sweet beginnings do arise [Fire Lizard Hatching!]

[Kisha-Ra]

Oh, everything was happening at once. Nearly all of the firelizards had hatched only, J’on stood on tiptoe and peered over someone’s shoulder, four eggs left. He moved a little closer to the clutch, trading a good view of the eggs for a better view of the hatchlings, he couldn’t see who got which after they left their mother’s neat in the cabinet.

Wraith hopped up and down on her pet’s shoulder, trying to see what all the fuss in here was about. Was it the not-quite-bugs? The baby ones were better than the big ones, more her size. Nasty green bug didn’t like those… Wraith sat neatly on J’on’s shoulder and leaned forward, as if straining to see. Her humanpet had some food for babies; if he went closer they’d see it. If Wraith was quiet maybe they’d come.

J’on eyed his pet with amusement and rubbed her soft hide with a finger. ‘What Wraith? You want a better look? Well don’t start up a fuss like Showoff will you?’ He moved past a few people so his little pet could get a better look.


Imp was just as interested in the hatchlings as his sire, although not so vocal about it, nor so inclined to get near the clutch. He had lost the chase, they weren’t his eggs. Besides he was far more interested in the babies than the eggs themselves. He clambered onto Darya’s head and called out greetings to the hatchling firelizards. Hello! Good greetings, morning. Hi Day!

Darya smiled, amused by Imp’s greeting’s to the hatchling Flitters, as well as other events. The hatching of pets always seemed to bring out the most interesting things in people, with a grin she rembered the salamandyr hatching in which S’rei had made such a runnerbeast bum of himself, now just look at Ka’rys and Selenitas Weyr’s youngest goldrider. That was entertaining, the way they were arguing without a passing thought about all the people around them. Sweet.

Then K’lir came into the room, in such a temper Darya wouldn’t have credited it if he hadn’t been holding a wide-awake baby. ‘Oh since when has anyone been able to tell a firelizard much that they’ll listen to?’ She asked the room in general before she could really think the better of the words. ‘Or a ‘mandyr for that matter, I know Imp never does anything I want him to, or more to the point does everything I don’t want him to.’ Darya forebore mentioning Showoff’s behaviour when his clutches hatched, K’lir wouldn’t much appreciate anymore of her observations. Dunghead little. Imp noticed Kahrelir and commented on him while Darya winced.

[Avu]

Zesa might have been less...agitated...had it not been the Hatching. She didn't like Salamandyrs as a rule, but she tolerated them. But he was too -- too close to her precious clutch, even if they were already Hatching and Impressing. She did not like it. The queen rustled her wings slightly, but fell silent, watching Showoff closely. Storm would keep him from hurting her eggs, yes? Her lovely bronze wouldn't let him hurt them...Zesa squirmed slightly, nervously edging away from the Salamandyr and closer to her clutch. True, she'd never heard of a Salamandyr actually attacking a clutch -- not in the literal sense of the word -- but that didn't mean she couldn't be paranoid, because she was. Excessively so.

Her silence was broken as K'lir swept in, carrying a baby, looking utterly disheveled. Zesa wouldn't have minded...he had as much a right to come in here as anyone else did...had he not promptly turned on MeiraHers and started scolding her (or at least, that was the way she perceived it). The bluehandler flinched backwards, biting her lip and dropping her gaze without responding, but Zesa whistled shrilly in protest, her wings flaring indignantly as, for the first time since the clutch had been laid, she chirped an admonishment to Storm -- he'd better stay and guard her lovely eggs -- and left the cabinet, sweeping overhead of the crowd of potentials to land on MeiraHers' shoulder, twisting her tail around the girl's neck protectively as she whistled, softer this time, and with more agitation than accusation.

No...this wasn't the way it was supposed to go! Her Hatching was supposed to be good. The Salamandyr was not supposed to be here, and neither was a person supposed to be in here who made Hers upset. That was bad. "Storm...won't listen to me," Meira protested quietly, wishing she could disappear. "Zesa won't...will you?" The last two words came as an almost inaudible whisper, meant for Zesa, who caught it and uttered a slightly annoyed chirp before she took wing again, backwinging to land upon the cabinet and poke her head into the depths, checking the progress of the Hatching.

The Aconite Green had, by now, finished her thinking; her eyes sparkled as she heard Hers speaking, and cooed happily, taking off from the cabinet. Her awkward hatchling wings were directed with great concentration, and it was without mishap that she arrived to Hers, backwinging in an uncertain mimic of Zesa's landing to perch carefully on Dorava's shoulder, whereupon a gentle nudge to the jawbone was delivered to the greenrider, and a pleading glance at the meat. She was so glad she'd found Hers, but just maybe couldn't she get some food? For she was ever, ever so hungry...!

Meanwhile, the Peppermint and Fellis Eggs were rocking, and finally, both of them cracked simultaneously, depositing a brown and bronze fire lizard on the shelf respectively. The Peppermint Brown eyed his bronze clutchbrother solemnly, head cocked slightly, and the Fellis Bronze, started by the abruptness of his Hatching, stared back. Then, with a slight croon, the Fellis Bronze bounced -- there was simply no other way to describe the motion -- to his feet, blinking at his brown brother and then arching his back to examine his own wings before he picked his way happily to the edge of the shelf, where he plopped himself down and glanced over the crowd with a warble of greeting. Wasn't this lovely?!

The Peppermint Brown, meanwhile, had been distracted by Showoff's proximity, and, peering at the Salamandyr where he was perched, the brown flitter edged cautiously closer until he could examine Showoff intently, curiosity evident in his gaze. However, as Imp called out a greeting, the Peppermint Brown glanced around, eyes widening in mild surprise as he caught sight of the bronze Salamandyr, and then, with another cursory glance at Showoff, the brown padded to join his bronze clutchbrother on the edge of the shelf, giving a quiet peep of greeting. The Fellis Bronze, however, was done with waiting -- he wanted to do something! -- and promptly dropped from the edge of the counter, baby wings extended to keep him from splatting.

Finally, he managed to tumble to a relatively dignified landing on the counter just below the cabinet, just above waist level for most people, and chirruped happily, arching his head up to examine them. So much meat smells, too...!


