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 Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 12:03 am
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Diligence was required, though no words had ever been passed to Anakumath that had told her with what care and devotion she would tend to her eggs. They were carefully turned as the urge inside of her pressed her to and they were never left without her or Elzebuth’s eyes carefully upon them. She never strayed long, a moment away for even water sending her running back to again check them over before she made her rounds to play silent council with each of them. There was no reason for any of them to doubt that their mother truly and deeply loved them all. Each was given the love they asked for - and for some, more than they seemed to desire. On that day, which Martirae had kept careful count down towards, she kept her back to the entry of the hatching grounds - only her rider’s warning of the approaching Candidatemasters and their wards would tell her they were so close.
She was curled around her clutch, one wing spread over them with her head tucked beneath it as she carefully touched her snout to each of them. Today is the day, my little ones. I am very proud of you all. Please say hello for at least a little while and then if you have enough you need only tell me and you can sit with Papa. She had no need to soothe or worry over the candidates - F’dral and A'ral would tend to them and she had no reason to doubt that. Her concern was first and foremost for her little ones.
Martirae, on the other hand, was ready to greet the incoming candidatemasters and the candidates in tow at the entrance. She was prepared for any judgment that would perhaps come, but the look she gave over the candidates was just as critical in return. If her gaze lingered, it was never for long. "F'dral. A'ral." She nodded to each as she greeted them.
They’re here. she bid to the gold who only now pulled her head out from under her wing, red ringing her eyes. The color looked unnatural on her expression, mostly the instinct of protection over the clutch in the face of strangers. Martirae, however, soothed that instinct and pressed Anakumath to move so that the candidates could make their introductions to her eggs.
There was a faint amount of hesitation as the gold shifted, still laying close to her clutch but drawing her wing back to her side. She pulled herself up to sit so she could better see the approaching candidates. Here they are, my little ones. She couldn’t help but lean into Elzebuth, taking comfort from the closeness of the brown.
Elzebuth’s large dark form was sprawled across the sands, the perfect picture of indulgent lounging. His green eyes were fixed upon the small forms mingling at the entrance of the sands that had come to meet their children, assessing them in silence. Only when Anakumath pressed against his side did he pull his gaze away, rumbling affectionately at her. All will be well. He soothed, offering what comfort he could.
He remembered his own Touching and how he had basked in the attention he’d received with no small amount of fondness. Perhaps it would be an equally rewarding day for his little ones. If not, their mother was here to mitigate any upset, and he would do everything in his power to assist her. The candidatemasters would corral the candidates as they saw fit, and though Elzebuth would maintain his vigilance… well, his focus would be upon his children.
G’ran stood nearby, his arms folded across his broad chest to hide his discomfort. He was proud of his dragon, but still slightly shocked to be standing here. He felt like an imposter--but to feel that way felt like he was implying that Elzebuth hadn’t deserved to catch Anakumath. It felt strange to look at the candidates now, remembering his own anxiety before touching the eggs. And then, he thought wryly, he’d been enamored with the wrong egg. You learned. Elzebuth noted, as if G’ran hadn’t accidentally terrified his young dragon with his harsh thoughts. Well, hopefully these candidates would be kinder than he’d been.
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 12:03 am
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F'dral frowned, staring at each of the Candidates before him. "Before I lead you to the Sands, I have a few words to remind each of you about your behavior this day." He let his eyes drift over the crowd of Candidates. "I don't care how long you've stood, how many Hatchings you've been present for, or how much you think you know. Listen well, for I won't tolerate any misbehavior on the Sands today."
He paused, letting the weight and seriousness of his words sink in.
"Know this-- Once you set foot on those Sands, your idle chit-chat and small-talk with your friends ends. You're here to focus on the eggs. If you'd rather play games or aren't mature enough to take this time seriously, remain behind now and one of my assistants can pack your things or ship you back to Western." Of this, F'dral was quite serious indeed, and he let his gaze sweep over the faces turned towards him.
"You will enter the Sands respectfully, quietly, and slowly. You will bow respectfully to Anakumath and Elzebuth, and you will then make your way towards the eggs. Spend time with whichever egg or eggs you desire. I suggest moving among each egg, but if you feel compelled to linger, and so long as you're not upsetting the egg in question, or others around it, do as you will. Remember, though, that nothing is guaranteed. Even if you touch only one egg, and spend the entirety of the time getting to better know that egg, you ensure nothing."
"Once you've moved to each egg, or have had enough, do not leave the Sands. Retire to the Barracks and wait until the Touching has finished. You may chat quietly among your peers then, but I don't want anyone disturbing those still spending time with the eggs, the eggs themselves, or the clutch parents. We enter together, we leave together." No exceptions.
