The Hatching of Gold Isanth and Bronze Aisheth's Clutch
PernMUSH, March 14, 2004

The World of Pern is copyright(c) to Anne McCaffrey l967. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright.

Public announcement: P'ter announces "Aisheth reminds me that I should tell
folks that Fort's Hatching is soon to start at, of all places, Fort. Yay
Aisheth for his memory. All folks are invited. :)"

You fly through the wide opening into the Hatching cavern, and then settle
down on one of the ledges.

You slide off of Lysseth's neck to land beside her easily. She rumbles,
cocking her head down at you, and you rub her eyeridges gratefully.

On the sands, Ramya walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima puts on 'Shot Through the Heart' for Hatching music.
This is all y'all's fault! Somehow. ;)

Telgar Weyr> I'sai falls over.

Telgar Weyr> Lanisa giggles :)

Telgar Weyr> Simone just DIES

Taralyth lands lightly near Lysseth, spinning those brilliant blue eyes to
identify all and sundry.

Kassima and Lysseth settle in with their accustomed ease, the green
selecting just the right spot for a prime view of the spectacle, and rider
perching, as always, on her forelimb with alcohol and scribbled wager-hides
in tow. "Duties t'Fort and her dragons, and everywhere else besides!" Kassi
greets cheerfully enough. Lysseth affords a genial rumble to one and all...
save Taralyth; for him, a warble lighter and with more music than the low
hum she begins a moment later. "--Hey, Is! Tell me you're in a betting mood?"

Astride Taralyth's neck, I'sai laughs, and slides down with a, "Got mine
already - well, most of mine; I might be able to be talked into one or two
more. Especially with the fine odds you offer," that just loudly enough to
be overheard.

I'sai slides down from Taralyth's neck.

Lanisa slides down from Taralyth's neck.

Cloretta jumps down Ghianath's side to the ground, using her straps as
handholds.

I'sai calls back over his shoulder, "Lani, need a hand?" making it close to
a dare.

And doesn't that projection earn him a beam! Kassi frees a hand long enough
to give him a discreet thumb's up; then, "First color t'hatch," she
suggests, also pitched to carry. "I don't think I know any of the
Candidates well enough t'be betting on *them*--mayhaps Rulana; Selandra's
daughter, I heard she's Standing again. And Mirrari's got a cousin. Still,
if'n *you've* a hunch you'd like t'offer... or you, Lanisa! Be glad
t'accept any wagers you'd like t'make, too." No kidding.

Lanisa sides down from Tear and grins -far- too innocently, "I'll put a
thirty-second on a blue to break shell first."

On the sands, Aisheth lifts his head from the sands, a low hum starting
deep in his throat.

In a blast of cold air and a flurry of malachite wings, a diminutive green
dragon bursts into the area. Astride her is a very distinctive,
flame-haired rider in Southern Weyr's colors. "Southern's duties to Fort,
and... Telgar too, if I remember right. Oooh, just in time looks like by
the *crowd*!" Alina dismounts in a rush, flying helmet nowhere to be seen,
and drops to a convenient perch on Kirienth's foreleg. The green herself is
thrumming quite loudly.

On the sands, Isanth rises and starts to hum alongside Aisheth.

Randoth launches off the ledge, banking through the aerial entrance to the
Bowl.

Chanth launches off the ledge, banking through the aerial entrance to the
Bowl.

Taralyth warbles amiably to newly-arrived Ghianath, but then he takes up
Aishet's hum - meanwhile, his rider's answering, "Selandra's daughter?
well, I'll hope that she does well, then, and... look at Lani. Big spender.
Or, not risking more than she can afford." Kirienth lands; Seyenth lands;
more warbling. His rider sighs at the sheer volume of dragons all about.

On the sands, P'ter walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, P'ter strides onto the sands, pulling his jacket into a
better fit, then frowning and unbuttoning the front, only to button it up
again, but correctly this time. "Ramya! Time has arrived I hear."

Kassima nods a greeting to the Southern rider before casting a look at
Lanisa that's half-amusement, half-suspicion: "That look," she says, "is
far too like your sister's for me t'be trusting it--but a fool 'twill be
and take the wager anyway. Lysseth thinks 'twill be green, a'course. She
always does. I've a hunch that says bronze." To I'sai she confides, "Kisai
made a wager or two too. She's about somewhere, or will be--wanted a ride
from Aunt Maidil instead of her mother. Since Maidil hasn't yet seen her
*ears*." Lysseth affords some rumbles of salutation in her turn.

On the sands, Ramya looks startled. "It is time?" she says to Isanth who
continues to hum. Ramya smiles and looks around for P'ter. When he steps on
the sands she looks relieved. "Yes, I hear. That sound is ... wonderful!"

I'sai says darkly, "Well, Maidil'd better get here safely, is all I can
say. And... there, there goes Isanth, and isn't that an amazing name for a
dragon? and - can you see, are they rocking?" He opens that question wide,
to whomever's nearby, and takes up a perch atop one of Taralyth's forepaws
to look.

Ghianath folds her wings gracefully as her rider dismounts, and lifts her
head to join her deep throated hum with the others vibrating against the
cavern walls.

On the sands, R'yat walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, P'ter waves to R'yat, "Ready Weyrsecond?" he asks as he goes
over towards Ramya, "And you? Not going to faint on me are you?"

Lanisa just puts on her picture of innocence expression, "Well da. I spent
a lot of my marks on the knives. Gotta be careful now not to risk too much
'til I have a stake again." Well, so much for innocent looks.

Alina's jade eyes travel from face to face, even as her green's thrum turns
to a mellow croon of recognition and makes words impossible. Blink! "Wait a
second... last time I saw you," looking with certainty at I'sai, "I was a
weyrling. And I was losing all my marks too! Hopefully this go round I win
them back... as to bets, I don't know Isanth but since she's a new
senior... blue, I'll say." The thirty-second in her hand says as much as
words do.

On the sands, R'yat hurries and places himself near P'ter and Ramya. He
does perk tho and nods his head to Aisheth and Isanth. It's not the right
time to be a bad example. "As ready as one can be, Weyrleader."

On the sands, P'ter says "Valid comment that."

Kassima drawls, "Almost as good as Kessith... only nay quite. And Fort the
Weyr where Kessith, Lrisseth, Isanth, and Tarilyth all live--d'you think it
means something? Maidil knows 'tis her life if'n she lets Kiss bounce off
the ledge. And then her life again when the second of us catches her. I'll
take the blue bet," and that's to Alina, "if'n you're offering. --Wait,
wait. *Knives*?" Rocking eggs? What rocking eggs? *Knives* have been
mentioned.

On the sands, Isanth looks over her eggs, her eyes swirling blue. She looks
contented and relaxed with her tail swishing gently behind her.

On the sands, Rukbat Egg is shaken and starts to roll on one side. Oh not a
violent shake, no. But still. The light on its surface glitters as the egg
inclines slightly.

Alina grins, aha, bets have been taken. "Offering I am, never let it be
said Lina of Southern wasn't in the *thick* of betting, and probably on the
losing end but... you didn't hear that from me."

On the sands, P'ter points, "There, see that? A movement. Allready
rocking." He grins and looks up at Aisheth, "I know, I know, daddy again."

On the sands, Ramya shakes her head at P'ter. "Me faint?" she grins, "No, I
don't want to miss a thing." She flashes a smile at R'yat. "Can you believe
it? Isanth's eggs are ready?" She then casts a smile at Aisheth. "And yours
as well Aisheth."

On the sands, Morning Drumheights Egg tilts to one side, almost falling
over completely. Then stops. Then tilts back the other way in small
increments, then seems to quiver.

On the sands, R'yat lifts a brow, smiling. "Humm, must be a wind blow..."
He teases, running one hand through his hair.

I'sai rolls his eyes - innocent look, and knives, indeed! - and says to his
daughter with more humor than sincerity, "I believe you're all about being
conservative, all right." - "And aye, Kessith's a good one - shells, did
you see that rock?" To Alina, "And how's rider life taking you? Glad about
those grubs?"

Kassima tilts her head slightly. "Southern, is it? I don't suppose y'know,
is Ozy hereabouts somewhere too?" There's a quick head-crane to check for
herself, but it's not very thorough--not with the eggs becoming more
distracting by the minute. "I *did* see. They aren't wasting much time. The
Candidates better get out there fast."

Alina laughs, "You've no idea, what with jungle everywhere to protect.
And... ooh shards! There goes one of them, it's definitely times again. Has
anyone got an idea if there's a gold in this clutch? I see a few goldtone
eggs, but one never can be sure with those."

Far, far above, something erupts from the icy embrace of Between, a form
forged of fire and steel, borne of heat and strength. Where usually the
descent is lazy, this time it is straight and on course. Steely Havath
backsweeps neatly before settling on one of those many ledges, folding his
wings and allowing his rider to slip off with a croon of greeting to Fort
Weyr and its dragons. Apparently just in time for the first egg to start
cracking. Petite Rajazad hits the ground and turns slate gaze to find her
clutchsibling before singing out a greeting to match that of her Lifemate.
"Southern duties to Fort Weyr." Havath's neck cranes to view the skies
before turning back toward the Sands.

Lanisa looks quite pleased with herself as she replies to Kassi, "Da let me
order a set while he was watchrider at Smithcraft." Then back to I'sai,
"Well Da, a girls got to earn her marks when she can."

On the sands, Ramya rests her hand against Isanth's forelegs. "Candidates?
Where are they? The eggs are already rocking." She sounds nervous. Isanth
whuffles her as if to say 'there is time.'

On the sands, P'ter grins widely, his face likely to split if he grins any
further, "Well, here's hoping we get a good group." He frowns suddenly,
"Saying that, where are the sharding candidates, what are we going to have,
a bunch of lost and hungry dragons creeling all over the sands and
impressing to .. er, er, well." He shrugs.

A fire-flickered, diminutive bronze dragon descends from the skies above, a
deep thrum reverberating from within his throat. Zuirinth, blue-twirled
gaze skimming searchingly, selects a spot upon the ledges, and touches down
beside Havath, dark talons curving over the rock shelf. The foreign bronze
directs his unfamiliar companions a gregarious croon, as his rider,
Southern Weyrsecond X'riel, slips easily from flame-lit neckridges. With an
easy smile, he approaches Rajazad and Alina, gazing upon those gathered
with amiable interest. "As she said." Southern's duties.

On the sands, P'ter raises a finger, "Each other! Hah!" He looks rather
pleased at working out an answer.

On the sands, Ramya looks up at Isanth and a smile blossoms on her face.
She says to the Weyrleader, "Isanth says that they are coming just now."

On the sands, V'yse walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, Genevieve walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, Lexiana walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, Jorian walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, R'yat turns his head to look up at Aisheth then back at
P'ter. "I hope he didn't..." He trails off, smiling again.

On the sands, Sidonia walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, Rulana walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, Draila walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, Dreaen walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, Fiena walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, Lexiana steps out on to the hatching sands and for the first
time since she came here, she looks almost scared. With a quick look at her
brother and mother in the stands, she is reassured and walks more boldly
onto the sands.

On the sands, Dorcas walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

Alina blinks as a familiar name floats to her, "O'wyn? Shards, I'm not
sure. There's X'riel though, be wary all, and... Jazzy! Oy Rajazad, didn't
think you'd make it! No annoying trailers this time? No T'ran? Whew! You've
no clue what a relief that os. Absolutely none. Xirri, I'm surprised
Faeanth and Benvi let you leave, o clutchsire dear."

