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 Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 9:30 pm
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On the sands, Timor was practically bouncing. He was so lucky to have come back just in time for this! Whether he impressed or not, he knew he would have been disappointed if his work had kept him from the hatching. And now that he had touched their minds, and their shells, he wanted to meet them all the more!
~~~
Excited as always, Riagan was trying hard to pay attention to the eggs while simultaneously glancing back up into the Stands every so often to see if he could spot where any of his relatives or foster family were sitting. Even old friends that had impressed previously. Close to the front, he spotted his mother next to his oldest sister, and gave a little wave, grinning. Now where were L'mul and Owara? And -nevermind that!- what was this blue egg doing?
~~~
Ened bounced out of bed that morning, going from groggy-eyed dead body to bright and alert in no seconds flat. The bed head did take a little time to settle down though. Washed and straightened up, all dressed up in her candidate robes, she made her way to the hatching sands as she had so many times before. This was old hat to her, having stood since she had come of age, and she tried to exude a confidence to put the other candidates at ease -nothing to worry about!- But in fact, she always found it nerve-wracking!
Not just the hatching itself but the turbulent, swelling emotions that rolled around that cavern like a tide. It was the best she could do to keep them down. She was one of the older ones, after all. She had to be the one to put her hand on the younger candidates shoulders and tell them 'don't worry, there's always next time', to calm the fears of those that were injured, nevermind her own fears, and bolster everyone's morale for next time. Yes, chin up! Deep breath. Everything was going to be fine.
She bounced past Isilje on the sands, winking at the girl. "Looking good!" she said, flashing her a smile as she pointed jokingly at the goggles around her neck. "Those working out for you?"
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Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 9:34 pm
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Farensil had been mucking stables and tending to animal housings in the caldera, an early starter, herself. She heard the hums before the brown's voice, and had leaned on her pitchfork to listen, a grin on her slender lips. She knew that sound; there were few things it meant, and usually revolved around young. She'd heard it a few times already.
With the brown's words, she darted from the stalls, leaving the pitchfork against the wall in a pile of hay and hurrying up to her room for a quick bath, before donning the slender white robes and grabbing the sandals that had become traditional. Farensil hadn't much liked the look or feel of the white robes when she'd first gotten them two years ago at her first impression. She liked what they meant, though, if for nothing more than the big meals she'd helped prepare after every impression she'd not made.
The sandals, she didn't mind, though.
She bolted across the caldera to join the other Candidates, sandals in hand; she'd snapped their link the last hatching and fallen down the stairs wearing them the one before that, so she decided to wait until she was at the sands to put them on. It worked, there were no accidents en-route, and she was safely pulling them over her heel as she caught up with the other candidates, feeling the hot sands even in the shade of the entrance, where they were listening to Gr'del's reminders.
She'd heard them before, but they were instructions, so her eyes were glued, and she nodded her understanding. She smiled to the other candidates, keeping waiting her turn in the lines. She gave the dragons another low bow, like the one she'd given at the start of that eventful touching. "Thank you very much, miss Uridith, for allowing us back. It's a pleasure to see you and yours again." She smiled up at her, then repeated the low bow for her bronze companion. "And just as much an honour to see you, Takarath." She gave him a similar smile, before turning it over the eggs.
She saw the egg move and smiled, letting her eyes shift closed so she could police her thoughts into some form of order. ~Come on, then! You can do it! There's so much to see, and none of you want to sit around anymore, right! Come make some friends and see the world you'll live in!~
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Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 10:31 pm
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Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 10:42 pm
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Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 10:43 pm
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Ever late, it seemed. Jacomus looked down for the second time in far too soon a time at High Reaches Weyr, one of many places Kraketh seemed determined to stick him to. "You're going to get me caught one day, you know."
Humming as he circled and prepared to land at the mouth to the Hatching Grounds, Kraketh glanced back at Jacomus, a look of mischief and mirth on his face. Of course, J'mus - You're a rider, you belong in a Weyr, and I am a dragon. I need a weyr and a Weyr. He flared his large wings, soon touching down. The grounds were already getting crowded, filled with riders and lords and other important people alike. Find a good spot, but don't do something stupid, please. Kraketh looked at his rider, eyes flashing red for a moment. I would like to see the first new dragons hatched since Thread returned, something YOUR lifestyle prevents me from fighting properly.
Jacomus let out a displeased sound. So sorry that Weyr life bored me and I felt restricted. No pocket picking, I promise. He climbed down, then watched the great bronze beast find a spot he'd deem 'good enough.' A cursory glance revealed many faces Jacomus didn't recognize. Well, past any present Bronze riders who had been present for when Uridith Rose... And Uridith's rider. He found a spot strategically far from her, still unable to figure out where he'd seen her before.
