The Touching

[Administrator]

Shmee smiled at Aslath, who was looking warily back at her rider. Today, she didn't seem as interested in the gold egg, and it was cast carelessly back with the other eggs. Yesterday, however, Aslath had been very possessive of it, making sure that nobody went near it. However, today, she didn't have a choice, even if she was being possessive of the gold egg today. It was the Touching, and that always made Aslath antsy. Shmee thought it was a relief that she wasn't being possessive of the gold egg today, or else she'd be nearly impossible to drag away from it. Shmee bounced Shei on her hip lightly. She decided to bring the babe today, to help Shei get used to people some more. It wouldn't be as traumatic as a Clutching, for there would be no pain or screeches of Aslath. However, Shei was being just as fidgety. "Down, Ma!" the red-headed babe insisted, trying to wiggle down.

"No, love, the sand is hot," Shmee said firmly, trying to emphasize that it was hot. Shei growled dangerously.

"No!" the babe retorted. Shmee sighed, then looked to the entrance. Some candidates were beginning to enter, and Shmee straightened up. Time to tell them about Touching etiquette.

"Be a good girl, Shei," the Weyrwoman told her daughter firmly. Arlo, who had been sitting loyally on Shmee's shoulder, decided now to help, casually flicking his tail to Shei's plump face. The babe immediately smiled toothily, and began trying to grab at his tail. Mentally, Shmee sent grateful thoughts to her flitter. It would be absolutely no good if Shei were to start yelling at the candidates. Fortunately, Arlo knew this game would keep Shei occupied for a while. Shei loved to try catching his tail in her hands.

"Hello, candidates," Shmee announced, smiling. "Welcome to the Touching. Before any of you are allowed to approach the eggs, you must pay respects to Aslath and ask her if you have permission to touch her eggs. You won't need permission to touch the gold egg today-- it's odd. She doesn't seem to like it as much sometimes. So consider yourselves fortunate. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."

[Avu]

He had given up trying to coerce T'rid to come to the Touching. It was rare that Corinth gave up, but in this situation, when His had been punched at the Clutching, it seemed better to give in to the young man's irritated comment that he didn't need to be present to watch Candidates snuggle up to the eggs. Besides, he wanted T'rid nowhere near Pepsi, or he might decide that the boy needed to loose a finger or something equally dramatic for just showing up. Yes, much better that he came alone - or so the bronze told himself as he launched himself off the weyrledge, casting one more irritated glance back at T'rid, who raised his chin belligerently, one brow arching defiantly at the dragon, in a way that clearly merited some type of response. Corinth hovered, holding his position above the weyrledge.

Insufferable.
Irritant.
Irresponsible.
Drop it and go!

Which meant he'd won. Corinth closed his wings with something very much like a draconic mental smirk, dropping before he found a suitable wind to take him towards the Hatching Ground. As the Grounds came into view, the Candidates with their white robes making their way there - so slow, they were, on foot and by boat, Corinth mused vaguely, before he dropped lower still, twisting into the entrance of the Hatching Grounds and pulling up carefully short of the eggs and Aslath. It surprised the bronze to see the queen egg lying almost negligently among the other eggs - but then, why not? It wasn't like it would get less attention due to where it was placed. If anything, it'd get more now that the Candidates would be going around it to reach the other eggs.

There was a brief second of hesitation, a falter in his wingbeats, and then, with a crooned greeting to Aslath, the bronze backwinged to land on the Sands, arching his neck to eye the Candidates and Weyrwoman. Oh, she had her hatchling with her? Definitely a good thing His hadn't attended, then, though...the bronze exhaled resignedly. That meant, didn't it, he'd have to say hello the the Weyrwoman for him? Stupid mindmate. Thanks. Thanks a /lot/, Corinth. Nobody says you have to say hello to /anybody/. A beautiful thing exists on Pern, known commonly as manners; also called etiquette. The mental snort that came as a reply was decidedly condescending, and Corinth chose to ignore it.

Greetings, Aslath, Weyrwoman. Mine was unable to come - Unable, unwilling; same thing, surely? - and apologizes for his absence. To make it a little more plausible, he added wryly, Though I doubt he'd phrase it quite like that. I wouldn't phrase it at /all/. I'm /not/ sorry, T'rid pointed out dryly. You should be grateful I'm not just saying you're an ungrateful, unmotivated, insufferable, irrepressible - Whatever. If someone gets mauled by Aslath, make sure and let me know. Morbid. Very, very morbid, that...

