2001-02-17: Arolaeth and Zaristh's Eggs Hatch (7th PC Clutch)

2/16/01 - PernWorld


Hatching Sands

The sand of the cavern stretches out to all sides, searing hot at all times of the day from the geothermal heat that this extinct vulcano provides. With only the very top of the cavern open to the elements, allowing vision of the sky and the occasional shower through, but little more. Thick with sand, imported and sifted for its extreme fineness and silken feel, this cavern is home to the Queens during their brooding and their multitude of eggs. Off to one side is a risen platform for the Queen's rider and her mate's rider, allowing them a rest from the heat their dragons endure. The cool of night offers little release from the heat of the sands. Paper lanterns in a multitude of colors, covering electric lights, illuminate the caverns with a cheery air. Suspended over the galleries and ledges, it adds a comforting feel rather than the harshness of the unnatural bright light, to the scene that takes place here. Springtime has arrived on Eastern Weyr, the flowers budding with wild abandon and all about new growth of the jungle seems to be the theme both in the animal and plant kingdoms.

Through the open roof of the cavern, high above you can see glimpses of the weather outside, though are safe from it. A cool breeze blows from the west, driving dark clouds before it which blot out the stars in patches overhead. Elsewhere they glitter brightly in the dark sapphire sky. A faint glow falls upon the coast as overhead the moons appear to be in their full phase.

< Eastern Weyr Information available in +help >

CLUTCHES: (OOC: Eggs listed *<Name>* are touchable )

Murky Moonlit Pond Egg Foretold by the Showers Egg

Break of the Storm Egg Shining Molten Silver Egg

*Eternal Circle of the Phoenix Egg* Wavering Flame's Heart Egg

Shimmering Midnight Peacock Egg Dramatic Domino Chaos Egg

Depths of a Moonless Night Egg Slow Rolling Clouds Egg

Fiery Black Night Terrors Egg *Blinding Heaven's Glory Egg*

*Deathly Swamp's Decay Egg* Nature of Life, Laughter and Delight Egg

Shadow's Darkest Hour Egg Perfectly Powdered Marshmallow Egg

CANDIDATES: no one

WATCHING THE EGGS:Willowith, L'iam, and Syra

Obvious exits:

Carved Passage -cp-

OOC: Please View +help for Rules and Features of this Hatching Cavern.

Places are installed here. Please type 'join at #1' after you impress and use 'tt <:pose or message>' to rp privately

Opal> Weyrling/Candidate Complex(#9488RAM$)

Opal> Huge in comparrison to the other two major caverns in this weyr, this series of interlinked caverns is the Weyrling Complex. Fashioned out of a multitude of hollows, it serves as a courtyard of sorts as well as classroom. A number of deeper pockets have been laborously smoothed to provide comfortable dwellings for the young dragons and their riders, away from the weather of the courtyard and affording them some privacy but not much. Above, the cavern opens to the sky, holding out the worst of the island's weather but allowing the young dragons an exit to the world beyond once their wings are developed enough to take it. Also branching off from this cavern is the exercise yard with its pool and feeding pen for the young dragons. Protected from the worst of the island weather, this cavern is a haven in day and night. Darkness has settled over the large expanse of the complex, paper lanterns light the pathways towards the sands and the carved passage leading into the commons. All around are the speckling of lights that accompany the occupied hollows, allowing the dragons vision for those midnight snacks and such. Springtime has arrived on Eastern Weyr, the flowers budding with wild abandon and all about new growth of the jungle seems to be the theme both in the animal and plant kingdoms.

Through the open roof of the exercise cavern, high above you can see glimpses of the weather outside, though are safe from it. A cool breeze blows from the west, driving dark clouds before it which blot out the stars in patches overhead. Elsewhere they glitter brightly in the dark sapphire sky. A faint glow falls upon the coast as overhead the moons appear to be in their full phase.

Opal> Contents:

Firelizards: Green Nutcase, Brown Topaz, Green Eiko, Blue Ocean, Brown Amarant, Green Moira, Blue Opal, and Green Oddity

Players: Lonriya, N'andi, Kori, Espera, Danae, Taylar, Koshini, Xaemon, and Ryu

Opal> Obvious exits:

Opal> Carved Passage -cp- Exercise Yard -ey- Hatching Cavern -hc-

Opal> Ratings Hidden Exit: Grotto -gr-

Opal> Stildan says "Hi, guys!"

Opal> Koshini looks up from her latest fitting, her robe actually covering her entire body this time. "Hey there"

Opal> Stildan looks Koshini up and down. "Nice robe!"

Opal> Koshini gives it a half spin and frowns at the more modest neckline. "YEah but you can't see my clevage." she complains…. like only she can. "Whatcha think Danae? Another inch?"

Opal> Danae has finally cleaned herself up, and is quietly slipping her own robe over her clothes. "Cleavage? Sure. Lots." Eyes scan Koshini for a moment, before she starts tugging at the loose threads still on her very unfitting robe. "I'm starting to wonder if I can hide -anything- under this. It's too big."

Opal> Koshini chuckles, slinking her way over towards Danae. "Hmmmm, well you could hide me…. Just perfect place for me to run and hide if it gets too much on the sands." Though from her purr, the sound of fear isn't there….. well atleast not yet….this from the candidate who hid in her footlocker and wouldn't come out because the critters were gunna eat her.

Opal> Stildan walks over to the Commons Cavern.
Opal> Stildan has left.

Opal> Danae links her arm with Koshini's, smiling slightly. "Well, just be ready to run if I start thinkin' I'm going to die. Espy said I'm too cheerful to get killed, but… it's happened. So I'll run if I think that's happening." She leads the other back to her cot, where she picks up a threaded needle and starts jabbing at her own robe. "I made it too wide. Or too long. Or both."

Opal> Stildan asks softly, "Anybody want a redfruit?"

Opal> Koshini blinks and looks up. "Oooo, Redfruit…" she giggles before tugging Danae along. "Oh come on, you know perfectly well that they're just trying to scare us all senseless with those stories. Right?" she sounds a little uncertain.

Opal> Stildan says "Any takers?" He pulls one from the bag, small but dark red in color. "They're not big, but they're sweet."

Opal> Stildan waves to Espera. "Want a redfruit?" He starts handing them out.

Opal> "They're doing a good job of it," comes the muffled commentary, and a touseled head pokes out from beneath the sheet. Speak of the… Well, you know. Sprawl. Sniff. Espera shoos 'lizards who've tucked themselves into the warmest spot and sits up, folding her arms over her chest. "'Specially with them showing off their, uh, battle scars." Fingers wriggle absently in Stildan's direction. "I'd prefer a flask of the strongest alcohol I could get my hands on… but a redfruit'll do. Toss one this way?"

Opal> "Mmm, oh, that one? The one that turns your senses inside out, upside down? Yeah. That was interesting. Too… too… Confusing, though. Even for me." Espera then chortles, of course, at the last stone, then wolf-whistles. "Romance? Ooh, go 'nae. Well, hopefully."

Arolaeth snorts softly as she noses around the power access hatch, ostentably to be sure no 'intruders' can get on the sands… though the way she protectively spreads her wings to mask her actions is a little suspect.

A flicker of bronze appears near Arolaeth's head, Sh'ai's Ember carefully not drawing attention to himself as he squirms downwards, chirring softly.

Willowith, from his crouched-over-the-eggs position, lifts his head and fixes one whirling eye on Arolaeth's form. A soft, inquisitive rumble eminates, and his own wings spread to their full potential before folding halfway, faint rustings heard.

Arolaeth lifts her head, blowing a gust of air at the little bronze before she remarks gruffly, « Go and join the others, little one. »

Zaristh looks up from his quiet nook near the eggs, perhaps more motherly than his daughter, he coils around behind them in a protective posture as she moves about. Another three firelizards pop in over his head and add to the starting swarm… two more… where are they all coming from… gold, green, blue and bronze, all adding to the madness.

Serina chirps in confusion, then vanishes *between* without warning.
Serina has left.

Serina> Generator Room(#7991Je)

Serina> Tunneled deep within the bowels of the Weyr, in a cool but damp cave, lies an excess of wiring and machinery. A constant, electric humming shakes the very rock itself while the lights overhead give off a harsh glare. Various conduits run from the room, filled with wire that carries power to the rest of the Weyr. Not a large cavern by any means, the main access tunnel is very much on the small side, far too small for many people to be in at the same time.

Serina> Shells *pops* out of between with a squeek.
Serina> Shells has arrived.

Serina> Expletive *pops* out of between with a squeek.
Serina> Expletive has arrived.

Serina> Ember *pops* out of between with a squeek.
Serina> Ember has arrived.

Willowith just blinks large eyes, and swings his head to peer at Zaristh this time. Hm. But his attention soon shifts to an egg next to one of his forepaws, and he noses some sand over it gently. « What goes on? » he whispers, tailtip flickering just slightly.

Serina> Ember appears with a flicker of cold, followed by two greens, a brown, and a blue. He seems rather puffed up, but then, perhaps that's just him. Squiring softly, he flicks to the side and drops near the wires, cocking his head at them curiously.

Serina> Serina is perched on an auspicious little bit of cabling, preening a talon while she has her head tilted, waiting for orders. Blinking suddenly, she creels a command and takes to the wing, circling over the cabling before she lands again, as a deep blackened rumble echoes directions. « There. The wires. They must be cut, but slowly. Use caution, littles. »

Arolaeth shovels a final pile, gaze following the firelizards as nearly all of them flicker out, with naught but a soft, « Excellent.. » Turning, she lumbers towards Zaristh, nudging him with a nose. « Move. They must be ordered. Can you not feel them within? Time will be soon. »

Serina> Shells flutters about, baffled, as she arrives, followed closely by a duo of males- a brown and a blue. She chirrups in frustration. Isn't /someone/ going to tell her what's going on?

Serina> Ember chitters with amusement before scraping experamentally at the wires, talons scoring deep into the coverings as he decides the best way to do this. Finally, with a 'lizard-shrug, he nips. And jumps backwards in squawling startlement. Images and emotions run rampent as he adds to the warning: They bite back!

Serina> Serina chitters to herself, fluttering up into the air to nip at the wires, then squeals! Ouch! Circling up suddenly, she creels, then slips over towards a panel of buttons and toggles. « Bite? Bite is not good… here. I was shown, these must be turned, so the ones they connect may be bit. » An image of several toggles, the ones that control the backup generator, is shown, and then overlaid with the toggles switched off, and the cables safely destroyed.

Serina> Expletive might be just a tiny thing, but there's mischief to be done - and he's here to do it, or at least to help. Head tilts as Arolaeth's voice rasps through, and he settles, grooming briefly, until all's set to right. Ember's movements catch his attention, though, and he flits towards a wire - only to flap back in alarm. This is going to end with him as a charred, crisy critter? Oh, all right. He hisses at the cables, just to assure them who's in charge here. There's more? He pauses, head tipped.

Serina> FlashFire gives Ember a superior look… she didn't get shocked!… and follows Serina towards the generator, eyeing the toggles and gizmos curiously. « Like so? » comes the flicker of images, as she reaches forth her talons and flips one of the switches, lessening the humming within the room. « Hmmm. »

Serina> Serina trills agreement with FlashFire, pulling down one of the toggles with a graceful swipe of a rear talon, decreasing the humming yet more, though thankfully no power flickers to give away the deed. Swooping down, she traces past the wire that leads from the control board, and gives it a sharp nip — no shock!

Serina> Ember eyes FlashFire's movements, then Serina's, and joins his petmate, following the wire from her toggle… the one which had bitten him back before. With a satisfied squawk, he snaps down hard, severing it. Take that!

Fenrith lands on the hatching sands.
Fenrith has arrived.

J'em slides to a foreleg and is lowered so he can leap easily to the ground, giving his wolven-beast a loving pat on the muzzle.
J'em has arrived.

Serina> Expletive sliiides over to the toggles, sorts out the images from a moment or two earlier, then stretches up tiny front paws to throw another. Finding nothing bad happens with this, he follows the cable down, chooses a spot, and sinks teeth. Chomp. He isn't large enough to do much good. But claws dig in as well, slicing and cheerfully maiming the spot - and then it snaps free satisfactorily. Cue smug squawk. He is panther-'lizard, hear him roar! Or chrr smugly, at least.

Fenrith moves to backwing to land in the sands, to look over the eggs, rumbling encouragement to them as he thrums happily, he knows the time is near, it's just one of those things dragons, especially metallics, can sense.

Zaristh turns his head towards his son, a look of pride there as he nods to how he has grown into a strong young male, indeed suiting that he come to welcome his new siblings and guard their entry into this world.

J'em chuckles as he dismounts Fenrith. "It's not happening yet, Fenrith, I don't know why you always have to be early to everything. « Because it does not do to be tardy, my J'em. » "Yeah, yeah, whatever." J'em chuckles and snaps off a bit of a salute to those gathered.

V'ncent nods from the platform off the heat of the sands "Good to see you, J'em. Not enough work to keep you away, eh?" he teases.

V'ncent steps up onto the Weyrleaders' Platform.

J'em chuckles quietly, shaking his head. "Fenrith insists on being on the sands when they hatch, he says he doesn't want what happened to me last time to happen this time." The bronze wolf just rumbles quietly, admiring all the lovely eggses, head held high as if they were his very own.

Zaristh answers with something of a chuckle, from where he coils a bit more than protectively about his children. V'ncent chuckles. "That might help. Another word of welcome and caution to the littles from someone close by."

Willowith slowly uncoils from his own position, and a soft rumble emits. One wing spreads over the nearest cluster of eggs from Miyareith's Clutch, in a protective sort of way, and he heaves a sigh, puffs of sand floating about.

Miyareith croons curiously, lifting her head from an affectionate egg-caressing, to gaze at Fenrith through slowly-whirling eyes. Why's he here? Aro might not like this…

Fenrith keeps his head held high and proud. They are going to be his own flesh and ichor, why shouldn't he be here? The packleader bronze doesn't seem at all pushed away by Willowith's protectiveness. Afterall, he's not here to steal the eggs, he's just here as an extra precaution. J'em moves to join V'ncent in the weyrleader's platform, speaking quietly.

J'em steps up onto the Weyrleaders' Platform.

Willowith extends his muzzle towards Miya this time, and nuzzles his snout gently against her near shoulder, another rumble escaping. Sand shifts as the bronzen lug does, and his tail curves around that same cluster of eggs, slipping more sand over them at the same time.

Nimway walks awkwardly out onto the sands, both hands on her protruding belly — an egg in its own right. Although she hopes the baby inside isn't a dragon. That would hurt. She waves to V'ncent and J'em up on the Weyrleader platform, winching at the scalding heat that burns through her slippers.

Zaristh rumbles faintly, an encouraging sound towards his second before settling more comfortably. A fresh oiling andthe heat of the sand making his old bones comfortable.

J'em smiles down to Nimway in greeting. "Hello, Beautiful." He winks a bit.

V'ncent frowns slightly, his eye showing his worry at this, even as he rises at Nimway's approach. Always the gentleman, he sees to her seating before addressing the matter at hand.

Miyareith turns her great golden head to look at Willowith, blinking both lids at the same time. She croons softly in greeting — it's a pleasantly high-pitched noise. Ok. Fenrith can stay. As long as Willowith is here.

Arolaeth looks up from arranging her eggs in a pentagram pattern, though the Phoenix egg is noticibly left out.. or perhaps its the final point? Either way, she rumbles menacingly at Fenrith, making a show of gleaming white teeth before she finishes her task… she can deal with him latr.

J'em nods to V'ncent, his attention moving back to their apparent conversation. Fenrith merely rumbles at Arolaeth, nonthreateningly.

