no remorse and no shame. [ellie's hatching]

[ladybug]

Cadil watched in silent fascination as the eggs hatched, revealing the most adorable little firelizard babies. He laughed at the most recent hatching, a bronze with an underwear shaped marking on his head. That was a rather unfortunate birthmark, but the little bronze probably wouldn't understand why the people were laughing at him.

Looking away from the hatching for a moment, he noticed Malara still lingering around the basket. "Trying to Impress a flitt?" He asked, wondering how her 'mandyr and her grumpy blue wher would take to that. "Looks like there's three left. Maybe we still have a chance," he said with a hopeful smile.

L'rel was watching the proceedings with a mixture of awe and incredulity. This was almost more chaotic than a dragon hatching. He snorted as he overheard one of the lucky ones naming his new pet Panties. That would certainly get people's attention whenever he called for the flitt.

[Rowana]

T'ke shifty uncomfortably. He didn't like being the center of attention. He didn't see why either Meira or R'wign would make such a fuss over him. He wasn't really worth. "It's fine, really," he insisted nervously. "Saeo fixed me up pretty good. It doesn't hurt so much now." For once, it was the truth. The pained had lessened to a dull throbbing. He didn't want to bother them anymore. After all, he had crashed into them. It was more his fault than theirs. He started to get up. "I'm sure you have better things to do," he mumbled. Maybe he'd go to the infirmary later, if it still hurt.

Mer glanced up at Showoff. He was still insulting, but at least he wasn't doing anything to her baby. She had to give him credit for that. "He's not a dummy," Mer said firmly. "His name is Auran." Another fire lizard landed on her shoulder briefly. Mer smiled at the bronze. This must be the father, come to check on his son. He was far to big to be any hatchling. "No worries," she told him. "Auran and I can take care of ourselves." She watched Hero fly off again back to the basket. Looked like only a few eggs were left. Mer didn't really pay much attention. She had her little defender and he was clearly the best of the clutch. Auran continued to scarf down the food Mer fed him, watching Showoff moodily. The shiny worm had better not be too comfortable up there. This was HIS girl!

Farryl started to relax. Most of the hatchlings seemed to have impressed and so far none of them had ventured in her direction. It looked like she wouldn't have to worry about impressing one after all. Though she was relieved, she was also a little sad. She did like fire lizards and Hobbs was probably lonely without Tille around. Maybe next time there was a clutch she would actually try to impress one. Hopefully not one like the blue that attacked Raylin. Farryl felt a pang of sympathy. And after Vega had been such a sweetheart too. Hobbs moved higher on her shoulder to get a better look at the hatching. He hummed and trilled encouragement to the newborns. As long as none of them upset Farryl, he was content.

[Avu]

Stabbed – stabbed? In the shoulder? Meira glanced at T’ke for confirmation, still trying to remember; so many people – and some had died in the Infirmary, too – she couldn’t remember. Wrinkling her nose slightly, Meira’s gaze flickered towards the Dining Hall, currently still blocked by Kaaoloth, wondering vaguely how long it would take for the chaos to calm down; she was hungry – very, very hungry, and it was making it ridiculously hard to concentrate. She shook her head slightly at R’wign’s question, blinking at the nickname – but she didn’t ask about it right then. “Not sure,” she admitted, slightly embarrassed by the lapse in memory, “I can’t remember…” There were far too many people to fuss over; if Healers didn’t kept records, everything would have gotten completely mixed up and crazy, and –

Wait, Saeo? Meira tilted her head slightly to one side, pulling her hair out of her eyes again. Saeo was an apprentice – a very new apprentice; she was an apprentice too, but she’d been studying Healing longer and she supposed it depended on the severity – but if it was still hurting T’ke then, it had to have been a pretty deep stab wound. “Saeo should have had a Journeyman or something overlooking it, at the very least – or checking it later, shouldn’t she ’ve?” The question was directed mostly at R’wign, since he doubtlessly knew more about Healing than T’ke did, though her gaze was still on T’ke. Maybe it was different, in an emergency, but still…Selenitas was not known for lazy Healers; they would eventually have gotten around to it. And Saeo wasn’t renowned for being exceptionally steady.

“A brownrider” was her brief answer to R’wign’s query; the brownrider that had left was unknown to her – but that might just have been because she wasn’t typically awake with the dragonriders. And then, slightly amused by the rudeness, “Maybe he just…really, really wanted one of Ellie’s babies…?” Her words were emphasized by Zesa’s humming; the gold was sitting upright on Meira’s knees, still, her head turned in the direction of the door of the dining hall, wings tucked back neatly and her tail looping her haunches to brush Meira’s stomach as the wherhandler crouched, wrapping her arms loosely around her legs and, by default, Zesa, shaking her head at T’ke’s comment. Something better to do? Because Healers definitely left someone that was obviously in pain sprawled on the floor, they did…

[Lotty]

However thankful he was that he had not been attacked by one of those little buggers, K'sel couldn't help but to lose a little bit of interest in the hatching. Sure there were greens flying down shirts and browns landing in bowls of stew, but all of this only reminded him again, that hatchings were not his thing. They never were, and with his bond to his dragon, he should have been done with all of the similar shindigs of dragonkin. But perhaps somewhere in his nogin he assumed that because he didn't want another mouth to feed (supposedly, K'sel liked to lie to himself) that participating solely as an onlooker would somehow change the situation, maybe he would like hatchings.

