The Hatching of Gold Vianneth and Bronze Xannarth's Clutch
PernMUSH, April 27, 2003

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

You fly through the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.

<*> From the sands below, M'llon smiles at D'zel and Belanca, "The day that
they hatch always seems to take so long to get here but then it is over so
quickly." He glances at Kyrola to make sure she is still walking okay as
they go to join the clutch parents.

<*> Dulath flies in from the bowl.

<*> Niyath flies in from the bowl.

<*> Omfaleth flies in from the bowl.

<*> Reye grasps Omfaleth's thick flying straps, using both them and her
lifemate's raised golden forelimb to slide to the ground.

<*> Jenni snuggles up against her lifemate and pulls the flask from one of
the pockets of her jacket. With a wide smile she edges closer to the ledge
so she can get a good spot for the veiwing and rubs her hands together.

<*> Cevodnioth flies in from the bowl.

<*> T'mren climbs off the dragon, and hops nimbly to his feet.

<*> From the sands below, Riverbank Clay Egg squirms to one side, then the
other, finally subsiding.

<*> Niyath hovers for a moment and then with a rather ungainly *whump*,
settles to a spot on the ledge. Jenna winces slightly at the landing, and
then slides down, offering a general, "Fort's duties - have any broken
shell yet?" to the crowd.

<*> Jenna slides recklessly down Niyath's side. The queen turns her head
and gives her rider an admonishing rumble.

<*> Lysseth wheels to a landing on a stretch of ledge not yet occupied,
furling her wings quickly to avoid taking up much room. Her rumbled
greeting to the dragons already present is cordial. "This should be a good
spot--and we haven't missed aught yet by the looks," Kassi calls back to
Ivrihn, flashing a grin over her shoulder. As she starts working on the
buckles of her slightly modified straps, she adds, "Now, if'n I can just
find people t'wager with... oh, and duties t'everyone and everywhere and
what-all."

<*> C'vadan takes a seat between Dulath's legs to watch. "Don't even look
my way, Kassi," he says to the greenrider. "I've lost enough to you as it is."

<*> Selandra climbs down from Abrieth's neck.

<*> Savaughna climbs down from Abrieth's neck.

<*> Reye slides from Omfaleth's over-bright form, tugging lightly at the
amber stones about her neck as she peers toward the sand. "None yet, I
think," she answers Jenna, giving her dragon's hide a pat as she moves for
a good seat. "Soon, though."

<*> Jenni lifts a hand to T'mren, "Well, hello there stranger." She calls
to him.

<*> T'mren waves a hand over at Jenni together with a smile, "Hey Jen. Long
time no see."

<*> Savaughna finally manages to squirm free from her mother's grasp. "Mam,
I thought we did be here to see Rula? Not be sitting on some boring old
ledge." She flops her small body down near Abrieth.

"Aha, then our timing's impeccable, looks like," Ivrihn replies, with a
bright sort of grin. He unbuckles himself from Lysseth's straps as well,
and shifts around to slide-scramble down from the dragon's neck, with a
murmur of thanks for said green. "Telgar's duties," he offers quietly as well.

<*> Jenni nods her head at T'mren and smiles at him, patting a spot beside
her, "What have you been keeping yourself hm?"

Ivrihn unbuckles himself from Lysseth's straps and climbs back down to the
ground, looking a little disoriented from the flight.

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.

Jenna grins at Reye and maneuvers around Niyath towards the rest of the
folks, "Shove over, Niyath - yes, there's room enough for me to pass." She
catches sight of Selandra and Savaughna and asks, "Did you get to see
Rulana before they started humming?"

Dulcibeth and her rider are one of the pairs farthest from the ledges near
the bowl. Dulcibeth is watching the eggs carefully, her rider is kneeling
in front of the green, unusually quiet for such an occasion. The Istan pair
seems to be keeping mostly to themselves for now.

Aquileth rumbles greetings to friends near and far, and gives a slighly
more polite version to the Fortian queen. Though he is much more interested
in what's going on below him.

Selandra shakes her head. "No, we came out to hear the humming. I did want
to wish her all the best though.

T'mren moves over to Jenni and sits beside her smoothly, "Just wing duties
as usual Jenni. Visits here and there. The usual stuff." He grins.

Randoth flies in from the bowl.

C'vadan gathers his writing materials and well-worn journal from the pouch
from his hip and settles in for the duration.

R'yat slides with ease down from his place between his lifemate's
neckridges. As he reaches the ground, Randoth croons happily.

Ramya climbs down Randoth's extended foreleg, using the straps to guide
them down.

Kassima follows Ivrihn down, though her own descent is less fast, probably
less graceful, and definitely more cautious. Once she's hit the ledge,
she's immediately rummaging for her usual accessories in Lysseth's
strap-pouch. "Ach, but Cav, what's the fun of being at a Hatching if'n you
don't *bet*?" she asks, plaintive. "And a'course 'tis impeccable, Kilt. I
nigh think sometimes that eggs wait t'Hatch until they *know* there's an
audience. What think you, brown first?" Finally she locates the 'skin of
juice and sheaf of hides she was looking for, and settles down on Lyss's
foreleg with these.

Pheirth flies in from the bowl.

Kaylira carefully climbs down to the ground.

From the sands below, Kyrola watches an egg twitch, and a smile lights her
face. Her eyes glance up to the galleries, and then she returns a wave with
the hand holding the glowbasket, finally setting it down near her feet.

Jenni giggles at the bronzeirder, "You never come to visit Reaches." She
winks, "or, maybe you do but I'm so busy with duties myself that I have
little time to think of much else. Well, except hatchings--have to enjoy
the hatchings. Anyone you know down there?" She asks, "I mean, standing as
a candidate.

"There." says R'yat as he touches the ground followed by Ramya. "Just in
time." He nods to those around, throwing a "Fort's duties."

Jenna waves to Rey and Ramya, as Niyath rumbles a subdued greeting to the
other dragons, barely taking her eyes off the eggs. Jenna nods to Selandra
and then offers towards the Istans, "Good number -" She breaks off and
offers a bit louder, "I'll take half a mark on green first, Kassima."

T'mren looks thoughtful, "Visit? Reaches? I haven't. In /years/. I should
sometime, shouldn't I?"

From the sands below, Riverbank Clay Egg rocks more vigourously, side to
side, back and forth, insistently. With strength and determination, the egg
rocks and trembles and shivers.

T'mren looks down at the sands, and smiles wryly, "Anyone I know? Hmm.
Quite a few people."

Savaughna pouts at Selandra, "But I did be wanting to *see* her," she
complains, and wriggles forward on her stomach to peer down at the sands.
It's only *then* that she realises why they're up *here* and not down
there. "Oh oh! Are they hatching? Mam, mam, where is she then? I don't be
seeing her down there.." The child glances slantwise at Kassima as she
hears the womans voice.

From the sands below, Chitose comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

From the sands below, M'llon settles into place beside Kyrola but does not
let go of her elbow, "Oh yes, here we go. Of course I don't think I have
ever seen the dragons falsely hum."

From the sands below, Theid comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the Hatching
Sands.

Jenni crosses her arms over her chest, 'I know a couple folks who'll be
down there." She shoots T'mren a look from the corner of her eye adn then
giggles, "Right now is the best time to visit, the weather's just fine."

From the sands below, Fajezra comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

From the sands below, Aliana comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

From the sands below, Berakis comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

From the sands below, Carianna comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

From the sands below, Joar_and_Jarin comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

From the sands below, Griere comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

From the sands below, Rulana comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

From the sands below, Katrisdan comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

Kaylira slips in and parks her butt near Kassi.

From the sands below, Chaia comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the Hatching
Sands.

From the sands below, Shanden comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

From the sands below, Torrez comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

Y'il nudges Elseve. "Look, Elseve, there's Chaia!"

From the sands below, Nadia comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the Hatching
Sands.

Ramya mutters "Fort's Duties," as she tries to see the eggs through the
throng of people. From where she is standing she notices Jenna's wave and
waves back. "Hi Jenna!"

From the sands below, Callyndra comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

T'mren watches the candidates, "Y'know, these all sort of blend together
after enough time." He comments, then nods at Jenni with a chuckle, "It has
been SO long. As a rider, I usually go everywhere. Always surprises me when
I remember there's somewhere I haven't been in a long time.'

From the sands below, Brees comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the Hatching
Sands.

Dasmareth flies in from the bowl.

Giareth flies in from the bowl.

C'vadan leans forward and squints. "What is Katrisdan wearing?" he says,
frowning now. One would think he'd be more excited for his youngest son.

Sruth flies in from the bowl.

Selandra grins. "There's my baby!" she says in a misty-eyed voice.

Chusorth flies in from the bowl.

From the sands below, Jascela comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

Ivrihn considers the eggs a moment, brows lowering as he considers them
slowly. "I'd not be surprised if they waited. After all, if I was going to
go to all the trouble of hatching, I'd want someone watching too." He drops
down lightly to a seat near Lysseth's feet, tugging his legs up to sit
cross-legged. "Brown first, I can see that. Though, well, how about I say
blue, just to add random contention and annoy you, Aunt Kassi?"

Elseve glances up at Tir/Y'il. "So it is..." She murmurs. "Oh! Look! Tir,
its cousin Nadia!" She grins.

From the sands below, Jai comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the Hatching
Sands.

From the sands below, B'ryce comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

From the sands below, Jai heads out towards the entrance.

From the sands below, B'ryce walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

Zerth flies in from the bowl.

"Done and done," Kassi calls at once back to Jenna. "And 'twill nay even be
too distraught if'n I lose, since a'course green first's the *true* best
luck for a clutch. Nay that the great lump biases me or aught like that."
Her hand's already scribbling a note on the top hide, even as her eyes
wander away to the Sands: "There they are! And here you are, Kay-minx!
Don't suppose you've any bets t'make with me, hmm?" Overhearing Savaughna's
voice, she flicks a glance that way and offers the girl a bright smile.
"--Ah, now, Ivrihn, somehow it doesn't surprise me that you do that. And
without even putting *marks* on it."

X'tan slides off Zerth, landing on the ground beside him.

Sh'van climbs down Giareth's side to the ground, using his foreleg as a step.

Y'il is surprised. "Nadia is your cousin? I had no idea."

Sria jumps down Sruth's side to the ground, using his straps as handholds.

Liorth flies in from the bowl.

From the sands below, Jai comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the Hatching
Sands.

From the sands below, Jai walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

Jenna strains out to see below, "Oh! There's Rulana - and Carianna! Rey,
did you know she was standing for Ista?"

Jenni nods to the bronzerider, falling silent to watch the flow of
candidates edging out onto the sands. "Eh? Oh, sorry-- You know, I spend so
much time in our sweep area I see little of the rest of Pern." She lifts a
hand and waves to the Highreaches riders and weyrligns as they come in.

From the sands below, Jascela follows the group of Candidates out onto the
sands and moves off to the side well away from them.

From above, yet another green dragon wings down, and Lirra dismounts once
Kaath is settled. She slides down from her perch and hauls off her helmet
and coat as she heads towards those she knows, and pauses to ruffle
Ivrihn's hair mercilessly. "There you are, sweeting. Keeping your aunt in
line?"

Ramya hears Selandra and looks around for her. At first she can't see her
then she climbs up onto Randoth's leg which he has kindly extended. With a
satisfied grin she sits up there and spots the green rider. "Selandra!" she
calls out with a pleased voice.

Kaylira smirks at her mum. "Nay. Not this one."

R'dus hops down Liorth's side to the ground, the dragon's sparkling eyes
watching closely.

T'mren watches the people landing for a moment then turns to Jenni, "Yeah.
The hatchings at least get you out for a while, if you're lucky enough not
to be on duty when they happen. I missed our very last one here at Ista.
Stupid duty." He grins

R'yat perks and moves closer Jenna. "Ooh! No, I didn't know." He rubs his
hands together. "That's interesting..."

From the sands below, Nadia grins at Jarin as she Cari and him comes out on
to the sands, "You should be glad I soaked you now with the sands being so
hot." She stays by them still looking rather fearful and nervous all at
once. Her eyes goes towards the galleries looking for Naomi, oh she came!

From the sands below, The group of white-robed Candidates all march out
onto the sands in a carefully practiced double-row formation then all bow
simultaneously to the sire and dam of the clutch. Once the formalities are
taken care of, then move apart around the clutch to their preferred positions.

Sh'van keeps his mouth shut after saluting everyone generically, murmuring
the 'Reaches' duties to everyone and their queens, if they have any. Then,
he settles in to watch, vast interest on his face. "They seem so small down
there," he murmurs to himself after a moment.

Selandra hears her name being called out so she swings her head round to
look, smiling when she see's Ramya. "Hihi." she comments to the steward,
waving her over. And then she keeps one wary eye on Sava, before her
attention is drawn back to the sands.

Savaughna shields her eyes with one hand as she squints down at the sands.
"Where is she!" the child complains, blue eyes flicking over each one of
the Things in White. And then she spots her, and the little red-head
scrambles up to her feet and hops around in a very hyped-up mood, "Rula,
Rula, Rula!" She shouts, and dances back over to Abrieth to point in the
direction of her sister.

Jenni winces and then nods at T'mren, "I happened to miss the hatching at
Reaches as well. Sorry state of affairs when you're too busy to see your
Weyr's very own hatching. But...." she draws her shoulders up. "there's
always the next one."

From the sands below, Brees makes her way out and glances over at the eggs
stopping for a moment before she continues on to the corner of the sands
where oil and food have been set up.

From the sands below, Brees walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

T'mren smiles wryly, "Not like they're really that different one from the
next. You've seen one you've seen them all, except the ones where you're in
the breezy robes."

Jenna actually squeals as the Reaches crowd arrives. "R'dus! No one told me
Carianna was standing!" She grins at Rey and maneuvers over towards the
Reaches brownrider. "And this is your Liorth? - Oh, and Fort's duties and
all that," she chatters towards the Reaches riders.

"Because I just have -so- many spare marks to bet," Ivrihn retorts, with a
faintly amused sort of look for Kassima. Spotting Kaath's familiar form as
she arrives, he offers his mother a grin in greeting. "Heya' mother-mine.
Yeah, I'm trying to torment her suitably, but she's eviller than I am. So
it's kind of a doomed attempt."

X'tan gives a crisp salute to the various riders about. He manages to say,
"High Reaches duties," before he sinks back against Zerth, content to just
watch.

C'vadan looks up from what he's writing and waves to the Fortians he knows.

R'dus drops to the ground from Liorth and starts toward the edge to peer
down at the sands. On his way he salutes the ones who would notice.

From the sands below, Theid steps nervously onto the hot sands, managing to
ignore the shock this causes to his system, and smiles weakly to Joar as he
steps in with him. He glances to the stands quickly, but can't make out any
faces that may be familar to him. Swallowing hard he moves out to take his
place in the circle around the eggs.

Ramya climbs down from Randoth's leg and makes her way through the crowd to
the Fort contingent. She passed C'vadan and gives him a wave, "Hi C'vadan."

From the sands below, Carianna chuckles as she moves with the others taking
their places in the semi circle around the hotsands. Her feet have already
started that oh its hot dance but she continues to smile encouragingly to
the others.

From the sands below, Aliana steps from foot to foot. "Ouch." she says
quietly. "I don't remember the sands being this hot." she says to Fajezra,
not really paying attention to whether the other girl is paying attention
or not. She looks in awe at the sands and the many people in the galleries.

From the sands below, Torrez walks onto the sands nervously and if he were
not holding onto the hand of one of his fellow candidates he would
certainly have balked and not come onto them at all. It's quite the noise
and fuss and heat out here. He shoots a look over at Chii. "Here we go."

From the sands below, Fajezra drops Aliana's hand for a moment, wiping both
her hands along the hips of her robe, drying them and leaving a slightly
dark smudge on each side. She holds her hand out to Aliana and looks
around, her eyes large, a deep amber gold. She whispers to herself, and to
Aliana "We are going to be fine. All is well!"

From the sands below, The twins glance at each other over Griere's head and
there's a silent nod between them before they look back around at the eggs
around them all. Joar gives Theid a grin, "Relax."

From the sands below, Riverbank Clay Egg wriggles and squirms, managing to
roll right out of its wallow and into another egg next door. As though
realizing the potential for harm, Riverbank Clay Egg simply sits still for
a bit, not rocking, not rolling, just. . . sitting.

From the sands below, Aliana takes up Fajezra's hand again as soon as it is
offered.

From the sands below, Chitose moves to the side, as near to the coveted
fabric-resembling egg as she can be. "Here it is," She mumbles, grasping
Torrez' hand tightly. An egg rumbles, and she eyes it curiously.

From the sands below, Katrisdan takes his position at the end, his hand in
Chaia's. He doesn't look up or around, but maintains a casual look straight
ahead towards the eggs. "Guess this is is," he says to Chaia and Rulana.

From the sands below, Kyrola lifts her chin as the candidates come out,
nodding to them and the Weyrlingmaster team. The glowbasket at her feet
casts unusual patterns of light on the black sand as the Weyrwoman tracks
her gaze back to the eggs, but she pauses to smile to M'llon, apparently
grateful for the hand in remaining upright.

Kassima reaches to give Ivrihn's shoulder a light, playful nudge with her
writing stylus. "Don't tempt me t'be *finding* some sort of work for you
t'do, t'earn those marks so I can steal 'em," the greenrider warns, amused.
"And me, eviller than a Kilt! Such a compliment. This Hatching should be
interesting... Cav's son down there, y'know, and two of Khari's
half-brothers. One of Sela's daughters too if'n I don't mistake the nature
of exclamations from that direction."

From the sands below, Callyndra walks out with the rest of the candidates
and joins them as they spread out around the eggs. She returns Carianna's
smile and nods briefly, but still she doesn't speak. And her attention is
soon caught by the movement in the eggs.

C'vadan smiles at the Fort assistant steward. "You haven't seen Aine have
you?" he asks.

Sria, done with her survey of the arrived weyrlings, sends a nod X'tan's
way before a look slides R'dus's, and she finds herself a spot to gaze
sand-wards - still hovering, for the moment - by Sruth.

From the sands below, Rulana moves just a step closer to Katrisdan and
Chaia at the movements of the eggs, nodding as she moves. "Guess so."

From the sands below, Griere grips Joar's hand, thin fingers clasped
firmly. She turns her face up towards him, grey-blue eyes absolutely huge,
looking every bit like a thirteen turn old girl. "Joar..." she says
quietly, voice catching in a dry throat as she looks for some reassurance.

From the sands below, Chaia nods, then realizes Katrisdan's probably not
looking /at/ her. "Looks that way," she murmurs. She doesn't drop his hand,
but reaches her other out to Rulana, in a motion of solidarity.

R'yat finally finds a place and plops onto it, a large smile crossing his
face.

"Kassima, there isn't a person on Pern you're not related to, so don't try
to tell me every single one of those candidates aren't related to you
somehow," Lirra protests with a laugh, and slides into a seat by Ivrihn,
dwarfed by her son. "I know, dear, but you're making good strides. Your
father sends his best, but he's got watch duty," she adds warmly. "None
hatched yet?"

From the sands below, Shanden glares darkly at his partner, forced upon him
by the coordinators and soon as the formalities are over he almost runs
away from him and gets to a spot on his own as far from everyone else as he
can.

From the sands below, Joar looks down at Griere, "You're fine. Relax, call
it an afternoon on the beach without the water, or the blankets and dodging
ravenous hatchlings."

"Hey, I -work-," Ivrihn protests, though it's with a distinctly amused sort
of look. "Last I checked, planting things and weeding and all -did- count.
Besides, I fear what kind of labor you'd put me to," he asides to Kassima,
entertained. He nods firmly. "Quite the list of folks to root for," he
agrees, with a nod. "And it looks like it'll be any moment, really."
There's an amused sort of look for Lirra, and a nod. "I have to start
somewhere, really. And yeah, he'd mentioned that earlier, that he'd not
manage to make it. A shame really, then Aunt Kassi could pick on -him-." He
shakes his head briefly. "Not yet."

From the sands below, Linvor comes out of a yawning tunnel onto the
Hatching Sands.

From the sands below, Theid glances to Joar and giggles nervously, yes
giggles.

From the sands below, Fajezra frowns down at her feet, and nods to Aliana,
her voice a bit shakey. "I don't remember them being this hot either." She
looks back as an egg tumbles out of its hollow, her eyes wide, attempting
to take everything in. HEr fingers are gripping Ali's hand tightly.

R'dus settles himself on the edge of the ledge, scanning the sands for that
familiar red hair. It takes him only a moment and from then on his eyes
don't move and he says naught. Liorth's head hovers over his rider as he
too watches the scene below.

From the sands below, Berakis makes his way along with the others. Still
next to Aliana as he's watches the eggs for movement, giving a nervous
swallow.

From the sands below, Riverbank Clay Egg takes a brief breather, then rocks
and rolls, scattering sand in all directions!! Hatching with such fervor,
it rolls right over on its axis, the creamy mass on its shell now
underneath, and the vivid redness coming out on top.

From the sands below, After the last candidate takes her place on the sands
all of the white robed individuals bow together towards clutch dam, sire,
and eggs. One of the younger boys takes longer with his bow than the others
so that when he finally straightens up again it is to find he has missed
the emergence of the first dragonet, a stunning little blue number who has
emerged from one of the brighter eggs. Even as the young lad opens his
mouth to complain that he wasn't ready yet, the brilliant little blue steps
right up to him and forms the first impression.

Kinzaith flies in from the bowl.

Ny'ave vaults down Kinzaith's side to the ground, as the dragon rumbles
softly.

From the sands below, Jarin rolls his eyes, just on the other side of
Griere. "Thanks for the per.. oooh, blue!"

Kassima folds her arms to give Lirra a look that might be more successful
at brimming with offendedness, if only her eyes weren't sparkling.
"M'family's only responsible for a *third* of Pern's population, 'twill
have you know... but good 'tis t'see you, Lirra; d'*you* have a bet on
which color will Hatch first?" Making a face at Ivrih, she suggests,
"Childcare, probably. *That* would teach you the true nature of evil--and
what makes you think I couldn't pick on the whole lot of you? Oh! First
blue, and beautiful! See, Kilt, you *should* have bet!"

From the sands below, Kyrola reaches for M'llon's hand, her eyes a bit
misty as she watches the first impression. "Oh, isn't he a lovely one..."
she breathes softly.

From the sands below, Chitose smiles and claps for the young boy, grinning
broadly. "Look, Torrez, the first is a blue!" She grins broadly. "Brightly
colored, isn't he?"

From the sands below, A gasp arises from some of the candidates as two eggs
split simultaneously to reveal almost identical green dragons. Both
dragonets stumble, falling as they each search for that one special
lifemate. A sassy girl from Red Sands moves forward to one of the greens
and as she reaches out to help her face fills with the joy of impression.
The remaining dragonet picks herself up and stumbles further around the
circle of candidates until she stands right before a recalcitrant boy from
the Mastertanner Hall. The green bumps eagerly at the boy's waist until he
lets out a surprising laugh and calls out the dragon's name.

