Grains of Sand (Millieth's Hatching)

[archenstone]

Mikaze applauded with the rest of the group as a boy impressed the Bronzed. He was distracted though. The white dragon was an oddity. He watched it for a minute but was inevitably drawn towards the golden egg as it cracked, and a claw emerged. The little queen seemed to exit the shell with preplanned execution.

When Millieth and her daughter nuzzled it seemed touching to Mikaze, who'd never known much tenderness from his mother. He was content to watch the dragonets quietly.

[Avu]

“Mm, that’s good, at least.” Ka’aen stretched slightly. The bronze was a good sign, yes. The gold egg, too, but he and Rhiiseth had already had a debate about whether or not the gold would end up mutated—if it would make her less of a gold if she was. Couldn’t count their dragons before they Hatched, could they. Ka’aen’s lips quirked upwards lightly in amusement at Millieth’s display, though, and Z’ves’s words, Ka’aen inclining his head in agreement with the other bluerider. “I wouldn’t bet against those odds,” he commented, wrinkling his nose, just as another sibling also went over to that egg—“And, yup.”

It wasn’t debilitating, from the looks of it, but still, it couldn’t be healthy, and, “Can dragons get sunburned?” Ka’aen wondered out loud. “And speaking of sunburn—pink looks lovely on you, Z’ves.” A nod, a teasing smirk playing across his lips. Just because he wasn’t best buddies forever with Z’ves didn’t mean Ka’aen wouldn’t tease him—and anyway, what was that, really? A pink shirt at Hatching—he’d frighten the hatchlings away, tch. Although perhaps that would be a good thing—wasn’t like any of them were shooting to Impress a second dragon, right? Ka’aen grinned slightly as S’lat rolled his eyes pointedly. Like he hadn’t noticed Z’ves’s pinkness.

Tempting to lean forward that small extra distance and swipe his tongue over her muzzle playfully; Rhiiseth settled for a low purr, blinking dark eyes shut and open. So righteous; so convinced of the joy of birth. So strange; every dawn had night still clinging and had night in its future. To ignore that would be…foolish. His tail curled around his haunches, head dipping in quiet submission. So difficult the obstacles, mountains to move and seas to part, murmured quiet enough to be taken for reverence; the blue’s head turned back to the Sands at the bronze’s Impression, a soft swell of hum reverberating in his throat.

Perhaps, murmured like an afterthought, a smoky brush of shadow, These mountains move not under pressure. His head tipped back up to Feyrianth, a curious hybrid croon-hum curling in his throat. And yet the dawn grows ever brighter; look—a new star has graced us with its presence.

[Tashe]

Follow through
Make your dreams come true
Don't give up the fight
You will be alright
'Cause there's no one like you
In the universe

Despite how much she wanted to stay and watch the little Queen, the Ocotillo Green really couldn't wait much longer, she could feel her human and the attraction was almost overwhelming. Checking in with the Datura Albino, the little female happily paced away with a cheerful trumpet. Here she comes! Her Mine will be so happy, perhaps happy enough to even itch that annoying spot behind her wing? Yes, most definitely. Hopping and prancing the Ocotillo Green wound her way through the candidates, teasing each playfully in turn before stopping in front of a girl with brownish colored hair. Leilanimine, I am Katearath. Lets eat! I'm simply staaarving.

While his clutchsister left to find her human, the Datura Albino shook himself like a feline who'd had water dumped accidentally onto them. He didn't very much like this goo stuff at all. Stretching his limbs one at a time, he made his way over to his Golden sister. He wanted to at least say hello to her, plus, she looked so comfortable there by their mother he couldn't help but want to lay down too. He was kinda sleepy and he already knew exactly where his human was, it wasn't like there was a large chance some other Dragon in his clutch would want that exact same person. Wobbling over to the little Queen, the Datura Albino flopped down next to her with a satisfied chirp. He liked that the sand was warm, but the little grains felt funny. Oh well, he'd bare through it for now. Bending his head, he licked a spot of gunk off of his slightly green tinged hide.

Happily greeting her brother as he joined her under their mother's head, she watched Millieth gently nudge the Albino with affection before turning her attention to the Candidates at hand. Oh what a scanty lot they were. Not enough girls, to many guys. Ah, but there. There was one that she liked, even from where she was she could tell that that particular girl was the one meant to be her partner. There was no one else quite like her. But she was feeling a bit lazy. Perhaps she could get the girl to come to where she was... Wouldn't that be nice? And then her Mother could see exactly how amazing her Rider is and even maybe be impressed! Oh yes, that sounded like a good plan. Reaching out, she enveloped the girl's mind with her own. Caedenor, Caden, C'den... girl, you have far to many names. I will choose one for you, and that will be that. I do think I like Caden the best. Now come here to your Nitrath, I want my mother to see you. Now... if you please.

Meanwhile the Pediment Egg, Oasis Egg, Humus Egg, and the Pediment Egg hatched said order. Each kicking out portions of their shells before worming and twisting themselves out of the remains.

