The Hatching of Gold Rialeth and Bronze Zyanth's Clutch
PernMUSH, March 4, 1996


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




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

<*> D'ris lands on the ledges next to Rsonth's head with a slight bend in 
his knees. Pulling off his flight gloves, he grins brightly to all, 
"Fort's duty to all." He takes a moment to gaze up at the starry sky, 
"..and what a fine evening for a Hatching it is!"

<*> Prefeth lands carefully with a neat backwing.

<*> Astride Juliath, Meli unbuckles herself from Juliath's riding straps.

<*> Astride Prefeth, Aphrael releases the riding straps holding her in 
place.

<*> On the sands, Zyanth lowers his head to his rider. As he does F'ren 
rubs the dragon's muzzle. "Its time, is it?"

<*> Aphrael climbs down from Prefeth's neckrides with practised ease, 
reaching up to give her lifemate a thankful scritch as the blue dragon 
crooons.

<*> Voth croons back a greeting to Genneth.

<*> Meli slips smoothly down from Juliath's neck to her foreleg and to the 
ground, giving her a gentle caress.

<*> P'tran gives Laerth a pat on the neck and glances over as he sees some 
of the younger Benden dragons arrived. Laerth swings his head over to peer 
at them as well

Kassima unfastens her riding straps, preparing to dismount.

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

Aphrael salutes the various riders, pulling off her helmet and goggles.

On the sands, F'ren looks up at Rialeth and then over at Vivian.

Nya smiles over to Voth. "Convey my greetings to your rider. It's been far 
too long."

Ashlith quietly settles in with a delighted humm.

Meli also salutes, removing her own gear and piling it near Juliath. She 
peers out at the sands.

Lysseth warbles a greeting to the other dragons as her lifemate tugs off 
her helmet, then salutes the riderfolk.

Prefeth begins to hummm softly, whirling eyes on the sands below.

Narai settles back against Farrith, "I've never seen it from this 
viewpoint," she remarks softly, mainly to herself.

On the sands, Vivian smiles warmly as she reaches up to caress her 
lifemate. She grins as she looks over her shoulder at F'ren and up at the 
huge form of Zyanth.

From Ashlith's graceful neck, D'ran smiles "Thanks for bringing me, Kari. 
I was afraid I was going to miss this.

On the sands, Rialeth rumbles loudly as her eyes flash. She lowers her 
head to accept the caress and then resumes her watchful gaze.

P'tran comes out frmo behind Laerth so he's in full view of the Benden 
Weyrlings. "I take it then that you had no lessons this evening?"

From Ashlith's graceful neck, Karitha grins at D'ran, "No problem."
D'ran swings a leg over Ashlith's neck and slides down her shoulder to the 
ground.

Karitha gives her lifemate a loving caress before swinging a leg over 
Ashlith's sinuous seagreen neck and sliding lightly to the ground.

Nya looks out stoically toward the sands.

Aphrael nods to P'tran. "Only Between, sir, and the weyrlingmaster has 
already gone through that lesson with us."

Meli quirks a grin. "Well, no sir... Kerlyn was givin' extra practice 
t'some, but it was optional... rest o'us were given leave t'come here..."

On the sands, Zyanth raises his head up from F'ren and settles back onto 
his haunches, his eyes focusing on the clutch of eggs.

Kassima nods. "Aye, sir...." She trails off as her friends explain.

Karitha smiles shyly as she leans up against Ashlith and looks out towards 
the sands.

D'ris smiles and makes his way torwards Nya, dipping his head 
respectfully torwards her, "Evening, Nya. Always a pleasure to see you 
again."

P'tran nods to them. "Very good." He smiles. "So this will be your first 
hatching you'll watch as a rider."

Nya smiles to D'ris. "Yes, I should visit more often. It seems now I have 
even less time than ever."

D'ran smiles to the riders he knows and makes his way toward P'tran 
"Greetings, Weyrleader. High Reaches duty to Benden. How fare things 
there?"

Meli grins again, eyes going a bit soft as she looks at Juliath. 'Yah, 
sir.'

Aphrael seats herself on Prefeth's foreleg from where she gets a better 
view. She smiles at P'tran, "Yes sir!" She agrees, looking up at Prefeth.

On the sands, Zyanth begins a low humming, coming from deep in his chest.

On the sands, Rialeth settles back with her mate, her eyes on the clutch 
before her.

P'tran looks over to D'ran and smiles. "Hey, D'ran, good to see you. 
Things appear to be well at Benden. We've been a little short in the wings 
recently but we're more than holding our own."

Ceara vaults down Anaryth's side to the ground, using his straps as 
handholds.

On the sands, K'ri walks onto the sands from the Bowl entrance.

Merinth's landing is slow and easy as her encumbered form slowly wheels to 
a cautious landing.

Genneth croons to the other Istans.

Ceara waves over to Karitha and D'ran. "Hey kids!" She runs over.

Ashlith lifts her head and croons happily at Anaryth.

Kassima smiles. "Aye, sir--'twill be something different to be up here 
instead of down there." She grins slightly. "Better view, for one thing--
can see everything from up here." She perches herself on Lysseth's foreleg 
as the young green hummmmms down at the sands.

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

On the sands, K'ri smiles to the Weyrleaders and bows to Rialeth and 
Zyanth...standing off to the side as the candidates approach

On the sands, Martigan bows to Rialeth and Zyanth, then to Weyrwoman 
Vivian and Weyrleader F'ren as he steps onto the Sands.

D'ris smiles and nods, eyes darting out curiously to the Sands, "Indeed. 
I, on the other hand, should try to visit Ista when time allows it. I have 
a few friends I havn't seen in ages. Seems like everyone's busy nowadays, 
but it's always good to take time out for a Hatching or two.."

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

Anaryth warbles to Ashlith.

Tilani slides easily out of her seat on Merinth's neck to land on the 
ground.

Lunarth warbles happily at Merinth.

On the sands, Vivian looks over as the Candidates begin filtering in. She 
looks over at F'ren and smiles warmly.

D'ran smiles, the expression coming out a bit distorted on the from 
scaring there "I am glad to hear it."

Marina expertly swings her leg over Channeth's neck and slides down to the 
ground using his foreleg as a step.

Aphrael blinks and sits up. "Look, its Mart!"

Merellia descends to the ground from Neith's neckridges by the aid of a 
considerately extended foreleg, hands finding holds in the straps.

Neith warbles greetings as she backwings to a neat landing.

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

Keth metuculously looks for a wide and unpopulated ledge to settle on. He 
warbles his greetings to Genneth after noticing her.

G'rel dismounts from Keth, sliding down the bronze's neck.

Merinth greets the dragons assembled with demure respect.

Nya smiles. "Tilani! Ista's duty to Igen. How are you and Merinth?"

Karitha looses herself in just watching the candidates come ontot he 
sands.

R'tar slides easily from Taloth's back, landing on the ground neatly.

Ceara says "hatchings are the most fun, lots of people to bother."

On the sands, F'ren looks over and smiles as he sees the candidates filing 
onto the sands. Turning, he looks at Vivian, a grin on his face.

D'ris finds a nice place to sit in front of his lifemate and sits down. 
Glancing around the company, a mischeivous look in his eyes, the 
bronzerider calls out, "5 marks that the first Hatchling is a bronze!"

P'tran grins at Kassima's comment and chuckles.

Marina strokes Channeth's back before she moves towards G'rel and 
Merellia.

Meli cranes her neck. "Where, Aph?" as she peers down. "Oh! There he 
is..." and grins.

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

On the sands, Aladis enters slowly, bowing deeply to Rialeth and Zyanth, 
taking her place next to Martigan and smiling nervously at him.

Aphrael cheers as she spots Aladis, "Wow so many I know out there!"

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

On the sands, Taywne moves forward. He turns and bows deeply to Rialeth 
and Zyanth. He turns and moves to join the other candidates.

Kassima follows Aph's gaze and grins with excitement. "Aye, there he is!" 
She fingers the pouch of marks at her belt thoughtfully. "What d'you think 
the first egg will be?" she asks.

On the sands, Zyanth continues his humming, the volumn of sound increasing 
as more of the candidates arrive.

Vrisalka shakes her head at D'ris, "It'll be a blue."

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

On the sands, Rialeth rumbles softly as she watches the Candidates take a 
place around the mound of eggs.

P'tran folds his arms and moves around to near the front of his dragon, 
leaning against one of Laerth's forelegs as the bronze settles down, eyes 
whirling and peering out over the sands with interest

On the sands, Jadir moves cautiously onto the sands, bowing respectfully 
to Rialeth and Zyanth, then to F'ren and Vivian.

On the sands, The fortian forest egg shifts back and forth on the sands, 
the heat under its shell now less comforting. It rocks an inch or two, 
hops a bit, then stops again.

On the sands, Jadir moves to take his place in line.

On the sands, Darran steps onto the sands, his face pale. Ignoring the 
heat, he joins the semicircle and bows to the queen and her mate.

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

Tilani waves to Nya, "And Igen's to Ista." -- "We're something between 
flight-bold and clutch-shy."

D'ris inclines his head torwards his fellow Dawnguard rider, "I guess 
we'll see, Vri, but I still say a bronze..." he grins and winks to the 
bluerider, then looks out to the sands.

On the sands, Martigan moves over to help form a loose semi-circle around 
the eggs. His hands are clenched at his side and with every step his robe 
rides up, revealing his booted feet.

On the sands, Channie walks in, cursing gracefully to the gold and Bronze 
before she hikes up her robe a little and joins her friends.

Meli chuckles. "I'll wager 'fake' marks w'ya,Kassi, but not real ones... 
but I'll bet on a... blue?"

On the sands, Vaughan walks forward and bows low to Rialeth, Zyanth and 
the Weryleaders before taking his place in the semi-circle.

On the sands, The tropical island egg shifts ever so slightly, leaning to 
the left side, threatening to topple over. The sheer weight of the egg 
seems to hold it in place, though it is buried halfway into the sands.

On the sands, K'ri smiles at the candidates...motioning a few nervous ones 
to bow and take their places

R'tar sits silently by Tilani, watching the sands with interest.

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

Kelesta dismounts under Calenth's watchful, whirling eye.

Tilani coils her arm around R'tar's waist, looking down at the clutch 
after making her greetings to those assembled.

Marina inclines her head to Merellia, "I heard that Cheran was searched 
for this hatching!"

On the sands, Jadir's hand twitch nervously and he attempts to hide them 
in the folds of his robe as he sidles closer to Channie for reassurance.

On the sands, Aladis minces a few steps to one side, lifing her sandaled 
feet carefully, glancing first at the rocking eggs, then at the other 
arriving Candidates.

Aphrael watches Channie come out, grinning happily. She turns slightly, 
"Did someone say bet?" She looks back as Sela comes out.

D'ran takes a seat with the rest of the High Reachis riders, anxiously 
watching the sands below

On Aurelinth, Darci unbuckles straps, and slides down.

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

Kassima grins at Meli. "Ah, you're no fun--but I agree with you, 'twill be 
a blue one." She glances over at Aphrael. "Aph? You have any guesses?"

Meli grins. "Wow, Sela too..."

Aurelinth lowers her head and Darci slides down from her neck and jumps 
the last few feet to the ground.

On the sands, Selandra slips in between Channie and Jadir, taking their 
hands in her own, and smiles nervously.

Merellia smiles, resting back against one of Neith's forelegs as she 
watches the Candidates assemble around the rocking eggs. Looking around to 
Marina, her mouth curls in a grin. "So'd I...know anyone else Standing?"

Narai smiles quietly at Kelesta and scritches Farrith.

On the sands, Channie grins over to Jadir, her cheeks flushed a deep pink.

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

On the sands, Vaughan rocks on his feet, his hands clasped behind his back 
and his face tryingto stay calm.

Kassima grins broadly as she sees Channie. "Ruatha might wind up being 
pretty empty...."

Aphrael giggle softly, "Well, since y'all are betring blue, I'll say the 
first will be a green."

On the sands, Shayna curtsies respectfully to Rialeth, Zyanth, and the 
weyrleaders, taking her place in the semi-circle of Candidates. She 
smoothes her robe with trembling fingers, glancing up into the Stands.

On the sands, The fortian forest egg hops again and rolls a few feet this 
time with the force of the struggle within the shell. The Candidates 
closest to the egg might be able to hear a tappitytap from within the 
green shell. After a moment or two of silence, the egg bounces once, hard, 
then rests motionless again.

P'tran glances over as he sees a gold alight on the ledges. "Good to see 
you, Darci. Benden's duty to you and High Reaches."

On the sands, Taywne shifts slightly as the sands heat begins to be felt.

On the sands, Channie squeezes Sela's hand and beams up at her.

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

On the sands, Cheran steps out onto the sands and takes his place at the 
end of the line, dropping a bow that nearly doesn't wobble to the dragons 
and bites his lip, glancing up at the galleries over his shoulder 
nervously.

"Course, I was wrong most o'the time at ours, remember" -- Meli adds.
Tilani gives her greetings and Igen's duty to Darci and The Reaches.

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

On the sands, Selandra turns to the Fort gold and drops a deep curtsey to 
her, and then to Zyanth.

D'ris smirks sidelong to Aphrael, "..sounds like one bet for a bronze, a 
bunch'o blue's, and a green... It'll be interesting to see what happens.."

On the sands, Kershala brushes back her hair and bites her lip as she 
heads toward the end of the line. She pauses to bow to the gold, trying 
not to trip.

Darci waves and greets, looking more discheveled than usual, with hair 
tangled and strewn half in her face in a funny way, and on her feet one 
old boot and one new. Perhaps she just woke up.

R'tar throws his marks near D'ris. "Brown." he says, simply.

On the sands, Channa bows low to the Gold and Bronze as she makes her way 
to stand among her friends around the eggs.

On the sands, Aladis's eyes turn to the rocking green egg, watching it 
move about on the sands, one hand clenching, then unclenching. She turns 
her head slightly to smile at Sela and Vaughan.

On the sands, Jadir grips Sela's hand tightly, his weight shifting from 
foot to foot as he glances to her with an anxious smile.

Marina walks slides down to sit on the ledge and peers down at the sands. 
To Merellia, "By the egg I think that's Selandra down there, the assistant 
headwoman at Nabol."

Aphrael chuckles at Meli, "True, though. I think we were all a little 
surprised." She smiles at D'ris, "Yep, I still say green first."

P'tran peers at Darci and smiles. "Hatchings come when you least expect 
them," he comments.

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

On the sands, The tropical island egg shifts just a bit more, held into 
position by the warm sands. It trembles there for a few moment, vibrating 
in it's little valley.

On the sands, Taywne smiles at Sela, Vaughan and Channie.

Nya nods impassively to Tilani then manages a weak smile to Darci. "Ista's 
duty to High Reaches, Weyrwoman."

On the sands, Darran's eyes are riveted to the moving eggs, and he stands 
remarkably still on the burning hot stands.

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

On the sands, Vaughan smiles to Aladis and reaches out to take her hand. 
He looks around at the eggs and glances over his shoulder at the 
galleries.

On the sands, Kershala wobbles from one foot to another, watching the eggs 
with wide eyes as they move.

D'ris's eyes move from the marks near him up to R'tar, "Heard and 
witnessed." He grins and lays down his marks on top of R'tar's, "And I bet 
bronze." Glncing around, his eyes settle down on the Sands again.

On the sands, Cheran bites his lip and watches the eggs, trying not to 
wobble in his nervousness.

On the sands, Rillae scans the sands for Tawyne. Having spotted him, she 
curtseys to Rialeth and Zyanth and moves towards him.

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

On the sands, Shayna's eyes scan the stands expectantly, and a forelorn 
expression crosses her face for a moment. Then, her eyes light as she 
spots her parents and her shoulders relax.

On the sands, Jalynn steps forward, pausing and bowing to Rialeth before 
taking her place with her friends.

On the sands, Channie grins over to Channa as she takes her place. Her 
eyes go wide as she watches the eggs moving.

Darci gives a greeting to P'tran with a flushed chuckle, "That they do" 
and then to Nya and Tilani "And High Reaches in return." and others that 
she sees on the ledge, and then sits with the others from the Reaches.

On the sands, Jadir risks a glance toward the galleries, which are too 
crowded for him to spot any friends, then turns back to the eggs, his lip 
between his teeth.

On the sands, Kaeya bows deeply to Rialeth, her hair falling forward as 
her head bends in respect.

On the sands, Martigan's ears, sticking out now that his hair has been cut 
short, turn bright red as he feels eyes on him.

On the sands, Taywne grins at Rillae and nods. His eyes turn back to the 
eggs.

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

On the sands, Kershala nudges over next to Cheran and grabs his hand, 
grinning to him, then turns back to the eggs.

Aphrael starts yelling again as more Ruathan's appear, watching Kaeya with 
a grin.

On the sands, Aladis grips Vaughan's hand tightly for a moment, smiling up 
at him, turning back to watch the eggs closely.

On the sands, Kaeya rises, pushing her hair back, and taking a deep, 
nervous breath while striding over to Jalynn.

On the sands, Rillae waves Jalynn over to her. She smiles nervously.

D'ran smiles in greeting to Darci, his face still looking a bit lopsided 
with score-scar, but his eyes just as bright as ever

Meli starts to count up Candidates she knows... "Hm... how many..."

On the sands, K'ri smiles at the next candidates...urging them to their 
places after a bow to the Weyrleaders and the Queen

On the sands, Zyanth cocks his head slightly as he peers at one of the 
eggs, a warble escaping from his chest.

Merellia smiles a greeting to Darci before she looks over Marina's 
shoulder down to the sands. "A good friend of yours, then, Marina? Or more 
an acquaintanceship?"

On the sands, Luthon steps in and pauses at the edge of the sands to bow 
to golden Rialeth and bronze Zyanth before joining the other candidates.

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

On the sands, Jalynn rubs her hands over her arms and smiles at Kaeya and 
Rillae.

Ceara smiles and waves to Darci. "Hi!"

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

On the sands, Anise follows the last of the candidates in. She takes a 
position in the shadows, watching the eggs and her future weyrlings 
intently.

G'rel glances to Merellia and Marina. "First one you're watching since you 
Impressed, isn't it?" and nods toward the sands.

Darci squints and looks down, "Have you spotted Selandra yet?" She says to 
those around her. "I can't make her out."

J'rell slides down Mileketh's foreleg and off.

On the sands, The fortian forest egg is quiet, peaceful and at home in its 
little valley...then suddenly shakes more violently, bouncing again. 
Filligree cracks appear in the shell, creating a webbed effect across the 
smooth green surface.

On the sands, Selandra closes her eyes and breathes deeply, the flush on 
her face belaying her frantic nerves.

On the sands, Kershala looks up at the stands for a moment, scanning them 
nervously. Then she grins as she sees everyone she was looking for.

On the sands, F'ren smiles as he sees the Weyrlingmaster arrive and then 
turns to look over the group of candidates.

On the sands, Kaeya glances at Jalynn, a huge smile lighting her face, 
while a still very prevelant nervous gleem resides in her eyes.

Tilani waves up to J'rell and Mileketh.

On the sands, Martigan squares his back as he locks his eyes on the eggs. 
His mouth opens slightly as a crack appears in one of the eggs.

On the sands, Rhyana steps forwards, and then stops, curtseying low to 
Rialeth and Zyanth, and nodding at their riders. She then makes her way 
to an open spot in the semi-circle, her hands folded tensely in front of 
her.

Kassima grins enthusiastically as people she recognizes from Ruatha appear 
on the sands, and she glances over at the exuberant Aph with a grin. 
"Looks like Ruatha's been practically emptied," she laughs, then turns to 
watch the eggs again.

On the sands, Cheran takes a deep breath, then lets it out. He shuts his 
eyes and clenches his fists, and then lets go, somewhere finding a 
resouvoir of calm. He takes Kershala's offered hand and squeezes it 
tightly, letting out his nervousness that way and ctually manages to stand 
steady for once. He watches the egg intently, and runs his other hand 
throug his hair.

Marina looks at who Merellia is greeting and salutes Darci, "Ista's duty 
to High Reaches." To Merellia, "Oh, I wa just saying that I think that's 
Selandra down there, the Assistant Headwoman at my old Hold."

On the sands, Shayna reaches out to briefly clasp hands with the 
Candidates to either side of her, and then her head turns jerkily towards 
the rocking egg.

On the sands, Channa eyes the eggs as a shiver runs over her, her hands 
toying with the material of her robe. She gasps at the sign of cracks on 
the eggs surface.

On the sands, Jadir blinks in surprise as the egg cracks, his nervousness 
momentarily forgotten as he stares intently at the egg.

On the sands, Luthon takes a deep breath and looks carefully as the first 
egg cracks.

On the sands, Taywne eyes focus on the eggs movements.

On the sands, Kershala's eyes go wide as the egg cracks. She squeezes 
Cheran's hand back and watches intently.

On the sands, A powerful thumping comes from within the Fortian Forest 
Egg. The noise increases and the egg begins to vibrate and shake, bouncing 
around within the confines of its sandy depression. Suddenly, the egg 
breaks, dumping its contents unceremoniously onto the sands!

