Fort Weyr - Center Bowl
The wide center of the bowl is often bustling with activity as riders come and go. Off westward can be seen the entrances for the candidate barracks and the guest weyr, while to the east is a large opening that leads into the dragon infirmary. The bowl stretches off both to the north and to the south, where the sheer stone walls rise steeply to the sky.
c-rus is also awake, obviously, and dealing with his new little blue lizard. The sling has returned to his neck, and in it rests the little one. The little blue is presently sleeping comfortably. Aegnor, on the other hand, is restless and just shifts on Cyrus's shoulder, "I know buddy. It's a busy time." he says as he reaches up to pat the Bronze. The bronze for his part accepts the pat, but glares down at the little one in the sling, "He isn't going to replace you." Cyrus says trying to calm him, "No one could…" he adds with another pat.
Red light on the ground in the night? ALIENS. Ravyal comes to a very abrupt halt at the sight and /sound/, with that brown giving a little shriek of protest as he's pitched forward a little. Yikes! The teen looks around then. There are /suspicions/, of course. And then he finds Ralik, huffing softly. "/Ral/. What are you doing?" Other than scaring the living daylights out of the boy. Cyrus' presence isn't overlooked though, even in the darkness. "You got one too, huh?"
Ralik snorts softly in amusement at Ravyal's reaction, tucking his discs into his belt and meandering over towards the younger man, "What am I doing? Just spending time in the bowl. It's a free Weyr, you know. I'm allowed all kinds of places. What're you doing? Feeding that little pest?" He points at the brown lightly, giving it a curious look before focusing on his brother. Ravyal's attention to Cyrus draws Ralik's eye, however, and he adds, with an arched brow, "Oh, more than one new papa, I see."
Therynn is scurrying across the Central Bowl, knowing all too well that the moons are far too high for her to be out much longer. A thin black cloak billows around her petite form, creating the illusion of a hooded shadow moving across the starlit scenery. Sleep has not come easily for this Candidate either, which seems to be the case for many others as well. After a few serious sessions with the mindhealers after a recent excursion debacle, Rynn was granted supervised immunity from the confines of curfew in the amount of two candle marks day at whatever time she chooses. The crisp midnight air seems to have a particularly soothing effect on a racing mind and heart of palpitations, and is also one of the best cures for insomnia in her opinion. It may be a little weird, but she holds her boots in hands, something about the feeling of the Earth beneath her feet- full contact. As not one but two familiar faces are spotting (also) lurking around, contemplations turn in to full on smirk. The unmistakable screech of tiny firelizard is heard, and Therynn watches Ravyal and ??? while she and Cyrus seem to enter at the same time from opposite directions. "Hey guys.. what're you all doing up this late?" she asks, approaching with a wave and removing hood so she looks a little less creepy.
Kera finally managed to get a more than a few candlemarks or free time, a whole days worth of them in fact. Silly her though didn't think about the time of day at Fort, oh well, someone's liable to be up and about anyway. Aftr getting Moncerath settled the Xanadu greenhealer makes her way towards the caverns, but spots a large group gathered before she gets that far. Eyeing them, her steps turn their way, offering polite nods and appropriate salutes along the way. "Morning everyone."
Cyrus glances over when he hears Rav speak up, and promptly nods, "Yes. I did." he says with a wide smile, "He's a sweet little guy." The Bronze on his shoulder pokes his nose into the side of the candidates head shortly after he says that, "Ow…..hey. Look. He isn't replacing you alright. I can say nice things about him. We are all family now." Cyrus responds, "Geez…" Ralik isn't recognized but the man gets a nod, "Yeah. A nice little blue…" he adds with a continued smile, "Hey Therynn.." he replies with a wave, "Just out for a walk…..feeding….no sleep tonight." he says, opening his mouth to continue but then another voice reaches his ear, "Kera!" he shouts as he begins to peddle his legs in her direction. He makes it to her in short order and stands in front of her, "I'd offer a hug but.." he motions to the little lizard in the sling, "Becoming a father again…" he says offering her a salute instead, "I'm so happy you are here…"
Ravyal frowns just a little. He even tries to cross his arms over his chest, but the small bowl in his hands prevents that from being..easy. He settles for just looking a little miffed. "He's not a /pest/. You're being one, though. What is all../that/?" He waves at the weird glass pieces then, very obviously not knowing what they're all about when…cloaked and hooded, Therynn appears. There's even a moment of tension before he actually recognizes her. "Just..just dealing with this..and my brother." Introductions? Nope, he's not making them at all! After all, with Cyrus shouting, the candidate just stares after him a moment, thoroughly distracted.
"I'm a glasscrafter. This is glass," Ralik says, holding the discs up as if introducing Ravyal to the material for the first time. He glances over Therynn's way first and makes a flippant gesture with one hand, "I'm a full grown man, here. I can be awake whenever I want. You're the ones who are supposed to be stuck in bed, waiting for giant reptiles to talk to you with their brains." That's one way to put it, I guess. He offers a nod over Kera's way, of course, and doesn't do anything near a proper salute. He might, some day, to someone. Who knows?
Kera grins when Cyrus heads over, quickly noticing the new little friend he has. Peeking at the baby lizard "Awww. A cutey. Getting use out of the sling I see." Chuckling a bit, she extends fingers towards Aegnor, offering the older lizard a scratch. "Sorry I've not been able to visit the past couple of sevendays, duties and all." Peering towards the others, Waving to those she recognizes, polite nods and smiles to some she doesn't. "Looks like you're not the only one with another endless stomach to feed."
Therynn head bobs to Cyrus "S'a good night for an adventure.. I was just headin-" catching sight of Kera has another wave flying through the air and she knows that any moment now Cyrus will potentially be (understandably) distracted. "Hey Kera!" the huntress sends with him as he's practically *betweening* her direction. Focus flutters back towards the other two gents "Your brother?" Brow raises, she had no idea and has instant PTSD flashbacks from when her sister came to visit last. She gives Ralik the once over, thinking he look… much different than Ravyal "M'names Therynn.. huntress and Candidate with yer brother here. Well met fully grown glasscrafter man. Sorry to creep and run but I should probably be getting back to the barracks." With that, hood is replaced, and she's off back in to the night from whence she came.
Cyrus nods his head quickly to Kera, "I understand. I have missed ya…" he says with a wide smile, "I'm afraid I have to get going….the time is near…" You can just sort of feel it in the air, "I love you." he says quickly and sort of quietly before he turns on his heels and heads off to the barracks.
Fort Weyr - Galleries
The galleries are carved right out of the rock face, the rows and rows of benches rising high up into the air on a slight slant. Stone and wood benches that used to be known for offering little in the way of comfort, are now padded with cushions in Fort Weyr's colors. Placed along the railing at regular intervals are antique looking baskets filled with cheery fabric flowers. The curving walls sport tapestries in warm vibrant colors that seem to add a dash of color to the otherwise dreary stone. Where the galleries curve slightly at the ends, affording those attending hatchings or clutchings a decent view of the sands, shaded laterns offer warm lighting along the rows of benches.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Doorways to Spirit Realms Egg begins to tremble, those ghostly colors on its shell brightening and gleaming with the sudden movement.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Sairon makes his way in his proper place in line out onto the sands. Only briefly do his eyes look up to the stands before looking back to the resting dam and sire. Both receive a bow of respect before he moves to the line of candidates along the edge of the sands. He looks only slightly nervous, which is generally a big deal for him. It's the excited anticipation though, the kind of sort a kid on their Turnday might have anticipating presents and a great time - not a baby dragon that could maul him. Then again, Sairon is not a man known for logical priorities.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Kayeth rumbles in irritation when candidates /invade/ her Sands, the fiery queen bristling. Nyalle stands at the gold's head and presses a firm hand to her muzzle, ordering her to shuffle back a ways and reveal her clutch to the approaching candidates.
Al'dru stretches out, sprawling and puts his feet up on the ledge in front of him.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Watered Down Tea Egg begins to twitch, rocking back and forth, the liquid illusion on its shell creating small ripples across the surface.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus follows the proper line of candidates as they walk single file into the hatching area. He takes a takes a deep breath, bows properly and follows the others.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Hazelon bows to the clutchparents and slips off to one side. For his part, he doesn't seek out the company of those around him, nor look upwards at the stands. If anything he looks remarkably cool, as if standing in front of the eggs doesn't bother him at all.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Velokraeth rumbles as soothingly as he can to Kayeth but the pale bronze is keeping his distance for now. Just in case. Th'ero remains close to the Weyrwoman, casting her a brief glance before the Candidates begin to arrive. "Here we go," he mutters.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, D'ani arrives to the edge of the sands as slowly as M'icha walks, having come from a different direction. Though the weyrsecond's limp is less pronounced than it has been and he's without the aid of a cane, his steps are careful ones. He's looking as sleepy and rumpled as the candidates, having been somnolent not long ago. Brown eyes sweep the sands and he makes his way to a point somewhere behind the line of candidates where the AWLMs and M'icha are.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Ravyal makes his way out along with the others, already firmly clinging to the hand of another nearby candidate. Amethyst? Yep, that's who he's managed to attach himself to. He hurries along though, and comes up short as the others to in order to bow as respectfully as he can. There's a wince though at a sudden /whooping/ from the galleries, and he glances up as he makes his way further onto the sands.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Therynn was a jumbled mess for a few moments trying to get it together in there. Robe on backwards, shoes on the wrong foot and breaking hair fasteners left and right. She'd finally straightened herself out, hair twisted and secured with chopstick shaped spears, robe on straight, free of stains and shoes on the right feet. Now it's time to try and remember to breath, entering near the end of the Candidate group with a curtseyed bow to the clutchparents and their riders.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Nyalle glances nervously at Th'ero, dipping her head as she forces Kayeth further back, the queen rumbling in her displeasure. Velokraeth. Come here and preen.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst steps out onto the Sands, head held high and gaze straight ahead. There's a flush to her cheeks that gives away her nerves, but otherwise she's schooled her expression into forced calmness. She has Ravyal's hand clasped in hers, with Ciannah holding her other hand as she greets the clutchparents with a deep bow. Then she moves into place, winking encouragingly at the candidates either side of her, and giving the crowd in the galleries a quick look over. She did say she'd look for certain people, after all!
