Ista Weyr Log: Nalaieth and Vildaeth's Hatching - June 2006

Nalaieth and Vildaeth's Hatching - June 4, 2006

D'ryn has arrived.

Sorren climbs up some stairs into the seats.

Sorren has arrived.

Sorren enters the seating area, ogling the sight as if she's obviously never been here before, or in any weyr for that matter.

Delu climbs up some stairs into the seats.

Delu has arrived.

D'ryn is sitting back as casually as he can at the moment at the seating area though there's an electricity in the air that causes him to shift his feet every now and again. "...Phew, this is almost worse then when I stood on the sands." The blonde-haired rider murmurs to himself in particular, looking over those who arrive for people he might recognise. Probably to seek similar sentiment.

Sorren gives a polite half-smile at D'ryns exclamation, though it is apperant from her facial expression that she is woefully ignorant of such things.

Delu slips into the caverns, and moves to a quiet place off to the side, with relatively few people so far.

R'us is here, but who knows why. It's not as if he'd have any idea that the stuff down there on the sands would be ready to do anything more than look pretty and remind him of not-too-long-past times at his own mate's hatching at Fort. No, the broad and surly lad is basically hanging out in the back rows, scratching notes onto a hide, expression dour.

Kylia hikes her way up the stairs, taking the last few two at a time. She pauses long enough to glance upward to where a pale red-gold dragon is settling on a ledge high above. "Yes dear, I'm here," she murmurs, then takes on a friendly smile and offers a wave to those gathering. With a look to the sands she plops down in the front row of seats, her grin growing as the thrumming doubles back on itself and the air itself begins to vibrate.

Joshi enters from the stairs that lead up to the ledges.

Joshi has arrived.

Sorren finds a random seat, still taking in the view of the hatching ground.

Suraiya climbs up some stairs into the seats.

Suraiya has arrived.

Zahava climbs up some stairs into the seats.

Zahava has arrived.

Sarisia climbs up some stairs into the seats.

Sarisia has arrived.

Public announcement: Nolee announces "The thrumming has begun and Ista's heat will soon welcome its newest winged residents! Please join us in the Istan Galleries (@tel #1300 or +go ista-bowl, HG, MS) to watch the hatching. Bring juice, snacks, and marks to bet with!"

Alexiel has arrived.

From the sands, V'lano emerges from the tunnel leading to the Weyrwoman's Weyr.

D'ryn 's stomach rumbles slightly as he cluches his stomach, looking a little whistfully around before reaching into his pockets and searching around. Possibly all this waiting and electricity is making him hungry. The bronze dragonrider eventually picks out something that looks safe and thoroughly dried, leaning back further and taking a few bites out of it. "... Weyrling barracks are going to be absolutely filled tonight." The sentiment is laced with mixed feelings, his attentive green eyes scanning the black istan sands for signs of activity.

Satiet climbs up some stairs into the seats.

Satiet has arrived.

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

Delu spots Joshi come in, and offers her wingmate a wave, "Joshi! Hey, over here!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sorren clears her throat, and speaks to whomever can hear her from her seat, trying to phrase her question so as not to come off silly. "Err, how does one know if they are hatching?"

Zahava mounts the steps, moving out of the way of those behind her. Her eyes scan the crowd, but those she picks out seem to be rather hard to reach through the crowding. Finally, she edges along towards D'ryn, waving. "Mind if I steal this seat?" she asks, waving her hand at the space near him.

Kylia catches the throat clearing and turns to find the source. Sorren gets an easy, friendly smile and a welcoming motion. "Come sit closer if you'd like... the humming's only going to get louder." She pats the empty spot beside her as she speaks, then flips the hand toward the gathering dragons. "All this ruckus means they're about to. They'll start to wiggle and wobble and then they'll hatch... all pretty quick here I'd guess."

From the sands, To the tune of dragon throats, the candidates file out onto the sands, bowing before Nalaieth and Vildaeth before they settle into a semi-circle around the eggs.

Suraiya clambers into the galleries right as the candidates have started making their way into the sands. She grins over to a few familiar Istan faces, offering excited waves and polite nods and "'Reaches duties!" as she passes by a few people to get a good seat. "Over 'ere," she calls over her shoulder to the following brownrider. "Found a space, Sari." And the young woman non-too-gracefully collapses into a seat. "Gotta be close to cheer for Vildaeth's hatchlings."

From the sands, Jocea shuffles out among the other candidates, taking up a spot on the far side of the cavern. There she waits, lifting one foot behind her to shake hot sand from between sandal and heel.

From the sands, Airalyn moves on to the sands slowly as if she was unsure of what to do. Unlike most of the candidates around her, the dusty blue eyed woman's facial expression isn't one of joyful apprehension but one of worry and dismay. Moving into line in between Rilayen and Balinne, the older candidate takes a deep breath to help clam her nerves. "I wish it was so hot in here." She says with a huff as she takes in the sands around her.

From the sands, The Istan sands are hot, and the dragons are humming. Nalaieth joins them, rocking back and forth as her deep voice hoarsely echoes in the open cavern. Nolee fidgets, wiping sweat on her pants. "Jays. All these people. All that food. All those robes."

Sorren smiles in return, gratefully jumping over and sliding in next to Kylia. "Ah, the humming tells?"

From the sands, Fiery Fingers Egg shifts atop the little hill of sand that has cradled it so gently up until now. The movement is slight, almost imperceptible as the glistening black shell fades into the dark sand around it. Gradually the shifting increases to rocking; quick tiny movements that are scarcely more than a vibration, making the fiery curls of crimson and tangerine blur.

From the sands, Balinne's stance is much more calm and collected than her smile is. She takes up a place in the semi-circle, and her first order of business is to peer around for friendly faces. "Jazra?" she calls, followed quickly by, "Caitlyn?" Airalyn is given a reassuring and thankful look. She's not alone.

From the sands, Kaylon moves closer to Caitlyn, and as promised, offers her his hand. His gaze drifts from her to the eggsa nd back to the other candidates, searching for other familiar faces. But mostly he's watching those eggs, eyes wide.

Sarisia follows behind her sister, giving off a long and rather loud yawn. "Comin'" She replies to her sisters urging, giving a lazy wave or just a nod. "Reache's duties." And finally she plops down next to her twin. "Green first I bet."

From the sands, Jazra's small frame trembles with barely contained excitement as she slips among the eggs, finally finding Balinne. "Mind if I join you?" She asks politely with a grin as she minces from foot to foot. She takes a deep breath, face practically glowing.

D'ryn answers rather amusedly, not at Sorren's question by the tone but rather at fond memories, "When you hear a cracking and the sounds of frenzied hungry warblings trying to take your hand off. They should shake a little first." The latter seems more serious in retrospect as he takes another bite of his jerky-like substance, his deep green eyes going bright when he sees Balinne come onto the stands. "Yes, they're coming out!" To Zahava he's almost lost for a moment when they come out, before catching himself up with surprise. "Of course, there's plenty of room."

From the sands, Vildaeth's wings flare out, whirling eyes studying each candidate as they enter the sands. But he settles back, loud humming from his throat: soon it will start. C'len stands near Nolee, hands tucked in his pockets, casual despite the activity.

From the sands, Caitlyn is fairly thrumming with excitement herself, a grin stretched across her face as she moves out onto the Sands, taking a stand on Balinne's other side - smiling to Kaylon next to her.

Midst a group of entering people, Satiet slips in. Her slight frame finds a wall to rest against for a moment as her pale eyes flicker around back and forth to find suitable seating. With a rhythmic slap of her riding gloves against her thighs, the young Reachian rider worms her way towards a seat near the front before the sands claim her attention, particularly the bronze sire situated there.

From the sands, Rilayen stares at the eggs, the dragons, the people in awe as he picks his feet up across the sands in pursuit of a place to stand. He finds Airalyn moving in beside him, and casts a quick glance over at bendel, giving a quick jerk of his head: a invitation. "Shells," the boy murmurs, swallowing, and licking dry lips. Then he's standing, moving from foot to foot and staring at the clutch in total awe.

From the sands, Bendel follows in after the other candidates, his arms swishing in time with his steps. There's a quick pause as he takes in a quick breath of courage before taking up a spot near Rilayen, giving the other candidate a nervous look. "It's time, I suppose, eh?" He mumbles quietly, a nervous look is quickly given to the eggs in turn. He's all ready starting to shift in his spot from the heat.

Kylia grins and dips a nod to Sorren. "Yep. And all the candidates stumbling around on the sands down there is a clue too." She says it gently and with a grin, then falls silent to watch. "There goes one, wobbling, see it?"

From the sands, Gaping Chasm Egg begins rocking, not gently as other eggs might start but quite vigorously, back and forth and back and forth. It seems to do little good though, as only a few tiny fissures form, mostly along the smudge of darkness on the egg's apex.

From the sands, "Ah, you rounded them up," V'lano remarks, probably too far still from Griere for the Weyrwoman to hear him - but he sets out toward her just the same, smiling widely, keeping his path tight to the cavern wall so as not to be in the way of the candidates or the hatchlings that will soon out and have at them.

From the sands, Noemie files onto the sands, staying close to her fellow candidates, looking for an appropriate place for her to stand. Finally, she notices Jazra near Balinne and shuffles to stand on her other sand. "Can I stay near you guys?" She asks softly.

Amusement curves Zahava's lips for a moment before she nods to D'ryn and takes a seat. Likely, she would have even if the bronzerider had not agreed to it. "Thanks," she says absently as her attention turns to the sands.

From the sands, Nalaieth copies Vildaeth, shaking her wings as the diaphanous sails open to cast a breeze over the sands, and perhaps to warn away those close-looking candidates. Nolee shakes her head, and her finger. "Quit that. They're supposed to be here."

From the sands, Balinne grabs Jazra's hand, all but hauling the girl towards her. She'll have to find a nitch to secure herself in, however, as Airalyn's on one side of the redhead, and Caitlyn's on the other. Squeeze? "I don't have enough hands!" she remarks. The eggs are ignored for a moment, though a flicker of a glance is given towards the Chasm one.

From the sands, Maduk gathers around the semi-circle with the others, not particularly looking to stand near anyone special. Today, he doesn't seem social, just business. His eyes are focused on the eggs before him, and he's not dancing on his feet like the others. After a few moments, however, "Ah!" He looks down to his feet, "Sharding hot."

Sorren gives a resounding gasp as things start to wobble. "Oh! My goodness!" before loosing all sense of formal ettiquette in introducing herself, and watches the grounds intently.

From the sands, Moyra moves out with the rest, pausing a moment and looking about the sands, a glance to the eggs she favours, and then towards the other candidates. She looks for a pair, and heads over towards Balinne and Kaylon.

From the sands, Griere just lifts her brows to V'lano, the excitement in the air lending a flush to her cheeks. "All present and accounded for." She lets out a controlled breath and only then does a smile start to show on her lips.

From the sands, Kaylon threads his fingers tight into Caitlyn's and bends his head to hers to offer her some words - well wishes or comfort, perhaps. His other hand is free should Moyra wish it.

Amira has connected.

From the sands, Jazra peeks around Balinne and Caitlyn and sticks her tongue out at Kaylon and gasps at being yanked around before nodding to Noemie. "Go ahead. It's a free hatching sands after all." She's so excited that perhaps Jazra can, no she has dropped the usual stony mein? If only for a night!

From the sands, Movement is all around the Fiery Fingers Egg, making its distinctive markings come alive so vibrantly that they almost seem to be moving. The egg tumbles from its miniature dune on the sands, sliding forward, the flames rushing on. It reaches a point, stops suddenly, and then a crack appears. At first it seems as though the dragon inside is too spent to try again, but that's not the case as the egg shatters and an auburn-hued brown soon begins his crusade.

From the sands,

Slender but hardly small, this brown's weight is distributed with impressive precision over his compact frame. A muscled chest and sleek belly contribute to an athletic build, displaying strength without bulk. Long, sinuous wings the color of worn leather drape elegantly across his auburn body when furled, and when opened the broad sails gleam with highlights of copper along the trailing edges. A supple but slightly short tail and thin, sinewy limbs tell of potential for great agility and quick maneuverability in flight and on the ground. The ruddy hue of his hide extends clear to the base of curved neckridges; there a deep russet takes over, spilling dark along his lithe neck and pooling upon his aristocratic muzzle. Paler slashes, one on either side of that tenebrous face, make his long jaw seem narrow. Like his handsome head, his paws are dark and slender, pointed with gleaming black claws.

From the sands, Kaylon gasps, stumbling a step back as the brown arrives.

From the sands, Lirit walks onto the sands from the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.

From the sands, Balinne bobs her head at Noemie, and nods to a space on Jazra's side. "I think she has a hand!" she remarks. It's a short smile, though, as the Feiry egg beats the Chasm one. "Wow, I forgot how fast this whole process is!" A calmer, more knowing look is favored upon Moyra.

From the sands, Caitlyn is all nervous grins right now, and gives Moyra, Noemie and Airalyn a huge beam before sucking in a huge gulp of air, and letting it go in a shaking, long breath. Relax. Feeling Kaylon's fingers in hers, she squeezes his digits with a rough enthusiasm - giving him a silly grin. She too begins to feel the heat beneath her sandals...and forgets about it as a brown explodes from his prison. Stock still is the smith.

From the sands, Noemie gasps at the sight of the hatching brown, unlike anything she's ever seen before. Amazing.