On the sands, Navy Blue Hatchling:
This hatchling is a deep navy blue color, marked with a dappling of tiny 
light blue specks scattered over his body in a random fashion, giving the 
appearance of a starry night. A pale blue nebula splashes out from his 
nose halfway down his silky neck, gradually fading down his body into an 
inky, shadowy tail. His wings are dark blue, a bit on the short side, but 
already you can see the definition of muscle prominent beneath them. He is 
smaller and thicker than the average blue. His muscular body gives the 
promise of great speed and acceleration in flight. He carries himself with 
a gentle arrogance, his movements calm and deliberate.

On the sands, Vaughan watches the cracking egg carefully.

On the sands, Rhyana glances at the candidates around her, smiling 
slightly, and reaching out her hands to either side.

On the sands, Zyanth BUGLES!

Meli says "Blue!"

On the sands, Vivian smiles warmly at Anise and then turns her attention 
fully onto the eggs.

Lemarath crouches down so that Shandra may dismount.

Tilani chuckles, her greetings extend to Shandra and her Queen, as the 
Igen Weyrleadership arrives.

Marina nods to G'rel, "Yes it is. Its a bit strange to see it from this 
end. Ohh! A blue!"

On the sands, Kershala gasps as the blue spills forth onto the sands.

Aphrael pouts. "Was a blue after all.."

Vrisalka grins at D'ris "Ha, I was right."

D'ran grins "A blue!!"

On the sands, Cheran starts just a little as the egg pops open.

Laerth cranes his neck foward a bit to get a good look at something and 
spoils his lifemates cozy viewing position. "Stop moving, beast," he 
mutters, then glances over and spots the Igen Weyrleaders and nods a 
greetng to them with a smile. "Benden's duty to you."

On the sands, Rillae ohs as the eggs splits open. Her gaze falls upon the 
little blue.

D'ris chuckles, "Blue!"

Elynie chuckles in saitisfaction. "Blue. Hmf."

On the sands, Rialeth lifts her voice and BUGLES!

Ceara says "all right! blue!"

Shandra waves cheerily.

On the sands, Martigan's nervousness fades as the blue hatchling appears. 
His blue eyes widen in awe and he can't help but smile tenderly at the 
creature.

On the sands, Channie leans forward a little and gasps as the first 
hatchling rolls out onto the sand, her smile bright as she watches him.

On the sands, Taywne smiles as he sees the blue hatchling stand forth.

R'tar glances once, back at his lost marks. He shrugs and smiles 
privately. "A blue. Yes."

Kassima grins. "Blue!" she says with a satisfied nod. "And a handsome 
one."

On the sands, Vaughan blinks and a huge smile comes to his face as the 
blue hatches.

Darci waves to Shandra and J'rell and then looks back to the sands, "Oh, 
they've started!"

G'rel gives a wide wave-salute toward the Igen weyrleaders, then flashes a 
grin to Marina. "It is more interesting from the sands, especially when 
you are not the Candidate." And winks.

On the sands, Shayna's mouth forms a perfect "O" as the egg cracks and 
deposits the little blue on the sands.

On the sands, Luthon lifts one foot and then quickly sets it back down as 
he sees the new blue.

On the sands, The tropical island egg shudders violently as teeny cracks 
begin to appear across the surface, spiderwebbing over the thick shell.

On the sands, Kaeya gasps, catching full sight of the Navy blue hatchling. 
Her eyes widen, and she giggles brightly at the silly dragon. 
Automatically her hand reaches out and grasps Jalynn's in a brief moment 
before letting go.

On the sands, F'ren winces as the close by bugles, but then grins proudly.

On the sands, Jalynn grins at Kaeya and starts as the dragons bugle. She 
blinks over at Rillae and shrugs.

Anaryth rumbles.

On the sands, Jadir beams widely at the little blue, sqeezing Sela's hand 
with excitement.

On the sands, Aladis turns to see the blue hatch, a slight smile on her 
face as she sees the lovely blue hatch. She watches him closely.

On the sands, Rhyana gasps at the blue, and then takes a deep breath, as 
she tries to relax herself. Her eyes focused on the blue, she reaches out 
to her side, touching Cheran's arm.

On the sands, Darran stops fidgetting with his robes as the first egg 
spills its contents. His eyes trace every inch of the newly hatched blue, 
growing widen in frank admiration.

On the sands, Vivian smiles warmly as she beams at the handsome blue.

Marina looks strangely at G'rel, "When you're not the Candidate? What does 
that mean?"

Shandra returns greetings and courtesies as she steps over to J'rell and 
settles in.

J'rell finds two seats and ofers one to Shandra.

On the sands, Navy Blue Hatchling BUGLES his arrival and shakes a foot 
free of the shells, staring around at the collection of humanthings with 
whirling eyes. His attention waivers for an instant as he notices the 
dragons, and he bugles again.

Nya glances over to the Igen Weyrleaders. "Ista's duty to Igen."

On the sands, The tropical island egg begins to rock back and forth, more 
and more cracks appearing on it's surface. It seems to jump in place with 
the efforts of the young dragon inside. An incessant tapping can be heard 
as well.

On the sands, Luthon's head turns slightly as he sees another starting to 
rock so soon after the first.

On the sands, Emerging from the scattered brown shards of her egg, a 
fiesty little green dragonet pushes through the crowd on the sands, 
narrowly missing a young girl standing in her path. She collects herself 
after the near collision, and makes a beeline for a tall, thin boy from 
Plateau Hold, creeling impatiently for his attention.

On the sands, Cheran watches the blue intently, now completely obblivious 
to everything but the Hatching. He is standing stock-still for once in his 
life, focused and actually unbelievably calm. He seems more startled by 
his calm than the hatchlings.

Merellia nods to G'rel, her smile brightening as the first egg hatches. 
"The first, yes..Oh, now he's a likely-looking fellow," as the blue spills 
out of his egg. With a grin to G'rel, "Certainly less nervous."

On the sands, Selandra squeezes back gently and opens her eyes to gaze on 
the blue. All about her, the sounds of nervous shifting candidates catch 
her ears.

On the sands, Channa watches the blue with wide excited eyes, a smile 
touching her lips.

Narai shoots G'rel a shy grin and then looks up at her dragon's jaw.

On the sands, Kershala grins in excitement as the blue sounds his 
greeting. Then she turns her head to watch the next egg.

On the sands, Channie squeezes tightly to sela's other hand, trying hard 
'not' to bounce in place.

On the sands, Rillae leans over to whisper to Jalynn.

On the sands, Kaeya shifts a bit, easing the pressure off one foot and 
onto the other, as the heat of the sands warm the sole of her sandal. Her 
hands worry furiously together, but she soon takes a deep, calming breath 
and her fingers stop for the time.

Meli says "And a green.... oh!"

Karitha quietly wanders up from out of no where.

On the sands, Kershala grips Cheran's hand in a death grip as the green 
chooses her boy.

On the sands, Shayna shivers perceptibly at the bugle, shifting her feet 
back and forth on the hot sands.

P'tran grins as he watches the first hatchings. "This is like the third 
hatching in a row where the first one shelled was a blue, I think."

Kassima grins over at Meli. "Now see, you should've bet real marks; then 
you'd be comnig out ahead." She grins as she watches the green hatch, and 
Lysseth stops humming just long enough to warble enthusiastically to the 
newborn green.

Aphrael watches the blue intently, grinning as Prefeth tries to lean 
forward for a closer look.

On the sands, Aladis's smile widens as the blue announces his arrival and 
moves a bit from his shell. She glances over to watch the little green 
Impress her friend, grinning her approval.

Janelle hugs Shandra and waves at J'rell.

On the sands, Jadir chuckles softly at the blue, his attention momentarily 
distracted by the green, and he waggles his eyebrows encouragingly at 
Selandra.

On the sands, F'ren's face is now all smiles as he watches the hatching 
and the candidates.

On the sands, Vaughan's face clear of his nervousness as the blue bugles.

On the sands, Martigan's eyes close for a moment as he witnesses the first 
Impression of the evening. When his eyes open again, there is a hint of 
wetness.

On the sands, Jalynn leans toward Rillae. She nods, smiling and turns back 
to the eggs.

On the sands, Vivian looks quickly over at F'ren, giving him a warm wink, 
her face aglow with excitment and emotion for the Candidates and the 
hatchlings.

On the sands, Rhyana takes another deep breath as she shifts slightly from 
one set of toes to the other. She tosses her hair slightly, trying to get 
the stray strands out of her face. Her eyes fixed on the dragonets, she 
tries to stand very still, though it's obvious she'd far rather be doing 
something to get rid of her nerves.

On the sands, Navy Blue Hatchling takes a tenative step, then another, and 
searches these humanthings for...something. Someone. What? He creels as 
the full force of the sand's heat is realized, and he hurries forward to 
leave his feet as little as possible on the sands. Whoops! The back foot 
was still in the shell, and plop! onto the sand he goes.

Lunarth bugles to the blue. What a wonderful sign at any hatching -- blue 
first ;)

Dhavoth warbles a friendly greeting.

Rsonth cranes his neck up, head tilted down to the sands. An encouraging 
croon stands out from his huummm, which goes down to the newly-hatched 
blue.

On the sands, Cheran takes another deep breath and tries to be calm for 
his friends, eyes glistening with energy that he is somehow holding 
repressed. He shuts his eyes and breathes again, and opens them, andlooks 
a little startled.

On the sands, Taywne nods and smiles as the first finds its lifemate.

On the sands, Selandra flashes a smile at Channie and Jadir, shifting her 
weight on the sands to avoid the heat. She watches the greens impression 
and turns her gaze back on the blue.

On the sands, Kaeya's face splits in two as she gazes upon the green and 
chosen Candidate, elated at the first impression. Her attention returns to 
the Navy blue hatchling.

Marina turns to G'rel and Merellia, "So any bets on the next hatchling? 
I'm betting a brown."

On the sands, The wildflower field egg gives a sudden jerk, spraying sand 
over its neighbors and then settles down again.

On the sands, Kershala stares at the blue, then gasps as he trips and 
falls to the sand.

On the sands, Rillae bundles all of the loose folds of her robe into the 
front. She wrings them as she watches the little blue fall.

On the sands, Luthon's hand starts to raise for an instant, then squeezes 
Vaughan's shoulder briefly before dropping.

On the sands, Jadir sucks in a surprised breath as the little blue goes 
down, almost taking a step toward it in reflex before reminding himself to 
stay put.

Vrisalka considers the issue "I'd guess the next'll be a bronze."

On the sands, Darran's teeth dig into his lower leg, but he stays where he 
is.

On the sands, Shaynatakes a deep breath and wipes her damp palms against 
the sides of her robe and beams for the green and her lifemate. Then her 
gaze returns to the little blue dragonet, and she bites her lower lip 
gently.

Aphrael chuckles at the blue. "Just like you were, dear." She mumbles, 
looking up at Prefeth, who snorts indignantly.

On the sands, Vaughan winces as the blue trips and falls down, a concerned 
look on his face.

On the sands, Channie giggles as she watches the blue dragonette, 
amazement in her eyes.

On the sands, Aladis winces as she sees the little blue fall down onto the 
sand, smiling a bit sympathetically as she lifts first one foot, then the 
other. She smiles briefly over at Channie.

G'rel scratches his head slowly. grinning. "Let's just watch, they will 
soon start popping up all over the sands."

On the sands, The tropical island egg wobbles back and forth, a frustrated 
warble coming from between the cracks in the shell. It finally topples 
over on it's side, rocking back and forth.

On the sands, Selandra starts forward to help the blue, but before her 
foot reaches the ground she remembers the warnings and steps back in 
place.

On the sands, Taywne shifts, then halts as he watches.

On the sands, Kershala looks over to the wildflower egg as it moves. She 
shivers and tugs with one hand at her robe.

On the sands, Cheran looks back and forth at all the activity, nearly 
jumping, and then returns to his stance of calm, trying very hard not to 
shake. When he opens his eyes again, he has found his focus, and doesn't 
look likely to jump out of his skin again.

Meli taps a finger along her nose. "Another green maybe..."

On the sands, Jalynn bites her lip, then crosses her arms. She leans over 
to speak to Kaeya in a murmur.

On the sands, Channa watches the young blue, her eyes only moving away for 
a moment as the movement of another egg catches her eye.

Kassima hmmmms. "Next one's brown," she murmurs under her breath with 
certainty.

C'san climbs down Dhavoth's side to the ground, using his foreleg as a 
step.

Merellia chuckles to Marina. "Brown, now that's a surprise from you," she 
says teasingly. Her mouth creasing in a grin, "And whatever I betted, you 
can be sure it'd be the opposite which would happen--I only bet they 
hatch."

On the sands, Kershala shakes Cheran's hand a bit, grinning in sympathy. 
She wipes one hand against her robe then watches the eggs wobbling with 
sparkling eyes.

P'tran glances over to Kassima for a moment and grins. "Lets see if they 
have a run on browns like Benden used to."

On the sands, Aladis watches the blue, then shifts slightly to watch the 
rocking of the other egg, one hand gripping the white of her tunic.

On the sands, Kaeya swallows deeply, watching the blue bumble, and she 
nods to Jalynn, whispering back. Her hands find a strand of hair to work 
with, twisting and turning it as she continues to watch the hatching with 
immense hope.

On the sands, Rillae seems to be a bit unsteady, but she searches the 
Galleries for a familiar face. Once she has found it, she smiles and her 
gaze returns to the Sands.

Marina looks over to Vrisalka, "A bronze? Can I interest you in a 2 mark 
wager on that?" She grins at Merellia's comment.

On the sands, Jadir lifts his left foot, shaking hot sand out of his 
sandal, as he bounces around on his right in an attempt to maintain his 
balance.

Kassima grins. "Aye, sir, the first one at Benden's last hatching was 
brown, wasn't it?"

Meli says "Sandals? They wear sandals?"

On the sands, Navy Blue Hatchling creels and picks himself up, sand 
smattered on his still-damp snout. He shakes his back foot free of the 
offending shell fragment and meaders around, with less and less patience, 
surveying each Candidate and finding something amiss with each. Then, with 
sudden certainty, he wheels around and steps two big steps across the 
sands to peer at Luthon with whirling eyes.

On the sands, Channie lifts her feet one at a time, even with boots 
covering her feet she can feel the heat.

Aphrael catches her breath, "Luthon!"

Kassima blinks. "Lucky them..." she says to Meli with a slight grin.

Vrisalka loooks over at Marina then nods "I'll take that 2 marks it'll be 
a bronze."

D'ran smiles as the blue makes a swift recovery and an equally swift 
Impression

On the sands, Martigan wipes his damp hands along the front of his robe, 
staining the white fabric.

On the sands, Kershala gasps and grins excitedly at Luthon as the blue 
turns toward him.

On the sands, Anise glances over at K'ri.

On the sands, Rillae gasps quietly as she sees the little blue turn to 
Luthon.

On the sands, Cheran watches intently, just waiting to see if anything 
will happen. He squeezes Shala's hand and Rhy's hand, and look up at the 
galleries, trying again to spot something. Failing to see them in the 
crowd, he looks at the eggs again.

Shandra grins, "Ours do. It gives them their hot feet to think about 
instead of bothering whoever's down there with them."

On the sands, Channa takes a deep gasp of air and holds it as she see's 
the dragonette looking towards Luthon.

On the sands, Aladis watches the little blue move, holding her breath and 
smiling as he stops near Luthon.

On the sands, Vaughan smiles hugely as the blue comes up to stare at 
Luthon. He turns his head and looks over at the rocking egg.

Karitha smiles and nods at the impression.

On the sands, Selandra grins as Luthon and the blue find each other. Her 
hands tighten about Channies and Jadirs in her excitement.

D'ris nearly jumps as the blue seems to peer at Luthon, "Oh shards! Go 
Luthon!!", he yells, then lets out an exultant whoop.

On the sands, Shayna's eyes widen as she stares at Luthon, her fingers 
tangling in the folds of her robe. She stops shifting back and forth and 
stands perfectly still.

Marina grins and hastily moves over to Vrisalka's side, the 2 marks 
clutched in her palm, waiting to see the next hatchling.

P'tran nods to Kassima. "I think so." He hears Meli and hmms? "Sandals?" 
He grins. "What, they don't like the nice, warm heat from the sands on 
their bare feet?"

On the sands, Kaeya gasps, unconciously grabbing the hand of a close 
candidate and squeezing the blood out of it tightly. She gazes upon 
Luthon with admiration, murmuring words of encouragement that are to soft 
for her fellow candidate to hear.

On the sands, Luthon blinks and smiles at the blue hatchling, mouth 
dropping open for an instant at his nearness.

On the sands, Rhyana watches the blue hatchling move over to Luthon. Her 
eyes then dance over the other hatchlings, as she continues to shift from 
foot to foot nervously. A moment later, however, she takes another deep 
breath, glancing around again a bit more calmly.

Meli hrms. "An' boots even... s'only Benden where we go barefoot?" she 
asks.

On the sands, K'ri blinks and bites her lip almost in two!

On the sands, Taywne smiles as he watches.

On the sands, F'ren watches the hatchling closely, saying to Vivian, "Is 
he going to choose..."

On the sands, The tropical island egg shakes violently, spewing eggshell 
and sand all over everyone.

On the sands, From it's perch in the hot sands, the Tropical Island Egg 
shudders violently as it's occupant struggles to free itself. After a 
series of frantic rocks and wobbles, the egg stops as if to gather its 
remaining energy. With a tremendous *crack*, the egg errupts, sending a 
shower of shell fragments every which way and depositing a Mahogany Brown 
Hatchling onto the sands.

On the sands, Mahogany Brown Hatchling:
This brown hatchling, right from the shell, is uncannily like an animated 
piece of wood. He is the rich brown color of mahogany that has been waxed 
and burnished for many turns. The smallest amount of light causes his hide 
to glow with a warmth much like velvet sunlight falling on a polished 
wooden floor on a lazy summer afternoon. Darker brown striations can be 
seen striping his hide, patterns of grain in the warm living wood. His 
rangy body is graceful even as he takes his first wobbly steps. The ebb 
and flow of smooth muscle moving under the brown hide define the fluid 
movements that will be his in adulthood.

On the sands, K'ri finds herself crying....

On the sands, Kershala jumps in startlement as the brown bursts from his 
shell.

P'tran chuckles at Meli. "Don't go looking for Benden tradition to change 
anytime soon."

Narai looks up at Farrith and smiles wryly, "Another like you, dearie..
taking his dear time."

On the sands, Vivian smiles warmly to F'ren and nods. "I believe he just 
did."

On the sands, The wildflower field egg starts rocking back and forth, 
sometimes slower, sometimes faster.

P'tran hmms. "You were right, the next was a brown ..."

On the sands, Vaughan smiles in delight as the brown hatches from his 
shell.

On the sands, Cheran grins at Luthon and waits, then looks at the brown 
that appears, watching him s well, trying to split his attention a hundred 
different places.

Marina cheers, "Yes! Ha!" She holds her hand open for Vrisalka to deposit 
the 2 coins into.

Kelesta forgets about breathing.

On the sands, Taywne eyes turn as he sees the perfect brown hatchling setp 
out of its shell.

On the sands, Rillae turns her attention away from the Impression to the 
newly hatched brown. She gathers up her robe again and leans slightly on 
Tawyne.

Kassima grins. "Brown," she says simply. "I'm on a guessing streak, 
'twould seem. And he's a nice-looking one!"

Meli says "Ooh, he's a pretty one, eh?"

On the sands, Kershala's mouth drops open in awe. "What..." she whispers. 
"What an absolutely handsome devil..."

Vrisalka mutters "Shards!" but grins as she passes the two marks over to 
Marina.

On the sands, Aladis's smile widens as she watches Luthon and the blue. 
Her attention jumps to the beautiful brown hatchling as she sees him 
emerge.

On the sands, Rhyana gasps at the brown hatchling, gasping at the shades 
playing on his hide. She glaces around again, squeezing Cheran's hand 
gently, and fiddling with her hair with the other out of simple tenseness

On the sands, L'ton looks lost for an instant then looks up with 
incredulous joy in his face, "His name is Tasorth!"

On the sands, Martigan rocks back and forth as he tries to see all of the 
hatchlings at once. His eyes glow as he spies the brown hatchling.

On the sands, Mahogany Brown Hatchling bugles! Extending his wings proudly 
and holding his head up high! He bulges again as if to say , I'm a BROWN! 
This, just before he topples over backwards with a suprised warble.

G'rel glances to Marina, with a wide grin. "You should try your skills 
with T'bin, you know?" Then quckly returns to watching the sands.

On the sands, Taywne reaches out and squeezes her hand.

On the sands, Channie blinks as she pulls her eyes away with effort from 
the blue, and gaze over the new brown dragonette, her face deepening in 
it's color as she watches him. Sh

Channeth BUGLES to the new Brown!

On the sands, Darran's attention is torn from Luthon and the blue as 
another egg splits, and he turns to see the stunning brown. He shifts 
position to get a better look at the proud dragonet.

On the sands, Caryn tries to get a peek at the hatching.

On the sands, Rillae chuckles at the brown.

On the sands, Kershala blinks and tries to stifle nervous giggles as the 
brown falls over backward.

