Hatching of the Precious Stones Clutch

[Administrator]

Aslath had been staring at her clutch all day, not even letting Shmee or Salenth near them. This odd protection was even stricter than normal, surprising everyone. Shmee had this odd hope that it meant the Hatching would be occurring, but it was like a child waiting to unwrap her Birthing Day gifts. The anticipation was nearly killing her. Settling for playing with Miguel, Shmee would take him and look on the eggs, not getting too close, but anxiously waiting for a sign. There had been no hum as of yet, and her hopes diminished slowly as twilight approached. Perhaps the Hatching wouldn’t be today, and that Aslath was just being overly-antsy.

However, just as the sun dipped beneath the horizon and the violet sky began to reveal her glittering mantle, Aslath, without a warning, began to hum.

Sure enough, one egg- the Topaz Egg was rocking back and forth. The movements were slow, yes, but one thing was certain: It was time. Following in its stead, a few other eggs also began to rock, finally moving themselves from the little nests that they had sat in for five patient weeks. Also wobbling in its little hole was the Silver Egg, and the tiniest cracks were visible along the glimmering, silver shell.

Rearing her massive head, Aslath trumpeted urgently amidst the humming. The candidates must come. And Salenth! He needed to be here, to see his offspring break shell and bond with the children…

Shmee, the instant the vibrations moved into her blood, leapt up. Clutching Miguel to her chest, she bolted out of her weyr over to the Hatching Ground, the light of the full moons Timor and Belior lighting her way. “Get the candidates!” she yelled at any passersby. “The eggs are Hatching! S’rei! Where are you?”

Tearing up the stairs into the box reserved for the Weyrleaders and any esteemed guests (which, at the moment, only consisted of Lauranna and any holders that chose to come), she sat. She was getting stronger, but fatigued easily. Running was not the wisest thing she could be doing. Settling Miguel into her lap, she let his legs, pudgy with baby fat, lie in front of them. She wanted to make sure he saw this Hatching, even if he wouldn’t remember it.

The Topaz Egg’s cracks grew wider and wider, though the color of hide was just barely undistinguishable. Shmee’s vivid blue eyes attached onto them, watching anxiously. This Hatching would not be like any Fath had had; these would be grand offspring. Shmee knew that without a doubt that this evening Hatching would be one Selenitas would definitely remember.

--

Platinum Egg -- Hatched Blue Ellath to G'eon
Lapis Lazuli Egg -- Hatched Green Jeminorth to Rielana
Pyrite Egg -- Hatched Green Dasmonth to Gina
Ruby Egg -- Hatched Bronze Tsanarth to NPC J'hal
Sapphire Egg -- Hatched Green Nelorth to NPC R'zaz
Silver Egg -- Hatched Blue Karath to NPC M'ly
Amethyst Egg -- Hatched Blue Krikith to J'rew
Opal Egg -- Hatched Green Amith to Lennae
Hematite Egg -- Hatched Green Ith to Religna
Diamond Egg -- Hatched Brown Leweleth to T'kal
Pearl Egg -- Hatched Blue Thoth to Beka
Topaz Egg -- Hatched Bronze Elazrith to K'ran
Emerald Egg -- Hatche Brown Zyloth to NPC S'may
Peridot Egg -- Hatched Green Camith to NPC F'lel
Alexandrite Egg -- Hatched Brown Xenorath to NPC D'ton
Marble Egg -- Hatched Blue Byrith to M'vorn
Turquoise Egg -- Hatched Brown Yiminth to NPC R'lor
Peacock Ore Egg -- Hatched Blue Hokth to Saraina
Tourmaline Egg -- Hatched Green Calistoth to K'lir
Crystal Egg -- Hatched Green Snowquith to NPC L'ar
Malachite Egg -- Hatched Bronze Minoath to C'lryns
Jade Egg -- Hatched Blue Milipsith to NPC S'ylon
Citrine Egg -- Hatched Blue Firianth to NPC M'meer
Garnet Egg -- Hatched Green Alayith to Rilliana
Aquamarine Egg -- Hatched Green Brennath to Cezine
Rose Quartz Egg -- Hatched Brown Triniath to Sk'ler

[serenity]

Stomach full of food, fresh and hot when he'd eaten it at dinner, Garieon collapsed on his bed in the Candidate barracks heaved a great sigh, stretching his back to work out the kinks that had settled themselves along his spine, a sure reminder to himself that he'd not been lazy or skipping out on his portion of the work since he'd arrived. There was little else to do for the young man, considering he had yet to make any friends amongst the others. Not that he disliked them. Even Keliris, with his somewhat brash demeanor, was alright.

Now if Garieon was completely honest with himself, and if anyone had happened to ask, he would have admitted that it was simply the fact that he did not feel yet as if this were his home. Perhaps if he had opened up some to the others, he might have felt a little more comfortable in Selenitas but his mind hadn't made that connection yet. He was nice to the others, helpful when he could be but he had as of yet, mostly kept to himself. Watching, listening. Doing his best to follow the one peice of advice he'd gotten since he arrived. What Garieon didn't realize was that he was probably not doing so well, but he'd never professed to be perfect afterall.