On the sands, Birgitte walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, Nananthia walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

"Ozy likes fishing," I'sai deadpans, afterward pointing out with more
haste, "Lanisa's older'n Kiss, remember." - "Telgar's duties, visitors! And
look - " he waves: there are the candidates, and he goes quietly rapt.

On the sands, R'yat straightens almost imperceptibly.

On the sands, Jastikin walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, Danielle walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, Danielle clambers up into the sands last, ushering the few
stragglers onto the sands, then moves away to stand near V'yse for a
moment. She leans over and mutters something to him, a questioning look in
her eye.

Kassima slants I'sai an amused *look* for the deadpan. "What," she
inquires, "and you *don't*? --Mmm-hmm. Try arguing that with her as soon as
she finds out, do. She can't get over still nay having her own set after
she's been lessoning for Turns. Duties t'Southern and her dragons," she
echoes, with a head-bob to the newly arrived. "Ah. Well, Ozy's the only
Southern rider I know t'look for--just as well if'n nay, mayhaps. I didn't
bring Kazy. He has t'stay home because he started a spoon fight. First one
should Hatch soon now!"

On the sands, Ramya moves over to stand next to P'ter. She nods, almost to
herself, as the candidates and coordinators enter onto the sands. She looks
both proud and a little nervous. "I hope that all goes well," she mutters
to P'ter. Isanth is not to far away and looks over the candidates. She
snorts with approval.

On the sands, Lexiana walks to her place in the semi-circle, looking over
all the egg , trying to see which will hatch first.

On the sands, Jastikin skitters out onto the sands a little bit behind most
of the candidates, pausing for a half second to scoot his foot farther into
his sandle. As soon as he is far enough on the sands Jase bows to the
clutch dam and sire. Then a little flushed hurries to get into the line of
candidates, standing next to two he knows well.

On the sands, Dreaen joins the rest of the group as they file onto the
sands, entering into the semicircle. Once he's found his place he smiles
and bows to Aisheth and Isanth with everyone else.

On the sands, Rukbat Egg rolls again, shuddering. After a short pause, it
moves once again, almost hiccuping. The move causing it to twirl and
display its other face.

On the sands, Draila silently makes her way in with the rest of the
candidate group and takes up her position in the half circle, allowing room
on either side of her to dodge or pivot should the need arise. Ice blue
eyes turn to regard the Dam and Sire before she joins the others in the
group bow then nods slowly to P'ter and Ramya. Those same eyes turn now
towards the eggs and grow rounded with anticipation.

On the sands, Sidonia's steps are measured, carefully placed as she sets
foot on the sands. The woman walks near the center of the ragged line of
candidates and takes her place near Genevieve and Dorcas as they form a
half-circle facing the eggs. When the group bows as one to the parents of
the clutch, she bows with them, outward demeanor calm...calm.

On the sands, Jorian pauses for a second, eyes widening as he takes in the
ledges and galleries - then with a slight shake he steps over to stand in
his place in the semicircle. Feet are already starting to shuffle in the
hot sand.

On the sands, V'yse strides out onto the sands, leading the entire group fo
candidates behind him. The young Weyrlingmaster stands tall and proud, but
seems to be sticking close to his assistants for the moment. He murmurs
something to Fiena, gesturing to a cavern off to the side of the sands,
then murmurs something to Danielle in turn.

Seyenth launches off the ledge, banking through the aerial entrance to the
Bowl.

On the sands, V'yse mutters to Danielle, "... Please?"

On the sands, Lexiana bows deeply to the dam and sire. "Thank you" she
whispers to them.

On the sands, Dorcas tries her best not to trip over her robe as she joins
the large circle, a rather stiff and shakey bow being given to the Sire and
Dam. Turning to those on her sides, Sidonia and Genevieve, she smiles a
little.

On the sands, Danielle nods her head to V'yse and reaches to clasp his
shoulder again, "You remember to breathe too," She teases with a wink
before turning to head to the other side of the semi-circle and wait.

On the sands, Morning Drumheights Egg continues quivering, which quickly
becomes some serious rocking back and forth as if whatever's inside is
deliberately trying to tip over. Then, leaning to one side, it stops
abruptly. No more movement is seen from this egg fro now.

On the sands, Jorian almost forgets - finish as you started, why not - but
manages a jerky bow, shoulders stiff.

On the sands, Nananthia steps onto the Sands with the rest of the
candidates and stands in the half circle formation and bows along with the
rest of them to the sire and dam.

On the sands, Birgitte strides in with the rest, a long-legged skinny heron
of a candidate whose attention is all on the nesting Dragons. She stays
close to Jorian as she takes up her place in the half-circle of white. She
bows with the rest.

On the sands, Aisheth, for his part, eyes the candidates and snorts, -
candidates. He peers over to Isanth and appears a little surprised at her
reaction. Then, as her actions warm his mood he gives a weave of his head
and croons out a loud rumbling croon towards the group.

On the sands, V'yse grins nervously to Danielle. "Easier said than done!"
he calls, as he moves off to one side of the candidates.

On the sands, Genevieve moves across the sands, for once not stumbling over
her own feet, and takes her place in the semi-circle, tossing little
glances towards the candidates near her. After bowing with the rest of the
group, the blonde woman looks to Nananthia, and flashes her a small smile.
Her blue-hued eyes are pulled, however to the eggs as they begin to rock.

Slate upturns to the appearance of the final member of the Southern Weyr
trio, a smile widedening across the face of Rajazad. Jaz makes room for the
Weyrsecond and Clutchsire, stepping closer toward her beloved Havath.
"You're late, Xirri. They're already rocking. Think, soon, Faeanth and
Zuirinth's will be, as well. And no, Lina, no tagalongs. Didn't give them
enough time to figure out what was going on." Glance shifts down toward the
Sands again, mild chuckle bubbling up.

On the sands, Rulana moves quietly as she gets into her position in the
semi-circle. She takes a deep break bowing her head to the dragons before
she notices the eggs moving and her attention is brought sharply back to them.

X'riel flashes his companions a breezy smile, Southern-bronzed countenance
radiating quiet cheer. Alina is situated with a rather amused glance, as
arms fold across his chest, "Zuirinth brought Faeanth the fattest herdbeast
he could find, so she was pleased enough to allow him to leave. As for
Benvi, I may be scolded when I get back, but it's well worth it. At least I
can escape Southern's sands." And flee to the sands of Fort Weyr. At least
it's cooler, here. Rajazad is offered a nod, "Hard to imagine, but yes."

On the sands, Facing the eggs now, like everyone else, Dreaen's eyes
flicker over each, noting those that appear to be moving. An "Mmhmm."
escapes him before he checks his footing. He almost seems to enjoy the
little bit of sand that has gotten in his sandals.

On the sands, Lexiana moves a little closer to Draila, "Good Luck, my
friend." and begins to watch the egg.

On the sands, Mykaa walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

On the sands, Rukbat Egg trembles now, making the sand accumulated from its
last twirl to drip from each side. Then the trembling turns into a rather
serious quivering. It nearly hops from the surface of the sands. Will it
fly or something? Already?

On the sands, Birgitte grins at Lexiana from nearby and waggles some
crossed fingers at her, mouthing what has to be 'Good luck!' as well.

On the sands, There will be no smiles from Sidonia, she seems far too
intent on watching P'ter and Ramya. Only when the fidgety movement of the
nearest eggs becomes more violent is her attention teased away. A long
breath is slowly released and she settles into the restless sand dance of
shuffling feet, awaiting the hatchlings' arrival.

I'sai, intent on the sands, still can roll his shoulders with every
appearance of idleness: there's fishing, and then there's fishing. Still,
his smile, even sands-turned, is amused; he adds to the Southerners, "Quite
a lot cooler, at least if you go down for the feast afterward. Up here -
still close and... that another? No, one of the assistants, seems like..."

On the sands, Ramya leans forward in anticipation as more of the eggs start
moving.

Alina snorts X'riel-wards, "Good luck. You'll probably get an earful and a
half from Benvi when you get home, not to mention Tel! No doubt... oy
Jazzy, care to join in? I said the first shelled will be blue, but you know
how atrociously awful I am with clutches outside Southern, so... dispute it
or not?"

On the sands, R'yat slowly crosses his arms over his chest, the large smile
on his face displaying all his teeth.

On the sands, P'ter stares at Rukbat egg, "The dragon that is in that egg,
I thing I want to see it." He nods, "Aye, indeed."

On the sands, Draila's feet begin to shuffle over the hot sands as bits of
heat are felt between her toes. A concerned look clouds her expression
which quickly clears as she nods lightly towards Lexiana. A smile flashes
as she softly replies in her half heard way, "... too..." But the words
become lost when she jumps in surprise by the sudden movement of an egg.

Lanisa keeps quiet now on the matters of knives, bets and what ever else,
as she watches the eggs closely to see how her first bet pans out.

On the sands, Jastikin holds himself as still as he can, cobalt eyes set on
the eggs with only his fingers twitching.

On the sands, Dorcas eyes the trembling egg cautiously, shifting from foot
to foot in order to keep them cool. She seems pretty engrossed in the way
it moves, but her teeth are almost chattering with nervousness.

On the sands, Morning Drumheights Egg starts moving again, rocking
rhytmically with some determination, back and forth, back and forth. Its
contents might even be drumming on the side of the egg.

On the sands, Lexiana starts to shift from side to side, picking up her
feet. Her eye staring at the violently rocking eggs.

Kassima wears an amused smile of her own at that shrug: odds that she may
tease him more about this later? Getting better all the time. She relaxes
against her dragon, unstoppering her wineskin and indulging in a long sip.
"Soon, soon," she murmurs more to herself than anyone else.

On the sands, This egg shudders, then tips over onto its side where it
rolls for a short distance. From this position, a crack appears on the side
and slowly travels until it encircles the whole egg. Peridot Starburst
Green pushes and the top and bottom of the egg fly away from the center.
Using her feet, she stands, then pushes off the remaining shell with her
first stretch of wings.
 


On the sands,
                          Peridot Starburst Green
    
	Vibrant and vivacious even as she comes from her shell both in hide 
and in attitude this petite green tries her best to be graceful and fails. 
Those long wings of dapple yellow and green catch her small and clumsy 
legs. A tail that will one day be willowy drags on the ground behind her, 
catching sand which covers the delicate bright green coloring of her hide. 
A slender head that is a little disproportionate to the rest of her, being 
bigger, gives her a cute appearance. The yellow-green deepens to a darker 
grass green the further up her body from the tail, until at her head it is 
like grass in the cool shade of trees on a summer day, but for the 
brilliant golden green starburst across her forehead and headknobs.


"I'll take your bet, Lina. You don't do too well away from the Southern
Sands. You don't have the advantage here," Jaz returns with a chuckle,
although Havath snorts his displeasure sharply after that. "You'll get to
lecture me later, Havath. I want to see how it turns out. No, I'm not going
-- Ah, look! you're wrong again, Li! Green." Smug is our Southern girl.

Alina can't help it, she simply can't. *gasp*! "Oh shards! She's
beautiful!" Then, more softly... "Oh, /shards/." The thirty-second is
flipped towards Kassima, "Blast, I knew it."

On the sands, Jorian shivers again - surely he can't be cold out here on
the sands. "Oh shards, she's beautiful." The words are a mutter under his
breath as his eyes flick over to the newly hatched green.

On the sands, Lexiana steps back as the green emerges from her egg. "Isnt
she beautiful." she says quietly to herself.

And another thirty-second to Rajazad, thankyouverymuch.

