[Zenobiath's Hatching] In Their Eyes Shine Stars

[Uta]

It was the dead of night. Alumet had been well and truly asleep, but Zenobiath could not be bothered to rest. No, her eggs were beginning to stir, and it was both exciting and frightening. Carefully, she turned one of the wiggling eggs with her nose, her body kept close around her small ones. Was it really time? She was not ready. Had this been how her own mother had felt? Both all the love, excitement, and the slight hint of sadness? They would not be mothered in the same way after today. They would have Theirs, and be mentored to become fighters. Gently shifting an egg that had moved, she felt the excitement. Quietly, the Gold began to hum. Yes...it was time. Aresoth, wake Yours. It is time for the Weyr to awaken and meet our children. They're ready. Her nose booped an egg, and then she shifted, giving them a bit more space.

They would need it, after all. The gold prodded at Alumet, waking her Rider with little ceremony, It wouldn't do for you to be late, beloved. Put on your best. Thankfully, their weyr was near the Sands, and it gave Alumet enough time to do her hair, and put on some nice clothes, before hurrying down to watch. Oh, they were already moving! Excitement wrote itself on her face as Zenobiath's humming became louder. Finally

Sleep was not coming as easy to Aresoth these past few months. As the weeks went on the bronze found himself watching the sands more and more, delivering wherries and herd beasts to Zenobiath to eat as she did not leave the sands at all now. It was getting closer and anticipation was what kept him more alert as the days went on. He had just finally begun to fall off into sleep, his eyes dropping shut when Zenobiath's words came to him, once more he was alert and his attention moved to the sands. He could already hear Zenobiath's humming and he took off from the ledge as he began to hum as well.

C'rynMine. It's time. If he spoke the words loudly to his sleeping rider to jolt the man awake, Aresoth did not care. This was the time that his and Zenobiath's children would meet the world and find Theirs! He landed upon the sands watching the eggs, looking for any sign of wiggling. Moving across to stand behing Zenobiath and give her and the clutch room, he continued his humming.

Rushing to redress himself and make himself look presentable, C'ryn moved from his weyr and too the sands skidding to a halt as he saw the scene before him. There was a different excitment of being on this side of a hatching, to see Aresoth's children find theirs, knowing how fierce fighters they would become.

Welcome to the Festive Mystery Hatching

Zenobiath x Aresoth
3575.12.21
25 Eggs // 17 PC // 8 NPC

1. Elf Stockings Egg: Green Trimestreth to Valeska (Shikai-Chan)
   
2. Snowflake Egg: Green Cartujanth to Urzoh (Spockat)
   
3. Blue Ornament Egg: Green Arwainth to Fivudal (SilverLutz)
   
4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Egg: Brown Chluaith to Tonori (Princess_Feylin)
   
5. Starry Night Egg: Brown Maestoth to Ilzurin (Meepfur)
   
6. Lump of Coal Egg: Bronze Argamath to Kaiator (Zaikt)
   
7. Santa Egg: Bronze Khazariath to Dorok (demon_pachabel)
   
8. Holly Egg: Blue Mikkeluth to Aroontwa (faesinger)
   
9. String of Lights Egg: Green Indarrath to Ruunan (Sweet Symmetry)
   
10. Ding-Dong Bell Egg: Blue Othelloth to Lauthisen (Tsunake)
    
11. Snowman Egg: Blue Cordeth to Tandry (dawns_aura)
    
12. Red & Green Present Egg: Blue Vardoth to Chayrel (Uta)
    
13. Caroling Note Egg: Green Skalmath to Brenva (MaraRune)
    
14. Christmas Tree Egg: Bronze Destrieth to Tarroi (tatterpixie)
    
15. Red & Green Striped Paper Egg: Blue Kourith to Verica (Hattaki)
    
16. Candy Cane Egg: Brown Zadelraheth to Fehral (Mr Cheri)
    
17. Gingerbread Egg: Green Palouseth to Tuelarua (Prism Shine)
    

 

[Uta]

General Hatching Information

Welcome to High Reaches Weyr's PC Hatching! We want to thank everyone for participating in this shop and giving it so much life! Mr Cheri and I wouldn't be here without you, so thank you for sticking around. That said, we do want to go over some general rules (IC and OOC) and reminders so this Hatching can be a success!

