The World of Pern(tm) is copyright to Anne McCaffrey (c) 1967. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright. This is a log of roleplay on PernMUSH, available online by permission of Anne McCaffrey, author of the Pern novels, and recorded by A.S. Korra'ti (piper@murkworks.net), player of Mehlani of Telgar Weyr on PernMUSH. This log may be distributed freely as long as this header remains intact. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Log Date: 10/1/93 Log Cast: (People) Shadrina, F'hlan, Talia, Merla, Clark/Cl'rek, Nicholah/Nich, Squedrel/S'drel, Beka, Mikal, Vivian, Richard/R'chard, Grainne, Tevell, Ailyn, Tarin, Tannar, Lirali, Darbi, Jalen, Kaarli, Kyron, Ariane (Dragons) Tiamanth, Tzornth, Avoth, Jeniath, Torinth, Ameveth, Aelyth, Orrith, Briseth, Kimbrith, Rhiapeth Log Intro: In which Tiamanth's second Clutch Hatches to the excitement of Benden Weyr... and in which one of the Lower Caverns Girls with a penchant for swooning over Tzornth's rider almost becomes a Weyrling! Impressing in this log: S'drel on bronze Avoth, Nicholah on blue Aelyth, Cl'rek on brown Orrith, R'chard on green Briseth, Merla on gold Kimbrith, and Ariane on green Rhiapeth. ---------- Tiamanth rumbles quietly, shifting uncertainly. The Clutch, its various ovoid shapes gleaming faintly in the cavern's glowlight, shifts occasionally, as individual eggs seem to begin to rattle. All around the cavern, various dragon voices rise up in thundering HUMMMMMMMMMS. Shadrina comes out of the Waiting Room. F'hlan glances between his dragon - Tzornth himself is humming, now, brassily - and the arriving Weyrlingmaster. He inclines his head to her in formal greeting. Shadrina gives F'hlan and Krystlin a smart salute and a warm smile. F'hlan allows himself a return grin, and looks back to the Clutch as the white egg that shivered before bounces a little more readily. Its nearest two neighbors clack lightly against it. Stark White egg trembles. F'hlan leans over to Krystlin, and murmurs something to her... The shiny pearl egg clicks briefly against the velvety black. The bright violet eggs twists suddenly, cracking against the dandelion yellow egg. [Candidates come out of the Waiting Room: Talia, Merla, Clark.] The dragonish thrummings build, overpowering the equally eager yet much higher humming of countless firelizards; the little winged ones range themselves anywhere about the cavern except the Sands themselves, avoiding Tiamanth's reproachful stare. [More Candidates arrive: Nicholah, Squedrel, Beka, Mikal.] The overcreamed klah egg bumps against the cream coloured egg as it begins to rock steadily. [Candidates Vivian and Richard come out of the Waiting Room.] The clay brown egg rocks side to side, nearly tipping up vertically. [From the Waiting Room, Candidates Grainne, Tevell, and Ailyn arrive.] One by one, each of the candidates step forward, bow or curtsy to Tiamanth and Tzornth and their riders, then step back to join a rough semi-circle forming around the eggs. [Candidates Tarin and Tannar arrive from the Waiting Room.] F'hlan gravely nods to each of the Candidates as they emerge; Tzornth rumbles deep in his throat. [Candidates Lirali, Darbi, Jalen, and Kaarli come out onto the Sands from the Waiting Room.] Tiamanth rustles her wings as Krys makes her back off a bit from the eggs. [From the Waiting Room, Candidates Kyron and Ariane arrive.] Golden Fire-opal egg twitches, dislodging bits of sand. Talia watches with wide eyes, as the eggs start to move! She grips her hands tightly at her sides, looking at the other Candidates, then back to the eggs. Ailyn shifts her weight nervously and looks at the eggs. Tarin's body locks in position, every muscle tensing as he watches the eggs. Vivian takes a deep breath, keeping her eyes on the eggs before her. Nicholah watches quietly, the heat of the sand starting to seep through the soles of her feet. Grainne blinks and shifts her feet on the hot sand, watching the eggs in anticipation. Creamy Jade-green egg spins for a moment. Richard kneels on one knee and bows to the Queen Tiamanth, he stands and watches the eggs in wonder. Beka looks up at the galleries and ledges. She becomes even paler as she sees all the people. Ariane looks around dazedly, a look or relief on her face as she sees Alisa in the stands. Clark moves his feet into a more comfortable pose, as he looks at the eggs with a slight smile. Lirali supresses some nervous giggles as she curtsies to Tiamanth and Tzornth and their riders. Tevell starts suddenly, as if remembering something, glances at F'hlan, and then makes another bow to Tiamanth, holding up what appears to be a stuffed toy of some sort. Vivian clutches the sides of her robe, her eyes glued to the eggs. Merla holds the right cuff of her robe with her left hand as she watches the spinning eggs. Shiny Pearl egg jerks, beginning to spin violently. F'hlan nods with the utmost gravity to Lirali, and smiles quietly to young Tevell. Jalen watches the eggs twitch and spin, and waits silently, occassionally shifting his weight. Grainne smiles at Tevell and then turns her gaze back to the eggs. Kyron moves around nervously, and stares at the eggs.. Mikal keeps his attention on the eggs, and unconsciously adjusts his robes.... watching and waiting... Ailyn looks around the immense cavern, then turns her attention to the actions before her. Tarin's body relaxes and he appears more at ease as he glances up at the stands and recognizes people. Talia tugs at her robes and stands up straight, watching quietly as the eggs start to dance around on the sands. Squedrel bites his lip and scans the row of dragons momentarily, before glancing at the shifting eggs. He breaks into a soft chuckle for Tevell. Kaarli takes a deep breath and watches the eggs carefully, nervously pushing the hem of a sleeve between two fingers. Clark slides his hands slowly up and down his sides, wiping off the sweat. Richard smiles over to Tevell and gives a thumbs up. He then watches the eggs begin to move. Tarin chuckles softly at Tevell. Ariane swallows, walking up at curtseying to the weyrleaders, eyes on the huge dragon and her eggs. Tzornth croons very deeply to Tiamanth, as more and more of the eggs clatter and shake. Nicholah scrubs her palms on her robe, trying not to look as nervous as she really is, watching the rocking eggs. Joining the others in their respectful bows to the queen and her mate, Darbi moves to let two shorter Candidates see better. Tannar breaths deeply and evenly, preparing. Krystlin watches Tevell quietly for a moment, smiling fondly. Looking around at the other candidates, Clark smiles, and settle into an easier pose, his feet drumming onto the hot sand. Tiamanth croons to Tzornth, wings rustling as her eggs do strange things. Beka looks back to the eggs and curtsies to the dragons and theeir riders. Vivian takes a deep breath calming breath, visably squaring her shoulders and clutching her robe with shaking hands. Richard loses track of everything in the room but the moving eggs. Squedrel gets nudged by Beka, and bows to Tiamanth and Tzornth, as well. A tiger's eye brown egg spins slowly as though turning to look at all the candidates. Grainne scooches in between Talia and Beka, gripping her friends arms for comfort. Stark White egg rolls over onto its side, revealing long cracks through the shell. Tannar looks at his chain, hoping for good luck. He surveys the other candidates. Clark looks down the line at the friends he's made, and faces the eggs again, with a hopeful look on his face. Talia scans the sands, watching all the motion. She wipes at her face, sweating from the hot sands, and her nervousness. Her eyes widen as the first crack in an egg appears. Kyron bows respectfully to the dragons... and then to the weyrleaders... Tarin's breath catches at the sight of the cracks on the white egg and his stance reflects his added tension. Ailyn straightens her robe and smiles to those near her. She then looks back to the eggs. F'hlan's gaze is sympathetic as he watches the Candidates place themselves. Nicholah bites her lip, the only indication that she's anything other than calm now. She shifts her weight back and forth, easing warm feet. Stark White egg drops flecks of shell, a glimpse of damp hide can be seen.... Jalen stands motionless, watching both the eggs and the candidates. Vivian sways slightly, shifting her weight from foot to foot as the heat of the sands penetrates the soles of her feet. Clark lets out a deep breath, as he blinks a little, seemingly emptying his head of extra thoughts. Mikal glances back across the line of fellow Candidates, and smiles slightly, then turns back to the eggs... Richard stands perfectly still, frozen in awe at the hatching eggs. Grainne unconsciously holds her breath as the eggs begin to hatch. The remaining fragments of the stark white egg split, releasing a dark bronze hatchling! Tarin watches the egg, his entire body echoing his anticipation. Shadrina looks at all the candidates one by one. She scrutinizes each one carefully, and smiles slightly. Talia