[Hatching] Proof of a Hero

[Jabberwoky]

I am the storm that is approaching
Provoking
Black clouds in isolation
I am reclaimer of my name
Born in flames
I have been blessed
My family crest is a demon of death

Forsakened I am awakened
A phoenix’s ash in dark divine
Descending misery
Destiny chasing time

Hot. Hotter.

Hottest.

It always seemed to just get hotter and hotter in the summer months, and it was worse when waiting on the sands. It always seemed like forever when there were eggs, especially when it was so humid and so... gross.

So days passed and days passed, until one particularly humid day in the afternoon, the eggs wobbled.

Then the Scarlet Vow started to break.

Nebulaeth's call rang out across the weyr. It was time!

The hatching had begun!

---

Currently hatching: Scarlet Vow
Eggs hatched: 0/12

[nineofswords]

Candidate King - Open

Man, being a candidate was no fun, no fun at all. All he ever did anymore was get in trouble for NO REASON and then he had to scrub everything down, and they were always stinky and gross things. He thought candidates were supposed to be important, not basically drudges with extra homework! If he'd known that's all they were, he wouldn't have bothered talking a dragon into making him a candidate.

But when the hum went through the air and the call rang through the Weyr, and suddenly all of King's bitterness and frustration flew out of his head. "THE DRAGONS ARE HATCHING," he screamed at the top of his lungs, dropping the scrub brush and knocking over the bucket he'd been using - turns out you needed water to clean things properly? Who knew - in his haste to get to the eggs. The soapy water was fine, someone else would clean it up, surely.

He was halfway to the sands when he remembered that he was supposed to wear robes, not his regular wear. He skidded to a stop, slapping a hand to his face. "I don't have time for this," he wailed, booking it back in the other direction towards the candidate barracks. "Because the damn eggs are hatching right now!!" He all but dove into his room, rummaging around for his robes. He found them with a triumphant cry, holding them aloft, and then scrambled to get dressed in them, neither noticing nor caring that they were wrinkled. He also did not seem to realize that his robes were not in fact white, but a very pale peachy color.

He ran to the hatching sands, screaming out "I'M HERE! I'M NOT LATE, I'M NOT LATE I'M HERE!" He skidded to a stop, looking around. A blush slowly rose to his cheeks as he realized he was not late at all, and in fact very much on time. The eggs had barely started hatching yet. Slowly, he approached the gold, suddenly self-conscious and very aware that she'd kicked him out of the touching. He sidled up to Nebulaeth and gave a very, very cautious bow. He held the position for a few moments; yes, the candidatemasters had assured him that he wasn't barred from the hatching for his 'behavior' at the touching (whatever THAT meant, he'd done NOTHING) he didn't quite trust them on that one. But Nebulaeth wasn't kicking him out again - or eating him - so he straightened up and scampered away from her across the hot sands, putting as many candidates between himself and her as possible, while still trying to get a good view of the eggs.

He bounced on the balls of his feet. "Wow! A real hatching! My first one! This is so exciting! Do you think there'll really be a gold in that gold one? Or any maulings? I've heard hatchings have a lot of maulings, I sure hope we don't have any today but a lotta these dragons seem kinda up their own tailforks, so who even knows. Have you ever been bit by a hatchling before? What was your favorite egg? Do you know what color you want?" He was talking a mile a minute to whoever was closest to him, not even caring if they responded or not. He was clearly thrilled to be here, and chattering away to whoever would listen and not really bothering to wait for the answers.

---

Candidate Hamuntep - Open, graciously willing to tolerate Phelps

It was a miserable day. If it was going to be hot, there was no call for the air to be as thick as water on top of it. At least the day was dragging on and some of the heat was starting to dissipate slightly. Hamun was shirking chores - it was far too hot to consider doing much of anything - when the hum of dragons calling for candidates settled into his very bones.

He rose. It was time. At last. The clutch with so many dragons worthy of him, the clutch where he would surely begin his journey towards making a name for himself. He walked briskly to his room and pulled out his robe, tucked neatly away to avoid wrinkles. He pulled it on, carefully examining himself in the mirror. He scowled, tugging at the collar of the robe. He hated the feeling of the fabric against his skin. He cocked his head, considering. Well...there were no rules that said candidates had to wear their robes a certain way...