Not so much. They were just like before, he was getting sweaty (too many people in one place), and he was stuck (he couldn't turn around now). These were two sensations he was rather dis-fond of and left him with a definite pout, and there...his arms crossed themselves as they so often do. More mumbling about the firelizards ensued, especially about the most recent bronze, "Does that firelizard? No....." oh the irony. This was just enough to get K'sel's head back into the game, "a panties-hat for a bronze, it's almost appropriate..." he chuckled a few times to himself. Good stuff indeed.

[dragon]

It was really hard to see what was going on from where she was, even still, despite her standing on a table. Crevenaire was quite curious to know, however, so she stood up on her tippy toes to try to get a little higher. Ah! Now she could see ... there were tiny flitters zooming around. One down some poor fellow's shirt, and another one into some other fellow's soup... one bouncing around in the basket fit to make his mother quite unhappy with him. A few others seemed to take a more sedate approach to finding someone to feed them.

Crevy considered the situation for a moment. Did she want a flitter? Should she try to wiggle closer? Would it be worth it? Finally deciding that it couldn't hurt to try, She stooped down low, bouncing along the table and swiping a chunk of meat off some unfortunate soul's plate. She kept going, though, grasping at her skirts with her free hand as she hop-skipped along the table top, trying to avoid stepping on anyone's dinner or spill thier drinks. Maybe she could get closer before they were all gone!

[glamourie]

“Just Saeo?” There was a distinct note of worry in his voice as he fixed T’ke with a stare. Saeo wasn’t incompetent - far from - but she was a junior apprentice. Less knowledgeable even than Meira was, because Meira had been in training longer (and was an apt learner, in R’wign’s not-so-humble opinion). The wherhandler’s question made him turn to look over his shoulder and he nodded. “At the very least, one of the senior apprentices should’ve checked it out; she’s competent, but she’s still new.” She also was hurt herself if he recalled correctly, and he wouldn’t have trusted Saeo, under such duress, to check for everything. Not because she wasn’t able but because it took a lot of practice - full apprentice training! - to catch every single thing in a situation that had one’s nerves on end. Then again, R’wign did not trust anyone but himself and Kalierre to deal with most wounds, and a stab wound in the shoulder was… definitely not all that minor.

… ? Better … things… to do…?

Twisting his face into a slightly comical scowl, R’wign pointed to T’ke’s shoulder. “They don’t pay me to just flounce around looking pretty, they pay me to make sure that the Weyr’s inhabitants aren’t mangled. So technically, no, I don’t have anything better to be doing. If you’re cradling it that way, it makes me wonder -- do you know how deep it was? Is Saeo in the dining hall? Cheeeeck--” His mind brushed his dragon’s, clearly pleading; he needed to talk to Saeo about T’ke’s injuries, since, as the one who treated him, she would know best what was wrong. Seemed logical enough, right? “-- Talk to Cherilith please?” Even though Checkoth wasn’t nearby enough to ‘hear’ him, R’wign knew the brown got his message. Speaking out loud just made him feel less… well, less.

I will ask, the brown informed R’wign from his lounging spot by the river. Stretching out casually, Checkoth sought Cherilith and inquired, Cherilith, R’wignMine is outside the dining hall with someone who is injured that Yours treated. If she is nearby, would she mind coming to explain his injuries? One of them may have been jarred on accident. I am sure Kaaoloth would let her through as this is important. I apologize for bothering you. Always very considerate, he really did mean every word: he didn’t intend to bother the blue if he was busy, but R’wignHis had asked, and Checkoth was utterly incapable of telling his bonded no on anything.

Aurandummy, Showoff replied, sounding quite content with himself. Good name flying dummy Showoff am I. Better name n’ Stupid. Obviously, Showoff was not happy at the fact that one of his babies was called Stupid… even though Stupid himself did not really care all that much, from his experience. But then, he was kind of a broken baby, so it was understandable. Showoff blamed the GiantMeanPoopSmear for the fact that Stupid wasn’t entirely intelligent. He’d thrown a belt. It was his fault. Showoff would destroy him… but not today. Today he was watching babies. Winged egg? Flyers fly as eggs, so silly, he trilled, then flicked his tail tempestuously. Did he have flight-envy? … Maybe.

His eyes whirled as he watched Hero fly off and his wings flapped animatedly, his worry becoming evident. Frecklebaby nooo! he proclaimed as Hero dove after the green. Alarmed, the bronze positively leapt off of Merridan’s head and then ran straight up to the basket where Hero and Ellie were. Flapping his wings and flaring his frill in agitation, he proclaimed, Take to Frecklebaby NOW you do! My baby my baby! He better not have hurt Freckle!

Twittering nervously at Showoff, Ellie curled up protectively at the edge of her basket and gave the bronze salamandyr a warning look. However, since he did not seem intent on harming their eggs, she didn’t fly at him. She did, however, nuzzle Hero and lick the side of his ridges affectionately. Most of her babies had hatched - so maybe… maybe it would stay away and let the rest be? She twitched her tail at the salamandyr’s inquiry, confused. Freckle didn’t look like a baby. Did that mean the little red menace was her sire? Hmm. How odd. Well, it was up to Hero what he wanted to do~ She did not mind him being so close so long as he did not touch the basket. He’d been good, trying to help, so she would forgive him coming near her nest… if he didn’t touch their eggs.

