The Luck of Dragons [E] (Archith's Fourth Hatching)

[Kaya]

| 3079.01.07 | Morning | Hatching Sands |

Any day now, they said. The anticipation of the Hatching had kept many people at Rainbow Mists and nearby Cliffside Hold. Turnover had brought large crowds to the merchant Hold and news of a Hatching fast approaching had kept many curious spectators. The hot, but fair coastal weather of a southern summer permitted such crowds and the vendors of Cliffside welcomed the extra marks that travelers spent. At the Weyr much time and effort had gone into arranging rooms and meeting halls just so, the promised peace talks to occur in conjunction with the Hatching of the dragons from Rainbow Mists and Igen. Altogether the mix of people and firelizards and dragons had the Weyr in one of its most colorful states.

So not quite a sevenday after Turnover, in the first rays of the sun splashing across the hot Hatching Sands, an egg began to wobble. Then other. The thirteen eggs arranged in an even half circle of twelve, with the thirteenth and largest in the center, took their turns with light shakes and the faint stirring. The gold dawn on the Gold dragon, her eyes opened as she shifted, only to squint in the first light. It took a moment, and Archith realized. A low sound rumbled and sputtered into tune, became a thrum and a hum, picking up momentum through the Weyr as other dragons took notice and joined the heralding hum.

A handful of Riders leapt away to alert Igenese officials, to retrieve a few important guests from elsewhere. The weyrfolk quickened their morning routines to ready the kitchens and the tables, the imminent celebration.

Archith examined her eggs, and though they rocked they stayed in their organized places. The hum was throughout the Weyr now, and to punctuate it she announced for the Candidates: Now is the time!

[thelifeweaver]

The past sevenday had been exceptionally bizarre when compared to a significant portion of Rythal’s albeit short time on the world of pern. From the rather abrupt ending to his last caravanning tour which had ended upon the spectacular sight of a yet unknown fire-lizard to awakening within the healers hall of the Rainbow Weyr. Even the rather apologetic conversation shared between himself and a delirium blurred official had a similar feeling of bizarreness - the topic brought up to him serving to further a theory that he had always held.

Dragonriders and by extension the very Weyr that served as their foundation and home were weird. The loose collections of tales he’d gathered from the Holds during his nomadic existence about the cultural differences between Hold and Weyr had always lingered at the back of his mind. And the fact that they had asked him an outsider, a nomad to stand served as his proof - regardless of their claims about a Dragon and their capability to sense potential.

In all honesty he wish he could have blamed the head injury, but they had made sure it had healed before asking their question. And in truth he honestly didn’t know why he accepted but here he stood, adorned in the clothing provided for him for the duration of the hatching - having hastily donned it after the omni-present humming began. Standing within the Weyr bowl, awaiting instruction from their handler he already felt the burning emptiness of his notebook. The burning desire to catalouge what he had been allowed to behold was almost entirely overpowering.

[Shoki]

V’lan’s first clue was a lurching feeling of punctuated pride and excitement from his Bronze. The feeling was enough to jolt him awake, and he moved to see where his dragon was. Doramath started to hum, his chest liable to burst with pride.

I will see you there, my own. V’lan watched as Doramath took off for the sands, refusing to be away while the eggs hatched. His rider couldn’t blame him. The Bronze wanted to be a proper king in all things, and how could he rob him the joy of seeing his first young hatch? V’lan, however, had other affairs to attend to.

He was dressed quickly, having laid aside clothing for the occasion weeks ago. Though he was excited for the eggs as much as Doramath, he had a part to play in more mundane matters. Well, he could hardly call his chosen profession mundane. Even so, diplomacy was his world and he would do his best to make sure everything that could go right, would. So he strode out, heading for the Bowl.

The dragons were already away to fetch the guests. He was grateful that they had done so, he knew some of his Igenese friends appreciated the personal touch. Of course, not all of them were his guests, but they were still, in a way.

Still, first to arrive was the perpetually sleep deprived Th’mar, and his Brown. Though he wasn’t a weyrleader, he was often present in official conversations. He was an assistant to Fi’man the Weyrleader, officially. Practically, he was an advisor and worked his butt off to keep everything running. Once he landed, V’lan greeted him warmly.

