Candidate Barracks - Ista Weyr(#121RAJ$)
     Natural stone pillars rise from the smooth floor to the high ceiling in this large cavern, its space easily enough to accommodate more than a hundred cots and presses with them. Spaced along even rows and broken up every ten or so by a square table with chairs surrounding it, these cots are almost always neatly made - no doubt for fear of a surprise inspection - with their presses shut at the foot of them. Laundry bins and choreboards fill the recesses, as do a few more personal items left here and there by those who currently inhabit the barracks.
     There's a home-spun quality to these barracks, as if those who live here have taken a liking to their environment. Or perhaps it's just that the decorations - hung on the walls by means of lively tapestries - are cheerful and contented, meant to brighten the hearts of those who have most likely been taken from their comfortable beds and instilled in these noisier barracks.
                             +lhelp is available.

[Note: my puppeteer was on for the first part, so I missed the beginning of the rp.]
Goran is completely confused by Shaoini's words, and sends Yari a frowning glance. "Noticed what?" he wonders. "That he's shy? Aye...that I have. An' he blushes as much as I do. What's that got t'do with getting green?" He, personally, doesn't see it.

Margareete tips a smile and nod to Cymber before turning about upon Catriona's words. "Me for green? Well... maybe. But who knows what's out there with seventy-eight eggs." A litle wink and she adds, "But green is one of the best colors. Right, Cymber?"

"No, it isn't," replies Cymber cheerfully to Valin, intentionally brightening her smile on the man. "And.. I like older men," she adds drolly, softly, teasing at him again. "Gonna head up for a cup of klah myself, why don't you come?" Her lips quirk to the right as she turns from the waist to look around. "Well.. it -is- the best color if you're asking me. But then again, I'm a little bit prejudiced." She winks thick lashes, adding credence to the fact that she's joking.. maybe.

Shaioni chuckles. " Greens'er okay," the hunter muses. " Like blues though. They have such a lovely form to them." Shoulders shrug. " Don't worry about it, Goran. I'm sure you'll figure it out sometime. Jus' suffice it to say Yari's got somethin' special 'bout him that'll make some green very happy."

Valin clears his throat quietly, the first sign of nervousness, and it only comes once Cymber has teased him. "Ah... no, thankee kindly, tho."

Falaya's nose wrinkles, as she sits up again. "Anyone else having trouble resting recently?"

A cheerful hand is waved at Falaya. How can a hand be cheerful, one might ask? When it's paired with a grin such as the one Catti's wearing. "Me. But that's more because too many people in here snore," she says lightly. Then back to the color conversation she goes. "I think all of them are pretty wonderful. Sure, some are better at one thing or another, but every color has its perks."

Falaya ruffles slightly at her hair with a grin, "Catti, can you -ever- sleep well?" she teases, remembering the first comments about snorring, at Asixier's Searching.

Tahayari quite likes his shell, thank you very much, and quite wishes that by some miracle those dragons would decide they liked theirs enough to stay inside them, too. Nevertheless, he moves from his cot to the space Shaioni has made for him on hers, nuzzling up next to her. "I think a nice blue would suit me much better," he says ponderously, toying with a loose thread along the hem of his shirt. "If I /had/ to choose."

Cymber lays off Valin, knowing him well enough not to push too far. She remains half-turned.. then sways the rest of the way around to nod at Catti's observation. "Every color is unique and special. Each have something that make them special. It doesn't matter what color your lifemate is -- when they reach for you, you won't even be thinking about it." With that, and a last friendly smile, she makes for the door and the klah that she'd mentioned.

Margareete finds what it is she's looking for and quickly pulls out the white garb, tossing it up on her cot. "Thank Faranth... I thought a little tunnelsnake had run off with it." Taking a deep breath, she seems to relax a tad more before flopping down on the cushy surface. "Blah. My anxiousness wore me right out."

Cymber heads out to the southern cavern.

"Sure I can. Back in my old cot, I slept wonderfully. Helped that I'd staked out a corner all to myself, though." A brief sigh marks Catriona's regret at losing that coveted placement in the resident's barracks. It's probably been claimed by someone else. Nylani, no doubt. Wanting to annoy her rival. "See Goran? Just like I told you last night. It won't matter, if you hear that voice in your head."

Goran shrugs for Catriona's benefit. "Y'are the one trying to put people on colors, Cat.." He notes gently, sending another of those frowning, yet friendly looks over to Tahayari...he's trying to figure out what is 'special' about him, see.

Falaya chuckles, shrugging. Slipping from her cot, she head towards the small gathering, "If you all want to put colours on people, what would you colour me?"
When has Catriona ever followed the rules she advises everyone else of? A budding hypocrite, that's her, and far too humourous about it, to judge from her grin. "It's just for fun, Goran. To pass the time... mmmm. I don't know, Falaya. Blue, maybe?"

"Really?" asks Falay, ploping herself down next to Catti. She shrugs, and grins. "Guess I just usually think more on what the little hatcling that choses me will be like. Not the -colour."

Margareete just turns over on her side, propping up her head with a hand that's wedged against her pillow. "I think there are a few strong bronzes out there for a couple of the guys. But I bet there's a lot of greens, too. Has anyone noted anyone for brown yet?"

Valin peers after Cymber, just watching the barracks' exit for a moment. He shakes his head, slides a hand over his face, and then lays down once more, killing time and resting.

Catriona immediately hooks a thumb at Goran. "Him," she says, nodding at Margareete. "He's as brown as they come, much as he may disagree with me on it. Oh, I think it has more to do with personality too, Falaya. But you have to admit...there are certain traits about each color that could affect the person chosen by them."

Falaya nods, and grins a little, "Why'd you choose blue for me, then?"

Margareete looks Goron over thoughtfully, then nods. "I could see that. Falaya on blue, hmm? I don't know. I see green, perhaps."

Goran shakes his head at Catriona again, but keeps his opinion to himself, going about his cleaning duties by polishing his boots again....or maybe he's just trying to keep his hands busy. "I'm just goin t'see what happens, m'self." He gives Margareete a faint smile.

"Either one, blue or green. They're so fast in the air, and sturdy too, although blue more than green." Catti leans forward, pulling her press open and yanking the robe out. Its unceremoniously dumped in her lap, to be picked over for any flaws for the thousandth time. "For some strange reason, people are guessing green for me, too," she adds with a laughing smile.

Drewyn streaches and looks around quietly, after the earlier egg touching Drew seems a tad more withdrawn than usual.

Falaya mmms, and shrugs with a grin. "WEll, like I said. I'm not going to choose a colour. Leave it to the hatchling to choose me, I'd say."

Margareete yawns, leaning back to fluff her hair a little. "I was doing cavern work earlier... how -did- that touching go?"

Goran smiles at Margareete again. "I missed it too...I had too many dishes t'do t'leave..." He buffs his boot with vigor, making it shine. "Were the eggs warm, Cat?"

"Quietly. Trinyth even wasn't as nasty as she was last time," Catriona puts in, fingers moving over the seams of the robe looking for any loose threads. "It's still as hot as ever out there, though. That's not ever likely to change. The eggs were almost as warm as the Sands themselves, and a lot harder to the touch. I think Alyssa's right, it'll be soon."

Falaya's smile fades a little, nose wrinkling, "I was bringing in the nets full of fish for dinner, and someone managed to forget to let me know there -was- one..!"

Margareete rubs her stomach. "I need to eat a little more yet tonight. My stomach's been rumbling for an hour or so now. She wasn't that agrivated?" Quick change of subject, but Margareete seems to have a million things buzzing around in her cranium this evening.

Riddyn walks into the barracks, a towel draped over his shoulders. "Who wasn't that aggrivated?" he asks, catching Margareete's words.

Margareete glances over to Riddyn. "Trinyth, apparently. But I don't know, I wasn't there for that last touching."

Catriona absently nods towards Margareete. "Oh, she was brooding over seven or eight of the eggs, we didn't dare go near those. But for the most part she wasn't being too aggressive. She and Alyssa snorted a few times at T'rrent, that was it." The robe in her lap is flipped over so that the other side can be inspected.

Falaya heads back to he rpress, pulling out her own white robe, for last inspection. AGain. "Ever notice that when you decide that you'll have one last inspection of your robe, it never -is- the last?"

Goran finishes the one boot and starts on the other, giving it the same attention. "Y'think those were golds and bronzes, then?" is asked of Catriona. "Those special eggs of her, I mean." He allows a faint smile for the continued emnity between Weyrleader and Weyrwoman. "How is it that T'rrent's bronze continues t'fly Alyssa's gold, if they can't stand each other?" He's always wondered about this.

Margareete snorts quietly. "They must not dislike each other all that much. A bronze can be fast, but if a gold doesn't fancy him he has a good chance of not winning. That's what I always thought, anyway. Someone else got another idea on that?" Catriona only gets a grin. "Any bets either of the dams are hiding a gold egg out there?"

"I imagine there will have to be at least a few bronzes. Not so sure about the gold, though," Catriona looks up, brows knitting together as she thinks. "I didn't see anything out there that looked like a gold egg. But then, there're so many... " Shaking her head, she turns her attention back down to the robe, flashing a grin at Falaya to show agreement. "Maybe the two of them don't dislike each other as much as they seem to. Who can tell?"

Falaya shrugs, but smiles, "I'd bet there is... With a clutch that big?"

"Because dragons are st..." Tahayari abruptly trails off and blushes faintly as he apparently remembers the company he keeps. "Nevermind," he eventually adds in a lame attempt to cover up his faux pas. The young man slides off his half-sister's cot and pads over to his own, promptly busying himself by rummaging around in his clothespress.

Margareete nods. "And two clutches... both were flown by bronzes too, weren't they? It'll be interesting. Me? I'm hoping for something little and cute. If that's possible." A soft chuckle escapes her lips.

Riddyn heads over to his cot and sits down, narrowly avoiding collision with a _way_ to hyper young Candidate who's dashing around. Easing back, he listens to the various conversations.

Catriona giggles, "Well, little I think can be managed, Maggie, but I don't know if hatchlings count as cute. Not with all of those teeth, anyways. Nyros! Watch where you're going!" Apparently Catti's taken that little firebrand under her proverbial wing, and she scowls at the boy now as he goes zooming away from Riddyn. Not that it helps much.

Goran finishes the boots and looks around for something else to do. Barring going and eating, which would mean going near the kitchens (something to be avoided at all costs, due to the mounds of dishes therein), he pulls out his whittling knife and a chunk of wood, letting the chips fly.

Margareete grins. "Hey, they can be cute, in a menecing evil sort of way, can't they?"

Well, we all know what that means - that deep reverberation, that echo bouncing between and across the black walls of Ista's bowl having begun somewhere in the depths of the old volcano. The sound of countless humming dragons, their voices raised in welcome, each second a new pitch added to the fervor of mounting song until it grows to unfathomable proportions. This is the timeless traditional beginning of a Hatching...

Falaya blinks, "Anyone hear that?" Duh. If they don't, then they can deffinitely feel it..

Riddyn sits up abruptly as that sound penetrates so easilly through myriad voices conducting conversations. "Is that what I think it is?" he asks of everyone and no one.

Belena comes in from the southern cavern.

Margareete blinks, hands falling down to where she layed her robe. "It's time all ready?" she asks, paling just slightly. Her clothes get yanked off in turn for the robe covering her back up. She just peers about at the utter chaos of candidates starting to run every which way.

Cymber comes in from the southern cavern.

Lenala changes quickly, and perches on the edge of her cot to braid her hair up into a knot at the back of her neck.

D'kar has arrived.

Valin, flat on his cot, rubs both hands over his face. He sits up, with a shiver for that more than slightly eerie sound. His gaze moves up to the ceiling again, where, perched on a shelf, beam, or ledge, his bronze firelizard Cid adds his quiet hums. "Hmm," Val himself says, a hum of sorts, and he starts reaching for his press.

Belena jogs into the barracks, "Everyone have their robes?" She comes to a standstill and takes a deep breath, trying to maintain a calm.

Kelbiba changes into her robe quickly and stands by her cot waiting.

Abalonie trots lightly into the barracks, her braid bouncing lightly against the curve of her neck. She goes straight for her cot, her eyes skimming over the rushing candidates quickly before she joins in. She pulls her clothes off over her head, speedily replacing it with the straight white of her robe.

Catriona's hands pause as humming begins to vibrate through the rock of the walls. "It would have to be, wouldn't it?" she says in a tone far more calm than the surprised look in her eyes. Forget modesty. When the humming rises, she's moving in the blink of an eye to strip and pull on the robe. Clothes scatter everywhere as the white fabric is tugged roughly over the girl's head.

Goran feels it more than hearing it, and pauses in his whittling. He remembers that sound, that....vibration. "The eggs.." is said softly - and he goes about preparing for the hatching, as it is now. "Just when I was getting into m'carving, too." Isn't that always the way? Clothespress is opened, and robe found, the sandals with it. He flushes a bit, seeing as how there is no time for modesty, and quickly changes without looking to see if anyone is watching.

Falaya grins, nodding to Margareet. "Deffinitely. That's the humming!" She shrugs, Guess that -was- the final inspection by me..." The white robe she had, gets exchanged for her warm clothes. "I'm glad the Sands are warm, 'cause it certainly isn't -outside-!

