Hatching of the Blooming Flora Clutch

[Kisha-Ra]

Roshya watched the proceedings alertly, she found the hatchling dragons endearing even if they could be dangerous sometimes. She supposed since dragons protected everyone it was natural that people forget the beasts were born fully armed with four sets of talons and some quite formidable teeth. Roshya shrugged to herself, armed or not the hatchlings were still beautiful, at least in her eyes.

The first dragonets, green and blue she noted and wondered what that meant for a clutch, could not have been more different if they tried, right down to their Impressions with the blue heading straight for his bondmate and the green hanging back as a brown escaped his shell and Impressed. Roshya grinned when the hatchling green tried to answer her gold mother with a bugle of her own.

Poison ivy egg’s shaking made Roshya scratch the memory of an itch in her palm; she hoped the dragon inside wouldn’t itch like that when it hatched. The first green wandered among the girls but shot of and Impressed one of the boys, much to Roshya’s dismay. Also sparking Roshya’s dismay was the way the green that hatched from the poison ivy egg attacked a girl near her. It was quite amazing that the venus fly trap green then went right on to Impress the mauled girl and the poison ivy green Impressed with no further display.

The thistle bronze Roshya barely noticed, as the sunflower and birch eggs began to shake in earnest. A triumphant green emerged from the birch egg and hissed spitefully at the golden egg while a blue emerged from iris egg and ran across the sands to his chosen, however the poor hatchling couldn’t stop himself and inadvertently ran down another candidate.

Birch green hissed her dislike as the gold struggled free of her egg to Aslath’s proud call. The gold surveyed the girls and in turn Roshya examined the young queen, her hide was a fine bright shade, though whether that indicated anything of a dragon’s health Roshya didn’t know, but nothing of the new queen’s nature showed as yet.

Out of the corner of her eye Roshya noticed a brown hatch and head for the boys, the brown got her full attention when he reared and grabbed a candidate by the shoulders, giving him a good shake before Impressing to the next boy in line. Birch green left off hissing at her sister to run to the boy her brown brother had cast aside. The gold rumbled at her lowly sister and walked regally among the girls, Roshya held her breath, though in hope or fear was debatable.


Redaro watched the dragonets escape their shells and applauded for each Impression though he didn’t really know anyone well. The blue and brown that hatched chose quickly and the first green slowly but that made her choice no less valid, no less incredible than those of her brothers.

Two more greens came forth from their shells with a seeming rivalry and Impressed to girls and bronze wandered around, taking his time about choosing his. Though the queen egg was cracking Redaro paid more attention to the wandering bronze and the other eggs. Iris blue had just dashed off among the male candidates when the bronze stopped in front of Redaro again. Redaro looked down at the bronze, who seemed to measure him somehow. Hmm... Yes, I do think that this one will do. I think R'aro is good for me. I am Idith,[/color] this statement came from nowhere as the bronze crooned proudly. Redaro looked at the bronze again and was caught in those bright eyes. He was irrevocably R’aro and undeniably Idith’s now.

‘Are you hungry Idith? All the other hatchlings seem to be.’ R’aro asked his dragon. Yes, let us go and find some food now R’aro.[/color] Idith agreed and walked beside his chosen as they left the hatching grounds.


Jarathon watched the dragons avidly as if he might attract one with sheer fascinated interest. For a moment he thought the brown would Impress Odian but the hatchling moved on to another boy. The first green to hatch was a fine one in Jarathon’s opinion. She seemed to have some trouble finding her mindmate as she wandered among the girls as other eggs shook themselves to bits. Finally as another green struggled free of her shell the first ran into the crowd of boys and tackled Odian.

Jarathon grinned from ear to ear for his friend and waved madly once the green freed his friend from the ground. Odian didn’t notice him but Jarathon couldn’t be offended, it was only natural for the older lad to be fixated on his dragon, anyone would be.

While Jarathon waved two more greens had Impressed and a bronze had hatched and wandered the sands examining all the boys. Jarathon grinned some more but didn’t bother waving when the bronze picked his bunkmate.

Another green, this one fierce, emerged victorious from the birch egg and hissed at the cracking queen egg, while a second blue dashed off to find his rider. A second brown also made his way, more slowly to the boys and sniffed at Jarathon, the boy didn’t even realise his failure to be the One the brown sought had angered the hatchling until the dragon rose to his hind legs to take Jarathon’s shoulders in his foreclaws none too gently.

Jarathon clenched his teeth until he was sure his jaw was creaking. He wouldn’t yell or cry no matter what, he vowed to himself, that would be too humiliating, and humiliation lasted longer than pain. However Jarathon’s resolve was tested to the limit when the brown shook him and cast him aside. He lay stunned on the sand and looked up at the sky as if it were an entirely new species of insect.

All of a sudden a green head filled his vision and bent to nuzzle his shoulders. You are my J'on! I hope you don't bleed to death. That would be bad, because you belong to a queen. I am your Rinagth. And that stupid gold is not as good as she looks.[/color]

‘I won’t bleed to death Rinagth. I’m fine.’ J’on sat up and blinked dazedly, he didn’t bother contradicting his dragon that she wasn’t a queen. His arms hurt and her felt fresh blood running down them when he levered himself out of the sand but he stood and turned to Rinagth. ‘Shall we go? I know you need food and I had better see a healer about these.’ J’on raised a hand to the opposite shoulder and ran his fingers over the gouges the brown hatchling had left.

[reqqy]

Shmee was merely being polite, to say that he wasn't distasteful to her. Why wouldn't he be? She must think, somewhere inside herself, that he'd abandoned her. Even if she didn't, what he'd done the night before Laurie took Miguel away from Shmee - the guilt was strong in him. She'd taken care of Miguel the months he was gone, but the second he got back, they'd managed to get Lauranna angry enough to remove the boy. If anyone had hurt Shmee the way he had in those moments, S'rei would have been murderous. It was sobering. He hardly thought that the Weyrwoman would take Laurie's snarls as a critique on her parenting. Obviously, S'rei was the problem. Worse, he knew that, in the same situation, he would have done the same thing, and that frightened him.

And if all of these things weren't true, there remained the fact that Shmee hadn't changed much over four months. He'd changed quite a bit. In all honesty, he'd been so fixated on getting back to Shmee and the daughter he didn't know he had that S'rei had never once thought beyond that point. For things to be as rough as they were when he returned had left him at a loss. Besides, he could look in a glass as easily as anyone else, and see the stamp of aging in the gray sprouting from his temples, in the small lines etched at the corners of mouth and eyes. Shmee wasn't even twenty. It wasn't quite as bad as being with a man your father's age, but he could not find it surprising if she turned to someone younger now.

Could not find it surprising, but the very idea was enough to make his chest ache. Four turns he'd spent, trying to get back to this woman. Four turns of heartache and the worry of not knowing. Four turns with her haunting his dreams. Four turns of yearning. It almost made him want to scream. S'rei needed Shmee, but it seemed that she no longer wanted him.