On the sands, Kaeya's attention shoots over to the noise of another 
hatching, and she bites her lower lip, watching as the dark brown emerges 
from his shell. Nodding with vigor, she wholeheartedly agrees with 
Kershala, "You are right! He's.." she laughs softly, unable and unwanting 
to finish.

On the sands, Vaughan lsughs happily and congratulates L'ton.

Kassima laughs and applauds. "Tasorth! Lovely name!"

On the sands, The crystal ice egg twitches where it lies, bumping against 
its fellows like an impatient school child.

Merellia laughs. "Oh, I'm definitely glad I didn't take that bet with you 
even more, now, Marina," she says, eyes alight with amusement as the brown 
hatches.

C'san watches the hatchling brown, pleased at his proud bearing.

On the sands, Channie tries not to giggle this time, but is unable to stop 
herself.

Aphrael claps loudly, "L'ton and Tasorth!"

On the sands, Jalynn's smile spreads into a grin as she watching the blue 
choose his lifemate. Then here eyes are drawn to the brown hatchling.

On the sands, Taywne smiles as he shakes his head and watches the brown.

On the sands, Selandra tries to stop herself from dancing on the sands 
watching L'thon. Finally she turns to watch the rest of the cracking eggs 
and hatchlings.

On the sands, Shayna watches Luthon for a moment, a grin stretching from 
ear to ear. Then her attention is captured by the gorgeous brown and she 
cranes her neck to get a better look.

On the sands, Anise motions for L'ton and Tasorth to join her over in the 
shadows, away from the ongoing hatchings.

On the sands, Aladis stifles a chuckle as she sees the brown fall over, 
her eyes twinkling merrily.

D'ris stands up and claps! "L'ton and Tasorth!! Good going L'ton!!!!"

On the sands, L'ton nods quickly to the young blue, "We'll find something 
to eat, I promise. All you want."

On the sands, Vivian's smile is wide as she looks over at Tasorth and 
L'ton.

On the sands, Cheran grins at the brown and squeezes back, having lost 
track of who exactly is holding his hands. "Oh," he lets out in a little 
gasp.

Shandra smiles at the newly weyrmated pair on the Sands.

On the sands, Rhyana grins across the circle at L'ton, waving her 
congratulations. She then turns her eyes to the brown again, as she grows 
slightly calmer.

P'tran smiles broadly as he watches the impression. "Perhaps you should 
wager on it if you're that good at guessing them, Kassima."

On the sands, Kershala's glance pulls away from the brown for a moment to 
look at the crystal ice egg as it wobbles. Then her eyes dart back to the 
brown and she grips Cheran's hand.

Marina grins back to G'rel and Merellia, "How do you think I saved enough 
money to travel from Nabol in the first place?"

On the sands, Zyanth warbles to the brown, his tone amused.

Kassima grins ruefully. "But sir, the moment I placed a bet would be the 
moment I was wrong...."

On the sands, Vaughan smiles at the little brown's antics, then ho looks 
over to another rocking egg.

On the sands, Mahogany Brown Hatchling flounders on his back for a few 
moments, grunting and wurbling in frustration until he finally rolls over 
onto his stomach, right in the middle of a group of white clad figures. He 
looks up at them, pushing himself into a sitting position.

On the sands, The wildflower field egg starts rocking more frenetically 
and tiny striations appear on its surface.

Lunarth bugles!

Meli sighs as she watches another Impression, unconsciously reaching a 
hand back to run along Juliath's warm hide.

D'ris plops back down, a bright grin on his face, muttering to no one in 
particular, "Luthon.. err.. L'ton and I were Candidates together. I always 
knew he'd Impress.." with a heave of his shoulders and a sigh, he looks 
back down to the sands..

Aphrael snorts at Kassi, "Just place the bet next time. What will the next 
hatching be?" She asks her. "Green maybe?"

On the sands, K'ri beams as her weyrmate impresses and motions for him to 
join her and Anise with his new lifemate!

On the sands, Jadir smiles as L'ton heads out with his new lifemate, then 
turns his attention back toward the little brown, still shifting his 
weight from foot to foot.

On the sands, Kershala grins at the brown, shivering a little.

P'tran chuckles. "That's pretty much how it is with me. It's why I gave 
up wagering on these things a long time ago."

On the sands, Channa pulls her eyes away from L'ton and the blue to take 
in the brown, admiring his color. She lifts her feet one at a time from 
the sand to keep from being burnt.

Kassima shakes her head. "Nah, bronze," she comments to Aph.

On the sands, Caryn watches carefully, smiling.

On the sands, L'ton beams and steps over closer to K'ri, careful to keep 
pace with the hatchling. Tears roll down his face as he looks down into 
Tasorth's eyes again.

On the sands, Taywne smiles at the little brown.

On the sands, Aladis lifts one foot, shaking it slightly, glancing from 
the rocking eggs to the rolling brown. Her smile stays in place as she 
watches him.

On the sands, Rillae watches the eggs rock, but turns to stare at the 
brown. She smiles slightly and pushes her hair behind her ears.

On the sands, Rhyana almost giggles at the brown, and then stops, simply 
awestruck by all the activity around her.

Meli says "Bronze? Y'think? I say another green... course, I said that 
before an' was wrong."

D'ris smiles at Kassima, "I think..... a green...."

On the sands, Darran takes an involuntary step backwords out of the 
brown's path so that the dragonet can find his lifemate unimpeded.

On the sands, Tasorth stares up at his lifemate with great adoration and 
rests his head against L'ton's chest, bumping him once, hard.

On the sands, Martigan can't help but stare at the brown hatchling as it 
is so close. There is a hint of laughter on his lips as he watches the 
hatchling move about.

On the sands, Cheran bites his lip and waits for something to happen, 
trying very hard to watch everything all at once, glancing back and forth 
at all the activity.

On the sands, Vaughan clenches his fists in his robe and lifts his feet a 
little.

Kassima smiles. "Last time I was right was m'bet with Thera on Dyinath's 
clutching--I won, all right, but she has yet to pay me."

On the sands, Kaeya's hand clutches at her gown, finding yet another 
something to fidget with. her eyes are as huge as saucers and her 
nervousness slowly ebbs away, replaced by awe.

On the sands, Channie watches the brown, ready to step aside should he 
wish to get by her.

On the sands, Jalynn has her arms crossed in front of her and starts 
shifting from foot to foot as the heat of the sands penetrates the soles 
of her sandals. She finally uncrosses her arms and grabs Kaeya's and 
Rillae's hands.

On the sands, Mahogany Brown Hatchling looks over the group of Candiates 
encircling him. He BUGLES again, backing off and moving on to the next 
group of figures in the white robes. He stops to examing a large boy from 
Healer Hall, snurfling him up under his robe before seeming to droop in 
disappointment and move on down the line.

On the sands, Shayna's lips twitch in amusement at the little brown. She 
absently wips a bead of sweat from her brow and then begins to twist her 
fingers together before her.

Kassima smiles back. "Well, sir, seems there're lots of bets for green--
could be they'll be right." She shrugs, grinning.

On the sands, Rialeth croons softly, encouraging and reassuring the 
hatchlings.

On the sands, Caryn leaves the sands, walking up the stairs to the 
galleries.

On the sands, The crystal ice egg jumps a little, twitching a little more 
violently. It bumps around, knocking against the eggs around it, and 
shifting the sand around.

On the sands, Rillae takes Jalynn's hand in hers and squeezes it. Her eyes 
open wider as the brown wanders around.

On the sands, A speckled grey egg bursts open with an audible crackle, 
yielding a determined-looking pale blue dragonet. He quickly gathers 
himself, straightens out his wobbly limbs, and immediately heads to the 
edge of the sands. Stopping before a short red-haired girl from Fort Sea 
Hold, he butts her gently with his head until he gains her attention, and 
she looks into his eyes, mesmerized.

On the sands, Kaeya grins broadly, her hand squeezing Jalynn's and she 
leans to whisper encouragement to her friend. In doing so, she shifts off 
her heated foot onto her other.

On the sands, Jadir licks his lips slowly, his face white, his hand 
clutched tightly to Sela's.

Aphrael rolls her eyes. "Well, Kassi, we havent seen Thera in over a Turn 
now.."

On the sands, Vaughan stops shuffling and peers downthe line at the brown.

On the sands, Kershala reaches up with one hand to tug and twist at a lock 
of her hair, riveted to the hatchling.

Merellia smiles, watching the Impression made, then flicks a grin to 
Marina. "So that's how you did it, then?" she chuckles, leaning more 
comfortably against Neith before glancing back down to the Sands.

On the sands, Aladis grins at the brown, replacing one foot onto the sands 
and lifting the other, her hand gripping Vaughan's.

On the sands, Kershala glances over to the blue and grins a little weakly 
as it Impresses.

On the sands, Cheran watches everything and treis very hard to suppress a 
choke of laughter, which just doesn't work. He giggles a little and 
watches the brown.

On the sands, Rhyana watches the brown try to make up his mind, her left 
hand absent-mindedly pulling a strand of hair from her face, her face 
calmer now, though her eyes dance from dragonet to dragonet and candidate 
to candidate.

Marina returns to her seat next to Channeth and nods to Merellia, "Yup. I 
seem to be luck with cards and all manner of chance games."

On the sands, Channa shivers, clentching and opening her hands that pull 
at the sides of her robe, trying to take in everything at once.

On the sands, Jadir lifts a hand to his now-drying hair, brushing it 
absently from his face, his hazel eyes wide with wonderment.

Kassima grins at Aph. "She had plenty of time to pay me when she was a 
Candidate, since we bet on the clutching, not the hatching. Only after 
she'd bet did she tell me she didn't have the marks." She gives a slight 
snort.

On the sands, F'ren leans over, pointing and mumering something to Vivian. 
Then he grins.

On the sands, Darran watches impressions occurring all around him, eyes 
near frenzied from their ever changing viewpoints.

On the sands, Taywne wipes hands wet with nerves on his robe.

On the sands, Selandra sighs and doesn't know where to look as the 
dragonets move forth to pair up with their lifemates. She smiles at Jadir 
and whispers something in his ear, trying to reassure him.

On the sands, Vivian grins as she leans towards F'ren, her eyes following 
his outstretched finger. She nods her head, beaming happily.

On the sands, Clutching her fingers together more tightly to still their 
trembling, Shayna turns from side to side, watching Impressions occuring 
all around her. Then her gaze darts back to the mahogany brown.

On the sands, Anise leans over to say something to K'ri.

On the sands, Kershala chews on her hair as her eyes dart around the sands 
in near fright.

Kassima hmmmms. "Would seem 'tis neither bronze nor green, but blue." She 
snaps her fingers. "That for my guessing streak! Glad I didn't take your 
advice and wager, Aph."

On the sands, Aladis keeps her gaze on the dragons, leaning over to murmur 
softly to Channie.

On the sands, Channie bites at her lip, her eyes moving from the brown, 
the the blue, and back to the brown again.

Meli grins. "Yah, but that time, you let us influence you Kassi..."

Aphrael chuckles softly. "Never fear, we can go and visit her and ask for 
payment." She replies with a grin, her eyes never leaving the sands.

Marina points down at the Brown hatchling and says to Merellia and G'rel, 
"He is certainly a careful one. He's got a beautiful form huh?"

On the sands, K'ri blinks and chuckles at Anise

On the sands, Anise chuckles at K'ri's response and then turns back to 
watch the hatchings.

On the sands, Channie tilts her head to one side as she listens, she nods 
her head at Aladis' words, braids bouncing with the movement.

Vrisalka looks out over the sands and considers each rocking egg. "Next 
one'll be bronze."

On the sands, Jadir tears his gaze from the eggs and dragonets to glance 
at Selandra, his head nodding slowly. He shrugs, then gives her one of his 
charming grins, turning back to the hatching with a slightly more relaxed 
angle to his shoulders.

On the sands, Mahogany Brown Hatchling walks past a few more Candidates. 
He suddenly stops, as if he hears something. He turns to look over his 
shoulder questioningly, crooning. He turns around and barrels back across 
the sand, flopping into a sitting position directly in front of Rhyana. He 
looks up at her, staring into her eyes as if fascinated.

On the sands, Kershala grins wide at Rhyana as the brown falls in front of 
her. She watches the pair, twisting and nibbling at her lock of hair.

P'tran hmms and smiles. "I think that brown has finally settled on 
someone," he comments ..

On the sands, Cheran takes yet another deep breath, and squeezes his 
friends' hands reassuringly. After a moment, he shuts his eyes and waits 
for something to happen, and opens them again with a start when a breeze 
wipes over his face. He looks down at the brown in front of himself and 
Rhyana and squeezes her hand happily.

On the sands, Rillae smiles as the brown stops in front of Rhyana. She 
jumps up and down slightly when she sees the brown stare up at her.

On the sands, Channie bounces in place, forcing herself 'not' to shout out 
happily.

On the sands, Rhyana looks at the brown in front of her. "His name is 
Kessith!" she calls out joyfully. "Yes, dear thing... come with me..." she 
says, her face overfull with joy.

C'san smiles, "I'm not so sure I say.. blue?", he stops as his breath 
leaves him watching the brown.

On the sands, Jadir nods approvingly to Rhyana, then turns to Sela, 
dropping her hand to squeeze her shoulder, leaning close to whisper to 
her.

On the sands, Taywne turns to smile at Rhyana and nods.

On the sands, Selandra's face splits into a grin as she turns back in time 
to catch the brown and Rhyana together. Her feet do dance this time, 
shifting over the hot sands to cool her feet, as well as with joy.

Kassima considers. "Now, next one will be bronze. 'Course, I'll probably 
be wrong again, but no harm in taking a shot at it." She grins as she sees 
the brown peering up at a girl, "Aye, sir, that it would--and Kessith!" 
She chuckles. "I do like that name."

Meli grins, "Kessith, Kassith!"

On the sands, Rocking rhythmically within the small depression of sand 
surrounding it, the Wildflower Field Egg seems to be dancing to an 
inaudible tune. A sudden frenzy from within sends it pirouetting past 
several unhatched eggs. With a final effort, the hatchling breaks free, 
shards flying across the sands in every direction.

On the sands, Kaeya sighs, immense happiness for Rhyana seeping out her 
pores. "At Rhyana's words she cheers loudly, her voice cracking with 
pressure!"

On the sands, Vaughan grins and then blinks as some sweat runs into his 
eyes. He gives Rhyana a guge grin and then looks out over the eggs, no 
trace of nervousness now, it has been replaced by excitement.

On the sands, Shayna sucks in a deep breath of air and then coughs 
slightly, her head whipping around to stare at Rhyana. A broad grin 
creases her face, and her eyes light up happily for her friend.

On the sands, Aladis replies to a whispered comment from one of the 
Candidates near her, watching as Kessith finds Rhyana, a wide smile on her 
face.

On the sands, Rialeth rumbles happily to her young brown hatchling and 
it's new mate.

On the sands, Oak Brown Hatchling:
The momentum of the egg's roll causes this large brown dragonet to 
continue to tumble a bit further before he comes to a halt. He quickly 
finds his feet, jeweled eyes whirling with intense curiousity. The 
underlying color of this fellow is a deep, mellow oak, burnished to a 
warm glow. Running in the same direction as the young yet powerful muscles 
beneath the hide are dark sienna striations, irregularly spaced. At 
several places on his haunches, the deep brown markings form whorls of 
concentric circles. Along the center of his back, from muzzle to tail, 
dustings of nutmeg are sprinkled. Eagerly he gathers himself and prepares 
to investigate the sands.

On the sands, Rhyana leads the brown off to the side, scratching his 
eyeridges as she goes.

On the sands, Darran grins as another of the candidates near him Impresses 
the incredible brown. His gaze shifts to a new pair off the left.

On the sands, Martigan stands on his tiptoes so that he can see the eggs 
near the back. With a sudden intake of air, his eyebrows fly up as he 
thinks he sees one of the eggs rock.

On the sands, Anise smiles approvingly at Rhyana and Kessith and motions 
for them to join her, K'ri and L'ton.

On the sands, L'ton smiles happily as Rhyana and Kessith bond, hand 
straying to stay in contact with Tasorth.

On the sands, Kershala wobbles a little as she hyperventilates. She closes 
her eyes for a moment to take a few deep breathes. Then she opens them 
again and gasps as another brown leaps into view.

On the sands, Jalynn grins in delight as Rhyana impresses. She lets go of 
Kaeya and Rillae's hands with an apologetic whisper, then wipes her sweaty 
hands on her robe.

On the sands, Taywne turn to the newly hatched brown.

On the sands, Tasorth bugles again as his clutchmate Impresses, then he 
looks again at L'ton. And the food.

Channeth trumpets as Kessith Impresses!

On the sands, Rillae reels with the commotion on the sands. She squeezes 
Jalynn's hand again, but a little harder.

Merellia tucks her chin in a nod to Marina, following the brown's 
circumlocutions. "He is a handsome one," she says, smiling at the 
Impression. "And look there, Marina--" she grins--"Another brown."

P'tran hmms. "Those names do sound a bit close, though I assume the 
dragons will be able to tell them apart easily," he says with a chuckle

Vrisalka sighs, "Shards, wrong again. One of these eggs has to hold a 
bronze."

On the sands, Kessith croons at Rhyana, cocking his head to the side. He 
butts his head against her hip, urging her forward.

On the sands, F'ren smiles as Zyanth bugles to the new dragon pairs.

On the sands, Cheran squeezes Rhy's hand one last time and grins, then 
looks up at the new hatchling. He tries to calm Kershala by giving her a 
one-armed hug, running the other hand through his hair.

D'ris leans forwards, leaning his elbows on his knees.. "Wow, another 
brown...." he looks avbout the sands, "Next one /definitely/ is a 
bronze... it's gotta be." He looks over his shoulder and smiles as Rsonth 
warbles in his agreement.

On the sands, Vaughan gives a short laugh at the eager brown, grinning at 
him.

On the sands, Aladis blinks as she sees another brown hatch. She brushes 
back a stray curl and focuses her attention on him, eyes twinkling.

P'tran ahs. "Another brown. No bronzes from this clutch yet ..."

On the sands, The crystal ice egg wobbles some more, ending up bumping 
another egg a little ways down the side of the mound. It hops a few more 
times, then falls still.

On the sands, Kershala turns to grin at Cheran in excitement, hugging him 
back, then watches the brown. She spits out the hair and breathes deeply 
again, forcing her shoulders to relax at least a little.

On the sands, Channie beams her happiness for Ryanna, but her eyes are 
still drawn to the new dragonette who has made his out of his shell.

Vrisalka hmmms "I'm giving up on the bronzes. I say a green."
G'rel chuckles, "They're doing well", he comments, his eyes fixed on the 
sands. "In these things I suppose that the best way to win is not to bet. 
I learned from T'bin's mistakes, you see."

On the sands, Kaeya's eyes swivel back to the eggs, in time to catch the 
arrival of an oak coloured hatchling. Her eyes glimmer, facinated with the 
dragon as every other she's seen hatched this day.

On the sands, L'ton laughs quietly and strokes Tasorth, "Soon."

On the sands, Rhyana smiles over at Kessith. "Yes... dearest... I do know 
where there's food" she murmurs, leading him over towards the entrance to 
the sands.

On the sands, F'ren nods towards the gathering group of weyrlings, "Looks 
like a fine clutch, Vivian."

On the sands, Vivian looks up at Zyanth and smiles, she reaches up and 
thumps Rialeth's foreleg affectionately before her gaze returns to the 
commotion on the sands.

Kassima smiles. "And that takes care of that guess. I think the two of you 
jinxed me." She grins at Aph and Meli, then murmurs, "Green for the next, 
maybe...."

On the sands, Taywne smiles wide as he watches the new brown.

On the sands, Oak Brown Hatchling looks around after gathering himself 
together. Looking at the large bronze, he attempts to imitate the bugle, 
but ends up bleating instead. Somewhat embarassed, he takes a few steps 
tentatively towards the Candidates.

Nya grins. "Maybe Fort will be free of the bronze scourge this time 
around ;)"

Marina smiles happily as she sees another brown. She reaches up and 
loveingly strokes Channeth's leg.

On the sands, Jadir uses his free hand to grab the neck of his robe and 
fan himself with the material, moving air under the garment in an attempt 
to cool himself. His eyes stray back to the dark brown, smiling warmly at 
him.

D'ris smiles over to P'tran, "But I'm sure, Weyrleader, that there will be 
a good amount of bronze's in this clutch, just like the last one."

On the sands, Zyanth warbles to the newest brown.

P'tran blinks at Nya and then laughs.

On the sands, Kershala grins at the brown. She wipes her hand along her 
robe again, and absently reaches up for a nonexistant firelizard.

C'san nods, catching D'ris' comment.
D'ris chuckles and winks to Nya, "Just maybe, Nya, but I don't think Fort 
would be that lucky."

Aphrael looks over at Kassi with a wry grin, "Not a bronze?"

On the sands, Rillae steps backwards, but tries to smile bravely. She uses 
both hands to push pieces of hair that have been plastered to her face.

On the sands, Darran's facial expression softens from nervousness into a 
genuine smile at the hesitancy in the brown's movements.