From the sands below, Carianna pulls her gaze from the eggs long enough to
scan the stands then the ledges quickly. An audible gasp comes from her
before she returns the attention to the movement of at least one egg.
That's all it takes for her old Reachian training to kick in. Each hand she
holds is released as she makes room for dodging.

Jenna pulls up behind Liorth and R'dus, her expression rather wistful for a
moment. She almost misses the first impression, and turns her attention
back to the sands, absently fishing out a half mark. "Ready when you are,
Kassima. I should learn not to wager."

From the sands below, Griere manages a smile, "And little risk of sunburn,"
she adds to Joar, cheeky even now. At least until that first eggs cracks
and the fingers wrapped around the twins' hands go white at the knuckles.

From the sands below, Nadia ohs at the first impression. Her feet starting
to starting the age long ritual of the foot to foot dance. To Cari she says
quietly, "wow...blue." At the greens she says loudly now, "Oh they are
hatching so fast!"

From the sands below, The Riverbank Clay Egg shudders one last time, then
cracks apart efficiently, a green form almost springing out of the shards.

From the sands below, Theid blinks as the first impression has been made
already, gulping for air as he sees this. "I don't think I'm ready for
this?" he says, trembling a little. Then follows another two and he
straightens up, well now he it's too late to back down so he bucks up and
pays close attention. No need to get mauled.

[Editor's Note:  There was some code-flubbing here; I've taken the 
liberty of doctoring the log to put the actual hname and hdesc
where they should be, here and in the other place this occured.]


From the sands below,
                   Celtic Embroidery Green Dragonet                               
Of average size, this green somehow manages to seem larger than she is,
within the confines of her bailiwick. Her movements are ever-graceful,
almost luxuriously feline, although she has exacting posture at all times.
Her body is thin and lithe, not given to excess muscle. Her grace is
carried unconsciously, herself completely unaware of the impact she has
upon others around her. In coloring, her hide is almost a uniform
medium-to-dark green and almost resembles that sort of rich velvet that's
prized amongst certain weavers and Ladies Holder. Upon closest inspection,
however, the true elegant detailing of her hide can be discovered. In
seemingly random patterns, yet a cohesive whole, are tiny whorls of
slightly darker green, almost as if some lady in waiting had spent turns
embroidering a subtle pattern onto the velvet that is this green's hide. It
only shows with a faint flash in certain lights, or upon close observation,
but that elegant richness is most definitely there.


From the sands below, Torrez has very little time to orient himself before
the dragon hatches out and he watches with wide eyes and a smile of awe as
the impression is made, "That was so fast." He takes a half step back and
jerks his head towards the direction of the green impressing.
"And....there's that one. Did you see the green Chii?"

From the sands below, Aliana straightens up from her bow and drops her jaw
as she watches the first Impression. "Wow." is all she can manage to get
out before a set of greens Impress as well. She stands there shaking her
head in disbelief and tightens her grip on Fajezra's hand.

From the sands below, Eyes widening even more, if possible, Fara lets out a
soft sighing "Oh, how beautiful!" She smiles softly as she watches the
young candidate impress, her eyes misty. She turns at the sudeen gasp among
the candidates, her eyes focusing on the twin greens. She smiles happily,
her nervousness gone now.

"Oh, forgive me. Just a third. Are you sure? I could have sworn it was
more," Lirra teases Kassima right back, grinning broadly, then lifts her
brows and peers from the other greenrider to Ivrihn. "Childcare? That's not
a bad idea. You'd enjoy that, I'll bet," she suggests to him, then eyes the
sands for a moment. After the first hatchling hatches, she turns to
Kassima. "The first one will be blue."

Verdine pops out of *between*, a rush of ice cold air, a blur of darkness,
flicker of green wings and a chirp announcing her presence.

From the sands below, M'llon smiles at Kyrola then goes back to watching
the candidates and the dragons finding each other.

C'vadan watches the candidates and eggs, jotting something down when a blue
emerges.

Ivrihn winces at mention of childcare, yes. He's a reasonably sane
individual, after all. "Aunt Kassi, your kids are -dangerous-, and I'm a
mere pawn, remember? We pawns are fragile, and should not have to suffer
evil. He grins as the blue hatches, and applauds the impression. "Hah,
you'reright. But if I had, he'd have been brown," he points out. He gives
Lirra a very, very disturbed look. "Mom, are you ill." There's a snicker
then. "Ooh, very ahead of the game, really."

Savaughna continues hopping around near Abrieth, this time on one leg.
"Ooh, did you see that, Mam? That blue and those *greens*. Greens do be the
bestest don't they?" It's more of a question than a statement, and the
little girl behind hop-skipping towards where Kassima and Co are. "Bestest
frie-end.."

From the sands below, Jascela steps forward to escort the first new
Weyrling pairs back to the corner of the sands where Brees waits for them.
SHe smiles and quietly congratulates them before sending them on to the
awaiting Weyrlingmaster.

Ny'ave moves over with the highreaches weyrlings, having to make an
adjustment to his straps before he can find a spot with the others.

From the sands below, Shanden ignores the blue as it impresses, staring at
one particular egg hard enough that his gaze could crack the egg at any
moment. if he's scared he's not showing it, a barely controlled anger
roiling below the surface.

From the sands below, Callyndra pushes the wisps of hair back off her face,
her own hands nervously rubbing dry against the robe. Standing near Theid,
she hears him and speaks for the first time. "Me either." She shifts most
of her weight to one foot, finally giving in to the messages her feet are
sending to her brain.

Voldrath flies in from the bowl.

R'dus look around at an excited voice behind him and smiles at Jenna.
"Jen..uh..Ma'am." He says picking himself up and salutes. "Reaches duties
to you and yours." Then relaxes and nods solemnly. "Yes, she's out there."

Sria finds her way over toward X'tan and Zerth, after a moment or two of
watching. "Know anyone?" she asks, with a nod toward the sands.+

Selandra laughs at Sava. "Ssssh darling, /we/ know that, but it upsets some
of the other riders if we let on." she teases her daughter in a quiet voice.

From the sands below, Berakis is beginning to sweat now, whether from the
heat of the sands or nervousness, it's hard to tell. He lifts an arm,
wiping his forehead nervously as he offers "Congratulations," to the new
pairs of lifemates, his voice cracking with tension. Or puberty maybe.

Ramya takes this moment to look around for R'yat.

From the sands below, Carianna jumps to the left as the first pairing of
dragonet and new weyrling is made and she joins her voice with the others
calling out congratulations. "Yes it is." She adds to Nadia then ohs as
another hatchling is seen. "Look at the beautiful green!"

Kassima grins and pushes herself up from her perch, with an absent pat for
her now-humming green, in order to thread through the throng enough to
collect the mark: "But what's the fun of it if'n you don't?" she asks
Jenna, amused. "Mind you, easier t'say from m'side of things. Give 'em
time, Lirra!" she then calls back over her shoulder. "They'll manage more
a'fore too long--and I'm going t'thwap you for that when I get back there.
Kilt, dear Kilt, that you're a pawn is precisely *why* you must suffer
evil, and--heyla, Savaughna! Be right back over there, all right?"

From the sands below, Chitose looks up as the green is born, grasping
tighter onto Torrez. "Shells..." She breathes. "Look...!"

X'tan grins at Sria, "Not really, ma'am." He glances at R'dus, then back at
Sria, "I've met Carianna, of course. But I don't think I'm familiar with
anyone else standing."

From the sands below, Aliana :awws softly as the green emerges from her
egg. "Look at that!" she says. "So beautiful!"

From the sands below, Theid shivers as the newest green makes her arrive
unto the scene, and he smiles faintly. "She's so beauiful." he whispers to
Joar, obviously always been a bit partical to that color.

From the sands below, Katrisdan grins as the impressions begin. He seems
not to be nervous at all. His gaze does wander as different eggs wobble and
hatch. But he doesn't seem to be just looking at eggs and hatchlings. "This
is so much more interesting from the sands," he says to Chaia.

F'min hops down Voldrath's side to the ground, using his foreleg as a step.

R'yat coos at the newborn green and so does Randoth with his draconic tone.
Rey turns to look over his shoulder and says. "Did you see that lovely
green Ramya?"

From the sands below, Chaia nods to Katrisdan. "Agreed. Are you changing
the odds in your - ohh. She's pretty." The last refers to the newly hatched
green, of course.

From the sands below, Joar snickers on the ready comment, "Theid, honey,
sweetie. Tough." he oohs, "Greens. She's gorgeous, all three of them have
been."

F'min hops down, and makes his way across the ledge towards the general are
of other High Reaches Weyr riders

From the sands below, Celtic Embroidery Green Dragonet shakes herself off
from headknobs to tail tip, prepatory to beginning the search for. . .
something. Yes, something is definately out there that she wants. She
strikes out confidently in the direction of her clutchsire, weaving in
between the small hillocks of sand and the half-buried shards of other
broken shells, as well as occasionally being lost to sight amongst the
bigger eggs.

From the sands below, Nadia nods her head ta Carianna, "Wow, look at her.
Chitose would like that, it looks like such nice weaver work..." A grin
shot towards Chitose.

Jenna wrinkles her nose at Kassima. "Having marks to spend *after* the
hatching? And there's traders at Fort too. Hm. How about that the last to
hatch will be brown? And a full mark. There's a nice set of boots I want on
the wagon." She then plops down on the ledge near R'dus and Liorth, "Jen!
Jen! Or I swear I'll throw the knot on the sands and have Kyrola after my
rear." Her tone softens and she murmurs, "Got to be rough on you two, the
past couple of turns. I hope her mate's out there. A nice green for Liorth
to catch, maybe?"

Riordanth flies in from the bowl.

Ivrihn moves, making as if to get up. "This is the part where I have to try
and run away, right?" He asks, sounding entertained. He offers an amiable
nod, and a quick smile in greeting for Savaughna. There's a low whistle
then for one of the hatchlings on the sand. "Gorgeous one there," he points
out, gesturing faintly.

C'vadan nudges Dulath with his elbow. "Enough of that from you. She's just
a hatchling." He takes to jotting more down in his journal.

From the sands below, Torrez grunts at t he pressure that's being squeezed
on him but then smiles brightly at Chitose, "She is a beauty, no question
about that." He licks his suddenly dry lips, "Do we break away if a dragon
comes this way or hope for the best and stand fast?" He asks her in a lower
voice.

Voldrath moves over to make room for the newly arrived blue to land on the
ledge next to him.

From the sands below, Theid glances to Joar breifly before his eyes settle
back down again upon the lovely new green. "Tough?" he asks, distracted
from his staring.

Riordanth backwings to touch down beside Voldrath, rumbling a greeting.

Mohria hops down Riordanth's side to the ground, the dragon's sparkling
eyes watching closely.

Aquileth looks all disappointed, and Y'il smiles. "I'm sure there will be a
bronze in there somewhere."

Ramya turns and sees Rey, right next to her. Nodding, she answers, "Yes,
she is lovely." Her voice holds a strange quality. She finds a seat next to
the Fort Weyrsecond.

From the sands below, Fajezra begins to move from one foot to the other,
unconsciously as she watches the candidstates impress. Her feet know /hot/
but her attention is on the eggs and dragonets. She calls out a soft
'Congratulations' to the newly impressed, her eyes moving from one moving
egg to another. She squeeses Aliana's hand and takes a deep intake of air
at the newly atched green.

From the sands below, Wire Web Work Egg twitches a bit on the sands, an
impatient bleat emerging from within, muffled.

From the sands below, Aliana stands on her tiptoes to view the green as she
is hidden by a few of the larger eggs. She glances to Berakis and smiles
slightly. "How are you?" she asks him before looking back out toward the
green and the eggs.

From the sands below, Chitose, perhaps a bit dazed, looks over to Nadia
with a vague nod. "Shells yes, I do! I think, if I don't impress," She
muses aloud. "I will weave a tapestry of this one. She's so graceful! Look,
Torrez!" His words snap her out of the chatter. "Oh? I don't know...
Perhaps, er, we should move."

Jenni turns away from eyeing the green dragon just newly hatched and waves
to F'min and Mohria, "hey hey! You two!" She beams a smile at them both.

From the sands below, Jascela walks up behind Torrez and quietly comments
to him, "If one comes lurcing at you too fast, get out of its way..."

Savaughna wiggles her fingers at Kassima and nods, as *she* flops down
cross-legged and squints hard at the sands. She shouts back to her mother,
"Mam, can I be having a mark to be betting with too? Please? PLease please
please?" the little girl gives her mother the-doe-eyes-of-doom, and
attempts to look as sweet as she can.

F'min peers over towards Riordanth as he lands, standing on tiptoe to wave
to his rider.

"Mmm," says Sri to X'tan. "Cari, right. We've all interest there." - "I
know few others aside from her, too - though then there're the riders.
M'llon was the assistant weyrlingmaster that brought -our- class to Ista's
hatching."

From the sands below, Joar nods to Theid, "You said you werent ready.
Tough." he grins and then goes back to gawking. "Now /that's/ a girl worth
gaping at."

From the sands below, With a reverberating crack, a blue dragonet makes his
way out of his egg and directly into a small group of clustered Candidates.
After a series of twists and turns, he finally sees his goal and steps back
from the group to get around them to someone just beyond. An older lad with
striking white-blond hair who comes from Curved Hill Hold shouts in delight
as the blue creels hungrily up at him, Impression made.

Mohria looks around and then as she spots Jenni and F'min hurries over.
"Whew. Fell asleap at SeaCraft." she says with a grin. "Where's Cari?" she
peers downward.

R'yat perks a little noticing Ramya's voice tone amid the cheering and
bouncing around. "Are you all right?"

From the sands below, Callyndra looks around at the other candidates and
rubs her hands dry again as she shifts back to the other foot. Her eyes
widen at the blue hatchling. Such a gorgeous color! She looks around again
to see the green hatchling still wandering amongst the clutch.

From the sands below, Theid nods to Joar, on both things said, keeping his
feet moving from one to the other. He's already started to sweat, though
from the heat or from the situation remains unclear. "About the only one."
he teases back, shortly, wiping his forehead with his arm.

Kassima has to admit, "There's a point to that--Traders? Oh, I envy. I'll
agree t'that bet, sure enough; I've something I need t'make payment on soon
too, if'n I should win. Though if'n I don't, 'twill wish you the best of
your boots." After another quick grin, she makes her way back to Lysseth
and resettles herself with a quiet sigh. "Stress *try*, Kilt-boyo. Though
I'd prefer it if'n you didn't; chasing you around the ledges doesn't sound
too fun right now. Isn't that green a beauty? Lyss quite approves." She
reaches a hand to try and give Savaughna's hair a quick, playful muss.
"Heyla, then, you want t'make a wager too?"

R'dus keeps glancing at the sands and chuckles to Jenna. "Wouldn't want you
getting in trouble, Jenna. That's my job." That's when he glances toward
Sria. "It's been hard...could get harder any moment." He keeps hearing
Cari's name and everytime he winces or looks or...something.

From the sands below, Carianna steps to the right to get a better view of
the newest hatchling then casts another look up to the ledges. She smiles
to a familiar form up there then ohs when a blue dragonet impresses. "How
wonderful for you!" She calls to the older lad. "Nadia did you see that one?"

Selandra lagughs, throwing back her head with the amused sound to glance at
Abrieth. "Doesn't miss a trick I know pipe down sweetling." she tosses
bback at the green. "Alright aliright, but only 1 mark darling, once that's
gone it's gone." she says, and then wonders if she's made the right choice.
, moving over to get a better vantage point near where Jenna and Kassi are
standing.

From the sands below, Griere bumps her elbow against Joar's side, giving
him that scolding look that he's surely quite familiar with at this point.
Thankfully, she's too overwhelmed at the moment to actually say anything.

From the sands below, Katrisdan shakes his head. "Nope. Odds are set. All
wagers are cleared." He watches another boy impress and walk off with his
blue. "That boy wasn't even listed for blue," he comments.

From the sands below, Shanden blinks and clenches his fist, fighting the
heat coming up through his sandals. He's not going to move. He's going to
watch this egg till it hatches and the dragon is his.

Jenni gigglse softly at Mohria and winks in her direction as she moves over
to make room with herself and T'mren; just in case the pair would like a
spot next to the edge to see things. "She's down on the sands." She offers
most helpfully.

From the sands below, Fajezra whispers, "Wow, it all happens so /fast/!"
Her eyes watch the blue impressing the young boy and sighs softly, "That
must be the most amazing thing to happen. Her eyes are jerked back to the
eggs as she blinks her eyes rapidly.

From the sands below, Jarin tries to keep his eyes on everything, all at
once. Eggs, hatchlings, candidates, a particular eye on the candidates
closest to him. He's quiet in the commotion.

X'tan grins a little at Sria, "Isn't M'llon Ista's Weyrleader now? He was
your Assistant Weyrlingmaster?" Half his attention remains on the sands,
the other half at Sria.

From the sands below, Berakis responds nervously, "Hot. It's hot out here,"
as he shifts his not insubstantial weight from one foot to the other. A
gasp excapes him at the crack of an egg and he involuntarily takes a step
back, darting a glance toward the way they came to the sands as if
pondering escape. "F-Fast.." he echoes Fajezra's words as he sees the blue
Impress.

F'min rolls his eyes at Jenni's answer, "actually, I haven'found her yet.
Just arrived m'self."

Ivrihn sighs in mock-resignation. "Ah well, if I'm doomed, I might as well
stay put, where I'm comfortable. If evil is to descend, it might as well be
while I'm well situated." He nods amiably. "She's a nice one, sure enough."
There's an amused look for Savaughna, and he suggests teasingly, "Just
don't bet -against- Kassi."

From the sands below, Torrez nods, his question answered. He falls silent,
words unable to make it past his suddenly very tight throat.

From the sands below, Nadia watches all the impressions and her hands
flickers nervously at her side and she tries to take Carianna's with a
nervous smile on her face, "Oh I'm just happy I haven't fallen over yet."

C'vadan looks up. "I learned that lesson long ago not to bet against Kassi,
let alone with her," he says with a dry chuckle.

Ramya smiles warmly at R'yat then nods. "I'm ok, thanks for asking."

From the sands below, Aliana nods toward Fajezra after calling out her
congratulations to the newly Impressed pair. She glances around at her
fellow candidates, eyes already lingering on the growing number of empty
spots.

Mohria rolls her eyes at Jenni, almost in perfect sinc with F'min, and
laughs, moving closer to the other Reaches bluerider. Her eyes scan the
crowd up here, perhaps looking for another face...

Jenni sticks her tongue out at F'min and then contents herself to looking
prim and very pleased with herself. "There's just too much activity down
there. I think she's that one though." She gives a helpful point for Mohria
and F'min.

Savaughna shrinks from the mussing of her hair - it has been intricately
braided for once, afterall - and wriggles in closer to where the Greenrider
and her friends sit. "I do, I do! And Mam said I can have *one* mark. What
does I have to be betting?" Her blue eyes flick to Ivrihn and she wrinkles
up her nose, "I would never bet against mine Kassima bestest friend. Cause
*she* has an emasculator, and that means she does always be right." A sage
little nod from the child.

From the sands below, M'llon 2=:twitches, once, then twice. A small little
crack start to form across the egg, coincidentally following one of the lines

From the sands below, Celtic Embroidery Green Dragonet emits a curious
soprano query and turns to eye those strange two foots over there. The ones
that all look alike. Not like her. She's different! Tentatively she steps
out towards them, all of them, cocking her head to one side. Then, more
confidently, she sallies forth and stops in front of a twofoot in white
with such a contrast! Dark stuff on top, pale stuff.. . . Contrast is good!
Very good. With decision the green moves towards that one.

Kassima glances away from the Sands long enough to point out, quite
reasonably, "Evil--in the form of evil children, at least--can't be
descending *quite* yet, with Kisai nay here and this one nay born and
Kay-lass scarcely needing a caretaker!" She glances fondly towards her
daughter at that. "So for now you should just quiver in terror at the doom
that's in your *future*. Kilt, Cav, you're going t'spoil *all* m'fun... you
could bet on whether someone special Impresses, Savaughna? Or on a color
t'come from an egg?" She doesn't make any comment to the girl's last
statement. She just grins. Widely.

Selandra giggles. "Now, Kassi is a formiddalble better tis true, and it's
not often you can out bet her." she notes to the youngster with a degree of
respect.

From the sands below, This is what everyone else will see.

Sria's glance finds R'dus, too, for a moment, though misses his own, and
she turns back to X'tan after following that green another few steps.
"Mmmn," she confirms. "He caught Qirith in the middle of our weyrlinghood -
oh, looks like she's seen one." That's for the sands, evidently.

From the sands below, The Celtic Embroidery Green finally makes her choice,
moving toward her particular lifemate. There is a brief hesitation, a
cautiousness, but then she locks eyes with the girl she's chosen.

Jenna nods to R'dus. "Still, just a moment's dragonflight from Reaches. And
think of the nice climate you'd have to visit." She chatters quietly, not
trying to distract him too much. "You'll have to introduce Niyath and I to
Liorth after the feast or something." She stops then, keeping more than
half an eye on the sands, "Oh, did that green find someone?"

Ny'ave shakes himself and leans against his lifemate. There's too much to
watch that he decides against speaking and just soaks in all the activity.
People talking here, dragons roaming the sands. For a momen the spares a
look to Sria and the other weyrlings and cracks a small smile.

From the sands below, Mystic Sand Pattern Egg twitches, once, then twice. A
small little crack start to form across the egg, coincidentally following
one of the lines of pattern of sand that seem etched across its surface.

C'vadan jots another notation in his journal. "Green." He then says more
loudly, "Why would I want to spoil your fun, Kassi?" Sure, he looks
innocent enough.

Selandra throws a glance at Kassi now, that says she /has/ to have words
with the greenrider on that score, then she grimaces. "The child is far too
precocious." she says in a voice that hopefully won't be overheard.

Ivrihn grins outright at Savaughna's reply, one dark brown brow arching in
amusement. "Well, I can't say as I can manage to safely disagree with that,
admittedly." There's a firm nod for C'daden. "See, wise thinking there, by
my book." He considers a moment, and nods to Kassima. "True enough. I'm
-reasonably- safe for the moment, that's reassuring, really. Future doom
though." There's a sigh. "Hopeless, really."

R'yat gasps as the green seems to make her choice...

From the sands below, Carianna's hands fly to her hips as she loses her
balance in the sand and she tries to regain it, then smiles towards Jarin
for a moment. "Isn't it breath taking seeing it from here?" she asks him
softly, her jade eyes sparkling now at the sight of more movement from the
eggs.

Mohria peers down onto the Sands, dark eyes sparkling as she tries to get
caught up with what's happening. She gives F'min a little nudge and a wide
grin before glancing over to Jenni. She mutters to Jenni. 

From the sands below, Jarin grins to Carianna, "Breathtaking.. that's a
word for it. No fair, you've done it before."

Ramya leans forward to watch the green.

F'min grins as he makes a note of a greenrider's location for future
reference, and then looks down as he's nudged. "I see," he murmurs
good-naturedly.

