75.09.02 Vitalis {Orikaeth's Hatching}

[summerrain]

Wynah watched the WeyrlingMaster as he demonstrated with the cloth. She took the cloth when he was done and placed it over the spot on Alzdith's tail.

I am Alzdith, the Sunlace told L'ras. She turned to him, eyes swirling a content blue-green. I hope to learn much from you and Yours. She shuddered when Wynah began to rub the oil-cloth over her. Too hard... To the side... Other side.

"Okay, okay," Wynah said with a laugh. "It'll all get oiled eventually, so you can relax a bit now." Alzdith visibly relaxed, her tail laying still on the ground. She watched for the last of the new Weyrlings. That Azure was particularly interesting to her. She did admit that she'd like to Impress an Azure just to prove to Pern that they were different...

Alzdith nuzzled Wynah softly. Wynah, is there something wrong with my Azure sister? the Sunlace asked. You are Mine now. You should worry about yourself a bit. And get under my wings. There's sand caught there.

"Alright, you demanding little thing," Wynah laughed. She turned and saw the girl who came with the Azure. It was that girl Artemis. Wynah sighed softly. Well, she wouldn't have to worry about being the victim of the curse of the Azures...

Alzdith squirmed out from Wynah's grasp and went over to her Azure sister. Sister mine, you have eyes watching, Alzdith warned. And not all of them accepting. Wynah has had thoughts of something called the Azure's Curse... Beware, sister mine, of those who believe. Sister mine, beware of those who wish you ill. For such a young dragoness, she was already giving out advice.

"Alzdith, come on, I didn't finish oiling you yet!" Wynah called. She got up and walked to the Sunlace. "Congradulations, Junior Weyrwoman," she told Artemis. "I hope Alzdith hasn't bothered you." She turned to the dragon in question. "Now let's get back to oiling you. Just moments ago you were complaining about that spot under your wing." The pair went back to the station and Wynah began again to oil the young Sunlace's hide.

[Itoshii]

Andradil A'radil

Andradil dodged the quick Sunset dragonet as she suddenly decided the males were for her. She'd given him one nasty bruise, he wasn't having another! He nodded in satisfaction as she finally made her choice in a girl he'd only remember having seen a few times here and there other than the obvious meals and classes. Then suddenly there was no longer a happy Impression in his view, but sand in his face. And pain, why was it always pain with these dragonets?!

It isn't fair to hide from your Koroth A'radil! There was suddenly an angry voice entered his head. Immediately behind it came feelings of protectiveness, stubbornness, and yes, there was even some love in there (if a bit grudgingly at first). He felt the pressure remove from his back, and with it some of the pain, and he managed to roll over and saw the.... the citrine? She sat there smugly, as catlike as her other siblings had been, eyes whirring rainbow and impatient.

Well, are you coming? Are you going to get up or just lay there and stare at me? I am hungry and I itch. Lets go now. She stood and turned, not really caring at that moment if he jumped to his feet or not. She was hungry and she would get food one way or another.

It took him another moment as he stood up to process what had just happened. But Citrine's didn't Impress to boys! And dragonless men shouldn't re-Impress. she shot back, clearly frustrated that he wasn't following her already. He winced as he rolled his shoulders. Oh, there were certainly some cuts back there but he was afraid to even look. He knew he wasn't dieing, but was certain of little Koroth's wrath should she not get fed.

He followed her to a feeding and oiling table and picked up one of the bowls. He fed her slow, despite her protests. The first time he fed Jayreth he had one moaning, groaning dragonet on his hands that night. It had been very unpleasant indeed. Well I am no Jayreth. the tone of the young dragoness's mindvoice was not lost on the man and he wisely clammed up and shoved another piece of meat in her mouth.

[Nicole]

She was still looking at where the newly impressed riders and dragons were wandering out when the Azure began to move towards her, her mind brushing hers - and that gave her pause. Because she had reached out to her. Not accidentally, not Artemis' ability, but a decisive touch of mind against mind.