General Information & Rules

• Not every Candidate or Player is going to Impress. Please, please, please don't get too discouraged or upset if that is the case. We only have a limited number of pets to give away, and honestly tried to find the best fit for each dragon. There will be other Hatchings, I promise. gaia_star Many, many, many other Hatchings.
  
  
• Please don't get upset if Staff impresses a dragon. We try not to take away from the players fun, but staff are also players, too. Any dragons that might go to staff were either customed-in behind the scenes or chosen simply because their Candidate was the best fit. As stated above, there will be other Hatchings.
  
  
• Please don't get upset if your Candidate does not Impress to your preferred color. Just like in Pern, nobody could ever guess whether or not a Candidate Impressed, much less a certain color. This is supposed to be fun, not some sort of tragedy. If you don't like the dragon that we fit to your Candidate you absolutely cannot rehome it or give it away. Additionally, if you throw a fit about it and we find out, or you discourage other players, this could bar you from future Hatchings. We honestly tried very hard to match Candidates with characters so the fit mad sense.
  
  
• Don't discourage others or vent at them if they Impress (or don't Impress) a dragon or certain color. If we hear about players giving other players crap for their Impression, we can bar you from future Hatchings. There will be other characters, other Hatchings, and other opportunities for all! Please keep this fun and support one another, not tear folks apart.
  
  
• We really, really, really, really loved all of your Candidates! No really, Cheri and I hemmed and hawed for weeks. In some cases, Candidates may not have Impressed because we have ideas for particular colors or personalities for them. If you do not Impress, we are aware, and we have big ideas for the future. Please give us a chance and be patient.
  
  
• Why Didn't I Impress!? Remember, activity is a big driver when we're matching dragon personality. If you have dragons from past-Hatchings that are sititng dusty and unused, I would start by actually trying to RP them if you wish to be considered in future Hatchings! The amount of work we pour into these characters means we're less inclined to match your character if we don't think it's going to get RPed. That said, we like to share the love--but if there's a baby that might fit multiple Candidates, if you aren't known to RP Hatching dragons, there's less a shot we'll choose you.
  
  
• IC Action = IC Consequence. If you role-play in the Hatching and your Candidate does something stupid, remember that ICly there could be hell to pay. If a dragon doesn't maul you, then the Weyrlingmaster could very well pull you from the Sands. Please don't make us do that. Also, the Seconds and assistants are also here to watch, and to report back on behavior--so even if we miss it while running the hatching, it doesn't mean they won't be in troulble afterward. Additionally, regardless of whether or not you signed your character up for death or maiming or not, if you do something stupid ICly, the shop has a right to respond accordingly, and that includes death. Please, don't put us in that position.
  
  If someone sees a Candiate or character doing something questionable or breaking the rules, please let Cheri or Uta know! This way if it doe warrant an IC response, we can get to it, or have staff talk to the person about the behavior.
  
  Staff might be tapped in to help monitor or at least help Cheri and Uta keep an eye on things.
  
  
• We will hatch all the PC eggs and play the hatchlings until they Impress. Once they Impress, they will be the players to control. We will quote folks in the Hatching Sands, but also PM them the dragonets profile. Please note, that we have done away with one-dragon-per-person rule. At this point, we're going by whatever personalities match best--so don't be surprised if someone gets multiple. Please note that just because you did not Impress does not mean we don't like your character--we just might have something else in mind, or might reward you with more later.
  
  
• The Hatching Thread will likely peter off after the last egg Impresses. We may not close it officially so folks can RP in the thread as needed. Also, please, once you Impress, continue to RP in the Hatching Thread! It gets kind of sad and unfortunate when, at the end of Hatchings, only a few stragglers are RPing in it. :c We would love to have everyone feel included, including those who don't Impress or who are posting on the Sands actively.
  
  
• New Rule: We would absolutely love it if folks REFRAINED from immediately plotting their baby dragonets until ALL THE EGGS ARE HATCHED. We don't want people who Impress near the end to miss out on plots or bonding with others. There will be plenty of time for plots after the Hatching has ended! It's okay to RP with folks, or talk about your bbs, but just... try not to immediately line them up with plot ideas or story ideas well before the last egg has hatched.
  
