Grains of Sand (Millieth's Hatching)

[heisokufire9]

Ashlyn nodded at Armind as he told her to send Loki away. She could have smacked him for the stupid remark but she'd worry about that later. With a hiss of annoyance the bronze popped between. The teen breathed a soft sigh of relief as she turned her attention back to the eggs.

Ashlyn watched the eggs hatch and her eyes widened at the blue hatchling. He didn't have any wings! But he seemed to be fine otherwise. Still she knew that the northerners didn't like mutations. A frown flickered across her face until the little green came up to the line of candidates and stopped in front of her. The teen's eyes widened even more if it was possible then she smiled.

"Of course I'll take care of you." she said and added, "Let's get you to the food shall we?"

Yes that's a fine idea, mine. Then we can meet my siblings as they hatch and find theirs. Sprith chirped. Ashlyn nodded but didn't have the heart to contradict her sweet little green. She wasn't sure the mutated hatchlings would be allowed to live and if they were they would never be in the higher ranks. The teen shook her head as they went over to the food table. She would worry about that later.

[Kisha-Ra]

Hrrm. Mort considered the emerging green. They said a bronze first meant a good clutch, and there was no denying that she wasn’t bronze but the little green seemed well enough, healthy, and obviously happy and curious in spite of the prevailing mood. Wasn’t that a better sign than an unhealthy bronze hatchling? As long as he lived he would never understand that kind of pointless superstition, Mort was certain. As far as he was concerned the best “omen” around was that the wastelanders were so far just watching and being ominous and rather easy to ignore now there were actual dragons on the sands.

The next cracking egg brought a blue (presumably also not lucky), and Mort was sure he wasn’t the only one who went wide eyed at the sight of him. The hatchling bore no wings at all on his back, not even tiny little ones like the ones that sharp tempered healer’s green had. Did that mean his rider was to be a healer then? It certainly seemed to Mort that a fair portion of the strange dragons could be seen around the infirmary, and it was logical too. The small winged green couldn’t fly properly but that just meant her rider had more time for her work since they didn’t need to practice flying things. This blue wouldn’t need to either, although maybe he could be the fastest runner of dragonkind. Whatever. He seemed happy enough, a lot like that green actually, and wasn’t happy important? Yes, he’d make sure his dragon was happy, look after her as well as he looked after Ghost.

Unlucky or otherwise the blue and green both Impressed and Mort’s attention transferred to what colours would break free from the two, no three, moving eggs he could spot. Brown would be good, then a bronze, then the gold, and then they could start over at green again. A lovely pattern of dragons that would be. He hoped Ghost had a good place to watch from so she’d see it all properly, it would be the first hatching she’d seen, wasn’t that an odd thought?

[Rowana]

Farryl, for all her gloom of late, was considerably happier today that she had been in some time. It had taken her a few days of spending nearly all of her free time in her room to get over the shock of the salamandyr hatching and by then, she had started to grow fond of her new additions. Now that she was sure they wouldn't suffer some strange complication and follow the fate of nearly all her other companions to date. One thing was certain, they talked a great deal.

Big Eggies! Faii chimed from her shoulder. She craned her neck to see closer and might have fallen if her brother's weight weren't holding on for them. The blue nose feigned disinterest. So, so, Kurro declared haughtily, just to annoy her. He wouldn't admit to liking them too.

Faii's eyes got big as the hatching went on. Big blue no wings! she cried in distress. Kurro snorted at her. Stupid Faii. Must have, he corrected darkly. He didn't have to look, because clearly she was wrong. Stupid Kurro! Faii hissed firmly. NO WINGS! She batted him with one of hers to make the point.

"Alright you two," Farryl put her hand between them before the fight could escalate. Kurro glared daggers at his sister, as if daring her to try that again. Hobbs offered a sad, whistling shy of apology at their behavior. Farryl just rolled her eyes, but gave him a smile. "If you're so sorry, you could help once in a while instead of encouraging them." Hobbs chirped hopefully and the young woman just shook her head to keep from laughing. Everyone else was so tense with Millieth upset, so she could only hope that Kurro and Faii weren't ruining things with their loud bickering.

Peppeth was ignoring them all, being far more interested in the seen below. She wished she could sit by Ykkith. He got to see the little ones so much closer! Friend-Ykkith! she called in a cheerful voice. I hope I am not bothering you? Are the little ones not wonderful? she asked with hopeful anticipation. That they were a little odd didn't bother her in the least. Behruth's messaged worried her though, even as she told Farryl. Why would they do that to poor Millieth's? Hatchings were supposed to be happy! She wanted to ask, but she didn't want to make it worse either.

~

G'tor fidgeted in his seat. He didn't like all this. Wastelanders watching their every move, Ja'kin suspiciously absent and Millieth was definitely upset. He wasn't that pleased either. Ruskeath had wanted to chase Millieth and he hadn't taken being denied very well. True, they probably wouldn't have stood any more chance than the last two times, but not even being aloud to try just felt wrong. Even the calm, friendly brown had his limits.