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Brennan bows along with the rest of the Candidates, still not really noticing who's near him at the end of the line as he gazes up at the irritable queen, licking his lips a bit as nerves begin to cut through. There's already some movement from a few of the eggs, drawning his gaze. Just how quickly is everything going to happen?
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Doorways to Spirit Realms Egg begins to crack, long, jagged fissures making their way across the shell, barely holding things together.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Watered Down Tea Egg begins to fracture, small fissures racing across the surface in random patterns.
Zelda is wearing her usual emotionless face, merely standing there with her arms crossed. She peers over at the rider whose feet are propped up on the side. Eyes narrow as she wields her wooden spoon of manly beating. "You shouldn't put your feet up," she begins as she turns to Al'dru. "It's bad enough people slide their hands across and then touch food after." Think of all the foot flavored food. Feets.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus stands as straight as he able to. His face a mask of calm. He does take a quick moment to glance around to take in the moment. He offers Therynn, who he is blessedly near, a quick smile.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Sairon predictably has himself near Cyrus, his arms loosely crossing themselves over his chest. "Just remember: don't scream. If you absolutely have to, make sure it's not high-pitched and girly." He straightens himself back up and looks out towards the eggs, eyes shifting to one then another then another. So much movement to keep track of.
Ralik has whooped at his brother as a way to cheer him on and is now taking his time going through those willing to bet among the watchers. He has a little pad to keep track of things and even has the morbid tally for possible maulings open to take guesses at.
Al'dru glances over. "It's not hurting anyone, unless you want to eat off this spot? If so, then my apologies." He actually takes a moment to look at the seat a bit below him. "Don't think it's clean enough to eat from really."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Therynn murmurs to Brennan (whether he realizes he's near-ish yet or not) and Cyrus (who thank the shells she ended up right next to) "Oh my.. they're wasting no time." Hazel eyes are wide with glee and fright a few nervous nods down the line to other's glances who also happen to be spinning around the room. Gathering her bearings with a deep breath she shifts from one foot to the other. She doesn't remember the sands being so hot in the past. A soft smile is shared with those around, looking to Ravyal before there's a nod and chuckle for Sairon's comment. "Good advice."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Velokraeth cautiously approaches Kayeth, still rumbling between his humming and when she permits (orders him) his presence he will settle himself down beside her and do what he always does to keep her happy (and not chasing everyone off). His eyes whirl at a quicker pace when two eggs begin to wobble and crack with others soon to follow. Th'ero, meanwhile, steps closer to Nyalle now that Kayeth seems distracted but he says nothing. His attention is out on the sands.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Ravyal is still breathing. That's good. That's a very good sign. There's encouragement taken of course in the other candidates near him, gaze directing toward those eggs that are /moving/. There's a glance now and again at the others, but for the most part it seems that the teen's attention is riveted to those eggs.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Nyalle steps closer to Th'ero as well, her attention torn between her lifemate and the clutch, while Kayeth submits to Velokraeth's attentions with a lash of her tail.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Doorways to Spirit Realms Egg shatters, egg fragments falling away in graceful arcs to land upon the hot sands, giving birth to the creature within.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~< Hidden Wellspring of Strength Bronze Hatchling >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, As though freshly wrought from the very alloy his color is named for, he is forged of a bright and vibrant polished bronze. His hide is the danger, beauty and gleam of fire and metal, his body shaped for fluid and grace despite his size. Small though he may be for a bronze, he holds a surprising amount of strength and endurance in his unassuming frame. Lively and energetic, his lean and athletic build is proportionate from the tip of his muzzle and the fine boned features and broad, wedged-shaped head to the very end of his tail and the dark curve of his taloned feet. Bronze remains pure and unblemished over most of his frame, polished to a fine gleam and shine even without the use of oil. Yet one cannot be without some variance and shades of copper-bronze surface between his rounded headknobs and down over his forehead, ending just above his eyeridges in a gradual tapered point. It sweeps back over the strong curve of his neck and the ridges there and down the length of his back. Branching out over his shoulders, his wing arms and the top of his long, slender tail, even his limbs have a winding strip of copper that follows the natural curve of his musculature, enhancing his features rather than detracting from it. His wings are broad and wide, tapered in just the right way to be balanced to his frame and promising of strength, elegance and endurance when in flight.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With Th'ero, Nyalle and D'ani on the sands at the moment, the leadership seats on the hatching sands are taken up only by the two junior goldriders. Inri's dressed in some sort of new finery and wearing the full Fort Weyr jewel set she purchased from Amethyst. She is also doing her best to ignore whatever Jajen is saying and is gently sipping her wine — until a bronze hatches first. "Good luck!" she calls, despite knowing Nyalle can't hear her.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus nods his head to Sairon, "I'll keep that in mind…" he replies softly. His attention is then drawn by Therynn who gets a grin and then when the egg hatches he directs his attention to the sands.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Hazelon continues to remain utterly silent while the others mutter to one another. His hands have found their way behind his back and clasp one another, his feet settled into an easy stance, like he is ready to move at a moments notice requires it. The first egg to hatch draws his gaze and he watches, wary.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst squeezes Ravyal's hand when the first egg cracks - "Bronze! Look, Ravy! He could be yours! Bronze first is lucky, isn't it?" She looks down at him with a huge grin, part-nerves, part-excitement, then looks back to the newly-hatched dragon, eyes set on him to watch his progress.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, D'ani smiles as the first to hatch is a bronze. Good luck, so tradition says. He and Dremkoth cannot argue with that!
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Brennan finally registers both Cyrus and Rynn near him, and he gives the Healer a short nod before shooting Rynn a tiny, faintly unsettled smile. Sairon's crack earns a snort, though it's an appreciative one…and speaking of cracks, some of the eggs have them already. Rynn's comment is well-timed. "Guess not," he says, clearing his throat of the requisite just-woke-up crud that makes itself known upon first speaking. Suddenly, the not-really-white eggs bursts open, and the hunter simply stares at the incredible bronze that's revealed, his breath inadvertently catching. "Bronze… I've heard that's a good start, eh?" he says, perhaps not loud enough to be easily audible.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Sairon gives an approving nod of his head as the first to hatch is bronze. "A good formed little guy too, real nice color." He murmurs appreciatively as he regards the firsthatched with a widening grin. "Speaks good for the rest of the clutch."
Ralik isn't of any particular importance, even if he is technically a journeyman crafter, so he's mostly hanging out with the general population while he takes bets on what's going to be what and whatever else is interesting right now. He still whoops when the first dragonet hatches, partially to cheer on his brother, partially to bug him.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Therynn is stopped dead in her tracks when the first egg shatters, jaw dropping to the floor as the vibrant bronze hatchling makes an appearance. "Oooo…" she says to the guys on each side, eyes now straight ahead "… and a bronze starts it. Seems like a good start to me." Tensions rise for the huntress when the rumbling gold dragon tail lashes. That look Brennan gave her is like non other she's seen before. When the fell hunter turned Candidate is close enough she grabs his hand and gives it a squeeze.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus just stands there smiling, "Good." he says when Sairon speaks up about it being a sign of good luck, "He is very pretty."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Neutral is all the Rage! Egg begins to shimmy across the sands, rocking back and forth in a rhythmic way.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Ravyal shakes his head, attention momentarily unsettled. "M…mine? I've heard..it's good luck." Possibly good luck anyway for whoever might have been taking bets on such an outcome. The teen shifts on his feet though, his gaze flicking immediately back again toward the eggs..and that loose hatchling.
"Excuse me. Sorry. Excuse me. Would you move your feet? Excuse me —" Zhirayr is late. He's been busy in the other room, okay, with setting up for the post-Hatching feast that everybody's looking forward to — you know, the spot where you figure out just how many marks you actually lost? Yeah. That one. He's also stepping on a few feet, although not many, as he squirms his way past the crowds into a front-row seat. It might have been saved for him. It might not. It might or might not have actually been meant as a saved seat, or a seat at all — for that matter, it might or might not have been big enough to count as a seat for anyone other than a very skinny firelizard. No matter. Zhirayr's going to sit there anyway, because it's got the best available view of… well, whatever's going on. It's not like he as a clue before he makes it down.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Hidden Wellspring of Strength Bronze Hatchling shakes himself free of the last of his egg and lifts his head to peer about curiously. Uh. Alright, this is new. He has an idea of where to go too but first… time to get to his feet! Which takes a moment, as his wings get in the way and he almost sends himself sprawling with his stumbling steps. Oops! There we go!