"If you're asked to stop something--stop immediately. Don't give any lip. Don't make excuses. If we remove you from the Touching, or pull you from the Sands, we'll discuss why later and on your head be it. Don't test any of us--don't get too friendly with your peers and neglect the eggs. Watch your thoughts and feelings--these eggs are sensitive. Most importantly, remember that they are still growing and developing--they may have their own personalities, but they are sensitive to the world around them and each of your thoughts and feelings. I don't care what these eggs send you, what they dig up, or what they might do to upset you--I expect you to be grateful they acknowledge you at all. If you need to compose yourself or they touch upon something sensitive, take yourself to the sidelines or talk to one of us to help ground you. Don't take anything out on these eggs! No swapping, no swatting, no punching--this means physically and emotionally. You know what you're getting into when you agreed to be a Candidate--if you can't handle it, get out now." His frown deepened.
"Touch the eggs gently. You can think at them, you can talk quietly to them. If the egg seems to be getting upset, best to step away. Don't overcrowd or overwhelm the eggs--you don't know if the hatchlings inside want that attention, or are easily overwhelmed. Wait your turn and form a queue if you see a crowd gathering. Remember, your focus is on getting to know these eggs--use your best judgment and if you have questions, ask one of us, before you assume or do anything."
With that, the man gave a low grunt.
"Understood?" He expected them on their best-behavior... particularly those of High Reaches. One trick, and he'd haul them off the Sands and drag them out of the Weyr himself if he had to.... these eggs were the future of the Weyr, and guaranteed Pern's survival. He wasn't going to take any chances today.
- - - -
Closes: TBD.
Once this ends, F'dral will call the Candidates back to the barracks, and A'ral will usher the Western Weyr kids back home. If your dragonrider was a transport, they are welcome to sit in the stands to watch. They also can linger in the Bowl or near the mouth of the entrance. Riders may either write PRPs or, if they're near the Hatching Sands or in the stands, can RP here. We'll leave it a little organic but if you want folks to touch the eggs, now's the time to do it!
Welcome to the Kiddybean Mystery Clutch!
Please keep the following rules in mind.
IC Action will result in IC Consequence. Remember this!
You will not get to break or crack the eggs. Don't even try. If an egg is meant to break or crack, staff will dictate this.
Misbehaving now can get a character banned from the Hatching itself or kicked out as a Candidate. Don't test F'dral, A'ral, or staff!
Staff will try to respond to ICly to individuals touching the eggs. Depending on RL and time, we cannot guarantee a response to every post, but we will try! We will guarantee responses to at least two or three of your posts -- so make sure if you want your Candidate to meet an egg in particular that you have it be one of their first.
Please make sure you mention which egg your character is touching by the proper name and in bold type i.e The Happy Ghost Egg
Do not move your Candidate again in the RP once they touch a egg until you get a reply! If you move them on before staff responds, we will not write a response! Additionally, it sometimes makes it hard for us to know if they're still there or not as sometimes we're responding to quotes and not reading the entire RP.
Please keep in mind that you might not get to all the eggs. IC events might cause the eggs to be untouchable or for it to end early. If you have a favorite egg I would suggest touching it early because we will not keep this open or delay closing once we're ready to move on.
Please do not edit or backdate which egg you touched. We'll try to keep things moving in the RP.
If you feel staff has missed responding to your touching post, please PM/DM either Uta or Mr Cheri. Note: Cheri prefers DMs, as he has a mostly full inbox. We'll quote individuals with their eggs response but please understand that it might take some time. Give us a day or two, as we both have RL jobs and aren't always able to sign online daily.
We will move slowly due to how many eggs need to be touched AND the fact that we have less time OOCly than we used to!
You will not likely touch every egg OOCly. So pick your favorites and get your Candidate to them! We cannot guarantee responses to from every egg to every Candidate due to the size. We will get to as many as possible, but to keep us from suffering burnout, we may need to wrap well before all the eggs are touched.
If something goes wrong ICly or the Queen gets upset, the Touching could close early!
Please remember your Candidates have been TRAINED on how to act around the eggs! Don't play them like fools or idiots because this is IMPORTANT to them. They could get banned from Candidacy if they act poorly during a Touching or barred from the Hatching. They all know better, whether they are new to the Weyr or not!
It is okay if you don't touch all the eggs! You can either claim they did and got no response OR that they didn't bother with all of them and that's okay too. Not every egg has to be touched.
You may join in or make new characters as long as the Touching is running. Once it closes, it will be assumed that all Candidates participated whether they actually did so ICly or not.
To keep us from burnout, we ask you only bring in Candidates that you want to have eligible for the Hatching! You can assume your other Candidates are there, just not the focus.
You do not have to participate in the Touching to have a shot at Impressing from the clutch.
You may RP with others while touching eggs or waiting for responses. You may also have your characters remove themselves to the sidelines or the stands to chatter. Candidate should not leave the Hatching Sands though. If they do not wish to continue, they can sit quietly in the tiers until F'dral or A'ral usher them to leave.
Once again, for sake of RP it is encouraged to touch one egg, and not move on to another until you are given a Staff Response. If your Candidate leaves the egg before the response, you won't get one at all.