From the sands, Bendel gives a quick nod in acknowledgement as the first egg cracks shell, "Brown, that's usually a good sign, isn't it? I know usually if a green is first to crack shell it isn't a good sign for a clutch. But what about brown?" His head cocks to the side, blinking in thoughtfulness.

From the sands, Rilayen seems to be turning back into more his usual self now, and he gapes at the brown before beaming. "Brown first! I shoulda placed marks or something." A quick look is given left and right at his fellows before his eyes return to the sight of the hatchling. "Look at him." Excitement makes his voice tense.

From the sands, A boy with a robe that is just barely long enough to meet approval dons a wide sneer, nudging his neighbor. "I'm going to impress today. Just you wait and see!" Moments later, a small breeze blows through, and he probably regrets his robe's length as the hem flies up a bit.

From the sands, Jazra gasps as the first egg shatters. Her face quickly pales under her deep tan. She backs off, waiting for the brown to make his choice. Two deep breaths and she's peering around, looking anywhere but at the brown.

From the sands, Airalyn jumps back as the first egg hatches and the little dragonet shows his brown face. Breathing even heavier than she was just a few moments ago, she sleepily steps back into line with the rest. "Whoo, that was fast," she says more to herself than those around her. Her eyes keep the brown hatching in sight just in case it moves towards her.

From the sands, Nolee moves toward Nalaieth, who has wandered again down the sands and tidied up all the eggs so their mounds of sand are to her satisfaction. Content, she continues to hum, encouraging the eggbound to leave the nest at last. As the first shell cracks, Nolee ohhs softly.

From the sands, Gaping Chasm Egg shifts again, a hint of movement causing a great horizontal crack to begin forming across its middle. Then the egg stills, as if the hatchling inside isn't quite ready to come out yet.

Sarisia blinks as the brown makes it's arrival. "Okay, brown first, green second." She states, crossing her legs in a not too lady like manner as she stretches. "Shardit, I'm starved, should've taken mom up on the offer of sweet bread..."

From the sands, Moyra grins over to Kaylon, seeing that he is offering a hand, but the arrival of the brown distracts her. "Oh, yeah, it is quick like the last time Balinne." She says to her fellow candidate, smiling as she looks to the pile of eggs once more, and then looks back to the newborn brown, keeping a eye on where he might be heading.

From the sands, Kaylon hovers between Moyra and Caitlyn - one hand for each - fairly tremblign as he watches the hatchings begins. Or is that the heat of the sands? As he shuffles a bit, it's likely both.

From the sands, "You're a marvel," grins the Weyrleader at Griere, and puts out his arms, palms up in an offering for her hands. But then there's sounds from the stands and V'lano turns to see the new-hatched brown already free from his shell.

Zahava gives a satisfied nod of her chin as the brown hatches out. She turns to scan the seating. "Where is she? That's two marks she owes me," is murmured under her breath before she turns back to keep an eye on the proceedings.

From the sands, "It always takes them so long to be ready, but once they're ready, time flies, huh?" C'len asks softly, and his question may go unheard now that the sands are full of activity and noise. He reaches out a hand as Vildaeth ducks his head closer, scratching the bronze's eyeridges as the excitement picks up.

D'ryn watches completely wrapped in the whole process being the first hatching he's watched since he himself stood, chewing rather thoughtfully as if savoring the whole experience. "Oh, there it goes!" He's a stickler for sensation, leaning forward and placing his arms on his legs while keeping them up. "A brown first, I lost that bet. Well, it was a one in five chance." He dosn't seem to mind though, watching where it they're going and trying to get a glimpse of the candidate closest. Obviously another bet.

From the sands, Terror in the Depths Egg trembles, shuddering in place. Grains of sand spit and fly as the shell seems almost to vibrate, going hazy as if it's turned into a heat-mirage. But then, it falls still, as if it must catch breath.

Suraiya chuckles lightly towards her twin, though her icy eyes are focused on the hatching. "I would've thought ya'd guess brown right, Sari, considering Tiqqy an' all." Trust the sweet-toothed greenrider to have some snacks, as she pulls out a pouch of cookies while her other hand produces a meatroll for herself. "'Ere, have some of these 'fore the feast. Hopefully they don't take too long to hatch so we can get some real food. Like bubblies."

From the sands, Jocea sets her sand-less sandal back down on the sand and looks up just in time to be startled by the appearance - sudden-seeming - of the brown.

From the sands, Griere barely has her hands in V'lano's before the oohing and ahhing turns her attention to the newly arrived dragon. "A brown. That's a lovely start," she muses, her grin growing brighter by the minute.

From the sands, Caitlyn doesn't have enough eyes to take in every single sight, her heart beating wildly in her chest as she watches the elegant brown, then her friends, then Gaping Chasm egg. Nothing emerges from her mouth - all feeling shown in her eyes and stance. Her sweaty hands give Kaylon's and Balinne's a sudden squeeze.

From the sands, Balinne feels, more than sees, Jazra's jump. She turns and smiles reassuringly towards her friend. "It's OK, Jazra..." She won't tease her right now. Balinne gives a reassuring squeeze to the hand in hers, and tugs Jazra closer once more. "Come take a look, really, it's fascinating!"

From the sands, Eslyn walks onto the sands from the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.

From the sands, H'rel walks onto the sands from the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.

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

From the sands, H'rel walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

From the sands, Kaylon cranes his neck, gaze darting this way and that as he tries to figure out where the dragonet might be heading.

From the sands, Crusading Sinewed Brown gives his broad wings a flap, sending gobbets of goo flying and drawing the light to the coppery highlights of his still damp 'sails. Already as he steps away from the splinters of his shell he's scanning his surroundings, eyes awhirl with the red-orange of hunger. His compact body is a bit more graceful than some will be, but still he weaves without too much coordination. He spots the white-clad group of candidates and offers a curious croon as he charges their way.

From the sands, Jazra turns to Balinne, then to Caitlyn and Noemie. "My mother, once told me that the people you care about, or who love you, become courage." She says softly as she looks around her at the stands. A party of ten in Boll colors is sitting there. Then the brown come towards them and she gets ready to duck aside if need be.

From the sands, Balinne stiffens as well, as the young brown charges. There's no panic in her features, however, just sensible caution. Caitlyn's hand gets a squeeze back, and she gives the smith-girl a fleeting glance and a grin. "Is your mother here today?" she asks Jazra.

From the sands, Nolee gives C'len a wave, and points to her clothes, though that dragonet over there isn't ignored, either. "Look! They do fit. I hadn't remembered to pick them up after they were taken in. I don't remember if I thanked you. So, um," she looks over the sands, a blush on her cheek. "Thank you. Say, brown's good luck, isn't it?"

From the sands, Noemie glances at the girls near her. "I think thats true," she says in response to Jazra, glancing briefly to the stands in search of her parents.

Sarisia doesn't waste a moment to steal a few cookies and toss them into her already watering mouth. "Thunks" She mutters while she chews heartly. "Well," She takes a moment to swallow before continuing. "I just really thought it would be green. And how exactly is a bubbly pie real food?" She asks her twin, staring at her.

From the sands, Gaping Chasm Egg cracks along the blue-gray line that bisects it, almost like a biscuit split in half with a fork. The top half raises slowly, serving as a hat for the pale green dragonet inside. The creature shakes her head, sending the white piece of egg flying off, barely missing a candidate that stands nearby. The green rocks back and forth, attempting to free herself from the bottom half as well--and finally tumbles tail-over-head into the blackness of the Istan sands with a startled sound.

From the sands, Rilayen's expression is rapidly nervous again as the brown charges towards the candidates. "Uh-oh," the boy says, voice cracking. One leg wobbles as a foot slides back almost imperceptibly. Just in case he needs to run.

From the sands,

Pale celadon spreads evenly across this petite hatchling's shape, like a piece of pottery that's been carefully glazed. Blunt of tail-tip but long of muzzle, she's evenly muscled from one end to the other, though narrow through the hip and chest. The color of her hide deviates briefly along her underbelly, lightening in drops where a bit of finish may have dripped off before firing. Powerful wings sweep wide, belied by a delicate, silky stretch of wingsails brushed with bold strokes of darker green in a seemingly random pattern. Careful study may reveal something more: designs reminiscent of sweeping mountain vistas or even knobby vines of flowers. Small eyeridges and smooth headknobs echo the darker shade, barely shadowing a deliberate gaze that emerges from eyes set close together. Sparkling jade tips her neckridges and talons, the only glitter on an otherwise subtly-adorned green.

From the sands, Bendel shifts uneasily in his spot as the brown starts to charge, taking a few tentitive steps backwards. "Better not get in that one's way." He notes quietly to himself, casting a nervous look over to the others.

From the sands, Lirit seems a little out of breath as she seps out onto the Sands, standing off to one side well out of the way to watch and wait nervously, barely suppressing the urge to pace. "Oh, shards" she mutters as a realization dawns on her. "So nervous 'bout this I forgot to place my bets....."

From the sands, Jazra nods. "She and my dad and all my brothers and sisters, plus Isora and a couple of his smith buddies." She says with a chuckle before she turns her attention back to the sands.

From the sands, Maduk loses that focused look about him as the egg shatters before him. His mouth drops, letting out a small gasp. "Would you look at that," escapes under his breath. His amazement lasts for a few seconds, before remembering what he has been told. "Pay attention, pay attention."

From the sands, Caitlyn blinks at Jazra's words, nodding and then smiling as if in afterthought. "Good words..." her dry throat rasps, and the woman swallows. Her frame suddenly gives a large jerk as she spies the brown hatchling vaults their way...and then the green emerges, momentarily distracting Cait with. "Ohhooo..." she murmurs softly.

From the sands, Kaylon forgets himself, and points, using the hand that is holding Caitlyn's so that the two of them are poitning at the brown, and then the green. He cant' help it. He's just that excited!

From the sands, Airalyn looks almost relieved that she wasn't the only one that jumped back when the first egg hatched. Keeping her breath as steady as she can she looks over to Balinne and then at the stands, the dusty eyed candidate scan the stands for her family. "My father said he would get a ride so he could come and watch." Frowning though, she turns back to her fellow candidates. "But I don't see him."

From the sands, Jocea has been so taken in staring at the brown that the green's hatching almost escapes her. Only the call of the crowd in the stands and her fellows on the sands startles her attention that way, and then Jocea adds her own 'ooh' to that coming from around her.

From the sands, Balinne shivers a little, as the cracking of another shell gets her attention. "Brown? I'm not sure, I just know that bronze used to be a good luck sign," is replied to whoever. Jazra, a fleetingly soft look given to her, is replied to with, "I wish my parents could be here, but I know they'd be proud."

From the sands, Noemie can't take her eyes off the newly-hatched green for a moment, watching her adjust to her new world.

From the sands, Terror in the Depths Egg shakes again, and now the haze of its shivering movement gives way to a tremulous ripple that seems to carry across its surface, leaving the shell amazingly unbroken in its wake. It is still a moment, then ripples again, as though something beneath the surface slowly, swimmingly moves.

Zahava glances sidelong at D'ryn. "I usually bet green - the chances are best, after all, but this time, brown seemed like a good choice," she says, amusement still in her expression. Not that the comment distracts her from the sands, her eyes return to them in less than a beat.

From the sands, Moyra grins as she sees the green, and recalling a few things said before, looks at Kaylon, "See, a green is looking for her lifemate now as well." She teases, and then grins as she turns back to look for the Brown, and to see where and who he is charging towards.

From the sands, Caitlyn blinks in surprised bemusement at Kaylon, grinning like a madwoman - then shifting her eyes back to the Sands and their contents.

From the sands, C'len grins at Nala's rider, ducking his head and murmuring a "welcome" to her, before light eyes venture back to the hatchlings. "Any color's good luck, in my book," he says with a shrug. Vildaeth's humming has slowed some, but he's still enthusiastic about it.

From the sands, Jazra takes a deep breath. "Yeah, I'm just glad that they're here, but I almost wish they hadn't. My brothers maybe, or Isora. But you know, they have every right to be there."

From the sands, Kaylon is so taken with events that he can't even find it within himself to retort back to Moyra's teasing. "Aye. Any colour," he murmurs.

From the sands, Rilayen takes his eyes off the brown only long enough to glance at the green, then at the rippling egg. Back to watching that brown carefully. "Please don't run us over," he says, eyebrows lifting helplessly.

Suraiya stares at her sister, pulled away from the hatching for the remark as if it were an uttered blasphemy. "It's a /bubbly/ pie," Suri states in her matter-of-fact tone of voice. She looks back only to find a the pretty little green out of her egg. "Shardit! I missed that one hatching. Ya see whatcha did, Sari?" She sniffs dramatically and leans forward on her elbows, head resting in her cupped hands.

From the sands, A young man from Ista Hold swallows hard, fighting nausea from nervousness and the heat as sweat beads down his forehead.

From the sands, Crusading Sinewed Brown seems oblivious to the fact that the nearing blobs of white might actually be obstacles in his way as his steps increase in speed but grow more clumsy as he goes. Here and there a candidate dodges just in time to avoid cutting dark nails and then... one doesn't. Rilayen is right in the path of the single-minded brown and the ruddy-colored hatchling pushes into him heedlessly; awkward feet rake over his lower leg and razor-edged claws leave a trio of crimson trails behind. Momentarily befouled in the hem of the boy's robe, the brownling lets out a frustrated creel then pushes away from the candidate, righting himself and continuing on his path without a backward glance.

From the sands, Balinne frowns at Jazra, though it's a half-distracted frown as she pays attention to the wandering Hatchlings. "Why? I'd love if my parents had made it. It seems like it would be reassuring. I know I have friends there, though."