[antinanco]

Today she had not rushed down in nearly as hurried a rush as she had during the Clutching. Not only would the eggs wait for her this time, but Pasine was not nearly as enthusiastic as she had been for the Clutching nor as much as she would be for the Hatching. This Touching seemed like a last-minute tradition that was put in place to appease anxious Candidates like herself. If dragons were meant for one mind, one person only, then how would touching their shells do anything? She shook her head in confusion and annoyance as she stepped out of the boat.

By time Pasine arrived, garbed in clean white, she already spotted a few other Candidates, the father Corinth and an old geezer sitting high up in the Stands. The figure had something green draped over her lap and was scouting out the assembling Candidates enthusiastically, but apparently she was not the one the woman was looking for. It was probably for the better. Pasine shrugged and moved along to Aslath.

In fact, Ieoha had only come to see Danar and Saeo. There was not a truer truth that the crechewoman took favorites often, and she had been feeling a definite lack of the kind ever since moving South. That combined with Saeo's defiant fire for life that reminded the woman of herself when she was younger and Danar's familiar face had made the two Candidates prime targets for her attention. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to have a few dragonriders on her side once they Impressed, right?

The auntie absent mindedly stoked Laef (who was sleeping, what a surprise) sprawled out on her lap and watched the growing cluster of white with hawk eyes. She awaited her targets with a slight smiled played across her lips. She had taken the time out of her work just to be here at this Touching. While she had come here in support, her efforts were not going to be wasted. This was going to be entertaining, or she was going to make it that way, shardit.

By now Pasine had approached the looming Aslath, what Danar had said previously flashing through the back of her mind. She had spent the last few days wondering what she was to say, and now she was extremely thankful. It was doubtful if her speech would have been nearly as calm as it was now if she hadn't spent the time before. "Greetings, Queen Aslath. Your clutch looks like it is coming along brilliantly. May I have permission to touch them? I do promise to have the utmost care when doing so." Her sinewy muscles were pulled taunt. This was the most exciting part of the entire Touching. Everything after would seem so less thrilling.

[/font]

[nightingale]

"Oh DO hurry!"

A decidedly well groomed Saeo called to her friends, bouncing impataintly on the boarder of the hatching grounds where the stony shore gave way to fine-ground sand.
Had she not been dressed in the traditional white candidates robe, her carefully painted eyes and perfumed hair might suggest that Aslath was an attractive young man that she hoped to impress. Any who knew her would know of course, that she simply wanted to make sure that the baby dragons curled up inside their eggs didn't think badly of her for coming unwashed and smelling of lakewater.
A few might even understand her reasoning.

The girl's ears perked to the sound of Shmee's voice, welcoming them to the touching and explaining how things were to be done. Ohhhhhh, why was it the ONE time she managed to find Cloar when she needed him, he didn't row any faster than that slacker Keirin? She had been so adamant about being the first one there! Well, so long as they hurried up and got over to the stands they might still be near the front of the line...

[binker]

"NO!" "Pepsi, really now, you weren't this bad at the Clutching!" "Big dragon /eat/ me/!"
Neikolai sighed, looking at Pepsi as the wildling stared back stubbornly, arms crossed. After getting hissed at by Aslath, Pepsi wasn't too keen on watching right back on to the sands, sure the dragon would remember him and decide to eat him. Even with Zaqx's help, getting Pepsi to go in to the hatching grounds was like pulling teeth- from a feline.

"Maybe we could just leave him?" Zaqx, nursing a numb arm from where Pepsi punched him, mused. "No. I am responsible for him, and he will attend this Touching." Neikolai said frostily, glaring at Pepsi as the wildling sulked, idly picking at the bandaging on his arm. After finding out about his little incident with the healers, Neikolai had threatened that if he tried it again he would flip the boat one day and plunge Pepsi in to the river. The wildling was upset enough at the prospect that he had stopped, and Neikolai had filed the information away for further use. Something to hold over Pepsi's head was always welcome... And it might work now as well.