“Good to have you.” V’lan smiled, and Th’mar chuckled low.

“Good to see you. The others might take a bit of time. Your new Weyr is awful early.” V’lan nodded at that. Fortunately Th’mar was always willing to be straight with him. The Brownrider was the forward guard it seemed, a physical presence by Igen while he assumed the others got ready. The pair made chatter before other dragons started to arrive. Bronze, Crimson, Ice…

V’lan stopped and watched the Ice Queen descend. Most of the people that were coming were either friends of his or someone he knew in a professional capacity. Somehow the Weyrwoman of Ice Stone Weyr was neither. Ice Stone was so small that Igen had never dealt with them very much, and while he was here, it seemed that communication with ISW happened through Rilora rather than himself. However, as he was a Weyrleader and diplomat, he wasn’t about to let the complete unknown stop him. He excused himself for a moment to greet the blond woman after she dismounted from her dragon.

“Welcome Hedara. I hope this morning finds you well.” He smiled politely, but found himself under the impenetrable stare of the Weyrwoman. He had gone out of his way to find out about the woman whose weyr was allied to RMW, but had settled on very little. Her very serious, and generally icy demeanor was well known though.

“My thanks. I congratulate you and your dragon on the clutch. Excuse me.” Hedara inclined her head subtly and strode off, ignoring any gaze directed at her. V’lan felt as if snow followed in the woman’s wake. He really had no idea how to deal with that woman, and she certainly didn’t seem to want to deal with anyone. She merely nodded to some of the other Igenese officials before heading to the stands. He was going to half to work double time on that woman if he wanted to get anywhere. He was secretly relieved that their Weyrs were already allied so he didn’t have to deal with that.

---

Hedara found a spot in the stands, and sat. She was not about to get swept up conversing with that bunch for the hatching. She had come to do some amount of politics, and support Rilora, but there was a limit. He wanted to enjoy the hatching, as much as she could. Talking with Igenese diplomats was not her idea of a good time.

[smear:33ccff]Relax Hedara, it will be delightful.[/smear:3366ff] Temperanth rested on her perch, which was far enough from Doramath to grant the Bronze his position as proud parent. [smear:33ccff]Don’t mind it. I might chat though. Usilliteth seems amiable enough.[/smear:3366ff]

Feel free. I shall fill you in if you miss something. Hedara’s gaze never wavered from the hard stare, even as she teased the Ice Queen. Temperanth rumbled.

Hedara understood the need for all of this, but she was keenly aware that she was more an accessory to all the politics. It was an honest relief. Especially since she was planning a variety of things that might have some of the weyrs look at her sideways. She had decided to postpone a certain announcement for that very reason. Though it might be a pain, she would bear it until things cooled down. After all, she did want to support her friend as much as she could. Even if that meant more work for her.

[Shoki]

[smear: B0C4DE]R’le, mine are you up?[/smear: 87CEEB] Quiorith woke up to humming, and was sleepy but content next to the Rainbow Queen. Oddly enough he didn’t feel R’le being sleepy.

I’m out already, wanted food before this gets going. R’le predicted a long day and no breakfast would be bad. So he finished some food off before heading toward the hatching sands. He appears at the Weyrbowl and his grin never fell but he spied V’lan doing politicking. Or whatever it was. He suspected he might get roped into more work. Not that he minded chatting with anybody, but he still was not quite getting along with V’lan. Instead he spied a growing group of candidates. White robes were eternally easy to spot. He strode over.

“Morning yall!” The Cloud rider grinned wide. “You folks ready to go?” He might catch it for dismissing them , Moriya could be intense. But hey, he was a Jr Weyrleader, so he had to have some say. Plus some of the crowd looked like they were about to die from nervousness. He was sure that it would be better if they got too it. “Go on and get in there. Don’t forget to bow to Archith!” R’le almost added something else but he figured Archith wouldn’t appreciate the comment. He waved them along, grinned all the while. Hatchings were the best.

[thelifeweaver]

The arrival of the Dragonrider pulled Rythal back towards Pern and the bewildering reality that he now faced. His stature indicated that he was of at least some standing within the peculiar hierarchy of dragon society.“Morning yall!” the man said abruptly with a grin. All the while he seemed to be inspecting the array of candidates.