From the sands, Jazra shakes her head. "My dad, will very likely be upset if I /don't./" She points out. "YOu remember the incident with the firelizards when I was first searched." SHe points out.

D'ryn narrows his eyes before they shoot open in delight, "Green, that'll more then make up for it." The bronzerider turns to another figure in the many of the crowd and taps his hand, who reluctantly hands over some marks which he quickly pockets. "What else did you bet on, if I may be so bold to ask?" To Zahava of course, fingering the marks in his pockets and watching the other candidates but his crimson-headed yet calm friend out there the most.

From the sands, Caitlyn gasps and her eyes widen in fear as she sees - all-too-closely - Rilayen get accidentally clawed by the enthusiastic brown. "Oh JAYS!" the smith cries out - jerking forward on instinct to make a step towards the young man.

From the sands, Nolee watches the dragons hatching, staring in awe as they roam the sands, coming far too close to the candidates for her taste. "No injuries, no injuries," she chants softly, clenching her fists nervously. Too late.

From the sands, The Weyrleader winces as Rilayen's path and that of the crusading brown intersect with less than perfect results. "Already," he mutters, and squeezes one of Griere's hands before letting her go. "Something in the line, I tell you." As affectionate and jovial as his tone may be - teasing his Weyrwoman, no doubt - his eyes are concerned and he stands his full height to try to see Rilayen's wound.

From the sands, Jazra gasps. "Rilayen!" She cries worriedly. "You okay?" All thoughts of parents vanish as the mauling gets her attention more than the crowd.

From the sands, Bendel arches an eyebrow as the brown comes a little close for comfort, backing up again when it charges at Rilayen, "Careful there Ril!" Ben calls to the other candidate, "You're all right, aren't you?" A quick look is given to the green as she hatches, but since she poses no threat, the brown gets most of his attention.

From the sands, Kaylon startles as Rilayen is raked, and calls out with a garbled cry.

From the sands, Determined Celadon Green manages to right herself, carefully spreading silky wings for balance and so that they may dry. Her earlier tumble means her wings, snout and tail are now decorated with the black sands that cradled her egg, dark against the pale green of her hide. She sets off, certain that there's something she must find--but not sure, yet, of what that might be. Her eyes whirl quickly, but there's a steely note in them: she will succeed!

From the sands, Noemie can't believe what she just saw, gasping, but too surprised to move toward him or be of any help.

From the sands, Rilayen's face goes red with the effort not to swear or cry. Crying in front of all these people. "Augh," he lets out quietly, shakily, hands trembling as he looks down at his lower leg. "I said not to." He grits his teeth firmly, wincing, looking up at the various calls of his name.

From the sands, Balinne shakes her head, and goes to reply when... "Rilayen!" The shout is panicked, but the candidate doesn't move from her spot. It's the first outward show of her true feelings towards the Hatching, and her sudden mincing on the sands is not due to heat, but to nerves and... fear?

From the sands, Jocea squeals as Rilayen and the brown collide, and after a moment's dashing forward in concern, she gives way to the greater desire to shy away and move back lest she be next.

As conversation continues around her, Satiet finally pulls her gaze off Vildaeth and in silence watches the first few dragons hatch. "I'd hoped Vil's bloodline would keep them from being so-," a beat couples with a nose wrinkle, "Violent. Istan." The tone of the last says it all, and while many show concern for the boy, the dark-haired woman, with a distinct greenness to her jaw line, turns to focus on anything else.

"See, told ya green second." Sarisia states proudly before grabbing another cookie. "Now I'll wager the next to come is blue." Chomping on the cookie she smiles as she watches the terrified candidates. "Aw quit yer cryin' ya didn't miss much." She states before stealing another cookie, devouring it as if she hadn't eaten all day. "Remember when we were down there? Well not here, but, yah... Oooh, that looks deep." Sari lets out as she raises up in her seat slightly to get a better look at Rilayen's injury.

From the sands, Airalyn looks even more worried now as another hatchling appears on the stands. The auburn haired woman doesn't even seem to notice that it is a green. Just then the brown charges through the line and mauls over the gentleman next to her. Jumping out of the way this time, she reaches out to help Rilayen to stay standing if he needs it and offers her arm for support. Whispering towards the male, she says "Are you going to be able to stand?"

From the sands, Lirit takes a step forward when Riyalen goes down, craning for a quick view as she frowns. It may take a moment to notice she seems less concerned for the Candidate -- he seems to be moving -- than she is for the welfare of the brown Hatchling.

From the sands, Jazra lets go of Balinne's hand to rush to her friend's side. But she hops from foot to foot, keeping an eye on the brown in case he comes back. "Rilayen, oh no." She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment and forcing down any trace of fear or panic. "Do you need help?"

From the sands, Caitlyn is also temporarily halted by the instinct for self-preservation, but grinds her teeth and proceeds towards Rilayen - darting cautious looks around her for anymore wayward, careening dragonettes. "Ril, is it bad?"

From the sands, Terror in the Depths Egg shudders, a tremor visible along the cracked shell, bulging and releasing like a ripple on its dark waters. In the wave that follows, fragments of shell chip and tumble away, revealing a slick, wriggling mass beneath. Only when it seems that the egg is left behind do bronze limbs begin to unfold and a young dragon lifts his head to look around.

From the sands,

Though small now, there is something about this bronze that portends greatness. Perhaps it is the sturdy, mud-hued paws that outsize the rest of him; perhaps it is the substantial build of his stocky barrel chest; perhaps it is the muddy spatters of brown that speckle his gold-green hide. Those glossy colors shine over the wide reach of hardy wingspars and speckled sails, as if fresh-dipped in the river, then grow muted and murky around the curve of his lean belly. Water droplets seem to sparkle on his neckridges, trailing the length of his spine until they fade away into the pale tip of his tail. Curved headknobs and gleaming, narrow-set eyes are more understatement than omen. Most likely, that sense of future distinction has to do with his confident carriage and the way he holds his head, as if a crooked smile might appear on his pointed maw to lend him an air of self-conscious celebrity and youthful charisma.

Zahava slips a small, shint green pebble from her pocket, toying with it absently as she watches the activity. "I've bet Moyra will Impress a green," she begins to tell D'ryn, but then winces as that first brown walks right over Rilayen, and pauses a moment before continuing. "I've a bet with my head cook that Kaylon will Impress at all." She pauses thoughtfully, "And that's it."

From the sands, Balinne shakes her head, and wipes her sweaty palm on her robe as Jazra vacates her spot. She, though, does not move from where she stands on the Sands. Rilayen has plenty of helpers. Her attention reverts to the wandering Hatchlings, particularily the brown, but the green earns a passing glance. The Hatched bronze is oggled, and she whispers a soft, "Oh..." at his arrival.

Suraiya is starting to realize that her cookies are disappearing a lot faster than she intended, especially after she finished her roll and was moving onto the sweets. The greenrider pulls back the pouch, more snug on the other side of Sarisia as she winces. "I saw that one comin'," she mumbles softly to the hurt candidate. "It's only a matter of time that someone gets hurt." Blue eyes glance away brieftly to her twin. "Of course I remember... To a certain extent. An' it's bronze," the last is said with a toothly grin. "S'bout time."

D'ryn winces as Rilayen gets clawed obviously reacting with the same sentiment as everyone else, "He fixed up my wounds once, very good lad. That's just... makes you want to run out there and help if there wasn't others closer." The bronze hatches and he dosn't even take note of winning another bet. "I bet on him as well."

From the sands, Kaylon mutters, trying to show concern for Rilayen /and/ keep an eye on the hatching, "Uh, there're other hatchlings out.. careful?" The bunch in white hovering around the other make a large target.

From the sands, Rilayen's teeth are clamped so firmly together he can barely reply to Caitlyn. "S'just a scratch." Well, three, and a little more than that. "What do I do?" He pleads more quietly to the girl approaching him, desperation plain on his face. "I can stand 'n all." He's sweating from more than heat now.

From the sands, Nolee bites her nails as someone is wounded, a candidate at that, and takes a reflexive step back as Nalaieth watches, unphased. "Nala, can't you tell them to watch out? Don't they know they can hurt people? Jays, I hope he's okay." Nalaieth huffs in her direction, proud of her latest charismatic offspring.

From the sands, Bendel winces a little as he stares at Rilayen, "You sure you're all right, bud?" The brown gets another quick look. "You sure? You might want to get that looked at, or at least apply pressure to it so you don't bleed all over the place, or get an infection or something."

From the sands, Moyra gahs softly as she sees the collision, and shakes her head as she sees that Rill is mostly alright. She glances back to Kaylon as she spies the arrival of a third hatchling, this one the colour that Kay is so certian he has in his future, "There you go Kaylon, keep a eye on him."

From the sands, Caitlyn draws in quick breath, distractred by the popping sounds of another egg shattering - and staring at that bronze for a few moments before looking intently at Rilayen. "Here." She unties her simple white cloth belt, and proceeds to carefully wrap it around the boy's leg - not tight, not loose - to knot it well. "Try that."

From the sands, Jazra nods to Kaylon. "For once I agree." She backs off and moves closer to the boy, before moving back a bit and moving to an angle that will give her a look at all the hatchlings and the knot of white.

From the sands, Noemie's momentary frozen state from the shock of seeing Rilayen hurt is melted by the hatching of the baby bronzw. Slowly her eyes are torn away and she watches the hatchling instead as he explores the sands.

From the sands, Crusading Sinewed Brown locks onto his Candidate, and it seems nothing will get in his way. Others are pushed past in a rush, for he has no breath to waste on them. He stops right in front of the tall lad, eyeing the brown hair, the bushy eyebrows, his scar. A growl mixed with a croon escapes that aristocratic muzzle as he finds the one he has been searching for.

From the sands, Balinne calls for Jazra, "Jaz! You taking my hand back?" she asks, a hint of nervouseness in her voice. She waits for the girls answer, but a shift in her line of sight draws her eyes towards the brown. "He's chosen?" she questions, unsure.

From the sands, Rilayen is still trembling as he bends very carefully to touch the knot with the tips of his fingers. "Thanks," he says to Caitlyn, giving her a shaky smile. "I'll have to get you another belt. Remind me." He straightens again, looking at her gratefully for a moment longer, then turning to see what's going on. every movement is ginger now.

From the sands, A wide-eyed candidate from Red Sands, short and skinny, shuffles back and forth, anxiously looking around the sands. He draws in a deep breath then lets it out, attempting to school his expression into something more calm. It seems to do little good, especially given the injury that recently took place.

From the sands, Kaylon espies the bronze as he's pointed out. Awe wars with a broad grin on the boy's face. "Shards, he's fair grinning, that one. Bet he's trouble!"

From the sands, Jazra nods and walks over to Balinne. "Getting a good look around." She says with a nod to Balinne before she reaches out her hand, offering it to Balinne. "Good thing the brown picked. Ril's injury practically gave me a heart attack."

From the sands, M'duk's knees buckle, and he falters in his step forward. He drops to his knees, arms outstretched. "Draeth!" He calls out as a tear rolls down his cheek. As it reaches his chin, it drips to the sand below. "You're M'duk's. You're mine." He reaches out to touch the young hatchling. The other hand goes to his own stomach as though a sudden pain is there, "Yes, we'll eat, first."

From the sands, Bendel shifts uneasily in his spot as Rilayen seems to be taken care of for the moment, his attention settling on the dragons instead, breathing a sigh of relief when the brown seems to find its one. "One less hatchling to worry about. Oh, congrats Maduk!"

From the sands, Kaylon cheers broadly as his friend's impression interupts his bronze thoughts. "Yay M'duk! I knew you would!"

From the sands, Balinne's questioning look turns into one of joy, and she lets out a soft whoop! "Go M'duk!" she cheers for her friend.

From the sands, Determined Celadon Green carefully studies each of the Candidates as she passes by, her steps sturdy but slow, almost methodical. A longer amount of time is spent looking at Kaylon, the tall, brown-haired young man standing near two girls. Then she simply shakes her head, not finding what she wants there, and moves along for further exploration. A piece of egg catches her talon and she almost trips right in front of the cluster of white-robed ones, catching herself at the last second and staying upright. It may take a little time for her to recover from the mishap, but soon she soldiers on.

Sarisia reaches over to grab another treat but find that the stash has been moved. "Well, it's bound to happen every once an' again." She states in reference to the injury before trying to all but crawl over her sister for another snack. "Suuuur, I'm hungry!" She whines, reaching for the pouch, completly missing the impression.

From the sands, Noemie watches as the new M'duk announces his dragon's name. "M'duk Impressed!" She says rather obviously to Jazra and Balinne.

From the sands, Caitlyn smiles crookedly at Rilayen, her eyes glinting with excitement and swift humor as she stands. "I'll have little need of it again, Ril. Don't worry. Just be well." And the smith hurries over towards the only spot she knows out here - between Balinne and Kaylon...and is startled to see the brown Impress M'duk. "Oh JAYS!" she calls again, this time in joy. "Wonderful, M'duk!"

From the sands, Kaylon's cheer dies in his throat as the lovely little green eyeballs him.

Delu blinks as she notices something. "Are they... Eating?"

From the sands, Balinne is all joy and enthusiasm once more. The Impression of M'duk has repelled any panic. She even manages to giggle at Kaylon. "Well, safe from that one, but there may be more, Kay!" she teases.

"Was that Maduk?" Zahava wonders, leaning forward. "With that first brown? Didn't bet on him, but.. that's good," she murmurs, more to herself than D'ryn.