On the sands, Vivian's smile is wide as she nods her head in agreement 
with the Weyrleader. "A fine clutch indeed!"

On the sands, Vaughan wipes some sweat from his brow and runs his hand 
through his hair, keeping one eye on the brown and the other eye on the 
other eggs.

On the sands, Aladis bites on her lower lip to stop the laugh, a slow 
smile spreading over her face as she watches the dark brown hatchling. She 
wipes her damp hands on the fabric of her robe.

On the sands, Kaeya cannot seem to stifle her giggles at the cute noise 
the brown hatchling made. Her hand does make the attempt, though. She 
positively glows with amusement and happiness, shifting back to her cooler 
foot.

P'tran grins at D'ris. "Well, Fort's never had a disappointing clutch 
since I've been a rider, I know that."

On the sands, Shayna turns to regard the oaken brown, stifling a small 
giggle of amusement at the sound he emits. Her shoulders relax somewhat, 
her posture looking less tense as the moments go by.

On the sands, Rialeth raises her voice with Zyanth's bugling a welcome to 
the handsome brown hatchling.

Kassima shrugs at Aph, smiling. "Every time I guess bronze, I'm wrong. 
Maybe if I guess something else, it'll be a bronze." She pauses and tries 
to make sense of what she just said.

On the sands, Jalynn chuckles, then shifts to her other foot.

On the sands, Cheran grins at Kershala and lets go of her, twisting his 
hands into the fabric of his robe. He nods as she whispers something to 
him.

On the sands, Kershala squeezes Cheran's hand comfortingly and watches the 
brown wandering around the sands.

On the sands, Selandra turns a smile on the brown. She can't help being 
reminded of Nabol's springtime at his eager attempt.

D'ris grins brightly to the Benden Weyrleader, "You honor I and every Fort 
rider by those kind words, sir."

On the sands, L'ton nods and kneels slightly to scratch at Tasorth's 
eyeridge gently.

Aphrael snorts and shakes her head with amusement, eyes on the rocking 
eggs, then the dragonets.

On the sands, Kershala sighs a little, trying to relax again, and brushes 
her hair back. She grips her hands in front of her in an attempt to 
conceal their shaking.

On the sands, Rhyana leads Kessith over away from the others, and then 
focuses her attention on him, although she glances up occaisionally as she 
hears other cries of Impression. She murmurs to Kessith. "We live near 
here, Kessith. Not very far from here at all. And it's nice and clean, 
because I helped to clean and paint it.

On the sands, Oak Brown Hatchling pushes past one cluster of Candidates, 
and bleats again as he looks around. His eyes start to whirl faintly red 
as he slowly picks his way across the Sands towards another group.

P'tran nods to D'ris. "I only spoke the truth, that's all a know," he adds 
with a smile.

On the sands, The snowcapped mountains egg slowly and almost tenatively 
rolls to one side, as if the occupant inside were just starting to grow 
curious...

On the sands, Kershala watches the brown wide-eyed as he leaves one group 
of Candidates.

On the sands, Rillae swallows obviously and looks around. Her face 
brightens perceptibly.

On the sands, The crystal ice egg bounces around a little more, hairline 
cracks finally starting to appear on it's surface, mainly along those 
parts that keep hitting other eggs.

On the sands, Vaughan's eyes soften and he chuckles softly at the sound of 
the brown's bleat.

On the sands, A cheerful, round-faced girl from uatha River Hold turns 
with astonishment to behold the tiny mint green dragonet patiently waiting 
to be noticed.

On the sands, Cheran smiles gratefully to Kershala as they sucessfully 
keep each other calm. He takes a moment to glance up at the galleries 
again. This time he seems to spot who he was looking for and beams, 
nervously. Then he snaps his attention around to the moving egg.

Meli hms. "If we have a bronze one, what kind o'wood will he look like?"

On the sands, Kershala glances at the crystal egg as it begins to crack.

On the sands, Martigan wipes his hand across his forehead, pushing the 
sweat into his hairline. He lifts up one foot as the heat begins to burn 
him through his boot sole.

On the sands, Aladis lifts a foot to shake the sand out of her sandal, 
eyes watching the brown carefully, a soft laugh coming from her lips as 
she hears the hatchling's plaintive bleat.

P'tran glances back to the sands. "This time around it looks like you're 
going to get a lot of browns."

Vrisalka points down at the sand "A green, I was right. Now bronze."

On the sands, Tasorth sighs happily as L'ton finds just the right spot on 
his eyeridge, and one lid slides halfway down the whirling eye in 
contentment.

On the sands, Jadir runs his hand through his hair yet again,his fingers 
trailing to his mouth as he begins to nibble on them. He lifts his right 
foot, shaking sand out again, holding tight to Sela to maintain his 
balance.

Kassima grins and points down at the mint green. "Green, y'see? 'Twas 
right for a change."

On the sands, Kaeya eeps, losing some of her humour as she notes the red 
whirling of the oak hatchlings eyes, compassion filling her voice, "Poor 
guy" she sympathizes, sorry to have even laughed.

Shandra says softly, "I wonder if one could have a disappointing clutch."

On the sands, Kershala grins over at the newly Impressed green happily, 
then watches the brown again. She nods to Kaeya nervously and waits...

On the sands, Jalynn grins as a stray thought crosses her mind and she 
glances at Aladis.

Aphrael cheers loudly, "That girl was from my Hold!"

J'rell nods. "I can't imagine one."

P'tran grins broadly at Shandra. "I doubt that highly."

Kassima glances over at her friend. "Bronze is next, Meli, so I guess 
you'll see soon enough...." Then she laughs at Aphrael. "Enthusiastic, you 
are! Did you know her?"

On the sands, Taywne smile softens as he watches the brown hatchling.

On the sands, Kessith croons and looks up at Rhyana, questions in his 
happily swirling blue green eyes. He butts his head against her hip.

On the sands, Shayna shifts her weight again, lifting each foot carefully 
to relieve herself of the intense heat. She watches the brown make his way 
towards another group of Candidates, licking dry lips.

Vrisalka glances over at Shandra with a grin "All bronzes. Now that would 
be disappointing."

On the sands, Aladis turns her head slightly as she lifts her other foot 
to shake the sand from that sandal. She notices Jalynn's glance and arcs a 
brow, murmuring softly to her.

Aphrael beams and nods at Kassi, "Aye, I knoe her. I've not seen her in 
many Turns though.."

Nya says. "I imagine no clutch at all can be considered disappointing." 
She gives her content gold a brief worried look.

On the sands, Rhyana grins at Kessith. "I don't think you'd be able to 
paint..." she says giggling. "Not yet, anyway." she says, reaching out 
with her hand to scratch his eyeridges.

Shandra nods, "That's true, Nya."

On the sands, Kershala picks up a foot to rub it against her leg in a 
fruitless attempt to cool it. She wipes a hand along her brow, the other 
on her robe as the Impressions continue.

Genneth nuzzles her rider, serene as ever.

On the sands, Kessith :croooooons, his innermost lids closing as he finds 
the pleasure of a scritch. He seems to melt into Rhyana's hand, leaning 
his small, but bulky form against her.

On the sands, Jalynn steps back a little, then leans over to whisper to 
Aladis, a soft smile still on her face.

Marina overhears Nya's comment and briefly looks between Genneth and 
Neith. With a shrug she turns her attention back to the sands.

On the sands, Oak Brown Hatchling :suddenly makes his way directly towards 
a group of Candidates, and butts his head against Channie's legs, bleating 
up at her.

On the sands, Cheran grins as he overhears Rhyana's talking to her 
lifemate. He sways a little bit as he stands, then readjusts his feet to 
keep his sense of balance.

On the sands, Selandra watches the oaken brown as he slowly dismisses 
candidate after candidate moving round the grounds. She gulps softly, and 
watches almost mesmerized as he comes nearer.

On the sands, Darran steps back and forth, foot to foot, as the heat of 
the sands begins to get to him.

On the sands, Aladis listens to Jalynn, chuckling softly. Her eyes widen 
and she beams as she sees the handsome little brown find Channie.

On the sands, Selandra lets go her friends hand and grins, moving away 
happy.

Meli says "Awoo! Isn't that Channie?"

Aphrael jumps up, "Channie!!" She yells out, then blushes and sits back 
down, beaming.

On the sands, Kershala tries not to cheer as the brown chooses Channie. 
She grins at her friend, then turns nervously to look over the rest of the 
eggs.

Kassima grins enthusiastically and lifts one arm in a victory gesture. 
"Channie!"

On the sands, Taywne grins at Channie and the brow.

On the sands, Martigan's face breaks out in a broad smile as he sees the 
brown approach Channie.

On the sands, Kaeya pushes her hair back out of her face, as a few strands 
had fallen forward. Her eyes flicker with a deep warmth as she looks 
briefly onto Rhyana, and L'ton. Smling, she turns back to the procedings 
than gasps as the oak dragon stands before chChannie.

On the sands, Vaughan smiles to Channie and wipes his hands on his robe, 
drying them off as he looks at all the eggs and his fellow candidates.

On the sands, Rillae chews on her lip, still watching all of the rocking 
eggs. She does notice that the little Oak Brown Hatchling has chosen his 
lifemate. She cheers silently for Channie.

On the sands, Shayna gasps with pleasure as she spots the oaken brown 
looking at Channie, and she beams in her direction.

On the sands, Channie flitters her eyelashes as she takes in the little 
brown looking to 'her' she kneels down on the sand and touches his soft 
hide, "Oh--h--he says his name is Kemith!" she looks up for just a moment 
before throwing her arms aroudnt the browns neck.

On the sands, Jadir blinks as the brown finds Channie, stepping back to 
allow Sela to give her room. He nods to Channie, mouthing a 
congratulations to her.

On the sands, The crystal ice egg jumps one last time, a great big jump.

P'tran chuckles as the brown Impresses. "Now wait a minute, Benden is 
supposed to be the one with all the female brownriders. Trying to show us 
up?" he says with a grin.

On the sands, The Crystal Ice Egg rocks violently for a moment, then 
settles back into its depression in the sand. After a few moments, the egg 
shudders, sand grains tubmling outward from its base. Shuddering a second 
time, the shell bursts into splintering fragments as a Marbled Green 
Hatchling emerges fromthe tumbling shards.

On the sands, Rhyana grins again at Kessith. "Does that help?" she asks, 
moving her hand slightly as she scritches him. "I only want to help 
you..." she says more softly.

On the sands, Marbled Green Hatchling:
Seeming to be ready to take on all of Pern, this fiery little green 
virtually pounces on her shards, trouncing them into the sands as if 
getting even for their hardness. She gives a creel of hunger and then 
bugles to her clutchmates, moving past them quickly as she heads towards 
the semi-circle of candidates. With her wings fully extended, you can see 
the unique marbling of rich greens with a much lighter, milky colored 
green along her sides and her belly. She carries herself with a bold 
determination, creeling her hunger as she begins searching for her 
lifemate.

On the sands, Jalynn grins happily at Channie and her new lifemate.

On the sands, F'ren zpo trumpets at the new pairing.

On the sands, Vivian grins at Channie and Kemith.

On the sands, Kershala turns to stare as the crystal egg shatters. She 
opens her mouth and her eyes go wide at the lovely green hatchling.

On the sands, Taywne grins at Channie again, his smile very wide.

On the sands, L'ton wraps his arms around Tasorth's neck and smiles.

On the sands, Aladis runs a hand through her hair, smiling at Channie and 
Kemith.

On the sands, The snowcapped mountains egg starts shaking a bit more 
insistently as more and more eggs break around it.

On the sands, Anise motions for Channie and Kemith to join the ever 
growing group of weyrlings.

On the sands, Cheran oohs at the green. "She's PRETTY." he says firmly.

On the sands, K'ri grins at the new weyrling then gasps at the pretty 
green that just hatched!

On the sands, Jadir laughs at the little green, smiling and scratching at 
the sweat on the back of his neck.

G'rel overhears P'tran, then points at Marina, "You'd find some 
competition from all sides about that, Weyrleader!"

On the sands, Kaeya congratulates Channie hoarsely, her eyes near tearing 
with happiness for her friend. A movement from the corner of her eye 
catches her attention, and her head turns back to gaze upon the green 
hatchling. Instantly her face breaks into another beaming smile. "Wow.. 
Jalynn look!"

Vrisalka grumbles "Still no bronze. Hmmph."

Kassima applauds enthusiastically. "Kemith! Channie and Kemith! Absolutely 
wonderful!"

On the sands, Marbled Green Hatchling tumbles down the mound, going head 
over heels. She lands at the bottom with a *thump*, and blinks. 
Momentarily, she's up and off, heading straight for all those white robes 
she sees, 'cause, well, they're the most interesting!

On the sands, Vaughan's mouth forms an 'O' as the green hatches. He smiles 
happily at her and brushes some hair out of his eyes.

On the sands, Darran stops moving again, totally taken in by the most 
recent dragonet on the scene, eyes tracing over the marbled lines of the 
beauty.

On the sands, Aladis turns to see the lovely green, her eyes lighting up, 
shifting from one foot to the other, a soft smile on her lips. SHe nods 
silently to Cheran's comment.

On the sands, Kershala tears her eyes from the green to look at the other 
eggs, but is drawn back inexorably to the beautiful girl.

Aphrael giggles, her eyes following her friend and her new lifemate. 
"Yeah!" She says, then finally turns her attention back to the newly 
hatched green.

On the sands, Taywne eyes turn to the green hatchling.

On the sands, Channie flitters her eyelashes as she nods, "I k-know you're 
hungry." she sputters and looks to see where she should go.

Meli chuckles. "No, love, not as pretty as you..." to Juliath.

On the sands, Jalynn nods, eyes huge "I'm looking, I'm looking."

On the sands, Rillae's eyes wander as she watches the green hatchling.

On the sands, Kershala grins at Cheran excitedly and nods! "Lovely!" she 
murmurs.

On the sands, Martigan teeters on his other leg as he tries to cool that 
foot. He stamps his foot deep into the sands as he sees the green appear. 
He takes a deep breath, centering himself, as he watches all of the eggs 
and hatchlings.

On the sands, As a large purplish egg breaks into bits, the brown within 
emits a weak but determined bugle. Scrambling from his shards, he weaves 
his way through the crowd of white robed figures, intent on reaching his 
goal, a short blond boy from Hold Gar. The boy sinks to his knees with 
joy, reaching out to touch the damp hide with shaky fingers.

On the sands, Jadir leans toward Selandra, amazement making his eyes wide. 
"My, look at her!"

Channeth BUGLES at Kemith's Impression!

On the sands, Aladis chuckles softly at the green, running her hands along 
her robe to dry them, eyes riveted to the hatchling.

P'tran hmms. "Oh well, another Benden monopoly broken," he says in mock-
sadness, then grins at the others

On the sands, Kershala watches as another brown Impresses, then hugs 
herself with her arms to stop her trembling as she watches the green.

On the sands, Channa admires the bold green. Her right hand moves 
unconsciously as if she were sketching something on the hem of he robe.

On the sands, Selandra smiles watching the green too. She makes a quiet 
comment back to Jadir.

On the sands, Kaeya grins, "of course.. of course you are.." her hand 
releases Jalynn's tunic, as she is slightly abashed, but no less amazed by 
the green. Unconciously, she shifts to her other foot, leaning more weight 
on the less-heated one.

On the sands, Shayna tears her gaze away from Channie, and turns to regard 
the lovely green making her way in their direction, reaching up absently 
to wipe trickle of sweat from her nose.

On the sands, Taywne rubs his hand along his robe, eyes on the green.

On the sands, Cheran grins and tiwts his other hand up in his robe, so he 
now looks exceptionally lopsided, since part of his robe hangs to his 
ankles, and the other side is twisted up nearly to his knee.

Shandra chuckles at P'tran.

Meli says "Monopoly, sir?"

On the sands, Rillae plucks unconciously at Tawyne's shirt as she rocks 
back and forth.

Kassima grins. "Ah, a lovely green--and blue to follow her, I daresay."

On the sands, Rhyana continues to scratch Kessith, murmuring to him 
softly, though she now glances to see what else has happened on the sands.

On the sands, Kershala chuckles gaspingly at Cheran, then leans to whisper 
something to him.

On the sands, Taywne nods as his hand move to squeezer her arm.

On the sands, Marbled Green Hatchling pulls up short, making a little pile 
of sand as she skids into it. She looks from one face to another. 
Ohmygosh. She blinks again.

Kassima grins at Meli. "On female brownriders, Meli."

P'tran leans over to Meli, "Benden had a habit of Impressing a lot of 
female candidates to browns awhile back," he explains.

Meli grins. "Ah, thanks."

On the sands, Tasorth whuffles Kessith experimentally, then loses interest 
and stares back at L'ton.

Genneth croons to the pretty green.

On the sands, Kershala blinks back at the green as she skids. Her eyes 
trace the lovely little one's marbling and shades of green.

P'tran grins. "Though it seems to have swung the other way in recent 
times."

On the sands, Aladis wipes the back of her hand over her forehead, 
removing some of the dampness. She shakes her head slightly, smiling at 
the little green, eyes dancing happily.

On the sands, Rillae smiles at Taywne and silently apologizes.

On the sands, Jalynn absently grabs Kaeya's hand, squeezing it. She shakes 
the sand out of one sandlal, then the other, her eyes never leaving the 
gorgeous green. Her other hand finds Rillae's again.

On the sands, Vaughan laughs softly at the little green, unconsiously 
hopping from one foot to another then stopping, determined to stand the 
heat coming up through his soles.

On the sands, Shayna chuckles softly at the little green, her eyes 
crinkling slightly at the corners. She leans forward a bit, again making 
an attempt to brush some of the sweat from her face.

Vrisalka stubbornly says "Bronze. It'll be a bronze."

On the sands, Jadir frowns slightly with concern as the little green 
skids, then smiles warmly when he sees theadorable expression on her face.

On the sands, Kemith butts Channie's legs again, creeling softly to her.

On the sands, Marbled Green Hatchling stands back up and approaches one 
Candidate. She looks him over, then takes a few steps away. She somehow 
ends up right behind Aladis.

G'rel baits, keeping an almost plain faces, "Benden women always had the 
reputation, didn't they?"

On the sands, Martigan leans over to peer around a group of his fellow 
Candidates at the green.

On the sands, Kessith looks up with a startled croon as he is whuffled by 
his clutchbrother. He cranes his neck around to examine the blue 
intensely, whuffling Tasorth up and down.

On the sands, Darran grins, this one's just so infectious in her 
enthusiasm.

On the sands, Selandra watches enthralled at the little greens look, 
waiting to see who she's chosen.

On the sands, The desert sands egg hops a little, then wobbles from side 
to side on the warm sands.

On the sands, Aladis murmurs softly to Vaughan, her voice coming to a halt 
as the green stops in front of her.

On the sands, Channie blsinks and nods her head to Kemith, her cheeks 
blushed as she moves to the side, giggling as she's butted, "Over here."

On the sands, Cheran blushes a little and untangles himself from his 
robes, regaining some semblance of his somewhat dubious dignity.

On the sands, Kaeya smles brightly, reassured by her friends hand and by 
the incredible green. She watches as the object of her attention pauses 
near Alads.

On the sands, Kershala grins at the green as it backs up behind Aladis. 
She watches to see what will happen, then turns to stare at the desert 
colored egg as it wobbles.

On the sands, Shayna smiles broadly at Aladis, seeing the beautiful green 
standing before her.

On the sands, Vaughan turns and looks behind him as the green stares at 
Aladis.

On the sands, Rillae wipes the sweat beads from her face with her robe in 
a slightly undignified manner. She smiles at Jalynn.

P'tran raises an eyebrow, though there is still a grin on his lips. 
"Normally I'd comment on that, but given how many females at Benden are 
pregnant right now, it would probably be wise for me to refrain from 
commenting."

On the sands, Marbled Green Hatchling looks at the back of Aladis's feet 
for a little bit. I like these! She scoots around a little, to Aladis's 
side, and finally thinks to look upwards. The little green scoots around 
some more, until she can see Aladis's face.

On the sands, The desert sands egg rocks more and more, as it's occupant 
attempts to break free. Small struggling sounds emit from the egg, audible 
only to the people nearby.

On the sands, Taywne grins at Aladis and the green.

On the sands, Tasorth is concentrating on being scritched until Kessith 
whuffles back. Blowing sand and a fragment of shell back at the brown, he 
re-whuffles.

Kassima chuckles quietly at P'tran's remark, then grins down at the green. 
"Methinks she's chosen someone...."

On the sands, Vaughan smiles happily for Aladis, giving her hand a squeeze 
before turning his attention to the rocking egg.

On the sands, Jadir coughs suddenly, blinking at the resurgannce of his 
former illness. He inhales deeply, smiling a somewhat sad smile as the 
little green chooses Aladis.

On the sands, Selandra laughs softly at the green near Aladis, grinning 
like a clown as the two find each other.

P'tran grins more broadly. "Of course, I'll deny I ever said that ..."

On the sands, Jalynn holds her breath as she watches her friend and the 
green.

