The Hatching of the 12 Days of Christmas Clutch

[Administrator]

Thank Faranth that she was already awake. Shmee had awoken a couple hours earlier because that was when Shei woke up, and already, she could hear and feel the hum vibrating throughout the Weyr. Well, she could hardly feel it in her feet where she was in her Weyr, but she could certainly hear it as a noise embedded in the walls, closer than the roar of the Falls. Even Shei felt it, and she looked inquisitively up at her mother where she sat on the floor, playing with wooden blocks. “Ma, good?” Shei asked, throwing her blocks down. Shmee nodded lovingly. Even her little daughter was able to understand that the humming was a good sound. Shmee yawned, and sat up from where she lay on the couch. S’rei was still sleeping, so she wouldn’t wake him up. She had to make sure he got as much sleep as he needed! Arlo quickly soared over to Shmee, landing on her shoulder daintily. She smiled. His little blue throat was vibrating with the hatching hum.

Scooping up Shei, she darted up the stairs, starting the long and eager journey to the Hatching Ground. Meanwhile, Aslath was pacing the grounds, look anxiously to her eggs. They were already showing intense signs of life. Four of them were wiggling, and some even showed cracks. Where were her candidates? Doubting their ability to show up before her children hatched, she anxiously broadcasted a message to them. Candidates, my eggs hatch. Come quickly if you wish to meet them. Hints of nervousness filled her tone. Would they make it in time to greet the children? The last thing she wanted was for them to lose hope and vanish before the horrible urchins arrived. Oh, Aslath hated Hatchings. There was the constant worry of whether or not her children would live, and she almost always thought that the candidates were a disgusting slimy lot...

Shmee slid into her seat in the Weyrleaders' Box, looking down anxiously. Ah, there was the Candycane Egg and the Eggnog Egg, both with long cracks running up their shells. Any more, and they'd certainly be out. Other wiggling eggs included the Presents and Bows Egg and the Snowman Egg. Shmee frowned, but Arlo pressed against her ear, humming his song reassuringly. Shei, too, was mesmerized, staring down at the eggs with a look of quiet amazement.

Corinth, hurry, they hatch,[/color] Aslath said to Corinth. Hopefully, that idiot of a bronze would hurry up and get here, or else he'd miss the birthing of his own children! Faranth only knows that would be a terrible thing!

--

Five Golden Rings Egg - Impressed; Bronze Jaymith to Ke'rin
Icicle Egg - Impressed; Blue Kyssith to N'lai
Winter Wonderland Egg - Impressed; Green Irylth to Z'ax
Hot Cocoa Egg - Impressed; Blue Mallowth to C'vin
Eggnog Egg - Impressed; Green Ebolath to Raylin
Candycane Egg - Impressed; Green Peppeth to Farryl
Rudolph Egg - Impressed; Brown Rudolth to A'fyr
Jingle Bells Egg - Impressed; Green Rioth to NPC T'rea
Stars at Night Egg - Impressed; Green Heith to NPC Morea
Christmas Lights Egg - Impressed; Blue Cherilith to Saeo
Snowman Egg - Impressed; Brown Frosstyth to C'oar
Presents and Bows Egg -- Impressed; Blue Garaeth to T'ke

[binker]

"Does this robe make my butt look big?" Neiko growled, grabbing his brother's upper arm. The barracks were complete chaos, with people hurrying to make themselves presentable. Most had been asleep until just recently no doubt, but Neiko had been up with the sun, trying to teach Pepsi. His pupil was a lot more wary now, with his second capture, but he seemed to have accepted the fact that he was stuck at the Weyr; that no matter how fast he ran, a quick trip /between/ would catch up to him. As soon as the humming had started, he had hauled Zaqx from his bed, thrown his robe at him, and had gone to change himself.

Pepsi, uncertain of his part in the hatching, stayed crouched where Neikolai had left him, only rising when he reappeared with Zaqx in tow. "Come on Pepsi, we have to hurry," The brisk command had him heading for the docks, and the boats. With the wildling behind the oars, making it across the river took half the usual time, and the three males were one of the first to the sands. With a cursory glance around, Pepsi mutely went to the stands, taking a seat in the rapidly-filling stands. Right in the front, he had a nice view of the sands, and watched on as Neikolai and Zaqx hurried forward.

Both gave bows to the golden clutchmother, Zaqx's eyes flicking across the eggs as he smiled nervously. Thankfully his brother was there to haul him to the forming semi-circle of candidates, as his attention was fixed on the clutch. Two of his favorites were already shaking, the cheerful Candycane Egg was even cracked! He knew there was the possibility of not impressing, or even being mauled, but... He could wish for the best, while trying to prepare for the worst. Hah... He was taking a page from his brother's book now!

{Eh. Crud. D: I are tired.}

[Rei]

Danar vaulted off his bed as the last echoes of Aslath’s voice exited his head. His bronze was hatching! He whipped through his trunk, throwing things this way and that and managed to pull out his white candidate robe. The barracks where a flurry of activity as everyone ran this way and that, some shouting to their friends to hurry, it was chaos. The burly lad stripped and pulled the robe over his head before running headlong down the stairs and out of the barracks.