From the sands, Rilayen looks vaguely relieved as the brown Impresses. "Mad - M'duk. Congrats." He smiles. Then his eyes close briefly, squeezed shut before being opened to focus on the green. The bronze catches his eye next and he murmurs to Bendel, "Watch out for the bronze." Light-hearted warning.

From the sands, Lirit edges forward closer to M'duk and his new lifemate, saying something quietly to him as she nears and gesturing toward the corner....where food awaits.

From the sands, Moyra grins as M'duk is selected by the brown, and pumps her fist into the air. She grins back to say something to Kaylon, and laughs as she spies the green eying him for a moment, "Almost a greenrider there Kay." She teases, looking back over to Balinne and nodding her head to her in agreement.

From the sands, Bendel peeks as Ril speaks him, nodding in agreement as his eyes flicker to said bronze, wrinkling his nose up slightly, "I'll be sure to do so, he's probably worse than M'duk's brown!" There's a quick shake of his head as he shifts again in his spot uncomfortably.

From the sands, Nolee looks at the flurry of activity on the sands as the first impressee is selected by the first hatchling. "Something happened? Something good? No one else is hurt? Oh!" She claps her hands reflexively, in quiet joy, and smiles broadly to C'len. "Their eggs, all doing things!"

From the sands, Airalynnods and leaves Rilayen to his dignity but stays close just in case he needs it. M'duk's impression enlists a sigh and a smile, but that is all the time the woman has to spare as she looks for that green that hatched not to long ago. It is just then that the green appears in front of her as she trips and the woman almost steps forwards to help the little one out but the green rights herself and all is well.

From the sands, Jocea springs forward and retakes her spot among the others now that the danger seems to have been nulled. Well, the danger to Rilayen anyway; Kaylon seems to be in a different danger of his own. "Congratulations, M'duk!"

From the sands, Solitary Reflection Egg rocks a bit, sways a bit. Each motion shakes a little of sand loose from the shell. As this dark curtain falls away, it reveals that tiny cracks are beginning to form. Hairline fissures spread over the glimmering surface, marring the colors with their lines. Then the egg lies still again.

From the sands, Balinne winces as the green trips - yes, she caught the motion in her line of sight. "Ouch, looks like something got her in the foot," she remarks. "Keep an eye out, if she comes close," she warns them, needlessly. Caitlyn is offered her hand once more, and Jazra's hand is squeezed reassuringly.

D'ryn closes his eyes for a moment before nodding rather solemly, "That was Maduk by the sounds of it, never had the privelege so I didn't bet either." Seems great gambling mind think alike, as he reaches into his pockets and pulls out a skin. He's far too enrapped to drink just yet, he just kind of holds it and watches as Kaylon gets looked over by a green. "That pairing probably would have got good odds against."

Suraiya cheers for the candidate that Impressed the dangerous brown with his sharp claws. "I hope they're all not too picky 'bout choosing their lifemates. There seems to be a good candidate group down there," she says, watching the green's focused attention to one lad. She holds the bad out of the way, making sure not to turn away from the event itself. "Go find Ma for more," Suri says finally once her twin's antics start to bother. She takes a cookie from her pouch, making sure to keep it from the brownrider's fingers, and pops it into her mouth.

From the sands, It takes him a moment to find his feet and get them beneath him - but only a moment. Then the Charismatic Riverbed Bronze is out and off, sashaying without purpose out from his shell-shards onto the sands, swinging his head cockily one way and another to take in the sight of all these people gathered. For a moment it seems he's not sure quite what the entertainment is - he catches sight of his brown sibling heading off toward the end of the cavern, so the bronze hops to and heads that way as well. That must be where the excitement is!

From the sands, Jazra offers M'duk a thumbs up with her free hand and nods up at Balinne as she turns her attention back to the eggs, the bronze isn't even given a second glance, but the green is eyed with interest.

From the sands, Kaylon may have been passed over by the green for the moment, but he's not about to rest assured all is safe - even if it's just to avoid a clawing like Rilayen got. He shuffles, his feet unbearably hot, sparing a moment to watch the unhatched eggs and the wandering bronze.

From the sands, M'duk's attention goes to Lirit for only a moment, nodding in wide-eyed understanding before he turns back to Draeth. "This way," he tells the brown in a soft tone. "This way is the food." He seems oblivious to the congratulations from his fellow candidates as he leads his new lifemate off the sands.

From the sands, Balinne does favor the bronze with another look, following him with her eyes as he follows his brown sibling. "He may be trouble," she cautions, "Not paying attention to hsi feet, or something..."

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

From the sands, M'duk walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

From the sands, Nalaieth is up again, pacing the edge of the sands and herding any dragonets who lack lifemates and stray too near back toward the semi-circle of white robes beyond.

From the sands, Caitlyn sighs with relief at the familiar touch of Balinne's hand, and takes a deep breath to steady herself. A grin for those near her, and she's suddenly taken in by the bronze's self-assured swagger...the smith giggling crassly. "Oh, *look* at him! What a proud little man..."

Sarisia frowns deeply as she watches her sister eat a sweet. "Fine," She says before crossing her arms and staring at the sands. She silently watches the hatching but it doesn't last long. A good whack is given to her sisters arm, "See if I care."

From the sands, Jocea has reconnected.

From the sands, Jocea has partially disconnected.

From the sands, Unsure at first, the Determined Celadon Green Hatchling pauses in front of a raven-haired candidate, studying her with fast whirling eyes. The green's delicate, silken sails spread wide in a welcoming pose until she suddenly lurches forward, almost tumbling into the one she's chosen. Managing to right herself, those wings lend her a moment's balance, long enough for her to look into a steely gray gaze and claim what's hers.

From the sands, Noemie, too, has been watching the bronze with amusement. "He sure is," she agrees, before turning again to look at the green. "Is she--?"

"He's on Search and Rescue with me," Zahava says with a quick smile. "I guess we'll just have to do without him for a while." The skin is eyed for just a moment before she looks quickly towards the sands again, her eyes narrowing slightly to try to get a better look.

From the sands, Jazra gasps, reaching out for her green, her green! "Of course Liaoth! I'll feed you all you want and need!" She says with a gasp, her breath is heavy, as though she'd been running a long while. She turns up to her father. "Her name is Liaoth!!!" She calls ringingly out to the crowd. Let the whole world know! She is Jazra! Liaoth's rider!

From the sands, Bendel perks a little as he watches the bronze, a brow arching slightly. "He doesn't seem as mean...I think?" Ben points out slowly, studying the dragon in question. Jazra gets a quick grin, "Congratulations!" He calls out when she announces her lifemate.

From the sands, Kaylon puffs up his chest, considering the bronze. "Aye, and he should be proud. Look at him.." Jazra's cry breaks through and the boy beams, turning to offer his mate congratulations. "I knew you could do it!"

From the sands, Noemie breaks out into a wide grin. "Jazra! Congrats!" she calls, estatic for her friend.

From the sands, Caitlyn is diverted from watching the bronze's meanderings by Noemie's words, and stares at the green..who nearly tumbles into Jazra...and then gloms onto the hunter. "Oh..oh JAZZ! Good for you!" she calls out triumphantly to the teen.

From the sands, Balinne steels herself against a rushing dragonet. She all put pulls Jazra to the side when she's stopped. Her mouth drops, and she retreats from the pair, releasing Jazra's hand and using it to clamp over her own mouth. One down... "Congradulations... Jazra," she says, her eyes dancing with delight.

From the sands, Rilayen gapes over at Jazra and the green before beaming. "Jazra! Liaoth." He turns his head back, shaking it. "Could anyone miss the name?" His good leg trembles, but he's grinning for his friend.

From the sands, Moyra grins as a second person she had hoped to see impress does so, "Congrats Jaz!" She calls out, and grins widely. "Thats two I picked right so far." She says, grinning as she looks over to Balinne and Kaylon.

From the sands, With a final impatient hop, the cracks of the Solitary Reflection Egg's shell become tears in the inner membrane and an angry snout, dark with goo and slime, pokes out to take its first breath of air. Freedom! This is one inmate who's done with captivity. Her next breath swells inside the shell, bursting it to pieces and leaving an indignant green on the dark sands.

From the sands, Lirit barely has a chance to see M'duk and Draeth off the sands before another Impression occurs. Weaving carefully through the chaos and making sure not to step between any of the Candidates and the Hatchlings on the Sands, she edges close to Jazra and speaks quietly to the new rider.

From the sands,

She is very much green, her hide an endless expanse of an emerald's every-shaded facet that comes together in a verdant display of jewel-like depth and flashy brilliance. And she is absolutely female, her build one of powerful length and healthy curves that features a long, slender neck, broad shoulders and ample haunches. Slim limbs only serve to accentuate her feminine figure and the roundness of her face. When paired with her delicate features and the innocent angle of her headknobs, it gives her an almost doll-like countenance. Sweet, too, are her fastidious little paws - or so they seem until light glints along the narrow curves of long, steely claws. Lime-bright peridot glints along her neckridges and highlights her wingspars. Those moderately-sized wings promise to be versatile in flight, fine beryl sails gracing their capability with a feminine flair.

From the sands, Kaylon elbows Moyra good-naturedly. "Shoulda put marks. Hey! There's another green."

From the sands, Jazra's face spreads in a grin for the first time in turns as she turns to her green. "Liaoth... Liaoth Liaoth Liaoth! My Liaoth!" All hatching heat forgotten. "Liaoth!" Then she notices Lirit coming and follows.

Alexiel is settled in the stands, having arrived before the hatching started. Her eyes are glued to the sands below as she watches the candidates and dragonets in silence, only her facial expression exposing her excitement.

From the sands, Balinne breaths out deeply, retreating further from the bonded pair. She's closing the small gap between her and Caitlyn, and when she /might/ bump into the girl, she turns and smiles towards her. Moyra is heard, and she sticks out her tongue. "That look better not imply that you think I'll Impress!" She snorts.

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

Suraiya squeaks out a protest when Sari smacks her. Blue eyes well up a moment as she rubs the now sore arm. "I bet ya do care or else ya wouldn't have hit me." Back to the real reason they were there. She gives one final sniff before turning her cold--and sore--shoulder to her sister. "I like that pair," Suri states to anyone in particular as she points down to the recently Impressed green. "I think I met that girl once... probably during the clutching. I think." A bright grin passes her face at the other green. "Lovely clutch!"

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

D'ryn peers with his equally green gaze at the dragon, "...That's another win for me! That bronze looks awfully caught up exploring about, reminds me of Daji." He brushes back his hair and glances again at Balinne, and quirks an eyebrow at the yelling Jazra. "Well, there's something you don't see every day."

From the sands, Noemie giggles at Balinne and Moyra, but most of her attention is on the new green, and the girls are only afforded the quickest glance.

From the sands, Airalyn's eyes open wide as the green impresses right next to her. Quickly moving way from the couple, she nods to Jazra with a smile. "Congratulation." However, her attention is quickly turned back to the rest of the sands as the next egg hatches out a green. "Another one." This being said the woman loss complete sight of the bronze and his swagger.

From the sands, In the stands, a baby cries, and its wail echoes in the cavern. Its mother attempts to shush it, but the excitement of the hatching is too much for the child. She hurries out of the galleries, finding some amount of quiet out in the bowl.

From the sands, Caitlyn utters a rather silly, but soft sound as the next green breaks her shell, and coos to the hatchling - her eyes entranced by all the wonderful colors on the young one's hide...ad then she's lightly bumped by Balinne. Another sound, a loud squawk! of surprise comes from Cait - boggling eyes latched on her friend. "Jays! I thought you were a rampaging dragonette!" Then she laughs.

From the sands, Rilayen looks at the newly-hatched green admiringly. "She's a beauty. Wonder who she'll go to." His voice has dropped to a quieter tone, and he stays as close to Bendel as he can, eyes wide as he looks from green to eggs to bronze. His breath is let out in a shaky 'whuff'.

From the sands, Bendel blinks when one green is suddenly exchanged for another, "At least they seem to be cracking at a good rate." He notes to no one in particular, shifting again as he attempts to fix his robe. "I know I'm starting to cook though, soon I'll be done." There's a quick smirk to Rilayen.

From the sands, Jazra walks over from the far end of the Hatching Cavern.

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

From the sands, Jocea wets her lips, eyes darting from Jazra and her departing Liaoth to the newly hatched more verdant green. "Congratulations," she calls, but too late, then shifts her attention back to the hatchlings still looking for their perfect match. "This one's beautiful too," she comments to no one in particular.

From the sands, Nalaieth rocks back and forth as though that would encourage the eggs to hatch, her tail swishing in the sand. Those pesky candidates are still eyed with mistrust, especially as they're already being charged with tending her little ones. Nolee laughs, fidgeting with the edge of her scarf, at Jazra's enthusiasm. "Wonder if she'll still be smiling after weeks of shoveling," she murmurs, all smiles.

From the sands, Charismatic Riverbed Bronze pauses, swinging his pointed snout one way, then the other. After a moment his maw parts and closes again, as if to say: 'Ah!' He swings about and starts off back toward the other end of the cavern, where there wait things in white robes! Perhaps they're the main attraction. The strapping young bronze stops a few feet away from one of the candidates and watches her, head canted, as if he might be thinking of making friends when she's not busy.

From the sands, Starry Rose Egg stirs. Then it rocks. Then it begins to turn in place. And stop. And turn back the other way, a little faster. Stop. Spin. Stop. Spin. It's enough to make anyone watching it a little dizzy. Then? Then it's altogether still, as if the dragonet inside needs to think a little bit about this hatching thing. Or perhaps is just afraid to come out into that *heat*.

