Giddy'up, Pardner: Twin Character Contest: Winners p. 2!

[Ryala]

Haflingers Ahoy!

Name: Avali
Age: 16
Sex: female
Sexual Orientation: heterosexual
Weyr: High Reaches Weyr
Rider Rank: Weyrling
Previous Rank/Craft: none
Physical Description: Avali hates how she looks, believing that she's not even slightly pretty. Standing at 5'7", she's slender, but still as flat-chested as a boy. Shoulder-length hair of an indeterminate shade of brown frames her long face with loose curls, though it has no gloss to it. Easily, her best feature would be her sparkling blue-grey eyes. More noticable, though, is what she calls a "wherry beak" nose. Her mouth is small, and when she smiles you can see a dimple to the right of it.

Long of leg and small of waist, finding clothes for her growing height has been a problem for Turns. Long, slender fingers grace her hands, making them appear delicate. Her feet, though, are definitely not delicate... they're larger than she likes, making her feel awkward.

Personality: Generally, Avali is rather quiet and shy, though she wishes frequently that this were not the case. If given the chance, she would prove to be friendly, once she managed to get over her uncertainties of how others might perceive her to be. Of course, there's always someone who she discovers that she can't get along with, and those people she simply tries to leave alone or ignore. If the person has authority over her, or someone gets in her face and yells, she gets nervous and upset, resulting in a poorer quality in her work. After all, no one likes having someone yelling in their face, and if a journeyman or master is giving her problems there's not much she can do about it except fret (with doesn't help at all). Though she's not aware of it, Avali can be extremely stubborn and determined. She never noticed, though, because she's only really aware of the shy, quiet side of herself. If she has to defend herself, she finds it nearly impossible to do so, due to a combination of her low self-esteem and her uncertainty of what to do. However, if one of her friends is in trouble, or if someone tries to get her to do something that she disagrees with, she'll put her foot down and will refuse to budge an inch on the matter, without giving any conscious thought to what she's doing. There are, after all, certain things that she will NEVER do (such as jumping into bed with someone just to gain their favor) and she cherishes her few friends (namely because she has so few). Afterward, if asked, she'd shrug and say that she didn't know why she did it (which she honestly wouldn't) and change the subject, back to being her usual, quiet self.

Avali always strives to do her best in anything that she does. Unfortunately, she's still hopeless when it comes to basic chores, like cleaning or making her bed. She's also a dreamer, and has been found daydreaming instead of working on more than one occasion (much to her embarrassment, and oddly only when she's supposed to be cleaning). She likes to help people, even if they're not aware that it was her that did so. For example: if someone needed to be cheered up, she would try to find them a gift that they'd like... and if that failed, she'd try to make one. She will listen to what she's told, and follow orders until they clash with her own judgement. If she's told to do something that she disagrees with, she'll ignore what she's told and do what she believes is right, even if she knows that it will anger someone in authority (again, there are things that she'd never do, no matter who tells her to do so). She has learned that, sometimes, there was a good reason for what she was told, though she learned this the hard way (such as when she was 4, and climbed on a table that she was told to stay off of... and them promptly fell off of, hitting her head). If the one whose orders she disagrees with wanders off, fully expecting that she'll do as she was told, she'll simply not do it (or do something else that she deems more appropriate). If the person sticks around to see her do it, she'll duck her head and quietly tell them no. If given the opportunity, she'll try to explain her reasoning why; if not, she'll simply continue to shake her head, and wait for the expected blow. Better that, in her opinion, than to be dishonest to herself.

Having been made fun of for so many Turns growing up, Avali has grown to be uncertain and hesitant around people that she doesn't know. At times, she even suspects that others are talking about her behind her back. She's certain that they do it because she won't do anything to stop them, which only encourages them to continue without fear of reprisal. She's equally certain, though, that there are folks who are better than that (after all, she doesn't do anything like that... and she can't be the only one, right?). The problem is finding out which type of person someone is: the type who'll insult her and pick on her for fun; the type who would ignore her as if she were beneath their notice; or the type who would be willing to talk to her and discover for themselves what she's like. To test that, she uses her looks... the only good thing about her appearance, in her opinion. She's learned that most people tend to prefer girls who range from pretty to downright beautiful, and she firmly believes that she's plain (at best). So if someone insults her appearance, she avoids them. If they look at her and keep walking, she leaves them alone. If they try being friendly, she'll make an effort to overcome her natural shyness enough to talk to them.