Danar launched a boat and steered the craft toward the hatching grounds his muscles working at the paddle slicing through the water with ease. With every strike of the oar his racing heart seemed to beat in unison. The eggs are hatching, the eggs are hatching. The phrase repeated itself like some bizarre chant accompanied by the sound of oars on water and his frantically beating heart. He didn’t even bother to properly dock the boat as he hit land. Instead he leapt from the boat and ran headlong into the grounds stopping at the entrance to walk slowly onto the hot sand. No sense upsetting Aslath when he was so close to his dragon.

The candidate’s eyes were drawn to the already rocking eggs. Two already had cracks the Candycane Egg and Eggnog Egg seemed eager to greet the world. Danar glanced at his Rudolph Egg but when no movement could be detected he returned his gaze to the cracked eggs and rocking eggs. Which would be first to hatch?

----

Vega winged about Raylin’s head adding his little hum to the growing din about the weyr. Raylin flung her clothes off and pulled the robe over her head pausing only to pull her hair into a quick runner tail. It was messy but would have to do. Now was not the time to dally. She slipped on her sandals and flew headlong down the stairs Vega winging after her. Aslath had sounded a bit nervous surely the hatchlings were not already on the sands? Her mind whirled with possibilities as she reached the boat dock.

Giving Vega a stern command to stay put, the candidate boarded the waiting boat and gave thanks to the candidate at the helm not even paying attention to who he was or if she had even seen him before. As the boat made its way to the grounds Raylin kept her eyes fixed on the distant building aware only of her own frantically beating heart and the butterflies suddenly pounding at the walls of her stomach. She exited the boat with the rest of the passengers and took a deep breath before walking out onto the grounds.

The first thing Raylin was aware off was Aslath’s great golden form pacing the grounds. She was not sure if the senior queen was aware of her or not but she bowed anyway and then made her way closer to the eggs, standing a respectful distance from the rocking shells. The candidate fixed her eyes on the rocking eggs and was only dimly aware of the humming of the dragons rimming the bowl. Was her life about to change?

----

Hurry up Selmine we will miss it! Kaaoloth was fanning his wings on his ledge craning his neck towards the hatching grounds. “I’m coming I’m coming.” Sel’n retorted instantly irritated. “Haven’t you seen enough of these things already?” The rider would never understand his browns attraction to clutchings and hatchings. Nevertheless he mounted his beast and smiled as Kaaoloth bugled before vaulting off the ledge.

The rider watched as the frantic candidates rowed to the grounds on the river below. Kaaoloth gave a encouraging croon to the candidates and winged into the grounds. Depositing Sel’n near the entrance he vaulted back into the air to perch on the rim and add his deep hum to the choir. The brown’s rider ascended the stands and took a seat near the edge of the crowd. He pitied the candidates a bit. It was nerve racking being on the sands and it would only get worse from here. Arriving was only the tip of the iceberg.

[weaving]

Eggs hatch! Babiesbabiesbabies! While Manners might have been excited for the impending hatching, Jermayan most certainly was not. He had been assigned the hatching in case of maulings, but that would most likely mean being woken in the middle of the day. Dragons were known for their activity during the night afterall. For the past sevenday, the bronze ‘mandyr had been on high alert for Aslath’s call, having been ecstatic when Jermayan had informed him of the clutch. Gonownownow! Can’t be late! Eggs hatch Manners there. The usually eloquent (for his kind) creature had been reduced to babbles of excitement as he hopped about impatiently on the healer’s shoulder.

“Alright, alright,” he grumbled, putting together a bag of bandages, numbweed and a needle and thread. He’d lingered in the infirmary for a while after his shift had ended, cleaning things, sorting herbs and tending to patients. He’d been doing this for the past few days on the off-chance that the hatching might actually start at a somewhat reasonable hour. It looked as though luck was on his side this morning, thankfully. Waking up in the middle of the day had not been a pleasant prospect. “The eggs won’t hatch for a while yet Manners. They have to give the candidates enough time to get there ya’know.”

By the time they left the infirmary, the bronze was fit to burst with uncontrollable energy. He’d ceased speaking, instead sending Jermayan a constant stream of emotion running through their link. The young man sighed, rubbing at his temples and wishing that he could simply retreat to bed. Lucky Jermaysk, he grumbled silently as they trekked off toward the hatching sands. It was a bit of a walk and so he moved quickly, more than once cursing Selenitas for it’s lack of organization when it came to buildings and placement. Honestly, what sane person would build a weyr in the middle of a river?

“Okay Manners, under my hair. You need to be quiet now because I don’t think that Aslath would appreciate you being there. Not a word to anyone else, only me.” The only reason he was sneaking the ‘mandyr onto the sands was because he knew that Manners would only find a way to get there on his own if Jermayan tried to leave him anywhere else. He was simply to excited about this clutch, for some reason, to stay away. Sneaky good. Quiet now. Not know Manners here. Obediently the bronze slipped beneath Jermayan’s hair, which had been worn down this morning for that exact purpose.