Liorth warbles at the mention of his name, his head lingering above his
rider's. R'dus grins and nods. "Sure, Jenna. We'd like that. It's been a
long while." Ath the mention of a green maybe inpressng he has to
look--Who's she near?

From the sands below, A small eep emits from Nadia as the green steps in
front of her. She drops Carianna's hand and almost finally falls forward to
her knees, "Me...you...together!" She throws arms around the greens neck to
steady herself, "Oh Maigreth!"

Savaughna flashes a brilliant smile at Selandra, then looks back over at
Kassima. "Umm.. what did you be betting?" She asks, cautiously - "I does
just want to bet juuust like you, mine bestest friend." And then it's a
grin for Ivrihn, "You can't disagree anyways, cause otherwise Kassima will
just have to be emasculating *you*." Nevermind the child doesn't *really*
don't what the heck the emasculator is.

From the sands below, Chitose's eyes scan Torrez, and her hand gives a
little squeeze of reassurance. The fabric egg is constantly given furtive
looks, as well as the graceful green and any other impressions happening.
Including Nadia's. "Oh, shells!! Congratulations, Nadia!" She calls out
enthusiastically. "Look, Torrez! Nadia impressed!"

From the sands below, Theid feels his hands sweaty as he watches the
beautiful green impress to her lifemate and purses his lips together. There
is a touch of disappointment before the excitement insues and makes all
other expressions fade away. "I had forgotten how intense this whole thing
was at this point." he murmurs to Joar, smilinf broadly at Nadia.

X'tan watches the activity with wide eyes. One hand reaches back to touch
Zerth, as if reassuring himself that he isn't in some sort of dream. Then
he grins and looks around more.

Jenni shoots a look at Mohria and then glances away from her with a sigh,
She mutters to Mohria, "... make... tonight"  She notes to the bluerider,
folding her hands in her lap and looking either guilty or embarassed--could
be both really.

From the sands below, Aliana watches the green and drops her jaw as Nadia
falls to the green. "Nadia!" she exclaims. "Congratulations!" she calls.

From the sands below, Chaia nudges Katrisdan, "Was that Nadia? Oh,
wonderful!" She adds her cry of congratulations to the chorus.

From the sands below, Fajezra's eyes lock on the newest egg to crack, and
she almost drops Aliana's hand to clap for Nadia. "Oh! Congratulations! How
happy for you, She is beautiful!"

From the sands below, Jascela smiles as she sees Nadia and the Green. She
moves up behind her and waits for a few moments to allow the girl to bond
with her dragon then slowly steps forward and places a hand on the girl's
shoulder. "Congratulations. This way, both of you." SHe motions for the new
pair to follow after her.

From the sands below, Mystic Sand Pattern Egg shakes again and the cracks
spread a bit more across the surface of the egg, one more shudder and then
the egg lies still.

F'min leans his head down to Mohria's shoulder.

Jenna lets out her breath and gives R'dus a sheepish look. "Friend of
Carianna's, looks like." She catches the name from the sands. "Nadia? And
Niyath says the little green's name is Maigreth. Pretty name."

Kassima leans forward a bit, eyes fixed on that particular green. "I can't
tell who... a'course, I don't know many of those Standing this time, which
doesn't *help*. See, and Kilt, you're also up *here*. Nay down in the
Galleries. Up here, a hatchling isn't likely t'come hunting for you t'turn
you into a bluerider pawn like your Da. Because you're an evil, evil,
*evil* wretch, C'vadan?" She does grin over to him, though, even if the
grin is rueful. "Let's see. Mayhaps we should bet on your sister,
Savaughna? If'n we can find anyone t'take the bet? I'm sure Cav here
wouldn't want t'disappoint a small child; *he'll* take it, won't you, Cav?"
Ah, revenge. "And 'twouldn't emasculate Kilt yet. R'ehn might be disturbed.
Maigreth, is it?"

From the sands below, Griere may be on the hatching sands and there may be
candidates and dragonets running all over the place, but she doesn't miss
the exchange between Carianna and Jarin, teeth pressing into her lip. As
the green hatchling chooses Nadia, Griere's jaw just drops.

From the sands below, Callyndra watches the green, a smile reappearing on
her face as she finally sees the pattern on her hide. That's a dragon a
weaver would definitely love. Her eyes go up to the galleries and she spots
her sister, as well as one of her brothers. The smile brightens and she
turns back to see Nadia impress. She adds her voice to the others in
congratulations.

Mohria bursts out laughing and gives Jenni a knowing look and a wink before
turning her gaze back down to the Sands. She glances over at F'min and
slides an arm about his waist with a smile.

From the sands below, Katrisdan's smile is broad. "She wanted green. Good
for her," he says. There's a smug look in his expression now.

From the sands below, The Mystic Sand Egg explodes abruptly, shards arcing
up into the air and then back down to leave little craters in the sand,
dumping a struggling brown form onto its back.

From the sands below, Carianna gasps as she turns to Nadia and breaks into
a smile. "Oh Nadia she is a beauty!" she calls to her with happiness for
her. That's when her knees come together quickly as she follows her
previous training.

From the sands below, A large spray of shards rains down as a forceful
young green explodes, quite literally, from her shell. Without
consideration for anything in her path she immediately heads for her
lifemate, her rasping cries of hunger penetrating through the din of noise
on the sands. Suddenly a tall young man from Campbell's Field collapses to
his knees and throws his arms around the loud green dragonet as he
triumphantly cries out her name.


From the sands below,
                   Sand-Blasted Driven Brown Dragonet                      
Like an Igenite having just emerged from a storm, this dragonet's hide
appears rather sand-blasted. This brown clearly wasn't exposed to Istan
black sand, for his hide is the lighter shade found amidst the dunes of
Igen. The brown's hide also includes that illusion of graininess, with no
true distinguishing shade except upon closest examination, where each
individual patch is finely detailed in a rich plethora of earthy shades.
His wings are finely crafted things, glittering like the gems sometimes
once found on Ista beaches, and his proportions will serve him well when it
comes for extended flights. He's solidly-built, but a bit wiry. Not lithe
and graceful, but he's built to get the job done and survive it in splendid
fashion. The only real thing that sticks out on him are his eyes. No matter
what shade they are, no matter how fast they whirl in time with his
emotions, they are always watching, a sharp gaze of great intensity.


Sria hears a name, perhaps, or something that causes her to glance around a
moment. Apparently her quarry goes undiscovered, however, and she searches
for that green's choice, smiles upon the revelation, and -then- redirects a
wave F'min, Mohria, and Jenni's way - upon that laugh. "What was -
Maigreth. Hmm."

From the sands below, Berakis nervously scratches his face with his hand as
he calls, "Con-Congratulations," to Nadia. He takes a quick look around the
sand at the eggs, then at Katrisdan, before murmuring to Aliana, "I think
Katrisdan got some money from that Impression.."

From the sands below, Joar joins Griere in jaw dropping, "Oh shards." is
all he manages watching Nadia and a green.

From the sands below, Torrez frees his hand from Chitose's so he can clap
for Nadia and her lifemate, "Yes! That's wonderful! What a pretty name!
Oh..." his eyes trail after the weyrling pair and he sighs, "Wow, someone I
know is a new rider!" As though it's just struck him that many of the
people he knows may soon be dragonriders. After a moment he catches Chii's
hand again. "I'm so happy for her!"

C'vadan looks up. "Take what, Kassi?" He's been pretty busy on his journal
and watching the sands.

From the sands below, Jarin calls out, "Congrats Nadia.. ooh and congrats!"
he calls after the other impression.

Jenni looks at Mohria and F'min with a faint little smile and then turns
her attention back to the hatching, hoping to avoid any other difficult
questions.

From the sands below, Chitose nods vigorously. "Me too! Oh, wow, I'll have
to speak with her later about that tapestry." She grins broadly, and then
the brown catches her eye. "Oh, my! Look at him!"

Ivrihn spots the green's impression, and applauds brightly. "Lovely green,
really. Doesn't seem to have dithered much about picking, either." There's
a distinctly amused sort of look for Savaughna. "And since being
emasculated is so -very- much not on my to-do list, I'm afraid you're
right." He looks distinctly amused up at Kassima. "And not likely that
that's changing -any- time soon, and I'll be right thankful. I'm pawn
enough as it is, without that."

From the sands below, Rulana watches the green and Nadia. "So pretty." she
says quietly, then turns her attention back to that new brown.

From the sands below, Theid's eyes linger a touch longer then they should
on Nadia and her lifemate, "Congradulations." he calls over to her, but
knows in all the excitment in the moment his voice is easily lost under or
over the others. His attention is quickly rerouted to the brown as he
bursts from his shell. "Very handsome, that one."

From the sands below, Nadia still can't quite believe it and turns to the
green, "You are sure right?" But as the question leaves her lips she just
smiles and says, "Oh of course you are..." Then Jascela is notices, "yes
Ma'am." She starts to move towards the door keeping a hand against Maigreth
to steady herself.

From the sands below, Aliana watches another the young man Impress and
barely has time to get out her congratulations before the brown dragonet
emerges from his egg. She intakes her breath sharply. "Look at that!" she
exclaims. "He's a wonder."

From the sands below, Even the strong can wilt in the heat of the Hatching
Sands. A Smithcraft lad, solidly built, sweats profusely as his shoulders
begin to slump from the heat and stress. The tall, Peyton Hold girl next to
him has a pained expression on her features since the Smithcraft lad clasps
her hand painfully. When a sleek looking brown dragonet approaches, the
Smithcraft lad's expression turns awed and he finally releases the girl's
hand as he reaches for his new partner in life.

Kassima gestures towards Savaughna. "This lass's bet," she answers Cav
sweetly. "If'n she should want t'put a mark on her sister. Isn't it a sweet
thought? Wouldn't you like t'help her make her first wager? I'd offer, but
she doesn't want t'bet against me. Aye," she then agrees with Ivrihn, "and
there's a fine brown down there now, t'follow her--hey, now, men make
better pawns than... uh, men who aren't men anymore. So you'd be *less*
pawnish, 'twould think."

From the sands below, Nadia walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

From the sands below, Fajezra is almost bouncing from foot to foot in her
excitement and most likely the heat of the sands, though she seems not to
notice how hot it is. Her full attention goes to the newest brown to hatch,
her breath almost taken away at his beauty.

Selandra laughs happily. "Greens." she comments, smiling over at Abrieth
fondly.

Mohria turns and arches a brow at F'min. She mutters to F'min, "... desk...
broken..." 

Ondeth flies in from the bowl.

U'lyn stands up and carefully walks to Ondeth's arm, where he is lowered down.

C'vadan shakes his head. "You know I don't wager, Kassi." He looks at the
child. "Best hold onto your marks," he advises.

From the sands below, Callyndra jumps as the candidate next to her grabs
her arm and she looks up at him, seeing his gaze riveted on the brown
dragons with every bit of yearning in his heart showing in them. She smiles
and gives his hand a reassuring pat though she doesn't even try to loosen
his fingers from their grip on her arm.

From the sands below, Berakis looks at the brown rather critically, and
observes, "He looks kinda dirty," as he lifts his hand to wipe more sweat
from his forehead. The armpits of his robe are now damp with moisture.

X'tan sighs a little, speaking in a low tone to himself, "I wish Rylla had
come." Then he looks out over the sands again, and his grin reappears as he
watches.

From the sands below, Maigreth walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

Savaughna spots C'vadan - and shoots him an incredibly pouty pout. "But I
did be wanting to bet," she whispers, blue eyes wide. "But *not* on mine
sister. Cause if I does lose, I will be sad, and if I does win, I will be
sad too." Sighing and sniffling melodramatically, she looks around for
someone else to bet with. Ivrihn is given another look, "You should just
bet against me, whatsyourname - Kilt? That does be the weirdest name I ever
did heared."

From the sands below, Carianna's pelvis thrusts now as she repositions
herself from the gap Nadia's absence makes, though she glances to her other
side to check on Jarin for a moment which almost causes her to miss the
latest impression of the smithcrafter.

From the sands below, Aliana smiles brightly at the newest pair. "Oh,
that's a perfect match. He is such a nice guy." she mentions to Fajezra.
She glances over to Berakis and sniffs a little, a curious expression on
her face. She shakes her head and looks back out toward the sands watching
the rocking eggs.

R'yat's gaze is glued on the sand but suddenly his smile fades out and he
stands up. "Oh shards! Not /now/" He puts one hand on his forehead and
sighs. "I have to go back, I'm sorry Ramya. Jenna?" He asks. "Could you
bring Ramya home if I can't come back? I'm sorry again..." He trails off
and hurries toward Randoth.

Kassima makes a face at this news. "You really are nay fun at all," she
accuses C'vadan. "Welladay. If'n Cav's an evil meanie-head and won't play,
mayhaps Kilt will? Because Kilt's a *good* lad and would never, ever want
t'disappoint a lady." Uh-huh. The look she darts Ivrihn's way is at once
amused and rather sly.

From the sands below, Chaia rolls her eyes, overhearing Berakis. She
flashes a grin to Rulana, and then refocuses on the hatchlings.

R'yat carefully climbs into place between Randoth's neckridges. His
lifemate croons gently as he makes himself secure.

Randoth launches from the ledge and into the air.

C'vadan taps his stylus against his chin. "What do you want to bet on,
child?" he ask, relenting. He was always a softy when it came to children.

Ramya waves to R'yat and Randoth.

From the sands below, Torrez's eyes widen and he turns his head as his gaze
follows the movement of the brown hatchling. Not even the smithcraft lad
impression strays his attention. "Oh my. He's fantastic."

Green Tierth backwings to a spare spot on the ledges, and her rider's quick
to dismount. Right after her comes Tasayli, who shuffles along the ledges
until she's got a good view, near the Telgari main gathering.

From the sands below, Jascela moves quietly up behind the smith boy and his
new lifemate then guides them back to where the other Weyrlingmasters are
waiting.

Selandra smiles across at C'vadan as she fishes out that mark for Sava.
"Sure you don't want to split it sweetling?"

Jenna catches her name and waves an acknowledgement to Rey and Ramya both.
"How's that brown coming along? Can anyone tell who he's around? - Shells,
and I thought it was bad at Niyath's first clutch. And there had to have
been half the number of eggs."

From the sands below, *CRACK*, the noise resounds through the hatching
grounds as another egg shatters into tiny shards. A couple of candidates
laugh at the confused look on the muzzle of the newly hatched blue dragonet
as he stands in his shards, head up and wings down. With hesitant steps to
the right, then to the left, then to the right again, the dragonet displays
his embarrassment to the laughter he hears. Only the view of a solemn
looking Istan's cavern's girl gives him strength. He makes his way over to
the lass on wobbly legs and she moves a few steps to meet him halfway, the
delight of impression making even her serious features glow.

"As long as I get to keep my salient bits, that's all I ask," Ivrihn
mutters quietly, sounding clearly entertained, rather than actually afraid.
He peers at Kassima, distinctly non-plussed. "Aunt -Kassi-," he protests.
"That's evil."

From the sands below, Sand-Blasted Driven Brown Dragonet lifts his head up
as he stands tall, the shards of his egg still scattered around him. He
looks left, then right taking his time scoping out the situation. He stands
up, takes one very graceful step.. then stubbles down onto his chest with a
soft creel. Now, -that- was not supposed to happen. He stands back up
quickly, glancing around again. No one saw that, right?

R'dus heard Jenna say who impressed the green lets a breath out. He's gonna
be like this the whole time. His attention goes back to the sands, hoping
Jenna doesn't mind. Ah, she's distracted.

Mohria awws at the brown, giggling. "Riordanth fell several times when he
first hatched." she comments to no one inparticular.

Kaylira smiles at the brownling. Not that she's partial to that colour or
anything.

From the sands below, Chitose stands on the sands switching from foot to
foot, following suit with the other candidates. Her short waves bounce
slightly as she looks around furtively. The humming! The excitement! The
young brown is smiled and tsked at. "Look... he's not quite fine on his
feet yet, is he? Still graceful, though..."

Riordanth rumbles softly. He's sure he meant to.

C'vadan shakes his head when he catches sight of the brown hatchling
stumbling. "Why does it always have to be the brown one," he mutters.

Kaylira murmurs "Its their special charm, C'vadan."

From the sands below, Theid 's attention is split at the moment, between
the brown toppling over and the newly hatched blue. This is going so fast!
He swallows hard, quickly wiping the sweat from his brow with a hasty
gesture. Impression made, he exhales a much needed breath. "He's still
great Chitose." he calls over to the girl standing nearest to him.

F'min grins, "Voldrath informed me that he most definitely did -not- fall
when he hatched," he relays with a chuckle.

From the sands below, Shanden's eyes light up, his egg has hatched but
wait, the dragonet's going the other way and impresses to an Istan girl. A
friend no less. How could she do this and his heart breaks, his composure
lost and shattered in a second of somebody elses joy. It's plain to see on
his face, readable in his shoulders as they slump dejectedly, all interest
in the goings on finished.

Mohria chuckles and tilts her head back to glance at Voldrath. She gives
the brown a wink. Eyes scan the crowd again and she offers bright waves to
those she recognizes.

"Nuh uh," Savaughna replies to Selandra, grinning rather widely. Her blue
eyes are cast back towards C'vadan, "I does want to bet," she begins,
thoughtfully, "That you will lose on whatever you do bet on." Does that
work? And then she peers back at Ivrihn. "Do you like to be wearing kilts
too? Kilt in a kilt." And she giggles.

From the sands below, Aliana drops the hands of Fajezra and Berakis briefly
so that she can clap. "Congratulations!" she calls to the blue and his new
lass. She watches the brown as she falls, raising an eyebrow curiously. She
keeps herself from giggling and wipes her hands on the sides of her well
worn robe before reaching out to retake the two sets of hands.

From the sands below, Carianna sucks in a breath as her gaze turns to the
brown dragonet and she winces when he stumbles. "Poor thing." she murmurs
as she begins her training all over again with another jump to the left
placing her closer to one of the twins. "He could be yours... just
imagine!" She tells him softly.

From the sands below, Torrez shakes his head, "I'm sure he'll grown into
his grace though. Just look at him--he's going to be a striking dragon, you
can just tell it." He murmurs to Chitose quietly.

From the sands below, Callyndra sighs with relief as the grip on her arm
loosens and she feels the candidate relaxing a little. She shoves the now
damp strands of hair back off her face. There are more wisps floating about
now and she is shifting from foot to foot rhythmically.

Kassima agrees, though her voice oozes faux reluctance, "I *suppose* I can
let you keep your bits, Kilt. But only if'n you're a good pawn all your
days." She, too, seems more amused than anything. "And a'course 'tis evil.
You expected less? --Ach, poor brown lad, but he did get up again in a
hurry. Lyss fell like that too, y'know. Though she'd never *admit* it."
Lysseth, at this, does her best to ignore the comment and at the same time
radiate dignity.

From the sands below, Rulana steps a little closer to Chaia, nodding her
head in the direction of the stumbling brown. She watches the new
impressions, looking just a little detatched from them, but not saying
anything else, just paying attention.

C'vadan chuckles to his fellow brownrider. "I know. But it always seems the
brown hatchlings are the ones who stumble." He looks at Savaughna and
smiles. "Fine. I win if I win and you win if I lose, right?"

From the sands below, Balmy Batik Egg shivers every so slightly, the sand
falling away from it's shell just enough to reveal some movement.

Araneidth flies in from the bowl.

A'rus agily slips down Araneidth's web-streaked side and makes a fluid
landing.

From the sands below, Jarin grins to Carianna as she jumps closer, "Could
just as easily be yours."

From the sands below, Leaning forward to look around Aliana at Berakis,
Fara frowns, a sharp, defensive tone in her voice, "He is beautiful!" Her
glance takes in Berakis's 'moistness' and she shakes her head, and he is
w=one to talk of dirty? The sharp crack of the next egg draws her attention
back to the newest hatchling and she smiles, then calls out her
congratulations at the last impression.

Kaylira shrugs lightly, "Every brown shoudl come with a dusting of hatchign
sand on its snout. Pheirth did. Not that he'd admit to it."

"Hey, they walk better at birth than -we- do, I'm figuring even stumbling
they're one-up," Ivrihn murmurs to one side, clearly entertained. There's
an amused sort of headshake then for the little girl. "Nope. Crazy as it
sounds, I don't wear one. Aunt Kassi's always just called me that. Drives
my da up a -wall-." Pause. "Which is why I like it, granted." He sighs
quietly at Kassima. "There really is no hope for me, is there? Maybe I
ought to move somewhere safer."

From the sands below, Sand-Blasted Driven Brown Dragonet takes a deep
breath and takes a much more slow and deliberate step this time. He will
not fall again. No. He gets one step done, then another. To celebrate the
victory he spreads his wings proudly.

From the sands below, Katrisdan leans closer to Chaia and whispers
something. He then returns to watching the hatchings and impressions, smiling.

From the sands below, Chitose nods, watching the dragonet curiously until
she turns her attention onto the batik egg. "Say, Griere, wasn't that the
one you were loo... oooh!" She gives an 'ooh' noise at the brown's display.
"Amazing...!"

From the sands below, Aliana smiles as the brown dragonet gets up. "That's
it." she says quietly. "Carefully, one step at a time." she says watching
him with smiling eyes.

"Let's not go dissecting my son, if you please, Kassi?" Lirra suggests
wryly, looking more amused than concerned. "I've only got the one, and I'd
like to keep him in one piece." SHe nods along with Ivrihn then at
Savaughna, grinning. "His name isn't Kilt at all, sweetie. And you're not
moving, dear. I'd be heartbroken. You don't want to break your mother's
heart, do you?"

From the sands below, Berakis does look impressed with the brown's display,
but starts as another egg moves. "Lookit, that one moved," he points with a
pudgy arm.

C'vadan grins at Kaylira. "I believe Duly did as well, Kaylira."

From the sands below, Theid smiles as the brown makes his proud display,
chuckling ever so softly. "He's certainly got personality." he says
cheerfully, still hopping from one foot to the other in nothing less then a
dignified manor. Well as dignified as one can be hopping up and down.

A'rus shuffles over to U'lyn, nearly triping over various people. "Shells
and shards, I always fall alseep for these kinda things...." he murmurs to
the bluerider.

Kassima observes, darting a glance Kay-wards, "A'course, Pheirth came with
an egg shell stuck t'his foot too. And he looked adorable in it, though the
fashion doesn't seem t'have caught on. Aww, *Kilt*, you don't want t'leave
us! Stay, stay! I can try nay t'threaten you until later? Please?" Her
attempt to look entreating is broken by the need to protest, "His name is
so Kilt! Ivrihn's just a nickname. Trust me." Right, because she'd know his
name better than his mother.

From the sands below, Chaia rises on tiptoe to whisper back to Katrisdan,
then turns back to watch the events unfolding in front of them.

From the sands below, Callyndra's relief is short-lived as the browns wings
open further, the fingers on her arm tightens more. Wincing, she pats his
hand again, murmuring quietly. He doesn't seem to hear her though, his eyes
never leaving the brown hatchling.