Cymber hastens into the chamber, her expression tensed though the hint of a smile plays at the corners of her lips. "Those who haven't figured it out.. get into those robes." She pauses there in the door, studying the bustle. Then she moves to Belena and smiles. "They're all yours now. I think.. they'll all do very well." Her eyes link with those of the other rider, then she turns and lifts her voice again. "Good luck to each and every one of you. No matter what happens.. you'd all make fine riders." Then.. her part is finished, with an odd sort of pride she moves back to the door.

Squeak. Squeak. Random, nervous sounds emit from Tahayari's section of the room and his aimless rummaging through the clothespress turns into a frantic search for his robe. "Where is it? Where is it?" He whines and whimpers and looks generally pathetic until his robe is pulled out from beneath a stash of clothing; after a few self-concious glances around the room, he hastens to change.

Rikelor dashes in, eyes wild in surprise, and his heart hammering within his chest. The young man rushes over to his cot, where his robe has been splayed. Promptly, the man sheds his clothing, not caring, as no one will be watching in their own rush. Warm, clean, pure white fabric is pulled over his head, and he then slips his feet into his thick-soled sandals. "Shards..." Whispers the man to himself, the humming still rich within his ears. Looking towards Cymber, he offers a weak smile, but doubts she's saw it.

Riddyn leans down tp dig his robe out of his press. Quickly pulling his shirt off, he pulls the robe on, careful not to rip out the shoulders, and only when covered does he remove his breeks. Then he looks around, scanning faces. "Abbie... has anyone seen Abalonie?" he asks, his rumbling voive loud enough to be heard over the sounds of people talking, changing, etc.

Drewyn blinks and looks around the room, he quickly changes into his robe. Nervousness has set in on Drew and he shakes his head at himself. This is not a time to be doing that.

Margareete just manages a smile for Cymber before her throat closes up a little bit and she stands, moving over to join the slowly forming line of candidates waiting to either walk out towards the sands or get their robe inspected. She doesn't seem to coherant, and yet, she seems to glow with that energetic anticipation. "It really is time."

Asixier does not run in he walks in carefully, after spilling juice all over himself because of Cymber yelling he goes to his cot and quickly strips down. And right where it always has been, his robe is thrown on. He didn't even take off his black boots he just pulled his pants off over them. And he stands at the base of his cot waiting for other orders.

Catriona's fingers fly to wrap a white wherhide thong around her mass of hair, the firelizard clip used to previously hold the curls back clattering forgotten to the floor. "Deep breaths. Remember, deep breaths," she then counsels those closest to her, the ones whose faces have gone as pale as their robes. "Nyros, come here..." The boy is grabbed as he rushes by, yowling in excitement. "Comb your hair, silly. There."

Belena looks around at all of the candidates, "Okay, remain calm everyone. Don't forget to acknowledge Trinyth, Isyrath, Morpeth and Marcath. Ummm..." She looks around and points at the first two faces she sees, "Asixier, Abalonie. You two first. Onto the sands."

Serriena runs into the room practically tripping over Cymber and then running over to her cot. She flies through her chest at the foot and rummages for her robe. "Got it!" Then there's a mad dance as she pulls the robe over her head over her clothes. And boy can she dance slipping one arm out of her tunic then the other, underneath the robe, modestly. Then the tunic is slipped over her head. Her hands reach under the robe pulling off her pink trousers and those are tossed onto her cot. She removes the combs from her hair and pulls a ribbon tight wrapping her hair up in a ponytail. It is with some regret she takes off the leather thread necklace . Twilight chirps and she says, "Go to J'nah" The command is obeyed and the purple firelizard flits between.

Cymber heads out to the southern cavern.

Lenala finishes her frantic braiding, shoving a few more pins in to make sure it all stays, then stands and waits.

Brian rushes to his press and quickly disgards his clothes and changes into his robe. He quickly runs a comb through his hair as it gets messed up while putting on the robe and looks around nerviously with a smile.

Goran straps on his sandals, then sits, waiting for further instructions. One might even say he looks calm, except that he is gripping the furs, his knuckles going white.

Asixier snaps as he hears his name being called and walks out towards the sands.

Abalonie pulls her braid out from the neckline of her robe at the same time she turns around, her eyes flashing over people quickly before she tries to make her way over towards Riddyn. Hearing Belena's commands however, the girl instantly freezes. She looks at Belena as if she were insane before simply, meekly, going out to the sands, her honey-brown eyes sending a last desperate glance for Riddyn.

Kelbiba straps on her sandals.

Shaioni watches the panic with an amused grin. With insolent slowness, she rises from her cot, depositing Sapphire down on the pillow. " You know the drill, lad. Stay put." She slides into her robe and moves to pinch her brother's side. " You'll do it, Yari." Fingers wave Quirin over as she smirks down at Yari.

Valin, a 'veteran' at this -- not only has he been through a hatching before, he's /old/ -- strips off his tunic, pulls on his robe, and /then/ drops his trews, yadda yadda. Trust the Hold-bred ex-Crafter to find a way to be modest.

Drewyn brushes his hair back and puts it in a white thong, quickly brushing it so he looks presentable for the hatchlings

Kelbiba watches asixier and abalonie go.
Kelbiba brushes her hair quickly.

Margareete seems to be doing about the same as everyone else: Watching the candidates walk off two by two as their names are called out.

"Do what?" Tahayari queries suspiciously, flinching away from the other Igenite's pinching fingers. "What will I do?" His robe is patted down with fasticious fingers, and his attention slides to Belena.

Falaya watches those fussing with hair and grins, "One helpful part of short hair.." she murmurs, before headding towards Belena, ready to wait for her turn.

Riddyn, tall enough to see over people, chews his lip as he watches Abalonie leave. Hopefully, he can manage to get to her on the Sands.
Catriona falls into waiting silence after Nyros' unruly hair has been attended to. The only sign of inward agitation would be the restless motion of her hands, smoothing the folds of the robe down at her sides. Even her face has a somewhat calm look to it -- if you can overlook the lines of strain that show around her eyes.

D'kar has moved over to take a place beside Belena, looking over the candidates with a critical gaze of pale blue, counting them with barely moving lips as he makes sure all are accounted for.

Falina has been right by Rik's side this whole time. Really. And she seems intent upon staying there, a worried jittery expression hiding underneath the smile plastered there.

Falaya Seems calm. Unnaturally so. Her cheeks are flushed a healthy pink, and her fingers don't bother her outfit -too- much, compared to others.... She looks around, inching herself towards the WLMs silently, awaiting her moment to enter the sands.

D'kar walks forward, pursing his lips and eyes alighting upon Shailoni, "Shailoni...come with me...you, too, Serriena," he says, offering a pale smile to the young women before leading them.

Serriena's eyes widen and then she follows D'kar smiling at Rikelor and Falina as she passes them.

" Shai/oni/," Shai replies patiently to D'kar as she follows behind Serriena. " No ell."

Margareete watches two more trapse off, teedering quietly on her feet as they depart.

See, Valin has cause to grumble about his hair. It /is/ too long. So with some quiet pestering of a female Candidate, he procures for himself a strip of hide with which to tie his shaggy, longish hair back, as rules call for. That done, he joins his fellows in white.

Drewyn stands perfectly still, trying not to look nervious as he notices the candidates being lead off two by two.

Falaya grins, as she glances towards Valin, "Having a problem with finding a tie, were you? I could've given you mine..."

Lenala stirs from her spot at the foot of her cot, heading for Catti.

Belena moves quickly between cots, grabbing candidates and sending them to the sands, "Okay, Brian, to the sands. Catriona, you too hon."

Kelbiba quietly watches the candidates that are going.

"You'd think someone had died!" Catriona remarks into the silence that's fallen over the huddled bunch. Purposefully, she pitches her voice lightly, meaning to poke at people's sense of humour. "They're just babies, after all...yes ma'am. Thank you." Steeling her own nerves, she waves cheerfully at those left behind and strides towards the passage onto the sands.

Margareete perks up slightly and waves to Catriona as she gets called out. Then a sudden, "G'luck everyone... shoulda said that sooner," escapes her mouth.

Lenala stops short, and shrugs apologetically at Catti. "I'll catch up," she calls.

Riddyn shifts from foot to foot as he watches others head out.

Valin smiles faintly to Falaya. "Thankee kindly. Set, tho. Mebbe next time," he drolly joshes.

Goran has to grin at Cat's parting comment. He's just not one to say much, when there isn't much to say. Unlike his fellow candidate, it seems.

D'kar says "Valin....you, and Riddyn, please...onto the sands, and.." he flashes Valin a grin, "Watch out for stumbling hatchlings.""

Falaya wrinkles her nose with a brief wink, "Next time, mm? Don't think there will be one for you... Good luck!"

Kelbiba gasps. "Theyre hatching??"

Valin grunts quietly. "Maybe /thay/ should watch out for me..." And off he goes.

Riddyn starts as he hears his name, and then he's headed out.

Margareete blinks over at Kelbiba. "That's what the humming's all about."

Tahayari, meanwhile, edges his way over to Goran and aims an elbow towards his ribs. His greeting is short, crisp, and nerve-wracked, betraying the reluctant Candidate's anxiety: "Hey."

Belena marches right on to the next set of candidates, "Alright, all of you out. You too Drewyn...and Falaya too. Quick now, chop chop!"

Falaya takes a deep breath and grins, "Yes ma'am!" she calls, before headding out.

Goran is startled by the digging into his ribs, but smiles down at Tahayari. "Hey....y'getting nervous, then?" Or rather, more so than usual? "No worries, y'know. Just go out, make your bow t'the dragons, and just stand there. Won't be nothing happening as yet. Mind your feet, though. Sands are hot." The bad part of this whole deal.

D'kar says "Goran...and..." he chooses another across the line, "Margarette. On the sands. Be careful as you get out there. Your legs are likely not the steadiest right now.""

Goran frowns a bit as Tahayari is left behind, but nods to D'kar "Just come join me on t'sands, Yari, once y'are out there." And he stands, moving to the exit with a smile to Margareete

Margareete rubs the back of her neck, nerves now all a'twitch. "I wonder if any of them have actually cracked open yet." Swallowing as her name is called, she nods. "Not the steadiest, but they'll do." A meek smile finds it's way to her face before nodding and walking onto the sands. "C'mon Goran, want to stand next to me?" she queries as they leave.

"Maybe a little," Tahayari admits ruefully. "Yeah, yeah, I know, and --" The rest of the Igenite's response is cut off as he hears D'kar announce the latest pairing, and he changes his words and even offers a shaky smile. "Yeah. See you out there."

Belena turns right around where she is and snags the next two people who get within her sight, "Falina and Kelbiba, all set with robes? Get on out there then!"

Kelbiba nods to Belena and heads out.

"Tayahari.." says D'kar, nodding to the candidate, "And Rikelor...get a move on. " A smile after that, before he adds, "And mind your feet."

Falina takes a deep breath, shakes her head to clear all the extra confusion away once more, then smiles at Belena, then heading out.

Rikelor nods to D'kar, and takes a deep breath, looking across to all those gathered, "Good luck." He utters, but it doesn't come loudly, not at all. His tone wavers, and he strides towards the sand's entrance, arms stiff at his sides. To his destiny?

Tahayari glances towards Rikelor and hurries after the other candidate, gathering the folds of his robe as he scuttles off.

Hatching Sands - Ista Weyr(#78RJ$)

Catriona's eyes scrunch up in yet another wince as the state of the sands is taken in. Chaos. She knew it. Didn't she predict this? Adroitly sidestepping an egg that's far too energetically bouncing around, followed not long after by a lashing hatchling, the girl scuttles closer to a very large, familiar form. Maybe she will hide behind him after all. "Remember. Dodge /away/ from me," she informs him, voice tightly controlled. "As ready as we're likely to ever be, Maggie... luck."

Goran smiles at Margareete and Catriona, noting the latter's movement closer, then turns to look over his shoulder "There's Tahayari....think he'll faint?" is whispered.

Flanked by two rapidly moving greens, it takes some time for the stalwart bronze who recently broke shell from the Charmed in Silver Egg to figure out what exactly to do with his limbs. By that time, he's already spotted a handsome young man from Ista Hold and, in a matter of moments, the two have made Impression.

Rikelor strides onto the Hatching Sands, his feet already heated, despite the thick soles of his sandals. The Candidate turns, and bows to each Dam and sire in turn, respect in his movements, though it's hard to hide his nervousness, which seems to make his motions more stiff. This done, the man moves on, quickly moving to the farmiliar forms of Serriena and Falina, in the loop of Candidates. Deep breaths..

Falaya glances to the next two to come out. She grins. "Lenala!" she calls..

Falina steps onto the sands, bowing carefully to the dragons before stumbling forward yet again. She squints around her, looking for her friends.. "Rik!" she grins, and slips over to his side, and offering her hand for him to take. "Here we go! Where's Serri?" she asks, looking around the crowd.

Lenala slips out just behind a pair of younger candidates, pausing for a long moment to take a deep breath, then bows to the Queens and heads for the other candidates quickly.

Serriena shifts from foot to foot on the sands. She smiles at Asixier. "Has the bet egg hatched yet?" she questions. She looks as Falina and Rikelor come out and waves to them since they are supposed to help hold her hand through this and she theirs. Once more her eyes search up to the stands until they spot a particular blue rider who sits there. She smiles as the bronze impression is made. She hears her name and waves them over. "Over here!" she calls.