“Go on and get in there. Don’t forget to bow to Archith!” he continued, cluing Rythal in upon yet another detail that had been missed. Inwardly grateful he delayed his movement so that he could adjust the bandage wrapped around his head that had rather abruptly decided to descend over his eye.

Taking a breath he followed the group inward; first taking notice of the overwhelming thrum of a Draconic chorus before find himself assaulted by the heat of the sands that he set foot on alongside the others. What lay before him caused Rythal to inwardly pause as he looked upon the vast golden dragon bathing under the sunlight which poured upon the sands. The eggs arrayed around it.

Rythal found himself bowing, not because of the Rider’s instructions but instead out of fear. The vastness of the creature before him and the congregation of bodies within the stands awoke a the same fear he felt within the Holds. He was an outsider, he didn’t belong in the stands let alone the sands which seared at his feet. Long gone were desires such as sketching one of these magnificent beings as he hung at the back of the congregation.

[Cait]

V’quin hung back as Hedara made her congratulations to the Weyrleader of Rainbow Mists. He’d never been much for politics and wasn’t entirely sure how the woman tolerated it. It was a lot of saying things you didn’t mean and biting your tongue for the sake of the Weyr. Not that he wouldn’t do it if it was expected of him, but it seemed even more exhausting than anything he’d done in the past turn. Once inane comments were made and the woman excused herself, the Ironrider took the stairs two at time to catch up with Hedara, vaulting over the backrest of bench she was sitting on to settle in beside her, arms stretched out to either side of him along the back of the bench.

“Did ya play nice with the enemy?” Quite frankly he found it a bit odd that a bronze from Igen had been the one to catch Archith and wasn’t about to keep them to himself when it was just the two of them. After everything that they’d gone through, the casualties and the hardships, to just so easily put an end to the war? V’quin wasn’t so sure and he doubted many others were either. As cold and desolate as the place could be at times, he far preferred Ice Stone to Rainbow Mists. Ice Stone was home and home to every friend he’d ever had; home to his family. Turning his head slightly he studied Hedara’s perfect mask and smirked.

Meanwhile Irrakath settled himself a respectable distance from Temperanth, his dark, shifting hide helping him blend into the shadows as he kept watch over his Queen and their riders. It was strange for the dragon to go from being ever on alert and cold to the heat of the sands and calm. It made him a bit nervous but he’d keep that to himself until V’quin needed him. His rider was astute enough to know if things were going to get out of hand.

[Cait]

Saddyris had finally gained permission to get her idiot cousin back in the hatching stands. It had taken all the political prowess she possessed but she’d managed it, proving yet again how superior she was at this ambassador business. Dyranor, for his part, had made his apologies and promises to remain in the stands for the duration of the hatching regardless of what happened. He’d even seemed suitably grateful which had pleasantly surprised the young woman.

An early riser, Saddyris had no trouble rousing as the humming spread through the Weyr but it took a bit of doing to get Dyranor out of bed and properly dressed. If she hadn’t been there he likely would’ve showed up to the hatching with his trousers on backward. Sighing and making sure that their firelizards and Mud were securely tucked away in the room they shared, Saddyris began to nudge and shove Dyranor along to keep him moving as he rubbed at his eyes and yawned.

Both of them had donned traditional clan garb. Bright colors and scarves. Dyranor dressed in a loose sleeved white tunic with a collar split down to the center of his chest and a bright red sash tied around his middle. His hair was a mess but there was nothing Saddyris cared to do about it. For her part she was wearing an embroidered short-sleeve blouse and layered skirts of varied colors. Climbing into the stands, they settled into a spot with a good view and Dyranor struggled to stay awake though the intense humming seemed to be gradually rousing him. Glancing around for any familiar faces, particularly one familiar face, Saddyris blinked her kohl-lined eyes and sighed when her search came up with nothing.