Cayenne Pepper Egg- Hatched blue Hobbs; Impressed to Farryl
Numbweed Egg- Hatched bronze Brass; Impressed to W'ri
Redwort Egg- Hatched green Ras; Impressed to Savitri
Comfrey Egg- Hatched brown ??; Impressed to Rozen
Borrago Egg- Hatched blue; WILD
Chamomile Egg- Hatched green; WILD
Peppermint Egg- Hatched brown; looking around
Spiceroot Egg-
Aconite Egg- Hatched green ??; Impressed to Dorava
Fellis Egg- Hatched bronze; sitting on counter below cabinet
Whitebulb Egg-
Whitethorn Egg- Hatched green Liette; Impressed to Ka'rys

~*~*~

Aconite Green
Looks to- Dorava
Color- Green
Appearance- Average-sized is this green, larger than some greens and smaller than others, but she has a very distinctive build that sets her apart from her brethen. She is simply plump; there is no muscle under the layer of fat and hide at all. As a result, she has a round appearance. This is emphasized by a short neck, topped by a large head with large, soft eyes set into a distinctly feminine face. Her features are as expressive as any human's, and more often than not, a glance in her direction can tell her mood more effectively than the color of her eyes or the noises that she does (or doesn't) make. Squat legs are almost ridiculous; though they are capable of supporting her, the rounded shape of them are reminiscient of a child's plaything, and she's rather clumsy on the ground as a result. However, her wings make up for this, being long, wide at the tip and slender at the place where the membrane slides down from the third "finger" to her back. Though the appearance is slightly awkward, they support her well in flight and give her speed, though her rotund form won't quite allow her the term "agile". With a long tail that slips from the rather plump appearance that this green bears to a gently pointed tip, this green is far from gorgeous - but she is memorable, as is her coloration. A cheerful yellow-green takes up most of her body, but her wing membranes give a vivid contrast in a dark, forest green color, which also loops the tip of her tail and appears as freckles on her muzzle.

Personality- This flitter is quite possibly the epitome of a perfect fire lizard to some. Relatively quiet - make no mistake about it, she does chatter and chirrup, but only when necessary - this green isn't the type to do anything wild - except possibly in her Flights, but even that is doubtful - and is exceedingly careful, thinking everything over before she chooses anything. Fortunately, being quite intelligent, such thought processes don't take long at all, and her choices are usually the right ones. The only thing that can rule her mind is affection for Hers, which is very strong - when it comes to doing things for Hers, she doesn't take the time to think very often, and as a result, can humiliate herself - and humiliation is understood by this flitter, which is why she rarely draws attention to herself unless it's absolutely necessary. Extremely responsive to new concepts, this green is willing to learn and strives to please Hers, making her an adept learner. However, a part of her that rarely emerges, is that she can get desperately, wildly frightened of being left absolutely alone. Anywhere there is company, be it draconic or otherwise, she's fine, even if her mindmate isn't there, but should she find herself without any company, this green will panic and often will shoot between to find Hers instantly for reassurance, though rare is it that she explains exactly what has so frightened her to anybody, Hers included.

[kysseh]

Savitri watched with distant interest as the hatching continued, her attention mostly hogged by the demanding creature that refused to dislodge itself from the bowl of meat in her lap. Even Fish was ignoring it, which was a clear sign the firelizard was a bratty one; the feline did not chase things with that much attitude. "Yes, yes, I know. Open up," she scolded her little green companion before gently dropping in the tidbit. Her appetite seemed to be tapering off, albeit more slowly than Savitri would have liked. The young woman eyed the green's belly, wondering where she was putting all of it. Nonetheless, she seemed to be packing it away quite adequately, and Savitri kept the supply of food constant. The shrieks were fewer and farther between now that the green was becoming sated, but they were still just as piercing.

Shadow, apparently, had had enough of Ras' noise for now, and he crawled his way Savitri's shirt and flared out his little wings, gliding over to alight on Ka'rys's shoulder. Ahh, safety! Peace! He sat back on his little haunches and proceeded to groom his forefeet with his little tongue, extending his constant stream of mental images to include the bronzerider. This little human man gave him plenty of good things to spy on, and even though he was upsetting his humanpet, the little man was a quieter perch. The mental images continued, ranging from pictures of Hepaticath to scathing images of the obnoxious green flitter on His' lap. Sensing dismay from his Minepet, Shadow wriggled his little tail and kindly gave both humans an image of Virast, body contorted in a death pose, the image overlaid with a sense of inquiry that was the 'mandyr's form of asking a question.

His minepet had been listening in upset silence to the bronzerider's statements, and she felt almost guilty for being difficult. Almost. She could scarcely help her lack of appetite for the moment, though, and she cringed at Shadow's indelicate approach to the topic. "Yes, Shadow. Thank you for the reminder," she muttered softly, glaring at the little white beast that perched so prettily on Rys' shoulder. Traitor. She could scarcely begrudge the white 'mandyr the escape from the noise, though. Ras was horribly obnoxious, though the green finally seemed to be sated and was half-crawling, half-dragging herself up to Savitri's shoulder to find a napping place. The goldrider aided her, gently settling the green around her neck.

His words about Cath registered more than anything else, and she groaned softly, lifting her free hand to pinch the bridge of her nose. "I know she's upset, Rys. Believe me, I know. I just... don't... never mind." She sighed softly in defeat and turned to eye the plate that sat beside her on the counter. She should eat. She needed to. Her fingers carefully plucked a small piece of cut fruit off her plate, and she popped it into her mouth, chewing quickly and swallowing. Ugh. There. Were they satisfied now, both Rys and that ridiculous gold beast of hers? I am appeased for this second. Not for long, though. Eat /more/. Hepaticath pressed urgently, and Savitri buried her face in her free hand. She didn't have the energy for this, for arguing with two of them at once. "Not fair, you two ganging up on me," she grumbled at both Hepaticath and Ka'rys.

Shadow happily passed her images of K'lir's arrival, and she removed her hand just enough to eye the greenrider and his child. Kahrelir... wasn't it? Ras snorted softly and kicked Savitri's neck in her sleep, and the goldrider ignored that in favor of flicking a smile at the infant. Shadow recognized the baby too, and he silently twitched his wings and then went back to grooming and holding a one-sided 'conversation' with both of his humans. Hmm. He needed to claim this human too, didn't he? This was his human as well, this little man with the dark hair and the one---no, two!--green things. His other humanpet. He liked it.