Subtleties of Perfection Egg doesn't wobble, so much as roll off of the mound of sand onto which it was deposited all those sevendays ago, settling itself, in what looks to be an upside down position on the flat spot of sand beside its former resting place.

Quirin moves out onto the Sands, instantly beginning a quickstep as the heat gets to his feet. Ow. He slides over to a spot near Shaioni.

Tahayari hisses to Rikelor as they enter, uncertain, "What...what am I supposed to do, again?" He pauses as he enters, and remembers to sketch a small bow towards the dams and sires; the bow is accompanied with shaky knees, and the tension fails to leave his stride as he spies Goran and hustles over.

Valin distances himself from nervous chatter for the most part. Nervousness only calls attention, and the last time a hatchling gave Val some attention, it wasn't all that grand. The ex-holder, ex-crafter, ex-Southerner keeps an eye out for those bronzes, as many men and boys might do, although his reasoning may be different.

Abalonie watches the hatchlings move over the Sands, giggling at what Riddyn says, then promptly shifting back a little so that her shoulder is hidden behind the fall of his arm, even though she doesn't release his hand, saying, quietly, "They move so quickly.." Commence nibbling over lower lip to add to the usual Hot Sand dance.

Margareete just seems to be concentrating on breathing, which could be considered a bit difficult, considering the sweltering heat of the sands. "Oh, greens and bronzes all ready," she notes, finger lifting to point off to the recently hatched and impressed.

D'kar steps out onto the sands, taking a place near the wall, where he can watch the others. A glance is cast up into the galleries, looking for someone, no doubt, before he returns his attention to the task at hand, anfter, of course, bowing to the golds.

Shaioni gestures over to Quirin and Tahayari, before noticing the latter's move towards Goran. Clucking her tongue disapprovingly, the hunter saunters over beside her brother, joining with Quirin.

Rikelor 's hand seems to shake as he places it into Falina's. "Indeed, 'Lina... Here we go." Motioning towards Serriena, he grins, and takes her hand as well in his large one, and looks towards the eggs, whispering hoarsely towards Serriena. "Impression has been made already?" He chokes out, before falling silent, to watch with his keen, steel blue gaze.

Spilling - as the richest of plum wines might pool onto the black Sands - the shards of the Subtleties of Perfection Egg fall away into a rich, jagged, shimmering carpet. Picking its way from this multi-colored blanket is the livid complexion of a new, handsome brown dragonet.

Belena offers a respectful nod to the parent dragons and then quickly makes her way around to a vantage point where she can quickly see the impressions and escort the pairs off.

                  --** Cimmerian Autumn Brown Hatchling **--

Riotously compiled of autumn's amber and midnight's onyx, this bejeweled brown sparkles with a cacophony of rich contrasts, a raucous creation highlighted here and there by petal-soft wisps of coolest cream that trickle to tip their way over the outline of sleek haunches and the delicate twine of a copper-braided chest, the sultry hues reflecting hints of beryl that transmute with each glimmer of passing illumination. Expansive aileron, traced by a network of finely woven beige veins, is alight with the trappings of a temptingly shadowed obsidian that threads watery ribbons over the neatly curved meridian of a surprisingly cimmerian spine. Liquid, reflective black-brown pools to envelop the spade of a coal-tipped tail - a handsome accompaniment to the startling darkness of tempestuously curved talons, a smooth undertone to the elaborately velvet browns of a lushly illustrated hide.

Lenala winds through the crowd, looking for whoever called her name, and winds up next to Falaya with a relieved smile.

Falaya grins, squeezing Lenala's hand as she nears. Eyes shift, fingers flickering, "Look... A brown!"

Asixier doesn't look over to Serriena just talks to her quietly. "No,But then again, I couldn't tell, so many dragonets and candidates and eggs all over the place." He scans the area. He looks at the brown dragonet just like the other dragonets that are on the sands, same nervous face.

Kelbiba hearing Falaya and looks. "Cool."

Margareete spots a brown, eyes kept tight on the small hatchling's movements as he's freed from his shell. "He's pretty, too."

Catriona's eyes are in a state of constant movement, flicking over eggs, hatchlings, fellow candidates. The girl's on edge, and she's not afraid to admit it. Stepping just a wee bit closer to Goran, she murmurs absently, "If Yari keeps his wits about him, he won't faint. I hope."

Pinnacle of High Society Egg tumbles end over precarious end, stirring up a path of sand as it sort of shimmies. A strange thing for an egg to be doing, but that seems to be the best way to describe the goings on that stir the egg into motion. And then... stillness... Just a tease, perhaps?

With the dominating chaos that mounts with each new Hatching, it's no wonder that a big brown manged to bump the Heart of the Celebration Egg, tipping the scales in favor of the green dragonet who spills out onto the Sands, creeling unhappily. To make matters worse, she gets bumped by a blue brother as she makes her way to be consoled by a pretty girl from Telgar.

Falina bites her lip a little, squeezing Rik's hand a bit tighter than necessary, perhaps. She peers around his tall form to offer a little nervous smile to Serri, and then looks back out at the hatchlings, shying back a little as the brown hatchling appears from the shards of it's egg.

Goran is more concerned with whether Tahayari is going to collapse rather than the first impressions, sparing the cracking eggs and emerging dragonets only a quick glance before he's watching the other candidate's progress. He smiles reassuringly down at Catriona, taking her hand and squeezing it.

Serriena says, "Ooh look at that brown that just hatched," She reaches for Falina's hand to hold and Asixier's or Rikelor's. She smiles and watches to see who it will choose as a lifemate.

Rikelor smiles lightly, taking the deepest breaths he can, attempting to keep himself as calm as possible. His palms, one in Falina's hand and one in Serriena's, are shaking as his gaze traces across to view the brown dragon that has hatched in clear admiration, not noticing the girl that has impressed. Everything is moving so fast....

Lenala nods to Falaya. "Couple of others over there, too," she points out.

Riddyn nods a little in silent agreement to Abbie, ice blue darting all around to try and see everything... most especially where the clumsy, seeking dragonets are heading. He offers a gentle squeeze to Abalonie's hand, but if it's for his comfort or hers is anyone's best guess. "Wow.. I never imagined it would be so... chaotic..."

Falaya's eyes look around quickly, nodding with a grin. "S /many/ of them!"

Drewyn takes notice of the brown that hatches, his feet however seem to be burning up. Dance of the candidate starts, lift one foot, then the other. Drew shuffles back and forth, hoping that the heat wont get any hotter.

Cimmerian Autumn Brown Hatchling rises from his gentle curl, the one he held for just much too long, in that dreadful old shell. But now...he's free, to begin his trek across the Sands and towards those curious white-robed bodies. Just as pretty as he pleases. No bumping around for this one.

Tahayari has never been accused of having any wits, though. He spares a glance back for his half-sister as she approaches before taking his place slightly behind Goran: the perfect hiding spot. He peers out around the bigger man's shoulder and nervously eyes the hatchlings as they emerge from their eggs. He squeaks with apprehension, and then tries to prod Goran in the side. "Hey. Hey. Look. They're hatching an' all." He whines. "Keep 'em away from me, okay?"

Margareete nods, shaking her head in disbelief at all the hatchlings all ready stumbling around the sands. "Faranth... " She lifts the toes from one foot off the ground, leaning torwards Goran a bit. "They're bumping into one another an aweful lot... none of us have been knocked over yet, have we?"

Catriona doesn't protest having her hand taken, just gives Goran's a quick squeeze in return before focusing attention on those eggs closest to this particular group. Makes sense to watch those closest, for the best opportunities at dodging. "I told everyone, I did. This is..." Adjectives fail. "Heyla Yari. Having fun yet?"

Brian looks towards where everyone is oggling and notices the brown. " Wow, look at him. " Brian looks around quietly before looking back at the brown hatchling to watch it.

Valin adopts an at-ease stance, more or less -- so what if the hands clasped behind his back are wringing tightly? Still, he's calmer than some, and does make an effort to relax and enjoy this moment. Impression or no, he had a better view of the Hatching than /that/ Lady Holder over there.

Lenala flashes Falaya a quick, nervous smile. "Just keep watching 'em. I'll try to warn you if any of 'em get close..."

Falina gulps a little bit and blinks from Rik to the rest of the Candidates and then at the hatchling, taking deep careful breaths (if a little jagged now and then). "You okay, Rik?" she asks up toward him.

A break in the opulence - a fracture in the gaiety - grows and spreads until it consumes the Pinnacle of High Society Egg. The struggle ended, the whole thing over, the shell dissolves in the wake of a damply gleaming, apple-blossom green dragonet.

D'kar stands there, stiff as a stone as always, though he does wear a smile which has been a big more prevalent in recent weeks. He watches the candidates as much as the eggs and hatchlings, one might note.

               --** Lissome Blooms of Apple Green Hatchling **--

Pure, silken down blossoms whitely over the crown of delicately appointed headknobs, the cottony softness beset by wisps of palest rose that stand in gentle contrast to the prevailing, varying hues of green that carress this beautys hide as sunlight through new leaves might sprinkle the forest floor. The softness of clover darkens the smooth line of her slender belly, sparkling here and there with tiny blooms of dandelion, themselves flickering with the richness of butterfly-orange. A shimmering veil of apple brightness runs down the long, slim outline of her sinuous spine, the sweet crispness fresh and invigorating where it meets with sprays of tender brown that spread twig-like fingers over the flat spade of her prettily crafted tail. Tart crabapple flirts with sharply curved talons, a precise match for the canvas of fragile wingsails delineated with spinnerwebs of autumnal bronze, tracing the network of veins that embrace the waning, moonlit green of her wingbones.

Quirin flicks a glance at Tahayari, and rolls his eyes. "Coward," he says, inelegantly.

Falaya nods, and chuckles with a grin, "I'll watch your back, too. Sound good?"

Kelbiba dances back and forth from one foot to the other as the heat of the sands burn at her feet.

Lenala nods. "Yup."

"Silly," murmurs Shai as she steps in beside her brother, grinning. " You can't keep 'em away if they want you... and I'm certain one will." Eyes sparkle merrily as she reaches out a hand to Quirin. " Don't you agree, old friend?"

Rikelor follows the newly hatched Brown's path with his keen gaze, smile soft upon his features; what a miracle this event is. It's an honor to be part of it, indeed. Squeezing both Falina and Serriena's hands, the young man states nothing, just standing tall and proud upon the hatching sands... After a quick moment, Rikelor looks to 'Lina briefly, heart pounding in his chest. "Yes... You?" Speach is hard to choke out.

Goran grins at the faint poking, looking back at Yari. "Y'really going to hide back there? They won't hurt you, y'know. Just don't get in their way." He tries to urge the other candidate from behind him, while keeping a hand in Cat's and one eye on the hatchlings...he wants to dodge too, he does.

Abalonie nods her head a little, probably remembering her last Standing as she says, "Chaotic doesn't even breach the surface.." It's a rather direct comment for the meek candidate, but she says it nonetheless. She just takes the gentle squeeze, for it benefits her no matter what, and inches a little closer to Riddyn.

Kelbiba gasps and points. "Look a green!"

Asixier grabs for Serriena's hand. "OOO look Serri, A green hatchling, She's pretty." He frowns as her hands are both taken up and just stands close to her holding his own sweaty hands.

Margareete's mouth gapes a little bit as a gorgeous little green spills out of a nearby egg. "Oh, she's really beautiful... look at her." She nudges Catriona gently and points over to the little dragonet.

Remember that chaos? It mounts every last second as new hatchlings emerge left and right. Hardly a moment to breathe passes before someone is being butted by a blunt-nosed dragonet.

Drewyn gasps softly as the beautiful green tumbles onto the sands. His eyes watch it carefully, trying not to stare at the green too hard, Drew decides to look towards the brown for a moment, though the green still captures his gaze as he looks back towards it with awe.

Tahayari instantly whimpers over to Catriona, "No. No fun at all. I wanna leave." But he stays put, nonetheless, shuffling feet both from the heat and from the anxiety. Glancing over towards the ex-vintner, the so-called coward sticks out his tongue impudently and doesn't deign to reply. And then, for Goran, he snaps, "Of course I'm going to hide. It's dumb to stand out in the open."

Quirin reaches out a hand to take Shaioni's, and grins. "Too true," he says with a chuckle, before smirking at Tahayari's oh-so-mature gesture. "Now, you wouldn't want a dragon mauling Goran to get to you, would you?"

Falina nods a little bit, voice dry as she replies, "Yes...Nervous. Very nervous. But that's normal, right?" She giggles nervously again, squeezing Rik's hand before falling silent yet again.

Catriona, under her breath, begins to mutter a running tally of those hatchlings she's able to catch sight of in the insanity of action. "Bronze, blue, blue, green, brown, green, green... careful!" A blue goes ricocheting by, sending her jostling against Goran, Yari and Margareete, in that order. Chain reaction time.

Goran watches the hatchling go left and right, merging with the white robes as they find their candidates, and then grins at Quirin "Leave him be. If a dragon wants him, I'll stand aside so it can impress him. I ain't one t'stand in the way of determination." Until then, Yari can hide all he wants. "Look, Cat....there's a pretty green. Well, she would be, if she weren't gooey."

Falaya galnces around a second, "Anyone know what the first hatching was? Anybody?" She dodges, pulling LEnala with her, to avoid Catti's chain reaction.

