The Hatching (Happy Holidays Clutch)

[wyren]

Jerking awake, Filonna was suddenly on her feet and moving as quickly as she could. The eggs were hatching!!! How could she even remotely sleep through something like that!

Quickly, she threw on her Whites, doing her best to straighten them out and look as presentable as she could. Hoping from foot to foot to put on her sandals, she did her best to make it to the Sands without falling. It happened only once, where she cut her chin a bit from the hitting ground. As she looked up from her pron position, she found herself at the feet of a Black dragonet that looked way to old to be from the current clutch. "Schwarzth," she whispered, feeling someone lift her up rather quickly. "Take her to the Sands, now," she heard, barely having time to turn and see Wy'ren, standing with one hand on his hip, the other lightly petting his Imp.

"Thank you, Wy'ren!!" she called back to the Black Weyrling knowing it would be hard for him to be so far from his Black so soon after they had walked off the Sands. That thought brought her back to the current situation at hand, finding herself in sight of the Sands. It seemed several dragonets had already Impressed when Schwarzth landed and she slid from his back. "Thank you, Schwarzth. Thank you so much," she called out, already running toward the Sands and the gathered females.

As she arrived, she couldn't help but look around, trying to find Brette, wanting to Stand beside the girl, but found that she was no where to be seen. As it turned out, she found Brette off to the side with a dragonet, a Grey dragonet at that. Seeing this, she couldn't help herself as a large grin broke out. They made a good pair, even from so far away.

Turning to the eggs, she found that several had already hatched, giving the Weyr two new Browns, a Green, two Blues, and a White. None had gone between and all seemed healthy, which was a great sign to the beginning of the Hatchling. Having satisfied her mind with the well being of the current Hatchlings, she turned her focus on the eggs, watching and waiting to see what came out next.

_________

After being left behind by Schwarzth, Wy'ren and Imp made their way to the Hatching Sands, wanting to see the newly arriving dragonets as they hatched. When Wy'ren finally arrived, he found his young Black easily and went to Stand beside him. Are you alright? I'm a little tired . . . but other than that, I am fine. Watch,

[/color] Schwarzth ordered, laying on his belly and folding his wings.

These would be the next generation at Western Weyr. Ones that would one day rule the Weyr, but not before Schwarzth had his chance. The Black watched with keen swirling orbs, while His stood beside him, hand resting on his hide, while the little Tunnelcat settled between Schwarzth's head knobs.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[kyra]

A shriek made Alexander look towards the buried egg. Fear rushed within him, would the dragon inside be okay? He watched as a white head slowly emerge and a candidate went running towards the dragon. A white dragon, here in Western Weyr. What does that mean for the Weyr. He smiled a little as he saw the candidate help the white dragon free itself and slowly lead the dragon to where the food was. Feeling happy for the two, Alexander looked back at the other eggs. He had noticed there was still plenty of eggs.

Crossing his arms he slightly grew impatient. He didn't like waiting that was for sure, but knew that he would have to wait. He just hoped he would not be left behind especially when his sister had impressed finally. Would he be like his sister and have to wait turns to find his lifelong mate as well?? A flash of burgundy caught Alexander's attention. He slightly groaned Alyzin was here and most likely would stir up trouble, but to his surprise the little fire lizard landed on Alexander's shoulders without a single chirp. It seemed as if the fire lizard wanted to be there to meet the hatchling that Alexander would impress.

[Zen]

Lellen watched with a dreamy smile as Midnael helped his little white escape from the sand. What a cute little dragon it was, that precious, tiny White. He sighed, half happy and half wistful that he hadn’t Impressed the little White.

Then the North Egg finally broke open, revealing a forest Green with darker markings. She gazed around at all those gathered and promptly backed up against her shell as if she wanted to return to its relative safety and escape this new and frightening world. She let out a piteous creel and crouched beside the remains of her shell, her gaze travelling rapidly back and forth.

Orlaith rumbled at her Green daughter, Come now, little one… you must find yours and be fed. Surely you are starving.

The Gold lowered her great head toward the Green, who looked up at her in surprise, Y-yes, great mother but… but…. She turned back to the white robed candidates. As much as she was afraid to move toward them, something was pulling her in exactly that direction. She took a tentative step toward the girls, and then another, and after what seemed like forever she was half way to them before she stopped, shaking her head, confused. None of them were right… she didn’t want them…. No, no, no! She scrambled backward, fearful again, and squawked in shock as she ran right into another candidate, knocking him off his feet.

Lellen tumbled over backward even as he was turning to watch the Green’s progression toward the girls and suddenly found the Green beneath him, and just as suddenly on top of him, her eyes whirling in a beautiful, wondrous rainbow of colors as he stared into their depths, completely unaware of her talons pricking his chest, drawing blood as she stood over him.

Mine! Mine! My L’en! Take your Elvith away from here, far away! I hunger and I am afraid, my L’en! Please!

Green Elvith – Looks to Lellen

Elvith is a petite little Green, truly only slightly smaller than average, but with her lithe, athletic form, elongated wings and tail, she seems a bit smaller than she really is. In contrast to her wings and tail, her legs seem a bit too short, giving her something of a cute, stubby look on the ground. In the air her long wings will lend her great speed, but also hamper her ability to perform quick, tight maneuvers as efficiently as her Green sisters.