Willowith shifts a little more, this time lifting himself back up to a crouch, the tip of his tail flickering again. One forepaw idly kneads the sand with his talons, and he nuzzles at Miya again.

Syra emerges from the weyrwoman's sleeping cavern, frowning as she ties off one of her braids. "What…?" A yawn is stifled through clenched teeth, though otherwise she doesn't appear much tired beyond that, and her steps are energetic as she mounts up to the platform. "… J'em? You what she's been grumblin' about?"

J'em nods again to V'ncent. Then he glances towards Syra. "Weyrwoman, a moment?" He calls.
You go over to join V'ncent.
You step up onto the Weyrleaders' Platform.

Nimway blushes at J'em, shaking her head and smiling. V'ncent also gets a smile as she's settled into a seat. Her legs swing beneath her, as she leans forward in her chair, active as ever, despite her obvious pregnangy. "The eggs look really hard." She's talking to herself. Or maybe Miyareith. Or maybe both.

[DTU/Project] Zaristh projects to Arolaeth and Fenrith . o O ( He is here to keep our eggs from harm, golden one.» He offers towards the queen, privately. « There is trouble on the horrizon. )

[DTU/Project] Fenrith and Zaristh sense that Arolaeth is rather smug, though she covers it up with a half-concerned rumble. « Oh, trouble? Does it not follow on your tail, canine? »

[DTU/Project] Arolaeth and Zaristh sense that Fenrith offers a truce, for now, to Arolaeth. « We must stick together at this time, my sister. » The mention of it following him is ignored, for now.

Syra arches an eyebrow, flicking the braid over her shoulder as she does so. "A'course, for you, J'em." Moving over to join both the bronzeriders, her weyrmate is granted a warm smile, though J'em is given one perhaps equally as warm. "What is it?"

<EAW ALERT> There is a general sound of excitement through the weyr. The metalics seem to be moving closer to the hatching cavern. Several wings have been dispatched to go and collect the families of the candidates….. The humming has not yet begun, but the general feeling is soon. All candidates, please make your way towards the Candidate caverns and begin dressing for the hatching.

Nimway steps up onto the Weyrleaders' Platform.
Nimway joins you.

Weyrleaders' Platform>, V'ncent pauses at the smile, a chair is settled for his mate before he too retakes his chair, letting J'em tell his news.

Serina> Serina chitters suddenly as Arolaeth's exhultant tones fill the room. « Now! Now is the time! All the toggles must be pulled, and the wires severed! My children shall have darkness, as was meant! »

Weyrleaders' Platform>, J'em glances at the dragons on the sands. "Fenrith found a small band of renegades just outside the weyr. I have people positioned to guard the candidates and important documentation rooms. Fenrith insists on helping to guard the eggs just in case trouble should start. I have armed my wingriders and Angelyth and He'ven are doing double sweeps."

Weyrleaders' Platform>, Syra is about to settle into V'ncent's lap, but freezes on the mention of renegades. Green eyes open wide as she rockets back to her feet, expression draining of color. "*What*? J'em… tell me yer kidding. Please?!"

Weyrleaders' Platform>, Nimway blinks her large eyes. A few times, and stares at J'em.

Serina> Expletive jerks up - too easily distracted by his own tendency to drop asleep at a moment's notice - and sets to nosing through for any not yet severed, or switches not yet turned the other way. He likes the dark. Chrrr. Check.

Weyrleaders' Platform>, J'em shakes his head, "Unfortunately, no, I'm not kidding. I wish I was. My wing will need your wing's help, Syra, to help ensure a safe hatching for the candidates and residents."

Weyrleaders' Platform>, V'ncent nods slowly "I'm afraid it is true love, Zaristh has confirmed it from the watch as well. You've the power to put all the dragons on alert my love. Should we, or will this make the hatchings too edgy?"

Weyrleaders' Platform>, Nimway leans over and massages her temples. She looks like she might cry.

<EAW ALERT> Seeming out of nowhere, for the weather remains quite nice, every light in the Weyr flickers several times before everything is plunged into absolute darkness save for a few glimmers from external light. The constant hum of electricity has stopped, and silence reins for a full breath before the first panicked calls begin — somebody has cut power to the Weyr!

Weyrleaders' Platform>, J'em moves to pat Nimway's shoulder. "Don't worry, Nimway, we're doing everything we can. We will not allow the candidates or hatchlings to be harmed in any way." J'em is quite serious, and, yes, he has brought his various weapons even onto the sands with him.

Weyrleaders' Platform>, Syra gapes, looking from J'em to V'ncent then back again, and slowly wilts back against her weyrmate as she sees confirmation in their faces. "Shards… of course, J'em, a'course." Shellshocked might be an appropriate term… until the lights flicker. Impossibly wide eyes blink in surprise before everything is plunged into a near-complete darkness, especially after the brightness of a moment before.

V'ncent blinks, sudden fear in his mind as he starts to rise, shifting his mate more securly behind him in the dark. "Oh heavens above, not now….. " He turns his words towards Zaristh. "Get Tempest and StormWarden in here on the double, we can't guard this place in the dark, atleast have them rig running lights."

Opal> Taylar listens to the stumbling, shrieking, fumbling and thumping sounds of people being caught off guard by the blackout. Luckily, he is seated on his cot. "The glows were all taken up for replacement. I mean with electric lights, we usually don't need glows."

Weyrleaders' Platform>, J'em stiffens even further as the lights go out. The weyrsecond's hand moves immediately to feel for the sword lain against his side, nodding as it's still there. This will be quite the interesting hatching, he thinks. The ex-renegade is immediately at full attention, keen senses ever sharp.

Nimway cries out as the lights blink… and disappear, into darkness. "Not again…" she gasps, remembering the last time. Miyareith trills worriedly. Where'd her eggs go? She just saw them a moment ago…

J'em stiffens, as well getting to his feet as the lights go out. He searches for Nimway with his free arm, finding her, he tries to comfort her. "It'll be alright, Nimway. I promise." And J'em never breaks his promises.

Opal> Piercing scream, really. Unlike Ryu, but matters call for it. "Get /off/!" To whoever is trying to dare cling and climb and fall and poke Ryu. All at once, while he's in a towel. And… foomf! Oh, no. That was the towel, wasn't it? "No! No! Scat!" Flailing candidates clinging to lower half of Ryu… not good. "Scitch! Scatch! Scootch!" Koshini and Espera are pushed from him, lightly, though. "Please, ladies…" A big of sarcastic-ness, but Ryu is quite freaked by the whole light thing. What a familiar scene. Next we need the fax, the kerosene, and the match. Candidate falls into cot, grabbing covers and such. "What /happened/?"

Fenrith rumbles, getting to hsis feet and moving to start circling the hatching cavern, on-guard at his rider's commands, the bronzen wolf shall protect his pack, even if it may put him in danger.

Sh'ai, standing on the sidelines, jerks forward as the cavern is plunged into darkness. " Nonono. Not another storm." Fear threads her voice, making it high and thin as she backs against the wall. " You said it would be clear." Panic.

Syra automatically reaches a hand onto her sword, to judge from the metallic glint in the weak lighting. "Shards and shells!" The hysteria that rings in her voice only lasts a moment before she pushes past her weyrmate, stumbling in the darkness. "They couldn'a have! Not *now*!" Arolaeth bugles, though with triumph or pure delight at the situation is unable to be determined. Blacker still against the blackness, she spreads wide wings over her clutch — see, someone prepared ahead and grouped them altogether — and trumpets.

Opal> Koshini eeeps as she tumbles to the ground, thankfully she's used to tumbling, just in the dark makes it more difficult and alot more noisy. With a thunk and some rather colorful language that is censored out, she lands somewhere in the back row of cots, trying to find a solid wall . "I told you!!!" she almost screams. "It's all a prank!!! Those riders are out for paybacks!"

Opal> Opal bugles overhead as a fair of firelizards emerges from between, to judge from the multitude of pops and trumpets from the ceiling overhead… and more than a few smug firelizards circle down to cots they can see with enhanced firelizard vision.

Opal> "This…is…not…good. I don't like this." Nearly strangling whatever she happens to find around her, Danae takes a step backward, tripping on her own robe, which is left sitting on the floor. Instantly, she snatches it up, inspecting it for damage with her fingers. "What're we going to do? Where do we go? What…" An incessant stream of questions follows, before she stumbles back into the crowd, hands out in front of her as she makes her way around. She manages to grab a number of things, not all of them ones that she, as a candidate, should be grabbing, before landing on the ground. "Help me."

Opal> "Calm down, everyone," Taylar's voice rings out. "It's just darkness. Get up and find your cot carefully. If this is the hatching, we need to be ready." He stands and begins to change.

Nimway clings tightly to J'em's arm, staying in her seat. "Where's L'iam?" She squeaks, tears trailing down her cheeks. She jumps at all the noises, especially Arolaeth's bugle of triumph. Miyareith snorts in frusteration from somewhere out on the sands, trying to find her clutch, nosing the sands anxiously.

V'ncent exhales slowly, his orders relayed before he turns his attentions back towards the group here. "J'em, get your men to block off the candidate quarters completely, I don't want anyone getting in or out…. if it's a raid, they're our first concern…..With half of our wings out getting family, we can't risk anything." He turns towards Syra. "Syra, we need to block off the eggs from all but those riding dragons, will Arolaeth agree to having the entrance walled off?"

Opal> Xaemon gropes and changes into the thing he *hopes* is his cnadidate robe. That is where he left it right? "Perhaps its just in here…?" he trys to sound optomistic as he feels around for his sandals.

Opal> "There's back ups… right?" Espera flails a bit, is pushed away, straightens, and starts the long process of feeling her way back to her cot. Is that her cot? "Stupid bloody 'lizards! Where are you! You could be of some help!" Complaining rises in volume considerably until Nutcase, who stuck around, raises her voice to trill. Loudly. "Ah." Espy strikes out in the general direction, thudding into this person or that person while cursing at some length. "Nooo! You know, it's all going to happen with the lights out, and there's going to be maulings, deaths and such in great numbers!" She's so helpful. She really is.

Opal> Ocean bugles as he gazes around the dark barracks with the other firelizards, his wing sails beating a bit before settling on Kori's cot.

Opal> N'andi walks into the candidate/weyrling caverns, from the commons cavern.
Opal> N'andi has arrived.

Syra scowls fiercely, but nods in the darkness. "She said she a'ready started..?" But there's the gold, obviously hovering over her eggs. "No, no, she doesn't mind." One hand is extended before her face as she feels her way forward with a booted foot, and, upon finding the end of the platform, crouches down to hop carefully down onto the sands. "Gotta rouse th'wing… Need t'monitor incomin' dragons, jes in case. Passengers, too."

Opal> Ryu hits. Or tries to. But Danae hits the floor first. "Get away!" thunders chocolate candidate, kicking feet in general direction of the other, but missing. "I never /thought/," Ryu says, calmly and not-so-calmly, but definately no sarcasm involved. "Dare you!" he continues to hiss, before hearing what other candidates have been doing. A little agitated, Taylar receives a mouthful. "Calm down? When I have three wild wherry… reaching… for things! I can't be /calm/!" Cot is fumbled with, and various napsacks, before agonating call. "Where's my sharding /robe/?"

<EAW ALERT> News runs from dragon to dragon, rider to rider that all candidates are to be moved to the candidate barracks pronto, by order of the weyrleader and weyrsecond. Various members of Skydancers wing will be gathering stragglers and leading them to the barracks while yet more Skydancers guard the ntrance and exit to the cadidate caverns.

Sh'ai pushes away from the wall, stumbling forward. It's not a storm. It's an attack. That she can handle. As fear fades, she takes a deep breath, before turning her head towards the others in the cavern, orienting on sound and the faint glimmers of movement in the weak light. " What can Libra do to help, Weyrleader?" queries the wingleader, voice pitched to carry without yelling. Not that her wing's much use until the culprets are captured and ready to be tried.

<EAW ALERT> On a further note, a few candles and glows have begun circulating through the weyr…..the huge iron gates on the carved passage leading to the private candidate area are now heavily guarded….. and the gates leading out onto the sands…when and if someone looks, are burried…. from within the hatching sands. No way out Candies… mwahahahahaha

Arolaeth rouses herself from her brooding of the eggs and shuffles with uncanny ability through the darkness towards the entrance to the candidate caverns, and promptly begins to pile sand up in front of it, though more than a little bit sprays into the cavern from the opened crack.

Opal> Sand begins to trickle in from the general vincinity of the hatching cavern doors, spraying onto the candidates that are too close — will the terror never end?

Opal> Slightly ahead of the news, N'andi leads a small girl named Lolina that one might have seen around here into the barracks. "You are not supposed to leave at this point in time." The girl starts to protest. If softly. Basket on the Assisant Weyrling Master's arm she frowns. "I don't care if you you were exploring!" Andi halts, looking around. "And whas is this about?" Happy? Not most likely.

J'em keeps hold of Nimway. "L'iam?" He calls, his eyes finally getting used to the dull light. :This way, Nimway." He'll lead the junior to her queen and L'iam, then, and start his own rounds, though he stops nearby the galleries, alert senses taking over.

Opal> Koshini seems to have found her way to the door leading out onto the sands… there must be a way out that way, and then a strangled sound comes from her as the perfectly manicured hands are set to digging… "We're locked in!!!! They're burring us !!!!" she screams

Opal> Kori blinks and stands up. "We're locked in?

V'ncent looks over towards where he heard Sh'ai. "If you can get word to those nearest the storage rooms, we have a backup generator there… its not much but it could be used to power the lights. We just use it for the computers."

Opal> Taylar starts as the smell and airflow of the area changes drastically. As Koshini screams, he turns in that direction to go get her. "Koshi," he coaxes calmly. "It's okay. Probably Arolaeth doesn't want us near the eggs or something." He takes her shoulders after a moment's fumbling. "Calm down. Remember that bet?"

L'iam has been here the whole time. Honest. He's just been kind of…behind Willowith. Or more like Willowith's hindleg. How he managed that is hard to tell, but either way all the sudden commotion has definitely gotten his attention. "What the…" He turns, and smacks into Willowith's belly. Somehow. The bronze rumbles, and lifts himself to his paws, wings spreading fully. Another rumble escapes, and his glowing eyes sweep this way and that. "Over here," he calls in J'em's direction, and steps closer that way.

Nimway squeaks three times. She doesn't like walking around in darkness. And the sands are /really/ hot under her slippers. But, she follows J'em. "Miya?" She follows her queen's worried croons. "L'iam!"

Opal> Espera could clamber up onto her cot. She could start jumping. She could start screaming at the top of her lungs hysterically. But she -doesn't- - or at least, all she does is clamber up onto her cot, to stay out of the way of roving feet. "We're all gonna die," she does assure Koshini cheerfully, though. "Though actually - no. Dieing would be too easy. Maybe we can outwit them…" Maybe she can incite them all to riot, too. It's a tempting thought, but she quickly shoves that aside - on noticing an Authoritive Voice - and moves carefully to root about for her robe. Hum. She knows it's here somewhere.

<EAW ALERT> A soft humming starts once more, though not the reasurring electric hum of the generators — this has a primal urge to it, an insistant beat. On top of all the problems, it seems that the dragons — Arolaeth's bass rumble is most noticible among them all — are going to celebrate the entrance of hatchlings into the world, even if it is a dark one.

