Meteor Shower [Temperanth's Third Hatching]

[shirokage]

Mestarian heard the loud bugle and humming and got up grabbing his white candidate's robe putting it on and sliding into his sandals making his way to the hatching sands. As he entered he bowed his head to the Queen and made his way to the line of male candidates.

Seeing a few of the dragonets hatch already he was amazed and noted to see such beautiful hatchlings.

After he snapped out of the daze he was in from seeing the small dragonets he noticed a few of the eggs in strange patterns wondering what it meant still quite new to this and unsure of everything going on.

[Cait]

Briselle wasn't quite sure to make of the little Ice prince. She wasn't sure what to make of any of this really. She'd been told what to expect and in the same breath told that hatching were unpredictable. Certainly she didn't know what to make of the little Ice conversing with his mother or his inspection of the female candidates. Shifting nervously, her gaze strayed to the smallest egg and she wondered what might come of it. Her attention was brought back to the hatching eggs however, when another little dragon spilled onto the sands with a bit of fanfare.

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

Korvalia had taken a little longer than intended to get to the sands arriving just moments before the young crimson made his debut. Slipping up silently beside R'niaan as Korinath swooped down onto a ledge, she kept quiet. Her gaze scanned the gathered candidates. So far things were a great deal more orderly than some of the past hatchings though no less peculiar. It must've been something about Ice Stone that led to such peculiarities. Humming softly, Croony settled on her shoulder and wrapped herself around the assistant weyrling master's neck as she cast a brief but intense glance at her counterpart.


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

V'quin chuckled and settled himself beside Hedara, intent to stand for as long as she chose to do so. Clasping his hands behind his back he leaned in again so that his voice could be heard above the antics of the newly hatched dragons. "Your girl always did know how to put on a good show. At least she'll have another story to tell." In truth, he didn't think he'd been to a single of Temperanth's hatchings that hadn't been filled with peculiarities and interesting oddities. His sister had Impressed at her first to the most peculiar little purple-grey and one of the first chromes in quite a while had appeared in that clutch as well. He could only imagine what sort of hi-jinx this clutch would get up to. Irrakath had told him some interesting tales of the touching.

[Shoki]

The Crimson-Black dragonet locked eyes on the Black and suddenly bolted. As he stormed through the eggs he did so without regard as to what he hit. He bumped on egg, sending it into a close neighbor and both shattered open. The Darkblue and Brick dragonets that were revealed had to deal with the aftermath by themselves. On the red and black dragonet’s mad dash he ran into the largest egg, but the egg seemed no worse for the wear, only falling slightly to its side.

The Black looked back slightly, but it was all too late as the Crimson-Black was upon it. Quick as lightning the Crimson-Black had clawed at the Black, causing the Black to reel with the pain. Ichor dripped to the sands from the series of three cuts given to the Black. Once the Black recovered, he stood, watching the two toned dragonet, unmoving.

The Ice dragonet looked up, forgetting the candidate he had been studying and watched the altercation with a searching gaze. He left the female candiates and started toward the other two males, watching for something. Behind him, the Darkblue moved toward the females, slinking up to Taissa, then circling the candidate while brushing up against her.

The Brick, however, didn’t go to the candidates, not right away. She moved to one of the other eggs that was starting to show a web of cracks and waited. It was smaller, but not the smallest of the eggs. Under the new scrutiny it wiggled more quickly and once it fell over, a Citrine spilled onto the sands. Once both dragonets greeted each other they trotted toward the male candidates. They gave the male dragonets and their fight a wide berth.

[lucidmaus]

Savitr hissed out a swear just under his breath, chased with an apologetic turn of phrase. Too low to be heard properly; discerned only by the tone of his voice. He tensed as he watched the two dragons tangle in a brief, but fierce fight. Fierce enough, at least, that the Black was left oozing ichor. His expression hardened as he looked to the Crimson-Black, his jaw setting at a stern angle.

He knew better than to go out there onto the sands. And, yet, the clenching of his fists suggested firmly that he wanted very much so to do just that.