watches the newly hatched dragonette, her eyes wide with wonder. For a long moment she stands perfectly still, as she waits....every muscle tense. At first glimpse, his dark hide can be mistaken for brown. But as soon as he lifts his head to let out a challenging bugle, the flash of light bronze at his throat leaves no doubt. He lumbers away from his egg, awkwardly dragging large, damp wings through the sand as he goes. His carriage speaks of solemn dignity. Lirali manages not to watch F'hlan, her attention switched to the motionful eggs. Ariane raises her hands to her face, looking wide-eyedly at the egg splitting. Tarin gasps with delight! Tzornth croons warmly at his firstborn offspring. Squedrel bounces on the balls of his feet nervously, crouching for a while, than standing up again in awe as the first dragonet hatches. Grainne takes a breath and smiles. Jalen wows happily, and loosens up a bit as the first dragonette hatches. Nicholah smiles happily, her held breath suddenly releasing with a soft 'whoosh'. Clark watches the stumbling hatchling with a smile, which turn to a frown as he looks with concern to make sure it rights itself. Beka smiles.."A bronze.." Tevell stands very still, his stuffed bear clutched tight against his chest. Vivian's eyes grow wide, a broad smile on her face as she watches the first hatchling tumble forth. Ailyn smiles at the sight of a bronze hatching first and then looks to the males on either side of her. Kaarli smiles warmly at the little bronze. Kyron smiles broadly... and holds his breath... F'hlan grins briefly, glancing from sire bronze to hatchling. Darbi smiles warmly at the bronze hatchling, as if slightly relieved. Tzornth> Tzornth bespoke Benden Weyr << A bronze! A bronze! Our firstborn is a bronze! >> Richard's mouth opens at the sight of the hatching. Tannar gasps, seeing the newborn dragon. He's standing on his feet for better view, but then he sunk, as the sand heated him. Dark Bronze hatchling shakes his head, tossing a bit of shell off his nose and bugles again. He strides around in a circle, before turning to slyly examine the Candidates. Clark straightens his back, and slowly lifts his arms away from his sides, as if to show he is friendly, as he smiles quietly. Tzornth> Jeniath bespoke Benden Weyr << Like that should be a surprise from two Benden-born dragons. :) >> Tzornth> Benden Weyr senses that Torinth TRUMPETS congrats to Tzornth << Well done, mighty leader!! >> Off in a corner, a lonely sapphire blue egg rocks quickly as if desperately trying to attract attention. Merla smiles slightly as she watches the first hatchling approach the semi-circle. She looks down the line to see who is near him. Tzornth> Benden Weyr senses that Ameveth warbles happily. The velvety black egg shivers and shakes, gaining speed; the light of the cavern seems to bend round its surface. Mikal stands and watches the bronze hatchling with amazement. Richard locks his eyes on the hatchling and just stands and watches it move about the sands. Tarin shifts his feet as he finally notices the hot sands and smiles at the bronze hatchling, his chest puffing out with respect of the little guy. Darbi gently moves the boy to her right closer to the circling bronze. Ariane turns her head slowly to look at the blue egg, dazed. Ailyn watches the bronze with interest, following his movements with her eyes. Kaarli's eyes dart away from the bronze hatchling a she sees another egg start to shake. Tzornth> Benden Weyr senses that Tiamanth snorts and mutters something about Tzornth not doing all the work. ;) :) Vivian turns to look at the sapphire blue egg. Clark's feet move back and forth, swishing sand around his feet. Nicholah looks curious as she peers to see who the bronze will choose. Beka looks at the rocking egg.. Talia clasps her hands together, looking at the searching dragonette hopefully. Vaguely aware of the growing pain in her feet, she hops from one to the other, focasing completely on the hatchling. Tzornth preens with evident satisfaction, and croons to Tiamanth; his eyes whirl brightly blue. Squedrel steps forward slightly, kneeling again so that he is eye-level with the bronze, sparing a glance behind him, being ready to move if the dragonet's chosen is behind him. Clark watches the bronze intently, smiling as he sees it's eyes whirl as if it has seen his choice. Tannar slows his breathing even more, and stands completely calmly now. Kyron squeezes his hands into small fists as he get's a clear view of the hatchling bronze.. Jalen watches the eggs shake, shifts his weight, and waits. The remaining sections of the velvety black egg shatter, unveiling a dusty blue hatchling! Talia smiles at the male candidates..watching as the little bronze checks them out. This young blue bursts eagerly from his shell, then tumbles onto the sands. He rights himself and peers around, blinking his eyes. In his eagerness to explore, he bounds up, but only manages to foul his wings and fall snout first into a pile of sand. His color is a soft, muted blue, though a spot or two of brighter color can be see. Grainne tries to breathe as she watches all the excitement around them. Tarin chuckles quietly at the blue hatchling, but crosses his arms and watches the bronze carefully. Tevell watches the bronze, seemingly rooted to the spot, alternating between looking excited and looking terrified. Dark Bronze hatchling turns his head sharply to the side and moves quickly towards the short white robed figure with the brown thing. He pauses, sniffing at him a moment... Clark looks beyond the brown for a moment, gazing at the blue's dusty hide. Dusty Blue hatchling stumbles and looks around blankly. What happened? Tannar put his full attention to the bronze, now that he's close enough. Ariane smiles softly at the blue hatchling, nervousness fading. Ailyn turns her head as the breaking of the blue's shell catches her eye. She smiles at the hatchling as she shifts her weight from one foot to the other. Beka watches the blue dragonet cautiously paling even more. Kaarli smiles happily at the little blue, and licks her lips and frowns when he falls. She takes a deep breath and watches him carefully. Jalen watches the blue dart out of his shell and almost steps back as he stumbles. With a loud crack, a lonely sapphire blue egg splits open and unceremoniously dumps a tiny turquoise green dragonet on the sands. Tarin smiles, watching the little bronze check Tevell out. Darbi's eyes are drawn to the tumble of blue. She winces slightly with a wry smile, but doesn't move. Vivian wipes a trickle of sweat from her forehead before it gets in her eyes as she watches the two hatchlings on the sands. Richard's gaze is drawn by the movement of the hatching blue. Ailyn smiles at Tevell next to her and moves to the side a bit. Merla watches the blue in amazement, and shifting her feet slightly on the hot sands. Talia turns her eyes quickly to the blue hatchling, ready to move quickly if need be, hoping he didn't hurt himself. Clark stands still, paralyzed with wonder for a few moments, a blank look on his face. Nicholah looks at the other hatchlings trying to see them all at once. She gives up trying and just looks at the hatchling closest to her, the blue. Grainne looks from hatchling to hatchling and then at her friends, ready to move out of the way if need be, Squedrel smiles at Tevell, shifting his feet nervously as he watches the dragons emerge. Beka looks round to look at the green, smiling. Lirali turns her head from side to side to try to watch all of the hatchlings at once. Dusty Blue hatchling shivers, fluttering his damp wings. He nuzzles at his hide curiously for a moment, then realizes he is under scrutiny. He looks up and peers at the circle of faces. Tarin looks at the blue, his lips curling into a smile, his body shaking slightly with quiet laughter. Clark blinks for a moment, and then averts his eyes, looking at Grainne with a smile, and loosens his posture a bit. Ailyn clenches the cuff of her robe and smiles at the blue. Richard's gaze again shifts as he sees the green hatch and a small smile spreads across his face. Ariane folds her hands in front of her, watching the small dragons in wonder. Tannar smiles slightly the blue one, looking worried at his wings. Kaarli nods encouragingly to the blue hatchling as he flutters his wings, and grins as he looks over. Mikal follows the bronze's movements with his eyes... Dark Bronze hatchling nudges the youngster gently, surprisingly, then turns and darts at another Candidate, knocking him over.... With a barely audible creel, the tiny turquoise dragonet manages to stand and looks about with whirling eyes that seem enormous compared to the rest of her. Dark Bronze hatchling looks deep into Squedrel's eyes... Tarin wows. Grainne offers the tumbles candidate a hand up and looks at Squed. Talia scans the sands, ready to dodge any dragonettes, if need be. She smiles as she watches one after another of the eggs hatch, trying to see everything at once! Jalen smiles lightly and stops himself from