The winged egg flapped twice and rolled over awkwardly. Ellie turned to look at it and chirruped nervously, before flying down to try and help the baby within. Twice, she tapped at the shell, and then she recoiled as several more cracks appeared in the vivid red. The gold cocked her head to the side and fluted in interest, her wings flaring. Silly baby, why was it not --

-- coming out.

Her thoughts were answered by two legs poking out the back of the egg and then out the front. Wings and legs. Comical though the Dangerous Game Egg appeared, it lasted only for one moment before the baby within literally ran front-first (or head first, rather) into the side of the basket, causing the shells to fall away. The brown hatchling tumbled backwards and chirruped pleasantly as he landed flat on his back. He writhed in joy at having freed himself and gave a musical flute for all to hear - assuring everyone in the main hall that yes, yes, he was just fine. Then he took to rolling in his egg shells, not unlike a playful feline cub. The sight was undeniably strange and Ellie leaned forward to sniff at the Dangerous Game Brown in interest. Of course, that was a mistake, for the second she noticed him, he sprung to his feet and chattered to her flirtatiously, his little wings ruffling before he leapt up onto the side of the basket. Preening, the Dangerous Game Brown stretched himself out and… for lack of a better way to describe it, began showing off. His hide was colored like a remarkably artistic chocolate candy, complete with caramel drizzle, and he knew very well how lovely he was to behold. And so should everyone else. Just look at him.

The flamboyant antics of the Dangerous Game Brown made Ellie chirrup in amusement and she flapped her wings animatedly. That one movement only egged him on and the hatchling leapt up, onto the top of the basket’s handle, before fluting loud enough that everyone in the main hall would surely hear him. His tail swished back and forth and then he dropped, hanging upside down in an almost remarkable imitation of his bronze brother, except that he had a distinctly advanced level of grace. His tail curled around the basket handle and he chattered to Hero and Ellie, obviously playful. Could they do that?

Amidst his showing off, Ellie did not notice that one of her other babies had begun to hatch. She remained unaware until a loud creel came from behind her as the Pursue the Truth Egg tumbled to the side with a green head sticking out of the top. Flicking her wings nervously, she moved toward her daughter and helped her out of the shell by nudging it. The Dangerous Game Brown fluted pleasantly to his clutch sister, obviously in no hurry to go and pick someone; either he wasn’t hungry or, more likely, he just liked having so many eyes on him. He fully intended to take his sweet time, thank you very much.

Climbing free, the Pursue the Truth Green fluttered her wings and stretched out. Then she looked up at the Dangerous Game Brown with an inquisitive look, before offering a sharp scold. Just what was he doing? Didn’t he know he needed to pick? Flustered, she bounced forward and started chattering away, clearly giving him a firm telling off. The sight was probably comical, considering that the brown was by no means small, while the female was definitely below average size for a green. Her hide was also impressively colored, though no where near as tasty-looking as her clutch brother, seeing as she was more of a sea green shade. She twitched her tail and pointed one claw at him insistently before squawking.

Why wasn’t he picking? He was going to starve. Bad! Maybe if she bit him he’d get the message? Fluttering up to the basket’s handle (oblivious to Ellie’s obviously-amused eyes), the Pursue the Truth Green leaned over intending to do just that when --

Lick.

HE LICKED HER!

Squawking indignantly, she hopped several paces away from the Dangerous Game Brown and spat at him. Then she took to wing and flew away from him as fast as her little wings could carry her, scolding the whole time. Unfortunately, her body collided with Danica’s hair and she grasped the ends with her claws in order to keep from completely flying at a bizarre angle into something else. Squawking, the angry little green climbed onto the wherhandler’s head, ruffled her wings and went right back to giving her clutch brother a good telling off for his impudence. But -- but she was hungry. So conflicted, she looked down at Danica, fluted sweetly in a request for food, and then went back to hissing and spitting at the brown in the nest -- as if she could convince him of the error of his ways by throwing a right temper tantrum.

However, her antics were for naught, for the more distressed she became, the more amused the Dangerous Game Brown was. Climbing around on the basket’s handle, he perched and amiably watched the Pursue the Truth Green with rapidly whirling eyes. However, the hunger he felt was quickly becoming overwhelming. He couldn’t let her think she won, though! She mustn’t win. There was only one way to prevent that. Cocking his head, he hopped to wing and glided gracefully right to Nephele’s shoulder before chirping once. Just once. Surely she’d understand his hunger? He needn’t make such a fuss like that one to get fed, did he?

---

The Façade Clutch
01. Lost in the Darkness Egg
02. Letting Go Egg Impressed: Blue Arrogance to Raylin
03. Pursue the Truth Egg Impressed: Green ? to Danica
04. Take Me As I Am Egg Impressed: Blue Auran to Merridan
05. Sympathy, Tenderness Egg Impressed: Green ? to I'fael
06. Good 'n' Evil Egg Impressed: Brown Stew to K'roi
07. Prologue Egg Impressed: Green Child to C'ryl
08. Dangerous Game Egg Impressed: Brown ? to Nephele
09. This is the Moment Egg Impressed: Bronze Panties to C'vin

[glamourie]

Pursue the Truth Green

Name:
Color: Green #A8E6BB #198D3C #05491A #E4F9EA
Gender: Female
Age: Hatchling
Looks To: Danica

