The Spooky Clutch Touching: Trick or Treat! Open!

[Andranis]

Nora chuckled, watching the candidates. "I do sometimes miss it... But High Reaches left such a strong impression on me about how old one has to be to Impress... Or young." He settled, and for a time he zoned out.

Shaddaling

He was forcibly zoned back in by the shriek of the red egg, having otherwise blocked commotions out, and rubbed at his face. "Shards but why is-" A snarl cut him off and he watched, frozen in horror, as Vimiath nearly bit into one of the candidates. It took him a frozen moment to realize what had happened, and the healer was up. "Talela!" Hurrying to the sand, he ignored how uncomfortable it felt getting into his shoes, hurrying over. "Move, out of the way!" Faranth bless that the sand was at least soft, right?  

[Avid_RPer18]

(Tweaked to add response to the order to go back to barracks)

The trepidation that had settled in her system melted by degrees at Hunter's comfort and reassurance. Haizea took several deep breaths and sighed as her pulse slowed and her blood stopped rushing in her ears. "You're a bit of alright. Thank you kindly! Someone is gonna be lucky to have you as a partner. Good luck down the road." With that, she removed her hand from Hunter's shell.

Almost as soon as she had finished this though to the oh-so calming Hunter and moved her hand away, Mummy's tantrum drew immediate response from not one but both parents. Haizea was fortunate to be visiting the somewhat more isolated egg when Vimiath charged, lunging at the apparent offender. Her heart had skipped a beat at the flurry of motion and the close call for the girl who had drawn their ire. Shards, that had been so very close. It had taken her a moment to realize what all happened and to whom. Some candidates hadn't had a chance to get out of the way, and Talela had gotten caught by her bondmate's fury as well, or had tried to catch hold of it. People were rushing. Vimiath moved to her fallen rider. It was then that the burning of her lungs made her realize that she had been holding her breath. She gasped, huffing to catch up for her lungs to quit complaining. Haizea had apprenticed in navigating and reading the weather, fine and dandy for possible search and rescue, but this was way out of her wheelhouse. If anything, another fretting teen would be a hindrance. She looked around, backing toward the edge of the Sands brows knitting low on her forehead. "They need room," She said aloud to no one in particular. And really, they should wait for word from the candidatemasters. In the two years she had been at Western, Haizea hadn't ever seen an outburst quite like this.

A'ral's declaration took a moment to sink in and she was not about to say no. Her curiosity was no where near enough to warrant staying and drawing any wrath her way. Giving the commotion a wide berth, Haizea picked out a newly familiar person in the commotion. "Laelia!" Where she had been lucky, it seemed as though the High Reaches candidate wasn't so. Hurrying to her side and took hold of an arm to help her stand, Haizea winced at the sight of the blood running down the other girl's face and clothes. "Are you okay? Okay enough to go back to the barracks or do you need to stay to see a healer?" Well, she had been in the process of standing up, so she couldn't be too bad off, right? This wasn't just riding off of shock and a more serious injury was actually getting ignored.

smolderingskies

 

[DruidTigeress]

Teiha

The Touching could hardly be said to be going smoothly thus far. Aislin had been to touchings before, and they were always eventful, but none like that. The eggs pouring anger, grief, hurt, at alarming rates.. Still, nothing compared to the chaos of the gold barreling across the sands. The young helaer gasped, covering her mouth with her hands before everything just... stopped.

The second Aislis saw the gold rider go down, all of her Candidate training was lost, and her Healer training kicked in. Ducking a swipe of the moving dragon's tail, Aislin dropped to her knees in the sand beside the fallen rider. She clicked her fingers by the rider's ear, while putting two fingers against her wrist with her other hand, going through the standard procedure for unconsciousness. "Talela?" she asked, checking for responsiveness.  

[Ryala]

Ryala

And just like that, it was over.

With a sigh, Ryala picked herself up, wincing as she tried to put pressure on her left foot. While no Healer herself, she judged that it was only a sprain, though she certainly wanted to have it checked to be sure.