Very quickly, Hamun strategically tore a few seams so he could pull the formless garment down his body so that it hung from his hips. There. Much more comfortable, much more manuverable, and much less skin for the fabric to stick to as he would no doubt build up a sheen of sweat.

Finally ready, he made his way to the sands. He approached Nebulaeth and bowed, as was proper, smiling to himself that soon he would eclipse her in notability, and went to stand among the candidates. Idly, he looked around. Phelps was not his friend, exactly, but he'd been a shipmate, and between him and some of these candidates, Hamun would much rather the loudmouth be a classmate. And if he wasn't...well, Hamun wanted him nearby so that he could rub the man's nose in his own impression.

[Ezra]

Candidate Anphiel - Open ; King ( I'm sorry xD)

Ugh.. why the hells did it have to so damned HOT today? Anphiel felt absolute gross, sweat rolling on her skin as she worked on extra chores for likely someone getting their knickers in a knot over something she said or something. She never really cared to pay attention to when she was lectured, just did the punishments given to her ( though come on,it was hardly fair!) and moved on with her day. As she was finally done scrubbing pots and was heading to the bathing cavern to clean up, she heard the call from Nebulaeth and cursed under her breath.

Naturally NOW these eggs would want to hatch, right into the bloody blistering heat! Biting back her more scathing thoughts, she made haste to wash herself down before changing into the boring white robes she was made to wear for standing on the sands and made her way there and rolled her eyes as she entered the sands and heard King yelling.. did he ever shut the forsk up? Why did he have to be so obnoxiously loud? She secretly hoped he might get bit by one of the babies. After bowing to Nebulaeth and her rider, she took a place near King.

" Settle down, you might upset the dragonets. Unless that first one hatching happens to like sudden loud noises, then maybe you might be lucky." She said as she reluctantly took a spot near him and made sure she was near the front, no cowering in the back, she needed to be seen.. to be chosen today, as her time before aging out of dragon candidacy was drawing closer than she liked. Surely one of these found her worthy or was worthy of her. Her gaze drifted to the dragon poking out of the first egg and she held in a smile, baby dragons were rather cute, even if they were hellions that drew blood on the sand. It was okay with her, they had a right. She would be pissed too if cooped up in an egg for months and being bothered by dozens of voices outside of the shell.

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

Candidate Adella - Open

Adella yawned softly, having finished tidying her half of the candidate quarters and even swept and cleaned her roommate's side of the floor. Hearing Nebulaeth call out, she made an excited sound and rushed about to dress herself for the sands and dashed out, taking a place nearby and smiling happily to the person next to her. " Aww.. look at that sweet little baby hatching right now! I cant tell from here, do you think that is a brown?" She asked the person beside her, blue eyes full of excitement.

[Dragon]

Renkestuous - Open

Getting ready felt familiar now, as it should after seven turns of this. It was ridiculously hot and would be hotter on the sands, but that thought was merely fleeting. Renkestuous was far more interested in the hatching babies than he was in something so simple as comfort.

He tugged his robe straight as he hurried out to the sands, wishing that he could somehow between himself there. He was practically vibrating with excitement, just as he had been for every clutch he'd stood for. And surely this time - this time, finally - he'd Impress.

Twenty-two this summer, Renkestuous had been for the last two turns forced into lessons about aging out, a topic that made him roll his eyes. As if he'd age out! No, his perfect dragon was out there, just waiting to pick him. A nice blue, of course, or maybe a green or a white.

Approaching Nebulaeth, Renkestuous bowed respectfully to the Queen, then took his place among the candidates. King was yelling and bouncing, but Ren paid him no mind; he kind of liked the kid, but - wait, why wasn't his robe white? Renkestuous loved color, adored it really, the brighter the better, but there was a matter of respect and tradition to be followed! Not that he usually cared much for tradition, but he did care about things the dragons might care about.

Well, for now, he'd ignore King. The kid certainly wasn't his problem. (And after this hatching, one way or another, Renkestuous intended to cause some chaos.)

[Windra]

Candidate Petraxen - @ Adella

Petraxen was no stranger to these Semacan summers, but boy did they suck. Hair matted to their scalp in places where the sweat couldn't air out. Chores were mandatory, though plenty were shirking off today. After all, the signs were clear ... and today would be the day. Petraxen really should have utilized these few moments to bathe and prepare. Freshen up. Cuddle Honeysuckle. Get all their affairs in order just in case of maulings.