On the sands, Danielle is probably not the only greenrider who is smiling
as the first to hatch is a green. She glances across at V'yse and grins
broadly before looking back to the viciously rocking eggs.

On the sands, Genevieve's gaze flickers from egg to egg attentively, as if
trying to catch every movement each one makes - obviously impossible, but
she seems to be trying nonetheless. She shifts from one foot to another,
the heat from the sands already slithering its way through the cork her
sandals are made of. "Ohhh look Dorcas." She says on a long exhale as the
green hatches. "It's no brown, but she's lovely."

On the sands, P'ter says "A green! A green!" He hugs Ramya, whether the
Weyrwoman is prepared or not. Just as suddenly he lets her go, "Oh, I had
marks on a green!" His grin is now wider than ever. "By the egg, they were
good odds too!"

On the sands, Jastikin blinks as the first dragon hatches "so cute" he
comments in a startled tone.

On the sands, Dorcas looks over the newly hatched dragon curiously.
"S.s.s.she c.certainly is s.small..." she manages to stutter out, leaning
on one foot for too long by accident and frowning as she gets a little
/too/ hot.

On the sands, Dreaen's mouth forms a perfect 'oh' when the Starburst Green
appears. This is a first for him. "Smaller than I imagined." he remarks to
a nearby robed person. "Pretty tho."

Kassima straightens to nimbly snag that mark out of the air--well, almost
nimbly; it nearly misses, but she closes her fingers around it just before
it can escape. "Pleasure t'do business!" she sings out, grinning cheerfully
to the Southern rider as she slips the piece into her belt pouch. "And I
agree: she's a lovely lady. Never as lovely as Lysseth, they never are
that, but lovely."

On the sands, Rulana exhales the breath that she'd been kind of holding.
"Pretty green first, mother will be happy with that." and she gives the
hatchling a good looking over.

On the sands, Sidonia, outwardly calm as she is, can't quite restrain a
flinch when the first egg disintegrates. The resulting green is watched for
a minute before she looks away, chin lifting in apparent dismissal and eyes
refocusing on eggs still intact. "She's a baby. You didn't expect her to
leap full grown from her shell?" This said absently to Dorcas.

On the sands, Birgitte curls her already hot toes into the already hot
Sands and reminds herself to breathe. Breathe in, breathe out, spare a
moment to grin at those beside her and agree, "Very beautiful indeed, well
done Isanth."

On the sands, Ramya grins as P'ter hugs her and nearly stumbles when the
large man releases her. "She is beautiful," she says in a trembling voice.
Though the reason her voice trembles is not clear. It could be that P'ter
squeezed her too hard or that she is just moved by the moment.

On the sands, It seems like nothing has moved Darkness's Claws Egg - not
rocking from the inside or pushing from the outside. A small gust of wind
swirls the sand around it, however, and it seems the shell of Darkness's
Claws Egg decides goes with it. First a fleck of shell from the side, then
a piece from the top. Then it seemingly disintegrates, and there stands
Storm Cloud Hatchling
 

On the sands, 
                            Storm Cloud Blue
   
	This hatchling looks almost gloomy at first glance. His hide seems 
tinged with gray if he stands in shadows, the dark, stormy blue-gray of a 
sky clouded and stormy. It is a fairly uniform coloring, with only slight
banding along his tail marring it. When he steps into the light, however,
this hatchling's seemingly grayish hide is revealed to be a steely blue,
with silvery threads crisscrossing his entire body when the sunlight hits
it just so. Instead of being the gloomy storm clouds in the waning light,
he becomes the silver lining on the edges of the clouds mixing with the
azure blue of the sky beyond. The bandings on his tail are more of the
silvery-gray lines circling a few times. His wingsails seem dotted randomly
with silver pockets, and lined with a darker blue along the edges. Stormy
it may be - but there's always a silver lining, and this dragon is it.


Lanisa, for what ever reason looks quite happy, "A green! Ha! Nattia owes
me a sixteenth when we get home!" Wait, wasn't she the one boldly betting
blue? She'll hand over that thirty-second owed with out complaint in the
face of the other.

X'riel turns his viridian gaze toward I'sai, smile tilting across his
mouth. "I may have to head back to Southern after the hatching, and miss
the feast. Else, I may have a certain goldrider attempting to hunt me
down." Alina is cast a wry glance, which contains silent laughter. "Even
with Zuirinth missing, there are /three/ dragons on the sands. Enaeth alone
could guard all fifty-three on his own." He hesitates, and then decides, "I
doubt Tel would be upset." Hopefully. The sands below now attract his focus
-- in particular, that new blue. "Handsome," he remarks, admiringly.

On the sands, Draila's gaze flickers over the glistening hide of the first
hatchling, that gaze rounding along with her lips this being her first time
ever seeing a hatchling this close up or this new. She quickly takes a
breath then lets it out slowly before turning her gaze towards the riders
that stands to the side seeming to ask, what should we do?

On the sands, V'yse casts a broad, trademark grin across the sands to
Danielle. He mouths something like 'There goes my marks' across to her.

On the sands, Dorcas shakes her head slowly. "No, of c.c.course not,
b.b.b.but....she's s.still small..." The hatching of the next dragon
catches her attention, and she blinks. "I.i.interesting p.p.patterns..."

On the sands, Jastikin wispers back to Dreaen "And so..cute! I didn't think
they would be cute little things, I was thinking more..claws." He turns
back to the sands as another hatches "Look Dreaen, blue this time!"

On the sands, Danielle frowns for a moment as she tries to decipher V'yse's
mouthed words, then she chuckles and shrugs both shoulders.

On the sands, Birgitte is soon watching both green and blue, one skinny
hand tugging nervously at theend of a braid. "And the blue, oh Jorian, he
looks ever so lonely. But what a handsome little dragon. Of course nothing
compares to Adevath, but..."

Kassima accepts Lanisa's mark as gladly, and tucks it too away: "Then at
least you've made a profit, and that's the important thing... blue now!
Good on him t'wait for his sister, else I'd be out. Methinks I like him."

On the sands, Jorian frees one hand to wipe a trickle of sweat from his
forehead, scrubbing the palms of his hands hard against the fabric of his
robe and leaving dark sweaty marks. Then he grabs for Birgitte's hand again
and eyes go from green to newly hatched blue. "There's every Istan sea
storm in that one's hide" he murmurs. Then eyes flick back to the green again.

On the sands, Lexiana tears her eyes a way from the green hatchling to take
a good look at the new blue. "He is a wonderful color of blue."

On the sands, Dreaen rocks from foot to foot as he lets his eyes do any
wandering he's going to do. Out of the corner of his mouth he says to
Jastikin, "True. Oh! You're right. Even the male ones are cute." adding a
couple nods as he eyes the new blue.

On the sands, Rulana ohs, "A blue, and that's the egg that I liked." She
lifts her shoulders in a shrug, keeping her eyes watchful as she sands
start to get more dragons on them.. Have to be careful, that's getting to
be a lot of sharp claws.

On the sands, Storm Cloud Blue gives his head a mighty mighty shake. So
mighty that without the egg to support him he topples over onto his side.
It wasn't supposed to happen that way and he creels in disappointment.
However he quickly picks himself up and takes that first step forward with
his head held high, triumphant...until he steps on one dragging wing and
goes tumbling into the sand again. "REEEEEeeeeeee!"

On the sands, Peridot Starburst Green stands in place, blinking at the
gathered candidates. She sways in place for a little bit, as if the rocking
motions from the egg continue. She seems to gether herself then takes a
step forward. Well, it was supposed to be a step, but ends up being a sort
of a flop. Not the most graceful of starts.

Alina grins, "Aha, and there's the blue! Hmmm, looks like Varanth that one
does. Too bad P'nell's not here to see him, or V'ael. Then again V'ael
always was a royal stick in the..." Cut off as Kirienth's thrum rises in
volume.

On the sands, Sidonia spares a glance for the two young women standing
beside her, mild impatience betrayed in that look. Then off her gaze
wanders, just in time to take in the arrival of the green's first sibling.
"Blue..." A sigh that echoes the murmurs of the other candidates. Again she
looks away from the newly hatched, looking to them after only to ensure
that she doesn't need to move.

On the sands, Birgitte shares one hand with Jorian, her right, despite it
being as sweaty as his. The other she uses to tug at her braid again. "Aye,
all of Ista storms his hide. And hers? The jungles, perhaps? Though I've
never seen a tree as beautiful."

Lanisa grins cheerfully back to Kassi, "I thought I might hedge my bets
this hatching, all things considered. I'm just glad it payed off so far,
eh?" Then looking back to the sands, "I was close though, either way."

Mark gets snatched from the air, Jaz's smile a brilliant thing. Havath
rumbles again, butting his rider in the back in annoyance, but a hand
soothes, as does a murmured word. "Look, Lina. .. Wait. That one looks like
my Havath as well as Varanth, doesn't he? Or Suyanth. Odd, that one."
Faceted eyes of the steely one focus downward, again a lazy blue.

On the sands, Genevieve's eyes follow Dorcas' to the blue raising her brow
slightly, "Quite interesting..." She murmurs, then both green and the blue
encounter some clumsiness. "Oh, my." She says with a giggle. "They look
like me, but as dragons. And lucky them - there're are no chairs around...
but I suppose there are always eggs to bump into." The candidate appears a
little taken aback at her own thought and shakes her head as if to clear
it, returning her eyes then to the pair of hatchlings.

On the sands, Draila would back away to the shadows were there any close at
hand, not finding any present she inches her way towards her twin to hide
behind him instead. Though her curiosity builds and she is spotted peeking
out from around him to watch the dragnets from this slightly protected
vantage point. The blue and the brown are bigger than that smaller green.

On the sands, Dorcas seems to have to restrain the urge to go help the blue
up, and instead just paces in place. "P.p.poor thing....."

On the sands, P'ter rubs at his chin, watching the two, the green and the
blue, both fall. He looks a little puzzled and glances up at Aisheth who is
looming way up over his shoulder, "Well Aish, I hope they get that
clumsiness from Isanth's side of the family."

On the sands, Jastikin gives a smotherd chuckle "Cute and not very
gracefull.." he mutters to the candidates next to him. The heat begins to
cause small droplets to bead his skin, short wisps of golden hair sticking
to his face. Annoyed he brushes back the damp locks and watches the dragonets.

On the sands, Dreaen suddenly starts to snicker. "I won't say they're
clumsy tho. Nope. I couldn't walk the day I was born." He pauses as he
watches the dragonets regain their feet. "Least I don't think I could." A
quick glance over his shoulder to his sister and he smiles before
straightening up -- okay. he's on guard now.

On the sands, V'yse eyes P'ter for a moment with a bit of a smirk, as if
expecting Ramya to clout him.

Kassima bobs her head to Lanisa and counsels, "A good move with a wager
where there are several possible outcomes--if'n you've the luck and have
bet well, you can bring home marks even if'n you don't win every bet you
made--well, but this is a bad time for strategy talks. *Lysseth's* smug.
She always calls green." Her eyes wander away from the baby dragons and
towards the Candidates for a moment. A slight, wistful smile curves her
mouth. "Even after all this time, I still remember...."

On the sands, Nananthia blinks once and it seems like eggs are bursting all
over the place and grins over to Genevieve, "Ya reckon they'll grow out a
that?" she calls over to the lass.

On the sands, P'ter lifts an arm, indicating the candidates with a sweep of
it. "You lot! These pair don't seem to steady, for Faranth's sake, don't
get in the way. Candidate's crush easy!"