The sudden bellow that echoed through the air was quickly followed by a rush of other noises and a seemingly immediate change in the air of the Weyr itself. Firelizards began to hum just before they vanished Between and the annoucement of the sudden impending Hatching spread amongst the inhabitants of the Weyr like wildfire. Garieon jumped to his feet, rushing to the small place where his personal items were stored and grabbed the white Candidate robes he'd been given in anticipation of the event. Unable to contain his excitement, as well as the rush of trepidation that raced through him, he quickly changed his clothes and hurried to rush to the sands, fingers brushing through his hair nervously as he walked.

Eggs were already moving, shaking and rocking on their sandy bases and dragons and people alike were quickly filling the space. Garieon's stomach felt as if a large block of ice had been deposited in the middle of it, he was slightly pale and his hands were shaking just a bit, a fact which he quickly noticed and tried to control by gripping the cuffs of the robes in his fists tightly.

What would come of the evening was now up in the air, for little dragonets to decide. As he stood, waiting for the Hatching to commense, Garieon tried to not get his hopes up. He'd been left standing before and knew that it could be a nearly crushing experience to one's pride.

[missa]

The day had seemed to drag on, Beka not being able to find anything interesting to do aside from trying to teach Anai a few commands. Despite what the girl had thought, Anai proved to be intelligent, and even better, willing to learn. The green followed the commands once she understood them, trilling softly as she got something right, glowing with praise. At first, the switch from a trill to hum didn't warn Beka, she merely thought her Green had found a new sound. That was until a bugle startled her into nearly falling off the bed she was currently perched on. Ah, now it made sense. Hatching.

Her reasons for not going stood, she could be stubborn, refuse to go. Just wait for Lura and sit in the Stands. She hadn't really counted on being excited, actually wanting to go. She hadn't thought about that at all. Definitely not. Still, Beka shifted, mulling over her choices as her fingers stroked Anai. Her hand was still showing the red marks where Anai had 'persuaded' her last time to go to the Touching, it seemed the Green hadn't forgotten her promise to Keliris. The minute she sensed Beka wasn't going, she clamped her teeth around Beka's finger, electing a yelp from the girl as she swore at the flitt.
"You foul creature! Let go of me!" Beka snapped, more annoyed than angry, it hurt, yes, especially when she merely dug her teeth in more. Oh Anai was just as stubborn as Hers. She would make sure Hers went.
"Alright! Alright! Let go!" Beka tugged her fingers from her, though Anai had already planned to let go, sitting back and resuming her hum. The perfect picture of innocence.

Robe was pulled over her head, Beka mulling over the choice once more, she shouldn't go, she'd said she wouldn't. She should stick by that... But she had a feeling Lura wouldn't have let her hide from this either. Sharding flitt. Glaring again at Anai as she pulled the sandals on, she offered her arm to the Green, allowing her to hop up onto her arm. Before leaving, nursing her sore finger the whole way. The Sands were... Hot. Was it just her, or were they hotter than normal? Blinking slightly as she shifted from foot to foot, Beka looked at the others, wondering what to do. Before managing a shaky smile and bowing to Aslath, saying nothing should the pretty words annoy the Queen more than anything.

~

Religna had been startled by the bugle, it was after Rukbat had set! Yet now Aslath's eggs started to hatch? Laughing softly, Religna shook her head slowly as she bent by the trunk at the foot of her bed. Dragons would choose the most annoying times wouldn't they? Well, it just seemed like something a dragon would do, but then, Religna knew nothing of dragons, only the little she'd learnt while here. Such as, if it was running towards you, the best thing to do, would be move. If the dragon was yours, then it would follow. Other wise you stood a good chance of being mauled.

Tying her hair back out of her face, Religna gave the white robe a tug as though to pull it down, though was really just a nervous reaction. A deep breath, yes that was it, good. Just remember, breathe. Feeling slightly calmer, Religna merely followed the others towards the Sands, drawing up beside Beka and bowing alongside her. Oh! Two of the eggs were showing cracks! And not even half of the candidates had arrived! Managing a smile at the Gold, Religna bowed again, before hurrying to get out of the way. Had the Sands been this hot the last time she'd stood on them or was it just her excitement?

~

Rielana heard the bugle, looked at Fiel, heard him hum, and squealed. Squealed in pure excitement as she picked the small blue up and cuddled him against her for long moments, only releasing him when he tugged on a strand of her hair. Finally! The day... Or... Er... Night, had arrived. The excitement was just as strong as the last time she'd stood, perhaps stronger than that. Her happiness overflowing into Fiel who trilled happily as she changed. Who cared what her hair looked like? She wasn't going to linger over it, and leave it down, she had no time to tie it up. That wouldn't matter to the dragonets! Oh no it wouldn't! Not one bit.

Grinning widely, Rielana blew Fiel a kiss before practically skipping out of the barracks towards the Sands. Oh this was so exciting! It was much more exciting than last time, perhaps that was because it wasn't Fath. It was Aslath. And Rielana knew there'd be nothing wrong with the dragonets in this clutch. Oh no, they'd be gorgeous, they'd be perfect and absolutely adorable. Unable to stay still for even a moment, the girl bowed deeply to the Queen, giving her a bright smile and waving happily before letting her eyes roam over the eggs. Two were cracking! TWO! Breath caught in excitement as hands were clasped under her chin, eyes bright and fixed on each shell. Which would hatch first?