"Come on, Pepsi, or we'll leave you here to cross the river yourself." Neikola i kept his voice aloof, but Pepsi immediately took notice of the threat, eyes widening. "But-" "No buts, Pepsi." "I wouldn't mind his butt-" Zaqx's less than innocent reply was cut off as Neikolai cuffed him upside the head. "Come on, Zaqx. To the sands. Are you coming Pepsi?" "...Yes. I get killed, your fault."

The three managed to catch most of Shmee's speech to the candidates, and Neikolai thought it would be best if he showed both his younger brother and the manner-immune Pepsi just how to go about this. He pointed out Pasine to the two's gaze, waiting for a moment. "Watch and learn, alright?"

[Rowana]

Farryl skipped down the stairs after the other candidates. She was ecstatic This was even better than watching the clutching. Today they would actually be able to touch the eggs. If Aslath allowed them, of course. It was an honor she did not want to miss, so she ran to keep up with the others. Tille flutter about her head, chirping in excitement until Farryl jabbed a scolding finger at her.

"I told you to stay! Aslath would eat you as soon as look at you!" The girl emphasized the words with a forceful image of the green fire lizard being swallowed by a gold dragon and one of Tille curled up on her bunk. Tille squawked in dismay and tried to land calmly on Farryl's shoulder, as if to prove that she could behave. After a glare from Farryl, Tille relented and flew back up the stairs. Farryl sighed. She new her little friend would probably sulk for the rest of the day, or until dinnertime. It was better than having her bothering the queen dragon.

Excitement once again foremost in her mind, Farryl shoot out of the barracks. Then she skidded to a dead stop. She could hear Saeo urging them all to hurry, but she couldn't go any further. Shards! How could she forget the cursed river?! Farryl scowled at the rushing water. She new her fear was irrational, but that didn't help her convince herself to climb heedlessly into a rickety boat like the others. She just couldn't do it. Most of the others had already left by the time she inched herself close to shore. Keirin, a boy she recognized from the fire lizard hatching, was still there.

Trying to hide the fact that she was terrified of the water, she approached his boat. "Um..." she started, for once unable to speak confidently. "Can you...um...help me cross?" She clenched her fist and tried not to blush. She wasn't going to let this get in the way of her impressing a dragon. Not even if she had to embarrass herself to reach the sands.

[nightingale]

Keirin was on one of the docks, holding tightly to the boat he had just finished untying to make sure it didn't get swept away in the current. He was getting quite used to being late to important events by now, and so when Saeo asked him to stay ashore for an extra few minutes ' to help my beautiful and ever so pokey friend Farryl across the river' he had agreed only somewhat reluctantly. At least she wasn't asking him to row her anywhere -though he did feel badly that he hadn't given the poor fellow she had drafted fair warning about what he was getting himself into.

"No problem."

He assured Farryl with a light nod as she approached, unable to keep from smiling as he realized how clearly nervous she was. Not over him surely? Not that he would complain if she was...no, she kept glancing at the river like it was about to jump up and bite her ankle. She mustn't have much experience with boating.

"Hop in."

He said, drawing the small watercraft up to the dock so she would be able to step in without too much trouble.

"Just try to keep your weight centered so it doesn't tip over. I'm Keirin by the way - think Saeo introduced us at the flitter hatching?"

[topaz]

Venus hurried through the tall archway into the Hatching Grounds, her pure white Candidates robes flowing celestially behind her. She quickly saw the Weyrwoman, Shmee near the entrance, guiding the other Candidates toward the Sands. Venus couldn't help but smile at the adorable girl on Shmee's hip, as she watched her try to snatch at the blue flit's tail. She walked past slowly, and gave a smile and slight bow to the Weyrwoman, but her attention was quickly pulled towards the Sands as their heat wafted over her. She stopped before the group already forming around the queen, waiting to pay their respects. The brunette looked up at the massive queen in awe. She really is stunning, especially so close.. A soft, toothy grin spread across Venus' face as she looked up at the looming golden figure.

When it was her turn to speak to the queen and ask her permission, Venus smiled sweetly and bowed from her waist, lifting the front of her robes slightly in a curtsy. "Queen Aslath, I wish you and your precious clutch well. I am sure they will soon be happy, healthy additions to the Weyr's ranks. I would be honored if you would let me touch them." She looked up at the queen from her still slightly bent position, awaiting her answer with bated breath. Venus had never spoken to a dragon before, and her excitement to have one speaking to her was almost too much, but she controlled her facial features, with only a polite smile on her face.