Positive Trait List Respectful, determined, friendly, thoughtful, honest

Negative Trait List Shy, stubborn, dreamer, low self-esteem, a little messy

History: From a family holding in Telgar, Avali is the second of three daughters. Being the middle child, Avali was occasionally accused of having done things that her sisters did. Since, in her parents' eyes, her older sister was "old enough to know better" and her younger one was "too little to have done it", she ended up taking the fall for them a few times... but only when their was something in it for her, like a ribbon that she wanted. Otherwise, she found a way to prove that it was them that did whatever it was. This ended when she was 8, when her parents caught the older sister in the act of doing something... and even after being caught still trying to pin the blame on Avali. Despite this, the three of them mostly had fun together. The other youths in the area, though, tended to pick on her, mostly due to her less-than-ideal appearance. Due to this, she grew to have little in the way of self-esteem.

As she grew older and started assuming more household duties around the hold, her folks noticed that she tended to 'slack off', stopping whatever she was doing to daydream. Asking the local harper about it, he tested her, and discovered that while she was, indeed, a dreamer, there might be a reasonable outlet for it. Recommending that they allow her to try an apprenticeship at the Harper Hall, they tentatively agreed. To everyone's surprise, the dragon who arrived to transport her announced that she was suitable as a Candidate, and she chose to go to the Weyr rather than to the crafthall

At her first hatching, she was startled when the eggs decided to start hatching in the middle of the night. When an egg rather near to her burst, the girl found herself covered in sticky egg goo and itty bitty fragments of shell. Shortly after, another Hatching stumbled into her, and she fell to the Sands. Though unhurt, she was embarrassed to be standing there covered in sand, shards, and goop. When a green stopped long enough to reassure her, it cheered her immensely.

And then another green stopped before her...

Oh, my poor Avali! What's happened? Can your Zyreth help?


Other: Avali and her sisters were all given a firelizard egg each for Turnover at the end of 3574. Due to it also being her Nameday, Avali received a larger egg. It was much to her surprise (and her sisters' disgust) that her egg hatched a gold flit, while theirs were only blues.

DRAGON
Name: Zyreth
Origin of Name: Her name is taken from the Tyrol region (where the breed was developed), and combined with the practice of giving fillies a name beginning with the first letter of their dam's name.
Color: Green
Inspiration: The Haflinger, also known as the Avelignese, is a breed of horse developed in Austria and northern Italy (namely Hafling in South Tyrol region) during the late 19th century. Haflinger horses are relatively small, are always chestnut with flaxen mane and tail, have distinctive gaits described as energetic but smooth, and are well-muscled yet elegant. The breed traces its ancestry to the Middle Ages; several theories for its origin exist. Haflingers, developed for use in mountainous terrain, are known for their hardiness. Their current conformation and appearance are the result of infusions of bloodlines from Arabian and various European breeds into the original native Tyrolean ponies. The foundation sire, 249 Folie, was born in 1874; by 1904, the first breeders' cooperative was formed. All Haflingers can trace their lineage back to Folie through one of seven bloodlines. World Wars I and II, as well as the Great Depression, had a detrimental effect on the breed, and lower-quality animals were used at times to save the breed from extinction. During World War II, breeders focused on horses that were shorter and more draft-like, favored by the military for use as packhorses. The emphasis after the war shifted toward animals of increased refinement and height.

In the postwar era, the Haflinger was indiscriminately crossed with other breeds and some observers feared the breed was in renewed danger of extinction. However, starting in 1946, breeders focused on producing purebred Haflingers and a closed stud book was created. Interest in the breed increased in other countries, and between 1950 and 1974, the population grew, even while the overall European horse population decreased. Population numbers continued to increase steadily, and as of 2005, almost 250,000 Haflingers existed worldwide. Breeding farms are in several countries, although most of the breeding stock still comes from Austria. In 2003, a Haflinger became the first horse to be cloned, resulting in a filly named Prometea.

Haflingers have many uses, including light draft, harness work, and various under-saddle disciplines such as endurance riding, dressage, equestrian vaulting, and therapeutic riding. They are also still used by the Austrian and German armies for work in rough terrain. The World Haflinger Federation, the international governing body that controls breed standards for the Haflinger, is made up of a confederation of 22 national registries, and helps set breeding objectives, guidelines, and rules for its member organizations.