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Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 10:48 pm
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Masterharper Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 10:56 pm
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H'sad & blue CInonth
H'sad had almost been surprised, if not a touch hurt, when Dristan suggested that the blond sleep in. While he was sharding tired, he had the echo of his blue dragon's excitement and adrenaline pumping through him, and was excited himself. Hatching days were always a thrilling time, though he did understand his lover's pain. He knew that Dristan was still wounded from having never Impressed, and while H'sad tried to be understanding of the man's pain, it wasn't always easy.
Still, he was surprised that the other thought he might sleep the morning away, or arrive later. "Hey now," he half-objected, sitting up in their bed. Before Dristan had a chance to pull away completely, he did reach out to grab his hand. "If we're going down, we're going there together."
He pressed a kiss to the other's hand, before releasing the man to get dressed. The blonde was quick to follow suit, rolling out of bed, and scrambling to get dressed. While he did try to find something suitable, much of his clothing was meant for riding, and all the work that went along with keeping Cinonth in good health. Thankfully, the blue had a bath and good oiling just the day before, so he would look sharp, even if H'sad did not.
Slipping into a clean bright blue tunic that matched Cinonth's color, a thin belt, black slacks, and his best boots, it didn't take him long. He wasn't going to fuss with his hair, or try to get overly dolled up -- the only one he wanted to impress was already smitten with him.
Yes, I am, aren't I? the blue teased, sending him a wave of love and fondness.
H'sad gave a quiet snort. Wrong man, Cinonth.
The blue's humming only grew louder. He was anxious to go to the Hatching Sands, and as H'sad had picked up guests the previous Hatching, he was able to just enjoy the day today.
"Ready, love?" He asked, reaching out to offer an arm. They'd hurry to the Sands and get a good seat.
---
Shinnikan
Shinnikan had found himself with some company again. Kellan and he weren't exactly bosom buddies, but the roomies had found a bit of a mutually satisfying middle ground. He all but jumped when Siriath's call cut through his sleep, and blinked wearily as Kellan rolled out of bed and left him cold. He could hear Fehral and Chayrel stirring, and there was the strangest noise - - -
The Hatching!
It finally sunk in, and the tall lad half-stumbled, half-fell out of bed. Everything else was forgotten as he struggled into his Candidate robes and tried to find his sandals. There was no time for breakfast, there was no time for anything except trying to get out of the Barracks. While he was fairly go-with-the-flow, he couldn't help but be anxious. All he had to think about today was the eggs. This could be the moment everything changed -- and what a story that would be! -- but he also didn't want to get his hopes up. He knew the disappointment of being left standing. Ah, but now wasn't the time to think such things, was it?
When Gr'del let them onto the Sands, the tall lad drifted further inside. He kept a good distance from the eggs, all of which looked so much brighter, so much more lovely now that it was their day. If he settled not far from Kellan, he didn't notice, for his eyes were only for the eggs.
Happy thoughts, happy thoughts. . .
---
Chayrel
Everything seemed to move quickly once Chayrel had comprehend what was going on. He was used to nights with little sleep, and though he had objected to someone yelling at him -- it had only turned out to be Siriath. Fehral was already up and about, and it didn't take Chayrel to get into the white robes, and try hard not to look too miserable in the process. It wasn't that he wasn't excited --- he was! He just was terrified he'd, once again, be left standing. While it was all well and good to be excited for the Hatching, it was also painfully nerve-wracking.
The boy had felt he had somehow failed during the Touching. He wanted to make it right, wanted to try to think positively. Maybe this time he'd walk away with a companion. Maybe this time he'd Impress.
His thoughts were all blur until he made it to the Hatching Sands. Between the heat, the eggs, Uridith and Takarath, and the general anxiety of feeling so many eyes on him, Chayrel almost gulped. His mouth was cotton, and his hands shook ever so slightly. For all his defensiveness, for all his callousness, at the end of the day he was nothing more than a terrified young man. Could anybody really blame him?
His eyes did catch sight of Cami and he forced a small smile, and raised his hand in a bit of a wave. But his legs felt like rubber, and he didn't dare move from his spot. No, he was trying too hard to gain some composure, and not let his own worries consume him. Now was not the time!
~~~
Cahlusi
Cahlusi was all but vibrating with excitement. He had mad sure he was looking his best; his Candidate robes fit him like a glove, and were maybe just a bit too form-fitting. Honestly, could anybody blame him? If he was going to catch the eye of a dragonet, he wanted tom ake sure he looked his best; and if (what felt like) all of Pern was going to watch him make a specaticle of himself, he could at least look damn fine doing it.
Maybe G'len was watching?
Maybe some other past lovers, or future ones for that matter?
Besides, if he didn't Impress, he might want to attract the eye of anyone willing to give him a little sympathy.
But that was neither here nor there. No, instead the Candidate had found himself close to the end of the line when Gr'del lead them to the Sands. His hair was damp from the bath he'd taken, and he was glad of it now that the heat of the Hatching Sands consumed them.
The Candidate weaved his way among his peers, flashing a smile here and there, or a pat of encouragement there. He couldn't help it if he was a bit on the touchy side. His eyes did periodically glance at the Sands, trying to find his mother, if she were there. He hoped she would be, for all that he hadn't yet Impressed. Surely the Headwoman would let her watch this time?