Shaioni laughs softly with Quirin, appreciative of his remark. " No indeed, Yari-love. Wouldn't you rather be here, where you can see 'em coming?" Hand is held out enticingly.

Riddyn glances down at Abalonie as she moves closer, and adjusts his shifting so he doesn't inadvertantly bump her. Left foot lifts, gets shaken, then put down. Right foot lifts, gets shaken, then put down. And back to left... "Oh!" His eyes light on the little green. "Abbie, lookit that dainty little lady over there.."

Serriena watches the egg split and a green emerge. "Oh she's quite the thing isn't she?" Serriena smiles and watches the little green dragonet. She grins as a few candidates dance on the heat of the sands, her own feet doing that same particular little shift shift of uncomfortableness. "Your hand is getting sweaty," she tells Rikelor. For that matter so is Asixier's to her other side. "Blech." For a moment she releases their hands to wipe them on her robes only to take them again. She keeps an eye on both brown and green dragonet.

Margareete wobbles a bit, hands flailing behind herself to catch her balance as there's no one for her to catch her fall against. Her legs, though unstable, manage to keep her from slipping into the black sands. "Whoa... Now that's one active little blue," she denotes.

Lenala jumps, following Falaya less than gracefully. "Ow! No, I didn't see, I wasn't out yet."

Essence of Quicksilver Egg shivers slightly, sending ripples all over the surface of its shimmering shell. Not an ounce of shift disturbs its repose, though--not yet, at any rate. For the time being, it simply shifts and shimmers, the light playing tricks with the eyes of any who gaze on it.

Falaya shakes her head, "Sorry... ME neither, but I'm curoius!"

Tahayari firmly tells Quirin, "I am not going to Impress. No way. Never. And after this is over, I am going to go back to Igen -- even if I have to walk the whole way." He lets out a startled yelp as Catriona jolts him before blushing profusely. He slants an annoyed glance towards Shaioni, and snaps, "No thank you. I am quite happy right where I am."

Lenala nods to Falaya. "No, don't worry, I'm all right..."

Amid the steadily mounting chaos, a trio of eggs near the center burst simultaneously and out spills a brown, a green, and a blue dragonet. No time wasted, they dart through clutch siblings and make quick choices, leaving three girls teary-eyed in joy.

Catriona musters a faint smile for Goran's remark, "Don't imagine they stay gooey for too long, not in this heat." Which reminds her: booted feet belatedly begin that timeless shuffle. The Sands' Dance. Craning her neck to get a look at the green he's indicating, she remarks absently, "Sorry, by the way. They can be awfully fast..."

Shaioni blinks, startled, and pulls her hand back. Lips thin as she regards Tahayari with some anger and no little pain. " Fine," mutters the former Igenite. " Be that way. I can see what family means to you." Tugging on Quirin, she moves away, to the side. Not too far. She's hardly going to leave her brother and her friend.

Valin shifts a little from foot to foot, eyes sweeping the immense cavern. It's a maelstrom of color set against that dark background, and his eyes cross for a second. He shakes his head to clear it, blinking rapidly. "Jays. Why d'they gotta Hatch all at once? So much easier if it went one atta time." Nah, not really a complaint. Just the truth, so far as Val is concerned. Even as he speaks, he trains his gaze upon those nearest hatchlings, keeping up a mental mantra to be ready to dodge. No pierced feet for him this time around, thank-you-kindly.

Quirin rolls his eyes. "Tahayari, you do realize that there's water between here and Igen, right?" he points out, almost boredly.

Falaya's feet mimic the Candidate Shuffle, just like many other white-robes.

Alyssa just looks... oh... a little tearful, a little pleased, a little regretful, a little delighted. Basically any and everything all mixed together as she clasps her hands before her, bouncing on her toes and trying to keep her eyes on everything at once. Which, as everyone knows, is a literal impossibility.

Drewyn looks back and forth between all of the hatchlings, but can't seem to catch up. Drew shuffles his feet back and forth, the heat getting to him again.

Abalonie turns her attentions over towards the green,b linking curiously. She smiles instantly and giggles softly to herself, nodding, "She's beautiful.." then, she nods once more, this time in agreement, "And definitely dainty."

Cimmerian Autumn Brown Hatchling knows just exactly where he's going, and there's nothing, not heat, not deep Sand, not milling bodies or creeling clutchmates that's going to stop him, not from finding the one, yes, right over....there. Just a few more, precise, careful steps.

Spot-on matches for one another, two greens emerge from the general vicinity of Melodies in the Night egg, making it difficult to judge who came from which egg. It only gets worse when they barrell toward a set of twin girls from Red Sands Hold. The resulting tangle of wings, legs, and jubilantly weeping girls takes some moments for A'poc to set to rights before he leads the new pairs from the Sands, chuckling to himself.

Lenala chuckles suddenly. "Wonder what Aiareth's thinking?"

Kelbiba shifts back and forth from foot to foot, watching the eggs and making sure she doesn't get ran over by hatchlings.

Margareete hunches down just a little bit and closes her eyes tightly, wrinkles forming on her forehead. "Oooh, just poke me if something wanders over this way," she whispers to both Goran and Catriona.

Tahayari protests as Shaioni moves away, calling after her, "Hey. Come back. You're part of my shield." An annoyed glance is shot towards Quirin, then, and he grumbles, "Of course I know." His expression of speech turned against him, and he hastily hurries to right the wrong. "I'll just have to swim, then, won't I?"

Asixier is to nervous to be affected by the heat, so much adrenaline running through his body that he doesn't feel much. "I think the first hatchings out were two greens and a bronze but I can't be sure, there are just way to many." talking to Serriena.

Goran remembers the heat of the sands, and so doesn't bother to dance about. It doesn't help, after all. Instead, he smiles at Margareete "We will...and step aside if it looks t'be for you.." He murmurs, before squeezing Cat's hand again and just basically standing there like the stone hold he compared himself to previously.

Catriona is distracted from that studied watch of hatchlings by Maggie's remark. Forehead wrinkling with lines of worry, she leans forward to look around Goran. "Are you alright? Breathe, Maggie. Don't you dare faint out here," she says urgently, "If you faint, I swear I'll... I'll... Goran, tell her!"

Belena watches with a broad smile on her face. She knows what Aiareth's thinking. Both rider and dragon are remembering a certain hatching a couple of turns ago....oh, and also Aiareth is thinking that lovely little apple green is smaller than her. And so is the blues and browns...all of them are smaller than her.

Falaya glances around. If only she were close enough to Asix to have heard that.

Valin winces sympathetically as those two matched greens down the line tackle their lifemates. "Makes me glad they Impressed /quick/-like," he mumbles mostly to himself, but surely there are other Candidates within earshot. "Can y'imagine 'em headin' down th' whole half-circle? An' us, like pillars fallin' o'er...one after th' other."

Lissome Blooms of Apple Green Hatchling gives a saucy flip of her tail, sending a shard or two fluttering across the Sands in a fragmented glitter before she gets around to the business of considering her options. Down-kissed wings flirt themselves to a furl in a show of grace... which is completely belittled when she trips in her first few steps, lurching off-balance and barely catching herself at the critical moment. Sniffing delicately at that ill timing, she tosses her pretty wedge, pushes right passed an attentive candidate without a care for his safety, and begins the selection process.

Brian looks around at the popping eggs, his nervious smile follows the few he can spot easily. Brian shuffles around, trying not to get his feet burnt on the hot sands.

Matched stride for stride, a blue and a green dart through the chaos of the black Sands, the blue tipped with the shimmering shards of the Memories of a Dynasty Egg. Almost simultaneously, the gleeful cries of two young boys ring toward the galleries as they move to embrace their new-found lifemates.

Shaioni turns to Yari, eyeing him balefully. " Is that all I am?" she mutters, but resumes her place at her brother's side. " Sure thing, Yari. You want t' go back /there/, I'll put you on th' next ship." Dissatisified, displeased, the hunter-candie's lips are thin as she gazes out over the sands, watching brown and green distrustfully.

D'kar has been helping the newly impressed candidates from the sands, ushering them off through a tunnel and from this place, as the numbers slowly begin to dwindle. Plenty left, though.

Margareete takes a few more deep breaths, then laughs at Catti's remark. "I'm not going to faint. All the commotion is making me dizzy though. Splotches of colors moving every which way." Her eye peeks open and she smiles torwards Goran. "Okay." A zip of something dashing by causes a hand to be quickly placed over the candidate's eyes. "Oh boy."

Rikelor gulps lightly, and just squeezes Falina and Serienna's hands, his heart fluttering within his chest. "It's going so fast... Just look at them all." He whispers in his usual drawl, yet filled with vast awe. "It's a miracle." A shuddering sigh escapes his throat, and still the man tries to calm his nerves. May as well enjoy the experience a bit more by quieting his body... Shaking hands, sweat upon his brow. Breath.

Serriena lets out a little, "Aww," as the green trips. "Look at how determined she is. She just got right back up," Serriena lets go of Asixier's hand and wipes it on her gown again. She watches the candidates as they impress. The twin girls have her wonder, "I wonder if Fillep and Kara impressed?" A look reveals them standing not to far away holding each other's hands. Her midnight gaze swings back to the green dragon watching it.

Cimmerian Autumn Brown Hatchling has found the one, he has, and he's not going to let them get away from him now!

Lenala falls silent for a while, shifting her feet absently and once or twice stepping out of the way of determin hatchlings.

Cimmerian Autumn Brown Hatchling pauses in front of Rikelor, looking up with gently whirling eyes.

Riddyn's sharp gaze keeps scanning the Sands and milling Hatchlings, tracking movements and courses so he can warn Abbie and get himself and hopefully Abalonie out of the way if any decide to come stumbling in their direction. "Shards, some of those little fellows sure do move fast... like they already know who they're going for, and don't even need to look for them."

Catriona lets out a pent up breath and says, "Well, you'd best not. Goran's not big enough to hold both of us up, after all." Managing to replaster that muted shadow of a smile on her face again, the girl turns back to the spectacle just in time to see Rikelor Impress. "Oh Faranth! Look at that! Rik!"

Kelbiba watches the brown and smiles as Rikelor impresses it.

Valin cocks his head slightly as cheers go up in the near vicinity. "Nah, nah, that ain't Faranth, it's..."

Serriena lets go of Rikelor's hand smiling at him. She waits to hear from him and see what his dragon's name is moving out of the way of the brown dragonet who has picked his lifemate.

Not that anyone can see who's Impressing what at this point, but Alyssa looks pleased for all the newly made weyrlings. Why, she almost looks smug - like SHE had something to do with the pairing.

In a jumble of green wings, tails, and talons, two dragonets fall away from the Watch the Sparks Fly Egg - all but on top of the boy and the girl who will very soon fall to carressing and coddling them even as they march away from the Sands behind A'poc.

Goran's answer to Margareete is to take her hand as well, leaving him linked to both her and Cat, with Yari behind, although his attention is drawn from their nervousness to Rikelor's impression, the first of those he was barracked next to. "Look at that..don't we know him?" He indicates the new brownrider.

Rikelor raises a brow gently as the Brown dragonet approaches, surprise drawn across his features... Can it be, possibly, heading towards he? His heart pounds, and flutters, as the dragonet comes to pause before himself, and his sweaty hands slide from Falina and Serriena's. His legs faulter, but he takes a half-step forward, gulping down his emotions, or, trying. Rikelor drops down onto the sands, right down upon the scorching sands, his knees burning, but yet, not caring, as the minds meld. The words in his mind are like a soft, wonderful melody. Hot tears stream down his cheeks, and the young man reaches a large hand forth to gently caress the wonderful eye-ridge of his new Lifemate... "Oh, Baileth... You are wonderful. O-of course, you can stand these sands...A-and yes, we'll fetch you food, right away, my Baileth..." Gentle arms craddle the dragonet's neck, and tears still roll down his tanned cheeks. So many emotions, but mostly, boundless joy is present. He, Rikelor, is now R'lor, the Lifemate to Baileth. It is a miracle. His own, wonderful Brown... Forever.

D'kar is off, padding across the searing sands to Rikelor, makign sure the fellow has a chance to at least say the first words to his new lifemate. "Come with me.." he whispers, leading Rikelor off to the place where he can exit the sands...

Abalonie smiles as she watches Rikelor get smack-dab Impressed, nodding again as she says, "Some of them seem to, but then, there are those who just kind of putter around a little until they find them. I guess some are sure, and others prefer not to be rushed." She blushes softly, then, and returns to her hop-hopping on the dark sand.

Margareete spreads two of her fingers apart to peek out towards Rikelor and his brown. "Oooh, that's Rikelor isn't it?" Her fingers conceal her eyes once again though. "Did he say Baileth? I can barely hear him over all the other noise."

Drewyn awws softly at the pretty green, hoping that she is alright. Looking around Drew notices a brown hatchling standing infront of Rikelor. Drew smiles and nods, another impression has been made, one less dragon.

Essence of Quicksilver Egg can wait no longer. What was once shivers of anticipation become outright bangs and crashes, as whatever it is inside that egg wants out. Finally, all that effort comes to fruition, and quicksilver dissolves into a pile of shards, leaving a gleaming brown in their wake.