Once that was settled, the healer entered the stands, sitting in the first row of seats, where it would be easy enough for him to access the Sands if a candidate happened to get hurt. Hopefully that wouldn’t be the case, but hatchings were crazy things and anything could happen. Why, he wouldn’t be too surprised if a blue came out of the gold egg. Prettyshinygold? Manners inquired curiously, sending Jermayan an image of the Five Golden Rings Egg to further clarify his question. “Who knows,” the man murmured in reply. “Could be anything.”

[antinanco]

It started.

Rinnel was one of the first to know. Risk had been acting funny all night, being possessively protective over every living creature in sight and sending intense love emotions to the man. It was rather annoying. At first her handler had thought that she was about to Run, but then, as they were heading back to bed, Risk began to hum.

“Oh, Shards,” Rinnel murmured and kicked at a clod of dirt, “The Hatching’s happening.” He paused, contemplating what to do. “Well, you better not keep me up all day, Risk,” he grunted after a long silence and shuffled off to the Barracks. No watching as others achieve his now-futile childhood dream, thank you. Besides, Risk would enjoy hording him all day. But his plans were interrupted just as he was settling into his furs in the pitch darkness of his Wherhandler apartment.

“Morning sleepyhead!” a shrill voice cut through Risk’s peaceful humming, “Thought you’d skip a Hatching that easily, did you, Rin-Tin-Tin?” Rinnel winced as he recognized both the voice and the nickname. Who else had called him that his entire life, Northern saga included? He groaned and rolled over, hoping the source would go away. It was a futile effort, and he knew it.

Ieoha whipped the covers off of the man in a whirlwind of motherly energy, the grin on her face reaching epic proportions. “C’mon, Rin-Tin-Tin! You need socializing. All this night-time living is turning you into a hermit, and you know it.”

“What—but—Risk! She hates the light!” Rinnel protested, pointing an accusing finger at the vibrating wher. Both women snorted at once. What was he, eleven? “Good!” Ieoha cried, rooting through his wardrobe and throwing a pair of somewhat nice cloths on top of his face, “That means she won’t leave this little hole in the ground while we’re out. C’mon!” And before he knew it, the two were off to the Hatching Grounds, leaving a slumbering, humming Risk in their wake.

As the two old friends arrived, they mingled with the crowd and took their seats fairly quietly. Despite having spent three years along together, they had drifted apart and now found conversation difficult without making small talk. The spell was broken, however, as Rinnel noticed something odd about Ieoha. “Are you… wearing a green flitter for a hat?”

The auntie rolled her eyes. “Observant, aren’t you darling?” And thus the crèchewoman launched into the heroic ballad of Laef, leading the way for the two to catch up on their lives since moving South.

---

It started.

Pasine had already been awake for some time, working on some weave in hopes of working off some of her nervous energy and wired on klah as usual. In actuality it was that very drink that alerted her to the Hatching, since she had first noticed slight ripples breaking the surface of the placid liquid. She had been leaning over the cup, curiously examining it when suddenly a voice in her head caused her to jump and knock the cup over. Candidates, my eggs hatch. Come quickly if you wish to meet them.

[/i] The resulting spill splashed all over the front of Pasine. Those in the adjoining rooms could hear a shout, but it wasn’t fully clear whether it was one of pain or excitement.

For once, Pasine was thankful for the Hatching robes. Though they made her look like a ghost, it was a lot better than showing up with a giant spill down the front of your cloths. She quickly slipped out of her cloths and into the clean white garments. As she stepped out into the hall, a mass of hysteria met her. Not only was the disorder unbelievably aggravating and difficult for accomplishing anything, but her scramble to the Grounds became a agitated blur lost to a sea panicking Candidates. Pasine was looking unusually flustered and heated as she was ushered through the entrance to the Hatching Ground, but soon that changed.

Everything hit her at once. This was the first time Pasine had seen the Stands full. The sheer noise that they made while simply conversing was immense. And the humming! She could feel it vibrating through her sandals! It was oddly soothing. And, of course, knowing the moment had finally come also helped her to relax. No more waiting, no more speculating, no more proving herself. Now it was time to be judged.

Pasine stood before Aslath, once again a washed-out specter in her white robes, and bowed. “Such a lovely clutch. Best wishes,” she murmured the quickest compliment she had ushered to date. For once, it was not the Golden Queen who was in the spotlight. No, today it was the eggs, and Pasine stared at them the entire time as she fell into a spot near the middle of the semi-circle. Silently she thanked Faranth: if she had been any later she would have gotten stuck at the curve of the horseshoe and had a horrible view of the eggs.

But she hadn’t, so she didn’t, so she watched and waited. So far it looked like two eggs were rocking and two were already cracked. Pity, though, that none of them were her favorites. Rapidly she turned her attention to the two semi-circles, trying to pick out faces she knew. Already she noticed Neikolai and Zaqx, and gave a curt call to them accompanied by a wave. She doubted that they’d hear her over this entire racket, but it didn’t hurt to give it a try.

But then she kicked herself as reality crashed over her head. Why was she socializing at a time like this? Did she think that because they were from the same hold that they were going to Impress together or some nonsense? No, Pasine shook her head and returned her awed concentration to the eggs. It was only a matter of time now…
[/center][/font]

[nightingale]

Saeo shivered as the haunting resonance of a hundred draconic voices hummed across her damp skin. It was time, they were hatching...and suddenly she couldn't breathe. Was she ready for this? Shards, with Kemma having been out of commission and pending replacement since her arrival the only lessons she'd had yet on dragon hatchings had come from the old crechewoman Ieoha -and she tended to leave out important details...