[Cait]

It hadn’t been long since Sif had made the educated decision to try out this candidacy thing. R’vor had been supportive of her decision and while she couldn’t be certain that her husband would have been, she doubted she would’ve even considered it if she were still alive. This was her life to live now, for better or worse, and she felt it would be pointless not to take the risk. If a dragon did not choose her then she’d be in no different a situation than she was now but she could say that she’d stood. She’d rather have that story to tell than no story.

Dressed in the candidate gown she’d sewn for herself and more than a little nervous now that the time had arrived, the time from her searching to her arrival rather brief. But she supposed it could’ve been worse. There was a boy on the sands that had only just arrived.

When R’le arrived and ushered them onto the sands, Elysif smiled at him before slipping onto the sands with the others. The sands were hot and quite frankly uncomfortable but it was hard to concentrate on any sort of discomfort with the humming of hundreds of dragons vibrating through her bones. As she stepped up beside the newest candidate, dropping into a curtsy before the golden queen, she looked around, finding the spot where the women were to stand and making her way to it.

[Shoki]

Though it was still early in the morning, it was late into Lan’s shift when the hum had gone up. He stayed back in the tunnels with Ethilask hiding from the sun for a moment. To the untrained ear, it was hard to determine if the Wher was humming or if it was her trademark purring. Lan could tell it was a hum.

“Oi, Lan!” Another guard lopped by, only breaking her professionalism upon seeing his coworker. “We need more bodies for the sands. Looks like it’s going to be all hands for the hatching.”

“Got it. I’ll get a move on.” The other guard was gone in a moment, but Lan remained to ‘converse’ with Ethilask.

Whers and their handlers often were able to communicate in a way that others didn’t understand, but for Lan and Ethilask, it was almost an actual different language. Lan had adapted his whistles into a more complex series of commands, and his purring Wher had her own grouping of purrs and growls to use. Lan whistled out for her to remain in the tunnels as a look out, which eventually Ethilask agreed to. Lan could tell he would be owing his Black Wher a long affectionate pet after the fact. Though she seemed as proud as anything when she strutted off, the moment she was in shadow, she utterly vanished. Lan was really glad that she was on his side. Still, work to do, so he headed to the sands to be an ordinary guard.

When he arrived he cast a trained eye over the sands, spying where his fellow guards had posted up. Entrances were common, a few patrolled the weyrbowl outside, so he decided to the stands. The dragons were watching as well, and Lan had no real concerns that something would go wrong with the eggs, but he could see possible incidents in the stands. He spied Saddyris and Dryranor as he made his way there, as their outfits were bright and he was already scanning the crowd. It was good to see them again. He tried to catch Syddyris gaze, and gave a minor wave before being all business. He wanted to chat, but he was working. And as much as it was now cutting into his normal sleeping hours, he loved work. So he headed up to the top of the sands to keep a watchful eye. And hopefully to give everyone some peace of mind.

[Cait]

It was far too early to be shook awake, at least that was Rekkora's opinion. However, once the reason was known for such an early wake up, her demeanor had gone from sleepy annoyance to frenzied movement in a matter of seconds. There were things to do, hair to comb and style, clothing to pick out not just for herself but her ofttimes inept weyrmate. If he had his druthers, he'd wear either his sleeping attire or riding attire to the event and that simply wouldn't do. As far as she was concerned, he knew what he'd been getting into when he'd asked her to be his proper Weyrmate. At that point she'd already been adding to and tweaking his wardrobe to compliment her own, he had to suspect that it would only get worse as time went on; not that she deemed coordination and looking presentable to be worse.

While she might not look he very best, Rekkora had at least made sure that she was presentable, her hair smoothed with oils and twisted into a simple but neat braid and a soft gold-colored gown in a simple cut pair with her belt knife and Kumari's onyx and gold knives. It was a simple look yet well enough put together as to appease her need to look lovely when in public. It was one thing to be in the company of S'rico and know that he would find her lovely no matter what she did or didn't do with her appearance, but another thing altogether to be a Queenrider at a hatching where visitors from near and far were present. In that respect, once she'd finished fussing over her own appearance, down to staining her lips and cheeks just enough for them to look delightfully rosy, she turned her fussing on S'rico.