Opal> Danae looks about ready to scream, clutching her robe to her chest. "They're going to /kill/ me… I can't run… I'm too /late/…" Fear. Yes. That would be fear. Hands shaking, she makes her way to the nearest cot, hoping dearly that it is unoccupied, and starts changing rapidly, only to find her robe on backwards and have to do it all over again. "What… what do we do?" Suddenly, a dead calm crosses over her, and she sits, twiddling her thumbs. Eyes go blank, and she merely nods, dumbly, at the other candidates, listening to the humming silently.

Opal> Koshini seems a bit consoled by Taylar, though Espera's 'reassurance only sends the lavender haired wonder into trying to co-occupy the same physical space as her masculine protector. "NOOOOOoooooooo"

Opal> Xaemon wiggles his toes as sandals are secured and stands. Gaze darts to Koshini at such a shrill noise and his young pair of firelizard chitter, before they are soothed by soft words and surprisingly calm strokes back onto the candidates cot. The blocked exit to the sands is noted with some interest. Well no going that way.

Opal> Lolina hangs her head, staying close to N'andi. "But ma'am..!" She begins again. The Assistant then raises her voice to a bellow to be heard. "Everyone, -Quiet-! You are -not- going to die, no one is going to kill you!" She looks around. "I said -QUIET-!" Finally she starts to hear the humming. "All right. Now please… just -calm- down. All of you!"

Sh'ai nods her head, begining to make her way towards the others as she mumbles quietly under her breath to herself. Or rather, to Taigeth. As she begins relaying the orders to her wingriders, she takes up a stance near Syra, one hand on the small beltknife that's the only weapon, besides her tongue, that she carries. " They'll get on it." She considers the generator being mentioned. " But it won't light up the cavern." She looks around the blackness. " This is gonna be like last time, isn't it?"

Opal> Kori puts on her robe and sandals, and stands, ready to go.

Opal> One of the Skydancer wingriders brings in the last of the stragglers, the ones guarding the entrance now close the heavy door. He'ven and Angelyth descend to the barracks, the blue humming consolingly to the frightened candidates. One of the smaller boys runs over to He'ven. "Are we gunna be alright?" The wingsecond nods.

Opal> Taylar just wraps his arms about the hysterical girl in his arms. He may be short, but he is strong so he picks her up and carefully walks back toward the cots. He uses his bonding to Moira to find his own cot and places her on it. "Listen," he tells her softly. "The dragons are humming. The eggs are about to hatch. I'll stay with you."

V'ncent exhales slowly, stepping over towards where he last heard his mate. "I hope not…. I really hope not." Riders seem to be streaming in from every known direction, bringing in glows that hardly seem to break the gloom but do seem to create a lighted circle on the sands and off the sands where the riders will stand in waiting. A long sigh echos from him as he shakes his head. "No…. It won't be like last time…. We have to tell the candidates this is all a joke… or something, if they suspect that this is … that someone could be behind this…. we could be dealing with a murderous mob out there."

Opal> Ryu screams, once again. "/You/!" Hand reaches to bat at candidate who can't keeps hands to herself, or body. In doing this he probably touches thing that shouldn't be. "Oh, bother!" is sputtered Danae-wards, and Ryu continues fumbling for clothes, until candles are lit. "No!" shrieks candie, hiding in blankets, then looking for robe. Crying - all those lessons and hard work - and N'andi is spotted. "I can't find my robe!" Verge of tears, for once.

L'iam manages to step -away- from Willowith's bulk, and he takes a deep, measured breath. Good thing dragon eyes are pretty darn keen, because if it weren't for those L'iam wouldn't be able to slowly but surely step closer to J'em and Nimway both, stopping just a few feet short of the two. "It's alright," he says, amusement in his tones more then anything else. "Just a little power outage-" But his words are cut short as Willowith's soft humming starts coming from the lug's direction, adding a soft note to Aro's own hum. "Oh…great." Fast happenings, all around.

J'em nods, letting go of Nimway as L'iam reaches them. "I promise everything will be alright, Nimway." And he moves to make his rounds, quick and agile, the weyrsecond is on his toes..And probably hiding any fear he does feel deep inside.

Opal> Koshini shivers quietly as she rests there in Taylar's arms, positvely terrified of her worst nightmares suddenly coming through. While she said it was all a joke, that all of this was just a hoax… living the terror is a very different thing indeed.

Sh'ai ignores the sands shifting beneath her feet from the dragons' hum. " Want them to bring it here, V'ncent?" she queries, as she looks around. " Oh, aye. We can tell 'em the firelizards did it." There's a light hint of humor in her voice. " They all disappeared earlier… would be a good excuse wi'out havin' to tell 'em the true cause. An' the buggers are great jokers, anyway." Whether she's serious or not isn't the issue.

[DTU/Project] Miyareith, Arolaeth, Willowith and Zaristh sense that Fenrith thrums lightly, « We will be sure everything is fine. I will not allow any renegades to harm anyone. »

Arolaeth tilts her head back and bugles again, delighting perversly in the terror, the uncertainty. She seems to expand in the darkness as she turns away from the doors and returns to her eggs, wings spread and gleaming golden against black. « It is time! The time for *mine*! »

Opal> N'andi's eyes narrow before one last bellow is issued. This really does get on her throat. "QUIET!" The rider then pants slightly, having put a lot of air into that bellow. And of course she's visible. She's a figure with a glow basket. "Now." She continues on, hoping everyons quieted down. "Does someone have an extra robe at all? And there's a few things to tell you before you go out there."

[DTU/Project] Miyareith, Willowith, Zaristh and Fenrith sense that Arolaeth dismisses Fenrith, ripples of cerulean fire lacing through her mindtones with her excitement. « You worry far too much, canine. None shall dare to interrupt the glory of mine. »

Opal> Danae screams. Not a quiet, dainty little scream either. This girl puts all her air behind the scream, and it is /quite/ loud. Ryu's slapped at, but she can't seem to find his face… After adjusting her robe, getting her arms in the arm holes and making herself presentable, if not exceedingly pleasing in appearance, before turning to see N'andi. Her scream may not have helped her much, but… Gulp. "What do I do?" is murmured meekly, as she grabs at Ryu again. "Help."

V'ncent nods towards Sh'ai "Have them hook it up with L'cean's group up on the top ledge…." There is a flicker and a sudden imput of light. "They'll need a backup for when that one dies… those aren't that long lasting." He pauses and takes a deep breat and nods. "Bring them in…. " he makes the final decision. "Everyone, nothing is wrong… believe it, and make them believe it…."

Opal> Espera actually starts to -whine- as the humming is heard. "Oh, shardit, no. No, no, no." A few extra curses, for the measure, and then she finds something that feels like her robe, struggles out of clothes, and into the white shift. There. Tucktuck. She stamps into her sandals, muttering all the while, and smooths the robe. Then, with the spare piece of cloth, she wraps it close about her waist. "But panicing is so much more fun." Well, if she's going to face death - and not be afraid - then she has to be sarcastic. "Dig down in the bottom of your locker, Ryu? Maybe it's there?" But then she finally does shush, if reluctantly.

Nimway whimpers as she catches the word 'murderous mob' come from V'ncent's lips, although she is relieved to be able to see again. Well, sort-of. The pregnant girl closes her eyes and forces herself to relax, breathing deeply. She leans against L'iam, reaching out to stroke her lifemate's muzzle, which croons worriedly towards her. She's found most of her eggs, but that still means that some are missing. Miyareith adds her own soprano to the harmony of dragon humming.

Opal> Taylar sits beside the trembling Koshini and tries not to let her feel how scared he really is. It's easy to appear calm when others are so upset. He strokes her arm soothingly as they wait for instructions.

Zaristh adds his deep bass to his mate's humming, his own vibrating with quiet assurance. Everything is fine…. Everything will be fine…. Do not fear my children.

Opal> Lonriya slithers off her cot as the humming begins, nibbling anxiously at her lower lip as she moves to her clothespress, drawing her robe from it, and dashes for a changing screen. The whisper of cloth is heard, and within moments, the girl emerages fully dressed in the sleeveless white dress. "Here we go." is breathed out anxiously as she returns to her cot, bending to pick up her sandals.

Syra feels her way towards the first egg, and suddenly jerks backwards, falling on her rear as the orb gives a spasmodic shake. With a cry, she scrambles back to her feet and shuffle-jogs towards the pool of light, arms still extended before her. "Nothing.. nothing… again, dark! I swear to Faranth, she's doin' this on purpose!" is wailed in all innocence, though Arolaeth rears up with an indignant rumble. She didn't do it *both* times.

Fenrith gets his orders from his lifemate and allows the worry he feels to dwindle. The bronzen wolf adds his own basso hum, now, even as he continues his rounds of the sands with his rider.

Opal> Xaemon stands looking rather blank. He takes a few deep breaths and the activity around seems to phase him not as he turns his attention to N'andi.

Opal> Koshini actually whimpers at the bellowing, burrowing further into Taylar's arms before finally falling into a silent spell. Perhaps it is a good thing that she was getting a final fitting on her robe before telling fortunes, because in her current state, getting her reclothed might be difficult.

Sh'ai grunts softly to herself. " Orders relayed. They're taking it up now." She peers around. " Faranth, as dark as most of Aro's eggs are, we won't be able t' see 'em even with that li'l bit of light." Which was probably the queen's idea, too. Naturally. " Put on yer smiles, e'eryone. This is jus' a joke." Under her breath, she adds, " I hope the healers're standing by again. After last time…" She trails off, fitting her lips with a false, slightly tense, and altogether goofy grin. Look alive.

Opal> N'andi looks around, eyeing each and every candidate. "For the first thing out on the sands you should stay calm and cool. Try not to think about dieing or being killed or anything. The Hatchlings need to be soothed with auras and not smothered and choked with fear." She looks towards others now, the glow basket casting a bit of light away from her. "You are -not- to panic - hear me?"

L'iam curls an arm instinctively around Nimway's form, and kisses the top of her head quickly before glancing around. "It'll all be alright," he assures, a small grin quirking his lips. "Not much anyone could do with all these dragons around, right?" He steps a little closer to Miya, so the goldrider can have better access to her 'mate, and his free hand extends to pat at Willowith's snout. "Just perfect," he mutters then, eyes narrowing in the oh-so-dim lighting.

Opal> Ryu erms. We'll just hope Danae isn't clinging to anything particular. "Why don't you help /me/," candidate spits to fellow. "Look for my robe." This is slightly whispered, though. N'andi wants them quiet, after all. "No death threats to the things, remember," Ryu whispers Espera-wards, and then listens more to N'andi. "Don't panic?" Ryu somewhat nearly shouts. "But… they're alive! With claws! In the dark!" And if Ryu lacks a robe, then there's just more to worry about.

V'ncent steps forward quietly, almost to the edge of the platform, but not seeing as well it takes him time to get down… not having any depth of vision even with lighting, the stairs are a bit of a problem. "Beloved, why would she do such a thing. She knows it's dangerous to hatch them in the darkness."

J'em furrows his brow, taking up a guard-stance nearby the galleries once again, eyes narrowed and focused on the dark sands before him. Yes, good thing he's fairly decent at seeing in darkness.

Syra bumps into the platform with an oomph, then plants both hands onto it and levers herself back up to V'ncent's level. "Y*know* her, V'ncent. That's exactly why… she keeps tellin' me "dark begets dark" or somethin' like that." Face is set grimly despite the smiles around her. "If she did it, I'm gonna skin her hide… I don't know *how* she coulda, though."

Nimway blinks in Sh'ai's direction. She thinks that was Sh'ai anyways. A /joke/?! Oh, hahaha. See that white streak in her hair? She got that last time this happened — and it was dark too. "Arolaeth wouldn't!" She gasps, staring at Syra, keeping physical contact with her lifemate. Silent tears still flow down her cheeks. It's nerves, really. And excitement. And fear. All multiplied by about a thousand thanks to her pregnany hormones. But she's ok.

Opal> Danae sniffles softly, nodding in the direction she -thinks- she heard N'andi speak from… as her eyes are closed, and the darkness isn't helping anything. "Don't panic, don't die." Crawling around on Ryu's cot, she searches for his robe, while managing to shift hers around until it's choking her at the neckline. "Where'd you put it last?" she hisses to Ryu, scrambling about on hands and knees.

Opal> Espera chortles. "No panic. Right'm." My, that's slathered liberally with sarcasm, before she assures Ryu, "No can do, anyway. I won't have your knives. And be a manly man and shush, Ryu. The worst'll be that you'll have to streak the sands. Nothing bad about that but for us." Ri-ight. Now she's just being -tense-, which is possibly an improvement to shouting about imminent death and the like.

Opal> Lonriya gives a final caress to both Freya and Rache, both firelizards settled patiently on her pillow. "Stay here until I come back." is whispered urgently to them. Oh, no, Riya won't be thinking about dying or getting hurt out there, indeed no! "I'll be back soon." Well, sooner or later after all. Slitheing off her cot once more, she makes her way back to her clothespress, wherein lie several more white shifts. "Ryu," she calls out over the bedlam and confusion, hoping the other Candidate can hear her. "I've a few extra robes the Weyrleader asked me to make sure we had. Come over, and we'll see if one fits."

Shadow's Darkest Hour Egg wobbles, then calms.

Opal> N'andi looks around, and more specifically at Ryu. "Don't panic? Yes I expect you not to panic. They're simply babies looking for comfort. You just have to be on your feet to dodge if they charge at you. And there -is- a spotlight in there for you guys to stand in." She pauses, a little smirk covering her lips. "Hush." Is said towards Espera before continuing. "Anyways. For all you guys know this could be one whole, huuuge joke. A practice you might say. So treat it like that. You're running through it. No being nervous. No panicing and for Faranth's sake, no fainting or pretending you're going to die." She lets out a breath towards Lonriya, Lolina squirming next to her. "-Practice?-" The small candidate squeaks.

Sh'ai has a white streak, too. But then again, she was born with it. " I'll bet she would," mutters the bluerider, watching expectantly towards the entrance from the Candidate's cavern. Or where she thinks the entrance is. " N'andi and the others with the Candidates?"

J'em nods. "He'ven says she and Angelyth will pick up the stragglers, they're all in the caverns and nearly ready to go."

Opal> "Just babies. Babies with claws, and teeth, and -" Espera keeps her mutter under her breath, knuckles white. Then she starts working her way towards N'andi, wondering with a lowered voice, "I remember something about a warning about no shiney objects out on the sands. Are…" A pause. "Glasses included?" Well, they reflect light. Hum. There's a sharp, nervous nod for the rest.

Opal> Lonriya gulps nervously, nodding quickly at N'andi as she holds out the robes. "They're not much." she admits. "But they're serviceable." comes the Candidate's reply. She's ready, as she'll ever be, wiping sweaty hands nervously at the saide of her robe, but Espera's query is noted, and the girl just can't resist getting in a dig. "Makes me glad /I/ don't need them." is muttered under her breath.

Opal> N'andi presses her lips together before shaking her head. "Glasses are not included. You need to be able to see what you can. Even if this is just practice." Riiiight N'andi. Just stick to the story. "Allright. We have a bunch of riders here to take you guys out onto the sands…" Her gaze flickers over the crowd. "Which two people want to ride with me? You'll be going out first, and the rest of you will follow on other dragons…" She nods towards Lonriya again. "Thank you." Shortly after the petite red-headed Lolina peeps up. "I'll ride with you, ma'am!"

Opal> Taylar speaks up quickly. "Koshini and I are ready, N'andi." He stands, pulling the still slightly hysterical Koshini with him. "Or we can wait."

Opal> Danae stands from the cot, trying to compose herself with dignity and grace. Or something resembling dignity and grace. "Are we going out now?" Inhaling deeply, she crosses her arms over her chest. Don't panic. Just a practice. "I'm ready!" she announces, standing and shuffling towards the center of the room.