On the sands, Lexiana starts to step foward to help the little blue, but
see that he needs no help, she just stands there and watches and holds a
hand out towards Draila. 'No I is not nervous," she tells herself.

On the sands, Danielle listens to the nearby candidates and finds herself
chuckling. "Watch out for those claws," She says to those nearby. "If
they're that clumsy they could easily hurt you even though they don't mean
it." Despite the chuckle her tone is serious.

On the sands, Jorian also gives a half smile as he catches Dreaen's
comment. "True enough." He turns slightly, towards Brigitte. "No, not
jungle. That green's too pale. Keroon's grassland in spring, perhaps."
Obediently he backs off slightly from the stumbling hatchlings.

On the sands, Genevieve laughs at Nananthia's question, eyes scooting away
from the hatchings to the other candidate for a moment, "Well, I never did,
Nan!" She calls back cheerily.

On the sands, Ramya chuckles at P'ter. "You are lucky I'm in a good mood
Weyrleader," she says with a toss of her head. The illumination of the
cavern glows dance in her light brown eyes. She looks at Isanth and says
softly, "He didn't mean it, dear. They are lovely."

On the sands, Peridot Starburst Green lays in place as if thinking about
what just happened. Her head lifts up, then turns to look at herself as if
expecting a limb to claim that it tripped her. She carefully watches one
leg, then turns to look at the other for careful placement. Then she hauls
herself to her feet again. Determinedly taking another step, she bumps into
an egg, then looks at it, as if wondering where it came from. It must have
moved into her way. Nudging it a bit with her nose, she pushes off and
stumbles towards the candidates sort of sideways. Here's hoping no one DOES
get in her way, since she can't really see where she's going, being
sideways and all.

On the sands, Birgitte flicks attention to the Weyrleader for all of a few
microseconds and then turns her attention back to the hatching dragons.
"I'll watch out for us, Jorian", she says bravely, stepping back with him,
"You just keep an eye on Draila and Lex. I just know one of us is going to
impress." Brie obviously doesn't mind which one, just hopes for them all.

On the sands, Rulana takes a step back as she green stumbles around,
there's not point in pushing her luck, and she doesn't intend to get
squashed by a hatchling.

On the sands, Sidonia's attention is drawn to the weyrleader when he calls
out those instructions. Right, then. She steps back and to the right, wary
gaze trailing after the closest hatchling's tottering progress. So it is
she's watching the green as she ricochets off of an egg and staggers
towards the line of white. "Even you aren't *that* clumsy, Genevieve." That
might be a compliment. Maybe.

On the sands, Dorcas watches the green plummet onwards sideways, being
ready to move incase she makes her way over here. "I.it's almost
s.s.surprising they can e.eventually fly..."

On the sands, Lexiana smiles at Birgitte with warm eyes, before looking
back at the hatching eggs.

On the sands, Storm Cloud Blue is a ball of fumbling limbs for a few
moments as he tries to right himself. The only problem is he tries to move
to get up before truly ready. Once he does it while laying on a wing, that
doesn't work, another time his tail trips him. Finally he is on his feet
and gives a mighty shake, a small big of sand cascading from his wet hide.
Then he is moving again with rapidity, stumbling but not falling along the
way. First to the right hand semi-circle at a near run and he almost falls
against a candidate in his rush to get there and then stop. But no, this
isn't right, and he takes off the other direction at a gallop.
"CReEEEEeeeEEE!" He announces happily.

Leaning into the incandescent, flame-lit hide of his bondmate, X'riel dons
a rakish smile; his silvery-emerald gaze slants upon the sands, in order to
consider that stormy-grey blue. "He does look a bit like both Varanth and
Havath," concurs the bronzerider, before turning his attention toward the
latter-mentioned dragon, and his Rajazad, fleetingly. Focus then hones upon
the hatching below, as Zuirinth emits a low, encouraging rumble -- as if to
support the clumsy creatures below.

And if Lanisa's expression is a mix of wistful and curious when gazing down
-- Well who's to blame her. But she gives Kassi another grin, "Can't say I
blame her for betting betting green." A glance to her distracted father
before she adds, "I'll have to ask later if Tear usually says bronze first."

On the sands, This egg has been still throughout the shuddering, wobbling
and shattering of its fellow eggs. Suddenly a crack appears within a blink
of an eye and then the egg just crumbles around a glistening golden shape.
Like her egg, she is still for some moments. Then her wings spread and
Ethereal Sunchaser Gold stands up on her haunches, very much like her
mother, and croons her arrival announcement for all to hear.
 

On the sands,
                          Ethereal Sunchaser Gold
    
	Pale as the morning light she is, as it paints the sky with the 
faintest of cream glows. Wan as soft buttermilk and the creeping delicate 
shades of barest pastel lemon, off-white and old ivory. Glazed as the 
hottest part of the day under a hazy Fortian summer sky. But not washed 
out. No, instead the colors mingle and merge across her back and haunches 
and daintily dapple the length of her upper wingsails in the same muted 
undertones; though under her wingsails a flash of brilliant gold can be 
glimpsed. A peekaboo shade dancing with gauzy shimmers in all colors of 
the rainbow. Her talons are labradorite, the slightly gray surface 
breaking into subtle shimmers of iridescent blues, greens and speckles of 
pure gold dust as she moves. Her movements seem hesitant, guarded almost, 
as the young queen totters forwards unsteadily, but still maintaining an 
air of grace and defiant dignity despite her youthful unsteadiness.


On the sands, Jorian blinks at the the green and blue again, actually
looking half amused at their antics - then like most other candidates, his
eyes going to the gold. "Now that is one lovely lady."

Alina has a second reason to gasp. "Oh my... I was /right/! I was actually
*right* for once! there was a queen! Oh my goodness, what they'll say back
home! My weyrmate's going to get thoroughly sick of me talking about her...
can't think of one she looks a thing like either... Laeliath? Hmm, where's
Zyriene when needed."

On the sands, Danielle makes something of a face as the gold hatches and
remarks, to herself, "Wasn't expecting -that- egg."

On the sands, Dorcas can't really help it. The gold almost reflects what
light there is, and so her eyes are caught on it. "M.my....c.certainly is
p.pretty! I...I still l.like the g.green better.."

On the sands, Rukbat Egg is entirely covered by sands now. After its
several trials, it didn't take off. It only lays there, forgotten, not
moving an inch. Well almost as it quivers again and again and again and
again....

On the sands, Genevieve glances to Sidonia after spending a few more
moments watching the green, "I donno, Sidonia. I really think I could be
just that ba-" Then her eyes are caught by the entrance of the 'little'
gold, brows raising slightly as she falls silent to study it a moment.
"Beautiful, but still no brown." She mutters to Dorcas.

On the sands, Dreaen was watching the green and blue move this way and that
while trying to keep his sister behind him. A couple steps back and to the
left and he's sure he's safe. Apparently he blinked tho and missed the
Sunchaser Gold's intial appearance but when he sees her he stop, blinks
again and then smiles. "Wow." is all he says.

On the sands, V'yse chuckles a bit as the gold hatches, rubbing the back of
his neck. "Yes Addie, I see her. Yes, she's a nice gold."

On the sands, Peridot Starburst Green slows to a halt, then carefully turns
towards the candidates and looks them over. She takes a few determined
steps towards one. Then stops. She shakes her head. Then turns towards
another candidate and equally determinedly steps towards the next one. Her
steps slowly gaining confidence and speed as she walks.

On the sands, Any concern that Sidonia might have had for her safety is
lost when a glimmer of damp golden hide is caught sight of. Green,
blue...dismissed. Unimportant. Forgotten. It is the gold that draws
Sidonia's gaze now and steals her breath. "There...see?" she murmurs to
those nearest her. "They can be graceful."

On the sands, Draila's curiosity finally wins out since the dragons don't
seem to be charging or anything, she bravely steps to one side of Dreaen
and flashes a brief smile as she cocks her head slightly to get a better
view of the hatchlings. The sudden yearning to step towards each and stroke
their glistening hide fades as another egg shatters. Oh so beautiful.

On the sands, Lexiana watches the blue move across the sand, her eyes stop
and she stops the gold. "What a beautiful queen."

On the sands, Rulana takes a startled look as the golden hatchling makes
her arrival known. "Very nice." she whispers to nobody in particular,
trying to stay in line, but keeping a watchful eye on the stumbling creatures.

Kassima casts her eyes up towards her lifemate and the green neck that
looms over her head. "I suppose she figures that a'*course* the superior
color would manage hatching first," she says, with an eyeroll that's
entirely fond. "Y'know, I don't know about Taralyth--that's something I
should ask Is. At least the odds are more with Lyss, with green." The
arrival of a gold causes one eyebrow to pop upwards. "Huh. So many
breeders...." A sudden grin follows. "Must be the Benden blood."

On the sands, Ethereal Sunchaser Gold wobbles a little on her feet, but not
for long. Her head turns this way and that, looking around her, curious at
the new sounds, smells, candidates and her tail. She snorts before turning
her head to watch her tail swish in the sands. It hypnotizes her for a
moment before she faces forward again, drawn on by someone in the crowd.
Someone she must get to. A few wobbly steps are taken, her tail is now
forgotten.

On the sands, Storm Cloud Blue comes to a stumbling halt, spraying sand
about him as he puts on the brakes, and nearly pitches forward into a
candidates lap. Lucky candidate that he doesn't and instead turns and
weaves his head back and forth watching the line. Not here either
apparently and so he takes off his wings lifting a little bit now so that
the sails flutter as he goes. There! Yes, he's closing in now. One last
creel as he approaches.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri says, "Is Fort's Hatching almost over?"

On the sands, Jastikin P P'ter=ran across the road and stole a computer, so
yes!

On the sands, Jorian mutters to Birgitte. "Think that blue's finally making
his mind up. Shards, he's going to be a handful for whoever gets him."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Nyet--no Impressions yet, though three dragons
on the sands. Green, blue, and gold."

On the sands, Nananthia chuckles cheerfully at Gen's comeback and looks
around carefully to make sure no claws or whippy tails are close by. "True,
'nough I reckon." she says before her attention is diverted by the young
gold hatchling.

On the sands, Jastikin watches wide eyed as the blue wanders around.

On the sands, After blowing around the sands in his search, the Storm Cloud
Hatchling seems to have found his resting spot. He is certain as he gazes
proudly at his match, the lashing of his tail the only sign of his profound
excitement in having found him. Storm Cloud Hatchling is still for perhaps
the first time since his arrival as he patiently waits for Dreaen to see,
to listen, to be his.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri says, "Awesome. I was just going 'Oh, damn' since I
promised Genevieve I'd cheer for her."

On the sands, After shuddering for a few minutes, the egg shatters in so
many blue pieces. A sprinkle of sky, a spray of the ocean and Twilight
Bronze Dragonet peers about at his new world.
 

On the sands,
                         Twilight Bronze Dragonet
    
	It's as though a summer shower over the Istan isles has taken on a 
more physical form. As the sun, swollen with brassy reds, oranges, golds,
coppers, and bronzes, began to sink into the sky, it filtered through the
clouds and this dragon was left as a reminder of its beauty. While even now
barely out of the egg, this bronzeling is sleek and sports dynamic curves
to his body, promising him plenty of agility for one his size in the
future. Everything about his build is fluid and flowing, like raindrops
rolling off the canopies of Ista's jungles. He is nowhere near
muscle-bound, but instead has a solid ranginess to his figure like that of
a subtly-toned runner. What separates this bronze from any other is his
radiantly dazzling hide. He is indeed the mirror of a tropical sunset, a
base color of red-tinted bronze at his feet and powerful legs swelling up
to more brassy hues of copper and orange, and then to an amber-bronze.
Gilded across the very top, along his back, is a splash of what is nearly
gold, flowing unevenly down his sides as if some parts were being obscured
by clouds. The colors are bold and fiery, with a glimmer that could make
the eye squint in just the right light, despite how unevenly they have
melted across his slender body.