Abilities
Agility: 7
Speed: 10
Endurance: 4
Sensitivity: 1

Timid, Childish, Trusting, Obedient
Elvith is a bit nervous around others, especially new people and dragons that she isn’t familiar with, and even when she’s fully grown she’s liable to try to hide behind her bonded if someone new comes along. She is quite childish and clingy, in that respect, but with her childishness comes a complete trust in her lifemate. Like a small child to its parent, she will never question her bonded and will trust them completely to know and do what is right, what is best for her. She will be quiet and unassuming, always obedient to higher colors and her lifemate, never questioning orders. She will also be fairly affectionate with her rider and playful with dragons she knows well.

Size At Hatching: 4 feet
Size At Full Growth: 58 feet
Speaking Color: 025618

All her love, her adoration, her complete devotion washed over him, but also her hunger and her fear, so overwhelming… and he threw his arms around her neck and hugged her tightly to him, “Oh, my Elvith… my beautiful Elvith… its okay… there’s nothing to be afraid of… I won’t let anyone hurt you…. Come on… we’ll go feed you, there aren’t as many people there, you’ll be okay.”

She stepped gingerly off his chest, still crouching slightly, nervous with all these people surrounding her, watching her, and Lellen pushed himself to his feet, unconsciously gripping his brother’s shoulder to steady himself, reminding himself that Salar was still there. He turned to his twin then, grinning from ear to ear, “Isn’t she beautiful, Salar? Her name is Elvith!” He hugged his brother briefly; he had to share this joy with him somehow, after all. “Oh, Salar, you’ll Impress, I know you will… I’ll see you when you come to feed your hatchling!” He stepped away from his brother, still grinning, and made for the feeding area, Elvith sticking close to his feet, slinking along lowly as if she could hide if she got low enough and no one would see her. He still did not register that there were thin trickles of blood staining the perfect white of his candidates robes.

As Elvith had been slinking along toward the girls and knocking her bonded over, the Rusted Egg had begun to crack. There were no half measure for this egg, it had not been shaking perceptively at all before, and now suddenly it was simply cracking in half. The hatchling that tumbled out backwards landed with his tail over his nose, but quickly attempted to right himself, scrabbling in the sand until he stood looking around at everyone, apparently unfazed by his clumsy emergence.

His had striking coppery, rust colored markings that stood in stark contrast to the rest of his pale, brownish-gold hide. He was huge, without a doubt the largest hatchling yet, and probably would be the largest, save the Gold. Even though he was just hatched, muscles rippled beneath his skin. He looked incredibly solid, strong, as he stood with the light glinting off his metallic Bronze hide.

He watched curiously as Lellen led his Green sister away and tilted his head at the human they had left standing alone. He made his way toward Salar, briefly, before tripping over a large shard of one of his sibling’s eggs and tumbling over himself once more. He stood, blinking sand from one eye and looking about with the other, having gotten turned around in his most recent tumble. His gaze came to rest on the boy that stood directly before him, some feet away, and leapt forward eagerly, My A’der, my A’der! Your Menorath is here now, you don’t have to wait anymore! Mine, that Green before, she looked frightened… do you think she is all right? Should we check on her? And I am hungry Mine, and my eye hurts!

Bronze Menorath – Looks to Alexander

Menorath inherited his father’s size and will grow to be one of the largest Bronzes at Western. He seems to be almost a pale gold in color, with coppery, rust colored markings that make him stand out even among other Bronzes. He is stocky, heavily muscled even as a hatchling, and will easily last a full Threadfall with energy to spare, there is no doubt that he will be able to outlast all of his clutchmates in flight. His wingspan will be something to behold and will carry him easily, though for all his musculature and easy endurance he will be lumbering in flight, slower and hardly maneuverable. He might have a hard time escaping errant Thread and will need to depend on the smaller, faster colors to watch his back and prevent serious injury.
Abilities
Agility: 3
Speed: 5
Endurance: 10
Sensitivity: 1

Valiant, Clumsy, Loyal, Disobedient
Menorath promises to be a heroic dragon, as befits a Bronze. He has a deep desire to help others and ensure their safety and happiness, whether they asked for or need his help or not. His success in such endeavors varies, however, for he is not a conscientious dragon, he is not aware of his bulk, and therefore quite clumsy. There will be times when his ‘help’ will cause more harm than it will good and his rider will need to be aware for him of situations that he might make worse. Whether Menorath listens to his rider’s advice is another matter, for he can be incredibly disobedient when it comes to his desire to help. He is loyal without fault to his Weyr, his Wing, his clutchmates, and his rider, and he will rarely let anyone dissuade him from trying to make their lives better in any way that he can possibly come up with.

Size At Hatching: 9.4 feet
Size At Full Growth: 134 feet
Speaking Color: D19A3F

Near the remains of the Rusted Egg, the Freckled Egg had started to shake and crack, as well as the Smudged Egg. M’kal noted these, dividing his attention between the newly Impressed Weyrling pairs and the rest of the eggs yet to hatch. Talaria noted the boy the Bronze had chosen even as Orlaith’s eyes whirled with pleasure at the sight of the big, strong Bronze. To Talaria he seemed rather clumsy, but perhaps that was simply because he had only just hatched. Most hatchlings were rather clumsy, after all. Perhaps he would grow out of it.