L'iam nods a little absently, and edges away from the eggs, though not so much that they're out of sight. Another deep breath is taken, and his eyebrows furrow a little. Makes sense that Nimway would want to keep with her lifemate. So, "This is good," he states, pausing so Nimmy can still touch Miya. The tip of Willowith's tail creeps up, pushing something along with it. It's a mat. "Stand on that?" L'iam suggests, sliding the mat closer to the goldrider's feet. "Or else you'll burn your feet." If she hasn't already.

Opal> Ryu mrfs. "I have to find my robe!" Candidate shrills. "I don't know! In my case? Napsacks? Backbacks? Cot? Anywhere! Look!" is Danae-wards, and sheets are thrown everywhere. Don't mind that he's lacking some clothing. "Waiit!" Ryu calls to Danae. "Stay? Please? And help find?" No one else will help Ryu, seee.

Opal> Xaemon double checks himself, padding down, all set, even if, and he looks skeptical about that, this isn't the real thing. He shuffles forward with the others to get a ride "I'm ready." though did his voice just waiver a bit?

Shadow's Darkest Hour Egg seems a bit impatient as it wiggles slightly.

Opal> N'andi pauses on her way of heading towards Tinkith, the green waiting far, far off in the corner. A glace is given to Ryu. "Use the one Lonriya has in her hands and get ready." Danae is then given a look. "You can come with me as well." Next glance at Taylar and Koshini. "You can catch the next dragon out." Mount up.. help Lolina up and yep! "Coming?" Is asked towards Danae.

Opal> Koshini shivers slightly but seems to be laughing now… instead of screaming. Yeah, a joke, right… very funny… never mind her shaking hands. Nodding she takes the instructions, moving with Taylar slowly and then after a moment, leaning over to kiss his cheek, thankful that he is there.

Opal> Kori follows the others.

Opal> "Oh, bug off." Espera's comment is for Lonriya over her shoulder, before she nods - a trifle too quick, too grateful. Too nervous. And to think, she professed no nerves before now. Arms fold over her chest, clutching tight, and she stoically - or not so - reminds herself that breathing is a neccessity. Muttering, "My stomach's going to go. Is there some rule against sicking up on the sands?" Breath, Espy. Breath. "Ready. Practice run. Right." Just a little sarcasm, right - but again, toned low. "Remember, 'Nae! Too cheerful!" That's heartening. It's a good thing she doesn't try to smile.

Opal> Taylar and Koshini move to where they can wait for the next dragon. He blushes under her kiss. "It's going to be fine," he tells her though, most likely, the words are for his comfort as well. "Think of it as a fancy session of egg touching." His arm tightens about her.

Opal> "Of course." Lonriya chirps up cheerfully at Espera before crossing the caverns, heading towards Ryu, hands extended as she offers the flimsy white garments towards the male Candidate. "There's one that's bound to fit you." she remarks, pausing to nod back over her shoulder at the Assistant Weyrlingmaster. "Aye, ma'am, just a bit more of an egg-touching than before."

Opal> Danae turns back, squinting a little to see Ryu's form. Wordlessly, she shuffles back to his cot, ducking down to peer under and look for his robe. "Ooh… I can't find it… we have to go soon." She turns now, and looks around for Espera. Somehow, the other candidate's statement reassures her. "R-right…" Too cheerful to die.

Nimway smiles her thanks to Willowith although she chuckles and shakes her head. She leads L'iam to a set of /chairs/ set up along the sidelines. Much more comfortable. Although she does keep the mat for her feet.

Opal> Ryu takes collection of robes, tossing the small ones and obviously over-large ones away. "No! Too small! Too large!" Poor, nervous, clothesless Ryu. "Waiit!" Candie calls to Danae again, nearly leaping after her. And attempting to tackle. But that just would not be /right/. "You have to help! Espera will just try to murder me, Lonriya has the robes all wrong sizes…" Ryu wouldn't dare ask Koshini. And Taylar's preoccupied.

L'iam blinks rapidly, and peers down at the chairs. "Oh." He manages to plunk into one without missing, and sighs. And that's that. All there is to do is wait.

Opal> N'andi looks towards Danae, slowly recalling the girl's name, Lolina sitting impatiently behind her. "Danae! Get over here, we're leaving for the sands." She looks towards the other riders and grins. "You can collect your candidates. Two at most please." Two at a time is enough. "Or… if Danae isn't going, someone hop on before I leave!"

Opal> He'ven chuckles quietly at Ryu. "Calm down, my boy. Here, try this one." And the female bluerider hands him one of the robes that looks like it could be his size.

Arolaeth all but vibrates with thrumming as she settles herself back behind the clutch, posed to hover over them much like a hunting avian-of-prey. Tilting her head back she trumpets once more as more of her eggs begin to twitch in earnest, one or two already starting to crack to judge from the scrabbling echoes in the cavern.

The dragon's thrumming reaches a higher pitch as the sound of dragons flying into the candidate's caverns echos through the hatching cavern. The burried entryway has made it difficult to bring in the candidates, so they are being flown in.

Opal> Danae turns back to looking for the robe, then spins around yet again, watching N'andi. "I… I…" Ryu is sent an apologetic glance, if he can see it, and she waddles over towards N'andi again, gulping a little. "I'll go with you," she gulps out, before scrambling a little closer. Oh dear…

Opal> Lonriya glances back at Ryu apologetically. "Not my fault," she offers with a faint, nervous smile. "I'm sure you'll find one that fits." A grateful look is cast at He'ven before the girl spins on a heels and dashes towards one of the wiating brownriders. She's running on pure adrenaline here, if she stops, she won't likely have the guts to keep going.

Opal> Koshini looks up at the blue that lands near by and chuckles softly over at Taylar, still a bit nervious, picking at his arm. "Shall… shall we take this one? or the other….?"

Miyareith trumpets happily, having found the last of her eggs that were hiding in darkness. But… wait. Why aren't they moving? She noses a fluffy pink one curiously, sniffing. She whuffles to Arolaeth in confusion, but her eyes whirl happily. Babies come!

Opal> Taylar walks up to He'ven with Koshini held tight to his side. "We're ready, ma'am, if your dragon will grant us the priviledge of a ride." He smiles over at the lavender-haired girl. "Let's get out there so we can see what is going on."

Opal> Glows deposited on a stand, N'andi looks towards Danae. "Well come on then. Just because it's a practice doesn't mean it'll last forever!" Allright, now she's kinda snappish again. Lolina at the points looks towards Danae. "Oooo, please do hurry! I wanna see the sands again!"

Opal> Xaemon clenches hands into fists, holding tight a moment and then relaxing and suddenly ready. Well can't get any more ready than this, he finds a blue who has a spot left murmuring to the rider who nods and claps him on the back "no worries?…uh..yessir." sure.

Opal> Angelyth croons happily, it would be an honour. He waits for his rider, humming softly, soothingly, almost hauntingly.

Opal> Kori looks around.

Shimmering Midnight Peacock Egg wobbles in the darkness, the sad song of its soul aching to have its captivity ended.

Shadow's Darkest Hour Egg is still impatient as it wobbles, trying to unbury itself.

Opal> Ryu, hiding in darkness, grabs the ratty robe from the dragon, and hides a corner. "I'll be out in a few," he calls a little agitatedly. A glare to He'ven, as if Ryu would've rather had no robe, and, "I won't be going with /you/." No offense, of course, but who knows if that's detectable. As Kamenth lands into the caverns - if there is any space - Ryu wraps rag around himself trips over various cots, trying to get to M'ru and company. "I'll go with you!" Or not. Ryu trips, and robe is wiped off again. Eee. Poor candidate. But Kamenth will wait… right? "Wait for me!" is called to the bronze.

Arolaeth twists to snort disdainfully at Miyareith, eyes whirling a dizzying combination of blue-violet. Tonight, darkness reigns. Backing away from the hatching eggs, rearing up on her hind legs to watch, humming passionately.

Opal> "I won't try and murder you unless you don't get out there!" Espera reassures Ryu. She fusses with her glasses, shoves them up her nose, then -walks- after Lonriya. Steadily. She'll catch that brown, too. And she'll rag on 'riya the entire way. Or - not.

Break of the Storm Egg spins lightly in place, clouds seeming to swirl across its surface as it fades into the inky blackness of its surroundings, only the flash of lightning across its surface giving away its whereabouts and movements.

Zaristh rumbles softly, his whirling eyes turning towards the cavern hidden behind the dirt (OOCly tapping his foot and looking at his watch, sorry folks, having a bit of a RL glitch, will be going on with this ASAP)

Opal> Danae nods curtly at N'andi, scrambling up beside Lolina and trying not to tremble -too- much. "I'm ready now," she states, her voice holding steady. Pushing doubts from her mind, she holds herself with that egotistic dignity, chin rising slowly. "Yes… I'm ready."

Throbbing Bloody Heart Egg is shocked to life, pulsing once, briefly, from its hollow of darkness.

Opal> Lonriya is handed up Ghramith's shoulder by his rider, I'ver, and settled into place on the brown's neckridges, hands clutching nervously to the brownrider's waist. "No fear." she reminds herself through chattering teeth. "Just a fancy egg tounching, that's all." Gulp.

Opal> Tinkith rumbles before taking off, leaving the candidates to clutch at the buckled in rider. And then off they go. "Now remember! It's a practice!" Is called out.

Danae is deposited onto the lighted circle on the sands.
Danae has arrived.

N'andi is deposited onto the lighted circle on the sands.
N'andi has arrived.

Opal> Koshini moves first at He'ven's direction, smiling. "Thank you ma'am." She offers with great manners, moving very carefully to climb up, a bit nervious about her second flight…..Extending a hand down towards Taylar she helps him up next

Opal> Taylar pats the blue's thick neck after he helps Koshini up. "Thanks." He clambers up after her and sits behind her.

Koshini is deposited onto the lighted circle on the sands.
Koshini has arrived.

Taylar is deposited onto the lighted circle on the sands.
Taylar has arrived.

Opal> Kori gets onto a dragon and follows the others.

Taylar holds tightly to Koshini as they are flown in. All about them, the air is filled with swooping dragons, all humming as they enter the great hatching cavern. Among those that land briefly on the sands is a small one of cobalt perfection. He'ven looks over her shoulder as the candidates behind her fumble with the riding straps. Taylar thanks the rider before slipping to the ground. He winces as his feet touch the burning sands. He reaches up to catch Koshini and lower her to the ground. A quick thank-you to Angelyth and he leads her over to join the semi-circle of white-clad Candidates.

Kori is deposited onto the lighted circle on the sands.
Kori has arrived.

Lonriya is deposited onto the lighted circle on the sands.
Lonriya has arrived.

Espera is deposited onto the lighted circle on the sands.
Espera has arrived.

Opal> Ryu gives a last mrf as he is hoisted onto Kamenth. "Let's go?" meeps Ryu, fumbling with his robe. Up, up, and away!

Ryu is deposited onto the lighted circle on the sands.
Ryu has arrived.

Xaemon is deposited onto the lighted circle on the sands.
Xaemon has arrived.

Angelyth deposits his two candidates then proceeds to fly up to the lower dragon ledge to land beside one of his wingmates, a lovely green whom he nuzzles softly.

Shadow's Darkest Hour Egg grows exceedingly impatient as time passes, wobbling until it's completely unburied.

Koshini lands with a light foot on the sands, her lavender hair blanched almost white under the glaring light of the spotlight that only seems to illuminate the small space of sand. Her blue eyes showing that despite her laugh she is still very nervious, she steps closer towards Taylar and tries to shrug it off. Just a practice… right … a practice…

N'andi deposits her two candidates on the ground, the jaden Tinkith rumbling for them to dismount, a petite Lolina managing to do so very quickly, scrambling into the light. The green rider unbuckles and heads off to the side to keep an eye on it all.

Kori stands with the others after she gets off the dragon.

Danae makes her appearance on the sands from atop Tinkith, beside the candidate Lolina. She can't help but begin trembling again, as those horrid doubts she'd driven from her mind trickle back in. Taylar and Koshini are looked to instantly, as if her eyes are simply drawn there, and she regains a little confidence. She has no grace as she descends to the sands, stumbling and tripping a little, but resteadies herself after reaching the ground. "Here we go…"

Lonriya's arrival on the sands comes, by way of a large brown dragon, one Ghramith by name, and his rider I'ver in a flurry of wingsails as the brown drops to the sands as close to the circle of light as possible. "Stay in the light, an' don't run." is the brownrider's advice to the Candidate as Riya is handed down the brown shoulder to land on the sands. Owww, hot. "And don't be afraid." is the final tidbit of wisdom from her escort as Ghramith leaps upwards, flinging motes of sand about as wing pump to lift him clear of the ground, leaving Lonriya to manage a sketchy bow in the direction of the gold dam, and bronze sire before joning the other Candidates.

J'em continues to make his rounds upon the sands, Fenrith guarding the eggs with the golds and bronzes as he stands nearby the galleries, quickly whirling eyes watching everything in the dark.

Arolaeth is a menacing sight in the darkness, blacker than the rest, hovering over her clutch with wings outspread; the queen seems to have grown in the darkness, seems suddenly far larger than in ordinary light. An unearthly scream breaks the humming, and the queen shifts her wings upward to reveal vaguely glinting ovoids rocking fervently.

Xaemon arrives on a flash of blue which glints as yet another of Eastern's dragons settles momentarily on the sands. This time its Carrgoth who deposits a candidate. Xaemon barely gets his feet under him before the dragon is pushing off, making room for others to land, his soft "thanks" lost as the dragon dissapears into the darkness leaving him with the other candidates in the spotlight, bowing to dam and sire as much as he can make out.

Break of the Storm Egg ceases its spinning and begins to rock from side to side, faster and faster, freeing itself from both the sands and the eggs gathered around it. Someone's impatient.

V'ncent stands with his mate on the hardly lit platform for the Weyrleaders. Smiling, he attempts to disarm the situation of terror. "I hope we didn't startle you with our little blackout. Just a bit of our prank back on you candidates for all the trouble you caused. However, this is not a practice. Look out upon the sands and find the match to your soul if it is here…. they are hatching." he announces with a cheerful voice that hides his own worries as he counts them all and tries to make out who is where.

A young man that hasn't been seen previously amidst the candidates is brought in by a green dragon, the man is smiling in a wickedly frightening way as he stays just outside the light.

Shadow's Darkest Hour Egg finally decides enough is enough and rolls away from its clutchmates.

Cracks creep like vampire shadow over the shell of the Shadow's Darkest Hour Egg until nothing remains but a pile of dark fragments and a stunned hatchling.

Invictus Hatchling

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever Gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance,
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance,
My head is bloody but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears,
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years,
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how straight the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.

<OOC: This Egg is currently being puppeted/created by J'em.>

N'andi looks up towards V'ncent, kissing softly. "You'll set them off into a panic again!" She hisses quietly towards the weyrleader, the little Lolina candidate allready deciding she doesn't like it in the spot light and merely trembles in place.

Espera is not nervous when she slides down her brown escort's side. She's just a little agitated. -That's- all. The spotlight is blinked up at, then the darkness around - and she settles for a faint, quickly stifled whimper. Then -control-. There's no storm going on outside, this isn't the horror story of the last - it's just dark. She minces her way towards the main group, huffing and puffing. For Koshi, when she notes her, "Cheer up, hotlips. And don't strangle Taylar." Just incase.

A rust-shaded bronze dragon, quite large, lands in the center - or not so center - of the sands, thundering call and generally attracting attenion. One more rumble, and finally haunches are lowered and neck swivels to allow candidate-passenger Ryu to disembark. Nodding a thanks, with a shaky voice along the lines of, "Th-thank you, M'ru… and Kamenth." A weak smile, and a pat on the hide of the bronze (a snort to Ryu because of this), and Ryu-candie scatters over to the rest of the lined candidates - if they are visible in darkness.