On the sands, Ethereal Sunchaser Gold steadies with each step that she
takes. The pull towards someone grows stronger and stronger. She pauses and
looks towards a small group of candidates and heads towards them in a rush.

On the sands, Jorian clutches Birgitte's hand even closer. "Look! Look at
Draean! That blue's heading his way!"

On the sands, Lexiana eyes open wide as the blue stops at the feet of
Dreaen. "Draean, he is yours."

On the sands, Jastikin grins hugely as his friend impresses and steps to
the side.

On the sands, Nicoith leans forward and butts his head gently against D're
and creels softly.

On the sands, Sidonia goes still now, forgetting even to move her feet. The
restless dance does nothing to ease the heat of the sands anyways. Drawn up
to her full height, chin lifted and eyes sharp, she focuses entirely on the
little gold. Even Dreaen's apparent Impression, close enough to be easily
noticed, draws only a reflexive glance and mumble of congratulations.

On the sands, Birgitte grins, too, as sunset gives way to sunrise in Dam
and child. "Oh there /was/ a gold," she says stupidly enough. "Who would
ever have thought it?" She spares a moment to nudge Jorian with her elbow,
"Now, don't you wish you'd been born a gurl?"

On the sands, Genevieve's eyes run across the faces of the candidate's a
moment and she stops quite suddenly as she sees the blue and Dreaen,
ceasing her shifting for a moment. The need to keep changing her weight is
remembered with a small wince and she quickly begins moving from foot to
foot again.

On the sands, With a last stumbling lurch Peridot Starburst Green falls at
the feet of her chosen, Jastikin. Though the green didn't apparently fall
against him, the impact of impression from this small dragonet is apparent.

On the sands, Twilight Bronze Dragonet is finally free! Too bad for this
young hatchling, his forceful enthusiasm makes him stumble, muzzle first,
aimed at the Fort hot sands. But then, he reacts. Spreading his still wet
little wings, he recovers his balance, Faranth knows how, just before
burying his maw. Talons disappearing in the sands, he arches his neck and
creels for the first time. What a start.

On the sands, D're was only distracted by his sister's movement to his side
for a moment when he turns to be face-to-face with a blue face. His turns
red. "Nicoith?" He says loudly. "Wow." he smiles and reaches out with both
arms to hug the blue. "Nice name."

On the sands, Danielle glances at V'yse and then begins to head for Dreaen.
When she gets to him she waits a moment for the impression glow to linger
before saying, "D're? I'll bet he's hungry. WHy don't we get him something
to eat? What's his name anyway?"

On the sands, Rulana gives a delighted ooh at the first impressions,
offering congratulations, though she knows that they won't be heard amongst
all the commotion.

On the sands, D're nods to Danielle and begins to follow.

On the sands, Dorcas looks a little concerned for the candidate that almost
gets knocked into. But as she sees him go off and head for Dreaen, she
smiles a bit nervously. "Oh! D.Dreaen, cong.gratulations!" And the same
goes for Jastikin as the green falls to his feet. "A.and Jastikin!"

Kassima repeats the name with a touch of bemusement, "Nicoith?" Her head
slowly shakes. "If'n Nicoth still lived, that could be confusing... shells.
If'n aught was guaranteed t'make me more nostalgic. There, look, and the
green's chosen too!"

On the sands, Jorian now doesn't seem to know where to look. From D're, to
the green who seems to be heading for Jastikin, to the gold, and then to
the now hatched bronze who seems determined to damage himself. "Oh shards..."

On the sands, Ramya smiles at P'ter. "The little blue went to Dreaen," she
sounds pleased. "He'll be a handful for him." Her eyes move to watch the
other dragonets on the sand. As they rest on the gold, Isanth whuffles her
playful. "Yes, I see her," she tells her lifemate. "I see them all and they
are wonderful."

On the sands, Lexiana looks quickly at Draila to make sure that she is
okay. "I told you he would impress. Nicoith is a blue dragon."

On the sands, V'yse nods to Danielle. She's closer to Dreaen -- D're --
after all. His head then swivels to the crowd closet to him, and, noticing
the green's advance on Jastikin, begins to head over towards him.

On the sands, Nananthia looks over and grins, "Ah Dreaen Impressed... tha's
great ta hear. I reckon I'll collect a coupl' a marks from that 'um" she
pauses, "And Jastiken? Well shells.. I didn' count on that.."

On the sands, P'ter nods, "Aye, Dreaen will be a handful. I agree."

On the sands, Draila's envy is evident when the blue hatchling comes to a
stop so close by. She eyes Dreaen then steps backwards a few steps though
she grins from ear to ear over her twins good fortune. Quickly she moistens
her lips and swallows the sudden lump that forms in her throat. She knows
this means he can no longer protect her so turns to find another to stand
behind.

Alina hmmmms, "Nicoith he said? Where've I heard that before... isn't there
a Nixth somewhere? I've never met, but names do get around. Oooh, and that
green's chosen looks like... uh-oh, male greenriders."

On the sands, Ramya pokes P'ter then laughs.

On the sands, Jorian takes a step closer to Draila and holds out a hand. No
words - just the gesture of a friend, and a half smile. Her choice.

On the sands, Abenith gets to her feet again, more used to it now, she
doesn't have to look at her feet. She nudges J'kin gently before creeling
to him softly, plaintively.

On the sands, Lexiana takes her eyes away from the baby dragaons to watch
Draila. Moving closer to her, and whisper. "I am here, Dra"

On the sands, J'kin was watching his friend leave the sands with his new
blue...untill a small form lands at his feet. :eye's widen as he quickly
kneels on the hot sand and helps the tiny green to stand "Abenith, I'll
show you every thing! C'mon we will get you some food, lots of food." he
looks around

On the sands, The impression of the green to Jastikin doesn't even break
through Sidonia's concentration. Dreaen...D're...at least earned an absent
congratulations, but not so the new greenrider. Fortunately he's unlikely
to notice Sid's lack of attention.

On the sands, V'yse smiles as he comes up beside J'kin, gesturing to the
caverns across the sands. "Abenith! That's a lovely name. C'mon, J'kin,
follow me and we'll get her all the food she wants."

On the sands, Twilight Bronze Dragonet goes quiet now. Here, the ground
doesn't move anymore. He makes one step forward and peers down. What is
that? He wiggles his right foreleg. No, it doesn't go. Then he hops once,
avoiding the fall again. *snort* Turning his head to those white people, he
croons.

On the sands, Birgitte waits, too, the end of their chain of hands and
hopes. She's trying hard to watch all the dragonets at once but it is
getting harder, even as they impress. "Oh I'm so happy the little ones pair
off, can't you feel it Jorian? They're so happy... and hungry."

On the sands, Danielle returns to the sands with a smile on her face and
scans for other impressees.

On the sands, Jorian nods, presumably to Birgitte, though he doesn't turn
her way, he's watching the young bronze wobble to a more stable stance.
Another shiver.

On the sands, J'kin grins hugely at V'yse "It is isn't it? She's so
perfect! And hungry.." he moves to leave.

On the sands, Draila reaches out and grasps the offered hand of Jorian then
quickly steps behind him when the bronze hatchling happens a bit too close
for her comfort level. Her gaze turns to J'kin to whom she smiles seeming
to take some small pleasure in seeing him with a hatchling of his own, and
it's the green she was so admiring too.

On the sands, Ethereal Sunchaser Gold runs pushes her way through a crowd
of candidates. She stops very near to Sidonia, whom she looks at with
hunger in her eyes. She sniffs then turns away quickly. That tail of hers
waps the candidate hard as she moves onto another group. Her movement
causes sand to fly up and around Sidonia who is forgotten as she seeks her
lifemate.

On the sands, Genevieve grins broadly as the blue and green make their
selections, eyes turning about the sands after a call of "Contratulations
guys!" To the lucky new weyrlings. They rest briefly on the bronze and then
to the gold then back to the bronze a moment, giggling softly. "So here're
Aronya's odds. She bets me on bronze. But then, I suppose that's the way of
three turn olds. Either that or-" And something seems to occur to Vieve,
"Maybe she doesn't realize I'm a girl..."

Thankfully, slated attention is situated over the heated happening of the
Sands, and not on her former wingmate. Havath croons quietly, annoyance
forgotten with the first Impression.. and the Second. "Blue first. Then
green. Not bad. Not bad at all for a Hatching. No?" Slate shifts across to
the greenrider and bronzerider. Absently, place shifts to rest a hand on
the flank of the steely. "Gold Impressed!"

Alina squeaks, "Oooh! Uh-oh, one thing about hatchlings, watch the claws...
Second thing, watch the *tails*! Hope she's ok over there... sand in the
eyes is one thing, honestly. who's that queenlet going for? I can't tell."

"Err.. maybe not." Duh, Jaz.

On the sands, Sidonia hadn't expected a tail in the midriff when she'd
brightened at the gold's approach. One moment, extending a hand in hope,
the next curled bruised in the sands, wondering what just happened.... The
woman's breath is knocked from her and she grunts in pain, the sound no
doubt lost in the chaos of hatching.

On the sands, Lexiana grasp Draila's other hand and squeezes it. "Do you
see the bronze, he is very handsom."

On the sands, With a keen certainty and after many diversions, Ethereal
Sunchaser Gold makes her way towards one of the candidates. Nothing stops
this one when her mind is made up. A flick of her tail and a flapping of
wings brings her directly in front of Draila whom she sniffs lovingly and
gazes upon with deep adoration.

On the sands, Rulana chuckles at Gen's comment, "I'm sure that she does,
she just gets a little confused sometimes." He gaze too flicks back to the
remaining hatchlings warily. She winces as Sidonia is collected by the
tail. "Is she alright?"

Lanisa looks up with a curious grin, "Benden blood holds true after
generations removed?" But she nods, "I'll ask da..." Then watches a while
longer, "It all goes by so fast." A common enough complaint, yet still
valid, "But wait, who did the gold just knock down?"

On the sands, Nananthia snickers, "Well, Aronya ain't the smartest fish in
th' pond, ya know, but per'aps she was kiddin'?" By now the heat of the
sands has penetrated through her sandals and she shifts while still on the
look out for hatchlings.

A bright smile crescents over X'riel's Rukbat-warmed countenance, as his
vibrant gaze takes in the chaos below. "Yes, she is quite pretty," murmurs
he, apparently in response to an observation of his bondmate's, who he
continues to lean heavily against. Palm rushes over Zuirinth's hide in a
fond gesture, before attention tilts toward Rajazad. He withholds a laugh,
as he corrects, "No, I believe she just turned down that girl." Sidonia,
that is. "Rather.. painfully, at that." A faint glimmer of pity within his
gaze, the Southern Weyrsecond returns to watching the hatching --
particularly, that young bronze.

On the sands, V'yse jogs back out onto the sands, only to nearly bump into
Draila and the gold at her side.

On the sands, Dorcas looks very concerned at Sidonia's bashing, and peers
the girl's way. "A.are...you o.kay?"

On the sands, Birgitte stops being distracting, then, and alternates
between tugging at her braid and squirming her hot feet about on the Sands.
"Oh look, she's going to impress Sidon... oh... or perhaps not. The poor
little dear. I hope she chooses someone... oh, oh my." Brie peers around
Jorian to watch the gold and Draila, and finds she's crying with delight.
"Oh Draila -- let go of her Jor! Let go!".