Any other questions? PM Uta or Mr Cheri
Clutch Specifics
You may linger near any eggs you like, for as long as you like, but you may not get more than one response.
For any reason A'ral or F'dral, one of the Candidatemaster Seconds or Assistants might move you on from an egg.
We are NOT limiting how many eggs you can touch, but just assume you will NOT touch them all. So we still suggest you pick your favorites first! ICly, your Candidate likely had time to touch them all if they chose to do so! So get your favorites out of the way early or be satisfied that you might not get to see the egg in the Touching.
We will shut this down ICly if things get out of hand, if the gold gets upset, or the eggs get upset. Please, remember, this is a Big Deal for your characters. Even new Candidates will have been told how to behave, what to do, what not to do, and the consequences if they break these rules!
Again, nobody leaves the Sands even when they're done Touching the eggs. Just go sit in the tiers and wait. Riders may also sit in the tiers or hang out in the Bowl to socialize or wait for their wards to finish so they can return to Western Weyr
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 12:03 am
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 1:10 am
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Elibrie - she/her
Elibrie was almost getting used to this routine. Almost. She didn't start fussing when a Queen rose (apart from hiding), nor even when one clutched, and apart from polite conversation, didn't have much to say in regards to the new eggs, what they might contain, or who might Impress what. For her, the anticipation - and the jitters - really didn't start until Touching day. What she had discovered, in her little better than a Turn at the Weyr, was that she loved eggs and hatchlings; for all the doubts she might have about whether or not she was truly worthy of being a Candidate, she absolutely adored baby dragons (the big ones, too, but especially the babies).
Of course, she'd had her heart bruised before. Oh, she knew better than to ever convince herself a particular dragon might want her, but she had...hoped, a little. If not that a hatchling would Impress to her, that she might at least meet it, that maybe their time together at the Touching had meant something to the young dragon, too. But that was silly, she knew, to think that out of the many Candidates, she would merit any notice or time beyond what had been granted to her at the Touching, so now she tried to school herself and her expectations. Not that knowing it would be a mistake to get attached would actually translate to not making said mistake again...so how that worked out remained to be seen. But she was really, really going to try.
Much like she was going to try to do this on her own. It was so, so much easier to tag along with her sister or Juhvek, or tempting to try to stick close to Lusialu or Yunara instead, to have a friend nearby, but she'd not forgotten that shepherding her and Oranie had nearly gotten Juhvek in trouble once before. She was still mortified about that, and wouldn't risk a similar incident.
So Elibrie squeezed her sister's hand and stepped forward alone to bow to Anakumath and Elzebuth. The brown was huge, much bigger than Menankith, darker and...just different. He was brother to her aunt's dragon, she well knew, so a part of her wondered if maybe, just maybe, one of his children might want her or Oranie. Maybe there would be a renegade brown among them for her sister, who she was coming to see as far more daring than she. But for her? Well, she really didn't know what to think anymore, and would still never suppose to assume anything for herself.
Elibrie made her way to the Happy Ghost Egg and tentatively - forcing herself not to look around for a familiar face for reassurance - placed her hand upon its shell. Hello, little one. How do you do?
Nisadee - she/her
Time again for a Touching.
Nisadee listened dutifully to everything F'dral had to say, no matter how many times she'd heard a similar speech. She paid careful attention regardless, bowed to the clutchparents when it was her turn to do so, and took a deep breath and prepared her mind - not difficult, as it was a calm and tidy place to start with. No racing thoughts, no real anxieties, no excitement that needed to be reined in. No expectations.
What would be would be. Much as she yearned for a partner, the dragons knew best, always, and she had no cause to burden them with her hopes on top of everyone else's. How difficult must it be, to have the weight of so many dreams pressed upon them?
Gently, lightly, always ready to pull back in case she was unwelcome in such a personal space, she laid her hand against the Corn Egg. Hello there.
There really wasn't much to say right off that wouldn't come off as inane or presumptive, in her opinion, so 'Hello' would do to start.
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 2:05 am
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Itzlel He/Him
Itzlel had followed the rest of the candidates to the sands quietly, this would be his first time actually touching eggs since he had come just after the last touching. He listened as F'dral as he reminded all of them how they were to behave while on the sands. He gave a soft nod of his head, to indicate he understood. He doubted his dragon was in one of these eggs, but he would do his best not to do anything to get himself into trouble by upsetting anyone. He walked onto the sands and bowed to the clutch parents, both from clutches that had happened in the past few turns, from what he had been told. Seeing the pair made a pang of sadness come to him, thinking of his own parents. He tried to push that aside, knowing the babies were sensitive and he couldn't let his sadness reach them. If anything he was reliable and he was protective, not wanting these babies to feel pain..not if he could help it.
As soon as they were given the go ahead, the black haired young man looked over the eggs, taking them in. His eyes went to a black one, that had markings that reminded him of eyes. He walked over to it and placed his hand on the Black Cat egg. Now what was he supposed to say to an egg, he wondered. He wasn't the most sociable person, though he did know how to speak. However, eggs was a completely different area for the trader turned candidate.
