Welcome to Gaia! ::

Z'rai and Kaloth

Ferrying people was satisfying. It made a constant happy hum of contented noise rumble through Kaloth's head, at least, particularly as he had so recently been grounded from flying at all. Z'rai's reminders to take it easy hadn't exactly thrilled the bg brown, but he understood and took it in stride, and kept making the journey.

And now? Now there was time for not only the dragon but the rider to stop and relax and enjoy himself. Kaloth settled outside, watching those who passed in and out with excited curiosity. The new dragonets might not be coming home to High Reaches, of course, but it was still good to see and know what was happening in Western.

Z'rai, for his part, had pulled himself together for his time at the feast. He hadn't pulled out all the stops in clothing, because tonight wasn't about attention on him, but he was presentable enough, he thought. Smiling and nodding to those who met his eye, he threaded his way between people and table, making very certain not to bump into anyone. Along the way, he spotted Martirae, and not honestly surprised, made his way toward her, saying once he reached her, "I'm always surprised by how many people can be packed into one place at the same time. Evening, Martirae."

Anakumath! The brown hadn't spotted her yet, but she had to be close, given that His had found the young woman matched to her. I should have known you would be here. Have you been here long? Did you see the Hatching? What do you think of the new little ones?

Niobet and Aedeth

There were reasons, ample reasons, to stay away from Western. There were also those occasions when the reasons could be set aside for a while. A Hatching was one of them, so Niobet and Aedeth had come.

More than watching hatchlings find their mates and begin their new lives together, Niobet loved the pageantry and spectacle of the feast that followed. Everyone dressed in their finest. People strutting like proud peacocks to draw attention to themselves. Snippets of conversation that were, perhaps, not meant to be overheard, and yet were spoken a little too loudly because of the din of other voices in the room.

It made Niobet smile.

So she stood and she smiled and sipped a glass of wine. Her hair was up tonight, festooned with tiny dark stones that all but disappeared into the curls, announcing themselves only when she turned her head or tipped it while in conversation, a spark o reflected light that disappeared again. The dress was simple, a rich, ruddy brownm that came close to matching her eyes. It was cut close, left long, fittered to flatter but not overshare.

She might have felt out of place here, once, but she was comfortable now. Comfortable enough to lift her glass in toast to a familiar face before she drank again.

Nadry and Menankith

Nadry hadn't known quite what to expect from a Western Hatching - not that it was actually all that different from a High Reaches Hatching, apart from the apparent propensity Western bronzes had for causing a scene. She had enjoyed finally having the opportunity to attend, as circumstances had always prevented it until now, no matter how much she'd wanted to watch her brother Stand. And, as it happened, their nieces had both opted to Stand as well, which had come as a surprise to her, though there was certainly nothing wrong with it! She had worried, though, that one might Impress while the other did not, as Elibrie seemed particularly dependent on her older sister. Whatever she had expected, she had not expected Rykin to Impress a bronze.

Not that there was anything wrong with that, she'd just always imagined that he would wind up with a brown, as she and M'yk had. Still, while it was a mental adjustment, she was no less delighted for him, and as excited as she was for a night out with her beaus - and was eager as ever to sample the delicious variety of food on offer - her first order of business was to find her brother so that she could congratulate him properly.

Menankith, like His, wasn't quite certain to make of Rykin with a bronze, although he knew that some bronzes were fine indeed, and if one wanted Rykin, then surely it was among their number. Perhaps they would even meet before the night was done, but at the moment, the brown was quite happy to be cuddling with certain someones on a warm beach. While His saw to her brother, he reached out to her nieces with a gentle touch. He knew they'd not been hurt, but he was curious to know how they fared otherwise. I do hope you are well, little hatchlings. Do be sure to eat!

...you may also drink, if you want, he added after a moment of consideration. That was another thing His had been very hesitant about, having never been permitted such a thing, so her first taste had been at their graduation.

Menankith! Nadry mock-scolded, You're a terrible influence.







Rio and Tierboskath

What a delightful clutch! Rio was absolutely thrilled for Alya and Baihath, and just as much so for his dear friend, who had Impressed the most darling little green - at least, from what he could see in the Stands, and because she had chosen Rasthell, Rio assumed she was darling. How could she not be? In his Feast best, he was torn about where to go and what to do first: did he go to Alya and Baihath, or seek out R'thell and Triesteth to offer his congratulations? The former, he knew, were sure to be busy, with Weyrlings to greet, while the latter now had classmates to mingle with.