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Watered Down Tea Egg breaks open, shards spilling onto the sands and spilling a brown dragonet unceremoniously into the world. *drop*
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~< Transformation of the Spirit Brown >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, The rich, loamy darkness of fertile earth after a thirst quenching storm is the hallmark of this stocky, sturdy brown dragon. Muscular even just out of the shell, his hide ripples with his strength, colors shifting with his movement and the play of light across his dark brown hide. Bands of lighter hues cross his muzzle and eyeridges like paint, subtle but present especially when close. Umber hues swirl over his neck and neckridges, dropping down to pool into darkness between his wings. Sails are massive, wide and strong, darkness gleaming with flecks of copper within, almost in the pattern of the stars. His tail is shorter than normal and a bit stumpy, but its strength will no doubt be of assistance as he grows. Talons are dark brown and nearly black, tipped with grey on the underside curve. His paws, as well, are tinted grey. Not from a lack of health, but just his natural coloration. Hints of dark green are also faintly visible across the swirling pattern of his hide, subtle in their gentle undulations along curved muscles.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Hazelon steps back a single step then forces himself to stop.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus keeps his eyes fixed on the sands, "There's a brown." he annouces, "And he looks strong." he adds.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, F'rari, the most green of the assistant weyrlingmasters (no pun intended, of course) is, at the moment, mostly watching Kayeth with a little bit of nervous wariness. The skinny nineteen-turn-old is younger than a fair number of the candidates and it'll be something to see him ordering them around, but he's proven a good teacher … though for now one who is more distracted by the clutchdam than paying all that much attention to the bronze. It's when the second egg hatches that he redirects his focus.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Transformation of the Spirit Brown lifts himself up and shakes himself off, standing with shoulders hunched and body rounded. For a moment the hatchling simply stands there, and then slowly his wings extend, showing off their already massive width. Giving them a shake he begins to amble forward with an awkward, rolling gait.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst nods to Ravyal, though she doesn't actually look at him. "Could be yours… but so could that brown! Ooh, I liked that egg. Isn't he handsome?" Her brown eyes fix on the brown, occasionally flickering over to the bronze.
Kera detoured only to gather her lizards before joining the crowds rushing towards the galleries. One lizard clutched gently but securely cradled in her arm, the other wobbles on a shoulder perch. She makes her way towards a padded bench in the upper nosebleed rows as the eggs start twitching even more, and cracking. Soon the white robes are rushing onto the sands and hatchlings are spilling out of shells.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Wrapped in Tranquility Egg begins to shudder, shaking the petals from the leaves as the heat shimmers across the shell's surface.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Therynn eeks as the bronze hatchling takes a tumble and there's suddenly there is a large brown hatching from one of the shells she admired so. "Rockin' n'rollin.." another deep breath and she's swallowing hard, the dusty heat coating the passageways to lungs as she does so.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Brennan is hardly aware of the fact that he's squeezing Rynn's hand right back, his eyes glued to that impressive bronze - which almost trips over himself, eliciting a slight frown. Then…yes, there's yet another one tumbling out of its shell - a handsomely sturdy brown. He nods vaguely as he hears Amethyst's assessment, but is otherwise silent, gaze flicking back and forth between the newly hatched.
It is perhaps fortunate that Yhri is a night avian, for her wont to stay up in front of her computer into the dark hours of the night seems to have served her in good stead tonight. Cikitsakath warned her when the time came and so she was among the first down here, taking her spot relatively front and center. She did not, however, opt to redress for the occasion and is quite content to be in her loose jade tunic and unbleached linen lounging trous, clearly designed for sleeping or at least being comfortable in one's weyr. She's got on a pair of taupe slippers as well, and cares not that she lacks a knot. Anyone who matters should know who the short brownrider is and she's got enough swagger in her stride to push back any who don't. Having claimed a seat in the front row she's got a good view of the action and is delighted that a bronze hatches first, followed shortly by a brown, recalling her own Impression to her cocoa lifemate half a lifetime ago.
Al'dru waves a lazy hand at Janja, inviting her to sit with him.
Mirinda is also late, and moving to sit near the front of the galleries. Just in case of the just in cases, because maulings don't really happen anymore, right? (She has not heard that's what happened to Lana.) She has a medical bag with her, and is refusing any and all offer of drink. While she casts a glance at Ralik and watches the exchanges, she doesn't speak up. That doesn't mean she isn't paying attention.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Hidden Wellspring of Strength Bronze Hatchling has the hang of it now! Kind of. Not that a few tips or stumbles will stop him. He's caught sight of those Candidates and his curiosity draws him in. Hey there! Hmm. Nope, not quite right. The first few are passed without a second glance. You? Nope. You? Hmm… no. Oh well! He just goes with the flow of things, unhurried — for now.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Ravyal chews on his bottom lip a little bit. "Could be yours too.." At least the brown. /Probably/ not the bronze for Amethyst. "They're coming.." At least he doesn't look terribly panicked about that part of things. If he needs to get out of the way though, he's quite ready for it, watching the brown and bronze both as they make their way towards the candidates.
Zelda ignores Al'dru for a moment and peers at Ralik, deadpan. "They all get mauled." Alright, Pernese Wednesday Addams.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Transformation of the Spirit Brown pauses and lifts his muzzle, sniffing a few times with a low grunted sound in his chest. Then he moves forward again, prowling towards the Candidates and eying them closely. His clutchbrother is ignored, his focus elsewhere. Again, wings extend, shake, and fold against his sides. While his brother is going with the flow, this brown is more intent on his search, though both seem to be heading in the same general direction.
(That means Mirinda heard Zelda's comment too, and it makes her blanch just a little bit.)
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Neutral is all the Rage! Egg begins to crack, fissures racing between the spots of brown. Perhaps it is playing a game of connect the dots.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Sairon reaches up a hand to drag fingers back through his hair, grimacing as he rubs his fingers against one another. "…how is there sand in my hair already?" He sighs, though looks up past his hand towards the approaching bronze and brown. "Heads up, guys." He says and slowly drops both his arms. Yeah, let's not look even remotely threatening to sharp-toothed things. "We got incoming."
Following Kera is Innes, who's happily here to support (or mock) the terrified candidates on the sands. She plops herself down beside her friend, wrinkling her nose in distaste for her choice in seats. "You sure you want to sit up here? I've got clout, you know. I bet they'd make room for a visiting goldrider."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Hazelon watches the progression of both brown and bronze. Slightly, just slightly, his feet dig into the sands as he shifts his weight. Flight is very much a possibility here. His face remains flat though, with just the slightest of frowns.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst squeezes Ravyal's hand more tightly. She's also chewing on her bottom lip as she watches the progress of the hatchlings. "Could be…" Because the brown could be hers, right? Her teeth press down into her bottom lip, suppressing the grin that can't help but grow at that thought.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus nods to Sairon when he makes his comment about incoming, "So it would seem…." he replies softly. Calmness still showing on his face, "Just hang in there…" he says to Therynn, Sai, and Brennan.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Wrapped in Tranquility Egg shakes more violently and cracks form, racing out from a central point in beautiful angles that will last but a moment.
Janja arrives late as normal. She saunters in with a twitter and waves back at Al'dru. "Ooooo….Hi! How is it going so far? Did I miss anything?" She pushes her way through the crowd to his ide and sits in the offered seat. "Tell me all about it!"
Al'dru smiles at the bubbly blonde next to him now. "Oh, you've not missed much. No blood and gore." He traces a finger down her nose. "Just me getting yelled at for my terrible visiting manners. Anyhow, I'd have waited for you darling, if you told me you wanted to see."
Ralik doesn't react poorly to Zelda at all, simply striking down her bet before he continues on taking words from people. He doesn't seem to be doing it for actual marks, really, just as a matter of fun. Even if his brother is down there, he seriously doubts Zelda's going to come out on top with it. If she does, well, Ralik will at least be able to tell his brother 'I told you so,' so everybody wins. Except the candidates.
Inri glares at the sands just a little, as watching the dragonets keeps distracting her so she can't do parts of her actual job. Tracking dragon lineage? Difficult to do in real time when the hatchings just keep happening. "Bronze … brown …" she mutters to herself, and then gives Wrapped in Tranquility the sort of look that says 'you better slow it down.' Once she has a moment to breathe, she calls out, "You! Glasscrafter. What's the most outlandish bet you've gotten?"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Incoming? Brennan snaps to a bit more at that pronouncement coming from a few different quarters. Is he aware of his legs? Yes, yes he is. And he's prepared to move them if he needs to get out of the way; that bronze or brown might take a wrong step at any moment. Well, perhaps the bronze might. "Not goin' anywhere," he says, though if he's replying to Cyrus or not is a bit up in the air. Hopefully Therynn isn't intent on giving up her hand anytime soon.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Therynn feels pretty frozen for how dang hot it is in here. The hatchlings begin to survey the Candidates, bronze passing by a few, brown shaking it off. The grip on held hand intensifies and she can't believe how calm Cyrus is about this… ok maybe she can, but still! That Tranquility Egg is not so tranquil with it's violent cracking. "Thanks.." is said to Cyrus, a raised brow but no turn of face for what Brennan says from the other side of her.
"Other than the notion that everybody's going to die, you mean?" Yeah, Zhirayr's voice carries pretty well. Of course, he's also seated all of, like, three people away from Inri, and one of those is another goldrider. "Or did you mean of all time?"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Hidden Wellspring of Strength Bronze Hatchling slows for a moment as he spies his brown clutch sibling, head tilting to the side in curious observation. Oh! Is… that how it's done then? Huh! Focus. Focus… aha! With a delighted warbling, he picks up the pace, weaving his way through a few Candidates as he goes and somehow manages not to run afoul of any of them (or they're just good at dodging!). At last, he comes to a stop by one young man, who hopefully isn't dodging as he's approaching! Otherwise… well, hunter becomes hunted, right?
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, With a triumphant cry it seems that the Hidden Wellspring of Strength Bronze Hatchling has found its partner at last and impression is made!
Zahleizjah is among the late arrivals, trotting in to a full galleries and squeaking around a few people to find a good spot for her short self to get a view from.
Kera spots Innes coming up the steps and waves, scooching over to make room for her friend. "Morning Nessi." A little smirk and headshake when her friend complains about her seat selection. "Nah, ya can see nearly everything here well enough, and not quite as crowded in as down there." She gestures towards the lower rows, soon to be packed shoulder to shoulder. She was distracted and missed the first impression, but looks quickly towards the hatchling's happy cries.
Janja giggles even louder. "Oh you naughty boy." She shakes her finger in Al'dru's face to chastise him. Bronzer firmly in his place, she squirms in her seat as if somehow that will make the bench more comfortable. "Oh, do you like my new skirt? I just finished the pattern today. I especially like the vines around the hem."