Taylar is startled by the queen's scream. Sure that Koshini will be upset as well, his arm goes about her waist again. V'ncent's announcement is met with a smile and he salutes his weyrleaders before turning back to the eggs hiding in the shadows.

Throbbing Bloody Heart Egg pulses once more, and is still.

Lonriya jumps nervously, at the shrill sound of Aroleath's scream, scattering sand as she backs closer to the other Candidates within the protective circle of light. "They're out there." comes a hushed, nervous whisper. "Hard to see."

Sh'ai shifts in place off to one side, her eyes flickering from place to place, an ill-fitting smile touching her features at V'ncent's announcement. N'andi's words bring a grim grin of amusement, and then the wingleader is alert again, watching everywhere at once.

Danae knots her fingers behind her back, leaning forward in a clumsy bow to the sire and dam, looking a little started as she finds out it's the real thing. The /real/ hatching. All noises are blocked out, everything becoming a dull blur to her, finding her way to the light. Espera is looked to again, a faint smile twisting upon her lips, and she soon reinforces it with a stronger one. Not going to die. Too cheerful.

Eternal Circle of the Phoenix Egg has been shunted off to one side of the pentagram of blackened eggs, but doesn't seem to be much affected, for it rocks just as hard as any of the other ovoids.

Koshini trembles somewhat nerviously, but that indeed this is a prank seems to ease her mind. "Very funny" she mutters to herself as she stumbles a bit, leaning against Taylar. "Well I suppoes it's better than being painted blue…. Oh…. oh it's hatching." she starts, shivers combinding to fear and perhaps expectation.

Invictus Hatchling rolls out of its shards to stand, now, in the darkness as it scans the dark cavern. Well, this isn't what it expected, but it will suffice. The creature lets out a haunting scream as it greets its dam and sire.

Xaemon swallows, tounge licking suddenly dry lips as the heat creeps insidiously through sandals to feet. He squints looking about and then shuffles a few paces to be close to the others, safety in numbers perhaps?

Break of the Storm Egg slides down a small hill of sand, landing with a thump at the base. It falls still, swallowed by the darkness of the caverns.

Nimway squeezes L'iam's hand from her chair, near the sidelines, trying very hard not to cry. "Be careful!" She advists the white robed ones on the sands. "And remember what I said about avoiding their claws."

Ryu shudders at the haunting scream. And all screams of dragons, for that matter. Who knows what they might do. Claws are dangerous, yes. Ryu fumbles over to Espera, somewhat bumping into the candidate, and then grabbing her hand. Tightly. "It hatched," Ryu whispers, blinking and squinting to see beyond the darkness. "What color is it, though?" Ryu may be nervous now, but soon enough he'll notice he's lacking something - sandals, perhaps?

Lonriya gulps nervously, sandled feet shifting restlessly as she scans the darkened sands beyond that cheerful little circle of light cast by the spotlight. By that wonderful spotlight. Another yelp bursts from startled lips as the Invictus Hatchling screams, the girl shivering nervously. "Can't see them, but can hear them." is muttered to the others about her.

Arolaeth echoes the shriek of her youngling, flapping her wings to stir up a whirlwind of sand in welcome to the first of her progeny.

J'em glances about as Fenrith greets his new pack member into the darkness of the new world. But wolfen bronze's eyes light on one candidate in particular, the lone one in the darkness.

L'iam winces, and flicks his eyes to Nimway at that squeeze. Wasn't too hard now, was it? "Relax," he reminds, and just offers a reassuring smile to those Candidates that can see. Which…are probably none. But, nevertheless.

Espera briefly twists to eye the galleries suspiciously - heard something, saw something? - and she stifles herself. Breathing is important. And she -will- stand tall and eye the buggers down. "Ah, Faranth. Hey 'Nae… Ry— oh, there you are. Don't know, didn't see," she answers, sqeezing the hand back. Then the screaming starts, and the sand whirling, and she retrurns to cursing colorfully. "Lovely."

Kori blinks at the sounds, moving closer to whoever shes near.

Taylar is not the only one without sandals on the hot sands it seems. He rocks back and forth, barefeet in honor of the newborn dragons. The acknowledgment of the prank and Koshini's mumblings pulling a chuckle from him. His gaze goes back to the rocking eggs and the little dragon, fear giving way to anticipation.

Lolina stands alone near the middle of the light, simply quivering at the moment, looking like she's about to cry from fear. She doesn't like these hatchlings! They make eerie not-nice sounds! The little candidate whimpers softly, looking around. "I want to go hide in my cot.." She whines..

Zaristh rumbles softly, his brief undertones of softer encouragement stand in stark contrast to his mate's wild scream. A sound of gentle encouragement, trying to keep both candidates and those soon to hatch from reacting violently to the darkness and upsets on the sands.

Syra buries her face in V'ncent's shoulder for a moment, shaking her head slowly. But its neither reasurring nor dignifying for a Weyrwoman to be showing despair, so she straightens and offers a weak little smile for her weyrmate, then calls out, "Keep on th'alert! Don't let'em catch you with yer back turned."

Invictus Hatchling pauses to appreciate the sound of its scream echoing off the walls of the cavern, then it starts to move, slowly, with unreal grace for one so young, it seems as if the creature is gliding, though it avoids the light at any cost.

Break of the Storm Egg remains still within the embrace of the shadows, lurking outside the light and adding to the pandemonium with soft cracks and pops.

Koshini blinks slightly, noticing Espera and Ryu and Danae so close by… safety in numbers, and perhaps the safety to truly let free a smile and enjoy this moment…. were those screams not so frightening….and that shadow so fast. Moving slightly away from the dark shape that seems to glide the sands, she eases to keep Taylar between her and it…. He's male, of course he's selfless in his protection of a woman…. and if he's not, who asked him.

Lonriya gulps nervously once more, shiffling backwards though the circle until she reaches the very center of the spotlight, beside Lolina. "Wanna hold my hand?" is asked of the little candidate, a weak imitation of a reassuring smile. "I'm nervous too." For out there, Invictus Hatchling still roams, watched hernously by Riya. Where is it now?

Danae flashes her smile on Espera for a while longer. No fear here… honest! Ryu is eyed, and doing as any frazzled, fearful candidate can, she shuffles towards him, linking her arm with his. Can't help but cling to him now, as she's holding on to her confidence as much as she can. "Everything's goin' to be good in the end, right?" is murmured under her breath, as she eyes the eggs, the hatchlings, the dragons, the people… too much. Koshini gets a wink, as she scans the crowd.

V'ncent exhales slowly, hugging Syra into his arm before kissing her forehead. "Take a seat love." he whispers. "If they see you so worried they'll wonder why." His single eye scans the candidates and he pauses, having to recount them again….There's one too many…

Storm clouds break within the darkness, a sharp crack of thunder the only sign that this egg, Break of the Storm Egg, has split. And split it has, releasing /something/ onto the Sands. A flash of hide, like lightning, and all is silent again.

Glittering Crystaline Shadow of a Hatchling
Shadows drape along a shimmering form, sliding over smooth, silken hide like mist across glass. Lightly they rest, clouded forms like the last vestiges of the thunderheads from the once-confining egg, hovering o'er lithe, slender body. Here and there, glitters sparkle through the foggy veil, some blue, some bronze, some green, giving no hint to the creature beneath the shadows' embrace.

<OOC: This Egg is currently being puppeted/created by Sh'ai.>

Nimway smiles back at L'iam, although she isn't looking at him — her brown eyes are very intent on the goings on in front of her — especially that invictus hatchling darting through the darkness. She bites down hard on her underlip. Please be careful…

Taylar smiles as Koshini sneaks behind him, but he does not mind. A quick glance around the sands and he gives a quick smile to each of the other candidates. Then, his attention goes back to the eggs and the little stalking dragon that is looking for it's lifemate.

Ryu is a clingee, of course, not a clinger. Which is why he merely tightens grip on Espera's hand. For her sake, though. Of course. Ryu isn't scared or nervous or all those things. Ratty robe is worn as a single piece of cloth, and thank goodness those lights are all the… light. Or something. "Don't be too scared," is a shakey voice Espy-wards, and spare hand is used to wrap Danae closer. "Err… uh, you too."

Lolina nods hastily, grabbing onto Lonriya's offered hand, really trembling as the other girl should obviously tell. Even her knees feel a bit wobbily as her long red hair makes quick turns to partner her head. Scared, frightened… really.. can't she just go back to her cot. "D…d'you think I could leave somehow..? Practice is so much different from reality!"

Invictus Hatchling glides about the darkness, investigating briefly, where is the one it seeks?

Syra summons up a smile, though she remains leaning against V'ncent for support. "I can stand," is murmured back.

Xaemon is intent on the activity around. He'll not be caught off guard if he can help it. Eyes track the spots his ears tell him something lurks or at least passed by. There's comfort too in keeping close to his fellows, as feet shift back and forth he reminas focused, and in so doing mostly calm as well, for now.

Sh'ai notes the sudden interest in a single form on the sands. Eyes narrow as she peers outwards, seeking the extra person that has so fascinated some.

Lonriya squeezes the other girl's hand tightly in reassuring comfort, smiling wobbily as she glances out past the other Candidates towards the sounds of yet another hatchling is heard. "Sounds like another one." she remarks to her companion. "Just hold tight, don't be afraid. It'll be over before you know it. One way or another."

Koshini actually… well, it's the sort of chuckle of one simple of mind. Well not all that simple, perhaps too otter-like. Shiny! Yes, very glittering. Even in the darkness of the cavern, the shimmering of another shadow added to the sands brings the lavender haired loon to peer over Taylar and ooooo like an idiot, for an instant forgetting the very real danger of the dark shadowed hunter that seems to be stalking the circle of candidates.

Fenrith moves, almost lightning quick, towards the lone xandidate with the wicked smile, the big bronzen wolf seems to pounce upon that figure, though it's difficult to see what's going on in the darkness as the bronze dragon's bulk moves and shifts.

Glittering Crystaline Shadow of a Hatchling gives a soft, faint cackle as it pads away from the empty shards of its eggs, sticking to the darkness like a thief in the night. Sand shifts beneath its paws, sounding softly in those closest to the perimeter as it stalks around, sniffing slightly.

Lolina squeaks. And quite loudly at that. "One way or another? D..d'you mean I co..could -die- out here?!" The petite girl groans, seeming to shrink in on herself. "I don't want to face this! And ma'am told us it'd be all all right! She was telling the truth, wasn't she?"

Espera decides, "This could be worse." Yes. Soon there's running and screaming.. or not. "I mean-" Another resounding crack presumeably denotes a new arrival, and she catches her breath - and leans into Ryu. She's a clingee, not a clinger, too. Really. Then - a stray, -big- bronze makes himself known, and she twists to peer. "What's going on? Oh, frickit. Too many things. Keep eyes over your shoulder, remember," she adds.

Arolaeth is distracted from her queer joy by Fenrith's sudden movement, and calls out a warning to the bronze, pearly teeth flashing in the darkness. Deep rumbling runs counterpoint to the humming, and she lumbers a few paces towards the candidates before apparently remembering she has hatchlings to welcome into her world of darkness. Another trumpet, and she spreads her wings once more, shrieking a welcome to the newest of her spawn.

[DTU/Project] Arolaeth and Zaristh sense that Fenrith rumbles in all seriousness. « This one does not belong, Arolaeth. I will take care of him. »

Taylar laughs at Koshini's sudden interest. "See? It's not so bad." Then, the sudden movement of Fenrith catches his attention and he looks away from the sands. "What the…?"

Danae looks at the hatchlings, trying to keep her attention off her own situation, off the sands, off everything -but- those little forms in the darkness around the eggs. Unfortunately for Ryu and Espy, 'Nae /is/ a clinger, and makes use of their proximity to place herself comfortably around them, gaze flickering across the sands. "This could be worse," she murmurs, as if trying to bring her own confidence back up to normal. "This is just fine."

Lonriya pats at Lolina's shoulder with her free hand. "She was right, Lolina, don't worry, nobody's gonna die out here." Lonriya gulps to hide her own nervousness and worry. "It'll be over, one way or another. You'll Impress or not." she smiles wryly. "I've been here on the sands before, and I'm still alive, just stick with me, and I'll see you through." The shadows are peered into, the dim outlines of hatchlings sought. "Trust me."

Ryu takes a gulp, backing back into the darkness…. a tad. On the border of light and dark, he waits. Espera and Danae are left behind, regardless if they were clinging to Ryu or not. "Strange," Ryu says, before regaining good posture. "Um. Move back here, girls?" Yes. Move back to… the darker side of the light. "Maybe the dragons won't see us here." Or maybe they will. Either way, Ryu seems to think it'll be safer.

The Throbbing Bloody Heart egg gives one last pulse in the darkness, spilitting abruptly into two halves, revealing…

This has got to be the ugliest hatchling you've ever seen. Every inch of it is hanging on some kind of angle - especially the muzzle, which is actually more of a beak, and snaps out at the white-robed ones, demanding attention. Me! Me! Look at me! This little one is clearly olivious to the hideousness of its appearance. Crooked wings spring up from humped back, talons relentlessly sharp.

Kori watches the eggs in the darkness along with the others.

Invictus Hatchling continues to slink in the darkness, brushing against this candidate or that candidate, perhaps trying to freak them out. One such brush is against a young boy, who squeals in fright, causing the hatchling to backpedal, and..is it backpedaling towards Ryu? The young creature surely isn't watching where it's going in the darkness and bears down on the Ryu-Candidate.

Koshini blinks rather slowly, a bit shocked. Never having heard a dragon cackle, it seems almost creepy. "You sure that thing isn't going to eat us? It sounds … kinda… wicked…." she starts to ease back from the shows just a bit, swallwing and looking about. "But… it's kinda pretty…Isn't that the kind that the Weyrwoman warned us about?" she stammers, uncertain if she should hide or watch in awe, and then the new egg cracks it shell and she makes something of a decision in stepping back…. yep, time to be cautious.

Danae is startled, to say the least. Now lacking one of her clingees, she looks off towards the newest hatchling, shivering a little more. "They…" No, she won't even begin to ask that… But she does notice the form bearing down on Ryu, and offers a startled cry of, "Watch out!" For all she knows, her former clingee could be a meal already. Oops. Turning on one heel, she ventures slightly away from Espera, looking towards other eggs, other hatchlings, other candidates. "This is fine…"

Xaemon shifts, remaining half tuned to the other candidates. If he misses something one of them is sure to see and alert. Eyes watch the shifting shadows, a glimmer here and a few sand crunching stomps there he blinks as something more difinitive hatches, and then another who moves distinctly, with purpose or…something else?

Taylar snags Koshini's arm, keeping her close. "Moving back is not going to help. Your dragon will find you in the darkness even if it has to chase you outside." His attention is divided between her and the action off to the side. He catches the sight of the little one backing up toward Ryu and his warning seems stuck in his throat.

Ayla's not the late arrival here.. she really was here, just in the shadows of her fellow.. uhm.. riders, or in this case… AWLM-type folks. Scooting quickly towards where her type should be, she pauses to glance at the hatching grounds. Rounding over to the other AWLM..she then settles in her place, smiling over towards the.. weyrlings. If there are anything.

Glittering Crystaline Shadow of a Hatchling doesn't make a sound for a long moment as it paces just outside the light, glimmers of hide showing all different colors before it sinks into the embracing shadows. Another high-pitched cackle sounds, from another direction… either it moved quickly, or it's throwing its voice.