She swung her head back, ponytail arcing around her head, and glanced perfectly down at where the dragonet's eyes spun up at her. Rainbow swirls glowed against her perfect light blue hide, and Artemis' heart leapt out of her throat and into the dragonet's claws, where it belonged.

Artemis. I am Zabrielth. I am your dragoness. Your queen. And this is our Weyr. Come... let us join our siblings. We will lead them graciously and kindly. It is the best thing we can do now. Zabrielth blinked up at her, love bursting from every touch of her mind.

And for the first time in her life, Artemis heard only her voice. And why would she need to hear another's when Zabrielth was here? She was so kind, so regal, so - so perfect. Everything Artemis had dreamed of and more.

Of course we will. But before we can lead them, we must make sure we are able to. Are you hungry? Artemis bent down, reaching out to curl her hand around the young dragonet's head. Zabrielth pushed into her palm, and hunger flared into Artemis' mind, as if it had just dawned on the little Azure to be hungry.

Oh, yes! But we must make sure my siblings also eat. They must also be strong. Zabrielth hummed as she moved forward, away from Artemis' palm to press her head into the young rider's chest. Artemis leaned down to press a kiss to her hide, not even caring about the light remnants of the eggsac that still clung to her.

There are people designated to make sure they do. Right now, I am only worried about you. Artemis leaned back and stood up, her hand drifting down to rest again on the young Azure's head. Together, they turned away from the Sands and walked over to where the new hatchlings dined.

Both ignored the stares from the crowd, the murmurs of worry from the other dragons creeping into the back of Artemis' mind. They didn't know them. They knew nothing. And what was a silly curse to their will?



Artemis knew what to do, both from the minds of the WeyrlingMaster's dragon - though he did not know she was listening - and her own lessons. And when Alzdith, the young dragon belonging to the girl Wynah, warned Zabrielth of the curse they already knew about - well, both dragon and rider smiled.

I appreciate your concern, Alzdith. I will be as careful as any queen. The dragon's eyes still whirled with a rainbow hue as she nodded to the other dragonet, following behind Artemis with a contented glaze in her eye. And Artemis didn't even have time to reply to her Rider, who bounded back to snag her dragon.

But she took her congratulations and made a note of it, even as she knelt down besides Zabrielth. The WeyrlingMaster will be heading over to check up on us. In the meantime...

And Zabrielth contentedly swallowed a chunk of meat, blood staining Artemis' hands as she reached for another piece.

[Jay Kitten]

Moraiya was of course, in the crowd, and as such she had seen her Candidates Impress one by one... Even Barlow. FINALLY he was out of her hair! She couldn't help but grin at that, he was one that she indeed had liked having around, despite his unbecoming behavior at times. She stepped forward, nudging passed a few of the folk who didn't live here, and when they glared at her, she simply shot back with one much more full of malice. A dark rider could do that easily, you see. She stepped down to the Sands, her arms wide, before she started to clap loudly.

Everybody followed suit behind her.

Soon the applause was nice and loud and there was cheering and hats being thrown in the air, every one of the babies had a new Rider for their backs. But she moved to one in particular, dwarfing him as she looked down upon him and clapped a hand to his shoulder.

"So what's it now, huh, kid? B'low, B'rlow? I'm more fond of B'low myself, it's kind of like "be-low" without the vowel. Huh. Zojiroth's going to have a fun new friend to pick on soon, in't he?" She cackled maniacally, though it sounded more like an ordinary laugh for her... And she looked back at B'low with a smile again.

"I'm proud of you for finally gettin' out of them Barracks, you didn't belong their. If any one of my boys was dragon material, it's you. And guess what? A Neon Purple! Now you'll easily have somebody to stay up with you when you can't sleep, cuz I doubt he'll be needin' a wink of it himself any time soon!" Another hearty laugh. She felt proud, certainly. But she shot a glance over her shoulder at A'kai. That one... She wasn't so sure of. He was brand new and already had one of the most violent ones of the bunch... Zojiroth was telling her things she was trying to ignore. But he posed no threat yet, his dragon was simply a baby, and his friend and her Wood would likely keep him in line... If not, she had a nice broadsword back home that might help.