On the sands, Jorian releases Draila's hand and steps back slightly. "Oh
Drai. Oh I'm so glad."

On the sands, Lexiana jumps up and down as Draila impresses, tears come to
her eyes and she smiles brightly. "I told you that you would impress. She
is beautiful queen.

"I think so," says Kassima, "but even if'n it thins, 'tis nay so many
generations--Isanth down there, she's Nraith's daughter, so half Benden
herself at least. Aisheth's probably got some of the blood in him. The
gold? I don't know. To tell the truth, I've been watching the blues and
greens more."

Alina eeps. *Eep*! "Oooh, there she go... wait just a *second*! Is it just
me, or does that new weyrwoman look something like the last bluerider to
walk off? Is that a relative? I can't sharding tell from over here, anyone
know?" Jade eyes flick from the gold to the bronze to the place the
blueriding male had been. "Blast. Too much at once!"

On the sands, Draila's knees begins to buckle beneath her, if she was
fearful of the large bronze then the sight of Wynith nearly knocks her
over. She half heard voice finally comes to her. "Wynith... her.. name.. is
Wynith!" What is this? Where did that voice come from? Even Draila begins
to blink at the sound of it.

On the sands, Danielle had begun to move towards Draila when V'yse returns.
And so instead she returns to another who she quickly escorts off the sands
and then returns.

On the sands, Twilight Bronze Dragonet doesn't mind the sticky sand on his
wet hide. Not anymore at least as he starts to hop again until he loses
balance again. Tiny rumble is emitted and he lifts his head blinking.
Making another step forward, a more stable one this time, another sound
attracts his attention and he peers at his tummy.

On the sands, Wynith nuzzles Draila and croons contently though there is an
edge to it. Perhaps she is hungry?

On the sands, Sidonia is alright. Winded and sore in the belly, but
alright, as she manages to crawl to her feet shortly after being knocked
down. An arm is curled over her middle, indicating some pain, but the pain
on her face rises more from the emotional rather than the physical. In a
sea of faces admiring Wynith and her choice, Sidonia's look could only be
described as chilly.

On the sands, Lexiana glares at Sidonia over the head of her friend her
eyes full of ice.

On the sands, V'yse grins, a look of total surprise crossing his face.
Offering a hand to the startled Draila, he says. "Well...looks like Adevath
was right about you, huh? C'mon, Dra. Let's get Wynith some food. She no
doubt needs it."

On the sands, Draila lifts her hand to stroke the soft hide and nods
quickly as her scenes return to her, "Hungry? Yes.. umm.." She regards
V'yse then follows behind him thankful for the guidance.

On the sands, Ramya blinks and says, "Oh my! Draila and Wynith! Jastikin
and Abenith? Drean and..." She fowns for a quick moment, "Nicoith." Her
hands clap as she rocks on her feet. "Great!" She pats Isanth who stands
near crooning like her daughter and quite pleased with her self.

Lanisa nods, "So not so distant then. I pay closer mind to the lines closer
to home." The girl admits, then adds, "Well she's chosen someone else at
any rate, eh." And back to watching.

On the sands, At last, whatever was clouding Twilight Bronze Dragonet's
mind seems to part, and he straightens up, looking more radient than ever.
Whuffling proudly to his dam and sire, he abruptly whirls around and dashes
across the sands, stumbling the entire way. A final trip and he flops down
ungracefully at the feet of Jorian, spraying sand everywhere like drops of
golden rain. Nevertheless, he bellows. Eureka!

On the sands, Danielle grins as she sees Jorian impress and begins to move
towards him and his new lifemate.

Withheld laugh doesn't go unnoticed at least, but Jaz doesn't make a reply
to the Weyrsecond. Yet. Palm slides over the curve of steely flank before
she shifted stance again to near the Weyrsecond. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Swat upside his head is light and playful, as is the grin. "She Impressed,
now. So shush, bronzerider. Wynith. A fine name." And there's the bronze's
bellow. The bluerider points this out to her friend with a smug chuckle.
"There's another."

On the sands, Lexiana takes at step back from the bronze as he heads
towards Jorian. "Oh Congratulation."

On the sands, Rulana smiles over to the last impressions, offering her
congratulations over the bellowing of the bronze. She glances around at the
remaining candidates, dusting some sand from her robes that had been
sprayed up on her in all the movement.

On the sands, Jh'roni releases Birgitte's hand to fall to his knees,
heedless of the hot sand. "Oh Ciroth. I've waited all my life for you too."
His eyes are blurred with tears.

On the sands, Dorcas blinks as suddenly almost everyone has impressed, and
smiles warmly at Jastikin. "Oh...what a b.beautiful
bronze...c.c.congratulations..."

On the sands, "Ciroth eh?" Danielle says to Jh'roni with a smile. "Well,
lets get him fed so he doesn't collapse from hunger eh? Follow me you two,"
And she turns to lead them off the sands.

On the sands, Birgitte spins her braid around a finger, her own voice
choked, "Oh how perfect. Wynith and Nicoith. She doesn't need her brother
now, and yet they'll still be together. This is just amazing Jorian, and so
fast. Look, here comes the little bronze too.... oh." Brie drops his hand,
still crying gently for lack of any better response. "Oh Jor.. oh Ciroth."
Oh my.

Alina suddenly bounces, half out of her comfortable perch on her green's
foreleg. "Ha! I /knew/ that one! Met him when the clutching was going on,
Jorian his name is. From what I remember, he's Istan... well, sorry A'ley,
you lose another one. Siroth he said? Siroth..." and Lina shudders.
"Siryth... shardit."

On the sands, Sidonia startles at the bronze's call and she's drawn from
dark thoughts of her tattered dignity to witness his impression to Jorian.
Giving herself a shake, she straightens up again and sends a nod in the
man's direction. One can almost watch her drag her pride around herself
like a cloak. "Congratulations," she calls as he's led from the sands.

On the sands, Lexiana tears leap to her eyes at Birgitte comment "Yes she
has her protecter."

On the sands, Ciroth emits a long harmonious croon and buries his snout in
Jh'roni's neck.

On the sands, Jh'roni staggers to his feet - at this moment seeming almost
as uncoordinated as the young bronze. "Yes, of course." He moves towards
Danielle.

Whatever comment Kassima might've made is forestalled by a pause, and a
low, surprised whistle. "Isn't that...? Lyss, tell me--?" There's no
audible reply, but Kassi must've gotten one regardless since she shakes her
head in wonder. "Jh'rin's son. On *bronze*. Oh, shells, he'd be
*bursting*--though what Aislinn and Ciruth would make of his name if'n they
lived, I can't imagine. I'll have t'tell Khari."

On the sands, Genevieve's eyes shift over to Jh'roni, once Jorian and
beams, "Congratulations Jor... and Ciroth." She murmurs, glancing to Dorcas
with a soft smile before looking to Nanan and across the rest of the
candidates.

On the sands, Birgitte steps sideways, then, as Jh'roni and Ciroth join the
rest. She fills the gap and offers Lexi her hand then. "It looks like its
just you and me now, Lexi? From the we four, I mean. I was hoping one of us
would impress, but two? And to bronze and gold? Oh its just... to omuch."

On the sands, P'ter nods as he sees other impressions, the frequency of
pairings leaving the sands slowly dropping till suddenly, no more creeling
dragonets on the sands. "Well Ramya, that's about it I think. We got some
Weyrlings to train. Well, for V'yse to train, but you know what I mean."

On the sands, Lexiana takes one look around the now empty hatching ground
and then turns to the bowl and watchs her friends leave with there new
lifemates

On the sands, Ramya nods as the new Weyrlings and their lifemates leave the
sands. She lets out a long breath of relief and lowers her head. When she
looks up she says, "Jh'roni and Ciroth," then nods again this time to P'ter
in agreement. "Yes, I think V'yse will do well by them."

Alina blushes, slightly accenting that bronzeling name differently. "Ciroth
even, blast. What a blurr. All the same... the similarities give me chills."

On the sands, Lexiana smiles back at Birgitte "Yes, the two best of our
group."

K'tdan climbs down from Faorath's neck.

On the sands, P'ter steps away from Aisheth, beconning the remaining
candidates towards him, "Over here please!"

On the sands, Dorcas looks just a little dissappointed, but her adrenalin
is pumping too much for her to really concentrate on that. Not to mention
the fact that her feet are burning. "That w.was....q.q.uicker than I
t.thought..."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "I swear, this Fort clutch is like some Memories
of Dead People In Kassi's Life event. ;) Okay, not really, but there's a
Nicoith; Kassi had a PC clutchmate named Nicoth, now deceased. The first
dragon to catch Lyss was Ciruth, now deceased; there's a Ciroth. And
Jh'rin's son/Khari's brother Impressed, and Jhor of course is also dead.
Weird. Eerie."

On the sands, Sidonia closes her eyes for a moment and lets out another
breath. That's done with, at least. An arm still curled tight against her
belly, she makes her way over towards P'ter, chin held stubbornly high.

On the sands, Lexiana walks over to the weyrleader, her eyes still a little
wet." Yes, sir."

On the sands, Genevieve bobs her head to Dorcas, "Faster than last time I
was here, I think." She moves to where the Weyrleader has directed, hands
moving to pull her long blonde plait over her shoulder, fingering the
blonde hair for lack of anything else to hang on to.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri hmmms. Maybe that's what they're basing it off of? Now
I'm curious.

On the sands, Nananthia sighs with relief and ambles over to P'ter, "Well
that's over - I reckon I'll finally get back ta work now."

On the sands, Rulana moves over to P'ter, now that it's safe to move, to
wait for the further instructions.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima hees! It's probably coincidence; I don't think any
other names are near-copies of dead dragons... wait. No. I'm wrong.
Wynith's in the clutch, and there was a Wyith, and *he's* dead. Dude!

Alina blinks, "Shells, the lot of them hatched... that was *quick*! Quicker
than I thought it'd be even. and..." a second blink is in order. "Faorath?
K'tdan of Ista Weyr! I wondered if that was you!" One of the few Northern
riders Lina knows.

On the sands, Starwind walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri facepalms.

Telgar Weyr> Shara wonders about that.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "That leaves Abenith. I do not *recall* a dead
dragon with a close name, but...."

Telgar Weyr> Juliri can go search the ATWL. ;)

Telgar Weyr> Kassima starts poking around in +info dhr deceased.

Unfortunately for X'riel, he is far too transfixed by the hectic hatching
below, to take notice of his former wingmate's stealthy shifting. As her
hand lightly strikes against his skull, the Southern Weyrsecond jolts
visibly, stepping aside from his lifemate's side, in order to fix Rajazad
with a curious stare. All at once, his smile is lit by an impish quality,
as he nods, "That she did." He sidesteps closer to his fellow Southern
rider, as gaze drops to the sands once more. He echoes Alina's surprised
sentiment, "Over? Already? Shards, these things go by quickly."

K'tdan pulls out his slate to check his notes about this hatching and the
wagers he has made, looking around to see if there is anyone he should
check with about such wagers. He offers waves to those he knows, and those
he wouldn't mind getting to know.

Telgar Weyr> Shara says, "Abinth"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Huh. No, no NC matches that I see that are
dead. But not all the dead dragons are listed, either, I don't think."

Lanisa hmms, "Not sure. I don't know them." But as Kassi gets her
confirmation she grins, then looks back down. "Definitely too quick. And I
think I only broke even on my other bets. I'll have to double check." Poor
dear.