The first to wiggle free was the Pediment Green who, as if she had no balance at all, promptly fell and face planted in the sand. Though with her butt sticking up in the air like it was, it wasn't hard to see why. She didn't have a tail. Well, she did... it rather looked like the tail of a Terran bulldog. Nubby and short, it wouldn't do anything for her for either balance or steering. This hatchling too would probably never fly. Picking herself up, the Neon Pediment Green quickly managed to find a way to walk without getting multiple face-fulls of sand. Heading to the girls the Pediment female found and impressed a sandy blond. Tomerinmine, I am Lipeth. Im much hungry... we can go eat?

Next was the Oasis Green. She looked, for all intensive purposes, completely healthy. Mossy green in coloration, this dainty female was the perfect caricature of a hatching of her color... almost. The fact was, she was blind. Or rather, almost so. The world around her wasn't completely black, but... it wasn't completely visible either. Her eyes would remain a milky white for the rest of her life. Using her sense of smell and hearing, she found her way over to the boys, quickly choosing a ginger haired boy. D'rilmine, I'm Chipth. I cannot see very well, so will you guide me to the tables?

Third to remove themselves was the Humus Blue. This one was a brilliant Sapphire in hue and appearance, flawless in build and appearance, but not in mind. He couldn't feel anything. Not the hot sands, not the emotions of the others around him, not even the candidates who he was supposed to choose from. He could see them, but he couldn't feel them. A chirp of distress and then... he was gone. Fleeing to the between rather than facing the horribleness of the world before him.

Finally the Loess Brown pulled himself free, one of his back feet stepped onto an egg shard making him slip and fall. Unlike the three who had hatched before him, this one was "normal". Sound of mind and body, the Loess Brown lifted his head from the wreckage of his egg to count how many others were on the sands with him. Was it only he and his Clutchbrother who hadn't impressed yet? Aw man, he was last wasn't he? Shucks... oh well, he'd get there eventually. Shuffling his wings, the Loess Brown slowly got to his feet. Now... to find his human...

Don't be afraid
What your mind conceives
You should make a stand
Stand up for what you believe
And tonight we can truly say
Together we're invincible

[Tashe]

And during the struggle
They will pull us down
But please, please let's use this chance
To turn things around
And tonight we can truly say
Together we're invincible

Cliffbush Egg

Impressed to: Caden

Name: Nitrath (nigh-trath)
Age: 1<
Color: Gold - #FFCC11

Appearance: Currently the largest Queen on the Southern Continent, Nitrath stands with an impressive length of forty-three feet. Long, broad wings allow her to stay in the air with an endurance to aspire too. Lean muscle covers the entirety of her body and can be seen clearly when she moves across the ground or through the sky. Nitrath's head is slightly angular and her slim neck arches as proudly as any other dragon. Her tail is thin and whip-like giving her body an overall streamline appearance. She is certainly not the thickest or the most muscled Queen, but her speed and agility make up for it. Nitrath might sound pretty and perfect so far, but one must remember she is the child of Millieth. And on closer inspection you can tell why. On the backs of her legs and slightly above her elbows, the Queen has long and slightly curved spikes which are made of the same material as her creme colored talons. Although they were soft upon hatching, as she grows they will harden and become sharp to the touch. These protrusions are also found on her wings on the finger joint, they are smaller and more resemble a claw than a horn or spike.

Her mutations do not stop there. At hatching, Nitrath is as bright and uniform as a newly polished locket. No anomalous colors or shades break up her hide like many of her brothers and sisters, in fact you could almost say she was pristine. She won't stay this way for long. Starting a few months into Nitrath's growth small patches of hide will start to lighten until they reach an almost off-white color. These spots will first appear on her feet and legs, cropping up along her body at random intervals as she grows, eventually stopping when they reach half way or so up her neck. These spots will slowly continue to grow in size until she is ten or eleven turns old. Worry not, for there is reason for this strange occurrence. Nitrath has the condition known to humans as Vitiligo, or Skin Bleaching. Rest assured that this genetic mutation is not fatal, only a little strange to watch its progression. Since her bleaching is minimal to moderate, she will retain her bright golden color where the spots do not spread.

Personality: She makes Millieth and Jingth look like monsters from the Between. Nitrath is the peacekeeper, the saint, and undeniably good. Levelheaded and extremely intelligent, the Gold is amazing at handling situations that deal with very delicate terms. There is a time and a place for emotions but when they start to affect your judgment then obviously its not the best time to be letting yourself get taken by them. Nitrath places every Dragon on equal footing and deals with them as such, putting giving no more respect to one over another. With, of course, the slight exception to the older Golds that rank above her. They have more power and more loyalty than she will ever have. Until of course, Her's becomes the Junior or the Senior Weyrwoman. Which will only be a matter of patience and time.

Nitrath abhors violence but understands the need for it in these times. Absolutely opposed to the War, the Gold does her best to lobby against it. Always the doubting voice, always trying to poke holes in war plans so that the idea is cast away. She wants all of this nonsensical attacking to finally end and she wants it done Diplomatically. She has a patience that is uncharacteristic for Dragons, needless to say its very hard to get her to stop once she's set her mind on something. And if her anger was a candle, her wick would be a mile long. Not temperamental or easily agitated, Nitrath is a good addition to the personalities in the current regime.

