Shards & Shells [WILDERNESS HATCHING]

[boober]

Even though the sun was up and shining, there were some who were not; it was a most ungodly hour for a particular young bronze rider, never mind the fact that it was nearing midday and most of the Weyr had been up and about for several hours or more. But trust C’lryn to sleep through one of the Weyr’s busiest times of day. He was sprawled out quite comfortably in his furs, limbs flung in every direction as if he’d just been tossed onto his furs like a rag doll. But it was just the way he slept; what looked like it would be painful for a /normal/ person was the epitome of comfort for C’lryn. A strange young man, to say the very least.

So it went without saying that while he was happily snoring away, he missed a grand moment. Darling, curled up about her clutch as usual (to keep that wretched little green thing away!), suddenly perked up, her rainbow eyes whirling faster with excitement. She peeped quietly, tapping on the Howler Egg experimentally. An insistent tapping answered her, and the little gold crowed, uncoiling herself and straightening to flap her wings and chitter excitedly. Her babies were hatching! It was time! Yet no one seemed to notice. Perplexed, Darling gave a loud trill toward C’lryn, who continued to snooze quite comfortably. He didn’t so much as twitch a toe! Upset, the little queen flapped her wings insistently before giving a shrill whistle. Someone had to wake up and tell the Weyr her babies were being born!

It was Bite who responded first, scuttling out from under the furs and screeching at Darling, frill at full display. Who was this gold to wake her from her sleep?! She had been dreaming of biting that big bronze thing in the face, then trying out her new phrases she’d learned from the funny female with the other green ‘mandyr. These were not to be interrupted! Fortunately, Bite served a purpose for once. That loud screech of hers caused C’lryn to sit bolt upright out of a dead sleep. Shaking his head, the bronze rider rubbed his eyes sleepily as Darling began to chatter excitedly. But C’lryn didn’t seem to notice… at least not until he heard the humming. Pausing in his eye-rubbing, the young man blinked blearily before looking up at the shelf that Darling had chosen for her nesting site. He was just in time to see one of the eggs wobble insistently.

Minoath…

I have already informed everyone who wishes to come, and to bring their own food. The bronze’s words brought a nod from His, though Minoath wasn’t finished yet. He trained one large glowing eye on his rider, a faint hint of amusement rolling through the jewel-like facets. They should be here any moment. Casting a mock glare at his dragon, C’lryn heaved himself up from the furs, revealing the reason for his bronze’s humor. Like so many, he seemed to prefer sleeping nude. And normally, he was beyond caring if anyone saw him, but it was one thing if a person happened by and quite another to be in the midst of a crowd. Besides, there was bound to be someone who didn’t like the idea of public nudity. Bah. Prudes.

Finding a relatively comfortable pair of pants, C’lryn slipped them on and drew the drawstring tight before tying them off; just in time to hear the humming increase. Turning to face the nest, he ran his fingers through his hair. It was getting long again, and he was trying to decide whether he should just let it grow or if he should cut it back short. But now wasn’t the time to ponder it. Walking back over to his furs, he plopped down, sitting tailor style with an elbow propped up on his thigh and his chin resting in his hand as he watched Darling fuss over the clutch. There was nothing to do now but wait….



1. Birdsong Egg
2. Whispering Grasses Egg
3. Stalking Predator Egg
4. Open Skies Egg
5. Seclusion Egg
6. Hidden Prey Egg
7. Wildflower Egg
8. Leaf Egg
9. Camouflage Egg
10. Howler Egg
11. Moonless Night Egg
12. Cricket’s Chirp Egg

[Avu]

“No.”
You promised, Corinth said happily. He had just finished relaying the message from Minoath—the fire lizard clutch was Hatching! At last! T’rid scowled darkly at the bronze’s obvious glee. Great. Now he had to uphold his promise—even if he didn’t Impress this clutch, or Impressed only one, he would have to come back again. For two fire lizards to satisfy the bronze’s greedy yearning for all things cute and annoyingly fluffy. Ugh. He sighed as he headed to the bronze’s side, pulling himself onto Corinth with obvious irritation.

The bronze spread his wings, launching himself up and away from the Weyrledge, and slid between a second later. They reappeared near the Main Hall, and under Corinth’s eager goading, T’rid entered, his form slouching, and poked his head into the busy kitchens. Drudges scrambled frantically to make food and a few Candidates doing Chores were loitering around, too. Oh, what fun. He slid between a large simmering pot and a Drudge, seizing the woman’s hand to stop her from whacking him with her ladle, and yelled his request, loud enough to be heard over the clamor. “MEAT. FIRE LIZARD CLUTCH. I NEED MEAT.”