The man would wear nothing but his riding gear if she let him. There was a time and a place though, for his choice of clothing, and important political events was not one of them. Though he fussed and protested and likely even grumbled, she had harried and harassed until he was dressed at least in a tunic that would not clash with her gown and a presentable pair of trousers. Once she'd deemed them as presentable as would be expected at such an early hour, they were on their way to the Sands. Taking the back way through the tunnels and spiraling stairs that led from all the queen weyrs to the sands, Rekkora clasped the man's large hand with both of her smaller hands, holding it behind her as she led the way. "Should we sit near Rilora and the others or do you want to go rogue?" She looked over her shoulder and smiled, her eyes tired but bright with mirth.



Having waited for Rekkora and her mate to leave the weyr, Sunvoiath yawned as she slipped off the oversized couch she shared with Aldith and onto the ledge, shaking her wings out in the warm light of dawn, the sunlight catching her golden markings and glinting off of her well kept hide. Grateful that she needed to do none of the fussing that her rider engaged in, she rumbled her amusement at the show she’d witnessed then struck up an alto hum that vibrated through her chest and down to her clawed feet, into the very stone beneath her. Stretching in an almost feline-like manner, her tail tip twitched and flicked her companion’s nose. [smear:#111111]Come Aldith, time to make my entrance.[/smear:#d4a514:0] Despite the fact that she was full grown and greatly matured, Sunvoiath still enjoyed causing a bit of a scene now and then. It wouldn't do to have the silly people forget that she was around, after all.

Dropping off of the ledge, Sunvoiath caught the air currents and let them lift her higher above the Weyr. Circling around so that she had a better angle at the aerial hatching entrance, she hovered for a moment, making sure that Aldith had complied and was on his way before she dropped into a shallow dive, making sure that she glided low across the sands--though not low enough to offend or disturb Archith--to land on the ledges directly opposite the aerial opening. It was as much of a scene as she cared to cause on a day that was Archith's but it would be enough to remind those who were prone to forgetting that an Abyss was among them and she was strong and beautiful and not going anywhere.

Are you finished, love? I'm pretty sure you got a few gasps and maybe a half-swoon from a holder.

[smear:#111111]Hmmm, yes I think that will surface...no, that's not the one. Surefit, surface, surplice....suffice! Yes, I am content with half-swoons. Your mate's mussed his hair.[/smear:#d4a415:0]

Adjusting herself so that she had a decent view of the clutch, Sunvoiath settled herself and picked up her humming once more, joining the chorus of new life at the Weyr.

[T'ren]

Early didn't both him, no the militant part of S'rico was up as soon as dawnlight glistened across the Weyr. Most mornings he found himself in awe of the queen rider that laid beside him, and he'd find himself laying there watching her sleep peacefully, not a care in the world. Today was one of those mornings, his eyes heavy with sleep as he turned over and looked at Rekkora. Something was off this morning, it wasn't like any ordinary morning..there was a distinct hum vibrating through the entire Weyr and it took the sleepy S'rico a moment to figure out just what was happening.


Your thoughts aren't wrong, she's summoned us. It is time. Chimed Aldith's voice through his sleep fogged mind.


Oh joy. The bronze-crimson rider found himself thinking, knowing he was full well in for his weyrmate to dress him not once but twice today. In all honesty, S'rico was used to that by now..but if he had it his way he'd just show up to both events with his riding gear on. He was a rider after all but she often had a different look on clothing than he did. He rolled closer to her, giving her a soft kiss on the face and murmuring, "Hatching time, dear one." before he rolled his own way from the furs and began to get ready for the big day.


--


He was dressed to match her, in some shape or form they never clashed, and it was clear to anyone they were a pair. He'd made sure to fuss just enough at her to at least be able to wear his riding boots for the occasion. But S'rico understood he needed to dress respectfully, being a kingrider and weyrmated to a queen it was understandable, at least.

As they made their way through the Weyr and to the hatching sands, S'rico happily followed behind Rekkora, her hands both wrapped around one of his. "We can sit near Rilora if you'd like, I don't mind." Truth be told a few Turns ago he'd have much rather gone rogue through the event..but, she'd helped him out of his shell and he was fine with the company of others.