The Gold is also very good at organization and surprisingly, manipulation. Despite hating to use it, Nitrath will find that it comes alarmingly natural to her. If someone can hone these skills it could spell triumph or trouble. She tries to steer away from any manipulation and relies heavily on the deep bonds she makes with other Dragons and humans she comes in contact with. Among other things, Nitrath is also very alert and has the ability to memorize her surroundings. If she leaves and someone moves something, something even as inconsequential as a book from a shelf, she will know immediately upon returning. Almost nothing escapes her attention unless its physically impossible for her to concentrate.

Do it on your own
It makes no difference to me
What you leave behind
What you choose to be
And whatever they say
Your soul's unbreakable

[Ruby]

Caden's eyes widened, trying to follow Armind's train of thought here. "Cooties? What cooties?" Her expression was puzzled, only more so as she continued to think and analyze. He was supposed to decide she was a boy with a chest injury, or a girl who was dressed like a boy. "You think... I'm girlified? Actually, pretty sure it's the other way around..." she said, still mostly mystified. Caden would never understand girls, but she often understood boys thinking about girls even less. Whatever. "And any cooties I've got, you've got too, now."

There, that was that. She made no effort to close the distance, and let his question hang - if the kid wanted attention, he could just come back her direction (although privately she agreed. The Gold conferred rank, of course, and therefore respect, but ADULT golds did that. This one would be next to worthless for another two years, at least, and then she would be the very bottom of the pecking order. She didn't deserve any special treatment yet, although shards, she was big). Instead of the shiny hide, it was the near-white dragonet that got Caden's attention, pulling her eyes. Sure, it looked white, but was that a hint of blue just in the shadows? Was he a blue after all, left pigment-less? At least it wasn't a mutation that would cause him problems, unless he got sunburned easily. The Ocotillo green was briefly appreciated, then passed over in favor of hatching eggs-

Caedenor, Caden, C'den... Caden's head swiveled as if on its own, her eyes seeking out the golden hatchling unerringly. No. Girl, you have far to many names. I will choose one for you, and that will be that. I do think I like Caden the best.[/i] No. Now come here to your Nitrath, I want my mother to see you. Now... if you please.[/color]

No.

That couldn't be right.

Caden said as much, mumbling and tripping over her words in a very uncharacteristic display of loquaciousness. "No, no, I - I can't be - I'm not - Nitrath? No, you must - must be mistaken. I'm Smath's."

But no, she wasn't Smath's not anymore. A piece of him would always be there, a hole in her mind and her heart, but now she felt a golden presence surrounding both of those, dulling the ever-present pain. Nitrath didn't erase him, and she never would, but Caden felt more at peace with his passing than she ever had before. Something about this new presence in her mind forgave her, absolving her of guilt and reminding her that Smath loved her, and always would. Of course, C'den will always be Smath's. Caden is mine, if she'll have me. Will you?[/i]

Surprised to find herself on her knees, totally unaware of the tears forming in her eyes (and Caden NEVER cried), she nodded. It took a second (and a gentle prod from Nitrath) for the newest Weyrling to find her feet again, walking straight towards the gold with just the barest hesitation. But Caden wasn't afraid, she was never afraid, and she wouldn't shirk her duty. Nitrath was that duty now, underlined by the suppressed pang of hunger from the Gold. After what seemed like much too long of a distance, she drew up next the gold hatchling - she was HUGE, wasn't she? - and her equally impressive mother, resting a hand on Nitrath's shoulder now that she'd pulled herself into a sitting position. "Uh... Millieth? I'm Caden of - of Nitrath. She wanted me to... meet you?"

Very good, Caden, my dear.[/i]

[Rei]

Feyrianth gave a return croon to Rhiiseth, the sound soft and sweet. Mountains never move. But they are passable all the same. She replied with soft confidence her head titling slightly as she regarded the blue with a cheerful gaze. The dark blue’s declaration had the four winged green returning her eyes to the clutch. It was the gold that drew the majority of her attention her chest resonating in a loud hum. Yes and such a shining vision she is. The new queen’s birth drew all kinds of excitement from the other female. Sister. Gold though she was. Arching her neck Feyrianth crooned down to the impressing babies. Almost over and yet the green almost wished that this was not so. It had seemed to have gone far too fast. A small moment of sadness was spared however as one of the newly hatched blues, perfect though he was in appearance, transferred between.

A soft winging keen left the green’s throat, picked up by some of her brethren before the sadness in her gaze was again replaced with excitement and joy. He may be gone but there where others to see to. To enjoy. His time had been brief but when she had reached out to soothe him and offer greetings Feyrianth had found him mentally mute. Life was impossible for him as such. Thus between was a kindness. Head dipping the four winged green perched at the very edge of her rocky ledge to watch the newly hatched wobble off to the feeding tables. Perhaps she could meet them all soon?

The hatching seemed to be passing by so fast that it was a blur. More mutations. A white dragon? Yet something about the color of his eyes told a different story. Not white no. He was like that puppy that had been born to the neighboring family’s dog. What had her father called it? Albino. Only that puppy had been deaf and blind. Drowned at birth and the owners had called it mercy. Erilena had cried for days afterwards. This little one though seemed completely fine despite his coloration. The green though with her milky eyes…certainly blind. The other green. Tailless. Balance would be an issue. The gold seemed completely healthy and even normal. A blessing. Each impression earned a round of clapping for Erilena louder for the pairs with mutations and the gold.