From the sands, Kaylon snickers, murmuring to Moyra, "Look, he likes the girls already!" His attention is on the antics of the bronze, amused.

From the sands, Balinne lets out a breath as Jazra retreats. She laughs, a good, soul-healing laugh that seems to settle her nerves back into quiet collection. "If I'd been a dragonet, you'd have known," she states, grinning. "Ah, another. Keep an eye on that bronze though! He looks... dangerous."

From the sands, Bendel lets out a quiet laughter, covering his mouth to quickly muffle the sound, "He's going to be a hand full when he grows up." Is his amused comment to himself, "I wouldn't think he would look at the female candidates though."

Zahava laughs softly. "And eyeing the girls, too? Is that like Dajianth?" she asks of D'ryn, without looking over at the rider. Leaning forward on her elbows, she tries to get a better look at the activity.

From the sands, Moyra laughs, and shakes her head, "Well, maybe you might be in luck, you could use all the help you can get." She says, grinning to Kaylon in responce, sticking her toungue out at the young man as she starts to show the effects of the hot sands, her feet already moving in the hatching sands two step.

From the sands, Rilayen would be bouncing if he could, but his bandaged leg doesn't permit him that excited movement. Worse still, his foot is now baking. Gingerly, he bends the injured leg at the knee to lift it, wincing. A pause and he carefully sets it back down, eyes wandering to the bronze. "Unless bronzes are gonna start Impressing girls." That said somewhat disdainfully.

From the sands, Charismatic Riverbed Bronze may be quite pleased with all the folks who have come out to see him, but as he meanders past a few more of these white-clad friends, one in particular catches his eye. His wings spread wide and his jaw falls open. That's the one! He goes trotting up to a tall young man with light brown eyes.

From the sands, Airalyn snorts at Balinne's comment. "I would have to agree with that statement." Bendel's words reach her ear and that causes her to laugh. "I would bet on Kaylon then as he fancies himself a ladies man, maybe his lifemate would be the same."

From the sands, Caitlyn once more takes in the sight of the little bronze, giggling at Kaylon's words about him. "He has a *good* idea..." And now she notices how sharding *hot* hot her feet are...and begins to shift back and forth on them... as Starry Rose egg spins repeatedly, causing Cait to shakes her dark head. "Wonder is *that* one is going to be loopy..." Another crass snicker is aimed at Balinne as she lightly elbows the infirmiry aide.

Sarisia decides to remain silent at her sisters comment and simply contents herself to watch the hatching. Her blue eyes shift over the remaing group of candidates, wondering which will be next to Impress. "Wonder if dad's around..." She asks out loud, eyes still on the dragonets, the charismatic riverbed bronze in particular.

Naina has arrived.

From the sands, Kaylon grumbles to himself, and goes back to watching the antics of the newly hatched, careful not to get in the way of anything that looks like it wants /past/ him.

From the sands, Rilayen looks as though someone's punched him in the stomach. "T-Talurith?" He stutters out, eyes boggling in amazement. He'd drop to his knees if he could, but even in his shocked state he knows that'll only bring pain. Pain worse than the hunger he feels? "I can't wait to hear," he reaches to touch the bronze's muzzle reverently, shaking even worse. "Talurith."

From the sands, Jeweled Starlet Green sits a puddle of her egg goo and blinks in surprise to find herself finally free. And look at how big the world is! She blinks again at just how many people are waiting to see her. She gives a shake, showering slime every which way as she unfurls her wings and uses them to help her balance onto her feet. And then she gets distracted by her feet and has to look down at them with pleasure. Perfect! Now on to walking.

From the sands, Noemie's eyes have been watching the little bronze, and she grins as she finds he's stopped in front of Rilayen. Another Impression!

D'ryn ponders that for a moment crossing his arms, blowing strands of hair idly away from his eyes, "...Dajianth thinks of everything in terms of adventure and daring and how difficult it is to pull off, that includes girls. Charming is to him like... ah! I knew my nose for a rider wasn't off!" He exclaims as Rilayen impresses, he was down but not out.

From the sands, Kaylon stops his grumbling long enough to cheer for his friend. But not too long - there are other eggs still hatching!

From the sands, Lirit stalks along the outside of the circle of Candidates, darting forward the moment she realizes another pair has met on the Sands. She slows as she nears the bronze and his new lifemate and speaks quietly to them both.

From the sands, Balinne calls a congradulatory, "That's the way, Rilayen!" towards the new rider. Kaylon is given a reassuring, "There may be others, Kay!" The green's antics are noticed as well, and as the bronze is no longer a threat, she turns her attention there, watching carefully. "She looks a little... snotty," she shakes her head, and frowns warily.

From the sands, Caitlyn is agape with surprise and happiness at the bronze's choice - and suddenly is addending her congratulations to everyone else's. "Oh wow, Ril- R'yen! He's incredible! Congratulations!" ANd she then hears Balinne's words, and peers at the green, nodding her agreement.

From the sands, Talurith noses his R'layn gently in the hand, touching his new-made rider right back, and lets loose a soft, rolling croon. Then hunger gets the better of him and he snaps his maw a few times, experimentally. Certainly not near his young man's hand, of course - but certainty in hungry eyes that he'll soon be fed properly might get the point across.

Suraiya decided to ignore her sister's presence for awhile longer, too, until their father is mentioned. Her blue eyes glance around quickly, brightening. "Y'know, he very possibly could be 'ere. I wonder if any of the candidates could possibly be one of his, too." Seeing that their known bronzerider father had sired quite a few children. But she grins brightly. "But we gotta find Dhirath 'fore we leave, too." The bronze impression is given a grand cheer, the greenrider jumping out of her seat for a moment. "Glad for 'im! Didn't get those scratches only to have to walk off those sands with that injured leg," she says while seating again.

Conferring with a woman at her side, a rare smile curves Satiet's lips. The clink of a marks pouch is heard by those close by, and after a bit, missing the latest string of Impressions, the raven-haired woman turns to catch sight of some familiar Reachian faces and towards Suraiya and Sarisia an easy lift of her hand is followed by an upward jerk of her chin in silent greeting. Further inspection of the galleries brings Kylia into view and for the gaunt state of other weyrwoman the faintest hints of lines furrow Satiet's brow, before the sounds from the sands returns her attention to them, and a coolly bemused comment ensues, "He finally chose, did he? Half a mark you owe me, Diedra."

From the sands, Jocea lets out a little gasp as the bronze so clearly makes his choice. "Rilayen," she shouts, giving him a wave he likely will not see. "Congratulations!" There's not much time for celebration though, as that new little green is on the move. With thoughts of R'layn and his recent injury on her mind she goes back to carefully watching the still unimpressed hatchlings.

From the sands, Bendel has reconnected.

From the sands, Airalynturns toward the gentleman next to her to say something, but Rilayen's impression comes as a complete shock as she had lost sight of the little bronze. "Oh!" she the only words that come out of her mouth as she stares at the couple next to her. Shaking her head to release her from her shock, she finally squeaks out "congrats."

From the sands, Starry Rose Egg spins once more, then shards and goo fly off in all directions, some landing a good distance away. So vigorous is the hatchling's escape from his prison that egg-bits are strewn across the sands as bouquets to a performer. As the dust and sand settle, a light young brown stands revealed. He hesitates for a moment, lifting wings and tail, only then taking a careful step forwards. And another one, attention seemingly focused entirely on this 'walking' thing before he finally lifts his head to regard the sands and the crowds, wings still lifted into what might constitute a 'pose'.

From the sands,

This sleek, sandy brown is slender and angular from pointed muzzle and oddly sharp headknobs to a tail so lengthy it's a bit out of proportion to the rest of his form. Narrow, swept-back wings draped with dusty, flaxen sails promise agility unusual for his color. His hindquarters are well-built and firmly set, legs already muscled with the power needed to launch into flight. One of the lighter browns, his color begins in tans and soft sienna over neck and back, fading along his belly into the shade of desert sand. Glossy mahogany talons provide contrast to pale, precise paws. As unassuming as his build and colors may be, there is nothing self-effacing about the way in which he carries himself. His careful movements are fastidious, each step taken slowly, wings lifted neatly out of the way. This is not a dragon that lumbers; rather, he moves with a regal grace

From the sands, R'layn laughs gently at Talurith's touch and rubs his fingers down the bronze's eyeridge befroe drawing his hand away at the snapping maw. His eyes turn briefly to Lirit. "Food, he needs, yeah. I think I'll be okay." His voice quavers and he looks back at Talurith, face echoing his dragon's certainty. "Go feed you, Talurith?" Off he goes, slowly, waiting for the - *his* bronze.

From the sands, R'layn walks down to the far end of the Cavern.

From the sands, Bendel lets out a quick breath of relief when Ril impresses the bronze, "Congrats, Ril-err, whatever your new name is now." He laughs quietly, peeking as another hatchling catches his attention, "Another brown, wow."

Kylia stirs herself from her silent observation of the sands to spare a brief glance at the girl beside her. "You doing alright? It's hot in here, but there's usually a few pitchers of water and juice if you need something." The shouting from below drags her eyes back and a grin touches her lips. "Ooh, nice choice for the bronze there, or at least so I've heard."

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

From the sands, Noemie still isn't used to seeing a creature hatching from its shell, and doubts she ever would be. Another gasp escapes from her as the newest brown emerges.

From the sands, Kaylon nods as Bendel speaks. "Gosh they're all so wonderful. It's a good thing they pick us!" His attention is torn this way and that as the sands continue to be busy.

From the sands, Balinne is distracted by the shattering shell as well, and her movements are towards Caitlyn. Safety in numbers. "Oo, another brown," she remarks, appraising him with her eyes. "Remember to watch out!" she reminds them all.

Zahava hmms, nodding slowly. "I see," she says, leaning to the side to try to get a better look. "It's always so chaotic," she remarks. "Hard to catch everything that happens."

From the sands, Jeweled Starlet Green finds walking a little more difficult than she'd bargained for and she huffs at her own wing when it fouls up her steps. Straightening up a little more, she holds her wings high and heads onward. This audience of white is rather curious to her and so she heads a little closer to check them out.

Sorren tears her eyes off the hatching as she is asked a question by Kylia. "Oh, yes" she says, coming back into reality as it were. She smiles again. "No thank you, Ma'am, I am fine. It is quite an event, it is."

From the sands, Caitlyn is now giggling softly at the emergence of the newest brown, pointing in a very obvious fashion at him, and mumbling to Balinne and Kaylon, "He's so careful to look good, to get it right...He's delightful to watch! Yeah, and *we'd* better watch , like you said, Bali."

From the sands, Lirit trails after R'layn and Talurith a few paces to see them safe to the corner, what with the lad's injured leg and all. Satisfied that the pair will make it on their own, she turns back to the action on the Sands.

From the sands, Moyra ohs as R'layn impresses, and she grins over towards Balinne and Kaylon, sticking three fingers up to show so far so good on her guesses. She spies the arrival of the brown, and ohs, "He has a nice look to him. I can just see him on a beach and blending in perfectly."

From the sands, Bendel starts to shift towards what candidates are left, not wanting to be left alone now that his friends are gone, nodding at Kaylon's statement, his eyes resting on the roaming hatchlings. "They are wonderful creatures, aren't they? I don't think I could ever pick one myself, it'd seem wrong."

From the sands, Kaylon murmurs as the little green starts to approach, "Okay okay.. I know - here comes one for you Kaylon. She's looking for you Kaylon.. sheesh." But he's grinning.

Sarisia nods her head. "It's possible, he sure is," She gives a smirk before stating her thoughts. "Well he's a very busy man." Watching the impression she frowns. "Isn't that the one that got knocked over before?"

From the sands, Balinne nods her head, her eyes trying to watch two moving forms at once - she doesn't succeed. "Yes, we don't want to end up like Rilayen.. well, before he Impressed... I mean, we don't want to get hurt." The heat is making her sweat, and making her flustered.

From the sands, Nolee glances toward C'len, fidgeting with the embroidered stars on her decorative scarf. "It didn't seem like it took this long when I was out here. Or this short. In fact, I hardly remember it at all. Say, is that another brown? He's kinda pretty." Nalaieth croons to the youngsters, encouragingly, realizing at last that they -need- to find lifemates.

Sorren has disconnected.

Amira has disconnected.

Amira has connected.

From the sands, Jocea offers the nearby Kaylon a grin, shaking her head. "Even if you did Impress green would that be so bad?" She nods toward the huffing little greenling finding her way across the dark sands. "She is really pretty after all, and you're the ladies man." Her tone is nothing but teasing.

From the sands, Foreboding Woods Egg rocks gently, digging itself more deeply into the black Istan sand. Thin cracks appear, creating a network of craggy filaments along the patterned surface of the shell that threatens to become a webbing of larger cracks. For this egg, there is now silence and lack of movement, an odd contrast to the activity that surrounds it.

From the sands, Noemie nods in response to Balinne. "Well- if that's sort of a rite of passage for Impressing, I think it'd be worth it," she offers.

From the sands, Kaylon chuckles, "Well, now..." He winks to Jocea, all the while carefully keeping an eye on the hatchlings. He doesn't want to end up like R'layn.

From the sands, C'len grins slightly, "I don't remember much of it, myself. Though Vil came out kind of early." The bronze clutchsire croons, almost smugly, as if proud of this fact. C'len reaches up to wipe sweat from his brow, before his attention is caught by a nearby egg's movement.