To his credit, Ruskeath was dealing with the situation quite well. His main focus was on Millieth and the eggs, but Behruth's message concerned him greatly. It wasn't right to threaten younglings. Tor-mine, the hold the little one of Millieth's, he relayed worriedly. I fear Millieth may not be able to hold her temper for much longer. G'tor bit his lip to keep from cursing. We can't do anything. Especially not with the Hatching.

He considered sending Star, but they would know about her by now, and he didn't even know where Kai was. Going to one place Star could handle, but searching the entire Weyr was another thing entirely. Tervain could have done it, but she was larger and easier to spot. G'tor sighed. One thing was sure, it didn't seem right for Kaegan to have to be alone at a time like this. He stood and started down towards where she was, keeping his pace slow and deliberate so it wouldn't be threatening.

Tell Millieth I'll come talk to Kaegan if she'll let me, he asked. Getting eaten by a queen dragon would be a lovely end to the day's events. He only hoped Ja'kin didn't decided to show up now and stab him for getting close to her or something. It wasn't like he was going to try anything stupid, just talk.

Millieth? Ruskeath asked politely. He was sorry to disturb her when she was so upset. May Tor-mine come see Yours? It would take him a minute or two to get down their anyway, giving her plenty of time to answer.

[Tashe]

Come into my life
Regress into a Dream
We will hide
Build a new reality

I'm trying, I'm trying, but its difficult. Twisting her head so she could nuzzle her Rider gently, Millieth did her best to suppress the feelings she was broadcasting. Claws adjusted themselves so they hovered near the Cliffbrush Egg, just in case. No one would get near her unborn Golden Daughter, not while she still breathed. She never liked choosing favorites but it always seemed to happen, like Feyrianth and Chakraith from her last clutch... and Checkoth and Behruth before them. Though that was the extent of her memory, any hatchling or egg favorites from clutches before that seemed to blur into a haze. Well, this clutch, it was obvious she favored the Cliffbrush Egg. What was less obvious was the fact she held the Datura Egg special as well. Glancing away from her Eggs as another Brown contacted her, Millieth twitched her tail and focused her attention on the moving human. As long as he understands I reserve the right to change my mind and eat him if he upsets Mine any more than she is right now.

The next egg to hatch was... a surprise. For it was not the Ocotillo Egg, nor the Datura and neither was it the violently rocking Tumbleweed Egg. In fact it was the Hoodoo Egg who burst open in a shower of shards, a few of which hurdled through the air toward the awaiting candidates. Picking himself out of the remaining fragments of shell, the little male stretched his wings out to their fullest before yawning. The Hoodoo Male seemed positively healthy, he was even the normal size for a large Blue or a very small Brown... but the metallic glimmer on his hide very obviously marked him as a Bronze. Opening and closing his wings, the Hoodoo Bronze chirped to no one in particular before promptly turning around and making a bee-line for the Datura Egg. Thrusting his head against the egg he chirped and then was silent, obviously listening for a response. Pulling away from the egg, he looked up at his clutch mother before chirping again. Millieth in turn lowered her head so she could speak nose to nose with her Bronze son.

Meanwhile the Tumbleweed Egg split cleanly in two, both sides falling away to either side of the hatchling. Unlike the Kerpth, this Blue had wings. But when he flared them out to dry them, it was immediately obvious that he too was mutated. The membranes that make up his wings do not run length of body like a normal dragon, but seem to stop shortly after each wing joint. Because his wings wont get very much lift, its entirely can this hatchling may never fly. Licking his paw like a feline, the Tumbleweed Blue busied himself with cleaning the goop from his body. His could wait, they'd understand.

The Ocotillo Egg was making progress, in fact, a large hole could now be seen near the top of the shell. And its from that hole which came the head of the hatchling, marking it's occupant a little Green. From what could be seen, it was apparent that the rest of the female was going to be just as cute. Eyelids fluttered open and then closed, it was very bright and she was sleepy from trying to hatch. Could someone not do it for her?

Back to the conversation between the Gold and son. Something was happening to be sure. The Queen kept switching her attention between the Hoodoo Bronze and the Datura Egg, though as to why could be anyone's guess. Suddenly, Millieth stepped halfway off of her couch and brought herself within reaching distance of the Datura Egg. And, just as quickly, used her claws to crack the shell in twain. Settling back into her original position she nudged the Hoodoo Bronze toward the Datura Hatchling with gratitude. Apparently the shell of the Datura Egg had been so thick that the hatchling inside would have never been able to break free on their own.

Scampering over to his clutch sibling, the Hoodoo Bronze obscured the Datura Hatchling from sight, effectively hiding its color from the spectators. But the cheeps an the croons let the audience know that the Datura Hatchling was very much alive.