Personality Though generally quiet, Zyreth is definitely intelligent, and make no mistake. She's quick to catch onto things while training, and easy to work with. If a behavior is encouraged (or not discouraged), Zyreth is likely to pursue it further. Her rider will need to keep that in mind as she grows. Being this bright means she's likely to get into mischief though, whether it's by stepping beyond the boundaries of her station as a green, or something as silly as trying to sneak out late to play in the snow.

She can also be rather stubborn at times. If Zyreth believes that she knows more than her rider, or that her plan is better, it can be difficult to convince her to listen. For example, if she has decided that doing drills in a rainstorm is unsafe, she may be very reluctant or refuse to go. She's not doing this to be vindictive or problematic, she's simply decided that it might be dangerous and that the wisest course of action is to stay out of it. In such cases, it's better to just show her that it's ok, by having someone leading the example.

Perhaps it's not too surprising, though, to learn that with her friendly nature, she's likely to make a good Searchdragon when she gets older. However, she might well unnerve some of the more nervous candidates with her tendency to nuzzle them while doing so.

Size: 21'
Physical Attributes: Though she's not particularly tall, Zyreth will always have a slender look to her. She's well muscled, her back slightly longish, and her wings a little wider to accommodate that. Her legs are perhaps slightly longer than the average.

Additional Notes: Endurance might not be her greatest strength, but with her lighter build Zyreth will be a touch faster, and maneuverable. Her tolerance for pain will be high, though naturally she'll still try to avoid it. It will definitely help if she ever needs the assistance of a healer, though.

Why Me: Really, none other would do, and this green knew that the moment she sensed the girl. The two are remarkably alike, though they're just different enough to be able to help one another. In Avali, Zyreth has found a quiet mind who is not likely to try to force her to do something before she's ready. The girl offers patient explanations and examples to help her new winged friend to learn what she needs. Likewise, though the girl is rather shy, this green's tendency to be friendly will lead Avali into situations where she must learn to interact with others, and over time help her to feel more comfortable when speaking with people, and increase her self confidence as well

 

[Meepfur]

Let's Paint!

Name: Teohe
Age: 15
Sex: Female
Sexual Orientation: ???
Weyr: High Reaches Weyr
Rider Rank: Weyrling
Previous Rank/Craft: None (Weyrbrat/Candidate)
Physical Description:
Growing to be stocky and a bit on the short side at 5'3", Teohe is still filling into her frame, and may also gain another inch or two. Blonde-haired and blue-eyed, she may grow into a semblance of conventionally pretty, but will tend to carry a bit of extra weight.

Personality:
Though no less good-natured than her father, Teohe has a far calmer, much less boisterous temperament. She is quiet and thoughtful, and prefers to think before she speaks or acts; while she doesn't think poorly of those who enjoy it, she was never one for rowdy play or pretend fights (and certainly not real fights!). She's something of a pacifist, loathe to even playfully push someone, let alone hit them, and is just as careful of her words, well aware that they can hurt every bit as much as something physical. She's always had a very strong sense of empathy who hurts when others are hurting, and has a bleeding heart. If someone wants her help, she'll be right there, all the way, and give them what they need without thought. Her time, her things, her advice, whatever she has. You need her notes to study from? Sure! Forgot to study for a test? She won't say a thing if she notices you looking at her answers. Got behind on your chore for whatever reason? She'll do her best to help you catch up! Lost a bet that you can't pay and worried about the consequences? You can have what little she's got. This can lead her to being an enabler of others' bad habits; for all that her intention is to be helpful, it just allows them to skate by without having to face the consequences of their actions and learn.

Teohe can be too selfless, to the point where it can be a detriment to her own wellbeing. She'll give and give until she has nothing left, and then would feel guilty for not being able to do more. Similarly, she's very inclined to run herself ragged when there's work of any kind to be done. She will throw herself at it without reservation, and will finish even if she has to drag herself over the line. She will give nothing less than a full effort, refusing to bow to her own limitations - limitations she is aware she has, but chooses to ignore.

For all that she will work herself to the bone if there's a job to be done, she does love a good time, though she's more likely to be on the edges of a party than right in the middle. She likes the company and the energy, but doesn't care to be the center of attention...but she very much wants friends. Even if she's not core to the group, she still needs to be a part of one to feel fulfilled, as she craves a sense of belonging and a stable place in the world. In the same vein, she desperately wants to be loved, and will be prone to making poor decisions in the field of romance. Whether she hones in on a bad boy who "needs" to be "helped," or swoons over the first lady to turn on the charm, she'll open her heart time and again and leave it ripe for breaking.