Instead they carried out their duties. Naxen was under scrutiny for the candidates barging into the Hatching Sands prematurely. They didn't want to set a worse example for the candidatemaster. So ... cleaning the kitchen and dining hall from top to bottom in anticipation of the impending feast. Soapsand smell clung heavily to their hands. Their little golden flit perched upon a window frame, chittering with wings half open. She wanted to cling to Petraxen, but the latter's constant movements made it impossible.

Then ... alas ... the humming!

Petraxen signaled to the cooks and drudges of their egress before walking to the door. Once past its hinges, they exploded into a sprint down the hall. Honeysuckle was hot on their tail, squawking. "Come, babe!"

Splash some water from the bathing tub to wash the sweat from their face ... thrust the white robes over their body ... It was hot. Of course it was hot! Sweltering! But now Petraxen didn't know if the heat came from the atmosphere or from the frantic beating of their heart!

Petraxen must have looked something unique, strutting towards the Sands entrance with a gold fire-lizard curled tightly around his neck. They stopped short as the others filtered into their designated standing area. Hands delicately moved beneath Honeysuckle's frame, lifting her tail up and off followed by the rest of her body. "You know what this means," Petraxen told her. The gold softly whined, paws grabbing frantically at her bonded's fingers even as they pried them off. "No fire-lizards on the sand, you know the rules."

But for each effort taken to remove the intrusive necklace, the harder she vowed to return. Finally Petraxen clutched her close to their chest, showering her little wedge head with kisses.

"Darling. Baby. You've gotta hang back. I'll be fine. I will! There's Healers here. You know some of 'em are gonna bite ... You back to the barracks - " A howling shriek of protest. Petraxen clamped her maw shut with a hand and a shhhhh. "Quiet. Fine. Stay close ... Go get the teddy, okay?"

Petraxen was, by some miracle, able to escape into the sands though their heart wilted without the little gold near. They could see her shimmering hide hanging just short of the entrance, clinging to that little stuffy like it was a lifeline. Petraxen blew her a little kiss before finding their steps stalling next to Adella just as the first egg began to crack.

The muzzle exposed itself and Petraxen grinned. "Oh yeah. Definitely a brown. You know I was really thinking it'd be a garnet but you can't rely on the shell decorations to clue in on what they really are."

--

Worrell of Green Worrsk - Open

Among the spectators was a scrawny man piled in next to a woman and child. Worrell sat with his family, hands flimsily rubbing against each others. Fingers overlapped, teeth shining with that big goofy smile. He gently nudged his adopted babe in the ribs, pointing down to the sands.

"See there, lil' Ernest? One day yer gonna be standin' down there and stealing the show! Waltzin' off with the biggest and shiniest, knowhatImean?"

[DinoInADress]

Candidate Erina - Adella and Petraxen

Erina had been sitting and mending some clothes in her quarters when Nebulaeth’s call came. Her tongue out and grasped between her teeth in concentration. In quick succession she pricked her finger and then bit her tongue in surprise. Not hard, just enough to be a bit annoying. She sighed, unlooped her precious needle from the thread and placed it safely back into its needle case and rushed towards the candidate barracks.

When she got to her temporary room she changed her pink tunic for the white robes. Perhaps this would be the last time she would need to wear them? Who knew? She didn’t want to get her hopes up too much but it was hard not to. Next came her belt and bags, she had already packed extra numbweed, redwort and bandages, the little leather bag was stuffed to capacity and the flap was a struggle to close.however there was one fabric bag with a drawstring that was empty just in case she did impress. That way she could save some shell fragments. Ready now she made her way to the hatching sands, dreading the heat.

Upon arriving she found that the first egg had already started to hatch! It was the Scarlet Vow! She found herself standing next to Adella and Petraxen. She responded to her fellow candidate saying ”I think so, it could possibly be a bronze too? But a brown seems more likely. I really like the Scarlet Vow’s shell, what is your favorite egg design?