From the sands below, Linvor has been ever-quiet, shifting from foot to
foot as he watches that brown dragonet. "He does," he answers Theid, curious.

From the sands below, Griere glances over at Chitose, eyes just as wide as
ever, and then to that batik egg. She abruptly closes her mouth.

From the sands below, Sand-Blasted Driven Brown Dragonet starts to move
towards the waiting candidates, enough now. There are things to do, places
to go. He pauses in front of a small group, taking particular interest in a
tall, freckled boy.

From the sands below, The Sand-Blasted Driven Brown Dragonet suddenly
stops, staring at one of the boys. With an ungainly lope, he heads over
that way, dodging some gibbering girl searched from the Southern Continent
and locks eyes with his chosen lifemate.

U'lyn is leaned back up against Ondeth, watching, and smiles as A'rus
enters. "I was wondering where you were off to, A'rus," he says, giving him
a bit of room if he wants it. "You've only missed a few so far...unless
I've lost count. It goes quick!"

Kaylira grins back, even if her eyes are rapt upon the sand. "Brown is best."

From the sands below, Balmy Batik Egg shakes a bit harder, and shimmies.
And rolls over, bumping into another nearby egg with a resounding *crack*.
Tough shell, though, as it doesn't do much more than make a small dent in
the shell and a few hairline fractures.

Savaughna, of course, is going to believe Kassima over *everyone* else.
Well, except maybe her own Mother. "His name isn't Kilt?" She asks Lirra,
little brows arching high on her forehead. "But mine bestest friend did be
saying it was, and she does just *never* ever ever lie. Kassi does be too
good and pure and lovely for that." So she looks straight at Ivrihn, "What
is it then, Kilt or Ivrihn? Kilt does be suiting you better /anyways/."

C'vadan ooohs. "She looks like a good choice to ride brown," Cav comments,
jotting in his journal.

"Aye, does it ever!" A'rus agrees, lounging back into Araneidth's forearms
as the brown settles beside Ondeth. He suddenly looks worried. "Oh no! I
didn't miss Fajezra or Chitose, did I???"

From the sands below, Fajezra looks at the snad-blasted brown as he spreads
his wings, a soft laugh escaping her, "Oh, he /is/ marvelous!" She then
watches this brown impress with the freckled boy and calls her
congratulations before turning to watch the newest green come free of the egg.

U'lyn shakes his head quickly at A'rus. "No, no, you didn't. Nadia and a
few others have impressed so far," he says, Ondeth turning to offer a very
light croon to Araneidth.

Mohria hears a familiar voice and twists around from her spot near F'min
and Jenni, glancing at U'lyn briefly before back to the Sands, leaning
forward and watching with rapt attention.

From the sands below, "Woooooah," L'vor breathes, sinking to his knees in
the hot sand, jaw slack. One hand reaches to gingerly touch that
sand-blasted head, as though worried it might just fade apart. "Nezzerth?
Nezzerth! His name is Nezzerth!"

"Okay, okay, so no fleeing into the night to escape my horrible, cruel
destiny as a pawn," Ivrihn assures, sounding entertained. "After all, then
I'd have to -explain- that, wherever I ended up, and they'd mock me."
There's an amused sort of look. "Ivrihn," he assures, amused. "But I answer
well enough to either." He leans forward as well, then, intent on the
activity on the sands.

Kassima attempts her crane her neck to get a peek at the Journal, never
mind that she's far and away too far away. "Who, who?" she wants to know.
"Kay-love, I know better than t'argue on *that* point. Even though I m'self
am for some reason more partial t'greens. And his name is Kilt," she
insists again before taking a long sip from her juice 'skin.

From the sands below, Carianna steps to the right as she ohs watching the
brown choose someone then has to contain herself from not jumping up and
down for joy when L'vor calls out his name. "Can you believe it? I knew it
would happen though. Honestly I did." she informs the candidates closest to
her.

From the sands below, Chitose smiles broadly, eyes twinkling.
"Congratulations, Linvor!" She calls over, before sending a warm grin to
Griere.

C'vadan glances at Savaughna and seems relieved she's given up her desire
to wager. A bad path to head down. He glances down at the sands, then
frowns. "Say, Kaylira, I'd like to speak with you during the festivities,
if I may."

From the sands below, Theid blinks as the brown makes his impression, but
doesn't pale enough over his Istan tan to make the thing visable, but his
gaze is ripped from the new pairing as the next green bursts from her
shell. Distracted he calls out a Congradulations to the newly impressed
couple, biting hard nervously on his bottom lip.

From the sands below, With a great ripping crack the Balmy Batik Egg tears
open, its tranquility forever disturbed by the jagged edges of fragmented
shell. Indigo separates from green, the horizon of sea and sky parts as
shards fall away to the hot hatching sands, crumbling and folding as if
finally succumbing to the oppressive heat and the determination of the life
within.

Mohria claps her hands and points to L'vor. "Oooh! I saw him get Searched!"
she informs the empty air.


From the sands below,
                    Sassy Sun-Drenched Green Dragonet                      
A rich green, the hue of healthy fronds in midsummer, gleams on her silken
hide. She's sleek and poised, a verdant example of effortless confidence
and grace. The curve of her narrow snout, the arch of her neck, even the
turn off her tail all seem too perfectly placed, every moment too easy to
be quite natural and yet she seems blithely unaware of her own bearing.
Shimmering over her hide is a sheen of yellow, the warm colors of sunset
dripping along her neckridges and pouring across her flanks. Light ripples
about her jade belly, spreading saffron tributaries across lush greenery.
The emerald of her wings is mixed with tawny currents, swirling in lazy
pools across the fine translucent wingsails. She is a picture of elegance
wrapped in sunlight.


Jenni sneaks a look over at Mohria and smiles at her and then grins at
F'min, "What do you think Carianna will impress?"

From the sands below, Aliana watches the brown with curiousity. Her eyes
widen and her smiles brightens incredibly as the brown Impresses. She claps
her hands together, trying not to be loud enough to upset anything with
sharp claws or teeth. "Congratulations Linvor!" she calls.

A'rus heaves a relieved sigh. "Thank Faranth! Okay then, good." He nods to
U'lyn, then settles back against Araneidth again, focusing then on the
sands so that he can try to pick out who is who.

From the sands below, Torrez's breath catches as the brown steps closer to
the candidates and he squeezes Chii's hand tightly in his own. "I think
he's about to find his...." and then it happens and he lets out a hoot!

Lirra rolls her eyes, clearly amused by the name-switch after dealing with
it for almost twenty Turns. "His name is Ivrihn, dear," she offers to
Savaughna placidly. "Trust me, I know. I was there when he was born," she
adds with a fond flicker at the tall young man. "Kilt is the nickname Kassi
gave him at the same time."

From the sands below, A slender teen, hailing from the Ierne Weyr lower
caverns, offers a shy Pars Hold lad a friendly, encouraging pat on the back
to help ease the younger boy's fears. As the shy lad smiles bravely back an
energetic green dragonet suddenly seems to take notice of him and moves
closer. When the lad from Pars looks like he may bolt from the sands from
nerves the Ierne Weyr teenager gives him a steadying arm to his shoulder.
The green dragonet warbles brightly then and steps forward, impressing to
the now surprised and joyous, timid boy.

From the sands below, Callyndra's eyes widen as she sees the brown impress
and a wide smile blazes across her face. She claps her hands in delight as
her teammate impresses, much to the dismay of the candidate next to her.
Who finally lets go of her arm and starts breathing normally again.

Kaylira hms at C'vadan, turning some of her attention his way. "Sure. Whats
up?"

Jenna asks those around her, "What was the lad's name? I didn't catch it.
Niyath said the brown's Nezzerth, but she's hopeless when it comes to the
riders."

T'mren peeks over the ege at the sands again, looking for someone in
particular.

From the sands below, Jascela finishes escorting the Istan girl and her
Blue to the corner and moves toward the new Brownrider. She grins down at
him. "Congratulations L'vor... When you're ready, follow me."

Mohria shakes her head at Jenni, chewing on her lower lip. "Dunno!" she
says brightly.

R'dus overhears Jenni's question of Mohria and sighs, his eyes not leaving
the redhead on the sands.

From the sands below, Chitose squeaks. "Torrez, look at that green!" She
points over at the newest green. "She's adorable! Look how perfect she
is..." A thoughtful pause. "She sort of reminds me of Griere!"

F'min lazily reaches his arms forwards over Mohria's shoulders to lean
slightly on her. "Don't know," he muses.

From the sands below, Aliana shoots a look over as the boy impresses to the
energetic green. "Way to go!" she calls to him. She glances around at the
candidates, taking note of the diminishing ranks.

U'lyn smiles as Linvor impresses, turning to A'rus for a moment. "There's
another one!" he comments happily, Ondeth's eyes swirling slightly faster
in seeing the little dragonet going off with L'vor.

From the sands below, Wire Web Work Egg thrashes about the sands a bit
spasmodically. Its impatience hasn't abated, apparently, or the dragonet
within is simply getting very tired of this confinement.

Araneidth rumbles smugly. Browns are good, browns are very good.

From the sands below, Rulana clasps her hands together, not making a sound
though in case she startles people or hatchlings. Of the brown and L'vor
she whispers, "Oh that is a good choice." Not that there would be any /bad/
choices. Then nods just once at the green's impression. "And that."

Mohria's eyes unfocus and she twists around, giving R'dus a gentle, warm
smile. She tightens her grip on F'min's waist briefly before peering down
again.

X'tan watches the impressions with fascination. His eyes roam the group of
candidates, not settling on any certain one of them.

From the sands below, Berakis sighs, watching more Impressions take place.
Linv - No, L'vor gets a muttered but sincere congratulations, as does the
Pars Hold lad. "It's really hot out here," he says again, wiping more sweat
from his forehead as he watches the little green intently.

From the sands below, Katrisdan watches impression after impression happen,
almost too fast for him to keep straight who impressed what. He'll
straighten that out later. He calls out his congratulations to those
closest to him who do. "I may need some help after this is all done," he
says low, grinning. "I think Linvor beat the odds as well."

From the sands below, Theid looks over to Chitose as she says that and
laughs lightly looking back to the green and actually agreeing. "Quite the
young lady." he teases his 'sister' Griere before giving her a affectionate
smile.

From the sands below, Gasps out loudly at the Sassy Sun-Drenched green
hatches, "Oh! She is a real beauty!" She continues to hop from one foot to
another as the heat climbs through her think sandals. She watches the green
with obvious admiration.

Abrieth rumbls sweetly turning her facets on the brown. Oh yes /she/ likes
browns. Much to her riders consternation.

From the sands below, Carianna gasps as her hands fall to her hips while
she stares at the newest green having to blink a few times. "Have you ever
seen anything so... so.." she's lost for words as she just stands there
with mouth open.

From the sands below, Chaia can't help it. "Yes! Linvor!" is her
exclamation. She must've had marks riding on him. She glances at Rulana,
and grins. Then points to the newest green, "And a gorgeous new one to watch."

From the sands below, Aliana watches the green hatch. "Oooo." she says in
awe. "She looks like she's going to be quiet a beauty." she says.

From the sands below, L'vor blinks dumbly at his Nezzerth for a moment,
still getting used to these new sensations. "What? Food! Yes, it must have
been a long time! Were you cramped? Your hide looks so... cool." Again he
reaches to touch it, then more steadily strokes his lifemate's head.
"There's food here, I think..." And he helps Nezzerth there, his own feet
about as unsteady as the brown's.

From the sands below, Sassy Sun-Drenched Green Dragonet yawns widely,
shaking the last of the egg shards off of her head. With blinking eyes, she
looks around. Realizing that there are quite a few folks here, she perks up
visibly. It's then that she puts on her best expression, cocking her head
to the side just 'so' and extending her tiny wings to their full width so
everyone can behold her glory. A few steps are taken towards the white clad
group, so now she's a small green ship sailing on translucent wings across
the sands just waiting for a wind. Looks like she caught one because she's
suddenly barreling in to shore, straight for the Candidates!

From the sands below, L'vor walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

"Kilt?" Savaughna glances at Kassima - it has to be kilt! And then wrinkles
her nose at Ivrihn again. "I don't be believeing you," She says, sticking
her chin in the air, "Mine bestest friend did be saying your real name was
Kilt, so Kilt it must be." And *then* she's distracted for a moment,
peering down at the sands and trying to make out the form of her sister.

C'vadan is busy writing in his jounral. "Later, Kaylira," he says
distractedly.

From the sands below, Nezzerth walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

From the sands below, Griere blinks at Chitose and Theid, her 'siblings',
looking utterly dumbstruck.

Kassima squints down towards the Grounds before calling over to Jenna,
somewhat apologetically, "Haven't a clue--apparently nay one of those I
know." There's a pause while she silently converses with Lysseth. "Lyss
says, 'Oh, 'tis Liver or something like that, why are you asking me? It
isn't as if'n he rides a green now.' All sorts of helpful *you* are,
wench." Lysseth, if anything, seems smug. "You're just being difficult...
hey, now, but there's a fine pretty green down there."

Kaylira smirks and is quickly redirected towards the sands.

From the sands below, Joar grins, "Plenty of greens." he seems pleased
about this fact, giving Theid's hand a squeeze.

Araneidth perks up suddenly as he notes Abrieth's eyes on him. Rumbling to
her, he sits up a little straighter.

U'lyn keeps his eyes on the newly hatched green while Ondeth twists his
head around for a moment, looking for one particular green that he just
can't seem to find. U'lyn just pats him gently. "Later, Ondeth."

From the sands below, Chitose giggles at Griere and nods at Theid, clasping
Torrez' hand and preparing to dodge. The heat, it seems, does not bother
her as much as it should.

From the sands below, Theid squeezes Joar's hand back, still focusing his
attention fully on the haughty little madam as she makes her way towards
the them all. He shifts nervously from one foot to the other.

From the sands below, Shanden isn't interested in the rest of the
proceedings, his blue gone to another. He lowers his head and finally
begins to move, the heat baking his feet as he turns his back on the rest
of the proceedings. A picture of dejectedness, a young boy who's dream was
stolen, he ignores the joy around him to wallow in hhis own self pity.

"Okay," Ivrihn seems content enough to agree, amused. "If Kilt it must be,
then Kilt it is." He shakes his head faintly, peering at the sands. "Can't
say as I caught it either, but then what with all going on, it's hard to
keep track."

Riordanth is also scanning around for a certain green. He rumbles a bright
greeting to Ondeth before turning whirrling eyes towards the Sands.
Excitement!

Kassima then settles back and waggles her stylus at Ivrihn. "You shouldn't
even consider fleeing. Because, a'course, I'd hunt you down wherever you
went, and that could be even *more* embarrassing for you; and if'n you
caused me too much trouble, I'd spread rumors along the way about you and
Petey. Y'know, that incontinent drudge?"

Kinzaith whispers a soft croon as she watches the hatching in progress.
Then she swings her muzzle towards her weyrling and nuzzles up against his
side with a loving rumble in her throat. Nyck's eyes half close and he
chuckles at something from his lifemate, nodding his head to her.

From the sands below, The Wire Web Work contains a dragon that isn't
tolerating its prison any longer. With a concussive /crack!/, the egg
shatters into four distinct pieces, unceremoniously dumping a bronze
dragonet to the sands, flat on his back in an ignominious position, but
he's quick to recover.


From the sands below,
                     Ambitious Amber Bronze Dragonet                       
There can be no mistake, no illusion, as to what this dragon's color is.
It's like a clarion call, a bucket of cold water, any sort of sudden
announcement. He is bronze, and every facet of his movement says so. His
carriage is regal in a way that it just bellows power, ambition. Even the
way he looks around is almost predatory, his tail lashing like some wild
cat about to strike. His hide is an amber shade of bronze, amber being held
up to the light for examination. The color is strongest, most solid, on his
head, back, and upper side of his wings. Below, it mellows out to a
shadowed sort of amber, like the stone lit only by a smoldering fire's
glowing embers. Muscles ripple under his smooth and perfect hide, and his
feet are big, promising growth. Oddly enough, he's not overly muscular. He
seems quite lithe and almost slippery, one of those kinds who will be able
to wriggle around almost snake-like if need be. He holds his head up high
at all times, so best to survey those under him. His movements are quite
felinoid, as if he's continually stalking some sort of prey, yet there's a
wild sort of grace to him anytime he moves.


F'min chuckles, "that one's going to take her candidate tumblin' with her."

From the sands below, Rulana lifts the edge of her robe to look at her
sandalled feet. "Wish I'd soaked these now." but she drops the hem again to
return her attention to the hatchlings. Doesn't do to turn your attention
away from them for long. "She's a determined one."

From the sands below, Katrisdan stands his ground. "How you two holding
out?" he asks Chaia and Rulana as they stand closest. He keeps his
grey-blue eyes on the various hatchlings to make sure any claws coming
their way are easily dodged.

From the sands below, Berakis lets out an audible yelp as the green heads
in toward the candidates. He takes a step back, then another, then trips,
landing on his rear gracelessly.

Jenna laughs and waves her thanks to Kassima. "All the greens coming out of
this clutch have been pretty. Xannarth sired some pretty ones back at Fort
too. She's quick too - they'd better keep out of her way."

Mohria grins and nods at F'min's comment. "Aye." is all she says before she
claps excitedly. "Beautiful bronze." she murmurs softly.

From the sands below, Chitose's eyes widen, and her concentration is broken
by the bronze. ".....wow..." She manages. "Almost makes me wish I were a
boy...!"

From the sands below, Fajezra cries out as the bronze dragonet makes his
apperarance known. "OH!" She seems speachless after that one unarticulated
cry, and it seems as if she is holding her breath in anticipation.

From the sands below, After a few minutes of not paying attention to her
feet and just standing still, Aliana finally begins to feel the heat of the
sands. "Ouch." she says startled, picking up the hot foot. Standing on one
foot, she glances out toward the sands watching the sassy green. She turns
her head as she notices the hatching of the young bronze. "Oh! Look at
him!" she says.

Kaylira laughs, "Not that mum has a preference for the colour." This with a
wink. "That bronze looks to be quite a number. Woner who he'll pick."

From the sands below, Chaia smiles, "I'm okay. The bath helped." And indeed
her hair is just starting to dry, and her feet aren't shifting as much as
others. She tacks on, "Now /he's/ handsome," and turns to watch the bronze.

From the sands below, Fabric Scraps Egg rocks determinedly from one side to
the other. Whatever this egg holds, it is ready to come /out/.

From the sands below, Carianna winces as the hotsands make her scrunch up
suddenly and her knees come together. But the sight of a bronze hatching
has her transfixed again. "Oh.. oh.." Again lost for words she simply
points as she exhales a loudly.

From the sands below, Jascela giggles amusedly as she escorts another
Weyrling pair back toward the Weyrlingmaster's corner. She speaks quietly
with the pair then sends them on their way.

From the sands below, Torrez grips onto Chitose's hold in return and
bounces lightly on his toes. "is she going to come this way? Awk but they
are so unpredictable!"

From the sands below, Jarin gets elbowed by his brother and the bronze
pointed out. Jarin sticks his tongue out at his twin.

From the sands below, Theid looks between the bronze and the green now, as
if trying to decide who he should gawk at first. "They're
just...so...amazing...both of them..." he gulps, looking to Joar before his
attention is once again divided.

From the sands below, Ambitious Amber Bronze Dragonet lifts his head,
giving the entire remaining group of candidates a long examining sort of
glance. He knows what he wants, and he's going to get it, even if there are
candidates in his way. They'd better get out of his way.

From the sands below, The smile hasn't left Callyndra's face though her
feet are shifting more often, and her hair is starting to stick to her face
now. She shoves it back quickly, her eyes going from the green hatchling
with attitude to the bronze, then back to the green.

From the sands below, Oh no it didn't! She fixes all attention onto the
Fabric Scraps egg. This is it! Finally, the moment she'd been waiting for!
Her lower lip is bitten in anticipation, a quick glance and shrug sent to
Torrez.

From the sands below, Rulana glances over to Chaia at her words, "Who is?"
she glances around the candidates for the briefest time before her gaze
comes over the bronze. "Oh /he/ is." She too starts to shift her weight
about on her feet, having stood still for just a little too long.

Kassima agrees with audible cheerfulness, "Aye, Jenna, and her dam's half
Benden-blooded through Qirith a'course--that makes for the very finest
greens. Or so I have t'say, lest Lyss decide t'throw me straight off these
ledges. I'm too young t'die." To those around her, she comments, "Pretty
enough lad for a bronze, aye? And that green... I wonder whether she could
be for Katrisdan. He gambles, y'know."

From the sands below, Katrisdan grins at the bronze. "Well, Nadia already
got her green, so he won't be for her," he says with amusement. Berakis'
tumble brings a muffled laugh, quickly covered with his free hand.

From the sands below, Struggling hard with her egg, a lovely dappled green
dragonet emerges slowly, one limb at a time until at last she is free to
roam the black sands of Ista Weyr. Already tired looking from her battle,
she has a panicked sort of tone to her searching croons. Just as the young
green seems about to give out from exhaustion a teen from Ierne Weyr who
had already helped a fellow candidate find his own lifemate steps up to
assist her. The lad's intentions were to help the young dragon find her
mate and so he has, teen and dragon match gazes and then walk off the sands
together.

"Aunt Kassi, that's just -cruel-," Ivrihn replies, faintly distracted, if
amused, as he watches the activity on the sands.

From the sands below, Sassy Sun-Drenched Green Dragonet skids to a stop in
front of a group of boys. She lowers her wings and eyes them speculatively.
Is this the one? She snuffles a thin lad from Keroon, examining him to the
point that the boy starts giggling. Green head disappears under his robes
and back out again as she gives him a thorough, and very ticklish, once
over. Finally she pulls her head back as if aghast that he's even
considering her, snorting with disappointment and shaking her head. With a
sassy snort, she tosses her head as a Holder Girl would toss her hair and
stomps off with her nose in the air, striking that boat-ish pose with her
wingsails in the air. It looks as if she's about to walk right on down the
line of people when someone gets her attention. Her body keeps moving, but
her head seems to have other ideas. Red-tinged gaze turns on a tall, lanky
girl from right here at Ista Weyr. The body follows and she sits in front
of her, seeming to tap her foot expectantly as she croons to get her
attention.

From the sands below, Sassy Sun-Drenched Green Hatchlings whirling eyes
settle on her choice with utter certainty, shades of adoration momentarily
replace hungry hues. Among the chaos and motion of the sands, she is
absolutely still.

"Get used to it, kid," mutters Cav under his breath to Ivrihn.

Kassima reaches to attempt a muss at Ivrihn's hair now. "A'course 'tis,
Kilt. And so am I. 'Twould think you'd be used t'that by now."

From the sands below, Torrez is looking too many places at once, like a
canine who has two bones to protect. Chii and the green and the bronze and
that egg that she is so interested in. "Shells! I just can't pay attention
to all of this at the same time."

Kaylira covers her mouth with a hand to hide her laugh. "Now, now. Much
more of this and I'll have to stand up for mum here - in her condition and
all.." Teasing Kassi, of course, in light of yet another imminent sib.