Which was why her next words were so shocking. His head didn't snap around on impulse, as it might otherwise have done, but he sought for her face out of the corner of his eye. Did she mean it? Were those tears? Realization slammed into him. What S'rei had meant as respecting the distance she seemed to have struck up between them, Shmee had interpreted as his distance from her. He felt like an idiot. Still, how was he supposed to know? The man wasn't the sort to thrust himself upon other people when he was unwelcome.

Now she truly was crying. He closed his eyes, wishing for a moment that he could stop his ears, as well, so that he wouldn't have to listen to the quiet sobbing. Shmee. I've hurt you so much. Then her face was pressing against his shoulder, her tears soaking through his shirt. He didn't think about it; S'rei's arm instinctively wrapped around her, protectively, his thumb rubbing lightly along the length of her clavicle. They'd sit, just like this, more times than he could count.

Achingly, he brushed aside her hair again, a darkness having come into his gaze. Shei stared at her mother, not understanding, and she gurgled softly, her little limbs flailing for a moment. Even Miguel finally seemed to notice his former fosterparents. The boy came and rested his head upon Shmee's knees, staring up at her with wide blues as he stroked her leg in what the child must have thought was a soothing manner. "Auntie. Don't cry," he pleaded.

When S'rei spoke, it was only for Shmee's ears. Even Shei, had she been old enough to understand, would not be able to make out the words, though she nestled against his chest. "I'm sorry." The man gently kissed the salt-stained cheek that lay exposed to him. "Every day without you was torture," he murmured, offering her a sad smile. The small family huddled in the seats, surrounding Shmee.

[flupine]

Keandren lay there upon the burning Sands, relaxing under soothing fingers after his futile battle to get up. This was not working and he needed to get up, if he burned his skin off, His might not recognize him if he was meant to Impress this Clutch. Sure, there would be other clutches, but Keandren was becoming more and more impatient as time went. He felt the need to do something, he could feel something bad on the horizon, like a dark cloud hovering. Moving uncomfortably he lay back on the sand, exhausted, covered in a cold clammy sweat. Keandren knew there were several pairs of eyes on him, he could feel them like a stifling blanket covering him. But as the next few impressions were made and the young Queen took her place on the Sands, the prying eyes turned away from him. Keandren curled up, tightly, he didn't want them to see him like this. Weak and hurt.

But as Keandren closed up, he felt gentle soothing hands on him. Capable hands that seemed like they knew what they were doing. Stop! Lea... His snarling words died off as his hazel eyes cracked open to see the woman leaning over him. A nice lovely woman leaning over him. Actually kneeling over him. That registered next. Through the pain he felt her nearness, and knew she was on the Sands with him. It was comforting, to have someone there, but she was on Hot sands. "You're on the Sands. You'll... You'll get burned.." The words burned his lungs, tearing at this throat. Shards. The simple enough sentence cause pain to blossom in his chest. Perhaps he had a few broken ribs were the cause of the unbearable pressure on his chest. By Faranth. Reaching out a hand to her, it fell short a little, and he grinned up at her feebly. He was 19 turns after all and if he was going to die here, why not give it one last try? "Sure, and let yourself bleed to death. I think a dragon prefers a living person. There are other clutches," But despite Keandren's best try, he could not make himself spit any words out, there was too much pain, too much pressure building inside. Nodding his head, he resembled a fragile doll, his head wobbling precariously on his small neck. "Get your sash off. I'll wrap your arm in that, if you want to stay that badly," He had felt her pulling at his Sash and tried to move to enable her a better grip on the piece of cloth. Keandren used his left arm, the one not torn, to shove himself up. A better position to release the cloth. Moving his hips slightly to wriggle himself, he felt more blood draining from his wounds. Keandren instinctively sensed she would help him and yet the idea of having more pressure brought panic. He couldn't take anymore pressure, his body couldn't. But apparently with this woman in charge, he would.

But as emotionally charged as he was, desperate to remain at the Hatching he noticed the girl's quick look backwards. The hatching was still continuing. She was missing the Hatching for him. Shifting his weight away from her, he moved to try to stand up. Feeling was returning to his body, each wound, each cracking bone, breathed fire into his body. He managed to sit up farther, scooting on the hot Sands, unable to stay still any longer, if his skin hadn't burned to blistering proportions by now, he would be the luckiest Candidate on Pern. Dont, don, don't miss the Hatching.Each words refreshed the pain burning inside him but he didn't want her to miss the Hatching too. Moving a weak hand he scooted his legs out straight in front of him. By the Egg, it looked like there might be some more wounds on his legs too but he could not tell with the blood already covering him. Raising pleading eyes to the girl, he seemed to beg her to take care of her business. She would matter to one of the Dragons, she had to because she was too caring not to. He was 19 turns, he could still Stand again, if another Clutch was soon.

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

((Celeyn's here and watching torn between emotions as always, trying to stay focused on what she planned for her future. She does what her mind says but her heart tells her to stay.))

<Don't have time to write her post at the moment, will fix soon.>

[Administrator]

The queen regally strode past the girls with surprising patience. She knew that Hers was there somewhere, but she didn't know specifically. No matter-- she would easily find her. At least, unless she got too hungry. She was starving. Making a purring sound, she continued pacing, oblivious to the fact that a screech from behind her alerted her to the presence of a new sibling. Standing in the shards of the Daisy Egg, the bronze had broken free, and was preening. He was the color of copper, and was a gleaming, shining, metallic boy. He was also quite big, and he knew it. Fanning his glimmering wings, he saw his queen sister. He crooned, trotting up beside her quickly and with curious ease. He had been inside his leg too long, and he had been dying to try out his legs! Cocking his head at the girls, he pondered a moment. If the queen was looking at the girls, these must be what he needed to look for! The queen rumbled in amusement, but otherwise did not acknowledge her brother.

He peered at Savitri as she tended the boy, sniffing her as if trying to figure out what was so wrong at her. At the same time, however, the green had come to join the pair, chattering sleepily to herself as she hopped over. She didn't know what all the fuss was about; Savitri didn't look that bad to her! The queen rumbled in continuous dragon-laughter, finding it hilarious that these two were following her so easily. The green snorted, leaving Savitri. She didn't mind her, but she personally wouldn't want her. Cheeping for the bronze to give up, she turned, waddling toward the other girls. But the bronze did not want this green to tell her what to do. Snarling, he jumped on Savitri, his claws raking through her robe as he pinned her to the ground. The green squealed in alarm, looking over at the situation in fright. The queen, too, whirled her head away from Roshya (whom she was sniffing) and chattered wildly. Yet the bronze persisted, scratching anxiously at her chest and abdomen, as if trying to force her heart to match his.