Picking himself up the Tumbleweed Blue quickly wobbled across the sands, ignoring the drama behind him and angling his trek toward the girls. Once he arrived, the large and vivid male wound himself around a black haired girl and scrunched his nose back. Poritamine, I am Jipth. We will go and eat now, leave that mess to the Bronzeling to handle. Come.

---

He was late, so what. It wasn't like him not being there was going to be the end of the world or something. Ruffling his hair, K'thay squeezed his way through the crowded stands managing to find a seat behind to very familiar looking heads. Sitting down, he leaned forward and propped his chin on his fists. "Well if it isn't my two favorite female Riders." This of course, wasn't entirely true, because he didn't actually have favorites. "Serissa, Erilena. Hello, hello. Have I missed much?"

Draw another picture
Of the life you could have had
Follow your instincts
And choose the other path

[Avu]

“Heh. Shame.” Ka’aen’s shoulder hitched up on one side, an absentminded shrug, before he licked his lips, peering back at the Hatching attentively. Funnily enough, he still remembered that particular Hatching fiasco—not as well as he remembered the moment Rhiiseth’s wings had brushed up like a nebula to surround him, the rasping grating purr sounding soft and confident against his mind, but remembered it, still. Not his first time Standing, but it was still the first blood spilled on that particular Hatching, and given that the green’s wounds were so severe…yes, he recalled. And anyway, even if he had no particular affections for his weyrling class, Rhiiseth was undeniably fond of certain clutchsiblings—not Lucith, but some.

“Bronze looks okay,” he observed casually, fingers still tapping out their rhythm against his thigh. “Green, too. The blues—tch.” He wrinkled his nose slightly. “Still, bronze. Unless you can see something I can’t?” Demotaeth, at least, would be pleased at that, surely. Ka’aen wasn’t exactly a huge fan of bronzes, since they were generally an arrogant and unappetizing group, but he understood their necessity, at least. (They didn’t need to go around parading it, though—it wasn’t like anyone would get anywhere without greens to fight and die for them, and they didn’t usually go around like bronzes did, after all.)

Rhiiseth’s tail coiled around his haunches neatly, eyes glowing in the dim light as he craned his neck downwards, head tipped towards Feyrianth just slightly. Her words earned a quiet hum of agreement, but the small increase in her hum at the sight of the mutated blue had a faint yellow thread of surprise tingeing the calm green-blue gaze, fading smoothly the next instant. Fear ye not the taint of night? Quiet, gentle and coaxing; Rhiiseth wanted to know, could not understand. It was Hatching, and might as well be a dawn, but was every dawn not touched by night still—especially for Selenitas, especially now?

Seems a shadow rumor whispers to others, the blue added, nonchalantly flicking his tail towards Millieth in particular. Of course a clutchmother would be concerned for any clutch, but that she was so blatantly distressed this time…did her dragons not take their signals from her, then? Have they right to fear?

[Rei]

A soft croon was offered to Rhiiseth as Feyrianth turned her attention slightly away from the clutch but before she could answer her companion she was bombarded by other voices. Momentarily the four wing green stilled her humming, her wings slowly closing and settling neatly against her spine. Inwardly she debated before reaching out first to Behruth. A favorite the brown was. Her infirmary cuddle mate as well as friend. He got her attention first.

I will watch Ruth. We all will. Feyrianth replied softly to him, tendrils of worry leaking though her cheerful gaze. Why would they need the Kaione? It did not make sense and it upset her to think of the little one in danger again. A shiver ran down the dragon’s length and she replied to Rhiiseth. Fear and darkness are not things that belong at a birth. Birth is daybreak, beginning. Her head lifting she crooned down to the babies wobbling across the sands. Determination and love brings about light and the ones below have no less right to exist and be happy than you or I do.

Whirling eyes turned to the blue, Feyrianth’s muzzle coming dangerously close to his own. Fear and night may be present Rhiiseth, but only if we allow it. My brothers will be fine. They will fight. Like I had to. Like we all have. Their circumstances may be different but in the end they are no different than you and I. Head swinging back towards the sands a hum again resonated in her chest. To Ildyth she replied cheerfully. Of course I did not take his wings. That is just silly. At one time way back as a hatchling she had thought the same thing. That she had taken them from Phremath, but that had long since been forgotten. He is a blue and he was simply born without. He is simply unique. Just as we all are.

Erilena found herself tearing up as Feyrianth shared her explanation to Rhiiseth. No doubt intentional where Feyrianth’s words. As much for them as they where for the newly bonded. Rubbing at the starting tears she gave a soft laugh. “Young. Yeah I know. A long way to go.” But they had come a long way to, her and Fey. And if the greenrider had any say in it would continue that way. Another voice had the young woman half turning around to offer a smile to K’thay. “Hey yourself. I haven’t seen you around at all lately. Busy like all of us I suppose?”