[brete]

Salar felt tears run down his face when he saw Lellen impress. Finally he could look at his father and know Lellen was safe and happy. "I'm so proud of you Lellen and she is the most beautiful green there ever was. You hear me you sweet thing you trust Lellen and you'll be safe and happy forever. Go feed her don't worry about me!" he said encouragingly. As soon as L'en was out of sight Salar's shoulders slumped a bit, he wasn't totally discouraged but the bronze hadn't chosen him and he felt odd on his own. So he took up his feet and made his way to Cleissa. Grabbing the girls hand boldly and looking at Mya he smiled and squeezed. "Well ladies we will have to be next won't we? It will be all over soon and we will be feeding hungry little dragons soon enough. Now we only have to stay strong and watch. I like the looks of that smudged one and the one next to the bronzes shell is cracking to." he said confidently even if he didn't feel it. The girls deserved support. It was hard for them when there was so much pressure to impress gold. He could see Cleissa on a gold or green so easily, beautiful Cleissa would make a perfect rider.

Searching the sands he found his mother and raised his fist in celebration of L'en. She was crying hard and smiling harder, mouthing for Salar to not give up. He shook his head and said he wouldn't. He wouldn't give up till they dragged him off the sands. His dragon was here, his dragon was coming out of one of those shells and he would love him forever. "Come on, come on...you can do it...break those shells!"

[kyra]

Alexander's eyes widened as the Bronze hatched out. He was most defiantly the biggest hatchling yet. He smiled a little as the Bronze tripped a little, but what shocked him the most was the voice that appeared in his head. My A’der, my A’der! Your Menorath is here now, you don’t have to wait anymore! Mine, that Green before, she looked frightened… do you think she is all right? Should we check on her? And I am hungry Mine, and my eye hurts! A'der? Had he just heard right. Was the this bronze really speaking in his head. His eyes widened and he smiled, "No worries, I'll make sure she is okay." He spoke softly touching Menorath. He looked into the dragon's swirling eyes. "You're eye will be just fine, I promise." He couldn't believe it he really impressed. "Let's get you some food while we make sure she is alright." Alyzin tilted his head from where he was. It seemed to Alexander...well A'der now that everything will be so much different. He looked to the stands and saw his mother. She had a huge grin on her face. Both of her babies had impressed.

Slowly leading the bronze to where he had seen the green go he still wasn't sure what to think. What did this mean? Mine I want to check on the Green first...then feed me A'der smiled "If you say so." Finally reaching the feeding area he looked around and saw Lellen with the green right away. "Is yours alright? Mine would like to know?" He asked. Truthfully he has never really spoken this much ever. I can ask myself you know. Menorath responded but his hunger took over before he could talk to the Green. A'der lead him next to his sister and smiled.

Zyika looked over from feeding her Imanith with a smile. "Told you so." Was all she said before her gaze returned to what was hers. Who is that? Is he very nice? He looks a little like you. Are you two related? Zyika laughed a little. "Hush mine, eat. That is Alexander and yes he is my brother." She told hers as she fed continue to feed the green. "It's A'der now." Alexander responded softly as he begun to feed his mighty hatchling.

[tealah]

Mya nodded slowly to what Cleissa had said about not wanting to be left alone. She could understand why she would feel that way. Well, no, not really. She had never really been close to anyone but Matty, and it still hadn't been that hard to leave him to come here. Maybe it was different to be the one being left...

Her musing thoughts were shattered by a sudden shriek from one of the hatchlings. Mya went immediately on the alert, though she didn't know how different dealing with dragon trauma care might be - she was willing to try anyway. But she couldn't see any of the eggs hatched... ah, the buried egg. She could see a pale hatchling struggling in the sand. Her first thought was to go rescue it, but she hesitated. Was interfering with the hatchlings even allowed, unless it was your hatchling?

Phagh, what a stupid idea - she couldn't just let the poor thing die in the sand. It could Impress whoever it wanted, after she got it out.

But someone had already beaten her to it, the boy with the firelizard she'd spoken to. He helped the dragonet out, and Mya was surprised to see that rather than just being pale, this was a white dragon - supposedly the most rare out of all the colors. Interesting.

White dragon safe and Impressed, Mya turned her attention back to the other eggs. There, a green had hatched, looking fearful. For a moment Mya thought she might go between, but no, she just needed some encouragement before she Impressed to another of the boys.

And finally, a bronze hatchling - a clumsy seeming creature, and very big. Mya noted wryly (even as the bronze Impressed) that the dragonhealers might be kept rather busy with that one.

Mya was beginning to feel rather tightly wound from all this tension. "Gah... just hatch already," she muttered aloud at the eggs. "Get it over with." If someone was going to get injured, well, she was getting antsy staying alert for it.

***

"Beautiful," Falynn breathed. He was referring, of course, to the white dragon who had just been rescued. He was fairly far away, but his sharp artist's eye could just barely catch the shifting hues of the dragon's hide. Fascinating. Could such iridescence be captured in glass?

He couldn't help but watch interestedly as the white was led away to where the new weyrlings were feeding their dragonets. He even missed the hatching of the next green, though he glanced back in time to see the bronze hatch. Oh, what interesting markings this one had, all bright rust against pale goldy-brown.

Falynn settled in to watch the rest of the hatching, a slightly-goofy grin on his face. Absolutely amazing, they were.

[Alyx]

Cleissa's feet were starting to numb - maybe she should have brought her shoes. Shifting her wait, she watched the little, frightened Green enter the world. Fear was plain in every motion of the hatchling, making Cleissa's heart ache for it. So young and thrust into this strange world, with all these people staring at you. It stumbled toward them, but something seemed to stop it. It seemed confused, staggered - it bolted and Cleissa's breath caught in her throat, expecting it to vanish into the Between -

Instead, it collided with one of the boys. It took her a moment to realize it was the boy next to Salar; which meant it had to me his brother.... Lellen, if Cleissa remembered right. His voice raised to announce her name and Cleissa wanted to shout. She knew it had meant alot to Salar that his brother Impressed this time, it looked like he had gotten his wish.