Then, it hit him. This wasn't what he wanted. He wanted... the boy she was tending. Still on Savitri, he turned, his sharp claws puncturing now her arm and more of her abdomen. Excitedly, he nudged Keandren, slowly stepping off of Savitri. I /knew/ I was right, K'dran! I got the /place/ right, I just got confused with the girl here. So I was right, and nobody can say I'm wrong because /anyone/ could've gotten confused. So I do believe that your Risith is very much the smartest dragon here. I /knew/ what I wanted![/color]

The green, fearful at the mauling, darted over to her queen sister, squealing in unhappiness. She did not like blood! She should've just stayed in her shell! The queen nudged her gently, crooning protectively at her small clutchsister. Yet she was distracted. That girl was bleeding on the sands. The green, feeling more at ease beside her sister, looked around at the other girls. There was a presence so close by, that she hopped down and began to waddle toward the direction she sensed it from. Despite the pain in life, this green knew better than to dwell on it. It wasn't her battle. Crooning as she approached the girls, she pondered for a moment: Raen or Liassa?

Two Impressions happened simultaneously: The queen, distraught by the treatment of the girl by her hard-headed brother, stepped toward Savitri, crooning tenderly as she nudged the girl. She was bleeding, but the queen wasn't scared of blood. She just hope it didn't make the girl weak at all. She cared for this girl. It was the one she wanted. I am sorry for my brother, Savitrimine. He was confused. But I will take care of you. I will not let him hurt you anymore. If he does, he has Hepaticath to contend with.[/color]

The green pondered a moment, but her choice happened at the same time as her queen sister's. Both had extremely fine minds, but only one could fit her like a shoe! Calmly, she step forward, turning right to Liassa. Her croon sounding like a purring feline, she nuzzled her. Hello, Mine! Let's eat, and then we can sleep. I like you more than that girl. Your mind is so warm! Do you want to sleep in the same cot with your Tiaeth?[/color]

Aslath trumpeted proudly as the threesome Impressed. However, a hint of warning passed through it to young Hepaticath: No matter what, this was her Weyr.

Two eggs that had been shaking for a long time finally starting getting some decent sized cracks. A couple shards began to fall off the round Dandelion Egg and the half-buried Lilypad Egg. It was extremely comical to watch the latter wriggling in its giant mound of sand, but the top was beginning to part. But who knew who would come out of either of the two?

[adair]

Dayan had raced to the sands with all the others, berating himself for having missed the all important touching (though he had not arrived in time, so technically it had not been -his- fault), and being even the slightest bit late, since he had in fact stopped for a moment to gather himself, brush hands through his hair and over the white of his candidate's robes... After all, even if he did have to look like all the others, what was to stop him from looking at least a little bit nice? Maybe his future partner would appreciate him looking nice if nothing else...

Of course those precious moments had stopped him from being there first, had stopped him from being there even as the first of the dragons hatched, though he was in time to witness the Impression of them, and wondered for a moment about what it would mean for the clutch as a whole for a green and blue to be the first to hatch and Impress... Would that mean bad luck? He had heard stories of the last clutch, blind and horrible, almost evil dragons being born, and he was faintly afraid that something like that would happen this time around. Dayan hurried over to the Queen to bow to her, keeping his eyes on her the entire time, though his entire manner was respectful. He did not want to get mauled before he had even been there for a while, after all... Well, technically he didn't want to get mauled at all, because that would marr his beauty, but... Agh, confusing thoughts!

Then of course there were several more Impressions, each one making the excitement within him grow, though fear began to rise along with it... Neither of the two feelings were working well with each other, and Dayan vaguely feared indigestion, not a good thing at all, especially with a volatile mother and several dragonets running around on the sands... For a moment the feminine looking male was so caught up in himself that he barely heard the gasps and such on the sands, only looking up to assess what the commotion was about, noting the Queen being born to the sands, breath hitching in his throat before he coughed it out. That would never happen, and he watched carefully, wincing at what happened next, though he indeed applauded for those lucky enough to actually Impress... After all, wounds could heal, even one such as the poor girl had gotten...

Just then two more eggs began to rock on the sands, and Dayan turned his eyes to them, beginning to wonder if he would have a chance, any at all, at this clutch... Even though his family had given him up, his one lover torn from him, and he thrown to the south, he had come to love first Blossom Hold, then Selenitas as his true home... Surely a dragonet from here would not turn him away for his past? But then Dayan got a determined expression on his face... With a brilliant flip of long blonde locks, Dayan's hands were made into fists and went to his hips, which cocked to the side. He would stay here and wait it out. He -was- Dayan after all, and he never gave up!


(Hair flips belongs to Loreal.. and Dayan... and, yanno, any other shampoo commercial... >_>)

[darcy]

Lienos was honestly beginning to enjoy the whole atmosphere of the Hatching. There was so much energy and excitement, and he soon found it wearing off on him. Rocking on his heels, he peered of the shoulders of the candidates in front of him. He was quite hidden behind them, not standing at a particularly tall height, but figured it mattered little. From what he had seen so far, nothing kept a dragonet from it's rider, even if it meant ripping someone up.

As the bronze approached him, Lienos's gaze was fixed. However, as the creature sniffed him, it was apparent they were not meant for each other. Casually, he moved off, and Lienos allowed himself to let out a breath, unaware it had been held for some time. He let his eyes follow the bronze to Redaro, a lopsided grin crossing his face as it let out a proud croon.

His attention soon returned to the clutch, and the eggs that were threatening to split open at any second. And sure enough, both the Birch Egg and Iris Egg revealed their dragonets, a green and blue. He followed the movements of both quite keenly, and with a amused grin as they carried out their antics. The green was so proud, almost like a Queen itself, and then the blue... he stifled an amused chuckle as it slid along the sands. Hard to imagine these little things would one day be able to fly and carry a rider, when now they could barely control their own movements.

It was safe to say nearly every head and pair of eyes on the sands turned to the Queen as she broke away from her shell. Even Lienos, who's interests were not at all focused on the Gold, swiveled to see her. Certainly, she was gorgeous, and truly knew it. And an asset to the Weyr, to be certain, such a confident and calm Queen.

However, his attention was not to be focused on the Gold, as he had been told many times. Though he wanted to watch its every move and ultimately impression of what he imagined to be a very pleased girl, he knew his eyes should be on the eggs still to hatch, and the dragonets still to impress. Next was the brown; Lienos couldn't help but flinch as it literally ripped into Jarathon. He thanked Faranth that such a thing had not happened to him, as he was well unequipped to deal with such high pain thresholds. His gaze did not then follow the brown as it found who it was looking for; it was fixed on the Birch Green. He was almost relieved as it found Jarathon, as he imagined to leave a Hatching broken, bloody and dragonless would be a humiliating event indeed.

Soon, his gaze wavered to another green. This one seemed in absolutely no hurry, and Lienos couldn't help but be reminded of himself, being one to more often than not sleep right through anything, regardless of the importance of the event. As he peered at the relaxed thing, he couldn't help but feel a little tired himself. He knew what would surely be happening tonight... a decent sleep. Preferably to last past midday.

And there he was again. Thinking about something so trivial whilst the most important day of his life was unfolding around him. And he had missed a bronze hatch! He couldn't help but berate himself. With new energy, he fixed his gaze intently on the hatching. It seemed to move so quickly, the bronze attacking one of the girl candidates, and then impressing all in a blink of an eye. And much to the candidate's dismay, he missed the Queen impression altogether! Perhaps, if he stood on the end of his toes... That was attempted, but having very little natural balance he nearly came crashing down on the candidate in front of him. With a muffled apology, he instead tried to push his way through. Also entirely unsuccessful, as no one even felt his weak shoves. He made a mental note to grow a few inches, and get a few scars so he looked more intimidating.