From the sands below, Aliana looks down at the sassy little green. Her eyes
glaze over with a love so deep that only she and the young dragon in front
of her can fathom it. She smiles brightly. "Raenyth " she says. She tilts
her head up. "Raenyth " she calls to the world, her voice ringing with joy
and exuberance.

From the sands below, Joar comments to Theid, "The greens keep picking
girls, silly things." he grins, wiping his brow with the back of his hand
and then wiping that off on his robe.

From the sands below, Ambitious Amber Bronze Dragonet hears a sound that he
likes. It's not the sound of gasps and remarks about prettiness. It's
laughter, but it went away! His eyes swivel about the sands, giving the
girls a smoldering sort of look, but really, he knows which kind is his.
And he goes for the one who laughed, one with grey-green-blue eyes.

From the sands below, Berakis struggles to get to his feet, the sand
impeding his attempts. Finally he hefts himself to his feet and attempts to
dust the black sand off the white robe. "What'd I miss?" he asks Aliana,
looking around. "The green missed me, right? I dodged that great... OHhh,"
his voice trails off in a soft sound as the girl IMpresses.
"Congratulations!" he says sincerely.

From the sands below, The Ambitious Amber Bronze knows what he wants, and
he doesn't waste his time after having located the one for him. He stalks
over to his chosen lifemate and looks up at him almost imperiously.

Jenna echoes a moment later from Niyath, "Raenyth. Oh now that's pretty. -
Oooh, did that bronze choose too?"

"I'm trying, I'm trying," Ivrihn assures C'vaden, apparently clearly
entertained. "It never seems to work."

From the sands below, Fabric Scraps Egg is steadily rocking back and forth,
a few small, hairline cracks appearing in its surface. This one is sure to
crack open soon.

From the sands below, With a resounding /crack!/, the Fabric Scraps Egg
shatters, the bits of shell flying exactly like bits of cloth would do when
used much like confetti. Once the colorful bombardment of egg-shards has
settled, a green form uncurls from the remains of the egg.


From the sands below,
                     Jockey's Colors Green Dragonet                        
An enchanting and spirited character, this tiny little green is just as
vivacious as the striking shades of green that lend fire and depth to her
hide's appearance. She is so smooth of skin and distinctively tinctured
that she almost has the appearance of being a jockey's colors, worn so that
rider and mount could be easily identified even in a field of others.
Although she is very petite of form, diminutive in fact, even for a green,
this young dragonet strikes an unmistakably fearless presence upon the
sands. Perhaps the feisty temperament shows because of the aggressive
stance of her body: verdant legs with claws always set as if to dig in
rather than give away ground, lithesome tail half curled ready to flirt or
fight if the need were to arise, deeply hued wings poised at most times as
if for either balance or flight. Likely it is merely in the way she holds
her perfectly formed head, velvety mignonette muzzle slightly up as if her
pair of knobs were a crown in danger of slipping. As if the near perfection
of her tiny form did not quite lend her enough attraction there is an
unusual violet touch to her eyes whenever they glow with the traditional
blue of pleasure.


From the sands below, Jascela escorts the Ierne girl and her new green to
the corner of the sands then returns just in time to hear Aliana's
exclamation. SHe steps up behind her and grins down at her, reaching a hand
out to her shoulder. "Congratulations, Aliana. Both of you come this way
with me."

From the sands below, Fajezra blinks as the green comes closer, then drops
Aliana's hand, stepping to the side. When the green choses her friend, she
lets out a whoop and claps, calling out, "Ali, she is yours!
Congratulations.." She beams at her freind as she is lead away.

From the sands below, Griere is still as a statue aside from the faint
flutter of her dark curls. She lets out a gasp as that sassy green chooses
Aliana, "Oh Joar, everyone is impressing," she says ever so observantly,
now clutching Joar's arm.

From the sands below, Chitose squeaks a bit and claps distractedly for
Aliana. "Congratulations, Ali!" She calls, not taking her eyes off of the
fabricated egg. The green that emerges gets a stunned, silent moment of
reverence.

From the sands below, Raenyth croons adoringly up at her new lifemate and
follows right along.

From the sands below, Aliana smiles down at Raenyth. "Food, right, we'll
get you some." She looks up to Jascela and smiles following the woman.

From the sands below, K'tdan blinks as the bronze hatchling approaches him.
His smile falters slightly then he clears his throat. "Faorath. Oh,
Faorath. Really?" He looks so happy right now his chest could just burst.

From the sands below, Carved in Ice Egg shifts in the sand, tilting to one
side as the occupant inside moves about.

From the sands below, Raenyth walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

From the sands below, Theid glances then to Joar as the boy speaks to him,
sending out a belated congradulations to Katrisdan and Aliana. Well made
matches if he ever did see one. Approvingly he nods to the twin who's hand
he holds and smiles. "I'm actually glad. Aliana and Katrisdan are good
people." he exclaims, before he looks to the new green and the still
shaking eggs.

F'min looks back to R'dus. "If there was a dragonet that -acts- like
Cari..." he hints. "That would be th'one."

From the sands below, Dark blue and glistening with bits of shell, one of
the dragonets emerges and immediately runs over one of the female
candidates who happened to be standing right beside his egg. Unscathed from
injury beyond a bruise or two, the candidate returns to her feet to the
relief of the crowd. As the girl, a native of a hold along the Great Dunto
River, brushes the black sands from her robe the same blue who trampled her
comes back to croon up at her in loving adoration.

From the sands below, Aliana walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

From the sands below, Carianna's gaze turns to the impressing green and she
cheers quickly for Aliana, turning to Jarin she states, "Did you see that?"
Then calls out lightly "She's incredible Aliana." But the bronze seen to
have found someone too and though she knew he would she's still slightly
disappointed. "Kat, you ware the best man it seems."

Kassima blows her daughter a cheerful raspberry. "As if'n I need help
defending m'self from *these* two! Oh, but Raenyth, that's... and wait, is
that bronze near--? Cav, you tell me!" Right, like Cav's going to be paying
attention to her requests at a time like this.

From the sands below, Torrez lets out a warm sigh and smiles,
"congratulations! Aliana and Kat...what do you think peole will call him
now Chii? K'tdan?" He thinks about it as his eyes travel towards the green
who's just hatched from the fabric egg, "What do you think about her?"

From the sands below, Joar gives Griere a very quick hug, "I know." he
calls at, "Congrats Kat."

C'vadan looks completely in shock. "How did he trick a bronze..."

From the sands below, Berakis's jaw drops as Katrisdan Impresses. "A
bronze! I bet on him for a bronze!" A slight hesitation, and he wonders
aloud, "I wonder how much I"ll win? Oh look, another green," he turns from
the Impression.

From the sands below, Fajezra says "Congratulations, kat! he is the beauty!""

From the sands below, Jarin smiles to Carianna, "No bronze for you."

Kaylira gives a small woot of congratulations. "Hey, Cav - he did well for
himself."

From the sands below, Chaia looks at the once-Telgari standing next to her,
and just grins, "Kat. Congratulations." She turns to call congratulations
to Aliana, as well, and then moves closer to Rulana.

Selandra laughs. "Well, he did, congratulations." she says, watching the
sands with her fingers crossed .

Jenna looks over to Kassi and C'vadan. "Who is that?" Then she blinks as
Niyath fills her in on a salient detail. "Oh! Your son, Cav? Congratulations."

From the sands below, Rulana stares at K'tdan, having missed Aliana and
Raenyth's impression totally. "Oh congratulations!" she says, smile sincere
but but takes a step back from the new pair. "He's beautiful." Not that
he's going to hear anything that she says anyway.

C'vadan just shakes his head. "I will have to go tell Tria right after this."

From the sands below, Faorath opens his mouth and lets out a sound of
impatient hunger. Now that he's found /his/ chosen, he wants to eat and eat
well. Now would be good.

Ivrihn applauds K'tdan's impression, clearly pleased. "Congratulations,
sir," he offers Cav-wards as well, brightly.

Kaylira shakes her head, "Not before you tell me what it is you wanted to
talk about, Cav. Or, I could pop over later. REally you must be proud."

From the sands below, Jascela makes sure Aliana and her new lifemate are
settled with Brees then returns quickly to meet up with K'tdan. She steps
up behind him and places her hand on his shoulder, blushing a bit as she
looks down at him. "Congratulations, Bronzerider... Come this way and we'll
find you some food for Faorath quickly."

R'dus snorts at F'min's remark but doesn't look away from the sands.

From the sands below, Jockey's Colors Green Dragonet gives one purposeful
look around as she uncurls from the remains of her shell. Without another
pause to consider how to proceed, she starts forward. The first few steps
are wobbly, but owing to her momentum, her small form continues forward,
stumbling but not falling.

C'vadan is very proud. Surprised. But very proud. Forgotten is his journal
for now.

Y'il claps both hands above his head. "And people were saying that Aquileth
couldn't pick successful Candidates!!" he crows. "I knew it! We both knew
it! Yea, Katrisdan!"

From the sands below, K'tdan walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

Mohria rolls her shoulders a bit and glances from R'dus to F'min before
back down to the sands. "Too fast, too fast..." she murmurs.

From the sands below, Callyndra's eyes widen as first Aliana, then
Katrisdan impress. The lad next to her watches in goggle eyed envy as the
bronze impresses. She shifts slightly to the side, almost losing her
balance as her foot catches on the somewhat clumsy hem of the robe she wears.

From the sands below, Faorath walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

From the sands below, Chitose nods to Torrez and continues to watch the
green. "I think... she's...!" She stammers. "She's..." Words fail her,
apparently.

From the sands below, Carved in Ice Egg shifts again, more urgently,
sliding off a small mound of sand like a block of ice breaking from a
mountaintop... and a studious tapping can be heard from within.

Kassima sets 'skin and stylus down long enough to applaud in glee.
"Magnificent! And Faorath's nay a bad name at all, even if'n it doesn't
start with K--hah, m'partial-namesake's a *bronzer*. Who would've thought?"
She's pleased as well as surprised, though, and calls over to Cav, "Don't
you go anywhere until I've hugged you congratulations! I'd do it now, but,"
her voice turns teasing, "'twouldn't want t'interrupt the journal-writing."

From the sands below, Berakis glances at the green, and helpfully supplies
the word, "Green," for Chitose. "She's kinda pretty. Well, but then I guess
even the clumsy ones are, in their own way."

From the sands below, Theid eyes the wobbling green, holding his breath for
her as she takes one step and then another. He seems to be rooting for her
not to fall over and hurt herself. Swallowing, he purses his lips and
exhales through his nostrils, making them flare.

From the sands below, With as many candidates as there are no egg can truly
be overlooked but this one seems to be shoved under a mound of dark sand,
mostly out of sight. As the shell vibrates from the struggles of the dragon
within, the sand covering the egg trembles as if stirred by a minor quake.
Finally a large and healthy looking blue emerges from the shell, clawing
his way up and onto the sands where he manages to impress to a pretty older
girl from Ruatha River Hold.

Gederoth flies in from the bowl.

R'don climbs down Gederoth's side to the ground, using his straps as
handholds.

From the sands below, Jascela hurries back from the corner to meet up with
the girl from the Dunto River. She quickly escorts them back to join the
other weyrling pairs in feeding their dragons before returning at a more
leisurely pace, pausing for a moment to wipe the sweat off her brow.

Riordanth swivvles his head around and croons a happy greeting to Gederoth.

From the sands below, Carianna sticks her tongue out at Jarin then turns to
admire more egg movements. "It's not over yet." She murmurs then her pelvic
thrust tosses a hip at the male which makes her laugh.

Gyreventh flies in from the bowl.

R'don hurriedly dismounts Gederoth, looking down at the sands as he asks,
"Is it over?"

Riordanth also croons a greeting to his clutchmate from Reaches, eyes
bright with all this excitement.

Gyreventh warbles keenly as his big sparkling eyes observe the sands below.

Sh'yar vaults down Gyreventh's side to the ground, as the dragon rumbles
softly.

On Dasmareth, Amilin shakes her head in reply to R'don, "Not yet, Maybe
halfway. Give or take."

From the sands below, Fajezra looks around, her expression a study in
wonder, amazement and happiness for her friends impressions. She watches
the hatchlings foundering over the sands. She looks around and realizes she
stands a bit apart from the other candidates, but decides to remain where
she is as the green moves closer, toward a small group of candidates.

Sh'yar says "Anyone we know impress yet?"

Mohria is sitting over with F'min and Jenni. She turns and waves happily to
the newly arrived Reaches riders.

From the sands below, Kyrola squeezes M'llon's hand gently as she watches
more and more dragons hatching and finding their lifemates, a smile on her
face as she looks up at the Weyrleader.

Kassima glances in the direction of that query, and calls, "Nay yet, rider!
Been quite a few Impressions, but still quite a few eggs, and a very fine
green lady--wonder," she muses, more to those nearest her, "if'n she might
be for one of Jhor's lads. He'd surely be so thrilled if'n one of his
children ended up on a green."

R'don nods, moving over to stand beside Dasmareth and Ami, "Yeah, did
Carianna Impress?"

Jenni smiles at the arrival of more Highreaches dragnons and lets out the
breath she's been holding. Hey there R'don, Sh'yar." She leans a little
against Mohria's other side and grins at the bluerider impishly.

Mohria wraps her other arm around Jenni. F'min in one arm, Jenni in the
other...we have ourselves a happy bluerider, right here.

Lost is the conversations and congratulations going on about him. His eyes
are unfocused as he is speaking to Dulath, apparently.

On Dasmareth, Amilin shakes her head, "Not yet at least. She's still out
there." Then she grins, "She missed another bronze though."

Sh'yar chuckles.

From the sands below, M'llon had been intently watching the impressions in
an effort not to miss any so when Kyrola squeezes his hand he jumps a
little then smiles at her, "Looking good so far."

From the sands below, Torrez chuckles to Berakis, "Green? Oh yes, she's
very green. But there's more to that dragon than just a color." He falls
silent though, this is no time to go into poetry! Chii's hand gets a warm
squeeze and he waits to see if the dragon will be coming for her.

R'don grins at that as well. "Another? She must be heartbroken."

R'dus just peers sand-ward. Liorth just peers R'dus-ward.

C'vadan gets up slowly, collecting his writing materials. "Kassi, did I
really see what I think I saw?" he asks, doubting his own vision or sanity.

From the sands below, Carved in Ice Egg wriggles, as the occupant inside
tries another tactic. There -is- a way out, yes there -is-.

F'min turns to give the newly arrived riders a wave as well, his other arm
draped across Mohria's shoulders.

From the sands below, Shanden hears the sounds of cheering and happiness
come from the other candidates and the croed in the stands. A sleeved arm
wipes at a damp cheek, his head bowed to hide his sorrow from the gathered
spectators. As if drawn magnetically, his eyes drift to the eggs that are
left but his will is stronger this time, he will not look, not now.

Jenni lowers her voice, She mutters to Mohria, "... F'min about me
and....you know...and... table..." 

From the sands below, Callyndra jumps as her arm is grabbed by the girl on
her other side, who seems to suddenly be terrified for some reason. Or
maybe she just stepped into grabbing range. That must be it. Okay. Her eyes
return to the green hatchling and her wobbly progress across the sands.

On Dasmareth, Amilin grins, "Ill bet she is." She props her chin on her
upturned palm, elbow set into Dasmareth's neck as she watches. The green
doesn't seem to mind though.

From the sands below, Berakis uses what seems to be like a lull in the
activity on the sands to dust more sand off his rear end, then looks up at
the green. "She's gonna fall on her tail, just like I did," he says softly
as he watches the green move unsteadily.

Kassima just grins at the question, and evidently decides that while he's
standing is a good time for her to set her hides and drink aside again and
get up herself in order to attempt to hug the poor brownrider. "Unless
'twas a hallucination shared by everyone here, you really, really did.
Felicitations, Cav! Won't Tria be over the *moons*?"

From the sands below, Jockey's Colors Green Dragonet continues forward,
stumbling frequently. Since she's going with so much forward force, when
she finally loses her balance she nearly buries herself in the sand. Not to
worry, though. She quickly pulls herself out of the stand and continues her
progress.

C'vadan hugs the greenrider back. "If all my children, save Cavai,
Katrisdan was the least likely one I would think would Impress. Always
seemed too interested in play and not duty."

From the sands below, Theid winces and takes a step forward as the green
falls, out reaching to her with one hand before he schools himself and
moves back to his place. "Ooo..she's okay though!" he says, chewing his
bottomlip with his worry.

From the sands below, Chitose bites her lower lip and grasps onto Torrez
for support, or to restrain herself from moving towards the green. "Look...
she's..." Berakis and the others are eyed sporadically, but nearly all her
attention is on the green.

From the sands below, Carianna's gaze turns to the egg that reminded her of
home and she smiles then glances up to the ledges again. "Not too much
longer." She murmurs lightly as she once again jumps to the left allowing
her feet a fraction of a moment away from the heat from the sands.

From the sands below, Kyrola chuckles up to the Weyrleader after he jumps a
little. "Silly," she murmurs fondly, then redirects her attention to the
remaining clutch.

Sria turns to wave toward the arrivals, and smiles a little at Ami's remark
before settling back again, still watching - both the sands and the
exchanging congratulations.

Mohria glances over to Jenni, eyes twinkling. She mutters to Jenni, "...
try to break... /own/... my meaning...didn't break... rocking,... s'pect." 

From the sands below, Joar tugs on Theid, "If I dont get to get mauled,
neither do you." he notes to the older candidate.

From the sands below, Fajezra looks from the eggs toward the dainty green
and smiles softly. She watches her for a moment, then looks back toward the
moving eggs. She seems to have forgotten the hot sands once more, though
she continues to hope from one foot to another, her total attention focused
outward.

R'dus catches the eyes, and a murmur, from the sands and he smiles slowly,
nodding once.

From the sands below, Rulana gives sympathetic looks over to the struggling
green. "I wonder who she's after?' she asks quietly, leaning in to speak to
Chaia.

From the sands below, Griere chews her lip, brows lowered as the chaos
continues. She glances up at Joar and Theid, "So now I'm protecting both of
you?" she jokes a bit weakly.

From the sands below, Jascela giggles softly as she walks behind Joar and
Theid just in time to hear their comment. "No maulings today, please.
They're such a depressing way to end a day like this." She winks at them
then moves on to quickly help the latest pair to the corner of the sands.

From the sands below, Chaia shakes her head, "I'm not sure, but I hope she
finds her person soon."

"And a'course that doesn't sound like *any* other riders we know," Kassi
teases her friend, squeezing a bit harder before finally letting go. "He'll
be all right. He's a good gambler, y'know--that says good things for his
brain and his luck, and both things are useful for a rider." Pause.
"A'course, I guess 'twould be expected t'say that. What will your family
think?" She settles back onto Lysseth's leg as she wonders this, eyes
already straying back Sands-wards. "And that green, she's still wandering...."

From the sands below, Jockey's Colors Green Dragonet has nearly reached her
goal, owing to the fact that her chosen so conveniently choose to stand so
nearby to her egg. She stops in front of the tan one with such perfectly
almond shaped brown eyes, noticing little else around her. She has found
the perfect one, even if her perfect one seems to have forgotten how to speak.

From the sands below, The Jockey's Colors Green Dragonet fearlessly marches
up to her chosen lifemate and locks eyes with her, her claim made public
for all to see.

Jenni giggles to Mohria and nods, "just have to work on it more. Isn't that
most of the run anyway?"

From the sands below, Chitose's eyes go wide. Was that directed at /her/?
An expression of overall shock melts slowly into deep compassion and
affection. "Oh... Zaylith...but, but are you sure?!" She says, disbelief
filtering on to her features. A smile slowly spreads across her face and
she instincitvely reaches down and takes the green's muzzle gently into her
hands. "Of course you are..." A backwards glance to Torrez.

C'vadan grins. If Pern had cigars, he'd be handing them out. "I'm not sure
how Tria will feel being the mother of a bronzerider."

Mohria laughs and nods. "Aye. 's the journey, not the destination." Klah
brown eyes glitter as she sneaks a sidelong glance to F'min.

From the sands below, Standing hand and hand, a pair of girls who became
fast friends at the start of candidacy face the sands together. The taller
of the two hails from Sattle Hold and had never even seen a weyr before
being searched while the shorter girl has lived at Ista Weyr all her life.
When a gentle looking blue dragonet comes up and peers at the pair of girls
they reluctantly part hands. As the taller girl happily calls out her new
lifemate's name her friend, the weyr brat, promises to come and help her
bathe the dragon whenever she can.

From the sands below, Joar grins to Griere, "Sure. You're young, you're
fast. protect us fogeys." he winks.

From the sands below, Berakis watches in some disbelief as the green
Impresses to Chitose. "Never would have seen *that* coming," he mutters
before calling, "Congrats!" to the two. His voice somehow manages not to
crack that time, and he wipes more sweat from his face.

From the sands below, Torrez smiles warmly to Chitose as he lets go of her
hand and gives her a little 'shooing' motion, "Congratulations." He says
quietly, keeping his voice low, as though afraid that if he were too loud,
the green might turn on him, "And Zaylith is such a pretty name."

From the sands below, Carianna turns and cheers to Chitose. "How I envy
you, and what a perfect name." she calls out when she realizes who the
impressing pair are.

From the sands below, Fajezra laughs happily for Chii, clapping her hands
in her exitment! "Oh, Chii! She is perfect. Congratulations!"

"CHITOSEEEE!" A'rus bounds to his feet excitedly, pumping his fist into the
air. In all his excitement, he nearly flings himself over the ledges. Then
he realizes that he's likely attracting a lot of stairs and quickly sits
down, blushing. In the meantime, Araneidth bellows excitedly to Zaylith.

F'min glances down for a moment, to catch the sidelong glance. "Hmm?" he asks.

From the sands below, Theid laughs softly at Joar and Griere, having given
Jascela a smile before she stepped away. He hoots for Chitose, "Way to go!"
he congradulates.

R'don starts at the noise, and murmurs to Amilin, "Guess he's glad she
Impressed?"

Sh'yar smiles and leans against his large brown in remembered experience.

U'lyn smiles delightedly at Chitose's impression, but whether it's for her
or for A'rus' reaction, who knows. He turns that grin to his friend.
"That's great, eh?"

From the sands below, Callyndra is practically hopping on one foot now,
while she cools the other. After a few seconds of this she starts to hop on
the other foot. The girl clinging to her other arm gives her a strange look
and backs up a step or two. Grinning an apology at her, she shifts
slightly, wondering if any part of the grounds is a few degrees color than
the other. Probably not. "Contrats Chitose!" she calls out, her feet
forgotten as the eggs and hatchlings once again draw her attention.

From the sands below, Chaia ohs, "And she did." is her observation to
Rulana, even as she's lifting her hand to push her hair back again.
"Congratulations, Chii," is her call to the newly-Impressed.

A'rus grins sheepishly, then laughs. "I knew she'd make it."

X'tan stares at A'rus, eyes wide with shock. "Happy?" he says very, very
quietly to himself.