Before Erilena could get an answer however murmurings from the crowd had her attention going strictly back to the sands. More babies. A healthy looking bronze even if he was a tad small and one had impressed. There was something…off about the way that blue's wing sails where connected however. Anatomy wise they where wrong, which might make it difficult for him to achieve lift. At all. Flying might be out of the question for that one. Or perhaps just extremely hard. Hmm. Maybe there was a way to fix that mechanically. Erilena was determined that the mutations from this clutch had every chance that she and Feyraith had. Thus where the green pair could help they had already decided that they would.

~~~

Z’ves gave a soft snort. “Maybe all the blues will end up being off. Pity.” The rider stopped playing with his knife as his head tilted towards the bronze hatchling on the sands. It seemed to be conversing with the anxious gold? Hmmm. “No he looks perfectly fine to me. A little on the small side for a bronze hatchling but that’s nothing really unusual.” The bluerider’s eyes flicked up towards the stands and the dragons ringing the arena. Still no Demotaeth. Not that that was odd by any stretch. The bronze never seemed like the social type. One would think he’d be here for the hatching though. Maybe he didn't want to be embarrassed by what mutated ones crawled out of the woodwork? Possible but unlikely. The large bronze had never come off as anything but confident. Ja’kin probably just had more pressing things to attend to.

Not that it mattered. The hatching was running very smoothly so far. No hiccups. That was good. His eyes lazily scanned the clutch occasionally straying to the candidates but mostly focused on the new arriving weyrlings. At least they where all being obedient and doing what they where told. Eyes flicking back to Ka’aen he motioned towards the egg Millieth had helped crack. “Don’t often see a queen helping out her hatchlings like that. What you want to bet something is wrong with that one to?” Considering it couldn’t even hatch on it’s own? The likelihood was high.

[Requiem]

Behruth sent Millieth a reassuring pulse, then went back to watching the Hatching. So far the only one that wasn't healthy (or normal) was the wingless blue. Other dragons weren't, too, of course. Checkbrother had two tails, Phremath only had half wings, Feyrianth had extra ones...but they could all fly at least passably. (And were all in wings outside the regular ones. Go figure.) What life would a wingless dragon have, though?

---

Impressions seemed to be going better now after the wingless one. Or, at least, all the dragons after seemed to be healthy. That one Millieth had to free herself, though, remained concealed. Not a good sign. Ykkith wasn't particularly concerned with all of that, though. His head turned toward the little cheerful green. Hatchings are always wonderful, little Peppeth. Would you like to join me? You are more than welcome. Or maybe she wasn't, but who was going to say no to Ykkith? The absent Demotaeth? It wasn't as if the brown was actually on the sands and it would disturb the restless gold.

Besides, it might do to have less of so obvious a division.

---

Armind was altogether taken with the dragons suddenly hatching from their eggs like mad. Did they always hatch so quickly? Of course, his attention was diverted by something much closer to home. The small boy was glancing up at Caden, listening to him with divided attention, when he noticed something...odd. His dark eyes widened slightly and he just had to verify what they were telling him.

A second later the child's hands were on the older boy's chest. "Do you know that you've got lumps on your chest? That's like, really weird!" he exclaimed, squeezing the little, squishy things. "Did you see a healer about it? Uncle always said that if you got weird growths you should see a healer. Maybe they'll cut them off! If they do, can I watch?"

[Rowana]

Peppeth's light up a bright, crystal blue. May I? Truly? she squeaked joyfully to Ykkith. To see the hatchlings up so close! Oh, it would be wondrous. May I, Farryl-love? Please? Farryl, still trying to keep Kurro and Faii from eating each other, frowned briefly. She honestly didn't like Peppeth spending so much time with the Wasteland brown, but she wasn't her mother to make her stay. At least Ur'h and his dragon were decent sorts. Alright, just don't get in the way, she allowed.