The woman stared at him for a second, opened her mouth as if to say something, closed it, and then scurried away. T’rid occupied himself by sampling the soup critically. Why are there vegetables in it? That’s gross, Corinth commented, despite his giddy excitement. T’rid shrugged silently as the Drudge returned, thrusting a large bowl of overflowing scraps at him. T’rid took it and tucked it under one arm, swinging back onto Corinth as soon as he was outside and hoping he spilled some of the scraps on the bronze. That way, some of his displeasure could be ‘accidentally’ shown. If it worked, Corinth made no sign of it. Rather, he simply jolted T’rid forward as he rose into the air and again slipped between.

This time, he was a great deal more forward. He appeared outside of C’lryn’s Weyrledge, and with an encouraging croon, urged T’rid to hop the short distance from his back to the Weyrledge. T’rid cursed Corinth between his teeth as he propelled himself off of the bronze and into the other man’s Weyr. It was rather awkward to strut in from the Weyrledge rather than the corridor, but if C’lryn had a bronze with a desperate urge for a flitter, he might understand. T’rid smiled politely, although not very enthusiastically.

“Greetings, C’lryn…T’rid of Corinth.” He shifted uncomfortably, the bowl of meat seeming awkwardly large. “Corinth tells me that the fire lizard clutch is Hatching.” He too had heard the call, but he didn’t always credit things he was told.

[Ember]

Ch'ero blinked at the message Rosilinth passed to him. There was a firelizard clutch hatching? A rough little cheep made him looking at the young hatchling lying on his stomach. A feeling of sadness entered his mind, making him scoop the white flitter up gently as he sat up. She is afraid you won't want her if you go, Rosilinth informed him. "Shh, Mystery. I do not intend to replace you, but why don't we check it out? Maybe I can get you a friend?" She chittered in alarm, pale eyes whirling a faint yellow. "Come on Mystery, love, you can outshine any other firelizard there." This seemed to reassure her slightly. She still seemed reluctant but she crawled down the chest she was being cradled too and sat on his shirt. With a smile Ch'ero pet her and she moved off his shirt to let him put it on. "Thank you Mystery." He offered his arm to her and she crawled up and into his sleeves. He felt her on his shoulder under the thin clothing, but just barely. "May I borrow some of your food too?" He asked, getting a chittering response that he took as a yes. She was such a good little firelizard he really didn't know why he was going to the hatching at all. Oh well.

It wasn't long before he found the right weyr, entering to see two riders and the clutch. He nodded to both but only knew the name of the one. Best not to use let on about that though. "I'm Ch'ero of Rosilinth, nice to meet you both." Mystery peeked out the collar of his shirt but quickly ducked back in with an agitated cheep. There was a gold! Ch'ero sent her comforting thoughts, like how she was twice as good as any gold. She cheeped again, making Her human feel badly now that he was there. Even worse that he was stealing her food too. The small strips of meat were folded up in an old cloth. Perhaps he wouldn't Impress another firelizard for her sake, but it was rude to leave now.

--

Ferneth was incredibly surprised as a bronzerider entered the kitchen, yelling something about....The firelizard clutch! He watched T'rid leave before looking at the Headwoman questioningly. With an annoyed sigh at his expression she waved him away. With a broad smile the candidate grabbed some meat and a bowl, receiving a frown for taking much more than he'd need, and quickly left the kitchen. "Come back right after, you hear me?" Was the Headwoman's parting words. The only problem now was getting all the way to C'lryn's weyr...

It took a little less time thanks to the nice greenrider he'd literally bumped into. He'd been entirely too happy when the candidate was holding unto him as the green flew straight. Ferneth was out of that man's weyr pretty much as soon as he got off the dragon. He was sure to thank him and his dragon but he didn't think hanging around with him would be a good idea. At least now he was in right part of the weyr. He just had to go up some stairs and find C'lryn's weyr now. When he finally arrived he was pretty out of breath from running but glad he'd made it. He also arrived with another person, a curious but quiet Ceryl. He'd bumped into her in the hall. It seemed that bumping into people was his thing for the day. As he entered C'lryn's weyr he waved to the occupants while Ceryl entered more calmly.

--

Ceryl didn't really know why she was in the bronzerider's weyr. Sure it meant she could put off her chores a little bit, but did she really want one of the small dragon-like creatures? Oh well, she was there now and she was curious to watch them hatch. The candidate who had so rudely bumped into her on his way here had offered to share the bowl of meat he'd brought with him. Now to wait...