Candidates, my eggs hatch. Come quickly if you wish to meet them.

Well, it seemed that the dragons were hatching weather she was ready for them or not, so she'd best dry herself off and get to the coast if she even dared to hope she might Impress. The girl tugged her everyday clothing unceremoniously from her backpack pack, depositing it on the bench next to her as she dug for the white gown tucked in to the bottom. For the last few days she'd taken to carrying her candidate robe with her everywhere, unwilling to be caught without it and being forced to run back to the barracks. Now she tugged it on over top of her barely-dried hair and skin and ran, thankful that finding a boatman wouldn't be necessary this time around.

---------------------------

Aslath's voice thrummed in Keirin's mind just as he finished slipping into his white candidate's robe. Yes, he and the rest of the male dorm were fully aware that the hatching was underway. Even a complete dimglow would be able to hear the deep thrum of the Weyr's dragons vibrating throughout every corridor. Lamb was perched on a nearby bedpost, her delicate wings flared as she hummed a clear, crystalline soprano. Hers must go to the hatching, yes? She would wait for him here then, and greet their new mindmate when he found them.

Kei smiled, stroking the little creature's graceful neck affectionately and silently requesting that she inform Raylin via her own flitter that she, Saeo and Farryl had a ride if they would meet him by the docks. The green flitter's hum changed pitch momentarily as she sent a pulse of love and agreement toward Hers, but quickly regained it's clarity as she relayed the information to Vega. Hers would help His and her friends to the sands, yes? And then they would meet each other's new mindmates after the hatching?

--------------------------

Saeo stood waiting at the boarder of the hatching sands when the boat carrying Keirin, Raylin and the others came ashore. This time, she didn't bother to wait for them to catch up with her -so long as she knew that they were present, she could justify being the first one on the sands. She had forgotten her sandals at the bath house, and so was grateful to find upon entering that the sands were still cool and damp from the night before. She dipped a small curtsy to Aslath, then took up a motionless stance a good distance from the rocking eggs, hands clasped nervously against her chest. Her egg -the rough one she'd spent so much time with at the touching -it was moving. Oh that wasn't a good sign was it? Both it and the red striped egg were far too small to contain a bronze. Wasn't there an old saying that if a bronze wasn't the first to hatch it was a bad omen?

She turned to watch as first Zaqx and Neikolai, then Keirin, Raylin and several others came to join her on the sands. They all seemed nervous -and really, who was she to judge them for that? They all had good reason to be nervous. Everyone had come for a dragon, but if they did the math they would realize that the twelve eggs that lay on the sands in front of them did not nearly match their numbers. Her grey eyes went back to the milky yellow egg she had so unwisely set her heart upon. She wanted it to be hers -oh how she wanted it to be hers- but wishing wouldn't make it hers if it wasn't meant to be...

-------------------------

Keirin was relieved to find that none of the eggs had hatched yet, though a few of them seemed well on their way. He was excited of course, but not nearly as nervous as he imagined he should be. Didn't candidates often get mauled at dragon hatchings? And what if he didn't Impress? Surely that thought should rattle his nerves a little? For some reason though, he just couldn't find it in him to be more that vaguely uneasy. If his dragon didn't hatch this time around, he could always stand at the next hatching. He was beginning to really enjoy life at Selenitas Weyr, and if he was going to spend the rest of his life there it didn't seem to matter if he had to wait an extra few months or years before he had a dragon to call his own.

[weaving]

Post for Ladybug:

Burena quickly pulled on her white robe, then glanced in the mirror. Ugh! It was so ugly, just a plain white shift. Not form fitting at all. Looking around, she spotted a purple cloth belt. Picking it up, she tied it around her waist. Well, that was a little better. She didn't have time for anything else. The young woman hurried to the Hatching Grounds, the hum ringing in her ears.

She took a deep breath before entering the cavern. Keeping her head high and confident despite her nervousness, she scurried across the hot sand to the clutch. She bowed to Aslath, then joined the other candidates. Her gaze was glued to the eggs, and for once she wasn't distracted by a cute boy or a piece of gossip. Which would hatch first? And was her lifemate in one of those eggs?

***

Alifyr's hands were shaking as he pulled the robe over his head. He was even more nervous than he had expected. His heart was pounding and his stomach felt unstable from the nerves. He took a few breaths to calm himself, then began to the trip to the Hatching Ground, trailing behind a few other candidates.

He had been through this before, but that didn't make walking onto the sands any less exhilarating. The sound of the humming filled his ears as he joined the other candidates. Bowing to Aslath, he took his place in the semi circle. He looked over the eggs, waiting for it all to begin, hoping against hope that he would Impress this time.

[topaz]

Venus hid behind her barrack wall as she stripped her wherhide apparel and donned the flowing white Candidate robe once more. The girl couldn't figure out what was happening when she first heard the humming. All she saw were other Candidates and weyrfolk running around like crazed wherries. However when Aslath's powerful voice boomed in her mind, Venus put her palm to her forehead forcefully, scolding herself for not recognizing the now obvious signs that the Hatching had begun.