Peppeth gave a squee of delight and in moments she had winged down to where Ykkith was settled. Maybe a larger dragon would made more of a show of it, but tiny Peppeth was like a darter as she fluttered down gently next to the brown. Thank you, Ykkith, she bobbed her head politely. Within seconds her eyes fell on the little hatchlings. Oh! How small they are! Anyone smaller than her was a wonder to behold. I bet they will grow big soon! she declared happily. How truly beautiful Millieth's offspring were!

Of course, once they saw Peppeth fly down, Kurro and Faii suddenly wanted to go too. See close too? the asked in unison, after which came the glares that followed the times they accidentally agreed with each other. "No," Farryl said firmly. Millieth was upset enough without these monsters getting any closer then they were already. Faii go see! the green giggled. She started to flap her little wings rapidly. Kurro, despite the fact he'd wanted to go only moments ago, now decided he definitely didn't want to go anywhere she did. Kurro stay, he stated flatly, turning his head away from the scene below. Without his help, Faii bounced up and down in the air, unable to go anywhere, much less fly, without him. Hobbs chortled with laughter at the scene, and Farryl had to cover her mouth not to giggle.

~

From his perched, Ruskeath dipped his head in respect for Millieth's answer. Mine will do his best, he assured the queen. He offered her a gently hum of encouragement. Your hatchlings are beautiful. The brown didn't care what anyone else thought about the lack of wings or the other oddities. No one could hatch more beautiful and unique clutches than Millieth.

G'tor paused briefly as Ruskeath's calm voice entered his mind. Millieth says if you make her sad, she will eat you. It was impossible to tell by his tone if the dragon was joking or serious. G'tor eyed Millieth warily a moment before continuing down. Getting eaten was getting to be a more real possibility than he thought. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea. Slowly, he found Kaegan on the Queen's Couch and stopped a few feet from her.

"Um..." he started, shifting his feet. Really, what had he expected to say? He didn't really have any comfort to offer. He didn't know where Kai was, he didn't know why he was taken, and he didn't know what the Wastelanders were up to. The best he could do was just be himself. "Kaegan?" he called gently. "You don't have to be alone. We're all here for you." Mi'rah was a strong man, and a bronzerider besides, or maybe one of the healers would be good about now. G'tor knew what she really needed was Kai, but he couldn't promise that. Honestly was something he believed in strongly.

[archenstone]

Mikaze turned his head towards Hinsero as he felt the man's hand on his shoulder. "On you as well." He said. He didn't believe in Hinsero's beliefs...but saw no reason not to return the blessing. We all need a little luck today.He thought as he watched the green make her way towards her new partner. "She certainly does." He agreed. He didn't mention it was considered ill luck for the green to be first.

As he continued to watch the eggs hatching his gaze inevitably fell upon the wingless blue. Poor thing, if the Wastelanders allow it to live it will never know flight. He didn't know which fate would be worse, having been exposed to Benden's culling. He felt like the hatchling deserved it's chance though. He hoped that those he recognized from Benden wouldn't follow the same policy. What if my dragon has no wings too? If he impressed. He hoped fervently that what ever happened....no babies where killed today

He continued to watch in silence, attempting to ignore the other candidates and focusing on the hatching. More eggs hatched, revealing a Bronze. There seemed to be trouble though and he trid to see what was going on. Was was Millieth doing? His eyes widened when he saw her stab one of the eggs.....she wouldn't kill her own would she?

But things were moving on and he was watching...how much more crazy was this going to get?