[Moo]

L'ras smiled at the Sunlance's calm voice in his head. She sounded mature, even for a hatchling. He considered that to be a good sign of things to come, if only for this particular dragon. He replied aloud for Wynah's benefit, though he was certain her dragon would have, no doubt, relayed the message.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Alzdith. I look forward to teaching you and your Rider all that I can."

I am Teth, Alzdith. You can always come to me if you or Yours has any questions, added Teth, who had since settled down after the final Impression.

L'ras chuckled to himself as the little dragon's attention wandered away, quick as you like. With a short nod, he excused himself from their side and continued down the line. There were still more Weyrlings to see, dragons to observe, and Weyrleaders to converse with. But, everything in due time.

He passed by A'radil next. His eyes lingered on the dark Citrine - appearance wise, and despite her Haze, she seemed proportional and fit - before moving to her Rider. L'ras stopped by his side to talk, if only for a moment, as the pair was already engrossed in the feeding aspect of their new bond.

"So, you're the Benden transfer. Congratulations on your Impression today, A'radil - despite any scratches you might have incurred. It looks like you've gotten the hang of feeding your dragon down. Good! Very good. Just keep in mind her mood from time to time. Young dragons deal with a greater number of mood swings than the older dragons do. She will more than likely keep you very busy, but I have faith in you." His smile never wavered as he ended his briefing. "Everything considered,I hope you find this new Weyr a welcoming place for you. And now, if you'll excuse me…"

Teth decided to take it upon himself to approach A'kai and his Black dragon. L'ras had passed by them earlier, before his demonstration, but had not introduced himself to them properly. So he decided he would. His eyes spun a pleasant green as he neared the pair.

It is A'kai, yes? Are you two having a good time? I am Teth, the Weyrling Master's dragon. Are you finding everything to your needs? He lowered his head to peer down at the feisty Black. What is your name, young one?

For L'ras, next along the line came Kaimana and her brilliantly-colored Sunset. She had been a quiet participant in this Hatching, but her polite tactic had clearly worked on her behalf.

"Ah, Journeyman Oris! My congratulations today on your Impression and new rank as a Rider - though I hope you weren't hurt too badly today." He paused to observe the Sunset, and then continued a few seconds later after detecting no fault in her dragon. "I won't keep you - it seems you have quite the handful to take care of - but remember to take things slow, especially with such an active Sunset as her. Slow is better in the first few days. And feel free to ask for any help if you require it. It's what I'm here for…though now, I must continue my rounds. Again, my congratulations to you!"

Stepping past some drudges carrying more oil pots to the tables, L'ras met up with M'brey and his DarkBlue. He stopped a little ways off, deciding first to watch their interactions together. He smiled. "You follow directions well, M'brey," he said, taking a few steps closer. The look of concentration on the boy's face did not go unnoticed by him. "You shouldn't don't worry so much - you're doing an excellent job of caring for your dragon and minding her reactions. Really well done, actually. I can already tell you two are going to be very good pupils. I look forward to teaching you more."

Not very many to go after this. L'ras looked around - the Neon Purple and B'low were still leaving the Sands. Their pace was slow, but steady. He made a note to himself to return to them once they moved to a station. That left…the Wood, the small White, and the Azure Queen. But then he noticed a girl quickly leaving the Sands and he peered out and -- Oh. He sighed and shook his head. It was Harpyr.

Such a shame. She had good potential.

This is the truth of the matter. Sometimes Candidates are left Standing. Leave her for now, L'ras. Dalonia will look after her.

That's what I'm afraid of. She's a strong woman, but I'm not certain that comforting is her best asset. Nevertheless…you're right.

He meandered on over to Andrilla and her Wood after he had visited with the one who had Impressed to the small White dragon. L'ras half-smiled at the lightly colored Wood, who appeared very preoccupied with her selection of food, before he focused his full attention on Andrilla.