[glamourie]

What in the world...?

Rawign blinked, almost quizzically, before turning toward his fair of firelizards. The dark-haired boy was just coming back from the Infirmary, to Marra's apartment (... he was still fairly sure he could get into quite a bit of trouble spending his time there instead of sleeping in the barracks like he was supposed to) when the sound of static humming seemed to fill the air. Even his firelizards were humming, though to him it was more like a dull buzz than an actual 'song' of any kind. The sound of dragons - no doubt the queen? - trumpeting was enough to actually make him freeze, though not as much with fear as dread. Though it took him a minute or two, he recognized that sound, and it filled him with an unconscious desire to curl up into a small, miserable ball. Facing Aslath after the Touching was not going to be an easy project, and he doubted she'd even let him on the Sands.

Not that he'd skip going. He just... didn't expect to get further than the edge. Well, if that happened he could sit in the Stands with Marra. At the very least, he'd probably have a decent view, and he could pretend outwardly that he wasn't bothered. He was good at pretending, anyway.

After quickly changing into his candidate robes, Rawign actually pried an angry little Roxie from his shoulder, along with Beggar. Continual whispers managed to convince both of them to stay in the apartment, for the moment, and he promised them food. But Li was another story, as he flat out refused to move from Rawign's shoulder, going so far as to growl and send pictures of an extremely angry bronze (dragon in the pictures; apparently, Li was confused to what species he was) every time he tried to dislodge him. The entire trip to the Hatching Sands was quite complicated as a result, with Rawign bickering back and forth with the bronze, who actually chittered shrilly back at him as though telling him off. He was not going very far from his person.

Just outside the Hatching Sands, the Healer stopped to try and pry Li from his shoulder. The firelizard gave another furious creel, that time drawing the attention of Keliris and Kaliran, both of whom walked up as though to head to the Hatching. Lir was, of course, firelizardless though he stayed with Rawign at the entrance. Kaliran walked to the edge of the Sands, gave a flourishing bow to Aslath, and bounded forward to where the rest of the candidates would wait. He was excited, and he was not going to risk missing the hatching just because Rawign couldn't train his bronze flitter properly. His blue and green were both quite distracted by a large bowl of meat in the candidate barracks as well as a few shiny stones he'd managed to dig up. He'd known how to distract his pets immediately. He'd thought about it in advance!

But back outside the Hatching Sands, Keliris frowned. "You can't ta--"

"Take him with me, I know. He won't go. Li, please go watch from somewhere else. I don't want to get into trouble," Rawign pleased, actually getting his fingers bit in his attempts to pry the flitter from his shoulder. Li's eyes whirled an angry red. The firelizard didn't want his to be alone. He couldn't explain why, but he knew that he shouldn't leave Rawign for even a second. "I won't go out of your sight, okay? I promise. You can sit with Marra and Mona, okay? With Marra and Mona. Then you can watch. But you can't stay on my shoulder. Go to Marra, okay?" He tried to send Li a mental picture of Marra, which earned nothing more than a pitiful creel. "Please, Li. Please?"

Keliris brushed one strand of hair out of his face before moving over to look at the firelizard. "I'll keep an eye on him." He didn't know whether or not the little bronze would understand, though Li turned and looked at him before cheeping. "I will. And you can watch from Marra's shoulder. We'll be in the back. Nothing will happen."

Giving another defeated cheap, Li's eyes whirled. And then the bronze took to wing, and went between, leaving Rawign alone for the first time since the Touching. Once he was out of sight, Keliris nodded toward Rawign before walking toward the edge of the Sands, though he lingered next to the Healer the entire time. Casual glances were spared just to make sure that Rawign did not have a poor reaction, though outwardly he appeared calm. At the edge of the Sands, both boys bowed, though it did slightly pain Rawign to do so. Then Keliris grabbed Rawign by the wrist and hauled him onto the Sands, almost as if he was worried that the queen might somehow remember him and reject him. Rawign bit his tongue, and cast an almost worried glance in the direction of the queen dragon, though fortunately they stayed far enough back that there was a relatively decent distance between him and the clutch. Rawign would just... hide behind everyone else. Right.

And Li would go find Marra to perch on throughout the Hatching, just like he'd been instructed. But the little bronze was not pleased, oh no he was not.


[ Sorry for crappiness, in a major hurry >< ]

[boober]

Cezine had been finishing the last of her chores, had just put the damp towel she used to dry the dishes up when she heard the faint call from the Hatching Grounds. Before she could so much as lift her head in response, the two flitters who kept her constant company twittered, Sky sounding anxious and Topaz merely sounding curious. While the experience of having the firelizards was new, being called for a Hatching was not. The young woman calmly straightened and left, and while there was a quick pace to her steps, she was nowhere near running. If Aslath was just calling them onto the Sands, they had plenty of time yet. So it was with this belief that she retreated to the barracks to don the white robe.