The Bronze took that moment to arrive, and for a moment Cleissa was sure it would take Salar - but no, another boy was the Bronze's mate. She had been so sure!! When the Bronze and the boy left the Sands with Lellen, she looked over to find Salar in the crowd. It didn't surprise her to see him starting over to join her - afterall, out of those they really called 'friends' they were the only two really remaining.

She was a little surprised he took her hand, but didn't fight it. She tried to put on the brave face for him, returning the unsteady smile even tho her eyes swam with doubt. "Remember what they say? Best for last, right? Isn't that how it goes?"

[brete]

At the news of the hatching Syrani was sewing a dress for the new girl Brete as a gift from her mother. So when A'zael came in and announced it she was more than capable of pulling on her robe calmly and making her way quickly to the sands. Or so she deluded herself into thinking. In truth she dropped her sewing onto her bed in a heap, threw on her robes and ran like death was chasing her. Thank goodness she still had her thick boots on, those sands were hot! She wasn't about to wait around for anyone else she made her way straight up to the burnished egg. She had noticed it before and was curious as to what lay inside it and the dark egg. She knew she wouldn't impress probably but she was in a central location so she hoped she was clearly visible to all arriving dragons just in case.

Syrani watched as each new dragon impressed, none of them called to her but she was still saddened by the fact that she was still on the sands. What if she was again one of the ones left on the sands? Would they continue to allow her to try after this year? She was by far the oldest of the candidates and it was hard to deal with. It didn't help that she had made quick work of all those willing to flirt with her. She was a horrible flirt and she knew it. It would be soo much easier to get around though with a lovely dragon to love all her own. It had been her dream even before weaving had taken a little spot in her heart. She had even made the robes for this years candidates. Making them as soft and light as possible so as to be easier to walk in when dragons came flying at you. She had noticed that a few years ago they were too bulky, many candidates had been hurt after getting caught up in the thick things.

"Please don't leave me on the sands again. Where are you heart treasure I know you have to be there I feel it. I can't keep being wrong that you will be born. You are there now come see me so I can show you how much love there is." she said loud enough for the eggs closest to her to hear. SHe was not going to let this time be her failure again. She would will her soul into one egg so it could see her and find her. Thinking hard she looked at each egg in turn and thought, 'Here I am! come on out and play with me.'
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Well considering you are the prettiest girl I've seen yet, and one of the smartest then I guess they are saving the best for last. Though I'd prefer the didn't keep a lady waiting." he teased as he looked down and saw her feet. Oh no that wouldn't do. kicking off his sandles he slid them towards her glad he had been wearing thick socks. Her poor feet had to be hurting by now. Those sands were hot enough to burn you. "My socks are thicker but I can't get them off just yet, please stand on my sandles...I'd be very upset if you scorched the skin off your feet, and I think Mya would be as well considering she'd have to patch you up. Isn't that right Mya?"

Turning back to the hatching he took a deep breath and plastered the grin he had been faking the whole time back on his face as he squeezed Cleissa's hand once more. She was the last of those he'd bonded with in the group. The others were very nice but they were all so busy and never really got to know him so it was hard to feel as protective of them as he did of Cleissa. He just hoped the little dragons would appear soon.

[Zen]

Although the Freckled and Smudged Eggs began their shaking and cracking first, two Greens suddenly broke free of their shells before they had gotten very far. Almost simultaneously the South Egg and the West Egg fell apart and one Green made a beeline straight for the girls, Impressing that first candidate that had made it to the Hatching Cave, a girl named Nola. The second was a larger Green, pale and very feminine in her build, with her wings tucked daintily at her sides. Her head swung slowly about with interest, taking in everything around her. She took a few steps forward, not really toward any of the candidates just yet, simply to get a better view of things. Unlike her recently hatched sister Elvith, this hatchling did not appear afraid of anything she saw, tilting her head curiously at those gathered, white-robed creatures.

And before the pale Green could go any farther a large shard fell from the Dark Egg and a sleek, pitch black hatchling wriggled through the opening he’d made, huffing as his tail finally slipped out and looking rather indignant about his tight squeeze through the hole he’d made. Shaking himself once, he surveyed the cave and all of its occupants. He yawned and then made a low growling sound as the sharp pain of hunger overtook him, and something even more important….

Spotting his pale Green sister still standing and looking around at everything he huffed once more and stalked toward her, What exactly are you doing just standing there? I am starving and you must be too.

The Green turned to look at him, tilting her head once more, I was just enjoying everything… its all so wonderful, isn’t it?

The Black snorted in response and shrugged the Green off. She was quite strange, if you asked him. And there was that other need… the one he didn’t quite understand and yet it drove him onward toward the candidates, and to his annoyance the Green followed him. His mind touched on something… someone… that called out to him so strongly he locked his gaze on the boy and paused suddenly, causing the Green to run into the back of him. He turned an annoyed glare back at her, but said nothing, only kept on with renewed speed toward the boy that needed him. He must claim him before that silly Green got it into her head to take him instead.

S’lar… you are mine and no one else’s. Mine. Only Umojath’s. Now I am very hungry and that Green is strange, she seems to find wonder in the very sand beneath her claws. Let us go from here.

Black Umojath – Looks to Salar

Quite a large Black, Umojath’s deep jet hide is unmarred by any sort of marking and is exceptionally shiny for a Black. He will take a certain amount of pride in his gleaming hide and may demand most bathing and oiling than others to make sure it stays that way. He is sleek and athletic, with slightly more muscle than the average Black, lending him a bit more endurance. He should have no problem flying a full Threafall.