[FirebrandPhlox]

Candidate Phelps - Bothering who else but Hamun

Finally it was time for the eggs to hatch and the candidates to report to the sands. The summer had been long and hot, reaching a point where to sweltering heat was unbearable. A part of Phelps was hesitant to trudge out to the hatching grounds, where it was bound to be even hotter. A greater part of him wanted to impress. Complaining about the heat under his breath, he hastily donned his candidate robe and made his way to the sands.

Even though he was quick to answer Nebuleath's call, there were already other candidates on the sands, with spectators slowly filling up the stands above. Phelps scanned for someone to talk to, not wanting to stand by himself idly waiting for the eggs to actually hatch. He spotted Hamun, his old ship mate and a favorite target to needle. Giving a cursory bow to the queen, he strode over to the other man.

"Can't stand the heat, eh?" Phelps asked, staring at the manner in which Hamun was wearing his robe. "Not worried about getting called indecent?" Admittedly, Phelps was wishing he had thought of modifying his robe earlier. It was absolutely miserable on the sands and he could already feel the sweat forming underneath the white cloth. He couldn't adjust it now though, it would be too obvious he was copying Hamun and he knew the other man would just rub it in his face.

___

Candidate Brabbop - Open

As soon as the call rang through the weyr that the eggs were hatching, Brabbop tossed aside the homework he had been working on. He didn't need to waste any more time with worksheets! He was going to impress today, he was sure of it! He ran to his room and grabbed his robe from a drawer, wrinkled heavily from being shoved unceremoniously inside. The arms of the robe had been ripped off as soon as Brabbop received the garment, giving him minimal relief from the blistering heat.

"Thanks fer havin' us!" He called to the queen with a wave. Grinning with excitement, he took a spot near the front of the gathering group of candidates. He was eager to meet these dragons, and wasn't going to let other people meet them before he did.

__

K'mina of Garnet Gurrenth - Open

"Eggs! Eggs! Eggs!" K'mina chanted with fervor as he flipped through the different clothing options available in his wardrobe. This was a gold clutch, it was the peak of summer, it called for something that was truly special.

He hollered loudly as he pulled out a cape with an embroidered image of a purple dragon spitting flames on it. "I forgot I had this! I made it after your hatching, remember?" He shouted happily, showing the fabric to Gurrenth.

The dragon put a paw over her face. The image was hideous, lopsided and lacking any sense of craftsmanship or basic anaotmy. Her draconic memory had thankfully allowed her to forget the existence of the ugly cape, but she didn't want to discourage her rider. Are you sure you don't want to wear something more...polished? She asked her bonded, trying to be polite.

"Nonsense! This is perfect!" K'mina said, throwing the cape around his shoulders. He left his torso bare, needing some skin exposed to get the sweat out, then climbed atop of Gurrneth.

The pair flew to the hatching grounds, settling into the stands. K'mina was bouncing in his seat, more impatient for the eggs to hatch than the candidates were.

"I hear this is a feisty bunch," he said to the person sitting next to him. "Think these candidates got the backbone to stand up to a pushy dragonet?"

___

Weyrling Quentin of Brown Torrigath - Open

Quentin quietly made their way into the stands, eager to see the hatching that had the weyr buzzing with activity. Torrigath looming behind them, staring down at the eggs that were about to crack.

I can't wait to see these new dragons! Torrigath said excitedly to his bonded as they took seats to watch the festivities. Though I did hear that the candidates caused a bit of trouble, sneaking on to the sands early.

Quentin nodded, staring down at the candidates on the sands. They recognized many of them, having been in the same classes as a good number, but there were plenty of new faces as well. It seemed there were some bold personalities in this class, with one candidate wearing his robes like a skirt and another wearing ones that were entirely the wrong color.

I hope they do not cause more trouble, for the eggs' sake, they mentally said to Torrigath.

I do not think any of them would cause trouble at a hatching, Torrigath said, making a point to project their mindvoice openly so someone could join the conversation. Quentin needed more practice talking openly, not keeping their thoughts internalized.

[Ezra]

Candidate Adella - Petraxen, Erina

Adella smiled happily when the other two candidates joined her and responded to her. She turned to Petraxen first. " That is very true, but that looks like a pretty one, I love the sandy colors. The eggs this clutch really have some colorful and bold designs." She replied and then turned to Erina. " Hmm.. true, might be a sandy looking Bronze... I had not thought of that but you are right! Also hello to both you.. and hmm.. favorite egg.. thats so hard to choose but.. Floating Sky and Blooming Beast for me.. mostly because I like the shells. Sadly I did not seem to get much from when I touched the eggs. I think the poor dears were so tired by the time I came through that they just wanted to sleep and honestly, I can understand that. They are wee little babes after all." She replied, flipping a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. It was nice to have people to talk to!

