Ayleneth's Hatching 73.11.18

[Nicole]

The Green Aurora belonged with M'ros. Svak and the Midnight. Kokoro and the White. Miska and the Sunset. The Pink. The other Aurora. All had Impressed except for the one lone egg, slowly rocking from its spot underneath its mother.

Elora wouldn't - couldn't - let her nerves show. There were other Candidates left on the Sand. And why would the last little one left pick her?

And when had she swallowed a rock? That was clearly the only reason that such heaviness would be sitting in her stomach.

Why am I so nervous? So what if I don't Impress this time around? If I do it will be beautiful and wonderful and awesome. And if not, there's always next time.

Still, she couldn't help but feel like she had something to prove. She was older than a lot of the Candidates; she was the most excluded; she was the one that had the shiftiest Search. If she didn't Impress here, would she still be considered lesser?

It wasn't that she cared what they thought as much as she cared about - no, it was that she cared about what they thought. There was no sense denying it. She had come to the Weyr hoping to find a home, or at least someplace she could call home. She hadn't minded her life before this. Just, after a while, it was... tiring, to keep pretending to be perky and happy and sultry and somebody that you're not all the time.

N'kio doesn't think I'm those things all the time. I think.

She risked a quick glance to the Stands, easily picking out the giant Black. The splotch of red hair stood out against his hide, and a small smile flickered over her face before she looked back at the slowly rocking Egg.

So you might not Impress, but that doesn't mean you don't have a friend here. Right? No nerves. No worries. Not time to stand up straight. Don't want that next dragonet thinking you're a frightened chicklet, do you?

She took a deep breath, let it out in one giant huff, and waited with her back straight and a small smile on her face.

[Moo]

"Of course, by all means," agreed D'gan. "And I'm sure Mosiliath would like to know about the new Weyrlings, too. Is this something I should attend with you, or would you rather go by yourself?"

Mosiliath stared at the solitary egg. Would it like him? Nothing to do now but wait. He hated and loved the waiting.

###

Metanath's eyes brightened when Elora turned to look at the stands. Hey, N'kio, she's looking at me.

He grinned and resisted the urge to wave back. I disagree -- she's looking at me.

The Black dragon sighed and turned back to the event, just then noticing the Sunset had already Impressed to someone else.

N'kio was already on top of the Impressions. "You know, I didn't like that Sunset, anyway."

The woman beside him gave him a dirty look.

"Hmmph." He focused back on the Sands. One egg left. Would it Impress to Elora?

Now what color are you considering for me?

I was thinking one of those Auroras, but what are your thoughts?

I think I don't like your planning for the future. My future, mind you.

N'kio snickered. "It's been ages since you've had a Flight. You are no fun at all."

"Shhh!"

[summerrain]

Yuki looked back to the lone egg. "Can you give me some time to think about that?" she asked softly. "I won't leave for a few days, but I will tell the Aurora Weyrlings that the possibility does exist." She sighed softly. "I hate having to tell them something like this, but they'd hate me if I waited."

The last egg stopped moving, but there was some contemplative chirping from the creature within it. A tapping noise was heard, then the first crack appeared. It slowly grew longer, spidering across the eggshell. Then, the egg split open, leaving the DarkBlue that had hidden within it for so long looking at the shards of shell. She opened her wings, then shook the remainder of the egg from her hide. She looked around, eyes whirring thoughtfully. She looked at the boys, her gaze passing them over in a single fluid motion. She turned to the girls, then walked over to them. Hers was among these, that much she knew. But which one?
_______

Kokoro laughed softly, holding out some chopped meat for Angeth. "She'll be fine once she calms down," she told M'ros. "Angeth just needs some guidance is all." Kokoro scratched at the White's eye ridge, and the dragonet made a noise of contentment. Kokoro laughed again. So much emotion from the senior apprentice farmer was rare. She was usually thinking about something or other, often not responding until the person calling her was close by.

[Nicole]

Elora's head tilted to the side as the DarkBlue popped out of her shell, wandering over to where she and the other girls stood. She was the darkest color to come out - perhaps even darker than the Midnight, depending on the light she was in, or maybe that was just because of being in the shell for so long? And she seemed awfully calm as she contemplated the rest of them.

The last dragonet of this Clutch. Mine or not, I hope she finds her partner. And I find mine in my own time. Right? Right.

The nerves were back as the dragonet looked at them all, but she wouldn't let them show. Couldn't let them show. She'd be fine.