For now, though, it was time to go. With a last apologetic pat for the Vampire egg, Ryala started hobbling towards the exit.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ladellan

Hovering protectively over Talela's form, Del waited for help to arrive. Fortunately, it was swift. It was only as the Healers reached her that Ladellan finally eased back. From here, they knew far better than he did what they needed to do. Granted, he knew a little... such as not moving a person when you were uncertain about their injuries. But he had done what he could by keeping the others away. His task was complete.

Allowing his tensed muscles to relax once more, he started after the others.  

[SilverLutz]

Venn watched as healers descended upon the fallen rider and he continued to keep his hand pressed against his mouth. A few other Candidates got battered around by Vimiath's tail, but no one else seemed to sustain severe damage. The call to leave the sands came from the Candidatemaster as chaos reigned and although he wished to help, Venn knew he would only get in the way. Rather than adding to the insanity that was happening before him he carefully slipped through the tunnel that lead outside, knowing that sometimes the best way to help was to remove himself from the situation. He wasn't a healer nor the rider of either parents. The best thing he could do was leave. His heart was heavy with how this Touching would go and he hoped that the small dragons in their shells wouldn't be too traumatized by the events of the day.

[OOC: Last post from Venn, he's outta there!]  

[Meepfur]

When Rylyrr put his hand on her shoulder she lurched reflexively, but on realization that it was a person, a well-meaning one, she just burst into tears, and would have sagged against him had she not been scooped up by...by someone.  She gave another startled jerk, a weak shying-away, at yet more unexpected contact but didn't protest and within moments was clinging, burying her face in his shoulder.

Had coherent thought not flown the ledge, she would have at the very least been mortified to be crying in full view of, well, everyone, not to mention being lifted up and cradled by the Candidatemaster, but she hadn't the wits about her for that, much less for anything else that was going on. And certainly not for any kind of verbal response.

Shaddaling

Mx Cherie

 

[Masterharper]

BastetAmun

The Ghoul
The egg seemed content enough when Henwas approached. It radiated pleasure and seemed most keen about what a bubblypie happened to be. Was it good? Did it have berries? The thoughts that Henwas sent the egg only caused its aura of hunger to grow. So hungry. It wanted to eat! Eaaaaaat! How kind of Henwas to listen to it, and not run away like Bad Man.

The Werewolf
Oh! Oh hello there! The black egg's joy and pleasure surrounded Huarwar and the little egg leaned into the others touch. It was beautiful? If the egg could blush it would have, but instead, it wriggled all the more! It was excited! So very, very, very excited!! Surely, this Candidate must have a beautiful voice too! Awoo!!!

Revel1984

The Zombie
If Farellan hoped to get an idea of what the Zombie egg was like, all it seemed to do was radiate mild disinterest. Meh.

Sinders Path

The Wraith
The shrieking of its sibling did seem to startle the other awake. What was going on? Where were they again? What was all this noise, hmm? How...dreadful. The egg's light touch would surround Roana like a frosty morning, before disappearing again. There was no judgment here.

Thaliawen

The Werewolf
The shrieking of the Mummy alarmed the Werewolf. Its cheer immediately disappeared, leaning hard against Marinel. Fear and worry replaced it, and it sent such feelings to the other in droves.

~Kiana_Nala~

The Werewolf
Like with Marinel, the black egg seemed to wiggle in fear and alarm. Everything was suddenly BAD and UNFUN and the poor thing didn't know what to do! So it leaned into those that were near it, seeking comfort, confusion and uncertainty surrounding it.

ShinosBee

The Demon
While some of the eggs were furious, this egg was only more alert! The Mummy's shrieking and all the chaos that seemed to be happening had only caused the egg to stir. There was something about it, something... But it didn't matter. Dolmar was there, and the Demon wasted no time wrapping the other up in its cool strength. It latched onto those secrets, and if an egg could smirk, it would have. Fear not. The Demon will not forget this moment --oh no. Such secrets, such things they could do together, such fun that could be had. There was power here, and this egg had no problems feeding the Candidate its strength every moment the boy lingered. What was the rush? Surely, they would meet again.

The Zombie
The egg would shift a bit, and lean against the touch. Though lean was more a flop. It was clear that this egg didn't mind, and was far from upset about anything going on outside its shell.