readjusting his robe as he comes under the scrutiny of the hatchlings. Tevell watches, wide-eyed, a momentary flicker of disappointment crossing his face. Ailyn turns her head to watch the bronze, and grins happily as she looks at Squedrel. Squedrel eeps and falls over as the bronze lands on him, almost immediately he begins scritching the dragonet's eyeridges. Beka grins noticing Squed!..and claps.. Clark smiles. He looks over at the turquiose quickly, and then looks back at the fast moving dragonets around him. Nicholah smiles happily for Squedrel for a moment, before her gaze returns to the other hatchlings, peering hopefully at the blue nearest her. Vivian catches the look on Squedrel's face and smiles warmly. Mikal watches Squedrel get bowled over, and bites his lip, then smiles... Darbi smiles softly, her eyes seemingly far away, as she watches the green stumble to her feet and look around. Jalen smiles broadly as Squedrel meets the gaze of the bronze hatchling. He ooohs. F'hlan looks over, and straightens, smiling a bit. He looks to the baby bronze's choice, and nods. "Congratulations, to you; welcome to the Weyrling ranks of Benden Weyr." Squedrel takes the Stark White Shards. Talia grins widely as Squedrel and the bronze look into each other's eyes, then turns her attention back to the commotion on the sands. Grainne grins, happy for Squedrel, and then looks back to the sands. Tannar smiles at Squed, biting his lip. He turns to the blue. Jalen gasps as he watches the first impression, and then turns back to the sands. Clark winks at Squedrel, who doesn't see his wink being busy with the new bronze, so he returns to the hatching and shuddering eggs. Mikal looks back to the eggs... Tarin continues watching the blue with his arms crossed across his chest and a smile on his lips. Dusty Blue hatchling blinks as his bronze sibling runs into somebody, and then warbles! He seems to understand, and he moves purposefully towards the nearest group of waiting figures. Shadrina smiles at Squedrel. "Congrats and Welcome! Ailyn grins again at Squedrel, and then turns her attention back to the rest of the action. Richard watches the green with a smile on his face. He shifts his feet just a tiny bit in the hot sand. Merla turns her head as the people next to her do, to look over at the first impression. She smiles happily for her friend! Clark watches the blue wander toward the group. Kaarli rubs her hands together, as if they were cold in spite of the heat of the sands. She watches Squedrel, then her attention is caught by the little blue again. Squedrel smiles at Beka, F'hlan and everyone else as he stands up next to the bronze, leading him to the side. "His name is Avoth," he calls, searching for his parents in the crowd. Mikal watches the blue approach the candidates...? Talia watches as the blue hatchling searches for his lifemate...her eyes bright with excitement..her hands nervously pulling at her robe. Vivian's eyes are drawn away from the new lifemates to the eggs and hatchlings upon the sand. Clark looks at the green and blue wander around looking intently at the candidates. Darbi glances over at the cry and a smile breaks out over her face. She nods at Squedrel. Grainne shifts her feet trying to spare her scorched soles and watches in amazed wonder. Nicholah shifts her weight, her breath barely a whisper as she sees the other hatchlings, her feet starting to feel scorched. Discreetly, she lifts one sole off the sand, exchanging it a few moments later. Tannar cleared off the Blue's way, as he almost run him over. Dusty Blue hatchling cocks his head and peers up at the nearest male candidate for a moment, but seems perplexed. He wanders a little farther, attracted by a different figure. Kyron smiles for Squedrel.. and watches the blue hatchling wandering around the group... Jalen watches the eggs and hatchlings stumble about, and notices the blue learning quickly from his brother. Ariane does not move, looking in wonder. Tarin chuckles softly. With a speed that belies her small size, the tiny turquoise dragonet stumbles straight towards the nearest group of candidates. Krystlin smiles at S'drel and nods approval. In preparation of the hatching, Nich has put on the simple white robe of the candidate. It is sleeveless and rather drafty, but Nich wouldn't exchange it for the warmest fur around. Mikal shuffles his feet slightly, watching the blue's progress.. F'hlan smiles. Tevell shifts position to go stand over by Talia; he watches the pile of eggs nervously. Clark moves his feet quickly, a small look of pain on his face shows through his sheepish grin. Richard watches the hatchlings wander the sands. Sweat runs down his face but he doesn't wipe it off. Darbi glances back at the blue and smiles as he solemnly inspects each Candidate along the half-circle. Grainne steps back out of the way to keep from being run into as the green charges over. Kaarli swallows again and watches the progress of the two hatchlings. She tugs absently at her robe as they get closer to the group. Dusty Blue hatchling comes to a halt before Nicholah. Shaking some of the dust off his wings, he thrusts his small head forward inquiringly, and bonks her on the knees. Talia hops about, more of a dance than to keep her feet cool..a huge grin on her face as the dragonettes start to emerge, one after the other.. Beka moves so as to not be run over by the green then steps back to give the green room to choose. Tarin watches everything, his eyes shining with happiness and he shifts from one foot to the other. Grainne giggles and grins at Nich. Lirali keeps her full attention on the moving hatchlings, moving out of the way of the clumsy newborns to avoid injury, yet staying nearby in hope. Tannar smiles approvingly ar Squed, now that he's behind the dragonet, then he concentrates back on the blue. Ailyn watches the blue as it stops before Nicholah and smiles hopefully. Nicholah looks down at the blue in surprise. Clark watches a brown in the distance pick a young red-head he thinks is from Benden Hold. Jalen looks and notices the green's dart towards the group. He smiles to Nicholah encouragingly. Dusty Blue hatchling warbles? His eyes whirl hopefully, faintly yellow, but beginning to tinge with blue.... Vivian smiles at Nich and the blue hatchling. Mikal grins, muttering, "Knock knock, Nicholah?" as he watches the blue... Ariane watches the tiny green dragon... Ailyn grins happily, waiting to see what will happen. Dusty Blue hatchling looks deep into Nicholah's eyes... Shiny Pearl egg hops suddenly, as a green leg breaks free. Its antics becoming more and more agitated as its occupant tries to dislodge the cloistering shell. Grainne watches in hopeful awe for her friend. Clark smiles over at Nicholah, and then looks back at the eggs, and the wandering green hatchling. Richard watches the blue with interest as is seems to be ready to choose. Tarin watches all the dragons on the sands, his gaze moving quickly one to the other as if he can't decide which to watch! Mikal smiles and nods to Nicholah. He returns his gaze to the sands. A little boy with a runny nose sniffles as an ice blue sniffs him. The blue looks up into his eyes. The boy exclaims a word that must be the little blue's name, but it is lost in a fit of coughing. Nicholah smiles and reaches down to the blue, patting him gently. "Welcome, Aelyth," she whispers lovingly...and then blinks, looking up. "His name is Aelyth!" she says in wonder. Merla turns from S'drel to watch the other hatchlings, tugging at the right sleeve of her robe again. Beka looks and smiles at another green, hardly noticing Nicholah and the blue in the confusion. Nicholah takes the Velvety Black Shards. Jalen watches Nicholah impress and continues to stare at the eggs. He now fidgets a bit, glancing about the sands so as not to miss anything. Squedrel sits at the entrance to the waiting area, lavishing Avoth with attention (and food handed to him by a rider) while watching the sands eagerly. Ailyn grins very happily for the new pairing. After watching for a moment she turns her head back to the remaining eggs. Kaarli catches her breath as the pearl egg jumps! She looks across the circle and smiles nervously, then looks back at the activity. Grainne grins happily, her nerves fading in the excitement. Krystlin congratulates Nicholah as well, then pauses to smile up at her own dragon. The creamy jade-green egg wriggles, gives a tiny bounce.... Vivian smiles warmly at Nich and her new lifemate. Beka claps as people impress.. Tannar gasps, then smiles Nicholah... He's keeping his eye on the dragonets. Tevell grins and hugs his bear. "Congrats, Nicholah!" he calls. Talia grins as a young boy near her raises his head, eyes shining, to announce his new lifemate's name. Her eyes turn back to the hatchlings and eggs left on the sand..head spinning with all the chaotic motions. F'hlan smiles to Nicholah. "Welcome to the ranks of Benden Weyrlings," he says solemnly. Tarin smiles. "Congratulations, Nicholah!" Clark smiles, feeling much more at ease as he faces the remaining eggs. He sees a green pick a young woman with brown hair on the other end of the line. Darbi smiles at Nicholah and nods encouragement to the boy next to her and smiles to herself as his freckled face shines in wonder. The remaining fragments of the creamy jade-green egg split, releasing a acorn brown hatchling! Tarin lets his arms fall to his sides, finally beginning to relax as he continues watching the eggs. Richard wipes the sweat from his face so it doesn't get in his eyes, he tries to see all the eggs hatch but can only watch one at a time. Deep brown, he exudes strength and stability. Streaks of red hint here and there in his hide, although that could simply be a trick of the light. His chest is deep and his rumble even deeper, before it cracks and turns to a creel of hunger. He swings his head from side to side, then lurchingly steps away from his shards. The remaining sections of the shiny pearl egg fall, releasing a sea green hatchling! Nicholah positively -BEAMS!