  
• Everybody is encouraged to participate! Bring your weyrfolk and holdfolk to watch by having them sit in the Sands and cheer. Candidates, whether they were at the Touching or not, should be on the Sands an will be assumed to have arrived regardless if you have time to post them. Dragons can perch on ledges to watch the newest babies, and comment to one another. Guests and visitors will be flown in -- from mighty Holders to the families of those hold- and craftbred Candidates. Come one, come all -- even the lower cavern workers, while some might have volunteered to help behind the scenes for extra pay, are also encouraged to watch if they wish. It's up to you! This is a time for celebration.
  
  
• Western Weyr folks are invited, albeit grudgingly! Big Cat Weyrlings CANNOT attend. They are too young yet and must stay behind. Wingleaders were invited to represent Western, but they must have at least one Wingsecond at the Weyr in case of emergencies. Or vice-versa. Not all Wings were allowed to go... We'll just pretend it was some of the NPC Flights that were asked to stay jusssst in case. Western can't quit functioning just because High Reaches is bustling with activity!
  
  Also, tensions are still a bit high between the two Weyrs but perhaps this one will smooth things over.
  
  
• There will be a Hatching Feast thread for Candidates to console themselves, the newest weyrlings to mingle and introduce themselves to one another, and all the Weyr and its visitors to rejoice. This will open after the Hatching thread closes/ends.
  
  
• This Hatching takes places quite late in the middle of the night. This is about 2am High Reaches time, so about 11pm Western. No one's getting much sleep tonight! It's okay to have characters a bit groggy.
  
  
• Perhaps as payback, like Western, the Weyr has decided to simply go whole hog. There WILL still be a feast, and yes, it will happen immediately after the Hatching. Chances are, this hatching won't run more than an hour or two ICly. This isn't the first time a hatching has happened at an awkward hour, and it likely won't be the last. Instead of delaying the feast for the following night, the Weyr is going to throw the biggest, overnight party you've ever seen. Who has time for napping when there are babies to get to know?!
  
  
• For Western Weyr non-riders, any Lower Cavern workers and such can likely attend the Hatching either as a guest -- if it was their restday -- or as hired-help. Since High Reaches will be feeding two Weyrs, plus guests, and housed their Candidates for a week or so, Western only thinks its fair to offer to help bring food, chefs, and worker to aid in setup and post-Hatching clean up! They need to be on their best behavior, though.
  
  

IC Rules & General Information

• Candidates can get mauled, so they have been told time and time again to stay out of the dragonets way! If they art attacked, they are to try to cover their head and protect their vulnerable bits, but should not really fight back. That might upset it further.
  
  
• Guests and visitors CANNOT enter the Sands. Those who arrive late will be ushered to seats closest to the entrance, or asked to stand at the entrance itself, or just wait outside. Any person who is not a Candidate that tries to get on the Sands will be removed, unless (of course) a dragon is attempting to get to you.
  
  
• Unaffiliated riders, non-HR folks, and crafters not living at Western ARE NOT allowed unless they actually have a reason to be there. This includes being an invited guest (usually Journeyman or Masters of renown that have something to offer the Weyr), of prominent family lines (they do love their Holders), happen to be dating someone who lives at the Weyr and are their guest, or you happen to be going because an immediate family member is on the Sands as a Candidate. That's it. Most of Pern never, ever, gets to see a Hatching so they are meant to be special when folks do go. They're not open for just anyone to come into willy-nilly.
  
  
• Do not break into eggs! Period. If an egg needs to be broken into, the shop will make it VERY clear.
  
  
• Candidates are asked to arrive on the Sands with a thin pair of sandals-- no boots or heavy soled shoes! The Sands are hot, so standing from foot-to-foot is common.
  
  
• Candidates will be brought to the Hatching Sands by the Candidatemaster. Should they Impress, they will take their dragons outside of the Hatching Sands entrance, where Weyrlingmaster V'mel and his assistants will have prepared meat to feed them, and have buckets of oil and brushes to scrub them once fed. Baby dragons tend to eat a lot, and tend to itch a lot as their skin dries. The new weyrlings belongings will be moved from the Candidate Barracks to the Weyrling Barracks by drudges and lower cavern's workers as needed.
  
  
• Visitors and guests are invited to stay for the Hatching feast and riders will bring them home when finished.
  

Any other questions? PM Uta or Mr Cheri! With that, welcome to the Hatching!!  

[Uta]

Another late night hatching. Typical.