[kysseh]

Savitri snorted down at the injured boy, arching an eyebrow as he opened his eyes, his angry words dying on his lips. Whomever 'Lea' was, she was not her. She continued to press her own sash gently against his wounds, shaking her head slightly as she felt the Sands burning her knees through her robe. "I've had worse. Aloe fixes burns," she said brusquely, noting his difficulty in speaking. Broken ribs, maybe? At the very least, he seemed to have a hard time with breathing, so she tried to not press too hard, just enough to stop the bleeding. When he moved in an attempt at helping, she used his own sash and wrapped it around his arm as a crude bandage, rolling her eyes slightly as he grinned weakly up at her. Men. All the same.

She did have shift on the sands every few seconds to avoid burning herself too badly. The thin robe was barely enough protection for her knees and lower legs. "Stop moving!" she told him ineffectually as he managed to sit up further, frowning at him. He was going to kill himself at this rate! His comment reminded her of the hatching going on, and she made a firm decision to ignore that. She was young and had a few Turns left before they would not let her Stand; there was no reason to be getting upset now, even with the lovely queen on the sands. "I'm not missing it. I'm still here." She was surprised and slightly touched by her concern, surprised that no other candidate had made a single move to help him. Every one for himself... or herself... she thought grimly, sighing as the boy turned his pleading eyes toward her and continued to move. "I'm not missing it! Do you see me leav-"

Her words ended in a cry of surprise as something heavy knocked into her and flattened her to the ground. She struggled briefly, her eyes widening as she recognized that her attacker was a bronze hatchling... and a large one at that. The healer felt white-hot pain lancing across her chest and froze, crying out in pain this time as claws raked across her chest and abdomen from the hatchling's desperate scratching. She had the frame of mind to put her arms up to protect her face and neck, registering the wetness spreading across her robe and the perfect irony of the situation. Suppose that brat will have a good time with this story... she thought, a memory of the candidate lesson resurfacing.

Then, abruptly, the scratching stopped, and through the haze of pain, she registered that her arm hurt as well. She struggled a bit and managed to prop herself up on her uninjured right arm, watching blearily as the bronze startled nuzzling at the candidate she had been tending. Well, this would certainly make for an interesting story. Deciding that the boy was fine in his bronze's very capable claws, the girl struggled upright, clutching her left arm against the bleeding ruins of her torso. Shards, but she was dizzy. She knew it was the blood loss and glanced down at herself, pressing the shreds of her robe tighter against herself in an attempt to quell the bleeding. She had to get to a more accomplished healer now.

Before she could ask Shadow to find help, a nudge on her uninjured arm alerted her, and she suddenly found herself staring into a whirling eye only inches from her face. Oh, yes, the Hatching... she thought, her blood-deprived brain processing that there were still hatchlings on the sands. This one seemed completely disinterested in mauling her, though, and she felt a rush of warmth, comfort, and love wash over her. The pain seemed distant and unimportant as she heard a distinctly feminine voice in the back of her mind.

//I am sorry for my brother, Savitrimine. He was confused. But I will take care of you. I will not let him hurt you anymore. If he does, he has Hepaticath to contend with.// said the voice, and Savitri belatedly realized that the eye belonged to a large golden head that was lowered near to her. Gold... her... voice...

"Hepaticath?" she repeated outloud, momentarily stupefied. At the amusement and gnawing hunger that she sensed grew stronger, she knew that all the maulings in the world could not compete with this. Ever. She lifted the hand of her uninjured arm to scratch the young queen's eyeridges as she had seen Aliscia do to Tanith. "Hepaticath... you're hungry?"

The little queen gave a dignified snort and then crooned anxiously as Savitri unsteadily to her feet. She sensed her mother's warning and turned her eyes toward the clutchmother, wondering as to why such a warning had to be administered. It was Aslath's weyr, surely, but was not Hepaticath just beneath her? She reasoned so. However, her focus was on her injured bonded, and she crooned more urgently now at the sight of how weakened the girl was. //Mine?!//

[flupine]

Keandren tried to hold still, he did try desperately for her sake, she was helping him when others were busy with the Hatching. He fought to move into a better position, really trying to follow her orders. But for some reason his arm was simply not capable of holding him upright. But even as Keandren's body moved around, his head turned to stare at a Bronze. A Bronze! Keandren's eyes widened, and he moved back hurriedly as he watched the Bronze sniff at the girl tending to him. shards, was a Bronze trying to Impress a girl? That single thought dripped through his mind as he watched with shocked interest. The color drained from his face, he had not ever been this close to a -non attacking- Hatchling. Excitedly he reached a hand out to the as of yet, unknown girl as a Green joined the Bronze. What was going on? Excitement replaced the pain in him, adrenaline pumping through his veins making him forget any pain. A Green and Bronze so close he could reach out and touch one, and this may be the closest he ever got to a Hatchling!

Then strangely enough as the Green Hatchlling waddled off, the Bronze- attacked! "Shards!" Keandren watched for a stuefied moment as the Bronze attacked the girl, she had been helping him! The Bronze had been fine, just sniffing and then... Shaking his head, Keandren pushed himself up onto one leg, crawling over closer to the girl. No, no this should not be happening! Why was this happening? Desperate, confused question bloomed in his head but as he moved closer the Dragon turned on him. Biting his lip Keandren reached out to the girl, but the Bronze was moving towards him already, nudging at him, full of excitement. What? The Hatchling moved off the girl's body and to Keandren but instead Keandren moved backwards, away. The girl had been attack while tending to him, now would he be attacked as well? But the thought was soothed away, out of his mind as excited chatter filled his mind. I /knew/ I was right, K'dran! I got the /place/ right, I just got confused with the girl here. So I was right, and nobody can say I'm wrong because /anyone/ could've gotten confused. So I do believe that your Risith is very much the smartest dragon here. I /knew/ what I wanted!
Risith! Risith... Of course, you are the best. Risith you hurt her.

Keandren found himself agreeing with the Bronze, to the point of nodding his head physically, staring in wonder at the large Bronze. Surely the dragon was as large as he was....Keandren found himself sucked into the whirl of emotions and awe that was Impression. wondrous moments passed while Keandren stared uncomprehending at the dragon. It was not until the Queen hurried over to claim the girl who had been attacked. As she approached the bronze- Risith moved closer, practically sitting on the scalded boy. My K'dran, you look awful! Who hurt you? Look K'dran, the Queen. Risith moved backwards as the Queen Impressed quickly to the girl, nearly behind K'dran who now wrapped his small arms around the hatchling best he could. He felt like he needed to both protect Risith and hold him back at the same time. K'dran, it's you who needs to be protected. That's what I can do. You are small, and very hurt, Mine. K'dran looked to the Queen and followed her body line down to the girl. "Oh No! Risith!" Scrambling up and forward as the girl fell back on the sands he nearly reached her when Risith stopped him, stepping his weight onto K'dran tattered robe that drug on the Sand. Mine ask first! Looking back at Risith for a long moment, he turned back to the Queen Hatchling. "Risith didn't mean it. I need to get to her. She helped me, I want to try to help her. Please." K'dran, I did not mmeeeaaannn to. But she was pretending to be you, I could not help it. She tricked your Risith!