[wingrider]

Hennai stifled a yawn behind her right hand. She never was one to get up early. She liked to sleep in a bit. Her mind still was getting used to the event that happened eight days ago. Neisk’s eggs hatched. She could hardly believe that one of the gold wher’s eggs had chosen her to bond to. She had been hoping to bond with a wher, instead of a dragon. She didn’t have anything against dragons, though. She just found whers a little more fascinating than dragons.

She took another swig from her cup of klah. She was ready for a nap, but she needed to check on Hensk in a bit. Her green was in their new Apartments sleeping, as was the instinct of every wher when it was daylight. Hennai nearly dropped her mug of klah when she heard a male-sounding voice in her mind. And then she remembered. Darlings clutch! She quickly asked a passing rider where C’lryn’s weyr was and hurried off in that direction at a run. She could not for the life of her remember where his weyr was, exactly.

~~~~~~~~

Trillian finished her early noonday meal and was on her way back to the Candidate Barracks. She was ready for a bit of rest since helping this morning in the Archives. She needed a break and a nap. But she’d be back in the Archive room again later to help again. She took another drink of her red fruit juice. At the male-sounding voice in her mind she nearly choked on it. She had not forgotten about Darling’s clutch. She had been looking forward to the eggs hatching since after the gold wher’s clutch had hatched. She took off in the direction of the bronze rider’s weyr and came to a skidding halt in front of his door just as Hennai ran up to.

[boober]

C’lryn barely looked up as people began to file into the weyr. Occasionally he opened an eye to peek at somebody who offered him a greeting before mumbling something unintelligible in return. There were a lot of yawns mixed in there as well. But gradually his focus was less and less on the arrival of the ‘candidates’ and more and more on the clutch itself. Darling’s last clutch had been amazing, and despite his rather somnolent demeanor, the bronze rider was eager to see this one hatch. Even Minoath had poked his head further into the room for a better view, eyes whirling happily as he thrummed a low birthing song along with the flits in honor of the event. Fortunately, Bite was nowhere to be found; despite what people may have thought about the vicious ‘mandyr’s intelligence, she was rather sharp… in more ways than just one. She knew that despite everyone being here, she wouldn’t be allowed to harass people. Therefore her logic had told her to flee… and to find someone she could get away with shrieking obscenities at.

Any lingering thoughts of the bright green ‘mandyr were quickly gone as the first sharp crack! rent the air above the shelf. The room seemed to dissolve into quiet, a small flake of eggshell falling off the edge of the shelf to patter against the floor. Darling crooned encouragingly to the hatchling, flaring her wings slightly in a vaguely protective stance over the nest as she cast her eye out across the people present. Who among them was good enough to Impress her young? At first, because of the angle and the little gold’s position, it was hard to see which egg had been first to break shell. But soon, the Howler Egg rolled off the shelf, a mere empty husk. It wasn’t the first time that C’lryn felt a stab of doubt at Darling’s choice of nesting spots, but he firmly pushed it away. Darling was no half-wit; she was a good mother to her clutches, and she knew exactly what she was doing.

The sound of more cracking from above could be heard, but it was the piteous creeling of a newly hatched flit that caught the most attention. Darling crooned again, almost lovingly as she admired her youngster before sending him off the shelf to choose. The Howler Blue did indeed choose, tumbling from the shelf before catching himself in a flutter of wet wings. Chittering rapidly, he made several wobbly swoops about the room before vanishing. Clearly, his bonded was not among the few who were present. A strange croak sounded from the shelf, the first indication that another egg had hatched. Darling gave an approving whistle, and a moment later the Camouflage Green fluttered away from the shelf. She eyed the meat hungrily but in the end chose to go the way of her blue brother before her, disappearing to live a life out in the wild.

C’lryn scrubbed at his face tiredly, trying to get himself to wake up more. The hatchlings seemed to be flying off; what was the deal? Were there not enough people? What should he do? In the end, there was very little that he /could/ do, but wait and watch. The Hatching was far from over.



1. Birdsong Egg
2. Whispering Grasses Egg
3. Stalking Predator Egg
4. Open Skies Egg
5. Seclusion Egg
6. Hidden Prey Egg
7. Wildflower Egg
8. Leaf Egg
9. Camouflage Egg
10. Howler Egg
11. Moonless Night Egg
12. Cricket’s Chirp Egg

[Avu]