[Shoki]

Finally the final egg hatched. Cyan watched as the dragonet, almost casually, broke free and shook free the remainder of her egg. A Darkblue. The dragonet, though young just seemed so cool and thoughtful. It surprised the candidate that there was such a young dragon like this. She supposed that dragons could be just born like that. The Darkblue gave her gaze to the male candidates for only a moment then went to review the females. Cyan watched the dragonet move, still more curious then invested. It would probably impress a girl, though maybe it could have picked a guy if it had wanted. What sort of people did this dragonet want? She wished she remembered more about her dragon colors at the moment. Instead Cyan just watched as the Darkblue went down the line and reviewed them all. It could of been her imagination but she felt as though as some of the candidates were holding their breath. Maybe it was just her. After all it was the last dragon, all eyes had to be on the Darkblue.

[Moo]

The nervous yellow in Mosiliath’s eyes was replaced by a glaucous blue as soon as the remaining egg hatched and revealed, for all to see, a healthy, strong dragonet. Oh, it was all he had hoped for. He spared a second to look over at his Rider – if only he could really know what this felt like. But he did not want children. He was afraid.

He returned his attention back to the last remaining of the hatchlings and reviewed the colors that had already Impressed. Two Auroras, one Pink, one White, a Sunset, a Midnight, and now all that was left was the Dark Blue female. Such wonderful colors! For a first clutch here, it was certainly a good one. His crooning turned into a deep, contented purr that settled in his chest. Mosiliath nuzzled Ayleneth’s neck with his nose. You have done very well, dear. I am happy. Are you?[/b][/color]

D’gan leaned in to hear what Yuki had said, brow furrowing as he replayed what he thought she had replied. His hearing in that ear was not the best today. “It would be best to deal with it sooner than later.” He didn’t know how long these Candidates – now Weyrlings – had been living at this Weyr, but any longer and it might be difficult to get them to leave. “And Auroras have never hatched outside of that Weyr before?” Curious. "I wonder how they would fare in these jungles."

He paused briefly and considered his dragon, who was positively glowing with newfound Fatherhood. D’gan hesitated. The thought of his own possible children settled heavy in his stomach. His palms had even started growing warmer. “Yes,” he said as an afterthought, “A private discussion would be best once the Hatching is officially over. I…I need to ask you a question, anyway.”

[summerrain]

The DarkBlue walked past each of the girls, stopping in front of each one for mere moments, then moving on to the next. Nope... No... Not this one... Ah! Yes, that one! She stopped in front of Elora and met the girl's eyes.

EloraMine, do not worry. Your Saphireth is here. I am yours, and you are Mine.

DarkBlue (f) Saphireth
Name: SAPH-ir-eth
Hex color: 16166a
Adult size: 27 feet
About: Saphireth is a surprisingly typical DarkBlue. She is very quiet, preceding to speak through Hers than directly to anyone she doesn't trust completely. She is a thinker, and tends to come up with good strategies for getting something done.


Yuki nodded. "A mature Aurora can live anywhere, but Hatchlings have yet to be raised outside of Ice Stone Weyr," she agreed. "There's no telling how an environment of such difference will affect the Hatchlings." She looked over at the Sands, where the last hatchling, a beautiful DarkBlue, had been, only to see that it, and the Candidates, had gone. "The eggs have all hatched. We need to get ready for the Hatching Feast tonight." She turned to Ayleneth. "I'm going to go back to my Weyr now. Stay until the feast if you like, but you'll need to be back in the Rider's Weyr by the time the feast is over." Ayleneth nodded slowly, then laid her head down on her front feet. The Hatching had been tiring for the Clutchmother. She had slept little the night before, and now would catch up while she could still sleep in the comfortably warm Sand.

[Shoki]

Cyanee watched as the Darkblue proceeded down the line quickly looking at and then dismissing each prospect. Soon however the dragonet's eyes locked on one of the candidates, and it was all over. The hatching had ended, the dragonets had all chosen their partners. Now that it was all over Cyan couldn't help but be disappointed. She hadn't thought she was hoping for something but apparently she had, just a little. She looked up into the stands and saw her brother and his lifewing looking at her, just looking sympathetic. Cr'wean motioned to her and she knew he wanted to see her in the Bowl. She looked down at her white robes for only a moment before sneaking off to talk.