[glamourie]

Imp's appearance made Showoff glance to him, and the bronze salamandyr bowed his head slightly. However, he didn't comment on the obnoxious little thing's words. K'lir turned to Darya and raised an eyebrow before replying, "Showoff listens to me, given the right leverage, and I used to have a firelizard who did everything he was asked eagerly. My best friend has four firelizards, and though they're periodically obnoxious, they listen just fine. He's got them trained to gather things in here for him whenever he needs. Roxie is the only green firelizard I know of that knows what 'Go get me bandages' means." The greenrider offered her a slight shrug. "You insult their intelligence with the presumption they don't listen. They do. Whether they choose to follow the instructions is another story, but they're every bit intelligent enough to understand instructions and requests. A queen and a bronze moreso than any other. Don't think for one second most of what Showoff does, he believes he won't get in trouble for: he does it to get in trouble most of the time. He can be bribed. Maybe you're just not approaching tactics with Imp very well."

Perhaps surprisingly, the greenrider did not react with anger to the bronze salamandyr's words. There was a good reason for that. Showoff was one of the most stubborn salamandyrs around. (Much of that stemmed from a level of intelligence that was startling to K'lir, let alone strangers, but still.) He was very well-versed in salamandyr behavior and though most people would take extreme offense at the creature's words, he knew well enough that Imp probably was looking for a reaction. That or he'd just picked the word up from Showoff and ran with it. Either way, he couldn't have cared less.

Turning to Meira, the bluerider shook his head. "She'll listen to you if you make her feel safe, and make her understand she and her eggs aren't in any trouble. And if she listens to you, the bronze will listen to her." There wasn't any anger in his voice as he addressed the wherhandler, though. In fact, for K'lir, he almost sounded patient. Didn't she know that firelizards and salamandyrs alike were heavily swayed by their bonded's impressions? If Meira made it clear the salamandyr meant no harm to the eggs, odds were, the gold would trust her. Because it was coming from Hers. That was the only reason that Showoff let anyone near his and Dael's eggs -- because K'lir convinced him it was safe. Dael, he couldn't speak for, but he was betting Uu'n had a similar task where she was concerned. "You underestimate how much they really do love us; she's probably just scared because she doesn't know any better." He wasn't mad at her because Showoff wasn't mad at Zesa. Storm was another story.

On the cabinet itself, Showoff was watching the clutch curiously. He did not move closer, though when one of the hatchlings - a brown - eyed him he cocked his head to the side. His little wings flared and he turned around, as if to give the creature a better look at him, before explaining in what could almost be taken as patience, Mandyr me, mandyr me. Baby get pet gogo. His frill flared slightly, not in threat but curiosity, and he flipped his tail at the crowd to explain what he meant. You get pet get yums, gogo.

Ka'rys was completely oblivious to the hatching around him. Mainly that stemmed from him being distracted by Savitri, though. If he had any idea of how comical the two of them were being, he gave no indication. In fact, Ka'rys didn't even pay attention to Savitri herself. He was pointedly not looking at her, mainly because she was gradually making him more and more angry. As a result, he bit his tongue roughly enough to draw blood and focused his attention nearly entirely on Liette's sleeping form. The attack of images in his mind confused him and he closed his eyes for a moment before sneaking a glance at Shadow. His free hand raised to poke the little creature in the belly, almost scolding, but without the words. No need to remind her of unpleasant things. Or him for that matter, for the image made him flash on a face he hadn't seen in a very long time - dark hair, dark eyes, older than him with a secretive smile. He shook his head gently to clear it away. Dead siblings didn't need to be thought about.

"Chewing more, or you're liable to make yourself sicker by eating too quickly," he said with as much patience as his voice could muster up. Surprisingly, it sounded genuine. However, he did finally turn to Shadow, just as Ophelie edged closer... possibly with the intention of sitting on the white thing to keep him in line. "Can I help you, little white nuisance?"

[antinanco]

“Thank you!” W’ri beamed, his interest also only alert on the conversation now that he had all that he could ever want. Brass, too, bathed in the compliments that the girl was giving him. Now that his belly was full and bugling on his petite frame, the bronze was extremely sleepy. W’ri felt it, too, but even more overpowering than that was the shared air of arrogance as the f’lizard laid down on his perch in a supercilious pose, one hand neatly folded over the other and his rounded head placed elegantly, almost femininely, on top of both. His deep azure eyes, though partially closed by heavy lids, invited more praise. He would not sleep until he was satisfactorily worshipped.

“That? Oh, that’s a salamandyr. Or a ‘mandyr, or a worm, or a pest,” the Master replied with a slight frown as he glanced towards Showoff, “They’re little mutations o' flitters. Only got 'em at Selenitas. Not as good, though, in my opinion.” W’ri raised one hand to rub Brass’s eye ridges coincidentally, and the bronze purred, sleepily soaking up the attention he deserved. “Lanthos has a blue one, I think. Ya should ask ta see his if yer interested.”

[/font]

[Rei]

Danar jumped at the sight of another bronze and turned towards the cabinet trying to catch the flitter’s eye. He knew there would be another. Perhaps it would find him suitable? Dorava and the rest were ignored, the only thing that mattered was the hatching flits. Perhaps he would impress. He vaguely wondered what Pasine would think.

---

Raylin continued to stand in the back of the loose group. Most of the little creatures had already picked their mind mates. She was glad to see that one of the new candidates got one. She remembered her own impression of Vega fondly. The flit shifted outside on Ebolath but made no comment. His had said to stay put. Ebolath snorted. Are we almost done Raymine? I am rather bored out here by myself. Yes love most of them have already picked. Only a couple more to go. Her green seemed content by that so Raylin watched with interest as the flitters scanned the crowd.

---

Malara nodded as W’ri spoke and turned her attention back to the clutch. She seemed to have missed a good chunk of the hatching. No matter there were still some flitters left. She turned away from the candidate master to watch the rest of the hatching. The blonde could continue her compliments once it was over.