Her self-esteem is derived mostly from how useful she is or isn't to others, and to some extent how many friends she has and what opinions they express about her, and so how she feels about herself is largely dependent on the company she keeps. If she has healthy, positive relationships with people who build her up and encourage her, she'll flourish; if she attaches herself to someone who puts her down or wants her to change herself to suit them, she'll languish, but not have the emotional fortitude to cut the cord on her own.

Positive Trait List empathetic, giving, hard-working
Negative Trait List enabler, pacifist, derives self-worth from others' needs/opinions

History:
Born to a bronzerider and a kitchen worker, Teohe is very much a typical weyrbrat: the product of a Flight, and raised mostly in the creche. Her parents were involved, however, and Teohe remains close to them both, as well as to her father's bronze, Hyglath. She has always been completely infatuated with dragons, as Hyglath is nothing short of a giant marshmallow, and allowed himself to be climbing gym and cuddle buddy whenever he was able.

She did find her father somewhat intimidating, as he is a very large and boisterous man, but she adored him no less. She knew she would never quite measure up to him, much as she would have liked to; she saw and envied his popularity, his many friends and loves, and doubted she could ever achieve or win such affections without being just like him. And since she knows full well she will never be him, she has settled for being himself, and that's mostly fine, most days. She has friends, of course, and a couple of young relationships, but has never been what she views as popular. Just there. Teohe grew deeply concerned for her father's wellbeing when Thread returned, and is awed that he seems not to care about the danger...but will fuss at him to be careful when she can.

She entered Candidacy at 14, and has always been dutiful in lessons, chores, and the like. In spite of the risks, she wanted a dragon most ardently, a friend who would always, always be hers. In Zenobiath's clutch, she found just that friend, though he bears little resemblance to what she had in mind...which is more than fine! Her Jetalith is, just as he announced to her, the most perfect of blues, and together they will go on to be the most perfect of pairs. She has been allowing herself only scraps, when she should want for nothing, and he will ensure that she gets everything she deserves and more. And, naturally, so will he.

Other: One of Herg'r's spawn.

DRAGON
Name: Jetalith
Origin of Name: Noted champion and sire Jetalito, a sorrel overo who became a lifetime leading sire of halter and performance horses, ROM earners, superior halter horses and APHA champions.
Color: Blue
b]Inspiration:
The American Paint Horse is a breed of horse that combines both the conformational characteristics of a western stock horse with a pinto spotting pattern of white and dark coat colors. Developed from a base of spotted horses with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred bloodlines, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) breed registry is now one of the largest in North America. The registry allows some non-spotted animals to be registered as "Solid Paint Bred" and considers the American Paint Horse to be a horse breed with distinct characteristics, not merely a color breed.

The American Paint Horse shares a common ancestry with the American Quarter Horse and the Thoroughbred. A registered Paint horse should conform to the same "stock horse" body type desired in Quarter Horses: a muscular animal that is heavy but not too tall, with a low center of gravity for maneuverability, and powerful hindquarters suitable for rapid acceleration and sprinting.

When the American Quarter Horse Association emerged in 1940 to preserve horses of the "stock" type, it excluded those with pinto coat patterns and "crop out" horses, those born with white body spots or white above the knees and hocks. Undeterred, fans of colorful stock horses formed a variety of organizations to preserve and promote Paint horses. In 1965 some of these groups merged to form the American Paint Horse Association.

Personality
Vanity, thy name is Jetalith.

This is one showy, flashy, fabulous blue, and baby does he know it. Maybe a little too well. Jetalith places massive importance on appearances, none moreso than his own; while he was naturally blessed with perfect proportions and the most fetching of hides, that would mean little if he were not to maintain himself properly. You will never catch this dragon "letting himself go," and even as a hatchling he will be unlikely to overeat. He knows exactly how much he needs (preferably of the finest cuts), and will not go beyond that. On bath day, he expects a most thorough scrubbing - a massage wouldn't be amiss, either! - and will turn up his nose at anything other than fine, scented oil. His claws had best be perfectly manicured, as well.