Al'dru takes his eyes off the rather daunting sight of baby dragons to give Janja a good look over. "You always look good in everything. You're going to wear your eyesight out with the embroidery though." He moves just enough that she can lean on him. "Now, love. We're supposed to be watching those poor souls down there get a dragon or three."
Ralik looks over at Inri, his eyebrows shooting up before he smiles somewhat wryly and answers, "All due respect, but normally I don't jump to being called 'you.' As far as outlandish bets and Hatchings, somebody once bet that all the dragons would be green for some reason. He didn't win. Her bet's pretty decent, but not all that shocking considering how many babies used to maul the ever-loving cordwood out of candidates." He shrugs casually enough, propping up against a decent ridge so he can peer down at the Sands.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Th'ero's shoulders drop a little as the first eggs hatch and the first Impression is made. The Weyrleader smiles faintly, looking sidelong to Nyalle. "Bronze first. Good sign!" he tells her, offering his arm to the Weyrwoman if she so wishes to take it. "Quick to choose too. And a brown now."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Transformation of the Spirit Brown isn't exactly subtle in his approach, as much as he might try to prowl. With only two dragons on the sands, it's hard to miss him when he walks around behind the Candidates. Sneaking up on his chosen (or so he thinks), his muzzle extends to give her shoulder a firm, slightly unsteady bump.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, With a triumphant cry it seems that the Transformation of the Spirit Brown has found its partner at last and impression is made!
"Well, I don't know your name," Inri points out in the most friendly but beleaguered way possible. "And I have actually heard that one before, I didn't know it was reall. I thought the all-greens thing was a joke." She actually looks a little pleased that it wasn't — and then distracted again, because two Impressions, she's got to pay close attention to get those names down for her list.
Innes cranes her neck to get a better look at the dragons and candidates down on the sands. "Yeah, but you can't see the fear on their faces as well from here," she argues, but doesn't seem to be making any move to actually get closer. She'll just complain about it from here! "So, are we cheering for our crazy ex-mindhealer, then?"
There's familiar faces and unfamiliar faces, though among the familiar are some that the brownrider has seen but never gotten a name for. No matter, the most important thing is what's going on down below and that's where Yhri's focus is largely granted, her hazel eyes keen as the Wingleader watches those pairings made and wonders if any of them might be good fodder — er, potential — for Haast down the line. When the bronze finally makes his choice known she cheers for that first Impression made, lifting a fist in the air in a triumphant pump for a choice well made and without gore. The Impression of that brown draws her attention, so near and dear to her heart, and she cheers with delight to see who the brown went to, clapping riotously.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Brennan shuffles half a step back as the bronze comes his way…and freezes. Stares. His mind…there's another in his head…and right in front of him, and filling a space he didn't know existed within him with something indescribable. "Wh…" It's just air that escapes him, and suddenly the most incredible grin leaps to his face. "T… Tovihasuth. Yeah…me too." Hands are placed gently on the little bronze's head, and suddenly the baby dragon is moving, and Brennan - Br'enn - is on his feet. "Ah…no, follow me. I really think y' probably don't know!" The way to food, that is! And the newly bonded pair heads for someone with a solution.
With a rather dramatic sort of bow, Ralik introduces himself, "Ralik, then. That one there is my brother." He points down in the general direction of Ravyal, but doesn't seem tied to the idea that anyone will be all that able to focus on any one of the candidates at the moment, especially considering the dragons have started choosing people. He scratches down a couple things in his little notepad, making a soft huffing sound of either amusement or interest, following it up with, "Always good when a crazy person gets a large fire-breathing, sharp-tooth-and-claw-having psychic life buddy, yeah?"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Ravyal holds his breath for just a moment. That breathing thing? He's taking a break from it while the dragons approach and actually /make/ their impressions. Wide eyes take it in, bouncing just a few times on his toes. "Brennan..! Therynn!" Amethyst's hand is given a tug to make sure she's looking as well. /Look/!
Janja gives a great heaving sigh as she leands up against Al'dru. "Yes, I suppose so. It's always so much fun standing out there though. You get to see so much better right on the sands." She snuggles a little closer. "Tovihasuth? Is that what he said? Oh it's so loud."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Oh, that would be F'rari! He doesn't really know Brennan, but the gangly greenrider still grins and waves him over. "Tovihasuth and lifemate!" Kedizeth got the dragon's name, and F'rari heard it too, but Br'enn's new name remains a mystery. "Food's right this way, good sirs!"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst applauds when Brennan Impresses, calling out excitedly for the newly formed pair. "Well done, Bren! Tovihasuth! Congratulations!" And then Therynn, too! "Therynn! He's lovely! Congratulations!"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Hazelon's stance relaxes just slightly as that pair of baby dragons stays far far away from him. The frown is washed away when they impress, leaving his face impassive again. Two down, seven to go.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Skyler has a lump in his throat. He is still finding this almost surreal that he of all people is on the sands. There's a glance towards Cyrus, and he just barely controls himself and resists sticking a tongue out at him. He's watching the dragons and he's holding his breath. But it lets out after a moment as they both find there own partner. "Oh! Oh!" he can't help but be glad though. "Cool! Yay! Oh wow! It's really happening!"
Kera watches tiny bronze choose one of the white robed figured, then slips her attention to the brown cirling behind a group. Innes's comments earns an amused eyeroll as she flashes a grin to Innes. "Don't worry, you'll be able to savor the shellshocked expression that freezes on their faces later." A quick wink to the goldrider, peering back to the sands, a little nod at the question. "If you mean candidate Cyrus, then yes….he's over there." Kera points out a group of white robed figures as the brown dragonet pounces his chosen.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus watches as Brennan is the first of impressions, "Congrats…" he says to the new pair as they pass by, "It is happening." he says to Skyler with a slight smile.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Sairon watches the once-candidate and his new bronze head for the edge of the sand, a faint grin on his face. "Good match." He murmurs as his eyes turn away from the now empty patch next to Cyrus and towards the brown as he finds his parter as well. "So far so good." He says, "No one bleeding and two well-made impressions. Not done yet."
Al'dru pets the goldling he's acquired for the evening. "I know dear. But you'll just have to bear with it. And if it's not your lovely lady, you don't get to stay on the sands." He smiles though, no real heat in his words for the blonde. "But you'll have your chances again, you know."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Neutral is all the Rage! Egg finally shatters, egg shards falling away like confetti onto the hatching grounds and spilling its damp occupant out into the world.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~< Wandering Storyteller Bronze >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Dusty, aged bronze shimmers across the hide of this sturdy dragon. Strength is present, even just after hatching, in his limbs and the curve of his neck. Dusty brown flecked with gold curves around his rounded muzzle, the gold dusting highlighting his neckridges and headnobs. The dust continues over the tops of each neckridge, glimmering in the sunlight, while beneath that shimmer is a brown and bronze coloration, faint bands of colors ranging from bright bronze to black, and occasionally swirling together in muted mingling. The lines are not distinct, each edge smudged and flowing along the natural build of his sturdy frame. His wings are long and broad, perfect for gliding and lengthy flight, their sails shimmering with faint greenish hues that almost look like tendrils of growing things, a tarnished bronze in contrast to the black and gold veins that decorate his spars. His talons are black with gold tendrils running through them, tapering to a pure white point, and those colors also make up his tail, muted but textured with an aged depth. His coloring is not new. It is ancient, it is weathered by sand and sun, though parts of him still retain his metallic gleam that gives no question to his color.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Eternal Blue Egg begins to shudder, rocking slowly back and forth in an easy, rhythmic fashion.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Wandering Storyteller Bronze pushes himself slowly to his feet with a low rumble. The pitch rises and falls, flute-like and almost like a song, remembered from a time long past. Giving himself a little shake his body curves, back and shoulders arching upwards. He holds that hunchbacked pose for a moment before his body elongates and he moves forward again, one paw in front of the other across the sandy ground.
Zhirayr's attention is caught, sooner or later, by the blanching going on on Mirinda's face — in relation to all the conversation about mauling and death, since it's not like these hatchlings have been anything but well-behaved (so far). "You all right?" he asks her mildly.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Therynn is none the wiser as Brennan is metaphorically swept off his feet by the bronze. "Yay.." she says with a genuine smile clapping softly as they depart. For as keen as her senses usually are, it takes a moment before she realizes that studly brown has disappeared. She looks right, and then left and receives a nudge from behind. "Mazzolyth? Me.." she can hardly believe it, the warmth and comfort of the hatchlings presence wrapping around her. "From end to end.." she repeats out loud, her own stomach grumbling as the first sensations of their connection arise. "That feels weird.." is giggled. "Lets get you some food." As she wraps her arms around the hatchling a "Thanks." Is said to congratulations, while suddenly everything on Pern feels right and complete. 'Rynn' and Mazzolyth are not far behind Br'enn, looking forward to that which lies ahead.
Speaking of crazy people with sharp-tooth-and-claw-having psychic life buddies… Innes heaves an exaggerated sigh and seems to relent, at least for the moment. "They won't be nearly as terrified, though. They might wet themselves over here." And wouldn't that be a sight worth seeing? She follows the direction of Kera's pointing finger, squinting until she pinpoints Cyrus out there. "Didn't he hate us dragonriders, or something? Funny."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, D'ani perhaps shouldn't be out here given his inability to dodge quickly. But he is and when the brown impresses to Theyrnn, he moves towards her with a bit of a smirk. "Well now. He's going to be something to keep you from runner riding for awhile, isn' he? Rynn is it now? He's a handsome fellow. Follow me, please." And he leads them off the sands to where M'icha awaits.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst squeezes Ravyal's hand. "Look, Ravy! Another bronze - he's beautiful, don't you think? I hope he's yours!" She's hopping a little in place now, the heat finally getting to her feet. "It's getting hot, isn't it?"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Wrapped in Tranquility Egg finally breaks open, the fragments of shell falling away to reveal the egg-wet hatchling within, curled up in a tight little ball.