----

Maxine of Green Rainieth - Open

Max had managed to arrive in the stands early enough to get a seat near the front, which was perfect, as she wanted to be able to draw the dragons as they hatched. She also was glad that she was more used to her cane and balance was a bit easier after turns since she lost her leg to spotties. Bracing her cane on the ground in front of her, she pulled out the journal and a bit of charcoal and began to rapidly sketch Nebulaeth and her clutch, while she noticed the first egg hatching and smiled. She could see Rainieth in the distance, laying with the other dragons that were observing, her mind a calm hum as she watched over things.

[Calingaladha]

Candidate Joffrey - Open

The day had finally come for the glory he had rightfully earned. He was prepared, he was expected, he was...hot and sticky.

He was already disgusted by the shapeless robe he was forced to don. No self-respecting bronzerider would be seen in something like that, but he had no choice. He still thought he smelled the latrines on himself from their punishment after the impromptu viewing.

Despite the heat, and the ensuing fact he felt a little sick, he strutted onto the stands with all the pomp and regality he could muster. He bowed to Nebulaeth as the expected formality, but his gaze was on the eggs. One of these held his prize and his glory.

He tried to stand as tall as he could and push his way to the front of the waiting candidates. He would, after all, be the first to impress and he wanted everybody to see.
----------

Garma of Green Vranath -- Open

Garma hadn't slept much after her green's recent flight, so she figured she may as well attend hatching. At least Vranath was quiet, having gotten her jollies sufficiently enough to quiet the doom -- for now.

Garma slipped her way into the observation stands, stifling a yawn as she found a seat and plopped down. She looked in danger of falling asleep on anyone who chanced to sit next to her, though for now she at least tried to look awake and aware.

[Windra]

Candidate Petraxen - @ Erina, Adella

"Floating Sky and Blooming Beast were darlings to everybody, I'm sure," Petraxen answered while fiddling with their glasses. The general humidity was fogging the lenses pretty badly. They swiped them from their face to rub upon the robes. "Can't say much for the others. They were all real snappy. Roar of Rage has an intense design. That one for sure is gonna bite somebody."

Settling the glasses back along the bridge of their nose, Petraxen realized their error. They hadn't addressed Nebulaeth! Hurriedly, they dipped into a bow before the queen.

"Got too wrapped up in comforting Honeysuckle," Petraxen admitted sheepishly when returning to Erina and Adella.

[Agenothree]

Candidate Sanjay

Being a pirate once upon a time, Sanjay was no stranger to adverse conditions, ranging from uncomfortable to inhospitable. Humidity fell in a category of uncomfortable he rarely deigned to acknowledge, but summers in Semaca often pushed his inward tolerance, and today was no exception. It was too hot for his tastes, and being humid too had him exceptionally cross. But his poor mood soon evaporated as Nebulaeth's call reached him, sparking a wave of action and activity throughout Semaca; it was time to attend her eggs, and he was confident today would begin a bright and long-awaited future.

Sanjay was meticulous in his preparations, scrubbing away all traces of sweat and dirt before pulling on his pristine Candidate robes. It was a ritual made habit by repetition, but one they'd put behind them soon enough. Once ready, he made his way down to Semaca's sands. A bow of respect for Nebulaeth was expected from a Candidate like himself, which he gave before finding his place among his classmates, all of whom he looked forward to surpass. Careful to maintain an expression of complete neutrality, he took a position where a hatching dragonet wouldn't struggle to find him, but made sure to keep his shoulder to his fellow Candidates; no more games, no more diversions.

---

Candidate Xena - Petraxen (mention), Adella (mention), Erina (mention)

As someone who spent a significant portion of her life in Semaca, Xena was used to such spells of heat and humidity that were common in summer, but that didn't mean she particularly liked it. Every chance she could, she found shade, but didn't shirk or slow in her responsibilities. But as Nebulaeth's voice rang across Semaca, heralding her dragonets to soon be born, all else was secondary all at once to her duty and honor as a Candidate.