In the short space of time it took for the other hopefuls to arrive, T’rid found himself distinctly uncomfortable after C’lryn’s far from interested mumbling. Was that how the kid usually greeted his Wingsecond? I’m sure he’s just tired and anxious. Now hush. I hear people coming, Corinth warned him, and sure enough a man wearing a Brownrider’s knots stepped in soon afterwards, who T’rid nodded curtly too, but he was a bit too irritated to formulate a polite response. The irritation had taken root somewhere between Corinth’s uncouth delightedness, being forced to attend a Hatching, and C’lryn’s rather lifeless yawning.

He leaned back against the wall, one foot tapping lightly as his eyes narrowed, surveying the ones who entered afterwards. Two Candidates, it looked like, followed the Brownrider, followed by a Wherling, and then yet another Candidate. He had to be the highest ranking person in this Weyr, which made him distinctly uncomfortable. Fire lizards were for Candidates, for people who had nothing else to occupy themselves with—why was he here? To please Corinth. Ugh. As if I don’t deserve to be pleased, the bronze said indignantly. This is a bit much, Cor. The bronze was too excited to reply, although his bugle of delight followed the first egg’s cracking.

The Howler Blue got only a disinterested look from T’rid. Corinth didn’t particularly care about what color fire lizard T’rid Impressed, but quite honestly T’rid would be all right with none. The bronze had asked him for a green, but in a joking manner, and later he’d told T’rid that any color was fine. He’d just said green because that way, the fire lizard could maybe irritate T’rid a bit more. He didn’t yawn, but, setting the bowl of meat onto the floor beside him, half-closed his eyes, although beneath the lids, his hazel irises were still keen, still flickering around the room in sharp consideration of the best way to wriggle out of Impressing. I want you to Impress, Corinth protested disconsolately. I know, Cor. I’ll stay. But it’s the fire lizard’s choice, and frankly I don’t see why any of them would pick me. Come to that, why did you pick me? I mean, you love fluffy kittens and things. I hate them. Isn’t that a bit…?

Egg! Corinth interrupted sharply, and T’rid’s eyes flickered from the hovering bronze outside to the clutch again. The Camouflage Green received another rather disinterested gaze, although he deigned to open his eyes entirely to make a more interested look appear. No need to put off the others’ joy and happiness, right? He was slightly startled when the Camouflage Green followed the Howler Blue into the wild. Such a high wild rate wasn’t normal in a clutch, was it? Were fire lizards truly so picky about whom they were Bonded to? He’d never considered that before.

Perhaps there just weren’t enough choices and they felt disapproving, T’rid thought, amusement lacing his thoughts. I thought for sure at least one would Bond, Corinth said forlornly. There’re more eggs, Cor. Don’t worry, T’rid found himself saying consolingly, despite the fact he’d not wanted a fire lizard before. How could he resist Corinth when he spoke in such a stricken tone? There was no way. Just as long as Corinth didn’t figure that out, though…

[weaving]

He had forgotten about the firelizard clutch and his interest in them until an unfamiliar voice entered his mind, informing the weyr of the clutch that was hatching in one of the weyrs. The young man had been napping: Jermaysk was a creature of the night after all, and Jermayan enjoyed accompanying the brown on his nightly adventures. Daytime was quickly becoming a rather foreign thing to him.

He lay there now, pondering his decision. He felt the brown wher stirring sleepily in his mind, though he hardly twitched where he lay. A tendril of a question from the half-awake form curled up on his bed caused the young man to pause and give answer.

“A firelizard hatching. Should I go?” He spoke out loud more to benefit himself than for Jermaysk’s sake. If he was to be out and mingling with people, it was better to practice before hand. Jermayan’s voice had a habit of sounding rusty and ill-used if he attempted to speak just after waking up. He didn’t really care what others thought. Okay, well, yes he did, but just a little bit.

Another question from Jermaysk caused him to chuckle. The little brown didn’t even know what the creatures were! Still chuckling, he formed an image of the miniature dragons and sent it to the brown, who immediately replied with feelings of assent. So the brown wanted one, did he? Well… that certainly changed things.

Instead of going back to sleep as planned, Jermayan pulled himself from the bed, straightening out his clothes and running his fingers through his hair a few times. He stretched a few times, bent down to lovingly scratch Jermaysk, who crooned his appreciation, and then headed toward the door.

“Stay here; I’ll be back soon enough. Hopefully with a friend for you, hmm?” After his parting words to the wher, he exited, closing the door behind him. It was not a far journey to the weyrs and while he didn’t know which weyr was C’lyrn’s, all he needed to do was find the one that sounded as though it held the most people. The firelizards would probably be making their fare share of noise as well.

He moved quickly through the corridors, remembering his last experience. Cleaning poop off the walls certainly wasn’t the best memory one could have of the weyrs, and his nose wrinkled slightly at the memory of the smell.