-, her eyes searching out someone in the crowd. Like the tide coming into shore, this vibrant young green rushes out of her shards and onto the sands. Her dainty, wedge shaped head quickly scans the room, then she tosses some sand at the nearest moving object playfully. After a moment, her hunger pierces her playful mood and she stops, perfectly still long enough to cast a questioning glance towards her dam before taking a tiny, suddenly shy, step towards the row of white clad people. Mikal holds his hands to hid sides, as a line of sweat establishes a route down his forehead, through his eyes, and down past his chin. Ariane stands quietly, a little apart from the other candidates, dazed and wondering. Talia smiles at Nicholah! She looks at all the eggs she has watched for such a long time.. Merla smiles as she sees Nicholah and the blue to one side of her. She turns back quickly as another hatchling pushes out of its shards near to her. Tarin smiles, his eyes almost glowing, as he watches the brown hatch. Swirling with colour and the loud tap-tap of the dragonet's beak, a malachite egg spins around and around. Grainne oohs at the pretty new dragons, shifting her feet, hanging onto Talia's hand with a grin. Ailyn turns to look at the brown, her hand still wringing the cuff in its grasp. Vivian clutches the sides of her robe, leaning forward towards the two newest hatchlings. Acorn Brown hatchling bugles, attempting to sound purposeful, although his voice is very high-pitched. Clark smiles at both new hatchlings, but his eyes dart back to the brown as it stumbles from the shards. He reaches up and wipes the sweat from his brow with a grin. Beka sighs dazed at the hartchlings and stands still watching so as to be not run over. Jalen gasps as the brown hatchling finally escapes his shell. He looks at it intently, amazed at its almost red hide. Kaarli's eyes widen as two eggs hatch at once right by her, and she frantically looks from one to the other, welcoming them both with her smile. Kyron looks around at all the people impressing around him obviously nervous... and looks wonderingly at the brown... Talia gets ready to move out of the green's way, if neccessary..but not too far...just in case! Darbi moves her left hand, clearing her sweat-drenched bangs out of her eyes and shifting to the other foot. Mikal blinks at the bugle, and wipes a strand of hair from his eyes to better view the Acorn Brown... Richard watches the sea green with a smile. Looking at it carefully but standing very still. Tevell smiles tentatively, looking less nervous now, caught up in the excitement. Tarin kneels to be more on a level to watch the brown and just watches him, an entirely new kind of smile crossing his face. Vivian licks her dry lips, keeping her eyes on the movements of the brown and green hatchlings. Clark pulls at his tunic as he looks at the green and brown, taking a moment to grin at a blue picking a brunette near him. Jalen smiles at the brown announcing itself, and watches it intently. Tannar yells, "CONGRATS, Nich", over the circle. He's trying to restore his calmness, and smiles to the brown. Ailyn watches the green hatchling with interest, following her movement with her eyes. Acorn Brown hatchling sits up, stretching, and then strides off towards a dark-haired youth. He peers up at him, creels plaintively, but seems to not find what he seeks. The youth smiles waveringly, and regretfully watches the brown waddle away. A hairline crack appears on the malachite green egg. It widens with each tap and finally splits open. A bandy-legged blue pops out of the shell. Talia stares at the acorn brown hatchling, her eyes hopeful as she follows his movements around the sands. Sea Green hatchling hovers where she is, almost seeming torn between running back and going forward. She glances at her brother and her eyes show a flash of annoyance that he should compete with her for attention, then she drops her head down and lets out a soft, low creel...trying to sneak past him towards the Candidates without seeming to. Tarin smiles at the brown as he watches the hatchling "make his rounds". Jalen peers at the brown searching for its lifemate and waits. Talia laughs! at the green hatchling in amusement! Clark blinks at the blue, seeing his legs. He murmers, "...oh...." Acorn Brown hatchling pauses, and cocks his head, watching his sister. He warbles affably and then lurches off in a tangential direction. Darbi chuckles at the green's antics, taking in and letting out a deep breath. Kaarli raises her eyebrows as she hears the lonely green's creel, and she watches this hatchling intently. Grainne grins and looks down the line to Tarin. Richard's eyes go to the bandy-legged blue that came from the malachite green egg he had watched for so long. Tarin raises an eyebrow at the brown. "Now /that/ wasn't very nice!" Beka moves towards the green but far enough back not to crowd it. F'hlan seems to relax a bit, as he watches the proceedings. Vivian smiles, her eyes shinning brightly as she watches the movements of the hatchlings. Tarin chuckles. Kyron stands up straight and watches the brown hatchling searching intently... Hampered by his bandy legs, but determined to find his mate, the bandy-legged blue shuffles awkwardly to a tall girl with short black hair and a kind expression. Merla's eyes try to follow the movements of the green and the brown simultaneously. She smiles quietly to herself as she does so. Jalen stands agile, waiting for the brown to lurch, but holding his ground. Tannar is hopping on the sand as it burns his feet. He trips, but recovers. Ailyn continues to watch the hatchlings, glancing from one to the other wondering what they will do. A grin cracks Mikal's face at the green's attempt at stealth... Tevell still doesn't move; he looks up at Talia and Richard, following their examples. Talia smiles happily as she watches the brown and green hatchlings moving around, trying to be aware of any movements around her... Clark looks up at the crowd for a moment, a proud grin on his face, and then he looks at the remaining eggs, looking for the egg he liked so much. Ariane stands quietly watching. Acorn Brown hatchling chirps at Tarin questioningly? But something just over *there* seems to attract his attention... another dark-haired youth. Sea Green hatchling looks vexed that her brother goes about his business so she jumps on his tail playfully, then turns and hurries away before he can catch her. Miraculously, she doesn't injure him. Tarin's smile falters at the brown keeps moving. Richard nods to Tevell in reassurance and then goes back to watching the eggs and hatchlings. Krystlin leans against Tiamanth lightly, watching with a soft smile. Clark looks over at the brown, and blinks as it seems to be heading near his section of the semi-circle. Meanwhile the tiny turquoise green has zipped past several candidates and heads straight for an unsuspecting girl who is steadily watching the gold egg. Beka giggles at the green. Vivian laughs at the antics of the green and brown. Nicholah seems caught up with Aelyth and doesn't seem to see much of what is going on around her. Acorn Brown hatchling whirrups? and blinkblinks at the brief distraction. But, then, there is this nearer, more interesting thing here... he pauses, and stops right in front of Clark. Talia giggles, her attention caught by the impish green hatchling, and she can't help but wonder what it would be like to have a dragon like that! Kaarli grins and relaxes as she sees that the green seems to be doing fine. She watches her play and covers he mouth to stifle a giggle at her games. Tarin sighs and watches the greens, his old smile returning as he slowly stands. Clark hears the giggles and laughing around him, and straightens up, eyeing the brown. Darbi shakes her head and glances to her right where a knot of Candidates stand, watching a bronze wander towards them. Crash! The tiny turquoise green runs straight into the girl, knocking her down. Mikal grins thoroughly at the green's covert attack. Merla's