Aldith gave a small stretch before he followed Sunvoiath from their shared couch, slinking onto the ledge beside her and following her suit with a stretch of his crimson touched wings. As he shook the sleep from his bones, his own deep rumble of a hum began shortly after the Abyss just before she flicked her tail tip across his nose. Aldith shook his bronze head, letting out a breath of air in a soft dragonic sneeze. And quite the entrance you will make, you are simply glowing this morning my Sunvoiath. He replied with a rumble of laughter in his voice.


He watched as she made her drop from the ledge, in awe of her beauty and grace, he followed suit in a much less graceful but still lovely manner. Aldith followed each move she made, gliding into the sands much higher than she did before he settled onto the ledge beside her. Lovely entrance my queen, as usual, of course. Aldith spoke as he settled and adjusted his view of the sands, once comfortable, he too began his hatching hum once again. 

[Kaya]

Archith surveyed the arriving crowds, the flurry of colorful wings, the many faces filing into the stands. She was pleased. Filled with pride she sat high and imposing, guarding her soon to arrive dragonets. She noted the order of the guards, the courteous Candidates arriving at the sands. And she saw her Rilora, seated in the center of things, surrounded by allies and politicians alike.

The eggs rocked without pattern, the grand thrum could be believed to shake them. Little cracks appeared on a number of eggs, a large one on one end of the half circle, the very mottled one, the small one near the center of the half circle, but the one egg alone only swayed very gently. In the middle of the curve one great crack let a shell crumble away and golden grains immediately stuck to a hide covered in beautiful shades of green and brown and woody grey. A Jungle picked himself up and attempted to shake off the sand, which did very little to move the stubborn patches. Taking awkward steps, still shaking with every other step to dislodge the sand, he made his way towards the Candidates.

The littlest egg gave way next, releasing a delicate White onto the sands. She carefully picked herself up out of the egg shards and stepped lightly out onto the ground before her. She looked up and up into the stands to peer at the crowds of humans and dragons, many of whom were staring at her, and then towards the closest one of all, her mother Archith. She felt the Gold's admiration and support wash over her, and with that encouragement began to walk towards the female Candidates. With her head now high and her tail swishing along behind her it was now clear that she had adornments of green in her hide, both around her neck and faintly speckled on her tail.

A fine start.

[thelifeweaver]

Thoughts of his unwanted presence were cast aside as the first of eggs broke apart, unleashing their contents upon the world. It must have been confusing for them, he thought; to emerge into a world of lights and sound when previously there was only an perpetual darkness. He had heard that their Mother communicated with them during their incubation period and that entailed that they were at least partly cognisant prior to their emergence.

The way the second dragon looked towards Archith seemed to indicate some form of prior connection and the fact that it then gravitated towards the female candidates gave him a good idea that it had someone in mind. The first hatching didn’t seem as clear in its search and the way it seemed to shake itself uncomfortably was rather alarming.

Rythal opted not move towards the hatchlings unlike others within their grouping - he was scared, yes - and remaining towards the rear seemed like the best option. Getting between a dragon and their soon to be rider was a dangerous prospect, even he knew that. Trying his best not to look like a fish out of water but also wanting no harm to come to the others he maneuvered himself so that there was a clear line of travel should one of the wonderous creatures move towards him.

All the while his heart continued to violently thump in his chest and the ever present voice of doubt continued its constant bombardment. At the very least watching such a spectacular visage would be well worth it.

[Shoki]

R’le gave a little wave to Sif as she went to the sands, but let all the candidates go with merely an easy smile. Good. He stretched out after they were all on the sands and turned to the throng of dignitaries gathering. He caught V’lan’s gaze but just walked up to the nearest of the Igenese and started talking to them.

“Hiya. Lovely morning for a hatching, isn’t it?” R’le found the startled individual was a brownrider from the knots. He himself tended to not wear his, for no particular reason. Probably same reason he often ditched his shoes. Neither had been ditched today though.

--

V’lan really hoped the Cloudrider was not going to cause and incident today. Not that he doubted the other man’s ability to be liked, it was strangely obvious that he got to know everyone and didn’t really have enemies. But that didn’t mean R’le couldn’t overstep something with V’lan’s Igen friends. However, V’lan would just deal with it if it came to that, and it seemed like Th’mar was getting along fine so far. He tried to make it seem like he hadn’t been staring.