"My congratulations on Impressing today, Miss Donelly. It seems you had quite the encounter on the Sands with those dragons." His voice sounded pleasant enough, but there was a sharp edge to it just below the surface. "Maulings are never pleasant to experience or witness at a Hatching, but they do happen from time to time on the Sands. However…weapons are never permitted. Conveniently reaching for something on your thigh? I wasn't born yesterday, Andrilla. I know how to conceal a knife just as well as you do."

He turned her chin so that she was looking straight at him. "If I ever catch you pulling a stunt like that again, where you threaten any hatchling with a weapon, even if it was never pulled - I'll have you and your dragon thrown out of the Weyr. I will not tolerate such behavior. Do I make myself clear?"

Releasing his grip a moment later, L'ras looked back to the Wood female. "Mind she takes care with those fish; their bones are sharper in a young dragon's mouth. Watch her closely and be sure she doesn't choke. I trust you'll have no difficulty with that?"

Though he had phrased it as a question, the command behind it was clear. He knew she would do it anyway, if only for her dragon's sake. He hoped the girl wouldn't be any further problem. Without another word, he left Andrilla's side and continued down the way, to the only remaining Weyrling pair he hadn't approached yet. In his mind, he felt part of Teth's attention shift to him - he was curious as well, it seemed.

Once he arrived at their feeding station, L'ras watched Artemis as she began to feed her Azure. His smile was genuine - he was glad he had saved her for last - though he tried not to stare for too long at the little Queen. Plenty of time and plenty of classes later for that.

"Your pace is acceptable," he began, approaching the pair after he had seen enough. "It's important to hone a good sense for your dragon's needs early on in the process, and it seems you already have a knack for it."

He knelt down beside Artemis. "My congratulations to you today, Miss Langaryen - or rather, Junior Weyrwoman. You're certainly making history today. Are you up for the challenge of this new life?"

Teth couldn't resist. My congratulations as well!

[Shoki]

Hailreth was finally getting exactly what he wanted as they moved off the sands. B’ow got the feeling of a familiar presence though, just before getting a good strong hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Moraiya, the all so familiar Bloodrider. She was in an uncommonly good mood. Well short of… some event he preferred not to think about. Here she was happy while still being rough. It was more natural.

“B’ow, actually.” He wasn’t at all sure how he as supposed to feel, what with him having been a candidate for so long. He’d caused her some trouble, sure, but not as much as some. He’d done enough chores and quickly that most would have balked at. For Moraiya herself, well he’d at least gotten used to her presence, something that was harder for some candidates then for others. He noted to himself that out of all of the things he planned for, and he had planned, he never considered how impressing was going to feel, outside of belonging. And he felt that. It was everything else that was throwing him for a loop.

“Thank you. I’m sorry for having troubled you over my time as a candidate.” Hailreth turned and butted B’ow in the leg again. He could feel the hunger, and the Neon Purple had waited quite a while. “And thanks. I have to feed Hailreth, I shall see you around.” B’ow smiled, a small little thing, before moving and Hailreth following. He was subtly embarrassed, since he wasn’t really used to praise from Moraiya and he certainly didn’t think she thought particularly highly. Sure he did chores and all, but they had a few…unfortunate disagreements. On principles. By which he meant he snuck out at night. He was caught significantly less then he actually snuck out. He kept that to himself though.

Food! At long last! B’ow picked up a piece and gave it to the purple who tried to inhale it.

“Ah, slower.”

Why?

“Because when a dragonet is born their stomach is empty creating the extreme hunger they are born with. Whatever nutrition that was available as an egg is gone. Now this means, here, but chew slower this time, that because of this the natural inclination is to eat everything quickly. However, besides being empty the stomach is quite small, so it is hard to gauge how full they actually are, especially since they do not have a frame of reference for being full. Of course if the dragonet eats too much, and they have no room for it they could become sick and that means nothing good for you. Do you understand?”

Oh. I see. Hailreth chewed slower. But I will get full?