Excusing herself, Xena made ready, hurriedly bathing and dressing in her Candidate robes, though she paused for a moment to reflect. Nebulaeth's clutch would be her first time Standing again since her injury. Was she ready? Some small part of her still doubted, but she shoved those fears to some dark corner of her mind; she'd been cleared to Stand again, and dragonets would likely be put off from her by such worries. Readjusting her leg brace once more and deeming herself presentable, she nodded once before setting off for Semaca's sands.

Upon arriving, Xena bowed respectfully to Nebulaeth making her way to find her place. Spotting Petraxen engaging with a couple other Candidates, recognizing them as Adella and newcomer Erina, she didn't disturb them, but found some comfort in seeing them. Knowing Driftwood was safely occupied in a shady spot, likely napping, she put her total focus on these eggs, wobbling and beginning to crack.

[nineofswords]

King - Anphiel

"How can I bother the dragonets?" King asked, aghast, gesturing around wildly at the rest of hatching cavern. "I'm just one person and there's, like, a billion people in here! And they're all making noise! I'm not gonna be what scares the babies." He puffed out his chest slightly. "'Sides, how else am I gonna get 'em to notice me? You might like one that'll come to you, but I'm gonna be proactive! I'm gonna catch myself a dragon!"

He hadn't really thought about it before now, but...yeah, why not? Why shouldn't he approach the dragons? Why did they get to pick?

Then he looked at Nebulaeth and winced. "Er...not for this clutch, though. Their mom is mean, and I don't wanna have to be nice to her just cause she's my...hey, what's the word for your dragon's mom? Mother-in-law? That doesn't sound right, but I guess it could make sense if you think about it..." As quickly as he'd thought of trying to catch himself a dragonet, he seemed to have forgotten it.

---

Hamun - Phelps

Hamun saw Phelps coming and gave him a head tilt in acknowledgement at the man's clear intention to come talk to him. Good. Saved him the trouble of seeking the other sailor out himself. He crossed his arms, legs planted and continued looking around, settling in for the 'wait' part of 'hurry up and wait'.

"The heat is not the problem," Hamun said dryly. "But I can't say that I love the way sweaty clothes stick to my skin, no." He gave Phelps's robe a pointed look. It would not be long before the sweat would start staining the robe at Phelps' pits and around his neck. It was not an attractive look, nor was it a good feeling as far as Hamun was concerned. He smiled slightly when Phelps mentioned decency. "I'm a pirate. No one will be surprised," he said. The smile was gone just as quickly as it had come. "Besides, since when have Weyrfolk cared about decency. They have communal baths, they've seen everything before."

He gave Phelps a side-eye. "I must say, I'm looking forward to this hatching. It promises to be eventful. Were I a betting man, I'd put down money that you will be one of the candidates to be bitten today, but also that you will do some biting of your own. It's your style, after all." Not like there was anything else to do until the dragons hatched, so might as well entertain himself by taking potshots at the other man.

[DinoInADress]

Candidate Erina - Petraxen and Adella

Erina nodded ”Blooming Beast and Floating Sky both seemed lovely. But I agree from hearing others talk that this will be a bitey clutch. I brought some numbweed, redwort and bandages. Figure the healers will be pretty busy.

When Petraxen bowed to Nebulaeth Erina realized she had also forgotten and bowed to the Queen. Then asked “How’s Honeysuckle doing? I’m sure this many people is quite overwhelming for the poor dear.”

[nineofswords]

Tychon of Green Ezanath - Open

CW: Dud egg mention

Ezanath began to hum with the other dragons, and for a moment Tychon was almost swept up in the wave of connectedness she felt in that moment, to her Weyr, to her kind, to the new life just on the horizon. But he quickly shook it off. Tychon wasn't the sort of person to get swept off his feet by feelings of community. Gross.

Tyche, I want to attend the hatching, the green told him quietly. Do you want to join me? She would go with or without him and respect his decision. He knew that. He also knew that she wanted him to come, and he could never truly deny his dear Eza anything she wanted.

Smiling, he reached up to caress the green's face, giving her eye ridges a quick scratch while he was at it. [b]"Of course I'll join you, dear," he said. He heaved a sigh. "I do have some bets riding on this one, after all, so I suppose I should go and make sure someone doesn't try to rip me off."