~~~~~~~~~~

Asharra had decided to sit in on this hatching. After all it started shorty after her shift ended....and she still held the wastelanders in deep suspicion. They seemed to drive the point into her face that Selenitas had been a freak exception as far as riders where concerned. As she sat in the stands though she could almost feel empathatic to Millieth's situation....no Mother should be pressed for obedience at the birth of her children.

She watched with clinical interest as the hatchlings came forth, staring long and hard at the pretty blue. She was completely ignorant of the Benden custom. As such she viewed the mutation as a curiosity and wondered what caused it from a medical stand point.

~~~~~~~~~~

X'vier had been there from the beginning, watching, hoping that everything would go okay. Things were definetely not okay though. He was on edge, knowing that wastelander dragons blocked the entrances and had stressed Gold rider and gold to the max. The fact that they held her baby.....made him boil inside.

[Tashe]

You should never be afraid
You're protected from trouble and pain
Why, why
Is this a crisis in your eyes again?

Shuffling her wings, Millieth tapped her tail as she watched the Ocotillo Green break free of her egg. But she quickly recoiled back farther onto her couch so that she could level her nose with the Cliffbush Egg, her eager alertness was abrupt and swift. It seemed as if the large egg was starting to hatch.

Deciding that because no one was going to help her out, the Ocotillo Green flopped out of her egg gracefully. Once free of the shell the little female shook herself and fluttered her wings, looking out to the Candidates before picking her way over to her clutchsiblings. Chirping she rubbed herself against the Hoodoo Bronze before leaning down to greet the Datura Hatchling. A brief conversation ensued between the Green and the Bronze before the Hoodoo male left with a happy flick of his tail. The Ocotillo Green positioned herself to drag away a half of the Datura shell. Once that was done she used her tail to help her clutchsibling to stand up. Poor love, just a little weak from such a thick shell. But it wasn't the fact that the hatchling was weak that was surprising, but the color of the dragonette. He was white. Well, as white as a dragon who wasn't Ruth could get. Pale pinkish eyes tracked the faces of the people in the crowd before turning to his clutchsister. The Datura Albino chirped quietly before turning in unison to watch the Cliffbrush Egg.

The Hoodoo Bronze scampered quietly toward the boys, strides gaining more and more confidence the farther he traveled across the sands. Flicking his tail as he took a sharp turn, the small male slowed down to a trot. A few moments of sniffing the robe skirts of the candidates, the Bronze flopped down across a small boy's feet. Mo'rya I am Epifayrmuth. I would ask you to feed me with haste, but the glorious one is about to hatch. We will wait till after she is free from her shell.

There was a sudden hush that spread across the hatching arena, the silence strange in comparison to what it should be. The Cliffbrush Egg twitched. Once, twice and then... a single Golden claw appeared, breaking through the egg shell like a knife cutting butter. A second limb appeared, followed slowly and deliberately by the rest of the little Queen's body. Bright like a newly polished locket, the young Queen lifted her head and blinked in the light. She was huge. Completely dwarfing any and all of her clutchsiblings that had already hatched. At Millieth's touch, she nuzzled her maw against her mother's with affection. Spreading her wings she fanned them out and lifted a leg as if to step away from her mother... but instead flopped down onto the sands, eyes half lidding with content. Looking up from the candidates only when Millieth's head loomed over her, the Cliffbrush Gold yawned and crossed her legs. She felt secure. Her mother was watching over her... literally.

Looking away from her Gold as her name was called, Kaegan tried to offer G'tor a smile but failed... miserably. His support, or rather the knowledge of any sort of support, was something she needed right now. "They know then?" Her voice was as hushed as she could make it. "My riders know about Kai?" Running a hand up and down Millieth's hide, she pushed away from her to put an arm on the Brownrider's shoulder and rest her head against it, blocking the light from her eyes. "This stress cannot be good for my heart. I'm going to die young... and grey." Quickly leaping away, Kaegan crossed to the edge of the couch and sat near Millieth's leg. Her Dragon's enthusiasm that her daughter hatched healthy had completely over came her.

Come to be
How did it come to be
Tied to a railroad
No love to set us free

[Tashe]

Watch our souls fade away
And our bodies crumble in
Don't be afraid
I will take the blow for you

Hoodoo Egg

Impressed to: Mo'rya (Mortanyal)

Name: Epifayrmuth (epi-fair-muth)
Age: 1<
Color: Bronze - #AC7F24

Appearance: Epifayrmuth looks positively edible. Carmel dessert meet Bronze Dragon. A light orangey brown, this Male looks like he's been dunked into a vat of that sweet tasting goo. Epifayrmuth shimmers slightly when under direct sunlight, it has to be directly focused, otherwise the shimmer dulls down to just the metalic sheen all Bronzes have. Because his hide will shimmer at random times it gives off the illusion of liquid movement, much like the sparkle water gives off when viewed from certain perspectives. Dark brown lines crisscross over his nose and run up his head stopping just short of his head knobs, making it look like someone has accidently drizzled chocolate on this lovely dessert dragon. While black claws draw the eye to the fact he's much more dangerous and less sweet than he appears to be.

The only problem is... well, Epifayrmuth is about 30 feet in length. He's the size of a small Brown or a large Blue... which ever comparision makes him feel better. Definately the smallest Bronze on the Southern Continent, if not in the entirety of Pern, Epifayrmuth has a sort of Dragonic Dwarfism. In the simplest terms, he just didn't grow to the length he was born to, instead ceasing at a point common to his non-metalic bretheren. His legs are slightly shorter then they should be which, in conjunction with his smaller body, make his head look a big large. Rest assured though that overall he does not look strange, just a little unique... yet charming in his own way. Broad wings and thickly packed muscle will allow him the endurance of a large Brown but in turn, cut into the speed he might have had given his smaller and sleeker size.