By the time she came out again, her hair had been carefully brushed and neatly braided, the black-red plait hanging down her back. It wasn't for show or to look nice, but was in fact to keep all of her hair out of her face. One incident with a hatchling not her own was one too many, in her opinion. Oblivious to their humanthing's thoughts, her two flitters glided after her, humming the birthing song as they went. It didn't take long at all for them to reach the Sands, and when they did, Cezine paused and looked to her flitters. Sky perched delicately on her wrist, Topaz opting for her shoulder. "You can't come with me after this. You'll have to find someplace to sit the Hatching out and wait for me." The little blue looked worried, but Topaz merely chirped his understanding and fluttered away. Creeling piteously, Sky followed, albeit reluctantly. It wasn't until then that the Candidate realized how much their company had come to mean to her.

Squaring her shoulders, Cezine lifted her head and stepped onto the Sands. The heat was almost unbearable, but it wasn't anything she hadn't felt before. Even as she walked over to join the others, her blue-gray eyes swept the Hatching Grounds, expectant and curious. She wanted to see who all had gotten there before her. She immediately found the familiar faces and figures of several people, including Rawign and Keliris. Her insides were a-quiver, though one would certainly never guess it to look at her as she paused briefly to dip a slow, deep bow to the queen. She wasn't far enough back to be overlooked, and after all it was expected of the Candidates. She straightened, her eyes straying immediately to the clutch, most notably to the eggs that were moving the most. Slowly, she inhaled, then let her breath out. Why was this still exciting?

[caffelatte]

Where Nosy had been the whole day, Mavorn hadn’t the faintest idea. Lately, the blue flitter had taken to disappearing for long stretches of time, leaving the weaverboy to worry unnecessarily. He’d pop in here and there, just to get some food and affection and then he was off again. If he hadn’t known any better, he would have thought that the crazy thing was trying to woo someone, just from all the primping and polishing he’d been up to when he did choose to grace the boy with his presence. At first, it had been concerning to him, seeing as how Mavorn didn’t tend to fall into social situations easily and Nosy was familiar and safe, but nowadays, he’d come to expect it. Nosy would always come back to sleep amid the soft waves of Mavorn’s sandy-brown hair and so long as he kept that up, the weaver could cope with the rest.

The more time that passed, the less desire the candidate really had for getting to know much of anyone. That was okay, though. He was fine with it. Still, people looked at you weird if you were alone all the time. He wasn’t weird...honest! Calm, patient to the point of fault, Mavorn wasn’t a hard guy to get along with. You just had to accept the fact that he wasn’t the world’s most skilled conversationalist. If you asked him a question, it took him forever to reply, though you could indeed rest assured that when he did answer you, he’d given your words careful consideration. Slow and steady - that was him alright. Not that this got the mending done any faster, of course. What could he say? He took a long time only because he was very thorough.

When the call came out for the Hatching, Mavorn felt a little flustered by all of the rushing around. He did his best to hide this reaction outwardly, but he wasn’t entirely successful. His eyebrows were all mushed together. That was his version of a frown when he wasn’t about to let himself frown. Eyes of slate blue darted around those gathering around him. Someone had a hand on his elbow, apparently noting Mavorn’s hesitation and was leading him off with the other candidates to change into the proper garb. The help was not unwelcome, but it had certainly done nothing for his nerves. He had flitters in his belly...and where was Nosy? He could only hope that the blue knew to stay away just now. Somehow or other, he’d gathered his wits and gotten changed, following the others to the sands.

It was happening...it was really happening...! So many things were swirling around inside of him. Excitement, anxiousness, delight...and just a hint of regret. He remembered what it had been like when his brother’s had Impressed. His parents had been so proud... Now they were gone. And for what? Surely if you are going to fight, there has to be a better cause than petty pride and personal gain! In ways, he supposed he’d always been disappointed in his older brothers, not because they had been bad people or anything. They’d had their hearts in the right places, they had just been...misguided. Perhaps even used. Well, no use in thinking of such things now. The past was done. There was no changing it. The future was unwritten. There was no predicting it. All he had was the present and what would be, would be.

Deeply and with his own personal air of serenity returned to him by that unexpected epiphany, Mavorn bowed to the Golden Queen. Then moved right along with the others. No sense in holding things up, though granted, if he wasn't being herded along with the other candidates, he doubted he'd have chosen to move quite so quickly... Oh, they were moving! And the humming...just amazing...

[kaedryn]

Kaedryn had just walked from the shower after running with Belus, releasing all the stress of the day. Sitting down, she carefully brushed through her long, waist length black tresses and had started braiding it, many tiny little braids running in tracks all over her head then pinned back in a large mass in the back. She hated revealing the large scar running down the back of her neck, but these braids would stay in place for at least a week, easily taken care of. Standing up, she was about to dress for the night when Belus had suddenly sat up from his position on her bed, silky gold edged black ears pricked straight up and totally focused on a sound she could not hear.

Kaedryn was about to call to Belus when she heard someone running down the hall, yelling with excitement in their voice. Sticking her head out the door, she heard the word 'hatching' interspersed with other words, but she had already whirled around and ran back fully into her room. She hurridly tossed on the ivory white shift given to her earlier on and put some shoes on her usually bare feet. With a last pet to Belus, telling him to stay where he was, she kissed him on the forehead then ran out the door. She made her way down the trees and ran around till she got to the boats, jumping in the first one she could that would take her over to the Hatching Sands... She fidgeted until they made it to solid land, hopping out of the boat almost before it was landed and took off.