Nothing could get a Weyr moving so quickly outside of Threadfall than a Hatching, and this evening was no different. The hum of dragonsong was beautiful and precious, but also, energetic. Perhaps it was finally knowing that the growing excitement was about to spill-over and break, or that it was the dragon's own desire to see the newest little ones that made a late-night-hour bearable. Either way, by the time he made it to the Barracks, he could already spot Candidates waiting outside in their robes.

They knew the drill. Faranth help those who did not.

"Hurry now," he stressed, calling out over the din of Candidates and the hubbub of assistants herding them along. "Clean up. Look presentable. Get in those robes and get outside--These eggs won't wait!" Not, of course, that any of them needed the encouragement. If the excitement of Impression wasn't enough to drive them from their beds, then the hum of dragonsong, which was getting ever louder, would.

Sinrunth stood outside the Barracks, eyes whirling a mix of red-blue. The red was simply to keep the excited ones in line--but the blue whirling through was beginning to overhwelm the color. He would make sure the Candidates didn't run to the Sands without being lead.

For as many Candidates as there were cammed in the Barracks, it amazed F'dral at how quickly they could gather. Once the last of them was herded out into the Bowl, he lead them--some of them for the last time--to the entrance of the Hatching Sands. "Good luck. Remember your training, and don't be afraid." It was perhaps the gentlest thing he'd ever said to them. "Welcoming thoughts. Calming thoughts." And with that, he gave the signal for them to move forward.

They would all enter together as Candidates--but only a lucky few would walk out as riders.  

[Shaddaling]

Whren -High reaches - He/ Him/His

Whren was a light sleeper and even more so when what seemed to be his entire fair woke and preceded to prod him with small clawed hands and nibbling maws. He grunted, shifting Petite from her place on his head, separating a braid from her mouth and blinked blurry. "Wha...." There was deep warm humming and oh his flits were singing to.

Hatching time. He yawned, swinging his feet down as he sought out his candidate robe and sandals, flits giving a mix of peeps and hums as they tumbled into the warm space he abandoned, eyes whirling brightly. He could feel their excitement, see it in a splatter of colors and faint otherness of their emotions in the back of his mind.

"Yes.. yes..."He muttered. He shoved his feet in his sandals, took a moment to gather the half unraveling loose braids back into thick pony tail, tied with some rawhide and did his best to straighten his robe.

Mostly awake. That .. that was good. He followed the other candidates off into the sands, thoughts calm and still a tad sleep mused.  

[TheWishling]

Candidate Rhys - He/Him - HR

It was TIME. The hum of the dragons had woken him from his sleep, and the moment they were called? Rhys was getting ready. There was such hope in his chest that perhaps His might await among these eggs. His own Sister was a graduated Rider, and he? Oh, but he wanted nothing more than for the babies' happiness, and perhaps a chance. His long blonde hair was tied around his head in a braid, and his white robes were carefully situated. Once he was done, he walked to the sands, bowing once more and then watching the eggs from among the boys in anticipation.

Candidate Brenva - She/Her - HR

It was time, and Brenva wasn't sure what to make of all of it. Such energy and excitement, was this how these would always be? In the dead of night too...Well, at least it was finally time. Slipping from betwixt the others, she made sure she looked her best and was ready for the dragonets to shell.

Candidate Eyriean - They/Them - HR

They were anxious, they were hopeful, but more than anything? They felt out of place. Eyriean stood somewhere in the middle of the boys and girls, kind of a strange, androgynous face in the mix of all the lovely ladies and handsome boys. Faranth, how did other people do this?  

[Shaddaling]

Jemaselle- Jemi - She/Her/ Hers- High reach Candidate

What was that noise.... She stirred from her bedding, dislodging a flit and getting a irritated hiss nose from around her feet. "Dohn give me thaaa" she trailed off in a yawn. Mmh, ooh slag. Was that the dragons? She knew that sound and well, late a night it was.

She scrubbed sleep from her eyes, ran a hand through her close crop hair to get in in a semblance of order. She pulled on her robe and slipped on her sandals, making sure they fit before joining the crowd of candidates heading towards the sands entrance.  