Tahayari rethinks his comments and, while flushing with embarrassment, informs Shaioni, "No, of course not. But I'd just...really appreciate it if you'd protect me right now?" He tries his hand at a charming smile, but it turns out to be rather wobbily. "And I've /always/ wanted to go back to Igen." Duh. He pauses and peers around Goran's shoulder, trying to get a look at the latest Impression. "He did? Wow. Uh. Good for him?" The Candidate's own feelings of dragons are revealed with his lack of enthusiasm; he goes back to hunkering behind Goran in hopes of concealing himself from any hatchlings that might happen his way.

Essence of Quicksilver egg ripples once more, its surface seeming to shimmer and shift in the light while the egg never moves. By and by, the silvery shell suddenly dissolves into a rain of splinters, leaving behind an auburn-tinted brown hatchling, who surveys his surroundings with a somewhat arrogant gaze.

Asixier sweats and didn't even notice the brown hatchling come near. "Oh I am sure they'll impress Serri...." He then says "Congrats R'lor and brown Baileth."

Catriona's smile eases back into her more familiar grin, edged with delight at seeing that Impression occur. "Sure do...Baileth, sounded like. Good name. We'll have to congratulate him when everything's calmed down." That, of course, brings her attention back to the need to dodge. Pale eyes flick once more to the unattached hatchlings milling about on the sands.

                 --** Resplendent Auburn Brown Hatchling **--

The opulently smooth ruddy-brown of the finest aged cognac spreads across a lithe form, cloaking every hue in the heady aroma of Turns' maturity, antiqued to a warm luminescence. Champagne billows in foamy ripples along chest and underbelly, meeting resplendent auburn in a blaze of fiery embers alight with the molten complection of dying flames. Maple-sugared oak forms wingsails and spars, sunlight defining glints of purest gold that ripple down satiny hide and create the illusion of a constant and liquid movement. Dark amber limns haunches and forelegs, and paints neckridges with the honeyed tones of late-afternoon wafting through a canopy of autumn leaves. Citrine's golden-orange tints headknobs and dusts talons carved of resolute hardwoods, steadfast and glinting. Burgundy red ripples along flanks, combining with sprinklings of pyrite to further accent every sinuous outline of fluid grace that possesses this copper-tinted brown.

Margareete finally notices that Goran has taken her free hand for the holding. She gives it a quick squeeze, and though her eyes are covered, the smile on her face is quite visible.

Serriena was standing right next to him and she nods to Margareete. "Baileth," she afirms clearning her throat. She looks back at the green hatchling noting her progress. The brown hatching draws her attention and she smiles. "He's got some diverse colors crossing him." Then her atttention watches to see who else impressed.

Belena returns from escorting a pair to the barracks and then smiles as she passes the newly dubbed R'lor. Bright green eyes scan the sands for the next pair to catch.

Falina nods slowly. "Yes.." she takes a deep breath, glancing over at Rikelor then back at the hatchlings. Back, forth, back forth. She gulps slightly, but then gasps as she steps back and Rikelor Impresses. Her Rik now has a lifemate. As that source of strength is taken, she scoots sideways a bit, grabbing Serri's hand, looking over her shoulder at the departing Rik. "Baileth," she whispers, a soft smile finally making it's way to her face.

Kelbiba shifts back and forth as she watches the hatchlings and the eggs taking a deep breath to try and calm her nerves.

Shaioni tosses R'lor a smile, before turning back to eye Yari. " Aye, that's what I'm tryin' to do... t' keep you from leavin' here." Obviously, she likes having family close. " Ista's a good place for you." But she steps in beside her brother, helping to shield him from the dragonets. Nevermind that this puts her closer to them. They won't notice, as far as she's concerned.

Valin wrinkles his nose in mild amusement, commenting on the irony of it. "That boy ain't ne'er gonna work with runners again, I wager," he murmurs. A sobering thought -- if you happen to love runnerbeasts. "Or any other 'beast. Good representin' for Beastcraft, tho." He bobs his head, and gets back to watching the chaos.

Lissome Blooms of Apple Green Hatchling happens any way she pleases. This way, that way, over here, over there, over candidates, over dragonets... whatever happens to work at the time. Striding purposefully now, her gait lengthy and suave, almost sultry though that can't be purposeful, she imbeds her talons into the Sands as she narrows her selection down to a small cluster of white robes. With a whirl in her eyes that just can't be comforting, she starts toward one in particular...

Lost in the cacophony of sounds, colors, candidates, and dragonets, the Midwinter's Heart Egg shatters around the persistence of a small blue hatchling - dwarfed by the blue who Hatched by a few yards away. Strangely, it's the little fellow who Impresses the looming Smith from Keroon and the big one who goes for a tiny girl - barely five feet tall!

Perfect Green Garnish Egg rolls cautiously away from the mound, as if trying to draw as little attention as possible. The mostly-green ovoid pauses for a moment, a few meters from where it rested for so many days and nights, before continuing its sneaky perambulation.

Margareete clears her throat and lifts one foot placidly, then the other in turn to let her pore roasting toes have a momentary break from the sands. "What's out there now?" she asks to everyone in the near vicinity.

Riddyn turns his head to peer over in the direction where there seem to be a few more notable statements of Impression. Too bad he can't hear who it's about. Then it's back to see.. oh, another brown. He chuckles through his nervousness, "Handsome little fellow." he notes, gesturing with his free hand. Then gaze swivels around to spot the green.. "Huh, wonder who she's heading for?" And again a glance down to Abalonie, to offer a shaky, but genuine smile.

Catriona leans slightly on Goran's hand, using him as a prop while she quickly lifts one foot and then the other. Must cool those soles. "Wonder if anyone's ever going to come up with boots that actually keep this heat out," she sighs -- mostly to distract herself from the dizzying whirl of color and movement in front of her eyes. "Can't tell, Maggie."

Asixier bobs his head up and down and all around looking at all the new impressions being made which causes him to smile. "I still haven't seen the bet egg, it's probably waiting to pop out last." still smiling as he scans the sands. No longer hoping from foot to foot.

Goran grins down at Catriona. "Y'just have t'not think about the heat, see" he notes, looking down at his own feet solidly planted. "I'm thinkin of the nice cool pool, or perhaps t'ocean after a storm." Ah...refreshing. "Look at that green." He redirects her attention. "Is it headed this way?" He thought for a second...

Quirin is staying well out of the way, just watching. Tahayari's efforts to hide just make him smirk.

Valin isn't one for laughter, but he does allow a "Heh" when the midget Impresses the large one, and vice versa, waaaay over there. The concerned mutterings of neary Candidates distract him, though, and his own gaze turns to that certain green. Without giving it a second thought, Val takes a big step back.

Resplendent Auburn Brown Hatchling stands silently for a moment or two, the last glittering silvery shards falling from his back and tail, regarding the gathering for a quiet moment. Then, he--swaggers away from the pile of shell shards, a distinct roll to his gait as he begins a lazy perambulation of the group of white-clad Candidates.

Drewyn watches the eggs and dragons popping up all around him, not quite knowing who to look at, or who to watch as his hands slightly wring his white robe.

Tahayari rolls his eyes expressively at Shaioni's verdict and voices his boyish disagreement. "Is not." He sniffs. "It's a bad place for me -- you should come back to the Hold with me, I think." If his father will let him return, that is. He spares one agitated glance for the galleries, but the search for his family proves fruitless and he returns his gaze to the back of Goran's robe. "Tell me if anything comes over?" he stage-whispers.

Margareete purses her lips at the undetermined statement. "Oh, I don't want to look," she says quietly, jumping a little bit out of sheer nervousness.

Lissome Blooms of Apple Green Hatchling is something, and she's coming over. Oh, is she ever!
Lissome Blooms of Apple Green Hatchling pauses in front of Tahayari, looking up with gently whirling eyes.

Kelbiba watches the hatchlings and the eggs as she shifts back and forth from foot to foot, hoping the sands don't get any hotter.

<< Dearling? T'yari? Can you hear me? >> The vibrant twinge of that first utterance is almost overpowering, sweet and spicy, lascivious and loving. Just as suddenly as that charming question broke into your consciousness, so does the first immersion of a new heart beating with yours, a new awareness flooding your soul. Self-assured, decisively feminine, the source can only be the apple-hued dragonet who now looks at you so fondly that it jerks at tears, tugs at your heartstrings. << It's me, Nediath. Don't you think I'm pretty? >>

Perfect Green Garnish Egg trembles briefly, rolling off to the left for a moment or two, before apparently giving up on the whole idea altogether. A few seconds later, though, the mottled ovoid bursts apart at the seams, sending bits of shell and goo flying in all directions. Finally rid of her former confines, the tiny green takes a moment to stretch her wings, confidence and charm literally exuding from her very being. She surveys the semicircle of humans for a moment, before wandering toward them, head held high - not even so much as a glance to her dam and sire.

                --** Bejeweled Aristocracy Green Hatchling **--

Hints of sparkling emerald grace this lithe greens neck and head, sprinkled over a blanket of luscious jade as sun-touched dew on a spring meadow. Soft and graceful undertones, offset by errant specks of luminescence, come to an apex, reaching their peak intensity at the crown of her head - fade into the background as they curve down her spine. Headknobs retain brilliant flecks as if the light of morning forever illuminated her hide from above, lending stark emphasis to defined, aristocratic features. Subtle hints of aquamarine lay a backdrop for her underbelly, touched by faded swirls of the darker hues above. Her tail bears the brunt of the infiltration - deep rivulets of malachite bleeding down from over her haunches to engulf the spade in violent eddies where sea and forest seem to collide endlessly. But amid this raging torrent tranquility can be found in abundance as well: Wings - the calm before the storm - hold silent testament to a gentle nature. Pinions of softest evergreen blur from the raging storm besieging the rest of her form, offering their strength to fragile wingsails. Pure and unadulterated is the shade that resides here - the sun that hints off the jeweled specks encasing her body and so illumines her form, actually resides within her gold-kissed wings.

Goran steps forward hurriedly, leaving Tahayari to his fate....He grins, though, and tugs Margareete and Cat with him "I s'pose he won't have t'worry about going home now.." he murmurs....

Falaya nudges her friend beside her and grins, pointing towards Yari.. "Well..! Look at -that-!"

D'kar steps out onto the sands, ghosting across to a wall and standing by to await the time when he is next needed.

Serriena wipes her hands on her candidates robes as she watches the green. When it chooses Tahayari she smiles and says, "Oh look at that!" She smiles and waits for him to call out the name as Rikelor or R'lor had.

Shaioni snorts softly. " As if- ah!" Hunter's voice raises in a cry of pure joy. " See? See? I told you!" Her hands clap in joy as she watches her brother. " I knew it! Oh, Yari!"

A trio of delightfully precocious greens emanate from various points on the Sands, one of them shaking away the remaining slivers of the Riotous Revelry Egg. As one, they converge on a single girl who nearly faints with fear of the stalking dragonets. Fortunately, two of her neighbors intervene and each green finds herself rightly paired.

Quirin gapes. "Sweet Shells," he mutters, watching Tahayari being confronted with a dragonet.

Catriona seemed about to say something, until that green nudged by to claim the reluctant candidate turned rider. "Yari!" Forgetting herself with a laugh, she steps up with Goran and gloats, "Remind me to tell him I told you so!"

Margareete feels a tug, dropping her hand for a moment as she scoots out of the way. She does happen to see Tahayari impress, and another green pop from its shell. "Oooh, look at that one."

Abalonie is watching all of the dragonets rather curiously, now, but when Riddyn smiles at her, she looks up and smiles back, this time offering him a comforting little squeeze on his hand and saying, "They're /all/ gorgeous. They always are, as far as I know." She then looks back out towards the shivering eggs and staggering hatchlings, saying, contemplatively, and quietly, "I've never seen an ugly dragon.."

Drewyn would laugh if he thought it was funny, but he does grin and smile. For someone who complained about the heat and how he wanted to go home, he had no choice to stay now. Drew chuckles softly and looks towards the newly hatched green.

Serriena takes Falina's hand and holds it. She watches as the green dragonet emerges from another egg. "Was that our bet egg?" she asks Asixier looking the green dragonet over admiring the small hide.

Valin relaxes when that green finds her chosen, and he rubs his jaw with a chuckle, finally realizing who that chosen is. Eventually he'll get to personally congratulate the weyrlings...eventually. Right now he'd never be heard. Besides, his attention's moved on to that brown, the one with the rolling gait. "R'minds me'f somethin'..."

Brian watches the new impression with mild curiosity, not knowing what to do other than stand there quietly and shuffle his feet. Brian shrugs at the question and looks around for something else to watch.

Asixier shakes his head. "No the bet egg is going to pop out a bronze remember." Even in times of nervousness he still points out the fact that the bet egg will be bronze. Scanning the sands he looks at a new green and that brown that is still lingering without deciding yet.

Tahayari starts, eyes widening as he looks down at the apple-green dragonet; he never saw her coming, and now he's paying for his inattention. He begins to say something, mouth opening, and then closing as no sounds come out. The Candidate -- no, weyrling --'s eyes leave her but once, to shoot a rueful glance towards the others he stood with and hid behind. "Er. Um. Yeah. Er. I...I can hear you, Nediath. Nediath. Of course you're pretty. Lovely." Tahayari -- no, T'yari -- eyes the green, Nediath, with surprise, then quietly admits aloud, mostly to himself, "I never thought that'd happen."