Dashing down the long twisting halls, dodging through and around the various people also rushing in getting ready for the hatching going on. She didn't even halt in the doorway to the hatching sands, instead nearly jumping into the room, only halting a moment to give a respectful bow to queen and rider before rushing over to where several other candidates already stood, eyes brightening intensly and a beautiful, yet slightly anxious, smile taking over her face as she took in the eggs, several already beginning to rock in place and one or two even showing several tiny cracks. She focused all her attention on them, barely noticing as other candidates rushed in.

___________________________________________________

Brushing shaggy red hair out of his eyes and smiling at the man he had been helping shift some stuff, Tokala stood up straight once again and nodded to him. Stepping out of the room, he started whistling under his breath and headed at a slow stroll back to his room. Suddenly, a deep rumble seemed to start under his feet, a low humming tone that ran up from his soles into the depths of his chest, making him close his amber gold eyes and change his own whistling to match the resounding hum.

Snapping himself out of the beautiful song, Tokala began to jog down the hall. Surely that hum meant something, but he was unsure. He noticed people just beginning to run around as he neared the candidate's barracks. Stopping one smaller boy, a weyrbrat too young to be a candidate, he asked what was going on. The child stared up at him, hands on his hips then told him "Don't you know? The Hatching has started! All candidate's need to report to the hatching sands hours ago!" He yelled before taking off.

Tensing, Tokala instantly took off for his rooms, throwing off the clothes he had on then quickly dressing in the white shift, belting it at the waist and hurridly looking for, then putting on a pair of simple slippers before rushing out the door and running to get a boat going to the Hatching Sands. He was lucky enough to get into a boat almost ready to leave, several other candidates already in there. They finally reached the shore and he leaped out of the boat and rushed off. Trying to be careful, he still ran into several people on his way there, but once they noticed what he was wearing, they gave him slightly tense smiles before allowing him to leave. He actually made it to the Hatching Sands pretty quickly and he took a single minute just outside the sands to breathe in deeply, releasing all his anxiety and tension in one deep sigh.

Entering the room holding his future, Tokala threw back his shoulders and strode proudly onto the sands. Acknowleding both Weyrwoman and her golden Queen, he smiled and bowed to both respectfully before walking over quickly to where the other candidates were standing, smiling and nodding to each of them before focusing completly on the rocking and cracking eggs, hands crossed over his chest and seeming to convulse slightly in their grip on his upper arms...

[saberlin]

Rilliana had been down at the river bathing herself as she had been every day for the past week. She knew the eggs were getting hard enough and that it had been close to enough time. She wanted to be sparkling and spotless when she stood this time. After all, this time it would be Aslath's eggs that were on the sands, not the deformities that lay there the last time. Each one seemed sparkling and perfect in their own way. Just like each one of the candidates that would stand, "including me."

The sound took time to reach her ears and she was not fully aware of what it was at first after listening to the running water all around her. Everything seemed to dip into its sound and bend and mold, just as the light refracted and played on the small waves. It wasn't until the sound steadily grew louder that she realized what it meant. "The hatching? Well, at least I'm cleaned up and proper this time." Rilliana said getting out of the river and drying off. She made her way very nonchalantly back to the barracks, knowing full well that hatchings could take time and that the noise level was not yet cruitial. All around her she saw other candidates getting ready and seeing them made her excitement grow. Maybe this time she too would Impress. One could only hope.

She put on her candidates tunic once she reached her room and brushed through her hair one last time for good measure. There was no looking glass here so she would just have to trust that she looked good. When she was sure she was ready and not forgetting any.... oh, sandles. Those would be important. Now she was ready. Rilliana made her way back down to the river and into one of the small dingies that she had learned to use and rowed herself across to the hatching grounds. As she got closer and the humming became louder the smile on Rilliana's face grew bigger and bigger. Now she would get excited and allow herself to hope. The eggs would hatch and they would be strong and wonderful!

Her feet had never flown faster as they did up to the hatching grounds, though she stopped promptly at the entrance so that she did not offend Aslath by running onto her sands. She made a deep and gracious bow of thanks to the Queen and then to Smee before making her way over to the other candidates. This time however, she did not stand in front of the Queen egg. She had hoped for gold once and decided that no matter where she stood, if the Queen wanted her, she would find her. If not, well then it would be easier for any other dragon that hatched and might want Rilliana for a partner to see her.

and the wait began.

[melody]

Halyn frowned, lowering her book and blinking. What was that noise that was disturbing her precious free time and interrupting her reading? It echoed throughout the Weyr, touching a chord deep within her. It was a primal sound, at once solemn and joyful. The Hatching! The book fell from her hands to land on her cot. Normally she would have marked her place and carefully set it on her pillow but there was no time for that. The Hatching was here!

She sprang to her feet and silently changed into the robes and sandals they were supposed to wear. The robe was much too big, hanging from her form loosely. The young woman sighed when she glanced at her reflection. Well, at least she was clean! After chores, she had bathed. That was some small comfort. But appearances didn't matter.