Fenrith lets out a brief howl as he keeps the lone candidate with wicked eyes pinned, J'em hurriedly moving to his lifemate's side. "Fenrith." The bronze keeps the young man pinned down, even as his rider moves to talk to him.

The tip of one crooked wing out into the spotlight, revealing a very putrid color of olive green - the ugly hatchling is a green! A green that wastes no time in choosing her lifemate, unlike her clutchsiblings - the first girl to look at her. A girl named Nita from Nerat with flowing brown hair and a very large, crooked nose. She falls to her knees, embracing the equally crooked dragonet. "Of -course- Roserith! You're the most beatiful thing I've ever seen!" The pair is suddenly radiant as they walk through the spotlight, towards the weyrlingmasters. (Here's one, Ayla!)

Espera makes a grab for Ryu, hisses, and reaches out for Danae instead - but then she moves. "You fool. Told us to stay -in the light-," she remarks for the former. And for once in her existence, Espy's listening. The dark might appeal, but not when there's a chance of personal injury, and there's nothing heroic about her, but… "Ryu, watch yourself!" she says, swivelling to look and noting a flash of color near the lad. As for a first Impression, well, she misses it.

Lonriya shivers, glancing nervously through the taller Candidates crowded about her to peer into the shadows. "Nasty little cackle." she remarks dryly. "Almost enough to make my spine shiver with fright." Nita's Impression is met with a cheer and a calling out of 'Felcitiations!'

Um, Nita? No… that couldn't be that new weyrling's name. Nolita. That's it!

Lolina just doesn't seem to be able to take it anymore and faints dead away. The girl drops down, her grip going slack. As the girl goes down, N'andi curses, very carefully making her way out to the girl. She knew this was going to happen. "Don't worry about her, Lonriya. I have her." Grunting she slings the light, small girl over her back and trots back towards the safe viewer area, setting the fainted Lolina down in a chair.

Koshini's half jump definately puts her further into the 'freaked out' catagory… Okay, the cackling is now coming from two directions. While it does take some admiration for such a creature to be be so quickly moving in the shadows and so sneaky in its amusements, but…well pranks are funny on other people. Swallowing, she starts to back away, yeah, leave Taylar towards the front. Her previous statement becoming clear…. she doesn't have to outrun the hatchlings, just the other candidates.

Ryu gives a bit of a yelp as claws bear into leg. Any expletives or shouts of pain are got in throat, merely reduced to a cough of sorts. A long, hacking cough. Only attempt of escaping is a hand waved in the general direction of the attacker, a slight swipe at the muzzle is all that is given to the hatchling, however. …Ryu was growing accustomed to the light, though. Why leave it? So soon? But darkness is all Ryu can find himself in now… lost from the light, no doubt. Hatchling suddenly gone… "Where'd it go?" Does Ryu dare to search for it? Yes. The light can be patient and wait.

Invictus Hatchling leaps briefly, the light glinting off of his hide to reveal its colour before it pounces on Ryu and drags the poor candidate into the darkness.

Invictus Hatchling steps from the shadows to reveal its true colors……

Dark and Broody Bronze Hatchling
When this young one steps forward into the light, you instantly feel dread and a sense of despair. He is dark compared to others of his colour, his bronze so dark that it appears to be almost a blackish colour. The bronzeness of his hide visible in bright light as it shines slightly. You notice immediately though that his face and forarms appear to be a contrast, seeming to be almost a whitish coloring. Strong wings are spread to reveal the pale golden-bronze that shimmers surprisingly bright in the right light. A mosaic of colours and personalities this fellow seems to be. Evil, yet good. He appears to be a tad bigger than others in his clutch, his shoulders and neck broad, he will most likely be a big boy when he is older. Sharp teeth are bared when he is angered, his face almost seeming to change from its peaceful handsomeness to some sort of monster. Always brooding, sometimes thought of as a loner, he remains away from others, watching from the shadows, stalking prey, ready to take down the weak. And yet, eyes whirling quickly, he watches everything, seeming to be at a loss as to who to choose.

<OOC: This Egg is currently being puppeted/created by J'em.>

AH-HAH! And Ayla quietly rounds out to Nolita, avoiding the other hatchlings at this point. There is no point in getting raked — nope. A warm smile and then she murmurs softly, "C'mon, Nolita.. your lifemate needs to be fed.. you both can bond /there/.." A slim finger points to the overhanging area… where meat and the other weyrlings are. At that, she corrals the pair, adding, "Your Roserith is stunningly attractive." With these smooth words, she covers up the obvious. Gads, that thing is UUUGGGLY.

Lonriya nods in N'andi's direction quickly, feet shifting on the sands as her companion is hauled off. "What a time to faint." the girl shakes her head, standing on tiptoes to peek over the shoulder of the taller Candidates. "What happeneing?"

Danae shudders as she loses sight of Ryu, spinning around slowly in an attempt to look for something… someone… /anything/ that can possibly help her out now. Lost, though trying to ease her own fears, she finds her way back to Espera's side. "Where'd Ryu go? Is he… is he hurt?" Gaze flickers back towards the darkness, where she last saw him, but the light in her eyes prevents her from seeing anything.

Glittering Crystaline Shadow of a Hatchling gives a high pitched whine, hovering outside of the light, seeming to pace near a certain pair of Candidates. Another whine, and a faint croon, and abruptly that cackle sounds again, softer, more mellow… almost seductive this time.

Velvety nothingness lurks in the shadows where the depths of a moonless night egg once laid. A hint of movement, the subtle shift of shell against sand sending tiny dribbles cascading down the mound in which the egg, a very dark egg sits. Blending so nearly it's only the soft shussh and patter of the sandy dribbles heard, or perhaps not above the welcomeing din of the dragons that alerts one to its actions.

Syra squints at the circle of light. "Was that… green? An'… bronze? Did it get Ryu?" Noticibly, not 'did Ryu get it'. Arolaeth, though, is ecstatic as she humms, bending her nose down in the darkness towards the source of that whine and sending out a warm gust of breath.

Ryu fumbles, searching through the sands. Until he is pounced, of course. Hurt, indeed. But the pain is a sharper mental one rather than physical one. A war without blood… between light and darkness Ryu - or Yu'i, now - searches and finds. Oh, it was there all along, wasn't it? "Angelesth…" once-candidate says, letting the name roll in his mouth. Yes, help is always wanted. In this case, needed.

Koshini blinks….. her eyes widening slightly…. no, there is no slightly to it. Turning somewhat spale beneath all that makeup, the showgirl stumbles further and falls to the ground, all too close to the edge of the ring. Overwhelming is the encouragement to laugh as she tries to stumble to her feet. "Oh no…. this can't possibly be…. You're… you're supposed to choose him… he's the rider…"

Lonriya stares into the darkeness in the direction of the whine and cackle. "That hatchling's enough to frighten anyone." Teeth are gritted, hands clenched tightly at her sides as she shuffles forwards towards the others. "Was that Ryu who got a bronze."

Espera mutters, "Son of a stupid bugger-thing." Creative insults, warmed over with worry, and she twists to see Ryu - or where Ryu was. "I don't know," she finally admits, and then sees about tugging Danae closer to the center of the light. No, there's nothing heroic about her - at all. If Ryu was stupid enough… well… "Was that him?" Twist. She heard his voice. "Oh, the insanity." Pace-pace in place, breath.

Xaemon can't stop the soft gasp as Ryu dissapears, and a rather pained yelp is heard. At least one hatchling is revealed before it seems dragging his chosen farther away, wether that be ryu as his lifemate or first meal is not yet clear. He shivers not sure what to make of that, hoping Ryu is alright while glancing around himself, losing track of any other which may be lurking about. Relief comes in hearing Ryu, still alive and it seems impressed afterall, at least it sounded like him. "I…I think so."

Glittering Crystaline Shadow of a Hatchling rushes from the darkness into the light, bowling Taylar to the side as it strives to reach another Candidate. Colors are revealed in all their glory as it gives another cackle… no, a giggle, of pure childish delight. Skidding to a halt, it throws sand all around Koshini and pauses, blinking up at her.

Taylar looks back at Koshini, curious at her antics, but her words clue him in. "You are a rider too, Koshi. Don't push her away. She is part of you. It must be the cackle." He smiles, but does not interfere.

Glittering Crystaline Shadow of a Hatchling steps from the shadows to reveal its true colors……

Shimmering Glitter-Filled Crystal Green Hatchling
Glitter shimmers along the lithe, feline form of this dragonet, seemingly sparkling from beneath a coat of crystal polish. Within translucent form, colors shine, a hundred hues of green, clashing and matching and causing chaos within. Wedge head, oversized and daintily formed, is a peacock's feather of colors, ranging from brilliant emerald to deepest lapis, blues and greens intermingling. Shining chaos skims o'er long neck to mingle with the mint-hued glassiness of her slender back, fading to milky crystal along underside. Arms and legs shimmer with hints of gold and bronze, intermixed with bright celadon speckles, darkening to a jaded color along her paws. Tail, whip-like and light, mixes cobalt and peridot in a whirlwind of sparkles. Amidst the cacophony, wings stand out. Oversized, lush, they engulf. Spars are a milky white, bereft of the hues which dance through her form. Sails, on the other hand, are nearly transparent, veins visible, working their way through like a grass-colored web.

<OOC: This Egg is currently being puppeted/created by Sh'ai.>

The sudden crackle and snap is like the breaking of bone as darkness reveals in a resounding echo the inevitable as another egg releases its contents to roam free. The ellusive darkness of the shell tranfers to the Predator Within Hatchling as well unseen, or just barely in a hint of arrival.

The Predator Within Hatchling
Swift as an eye blink and silent as the wind, the predatory seeker passes. A hint of outline and the suggestion of wings alone separate this prowler from a heat induced mirage, for that couldn't be a true wild beast out stalking the sands with such dangerous menace. The possibility is eluded to even as the flash of crimson faucets turn and glare a warning out across the sands: Beware, the predator comes.

<OOC: This Egg is currently being puppeted/created by Katlyn.>

Danae shivers again, hearing the murmurs of the crowd, and finally hearing Ryu speak his dragon's name. "Oh… Faranth, Espy, what's going on?" Turning on her heels, she sees Koshini and the green, and cold tingles run down her spine. "Ooh… more… where're they all coming from?" It's too much for her… she looks like she might be ready to faint, herself. "Espy!"

Lonriya turns slightly, a whoop of excitement escaping her lips as the girl punches a fist skywards. "Koshini! I guess was I wrong, there is someone out there with your flair for life. Felictiations." That's two down… how many more to go. Emerald gaze scans the darkeness, seeking, looking, wondering.

Eternal Circle of the Phoenix Egg rocks in earnest, rolling towards the rest of the clutch and bashing into another egg with a resounding crack. Cracks visibly mar the black half, gleaming with a wet, white dampness in the reflections of the light.

Yu'i steps into the Protected Curve of Sand.

Koshini is caught between total wonderment and shock. Never in her wildest dreams had she any idea that she was actually put on this sands for the real thing. Swallowing very slowly, she exteds a hand, as if to be certain that this is not a heat inspired dream…..before suddenly breaking out in laughter "Oh you're good."

Taylar's words are cut short as the Glittering Crystaline Shadow of a Hatchling knocks him to the ground. His head hits a stone hidden in the sands and he does not get up immediately

J'em bears down at the young man that Fenrith has pinned. The weyrsecond moves towards V'ncent to mutter quietly to him. Then the weyrsecond moves to gather the young man and, Fenrith following, the young man is led off the sands via Fenrith.

Koshini's eyes grow wide…. and then wider still as she seems to consider what just filled her mind…. "She… she says her name is Amai… Amaita…. Amaitakawa…." Another deep breath and she rushes it out… "Amaitakawariath."

Espera blinks. "Ryu?" Bounce. Probably because her feet are hot. "Ryu! I saw him! Bronze!" She chortles, going so far as to pull Danae close - though she doesn't bother to leave the light. "And… Koshi?" And she -sparkles-. "Oh, good, good, good! Knew she would, knew it!" Okay, so her gut's still twisted in knots - now nervous energy can find an outlet that doesn't require sarcasm. Bounce.

The Predator Within Hatchling slinks along the outer rim of darkness in a full out stalk. So silent is the passage that the sands themselves barely shift under the weight of the half seen hatchling. Scouting foreys into the half lit light 'echo' are too swift for any true color to show, serving only to frighten those candidates nearest the moving shadow.

Koshini steps into the Protected Curve of Sand.

Kori blinks as she watches the moving dark figures.

Amai.. /what/? Ayla blinks at this point and then silently mutters to herself, "How in Faranth's name will I ever get that…" but then she pauses to smile towards the Ryu.. R'u? Yu…Yu.. uhm. She'll get it later. A grin is sent towards Koshini and then she moves to the curved area, eyes dancing to see all the hatchlings. However, she pauses to peer to the main sands, wasn't it Taylar that got knocked and pinned?

Ayla steps into the Protected Curve of Sand.

A hitherto silent Candidate moves into the space once occupied by Ryu… now Yu'i. Annabelle droops within the circle of light, giving a sigh and a soft, sad smile to the new pairs. Her lips move, but whatever she says is lost in the noise of the sands.

Taylar sits up slowly, touching the back of his head gently. His gaze flits over to the departing Koshini and he smiles. She'll have to pay up now. Feeling a bit dizzy, he just sits there for now.

Eternal Circle of the Phoenix Egg slams against another egg, then rolls away once more. Not a more than a moment passes until it shatters with sickly wet cracks, sprays of black and white shards flying in all directions, drifting down over the rest of the eggs like ashes, revealing a crouching form of blackness…

Coal's Flickering Ember Hatchling
Darkness envelopes this little hatchling, coal-grey shadows pinpointed by bits of pale sand, like ashes, that blot out all signs of life. Narrow, to be sure, a hawkish head is the most prominently visible head, followed by the vague impression of sleek sides and hard bone, and most especially dangerously gleaming talons. And yet, darkness has not been able to encompass all, for here and there bits of brilliance catch the light: along the outlines of sharp neckridges and enfolding the end of its tail is a blaze of crimson-gold, a color that would be unmistable even in the dead of night. Though, apparently, wings have been enfolded to a flat back, a tattered line of shadowed gold and blazing red marks along where the pinions would be expected to be.

<OOC: This Egg is currently being puppeted/created by Syra.>

Danae blinks, suddenly distracted by the sheer /length/ of Koshini's dragon's name. Oh dear… "Everyone's leaving me," she murmurs, pulling closer to Espera. Lips part slightly, as she just stands, gazing out on the sands without any idea whatsoever what she's trying to do. Koshini gone, and Ryu gone, she looks over towards Taylar, giving another yelp. "Taylar! Are y'alright?" Reluctantly pulling from Espera, she toddles towards his side, eyes widening.

Lonriya moves into the area beside Espera, flashing a brief and nervous smile to the older girl—all anamosiity, tauntings and teasings lost in the this one moment. "So he /did/ get a bronze. Good for him. And a green for Koshini."

Xaemon catches himself watching the newly impressed wander off and less attention to the movements going on he should be paying attention to. He takes a half-step as if to go to Taylar, but Danae is there and so he turns back, peering into the darkness with a mixed expression.

Espera makes a face - she is -not- a heroine of any sort - but lets Danae go, if reluctantly, standing on her toes and trying to see. "He's sitting up." Good observational skills on that one. "Well, everyone's still alive." Good point. "A few scratchings, a head-bump…" She starts to relax. Maybe it won't be that bad. Lonriya's looked at sideways, and she admits, "I knew Koshi'd get a green, 'course. Didn't know what to expect of Ryu." Then, "Y'are okay, right, Taylar? Well, 'nae'll take good care." Right. "Xaemon, over here." Let's tighten the circle, such as it is.