Resplendent Auburn Brown Hatchling continues on his lazy way, a rakish tilt to his head as he regards first one, then another, of the white-clad figures that dominate his field of vision. He pauses in front of a young girl, looking at her almost leeringly, before continuing onward. Hey, wait, there could be something interesting over there...

Belena cuts through the mess of shells and candidates and stops before T'yari and Nediath, "Come on then, to the niche with you both!" She is grining broadly, "Green, beautiful color if I do say so myself."

Lenala scoots out of the way of a quickly-moving blue hatchling, tugging Falaya along with her this time. "Look out!"

You step away from the Sands to a small, slightly color niche.

Sandy Niche - Ista Weyr

 
Dragon> Nediath has this... lushness to her tones, tart but lovely, sweet but saccharin. << Of course you didn't. No one will ever see me coming, darling. Will we have something to eat soon? >> That last plaintively.

From the Sands> Falaya blinks, and ughs as she nearly topples on Lenala! "Woah!" she manages, grinninga s she watches the blue pass her by.

From the Sands> Riddyn tilts his head a bit, to catch Abalonie's quieter words, before nodding in agreement with her. "Indeed. Even this young, though a bit.. ungainly.. they're beautiful creatures." Having still been watching the one green out of the corner of his eye, he chokes on what might be a laugh. "Tahayari? Is that who she chose?" Then eyes continue their survey, and light on yet another green. "Oh, Abbie, look there."

From the Sands> Trampled by a newly Hatched brown who's sighted his lifemate, the little green who emerged from Striations in Opal Egg sits creeling pitifully, all by herself in the corner of the Sands. Fortunately, one of the boys nearby turns to investigate the scene. When their eyes lock, Impression is made and the boy cries out, "Firiath, you're not hurt, are you?!"

From the Sands> Goran continues to watch the impression of T'yari and Nediath, seeing as how its so close, until they disappear. Only then does he smile at Margareete and Catriona. "That wasn't so bad, was it? I told y'his dragon would find him, even hiding." It's soo good to be right.

Baileth can't seem to decide which he likes better, the wonderful meat R'kel if offering, or the loving hand that soothes his skin. Oh! This, this is new...

Belena grins, "Well, congratulations T'yari," She tests the new name carefully, "Everything you need for Nediath is here."

From the Sands> Lenala balances Falaya until she's steady again. "Sorry!" she says.

From the Sands> Catriona echoes, "Nediath," glancing back over her shoulder to flash an unseen grin at the newly paired T'yari before he's led off. And then back her gaze wanders, zeroing in on all movement near the trio of herself, Maggie and Goran. Anything that's not white is eyed carefully, while the girl shuffles her feet in the sand. "Knew it'd be a green, too. I'm better at the guessing game than I thought."

From the Sands> Bejeweled Aristocracy Green Hatchling , just as quickly as she started, suddenly comes to a complete halt, crouching down low - eyes alert and watching. Her head moves slowly from side to side. Then, with another sudden movement, the tiny green bolts forward, hiding behind one of her larger, brown bretheren, peering out from behind as if suspicious of the white-clad humans.

From the Sands> Margareete tugs at one of her braids and squints again. "It's all going so fast. Shards... whoop, look out there," she calls to a candidate that dodged just in time. "Hiding, indeed. She was a beautiful green too. What was her name?"

From the Sands> Valin squints a bit at that brown. Why on Pern a dragon would leer at a human is beyond him, and he starts to say so. "What the... if Cymber weren't a greenrider, I'd give her /that/ fellow..."

From then Sands> Falaya grins, "No problem.. Thanks!" she calls. that could've been detrimental to her health...

Nediath gives the next best thing to a sigh as she comes over from the Sands, watching as her talons rake behind her almost comically. Poor dear has had such a long trek after her egg-enforced incarceration. Wistfully, she watches T'yari. Yet, even in her adoration, there is a sense of commandment.

T'yari, at a loss of how to respond to both dragon and Belena, shifts his gaze from Nediath to the departing assistant weyrlingmaster, and eventually peers over towards R'kel, recognizing the fellow ex-candidate. "What am I supposed to do?" he questions weakly. And then he hastens to assuage the green's hunger that he feels, too, and finds a ready-made heap of chopped meat in a bucket. "This good? Yeah?"

From then Sands> Resplendent Auburn Brown Hatchling regards one Candidate in particuler for a moment or two, before getting that leering look on his face again. Oh, yeah. There's the one. Uh-huh. Without further ado, he marches straight up and plants himself in front of his chosen one.

From then Sands> Resplendent Auburn Brown Hatchling pauses in front of Goran, looking up with gently whirling eyes.

From the Sands> Abalonie smiles after T'yari, then blinks at what Riddyn says, looking back up at him and asking, curiously, "What's wrong with Tahayari?" She is prompted to look towards the new green hatchling, however, as soon as she is pointed out. She smiles at the little green, blushes softly, and adds, "I know how she feels.."

From the Sands> Serriena laughs at the antics of the green. "She's so funny," Serriena can't help but giggle watching it hide behind the brown. She grins as the brown impresses Goran and then watches the green's antics again. "Isn't she funny Falina?" Serriena shifts from side to side and wipes her hands on her robes.

From the Sands> Falina blinks out of her trance, and looks over at Serri, then at the green, swallowing a little and replying in something of a dry voice, "Yeah..yeah, really funny..." Heh.

From the Sands> Catriona gently releases Goran's hand the instant she spots the leering brown and his interest. "Shards...well, he's a perfect match for someone who blushes too much," she says, voice choked back into a whisper at having this Impression happen right in front of her. Not knowing whether to laugh or squeak, she quickly steps over to Margareete and grabs the girl's hand.

From the Sands> Margareete looks horrified. Her human shield just impressed. Where will she turn now? "Oh, Goran!" She steps back from the young man turned weyrling and watches. "Oh," she says softly, getting to see that look, that moment of impression up close. As if remembering why she first said yes to standing, she draws in a deep breath and turns her eyes up to the chaos of eggs, hatchlings and candidates. Proudly, even.

From the Sands> Goran is in the middle of telling Margareete the name of T'yari's lifemate when a voice comes, seemingly out of nowhere. His blinking gaze is brought to the brown standing in front of him, and he drops the hands he was holding to reach out and touch one smooth headknob with wonder. "Davoth...." is mumbled dazedly, all else forgotten as he assimilates this surprising event. "I didn't even see you..." And now he can see nothing but.

From the Sands> D'kar's lips curl up on one side in a knowing smile as he approaches Goran, waits for the fellow to speak to his lifemate for the very first time, and then touches the young man on the shoulder. "Come with me, please...we need to get you set up."

Bejeweled Aristocracy Green Hatchling seems to have lost her cover, as the brown she hid behind has Impresssed. Frustrated but still suspicious, she bolts across the Sands, staying as low as she can, until she's found more cover. This time it just happens to be behind a gathered group of Candidates. A tactical error, perhaps, but she keeps her distance regardless, jeweled eyes peering about at the gathering. Intrigued by...something, she starts off across the Sands again.
A green - wait, there's a bronze - oh, and another blue! Darting hither and thither, hatchlings seem to be coming out of the stonework on their lonely, hunger-driven errands to find lifemates.
 
From the Sands> Shaioni looks away from her brother's Impression after a moment, looking rather discomforted. Maybe she's not as cold towards the idea as she seems. But in a moment, the mask is back, and the hatchlings are regarded warily.
 
G'nar comes over from the heat of the Sands.

Dragon> Nediath is a vibrant little voice in your mind, all a matter of controlling adoration. << Anything is good, baby. Just feed it to me. I am SO hungry, T'yari, I think I might waste away right here. Oh, shells but I'm starved! >>

From the Sands> Riddyn responds quickly, "Nothing's wrong with Tahayari. He was just so sure he wouldn't Impress..." To say nothing of his _own_ feeling's on the matter. Then he smiles softly, gently squeezing Abbie's hand again as she watches the aristocratic hatchling. "She'll get who she's looking for, though. Look at her go!"

D'kar has fetched a pail of meat, which he walks over to present to G'nar, "You'll need to feed your lifemate, my friend," he intones soberly as the exchange is made. "He's likely hungry enough to eat -you-."

R'kel smiles warmly, and starts to lift a piece of meat with one hand, while gently caressing the eye ridge of Baileth, admiring every spot across his newly gained Lifemate. A brow is quirked at the urgent demand from his beloved brown, and the hand upon the Dragonet's eye ridge drops to caress and gently scratch the offending itch, "That better, Baileth?" He asks in a gentle croon, before his attention is drawn to the green, and her Lifemate, T'yari. "Greetings!" And now, G'nar arrives, and the man waves to him as well."Oh, feed her the meat, and answer her demands..." His tone trails, and his hand flies to offer more meat to his Dragonet. "Here, love, eat..."

Davoth is a bit tardy. Forgive him. He's still swaggering, and very proud. And very hungry, by the way his maw promptly opens.

"Oh, oh, oh. Okay. Here's food. Don't waste away -- please? I found the meat and now you'll be alright." T'yari rambles on as he presents the meat to Nediath, only pausing long enough to jerk his head up and peer with shock and a few lingering traces of suspicion after the departing D'kar. "Hungry enough to eat me?" He pales, then peers down at the green. "You wouldn't eat me, would you? Better have this meat."

G'nar takes the pale somewhat dazedly, turning to the brown with a blinking gaze "You wouldn't..would you?" he queries of Davoth, before holding out the meat. "Here....this tastes better, anyway."

Dragon> Nediath gives you a discerning, critical look which is, nonetheless, edged by affection. << You, dear? I don't think you look all that tasty. To ME, anyway. Maybe to some of these other people, but to me you just look delightful! >>

Davoth opens his jaw wider, if such a thing is possible. Feed. Him. No dilly-dallying.

For a split second, a frown seems to tug at the corner of R'kel's mouth, looking down at his Brown. It's quite absurd to suggest that a dragon would even consider eating their lifemates! A hand travels to gently caress Baileth's left eye ridge, and the young man is lost in the swirling eyes of his love... Until, the question comes again, a light request. "Ah, yes, food..." He reaches into the meat bucket, and offers another slab to his wonderful Brown, wondering at the same moment how Falina and Serriena are doing. R'kel hopes that they will impress, smiling to himself as Baileth's wedge-shaped head comes to rest against his side.

G'nar has to grin at the greedy thing, and promptly drops chunks of meat in, though only a few at a time. "No..no more till y'swallow. I ain't letting you choke." So there.

Falina comes over from the heat of the Sands.
Marinath comes over from the heat of the Sands.

Davoth isn't happy with hearing that, but he just leaves his maw open. No preambles. Just drop the stuff on in there.

G'nar's eyes narrowed a bit, and he holds a chunk of meat in one hand, the pail in another. "Swallow." is instructed. "Y'wouldn't want t'choke, would you?" He urges Davoth. Trying cajoling where commands didn't work.

T'yari digs into the pail and pulls a squeamish face at the touch of raw meat before setting his jaw; he offers the chunk to Nediath, who quickly demolishes the meat and requests more. Meanwhile, T'yari remarks, "I hope I'm not tasty. Wouldn't want dragons trying to eat me or nothin'." Belatedly, he peers over towards G'nar and quirks an almost bemused grin. "Hey. Nice to see you in here, too. Or somethin'."

Marinath follows after Falina, gait steady but somewhat anxious as she smells the glorious scent of food in the air. Head held high, she wanders along beside her newfound lifemate.

Falina wanders in, blinking a bit dazedly. She starts a bit, looking over to her Marinath. "Oh! Yes..of course..food..." She blinks, looking around to find just where it is the food is supposed to be.

A light croon escapes Baileth's throat as he gulps down the offered meat, and cranes his neck upward, asking politely for a scratch behind his left eyeridge. "Of course, love..." Drawls R'kel softly, both hands raising to caress the guilty spot, watching with a huge smile as the eyelids begin to slide shut over his Lifemate's swirling optics. And then, the voice catches his attention, raising his gaze; "Falina..." He calls, softly, so as not to surprise Baileth in anyway. Relief washes across R'kel, seeing that she has impressed, and Baileth lifts his head some to watch the girl, and the dragon, that have induced such emotions in his R'kel.

G'nar smiles over at T'yari once he wins the first skirmish with greedy Davoth, who swallows and opens his gaping maw again for more meat, which G'nar obligingly gives him. "More of a surprise t'see you, seeing y'were dead set on getting back t'home.." Is teased.

Marinath knows exactly where the food is supposed to be: in her stomach! Far be it from her to cause a scene, though. She stays utterly silent for a moment or two, eyes wide as they take in her newer surroundings. She lets out a faint croon up to Falina, turning those adoring eyes on her, then. She's trying her best not to /look/ hungry, anyway.

Falina smiles, allowing her attention to be taken by R'kel for a moment. "Oh congratulations Rik..R'kel.." She giggles softly, shaking her head a little, but then Marinath's hunger is enough to grab her attention once again, and she laughs. "Oh no, love! I'm certain...no they wouldn't do that.." She looks arounds once again, and smiles, walking over to pick up a bucket. "Here we are!" she exclaims, offering some to her new lifemate.

G'nar continues to feed Davoth until the brown's sides are bulging, and then stops, much to his lifemate's dismay. But G'nar ignores the insistent creels and instead strokes a headknob soothingly "Later y'can have more." is murmured. If he's going to act like his baby sister, see, his rider will treat him like a baby.