As the girl rose to her feet, K'dran followed suit, rising to his feet also. They both looked like bloody warriors though the he paled in wounds in comparison. As another girl approached, the one that caused the problems at the Candidate lesson, K'dran moved forward slightly, bracing himself. If she was here to start problems, he would tell her to leave. Smiling just slightly as Risith took up his place beside him, K'dran paused to look at the as of yet, unknown girl. By the way, my name is Kea... K'dran his finished off sheepishly. K'dran was still thought of himself as Keandran

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

Celeyn stood rather passively watching the three dragonets move about, gathering around the hurt boy and girl. Healers were on the way, but they had to wait for the Hatchlings to move on or Impress. Standing back, sure to remain out of the way, Celeyn tentatively eyed the Green and Bronze Hatchlings. Curious, an eyebrow slowly rose on her face. Something had to happen, the Hatchlings would have to make a decision. Though Celeyn loathed to interfere in any situation during a Hatching, something had to happen.

And unfortunately it did. Along with the other attendees of the Hatching, Celeyn watched, stunned as the Bronze attacked the girl. Celeyn had never witnessed something as such. Maulings happened, but this Bronze dragon was purposefully flaying her chest open, ripping through soft tissue, precious blood vessels. "How in Pern does this happen?" Torn between shock and a mixture of awe and disgust, Celeyn felt her entire demeanor collapse, her mouth parted. She did not move as the Bronze Hatchling turned just as quickly to the hurt boy and.. Impressed? Unsure of what exactly had just occurred, if such a newborn dragon could produce so much bloodshed. And before Celeyn gathered herself, the Gold charged forth to claim the torn girl. As she watched the girl stand up, albeit unsteady on her feet, Celeyn looked back and forth between the hatchling Queen and the newly impressed woman. Was that not the girl in the Candidate Barracks? She had tried to warn them, give them a bit of a scare, but no. She hadn't liked it. Still, that was no reason for the girl to be torn up like she was.

Celeyn watched the Bronze and his Impressed carefully as she moved closer to the girl. Celeyn was shaken by what she had witnessed, the girl looked ready to fall over and she had a Hatchling Queen to care for. Celeyn may be stuck with her nose in the air or in the least, stuck in the past but she did realize how much care the Hatchling needed now and the girl did not look like she would make it far on her own. Putting on a warm smile, she moved on the other side of the girl away from the Hatchlings who wold be sure to be possessive of Theirs. "Do you need some help, getting out of here?" Celeyn would not bother mentioning her name or that they had met, it would be best that if the girl did not recognize her right now, not to bring that up; she had apparently gained somewhat of a reputation here. But then the girl probably did remember her. Glancing back at the Clutch for a longing, heart-felt moment, Celeyn turned back to the girl. Though she needed help, because of their bad start she might not accept it from her. "If it helps, I have a small amount of training in the healing arts. From my mother."

[marissa]

The gold made her way around the girls, showing no signs of hurry. It was as if the queen was very aware that Hers was there, so there was no reason that she must rush to her. The purring that emitted brought another small smile to Raen's face, although a screech brought attention to the bronze that had escaped from shell behind her. He seemed very proud, a creature that she decided then it wouldn't be good to cross. The girl choked back a giggle as this prideful, dignified creature surveyed the girls as if his Mine would be there. She supposed it was possible for the little one to find His among the girls, but it certainly, certainly, certainly wasn't likely or in the least probable or plausible.

It was quite easy to watch both the bronze and the gold, and so the task was easily accomplished by Raen. The green, however, was forgotten until she came back into the picture, crowding around Savitri with the bronze and the gold. With a dim, unexplainable wish that that was her, Raen looked away, turning her gaze back only when she heard the little green squeal. The candidate was being mauled, and mauled badly by that powerful, if baby, bronze. Even when his queen was chatting at him, he refused to cease, continuing to claw at Savitri's chest. Finally, he did stop, although he didn't release the girl. Instead, he turned to the other wounded candidate, obviously bonding to him. Raen was shocked. She had truly thought that some of the other maulings had been terrible, but this was horrendous, truly. It was like he had been trying to claw at her heart, only to turn to another badly-hurt boy and bond to him.

And yet his talons failed to leave Savitri's body.

It was disgusting, revolting, really. But she couldn't do anything about it. She wasn't trained as a healer, and she couldn't do anything to help. However, Raen's mind darted subjects quickly when the little green crooned. She and Liassa, it seemed, were the two being focused on. She had a chance, a chance to impress right now. Smiling, trying to look pleasant and warm, she realized that she couldn't even smile right now, even with the thought of impression. That had been simply brutal, and there was blood soaking the hatching grounds. It was revolting.

Still, she refused to turn away from the little green, for Raen was being offered the chance of impression. The little one wouldn't really care if she had a smile on her face, hopefully. Wasn't it the mind, wasn't it fate, wasn't it easy to choose? Either she was the green's Mine, or she wasn't. And, well, it seemed she wasn't, as the creature stepped forward and crooned to Liassa. A sigh passed through her lips, and she turned to the queen, hoping to at least see the impression, but no. It seemed that, in those few moments, the other hurt girl had been impressed to by the Golden One. Clapping, Raen was actually able to bring a smile to her face, even as she realized that her chances at impression might have just seeped into the Hatching Sands with the blood of Savitri and Keandren.

Closing her eyes for a moment, Raen tried to remember that there were other hatchings. There were, truly! And she could wait. There was Keagan's queen, probably Aslath again, and then maybe even Hepaticath. The smile that came to her lips was no longer forced as she opened her eyes again, and they focused on the Dandelion Egg and the Lilypad Egg. This hatching still had a few more moments left, and she could enjoy them. Maybe, just maybe, she would get lucky...

[ryanne]

Liassa watched the queen, wondering whom she would Choose. She was really a graceful dragon, any girl would be very lucky to have her. That was a given. When the bronze broke free, Liassa's attention was not diverted. She knew which dragon she had a chance with. It was very unnerving for her, however, when the bronze and the green began to follow the queen. There was a crowding of dragons around the females and it was beginning to make her uncomfortable. On top of all of that, her stomach was still churning and she felt very queasy. It really wasn't helping matters.

She grinned at Savitri as she was crowded by the trio of dragons. When the gold turned away from her friend, Liassa was slightly disappointed. She thought Savitri would make a very sensible goldrider. And, of course, they were friends so she wished the girl only the best Impression. When the green decided to order the bronze around, Liassa winced, this would not turn out well! And she was right. She couldn't stop the gasp that pressed through her lips as her friend was pushed to the ground, viciously scraped by the talons of the bronze. She wanted to rush to help her, but she knew better than that. Savitri would be better off without her help and if she tried and help now, she would just be adding to the violence. The bronze could easily turn on her.