On Dasmareth, Amilin chuckles, "Would seem so, wouldn't it?" She winks down
to R'don.

Kassima gives a low whistle at the latest Impression, grinning.
"*Zaylith*--I like that! Bloody pretty name, and to a former Weaver, too,
'tis nay so? Shells, lucky lass. She's escaped her completely insane
Craftmaster." *That* is a little wry, but there's laughter along with it.
"Good show all around."

From the sands below, Jascela rushes over to Chitose as she Impresses and
grins down at her. "Congratulations, Greenrider. Come on with me and we'll
find your lifemate some food. I'm sure she's quite starved."

From the sands below, The Carved in Ice Egg gives one last crack, the sound
almost like the very bones of the world crying out in protest. Shards of
the egg slough off the dragonet within, the egg-sac finally tearing and the
dragonet falling out, rolling to his feet almost as if he'd practiced that
a hundred times before, a warrior's stance to him already.

From the sands below, Chitose nods eagerly to the young dragonet. "Oh! yes!
Hungry! It's to be expected, let's go get you some food..." The
congratulations are smiled broadly at, through the tiny little tears in her
eyes. "Oh, shells... thanks! I'll be back later, I think..." A lingering
gaze on Torrez, and she turns to the weyrlingmasters.


From the sands below,
                    Shadowed Paladin Bronze Dragonet                       
A commanding presence precedes this young dragon's form the way a summer
storm's shadow heralds tempestuous rain; and like that shadow itself he's
dark, movements oft fluid enough to belie youthful awkwardness and ungainly
limbs. That same cloaked appearance might cause some to question his colour
in dim light, but only then... for direct illumination makes him
unmistakable. Brilliant colour bursts across his soft hide where light
strikes, multi-hued golds and greens and copper-bronzes moving in an
iridescent dance across his inky frame; those same overtones coalesce into
gold when sunlight glances off angular ridges and sculpted withers,
haunches and forelimbs where they meet with sharp black talons. He's not
overlarge for all he might deceptively seem so; muscle, bone and sinew seem
instead to have been crafted with economical precision and a sculptor's
grace. His wings do seem broader than most, draping about him like a heavy
cloak, and beyond those lines where sturdy neck flows to triangular-shaped
head and angular face, intelligent crystalline eyes remain ever watchful.


Jenna chuckles softly and remarks, "Well, no missing the rider name that
time." She grins at the Istan brownrider and shifts to get more comfortable
on the rock.

From the sands below, Rulana nods to Chaia. "And another good choice too."
She echoes the congratulations as they come to lead the pair out. "Another
bronze."

From the sands below, Chitose walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

From the sands below, Shades of Night Stained Glass Egg topples softly off
its mound of sand. It skids down the small hill to the ground and rolling a
bit. Then, it simply stops, if it weren't for the definite path that was
formed by the travel of the egg, one might not think that it had even moved
a finger-length.

From the sands below, Zaylith walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

Telgar Weyr> C'vadan does the proud father dance ;)

From the sands below, Torrez watches in the direction that Chii just
vanished to and rubs a hand over the back of his neck. Now, standing alone,
he shuffles back and forth nervously, keeping an eye on the newly hatched
dragons and the quickly vanishing pile of eggs.

Telgar Weyr> Jazmin snickers. Pern is in /such/ trouble with your spawn on
a bronze.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima snickers a lot. Congrats, Cav! Hee, is there a proud
namesake-type dance for me to do? ;)

Mohria looks around and gives Sh'yar a broad smile.

From the sands below, Carianna's eyes round again and she seems to purr
gushingly at the sight of another bronze. "Oh look at him! Each tone...
each shade!" Her bottom lip catches as she forgets everything she's been
taught and stares with admiration.

From the sands below, Theid steals a long look for the strong and proud
bronze before his eyes fall on the shades of midnight egg. The one he
secretly wanted all along.

From the sands below, Fajezra blinks, at a loss for words, her eyes are
captured by the bronze hatchling.

Telgar Weyr> C'vadan says, "My spawn? Kassi's the one you need to worry
about ;)"

From the sands below, Joar elbows Jarin again, pointing at the bronze.

From the sands below, Griere smiles, perhaps a bit more bravely. "Oh sure,
laugh it up. You two can just moon over the greens and I'll get ready to
give your fat rears a shove." Obviously teasing since neither Joar nor
Theid could ever be considered fat.

From the sands below, Berakis gapes in surprise as a bronze hatchling puts
in an appearance. "Another one! He's kinda.. well he's really kinda pretty.
Who's left in the odds for a bronze?"

From the sands below, Chaia fills the gap where Aliana and Kat had been
standing, closing the circle a bit, and answering Berakis, "I've no idea.
But you're right, he is pretty."

From the sands below, Jascela pauses just behind Berakis as she returns
from yet another trip across the sands and winks at the young man. "Maybe
this one is yours, nephew."

C'vadan approaches Kaylira. "I think my questions are now moot, Kaylira."
He smiles like a proud father should smile.

From the sands below, Callyndra's shift hopping shifts to move her away
from the lad who grabbed her arm before as he seems to want to grab her
again. Nope. Not again. Her eyes are as wide as his, also locked on that
new hatchling. A breath brushes past her lips and a single word "magnificent".

From the sands below, Jarin looks over the candidates left and the
dwindling selection of males and erms softly.

From the sands below, Shadowed Paladin Bronze Dragonet straightens from his
shards easily, wings rustling about him as he shakes off the last bits of
shell. There's something to his quiet regard, the way he stands at the
ready a moment, prismatic blue gaze surveying the white-robed figures
rimming the eggs as though knowing them already. And then, when he moves,
it's with definition, with purpose, and with steady strength, dark wings
reflecting colourful overtones as they trail through obsidean grains.

From the sands below, Theid laughs at Griere again, his mismatched eyes
twinkling. "My rear is not fat!" he scolds cheerfully, still caught up in
all the joy that hangs in the air. "So there." He looks between the bronze
hatchling and the egg of his desires before his lips form a thin white line.

From the sands below, Fajezra overhears jascela and looks over in surprise.
Her glance goes from Berakis to Jascela before she turns her attention back
on the eggs.

From the sands below, Shades of Night Stained Glass Egg wiggles once, egg
quivering from top to bottom tip, almost as if it were some canine shaking
water from its fur after a swim. The shiver to the egg is small, and seems
to practically ripple up the sides of the egg. The cause? Perhaps it is
that small knocking coming from the egg.

Kaylira grins at C'vadan questioningly. "Not sure I follow.. but you can
fill me in later - unless twas about your boy in which case he's in good
hands now." Her glance heading back over the sands.

From the sands below, Berakis frowns fiercely at his aunt, and mutters,
"That's not funny," as his eyes leave the bronze dragonet and go to the
wiggling 'Glass' egg.

From the sands below, Torrez lightly daps the back of his hand over his
brow, his lips working silently as he speaks to himself but his eyes are
focused in on the bronze dragon.

From the sands below, Carianna's eyes follow each movement of the bronze's,
her attention fixed on him as a smile curves her lips. A fleeting look is
given each male still standing on the sands then she sighs again knowing
better then to even entertain a hope.

C'vadan nods. "I had heard some... comments... about Katrisdan I found
disturbing. But that seems quite unimportant now."

Kaylira smiles reassuringly. "He's a fine lad."

R'don just shakes his head, "Another bronze for Carianna?" he suggests
softly with a grin.

From the sands below, Shades of Night Stained Glass Egg cracks
slightlywait, is that a crack or a shadow? Oh, its just a shadow, but that
tapping is growing a bit louder. A moment passes, the soft tapping
gradually growing louder until finally there is a muffled cry from within
the egg - life resides here! And it wants out! The tapping ceases after the
muted whine of disappointment from the egg's occupant.

Mohria glances over at R'don and grins.

Kassima turns her head to eye the brownrider pair. "You won't leave poor
Kay in suspense as t'what *'twould* have asked, surely, Cav?" she asks in
all innocence, as if *she's* not curious at all. "Shells, this has been a
good Hatching. Now if'n everyone else I know tangentially just Impresses,
'twill be ideal, though it never seems t'work out that way."

Jenni draws her knees up and looks over at R'don curiously, "I don't
understand that? Does Carianna want a bronze then?"

From the sands below, The Shades of a Night-Stained Glass Egg finally gives
one last convulsion, then as the life within flexes her muscles, it breaks
at one end and a green dragonet pulls herself out of the cocoon the rest of
her egg now resembles.


From the sands below,
                    Twilight Chrysalis Green Dragonet                      
An air of graceful energy manages to stay with this one even with the
clumsiness of a new hatchling. Her dominant color is a very dark forest
green. Many dragons are lighter across their underbellies but not her. Her
underside is the deep green of the jungle trees at night. The color
lightens over her shoulders to a forest green streaked with lighter patches
of bright, true green like the rays of twilight coming through the
branches. The color lightens out over her wingsails to a dusty sage at
their end. She has a willowy build. Her body is lean and looks long. Her
wings match her build with a thin, almost frail look to them. But strength
underlies a body that could otherwise be called fragile. Muscles show under
the deep green of her hide as she moves.


From the sands below, Griere looks from side to side, currently surrounded
by male candidates. She eyes that bronze a bit warily, ready to move should
he charge her way. It's not like he'd be after -her-.

From the sands below, Rulana watches around the candidates that remain,
perhaps not paying as much attention to the hatchling as she should,
someone will warn her if it strays too close. "Oh another green." she says
as she nods her head towards the newly hatched one.

Alirath flies in from the bowl.

From the sands below, Theid flicks his gaze over to the 'glass' egg, and he
bites down hard on his bottom lip. "Please hatch, please hatch.." he
murmurs under his breath, hoping that this one indeed holds his long waited
lifemate. The bronze and his steady movements distract him for the
slightest moment and he misses the egg's burst of shells and it's tumbling
green occupant. Th-thump. Another green.

Alirath lands off to the side with a *whump* and a quiet croon, immediately
craning his neck to see the hatchlings below. L'nan calls a quick 'greets
t'Ista' before dismounting and glancing around.

From the sands below, Berakis shifts from one sandaled foot to the other,
wiping his arm across his forehead yet again. "Lookit, another green.."

L'nan unstraps himself from Alirath's neck and slides down to the ground.

Ramya sees Alirath land and L'nan dismount. She gives him a wave from her
seat near the Fortian group.

Jenna twists around and waves at L'nan from where she sits next to R'dus.
Catching Jenni's question she grins a bit. "Well, Carianna did when we
stood together at Fort. Kinda a joke I guess?" She looks to R'dus and then
offers, "Though I was R'dus's blue Jennath."

From the sands below, Shadowed Paladin Bronze Dragonet walks steadily down
a line of candidates, tail lashing silently behind him as he goes, a
counterbalance to his sure steps. He pauses at a group of girls, giving
them a long look before moving on, ever sure, ever certain. He's here
somewhere, his own, his perfect match, the one strong enough to be a
balance to -him-. One of these boys, one of them can handle a challenge.
Now... which. One. Is. It. He pauses by another group, sending a huff
through dark nostrils. Not there.

From the sands below, Arrogant from the get go, a large brown dragonet
stomps across the sands, turning his nose up at one candidate after
another. A ringing round of laughter coming from a youngster searched from
the Harpercraft seems to bring the brown up short in his tracks. Turning as
if to attack the amused candidate the dragonet instead finds himself lost
in the lad's steady blue eyes. The feeling seems to be mutual, for there is
deep pride in the voice of the former crafter as he loudly calls out the
dragon's name.

L'nan catches sight of a few waves and heads towards them, nodding to a few
folks on his way. He reaches the 'Fortian' folks and stands, looking at the
hatching and smiling quietly.

From the sands below, Twilight Chrysalis Green Dragonet turns her small
head about as she stands in the remains of her shell. Well. Well. This is
certainly an interesting state of affairs. As her head reaches its farthest
tilt, she spies something. Its green, yes, it is that... but what is it?
Her manner is very curious as she begins to turn, attempting to get a
better look at the green thing that's be hind her. She squawks in
frustration as she finds that as she turns the green thing turns as well.
Luckily for the dragonet, she spots something shiny and white, in fact a
few things shiny and white and lets her curiosity lead her away from her
pile of egg, breaking it into shards as she trods upon it, moving towards a
small group of candidates, all frightened looking and the like, her
movements a bit ungainly and lacking grace.

Ivrihn watches intently, settling back against Lysseth's leg, with a murmur
of apology for said green.

Dasmareth warbles a greeting to Alirath as she and her rider keep watching.
Though Amilin sends the pair a wave.

From the sands below, Carianna ohs at the sight of another green then
frowns when the bronze moves on to the males. So what if he doesn't know
good things come in small female packages. Still she can't seem to take her
eyes off of him replacing her frown with another smile.

From the sands below, Chaia smiles to Rulana, "So there is. Pretty one,
too." She pauses. "Actually, they're all pretty, in their way. Who's left
with favored odds for green, do you know?"

Jenni nods slowly to Jenna as she's filled in on the back story and she
smiles slowly, "well, nice to be someone's dragon hm?" She grins a little
more and then sneaks a look towards the sands, "oh the last ones are always
the longest."

"Rich with greens, this clutch," Kassima comments, scrawling out another
note on her hides. There's a definite pleased thrum from Lysseth's throat.
"I like this latest lass's colors; so dark... and that bronze isn't bad
either. Hasn't decided on whom he wants yet, has he?" She too spots L'nan's
arrival, and offers an amiable wave and quick smile before refocusing on
the saga of the Sands. Lysseth doesn't seem to mind *too* much being used
as a backrest; her response to the apology is to turn her head about enough
to whuff at Ivrihn's hair.

From the sands below, Spreading open with the grace of a flower, one of the
brighter eggs almost seems to peel back from the eager looking green that
flourished inside of it. Blinking her eyes in a charmingly attractive
fashion, the young green moves from one candidate to another as if
determined to make a study of each before she decides. Her quest is
abruptly over when she finds herself before a lad from the Seacraft. As the
dragon's name is shared with those watching the impression, the Seacraft
lad gracefully slings one arm about the green in a loving hug.

From the sands below, Fajezra says "Oh! She is lovely!"

From the sands below, Torrez holds his breath, at least until he starts
turning pink and then he gasps for air and takes a little step to the side,
shuffling over several steps to get closer to another of the candidates.
"Lovely," he whispers of the green, then returns his watching of the bronze.

From the sands below, Berakis twitches, and then uses a free hand to
scratch his rear end. "Shardin sand in my shorts, stupid robe," he mutters
as he tries to keep one eye on the green, and one eye on the brown, and one
eye on the bronze and, well he just manages to look both crosseyed and very
bewildered.

From the sands below, Theid startles as the green starts moving to the
remaining batch of candidates and he watches her carefully in case whoever
he is standing beside happens to be her lifemate. No need to get trampled
after all. He gives Joar an appraising look. Perhaps him? He smiles as
another lad impressing green, happy for them indefinately.

From the sands below, Jascela giggles amusedly as she watches the Brown
march up to his chosen one. SHe moves up behind the former Harper and leads
the pair away, then pauses to collect the newest Greenrider pair as well,
leading all four off to the corner where the food waits.

Kaylira mock pouts to Kassi's observation. "Not nearly enough brown
representation. Ah well, eggs are as eggs are - and they are a beautiful
looking clutch. No complaints there."

From the sands below, Callyndra squeaks as the girl leaps and grabs her arm
again, jumping up and down, babbling non-stop. All she can make out is that
the lad who just impressed the brown is either a relation or a best friend.
She nods and smiles and answers politely, almost sagging with relief when
the girl turns to grab the person on her other side and start jumping up
and down. "whew" She watches the green hatchlings with as much delight as awe.

Mohria tightens her arm around Jenni with a grin. She mutters to Jenni,
"So... long is... to take... An'... you need... him?"  She winks.

From the sands below, Each of the twins seem to be getting tired, or just a
little overwarm. Joar quirks a grin to Theid briefly, "Almost done." he notes.

C'vadan looks back at the sand. "Well, better to have quality browns than a
lot of them," he comments.

Jenna calls over to Kaylira, "I'm still hoping for that mark from your mum
for brown being last. Good things come to those who wait. And Niyath's
partial to browns."

Kassima's voice is wry as she quips to Kay, "Probably at least one of the
browns is waiting t'Hatch last, just t'make sure I lose a mark. 'Twould be
just like a man."

Kaylira nods solemnly. "Well, its not like *I'd* complain about a brown
being last. Though by the looks of this group its probably going to be a
green."

From the sands below, Rulana shakes her head. 'I didn't think to check what
the final odds were." Watching each impression with a smile, she lets out a
sigh though she didn't even realise that she was holding her breath. "I
wonder who's made the most?"

L'nan hears the betting goin on and glances up. He grins Kassi's way before
eyeing the sands. "Blues?" he asks hopefully.

From the sands below, Berakis can answer that question from Rulana.
"Katrisdan."

From the sands below, Fajezra watches the small green intently as it moves
toward other candidates. Quickly she looks toward the bronze and calls out
her congratulations to the last two candidates who impressed, but her eyes
quickly go back to the green and she holds her breath, too.

Sh'yar chuckles as he catches the end of Kassi's sentence, "Hey I resemble
that remark!"

From the sands below, Carianna steps closer to Jarin and asks quietly as
she continues to watch the hatchlings. "You holding up?" Only then does her
gaze turn to him questioningly.

Savaughna peers down at the sands again, "They does be taking *forever* to
impress," she complains, pouting. After a moment the child hops up, and
makes her way back towards Selandra and Abrieth, plopping herself down in
between the latter's forelegs.

From the sands below, Jarin nods slowly to Carianna, "Yeah, think so. You?"

C'vadan makes a face at Kassima. "What would you know about men, Kassi?" he
asks. His expression is serious, but there's a hint of longtime
playfullness on this topic.

A'rus pauses as he hears a familiar voice and peers momentarily over to
Savaughna. He chuckles softly upon seeing her, but says nothing. She might
shriek his ear off if she sees him again, as he "stole" her sister away
after all.

Selandra nods. "They do sometimes darling." she's fretting a little now,
and trying not to let her daughter see it. "That they do." she reiterates
quietly.

From the sands below, As the number of eggs dwindles some of the candidates
move closer together while others find that they are slightly isolated in
the sea of black sand and egg shards. A brunette girl from Last Hold is one
of the ones to realize that she is separated from most of the others by a
large pile of shattered eggs. It's a comely green dragonet that finally
stomps across the rough edged shards and thus bridges a path to the hold
bred girl. After buoyantly calling out the dragon's name, the girl laughs
and thanks her lifemate for the rescue as they leave the sands together.

From the sands below, Carianna chuckles softly as she nods then uses the
sleeve of her robe to wipe her forehead. "I"ve done this before remember?
Of course I don't remember the sands being this hot for some reason." Then
her gaze returns to the dragonets and she sighs happily. "Still wouldn't
have given up this chance to see them for anything."

Kassima drawls with droll humor, "Every man resembles that remark--well,
almost every man. I've known a *few* who didn't, or don't. What about 'em,
L'nan?" The grin she gave the bluerider is a bit rueful when she faces
C'vadan; still, her, "Perhaps nay so much as some, but nay so little as
that," is light enough. "Else I'd nay be on m'seventh child, I should think."

From the sands below, Twilight Chrysalis Green Dragonet snorts slightly as
she turns and beings making her way from the group none of *them* were
right for her. Too... wimpy. It will certainly take someone special to
teach this green to keep her curiosity in check as it once again leads her
off towards another small group - perhaps there's one meant for her here? A
second snort - no absolutely not. As she turns to move, away from the group
she trips over her own feet - talk about no grace. She squeals in surprise
as soft green muzzle meets rough, course Istan sands.

Mohria blinks and her nose wrinkles at a part of Kassima's statement.
Mohria swallows and shakes her head firmly, as if reaffirming a decision.

Jenna blinks at Kassima, completely distracted from the eggs and dragonets
below. "*Seven*!? Shells, Kassima, I've fostered only three and that's
enough to make me go cross-eyed. Not that they've not been wonderful kids,
but *seven*?"

From the sands below, Berakis winces as the green takes a nosedive. "Ouch.
That looks like it hurt," he says quietly as he darts a quick look at the
declining number of eggs and hatchlings.

C'vadan is in too good a mood to continue this repartee and instead grasps
Kassima's arms and kisses her hard. "There's what you know," he says,
laughing and returning to Dulath.

Savaughna *has* spotted A'rus, and is, in fact, shooting him a ferociously
scowly scowl. She mutters something under her breath - something evil, no
doubt - and turns her attention back to the sounds. "Humph. Mam, can I have
some sweetrolls when we get home?"

Kaylira snorts with a light ruefullness. "An Perhaps enough, now, that you
won't be offering an eight sib to the mix, hm, mum?" Though she follows her
words up with a fond enough smile for the rounding figure of Kassi.
"Suppose better you than me, hm?"

From the sands below, Rulana watches the little green closely as she falls,
"Is she grazed, hurt?" but she won't be able to see from where she is anyway.

From the sands below, Shadowed Paladin Bronze Dragonet moves about the
line, wings shifting darkly about him, black talons sinking into equally
dark sand. That imperious, powerful gaze pauses as he spies his
clutchsister, regarding her speculatively a moment. She's granted an
encouraging churr at those unfocused movements -- doesn't hurt to help,
does it? -- and he turns to his task once more. He's close, now. He nears a
small group of candidates, turning his sculpted head to one side, neck
snaking in for closer inspection, wings arching above as though tasting the
air about them. But no... there's something here quite unexpected,
something back a bit, someone with infinite potential. Yes! He's found. But
he's looking at his sister. That just won't do.

From the sands below, gasping as the small green falls on her face in the
sands, Fara takes a quick step forward before catching herself. She glances
around, hoping none saw her automatic movement. She edges closer to Theid
and the twins, remaining on opposite sides of Griere as she continues to
watch the green.

From the sands below, The Shadowed Paladin Bronze dragonet makes a single
sharp, decisive movement, trailing iridescent wings through obsidian sand
before stopping to look steadily into the gaze of his chosen, his own, -his-.

From the sands below, Torrez rubs the back of his neck again, fussing with
his hair to try to get it back into it's neat tail. "Fewer to pick from--I
wonder if they don't like the choices.." Then, "no, it looks like it'll be
alright--" he takes a deep breath and smiles to himself.

A'rus catches that nasty little look out of the corner of his eye and sort
of shrinks behind Araneidth's bulky forearm. Imagine, a large rider such as
himself intimidated by a little!

From the sands below, Twilight Chrysalis Green Dragonet manages to struggle
her way to her feet. She'll succeed eventually in everything, though it is
a *bit* difficult without someone to teach her how. Even if her rise from
the sands was neither particularly exquisite nor graceful as some of the
returns to upright positions her clutchsiblings managed, with the right
teacher - it might be someday. Her grace, or lack there of, isn't really
what's important right now. She needs to find a teacher so she can stop
making a fool of herself in front of all of these funny pink things.
Hunt-hunt-hunt. She moves her muzzle towards a lass from Half-Circle
SeaHold, and snorts. Not her, she's not... special enough... Ah! There,
perhaps that one... he seems special - look at his eyes! They're...
certainly different, even different from one another - two different
colors. Oh my.