On the sands, Cheran grins and looks around the sands, trying to see 
everything that's going on. He grins at the green and turns mist if his 
focus back on the rocking eggs.

On the sands, Taywne pleased grin on his face at the choice.

On the sands, Rialeth rumbles loudly, her eyes whirling with excitment as 
she watches the hatchlings from her clutch choose their lifemates.

On the sands, L'ton chuckles softly as Tasorth ruffles his robes with his 
breath.

Narai supresses a grin at P'tran's remark, a soft comment about a 
dragonhealer under her breath.

On the sands, Aladis can't help but smile as she watches the little green 
inspecting her. The smile on her face widens even further as she looks 
into the green's eyes and she reaches out a tentative hand.

Meli grins. "Greens are th'best... right, Kassi?"

On the sands, Channie whipes at her eyes grinning from ear to ear as she 
takes her place beside Ryanna and L'ton.

G'rel turns his grin to the sands, and it is slowly replaced by the amused 
curiosity.

On the sands, Kaeya's smile reflects only complete joy for Alads and the 
green. Her eyes find the other eggs, watching for other hatchlings with 
eager anticipation.

On the sands, Kershala wipes her hands again as the desert egg rocks. She 
takes another deep breath and visibly forces her shoulder to untense.

On the sands, Marbled Green Hatchling lifts her head and butts it against 
Aladis's hand, eyes locked with hers.

On the sands, Jadir glances up at the gold queen, noting her satisfaction, 
and smiles with a nod in her direction, then turns his attention back 
toward the eggs.

On the sands, Kershala spares a quick glance up into the stands to grin at 
her friends, but almost instantly turns back to the clutch.

On the sands, Rillae sighs at the Impression and loosens her grip on 
Jalynn's hand. "Sorry." She smiles.

On the sands, Martigan's blue eyes leave Aladis and the green hatchling as 
he notices a nearby egg rock.

On the sands, Cheran bounces a very little bit, eagerly, his former calm 
now replaces by a semblance of his typical hyperactivity.

On the sands, Rhyana continues to scratch Kessith, laughing softly as he 
and Tasorth eye each other.

On the sands, Selandra's eyes sparkle with joy as she glances at Jadir and 
then back across at Aladis.

Kassima laughs and nods to Meli. "Oh, aye. For one thing, it's true--and 
for another, Lyss'd never forgive me if I said otherwise." She looks up to 
her humming lifemate with a fond smile.

On the sands, Jalynn smiles reassuringly at Rillae.

On the sands, Vaughan grins as Aladis Impresses and wipes his hands dry 
the wipes somesweat from his face.

On the sands, Kershala chuckles at Cheran, beginning to relax a little bit 
in truth. She straightens her robe and swings her hands, watching the 
desert egg wobbling.

On the sands, Taywne eyes turn from the happy pair to the moving egg.

On the sands, The look on Aladis' face freezes and an expression of pure 
joy comes over her face as she wraps her arms around the green's neck.
Tears of joy streaming down her face, she lifts her head and says softly, 
"Her name is Asabeth!"

On the sands, Shayna turns her head once more, catching a glimpse of 
another rocking egg.

On the sands, The Snowcapped Mountains Egg rocks back and forth among its 
surrounding neighbors, making little headway against the sand ridges that 
hold it in place. The rocking motions increase in intensity, until the egg 
tilts up on one end, then falls back onto the sands with a crunch that 
splits the shell into two disjointed halves, releasing a Smokey-Grey Blue 
Hatchling onto the sands.

On the sands, Smokey-Grey Blue Hatchling:
A blur of blue tumbles into the form of a hatchling, his maw opened wide 
as he exultantly proclaims his birth. A smokey haze of grey intermingles 
fluidly with his blue hide. Stumbling awkwardly he pulls himself onto 
wobbly legs that seem bent upon betraying all aspects of balance. Whorls 
of indigo fall into unique concentric circles on both of his wings, 
creating the sensation of ripples of water, retreating from a raindrop 
who's punctured its surface. With an air of recalcitrance, he manages to 
move himself over the sands in a heated search for his mate.

Ceara says "oooh, I like it! Not as good as Anaryth, but what can you 
do...."

C'san smiles.

On the sands, Taywne eyes widen as he notices the handsome gray-blue 
color.

On the sands, Rillae ohs! "He's beautiful!"

P'tran smiles at the Impression and glances over to the other hatching 
egg. "Another blue, hmm."

On the sands, Kershala turns as the snowy egg drops the little blue to the 
sands. She releases a breath of awe as he stumbles forward.
On the sands, Martigan gasps as the blue hatchling arrives in the world.

Kassima grins. "Blue, aye! Seems I'm doing pretty well, so long as I don't 
guess bronze."

On the sands, Cheran's jaw drops. "Faranth," he says more or less fo the 
blue.

Ceara grins. "Blue! Whoo!"

On the sands, Vaughan chuckles in happiness as the grey-blue hatchling 
bursts from his shell.

On the sands, Kaeya ignore the heat against her skin, and that against her 
feet, though she continues to shift a bit uncomfortably. It doesn't bother 
her much, as anotherhatchling has broken from it's shell. Her grin widens 
perceptively until it seems her whole face is one big smle. She again tugs 
on Jalynn's robe, pointing.

On the sands, Smokey-Grey Blue Hatchling snorts disgustedly as he lands 
snout first in the sand. Sitting up he begins a wiggling shake that begins 
at the tip of his snout and works all the way back to his whiping tail. 
Shards and sand go flying in ever direction.

On the sands, Channie beams at Aladis and Asabeth as she gives Kemith soft 
scritches.

On the sands, Kemith wuffles Channie gently from the side as he watches 
his clutchmates hatch.

On the sands, Darran looks at the hazy young one, eyes full of admiration, 
but he takes a step away, looking disheartened as many Impressions go on 
all around him.

On the sands, Kershala chuckles to Cheran. "Not quite," she murmurs. "She 
was a gold."

On the sands, Jadir blinks with admiration as the smokey blue hatchling 
tumbles from his shell. He can's surpress a smile at the little creature's 
lack of balance, nodding in sympathy with him.

On the sands, Jalynn grabs Kaeya's hand before she tugs too hard on her 
robe, but she doesn't let go of it and nods in answer.

On the sands, F'ren chuckles as he sees the antics of the blue. "That's 
going to be one fiesty dragon."

On the sands, Kershala grins as shards of shell go flying in all 
directions. She ducks a little to dodge one that whips near her head.

On the sands, Rillae grins at the little blue and steps out of the way as 
another hatchling moves past her.

Kassima hmmmms. "But I'll still guess bronze for the next one," she adds, 
and grins at Aphrael. "I 'spose you're going to say this one's like 
Prefeth, too?"

On the sands, Aladis reaches up a trembling hand to scritch Asabeth's 
ridges, gently leading her over toward the other hatchlings. She smiles 
indulgently at Asabeth, "Soon, love. We'll find you something wonderful 
and delicious."

On the sands, Kessith leans on Rhyana again, wrapping his tail 
possessively around her leg. He cranes his neck over to get another look 
at the blue, dragging Rhyana along with him.

On the sands, Anise waves for Aladis and Asabeth to join her and the 
weyrlings.

On the sands, Shayna smiles as the blue stumbles to his feet, admiring his 
coloration. She fidgets with her robe again, fingers twisting the sides 
into balled up fabric.

On the sands, Cheran snaps out of it with a sort of giggle. "Whr?" He 
laughs suddenly. "Right, Shala...." He watches the hatchling.

On the sands, Asabeth follows Aladis over, butting at her hand happily the 
whole way.

On the sands, Kaeya tilts her head, eyes never leaving the blue as she 
murmurs to Jalynn, her hand contracting.

On the sands, Rhyana laughs at Kessith, and lets his tail stay there. 
"Yes, dearest. I'm all yours. Positively all yours, forever and forever." 
she says, trying to keep her balance as he moves.

On the sands, Selandra's smiles are lost as she watches the smoke-coloured 
one with a stunned expression. "He's gorgeous." is the quiet exclamation.

On the sands, Kershala grins and nudges Cheran. "Keep calm, Ran."

On the sands, Tasorth bumps Kessith in the chest and whuffles again, then 
crooooooons at Asabeth.

On the sands, Taywne nods as he watches.

On the sands, Aladis giggles and pats Asabeth's little head gently, as she 
walks along with her lifemate, a bounce in her step.

Marina looks up at Channeth and then over at Neith, "Now what has gotten 
into you two? Merri is Neith asking you all kinds of wierd questions?"

On the sands, Jalynn nods, patting the hand that's crushing her other one 
as she watches the blue hatchling.

On the sands, Channa hops from foot to foot absently, her eyes on the 
greyish blue hatchling stumbling from his egg.

On the sands, Kessith takes a step towards Tasorth, whuffling him 
curiously as he continues to drag Rhyana towards L'ton, forgetting his 
tail is wrapped around her leg.

On the sands, Channie giggles at the dragonettes, her eyes bright as 
Kemith croons up at her.

On the sands, The desert sands egg spins once, twice, then rolls down a 
tiny slope in the sands. The egg rocks strongly for a long moment, then 
stops and lies quiet for a long moment.

On the sands, Smokey-Grey Blue Hatchling looks up at the huge bronze and 
gold looming above him and lets out a cheerful bugle. Seeing a clutchmate 
dart past, he turns to see what could possibly be so interesting. Oooh. 
White things. With a bound and a leap with wings spread, he promptly lands 
snout first in the sand once again.

On the sands, Cheran grins at Kershala. "I'm *plenty* calm," he says a 
little defensively, grinning. He watches the eggs and the hatchlings move 
about, nervously again, but with his energy returning. "Ooh," he says 
again.

On the sands, Channa giggles and puts up her hands to sheild her eyes from 
flying debris as the hatchling wibbles.

On the sands, L'ton continues to scratch at Tasorth as he smiles widely to 
Kessith and Rhyana.

On the sands, The gentle stream egg shivers with the faintest of 
vibrations, the first indication that it is nearing its hatching time.

On the sands, Kemith wufflebleats to Asabeth as she and her new lifemate 
join them.

On the sands, Kershala spares a glimpse for the desert egg, but her 
attention snaps back to the blue as he trips into the sand. She clutches 
her hands together tightly, her eyes widening.

On the sands, Martigan waddles over to tighten the semi-circle, his feet 
lightly dancing on the hot sand. His head moves from side to side as he 
tries to take it all in. He winces at the blue hatchling trips.

On the sands, Vaughan looks at the empty spaces on either side of him and 
looks back at the grey-blue hatchling, a huge smile on his face.

On the sands, Rillae sighs, shaking her head and grinning. "I don't know 
if he'll ever make it out here."

On the sands, Taywne chuckles and leans to watch.

On the sands, Aladis leans down to wrap her arms around Asabeth's neck, 
hugging her gently. "I'm happy too, love. Happier than I could ever say."

On the sands, F'ren laughs as he watches the new hatchling.

On the sands, Jadir smiles warmly at the little blue, a look of friendly 
encouragement lighting his face.

P'tran blinks at the blue. He should have looked before he leaped," he 
comments with a grin

On the sands, Cheran smiles to the blue. "Clumsy, you'll be better," he 
says softly.

On the sands, Rhyana gets dragged off by Kessith, looking not at all 
displeased with the situation. She glances up, and grins broadly at L'ton 
and Aladis and the other new weyrlings.

Kassima mutters under her breath, "Bronze, it'll be bronze...." Then she 
laughs. "Seems hatchlings are always trying to eat the sand. Even Lysseth 
took a nosedive."

On the sands, Kaeya convulsively swallows with excitement and a tinge of 
nervousness. Her eyes widen as the blue trips, and she takes a step 
forward to help him, but quickly corrects herself, stepping back into her 
original position. "Oh Jalynn..."

On the sands, Rialeth croons softly to the clumsy little blue. Her tone is 
soothing and encouraging.

On the sands, Shayna chuckles as she overhears Cheran, and then quickly 
returns her attention to the smokey blue. She impatiently brushes back a 
strand of hair that has escaped her tie and is dangling over one eye.

On the sands, Kershala grins to Cheran, but doesn't move her eyes from the 
blue.

On the sands, Darran continues watching the smokey greyblue dragonet with 
a kind of quiet fascination.

On the sands, Overwhelmed by her emotions, a small girl from Peyton Hold 
sits on the sands, paying no attention to the intense heat. Tears pour 
down her face as she hugs the steely blue hatching before her.

On the sands, Kershala shifts from foot to foot both from the heat and the 
nervousness. She grins over at the steely blue who has Impressed, and 
turns back to the smokey blue.

On the sands, Jalynn chuckles, feet shifting a little more rapidly, she 
pries three of Kaeya's fingers loose and wiggles her own. She glances at 
Rillae to see how she's doing.

On the sands, Smokey-Grey Blue Hatchling picks himself back up, completely 
undaunted. Looking out at the white things, he spies a short one that 
demands his further investigation. Awkwardly ambling forward, slightly 
more cautious, he progresses straight away across the sands till he stops 
directly before Cheran. Whirling eyes look straight up into bright grey 
eyes nearly covered by messy hair.

On the sands, The desert sands egg suddenly springs back to life. With a 
sudden spasmodic motion the egg escapes the tiny valley. Tiny fissures and 
cracks appear on the surface of the shell, growing quickly.

On the sands, Rillae smiles back to Jalynn and whispers to her.

On the sands, Kershala gasps and can't help cheering as the blue stops in 
front of Cheran. She claps her hands over her mouth, grinning broadly.

R'yel unbuckles himself from his flight straps and swings a leg over 
Vaeth's neck.

R'yel hops down Vaeth's side to the ground, using his straps as handholds.

On the sands, Darran gasps and grins as the hatchling stops before his 
friend Cheran.

R'val slides down from Vidarth's back and lands in a crouch.

On the sands, Vaughan gives Cheran a big grin then looks at the egg that's 
about to hatch.

On the sands, Channie grins, "And you've even got a cute voice." she 
whispers down at her lifemate and stroking his hide affectionatly.

R'val waves to the other benden riders as he dismounts, and moves towards 
them.

Darci waves to R'yel.

Marina pokes Merellia excitedly, "Look! That's Cheran!"

On the sands, Taywne smiles at Cheran and the gray blue.

On the sands, Vivian looks over at F'ren and grins. She chuckles softly as 
her gaze returns to the chaos on the hatching grounds.

D'ris spots R'val and waves to him through the assembled crowd.

P'tran glances over to R'val and smiles. "You managed to make it."

On the sands, Cheran's jaw drop again. "Hello...." He says softly, and 
then bouces into the air. "He's SHANTH!" He shouts.

On the sands, Kaeya chuckles, embarrassed, "Sorry," she manages to say 
before taking her hand into the other. Noticing Cheran and the blue, she 
sighs, still incredibly happy, and looks on to the eggs, her eye catching 
a rocking one.

On the sands, F'ren grins back. "I think that's a perfect match."

On the sands, Shayna brings her hands together in delight for Cheran, 
bouncing a bit on her toes in her happiness.

On the sands, Selandra shakes her head suddenly, and a funny smile crosses 
her face, half regret, half joy for Cheran.

On the sands, Aladis glances over at Channie, wiping happy tears from her 
eyes, her attention momentarily drawn to Cheran and the little blue.

On the sands, Jalynn nods agreement and turns her eyes back in time to see 
the blue reach Cheran. A smile spreads across her face.

On the sands, Taywne eyes warm. he nods to Cheran.

Merellia's glance slides to Marina, eyes creasing at the corners as she 
laughs. "Ah, so it's Channeth she's getting some of these ideas from?" she 
asks, mouth quirking at the corners. "Yes, some of them are a bit--
unusual. Even for her." Her face brightens, "Oh, congratulations for him!" 
as Cheran Impresses.

On the sands, Rillae laughs as the blue and Cheran look at each other.

R'val sees D'ris, and gives a cheery wave in his direction. He turns to 
P'tran and nods, "Yessir. My patrol just arrived back at the weyr. WE've a 
few others on their way."

On the sands, Jadir sighs slightly and relaxes, noticing the heat under 
his feet once again, lifting each in turn and shaking them. He nods his 
congrats to Cheran, then turns his attention to the desert sands egg, 
eyeing it eagerly.

Kassima grins and waves over to R'val. "Heyla, R'val, you're just in time 
to see a bronze hatch!" She seems absolutely positive of this, then 
glances down. "Shanth, and Cheran--err, Ch'ran? Perfect!"

C'san says "He's always late."

On the sands, A crack appears in the Desert Sands Egg, shaking from the 
exertion. As the crack widens, you catch the barest hint of the golden 
hide of the young queen as she struggles to break free. Several minutes 
elapse and then, with one final burst of energy, the shell erupts into a 
fountian of golden fragments.

Marina leaps to her feeat, "Alright Cheran! Way to go!"

On the sands, Channa smiles jubilantly at Cheran, applauding his 
Impression to the blue.

On the sands, Kershala wobbles on the toes of her boots as she grins 
ecstatically for Cheran. She catches the words from F'ren and grins. 
"Perfect indeed."

On the sands, Sunset Gold Hatchling:
As the day comes to it's close and the sun sets over the ocean, the sky 
dances with color and light, fading into the darkness of the evening. Rich 
blues swirl with pink and violet, all with a golden cast. Rays of bright 
gold stream out from behind clouds kissed with soft orange hues. This 
golden hatchlings hide dances like the sunset, glowing a warm, rich gold. 
Dappled with all the colors of the sunset over her translucent wings and 
the underside of her neck, trailing all the way down to the underside of 
her long, graceful tail. Her hide is a rainbow of fire, ever changing in 
it's golden glory. Her jeweled eyes glow as red as the sun as it touches 
the horizon, her hunger driving her forward. Her clumsy, awkward movements 
are typical of one so young, but she'll soon grow to be as graceful as the 
clouds scooting their way around the sunset. Her bugle resounds against 
the rock walls of the cavern, announcing her presense with a musical air!

On the sands, Channie grins as she hears Cheran's voice she starts to 
clap, but stops herself for a moment.

On the sands, Kershala gasps. "The queen!"

On the sands, Taywne eyes move to the egg as it shifts on the sand.

On the sands, Rhyana glances out, and hears Cheran cry out. She beams at 
him, before turning her attention back to Kessith, grinning. "Where are 
you trying to go?" she asks, her foot still entangled in his tail. She 
continues to scratch his eye ridges.

R'val grins at Kassima, "I see. Sounds liked I"ve missed a good deal."

R'yel looks around and spies Darci as she waves to him. He waves back, 
smiling and makes his way over to her. "I miss much?" he asks while 
looking down onto the sands.

On the sands, Asabeth butts her head against Aladis's knee, wanting all 
the attention she can possibly get.

On the sands, Tasorth BUGLES at the arrival as his golden clutchmate..
right into L'ton's and Rhyana's ears.

On the sands, Taywne eyes widen at the young queen stands forth.

P'tran nods to R'val. "There haven't been any bronzes yet, but a lot of 
fine looking blues and browns and ..." He looks back towards the sands and 
ahs. "And one rather fine gold ..."

Meli says "Wow, a queen..."

On the sands, Kershala watches in awe as the new gold bursts from her 
shell. Her eyes wander over the lovely one, glancing off her brilliant 
flanks and wings.

D'ris jumps as he leans forwards, eyes locked onto the new gold queen. His 
jaw slightly drops, in tandem with every other Fort bronzerider on the 
ledges.

On the sands, Rialeth BUGLES loudly to her young daughter, welcoming her!

On the sands, Darran gasps, a sharp intake of breath as he watches the new 
queen, already paying homage.

Channeth BUGLES as the new queen is born!

On the sands, Channie giggles softly, looking up to see the gold 
hatchling.

On the sands, The gentle stream egg shivers some more, the movement 
becoming more frequent and more insistent. As the moments pass, it begins 
to roll in earnest, the taptaptapping of the hatchling within becoming 
audible to those a fair distance away.

On the sands, Anise motions for Ch'ran and his lifemate, Shanth to come 
over to the group.

R'val glances back at the sands and whistles, impressed, "Lovely little 
queen, she is..'

On the sands, K'ri gasps and watches the new queen carefully...

Kassima snaps her fingers. "Every time I guess bronze, I'm wrong," she 
says with a grin, then watches the queen with amazement. "Wow, that's the 
first queen hatchling I've ever seen... beautiful!"

On the sands, Kaeya gasps, staring at the golden hatchling, "Shards! She's 
incredible!" she fair shouts, clutching at her chest as her heart thumps 
against it.

On the sands, L'ton winces and then smiles happiily as a new queen 
emerges.

Neith bugles! as the young queen hatches.

On the sands, Zyanth adds his BUGLE to Raileths!

On the sands, Selandra tilts her chin higher and then turns, only to gasp 
at the sight of the young queen. She curtseys, reminded of her good 
manners.

On the sands, Vaughan gasps as the queen hatches!

On the sands, Jadir 's mouth works, but no sound comes from it, as the 
little queen bursts from her egg. He steps back, knowing this one is 
definitely not for him, and watches eagerly to see if she will choose one 
of his good friends.

On the sands, Rillae's eyes grow wide as the queen bursts from her shell. 
She takes a step back and clutches on to the back of Jalynn's robe.