Thankfully, though, the bronze left and Impressed to Keandren, the injured boy that Savitri was helping. Liassa wondered if her friend was okay, but the green's antics distracted her momentarily. She watched the gold instruct the young one, pushing her off to find her mindmate. Liassa smiled as the green looked at her and another candidate, obviously trying to decide which to bond with. She was far from being the type of person to try and force an Impression, but she could smile enticingly...not that she was something to be eaten or anything. All thoughts of the queen left her mind...focusing instead on the green.

And then the little one Chose. Chose her! Liassa finally Impressed.

Hello, Mine! Let's eat, and then we can sleep. I like you more than that girl. Your mind is so warm! Do you want to sleep in the same cot with your Tiaeth?
[/color]

Liassa smiled so widely, looking down at the little green. Of course, of course my Tiaeth, she crooned silently, feeling the silent connection flowing between them. This was something she could get used to. The love was so full, so there. She wasn't sure how she had managed before, the part that she never knew she had was finally here. And she was beautiful. "Hello my Tiaeth," she spoke aloud, lightly placing her hand on her head. "You're mine, now aren't you?" she asked needlessly. No, you are Mine, Tiaeth corrected in a matter-of-fact manner, pushing her head up against her bonded's hand. Liassa just laughed, marveling in the joy of Impression.

Then she was reminded of Savitri and the gold. Looking over, she saw the pair. They had bonded. Liassa beamed at her fellow weyrling, glad that the hurt girl had found a golden mindmate. If any of the girls deserved it, it was Savitri. And Liassa knew that she wouldn't put up with any drama or slacking that other girls would entertain. No, Savitri would work and she would make others around her work. That was the kind of queenrider that would make Pern a better place. "Congratulations," she told her friend before her new mindmate decided that she was more important.

Mine, she crooned, I'm happy for your friend, but I'm hungry. You should feed me...[/i] Her mindvoice became rather insistent, as did the hunger that seemed to grow by the second in Liassa's own stomach. "I agree," she agreed, tearing her eyes from the golden pair and beginning to make her way off the Sands. It was time to feed her bonded; her dragon; her Tiaeth.[/size]

[Administrator]

Instantly comforted by S'rei's arm around her, she unconsciously snuggled closer to him. A tingly warmth ran up through her spine as his finger rubbed her clavicle, and she was nearly dizzy at the relief she felt. It felt as though she was loved again. She didn't feel anything fake coming from S'rei. Slowly inhaling, she savored his scent. He smelled just like he always did, and she was grateful for the chance to smell it again. The angry monster in her chest began to disappear as he returned affection to her. How long had she dreamed, that he would come back one day to hold her like this, with the babe that they created between them? Hesitantly, as if worried she would break this beautiful dream, she slipped an arm around his waist, gathering up as much warmth from his body as she could. She had been aching to touch and be touched in this way. Now that he had finally wrapped his arm around her, and that she was his once again, it was as though a buildup inside of her had been released. She was protected once again. For the first time since S'rei's disappearance, she finally felt safe.

Looking back up at S'rei, her gaze finally softened completely. She loved him still. Her breathing began to slow, though her eyes were still flowing freely. Yet she was calming. Somehow, S'rei managed to have that effect on her. Feeling a little weight on her leg, Shmee looked down in surprise, and smiled sadly as Miguel was rubbing her leg. "I'm all right, sweetie," she replied softly, reaching out her free hand to shakily ruffle Miguel's dark locks. She had missed this little one, too, in the time that he had been gone from her. She knew that Laurie would want him back if she could finally handle it, but the way he had been taken made her almost sick with the memory.

Still slowly massaging Miguel's soft head, she looked down at Shei, her smile real, if still maintaining a bit of sadness. They were all together again, she thought. It was strange, but it felt so safe. Then, a warm breath was against her ear, and the hairs on the back of her neck raised. But she had to listen carefully; his words were so soft, but when he spoke, her eyes dripped harder than they had been. He had missed her, just as much as she had missed him. "It's all right," she whispered back, moving her hand from Miguel up to S'rei's cheek. She ran her fingers down his face slowly, savoring the feel of his skin under her fingertips. It had been torturous for herself, too. All of when he had returned, when he had gone, when she was at Benden... even when she was on the beach, pregnant and stubborn. This had all been torture. Now, she was free at last.

Curling as close to S'rei as she could, she kept her eyes locked with his gray ones. Carefully leaning her face in, she brushed her lips with his, trembling slightly as she did so. It had been so long since she had a loving, gentle kiss with S'rei that she had almost forgotten what it had felt like. She cut it off after a few moments, but she kept their faces close. She loved his warmth...

"I still love you," she murmured, touching her forehead to his. "I kept the note you had put in with my clothes, even after I came back from Benden... I would... read it to myself whenever I missed you. And now your back." Looking down again, gentle sobs took over her again. That note had been what kept her sane while she was in Benden. Those thoughts that S'rei was out there somewhere, looking for her, loving her, wanting her back... She shook lightly as she didn't move.

"Can you... Can you move back in with me?" she asked, her voice a broken squeak. Living without him for one more moment was bound to kill her.

Aslath had bugled. Shmee nearly jumped, but instinctively kept close to S'rei. Stealing a glance at what happened below, she blinked in surprise. A healer girl had Impressed the queen. For a moment, she remembered the last queen Impression: Paryal. Shards, how little that girl crossed her mind now, but she remembered. Hopefully, this new girl wouldn't end in that way. She would join with Kaegan and her, and hopefully thrive.

--

Eagerly, the Lilypad Egg continued trying to shake out of the hole it was in desperately. However, the cracks at the top shattered and were expelled up, and a head shot through the small opening. It was quite funny to watch; the little blue that emerged had a body that was completely surrounded by egg and sand. Growling with determination, he looked to the crowd, knowing who he wanted straight away. It seemed like he couldn't wrestle his shell of fast enough! Wriggling frantically, he freed one limb, then the other. Pulling himself up onto the little hill that surrounded him, he dropped with a sudden pop. The added weight of his wings and body had him rolling down the the little mound, and he squealed. Of course, anyone watching this might laugh; to see a blue dragon rolling around on the sands was certainly an amusing sight!

He was so distracting the it was quite possible one would've missed watching the hatching of the Dandelion Egg's explosive hatching. Shards of the shell flew every which way, and a haughty-looking green dragon trumpeted warningly for other girls to back off. Stalking cautiously to the candidates, the Lilypad Blue clearly did not listen to his sister. Darting toward Liassa, he hovered around her like a puppy, trying to force his mind against hers. Why couldn't he do it? Butting Liassa insistently, he crooned in urgency. But then... who was this!? Letting out a sad warble as he saw she was taken, he turned away, dejected. Wandering to the boys, he crooned softly, looking down at the boy that attracted his attention first. Pretending that this boy was his first choice all along, he playfully said, L'nos, Mine, your Bivroth is very hungry and would love to be fed![/color]

The Dandelion Green snorted at her brother's stupidity. Young, dumb thing. Preening as she strode toward the girls, she halted. Now, two fine choices: Min and Celeyn. She cocked her dainty green head, sizing them up. One was better than the other, but which was it...? Stepping toward Min, she sniffed, then screeched in hatred. Raising her claws, she struck it across Min's face. Deceptive girl! Well, that would teach her a lesson! Celeyn was hers! Mine, you better your smart and feed your Foglith. You wouldn't want her to get too hungry,[/color] she crooned.