From the sands below, The Twilight Chrysalis Green Dragonet slips through
the chaos that surrounds her, plucked out of her old life by the siren of
her chosen lifemate's thoughts. With a precise settling at his feet,
presenting herself to him, she looks up into her lifemate's eyes adoringly.

From the sands below, With the number of candidates left declining as
rapidly as his mood, Shanden cannot stand to be near the dragons, not after
she stole his dragon from him. Finally he cannot stand it any longer and
runs from sands, his hands clutched to his head as he stumbles along,
barely able to see between the tears and his fingers, not caring what kind
of show he puts on.

From the sands below, A pair of siblings, sister and brother, give each
other encouraging smiles across the sands as an awkward blue dragonet
manages at last to crack free from his tough shell. As the blue topples
over the sister steps forward and helps him right himself, she even takes a
moment to pick off a remaining bit of shell from his shoulder. The blue
plows on as soon as he finds his footing again, making a path right to the
helpful girl's brother where he finds impression. The girl cheers just as
loudly for her brother as she might have cheered for herself.

Kassima seems amused by the reactions, and outright laughs in response to
Jenna's--though she's kissed before she can answer. "Mmph!" Surprised, yes.
Still, her own mood is good enough for her to kiss back, even if she's
swift to aim a poke at Cav's ribs once it breaks. "I know that," she
agrees, almost in a sing-song, "and much more that you'll likely never know
I know, boyo! Aye, Jenna, seven--Kaylira here," she starts, holding up
fingers as she goes, "Kharisma--she's the one who's sister t'two of those
lads down there now--Keveris, Kimlyn, Kyjain, Kisai, and one yet t'come for
seven. Some of 'em were far enough apart that I'm *mayhaps* nay as insane
as it sounds, though. And Kay, Kay... whatever would be wrong with eight?
Eight's a wonderful number. You never know."

From the sands below, Shanden heads out towards the entrance.

Jenna just gapes at Kassima, eyeing her with a newfound respect. "Seven,"
she murmurs.

Kaylira begins to answer Kassi, "I've a little of my own - tis odd to have
to think of a sib young- oh." The display on the sands cuts her short. Now
that she's never seen before. And before all the eggs have hatched, too.

From the sands below, B'rakis's attention is drawn from everything as the
bronze plants itself right in front of him. "Xa-Xalerth?" he manages, his
voice breaking in both surprise and wonder. The pudgy boy takes a step
forward and sinks down to his knees, wrapping his arms around the bronze.

Selandra smiles. "As many as I have now? Congratulatioins Kassi." she says
to her old friend. "Or commisserations." she adds as an afterthought.

Mohria just shakes her head again. Nope. Never.

A'rus blinks. "Hey...where's he going....?" He watches Shanden run away,
totally dumbfounded. Now that's something new.

From the sands below, Th'deus looks to the green as she stops before him
and blinks once, then prompty bursts into tears! "Belauryth! Yes...we are
together now!!" he sobs wrapping his arms around the beautiful green that
is now all his, and he hers. He hugs her tightly to him

Savaughna bares her teeth at A'rus - she's such a scary little girl, after
all - then once again tilts her head to stare - no, glare - down at the
sands. "Where does that boy be going?" She asks, craning her head back to
peer up at Abrieth. "Boys do be so *stupid* sometimes."

From the sands below, Kyrola clutches M'llon's arm. "Look at that!" she
exclaims, gesturing to the bronze's choice with her splinted arm. Then...
"Theid?"

From the sands below, Joar takes a step or two away from Theid and the
green, gaping.

From the sands below, Carianna watches the hatchlings with a smile as she
calls to each impressing candidate then ohs with baited breath to see who
the bronze and green finally chose. Only to blink in surprise when B'rakis
and Th'deus call out their names. "I never would have guessed. Oh
congratulations to you both!"

From the sands below, Jascela can't help it but bursts out laughing as she
spies the Bronze staring into her nephew's eyes. She moves up behind him,
beaming down at the 'heavy' boy. "Congratulations, um, B'rakis? He really
was yours..." She looks over at Th'deus and grins at him as well though she
stays waiting for B'rakis for the moment.

From the sands below, M'llon peers closer at the last two impressions just
made, "Brees is going to have fun with this class." He smiles at Kyrola,
"You still doing okay?"

From the sands below, Griere blinks, gripping Joar's arm as she starts to
hop and point, "Theid! Oh Theid!" And she catches sight of the bronze's
choice and stops altogether, "And Berakis?" she says in utter disbelief.

From the sands below, Xalerth makes a comforting sound low in his throat as
his neck is hugged, inky irridescent head lightly touching his lifemate's
back. His.

From the sands below, Chaia's expression changes from one of incredulity
when Berakis Impresses to one of happiness and joy for Theid. "Oh,
congratulations!"

From the sands below, Torrez puts a hand to his lips and then murmurs his
contratulations. One foot lifts up from the sand and he shakes it, trying
to get sand from his toes. He looks over in the direction that the
candidate ran off and frowns in concern.

From the sands below, Jarin grins, "Wow. Now /that's/ a match I never would
have guessed."

From the sands below, Her mouth dropping open for a moment, Fara cheers as
she watches the small green settle in front of Theid! "Oh yes! Perfect!
Gratz, Theid! I am so happy for you!" The younger girl fairly dances on the
sands, and jumps up, sand flying in her happiness for the older candidate,
she almost misses the moment of Berakis's impression. She nods to the boy,
smiling and cragratulates him before looking back ovewr at Theid and the
lovely green. "Theid, I will help you bathe her /any/ time!"

From the sands below, Belauryth places her muzzle lightly against her
lifemate's neck, nuzzling the lad gently. She emits to him a soft,
infinately contented croon. Her eyes whirl mixing colors of happiness and
concern.

From the sands below, Callyndra takes a single step as Shanden runs past,
then stops, eyes going up to the galleries, then back to the few remaining
eggs and hatchlings. Completely distracted when she sees Berakis impress.
Huh?? She would never have guessed at that one. A grin spreads as she hears
Theid and her congrats mingles with the others.

From the sands below, B'rakis looks dazed as he struggles to his feet, his
eyes still on that wonderful bronze. His bronze. "I can't believe this," he
manages, and looks at Jascela. "We're hungry! *Really* hungry."

Y'il does a happy dance as THeid Impresses. "Oh, Wow, Theid!! She's a beauty!"

"Get used to it," Kassi advises Kay, amused. "Methinks 'twill be odder for
Kaylon...." She grins a bit sheepishly at Jenna, then asks, "Have they all
Hatched, then? Was that blue the last? Don't know either of those lads who
just Impressed, but the other Candidates seem happy for 'em."

From the sands below, Jascela giggles softly at B'rakis and grins at him.
"I just bet you are... C'mon. This way." SHe leads him over to the corner
where Brees waits, glancing back at Th'deus and his green regularly to be
sure they're okay waiting. "That way, B'rakis."

From the sands below, Rulana is still getting over Shanden's exit from the
sands, and almost missed out on seeing the impressions. She does a little
hop to try and disperse the heat from her feet before she too calls her
congratulations.

Kaylira sighs happily for Theid. Distracted enough she doesn't even respond
to Kassi. "Oh, she's a beaut. Way to go Theid."

From the sands below, B'rakis walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

A'rus considers runing away as well. That little girl is vicious! He scoots
a little closer to U'lyn, hoping Savaughna will stay distracted with the
sands instead.

U'lyn glances over at A'rus, and the vicious little girl, while Ondeth
moves a little more in Savaughna's way.

Selandra peers. "I think we'd better go find your sister sweetling." she
comments finally. "Unless someone would be kind enough to bring you home."
she says, noting her daughter's reluctance to move, and casting a glance at
the others aclustered around.

From the sands below, Jascela watches B'rakis and his new lifemate move
into the corner then hurries back for her chance to congratulate Th'deus.
"She's beautiful. A perfect match for you, I think. C'mon, lets get her
some food. This way."

From the sands below, Xalerth walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

Jenna only belatedly looks back at the sands. "You know, I've no idea." She
hears Selandra and then offers, "I can bring her, Selandra, if she doesn't
want to go right away."

From the sands below, Th'deus still has tears streaming from those
mismatched eyes of his that had attracted his lifemate, laughing aloud as
he looks at her, his beautiful Belauryth. "I'm just so happy, I'm
fine....really." he responds to her croons of concern, adjusting to the new
voice presented in his head. He nods to Jascela and moves with her to get
the much needed food. "Come, I feel your hungry let's get you some food."

From the sands below, Th'deus walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

From the sands below, Hatching after most of her clutchmates, a midnight
green dragonet arrives on her own time, completely unaware of the reduced
number of candidates as she treads over the sands, looking each white robed
person over before she makes her selection. Having a hard time deciding the
green paces back and forth between a native of the weyr and a girl from the
Winecraft. The native lad sneezes suddenly and the dragonet whirls at the
intriguing sound to find herself staring into the lad's eyes. The Winecraft
girl laughs as the weyr lad calls out the dragon's name and sneezes one
more time.

From the sands below, Jarin fairly holds his breath, asking Carianna
quietly, "Is that it?"

R'don searches the sands, "Any more eggs buried in there, or was that the
lastone?"

Savaughna wrinkles her nose at Sela, "I don't be wanting to go yet," She
complains - then brightens a little as Jenna offers a list, "Yeah Mam, can
I just be going home with her?" She flashes both women her sweetest smile.
And then, well then she flashes a cheeky look at A'rus - scared you,
muahahaha.

Mohria also peers downwards and shrugs a bit. "Dunno." she says.

From the sands below, Carianna steps over to the others since the
hatchlings seem to have left the sands then smiles a she offers a hand to
Jarin. "Lets get closer to the Weyrleaders, that way we won't miss out on
the speech. I think so. Just remember this doesn't mean we weren't good
enough, it just means our lifemates haven't been shelled yet." She flashes
a smile.

From the sands below, Belauryth walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

Kaylira peers about the sands. "If that was the last, and looks like it
might have been - I should have wagered that mark." Not that she needs to
win given her last hatching wager won.

R'dus looks for more hatchlings, checks the remainging candidates and
actually smiles. He starts to stand, but watches the redhead he has been
watching all along.

From the sands below, Kyrola looks over the sands, her eyes having caught
the last impression, and someone leaving the sands. Stiffly, she moves
forward, stooping to pick up the glowbasket to light her way. "Candidates,"
she says quietly, her voice carrying, but not with volume. "If you could
please gather over here?" she asks kindly, her eyes full of sympathy.

T'mren grips the straps on Cevodnioth's hide, and climbs onto the dragon's
back, perching there with confidence.

From the sands below, Jarin quirks a grin to Carianna, "Lemme guess, you
can recite the speech?" he does though, head closer to the weyrleaders.

Cevodnioth launches from the ledge and into the air.

Ibrith launches from the ledge and into the air.

From the sands below, Fajezra watches Theid and his new lifemate leave, she
misses the next hatching and impression. She doesn't seem to mind though, a
happy smile on her lips. She turns back and seeing the new pairing calls
out her congratulations. Shifting from one foot to the next, it has finally
become apparent to Fara that the sands are /hot/ and her sandles aren't
keeping that heat out. So, hopping from one foot to the other, she looks
around to see what eggs are left.

Selandra smiles her thanks at Jenna. "Thankyou mJenna." she notes, tossing
off a "Be good sweetling" to her precocious child, as she wanders over to
Abby's side. The green whuffs Sava briefly, and waits until she's clear
before standing.

From the sands below, Torrez smooths a hand down his robes, moving forward
with a fewother candidate to hear that's going to be said. He frowns at the
crinkled spot on either side of his body where he'd been clutching so tightly.

From the sands below, Chaia moves over toward Kyrola, though she tries to
keep pace with Rulana.

From the sands below, Griere gives Carianna a skeptical look from the other
side of Jarin, chuckling at his response as they move towards the weyrleaders.

From the sands below, Carianna winks and nods then smothers her giggles as
she turns to face Kyrola and M'llon.

Selandra climbs onto Abrieth's neck.

From the sands below, Joar glances around the sands and then down to Griere
and grins, "See. Just like an afternoon at the beach, not a mauling to be
seen." he heads closer.

Abrieth launches from the ledge and into the air.

From the sands below, Callyndra sighs, her shoulders relaxing as it's
finally over. Hearing Kyrola, she turns and walks over towards her with the
rest of the candidates.

From the sands below, Rulana slows herself down so that Chaia can keep up
with her as she heads over to the weryleaders.

From the sands below, Jascela looks about and sighs softly as she watches
the candidates left behind. She leaves the Weyrleaders to deal with them
and moves off to join the other Weyrlingmasters.

From the sands below, Jascela walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

Jenna gives R'dus a sympathetic look and murmurs, "I'll catch you later
after you talk to her." Then she's rising and making her way to Kassima. "I
shouldn't wager with you, y'know." She fishes out a mark and a half and
hands it over to the greenrider. "There go my boots," she says playfully
before turning to Savaughna. "So, I heard something about a sweetroll? You
know, Ista has the best bubblies outside the baker crafthall."

C'vadan hmms softly to himself. "I wonder if I can see Katrisdan before I
leave?"

From the sands below, Fajezra looks up at Kyrola's voice and walks ovwer,
coming in close to Cari. She whispers "Wow, that was fast!"

R'dus smiles more and nods to Jenna. "Okay. See you later."

R'don sighs and shakes his head. "I'm sorry Carianna was left again," he
says with disappointment. "Still, she does us proud just by being Searched,
right?"

A'rus quickly springs up. "Show's over already? Hmm...hope I can visit Chii
soon...." He then begins to edge over to Araneidth and quickly mounts him
up. He's not gonna stick around that scarey Fortian girl! Oh no!

From the sands below, Chaia overhears Fajezra's whisper, and blinks. "You
thought it was fast?" She shakes her head.

Y'il smiles as his stomach starts to rumble. "Well, time for a feast, I
guess, eh?"

A'rus vaults up onto Araneidth's back with a hunter's grace, settling
between his neckridges as the brown watches him adoringly.

Araneidth launches from the ledge and into the air.

U'lyn follows after A'rus as he seems to remember something, mounting
Ondeth quickly.

U'lyn steps onto Ondeth's foot while being raised by him, then takes a seat
on his neck.

Ondeth launches from the ledge and into the air.

Y'il is lifted by Aquileth's foreleg until he can grasp the straps,
swinging the rest of the way up.

Aquileth launches from the ledge and into the air.

Sh'van looks up toward Sria and the others from the Reaches, awaiting the
next order now that everything's over.

Mohria smiles and nods at R'don. "Of course she does." she says warmly.

From the sands below, Fajezra looks over at Chaia and nods, "Well, yes! it
took ..well.." She looks around curiously "How long /did/ it take?"

Savaughna waves a goodbye to Selandra and Abrieth then sighs. "Now I do be
so sad," she watches Rulana down on the sands walking toward the
Weyrleaders, then stands up. "And now that stupid boy A'rus has runned away
and I can't be bashing him up either!"

Kassima accepts the marks quite readily, her grin bright, but not
unsympathetic. "You'll find another way t'make money for 'em, I don't
doubt," she assures, "or mayhaps you can talk the Traders into a discount.
I don't see why you couldn't, Cav...." Tucking the marks into her pouch,
she turns to Ivrihn. "What're your inclinations, Kilt? Did you want t'stay,
or go home?"

From the sands below, Carianna chuckles again as she nods lightly to
Fajezra. "It happens that way." She whispers then hushes wanting to see if
she really does know the speech by heart.

"Well, another hatching done successfully," Lirra observes amiably, getting
to her feet to dust off her hands. "Ivrihn, you need a ride home, dear? Or
do you have one already? Not Kilt," she adds to Kassima with long-resigned
amusement.

Jenna grins at Savaughna, "Come on, we'll head down and you can see if you
can find him."

Jenna climbs up to her accustomed place on Niyath and settles between her
neckridges.

Up on Niyath, Jenna leans down, as Niyath crouches, and offers a hand to
Savaughna.

C'vadan nods and heads mounts up. "See you later, Kassi. Kaylira." He nods
to the others he knows.

Ivrihn scrambles up to his feet, shaking his head briefly. "I'm for home, I
think, but I can snag another ride easily enough, if you're wanting to
stay, Aunt Kassi."

Kaylira inclines her head respectfully to Jenna. "Was good - I'll have to
come visit you next." This with a wink. As though the rider had come to see
her personally.

Mohria gives the beautiful bluerider in one arm, and the handsome
brownrider in her other good squeezes before she rises and stretches,
glancing around the ledge.

From the sands below, Kyrola waits until the others have gathered near
herself and M'llon. "I am sorry," she begins, "that your dragons didn't
hatch on our sands today. However, each of you," she continues, "are very
much welcome to remain at Ista and to make it your home, if you haven't
already." Her eyes pass over a couple of the candidates who are locals.
"However, if you wish to depart, we'll see you safely to your destination.
In the meantime, I suggest you avail yourselves of the excellent feast that
Kaimi and her bakers have whipped up for all of us. I would like to thank
each of you for standing with Ista Weyr, and we wish each of you well in
your future endeavors."

Up on Niyath, Jenna grins at Kaylira. "I'll look forward to it. With Leah
expecting now, I don't get the chance to get out as often as I'd like."

Kaylira's eyes widen. "Then I *really* will have to make hte effort - much
longer now?"

Savaughna catches hold of the straps as Niyath offers a forelimb as an aide
to mount. With her help, along with Jenna's, Savaughna reaches her seat
between her neckridges.

This to Jenna, of course. Since Kay really shoudl remember these things.

From the sands below, Food?! Fara smiles up at Kyrola and bounces,
murmuring, "yes, shells I am hungry!"

Taralyth flies in from the bowl.

On Dasmareth, Amilin looks around at the assembled weyrlings and grins,
"So, would anyone like a bite to eat before we head back?" She adds a wink
to Sri.

Dulath launches from the ledge and into the air.

From the sands below, Chaia seems more than ready to put candidacy behind
her, and her expression holds no sadness, just joy for her friends'
Impressions, but she raises a hand, in any case.

Jenni sighs and looks away from the sands now that it all seems to be over.
She looks up at Mohria and smiles, "So, you're heading on home then?" She
asks, getting to her feet slowly. "Or are you going to stay and eat?

Kassima considers a moment. "I'd like t'get back a'fore very long, but I
should *probably* visit just a little with the minxlet while I'm here," she
quips, with an amused glance Kaylira-wards. "But if'n i'truth you want
t'go, we can go? Or your mother might prefer t'give you your ride, 'twould
give her a chance t'drill you on refusing t'answer t'Kilt." There's a wink
after that for Lirra.

From the sands below, Carianna glances down at her damp robe then chuckles
lightly. "A change of clothes would be nice too."

Up on Niyath, Jenna laughs, helping Savaughna up. "Just barely started. I
don't even think she's showing yet. Fort's duties - enjoy my marks,
Kassima!" She waves, and Niyath crouches, going aloft after Dulath.

Niyath launches from the ledge and into the air.

Sh'van smiles. "Can we?" he asks eagerly. "It seems a shame to waste good
baker efforts, wouldn't it?"

Mohria's eyes twinkle. "This is Ista. I always get into trouble at Ista."
She pauses. "Of course I'm staying."

Sria flashes a grin Amilin's way. "There might be one or two takers on
that, I think."

R'dus hears Amilin, but doesn't answer Amilin because he's busy watching
Carianna's every move.

From the sands below, Torrez smiles warmly and nods to the Weyrwoman,
keeping quiet, still shell shocked from the experience. A warm smile curls
up his lips and he hesitates for a moment before lifting his hand.

Kaylira waves to Jenna and Niyath before turning to Kassi. "Ah, no worries,
mum. I ws thinking I shoudl come for a visit to Telgar anyway - so its not
l ike you're oblidged to stay."

From the sands below, Rulana gives a half-smile over to the weyleaders in
thanks for the words. Moving her feet about a little, she nods to the other
candidates. "Yes, time to get changed." and she glances over to the exit.

Lirra lifts her arms in exasperation, laughing. "His name -isn't- Kilt,"
she protests, then grins upwards at her son. "C'mon, kiddo. Kaath and I are
always at my favorite boy's disposal. I'll bet your father's home by now
too. LEt's go."

Taralyth steals Niyath's spot and lands with a light backwing, his rider
already craning out - "Marks? Who lost what to whom?"

From the sands below, M'llon stands quietly beside Kyrola, his look one of
sympathy, "And I hear Kaimi has outdone herself." He looks at Chaia and
smiles, "I wish you could have had a better turnday gift than this though."

From the sands below, Kyrola smiles for Fajezra's exuberance. "Yes, Chaia?"
she asks gently.

From the sands below, Griere tosses fat curl over her shoulder and lets out
a long sigh. "Well," she resigns, not sounding especially disappointed or
relieved but rather a combination of the two.

Jenni snorts a little at Mohria dn moves to her lifemate. "I don't know if
I should stay or not. I guess there's no harm in getting something to eat
before I go home." She giggles softly.

From the sands below, A look passes between the twins and they nod, in
unison before turning their attention back to the weyrleaders and Chaia's
question.

From the sands below, Chaia grins at M'llon, "Oh, seeing Theid Impress was
gift enough, believe me. Tell me I still have a job, and I'll be a happy
woman. I saw my parents in the Stands, and Renai's home. What more could I
want?" Her head turns to encompass Kyrola as well.

"I can manage," Ivrihn assures, with a quick grin for Kassima. He nods
then, entertained. "See, I'll slide out with Mom." He pads over to Lirra,
with an amused sort of look. "Home's better. I need to get some stuff set
out tonight."

Ny'ave lifts his hand slightly to put in his vote for those 'staying' to
enjoy the party.

I'sai slides down from Taralyth's neck.

Kaylira's features brighten at the arrival of a familiar face. "Hey and
welcome, but you're late, Is."

From the sands below, Fajezra blinks over at Chaia as she asks her
question, light dawning in her eyes, and she blurts out of turn, "Oh yes!
May I go back to nursing, Ma'am?!"

R'don curls his lip as he hears a familiar voice, unfortunately. He turns
to greet the newly arrived Telgari bronzerider. "I'sai," is his flat and
unfriendly greeting.

"His name *is* Kilt!" Kassi primly insists, raising her voice to be heard
over Lysseth's warm rumble to Taralyth; "How often have I told you so? Give
m'regards t'Fluffhead, though, would you? And muss his hair for me?" Which
she attempts to do one last time to poor Ivrihn, before assuring Kaylira,
"Scarcely a problem, love, though you're always welcome at Telgar--hey, Is!
I won a mark and a half off Jenna!"

Mohria grins at Jenni and nods. Spotting I'sai she gives him a jaunty wave.
Then she glances at R'don and just rolls her eyes. "Oh come off it."

From the sands below, Carianna looks from one face to another then glances
towards Chaia then the others. "I was really hoping for you. All of you."

