Xanadu Weyr - Observation Level
Dark blue seats form a semi-circle around the sands below, the lowest row separating from the sands themselves by merely a railing. The seats climb upwards, each row a bit higher then the previous, and they are broken up into sections by 3 sets of staircases. Lights are evenly spaced along the outer wall, lighting the seats and the sands easily, though they tend to be dimmed unless a major event is taking place. A large balcony looms overhead, darkening some of the seats, providing a place for observers of the draconic kind to watch without obstructing the view for others.
When one looks over the railing, the oddly hued sand below can be seen easily, the circle-shaped area of the sands spread out to the far walls, the sand itself a unique mixture of red and white grains.
Natishen is perched at the lowest row of seats, leaning on the railing overlooking the Sands. There's a rather pensive expression on his young face as he studies the clutch scattered upon the grounds, his gaze occasionally flickering to the two dragons keeping careful watch over their eggs. Though it's late evening now, and most people have retired to their respective quarters, there's still a few gawkers, though none anywhere near the lone Candidate.
Daralyn wanders into the observation level late in the evening. He should probably be getting to bed as it is, but: 1) He's not tired, and 2) He's 14. What do you expect? So he wanders into the observation level, and notices Natishen looking over the railing. "Hey there." Daralyn waves to the other kid to get his attention, and walks down towards him.
It takes Nash a moment to realize that that voice is speaking to him, and thus he's a touch slow to turn and acknowledge Daralyn. When he does, he eyes the other youngster curiously, before lifting his hand in a return wave. "Hello." His eyes track back to the Sands, and he resumes his study of the clutch - but he hasn't forgotten the other visitor. "Haven't seen you around here b'fore. Thought I knew all the kids. You new?"
"I am." Pause. "I'm Daralyn. What's yourname?" He's now down by where Nati is, looking down at the eggs as well.
Natishen's lips twitch slightly, as though he's holding back a smile. "Natishen. I go by Nash though, mostly." Such a scintillating conversationalist he is, too! Adjusting his seat slightly, he rests his arm and cheek on the railing, positioned just so that he can egg-gaze and relax. "Where'd you come from?"
"Nice to meet you, Nash." Pause. "I'm from Rubicon River Hold. Where're you from?" Daralyn sits down next to Nash, looking forward. "And…what're you doing in here at this hour?"
"Here," Nash replies. Then, as if he realizes that's not much of an answer, he expands upon it. "Xanadu, I mean. Born here, lived here all my life. Just your average weyrbrat." Well, no he's not. He's a Candidate at the moment - but beneath the white knot, he's still a weyrbrat at heart. "As for what I'm doin' here, well, needed some fresh air. Had a bit of an upset belly earlier - long story, that, and decided to grab some fresh air and some egg watching at the same time." He waves his hand, indicating the clutch arrayed before them on the Sands. "Whatcha think o' Xanadu?"
"I like it…I'll probably stay." He smiles. "It beats being back home, and I didn't always fit in there." Translation: He got teased a lot. Daralyn looks down at the eggs. "So…you're a candidate?"
Natishen nods his head absently, his eyes tracking over one egg in particular. "Aye, so Siebeth decided." His lips curl in a dreamy smile. "Won't be long 'fore I'm out there t' Impress my dragon. Can't wait. That's the worst part of all this, you know. The waiting."
Daralyn nods. "Waiting stinks, no matter what it is you're waiting for." Pause. "It's a bit like an unopened door that there's a noise behind. Not knowing…" Shrug. "I know what you mean, Nash. Is there any one egg you're hoping for?"
"I'm not sure," Nash replies thoughtfully. "That one, I like to watch when I'm all hyper an' can't calm down," and he gestures towards the True Enlightenment Egg, "but that one," and now the Lady's Delight Egg is indicated, "that one's very nice. And that one," with a finger pointing to the Faded But Not Forgotten Egg, "it has stories."
Daralyn looks at each in turn. "They…" Pause. "How can you tell that?" He's never had any real experience up close like that with eggs or dragons…his main experience with dragons is summed up as having helped with feeding them, etc.
Natishen opens his mouth, then closes it again, glancing at the other boy out of the corner of his eye. "Uh. It's just - you get a feel for 'em, I guess," he finally answers, sounding lame only to his own ears. "They're just eggs," he adds, somewhat weakly. "But they're, y'know. Dragon eggs." He seems to be having some trouble explaining this, so he gives up. "Might just be my imagination - but it's how they feel to me." He lifts his hand, rubs at his eyes. "Ugh - it's late. I should be heading back to the barracks." However, he seems reluctant to move.
There's a nod from Daralyn. "I know. Dragons are…different." Pause. "Big, strong, can go 'poof' and reappear'…" He notices that Nash looks a bit tired…maybe even outright exhausted. "Want some help getting back?"
Natishen turns his attention from the clutch fully for the first time, and smiles sleepily at Daralyn. "No, but thanks," he says, sincerely. "It's just outside - the barracks are near the 'grounds, I guess so we can get to the Sands fast when the eggs begin to hatch." He rises and moves to go, then pauses, half-turning. "I hope you keep likin' it here, and maybe I'll see you 'round. You like to play kickball?"
"I do." Daralyn grins and rises to follow (at least as far as they'd be going in the same direction). "You like it, too?" He's guessing that the answer is 'yes' based on the question.
"Absolutely. We'll have to play, sometime." Nash grins at the older boy as he winds through the stands, heading for the nearest exit. "Take care, Daralyn, and I'll hunt you down later for some kickball." With a jaunty wave, he scampers out, heading back to the barracks.