From the sands, Balinne states bluntly, "Jazra Impressed, and she didn't get hurt." A wobbling egg gets her look, and she shudders slightly. "I'd prefer to make it out unscathed."

"That was 'im," Suraiya clears up for her twin as she bobs her head down to where the bronze pair had went off to. Movement from the galleries catches her attention, and her head moves in the direction of a fellow High Reaches rider. "Oh! Didn' see ya out there, Satiet, ma'am!" The last added with a bright grin. "I should've known you'd come support your grandchildren!" She giggles at the thought. Many many grandchildren it is-- well, Teonath's, but very close it is.

From the sands, Bendel shifts again in his spot, keeping a careful eye on the wandering dragons, "Well, maybe the other dragons won't be so mean as that first brown? They haven't charged us yet, so that's a good sign, right?"

From the sands, Noemie can't argue with that logic. "True," she says. "That would be the best outcome."

From the sands, Fastidious Sandswept Brown glances back at the shards of his egg, then moves a little further away from them, slowly, carefully, wings held so as to not trip over them. Then, he stops, and studies the white-clad candidates, seeming to be trying to look over each one before making a decision, head tilted to one side and an oddly assessing look on his face. Already, it seems, he is aware of the importance of his choice. Clearly, too, he is in no hurry to make it, stopping to make sure he has no egg shards on him.

From the sands, Airalyn moves closer towards Balinne and the others as she tries to keep track of what is going on out in the sands. The green is given another look as another brown pops out and begins to roam. "I think that green came out of one of my favorite eggs." She says to those around her.

From the sands, Caitlyn pipes up, leaning over to Bendel, "They're not mean, Ben...just young and impatient...and not sure how to move..." Her tone isn't hard, but simply factual...until she grins at her final words.

From the sands, Balinne says, "Brown," and tugs on Caitlyn's hand. "Keep an eye out, he's moving." She grins towards Airalyn, and offers her the free hand Jazra left behind. "Come stand here with us? ANd I can't remember, but I think the bronze came from one of mine?"

Satiet blanches and is quick to try and correct Suraiya until the greenrider corrects herself, which then clears the rider's face. "Yes. /Teonath's/ grandchildren." Sounding faintly smug, the satisfaction is explained in the next beat as the raven-haired woman tilts her head to the pair of twins, "She's bristling, arguing that she's too young to be considered such an old matriarch. I suppose," the slight woman shrugs, "It doesn't help that the only image of grandmothers in my mind are my own."

From the sands, Kaylon mutters, "I've lost track of which is which. Hey, Moyra! Look, that brown is right prissy." That amuses him for some reason.

From the sands, Bendel lifts up a finger, as if to make a point. "That's not what I meant, I meant charging and stuff. I know they want to get to their lifemate and food, but still...it's Ril's fault anyway for not dodging or paying attention." Sagenod.

From the sands, Nolee watches the shifting candidates, the sands swirling before her eyes, and she moves closer to Nalaieth, who has taken a spot along one edge of the hatching sands, where she has a good view of everything. "Ach, it's so hot out here. At least is isn't dusty like before, too."

From the sands, Jeweled Starlet Green comes to a stop, her attention drawn abruptly from the crowd to the candidates. But not just any candidate: one in particular with brown eyes and freckles. Yes, that's the one she wants. Instead of making a mad dash for her chosen one, the green holds her ground and coaxes her new lifemate to join her in the center of the sands.

From the sands, Moyra looks around, keeping a eye on the green and the brown, and looks to the egg that is rocking, "Thats the other one I liked... wonder what colour is in there." She starts, and then looks to Kaylon, and looks about to say something in return, but then remembers where she is and bites her toungue for the moment.

From the sands, Bendel has reconnected.

Sarisia nods as she watches the bronze pair leave the rest of the white robes. "Good thing he didn't run off the sands after gettin' trampled." She states, eyes still on the hatching when her sister calls out the familiar name. "Satiet?" She questions, turning around to find the goldrider. "Oh, hullo there." She adds with a wave, a small laugh barely contained at Suraiya's grandmother statement. "Enjoyin' the show so far?"

From the sands, Balinne stiffens, her hand suddenly dropping Caitlyn's. A moment of surprise draws upon her features, and the pure elation. Without a thought to those around her, Balinne strides purposefully forwards, her smile growing. Tears brim her eyes, but then they're on her cheeks, and she's kneeling beside the green.. her green! "Zelieth! She says she's Zelieth!"

From the sands, Fastidious Sandswept Brown finally moves, stalking towards the candidates and then moving along the line, looking each one he passes up and down. No, no, that will never do! Not that one...he stops to sniff one boy, then actually shakes his little wedged head. No. And he continues his walk and then, finally, lifts his head and stops, wings lifted again in what might even constitute a pose, or perhaps, he's just trying to keep the black sand from clinging to his valued assets.

From the sands, Kaylon cheers loudly when Balinne impresses. "Oh, she's beautiful!" And he's relieved. Absently he nods to Moyra's words. "Aye. I like that one too. We'll see soon, I'll warrant."

From the sands, Caitlyn jumps slightly at Balinne's caution. "Wha?! Where? The brown?" And then she's looking over at Bendel, and scanning the Sands for the errant brown - still footshifting in the hot sands. "No one's *fault*, Ben. Just the way it happ..." And her shifting eyes suddenly make out the green staring at her new lifemate...right next to her. Shetoo reflixively drops Balinne's hand as she gasps, mouth round in joy and surprise! "BALI! Oh...oh YES! Congratulations! She's beautiful! Like an emerald..."

From the sands, Airalyn doesn't hesitate to grab that offered hand and she even gives Balinne a thankful look. "What is she doing?" She put out the question as she watches the green just stand and croons, however, just then Balinne lets go of her hand and rushes to said green. "Oh, Balinne" A tear drops from her eye. "She is gorgeous."

From the sands, Bendel has partially disconnected.

From the sands, Bendel flashes a smile at Balinne, "Congratulations, Bailinne!" Ben calls out to the new weyrling, grinning widely. His head snapping to attention to the brown as movement catches his eye, "I know..." Okay, enough argument from him.

From the sands, The mist crowding the lines of the Foreboding Woods Egg seems to shift, the craggy branches on its side almost reaching out as it moves slightly in the sands. Small cracks spread along the path on one end of its rounded shell, then there's a moment's stillness as if the occupant is considering its next move. A quick roll to its left puts pressure on one end of the egg and then suddenly it all shatters into small pieces, puddling into a pile of egg fluid and shell on which the Stoic Slate Blue Hatchling rests.

From the sands, Lirit pauses her endless pacing outside the circle of Candidates as she hears a familiar voice ring out over the noise. "Balinne?" she laughs -- the first sign of anything other than serious worry on the new Weyrlingmaster's face all evening. She swiftly strides forward to approach the new pair and talk to them quietly.

From the sands,

Scaling from blackened talons to a sturdy back, journeying ever upward to a chiseled head then spreading outward to diaphanous wings, this youngling is a study in depth and perception. Sturdy, lean legs blend cobalt with slate, colors solidly meshing to root him firmly with his environment. Joining with his underbelly, those same tones twine with lighter shades that lengthen in sinewy, flexing textures to paint the trunk of his form completely. Murky gray rises up his slender neck then melts into a sapphire splash on his lean muzzle, around his eyeridges, and over the apex to present a thoughtful silhouette. Branching out from his sides, brighter tones along the leading edges of his wings provide a sharp contrast to his otherwise dusky shades. Shimmering sapphire echoes, too, in droplets of color scattered along his mainsails from primary to spar. Behind, his tail outlines the earth and sky in decidedly lighter hues that darken into shadow at its end.

From the sands, Moyra nearly jumps in joy as she sees Balinne impress, "Yes!" She shouts loudly, "Way to go Balinne!" She says, still bouncing in happiness, and she grins, and glances to Kaylon, his earlier comment forgotten, "Yeah... this is great, I should have placed marks on it, I am running a streak so far."

From the sands, Noemie joins in Caitlyn's words of praise for the little green. "She's absolutely beautiful," gorgeous..."

From the sands, Two girls from Boll cling to each other's hands, their knuckles white. The one with braids whispers, "Do you think that one's headed our way?" The other replies, "I hope not, after what happened earlier!"

From the sands, Balinne is speechless, well, mostly. "Zelieth," she murmers again, obivious to everything else. Lirit's appearance is only lightly noticed, almost as a distraction. "Oh, right..." and she stands, actually dusting off her knees. Carefully, with a hand on the greens head, she walks towards the side of the cavern.

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

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

From the sands, Kaylon lets go Caitlyn's hand to grab at Moyra's arm, pointing. "Aha! Now we know. A blue."

D'ryn cheers suddenly as Balinne impresses the prissy jeweled green dragon louder then anyone in the crowd could possibly muster, clapping his hands and dropping the skin that's thankfully closed, "Go Balinne, you impressed like I knew you would!" He's positively glowing with pride for his friend, boots sliding off the edge so he can lean closer to get a better look. "Plus, that was my biggest bet that Balinne impressed green." Almost like he needs to justify the outburst.

Suraiya giggles at the weyrwoman's look and then nods her head. "Of course, of course. She is young an' Vildaeth younger, but that jus' makes the hatchlings stronger." There's a pause in her words. It makes sense to her... "It's a very lovely clutch so far! Teonath should be a proud /young/ grandmot-- er, momma." To Sari she simply nods her head. "Yknow, s'long as no injury appears life-threatening, a candidate must be daft if they'd run off."

Zahava gives D'ryn an amused look. "Weyrlingmasters will have fun with her," she remarks rather dryly. "She doesn't hold much with.... manners," she concludes, her lips curving into a quick smile.

From the sands, Lirit follows Balinne and Zelieth a short way until she's once again clear of the Candidates, beaming as if the new rider were her sister or something.

From the sands, Caitlyn watches her friend leave with Lirit, wiping tears of happiness...and an odd regret from her own eyes. And quickly sees the blue emerging from his ensconcement. "Ooohhh..." she calls again, forgetting about Kaylon's hand. "The first blue...and he's pretty...all those shades and hues of blue. Like little sapphires on his wings..." She's rambling to herself once again.

From the sands, Bendel churns his head as the blue catches his attention, "Now they seem to be coming out faster, and he's /beautiful/, isn't he? I love that shade..." He drifts off quietly. His head swivels back and forth, a hand reaching up to wipe the sweat off his brow, "Hard to keep track of everything."

From the sands, Airalyn takes a deep breath as she tries to keep her wits about her in the chaos around her. The blue is given a quick look but the brown walking the line gets most of her attention. "He is taking his time, hopefully he won't claw anybody."

From the sands, Watery Tart Egg doesn't move. Or rather, it doesn't move much - but a tiny tremble is all it takes, and the two-toned egg, no longer supported by its nearest kin that's hatched mere moments ago, tips over. It rolls a few inches along the sands and comes to a gentle stop up against a lump of sand where some other egg previously lay and there, among some other shell's shards, it seems to pause for rest.

A thin smile shapes on Satiet's lips and with a delicate shrug of her shoulders, she gestures. "It's the same as ever. They fly. They clutch, they hatch, they Impress. Repeat." But for all her nonchalance of the subject, the fact that there's a betraying twitch of withheld delight along the corner of her lips says more. It disappears in another moment, the slender frame fidgeting uncomfortably beneath her Reachian leathers. "I always forget the heat here," is uttered lowly, her riding jacket soon following the gloves that rest on her lap.

From the sands, Moyra blinks as she feels Kaylon's hand on her arm, and she doesn't fight it, "Yeah, Brown and Blue from the eggs I liked." She says, glancing between the hatchlings.

From the sands, Finally, the Fastidious Sandswept Brown Hatchling stops, seeming to consider everything once more. He is pensive and quiet, one wingsail barely fluttering alongside his sand-swept side - then whirling eyes turn towards hazel eyes and ashwood hair. The choice is made.

From the sands, Kaylon grins. "I don't even care I lost a mark on that. He's a beaut."

Jozell climbs up some stairs into the seats.

Jozell has arrived.

D'ryn coughs and looks over at Zahava with a sudden cocktail of curiosity and surprise, "Are you speaking about how her dragon seemed to have it's nose in the air, or Balinne?" He leans back now his throat feels a little hoarse, taking the skin and having a quick drink to sooth it. His body detenses now that everyone he had known and really worried about has impressed, while there's still a sense of respect for the candidates left.

From the sands, Moyra blinks as she stands still, shaking her head a moment, and then ohs softly. "You are, well, I will make sure that its fixed right away Centh, never fear." She says, forgetting in the moment the others around her, as she looks around to see where she is to go, a hand reaching out to idly pluck a small fragment of shell off of one of his shoulders.

From the sands, After a moment resting, the Watery Tart Egg gets moving again. Bound up against the little lump of sand, it seems disinclined to go for another adventure - it settles for rattling about there in the hollow, if anything settling deeper into the sand. Getting comfy for a long stay, perhaps. A hairline crack leaking egg-goo from the shell's middle belies any such intent.

From the sands, Kaylon grabs Caity up, fair swinging her in his excitement for Moyra. After all, he can't hug /her/. "Alright Moyra!" He's proud enough he could bust. You'd think he'd been the one impressing.

From the sands, Stoic Slate Blue emits a creel-like sound to announce his entrance - or at least what he thinks is a creel. All this is so new, so strange! One harsh shudder depletes the last remnants of shards along his left side. Hesitating, the blue youngling takes a tentative step, then another, quickly seeking the approval of those around him. Not so hard, right? Let's go for more! Heading toward the circle of Candidates, another blue cuts across his path, causing such a quick stop that his balance is lost and down he goes, plopping into the sand. Oops.