Janja brightens at the reminder. "Yes, of course we will." She straightens up to watch the hatching, and brushes off her skirt yet again. "Another bronze. Think he's going to choice quickly? Sometimes they get lost out there. Wander around and around." She waves her hand in a circular motion to imitate a last dragonet.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Skyler can't help but catch his breath again as the bronze shatters out of it's shell. No, certainly not done. Then there's the other one. Moving in it's shell still. "Just watch the way he moves." he says with a voice of awe as his gaze turns back towards the bronze. He shakes his head somewhat. There's just another glance towards Cyrus and then he grins brightly "Isn't it the coolest?!?"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~< Rising Winter's Dawn Green Hatchling >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Frosted green glass worn smooth by time's gentle hand sculpts itself into this dragon's form. No sharp angles for this lady, this princess of a green. Everything is smooth and rounded, except for the wickedly sharp points of her pale green talons. Shadows seem to play beneath the surface of her hide, promising a depth to her mind that mirrors itself in her keen, attentive gaze. Her body is rounded, a bit short and a bit stocky for her color, a compact little bundle of power. Color darkens along the curve of her neck and her limbs, tendrils of seamless color gradiating from darkness to light and almost changing depending on which angle you look at her. Her wings though, oh, her wings, are glorious. Long, narrow and tapered, with translucent pale emerald sails, her wings are perfectly symmetrical to each other, a testament to swift flight and pure speed. She could turn on a mark with those wings, and her compact body only makes them seem to stretch out all the more. Her muzzle is likewise elongated, as is her tail, colors deepening to a rich jade at its fork. Her limbs are small, narrow, and seem almost like they couldn't hold her up. Her proportions are just a bit odd, but everything works to the advantage of flight.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If Inri knew he meant the weaver, she'd be even more thrilled to meet him; as it stands she seems pretty happy anyway. Because that's what Inri does; she loves everybody. "Well met, Ralik, I'm Inri. And I assure you, none of our candidates are crazy. We evaluate for that sort of thing."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Sairon blinks as the third egg to hatch disgorges another bronze. "Wow, two bronzes. Shiny clutch." He mutters with a chuckle full of a toothy grin. Skyler's question over towards Cyrus earns the healer-candidate a raised brow expression. He doesn't say a think though, just waits for an answer. Even if he does keep his other eye on the dragons.
Al'dru moves to sit a bit more upright, He mutters to Janja, "… to fall… I going to get… snuggling… Don't want… to… I'm… territory."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Hazelon watches the two newcomers to the sands, shifting in place a bit. No, his arms fall to his side from where they had clasped behind. No, don't move.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus nods his head at Skylers question, "I've not seen anything quite like this before." he responds to the young candidate. He watches as Therynn is too chosen and murmurs a word of congrats as she passes by.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Ravyal glances briefly at Amethyst, almost laughing. "You're really going to throw me at one of them, aren't you." He /suspects/. There's a brief chew to his bottom lip though, taking another calming breath as more of those eggs fall apart and plunk their occupants into the sands. "Still..that's a lot of bronze..on and a little one.."
"Hm?" Mirinda's eyes are torn away from the sands just to place the sound of Zhirayr's voice, and she turns to face him (allowing her the convenience of also knowing who's speaking to her). "Oh. I'm fine. I'm here in case of injuries, but was pretty sure that maulings were extremely rare these days? Egg touchings and all?" Weyrlife: still not her expertise.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Wandering Storyteller Bronze tracks a path in the sand as he moves, his steps steady despite being newly hatched. He moves forward with purpose but with ease, knowing where he's going but not in any real hurry to get there. The seasons will change as they will. He'll just nudge things along a bit. Approaching the line of Candidates he begins to move down that line, pausing to sniff and stare, and then moving on, down that long line.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Rising Winter's Dawn Green Hatchling shakes herself free of the last of her egg and instantly she becomes shy and timid. Nervous, even and rather than move forwards, she begins to awkwardly step backwards, wings tucked tight to her sides once she sorts them out.
Janja gives a very nervous giggle. She mutters to Al'dru, "… you probably shouldn't… him if you… best not… snuggle… closely… After… good…"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst laughs at Ravyal. Her nerves seem to be fading. "Maybe I will!" She waggles her eyebrows, before her attention's caught by the little green. "Ooooh. Look at her! Isn't she gorgeous?"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Kayeth extends her muzzle towards the nervous little green, crooning a soft and gentle encouragement. Go on, little one. Go find your rider. Nothing to be scared of here.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus keeps his eyes on the bronze who seems to be walking the line, at least until the green makes an appearance. He can't help but smile, "Awww…she's shy." he says to no one in particular.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Hazelon turns his gaze away from the dragons for a moment, instead watching his fellow candidates.
Al'dru reaches up to tuck an errant strand of hair behind Janja's ear. He mutters to Janja, "… I'm… a half-mark, I'm… dragon…" He pauses. "Good is merely a matter of perspective, darling. I'm not even going to guess all that you may be good at."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Eternal Blue Egg fractures, cracks spreading across the surface of the egg's shell, creating patterns and islands where before there was nothing but a uniformity of blue.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Sairon looks to the tiny green, nodding in agreement with Cyrus. "Not too often you see one that's not at least walking /at/ us as opposed to away. Poor girl looks spooked. Guess I can't blame her. I can't imagine how crazy this all has to be.. well, maybe a bit. This is crazy. But, their's gotta be a whole 'nother view."
Kera stifles her chuckle at Innes's….quirkiness. "Too bad it's not praela down there bout to wet herself." Flashing a quick glance to her friend then attention does right back to the choas below. "Wow, the dragonets are wasting no time in their choices huh?" Thoughts about what Cyrus hates or doesn't gets a shrug. "He did have a few issues to work through." Understatement of the sevenday. "Oh look, finally a green."
Zelda begins dry heaving and turning away from the mushy pair. Must they so close to meal time? She leans on Ralik for a moment before adjusting her composure. "No maulings." Much dissappoint.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Skyler glances over at the green at the mention of her from Cyrus and then looks thoughful "Kinda like Rav." he notes and then looks around for said candidate "Whatcha think of her? She is pretty nifty looking though. Oh hey! There's another looking like it'll almost hatch!"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Wandering Storyteller Bronze continues on down the line, peering at faces and rumbling softly at each negative. Hmm. He's not anxious though, it just means he hasn't found his One yet. Then there is a break in the line, a gap where Candidates should be. His head lifts to peer at one on the outskirts, on the edges of the group, and with a rising flute-song of joy, the bronze moves forward to meet his One.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, With a triumphant cry it seems that the Wandering Storyteller Bronze has found its partner at last and impression is made!
Inri's managing to keep a much better pace now; she's scribbled down Brennan and Tovihasuth next to that first 'bronze,' and added Therynn and Mazzolyth as well as noting that a green had hatched — and just as she's pretty sure she's spelling all of the dragons' names right thanks to her own lifemate, the bronze Impresses. "I need a better system," she mutters to no one in particular (or perhaps everyone).
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Ravyal gives a faint nod of his head. It's difficult, keeping an eye on two different dragons. That bronze is being eyed quite a bit, but when his attention turns away, he looks back to the little green going..backward. "She is, but…she's sort of going backward." Which is certainly not the right way. Skyler is heard, of course, and the teen tilts his head that way instead with a faint smile. "I guess…kinda, yeah. She is pretty though."
Janja gasps and pulls away from Al'dru, blushing slightly. She gives the other rider a light mock slap on the shoulder. "OH you bad bad boy!" she exclaims, but with a smile.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Beauty in Simple Patterns Egg rolls a little, tapping against another nearby egg in curious solidarity. Is it time yet? Is it? No … maybe it isn't. Motion descends again into stillness.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Rising Winter's Dawn Green Hatchling freezes when Kayeth croons to her in gentle encouragement and her head turns back to the waiting lines of Candidates. Her chest swells with a deep breath and she begins to tentatively inch forwards this time. She's going the right way now! Closer and closer, though her shyness has her giving a wide berth to some of the Candidates. No, no… stay away! Her steps quicken and at last she finds what she seeks and she's sure of it and she whistles in relief to have found him.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, With a triumphant cry it seems that the Rising Winter's Dawn Green Hatchling has found its partner at last and impression is made!
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst's watching the little green, teeth pressed into her bottom lip. "She is, isn't she? She looks… shy?" Kayeth's encouraging nudge is given an aaaw… and then the little green's moving!
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, From almost ready to run to total stillness in seconds flat Hazelon's impassive expression falls away the instant that bronze finds his gaze. His shoulders droop as he stares. "Kainaesyth…." And he's at a loss for words, the name of his forever slipping through on the barest whisper of breath. "I," another pause as he reaches forward to that calm and bubbling presence. "We can be findin' food for you…" Shaken to the core the always composed young man leads his new life towards the edge and not the exit he had been expecting to take today.
"Wouldn't that be amazing? I'd pay good money to see her get dragged off the sands screeching again." Innes heaves a wistful sigh at the thought. If only. Another bronze seems to have hatched and impressed, but since the goldrider doesn't know most of these candidates, her response is nothing more than a shrug. "It seems slower than it did when we were down there." But that was probably the terror getting in the way. She nods, not fully informed about those 'issues' beyond what she picked up here and there. "Good for him, I guess."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst nearly missed the Impression of Hazelon and his bronze what with watching the green, but manages to turn around in time to hear him call out the dragons name. "Hazelon! Congratulations!"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus watches as Haze is chosen by the bronze and grins, "Good on you…" he says to the pair as they make their way off to find something to eat.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Sairon watches the bronze walk past to see it impress to Hazelon. His brows raise, blinking once. Twice. "Huh. Well, they always manage to surprise ya." He lets out a breathy huff of a laugh before he looks to the remaining candidates. Far fewer, now, as he sees the green impress as well.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Skyler blinks a moment at the sounds of congrats. "Huh? What?! Oh! Hey! Cool! Way to go!" he cheers as he grins at Hazelon and then he's twisting and leaning around to see just who the green went after.