On the sands, Shayna gasps with awe at the lovely golden hatchling as she 
emerges from her shell, releasing the damp fabric of her robe that had 
been clutched between her fingers.

Genneth croons to the new little sister.

On the sands, Aladis kneels down to cuddle Asabeth to her, murmuring soft 
words of reassurance to her, glancing at the young gold as she appears.

On the sands, Sunset Gold Hatchling stands for a long moment, surveying 
the Hatching Sands with an almost regal gaze. She emits one loud creel, 
then carefuly picks her way through the shell fragments towards the 
nearest group of Candidates.

On the sands, Ch'ran nods to Shanth. "You're mine and I'm yours and...." 
Completely at a loss for words, he walks over towards Anise.

On the sands, Kershala stands absolutely still as she watches the gold. 
"So beautiful..." she whispers.

On the sands, Rillae smiles at the gold hatchling as she makes her way to 
the Candidates. "She's perfect."

P'tran smiles broadly and gets a wistful look, always reminded of his own 
hatching and watching his weyrmate Impress.

On the sands, Jalynn's breath catches in her throat as she stares the gold 
hatchling. She doesn't notice Rillae's grip on her robe at first.

Darci grins to R'yel, "Looks to be about half, or a little more. I'd catch 
you up, but I'm afraid I don't know many of the youngsters."

On the sands, Martigan looks toward Jalynn and Kaeya as he knows the gold 
isn't for him.

On the sands, Vaughan laughs delightedly and looks over at the eggs, 
peering to see if any are cracking.

On the sands, Shanth happily whuffles Ch'ran's robe as he seems to attatch 
himself to the boy's legs.

On the sands, Kaeya quivers with awe and joy, simply at watching the 
beautiful newly hatched queen move. "She -s- perfect, Rillae.."

R'val grins over at D'ris, "Looks like you've a fine group, this time."

On the sands, F'ren says "Ah, Vivian. A fine, fine gold."

Keth joins with the rest of his bugling Istan group, in a bit more subdued 
voice. His rider, after unclenching his teeth at the sudden noise from his 
lifemate, grins, and leans a bit more comfortably.

On the sands, Shayna's lips twitch a bit at the creel, and she brushes 
away some sweat from her forehead as she stares at the lovely gold, 
enthralled.

On the sands, Rillae's hand shakes as she removes it from Jalynn's robe.

On the sands, Vivian's face is awash with joy as she looks over at F'ren 
and nods her head several times. "She's lovely!"

On the sands, Selandra starts to quiver, the nerves she'd thought were 
gone came back at the sight of the golden queen before her. She gulps 
several times and reaches a hand back to grasp Jadirs again, scared almost 
witless.

On the sands, Ch'ran reaches down to stroke Shanth's head, grinning 
happily, and stopping walking so that he doesn't fall over.

On the sands, Kershala weaves back and forth as she watches the gold with 
saucer-wide eyes. SHe gulps once or twice in nervousness and grips her 
hands even tighter together.

Karithacomes out of her reverie to grin at R'yel.

On the sands, Jalynn smiles at Martigan when she sees his glance. Then 
takes a deep breath when she sees sparkles in the corners of her eyes.

On the sands, Aladis reaches a hand up to rub Asabeth's ridges gently, a 
loving smile on her face. She murmurs softly to her lifemate.

On the sands, Sunset Gold Hatchling sweeps a glance towards the arrayed 
Candidates, then stops on one for a long moment. She strides towards a 
certain figure, head high, then suddenly trips on her feet and sprawls.

D'ris grins at R'val, "Indeed! R'val, indeed!", is all he can happily say, 
as he turns back to the Sands.

On the sands, Jadir takes Sela's hand with a smile, squeezing 
reassuringly, and places his other hand on her shoulder as he stands 
behind her.

R'val nods vehemently to D'ris, his eyes moving back to the sands.

On the sands, Kershala covers her mouth quickly to stifle giggles. She 
stares at the gold in absolute awe.

On the sands, Rillae grimaces as the queen falls. She makes the motions of 
picking her up, but stays where she is.

On the sands, Vivian chuckles softly as the young queen takes an 
ungraceful nose-dive into the sand.

On the sands, Shayna winces, leaning forward on her toes as she sees the 
gold stumble. Reluctantly, she straightens back up, eyes wide with 
sympathy for the regal creature's dilemma.

On the sands, F'ren grins. "That first step is a tough one."

On the sands, Kaeya tilts forward, wanting to move and help the beautiful 
gold, but staying rooted to her spot. Her eyes swim with appreciation as 
she avidly watches the gold.

On the sands, Selandra takes a step forward to help uncertain, compassion 
for the hatchling written over her face.

On the sands, Jalynn bites her lip, grabbing Kaeya's hand and reaching for 
Rillae's only to find she's not next to her any more. She looks around and 
sees her a step back and smiles.

On the sands, Aladis chuckles softly, giving Asabeth a little hug. "So're 
you, love."

On the sands, Vaughan winces as he notices the queen's stumble from the 
corner of his eye. He looks over toward her to see what will happen.

On the sands, Ch'ran bites his lip. "Hungry. Yes. Right. Hungry." He grins 
at Shanth. "Because I'm a little'n, is why I'm shorter. My sister's little 
too." He grins and continues leading his lifemate towards the 
weyrlingmaster.

R'yel grins back to Darci and nods. "No bronzes yet? Oh, guess not yet.." 
he says as he turns back to the sands, the young queen catching his 
attention.

R'val squints, 'Who's she headed for, I wonder...."

On the sands, Concern laces Kaeya's words, swirling in her eyes, "Oh I 
hope she's alright.." It takes every effort to keep her in place, and her 
body is tense because of it.

On the sands, Rhyana looks over and grins at Ch'ran. "Congratulations!" 
she says cheerfully, her attention still mostly fixed on scratching all 
the places Kessith itches.

C'san says "Seems to know right where she's going..."

Marina leans forward and bit, "Come on Selandra, the two of you would be 
perfect together."

On the sands, Sunset Gold Hatchling picks herself back up, snuffling the 
sands from her golden muzzle, then continues towards the selected group. 
Small shining wings spread wide, she waddles over to the group, jaws open 
with hunger.

On the sands, Kershala watches the gold tensely, her nails biting into her 
palms. Sweat beads on her forehead from the heat and especially the 
nervousness.

On the sands, Rillae steps forward and takes her former space in the semi-
circle. She watches the gold with awe and smiles a tender smile.

On the sands, Ch'ran nods. "For always and forever." He beams, and tries 
to start answering questions, some verbally, some not, grinning 
uncontrollably.

Kassima shifts in her seat on Lysseth's foreleg to see better. "Can't 
quite tell, R'val...."

On the sands, Darran takes another step back, determined to stay out of 
the way.

Darci bounces her clasped hands on her lap a few times, in anticipation.

On the sands, Aladis smiles at Ch'ran as he nears, one arm protectively 
around Asabeth's shoulders.

On the sands, Jadir hugs Sela lightly from behind, whispering encouraging 
words in her ear.

On the sands, Selandra sways gently mesmerized by the gold, and her hand 
goes limp slipping free of Jadirs.

C'san shares a quiet smile with Marina.

On the sands, Kemith looks at his golden clutchmate and then stretches his 
neck up to croon softly to Channie, nuzzling her.

D'ris grins proudly, "She might go to Selandra... Rsonth Searched her!"

On the sands, Shayna continues to keep her gaze fixed on the lovely gold, 
one hand absently shoving back the lose strand of hair once more from her 
forehead. Her other hand returns to her side, again clutching her robe 
tightly.

On the sands, F'ren watches the gold closely, murming to himself, "Which 
will she choose?"

On the sands, Channie puts her cheek against Kemith's head smiling 
lovingly at him as she scratches all his itches.

P'tran grins at the comments he hears around him and keeps his own 
observations to himself this time

On the sands, Vivian pauses as she watches the gold look for her mate. She 
holds her breath as she waits to see who the little queen will pick.

C'san finds himself holding his breath.

Marina catches C'san's glances and recognizes him for Nabol and High 
Reaches. She nods knowingly to him and then turns her attention back to 
the little gold.

On the sands, Kaeya's breathing quickens slightly, and she cannot tear her 
gaze from the magnificent gold. She whisper to Jalynn loudly, the only 
words audible being, "like.. sunset.. incredible...."

On the sands, Vaughan looks over at the queen, wondering which is her 
lifemate. He brushes hair from his brow and peers around the sands.

On the sands, Anise whispers assurances to the weyrlings, moving through 
the group calmly, skirts swinging behind her.

On the sands, Channa emits a small eek that comes all the way fromher 
toes, which she is standing on.

On the sands, L'ton looks up from Tasorth to nod to Anise.

On the sands, Kershala turns a little to smile weakly at her fellow 
Candidates, her knuckles white with tension.

R'val nods to Kassima thoughtfully, "It's hard to tell.' He mutters.

On the sands, Jalynn grabs Rillae's hand this time. Her face glistening 
with sweat as she rocks from one foot to the other. She nods wordlessly to 
Kaeya's comment, her hands tightening on both Kaeya's and Rillae's

On the sands, Sunset Gold Hatchling seems to regally gather herself up, 
then moves over to Shayna. Creeling hungrily, she lifts eyes up to the 
girl, locking eyes with her.

On the sands, The gentle stream egg rocks and tumbles about in earnest, 
now, the last frantic efforts of the hatchling inside to break free from 
the hard casing which has confined it for all these heated sevendays. 
Cracks appear, lacing intricately all across the surface of the mottled 
shell.

R'val grins, "She chose!" He murmurs, "Good for her."

On the sands, Taywne slow smile lights his face, he nods.

On the sands, Aladis glances up at Anise and nods, her attention returning 
to Asabeth as she murmurs quiet reassurances to her.

On the sands, Jadir hugs Selandra warmly, whispering in her ear as he sees 
the little queen choose Shayna.

On the sands, Kershala gives a small sigh, then grins happily as the gold 
chooses Shayna.

On the sands, Vaughan grins hugely to Shayna as he hops from one foot to 
another.

P'tran leans forward a bit for a better look as it seems the gold makes 
her choice

On the sands, Rillae smiles wanly at Shayna, turning to the other eggs.

On the sands, Kershala turns reluctantly from the gold to watch the stream 
egg begin to crack.

On the sands, Taywne nods and then looks back at the moving egg.

On the sands, Tasorth croons happily as the gold finds her lifemate, then 
he plops his head back in L'ton's lap.

Kassima nods happily at R'val, then turns her gaze to the cracking egg. 
"Bronze," she says firmly. "This time, it's got to be bronze."

On the sands, Zyanth warbles to the gold and her new mate.

D'ris grins and claps as the gold impresses Shayna, then trades joke with 
a fellow bronzerider.

On the sands, Channa slowly sinks back to her heels, grinning madly at 
Shayna.

On the sands, Shayna sinks slowly to her knees, heedless of the heat. A 
fleeting expression of bewilderment is swiftly replaced by one of dawning 
comprehension, and she reaches out a tentative hand. "Lrisseth? Oh, 
Lrisseth!" she murmurs, overjoyed.

On the sands, Rialeth lifts her head and BUGLES loudly with joy for the 
little queen!

P'tran smiles broadly. "Which one is that? Shayna? The name sounds 
familiar ..."

Meli says "Lrisseth? Hmm..."

On the sands, Selandra's face falls, she should've known better though. 
She drags her eyes of the queen finally and smiles weakly up at Jadir.

On the sands, Darran grins at the newest goldrider.

R'val smiles, "Lovely name, too."

On the sands, Vivian sighs softly and looks over at F'ren, nodding her 
head slightly as she smiles warmly.

On the sands, Kaeya's eyes fall away from Shayna and the gold, 
disappointment keen in her gaze. Hesitantly she looks towards the eggs 
that haven't hatched, unable to stomp the hope that still resides within. 
Quietly she smiles at Shayna, and congratulates her, though her eyes are 
still locked on the eggs.

On the sands, L'ton smiles and hugs Tasorth, "She's found her friend."

On the sands, Jalynn smiles and nods to Shayna and Lrisseth, letting go of 
Kaeya and Rillae's hands to wipe her own on her robe again.

Marina smiles when she sees Shayna and Lrisseth Impress. With a tiny sigh 
she looks over at C'san and shrugs a bit.

Kassima grins at R'val. "There is something about it," she says with a 
chuckle.

On the sands, Sunset Gold Hatchling creels softly at the girl and nuzzles 
up to her.

On the sands, Jadir drops a light kiss on Sela's forhead, hugging her yet 
again. "Don't worry, you'll get one yet."

On the sands, Ch'ran drops to his knees and begins to scritch Shanth's 
eyeridges happily, grinning and gazing into his eyes.

On the sands, Channie grins up with wide eyes at Shayna and Lrisseth, her 
arms still wrapped around Kemith's neck.

On the sands, F'ren returns Vivian's warm smile with one of his own, "Our 
pair has done well, Vivian."

On the sands, Anise turns towards the new queen and her rider, inviting 
them to join the weyrlings.

Genneth croons encouragingly.

Shandra groans softly, "Shayna. Now everyone's going to think I'm a *Fort* 
rider."

On the sands, Aladis lifts her head to watch Shayna and Lrisseth. She 
smiles happily to the pair, her arm protectively around Asabeth's 
shoulders.

On the sands, Shayna reaches out again, more confidently this time, 
stroking the damp muzzle, her fingers trembling with emotion.

R'yel smiles for the newly impressed pair, then turns to pat Vaeth's leg, 
"Pretty little gold isn't she?" he grins and looks winks at Karitha.

J'rell grins at Shandra.

On the sands, Kershala looks back to the gold for a moment, then shakes 
her head and turns to the wobbling eggs that remain. She relaxes her 
shoulders and draws herself up to stare at the stream egg.

On the sands, L'ton laughs and scoots his hand down a few inches to rub 
vigorously at Tasorth's blue hide.

P'tran laughs at Shandra and grins

On the sands, The Gentle Stream Egg twitches and jiggles, threatening to 
topple from its upright position. The twitching motions increase rapidly 
as the egg begins a slow, spinning movement in the slight depression that 
holds it. Several quick staccato rocking shakes are added to the 
elliptical path the egg's upper end traces through the air as the egg 
finally tumbles end over end, shattering into glistening shards as a Jade 
Green Hatchling is dumped onto the sands.

Shandra adds hastily, "Not that that's a bad thing... honest."

On the sands, Jade Green Hatchling:
With wings still glistening, this jade green hatchling eagerly focuses her 
jeweled eyes on her surroundings, all evidence of light refracted and 
encaptivated in their every facet. Much as the light seems to dance and 
play in her eyes, so to does her hide abound with waves of color. A 
uniform color of jade dominates her head, wings, and torso, rippling into 
a glossy, yellowing hue on her belly. A solitary dapple of gold resides 
above her right nostril, contrasting brightly against the duskier shade of 
green which blankets the rest of her head. Likewise, a fleck of olive 
green stands undaunted at the tip of her tail, calling an abrupt halt to 
the flow of her otherwise rich shade of jade.

On the sands, Asabeth rests her head against Aladis's legs, impatience 
emanating from her.

Kassima fehs. "Yet again I guess bronze, yet again I am wrong... oh, well. 
She's a lovely green, isn't she?"

On the sands, Rhyana glances up at the queen, smiles at Shayna, and then 
continues scratching Kessith. "Yes, I know you're hungry..." she murmurs. 
"Just a few more minutes..."

On the sands, Taywne smiles as the newly hatched green can be seen.

Meli says "Ooh, she's got some gold on 'er like Juliath does..."

On the sands, Kershala breathes out in awe as the jade hatchling steps out 
onto the sands from the ruins of her egg.

R'val grins at Kassi agreeably, "Sure is."

On the sands, Martigan turns his eyes away from the gold as the green 
hatchling burst forth from her shell. He pulls at his robe, trying to 
smooth the wrinkles he put in it with his twisting fingers.

On the sands, Shanth churrs delightedly and contendedly as he butts his 
head into Ch'ran's stomach.

On the sands, Rillae's face pales as she watches the rest of the shells 
hatch.

P'tran ahs, "Now I think I remember. Shayna was a Fort Weyr resident 
before she was a candidate, right?"

On the sands, Aladis bends to hug Asabeth, fingers scritching gently at 
her ridges, "I know, love. Just a bit longer and we'll get you something 
yummy."

On the sands, Jadir steps out from behind Sela as the green falls from the 
shards of her egg, his eyes wide. "My, look at that speck on her nose!" He 
turns to beam at Selandra.

R'val nods to P'tran, "I believe so."

On the sands, Vaughan smiles and stops hopping. He stares at the stream 
egg, wondering when it will hatch. As it hatches, he smiles widely at the 
green.

On the sands, Ch'ran grins. "We can go everywhere someday, you and me and 
your wings, yes...." He smiles and wraps one arm around Shanth, grinning 
and completely distracted.

On the sands, Channie grins over at Aladis, eyes flashing.

On the sands, Jalynn glances at Kaeya and Rillae, her glance turning to a 
look of concern. She places a hand on Rillae's shoulder and whispers to 
her.

On the sands, Kaeya blinks, as she stares at the hatchling whose colour 
runs a bit more deeply than her eyes. Impressed once again, this time by 
another hatchling, she shifts to the side, her breath caught in her chest. 
Words, for once, don't spill from her lips.

D'ris smiles and nods to P'tran, "Yes, she was, Weyrleader. Now she'll be 
a rider..."

On the sands, Still moving asif a bit dazed, Shayna begins to make her way 
towards the other weyrlings, watching Lrisseth anxiously to see if she 
will follow.

Janelle giggles at Shandra. "Another gold in your collection?"

On the sands, Kershala watches in silence as the green wanders the sands. 
"So beautiful..." she murmurs. Her hands stroke nervously at her robe as 
she watches. She grins at Jadir and nods. "Looks cute. She's a beauty 
indeed."

On the sands, Darran eyes the newest green, his face no longer nervous, or 
even excited as he watches to see who the lovely dragonet will Impress.

On the sands, Lrisseth butts her golden head against Shayna, then follows 
her nerw lifemate.

On the sands, Jade Green Hatchling raises her head, having landed, 
miraculously after such tumbling, right-side up. The glowing light of the 
cavern shimmers beautifully off her hide, accenting the various greens 
which adorn her so exquisitely. Wobbling unsteadily and spreading out 
the translucent sails of her wings for balance, she brings herself to 
stand.

On the sands, Aladis beams at Channie, "He's lovely," she murmurs softly.

P'tran nods to D'ris. "I probably recall her name from when I visited Fort 
Weyr last."

On the sands, The stormy skies egg jolts from its encasement of sand, 
toppling over to land opposite face-up in front of Rialeth.

P'tran smiles. "Well, congratulations. The gold apparantly made a fine 
choice."

On the sands, Vaughan smiles happilly as the little green lands upright 
and climbs to her feet.

Kassima hmmms, watching the stormy egg. "Bronze?" she says, but doesn't 
sound at all certain this time.

On the sands, Channie lets out a happy little sigh, "And she is lovely 
Aladis!" she smiles at Aladis' lifemate.

On the sands, Channa rolls the name Lrisseth around in her mouth. She 
smiles, finding it to her liking.

On the sands, Rialeth lowers her massive head, gently wuffling at the dark 
egg.

On the sands, Selandra gathers herself to smile warmly at Shayna and 
Lrisseth as they pass, genuinely happy for them both.

On the sands, Kershala sighs as the jade looks around. She looks along her 
widespread wings as they glitter and shine in the light. Her hands clench 
again.

On the sands, Vaughan ooos as his favorite stormy egg rocks.

On the sands, Rillae tries to smile to Jalynn and steps forward again.

On the sands, Zyanth lowers his head to peer at the egg, giving it a 
warble.

On the sands, Kaeya grins, as the jade one seems to be a bit more sturdier 
on her legs than her siblings, and mentions as much to Jalynn, laughter 
and bright happiness twinkling in her eyes.

On the sands, Taywne bends so he sees the beautiful better, he shifts on 
the sands and watches.

On the sands, Channie blinks

On the sands, Kershala glances over to the stormy egg, but the green draws 
her attention inexorably. She brushes back her hair again as it falls into 
her eyes.

On the sands, Aladis beams and nods, her hand caressing Asabeth's still-
damp hide. "I'm...I just don't know what to say.."

Marina looks down at the stormy skies egg and nods agreement with Kassima, 
"Yup I think you're right this time."

On the sands, Jalynn turns around to look at Kaeya, then her eyes turn to 
the green hatchling. She nods and whispers "your right". A smile lighting 
her face.

On the sands, Arrowing his way through the assembled Candidates, a bold, 
dazzling bronze hatchling spots his lifemate, a robust boy from 
Greenfields Hold with a shock of jet black hair. With complete disregard 
for anyone else present, the young bronze arrives at his destination and 
bugles to announce himself. The boy's face splits into a riotous grin, and 
he bends to hug the dragonet.

Meli says "Ah!! A bronze! An' I think I know that boy...."

On the sands, Kershala looks over nervously as the bronze bugles his 
hatching, then her gaze whips back to the dappled green.