Hazel eyes followed the weyrlings as they made their way to the feeding tables. It hadn’t been so long ago when she had been one of those weyrlings. Worried perhaps about Feyrianth and her mutation, but proud to have her as a life mate. Determined at that point that nothing would stop them. That they would be just as good , better even, than any other rider pair. Tears started to roll down her cheeks and the greenrider didn’t move to stop them. They had slipped some from that confidence. No that was no right, Feyrianth had not lost her drive. But Erilena herself had. It was back now and they where on track, However, these new pairs with the path before them so rocky would face some of the same challenges. Different perhaps in a way but also the same. The least the green pair could do was help where they could.

~~~~

Z’ves gave a snort to Ka’aen. His eyes on the clutch until the pink comment. A slight muscle twitch the first reaction given. Yes pink. If he ever caught whoever had done this to his clothes…..well lets just say it wouldn’t be pretty. “I know it does you’re just jealous that you can’t pull it off aren’t you my friend.“ Gaze traveling to the albino he snorted. “Messed up. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was adverse to sunlight. Look at the green cast it has. It’s practically transparent. Can’t be good.” No it couldn’t be but the gold. A tiny smile upturned the corner of one lip. ‘Gold looks perfect. Demotaeth can’t be unhappy with that.” wastelands new queen. Congratulations darling you’ll likely replace your defective mother soon. Hopefully the mutations wouldn’t be carried on though the daughter. They could hope for dilution there couldn’t they? No weyr needed a defective senior queen such as Millieth.

Something about the new gold weyrling however caught Z’ves’ attention. Sadly soon Caden’s new charge blocked his view. So he couldn’t be sure but he had thought he had caught a flash of pink. His eyes narrowing he turned his attention back to the approaching weyrling pairs for the momment. Nearly done and then for this bunch….the real work would begin. New beginnings and all that. The first clutch of Wasteland and Selenitas as a supposed whole. Hmm. It was almost ironic. A new future christened in what? A almost feral smile crossed his features.

[Avu]

Wait, wait! He knew that weyrling! Well, he knew that Candidate-turned-Weyrling, anyway. The one Rhiiseth had liked; the first one who had gotten a pony ride. The one who knew. Well, Ka’aen supposed he ought to be proud or something. And he would’ve been, except…well, golds were great and all, but he was never particularly fond of the Riders. Not that they were unbearable, but they weren’t exactly prime company, either. Always fussing over their dragons and what have you—or at least, in his experience. Maybe they’d just been using their dragons as an excuse to get away from the lowly bluerider. Who knew. (Or maybe Rhiiseth just scared them. That was also a possibility.)

“Ha.” A wide grin; Ka’aen tilted his head slightly at Z’ves’s comment. Jealous. Of course. Although Z’ves wasn’t exactly hard on the eyes, bright pink or not, Ka’aen was fairly sure that ‘manage to wear hot pink’ was nowhere on his bucket list. He shifted closer to Z’ves, trying to peer over the man’s shoulder at the clutch. “Hnn. Demotaeth who is…absent. Charming.” He rubbed at his jaw, fingers pressed against the stubble he had neglected to shave. He shut his eyes momentarily against the quick between of the small blue, a click of soft disappointment pressed against his teeth with his tongue—turned his head, caught the look on Z’ves’s face.

He rolled his eyes, unable to help himself. “Don’t look too sad, mind, people will think you’re clinically depressed,” he commented dryly, elbow knocking lightly into Z’ves’s. Admittedly, Ka’aen was slightly surprised at the expression; you did what had to be done, but you generally didn’t find happiness in the death of hatchlings. Or maybe that wasn’t even what Z’ves had found amusing. Ka’aen wouldn’t know, would he—they weren’t friends.

The blue’s gaze lingered briefly on the gold before returning to Feyrianth, a quiet amusement painting blue into the slow content green. Passing does not remove; the mountains’ shadows will always darken the sky. And the only way to remove the mountains…his head tipped back towards the gold. As perfect a star, as brilliant the sky shines, night still claims for its own, he observed, soft and fluting, a click of his teeth punctuating the sentence at the blue’s between act. Such a pity—was it wrong that Rhiiseth preferred blues and greens over all others?

[Requiem]

Ykkith took a moment to study the two blues, adding the blind green and the one without a tail to his mental tally of dragons who would struggle in the simplest of tasks. He considered them all for a moment. The blind one, the one without a tail and the one without wings probably cannot ever fly. Even should the wingless blue grow wings later, they will be much too small. Perhaps the second blue might have a chance if his membranes thicken. Only time can tell. If they stay so thin, though...I do not think they will be able to support his weight.

The brown really did have a habit of never leaving a question unanswered. He might have done better had he simply said the hopeful thing. Ykkith had seen quite a lot of hatchings, though, and even if he didn't remember any others specifically...the actual knowledge gained by those experiences stayed with him. Sometimes dragons were hatched with things they simply couldn't overcome. Such a waste.

---

Armind stared at Caden in disbelief. Was he (she?) saying what he thought he was? Was this boy actually a girl? Insane! He didn't look or act like...other than sleeping in the barracks and the odd lumps...shards. He was, wasn't he? Shells, cooties! The child yelped when he realized that he'd just touched Caden's girl bumps. Oh no, oh no, oh no! The cooties were definitely going to get him now!

He rubbed his hands frantically on his clothes and turned away to see if there was anything else he could use to purge himself of the tiny microbes of doom that would so completely girlify him. This kept him from noticing Caden's reaction. He did, however, noticed the blue's disappearance and froze in place. Wait-what? Did he just...leave? Armind stared. Suddenly, he realized tears were going down his face, and he dashed them away angrily. Men didn't cry. He wasn't even sure what he was crying for.

Only then did he notice Caden moving across the Sands. Armind blinked after her dumbly. Did that...mean that she was...the gold? Well, now there was no doubt. Cooties! Strangely, though, he found he didn't much care about the cooties right now. His eyes flicked toward the last two little dragons. He was suddenly afraid that they'd leave, too. That would be...terrible.