“Yes. But for a while you will need to be fed frequently. At least much more then you will when you are an adult.”

Interesting. And the itching?

“You will be growing, which will-“

I mean can you do that while I eat?

B’ow looked thoughtful. “It would be best I not. I wouldn’t want to lose track of where we were with food.”

Okay. Hailreth started to eat, slower, and B’ow got a chance to see what was going on. He took a bit of notice where everyone was and what group of people he was with. He noted Artemis with the Azure. Hmm. Well at least he had introduced himself once. Or rather…

“Hmm.”

What are you thinking about?

B’ow looked down at Hailreth, who seemed to be asking for the pure pleasure of speaking. The Neon Purple could get into his head if he really wanted to, but he seemed to enjoy conversation.

“I am thinking about things I don’t know.”

We can learn together! He seemed excited. Okay, we have to check everyone to make sure they know to eat slow, yes? Oh, tell me again why that has to be the case. I want to be right.

So B’ow repeated, while making sure the Purple was not eating too fast himself. The Purple was going to be parroting that the moment he could.

[Nicole]

The compliment on L'ras' part seemed genuine, so Artemis tore her gaze from her tiny Azure to flash a smile at the Weyrling Master. But her gaze didn't linger long, and as he knelt besides her, Artemis had already turned back to the dragonet. Her hand curled around the Zabrielth's head as she supplied her with meat, careful to keep an eye on full she was getting, how far her stomach distended. She didn't want her to overeat.

"My congratulations to you today, Miss Langaryen - or rather, Junior Weyrwoman. You're certainly making history today. Are you up for the challenge of this new life?"

Junior Weyrwoman. A smile flickered over her face as Zabrielth swung her head up towards her, and she lost herself again in the rainbow of her eyes. Dreams do come true.

But the challenge - what challenge could the little Azure be? They simply had to ignore the expectations placed on them and do the best they could, be the best Queen and Weyrwoman that Rainbow Mists had ever seen. Her ambition, her cleverness, Zabrielth's kindness, Zabrielth's strength - oh, it was no challenge at all.

Teth's voice floated into her mind with congratulations. Zabrielth accepted them, though, with a brightness in her voice. Thank you.

Artemis, after a moment's consideration, found the proper response to L'ras' question. "I do not think it will be any more challenging for me than for any other Weyrling, or for any other queen rider that has come in the past. We can tackle anything that comes our way." Her voice practically shone with admiration for the little dragonet, and Zabrielth shifted forward to be closer to her Rider.

[summerrain]

It is a pleasure, Teth, Alzdith answered. She had finished eating, and was waiting quietly while Wynah oiled her hide. The Sunlace yawned widely, and a sudden feeling of tiredness enveloped Wynah, making her yawn too. It was still early after all.

"Once your hide is oiled, I say we both get some sleep," Wynah suggested.

That's a good idea, Alzdith replied softly. She extended her wing. Wynah dipped her hand in the oil, flinching at the weird texture, and gently rubbed Alzdith's wing. She made sure to keep her touch extra light, still getting used to the phantom feelings of wings and tail coming from her new MindMate. Wynah smiled lovingly at the Sunlace. That feels good... Wynah, underneath... It feels sticky.

"Alright love," Wynah said quietly. "Just come here..." She helped the Sunlace onto her lap, gently rolling the dragoness onto her side. "I know this is uncomfortable, but it'll only be a few minutes, love." She oiled Alzdith's stomach gently, using the oil-sodden cloth. She made sure it wasn't overly soaked before doing so. Alzdith wanted to talk to her Clutchsiblings, but she was tired. There would be time to talk another day.

"Alright, that's done," Wynah said, helping the Sunlace onto her feet again. Alzdith yawned again. Wynah, can I sleep soon?

"Soon, my love, I promise."

[Itoshii]

K'ris

Oh so much to see! He had to tear himself away from the sight of the Azure as the Hatching continued with its pace as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened, though he always minded her movements, it would be vital to more knowledge of the color that everything was detailed... You're doing it again. Axolzash sighed in his Rider's mind before turning to Kiyosh, Sometimes I wonder how he remembers how to get around the Weyr.