Hello, hope you are well,he finally decided on. After all, from his interaction with customers in the past, they liked to be greeted and made sure they were doing okay. Plus, it left it up to the person (or in this case egg) to talk about things if they weren't doing well.
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 3:43 am
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Rahmsii | he/him/his | High Reaches [At Star Egg]
Rahmsii respectfully nodded through the reminders. It wasn’t his first run through, but that didn’t mean stupid things happened (or stupid people for that matter). F’dral was firm, but their words and lessons were fair, and deserved the respect. There were scars that reminded him (a long with words) that eggs, hatchlings deserved that respect as well - that ached miserably with the poor weather.He stood, eagerly awaiting the feel of the warmth of the hatching caverns to rush over him. The chill was getting raw this time of year, with a sympathetic pang, he hoped those from Western would appreciate the moments warmth as well. They looked woebegone, sore and bandaged hands… more than a bit gaunt. Anyone with ears had heard the rumormills and news. Hopefully their tide of luck would turn to their favor, the poor things.
Every thought was forgotten as he and the other candidates were escorted in. Interweyr worries didn’t exist inside of the warm and snug bubble that Anakumath’s children were cozy in. He wrung his scarred hands together, excitedly - but never forgetting himself. It was exciting to see the newest clutch, the soon to be new draconic faces of High Reaches. It was a small rush of pride for the Weyr he now calls Home since search. With a bow and a few respectful words to the clutchparents, he walked amongst the sands to see the eggs. He’s been a resident of the Weyr a while but sometimes the sheer size of some of the larger dragons really gave him a moment pause! It wasn’t a wonder how their clutch was so large and so healthy looking!
He stayed away from grouping clusters of people. F’dral’s instructions repeating in his head - no need to crowd the little ones. So, Rahmsii gently rested his hand on the Star Egg. “Good morning,” he says softly. “I hope it’s alright I bother you for a little while.” He knelt in the sand by the egg, as to not awkwardly stand.
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 7:13 am
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Haveli - she/her
This...was another chance, so Haveli was willing as always to take it. She listened to F'dral and followed the routine as always, mind emptied of all thoughts except welcoming affections towards whatever dragonets were in the eggs. It was a lovely and large clutch by any standards of measure for a maiden flight, and Haveli dared herself to think a little that maybe this was her time.
The dare vanished she took her steps out, bowing graciously towards the gold and brown, to their riders, and so on and so forth. She couldn't allow herself to dare thoughts, she had to have those thoughts. Haveli wasn't going to survive in the Weyr on hopes and wishes, she was going to have to get what she wanted however she could, and if that meant she needed to present herself off as the best thing ever then she was going to. A lot.
She didn't have a specific egg she wanted to visit so no need to plot a course, and Haveli did pause more or less at the first egg she came across. Place a hand on the Number 2 Pencil egg, her fingers splayed themselves out in an effort to get in as much as she could. I'm here for you. Are you here for me?
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 8:06 am
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Kinyegele - She/Her
Every candidate (as far as Kinye knew) had become an excited mess once Anakumath had clutched - 26 beautiful eggs that could have been any of their futures! But Kinye was willing to be at least a little bit hopeful that this was going to be her chance. Which had, for some reason, meant she needed to follow the candidatemaster's instructions to a T. Even if she knew the rules the bronzerider would be giving them from her times before, Kinye listened intently with a focus that....admittedly was straining to look off to the gold settled with her eggs and the brown who had fathered them.
But 70-30 wasn't too bad, right?
Soon enough, though it didn't feel that way, Kinye approached the clutch and paused to bow before the dame and sire. She held the position for a moment, as if waiting for something, before taking a deep breath and taking a step closer to the eggs themselves. Oh, they were beautiful! If she took another lingering moment to simply take them all in, would she be the only one?
Eventually, however, she settled for one of the eggs that were closer to the front - Red and White Toadstool. If you didn't already know we are all so excited to meet you, I hope I can let you know now! Hopefully it would be a good and positive start to this little egg's meeting of the candidates.
----
Kahbrohm - He/Him
Kahbrohm was listening to the high points, at least. He'd not pretended to not be interested in the eggs once they'd been clutched, even if their lineage was brown as could be. It had been a decent sized clutch in spite of that, and it wasn't like he particularly cared what color was in any of them. Green, blue, brown, bronze.... any dragon that knew and desired greatness would pick him and be better for it. His ego an inpenetrable shield against any reproach (and he'd had several eggs tell him to be gone), he bowed and picked an egg to touch.
Blue Moon Egg it was, being up so close to the front. It's a good day for us candidates - any with sense will know to be honored we get to meet you. and while made of pride and pomp, Kahbrohm was well aware that he was in a position of privilege.