[Tashe]

Breaking free of the excitement Millieth had her in, Kaegan glanced back over her shoulder and waved the Brownrider over. "You can come over if you want, I can keep her from eating you. Also, decades? I wish. But honestly, I have to look forward year by year." Being Senior Weyrwoman surviving attempted murder was kinda in the job description. How many times now? Three? Four? Loosing count was probably a pretty good sign that her position was a dangerous one to be in. Oh, the good old days when she was Shmee's junior and all she had to worry about was picking up all of that woman's slack. Looking back to the hatching, she watched as more of Millieth's babies broke free of their shells, but her attention went to the boy... er, girl? that was approaching them. Questioningly (and very nervously) she looked up at her Gold. She is one of these two's bonded, I do not know which one.

Bending her head down so she could look at the female human closely, Millieth sniffed before turning to her daughter. She didn't disapprove of the choice but... She looks like a boy... "Millieth is pleased to meet you." Kaegan's voice automatically translated the Gold's thoughts. "She hopes you will take care of her little one to the extent of your abilities and looks forward to seeing you both grow as a pair." Lowering her voice so that only person that would hear was Caden, she continued. "They will try and influence you." A serious expression passed over her face before she brought back that nervous smile, raising her voice in the process. "Now go feed your Nitrath. The hatching is almost over and you don't want to miss out on the meat."

---

"Wingtraining and other duties have called me away from your sight. A shame to say the very least." K'thay ruffled his hair again with a free hand. "Ah, I live to brighten your days." The Bluerider flashed a smile at his female counterpart before looking back at Erilena. She looked, concerned, very much so in fact. He didn't blame her. But her tears startled him. "Hey now darling, the tension around here may be thick as paste but nothin' bad has happened yet. Look the pairs are all happy." Yet being the key word. The Wastelanders were Bendenites- he sharding hated them, though that's not the point - the point was that's what they were and that was what the problem was. Fishing around he found a kerchief in a pocket on the inside of his vest and offered it to Erilena, ironically this was the same one he'd given her the first time he'd met her.

[Kisha-Ra]

Mort’s attention, no Mo’rya’s attention, he was Mo’rya now although he still felt the same inside more or less. Whoever he currently was the boy’s attention was diverted from the queen hatchling by her cheerful green sister, all the dragons of this clutch seemed to be cheerful so far, even the two flightless blues. That must be making Millieth a bit happier at least.

Once the little green found her bonded Mo’rya (he’d decided he might as well get used to the name) turned his gaze back to the golds, mother and daughter were joined by the white (or was it a pale green, or even a pale blue? It looked about the right size for a blue or green). For long moments nothing seemed to happen at all, then four more hatchlings burst from their eggs. The first of the greens to Impress was another strange looking dragon, this time missing most of her tail, which seemed to unbalance her somewhat. The other green and the blue hatchling both looked perfect, bright hides and lovely forms. Oh but the green’s eyes looked strange, clouded like the eyes of an old person sometimes got, did that mean that like an old man or woman the green couldn’t see well? The blue hatchling… was gone, nowhere to be seen. Mo’rya felt Epifayrmuth press closer against him as the bronze let out a distressed whine and knew why he could no longer see the blue. The weyrling shuddered and placed boths hand on his dragon’s shoulders to try and give the young bronze some comfort.

Somehow while he’d been watching the greens Mo’rya had entirely missed Caden moving toward the last few hatchlings. Obviously one had called but which? Gold, brown, or mysterious white? Mo’rya watched in rapt fasciation until he had the answer. Gold! Well, wasn’t that strange? It just went to show you never could tell.

No, you never can.[/color] Epifayrmuth agreed, still touched by sorrow for the vanishing blue. Mo’rya, I do not wish to upset you but I grow very hungry now. Might we go now my golden sister has her bonded?[/color] The small bronze’s stomach rumbled as if to emphasise his point.

‘Of course Epifayrmuth. I can meet everyone later. Not that there’s many more to choose now.’ Mo’rya took a few steps towards the food that had been brought out for the hatchlings. ‘If all that lot are stood about to make sure their candidates Impress they aren’t doing all that well. I hope Hinsero gets something nice though, he’s not a bad sort for an invader.’ I have not met him.[/color] Epifayrmuth need not have worried though, his rider was already distracted by something brightly coloured and the boy veered off to approach Z’ves. ‘I love your shirt.’ The boy told him with a bright smile on his face. ‘You must tell me what you used to get that shade, but later, I’ll come back later. Epifayrmuth is hungry.’ With that the boy all but ran off to catch up to his little bronze.

[Ruby]

Serissa let K'thay handle Erilena's tears - yes, it was tragic to see a dragon between on hatching, but sometimes they just couldn't find Theirs. That was the seachriders' problem, and while Serissa felt a pang of sadness for the poor Blue, she had long ago made peace with the idea that some Dragons just weren't meant for this world, not yet at least. The flash of a handkerchief caught Serissa's eye, but she was more interested in the Gold, curious to see who the next leader would be. It seemed a boy had impressed the albino, sitting near the gold, but - "Wait. Did the Gold just impress to a boy?"

--

She may look like a boy, but she is not, mother-mine. What she is is strong,[/i] Nitrath said, her voice filled with the sort of love Caden rarely ever heard from Smath. He'd nearly dragged her from the Sands on impression, barely bothering with an introduction at all before demanding food with the kind of vocabulary a sailor might use. The beautiful gold, on the other hand... Nitrath leaned over to nuzzle her new Bonded's side, while Caden did her best to both bow to the Weyrwoman and keep one arm around Nitrath at the same time. Had she truly thought Golds useless less than five minutes ago?