Alina turns in her seat, grinning at the newly landed Istan rider before
ducking and catching a quarter mark out of the air, as tossed by Fortian
Elsie. "Told you Jorian would Impress. Then again I told you you'd catch
Kaelyth. Shows what I know."

On the sands, P'ter looks over all the faces, "Now, those of you that are
already with us here at Fort are of course, welcome. Welcome back into the
fold as it were." He pauses, "Those of you that came here for us, to stand
here for us. Well, we want to invite you to stay with us. We're used to you
being here, and frankly, we like you being here."

Kassima finally snaps out of whatever trance of memory Jh'roni's Impression
had put her into, with a final headshake. "Sorry," she apologizes to
Lanisa. "Nay reason you would, I imagine--I don't know the lad m'self, only
the name and the rumor he was Standing. I try and keep some track of
m'kidlets' half-sibs. More of a task in some cases than others, mind you."
Some note is made on her hide, and she takes a long pull from the wine this
time before giving a sigh: "And 'tis over now, is it? Methinks I made a
profit. But nay as large a one as I'd like."

On the sands, Lexiana looks down at the ground and goes very silent.

On the sands, Sidonia folds both arms and cups her elbows in her hands. As
the weyrleader begins his speech, she nods slightly in apparent agreement.
There'll be no tears, no other reaction beyond that wall of calm she's
projecting right now. "Thank you, sir. It was an honor to stand for Fort,"
she says quietly in the silence that follows his words.

On the sands, Birgitte manage to grin, first at Lexi, because she believes,
and then the rest. "Yessir. Thank you sir."

On the sands, Rulana nods at the words, looking round the remaining
candidates for reaction. "I'll be back to my comfortable room now." she
says quietly, sighing a happy little sigh. "Thankyou, Sir."

On the sands, P'ter says "But whatever you decide, you have been though an
ordeal. You will find, in the Living Cavern, a full spread of food and
drink. Feel free to partake of it. You can get changed either before or
after, I really don't mind"

Lanisa nods, "Looks that way. I was hoping to earn a bit more too, but a
profit is a profit, right?" She gives a bright grin then.

On the sands, Dorcas nods a bit disconcertedly, kicking a foot in the sand
gently. Rulana's comment does make her smile a little though. "T.true..."

On the sands, P'ter turns up towards the galleries, bellowing, "FOOD IN THE
LIVING CAVERN!" He points the general direction, trying to be helpful. Then
he turns back towards the candidates

On the sands, Ramya nods as P'ter speaks, his words are her words as well.
She tries to look at each of the candidates, her eyes are warm and
welcoming. "Fort needs all of you if you wish to stay here with us," she
adds. "There is much work and every hand is needed."

On the sands, P'ter looks from face to face again, "So, anyone already have
their mind made up as to staying? Let me know now and I'll speak to the
headwoman, get you set up comfy for the night."

On the sands, Genevieve gives a polite little nod to the Weyrleaders after
the speech, glancing from face to face around her, "I know I for one plan
on returning to my hides..." There's that funny little longing in her
voice, she's been away from her precious hides so very long now.

Alina snickers over at the fortunate Telgari contingent, "Indeed, you won
what I'm now nearly out of. And anyway, what was I expecting? I don't know
fort's dragons any better than... well hopefully I'll win some of it back
when the double clutch cracks shell at home. Unless, Xirri my dear, there's
something about the twenty-one you sired that I don't know." Wink. Snicker
cough snortle.

On the sands, "I wouldn't leave," Sidonia says in that same quiet, strictly
controlled tone of voice. "But may we step off of the Sands now, sir,
ma'am? I think I've lost the skin on my soles." Cool expression is set
aside in favor of a smile. Smooth. She's *so* smooth.

On the sands, P'ter shakes his head, chuckling, "Ever one for the practical
Sidonia. Aye, you can leave the sands. You know where the food is."

On the sands, Lexiana contintues to look at the sand that is now covering
her feet and then at the white robe. After a few moments, she looks up in
the stands at a man that looks alot like her and a woman holding her hand.
"I would like to stay, sir." she says in a very quiet voice.

On the sands, Rulana glances out, gives a nods of thanks to all around and
hurries out.

On the sands, Rulana walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

K'tdan approaches Kassima. "Greetings, Auntie. How'd you fair in your
wagers?" he inquires, waving his small slate towards her, though the chalk
scratchings are obscured by his fingers.

That stare has a ripple effect on the dark-eyed rider, glinting of silver
striking lightning across black flame. grin slides like sand through the
hourglass across her mouth, more wickedly playful than anything. Ending of
the hatching causes the Southern bluerider Jaz to pause and eye the Sands
curiously. "Faranth. You surely aren't kidding. At Southern, ours take
forever, don't they, Li?" The shout from below makes her start lightly,
casting a look downward. "You /hope/ you'll win back your marks." Havath
snorts again, annoyance evident.

On the sands, Birgitte glances at Lexi and leaves her to her choices. She
nods once more to dam and sire, those ever-so-big-dragons, and stops only
to scoop up a few dark-shards of eggs before slipping towards the exit.

On the sands, Sidonia's smile grows larger. "I think I'd disappoint if I
were anything but, sir. Thank you." She doesn't dawdle in hurrying out. The
sands are hot, and she'll need to find some quiet hole somewhere, to brood
over what's happened.

On the sands, Sidonia walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

On the sands, Dorcas follows soon after Birgitte, one last longing look
taken over the sands before she skittles off.

On the sands, Dorcas walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

Alina grins, "that I *do* hope I'll... we'll see I guess, when the time
comes. And as for our hatchings, the only one I've seen took a sharding
Turn and a half... I was a candidate!"

"A profit is a profit, but some profits are more profitable than others,"
Kassima philosophizes--but she spares any further comments on whether four
marks might be good, two marks baaaad. "I hope you can make it to the next
Northern Hatching," she adds to Alina, with a quick, amused wink. "A good
Hatching 'twas. K'tdan! Evening there--nay badly at all; the bets that blue
would Hatch first were relatively heavy. One of those things. And Khari's
half-brother, he's on a bronze; that was good t'see. What of you? Going
back t'Igen heavy with marks, or nay?"

On the sands, Nananthia gives both the leaders a casual salute and then
ambles off the sands and into the bowl.

On the sands, Nananthia walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

Cloretta hops up onto Ghianath's back, as the dragon rumbles softly.

On the sands, Genevieve walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

Ghianath launches off the ledge, banking through the aerial entrance to the
Bowl.

On the sands, Lexiana look again at the ground and begins to move out of
the carven.

On the sands, Lexiana walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

On the sands, P'ter says "Lexiana, I was hoping you would say that Lexiana.
I'll speak to Norri tonight. You'll have a bunk and all arrangements made
by this evening."

On the sands, Birgitte walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

K'tdan chuckles. "Blue... yeah. I'm staying for a little while, at least
until 'Rath," he jerks his thumb towards his large bronze, "gets bored and
wants to return."

Ahh, now Lanisa has something more of interest to check out it seems as she
gives K'tdan the once over he approaches, "Hehh." Just a quiet sound,
hardly noticeable and she's nodding to Kassi again, "Aye, well. I'll do
better at the next hatching with a few more marks to spread about in
placing my wagers." Yes, a bit of confidence there.

On the sands, P'ter walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

"Food?" echoes X'riel, emerald gaze angling upon the sands below, as the
Weyrleader bellows out that tempting offer. To Rajazad and Alina, he
offers, "Would you two like to attend the feast?" His voice is tinged with
cheer, as he considers the Southern duo. Head inclines into a nod. "It
usually seems that way. Then again, we have a history of unfavorable
weather conditions, during hatchings. Mine took place during a wind storm,"
he notes, with a low ripple of laughter. He offers those gathered in the
ledges an amicable smile, before once more turning to consider Alina and
Rajazad curiously.

On the sands, P'ter walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

A quiet sound, but it causes Kassi to slant Lanisa a curious look anyway.
"Tell me you aren't giving K'tdan the eye," she pleads. "Is would never let
me live if'n I didn't try and stop you, I suspect. Knives *and* wagers; are
you sure your name doesn't start with K secretly?" She turns back to K'tdan
then: "Should I ask how bored he'd have t'be a'fore clutchsire duties start
looking appealing again?" she teases. "Or is that nay the problem?"

On the sands, Ramya walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

Alina flickers a glance from X'riel to Rajazad to the now disappearing
Weyrleader, and again to a familiar face in the crowd, though not a
southerner's by any means. Her voice, when used, is clearly not her usual
cheerful chirp but rings with an alien alto. "She would... be glad to. If
only for the seeking." Uh-oh.

K'tdan offers Lanisa a wink, then says to Kassima, "Oh, it is just
something about all this not being about him or anything he's done." Kat
has a great sense of humor about his difficult lifemate. "Oh, I think I saw
Gen leave. I want to go see how she's doing," he says. "Please excuse me."

"Just good to put a face to the name Yselle was tossing about the Cavern a
while back, that's all." Insert Lanisa's patented innocent look here and
she smiles, "Not unless ma and da forgot to tell me something, but you know
better than most my own family tree. But I do try and learn from the best
example." Oh sure, she'll add sucking up now, of course.

Kassima makes an amused face at this news. "Oh, a'course," she agrees,
bobbing her head. "G'luck t'you--with clutchfather duties too, when you get
back t'Igen! Ah, Lanisa, *now* I understand. Got it." More amusement
follows the innocent look, yes. "I'd nay put it past your father t'keep
your true name a secret from you. You've never really been Lanisa. You
are... Kalanisa. One of the heirs to the great knives-and-marks dominion!"
She strikes a would-be majestic pose, a difficult task when sitting with
hides in her lap; then, "Or something."

K'tdan climbs onto Faorath's neck.

Faorath launches off the ledge, banking through the aerial entrance to the
Bowl.

"Well, when my cousin's bronze sired a Clutch back up there, there were
lots of hatchlings. But then, that was back before the End of Pass was
near. Unfavorable. Pfft. Seems every time there's a Hatching, something
always happens. If it's not a sandstorm, it's fire or something to that
extent. Ours was that horribly thick fog. Couldn't see a bloody thing."
Havath's croon is amused, laced with rumbling agreement. Slate drifts up to
emerald, both that of her green friend and the weyrsecond -- both are
taller, so she has to look up, sometimes -- at the question of the feast.
"Let us go, then. .. Alina? Are you feeling alright?" Li's speaking in the
third person, and Jaz knows what that means. Darkened eyes widen faintly
before she shakes her head. "Oh, Faranth. Kirienth.."

Lanisa watches the bronzerider depart with a look of mostly disguised
intrest and hmm, "Yep." But then with a crooked grin back she nods sagely,
"I always suspected Da was keeping secrets from me." Not that she says
which ones or if she believes this, she just gives a wink.

Kassima adds as inspiration strikes, "Actually, the real secret we've been
keeping from you is... Lanryi isn't your mother, either. I am. But you were
born with Is's blonde hair, a great shame in m'family, so we all agreed
to... uh... right, t'switch babies since Lanryi had borne Pierron a
black-haired bairn, and switch fathers too so nay anyone would get
suspicious. It was our terrible dark secret and the K in your name was
hidden t'protect it. But Lanryi and Pierron's lad ran away with a tuber
when he was but two Turns old, which is why you've never heard of him. I've
been terribly bereft all this time!" Doesn't she look so very woebegone?
Well... no. Not really. She looks like she's trying really hard not to
crack up then and there.