Abilities
Agility: 6
Speed: 8
Endurance: 8
Sensitivity: 1

Sarcastic, Quiet, Observant, Stubborn
Most of the time Umojath composes himself with a quiet dignity and will only rarely deign to speak to other humans, if at all. He is quiet among dragons as well, preferring to observe and listen to the gossip rather than participate in it. When he does speak, it is rare that he won’t include some sort of sarcastic remark. He has a dry sense of humor that can sometimes be offensive. He is also incredibly stubborn and if he’s made up his mind about or formed an opinion on something there is little anyone can do to change it. He is not one to ever admit he was wrong, though he will take responsibility for whatever his stubbornness brings upon him, good or bad.

Size At Hatching: 7.6 feet
Size At Full Growth: 108 feet
Speaking Color: 1C1C1C

The pale Green followed behind her larger, much darker brother and watched as he made his way quickly, and yet calmly, toward the boy he had chosen. He was holding the hand of a girl that she found herself drawn to. Oh, Cleissa, mine, you are even more wonderful than everything else, and everything else is quite wonderful! I am Angeth, your Angeth, do you think me wonderful too? I am afraid I feel less than wonderful… I feel… very hungry…. It is not a good feeling at all!

Green Angeth – Looks to Cleissa

Angeth is one of the largest Greens of the clutch with a distinctly feminine form. She has the appearance of being delicate with a hidden strength that radiates from her very being. She is also the lightest Green in the clutch with not a mark on her, which perhaps further adds to the illusion of her delicacy. Everything about her speaks of grace and carefully controlled power. She promises to be a beauty in the sky that every able male will want to chase.

Abilities
Agility: 8
Speed: 7
Endurance: 5
Sensitivity: 3

Affectionate, Overprotective, Innocent, Fearless
Angeth is kind and sweet, innocent at heart. She finds wonder and beauty in the simple things in life and appreciates every moment. In her innocent curiosity and wonder she is fearless. If she wishes to have a closer look at something she will not hesitate to go and do so. If she wishes to try something new, simply for the experience, she will. She is tender and affectionate with her rider, and why shouldn’t she be? Her rider is the greatest and most beautiful wonder she will ever have the pleasure of experiencing. She also tends to be rather overprotective of her lifemate, mothering her every chance she gets and rarely letting her out of her sight. At any hint that her rider is in any sort of danger her sweet and innocent demeanor will fall away and fearless, overprotectiveness will take over to reveal a fierce and frightening side of her.

Size At Hatching: 4.4 feet
Size At Full Growth: 63 feet
Speaking Color: A8FCB7

The Freckled Egg had stopped moving, though the Smudged Egg still wobbled and shook. The East Egg had begun to move as well. Beyond them, where Orlaith lay, a fine crack had formed on the surface of her precious Gold Egg. Orlaith lowered her head onto the sands and was completely taken up with the hatching of her Gold daughter, her first, the one that everyone praised her so highly for.

From her place in the stands, Talaria could not see the crack in the Gold Egg or she may have been as enamored with watching it as Orlaith now was, and her Gold said nothing to her of it. Instead she watched the two Greens hatch, and the big Black that looked quite promising.

High above Sabath growled lowly as he witnessed the Black’s birth. Already he saw a rival in this new Black. M’kal sighed lightly, Stop being such a bitter old wherry. Sabath did not dignify him with a response.

[tealah]

Isn't that right Mya?

Mya tore her attention from the eggs at the sound of her name. What? What was right? Oh, something about Cleissa burning the soles of her feet. She snorted. "I might be glad of some healing to do after all this waiting..."

It was as if the eggs had heard her complaint, because two of the eggs opened simultaneously, both revealing greens. The one went right for one of the other girls, the other stood just watching everything. A third egg cracked, a black dragonet emerged. The black moved over to the pale green, and they seemed to confer a moment before the black started towards the little group Mya was standing with. The green followed. The black went to the boy who'd spoken to her a moment ago, and the green to Cleissa.

For a moment Mya felt that fear of being left by herself on the sands Cleissa had spoken of. Just a moment, though, before she laughed scornfully at herself and pushed the uncharacteristically vulnerable feeling away. "Congratulations," she said instead to them both, stepping away to give them more room with their new lifemates.

****

Falynn was easily as enamored with each new dragonet as he was the last. It was like watching tumblers at a gather, in a way, with the excitement as they introduced each new stunt and they got trickier and trickier and you knew something wonderful was coming at the end. In this case, the wonderful thing would probably be him Impressing. Well, that was why he was here, wasn't it? Funny, he'd actually forgotten about that in his awe.

He moved over to stand next to that weaver, one of the older candidates. Partly because she was in a more central location (easier to see and marvel at each new arrival) and partly so that he could share his enthusiasm with. She seemed like a nice person, after all. "This is so amazing isn't it?" he gushed. "Such disparate shades out of so few colours! Jewel-tones and pastels and forest hues... wonderful!"

He beamed at the woman, it never once occurring to him that... well, he was weird.

[missing]

Pala shifted from one foot to another watching as dragonette after dragonette impressed. Her eyes widened at the sight of Alexander... wait no... A'der now impressed the bronze. What had she told him? Don't sell yourself short, I'm sure you're more than able to impress even a Bronze if you wanted to. And right now, judging by the look in his eyes, there was nothing A'der wanted more than that young bronze.