Al'dru reaches back out to tickle Janja slightly. He mutters to Janja, "… dear,… relax… You know I… real harm, and… what… you cooking… that…"
"K-a-i-n-a-e-s-y-t-h," Inri spells out softly, and now anyone who can overhear her can know exactly how you spell the name of Hazelon's lifemate! "Second bronze." She's not entirely sure what to think of the fact that Hazelon's Impressed bronze, just yet. Except a little bit of mild concern in the department of how Th'ero is going to react.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Ravyal can't help smiling a little bit while that green walks the line of candidates. So far away, and yet so intent! Although there's nothing but a squeak from the teen when she suddenly rushes to him, dropping down to meet the little green in a rush. "Livanyth? That's..of course not. Not ever. But…oh that's /food/. We'll get some of that for you..of course." He stands again, now R'yal, to gently usher the little green after the other newly Impressed.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst squees gleefully when Ravyal Impresses, stepping aside to be out of the way of the pair. "Oh, Rav - oh, wow. She's beautiful… congratulations." She beams with pride at the Impression of her friend, leaving the new-formed pair to step over closer to Cyrus, Skyler, and Sairon. "Hey, boys… good clutch so far, right?" She's excited. And bouncing. Her feet must be burning!
Ralik picks up on the attention that Zelda is sending the couple's way and smirks slightly at her disappointment, shrugging mildly once more and folding his arms now as he waits to see how the remainder of the Hatching goes, "Well, there's always the next one. Fingers crossed." He exhales roughly before glancing in Al'dru and Janja's direction, and looking vaguely entertained once more, voice wry and a touch laughing, "If you two want to bang, there are better places to do it, you know."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Eternal Blue Egg finally breaks apart, those blue islands falling to the hot sands, and leaving an egg-wet hatchling spreading his wings for the first time.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~< Challenge the Storms Blue Hatchling >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Subtlety. The muddled, almost muddied blue of this dragon's hide makes him one that would blend in with either sea or sky, vanishing without a trace unless he wished to be found. A bit boxy shaped for his color, he seems to have inherited just a tad of his sire's looks in the slightly uneven shape to his face, one side a bit higher than the other to give him a tilted look, and prominent eyeridges. His coloration is muted shades of blue swirling and overlapping in graceful waves, though sometimes the mix of colors ends up more muddied than complimentary. The swirls give his hide the appearance of having texture, despite being smooth, and stare at it long enough and you're bound to notice shapes within, interesting little hidden pictures to be explored. Hints of blue-green like the arc of tropical waves are splashed here and there across his mottled hide, especially pooling between his shoulders and along the sweep of his belly. Forelegs are a bit shorter than average, which will give him advantage in the sky but make it a bit awkward for him to walk on the ground, his talons black and razor sharp. His wings are broad and long, gracefully tapered with sails just thick enough to be perfect for catching drafts and gliding for an eternity. Here his color brightens, colors of the sea fading to pale steel blue and splashed with near-white foam. Bands of color arc down, tracing the contours of his wingarms and fingers, ghostly curves of darker blue that bend and curve between bone and sail as if to enhance and strengthen the structure of his wings.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, D'ani returns just as the glass-green hatchling impresses, passing F'rari and his charges on the way. It's to Ravyal, now R'yal that he heads and says with a smile that's perhaps a touch envious, "She's lovely. Let's get her some food, shall we? This way." And he leads them the same direction he took Therynn just moments ago.
Kera nods agreeably with Innes "Yea, I think I would pay to see that." Watching the green get over her shyness and then seems to head right to who she is looking for. "I don't know Nessi, seems to be going pretty quickly. Not surprising they'd be eager considering how early they woke the Weyr." And a good portion of Pern too probably.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, All Aglow Green Egg wobbles about on the sands.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus also calls out to Rav, "Congrats…" before his attention is caught by the little blue that now has joined the world. The offers a smile to Amy and Sai, "So far so good.." he affirms.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, It's a little awkward for F'rari to be herding Hazelon, since at one point in their youth they were in Laris' camps together. But that's not stopping him from doing it, and looking pretty smugly pleased. "Haze! Or whatever your name is now. Bring that beautiful fellow this way, we'll get you all set. Fed."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Beauty in Simple Patterns Egg was just sitting there, minding its own business, rolling a little on one axis, when suddenly! surprise! it begins to crack. S-l-o-w-l-y, long and drawn out, as if there is much to consider in this motion.
"You would pay to see the two of them consort? Scandalous." Zelda raises a brow at Kera, clearly misreading the situation but there's too much going on for her to keep track. It's no wonder she picked up on Ralik's comment.
Janja huffs but does relax back against the bronzer again. She mutters to Al'dru, "… will open… you think I should… as… That or… us… over… weyr. She's… always… in charge." The blonde oooos as the blue hatches. "Isn't he a pretty boy?"
Zhirayr laughs. "Well, yeah, it's not common that they're mauling people these days — but it's not unheard of. Even now. There was that girl — " He pauses, looks around, as if somebody else is going to remember who it is. Inri? Maybe? Someone. He shrugs. "It doesn't keep the feast from happening, which is what most people care about anyway. And it's highly unlikely anybody up here is going to be mauled, regardless. I'm a little surprised you aren't closer to the sands."
"Green, L-i-v-a-n-y-t-h, Ravya—" Inri stops writing because she's overheard Ralik, and presses her fingertips to the bridge of her nose and just takes a moment to keep her eyes shut. A short moment, but a moment nonetheless. And then, polite as you can ever polite, because this is a visiting queenrider, "He does have a point." Soft and gentle. "And," quiet to herself, "a blue."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Challenge the Storms Blue Hatchling is in a hurry, apparently and even before he's found his feet, he has his wings spread and attempts to launch forwards! Only it fails and he ends up on his belly, sprawled and tangled. Snorting, he doesn't let that stop him though and no matter how ungraceful he looks he's clawing and scrabbling his way back to his feet. HA! His wings are given a quick flick and he tucks them properly this time though with reluctance. He has to… walk? Fine.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Beauty in Simple Patterns Egg has been relatively content to rest, sitting patiently on the sands with only a few attention-grabbing wiggles. No show-stealing here
Ralik loses interest in the people in the galleries when he realizes that his brother has Impressed, turning to the railing and cupping his hands around his mouth, "WHOO! RAVYAL! THAT'S A LAD!" His cheering done, he plops down on a chair and folds his legs up under him to go over his notes, losing at least some minor interest in the rest of the Sands. Hey, he was there mostly for one reason, right?
Innes lifts her shoulders in a disinterested shrug. "I don't know. Still seems slow to me. But there aren't dragons coming at me from all sides." Not that… there were dragons coming at her from all sides before. That was the illusion, though.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~< No Harm No Fowl Gold Hatchling >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Homely and humble could be words to describe her, but they are not what defines her. What makes her stand out is not the fact that she shines but from the decisive lack of it. Oh, it is still there of course because she is a gold and there is no changing that, but her hide tends to vary more towards an antiqued and dusty brown-gold which gives her a very understated and earthy look. She is a curvy and broad young gold, big-boned and while no slender waif, she still moves with grace and strength and lady-like flare. Her hide is not all brown-gold, with shades of lighter gold, almost cream-like, dusting her rounded cheeks and eyeridges and trickling down over the curve of her throat before fading away to nothing down the length of her neck. This lighter gold appears along her chest and down along her belly, accentuating her curvaceous build without drawing too much attention to it as it continues on along the underside of her slightly-thicker tail. Her wings, large and broad and a little shorter than they ought to be, they will still allow her to fly without struggle and when extended, only the undersides hold the lighter gold hues while brown-golds shade the top, mottled here and there with faint speckling of darker antiqued gold.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Skyler is then grinning brightly "Oh hey! She's perfect for you Rav!" He can't just help it, and then there's the blue. "Oh wow. Would you look at him." he says and then trails off a little as he looks curiously at just the way the blue looks. "Huh." And then there's a little wince. "Oops." he murmurs as the blue falls. "I think he tried to fly there. Wow. He's certainly eager, isn't he?"
Al'dru tilts his head slightly, closer to hear words said to him. He mutters to Janja, "… it… if… want to… If… your passion lies,… should… you'll… of something." He nods down to the sands. "Looks like another goldling will join your ranks tonight.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst returns Cyrus' smile with a big one of her own. "That blue's for one of us, I'm sure of it! Fingers crossed, hrm?" The nerves of before seem to be all be gone, as she settles in to just enjoy the event. The blue is watched, but then there's another dragon to steal her attention. "Was it you who said a shiny clutch, Sairon? That's… that's pretty shiny."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus nods to Skyler as he speaks up about the blue, "He certainly does seem to be eager to get himself into the air…" he responds. He can't help but smile when he watches the blue barrel forward, "He is wonderful though."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Th'ero has been a quiet and silent observer, which is nothing new. He takes note of those who Impress, some of which have his brows lifting high in surprise but he keeps his comments withheld. "Good spread of colour," he murmurs to Nyalle, only to blink when a blue hatches and is followed by a gold. "Well…" He turns to peer at Velokraeth, who only looks as smug as a bronze can be and will hum himself hoarse by the time the sun rises.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Sairon grins widely as he sees the gold crack free of the egg even as her blue brother works to find his footing. "…called it." He mumbles to no one in particular, though he does look over towards Amethyst with a laugh, "I did, didn't I? Can't argue a good number of bronzes and a gold in a clutch. She's shiny alright. Beautiful."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Kayeth trills happily at the sight of the queen - her first ever clutched - and Nyalle gasps and grins. "Someone to share paperwork with!" She…didn't just say that.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Copycat Egg wobbles…just like the other eggs wobble.