Perhaps he would simply mill about and mingle for a bit, socialize and check in with his Candidate friends to make sure they were holding up, and hope to catch R'thell if there was an opportunity. Or he could take Alya a drink, or...

You could bring me deepfish! Tierboskath interrupted. There is deepfish, isn't there?

I don't see any, Rio informed him regretfully, while knowing it was probably for the best. They'd been indulged at their own Feast, but it was very different to indulge a full-grown dragon with food that was intended for partygoers and guests. He could practically feel the blue wilt, however, and sighed. I'll put my plate together, and you can have one piece of fish from it, okay?

Out on the beach, Tierboskath perked up considerably. You know where to find me!


Elibrie

Elibrie wasn't at all in the mood for a Feast, but it seemed rude to her to avoid it entirely, and ruder still to ask to go back to High Reaches early, so here she was, though she'd not made it to the Feast proper. She was a fair ways down the beach, sitting on a blanket (the thought of getting sand on her dress made her cringe) and enjoying a last glimpse of the waves. Her trio of blue flits accompanied her, Lullaby in her lap while Lord Chomps stood stoic guard at the edge of the blanket, and Snoops nosed his way under it.

When Menankith spoke, she ducked her head and thought back, I'm perfectly well. Thank you, Menankith.

She was hungry-but-not after the day she'd had, but she wasn't up to eating just yet. And drinking? Goodness!



Savindri

What a fantastic day! Far from being disappointed, Savindri was brightly happy, completely and totally delighted with the way everything had unfolded...well, except for the part where there'd been some injuries, some of them bad, but other than that, everything had been pretty much perfect. The babies had all found Theirs, and one of them had even picked his friend! He couldn't wait to see Zh'gan, and hopefully say a real hello to his bronze.

He'd cleaned himself up after the Hatching, and though he lacked any of the fancy clothes some people were sporting, he wasn't at all bothered to be dressed simply. He was presentable, although his hair defied his halfhearted attempts to finger-comb it into proper order, and that was all that mattered. As long as he didn't drop any food on himself, he'd be just fine! Spots, the blue flit perched on his shoulder, did give him a pop of color, so he wasn't entirely plain. He'd sent Little Green off elsewhere so that she wouldn't steal any of the people food, but as Spots was better able to control himself, he was allowed to come along.

Now then...what to eat first?

Finnisa, Candidate (High Reaches, She/Her)

Finnisa had changed into her gather outfit—no dress for her, this time, but she felt like the breezy shawl and light trousers were nice enough, and done her best to shake off her disappointment. Her little firelizard had snapped into existence from High Reaches almost the moment she'd left he sands, and crooned and cuddled up to her so much that she'd felt a good deal better. So she hadn't impressed, she'd have more chances. And in no time at all the feast was upon them, and she had that to enjoy.

But first, of course, more sober business. Asking around had won her directions to the infirmary, and given there was no somber nod to the fallen candidate, she could only assume Oreune had survived. While the rest of the candidates left unchosen had gone tromping off to drown their sorrows in food and drink and dancing, she'd hung back, and meant to make her way to the healers. She'd stuck close to Dipsi after everything had resolved, for lack of anyone else to mingle with (and she honestly appreciated being able to leave a lot of the excitement to her new friend), and now turned to her. "I'd like to check in on the girl who got mauled—Oreune—she's a friend, from High Reaches like me. Would you like to come too, or, maybe, should I meet you at the feast?"

Dipsi - Candidate- Western weyr

Dipsi had also returned dressed to impress. She was from a poor community and grown up with little so her dress itself was rather simple, a pale blue affair without pattern that ended just above the knee and left rather little to the imagination. It's only real feature being a stylish tattered frill along the bottom which gave the outfit extra movement. However what made it stand out was Dispsi's home made jewellery all made from seashells and a few polished bits of stone and pebble that had pleasing patterns. The main one hung at her throat staring a beautiful pink swirled shell. She also had shells piled in her sunkissed hair and a make shift belt around her waist.

She happily hooked her arm through Finn's with a smile and bump of her hip. "Of course I will. I know roughly where it is since I got a small tour when I arrived. Though if I come with you then you should at least promise me a dance after!" she declared happily, her eyes shinning as they caught the lights set up around the feast area. Dipsi clearly was not that perturbed by her failure to impress. Not when she had a party to look forward to and many more hatchings in her future.

Without hesitation she lead her new friend off to find the injured girl, and probably drag her back to dance as well.