- - -

Corvin stood in line awaiting his turn to speak with Aslath. No matter how many times he had Stood, for Touchings and Hatchings alike, he was never affected as much as some other Candidates with the hot Sands. His sandaled feet had become accustomed to the Sand's blistering tendencies, and even though it still burnt if he he sunk down too far, the heat coming through the thin sandals was almost soothing. He sighed contently, a casual smile plastered on his face. He was disappointed after he did not Impress after so many clutches, but there would always be a next one, and Corvin would never miss a part of it.

Stepping forward after the last Candidate had gone, Corvin bowed deeply and came up to look at the queen with a sweet smile. "I hope you are well queen Aslath. Your clutchs have always been large and healthy, and I can see this one is no different." He took a quick glance over to the eggs, grinned, and turned back to Aslath. "May I take part in the Touching?"

[dragon]

Having finally seen 'his' boat load of people across the river, and all of them out of the boat safely, Cloar left the boat he had muscled across the river finally, and made his own way up toward the hatching sands. He was rather uncomfortable in the rediculous white outfit he'd been informed he had to wear, and was positive that if he wasn't extremely careful, he was going to rip out the back before the event was over.

Which, by the way, had made rowing a laden boat all the more difficult. There was nothing Cloar wanted more than to simply rip the sleeves off the thing, so that his shoulders were no longer straining the material. And when Saeo started quipping at them, the best he could manage for her was to give her a cross look. "Can it, already, okay? They're not going to hatch in ten seconds." Cloar in a sour mood didn't really happen often, being being asked to row a pack of quibbling girls across the river, while crammed into a tiny white dress and then someone prodding him cause he was 'too slow' ... it was starting to get to him.

He would more than likely rebound pretty quick... maybe.

He made his way up to the entrance, and listened to what Shmee was saying, before continuing onward. The heat of the sands made Cloar glad that while wearing the dinky dress, he was able to conceal that he was actually wearing boots, not thin sandals. Though the heat rising up under the skirt was liable to start making him sweat buckets here real shortly like.

Cloar managed to some how bow to Aslath without ripping anything, or exposing his rear end, and then greeted her as civilly as he could manage: "Good morning, Queen Aslath. I would be honored to approach your eggs."

Shards. Why was he here, again, and not back at home? After having to do this at the last clutch, and getting nothing out of it, Cloar seriously doubted that this time was any less of a marvelous waste of time. And after last time, he had hoped to have somehow acquired a better version of this rediculous dress.

It was humiliating to be in a dress, though, no matter which way it was sliced. And he felt like he couldn't really move his arms and shoulders at all, without risking a blowout.

[Rei]

Raylin wrung her hand anxiously as the boat she was riding in made its way across the river. Couldn’t this lad hurry? What was wrong with Saeo why hadn’t she waited? When the dark haired girl had finally calmed Vega and made her way to the docks she discovered that Saeo was already gone. Lucky for her a burly candidate she had never seen before offered her a ride but did he have to row so slowly? As soon as the boat docked on the shore next to the hatching ground she leapt out of it landing with a splash in the shallow water and effectively soaking her shoes and feet. Ah well at least none of the water got onto her robe.

The candidate trotted into the warm grounds and took her place at the end of the group. Well she was late but at least she had gotten here. Unfortunately she had missed what the weyrwoman had said. Shards. Raylin watched as the candidates ahead of her addressed Aslath. That must have been what the weyrwoman was explaining. At least she would have some examples to follow.

As the line proceeded closer to Aslath Raylin took a few breaths to calm herself. She was so big! No, today was not the day to be afraid she scolded herself. When her turn approached she walked swiftly up to the Queen. The girl bowed low and paused gathering her courage before speaking. “Hello Aslath. Thank you for allowing us on your grounds. May I have permission to touch your lovely clutch?” Simple was best. She waited for some kind of sign from the golden mother trying not to shift as her wet feet absorbed the heat from the ground. Shells was this uncomfortable!

----

Danar rolled his eyes at the girl in his boat. She was making him nervous it wasn’t as if the eggs were going to disappear. The lad barely held back a laugh as she leapt from the boat to land in the water. Some people were so impatient. The candidate docked the boat and walked slowly up to the grounds as the black haired girl was already inside.