---

Cr'wean was already in the Bowl by the time Cyan slipped out. Kiyosh was standing behind him sitting in the Bowl. Cyan opened her mouth to say something but was immediately caught in her big brother's hug. She got confused for a moment then hugged him back, relief in her features. She looked up briefly as one of Kiyosh's wings reached out to join the hug for a moment, then retracted as Cr'wean started to speak.

"Sorry, did I blindside you with our conversation?"

Cyan looked surprised then buried her head into his shoulder. Her eyes were threatening her, so she didn't want to look at her brother. She didn't impress, but he was the one apologizing. Clarification on his words were suddenly a lot less pressing, now she just wanted to be with her family, just for a little while. Cr'wean caught this and squeezed her a little tighter, and Kiyosh pressed her head against the young girl's back. There were things to do, places to go, but they could wait, at least for a little while.

[Nicole]

EloraMine, do not worry. Your Saphireth is here. I am yours, and you are Mine.

Elora bent down and absently curled her hand around Saphireth's face. The DarkBlue leaned into her hand, looking up with eyes whirling lovingly.

Yes. You are and I am.

There was no other response for this; why had Elora even been worried? This was as it should have been. Any other dragon would have just been wrong. It was her and Saphireth.

I am hungry, EloraMine. Food?

"Of course." The murmur was enough for Saphireth to physically hear; her tail slid back and forth among the Sand in happiness. "Let's get you fed, shall we?"

She stood up fully, resisting the urge to pick up the dragonet -- Saphireth was roughly the size of a large dog; she could have done it -- and straightened her shoulders, absently tugging on the ends of her robe. Elora absently rested her hand on the back of Saphireth's head as they worked their way off the Sands.

[Moo]

In a loud burst of sound, Metanath bugled, startling those sitting next to him. Elora did it! She Impressed! His wings snapped open, probably hitting some people in the head as they did, but if he knew he didn’t seem to care. Yay Elora!

Breathing a sigh of relief, N’kio was all smiles as he watched the newly Impressed pair meet on the Sands. That was it – she had Impressed. Rising up from his seat, he clapped and cheered her on just as loudly as his dragon. Why were they ever nervous in the first place? Of course Elora could do it. She did! And to the last egg in the clutch!

Oh, wait a moment, Metanath, N’kio thought, What if the dragonet is a male?

Wait, what? That made him pause. Oh…that. N’kio, you are impossible sometimes. Just hatched and all! Well since you want an answer, I’m not planning anything, so don’t get any ideas just yet. Metanath glanced over at his Rider, then back to the pair leaving the Sands.

They look so nice together. Let us go and congratulate them!

Not waiting for a reply from his Rider, Metanath folded his wings (the people around him ducking) and left his spot and headed down to the feeding area, where he was sure Elora and her dragonet were moving toward.

N’kio followed close behind, resisting the urge to run over and give her a hug, so excited by all that transpired. What good luck that they decided to visit the Weyr on this day! He paced Metanath at a jog, minding the crowd of people as his Black just drove right through.

Elora! Elora!

###

D’gan nodded and waited for Yuki to lead the way back to her weyr, satisfied with the conversation so far. There would be more to talk about in private, but here, on the Sands, was not the proper place to discuss such matters.

Mosiliath unfolded his wing from Ayleneth and listened to Yuki, before turning to his Rider. D'gan, I shall stay here with her. Go on ahead with yours.[/b][/color] His eyes spun slowly as he looked down at the Aurora beside him.

He settled down on his stomach and tucked his legs beneath him, staying close to her as she rested. He was tired, but he would not sleep now. First was Ayleneth’s turn, and then if there was any time before the feast, he would rest. If not…after the feast it was.

[Nicole]

Saphireth and Elora had only been outside for a moment before they saw the large Black barreling towards them.

EloraMine, perhaps we should let him by.
He is coming over to see us, darling. That is Metanath.
He is big.
You will be one day, too.

The DarkBlue stopped amd stared at the Black curiously, head tilted and eyes whirling, before her stomach rumbled. She reminded Elora that she needed food, and now, please.

Elora smiled and continued to walk towards where the plates of chopped meat were waiting. Hello, Metanath. I saw you at the Hatching.

For some reason, the smile on her face kept stretching and growing. Saphireth was hers and hungry and Metanth was happy to see her and she had a friend in N'kio.

Today was a good day.

[Moo]

Metanath slowed down before he got to Elora and her dragonet, and he began to follow them close. I just knew you saw me, Elora. This is wonderful! His eyes spun rapid blues and greens as he stared back at the small hatchling by her side.