smile turns into a broad grin as watches the two hatchlings playing... Tannar taps Tarin's shoulders. heh. Ailyn watches as the two hatchlings play, she finally lets go of her cuff only to start shifting her weight nervously. Richard lifts his left foot starting to feel the heat from the sands. Acorn Brown hatchling looks levelly back up at the young man before him Ariane smiles quietly. She does not seem to notice any discomfort from the sands. Jalen notices the brown watching Clark, and watches the pair stare at each other. Tarin looks around at Tannar. Clark's face fills with sweat as his eyes tear. liquid starts to gather on his cheeks. Acorn Brown hatchling looks deep into Clark's eyes... Tevell watches the dragonets and their needle-sharp claws rather nervously. Richard smiles over at Clark and gives a quick salute. Tarin smiles and nods to Clark. Vivian smiles at Clark and the little brown hatchling, then shifts her gaze back to the little green. Beka giggles still watching..her nerves seem to be forgotten. Clark takes the Creamy Jade-green Shards. Tannar checks the girl... "She seems OK.... more or less" With an attempt at a bugle, a sturdy muscular bronze dragonet makes his entrance into the world. Sea Green hatchling narrows her eyes, then turns and looks up adoringly at a nearby Candidate. She croon-creels softly to him and whirls her eyes a bit faster. Talia hops to the side, quickly..watching the hatchling, and not her feet..She abruptly takes a spill onto the sand, and *blinks* for a moment, before getting back to her feet. Ailyn smiles happily at Clark as she watches the young brown find the one right for him. Beka claps for Clark.. Both the girl and the tiny turquoise green seem equally surprised as Impression occurs! Jalen sigh happiily as Clark impresses the brown, and then turns to the other hatchlings on the sand, almost smiling. Clark hugs the brown with great strength, dropping to his knees. "Orrith! His name is Orrith!" Sea Green hatchling looks deep into Richard's eyes... Avoth croons to his brothers and sisters. F'hlan nods a brief thanks to Tannar, and then smiles soberly to Clark. " Congratulations, Weyrling; may you and your brown fly strongly and well." Tarin glances at the girl who got knocked down, wishing he was still a Healer so he could do something. Vivian looks at Richard and the little green, smiling. Clark pats his brown, as it nudges him to find him some food. Mikal smiles and nods to Clark, then returns to look at the stands. Ailyn turns her attention over to Richard to wish him a congrats as well. Clark wander over to the side. Richard watches the sea green hatchling with interest, losing track of what's going on around him. Kaarli smiles happily at the two new Weyrlings and watches the hatchlings all around the cavern, trying to see if one will move nearby. Talia dusts off her...well dusts off her robe, looking sheepishly around. Tevell calls, "I knew you'd Impress, Clark!" before turning his attention back to the dragonets, watching each movement with tense anticipation. Beka claps at both new impressions..'Well done..' Tarin looks around, confusedly. Cl'rek wanders over with Orrith, wiping his tears. Tannar smiles happily at Clark, at the dragonets, and all the commotion around him. He snaps, and concentrate on the nearest. Tevell gives Richard two thumbs-up and a grin, beginning to almost enjoy himself now, despite his nervousness. The clay brown egg rattles for a moment. Tarin says "Something important probably just happened, too!" Richard takes the Shiny Pearl Shards. With careful controlled movements, a solid bronze dragonet heads over to the man of his choice, a good-looking lad who is as muscular and solid as he. Tarin chuckles, shrugs, and continues watching the rest of the eggs. S'drel waves to his friends that have Impressed so far. Orrith warbles, nudging Cl'rek fondly. Golden Fire-opal egg tumbles a bit further down the pile of sand, the cracks in its surface a spiderweb effect.... Lirali watches the hatchlings impress with a twinge showing in her face, replaced by hope as she looks towards the other hatchlings still looking for a lifemate. Beka looks at the Gold egg with shock. Darbi laces her fingers together in front of her and throws her shoulders back, her dark eyes looking over the throng, Dragonets and Candidates. Jalen follows the bronze with his eyes, and notices the golden egg crack slightly. Vivian gasps as she sees the fire-opal egg tumble down the pile to rest on the sand. Tarin watches the cracking egg careefully, giving it nearly all his attention now. Richard says "Her name is Briseth." Ailyn bites her lip nervously as she watches the gold egg wobble. Richard hugs Briseth and leads her over to the wall. Talia's eyes grow wide as the beautiful gold egg start to hatch, unconciously moving towards it..waiting for the hatchling to emerge. Mikal shifts from one foot to the other, face streaming quite nicely with sweat now. Unfortunately, the bandy-legged blue doesn't walk more than two steps before his wings tip him over. Merla smiles across at the new pairs, and then turns to an egg near her, which seems to be moving. Ariane takes a step closer to the other candidates, eyes on the yet unhatched eggs. Cl'rek watches the gold egg, finding some food for the happily creeling Orrith. Tarin ouches and notices the blue again, makes as if to catch him, then remembers and stops himself in time. Talia looks over at the blue, as he takes a tumble in the sand, wincing. Mikal looks over at the blue, and quirks his brows, "Uh, you okay over there?" Jalen almost chuckles as he watches the blue fall. Grainne beams congratulations over to Cl'rek. F'hlan smiles up at Tzornth as the big bronze croons ecstatically to the baby gold. Darbi moves slightly to the right to let a creeling green dragonet and her ecstatic partner move off the sands, but otherwise stands still. Tannar joins the group of candidates surrounding a blue. Will anyone help him up? Golden Fire-opal egg seems to crumple into tiny flecks of opal as the Hatchling inside makes her way into the world. The remaining portions of the golden fire-opal egg fall, releasing a streaked gold hatchling! This newly born Gold dragon pauses to shake the sand from her wings. Her hide glistens in the light and shows a deep golden color, streaked through with lighter, almost yellow, lines. Her eyes whirl quickly with red and yellow, though she is quiet and doesn't offer protest at not having food. Avoth bugles encouragement to his gold sister. Grainne gasps softly, watching the new little gold make her way into the world. Ariane sighs in wonder. Struggling to get up, the bandy-legged blue creels pathetically. Nicholah helps to move Aelyth off to the side, so he doesn't get trampled accidentally by his clutchmates. Jalen turns his head and notices the gold, smiling approvingly. Vivian's face turns as white as her robe as her eyes fall upon the little gold. Tarin glances at the gold, realizing she's not for him and watches the blue again. Tevell grins at Talia and gives her hand a squeeze, giving her a tiny push towards the gold. Cl'rek looks out, still hoping the cherry-red egg he liked goes to a worthy person. Tannar stares, open mouthed, at the new queen... Talia holds her breath as the gold hatchling arrives. She sways in place.. sweat dripping from her forehead. Kaarli tugs at the sleeves of her robe as she watches the gold make her way into the world. She smiles calmly and warmly. Ailyn stands straight and adjusts her robe so as to try and look less nervous. She stops biting and lifts up her head to smile happily as if encouraging the gold to find the one right for her. Darbi looks up and smiles quietly...almost approvingly?...at the young queen, unlacing her hands again to place them at her sides. Beka looks over at the Gold and smiles to her. Jalen looks sympathetically at the blue, waiting for it to stand. Merla's eyes move between the blue, and the gold...she shifts her weight again... Grainne straightens her robe and stands up straight, barely breathing. Richard bonds with his new green Briseth Cl'rek smiles at Richard... or is that... F'hlan observes the progress of the little gold, and glances briefly at the hopeful young women eyeing the dragonet just as intently. He gives a quiet nod, his expression encouraging, to the Candidates. Mikal hmms, and hunches down to look at the blue, not sure if he can help... Talia is standing perfectly still..hardly daring to breath as she watched the hatchling making it's choice. Streaked Gold hatchling shakes her head slowly, blinking her eyes. Her stomach rumbles audibly and she gives a startled squeak. She lurches to her feet, spreading her wings to shake the sand from them. They catch the light and sparkle, like water poured over gold at midday. Fortunately, a strapping lad with strong arms is right there beside the bandy-legged blue. Tenatively he approaches. The blue's creels turn into croons. Vivian clutches at the sides of her robe, as she leans towards the little queen her eyes wide with