The tension in him only grew tighter as more eggs hatched and he was forced to divide his attention between the combatants and the Brick, Darkblue, and Citrine that joined the Ice on the sands. While the Darkblue seemed to have a fate among the girls - but didn't that Ice seem to, as well? - the others were certainly to be watched!

~~~

Shakti sucked in a sharp breath when the Crimson-Black went after the Black for no apparent reason. "Jays! What did that one do to you, anyway?" The words spilled out of her unbidden - and louder than she would have liked, honestly. It wasn't that ichor was spilled - but that it seemed to be so unnecessary. But who was she to know? Perhaps there was something to the assault. All the same, her hands tensed into fists and she stamped one foot as a mother might do to get a child's attention.

Then she remembered just where she was and her cheeks went red, though her jaw ended up set at a hard angle, tight and twitching. More eggs burst and her attention swept to them in due course, though the Ice's movements were noted with some confusion. Didn't he seem to want one of the girls? Apparently not, if he was going to the boys now. And then there was the Brick and Citrine and- ah, a Darkblue that seemed to be flirting with Taissa.

She continued to watch, of course, tense now that ichor had been shed.

~~~

Ulyana's gaze was pulled away from the Ice by the altercation between Crimson-Black and Black alike. Her forehead furrowed for just a moment before going smooth again. She said nothing to the departing Ice, however, and merely watched as he ventured along the line. That observation was sidelong at best, however: there was a lot happening and it was difficult to track.

The squabble between Crimson-Black and Black, the untimely hatching of Darkblue and Brick. The eventual hatching of the Citrine. She blinked once, slowly, and followed those movements as best she could. Taissa was considered briefly as the Darkblue made his way to her, the silent young woman watching for a few moments longer before shifting her regard to the others. Citrine and Brick alike were venturing toward the males and she, ever vigilant, continued her observations.

[Darwin]

Sharikar looked over at her brother. "Good luck, Shai!" She called over to him. They had been standing on the sands since being informed of the eggs hatching. She was a little nervous about standing but it was just nerves. She watched as the dragonets hatched and was worried as a few got into a bit of a skuffle. She winced, hoping none of them would get seriously injured.

Shaikar waved and gave his sister a wink before he turned back to the eggs hatching and the dragonets already on the sands. He knew better than getting in the middle of two tusselling dragonets. He would wait and be patient as the eggs hatched. If one was his then he'd know. But he couldn't help but wince at the furor in which the dragonets skuffled. He hoped they would turn to find theirs soon. He could only imagine what would cause them to skuffle.

[shirokage]

Mestarian watched the dragonet's amazed at how much energy they had after just hatching, he smiled seeing all the colors and beauty of each one.

He noticed the black dragonet and the multicolored dragons fighting and wondered if the dragonet would be okay.

[shapeshifter]

Taissa looked down at the DarkBlue that had slinked over to her from the Sands. It wound around her legs in a catlike form, her eyes glimmered with a little ray of hope. "Oh...you..." she breathed, she looked over to see a Citrine and a Brick moving together. She then watched as ichor hit the sands from the Crimson-Black, a gasp emitting from her. She took a step back instinctively, but would plant herself in the ground firmly and keeping her eyes on the Crimson-Black if she was to need to flee.

-------

Lena squeaked as she watched the Brick and the Citrine cross the sands, her eyes lit up with excitement. "Look Briselle!" she said, pointing at the two as they crossed before her eyes grew wide with shock at the cry of the Black. She whimpered and bit her lip, the shock coursing her body as she watched the dragon's ichor hit the Sand. She wanted to run and coddle it in its time of need.


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


R'niaan felt Korvalia appear, "Just in time, love." he said, moving a hand to the small of her back and would move to rub it up and down twice before removing his hand. "There's a Crimson-Black on the Sands...." he winced at the cry of the Black, "Oh he's tempered... this isn't good." he said, his look of happiness from her appearance fleeting fast into a serious, studious look. "These few are already interesting.. I'm ready to see more.." he said, noting there were many left to present themselves. Out of his concern for the Hatchlings, he piped up without looking over "Bamath will antagonize me until I told you he thinks you are glowing today..I have to agree."

[Shoki]

There was an unbearable silence between the Black and the Crimson-Black. Besides the tail of the Crimson, neither moved as they stared. It was hard to tell if it was just staring, will against will, or if there were something more. It seemed like an eternity. Then, the Black lunged with a hiss and the Crimson went to meet him, both dragonets tangling now. They began to tumble, and tumble toward the male candidates. Both Gil and the candidate next to him were close enough to get sand tossed toward them in the frenzy. The Ice, having watched this all the time leapt forward, even as the Brick and Citrine tried to get away, the Brick bumping Mestarian as she moved behind him. The Ice wasn’t interested in joining the fray, but watched the candidates and his feuding brothers with a critical eye. He went closer, stopping in front of Savitr before looking up at the candidate.