The gold upset is enough to earn Ralik's interest so that he can write it out in a weird sort of shorthand, though he finds himself glancing over at Inri, then at the whispering couple once more. Jerking the stub of his pencil towards Janja and Al'dru, he informs Zelda idly, "If they have sex in the galleries, I'm taking all bets on that, too." He's not sure exactly how you do that, but there's likely a way.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, No Harm No Fowl Gold Hatchling explodes out of her egg, all gooey and flustered, and just sits there for a moment completely perturbed at how she's got all this stuff on her. After a couple of wing-shakes to get it off, she pulls herself to her feet and skips about the sands a bit. Skip. Skip. Hop. Pause, to stare at Kayeth and try to make that sound right back at her dam. Like this?
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Kayeth warbles at her first golden daughter. That way.
Inri is furiously writing, and grinning as she overhears her Weyrwoman — not that she is even remotely averse to an extra set of hands and someone else to balance out Jajen! — but stops to pause for a moment and glance over at Ralik and Zelda again. "Oh Faranth please don't," she grumbles.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, All Aglow Green Egg shudders as a crack appears down its side.
Janja nods with as thoughtful a look as she ever gets. She mutters to Al'dru, "… suppose… of golds,… wonder who…" Her lips purse as she watches the activity on the sands.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Challenge the Storms Blue Hatchling doesn't seem to like this business of walking. He feels awkward and stops often to snort or huff in frustration and try flaring his wings again. No such luck! He can't fly and he just folds them again. Fine! He'll stay land bound. For now. His attention is drifting anyways towards the Candidates and he begins to drift their way with clumsy footing. He knows who he wants though and happily he makes his way straight to the youngest Candidate in the class with a rumble that turns to a delighted warble of greeting like meeting an old friend.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, With a triumphant cry it seems that the Challenge the Storms Blue Hatchling has found its partner at last and impression is made!
"I don't think," Mirinda says very gracefully, not wanting to insult Zhirayr's work, of course, "that most people care about the feast. Maybe some of the visitors care just as much, but I'm pretty sure everyone's here to see the dragons Impress, yes?" She didn't want to get in the way by being any closer; she leaves that out.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst laughs right back at Sairon. "Right? Out of nine, two bronzes and a gold! Very shiny - well done, Kayeth and Velokraeth!" She grins at Cyrus, reaching over to squeeze his arm gently. "He's gorgeous. They've all been gorgeous - and there's still more to come…" The blue's movements are watched as he approaches, and she steps deftly out of his way.
Kera winces when one of the hatchlings flounders in the sand a litlte "Aww, poor little guy." But he's up and on the move soon enough, to be joined on the sands by a couple more dragonets. When the young queen splits her egg, Kera smiles to her friend "Definitely been a strong clutch."
Zelda turns to Ralik and leans forward, "Put me down for ten marks." She even goes as far as reaching into the leather bag at her belt, showing she's good for it. Sometimes a complicated wager is far more entertaining.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, All Aglow Green Egg cracks wide open and out stumbles a birth damp dragonet.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~< At a Steady Pace Green Hatchling >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, The hatching of the brightest-green egg reveals a green dragon — but not one whose hide even remotely matches the brightness of its egg. The green in question is small but speedy, darting away from the shell like a shot and hopping (yes, hopping) about the sands for a few moments before picking a Smith for her very own. Ciannah is now Annah, forever Amidaeth's.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, With a triumphant cry the At a Steady Pace Green Hatchling has found its lifemate at last. After a few moments the Weyrlingmaster leads the new pair off the sands.
Al'dru shrugs his left shoulder slightly. He mutters to Janja, "… it… yeah. I like the… you…"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Copycat Egg cracks…just like the other eggs crack.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Organic Ink Spill Egg begins to shake, rocking back and forth and making the colors and patterns swirl in the heat of the sands.
Zhirayr shrugs. Disparagingly? Well, maybe a tiny bit. It distracts him away from the dragonriders getting busy over that-a-way, at least. Seriously. Some people. "The hatching itself is full of excitement, whether or not there are any injuries," he oh-so-helpfully explains. (Mansplains? Surely not!) "But once it's over — the feast is what keeps people from feeling like things have gone anticlimactic, you see? Then they get drunk and forget, the next morning, that so much has changed for those who have new lifemates — for everybody else, there's just hangovers." Cynic.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, No Harm No Fowl Gold Hatchling takes Kayeth's advice, and keeps her hop-skipping motions up to move over toward the Candidates. As Ciannah is stolen from her selection pool, she stops to sniff a couple of the boys (maybe she's a little confused, or just curious — probably just curious) before continuing on to actually inspecting a female. One who clearly disappoints, as she holds her head up in the air and keeps on skipping along, occasionally brushing a little bit of sand about. These girls aren't healthy enough, and this sand is a mess.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Skyler can't help but laugh brightly as the two golds talk to each other. "It's almost like a duet." Then there's a blink "Paperwork? Man, I'm glad I can't Impress a gold." he says after a moments thought. "That sounds /so/ boring!" He exclaims and then he's looking back to see where the blue's at, only to find the blues at him! "What? But? Huh?" he's speechless and just trips over his tongue a little "I'm so glad you found me too! Oh! Oh! Wait. Food! Yeah, I just bet you're hungry. They told us you'ld be hungry." His face is just one big broad grin "Food! Lets find you some food!" He grins as he looks around "His names Ciesoveth!" He's excited, yes he is. And with that, the newly renamed Sk'ler takes his time and leads the blue off towards the sides.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst squees excitedly when Ciannah is chosen by a green, clapping her hands with glee. "Ciannah! Well done!" From the wobbling eggs that are left, her attention is drawn to the gold, and there's maybe a hint of that nervousness back as she bites down on her bottom lip. Then… "Skyler! He chose you? Congratulations!" She must have missed it while watching the now-named Annah!
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Copycat Egg hatches…just like the other eggs hatch. What do you want? It's an egg hatching, how detailed can we get? Words like 'fracture' and 'splinter' and 'fissure' can only go so far. It HATCHES and there is the hatchling, dumped onto the sands.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~< Dreams of a Digital Frontier Bronze Hatchling >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Bright copper-bronze flows over the smooth hide of this young dragon, polished to a fine gleam and without a single variance or flaw — or so one would think on first glance. Athletic and lean in build, he is a bronze that is perfected for the strength his color is often known for. Longer in body, limb and tail, he has a slight advantage for speed over some of his stockier kin and he moves with a confident and determined grace. Copper-bronze he may appear, but for those who look closer will see the subtle shifts in hues, barely discernable in most lighting. These discrepancies, merely a slightly brighter shade of copper, trace over the contours of his anatomy, following the natural line of muscle in solid lines and sharp angles, with even the occasional circle lined up over joints, a hand-with or so in size. They start at the base of his jaw, leaving his broad, angular head neck ridges untouched and follow the natural curve of his neck down to his shoulders, down his front legs and along his chest. From there they fade, only to reappear again along his hind legs and tail and when he extends his wide, long and proportionate wings the same fine tracery can be seen along the arms and wing-fingers. Wingsails remain untouched, formed of pure copper-bronze as the rest of his body but paled by the thinner membrane.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus offers Skyler a large smile as he impresses his new lifemate, "Good job you two…" he says softly, "You will fly now…."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Organic Ink Spill Egg begins to let itself go, cracks playing connect-the-dots across its shell.
"And hangover remedies to make my staff mix," Mirinda can't help but say, thin-lipped. "I do suppose I see your point, though." She? Will not be drinking.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, D'ani's walking slower, his limp more pronounced. This is more walking than he's done in a long time. Back and forth he goes sometimes in tandem with F'rari and sometimes passing him. Next hatching he's going to hold a big sign with an arrow on it!
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Sairon gives a faint, sideways tip of his head as the gold passes. "…ma'am." He mutters, ever so faintly, before Skyler's exclamation and impression takes his focus. "Awesome. That kid deserves it." His smile it wide and approving. He looks to one side to Cyrus, the other to Amythest. "We aren't leaving these sands without a dragon, or my name ain't— oh shards, look! Another bronze." His eyes immediately go to the egg so like the others. But then it's not there and that dragon is standing there.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, New blue pair! F'rari is rocking back and forth on his heels, and sort of rocks in a generally forward direction. "Sk'ler," thanks, Kedizeth, for finally getting everything included, "Ciesoveth. Eating is this-a-way," as he extends his arm to guide the youngest of the clutch. (He would, of course, approve of D'ani's plan. They also need a banner.)
Oh, hello. Innes leans forward when a gold spills onto the sands, clampping her hands together in glee. "Someone else has to suffer! They'll be doing paperwork for the rest of their life. Hah." Imagine how excited she'll be when Xanadu next shells a gold! A brow arches as yet another bronze hatching. "Must've been a good flight, then. What're you betting on for Cyrus?"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Dreams of a Digital Frontier Bronze Hatchling takes a moment to survey the scene around him, red-tinged eyes whirling. So what's all this then? Carefully, he pushes himself to his feet, flicking his wings to rid them of the excess bits of egg. Ahh, now he sees! Inhaling deep and head held high, he begins to move forwards with determination.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Organic Ink Spill Egg finally breaks, revealing the hatchling within and letting him take his first look at the world.
