for her to hear.

"It seems that Zucherroth can see images in his head as well as any other dragon, though his sight is disabled. Nim, I want you to practice sending Zucherroth images through your thoughts. It'll be necessary for him to be able to move around the Weyr. Oveth sent him images, and he was smart enough to be able to utilize them. That's excellent. While other Weyrlings are lazing around, I want you to take Zucherroth around the Weyr, sending him images so he can learn the layout of the Weyr. Eventually, he should be able to figure out how to 'borrow' your eyes, so to say, and look directly through them." The Dragonhealer hesitated, unsure of how to phrase the next part. "If you work hard and learn how to trust each other, there's no reason that you won't learn to fly like the other Weyrlings. However, there's a chance that you won't be able to. It'll be especially difficult for you to fly in a wing, and I'm not confident of your chances against Thread, if it returns. Do you have any questions?"

B'nyur leaned against Oveth's leg, sturdy as a tree trunk. Don't worry! Mine is being too serious! You and Yours will be fine, I know it![/color] Oveth quipped encouragingly to Zucherroth. B'nyur smiled. "If you don't have any objections, I'd like you to come visit me every now and then, or F'del or A'mor, just someone who can help you if you're having trouble with what I've said to you. Oh, one last thing," he said. "Because of his blindness, Zucherroth's eyes might be prone to infection, and because they're colorless, it might be harder to see damage to them. If he feels any pain in them at all, come visit the infirmary immediately."[/font][/right]