"I - uh - pleased to meet you too," Caden stumbled, still clearly overwhelmed by the whole process. "And you, Weyrwoman. I - I never thought I'd recieve that honor," she added. True enough, despite meeting the Weyrleader her first day here. In all her time at Benden, she'd seen Kamerai maybe once, and she'd always imagined Golds subscribed to that policy as a rule. You make me laugh, girl,[/i] Nitrath commented privately, pairing her words with a mental bubbling that Caden immediately interpreted as gentle, chiming laughter. Fair point, Caden replied dryly, slipping into mindspeech without a second thought. She kept forgetting she WAS one of those Golds, now. That would be a major adjustment.

Stumbling on through the rest of the Weyrwoman's words, about half supplied by the unruffled Nitrath, Caden answered passably, still plagued by the kind of word-vomit that anyone who knew Caden would be shocked to hear. "I'll take excellent care of her, how could I not, she's beautiful, luckily I kind of know what I'm doing, I - uh - well maybe I'll explain later, I..." she trailed off, her expression hardening as her cheeks turned pink. Shards, Armind was right, she really had been cootified. In the pause, though, Kaegan spoke again, so quiet Caden nearly missed it. Certainly her lips hardly moved. Well, that was one question Caden had a sensible answer to. Her chin came up, her expression as serious as Kaegan's, mouth tight as she whispered, "I was a slave." That should be clear enough, once Kaegan realized what it implied.

Returning the Weyrwoman's smile with one of her own (and barely managing not to salute), Caden answered the rest with a nod, then stroked Nitrath's head and neck once before turning to face the table of meat, and in the process, the stands. Come on, I know you're hungry, she growled, covering her own near-overwhelming happiness and vague embarrassment with typical grumpiness. Someone has to be the grump in this relationship, after all. Nitrath gave that bubbling laugh again, nudging Hers in the side to get her moving. I hear you already know how to feed a dragon? Let us see, I may need to correct your form... Oh, I am kidding no one. You will be perfect. Caden sighed dramatically, sliding in between Ashlyn and the newly-minted Mo'rya at the table before carefully extracting the best pieces of meat she could find, feeding them to Nitrath only after offering that well-known adage of Weyrlings everywhere: "Chew - mash it with your teeth. Don't just swallow. You'll choke, and no one wants that."

[Rowana]

Peppeth lowered her head with a sad croon. Poor little dragons, not being able to fly. It is so sad, she whispered. Flying was one of her absolute favorite things. The hatching brought back memories of Farryl's constant worry about her size. She had overcome that well enough, maybe these would also overcome. They certainly seemed happy enough with theirs. I will help them learn! she declared boldly. I am sure they will be happy with Theirs.

As she turned back to the newly hatched, her eyes clouded at the passing of the last blue. Her voice issued a high, mournful keen for his lose. In the stands, Farryl shook her head sadly at the scene below. So many mutations, even more than she remembered seeing at previous Hatchings of Millieth's. Almost half of them were likely grounded for life as well. At least the queen looked strong, even if her choice was a bit odd. Was that a boy?! Farryl hoped whoever it was had a strong will. They would need it.

~

G'tor managed a light chuckled as he trotted over to stand with Kaegan. "I'll admit, she had me worried for a second," he replied. He bowed to Millieth briefly so she wouldn't have any excuse just the same. He shifted nervously. By rights, Ja'kin should be the one standing with the Weyrwoman. What was the man up to? "You do a fine job," G'tor assured Kaegan with a smile. "For many more years, I'm sure." Even with the recent events, Kaegan was still the one holding them all together. He only hoped she spared some time for herself as well.

Stepping a little back so Kaegan and Caden could have a moment of privacy, G'tor admired the young gold. The spikes were a surprise, but at least she was large and healthy. He wasn't so sure about the others. He silently prayed that the Wastelanders wouldn't do anything to them just for how they were born. It would break Millieth's heart and the little ones couldn't help it. Still, G'tor gave Caden a welcome smile as she passed to the tables. He hoped she was up to the challenge that was sure to come.

[Tashe]

During the struggle
They will pull us down
But please, please
Let's use this chance
To turn things around
And tonight we can truly say
Together we're invincible
Together we're invincible

Well now, it had to be time to choose already. Even his Goldsister had chosen and left him by his mother. It was to bad he couldn't choose her Rider as his, it would make many things a whole lot easier for him. With a huff, the Datura Albino pushed himself to his feet and yawned. He was feeling much stronger now to his short rest and didn't wobble when he began to walk toward the candidates. Yawning he took his time about reaching the humans, it wasn't like he cared whether they got impatient or not, the Datura Albino fluttered his wings before nosing the hem of a boy's robe, looking up with eyes that danced pink and red rather than rainbow. Er'ani, I am Lketh. I may look different, but I would like to be fed...please.

The Loess Brown, who was now really the last hatchling yet to Impress, began picking its way toward the male candidates. He too was very keen on taking his sweet time getting to them, why rush? Not like its going to change much anyway. Black talons dug into the sand as he walked, and his chestnut hide glinted slightly from the egg stuff that he didn't bother trying to either reach, or get off in general. He watched as his clutchbrother and his bonded walked toward the feeding tables and increased his pace by a minuscule amount. It took another minute before he reached a shorter boy with rather long hair. M'ze, I am Tenloceth. Not that I really care but that food smells pretty good.

As the last of the hatchlings impressed and their humans gathered to feed them, a few shadows detached themselves from where they had been watching and waiting. Nonchalantly they began to walk toward the newly bondeds, they wanted to offer their... congratulations. Meanwhile Millieth, who usually after the last hatchling impresses turns to speak with her bonded, stopped mid-movement. She did not like the excess humans on the sands, they certainly had not been granted permission by her. Shifting, the Senior Gold stood up with a rumble. Millieth stepped down off of her couch and onto the sands, lowering her head and half furling her wings in warning. If they got any nearer to her hatchlings, there were going to be bodies hitting the sand and feeding her stomach...