Physical Description: At first glance, this female appears to be all elegant angles. From the sharp edges of her ridges to the quick, bending curve of her spine and tail, it is very clear that this is one very elegant firelizard. Her actual size is small, though not overtly so; just slightly under average in terms of her length. Her wings are long and graceful, curving under at the ends to allow for more quick twists and turns. The line of her body is slender and almost serpentine, undeniably feminine, but comically, her legs are slightly small for her body -- leaving to the impression of her being short for a firelizard, except when she's in the air (and there she has a grace that makes even queens pale in comparison). Aside from her legs, she is proportioned flawlessly, her wings just wide enough to allow for smooth gliding, and her tail adds to the whippy impression of her body. Unlike her mother, though, she is muscular, most prominently emphasized in her quick twists and dives; she possesses a subtle strength almost uncanny in a firelizard of her size.

Her color is also nothing to scoff at. A basic backwash of sea green makes up the majority of her hide, as though someone took a fabric and wound it around her body for warmth. However, that's only the beginning; darker green splashes spiral down her back, resembling ribbons that spiral from the back of her neck to the base of her body. The shade darkens to a significantly darker hunter-green that bands around her tail like rings, before blotting at the split end. That same dark hue colors her feet, distinctly resembling socks placed over them, and comes up to the middle of her already-short legs. Almost as a finishing touch, her eyes are rimmed in white-green as though she's wearing makeup, bringing prominence to them; she's definitely a memorable creature to behold.

Personality: This little green is undeniably a fussy creature. Hers would do well to watch her and teach her early when it is and isn't okay to scold; otherwise, she will undoubtedly fly around trying to keep every one and thing in line (be it other firelizards, salamandyrs, whers, dragons and even humans; she is absolutely fearless). Unfortunately, this bossy tendency is also exceedingly loud and she is not above outright screaming to make a point. She's also very stubborn and will be very difficult to break of this habit and any other bad ones she develops throughout her life. Listening just isn't one of her strong points when she gets herself in a fuss, and it has nothing to do with the poor memory that greens traditionally have: she's actually very intelligent and remembers just about everything. No, she's just set in her ways, for better or worse, and Hers would do well to remember that she really means the best. Being as fussy as she is, she's very prone to 'mothering' her bonded, and will try to boss her around constantly. Others will likely view this as nagging behavior - and it is unlikely she will care much about their opinions. Once she's picked Hers, it doesn't really matter what they think.

Despite being extraordinarily demanding and brash (she is prone to rushing headlong into things that may or may not be in her best interest), this firelizard does possess some decorum; she is very good at noticing when those she cares about (which aren't just Hers) are upset, and bringing them little gifts, or simply spending time around them, will not be unusual. With Hers she is more pushy than others, as well; while she scolds, fusses and is generally bossy with everyone, she reserves most of her energy for making sure Hers does right. She has no tolerance for others being self-destructive in any way. Her bonded will quickly find that he will be reminded to eat... constantly... and ferried off to bed by this little female, as will anyone she happens to like. And if they don't obey, she will unleash the terror that is her screeching -- so most often, it's better to agree just to placate her. She's only looking out for their best interests, after all!

---

Dangerous Game Brown

Name:
Color: Brown #281C0B #FCEFD1 #8E5319 #B38C2E
Gender: Male
Age: Hatchling
Looks To: Nephele

Physical Description: Long; that one word describes this firelizard's physical appearance flawlessly. His body is very streamlined and if someone were to compare him from the tip of his snout to the end of his tail, they would find him almost as long as a bronze; definitely on the large side for a brown. His wingspan is also rather long, spreading out to an impressive width that leaves no doubting that he's large for his color. He is definitely trim, though subtle muscles line every inch of his body, giving him a physical strength only the blind could miss. No part of him is bulky, and there's certainly nothing about him that seems jumbled or cluttered; the physical makeup he possesses is that of an almost perfect flit, as though modeled from fine clay. He has an angular face that almost appears feminine, emphasized by his wide eyes, but his ridges are sharper and jagged; they are definitely one of his most masculine features. Coupled with the large fork in his tail (almost large enough to earn a second or third glance, but it is just that: a larger tip than most flits possess, nothing more), this firelizard is definitely devilishly handsome in build.

The color this brown possesses is dazzling, too. A very dark shade like fine chocolate wraps all around his body, drizzling down from his back and over his legs. His underbelly, leading from his neck down to the base of his tail, is a slightly lighter shade, more like a milky cream, smooth decadence that just hints of sweetness. This candy-like appearance is highlighted by speckles of lighter brown starting at his ridges and following down them, as if someone sprinkled them on top of him for effect; these splotches look almost soft in texture, as though they could be brushed away by stray fingers. His entire body has a fine sheen, as if he's been polished to a perfect shine, with reddish undertones to his highlights. Finishing off the candybar look is a twist of caramel-brown that starts around the bottom of his neck and drips down almost in perfect lines down his underbelly, like pinstripes; certainly he looks good enough to eat!