The Hunter
The Hunter was distressed on its siblings behalf. There was a wall of protectiveness as it seemed to want to reach out and cover any who drew near. If Falienn wished to leave than do so immediately -- this egg had bigger things to worry about than some boy's pleasure!

tatterpixie

The Werewolf
If Phayton were still near the egg, it would simply shiver and shudder in fear and worry. It was afraid and worried and upset. What was going on out there!?

Smerdle

The Ghoul
The shriek of the Mummy caused the Ghoul to instantly jerk into Oerlen. What was going on!? Who was hurting!? Be safe, be safe, be safe! The egg wiggled a bit, and its aura turned protective in a moment. All food and hunger was forgotten as it suddenly was worried about those around it. Are you hurt? Are you okay? IS EVERYONE OKAY?

Shaddaling

The Demon
The Demon would simply laugh. It has no more need or use of this one. Any secrets the Demon possesses are its own. It will not share them with this one. Not yet, at any rate. Perhaps someday, but if Yevalee has no need of the Demon, than the Demon shall let them on their way.

Teiha

The Hunter
The Hunter was radiating protection, though it was frustrated it could do nothing for its upset sibling. When Silviu brushed against it, the egg would offer that strength to the frightened other. Fear not! All will be well! All will be right! It needs nothing, but Silviu may take from it what he needs.

Aukai Oceansoul

The Demon
First one, than two, new sets of hands were upon its shell. The Demon was pleased by such attention, and leaned into both Reenav and Damon's attentions. How good of them to visit. Mild approval and amusmenet would wrap around both, even as chaos surrounded them on the Sands.

All High Reaches Candidates
Gr'del had paced near the eggs as the Candidates began the Touching. He watched, he judged, and he made mental notes on the behavior of all the individuals. Honestly, he had expected the eggs to be far more tame than Uridith's clutch... but had he been fooled!

Farensil, he noted, had been the girl who had gotten mauled during the Hatching. In fact, he had not noticed what she had done -- so focused was he on the angry Frankenstein Monster egg -- that when Vimiath shoved her out of the way he'd gone pale.

Siriath informed him, quietly, that Vimiath had disallowed the girl to touch....but she could remain. Shards above, he'd have to follow up with her about that situation.

Then, there was almost an altercation around the Frankenstein Monster egg. While some of his Candidates were there, none, he was pleased to note, had been the ones in trouble. Good. Excellent. Yes.

But everything would only go to hell. Vimiath's attack on the Candidate even caused Gr'del's heart to leap and his muscles tense -- but when the queen rider went down, that was all he needed to know.

This Touching was over

"REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THE EGGS!" A'ral had already gone to whisk up the shaken girl. "High Reaches -- out the door, single-file, IMMEDIATELY." There was a steeliness to his words that left no room for objection, no room of protest. His Candidates were getting out of the way, and if any one of them lingered, or dared to cause a problem, or object -- well -- just let them try. He was not in the mood.

Shards and shells -- a queen rider was down, a girl threatened within an inch of her life, another child whisked away, and eggs upset! This was by far one of the worst Touchings he'd experienced, and he feared for both Candidates and dragonets. Tension wasn't good for babies, and there was enough stress here he was sure his hair was going silver!

"Wait QUIETLY by Siriath." He directed. Siriath, let the High Reaches dragons know their riders are needed immediately. Ask Zinath if she or Hers needs any aid."

The brown dragon rumbled from where he was now alert not far from the Hatching Ground entrance. He lifted a wing protectively, ready to usher the Candidates under it, his eyes whirling a worried grey-yellow. Reaching out to Zinath, the brown dragon relayed his riders request. High Reaches is here to aid as needed. Do you or Yours need anything? A watchful eye on Candidates, extra hands, Master Healers from Fort? The brown was not trying to offend -- politics was pushed to the wayside when others were hurting or scared. They would do what they had to do to help.

Gr'del kept an eye on both Western and High Reaches Candidates -- ready to help any who looked hurt, scared, or wounded in the cross fire; and ready to forcefully encourage anyone who fell behind or looked like trouble. There would be no lingering around eggs or Talela, especially with Healers on their way.

- - - - -

Mine, Zinath calls. R'mor's brows had knit when Junenth had relayed the message. He'd been in the middle of a meeting with his Flight Leaders, discussing the next Threadfall when the call came through. Well, it was peculiar, but he'd wrap up the meeting and then see what the Candidatemaster needed.