Quietly, as if hoping not to be noticed, the Lady Slipper Egg quietly cracked open, but the blue inside was perhaps one of the most beautiful ones seen yet. His royal blue hide was covered in creamy, pastel-blue swirls. His eyes whirled pink, as if blushing. Hurriedly, darting for the boys to ensure that everyone wasn't staring at him for long, he quickly cried out to Asterlin, Let's go get something to eat fast, my As'lin? Your Stillith doesn't like all these scary people looking at him...[/color]

This left one egg remaining. The Pansy Egg continued to rock, slow, but definitely rocking. It then began to pick of speed, and true cracks grew along she shell's smooth surface. Finally, it split, revealing another small blue. Wobbly on his feet, he stepped out of the shards without looking back. He flicked his tail, and stepped forward, knowing right away that His did not lie with the boys. Hobbling instead to the girls, he looked through them. One girl had a bleeding face, but he did not want her. Neither were most of the girls in his direct line of vision... But there, beyond the immediate girls, was his! Excitedly bobbing toward Roshya, he nudged her gently with his head. Mine, your Sheyath is awfully hungry! Can I have some food?[/color]

Aslath bugled happily. Her children had all been paired, and she could leave the sands at last. She wasted no time lifting herself off and propelling over to the feeding grounds. After all, she was starving!

[Ruby]

Asterlin was enjoying the hatching to the fullest- it was such a magical thing seeing the little dragons find their bondeds, and seeing the smiles on the new rider's faces. He was smiling hugely, and had completely forgotten that he might impress too, and hadn't yet. It didn't worry him, and he was so absorbed in watching each egg shake and disintegrate that he didn't notice the heat anymore either. All it all, it was a wonderful, amazing experience!

And then it was shattered. A green hatched, and wandered over to a girl-candidate. But something put the green off- she screeched, (a horribly ear-splitting sound), and lashed out. Bloody patches appeared on her robe, and Asterlin stumbled back, all his idyllic musings over in a second. His father had been right! Dragons were violent after all! He started shaking, retreating to the wall. Zoraster had been right all along, and Aster was now in a situation he could not escape. At first he wasn’t sure why he had such a strong feeling that he couldn’t leave, but finally something clicked- he remembered those stories about dragons dying at their hatchings. It was because they couldn’t find their lifemates. What if one of the eggs here was meant for him? Even if the dragons were dangerous, could he really sentence one to death?

No was the answer. Asterlin was WAY too much of a softee.

So he stayed. He stayed, and watched dragonet after dragonet maul unsuspecting and undeserving candidates. There was nothing he could do except stand by and watch, and try to focus on the impressions, not the maulings. At least one girl seemed to be helping someone, but Aster focused elsewhere, having no talent in healing. Finally the gold cracked shell, and infectious excitement bloomed in the Hatching Grounds. This was what everyone had been waiting for. She picked a mate soon enough, and as the stands let out a sigh, Aster moved up to the front of the remaining candidates again. He was starting to realize that there weren’t that many eggs left, and he was still left alone…

Egg after egg hatched and impressed, and Asterlin still hadn’t been chosen. Finally, though, he was distracted from the maulings enough to return to his good mood. They were still happening, he just accepted them. He couldn’t do anything about it, and he couldn’t leave a baby dragon to die, so he would be here no matter what. If he wasn’t chosen this time, he would not submit to this horror again, but for now he better be happy, so if the baby did come into the world wanting him, he would be deemed acceptable.

Almost as soon as he made this decision and reoriented his thoughts, a light pink egg he had silently admired (well, he’d admired all the eggs, but… you know) started to rock. It was kind of off to the side, a little bit of a loner maybe, but Aster didn’t mind. It split down the middle, and… true love. Love at first sight. Asterlin wasn’t much of a romantic, but he did remember the first time he saw Reysalth- that had been love too, but not like this. The dragonet was perfect, from his deep blue hide to the soft, swirly lighter blues. Aster had no idea if it had even seen him yet, much less impressed- he was just already jealous of whoever impressed this little creature.

And then, defying all of Asterlin’s expectations, the blue ran for him. He did not shrink back- all of his mind that had originally been disgusted by the maulings had been erased by this hatching. Instead, he held out his arms to the dragonet, welcoming it to him. When the blue finally spoke in his mind- gentle, not painful like the Queen- he embraced it. “Stillith! Oh Stillith, of course we can eat. I’ll make sure the people don’t look at you any more than they must.” And with that, the clutch’s second to last pair headed off the sands, As’lin placing himself between Stillith and the sands to protect his new Blue- the most precious thing he had ever had in his life.

[reqqy]

S'rei allowed Shmee to comfort Miguel. The boy stared up at her, but, as with most children his age, he accepted her words at face value. If she said she was all right, then she was all right. M'el's son beamed at his fostermother. He then clambored up onto his uncle's lap for no other reason than S'rei's legs were bigger and easier to balance on. The simplicity of a childlike mind. Miguel didn't want to be left out! His attention returned to watch the last of the dragons as they found their life partners. "Left." The word was stated with a mild frown. Then the boy grabbed S'rei's shirt and tugged. "Left?"

The man shook his head quietly. "They'll go back, Miguel." The boy's face bunched, and his uncle headed off the question that was sure to come. "Because there are more people than flutters, see? The others will go back." Miguel seemed to accept that.

Shmee's hand on his cheek marked the turning point. Everything before that was merely words, and though he never thought her a liar, the Weyrwoman didn't always have the best handle on what she felt. The night she'd called her to him was proof enough of that. S'rei tried to put it out of his mind. As her fingers trailed down the length of his jaw, his hold on Shei instinctively tightened, the babe calming from her brief display of angst. He wanted to capture her hand and kiss it. He refrained. More than he wanted to capture her hand, he wanted to hold his love and his daughter, so he couldn't let go of either of them.

S'rei did nothing to try to escape her gaze. There was no need. And soon, he was reward for that. Shmee took the kiss that S'rei had abstained from. There was nothing passionate about it, which made the bronzerider very glad. He didn't want any reminders of the rage-induced mockery of what they'd had once. The most he allowed himself was the running of his tongue along her lips, the move itself not demanding at all. That taste - four turns without it made her beyond exquisite. His eyes closed. It was a shame when she backed off, though he knew it would have to happen sometime.