The Predator Within Hatchling passes back into the darkness with a shift of gears from the rambling stalk to prey catching speed. The last lumbering flashes pause as a call sounds out into the darkness. Half growl, half roar with only the high pitched tones of babihood to distract from the fearful noise.

Shimmering Midnight Peacock Egg shivers from within its sandy shallow grave of sand. Rocking about as if to make its way out, it starts the slow process of living.

Taylar looks over his shoulder at Danae and winces slightly. The back of his head has a good lump on it. "I'm fine. Really. Just burning my seat on the sands." To prove he is okay, he stumbles to his feet. The call of the predatory hatchling pulls his gray eyes back to the darkness. "Careful. Don't know what that one is up to."

Coal's Flickering Ember Hatchling rises sleekly from its crouch, glittering white revealed as it yawns jawnsplittingly, then snaps its jaws shut once more with a crack. A flick of the tail brings a glitter of unmasked metallic brightness as egg shards are flicked away, ashes to be discarded. Rising, it begins to sashay towards the light, yet keeps low to the ground, remaining completely in shadow.

Annabelle hovers upon the outside of the circle of Candidates, close to the darkness as she gazes sadly out over the scene. Her posture seems perminantly tainted into a stoop, and her hands dangle at her sides as she heaves another sigh, shuffling listlessly against the hot sands.

Xaemon lets out one breath in a whoosh, alert glance to the one who spoke his name…hmm? Oh, yes, good idea that. He sidesteps to the other candidate wary of the predatory hatchling who just made such a noise on the grounds.

Danae breathes in deeply, standing alongside Taylar. "Well, be careful, y'numbwit. If you get yourself killed, I'll have one less person to distract the…" Gulp. "Hungry ones from me." Hatchlings are eyed again, as she looks back to Espera, almost needy. With tiny steps, she trudges back to Espy's side, gulping again. "Be careful."

Lonriya nods quickly. "Koshini was right for a green," she agrees with a faint smile, shuffling closer to Espera's side as she beckons the others closer. "Safety in numbers after all." is mrurmered. "Especially in the dark." Emerald gaze flickered between the emered hatchling, and the predatory one, seeing only the shadows. "Hard to see them until they're right there next to you."

The Predator Within Hatchling must have turned somewhere out in the darkness, for when it returns, the first glimmers of light reflect off of glistening orbs on the opposite side of the circle from where they were last seen. Step by menacing step, the hatchling approaches the cluster of candidates, never wavering from the choosen path towards a pair standing together. One male, one female and both under the gaze of the flashing eyes.

Annabelle peers into the darkness, quiet, as she stares after the lurking shadows. Fingers tighten together as she flips back her long hair, her expression tightening with just a hint of worry. Intermingled with the perminant sadness that marks her face, it's a depressing sight.

Taylar smiles and watches Danae return to Espera. He remains where he is for if they bunch together, a hatchling is more likely to hurt someone trying to get to their lifemate. Lifting one hand, he touches the back of his head again. Shards, but that hurts.

Espera admits, "I'd just prefer to be off here. Rotten prank on us, no matter -what- we did." Should Espy taunt the stalkers? No, probably not a good move. Then - "Eh, s'nother one coming near. Look, 'riya, since you're the brave one without glasses - you can defend me." Big smile. Too toothy. Yet nervous.

Kori sighs as she shifts on her feet, her hands behind her back.

Coal's Flickering Ember Hatchling likewise approaches the light, though from the opposite side of its Predatory sibling, gleaming crimson eyes providing counterpoint to the glitter of fire-touched brilliance that dances across its sides. The light is approached, warily, then backed away from, all with that slinking, sleek stride that makes it appear to be gliding across the sands. But that crimson gaze never leaves a little grouping of male and female candidates…

Lonriya giggles faintly for a moment. "All all this time, you said I /needed/ glasses," she winks teasingly for only a moment before a hand is offered. "I'll keep my eyes out for you. Make sure you don't get run over or bumped into or whatnot."

Xaemon nods with Lonriya as she joins Espera and he "Agreed." he speaks softly ever wary of the things he can not see, or can sometimes only just make out, leaving him to wonder if he really saw anything or if his mind is simply playing tricks on him.

Danae shivers a little again, edging behind Espera and Lonriya, glaring at the hatchlings' way… out there… somewhere. Taylar gets a sympathetic glance, but she's not about to step out there and allow herself to be hurt by the hatchlings, intentional or no. Finding someone else, Kori, she shuffles over, smiling nervously. "It's all happenin' so fast, isn't it?"

The Predator Within Hatchling stops in mid stride when one of the prey moved off towards another friend. The brightly shining eyes shift back and forth between the female who retreated, and the male standing his ground. Finally, Danae is ignored as the eyes shift and hold right on Taylar. The hatchling crouchs down and leaps right into the light before the young man, landing just close enough for a good scare without actually touching.

The Predator Within Hatchling steps from the shadows to reveal its true colors……

Lord of the Woodlands Bronze Hatchling
Lethal beauty seeps into the eye to slay the heart when this majestic bronze steps into view. Molten metal becomes the predator that plants fire within his wildly whirling orbs. They rest in a head both blocky and blunt implying something more feral feline in nature then the dragonet form one would expect. The impression of a mask dips from the sharp peak of his eyeridges to slide down behind those orbs and back in a bronze so dark it could easily be confused with black. The slope of his neck is thick and ropy with muscle where the play of bronze interweaves into a lattice work of overlaid gold and fawn brown, the pattern infused with the deep, mysterious wild spirit of the dense woods. Darker forest imagery takes hold on the long, lean flanks as the tint of green within bronze serves only to emphasize the strength and speed of this deadly male. Balanced crisply along his narrow back line sit sails of bright bronze; the shadows of the woods fading as if from a mountain top into bright golden light. Lord of the woods, master of shadow, he awaits in a predatory stance of danger personified.

<OOC: This Egg is currently being puppeted/created by Katlyn.>

Coal's Flickering Ember Hatchling slinks back behind the group of two females and a male, a low, raspy growling now echoing from its tiny chest. It sneaks into the light stealthily, first revealing a glimmering nose, then more as a bony-sleek body is revealed, crouching through the sand.

Coal's Flickering Ember Hatchling steps from the shadows to reveal its true colors……

Inferno's Incandescence Devours Green Hatchling
Blades of brighest spring green, the sharp-edges hues of the first new tendrils of grass the verdant growth of new life spreads its veil over the hard curves of a slender dragonic form. Hawkish head, alert and high-held, glimmers with the paler shades of new growth; sleek lines, classic in their beauty, draw down along a soft throat, flaring out in a sudden, vibrant jungle green. Taut cords of sinew tense beneath the soft hide, covered here by rounded pads of flesh over narrow hips, and standing out in raw relief down the back of short legs. But though life shines so rawly over soft green, it cannot last forever: verdance has been attacked by invading flames, ropes of glittering gold and bronze and red that tip over elongated neckridges, that lace over and down dexterous fingers, crown rounded headknobs with flame. Pointed wings have, perhaps, been the most ravished, for crystaline summer gradients are liberally scorched by dark-cold, rippling, twisting shades that edge the fantastically moulded wingsails and even bleed down across the mainsail. The inferno has also overcome the fork of short, slender tail, bathing it in red-golden brilliance as it licks upwards towards sleek hindquarters. Tendrils of flame can be seen, here and then gone, winking teasingly at the highlights of muscular sides, dancing across a taut belly, even winding up her neck: and yet, most noticibly, sharply pointed face is completely devoid of the invading hues.

<OOC: This Egg is currently being puppeted/created by Syra.>

Taylar takes a step backward when suddenly faced with this bronze beauty. Then, he smiles. "My, you are a handsome fellow." He opens his mind, hoping that this might be his lifemate.

Lonriya twists upwards, glancing at the sounds that can be faintly heard from the galleries, and a fond smile curves her lips as a familiar bronze is spotted. "He's up there, Ferth is. Watching me." the words are whispered to Espera before her gaze flickers sand-wards again in time to see Taylar Impress. "Oh, Taylar, he's wonderful!" The other green is spotted, and whisted at. "Pretty."

Espera shakes her head briefly, keeping her hand where it is and assuring Lonriya, "No, no. S'all you need to do is stay between me and them. Got it? Real easy." Sure it is. She shows a bit of her skeleton again, always glad to be helpful. And she moves to keep Lonriya between herself and the green, too. "Pretty thing," is the allowance made. "Sort of. 'Nae, Kori, back over this way?" A puffed sigh, and her feet start to shift at hastier pace. It's getting hotter. Or paranoia is just starting to wear off, dulled by how many directions she has to shift it, and she's starting to notice other things. "Mm. Nice, being watched." Faint sarcasm - just a little.

T'lar's smile brightens and he reaches out to the bronze before him. "Concolth. It's okay. Ami didn't mean anything. She just wanted to get to Koshini." He puts his arms around the hatchling's neck. "Let's get you some food before you think about eating one of the candidates," he quips.

Danae looks utterly hopeless, as she watches the bronze near Taylar. "Taylar! Watch out! Don't let it hurt you!" Her cries, however, are not too loud… only faintly audible by the time they reach their target, Taylar. Hand reaches out for Espera again, but she's moved to far away, and that proves to be a lost cause. "Help me…" And so Taylar becomes T'lar, and she's losing friends left and right. Kori's beckoned over as she trudges to Espera, sweating a little. "Is it almost over? Espy… Espy, is it over yet?"

Xaemon gasps "Oh!" not expecting to be some close, a silly presumption perhaps as he stands, tensed and ready to bolt "Better to not get between" he murmurs softly to Espera "She'll have the one she wants" which may be them or someone behind them, or who knows.

Shimmering Midnight Peacock Egg shifts again, a crack tracing down its darkened shell, cracking the tiny teardrop as it goes. A soft mournful sound whispering from it as breath is finally taken from the world beyond its prison. Outside there is nothing but darkness…. shadows that swallow up life and light and love, shadows that haunt and terrorize. With a deep breath a simple nose preses forth from within the shell, forcing its way out without much enthusiasm. Without the love of one's life, what reason is there to go on?

Misty Moonlit Mourning Hatchling
Greyness that only compares to the murky chill of a tomb hangs around this shadowy form shivering in the darkness. An air of utter dispair hangs about the starving form…. starving for more than just food, but for the lost love. Whirling eyes hardly seem to have enough soul to be visible from the dark shroud that enwraps it.

<OOC: This Egg is currently being puppeted/created by V'ncent.>

Inferno's Incandescence Devours Green Hatchling doesn't acknowledge the fact that she's been spotted, indeed, she continues to keep her gaze locked on the knot that includes Espera, Xaemon and Danae. Pinions spread suddenly, revealing glory as she gives a mightly leap fully into the light, dazzling colors dancing over flame-laced wings as she advances on her knot of three victims, though her gaze is only on one…

Annabelle could relate to that. Her misty grey eyes travel to the pack of Candidates, and then to the shadows beyond. She takes a step closer to the defining line between darkness and light, closer to the hatchlings which lurk outside, hungry and confused. A slight sniff and she wavers on the line, fingers clenching.

A sudden blaze of glory lightens the darkness that surrounds you, superimposing, for a moment, everything in a doubled shade tinted a brilliant combination of red and gold. Tempests of metallic crimson brilliance ravish across your mind, overriding even your surroundings as the light consumes you, envelops you, searingly hot yet somehow not burning. A sudden cry, raspy but high, and a creature coalesces from the wall of flame, showing itself in a blaze of glory… and fire-laden wings that wrap around you… Just as it seems that the fire must surely consume you, the heat suddenly vanishes save for a caress of smoke-tinged wind that only you can feel, and the creature of fire slowly dims to reveal dark gold-highlighted wings of summer green. The voice, the voice that sounded that cry of inarticulate joy, has returned once more to murmur musically, « Xaemon, you are found. I claim you as one with eternity: I, Tezzath. »

T'lar moves with Concolth to the area off to one side.

T'lar steps into the Protected Curve of Sand.

Xaemon's heart may just beat hard enough to leap from his chest, especially as the hatchling leaps forward. An arm half raises in an automatic response and he may just hav ebolted if he wasn't so enthralled by the dazzle of flame laced wings and something more. His cry is one of surprise and joy as knees crumple and he throws his arms about the hatchling, murmuring through disbelieving tears "Tez…Tezzath?"

Annabelle's eyes fly wide, and she gasps in shock, pressing a hand to her chest. " Hello?" her soft, mournful voice calls, and she steps again towards the darkness. " Oh, hello?" The soft breathiness of the etherial blond Candidate seems perminantly choked with tears.

Squinting through the darkness, Kaylon trys to see what all is going on. All he sees is whirling glowing eyes and outlines of the other white robed candidates. He shuffles his feet in the hot sands not exactly knowing what to do just trying to stay calm.

Lonriya nods fervently. "Absolutely lovely, a bronze for Taylar." comes the girl's pelased remark as she peers into the shadows to see the arrival of the newest hatchling. And so she moves out of the way of the green, pulling Espera along with her, to grin brightly as she spots the green's chosen. "Ah! Green for Xaemon. Way to go!"

Xe'n steps into the Protected Curve of Sand.

Deathly Swamp's Decay Egg shivers, rocking slowly, giving no indication that it wishes to hatch at any time soon — but Arolaeth isn't going to buy that. Already, too many of her children are not rocking enough for her satisfaction, and she's not about to let this one get away. Ducking her nose down, she gives the ovoid a shove with her nose: a good, hard shove that, when combined with a frantic kicking from within, makes a sizeable dent in the shell.

T'lar looks up from Concolth's eager feeding and smiles at Xe'n. "She's a beauty." Before reaching for more wherry, he rubs the back of his neck with a frown. "What's her name and what do I call you now? This is Concolth and I'm now T'lar."

Misty Moonlit Mourning Hatchling pauses, a heart pounding moment that seems to echo it its tiny shaken form. That voice…. oh if it could only be…. Oh the telltale sound of a beating heart, the tears of cheribs singing that soul to its rest and crying its loss, if only that were…Stumbling foward, almost sleep-walking, it comes towards the edge of the darkness, looking upon the barrier as a mirror between life and death.

Kaylon hears another crack in the blackness not exactly sure where it came from but knowing that it must be another hatchling about to break out. His heart quickens as he thinks about how hungry the hatchlings must be and how afraid they must also be in the darkness of the cavern. He hopes no one will get hurt.

Annabelle hovers just inside the circle, staring back at the hatchling across the border between light and darkness, life and death. Her grey eyes are wide, and her lips tremble as she holds her hands under her chin, almost afraid to breath, crystaline tears running down geisha-white cheeks.

Danae looks about ready to collapse into a neat little puddle of 'Nae-ness, right here on the sands. Heat's getting to her, hatchings're getting to her, and the standing is getting to her, as well. Arolaeth's actions, and the egg, are noted, and she breaks away from the group for a moment, trying to see a little better. It's really no use, but she does try. "Is it almost all over now?" she asks timidly, nibbling on her lower lip.

Espera doesn't like being told to spread out. Maybe if she buries herself in the midst of a clot of candidates, she can save life and limb. But - "Wow, Xaemon." A pause. "He didn't strike me as the cross-dressing sort. Guess you can never tell with some people." Right. "How-" She turns, noting Annabelle's distraction, and looks hopeful. "Oh, s'hope there's a companion for her." Rare honesty for someone Espy doesn't know so well. "What others? I -hope- it's over soon. I'd like to get out of here."