Unfortunately, he didn't have such luxury.

Shortly after the first request, Junenth bellowed in concern from where he sat. Zinath needs us now! Vimiath's has collapsed! The bronze would immediately call upon any Journeyman or Master Healers to report to the Hatching Sands to see Vimiath's collapsed rider.

R'mor ran out the door, not bothering to explain. Word would travel soon enough, if not through the dragons than the gossip that was sure to already be spreading. It only took a few moments to get to the Hatching Grounds -- most of the Weyr's meeting rooms were close to the Sands, and easy to navigate to for the convenience of the queenriders of the Weyr. For once, R'mor was grateful for the small mercy of traditions, for it meant he could get there fast.

Moving past Candidates filing out, the Weyrleader stormed in, unsure what he would find. Talela was his first concern, and thankfully, she looked to have some Healers surrounding her. A'ral had a sobbing Candidate in his arms, and he could feel the tension, stress, and fear, building in the Sands. He honestly didn't know what was going on. "Keep moving," he encouraged any lingering Candidates, firm but not unkindly.

He wanted to see what was going on with Talela, but she already was surrounded by Healers. So he went first to A'ral. "What can I do? What do you need?" Did Candidates need to be herded? Did the girl need to be taken to the healers? Talela-- well, Vimiath wasn't keening yet so he had to take some hope that she wasn't lost to them, and shard it, she wouldn't BE lost to them. She'd be fine. She had to be. His stomach was in knots -- and almost all of this was out of his hands and control.

Damnit all.  

[BastetAmun]

Henwas

The hungry feeling from the Ghoul made Henwas start to wish he had a bubbly pie. The thought of food was making him salivate but then, everything went crazy. His hand moved from the egg when he had heard and felt Vimiath suddenly moving towards the eggs again. Something was off about the gold though, he had never seen such a look in her eyes and he had heard the screeching cry of the Mummy egg. Someone had slapped it? Hurt it? Even he wasn't stupid enough to do something like that to a baby? He wouldn't even take advantage of children, they were innocent and didn't understand everything.

Seeing Talela fly through the air, pushed to the side roughly by Vimiath made the boys eyes open wide. Emerald greens showing with worry. No matter what he had done, how mean he had been, Talela had always been nice to him ever since he and his brother had come to the weyr. Faranth please...let her be ok.

With A'ral's words, he turned and left the sands, wanting to linger to make sure that Talela was safe but there was nothing he could do. He would just wait near the exit for Huarwar and then they would return to the barracks together.

---------------------------------------------------------

Huarwar

The werewolf's enthusiasm was contagious and Huarwar found himself starting to howl with it before he heard the Mummy egg shriek. His eyes lifted and, to his shame, they instantly looked for Henwas near the egg. His brother had a temper and although he hoped his twin new better then to hit an egg or harm one of the babies, there was always a fear of him going too far. He was relieved that it had not been Henwas. Though instantly that relief was gone. Vimiath was on the sands again, crossing towards them with a look in her eyes he had never seen the gentle gold possess. Actually, everything about her since this clutch at times had seemed off, she was more aggressive it seemed.

Seeing Talela fall made him want to bolt towards her but he held himself in place, pleased to see healers were already going towards her. Had the touching at High Reaches gotten as bad as this? He toyed for a moment of writing to C'ryn and asking him, but he doubted that would go over well if Henwas found out about their correspondence.

With A'ral's words he moved towards the exit of the sands, finding Henwas and the two boys shared a look. They would obey, but they were worried about Aunt Tally, like everyone else was. Huarwar glanced back upon the sands, his eyes finding where everyone was huddled, at least Vimiath seemed to be ok, it meant that Talela must be ok as well. He hoped at least.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Tyra and Orodreth

Tyramine. There has been a commotion at the hatching sands, the touching is done. Siriath needs us there at once to ferry candidates home again. Orodreth's voice in her head was cool and Tyra stood up, moving to him leaving her sister's weyr. "Sorry we didn't have longer to catch up Skylla." Her older sister just smiled at her. "You will be here for the hatching at least some. We should sit together." Tyra nodded her head and then swung up on Orodreth's straps and the two took off.