He took his time no need to rush his dragon was on the sands and come hatching day he would impress it. Simple as that. He took a look around the grounds and logged the familiar faces. Danar waved and smiled at Pasine she would do well. After all she had his advice to follow. The candidate proudly watched as she approached Aslath and followed his advice flawlessly. After witnessing her address he took his place behind the grouping of eager, nervous, milling youngsters.

When his turn came he strode up to Aslath gave a deep bow and spoke in a loud confidant tone. “Greetings Aslath. Your clutch looks lovely. Best wishes on their hatching. May I approach your eggs?” he flashed the Queen a radiant smile confidant that the answer would be yes.

[ladybug]

Burena winced as she stepped onto the sands. They were hot, no lie! Almost as hot as the Weyrleader! Being herself, she looked around for him before even glancing at the eggs. Oh, Shards. His dragon was there, but not the rider. Sighing, she followed the other candidates up to the clutch, giving the first male candidate she noticed a saucy wink to make up for her disappointment.

Well, at least she wouldn't be distracted during the Touching. The eggs really were pretty, and they deserved her full attention. Especially if she was going to Impress one! She listened closely to the Weyrwoman's instructions. Her eyes drifted to the baby every so often, and she inwardly cringed. Yeah, kids were cute, but Burena had a phobia of ending up with one of her own. Plus, that toothy grin was vaguely creepy.

The gold egg was kind of weird, she reflected when Shmee mentioned it. Burena eyed the supposed gold curiously. Maybe it was going to turn out to be a dud? That would be a disappointment for the whole Weyr. Oh well, maybe the dragon inside was just being an annoying little kid and Aslath needed a break from it.

She followed the line of candidates up to the clutch, bowing deeply when she reached Aslath. "Congratulations on your clutch, Aslath. May I have the honor of touching the eggs?" She asked, trying to sound formal and courteous.

***

Alifyr had been through this before, but he still listened closely to the Weyrwoman's little speech. He didn't want to risk upsetting Aslath and getting suspended from the sands. Alifyr really hoped this would be his time to Impress, and he didn't want to jeopardize his chances in any way. He shuffled from side to side a bit as she spoke, trying to even out the heat.

When it came time to approach the Queen, he lowered his head and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Aslath. I request your permission to touch your clutch," he said simply, then waited for her agreement.

[Administrator]

Shmee's eyebrow shot up immediately as she spotted Corinth-- only without his rider. Aslath, too, narrowed her eyes as she stared at the bronze suspiciously. I never told you to come,[/color] she pointed out. Just because you sired the clutch doesn't mean you can barge in whenever you'd like, particularly since your rider has done squat,[/color] she added. However, he was doing his part, so she wouldn't chase him away. Still, he had to understand that he wasn't suddenly a boss. He was merely a sire. But seeing Corinth reminded Shmee that while the bronze didn't have anything to do, his rider certainly did. She felt a flash of anger in her. That idiot T'rid hadn't done anything since he became Weyrleader. Just why wasn't T'rid at the Touching? "Corinth," Shmee announced loudly, making sure the other candidates could hear. "Please tell your rider to get his sorry ass down here. That sorry excuse of a Weyrleader needs to understand his responsibility."

This caused Aslath to snort in amusement. It looks like your rider will join us after all. A Weyrleader cannot choose which responsibilities he can have. It is making Mine angry.[/color]

Still, Shmee had to look as though she were in a good mood for the candidates' sake. She smiled somewhat forcefully as she gazed at the candidates. Shei uttered a gentle coo as Arlo tangled his tail around her wrist. Shmee nodded kindly to Pasine, Zaqx, and Neikolai-- but her gaze lingered on Pepsi. "You're not a candidate," she said flatly. "I've heard about you, wildling. Only people who know and understand the ways of the Weyr may Stand for Aslath's clutch. Leave the sands," she said sternly, her tone completely no-nonsense. From what she had heard, she didn't like him. Well, she'd make sure he wouldn't stand. He wasn't fit for it, because he didn't know the ways of the Weyr yet. And if he argued with her? Well, Aslath could smack him into the sand. That thought soothed her. She bounced Shei lightly, and the babe peered brazenly at the candidates, with her blue eyes narrowed. Like her mother, these people made her suspicious. Fortunately, Arlo was sufficient distraction, nuzzling her mop of red curls.