The way she looked wouldn't influence a Hatchling's choice, not if she was meant for him... or her. Her eyes were bright with excitement and curiousity. She knew well enough to avoid any Hatchling that wasn't coming for her and to not get involved, no matter how much she wanted to, in any squabble. Chances of her getting mauled were relatively slim as far as she knew so why should she be nervous?

And there was a fine selection of candidates too. Though Leyan was skeptical about the merits of... okay, most of them, particularly some of the girls, there was a reason they had all been Searched. There was no reason for a dragonet to go /between/ with so many people to choose from.

Although she was among the oldest of the candidates, she still had several Turns left before she would no longer be eligible. It would be nice to see how things worked and get more settled into the Weyr and learn more about Impression and being a dragonrider before she was expected to commit. After all, Impression was forever...

That thought was at once thrilling and terrifying. What would it be like to have another personality so tightly entwined with hers, distinct yet... not? To have the well-being of another being wholly dependent on her and vice versa? Well, she would one day find out. And whatever color she Impressed, she would have Weyrlinghood to prepare for whatever role she would fill.

The expression on her face was rather solemn but her eyes were as bright as ever as she walked onto the sands. Before taking her place with the other girls, she bowed to Aslath respectfully. She was truly awed and humbled by the fact that she had been chosen to stand and the opportunity to witness the beginning of something(s) wonderful.

Her gaze turned to the eggs. What would Hatch? Who would be chosen? Halyn smiled at herself. She would see soon enough. Whether or not she Impressed, today would leave its mark on her. Nothing would ever seem the same.

[Requiem]

"No, I did not say that!"

"You didn't."

"Of course not."

"Then why is that what I'm hearing from everyone?"

"Is this why you came, to badger me about pointless trivialities?"

"No." S'rei responded patiently. "I came to see if there was anything else we needed to get for Miguel."

Lauranna blinked, one hand falling from where it perched on her hip. "Oh." She quickly bustled around her weyr - it already looked like a maelstrom, even though she'd just tidied it less than a tenday ago - flinging things this way and that. After taking a pair of dirty trousers in the face, S'rei retreated a discreet distance, eyeballing Zephyr menacingly. The green's head was cocked, and she kept on moving her wings suspiciously, as if she were about to take flight and bother him again. Flits.

She'd only turned half the room upside down when he noticed something strange, the sensation identified as soon as he heard Aslath's call. The Hatching! Well, he'd noticed Aslath acting strangely today, but the day was nearly over, and he'd thought that tomorrow was likely to yield the dragonets. Apparently they were of a different mind. Did you need - ? Go, Salenth. Reysalth can carry two people without any trouble. Your mate waits with your clutch. A wave of appreciation swept his way, even as the bronze took wing.

"Come on, Laurie. Hurry."

"I'm hurrying! Did you want to pick up his things or not?"

"It can wait."

Lauranna dropped the clothing and other knicknacks that she'd been holding in her arms, directing a petulant frown at her brother. "Fine then." She flounced past him and to Reysalth, who was stirring on the weyrledge impatiently. S'rei chuckled. How old was this woman who was now acting like a weyrbrat? In short order, the two had mounted Reysalth, the small green delivering them swiftly to the sands before she rose to join the other dragons. Laurie and S'rei moved toward the stands, the Weyrleader taking his sister by the arm before she could find a place amongst the rest of the weyr. "Up here," he said, nodding toward the box. She stared at him for a moment, before following her brother. The two seated themselves on either side of Shmee, S'rei, tearing his attention from the sands long enough to tickle Miguel, who bounced on Shmee's lap as he giggled.

Salenth was quick to join Aslath, pride welling up inside him. His clutch was about to hatch! With something akin to a purr, he snuggled up against his mate's side, though he watched the candidates closely. They'd best behave themselves!

***

Mutasim found himself born along by the current. All of the boys in his particular section of the barracks had, for one reason or another, been in their room when the bugle had sounded. The small candidate himself was asleep at the time. He tended to keep strange hours that varied from day to day, depending on his moods. It was truly the only reason he found himself here, now, dressed in white and rowing with a group of other candidates toward the Hatching Grounds. Mutasim blinked. What was he thinking? He didn't want to be anywhere near that Queen!

Jabari shifted against his neck in response to the sudden surge of emotion. Mutasim hadn't even noticed him until now. Jabari, too? He wouldn't leave the candidate. If anything, since the Touching the flitt had been even less inclined to uncoil from the boy's neck. But by the time they reached the opposite bank, a stream of humanity was flowing into the Hatching Grounds, spectators and candidates alike. He couldn't fight the current.

Thus it was that Mutasim found himself blinking on the warm sands, all too aware that Jabari still clung to his body and that, were Aslath to notice, things could get ugly quick. In fact, things might just get ugly anyway. If she remembered him. That was his only solace as he watched the other candidates bowing to the gold and quickly followed suit, hoping she wouldn't notice him amidst all the other white-clad, unremarkable humans. He followed the crowd and merely stood, waiting, taking some measure of comfort from the brown firelizard snuggled against his skin. Soon this would be over. And he could disappear...with Aslath none the wiser.

Alone of all the candidates, his eyes lingered on the two metallic beasts rather than their clutch.