(Yeah it sucks but my charries really aren’t interacting with anyone xD Sorry <33)

[Kisha-Ra]

While Darya was struggling for words, Imp stretched out across his humanpet’s skull to peer down at Kahrelir. Dunghead little broke? No go? He inquired, curious as to why the human hatchling did nothing. Humanpets could speak, and do other things, why didn’t the little one? Or was it like Shadow and Star, mute but able to send pictures? He didn’t see any pictures…

You only say that because he doesn’t listen to you when you tell him not to chase.[/color] Azrath got involved in the conversation with an accurate accusation. Just accept that he wants to mate, you don’t tell me not chase greens. Not anymore anyway.[/color] Azrath sounded amused, tolerant for his rider’s folly.

Darya’s eyes showed fury for a brief moment before she throttled the reaction down, though her jaw set stubbornly and she frowned. Only because you didn’t listen either. Besides it’s different for you, your green’s bonded is just as much a part of her as I am of you. Firelizard bondings just aren’t that strong and Imp only chases firelizards. Darya made it through a logical, to her mind, explanation of her objections. Find a flightmoth, that’s what other riders do.[/color] Azrath suggested. Then added: Perhaps Imp is hoping you will Impress a mate for him.[/color]

Darya looked suspiciously up at Imp, which had the result of her nearly crossing her eyes to get a view of the bronze’s muzzle, because he hadn’t bothered to move after K’lir moved away with his baby. ‘You’d better not be hoping I’ll pick up a mate for you here Imp.’ She warned, forgetting how many people were around to here. Imp leaned further down her head and twisted his neck to look his pet in the eyes, or one eye anyway. Not want pretty one baby? He inquired disappointedly. Why? Too little little ones. Imp flicked his frill up and down a few times, not sure what his humanpet was actually asking.


Mandyr, mandyr. Wraith picked up Showoff’s word and repeated it a few times. J’on didn’t know wheather to laugh or groan but he could guess what word would be joining Wraith’s old favourites triangle and bug for a while. ‘Yup, that’s you, a ‘mandyr.’ He stroked a finger down Wraith’s neck without really thinking about it.

The little bronze firelizard was bold indeed, dropping to the lower level of a the countertop to observe… well actually J’on couldn’t guess what the hatchling was observing from his level, not that much probably, why he wanted to be down there was a mystery to J’on but J’on was used to things being a mystery to him. The curious brown caught his eye, too, he didn’t seem about to join his bronze sibling despite Showoff’s exlaination of what he was supposed to do. Oddly, more, far more, than K’lir’s protestation of Showoff being merely curious, the simple speech to the hatchling made J’on think more of Showoff. Maybe make a fuss wasn’t all he did…

[hseru]

Watching in delight while the two eggs continued to rock, Rozen smiled as the brown which pulled itself from the egg began to heavily nuzzle his clutchbrother blue, hatching only moments after him. The smile disappeared when the blue leapt Between and she was surprised that the number of wild flits had gone up again, and not a little sad that the little blue wouldn't have a chance to bond with anyone. Of course, she was unable to stay in sorrow for long, as the same brown shot to her shoulder, nuzzling her cheek none too gently.

Taken aback by the sudden wave of images and emotions, mostly images of the blue that had vanished moments before, the question behind them was obvious, and even though she couldn't do anything about it, she shared his sadness at the loss of a clutchbrother, already being taken in by the mind bonding to hers. Underlying it all, was an overwhelming sense of hunger from the loving little brown, and Rozen backed quickly away from the table, already comfortable with the feeling of having the brown's strong little tail wrapped securely around her neck, the end twitching periodically against the hollow at the base of her throat.

She quickly found another empty table to place her bowl of meat so she could select a small strip to offer the delightful brown flitter, because if she continued feeling this starved, she might well go stuff her own face along with his. Pausing in his loving rub at her jaw to take the meat, he suckled it for half a second before gulping it down in a single swallow, rubbing his head against her again in a beg. Rozen obediently began to feed him more, the smile plastered to her face without any indication of leaving. She might just well smile forever at this rate.

Feeling her delight in him, the small brown paused in his eating to rub against her jaw again, leaving a small smear of blood. His Mine was so wonderful, to be feeding him such delicious meat, and he wanted more! He chirped at her, taking the next offered piece without further delay and gobbling it down. Rozen reached up to wipe off the blood, chuckling at her wonderful new mindpet.

"You're the most handsome little flitter I've ever seen." She cooed to him, and he chirped back, clearly pleased with the attention. "You need an eye.. or rather ear-catching name, you do." She gave him a gentle scratch, and he eagerly nuzzled her hand. "Zeek?" Rozen said after a few moments of quiet deliberation, having tossed out several names in her head. The little brown chirped brightly, unwrapping his tail a bit to reach up and latch his little claws into her hair, eagerly rubbing his head against her temple and face. Cuddles were good, no great! Zeek accepted his name with goodnatured grace, climbing up with a little hop to sit on Rozen's head. She laughed at him, reaching up to gently snag him and bring him back down to offer more food, which he took gladly.

She glanced back at the clutch at this point, having missed nearly everything in the tending of her new flitter. Zeek sat on her hand, his agile tail wrapped around her wrist as she fed him with her other hand. He warbled to get her attention, and she turned back, still smiling. The tiny part of her not taken in by Zeek wished everyone who remained good luck.

[Avu]

No, he'd misunderstood her when she'd said "Zesa won't." The queen would obey her -- in just about anything she asked. Meira shook her head slightly, but preferred to keep her silence while he lectured. Once K'lir finished, though, she spoke, nervously. "No -- I didn't mean that; I mean she wouldn't hiss -- or attack, or drive away -- Showoff. I just -- don't know if Storm'll listen to her." She shrugged, eyeing the bronze. "She could try, I guess." Not that the Salamandyr seemed particularly threatening, even going as far as to -- urge, perhaps, the Peppermint Brown to Impress? As Zesa shifted on the cabinet nervously, she added, a bit defensively, "And she isn't usually this -- " The wherhandler shrugged, gesturing with one hand at the queen. "This aggressive. She wasn't at the last clutch. It's just this time, with all the -- all the sicknesses and poisonings..." Her voice faded as she shrugged again, as Zesa eyed Showoff nervously and then returned her attention to the clutch, trilling sweetly at the Fellis Bronze, down on the counter, to Choose.