From the sands below, Callyndra is still hopping from foot to foot, but
remains with the group and she remains quiet. Her eyes dance with the
special moments she's seen tonight.

On Dasmareth, Amilin grins, "Alright, We stay then, but not for terribly
long, and no wandering off too far. Remember to be respectful, even if it's
a fun event."

Kaylira adds smugly, "And I'd have won a mark off mum myself had I been a
whit more thoughtful. Coem for hte feast, Is?"

"Of course, Kassi, of course! Hair mussing is a standard at our place,"
Lirra assures with a laugh, and heads towards Kaath, pulling on her coat
and helmet, then mounts up. She reaches a hand down to help Ivrihn,
although it likely isn't needed after all these Turns. "Oh? What's on the
agenda for tomorrow, sweetie?"

Jenni looks over at R'don and her eyes glint in amusement, she leans over,
She mutters to R'don, "... like..."  She looks like someone who can feel
for that emotion but she does lift a hand to wave mildly to her clutchsib.

Sria sends a brief wave the arriving Taralyth's way, as well, and nods
toward Amilin before she steals over toward R'dus' spot. Her voice is
lower, her glance on the sands as well. "Think you can slow down, now?"

Ivrihn doesn't seem to object to having his hair-ruffled, there's more of a
wryly amused look. He's used to this, and it's well and obvious enough. He
heads over to Kaath, and accepts the hand, scrambling up lightly into place
after his mother. "Evening, all," he offers quietly. There's a half-grin
for Lirra. "A fair amount of plants to get out, is all."

From the sands below, Chaia smiles to Carianna, "As we all were hoping for
each other, I expect."

From the sands below, Kyrola smiles at Chaia. "Well, now that Katrisdan
isn't available any longer to try and get your job, I think that can be
arranged, Steward." She smiles to Fajezra. "Grissa will be able to help you
with that," she answers. "I'm far too afraid of either Chaia or Grissa to
say otherwise." Her smile is genuine, but still, she does keep an eye on
those who remain. "And I would recommend the rest of you take a couple of
days to settle into things. You needn't leave right away, and it's a
decision best left until you've had a little time to adjust."

R'dus heard that and nods. "Yes, ma'am." he says to Sria. "I think so." He
lowers his voice a bit and asks, "Ami going to get to talk with her, spend
some time with her? Not alone I mean."

From the sands below, Torrez lowers his hand and whispers out a quiet sigh.
He'll ask later, it'll keep.

From the sands below, M'llon notices Torrez's hand going down, "Torrez? Did
you have a question?"

I'sai gives first, brightest smile to poor R'don - returns waves towards
friends from the 'Reaches - and tromps across the stone towards the Ks even
as Taralyth stirs still, tail sweeping back and forth, "Mark and a half!
Not bad. And you, Kay, better luck next time."

From the sands below, The twins nod, Joar noting with a bit of a smile,
"I'm afraid you're stuck with us."

From the sands below, Torrez puts the hand behind him but grins boyishly,
"I was wondering if we'll be able to congratulate the new weyrlings
outselves anytime soon."

From the sands below, Kyrola directs a mock-horrified look at the twins.
"Oh no," she murmurs. "We're doomed." However, she listens attentively to
Torrez' question, but leaves it for M'llon to answer.

I'sai thinks to add, "And couldn't cut 'tweening-class off short even for
cracking eggs, unfortunately."

From the sands below, Fajezra grins up at Kyrola, obviously not believing
Kyrola would be afraid of anyone. She looks anxious to leave as she wipes
her sweaty hands along the sides of her robe.

From the sands below, Griere beams at the twins, "You're staying?" she
asks, simply delighted. A rather sympathetic glance goes to Torrez.

Kaylira gives I'sai a grinning shrug. "Still living off hte marks I won
turns ago. I coudl lose more than several handsfuls of marks and not notice."

From the sands below, Jarin looks at his brother and then shrugs and nods,
"Yeah, I guess we're staying."

R'don looks like he's grinding his teeth at I'sai's greeting and nods to
Jenni. "Somethin like that," he says. "I think I need something to drink."

"Not alone," Sria confirms for R'dus - emphasizes, even, "I don't see why
not. I can be there, if you need presence. Think she'll be feasting with
the rest?"

Jenni nods to R'don, "I could use one too! And food! I'm starving!"

From the sands below, Carianna glances up towards the ledges, knowing she's
not able to echo the words she hears from the others but the smile that
rides in those jade eyes of hers shows she's not disappointed by this fact.

R'dus smiles at Sria. "She may be. She may be looking for me."

Sh'van shifts his weight back and forth, eyes on Sria and Amilin.

"And a'course more again on m'usual pools and such," Kassi must needs add.
"But nay so very much. Didn't have much time t'get out here and scout out
the eggs or aught, unfortunately... would you believe, Katrisdan got a
bronze? Even though he's m'namesake? It seemed t'drive Cav right out of his
mind--he kissed me and everything!" After a thoughtful glance for twitchy
Taralyth, she protests, "*Kay, you can never lose *several handfuls* of
marks and nay notice. Or shouldn't! You can never have too much money,
trust me. Y'never know when some expensive use for it will be coming along.
Say, a hundred and fifty marks' worth.... How are the Weyrlings doing with
*between*, then, Is?"

From the sands below, M'llon smiles at Torrez, "I believe Brees will allow
them to come to the hatching feast once their dragons have settled in and
are asleep."

From the sands below, Jarin leans over to comment to Carianna, "You at
least have to say good bye before you run away."

Mohria chuckles amusidly at R'don and Jenni as she moves to Riordanth. She
glances at R'dus and Sria, shaking her head minutely. She shrugs to herself
and lifts a hand to give her little blue a scritch.

F'min looks down to Mohria, "should we see if th'ale's any good here?"

Kaylira laughs outright at Kassi's righteous commentary on loss.

Jenni curls long fingers around the leather straps and springs to the
offered forelimb, artfully swinging her lithe form up onto Jaereth's back.
As she slips gracefully into that familiar perch the blue utters a greeting
thrum, narrowed eyes alert as his on his lifemate mounts.

Jaereth launches from the ledge and into the air.

Mohria tosses F'min a grin over her shoulder and nods. "S'what I was
thinking."

Mohria clambers up onto Riordanth's back, using his straps as handholds.

F'min clambers up onto Voldrath's back, as the dragon rumbles softly.

Riordanth launches from the ledge and into the air.

From the sands below, Carianna lifts a brow quickly as she nods, "Do you
think I would leave without sampling Kaimi's baking at least once more?"
she has to ask with a chuckle.

Kaylira's laughs fades away, "Shards, mum. One hundred nad fifty marks? What?"

R'don climbs up onto Gederoth's back, using his foreleg as a step.

Voldrath launches from the ledge and into the air.

From the sands below, "Food sounds like an excellent idea. And a cool
drink," is Chaia's announcement.

Gederoth launches from the ledge and into the air.

From the sands below, Jarin grins to Carianna, "Just checking." Joar looks
to the weyrleaders, "We free to go?"

On Dasmareth, Amilin waves a hand after the waiting weyrlings, "Go on with
you. No need to wait for us to eat. Unless you have a question?"

From the sands below, Fajezra looks over at Carianna "Youa re going to
leave us? Why?"

From the sands below, M'llon nods with a smile, "Yes, and please enjoy your
time at the feast."

From the sands below, Kyrola's expression fades slightly before she puts on
her best diplomatic half-smile, a pleased sort of expression. "It's not
something to miss, that's for sure," she remarks on the heels of Carianna's
comment, but her voice is fainter, but not by much. Still holding the
glowbasket, she leans a little bit more against M'llon. She leaves the
dismissal in M'llon's hands.

X'tan mounts Zerth, using the straps for balance.

From the sands below, Carianna turns and smiles towards Fajezra as she
replies softly. "I'm a baker and have to go where I'm posted. Right now
that posting is back to R'dus.. I mean Reaches."

Zerth launches from the ledge and into the air.

"So let's find out, then?" says Sria - but her voice is still lower, to add
something further.

From the sands below, Torrez smiles to the Weyrleader and smiles, "Thank
you sir. Ma'am." to Kyrola. THen he begins to depart, looking over his
shoulder to see if anyone might join him.

From the sands below, Fajezra looks sad as she listens to Cari, then grins
at her friends ..mistake. "I understand, then. I do hope you will come back
and visit us!"

From the sands below, M'llon nods to Kyrola, "Let's go say a quick hello to
the new weyrlings then I can help you back to your weyr."

From the sands below, Chaia slips off, with a last jaunty salute to Kyrola.
Because she may not get away with it again.

I'sai gives Kay bright eyes made bluer by the light - not to mention a
little smugness, R'don and all - "Why don't you lose some of those handfuls
this-a-way, then?" and tilts her mother a wink for the hundred-fifty.
"Can't blame him, actually, and from the lack of mourning, I dare say Aine
didn't push him off the ledges. And they're doing, they're doing well. Made
it. About what you'd expect." He eyes the sands thoughtfully, the acting
Weyrwoman and the Weyrleader. "Still, I could use some wine, my throat's
already dry..." He calls out, "Ami? Sria? How late are you and your lot
staying?"

From the sands below, Kyrola flashes a grateful look to M'llon and then
simply sticks her tongue out at Chaia.

From the sands below, Fajezra turns and follows the others out, anxious to
get out of the sweaty robe and into something fresh and clean.

From the sands below, Chaia heads out towards the entrance.

From the sands below, Joar_and_Jarin heads out towards the entrance.

R'dus nods to Sria, having to push Liorth's nose out of the way as he tries
to listen? He too lowers his voice.

From the sands below, M'llon walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

Sh'yar clambers up onto Gyreventh's back, as the dragon rumbles softly.

From the sands below, Callyndra heads out towards the entrance.

From the sands below, Carianna follows Chaia's example and smiles lightly
before turning to head out.

From the sands below, Carianna heads out towards the entrance.

From the sands below, Torrez heads out towards the entrance.

Sh'van jumps up onto Giareth's back, the dragon's sparkling eyes watching
closely.

Gyreventh launches from the ledge and into the air.

Giareth launches from the ledge and into the air.

From the sands below, Griere heads out towards the entrance.

With an impish-bordering-on-wicked grin for Kay, Kassi jerks her thumb to
indicate I'sai. "For him. Bloody well ripped off, wasn't I?" Still, she
returns the wink. "And all I got out of it was a blue ribbon, scarcely
fair. Aine wasn't here, I don't think...." She trails off as he addresses
the 'Reachians, and spends a quality moment or two tidying up her Hatching
apparati and stowing them, once she's risen, in Lysseth's strap-pouch again.

On Dasmareth, Amilin calls back to I'sai with a smile, "Long enough for
dinner." And she glances at R'dus with a grin, and then back, "And I think
to collect our missing Baker."

Ny'ave climbs up onto Kinzaith's back, using her straps as handholds.

Kinzaith launches from the ledge and into the air.

From the sands below, Kyrola walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

"Definitely to collect a Baker," calls Sria upon Ami's reply to I'sai, and
to R'dus, she nods.

R'dus jumps up onto Liorth's back, as the dragon warbles a greeting.

On Liorth, R'dus says "See you down there, ma'am."

Liorth launches from the ledge and into the air.

Kaylira crosses her arms over her chest. "You. Bought. A. Bronzer."

Kaylira is near aghast at Kassi's proclamation. Even if it *was* I'sai.

Taralyth's wings rustle that much more expansively, and his rider tilts an
inaudible imprecation back over his shoulder, studying the beast for a long
moment - and those beyond him - before he can turn back and reply, "Baker?
Likely see you down there, then," and drop his voice to more conversational
levels. "Definitely ripped off. You'd have thought she'd get a bluerider at
least, but no. Just me. Wasn't even a wingsecond then, or was I, Kassi?"

Reye has been watching the events below on the sands all this while, lost
in her own thoughts and, perhaps, more than a little preoccupied with
Omfaleth's current state. She hears a familiar voice nearby though, and
glances up surprisedly; and she hesitates a moment, watching the Telgari's
conversation quietly. It certainly seems worthy of a listen-in.

Kaylira just shakes her head. "Shards and shells. Mum buying a man. That
you could have bet marks against, I thought."

"Aye. I plan t'leave him t'Khari in m'will," Kassi teases merrily. "At
least at the moment. *You* have been far and away too wicked t'me t'merit
such a bequest. A'course, I suppose I *might* leave him t'Kisai instead;
'twould be more proper, and she'd have him as a captive audience for all
her songs forever and ever and ever. But until I die, I own his soul, the
pity being that until he calls in that favor he also owns *mine* and
there's nay much I can do t'him." Lysseth snorts a bit, very quietly,
tucking her wings in close again once her rider's no longer messing with
her straps. "Hmm, Is, I don't *think* 'twere... 'twere just a young
bronzer, in overalls whose sides you could see through. Now, the hundred
and two marks I paid for *me*--that made sense. I'm worth every one of 'em.
You may both start laughing now."

Lysseth> Taralyth senses that Lysseth affords a moment's tease of her own,
mind still lightly thrumming with the hum not long abandoned and alight
with the inevitable contentment new hatchlings bring; << So eager to fly as
that? Is it that there are no Weyrlings here to get in your way--or
perhaps, I should say, to outfly you? >>

Kaylira gets one of those pained 'I dont understand and I never will'
looks, and gives Pheirth a shrug, as if to say 'See what I'm up against?'.
"I daresay I wouldnt' fetch that much myself, even if I t'were to agree to
being sold - for whatever event this was. Shards thats more marks than most
see ever. Mind, by the time we get to teh feast the best will be picked over."

Sria flashes a smile Amilin's way, and nods as she moves back toward Sruth.

Sria vaults up onto Sruth's back, as the dragon warbles a greeting.

Sruth launches from the ledge and into the air.

From the sands below, Kyrola walks over from the far end of the Hatching
Cavern.

Nepenth flies in from the bowl.

From the sands below, M'llon walks over from the far end of the Hatching
Cavern.

Nepenth launches from the ledge and into the air.

I'sai lets all the talk of souls and ownership go by with still-wide,
guileless eyes, though the overalls-sans-sides do earn a wince; once the
wind from Sruth's wings has subsided, "Yes, well, it's the weavers. 'Ware
the weavers, Kay, they're dastardly. Not that it wasn't a temporary sort of
thing..." Kassi gets a sideways look, and the remark, "-Lyss- is in fine
humor. You should win marks more often. Say, thrice-daily instead of just
twice," and there's a moment's gleaming grin to go with it, before he
excuses himself to locate their amber-collared hostess. Elseve - with that
flower in her hair - gets a smile of her own, on the way.

Elseve, seemingly wrapped up in her own little world as she leans against
her lifemate, sadly doesn't even see I'sai and his smile for her.

Kaylira sighs as her attention is drawn elsewhere. "Figures. Someone thinks
*now* is hte right time for anything but feasting. "If you'll excuse me
mum, I'sai.." She nods to others. "Sorry, but I'll either catch you before
you return home or come in person to give m'regards to Telgar. C'mon you
great brown lump. I'll have you know I'm missing some of Kaimi's best
because of you." Pheirth whuffles without concern. He doens't mind missing
Kaimi's best.

From the sands below, Brees walks over from the far end of the Hatching
Cavern.

Said look on Kaylira's face only heightens the amusement on her mother's.
"You never know, Kay. But 'twouldn't suggest putting yourself up for
auction at Weavercraft, nay anymore... *Katlynn* might buy you and be evil
and horrifying and wicked t'you somehow. Mark me. 'Twere of a mind t'go
feasting then, too, kit?" Yet more amusement for I'sai's wince; then,
"Well, 'twas a Hatching, y'know. Are dragons nay usually in fine humor
after a Hatching? But I can elbow her out of teasing further if'n you'd
rather." Then, "Oh--a'course, Kay. A'course. I should head out m'self, I
suppose. Give that sone of yours a hug for me."

Kaylira grabs hold of the straps and swings a leg over, settling
comfortably upon Pheirth's neckridges.

Pheirth launches from the ledge and into the air.

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Taralyth relishes the hum, the thrum, both 
hers - << Do you not find it warm, Lysseth? Warm to fly in, to splash in, 
to hunt in? >> made the more green-touched a blue for her tease.

Lysseth> Taralyth senses that Lysseth splashes indeed, splashes blue-silver
laughter against green-blue relish, though it's more like ocean than hot
dog; << Oh, it is warm, but it is not Boll--and no hunting here, nor
swimming I should think, for us. Perhaps on some further beach; perhaps
when my rider takes me South.... Will you fly, and splash, and hunt here
tonight? >>

I'sai skips a step at the half-heard mention of Katlynn, and calls back,
"No fair warning Kay, your spawn or no! And no, there's been enough
elbowing to go around, wouldn't wish it on -her- soft hide. My ribs can
take it much better," before he continues over... -without- having waved a
hand before Elseve's distracted eyes, temptation or no.

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Taralyth melds, momentarily, silver into blue
into green and back again, and frees it only with a flourish; << Why 
not? >> he asks. << Why wait? I may stay, or I may go - but where, when, 
we do not yet know. >> There's an image, after, a dark shape that's swift 
and lithe within that deep saltwater.

Kassima pauses in the action of reaching for straps to wonder back to him,
"Why nay fair, warning her? Shouldn't the *world* be warned if'n she's gone
mad and as inclined t'pursue women now as men t'boot? Would you have Kisai
nay be warned, when she's of age? Don't *tempt* me though t'prove it on
your ribs; I might, since Lyss is being so smug about agreeing with you."
That distracted greenrider does get a curious look, but she seems no more
inclined to try and interrupt the distraction.

Reye leans back on that bright forelimb, regarding the Telgari
Weyrlingmaster as he approaches. "I'sai," she greets casually, and her
cheeks are still red beneath her tan. "When'd you arrive? I didn't spy Tear
until Om called my attention -- having trouble ah, focusing lately."

Lysseth> Taralyth senses that Lysseth provides a fire-flower of golden
sparks for the flourish, to brighten and offset silver before they die. 
<< This is not our place, to hunt, >> she answers, << and my rider would 
not swim where strangers might see, looking as she does; *I* might, but 
kind, I'll be, and not insist. I could suggest places, did you seek 
suggestion-- >> It's absent, though, with her thought swiftly streaking 
towards that dark leviathan. To catch, or to be? Oh, the places you'll go!

I'sai pivots - Taralyth might have heard, even if he hadn't - to call back,
"It'll be a -long- time before Kiss is ready for anyone, and in the
meantime, chaos!" He quiets once he's greeted by their hostess in turn,
though, and admits to her, "Late. Didn't catch a cracking shard. What did
you see, what did I miss? Heard about Cav's boy, at least."

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Taralyth admires it - captures in diamond if
not her own crystal - << _He_ sees naught amiss with the way she looks, >>
full, rounded, aglow. He warns, then, << _That_ one has claws, >> though
surely that wouldn't prevent it from being her as well.

Kassima affords a quick smile; retorts, only, "'Chaos' is less the word
than 'endless reign of horror,' I'm thinking," before she completes her
motion with effort, and seats herself on her dragon's neck.

You place one hand on Lysseth's neck and she warbles down at you fondly.
You grin and scratch her eyeridges once before climbing up onto her lower
neckridges, using the riding straps and Lysseth's thoughtfully offered
foreleg.

<*> Reye lets out a breath, leaning against flame-bright dragonhide, even
as that dragon turns her head for quiet conversations with Taralyth. "Ah...
let's see. Did you know many of the candidates? There's ah, L'vor, and
B'rakis, and Chitose and..." She trails off, glance apologetic. "I'm not
remembering a lot of it. It was good, strong dragons, and all." She bites
her lip then, a tilt of her head indicating her dragon. "You're playing it
close."

Lysseth> Taralyth senses that Lysseth can admire diamond, crystal or not;
has long practice at just that, and taps a thought against it, to make *it*
hum. << Well, well--she would appreciate that, I think, >> the green
decides, with more rippling laughter more quiet than the first. << If not
perhaps believe it. She is not fond of being rounded. >> There's a
sensation of wind and air as the green spreads her wings, preparing to
depart physically, if perhaps not mentally; *mentally*, she still prods at
him: << Who is it, then? Who, who? >>

<*> Lysseth spreads her wings to their full extent, bringing them down with
a rush of wind as she leaps nimbly into the air.

You launch yourself from the ledge and into the air.

[Editor's Note:  At this point, Kassi went off to the Island 
Off the Coast of Greystones to relax, and the Hatching part 
of the log technically ends; however, I'm including the rest 
of Taralyth and Lysseth's pro convo both for continuity's 
sake and because I enjoyed it so much. :) ]

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Taralyth exaggerates his responsive -ting-
(za-zing!). << You may tell her. And if she does not believe us - >> he
plays at looking down that wing of his, long and prismatic-bright, 
<< _then_ we will tease her. >> As for that leviathan, << Also a hunter, 
if not of our kind; she injured another, once upon a time, wingless or 
no. >>

Lysseth> Taralyth senses that Lysseth cracks lightning as admiration; her
thoughts have now taken on more a scent, a sense, of salt, and of small
flickering fish beneath the light of a moon. << She does not, >> the green
reports, amused but not surprised. << She thinks he--you--tease *now*, to
say so. Tell me of her? >> And with that, the sense of settling in and
anticipation for the story, as well as warmth and appreciation simply for
the contact and for conversing with him this way. << Who was it that she
injured? Did *she* hunt, and splash, if never fly? >>

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Taralyth tastes, all but _licks_ that salt,
those fish - and echoes a profile of her rider, round not just in belly,
though it's an appreciation humans rather than dragons would own - and then
he moves on at her desire to explain, with the distance of that memory
borrowed from humans, << Joath it was. Injured - broke? - a talon. That was
then; she flies again. >>

Lysseth> Taralyth senses that Lysseth is all willing to offer it up, to
swirl fish about and around his thought so that sinuous scales might brush,
even caress, like and completely unlike dragonhide. Then rich laughter,
warmed by the open-given echo of rider's deep blush--<< You should only see
the colors! Well, *well*. I will give your rider credit for taste, then,
that we knew not he had, >> and never mind that the green is biased, sees
appreciation of *her* partner as the epitome of good sense. << Ah, so. It
must be canny to wound a sister... but I could take that thing, >> the
green decides, with the confidence in herself that so rarely falters, and a
touch of fierce pleasure in the thought of such a hunt as *that*. << And
gulp its hot blood down my throat 'til my breath steamed with it against
the waters--unless it is what *you* seek. I might, perhaps, allow you
precedence. >> Because he is Taralyth. And she is Lysseth.

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Taralyth stirs, attuned to that touch - for it
is hers - and yet disturbed, somehow, at the foreign quality to it,
_scales_ instead of her own sweet hide - that laughter, that blush both
relaxes and amuses him, after. << Sometimes he looks, sometimes he...
not-looks; it seems safer so. >> So kind is she, to defer thus; even so, 
<< I would enjoy your hunting, Lysseth, >> that _enjoyment_ rich and heady
even as hers; but for now, he lets it be known that he must hunt more
common things, and with a last brush of intimacy, vanishes into the great
unknown.