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This shouldn't have been a struggle, not when a damned dragon was already on the sands, but Oerlen found himself stalling once again, this time over his sandals. They had to be perfect. He had to be perfect or else he would think back on this day with nothing but disappointment. It felt like ages before he deemed himself ready, but in truth only a handful of minutes had passed by the time he joined the line, neither first nor last once again.

His nerves burned away at the sight of the hatchling. After all, what did Oer truly have to do tonight but stand here and wait to dodge claws? The baby bronze held all of his attention as he found a spot next to the familiar Kambri, the young man's smile only faltering slightly when he noticed the gold beyond, her scales dry and the food around her untouched. Talela hadn't recovered. He sincerely hoped that these hatchlings' first memories wouldn't be awful ones.

Even the queen's diminished state couldn't hold him for long, however, not when... were those remnants in the sand from that gloriously fiery egg with the penchant for secrets? Of course he would be the one to hatch first. Oer laughed under his breath, just once, waiting to see how the dragon would start his life.

~Kiana_Nala~

don't mind oer just standing next to kambri helo

A D A R - HR candidate

Though her brain was still half running on High Reaches time and drowsiness vaguely clawed at her awareness, Adar had made plans to have dinner with her elder brother. Fortunately for her she had been in the process of washing her face, neck, arms, to clean up a bit for dinner, to wash some of the sweat off of her anyway, when the tell tale humming began and the urging to hurry went up. Not only was it time, but there apparently was already a dragonet on the Sands!! Dinner would wait! She quickly wrapped up her scrubbing and tugged on her candidate robe and sandals. Following A’ral out to the Sands, she had spotted her brother waiting a ways off from the barracks, his gaze more skyward as more dragons took up the call. “Harol, come watch! Grab a good seat! Need to be quick.” Hurrying along, she slowed as she entered, tall enough to see over a good few heads, she caught a glimpse of the young bronze that was cantering about on the Sands. What a ham, she thought amused. Finding a what she figured to be a decent spot, Adar craned her head around to make eye contact with her brother, to verify where he was sitting. Okay, he was there. Good! Since she didn’t have to worry about impressing the young bronze showman, she looked to the Queen, a furrowed settling on her brow, her dragonhealer training forming a little concerned knot in her gut. The poor mama looked so very rough. Her rider would pull through, surely. Sometimes it got worse before it got better but she had to, right? Best care, love of the Weyr behind her. Adar sighed and refocused on watching the bronze, in case she needed to make a hasty move should he head her way.


H A R O L - Harper/Standidate (stands candidate)

Adar had gotten a pretty decent grasp of Western’s layout in her time visiting, but it hadn’t changed Harol’s mind in wanting to walk her to dinner, to catch up and just spend time with his little sister. He had taken to waiting in a pretty open area where he figured either he could see her or she might spot him. As was his habit, he arrived a bit early so had been just absently cleaning his glasses and running through upcoming lessons he had planned. He has noticed the initial humming, but a break in his thoughts drew his gaze skyward as the sound he was hearing sank in. Oh, the eggs must be stirring. It was right after he had thought this when he hear his sister’s call. He spun around to spot her, already in her standing candidate white, heading towards the Sands, everyone looking quite urgent. Maybe an eager hatchling not wanting to wait? Adar had mentioned how the clutch seemed really...emotive? Active? Made sense that it still held true. Well, he had to find a good seat! His sister may find her bondmate by day’s end, or one of the weyrbrats or creche kids he had helped teach! Regardless, he wanted a seat with a view, so he fell in quickly behind and made his way into the stands. Gracious! A new bronze was already out and about when he settled into his seat. He spotted his sister looking around for him and helped her spot him with a wave. Having been spotted, she had turned back to watch the prancing bronze. Perhaps it would be lucky, as the superstitions say.

A handsome one, that bronze, and didn't he know it?  Small wonder he'd been first to hatch, if he enjoyed attention so much (not that Rio could blame him).  Fortunately, he didn't seem too put out that there'd been no one here to see him as soon as he broke shell.  Must have been a sight to see!  Rio quirked up one corner of his lips as he imagined the expression that the hatchling must have made.  But the smile faded as his eyes tracked back to Vimiath, and his heart ached at the stark contrast between mother and son, though the dragonet seemed not to care.

-----

All eyes were on the bronze as he strutted the Sands, Dezerac's included.  What man on Pern - let alone trained at High Reaches - had never imagined himself on one of the large, shining dragons who were born to power?  But this was Western, and the color of the hatchling's hide meant nothing.  He and His would rise or fall according to their own merits, whatever they were.  Was that why, in the egg, the dragonet had been so eager to know what he could offer it, or did it just want to be worshipped?

If he'd accepted its attempt to exert a hold over him, would it be more inclined to look to him now?  He couldn't help but wonder, but he would never regret the choice he'd made to break away, no matter what happened.  He bent to no one, human or dragon; if he ever did bond to a dragon, they would be partners, not just a means to an end.

Lissa

For the briefest of moments, Lissa stood, hands full of dishes, staring dumbly as all the Candidates were ordered to go clean up and dress as quickly as possible. The eggs couldn't be hatching now. Then, her brain kicked itself into action and she carefully set the dishes down and bolted for her room. Hatching eggs with one little dragon already on the sands! It was terribly exciting and certainly interesting.