All this vanity might be hard to swallow if, when asked to work, Jetalith weren't rock-steady and absolutely reliable. Fortunately, his exacting standards do apply to more than just his appearance, and he will push for the best when working as well. After all, how would it look if he were to laze about? Terrible, that's what! So when it comes time for lessons, drills, and eventually fighting Thread, there will be no problems getting Jetalith to buckle down and do his duty, though he will expect a bath to promptly follow any exercise that gets him dirty. He will wear scars well, but if ever maimed or permanently grounded, would likely have problems ever seeing himself as "whole" again.

Jetalith's meticulous standards and fine taste will also extend to friends and lovers. He wants the exceptional: the prettiest, the bravest, the fastest, anyone who could be classed as one of the best. He has a curious sort of snobbishness in that not alone does he love the best, he also has a perverse admiration for for the worst; notable is notable, after all, regardless of why. But average? He detests average. Average implies a total lack of effort or care, and he can't abide that. Wake up! Shape up! Do something with yourself! Whether it's asked for or not, Jetalith is all too happy to offer advice on how one could improve, though he will do his best to go about it in a tactful manner. Perhaps you might consider accessorizing in this color instead, or putting your hair up this way, or eating more greens, or flaming like so, and on and on and on. There is almost always room for improvement, and no reason not to strive towards it!

He has no qualms about being a blue, or the place that relegates him to in the Weyr hierarchy. Just because he'll never be in charge of anything doesn't change that he's the best, and if anything affords him a little more time to dedicate to, well, himself. And His. The only one Jetalith will ever love more than himself is His, though he will admit that his twin is, of course, also quite the sight to behold.

Size: 27'
Physical Attributes: With everything in almost perfect proportion for his color, Jetalith is fast and agile, but with a reserve of endurance that will serve him well. Muscular, but not too muscular, he is very much built to do the job that blues are meant to do, and do it well. With particularly strong hindquarters, his takeoffs will look effortless.

Additional Notes: Destined to be a heartbreaker, it's incredibly unlikely that Jetalith will ever settle down; it would take the most exceptional creature or creatures to ever tie him down. He will delight in sampling everything that Flights have to offer, and if not selected by the lady (silly, but her prerogative!), will be happy to take his pick of the finest suitors.

Why Me: Teohe, oh, Teohe! Jetalith knows a diamond in the rough when he sees one, and here you are. A little time to mature, a little schooling in how to carry and look after herself, and Teohe will make a fine, fine young woman - and the finest of riders, of course! Jetalith needs someone who already knows how to work hard, who can match his work ethic but who will also be more than willing to put in the work it requires to take care of such a perfect dragon to keep him in top condition. This is far from a one-sided relationship, however; he will take adoring care of His, and not only help her to reach her potential in every sense, but will insist that she makes herself a priority. He will never let her forget herself, or set all of her own needs aside. And those bad relationships she's prone to? No, those won't do at all! If he thinks someone is bad for His, he won't hesitate to shove them right out of her life. And hopefully, Teohe will be able to lend him a bit more empathy, and with it the ability to temper his tongue when he starts to nitpick.
- - -
Would you be willing to change the color to match a twin? i.e. If you tried for the green but we needed a blue? Or vice-versa? N

 

[Uta]

Thank you everyone for trying out for these darling twins! We appreciate everyone taking the time to try out, but alas, there can only be so many winners. Cheri and I deliberated and read, and re-read all the entries but have finally decided on who to gift the new Hatchling's to!

Please congratulate the following new weyrlings!

Shiammi of green Aveligenth

MxMischief

Colored by demon_pachabel

Avali of green Zyreth

Ryala

Colored by demon_pachabel

K’niel of blue Wahokinth

Redbud-Tree

Colored by Uta

Niselle of green Uvaldoth

Kitsune Mistress Nyoko

Colored by Uta

WINNERS: Please post your approvals in the QC thread so Cheri can look them over! They MAY require tweaking and adjusting--so please beware that you may have to fix things before they can be played.

For Those Who Don't Win -- feel free to turn the character into a future Candidate, if they're not one already. If they're not already a Candidate, you may also re-work the character, toss out the theme, and give it a new-name if you want to to quest for them to be an adult rider! (This is only an option if the character you made is brand new and NOT already approved as a Candidate!)

We appreciate everyone showing interest in the hatchlings, our shop, and EoP! There will be NPC Horse Clutch babies to contest and give out post-Graduation, so don't despair if you didn't get one this time. There also will be future Hatchings down the road, and more opportunities!

We will open the Hatching Feast tomorrow so be on the look out, and get those dates lined up! ;3 Time to celebrate!