Aslath seemed to agree with Shmee. At each candidate that approached (save for Pepsi), Aslath snorted, allowing them to pass. At least there were many candidates, and all of them fit. But Pepsi wouldn't be allowed to stay, no. The others would, of course.

[binker]

Neikolai paused as Shmee spoke, looking immediately to Pepsi. The wildling's eyes flashed, but he didn't say anything, instead moving for the entrance again. Neikolai frowned, wanting to go after the other, but... He had a duty to at least Touch the eggs. Perhaps he could do it quickly, and find Pepsi before the wildling decided to take out his anger on some innocent bystander.

He was quick to move after asking Aslath's permission, trying to get through the touching as quickly as possible. He didn't really see the need for such a thing, since surely the dragonets were safely tucked away from the probing minds within their shells, but it did seem to calm down some of the more high-strung candidates...

He brushed a hand along the Rudolph Egg but quickly backed up at the alien feelings that came to him; he paused, but soon touched it again briefly before moving away, towards the Stars at Night Egg. Glancing towards his brother he found Zaqx had managed to find a few favorites, moving along the Christmas Lights Egg, the Presents and Bows Egg, and the Candycane Egg, smiling the whole time.

Neikolai shook his head, quickly touching the Snowman Egg and then the Icicle Egg. How long was considered polite for one to stay at a Touching? Neikolai was already afraid his wildling charge was out causing trouble...

[Rei]

Raylin almost giggled as Shmee addressed Corinth. T’rid seemed to be making her a bit mad. Well he was very young perhaps a bit immature to be Weyrleader. He didn’t seem to be trying very hard either just sulking. She still wasn’t sure she disliked him though. He was infuriating but he was still young perhaps he would mature in time? Ah well she needn’t worry about things like that right now. The candidate had other things to worry about like impressing for instance.

The dark haired girl bowed again as Aslath snorted. “Thank you for your generosity Aslath.” She intoned politely before stepping towards the clutch. Which egg should she touch first? The Winter Wonderland Egg caught her eye and she strode over to it. She ignored her stinging feet as she ran a hand over its milky white surface marveling at the silver markings. It was so smooth! She lingered there for a bit before moving on, casting an eye over each egg as she passed.

Finally she came to the Five Golden Rings Egg. The candidate stared at the egg marveling at its sheer size and beauty. The queen who hatched was bound to be marvelous and she would likely pick a bonded as marvelous as herself. Raylin threw a nervous glance at Aslath before raising a hand and placing it onto the smooth shell. The Queen may not be destined for her but she could at least admire it. She stroked the shell almost rhythmically it was so very warm and smooth but unlike it’s sibling it gave off a more powerful feeling. It was as if the egg knew it was being admired and desired nothing else but continued admiration. Well she was sure to get it from whoever she bonded to. Like Tr’esn had said that day on the beach Queens were impossible to ignore. Giving the egg a last fleeting stroke Raylin moved on.

She stopped next to the Jingle Bells Egg having thought she heard a ringing noise. She chided herself it had to be her imagination. Eggs didn’t ring. Still, now curious she bent to examine the small egg running a hand over its smooth surface. Perhaps it had rung? Having finished with the egg, Raylin raised her head to look for Saeo wondering what eggs would attract her best friend.

----

Danar ignored the exchange between Shmee and Corinth for the most part. After all it wasn’t his place to judge. Everyone knew how worthless T’rid was he just hoped thread held off until Aslath next rose or by Faranth they would be in trouble! He paid far more attention to the exchange between Pepsi and Shmee. Served the sharding wildling right! He would never be fit for a dragon. What dragon in its right mind would bond to such an alien mind? Suddenly his attention was distracted by Aslath’s great golden head and everything else was forgotten.

As Aslath snorted the candidate practically flew over the sands to the Rudolph Egg. He looked almost giddy with anticipation. Finally he would be able to touch his bronze! He stroked the shell in a brisk circular motion like the old woman had said. He marveled at its sheer size. But the feeling he was getting off the egg was strange. Was it embarrassed? Impossible it was the most beautiful of the clutch there was no need for embarrassment. The burly lad whispered low to the egg. “It’s alright little guy when the time comes we will show them all.” He gave the egg one last affectionate pat and strode immediately to the next largest egg.