wonder. Beka instinctively moves over to the gold..then hsistates and halts realising where she is. She opens her arms to the gold to show she wants to help. Grainne's eyes widen as she watches, to her mind, the loveliest little dragon she's ever seen. Darbi admires the play of light on the translucent gold wings, smiling tolerantly as a tow-headed girl shoves her aside slightly to get closer. Tarin watches the blue, a smile slowly crossing his face. Ailyn watches the young gold with her eyes, following her every movement. She nods her head in welcome as well as encouragement to the young female. Krystlin smiles proudly at Tiamanth at the birth of another fine daughter. Tiamanth settles back, smugly, as if there should never be a doubt. Shadrina watches the gold intently and smiles encouragingly at some of the women. Talia smiles softly at the newly hatched queen, her attention completely focused as she watches it start it's new life. She takes a few hesitant steps, then pauses...watching as it moves around. The clay brown egg hops. It knocks open a couple of its nearest neighbors, and the hatchlings within - a smallish brown and a long-necked blue - toddle off. The clay brown egg remains uncracked, though, and shakes vigorously. Merla looks relieved as someone is there to help the blue. She turns in awe to watch the gold, standing completely still. Richard smiles at the girls and the gold hatchling. Tzornth croons to Tiamanth, pride whirling myriad shades of blue in his faceted eyes. Kaarli stands in her place in the circle and watches the gold carefully as she takes her first few steps towards the candidates. Tarin watches the blue, but watches the brown egg with an almost puzzled expression on his face. Tannar approaches the blue. He's trying to find a tear in his wing... He shakes his head... No, there is none. Talia is overwhelmed by the amount of movement and noise, watching as another pair leave the sands happily. Her eyes never stray far from the little gold. Jalen watches the brown egg free its brother and wonders if the hatchling will make it out. Grainne's heart thuds, she could swear almoust audibly, as she stands stock still and watches. Kyron looks around dazed at whoever pushed him face-first into the sand... With the suppleness that a hatchling possesses, the long necked blue twists his neck around and around. Meanwhile the clay brown egg shatters, revealing a toast brown. Tarin smiles and helps Kyron to his feet. Cl'rek smiles reassuringly at Grainne. Vivian starts to move towards the little gold queen, but visuably restrains herself from moving any further. She straightens her shoulders and stands tall as her eyes taken the sparkle of the golden hide. Briseth looks around and warbles at the gold hatchling. Jalen cheers silently for the brown who frees himself, and watches him to see what he does next. Streaked Gold hatchling turns her eyes and contemplates the line of white clad figures. She stumbles up to Jalen and peers at him closely, before warbling slightly with disappointment and shaking her head. Ariane takes another step forward, slowly. Orrith bugles reassuringly to his brothers and sisters on the sands! Tevell clutches his stuffed bear close to his chest, tensely watching his friends and the gold hatchlings. Kyron accepts Tarin's help up.. and gasps as he sees the brown for the first time... Richard smiles to Vivian, encouragingly. S'drel looks over to the Gold hatchling, biting his lip and watching Beka intently, half-smiling. Kaarli looks slightly overwhelmed at all of the things going on around her, and she tries to give equal attention to everyone. Her gaze rests on the gold from time to time, and she watches. Beka giggles at the gold..then covers her mouth with her hand. Spying his choice out of the corner of his whirling eyes, the long-necked blue stretches out his neck to her. Nearby, the smallish brown butts his head against the knees of a freckle-faced boy. Jalen looks shocked, wondering why the Gold scorned him, and turns back to the brown, silent. Ailyn sucks in some air and seems to hold her breath. She retains her striaght posture, not letting her attention from the gold stray. Talia clenches her hands at her side..forcing herself to stay still, and not move from the circle..her eyes watching all the hatchlings wandering around, hatching, and impressing..The gold hatchling captures her gaze again..her breath let out in a whoosh, as she remembers to breathe. The toast-brown hatchling cocks his head for a moment, glancing back at his shards... no, 'twas the clay brown egg that is still rattling. The egg in question hops up and down. Vivian stares at the gold hatchling, her eyes unwavering as she leans slightly forward, holding her breath anxiously. Tarin huhs? Cl'rek smiles up at the galleries, watching his bitran friends lose their bets on his honorrific. :) Lirali watches a blue wander by. She takes a step towards him...maybe? No, he seems interested in another. Darbi rests her hand on the shoulder of the visibly bouncing girl as the gold dragonet slowly moves her way down the circle toward them. Aelyth crooons softly to his golden sister. F'hlan glances in various directions, smiling earnestly as various Candidates Impress. He murmurs congratulations to starry-eyed new riders. Mikal looks around at the other candidates, again, and looks back at the movement of the other eggs. Jalen recognizes the brown egg which he lost before, notices it still trembling, and smiles to the young gold, realizing what she was doing. Tevell edges over to the egg which is still rattling, keeping his eyes on the girls and the gold. Richard salutes F'hlan and smiles. Merla's face breaks into a grin as she watches Jalen ;). She glances about the eggs near her again, thinking she sees movement, and then back at the young gold. Grainne forces herself to breathe as the rest of the sands and activity momentarily recede from her focus as she watches the new gold. Nicholah smiles shakily to the Weyrleader, her hand resting on Aelyth's headknobs. Tarin stands on tip-toe, trying to see over eggs and dragons at what eggs remain, nimbly dodging a green heading for a thin blond boy. Ailyn grins as the gold moves towards Jalen and finally lets her breath out, trying to remain still on the warm sands. F'hlan returns the new green rider's salute, smiling back quietly, and he nods encouragingly to the new blue rider, as well. Jalen blushes slightly, and then continues to watch the trembling brown egg, wondering if it will ever hatch. The remaining sections of the clay brown egg shatter, releasing a pine green hatchling! Her dark green hide holds hints, the barest of undertones, of a faintly lighter green. She moves smoothly, even after being so newly born, as she steps away from her shards. Her damps wings glisten in the light as she spreads them slightly to hold them off the sands. A soft, haunting creel escapes her throat, quickly rising in volume to a demand for food. Her body sways from side to side as she ponders what to do about her hunger. Talia waits..her heart pounding..her eyes riveted to the gold hatchling, wondering who its lifemate will be. She smiles at the girl's around her.. knowing they are all as tense as she is. Tarin grins and quietly applauds the new greens tenacity that get her free. Kaarli sucks on her bottom lip and watches the sea of activity, smiling joyfully as a friend impresses or trading nervous looks with friends still on the sands. She sees the green hatch nearby and she clasps her hands together and grins. Confused at all the comotion around him, the toast brown looks about as his eyes whirl slowly. 'where am I?' 'where did I come from?' those eyes seem to say. Or maybe not. You can't hear dragonets after all. Maybe you are just as confused as he. Streaked Gold hatchling paces along, pausing to look intently at each female Candidate. She pauses to snuffle at Tevell's snugglebear, then turns her head, walking past the Candidates, almost to the edge of the sands. Pine Green hatchling shakes her head unsteadily, and peeps at her shards. It took forever to get free of there. Tannar took a few deep breaths, now in control of himself. He slowly goes to the brown. Tevell backs away from the dragonet nervously, eyeing the sharp claws. Beka looks at the new green smiling..thn she looks back at the Gold her giggle becoming nervous. Kyron puts his hand over his mouth, obviously laughing the latest hatchling... The corners of Vivian's mouth turn up in a smile as her eyes follow the movements of the gold, catching the movements of the other eggs and hatchlings out of the corner of her eye. Tarin's grin grows, and his body shakes with quiet laughter again as he covers his mouth with his hand. Jalen smiles happily for the green, and looks a bit relieved. He turns to the brown and watches it ponder, enthralled. Ailyn watches the gold as she moves, she shifts her weight lightly. Merla turns from the gold as the dark green breaks free of her shards. She watches the green a moment, and then looks back at the gold, trying