Racing out of the barracks, the brunette nearly tripped down the stairs to the docks, hoping that there were still boats left. Luckily there were just a few more and she hopped into one with a male Candidate; Corbin was his name? It didn't matter. He allowed her in with a knowing smile, and began rowing them both across the river towards the Hatching Grounds.

- - -

Reaching the shore, Corvin quickly jumped out of the boat and tied it, circling back to help his female cargo exit, and they both headed to the high archway and into the Hatching Grounds proper.

He soon found a place towards the edge of the semi-circle of male Candidates and sighed anxiously. Pulling at and smoothing his white Candidates robe, he looked around at the other Candidates. Good. He wasn't the last one there, the thought comfortingly. Although he had been to many a Hatching before, the excitement and tension in the air was undoubtably contagious, and he ran a hand through his wavy brown hair, in an attempt to calm himself.

Gazing finally on the sacred eggs, that they were all so neatly arranged around, Corvin couldn't help but smile. Two of them had already cracked, and although neither of them were of particular interest to him, he watched them intently, eager to see what would burst through the hard shells. He soon noticed that another two eggs were showing signs of life as well. The Snowman Egg was wiggling, and Corvin grinned as he looked upon it. He remembered that particular egg from the Touching as being unusually cold and unfeeling towards the Candidate. It's now apparent eagerness to join the world was uplifting and Corvin was almost proud of the oddly colored egg.

- - -

Venus muttered a quick thank you to Corvin...yes, that was his name...before they separated as they veered off to their respective gender groups. As she walked, she slowed her pace a bit, realizing that she was indeed in time and hadn't missed anything. Venus hadn't realized how rapidly her heart was beating, nor her fast, shallow breathing until she came to a stop on the burning Sands. Finding a spot as close as she could to the center, Venus stared with wide eyes at the clutch before her, taking longer breaths to try and calm herself. It was strange to feel so much energy in one place; the humming dragons, murmuring bystanders, and her own racing thoughts. Her features showed a mixture of excitement and taught nerves as she scanned the eggs one by one, looking for any signs of life.

Two were already cracked! A small, strange yellowish colored egg along with, the very first egg that Venus had ever seen, the small red and white striped egg. There were also two that were shaking on the Sands; the white egg with the strange black and orange markings, and the red and green egg that Venus remembered from the hatching as giving off very warm, joyful feelings. She smiled, despite her nervousness. The dragon from that egg would no doubt make it's bonded incredibly happy.

Venus let out an anxious sigh as her eyes wandered around the arena, from the eggs, to the golden queen Aslath, the Weyrwoman, the people in the stands, and the other Candidates around her. Her index finger absently scratched at her thumbnail as she watched the event unfold with wide eyes.

[Rowana]

Farryl had never felt so excited in her entire life. Not even Impressing little Tille could compare to this day. The green fire lizard had once more been banished to the Candidate Barracks, though how long she would stay there, Farryl wasn't sure. Tille's attention span and memory were sketchy at best. Today, though, she wasn't concerned with her adorable friends obedience or lack there of. Today, the only thing on her mind was dragons.

The trip from the barracks to the Weyr had been easier than most. In the hustle of excited Candidates and the thrill of what was to come, she was able to ignore the water below the boat so long as she did not look at it. Dressed in the simple white robe and wearing her chestnut hair down in waves, Farryl felt ready for anything.

The eggs were just as beautiful as she remembered, each brilliant and so full of life. She could not wait to see what each contained. Not forgetting her manners, she bowed politely to Aslath and thanked her for the honor of being able to Stand for her offspring. Then she skipped across the hot sand, hardly noticing the heat blazing through her toes. She took her place near Saeo and Raylin, beaming greetings to everyone. "Good luck!" she told them all sincerely, before turning her undivided attention to the hatching eggs.

~

Toumke was one of the last to arrive at the Hatching Grounds. He still wasn't sure if he aught to be standing at all, but had eventually decided that he should if only because it would be expected. Besides, hatchings were rare and wondrous events and seeing one was an honor one did not pass up, especially when one could be so close to the eggs. Almost too close for comfort in fact.

Toumke stayed near the edge of the group. He could still see each egg fairly clearly and from here he figured he would be as safe as possible if any of the hatchlings turned violent. He balled the front of his robe nervously. Part of him couldn't wait for the eggs to hatch and another part couldn't wait for it to be over. As often as he tried to convince himself he was being paranoid, the other part of his mind would remind him why he was.

Toumke sighed deeply. He didn't expect to Impress anything anyway, and in truth had only come to watch. He wished the others well as he took a deep breath to steady his nerves. He would try not to anticipate bad things until they happened he resolved. This was going to be a momentous day for many people and he should try to enjoy it the best he could.