Still, as the white-blonde washed and dressed, she couldn't help but feel resigned. Another Hatching to get through. Another step closer to the Weyrfolk realizing that she didn't really belong here. And another moment closer to getting back to the dolphins. One could be sure of how dolphins would react to things.

As she ran from the room, half-hopping on one foot as she gott he other sandal on, Lissa dashed for the Grounds, skidding to a stop as she actually got onto the sands and saw a little bronze strutting. Stifling a smile, she brushed her hair from her face with her hands and moved a bit more sedately to her place.

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

Esfir

Hurrying to obey, Esfir ran to bathe and change into robe and sandals. It was all terribly exciting and as she rushed to get ready, she only hoped that the newly hatched dragon wouldn't hurt itself before everyone got there. And that none of the babies would be as upset as they all seemed to be during the Touching!

Shrugging into her robe, even as she twisted her wet hair into a knot at the back of her head, Esfir wondered who of all the people she'd seen would Impress.

Sandals on and robe settled, the girl hurried to the Grounds and onto the sands. She couldn't help the smile and chuckle that snuck out under her veneer of serenity. Look at that little bronze! What a darling! She hoped he'd find his person soon.

Then, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Esfir clasped her hands together in front of her and tried to calm herself. But oh, it was difficult. This was all so very exciting!

She was all nerves as she readied herself to go to the Hatching Grounds, her flits abuzz around her head, entirely too antsy for their comfort. She reached up and the two green flits landed in her hands. Pulling them close, she stroked them each momentarily, soothing their mood. It was her fault, she knew. Kieza set them down on her bed and gave them a stern look. "Stay. Don't follow me to the sands, okay? I don't want a hatchling to mistake you for an easy snack, yes?" Kieza said. Two baleful cheeps were her answer and she smiled, sitting to work on tying the sandals to her feet, her fingers shaking. She had to hurry or she would be the last of the High Reaches Candidates to get there, she was certain! And then what? It'd look terrible. Finally, she stood, gave a silent goodbye to the two flits, and raced after the throng of other white-robed Candidates, milling their way to the Hatching Grounds.

Kieza half-stumbled as she rushed to add herself to the group of Candidates already on the sands. Her whole body was still sore from Vimiath’s flailing that as she took her place next Esfir, wincing as she clutched her side, the cracked rib still healing, still aching, but she tried not to show it as she stared out at the sands. Staring at the hatchling, Kieza felt her aches seem far away as she watched its swagger. This was what the girl had always wanted to see, and here she was... actually a part of the Hatching. It was an understatement to say she was excited!

Her hands fell to grip her robes as she watched, her breathing starting to slow as she brought herself down to a calmer setting, and it showed in her demeanor, her head held a little higher and the tense energy seeming to finally be controlled. Though her green eyes were wide and shining with the energy. This was a Hatching!

Gavryl watched as the bronze strutted his stuff, taking his time to sniff at the other eggs as he made his way closer to the Candidates. The youth couldn't tell if the bronze knew exactly who he wanted already or if the delay in engagement was some sort of stalling tactic as he made up his mind. Either way, he was a showy individual and Gavryl frowned, shaking his head. One would think the most efficient method would be head straight there - why waste your time dilly-dallying? He didn't care so much about colour as he did his, and the dragon's, ability to deliver their duty against Thread.

Turning his attention away from the bronze and into the gathered candidates now that they were mostly finished filing out onto the sands, Gavryl's gaze swept over the other candidates and he tilted his head as he overheard Dolmar speaking to Cedarian as he voiced the superstitious beliefs around a bronze hatching first. That was right... he'd forgotten that little tidbit.

Did that mean all the dragons would find their pairs? He'd heard of dragonets going between when they couldn't find a partner... a sad occurrence but it sometimes happened. He only hoped the Mummy Egg had found someone to satisfy its needs - Gavryl silently cheered the egg on. It shouldn't settle for something second class but he did hope the best for it!

And then he noticed Astriana from the game night and was glad to see at least one familiar face on the Sands. He wasn't one to make connections easily but at least he recognized her. Would she Impress tonight? There were so many female candidates!

Alya

The events of the Touching had rattled her something fierce, forcing the girl to very much reevaluate what, exactly, she had signed up for. Someone had nearly died due to rash behavior, and she had no intention of going the same route! Alya gave a start when A'ral commanded that they get ready, and she hastily threw on her white robe and scurried off with the rest of the Candidates.

Oh! A bronze! Already?! She quickly picked her way across the sands to stand by Rio, torn between delight at hatchling's proud display or dismay at Vimiath's poor condition. Poor, poor mother... She prayed that her rider would recover soon....