-----
Draza - She/Her
Draza had met a few eggs - including the one that had become the mother of this very clutch. Maybe that should have made her feel like she'd been waiting some time...but it really didn't. She seemed perfectly content to see whatever way candidacy took her as she made her approach, her bows, and then placed a hand against shell - Avocado Egg.
Hopefully it would be as ready to meet and make friends as everybody here was. What would you like to talk about? I am sure I could make introductions, but that may just be boring as could be. and Draza didn't find herself to be a boring person.
-----
Cetra - She/Her
Cetra was going to be so ideal in all of this that she could rub someone's nose in it later. But she didn't even dare pass a glance around to see if she could spot Hunthyex to make sure he was watching. The man wasn't getting any of her attention today. Nada. Only F'dral during his instructions, then Anakumath and Elzebuth as she bowed, and then..... Orange Slice Egg!
It must be so warm in here with the sands and your mother. It's been very cold outside so I am glad to be in here with you!
And she was. Being so small meant cold and warmth came on very quickly and she wasn't really enjoying shivering about outside. Brrr.
----
Lihyo - She/Her
Bow, Touch, Bow, Touch. The list repeated in her head on loop as though Lihyo was going to forget it if she didn't. Lihyo's posture didn't imply she was doing it out of stress, however, each step and even her bow to the clutchparents as fluid as the last. She hadn't even begun to consider needing to clear her thoughts to be calming and inviting. They weren't deep, after all. Not out of simplicity of spirit, but that she'd not considered herself a complicated individual in the first place.
The first downside she'd found to her very limited hierarchy of needs was that with the parents giving their due respect she now had to pick an egg to touch and she was quickly scrambling to see which would make for the least amount of company. Perhaps she could start at the back with Sunshine Egg - it did have a most agreeable brightness to it's shell and perhaps they could have a moment uncrowded.
There are a lot of people here to meet you. Are you hoping they'll think of anything in particular for you to see? Food? Home? Other people? What did eggs like in greetings?
Hmm. Maybe she'd been underprepared for this part.
-----
Midrymear - He/Him
It was time. Midrymear wasn't new to touching eggs, but he was also wise enough to listen to a higher up like F'dral when he was speaking. His attention was sharp on every word, even if some of them wouldn't stay when he'd heard them before. But he'd be loathe to be the person who didn't mind himself someone important was speaking and end up called out for it later.
He dared glance over his fellow candidates, pondering if any of them would find themselves expelled for poor behaviour this day. Where was the line for forgiveness drawn? Would it be farther out when this queen had a reputation for being so patient and kind (and therefore be less likely to get upset)?
That would be a thought to ponder only up until he bowed to said dame and the sire who was curled up at her side as they looked over their clutch of eggs. From here, it was simply time to choose who to touch and he had no reason to make it a hard decision. He would see each egg in their due time, each as important as the last. But first to be met would be Happy Ghost Egg, who was very close to being dead center of them all.
The center of everything - is that the perfect place for you? Did your mother choose well?
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Juhvek - He/Him
This would very likely be Juhvek's final clutch. For anybody else, that may have been an incredibly nervewreaking thought, but Juhvek considered it with clinical honesty - there were always going to be those who weren't meant for dragons, and if it had to be him, so be it. It was less of a sober, melancholy notion and simple truth.But he'd not take that pressure with him, consciously, to these eggs.
He greeted both parents with a passing familiarity, as he'd stood for their own clutches, before he turned his attention to the clutch. Juhvek stood for a moment, taking them all in and perhaps taking some time to plan out his course. There were no little ladies to accompany this time, so he got to move to his own whims...and his whims took him off to one side of the clutch to press a palm to Moo Cow Egg.
Hopefully the day won't feel too overwhelming to you today - it is one of many days that will be yours, after all.
----
Beelim - He/Him
This was a really bad time to be hungry, though Beelim was thankful that his stomach was keeping quiet about it for a change. Each egg was so colorful he couldn't help but imagine various fruits with each one. But he had his mind about him enough to not trip over the steps of bowing to the parents and approaching with a positive (though food-filled) mind.
His hand would settle against Funfetti egg with a thoughtful rub. I'm sorry if I think about food too much, he apologized immediately, knowing some were turned off with the man's near constant hunger. You've all been the talk of the Weyr, you know. Does that feel like a lot of expectation?
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 8:41 am
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Finnisa - HR - She/Her
Winter was settling in, cold and biting with wind in the high mountain Weyr... but that just made the hatching sands all the more alluring than having eggs on them already did. What candidate didn't catch themselves looking longingly across the bowl to where the entrance to them was, wondering when, when, when? Already it was a flight of fancy just to imagine being there, but adding the bonus of delicious warmth to thaw the chill of ice and stone? The hatching sands were paradise, and the day of the touching a dream come true. Or at least, that was Finnisa's thinking as she dutifully listened to F'dral and then moved with the throng to bow to the watching gold and brown parents.