Personality: Ridiculously vain is this brown - easily his most recognizable trait. Faranth forbid his bonded allow him near a mirror (or any similarly reflective surface), for he will preen like nothing seen before; staring at himself is one of his favorite pastimes. Isn't he lovely? Isn't he just gorgeous? He knows he is and anyone who disagrees goes ignored; obviously, they haven't much taste if they can't recognize his obvious glory, and he'd much rather pity them than try to convince them to see the truth. His vanity is almost completely physical, and as a result he will avoid things that require him getting 'dirty' -- dirt, mud, anything of that nature. Dusty cabinets are avoided like the plague, while rooms with bright lighting and outdoors are his favorite places to visit because they show off his wonderful shine and allow others to see just how spectacular he happens to be. Fond of places where everyone can see him, it won't be at all uncommon for him to perch on tables, cabinets... and gold dragons; anything that will attract attention. Because he deserves it, you see.

In addition to being disturbingly vain, this brown is a flirt... and he'll flirt with anything; from bringing flowers to green flits to trying to chat up dragons, he's not really picky. Chittering is one of his favorite things to do when he's not admiring himself. He's also not fickle: he doesn't just flirt with greens and golds (or female humans), no, he'll do the very same thing to other male firelizards, dragons, whers -- it doesn't really matter, because this brown can get along with just about anyone. He's also prone to behaviors he knows are viewed as silly or bizarre, solely to get laughter; expect to find him trying to carry around unusually large objects or flying around with flowers wound around his body solely because he can. But silly behaviors are only half of what this little flit is about; when it comes to doing what he's told, if he thinks it's important (and he's actually quite smart), he'll do it flawlessly. Teaching him things will be easy, but actually training him? Not so much; he's just content to do whatever he wants most of the time, and it's just fortunate he's an excellent judge of situations, else he would probably be a menace.

[Ember]

There seemed to be more commotion around the basket again and oh show Nephele wished she could see! She heard some murmurings about a bronze and a flying egg...who ever heard of a flying egg? More words reached her and she managed to catch a glimpse of the bronze in question headed towards somebody and she let out a small sigh. There couldn't be many more left. She listened as the flying egg's description grew more detailed. Now it had legs too? She stifled a laugh as she realized what must be happening. This certainly seemed like an odd clutch.

A bunch of loud chittering caught her attention. Was something wrong with the flit-in-the-egg? She stepped up onto the table to see and blinked when she realized it was a green hatchling chewing out a rather beautiful brown clutchmate. Charming young thing and it seemed to enjoy all the attention. He obviously didn't mind the green chittering at him. The green eventually gave up and flew towards another person to be fed. Scratch that, she continued to scold the brown while sitting on their new person.

Suddenly the brown flew up into the air and flew towards...well that was odd, he was coming towards her! She glanced behind her but there was no one there. Was he really picking her? She bent down to grab the bowl of stew and waited for him to change his path. He didn't change course or even falter, landing precisely on her shoulder and chirping at her. Oh. Nephele looked at the handsome brown for a moment, stunned. He preened at her attention before looking down at the bowl in her hands. With almost mechanical motions she brought a niblet of meat up to him and he daintily took it in his paws and started eating.

With the neat way he ate it took a bit of time to feed him up proper but she did and he gave her chin a small rub before wrapping his tail around her neck and sitting for all the world like a king on his throne. With a small grin Nephele gave him a small pet before contemplating the idea of a name. He deserved a good name. Jokingly she asked, "What if I name you Egghead?" His indignant squawk answered that question. She looked at him longer and a name finally clicked. "What about Charming?" He blinked whirling green/blue eyes at her. "I'll take that as a yes then. She gave him another stroke. "My little Charming."

[weaving]

He’d been watching quite contentedly, occasionally taking a spoonful of the stew, when suddenly a small green blur had darted down his shirt. Startled, his arms jerked upward, sending warm herd beast stew raining down on those nearest them. With an apologetic grimace to those that had been caught in the shower, he pulled the neck of his shirt away to peer down at his chest in order to figure out just what was going on. Tiny little claws poked at his chest, but the sight of the frightened little green melted his heart and he immediately forgave her for any pain she might have caused.

“C’mon little one,” he murmured in an attempt to coax her out so that he might be able to see her better. She climbed out tentatively, licking lightly at his collarbone. The action had him smiling and as she crawled out onto his shoulder he rubbed at her gently with one finger, allowing it to travel all the way down her spine in hopes of soothing her. The poor dear, she seemed so frightened. And hungry. He looked around and quickly spied a bowl of stew that had been left unattended. Grabbing it, he proceeded to fish out the larger chunks of meat to feed to the green, who took them daintily in her forehands, nibbling at each piece rather than swallow them whole like some of her siblings. See, she was neat and not messy at all. Why, Hers wouldn’t even notice her and she’d be no bother really.

“And what should I name you little one, hmm?” Turning his head to eye the hatchling on his shoulder, he bit back a chuckle as she squeaked at him curiously in response. The sound she made was so strange, quite unlike any other firelizard he’d ever heard before, not that he really paid attention all that much. She was rather odd looking too, now that he studied her, though despite that she still managed to maintain some sort of grace to her as she sat there nibbling at a piece of meat.

“Grace…” He murmured as she continued to eat. “Grace it is.”

[Rei]

Hero chirped gently at Showoff and projected an image of Freckle in the crib. He didn’t hurt her, he just put her in the creche. He could take Showoff there as well if he wanted of course. He would never hurt another’s baby. Chattering he kept himself between Showoff and his queen and basket. He didn’t think the bronze would hurt the babies or his mate but he was being careful. Just in case. They where his family and he loved his gold. She ranked higher than his frilly friend.