[smear:#95c7c5]Come on Mine, let’s go! We might not be able to stop them from fighting, but we can still get the candidates out of the way![/smear:314c4b] The dragonet’s rainbow eyes confirmed that impression took place, as well as the rush of love for the candidate turned rider he was now bonded to.

The Citrine, having moved behind the candidates, decided to move all the way around to the female candidates. Why? Hard to say. She had a spring in her step as she did so, but stopped at the Darkblue circling Taissa. He stopped, mostly because the Citrine moved to impede him, and the pair regarded each other. The Darkblue seemed to dislike this for some reason, whereas the Citrine’s body language had curiosity in it. Neither noticed eggs beyond the candidate hatching.

The largest egg, though unbothered by the bump did appear to be trying to move. Its movements were rather curious though, it moved differently from the other eggs that rocked. It had no cracks on it at all, but seemed to vibrate in place. It shifted only slightly making way in the sand under it so it fell to its side properly. It appeared that this egg would keep its secret for a while yet.

Near the center trio of eggs the smallest egg suddenly fell to pieces. It had been working diligently unnoticed for a while, but finally broke. The Gray that was revealed dusted itself off and looked around before seeing the end of the female candidates and walking over. Then, methodically, it started from the end and paused at each female candidate in turn. Some more than others.

The Gold egg, largely unmoving, suddenly generated a pattern of cracks on it. How odd, it didn’t seem to move very much.

Speaking of which, the egg that had not moved one inch since the hatching had started cracked in two. What spilled onto the sands was a mixture of dark blues and black. It could only be a Midnight. Yet, it had hatched out of one of the eggs larger than the Golden one. It looked as big as its Ice brother. Maybe slightly bigger, it was hard to tell. It got up and sat, observing the sands before making a move. There was an awful lot to take in.

---

Hedara let out a low ‘heh’ as way of showing amusement. “If I did not know better, I would say she did so on purpose for that very reason.” Her eyes were glued to the dragonets, and her lips pressed together in a line as she observed the fight. She wouldn’t say she was surprised though. She did raise her hands to clap on the first impression. Here was to many more riders.

“Let’s get a seat over here.” She motioned to a space a little further from the candidates and closer to the eggs. She went to sit and eyed the eggs. Something about this clutch was very ‘blink and you’ll miss it’. As the Midnight hatched, Hedara raised an eyebrow. “Huh.”




Name: Zephoth (Zeh –foth)
Color: Ice (m) #95c7c5 #314c4b #5ed0cb
Personality: This Ice wants to be a legend. He adores stories of Heroes and their deeds, and wants to put himself and his rider into history. Zephoth has a big heart and determination that would tire other dragons, and might at time tire even his rider with his relentless attempts to become a figure that’s remembered. Still, when he needs to relax, he will be quick with a tale of heroes defeating evil and his enthusiasm in good conquering evil is positively infectious.
Adult Length: 37 feet
Impresses: Savitr

[lucidmaus]

Savitr was taken aback at the sheer amount of violence between the two dragons. He took a step forward- only to be abruptly intercepted by the Ice. His eyes met those of the dragon and he froze. The contact was sudden and intense, a deep and abiding awareness flooding into the void. His eyes briefly went unfocused before they cleared again, focusing with renewed intensity on the Ice. Zephoth. The name was etched indelibly in his mind, linked inextricably linked with his own. Which, now, was S'vitr? He supposed that was correct. It felt right.

But Zephoth was already moving, his mental declaration quickly followed with, [smear:#95c7c5]Hurry! They're getting too close![/smear:314c4b]

"I am coming, Zephoth, but there is terribly little that we can do short of pulling the other gentlemen back from the fray." And if they were canny, those Candidates would be on the move already!

All the same, Zephoth led the way, with S'vitr following with his long-legged stride. Where the Ice boldly strode along the front of the line, S'vitr walked along behind, tapping shoulders or tugging the robes of those that might have been too struck by the combat to think to move. "Get on back now, y'hear? Can't have the lot of you shedding your own blood while they are so busy shedding ichor. Back, back, come on now!"