[Sweet Symmetry]

sariraii

Ruunan [HR] - 17 - he/him/his - App Woodcrafter

The vibrations settled deep into his bones, invading his dreams… For the first time in sevendays, he hadn’t been plagued by nightmarish fears of being eaten or burned alive… instead, there had been hazy visions of dark, pool-filled caverns, and a prevailing sense of unbreakable tranquility. The young man felt at peace- why? Dreams had no rhyme nor reason half the time, and this one doubly so. Why would bathing, above all else, make him feel at ease? Why was the dark better than the light? And these caverns- why were there stars dotted amongst the stalactites?

And yet the cavern walls shook. He held no fear in his heart, despite knowing he was in danger, but let the darkness swallow him whole as the waking world pulled him back. The vibrations were outside of his body, not in it, he realised. Just a dream… Just a..? Dragon humming? He blinked bleary eyes, then slipped out of his cot, donning the traditional candidate garb and… staring a little forlornly at the mess of curls he called hair. Well, perhaps when he wasn’t in a rush, he’d run a brush through them… He rubbed his head and tried to look a little more presentable, then gave up to join the throng of fellow hopefuls.

F’dral’s words were perhaps the loudest and strongest things he could feel, save for the blood rushing to his ears. U’zan would be there, surely…. And his mother, and Nyara too… All these expectations….

Be brave. Be calm. I can do this. I think I can do this. It wasn’t the time to let self-doubt creep into his mental talk.

The young man bowed to the clutchparents once more as he entered, whispering his thanks for allowing him to Stand. As he joined the cluster of candidates, he found his gaze settled on Starry Night, and his lips curved slightly. Your big moment, little one… it's your shining moment, before you go chasing those stars. I can’t wait to see you. And his attention then slipped to String of Lights. Appreciation welled deep within him- if only there was a way he could convey his thanks to that dragon- or dragons- as well.

Ruunan focused on breathing and staying calm, as he watched the eggs begin their first dance.  

[Thaliawen]

Rhiyn loved sleep. He’d been having a dream about he and Demanthra. His subconscious was as impatient to spend more time with her as the rest of him. Shards, did it have to be then? He closed his eyes for a moment, hoping for a chance to capture one last image. No luck. It was already fading.

He rubbed at his eyes and pulled on his robes. He slid his sandals on and looked around for Dea’s younger brother. If he let Ionan sleep and miss the hatching, he’d never hear the end of it. He groggily noted the blonde was awake—it as close to it as could be expected—and moved to straighten his hair. Right. He needed to worry about looking presentable. He ran a hand through the black-bed mussed mass atop his head. He continued to as he stepped outside the barracks. Sleep tangles.

He took a breath and followed the candidatemaster. Maybe he’d have someone to introduce to Demanthra later.

Dea and #Teddy#

Mentions.

 

[SilverLutz]

Rundanrul - W

Rundanrul had a feeling this hatching was going to be at a very inopportune time with the way the touching had gone. It was over so quickly and two of the eggs had left quite the lasting impression on him which made him think that this wasn't going to be an easy stand. Maybe not as hard as last time, but definitely not a cake walk either.

When he was summoned from his dorm at some terrible hour of the night he had to force himself to move quickly. Adrenaline finally kicked in and got him going so by the time he was properly dressed and on the sands he was awake, hazel eyes watching the eggs rock and jerk occasionally. He had made sure to give the queen her due respect before picking a spot, noticeably away from the Lump of Coal egg.

---

Versha - HR

"Come on! Come on, we'll be late and have to stand in a terrible spot," Versha said, urging Verica to hurry. This was their first standing and she wanted the best spot on the sands to be theirs! Her robes were already on and her sandals on her feet, how she had gotten changed so quickly was still a bit of a mystery to her. The excitement and adrenaline was making her move a mile a minute, hands twitching reflexively as if she was about to go out and perform. She was, in a way, she supposed. They both had to impress a dragon literally and figuratively so they needed to be on their best behavior.

Once they made it to the sands Versha bowed to Zenobiath, unable to keep the smile off her face as she took Verica's hand to tug her along, finding a spot large enough for two. She did have to let go and put a little distance between herself and her sister, but there wasn't enough space to squeeze another person in comfortably.

Hattaki

---

Fivudal - Healer

Another day (or night, in this case), another hatching. Fivudal felt groggy and everything seemed to have a bit of a haze around it as he squinted in the lamplight of the sands, standing with the other healers as the Candidates made their way to the rocking eggs. He sniffled heartily and dabbed at his nose with a bit of fabric. It was always ironic when a healer got sick, wasn't it? Fever, chills, aches and pains, no appetite, sore throat...thankfully he was on the rise, just the sniffles and a bit of a cough left over. He couldn't afford to miss the hatching no matter how stuffed up he felt, though. Not after how the last one had gone.  