K'ris watched attentively as the Sunset finally made a dash from the males to the females, running over her chosen Candidate in her excitement. They were quick enough to get off the Sands so he stole a look at the tables to see how the new Weyrlings were faring. All seemed going well, thank goodness. There was enough madness on the Sands, they didn't need it at the feeding tables too. Though he was confident in the Weyrlingmaster's ability to keep them all under control. He marked down the Impression in time to see the now A'radil tackled by the hazed Citrine.

Yes, yes, this Hatching was certainly full of surprises. A Citrine picking a Male candidate. He watched for a moment to make sure the man was alright before shifting his attention to the show-stealing Azure. She was approaching the last of the eggs, head confident and high, and he held his breath without realizing it. What was she doing? She's... singing to it... the Lifewing's surprise seemed great, and he was rather touched. Songs were what made his life go 'round and the song of encouragement the little Queen was singing to the White that now tumbled from it struck a chord with him, so to speak.

K'ris smiled softly at the gentile nature of this Queenling. But it didn't stop there. She was even cleaning the sand-covered baby, much to her mother's approval. The tiny white hid behind it's large sister before the Rainbow stepped in and sent both of them on their way. The white chose quickly while the Azure watched over her before moving, rather deliberately, towards the girls. As if she had already made her decision but was determined to give each proper consideration.

Finally, completing her walk of the female candidates, one of them running off as if almost in tears, before sitting before the female candidate, Artemis he believed, who had seemed rather uncomfortable the entire Hatching. Her eyes whirred in Impression as she looked back at her brilliantly hued mother, who reared back and shouted her triumphant thanks to the crowd gathered. It was certainly a most spectacular first clutch, one that he was unsure if she would ever match (and he wasn't sure he quite wanted her to).

--------------

A'radil

A'radil slowed momentarily in feeding his new little dragon to watch the rest of the hatching. The queen dragonet was... oddly benevolent. She seemed to care deeply for the little white hatchling, even waiting patiently for it to Impress before making her own, obviously confident, choice of Artemis. He could feel Koroth's anger begin to fade with her hunger, and she suddenly seemed much more approachable. Which was good because the Weyrling Master was making his rounds and it seemed she and A'radil were next on the list.

He gave L'ras a genuine smile, the first that had graced his face in years, as the man greeted him. "I'm very happy with being here, even before Koroth found me." he rubbed the dragonet's headknobs fondly, "And I'm confident she will be a handful, but I think I can manage." He nodded to the Weyrling Master as he moved on to another new Dragonpair and set down the bowl, much to the Citrine's displeasure.

But A'radilMine... she whined, catching him off guard. "What about your itching? Don't you want that to go away too? There will be plenty of food after if you're still hungry." Well... I suppose... She stared longingly at the bowl until A'radil began his oiling. Old habits die hard and he found himself falling into routine, just as he had when oiling the old dragons. He was glad the cloth strips were small, for he was used to the idea of oiling a brown dragon, and well... She wasn't nearly the size of a brown, and sitting beside her he could easily oil the majority of her.

Koroth rumbled in discontent, eyes whirring faster as his mind began to drift and he found that thoughts of Jayreth were easy to push from his mind. The dragonet relaxed under his touch as he focused again on her, making sure to be gentile with her wings. She jerked away as he worked on a foot and he frowned at the rough spot her charge on the sands had left on the delicate hide. I'm sorry for that, Mine. Koroth's voice flowed softly into his head, almost in an ashamed manner. "What do you mean you're sorry? Whatever for?" For knocking you down. I was just so.. so... angry with you because you wouldn't stop talking about louzy old Jayreth. The demeaning tone slipped back into her voice as she said his old dragon's name.

