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Do you think they'll come out?

I don't know! Why don't you ask them?

They might be learning all the things! They might be practicing! It's okay! I can be patient!

A few moments passed.

Can I just take a peek? A little peek! They won't even know I'm there!

You aren't allowed to go sticking your head in the Weyrling Barracks and you know it. Don't make me come find you!

Every day, Baihath crept over to the Barracks in question, waiting longingly for just a glimpse of the perfect children that had hatched not long ago at all. In a surprising show of restraint, he didn't try to bother or hassle them (though he wanted to more than ANYTHING!), instinctively understanding that they were their own individuals and how important it was for the babies to be bonding with their riders. It was all very exciting, from what he remembered!

But if the babies just happened to maybe have some free time in their schedules and felt like playing... well, that's what Baihath was here for! So whenever he had free time, he'd been camping out, wiggling down into the sand and hoping....

Alya thought he was being ridiculous and adorable about the entire thing. It was impressive that he hadn't gotten bored and given up yet!

Wait! Was that....? Was someone coming out?! Oh, hello! Hello! Baihath immediately called, practically vibrating with excitement.

Demodeth understood that these early months of life were vital for bonding, showing that he was a good sport, and seeing things he never would again. Like the insides of human buildings. Honestly, he could do without them. The barracks were so cramped, and without working wings, there was only so far that he could go to get away from it all. The bronze flapped, sending a handful of curled wood shavings floating onto the floor.

You'll be in the air before you know it. Try to enjoy yourself.

I am. Time spent with his R'in was worth any discomfort. Even...

The dragon's eyes squeezed shut in mild irritation when Alenciath shouted his name. She was one of the more maddening of his clutchmates, which was saying a lot, but no matter how exasperating the little green might have been, Demodeth knew that there would be no getting away from her. Not until he could fly. Maybe not even then. He rose to his feet and stretched, waiting for R'in to join him before slowly emerging and approaching his family.

Baihath. Alenciath. He sat well out of trampling range, pressed tightly against his rider's side. Despite his brusque tone, his eyes swirled greenish blue.

demon_pachabel

ouo

Tsunake

Oh, oh, oh!

Alenciath! Baihath couldn't help the joyful honk he made in return. Look at how beautiful she was! So lively, so vibrant! He wanted to throw himself in the sand and writhe around a little, so overwhelmed with happiness. He was vaguely aware of Alya moving from her cot to come supervise, but it was a distant thought.

Oh! Yes, of course! And there he was, his bronze son! It would have been so easy to bound forward and close the distance between them.... but Baihath made himself stay where he was. Not everyone wanted to play like he did, Alya reminded him time and time again... and if Demodeth didn't want to play, then that was all right! He'd at least come out to say hi, and that was more than enough for Baihath. He sent a wave of warmth and love to the little metallic dragon. Hello, Demodeth!

When Haitanth burst from the barracks, Baihath was all too eager to accept the boop, his eyes swirling with rich purples even as he thrummed his happiness. Why, you've gotten even prettier since I last saw you! That's impossible! All the children were the most beautiful things he'd ever seen, really, but he might have been a little teensy bit biased.

Fun things? Exciting things? It won't be too long until you're bigger than me! And though he was large for his color, that wasn't saying terribly much!

With happy sigh, Baihath let himself lay upon the sand, taking in the three small dragons with complete and utter adoration.

He nodded at Haitanth's arrival, perfectly content with his presence being overshadowed by his flashier siblings. This time when he closed his eyes, it wasn't out of irritation, it was to briefly bask in his father's love.

So, what are you going to play toda—

The moment Demodeth had let his guard down had been long enough to let Alenciath take advantage of it, even if that hadn't been her intent. The bronze rocked to one side like a vase on the verge of tipping, then hastily righted himself, tucking his tail around his feet. He didn't follow. She couldn't make him. Nyeh.

demon_pachabel

Tsunake

Spockat

Lessons were all well and good - more or less - but if Ilaorunth were able to plan her own days, well, there wouldn't have been quite so many. She'd much rather lounge on the beach with her favored (see: most handsome) clutchmates, perhaps play a game or two, cuddle with Hers, visit with her parents...but no, it was lessons and training and chores and more lessons and training and chores! It was terribly boring, in her opinion, but Nashwa disagreed, and was vigilant in making sure she paid attention - and, just as importantly, didn't distract her brothers from focusing their attention where it belonged. Not that the young gold didn't still try, or at the very least commiserate with those clutchmates who felt similarly.

When they were finally released to a bit of free time, she sighed dramatically with relief as she stood to stretch, as though it had been many more candlemarks than it actually had. She then bumped fondly up against Tianxiath, rubbing along the blue's side, and went on to nudge in the same way against any other clutchmate she knew to be amenable to such gestures and who hadn't already gone outside. ....and it was soon very apparent that something exciting was going on outside!

Well well! Rather than rush out, though, Ilaorunth deliberately took her time. Why rush, when the real party wouldn't start until she arrived, after all? Affection rolling off of her in waves, she sauntered right up to Baihath to bestow a boop (and fully expecting to receive all due affection in turn, of course!). Hello, Papa! Unlike some, she didn't need to announce her quality, as it was quite obvious. Have you come to play with us today? It will be a good change from lessons.

Though at least one among their number seemed rather less enthused by the prospect, Alenciath was working on it. Good. Still, others hadn't yet joined the group, and that just wouldn't do. Manahahtath, are you coming? Papa is here to see us!

Nashwa lingered nearby, but saw no need to hover; she was content to relax, or perhaps socialize a bit with her fellow Weyrlings, while the little ones played.

By this point, Alya had managed to race her way over to the Weyrling Barracks, half expecting to see the dragon's head and shoulders shoved through the opening... but, to her relief, Baihath hadn't smashed into the building with his excitement. In fact, the sight of her white sprawled on the sand being surrounded by hatchlings was enough to make the rider cup her own face with delight. Had there ever been a cuter moment?!

Alenciath clearly had Demodeth well in hand, leaving his undivided attention to Haitanth. I know the VERY best games! It wasn't boasting if it was true, right? First, we can see who can hop over the most waves! Then we gotta run in circles! But if you can jump over a wave WHILE spinnin' in a circle, that means you get more points! Not that points had... even been in the equation to begin with, but Baihath's games tended to gain more rules and stipulations as they went along.

As Ilaorunth appeared to offer a boop, Baihath crooned happily, nuzzling her all over with delight. Of course I have! Have you been enjoying lessons, Ilaorunth? I bet you're very good at them!

And then Manahahtath! Could this day get any better? Of course I did! He chirped, staring at his children with absolute adoration. I was just telling your brother, but you all are getting so big! Already! It hadn't been long enough for them to get so big yet!