Feeling the tears gather in his own eyes, moisture coming to line his lashes - though he stolidly refused to shed any tears - the man felt some small measure of peace. Though he hadn't been here, though he couldn't be here, at least the note he'd left her while she was pulling that ridiculous stunt had buoyed her. At least he'd been good for something, aside from leading good men and women to their death and losing himself in another time. Even the timing had been atrocious, as, half-way through, his younger self had arrived at Fort as well. It was that which had sparked some of the changes in his appearance - those that weren't the result of getting older.

Aslath's bugle interrupted the man's reply to Shmee's question. He watched the sands for a moment. Kalierre had mentioned something about that girl, in passing...His mind couldn't remain on such things for very long. Just so long as the new goldrider didn't give Shmee the trouble the last one had, he would be thankful. He'd never wanted to murder a little girl like that before Paryal. The reminder of Shmee's forced miscarriage drew his gaze back to Shei, as he silenly acknowledged just how precious this gift truly was.

Miguel's hand had fallen on Shmee's arm, wanting to be touching her, too. S'rei waited for the Weyrwoman's gaze to return to him, his facial expression nothing but serious. "I've wanted to hear that question from the moment I got back. Yes, Shmee. I'll move back in with you." He paused, then, a mild frown coming to his lips. "Though I think Salenth may want to retain the weyr we've been living in." His tone was entirely apologetic. He could do nothing about the bronze's feelings and, truthfully, he was well-aware that the two dragons weren't getting along nearly as well as their riders.

[mashiara]

A brief pang of sadness touched the journeyman when the bronze moved on after sniffing him. Well, there was nothing to be done about it. Dragonets knew what they wanted and needed. Reminding himself to not lose focus Malkier watched the bronzes inspection of all the young men before settling on one. That’s what was important. Idly the raven haired youth thought about interviewing the young folks who had Impressed, the human factor was obviously important and it was good to keep thorough records.

More shells shook and many eyes were stuck on the Queen egg, eager to see a gold head appear. However it was the Iris Egg that shattered, releasing a purple blue dragonet that immediately took off. The journeyman grinned, he seemed to know who he was aiming for the second he appeared. The thought still hung in the air when the little blue tried to slow down and slam into a small boy. Over eager was he? Only stranger still the dragonet seemed to not want the youth he’d just mauled. In fact he was heading straight toward….

“I…of course I forgive you Tepidoth” reaching over the youth scratched the dragonets eyeridge. By the shell the blue had pretty much gored a person and all M’kier could do was think of how perfect the dragonet was. Around him the Hatching continued but he only had eyes for Tepidoth. His Tepidoth. A tender expression came across the candidates face. It was only a sudden hunger-and Tepidoths plea for food-that snapped the candidate out of his musings.
Without a thought to the Hatching still occurring, paying no mind to his research, M’kier walked off the sands with Tepidoth following close behind.

.......

Min grimaced and scratched at her arm, the pieces of shell that hit her hadn’t hurt much but…oh light did they ITCH! On one hand the discomfort kept her from focusing on the dwindling number of dragonets. On the other hand it itched!!! Eyebrow twitching, free hand scratching furiously Min prayed the itch would go away or that the infirmary would have some salve to soothe the painful feeling. Fishguts! Flaming itchy dragon egg and it’s ashing itchy shell….. Outwardly the dark eyed girl was trying and failing to appear calm and collected. Inwardly she’d given up and was silently uttering every curse and oath she knew.

This continued for some time until a green dragonet drew the girl from her thoughts. There was not many eggs remaining and the green was drawing closer. Was this it? Was she going to Impress?! Hope swelled in the young woman…Only to promptly have it slapped out of her. Falling backward Min touched the bloody side of her face the dragonet had slapped. All those silent curses suddenly came bubbling from the young woman’s mouth-blood trickling down her face. The little greens claws had left a mark across the young womans face and a wound on her pride. Though at the moment Min’s pride took a backseat to the fire that seemed to stretch across her face. Bloody fishguts and packtail fins! Another flaming inch and those claws would have caught her eye…Pressing her hand to her face the candidate wasn’t sure if she felt more like laughing or weeping. The tears burning in her eyes certainly didnt register in the proud child's mind.

“Might as well have jumped into the water with a pack of Seawhers….” Still muttering her curses Min forced herself to stand on unsteady feet, disheveled with an arm that still itched like a fright and a half her face bloodied the girl didn’t look very fair. But through the pain and grime there was determination in the candidate’s eyes. As she trudged off the sands pain and pride propelled her forward. She had failed and that would hurt even after her other aches had numbweed…but you didn’t stop sailing just because your sail got a tear.

[marissa]

After the Queen, green, and bronze had Impressed, there were but four eggs left on the Sands. Only four more chances at impression for Raen. The Lilypad Egg was the first subject of interest for the girl, for it was small and quickly cracking. However, when a little blue head emerged, the girl had to bite back a sigh. A blue wasn't for her. That was the last thing she needed, to have a male dragon that Flew females. Running her fingers through her hair and smiling again at the thought of the Flights that could, would, occur if she impressed to a blue, she moved her gaze to the next egg. The Dandelion Egg could also be a good contender. Maybe this one would hold a green, a green that was meant for her...

And the egg did hold a green! Eyes lighting up to match the smile on her face, Raen watched the little haughty one. But, even as she knew that this was one of her last chances, she couldn't help but to watch as the Lilypad Blue butted Liassa. Were two dragonets going to impress to her? Raen had to stifle the urge to jump up and down, saying, "I'm here! I'm still here! Choose me!" as the blue warbled pitifully. However, he wandered away to the boys, she knew that that would cause more trouble than it was worth, and focused back on the green. Green. Yes. Something that she could impress and lower the chances of finding herself tangled in furs with another female. That's what she wanted.

But no, it seemed that that wasn't meant for her, either. Raen wasn't even in the consideration for the Dandelion Green, it seemed as the little one made her way towards two other girls. After dragging her claws against one's face, she bonded to the other. As she clapped for the impression, Raen wondered why the partial-mauling didn't affect her. She had been amazed at every other one that had occurred, but not this one. It seemed that after the now Gold-Weyrling's mauling, and the now Bronze-Weyrling's mauling, a few claws to the face didn't seem that bad. As long as everything was still in place, like eyes and ears.

Eyes drifting to the next egg (the Lady Slipper Egg), Rae-- no, wait. It was the Lady Slipper Blue. And what a beautiful creature that was, one that didn't seem to want too much fuss. Sighing over the beauty as he impressed, her eyes continued to the last egg. This was her last chance for this Hatching. Green, green, green, green, gre-- blue. There her hope went, as the egg hatched a blue. Even if the blue went to a girl, it wouldn't be to her. She wasn't blue-material, after all. Sighing, knowing she wouldn't cry and accepting the fact that she hadn't impressed, even as the Pansy Blue did, in fact, choose a girl, Raen walked off the Sands.

Alright, so she hadn't impressed. It wasn't that big of a deal. She still had a life to look forward to, after all. She still had Shirk. And she was still going to be able to Stand again at the next Hatching. There had been others that didn't impress, and were wounded, like that girl who had taken a blow to the face.