[melody]

A slow smile spread across Leyan's face as soon as he heard the humming. It was time. Ignoring the other candidates, he rose and changed into the white robe and sandals unhurriedly. There was no need to rush things. He followed the other candidates to the Hatching Grounds, still smiling to himself.

This was the moment he head been waiting for. Well, maybe. He might not Impress at this Hatching. But he would one day, he just knew it. Leyan had dreamed of being a dragonrider for as long as he could remember. Really, he hadn't been surprised when he had been Searched.

He wouldn't be surprised when he Impressed either. With at least 10 Turns of candidacy before him, odds were very good he would be chosen by a dragon at one of them. His eyes glittered in a way that was positively unnerving in a boy of merely 12. But he was not your average boy.

He had always been different than the others of his age, not that he minded. If people underestimated him, so much the better. And they did. The only person who probably realized the truth about him and what he was really capable of was Halyn. Out of every family member, friend, and acquaintance, she was probably his favorite. However, Leyan knew he frightened her a bit.

He didn't understand why. So what if he was smarter than average and wasn't afraid to do what he had to when he had where he had to how he had with or to who he had to get what he wanted? Was there anything wrong with that? Leyan's thoughts shifted to the imminent Hatching.

Even if he didn't Impress, perhaps he could learn something from watching everyone. Hopefully everything went well! It would be such a shame to lose a dragonet or a candidate. He entered the Hatching Grounds and gave a quick bow in the direction of Aslath and her rider. She might very well be the mother of his lifemate and besides, she was a queen.

He took his place among the candidates, maneuvering towards the front so he could see well. His eyes swept the stands before coming to rest on the eggs. Soon, very soon... Leyan was still smiling, his eyes gleaming. This was the moment (or one of them as well as a moment leading up to the one he had REALLY been waiting for) he had been waiting for for Turns and he planned to savour it.

[lilliana]

A yell arose from the general room of the Candidate Barracks. Perking up slightly from his cot, Jaron raised his eyebrows. Something like…’Hawing’? Or…maybe ‘Matching’? Jaronirew listened as the statement was yelled again, spreading across the Barracks, the candidate jumped. “The hatching?” Nobody had time to answer, however, as Jaron was already through the door. The white robe was thrown over his head, and he grabbed up the sandals in haste.

Well…Jaronirew wasn’t quite sure how he got on the Sands, really. He knew that he had been about to go…but the trip to the Hatching Grounds was a very large blur. The candidate spun around quickly, to make sure that he entered with a large group of people, and then slowly stepped inside, remembering at the last moment to slip on the sandals. Wincing sharply as the heat reached his thinly-protected skin, Jaron shook his head. How many times had he been on the Sands? And the heat still got to him…whew.

Reaching Aslath, Jaronirew bowed, murmuring, “Beautiful first clutch, Golden Aslath. Thank you for the privilege of letting me Stand for the chance to Impress your wonderful children.” Straightening quickly, the candidate ducked away, going to stand with the other males his age. The eggs would Hatch soon – that much was obvious, either the Topaz Egg or the Silver Egg, most likely. He shrugged and kept his gaze on the two, wanting to catch the first egg hatch for Aslath’s clutch.

Shells…he was so scared. Jaron didn’t want to admit it, and he had been…hiding it from himself for quite awhile now. But, really, it was true. Gossip, for once quiet, appeared from between, obviously felt her bonded’s emotions, and landed comfortingly upon his shoulder, curling her emerald tail around his clammy neck. Reaching up instinctively, the candidate stroked the tail for a moment, before focusing back on the hatching.

Throughout all of the Candidate Lessons he had been through, Jaronirew now remembered that he was supposed to filter out all frightened or cruel thoughts, and just open your mind towards the eggs and the dragonets, letting happiness and joy radiate. Well, of course he couldn’t filter out every frightened thought that was going through his mind…but he could try to block them from the hatchlings, right? Jaron hoped so, as he began exercising this technique – although, of course, there were no dragons on the Sands.

There would be, soon. Might as well start now.

[Administrator]

Aslath’s stare at her hatching eggs was certainly enough to make a few candidates take a couple steps back. However, things improved as Salenth rejoined her. Crooning anxiously, she snuggled against him. Were her little ones ready to come out? Would they choose well? Her eyes whirling in worry, she nuzzled him, and shifted to try and curl inside of his protective circle, which would be a feat, seeing as she was larger than he was. Will they be all right? she asked uncomfortably, her gaze finding the eggs once again. They lingered there, unaware that she was probably frightening some candidates.

Shmee smiled brightly as S’rei and Lauranna entered the box. “None of them have hatched yet,” she told them, her voice radiated quiet excitement. “But look! Two have cracks!” Bouncing Miguel gently in her lap, she kissed the top of the babe’s head. “You see the eggs?” she asked him in her coddling voice. “Pretty eggies!” Chuckling a little, she continued to bounce him in slow motions.

Looking back over at S’rei, she laughed a little. “What’s your bet on what comes out first?” she asked him playfully.

--

Shmee’s question to S’rei was answered quite shortly. As the shaking intensified of the Topaz Egg and Silver Egg, the cracks widened on each. It was almost a race, with the two eggs trying to outdo each other. The Topaz Egg had few, yet wide, cracks while the Silver Egg had long, winding, narrow cracks in many areas. One wouldn’t know where to look, instead flickering back and forth between the two eggs that were most urgently cracking.