He hugged the little dragonet around the neck and closed his eyes, reveling in the smell of freshly oiled hide. You don't ever need to be sorry to me. Scratches hurt, but you've helped to fix an even greater hurt. he told her silently before standing back up and placing the rags and bucket of oil back on the table beside the near-empty bowl of meat. "With your flare and my experience, we'll easily beat out those other pairs." He told the Citrine quietly with a smirk. "And if anyone gives you any hassle... you just tell me and I'll get them straightened out." He rubbed her headknobs again, something she seemed to greatly enjoy, and watched the other Weyrling pairs around them.

[shapeshifter]

The two girls, Andromedae and Saphierah had become good friends when Andromedae had transferred to Rainbow Mists to try for her dream Queen. The two girls had spent time talking and doing various things together, just to keep company.

But now was their day on the Sands. One by one they had watched other Candidates Impress and neither of them had a dragonet look their way. Andromedae wouldn't give up hope though. Yes, this was her second hatching but she knew she was to impress! At least this was not as terrible as the bloody Hatching at Ice Stone...her home.

The girls had watched all the dragonets Impress one after another, all happy with their new Riders.

Then, there was an Azure. Andromedae looked on with hopes...but with fear all in one. A cursed Queen, that's what they were. However, the control one could gain with such a Queen? Andromedae smirked, only feeling the hope in her heart and the daydreams in her mind of what she could accomplish with a Queen like an Azure. But when the Azure chose some other Candidate...a Candidate Saphierah pointed out to be named Artemis, Andri could only feel a tinge of disappointment. Saphierah could sense it coming off of Andri, however she ignored it to make any comment. Saphierah had no used for the Azure, Queen or not. She wanted something more like the Sunset that had Impressed. Sunsets had always caught her interest.

Unfortunately....at the end of The Hatching....

They both still stood...to wait for the next Clutch. However, a smooth sea never made for a skilled sailor.

Andromedae and Saphierah turned to eachother and without saying a word, agreed they'd never give up.

[Simile]

It was not only L'ras who wished to see the new Weyrlings. Retny, too, had decided to venture forth and see her dragon's offspring. Oh she was so very proud of the rainbow dragoness. The rainbow, actually, was still sitting on the sands, looking down at the littered shells of her offspring by her feet. She would like to save some of those pieces as momentos she thought. She turned her eyes towards the feeding stations, her eyes whirling happily. However, she disliked the buzzing of the other dragons and gave a little snort. Her daughter was not cursed anymore than Archith's was. And Archith's quite possibly moreso! Being of the same color as that one. The vain little thing.

{My little Zabrielth... I am proud of you, my darling.} She crooned softly, shifting her weight so that she could better look at the new Azure pair. They were lovely together. She had indeed chosen well. {Please, when you have finished, will you bring yours and come here so that MineOwn and I would like to speak with you and yours.} She then turned her attention to all of her young ones and crooned to them softly.

{You will all be strong, brave dragons who will help to grow this Weyr, to make it better, and to lead it... My darlings, remember we are family. Look after each other and this Weyr as such.} She settled down the, watching them quietly, a feeling of pride radiating off of her.

Retny smiled and stopped to speak with first one Candidate then the other, starting with the little white then moving to B'ow. "Congratulations, young Weyrling." She smiled warmly.

Meanwhile, in the stands, a Bronze dragon was just arriving as things ended. He had been too late to watch the unfolding of the clutch, but what he saw startled him. An Azure... hopefully this was not an ill omen. He needed to find Rilora. And introduce himself to the new queen riders. his trip had been long and he had dealt with many Weyrs as a representative... including Benden who had not treated him as kindly as he felt they should have treated a guest...

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

Weyrling Master approaches.

Two seconds later, M'brey was glad for Nellielth's warning, because otherwise he would have probably jumped when L'ras's voice sounded from above and to his left.

"You follow directions well, M'brey. You shouldn't don't worry so much - you're doing an excellent job of caring for your dragon and minding her reactions. Really well done, actually. I can already tell you two are going to be very good pupils. I look forward to teaching you more."

M'brey looked up with a smile. He was glad the Weyrling Master thought he was doing well.