Kaegan, who was summarily infected by her Dragon's suspiciousness, grabbed G'tor's arm in a mixture of warning and fear. "Millieth is agitated. Those men shouldn't be on the sands. They're going to get injured..."

During the struggle
They will pull us down
But please, please
Let's use this chance
To turn things around
And tonight we can truly say
Together we're invincible
Together we're invincible

[Tashe]

During this struggle
An Assassin is Born
So inspire to Ignite
What your mind concieves

Loess Egg

Impressed to: M'ze (Mikaze)

Name: Tenloceth (Ten-low-seth)
Age: 1<
Color: Brown - #AA6600

Appearance: A toasty chestnut color, Tenloceth is reddish Brown in hue. He literally looks like a chestnut that has been roasted over and open fire, seriously, place one on his hide and you wont be able to find it again. Long streaks of blackish brown zig zag across his haunches and withers, ending only after running down his legs and reaching the very tip of his toes. Making it look like someone had drawn on Tenloceth while he was sleeping. This same dark brown tips every single one of his backridges. But the markings don't stop there. The tip of his nose, his head knobs, the tip of his tail, they are all covered with the black brown. Five circular dots arrange themselves down his neck in a nearly straight line, although because of the muscles in Tenloceth's neck, they often give off a slightly curved appearance. Long ebony talons adorn his feet like shiny stones and are incredibly dense and hard to the touch. Its very unlikely these claws will ever chip or break.

Tenloceth gives off the distinct impression of masculinity. Moderately sized for a Brown, he's well packed when it comes to muscle. Broad in the chest and slightly thinner at the waist, he seems to have an almost bulldog like build. His neck and tail, going with the theme, are also densely packed with muscle allowing him to use either as clubbing weapons. The bones in his head are reinforced for heavy contact, so don't be surprised if he can head butt someone into the next year and ask if someone threw a piece of paper at him. His wings are long and broad, compensating genetically so he can get off the ground and into the air. His endurance is amazing for one such as him, though, in turn he does have very poor turning radius's. Not very graceful on the ground, or really in the air either (aka he's efficient, not pretty),Tenloceth is built more for surviving than strutting his stuff.


Personality: Forever the downer, Tenloceth acts as if he really doesn't care about anything because everything doesn't really care about him. With the exception of His, of course. Despite having such a gloomy gills sort of attitude, he's not entirely unpleasant to be around.He won't try and purposely depress someone, but its not impossible for it to happen accidentally. The Brown can be friendly and pleasant when he wants to be, though the sincerity of those feelings can often vary. Because Tenloceth isn't exactly the social butterfly, he tends to be quiet and reserved. It may seem difficult to get to know him well, really though, he opens up pretty quickly to those who actually want to be his friend. He may act like he doesn't care, and act so well people believe its true, but its not. Perhaps its because the Brown cares too much that he's always seeing everything that can go wrong, everything that might take those things away from him.

Tenloceth is very loyal. He pledges full faithfulness to his bonded and because of that, is surprisingly dependable. This can be applied to everything in his life, that is, with the exception of flights. This Brown tends to be a bit, er... flighty, when it comes to that. Tenloceth chases because he wants to, even then its only when he has enough self confidence to actually get his butt in the sky to do it. He believes that a Green (and most definitely a Gold) has very high standards and that he falls very much short of them. Therefore, the females who he does end up chasing will most likely be those he's gotten to know or has befriended. They already know what he's like and probably won't be disappointed the next morning... maybe...

I'll be chasing your starlight
You're protected from trouble and pain
The War is over due
But Together we're invincible

[Rei]

An amused laugh bubbled up from Z’ves’ throat. “Indeed. Depressed. I’m sure that word will be rolling around for awhile.” The bluerider remarked as he watched the final impressions. As the last two pairs made their way to the feeding station, the loose grouping of Wastelanders around the tables started to give small hand signals. The man gave another smile. “If you’ll excuse me Ka’aen. Duty calls.” Clapping his fellow wasteland on the shoulder, Z’ves slipped back and towards one of the newly impressed green pairs.

As he moved the others to began to move. Each making quick strides in the direction of a weyrling pair. S’tal towards the newly impressed Albino pair Er'ani and Lketh, N’ran to Portia and Jipth, P’tol to Ch’il and Kerpth, J’orn to D’ril and Chipth, and finally Z’ves to Lipeth and Tomerin. The movements where swift, precise, and obviously well planned. There was a flash of steel and the first keen sounded.

Kerpth’s throat had been slit and as his ichor spilled P’tol grabbed the shocked Ch’il, shoving him away from the hatching who had just started to go through his death throws. A keen rocked the arena punctuated by a very angry sounding roar.

Jipth and Portia where next. N’ran stepping back as ichor soaked his boots. Jipth gave a final scream of fear, which was drowned out in a gargle, as her eyes dimmed and she fell to the hot sand. There wasn’t enough time for much reaction as next Chipth’s body hit the sands, J’orn being forced to stab D’ril as the newly impressed teen tried to attack the wastelander in sudden rage over the loss of his new mindmate.

Z’ves didn’t bother going for the green hatchling, instead grabbing Tomerin by the hair and slitting her throat with one swift movement. Without her dragon she would be next to useless anyway. As the girl clutched her throat and fell to the sand in a heap Lipeth gave a keen and disappeared between. Lucith gave a cry of warning then, both mental and physical. Millieth comes! Mine move!

One left. As S’tal moved towards Er'ani and Lketh he vaguely saw a large golden mass hurling at him from her couch. Millieth. Yisindrath, his green, gave a shriek of anger and inserted herself between the charging queen and hers. S'tal my love! Run! In that small span of time, as S’tal stood frozen, Er’ani had moved between the wastelander and his newly impressed dragon. Ready to fight for Lketh if necessary. But perhaps the boy didn’t need to fight, because there was a symphony of roars and keens from overhead. It was painfully obvious that the Selenitas dragons where not happy.