Hello there, he hummed, lowering his head to the DarkBlue’s height. I am Metanath. Who are you, little one?

N’kio arrived a moment later, beaming as if he were the one who had just Impressed. “Hey, congratulations!” Unable to help it, he wrapped her up in a quick, tight hug before Metanath decided to snag her away in his excitement.

“I’m so proud of you, Elora.” And for half a second, the urge to kiss her on the cheek was overwhelming. Too soon, too soon, he reminded himself. This is about her today, not you. So he pulled back, still grinning, and stepped in line beside her to walk over to the feeding station.

“I guess I can’t call you a Candidate anymore, so how does it feel to be a Rider now? As amazing as you thought it would be?”

[Nicole]

The DarkBlue stared up at him for a moment before turning her head and scooching closer to Elora.

That is Metanath, yes? Will you introduce me?
You do not wish to do it yourself?
Some dragons are shy.

Elora's smile twitched even wider. Elora wasn't outgoing, persay, but she knew what to say and when to say it. Having a dragon who didn't like to talk to others would be interesting. Of course, Saphireth wouldn't be anything else. And she was perfect as she was.

Her name is Saphireth, Metanath. She is, apparently, shy.

Elora went to show her smile to the Black as Saphireth began to move towards the pile again, but was instead swept up into the quick hug by N'kio. The broad smile changed to a softer smaller one and she gave in and hugged him back.

"I'm so proud of you, Elora."

Her eyebrows shot up for a moment and the big grin was back on her face as he pulled back, both of them turning to escort a now impatient Saphireth to her meal.

"It's the best feeling. Just -" Elora grinned at him again, her happiness bubbling to the surface. Her eyes gleamed brightly, her feet had a spring in their step-

Food!

The DarkBlue stared impatiently up at one of the untouched platters of meat and Elora hastily rushed forward to give her what she wanted. Piece after piece of fresh meat began to slide down her dragonet's throat as she looked back up at N'kio.

You like him. More!
What? No, we're-we're just friends. She looked back down at the dragon, creasing her eyebrows as she tossed another piece into her mouth. Might as well just put it all on the floor at this rate and let her go at it. And you should really say please. Manners are important.
More, please. And if you insist. But I feel what you feel.
Just friends.
More, please!

[summerrain]

I'm tired now Mine, Angeth said with a catlike yawn.

"We might as well look for the WeyrlingMaster and find our new quarters," Kokoro agreed. The White had finished eating, so Kokoro picked her up and began walkig toward the Weyrling quarters. "I'll see you guys a the feast tonight!" she called to the others. She passed Elora, stopping when she saw the creature at her feet.

"Elora, congrats," she said. Angeth chirped at Saphireth, a tired hello, before seemingly falling asleep in Kokoro's arms. "Sorry about Angeth. Trying to break out of her egg must've left her pretty exhausted. Now that she's eaten, we'll both rest until the Hatching Feast tonight." She nodded at N'kio. "You're the Watchrider for Cliffside, right? Pleasure to meet you. My name's Kokoro, and this little sleepyhead is Angeth." Angeth opened her eyes, then chirped once at both N'kio and Metanath. She didn't bother saying anything, as she was nearly asleep. "I didn't expect to Impress a dragoness that was smaller than the average house feline," Kokoro admitted. "Pleasure to meet the both of you, Watchrider, Watchdragon." She was about to leave, but turned and looked back at N'kio.

"You're from Cliffside," she said again. "You should talk to the Wood Weyrling, Tera. She's been acting strange since the Gather, and I'm sure you'd be able to at least do something to help her get back to normal. She hasn't really left the Weyrling Barracks since the day of the Gather." With the information passed on, Kokoro turned to Elora. "Don't worry. Tera's only twelve. She won't take the Watchrider from you." At that, Kokoro left to find her new place in the Weyrling Barracks.

[Void]

Svak nodded at Kokoro and Angeth stifling a yawn herself. She was tired, but not tired. Whose the tired one me or you? She asked looking at Temperanth who proceeded to yawn in her face. "Your breath stinks" she said waving a hand in front of her face.

You didn't exactly feed me flowers now did you. He said with a smirk.

She rolled her eyes and propped herself up on Tsubareths sprawled body looking over at Miros. "They are a hungry bunch aren't they" she said motioning towards the pile of empty meat bowls and platters.

Well you would be too if you were stuck in a horrid shell for ages. Tsubareth said with a sniff.

I can only imagine Mine. She said reaching over and scratching his eyeridges which set him purring again.