Nellielth, on the other hand, favored the grown human with a suspicious gaze. What business did he have with her and Hers, compliments were all very well, but there might be strings attached.

M'brey glanced back at Nellielth as L'ras moved on to talk to another pair. She felt, almost suspicious, but why? It was just L'ras. Resolving to find out later what it might be, M'brey returned to his oiling.

[Nicole]

Artemis ducked her head as the Rainbow queen spoke to her dragon, hiding a smile as she slipped Zabrielth another piece of meat. The dragon rumbled happily as she swallowed it down.

Thank you. We will come as soon as we are done. The little Azure blinked as Artemis slipped her the last piece of meat, trying to stay awake as the oiling cloth slid over her side. She must stay awake - Orikaeth needed to speak to her, and queens did not fall asleep during conversations.

But she closed her eyes for just a moment as Artemis rubbed her down, the Azure knowing she didn't have to repeat the Rainbow's words to her rider. And Artemis smiled as she fell asleep with her head in her lap. Hatching was hard, especially for a little queen carrying the world on her shoulders. She could sleep. Artemis could handle any conversation.

The junior Weyrwoman - and the title still sent a thrill down her spine - turned apologetically to L'ras. "Zabrielth let me know that I have been summoned by Retny and Orikaeth. I know you probably wish to speak to me about training and lessons, given my rank and her color, but do you mind if it waits until later?"

Artemis smiled at him even as her eyes slid back to the Azure in her lap, rubbing the oil rag fervently over the dry hide. Zabrielth, safe in the arms of her Rider, slept.

[Moo]

L'ras laughed and shook his head. "No, not at all! The day belongs to you." Noting his cue to leave - he did need to make another round and check on the other Weyrlings - he stood back up and dusted off his pant legs. "You should enjoy this break while you can. Tomorrow, the real work begins," he replied, his face lit up with excitement.

"Go, talk to Retny. I'm sure she has a lot to tell you. Just be sure to get some sleep, yourself. You'll have plenty of time later to learn all you can from her and the Weyrwoman."

With that, he backed quietly away from the sleepingand headed toward the remaining eight Weyrlings. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that Teth had already begun to familiarize himself with their pupils. Not harassing them, are you?

The Brown dragon raised his head, nostrils flared with annoyance. Hardly. And what about you? With our new Queen Rider?

Hardly, answered L'ras, and positioned himself in the midst of the rest of his charges. It was now time for the third phase of the morning. After clearing his throat, he addressed the sleepy Weyrlings.

"Once you've finished feeding and oiling your dragons, if you haven't noticed already, they will begin to fall asleep - and not long after, you will begin to feel tired as well. This is a normal occurrence with new bonds, so it's nothing to be concerned about. If you feel you've done all you can here, I would recommend retiring to your new quarters in the Weyrling barracks to rest, despite the time of day. Young dragons require a lot of time and energy, and it will do you no favors if you avoid sleep."

Teth chimed in, broadcasting the remainder of the message.

L'ras can direct you to your new housing once you are ready to leave the Sands. You are behooved to rest, and remember to save your energy for the Hatching feast tonight. After dinner, L'ras and I will be around to check on you and your dragons before lights out. If you have further questions, feel free to ask either of us. His eyes swirled blue-green in the knowledge of a job well done.

[Nicole]

With L'ras acknowledging her comment to go, Artemis finished rubbing down the little Azure. Slick with oil, she nearly slipped out as Artemis hefted her into her arms - but Zabrielth woke up just enough to curl her claws around Artemis' shoulder, nestling her face into her neck.

They glided back towards where Orikaeth set, making a mental note of Teth's enthusiasm for his job. She couldn't imagine that many riders were suited for the Weyrling Master position, but he and L'ras seemed very capable.

Not as capable a queen as Zabrielth would be, though. Artemis rested her cheek on the Azure's jaw for a moment before they rounded the corner. The Rainbow queen loomed tall over them, but Artemis merely smiled at her, not putting down her dragonet, and waited.