Marinath looks visibly relieved, though, again, she does her very best to hold her perfect composure. Calm, measured steps take her over to the bucket and the strips of meat contained therein. Patiently, she opens her maw to be fed, eyes whirling in escaped delight at the thought of appeasing her incredible hunger.

Davoth is tempted to protest and perhaps take a taste of his lifemate, just to see if he /is/ edible...but the stroking soothes him, as it is supposed to, and instead he rubs his muzzle against G'nar's thigh, seeming content to let his rider direct things...for now.

D'kar hands a bucket to Lenala, filled with meat. "You'll need to feed yours, for I am certain that they're quite hungry. Congratulations...and remember this day well." And with that, the stoic bronzerider is off to the sands.

Falina smiles as she drops the food into Marinath's mouth. A giggle bubbles up from ehr lips, and she shakes her head. "No, dear..I wouldn't let them even if they /did/ try. But I'm sure there's plenty for all..." She nods firmly.

Lenala takes the bucket from D'kar and folds herself to a seat with it on her lap, pulling out the first piece of still-bloody meat and holding it out for Timrath. "Now, you have to chew it," she cautions.

Marinath does exactly what one would expect a new dragonet to do - eat. She eats like its going out of style, though she does her best not to make a mess of it. Eyes whirl with satisfied delight throughout the experience, the occasional croon issuing forth from her throat.

Smiling lovingly, R'kel looks across to Falina and Marinath, nodding his head, "As to you, 'Lina.." He chimes gently, before directing his attention towards Baileth, chuckling lightly. "Indeed, I don't blame you, Baileth." Responds the man to the Brown Dragonet's hintings, and he reaches into the partially emptied meat bucket, and offering another few slabs to his newly found lifemate. After a few long moments, the Dragonet having swallowed, the young man offers a caress against his Brown's right eye ridge, while lifting another piece of meat. "You're a bottomless pit, love..." His joyous, silvered gaze lifts towards the newcomers, and he offers them all a bright smile, though scanning for Serriena in slight worry.

Timrath manages a few furtive glances around to his siblings already eating. What's chewing? Is this it? That, to the rather comical chomps he gives the pieces of meat as they're offered.

Lenala grins at Timrath. "Dear, if you weren't here, I'd be eating this stuff myself, right now, I'm so hungry. Oh, I'm babbling, aren't I? I'm hungry, so you must be hungry, but really, you _do_ have to _chew_. Yes, like that."

"Shards, you're hungry," mutters T'yari as he helpfully places meat into Nediath's maw, piece by piece. "Try chewing, eh?" He shoots a brief glance and a faint smile towards the others who enter, but Nediath demands his attention with a sharp, demanding nudge and a crisp, inaudible command; the Igenite hurries to appease her hunger, and after a few more moments the bucket's empty and the green is content.

Timrath hopes his beautiful, wonderful, delightful, absolutely fabulous Lenala doesn't mind the blood that's speckling her pretty white robe. This chewing thing's not so easy you know.

Lenala feeds Timrath patiently, wiping bloodied hands absently on bloodied robe between gobbets of meat eagerly offered.

Falina chuckles softly, and shakes her head, "Just don't choke on it!" she cautions. She then giggles, and shakes her head, "No, I'm sure it's perfectly wonderful, but you can have it...I'll find some..er..fruit or something later.." she assures the green as she continues to pull meat from the bucket and feed it to her lifemate.

Lenala quickly scoops out the indicated piece and offers it to Timrath. "Here you go, dear," she says. "Ooh, that one _does_ look good, doesn't it?"

Again, Baileth's gaze raises up to meet his newfound lifemate's lovingly, a croon escaping his throat as his eyeridge is caressed, though it seems his appetite is dwindling some with the buldging of his stomach. R'kel looks happier than he has been before in his life as he lifts a dripping chunk of meat from the bucket, not minding the blood that splaters, not at all. Anything for Baileth, his noble, well-humored Dragonet, with the friendly chidings in mind of an itching hide, right upon his shoulder. And the man's hand travels to cure this problem, recieving a soft croon from his Brown, again. Briefly, R'kel looks towards Falina, smiling, and then scanning yet again for a new arrival, wondering what is happening upon the sands...

Timrath doesn't have hands, really, but he does have a muzzle! Which he holds up. Half of the piece in question in, half out, obviously offering it to his beautiful one.

Marinath continues to eat, chewing and swallowing her food in a manner befitting a dignitary. Oh, the errant chunk slips away, of course, spattering her emerald hide with scarlet droplets, but she is doing her best - all the while, gentle creels and croons bubbling forth.

Lenala shakes her head, chuckling. "No, no, go ahead. There'll be food for me later, I think..." She smiles. "Later! What a thought."

Falina chuckles softly, as she continues to feed Marinath. "Well....I suppose so.. But I don't think dragons eat fruit.." She blinks a few times, and looks around the room, eyebrow raised, before looking back at Marinath, and giggling.

Lenala finishes reassuring Timrath that really, he _can_ have that piece of meat, and looks up to smile at V'lin and Zineath.

Zineath is probably a little less lazy than his steps make him out to be. Certainly he seems to be relaxed, however, even as he pads along behind V'lin - the new center of his comfortable universe. When he can manage to tear his eyes from his new lifemate, they fix on the nearest available food. Here comes that customary and plaintive croon.

Belena gestures about the niche, "Food, oil, everything you need." She smiles softly, "Congratulations." Not that Val's paying much attention to her right now. Heck, Bel's practically more entranced by Zineath too! She heads back to the sands, smiling warmly.

How can such a tiny creature possibly eat this much? Marinath, still steeped in the mass consumption of meaty bits, actually pauses for a moment to peer over at whatever it was that caught her lifemate's attention. Finding nothing (and more apt to eat than explore), she goes back to filling her belly.

V'lin's grin is hazy, as are his eyes. He barely even notes that it's Belena guiding him. Zineath's the one, you see. "Aye, aye... 'm workin' on it." The new weyrling stands and bustles to gather food so that Zineath may break his fast.

Timrath, convinced, finishes the last of his meat with alacrity, if no grace, and nudges the empty bucket from Lenala's lap so that he can replace it with his head.

D'kar is waiting for Catriona with a pail of meat and a subdued smile. "This..." he says, handing the pail to her, "Is a good idea. Your lifemate is very, very hungry, so I would suggest feedign her right away." A nod, and he looks to the others, grinning, before he is gone to the sands again.

Falina chuckles softly and shakes her head, "You're welcome.." she gets a little alarmed look then, "Oh! Where?" she asks, ready to scratch the itch wherever it might be.

Catriona barely manages to get a grip on the pail. Stunned. That would best describe her mode of being at the moment. That and deliriously happy. "Feeding, right. Feeding." It's so hard to concentrate on externals with that ever so lovely voice misting away between her ears. Plopping gracelessly onto the ground, she offers a chunk of meat to the little green in front of her. "You have to eat slowly, Reiseth. You don't want to choke..." There's no one else in the room, right?

Gently, a warm, tender hand caresses the eye ridge of Baileth, and R'kel can't help but lose himself in the swirling eyes that look adoringly upwards at him, with such trust and love, wholesome love... "Mmm, that patch is really bothering you?" He eyes the umber skin patch just at the shoulder, which is the slightest bit flaked. Raising a brow, he looks towards the oil, and stretches an arm to seize a few finger-fulls, and examining the spot once more. "Tell me how this feels..." Gently, the young man smears on the oil upon the hide, and smiles down at his Baileth, who croons merrily. "Well, I'm glad it does, love." A slab of meat is then raised, once the last oil has been wiped on his blood-splattered white robe, to offer to the maw of his dragonet, though the appetite is fading. Raising his gaze from his newly found lifemate, R'kel scans for the newcomer, and spots Catriona with a grin, "H'llo, Catti.." Drawls the man lightly, before focusing all his attention upon his beloved Baileth.

V'lin, in his haste to tend to Zineath, nearly trips over himself, but suddenly is a heckuvalot calmer. He looks to the brown and smiles softly, with a nod. "Aye... had /that/ problem afore..." He's got to pick up on that knack of speaking /mentally/. Cid's not nearly as smart as Val's newest friend. Food is finally fetched. Mmmm, raw meat. Best stuff on Pern. Sitting, V'lin keeps one hand in contact with Zineath, and with the other he points out pieces of meat that seem choice(r) to him.

Reiseth rubs her head up against Catriona's side, adoring lights gleaming in her eyes, before she opens her jaw. The message is plain--feed her.

T'yari discards the empty pail and seats himself; for once, the self-concious young man forgets the fact that his blood-stained robe is probably hiking up and showing a bit more leg than he's willing to let everyone and their dragon see. While hands trail over Nediath's form, finding the itchy spots behind the jaw and at the base of the neckridges, he allows a quick glance over for the latest arrival. "Cat!" Yari fairly crows over at Catriona, and even goes so far as to toss her a beam. "Hey."

G'nar grins as he spots Catriona, his arm about a dozing and bulging Davoth as he awaits all those eggs to finish hatching. "Looks like y'got your green" he calls out, "Congratulations." Just as G'nar got that brown she kept harping on.

Lenala strokes her hands down Timrath's small form, a silly smile firmly planted on her face. "Yes, yes, dear, get some sleep. Sleep? Oh, you'll like sleep. You'll see."

Catriona uses her free hand to lovingly stroke that perfectly curved neck, the other deftly setting the first bite into Reiseth's maw. Apparently, Catti can follow orders as well as give them. The besotted look in her eyes speaks of definate awe at all of this. Amazing. "Heyla Rik, Yari, Goran..." she says, paying no attention to them whatsoever. Until she realizes. "Oh! I mean.. um. What're you calling yourselves now?" Another bite is speared and dropped into the green's mouth, followed by another, and another...

Falina squeaks and gets scratching Marinath. "/Every/where?" she asks, getting to work with messy fingers to helping her lifemate. A glance sideways falls upong Rik, and then she grins. "Oh!" she grins back at Marinath, "Let's see how this helps, shall we?" she decides, reaching for one of the buckets of oil and spreading a little upon Marinath.

G'nar chuckles "G'nar. And he's T'yari, so that's not far off." He notes, rubbing the brown muzzle in his lap, and looking down at it lovingly. Cat was right about quite a few things, it seems. "Yes....she's a friend of mine.." is murmured softly.

Reiseth happily accepts the mouthful of meat, chewing thoughtfully while she regards her new-found lifemate, eyes whirling adoringly.

Marinath just melts with delight as the oil touches her dried, stretched and itching hide. Voluminous croons just burst forth, then, her eyes fluttering closed in utter satisfaction.

Only a little behind the newly dubbed G'nar, the young man from Igen supplies, "T'yari. That's what Nediath said, and so that's what it is." Here, a sappy gaze drifts to the green -- his green. "Besides, it's less of a mouthful. No one could ever say 'Tahayari' right."

Catriona is always right. Hasn't been proven wrong yet, except of course about this lovely green presently scarfing down meat as if there were no tomorrow. "So beautiful," she murmers, just as caught up in soaking in Reiseth as the green is with watching her. Barely able to drag herself out of such adoring contemplation, she absently remarks, "G'nar, T'yari. Right. Lovely names." Everything's lovely right now. Yup.

V'lin bobs his head in reply to something Zineath says. "Oh, aye. Jus'... hey! Be careful. /Chew/. Like this." Looking rather like a herdbeast, Val exaggerates masticating motions slowly. "See? Tastes better'n you'll feel better f'r it, too." He gingerly scratches Zineath's nearer eyeridge, lifting his head a bit to look to the others. Belatedly, he announces in a quiet tone, " 'M V'lin. This is Zineath."

Lenala's gaze drifts up from Timrath, finally, and she really notices the people in the niche with her for the first time. "Oh. Hey," she says. "T'yari? Wow."

Zineath is eating. Pardon him if he doesn't take the time for proper introductions, too busy putting food into that pit of an empty belly of his to worry much over what the others might be about doing. Settling on his haunches - heedless of how silly he looks squatting like that - he keeps an open maw to V'lin. He's chewing. Sorta.

Craddling the young brown's wedge-shaped head within his arms, R'kel looks lovingly down upon his lifemate. "No trouble t'all, my Baileth..." Murmurs he softly, running a gentle hand along the arched, while another hand travels forth towards the delicate wings, which are unfurling to dry. "May I?" Of course, Baileth agrees with a light croon, sighing happily. R'kel gently touches the soft wing, and smiles to himself as Baileth's spade-tipped tail comes to coil about his ankle. "Handsome wings you've got..." Looking over towards Catriona, the Brownrider chuckles, "R'kel..." He drawls lightly, saying his name for the first time... His new name. Looking down at his Lifemate, R'kel smiles. "Are you too sleepy now to move closer to my friend, Falina?" It seems grumbles are issued at the thouht, so the Brownrider lets the subject slip, and moves his hands to caress the eye ridges of his brown.

Reiseth is looking adoringly at Catriona, true--but she's also hungry. Never wise to ignore the demands of a newly-Hatched dragon.

Falina takes more of the oil and spreads plenty of it across Marinath's hide. "That much better?" she asks, a little amazed that the oil could've done /that/ much good. "Well...there's plenty of it. And it's called oil, dearest.." She tilts her head a little upon hearing her name, and grins brightly over at R'kel.