[Shaddaling]

Rhylune - She, Her, Hers - High Reaches Weyr

Rhylune woke to chaos and had to bite down her squeal of glee when she finally made out the dragon's hum. They were hatching and it was time! She tore into her chest for her clothes and tossed on her robe over her night shift and sleep breeches and left the barracks while still fumbling with getting her sandals on.

Baby dragons, baby dragons, baby dragons! She was excited for this hatching and they were going to be soooo cutee! Hopefully she could see alright. She managed to get her right sandal on and hurried after the crowd and out onto the sands.

Hatchlings!  

[dawns_aura]

Lelte / HR She/Her

Another nighttime hatching... And while sleep was desired, especially with the cold bite of winter in the air, the excitement and wonder were always going to be enough to get her up and out of bed. Maybe this time... and if not, well, there were still so many new babies to see. And new rider pairs.. she was excited to see everything. She hummed thoughtfully as she tosse on the white robes, slipped the sandals on her feet and ran a quick brush through her hair. At least the sands would be warm....

Tandry / HR He/Him

It was time. Another night, another hatching, another chance. And while he was just as excited as all the other candidates, he was perhaps less likely to show it. But like the others, he hurriedly got into robes and made his way with the the throng of candidates to the sands.

 

[Tsunake]

Dehka - he/him

The young man had been, as expected, soundly asleep when the thrumming started, and for a moment, Dehka could only flail about wildly in his blankets in his haste to get up. Honor gave a sleepy chirp of inquiry, but was quickly shushed and reassured to stay where he was--or, better yet, to find N'ori. He hastily splashed some cold water on his face and pulled his robes on, too excited to even think about being tired despite the hour. Soon, he was outsidew with the others, anxiously waiting to be led to the Sands. Despite how intimidating F'dral and Sinrunth could be, even they seemed to be feeling the infectious energy that crackled among the Candidates, and the rare bit of encouragement from the Candidatemaster did wonders to settle Dehka's nerves. A smile crept onto his face, and he unconsciously searched the faces nearest for his friends or brother.

Despite the hour, the heat of the sands sank into his thin sandals, and Dehka shifted his feet briefly. He bowed to the huge shapes in the dim light that were undoubtedly Zenobiath and Aresoth before his eyes dropped to the eggs themselves. Were any of them moving yet? He couldn't wait to meet them, and he knew the whole Weyr felt the same. Tonight, dragons and riders would finally be able meet and begin their lives together. Their worlds would never be the same, and, though he badly hoped a dragon might be waiting for him, Dehka couldn't be more excited to see the outcome no matter what happened.

--

Chakuri - she/her

At first, Chakuri didn't understand what was going on. It was as though the Barracks had exploded with energy, Candidates whirling about here and there with feverish motions. For a moment, she could only sit there, blinking groggily as she struggled to make sense of why everything was so dark... and then F'dral's voice boomed from outside. The eggs...

The EGGS?!

With a yelp, Chakuri scrambled up at once, joining the frenzy of activity as she frantically tried to make herself look--well, presentable. She wasn't sure how well she succeeded, and as she and the others were led to the Sands, she was almost painfully aware of the sudden, gaping void that seemed to have opened up in her belly. It was finally happening. Her first Hatching--her first chance. Finally, she'd be able to meet all the wonderful dragons without colorful shells being in the way...

Was she scared? Maybe a little. Excited? Absolutely. The lessons prepared her for this moment... but she knew that nothing would be quite like experiencing such an event first hand.

--

Liniyah - she/her

Oh... The hour was so late, but it was apparently perfect for Zenobiath's clutch to arrive. Muffling an enormous yawn, the young woman rose, her actions purposeful and efficient. It wasn't to say that Liniyah wasn't excited.... who wouldn't be excited to potentially find one's bonded? Maybe it was just that she'd done this many times now. Maybe she was just better at keeping herself a bit more composed.

Maybe she feared, deep down, that she didn't really have what it took to be a dragonrider at all.