It had been a... challenging turn, that much was sure. Thread had grown more common and frequent, and they'd all, or most of them, lost someone, or known someone who'd lost a... part. Staying positive was difficult sometimes... but then, what else could they do? There was always work to be done, hands to be kept busy, and that made it a little easier. Namedays and gathers and feasts when they could be had made for nice memories. Gold flights and eggs? It was another level of hope altogether. Now, finally getting to see the eggs, and working to settle her thoughts and feelings into open, hopeful, unassuming positivity... Well, she'd just do her best.
She spotted a friend (or she considered her a friend at least, and felt thus about most of the candidates) and moved to join Haveli, though it was the Blue Moon Egg that got her touch and attention for now. "I can't believe we're finally here... that we finally get to meet them," she breathed... not to Haveli, of course, she'd heard F'dral's stance on chit-chat with friends. It was more just her thoughts spilling out for anyone, for the eggs to hear. "Hello there, little one. You've come at just the right time, and we're so, so happy to have you here..."
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 10:00 am
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Zelaya - HR - She/Her (to peers) They/Them (to dragons/in reality)
A gold flight meant eggs, and eggs meant a chance to once again prove herself, for Zelaya. She had a lot to live up to, and every turn her assumed debt to the Weyr grew—she could never give enough back to repay all the riders did for her, and for all the people of Pern. But.. perhaps, by becoming a rider, she could truly begin to do her part. That at least had always been her thinking. Even though becoming a rider hadn't been her life's plan, or some dream or wish, when the moment had come and the search rider had pointed at her, she'd gone. There was no greater service she could do for Pern than this.
Unlike many of her peers, she was not overtly excited for the clutch. There was some stirring in her heart of course at the possibilities that might lie ahead, but rather it had made her more focused, more intent. She would do her best to continue doing her best, and that meant following F'dral's decrees to the letter, and keeping her mind constantly fixed on her training and all she'd learned. She bowed with deep respect to Anakumath and Elzebuth before moving to the nearest egg. She would touch them all, as she'd been told, unless any called to her to stay. There were weeks ahead until the hatching after all, and today would be far from the only day they'd be allowed to see the eggs.
Hello in there. Can you hear my thoughts, I wonder? She thought to the Lisa Frank Egg as she gently slid a palm along its warm, hardening shell. We're all very happy to meet you and the others. You've a very colorful shell... I wonder what color you are in there? Beautiful all the same, I'm sure.
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 10:22 am
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Heida -- HR, she/her
No matter how many times she had Stood for clutches, Heida was always excited. She listened to F'dral sternly explain what to do and how to behave, nodding obediently -- because this was one of the few things she treated seriously -- then set off for the eggs. And what an interesting, colorful lot they were! She couldn't wait to find out what waited inside each and every one of them.
Sketching a quick bow toward the mother Anakumath and father Elzebuth, the tall blonde girl studied the eggs as she made her way toward them, formulating her plan of attack. She decided to start in the middle and work her way out, so her first visit was to the Eggplant Egg. "Hello there," she murmured with a smile, emptying her thoughts of everything except love and warmth and welcome. "Exciting day, isn't it?"
~~~~~~~
Lojze -- HR, he/him
Lojze had of course been through a few Touchings, but something about this one felt different. Maybe this would be the one... Dutifully he absorbed F'dral's instructions, as he always did, then turned for the clutch's parents when dismissed. He gave a deep formal bow, thanking Anakumath and Elzebuth for allowing them to visit their babies; manners were always important, after all. Straightening, he took a deep calming breath, cleared his mind, and headed toward the brightly colored eggs.
It always surprised him a little how relatively small the eggs were compared to the immense parents, even though they were quite large for eggs. He set his initial sights on the Funfetti Egg and strode calmly over to it, placing a hand gently on the speckled shell. "Welcome, little one," he greeted softly, sending thoughts of joy and love to the infant inside. "I hope you find Yours among us today..."
~~~~~~~
Shaye --HR, she/her
It was difficult for Shaye to keep from pulling a face as she listened to F'dral drone on about how they were expected to behave. Of course any sane person would focus on the eggs and not spend half the Touching chitty-chatting with their friends! When he was done and had turned them loose, she went over to the clutch parents and bowed, thanking them for such lovely eggs to touch, then turned toward the eggs themselves, supressing her inner excitement and presenting a quiet, still mind filled with warm, welcoming thoughts
Her first target was the Orange Slice Egg, since it was the closest one to her. Shaye walked over to the egg and brushed her fingertips against the shell. Despite how many clutches she had Stood for, there was always something amazing and miraculous about each new one. "Welcome to Pern," she half-whispered. "Are the Sands warm enough for you? I imagine they are, or your mother wouldn't have chosen this spot for you."
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 12:38 pm
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Eraligais -- HR, he/his
Eralgais had been Standing for a few Turns now, and somehow he'd managed not to get kicked out this cycle, either. Those who were familiar with his ordinary sense of humor might have been surprised he'd lasted this long, but while fun was important and he wasn't the best at keeping his toes on the line most of the time, eggs on the Sands meant he put in extra effort to follow the rules.