From the sands, Moyra has disconnected.

Zahava clears her throat, shaking her head. "Balinne, although you're right about the green, as well," she says. The skin is eyed once more, but she makes no comment on that, sitting up. "Drat. There's a mark lost," she says, nodding to Moyra, her former fellow assistant headwoman. "But she /did/ Impress."

From the sands, Noemie grins widely as Moyra Impresses. "Oh, a brown, congrats Moyra!"

From the sands, Moyra has connected.

From the sands, Nolee's eyes open wide and she gasps, climbing up Nalaieth's foreleg in a most awkward fashion to get a better view. "Oh. Oh! It's Moyra! I'm sure of it." Petulant, she adds, "Now who will help me with the hidework? She'll be too busy. Oh!" Realizing she ought to be pleased, she smiles and waves--not like she'll be seen.

From the sands, Bendel blinks as the brown finds his one, "Congratulations Moyra!" Ben calls out, grinning widely to the new weyrling, shifting a little more on the sands. "Shards it's hot on here, I'm going to sweat until I'm a big puddle."

From the sands, Caitlyn misses one of her favorite eggs trembling in the stately march of the new blue...and then the Impression of the sandy brown to Moyra, now right next to her. "Moyra! You're his! Congratulations!" is her welcoming call, her eyes again tearing with emotion...and then the blue falls. Cait inhales, concern in her eyes and heart, but not daring to move forward. Shift-shift goe her feet on those awful sands.

From the sands, Lirit still has her back turned when Moyra speaks her lifemates name, still watching Balinne and Zelieth off the Sands. Shaking her head and still smiling, she turns and finds herself facing another newly matched pair and nearly bounces forward, her cares forgotten....and then smiling more widely as she realizes it's Moyra! Moving to stand beside her friend she speaks quietly to her, beaming like a child that's just been given a new toy.

From the sands, Sad Sparkle Egg twitches, then shudders, the lights glinting across its surface imitating a fancy chandelier, catching and refracting prisms.

From the sands, Kaylon exhales happily, for the moment forgetting he's standing on the sands, merely drinking in his friend's successes. "Aye." He nods, as if that explains everything.

From the sands, Stoic Slate Blue scrambles up onto all fours, continuing to edge closer along the left portion of the ring and the ever-lessening circle of Candidates. Driven inwardly, he forges ahead with an attempted bugle. This blue meanders slowly, hesitantly, snorting in mild disgust at one white robe then another. Finally, he plops down on the sand, neck snaking left then right as he ponders his next move. All righty then! Launching up and away, he is filled with renewed vigor to find just the right one, the Best of the Best!

From the sands, Noemie's eye is caught by the light refracting off the Sad Sparkle Egg and she watches it for a moment.

From the sands, Airalyn sighs once more in relief as the brown finally chooses someone. "Congratulation, Moyra." The blue's movement catches her same colored eyes. "I hope he is okay." The auburn haired woman says with a sight. "I will be glad when this is all over."

From the sands, Caitlyn has been quietly eyeing Sad Sparkle egg all along, on and off. And now that her favorite egg shudders and catches the light, the woman catches a breath, and watches it with rapt fascination. Even the antics of the blue don't distract her.

From the sands, The berry-hued band that streaks the Watery Tart egg splits suddenly asunder, spilling out goo turned frothy from the tumultuous struggle of the creature inside. But where is that creature? At first she is all but obscured in the foam. Then a great shake wracks her slender frame and egg-stuff goes flying, leaving in its sticky wake a wet, tiny green.

From the sands, Moyra looks over the brown before her, and a few more shards are plucked off, and then she grins, "Come on this way, get you something to eat." She says, beaming over to Kaylon, and sticks up both hands, 4 fingers on one, and one on the other extended to show her tally as she recalls to do so as she leaves the cluster.

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

From the sands,

She is tempting, this sparkling, darling green of the Istan sands. Her thin build and sheer summer-grass hues contribute to the pale and lofty delicacy that defines her beauty. It is hard to imagine such a lithe, narrow neck burdened by straps and rider, hard to imagine such a slender and finely arched back supporting the work of beating wings. And what wings! Sails, a glassy cloak of transparent chartreuse, pour like wine from willow-thin spars of cloudy lime. Her paws are long-toed and agile, her legs so slim it seems the bones must be curved, bowing to even the slight weight of her sparing musculature. Slender snout and long, pearled headknobs grant her face an uncommon allure, and like her dam she is all wide, wide eyes against the wonders and woes of the world. Raked-back 'ridges that drape daring curves down her neck take more after her sire, as do prominent, glossy teeth.

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

From the sands, A gleam of red and orange, bright like the rising sun, flashes against the black sands, drawing attention to the Anguished Firebound Egg. There's no subtlety here, as the egg rocks frantically back and forth, its inhabitant ready to escape.

From the sands, Bendel rubs at his shoulder a little, rolling it a little to relieve some ache or another. "Another green, that's what, the third green or so?" Ben asks to no one in particular, his eyes flickering about to make sure that none have charged his way.

From the sands, Kaylon moves closer to Caitlyn, and draws her attention to the newly hatched green. "Say, there's another." Not without keeping some of his attention for the nearby blue. One can never be too careful.

From the sands, Caitlyn *is* distracted by the hatching of the newest green, however, especially since her favorite egg is still again, for now. "Yeah, Kaylon...isn't she glorious, though? So perfect and feminine - and those *eyes*... You could fall in love with those eyes..." Cait is grinning like a little girl.

From the sands, Nolee watches the small, fragile green hatch, her eyes widening. "Ohh. She's so small, so delicate. Must be that you," This to Nalaieth, "Flew too low. Everyone's saying it." Nalaieth snorts in reply, and shivers her generous hide, causing Nolee to cling to her lifemate. "Stop that, I'll tumble off. Ohh, any more out yet?"

From the sands, Jocea has disconnected.

Kylia has disconnected.

D'ryn keeps his voice held for a moment before deciding that's not really him, "Well, I grew up in a family full of trade hunters, though I've never had trouble with anyone of high hold birth before. And Lirit and Jasia has the least manners of anyone I know, and they've gotten quite far." There's pride for his clutchsibs in his tone, leaning back for a moment before deciding to pocket the skin and stand himself up. "Well, I guess I better get to the weyrling barracks and help out those lovesick candidates if I can."

From the sands, The Stoic Slate Blue Hatchling marches determinedly across the hot sands. There is little hesitation in this blue youngling's stalwart pace now that the decision has been made, pre-empted only by a fleeting glance at a yell somewhere near the far end of the Candidate's row. Fleeting distraction gone, he now presses against the brown haired, freckle-faced lad, croons softly and gazes raptly into the boy's eyes.

From the sands, Bendel has partially disconnected.

From the sands, Jocea has connected.

From the sands, K'ylon laughs aloud, a bright sound that cuts through the chaos of the hatching. "Well, gee, Alaruth, uh.. food?" He can't help the gentle reaching out of hand to stroke his new lifemate. "Gosh."

From the sands, Airalyn keeps close to those around her and even gives Bendel a haft nod, "I think so. Though I am not sure as I can't keep everything that is going on." That begin said, she turns her attention back to the sands just as the blue makes his choice.

From the sands, Thin sandals are no match for the heat of Ista's sands, the tropical warmth almost overwhelming. Even though he's used to the heat, one of the local boys still shifts and moves, lifting one foot for a long minute before changing to the other. "Shards, why couldn't we wear boots?"

From the sands, Bendel shifts a little closer to the others as one by one they're picked off, a slight frown to his lips. "Congrats K'ylon!" Ben calls out as the blue picks the boy, "Doesn't look like there's many more left."

From the sands, K'ylon rubs his own tummy.

From the sands, Caitlyn releases Kaylon's hand in wondering surprise, her eyes huge as she backs up unconsciously to stare at the Impression of K'ylon to the stately blue. "K..K...oh whatever," she suddenly gripes, then grins hugely. "He's *yours*, a BLUE!" More sudden, belly laughter from the smith. "Oh Congratulations, Kay!"

Zahava shakes her head slightly. "I don't think that was the sort of manners I was talking about," she remarks, her hand lifting to waggle fingers. "Good luck," she adds, dipping her head slightly.

From the sands, Sad Sparkle Egg ceases its shuddering, then begins anew, its bright red brilliance churning until the egg winds up on its side, toppling out of its mound.

From the sands, Noemie looks over to K'ylon and his blue with a grin on her face. "Congrats," she chrouses with Bendel and Caitlyn, before turning back to watch the Sad Sparkle Egg continue to move.

A loud long groan issues from Sarisia's stomach. With a grin she points towards the toppling egg. "That one's been on an' off for a bit now, eh?" She asks, shifting in her spot slightly.

D'ryn smiles warmly at Zahava regardless, "I'm sorry, I really do have to see if I can help out." And then he's off with a quick-step to his movements, darting between other visitors and over seats on a beeline towards the barracks.

D'ryn walks down the stairs towards the entrance.

D'ryn has left.

From the sands, Lirit actually seems to be enjoying this now, scooping the new Weyrlings off the Sands. She turns to look over the Candidates and shards and dragonets and surviving intact eggs, spotting K'ylon and Alaruth almost immediately. She ambles closer and has a quiet word with the pair.

From the sands, Airalyn nods to K'ylon with a small grin. "One down how many to go." She asks herself. Now that K'ylon is out of the running, the auburn haired moves next to Caitlyn. Once there she chuckles. "We are losing them left and right." This is a bit of dry humor but it at least makes her smile.

From the sands, Ethereal Elixir Green lifts and resettles her wings, an expression of guarded bemusement on her face. It's been a busy day already - all that struggle to break free from her shell - and she's greeted by this mess? Shards everywhere and chaos about? Well, nothing to do for it but begin. She puts on her best face and sets out from her shell, long-toed paws plucking out precise steps one by one.

From the sands, Trembling, the sorrowful blues of the Sad Sparkle egg begin to split. A hole forms, and one bespeckled blue foreleg extends through it, scraping against the sharp shell and oozing ichor in its keen insistence to escape. A wail echoes from within, the hatchling's protest against the cruelties of the world, then he gathers his strength, his wounded forelimb becoming the instrument of the egg's destruction, and in an instant, he is wobbling, resolute, among the shards.

From the sands,

He is dominantly blue the way a pool of water is blue, a gathering of opaque droplets animated and moving sinuously across his rough-seeming hide. Dappled with shades of white, gray, and black from pointed muzzle to the stretch of slim tail, he innocuously blends in, melding with the environment and disappearing in camouflage against a cloud-touched sky or a gray stone wall. His neckridges start unusually far back behind sincere, expressive eyes, as though receding from a high forehead. When standing upright, he is a little shorter than most. His elongated wings are the deep blue of a well-dyed fabric, with a visual roughness of texture. One rounded shoulder is set lower than the other, so he appears tilted, and he seems to favor his left forelimb, often holding it gingerly close to his even chest. Rear limbs burgeon with the early promise of strong, lean muscle, hinting at a powerful yet latent ability to spring into action.

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

From the sands, Bendel lets out a quiet gush of air that he'd been holding, fidgeting restlessly with his robe as he chews on his lower lip. "Shards, I think that's it. Oh, another blue, he's a really nice color." The remaining green gets a quick look as she continues to move.

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

From the sands, Griere shifts a little beside V'lano, her hand on his arm to brace herself as she moves to her tiptoes to try to see over the chaos of the sands. "Can you tell how many are left? You'd think with a clutch this size it would be easier to keep track, but it's still so... overwhelming. You're taller, you look. Did a blue just hatch?"

From the sands, Caitlyn is swept up in the delight of her friends Impressing one after the other...and now turns her brown eyes to take in the dwindling number of eggs. She suddenly loses the smile so accustomed to settling on her features, and takes up a pensive frown instead. A small nod, seemingly to herself, is interrupted by the emergence of another blue into the world - and from *her* egg.

From the sands, Verbose Raincloud Blue takes tentative steps, slow and dragging, carrying the blue dragonet across the sands, a few droplets of ichor left in his wake. Plaintive cries seek his lifemate as one after another of the white-robed ones discarded or ignored. One rushes forward to help him as he slips in the sand, and he whirls rapidly at the youth, nearly falling into his slithery green clutchmate with the haste of his motion.

From the sands, Noemie nods, her expression one of slight worry similar to Bendel's. "Pretty, isn't he?" she says.

From the sands, V'lano's free hand is busy mopping back sweat-laden curls from his temples, but he pauses from clearing his eyes to push himself up to his full height, straightening his back and gazing out over the heads - both human and hatchling - that remain. "A couple?" is his inspecific and inaccurate guess. "I do see a blue, and he's wet."

From the sands, Bendel flashes a smiles, nodding enthusiastically in agreement with a slight grin. "He is pretty..." He trails off, wincing a little as the blue whilrs on one of the candidates, "Hope he's not hurt or anything."

From the sands, Caitlyn murmurs over to Noemie with worry clear in her tone, "He's *bleeding... That's not right, is it? How..." The smith is unconsciously chewing her lip, consternation growing. "He's so slow... It hurts to watch him walk..."

From the sands, Nolee watches the latest hatchlings, and tries to count how many hatchlings are still moving amid the shards, using her finger's pointing to track them for a little while. Eventually, she gives up, still clinging to the rather tranquil Nalaieth.