[Administrator]

Fortunately for Jermayan, Aslath wasn't concentrating looking at the stands. Rather, she was staring down each candidate in turn, looking for any signs of weakness. She growled. She didn't like any of them, quite honestly, but Shmee knew she only felt that way because she was being broody. She'd be back to her old self in a few days. I suppose it /is/ good that they chose to show up at all[/color] Aslath admitted slowly. Shmee smiled. Well, if Aslath could find good in a bad situation, then it was all going to be just fine. She bounced Shei on her lap adoringly. Where on Pern was that idiot T'rid? Well, at least she wouldn't have to listen to his groanings about the Hatching if he didn't show up. Still, she would rather not be alone for the Hatching. She cast a casual look around the Stands. Robika was on the other side of the Hatching Ground, so it looked like she would be alone today. She grimaced. She really needed to make more friends.

Looking back down to the candidates, she, like Aslath, scrutinized them. There were some of the ones that she'd met. Would Selenitas Hold prove again that they had strong rider stock? Most of the girls were from there, it seemed like...

But her musings ended as the Candycane Egg split open first. It was a surprise that this was the one that chose to hatch first-- it was so small that people might've thought weeks ago that it would be a dud. Still, it proved them wrong as a tiny green pushed her way through the glimmering red and white shards. Further inspection proved that this little green was striped; her bright green hide was striped evenly with dark green on every inch of her body. Brightly, she looked up at the candidates. Lifting her wings a little to fan them of the egg fluid, she looked at her onlookers curiously. So many precious candidates, ohmymymy...!

As she was getting her bearings, the Presents and Bows Egg also broke shell. With a triumphant warble, a dark blue dragonet shook itself free of his shell. It wasted no time in trotting over to the boys. However, this was all he seemed to know. He paused, unsure of who to pick next. But goodness, he sure was a hungry dragon! Overcome by hunger, he sat down, tiredly trying to choose without a single drop of food in his shrivelling stomach! No matter-- he'd be fed soon! He knew he would be! He crooned. He just needed to concentrate on picking his beloved!

Quietly, the Eggnog Egg also split completely open, revealing a lime-green dragonet. Eagerly, the dragon split into a run, aiming for the boys. However, in doing so, she tripped over her tail. With a screech, she fell on top of poor Corvin. Apologetically, she tried removing herself, but her claw got stuck on his shoulder. It was then that she realized: She didn't want a boy. She wanted a girl! Impatiently, she pulled herself off of him-- but split Corvin's shoulder open in the process.

The Candycane Green screeched defiantly. What was this now? Nooo, this other green couldn't steal her bonded! Running as quickly as she could to the girls, she butted Farryl lovingly. Oh, mine-Farryl, I got you! You are mine! I am your Peppeth![/color]

As the first Impression was made, the Snowman Egg began to crack, with the button-pattern on his shell being connected by long, heavy cracks. The Jingle Bells Egg, too, chose this moment to gain many thin, spidery cracks on its golden side. Beginning to wiggle was the Rudolph Egg and the Five Golden Rings Egg, but no cracks were visible-- yet.

[Rei]

Danar’s head spun so much was happening at once. As if encouraged on by the humming of the dragons above, the Candycane Egg split spilling a green dragon onto the sands. Her tiny body was striped with alternating green bands. Once he saw it was green however his attention was drawn to the next hatchling to make an entrance. The Presents And Bows Egg perhaps unwilling to let its sister choose first splintered to revel a dark blue hatchling.

Danar watched as the baby dragon made his way over to their loose grouping of boys and then merely sat as if confused as to who his choice should be. The candidate’s attention was drawn from the blue to the next dragon to break shell. The poor Eggnog Green seemed confused as it barreled towards the boys and tumbled onto Corvin. Danar winced as Corvin’s shoulder was pierced spilling blood onto the pristine sands. Ouch he was happy it wasn’t him.

The Candycane Green’s defiant screech echoed across the grounds and Danar turned his head just in time to catch the first impression. He smiled it sure looked magical. Turning his attention to the eggs he frowned. Why wasn’t his Rudolph Egg hatching? Come on little guy, he thought, your bonded is right here.

----

Raylin watched as the Candycane Green broke shell. She was so dainty and cute even covered in the goo that accompanied any birthing. A warble grew her attention from the tiny green to a dark blue dragon. He wobbled over to the boys and sat down on the sands as if willing to take his time to make the right choice. Raylin smiled she could appreciate his indecision. This was a choice he would have to live with for the rest of his life. He should make it a good one.

The candidate turned to admire the Candycane Green again but her attention was drawn to the hatching of the Eggnog Green. She wasted no time in barreling across the sands to the boy’s side. She wanted a boy huh? There was a momentary bit of chaos as she tumbled onto Corvin and then detangled herself spilling blood onto the steaming sands. She seemed nonplused however as she turned her attention to the girls.

A defiant shriek echoed across the grounds and Raylin watched as the tiny Candycane Green speed to Farryl and butted at her legs the dragons tiny eyes whirling a rainbow of hues Raylin had never seen before. Then it hit the girl she had just witnessed an impression. It was quite possibly the most beautiful thing she had seen. She reluctantly tore her eyes away from the scene to watch the rest of the eggs. was her dragon present?