For he hadn't yet, staring around and shaking his wings as if trying to fly. Finally, as Zesa cooed again, the Fellis Bronze lurched to his feet, his large frame slinking closer to the edge of the counter before he glanced around one more time before his glance landed on His and his wings extended. Claws dug briefly into the stonework of the counter before he launched himself into shaky flight, cautiously edging around the crowd -- it wouldn't do to hurt the other people, no. They weren't His, but he didn't want them hurt! -- before he plopped himself in a rather undignified landing right next to Danar, his wings having failed him at the last second. However, far from being annoyed at his lack of strength, the Fellis Bronze merely crooned, crawling to Danar and sitting on his foot cheerfully, his head tilted upwards to eye the Candidate.

He knew His had food, he just knew it, he could smell it and he wanted it, he did...

Meanwhile, the Peppermint Brown, after one last fascinated stare at Showoff -- so small and yet so shiny -- swept his glance over the crowds, serenely looping his tail around his haunches and keeping his wings against his soft tan-colored hide. Another glance at Showoff, as if for guidance, and then the brown rubbed his head thoughtfully against the edge of the cabinet, eyes whirling with intense hunger. But...oh. He kind of wanted to stare at Showoff some more. The Salamandyr was so -- so not flittery. The Peppermint Brown's head snaked around, sneaking one more hopeful glance in the bronze's direction, before he finally jumped into the air, teetering in Flight as he tried to mimic the motions of the Fellis Bronze before him.

His wings, however, were not nearly as useful as the bronze's, and with a squeak, he dropped to the cabinet, and then flopped to the ground, wings splayed helplessly out as he finally made his way carefully, with ocassional glances around him and at Showoff, until the Peppermint Brown placed himself directly in front of Kalushka. No sound was uttered as he leaned forward, carefully and lovingly touching her ankle with his small head, and then raised his head to gaze imploringly at His. Soooo hungry!

The last two eggs -- the Spiceroot Egg and the Whitebulb Egg -- both finally shattered simultaneously, while the attention had been focused mainly upon the Peppermint Brown (or upon Savitri and Ka'rys, alternatively); and two blues, one a queer silvery color and the other a dark navy blue, both making their way silently to the front of the cabinet. The Spiceroot Blue's gaze was fixed on Ka'rys and Savitri as if they were the most interesting things in the world, and he showed no sign of wanting to Choose just yet, instead leaning against the cabinet door, apparently entranced by the sight of the two -- talking? Or bickering? But the Whitebulb Blue gave a soft chirp, nudging his clutchbrother gently with his muzzle. He had to Choose, and because it was his brother and he loved him, the Whitebulb Blue would let him choose first.

The Spiceroot Blue sent one last glance towards Savitri and Ka'rys, and then glided at random, still eyeing bronze and gold rider, before he collided with someone's front and with a surprised whistle, the blue instinctively latched on, eyes goggling up at J'on, but the flash of rainbow in the fast-whirling, hunger-red eyes was clear: He had Chosen. J'on was His and His forever, and the Spiceroot Blue whistled again, this time trying to claw his way up to J'on's neck so he could curl up around his shoulders and be fed. Because he was ever-so-hungry...and then maybe he could get back to eavesdropping on that interesting bronzerider and his goldrider, yes?

As soon as the Spiceroot Blue Impressed, the Whitebulb Blue gave a slightly self-conscious wobble before he threw himself from the shelf, gliding easily to his mindBonded's shoulder and gently landing, curling his tail around her throat with an affectionate nudge to the jaw. Oh, yes, his Burena, his lovely would get him food, yes? And surely she would understand, why he was starving so, and why he'd had to let silly clutchbrotherhis Impress first? He couldn't have the Spiceroot Blue be last and get scared now, could he? Certainly not...

With the last Impression, Zesa -- now completely ignoring Showoff -- crooned, gliding into the cabinet and nudging at the eggshells, carefully going over them to make sure she hadn't missed one, before she glided to MeiraHers again, draping herself over the girl's shoulders with a soft whistle, her eyes lidding lightly in contentment.

The second Hatching was over.

Cayenne Pepper Egg- Hatched blue Hobbs; Impressed to Farryl
Numbweed Egg- Hatched bronze Brass; Impressed to W'ri
Redwort Egg- Hatched green Ras; Impressed to Savitri
Comfrey Egg- Hatched brown Zeek; Impressed to Rozen
Borrago Egg- Hatched blue; WILD
Chamomile Egg- Hatched green; WILD
Peppermint Egg- Hatched brown ??; Impressed to Kalushka
Spiceroot Egg- Hatched blue ??; Impressed to J'on
Aconite Egg- Hatched green ??; Impressed to Dorava
Fellis Egg- Hatched bronze ??; Impressed to Danar
Whitebulb Egg- Hatched blue ??; Impressed to Burena
Whitethorn Egg- Hatched green Liette; Impressed to Ka'rys

~*~*~

Fellis Bronze
Looks to- Danar
Color- Bronze
Appearance- This bronze will always be described as having the "stereotypical" build of a bronze: Large and sturdy, for that is exactly what he is. Fully grown, he might match some of the smaller queens, though his muscular build will always make sure nobody can ever mistake him for a queen. His muscles are clearly defined under his hide, and though his frame will never let him be too quick in the air, it does guarantee endurance. Overall, his features are straightforward. There is no unnecessary length to his body; his legs and tail appear rather thick due to the muscling on them. This bronze's wings are wide and sweeping appendages, long and rather pointed, with the forestay tip distinctly longer than the other two. As far as coloring goes, this bronze is beautiful, but not particularly outstanding. There are no imperfections or shadings whatsoever on his hide, which is a brassy color with a touch of the 'mossy' coloration, though he's definitely metallic. This brass color extends to his membranes, and here is the only marking on his entire body which changes in hue, and here, only barely, darkening along the trailing edge of his wing.