It wasn’t until he reached C’lyrn’s door that he realized that he had completely forgotten to bring food. Oh shards and shells. There was no point in coming to a firelizard hatching empty-handed and so the young man turned and sprinted toward the kitchens where there was sure to be food.

It seemed that he hadn’t been the first to come here looking for meat, for as he arrived panting and out of breath, attempting to explain what he needed and why, someone quickly brought him a bowl of meat. He didn’t even bother to inspect it carefully, gasping his thanks before heading back to C’lryn’s weyr.

Finally he arrived, pausing for a moment outside to regain his composure before entering, noting that a few others were already gathered ‘round. He joined them, listening to the murmurings of the others present about the two flitters that had already hatched and gone wild rather than bond.

[ravenmane]

[Short Reply Ahead. No Muse & parents home soon. D= Taelir coming later.]

There is a fire-lizard Hatching in one of the Broznerider's quarters. Cyanth commented offhandedly as his rider plopped down onto his bed. P'nor glared at the Brozne before glancing over at the (thankfully) sleeping forms of his current pets. No-- Maybe you'll get one that will keep these two from fighting. Another dark glare was tured in the Bronze's direction before P'nor sighed. "I have a feeling that I'm not going to get out of this easily. Right?" The Bronze grumbled an affirmative, and the man stood up reluctantly. "Athol, come here." P'nor calld for the Blue, but when Squee made a move to join him, the rider held up his hand. "No, Squee. This is a fire-lizard Hatching. I believe a Queen wouldn't want a 'mandyr present." Bad Silly... The Blue returned to his sleeping place with a few colorful words learned from P'nor as his Bonded hurried to the Kitchens. After snagging a bowl full of meat, the Broznerider headed towards the weyr of the Queen's owner. Who is he? Minoath's, Nor-Mine. Cyanth offered quickly as his life-mate entered the room. He could see a small handful of people already present as he found a place to stand, and it looked like a few flits had decided to go wild.

---

Mine, there is a fire-lizard Hatching. Triniath spoke quietly as he watched his rider oil his riding gear. Where is it? Minoath's weyr, Sk'ler-Mine. The Brownrider reached up to scratch the fire-lizard perched on his shoulder. Soltun snuggled closer with a croon, and Sk'ler gave a small smile. "I guess having another one won't be so bad. I think Joolree misses having a playmate." Sadness briefly crossed the young man's face as he remembered Bolli, the friendly little Blue that had died for unknown reasons. I'm still here, Mine. Triniath crooned lovingly as he sent comforting thoughts to his rider. I know you are, Trin, but I still miss him. Sk'ler whistled for Joolree as he grabbed the meat that was left over from his fire-lizards' meal. Considering the fact that there was a fair amount left, Sk'ler didn't bother to head for the Kitchens. Instead he walked quickly towards C'lyrn's weyr. As he arrived, the Brownrider found a place out of the way but still in view of the clutch.

[wingrider]

Hennai stood near the back of the group and off to the side. She didn't really want a firelizard now, since bonding to Hensk. But a firelizard would be an added bonus for Hensk. The little firelizard could keep the green wher company while she was attending to chores and lessons. She didn't care what color the little firelizard was. And she didn't really care if one didn't choose her anyway. Hennai had an itch on her back. She set her bowl of chopped meat down for a second and tried to reach the spot on her back. No luck....

Trillian looked shocked when the little blue firelizard went between. She hadn't expected the first hatchling from the clutch to do that! She was about to say something when a green hatched and did the same thing as the blue. Her mouth was wide open. She had not been present for very many firelizard hatchings and wasn't sure if that was what usually happened. She would have to find out more about firelizards and their clutches. She looked back to the shelf that held the gold firelizard's clutch. Waiting for the next egg to hatch.

[kysseh]

Virast was having a very good day. He had assisted one of the cooks for the morning and got a bit of a snack for himself and the meowing feline that waited patiently on the platform outside. Fish had long-since learned that kitties were not welcome in kitchens. Besides, the landing platform in the main hall was so warm... sunny... comfortable. Now boy and cat were happily seated and finishing off a snack that would last them the short time until the midday meal. Of course, they had been relaxing until someone came fussing by, talking about a firelizard clutch hatching. Virast had fairly flown to his feet and run like mad back into the kitchens to beg some fresh meat off one of the cooks. Or... actually, he really just looked, asked, and took. The cooks were used to his oddness by now that they barely commented. Between the infirmary and the kitchen, the boy was always... helping somehow. Somewhere.