Then, without warning, a crunch rang out through the Hatching Ground, silencing everything save for the Hatching hum. Another crunch, then a loud creel of hunger. Breaking free of its shell, the Topaz Egg proved to be the winner of this race. One wide crack had managed to snake up to another, and the combined cracks finally destroyed the shell. It split, encouraging further cracks that split more at the seams. Thrusting its head through, the dragon within cried with hunger, breaking through the egg membrane and pushing away the rest of his egg.

Taking on cautious step onto the sands, the little bronze dragon looked around in what appeared to be awe. Seeing it was the only dragon out so far, he let out a small bugle of eagerness. He was first! Did that mean he was the best? Wobbling forward, the gleam of his hide glistened even further with the egg fluid. The little star on the sands knew where he was headed: Right to the boys.

Peering at them with his hungry, multi-faceted eyes, he crooned inquisitively. Who was His? He was quite hungry, and he would like to choose…

[melody]

Halyn's gaze flickered between the Silver Egg and Topaz Egg. They were both the most... active at the moment. Which one would Hatch first? Her eyes widened as the dragonet from the Topaz Egg broke free. Apparently he had won! It was a bronze.

That was supposed to be a good omen. She smiled. As he was supposed to, he moved towards the males. Her heart beat faster. Leyan was there. Was he the bronze's lifemate? The thought of Leyan as a bronzerider, with the potential to be Weyrleader was a bit frightening.

She blinked. No time to worr- wonder about that right now. Halyn glanced once again at the Silver Egg before she glanced back at the bronze dragonet. He certainly was a handsome thing and seemed healthy and strong. If that dragonet was any indication, it was going to be a VERY fine clutch indeed.

Leyan stood still, watching the eggs. He didn't wonder which egg would Hatch first. It was evident they both would. It was just a matter of time. The dragonet inside the Topaz Egg broke free first. It was a bronze! His smile deepened. Not only was that a good sign, but he would choose one of the boys.

Maybe him. He filled his head with thoughts of food and love and admiration. The boy's muscles were tensed. He didn't want to get mauled after all! Why did dragonets maul candidates anyway? Well, he wasn't going to go moving towards him or waving his arms around or anything.

If he was meant for the bronze, he would Impress. There were boys behind him and he kept that in mind. He might need to move out of the way. A shiver ran up his spine. Though he wasn't afraid of it, he didn't like pain and tried to avoid it. Sometimes it was necessary, though. This most certainly wasn't one of those times, though!

Leyan waited, all his attention on the bronze. None of the other eggs mattered... for the moment, anyway. His heart pounded. The first dragonet at his first Hatching ever. And it was a bronze. Hopefully the rest of the dragonets would be just as healthy and handsome!

[missa]

Shudder, crack. Shake, shudder. Hurry up and Hatch! The suspense was choking, Beka's eyes going from one egg to the other, trying to guess which would Hatch first. By the look of it, the Silver Egg... Ah, no! It was the Topaz Egg that hatched, and such a wonderful dragonet! A bronze! A good sign for the rest of the Hatching. Hm, why though? Greens were just as good as Bronzes... Oh well.

Her gaze soon found Keliris, a smug look coming across her features. Well, 'hah!' had a nice ring to it, she was here, and he hadn't had to carry her. Yes, Anai had clamped her teeth on her finger before she agreed to go, but now she could feel the support from the usually grumpy flitt. Hm, it seemed that Hatchings had an effect on everyone's mood. Shifting uncomfortably, Beka let her gaze roam over the clutch again, she'd much rather stand with Keliris, someone she knew, rather than a girl she didn't. However, there was nothing she could do about the situation.

The Topaz Egg had hatched into a powerful looking Bronze, but that wasn't what had caught Religna's attention. Of course it had for a few moments, until she saw someone that looked achingly familliar. Like the reflection she saw in the river, though male, and older. Her breath caught as the absurd idea decided to plant it's self in her mind, burrowing deeply. It couldn't possibly be... He was at the Healer Hall...

Completely impossible was what it was, shaking the idea from her mind, Religna focused her attention back on the eggs, shame how her mind wandered. She so hoped it was him, but it wasn't possible. After this, after the Hatching, if she didn't Impress... Religna firmly decided to find the Healer Hall he was at, and see for herself. At least then this niggling doubt wouldn't annoy her as it was. Just forget it, the Bronze was heading towards the boys... Focus on that... Shard it all!

A Bronze! A Bronze! Rielana very nearly squealed with delight as he broke his shell, her face lighting up with enjoyment, her eyes locked on him as he moved towards the boys. Many might look at her oddly as she smiled, and bit her nails to refrain from squealing with excitement. Rielana no longer cared, her whole mind was focused on the Hatching, on the shaking, wobbling eggs and the suspense of what would Hatch next. What did it matter if one chose her? Oh surely it would be the most wonderful moment of her life, Rielana would never forget it and for the first time she'd be truely complete. Oh but that didn't matter, as long as they all Hatched and Impressed safely. That was the important thing.

Had she been thinking for as long as she'd thought she'd been thinking? Did that sentence even make sense? Oh hurry little eggies, the suspense was killing her!