Stopping before the Snowman Egg he stroked it in much the same fashion but not nearly as long. Danar admired the way the light played off the surface of the egg and tapped at the large orange splotch. “I guess it does look like a nose. I will have to apologize to that weyrbrat the next time I see him. Maybe.”The large lad laughed out loud. Not caring who overheard him, before sauntering off to have a go at the Five Golden Rings Egg. After all it could be a bronze. Who knew? The burly lad gave a pat to the Queen egg and smiled at the girls winking at them before bustling off to the Jingle Bells Egg. Who knew the touching could be such fun!

[antinanco]

There one was! There was Danar! He was one of the last Candidates to arrive. Ieoha snorted. What arrogance the boy possessed! He probably thought the eggs would wait for him. Little did he know that the eggs waited for no one: they hatched on their own schedule. Plus, Saeo was nowhere in sight, so the auntie was forced to wait and watch.

As one of the Candidates, a Wilding Ieoha had heard rumors about, was forced off of the Sands, the woman whistled sharply. Good going Shmee! They didn’t need any of that sort on the Sands, not when you had perfectly good Candidates raised by hardworking Crècheworkers. Perhaps being an overprotective mother had finally come in handy for the Weyrwoman.

After that, a few more Candidates approached and were accepted, including Danar. Ugh! Ieoha couldn’t wait any longer! “Yuuuuuu-whooooo!” she cried to the two and began waving wildly, “Danar, sweetheart! Don’t forget: circles!” She had made sure to raise her trilling voice enough so that everyone in the Grounds could hear, and possibly a few going about their business on the river banks. The auntie grinned mischievously. That ought to embarrass them right good, wouldn’t it?

as she resumed stroking Laef, Ieoha momentarily observed some of the other Candidates to compare them to hers. Needless to say, they didn’t stack up well. Some even had come away from the Queen looking like sheets! Ieoha scoffed! Not her favorites, never.

Pasine was one of the ones who had come away from Aslath looking like a sheet. Though, it has to be noted that with her normally pale complexion and the pure white of the robes, the Candidate hadn’t come in to the event looking very colorful in the first place. By the time she had shaken the awe-induced stupor, two Candidates had weaseled inbetween her and her place as first in line. Fortunately one of weasels happened to be Danar, so Pasine was forced to forgive them. Besides, a somewhat more important task lay at hand now. The Touching.

First stop was the Five Golden Rings Egg. Pulling up to it immediately after Danar left (she had responded to his wink with a small smile and an acknowledging wave), Pasine stared at the egg in admiration and concentration for a relatively long while. She had been expecting to squat to touch the eggs, but this beauty was so massive and demanding that the gesture seemed awkward and out of place. Finally she folded her body into a kneeling position in the hot sands before the egg and reached out to touch it with one slender, knobbed hand. Her fingertips felt a rush of intense warmth travel up them, but the egg did not burn. Charily the rest of her hand came into contact with the pristine surface, and soon the other joined it. Both joined together in massaging the egg lightly, working from the bottom to the top. Suddenly, at the beginning of her third round of rubbing, Pasine was hit with the revelation of how much time had passed. She hastily rose, bowed and took her leave.

For a second, Pasine almost thought there was a second Queen egg on the Sands as she caught another glimmer of gold. But the egg was much too small. Still, the Candidate made her way over to the Jingle Bells Egg and kneeled once more, but admittedly quicker than before. Her hands made quick work of this egg, running over the silky surface once, then twice as curiosity took a hold of her. It was odd, both round and smooth. And… was that a bell? Pasine whipped her head around in confusion, thinking that someone was playing a trick on her. But everyone else was busy, even including Shmee’s baby. She gave the egg a short final stroke before leaving in complete mystification.

Finally, Pasine was drawn to the Christmas Lights Egg on her way to the edge of the clutch. The neat pattern of the dots appealed to her, despite the fact that it was neither big nor eye catching. Since her knees were now bright cherry red and painful to the touch, Pasine finally broke in and squatted in front of the egg. As she did so she thought she saw some of the dots sparkle, but even more interesting was the pure happiness that flowed through her when she touched the egg. Pasine let out a shocked cheep and pulled her hand back with wide eyes. What on Pern?! The other eggs hadn’t done that! Carefully she extended one hand… and it did it again! Pasine stood, thoroughly confused, and made her way towards the edge of the Sands.

That was quite enough of silly egg-touching for her, thank you. The dragonets knew what minds they wanted, and if they hadn’t then they certainly did by now.

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