Any searching for his mother was quick to slow as his sister appeared before him. "There you are," he smiled fondly, reaching over to give her a quick squeeze. "Looking ever lovely, might I add." The two of them must make quite the pair, not that Cahlusi minded. Their mother had raised them well, and while she was not shallow, she did stress the importance of a good appearance and first impressions.
Making a good impression was what they both hoped for today, was it not?
~~~~
Gr'del
The man stood not far from E'ion, though his eyes never left the Hatching Sands. His arms were crossed, but not out of defensiveness; no, he was trying to hide his own nervousness. He was rather proud of the young men and women in his charge, and he knew this day was going to change some of their lives-- but break the heart of others. He also knew there was a good chance some of them might get hurt, if not killed. He hoped the loss of life was minimal this day, though healers were standing by.
"It's out of our hands now," he quietly spoke to his assistant. "Nothing we can do 'til it's over. I just hope none of them do something stupid." Oh, he could almost feel another white hair sprout. "Faranth help them get through this day in one piece." There would be a mess of them with broken hearts, Candidates who would be left behind, and returned to his care.
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Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 10:58 pm
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Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 11:01 pm
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Roknhin arrived at the hatching late. He considered not going at all, but he figured sitting in the stands and not impressing couldn't be any worse than standing on the sands and not impressing, and he'd had turns a practice doing that. Besides, he still had friends that were candidates. True, he'd been avoiding them for several months now, not knowing how to deal with their sympathy, not sure how to pretend to be happy anymore, to be all right anymore.. But they were still his friends, and their friendship didn't matter so little to him that he would miss the moment they impressed just because of this.
If they impressed. And shells, he hoped they did. He hoped they all did. He didn't want anyone to have to feel the same disappointment he, although we knew that wasn't possible. There weren't enough eggs for everyone. Someone was going to be disappointed.
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Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 11:06 pm
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Alumet
There was a bright smile when her brother at least came forwards. Her lips pressed to his cheek as she watched the squeaking egg, her eyes all alight with excitement. One arm snaked its way delicately around Cahlusi's waist, her gaze ever trained on the eggs on the sands, "Oh, but of course I do. Why would I look anything less than my best for these precious little ones? And look at you, freshly cleaned, and attracting eyes~. Ever my lovely brother." She wanted nothing more than for the dragonets to see bright, smiling faces when their eggs cracked, and they found those that belonged to them. "Look at them all...and one already moving. It's exhilarating." After a moment, she shifted to lean her head on his shoulder, "Is it bad to be nervous?"
----------------------------------------------------------
E'ion
He smiled at the other's words. He knew why Gr'del was nervous. How could they not be? Hatchlings could be brutal. They could tear a candidate apart in minutes...He remembered when Araeth was clutched, when she'd hatched and MAULED other candidates to get to him, "...Faranth willing." A hand moved to rest on his shoulder as he leaned back, noting idly that some of the candidates were watching the egg that was already moving a bit too intently, "I only hope that they all are brought out of this with as little damage as possible. It will be okay...I have my faith in them...." Perhaps he was too optimistic.
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Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 11:19 pm
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"... Forgive me," Dristan said, taking H'sad's arm. He really was incorrigible, wasn't he? And he was being terribly selfish. It wasn't H'sad's fault, after all, that such an event brought up... painful memories. "I am ready." He had his kit with him and would be able to handle any extra dragonhealing as needed. In all truth he'd prefer to remain up in the Stands. When H'sad drew him along to the Hatching Grounds, he made no protest. It was like old times, except that he did have the benefit of a rather handsome blue friend. "I didn't mean to be such a boor," he murmured, settling into a seat where he could observe the entire Hatchings Sands. He was worried, after the events of the Touching, that his aid would be needed, but perhaps that wasn't so. After all, not every clutch needed excessive attention. Perhaps this one would be calmer once out of the egg than in it?
--
Well, shaff. It was incredible. Kellan couldn't believe how thrilling it was to be on the Sands, although he tried to downplay his own excitement. He was a betting man, and he was more than aware of his own odds. Best not to count one's dragons before they'd hatched, after all. But shards if it wasn't hard to avoid. "Look at them," he breathed, watching the little egg rock and sway, while the majority of the eggs were relatively still. A few seemed to be a bit more active. He really needed to get a strategy for these things down. If he'd set up betting like Z'el had... well. Well, he hadn't, and they wouldn't have let him. He didn't have the same stellar reputation.
--
Had Fehral ever seen anything so lovely before? If he'd thought the eggs were a sight before, he was more than wowed now. They were moving, some of them, the lovely colors of their shells glinting softly as they caught the light. "Prettier than a sparkly from the mines," he observed, subtly resting his hand so that his fingertips brushed Chayrel's. Seemed like his friend had found some friends of his own in the crowd, and he while he hadn't caught sight of them yet he did look around, just in case.
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