Alina startles at the sound of her name, then her dragon's. The malachite
green's head turns slowly, hide glistening in the light of the cavern... or
is that just the fortian afternoon? Hmmm. It's not very noticeable if it's
anything. "What? What'd I say? I'm fine, all I said was I'd be glad to go
along, if the hatching feast's on. Why not? I mean who'm I to turn down..."
Kirienth's muzzle swivels again, regarding each dragon on the ledge in
turn, Lysseth, Zuirinth, Havath, Taralyth. And her eyes glitter with the
faintest of lavender sparks. Oh *shards*!

X'riel, already in the process of checking Zuirinth's straps, casts a
rather puzzled glance in Alina's direction. "She?" he echoes, bewildered.
"Seeking what, Alina?" The Southern rider directs his focus toward Rajazad,
whom is offered a slight nod. However, the bronzerider seems somewhat
distracted, by the curious behaviour of the nearby greenrider. "What about
Kirienth, Jaz?" He pivots, in order to consider said dragon, eyebrow quirking.

Lanisa cracks a wider smile at this, but then suppresses it again for the
wide eyed innocent stare, "So I've been calling her ma for all these
turns.. and did da even know? Or was I right all along?" That's about when
she gives in to the fit of giggles but still says, "Ma!" quite clearly to
Kassi

I'sai emerges from 'round the other side of Taralyth, blue-eyed and
arch-necked Taralyth, with the wooden clatter of marks in his hand - which
he now shuffles into his beltpouch - and quite the distracted smile.

Kassima gives a grave and solemn nod, even attempting to muster a tear. It
doesn't work. But she sniffles convincingly. "He knew," she sadly informs,
"he had t'know--but we couldn't tell you, nay until now. Ach, Kalanisa, how
I've missed you! Come give Mum a hug!" She throws her arms open wide, all
theatrically. Somewhere there are violins playing--and Lysseth, overhead,
is rumblelaughing up a storm, all the moreso when she catches sight of the
Da in question.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima looks proud. Two minutes. That's the fastest it's ever
taken me to acquire another kid. ;)

Telgar Weyr> I'sai dies.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri says, "Two minutes, Kassi? I'd say that's a record for
anyone."

Telgar Weyr> R'var says, "Two minutes? Proud? Proud of -two minutes-? I'd
be embarassed frankly :)"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Hey, I'm not the guy. It's not for me to be
embarrassed. ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Yselle reads backwards and yeah, takes that RIGHT out of context.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri did, too.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "There was a way to take that *in* context? ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Yselle says, "R'var. Two minutes. Yeah, good point."

Kalanisa(?) beams "I feels as if everything I ever wondered is so clear
now!" This she declares as she moves to gain that hug from her 'true, long
lost ma.' "Oh Ma!" Good timing Da has, to turn up now, no?

I'sai stops, does some looking back and forth, and finally sags along
Taralyth's shoulder; that dragon's no help, flicking back his wings and
curling his reached-out forepaw along the edge of the ledge, and so the
rider just gives the Southerners a wide-eyed what-happened? look before
turning back. "Clear? -What-?"

Alina returns that look, what happened indeed. clearly she's as confused as
anyone else, with the possible exception of Kassie and the "daughter" she
never had. Hmm. Then again, that could be some other sort of confusion...
that's not just the fortian sunlight on Kirienth's hide, is it? And again
that voice, alien and far below Lina's normal twittery soprano. "I do not
know." Then, as though calculating, "why not here? There are three, if not
more. And all pleasant company... and what she wants is not what I want."

Kassima hugs her own dear, sweet Kalanisa enthusiastically, probably
rumpling her poor betting hides in the process. "The truth at last!" she
rejoices. But... it's hard to miss the familiar voice, even if she hadn't
noticed his entrance, and her expression for one moment embodies the
sentiment of 'uh-oh.' Not for long, though. Soon she's turning her head
just enough to grin at him over 'their' daughter's shoulder. "I know we
were going t'keep it a secret from her forever, Is, but I couldn't do it
anymore. I had t'tell Kalanisa the truth. About how she's ours, but with
that blonde hair m'family would have felt disgrace, so we switched her for
Lanryi and Pierron's boy and switched the fathers too t'keep people
confused... now she *knows*, and her true name can be known to all. And we
can tell Kisai and Kaisan at last about their sister! Isn't it wonderful?"
She does spare a vaguely apologetic look towards the poor Southerners who
are witness to this great reunion.

Lysseth> Taralyth senses that Lysseth's mind gleams and glimmers,
lapis-touched blue shot through with silver stardust. << She teases, >> she
says, as if it could be anything else, << and thinks, now, that she
*should* have told the small one that she and he were not even riders, but
secretly the Lord and Lady of a small Southern Hold. Just to tie together
all the improbable claims at once. I am not sure how this version would
have accounted for us, however. >>

"Ah .. Alina. Maybe we should forgo the feast and head back to Southern
Weyr," Jaz suggests suddenly, casting slated gaze over the greenrider.
Havath eyes the flickering flame of ethereal green that is Kirienth,
crooning quietly aside to his rider. "I know, I know. I can see that,
Havath. Alina, I /highly/ suggest you head back to Southern and stey there
for a few days. .. You will /not/ Fly here and now!" Havath's rumble
confirms this, resounding calmly but firmly. "Your weyrmate would not enjoy
coming to find out someone else caught you." Which one is she talking
about? A'dar or Aventh? Alina or Kirienth? The others meet with an
apologetic look of her own before Jaz glances back to Alina, shifting her
stance to settle into that known standing. Authority. Disclipine. No nonsense.

Rumpling the -betting hide-? Now, that means there's something pretty
significant at stake. I'sai clears his throat and says, "Daughter. With
Pierron. Shells, Kassi, when Ryi hears about -her- daughter with that man,
she'll pull all our hides off backwards." He pulls in another breath,
deeper, sideways glance sliding along Kirienth's soft-lit hide, and raises
his voice. "Speaking of which." But it's for the Southerners, this time.
"Best you get -her- home. Unless she's ordinarily - " and then Jaz speaks
up. "Good. Go."

Rumpled hides, oh yes! But surely worth it for such a reunion, no? Kalanisa
returns the hug joyously and then, oh yes, giggles, just a little as she
realizes her Da must finally see. But does she pretend to not notice, to
cover the giggles, then finally look back and dead pan a shocked-hurt look
to her father when he speaks, "Da. How could you not -tell- me?"

Alina is cornered... normally the situation involving "Kalanisa" and a case
of switched fathers would have the greentail in stitches and telling the
story to anyone near enough to listen. But not today... oh noooo.
Kirienth's hide is definitely glistening now, and that's not just a well
cared-for dragon. Again the alien echoes invade her speech, turning her
serious as the ice of endless *between* as her gaze flashes from blue
Weyrlingmaster to bronze Weyrlingmaster, answer registering in a hiss. "She
won't."

"Well, we can still keep it from Ryi," Kassima reasons, "there's nay need
for her t'know--especially given how the lad ran off with a tuber. I mean,
nay use finding out she had a grandson only t'lose him." Right. Logical.
She's been a bit distracted by her brand new ninth child, but her gaze
flicks to follow his; sharpens. "Quickly," she agrees. "If'n you don't want
t'explain why your green rose over a foreign Weyr, get her home *now*. Best
for all concerned--" She loosens her hug so Kalanisa can better face her
father, and murmurs, "Now, dearest daughter, he's always done well by
you... raised you like you were his own... which, well, you *are* his own,
just not *her* own, so I guess that makes sense, doesn't it."

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Taralyth steals the silver to expand it into a
mirror, the better to widen it all, << Lord and Lady! >> and there's an
island, there in that mirror, << Though they wouldn't be of -home-... >>

Realization flickers within X'riel's gaze, as he studies Kirienth for
several moments; mannerism grave, he pivots sharply, in order to glance
between Rajazad, Alina, and I'sai. The words of both the Fortian and his
former wingmate are confirmed with a steady nod. "Alina, they are right. It
is time to get back to Southern." Velvet voice is lined by glacial
insistence, as the Southern Weyrsecond motions sternly to the glistening
green nearby. "It would be best to leave /now/," he intones, tenor ringing
with frost. I'sai is offered a nod, 'fore glance flickers upon Rajazad. "We
can find a meal at home."

"Quickly," I'sai agrees with Kassi, adding to Lani, "'Scuse me, sprout." He
sets his hands to hips, squares his shoulders - out there, beyond him,
Taralyth's wings unfold that much wider, fanning the heated air of the
sands - and considers Alina and her Weyr-mates that much longer. He adds
after the Weyrsecond, his own tenor light as can be, "'She won't,' or you
simply -can't-... convince her?" and the look in his eyes is a dare.

Kalanisa nods sagely and agrees, "No need to upset Grandma Ryi." But back
to Kassi she adds, so wide eyed and sweet, "Yes ma. I'll remember not to
take it out on da. He can't help that he was trying to do the right thing
by the family all these turns..." But then she too watches the too green
green and rider.

Alina isn't listening, or isn't able to listen as Kirienth's hide grows
luminescent as the onlookers stare. "Don't you tell me..." smoke-swirled
jade casts for any nonthreatening figure still on the ledges, Lysseth's,
Zuirinth's, Havath's, all dismissed. Lanisa-Kalanisa is ignored entirely as
the dragon overtakes the human interest. Alina, even in the act of
scrambling astride her hissing, radiant green calls a harsh-voiced
challenge down to all those remaining. "Follow if you dare, the challenge
is set!" And gone, with only a fleeting glance behind. And who's to say
just *who* she was watching? A dare indeed, to be taken if one dares the
world.

I'sai stands fast, rather than scramble after; his, "Take her," is blunt,
gruff, and he turns back to other things. "Where were we, sprout?"

Telgar Weyr> Yselle says, "Kassi, did you win any marks?"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima did! Marks and a daughter. Made out like a bandit this
time, I'm telling you.

Telgar Weyr> I'sai says, "Especially once she sells the daughter."

Telgar Weyr> Lanisa won some! ... but lost some to Kassi ;) Worth it to
know my -true- mom ;) -- Hey! ;) *thwaps da*

Kassima nods to Kalanisa, ruffling her sort-of-offspring's hair
affectionately. "That's the right mindset, dearheart; stay good t'him, and
don't break Grandmum Ryi's heart...." She starts to stand, gathering her
things. I'sai's back is turned and that means it's a good time to notice,
"Hey, V'dan! I see you there! You owe me money! Excuse me, m'child; Is, I'm
sure you can reassure her that we only meant the best." She reaches to try
and tug a lock of his hair, a lock that just may be, or may have once been,
blue; then she's skipping away with some haste. No fool, she! Leaving a
green dragon nearly convulsed with laughter behind her, entirely too
distracted by her mirth to pay heed to any other greens who might be glowing.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima .o0(Rats. He's on to me!)

"Do not argue with us, Red. If you don't get yourself and Kirienth back to
Southern, you're -- " Ah, but the Weyrsecond interjects, so Jaz doesn't
have to continue with her ultimatum. Stance shifts fractionally as she
glances across toward I'sai and X'riel before returning said attention to
the greenrider. "Ah, there she goes. Let's go, Xirri. We have to make sure
she gets back alright. Hurry now!" Tone long gone soft and low is calm as
between. "We can find food at home, yes." With that, steely Havath offers a
foreleg, which his rider scales easily to settle between the ridges. Once
buckled in, Havath takes wing without anything more than a rumbled
farewell. Between embraces both dragon and rider on the way back home. To
Southern!