~~~~

Feyrianth gave a wing shrug to Rhiiseth. Passing may not remove them true, but obstacles must remain to remind us of what we have overcome. They only darken of you let them. Even a single spark can keep darkness at bay. A humming croon to her night counterpart. Slightly amused Feyrianth was. However the babies below had almost all impressed and the little ones where still claiming most of her attention. Even now. Flaring all four wings the female brushed encouragement against the last two babies to impress. Such lovely littles. The green couldn’t wait to meet them all properly. A soft sing song call was offered to Millieth and the gathered weyrlings at the feeding station.

Erilena blinked tear filled eyes and offered a soft smile to K’thay. Reaching for the offered kerchief she mumbled a quiet thanks. He hadn’t completely misunderstood the reason for her tears but it wasn’t as if she was in a position to explain currently. Nor was the greenrider even sure she wanted to. Things like that where just…a keen ripped thought the air then. Followed by another and another. Covering her ears Erilena turned back towards the sands and the horror unfolding on them.

“No!” The scream was out of her throat before she even realized that it was her own. Why she did what she did next, the greenrider would never know. There was no way she could do anything for them. That much was painfully obvious, but the greenrider was out of her seat in the next instant and leaping the rail beyond anyway. Feet hitting the sands she turned to make for the feeding station. Maybe….if only. No. This couldn’t be happening. Please....

Feyrianth gave a shriek of anger, followed by a keen that made her entire body tremble. Her hide paling at an alarming rate as her voice rose again in protest with her brethren. Eyes whirling in a combination of crimson and orange they narrowed upon the murderers. No! Teeth suddenly bared her tail whipped to the side, barely missing Rhiiseth by inches. How dare they! Millieth’s charge had the green's four outstretched wings twitching in a barely suppressed desire to take to air.