Whether they listened or not, well; that was all on them, wasn't it?

~~~

Shakti quirked a brow when the Ice finally seemed to settle, though a slow smile emerged a moment later. At least it looked like things were proceeding as they should, even with all that... bloodshed? Ichorshed? Her nose wrinkled again and, when the Black launched at the Crimson-Black, she stepped forward and toward the fray. Just a step or two, nothing more, and she was far enough back that she was in no danger of being sprayed with sand. But, the thought of intervening was very clearly there.

And it was a dangerous thought.

"For Faranth's sake! Can't anyone stop them? They'll kill each other before they Impress!" She spoke to no one and everyone, her gaze casting about for anyone in authority that might be able to intervene. It was a futile effort, but it was one that she made all the same, her eyes eventually falling back on the conflict. Her mouth settled into a hard, flat line.

The progress of the other dragons was only peripherally noted - there goes the Brick, bumping into one of the boys. The meeting of Darkblue and Citrine was given only a passing look. But there was a Gray there, it looked like? And, there, a rather large Midnight that tumbled out of an equally large egg. All of those were observed obliquely, right along with the webbing of cracks that laced the Gold egg.

But that fight! Ooh, the senselessness of it was getting to her - and there was nothing at all that she could do about it.

~~~

Ulyana pursed her lips while she kept the conflict of Crimson-Black and Black in her peripheral vision. They were over there and were no immediate threat to her or her well-being. The Darkblue and Citrine were some distance away as well; their meeting near Taissa was also noted, but filed away in the same category. The Brick that bumped into Mestarian, too, was slotted in that same file. Present, but no threat.

More eggs hatched. A few others looked as if they might be close to hatching as well.

The Gray was spotted, her methodical tendencies likewise observed and appreciated in the abstract. As she progressed up the line of female Candidates, Ulyana maintained her position, unmoving and patient as ever. The birth of the Midnight was also seen and briefly analyzed, the size worthy of a brief lifting of one eyebrow as her mask of indifference cracked with a measure of curiosity. But then it was back to well-schooled neutrality, the young woman holding her own on the Sands. There was a lot to keep track of, yes, but she did so admirably, her gaze flicking from dragons to eggs and back again with only a slow blink from time to time.

[Darwin]

Shaikar knew from experience that Hatchings never went the way one hoped they would go. And he was one of those that hoped Hatchings would go smoothly. And the Black and the Crimson-Black only proved that the Hatchlings often had other ideas of how things would progress through a Hatching. He shook his head. He wanted to just run to them and ask them to find their bondeds instead of seeming to harm each other. But he would wait and see what happened. He wasn't stupid enough to run up to a hatchling or hatchlings. No. That was asking for getting mauled. He was happy to see though that the Ice male had impressed if the whirling rainbow eyes were the indication. Which he knew from experience was and indication of Impression. He watched the hatching and grinned as a few more eggs seemed to want to hold their secrets for a while longer. He grinned widely when a handsome, large Midnight hatched. That was an interesting surprise!

~*~

Sharikar could only wince as the Black and the Crimson-Black went at it. She was more than happy to let them deal with whatever it was way over where they were and not anywhere near her! She was not really fond of the idea of getting hurt by hatchlings. She grinned when the Ice male impressed. One impression, and so many to go! She watched the Citrine to see what that one was up to. Apparently the Citrine was curious about what the DarkBlue was doing. Interesting. Sharikar's attention went to the eggs again as more began to shake. The largest egg seemed to be doing a weird dance, Sharikar thought. Her eyes quickly going to the other eggs as they moved. She caught the hatching of Gray baby and watched as it investigated the females. She smiled. But her eyes went back to the rocking eggs so she didn't miss any other hatchings. She watched the Gold egg as it seemed to suddenly generate cracks on it. She then caught sight of an egg that a handsome Midnight hatched out of. Such a large Midnight, Sharikar thought.

[Shoki]

The Black recoiled with a slash to one of his eyes, crying in pain. It appeared the two siblings were going to fight forever or that one or both might be lost. However, as the Black collected itself, it turned away from the Crimson-Black for a moment and hissed. The two colored dragonet appeared to ignore it, but the Black whipped its head back around and hissed urgently. Then they both turned toward the Male candidates. Then they both hissed simultaneously. With a huff, both dragonets went opposite directions, the Crimson-Black toward the male candidates, the Black away from the candidates entirely.

The Brick, having been hiding behind Mesterian during this whole thing, decided the male candidates were not worth looking through right at that moment, and went toward the female candidates. As she went by, she stopped at Shakti to take a longer look at her, not going so far as Taissa, who was still next to the Citrine and Darkblue.

The two dragonets watched each other a while longer, before the Darkblue seemed to give a little nod toward the Citrine, who bounced toward the other female candidates. The Darkblue, seeming satisfied, turned toward Taissa as he curled around her again. Come Taissa, I’ll keep you safe. My brother will never find you if you are already giving me food. I am your Ahaetulth. The mind voice was strangely cool, even as his eyes went rainbow colors.