From the sands, Noemie takes another look at him, startled. "Is he? I didn't notice that before-- oh my--"

Jozell walks down the stairs towards the entrance.

Jozell has left.

From the sands, The shining Anguished Firebound Egg still shakes, pieces falling from it in a cascade of light. Soon all that's left is a green skulking out of the egg's debris, clothed in malachite stripes dark enough in places to blend with the sands. She creeps out slowly, long tail slithering behind her, until the raincloud blue's movement startles her--and then she tries to find somewhere to hide! A tall, auburn-haired woman in her path is left with a jagged slice as the hatchling strikes Airalyn with needle-sharp talons. The green hisses her displeasure, backing away from the woman and into a skinny, white-haired lad from Red Sands. This time there's no injury, only joy.

From the sands, The first hint of movement from the Waterlit Romance Egg is a tiny fluctuation in the liquid appearance on its bottom, like a stone that's been skipped over water. Then the trees move, almost swaying back and forth until the egg flips over onto its side, sending crackling lines all across its shell.

From the sands, Noemie's attention is suddenly caught by the Waterlit Romance egg. "Oh, look!" she exclaims, although she also glances sidelong at the blue, worried for it.

From the sands, Caitlyn blinks her worried gaze away from the blue for a moment to watch her second-favorite egg - Firebound - shake itself to pieces, with the green emerging. No fond words for her lovely coloration this time, just silent appreciation - and then the hatchling has suddenly lurched into her brother blue, and raked Airalyn! "Oh SHards and SHells! Not again!" she calls out.

From the sands, Ethereal Elixir Green seems to gasp, a sharp high-pitched suck of breath. Something has affronted her, something has offended her, something has oh! Her eyes widen, whirling a progression of hues from gold to scarlet to sudden, contented green as bejeweled as her hide. Something has enchanted her, something in a white candidate's robe.

From the sands, Bendel lets out a quiet cheer, grinning widely, "Congratulations!" Ben calls out as the green and her boy impress, turning quickly to study the other wandering dragons, "He's bleeding?" Ben seems to pick up on the conversation, focusing on the blue in question, "I hope he's okay..." From the sands, The heat of the sands seems to be getting to Vildaeth, and C'len pats him on the side. "We'll go for a swim later, hmm?" Then he turns to watch the dragons again, eyes widening as he sees another injury.

From the sands, Nolee gasps once at the little blue's movement, then twice as the slithery green seems to attack a candidate, though the healers are of course on the scene, just clear of the sands where Nalaieth's yawning maw can't reach them. There are more gasps, and people lean to one side, then to the other, as they attempt to see how bad the injury might be.

From the sands, Noemie shakes her head suddenly at a sudden sound inside her head, and then all of a sudden realization and intense joy radiate from her. "Oh, Naijath! Hunger, yes, we must find food-- Her name is Naijath," she announces for all to hear.

From the sands, Airalyn lets out a cry as the green's talon pierce her leg and blood oozes and mats her robe to her leg. Her eyes light up with pain as she press her lips together as she struggles to stay upright.

From the sands, Bendel smiles at Noemie, "Congratulations Nomie, that's a pretty name, I like it!" he shifts again on the sands, brushing off some imagionary piece of dirt from his robe, frowning in disgust, "I don't like these things, I plan on a shower afterwards. I feel so sticky."

From the sands, Naijath rumbles whisperingly and nudges Noemie's hand with her headknobs - then prances quickly a step away, as if to lead her chosen one along. Not that she has any real idea as to where she is going, but her eyes are bright and her belly is empty - there must be somewhere they should go!

From the sands, Though the slight trail of ichor has tapered off already, the Verbose Teardrop Blue continues to hold his left forelimb close to his chest, cradling it as he unsteadily searches the sands. At last, his gaze finds a broad-shouldered girl with golden brown eyes. He launches himself at her, swiping Caitlyn lightly across the forehead with his talons, his ichor mingling with her fresh trail of blood before he finally lands, hissing, at her feet.

From the sands, Caitlyn starts again as Noemie Impresses, once again a friend right next to her, and blurts out a quick, "Congratulations, Noe!" before whipping her head back around to stare in consternation at Airalyn's injury. Heopfully the Healers can handle this one. Cait has no more belts...

From the sands, Lirit finds herself facing two Impressions almost at once, moving quickly to the nearest pair which happen to be Caitlyn and Kintryth, offering a few brief words to them before moving on.

From the sands, Noemie grins at Bendel and Caitlyn, but is all eyes on her little green, following her off the sands.

From the sands, Caitlyn yells in sudden pain as the blue swipes talon tips across her forehead, sending her to her rear in the Sands, trying to curl up and roll away... And instead, the smith simply lies there for a moment, then sitting up to catch at the head of the limping blue, and pulls it softly to her chest with a low moan. "Oh Kintryth... mine is yours...yours is mine. It's okay..." She pulls herself away from him only a moment to struggle to her feet, tears running down her cheeks.

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

From the sands, Bendel grins widely as the blue impresses Caitlyn, "Congratulations, Caitlyn, he's beautiful!"

From the sands, Lirit only notices the injuries to the pair as she nears them, eyes going quickly to the Hatchling first to assess the wounds, then to the new rider.

From the sands, Noemie heads out towards the entrance.

From the sands, Noemie walks onto the sands from the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.

From the sands, Kintryth leans his lean head down toward his Caitlyn, nuzzling her briefly before he whuffles impatience, his gaze looking off to where everyone else is going.

From the sands, A curse escapes the Weyrleader's mouth and he draws back toward Griere from his straining-to-see pose. "There's two more hurt," he hisses, though whether he means candidates or dragons or what is probably hard to say. He's waving, then, to signal the healers - but they're way ahead of him and for now, all V'lano can do is shake his head, be helpless, and take comfort from Griere's hand on his arm.

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

From the sands, Caitlyn is almost unheeding of her own blood, swiping the prodigious flow away from her eyes to bend down and examine Kintryth with Lirit. Nodding at the Weyrlingmaster, and deftly, gently escorting her limping blue lifemate off the Sands, she suddenly turns and smiles tearily to the rest of her fellow Candidates. Nothing said, but all in her eyes, she sighs, and turns back, walking off silently.

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

From the sands, The Waterlit Romance Egg, striated with cracks, splits into pieces that are almost neat, even quarters, the last egg giving way to reveal a cheery-looking cerulean hatchling. He considers his new world, steadying himself with wings spread wide to dry that fan out like an umbrella. A flap of those wings helps pull him to his feet so he can explore. The hatchling drifts along in an airy glide, then a hastening flurry of motion brings him to a halt in front of a freckle-faced, red haired girl with two long braids. This is the one he'll care for! The girl throws her arms around the blue, joyfully calling out his name for all to know as the final impression is made.

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

Joshi goes home.

Joshi has left.

From the sands, Finally it dawns on Jocea - there's more to worry about here than the eggs. She darts to Airalyn's side, barely managing to call out a quick congratulations to the other injured candidate with her injurious blue. "Are you going to be - ?"

From the sands, Griere sighs at the mounting list of injuries. "I think it's the heat. Ista's heat added to the heat of the sands and all the excitement. We tell them to be careful but..." She shrugs her bare shoulders.

From the sands, Lirit watches the new pair go, keeping a close eye on that dragonet's limp. He'll recover.....she finally glances up to the rider and sighs. Headwounds......ugh.

From the sands, Bendel turns as another blue impresses a female, tilting his head to the side, "Shards, so many hurt today, glad I didn't get in the way." Sagenod.

From the sands, Nolee's still standing there with wide, wide eyes, her hands covering her mouth as the last impression is completed. She steps slowly down from Nalaieth's forelimb, moving toward C'len and watching the healers converge near Airalyn, and by proxy, Jocea. "Is-is it over?" she asks, voice hesitant, eyes searching the sands and stands for the familiar figures of the Weyr's leaders.

From the sands, "I know. It's worse here - I mean, not that it's a fault." V'lano asides his Weyrwoman a tired, but mischievous smile. "I think you're right: it's the heat." Then he steps forward, where he can address the white-robed figures who remain on the hatching grounds. "I want you to know that each of you was searched for a reason. I know you may be disappointed that today did not make you a dragonrider - but the potential that got you searched is still there, and on another day, in another clutch, you may yet find your lifemate. You are all welcome to stay on at Ista or, if you prefer, our riders will take you to your homes tomorrow morning. For now, we hope you'll come celebrate with us."

The Weyrleader turns, then, to address the stands, opening a sweeping gesture of invitation to those who've watched the last hatchlings impress. "I want to thank all of you for being here today to welcome our newest riders, and I personally invite you all to the living cavern to celebrate them."

Naina goes home.

Naina has left.

Zahava rises immediately with the Weyrleader's speach, and turns to hurry from the stands to check the kitchen, and make certain that everything is, indeed, ready for the press of people about to arrive.

Zahava walks down the stairs towards the entrance.

Zahava has left.

Amira walks down the stairs towards the entrance.

Amira has left.

Delu walks down the stairs towards the entrance.

Delu has left.

From the sands, Airalyn eyes are haft close as she attempts to keep standing despite her injured leg. It is a good thing that there are no more hatching left on the stands as she is losing a bunch of blood. Jocea's words are lost as the woman is quickly being worked on by the healers.

As the hatching draws to a close, Satiet rises to her feet and gives a tacit nod towards Suraiya and Sarisia. "If you stay for the festivities, give my regards to C'len, but Teonath says my attention is required at the Reaches. Good evening, the two of you." The young woman shrugs the jacket of her shoulders and pulls on her gloves before making as clipped as possible pace out towards the bowl.

Satiet walks down the stairs towards the entrance.

Satiet has left.

From the sands, "I think so," C'len says, voice low, his speech slow with drawl. V'lano's words bring a nod from the 'Reachian visitor, before his gaze slides over to the scattered shards, the healers, then back again to Nolee. Vildaeth croons soft concern for the injured candidate.

From the sands, Bendel gives a quick nod, shrugging it off. "Hey, it's back to work as always, nothing different in life. I'm not missing anything, it'll be nice to go back to my quiet little cot."

From the sands, Jocea gazes thoughtfully upon Airalyn, but as the healers surround them she seems to understand her fellow candidate's now in good care. She remains upon the sands for a moment longer. Though they threaten to spill from her eyes, she sniffs back the tears, smiling slightly to the clutchparents, giving a respectful bow as she does, and quietly drifts off the sands.

From the sands, Jocea heads out towards the entrance.

From the sands, Lirit takes a moment to regard the remains of the eggs on the Sands, the remaining Candidates, and then turns on her heal, striding from the Hatching Ground; she has serious business to attend to.

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

From the sands, Bendel heads out towards the entrance.

Sarisia gets up to leave, dusting herself off slightly. She nods to the departing goldrider. "That was a pretty interesting hatching. Well, now it's time for the food!" Off she goes, happy for the awaiting feast.

Sarisia walks down the stairs towards the entrance.

Sarisia has left.

Alexiel goes home.

Alexiel has left.

Suraiya gets up after her sister, glancing down to the eggless sands one more time before turning towards the entrance. Food it is. "Wait up, Sari!" She calls before bounding off.

Suraiya walks down the stairs towards the entrance.

Suraiya has left.

From the sands, His piece said, V'lano casts a gaze at Airalyn. The healers seem to have her well in hand, so the Weyrleader turns to Griere and offers his hand. "Shall we get washed up?"

From the sands, Airalyn heads out towards the entrance.

From the sands, Griere nods readily. "Yes, let's. It's always over so quickly. Such a lovely clutch though. Nalaieth and Vildaeth did an admirable job." She inclines her head, arm in V'lano's, ready to head off.

From the sands, Griere walks down the tunnel that leads to the Senior Queen's Weyr.

From the sands, V'lano walks down the tunnel that leads to the Senior Queen's Weyr.

From the sands, Glowbasket is strapped into place aboard IstaW_Bldr.

From the sands, Nolee steps up to C'len's side, her expression pinched with concern. "That one didn't look so good. I mean, I'm sure she'll still be able to walk, but...maybe they'll even have to do stitches." A cringe. Then she tries to cheer up, smiling to C'len. "Oh, he can leave now! He'll be awfully happy to get away from the hot. Your Vil--er, Vildaeth, I mean." Nala nods approvingly: at least she got it right.

From the sands, "He'll be glad to cool off. Maybe we'll take a quick dip in the sea before dinner?" Though, the rumble in C'len's stomach suggests that may be too far off for this perpetually-hungry rider. "Might be good to cool off and get rid of all the sweat." He grins over to Vildaeth, who is not yet ready to leave the sands despite the heat: he's too busy being smug. Vildaeth leans in a moment, briefly touching his pointed snout against Nalaieth, before C'len says to them both, "Good job," with a grin.

From the sands, Nolee nods, tugging down her shirt as she notices it's come up to show some of her middle. "I wouldn't mind a dip, too. And Nalaieth--maybe we'll join you. She's starving, too, and doubtless will bloat herself if I don't go supervise." Nolee giggles at the thought, then again as Nala returns the draconic affection borne of the newly hatched younguns. "Never thought she'd be out before him," She laughs, as the gold takes wing. "I'd better follow. See you soon, perhaps at the beach before the feast."

From the sands, "Sounds like a plan," C'len grins. Vildaeth, not hungry like his rider, launches from the sands, up and out--and to the beach, where he makes his rider follow, on foot. "Shardit," C'len mutters, before hurrying out of the sands with a wave to Nolee.

From the sands, C'len heads out towards the entrance.

From the sands, Vildaeth heads out towards the entrance.