Eyes of a Feline Egg wobbles. It wiggles. It pretty much does all it can to be noticed. Then it stops. But not for long. A wide crack suddenly stalks down from the apex of theegg, working its way slowly downwards to the Sands, separating the two 'eyes' in the process. All is still for a moment, and then the two halves fall in opposite directions, revealing the dragonet-shaped shadow within.

Lonriya shifts from foot to foot on the sands, glancing towards Anabelle for a moment. "She'll probably Impress. There's a moping little one out there." a hand is waved towards the shadows. "They're probably perfect for one another."

Misty Moonlit Mourning Hatchling takes that first step into the light, wings spreading to shield his head from its brilliance. Unable to see for a moment, he blinks blindly, reaching out for the one that could only be his one and true. Trust and unwillingess to go on without the love of eternity, he does not care if it is a dream. The crash of the waves never forgotten, the sadness of lost suddenly becoming a jubulant trumpet of utter joy.

Misty Moonlit Mourning Hatchling steps from the shadows to reveal its true colors……

Misty Moonlit Blue Hatchling
A shifting haze of silver-grey mist seems to hang about this midnight-blue hatchling, hovering just above his skin, leaving an impression as chilling as the sea cliffs at midnight. Wings tucked about his nearly starved form, seek to hold in what little warmth he can find. His wedge shaped head long of feature and delicately boned, looking as though he were near to death as tightly as his skin holds to him. With the chill kiss of the grave, he walks the sands, his whirling eyes seeming to convey his hopelessness in life.

<OOC: This Egg is currently being puppeted/created by V'ncent.>

Deathly Swamp's Decay Egg rolls to a halt, cracks spiderwebbing all along its side, splitting the egg asunder. Egg ooze dribbles out of a particularly large crack, the swamp leaking out onto the sand, until with a sudden heave it dissolves altogether into a mass of sharp shards that cling to the sticky hide of a shadow-cloaked hatchling.

Solitary Hunter Shadow of a Hatchling
A ripple of shadows, a faint breeze across the sands is all that can be seen of this stalker in the darkness, a blacker form against the blackness. Large may be the shape outlined in black, yet still draped in a cloak of night… a night spangled with stars, perhaps? Indeed, not all is the darkness it appears to be for flecks of brightness, tiny patches of silvered glory wink starlight before vanishing against the ground, or bobbing out of sight. Too, a vague shining, crimson brilliance to rival the Red Star, two gemlike orbs shining brighter than any of the wan glowings of the silvered shades. Nary a sound can be heard save the soft shushing of sand that betrays all but the most judicious movings of the shadow, or a sudden, sharp crunch of eggshell underfoot.

<OOC: This Egg is currently being puppeted/created by Syra.>

Annabelle gasps softly, reaching out to cradle the blue muzzle of the hatchling before her, tears dripping from her cheeks to the Sands. " Oh, Poeth," she sighs, her voice breathy and yet suddenly devoid of saddness. " Oh, my Poe!"

Lonriya smirks at the Impression of Anabelle and her new lifemate. "Blue. Moping blue for the both of them." she remarks in a sideways murmer to Espera. "But lovely, nonetheless. Way to go Anabelle!" is called out in a louder tone of voice."

Danae watches Annabelle Impress with a rather detached fascination, not wanting to let any emotion break its way onto her face. Gulping once, she steps back, fingers finding Espera's after searching along the other candidate's side hopelessly. "You said it was almost all over." Or if she didn't, 'Nae convinced herself she did. "Can we leave now?"

Kaylon, only taking minor notice to Annabelle's impression takes a small step forward trying to get a better look at the newly hatched dragons. He is about to take another small step forward when he tops and considers what kind of danger he might be putting himself into. What if one of the hatchlings panics and hurts him, or if he frightens one and it hurts itself. In that mind set he just stops and stands there in the drakness a ways away from any other candidate, watching the specticle in awe.

Espera mutters, "I thought it was. Are there - others?" Yes. A moving shadow, noted with sharp eyes, and she squeezes at Danae's hand. "One, two? Half a dozen?" Okay, so the last is tagged on rather dryly. The fear is gone, except for the faint knot in her stomach, of course. "As long as they cheer each other up," is an addition for Lonriya. "Anna, lovely fellow!" she feels the need to call.

Solitary Hunter Shadow of a Hatchling rises with the grace of a feline, shaking off goo and shards as it climbs limberly to its feet. Head is craned back to peer at the huge golden nose that helped it out of its shell, and a soft, so soft croon is directed upwards. But something catches its eye — a glimmer of light? Curiously interested, it saunters one or two paces towards the light, just to check it out.

Well, Ayla's here to take that Annabelle and her.. Poeth away… well, to the curved area before they get cramped or trampled like a walk way that's about to be made. Makes no sense in letting the pair get smooshed. "Time to feed your Poeth, Annabelle." She calls over, already herding the young woman and her lifemate to the curved /protected/ spot.

« In Espera's Mind, Black-Embossed Silver Runes prod at you, drifting up against your thoughts as the creature tries to match up this new sense — vision — with a mental touch it already knows. Metal grinds, softly, a mere background echo — from where? »

Annabelle follows in a daze, unwilling to take her hands from her Poeth, her love, for even an instant. Thus the going is slow as the new Weyrling stoops beside her dragonling, hands perched atop his head as though welded there.

Lonriya peers into the darkness, nodding absently at Espera for a moment. "There's still out out there I think." Gaze flickers towards the hunter hatchling. "Might be headed this way." A glance is given to Danae and Kori. "We might need to move. Fast."

Danae looks rather indifferent, her own ideas and Impression hopes somehow forgotten as the heat, the pressure, the noise around her… they all distract her from the reason she actually -did- walk out into the light. Fingers entwine themselves with Espera's, her gaze flickering about more in paranoia and anxiety than anything 'cheerful'.

After moving carefully across the Sands, the shadowed hatchling that called the Eyes of a Feline Egg home stops in front of a slender girl from Igen Hold. A moment of blinking, and then Jessia sinks to her knees, arms wrapping around the newly-revealed Dirty Denim Blue Hatchling as he just happens to step into a patch of light. "Zikeath!" (Another one for ya, Ayla!)

Espera blinks a little, using her free hand to push glasses up her nose. Slowly, very slowly. "'Naaae," she complains in a murmur to her companion, chin tipping this way, that way, and finally deciding vaguely, "Something." What? "Familiar. Oh dear." Eyes narrow, scanning the darkness interestedly - curious, no doubt despite herself.

And Ayla doesn't even consider moving back into the circle but moves more into the frey of things, easily ducking and sliding away from the moving dragons and their humans… and the unpaired, they're given the widest of berths. Corraling again, she calls to Jessia and that blue Zikeath, "Come along.. the food is /right/ there." A hand waved to the gaggle of weyrlings. "That horde over there."

Solitary Hunter Shadow of a Hatchling slips through the darkness, a true creature of the shadows itself, then pauses, head held up high to peer at a remaining gaggle of male and female whitethings. A low rumble shakes its chest, whip of a tail flicking up around sharply clawed hindlegs, then back the other way. Another rumble, more insistant this time, and the creature seems to melt into the shadows once more — even the glowing crimson of its gaze is cloaked.

Kori shifts from foot to foot as she watches the dark forms.

« In Espera's Mind, Black-Embossed Silver Runes are curious, too, but insistent: it will not be denied. And yet, frustration clangs metallic — it cannot find you, cannot match the touch of your mind to a scent, or a picture… a compulsion settles wordlessly, demanding your presence. Tacit, yet the feeling of being pulled is quite strong even without being verbally expressed, as it were. »

Danae gulps, softly, still clinging to Espera as if for dear life. Which, in her opinion, it is. "I wish it'd just hurry up and get out o' here like the rest," she confides quietly to Espy, sending Kori another glance. "Careful over there," is whispered towards her, as 'Nae's hand moves to her hip. "You might be safer over here… with us…"

Zaristh noses the last of their eggs, the two left seeming not ready or not willing to hatch yet… Looking up at his young mate and knowing her terror at the last few that did not hatch, he waits until she is not looking and gently rolls them closer to Miyareith's clutch, perhaps not to be noticed in all the madness of the rest of the sands… perhaps to be forgotten for now, until their time comes (OOC and their impressors can make it)

Arolaeth watches her final hatchling like a hawk, head shifting — but she's not as naive as Zaristh would like to think. One whirling orb tracks the bronze's movements, yet she doesn't make an effort to stop him from removing her eggs… for now.

Espera struggles. Safety's in the light. It pulls her, holds her, and she glances up towards it. Reluctant. But she knows frustration, and she answers it wordlessly. No heroine? Well, there's usually nothing that's tugging at her strong enough - and she isn't going for anyone but herself. Purely selfish. "Can't stay. Be back," she tells Danae, disengtangling herself - sweat helps make hands slick. Then pulling in a breath and holding it, fidgeting with her glasses, she makes for the edge of the dark. The dividing line. "Whee, suicidal urges," she probably isn't heard to mutter to herself.

Solitary Hunter Shadow of a Hatchling might be able to crouch like a feline, stalk like a feline, but it certainly hasn't the patience of a feline. The rumbling increases in volume as the shadows coalesce once more into a hurtling form. A confused impression of darkness and light, silvery tones and burnt tones, and something has made a leap to tackle Espera and drag her back into the darkness.

Lonriya snorts at Espera's retreat, taking a step towards the girl, but then pausing as she scans the surrounding area for the hunter hatchling. Which just tackled the girl. "Whoops, there she goes." is given with some amusement. "She really ought to have stayed with us."

« In Espera's Mind, Black-Embossed Silver Runes clash in frustration, runes sliding past your vision like tiny stars… a rumble of metal that sounds suspiciously like, « Now! » and then the touch retracts completely, giving way to a purely physical contact. »

Danae looks entirely unamused. Entirely uninterested. Until, of course, her hand is left Espy-less, as is she. Shuffling closer to Lonriya, 'Nae trembles a little more, lip falling between her teeth again and eyes on her friend, as she moves off towards the darkness. "She should have stayed here," she murmurs, clutching the side of her robe. "She's leaving me too." It's all a huge conspiracy against her, she can tell already.

Espera is seeing stars. This is not helpful. "Dead, dead, dead," comes the pained sort of chant from the edges. Oof. Then, waspishly - it's a fairly small thing, and crackdust, she isn't going to be mauled without a fight - "Watch the frickin' claws, or so help me…" What's she going to do? "You bugger. Ungrateful sod." That's right, Espy. Insult the creature with teeth in its head, and claws on its feet. "Oof." Poor thing. She might get clawed a bit, but it's going to get it's muzzled thumped pointedly. Manners.

Lonriya giggles at the sounds of the older girl's cursing drifting from the darkeness as she casts a glance towards Kori and Danae. "Think we should go rescue her, Nae, Kori? Or will she be able to handle herself?"

Solitary Hunter Shadow of a Hatchling stumbles over Espera — she *hit* it! A furious shriek, and it makes a lunge forward to grab the offending hand in its maw, but thankfully overbalances and is sent tumbling head over heels into the light — though not after making a final slash at the candidate with its claws. It lays there a moment, stunned, wings fouled beneath it and one arm tucked akwardly under a wingsail, then rolls over, twisting its head to glare at Espera again. It'll teach her…

Solitary Hunter Shadow of a Hatchling steps from the shadows to reveal its true colors……

Angst-Ridden Solitary Lioness Gold Hatchling
Gold runs the gamut of shades, tawny, for the most part, yet darkening and lightening in ways that no feline ever born would be able to claim. Softly gleaming perfection, the ultimate mating of tanned yellow and gold, sweeps down over the angularly carved triangle of her glittering head, ravishing up over swept-back headridges before bleeding down the sides of a seemingly overlong, lithe neck. Extended torso glitters with brilliance that seems to hover over every bone in her rangy body, showing the flat plane of her ribcage in stark relief next to the exaggerated abdominal tuck and wirey perfection of overly long, slender hindlegs. Yet perfection cannot reign supreme, for both darkness and light battle for ultimate domination of this young lioness, tarnished burnt bronze tinges the very tips of rounded headknobs, then swoops down to paint across the tip of every spiked neckridge, bleeding into the tawniness all the way down across her bony back and painting a full half of her lithe tail, dominating even the broad-spread pinions, shading them to near-blackness, a cloak of shadow to hide her golden perfection. Yet light is not ready to relinquish all: claws are tipped in gleaming moon-silver that extends up over enormous paws, and even goes so far as to streak a line, pale against bright, across flat waist. The battle continues to rage across the very tips of her wingsails, where the claws, and parts of the fingerspars too have been dipped in moonlight, seeking to combat the darkness that would engulf her being.

<OOC: This Egg is currently being puppeted/created by Syra.>

Zaristh rumbles softly as he makes his way over towards the candidate/weyrling entrance/exit passage. With his huge claws he quietly shifts the sand there. Too many sleepy babys on the sands that need to be put to their hollows soon…. but not with the pathway blocked.

Danae sniffs a bit, then shakes her head at Lonriya and Kori, hands clasped behind her back. "No… we need to stay in the light, or they'll get us too." And as she sees the form of the one around Espera, a deep breath is taken, and she nearly takes a step backward again. "Gold?" is murmured under her breath, and her eyes go a little darker.

Arolaeth shrieks again, gleefully, as its daughter manages to snag herself a whiterobe — without maiming Espera *too* horribly badly, either. Turning, she doesn't bother to nose through the eggshells for any left, but instead stomps over towards Zaristh, twining tails with her mate in an unprecedented show of affection.

Kaylon looks at Espera and the Gold in dumbfounded amazemeant. He wonders to himself just as many others are probably wondering how a thing of such beauty could come out of such and ugly egg.

Lonriya lets out a low whistle as she takes in the gleam of aureate hide. "Gold." she nods at Danae. "Espy can take care of herself I think." The girl's gaze wanders, seeking out the familiar curbe of her beloved powedery egg. "Well, there's still those other eggs, 'Nae. We've still a chance." she smiles comfortingly.

Zaristh turns in time to see the daughter make her choice. With a choir of dragons recognizing a new young queen in the weyr and her young choice in a weyrwoman, the ancient bronze trumpets his pride before returning that quiet display of affection.

[DTU/Project] Zaristh projects to Arolaeth . o O ( A beauty there is no doubt. Just like her mother. )

"Espera?" Ayla calls over softly and then smiling, she then adds, "Bring your lifemate on over.. and do tell, what's her name?" Stepping from the protective spot now, the tall AWLM then chuckles at the proud parents of the young gold beauty, "I'm sure she'll eat something else if you don't feed her!"

Espera is struck, more or less, choking on the next words meant to bereft the creature for - all that, and more. All that. She jerks back, blinking owlishly behind the glasses. "Oh." Nerves finally crack through her facade. There's no tears, no dropping to her knees and embracing the dragonet - only a faint blink. "Oh. Ka- Kaz? I'm sorry, Kazarenth. I'll share practically anything with you - except…" She eyes her hand, not sure it's her own. "You were being rude," she adds for the record. And then, with a careful hand to help her lifemate up - mindless of the scratches, red showing through white - she points herself off in the proper direction. "Oh, right. Food. She won't eat me." Dazed.

[DTU/Project] Zaristh senses that Arolaeth preens, and though there isn't full agreement, there is a hint of affirmative. « The darkness accents her, does it not? Suiting. Yes, we have done well. »

Lonriya lets out her breath with a whoosh. "Can we go now?" is asked of those still on the sands.

Ayla glances about and then turns, making her way into the .. carved passage. Oh boy, stage one in the matter of things. She's going to have a migraine today.

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License