--

Iathe

No matter how many times she stood upon the burning sands, she didn't think she'd ever grow used to the excitement and anxiety that twisted in her chest. Was her lifemate here, hiding among the eggs? Or would she leave dejected and disappointed once more? Iathe couldn't recall ever standing at night, per say, and certainly not in a strange Weyr. Perhaps that was what would make the difference. Her eyes were fixed upon the bronze as he paraded about, resisting the urge to snort. Well, he had every reason to be a show-off! But what of Vimiath... of Talela? Her lips thinned at the sight of the huge gold, her hide dulled and dirtied as though to reflect her sorrow. Talela was not a young woman... but surely--surely she would pull through?

Knowing it was a slim hope, the girl clung to it fiercely.

Iathe hadn't realized that she'd positioned herself next to the redhead whom she'd had fiery words with until she glanced to her side, sizing Roana up without a word. She'd disapproved of the other scolding an obviously distressed egg... but, she thought grimly, she'd allowed herself to be caught up in the egg's fury and had lashed out like a fool. Mistakes on both ends, then. At least Roana had a spine.

Still silent, she offered a hand out to the girl, offering a truce--and, of course, someone to weather out the Hatching with. Would joy be in their futures, or bitter disappointment? Only time would tell.

--

Nikohal (On the stands)

"Trust dragons to always make things interesting!" The big man boomed as he took a seat, chortling to himself as he leaned forward to better get a look at the sands. "Why, if it gets much darker, we won't see a sharding thing down there! Ach, but what's the matter with that Queen, eh? She looks a fright!" He clucked pityingly, shaking his head.

There they were, the little mites, all looking different shades of frightened, thrilled, and apprehensive as they stood and gazed at the eggs with awe. Oh, not just the eggs, but a bronze! "Well look at that!" He exclaimed, slapping his knee with a roar of laughter. "That's good luck, there!" Yes, one could never be too lucky, and this group would need it!

Unlike the eggs, Rasthell had no reason to doubt Dharzol's loyalty. As far as he could tell, the two of them could take on anything as long as they had each other. And the red-haired man couldn't help but ache in hopes that maybe, just maybe, his love would find someone. He didn't dare think about himself, as badly as a part of him wanted to -- it was easier believing in Dharzol instead.

"Maybe they'll just fall in love with us both, eh?" He mused, stepping a little closer to the other. Where Dharzol feared to take his hand, Rasthell did not. The easy-going Candidate reached out to ensnare the others hand, like a lifeline. He gave it an affectionate and encouraging squeeze, before letting himself peer between the Candidates. The bronze seemed to be eyeing the group up. Who was his partner? And when might the other eggs start moving?

- - - -





"A bronze is indeed good luck," he confirmed, standing tall despite the emotions bubbling up within him. "I suspect this lot to be spirited, but might hope they possess a modicum of decorum." He wasn't trying to judge the lot -- honest! He just didn't want thing to get too wild, as some Hatchings had in the past according to rumor. This was his first Hatching, and he was curious on how it would play out. Some of them were quiet and relatively a joyous affair, while others were considered bloodbaths. What would happen if that were the case?

He took a deep breath, and glanced over to Shehara and Gavryl. He did not know the tiny girl, nor did he know the serious-looking man. He didn't necessarily approve of Shehara's teasing of Dolmar, but he would keep his judgments to himself. There was a slight frown on his features, but scowling was his standard expression. He did incline his head formally and cordially at both, all the same -- it wouldn't do to be rude, after all. "But I do appreciate this one's ability to entertain." He confessed. All eyes were on it in part because it was the only hatchling on the Sands, but it did strut and show off to catch the eye.

Would all dragonets be like that? Little entertainers?

- - -




Kiri was excited. Any hunger for dinner was completely forgotten when the call came him. She hurried to brush her brown hair, and slip into her over-sized Candidate robe. This was it. This was the moment. All of the anticipation for this one night. Her excitement at being so close to the eggs and the babies was overwhelming -- she'd never seen a baby dragon before, and was unsure what to expect. This was different than bonding with a feline -- while she'd never had the opportunity to meet a litter, such bonding was less of an experience. It was more subtle, more dignified, really, and as felines could live independently before they bonded (if they ever did), it wasn't something to peg ones hopes to. But this... She'd heard stories about the magic of Impression, or at least the awesomeness of the ordeal.

Would she Impress?

That was what every one had to be wondering.

When she got into the Hatching Sands, she almost hesitated. To see the tiers filling up, and dragons delivering hurried guests and Candidates; to hear the hum of the dragons -- for once in her life she felt very small. Ah, but she was fearless, and squaring her shoulders, the girl was quick to hurry ahead. Rumor had it a baby had already hatched!

As she weaved among the Candidates, she caught sight of Henwas and his brother. "Good luck, boys," she laughed as she strode past them. For Huarwar it was at least a little sincere -- not so much for his brother. Ah, but today was not about petty squabbles, and honestly, Kiri didn't know what to expect. Maybe Henwas would Impress to this bronze and be incorrigible for the rest of his days. Maybe he'd be left standing. No one knew but the dragons, and as the saying went, the dragons always knew best.

Kiri found herself next to Roana and offered a bright smile. "And good luck to you, too, Roana. Won't be too long now before they all start to hatch." The eggs weren't moving, and poor Vimiath made a sad and heavy sight. Would the queen be all right? Would Talela? Mph. She hoped this Hatching wouldn't end with the loss of a queen.

- - -