Zhirayr gives Mirinda a far more wry smile this time. "You're not much of a drinker, are you? Me neither. Try the champagne pies, though — they're pretty much exquisite. The alcohol bakes out, anyway." More or less. It's not like he's a baker, to know exactly how it works. He's just an Obligatory Taste-Tester Of Everything The Kitchen Makes For Parties.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~< Of Life's Greatest Things Blue Hatchling >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, If blues could be metallic, this one would be close as his coloration gleams in the sunlight, sparkling with thousands of tiny facets of brilliance. Dark sapphire blue glimmers around his angular muzzle, a dusting of pale azure over his eyeridges. That shimmer of sky blue, a silver lining to the darkness that otherwise cloaks him, continues over his neckridges, also more angular than smooth. There are no outright sharp edges on him, but neither is he soft and cuddly. His limbs are well proportioned, sturdy and strong, his body slender and his tail a long whip stretching behind him. His wings are long and narrow, dark facets winking and fading to a twilight blue across his sails which gleams with flecks of silver almost like stars or precious gems. Flexible and nimble, his wings speak to a prowess of flight, an ability to soar and dip and weave and dive like many of his color. The darkness of his body continues along his limbs to his talons, which are as sharp as the finest crafted blade, streaked with white.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Of Life's Greatest Things Blue Hatchling takes a moment to gaze around him in rapt fascination, wings fanning, humming softly to himself. Shaking one paw and then the others to rid them of egg shards, he moves forward with grace and poise, head up and peering around eagerly.
"I'm a mother," says Mirinda, careful not to say 'single mother' even if it's the truth. Her child isn't actually with her right now, as it's one of those rare moments when she is in fact actually with her father. In a different section of the galleries. He doesn't live here, but he never misses a big event. "Of a child young enough that my drinking would be far too dangerous. In addition, I am working." A pause, and then, "I will, though, I suppose."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus glances over to Sairon and is about to speak when the next dragon reveals himself. He keeps his eyes fixed on this one. He looks to be something special, "He's something else…" he says with a smile.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst watches the newest blue - the last blue! - to hatch, blinking at him, then the bronze, then the gold… then at Cyrus and Sairon. "Good luck, boys…" She bites down on her lip to stop her nervous grin from growing too huge, though the way she keeps running her hand through her short hair is a definite tell for how she's feeling.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, No Harm No Fowl Gold Hatchling is cautiously probing the minds of the nearby females, a cool mist of mental air so utterly quiet that it's not likely they're even noticing. Until she stops before a particular group and finds precisely what she's looking for. A creative mind to meld hers with, and someone who has her things together … but only just. Imagine how much better she would be with the pair of them together! And with that decision, Impression is made to the one who will travel Pern with her to learn things, and make something beautiful out of every moment.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, With a triumphant cry it seems that the No Harm No Fowl Gold Hatchling has found its partner at last and impression is made!
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Sairon none-so-subtly elbows Cyrus, his grin bordering on manic. Maybe the heat is getting to him. "Last run. Stand up, own it. We got this." He looks over to Amythest, giving a grin and opening his mouth - no doubt to say much the same - but then the gold makes her choice and his eyes widen in surprise and glee. Not everyday you see that up close.
Al'dru hmms softly. "Seems, your compatriot in color down there, picked someone Janja. You'll have to let me know all that you find out about it."
Kera cuts a look to Innes, checking to see if she's serious or not. Finding her friend nearly giddy at the idea of sharing the misery, Kera snaps ger mouth shut, but smirks. The white robed figured below begin to get fewer and fewer, and she considers Innes's question "What ever he's meant to be chosen by I suppose. If he's chosen. He does have very strong opinions about…things. And considering what those opinions are… who knows what will happen."
Janja nods to that, though she seems rather quiet. "I will. And I'll let you know what I decide about the other as well." With that cryptic remark, she just leans against Al'dru side and watches the last impressions quietly.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Of Life's Greatest Things Blue Hatchling continues forward with determination, searching for his other half, for the one to complete him, for the one he can love and be loved in return by.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Dreams of a Digital Frontier Bronze Hatchling does not stop once he has set his mind to something and he moves with purpose across those sands. No pausing, no nitpicking or shyness in him. He just sidles right up to the one he knows he wants and gives him a good, solid bump with his muzzle. If a bronze could smirk or grin, he would be but his posture is certainly smug and pleased!
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, With a triumphant cry it seems that the Dreams of a Digital Frontier Bronze Hatchling has found its partner at last and impression is made!
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Amethyst didn't see that coming. She looks down into the hatchling's eyes, her own wide and blinking, mouth parted in surprise. "Rhenesath." Its whispered at first, a taste of the name that's suddenly become everything to her. Then it's shared with the rest of the crowd on the Sands - possibly even heard in the galleries. "Her name is Rhenesath! And she's… I'm…? No - no that's you, you're starving…"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, D'ani, having just returned is at Amethyst's side in moments because, well, the group is smaller? His voice is kind as he murmurs, "Congratulations." It sounds almost like condolences? Perhaps. He and Inri will be sharing their office with her eventually. "Follow me and we'll get her fed, eh?" And he limpingly leads them off. Or…not. He may actually fall behind them, herder-style.
"Reasonable precautions, then." Zhirayr doesn't seem disappointed by Mirinda's answer. He even smiles at her! Oh goodness. Maybe the continuous Impressions down below have something to do with that. It could happen, cynical answers or not, right? "But even if you aren't drinking — make sure to enjoy the food. We've been working on it for a long time."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus grins to Sairon, "Yes Sir.." he says with a chuckle. The look on his face is one of a person enjoying himself, "Congrats Amy…" he calls out.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Sairon just stops talking for a minute. It's a rare moment, but then this is a moment to actually Shut Up. He looks down to the bronze dragon as he gets bumped, blinks once. Twice. Three times, lost in the brief onslaught in his head. "…s-shards, took your time!" He says with a broken, nervous laugh. And is that a tear? NO. Liquid pride. His laugh gets louder then, bright and shocked and maybe a little hysterical. "Yeah, it's beautiful… I knew you weren't ganna leave me hanging, man. I just knew it." He reached down to rest a head on the hatchling's head, letting out a shaking breath. High in the galleries, there's a double-roar from an older gold and bronze dragon, the sounds of their riders drowned out. "Come on, Zeruth… priorities, right? Food. Food is good."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Of Life's Greatest Things Blue Hatchling moves forward swiftly after his clutch brother and sister, since clearly there are GOOD candidates over there. And that's where he finds his beloved, standing there waiting for him.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, With a triumphant cry it seems that the Of Life's Greatest Things Blue Hatchling has found its partner at last and impression is made!
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Impressions. Impressions everywhere. F'rari's herding is reaching an impressive pace, but he does manage to catch up to the newest bronze pair without issue. "Let's get Zeruth a meat bucket, huh?"
Perhaps it's that the hour is growing later, but Yhri has fallen quiet as she focuses her hazel gaze on the sands and the excitement below. Her eyes are perhaps a bit bleary but she's paid close attention to the progress of eggs and hatchlings, noting each bond as it is made and notes the large number of bronzes. And then there's a gold, making her blink with surprise that the senior dragon is already throwing a junior. That's… good though, right? She isn't quite sure but decides to reserve judgement until she's more awake, simply making note of the pairings and wondering what all this mischief will hold for Fort in the future. Hopefully good things.
Innes waves her hand sharply. "That's a poor answer, come on. What's your bet? Opinions or no opinions, dragons chose him to stand so he must have something they're looking for." And apparently she's right about that, because it seems like the blue is hovering somewhere in Cyrus' range. "Is that?" she asks, leaning forward to see better. "Did he?"
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Cyrus just stands there as the blue arrives, and what a splash he makes. A look of joy crosses the healers face, "Thank you…" he just can't stop grinning, "Yes…we will be together always…" he responds. The feeling of joy that surges through him causes him to take a step toward his new lifemate, "I am yours…and you are mine." he response, "So true…" If C'rus could dance he would, but a certain need takes over, "Let us go Jaicoureth….time to eat some dinner."
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, D'ani isn't dragging his feet - honest - as he approaches Cyrus and Jaicoureth. His leg is killing him - that's what the wince and the grimace is for because the man gets a smile, a crooked, whimsical one at that. "Well now. Life's just taken a turn off the well-beaten path, hasn't it? Good luck when he starts flying, you're going " No, he's not smirking, he's totally serious. He saw that belly-flop back there! "Follow me and we'll get him settled." However long settled will last.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, And with that, with a flurry of egg shells, it's over. Nyalle steps forward to quietly address the remaining candidates, and then she looks to the galleries. "Breakfast feast!" That is all. There will be bacon.
Kera looks to where Innes is following a blue's progress, right towards…Cyrus. An enthusiastic nudge of her elbow to Innes. "Oh shell! Do you see that?!" She slaps her free hand over her mouth quickly, realizing she was speaking louder now. Taking a few long seconds to let the blue's choice sink in, she finally smile and looks to Innes thoughtfully "Hmm, I'll place my mark on blue?" She cracks though and grins back back to the sands as the new blue pair are led off.
From Fort Weyr - Hatching Sands, Th'ero exhales heavily and turns to give Nyalle what may be the first genuine smile of the day! "Nine new weyrling pairs," he murmurs. "And a good spread." Velokraeth rumbles his approval as well, almost drowning out the Weyrleader's final speech for those left Standing. "I best get to the caverns, see how things are fairing. I'll see you soon, Nyalle." And then he is hurrying off. Dawn is still a ways off but he has work to do already.
All Zhirayr says to anyone — well, to Mirinda — is a quick "See you down there," now that Nyalle has made her announcement. And then, quick as you like, and without actually stepping on anybody's feet this time (although possibly he's stepped on someone's hand, if they didn't get it out of the way quickly enough when they saw him coming), he leaves the front of the galleries and heads to the exit — by means of leapfrogging from one seat to another, skipping the rows where people are supposed to walk, um, entirely.