She smiled a bit smugly to herself, "Told you so..." she mumbled under her breath before looking at the candidates who were left. She noticed Mya standing there, watching everyone like a hawk in case someone got hurt. Pala felt a little guilty for not even thinking to grab a medical pack or at least some numbweed salve. After all, she had been IN the infirmary when the hatching started.

She watched Mya for a bit, thinking to herself. I hope she impresses... Pala looked down at herself, she looked like she had been dragged through the sands instead of just standing on them. She was frankly surprised she didn't insult Orlaith by presenting herself to her children in such a fashion... or lack there of. She sighed, and went back to watching the eggs rocking on the sands, unaware of her sister's dark eyes watching her from the stands.

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

Midnael meanwhile was busy trying to keep Norpoth from choking on the meat he was feeding the tiny White. He picked through his bowl, finding smaller pieces before passing them over. Norpoth just wanted food and didn't care about the size.

I'm hungry... why do you have to inspect them all first?

"You're a good foot smaller than than even the smallest of your sibilings, and some of these chunks are rather large for you."

Norpoth huffed before taking another chunk of meat from Midnael's hand, I can eat the same food as they can you know, you don't have to worry about me.

Midnael raised an eyebrow in disbelief, but handed one of the larger chunks over, watching carefully as Norpoth swallowed it down without issue. He smiled fondly at the little dragon, "Okay you win."

[brete]

"Feeling nervous as well healer Mya? It's hard to just stand her isn't it?" he said smiling at her. It was her first hatching as well so she was probably itching for something to happen.

While still holding Cleissa's hand Salar watched the two greens hatch, the first went to another girl but the second, the really pretty one just stood there looking around. "Come on pretty Cleissa is right her and she will love you. Isn't she pretty little dragon? You would look lovely together." he said in hopes that the little dragon would hear. Squeezing Cleissa's hand he smiled encouragingly at the dragon. Just then a big beautiful Black crawled out of the hole in his egg and Salar gasped. That was exactly the dragon he had always imagined. Strong, streamline, pure black and lovely. He watched enraptured as the green a black seemed to talk and lost his breath as they both started walking toward him. Was this going to be it? Was one of them for him? Was the green for Cleissa or Mya? He hoped so he really did. They were both great girls and it would be sad if either were left on the sands.

However, he wasn't given much time to contemplate this much longer due to a voice in his head. Oh what a wonderful voice it was. So strong and musical to his ears. "S’lar… you are mine and no one else’s. Mine. Only Umojath’s. Now I am very hungry and that Green is strange, she seems to find wonder in the very sand beneath her claws. Let us go from here." His! His very own dragon and his name was Umojath it was such a strong name for such a strong dragon. "His name is Umojath! He's mine and his name is Umojath!!" Salar yelled as he hugged his dragon gently. Looking up in time to see Cleissa impress the pretty green. "I told you Cleissa I told you didn't I? We impressed together! We are dragon riders." he was so happy he nearly cried. Looking at Mya he smiled and patted her shoulder. "You're next my dear...try not to let the darling bowl you over okay?" with that he hugged Cleissa and put a hand on his dragon. "Would you like to go now Umojath? I have food waiting for you. I am yours and you are mine forever! I'm so glad you came I was scared you wouldn't." he said quickly as he made his way to the meat chunks.

"You are mine S'lar and I do not like that you hugged them before feeding me. You are mine only mine mine mine. What is so great about those weird ones? You have me and I am all you need." said his stubborn dragon. S'lar hoped with time that Umojath would mellow out on that score, seeing as they would need to interact with others.
"Yes Mine I am yours but they are my friends and I am happy for them. Now chew this slowly mine I wouldn't want you to get sick." he said as he shoved a piece of meat into the possessive dragons mouth. Making sure to keep a steady stream of food into his dragons mouth S'lar looked at L'en and smiled. "Look L'en this is Umojath we made it!" he was so happy. They would be riders together.

[Alyx]

Salar's words brought a laugh from Cleissa's lips. Prettiest? Smartest? She didn't think so, but the comments did lift her spirits quite a bit. She still feared that she'd be left on the Sands again this time with all her new friends moving along without her. But at least for now she had Salar and Mya for company as the next few eggs began to crack.

She dipped her chin a little, a touch embarrassed that Salar had noticed her discomfort at the hot Sands. Normally the heat of the Hatching Sands didn't bothered, but standing for so long in one spot seemed to be a bit more then she had expected. Stammering her reply, she felt herself blush just a touch and follow his request. "Thanks, Salar. Normally the heat doesn't bother me. I guess I just didn't expect to be standing on the Sands quite this long." Fingers gripped his hand a little tighter as she shifted her feet over to stand on the offered sandals. She'd repay him for the gesture, she promised herself silently.

Looking up, she watched as two eggs seemed to hatch at the exact same instant, the green bodies uncoiling themselves from the confined space of the shells and stumbling free. One seemed to be to be distracted, wandering its way toward them with a distracted air. She stopped in her path as the dark egg shattered near her. The Black dragon shook himself and glanced over at the pretty little green; suddenly Cleissa wanted to know the exchange the two must have been having.

Then the Black was in motion; trotting across the Sands with a purpose toward them. Wait…. toward them? Them?! Blacks took boys, right? Not girls? That meant – Cleissa’s fingers tightened down on Salar’s hands a moment in a little squeeze as the Black stopped before him, totally missing the boy’s coaxing words to the two green hatchlings as she focused on the Black. She held her breath, begging silently for the Black to pick Salar….