-----

Kaaoloth crooned happily as the Candycane Green made her choice and felt Sel’n’s mind twine with his own. He crooned lovingly to his bonded his eyes whirling an intense blue. Sel’n smiled and gave a short wave to Kaaoloth before returning his eyes to the grounds. Corvin’s injury was not as serious as some he had seen the boy would be fine.

[binker]

The sudden flurry of activity had Zaqx gaping openly; first was a little Green, who was just as striped as her pretty little shell and then another Green that came barreling forwards and tripped-

He tried to muffle his shocked gasp as another candidate was caught under the confused little hatchling. He shuffled to the side, wary now of the little Green even as she made for the semi-circle of girls. There was a Blue watching them, he noted faintly as he moved towards Corvin, crouching near the fallen boy.

"Hey... You think you can still Stand? If not, I'll help you out, to the healers." Always concerned about others... The exact opposite of his aloof brother. Neikolai had only faintly noticed the mauling, let alone talk to the poor lad. Zaqx was taking care of that... Neikolai would watch the Blue sitting in front of them, and make sure his idiot of a brother didn't get mauled for his concern.

[antinanco]

And as if someone had detonated explosives, everything happened around Pasine at once. First an interestingly stripped green fell to the Sands, causing Pasine to tense, even though it wasn’t one of the eggs she favored, and looked at the appealing markings. Vaguely she remembered something about first-born greens being bad luck, but she wasn’t one for superstitions. Besides, there was another healthy blue, hatching from the Presents and Bows egg. She watched both curiously, but soon the blue veered off course to the boys’ side and Pasine lost interest. Then another green split open and followed the same path as the blue before it! Giving a little exasperated exhale, the Candidate repositioned herself on a dune. The heat was beginning to get through the thin sandals and into her soles, and there wasn’t much now to distract her from it.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Pasine completely missed the accidentally mauling. O perhaps if she had seen a glimpse of red as she caught the streak of lime-green scuttle over to their side then she ignored it in favor of the Eggnogg Green. She winced as the Candy Cane Green screeched and plucked Farryl out of the girls circle. Ouch, now she was thankful the little monster hadn’t picked her.

At the sound of the screech, Ieoha jumped up from her seat and began cheering wildly. First Impression! Thank Faranth! If the first-born green had betweened, she would’ve been devastated. After all, she had a first-born green herself. Rinnel, on the otherhand, groaned and rubbed his brow. It wasn’t long before the old auntie was coaxing him to at least clap and to ‘stop being so antisocial’, and soon there were at least two cheering figures in the Stands.

Then things really got started. Pasine’s eyes were enticed back to the clutch as four eggs began showing signs of life. But what was truly exciting was the fact that among the movements were the two largest eggs of the clutch and one of her favorites. But most of all, the queen egg was getting ready to hatch! Pasine tensed again, as if effort on her part would help the eggs to hatch faster. Her taunt muscles would definitely be hurting later, but for now it didn’t matter. Her only concern was the eggs now.

[Avu]

He was torn between entirely skipping the Hatching and just going, but not to the Weyrleaders' Box. It wasn't like anybody thought of him as Weyrleader anyway, and to take the seat would...probably symbolize accepting the rank. Which he wasn't. Bah. T'rid was in a...completely horrible mood, which, while his usual mood was far from sparkles and butterflies, had him still leaning against the headrest of his bed, legs drawn up in a curled position, head tipped back, doing his best to ignore the Hatching thrum that was drilling right to the center of what promised to be an irritating headache. He wrinkled his nose slightly as Stupid scurried over his lap, though he didn't bother to open his eyes to see what the Salamandyr was up to. It didn't matter. He hadn't gotten dressed yet and didn't plan on doing so anytime soon, and he really didn't feel like chasing Stupid nude through the halls of the Weyr, even if the suicidal thing had decided to go pay Calistoth a visit. Maybe that would even be a good idea. He'd hurt, of course, but he'd get rid of the irritant and have an excuse to get out of the Hatching. All at once.

They are Hatching, Corinth stated quietly.
That's nice. Go on, watch the little hatchlings like a good little bronze.
They are Hatching, and you are coming, Corinth answered testily, his tail lashing in his impatience.
Oh, really.
Oh, really! Now, get out here. This is no time for arguments, T'ridmine.

Something in the bronze's tone made T'rid groan, opening his eyes and heaving himself out of the bed, making his way across the room to his wardrobe and pulling it open, rifling through the clothing and choosing rather offhandedly, dropping the tunic over his shoulder and pulling on his pants without so much as looking over exactly what he'd pulled out before he did up his belt, glancing at Corinth expectantly. The bronze coughed pointedly through the low vibrating thrum. Your hair looks like some wherry used it for a nest. That drew a scowl from the bronzerider. "Nobody cares about my hair!" Nevertheless, he pushed his fingers through the dark brown mess, where it fell into some semblance of order - to him, anyway, which was...not very promising. Nevertheless, Corinth lowered his neck and offered a foreleg, letting T'rid vault to his neck. Almost before the young man had settled down, the bronze had already taken off from the Weyrledge, going between directly to the Hatching Grounds.