Personality: He is the yang to Mortanyal's ying. Epifayrmuth is completely grounded, always taking things as they are and not as he hopes they'll be. He doesn't actively search for that silver lining, nor does he go about brooding over the negative aspects, he is a realist in the most literal sense. An certainly, there are no sunbeams coming out of his eyes. Epifayrmuth works when he needs to and doesn't he doesn't. He might be small, but he is still a Bronze and entitled to all that comes with being metallic. Though in truth, Epi doesn't subscribe to the atypical arrogance that most of his color seem born with, he's too open minded for that. If he doesn't see a need, short of being ordered, he'll most likely not do it.

Not very talkative, he prefers to be the silent one of the group. Simply lazing in the sun on the outskirts and only speaking when he feels the want to. Its not that he doesn't like other Dragons, he just believes they spend much to much time just chattering along. In short, he doesn't need other Dragons to be happy. Put him in the middle of the jungle with His and enough food and water to last him and Epifayrmuth would be living pleasently among the silence. He wouldn't mind being alone, but he does find some pleasure in just laying or cuddling next to other Dragons.

But when it comes to getting Epifayrmuth mad? Well lets say you just shouldn't. He is literally a genius when it comes to aerial battle, prefering one or two hit K'Os over drawing the battle out. This Bronze can visualize two to three steps in advance and plot out his plan of attack with in a span of a few moments. His fuse isn't long but it still has some length to it, giving people a fortunate reprieve. And, despite being so effective in battle, Epifayrmuth really doesn't have any ambition to lead a Wing. If he's put there, fine, but he's not going to actively work for the position.

And I've had recurring nightmares
I was loved for who I am
And missed the opportunity
To be a better man

[Ruby]

No, that can't be right... Ildyth mused, encouraged by Feyrianth's pleasantness. Dragons have wings, and that one does not. Perhaps he is a Runner? Ildyth asked, in all seriousness - but once again, the lilting tone and his slightly cross-eyed expression made the question sound idiotic. Eternally trying to be right, Ildyth decided to get a few more thoughts on the problem. Opening his mindvoice to any of the dragons in the stands not too consumed with watching the hatching, he asked again. Dragons have wings, and that one does not. Does that make him still a dragon?

Ignoring her dragon, Serissa winked at Erilena. "Oh, I wouldn't rush it. Better to be young than old... you and Feyrianth just seem so well connected," she added. Not that she'd seen them work together much, but four-winged greens were hard to miss, and Serissa didn't mind handing out a possibly false compliment here or there. A familiar voice behind her made Serissa turn, though, flashing a brilliant smile in K'thay's direction. "Well, it just got much more pleasant in here." She paused for a moment, giving Erilena a moment to complete her greeting, before turning sideways so she could see both K'thay and the clutch. "You've missed quite the eventful hatching, so far. "That one, and that one -" she pointed at Sprith and Kerpth, respectively - "hatched first. Then the rest of them, pretty much. They don't seem to want to wait their turns. Both of the Blues have some wing trouble, though, and that one" A gesture at the Datura hatchling, "Doesn't seem to have any color at all. At least the Gold looks whole?"

---

Mikaze got a dazzling smile for his efforts - Hinsero didn't know the other man was a believer (or at least open to the idea). He would have to speak with Mikaze some other time... but now was not that time. Dragons were hatching left and right, and while none had even come close to the two male candidates, Hinsero had a good feeling about this hatching. With Heart here, anything could happen - but whatever it was, it would be good (Heart had, of course, ignored Millieth's dismissal. The gold couldn't see her after all, and she was no unruly pet to be dismissed so... she would have to speak with her siblings about this). One of their fellow males, one of the ones Hinsero had lessons with, Impressed, and he burst into applause again. "Look at that!" he shouted over the din of the hatching dragons and cheering stands. "Go, Mor- er, whatever his name is now!"

--

Caden didn't hesitate even for a moment when Armind grabbed her chest. Holding her left arm parallel to the ground, she sliced downwards, hitting Armind in the crooks of his elbows just hard enough to break his grab. Then, with a step to the right, she pivoted smoothly, sliding an arm around the boy's shoulders until she had him in an effortless headlock. "If they do, you can watch, but until then don't touch," she said matter of factly, giving the boy a brief noogie before she let him go. Pulling down the neck of her robe (the thing was loose enough that she barely even had to stretch the fabric), she showed him the top of the bandage she'd taken to instead of a breastband, flattening her chest even better than those could. "See?" Let him take that as he would - either he'd continue to believe she was male with some sort of strange chest injury, or he'd put two and two together. With a bit of a grimace, Caden tried to decide which one she preferred. Neither choice was great... if only she never had to grow up. She wouldn't mind being Armind's age forever.

[Kisha-Ra]

To Mort’s surprise none of the moving eggs hatched next, instead one that had been still all along more or less exploded with shards flying everywhere. When Millieth was gone he’d see if he could get a few bits of every egg, dragons had the most wonderfully coloured eggs. What an adorable little bronze! The hatchling seemed kind of small, not that much bigger than the blue that had just Impressed but Mort shrugged it off, he’d never seen a bronze hatchling before they might all start out that size and just grow more.

Another egg splitting snatched Mort’s attention away from the bronze as a second blue joined his brother on the sands. For a moment Mort frowned, there was something odd about that hatchling’s wings too, but what? Flicking his gaze between the two hatchlings the boy soon had the answer, the blue didn’t have as much membrane in his wings as other dragons, that was probably going to make it hard from him to fly, perhaps there were more healers down here than he suspected, or maybe the blue’s bonded would do something else important.