Cleissa let go of Salar’s hand as he shouted Umojath’s name, feelings mixed but mostly happy. She didn’t want to be left on the Sands when he took the Hatchling off the Sands, but she was so elated he had impressed she wanted to dance in place. So focused on the pair, she actually had totally forgotten the pretty green until she spoke. ‘Oh, Cleissa, mine, you are even more wonderful than everything else, and everything else is quite wonderful! I am Angeth, your Angeth, do you think me wonderful too? I am afraid I feel less than wonderful… I feel… very hungry…. It is not a good feeling at all!’ Cleissa’s nearly fell over as she spun in place, stepping back a touch from the little Green. Eyes wide, she looked at the lively, lovely little Angeth and started to cry. ‘Mine? Are you upset? Am I not what you wanted?’ The pain in the Hatchlings voice drove her forward.

”No, no. You’re perfect, little one. Perfect.” Arms tossed around the little Hatchling’s neck as she grabbed hold. Relief, happiness, everything just poured over and between the two. Letting go of Angeth, Cleissa stepped back into Salar’s hug and she laughed. He had been right – they had made it. Remembering what she needed to do, she took a breath and rested a hand between Angeth’s eyes as she rubbed the ridges with her fingertips. ”Angeth. Her name is Angeth.”

[/color] It was almost surreal saying those words.

Stepping to follow Salar to the feeding area, she hesitated and looked back to Mya. She really didn’t want to simply walk away and leave her alone out here, but Angeth was hungry and Cleissa knew she should follow the baby’s needs without question. Bending to scoop up the Salar’s sandals, she threw her arms around Mya’s shoulders and gave her a great hug. ”Thank you.”[/color] Cleissa let go, stepping back and gave Mya a brave smile. ”You’ll be right behind us, I know it. We’ll be waiting for you, ok?”[/color]

Sandals in one hand and the other resting on Angeth’s shoulder, she picked her way across the Sands to finally join the others. Angeth seemed in awe of the world around her, eyes swirling in patterns as she looked from one hatchling to the other. Cleissa smiled, taking the moment of the Hatchling’s distraction to Return Salar’s Sandals to him – she dropped them gently next to the boy and gave him a bright smile. ”Thanks again for the sandals.”[/color]

She turned and glanced over the bowls to pick the one she liked best, then found a seat not far from Salar to finally deal with Angeth’s rumbling tummy. Cleissa had always hated touching raw meat, but now it didn’t even seem to register as she snagged up a piece and offered it to the hungry Green. Angeth swallowed the first bit nearly whole and Cleissa scolded her. ”No. Chew it a little would you? I don’t want you choking on it.”[/color]

V’ktor watched them all come in. After two and a half bowls, Shamath was happily full. The Brown rested next to his Bonded, his head resting on V’ktor’s legs as the man rubbed to his eye ridges and neck. ‘A little to the left, Mine…. Ah, yes, that is perfect.’ V’ktor shook his head and smiled.

Looking up, he saw the girl that had drug him to the Sands finally join them. Behind her had to be one of the prettiest little hatchlings he had seen, if you didn’t count Shamath and the little grey. He was pleased to see her with a dragon – he would have felt horrible it he had impressed and she had not, after everything that she had done for him.
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[Zen]

Orlaith’s own humming, and that of many of the other dragons as well, grew suddenly louder as a small shard of golden shell fell into the sand, and then another, and even the other unhatched dragons seemed to give pause in respect for the hatching of the new queen.

She did not seem content to simply leave her shell, breaking it into tiny pieces and standing among the scattered remains of that insolent thing that had kept her prisoner for so long. Her tail lash once as she lifted one front foot with an indignant growl. A shard had scratched her paw and dark green ichor welled at the cut. Quite affronted, the Gold made quickly away from those horrible shards, her eyes whirling an angry crimson as she made sure to kick sand over them as she went. She hissed softly as sand caked her wound and stopped to peer at it once more.

Orlaith watcher her with keen interest, Go, my daughter… find yours, and she will see to your wound.

The dark Gold turned to look at her mother as if she hadn’t realized she was there, But it hurts now, and someone should see to it now.

Orlaith growled softly at her golden daughter’s manner, Do as I’ve said, young one, and it will be seen to all the sooner.

The little Gold huffed indignantly and glared around at the candidates remaining as her choices. One of them should have come forward to help her immediately! Her tail lashed once more as she turned her gaze this way and that, her injured paw held up slightly from the sand. She glanced over the minds of the remaining females and paused at one curiously. Yes, yes… she could help, surely.

Mya. I, Stellath, require your assistance at once. Hurry up for I have waited quite long enough and besides that I am starving.

Gold Stellath – Looks to Mya

Stellath is small for a Gold, but don’t try telling her that for her personality much makes up for her smaller stature. She is also slim for her color and more inclined to speed than most other Golds though she is a bit lacking in endurance. She is a dark, burnished gold in color, fading into up into a red-gold on her wings. She carries herself proudly at all times, her movements feline, bespeaking of her power and a hidden danger.

Abilities
Agility: 5
Speed: 7
Endurance: 8
Sensitivity: 1

Selfish, Bossy, Determined, Protective
From her personality to the very color of her hide, Stellath seems to be the complete opposite of her mother. She cares nothing for niceties and politeness, why should she be polite? She is a GOLD and therefore others are meant to be polite to her, but she has every right to treat others however she wants. And she is not shy about bossing others around at all. Her rider will need to watch her carefully and keep her in check because of this, or she may try ordering other dragons around simply because she can, which is not at all acceptable. This will not be an easy task, however, for Stellath is a highly determined dragon and once she has decided she is going to do something she will not give it up without a fight. She is rather protective of her rider and her clutchmates and believes that without her they wouldn’t last another moment. She will often take it upon herself to watch out for them and keep them out of trouble and of course they owe her a great debt for taking such care of them.