Arrogance snorted from upon her shoulder. The red thing was loud! Didn’t it know how to be quiet? Raylin sighed. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping?” The question earned her a look that could only be described as exasperated. Of course he should be but how could he with all this racket? His need to take him somewhere quiet. He was fed and relatively happy. They could go anytime now.

Vanity stopped her posturing, there was only one flit left and the ugly surely wouldn’t pick hers. There where to many ugly humans closer to the basket. Giving a triumphant chirp like noise she nibbled on Sel’n’s ear. Miiiinnnne Loooooovvveee Miiiinnnnee. The brown rider grumbled but raised his hand to stroke down the green’s spine gently.

Malara frowned. Well so much for that she was stuck with her bloody egg eater for now. Maybe she should just attend another mandyr hatching? Mask’s disproval at that thought was staggering and she chuckled. Maybe she would just get a feline.

[hseru]

He was a bit surprised that he was enjoying the hatching much like he usually did, even with the distance that assured he saw little until a hatchling here and there darted up to find their chosen food provider. Blue, green, blue, green, and each went to a person surprised enough at being chosen, denying it, or just plain happy about the occasion. He couldn’t help the indulgent smile at the creatures as they caused quite a stir with their antics. Leaning forward on an elbow, he idly sipped at another spoonful of the stew as each firelizard flitted about, a small spark of happiness encouraged by each one until he was delighted by the whole affair, and glad he’d stayed to witness instead of crowding near the door like those attempting an unsuccessful escape.

As if drawn by his enjoyment of the whole affair, Gareth ‘peeked’ in, interested. What is this I hear about a smallone hatching? Are you going to get one?[/i] K'roi shook his head good naturedly, even though the bronze couldn't see it. I really doubt it. There are so many people here, and far too much food for them to come all the way up to the head table. If the bronze felt his bonded’s disappointment, then he didn’t put the question to words, well aware of just how much the loss of his green had hurt the man. Instead, he settled in to watch through his bonded’s eyes, enjoying the newly arrived cousins as much as His was.

He arrived just in time, it seemed, as another flitter rose from the colorfully decorated basket to search for his perfect mind bond. A brown, chocolaty in color, soared high over the gathered dinner crowd, seemingly uninterested with the lot of them. As he circled wider, he suddenly spotted what he wanted, and K’roi was startled into jumping back as the brown made an ungainly landing right in his bowl, splashing the warm liquid up and into his face. Thank Faranth, he’d been nursing the bowl for a bit and it wasn’t hot enough to burn, just juicy and meaty… and all over him. He felt laughter from Gareth, and abruptly cut the connection with a rude remark that had the bronze laughing all the harder. The brown in his bowl looked up at him with a delighted chirp, a small, quiet thing. He’d landed in a veritable smorgasbord of meaty treats! His tongue licked along his delicate jaw and he dug right in, oddly silent for a newly hatched firelizard.

A napkin helped to dry K’roi as he watched the brown gorge himself, smiling again as the familiar yet different sensation of impression filled him. He finally scooped the thin, delicate looking brown from the bowl, before he ate too much, and worked with the napkin to remove the juice he hadn’t licked off himself. The hatchling helped, clearly loving the stew. The bronzerider paused in thought. Well, why not?

“Stew?” He questioned aloud, and the brown perked his head up and to the side, obviously listening with all his attention, an unnerving sensation in a creature that was usually very flighty and unfocused. K’roi smiled at the silly name, but the brown seemed to approve. “Stew it is then.” He pronounced to no one in particular, and the brown agreed with a swirl of mental color, finally dry. He climbed up his new pet’s arm to perch serenely on his shoulder, licking clean his long, long claws.

[nightingale]

Finally, the screaming had stopped! A light smile flickered across Danica's expression as she tore a piece off of her dinner roll and popped it into her mouth. It was about time somebody did something about that shrieking little cockroach. She pitied the poor bastard who was bonded to it.

Then came more shrieking, this time in an audible register.

Balls.

Dani saw the green coming straight for her face like a screaming green arrow, but the woman had absolutely no room to dodge the assault. “Blooding wherlets!” She cursed as she suddenly felt claws scrabbling at her hair and an egg-damp tail swatting her in the face. Then came something else -a warm spinning emotion that she remembered from Danisk's impression. Well...she certainly hadn't been expecting that. The brownhandler reached up to disentangle the hatchling from her hair, careful not to remove a large portion of her scalp in the process. “Easy there seafoam.” She muttered, carefully setting the squirming little green down in her lap.

She chattered animatedly, glaring at her brown clutch sibling as he fluttered off to chose a perch on another candidate's shoulder. Hadn’t Hers seen what he had done to her? Hadn't she seen?! He had LICKED her! He had been SO RUDE!! “Yes, it was awful. What a cheeky little bastard." Danica deadpanned, fishing a small piece of herd beast for her rapidly cooling bowl of stew and offering it to the hatchling. "Now shuddup and eat.” The green examined the food for a brief moment, then looked back toward the Dangerous Game brown. She seemed torn between the desires to continue berating him and obliging the rumbling in her stomach. She huffed quietly, then began licking the gravy from her bonded’s fingers. One she had gotten a taste, the flit's focus shifted entirely toward cramming as much meat down her throat as quickly as possible.