On his way out of the hall, he nearly ran up against his savior, and Aliscia had to put her hands out to keep the enthusiastic teen from bowling her over. "Where's the fire?" she asked drolly, arching an eyebrow at the realization that the boy was far more alert and energetic than normal. Well... he was always alert. He just never seemed quite this intent. The greenrider had been on her way to the kitchens to grab a snack and now found her arm being clutched by a very happy young teen who proceeded to drag her back out toward the landing platform, despite her protests. It was then that she noticed the bowl in his hands, and she stopped protesting. "Firelizard clutch?"

Virast's enthusiastic nod was all the confirmation she needed, but he spoke anyway. "Darling's babies. I brought lots of food. I want one," he said, practically wriggling with impatience. He had been waiting for quite some time after hearing news of a firelizard clutch, and that it was gorgeous little Darling's only added to his enthusiasm. He would try again. He had failed before, but... he would try. "I brought enough for us both!" he insisted, waggling the full bowl of meat at Aliscia in a pleading attempt for her to hurry up and come along with him. Aliscia was not as patient with him as his sister was, but he knew she wanted one too. Thus, leverage!

It did not take the greenrider long to agree, and she held the bowl while the boy rowed them both to the stairs via boat. It took longer than both wanted to arrive at the hatching, and they were apparently not the first. Fish twined around Virast's ankles, purring loudly, while the boy adopted a sad expression as he saw a green flitter pop between as he arrived. They were leaving already?! Aliscia, who was displeased to note that Virast was a portion of an inch taller than her, looked more curious than anything. Wistful a little, perhaps. She had not had a flitter for company in... Turns. She did nod at the bronzerider whose weyr was being invaded, though Virast was totally ignoring the young man. Not that that surprised Aliscia, given her knowledge of her goldweyrling friend's antisocial little sibling...



Hurry up, Mine. Don't you want a little pest? Dohulth teased His, watching K'von frantically search his weyr for the little bowl of meat that he had set down just a moment ago. The brownrider was a little scatterbrained today. Dohulth blamed it on Flying. It did things to a male if done too much. That, or perhaps K'von was just nervous about something. He had been on edge for days, and while Dohulth was back to his normal, laidback self after some rough patches, K'von was still... having issues. Dohulth suspected that the man had taken a very serious liking to Phremath's. Good for him.

"You're not helping!" K'von fairly whined as he searched around. The man was usually at least semi-organized, and his weyr was currently quite clean and neat. However, the brownrider seemed to have completely misplaced the bowl, and Dohulth was far too amused to tell the brownrider that he had, for some reason, placed it on his bed, behind his riding gear. They had snatched the food up at the kitchens upon hearing of the clutch, and then the brownpair returned to their weyr to get rid of all of their riding gear. And K'von, in his brilliance, had set down the food and neglected to remember where it was.

Typical idiot human male.

Ah ha! K'von fairly lit up as he located the hiding bowl, chuckling to himself at his own ridiculousness. Now that that was done, he jogged out to the weyr and gave Dohulth an affectionate slap to the nose. "For that, I hope it's an annoying green thing that scratches you. If I get one," he added before he made for the stairs at a quick walk. For as long as his legs were, it still took him far too long to join the gathering throngs who were hopefully watching the little clutch. He grinned at C'lryn in thanks and joined the group, settling off to the side a bit. He was tall enough that he could see over a few people's heads, but... well, he would rather not stick near the back. Less opportunities, after all!

[boober]

C’lryn was sitting up a little straighter now, watching the goings on a little more attentively. A few more people came in and he greeted them a bit more actively this time. If he noticed T’rid’s apparent offense at being greeted half-heartedly, then he gave no indication whatsoever. T’rid may have been wingsecond, but this was C’lryn’s weyr, not wing drills, and he would be within his rights to toss T’rid out into the hallway rather than allowing him to stay and possibly Impress one of his precious Darling’s get. The same applied to everyone in the room. C’lryn knew this, but it was not a malicious knowledge. He didn’t intend to throw anyone out; as far as he knew, everyone here was a civilized human being, and it would take a grave offense indeed for the easy-going bronzer to even consider punting someone out of the Hatching. Besides, T’rid had received as good as he’d given. He had the same clothes to get glad in as he got irritated in.