Which was why he bowed politely, as instructed, and took a moment to consider the cluster of eggs with more-than-usual solemnity, then picked a target nd moved. the Star Egg, that would be his first stop. He blew into his hands and rubbed them together before laying one against the cheerful shell. Could dragonets actually feel a cold hand against the shell that enclosed them? Who knew for sure, but better to take precautions, just in case. "Hope you're warm in there."
----
Eliaza -- HR, she/her
She'd done this before, but not here. Not at "home", though there were still moments when the Weyr didn't feel like home. Every day was a little better, a little more comfortable. Dragons and dragonriding and Weyr life felt like more of a fit.
But her heart was pounding like mad, now. She'd been more nervous at the Touching at Western. Now? Now she was excited. Elated. So very eager to feel, well, feelings and hear thoughts -- maybe! -- from inside the shells. She listened to F'dral, nodding her agreement to follow the rules the whole time. She beamed at Anakumath as she curtseyed, and shared that smile with Elzebuth too.
THen she very deliberately walked at a controlled, leisurely speed toward the clusetered eggs, gaze skipping from one to the next until she made her decision. The Avocdo Egg. She stopped there, and laid her hand against it, trying to control the joy she felt so she wouldn't overwhelm another dragonet before it was ready to feel such things. Happy. She would just think happy and murmur, "I'm so glad to meet you."
----
Yeliya -- HR. she/her
Today was not a day for following people around like a shadow. Not that Yeliya was all that good at being shadowy, despite her stature. She had too much spine to shrink or slink. Still, she'd made a personal promise to herself to play lookout, and if she needed to...
No. Not today. Eggs, today, and the Eggplant Egg in particular, if anyone was keeping track. After bowing to the sire and dam, Yeliya beelined straight for the big egg, sized it up, and laid a hand against the shell with a quiet sense of triumph. She was here. Touching a dragon egg. Did that make her unstoppable? You. Are. A wonder. she thought to whoever might be listening inside.
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 1:50 pm
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Chakuri - She/Her
Her heart was pounding in her chest as they drew closer to the eggs, trying to tamp down the nerves that were threatening to instead focus on her excitement. She didn't think she'd ever stop being excited to meet dragon eggs! Who knew what the little dragons would be like? Would they like her? Would they like Kahbrohm? She snapped to attention when F'dral spoke, unconsciously standing up straighter. She certainly hadn't forgotten the rules, but it was always good to hear them.
After bowing to the clutch parents, she didn't hesitate to reach out and touch the Rainbow Egg. It's nice and warm here! It's pretty cold if you aren't on the sands!
Dehka - He/Him
He'd been excitedly mulling over clutch numbers and distributions for weeks now, particularly with Anakumath being the mother of the eggs. Dehka had the good fortune of having met the queen before--both on the sands during her Hatching and after. Still, he didn't dare presume he was any different from the Candidates standing beside him. If they were lucky, maybe one of these eggs held a dragon meant for them.
Biting on his lower lip, Dehka bowed to Anakumath and the dark brown Elzebuth before turning his attention to the eggs. The 90s Picture Day Egg was the one he pressed a palm to first, excited and nervous all at once. Nice to meet you.
Hunthyex - He/Him
He couldn't deny the thrum of impatience running through him to meet the clutch, but wasn't anywhere near stupid enough to allow even a hint of it to show on his face. F'dral could and would toss him out on his ear if he acted the fool, and rightly so from what gossip he'd heard about past Touchings. Hunthyex swept into an elegant bow for the proud dragon parents, carefully guarding his thoughts. There had been much talk of a brown being the one to sire the clutch, though Hunthyex himself didn't have any personal thoughts on the manner. So long as the babies were healthy and strong, all would be well.
He touched the Avocado Egg, enjoying the smooth eggshell. You'll be a mighty fighter one day.
Liniyah - She/Her
There was always a dreamy sort of happiness she felt whenever they were about to touch the eggs. So many new little lives, so many hopes and dreams in the air. A smile pulled at her lips, though she did give a surprised start when she realized everyone was starting to move. Giving an awkward little bow to the clutch parents, Liniyah wandered closer to the eggs.
The Moo Cow Egg made her smile, and she reached out to touch the patterned shell. Hello. Are you ready to meet us all today?
Oranie - She/Her
Part of her couldn't help but be filled with that same sweet hope she felt that always seemed to come around when eggs were on the sands. Would they like her? More importantly, maybe they would like Elibrie. Oranie had done her best to deal with the guilt she felt over her sister, but it was better than allowing Elibrie to be married off and used.
Wasn't it?
She pushed her the thoughts firmly out of her head, instead allowing more positive ones to take their place. Elibrie's hand received a squeeze, and she sent a smile her way--only to watch with quiet surprise as her sister pulled away to touch one of the eggs. She wavered for a moment, debating accompanying her before instead moving to touch the Black Cat Egg. It's a pleasure to meet you. She offered.