Hmm…well, now that the thing was hers, Dani supposed that it needed a name. The woman had never been very good at naming things. Thank goodness Danisk had picked out his own, or he might have ended up being labeled with any number to unbecoming titles. Well then, how did things usually get named? She couldn’t give her a wher’s name –Danisk made it very clear that he did not approve of a non-wher being named like one. Maybe a dragon’s name then? The usually ended in ‘th’ right? But then she would still need a prefix, and because she couldn’t use the letters of her own name she was once again at square one. Wait, some folks just mixed the parents names together, right? That might work… what were their names again? Shells…

The little green chirruped, questioning where the rest of her food was. The brownhandler fished her out another chunk of meat, and watched as her newly acquired pet tore into it with an appetite she could appreciate.

Olanreth is sleeping Mine. Cherilith reported, grateful that he had a viable excuse to try and keep her from tearing into D’nar. The girl sent him a pulse of wordless frustration, but the young blue was quickly distracted from his attempts to comfort her by the touch of a familiar mind against his. Checkoth? Mine is on her way toward you now. Is everything alright? Who is injured? “Pardon me Kaaoloth” Saeo murmured, tapping the brown dragon's shoulder and quickly slipping by as he moved to make room for her in the doorway. Hearing that someone was injured had been enough to dissipate much the girl's second-hand anger, and so when she spotted R’wign, Meira and T’ke sprawled in the middle of the hall floor her expression was more concerned than anything else. “What’s the trouble?” She asked, crouching down next to the trio.

[glamourie]

Only one egg remained. The Lost in the Darkness Egg sat, surrounded by the shells of its clutch siblings, and made no effort to rock or even slightly move. In fact, the Lost in the Darkness Egg was so painfully still as to lead to the question of whether or not it was a dud. But someone close - close enough to see even the smallest details - would notice the tiny network of cracks budding over the shell. They started from the bottom and joined out like spider webs moving up higher, and higher, until it was impossible to miss: the egg was covered in diminutive cracks all over, destroying any semblance of a pattern that the shell might have possessed. There was still no movement, however, not any trace of life. The dark colored egg painfully resembled a statue, ready to fall apart at the smallest brush of wind or air…

Ellie chirped, distinctly nervous. She bounced forward on the basket and leaned almost entirely over the edge, her claws hanging on to keep her from face planting. Her eyes whirled rapidly worried shades and she ignored her mate and Showoff, her tail twitching in agitation. What- what- why was it not- her baby wasn’t moving… even if it was cracking…? Maybe it needed help. Resolute, she flopped down onto the floor of the basket, and then she made to tap it with the very tip of her claw. That was all it took, too - for the egg completely fell apart, all the pieces crumbling to the floor of the basket on top of the flower petals, and the baby within remained seated in a perfectly silent, and undeniably calm posture. His head cocked to the side as he looked at Ellie, and he leaned forward to nudge her just once - reassuring. But he didn’t make a peep. Not a single sound.

The Lost in the Darkness Firelizard was tiny. Very, very tiny. Barely the size of an average green, in fact, but he wasn’t a green - far from. Sleekly cut wings made it obvious he was male, as did his color; shockingly aqua, he was distinctly a blue. But that wasn’t the only color. Diamond patterns of dark blue melded down his back, surrounding his ridges, and his feet had powdery blue ‘socks’ over them. All in all, he was most definitely recognizable despite his size, but his perfect silence was almost unnerving. The sounds of people eating was deafening to him and his eyes whirled slow and surely. He did not move. He looked around the dining hall, but aside from that, his posture never changed. Not yet.

Calmly, he regarded the people in his view. Each one was disqualified in his mind for one reason or the next -- had a fire lizard already; didn’t like the outfit; didn’t smell good; had some weird worm thing -- until he finally climbed up and tested his wings with a stretch. Every movement he made was considered, but not slow. Nothing about him was slow. In fact, as he jolted up onto the edge of the basket, his movements were fast enough to be missed. It almost looked as though he jumped between in that one quick hop. His little claws turned threateningly into the wicker and his eyes flared hints of scarlet amongst his hunger. Agitated, he looked over toward Ellie, who gave him a reassuring flute. His tail flicked back and forth, and then he turned around again. One of them had to have food for him. Which one was worth actually approaching to get it…?

He’d do. He wasn’t radiating affection, or warmth, which was just fine -- the Lost in the Darkness Blue wanted neither. He could take care of himself, he could.

Fluttering his wings, the blue jolted upward and flew with such an alarming speed that even Ellie jumped back. He was like a streak of lightning through the air, but graceful beyond all recognition. He came to perch on K’sel’s shoulder daintily and cocked his head to the side, eyes whirling in silent request. No chirps. No chatters. No wasted effort on sound. The rainbow hues of his eyes and the undeniable hunger he felt would be enough, he was sure, to convince his newly chosen mindmate to feed him. And then he’d run off on his own; he did not want to make friends. Not really. It would take his chosen quite a bit of effort to convince him that being friends was worth it. Otherwise -- well, he’d only picked someone for the sake of free food.