The Citrine continued on, stopping at Lena for a moment, before bouncing to Sharikar and taking a look. Then she rolled around on her back. It was hard to tell what the Citrine was thinking here. This was directly contrasted to the Gray, who was being methodical. Start at the end and move forward. He paused at Ulyana for a little while, and gave the candidate a nod before moving on. When he came to Briselle, he stopped for a little longer, appearing to examine her closely.

The golden egg started to break. Flecks of shell fell to the sands, revealing a gleaming hide underneath. As the eggshell fell away a Silver was revealed. Only she wasn’t just silver, her hide was marked with…gold? Or was it something else, it was an awfully orange sort of metallic marking. She stretched her wings, but durned almost immediately to Temperanth, who was sitting up, waiting. The young queen walked slowly to her mother, with a purposeful grace. Temperanth flared her wings slightly and the Silver sat, listening to her mother.

The Black, having walked away from the candidates, was dissatisfied. Whatever, he didn’t need a human. He would be fine. He stopped at the gleaming ice and stared at his reflection. One eye he could not open right now, and he was decorated with wounds that he would carry as scars forever. Good. He would never be mistaken for another common Black. He was Crawth, and could do this.


Name: Ahaetulth (aah-hey-tool-th)
Color: Darkblue (M) # 1a1635
Personality: Ahaetulth is sneaky, and enjoys manipulating others. Even if he needs more practice with the latter. He is swift and dexterous and he knows it. With his slim frame has a very serpentine way of moving and uses it to his advantage. He’ll use dirty tricks in a fight and finds that the ends justify the means. That said, he is perfectly subject to his rider’s will. Though he might go beyond their wishes if not told not to do so, he will always obey them when asked. Enemies of his rider beware, since one never knows what dark corners the Darkblue might be hiding in.
Adult Length: 26.5 feet
Impresses: Taissa

Name: Crawth (Crau-th)
Color: Black (M) # 191919
Personality: Crawth is a very stubborn dragon. He should probably back down more often. However, this means he is very loyal and similarly won’t back down from supporting a friend. Those he likes he will stick with to the end. He’s not particularly introspective, and doesn’t think too hard about his feelings. When a friend does come to him with ‘feeling stuff’ he will try his best for their sake, but is not very good at giving advice in that area. He is very straightforward, and will be blunt in his thoughts to any who want to hear them.
Adult Length: 27 feet
Impresses: Self impressed

[lucidmaus]

S'vitr and Zephoth continued at their work, such as it was, until the Black finally recoiled and hissed. When the dragons finally separated, S'vitr let out a low exhalation of relief that was punctuated by a cramping in his stomach that could only be hunger. But was he hungry? Really? The idea baffled the gambler.

[smear:#95c7c5]I think I need to eat now[/smear:#314c4b], Zephoth said, his eyes whirling a sudden red. [smear:#95c7c5]But we should get him some food, too.[/smear:#314c4b]

Well, that explained it.

"Ah, sorry, Zephoth. We'll get you- oh. Him? Which him are you- ah, I see now." S'vitr glanced at the Black, where he was looking at his scarred face. Concern was writ on his face, along with an aching sympathy. "Poor fellow. The dragonhealers will need to have a look at him, too."

[smear:#95c7c5]Crawth. Crawth, come on. We're getting some food! You should eat, too. You're welcome to join us![/smear:#314c4b] Zephoth's mindvoice was bright and clear and encouraging.

Throughout the ordeal, however, they missed the hatching of the curiously marked Silver; they also missed the Impression of the DarkBlue. Unfortunate details, but they would find out about all of it soon enough! After they've eaten!

~~~

Shakti relaxed a little when the dragons finally separated, her attention momentarily tracking to the Crimson-Black. But, as he made his way to the male Candidates - and the Black went elsewhere entirely - her attention went to the remaining dragons on the Sands.

The Brick's attention didn't escape her notice and she looked down, studying the ruddy dragonet curiously. "What are you looking for?" The Candidate asked, though the question was very likely rhetorical. She certainly didn't expect an answer, in either case.

While she kept a watchful, if not wary, eye on the Brick, she did spot the DarkBlue seeming to connect meaningfully with Taissa. She smiled again, watching the pair, before her attention shifted to the Citrine that was gamboling about. She laughed softly as the dragonet ended up on her back and rolled about; compared to the earlier fight, it was a much more enjoyable sight.

The Gray's adventure, too, was noted, though she still had some time yet before he would reach anywhere near her. And he was stopped anyway, it seemed, so her attention flickered back to the Brick then, onward, to the egg that was hatching.

"Oh. Oh, jays. Those colors!" Startled, yes, but there was definitely some awe there; not just for the silver hide, but for the boldness of her markings.