to keep both of them in sight. Darbi's glance moves to the right at the flash of dark green in her peripheral vision catches her attention. S'drel crows as the baby gold wuffled Tevell's SnuggleBear! :) Talia follows the hatchlings movements...distracted momentarily by a hatchling wandering close to her. She looks at the green hatchling with a smile. Nicholah chuckles quietly. Pine Green hatchling straightens - well, almost - and lurches off towards the white-clad figures. She scans various faces, crooning anxiously. Lirali turns towards the green, her hands outstretched as if trying to make a connection, before they fall at her sides. Beka is near the edge of the sands so moves to edge the Gold back if necessary. Tevell grins for a moment. "Told'ya Snuggles would be okay here." Mikal looks over at the Pine Green hatchling, watching her progress... Ariane looks around slowly at all that is going on, her smile one of utter confusion, but her eyes happy. Talia smiles reassringly at the green hatchling..knowing that its lifemate is somewhere out here..maybe even her! Tarin lowers himself to one knee again and leans forward, peering closely at the green, his eyes still crinkled with laughter. He murmurs, "Nasty ol' egg!" Grainne steps back as the gold walks down the line of girls, watching her with wonder. Kaarli's eyebrows raise again as she hears a green croon in the direction of this group. She takes a deep breath and nods vigorously to her. S'drel grins to Tevell, beckoning encouragement. Streaked Gold hatchling creels softly, pausing at the edge of the sands, then turns back towards the white figures again. Tannar is still keeping check on the toast brown. And on the queen, of course. Pine Green hatchling pauses several strides away from the circle of Candidates. Her head slowly turns left, right... she warbles confusedly, uncertain of who or what she wants. Vivian licks her lips, biting her lower lip as her eyes follow the gold around the sands. Tarin ughs as he can't seem to keep his eye on all the hatchlings at once! Beka smiles as the Gold heads back..and moves back following her. Ailyn starts to play with one of her sleeves again, still watching the gold, and glancing at the green as well. She bites her lip nervously...watching. Talia freezes, every muscle clenched tightly as the waiting seems to go on forever.. Beka smiles as she nears the green. Looking back to her left, Darbi watches the young gold move and takes in another deep breath, moving a black curl out of her face. Kaarli tugs at the sleeve of her robe with one hands and clenches her other hand tightly, the only visible signs of anticipation as she watches the uncertain hatchlings. Ariane finally rests her eyes on the searching gold. Streaked Gold hatchling makes her way to a green-eyed, auburn haired woman and looks up at her closely. Her creel becoming questioning....as the light in her eyes starts to take on a hint of blue... Richard smiles at Tevell, looking closely at Snugglebear. Ariane smiles softly. Searching, searching, the toast brown wanders about aimlessly. He doesn't seem to know what he's doing. Suddenly he stops in front of a short girl with black curls. He bugles with a sudden clarity, confused no more. Orrith crooons to the queen. Talia tries to relax...shaking out her hands, watching the gold hatchling with fascination. Mikal blinks and moves some hair from out of in front of his eyes, and works some of his robe into a knot, while he watches the hatchlings stumble about... Beka giggles as the Gold stops close but is she looking at her or Grainne? Pine Green hatchling padpads along the sands, and her snout crinkles faintly as she nears two Candidates. Coming to a hesitant halt, she looks back and forth between them. Streaked Gold hatchling looks deep into Merla's eyes... Tarin grins at the green, his laughter stopping and his eyes shining in wonder. Tannar cheers, "Merla!!! Beka claps.."Well done.."..then she turns to the green nearby. F'hlan ahs wordlessly, and smiles over to Merla. "Congratulations, rider." Ailyn smiles as the gold finds her mate, and then turns back to the other eggs with a watchful eye. Aelyth BUGLES!!! Darbi smiles, wonder lighting her eyes as the young queen Impresses, before turning back to the remaining hatchlings and eggs. Merla looks down at the little gold, and drops to her knees in awe....She smiles and says, "H..Hello Kimbrith." Vivian smiles warmly at Merla and her new queen. She turns her eyes from the happy pair to look at the pine green hatchling. Cl'rek smiles at the rider, as Orrith bugles in his high pitch! Grainne sighs and pats Merla's shoulder in congratulations. Krystlin smiles warmly at Merla. Nicholah smiles happily for Merla! Mikal smiles and claps quietly for Merla... Ariane nods quietly to Merla and Kimbrith, smiling. Ailyn says "congrats, Merla." Shadrina cheers loudly and then remembers herself and smiles warmly at Merla. Kaarli fails to notice the gold choose her mate for a moment as she watches the nearby green closely, but then she realizes what happened and smiles over at Merla before watching the green again. Talia smiles and nods, as the gold hatchling chooses Merla, knowing it chose well She watches for a few more seconds, then turns to the other hatchlings on the sand. Pine Green hatchling looks back and forth between Grainne and Ariane. Her eyes whirl orange with evident confusion, and her tail lashes. Tarin notices Merla a moment and congrats her before turning back to the green. Richard smiles at Merla and salutes. Tarin raises himself to his feet. S'drel calls out congratulations to Merla, but still watches Beka anxiously. Cl'rek smiles reassuringly at Grainne. Ariane looks down to the Pine Green. Merla takes the Golden Fire-opal Shards. Grainne turns and notices the little green nearby. Vivian straightens her shoulders with resolution, apparently calming her inner turmoil. Tannar turns to the green. He's slowly circling them. Pine Green hatchling creels solemnly and stares thoughtfully up at each of the young women. Ailyn grins happily, and stops biting her lip. She lets go of her cuffs and stops slouching, determined to be less nervous. Talia watches the green hatchling's confusion..waiting to see who she chooses, her eyes roving over the remaining eggs. Merla looks up momentarily to smile at her friends....and then she turns back to Kimbrith, reaching out to touch her in wonder. Jalen looks distracted for a bit, and now turns back to the hatchlings, awake again. Ariane kneels slowly watching the Pine Green intently. Tevell looks about at the eggs that are left, beginning to look nervous again. Beka smiles at the green approvingly and watches the rest of the eggs. Richard rubs Briseth, and smiles at Vivian. Pine Green hatchling peers at Ariane tentatively, and then looks at Grainne. Plainly needing reassurring, she flitters her wings uncertainly. Tarin's whole body relaxes completely as he looks around at what eggs remain, but the sparkle isn't as evident. Vivian smiles, watching the green make her choice. Cl'rek smiles at the Merla and Kimbrith, as Orrith nods approvingly. Grainne kneels to get on her small eye level and looks at the tiny green. Ariane hesitates, reaching out to the green...Nearly touching it. Jalen grins at the uncertain green and watches, waiting for other hatchlings. Cl'rek looks hopefully at Grainne and the green. Talia smiles at Tevell, her eye's trying to look confident, but some worry starting to show as well. She fidgets as she watches the events around her.. clasping and unclasping her hands. Tzornth croons rumblingly to his tiny green daughter. Darbi moves her head in a nodding motion, silently encouraging the green to Impress. Tarin lowers himself slowly to the sands, sitting and watching the green. Pine Green hatchling seems to relax a bit as the two before her get down where she can see them better. Aelyth warbles to his sisters and brothers. Cl'rek eyes the green. Grainne smiles. Richard sits on the sands and leans his head against Briseth, rubbing her. Tevell waves his bear at Talia. "You'll do okay, Talia. Snuggles thinks so, too." Ailyn watches the green and grins as she makes her choice. Ariane whispers "There, there... Little one..." Tiamanth croons soft encouragement to her daughter. Cl'rek embraces Orrith's neck, watching Grainne with a smile. Vivian stands quietly, seeing the impressions going on around her and not quite knowing where to look. Beka sighs..as she stands behind the green.. Briseth croons to Vivian and the other candidates. Grainne waits as patiently as her trembling insides will allow. Talia grins, and looks at the sands for a moment..then sits down as well.. giving her feet a break, as she waits. She grins at Tevell..and SnuggleBear. Mikal looks over at Tevell, and grins, "Does Snuggles have any words for me?" Tannar steady countenance is still there... with a few cracks Tevell grins impishly at Mikal. "He says you're a Harper; you've got all the words anyone's got a right to have." Ailyn smiles at Tevell standing beside her. Tarin