For a moment a green head caught Mort’s attention, she was going to be adorable too by the look of it, then he moved on, trying to look everywhere at once and failing. Suddenly, to Mort’s surprise, Millieth moved and caught one the rocking eggs in her claws, cracking it neatly before moving back. The pieces of shell that he could see looked very thick indeed, no wonder the bronze was so concerned about his sibling. No amount of neck craning would let Mort se around the bronze form to the newest hatchling so the boy indulged himself in a pout and turned his attention to the blue again.

He just knew that green was going to be adorable! Mort’s pout vanished as he followed the green with his eyes. Oh just look at them helping the other hatchling! Mort bounced on the balls of his feet, trying to see just a bit more, but it turned out to be unnecessary as the other two hatchlings got the weak one to its feet. White? How very strange. Ooooh the gold egg must be about to hatch by the way the white hatchling and the green turned their attention to it, but where had the bronze gone? Ah there he was, he must being trying to find his rider in time to see his sister hatch. Who was he going to pick anyway? Mort considered his classmates wondering who’d make a good bronzerider but his thoughts were interrupted by something flopping down on his feet. Hmmm, that bronze was a bit bigger than he looked, and quite heavy.

Mo'rya I am Epifayrmuth. I would ask you to feed me with haste, but the glorious one is about to hatch. We will wait till after she is free from her shell.

‘That seems wise,’ Mort commented. ‘I’ve been waiting for her to hatch forever.’ The boy’s face fell as something occurred to him and he looked down, down into rainbow eyes surrounded by soft bronze hide. ‘Oh dear, I think I was wrong. If you’re my dragon, she can’t be. I still want to watch, I’ve never seen a gold dragon hatch before.’

Yes, I am your dragon, as my golden sister is not. Pay attention now.[/color] With a jerk of his muzzle Epifayrmuth indicated the gold egg, just in time for Mo’rya to look at it and see the golden claw slash through. The rest of the young queen swiftly followed, she was bright gold, huge, and stunningly beautiful. Epifayrmuth was right, she is glorious. The bronze solemnly nodded at his bonded’s only coherent thought, she was, wasn’t she?

[Requiem]

Of course, the male returned, amused. He was not in the habit of speaking untruths. (Maybe not speaking truths, but that was another matter. The brown admired the grace of her landing and crooned softly. Ykkith immediately curled partially around his lovely little wingmember. No thank you's. Not when I'm doing it just for the pleasure of your company, he told her smoothly. Let any of the other dragons say something. His lids fell to half-conceal his eyes in amusement.

He nudged at Peppeth's jaw lightly. Ah, but that one is quite nearly your size already, he teased the green. Of course the gold wasn't really so big as all that yet, but in a few months she would be. The blues' wings...hm. At least the shiny ones were formed correctly. Ur'h eyed the new weyrlings. Everyone seemed focused on that gold. The man shifted slightly on his feet. (He still didn't understand what the draw was. Oh, shiny? Kind of...elementary, wasn't it?)

---

"Hey, ow!"

The yelp might have been a bit out of place in this setting, but then, Armind rarely fell into the normal category. He squirmed like a fish out of water to try to get out of the headlock. The boy was just considering an elbow to the ribs or stomping on Caden's toe - no fair capturing him like this! - when Caden released him first. He wrinkled his nose and smoothed out the hair now sticking up on the top of his head with his hands. "Why? They hurt or something?" he questioned, a definite sulk sounding in the words.

Armind blinked at the bandaging. A new thought went through his head. Eyes widened. "The cooties did that to you, didn't they? You were sleeping with the girls. Those are breast lumps!" Suddenly he was backing up a few steps. "You've been girlified," he whispered in horror. "I thought those were just stories. Ew!" Another couple steps back, before he realized everyone was focused on something else. He blinked and turned his attention to the gold. After a few moments, he sniffed dismissively.

"What's so special about a fat, shiny dragon? It's just a girl dragon, isn't it?" Silly people.

[Rowana]

Peppeth purred at the flattery. To think that another dragon liked her company that much was so nice! She didn't care where he was from, so as he was friendly. The little green chortled with high laughter at her friend's comment. True! she agreed, eying the little queen with delight. She was so beautiful! Her eyes drifted over the others now that she could see them more closely. Nuzzling Ykkith, she crooned worriedly for the poor blues. Do you think their wings will grow better? she asked hopefully. She could remember a time when she had feared to be so small that she wouldn't be allowed to carry Farryl. The idea of not being able to fly at all was so sad. At least they would have their riders though.

~

G'tor returned Kaegan's approach with a gentle hug. "We know," he confirmed softly. "And we'll stand by you, whatever happens." He wished he could tell her that Kai would be fine, that Millieth's babies would all grow strong without a fuss. Yet he couldn't make promises he couldn't keep. The condition of the blues in the clutch was a worry. He knew the reports of what Benden did with mutations, particularly ones that prevented flight. What would the Wastelanders do to these ones?

"Nonsense!" he called, with a touch more lightheartedness. "You still have decades to grace us with your beauty." He tried a smile to hopefully cheer her. It was hard to tell if she'd meant the last comment seriously or not, but he didn't like to think of the idea of any of them dying anytime soon for whatever reason. Besides, even if her hair did turn grey, she'd still be lovely. Watching the little queen, G'tor considered following Kaegan, but decided to stay where he was. It was best not to press his luck with Millieth. Besides, a new queen was a hopeful sign for the Weyr and the little gold looked strong and healthy from what he could see.