Ar'ad and Bronze Turoth

The baby dragons and their riders were certainly starting to pile in now. Had he been able to, Turoth would have smiled as their smallest son made his appearance. He had to admit he'd been delighted to see each color of the three parents represented in the clutch and the parallels between Khamaith and Baihath's hatching certainly hadn't been missed by many who had gathered.

You found her all on your own, Quinineth. And quite quickly, might I add. You're a dragon who knows what he wants. Leaning down, he gently rested his large head on the ground beside the tiny white to ever so gently nudge him, love flooding into the little dragon. Each and every child of theirs was just as dear to him as the next and he wanted them all to know that.

No sooner had he lifted his head than Chinanazith toddled over to him, drawing a delighted laugh and content hum from the bronze. He shifted his talons to make a comfortable little bed for the chill blue to recline in, careful not to let the sharp claws rest in a way that his blue son might harm himself.


I think you'll find that many of your siblings are quite warm to the idea as well, and I know your mother, Papa and I are always there for cuddles whenever you wish for them. No matter how big or small his children got, Turoth would always be there for them no matter what their need. A cuddle pile was one he certainly didn't mind helping with considering that's how he'd been spending the past few months with Turoth and Baihath.

The approached of Strigonth had Turoth raising his head once more, a fondness washing over the blue in thanks for his approval. He knew Strigonth was here for Khamaith and Baihath more than he, though the praise was welcome. He bobbed his head but let his gold and white companions take the lead in conversing with him.

Glancing beside him to Khamaith and Baihath, he gave them both a comforting but delighted press from his mind, a gesture that if her were human would have been compared to wrapping an arm around both of their shoulders and giving a squeeze. All their hard work was finally paying off, the hours they'd spent tending to the eggs and rotating who went out for food and to stretch for a bit. The love they'd given to the eggs, the doting and care and hard work was clear for all to see now. All of their children were here, there had been very little drama on the sands, and they were all healthy and well.

Alya and White Baihath

The young woman turned with an easy smile as someone approached her, her expression fading only slightly with apprehension as she recognized Erastan. She never quite knew how to interact with him after he'd given her a little fright early on. Still, she watched and listened quietly, her smile blooming once more at his words.

"Thank you." She told him sincerely, and her eyes lit up. "I'm so happy for her! He was such a polite little thing, wasn't he?" Oh, but she was getting excited again...

He was still intimidating, but she appreciated that he'd taken the time to approach her and made an attempt to be civil. It was a kind gesture... and probably not easy, judging by his stance. A girl suddenly tackled him from behind, and Alya could only laugh at delight. This had to be Etansi. "Oh, congratulations!" She beamed at the pair, for the girl's happiness was infectious. "Your Quinineth is perfect!"

Baihath dropped his front legs down to better nudge at Alenciath, his rump still high in the air even as he regarded her with adoring purple eyes. Hello, hello! You did so well today! He was so proud of her!

Cordrath's love made his own hearts swell, and he crooned at his sire with delight. Aren't they cute?! I love them all so much!
He would sneak a quick moment to rub his cheek against his father, beyond happy that he could make it to Western for this special day.

Hi, darling! He chirped at Ilaorunth, watching as she greeted her grandfather with a happy sigh. Today.... was his second favorite day, ever. The first being when he found his Alya, of course!

Chinanazith was watched affectionately, and Baihath gave him a mental nudge of love. Hello, sweet boy!

Turoth was given the mental equivalent of being leaned on, and the white dragon could only give another sigh of utter happiness. What a good day. Being a dad is more fun than I thought. He confessed. He'd been worried he wouldn't be very good at it.

Hello, Rhodonth! She would, of course, be given a gentle nuzzle before Baihath pulled back to admire her. All of his children were so pretty! It was hard to stop staring at them.

Thank YOU! Baihath would nudge Quinineth next, his eyes awash in purples. You and your brothers and sisters have made us so happy. I'm so proud of you!

The next visitor had Baihath rearing up in delight, prancing closer to nose at Strigonth. Strigonth, Strigonth! I'm so happy to see you! Thank you! It was all he could do not to wiggle and twist with delight. He was just so happy that they were all here, friends and family alike.

And, at last, his golden beauty arrived. Baihath creeled and chirped like a hatchling at the sight of Khamaith, batting harmlessly at her with his forepaws before he coiled and curled around her in a constant flow of motion. There were no words, but his love and delight radiated forth for her, and for their family. He didn't hesitate to tuck himself against her side, and had he been a feline, he would have been purring his little hearts out. I love them. I love you.

Baihath was so very, very happy.

--