Kassima whees! "Bronze!" she says, pointing happily. "I'm not wrong all 
the time--just most of it...."

P'tran chuckles and grins. "I knew there would be a bronze out of this 
clutch somewhere."

On the sands, Kaeya chuckles at the bronze's loud bugle, amused at both 
boy and dragonet. Her eyes rivet back to the green, continually sliding 
over her jade form with great appreciation.

On the sands, Channie titls her head to one side as she gathers her arms 
around Kemith.

On the sands, Whatever spark of excitement remained in Darran's face 
vanishes as the bronze finds his lifemate without even sparing a glass at 
him.

On the sands, Ch'ran strokes Shanth's hide. "Almost everything we want. 
Almost." He grins. "Don't worry, we'll get some food for you soon."

On the sands, Jade Green Hatchling swivels her head from side to side, the 
angles at which she places her neck quite adorable, and set off even 
further by the jewelled twinkling of her dancing eyes. Having more or less 
gotten the hang of this strange concept of balance, she sets off, as if 
driven by some inner force, towards the Candidates. Her gait is 
undulating, almost bobbing, like a ship on choppy waves.

Meli peers at the new bronzerider again. "Used t'watch him when he was all 
snot-nosed an' whiny..." and grins.

On the sands, Martigan twists his hands together in front of him as he 
watches every movement of the green. His eyes leave her only for a moment 
as he sees a crack form in a nearby egg.

On the sands, Lrisseth butts against his lifemates legs again, lifting 
gently whirling eyes in mute adoration.

Vaeth bugles a welcome to the bronzling and gives R'yel a nudge. "I see, I 
see." he chuckles up at his lifemate.

On the sands, Shayna strokes Lrisseth's damp head, standing beside her 
with an expression of absolute joy on her face.

On the sands, Kershala grins suddenly as the green walks forward. "She 
looks... like waves, sort of," she mutters inanely. Her eyes sweep over 
the soft green hide, glancing off the gold and olive dapples and the 
shimmering wings.

Kassima watches the green and mock-grimaces. "I think I'm getting 
seasick," she chuckles.

On the sands, Shanth gazes up at Ch'ran with an adoring glace even as his 
stomach makes all kinds of rude, hunger gurgles.

On the sands, Jadir smiles as the green finds her balance, his 
anticipation rising as he stretches his legs and toes, his hands clenched 
at his side.

On the sands, The stormy skies egg is rolled end over end in another 
vivacious struggle of its occupent, seemingly spurred forth from the 
encouraging wuffle of its mother.

On the sands, Kaeya chuckles softly, adoring the dragonet's bobbing gait 
and whole demeanor. She almost pesters Jalynn again with her thoughts, but 
decides it is better to stay silent and focused.

R'val snorts at Kassima, grinning.

On the sands, Selandra takes comfort from Jadir, and finally steps away to 
stand resolute again, eyes calmly taking in the remaining unbroken shells 
and unpaired hatchlings.

On the sands, Taywne nods.

On the sands, Darran's eyes go up to scan the crowd for familiar faces.

On the sands, Jalynn grins, unable to stop the giggle as she watches the 
pretty green. She leans over to Rillae whispering.

On the sands, Aladis caresses Asabeth's soft hide gently, her shining eyes 
lifting to the galleries, searching for a face. When she finds it, she 
waves her free hand and then gestures to the lovely hatchling at her side.

On the sands, Vaughan sighs as the bronze Impresses and turns back to look 
at the eggs.

Ceara suddenly falls asleep in the middle of what she was doing for no 
apparent reason.

On the sands, Tasorth shifts back and forth on his feet and whuffles in 
Lrisseth's direction before crooning at L'ton once more.

P'tran grins at Kassima. "I wonder what T'ren would have said if he were 
able to make it

R'val chuckles< "He'd be cheering for any seacrafters in the group, for 
certain."

On the sands, Rillae nods to Jalynn. "She is."

On the sands, Kessith curls his tail around Rhyana more closely. She 
giggles softly. leaning up against him and scratching him softly.

On the sands, Jalynn glances at Kaeya and can't resist grabbing her robe 
and pointing at the green.

On the sands, Vaughan smiles as the green walks along the line of 
candidates, as he wipes his brow and wrings his hands together.

Kassima grins. "He'd probably be admiring her, and giving me disgusted 
looks for even mentioning seasickness, sir."

On the sands, L'ton looks down with a smile to Tasorth and strokes his 
small head.

On the sands, Taywne shifts nervously as the watches the green.

P'tran grins. "No doubt."

Meli grins "An' I wouldn't?

On the sands, A small opal blue hatchling, still uncertain on his shaky 
legs, lurches around the sands in search of his perfect mate. Winding up 
before a lovely Hold Gar lass, he creels beseechingly and turns his 
jeweled eyes upon hers. Throwing up her arms with joy, she sinks to the 
sand beside him.

On the sands, Asabeth lifts her head a little, sensing that she's being 
shown off. She almost poses, turning somewhat.

On the sands, Kaeya giggles, swatting at Jalynn's hand. "I know silly!" 
she says, her face clearly showing her happiness.

On the sands, Ch'ran strokes Shanth adoringly, his hair falling over into 
his eyes, as usual. He doesn't seem to mind, or even notice for that 
matter.

On the sands, Kershala smiles shakily as a blue Impresses his mate, then 
looks back to the green. Her fingers entwine in her robe shakily, and she 
wipes them a couple of times.

On the sands, Vaughan tries to keep an eye on his favorite stormy egg as 
well as the wavering green.

Kassima mmmmms, and murmurs, "Lovely blue... bronze in the stormy one, 
though. That's still m'guess, wrong as it may be."

On the sands, Vivian smiles as she watches the green move about, searching 
for her mate.

R'val grins at Kassima, "wait and see..."

On the sands, Aladis smiles indulgently at Asabeth, nodding to her, 
running a hand along her neck. She responds to her lifemate in a quiet 
murmur.

"A bronze for Mart'd be nice..." Meli says quietly.

On the sands, Kemith makes that strange croaking-croon sound towards 
Asabeth, almost knocking Channie over as he moves.

On the sands, Darran shifts again, the sands becoming increasingly 
uncomfortable.

On the sands, Kershala is forced to move her feet as her boots grow too 
hot to stand on with even the semblence of comfort.

On the sands, Ch'ran grins and brushes his hair back out of his eyes, 
gazing into Shanth's whirling ones. "It that better?" he asks.

On the sands, Aladis chuckles softly at Asabeth and nods, "Of course you 
will, love. And those wings of yours will take us all over Pern." She 
grins at Channie, amused at the antics of their lifemates.

On the sands, Jade Green Hatchling's course is true, and takes her 
straight up to a small group of Candidates. With uncanny calm she looks 
them over. The first she can see up into his face, but quickly moves on. 

On a level with the shoulders of the second, she tilts her wedge-shaped 
head and croons, but still is not satisfied. But the third...all she can 
see are hands, being constantly wrung. She seems intrigued.

On the sands, Vaughan has stopped noticing the heat as he tries to look 
everywhere at once.

On the sands, Shanth bugles delightedly right up into Ch'ran's face as he 
can now see the boy's eyes.

On the sands, Lrisseth surveys her surrounding proudly, glistening golden 
head turning curiously this way and that. She leans against Shayna

On the sands, Ch'ran blinks and grins. "I see you too," he says.

On the sands, Kershala shivers as the green walks closer to the group of 
Candidates. She reaches up with violently trembling hands to shove her 
hair back.

On the sands, Taywne eyes turn to follow the lovely green.

On the sands, Channie giggles happily at Shanth and Ch'ran.

On the sands, The stormy skies egg becomes riddled with striations, 
evident of the vehement battle of it's little inhabitant, an audible thud 
marks its growing success.

On the sands, Jadir smiles down at the little green, his eyes following 
her as she walks the line of Candidates, leaning forward, straining to see 
her and hoping she sees him.

On the sands, Vaughan looks at the green walking along the line, 
wondering.... hoping.....

On the sands, Selandra grins, as she watches the greens choice.

On the sands, Shayna beams at Lrisseth, feeling the warm hide against her 
leg. She strokes the finely shaped golden head, murmuring softly to her.

On the sands, Darran's face momentarily regains a glimmer of hope which is 
quickly extinguished as the green moves past.

On the sands, Rillae watches the green's progress quietly.

On the sands, Martigan's eyes twinkle as he watches the green, a broad 
smile breaking out on his face.

On the sands, Kaeya gulps, watching the green with huge eyes, and she 
shifts from one foot to another. Whiping at her brow, her fingers find her 
hair again and weave in and out of it.

On the sands, Jalynn chuckles as she lets go of Kaeya's robe. She crosses 
her arms, then lets them hang at her sides, rocking back and forth on the 
hot sands.

On the sands, Tasorth raises his navy blue head to look at the galleries 
that L'ton mentioned. Faces and faces and faces and faces everywhere. 
Humph. No food though. Disappointed, he puts his head on his lifemate's 
shoulder and whuffles.

On the sands, Aladis smiles softly at Shayna and Lrisseth, her smile 
widening as her eyes turn back to Asabeth.

On the sands, Jade Green Hatchling snakes her neck further forward to 
snuffle at the hands. Then she angles her head up. Up. Up? Up! Raising her 
wings to give her some leverage, the effort bringing a croon out of her, 
she gazes deeply into Vaughan's icy blue eyes.

On the sands, Rillae wraps an arm around her stomach, nervously watching.

R'val grins, "Ah! She chose."

On the sands, Anise weaves through the group of weyrlings stopping to make 
a comment every few moments.

On the sands, Taywne smiles as he watches the green and Vaughan.

P'tran chuckles. "Picky thing, isn't she?"

Kassima grins. "So 'twould seem!"

On the sands, Jadir sinks back onto his heels, his breath, which he didn't 
realize he was holding, is released in a sigh. He turns to Sela and 
shrugs.

R'val grins, "Aye, but she chose at last."

Elynie grins, watching, "Hey, Druith searched him."

On the sands, Selandra smiles, and laughs suddenly for her friend who was 
so unsure of impressing has found his lifemate, or rather she's found him 
at last.

On the sands, Rillae grabs Taywne's hand with delight at Vaughan's 
Impression.

On the sands, F'ren chuckles, "Its good that green is going to get bigger 
than her rider. She won't have to stretch like that."

On the sands, Kershala lets out a deep breath as the green stops in front 
of Vaughan. Her hands clench a little, and she sighs softly. She forces 
her eyes away from the two, plastering a smile on her face for him.

On the sands, Taywne grins and nods.

On the sands, Kaeya exhales loudly, then congratulates Vaughan loudly, 
with a woop and a yay!

On the sands, V'han drops to his knees with a gasp and hugs his little 
green. When his face comes up, it is wet with tears. "Her name is 
Mallorith!!"

On the sands, Shayna murmurs softly to Lrisseth, nodding her head and 
bending close.

Meli says "Oh, that's a pretty name..."
R'val nods in agreement with Meli.

On the sands, Taywne smiles at his friend and his new lifemate.

On the sands, Vivian echos F'ren's chuckling with her own as she nods her 
head. "It'll happen pretty fast too.

On the sands, Jalynn can't help but grin at Vaughan. She crosses her arms 
again, chuckling and wincing as Kaeya yells in her ear.

On the sands, F'ren grins as he continues to watch.

On the sands, Aladis turns to see the little green with V'han, beaming 
happily for her friend.

On the sands, L'ton looks to his lifemate with a fond smile, "I know, 
Tasorth. I promise, we'll eat as soon as we can."

On the sands, Aladis nods to Asabeth and replies to her softly, 
comfortingly.

On the sands, V'han stands up and begins to lead Mallorith towards the 
other weyrlings. "Yes, love, I'll get something to eat for you right 
away."

Marina leans over to Merellia and G'rel and points to V'han, "Do either of 
you two know that lad? He seems strangely familiar to me."

On the sands, Kaeya eeps, apologizing to Jalynn with a carefully soft tone 
so as not to bother her further.

On the sands, Rialeth rumbles happily for Mallorith and her new lifemate!

On the sands, Mallorith relaxes with relief as V'han comes down to meet 
her, and utters an arpeggio of triumphant warbles to her new lifemate!

On the sands, The Stormy Skies Egg suddenly ceases it incessant movements, 
resting on one side. After a moment of inactivity, there is an abrupt 
lurch, and the egg rights itself, just as myriad cracks scar its surface. 
With an audible crack, the egg bursts, powdery flecks of shell flying in 
all directions.

On the sands, Black Walnut Hatchling:
Looking in essense to be almost a black walnut color, this brown hatchling 
greets the world with a contagious yawn. His color can only be described 
as that of tree bark, pregnant with rain. Looking closer, you receive the 
image of a hide that is nearly liquid. Varying hues lead your eyes over 
gently rolling waves of color. His head begins as a crest of lighter brown 
before dissipating into a darker brown as it spills over his neck, 
repeating itself in this way before finding its end in his serpentine 
tail. Perhaps the most noticeable characteristic of this fetching fellow 
are his wings. Unfurled, they are twice and one half his length. Adding to 
this unusual phenomenon, are the streaks of grey present in both his 
wingsails, gently tracing a path from the wings base to wing tip.

On the sands, Jalynn turns to Kaeya, smiling "Your not bothering me."

On the sands, K'ri smiles at the newest green weyrling and ushers him over

On the sands, Taywne turns at the egg hatches a handsome new hatchling.

On the sands, F'ren grins. "Another brown!"

On the sands, Anise welcomes V'han to the group of weyrlings. She looks at 
the grounds, "Few more left then we eat."

On the sands, Channie tilts her head to one side, listening to Anise 
between keeping her eyes on the sand. She grins up at V'han comes over to 
them.

G'rel glances at Marina, nodding emphatically, "Me too, but I just can't 
place it." He looks at the sands, at the Weyrling there.

Meli says "Wow..."

On the sands, Rillae turns at the sound of a shell exploding.

P'tran grins. "Another brown. Fort is trying to corner the market on them 
after all." He chuckles jokingly

C'san hides suprise, "A black dragon? Oh.. I see now, he's a brown."

Channeth shuffles around excitedly and trumpets for yet another brown 
hatchling!

On the sands, Rialeth croons to the young brown as he breaks through his 
shell.

On the sands, Martigan shifts over again, standing next to Jalynn as the 
circle is tightened. His head bobs as he counts the remaining eggs and 
Candidates. His jaw drops at the brown's entrance.

On the sands, Selandra watches as V'han and Mallorith leave, a tear of joy 
trailing down her cheek, and then she glances back at the brown hatchling 
that's emerged.

Kassima grins. "Oh, that's a handsome brown--another woodsy-looking one." 
She throws up her hands. "So much for my guessing!"

Kelesta's gasp is lost in the tenor croon of Calenth as he welcomes a 
fellow brown.

On the sands, Vivian says "He's so beautiful!"

On the sands, V'han walks to the others, walking sort of skewed to the 
side as he keep a hand onMallorith's headknob.

On the sands, Jadir suddenly starts as the stormy egg finally hatches. His 
body goes rigid once again as he admires the dark brown, amazed at the 
little fellow's wingspan. He turns momentarilly to Sela, beaming excitedly 
at her, then turns back to the hatchling, intent.

R'val grins at Kassi," Remind me to bet with you more often."

On the sands, Taywne hesitant smile on his face as he watches the new 
brown look around.

On the sands, Darran bites his lip, determined not to be taken in by the 
last hatchling, but his faces melts into an unreadable expression. 
Incredible, that's it, simply incredible.

On the sands, Jalynn's eyes widen and she mouths a 'wow' as the brown 
hatches.

On the sands, Aladis waves to V'han, and giggles at Asabeth. "Well, lots 
of warm bloody meat for you. Maybe some cookies for me."

On the sands, Rillae tightens her grip on Taywne's hand and chews on her 
lip.

On the sands, Kaeya smiles, partly because of Jalynn's words, and partly 
because of the brown that winks into view from his exploding egg. Her eyes 
slide over the brown and her grin broadens into a huge tilt of her lips.

Marina cringes at Channeth's loud greeting and then grins at Kassima, 
"Yeah you and me both!"

On the sands, Kemith makes a strange, but still very cute chuffling sound 
a Mallorith as in greeting.

Kassima snorts cheerfully at R'val. "You may not believe this, but except 
for when I guessed bronze, I was right every sharding time."

On the sands, Taywne squeezes back and watches the hatchling.

On the sands, Channie giggles, "Uumm--" her stomach growls. "oups!"

On the sands, Aladis grins up at V'han. "Congratulations, greenrider."

R'yel looks over at C'san and smirks, then turns to look up at Vaeth and 
nods silently, with a fond grin.

Merellia hmms, eyeing the new weyrling in question at Marina's inquiry. 
"Not from--ah, another brow, Marina," she smiles, indicating the new 
hatchling.

R'val snorts at Kassima dubiously, "Oh really? He winks.

Meli says "But you guessed bronze a /lot/, Kassi"

On the sands, Mallorith follows V'han, as she will continue to do for the 
rest of their lives, that same bobbing gait trundling her along towards 
the other new weyrlings.

On the sands, L'ton cranes his arm slightly to reach an itch under 
Tasorth's chin as he smiles up to V'han, "Congratulations, V'han."

Kassima grins sheepishly. "Well, yes...."

On the sands, V'han grins hugely as he comes up to the other weyrlings and 
hugs them all. He turns an dlooks down at Mallorith and hugs her again.

R'val grins at Kassi, "So there you go." He sticks out his tongue briefly.

On the sands, Tasorth rolls his head to regard Aladis as he hears three 
magic words: warm blood meat.

P'tran grins at Kassima. "You're fine so long as you don't bet on bronze, 
then."

On the sands, Aladis grins at Asabeth and nods. "Cookies are sorta like 
raw meat for us. We like 'em." She hugs V'han warmly.

On the sands, Black Walnut Hatchling rises on wobbly legs, his wings 
slowly spreading wide. He glances at them, as if not even realizing their 
connection with his brown bulk, giving each a testy shake as small egg 
debris spatters over those standing nearby.

On the sands, Taywne grins.

On the sands, Channie hugs V'han in return, grinning from ear to ear.

On the sands, Rillae wipes a bit off egg fluid off of her forehead.

Kassima nods, chuckling. "Aye, sir, it would seem that way." She turns her 
head to return the gesture to R'val impishly.

On the sands, Martigan spreads his hand before his face as the shards fly 
towards him.

On the sands, Channa takes a step backwards as the walnut hatchling 
stretches his wings.

On the sands, Jadir attempts to duck the flying shards but manages only to 
get hit square in the face with them. With a grin, he wipes the shards and 
fluid from his face, shaking his head with amusement at the hatchling.

On the sands, Jalynn giggles as she pulls a piece of shell off the top of 
her head.

On the sands, Aladis chuckles at Asabeth, "Then meat you shall have. Very 
soon."

On the sands, Shanth croons and bumps his head into Ch'ran's chest, 
knocking him back into the sands, eyes whirling with incessant questions.

On the sands, Darran is back far enough that he can afford to simply gawk 
at the black walnut brown.

On the sands, Martigan reaches out to pick a piece of shell off of 
Jalynn's shoulder before brushing at the front of his own robes.

On the sands, Kaeya's eyes glance upon the grey in the brown's wings, and 
her eyes widen, though only slightly perceptably. Grinning sidelong at 
Jalynn, she refocuses on the brown, commenting on his deep colour and 
size, amazed all the more.

On the sands, Taywne hands wipe at his front, eyes on th brown.

On the sands, Rillae watches the brown carefully as he picks his way out 
of his shards. She hugs her arms to herself.

On the sands, Channie looks up at all the people in the stands, trying 
hopelessly to find someone she knows. She turns back to Kemith and nods at 
him, "I am too." she whispers and scritches him.

On the sands, An encouraging croon from his mother brings him full-front 
to the white-clad persons before him. The black Walnut brown peers back at 
her questioningly, his inquiry and submissivness evident in his orange-
tinged facets as he gazes waaaaaaay up at her.

On the sands, Shayna strokes the golden hide again, marveling at 
Lrisseth's beautiful coloring as her hide dries in the heat.

On the sands, Selandra reaches up a hand to wipe the shards of her 
shoulder carefully, glancing across at her friends still left standing.

On the sands, V'han laughs and cradles Mallorith in his arms again, 
indesribably happy.

On the sands, Kessith looks up at Rhyana, nuzzling her softly, his tail 
still wrapped around her legs. She wraps her arms around his neck, 
smiling. "Food is soon, yes..."

On the sands, Mallorith nuzzles her new lifemate, her pleased snuffling 
throwing his already blown-about hair all over the place.

On the sands, Rialeth croons encouragement to her small son as he pauses 
in his quest.

On the sands, Jadir gazes worriedly at the brown as he glances up at one 
of his fellow candidates, the smile momentarily faltering as his hope 
begins to fade.

J'rell climbs up Mileketh's extended foreleg.

On the sands, Kaeya laughs softly, watching the brown with amusement. She 
rubs her hands against her gown, not out of the heat, but instead out of a 
returning nervousness.

On the sands, Jalynn grins at Martigan, then turns back to the remaining 
eggs, hatchlings and candidates.