~~~

Ulyana studied the Gray for as long as the Gray lingered to be studied. The dragonet's nod was matched with one of her own, short and stiff and mechanical, before her regard shifted slightly.

The battle between brothers was ended. She observed the Black departing on his own; her mouth flattened into a thin, bloodless line. Thoughtful. The Crimson-Black seemed no worse for wear and appeared to be continuing his quest with the boys. Appropriate.

The DarkBlue's claim appeared to be laid and the Brick's indecision was also noted. Ulyana's attention slid to the playful Citrine and her apparently carefree tendencies. The Candidate observed all of this, but did not seem to understand, precisely. Everything about the Hatching thus far seemed to be irregular.

Another hatching egg was a welcome distraction. It also proved to be highly irregular.

Silver and metallic orange? Copper, perhaps? She considered the other metallic options that might be a suitable analog, but she came up short. Copper seemed the most likely. Her thoughts clicked along those avenues in the background, the distraction only a partial one. Most of her focus remained on those that still wandered, though the risk of injury was - surely - significantly reduced by that point.

[shirokage]

Mestarian watched as the two dragonet's fought and hadn't noticed the dragonet hiding behind him until after the fight had ended and the dragonet had walked away. He saw the black dragonet covered and wounds and hoped it would be alright seeing as the crimson and black was stronger after just hatching not to long ago he looked if it was just as wounded or just grazed.

After awhile of gazing at each dragonet he looked towards the eggs and then to the other candidates and thought to himself. "A few more to go, I do hope the rest go a bit more smoothly." He gave a nervous smile.

He saw the Queen dragonet hatch and was amazed by her beauty, speechless he kept quiet and to himself just watching the other candidates and dragonet's.

[shapeshifter]

Taissa felt hot tears stream down her cheeks at the Ahaetulth spoke to her, ensuring her of comfort and love. She followed her dragonet, his wingtips leaving little light trails in the Sand as they were the second pair to impress. She beamed down at him, Oh my sweet, sweet Darkblue...so happy to have you.. she felt a fuzzy, warmth trickling in her body, Please, I am ready to eat and I am starvingggg, after we can nap and then visit with everyoneee, yes. Everyone we must get to know. Taissa nodded in fervor as they approached the meat tables and met R'niaan, hearing him commanding different things to different people. She picked up a knife and began to chop away at meat to provide to the dragonet.

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

The Crimsonrider beamed, "Ah, an Ice Impression and a DarkBlue, someone prepare meat for the Black over there!" he barked, seeing a few drudges moving around as he moved away from Korvalia. "Weyrlings, careful not to over stuff your dragonet!" he added in haste, knowing the ravenous little things would attempt to beg them to submission of their will.


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

Lena's bright eyes watched as the dragons impressed around her, even the self-confident Black impressed on himself. Her eyes lit up at the Moonlight that hatched, locking eyes on it, though her curiosity looking towards the Crimson-Black. She was ignoring the Wood and Citrine at this point as the Queen hatched, her Silvery-Copper colors awing the audience as a whole. "Look at that Briselle, she's gorgeous... I wonder who she will..." she trailed off, feeling her heart skip a beat.

[Kaya]

Gil lost sight of the fight as his hands reached to cover his eyes against the sand. The sting of the small grains on his skin reminded him that claws were sharper. He peeked over his arm to see the dragonets still battling. He moved back cautiously, seeing another Candidate warn them away. There was a dragonet near him though, another one, but he had little time to examine the beautiful blues when he was far more concerned about preserving the integrity of his skin. He focused only on the two dragonets clawing in front of him, as he maneuvered further to safety (or as much as one could find on the open Sands). The rest of the Hatching spectacle was drowned out by the hissing and fangs, the hide around an eye split open, dark blood (was it blood?) welling up around the wound. Such violence and power in creatures so new to the world. That must be what it took to protect the skies.

At last the two stopped, each going their own way, the Crimson-Black staying near the Candidates, and the Black leaving first for the ice, and then the food. The northerners had had to explain this process of self-Impression to him on two separate occasions. He had thought he simply misheard the first time, maybe wasn't paying close enough attention, the words contrasted so strongly with what he had come to know from the local knowledge of dragons.

If they could all be their own, why still choose a Rider? Something about that bond, Gil supposed.