She gently pushed her worries to the side and away as she joined the other Candidates on the sands, bowing to the clutch parents. Little smiles were offered to those who looked like they needed it before Liniyah settled some place on the outskirts of the crowd, watching the eggs. Happy Nameday, little ones. She thought. No matter how many Hatchings she'd attended, they were all so special, and she knew how honored she was to be able to be part of them.

--

Oranie - she/her

Oranie couldn't help but feel as though she'd been picked up and placed back on top of her head. She blinked owlishly at everyone and everything, stumbling over her feet as she clutched Elibrie's hand tightly on their way to the Sands. The darkness made her feel like she should be back in bed, but there was almost a palpable current of energy in the air that had her feeling wide awake. Dragons, she thought wonderingly to herself. Dragons were hatching... and she and Elibrie would be there for it.

Though she'd never voice such a thing aloud, Oranie wondered if perhaps Aunt Nadry and Menankith had made a mistake. Could someone like her and Elibrie really be meant for a dragon? Nadry... There was a strength to her that Oranie didn't recognize, a sense of self and confidence that made it absolutely clear that Nadry was where she belonged.

Oranie wasn't quite so sure she belonged anywhere... and certainly not on the sands with a bunch of baby dragons. "Remember how nice they were?" She whispered to her sister, trying to reassure them both. "They were so kind, just like Menankith."

That meant everything would be okay.... or, at least, she needed to make sure that Elibrie thought as much.

Meepfur

--

Lauthisen - he/him

His eyes snapped open as something nipped at his ear, and Lauthisen gave a half-hearted swipe at the brown firelizard responsible. Prowl didn't even bother to dodge, chirping fiercely at the young man. It took Lauthisen only a moment to realize why he'd been woken up, and he scratched briefly under the brown's chin in thanks before getting himself ready. Prowl was given the image of a young woman and her blue, and with a cheep of acknowledgement, the firelizard disappeared to go find Talis. He doubted the rider would mind. The eggs were hatching. He dressed quickly and quietly before joining the others, feeling a sense of mingled eagerness and impatience to get out and onto the Sands.

Who would muck things up this time? He wondered almost scornfully before he shook his head and allowed those thoughts to drop. Not his problem. And not the time or place to think about such things. All he cared about right now were the dragonets, and after a moment of eyeing the sea of white robes, Lauthisen deliberately threaded his way through them to go find Rasthell. At least he wouldn't be an idiot...

Meepfur

have a firelizard!

Uta

Lookin' for a friend!

 

[sariraii]

Talayla of Gold Ageiroth - Zenobiath, Aresoth
Oh, this would not do. At least all of my children had the decency to hatch during the day, Ageiroth complained. Couldn't these younger queens get it right? Still, Talayla knew that her dragon was happy, even if Ageiroth hated how little she could control, well, anything about the Weyr anymore. Ugh. If only I was younger. I could show everyone how it's supposed to be done.

Talayla, as she brushed her hair, looked sleepily into her mirror. White hair tumbled down, and she began fastening it in a simple yet elegant style. Only once she was sure that she was perfectly presentable, as befits a queenrider, did she turn to Ageiroth. We cannot show them how it is done, but we can offer our guidance...perhaps not at the hatching itself, but in the future. We can help shape this weyrling class. They are the future of the Weyr.

Because no one would mind an old goldpair yelling at them, right?

Talayla filed into the stands, and Ageiroth took her place with the dragons, humming. Aresoth, Zenobiath! Congratulations, and do not forget your duties! My rider and I are here if you need anything. Look sharp, be alert! This is an auspicious day, and one you cannot afford to miss. Why, I remember my maiden clutch like it was yesterday...

A pause.

My rider suggests I 'spare' you, for now. I will offer my wisdom after the hatching. Please seek me out. I will not ask twice.

BastetAmun

Aresoth; I'm sorry.

MaraRune

Zenobiath; I'm sorry to you, too.

--

Nyrida (Western)
Nyrida felt discouraged, felt as though Impression was simply for those more worthy than her. Before she left the barracks, as she smoothed her white robes, easing any wrinkles to nothingness, she focused on those thoughts. Gently, she reminded herself that now was not the time, and pushed her concerns and worries--constant though they were--from her mind. Easing the wrinkles to nothingness.