Personality- There isn't an arrogant nor mean bone in this bronze, nor will there ever be. Though he rarely, if ever, will leave his Bonded's side, something that can become troublesome given the situation, he's extremely energetic and has a habit of flying ahead of his Bonded, and then looping back again, instead of staying on His' shoulder. Loyal to anyone who wins his friendship - not hard, really, as his cheerful friendliness towards fire lizards and humans alike will win him many friends - he's intelligent enough to recognize emotions, and he's extremely responsive in this case, always trying to cheer up anyone who's sad. However, pinpointing the exact reason for this emotion can be difficult for him, resulting in unwarranted attacks on someone who may actually be trying to help if he becomes too frantic, though usually, he's sensible enough to talk out of anything rash. Anything that this bronze likes or loves, he'll put his whole heart into, and chances are if he ever ends up Flying a queen or green and they choose a different male the next time around, he'll be quite heartbroken. On the flip side, if anyone manages to get on this bronze's bad side, they'll have an incredible memory to deal with; he hates as passionately as he loves, though his hate is mostly resolved in agitated hisses and whines; selflessly, he'll rarely attack anyone for himself, only for those he holds dear.

Peppermint Brown
Looks to- Kalushka
Color- Brown
Appearance- Pale is this fire lizard, his hide a soft, tan brown shade that fades gradually into darker, chocolate brown along his tail, the tip of his muzzle, and his legs; these 'markings', especially the one on his muzzle, makes it look rather as if he went wading in mud and dipped his tail and face in, and then jumped out again and let the mud dry. It's only emphasized by a few freckles of the same color along his flanks. His wing membranes are, surprisingly, darker than his actual body, and are an appealing shade of light, milky brown. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and while some might find this coloration beautiful, others will undoubtedly veer away from it. Likewise with his frame; some will take a liking to it; others will find it unattractive. For this brown is small, some of the larger blues even matching or surpassing him, with a long, whiplike body, lean and with a fragile appearance that is heightened by his pale coloring. Long wings that are more skinny than slender are almost double his length, giving him a rather gawky look when he's not in the air. His neck ridges are soft and blunt, adding a rather feminine touch to this brown's body, and his eyes slightly larger than normal.

Personality- Quiet and aloof, this fire lizard rarely lets his emotions overrule common sense - in fact, he rarely lets his emotions show at all. With an eternal air of detachment from whatever the given situation is, he keeps sense uppermost in his mind, and reacts according to that. Exceptionally intelligent for a brown, he rarely interferes with his Bonded's life, or anybody's at all. With an independent streak, he often goes off by himself, along the coast or the river or the jungle, though he always returns soon enough that nobody will worry about him. He's never the type to let out unnecessary noise - in fact, he's quiet to the point where most who meet him in his Bonded's company might mistake him for mute. Neither are tongue-lashings or scoldings the way of this fire lizard; if he's irritated, he leaves. That's all. Rare it is that he sticks around when something irritates him. Mostly speaking through emotions and images, he's eloquent in that he usually gets his point across with little effort. For this fire lizard, females have little temptation for him, and it's rare that he'll ever Chase in a Flight, or socialize at all. If he's with His and they're in a situation with fire lizards, he prefers to watch, silent, and should anyone invite him to join the fun, he'll decline, not because he's haughty but simply because he has no interest in other flits. However, one of the few things that endlessly amuse and astonish him are Salamandyrs: this brown has a fascination for the creatures that is incredibly obvious. While he never interacts, truly, with them, he does seem to enjoy examining them, very intently...

Spiceroot Blue
Looks to- J'on
Color- Blue
Appearance- Large is this blue, for his size rivals that of a smaller brown, as does his wingspan, which is surprisingly long, but wide as well, seeming to overwhelm the flitter. As thus, his size is usually overlooked in favor of his impressive wings. Nevertheless, he is undoubtedly large, and his musculature is noticeable, too, taking away the agility usually acredited to a blue f'lizard. Instead of a slender, whippy build, this blue's body is leaning more towards bulky. Though nowhere near the bulk that a bronze might have, neither does he lack anything, for muscle ripples beneath his hide when he moves, clear. His hide, too, is rather surprising. The most accurate description would be a silvery blue - as if a medium, unimpressive powdery blue shade had been laid over with an almost metallic shade of whitish silver, the silver shades fading where limbs join his body and then darkening as one moves outwards, though always, the blue is dominant. Surprisingly, the color on his wings looks mismatched, with his left membrane a slightly darker shade of blue than the right, and a brilliant silver streak on the right.

Personality- Most people would describe this describe this blue as quiet, but that would be inaccurate, though only His will possibly ever know exactly what goes through his f'lizard's head. Many people will also describe him as always being there, on the scene of anything at all conscpicious - and it's true. He likes to know things, and while he'll never actually spy to find out "things," he'll often pop between to the scene of whatever it is he wants to see without warning. So silent is he - for he rarely makes much noise, only offering an ocassional chirrup or croon - that nobody usually notices his existence and his desire to "know" is usually sated. Never has this blue been a gossip, and never will he be one; the security of knowing things that another fire lizard doesn't is all he needs, and the satisfaction that some find in being the bearer of news has never tainted this blue. His independent streak is a mile wide, for rare it is that he bothers to stick around his Bonded, only doing so when there's something going on around there. However, he does have a sense of possessiveness for His, and it shows in a sulky jealousness towards anybody who he has to share his mindmate with, be it another fire lizard or a lover. Inactive is another good description of this blue, for he rarely enjoys anything that requires agility or movement in general, preferring to be a silent onlooker, simply perching and watching.

Whitebulb Blue
Looks to- Burena
Color- Blue
Appearance- Dark is this blue, his hide so dark that it draws descriptions such as "midnight" and "navy" to mind. Pure in coloration, there isn't a single centimeter where this f'lizard's hide varies from the dark, uniform shade. Never does it acquire the gleam that some fire lizards flaunt, tending towards a matte quality that makes him seem darker than he actually is. The darkness lends to the aura of solemnity around this blue, an aura that is clear, though some people might term this blue "cute" rather than "serious". Large, wide eyes are set rather forward in a finely sculpted head with narrow head knobs and soft eye ridges that have none of the imposing look that some flitters bear. His nostrils are large and often flare when he's thinking hard, and a slightly small, narrow muzzle lends to the expression of serene seriousness that hovers about this blue. A narrow neck leads into rather wide shoulders, giving him a gangly, unproportional look, but his shoulders are necessary to support the extremely long, large wings that are usually held awkwardly above the ground, large enough to dwarf this exceptionally small blue. With wings the size they are, lifting off will be extremely difficult while this blue gets used to such unproportional wings, but once he's in the air, none can match the speed, endurance, and grace of this blue. His body is slender, too, and his tail has a whiplike flexibility about it, adding to his natural agility.