Ezanath let out a little mental chuckle and gave Tychon an affectionate nuzzle, then the pair mounted up and made the quick trip to the hatching sands. Tychon settled into the back - because that was where he felt most comfortable - and Ezanath was content with the vantage point it provided. New life at the Weyr...what a cause for celebration, the green said to no one (and thus anyone) in particular. I am pleased the little one who was attacked seems to have made it this far. It is the way of life for things to happen, but I wonder if that experience will make the little one stronger or weaker.

"I don't think that one's hatching, frankly," Tychon said.

And that too is life, Ezanath said.

---

H'let of Euraroth - Open

A hatching was always something that H'let looked forward to. It was the culmination of all the hard work of candidates, a dream come true for the chosen few. And of course, Euraroth loved getting to see her little community grow bigger and stronger too, though it had taken H'let a while to realize that about her. "Let's get to the stands and see your brothers and sisters hatch," H'let said, clapping his hands before climbing onto the green's back.

You know we do not see familial relations in the same way that you do, Euraroth pointed out.

H'let rolled his eyes. "Yes yes, it was a figure of speech, but I'll refrain from calling the newest little ones your brothers and sisters and spare you the horror of being embarrassed."

I would not be embarrassed, I only don't want you to embarrass yourself in front of other riders, Euraroth pointed out. There was no bite in either of their tones, and both of them were in a reasonably good mood as they got to the stands and found their seats.

"I've heard so many different rumors about this clutch," H'let said to his neighbor. "Especially that this is a rowdy bunch. I hope we don't have to see any maulings today." He hoped a lot of things. He also hoped that these kids would be able to handle willful, hot-tempered dragons. Some of them looked so young, and that was a lot of responsibility to put on these kids. Euraroth lay nearby, content to watch and lend her silent support to the clutch. And to keep an eye out for a repeat of the incident that had harmed the Queen of Ruin.

[Ezra]

Candidate Anphiel - King ; Brief mention of injured egg ; Open

Anphiel was not sure why she was even bothering at this point. It was clear her words sailed right over his head. Something about this kid sort of reminded her of a younger version of herself.. and she didnt like that, nope! " Dragons pick their partners for themselves, sort of the point of the Touching is letting the dragon get to know those that will be standing before them beforehand. All of this is covered in our lessons and interferring with a dragon making a choice for their partner is generally frowned upon. I was simply being nice and trying to give you a few pointers but make of it what you will, I aint yer keeper." She replied, clearly washing her hands of the attempt. Why did she even care anyways?

" Besides, if you are going for broke to get ejected from the sands again, thats on you. But as irritable as some of the eggs seemed, you might want to brace yourself, its likely these are going to be mouthy." She offered after a few moments of silence and moved closer to the front of the line, not fearing being bit and honestly, this kid was gonna have to learn some hard lessons on his own and it was not her place or honestly even her desire to teach him anything further. She still kind of hoped he would get a nice bite as a teaching moment.

Looking over to the damaged egg, she found her mind wandering again to the baby inside. " You better be a fighter and not give up. You made it this far, don't let some dumb tunnelsnake stop you from your destiny." She whispered in her mind. She scowled a moment later, pissed that she let herself get into that train of thought over the broken egg again. It was not like it was her dragon in there after all. She went into the sands today assuming nothing, only that she had to stand strong and not let anything stand in her way.. time was ticking along after all.

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Candidate Adella - Erina, Petraxen, Xena mention

" Oh good thinking! I should have brought some extra cloth scraps I cleaned for just such a use. I was so excited that I plum forgot!" Adella replied, sighing softly and smacking her hand to her forehead for a moment. " You are quite industrious, thinking ahead like that. Also.. maybe the dragonets are just tired of being cooped up in there. I am sure they will all be wonderful babies! Did either of you get a feeling one of them was your egg out there?" She asked, tapping her chin thoughtfully and noticed Xena looking their way for a moment and offered a welcoming smile and beckoned her to join them before she turned back to her fellows. " Is that your firelizard? I always wanted one but was never allowed to have one." She shared, rather liking the name chosen for what she assumed was a pet firelizard, as that did not sound like a name one would give a feline or canine companion.