The blue easily landed once more outside the sands, seeing the candidates begin to line out. Tyra stayed in her straps, waiting to candidates to come to her. Orodreth had informed her of what had happened on the sands, what he knew at least, and told her that Talela had been knocked to the side when Vimiath had gone to attack a candidate. Her face was stony and impassive, but she hoped the woman was alright. Faranth...what had happened at this touching seemed insane.  

[demon_pachabel]

Lennik

It was right of Ladellen to turn him away, but to be turned away from someone who had been such a...such a large presence in his life - his whole life, not just the spare turn or so that this near stranger had been around - made the temper he'd tamed flare back up again. It wasn't, however, a good time to be starting a fight and A'ral was already shouting for them all to return to the Candidate Barracks.

Frankly, he didn't blame him. This whole thing had been a mess and it was their side - not High Reaches - that had done it. Yet he didn't blame Akaris for this. She was new. But perhaps it said something about what needed to happen before a Touching now. Hopefully, this wouldn't be something he'd ever have to do again.

---

Martirae

It didn't take twice to make Martirae turn away from the scene. She couldn't help here and gawking was pointless. She'd return to the barracks and try to assess what this meant for all of them. Hopefully Talela would be alright. She'd check up on that if a resolution wasn't offered sooner.

(Marty and Lennik have left)  

[DruidTigeress]

Mx Cherie

Migel stood at the edge of the hatching grounds, leaning against the broad face of the stands. After touching several of the eggs, he'd to decided to call it quits. They gave him a lot to think about and, frankly, he was somewhat shaken. And besides, from here he could watch, which was almost more interesting. Knowing a little bit about each of the eggs, it was revealing to see how other people responded to them. His eyes never strayed far from Cesare, however, resuming the quiet watchfulness that was sheer habit by this point.

Migel stood up straight when the dragon began to move, but even he didn't expect much of it. Several times before she had stirred, causing his to stiffen, with nothing coming if it. The next few seconds made it clear that was not the case this time. His body moved largely without him directing it. Moving across the sands, he grabbed Cesare's elbow, pulling him back a few paces, out of reach of any stray swipe of a claw.

The sudden burst of violence from the gold was something that not even he had anticipated as evidenced by how fast his heart was beating now. "You alright?" he asked, still watching the retreating gold.  

[magnadearel]

She stayed beside the Siren egg as the gold moved backed toward the center of the clutch. Rinis wondered since this clutch seemed so.... dramatic, if she'd stay there until the touching ended. Unless something else happened of course. Almost sure as if she'd thought it, it came to pass. For the second time this touching, a mental voice filled her mind. This one much more direct and from the Mummy. Rinis winced. What was going on over there?

Sadly she's not a very good singer. She likes dancing to music and songs and listening to the ballads. If Siren wanted to sing her a song, she'd love to hear it though. Rinis was very happy the Siren was much calmer than Mummy, and reassuring. She was very happy with the eggs she'd touched so far. "Don't forget to sing me your song when you hatch," she whispered.

It didn't help when a candidate was randomly singled out by a green dragon and plucked off the sands. Rinis really really hoped that wouldn't happen to her. The worst was yet to come as the bronze father made his way toward the eggs, roused by all the commotion it seemed. She hesitated now. There was only a few eggs left for her to touch, and more and more seemed to keep making a ruckus. Nor could she believe the candidate back talking to the bronze. Really? However the candidate elicited a reaction from more than just the egg. The gold mother turned into a gold monster. A red eyed roaring monster.

Rinis ducked as sand flew and it looked like the hapless candidate was about to become the first ever human dragon dinner. When she risked a peek, the candidate was still alive (by some miracle), but the gold's rider was down on the sand. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched. Nope. Nope. Nope. She was absolutely done with this touching. Rinis heard A'ral call for the western candidates to head back to barracks, and heaved a sigh of relieve. Now if only Talela would be ok.

She backed away from the eggs. Now was a very good time to leave. The young woman joined the crowds of candidates exiting the hatching sands and made her way toward her own barrack.

Revel1984

for mention

The_Muffin_Puppy

for mention