Before T'rid had time to register the freezing coldness (he was a bit busy trying to make sure one of his shoes didn't fall off between; he'd just slipped it on and he could feel it slipping loose), the heat of the Hatching Grounds nearly knocked him over, rushing up and swallowing him, instantly drying his throat. He coughed, swallowing to wet his throat as he glanced down at the clutch as Corinth backwinged to land in the Weyrleaders' Box. T'rid paused to smack the bronze neck, realizing the place he was aiming to land. Not in the Weyrleaders' Box! Shells, if he had to be at the Hatching, he'd just lurk somewhere with the other Riders and pretend just for a little bit that he could ignore the Weyrwoman, pretend she didn't exist and neither did the rank of Weyrleader (haha, yeah, right).

Not here!
This is our seat.
Not much, T'rid answered, fighting back the urge to sulk.
This is our seat, Corinth reiterated firmly, folding his wings at his sides as his previously low Hatching thrum intensified in pitch.

Okay. Definitely sulking. Sliding down from Corinth's neck, T'rid nodded a curt greeting at Shmee - in his eyes, she should be grateful she was getting any greeting at all - and dropped into the seat at the farthest edge of the Weyrleaders' Box, staring unseeingly over the Sands, his face emotionless. Relatively emotionless, anyway, considering the excitement that was all but surging through Corinth. Stupid mindmate, making him like he should be bouncing up and down when all he wanted was to go back to sleep, and -

Oh, look. A green. Wasn't that just lovely? A nice little omen. What was it about Hatchings starting off with greens? Millieth's; the fire lizard's if he remembered correctly; and now Aslath's as well. Lots of bad luck, yay for pessimism! A slight smirk quirked the side of his lip at that thought, but his gaze slid over the Candycane Green back to the eggs just as the Presents and Bows Egg Hatched to reveal its contents. Blue. A dark blue, but a blue nonetheless. Was that unlucky too? Knowing their luck, it probably was in some strange, twisted sense. T'rid absently glanced over his shoulder at Corinth, quirking his eyebrow at the bronze dragon, who was still humming, his eyes focused on the eggs. As he caught T'rid's stare, he blinked at His, and addressed him, a slightly plaintive note in his mind-tones. Aren't you supposed to be remembering your Impression? Isn't that how it usually works?

Aww. T'rid would have hugged Corinth had that not required getting up. You know I love you. There was a doubtful pause from both of them as they considered that concept for a moment, and then, as Corinth snorted slightly, T'rid corrected himself: Well, I mean, sometimes. Maybe. Another snort, this one of amusement. That does sound a lot more realist - look! T'rid whipped back around to face the Sands so hastily that he nearly unseated himself; he cursed under his breath as he peered down at the Sands to see that several things had happened in his momentary lack of attention. First off, the Eggnog Egg had Hatched - another green - and secondly, it had apparently decided that one boy was not to his liking.

Ooh, maulings! Not a horrible one - not, per se, an outright attack. It looked more like an accident than anything else. He watched absently as the Eggnog Green disentangled himself from the Candidate - what was his name? C-something - and started for the females, while - oh, hey! First Impression went to the Candycane Green to that female Candidate. Her name? He had no idea. Whatever. Yaaaay. (Note the distinct sarcasm.) He settled back in the seat, absently scanning the Sands and trying to ignore the little snarky voice in the back of his head that wanted so, so badly to yell something out for all of the Stands to hear just to see the look on Shmee's face.

[nightingale]

So much as she would have liked to keep her attention rapt on the shuddering milky yellow egg, the hatching of the clutch's first dragonet was more than enough to draw Saeo's attention. A baby dragon...oh it was more beautiful than she had ever imagined it would be! And then, all at once the green and red egg broke open, revealing a gorgeous healthy blue. No bronzes yet...oh, but surely such beautiful little creatures couldn't be a bad omen?

The moment that the milky white egg spit open and spilled it's lime green occupant onto the sands, Saeo's attention shifted abruptly so that she was only peripherally aware of the others. Oh no, no don't go over to the boys little one!
The mauling came as a complete and total shock. Dear Faranth, was he alright?! No...he was bleeding...healers? They had to be about somewhere. Suddenly torn between affection for the little green and concern for her unfortunate victim, Saeo was able to notice as the striped firstborn of the clutch ran at Farryl. She gasped, whirling around in a panic, but the warning of impending danger she had intended to shout lodged in her throat as she realized that the dragon didn't intend to split her friend open. She exchanged a stunned glance with Raylin, knowing that they were both thinking the same thing. By dragonshells...had Farryl just impressed?

-----------------------

Keirin eyed the dark blue dragonet speculatively as it approached the semicircle of boys. He almost wanted to say hello to the handsome young fellow, but the infant seemed so lost in though that he dared not break it's concentration -of course, if anything could break one's concentration is was the mauling of the candidate standing next to you. The young man cursed under his breath, carefully sidestepping the chaos as the bright green tore open the shoulder of the fellow she'd accidentally tripped over.

He joined Zaqx at Corvin's side, offering him a glance that offered his assistance if it was needed. He briefly glanced upward to make sure there were no more clumsy babies stumbling toward them, then offered his eavesdropping flitter quiet reassurance as she send wave after wave of concern and distress toward him. He was alright...for now. Frananth, please let the rest of the hatchlings be coordinated enough to keep their claws out of the candidates...