Fortunately it didn’t seem as if the Hatching had any intention of slowing down. Once it got started, it kept going, starting with the Hidden Prey Egg. Darling didn’t seem too concerned that the first two hatchlings hadn’t Impressed; mothers knew best, supposedly. Instead of getting upset, the gold simply watched with whirling eyes as the next egg hatched. The others wobbled insistently, a few muffled scratches coming from within various shells. But it was the Hidden Prey Egg that hatched first, spilling a green out of the shell. Several splinters fell to the floor beneath the shelf as the green creeled hungrily. Surprisingly, she was quickly followed by the Seclusion Blue, who flapped his large wings awkwardly before tumbling headlong off the shelf. Darling squawked, flipping her wings. But it seemed more as if she were scolding him instead of alarmed. She hadn’t gotten a good look at him!

But it was not meant to be, for the Seclusion Blue tumbled through the air, skittering about on his awkward wings only to plop into T’rid’s bowl of meat. Starving, the blue didn’t think twice about beginning to scarf down the pieces hungrily. The Hidden Prey Green lingered on the shelf, allowing Darling to look her over and croon her approval before going. Despite whatever her egg title implied, this green was surprisingly large, and strong, and a very apt flyer as she soon proved. Launching herself into the air, she winged her way around the room a few times. It looked like she was taking an startlingly similar path to the first two, but dived right into P’nor’s bowl and chirruped happily at him before she began to devour the scraps.

Up on the shelf, eggs continued to rock and shiver, a few cracks gracing some shells. Suddenly, the Whispering Grasses Egg seemed to collapse with an almost sickening crunch before a little brown was revealed, shaking the egg goop off himself. He squawked as if in surprise as Darling leaned over to sniff him, her eyes whirling her approval. A fine, strong brown! But it seemed as if he was a bit picky; some egg shell was still clinging to his hide, and he stumbled about in a circle trying to get it off. Clearly, he wasn’t leaving the shelf until he was presentable! Darling didn't seem to mind; instead, she looked over at the latest arrivals, offering a flute of recognition for Virast. She was happy that he had come to take one of her offspring home! Aliscia received a smile and a wave of C'lryn's hand in return for her own greeting.



1. Birdsong Egg
2. Whispering Grasses Egg::HATCHED; brown
3. Stalking Predator Egg
4. Open Skies Egg
5. Seclusion Egg::IMPRESSED; blue to T'rid
6. Hidden Prey Egg::IMPRESSED; green to P'nor
7. Wildflower Egg
8. Leaf Egg
9. Camouflage Egg
10. Howler Egg
11. Moonless Night Egg
12. Cricket’s Chirp Egg

[boober]

Seclusion Blue

Looks to: T’rid

Appearance: Short and stumpy, this particular blue is not typical in build. His is a a short neck and tail, short limbs, and short wings. However, one thing that this blue has going for him is strength. All that muscle has to be good for something, right? Wide wings make up for the lack of wingspan, as well as the muscles to work them. A major drawback, on the other hand, is that the wings are wide enough to cause a few trips and slips when he isn’t using them. Aside from his build, however, this is a pretty typical blue in color, a medium powder blue. One pale blue sock decorates his left fore.

Personality: There’s nothing particularly unique—or even interesting—about this blue’s personality. In fact, it would almost seem that he doesn’t have much of a personality at all. Dull in every sense of the word, there’s nothing at all remarkable about this blue. He’s apt to simply sit somewhere and just stare off at the wall for a few hours for no particular reason. Apparently the brain cells for any complex activity are lacking. The most this blue will probably ever do at once is chase some proddy green… and even that is debatable.

---

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Hidden Prey Green

Looks to: P’nor

Appearance: Rather large for a green, this hatchling displays some slightly odd attributes. She looks almost as if she was intended to be a brown before suddenly changing her mind at the last minute. There’s even some dark, mottled brown marks across her olive-drab hide that stand out blatantly against the almost pastel background. The rest of her is quite light in color. True to her large size, she has some considerable bulk. But really, everything is in proportion; she’s just a large f’lizard in general. Her hide is mainly a rather dull shade of pale olive green, almost a green-bronze in color. Altogether she’s rather odd looking, but definitely unique.

Personality: Probably the most noticeable trait of this green’s is that she’s very promiscuous. She doesn’t seem to notice that she could be considered an ugly duckling by some. She will flirt with anything that moves and breathes, be it a person, another firelizard, or even a ‘mandyr, and it won’t matter one iota to her whether or not her attentions are reciprocated. Not surprisingly, this green will probably end up being the first of her clutch to start rising, and do so more often than any of the other greens out of the clutch. Her bonded will find his hands full with this little lady.

[wingrider]

Hennai watched in silence as a blue and green hatched. She smiled at the two. She loved their colorings but her smile dampened a little as the green and blue impressed. She couldn't help the smile that crossed her face at the antics of the brown. She was curious to see who the brown impressed to.