---

The Façade Clutch
01. Lost in the Darkness Egg Impressed: Blue ? to K'sel
02. Letting Go Egg Impressed: Blue Arrogance to Raylin
03. Pursue the Truth Egg Impressed: Green ? to Danica
04. Take Me As I Am Egg Impressed: Blue Auran to Merridan
05. Sympathy, Tenderness Egg Impressed: Green Grace to I'fael
06. Good 'n' Evil Egg Impressed: Brown Stew to K'roi
07. Prologue Egg Impressed: Green Child to C'ryl
08. Dangerous Game Egg Impressed: Brown Charming to Nephele
09. This is the Moment Egg Impressed: Bronze Panties to C'vin

[glamourie]

Lost in the Darkness Blue

Name:
Color: Blue #08FFFC #04002A #ADC8D1 #0000EA
Gender: Male
Age: Hatchling
Looks To: K'sel

Physical Appearance: Even for a blue, this little fellow is tiny. Very, very tiny. His wingspan is about the size of an average green's, if he stretches as much as he possibly can, and his wings are cut slender, like he's flying on two razors. These trim sails allow for him to turn very quickly, but prevent him from the long, drawn out flights of larger blues and the bigger colors in general; thus, his stamina is actually very low. His speed, on the other hand, is deadly, most often emphasized by how fast he darts around. His body is small and compact, pure muscle but on the bulky side, leading toward powerful, quick bursts of speed like a flash of color before one's eyes rather than a creature identifiable as a firelizard. His legs are small for his body, somewhat scrunched up, but not unattractively so, while his tail is actually quite long and more like a salamandyr's than his own species. At a glance, he has a comical look, bizarre angles with sharp ridges up his back and ridiculously sharp and long claws, but only a fool would mistake him for helpless. Small doesn't necessarily mean weak.

Dangerous creatures often have bright colors in nature, to ward off predators; this little blue is a classic example of such coloration. His hide is a very vibrant, almost shocking aquamarine, visible even in the darkest rooms. However, it's far from purely one color; no, nothing so simple as that. Down his back are jagged, darker blue shades like diamond patterns, moving all around his back ridges before spreading out to color the bone structure of his wings on both the inside and the outside; this shade of blue is closer to navy. The insides of these markings is an entirely different shade of blue as well, coming to a pale powdery shade sure to catch second and third glances. The same hue spills down around his feet, except where his claws connect, where the dark navy lines - drawing emphasis to them, and leaving no question to just how deadly those claws could be. Royal blue is splashed on as accent, as if he was rolled in some kind of fruit juice; the marks seem to drip down the sides of his neck and over his tail, like a liquid finish. He's definitely vibrant.

Personality: Very quiet for a firelizard, this little guy is excellent at going unnoticed. In fact, it's one of his favorite things to do - perching in high up places, or out of the way corners, and just watching, studying, learning to understand everything around him. He's very observant, and notices things faster than the average blue firelizard. His quiet nature means most wouldn't even stop to give him a second thought, but just in case they do, the bright coloration hopefully will ward them off -- because he definitely is not a friendly sort. Only people and other flits that are bound and determined to be his friend will be, simply because he has no patience for other living creatures. His bonded is the only one he has any use for most of the time, and he's not above biting, scratching and otherwise being violent to ward off those who would try to befriend him. He doesn't want friends. He doesn't need them. This little blue is sure that he can take on the world entirely on his own and often goes out of his way to prove just that - his independent streak will lead him to roaming away from his chosen quite often, though he'll always return home in the end.

To the few people (and other creatures) he takes a fondness to, this firelizard is... almost entirely different from his aloof, cold exterior. He's extremely loyal, to the point of being willing to do anything (no matter what the risk to him is) to keep his favorites safe. And favorites can be singular or plural; it takes a lot to get close to him, but once someone has, he'll protect them nearly endlessly. Just so long as they don't betray that trust. He's always very quiet, but he's a good listener, and a great protector; His will never need to worry again, with him around, because this blue has no problem tearing apart anyone who proves themselves a threat. He's also very good at cheering up the few people he likes, though typically this is done through almost snarky, scolding chirps rather than gentle affection. His behavior outwardly does not change very often, after all. He's a perpetual grouch - but a loyal one, and very dedicated to the few things in life he cares for. No one can touch them; they're his.

[Rowana]

T'ke frowned. Someone else had looked at his shoulder at some point, but he couldn't remember who. "I don't remember," he mumbled in response. Shards! It didn't look like they were going to leave him alone. Just his luck he had to trip over two healers and not just some random riders. How deep was it? What kind of question was that? "Deep enough," he muttered sulkily, likely too low to be heard well.

"I'm fine," he tried again, though he knew it was fruitless. "You don't have to call her." Too late. Saeo was already here, looking as worried as ever. T'ke sighed, his face distinctly gloomy. Hadn't he caused her enough trouble already? She was going to hound him for weeks over this one, he just knew it. Should I come too? Garaeth pipped up worriedly. I am fine! T'ke insisted for the hundredth time. Besides, you'll just clog the door like Kaaoloth. If Garaeth was bothered by his riders tone, he didn't show it. Alright. But I am just outside if they want to take you to the infirmary. T'ke glowered. He definitely wasn't going back there again if he could help it.

Mer watched Showoff go with mild surprise. She had thought he was quite comfortable up there, but apparently he had pressing business elsewhere, if the screaming was any indication. Auran, having finished eating, immediately hopped up to the vacated stop. He surveyed the room from his new perch, daring anyone to come near again. That would show the shiny worm! This was his place now! "Come on, little defender. You may be full, but I'm still hungry." Mer moved away from the crowd to find a spot she could finally eat dinner. Her heart swell with happiness. Her new little friend almost made up for not impressing a dragon in her mind.