chuckles at Tevell. Kyron chuckles softly as he looks around the sands... Darbi laughs at Tevell but bites the insides of her cheeks when she looks back at Mikal. Jalen sighs as the excitement dies down for a bit. He seems to loosen up a bit and waits quietly. Mikal grins, and shakes his head, "Even I can be at a loss for words." and he looks back at the hatchlings... Briseth sniffs at snugglebear and warbles at Tevell. Cl'rek smiles reassuringly at the other candidates, at ease with himself as he leans against Orrith. Pine Green hatchling seems to calm somewhat at a reassuring whisper. The whirl of her eyes lessens.... Ariane hesitantly touches the green, stroking it comfortingly. All at once, the vivid red egg, bright reddish orange and splotched green egg shatter. Their shards mix together in a mismash of garish clashing colours. Cl'rek nudges Orrith, as he realizes he'll never be at ease with himself, he'll be at ease with Orrith. Richard relaxes as he's impressed but he wears a worried look about his candidate friends who haven't impressed. Tarin grips the bridge of his nose as if he has a horrendous headache. Jalen jumps at the sudden burst of activity. Talia looks at Mikal and winks, agreeing with SnuggleBear. She watches the other eggs, wondering what they hold..so impatient! Tarin jumps at the sudden burst of hatchings! Beka looks to see the new dragonets Grainne looks from the green to Araine and back, wondering. Kaarli watches the clusters of candidates and eggs around the room, then the green hatchling in her group catches her eye and she watches to see if someone near her will impress. Tarin holds his hand over his heart, smiling and chckling while chiding himself. Ailyn continues to hold her stance, shifting every now and then so as not to expose any one foot to too much heat. Mikal bites one half of his lips, and shrugs back at Talia... Pine Green hatchling straightens, then, and seems to gain confidence as she cranes her neck up to get a better look at the quiet-voiced Ariane... Cl'rek frowns, looking over at Grainne. He shakes his head as more tears run down his face. Tarin looks over at Grainne, an eyebrow raised. Pine Green hatchling looks deep into Ariane's eyes... Tarin's gaze falls and he stands and walks over to her. Tannar turns to the new hatchlings. He bites his lips, and whistles quiet, soft tune almost lost in the commotion. From this colourful mishmash emerge three blues, a royal blue, a dark blue and a navy blue. They head for the three candidates nearest them and creel demandingly in unison. Vivian shifts nervous, watching the green make her lifetime choice with Ariane. She smiles warmly at the pair. Ariane smiles gently down at the little green. "All will be well..Rhiapeth." Jalen smiles happily for Ariane, and watches the newly hatched dragonettes. Ariane takes the Clay Brown Shards. Grainne squeezes Ariane's shoulder and then climbs back to her feet with a sigh. The last few eggs break open and greens in many varigated shades stumble, tumble and creel as they meet their lifemates. Mikal looks over at the green and Ariane, and chuckles quietly, "Well, there we go.." Beka smiles..as Ariane and the dragon find their lifemates. Tarin puts a hand on Grainne's shoulder. Nicholah smiles happily at the latest Impression, kneeling and hugging Aelyth's head to her. F'hlan glances briefly at the knot of Candidates around the pine-green, and murmurs solemn congratulations. Ailyn smiles congrats to Ariane and turns back to the rest of the eggs. Kaarli smiles at Ariane and grins at the three creeling blues. Tarin says "Congratulations, Ariane." Grainne hugs Tarin. Darbi chuckles and whispers to the older lad near her, "I hope those three are from the Harper Hall." Cl'rek looks at Grainne, and looks at the remaining eggs, smiling a little less hopeful. Tarin hugs Grainne back. Beka stumbles off towards S'drel Merla kneels quietly on the sands next to Kimbrith, the world around her seeming to fade away... Ariane tremblingly strokes Rhiapeths eye-ridge, eyes bright with wonder. Tannar winks at Ariane. "Congratulations" hmmm... she probably missed the wink Talia sighs watching happily as one by one, her friends find their lifemates.. She decides that sitting on the sand was no better than standing on it...and gets to her feet again. Shadrina runs her fingers through her hair and regards each new weyrling with an impassive air. Jalen watch the triplet blues make their way out of their shells and smiles. Ailyn grins as the tri-blues echo together. S'drel stands, opening his arms for Beka as he moves to join her. Vivian sighs deeply as she watches the last of the little dragons make their choice. Richard watches the last hatchings run the sands making their choices. Beka pats Avoth tentatively. Tarin looks around the sands, a slightly sad smile crossing his face as he watches the last of the hatchlings. Nicholah looks at Shadrina calculatingly, a slightly impish grin on her face, which she wipes off as the Weyrlingmaster looks at her. Mikal sighs as he watches the hatchings around him, and looks back around the remaining Candidates. Talia tries to school her face, and not let the nervousness show, as she watches the eggs hatch, one by one..and pairs moving off the sands. Avoth warbles and rubs against Beka softly. Cl'rek stands, and looks at the disapointed faces of his good friends. Tzornth> Torinth bespoke Benden Weyr << Congratulations, Tiamanth, Tzornth, A fine fine clutch. Wonderful greens. :) >> Tarin smiles ecouragingly at all the other disappointed Candidates. Jalen waits patiently for more eggs to hatch, watching his fellow candidates with their new dragons. Ailyn looks around her and nods to the new weyrlings, smiling happily for them and their mates. Tzornth> Benden Weyr senses that Tzornth rumblesmiles. Darbi rubs her face and hugs the teary-eyed boy that had watched the hatchlings with such wonder before drawing upward to watch the pairs leave. Tarin whispers, "Next time, everyone. Next time..." Tannar smiles Cl'rek..., then turns to the remaining hatchlings. Tevell abruptly notices his slowly toasting feet, and hops up and down. Grainne lays her head on Tarin's shoulder and sighs, her eyes a little sad. Richard looks at the impressed and the unimpressed and wears a look on his face which is not quite smile, not quite frown. Beka cries softly on S'drel's shoulder. Krystlin stands up and clears her throat, "Benden Weyr would like to formally invite everyone to feasting and wine in the lower caverns and we thank you all for coming." To the candidates she says, "You are all welcome to live at Benden, and we would hope that you will continue to be with us. We are sorry that your dragons were not hatched this evening." Talia staightens up, her face blank..and waits to leave the sands. Cl'rek stands up, and takes a look at Orrith, sighing, then turning toward Grainne. Ailyn nods to Krystlin. Ariane looks up at the remaining candidates, then down at Rhiapeth again, face radiant. Mikal nods slowly to the Weyrwoman. Cl'rek runs toward her with tears in his eyes, and hugs her. Ariane steps through the arch to the waiting room. Kaarli smiles and nods to the Wearleaders and their dragons. "Thank you." Tevell bites his lip, and hugs his bear close to his chest. F'hlan begins to move around quietly to various of the disappointed hopefuls, murmuring condolences. Krystlin says "If the Weyrlings and their dragons will come with Shadrina and myself to the Waiting room?" Kyron looks up, "Back to the kitchens of Benden Weyr...*sigh*" Tannar sighs, "Ahh... welll... Jalen sighs and shakes his head. He stands up straight and mutters to himself, waiting for someone else to actually leave the sands. Talia steps through the arch to the waiting room. Tarin nods to F'hlan, thanking him. Inzarath flies off one of the dragon ledges in this cavern and lands here. Krystlin kneels down and hugs Tevell tightly. [Many Candidates and Weyrlings step into the waiting room.] Kaarli grins happily at her friends who impressed and heads back to the barracks. Cl'rek steps through the arch to the waiting room. S'drel holds Beka close and guides her and Avoth into the waiting area, tears sliding down his cheeks as well. Orrith steps through the arch to the waiting room. Richard is closemouthed, not knowing what to say to those who didn't impress. Shadrina clears her throat. "Weyrlings, please report to the waiting room" Kaarli steps through the arch to the waiting room. Darbi nods respectfully to the queen and turns. Darbi steps through the arch to the waiting room. Vivian nods to the weyrwoman a faint smile on her face. She waves then turns and leaves the sands. Jalen shakes his head again, watching the others leave. He reluctantly follows, sighing deeply. Beka waves to S'drel Ailyn curtsies to the two adult dragons on the sands and moves back to the waiting room. [Many spectators, Candidates, Weyrlings, and dragons depart, south towards the cavern exit, or back through the arch into the waiting room.] F'hlan thanks the Candidates as they depart. [End log.]