~~~~~

Trillian laughed at the little blue when he want over the shelf. Though she did watch to make sure he didn't get injured. She sighed in relief. She spotted the next egg hatch and couldn't help giggle at the brown's antics. Babies of any species were so cute as babies. "He's so adorable," she whispered.

[Ember]

Ch'ero watched curiously as a blue and a green hatched...and subsequently left. He mentally questioned Rosilinth as to why they did. The dragon simply replied that they hadn't found Theirs. The brown rider had to be satisfied with that. The reassuring cheep from inside his shirt help relieve his worries too, although it did nothing for the owner of the voice. e sent comforting thoughts to Mystery as he heard the tell-tale signs of more hatching firelizards. He watched with amusement as another green and blue made their way down from the shelf. The only difference was that this time they stayed around, both Impressing to bronzeriders. He smiled at the sight of two firelizards in bowls. It was rather amusing. Mystery chittered nervously, not only reminding Ch'ero that he had meat wrapped in a cloth too but getting reassurance that she was wonderful. The brownrider unwrapped the meat so that firelizards could see it. They likely wouldn't come if they couldn't see food.

--

Ferneth was dismayed as the first two firelizards went off to the wild, none of the present apparently worthy of them. The next two were better. They actually Impressed, eating the meet their new humans had brought. This elicited a chuckle from him, always amused by the antics of the little creatures. He thought he heard another one up on the shelf, but even with his height he couldn't see. The gold had chosen an interesting place for her clutch.

--

Ceryl was a little more blank about the whole thing. They were just firelizards after all. Cute pets that sat on your shoulder or flew about your head. Don't get her wrong, she liked them but she didn't see why all the fuss should be made. When the first two left she wasn't all that surprised. Firelizards went wild all the time. At least two hadn't. Most actually were wild, though sometimes people seemed to forget about that fact. She waited patiently next to the excited male candidate beside her for the next ones to hatch.

[randi]

It had been surprisingly easy to drag Alaid to the flitter Hatching. Since her own little brown had Hatched, the girl had been in a slight stupor, lovingly looking upon the little Abellio. When Aorath had finally heard that it was time, she had looked to Hers. At first, she had anticipated resistance; after all, the room would be likely crowded. However, with the green's encouragement, coupled with the arrival of someone offering food to help and the sight of the hatchling, she had been eased out the door.

Zolten had been informed, not too long ago, that he would be needed, come the time for Darling's clutch to Hatch. The green hadn't been too specific, but, once called, he had made a mad dash for the Weyrling Barracks to assist the dragonrider. She was shy, avoiding eye contact, and said nothing to him, though Aorath proclaimed her undying gratitude. That they'd reached the weyr after the first hatchlings had emerged from their shells was not shocking in the least. After handing Alaid some food in the even that anything should wander her way, Zolten moved to where he could watch the clutch.

The sight of the brown trying to get the shard off brought a smile to his face, a glance being thrown at the 'rider he had accompanied, seeing a hint of the same. Aorath had warned him that she might not be receptive, might hide in a corner from all of the bodies and that he would be responsible for making sure that she didn't panic. However, the greenrider was watching the clutch with a bemused look on her face, though she appeared to be also half asleep, as though she were dreaming.

Remembering his manners, he raised a hand to C'lryn in greeting, an apologizing look flitting over his face before he bowed his head to Darling. After all, respect must be paid to them, if not to the firelizard's sire as well. They had all played their parts, and here was the result!

Alaid had been stiff, unspeaking, and her eyes rest solely on what she could see. If she was any more uncomfortable here than she was with her own dragon, she gave no immediate signs. Her gray eyes were focused solely on the clutch. Those who had already Impressed were important as well, but acknowledging the existence of the others, if there were, indeed, any at all, was far from her feeling of the ideal. Those who chose elsewhere would simply vanish from thought, as though they had instantly grown old enough and flown away. Denial was an easy solution that she intended to make the most of.