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 5:07 pm
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Relku - he/him
Relku ran a hand through his hair while he waited with the rest of the Candidates, High Reaches and Western alike, for his turn to bow to the clutchparents, feeling restless. It was a restlessness born of anticipation, of possibilities, not of nervousness; as the Turns had gone, he'd started to grow impatient. He knew, as everyone did, that there was no influencing if - let alone when - a dragon would ever come to him. He also knew that he had plenty of time, but waiting had gotten harder and harder regardless, especially since Thread had returned. He wanted to be doing more. He wanted his future.
He'd been keeping that simmering, growing restlessness at bay as best he could, knowing there was absolutely nothing to be done for it except to live with it. Touchings brought it right back to the fore, though, because each egg, each dragon, was a chance he could finally put this waiting behind him and head into the future he craved, whatever it might bring. With a dragon, with someone who would never abandon him, would see and love every part of him. And he, in turn, would do the same.
As he stepped away from his bow and onto the Sands, Relku carefully packed away those hopes and that restlessness - not that the in-egg dragonets wouldn't be able to find anything no matter how deep down it was, but they didn't need to be hit in the face with it full-force right off the bat. Thoughts in order as he'd long been taught, he rested a hanf on the Rainbow Egg. Doing alright in there, or are you tired of being stuck in a shell yet?
Not that the Sands were the worst place to be - warm, and with devoted parents to tend and care for it.
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 5:36 pm
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Rundanrul - Western
Another Turn, another hatching at High Reaches. Rundanrul was both glad to be away from Western for a bit to eat something that wasn't fish, but he wasn't thrilled that it was the dead of winter. Even on the warm sands the chill from outside seemed to stick with him, his nose and fingers chilly and just a bit numb. He stuffed his hands under his armpits in as dignified a way he could, leaning casually to one side as he listened to the usual spiel about behaving. Rundanrul listened as always and made sure to keep his eyes on the Candidatemaster, not wanting to draw unwanted attention his way.
Finally they were released to the sands. Rundanrul was slow and steady in his pace and he removed his hands from under his arms as he reached the edge of the eggs. He bowed to the parents respectfully before making his way through the throng of Candidates to press his (hopefully) warmed hand against the shell of the Red & White Toadstool Egg.
"Hello," he said quietly, letting his thumb trace one of the spots on the shell. "Ready for a busy day?"
---
Versha - HR
Versha stood amid the other Candidates as she waited for the all clear to head onto the sands. Her heart was racing with excitement but she managed to stay calm as she listened to F'dral, not wanting to be called out for being too energetic. It was different this time around without her sister beside her, but the past better part of a Turn had certainly prepared her to go it alone. Before Verica had Impressed they were inseparable, but now...well. The life of a Candidate and that of a weyrling - junior and senior - were very different than what they were used to. But it was impossible to deny her sister seemed whole now that she had her unsinkable blue and she'd be lying if she said she didn't want the same for herself.
Heading onto the sands, Versha bowed gracefully to Anakumath, a warm smile on her face as she rose. The gold was well-loved by the weyr for her loving, gentle demeanor and she was sure the young queen would be a fantastic mother. Turning to Elzebuth, she offered him the same warm smile and bow as she'd given to Anakumath before she turned to survey the eggs. Hmm....
Drawn in by the neon colors on the black shell, Versha pressed her hand against the 90s Picture Day Egg.
"Hello in there," she said softly, excitement clear in her voice as she reached out mentally as well. "It's a great day for a touching, don't you think?"
---
Surel - Western
Oh dear. Oh boy. Oooooh fardles. Surel fiddled with the sleeve of her shirt as she shifted her weight from foot to foot, trying to get her odd combination of anxiety and excitement under control. Hatchings and touchings were always something to get amped up about, but they were at High Reaches! Things were tense between the weyrs still and she wanted to represent Western as best she could, but there were worries upon worries piling up on her. She hadn't originally signed up to swap for this clutch, but Dys had decided she was going to go and Surel couldn't let her go alone! She needed a friend to stand with for moral support, and since their little group from the last touching had Impressed, it was up to her to go.
It wasn't until she was on dragonback being ferried to High Reaches that she realized one of them might not be coming back to Western any time soon once the hatching happened. Dragons could Impress to anyone at any time, after all, and there was a very real chance that either herself or Dys would find their dragon here. That was good, of course...but everything here was so different!
Realizing the other Candidates were heading onto the sands, Surel closed her eyes to take a deep breath, pushing the worries out of her mind as best she could. She needed to be happy and welcoming right now, not anxious.
Following protocol, Surel bowed to both the mother and the sire, quite smitten with how soft Anakumath was. Such a round ball of sunshine she was! Speaking of sunshine...
"My aren't you big," she said softly to the Sunshine Egg. "And cheerful, too. It's hard not to smile looking at you." She rested her hand on the bright yellow shell as she spoke, the bright and smiling image making her feel a bit better.
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