It was late for a hatching, but that was just how things were. She couldn't help a small smile, as it traced her features, just for a moment. Solemn, as always, but with a hint of pure joy. No matter how serious an event this was--literally could be life AND death--it was also one of the most beautiful events she could hope to witness. Each hatching, though it might leave her discouraged, was a wonderful opportunity to observe. To watch the young dragons emerge from their shells, pick their life partners...

Oh, the rainbow swirls of Impression! Would she ever see a pair of eyes looking at her like that? It might have been a long shot, but she still held dreams of Impression. Surely...she wouldn't be a dragon's top choice. No, woe is Nyrida, who is meant to suffer alone, certainly. But for today...she forgot about that. She let herself get carried away in the excitement of the other candidates, letting her eyes brighten with anticipation. (Not to mention, nerves...)

She bowed towards the queen and her mate, before shuffling over with the other candidates. She peered past those in front of her, making sure she could still see, even as she took a spot near the back.

---

Kyzier (Western) - Ruunan
Kyzier was e x c i t e d! How could they not be? Sure, their first hatching hadn't yielded results, but that just meant that Killakeeth's clutch wasn't fated for them. It would have been so great, to have been searched by her, only to Impress at her clutch, but Kyzier didn't care much about the symbolism. No, they were more excited about the actual, you know, Impression part.

And, optimistic as if they'd never stood before, they walked proudly onto the sands. Clad in traditional candidate robes, they bowed before Zenobiath and Aresoth. They didn't waste any time, scooting over to a nearby candidate, Ruunan. He looked a bit nervous, but they offered their wide and (hopefully) charming smile at him. Maybe they looked a bit too eager, but friendliness was written on their face.

"Which egg do you think will hatch first?" He wasn't a Western candidate, as far as they were aware, but that was no reason not to make a new friend. "Oh, right!" Making a friend usually involved an introduction. "I'm Kyzier, and I'm going to Impress the best dragon."

Sweet Symmetry

ruuuuuuuuun

 

[Sweet Symmetry]

OPEN FOR INTERACTION

Nyaranau [HR] - 19 - she/her/hers - Weyrwoman of Gold Mictecath

Eyes trained on the starry sky beyond the Weyr, Mictecath found sleep difficult. The air felt different, tense and anticipatory, but also… something else… an inexplicable kind of magic, or a breath of a promise on the wintry winds… it was indescribable, and yet far too familiar. Mictecath waited and waited until, at last, Zenobiath’s hum soothed her nerves.

Their Weyr-family would grow.

She was glad for other Queen, happy and sad all at once. And yet… in a way, in so private a place, away from the prying eyes of her kin and their humans, in the safety of her love for her rider, and her rider’s love for her, she felt the stirrings of jealousy, of want. How she longed to nurture her own children, just as Zenobiath had and would hers. Just as Fianth had done for them, and as Eveleth before them… all the great Queens past, who watched over them now, and they who would watch over their future children…

She joined her hum to the dragon-chorus, lifting her head to rouse her rider with a gentle whuff of warm air. It is time, my dearest Nyara. We must go greet Zenobiath’s children, and share in their joy. Come. We cannot be late! She pressed a little, fighting Nyara’s desire to continue sleeping and winning with ease.

“Mmm...kay… Hey, that tickles. I’m up, I’m up.” She pushed frizzy curls from her face, found a delicate, patterned wrap to keep her hair under control, then donned a bright yellow shirt and wherhide trousers. “I’ll have to find something nicer for later, but what do you think? Will this do?”

And this scarf. The red one. It suits you. She nosed towards the chest of drawers, then returned to the ledge where Nyara joined her. Together they took the short flight to the hatching sands, Mic depositing her rider before finding a spot on a ledge suitable for the watchers of draconic persuasion.

The young woman got herself comfortable, and gave her brother a cheery wave when he swept the sandy grounds with a grin. It was good that he was Standing once more- whether or not he Impressed was not so important (and privately, she dreaded to think of him being hurt… or worse); that he had somehow found his courage, or some form of drive… it was good for him. Change was good sometimes, no matter how much Mic might protest (or had done so in the past).

Mictecath turned her attention to Zenobiath and Aresoth, congratulations to both of you. Your clutch is so lovely- your children will be nothing less, I am sure. I hope they hatch happy and healthy. Memories of her own hatching were kept in Nyara’s mind, but the woman could not forget the blood, the ichor, the pain and chaos… Mic could only hope it would not be the same this time.