Size At Hatching: 9.5 feet
Size At Full Growth: 136 feet
Speaking Color: EE8E18

Talaria actually held her breath as the Gold hatched, her eyes glued to Western’s second queen. She seemed to be taking her time in choosing her bonded, but suddenly her gaze locked on one of the girls and even this indignant looking Gold’s angry red eyes changed to that whirling rainbow of Impression. Beside her M’kal let out a breath, making her realize she had been holding hers and so had he. She coughed lightly to mask that knowledge.

Sabath’s eyes whirled with interest at this new Gold. She was nothing at all like Orlaith…. She was radiant and commanded the attention of everyone with simply her presence, even so young. This one will be worth chasing.

M’kal held back a grunt of disapproval, Really, Sabath, she’s only just hatched! He ran one hand through his hair and sighed, turning back to see which eggs would hatch next. Already the Smudged Egg had started up again and the East Egg was rocking as well.

L’en fed his ravenous little Green, still wondering at how perfect she was. He barely registered cheers as others Impressed until Salar made his way over with his big Black. If it was even possible, the grin plastered on his face widened. “Okay so he’s not a Bronze, but close enough!” He chuckled as he handed another chunk of meat to Elvith, who ignored it to slide sideways and away from Salar and his dragon, Mine, who is that? He is like you, but not.

He blinked and looked down at her, “Oh, Elvith, he’s my brother, he’s not going to hurt you, you silly thing.” He wiggled the piece of meat playfully before her nose and she finally took it and stretched her neck out to get a better look at Salar. “This is so great, so amazing… Umojath, huh? He’s a beauty.” He couldn’t stop grinning and his face was beginning to hurt from it, but he didn’t care.

Mine, what is that red stuff?

“Huh? Red stuff?” He looked around and caught a glimpse of the blood on his robe. He looked down to see the multiple little holes in it and the blood still trickling slowly form his chest, though it had nearly stopped by now, the wounds not deep at all. He touched one curiously as if he had never seen blood before and shook his head. Right, Elvith’s claws…. Well he didn’t want her to know she’d hurt him, “Oh, that’s nothing, that happens sometimes.” He laughed at the suggestion that he just bled randomly for no reason all the time. To distract her, he handed her another chunk of meat, which she took happily enough, accepting his explanation without question.

[brete]

Just as S'lar and Cleissa made it to the feeding area a loud gasp and cheer broke out. S'lar and Umojath looked back to see the Gold hatchling impress Mya. Well that was unexpected. S'lar could have sworn it would be that Filonna girl. Well Mya was strong and smart she would make a great queen rider. Turning back to Umojath he smiled. "What do you think of her Mine?" he said for fun. "She is very nicely made but I don't think I like her attitude...I like Tinsith's a little more...even that weird green is a bit more to my liking. I don't like people to boss me, well except you of course. Women on the other hand...no that just sounds weird." said Umojath sarcastically. He really didn't care who tried to boss him he was S'lar's and S'lar's only. "Now if you aren't too terribly busy checking up on that silly female next to you...would you mind giving me some more of that meat?" with this a mental snicker went through S'lar's mind. That darn dragon was making fun of him.

"Her you smart mouth...don't choke." he said laughingly as he fed his dragon. "Cleissa it seems my dragon finds you a bit of competition for my time. He has pronounced you a silly female...though he did say he likes yours better than the gold." Laughing again he rubbed Umojath's headnobs. What a silly dragon he had. S'lar could tell he was going to have his hands full with such a strong personality as this one. Why did it not surprise him that his dragon would be a sarcastic thing?

Tilting his head at L'en and his comment S'lar shook his head. "Who needs a bronzer? You know I always loved the agressive speed of a black and their look. Umojath could be nothing but what he is and I'm glad of it." At this time Umojath chose to look L'en over and assess him. "He looks like you Mine but he is not you. I think he has a nice quiet mind...you may tell him I find him quite acceptable...and compliment him on his quiet Bonded. She is nice...if a bit too nervous for my tastes." Umojath would not bring himself to talk to anyone other than his rider just yet.

"He says he approves of you and your Bonded. He is not pleased with the Gold though...seems to think she'll be bossy and noisy." S'lar laughed again as he went back to feeding his hungry lifemate.
______________

A bit surprised when the male approached her Syrani gave her best flirty smile. He was a good looking fellow as any and he was a bit poetic in his speach which was nice. He was right about the eggs and dragons being beautiful as well, she only wished she had found her dragon already. It was a bit of a shame that he was missing one as well. Standing on the sands she noticed that there were so few of them left...and with the Gold and Grey impressed she feared she might be left standing again. She had been sure she wouldn't impress those colors but they were the main two girls looked for. Syrani was more interested in the black, burgundy and greens. Now those were fun colors. Not to mention they got to fly thread. Wouldn't it be amazing to learn to fly thread? Scary? Well yes but you'd also be protecting the weyr. She could also create new clothes for riding. Things more comfortable for the weather.

"They are lovely aren't they? Now if they could just hurry it up a bit and hatch so that I may see them all it will be much better. This is my seventh time standing...it's about time a little beauty and I made contact." she said laughing it off as a joke but deep down knowing she meant it. "You're Faylnn right? Good luck to you I hope you find your lifemate. As well as found many more hues to enjoy. Too bad I'm not a pretty shade of pink so that you might admire me as well." she grinned again and gasped as the eggs started to rock again.