Talk about knocking the rough edges off of a girl. Reiseth seems to be bringing out the sappy, soft side of Catriona. Leaning forward, she brushes her cheek against the top of that perfect, tapered head then returns to setting a fresh bite of meat into the green's maw when it's called for. "Not as wonderful as you," she almost whispers, a goofy grin setting firmly over her features. "R'kel. Right." Forgive her if she promptly forgets all of those new names. "You're the most wonderful green ever hatched."

G'nar chuckles, seeming content to watch the others and carry on a silent, if sleepy, conversation with his lifemate, fingers continually stroking over the soft brown hide as if amazed Davoth is his...."That's a pretty green y'got there, Cat." is noted.

V'lin snorts quietly, part fond amusement, and part fond exasperation that Zineath should look so silly and ignore (or misunderstand) Val's suggestions. "No, no." Nonetheless, V'lin pops another chunk of meat into Zineath's waiting maw. Then he gently rests one hand upon the brown's muzzle, the other below the lower jaw, and exerts a little pressure to coax the brown to /chew/. "See, y'got /teeth/, an' they rip th' meat an' make it good for your belly. Huh? That's the empty thing you were talkin' 'bout. Yes, it /will/ be full...eventually. I think."

Marinath, in the mean time, has abandoned her now sated stomach for the gentle ministrations of her lifemate. Awash in joy (and oil), she stretches out on the floor like a patient at a masseuse, finally falling silent to indulge the sensations.

Reiseth is happily eating. Can't talk. Eating.

Compliments, on the other hand, are going to be noticed right away. Catriona looks up and glows at G'nar. "Isn't she? Her name's Reiseth. And that's a lovely brown. I told you so." Then promptly she returns to ensuring that the so named green will never ever feel any of those icky hunger pangs. "No, /you/ really are the more wonderful one, love. You were so brave, all alone out there...oh! Did you hurt your wing when you tripped?" Pausing with a glob of meat in one hand, the girl leans forward to inspect the wing that was fouled earlier, tripping her up.

Belena grins, "Take a breath and then get some food in that little one's stomach. And congrats, Q'rin."

Zineath has teeth. Sure. That's great. He also has a very empty tummy which leaves him swallowing a bit too quickly at times. Gobbling, swaying, crooning all at once. He's rather oblivious to just how he looks at this moment, his focus on being fed. Almost single-minded yet... even in this... he shows some sort of relaxation next to a few more furiously gobbling dragonets.

Lenala tilts her head back to lean against the stone wall behind her, eyes drooping slowly shut even as Timrath falls asleep in her lap.

G'nar just grins at Cat and her green, then looks down at Davoth. "Yes, she is pretty. Oh..y'mean Cat. And Reiseth....well...yes, they both are.." He mumbles, flushing a bit at what his dragon /really/ said. "Hush."

Kerelth is more than content to follow after his new pet - er - lifemate, though he does seem rather anxious to get wherever they're going. Peering up at Q'rin with jeweled eyes whirling with hunger, he lets out a simple creel.

Q'rin nods slightly, then looks around the niche to find some meat for his new lifemate. "Ah," he begins, grabbing a few hunks before offering them to Kerelth. "Just not too fast," he warns.

Falina smiles as she continues rubbing oil into Marinath's hide until every bit has been taken care of, and then she wipes her hands upon the front of her robe. And then she notices something. "I'm a mess!" Indeed, oil and blood has spattered all over her. She laughs and shakes her head. She'll worry later..

As Zineath slows down a bit, so V'lin is lulled into a more relaxed state, all but entranced by his lifemate's mindtone, apparently. He protests quietly to the young brown, "I mean... s'only 'cause I love you. But... I c'n stop worryin', if'n y' want?" Val, not worry? Gasp.

Marinath, in the mean time, has just about fallen asleep, faceted eyes lidded shut, her breaths now coming slowly and quietly. She does her best to keep her wits about her, though, not willing to give up this precious time just yet. She curls up closer to Falina, then, resting her head on the young woman's lap.

Kerelth does as he's instructed, eating, but not so fast as to choke. He is a starving young dragon, though, so there is some urgency to the actions, as he works to sate the quantum singularity that is his stomach.

G'nar beams as another of his 'brood' impresses "Margareete! Congratulations!"
Belena smiles as she returns to the niche for the last time, Margereete and Caydath in tow. "Food and oil over there. And congratulations Maggie."

Catriona's hand goes deeper and deeper into the bucket, the contents gradually emptying out to be fed piece by piece to Reiseth. "Maggie! Quirin! Um...Q'rin?" Both new riders are hailed in somewhat distracted fashion. After assuring herself that the green's wing was indeed not harmed in her little stumble on the sands, Catti has quickly withdrawn back to silent worship of her new lifemate. "Wonderful...beautiful too, and so brave and smart...you're perfect, Reiseth."

Margareete looks somewhat pale, but happy. She's accompanied by a little green. "Her name is Caydath..." Wistfully, she moves her and her companion over to the food and oil, quick to relieve that rumbling in the tummy. "Eat slowly now."

V'lin retreats to a quieter spot, finding peace with Zineath, who coaxes Val to such a state. Once the dragon's hunger is sated, there is the matter of oil, which Val quickly fetches to slather upon his lifemate.

"You speak...really oddly for a dragon," Q'rin remarks. "I think," he adds with a grin before offering the blue another piece. "Do you like that?"

Caydath is more than happy to follow Margareete, here there, and anywhere she's a mind to lead the tiny green. For now though, it's just to find a place to sit, and to peer curiously into the bowl her lifemate holds.

Margareete smiles brightly and nods, reaching down for some of the meat. "Yes, this is food. Meat, more exactly. Put it in your mouth and chew, then once it's pretty mashed up, swallow it."

Kerelth actually...pauses for a moment, canting his head to one side as he peers up at Q'rin. At length, though, his curiosity comes second to his hunger, and he dives right back into the whole 'eating' thing again.

Belena surveys all of the new weyrlings and their little lifemates. Her eyes linger on a certain pair in the corner and then she shakes her head, "So many weyrlings, so few weyrlingmasters. Faranth help me." But she is smiling her sparkly smile.

Falina yawns a little bit, patting the dragon's head in her lap, and then looking around at the others and their new lifemates, smiling softly and just watching, not having much to say really.

Caydath is going to do just as she's instructed! That food looks much too good to say no too. And so, it begins, quick, careful bites, methodical chewing, and then, the swallow. Only to start again a few seconds later. There's alot of empty tummy to fill you know.

"I'm guessing that's a yes," Q'rin laughs, offering one last piece to the dragon. "I don't know if your stomach could handle another piece.."

With the emptying of the bucket, Catriona is left with a new concern. Itchiness. Instantly alert to the first unhappy croon that comes from the green, she appropriates a bowl of oil and presses close to Reiseth, slathering the little creature from muzzle- to tail-tip. "It's worse there? Alright...better? Oh good."

Margareete wraps her arms around Caydath for another hug, while the green's still small enough to do that to. "We are, I know it. You have such a pretty name, too." She passes on another piece of meat for her lifemate to take and consume. "And after your filled, we can oil your skin so it feels really nice, and looks shiny."

Marinath rests. She's entitled to it after such a hard evening, and she takes advantage of this. She's not quite asleep just yet, though she's getting there rather quickly. Her eyes closed lazily, the only clue to her consciousness is the steady stream of soft croons she emits with each breath.

Kerelth gulps that one down with equal fervor, though his belly seems to bulge just slightly at the sheer volume of food he's taken in. One last satisfied croon marks his appreciation before he finally takes a look around at the cavern.

Weyrlingmaster on deck. Attention may not be requested, but it seems somehow a prerequisite as Shannen makes her easy entrance - neverminding the heat, neverminding the chaos. She's got a purpose. And she stands, silently, perusing the new weyrling with her hands folded loosely behind her back: Parade rest.

V'lin uses his bare hands to oil Zineath,r ather than cloths or paddles. The contact reaffirms the bond, and it's not like V'lin has anyone to look particularly special for. What're a few spots or greasey stains? "Aye," he murmurs. "I understand. Makes sense t'me..."

D'kar stands there, coming to more rigid attention as the weyrlingmaster appears.

Belena smiles faintly as Shannen makes her entrance. She doesn't exactly 'come to attention,' but her attention does perk a bit.

Caydath will have many duties, when the time comes, but now, it's just eating, and, more than occasionally, getting her head in Margareete's way. You know, just so her lifemate has to stroke her or be bumped. This is quite comfortable, you know.

T'yari eventually looks up from his adoration of the green nestled by his side and, spying Q'rin, quirks a delighted grin. "Hey." Fingers flap in an imitation of a wave, and he phrases the obvious in question-style. "You too?" Then it's back to regarding Nediath, and the same digits that threw a greeting to Q'rin now caress the apple-green dragonet's hide.

Catriona looks up from coating Reiseth in as much oil as that wonderfully green hide can take, eyes widening a little upon catching sight of the rigid woman in the doorway. Oh, that's right. They're weyrlings now, aren't they? Soothing a last patchy spot with an oil-smeared hand, she waits for whatever speech may be coming, keeping her voice low to continue murmuring reassurances to her lifemate. "No, that's the weyrlingmaster. She's going to train us..."

G'nar does his own oiling, making Davoth croon in delight as he gets all those areas already itching, the brown sprawled out in obvious pleasure.

Shannen tips a nod to one assistant after another. She would smile, but it just doesn't seem likely (ie, don't count on it - ever). Anyway, still standing there, still watching, she lets the murmur of conversation die of its own accord. She, unlike weary dragonets and tired weyrlings, can wait all night if need be the case. Pale eyes surveying, she does just that.

Lenala comes awake a little, slowly, at Shannen's entrance. She blinks a few times, then hugs Timrath close.

Q'rin reaches out to scratch at the itch on Kerelth's neck, before grinning in T'yari's direction. "Yeah...I don't know if you heard my earlier yell of congrats," he remarks to his friend.

Margareete keeps on scritching, and feeding. "Let me know when you're done eating, Cay. Oiling will be all the much better than food. It's relaxing."
Caydath has left.

V'lin crouches by Zineath, who also crouches. The dragon, all sets of eyelids more than half-closed, seems oblivious to all, while Val's attention shifts to those scary folk known as weyrlingmasters.

I told you so might have been better than congratulations in T'yari's case and G'nar's. But he grins at the new greenrider after Q'rin's words as he continues the oiling. "Hiding didn't seem t'help, at that." he notes, amused.

It's becoming more and more of a battle to keep pale eyes open, but Catriona manages as best she can. Her lifemate now properly oiled, she lowers herself to the ground again and gently sets a sleepy green head in her lap, hands adoringly running over that silken hide while she waits -- silently, let it be noted -- for Shannen to do her thing.

T'yari admits, "I didn't." He peers towards G'nar, next, and rolls his eyes for lack of a come-back; G'nar proves right in this instance. The young man then falls silent, mimicing others around him, and peers towards Shannen, noticing her presence at last.

Shannen can wait...

Belena waits with Shannen, A'poc and D'kar. She can't help a smile at all of the preoccupied weyrlings, even though this is a very /serious/ waiting. Ahem.

And, at last, Shannen gets around to speaking. Hers is one of those voices that, while it doesn't command attention, doesn't seem to care if it does: "Is everyone fed and oiled?" That being her foremost concern, she makes sure to pitch her volume over all 78 new pairs. (78?!! Gah!!!)

Lenala nods to Shannen from her seated position. "Yes, ma'am," she murmurs."
G'nar turns his attention to the Weyrlingmaster for the first time, smiling at Shannen and nodding. "We are, ma'am" is called out....well, he is. Davoth is practically asleep. Luckily, G'nar is big enough to carry him for now.

Shannen tips her gaze to settle on Lenala for a silent moment, then to G'nar. "Ma'am?" Shaking her head as she paces a slow line, she notes, "I am Shannen. And that is A'poc - " Grinning like an idiot. " - and they are D'kar and Belena. We have names. Use them."

Falina blinks up at Shannon, patting the head of the sleeping dragon in her lap, "Yes..." she says softly, still half-focused upon her new lifemate.
"Oiled, fed and sleepy, over here," comes Catriona's reply, when the girl remembers to actually look up from the green dozing in her lap. "No ma'am. Right. Shannen. No ma'am." As if that will be remembered for very long.

Lenala nods. "Yes'm, Shannen, uh." She shrugs, apologetically.

G'nar blinks, than nods to the Weyrlingmaster, duly chastined "Shannen, then." He murmurs...and then turns scarlet at Davoth's sleepy opinion, words only he can hear..unfortunately. "Shhh!" No one else heard that, right?

V'lin murmurs those names like it's the first time he's heard them, nodding slowly. As for Zineath, he appears to be dozing. But definitely fed, as a rounded belly would attest, and definitely in the process of being oiled; Val only stopped to give the weyrlingmasters attention for a bit.

"Of course, of course," T'yari chimes in, fingertips touching the small green here, and here, and coming away sticky from the oil. "Fed an' oiled an' all."

Almost pedantically, Shannen continues, "We do have rules. You will learn them. But not tonight. Tonight, everyone will follow me and we'll get acquainted with home." Without bothering a backward glance, she turns down a long, low tunnel. Apparently assuming her assistants will do the herding - so to speak.

Lenala struggles to her feet, unwilling to relinquish her hold on Timrath for so much as a moment.