“We should take a seat. I’m sure you are all as excited as I am to see the eggs hatch.” V’lan announced, and he got a murmur of agreement. They whole group moved in, V’lan leading to the section previously agreed on. Rilora was met there and he had to remind himself it was work time. He would, in fact, do his job well. It was a tricky situation though, being in love with the Weyrwoman. He just would have to take a few extra moments to collect himself.

As the first egg cracked open, the polite conversation quieted, and eyes turned to the eggs. The first egg hatched and V’lan felt pounced upon by a few of his friends.

“Oh, what a hue! What is it?”

“It looks larger than a Green, but not so large that I’ve heard of a weyrleader having one.”

“How adorable.”

V’lan chuckled. He had expected some of this. So he had double and triple checked the colors RMW had seen.

“A Jungle, they are called. Similar to Blues, in that they are male and approximately the same size.” They nodded and started conversing among themselves. He eyed Th’mar, who was absorbing the information intently, and speaking to R’le. What were they talking about?

--

“A Jungle, you called them?”

“Sure did. Good dragons. Oh and look, that White. Not just a White, White-Green.” R’le pointed. “See the Green marks?”

“I do. I have seen a few dragons with two colors, but they seem to be much more common here.”

“Exactly. Jungles actually are a mostly southern dragon too, they don’t seem to pop up in the far north.”

“Fascinating.” R’le watched the Brown rider soak up the events, not commenting as much as clarifying. Interesting indeed. Another of the riders leaned over to listen and R’le realized that he was about to get asked on all sorts of dragons as well. He was the native rider after all. Oh well, he was happy to share.

[dr3amwe4ver]

It was finally time. Aislin had been waiting for this moment ever since she'd been Searched three sevendays ago. She smoothed a hand down her white Candidate's robes, checking one more time to make sure the belt fit snugly around her waist. She'd ironed it herself so the woolen cloth hung in a perfect sheet over her thin frame. She wanted to present the best possible image she could for the newly hatched dragonets. Cleanliness was close to godliness, in her mind. The hem of the robe cut off near the bottom of her shins because of her height, and since she towered over most of the candidates she had a perfect view of the eggs.

As the Weyrlingmaster ushered them towards the clutch, Aislin paused by Archith, dropping into an elegant curtsy. She'd been practicing it for the past sevenday! Hopefully it would impress the gold. "Thank you for allowing me to stand at your clutch," she said and lifted her head slightly with a smile. Then, she turned and joined the rest of the candidates around the eggs.

Her eyes roamed over the dragons perched on their ledges, the dragonriders in the stands, and her heart swelled with longing. After today, she would be one of them, she told herself. She had to Impress. Her eyes caught on a trio of people standing and waving at her vigorously. Laughing under her breath, Aislin waved back at her parents and her little brother, who'd made it out in time for the hatching.

A voice distracted her from her family.

“Morning y'all! Go on and get in there. You folks ready to go? Don’t forget to bow to Archith!"

Silly man, she'd already curtsied. But Aislin smiled and dipped her head out of respect for the Cloudrider. "Yes, sir," she said. As he moved away, Aislin's light brown eyes a contrast to her silky blonde hair, which she'd tied into an intricate coronet atop her head - sought through the candidates until she found her friend. She waved April over and the timid girl shuffled to her side, head bowed and fingers clasped at her waist.

"Stand up straight," said Aislin, reaching out to fix her posture. "You want to look your best for the dragonets."

"Does it matter?" mumbled April, her eyes downcast.

Aislin huffed. "Of course, it matters! First impressions are everything," she said with a wink. At that moment, a large crack rent the air and Aislin's head whipped around, heart drumming with anticipation. The first was a Jungle, with a pretty mottled hide of greens and browns. Since the little creature made its way towards the boys, she ignored it, watching the littlest egg next. It was a white. Cute, but small. She. turned away from that one, as well, her eyes straying to the golden egg slightly raised above the other eggs. She didn't want to Impress a white. She wanted the queen. She wasn't afraid to embrace that ambition, since she knew she was destined for greatness.