Personality- Solemn is this blue's appearance and solemn is his personality. If fire lizards are jokesters, this one has something wrong with him, for never has the slightest possibility of a prank or joke ever crossed his mind before. Indeed, he takes everything literally, be it a rhetorical question or an attempt at a joke, and more often than not, attempts at jesting in this flitter's presence are met with blank stares. That's not to say he isn't intelligent, for he is - and exceptionally so for a blue. His memory is an accurate one, and given his serious nature, he rarely exaggerates as fire lizards are prone to doing. Though he rarely utters a single sound - often misleading people into the belief that he is mute - this blue finds it simple to get his point across using intense images and emotions sent in a flurry to His or whomever he's trying to communicate with. He's also extremely responsive - any training attempts will likely be met with success, and when he's sent about tasks, this blue is very efficient, never letting anything distract him from what needs to be done. Praise from His is the highest honor, be it in the form of words or food, and though he never vocally voices his pleasure at recieving such, it's obvious in the clear adoration in his gaze when he regards His. Selfless to the extreme, this blue will ever be putting His - or possibly a green flit he's fond of - before him, and it's important that His make sure he eat enough instead of offering all his food to another.

[Rei]

Danar watched the bronze as he took to wing and fell directly at his feet. The candidate couldn’t help but give a victory whoop when the hunger pressed onto his mind. The lad crouched down and offered the little bronze a hunk of meat. He quickly snapped it up and hopped onto Danar’s arm. The lad raised the bronze from the floor grinning from ear to ear. He had done it he had impressed and a bronze. He could have cried in delight but he didn’t.

Continuing to stuff the bronze he moved away from the crowd with his new pet. “What do I call you.” The bronze looked at him expectantly and Danar popped another piece of meat into it’s mouth. Thinking back to the bronze flit after his mother died he pondered for a bit. “Hero, that’s what I’ll call you. Hero.” He held the little flit up to his shoulder and the bronze hopped onto it. He nuzzled his affectionately before drifting off to sleep.

---

Raylin was a bit disappointed that she didn’t impress but no matter everyone else seemed content. She congratulated those that had managed to impress and walked outside to fetch her mind mates. Ebolath crooned and nuzzled hers affectionately. You didn’t get another little one? No love but it’s ok there will always be more hatchings. Vega trilled and looped around his, before settling on her shoulder. Ebolath regarded hers for a second. We should get a Stupid! Raylin looked back at her dragon, a horrified look crossing her face. No love. No mandyrs. You already have Stupid. He will get jealous. The green pondered this for a moment and then nodded. Yes you are right. I do not want to upset my little friend. Raylin breathed a sigh of relief. Crisis averted.

---

Malara frowned as the last of the flitters impressed. Stupid creatures. No matter perhaps she would attend a mandyr hatching. Showoff was precious, and also capable of mind speech. That had to make him more intelligent than flitters anyway. Mutated flitters W’ri had called them. She rather thought they were improvements on the species.

[kysseh]

Savitri remained blissfully unaware of the show they were putting on for the remainder of the people and creatures present. She was staring at her plate with no real desire to eat, only popping another slice of fruit into her mouth when Hepaticath reiterated her desire for Savitri to remain alive. She chewed it quickly and swallowed it down, barely registering the taste. She wasn’t hungry. If anything, staring at the food was making her rather nauseous. She sighed and took hold of Fish in one arm, standing and setting the bowl of fish tidbits in one counter. This needed to stop.

While Ka’rys was lecturing his irritable minepet, Shadow became engrossed in nibbling on the bronzerider’s ear in what could loosely be called affection or possession. It did not escape his notice that Ophelie was approaching him, and he merely flicked his tail in her direction. Ka’rys poking him on the belly elicited a twitch from the tiny ‘mandyr, and he crawled to perch precariously on the bronzerider’s ear in retribution. Such a ridiculous creature his new pet was. The question only elicited a string of images, all of them involving Shadow perched atop the bronzerider’s head. The implication was quite clear to Shadow. This little man was his.

“He’s telling you that he’s taking possession,” Savitri muttered softly, carefully seating herself on the ground beside Ka’rys. Her mind flashed back to a long-ago conversation, when they had bickered about sitting on the floor. Personally, Savitri did not mind the floor, so long as she was in close proximity to him. In this case, it meant her shoulder touching his. Fish’s sleeping body lay draped across the goldrider’s lap, Ras still snoring uproariously from her position around Savitri’s lap. All in all, the goldrider felt something like a couch with both creatures using her as one.

“I’m not trying to be spiteful, you know.” She was not sure whether she was proving that to herself or the bronzerider… or possibly the gold that kept pestering her to eat. Her gaze drifted, a frown appearing as she realized the last of the flitters had hatched and chosen. So quick, they were! Shadow seemed to like that the firelizards were all chosen, for his mind-images immediately became cheerier in nature, mostly involving food or some sort of physical affection being bestowed upon him. Savitri glared at the speck of white. “Do you want me to get him off you?”

[dragon]

Storm calmed considerably all of a sudden, when Showoff not only didn't do anything violent or otherwise derogatory, but actually encouraged the hatchling to go find a pet. Good! Good. Then the little twerp wasn't a threat after all. It didn't absolve Showoff of all sins, but it appeased the flitter for the time being. After all … nothing Showofff did could ever absolve him of the sin of being a 'mandyr! And thus, always something to watch warily, in Storm's mind.

No longer angry, Storm settled to the wood of the cabinet beneath him, and dangled his head over the edge to watch the little ones hatch out and crawl toward their new life. He warbled reassuringly to Zesa, quite pleased at the moment and willing to do anything she wanted him to. Yes … things had gotten better.