On the sands, Ch'ran holds Shanth's head to his chest, stroking him, 
muttering reassurances and promises of food.

On the sands, Taywne shifts from one foot to the other more with nerves 
then the heat.

On the sands, Selandra stays her hand in midair and opens it in front of 
her. Staring down at the tiny fragment bemused.

On the sands, Zyanth warbles his own encouragement to the brown.

On the sands, Aladis chuckles indulgently at Asabeth and reaches down to 
scritch a ridge, "Yes, meat is good for you."

On the sands, Tasorth croons and collapses on L'ton's foot as the weyrling 
finds just the precise right spot to scritch, and for a moment that hunger 
is ignored.

On the sands, Channie closes her eyes and giggles as Kemith whuffles her 
face.

On the sands, Channa splutters and giggles as she gets hit by stuph from 
the brown's wings.

On the sands, Darran turns to watch the final Impression, face devoid of 
feeling.

On the sands, Asabeth croons and whuffles, blowing Aladis' hair every 
which way as her lifemate giggles happily.

Aphrael quietly rests her head against Prefeth's chest, watching the sands 
with an indrawn breath as she tries to follow the movements of the brown.

On the sands, L'ton smiles to Tasorth, "I hope so!"

On the sands, As Rillae hugs herself, she finds new pieces of shell to 
pick off of her. Her attention is distracted from the hatchling.

On the sands, V'han grins. "Oh Mallorith, I'll get you some food very 
soon. Don't fret!"

On the sands, Martigan scratches at an itch on his forehead, discovering a 
splatter of egg there. His eyes never leave the brown hatchling and he 
watches the brown with a bemused expression on his face.

On the sands, Black Walnut Hatchling opens his maw wide in another all-
encompassing yawn, and plunges forward, his wings flipping up to steady 
himself. Sadly enough, the Walnut Brown manages only to cover his face 
with the too-large lattticed hide, toppling over near a small group of 
male candidates.

On the sands, Taywne grins and watches.

On the sands, L'ton chuckles to V'han, "I don't know for sure who's 
hungrier, Tasorth or I."

On the sands, Darran straightens, staggering backward, his slumped 
shoulders becoming rigid, and just for a second, you can see the thought 
cross his face, just maybe...

On the sands, Kaeya sighs, her chest heaving in disappointment as she 
watches the brown head away from her.

On the sands, Aladis murmurs quiet reassurances to Asabeth, turning to 
glance at L'ton and nodding. "I know how you feel."

On the sands, Jadir 's face brightens as the brown topples his way closer, 
his anticipation becoming evident by the glint in his eye and the 
tenseness of his muscles.

P'tran chuckles. "Don't tell me a brown will actually Impress a male 
candidate this time."

On the sands, Jalynn takes Kaeya's hand and squeezes.

On the sands, Anise smiles reassuringly to the famished weyrlings, "I 
could use something to eat myself."

On the sands, Ch'ran looks up, sort of absently. "Hungry?" he asks, 
thoughtfully, as if he had lost track of the concept. Then he nods. "Me 
too." he returns to stroking Shanth, talking to him, and grinning 
foolishly.

On the sands, Selandra's hand tightens around the fragment again, and she 
watches the brown before the males.

On the sands, Rillae peers around some others to look at the brown. "He's 
fallen." She reports to Jalynn.

R'val grins at P'tran, "Would be a rarity, eh sir?"

On the sands, Kaeya smiles at Jalynn's comfort, her eyes glimmering with a 
mixture of sadness and happiness. She squeezes back lightly.

Kassima raises one eyebrow and grins. "Faranth forbid *that*, eh sir?"

On the sands, Tasorth regards Anise with whirling eyes and butts her as 
she passes.

On the sands, Jalynn nods and turns to smile at Rillae.

On the sands, Rhyana continues to scratch Kessith gently. "I know you're 
hungry..." she murmurs. "We'll feed you soon, I promise... your brother 
out there is taking his time."

On the sands, Aladis nods, absently, to Anise, her face turned toward 
Asabeth, voice soft and gentle as she talks to her lifemate.

On the sands, Shayna's eyes search the galleries for a moment, trying in 
vain to spot her parents. Then her attention quickly returns to her new 
lifemate, and she scritches her gently.

Aphrael chuckles amusedly, leaning forward to watch.

Kassima watches the brown stop near the male Candidates, biting her lip 
slightly.

On the sands, Anise grins indulgently at Tasorth, "Wait until you get 
bigger and you'll have me sprawled on the ground, skirts all bunched up 
and everything exposed for the entire weyr to see. That wouldn't be good 
now would it?"

On the sands, Kemith chuffles and pushes Channie with his muzzle, he seems 
rather pleased with himself as his lifemate flops back. He puts his face 
right in hers, eyes whirling. Channie giggles, "Oh--yes, very nice." she 
scrambles to her feet, trying to muffle the laughter with her hand.

On the sands, L'ton blushes and holds Tasorth's head to his chest.

On the sands, V'han smiles to Mallorith. "No, love, I won't make you wait, 
not now, not ever."

On the sands, Tasorth looks at Anise with as innocent a gaze as a hungry 
hatchling can have.

On the sands, V'han grins to L'ton. "Yeah, me too."

On the sands, Rhyana giggles at Anise, and grins foolishly at Kessith. 
"Kessith has the opposite problem..." she says softly. "He won't let me 
move." She looks down at her feet, still trapped by a certain brown tail.

On the sands, Asabeth extends her neck and whuffles Tasorth playfully.

On the sands, Lrisseth turns to nuzzle her new lifemate, golden tail 
swishing around with the motion, thwapping across the WLM's legs.

On the sands, V'han knees and smiles to Mallorith with absolute love in 
his eyes.

On the sands, Martigan takes a deep breath as the brown hatchling is so 
near to him. He silently urges the little fellow to stand, his fists 
clenched at his sides.

On the sands, V'han chuckles. "You could try, Mallorith."
On the sands, Jadir fidgets with his robe, anxious for the brown to choose 
his mate, his face eager.

On the sands, Shanth lets out a croon and nudges Ch'ran again. He gets up, 
at least to the point of being on his knees, and begins to stroke his 
lifemate's eyeridges again.

On the sands, Taywne hands move down the sides of his robe, his eyes 
focused on the brown.

On the sands, Tasorth blinkityblinks as Asabeth whuffles him, and with a 
snort he whuffles back, then raises upright and trumpets again, flapping 
his wings and beaning Anise again.

On the sands, Black Walnut Hatchling staunchly straightens himself to a 
standing position, casting a piercing glance at his wings as if to set 
them right in case they are plotting to humiliate him yet again. Turning 
to the young man in front of him, he takes a closer look. The smooth 
softness of his hide nearly touches Taywne's face as he gazes deeply into 
thee eyes starting back at him.

On the sands, Shayna brings up a hand to cover her mouth, agape at the 
action of Lrisseth. She darts a glance towards Anise, looking as huilty as 
if she herself had thwapped her.

On the sands, Taywne blinks.

On the sands, Selandra waits, her hands clenching tighter as the brown 
untangles himself, and then chooses her fellow Nabolese. She grins across 
at him.

On the sands, Channa's face falls with the Brown hatchling. She lifts a 
foot to step forward to help, but changes her mind and instead steps back.

On the sands, Rillae squeezes Taywne's hand and lets go of it, smiling 
happily.

On the sands, Jadir's face droops as the hatchling chooses Taywne as his 
mate, a small tear forming in the corner of his eye, his shoulders 
sagging.

On the sands, Martigan's shoulders slump and he turns towards Kaeya and 
Jalynn, reaching out his hands towards them.

On the sands, Anise bends her knees and absorbs the wap from the new 
queen. She gets hit by Tasorth also. She stands up to her full though 
short height and says in a command voice that brooks no argument, "Now, 
stop that all of you. I'll not be beaten senseless by weyrlings. Or do I 
have to have Darieth talk to you all."

Kelesta climbs onto Calenth's warm back and settles there comfortably.

P'tran chuckles. "Good, a male brownrider this time."

R'val nods with P'tran," indeed.' He grins, "A good choice for the 
brown..."

On the sands, Jalynn grins at Taywne, then sees Martigan. Her smile fades 
and she takes his hand, not speaking at the moment.

On the sands, V'han chuckles towards Anise and looks back at Mallorith. 
"No dear, I don't think you should knock Anise over."

On the sands, Mallorith turns her head to gaze whirling, interested eyes 
in Anise's direction.

On the sands, Selandra's hand reaches out to grasp Jadir's and she smiles 
warmly at him, knowing how he feels.

On the sands, Asabeth croons, her bugle reseponding Tesorth's, tail 
swishing around and just missing Anise as Aladis winces.

D'ris grins and nods, then squints his eyes at the Sands.. "Is that all of 
'em?"

On the sands, Rialeth rumbles gently to the youngsters on the sands.

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

R'val nods to D'ris, "I think so..."

On the sands, Aladis pats Asabeth gently, "Be nice to Anise, love."

On the sands, Kershala watches the lovely brown with wide eyes, twisting 
at her robe.

On the sands, Jadir straightens his shoulders, nodding to Taywne, a firm 
resolve taking him as he smiles at Sela and squeezes her hand.

On the sands, Taywne soft smile on his face as he reaches a hand to 
Adroth. "His name is Adroth." he says.

On the sands, Kaeya takes Martigan's hands, squeezing them gently.

On the sands, Rhyana looks up at Anise. "But Kessith is being good.." she 
says defensively. "He didn't hit you with his tail." She hugs the brown 
protectively.

On the sands, Channie throws her arms around Kemith again and hugs him 
close. "I better not get too used to you being this size huh?"

D'ris nods to R'val, leaning back and pushing off the ground, standing up. 
"Looks like a very good batch of Weyrlings."

On the sands, Lrisseth doesn't understand the words but understands 
Rialeth and hangs her shining head, butting Shayna gently with it.

On the sands, Kershala glances up at Rialeth nervously.

On the sands, Mallorith looks at V'han appraisingly, eye facets dancing, 
and butts her head against him experimentally...but gently, of course.

On the sands, Taywne eyes glisten as his eyes mist with his happyness.

On the sands, Anise continues to use the voice of authority, "And I'm 
Weyrlingmaster now, please remember to address me properly."

On the sands, Taywne smiles downa at Adroth. "I'll feed you soon."

Aphrael slips off Prefeth's leg and onto the ledge, sighing as her eyes 
pick out her friends still on the sands.

On the sands, Channie looks up, "Yes Weyrlingmaster." she says quietly, 
closing one eye as her ear is whuffled.

On the sands, Rhyana straightens up, attempting - without success - to 
extricate her feet from Kessith's tail. "Yes, ma'am." she says

On the sands, Kershala looks down at the sands slowly, then turns to walk 
toward the bowl.

On the sands, Shayna gathers Lrisseth close and caresses her hide, telling 
her not to worry.

On the sands, Aladis bends to caress the green tail that's wrapped istelf 
around her feet. She raises her eyes and nods to Anise, "Of course, 
Weyrlingmaster."

On the sands, V'han chuckles and stays rock solid. "Good try, Mallorith. 
You be nice to the Weyrlingmaster, alright?"

Kassima sighs as she looks around, hoping vainly for another egg, then 
glances sadly to Aphrael.

P'tran overhears D'ris and nods with a smile. "I think you have a fine 
batch here."

On the sands, Black Walnut Hatchling seems to brighten at those words.

On the sands, F'ren looks over to give Vivian a small smile and then 
begins walking towards the candidates. Turning his head to Anise as he 
walks, he gives her a nod of his head and then comes to a stop near the 
remaining candidates on the sands now empty of eggs.

On the sands, T'yn smiles and says, "Lets join the others."

R'val nods to D'ris with a smile, "Quite a group you have here."

On the sands, Kershala turns as F'ren approaches, giving him a weak smile.

Darci nods with P'tran, approvingly.

On the sands, Vivian smiles and catches up with F'ren, walking slightly 
behind him.

On the sands, Channie waves happily to T'yn and hugs him tightly when he 
gets in range.

On the sands, T'yn looks up at his friends and smiles. He turns with 
Adroth and measures his steps to the small brown.

On the sands, F'ren says "Candidates, please wait here with me for a few 
moments, then we will be going back to teh barracks."

Meli smiles for the new pair but can't help giving a soft sigh as she look 
at the remaining candidates.

On the sands, V'han chuckles to Mallorith. "I won't shrink, love, but you 
will grow much bigger than me."

On the sands, Kershala nods and halts.

On the sands, T'yn grins.

On the sands, F'ren smiles a small smile at those in white who are 
gathered around him.

On the sands, Ch'ran breaks eye contact with Shanth and looks up. "Yes, 
Weyrlingmaster," he says, then returns to his gaze to Shanth. H elooks up 
again, breifly. "Yes, Weyrleader."

Aphrael glances back at Kassi, then salutes the riders present. "Sir," She 
says to P'tran, "Is it alright if we go down and speak to some of the 
candidates?"

On the sands, Rillae pats T'yn on the back as he leaves.

On the sands, V'han smiles and gives T'yn a hug when he gets tothe other 
weyrlings.

On the sands, Anise calls out to the weyrlings, "Please follow me. Make 
sure your lifemates follow you too."

P'tran hmms. "I don't see why not."

R'val grins at Kassima, "So how'd you like seeing a hatching from up here, 
rather than down there?"H e points at the sands.

On the sands, Mallorith croons eagerly and lifts her head to regard V'han 
again with her loving gaze.

On the sands, T'yn eyes bright with happynes he and Adroth move to stand 
with the others.

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

On the sands, Aladis beams at T'yn and his brown Adroth, grinning down at 
Asabeth. "Yes, we'll be together, just us two. and yes, I love you."

On the sands, V'han smiles lovingly into Mallorith's eyes. "Follow me now, 
love, and I'll get you some food."

On the sands, Shayna clears her throat and addresses Anise. "Ma'am.. 
Lrisseth says she didn't mean to do that just then. We're sorry." She hugs 
the golden dragonet again.

P'tran adds, "Again, so long as you're not missing any training or you're 
not staying out of the Weyr longer than you've been approved for, it 
shouldn't bne a proble,."

On the sands, T'yn eyes soften as his hand moves to Adroth's topnob, "Soon 
Adroth."

Aphrael nods quickly. "Thank you sir." She takes a deep breath, turning to 
glance back at the sands before mounting.

On the sands, L'ton walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

On the sands, Jalynn smiles back, a tiny smile, but a smile nonetheless.

On the sands, V'han walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

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

On the sands, Channie puts her hand on Kemith and walks slowly with him 
after the others.

Aphrael nods at the Weyrleader, "Yes sir."

On the sands, K'ri walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

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

C'san says "Looks like no one got seriously hurt.."

Aphrael turns to Prefeth with a smile, eyes slightly faded as she speaks 
silently to the blue dragon. She slaps at her lifemate's side with 
affection, then uses his extended foreleg to climb up onto Prefeth's 
neckridges.

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

On the sands, Selandra sends one disappointed glance in the direction of 
the galleries. And the reassuring gazes of so many friends stare back at 
her, bringing tears to her eyes.

On the sands, T'yn walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

On the sands, Rillae stands stock still, her face a light shade of pale.

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

Meli climbs smoothly up Juliath's extended foreleg and settles herself 
between the neck ridges, as the green gives a welcome rumble from deep in 
her throat.

Janelle gives Lunarth a scritch then begins to scramble up in hopes of 
making him behave.

Kassima looks over to R'val and chuckles. "Well, as I said before, it's a 
much better view! And a less dangerous one--at least no one got hurt this 
time that I could see. 'Course, no one played the arrogant fool, either." 
She snorts at the memory.

On the sands, Ch'ran walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

Vrisalka sighs and pats her much lighter purse before mounting Michenth.

Vrisalka climbs up Michenth's leg and joins you.

On the sands, Adroth closes his facets and lets out a tiny croon at the 
caress, then follows T'yn fondly.

On the sands, Channa stands a little ways from the rest of the Candidates, 
eyes shining as Taywne Impresses.

From Lunarth's neck, Janelle buckles herself in securely.

Lunarth extends his wings, the pinions drifting from his body like fluffy 
clouds rolling about the sky on a lazy summer's day.

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

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

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

On the sands, Shanth stumbles after his lifemate.

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

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

R'yel smiles as he looks down onto the Sands before turning to grab hold 
of Vaeth's riding straps. "Thank Faranth for that, C'san." he grins.

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

P'tran smiles. "A very fine hatching. If you'll excuse me, I have some 
duties to attend to .."

P'tran climbs up onto Laerth in one smooth motion.

Kassima nods and salutes. "Fare well, sir, and good night."

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

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

Elynie climbs up to settle on Druith's neck, using his foreleg to assist.

C'san smiles, letting out a happy sigh.

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

R'val smiles at Kassima agreeably, "Exactly, Kassi. It went well." He 
salutes P'tran as he leaves.

G'relglances at the couple of Istans nearby. "Shall we join the fray in 
the lower caverns?" he seeps quite cheerful

Darci turns to C'san, "Going back, or going to stay for a while?"

Marina looks down at all the broken shells and exhales. She then stands 
and hugs Channeth's muzzle tightly murmuring, "It seems like just 
yesterday..."

Kassima nods. "Aye--one of my good friends Impressed!" She beams, then 
looks downcast again. "And another of them didn't."

On the sands, Martigan stands in a huddle with Kaeya and Jalynn, watching 
Channie and the other Weyrlings leave.

D'ris smiles to everyone, "Well, I'm sure there'll be refreshments down in 
the Living Cavern. Of course, you are all welcome to stay for a while."

On the sands, F'ren says "Ok, if the remaining candidates will come with 
me to the candidate barracks, please."

On the sands, F'ren guestures out towards the bowl.

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

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

C'san says "Oh, yes, I should stay a bit to congradulate the Nabolese that 
Impressed.. but I won't stay long."

On the sands, Jadir sighs softly, nodding to F'ren, still holding Sela's 
hand for comfort.

On the sands, Kershala stands to one side, and nods a little at F'ren.

On the sands, Selandra turns away wiping tears from her eyes, and follows 
the WL.

On the sands, Vivian looks up at the galleries and smiles. "Thank you for 
joining us tonight. Please, feel free to continue our celebration with 
food and drink in our living cavern."

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

C'san says "A fine Hatching indeed."

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

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

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

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

Marina nods to G'rel, one arm still draped over Channeth's neck, "Sure 
that sounds nice."

On the sands, F'ren walks out of the Hatching Grounds, to the Bowl.

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

C'san climbs up onto Dhavoth's back, as the dragon warbles a greeting.

G'rel chuckles, stretching from leaning too long in teh same position. 
"Isn't it for everyone?" He looks up at Keth's large head looming above.

D'ris gives Rsonth a pat on his muzzle as he uses his extended forelimb to 
climb up to his neck.

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

Darci nods, "I'll see you back."

Marina looks up at Keth's big head and bursts into a grin, "You G'rel? You 
still get all.. sentimental?"

Aurelinth lowers her head and extends a foreleg to allow her rider to 
climb up onto her neck easily.

R'yel hops up onto Vaeth's back, as the dragon warbles a greeting.

Merellia watches the last of the weyrlings leave the Grounds, "Fine 
indeed," she says, glancing up to Neith with a smile. Gaining her feet 
with a sigh, she shakes her head. "I'm afraid I've to be getting back, 
though...left some work undone."

Marina notices R'yel for the first time and waves just before he and Vaeth 
take off.

G'rel chuckles, nodding. "Of course. Keth and I passed so much together. 
But it just takes a look at them." He motions toward now empty sands."

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

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

G'rel notices Marina's wave, smiling. "You know that Keth has sired 
Vaeth?"

From his place on Vaeth's neck, R'yel waves to C'san and smiles as he sees 
several other people he knows.

G'rel turns to R'yel, too, and waves to him broadly, before turning to the 
conversations with the others on the ledge.

Marina blinks and looks up at Keth, "Really? You were at High Reaches for 
a while?"

Merellia swings deftly up onto Neith with the help of a proffered foreleg 
and handholds provided by riding straps to take a seat between two 
neckridges.

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

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

R'val turns to Kassima and smiles, "Want to head down, Kassi?"

Kassima looks up from her musings and grins. "Aye, may as well." She gets 
up, stretching slightly.

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

R'val grins at Kassi, "Did you like your first view of a hatching then?"

Marina uses Channeth's foreleg and shoulder as steps, as she swings her 
leg over his neck and settles between the first two neck ridges.

G'rel climbs upon Keth, using his offered foreleg to lever up.

Kassima nods. "Aye, the view was clearer than on the sands--first one I've 
seen, not Standing, believe it or not." She grins.

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

R'val winks, "Well, let's go enjoy the post-hatching party in the cavern, 
shall we?"

R'val uses Vidarth's side straps to mount up agilely, settling onto the 
little blue's back and straightening, petting his head once as Vidarth 
thrums excitedly, ready to fly.

You place one hand on Lysseth's neck and she warbles down at you fondly. 
You grin and scratch her eyeridges once before climbing up onto her lower 
neckridges, using the riding straps and Lysseth's thoughtfully offered 
foreleg.