As the last baby hatched out and found itself a pet to feed it, Storm sat up again, draping his tail around his haunches and lifting his head in a rather regal pose, before letting rip with a rather loud triumphant cry. Yay!!! And then he got up to all four feet and padded over toward Zesa and sat down next to her again … she kept wandering off. Why did she keep wandering off?

~~

Dorava smiled as the little green flitter came to her. "Hello, there! Little one … er … little? One. Hi!" She finished, finally, beaming at the round young thing. She stroked the green's oversized head gently, feeling the powerful hunger that came through her bonding. "Just a moment, little girl." Dorava turned back toward where Danar was with her dagger and the meat. "Can I use that -? Urgh." She grunted, when she realized he was busy, himself. Occupied by his own flitter … a bronze one, at that. Since he was occupied, she merely reacquired her own dagger, and started cutting thin slivers of meat off the roast he'd brought along. Plenty of meat, that. There was no way even a bronze flitter baby could eat all of it.

Dorava lifted the Aconite green down, and set her on the table next to the meat, and then picked up the first sliver to offer her. Unfortunately, the green had other ideas: she had assumed that being set down next to that giant hunk of meat that outweighed her by a few hundred times easily meant that it was all hers. And she was attacking it ravenously … not getting very far like that, but she was voracious about it, nonetheless. Her front baby talons were sunk into the meat, while she tried to gnaw off a chunk all on her own, frequently changing which side she was chewing with.

Dorava laughed, as did Aonith, who was watching through her rider. Silly baby. She remarked, while Dorava worked on extracting the meat from the Aconite green. "Have patience, dear little one." She admonished, gently.

The green released the meat, and looked up at Dorava with a bloody muzzle. Except for being rather morbid, it was almost cute. She smiled at the flitter, and then offered her one of the parchment thin pieces of meat. The green pounced on it, and gobbled it down like she was starving. "There you go!" She encouraged, offering another strip.

What shall we call her?[/color] Dorava asked, of Aonith. I don't know. Where did you get Valiant's name from? Aonith asked, not remembering. I gave him that name, cause it was the opposite of what he was, hoping to encourage him.[/b]Well, in that case, what do you wish to aspire this little sister to? Aonith asked.

Dorava considered the very plump and pudgy flitter before her, as she consumed her umpteenth bit of red meat. Well … she definitely needed to slim down and get fit. But there was no name in that… She thought a little longer. "Well … what to call you, little one?" she mulled, aloud. Ravishing? Beauty? Lovely? Aonith suggested.

Do giggled under her breath. You're funny.[/b] Dorava replied. How about Majesty?[/b] You wish her to aspire to being a Queen? That's rather … cruel. And demeaning. Aonith replied, honestly. Dorava frowned slightly, and looked at her flitter for a moment. That interpretation hadn't even occurred to her. And in that light, yes it was demeaning.

Pursing her lips, she mused the flitter for a bit more, thinking. Maybe I should go another route to name this one?[/b]

Val crawled out of her pocket, at this point, and made his way up her side, to perch on her upper arm and stare down at the young flitter. Mandyr Mandyr. He mentioned. Dorava looked at him sharply. "Where did you learn that word??" She asked, amazed. Val looked up at her, and flared his dark blue frill for a moment, before going back to looking down at the flitter again.

You could, actually, call her Mandyr. Mandyrs are small, lithe, and thin? Aonith interjected, also having heard Val's comment.

Dorava giggled. "What an idea. What do you think? Do you like it?" She asked, of the little green. The green looked up, a piece of meat hanging out of her mouth, face just as expressive as it could be: it didn't matter at all to her, what ever her pet chose was good enough for her. Regardless! Dorava giggled. "Okay." She agreed. "Mandyr it is, then. Silly Val." She reached up and scratched on Val, who puffed up somewhat, leaning into the scratching. Keep! Keep Mandyr! Mandyr Mandyr! No bad Mandyr! Keep! Keep Val! He rambled, happily.

[Kisha-Ra]

A little encouragement from his mother had the bronze hatchling in the air, albeit not very gracefully, to find his human in the crowd. J’on smiled at that Zesa was a good mother, wanting her babies to be independent as well as protected, though that probably wasn’t how the little gold saw it. It was still sweet though.

The brown decided to follow his brother, after another glance at Showoff, sadly, and rather comically since he was uninjured, the brown fell rather than flew. Still the brown was undeterred, walking off to find someone for him. J’on didn’t see who though as the last two eggs shattered and two blues emerged.

Though both firelizards moved to the front of the cabinet the lighter of the two seemed more interested in Savitri and Ka’rys than anything else, though he made no move toward them. In fact the casual leaning against the cabinet door was a lot like a human loitering around, then the dark blue chirped and nudged his clutchbrother (telling him to choose perhaps?) and the silvery blue dropped into a glide, still watching the objects of his interest, and blundered right into J’on.

Oh dear… J’on looked down, right into whirling red eyes. Rinagth was going to kill him. Blithely the firelizard scrambled up to J’on’s shoulders, sending Wraith scrambling for the safety of his head. What is that? That useless green THING can’t even make sure you don’t bring home something else![/color] Rinagth grumbled, but J’on shook his head, soon she wouldn’t even remember being without the blue bane of her life. ‘Bane, that’s what your name is.’ J’on told the blue, who continued eating with his head twisted around to face the bickering gold- and bronze- riders.

[ladybug]

Burena watched as the remaining eggs split open, and more fire lizards Impressed. She was beginning to grow disheartened, but the final, dark blue skittered her way. Burena squealed in delight and scooped him up. A helpful person handed her some meat, which Burena obligingly fed to the politely creeling little blue.

"Aren't you just adorable?" She cooed, praising the flitt the entire time she fed him. Finally sated, he yawned and leaned against her, and she smiled, sighing in contentment as she felt the warm, fuzzy feelings of Impression. Maybe it was a very small version of a dragon Impression.

"Now I need a name," she said to herself, running a finger over her blue's dark hide. "Hmm...I think Doc suits you," she decided. He chirped, then closed his eyes and drifted off. Grinning, Burena carried Doc back to the barracks to put him to bed.